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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Forged Note, by Oscar Micheaux
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Forged Note
+       A Romance of the Darker Races
+
+Author: Oscar Micheaux
+
+Illustrator: C.W. Heller
+
+Release Date: April 27, 2012 [EBook #39548]
+[Last updated: December 15, 2013]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FORGED NOTE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Cathy Maxam and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net. (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+NOTES FROM THE JACKET DUSTCOVER OF THE FORGED NOTE:
+
+It is sometimes asked what inspires people to begin to write. Many
+reasons may be given, but in this particular instance, a brief statement
+of the author's experiences might be of interest.
+
+At the age of twenty-one he was a homesteader on the Rosebud Indian
+Reservation, South Dakota, where he was about the only Negro settler. At
+twenty-six he was prosperous; and when another strip of the famous
+reservation was thrown open to settlement, he helped some of his
+relatives to secure land by furnishing money with which to purchase
+relinquishments on homesteads and other expenses. He also secured for a
+young lady another homestead, upon which she made filings. Six months
+later they were married and then went to live on her homestead.
+
+She was the daughter of a minister in one of the leading Negro churches
+and was well educated, loved her husband devotedly--to all
+appearances--and they were happy.
+
+Her father and husband represented beings with different points of view,
+and on this account an enmity grew up between them. The husband had
+often publicly criticised some of the leaders in his race as not being
+sincere, particularly many of the preachers. A year after the marriage,
+the preacher paid his second visit and when the husband was away, to
+indicate his dislike for the pioneer, he had his daughter, who was sick
+in bed, forge her husband's name to a check for a large sum, secured the
+money and took his daughter to his home in Chicago.
+
+The homestead had been contested previous to this, and the minister had
+denounced the white man (a banker), who filed the contest, scathingly
+for trying to beat his daughter out of her homestead. Left alone after
+her departure, with only his ninety-year-old grandmother, who had raised
+a family in the days of slavery, for company, Mr. Micheaux wrote his
+first book. In the meantime, the case dragged through all the land
+courts at Washington, being finally settled by Secretary of the Interior
+Lane in her favor. About this time, the book appeared, and was called
+"THE CONQUEST".
+
+In this was told anonymously the story of a base intrigue on the part of
+the preacher to vent his spite. The white banker, whose bank in the
+meantime had failed, read the book, and understood.... He went to
+Chicago and sent the preacher money to Cairo to come to Chicago, which
+the preacher did. Although unsuccessful in his effort before the
+government to beat Mr. Micheaux's wife out of her homestead, which had
+cost Mr. Micheaux thirty-five hundred dollars and which at that time was
+worth six thousand dollars, the banker succeeded in having the preacher
+persuade his daughter to sell him the homestead, giving her in
+consideration, only three hundred dollars.[A]
+
+    [A] NOTE--Until a homestead is commuted--proved up on--it may be
+    relinquished by the holder without any person's or persons' consent.
+    The woman, therefore, in this case could sell the homestead without
+    her husband's consent.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "Nice,--Hell! How long do you figure those church people
+would kite you about, if I told them _what you were_ back in--you know
+where?"]
+
+
+
+
+THE FORGED NOTE
+
+[Illustration: They stood together now upon the walkway, and suddenly he
+gripped her hand.]
+
+[Illustration: They regarded the clock strangely, and uttered audibly,
+"Eighteen minutes left," and in the meantime it tick-tocked the fatal
+minutes away.]
+
+
+
+
+        THE FORGED NOTE
+
+  _A Romance of the Darker Races_
+
+             BY
+
+        OSCAR MICHEAUX
+  _Author of_ "The Conquest"
+
+  _ILLUSTRATED BY C.W. HELLER_
+
+      Lincoln, Nebraska
+  WESTERN BOOK SUPPLY COMPANY
+            1915
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+     COPYRIGHT, 1915
+          BY
+  WOODRUFF BANK NOTE CO.
+
+  _All rights reserved_
+
+[Illustration: "Has it occurred to you that you have told me nothing,
+absolutely nothing, about yourself?" The look she gave him was severe;
+but he only regarded her strangely.]
+
+      Press of the
+  Woodruff Bank Note Co.
+     Lincoln, Nebr.
+
+[Illustration: Murphy conducted a blind tiger in his loft; he also ran a
+crap game in connection; and it was his place that "Legs" visited
+frequently.]
+
+[Illustration: "I own the L. & N. Railroad."]
+
+
+
+
+TO ONE WHOSE NAME DOES NOT APPEAR
+
+
+I am leaving you and Dixie land tomorrow. It is customary perhaps to
+say, "Dear Old Dixie" but, since I happen to be from that little place
+off in the northwest, of which I have fondly told you, the _Rosebud
+Country_, where I am returning at once, and which is the only place that
+is dear to me, I could not conscientiously use the other term. Still, I
+am grateful, and well I should be; for, had I not spent these eighteen
+months down here, I could never have written _this_ story. No
+imagination, positively not mine, could have created "Slim", "T. Toddy",
+"Legs", "John Moore", et al. I really knew them. I haven't even changed
+their names, since what's the use? They, unless by chance, will never
+know, for, as I knew them, they never read. Only one of them I am sure
+ever owned a book. That one did, however, and that I know, for he stole
+my dictionary before I left the town. Whatever he expected to do with
+it, is a puzzle to me, but since it was leather-bound, I think he
+imagined it was a Bible. He was very fond of Bibles, and I recall that
+was the only thing he read. He is in jail now, so I understand; which is
+no surprise, since he visited there quite often in the six months I knew
+him. As to "Legs", I have no word; but since summer time has come, I am
+sure "Slim" has either gone into "business" or is "preaching." "T.
+Toddy" was pretty shaky when I saw him last, and I wouldn't be surprised
+if he were not now in Heaven. And still, with what he threatened to do
+to me when he was informed that I had written of him in a book, he may
+be in the other place, who knows! I recall it with a tremor. We were in
+a restaurant some time after the first threat, but at that time, he
+appeared to understand that I had written nothing bad concerning him,
+and we were quite friendly. He told of himself and his travels, relating
+a trip abroad, to Liverpool and London. In the course of his remarks, he
+told that he used to run down from Liverpool to London every morning,
+since it was just over the hill a mile, and could be seen from Liverpool
+whenever the fog lifted. He advised me a bit remonstratingly, that,
+since I had written of him in the book, if I had come to him in advance,
+he would have told me something of himself to put into it that would
+have interested the world. I suggested that it was not then too late,
+and that he should make a copy of it. He intimated that it would be
+worth something and I agreed with him, and told him I would give him
+fifty cents. He said that would be satisfactory, but he wanted it then
+in advance. I wouldn't agree to that, but told him that he would have to
+give me a brief of his life, where and when he was born, if he had been,
+also where and when he expected to die, etc. first. He got "mad" then
+and threatened to do something "awful". Took himself outside and opened
+a knife, the blade of which had been broken, and was then about a half
+inch long, and told me to come out, whereupon he would show me my heart.
+As he waited vainly for me, he took on an expression that made him
+appear the worst man in all the world. I did not, of course go out, and
+told him so--through the window.
+
+That was the end of it--and of him, so far as I know. But you can
+understand by this how near I have been to death in your Dixie Land.
+When I come back it will not be for "color"; but--well, I guess you
+know.
+
+New Orleans, La., August 1, 1915.
+O.M.
+
+[Illustration: He awakened from a strange dream. The Bible had fallen to
+the floor, and lay open at a chapter under which was written, "_THOU
+SHALT NOT STEAL!_"]
+
+
+
+
+BOOK ONE
+
+WHICH DEALS WITH ORIGINALS
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+  CHAPTER              PAGE
+
+     I  THE BARRIER      15
+
+    II  ATTALIA      31
+
+   III  NEXT DAY--DISCOVERIES      40
+
+    IV  AND HE NEVER KNEW      47
+
+     V  B.J. DICKSON      51
+
+    VI  "OH, YOU SELL BOOKS!"      59
+
+   VII  IN THE OFFICE OF THE GRAND SECRETARY      63
+
+  VIII  HENRY HUGH HODDER      67
+
+    IX  "SWEET GENEVIEVE"      74
+
+     X  "DO SOMETHING AND YOU'LL FIND OUT"      78
+
+    XI  "JEDGE L'YLES' CO'T"      84
+
+   XII  A JEW; A GENTILE; A MURDER--AND SOME MORE      93
+
+  XIII  "'CAUSE NIGGA'S 'S GITTIN' SO RICH"      105
+
+   XIV  AND THEN CAME SLIM      111
+
+    XV  "SHOO FLY!"      124
+
+   XVI  "WHY DO YOU LOOK AT ME SO STRANGELY?"      130
+
+  XVII  "I'LL NEVER BE ANYTHING BUT A VAGABOND!"      140
+
+
+BOOK TWO
+
+THE BEAST AND THE JUNGLE
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+      I  EFFINGHAM      149
+
+     II  "THESE NEGROES IN EFFINGHAM ARE NIGGA'S PROPER"      164
+
+    III  "I HAVE BEEN MARRIED", SAID SHE      173
+
+     IV  "EIDDER STUCK UP AH SHE'S A WITCH!"      181
+
+      V  "A BIGGA LIAH THEY AIN'T IN TOWN!"      189
+
+     VI  "YES--_MISS_ LATHAM!"      196
+
+    VII  "IT ALL FALLS RIGHT BACK ON SOCIETY!"      202
+
+   VIII  "WHERE ARE YOU FROM?"      206
+
+     IX  "BUT SMITH IS NOT HIS REAL NAME"      211
+
+      X  "WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN GRASS WIDOWED, IT'S DIFFERENT"      224
+
+     XI  "I'M WORRIED ABOUT MILDRED"      232
+
+    XII  AND THEN SHE BEGAN TO GROW OTHERWISE      241
+
+   XIII  ENTER--MR. TOM TODDY!      243
+
+    XIV  THE DISAPPEARING CHIN      256
+
+     XV  "WILSON! WILSON! MILDRED HAS GONE!"      268
+
+    XVI  THE BEAST AND THE JUNGLE      273
+
+   XVII  "THIS IS MR. WINSLOW, MADAM!"      278
+
+  XVIII  "THOU SHALT NOT STEAL"      285
+
+    XIX  THEY TURNED HER OUT OF CHURCH      290
+
+     XX  "I _LOVE_ YOU"      299
+
+    XXI  "PLEASE GET D' OLE MAN OUTTA JAIL"      302
+
+   XXII  "THIS MAN IS LOSING HIS MIND!"      309
+
+  XXIII  "I'LL BRAND YOU AS A FAKER!"      317
+
+   XXIV  THE ARRAIGNMENT      324
+
+[Illustration: "A crooked mother can't raise a straight daughter. It's
+up to the daughter--and I've failed!"]
+
+
+BOOK THREE
+
+A MATTER OF TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+     I  "THAT GAL'S CROOKED"      336
+
+    II  "_IT WAS IN THAT CHURCH LAST SUNDAY!_"      344
+
+   III  "UH! 'ES GOT 'IM A NIGGA!"      349
+
+    IV  "PLEASE GO!" SHE  CRIED HOARSELY      355
+
+     V  THE TIME LIMIT      362
+
+    VI  REMINISCENCES--CHARGE OF THE BLACK CAVALRY      369
+
+   VII  "PLEASE STOP--AND SAVE ME!"      375
+
+  VIII  WHAT HER EYES SAW      381
+
+    IX  "WHA'S Y' MAN?"      386
+
+     X  "KICK HIGHER DARE GAL!"      392
+
+    XI  "MY WIFE--SICK--_HELL!_"      397
+
+   XII  MID-NIGHT DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST      407
+
+  XIII  INTO THE INFINITE LONG AGO      412
+
+   XIV  "GO, BROTHER! IN GOD'S NAME, GO!"      418
+
+
+BOOK FOUR
+
+THE QUEST ETERNAL
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+     I  "'SCRIMINATIN' 'GINST NIGGA'S"      422
+
+    II  AT LAST SHE DIDN'T CARE      432
+
+   III  "THEY KNEW HE HAD WRITTEN THE TRUTH!"      439
+
+    IV  THE WOMAN WITH THE THREE MOLES      446
+
+     V  "HELLO BROWN SKIN"      450
+
+    VI  "_WHO'RE YOU!_" SHE REPEATED      456
+
+   VII  "AT LAST, OH LORD, AT LAST!"      462
+
+  VIII  "WELL I'M GOING." AND SHE WENT      468
+
+    IX  "I HOPE YOU--WON'T--BE--ANGRY"      473
+
+     X  VELLUN PARISH--JEFFERSON BERNARD      478
+
+    XI  "MILDRED, I'VE COME BACK"      495
+
+   XII  THE SLAVE MARKET      504
+
+  XIII  "RESTITUTION"      515
+
+[Illustration: She had never felt that he would rebuke her, but now she
+turned her head away to shut out the scorn in the look he had given
+her.]
+
+[Illustration: "Wha's yo' man?" "I--I have no _man_," Mildred replied,
+turning her face away. "I am alone--alone in everything."]
+
+[Illustration: "That last woman I married" said Slim, "was such a devil
+she almost made me lose my religion."]
+
+
+
+
+THE FORGED NOTE
+
+
+
+
+CHARACTERS
+
+
+   SYDNEY WYETH, An Observer, Who had the Courage of His Convictions.
+
+   MILDRED LATHAM, A Girl of Mystery, Whose Fortunes are What We
+     Follow.
+
+   FURGESON AND THURMAN, Originals, Who Possessed some Wit and Humor.
+
+   B.J. DICKSON, An Editor, and a Fighter of the Right Sort.
+
+   V.R. COLEMAN, (SLIM) A Summertime Professor and "Business Man". (?)
+
+   "LEGS", a "Crap Shooter", Who Reformed and Became a Hero.
+
+   JOHN MOORE, A Character, Who Read the Bible--and did Other Things.
+
+   MISS PALMER, Grasswidow and School Teacher, Who Desired to Remarry.
+
+   DR. RANDALL, A Druggist, Who Knew Everybody's Business.
+
+   WILSON JACOBS, A Minister, Who Works for Uplift among Black People.
+
+   CONSTANCE JACOBS, His Sister, a Friend of the Girl of Mystery.
+
+   STEPHEN MYER, With a Heart, but a Sinner, Who Died and Went to----.
+
+
+
+
+THE FORGED NOTE
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE
+
+_The Barrier_
+
+
+He sat at a desk in the small office he had taken. Before him were
+papers and bills--unpaid--and letters too, he had not opened, while to
+one side were others he had read, and had typed replies thereto. He had
+paused in his work, and was gazing stupidly at the litter before him.
+
+His name was Sidney Wyeth, and his home was away off in the great
+northwest, in a strip of territory known as the _Rosebud Country_. As we
+meet him now, however, he is located on the fifth floor of an office
+building, slightly toward the outskirts of the business district of one
+of our great American cities. He is by profession an author, which might
+explain his presence at a desk. It happens, however, that he is not
+there this time as a weaver of dreams, but attending to matter in
+connection with the circulation of his work, for he is his own
+publisher.
+
+At that moment, however, he was nothing, for he was sick. For days he
+had felt a strange illness. Obviously it had almost reached an acute
+stage; for, apparently unable to maintain an upright position at the
+desk, he presently stretched himself face downward.
+
+He might have been in this position an hour, or it might have been only
+a few minutes; but of a sudden he was brought to a position again erect,
+with ears alert, since he was sure he had heard a sound without. He
+strained his ears in silence.
+
+Outside, a soft rain was falling. As he continued to listen, his gaze
+wandered out over the city below, with its medley of buildings that rose
+to various heights, and sparkled with electric lights. His gaze, in
+drifting, presently surveyed the main street of the city, an unusually
+wide thoroughfare, filled with the accustomed traffic. Beyond lay the
+harbor, for the city is a great port, and the same was then filled with
+innumerable vessels from far and near. A huge man-o-war arrested his
+attention for a while, and then his gaze wandered further. A wind had
+risen, from the way the water was dashed to spray against the windows.
+The sound of a clock striking five resounded through the damp air, and
+echoed in stentorian tones. It was late-winter, but, due perhaps to the
+overcast skies, twilight was rapidly fading into darkness.
+
+Failing to hear any further sound, he presently resumed his tired
+position, and a few minutes later was lost in a sickly slumber.
+
+There could be no mistake now! A step sounded in the hallway. It was a
+light step, but firm and brisk and forward. It was unmistakably that of
+a young woman. Onward it came in the direction of his small office.
+There was a brief pause when the footsteps reached the door, and then a
+knock, but without response from within. Presently the door was pushed
+open, and the intruder entered the room lightly. Still, Sidney Wyeth,
+unconscious of the presence of his visitor, did not move or speak.
+
+The stranger paused hesitatingly, when once inside, and observed him
+closely, where he sat with his face buried in his arms.
+
+She was an attractive colored girl, trimly dressed in a striking,
+dark-blue tailored suit, cut in the latest fashion. A small hat reposed
+jauntily upon her head, while a wealth of dark hair was gathered in a
+heavy mass over her ears. Her delicately molded face, set off by a
+figure seemingly designed by an artist, were sufficient to captivate the
+most discriminating critic.
+
+A thin dark strap extended over one shoulder, at the ends of which a
+small case was attached. Presently she drew a book from this same case,
+and crossed the room to where the man sat.
+
+"Good evening," she ventured, pausing at his side, and fumbling the book
+she had taken from the case, in evident embarrassment. He mumbled
+something inaudible, but remained silent. His outwardly indifferent
+reception had not a discouraging effect upon his visitor, however, for
+no sooner had she caught the sound of his voice, than she fell into a
+concentrated explanation of the book.
+
+Soft and low, in spite of the rapid flow of words, her voice fell upon
+his ears, and served to arouse him at last from his apparent lethargy;
+but it was not that alone which made him rise to a half sitting posture,
+and strain his ears. It was a peculiar familiarity in the tone. As he
+continued to listen, he became convinced that somewhere, in the months
+gone by, he had heard that voice before. "Where was it?" he whispered,
+but, in his sluggish thoughts, he could not then recall. There was one
+thing of which there was no doubt, however, and which added strangely to
+the mystery. She was explaining his own book, _The Tempest_.
+
+At last, in his morbid thoughts, he gave up trying to connect the voice
+with a person he had once known, and, with a tired, long drawn sigh,
+raised his hand wearily to his head, and grasped it as if in pain. The
+flow of words ceased at once, and the voice now cried, with a note of
+pain, and plainly embarrassed:
+
+"You are ill and I have disturbed you! Oh, I'm _so_ sorry! Can you
+overlook--pardon such an awkward blunder?" She clasped her hands
+helplessly, and was plainly distressed. And then, as if seized with a
+sudden inspiration, she cried, in a low, subdued voice: "I'll make a
+light and bathe your forehead! You seem to have fever!"
+
+Turning nimbly, and before he could object, had he wished to, she
+crossed quickly to where a small basin hung from the wall; above this
+was an electric button, which could be seen in the semi-darkness.
+Touching this, whereupon the room became aglow with light, she caught up
+a towel; and, dampening one end, she recrossed to where he sat,
+strangely stupid, and, without hesitation, placed the wet end over his
+burning forehead, and held it there for possibly a minute.
+
+"Now," she inquired softly, in a tone of solicitous relief, "do you feel
+better?"
+
+As she concluded, she stepped where she could see his face more easily,
+and sought his eyes anxiously. The next moment, both recoiled in sudden
+recognition, as he cried:
+
+"You!"
+
+She was likewise astonished, and, after only a fraction of a moment, but
+in which she regarded him with an expression that was akin to an appeal,
+she likewise exclaimed:
+
+"And _you_!" Quickly she became composed; and, catching up the book, as
+though discovered in some misdemeanor, with a hurried, parting glance,
+without another word, she abruptly left the room.
+
+She was gone, but his brain was in a tumult.
+
+And then the illness, that had been hovering over him for some time,
+like a sinister ghost, suddenly came into its own, and a moment later,
+with a convulsive gasp, he fell forward across the desk, deathly sick.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It had begun in Cincinnati more than a year before. Wyeth, accompanied
+by an assistant, had come down from Dayton for the purpose of
+advertising his book, _The Tempest_ in that city. It was just preceding
+an election, that resulted in a change in the city government. And it
+was then he became acquainted with Jackson.
+
+Now, being of an observant turn of mind, Wyeth took an interest in the
+state of affairs. He found the city very much worked up on his arrival.
+He had not yet secured accommodation, but, while standing on a corner
+after checking his luggage in a nearby drug-store, he was gazing up and
+down the street taking in the sights.
+
+"Gentlemen," said someone, and turning, Wyeth and his companion looked
+upon a man. He was a large mulatto with curly hair, small eyes, a sharp
+nose, a firm chin, and an unusually small mouth for a Negro. He was
+dressed in a dark suit, the worse for wear, while his shoes appeared
+never to have been shined--in fact, his appearance was not altogether
+inviting. And yet, there was something about the man that drew Wyeth's
+attention, and he listened carefully to what he said. "You seem to be
+strangers in the city, and of co'se will requiah lodgin'. He'ah is my
+ca'd," he said, extending the bit of paste board upon which Sidney read
+at a glance
+
+     THE JACKSON HOUSE
+
+     FIRST CLASS ROOMS, TRANSIENT OR REGULAR
+
+     OPEN DAY AND NIGHT
+
+"I'm the proprietor and the place is at yo' disposal. Supposin' you stop
+with me while youah in the city. I'll sho treat y' right."
+
+Sidney believed him, but his appearance made him hesitant. He looked
+questioningly at his companion. The other's expression was unfavorable
+to Jackson. So, after a pause and a perfunctory nod, they dismissed him
+and proceeded to look further in quest of accommodation.
+
+An hour or more was thus lost, and, being unable to find a room that
+satisfied them, they at last, with some reluctance, found their way to
+_The Jackson House_.
+
+Inspection still left them dissatisfied, but it was getting late, so
+they decided to spend the night. Jackson showed them to what he termed
+his "best room." Wyeth looked with evident disfavor about the walls that
+were heavy with cob webs, while the windowsill was as heavy with dust.
+Jackson, following his gaze, hastily offered apology and excuse.
+
+"Eve'thing needs a little dusting up, and the reason you happen to find
+things as you do, is because I've been so busy with politics of late,
+that I have jes' nach'elly neglected my business".
+
+Ah! That was it, thought Sidney. He had felt this man was in some way
+out of the ordinary. "So you're a politician?" he queried, observing him
+carefully now.
+
+"You hit it, son," he chuckled. "Yeh; that's my line, sho." Turning now,
+with his face wreathed in smiles, he continued: "Big 'lection on in a
+few days, too."
+
+"So I understand," said Sidney. "I shall be glad to talk with you
+regarding the same at your convenience later," and, paying him for the
+room, they betook themselves to the street.
+
+Election day was on, and Jackson was the busiest man in town. He was
+what may be called a "good mixer," to say the least, and Sidney and he
+had become good friends. So said Jackson that morning.
+
+"Got a big job on t'day, kid; yeh, a big job."
+
+"So...."
+
+"Yeh; gotta vote thirty-five ah fo'ty nigga's, 'n', 'f youah 'quainted
+wi' ouh fo'kes, you c'n 'preciate what I'm up ag'inst."
+
+"Indeed...."
+
+"Yeh; nigga's o'nry y' know; and lie lak dogs; but I'm 'n' ole han' at
+the bus'ness, cause that's my line. Yeh. Been votin' nigga's in this
+precinct now fo' mor'n thi'ty yeahs, so you'n see I autta know what I'm
+'bout."
+
+"I'd bet on that."
+
+Jackson chuckled again. "The fust and wo'st difficulty is the dinge's
+ig'nance". Drawing a sample ballot from somewhere, he displayed and
+explained it at some length. "Now we gotta pu'ty faih line up on this
+ticket this trip--'co'se the's a lotta suckers on it that I'd lak t' see
+scratched; but we cain' affo'd to take the risk, 'cause it's lak this.
+Nigga's so ig'nant 'n' pig headed they'd sho spile it all 'f we tried to
+have them do any scratching. So the only sho thing is to instruct them
+t' vote straight. Get me, Steve?"
+
+Wyeth, listening carefully, nodded, and for a moment, a picture of the
+titanic struggle of a half century before, rose before him; its cause,
+its moral and more; it's sacrifice. Jackson was speaking again.
+
+"Now we sho gotta win out this time; this 'lection has _got_ to put in
+ouh candidates; 'cause 'f we don't--and this is between me 'n' you 'n'
+that can a beah--things sho go'n break bad wi' me! But 'f things slide
+through O.K.--'n my candidates walk in, it means a cole hund'd fo' muh;
+think of it," he repeated, "a cole hund'd, Ah!" And, smacking his lips
+after a long draught of beer, he emitted an exclamation to emphasize
+what it _would_ mean to him, that wouldn't look very nice in print.
+
+"What do these _others_ get if your candidates are elected?" asked
+Wyeth, when Jackson paused.
+
+"Aw, _them_ suckers gets theahs wether my men's 'lected a' not. That's
+always my goal. 'f I could get them t' vote so much ah' nothin' I could
+make a who' lot mo'; but we gotta fo'k out two dollahs a piece, win or
+lose--and, a co'se, plenty of liquah; but we don' give a damn 'bout
+that, as the saloon men furnish that, gratis."
+
+"And you can depend upon them to vote as you wish--rather, instruct?"
+ventured Wyeth. At this Jackson gave a low, short laugh as he replied:
+
+"That's whe' I plays the high ca'd 'n' gets a hund'd," and, laughing
+again in that peculiar fashion, he would say no more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The polls had closed. Darkness had settled over the city. The saloons
+had opened their doors. From the streets came forth hilarious sounds,
+where the many hundreds, now steeped in liquor, reeled about. This
+confusion, mingled with the crash of heavy wagons, and horse hoofs
+hurrying over the cobblestones, filled the damp air with an almost
+deafening noise.
+
+Sidney Wyeth lay stretched across the bed in his room, listening idly to
+the sounds that echoed and re-echoed through the frame building.
+Presently, his attention was attracted by another noise, familiar, but
+more noticeable on this day.
+
+"T-click-i-lick-ilick--ah--ha dice! T-click-ilick-i-lick--ah--ha dice!"
+
+"Aw, shake'm ole nigga, shake'm!"
+
+"Yeh. Roll 'm out. Don' let 'm spin 'roun' on d' en' lak dat! Shake'm
+up. Make music!"
+
+"T-click-i-lick-i-lick--ah--ha dice!"
+
+"Trowed eight!"
+
+"Dime he'n make it!"
+
+"Make it a nickel!"
+
+"Ah fate yu'".
+
+"Hu'ry up, ole shine! Git yu' bet down."
+
+"Shoot um!"
+
+"T-click-i-lick-i-lick--ah, ha dice!"
+
+"Two bits 'ell seben!"
+
+"Ah got yu'!"
+
+"T-click-i-lick-i-lick-ah, eighty day-es!"
+
+"Cain' make eight wid a one up!"
+
+"Do'n' try no kiddin'."
+
+"T-click-i-lick-ilick--ah--eighter from Decatur!"
+
+"Make music nigga, make music!"
+
+"Two bits I'n pass!"
+
+"Ah got yu'!"
+
+"T-click-i-lick-i-lick--ah--eighty day-es!"
+
+"Trowed seben!"
+
+"Gimme d' craps!"
+
+"Now, dice; ah-seben ah 'leben!"
+
+"Throwed craps!"
+
+"Hole on! Hole on! You caught dem dice, ole nigga!"
+
+"Caught Hell! You trowed craps, d'y 'e heah! Two big sixes!" A
+scrambling, mingled with much swearing, ensued.
+
+"Say, cut out dis awgun' 'n' squabblin'," interposed one.
+
+"'E cain' take mah money lak dat," protested the loser.
+
+"'F you don' git y' rough mit offa dat coin, yuh big lump a dough, I
+g'in' finish spreadin' dat nose ovah y' face!"
+
+"I'on lak dis-a-way a messin' wi' mah jingle!"
+
+"Youse a cheap nigga, Bad Eye, 'n' y' know it. You all time buttin' int'
+a game wid about a dime, den sta'tin' a big argerment."
+
+"Hush! Ain' dat Jackson a-comin'?"
+
+Silence for possibly a minute. A muttering began to go around as they
+schuffled about.
+
+"Ah done ca'ied out mah 'structions 'n' now ah wants muh dough-rine,"
+some one spat out ominously.
+
+"Me, too," said another.
+
+"Aw, be patient. Jack's all right," argued one.
+
+"Sho", echoed another.
+
+"Yeh, dat' all right, 's fur it goes; but I'n handle mah money bet'n
+anybody else."
+
+A heavy step sounded in the hallway, and presently a door opened into
+the room, admitting Jackson.
+
+"All heah, boys, eh!" He said in a voice that revealed high spirits.
+"Good--what's this? Havin' a little game already? Say! Looks like y'
+might a-waited fo' old Jack, ha ha!"
+
+"Well," he resumed after a general laughing, "Did eve' body vote
+straight?"
+
+"Sho", they cried in chorus.
+
+"N' how 'bout you, little breeches."
+
+"Ke-heh! You say. 'Stamp ri' undah da' ole elephant's tail'; so when I
+got 'nside da' place wi one a dem ballets, 'n' all dem names ah did'n'
+know nothin' 'bout; but I 'memb'd what you say, so I jes' caught hole
+that li'l ole thing 'n' went, bim! ri' unda' da' ole elephant's tail,
+ya-ha!" The room, for a time, resounded with laughter.
+
+Just then, Wyeth heard someone rap at the street door, enter, and
+presently the counting and the clink of coins came to his ears. Then the
+door closed, and a moment later, retreating foot steps were heard in the
+hall-way. It was the lieutenant. And now the gurgle of throats could be
+heard plainly, and the game was resumed, with Jackson in charge.
+
+In the other room, Wyeth stripped himself and retired, and, ere sleep
+came to him that night, he again had a vision of that titanic struggle
+and its human slaughter--and it had all been to give those black men the
+right. (?) Far into the night he thought it over, and when sleep did
+come at last, he went into slumberland, at a loss to know whether to
+condemn or to pity those poor creatures, who, that day--and before--had
+sold their birthright for a mess of pottage.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Weeks had passed. Over all the north country, snowladen fields frowned.
+Zero weather was felt in many places. Sidney Wyeth was about to quit it
+for a place far to the south, and at that moment, sat in the union
+station at Columbus. A man marked with a chalk upon the bulletin board
+the following:
+
+TRAIN FOR CINCINNATI AND THE SOUTH, TWO HOURS LATE
+
+And it was only then it occurred to him that a letter might be at the
+postoffice for him. Forthwith he betook himself, returning shortly with
+a small envelope, with his name written daintily across it in a feminine
+hand It was from Mildred Latham, the girl he loved, and the heroine of
+our story.
+
+"Mildred, my Mildred!" he whispered softly, as he gazed fondly at the
+epistle, and then broke the seal and read it. "Tonight, my dear," he
+dreamily whispered, "I shall ask you to become my wife, for I love you,
+love you, love you!"
+
+As he sat waiting, his thoughts went back to the time he had met her,
+and the place.
+
+It was in Cincinnati, and before the election. He had, while canvassing,
+come upon her in the door-way of a house with two stories, and a door
+that opened upon the street. She stood in that door-way, and he had
+approached her with much courtesy, and after his usual explanation, had
+sold her _The Tempest_. He had been struck at once by her appearance,
+and something about her expression--her obvious intelligence. She seemed
+possibly twenty-one or two. "And such features," he breathed unheard.
