“But the train is leaving. It will be gone before I can get to the depot.”
“Abner Fownes is going to see the Governor,” he said. “There can be but one reason for it. He has decided he needs a sheriff. He’s gone.... It is a six-hour trip by rail, with the change at Litchfield.”
“What of it?”
“By automobile one can make it in five hours—or less.”
“But——”
“If you will go to your hotel, please, and dress and pack a bag, I will have a car waiting for you here.”
She frowned. This was giving orders with a vengeance.
“I’m still owner of this paper,” she said.
“Please, Miss Lee,” he said, and there was humility, pleading in his voice. “Don’t be unreasonable now. This must be done. Nobody can do it but you. Please, please make haste.”
She did not want to obey. It was her desire to rebel, to put him once for all in his old subordinate place, but she found herself on her feet in obedience. He compelled her. He had power to force her obedience. She was amazed, angered.