"What was it?" she asked, tremulously, as they reached the street.
"Can you tell me?"
"Nothing--just an old story."
He had not offered her his arm, but walked on hurriedly, a pace ahead
of her, though she came as rapidly as she could. She put her hand
rather timidly on his sleeve, and without need of more words from her
he understood her insistence.
"That was the husband of the woman who told you her story," he said.
"Perhaps it would shock you less if I tell you now than if you heard it
to-morrow, as you will. He's just shot the other man."
"Killed him!" she gasped.
"Yes," he answered. "He wanted to run away, but I wouldn't let him.
He has my word that I'll clear him, and I made him give himself up."