And you are prepared to swear to it ?" Ruth turned indignantly to the Bench.

"Must I answer this man's questions ?" she demanded.
"I think, perhaps, it were best you did," said the Duke, still showing her all deference.
She turned to Trenchard, her head high, her eyes full upon his wrinkled, cynical face.

"I swear, then..." she began, but he--consummate actor that he was and versed in tricks that impress an audience--interrupted her, raising one of his gnarled, yellow hands.
"Nay, nay," said he.

"I would not have perjury proved against you.

I do not ask you to swear.