Charley turned to the Chief Forester and stood expectant.
"Mr. Marlin tells me that it is your ambition to become a forester," said the Commissioner.
"It is," replied Charley.
"He also tells me that you are hindered by lack of funds and some family obligations and that you cannot see your way clear to take the regular course of studies at the state forestry academy and so achieve your ambition."
"That is true, sir," said Charley. "There is nothing I would rather do than become a forester if only it were possible. I love the forest."
"The way you have striven to protect it is proof enough of that. How would you like to become a forester without attending Mont Alto?"
"Oh! Sir, if there is any way it could be done, I would work until I dropped to accomplish it."
"There is, and you shall have the chance. It is the policy of this department to promote men for merit and to make it possible for good men to advance in the service. Mr. Marlin tells me that you came into the forest absolutely ignorant of forestry practice, but that in a short time by great application to your work and by study at night you have become one of the best men he has. All you lack is experience. Time will remedy that. If you could become a forester through a continuation of such study and work, would you like to do it? Mr. Marlin is willing to teach you the technical branches that you would study if you went to Mont Alto. He will take you into his office in winter and you can assist him in technical work from time to time in the forest, thus obtaining a complete training for the position of forester. What about it? Do you wish to do it?"
"Oh! Mr. Commissioner," cried Charley, "I can't tell you how much I want to do it. If you will just give me that chance, you'll find I'm no shirker."
"Then the chance is yours. You have earned it. Now we must hurry back to headquarters, Ranger Russell. I hope that some day I shall be able to call you Forester Russell."