Clancy looked at the paper in my hand and then cast a knowing glance in my direction.
“Am Oi ter say—‘Yiz’—Sorr?”
“Why you’re to tell the truth, of course,” I answered rather sharply. “But you must remember swearing to this.”
“Must Oi now, Sorr? Thot’s all right thin. But whisper, Oi only remimber a shlip av a gurl comin’ in an’ makin’ little burd thracks in a bit av a book an’ you spakin’ to her thot pleasant-loike—’twas fascinayted Oi wuz.”
I began to foresee trouble with this willing witness and to view Clancy in a new light. However I tried explanation.
“That was the stenographer taking down this affidavit,” I answered.
“Wuz it now, Sorr? Oi’ll not forgit ut.”
I felt somewhat embarrassed by the gleam of cunning in Clancy’s little eyes, but I pretended not to notice it and continued:
“I’ll read the statement to you and that will refresh your memory. Then we can go over the questions you are liable to be asked.”