“I’ze notin’ else, Massa Ratcliff.”
“Well, Esha, here’s the Holy Bible. Take it in your left hand, kiss the book, and then hold up your right hand.”
Esha went through the required form.
“You do solemnly swear, as you hope to be saved from the torments of hell through all eternity, that you will truly answer, to the best of your knowledge and belief, the questions I may put to you. And if you lie, may the Lord strike you dead. Now kiss the book again, to show you take the oath.”
Esha kissed the book, and returned it to the table.
“Now, then, do you know anything of the disappearance of this girl, Ellen Murray?”
“Nuffin, massa, nuffin at all.”
“Did she ever tell you she meant to leave this house?”
“Nebber, massa! She nebber tell me any sich ting.”
“Did she have any talk with you yesterday?”