A roar of laughter followed this answer, and dumb-foundered the agent for a time; but, angered at the successful quibbling of the sturdy and wily fellow before him, he at last declared, with much severity of manner, that he must have a direct reply. "I insist, sir, on your answering, at once, are you a Roman Catholic?"
"I am," said the fellow.
"And could not you say so at once?" repeated the officer.
"You never axed me," returned the other.
"I did," said the officer.
"Indeed, you didn't. You said I was a great many things, but you never axed me—you wor dhrivin' crass words and cruked questions at me, and I gev you answers to match them, for sure I thought it was manners to cut out my behavor on your patthern."
"Take the oath, sir."
"Where am I to take it to, sir?" inquired the provoking blackguard.
The clerk was desired to "swear him," without further notice being taken of his impertinent answer.
"I hope the oath is not woighty, sir, for my conscience is tindher since the last alibi I swore."