Penrod, in fact, was the prey to apprehension so keen that the actual pit of his stomach was cold.
Being the actual custodian of the crime, he understood that his case was several degrees more serious than that of Sam, who, in the event of detection, would be convicted as only an accessory.

It was a lesson, and Penrod already repented his selfishness in not allowing Sam to show how he did, first.
"You're sure you weren't quarrelling, Sam ?" said Mrs.Williams.
"No, ma'am; we were just talking." Still she seemed dimly uneasy, and her eye swung to Penrod.
"What were you and Sam talking about, Penrod!" "Ma'am ?" "What were you talking about ?" Penrod gulped invisibly.
"Well," he murmured, "it wasn't much.

Different things." "What things ?" "Oh, just sumpthing.

Different things." "I'm glad you weren't quarrelling," said Mrs.Williams, reassured by this reply, which, though somewhat baffling, was thoroughly familiar to her ear.

"Now, if you'll come downstairs, I'll give you each one cookie and no more, so your appetites won't be spoiled for your dinners." She stood, evidently expecting them to precede her.