"Why not, Brother Korah?"
"There may be a riot."
"A riot!" Johnson looked surprised. "And why should there be a riot if I appear?"
The missionary looked perplexed, and tugged at his grey beard. "Brother, brother," he said, in a tone of remonstrance, "do you not know that public opinion credits you with the crime?"
Johnson rose slowly, with a look of horror on his colourless face, but this speedily gave way to an expression of indignation, "Who dares to say such a thing?" he demanded.
"It is the general opinion," rejoined Korah, coldly. "You were near the field where the body was found on the very night Bithiah disappeared--on the very night when--if we go by medical evidence--the girl was murdered."
"I was looking for her. Bithiah often walked near that field, and I thought it likely that I should find her there. Kill her! I swear to you, Brand, that I would as soon have killed myself as her. I loved her dearly; why then should I commit a crime contrary to my earthly love, to my religious principles?"
"I do not accuse you--the public voice does that," replied Brand, still cold and unsympathetic; "you are known to be in debt----"
"I am not in debt now," interrupted Johnson, hurriedly; "all my debts are paid."
"Paid! Your debts paid!" Brand was thunderstruck, for this was the last thing he expected to hear. "How did you pay them?" he demanded with sudden suspicion.