"We couldn't attempt it alone. Our idea is to ask for a general levy."
Mowbray nodded, for when they improved the roads at Allenwood the settlers were called upon to supply labor or money according to the size of their farms.
"By making an effort we might get the trail cut and the bridge built before the frost stops us," Kenwyne said. "We couldn't finish the grading, but the snow would give us a pretty good surface for hauling our wheat over. The new crossing would save us nearly three miles on the journey to the railroad, and we ought to get a good load up the easier incline without doubling the teams."
Mowbray's suspicions grew.
"We have not found the longer distance an insurmountable disadvantage so far. Why should it trouble you so much now?"
"Some of us have bigger crops this year," Broadwood said.
"Do you think this justifies your taxing your neighbors?"
"No," Broadwood answered incautiously. "We expect they'll follow our example, and have as much grain as we have next season."
"I see!" Mowbray frowned. "You are working for a change. The system we have followed so far doesn't satisfy you."
"But you cannot imagine, sir, that there's any danger to the settlement in our growing better crops."