Part 30 (1/2)

”You can't make it that way,” the old man declared, pausing. ”I'll have to fix up a sled and pull you.”

Going back for Penny's skis which had been left at the top of the ravine, he lashed them together. She lay full length on the runners, and he towed her until they came within view of the cabin. A light glowed in the window.

On level ground, Penny tried walking again, and managed to reach the cabin door.

”You go on inside,” the old man directed. ”I'll hitch up the bob-sled and take you home.”

Penny pushed open the door only to hesitate on the threshold. The room was filled with tobacco smoke. Two men sat at the table, and directly behind them stood Sara Jasko.

The girl came swiftly to the door. She gave Penny a warm smile of welcome, not noticing that she had been hurt, and said anxiously to Mr.

Jasko:

”Grandfather, you have visitors. Mr. Fergus and Mr. Maxwell are waiting to see you. I think it's about the lease.”

”I've nothing to say to them,” returned the old man grimly.

Nevertheless, he followed the two girls into the room, closing the door against the wind and snow.

The situation was an awkward one for Penny. Ralph Fergus and Harvey Maxwell both stared at her with undisguised dislike and suspicion. Then, the former arose, and ignoring her entirely, stepped forward to meet the old man, his hand extended.

”Good evening, sir,” he said affably. ”Mr. Maxwell and I have a little business to discuss with you, if you can spare us a moment.”

Peter Jasko ignored the offered hand.

”I haven't changed my mind since the last time we talked,” he said. ”I'm not signing any lease!”

Penny scarcely heard the words for she was staring beyond Ralph Fergus at his overcoat which hung over the vacated chair. The garment was light brown and the top b.u.t.ton, a large one of the same color, had been torn from the cloth.

s.h.i.+fting her gaze, Penny glanced at Sara. The girl nodded her head slowly up and down. She, too, had made the important observation, and was thinking the same thought. There could be little doubt of it--Ralph Fergus was the man who had weakened the brake rod of their bob-sled!

CHAPTER 20 _VISITORS_

”May we see you alone, Mr. Jasko?” requested Ralph Fergus.

”I don't reckon there's any need for being so all-fired private,” the old man retorted, his hand on the doork.n.o.b. ”If you want to talk with me speak your piece right out. I got to hitch up the team.”

Mr. Fergus and his companion, Harvey Maxwell, glanced coldly toward Penny who had sunk down into a chair and was ma.s.saging her ankle. They were reluctant to reveal their business before her but there was no other way.

”We can't talk with you very well while you're poised for flight, Mr.

Jasko,” Ralph Fergus said placatingly. ”My friend, Maxwell, has prepared a paper which he would like to have you look over.”

”I'm not signin' anything!”

”Good for you, Grandfather!” muttered Sara under her breath.

The two men pretended not to hear. Mr. Maxwell took a folded doc.u.ment from his pocket and spread it out on the kitchen table.

”Will you just read this, please, Mr. Jasko? You'll find our terms are more than generous.”