Mary stood in silence for a moment, and then turned away, not tearful, not despairing.
"Hold your hosses," said Scattergood. "Kin you think of anythin' that might convince a stranger that Abner is innocent?"
Mary considered. "Asa was shot," she said.
Scattergood nodded.
"From behind," said Mary.
Scattergood nodded again.
"Asa never knew who shot him," said Mary, and again Scattergood moved his head. "If Abner had killed Asa," she went on, "he would have done it with his hands. He would have wanted Asa to know who was killing him."
"Might convince them that knows Abner," said Scattergood, "but the jury'll be strangers." He paused, and asked, suddenly, "Why did you let Asa Levens come to court you?"
"Because I hated him," said Mary.
"Um!... Abner say anythin' to you?"