“For the last time I ask you what you know about this matter,” said Stonor sternly. “If you refuse to answer, I’ll carry you outside and put you in the white man’s jail.”
Etzooah answered sullenly.
“He say he know not’ing,” said Mary.
“Get the tracking-line, and help me tie his hands and feet.”
When Etzooah saw that Stonor really meant to do what he said, he collapsed.
“He say he tell now,” said Mary.
Etzooah spoke rapidly and tremblingly to Mary. Little doubt now that he was telling the truth, thought Stonor, watching him. The effect of his communication on the stolid Mary was startling in the extreme. She started back, and the same look of panic terror appeared in her eyes. She was unable to speak.
“For God’s sake, what’s the matter with you all?” cried Stonor.
Mary moistened her dry lips. She faltered: “He say—he say he so scare when you say you find Imbrie’s body five sleeps ago because—because two sleeps ago Imbrie spell wit’ him beside the river.”
It was the turn of Stonor’s jaw to drop, and his eyes to stare. “But—but this is nonsense!” he cried.