Looks like something
somebody would give you. Maybe her scissors are in here. (_Opens box.
Suddenly puts her hand to her nose_) Why--(MRS PETERS _bends nearer,
then turns her face away_) There's something wrapped up in this piece of
silk.
MRS PETERS: Why, this isn't her scissors.
MRS HALE: (_lifting the silk_) Oh, Mrs Peters--it's--
(MRS PETERS _bends closer_.)
MRS PETERS: It's the bird.
MRS HALE: (_jumping up_) But, Mrs Peters--look at it! It's neck! Look at
its neck!
It's all--other side _to_.
MRS PETERS: Somebody--wrung--its--neck.
(_Their eyes meet. A look of growing comprehension, of horror. Steps are
heard outside_. MRS HALE _slips box under quilt pieces, and sinks into
her chair. Enter_ SHERIFF _and_ COUNTY ATTORNEY. MRS PETERS _rises_.)
COUNTY ATTORNEY: (_as one turning from serious things to little
pleasantries_) Well ladies, have you decided whether she was going to
quilt it or knot it?
MRS PETERS: We think she was going to--knot it.
COUNTY ATTORNEY: Well, that's interesting, I'm sure. (_seeing the
birdcage_) Has the bird flown?
MRS HALE: (_putting more quilt pieces over the box_) We think the--cat
got it.
COUNTY ATTORNEY: (_preoccupied_) Is there a cat?
(MRS HALE _glances in a quick covert way at_ MRS PETERS.
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