“I can't help it, Captain Dean. I can't tell you. I wish I could.” He regarded me in silence for a moment. Then: “All right,” he said, solemnly. “I'm through with you, Ros Paine. In one way I'm through with you. In another I ain't. I cal'late you was figgerin' to go straight up to the bank, as bold as brass, and set down at George Taylor's desk and draw your wages like an honest man. Don't you ever dare set foot in that bank again. You're fired! bounced! kicked out! Do you understand?” “Very well; I understand.” “You will understand, whether you do now or not. Colton's got the Shore Lane and you've got his dirty money in your pocket. He's paid you, but the town ain't. The town you sold out ain't paid you--but I'm goin' to see that it does. Ros Paine, I'm goin' to drive you out of Denboro.” He turned on his heel, strode to the door, went out, and slammed it behind him. I went back to the dining-room. Lute was nowhere in sight, but Dorinda was standing by the mantel, dusting, as usual, where there was no dust. I did not speak but walked toward the door leading to the stairs. Dorinda stepped in front of me. “Roscoe,” she said, sharply, “can he do it?” “Do it?” I repeated. “What do you mean?” “Can he give you your walkin' papers at that bank? Oh, I heard him! I tried not to, but he hollered so I couldn't help it. That kitchen door ain't much thicker'n a sheet of paper, anyhow. Can he do it?” “I guess so. He seems to be boss of that institution.” “But can't 'Lisha Warren or some of the other directors help you? Jed Dean don't boss 'Lisha Warren--not much.” “I shan't ask for help. Please don't trouble me, Dorinda.” I tried to pass her, but she would not permit it. “I shan't trouble you, Ros,” she said. “I guess you've got troubles enough without me. But you let me ask you this: Are you goin' to let him drive you out of town?” I shrugged my shoulders. “It may not take much driving,” I announced, listlessly, “if it were not for Mother I should be only too glad to go.” Again I tried to pass, but this time she seized my arm. “Roscoe Paine,” she cried, “don't you talk like that. I don't want to hear another word like that. Don't you let Jed Dean or nobody else drive you out of Denboro. You ain't done nothin' to be ashamed of, have you?” “I sold that land to Mr. Colton. I don't know how Captain Jed found it out, but it is true enough; I did exactly what he said I did.”