"But I want it exactly—yes or no."
"Well, I was barefooted when I left the house, and wasn't barefooted when I left the spring."
"What particular place did you have in your mind, as your journey's end, when you set out from home?"
"Grandpap's house, sir."
"And did you ask permission of your father or mother, sir?"
"Yes, sir."
"And did you obtain their permission?" The bear's eyes, by this time, as sharp as gimblets; as piercing as sprig-awls. Sprigg made a long pause before answering this question; and when, at last, he did do so, he pulled out the words, as a dentist pulls out teeth—with a twist and a wince—"No, sir, I didn't."
"Did any one see you as you were taking your departure?"
"Yes, sir; mam saw me as I was climbing the fence."
"And what did your mam say to you, as you were climbing the fence?"