It was nearly nine when he reached Tom's place and he was just in time to see Gavot come out of the house with bowed head and stumbling step. He went close and spoke before Tom realized that any one was near.
"Gavot, in heaven's name, have you seen Donelle Morey?"
Tom reeled back against a tree.
"You dare come here?" he growled under his breath. "Damn you!"
"Hold on, Gavot, you're too big a fellow to judge a man unheard. I know things are black against me; I'm going to try to explain. It's your due and I can trust your common sense. Can we go inside and have it out?"
"No, I want none like you to enter my house."
"Then you shall hear what I have to say here." Norval drew nearer.
"Not so fast, you!" Tom warned him off. "Answer me a few questions first, no talk, just plain answers. Then we'll argue about the rest, I'm thinking. Is your name what you've held it to be, Richard Alton?"
"No, Gavot——"
"Are you a married man?"