But Eradicate spoke evasively and in a manner that roused Tom's suspicions.
"Boomerang, your mule, didn't kick you; did he?"
"No, sah, Massa Tom, no sah. 'Twern't nuffin laik dat."
"But what was it? Your hand is hurt!"
"Well, Massa Tom, I s'pose I done bettah tell yo' all. I'se had a shock!"
"A shock?"
"Yas, sah. A shock. A lickrish shock."
"Oh, you mean an electrical shock. That's too bad. I suppose you must have touched a live wire."
"No, sah. 'Twern't dat way."
"How was it, then?"