The other answered with a difficulty that was not wholly physical. He had hit upon this incomprehensible plan and he would carry it through.
"Then it's only fair to tell you," Garth said, "that the man who drove me out talked a little. I've heard about your boat, of why your servants ran, of the strange men with whom you've crowded the village. Tell me one thing. Have you had threatening letters about your contracts?"
"Several."
The deep lines in Alden's face tightened.
"Don't think," he managed to get out, "that I'm a coward. I'll stay. My contracts will be carried through."
"No," Garth answered, "you're not that kind of a coward, but there's something else. Don't deny, Mr. Alden. You're more than sick. You're afraid. What is it?"
Alden shuddered.
"A—a coward."
The words stumbled out of his mouth.
"But I don't know what it is. You're to tell me, Mr. Garth, if it's anything."