"What is it?" he demanded. "Why can't you talk to me. I must know—because I have something to say to you."
He spoke swiftly, with desperate assurance, but the desperation did not carry to her: only the assurance. He seemed strong, big and so much in earnest, with no humility, no deference. She held the paper she had been reading toward him with a gesture that was almost timid.
"That explains," she said, and stood there, fingers spread on her breast while he moved nearer the light to read.
It was the note he had brought from Humphrey Bryant, written on a sheet of news print.
"Dear Helen:—I can't trust the telephones and must stay on the job to do what I can, so this news must go to you by note. Gird yourself for fighting and trouble.
"A special meeting of the supervisors is called for Saturday, set ahead two weeks, I understand, solely because I have been trying to head it off. They will take action to submit the bonds for roads and a new court house at a July election. If this goes through, it will be hard to stop their pillaging, for we have not been mistaken in the property which they expect will pay the bill.
"To make matters worse, Harris got wind of my activities against the proposal and has invited the entire board to a fishing party at the lower dam. They are having a high time, well guarded. I daren't leave town to see you for fear of missing a chance to get at them when he is not there.
"Troubles never come singly. Pontiac Power has bought Grainger out. Your mortgage is due this month and I am
