Stooping, Jack picked up his hand, and let it fall. It was significantly cold and stiff. He decently composed the dead man's limbs, and signed to one of the women to cover the body with her shawl.
Rising, he looked grimly around the circle. "This is murder!" he said.
None showed in any way that they heard.
"Who will ride with me to catch the murderer?" he demanded.
None moved. The faces of the women showed a start of terror.
Jack went outside again, and looked over the silent crowd. Seeing Charlbogin, one of the deserters, among them, he went to him.
"Did Ascota speak?" he demanded.
The sulky boy could not resist the command. "Ascota throw Etzeeah on the ground, so!" he said with a striking gesture. "He say: 'This is a man who betrayed me! Bury him!'"
A shudder passed through the crowd. Children wailed and whimpered.
"Then what?" asked Jack.