"Tell her, Sam," Tesno said. "You must know the truth."
"Sam...." Persia said.
Sam Lester sat down beside her, took her hand. He said nothing at all.
Tesno hammered on mercilessly. "Was Duke Parker killed by a bullet, Sam? Was a log skidded over him to conceal the wound?"
"Tesno, for god's sake, have a little consideration for her!" pleaded Sam.
"By letting her testify in behalf of her husband's murderer?" Tesno said, looming over him. "Suppose you have a little consideration for her! Duke Parker's body can be exhumed. Persia is going to want that now, unless you tell her the truth. Spare her that, Sam."
Persia sat with her head bowed, her eyes fixed on Sam's stubby hand that covered her own. "Tell me, Sam," she said faintly. "Was he murdered? Just say yes or no."
"Shut up, Sam!" Mr. Jay snapped. "Don't you see what he's trying to do?"
"I've tried to get you away from here," Sam said to Persia, "get you out of this—"
"Say it!" Persia demanded.