"Now I'se ready fo' killin' folks." "But we have to begin where Blue Beard goes away on a journey," Virgie cried.

"Susan Jemima, you sit there on the bench and clap your hands.
Get up, Mamma.

Go ahead, Sally Ann!" "'Ooman," said Sally Ann, strutting up to her mistress and frowning terribly.

"I'se gwine away fer a night an' a day.

Dese yere is de keys to de castle." "Yes, sir," was the meek response.
Sally Ann Blue Beard pointed to an imaginary door halfway between them and where Virgie sat on the steps, wriggling with delight.