"Because I do. What difference does it make to you why I want to close
it?"

"That Lane has been used by Denboro people for years. It is almost a
public necessity."

He puffed twice on his cigar before he spoke again. When he did it was
in a different tone.

"I see," he said. "Humph! I see. Paine, does the town pay you rent for
the use of that road?"

"No."

"Has it been bidding to buy it?"

"No."

"Is any one else after it?"

"No-o. I think not. But--"

"You THINK not. That means you're not sure. You've had a bite somewhere.
Somebody has been nibbling at your hook. Well, they've got to bite quick
and swallow some to get ahead of me. I want that road closed and I'm
going to have it closed, sooner or later. I'd prefer it sooner."

"But why do you want to close it?"