+She also had, he quickly observed, a wonderful skin--a smooth, velvety
+olive, with round cheeks; where, notwithstanding the slight darkness, a
+faint flush came and went. As to size, she was not tall; and still not
+short; nor was she stout or slender; but of that indefinite type called
+medium. Serenely perched, her head leaned slightly back. She had a frank
+face and rounded forehead, from under which large, lustrous, soft dark
+eyes--somewhat sad--gazed out at him. And as he continued in his subtle
+observation, he was pleased to note that her nose was not large or flat,
+but stood up beautifully. Her lips were red as cherries. The chin was
+handsomely molded and firm, but slightly thin, and protruding. Her hair
+was the most captivating of all. Done in the fashion, it was coal black
+and wavy. It was of a fine, silken texture, and apparently long, from
+the size of the knot at the back of her head. All this he observed with
+favor. He had never seen a figure so clear cut. The girl was,
+furthermore, dressed in a plain, dark silk dress, with small feet, the
+toes of which, at that moment, peeped like mice from beneath the trimly
+hanging skirt. Now, before he had gotten far in his dynamic spiel, the
+sun, all red and glorious, as its rays slanted in the west, came
+suddenly from beneath a cloud, and played hide and seek upon her face.
+And, in that moment, he saw that she was exquisitely beautiful.
+
+After this, he had seen her when, and however it was convenient, and
+they had talked--they always talked--on so very many subjects. As time
+went by, he always felt good cheer, for at last, it seemed--and this
+meant much, for Sidney Wyeth had had much experience--he had met the One
+Woman.
+
+One day she said to him, and it was in a tone that was very careful:
+"You wrote _The Tempest_, didn't you?" She had guessed his secret,
+although the book had been published anonymously--and he had always been
+guarded as to its author, so he replied somewhat awkwardly that he had.
+
+"I felt it--was sure when I began reading," she said. "Because there is
+something in it about you that you never tell--in conversation, but you
+did in the book."
+
+He was silent, for he knew not what to say at that moment. She resumed:
+
+"Yes; and it is that which makes the book _so_ interesting--and so sad."
+She fell silent then for a time, apparently engrossed in deep thought,
+but with worried and sad expression.
+
+There were other times she had appeared sad; times when he felt she
+could have been happy and cheerful and gay. And that to him was ever a
+mystery. He wished he could help her out of that way--at any time....
+Some day he would, too. He was firm in this....
+
+Then came the time when he was to leave, and he passed her way that day.
+From across the street she saw him, and came at once with hands
+outstretched; but when he made known the fact of his proposed departure,
+she was downcast, and sorrowful and sad.
+
+"I'm _so_ sorry," she said--and meant it. He was too, and said nothing.
+
+"I shall miss you--oh, ever so much."
+
+"I will you, too," he whispered. She looked up quickly, but what she saw
+in his eyes made her as quickly turn away. They entered the house and
+the parlor where it was dark for day-time, and sat together for a long
+while in silence. Presently, from the next house came the notes of a
+piano, and some one sang _Sweet Genevieve_. O, subtle art! It made them
+both feel sad. Impulsively he arose and caught her in his arms, when the
+music had changed to _The Blue Danube_. Around then, and around they
+waltzed, light-footed to the sweet old tune. And as they danced, both
+seemed to become strangely infected with a wild exhilaration. Entranced,
+he unconsciously sought her eyes with an awakening passion, and saw that
+she had been transformed by the music, and perhaps the dance, into a
+wild, elfin-like creature, and he looked away.
+
+Minutes went by like seconds and, after a time, he dared seek her eyes
+again, only to see that she had grown more elfin still. And, as abruptly
+as it had begun, the music stopped, and their dance ceased. They stood,
+however, as though forgetting the embrace, and thus heard each others
+hearts thump violently. One moment they stood thus, and then a breath of
+wind through the open window, lifted a stray lock of her hair and laid
+it against his cheek. He was intoxicated by its effect, and then
+suddenly he had lost all composure. He crushed her to him, close,
+closer, and, in bold defiance of all conventionality, he kissed her
+lips--once, twice, three times! She was not angry, but struggled,
+nevertheless, to be free. She heard his voice then, low, strained,
+palpitating, and with soul on fire: "Mildred!" Again he cried, "Mildred!
+O, my Mildred!" She swayed helplessly. "I----", but she got no further.
+He had caught sight of her eyes, helpless; but with a weak appeal, as
+her lips faltered:
+
+"Please don't!" And in spite of his mad desire, and the words he could
+have then sung like the poets, he hesitated, and for some reason, for
+which he could not quite fully account, allowed her to disengage
+herself.
+
+Freed now, she took several steps, and when at some distance she paused,
+and regarded him with forced defiance; but behind it, he caught again
+that sad distraction. "What is it," he uttered, almost aloud. And then,
+intuitively, he knew she was unhappy--aye, miserable. "I must help her,"
+said he beneath his breath; but before he had decided how, he seemed to
+hear a voice saying: "No, not yet because,--well, _you_ can't!"
+
+The strains of music again came floating through the open window. He was
+not aware of his gaze; but something in his expression seemed to inspire
+her confidence; for, involuntarily she turned and started in his
+direction. She took only a step or two, when she abruptly halted; paused
+hesitatingly, uncertainly, with her thin lips compressed, hands
+clinched, and her head thrown back in an obvious effort. But her throat
+swelled almost to choking, as she withheld something she seemed mad to
+say. An expression of superhuman effort seemed suddenly to be exerted,
+and suddenly whirling, without a word, she silently quit the room.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+He was aroused now from his revery by "All a-bo-ar-d: Cincinnati and the
+South," and an hour later, he was whirling southward over snowladen
+fields to his Arcadia.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Cincinnati rose about him at eight o'clock that evening, as he emerged
+from the union station and started on his fateful quest. The snow,
+ground to slush by thousands of wheels, made the hard streets filthy. He
+scurried across, and caught a car that took him within two blocks of
+where she lived. Progress was slow, but only seemingly, for he was so
+impatient. It seemed fully an hour before he left it, although it was
+not fifteen minutes. Along the poorly lighted street he rushed in
+breathless haste. His heart kept up a tattoo that disturbed him, and he
+heard himself muttering: "Sidney Wyeth, what's the matter? Why do you
+feel this way? Pshaw! You ought surely to be happy, calm and imperious.
+Mildred Latham loves you--and she needs you; but much she does with such
+nerves!" He braced himself as he neared the house, and pictured himself
+in the next hour. She would be in his arms--and all would be over--but
+the happiness. This picture became so vivid, that for a time it served
+to make him forget his nerves.
+
+And now he had come unto the house, the house of his treasure, and
+within all was silent. Strangely, a feeling came over him of an
+approaching doom. Before him, shivering in the cold night, sat an old
+woman, a hag. She looked at him out of one evil old eye, and he
+shuddered noticeably. She was uncouth and unwelcome. "What's she doing
+here?" he muttered.
+
+"Does--ah--Miss Mildred Latham live here?" He ventured at last.
+
+"Yes," snapped the hag, and appeared more evil still.
+
+"Thank you," he murmured with forced courtesy, but very uneasy. Drawing
+his card, he held it out to her, with: "Kindly take this and inform her
+that a gentleman--a friend--would be glad to speak with her." The old
+hag crushed it in her bony palm, and spat out five short words.... But,
+oh, what mean, cruel, hurting little words!
+
+He reeled in spite of his strength, then stood like a statue, frozen to
+the spot.
+
+The night was cold, and dark and dreary; but to Sidney Wyeth it was
+hot--suffocating in those next moments. His jaw dropped as he started to
+speak, but the words failed to come. After a time, the elements began to
+clear, but left him weak. He turned with a savage gripping at his heart,
+and stumbled back in the direction from whence he had come.
+
+"Oh, Mildred!" he wailed. "Mildred, Mildred! I can't believe it.... I
+can never, oh, never----and I loved you so!" On and on he went; at times
+walking, other times stumbling; but always uttering incoherent
+sentences. "It can't be true--it _isn't_ true! That old hag--spiteful
+creature," he now growled distractedly,--"lied! I'll go back, curse her!
+I'll go back and prove her the liar she is." He halted, staggered
+drunkenly against a building, and then abruptly turned his face in the
+direction from whence he had come. But, 'ere he had gone far, he
+desisted. Believe those words or not, something forbade this step.
+Weaker than ever, torn, distracted, and mentally prostrated, he paused
+and leaned against a building, and for a long time gave up to utter
+misery.
+
+Our pen fails here to describe fully those conflicting moments. All that
+he had lived for in those days, and all that he had recently hoped for,
+seemed to have been swept forever from him in that one moment. After an
+interminable spell of mental blankness, a sentence he had once been fond
+of quoting, and which he had taken from Haggard's _Pearl Maiden_, came
+back to him out of a remote past. It was this: "With time, most men
+become used to disaster and rebuff. A colt that seems to break its neck
+at the crack of a whip, will hobble at last to the knacker, unmoved from
+a thousand blows rained upon him." So, presently, with a tired, wearied
+sigh, he gathered himself together, and, with a last despairing look in
+the direction of the fateful number, he passed down the dark street, and
+disappeared in the direction of The Jackson House.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Wonder what's the matter wi' d' kid t'night?" said Jackson to his
+consort, as she looked up inquiringly when he re-entered the room, after
+showing Wyeth to his bed.
+
+"I wonder", she commented thoughtfully. "He's always so cheerful and
+pleasant when around. He walked in here like a ghost tonight. Now I
+wonder what is the matter?"
+
+It was late the following morning when Jackson chanced to be passing,
+and peeped into the room occupied by his friend, who had acted so
+strangely the night before. The coverlets had not been turned back,
+altho the bed was sunk in the middle, as if someone had tossed
+restlessly about over it the night before. Jackson wondered again. But
+at that hour, Sidney Wyeth was on a train that was speeding southward
+into Dixie.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+So it happened that the hero of this story went forth into a land which
+is a part of our country.... A part wherein people and environment are
+so far different from the rest, that a great problem is ever an issue.
+This is the problem of human beings versus human beings. A land wherein
+one race vies with the other; that other being a multitude of black
+people, and, as one who reads this might know, a people who, once upon a
+time had been slaves, chattels, and who for fifty and a few years have
+been free. That time, however, has not been, as we might appreciate,
+sufficient to eliminate many things hereditary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+And what came to pass upon this journey; the things he discovered, the
+one he again met, of what had resulted, due to the machinations of a
+pious, evil genius, is the story I have to tell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO
+
+_Attalia_
+
+
+"Heah! Heah! Don't get on that cah!" cried the conductor the following
+morning, as Sidney Wyeth was climbing aboard the Jim Crow car of the
+_Palm Leaf Limited_, bound for Attalia. He backed up and looked about
+him in some surprise, and than demanded the reason why he shouldn't get
+aboard that "cah".
+
+"I thought I tole you once we had an extra heavy train, and no colored
+passengers allowed; but since I see yu', now I see you ain't the same
+fellah that was here awhile ago." And then, in a few words, he explained
+that, owing to the rush of people to the south during those first days
+of January, the Jim Crow section of the train had been dispensed with
+for that day. He explained further that a second section of the same
+train would follow shortly. As it would, in all probability, pass them
+at Lexington, Sidney, with a mumble of thanks, gathered up his grips and
+returned to the waiting room, catching the same an hour later.
+
+Kentucky soon lay before him. As far as eye could see, a snowy mantle
+covered the ground, for it was winter. Presently, countless rows of
+frame buildings appeared. A new brick station, which extended for some
+length along the track, gave the traveler welcome.
+
+When the train came to a stop, Sidney's attention was arrested by the
+sight of a creature that may have been called a man, but gave every
+evidence of being an ape.
+
+"I wonder," said he, to a fellow passenger, "do those things grow 'round
+here?"
+
+They both enjoyed a laugh.
+
+He was now in a land in which a portion of the people, apparently,
+possessed little sense of humor, judging from the way his jokes were
+accepted.
+
+On the car were two women, among the half dozen or so colored
+passengers. Sidney overheard one of them say to the other:
+
+"I'm from No'th C'lina; but I be'n in Oklahoma two ye's. I'm go'n back
+home t' stay. Whe' you from?"
+
+"Tennessee, Knoxville. I'm livin' in Bloomington, Illinois, now."
+
+They looked inquiringly in the direction of Wyeth, and presently he was
+drawn into the conversation. The latter possessed fine sense of humor,
+and when he found these people so serious, he took delight in joking.
+
+"Whe' you from?" they inquired, with all that is southern and hospitable
+in their tone.
+
+"From the _Rosebud Country_, South Dakota," he replied. Their faces were
+a study. Somewhere in the years gone by they might have heard of that
+state in school, but the _Rosebud Country_ was Greek to them.
+
+"O-oh," they echoed, and then looked at each other and back at him.
+Presently one of them inquired: "Where is that?"
+
+"In Africa," he answered, but they did not catch the joke, and to this
+day, they speak of the man they met from the Dark Continent.
+
+At that moment, the train was crossing a stream over the highest bridge
+Sidney had ever seen, with possibly one or two exceptions. It seemed a
+thousand feet to the crystal water below, and every eye was fixed upon
+it. The porter, a long, lank, laughing creature, scion of the south and
+_some_ porter, seeing an opportunity to draw attention, rushed up in a
+Shakesperian pose, and related dramatically, the incident of an
+intoxicated man, who, while crossing that very stream, fell, of a
+sudden, smack dab over-board, right into it. In concluding, he looked
+about him more dramatically than ever, as the many "O-ohs," and "Mys!"
+greeted his terrible story. And Sidney Wyeth, with eyes wide open,
+inquired if he got wet.
+
+"Jes' listen at that," they cried in chorus, and the joke was lost.
+
+Down, down the train whirled into the bowels of Dixie. Far away to the
+east, rising gray and ghostlike above the mists, the pine covered
+Cumberland Range appeared and reappeared in the distance. Outlined like
+grim sentinels, the scene, to the hero of this story, recalled the many
+tragedies of which those mountains were the back-ground. The
+moon-shiners, the feudists, the hill-billies and the rough-necks, always
+had a haven there.
+
+The puffing of many, many locomotives, the sight of buildings, and the
+glare of electric lights gave evidence that they had reached a large
+city. Chattanooga, city of southern trunk lines, and railroad center,
+now greeted his eye.
+
+He spent one night there, and the next day, resumed his journey toward
+that most conspicuous of all southern towns, Attalia. It was a hundred
+and fifty miles and more by rail. The train became more crowded as it
+neared his destination, while the people grew more cosmopolitan. One of
+these, a black man, entered at one of the many stations, and greeted
+Wyeth pleasantly, inquiring where he was headed for. Wyeth answered
+Attalia, and his companion became very sociable.
+
+"Understand," said Wyeth, after a moment--the other had possessed
+himself of a portion of the seat upon which he sat--"that Attalia is one
+of the best towns in the south, and has one of the finest stations in
+the country."
+
+"La'gest 'n' finest in the wo'ld," said the other, with a show of pride.
+He was a resident of the state of which Attalia was the capital, and
+was, furthermore, a preacher. Wyeth didn't care to argue, so let it _be_
+the largest and said:
+
+"That's wonderful! I hear also, that it is a great commercial center as
+well, and that the city is growing like a mushroom."
+
+"Oh, yeh," said he. "Out-side Noo Yo'k, it's the busiest and best town
+in the United States. Yes, yeh," he went on thoughtfully, "Attalia is
+sho a mighty city. Eve' been theah?"
+
+"Not for more than ten years," replied Sidney.
+
+"Indeed! Well, well, I mus' say you'll ha'dly recognize it as the same."
+
+They were now approaching the embryo city. Clouds of smoke, and the
+whistling of innumerable locomotives filled the air. Wyeth began making
+preparation to leave the train, when the other touched him, saying: "No
+hurry, my deah suh, no hurry. Be's a long time yet befo' we 'rives in de
+station, be's a long time yet."
+
+"Well, well!" the other exclaimed, in some surprise.
+
+"Oh, Attalia's a mighty city, a great city. Wait until you see Plum
+street 'n' the sky-scrapers."
+
+Meanwhile the train had arrived, and stood outside the station, through
+which it had just passed. It was indeed a large and imposing structure.
+As it rose behind them, under the bright sunlight, with its many
+cornices glittering as so many diamonds, it was truly a city pride. From
+where the train stood, the city lay like a great scroll, and vanished in
+the distance. Smoke and dust filled the air, and hovered over the medley
+of buildings like a dull, red cloud. Rising in uncertain lines, as if to
+escape the gloom, a line of sky-scrapers appeared in the background.
+"Those must be on Plum street," mused Sidney, as he looked about for a
+conveyance.
+
+Besides being the capital of the state, and the greatest commercial city
+southeast of the Mississippi, Attalia is the city of conventions, the
+southern center for insurance, a progressive journalistic city, and a
+uniform town. It is also a center for the education of Negroes, since it
+has a number of colleges supported by northern philanthropy. Yet the
+city is unable to maintain a proficient and complete course of education
+for its many colored children. Unfortunately for the Negroes, when the
+white schools are amply provided for, not enough is left for the proper
+training of its black population, which constitutes one-third of the
+whole.
+
+Sidney did not fail to take note of the fact, as he passed through the
+station, that, contrary to previous reports, the colored waiting room
+was cleanly kept, almost as well as that of the white race. White-coated
+flunkies flitted about nimbly in prompt attention to the weary traveler,
+in spite of an air of sleepiness.
+
+Presently, Wyeth made inquiry regarding conveyance. No sooner had he
+done so, than he was deluged with solicitations from a score or more
+cabmen, who seemed literally to raise out of the floor. They would take
+him in jig-time anywhere he wanted to go.
+
+"But that's it," he said in a confused tone. "I don't know exactly where
+I want to go."
+
+"Deed, suh, I c'n take yu' any wha', jes' any wha' 'f you'll jes' name
+de place."
+
+Not being able, apparently, to make him understand that he was a
+stranger, unacquainted with the city, he presently settled on the
+charge, bundled in, and ordered to be taken to the best colored
+neighborhood, and in a few minutes he was being trundled on his way.
+
+They turned into a street, after a block or two, that happened to be one
+end of the leading business thoroughfare. On a corner post, Sidney read
+Walthill. The cab took him up this street, surrounded on either side
+with the many busy shops and people, and it continued until a viaduct
+was reached. Attalia's broadway was just ahead. It was a wide street,
+and yet not wide enough. It had been made wider recently, and in making
+it so, the sidewalks had perforce been made narrower. They had not been
+sufficiently wide before, and now this threw many pedestrians into the
+street, where they walked along much slower than in Cincinnati even. As
+the cab rolled along, Sidney observed that the street was considerably
+wider after some distance, and this was the business section. To the
+right and to the left, in fact in every direction, buildings, brick and
+stone, concrete, stucco and an occasional frame, stood, here low, there
+high, and still higher, even to twenty stories. As he looked, the
+setting sun played subtly about the topmost peaks. Presently, the cab
+turned into Audubon Avenue.
+
+This street sloped down hill for many blocks, and when the cab had made
+its abrupt turn further on, Sidney observed a large, red, brick building
+with stone cornices rising skyward. Adjoining this, he caught a glimpse
+of the outline of still another building, apparently unfinished.
+Strangely enough, he felt this to be the property of black people. On
+down the street the cab rolled.
+
+It was a street quite wide enough, and paved in part with cobble
+stones, and further on with asphalt. Glancing from right to left, as he
+proceeded, he saw that it was given over largely to business conducted
+by Negroes, Jews, Italians and Greeks.
+
+Presently, his wandering gaze took in the proportions of a small book
+shop, before which stood a tall, lean Negro, whom he surmised rightly to
+be the proprietor. In the window, displayed conspicuously and
+artistically, were numerous books by Negro authors which he had read,
+and, of course, some he had not.
+
+And still he was trundled on. His gaze met the sight of a mammoth stone
+church, where he saw many colored men standing about the front. Some
+were brown, while others were yellow, and still others were almost
+white. They were preachers, he knew, for all were fat. Only preachers
+were always so, he recalled, and that's why he knew. Across another
+street and on the same side, they came abreast of the structure that had
+arrested his attention before. The first portion rose to only two
+stories, but was so artistically constructed, that it caught his
+attention, and commanded his admiration. Next to this, the other portion
+reached to six stories, and, as he came to the front, he viewed it very
+carefully. On one side of a wide entry, over which was written many
+words which he could not decipher, was a first class barber shop where
+black men were being shaved. On the other side, a bank occupied much
+space, and this, he observed, for the first time in his life, was
+conducted by black people--no, they were between and betwixt, but that
+does not matter, they belonged to that race. At the rear he saw
+elevators moving to and fro, while the entry was filled with these same
+folk. His bosom swelled at the sight, for he was proud of his people.
+
+"Heah's a place you might look ovah, deah brudder," said the cabman at
+last, as he halted before an old frame structure, across the front of
+which was written in large letters
+
+     THE BIXLEY HOUSE
+
+Sidney was not favorably impressed.
+
+"How you lak it?" asked the cabman.
+
+"Nix," he replied. "Try another."
+
+The horse was turned about, and they journeyed back over the same street
+from whence they had come. Two blocks were thus covered, and then they
+turned into a street that intersected, and stopped before another place
+less impressive looking. At this point, the cabman suggested a lady
+friend of his, who kept nice rooms, and to this he was straightway
+driven. He was satisfied at last, paid his fee, and in due time was
+fairly well installed.
+
+Sometime later, Sidney went forth on a tour of inspection. The first
+place he decided to visit was the book store, where he had seen the
+serious looking man at the front. He turned out to be so, very much so,
+as Sidney learned in after months. His name was Tompkins, and he was
+very affable, even pleasant.
+
+"A-hem. Glad to know you, Mr. Wyeth," he said, accepting the
+introduction. When Sidney stated the nature of his business, he answered
+his many questions very pompously, and further said, that the colored
+people of the city had an inclination for literature.
+
+Sidney, however, began to feel, after more questioning, that Tompkins
+was stretching things, and that his statement, that the colored people
+were great readers, was largely exaggerated. It was, as we shall see
+later; but for the present, he thanked Tompkins, and promised to drop in
+again.
+
+When he had dined at one of the many little restaurants, he wandered
+back into the business section of the city. He failed to recognize any
+of the places he had once known, which proved conclusively that Attalia
+had progressed. He found himself on Plum street again, through which he
+walked and reentered Walthill, and, after seeing many of the sights,
+entered a large book store, where he inquired for a volume he had long
+desired to read--rather, he inquired of a large, fat man, whether he had
+it. The other looked around a spell, then replied:
+
+"We sho God has," and stood waiting undecidedly. Presently he held it
+toward Wyeth, who, somewhat hesitatingly, looked irrelevantly through
+the pages. He was not sure, whether it was customary to take it in his
+hands.
+
+"All right," he said, and reached in his pocket for the money.
+
+"Do you-ah--wish it?" the other inquired, still hesitating.
+
+"Sure," Sidney replied. "That's why I called for it." He was obviously
+surprised, and expressed the fact in his eyes. The other observed this,
+and made haste to apologize:
+
+"Ce'tainly, ce'tainly. Beg yo' pa'don. Not many cullud people buy works
+of fiction, or anything besides an occasional Bible, school books and
+stationery. That is why I was undecided whether you wanted to buy it or
+not."
+
+"Indeed!" echoed Sidney, taken suddenly aback. Then said: "I read a
+great deal myself."
+
+The clerk observed him closely for a moment, and then said: "You don't
+live in these parts?"
+
+"No."
+
+"And you read a great deal? Where are you from?"
+
+He was told.
+
+"That accounts for it," said the other, proceeding to wrap up the book.
+
+"Accounts for what?" curiously.
+
+"Your being a reader."
+
+"I don't understand.... Don't the colored people down here read a great
+deal also?"
+
+"No," said the other simply.
+
+"Well, I declare!" said Sidney in surprise. "I have only two hours or
+less ago, been told by a book-seller that they do."
+
+"Lordy me! Who told you that?"
+
+"Tompkins. The--"
+
+"Tompkins is a booster. He's all right, though," said the other, with a
+low, amused laugh. But Sidney's curiosity was aroused, and he continued:
+
+"There's a multitude of teachers and preachers, and I should think they
+would buy lots of current literature to keep themselves informed for
+their work; but perhaps they are not so well paid, and get it from the
+library." The other appeared perplexed for a moment, but said
+presently, without looking up:
+
+"They have no library of their own, and the city library is not open to
+colored people, but they do not seem to be very anxious for books. The
+teachers, and the preachers--" He threw up his hands in a gesture of
+despair. "You'll find out for yourself. You are, I see, a keen observer,
+and you'll find out."
+
+Sidney left the store in a reflective frame of mind. "I didn't believe
+Tompkins," he muttered, as he walked back in the direction of Audubon
+Avenue. Just then he glanced to his left, into the largest barber shop
+he had ever seen. It was for white people, but conducted by a colored
+man. It was not only the largest he had ever seen, but the finest, the
+most artistic. He forgot, for the time, what he had just been told, and
+which was causing him some concern, and again he felt his breast swell.
+
+There was much to be learned about his people that he now realized he
+did not know; and yet, surrounding it all was a peculiar mystery that he
+decided to solve for himself. He did so, but that remains to be told.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE
+
+_Next Day--Discoveries_
+
+
+At eight-thirty the following morning, Sidney set forth, carrying a
+small case containing a half dozen books. His purpose was to feel out
+the city from a practical point of view. He had been told that the
+better class of Negroes could be found by walking down Audubon Avenue,
+as far as the residence section. So he followed it until the business
+had been left blocks to the rear. At the end of the paved street he
+turned into a house. It was a very sumptuous affair, with an attractive
+lawn before it. He was told by a passerby that it was the home of a club
+waiter. He ventured up to the front door, and, upon its being opened by
+a mulatto woman, apparently the waiter's wife, he turned on his spiel.
+She listened to it patiently, even speaking some words in praise, as he
+explained the narrative in brief, but he failed to make a sale. He tried
+more subtle arts, but in vain. And then she told him frankly that their
+finances would not permit her to purchase the volume. This excuse always
+made Wyeth desist from further effort.
+
+He turned into the next house, and the next, and the next, until a half
+dozen had been made, but with the same result. Since he had invariably
+sold to three-fourths of the people whom he approached, he was not
+nearly so confident by this time. These people lived in and owned homes
+that were a pride, and it was not that they did not wish to buy; people
+so easily approached can be expected, in a large part, to fall victim;
+but 'ere long it became more clear to him. They were _not_ able. It was
+well that he perceived this; for hope of success was small, if it
+depended upon purchasers here. Most of the people he found in these
+homes were dependent upon a very small salary. The cost of living was as
+high here as in the north, in fact, the ordinary commodities were
+higher. The sums they were receiving would not be considered sufficient
+to care for the same people in the north, therefore, why should it here?
+This was contrary again to what Sidney had always been told.
+
+Presently, he happened upon a letter carrier. No time was lost here.
+This man was paid for his work, so he forthwith became a victim of the
+most artful spiel, and bought the book, cash. This served to spur Sidney
+to renew his efforts, and he attacked those he approached more
+vigorously. For a time he met with no more success.
+
+He had a lunch at a nearby restaurant, of pigs feet and sweet potato
+custard. After an hour, he resumed his efforts. And this began his
+discoveries.
+
+Entering a yard, he came up the steps of a house from the back way. He
+passed a refrigerator, and crossed the porch to knock at the door.
+But--a bottle of Kentucky's John Barleycorn calmly rested upon this same
+refrigerator.
+
+The door at which he knocked was opened presently, and he was invited to
+enter, which he did; but, when leaving by the same way, after selling
+another book for cash, "John" was gone.
+
+At the next house, his customer was a tall woman of middle age and dark
+skinned. She drew him adroitly into a prolonged conversation, and then
+bought the book.
+
+Now, Attalia is a _prohibition_ town in a southern _prohibition_ state.
+Yes, it _is_--and it _isn't_. When Sidney Wyeth left that house that
+afternoon, he had spent part of what he received for the book, for beer
+and whiskey. Moreover, he was told that more than seventy-five places on
+Audubon Avenue were engaged likewise, and in the city all--but that is a
+matter for conjecture!
+
+Obviously, _prohibition_ did not _prohibit_--but more of this later in
+the story.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+That evening, while dining, he became acquainted with Ferguson and
+Thurman, who will, for a time, occupy a part in the development of this
+plot.
+
+Ferguson was a preacher, but at this time--and for some time--had not
+preached. He admitted painting to be more profitable from a financial
+point of view. He complained, however, that if the "New Freedom"
+continued in power much longer at Washington, and with the way things
+"was a-goin'," he would have to give that up and go back to pickin'
+cotton.
+
+"They ain' nothin' in preachin' no mo', that's a sho thing."
+
+"I do not agree with you on that score," said Sidney; "for, from what I
+have learned already in regard to these parts, there must apparently be
+more money in preaching than anything else, judging from the number of
+preachers. And how fat they all appear!" Ferguson looked up quickly at
+this remark, and as quickly down at himself.
+
+"I didn' get this flesh preachin', I assuah you," he retorted, with
+flushed face. And after a pause, he went on with some heat:
+
+"But that's what don' sp'iled preachin'; too many lazy nigga's a-graftin
+offa de people!" But Ferguson, as Wyeth learned later, was something of
+a pessimist, and predicted all kinds of deplorable things. And it was at
+this moment that a dejected creature made his appearance. He was bald
+headed, bowlegged, but, notwithstanding these possible deficiencies in
+his make-up, aggressive. His name was Thurman, and, said he, between
+bites of sweet potato pie:
+
+"Aw, nigga;--youah allus a-p'dictin'--som'thin' awful!--To--heah you
+tell it,--since the democrats--has got int' powah--cawse a buncha crazy
+nigga's--didn' know how t' vote--at dat aih convention in Chicawgo--the
+world is--liable to end tomorra'!"
+
+"It mought!--It mought;--'n' 'f it did--you be one--a d' fust--t' bu'n
+in hell--too; but don't you 'dress me lak dat no mo'--in sech
+distressful terms! You autta be 'shamed a-yo' se'f."
+
+And he munched pie for a time, uninterrupted by speech.
+
+Thurman only grunted unconcernedly.
+
+"What are the prospects of the colored people down here at the present
+time?" inquired Sidney, hoping to relieve the tension; but he could have
+rested easily on this score, for, as he learned later, they carried on
+that way every night. That was their diversion; but Thurman was now
+heard from.
+
+"HELL!" he answered calmly.
+
+"Good Lawd man!" cried Ferguson shocked. "What's comin' ovah you!"
+
+"Lyin' 'n' stealin'; drinkin' cawn liquah 'n' gittin' drunk; bein' run
+in, locked up and sent to d' stock-ade 'n' chain-gang;" he resumed,
+ignoring Ferguson's shock entirely. Whereupon, Ferguson looked more
+distressed than ever; but only wrinkled his face in a helpless frown,
+and said nothing.
+
+"Gee!" cried Sidney; "but that's an awful prospect." All this time
+Thurman had not smiled, but accepted everything as a matter of course,
+from the way he partook of sweet potato pie.
+
+"You must not pay any attention to Mr. Thurman, Mister," said the
+proprietress, from across the room. She was a patient-faced, sleepy,
+short woman. And now, for the first time Thurman moved in his seat, and
+took exception to the words. Said he, somewhat loudly, and emphasizing
+his words with a raised hand:
+
+"_Pay no 'tention! Pay no 'tention; wull I reckon yu'd bettah. Hump_,"
+he deliberated, pausing long enough to fill his mouth with more potato:
+"_Pay no 'tention when yu' know yu'se'f that Jedge Ly'les 's a
+sentincin' mo' nigga's to the stock-ade 'n' chain-gang than he's eve'
+done befo'. 'N' a good reason he has fo' doin' so too! Lyin', doity,
+stinkin', stealin' nigga's_," he ended disgustedly.
