'We found ten or twelve more ash--some exactly of the size they want.' 'Who are "they" ?' 'The Air Board,' said Elizabeth, smiling.
'The fellows that wrote me that letter?
I didn't want their thanks.' Elizabeth took no notice.

She resumed-- 'And Sir Henry went into the figures of that contract with Captain Dell.

He thinks the Captain has done very well, and that the prices are very fair--very good, in fact.' 'All the same, I don't mean to accept their blessed contract.' 'Oh, but I thought it was settled!' cried Elizabeth in distress.

She sat down on a dry stump a little way off, and the Squire actually enjoyed the sight of her discomfiture.
'Why on earth should I allow these people, not only to make a hideous mess of my woods, and murder my trees, but to take three years--_three years_--over the disgusting business, before they get it all done and clear up the mess?
One year is the utmost I will allow.' Elizabeth looked consternation.
'But think of the labour difficulties,' she pleaded.

'The contractor can't get the men.