"You shan't!" she fired back at him, and a spot of anger glowed in
each cheek. "You're the most stubborn and belligerent man I have ever
known. Sometimes I almost hate you."

"Come around at ten to-morrow morning and watch me put in the
crossing--watch me give Rondeau and his gang the run." He reached
over suddenly, lifted her hand, and kissed it. "How I love you, dear
little antagonist!" he murmured.

"If you loved me, you wouldn't oppose me," she protested softly. "I
tell you again, Bryce, you make it very hard for me to be friendly
with you."

"I don't want to be friendly with you. You're driving me crazy,
Shirley. Please run along home, or wherever you're bound. I've tried
to understand your peculiar code, but you're too deep for me; so let
me go my way to the devil. George Sea Otter is outside asleep in the
tonneau of the car. Tell him to drive you wherever you're going. I
suppose you're afoot to-day, for I noticed the Mayor riding to his
office in your sedan this morning."

She tried to look outraged, but for the life of her she could not
take offense at his bluntness; neither did she resent a look which
she detected in his eyes, even though it told her he was laughing at
her.

"Oh, very well," she replied with what dignity she could muster.
"Have it your own way. I've tried to warn you. Thank you for your
offer of the car. I shall be glad to use it. Uncle Seth sold my car