+
+Presently, before anyone had time to deny his sweeping assertion, he
+resumed:
+
+"Mis' M'coy, yu' know dem taters I got frum you tuther night?"
+
+"I rember them quite well, Mr. Thurman," she replied, resignedly.
+
+"I took them taters home 'n' put 'm in muh trunk, locked it 'n' put th'
+key in muh pocket 's I allus do. Now what yu' think happened?" he
+halted, and surveyed the atmosphere with serene contempt. "That low down
+li'l' nigga in th' room wi' me, sneaks int' that trunk wid a duplicate
+key, 'n' steal eve' last one'm! _Jes' think of it!_" he emphasized, with
+a terrible gesture. "_Stole eve' las' one uv'm! Then talk about
+nigga's!_"
+
+"We did'n' say nothin' 'bout nigga's would'n' steal, man!" complained
+Ferguson. "You jes' nache'lly went offa yo' noodle widout 'casion."
+
+During all this conversation, a girl sat opposite Sidney. She was a
+dark, sweet-faced maiden, with an expression that was inviting. Sidney,
+happening to glance for the first time into her face, smiled and nodded.
+She smiled back pleasantly. Ferguson and Thurman continued their
+harrangue.
+
+"They are a pair," ventured Sidney, to no one in particular, but the
+girl smiled and inquired:
+
+"Who are they?"
+
+"I never saw them before," he replied.
+
+She observed him closely, and said presently, in a very demure voice:
+
+"Indeed. Ah--then--you don't live here?"
+
+"No," he answered, and told her.
+
+"O-oh, my," she echoed tremulously. "It must be fine away up in the
+great northwest. And--do you expect to be here--er, some time?"
+
+"For a few months at least." Whereupon she inquired as to his business,
+and he likewise inquired of hers.
+
+"I am employed in service," she said.
+
+Now it happened that Sidney had, a few months before, met an agent in
+Dayton, who persisted in canvassing nowhere else but among this class.
+He thought of this, and made inquiry. He was told in reply, that
+practically all the domestics were colored.
+
+"I would like to see the book you sell," she said, presently. "If you
+could bring it to the number where I am employed, and if, after seeing
+it I am pleased with it, I would buy one." He could not have wished for
+anything better, and told her so. Elevating his eye brows in pleased
+delight, he said:
+
+"I most assuredly will. Only tell me how I may get there--I'll make a
+note of it," and he immediately did so.
+
+"Catch a Plum Street car," she directed, "and get off at West Eleventh
+Street, walk a block and a half west until you see a large house
+numbered 40. They are Jews, so, should you lose the number, inquire for
+Hershes'. You may call any time after two P.M."
+
+"I will be there tomorrow at that hour if the sun rises, and if it
+doesn't, I'll be there anyway," he laughed. She was amused.
+
+"All right," she said, and took her leave.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The next day was beautiful; the sun shone brightly, and the air was soft
+and fragrant. Plum Street, besides being the leading business
+thoroughfare, is likewise the most imposing resident district, at its
+extreme end. Large cars, modern and built of steel, thread their way,
+not only to the city limits, but they penetrate far into the country
+beyond.
+
+And it was aboard one of these modern conveyances that Sidney Wyeth
+reclined, observing the size and grandeur of the many magnificent
+residences, that stood back from either side of the street in sumptuous
+splendor. Magnolias and an occasional palm adorned the yards, while
+green grass and winter flowers filled the balmy air with a delightful
+odor.
+
+He alighted and found himself very soon in the rear of No. 40. Success
+was his, for he sold to the girl, and three more at the same number, and
+the next, and the next--and still the next, until darkness came. Thus he
+came in touch with people who were more able, and positively, more
+likely to buy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few days after this he dropped in on Tompkins.
+
+"Hello, my friend!" that worthy one said. "Why haven't you been in to
+see me? I've been thinking of you."
+
+"Indeed," said Sidney, in glad surprise. "I've been too busy," he
+concluded shortly.
+
+"Too busy!" echoed the other in evident surprise. And then he waited
+expectantly.
+
+"Oh, sure," Sidney smiled, looking over Tompkins' supply of books,
+mostly Bibles, for such was the most Tompkins sold, as he learned.
+
+"Been selling lots of books?..."
+
+"Hundred and sixty-five orders in eight days."
+
+"Great goodness," Tompkins exclaimed. He dropped all work for a moment,
+and stood with mouth wide open. Then he inquired artfully: "Have you
+_delivered_ any?"
+
+"Fifty copies last Saturday and Monday."
+
+"_Man!_ Are you telling me the truth!" he exclaimed dubiously.
+
+"I _sell_ books," Sidney replied calmly.
+
+Tompkins resumed his work in a very thoughtful mood. Presently, as
+Sidney was leaving he called: "Say, drop in and see me some day when you
+have time to talk--a long talk. I'm _interested_ in you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR
+
+_And He Never Knew_
+
+
+Weeks had passed. Mildred Latham could be seen sitting dejectedly by the
+window of her small bed-room, gazing down a street that led to the
+river. Every day since that next day when she had been told that a man
+had called to see her, and instinct told her it was Sidney Wyeth, she
+had sat thus. On this day, however, things were different. There had
+been a change--a great change in her life; for she was today, and
+henceforth, free, in a sense, but this is further along in the story.
+
+Presently she picked up _The Tempest_. This was nothing unusual.
+Although she had read it in two days after she had received it, she had,
+in the weeks that had just passed, picked it up and reread certain parts
+of it. But, as a change had come since the last time she held it, she
+read it today with unusual interest. After reading for a few minutes,
+she laid it aside, took from the table near a map of South Dakota, and
+for a time studied the part of it across which was written _The Rosebud
+Country_. She allowed her mind to wander meditatively back to the past.
+She saw this land as it was when the country was young; when the bison
+and the native Indian held sway; when mighty herds roamed across those
+plains, molested little by the red man. She picked up the book and read
+a little more. For scores of years they had lived and died, and at the
+end of this regime, came the inevitable white man, the greatest race of
+conquerors the world has ever known, without doubt. And behold the
+change of a few short years! Nature in wild profusion, then materialism
+in the extreme. They, these conquerors, had almost changed the world.
+And among those thousands that crossed the densely settled prairies, and
+made conquest of _The Rosebud Country_, were only a few black men.
+Judging from this book, they could be counted upon the fingers of one
+hand. One of these was Sidney Wyeth.
+
+Yes, he had gone forth, hopeful and happy and gay, and had become a
+Negro pioneer. So he began, and did a man's part in the development of
+that now wonderful country. Thus she imagined it, and felt it must have
+been. It _could_ not have been otherwise, because only _men_ went west,
+to the wild and undeveloped--and stayed. _He_ had stayed for ten years.
+How he spent those years, Mildred Latham could imagine. Through the
+pages of that narrative, she had followed his fortunes to the
+climax--the culmination of a base intrigue. What a glorious feeling it
+must be, she felt, to be a pioneer; to blaze the way for others, that
+human beings ever after, to the end of time, may live and thrive by the
+right of others' conquest! He had plowed the soil, turned hundreds of
+acres of that wild land into a state of plant productivity, which should
+bear fruit for posterity. And if Sidney Wyeth had in the end failed, in
+a way it was only after he had done a man's part in behalf of others.
+
+But then came the evil.
+
+In the lives of all men, the greatest thing is to love. Sidney Wyeth had
+hoped, at some time, to gain this happiness, the love of a woman. Had he
+earned it? Apparently not, from another's point of view. That was all so
+singular, she thought, time and again. For the evil creature, evil
+genius, was a preacher, a minister of the Gospel. "I can't quite
+reconcile myself to that part of it, yet I should," she mused, now
+aloud, "for _my_ father is a preacher."
+
+Mildred Latham's thoughts drifted from Sidney Wyeth for a time, and
+reverted to her own life, and that of her father, who was a preacher.
+Soon, they wandered back to Sidney, to his life of Hell--the work of an
+evil power--the torn soul upon its rack of torture--and finally the
+anguish--always the anguish, followed by the dead calm of endless
+existence.
+
+Yet during their acquaintance, he never spoke of the past. No word of
+censure, or of unmanly criticism, passed his lips.
+
+So Mildred Latham could feel in a measure relieved, for she had
+secrets,--and she kept them all to herself, too.
+
+Directly, she shook off the depression, and rose to her feet.
+
+"It is all settled," she said half aloud, and, going to her trunk, laid
+the book in the tray, lifted the latter out, and, reaching to the
+bottom, took up a small steel box and set it on the dresser. She then
+inserted a small key, opened it, and took therefrom a heavy, legal
+document. Examining it for a time, she put it into her hand bag, locked
+the box, returned it to its place, replaced the tray and locked the
+trunk again. This done, she slipped into a street suit, and, gathering
+up the handbag firmly, left her room, locked the door, stepped into the
+street, and caught a car that took her up town, where she alighted
+before a mammoth office building. She entered this, took an elevator and
+got off on the twentieth floor, entering the office of a prominent law
+firm. This visit had been pre-arranged.
+
+An hour later, she left a large bank on the ground floor, returned to
+her room, took the box from her trunk, and replaced, not the legal
+document, but a long, green slip of paper.
+
+"All is now settled on that score," she whispered drearily, and then
+busied herself mechanically about the room. Again she fell into that fit
+of meditation. She could not--try as she might--shake off the
+despondency. And always, in the background somewhere, lurked Sidney
+Wyeth. Was this because she felt she would never see him again? She
+couldn't, she knew, as she recalled her secret.
+
+Suddenly she threw herself weakly across the bed, and sobbed for hours.
+"Sidney, my Sidney," a careful listener might have heard her lips
+murmur. But she was alone. Perhaps that made it so hard, for she was
+alone now, always alone.
+
+At last she got up and bathed her face, as she had done many times
+before.
+
+Always, too, she had a presentiment down in her heart, that somewhere or
+somehow, some day fate would be kind and send him again into her life.
+And then would she be ready?
+
+O that persistent question!
+
+Now Mildred Latham was not a weak woman. Far from it. In spite of the
+secret, which was ever _her burden_, she was not the kind to give up
+without struggle. This was perhaps the cause, in a degree, of the
+suffering she endured. It was this sorrow which Sidney Wyeth had
+observed, and wished to dispell. "If I could only have permitted him to
+do so," she said, so many, many times. But always _The Barrier_.
+
+"I will sell his book henceforth for my living," she said to herself at
+the end of that day, as she had often said before. "And in doing that, I
+shall ever live with his memory--God bless him!" For Mildred Latham
+loved Sidney Wyeth.
+
+And he never knew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE
+
+_B.J. Dickson_
+
+
+When Sidney Wyeth's work among the domestics was an assured success, he
+decided to rent desk space in the large office building referred to, get
+a typewriter, do a little circularizing, and concentrate his efforts
+upon securing agents elsewhere, for the purpose of distributing his
+work.
+
+Accordingly, one Sunday morning, after being told that the custodian of
+the building could be found in his office on the fourth floor, he betook
+himself thither.
+
+But let us pause for a moment, and retrace a long span of years, that we
+may interest ourselves in the history of this same structure. For it has
+a fascinating tale to tell.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Before freedom came to the black people of the south, pious worship had
+begun. Despite the fact that it was an offense to teach Negroes during
+that dark period, or in any way to be responsible for allowing them to
+teach themselves, many, nevertheless, did learn to read; and perhaps
+because the slave-owners were inclined to be God-fearing people, they
+did not, in a general sense, openly object when they found many of their
+slaves worshipping. So it happened that, since men were in the majority
+of those who learned to read, the first channel to which they diverted
+this knowledge was preaching. And since, as above mentioned, they were
+not always forbidden, worshipping the Christ among Negroes had been
+practiced long before freedom came. Therefore, after freedom, preaching
+became the leading profession among the men.
+
+The reader is perhaps well acquainted with the pious emotion of the
+Negro; our story will not dwell at length upon this; but the fact that,
+to become a preacher as a professional pursuit, was the easiest and
+most popular vocation; and from the fact, further, that Negroes had
+become emotionally inclined from fear in one sense and another, so that
+it is inherent, preaching and building churches swept that part of the
+country like wildfire.
+
+Of the different sects, the Baptist seemed to require the least training
+in order to afford the most emotion. All that was required, in a
+measure, to become a Baptist preacher, was to be a good "_feeler_" and
+the practiced ability to make others _feel_.
+
+History proves that people of all races (when still not far removed from
+savagery) are inclined toward display. This is an inherent nature of
+Negroes. Indeed, Negroes of today, in many instances those who have
+graduated from the best colleges, seem yet largely endowed with this
+trait, as this story will show later.
+
+So, shortly after preaching and shouting became the custom, another
+feature entered which permitted these people more "_feeling_," and this
+was lodges, secret societies and social fraternities. These, like
+everything else--omitting possibly the extreme "_feeling_" exercised
+during religious worship--was patterned after white custom; but, insofar
+as the Negro is concerned, a great deal more stress and effort and
+feeling was put into the things mentioned. In a sense, they were the
+Negroes all.
+
+Naturally, these many lodges, etc., must have some object. And that
+object for years, was irrevocably, to care for the sick and bury the
+dead.
+
+Our story will be concerned with the United Order of the AAASSSSBBBBGG,
+which, for the purpose of this story, will answer as well as the real
+name, and will be much easier to refer to.
+
+The AAASSSSBBBBGG, is one of the oldest lodges in Dixie, having been in
+operation among the black people for generations. And its great object
+was, until a few years ago, to "ce'h fo' the sick 'n' bu'y the dead."
+
+In the course of events, there had been elected to a very conspicuous
+position in this same lodge, a man with a square jaw. He was of medium
+height and build, but aggressive, very much so, in fact, a born fighter.
+Happily, the latter trait was peculiarly necessary to the one who held
+the office of grand secretaryship in this lodge--and to this office
+Dickson fell heir.
+
+Now Dickson was no ordinary Negro. He was ambitious, not the kind that
+is likely to be satisfied with the past duties of the order. Because,
+and it might be well to mention so strange a coincidence: This lodge had
+not been able to spend all the money that had come into the treasury for
+burial purposes. So the reserve totalled $40,000 cash. It was
+confidentially whispered that the officers, a united click, preceding
+Dickson, had calmly planned, when this amount reached $50,000, to grab
+it all, and start a colony--for themselves, of course, in Africa. But,
+alas! enters Dickson, the determined, the ambitious. And if anything can
+serve to disturb an order like this, it is ambition. In all the years of
+its existence, the slogan had been to crucify ambition religiously, but
+Dickson crucified them. At this time, at least, they were relegated to
+the scrub timber, where they lay dreaming of a time never to return, for
+"the old order changeth."
+
+In addition to the office of grand secretary, Dickson was an editor, and
+before the moss-backs had realized it, some years before, he was editing
+the official mouthpiece, _The Independent_. They thought little of this,
+in fact, they didn't care, because, in the first place, no one else
+cared for that job; it required too much thought to edit a paper that
+the members would be likely to read. _The Independent_ had come out at
+spasmodic intervals, reporting, in detail, the death of Miss Sallie Doe,
+"a member in good standing, who had met her Jesus on the altar of
+evermore;" or, that Jim Johnson, another member, "had been incarcerated
+in the county jail, along with many others, for disturbing the peace;"
+or, that at the revival at the Antioch Baptist church, of which Brother
+Jasper was the pastor, "a soul stirring revival is going on with scores
+'gittin' right with Jesus'," etc., etc., etc. But its greatest ambition,
+apparently, had been to come before the people, guaranteed not to be
+read.
+
+So fancy, when, after getting control, Dickson "did it all over." _The
+Independent_ became "_some_" paper. It fairly ripped and snorted. It
+took up the instances of officers that were sluggish and backward and
+slow, and made great headlines. "Whew!" the members cried, who had never
+read the paper before. While others declared: "Ah allus knowed dat
+nigga's crazy!" But everybody began reading the paper. They objected and
+scrambled and stewed about what was said, called him the biggest liar,
+bull-dozer, and everything else, but read the paper. So the circulation
+doubled and trebled and quadrupled, and then doubled all over again,
+until it was reaching every "live" member of the order. Dickson didn't
+care whether it reached the others or not, and he told them so;
+moreover, he said--in not so many words, but it was read between the
+lines,--that they could go to Hell. They took the paper then.
+
+There came a time at last when the treasury was reeking with Sam's good
+gold, and Dickson had more enemies than could be counted readily. But
+Dickson was wise. He had looked deeply into the condition and inborn
+weakness of these black creatures, and had surmised that they only
+patronized each other when they mutually hated. If they loved one
+another, they were allowed to starve to death undisturbed.
+
+He saw that Negroes would only build and occupy an office when the white
+man refused to rent him anything but the attic--and not even that
+sometimes. So, with a flare, a blaze and a roar, out came _The
+Independent_, and said that the AAASSSSBBBBGG lodge had decided to erect
+an office building of its own. It was to be six stories in height, of
+brick, with stone cornices, and what not. Moreover, a picture of it
+completed appeared on the front page of _The Independent_. That finished
+it! They prepared to send him to the mad-house, and forthwith gathered
+for that purpose, which was what Dickson wanted. They arrived in twos,
+threes and fours, and then in droves. To the tune and number of
+thousands they came and were met (?) by a brass band! And away went the
+music: "Ta-ra--ta--ta-ti-rip-i-ta-ta-ta-tu!" It got into the Negro
+blood. Music, of all things, always has effect. Before they were aware
+of it, they were cake-walkin' and doin' the grizzly bear, and it has
+also been whispered confidentially, that two preachers, high and mighty
+in the order, "balled the jack." The music stopped for a spell. Through
+the crowd--the black crowd--came a cry, "Arrah! Arrah! for the Negro,
+the greatest race since the coming of Christ!" And it was answered:
+"Arrah! Arrah! So we is. Who said we wasn't!" "The white man!" came back
+the reply. "He's a liah!" went back the words heatedly. "If so, then,"
+came back, "why do we continue to do our business in his attic? Why?"
+This was a shock. But before recovery, sayeth the cry: "$50,000 odd we
+have in the treasury to care for the sick and bury the dead! With
+$60,000 more we can have a building all our own, with elevators and
+mirrors and a thousand things, with our own girls to tickle the type and
+scratch on the books." A wild dream flitted across the minds of these
+black men, the underdogs, the slaves for a thousand years; their wives,
+the cooks and the scrub women; their daughters, the lust of the beast.
+And then from somewhere came another cry. It was soft and low, but firm
+and regular. It came from a body of women, black women. "With our hands,
+from the white people's pot, we will give unto thee thousands, and back
+again to the pots we will go and slave, until our old bones can slave no
+more, and pay, and pay until a mighty building, the picture of which we
+have seen, shall stand as a monument to the effort of BLACK PEOPLE!"
+
+And now there was a scramble to the front! It was a scramble as had
+never been seen in Attalia before! $60,000 was fairly thrown over the
+heads of one another to B.J. DICKSON, the grand secretary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Six months and a year had elapsed. And the monument stood serenely in
+the sunlight, as Sidney Wyeth came down the street that Sunday morn. To
+the side of this monument stood another, imposing and grand, not yet
+finished, but soon to be, and it had all come through the indirect
+efforts of B.J. Dickson. They were not satisfied with the one, when
+they learned they _could_ do things, but needed another--so they
+subscribed the necessary funds without effort, and built the other.
+
+Before entering, Sidney walked across the street and viewed the
+structure from the other side.
+
+Thus he saw his people, as others see them.
+
+For his life had been spent, for the most part, in white civilization.
+
+As he surveyed it carefully, he was relieved to find that, to a
+stranger, there was nothing to indicate that colored people occupied the
+building.
+
+An intelligent looking man came out of it, and, crossing the street,
+bowed casually to Wyeth. The latter, returning it, inquired regarding
+the building and Dickson, and he was told the following:
+
+"Yes, while there are many who do not give Dickson the credit, he is,
+nevertheless, the man who has made all that possible."
+
+"Everything is well kept apparently," said Wyeth. "That is unusual for
+our people."
+
+"That's Dickson," said the other. And then aside he inquired:
+
+"Have you ever been through it?"
+
+"I am just going," said Sidney.
+
+"You should have done so during the week. Any time before one o'clock
+Saturday."
+
+"Why one o'clock Saturday?"
+
+"Because everything ceases at that time."
+
+"Indeed," Wyeth commented in wide surprise. "System?"
+
+"That's it. That's Dickson."
+
+"Indeed! Does he have charge of everything?"
+
+"Indirectly, yes. That is, he does not own everything, of course not;
+but it's like this: Do you observe how everything is in order?" Wyeth
+did, and waited.
+
+"Well," resumed the stranger: "You can bet your boots that it would not
+be that way, if it were left to those in the buildings altogether. No;
+they would--some of them--get into a fight, knock out a window or two,
+and bring a pillow from home, to stick in the hole. The first time it
+rained and blew in at the window, the plaster would fall. Then, others,
+posing more than anything else, would have a crap game going on and sell
+whiskey on the side. As for the letters in gold which you observe on the
+windows, they are Dickson's ideas. Negroes would use chalk naturally.
+But Dickson won't stand for anything like that. When anything is amiss,
+he goes at them, as for instance, those stores in the front. Many of the
+proprietors, when they empty a box, instead of putting it to the rear,
+would stick it in the front, right up where every passerby could see it.
+To augment it further, they would allow dust and dead flies to collect.
+Cobwebs too and perhaps, pile a few old rags up on the top of it. But
+B.J. goes to them, as I said, invites them across the street, and shows
+it to them. He takes them up to one end of the building, and walks them
+to the other, and allows them to see it as the casual observer would. If
+he doesn't think or consider this sufficient, he takes them up town, and
+allows their gaze to compare it with the way things are conducted by the
+first class white people. And then he says: 'Now just look at it! That's
+nigga's. Nigga's proper. You conduct your place so that every stranger,
+seeing the city and the sights, when he gets before this building,
+realizes at one glance that Negroes occupy it.'"
+
+Sidney laughed a low, amused laugh. The other continued:
+
+"That's why you see things as they are. Our people are not bad to
+handle. They are, in fact, the most patriotic of all races, and are
+surely anxious for the success of each other, only they don't know it.
+They are like a herd without a leader. Dickson's a leader over there."
+
+"Ah!" thought Sidney, "that's where it comes in. The race needs
+leaders!" Again the other was speaking.
+
+"Of course, we have a great many that would be leaders, oh, yes, indeed!
+Over there in that building are many who are pining their lives away.
+They are confident they are leaders, and are exasperated because they
+have no following. They hate the people because they are not awake to
+the fact. They declare, that they have _even been to school and
+graduated from college and know everything_, which _alone_ should put
+them at the head. For some peculiar reason, they cannot realize that
+leaders are born, not made.
+
+"Now you leave the building and wander about over the city, and you will
+find a score or more of these would-be leaders, all with the same
+delusion in regard to themselves. They include, for the most part,
+teachers, preachers and doctors. They are so wrapped up in this idea,
+that they are utterly incapable of appreciating what the race is
+actually doing, and trying to do. Of these, perhaps the worst are the
+teachers. This is probably because they are paid by the county, and do
+not have to cater to the masses for their support." He paused, and
+extended his hand. "Glad to know you, stranger, and good-by."
+
+Sidney Wyeth watched him disappear, and then crossed the street to the
+building, and entered.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX
+
+"_Oh, You Sell Books_"
+
+
+One beautiful day, the _Palm Leaf Limited_ carried another passenger
+southward, aboard the Jim Crow car. It was Mildred Latham, and her
+destination required a change at Chattanooga. Turning her course,
+however, she went west and alighted at a town, happily located upon the
+banks of the Mississippi. It was a large metropolis, a fac-simile of a
+sister city, Attalia.
+
+Miss Latham left the depot at once, and proceeded to Beal Street, which
+was entirely occupied by Negroes. She entered a restaurant, but soon
+came out, and started in search of a room. However, the land-ladies all
+told her they preferred men, so she decided to look elsewhere.
+
+A car put her off at a corner far removed from Beal Street. She passed
+down a clean, quiet street, lined on either side by comfortable homes
+occupied by colored people. She paused before a small but handsome stone
+church. It was the First Presbyterian, so the cornerstone read. To the
+side, and back from the sidewalk, completely surrounded by vines, was
+the parsonage, at least she took it for such. And so it proved to be.
+She hesitated a moment, then, with an air of finality, she opened the
+gate, entered the yard, and mounted the steps.
+
+The door was opened by a kindly lady, whom she judged to be the pastor's
+wife.
+
+"Pardon me, please," began Miss Latham demurely, "but I am a stranger,
+recently arrived in the city, and have been unable to secure lodging. I
+noted the church next door, and surmised that, if this is the parsonage,
+and if the pastor is in, he might assist me." She hesitated, and for a
+time seemed at a loss how to proceed. In the meantime, the other
+surveyed her critically. Strange women were always regarded with
+suspicion. Finally she replied kindly, swinging the door wide:
+
+"Come in, my dear child. You look tired and surely need rest. You must
+have come a long way. The pastor of the church you refer to is not in
+for the present, and, I regret to say, is out of the city, and is not
+expected back for several days. I am his sister, however, and will help
+you all I can." She paused as she placed a rocker at the disposal of the
+stranger, and relieved her of coat and hat.
+
+"You are very kind," said Mildred gratefully. "I hardly know how to
+thank you."
+
+"Please do not speak of it, my dear. As I am alone, you may stay with me
+until you have found the kind of place you desire." She was silent and
+thoughtful for a moment, and then asked softly, "where are you from?"
+
+"Cincinnati."
+
+"I do declare!" exclaimed the other in mild surprise. "I have relatives
+there; but I have never seen the city myself."
+
+The stranger appeared relieved.
+
+"And do you expect to be in the city long?"
+
+"I cannot say. I am here to sell a book, _The Tempest_, a western story,
+by a Negro author. And, of course, it depends upon that, as to how long
+I shall stay."
+
+"Oh, you sell books." Mildred did not correct her. "I used to sell
+books, and, indeed I liked it. I am fond of reading. I am anxious to see
+the book you speak of when it is convenient, since I have observed
+advertisements of it."
+
+"It is a nice book," Mildred commented. "And as soon as I can have
+access to my trunk at the depot, I shall be delighted to let you see and
+read it."
+
+"I shall indeed be pleased, I assure you," the other smiled back
+sweetly. "I am always so interested when it comes to books, that I wish,
+when you have had something to eat, you would tell me the story of _The
+Tempest_."
+
+"It will be a pleasure; but you need not fix me lunch, for I just ate a
+short time ago, as I came from the station. So, if you now wish, I will
+tell, in as few words as possible, and as best I can, the story of this
+book.
+
+"The story opens up on the banks of the river, near this city.... It
+concerns a young man, restless and discontented, who regarded the world
+as a great opportunity. So he set forth to seek his fortune.... Thus it
+began, but shortly, it led through a maze of adventures, to a land in
+the west. It is, perhaps, the land of the future; a land in which
+opportunity awaits for courageous youths, strong men, and good women....
+This land is called _The Rosebud Indian Reservation_. It lays in
+southern South Dakota, and slopes back from the banks of the 'Big
+Muddy', stretching for many miles into the interior beyond. It is a
+prairie country. No trees, stumps, rocks or stones mar the progress of
+civilization. So the white men and only a few blacks unloaded at a town
+on or near the frontier. I think it is called Bonesteel. And then the
+mighty herd of human beings flocked and settled over all that broad
+expanse, claiming it by the right of conquest.
+
+"Among these many, conspicuous at the front, was the hero of this
+narrative. He came into a share, a creditable share, and, although far
+removed from the haunts of his own, and surrounded on all sides by a
+white race, he was duly inoculated with that spirit which makes men
+successful.
+
+"Time went on, and in a few years there was no more reservation, but it
+became _The Rosebud Country_, the land of the optimist.
+
+"Then, of course, came to him that longing, that dream, the greatest of
+all desires, the love of a woman. But of his own race there were none,
+and he did not feel it right to wed a white wife. But at last, he found
+one of his own blood. She was kind, good and refined, but in conviction
+she was weak, without strength of her own. She loved him--as such women
+love, but to her father, a preacher, she was obedient,--subservient.
+They lived for some months in happiness, until that other--her
+father--came to visit them. These two, her father and her husband,
+differed, both in thought and action, and, naturally out of sympathy. In
+short, they disagreed upon all points, including the daughter, the wife,
+and at last the mother, for in time such she became. And that, strange
+to say, instead of being the birth of a new freedom, was the end of all
+things.
+
+"So o'er this land of the free there came a change, a sad change, that
+led to the end, the end of _The Tempest_." She paused, and allowed her
+eyes to remain upon the rug before her, while the other listened for
+more. Presently she said:
+
+"And was it her father--who stooped to _this_?"
+
+The other nodded and remained silent, with downcast eyes.
+
+Mildred Latham could not have said more had she wished--just then. A
+peculiar feeling came over her, and her mind went back to a night not
+long before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN
+
+_The Office of the Grand Secretary_
+
+
+When Sidney Wyeth walked into the office of B.J. Dickson that Sunday
+morning, he found him alone, engaged in reading. When a step sounded at
+the door, he laid the paper aside and glanced searchingly at the
+intruder. Wyeth saw before him, the man of determination: the square
+jaw, the determined set of the neck; otherwise he would not attract any
+particular attention in a crowd. But this was B.J. Dickson, of whom he
+had heard much since coming to Attalia, and even before.
+
+"Mr. Dickson?" he inquired, respectfully. The other nodded, and pointed
+to a chair.
+
+"You have charge of the renting here, so I understand?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I'd like to get desk space for the present, and later on perhaps I
+might require an office."
+
+"I see," mused the other, surveying him meditatively. "Well, we have
+nothing left in this building; but I think there are two or three rooms
+not yet rented in the building you have observed in course of
+construction. What kind of business are you engaged in?"
+
+"Books," replied Sidney, simply.
+
+"M-m. Well, I can't give you any information as to desk space. You can,
+however, see Morton tomorrow. His office is on the second floor, the
+board of trade. He can enlighten you on that score."
+
+"What do you receive for the rooms?"
+
+"$12.50 a month."
+
+"That is quite reasonable," said Wyeth. The other looked up with a
+pleased expression.
+
+"You're one of the few who have made such a remark," he commented.
+
+"Indeed! That would be considered cheap in my section of the country,"
+said Wyeth.
+
+"Where is that?"
+
+Wyeth told him.
+
+"Oh well, you come from a place where the people are accustomed to
+something. These down here have been used to nothing but an attic or an
+old frame shack, a fireplace with wind blowing in at the cracks, and, of
+course, cannot appreciate steam heat, electric lights, first class
+janitor service, and other modern conveniences that go with such a
+building."
+
+At this point, several men entered the room, most of whom were
+distinguished looking, compared with the average Negro. Wyeth was
+introduced to them, and learned that two were physicians, one a dentist,
+another a lawyer, and still another was a letter carrier. The stranger
+was soon the object of their many questions. They were answered
+deliberately, for Sidney Wyeth was well informed.
+
+"What do you think of the colored people in the south, now that you see
+them yourself?" he was asked. He noted the pride and air of dignity
+along with the question.
+
+"I am considerably impressed with what I have seen, I am sure," Wyeth
+began cautiously. "It is unnecessary to say that this is probably the
+most commodious structure owned and occupied by our people, in any city.
+And, I have noted with a great deal of pride that you have in the
+building, also, some half a dozen large insurance companies, owned and
+conducted successfully by members of this race. All of this and other
+creditable things, too numerous to mention, count for much in the
+solution of the race problem. Much more could be said in praise, but I
+do not consider it necessary. And still, with so much to their credit,
+there is much also to their discredit--very much. I refer to this, since
+it is a thing that can be remedied, and positively should be. To begin
+with, the people as a whole, do not read nearly as much as in the north,
+and are poorly informed in matters of grave concern and of general
+interest." He paused, and saw that they were puzzled. They were, all of
+them, taken aback. They looked at each other, and then began to gather
+color and heat as well.
