"That's right son," he said. "Grand Canyon is the tourist station for seeing the Colorado River gorge at its best."
"To whom do you report?" asked Field, "to Masseth?"
"Yes, Mr. Field, that was the name," answered the boy.
"Isn't that the man who did such clinking good work in the Little Colorado country?" asked Roberts.
"That's the man," replied Field. "You couldn't be under a better leader," he added, turning to the boy, "but you've got to keep both eyes and both ears wide open with him, for he has a knack of expecting every one with him to know everything. He'll teach you to think quickly, all right."
"Well, my present chief——" began the boy gratefully, but Field waved his hand petulantly.
"Cut that sort of thing out," he interrupted. "Any man will get along if he tries to do his work. But," he warned smilingly, "I don't know that it's such good discipline to play practical jokes on the head of the party. They might not all take it kindly."
"I had a letter from Mr. Mitchon," retorted the boy, "in which he bids me thank you for the snipe. He said they were much appreciated in the office. He writes awfully nicely."
"That snipe's an old joke on the Survey," answered Field, "indeed, it's pretty well known all over the West, but seeing that it was new to you, Mr. Mitchon wanted to enjoy the fun."
"I never met Mitchon until this last time I went to Washington," put in Roberts thoughtfully, "but I liked him very much."