"Yes, but that's only a part of the stories. They're stirring up the boys against you with all kinds of yarns."
"And what else did they say? Tell me, Joe."
The latter looked cautiously around, and in a low tone whispered something into Keith's ear, which caused him to start back as if from a blow.
"God help me!" he cried, placing his hands to his forehead. "Is it possible! Is it possible!"
"Yes, Pritchen told it over and over again, so I heard last night. Then he said that you killed the woman in a lonely place."
"Killed her! That I killed her?"
"Yes, and when he happened along and interfered, you struck at him with a knife, and made the terrible scar on his breast which he showed the boys."
"The brute! The brute!"
"You remember the night you pinned him over the bar, and were just going to smash his face when you saw the scar which startled you so much?"
"Yes, I remember it only too well."