+
+Sidney Wyeth had stirred, by his last words, his criticism, the hornet's
+nest.
+
+"And what, may I ask," inquired one of the physicians icily, "has given
+you that impression?"
+
+"Well, many things," Sidney resumed calmly. "For instance: I am in the
+habit of buying _The Climax_, which is, as you know, published in New
+York, and edited by a man who used to be professor of sociology in one
+of your colleges. Now, in all the places I have been" (he didn't refer
+to the north, realizing that it would cause more argument not bearing on
+the discussion), "I have found this magazine much in circulation among
+our people; but here, at only one place have I found it. You appreciate
+that the Negro population of this town is to exceed, without doubt,
+sixty thousand. It receives but fifty copies a month, and does not sell
+all of _them_--of course there are annual subscribers; but, so there are
+everywhere else as well."
+
+"Now--" all began with upraised hand, but Sidney stopped them with:
+
+"I've made this remark, so hear me out, that I may show that I am
+justified in making it."
+
+They were quiet, but impatient.
+
+"You have several large drug stores, doing a creditable business in the
+city. Omitting a few operated by white men in Negro neighborhoods, you
+will hardly find one that does not carry a goodly stock of magazines for
+his trade. Not a colored drug store carries one. Tompkins, other than
+_The Climax_, does not sell any. Now, gentlemen, with such a population
+as you have," (he was very serious now), "is it consistent to believe
+that these black people read in proportion to what they should, when
+there is so little current demand for literature?"
+
+The outburst that followed this was too intense to describe. The
+composure that was in keeping with their appearance and training was,
+for the time, lost. Everybody had something to say to the contrary, and,
+at the same time.
+
+"I have five hundred dollars worth of books in my house," cried Dickson.
+
+"I take _The Climax_, and have since it began publication," cried still
+another.
+
+"Derwin, its editor, is a traitor to his race, and I can prove it,"
+persisted another.
+
+"Theah ain' nothin' in it, nohow," yelled another whose English was not
+the best.
+
+"It's the only magazine edited by, and in the interest of this race,"
+retorted Wyeth; "and has a circulation more than double that of any
+other publication by Negroes since freedom."
+
+"You northern Negroes think a whole lot of Derwin, and are imbued with
+his point of view," cried Dickson; "but we had him down here before he
+went north, and we know him for what he is," and he looked about him
+meaningly.
+
+The others gave sanction.
+
+"He's the author of the only book in sociology, that stands out as a
+mark of Negro literature. The book is a classic, and is one of possibly
+two or three from the pen of a Negro since Dumas."
+
+It is difficult to foretell where the argument may have ended, but
+Sidney slipped out. As the door closed behind him, a mighty roar of
+indignation came over the transom. "He's a liar." "He's crazy!" "Like
+all from that section!"
+
+When these men met Wyeth afterward, and for some time, they did not
+recognize him. He was not surprised. They are, and the best of them, in
+a measure, still incapable of accepting criticism as it is meant. Our
+story will go to prove this more conclusively later on; but for the
+present, Sidney Wyeth had made friends....
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT
+
+_Henry Hugh Hodder_
+
+
+Weeks had passed, and a touch of spring time was in the Dixie air.
+Sidney Wyeth's canvass was now assisted by another, while from over the
+country he had secured, here and there, an agent to sell the book. He
+found desk space in an office on the second floor, hired a stenographer,
+and filled the country with circular letters. Perhaps fifty or more
+replies were received, a few with a money order and requests for further
+information.
+
+Although most of the letters were sent to preachers and teachers
+throughout the south, two-thirds of the replies came from the north.
+From Boston, New York, Chicago, and centers where literature is
+obtainable from the libraries which are open to Negroes, more letters by
+far came, than from the south where such is not always available. And
+out of these, a few agents were secured. But it seemed almost an
+impossibility to interest those at the south in a subject of literature.
+
+One day, there came a letter from a small town in Florida that amused
+Wyeth. It was from the secretary of the board of trade. In reply to the
+circular inquiry, requesting the names of the Negro preachers in that
+city, it ran thus:
+
+     MY DEAR SIR: Replying to your favor of recent date relative to the
+     names of Negro preachers of this city. In regard to this, I am
+     compelled to say, that I cannot fully enlighten you, for this
+     reason: Everything with trousers appears to be a preacher, or, any
+     one who can spell "ligon."
+
+     My gardener is a preacher, although he finds my work more
+     remunerative, apparently; but you could, however, write to him, and
+     he would, I feel sure, give you the desired information.
+
+When Sidney appraised Tompkins of his failure to get the cooperation of
+southern preachers, in his exploit, he was advised that the preachers
+were working that "side of the street."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We cannot appreciatively continue this story, without including a
+character that is very conspicuous in Negro enterprise. That is the
+undertaker. He is always in evidence. Mortality among Negroes exceeds,
+by far, that among whites. This is due to conditions that we will not
+dwell upon, since they will develop during the course of the story; but
+in Attalia, there was one undertaker who was particularly successful. He
+had the reputation of burying more Negroes than any man in the world. He
+had a son, a ne'er-do-well, to say the least, and they called him
+"Spoon."
+
+Sidney, who at this time shared a room with Thurman, became acquainted
+with "Spoon" one Sunday night. It was at a "tiger," of which, as we now
+know, there were plenty.
+
+Spoon had a reputation in local colored circles, as well as his father;
+but Spoon's reputation was not enviable. He was booziogically inclined,
+and reputed by those who knew him, to be able to consume more liquor
+than any other ordinary society man. Moreover, Spoon was "some" sport,
+too; could play the piano, in ragtime tune, and could also "ball the
+jack." He would lean back upon the stool, play the latest rag, as no
+other could, and at the end, cry: "Give me some more of that 'Sparrow
+Gin!'"
+
+Wyeth and Spoon became close friends following their first meeting, and
+Sunday nights, they would roam until one or two in the morning. Spoon
+knew where every "tiger" in town was; and, moreover, he proved it.
+
+Thurman, although two and fifty, was no "poke;" but was a sport too. His
+began early Sunday morning. One Sunday morn, as they lay abed, after the
+light of the world had come back and claimed its own, Thurman called to
+Sidney where the other lay reposing in the pages of a "best seller."
+"Say, kid! how 'bout a little toddy this mawnin'?"
+
+"I'm there," came the reply.
+
+"Good!" exclaimed Thurman. "Guess, tho' I'll haf to go after it, 's see
+you lost in a book all time. Gee! Looks lak you'd lose your mind
+a-readin' so much." No comment. "Guess that's why you got all these
+nigga's a-argun' 'roun' heah though; cause you read and they don't. M-m;
+yeh, yeh; that makes a diff'nce. M-m."
+
+"Wull, reckon' ah'll haf t' git in muh breeches and crawl ou' and git
+dat stuff t' make it wid. M-m. Old Mis' 'roun' the conah 'll be glad t'
+git dis twenty cents dis mawnin'. M-m. Wull, kid, be back t'rectly."
+
+He was, sooner than expected. He didn't get outside. He peeped out. What
+met his gaze would send any southern rheumatic Negro back.
+
+It was snow.
+
+"Jesus Chr-i-s-t!" he exclaimed, returning hastily from the hallway.
+"Hell has sho turned on dis' mawnin out dare. K-whew! 'f the's anything
+in this world I hates, it's snow."
+
+Sidney stopped reading long enough for a good laugh, as Thurman skinned
+off his trousers and clambered back into bed.
+
+"Aw, shucks, Thur, this is a morning for toddies."
+
+"A mawnin' fo' Hell, yes, hu! hu! Wow!"
+
+After a spell, he peeped from beneath the coverlets. "Say! since ah come
+t' think uv't, we c'n have them toddies wid-out get'n froze out in doin'
+it."
+
+"How's that?" asked the other.
+
+"I'll get dat liquah from John."
+
+"And who is John?"
+
+"John? Wull, did'n' you git 'quainted wi'im when I brung you heah?
+John's the man we room with. He sells liquah."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Say Spoon," said Sidney one day, "I'm going to cut the tiger kitin'
+out."
+
+"Aw, gwan, kid, what you talkin' 'bout?"
+
+"I'm going to church in the mornings, and in the evenings, I hope to
+find a place that will be more in keeping with respectable people,"
+announced Sidney.
+
+"Come on, let's go up here to old lady Macks, and get some of that
+'Sparrow Gin,'" Spoon suggested, temptingly.
+
+"To prove that I am not likely to keep my resolution."
+
+"You've none to keep as I can particular see. I have never seen you
+drink anything stronger than beer when you've been with me. You seem to
+go along with me, to see me and the others act a fool. Sometimes you
+impress me as being a strange person.... I wonder. Now I wonder...."
+
+"Where is a church that would be likely to appeal to you and myself?"
+
+"Up on Herald Street is one that I think will appeal to _you_. You're
+serious. Me--I'm quite unfit for any; but I'll take you up there, and
+sit through one of Hodder's sermons if you care to go. My people are
+members of that church, and it is a progressive one."
+
+"We will attend services there--Sunday morning."
+
+Wyeth became a regular visitor.
+
+The following Sunday, the pastor appraised the congregation of the fact,
+that on the following Sunday, they would have with them the Reverend W.
+Jacobs, the energetic young man who was doing such great work for the
+training of wayward children. And this takes our story into a matter of
+grave human interest.
+
+Coincident with better educational facilities, and the more careful
+training of the children, time had brought a change that was slowly but
+surely being felt by these black people in the south. It has already
+been stated, that the Baptist church required little literary training
+in order to preach; but, in this church, it is quite different, and no
+man would be tolerated as a minister, who had not a great amount of
+theological, as well as literary training.
+
+Henry Hugh Hodder was a man, not only prepared in the lines of theology
+and literature, but was fully supplied with practical knowledge as well.
+He had, at the time Sidney Wyeth became acquainted with him, gathered to
+his church, a majority of Attalia's best black people. His popularity
+was, moreover, on the increase, and his church was filled regularly
+with a class of people who listened, studied and applied to their
+welfare, what he said each Sunday in the pulpit.
+
+His church stood on a corner to the edge of the black belt, and near a
+fashionable white neighborhood. And it had, at the time it was
+constructed, caused considerable agitation. When Sidney and Spoon came
+to the door, prayer was being offered, and when it was over, they
+entered, taking seats near the door.
+
+It was a nicely ventilated church, with large colored windows, arranged
+to allow air to pass in without coming directly upon the congregation.
+At the front, a small rostrum rose to the level of the rear, and
+contained, in addition to the altar, only four chairs. Sidney was told
+afterwards, that, due to a practice always followed in other churches,
+particularly the Baptist, of allowing journeymen preachers to put
+themselves before the congregation uninvited, Hodder had removed the
+chairs in order to discourage such practice.
+
+Apparently he had succeeded, for, on the Sundays that followed, Sidney
+saw only those who were invited, facing the congregation.
+
+Directly over the rostrum hung a small balcony, which contained the
+choir and a pipe organ. Following a song, the pastor came forward. He
+was a tall man, with width in proportion, perhaps two hundred and twenty
+pounds. Not unlike the average Negro of today, he was brown-skinned. His
+hair, a curly mass of blackness, was brushed back from a high forehead.
+His voice, as he opened the sermon, was deep and resonant. And for his
+text that day, he took "Does It Pay!"
+
+Not since Sidney Wyeth had attended church and heard sermons, had he
+been so stirred by a discourse! Back into the ancient times; to the
+history of Judea and Caesar, he took the listener, and then subtly
+applied it to the life of today. Never had he heard one whose eloquence
+could so blend with everyday issues, and cause them to react as moral
+uplift. For he knew the black Oman's need. Pen cannot describe its
+effect upon Sidney Wyeth. It seemed, as the words of the pastor came to
+him, revealing a thousand moral truths, which he had felt, but could
+not express, that he had come from afar for a great thing, that sermon.
+It lifted him out of the chaos of the present, and brought him to
+appreciate what life, and the duty of existence really meant.
+
+Having, in a sense, drifted away from the pious training he had received
+as a youth, Sidney Wyeth was suddenly jerked back to the past, and
+enjoyed the experience. On account of his progressive ideas, he had been
+accused, by some of his people, since his return to live among them, of
+being an unbeliever. He was often told that he was not a Christian; they
+meant, of course, that he was not a member of a church, which, to most
+colored people, is equivalent to disbelief. Sidney Wyeth saw the life,
+the instance of Christ as a moral lesson.
+
+When the sermon closed, Wyeth had one desire, and fulfilled it, and that
+was to shake Henry Hugh Hodder's hand; moreover, to tell him, in the
+only way he knew how, what the sermon had been to him.
+
+He did so, and was received very simply.
+
+As he approached the rostrum, at the foot of which stood the pastor,
+shaking hands with many others who had come forward in the meantime, he
+was like one walking on air. He recalled the many sermons preached to
+satisfy the emotion of an ignorant mass, and which, in hundreds of
+instances, went wide of the mark, causing a large portion of the
+congregation to rise in their seats, and give utterance to emotional
+discordance, the same being often forgotten by the morrow.
+
+Hodder was not only as he was just described, but he proved to Sidney
+Wyeth to be a practical, informed, and observing man as well. When he
+had received the card, he inquired of the country from whence Sidney
+came, and related briefly the notices he had followed, regarding its
+opening a few years previous.
+
+At that moment, a large man, almost white--that is, he was white,
+although a colored man--was introduced to him as Mr. Herman. He proved
+to be the proprietor of the large barber shop on Plum Street, which had
+caught Sidney's attention the day he came. After Mr. Herman's
+introduction, he met many others prominent in Negro circles, including
+the president and cashier of the local Negro bank. And thus it came that
+Sidney Wyeth met these, the new Negro, and the leaders of a new
+dispensation.
+
+Two hours after the services had closed, he passed a big church on
+Audubon Avenue; a church of the "old style religion" and, which most
+Negroes still like. It was then after two o'clock. Morning service was
+still in order--no, the sermon had closed, but collection hadn't. Out of
+curiosity, he entered. The pastor had, during this period, concentrated
+his arts on the collection table. He was just relating the instance of
+people who put their dollar over one eye, so closely, that it was liable
+to freeze to the eye and bring about utter blindness. "So now," he
+roared, brandishing his arms in a rally call, "_We jes' need a few
+dollahs mo' to make the collection fo'ty-fo'. I'll put in a quata',
+who'll do the rest_," whereupon the choir gave forth a mighty tune, that
+filled the church with a strain which made some feel like dancing.
+
+The following Tuesday, an editorial appeared in one of the leading
+dailies, concerning the sermon and the instance of Henry Hugh Hodder. It
+dwelt at some length on his work for the evolution of his people, and
+concluded by praying that (among the black population) great would be
+the day when such men and such sermons were an established order.
+
+Sidney, now in an office to himself, read it to a man next door.
+Whereupon the other said:
+
+"Oh, that is nothing unusual. They often speak of him and his work in
+the editorial columns. Which might account for his having such a fine
+church." ...
+
+Wyeth was silent, apparently at a loss what to say. The silence had
+reached a point which was becoming strained, when another, who happened
+to be in the office, relieved it by spitting out sneeringly:
+
+"White fo'kes'll give any nigga plenty money, when he says what they
+want him too." He was a deacon in the big church referred to. This was
+not investigated.
+
+Wyeth called him a liar then and there.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE
+
+"_Sweet Genevieve_"
+
+
+"Wilson, dear," said Constance Jacobs to her brother, the pastor, on his
+return from Attalia, Effingham, and other places where he was required
+to go in the interest of his work. Coming up to him in her usual manner,
+she kissed him fondly, for she was not only fond of this, her only
+brother, but she was proud of him. Well she could be, for Wilson Jacobs
+was a hard, conscientious worker in the moral uplift of his people. "I
+have a surprise in store for you," she said, "and if you are comfortable
+I will tell you."
+
+"Little sister," he said, as he kissed her fondly in return, and gave
+her his undivided attention.
+
+"I hardly know how to tell you, but I have with me, someone who came
+during your absence; the most unusual to be a usual girl I have ever
+known." She then related the instance of Mildred Latham's coming, and
+the circumstance, including the book. "I have read the book that she is
+selling, and with which she seems to be very successful, in fact, she is
+so successful that I am almost persuaded to take up the work myself. The
+story is interesting; but it is not that which has caused me much
+thought, it is the girl herself.
+
+"She is a beautiful girl, intelligent, kind and winning, although she
+does not, as I can see, practice or exercise any arts to be winning. She
+is single, and does not appear to have any interest in the opposite sex,
+nor does she appear to care for any society. In fact, besides being nice
+and kind to all whom she chances to meet, she does not have any interest
+beyond the book. She is simply foolish about it, just as much so as
+though the author were her lover, and depended upon her for its success.
+
+"There is something peculiar, that is, oh, Wilson, there is something,
+just something that I cannot understand about her, that's all." She gave
+up trying to express herself for a time, and then he spoke:
+
+"In love, no doubt, and has had trouble."
+
+"Yes," she said, then shook her head. "It might be that; but if it is,
+it is an extraordinary love affair; but I am confident it is deeper than
+that. I catch her at times looking into space as though her mind were
+far away. And at these times, I have taken notice that she is sad, very
+sad. My heart goes out to her when I see her like this, because, for
+some peculiar reason, I have fallen in love with her. She found a place
+to stay, and was going to move, but I could not think of it. She is the
+sweetest companion I ever had.
+
+"I wish you would become interested in her, dear. I want you to. Perhaps
+you can get at the bottom of the mystery that surrounds her. I cannot,
+and it worries me, because I want to help her, and it hurts me when I
+feel that I cannot. She has become very much interested in your work,
+and has been helping me in the correspondence relative to the same."
+
+"When can I meet this strange person you speak of, Constance? I am
+curious, from what you have said. I gather already that she may be able
+to help us in some way in our work."
+
+"She went down the street for a walk, but will return shortly, since she
+never goes far." At that moment, steps sounded on the porch, and a
+moment later, Mildred entered quietly, and was on the way to her room,
+when Constance met her with: "Oh, Miss Latham. Please meet my brother
+who came since you went out. Miss Latham, my brother, Wilson Jacobs."
+
+"My sister has just been speaking of you, Miss Latham," said he, after
+the exchange had been made.
+
+"Indeed!" cried Mildred, smiling pleasantly upon Constance. "Your sister
+does me too much honor."
+
+"Not a bit. I am glad to know you, and shall be pleased to become better
+acquainted as time goes on. I am told that you are selling a good book.
+I have observed advertisements of the same some time ago, and will be
+delighted to read it."
+
+Mildred smiled pleasantly, hesitated, and then said: "Every one I sell
+to report that they love the book. I do myself. I think it is such a
+frank and unbiased story, and told so simply, that anyone can understand
+it; yet with a touching human interest that is, in a measure, vital to
+us all. Even persons more highly gifted can learn something from it, and
+be entertained as well."
+
+"She has sold over a hundred copies in three weeks, which I think is
+extraordinary, don't you?" said Constance at this point, whereupon
+Mildred looked slightly embarrassed. She always did when anyone spoke in
+praise of her.
+
+"Extraordinary, excellent, I should say," her brother smiled. "Where
+does she find such good customers?"
+
+"I work among the women in domestic service," Mildred explained. Wilson
+looked surprised.
+
+"Indeed! And do you find many readers among them? You have not been to
+many of the teachers?"
+
+"I have, yes; but they do not seem to take much interest in work by
+Negroes, so far as I have been able to gather. I could not say for sure,
+of course not; but I _do_ find the women in service, in great numbers,
+to be fond of reading and full of race pride. Of course, there are
+multitudes of ignorant ones who are not capable of appreciating
+literature and its value as moral uplift, but, as a whole, I am highly
+successful."
+
+Wilson Jacobs was greatly moved by his first conversation with Mildred,
+and found himself thinking about her more than once in the days that
+followed. His sister became so deeply interested in her, that after a
+week had passed, she had taken up the work also.
+
+"Do you ever play, Miss Latham?" inquired Constance a few days
+afterward, and late one afternoon, when they had returned from their
+work.
+
+"A little," Mildred admitted. "But it has been so long since I have
+touched a key, that I am sure I should be very awkward if I attempted
+it. I think you play nicely."
+
+The other laughed. "I only play when I am quite sure no one is likely to
+hear me. There is one piece I can play, and of which I am very fond. I
+heard you humming it the other day. As soon as the parlor is 'comfy,' I
+shall ask you to condescend to listen to me play it."
+
+"What piece is that? Please tell me," Mildred inquired.
+
+"Sweet Genevieve."
+
+"Oh, yes...."
+
+"Why, what is the matter, dearest?" cried Constance, hurrying toward
+her.
+
+"Nothing, nothing!" said the other, hastily mopping her nose and eyes.
+
+"Well, I'm relieved, but I thought I heard you sob, but of course you
+didn't. Of course not. Really, I begin to feel that if I don't get
+married soon, I'll become a nervous, cranky old maid."
+
+"Please don't say such things about yourself," entreated Mildred. "You
+were not mistaken. I did--ah--I sobbed--I mean I coughed. I had
+something in my throat," she concluded nervously.
+
+"I'm relieved," smiled the other, and, going to the piano, she struck
+the keys, and sang in a high contralto voice:
+
+    "O, Genevieve, I'd give the world
+       To live again the lovely past!
+     The rose of youth was dew-impearled;
+       But now it withers in the blast.
+     I see thy face in every dream,
+       My waking thoughts are full of thee;
+     Thy glance is in the starry beam
+       That falls along the summer sea."
+
+It was in the small hours of the morning when Mildred Latham's eyes
+closed in sleep. All the night through, the strains of _Sweet Genevieve_
+and what it recalled, tortured her memory, until it was from sheer
+fatigue that she did at last fall asleep.
+
+She hoped Constance would play _Sweet Genevieve_ no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN
+
+"_Do Something and You'll Find Out_"
+
+
+In Attalia, there is a street which includes all that goes with
+Ethiopian. It is called Dalton street, and along its narrow way--for it
+is narrow, and one of the oldest streets in the city--occurs much that
+is deplorable.
+
+On this selfsame street, an incident took place, in which Sidney Wyeth
+happened to figure as more than the casual observer.
+
+It was in late afternoon of a cold wet day. He had been delivering
+books, and had a considerable amount of the proceeds of the delivery in
+his pockets, when, while on the way to the office, he chanced to be
+passing down this street. He looked up, and found himself before a
+large, odd appearing structure. A uniformed man stood at the front, and,
+in passing, Wyeth paused a moment, took in the proportions of the
+building with a critical gaze, and inquired of the man what it was.
+
+The other looked at him with an expression which seemed to say: "You
+ought to know!" But grinning, he replied:
+
+"Do something and you'll damn quick find out! It's the police station."
+
+"M-m-m-m! You wouldn't be likely to find out if you didn't, I suppose,"
+he laughed, as he continued on his way.
+
+During Sidney Wyeth's bachelor life on the _Rosebud_, he had been a
+victim of the habit of going to town, and loafing the night through,
+occasionally. There had, in the beginning, been a great deal of gambling
+there, and to watch this was an absorbing pastime. It served, also, as
+he then felt, as a diversion to break the monotony of his lonesome life.
+
+Now there were places--if not gambling dens--in Attalia also, where one
+could loaf at night. When his correspondence was completed that evening,
+he felt a "Call of the Wild" in his blood, and went forth on a
+pilgrimage of this kind. In company with a chauffeur, he left for his
+room about one thirty A.M. the following morning. They had not, however,
+gone far before the clouds had gathered. They didn't see the clouds--at
+first--but the clouds saw them. They happened to be a pair of meddlesome
+bull-cops. It has been stated that the hour was about one thirty, but
+the cops said two. Moreover, they wished to know what business
+occasioned two young men to be out at such an hour.
+
+Sidney felt slightly insulted, and stepped aside to let them by, thereby
+wishing to avoid any argument. The cops stepped aside also, but to see
+that they did not get too far out of the way. Said one--and he was the
+burliest--"Well, boys, where have you been?" "Where have we been?" said
+Wyeth, to himself. "Now wouldn't that frost you!" What business of these
+men was it? They had positively not been acting suspicious, nor were
+they seen fighting, and neither were they drunk. So, then, what right
+had two burley cops to get in the way, and ask such impertinent
+questions. Sidney felt like making an indignant reply, he felt like
+fighting; then he did some quick thinking, and decided to be patient,
+answering the questions in an offhand way, and so be on his way, for he
+felt sleepy. And then, again, he observed that they wore great big
+sticks, with which they toyed idly, as they waited for reply.
+
+"Aw, knocking around." It was Wyeth who made this reply.
+
+"Aw, knockin' 'roun'," said the big cop, who had now grown ugly in the
+sight of Wyeth, and he repeated this mockingly. And now spoke the
+chauffeur, who had grown up in those parts. He was diplomatic. Said he:
+
+"I'm jes' gettin' off frum we'k, cap'n," and despite his look of truth
+and sincerity, he trembled perceptibly.
+
+Sidney observed him with a touch of disgust.
+
+"Is that so-o?" said the cop, more sneeringly now than ever. Sidney had
+enough, and started to go by, but the blue-coat blocked his way
+roughly, and cried out, with club grasped: "Where yu' been, nigger?"
+
+Wyeth was shocked beyond speech. Evidently, he had not as yet come to
+appreciate that he was otherwise than on the _Rosebud_. "Where you been,
+nigger?" came the terrible voice once more.
+
+Wyeth woke up. Moreover, he became obviously frightened. He replied--and
+lo! He was trembling also, as he cried:
+
+"What do you mean, Mr. Policeman!" He was now wild-eyed. "I'm not
+breaking the law; I have done nothing; I am on the way to my room and to
+bed. Why do you hold me up this way. I don't think I am obliged to
+answer such questions as you ask; but I have been calling, I cannot see
+that it matters where, since--"
+
+"Aw don't talk to the man lak dat," whimpered the chauffeur.
+
+"I'll knock your damned head off, nigger! What'n Hell's got int' you to
+talk to a white man like that!" He turned his face to the other who had
+not, up to then, said anything, and said: "Let's arrest them!" The other
+acquiesced. "Come on!" he roared, grabbing the chauffeur by the belt of
+his trousers, and whirling him about. The other caught Sidney likewise,
+but was more civil in the act.
+
+"Good Lord, Mister," said he to his cop, "why are you arresting us? We
+have done nothing!"
+
+"Got orders to pick up everybody after one o'clock who looks
+_suspicious_, and cannot give good accounts of themselves," he replied
+soberly.
+
+"I wish I had known it," Wyeth sighed wearily; "but I'm at least glad
+that I didn't have him lead me," he said, pointing to the cop who had
+the chauffeur.
+
+"You made him mad," grinned the patrolman. "You must not live here?"
+
+"No, Lord, and I wish at this moment I had never come."
+
+"When a white man speaks to you down here, always answer him 'sir!'" he
+advised.
+
+"I most assuredly will, if I meet any more like him," said Sidney
+meekly. After a moment of silence as they stumbled along, he said
+thoughtfully: "I hate this. I've never been arrested before in my life.
+Will they lock us up?"
+
+"Oh, sure!" the other laughed.
+
+"M-m-m-m--m!"
+
+"Jes' lemme go this time, Mister," whined the chauffeur ahead, "'n' I
+won' neve' be out late no mo'."
+
+"I'm sorry, son," said the bull-cop a little kindly, "but it's
+impossible. I o'n' think you are bad 'tall, but that other nigger's
+crooked, 'n' I know he is," he said, pointing back at Wyeth. He was
+overheard, and despite the precarious condition Wyeth realized he was
+in, he smiled.
+
+"He's sho got a bad 'pinion a-you, son," laughed Wyeth's cop.
+
+"I'll go t' bed eve' night at nine 'clock--eight 'f you say so," begged
+the chauffeur, as they neared the patrol box.
+
+While they were waiting for the "wagon," the copper with the chauffeur
+in charge turned that worthy over to the other cop, and ran across the
+street to intercept another Negro. That one happened to be a waiter who
+worked at night, and was, accordingly, allowed to go his way; but he had
+been off work since ten o'clock. Wyeth and the chauffeur had left him at
+the palm garden when they departed, but that was no argument now. The
+other went his way, whistling cheerfully, while they stood prisoners of
+the law.
+
+It was a dreadful experience for Sidney Wyeth.
+
+A mighty but familiar jingling of bells proclaimed that the "wagon" was
+on the way, and in an incredibly short time they were pushed inside. As
+the door closed, with a bigger cop than the others between the culprits
+(?) and the door, these words came to Wyeth's ears: "Idling and
+Loitering!"
+
+"Youse the cause a-this," accused the chauffeur angrily.
+
+Wyeth laughed outright.
+
+"How c'n you laf 'n' us on the way t' the lock-up!"
+
+Wyeth laughed in earnest now, while the bull smiled naively.
+
+"I wish I'd a-neve' seen you," said the other wearily.
+
+"It's vain to make such wishes now;" and then something occurred to him.
+He had been to the bank, but had, fortunately, not deposited all he had.
+"Say, Governor," he cried, "if a man should put up money when he is
+taken before the clerk, or whoever it is that receives us, would they
+allow him to return without locking him up?" His inquiry was eager. The
+other replied:
+
+"Most assuredly."
+
+"Good! How much will I have to put up to keep from being locked up?"
+
+"About ten dollars and seventy-five cents."
+
+Wyeth did some counting. "I have ten fifty. Will they let me out on
+that?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+"What you goin' do 'bout me?" put in the chauffeur.
+
+"Do about you!" said Wyeth. "What you going to do about yourself? I'm
+not your guardian."
+
+"But I ain' got bu' fifty cents," he wailed despairingly.
+
+"Then methinks you will sleep on Dalton street tonight."
+
+They had arrived at the station by this time. Wyeth recalled a few hours
+before with a feeling of awe, as he recognized the place and the words
+the man had used.
+
+"What's your name?" demanded the clerk of the chauffeur.
+
+"Boise Demon."
+
+"Yours!"
+
+Wyeth gave it, and as the clerk made a record of it, he made inquiry
+regarding a bond.
+
+"All right. Ten seventy-five."
+
+"I have but ten fifty."
+
+"See the sargent."
+
+"What's the charge?" inquired that orderly, coming forward.
+
+"Id'ling and loitering."
+
+"Let him off for ten."
+
+"Pay me out, pay me out!" trembled the chauffeur.
+
+"Shut up!" commanded Sidney. "Haven't you heard me say I had but ten
+fifty?"
+
+"Then do'n go, do'n go; stay with me!"
+
+"Like Hell, I will!" exclaimed Wyeth with a laugh. The officers standing
+about, laughed also, and said:
+
+"Don't be 'fraid, honey. You'll have lots a-company."
+
+Wyeth handed over ten dollars, and a moment later passed into the street
+where a soft rain was falling. "Jesus," he muttered; "I'm sure glad I
+kept that money." And then, ere he had got far, he heard a cell door
+clang, and thought about Demon. At the same moment, there came to his
+ears the music of many throats singing: "Don't you leave me here!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN
+
+"_Jedge L'yles' Co't_"
+
+
+Wyeth sneaked into the room without waking Thurman that morning. Nor did
+he inform him of his good fortune, when the other arose two hours later
+to go to work. He did not sleep any that night, and, since he had to be
+to the court at eight-thirty or forfeit his bond, he arose early,
+dressed, and in due time, he sat in the large theatre.
+
+Perhaps if Sidney Wyeth had suspected what would come to pass that
+morning, he would have forfeited the bond by not putting in his
+appearance; but when he put up the collateral the night before, he had
+observed a mark of respect in the officers. He was sufficiently
+acquainted with the courts from a distance, to realize that the average
+Negro brought before that tribunal--with the possible exception of a
+boot-legger--seldom brought any money or had any at home, and invariably
+went in great numbers to the stockade. Moreover, the sargent and the
+clerk, too, had advised him that he might not possibly be fined at all.
