Part 61 (1/2)
”Now, how would I say it if John were here? Would I start off with 'Dear John' or 'Dear Old Friend'? I reckon not. I'd just say: 'John, I'm goin'
to quit. I tried to do by you what I said I would. I got a chanct to bust into the State House, and I got a good reason for bustin' in. I been nominated for Senator, and I got to live up to the name. I'm a-goin' to run for Senator--and mebby I'll keep on when I get started, and end up somewhere in Mexico. I can't jine the reg'lars account of my physical expansibility and my aige, so I got to do my fightin' to home.
I'm willin' to stick by this job if you say the word. Mebby some folks would be dissap'inted, but I can stand that if they can. What do you reckon I better do?'
”Now, that's what I'd say if John was here. Why in tarnation can't I say it on paper? Lemme see.”
Bud filled a sheet with his large, outdoor script. When he had finished, he tucked the letter in an envelope hurriedly. He might reconsider his attempt if he re-read the letter.
He was carefully directing the envelope when Lorry strode in.
'”Bout time you showed up,” said Shoop.
Lorry dropped his hat on the floor and pulled up a chair. He was a bit nervous. Preamble would make him more so. He spoke up quickly.
”Bud, I want to resign.”
”Uh-uh. You tired of this job?”
”Nope; I like it.”
”Want more pay?”
”No; I get all I'm worth.”
”Ain't you feelin' well?”
”Bully! I'm going to enlist.”
”Might 'a' knowed it,” said Bud, leaning back and gazing at the newly addressed envelope on his desk. ”Got your reports all in?”
”Yes, sir.”
”Well, seem' you're quittin' for the best reason I know, I'm right glad.
You done your work like I expected. Your mother knows you're goin' to jine the army?”
”I told her yesterday. I've been at the ranch.”
”Uh-uh. How's your dad?”
”He ain't so spry. But he is better.”
”Uh-uh. That young Mexican stayin' at the ranch with him?”
”You couldn't chase Ramon away with a gun.”
”Uh-uh. Well, Lorry, I just been sweatin' out a letter tellin' John Torrance that I've quit. I'm goin' to run for State Senator.”
”I knew they would land you. Everybody knew it.”
”So we're both leavin' the Service. And we're leavin' a mighty good job; mebby not such big pay, but a man's job, that has been the makin' of some no-account boys. For no fella can work for the Service without settin' up and ridin' straight. Now, when I was a young buster chasin'
cow-tails over the country I kind of thought the Forestry Service was a joke. It ain't. It's a mighty big thing. You're leaving it with a clean record. Mebby some day you'll want to get back in it. Were you goin' on up?”
”I figured to straighten up things at the cabin.”