"Then—you killed him?"
"Yes'm!"
"God! He was practically unarmed! What do you call—such an act?"
Dave's lips slowly whitened, his face became stony. He closed his eyes, then opened them upon hers. "He had it coming. He stole my horse. He took a chance."
Mrs. Austin turned away. For a time they were silent and Dave felt himself pitilessly condemned.
"Why didn't you tell me at the time?" she asked. "Why didn't you report it?"
"I'll report it when you give me permission."
"I—? What—?" She wheeled to face him.
"Think a moment. I can't tell half the truth. And if I tell everything it will lead to—gossip."
"Ah! I think I understand. Mr. Law, you can be insulting—"