If you must, wait till we drive away from
the house. My wife mustn't see them. Let me tell you suthin'. Down the
hill yander under a tree there's a grave an' in it the most precious
dust human flesh ever withered into. Drag me there an' I will put my
hand on that grave an' sw'ar that I won't attempt to git away."
"Nick," said the commandant, "take the hand-cuffs along and throw them
under the wagon seat. We won't need them."
"I thank you, sir," replied Jasper. "Now we will go to the house, an'
what I say to that po' woman down there you must stand to. This way,
please."
Margaret was hanging out clothes when into the yard the two officers
came, Jasper walking between them. Upon the ground she dropped a sheet
and came running toward them.
"There now, dear," said Jasper, "don't be skeered. These men only want
me to go down to Nashville with them to give testimony at a
investigation. I ain't a prisoner--don't you see I ain't got no
hand-cuffs on? Gentlemen, come in an' we'll have a bite to eat ag'in the
wagon comes. Don't put yo'se'f to no trouble, Margaret.
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