The “Court” in the Woods.—Page 73.
“Now put your hand on this watermelon an’ swear’t you’ll tell the truth, the hull truth, and nothin’ but the truth,” said Hank, who had more than once seen the inside of a court-room,—perhaps unwillingly; and he handed Jack a slice of melon, which the poor fellow took with a grin and ate. “Now answer me; an’ don’t ye try to tell too much; for though they alluz make a chap swear to tell the hull truth, they never let him, but shet his mouth dumb quick if he goes to let out more ’n they ask fer. Now.” (Hank took a bite of melon.) “What’s yer name?”
“Jack Hazard.”
“Ockepation?”
“I work for Mr. Chatford.”
“What did ye do ’fore that?” (Another bite.)
“I drove on the canal, for Captain Berrick.”
“How did ye happen to leave him?”
“He flung me into the canal twice in one day, which I thought was once too often, and I run away from him.”