“He starved his sister-in-law to death!”
“No,” cried Stenson, with the emphasis of truth, “no, no! That was not the case!”
“But that declaration respecting her pregnancy—she was forced to sign it.”
“She signed voluntarily, of her own free-will. I was present, and signed it also myself.”
“But what became of her body? Was it thrown to the dogs?”
“Oh, my God! Was I not there? It was buried with religious services.”
“By you?”
“By my own hands. But you are inquisitive! Give me the box!”
“Do you doubt my oath?”
“No,” replied the old man; “keep it—and ask me no more questions.”