Then when we were ready to go ahead

"John, here, will remember the circumstance," said Bob. "It happened about the time I first came out here with Mr. Welton. It seems that Plant had assured him that everything was all arranged so our works and roads could cross the Forest, so we went ahead and built them. In those days it was all a matter of form, anyway. Then when we were ready to go ahead with our first season's work, up steps Plant and asks to see our permission, threatening to shut us down! Of course, all he wanted was money." "And Welton gave it to him?" cried Amy. "It wasn't a case of buy a privilege," explained Bob, "but of life itself. We were operating on borrowed money, and just beginning our first year's operations. The season is short in these mountains, as you know, and we were under heavy obligations to fulfil a contract for sawed lumber. A delay of even a week meant absolute ruin to a large enterprise. Mr. Welton held off to the edge of danger, I remember, exhausting every means possible here and at Washington to rush through the necessary permission." "Why didn't he tell the truth--expose Plant? Surely no department would endorse that," put in Amy, a trifle subdued in manner. "That takes time," Bob pointed out. "There was no time." "So Welton came through," said Thorne drily. "What has that got to do with it?" "Baker paid the money for him," said Bob. "Well, they're both in the same boat," remarked Thorne tranquilly. "I don't see that that gives him any hold on Welton." "He threatens to turn state's evidence in the matter, and seems confident of immunity on that account." "He can't mean it!" cried Amy. "Sheer bluff," said Thorne. "I thought so, and went to see him. Now I am sure not. He means it; and he'll do it when this case against the Modoc Company is pushed." "I thought you said Welton would testify?" observed Thorne. "He will. But naturally only if he is summoned." "Then what----"