+Therefore, when he left for the court, he had no thought other than that
+he would go free, and have his money returned.
+
+"It will, of course," they had said, "depend upon how Judge Loyal feels
+when you appear."
+
+He had heard something regarding this "feeling" before. He meditated as
+he made his way in that direction. And still he recalled more of what he
+had heard, which was to the effect that if "his stomach was upset, look
+out!"
+
+He hoped Judge Loyal didn't suffer with dyspepsia or indigestion....
+
+As he neared that place he now remembered so well, he was overwhelmed
+with memories. He recalled this same court, more than ten years before.
+It was in a leading magazine. It was, moreover, he recalled, an
+interesting story, too. "Wonder if it will prove so today," he mused
+silently....
+
+And now he was inside the court room. He was early, and so were many
+others. He recalled, with another twitch of the memory, that Judge Loyal
+had presided ten years before. He would see him today. "There he is
+now," he said to himself, as an old man with white hair came upon the
+platform, and took a seat behind the bench.
+
+But it was the clerk. Judge Loyal came later, so did others, many
+others.
+
+And now all that he had read in that article many years before, suddenly
+came back to him clearly. It overwhelmed him. The article concerned that
+court--and Negroes--Negroes--Negroes--a court of Negroes. And now he was
+a part of them. Although on the outside, he felt guilty. He was supposed
+to answer when his name was called.
+
+The court room was filling rapidly. They were herded behind huge doors,
+to the left of the room. Black men and a few whites. A mass of criminal
+humanity. He shuddered. He wished now to be over and out of it as soon
+as possible. And then he experienced a cold fear. It became stronger. It
+developed until it became a chilly premonition that Judge Loyal (Jedge
+L'yles, as these Negroes called him) would be feeling badly that day.
+This feeling persisted until it became a reality.
+
+It was now eight-forty. In ten minutes court would begin. But still
+others came, and came, and came. Women and men, boys and girls--even
+children. And eighty per cent of them were Negroes, his people. Would
+they never quit coming? What manner of business did these people conduct
+that brought so many into court? And at last came the judge. He was, in
+all appearance, a young man. Evidently he was not, because Sidney had
+been told that he had been on that bench for twenty-five years.
+
+Court was then opened. Inside a fencing, many white people sat in
+chairs. Who they were, or what part of the proceeding they represented,
+he could not tell. Prisoners were then being arraigned. From somewhere,
+he did not see, but it was not from the detention room where the
+"_great_" herd was, a young Negro of striking appearance was led
+forward. He was tall and slender, and what caught the attention of
+Sidney Wyeth was, that there was nothing criminal in his appearance. He
+was about twenty-five years of age, and wore shackles about his ankles,
+as well as upon his wrists. He made a pathetic picture. Sidney listened
+carefully, as he stood before the judge, while talking in an undertone.
+He could not hear what was said, but, presently, the prisoner was led
+outside and away. He never learned what charge was made against this
+young man, although he would have liked to know.
+
+On a table that stood to one side of the bench, behind which the judge
+and clerk sat, were several cases of liquor.
+
+Evidence against some poor devil was strong, thought Wyeth.
+
+The gavel fell.
+
+The first prisoner brought forward and placed before the judge, was a
+Negro of medium size and height, and about middle age. He did not
+possess the look of a criminal either. In fact, not all of these people,
+or any great part of them, appeared to be criminal, if Sidney Wyeth had
+observed criminology correctly. Yet there was a charge, himself for
+instance. This one was charged with having been drunk and making a big
+noise.
+
+He admitted the charge.
+
+"Where did you get it," demanded Judge Loyal.
+
+"On Dalton street."
+
+"Who from?"
+
+"A nigga."
+
+"Who was he?"
+
+"A nigga."
+
+"I don't mean that. What was his name?"
+
+"Dunno."
+
+"You don't know, yet you purchased enough liquor of him to get drunk,
+whoop it up and disturb the peace of the populace."
+
+"Yassar."
+
+"Did you ever see him before?"
+
+"Nawsar."
+
+"Was it corn whiskey or rye?"
+
+"Niedda."
+
+"Well--what was it?"
+
+"Gin."
+
+"Oh! Gin...."
+
+"Sparrow Gin."
+
+"Ten dollars and cost. Next!"
+
+There was some delay before the next ones were brought forward. When
+they came, there was some anxiety. They were white men from one of the
+suburbs. As to how they happened to be in this court was a matter for
+conjecture; but the charge was fighting.
+
+A witness mounted the stand by request.
+
+"Your name is?--"
+
+"Bill Sykes."
+
+"William Sykes. Very well, William Sykes, what do you know about this
+affair? Tell it to the court."
+
+"Yer' 'onah, Judge," began Sykes, drawing his jeans coat sleeve across
+his mouth. "Yistidy I left home 'bout four a-clock 'n' come dawn to Abe
+Thomas' store, as I usually do for some t'baccer."
+
+"State what you know about this disturbance," cut in the recorder's
+voice. "The court has nothing to do about your tobacco."
+
+"Well, 's I started to say. I come down after some t'baccer.----"
+
+"Witness ordered removed from the stand. Put up the next," commanded the
+judge.
+
+Bill Sykes was summarily removed, as he muttered: "This is shore an all
+fired place to tell somethin'."
+
+"Your name is?"
+
+"Silas Harris."
+
+"Silas Harris, state briefly to the court what you know about this
+case."
+
+"Well, sir, Judge, yer 'onah. It was sho'tly afta' fo' er-clock when I
+came down to Abe Thomas' store, 's I always do to get a chaw t'baccer."
+
+The judge looked disgusted. Silas resumed.
+
+"'N' I wa'nt no morn' inside before Chris Tuttle says, says he t' me,
+'ah Si', says he t' me, ah gimme a chaw t'baccer. Then I says to him,
+says I t' him, 'ah Chris,' says I t' him, 'I ain' got no t'baccer, 'n' I
+jes' come down t' see 'f I couldn't get a chaw of'n you!' says I t' him;
+'but,' says I, says I t' him. 'I ain' got no t'baccer, Chris,' says I t'
+him; 'but I God, I got some a 's good-a ole rosin as yer ever broke a
+tooth on.'"
+
+"Case Nolle-prossed."
+
+Several Negroes were brought before the bar for various misdemeanors,
+were fined and few dismissed, while a great many were bound over. The
+next case to arouse any special attention, pertained to two white girls
+who were brought forward with drooped heads, and made a picture that
+attracted the attention of the crowd. The recorder frowned, as he
+observed then questioningly.
+
+"What's the charge?" he inquired of the officer, who presented himself
+as prosecutor.
+
+"Soliciting."
+
+"All right, prefer it."
+
+"Your honor, Judge. I found these young women hanging around Dewitt and
+Carlton streets this morning about one o'clock, and advised them to
+'beat' it. They disappeared for a spell, but at a quarter past two they
+were out again, and I heard them and saw them accost several men who
+happened to be coming from work. Presently a couple halted, and a few
+minutes later the four disappeared within a rooming house. I had been
+watching this house, and was positive it was crooked. I followed them a
+little later, and when I was inside, I looked about for a clerk and
+register that I did not find. Then I overheard talking in low tones in a
+couple of the rooms. When I knocked on the door, all was quiet and the
+doors were not opened. I then demanded the doors be opened in the name
+of the law. A scrambling followed, I heard windows go up, and a little
+later men hit the ground below. When I entered the rooms I found these
+young women alone, and put them under arrest."
+
+The court room was very silent. All eyes were upon the prisoners. The
+fact that the girls were both beautiful seemed to provoke the judge, and
+he was very cold of demeanor.
+
+"What excuse have you to offer for such acts of indiscretion?" he
+inquired presently, and eyed them severely.
+
+They both burst out crying and clung to each other, which made a very
+pathetic picture. "We wasn't doing anything, Mr. Judge. Not anything. We
+lived there and the men were our husbands," said one, while the other
+cried woefully. The recorder eyed them critically, before speaking in a
+tone of extreme severity:
+
+"Why, then, did they jump out the windows and run away.... Don't you
+think that was very cowardly for _husbands_?"
+
+"O-oh," they cried now like two poor souls about to enter purgatory.
+They almost made others cry, too. But the judge was unbending. He looked
+forbidding, and as cold as steel as he said:
+
+"Young women like you two should exercise more discretion. If you _must_
+conduct yourselves to the disgrace of the community in such manner, you
+should keep off the streets with your _men_ at such ungodly hours. I am,
+therefore, going to impose a fine of $10 and costs upon each of you for
+delinquency. Next!"
+
+"Boise Demon and Sidney Wyeth!" called the clerk with his eyes on the
+docket.
+
+The pair now stood facing the court.
+
+"Your Honor," began the officer, who had Wyeth in charge the night
+before, preferring the charge, "we found these fellows at two o'clock
+this morning, going in the direction of Warren street. And since, as you
+know, we have orders to intercept all people whose appearance is
+suspicious, and since they failed to give an account of themselves that
+was satisfactory, we considered it expedient to place them under
+arrest."
+
+The recorder nodded his acquiescence.
+
+"Your name?" he inquired of the chauffeur.
+
+"Boise Demon."
+
+"And yours?" of Wyeth.
+
+"What's your occupation, Demon?"
+
+"I'm a chauffeur 'n' wo'ks fo' Mr. Baron Ciders. You know him. 'Es mah
+boss. 'Es got a office in the--"
+
+"Why weren't you at home in bed ten hours before you were charged with
+being on the street?" he demanded.
+
+Demon's jaw fell. Sidney looked discouraged.
+
+It was a self-evident fact now that Judge Loyal's stomach was out of
+order....
+
+Demon's excuse was a variation that failed to impress the judge as being
+the truth. Wyeth languidly resigned himself to the inevitable.
+
+"What is your occupation, Wyeth?" he now turned his gaze upon Sidney.
+
+He was told.
+
+"What's your excuse for being upon the streets at two A.M.?"
+
+"Nothing!" calmly.
+
+The judge regarded him in silence, while the pair waited for the
+sentence. Still the judge paused. As he did so, Wyeth heard him belch
+slightly, as if decided. A moment later came the words:
+
+"Fine you fellows $5 and costs. You must keep off the street loafing
+about all night. Next!"
+
+They were turned about automatically, and then Wyeth found himself
+looking down on a low, deformed creature. He had been told about him
+also, and why he was deformed.
+
+It had come about during a terrific race riot of a few years before, and
+the incident will ever live in the history of Attalia. It was then this
+creature became crippled. He was, at the time, one of the strongest and
+most capable officers on the force. But, upon being sent to make an
+arrest, he happened onto a "bad" Negro, run amuck. He was, to say the
+least, however, far more fortunate than a dozen others, for they had
+been sent to their happy hunting ground before the riot was quelled.
+Since then, he had acted as a sort of bailiff.
+
+Peeping up at Wyeth he said: "You have up collateral, do you not?"
+
+"Pay me out, pay me out!" cried Demon, at this point.
+
+Wyeth nodded.
+
+"Then you step aside, and follow the officer downstairs to the clerk's
+office," he instructed.
+
+"Pay me out, pay me out!" from Demon again.
+
+Wyeth frowned and pinched him good. "I wish to confer in regard to this
+fellow," said he to hunchy, as they were being waited for.
+
+In the detention room, Demon secured a loan of fifty cents from another
+miscreant, and a moment later, they stood before the clerk.
+
+When the fines had been paid, the officer said: "Now Demon, you can go,
+but I am ordered to hold Wyeth as a suspicious character."
+
+"Well I'll be damned!" was all Wyeth said.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Take me at once before him," he cried, when they were again in the
+court room, at the same time flashing his check book which he had placed
+in his pocket for precautionary measures. Demon had followed them
+gratefully back up the stairs, and now stood about muttering in a low
+tone: "Ain' that Hell, _ain' that Hell_!" Wyeth motioned him aside,
+resolutely.
+
+Once more he stood before his Honor. Upon recognizing him, the recorder
+looked at the officer with a question. His face had cleared of the frown
+it wore some time before, and Wyeth concluded his stomach was better.
+
+The officer preferred the charge, whereupon he looked at Wyeth keenly.
+Wyeth made a motion. It was granted.
+
+"I dislike, very much, your Honor, to be kept in this court room so
+unceremoniously. I am no criminal, and my time is worth something. Now
+if I may be permitted to put up more money, I have just paid a fine for
+being out late for myself, as well as for another, and go my way until
+this thing is done with, I'll appreciate it."
+
+"Very well. Twenty-five dollars."
+
+Wyeth paid it, and never returned to take it down.
+
+When he got back to his room after it was all over, thirty-six dollars
+to the bad, he opened the book of resolutions and recorded therein:
+
+"Resolved! That to give heed to the 'Call of the Wild' in Attalia, is a
+very expensive diversion, albeit a lesson; therefore, henceforth, twelve
+o'clock will find me in the land of nod."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE
+
+_A Jew_; _a Gentile_; _a Murder_--_and Some More_
+
+
+"Look here, kid, they tell me they had you," jollied Spoon, when he saw
+Wyeth that evening at Hatfield's ice cream parlor.
+
+"You're breaking into print," laughed "Bubber" Hatfield, unfolding a
+green sheet, _The Searchlight_, a sensational four-page afternoon
+affair, which made a specialty of court news, and which most colored
+people read. They are fond of such news.
+
+Frowning, while all those standing about laughed, he took the sheet and
+read:
+
+     NEGRO FROM THE NORTH WAS SURPRISED
+
+In a few colored paragraphs, it described his appearance before the
+recorder. And in conclusion, it had these trite words, purported to have
+been said by him: "Dey don' have dem kind of laws up norf."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following Saturday, he dropped into Tompkins' and was introduced to
+a man who impressed him considerably. At the first glance, he could see
+he was not a southerner. Before he made his acquaintance, he overheard
+him discussing books with Tompkins, and when he heard him speaking of
+the latest works of fiction, he opened his ears. To hear a Negro in
+Attalia discussing novels, the late ones, was something new to him; in
+fact, he had heard the most of those he met discuss but one, a salacious
+one from the pen of a noted English author and playwright, and which
+cannot be had at the libraries, but is, nevertheless, a masterpiece.
+
+He grasped his hand cordially, and they at once entered into
+conversation. His name was Edwards. "This gentleman," explained
+Tompkins, "is the author of the book you and your friend were looking
+at this afternoon." Edwards' eyebrows went up with considerable
+pleasure, as he cried in a voice that was, to say the least, cordial:
+
+"Indeed! I am honored to meet a real author." Sidney, however, was much
+embarrassed. He disliked to be pointed out as an author among his
+people. The most of those he met had impressed him with the feeling that
+an author must be something extraordinary, and were usually disappointed
+to find them only human beings like themselves. Edwards, however, was
+not only an individual of good breeding, but one with perspective, and
+quite capable of appreciating an effort, regardless of what the
+attainment might be.
+
+Sidney had met few of his race, but who seemed to feel that to write was
+to be graduated from a school, with a name that was a fetish, and to be
+likewise a professor in some college. In order to get material and color
+for a work, they had not yet come to realize that it was best, and much
+more original as well, to come in contact with the people and observe
+their manner of living.
+
+This may account, in a large degree, for the fact that so many whom he
+met were impractical, even badly informed.
+
+Edwards and he became agreeable acquaintances at once. "Come take dinner
+with me this evening," Edwards invited, grasping Wyeth's arm, and
+leading him into the restaurant next door, where he had already ordered
+dinner. And such a meal! Wyeth had not realized that it was in the range
+of possibilities for the little place to prepare such a one. Moreover,
+to say that Edwards knew how to order would be putting it mildly. He
+spared no cost obviously, since the meal came to $3.75. Wyeth felt
+guilty, when he recalled that he ate three times a day at the same
+place, the kind termed "half meals," and which came to fifteen cents
+per.
+
+Before they had sat long, Edwards' friend came to the table. And of all
+the Negroes Sidney had met, this one was the most extraordinary. The son
+of a Japanese mother and a Negro father, he had been educated abroad.
+He spent his youth in Asia, lived a portion of his life in Japan, the
+remainder in America and was a Buddhist. One Negro at least who didn't
+spell "ligon."
+
+History and science, from the beginning of time--before Adam whom he
+scorned, astronomy, astrology, meteorology, the zodiac and the
+constellations, in fact, he seemed to know everything. Sidney, anxious
+always to learn what he did not know, could only sit with mouth wide
+open, while the other declared Jesus of Nazareth, Noah, the flood, Adam
+and Eve, and all the rest, the biggest liars the world ever knew.
+
+When Sidney had occasion to speak of him to religious Negroes in
+after-months, they would say: "Shucks! He couldn't a-convinced me
+'gainst mah Jaysus." And he would then be sorry. Sidney "believed" as
+much as any one else of moderate intelligence, and his acquaintance with
+the unusual Negro had no effect whatever upon him as a believer; but he
+knew that many of those who professed so much faith in "Jaysus" and
+cried: "We is God fearin' fo'kes," were mere "feelers" who had no
+thought of God whatever, in the sense he should be regarded and
+respected. Indeed, they did not fear him. They feared but one thing,
+these black people, and that was the white man, which belongs to another
+chapter.
+
+"I grant all you say to be quite possible, my dear sir," said he, when
+the other paused in his serious discourse; "but, having been raised to
+the Christian faith, I am, therefore, a hopeless believer. I do,
+nevertheless, respect your point of view and your faith, and am glad
+indeed to have met you," which ended it.
+
+Edwards proved to be a graduate of Yale, and was well informed in every
+way, as Sidney suspected.
+
+He had always found it this way. The great fault he was finding daily
+with those of his race, was that they did not read, did not observe, and
+were not informed in the many things they could just as well have known.
+
+As the days went by, Sidney's friendship with Edwards developed to the
+point, where Edwards insisted upon paying half the rent for the
+privilege of loafing in the office whenever he was at leisure. Sidney
+did not inquire his business, or what he was engaged in; but his
+curiosity was aroused nevertheless. His friend always had plenty of
+money and spent it not foolishly, but freely. He never permitted Wyeth
+to pay for anything, and he never ate a meal that came to less than two
+dollars.
+
+After a few days, another fellow joined him, who, while surrounded with
+an air of mystery, did not happen to possess so much apparent education.
+His name was Smyles, and he purported to be from Boston. At the same
+time acknowledged Alabama to be his birth place. He still carried the
+accent. He was dark of visage, had long legs, and wore trousers around
+them, which appeared never to have been pressed. (Wyeth wondered why
+some of the many pressing clubs did not kidnap him alive.) His head was
+small and obviously hard, and he wore his top hair so closely cropped,
+that no one could quite describe what kind it was.
+
+Now Smyles was a sport, likewise a spender, and, moreover, with money
+a-plenty to spend. And, as the days passed and Wyeth became better
+acquainted with him, he learned that he was "mashed" on the girls to a
+considerable degree. For instance: There was Lucy, who waited on them at
+Miss Payne's cafe, who got "crazy" about him. He did about her, too, for
+awhile, at least he pretended to. Then he became interested likewise in
+another who had "better hair" than Lucy. Thereupon Lucy became "mad"
+with jealousy, and threatened to do something "awful." She didn't, so we
+leave her to her fate, and go on with Smyles who becomes, for the
+present, the hero of this story.
+
+"Smyles is a great fellow," remarked Sidney humorously to Edwards, one
+day.
+
+"Isn't he the limit?" said Edwards, with a touch of disgust.
+
+"All the girls are liking him," resumed Sidney, enjoying the
+conversation and discussion.
+
+"Takes with all the kitchen mechanics, and anything else that wears a
+skirt." Edwards had dignity, a great deal of it, Wyeth had come now to
+know. He was plainly disgusted. Sidney went on.
+
+"Has lots of money to spend, which makes it exceedingly convenient."
+
+"He's the luckiest coon in town," said Edwards thoughtfully.
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"Shoots craps I think."
+
+"And wins, evidently."
+
+That Wyeth might not gather an adverse opinion of him--or rather, a
+questionable one, Edwards had informed him that he was connected with a
+northern philanthropic organization. Wyeth assumed that he was connected
+with something of the kind, and that he was actually the recipient of
+plenty of the dispensation. Every Monday he would go uptown, and return
+with a roll. Most of this would be spent by the next Monday, which was
+unusual.
+
+He didn't gamble, but better light will be thrown on this later.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+About a year before, there had been committed in Attalia, a most
+dastardly murder. A man, a Jew he was, had killed a little girl, a
+gentile. This murder had occasioned more comment in those sections, than
+had anything in the way of crime for a decade. We stated that the Jew
+had killed the girl; it should have been said that he was _accused_ of
+having killed her.
+
+This was the state of affairs in regard to the murder at the time of our
+story. Notwithstanding the fact that the Jew was accused of the murder,
+the charge against him, and the public sentiment in particular, had
+reached a very serious stage. It would have been very serious for any
+one to be accused of such a crime in those parts, be she gentile,
+Jewess, or anyone with a white face.
+
+The body of this girl had been found in the basement of a factory, at
+which she was employed at a very small wage, foully murdered. It was a
+mystery at first, as to who was the murderer. A Negro had been arrested
+and charged with the crime. It appeared that he was surely guilty; but
+he wasn't--at least so it was decided shortly afterwards. It was
+confidentially whispered about town to this day, and may be for all
+time, that he was a lucky Negro, too. Because, with the way they treat
+Negroes accused of doing much less serious things in a part of this
+country, he was fortunate to have been accused in Attalia, where
+protection is quite ample now, and not in some of the smaller
+places--but we are digressing.
+
+Evidently he was not felt to be guilty, and, moreover, since suspicion
+was quickly diverted to the Jew. And yet he, the Negro, had been
+discovered in the back yard of the factory, washing a bloody shirt. Such
+incriminating evidence! For some reason, the people could not seem to
+bring themselves to feel that the Negro had sense enough to kill the
+girl, had he wished to. He was put through a severe examination of some
+length, and finally confessed to having helped the real murderer
+dispose, or try to dispose of the body after it was all over. It was, of
+course, duly found and as duly buried. It was, thereafter, exhumed two
+or three times, as evidence for the state. The Jew was discovered acting
+very peculiarly a few days after the murder. So they had taken him into
+custody to ascertain the cause of these actions. Accusations followed,
+and he was in time brought before the high tribunal on a charge of
+murder, convicted and sentenced to be hanged until dead, however long
+that might be. The date of execution was set for a day, which happened
+to be the same day a year later, than that upon which he was supposed to
+have committed the deed.
+
+Thus our story found it.
+
+Sentencing a man to be hanged, and hanging him, however, are two very
+different things. Yet the court persisted. It was determined to carry
+out the decision of the jury of "twelve good men and true,"[A] this Jew,
+scion of Jacob, of Israel, of Solomon, and Job, and others, had money at
+his back, plenty of it, as we shall see presently; and they were
+spending it lavishly, to save his neck, which was long. Perhaps that
+explains what came to pass later.
+
+    [A] Author's Note: The usual term applied to juries is, "Twelve good
+    men and true."
+
+The counsel for the defense hired a detective, _A Great Detective_. The
+greatest detective in all the world. No one can deny this, since he said
+so himself, at least this is how he was quoted by a paper, which, for
+the purpose of this story, we shall call the "Big Noise." It was a
+"noise," too. But, to get back to the detective, _The Great Detective_.
+
+The leading papers corroborated the fact that he was the greatest in the
+world, and so he shall be, in this story, as well. We are compelled to
+quote the "Big Noise" again. It claimed, very urgently, that these
+papers were paid to corroborate the detective. So be it.
+
+The leading dailies and the greatest detective in the world got
+together, with a view to obtaining a new trial for the Jew, after which
+they hoped, of course, in some subtle manner, to extricate him from his
+very embarrassing predicament.
+
+The detective did the posing, and he was _some_ poser, and the papers
+did the rest. The most obstinate proposition which they were up against,
+was that the people believed the Jew to be guilty, but naturally read
+the papers.
+
+Now The Great Detective's picture had been seen by almost everybody who
+read, or ever had read anything, so we must appreciate that he was a
+familiar figure. But, in addition to what had occurred in regard to the
+detective, more came to pass. Pages of the Sunday edition were devoted
+to his cut, and other pages to his ability as a mystery solver. From the
+way the papers wrote of him and reproduced his pose, he made Sherlock
+Holmes, Raffles, Arsene Lupin, and even Nick Carter, look like thirty
+cents with the three invisible.
+
+He began, in opening the case, a series of angles. At first, of course,
+he viewed it from an Attalia angle. Forthwith, after this, he went to
+Chicago and viewed it from a windy angle. From St. Louis, he viewed it
+from a "show me" angle; and while he was out that way, he chased across
+to Kansas City, and saw it from that angle. And 'ere anyone was aware of
+it, he had crossed the prairies to Denver, and viewed it from a mountain
+angle. Behold then, upon picking up the morning paper, where the great
+detective has reached New York, and was viewing the case from that
+angle; but space will not permit of recording further these many angles
+indulged in by _the greatest detective in the world_, for the defendant
+in the case of the state versus the Jew.
+
+All of these angles were followed with much color by the Attalia papers.
+Moreover, papers elsewhere mysteriously took up the Jew's cause, by
+following the angles of the detective. All except the "Big Noise." It
+was busy viewing the detective from its angle. But it was not, of
+course, endowed with such an abundance of readers, therefore, for the
+time, it was not noticed much. It was later, however.
+
+Now we come to the most extraordinary phase of the case, leaving the
+prisoner in his cell for the present.
+
+While all this angling was going on, witnesses who had testified for the
+state, and whose testimony had resulted disasterously for the defendant,
+began to come up mysteriously, with affidavits to the effect that what
+they had sworn to was a falsehood, no, a lie! Many of them declared, in
+these affidavits, that they were inspired to make these statements, that
+they might face their God with the truth on their lips! The city became
+chaotic. No one had even suspected that the city possessed such people.
+This renouncing of testimony developed into an almost everyday affair.
+"Everybody was doin' it". So it came to pass, in an incredibly short
+time, that almost every one who had supplied damaging testimony against
+the Jew, had renounced it.
+
+The newspapers were the most interesting things to read in Attalia
+during this spell. But more mysteries followed in due order. Every one
+who produced, or had produced an affidavit, renouncing his or her
+previous testimony, became automatically prosperous, no, we'll have to
+change this statement. They did, and again they didn't. Alas! Some had
+not received all they had been mysteriously promised, it seems. And
+still others, unaccustomed to wealth, and feeling that money is
+rightfully the medium for the good things they had never been able to
+enjoy, including liquor, proceeded to fulfill this long felt desire. So,
+many got drunk. And, trust John Barleycorn to do the rest, they imparted
+secrets to their near friends. And then, of course, the friends imparted
+such illuminating information to their friends, whereupon it was duly
+imparted, in time, to the people through the paper.
+
+Truth combined with a conscience, is always a danger, a menace to
+falsity. And, of course, not every one possesses the strength to stand
+on a falsehood, therefore--and in an incredibly short time--affidavits
+began to be voluntarily offered by these many, to the effect that the
+renunciation was a falsehood; the original testimony was true, quite
+true. Accompanying many of these latter affidavits, was money.
+
+We are reminded at this point of Judas and the thirty pieces of silver.
+
+Conspicuous throughout the trial, and conducting the prosecution, was
+one Doray, the solicitor, and he was there, very much so. Doray became
+quite busy about this time. He had ambition, and was being mentioned for
+the governorship. So the state, with its many poor people and slim
+treasury, labored relentlessly in the prosecution, while the purse of
+the Jew seemed to have no limit.
+
+We return to _The Great Detective_, the greatest one in all the world.
+
+Naturally, when he began, with the reputation he possessed, with the
+notorious angling, with hundreds of newspapers all over the country
+supporting him, and from the fact that he had uncovered many dark plots,
+many people took notice. A half dozen extra editions was the average per
+day, but some days they reached a dozen, all replete with subtle
+mystery. The populace lived in an ecstacy of expectation. They were
+hurdled between so many conflictions, until they knew not what they were
+expecting. But, as the days went by and the mystery deepened, they
+glared dry-eyed at the headlines of the many extras, expecting at last
+that the greatest detective in the world would lead forth a diabolical
+creature otherwise than the Jew, declaring, and subsequently proving him
+to be the murderer.
+
+He did, but he was not a man of mystery.
+
+The announcement came in a blazing morning extra. Shops were forgotten,
+people gathered upon the streets, blocked the corners, and everything
+became a medley of excitement, as the news became general.
+
+"The real murderer of a little innocent girl has been found!"
+
+The population waited in abated breath. In the order in which he had
+reported, or as had been reported by the papers, the detective set a day
+upon which he would point, with the forefinger of his right hand,
+straight to the murderer.
+
+The day would never come, everybody seemed to feel. All the anxiety
+attendant during the trial, before as well as after, for it must be
+understood that the Jew had not been seen to kill the girl, was lived
+over again during this spell. But at last the mighty day came. It was a
+dark, drizzly, gloomy, forlorn day. Just the kind for what was now the
+order in Attalia. On this day, the people now felt, the real murderer
+would be placed in the lime light. The detective had declared, a few
+days after he had been retained and put on the case, that the Jew was
+innocent. Moreover, he declared that the prosecution, abetted by public
+sentiment, had been affected in its decision, by the worst of all that
+is inherent in our advanced society, race prejudice. He lied here--and
+knew it. There is no prejudice in Attalia against any race but one, of
+which we will pass. In addition, he flaunted in the face of the people,
+the idea of perversion on the part of the Jew, of which the latter had
+been accused. This accusation had been advanced as the only excuse for
+the murder, of which he stood accused. But the real murderer was that
+day announced as per reports.
+
+"Jim Dawkins," cried the detective, "killed that girl! So now, free this
+poor man thou hast persecuted these many months, and hang that murderer,
+that beast, that pervert, for he is guilty!"
+
+It was some time before the people recovered. Many of them had to pinch
+themselves to be quite sure they were awake; for it was positively
+incredible, after all this waiting, after all this angling, after all
+the mystery, that this detective, the greatest one in all the world, by
+his own admission and that of the press, should come right back to where
+the case had begun.
+
+Jim Dawkins was the Negro accused in the first instance.
+
+And now we hear from the "Big Noise"--and it made some noise now.
+Moreover, the public, with a relief from their long tension, began to
+hear it. Its editor had once run for president, on a ticket we cannot
+recall; moreover, he had the reputation of being opposed to every man
+elected to anything in the state and the United States. This included
+the democrats, of whom he, although a southerner, was not one.
+
+The people now bought and read his paper with as much eagerness as they
+had the others, in the beginning.
+
+_The Great Detective_ was absent for a week following his sensational
+discovery. (?) Then he returned, but alas! The day of angles had become
+contagious, as we shall see presently.
+
+Following his return, he happened to go to a nearby town to view the
+case from that angle. This town happened to have been the home of the
+murdered girl. So, when the great detective whirled into town, seated in
+the tonneau of a huge automobile, they proceeded at once to entertain
+him with true southern chivalry. (?)
+
+A night extra told all about it, before he had returned to Attalia,
+which was marvelous, when one considers this place was only twenty miles
+away, and from reports, the car took its highest speed on the return, at
+least it did in leaving the other town. But, lest we forget, the eggs
+used at this entertainment could not all have been guaranteed as the
+freshest. And with a few more words, we leave this story.
+
+Shortly after this, Edwards and Smyles took their leave. Wyeth missed
+them considerably, for he had grown very fond of them about the office.
