you
the way."

"But I don't have to go yet, do I? It is not late. And I thought perhaps
you would let me see you catch another bass. Won't you? Please."

Once more she had me at a disadvantage. I had no desire for more
fishing, and I was fearful of further questions, but what could I do?
And it was not late--but a little past two o'clock.

So I rigged the rod again and led the way down the shore to the spot
where the sedge extended out into the pond, with the lily pads beyond
it. She walked beside me. Then she seated herself on a fallen tree and
I baited the hook with a lively minnow and cast. For some time I got
not even a nibble. As I waited she and I talked. But now it was I who
questioned.

"Do you like Denboro?" I asked.

"I am beginning to like it very much. At first I thought it very dull,
but now I am getting acquainted."

"There are few cottagers and summer people here. But in Harniss there is
a large colony. Very nice people, I believe."

"Yes, I have met some of them. But it was not the summer people I meant.
I am beginning to know the townspeople and to like some of them. I met
that delightful old Captain Warren the other day."

"He is as good as they make."

"Indeed he is. And I had an interview with another captain, Miss Dean's
father, yesterday. We had an interesting encounter."

"So I should imagine. Captain Jed! Whew! It MUST have been interesting."

"It was. Oh, we were very fierce at first--at least he was, and I fought
for my side as hard as I could. He said Father was a selfish pig for
wanting to close the Lane, and I said it was because of its use by the
pigs that he wished to close it."

"Ha! ha! How did it end?"

"Oh, we agreed to disagree. I respect Captain Dean for his fight; but
Father will win, of course. He always does."

"He won't win this time, Miss Colton."

"Why not? Oh, I actually forgot I was talking to the head and front of
the opposition. So you think he will not win, Mr. Paine?"

"I am sure of it. He cannot close that Lane until I sell it, and I shall
not sell."

She regarded me thoughtfully, her chin upon her hand.

"It would be odd if he should not, after all," she said. "He prides
himself on having his own way. It would be strange if he should be
beaten down here, after winning so often in New York. Your mother
told me something of your feeling in the matter, Mr. Paine. Father has
offered you a good price for the land, hasn't he?"

"He has offered me a d