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308 betraying none of the misgiving that the latent hostility in her stirred in him. She gave no indication of replying, so he went on.

"I came to you in good faith and asked for an option. Had my intentions not been of the best I would have waited, for every one knew of the storm that was gathering about you. I didn't want to take advantage of misfortune. I come to you again. Miss Foraker, asking you only to name a figure. It will mean a fortune to you. It will enable you to seek happiness and peace of mind in more congenial surroundings. We will not be niggardly. We will pay for value received."

The suggestion of a bitter smile moved the girl's lips.

"And if I hold out? If I tell you again that my forest is not for sale? What then?"

He settled back in his chair and laughed shortly.

"Then the trouble may become a little—rougher. You have been warned of that."

His insinuation broke through her growing temper, touching suspicion.

"That is your guess, you mean," watching him closely.

"Not a guess!" he flashed. "I happen to know!"

"You are bluffing," she challenged. "You are working in the dark." He leaned forward again.

"I know what you know, that you have been warned repeatedly that, step by step, the warnings have proved to have foundation, that—"

"What warnings?"

She laughed tantalizingly and he flashed: "Warnings of a committee of—"

He saw the triumphant smile sweep into her eyes with the leaping rage as she stood up quickly and cried: "So