+When they were far, far away, the mystery connected with their
+occupation was still unsolved. Then, one day while Sidney was folding up
+an old newspaper, his eye happened to fall upon an article of two
+paragraphs. It related to an incident that cleared up the whole thing,
+and was to the effect that, while doing some sleuthing on the ground
+floor, Smyles had, after refusing to explain the occasion of his
+mysterious action, been arrested and locked up for an hour, at the end
+of which the great detective had come forward and got him out.
+
+"Well, I'll be blowed!" exclaimed Sidney, for it revealed that his two
+friends were detectives, in the employ of the noted chief, and hired, no
+doubt, to view the case from a "dark" angle. But the most extraordinary
+part of it all, was that their names were not Smyles nor Edwards either,
+but--I guess it doesn't matter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN
+
+"_Cause Nigga's 's Gittin' so Rich_"
+
+
+In the building to the furthest end from where Wyeth's office was now
+located, he observed a man one day. He was standing in front of the
+bank. He was a white man, and was tall and slender, while his complexion
+was sandy, his hair red and awry. His eyes were keen and piercing. "A
+collector," thought Sidney, for there were so many about the building,
+especially on Monday, and this was the day. He lurked in the entry on
+Tuesday, when Wyeth passed that way. "Must be a contractor, the way he
+is studying the inside of the bank," mumbled Wyeth, as he took the
+elevator upward.
+
+Wednesday came, gray and gloomy, and then it rained. It was four o'clock
+and thirty minutes in the afternoon. Sidney passed through the entry to
+the elevator on his way to the office of Dickson, and again the man
+stood there. He had drawn no conclusion as to what was the occasion of
+this presence, when from behind came a sound. He did something else
+then. So did others about him.
+
+"Throw up your hands, nigger, and get into that vault!" came a command.
+
+It was from the man he had seen, and he was holding up the bank.
+
+There was a silence, followed by a scuffle, then a lull, and a shot, and
+still later,--for the shot went wild, landing in the ceiling where it
+cracked the plastering, and made bits of it fall upon a score of
+frightened Negroes--a thud. This had not gone amiss. There was a groan
+and a dull sound, as some one sank to the floor. This part was witnessed
+by Wyeth and others. It was the teller, and the son of the bank's
+president. On the floor he lay bleeding, while the other was standing
+frightened over him. Then he looked up. Open-mouthed like dumb
+creatures, Negros of all shades, including the green, stood about. And
+then the man seemed to awaken to the emergency, and the danger.
+
+Those Negroes would not be dumb for all time. He sensed this aright. And
+then he took initiative, action. With a flash, he fired off the huge
+gun, and with a leap and a bound, he came forth, while Negroes, black
+and brown, yellow and green, and some white, fell back upon each other,
+in a hurry. He had plenty of room, for a time, and made use of it. Out
+into the hallway he must perforce come on his way to the street, and
+freedom. He started, but one little moment he hesitated. Then, firing
+again, he made his great rush. Through the hallway he dashed, and
+entered the street through a side door that was open before him. A
+moment later he was gone.
+
+But so were the others.
+
+They were led by a barber, who shaved black faces next door. He was a
+mulatto with a flat nose, which made his appearance grotesque. With a
+roar like that of a mad guerilla, he ran in hot pursuit. Away they went,
+all of them now, including Wyeth.
+
+The barber led the others by far, and in his hand, open for action, was
+a razor. It seemed quite large to Wyeth as it glistened in the sunlight,
+for the day had cleared. Perhaps he was seeing double, but he followed
+while the "victim"--which we shall call the other--preceded the other
+only slightly. The barber was breaking wind now, but gaining
+nevertheless.
+
+As Wyeth followed in that dark pursuit, a picture of the possible
+consequences rose before him. This Negro, scion of two races, embittered
+by an instance in our history that will never die, was wild. Blood, blue
+blood, it was he thirsted. All the hatred of a thousand or more years
+was now privileged, by the unwritten law, to give vent. This other has
+attempted crime--the robbery of the people's where-with-all. To kill him
+now was to get revenge, revenge upon those who have long since died--and
+go scott free!
+
+Perhaps the other appreciated this point of view.
+
+He rushed pellmell, wildly through the street he came into, and turned
+at the end up another that led, whither, he did not take time to think
+or to consider. It seemed impossible for the man to escape dire
+consequences, as Sidney Wyeth saw him now. He wished he could save him,
+but he did not know how. Only a few steps ahead, the culprit led the
+other. It was only a question of minutes--a minute. And then--horrors!
+
+Up this new street, which happened to be Herald, they went, and closer
+and closer the Negro came to the victim. He was breaking wind fearfully.
+A block had been covered, when, ahead to the left stood a laundry with
+doors wide open. Then, suddenly, when abreast of it, the victim plunged
+into it, but so did the barber. Others followed, and workers fell back
+amazed. To the rear the chase led, and then, lo! A brick wall faced the
+victim, with a closed door only. This door could not be opened in time!
+That appeared to settle it! The poor creature, frightened out of his
+wits, fell to the floor, and then rose to one knee, with hands stretched
+Heavenward. At last the end had come. The Negro now, the picture of
+which our pen cannot describe, stood over him with razor upraised, and
+eyes dancing with murder like huge coals of fire. "Don't cut me with
+that razor, Mister," the victim whimpered. He pushed the other back
+until he was against the door. For the first time in his life, Sidney
+Wyeth was to see a man killed. One moment he looked. The sunlight played
+through a transom window, falling strangely upon the blade of that
+poised razor. He closed his eyes to shut out the fearful sight. The next
+moment, he opened them as he heard a noise--a momentous instant. It was
+the opening of the door, against which the victim had been pushed.
+
+A moment later, the two went over the steps a-tumble, below; but the
+razor had flown in a direction which they had not gone, and the tension
+was relieved.
+
+Soon, the victim emerged from the rear, and another chase began; but the
+razored Negro was then far to the rear. He eluded his pursuers for a
+moment during the mix-up. But suddenly in chorus they cried:
+
+"Dere 'e goes, cetch 'im!"
+
+The crowd had now grown to a mob, a sullen mob. They cried out in loud
+tones for blood, blue blood; but the culprit was illusive. A street car
+was passing, and into it he vaulted. "I've shot a coon," he cried; "and
+the niggers are after me!" The car lunged forward as the mob reached the
+door, whereupon they looked into the muzzle of a revolver held in the
+hand of the conductor, as he commanded: "Stand back!" They did, but 'ere
+he had gone far, there came to his ears from the crowd in the rear:
+
+"'S robbed d' bank! 'Es robbed d' bank!"
+
+The conductor immediately rang to stop. The victim rang to go forward.
+The motorman obeyed the former, and the car slowed down. The victim
+leaped off before it came to a halt, while at the rear, the mob, howling
+like a bunch of savages, came on in mad fury.
+
+Then he tore across the street to where an old man, with bent shoulders
+and flowing white beard, sat half asleep in a buggy. He rushed to the
+side of this, and permitted the old relic to smell the muzzle, as he
+cried: "Unload!" The old man did, in a pile. The victim jumped in, and,
+jerking the whip from the socket, brought the old horse, half asleep
+also, to appreciate the state of affairs, by dealing him a blow that
+made his tail stick out, as his legs speeded up the street. The crowd
+roared diabolically, as they saw themselves being left to the rear; but
+many on bicycles gave chase, and followed in close pursuit. He suddenly
+drew his revolver, and let go the trigger, which made a flash, point
+blank in their midst. That settled it. One fell to the street with a
+sad, sickening cry, an arm limp at his side. The others gave up, turned
+back, and quickly went the other way.
+
+And then he disappeared.
+
+Wyeth had returned to the scene of the opening--so had the rest. And the
+crowd, combined with those who had gathered about the bank in the
+meantime, filled Audubon Avenue the entire length of the building, a
+block and a half on the side. All was uproar. Report followed report,
+and each flashed through the crowd with much comment. He had, so the
+news ran, been captured here, and everywhere. As it stood, he had not
+been captured at all. Opinions, expressions, conclusions and rejections
+were in order on all sides. One was to the effect that the big banks
+uptown, conducted by "whi' fo'kes," had conspired the deal on account of
+fear, "'cause nigga's 's a-gittin so rich 'n 'a-posit'n they money in
+the cullud bank, ontell dem whi' fo'kes done 'trigued' and got dat low
+down po' whi' man t' come and tri' t' frustrate us 'spectable cullud
+fo'kes." And again there came to the ears of Sidney another report, and
+this was one of graver concern.
+
+"Robbers 'roun' a-stealin' d' money, go'n be fus' one dare in d' mawnin'
+t' draw mine out!"
+
+"Gwan, you fool nigga! Yu' ain' got nothin' in dere; 'n' yu' aut a-be
+run outta town fo' talkin' lak dat!"
+
+"Who dat obber dare, da' whi' man dressed so 'maculete wi' du soft hat?"
+
+"Dat's Judson, d' 'porter on d' Jou'nal."
+
+"Who dat udder one wi' a big nose 'n' dark 'plection!"
+
+"Ain' you ebber been 'rested, nigga, 'n' up a-fo' Jedge Ly'l's, 'n' seen
+'im a-hangin' 'roun'? Dat's Jempsy, d' putective."
+
+"Lis'n! lis'n! Wha' dat! Dey has captured 'im!" Forthwith, to another
+point they rushed, through a bunch collected around the barber, who was
+then telling and retelling "'Ow close ah come t' gittin' 'im."
+
+It was not a report this time, but the ambulance that was taking the
+wounded teller to his home. The sight of him, with bandaged head as a
+result of the attempt, served to renew the local race animosity.
+
+"Ah sho 's go'n kill me a whi' man, so 'elp me Jaysus!" muttered a
+dinge, as the carriage passed him by, while all about dark faces scowled
+ominously.
+
+Darkness was approaching, when an authentic report came at last, to the
+ears of the crowd. The would-be robber had really been captured, and it
+was the papers that gave forth the news.
+
+His name, so he said, was Rhynata, a "vaudevillian," who hailed from
+Denver. His capture had been thus:
+
+When he had eluded the mob, by holding up the old man for his horse and
+buggy, he followed that street for only a block, when he turned into
+another. After the crowd was lost, he left the buggy, and walked
+hurriedly up the street, turned a corner, and disappeared in the
+basement of a house.
+
+A plainclothes man, some while later, happened to pass that way in
+trying to locate him, and followed him therein. When he got to the
+second story, he came into a room where a woman was bathing, with a damp
+towel, the head of a man in bed. He backed up, begging pardon, and
+turned to leave. As he was passing a dresser, in a half open drawer, his
+eye espied a revolver which his hand forthwith touched. The barrel was
+warm, which told the rest of the story.
+
+The settlement began the next day before Judge Loyal. His court room was
+filled that day, but the greatest crowd was outside. The man was duly
+identified as the culprit, by many, including the Negro with the razor,
+was as duly bound over under a bond that no one cared to go, and a few
+months later was brought to trial, convicted on two charges, and
+subsequently sent to the chain gang for five years.
+
+He should have much of that yet to serve, but he escaped--rather, he
+walked away a few months later, and has not been intercepted at the time
+of this writing--but this is not our story.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEEN
+
+_And Then Came Slim_
+
+
+Wintertime had flown, and over all the country, springtime had
+blossomed. On one of those beautiful days, Slim came to the office of
+Sidney Wyeth. His real name was V.R. Coleman, but, since he was so tall
+and slender, to Wyeth, "Slim" seemed more appropriate, particularly when
+the other did not object. This name, however, was applied sometime
+later, and not on this particular day.
+
+In Dixie there are many original characters, and this has made it the
+source of humor. Undoubtedly, the Negro is the background of most of it,
+and justly plays the part. Conspicuous among these original characters,
+there is a particular class of men who will work from the time frost
+falls in November, until the birds sing again in the last days of March.
+When the smell of the honeysuckle, and the buzz of the bee become a part
+of the day, they succumb to an inevitable longing to mingle, and become
+"human" bees themselves. So, by the time May has arrived, and spring
+chickens are large enough to fry, they go forth to the open, choosing
+many varied ways--but always an easy one--of living until the leaves
+begin to fall again.
+
+Most of these men preach; for, since the beginning of the present order,
+this has been the easiest way. No learning, of course, is required, so
+long as they can spell "ligon" and preach "dry bones." Of course, if the
+character is a good "feeler," with the magnetism, sufficient eloquence,
+and a severe frown with it, he "gets by" much easier. Conditions, it
+must be observed, are changing, even in Dixie. And, it is a fact that a
+Negro preacher is beginning to pay for a meal occasionally.
+
+But there were other ways of "gettin' by" as well, though not nearly so
+prevalent as preaching. It was in quest of such a way, no doubt, that
+Slim came to the office that day. Wyeth had become acquainted with him
+while canvassing during the winter. He was, at that time, employed in a
+grocery store as man of much work, a part of which consisted in driving
+a little black mule about the streets, before a wagon in which he
+delivered groceries.
+
+They had become friends, and Slim was, in the opinion of Wyeth, an
+original and sociable being also. He had informed Wyeth that music was
+his line; singing schools he claimed to have conducted with great
+success. So, during the summer and spring months, and some time into the
+fall, he carried the title of professor. And it was as such, that Wyeth
+welcomed him that day.
+
+"Hello, Professor," he greeted him cordially, arising from his chair,
+and grasping the other's hand, with much ostentation. "Professor" was
+ushered into a seat, where he crossed his long legs with much dignity,
+and gazed out the window for a moment, without saying other than the
+return of the greeting.
+
+As he sat by the window at that time, it was hard to even _fancy_ his
+driving a mule in front of a load of groceries.
+
+"Ah, my friend," he began, after he had swept the street below with a
+careful gaze. "I am glad indeed to see you, and to find you occupying
+such a delightful office." He scanned the office now, with an admiring
+gaze, and went on: "You are sure fixed up in great style, just grand,
+grand!"
+
+"Oh, fair," Sidney admitted carelessly. "I am, however, glad you dropped
+in, for I have been thinking about you for some time."
+
+"I am honored," said the other, with an elevation of the eyebrows.
+
+"Yes," resumed Sidney, with a serious and thoughtful expression, "it has
+always been my opinion, that a man with the bearing and dignity you
+obviously possess, could be much more in keeping with society, in a
+position that would employ such a wealth of ability."
+
+Slim did not make immediate answer to this, for the simple reason that
+he was too flushed with vanity by the words, to do other than color to
+the roots of his hair, and swallow.
+
+"When I see a man like you carrying groceries up the back way of a
+house, let me tell you, Professor," Wyeth said flatteringly, "I can't
+help, in a measure, but feel despair for our race; but I was told by a
+very responsible party, that your health required such an expedient."
+Slim was then in the seventh Heaven of vanity, and looked away to hide
+the tears of gratitude, he felt toward the man who had courage
+sufficiently to admit what he himself felt. He admired Sidney Wyeth on
+the spot.
+
+Wyeth went on to say, "Now, for instance, I am in the book business,
+which was never better. I have been anxious to enlist a good man's
+service." As he said this, he looked in Slim's direction, and went on:
+"But I did not wish to place this matter before you, until a time I felt
+you would be in a position to consider it, possibly, favorably." He
+paused long enough for his words to take effect, then continued, "So
+Professor, I should like to have you consider this matter with a view to
+taking it up."
+
+"Well, sir, Mr. Wyeth," his honor began, "I confess that I have been
+thinking of that myself." He was silent a minute, then proceeded again:
+"My health is improved to such an extent, that I have, of course,
+emancipated myself from a position of drudgery," and here he drew
+himself up, with more ostentation than ever. "I shall be glad to tell
+you, when it is more convenient, and we have the time, of my career as a
+business man back where I came from. You can, I see, appreciate a man
+that is possessed of ability," and he looked down at himself at this
+point, before continuing. Directly he said: "I shall be glad to have you
+explain this matter in regard to the book."
+
+"Well," said Wyeth, slowly, "you should have some idea of the work,
+since, with your years back in South Carolina, you were so successful;
+but more so, since you have been over a territory I have worked."
+
+"You certainly did fill Brookville with it, I must say," he admitted.
+
+Wyeth smiled.
+
+"Wish you hadn't worked that neighborhood, though," he said regretfully.
+
+"Others are yet to be worked...."
+
+"But I know everybody in that neighborhood."
+
+"So do I--now."
+
+Slim laughed a low, sorrowful laugh, and then was thoughtful. Then he
+inquired: "What commission do you pay?"
+
+"Forty per cent. Sixty cents the book."
+
+"Do I have to pay for the books before I can have them to deliver?"
+
+"I can, of course, trust you, Professor," Wyeth replied; "but the last
+one I trusted, and who took eighteen copies out for the purpose of
+delivery, has not shown up since."
+
+"Indeed! Did he send the books back, or leave them somewhere?"
+
+"He left them somewhere--several where's."
+
+"Then you--ah--got them back?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"But you will?"
+
+"Not likely. The people he left them with paid him $1.50 a copy
+therefor, but I have charged that to the dust, and it has rained since.
+You think over this proposition and come back tomorrow morning, and we
+will get down to business. Should you decide to take it up, I shall be
+glad to have you accompany me an afternoon, and hear me spiel it."
+
+The following morning, full of book selling, Slim was on hand. Moreover,
+he wished to begin that morning, but, as Sidney had made no arrangement
+to that end, he was compelled to wait until the afternoon.
+
+"I used to sell books in South Carolina," he said later, as he was
+looking through the book.
+
+"You have had some experience then," commented Wyeth.
+
+"Wait until I commence. I'll show you a thing or two."
+
+"Oh, I have a 'hunch' you'll 'clean up,'" said Wyeth with feigned
+admiration.
+
+"You sold a book to somebody I know on Fourteenth Street....," he
+smiled.
+
+"I thought you said I sold to many you know. I think I did," said Wyeth
+innocently.
+
+"I know this one a little _better_ than the rest," he admitted, now
+showing his teeth, despite his effort to keep his upper lip stiff.
+
+"Oh--ho, I see now," laughed Wyeth, good naturedly. After a pause he
+said:
+
+"Who is she? Come, 'fess up. At what number does she work?" But at this
+Slim only laughed, and left his friend curious.
+
+That afternoon, at two o'clock sharp, they sallied forth. Going to
+Dalton street, they entered a cafe conducted by some people in the last
+stage of hook-worm hustle.
+
+"What'll you genamens have?" asked the waitress, who looked so tired and
+sleepy.
+
+Sidney scanned the greasy bill-of-fare, while Slim inquired: "What have
+you?" As she drawled out the list, Sidney's ears came attentive to the
+orders being given by others.
+
+"Snout."
+
+"Yo's, mistah!"
+
+"Pig tail 'n' swee' taters."
+
+"'N' yo's?"
+
+"Stewed haid."
+
+"Ah wan' some magetti," sang a small boy on a stool, with papers under
+his arm.
+
+"Gimme a yeah sanrich," from one with a very loud mouth.
+
+Slim was very hard to please, as it now appeared, and was having some
+difficulty in being satisfied.
+
+"What is your specialty here?"
+
+"Ah don' tole you du' ohdahs already. We has hog year, 'n' hog snoot,
+'n' pig tail, 'n' collap greens, 'n'--"
+
+"Give us a pair of feet," interposed Wyeth.
+
+After the meal, they turned into a side street, crossed a back yard and
+entered a house from the rear. Ahead, a flight of steps led up through
+the basement, to the kitchen. Up this they went, and rapped on the
+kitchen door. It was opened by a woman, presumably the cook. Wyeth
+raised his hat, while Slim did likewise; whereupon she was very much
+flattered. Said Wyeth: "Yes, ma'am! How-do-you-do. You will pardon our
+interrupting you, but I suppose you are the lady employed herein," and
+gazed into the kitchen before him.
+
+"Yes," she replied embarrassed. "I work here."
+
+"Very well, thank you." Then turning, he revealed his honor, bending
+almost to the floor. "This is Professor Coleman!" Their prospective
+customer was very profuse as she accepted the introduction, and then was
+curious to know to whom she was indebted. Presently, unable to withstand
+the wait, she inquired:
+
+"Are you preachers?"
+
+Wyeth looked at Slim who had his hat rolled up, and was showing his
+teeth, then turned back to the lady and replied that they were not. He
+then, without further ado, began his spiel, putting more dynamite into
+it than usual, since he wished to make an impression upon Slim as well.
+
+"I presume from your English, madam, that you are literarily inclined,
+in fact, I feel certain you are." He bestowed upon her a hypnotic smile,
+which he had cultivated for the purpose of impression, and then went on,
+with eloquence:
+
+"This is _The Tempest_, a tale of the great northwest, in which we
+follow the fortunes of this young man," and he showed his picture on the
+frontispiece. In this same picture, people seldom recognized himself as
+the hero. Before long, he had her order, and a half dozen more, and Slim
+was enthusiastic. When they were on the street for a time again, Slim
+said, with much admiration:
+
+"_Man_, but you are _a_ salesman! The spiel and look you turn on these
+cooks and maids and house girls, and everybody, is guaranteed to make
+the dead take notice. I can never get over laughing when I think of the
+old lady back there, the one who said: 'I am not decided yet as to
+whether I shall take it,' Then you said, and as serious as she was: 'Let
+me decide for you in this,'" and then he gave up to laughter for some
+minutes.
+
+"Think you can learn it?" said Sidney.
+
+"I want you to let me take this house," said Slim, halting before an
+imposing structure.
+
+"All right," said Wyeth. "I'll wait for you. Don't get struck on the
+house girl and stay too long."
+
+Slim disappeared. A moment later, a noise and the barking of a vicious
+dog came to Wyeth's ears, accompanied immediately by a scuffling. A
+moment later, Slim emerged from the back way in very much of a hurry,
+with a bull dog in close pursuit. When he was safe outside once more, he
+looked about him dubiously. "I don't like this neighborhood!" he said.
+
+"You mean _that_ neighborhood," laughed Wyeth. "Did you make a sale?"
+
+"Make Hell!" cried Slim, still breathing heavily from his nervousness.
+"Talk about making a sale with a bull dog barking at my heels!" They
+had, by then, reached a street that led across town, and they turned
+into this. Wyeth took a few orders, but Slim decided to dispense with
+further canvassing until the morrow. Several times, Wyeth tried to steer
+him into a yard, but always he observed that his eye wandered around
+toward the rear, and since nearly every one kept some kind of a dog--the
+most of which would rather play than anything else--it was hard to
+reconcile Slim.
+
+At last he managed to get him through a gate that was close to the rear
+door, and, while he explained his mission to the cook, Slim gave the
+house girl a good talk, but she smiled on him and said: "I purchased one
+from the other gentleman already."
+
+This served to relieve him at least, and also encouraged him to a more
+concentrated effort later.
+
+When they returned to the office, Slim was again full of the book
+business. The next day he went out for himself. After a few houses had
+been made, however, he must have met another "sociable" dog, for,
+shortly afterward, Wyeth saw him depart.
+
+That afternoon, when they met again at the office, he was surprised to
+learn that Slim had taken several names, and was in the highest of
+spirits. Wyeth was too, but from other causes. He had taken about eight
+orders, when he came into a back yard from an alley. Through a screen,
+he caught a glimpse of a girl working in the kitchen. He approached the
+house, and presently knocked on the door. She opened it with an inquiry.
+He looked up into her face from where he stood on the ground. She looked
+down into his, and blushed as she looked away. She made an impression,
+and he was, for a moment, lost in a maze of delight. Soon he was
+serious, however, and said he wished to speak with her on important
+business. This was his style. He had observed that agents, the minute a
+door was opened, began a spiel without getting the attention of the
+prospective customer, so he made it a practice to get their attention
+first, and leave them in doubt until he did, before disclosing his
+business. If he failed to do this, he usually went his way, without
+letting them know what he was selling. But, to get back to the girl.
+
+She declared that she was very busy at the time, but would be glad if
+he'd come back shortly. "In about an hour," she advised, as she watched
+him walk toward the gate. He went his way with a subtle swimming of the
+head.
+
+He passed the next hour mechanically, made several sales, of which he
+was hardly aware, and at the end of the hour, he returned. She was
+waiting for him. He smothered his interest, and told her the story in
+brief.
+
+"Oh, that's fine!" she exclaimed, in an ecstasy of delight, when he had
+finished. "When do you deliver?"
+
+"Any time," he replied; "but I have several in this neighborhood for the
+first. Could you take yours then?" As he finished, he looked at her
+strangely. His thoughts went back to a place and a person he had almost
+forgotten. (?)
+
+She looked back at him, smiled, became uneasy, apparently she did not
+know how to take him. Then she asked softly: "Why do you look at me like
+that?" And then he came out of it, and replied candidly:
+
+"I don't know," he started to say, "because you remind me of one I once
+knew--and loved." The very thought of it, however, now pained him.
+However, he dismissed these thoughts from his mind, and was normal
+again.
+
+She appeared as though she would like to say more on the subject, but
+instead she added: "Have you been selling the book long?"
+
+"Ever since publication," he admitted frankly.
+
+The past lingered with him for some time, but it was temporarily
+forgotten, when he had returned to the office, and noted Slim's success.
+
+"You're there, Professor," he beamed, while the other assumed an air of
+modesty.
+
+A few days later--and he was apparently successful in the meantime--Slim
+said to Wyeth: "I want you to go with me tomorrow. I've found a 'nest.'"
+
+"A hornet nest?" asked Wyeth humorously. Slim looked uncomfortable. He
+had a good memory.
+
+"I'm serious. Out there around the colleges, man, are some of the finest
+people you ever met, and rich! They own homes that will open your eyes."
+
+"M-m. Are _these_ orders from them, or have they told you they would
+'_think_' it over and you could drop in when you were in the
+neighborhood again?" Slim's face fell for a moment, then he said, while
+Wyeth thought he detected something.
+
+"These orders are from _good_ people in and around that neighborhood."
+He paused for a spell, and resumed, with a frown: "I have been thinking
+very seriously, that you could do much better among the people in their
+homes, and wouldn't need to go snoopin' around to the rear. I must
+confess, Mr. Wyeth, that I have never been overly anxious to confine the
+most of my work to domestics, as you seem to choose."
+
+Again Sidney smiled, while Slim paused, disconcertedly.
+
+"Now this list I have here, should convince you that you have simply
+been over-looking the best people, for the kitchens. So, if you will go
+along with me tomorrow, I will convince you to your own satisfaction."
+
+Wyeth kept out of going with Slim in different ways, and 'ere long, the
+day of Slim's first big delivery came.
+
+Only about forty copies of the book were on hand in the office, but more
+were at the freight house, with the bill-of-lading at the bank, and a
+sight draft attached for the cost of the books. Sidney did not have the
+amount available to pay it on that day. He reckoned, however, that the
+number on hand should have been sufficient, but Slim didn't think so. He
+was, moreover, insistent to a point that moved Sidney to make effort to
+get the others out.
+
+"I think we have books sufficient for today's delivery, Slim," he
+argued. "And then Monday, we will get those at the freight office."
+
+"It isn't business, it isn't business. I have taken these people's
+orders for this book to be delivered today. There are fifty. I have
+promised faithfully to bring the book this day, and when I was in
+business, I did a thing when I promised. So I wish you would get the
+books you have at the freight office down here at once, so that I can
+fill every order and have no disappointments."
+
+Wyeth looked distressed, but smiled all to himself. If he had learned
+anything about selling books to colored people, and had forty copies to
+fill fifty orders, he could figure on having a goodly supply left. But
+Slim must have fifty copies, or a book for each order.
+
+The books he had at the freight office would cost a pretty sum to get,
+and he did not have the amount convenient. He went to the bank and
+borrowed it. Slim went with him to the freight office to be sure there
+would be no failure; he must have fifty books.
+
+When they arrived, Sidney was chagrined to find he had one dollar less
+than it took to get them. It was only fifteen minutes before the office
+would close, its being Saturday. Sidney was up against it. Slim was in a
+stew. He deluged the other with, "Why didn't you get them yesterday?"
+or, "You should have known this office closes at twelve o'clock today."
+And in the end he gave up entirely. Wyeth employed his mind vigorously,
+hoping to raise a dollar in fifteen minutes.
+
+"There's no use," deplored Slim hopelessly. "I will lose $7 or $8
+through your business carelessness." Just then, Sidney observed a
+drayman coming toward the freight house. A thought struck him, and he
+hailed the drayman. In a few words, he explained the circumstances,
+while the other nodded acquiescence, pulled out a dollar, and a half
+hour later, the books were unloaded at the office.
+
+Slim breathed a sigh of intense relief. He was a business man, and told
+Wyeth so.
+
+Wyeth admitted it. "Glad to be affiliated with a gentleman of your
+ability, and you know it, Professor."
+
+"You will always find me right up to the point in business, Mr. Wyeth.
+That's always been my reputation, and if you don't believe me, you can
+go over in South Carolina, and find out from the people there yourself,"
+he said, very serious of demeanor.
+
+"That's all right, Professor. I'll take your word for it."
+
+At one o'clock P.M. Slim was ready. He had a cab hired for the occasion,
+and with fifty nice, clean copies, wrapped deftly at the publishing
+house before shipment, he sallied forth.
+
+Wyeth was nodding in the office, when, about ten o'clock that night, he
+heard some one coming up the stair. From the way he halted at intervals,
+and set something down, he judged he must be carrying a load.
+
+He was.
+
+Presently the person reached the landing, and, halting again, dropped
+something heavy, then breathed long and deeply. A moment later, he heard
+him pick up whatever it was, and come on toward his door. It was burst
+open in a moment, and some one stumbled in behind a big package.
+
+It was Slim. He dropped the package as soon as he was inside, with an
+air of disgust, and fell, apparently exhausted, into a chair. He was
+silent, while he got his breath. When this had become regular, he got up
+and moved to the desk, where he figured for some time. Wyeth remained
+silent, but quietly expectant. It came presently.
+
+"Liars! Dirty liars! Stinking, low down, dirty lying niggas. Damn all of
+them, damn them!"
+
+Wyeth was still silent. Slim looked about himself wearily, and then did
+some more figuring. Presently Wyeth heard him again.
+
+"Lying nigga's, o'nry nigga's, dog-gone the bunch!"
+
+Wyeth was impatient. He wanted to ask very innocently what the matter
+was. Suddenly he saw Slim looking at him savagely. Wyeth made an effort
+to look innocent, and not burst out laughing. After awhile he heard Slim
+again.
+
+"I'm done! I'm through selling books to Negroes _now_!" He then arose,
+and strode back and forth across the room in a terrible temper.
+
+Wyeth started to say: "You mean you are through getting orders." But he
+waited.
+
+"The first old nigga I come up to, looked up when he saw me, and then
+just laffed, 'ke-ha!' Then, when I held the book toward him, he said:
+'Yu' betta' gwan 'way frum heh wi' dat book!' And then just laffed
+again, like it was something so funny. I got mad right then, but kept my
+temper and said:
+
+"'What's the matter with you! Didn't you order this book from me two
+weeks ago?'" He paused at this stage, and looked at Wyeth again with a
+savage glare. "But that old devil just kept on laffing like a vaudeville
+show was before him, instead of me with the book he had ordered, and
+which he told me to be sure, _sure_ to bring today. My nigga was rising
+now; but just then I heard a little half-naked kid: 'Uh! Misteh! 'oo
+might's well ferget it. 'Cause th' ole man there,' pointing to the old
+sinner, 'orders sumpin' from eve' agent what comes 'long; puvidin' i'
+do'n cos' nuthin' t' give th' odah.' And all the time that old coon was
+just laffing, 'ke-ha!'" He gave Wyeth another glare, and went on:
+
+"The next one I come onto looked at the book as though it was something
+dangerous. And then he squints up at me--I think he must have been
+near-sighted--and says: 'Sah, I decided since I give you that odah, that
+I wa'n't go'n' take th' book.' When he saw my eyes, he could see I was
+mad enough to kill him on the spot. He saw danger in them too, because,
+near-sighted or not, he began edging away, but again I held back my
+nigga and says: 'What in Hell you mean by making up your mind like
+that!'"
