"Who starts these things going?" asked Ann. "Who fixes the amounts?"
"I guess it's done sometimes on the petition of other owners about—according to the frontage."
"And who's the principal owner all about there?" demanded Ann. "Ain't it McDowell himself?"
"Well, I don't suppose he's sold off very much yet."
"And so he's taxing me to make his own property more valuable. I like that. I'm glad I went to him. And your young Ogden—I suppose I can thank him for this."
"Good gracious, Ann; McDowell is taxed, too. The town's growing, and all outlying property is subject to such things. And don't blame poor Ogden."
"What more can you expect, Ann, in such a half-baked place as this?" queried her sister.
"Go up and see McDowell," repeated Walworth. "He can tell you all about it—when it's payable, and how, and whether there's a rebate or anything." He passed the papers back to Ann with the definitive air that closes a matter. "Jessie didn't come with you, then?" he inquired, turning towards his wife.
"No, poor thing; she is away down this morning. Why, what do you think, Walworth? They've been asking her if she can't testify."
"Testify fiddlesticks! What could she say? They don't need her; they've got a clear enough case as it is."