“Such a cheerful philosophy,” observed Penny ironically. “Well, thanks anyhow for saving me. Even if you are sorry you did it.”
The old man made no immediate reply. He stood gazing down at Penny.
“Reckon I owe you something,” he said grudgingly. “Sara told me how you kept the bob-sled from going off the track. Injured yourself, too, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“You had no business helping Sara go against my will,” the old man said, his anger rising again. “I told you to stay away, didn’t I?”
“You did. I was sorry to disobey your orders, Mr. Jasko, but I think you are unjust to your granddaughter.”
“You do, eh?”
“And you’re not being fair to Mrs. Downey either,” Penny went on courageously. “She’s struggled for years to make her lodge profitable, fought against overwhelming odds while the Fergus interests have done everything they can to put her out of business. Unless you renew her lease, she’ll be forced to leave Pine Top.”
“So?” inquired the old man, unmoved.
“She’s fighting with her back to the wall. And now you’ve dealt her the final blow.”