steam, Sexton and Jules Rondeau toiled at the loading of the
discarded boiler and heavy castings aboard two flat-cars. By
utilizing the steel derrick on the company's wrecking-car, this task
was completed by noon, and after luncheon the mogul backed up the
main line past the switch into the Laguna Grande yards; whereupon the
switch-engine kicked the two flat-cars and the wrecking-car out of
the yard and down to the crossing, where the obstructions were
promptly unloaded. The police watched the operation with alert
interest but forebore to interfere in this high-handed closing of a
public thoroughfare.

To Sexton's annoyance and secret apprehension, Bryce Cardigan and
Buck Ogilvy promptly appeared on the scene, both very cheerful and
lavish with expert advice as to the best method of expediting the job
in hand. To Bryce's surprise Jules Rondeau appeared to take secret
enjoyment of this good-natured chaffing of the Laguna Grande manager.
Occasionally he eyed Bryce curiously but without animus, and
presently he flashed the latter a lightning wink, as if to say: "What
a fool Sexton is to oppose you!"

"Well, Rondeau," Bryce hailed the woods-boss cheerfully, "I see you
have quite recovered from that working over I gave you some time ago.
No hard feelings, I trust. I shouldn't care to have that job to do
over again. You're a tough one."

"By gar, she don' pay for have hard feelings wiz you, M'sieur,"
Rondeau answered bluntly. "We have one fine fight, but"--he shrugged
--"I don' want some more."

"Yes, by gar, an' she don' pay for cut other people's trees,