not from Sequoia north to Grant's Pass, Oregon. Such a road as the
N.C.O. contemplates will tap about one third of the redwood belt
only, while a line built in from the south will tap two thirds of it.
The remaining third can be tapped by an extension of my own logging-
road; when my own timber is logged out, I will want other business
for my road, and if the N.C.O. parallels it, I will be left with two
streaks of rust on my hands."

"Ah, I perceive. So it will, so it will!"

"You agree with me, then, Poundstone, that the N.C.O. is not designed
to foster the best interests of the community. Of course you do."

"Well, I hadn't given the subject very mature thought, Colonel, but
in the light of your observations it would appear that you are quite
right."

"Of course I am right. I take it, therefore, that when the N.C.O.
applies for its franchise to run through Sequoia, neither you nor
your city council will consider the proposition at all."

"I cannot, of course, speak for the city council--" Poundstone began,
but Pennington's cold, amused smile froze further utterance.

"Be frank with me, Poundstone. I am not a child. What I would like to
know is this: will you exert every effort to block that franchise in
the firm conviction that by so doing you will accomplish a laudable
public service?"

Poundstone squirmed. "I should not care, at this time, to go on