+
+"He must have been drinking Sparrow Gin when he gave you that order,"
+suggested Wyeth, with a twinkle of the eye.
+
+"What?" inquired Slim, listening.
+
+"I'd advise you to take along a little corn liquor the next time you go
+to deliver; pour a little juice into them; get them drunk. They'll take
+their books then."
+
+Slim kicked a piece of paper on the floor before him viciously, and
+said: "I'll take along a club and knock their lying heads off their
+shoulders, 's what I'll do."
+
+"Did you have enough books?" inquired Wyeth, ignoring the big package
+Slim had brought in.
+
+"You seem possessed with no sympathy, Mr. Wyeth," he complained, and
+then grew thoughtful. Presently, seeming anxious to tell more of his
+experiences, he went on. "One woman I had an order from, when I knocked
+on the door, she opened it and said: 'I'm so sorry, but my husband won't
+let me take that book,' and then she handed me a nickel, saying, 'so I'm
+going to give you this for your trouble.' I could not, of course, be
+ugly, as much as I felt like it, but I had to say something. So I
+inquired, as kind as I could under the circumstances, 'What am I to do
+with this?' She looked distressed at first, then brightened with a
+thought, and replied, as though she were doing something wonderful:
+'Why, you can use it for car fare. You won't have to walk back.'"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEEN
+
+"_Shoo Fly_"
+
+
+Wyeth had not been able, as yet, to awaken much literary interest among
+his people in the south, but he had a great many agents working all over
+the north. Of those he had secured in Dixie, he was deluged with
+complaints to the effect that so many people failed to take the books
+they ordered; so, he began shipping only fifteen when an agent sent in
+an order for thirty books. This worked better, and the office was not
+the recipient of so many complaints thereafter.
+
+As for Slim, he went with the cook on Fourteenth Street, ate two meals
+there out of every three, and canvassed whenever he felt so disposed. He
+had some cards made, only one hundred. Four hundred more would have cost
+but little additional. He handed them about, advertising that he would
+conduct a singing class at his residence, beginning any time any one
+wished lessons. He was successful in delivering more books, when he
+returned to work among the domestics, but not so many that, at any time
+afterwards, was Wyeth put to such strenuous efforts to secure books, in
+order that he might have one for every customer.
+
+When the colleges had closed for vacation, Wyeth hired the matron to
+work in the office, and, upon finding her very interesting, Slim became
+more in evidence about the office.
+
+Just about this time, the auditorium was completed which was begun two
+years before, by the lodge of which B.J. Dickson was the secretary. It
+was decided to ask the head of Tuscola, the great Negro educator, to
+speak at the dedication services. He was secured, and this fact caused
+thousands to gather for the occasion. It gave Wyeth an opportunity to
+hear the noted Negro for the second time in his life, the first being
+twelve years before, in Chicago.
+
+The day came at last. It rained in the forenoon, but was calm and clear
+in the afternoon. The night was fit, and the mammoth place was filled to
+overflowing, while thousands, unable to gain admittance, loafed outside,
+where they were entertained by a band, that served to keep them quiet.
+For Dickson, fully acquainted with his own race, was aware that they
+would disturb the speaker, if some diversion was not resorted to, for
+their amusement.
+
+The speaker looked very tired and worn, and Wyeth felt a pang at his
+heart when he saw him. His years of service were beginning to tell upon
+him. He had returned recently from the west, where he had gone for the
+purpose of raising $150,000 for his school, and had, as he did in
+everything else, succeeded beyond requirements. He was not only an
+educator, but a practical business man as well. To one who sat near him,
+Sidney Wyeth said that evening: "And no one of these odd ten millions is
+competent, in the public's favor, to take that old man's place, when
+eventually he will be called." The other sighed as he made reply: "There
+are many, though, who feel that they and not he should be in the
+confidence of the world, and have wasted themselves in uselessness and
+inactivity, as a result of their imagination." The speaker's eyes, at
+the distance Wyeth saw them, seemed dazed, and his voice was strained;
+but he did not soon forget the words he spoke to those black people, in
+dedication of an instant that had been inspired by his work. B.J.
+Dickson came in for a worthy praise, which Wyeth knew he justly
+deserved.
+
+It was some two weeks afterwards, that a convention was held, which
+brought together a class of men, who were largely leaders of this race.
+They were the doctors, the dentists, the pharmacists, and all men
+connected with physical and surgical dispensation; and they came from
+two adjoining states also. Sidney Wyeth had, therefore, opportunity to
+see his own people from a professional point of view, and was cheered to
+observe the most refined set of men of his own kin, that he had ever
+seen. Dickson thought so too, and wrote as much in _The Independent_,
+the following week; but he wrote of something else connected with the
+same men, and served to show Sidney Wyeth something he did not know,
+could not have believed; but Dickson made it plain to the thousands of
+readers of _The Independent_, of which Wyeth was a constant reader.
+
+In the building, conspicuously located on the best corner, was a drug
+store, acknowledged to be the finest drug store operated by black people
+in the south. The new building included a street front on another side
+street, the drug store and many other trades on the ground space, with a
+row of offices to the number of about twenty-five, especially fitted for
+physicians and dentists. All these encircled the auditorium, and were
+regarded as the most artistic arrangement in the building. Moreover,
+this was advantageous in many ways. At all events, it happened to be
+convenient for the men gathered on the occasion referred to. In addition
+to being used as a gathering place, this auditorium could be
+conveniently cleared for the purpose of dancing, and was employed for
+that purpose, on the night the convention closed. And this was what B.J.
+Dickson wrote in the following week's issue of _The Independent_:
+
+     "COLOR LINE DRAWN AT THE PHYSICIAN'S BALL
+
+     "Last week there was held in Attalia, the annual convention of the
+     Tri-State Medical Association, as was stated in last week's issue
+     of _The Independent_. Never before has this city been graced by a
+     more refined, and obviously intelligent class of colored men. From
+     all over the state, and the two states adjoining, which are members
+     of the league, came physicians, surgeons, dentists and pharmacists,
+     representing the highest body of men in the Negro race. They were
+     entertained in sumptuous splendor, by the same profession of men in
+     Attalia. This was facilitated by the fact, that the new buildings
+     and the auditorium were employed for the occasion, and the members
+     were not compelled, as they had been in the past, to house their
+     social function in some old deserted hall, in a deserted part of
+     the city.
+
+     "It is, therefore, with deep regret, that we are called, by the
+     bond of common sense and race appreciation, to mention a narrowness
+     that pervaded this great occasion.
+
+     "It may be recalled, when the leader of our race spoke at the
+     dedication, a few weeks past, that, on the committee were numerous
+     doctors, some of them successful leaders, and some who were not.
+     Yet it is and always has been the custom of our people, to honor
+     these men in the best way we can, for we have long since come to
+     appreciate that they are a part, and an important part of this new
+     dispensation. Surely it is in order and keeping with the uplift of
+     black people, to help men whose training has fitted them for such
+     an important place. That, perhaps, is why their conduct of last
+     week has constrained us to make this mention.
+
+     "They drew the color line. Plainly, and irrevocably. At the ball,
+     at the stag party, and during the entire proceedings of the
+     convention. Not a black person save one--the wife of one of the
+     local physicians who married her for money--was invited. Such an
+     example shocks us, so to speak. It seems incredible, in view of the
+     condition of our race, both morally and mentally. And still, though
+     we have forced our pen to ignore it, it has been, and is shown,
+     right along. At the ball, not only was the color line drawn, but a
+     white orchestra gave the music. Imagine such a spectacle! In the
+     bourbon and always democratic south, our people hiring a white
+     orchestra, at a fabulous sum; for, since long before we were free,
+     Negroes have made music for the richest white people to dance by.
+
+     "Surely the old order changeth!
+
+     "Negro doctors live by the patronage of their race, positively; the
+     white people would not hire one to doctor a dog. In the dark ages,
+     when it was felt that a Negro was incompetent for anything else but
+     to act as a slave, some excuse could be given for Negroes to hire
+     white doctors. But today, all race loving people give their
+     practice to their own, except those who are nearly white, and wish
+     they were. But more than half of those at the ball have white
+     doctors, and wouldn't hire one of those with whom they danced. But
+     Negro doctors expect Negro practice, and deplore it terribly when
+     Negroes hire white physicians! On the heels of this, too, they say
+     "Shoo fly!" to Negro musicians who are competent to play for the
+     whites, but not for Negro doctors. Like everything else that
+     relates to our people--except their money--our professionals
+     wrinkle their faces, and conclude without trial, that no Negro
+     orchestra is properly trained to play for their balls; and Negroes
+     who conduct newspapers do not know enough to write a part of what
+     they read; books of Negro authors are not read by them, because
+     they don't know enough--in the minds of these hypocrites--and so it
+     goes in everything. They could not have held their convention in
+     the white auditorium, even if permitted to, because that would have
+     cost more than they were able to pay.
+
+     "Now, if Negro orchestras are incompetent as musicians and are,
+     therefore, relegated to the rear, and a white orchestra is hired to
+     give music, and if Negroes as authors and editors, do not know
+     enough to write a part of what they should read, and, moreover, if
+     Negroes who happen not to be the scion of some white man, and,
+     therefore, possessed of a yellow face, are not good enough to
+     mingle and associate with them, then the Negro doctors are not fit
+     to 'kill' us. Why not let the white man do this? Admitting that the
+     white orchestra and the white editor and author have more
+     advantages than do the Negroes in the same vocation, is it not
+     credible that the same applies in regard to the doctors? Is it not
+     to be appreciated that, while the white man, often and mostly the
+     son of a rich parent, is taking a post-graduate course abroad, the
+     poor Negro boy is slinging hash in a cheap hotel--most of the best
+     ones hire white help now--to get the wherewith to go back and
+     finish school?
+
+     "Oh, we have thought this brave in our people these many years, and
+     our very hearts and souls and sympathies have been with them in
+     this great effort!
+
+     "And we are repaid in these terms!
+
+     "The black-skinned people who pay them their hard-earned money,
+     that we might have a representative set of men as our leaders, have
+     been scorned for their pains!
+
+     "They, the doctors, set up what they silently look upon as society,
+     "blue-veined people." How they must deplore that they are colored,
+     in a literal sense! "We are the best people!" they cry. The
+     insurance companies, started and led to their present position of
+     success by black men, use every means, subtle and otherwise, to
+     throw business to these men. Likewise do the lodges. And with all
+     that, not more than a dozen or so are making a decent living in
+     Attalia. We are still very poor people. Yet when society comes
+     before us, the black ones are not good enough to play for. We must
+     close. It makes us sick!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEEN
+
+"_Why Do You Look At Me So Strangely?_"
+
+
+The first books came, and among the many orders to be delivered, was one
+for the girl who had reminded Wyeth of a person who now belonged to a
+closed chapter of his life. He carried her the book.
+
+"My madam has not paid me yet," she said regretfully, "but if you can
+bring it back next week, I will be delighted to take it."
+
+He did so, and she was as good as her word. "I hope I shall enjoy it,"
+she said, as she paid him.
+
+"I hope so too," said he. "Practically all I have sold to told me that
+they liked it," he added. He looked at her, and while he was not aware
+of it, in that moment he had an insane desire. The past and the one
+connected with it, rose for one brief second before him, as he had known
+it. She noted the strange look, and was embarrassed. Presently she
+recovered from the effect it had, and said:
+
+"Why do you look at me so strangely?"
+
+"I don't know," he replied, non-committally.
+
+She did not understand it, but blushed as she said: "You are indeed a
+strange person.... I have thought about it more than once, since you
+were here and took my order. Do you look at all your lady customers like
+that?" She looked full into his eyes as she said this, but what she saw
+there made her hastily retract.
+
+"I was only joking. You are singular--strange, and--I do not know what
+to think of you; but you are more than an ordinary agent for the book.
+I'm sure of that." He remained silent. She looked keenly at the picture,
+and then at him. A small mustache and a different style in the trimming
+of his hair; but she inquired suddenly:
+
+"Did you write this book? The picture resembles you." He looked innocent
+and said:
+
+"Do you think so?"
+
+"Indeed I do," she insisted. '"Then you wrote it?"
+
+"Oh no, indeed," he lied, earnestly.
+
+She appeared dubious, and then said, thoughtfully: "Maybe you have some
+private reasons for not wishing to be identified as the author, but I
+feel positive that you are." She smiled appreciatively for a moment, as
+she surveyed him carefully. "I think you must be smart and know a great
+deal, to be able to write such a big book. I shall always recall with
+pleasure, that I had the honor--though he did not acknowledge the
+fact--of meeting a real author." She extended her hand, which he took,
+as she said: "I am glad to have met you; and if you write another book,
+please try to remember that I would like to have a copy of it. Goodbye."
+
+Slim was lolling in the office when Sidney returned. Mrs. Lautier, the
+clerk and ex-matron, found him very much to her humor, as did Sidney,
+and he was appreciated in the capacity of mirth.
+
+"Well," he said cheerfully, "I'm doing a little better now. Delivered
+six copies today," and almost took Wyeth's breath away by handing him
+$5.40.
+
+"Say," he cried suddenly, when they had settled up. "I happened upon
+something today in which I am deeply interested, and have been very
+anxious to tell you." He lowered his voice to a whisper, while Sidney
+looked surprised, but listened.
+
+"It's a grocery stock that can be bought at a bargain."
+
+"Well?..."
+
+"A chance for you and me to get in right...."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"We'll buy it?"
+
+"But I am not in the grocery business. Books!"
+
+"But you are out to make money?"
+
+"I don't gather what you want or expect me to do."
+
+"Well, I'll explain." He seated himself comfortably, and then went on in
+that low tone of voice. "A fellow is in partnership with another who is
+up against it for cash, and offers to sell his share, which is a half
+interest, at a bargain." He paused again briefly, and then went on. "I,
+as you know, having recently quit working in a grocery, naturally know
+all about the conducting of one."
+
+Wyeth nodded understandingly, and remained silent and patient.
+
+"I see in this thing the chance I have been waiting for, and am ready to
+consider it favorably. Big money is to be made, can be made out of it
+for me, and I can, at the same time and in the same enterprise, become a
+man of affairs."
+
+"M-m," breathed his listener, "How do you propose to conduct it?"
+
+"Well," artfully, "first, it should, of course, be incorporated. And
+then a competent manager and treasurer are necessary."
+
+"M-m. Do you propose to increase the present stock?"
+
+"Not at once. I think the stock as it stands at the present, is quite
+sufficient to care for the trade which, I have observed, is good."
+
+"M-m."
+
+"I thought as a favor, I would tell you and give you a chance. You could
+put in an equal share along with myself, which would give you a fourth
+interest, and you could become vice president."
+
+"I suppose you will, of course, quit selling books, should you take over
+the affairs of this--er--corporation?" said Wyeth, with well feigned
+regret.
+
+"Well," said the other, meditatively; "I have not fully decided as yet.
+It depends largely upon whether you can be brought to see the great
+advantage you would gain by coming in."
+
+"But what little I represent--which surely isn't much--is tied up in the
+book business. How much will this thing cost?" Slim winked wisely, held
+his head low, and whispered it into his ear.
+
+"Twenty-five dollars."
+
+"I'll think it over," said Wyeth, feigning seriousness.
+
+The next day, Slim had forgotten all about the grocery business, but
+tore into the office in an ecstasy of delight and secrecy. He had
+discovered something else. It was a soda fountain, rather, it was some
+old fixtures. When the drug store below had been moved into the new
+building, they had stored their old fixtures in an empty store room
+near. The same had been vacant for ten years, but Slim happened by, and
+saw a grand opportunity at a glance.
+
+He told this to Sidney, with much feeling. "It's the greatest
+proposition of a decade! We can buy those fixtures for a song, rent the
+place they are in cheap, move the office up there, and conduct a book
+store and soda fountain in connection." His eyes opened wide, as he
+revealed the magnitude of the proposition.
+
+"Can't do it, Slim. It's too big. Guess I'll have to stick to books."
+The other took on a disappointed expression.
+
+"It's the chance of a life time," he said, with plain regret, and
+continued to look the part. "I thought you were down here to make money,
+and when I go out and find something that's an Eldorado, I cannot enlist
+you. You are making a serious mistake, and will regret it some day."
+
+That was all for that day, but the next day he was mysterious. He
+didn't, however, "put" Wyeth next to this, but, on the quiet, he met
+others on the street below, where, at some length, they discussed a
+restaurant and hotel business, to be duly incorporated, and an office
+and a management to be appointed. Mrs. Lautier made known to Wyeth the
+inner secrets of this the next day.
+
+"I'm certainly disappointed in you, Mr. Wyeth," said Slim, one day soon
+after, very grievously.
+
+"How's that, Professor?" inquired the other, with assumed concern.
+
+"You never seem to consider seriously, the many good propositions I have
+discovered, and have offered to you for investment."
+
+"Do you yourself?"
+
+"I could make a bunch of money if you would come in," he repeated
+artfully, but ignored the direct question.
+
+The next day, he was more artful than ever. He was, indeed, full of
+another proposition. He smiled as he told his friend.
+
+"I'm going to marry that woman out there," he said, low and
+confidentially.
+
+"On Fourteenth?" the other echoed cheerfully, returning a sincere smile.
+"That's where you're a man. That'll sure be dandy. When?"
+
+"Oh, not yet a-while, not until I get a divorce from the last one."
+
+"Oh--then. M-m. So you've been married already, rather, you are."
+
+"I have never told you much of my past life, except from a business
+point, have I?" He smiled naively, and, taking a chair, he became
+seated, placed his feet in the window, and proceeded to narrate a part
+of his past.
+
+"I've been married twice," he began.
+
+"Oh, twice...."
+
+"Yes. My first wife died. We lived on a farm in South Carolina, and were
+as happy a couple as you ever knew. I owned a two-horse farm, and raised
+plenty of cotton and corn and some hogs, while my wife raised plenty of
+chickens and garden truck. We had two boys, whom I kept in school in
+town during the winter. And then, after my crops were laid by, my wife
+looked after the place, while I went out and sold song books and
+pictures, and preached."
+
+"Then you're a preacher, too," said Wyeth, when he paused a moment. "I
+didn't think you were a preacher," he continued, looking him over.
+
+"Well, not altogether. I preach sometimes, but not much since I married
+the last woman."
+
+"How's that?"
+
+"To tell you the truth, that woman almost made me lose my religion, she
+was such a devil."
+
+Wyeth was silent, but attentive. Slim went on.
+
+"Didn't you meet my brother? He was here not long ago. I had him up here
+in the office. You might have seen him about the building here. You
+could not have mistaken him for any one else, if you had seen him."
+
+"Does he look like you?"
+
+"Lord, no!" Slim exclaimed, with a laugh. "Not at all. And you would not
+have believed it; but ten years ago he was as spare as I am. Then he
+went to preaching, and since then he has become the fattest thing you
+ever saw."
+
+Wyeth smiled naively. Coleman proceeded with his interrupted narrative.
+
+"Well, getting back to that _woman_; I married her four months after my
+first wife died, and took her to live in the same house. We got along
+less than three weeks in peace. Then things began to warm up. She was a
+devil, if there ever was one on top of the earth, but I persisted
+faithfully." His appearance was now very pious. "The first big row we
+had was on Sunday. It was in the morning, and I, with my Bible under my
+arm, was starting to church. She didn't want to go that day, and had
+tried to keep me from going; but I always led the prayer, and preached
+during the pastor's absence, so, as I was saying, I was starting for
+church. When I passed a room in which she had enclosed herself to pout,
+she suddenly opened it, and hit me in the side with a big rock. If it
+had not struck the Bible, I think I would have been hurt seriously; but
+it hit the book and my arm, and rolled upon the floor.
+
+"Well, after that, the devil was to pay. She kept me in Hell and hot
+water, and we got along like a cat and a dog. Each day, from sunrise
+until long after it had set, I asked Jesus whether I could hold out to
+the end. I had declared to his Holy Name, that I had taken that woman to
+live with for better or for worse; but surely I was getting the worst of
+it. And then, at last, it came to the point when it was beyond human
+endurance. She took to shooting at me for the fun of it."
+
+"Good Lord!" exclaimed Wyeth. "You don't mean to say that she shot at
+you!"
+
+"No," he replied calmly, "she didn't _shoot_ at me; she _shot_ at me,
+and not once, but any old time she felt like it, which was more than
+once, by many, many times," he soliloquized, grimly.
+
+"Good night!"
+
+"Yes; she shot at me as though it were no more than throwing hot water
+on a bunch of rats."
+
+"Save me Jesus!"
+
+"Then one day I shot at her."
+
+"Hush!"
+
+"Yes, I shot at her and tried to hit, but I am thankful the good Lord
+was with us both against ourselves, I missed. I think I was too much
+excited."
+
+"Deliver me!"
+
+"It was a few days after we had had a big row for sure, and she had
+declared she would kill me."
+
+Wyeth looked helpless. Slim smiled grimly, and went on:
+
+"It was about my first wife. I had an enlarged picture of her that hung
+on the wall, and this devil had been eyeing it with apparent disfavor.
+That day, she stood directly under it, looking up at it with a double ax
+concealed in her skirt. I knew she had the ax, and watched her. I swore
+to myself that the day of Pentecost had come. If she touched my dead
+wife's picture, I would kill her on the spot."
+
+"Be merciful, Coleman!"
+
+"Yes, yes," he said, in a terrible voice. "I would have done so too, you
+can bet your last dollar on that.
+
+"She kept looking up at it, and muttering in a low tone. I heard her
+say: 'I've a notion to tear you to pieces!' I decided that I would tell
+her, and in so doing give her one chance, a last chance to continue life
+in this world. So I said: 'Woman, woman, if you touch that picture, get
+ready to die, for, just as sure as I'm a nigga, I'm going to put your
+lights out!' Those were terrible days, terrible days," he sighed
+wearily, and for the first time since Wyeth had known him, he felt a
+pang of sorrow for him. He was serious. Presently he resumed:
+
+"She went out without a word--she was always dangerous when she said
+nothing--and returned presently, with a brand new, great big pistol,
+and, without a word she began shooting. She and I then had it. She with
+the gun and me a-running, while she pulled the trigger, and run me all
+over that farm.
+
+"After this, I armed myself and got ready. I took the children to my
+mother, sold off the stock and everything else but the furniture. I
+asked the Lord to spare my life, and not let one of those bullets from
+that gun she always carried, push daylight through me, and I would try
+to fulfill my promise, God's will be done. I offered her half if she
+wanted to quit, but she didn't. No, after she had shot at me and scared
+me out of my wits, she was ready for me to take her in my arms.
+
+"For awhile, things became a little better, but suddenly she went off
+half-cock, and pulled the trigger of that big gun on me again. Then she
+got her surprise. I had a gun too. She had a Smith and Wesson, and I had
+a left-hand Wheeler. 'Ki-doi! Ki-doi!' my old gun barked, and the
+magazine would whirl around cleverly, automatically. She stood frozen to
+the spot for a minute, then, taking fright, she dropped hers, and flew
+with me right after her, shooting that old cannon at every leap. Across
+the country we went. I loaded and emptied it a half dozen times, and
+shot away twenty-five shells. I shot at everything in sight!
+
+"After that, I finished selling out and went to Arkansas, where I was
+getting along all right, until I was fool enough to let her come to me.
+Again we got along very well for a time, but she got to cocking her
+pistol where and when I could hear it, so I set out again. Just lately
+she came to Brookville, and went to raising cain, trying to force me to
+take care of her. So, as you see, she made me quit there, and thus you
+see me."
+
+For a long time, both were silent. The noise outside came to their ears,
+clearly and distinctly, while the ticking of the clock seemed louder
+than ever before. Presently, Sidney, to relieve his own emotions, arose
+from his chair and went outside.
+
+Slim spoke of marrying the woman on Fourteenth street, every day for the
+next week. One morning he came in, his face beaming all over with
+smiles, and pleasant anticipation was plainly evident.
+
+"Well," he began, "we talked it over last night, and she thinks it will
+be all right. So I want you to write a letter to my brother who owes me
+some money, and tell him I must have it, since I am engaged to be
+married, and must have it to use in paying for my divorce."
+
+Wyeth did so.
+
+"That's fine," he cried gratefully, when it was handed to him. "You
+certainly can say a whole lot in a few words."
+
+"When I get married to this woman, I think I will have a mate like my
+first one," said Coleman. Wyeth tendered his sympathy.
+
+"Well," he said, as one put to a task he would like to avoid, "I must
+get around, and see a lawyer about a divorce." He was thoughtful for a
+moment, and then resumed: "Wonder what they charge for divorces in this
+town?"
+
+"Depends upon the attorney and the case," said Wyeth. "I think
+twenty-five dollars is the usual fee, or amount of cost." Slim hesitated
+thoughtfully, and then said:
+
+"I'll go down here and see this nigga lawyer. He ought to be willing to
+get one cheaper than a white lawyer. Don't you think so?"
+
+"Possibly."
+
+He went out. About a half hour later he returned, looking downcast and
+sullen. He was silent for some minutes, and then said, as if addressing
+himself: "That nigga's crazy."
+
+"Who's crazy?" Sidney inquired, looking up.
+
+"That nigga lawyer."
+
+"How do you figure that out?"
+
+"I went in there, and spoke to him in regard to the divorce, and what do
+you think he wants for getting me one?"
+
+"I haven't the faintest idea."
+
+"Fifty dollars! What do you think of that for highway robbery?"
+
+"Perhaps your case is a bit more complicated than the average, and,
+therefore, justifies a larger fee," Wyeth suggested.
+
+"Aw, that what he said, too, but he's a blood sucker. He can't gouge
+me."
+
+"Oh, well," said Wyeth in an off-hand manner, "you won't quibble on a
+matter of twenty-five dollars additional, when you are getting a good
+wife. Consider that as a treasure."
+
+"Well, I don't care. If she's willing to pay half, I'll give the sucker
+fifty." Wyeth bestowed a terrible look upon him, whereupon Slim
+withered:
+
+"Well, she'd be getting as much as I. So what's the difference?" he
+tried to argue. Wyeth continued to glare at him.
+
+"The idea!" he declared presently, with undisguised contempt. "To wish a
+woman to pay for your release from another! I'm too shocked to say how
+ashamed I am of you!"
+
+Slim laughed sheepishly.
+
+"Twenty-five dollars for a pair of legs like you! If I were a woman, I
+wouldn't give twenty-five cents for you as you sit there now," Wyeth
+added, with subdued mirth.
+
+The next day, his atmosphere had changed perceptibly. He was in an ugly
+humor. Presently he gave words to its cause.
+
+"That nigga woman's fooling me, and I know it."
+
+"What's the stew today?"
+
+"She's got another nigga a-hangin' around her. I've been suspicioning it
+for some time."
+
+"You're the limit."
+
+"I gave her a ballin' out last night about it too."
+
+Mrs. Lautier came in at this moment, and that was the end of it for
+awhile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
+
+"_I'll Never be Anything But a Vagabond_"
+
+
+Sidney Wyeth had about filled Attalia with _The Tempest_ by this time,
+and had anticipated going to another city almost as large, about one
+hundred seventy miles west. He made known the fact to Slim, and
+suggested that he might leave him in charge of the office, if he did so.
+As a precaution, or rather, to get some idea of his ability to dictate
+letters, he had him compose a few. When the typist handed them to him to
+be read, and he had done so, he decided to allow him to continue his
+canvass, and to hire some one more proficient.
+
+"Say," he cried the next day. "I've been thinking it over, and maybe
+I'll be going along with you."
+
+"That so? Well, I do not see any reason in particular why you should not
+go."
+
+"There's only one reason," he said thoughtfully.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Mrs. King."
+
+"Oh! yes; that's so. When's the wedding going to be?"
+
+He glared at Wyeth a second, and then exclaimed doggedly: "I'm not going
+to marry. I wouldn't marry the best woman in the world."
+
+"From what you have told me, it seems that you _did_ marry the worst,"
+laughed the other.
+
+"I'll stay single henceforth, and be safe," he growled, and busied
+himself through some papers.
+
+"Stay single, eh! And let the nice lady go without a husband. It's
+incredible that you can be so regardless!"
+
+"I do not care to discuss marrying today," he muttered. "I've something
+better. It's a business proposition."
+
+"Oh, I see. What is it this time? Going to buy the First National Bank
+or the Southern Railway?"
+
+"Oh, you needn't try to kid me. Besides I have not asked you to come in,
+though if you did, you could pick up some big, quick money, if you were
+of a mind to be serious."
+
+"Oh, well, if it doesn't take more than a million, I might be brought to
+consider it," Wyeth smiled, with assumed seriousness.
+
+"I can see you laffing in your sleeve, so I don't tell you anything, you
+see!" He ended it angrily, and left the office.
+
+It was too good though to keep to himself, so he told Mrs. Lautier, who
+in turn told it to Wyeth.
+
+"Mr. Coleman had me write to Ames today, in regard to some song books,
+which he says he used to sell lots of," she said, when it was
+convenient.
+
+Wyeth grunted.
+
+"He is very much provoked at the way you treat him. He says, if you
+would go in with him, you and he could both make lots of money; but that
+you only laugh in your sleeve at everything he proposes," she went on,
+replete with gossip.
+
+"He proposes many things," said Wyeth.
+
+She giggled.
+
+"He's going out to Liberty Street Baptist Church to sing and sell them
+Sunday, providing he gets them in time." She typed a few letters, and
+then said:
+
+"He says he would like to go to Effingham with you and sell books, but
+that you want too much for it. That the book is too high, and you want
+to make too much. He says the book ought to sell for a dollar, and he
+should be paid seventy-five cents for selling it."
+
+"He wouldn't make a living selling it then," retorted Wyeth, somewhat
+impatiently. Then he thought of Mrs. King, who fed him most of the time.
+
+The following Monday, Wyeth thought he had fallen heir to a fortune. He
+passed him in the hallway, with head high, and as serious as zero.
+
+Mrs. Lautier imparted the reason for it, when Sidney had taken out the
+letters.
+
+"Mr. Coleman had a great day yesterday, so he informed me," she smiled.
+"He said you should have been out to Liberty Street Baptist Church, and
+heard him sing and sell song books afterwards. He said you were not a
+Christian, however, which made it bad."
+
+"How many song books did he sell, and what did he receive a copy for
+them?"
+
+"I think six, and he received fifteen cents apiece," she replied. He
+entered at this moment, his face wreathed in triumphant smiles.
+
+"Well, my doubting friend, if you would have taken the trouble to come
+out to Liberty Street Baptist Church yesterday, I think you would have
+been convinced that I am something of a salesman after all."
+
+"I've just been told that you 'mopped' up," said Wyeth, heartily. Slim
+swelled perceptibly. He seated himself, crossed his legs, and resumed:
+
+"When I used to live in South Carolina, I was considered one of the best
+salesman in the country."
+
+"You must have been a great man in South Carolina," said Wyeth. Slim
+observed him a moment sharply. Presently he went on:
+
+"I would go to the camp meetings and festivals, sing a few songs, get
+the people warmed up with a good sermon, and then sell hundreds of song
+books in the end."
+
+"Wonderful!" from Sidney.
+
+"I am going to the HNRTYU convention at Timberdale Thursday, and I
+thought you'd like to go along," he said, artfully.
+
+"Couldn't very well do it, unless you got them to hold the convention
+over until next week."
+
+"You _will_ not take me seriously, regardless of my success," he
+complained. "Now yesterday I sold a pile of song books, and today I am
+sending the man his share of the money. I could do you some good with
+the book you are general agent for, if you would increase my commission
+to seventy-five cents a copy, and lower the price to a dollar."
+
+"If you wrote the publishers, they might give you the books free of
+charge, providing you agreed to pay the freight on arrival, and not let
+the railroad company come back on them later for it," soliloquized
+Sidney.
