? ? ? ? Injun Joe gave a barely perceptible start.
? ? ? ? "Any one with you?"
? ? ? ? "Yes, sir. I went there with-"
? ? ? ? "Wait- wait a moment. Never mind mentioning your companion's name. We will produce him at the proper time. Did you carry anything there with you?"
? ? ? ? Tom hesitated and looked confused.
? ? ? ? "Speak out my boy- don't be diffident. The truth is always respectable. What did you take there?"
? ? ? ? "Only a- a- dead cat."
? ? ? ? There was a ripple of mirth, which the court checked.
? ? ? ? "We will produce the skeleton of that cat. Now my boy, tell us everything that occurred- tell it in your own way- don't skip anything, and don't be afraid."
? ? ? ? Tom began- hesitatingly at first, but as he warmed to his subject his words flowed more and more easily; in a little while every sound ceased but his own voice; every eye fixed itself upon him; with parted lips and bated breath the audience hung upon his words, taking no note of time, rapt in the ghastly fascinations of the tale.
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