Again it was the judge who broke the oppressive silence.
"I came here to-night, Marshall, because there is a matter I must discuss with you.

Perhaps you will tell me what you and Gilmore have done with Joe Montgomery ?" Marshall had sought to prepare himself against the time when this very question should be asked him, but the color left his cheeks.
"I don't think I know what you mean," he said slowly.
His father made an impatient gesture.
"Don't tell me that! What has become of Montgomery?
Look at me! Two nights ago he came to see me; I had sent for him; I had learned from Nellie that he had practically deserted her.

I learned further from the man himself that you and Gilmore were largely responsible for this." "He was drunk, of course." "He had been drinking--yes--" "Doesn't that explain his remarkable statement?
What reason could Andy or any one have for wishing to keep him from his wife ?" asked Marshall who had recovered his accustomed steadiness.
"He was ready with an answer for that question when I asked it.

Do you wish to know what that answer was ?" said the judge.
Marshall did not trust himself to speak; he felt the judge's eyes on him and could not meet them.

He saw himself cowering there in his chair with his guilt stamped large on every feature.