"Just Dick, sah."
"Your other name?"
"Slippery Dick." The general was interested instantly.
"Oh, Slippery Dick." The career of the notorious negro was partially known to him. Dick had been the reporter's friend for many years and in dull times more than the truth had been told of Slippery Dick. "Well, this begins to look probable, Edward; I begin to think you may be right."
"I am not mistaken, general. If there is a mistake, it is not mine."
"What dey want me for, Marse Evan? I ain't done nothin'."
"A house has been broken into, Dick, and you are the man who did it."
"Who, me? Fo' Gawd, Marse Evan, I ain't broke inter no man's house. It warn't me—no sah, no sah."
"We will see about that. Now I will give you your choice, Dick; you can go with me, Gen. Evan and I will protect you. If the person who accuses you says you are innocent I will turn you loose; if you are not willing to go there I will take you to jail; but, willing or unwilling, if you make a motion to escape, I will put a bullet through you before you can take three steps."
"I'll go with you, Marse Evan; I ain't de man. I'll go whar you want me to go."