There was a hushed silence over the whole village.
Scott was determined to hold his advantage. “Jarred promised that he would drop the feud if Foster was out of the way, and Foster is going to a place from which he will not return. Are you willing to drop it?”
“I am more than willing,” Sewall said, “and have been for some time. Certainly, I personally can never fight with Jarred’s people again,” and his voice shook with emotion.
“How about the rest of you?” Scott asked looking at the rest of the assembled family.
They all agreed eagerly. They were afraid of Jarred and if he would stop fighting they were willing enough.
“Are you willing to stand by Jarred’s promise?” Scott asked, turning to the Morgans.
They were as eager as the Waits.
“Then shake hands on it,” Scott said, and he pulled Sewall and Ben Morgan towards each other.
They shook hands solemnly and in five minutes both families had almost forgotten that a feud had ever existed. They had all completely forgotten Foster.
Scott suddenly remembered him and hurried over to the woodpile, but the marshal had taken advantage of his opportunity and spirited him away.