Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 112: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

582 must be a man of rather more than ordi- nary intelligence—a man capable of offering testimony—ahem—according to instruc- tions, before a legislative committee. Is there such a man.in the crew, Neely?” “Yes, there’s one that I’d figger would fill the bill. His name’s Leonard. He’s the tractor man.” “The tractor man!” exclaimed Blodgett in surprise. ‘“ Why, he is a green hand. Never been ‘in the woods before, and knows nothing at all of timber or of conditions.” “Don’t fool yerself, Mr. Blodgett,” grinned the boss. _“‘ He was green when he come into the woods this fall, but he ain’t no green hand now. There ain’t no part of the job except the cookin’ that he ain’t got holt of. He’s the smartest lad I ever had “sin the woods, an’ he knows more about timber to-day than most of ’em that’s worked in the woods all their life. An’ when he tackles a thing he sees it through —jest remember that, Mr. Blodgett. When the greener starts a thing he sees it through. Kep’ three mile of log road open by run- nin’ his tractor up an’ down it fer forty hours to a stretch with the snow flyin’ so thick he couldn’t see ten foot in front of him with the headlight lit.” “Seems to be just the man we want. Bring him in here, Neely, and f will give you your instructions.” A few-moments later Leonard followed the boss into the office, where Blodgett greeted him with a patronizing smile. “ Ah, young man, Neely tells me that you have acauitted yourself very creditably; in fact, that you have shown extraordinary aptitude for the work. It is becoming harder year by year to find among the younger genera- tion a man who is willing to go into the woods and learn logging in the camps. Plenty of white collar loggers who want to learn the business through the office, but few who will go into the timber. ‘ Tust remember that hard work and loy- alty to your employer will soon put you to the top, my boy. You will find that you have lost nothing by your diligence. I still have timber to cut, as Neely can tell you, and it is in connection with that timber that I am here. I want two men from this camp to offer certain testimony before a ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY, legislative committee. Neely will of course be one, and we have selected you for the other. I may add that the matter in hand will involve a trip to St. Paul, with of course all your expenses paid, and—er— extra compensation in the nature of a—er— bonus, we will say, which will in effect double your wages for the winter. Does the proposition appeal to you?” Le’s see if I make you. What you're tryin’ to say is, how’d I like to hit the rat- tler fer St. Paul, an’ grab off a bunch of extry jack fer boostin’ your game to this here committee? All right, I’m on. What is the lay?” Blodgett stared at the speaker, and ‘Neely laughed. “It’s jest his way of speakin’, Mr. Blod- gett. He’s got a kind of funny lingo, but after you git use’ to it you kin kind of fig- ger out what he’s drivin’ at. He says the proposition suits him fine.” = ** Extraordinary, Neely, most extraordi- nary. 1 can scarcely follow him. I won- ‘der whether the committee—”’ ‘You mean,” interrupted Leonard, “ you’re afraid them guys won’t make me? Don’t you worry, cap. Ill put it acrost. I never seen no one yet [I couldn't talk to. Le’s git down to cases.” A thin smile played about Blodgett’s lips. “ Extraordinary, but at least unique. In fact, it may have a very good effect. A little humor at time is a valuable asset.” Neely grinned. “They won’t git the kind of talk out of him they’re expectin’.” ‘ Quite so, Neely, quite so. And now if you will give me your attention, I will out- line my plans and instruct you in the line of testimony which will be necessary in the furtherance of our undertaking. I may say here that Samuel King will be our principal witness, and you will be guided in a great measure by his testimony, winch you are to corroborate. ‘“As you know, of course, this tract will be logged off by spring. My other holdings are in what is known as the back tract, a very good stand of timber, but at present inaccessible. The cost of a railroad across the swamps would be too great to attempt.” “Why don’t you drive the stuff down Eomirebooks (El)