"I!" Brand started back in dismay. "'Get thee behind me, Satan!' Why should I suspect him?"

Jeremiah tapped him on the chest. "If you hold your tongue, I can hold mine," said he, and turned away.

In a moment Brand was after him, clutching his arm.

"Man, what do you mean?"

"Gammon! You know. Johnson killed that girl."

"Oh!" Brand withdrew his arm with a moan. "I feared so, I greatly feared so. How do you know?"

"I'll tell you, if you'll answer my questions and work with me."

"Any questions I can answer, I will; but work with you--why should I do that?"

"To get that parson chap arrested."

"No, no! Think of the disgrace to Bethgamul. I want him saved from the consequences of his sin."