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Rh as an agressive, unscrupulous enemy. He comes on a straight business proposition."

He hitched his chair forward, indicating that after this preamble they could get down to business. He started to speak, checked himself and rubbed his palms together, as if considering. But before he could proceed the girl spoke. Her voice was low and she directed what she had to say at Taylor himself, who sat eyeing her steadily.

"I have told Mr. Rowe that my forest was not for sale. Evidently, he does not yet understand. I did not ask you here today to talk of selling."

"Not to talk selling!" Rowe cried. "What then?"

Again he was ignored for Helen did not remove her gaze from Luke as she said: "It seems that I have few confidences from the public. Consequently, there are not many things for me to explain. Mr. Rowe," there was in the name the slightest amount of bitterness, "has indicated that I need help and that there is no help in sight. He is right, quite largely. That is why I wanted to talk to you today, Mr. Taylor. I need help. I want you to help me."

Luke's start was confined to the change in his eyes; they blinked once and in that blink their absorption gave way to amazement.

"To help you?" cried Rowe derisively.

Then for the first time the girl turned to him. "Yes, Mr, Rowe; you appear to understand."

"I don't understand at all! You say you are determined not to sell; yet you are asking Mr. Taylor for help!"

The girl looked at Luke as though she hoped he would speak, giving her an opportunity to put her proposal directly to him, not through Rowe; but the old man