“You had words!” said Greening, looking sternly at Joe. “What about?”
“It was a matter between him and me, Sol, it don’t concern anybody else,” said Joe in a manner of dignity and reserve that was blunter than his words. Sol was not impressed 119 by this implied rebuke, and hint to mind his own business.
“That ain’t no answer,” said he.
“Well, it will have to do for you, Sol,” said Joe.
“I don’t know about that,” declared Sol. “If you can’t give me the straight of it, in plain words, I’ll have to take you up.”
Joe stood thoughtfully silent a little while. Then he raised his head and looked at Sol steadily.
“If there’s any arresting to be done–” he began, but checked himself abruptly there, as if he had reconsidered what he started to say. “Hadn’t we better pick Isom up off the floor?” he suggested.
“No, no; don’t touch him,” Greening interposed hurriedly. “Leave him lay for the coroner; that’s the law.”
“All right.”
“I’ll have to tell Missis Chase before we go,” said Sol.