[Mrs. Peters bends closer.]
Mrs. Peters. It's the bird.
Mrs. Hale [jumping up]. But, Mrs. Peters—look at it. Its neck! Look at its neck! It's all—other side to.
Mrs. Peters. Somebody—wrung—its neck.
[Their eyes met. A look of growing comprehension of horror. Steps are heard outside. Mrs. Hale slips box under quilt pieces, and sinks into her chair. Enter Sheriff and County Attorney. Mrs. Peters rises.]
County Attorney [as one turning from serious things to little pleasantries]. Well, ladies, have you decided whether she was going to quilt it or knot it?
Mrs. Peters. We think she was going to—knot it.
County Attorney. Well, that's interesting, I'm sure. [Seeing the bird-cage.] Has the bird flown?
Mrs. Hale [putting more quilt pieces over the box]. We think the—cat got it.
County Attorney [preoccupied]. Is there a cat?