"So you think you'll be punished in the hereafter?"
"Yes, sir."
"Why?"
"Why wouldn't I be for swearin' a man's life away?"
"For swearin' a man's life away," repeated Major Abbott, kind of stunned.
"That's what I'm obliged to do," said Mitch.
"Well, one thing at a time, my boy," said the Major, a little friendlier. "Tell me now who told you about the obligations of an oath."
"I've read about it," said Mitch.
"Where?"
"In Blackstone's Commentaries."