Zane Grey

The Young Forester Zane Grey

My brother Hal and I were camping a few days on the Susquehanna River, and we had dividedthe time between fishing and tramping. Our camp was on the edge of a forest some eight miles fromHarrisburg. The property belonged to our father, and he had promised to drive out to see us. But hedid not come that day, and I had to content myself with winning Hal over to my side."Ken, if the governor lets you go to Arizona can't you ring me in?""Not this summer. I'd be afraid to ask him. But in another year I'll do it.""Won't it be great? But what a long time to wait! It makes me sick to think of you out there ridingmustangs and hunting bears and lions.""You'll have to stand it. You're pretty much of a kid, Hal-not yet fourteen. Besides, I'vegraduated.""Kid!" exclaimed Hal, hotly. "You're not such a Methuselah yourself! I'm nearly as big as you. Ican ride as well and play ball as well, and I can beat you all-""Hold on, Hal! I want you to help me to persuade father, and if you get your temper up you'll likeas not go against me. If he lets me go I'll bring you in as soon as I dare. That's a promise. I guess Iknow how much I'd like to have you.""All right," replied Hal, resignedly. "I'll have to hold in, I suppose. But I'm crazy to go. And, Ken, the cowboys and lions are not all that interest me. I like what you tell me about forestry. But whoever heard of forestry as a profession?