Accordingly he wrote the next day to his father. In this letter he stated frankly the situation as far as it affected the Wolverine lands, but said nothing about the threatened criminal charges against Welton. That was another matter. He set out the great value of the Basin lands and the methods by which they had been acquired. He pointed out his duty, both as a forest officer and as a citizen, but balanced this by the private considerations that had developed from the situation.
This dispatched, he applied for leave.
"This is the busy season, and we can spare no one," said Thorne. "You have important matters on hand."
"This is especially important," urged Bob.
"It is absolutely impossible. Come two months later, and I'll be glad to lay you off as long as I can."
"This particular affair is most urgent business."
"Private, of course?"
"Not entirely."
"Couldn't be considered official?"
"It might become so."