Mr. Ruby.

No.

Mr. Herndon.

"Did you say anything at the time you shot Oswald?"

Mr. Ruby.

Yes.

Mr. Herndon.

"Have any members of your family been physically harmed because of what you did?"

Mr. Ruby.

Not up to this point; no.

Mr. Herndon.

Then, the question can be answered in your mind either "Yes" or "No"?

Mr. Ruby.

No.

Mr. Herndon.

You can answer it?

Mr. Ruby.

Yes.

Mr. Herndon.

"Do you think members of your family are now in danger because of what you did?"

Mr. Ruby.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Herndon.

"Is Mr. Fowler in danger because he is defending you?"

Mr. Ruby.

Yes.

Mr. Herndon.

"Did 'Blackie' Harrison speak to you just before you shot Oswald?"

Mr. Ruby.

I don't know--so, I'll say "No." Oh, I see what you mean.

Mr. Herndon.

"Did 'Blackie' Harrison speak to you"----

Mr. Ruby.

No.

Mr. Herndon.

"Just before you shot Oswald?"

Mr. Ruby.

No.

Mr. Herndon.

I realize this is based on your recollection, but if you feel you can answer it "Yes" or "No," fine.

Mr. Ruby.

The trouble is I didn't hear any sounds of voices--then, I've got to say "No."

Mr. Herndon.

It's your recollection you don't recall Blackie Harrison speaking to you just before you shot Oswald?

Mr. Ruby.

Yes.

Mr. Specter.

Mr. Ruby, you answered the question "Yes." Did you say something immediately before you shot Oswald?

Mr. Herndon.

I was going to ask that on here and then ask him about that again.

Mr. Specter.

Yes; but I would like to cover it in advance. What did you say to Oswald, if you don't mind?

Mr. Ruby.

I said, "You killed my President, you rat"--something like that. "You killed my" or "our President, you rat."

Mr. Specter.

I would like then to modify that question, Mr. Herndon. "Did you say anything to Oswald immediately before shooting him, other than, 'You killed our President, you rat' "? If that's not too long, I'd like that.

Mr. Herndon.

Well. just let me sit down and take a good look at that question.
(At this point there was a conference between Messrs. Specter. Alexander, and Herndon out of the hearing of others in the room.)

Mr. Specter.

Mr. Herndon, would you now read the question to Mr. Ruby as we have modified it after consultation.

Mr. Herndon.

Mr. Ruby, the question will be this way: "Did you say anything when you shot Oswald other than that what you testified about?"

Mr. Ruby.

No.

Mr. Herndon.

The testifying about was pertaining to those statements that you've just told us here a few moments ago. Do you follow me there?

Mr. Ruby.

The statement I made?

Mr. Herndon.

All right, I will proceed with the series again.

Mr. Specter.

Let's proceed with the series.
May the record show that Mr. Tonahill and Mr. Alexander have left the room.
(Reporter's note: 8:25 p.m.)

Mr. Herndon.

Are you ready to begin now, Mr. Ruby?

Mr. Ruby.

Yes.

Mr. Herndon.

All right, if you will uncross your legs and put your feet flat on the floor, please, Mr. Ruby, and are you comfortable?

Mr. Ruby.

Yes.