“You deserted your master, did you?”
“No,” said Joe; “I aint no deserter?”
“But you enlisted.”
“I don’t know as that’s desertion,” said Joe; “and I’m here to speak for him now; and I give my evidence at Malta, too.”
“Do you swear that, sir?” enquired Mr. Ricochet. “Were you not with your master when the young woman accused him of assaulting her?”
“I was not.”
“Why did you enlist, then?” enquired Mr. Ricochet.
“Cause I choose to,” said Joe.
“Now, sir, upon your oath; I ask you, did you not enlist because of this charge?”
“No; I never heard on it till arter I was listed.”