Nascent Drama

[The Dork Lord]

"Were you anywhere near Horse Williams' grave?"

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Yes, sir."

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Speak up -- just a trifle louder. How near were you?"

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Near as I am to you."

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Were you hidden, or not?"

 

[The Dork Lord]

"I was hid."

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Where?"

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Behind the elms that's on the edge of the grave."

 

[The Dork Lord]

Injun Joe gave a barely perceptible start.

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Any one with you?"

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Yes, sir. I went there with -- "

 

[The Dork Lord]

"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."

 

[The Dork Lord]

Tom hesitated and looked confused.

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Speak out, my boy -- don't be diffident. The truth is always respectable. What did you take there?"

 

[The Dork Lord]

"Only a -- a -- dead cat."

 

[The Dork Lord]

There was a ripple of mirth, which the court checked.

 

[The Dork Lord]

"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."

 

[The Dork Lord]

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. The strain upon pent emotion reached its climax when the boy said:

 

[The Dork Lord]

" -- and as the doctor fetched the board around and Muff Potter fell, Injun Joe jumped with the knife and -- "

 

[The Dork Lord]

Crash! Quick as lightning the half-breed sprang for a window, tore his way through all opposers, and was gone!