"Proceed; I will answer all your questions to the best of my ability."
"One word as a matter of precaution: sir, your heart is perfectly sound?"
"I believe so."
"You are a man of nerve?"
"I have always been so credited."
"You would not be overcome by a sudden surprise?"
"I think not."
"You are not superstitious?"
"I am not."
"And generally a man of courage?"