Page:Harold Titus--Timber.djvu/256

248 Besides, you are in debt; your obligations are coming due and money is very hard to get on timber now." His tone was becoming ironical.

Helen sat back in her chair, feeling weak and dizzy. His manner pierced her assurance, his knowledge of her affairs shook her self-confidence.

"You know a great deal about my troubles," she said evenly.

He bowed his sleek head. "Business men no longer do business in the dark, Miss Foraker."

"But, when I tell you that the property isn't for sale—"

"It is not convincing." Beneath his suavity was something terrible, hard and brutal; he no longer smiled, but leaned forward intently.

"You're a young woman standing alone under a terrible burden. You have proven your point, that timber can be grown as a crop. That should satisfy you and you should let go. Your whole life is before you. It isn't proper that you should slave on here, headed straight for ruin. Besides," drily, "a man of powerful interests wants what you have created, is willing to pay you a good price, but he wants it. That is what counts with him, that is what should count with you, if you are—wise."

He lowered his voice on the last word and in its flatness was a suggested threat.

"I am sorry to disappoint him."

"He does not know what disappointment is." When her eyes widened at his statement he smiled for the first time. "He knows only triumph. He knows only how to win!"

Her color mounted. "Are you threatening me?"

He spread his hands in a gesture of humility. "Only