"Do you know what it is you are saying?"
"Do I know what I'm saying? Of course I know. I say that I peppered the chap, but beyond that I never done him a mischief; and I tell you again that to that I'm ready to take my Bible oath."
The coroner turned to his clerk.
"Swear this man."
Jim Baker was sworn--unwillingly enough. He handled the Testament which was thrust into his hand as if he would have liked to have thrown it at the clerk's head.
"Now, James Baker, you are on your oath. I presume that you know the nature of an oath?"
"I ought to at my time of life."
There were those that tittered. It was possible that Mr Baker was referring to one kind of oath and the coroner to another.
"And, I take it, you are acquainted with the serious consequences of swearing falsely?"
"Who's swearing falsely! When I swear falsely it will be time for you to talk."