"But you said you didn't do it!"

"Well?"

"Why—why have you changed your mind about going?"

"To give the sheriff a run for his money. All you will have to do is keep quiet. You would be safe enough from suspicion without my going, I think, but you'll be doubly safe if I take to the woods."

"Do you believe that of me?"

"What?"

"That I shot Amos Hammond?"

"Haven't you just now told me that you shot him? I don't know what you are trying to get at! Did you shoot him, or didn't you?"

"You should know."

"I believe what you tell me, mad as it sounds."