"Well, we thought you'd ought to know," said she.
"I'm much obliged to you," said Deborah.
She went through the kitchen with them.

When the door was shut behind them she turned to Caleb, who had shuffled along at her heels.

"Oh, father, why didn't you tell me if you knew, why didn't you tell me ?" she gasped out.
Caleb stared at her.

"Why, mother ?" he returned.
"Didn't you know I thought I'd killed him, father?
didn't you know I thought I'd killed my son?
An' now maybe I haven't! maybe I haven't! O Lord, I thank thee for letting me know before I die! Maybe I haven't killed him, after all!" "I didn't s'pose it would make any difference," said Caleb, helplessly.
Suddenly, to the old man's great terror, his wife caught hold of him and clung to him.

He staggered a little; his arms hung straight at his sides.