“Saw you in the hall,” said Joe. “Hell—wasn't it?”
“Joe, I never knew how much I dared say to you, so I don't talk much. But, it was hell,” replied Shefford.
“You needn't be so scared of me,” spoke up Joe, testily.
That was the first time Shefford had heard the Mormon speak that way.
“I'm not scared, Joe. But I like you—respect you. I can't say so much of—of your people.”
“Did you stick out the whole mix?” asked Joe.
“No. I had enough when—when they got through with Mary.” Shefford spoke low and dropped his head. He heard the Mormon grind his teeth. There was silence for a little space while neither man looked at the other.
“Reckon the judge was pretty decent,” presently said Joe.
“Yes, I thought so. He might have—” But Shefford did not finish that sentence. “How'd the thing end?”
“It ended all right.”