"Well, out with it, Sam. I know it went against me. There is no use
beating about the bush. You saw Tilly, and she said--"

"Oh no, I didn't see her, my boy!" The contractor leaned eagerly upon
the denial, small as it was. "I tried to, but it was impossible. She is
housed up at home like a prisoner. John, Whaley is in a dangerous mood.
I was advised not to go near the house. I started there anyway, but the
sheriff stopped me--gave me orders to stay away. I don't know how to--to
make it all plain to you, John. You see, I love Tilly and you so much
that--that this thing cuts deep. It has almost knocked out my faith in a
just Providence."

John leaned forward; his hands hung between his knees and he clasped
them near the floor. He uttered a ghastly laugh meant to show
indifference, but which missed its mark. "You are beating about the
bush," he said, huskily, and another rasping laugh issued. "Out with it.
I'm able to have a tooth pulled. Go ahead. Get it off your chest, old
man."

"As I said just now," Cavanaugh began again, "I'm going back to Cranston
after--after I get some legal advice down here where there is no public
excitement."

"Excitement?" John said. "What do you mean by public excitement?"

Cavanaugh hesitated again, and John rose and stood towering above him in
the gloom. He repeated his question, and this time there was no pretense
in his tone or mien.

"Well, you know how a narrow-minded, backwoods community like that can
get when it is wrought up high," the contractor said, gingerly. "You
know how they are inclined to make a mountain out of a molehill. I can't
say that I met one cool-headed person up there. Men and women were so
crazy that they were frothing at the mouth. I hate to say it, John, but
they actually threatened me with bodily harm. They asked me if what had
been reported against your poor ma was true, and when I said that most
of it was they wanted to tear me limb from limb. I'll tell you the truth
and be done with it. There is no other way as I see it between friends
such as we are. My boy, a mob was forming to tar-and-feather me. The
sheriff came and warned me. He took me to the junction five miles this
side of town in his buggy and put me on the train. I saw I would harm
your interests if I stayed longer and so I took his advice. He is a
smart man, well versed in the law, and as we drove along he told me
what old Whaley is up to."

"I can guess," John said, grimly, "and, Sam, if I w