“Funny he should ask you. He ain't asked anybody else in town.” “I don't know that and I don't care. I shall do as I please. I have no grievance against the Coltons. I shall not sell them my land, but I reserve the right to meet them--yes, and to associate with them--if I choose. You and your friends may as well understand that, Captain.” “There! there! don't get huffy. I ain't got the right to say what your rights are, Ros. And I don't think for a minute you'd back water on the Lane business a-purpose. But I do think you're takin' chances. I tell you, honest, I'm scart of old Colton, in a way, and I ain't scart of many folks. He's a fighter and he's smart. He and I have had some talks--” “You have?” I interrupted. “Yup. Lively squabbles they was, too. Each of us expressin' our opinion of t'other and not holdin' back anything to speak of. I don't know how he felt when we quit, but I know I respected him--for his out and open cussedness and grit, if nothin' else. And I think he felt the same way about me. But he's smart--consarn him, he is! And HE never backs water. That's why I think you're takin' chances in bein' too friendly with him. He's layin' low and, if you get off your guard just once he'll grab.” I hesitated; then I made up my mind. “Captain Dean,” I said, “his smartness hasn't caught me yet. I'm going to tell you something, but first you must promise not to tell anyone else.” He promised and I told him of Mr. Keene and the Bay Shore Company. He listened, interrupting with chuckles and exclamations. When I had finished he seized my hand and wrung it. “By the everlastin'!” he exclaimed, “that was great! I say again, you're all right, Ros Paine. Even _I_ swallered that Development Company, hook, line, and sinker. But YOU saw through it!” “I tell you this,” I said, “so that you will understand I have no intention of backing water.” “I know you ain't. Knew it afore and now I know it better. But I can't understand what the Colton game is--and there is a game, sure. That daughter of his, now--she may be in it or she may not. She's pretty and I will give in that she's folksy and sociable with us natives; it's surprisin', considerin' her bringin' up. Nellie and Matildy like her, Nellie especial. They're real chummy, as you might say. Talk and talk, just as easy and common as you and I this minute. I've heard 'em two or three times at my house when they thought I wasn't listenin' and twice out of the three they was talkin' about you.” “About ME?” I repeated. “Yes. I don't wonder you're surprised. I was myself. Asked Nellie about it and she just laughed. Said you was the principal object of interest in town just now, which is more or less true. But it makes me suspicious, all the same. Why should a girl like that Colton one talk about a feller like you? You're as fur apart, fur's anything in common is concerned, as molasses is from vinegar. Ain't that so?”