+
+He went to Timberdale the next day, and the office saw no more of him
+for a week.
+
+"When will Mr. Coleman return?" Mrs. Lautier would inquire every day. "I
+certainly do miss him."
+
+"He's our mascot, our jest. I miss him also," said Sidney, and they both
+spoke of him at some length.
+
+Mrs. Lautier was also a sociable person about the office, Sidney was
+coming to appreciate more each day. She was from New Orleans, and a
+creole. She had personality, and a way that won all who were near her.
+She was slender and very dark, and, although only thirty-nine, was
+almost white-haired, which contrasted beautifully with her dark skin.
+Her eyes were small and bead-like, while she was affectionate by nature.
+Her make-up was in keeping with the position she held as matron at one
+of the local Negro colleges. When she spoke, her voice struck the ear
+musically. She was a widow.
+
+"Why have you never remarried, Mrs. Lautier?" Wyeth ventured, one day.
+She colored unseen for a moment, before she answered:
+
+"Perhaps there's a reason."
+
+"What reason? You are charming--very charming, I think," said he
+earnestly, although he smiled.
+
+She hid her face. For a woman of her age, she was most extraordinary. "I
+have been told that creole people have a most frightful temper," pursued
+Wyeth, enjoying her manner. "Is that quite true?"
+
+"Yes," She admitted, surveying him now.
+
+"And do you happen to be endowed with such an asset, also?"
+
+"I wouldn't be a creole if I were not," she advised, still smiling.
+
+"That's too bad," said he, a trifle sadly. "You seem too kind and sweet
+of manner, to be liable to those angry, wild fits they tell me they
+have."
+
+"Perhaps you will see New Orleans while you are in the south, and the
+creoles; and then, you can be better prepared to understand them in the
+future," she said.
+
+"Perhaps I will," he said, after some thinking. "Yes, perhaps I will. I
+had not thought of it before."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Mr. Coleman will be back tomorrow," cried Mrs. Lautier, entering the
+office a day or so later. "I received a postal from him announcing the
+fact, so we will not be so lonesome now."
+
+"I am anxious to see what he did in Timberdale. I guess he succeeded in
+turning it upside down, and covering the whole town with song books."
+
+The next morning, early, he was back. He entered the office and sat
+around in silence, seeming to be in an introspective mood. Wyeth waited
+for what he knew would eventually come. It did not as early as it
+usually did, in fact, he sighed wearily and looked so peculiar, until
+Wyeth, to break the impatience he was laboring under, presently turned
+his gaze upon him, and said: "Well, I see you are back...." The other
+sat up and looked about him suddenly, as though awakened from a trance.
+
+"I suppose you have more money now than you can conveniently use for a
+while," Wyeth tested. "Made a bunch in Timberdale?"
+
+"Like Hell!" spat the other grumblingly. "Lucky to be back here alive."
+
+"M-m! What did you run up against? A freight train, or the madam?"
+
+"I left the day she arrived," he said in a heavy tone, then added, after
+a pause: "They've been lynching and driving nigga's out of that town
+this week, so the convention was a fizzle."
+
+"I suppose you sold out before they got after you? How many song books
+did you sell?"
+
+"Didn't I tell you the white people was raising Hell, and a-killing and
+burning Negroes like barbecue out there!" he exclaimed impatiently. "I
+never sold any song books, but I sold one copy of _The Tempest_."
+
+"How many song books of the amount you received have you still on hand?"
+
+"All but six."
+
+"I thought you had sold them all but a dozen when you left for
+Timberdale."
+
+"Aw, that old nigga that I left them with, and who claimed he could sell
+them at his church and more, slipped them back into my room while I was
+away. He didn't sell any."
+
+"You don't seem to be getting back into your old-time selling form very
+rapidly," suggested Wyeth. Ignoring him, Slim said suddenly:
+
+"When you all going to Effin'ham?"
+
+"Next week."
+
+"I don't know whether I'll get to go with you or not. Mrs. King thinks
+I'd better stay here this summer. What do you think about it?"
+
+"I agree with her."
+
+Just then Mrs. Lautier came in, and, greeting Coleman very cordially,
+Wyeth left them and went out on business.
+
+He happened to have a delivery on Fourteenth street, and when he had
+filled it, he stood talking with the girl a moment. "Are you acquainted
+with Mr. V.R. Coleman?" she inquired.
+
+"Sure. He is a "_sort_" of agent for this book," Sidney replied.
+
+"I thought so," said she; "and I was wondering what kind of an agent he
+must make, when he spends so much time in this neighborhood. He goes
+with a certain party next door, and he was there all last week. I think
+he scarcely went outside."
+
+"Good morning," said Sidney.
+
+"Goodbye," said she. "I hope I'll enjoy the book."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The week arrived in which Wyeth was to depart, and preparations were
+made to that end. He decided to leave the office in charge of Mrs.
+Lautier. Slim came in the day before he was to leave, looking frightened
+and terribly upset. Always given to joking with him, Wyeth hardly knew
+how to accept him, as he apparently was that day. He was trembling in
+every limb as he cried:
+
+"That woman! She's after me! Great God! I wish she would leave me alone,
+I wish she would leave me alone! She's followed me all over the country.
+She's like a ghost on my trail! And now she is at this moment down in
+the street looking for me again!" Wyeth's sympathy went out to him, and
+he cried:
+
+"Quiet yourself! You'll surely go to pieces trembling like that. After
+all, why should you become so excited? You say you have advised her that
+you are not going to live with her again."
+
+"Aw, but you don't know; you don't understand. She's got it on me, on me
+so strong until I dasn't make a crooked move, or resort to the law. The
+only chance I have is to keep out of her sight." He paused a spell now,
+and his appearance was that of a man under sentence of death. Then he
+said: "She has vowed to kill me, and I know if she gets a chance she
+will!"
+
+"I will go with you fellows to Effin'ham," he said more calmly. "I've
+got to get away from where she can see me, if I hope to live. Every
+moment I stay where I know her to be near, will be moments of fear. I
+don't want to kill her, even in self-defense. God, no! I don't want
+murder on my hands!" He paced the floor at some length, pausing at
+intervals to peep into the street, in evident fright.
+
+"She was out to Mrs. King's, night before last. Mrs. King was not in, so
+she walked up to the front door of the white people, and rang the bell.
+When the door was opened by the man of the house, the expression he wore
+got her goat. She made some excuse to the effect that it was the wrong
+house, and went her way. Then, yesterday, or last night rather, she came
+back. We were eating supper, and it happened that my seat was so I could
+look out the window, and up the alley. I saw her slipping up this alley,
+near the side of the board fence, with a big gun and it cocked. I rushed
+out the front way and avoided her; but she is bent upon forcing me
+either to live with her and submit to her tyranny, or she'll kill me,
+and prevent me from living or being friendly with any other."
+
+"You seem certainly up against a bad proposition, V.R.," said Wyeth,
+helplessly.
+
+"If it wasn't for a certain little deal back in South Carolina, I
+wouldn't be so afraid; but, owing to that, I dare not do anything but
+keep out of her way," he trembled on, woefully. "I'm going to try and
+slip out of town unbeknown to her, and go along with you fellows to
+Effin'ham. I'll be safe there for a while; but as soon as she learns I
+am there, she'll take up the trail and I'll have to 'beat' it
+elsewhere."
+
+"Gee! It must be dreadful to live in the fear that somebody is thirsting
+for your blood," said Wyeth, shuddering.
+
+"I'll never be anything but a vagabond; a rover, drifting over the face
+of the earth until death comes," he cried despairingly.
+
+He was calmed presently, with the prospect of going to Effingham. Wyeth
+went uptown, attending to considerable business in connection with the
+office, preparatory to leaving. When this was completed, he went to a
+movie, and returned to the office about six o'clock. He went to another
+show that evening, and after that had closed, strolled about the town
+until ten-thirty. There appeared to be a gathering of women for some
+occasion at the auditorium, which was breaking up when he returned. Mrs.
+King and Coleman were leaving the building when Wyeth came up. They
+started up the street with the crowd. As they reached the corner, there
+was a sudden commotion. Wyeth ran up, and was just in time to see a
+woman dash after Coleman from around the corner. He saw her before she
+got near him, and, jerking free of his escort, he tore into the street.
+She was a dark woman with coarse black hair, and of an Indian
+appearance. With a cry she flew after him, as she cried in a diabolical
+voice:
+
+"At last, Vance Coleman, I have found you, and in another's company. I
+am forced to stand aside, although your wife!" Down the street his steps
+could be heard, as he tore along in mad haste. She stopped when she saw
+that she could not catch him, and, drawing from some invisible
+direction, a gun, she levelled it, with deliberate aim, at the flying
+figure. The crowd stood frozen creatures.
+
+And then suddenly, a terrible cry rent the still night air, just as the
+gun went off; but the cry had disconcerted her aim, and, with a cry she
+turned toward the crowd, but Wyeth had the arm of the hand that held the
+revolver, which he twisted and made the weapon fall to the ground. She
+was led away presently by an officer, while still, far down a street,
+the sound of hurriedly retreating footsteps came to Wyeth's ears. He
+listened until they died away in the night. Wyeth turned, and
+disappeared in the direction of his room.
+
+He never saw Slim again.
+
+END OF BOOK ONE
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE
+
+_Effingham_
+
+
+"I'll take that change now," whispered the porter, nudging Wyeth, as he
+lay trying to sleep, as the train roared westward toward Effingham, the
+iron city, and greatest industrial southern center.
+
+Raising up, he reached in his pocket while yet half asleep, and handed
+the porter two dollars. "I paid fifty cents for the ticket to
+Spruceville, as you know, and the charge was to be two fifty?" The other
+nodded, and pocketing the money, he melted away noiselessly.
+
+A few hours later, Wyeth raised the shade and peered out. The train was
+flying through a valley, that spread away from either side of the single
+track, smooth and unobstructed, except for comfortable farm homes, set
+back from the roads. He looked back in the seat behind him, observed
+young Hatfield, whom he was bringing with him, dozing peacefully. Then
+he looked toward the front of the car for the first time, and observed
+another with whom he had become acquainted in Attalia. He had never
+learned his name, in fact, he had never inquired it; but, since the
+other possessed such long legs, and was tall and good-natured into the
+bargain, he had called him Legs, which had brought no objection on the
+part of the other. And it is by that name we shall follow him in this
+story.
+
+"Hello, there!" he greeted cordially, when their eyes met. "And where
+did you get on and call yourself going?"
+
+"Hello, Books!" the other returned, as cordially. He rose from his seat,
+shook himself as if to start the blood, jumped about for a moment,
+rubbed his face, and then came back to where Wyeth was and sat down.
+"Say," he cried, "a little liquah'd go good right now, wouldn't it? I
+had some, but like a pig I emptied the bottle last night. Oh, yes," he
+cried suddenly, "I'm going to Chicago. Where are you going?"
+
+"To Effingham; but I wish I were on the way for old Chi' along with
+you," said Wyeth. The other smiled blandly, stretched his long legs in
+the isle, then got up, went to the end of the car and looked around for
+a cup out of which to drink; and, of course, not finding any, he lifted
+the lid of the cooler, turned it over, and finding it had a disk, drew
+it full and drank from it. Replacing it, he came back and reseated
+himself. Since we shall become quite familiar with him, and very
+shortly, a description is quite necessary.
+
+He was tall, over six feet, and a mulatto. His shoulders were broad,
+while his chest was thin and flat. His head was small, and straight up
+from his back, while he possessed a pair of small ears that fitted
+closely and oddly against his head--so oddly that, when one observed him
+at a glance, he reminded one of an elf. He appeared to be smiling
+always, although there was no great depth in the same. His eyes were
+small, and danced about playfully in his head, while his hips were
+arched and broad, between which was a full stomach which made him
+resemble a pickaninny.
+
+"You see, it's like this," he began confidentially. He lowered his voice
+almost to a whisper, and held his mouth close to Wyeth's ear. "The
+reason you did not see me when we left Attalia last night, was because I
+had the porter lock me in the lavatory. I didn't come through the gate
+at the station, but went out to the yards where he concealed me. When
+the train was out of the town, I came out; but you were reading and
+didn't look up, when I came out and took that seat."
+
+Wyeth observed him now wonderingly. He could not understand this
+unconventional manner of boarding a passenger train. He was not,
+however, left long in doubt. In fact, before he could give words to the
+question his eyes asked, the other enlightened him:
+
+"I's havin' a little game Sunday night, and the bulls run in on me." It
+was now all clear to Wyeth. He recalled the other's occupation. He had
+become acquainted with him through "Spoon," and recalled that he kept a
+rooming house for questionable purposes. In addition to this, he sold
+liquor, and ran a game on Saturday nights and Sundays--or any time a
+crowd gathered with enough money to start.
+
+"M-m. Did they arrest you?"
+
+"No; that is what I's goin' t' tell. I got away; but they got the rest
+of the bunch, every damn last one of them, the fools! You see," he
+explained, warming to the narrative, "it was not altogether my fault. It
+was like this: I had a nigga watching, that is, I had him hired to
+watch, but the d----n fool was a whiskey head, and had t' have a drink
+eve' ten minutes, claiming, of course, that it was necessary that he
+have plenty of booze t' keep himself awake."
+
+Wyeth laughed quietly.
+
+"Well, I was 'head a the game and winning right along, and didn't give a
+damn; so I fed him all he could pour down. The result of this was that
+he got good and full by and by, went off t' sleep, and the bulls walked
+right in on us without a word of warning.
+
+"We were shooting craps on the bed, and the game was going along nicely.
+I was sitting at the head holding the lamp, and getting the cuts. At
+least fifteen dollars was in the betting, when, on hearing a slight
+noise to my back like some one creeping, I looked around--and, man! The
+room was full of bulls with dark lanterns, which they at that moment
+flashed upon us!
+
+"I didn't know what to do for a moment. 'Up with yu' hands, niggers!'
+they cried. All the shines looked then into the barrels of a bunch
+a-guns. 'Don't try no monkey business there, you big nigger,' the
+sargent cried, as he observed me shifting about. All the time, though, I
+was edging toward a place I knew none ov'm didn't see. Suddenly, I drops
+the lamp, and there is some tall cussin'. A little pup--I think he was a
+sup'--put a star on the back of my head"--he turned and Wyeth saw it.
+"I staggered about now like I was knocked out. They were all over us
+now, a-hand cuffin' the nigga's like a lot of cattle with halters. By
+this time I see's my way clear t' make this break. One sucker spots me
+and cries: 'Look out! That big nigga!' But they were too late. I had my
+hand on the knob of a door that none ov'm have seen; and, swinging it
+open quickly, I ducked out. As I did so, one of the bulls takes a shot
+at me, but missed. He was determined to have me, though, if possible, so
+he comes after me in a hurry. That's where I am wise and he wasn't.
+There is a fence a few feet from the door, that he didn't see. Out he
+came after me in a blind fury, and, 'bing!' He ran full into the fence,
+and knocked the wind out of himself. I saw my chance. I was mad and
+scared now, too; so I rushed upon him while he was staggering about and
+'bingo!' I landed on him, and knocked him cold. Then I 'beat' it. I had
+his gun and club and 'peeper,' and I flew. Out the back way I went like
+a race horse. In the rear, two or three bulls were a-workin' over this
+bull that I done knocked stiff. I entered the alley, and ran until I
+reached Bell street. An onry bunch of dogs kept barking away at me as I
+hurried along, and kept me scared, because I's afraid I'd be located by
+other bulls. I ran down one, a little pug-nosed bull. He was game and
+tried to bite. I reached down and got'm by the head, whirled him over my
+shoulder three or four times, and when I turned him loose, he landed
+beside a second story window, and fell to the ground a dead dog, I
+didn't try to see. I then began to jump fences. I bet I jumped a dozen
+fences, and then got hung on the last one, which held my shirt. I fell
+off at last, and liked to have bust open. My face was bleeding, and my
+head, while my shirt was soaked. I looked like the devil. I at last tore
+off the shirt, and tried to tie up my head, then went to my
+brother-in-law's."
+
+"Gee!" exclaimed Sidney, "but you certainly had some experience!"
+
+"Aw, man, I done some runnin', believe me!" he declared, and looked
+grim.
+
+"They had plenty a-liquah--the bootlegs, too--, so's soon's I's cleaned
+up with my head bathed and a clean shirt, I took a few drinks, and went
+to bed, feeling all right.
+
+"I laid around town hid away, until he could slip me my clothes and a
+few dollars. So I happened to know this porter, and arranged to come
+over tonight, and here I am," and he breathed a sigh of relief.
+
+"How did those they arrested come out, and how come the cops to be next
+to your little game?" Wyeth inquired, casually.
+
+"Oh, yes," cried Legs. "I forget to tell you that part of it. You see,
+there was a guy in the crowd--or had been, rather, whose wife didn't
+want him to gamble. Now he came down there and lost what little he had,
+and went home drunk. His wife, of course, learned that he had lost his
+money, and got sore. He was a damned tramp, and told her the whole
+story, with tears, perhaps, and you know a nigga with tears, so she went
+and put the cops next.
+
+"Now 'bout them other shines--the ones who got arrested--they came
+before Judge Loyal's the next morning, and got ten seventy-five each."
+
+"I thought it was fifteen seventy-five for gaming."
+
+"They were let off lighter, owing to the fact that I was not brought. If
+they'd a caught me, it would have been fifteen seventy-five for them,
+and about a hundred for me."
+
+Wyeth laughed amusedly.
+
+"You don't gamble or drink liquah, either, do you?" he asked, and then
+answered his own question. "No, I know you don't. You're lucky for using
+such common sense. It doesn't pay, even if four nigga's out-a five do.
+Yeh," he went on wearily, "only the straight and narrow path leads to
+happiness in the long run," and with that he turned on his side, and
+went to sleep.
+
+"Say," he cried suddenly, raising up, "what did you pay?" Then looked
+around quickly to see if he had been overheard.
+
+"Two and a half," the other replied. "How much did you?"
+
+Legs held up two fingers. "I told'm 't'was all I had, and I didn't have
+but a precious little more."
+
+"Are you acquainted with any one in Chicago?" Wyeth inquired.
+
+"Aw, yeh, a plenty; but I am not going on through now. I'm going to stop
+in Effingham for a while, it depends."
+
+"Hello, Red," cried young Hatfield, coming up now, rubbing his half
+closed eyes. "I see you got out all right."
+
+"Say, man!" cried Legs. "Didn't I get out of that thing in luck?"
+
+"Bet your life on that you did," commented Hatfield. "If they'd have
+gotten you, the devil would have been to pay." He laughed a low, hard
+laugh, and then added: "Those church people have had their eyes on your
+place for some time, and the chances are if you had been caught, they'd
+have appeared against you."
+
+"They certainly put old Jack Bell out of business proper," Legs
+commented, thoughtfully. "That old nigga conducted such a rotten dump
+and tiger, though; and all those dirty little girls around on top of it,
+I don't wonder."
+
+"Wonder whether he had any money left when they got through with him?"
+Hatfield inquired.
+
+"Hard to tell," said Legs. "They fined him out of hundreds, that I _do_
+know."
+
+By this time, the train was entering the city. From the car could be
+seen an incomplete mass of varied buildings, little shacks that faced
+alleys, and at the front of which played dozens of little unbleached
+pickaninnies. Wyeth viewed the city as the train crept slowly along, and
+his impression did not agree with what he had gathered from reading of
+it. It was not, he felt positive, the city Attalia was, although
+claiming almost an equal number of people.
+
+"You see those two brick cupola's extending into the air?" he heard
+Hatfield saying. "That's a Negro Baptist church." He was mistaken,
+however, for the same proved to be the large, new station, the pride of
+the city.
+
+Soon the train rolled into this, and a few minutes later, they stood in
+the waiting room.
+
+"It's going to cost like the dickens to get all these grips of your
+hauled," said Hatfield, with a frown.
+
+"Only had to pay thirty-five cents to get them to the depot in Attalia."
+He walked to the lower end of the platform, and began a series of
+inquiries relative to the hauling of the same. He soon came upon an
+express man, who agreed to unload them for fifty cents, at where-ever
+they found a room.
+
+The three walked down a level street, paved with brick. On either side a
+lot of houses appeared behind a row of trees, dense with foliage. It was
+a calm, soft morning, and the sun, red and glorious, was just peeping
+out of the east. The street they followed led from the depot into the
+business section. Perhaps eight blocks ahead of them, several buildings
+of extraordinary height, stood outlined far above those about them.
+Wyeth counted the windows of two, and found them to total sixteen.
+
+"There are two or three buildings here higher than any in Attalia," said
+Hatfield, following his gaze. "I think the ones you have been noticing,
+are twenty-five stories high."
+
+The other whistled. "That's going some!"
+
+Soon they were well into the business section. "Let's go by and look at
+that hotel they have just completed and opened," suggested Legs; for,
+just then, a little to the right, the outline of that beautiful
+structure arose. It was a grand affair, to say the least, and stood as a
+monument to the enterprise of the populace. It was claimed, by them, to
+be the swellest in the south.
+
+"I think I can get on there after a bit," said Legs. "I'm a head waiter
+by trade, but I haven't done any hotel work for some little time now."
+
+"I hear they brought all the waiters from the north," said Hatfield.
+
+"Well," said Legs, "I'll _be_ from the north when the time comes, so I
+can make a fit if there is an opening."
+
+"You'll pass, Red," laughed Hatfield, as they walked onward now in a
+different direction.
+
+As Wyeth saw Effingham, he observed that it lay very differently from
+Attalia. It had been built up recently, so to speak, and had, therefore,
+broad, spacious streets, unusually so, he thought, as he now found
+himself in the heart of the business district. Perhaps they may have
+seemed wider, because he had become accustomed to the narrow highways of
+Attalia. In addition to the wide streets, the sidewalks stretched back
+from the buildings they fronted, from twelve to twenty feet, giving
+pedestrians plenty of room to walk unconcernedly along. As they
+continued on their way, he further observed that the business section
+covered an unusually large area, and it was hard to tell which might be
+called the main street. As the street cars clanged by him, he noticed
+another feature, also. The position occupied by the Negro passengers.
+They entered and left the car from the front instead of from the rear,
+as was the custom in Attalia.
+
+"Negroes do lots of business in this town," said Hatfield, as they came
+abreast of a large, new building, that reached five stories into the
+air. "This, now," said he, pausing and surveying the structure, "is the
+Dime Savings Bank building." Wyeth, having read much about the bank,
+observed the building carefully. To one side, through the street door,
+there was no entry, or, rather, the small entry was to one side of the
+building, and not in the middle, and one elevator was in operation.
+Straight back from where they stood, the open doors of the bank (which
+the janitor was now sweeping) revealed the inside of the institution.
+
+A few hours later, their wanderings brought them back again before the
+bank, which they entered. It proved to be a busy place, and at that
+hour, was filled with black people, depositing and withdrawing money,
+and attending to other business in connection therewith. He observed, in
+the first glance, that the furnishing was elegant. Behind the first
+desk, enclosed by an oak office fence, sat a black man, the cashier he
+thought, since the insignia was plated conspicuously before him. And
+still to the left of him, behind a grating with the insignia of
+_Collections_ before it, was another man, and he was blacker still. And
+then, in the next cage, over which was labeled boldly, _Receiving
+Teller_, worked still another black man. He was younger, and he worked
+rapidly, counting the money that was continually being thrust to him.
+There was another cage to the right of him, and this was marked
+_Paying_. Behind this worked another black man, young and intelligent,
+and seeming perfectly efficient, as had the others. In the rear, working
+over books, he saw the first mulatto. Another, brown-skinned this time,
+worked near him, and these made up the active members of the bank. No
+blue veins held sway here. It was truly a black man's bank. It was, as
+he had long since learned, the largest in the country conducted by black
+people, and the footing exceeded a half million by almost a hundred
+thousand dollars.
+
+Young Hatfield, who was a student in one of the colleges of Attalia, had
+been to the city before, was well acquainted, and pointed out the many
+places of interest, and, in particular, those conducted by black people.
+
+"The president of this bank, Dr. Jerauld," he explained, "is in failing
+health, and is substituted by the vice, Dr. Dearford."
+
+"I see," acknowledged the other. "So the president, then, is a
+physician."
+
+"No," corrected the other, "a minister."
+
+Wyeth recalled now, that "Reverend" or "Elder" was almost a thing of the
+past among Negro preachers. They were all called, and called themselves
+"doctors." But he did not then realize to what extent this title was
+usurped. Beyond the instant of medicine and dentistry, he had noted that
+"doctor" was an honorary term, conferred upon men who had done something
+notable in the evolution of mankind; but he was soon to learn that the
+title had become a fetish with his people, sought after and preempted by
+any and everyone without even the remotest right to claim it.
+
+"Everything that has ever been started down south has been done by the
+preachers. A Negro preacher down here, in the past in particular, has
+headed everything. Of course, that would be natural, granting that
+almost every man with ambition to be before the public has been a
+preacher," Hatfield explained. "Now, for example, the largest insurance
+company in Attalia--that is, with offices there and conducted by our
+people--has for its president, a preacher located in this town."
+
+"I've heard of him. His name is--"
+
+"Dr. Walden," he explained. "He's the pastor of a big church on the
+other side of town. Dr. Jerauld, before he retired, was pastor of the
+Sixth Avenue church."
+
+"And what denomination do these preacher business men represent?"
+
+"Oh, Baptist, of course. As I said, they are at the head of everything,
+including," and he smiled humorously, "a great many wives of other men."
+They both laughed, and Legs, who was almost forgotten, joined in.
+
+By this time, they were wandering aimlessly down a street that finally
+came to an end, and ran abruptly into a brick wall. Changing their
+course into another street, they continued their indefinite pilgrimage.
+Presently, they paused before one or two neat looking houses, and
+inquired regarding rooms. Both were full. A convention of preachers was
+still in session, which explained the state of circumstances. So, on
+again they went, until they paused at a corner. A middle-aged woman sat
+on the front porch of a house that rose to two stories, and was
+decorated with two vine-laden porches. The house appeared to contain
+possibly seven or eight rooms.
+
+"Hello, Mis'!" exclaimed Legs, in greeting so familiar that Wyeth felt
+he surely must know her.
+
+"How-do," she answered as familiarly and smiling.
+
+"Three tramps we are from Attalia, and without a place to roost. Do you
+happen to have a spare pole or two?"
+
+"Sho has. Come upon the po'ch and be seated," she invited.
+
+"A-hem. That's when you said something," smiled Legs, "eh, Mis'?" She
+joined in the humor.
+
+"Well, boys," said Legs, when they were comfortably seated, "this looks
+good to me. Supposing we just hang up here, and send for our stuff?"
+
+It was agreeable to the other two, and they were, therefore, duly
+installed, three in a room. Legs, being the longest, was given a bed to
+himself, while Hatfield and Wyeth agreed to share another together. It
+was fortunate for both that it was arranged thus, since Legs proved to
+be a dreadful night man, and, from his apparently restless way of
+tossing, required a halter.
+
+"Any saloons around here, Mis'?" he inquired shortly, when she
+reappeared on the porch a few minutes later.
+
+"Sho is!" she exclaimed. "Yeh, most sho. Go right down this street, turn
+the corner, and across the street near the other corner, is what you
+want," she laughed, taking them all for granted. Wyeth and Hatfield
+followed Legs to the inevitable fountain he now sought energetically.
+
+"Got t' have a little liquah before I c'n feel like myself," he grinned,
+as they sauntered along.
+
+"Hello!" called some one from the rear. Turning, they observed a medium
+sized Negro walking rapidly in their direction, and beckoning to them.
+They halted, and presently he stood before them, introducing himself.
+
+"Pardon me, gentlemen," he began very properly; "but the Mis' back
+there," pointing in the direction of the house they had just left, "was
+telling me that you have just taken a room with her, and, since I am the
+man of the house, I wish to offer my name and make you welcome."
+
+He was very cordial. His name was Moore, John Moore, he said, and to
+describe him, our pen fails to a degree. He had, however, an odd looking
+face. His cheek bones were high, slightly Indian-like, while his face
+was broad. His nose was not flat, nor was it high or medium, it
+was--just a nose, that's all. He held his head forward aggressively, his
+eyes were twinkling, and possessed a cordiality that, to a careful
+observer, was distrustful. And still, his appearance in general, was
+that of a Negro who might be expected to bluff, but not to fight; to
+steal when the opportunity was ripe, with enough cunningness to keep
+from being caught. Otherwise, he was apparently harmless.
+
+They acknowledged his welcome, and, joining them, they all went toward
+the place of happiness by proxy.
+
+"I'm buyin' this," said Moore, as they lined the bar, four abreast.
+
+"Let me do the buying this time," insisted Legs, who proved himself a
+sport, and a good mixer.
+
+"I've paid him already," said Moore, as if in dismissal, shoving at the
+same time, a half dollar across the bar.
+
+"Whiskey," nodded Legs familiarly, to the bartender.
+
+"Little liquah, too," from Moore.
+
+"Beer."
+
+"Beer."
+
+"Drink whiskey!" insisted Legs and Moore, of the other two. "Something
+that has the kick."
+
+"These are my sons," said Legs, teasingly.
+
+"Hold on heh', George," argued Moore with the bartender, "you know how I
+take mine. A half-a-pint 'n' two glasses." The bartender obeyed.
+
+Here Wyeth observed, was diplomacy, albeit economy. Moore paid
+twenty-five cents for the half pint, wherein he and Legs had six
+sociable drinks, three a-piece; whereas, the same would have totalled
+sixty cents otherwise.
+
+"How's this town for gettin' hold a-something?" inquired Legs of Moore,
+when John Barleycorn was doing his duty.
+
+"Best town in the south to get it, if you're wise," Moore winked.
+
+Legs responded with a big wink. "I'm the man that put 'w' in whiskey,"
+he smiled. "I'n get mine when it's in the gettin'."
+
+"What's your line?" from Moore, pouring more whiskey.
+
+"Anything from heavin' coal to sellin' liquah and operatin' a crap game,
+and a little 'skin' when the crowd's right."
+
+"I see," said the other thoughtfully, then added: "And your friends?"
+
+"This lad here is going to school to learn how to get 'his without
+workin'; while the other boy," pointing to Wyeth, "is already doin'
+it."
+
+"Well, men," began Moore, as he opened a fresh half pint that Legs paid
+for, "as I said, 'f you're _wise_, Effingham is the best town in the
+country for pickin's. It is, as you should know, the greatest industrial
+center in the south."
+
+"So I have understood," interposed Wyeth, waiving the bartender's
+invitation aside; "I am anxious to learn something, everything about the
+town, and the colored people."
+
+"Are they employed in considerable numbers at the mines, steel mills and
+furnaces about here, of which the city possesses so many?"
+
+"Thousands upon thousands," he was informed.
+
+"And how are they paid? From a personal standpoint, I'd be glad to
+know?" went on Wyeth.
+
+"All kinds of wages, and at various times. Some receive as low as a
+dollar and a quarter, while others make as high as seven and eight; but
+the average wage runs from a dollar fifty, to three dollars."
+
+"How's the crap games?" from Legs, with the usual smile.
+
+"Nigga's will shoot craps, yu' know," grinned Moore. "I shoot a little
+myself when the moon's right," he winked.
+
+"I want t' find a good game as soon as possible, and win about a
+hundred," said Legs, beginning to show the effects of liquor. Hatfield
+and Wyeth left them to their cheerful diversion, which was now, to all
+appearance, warming to the superlative.
+
+The former went toward town, looking for certain friends. Wyeth went
+back to the place where he was going to stay, and retired. They had
+called up for their luggage before they went to the saloon. Wyeth was
+sleeping peacefully, when he was aroused by an argument on the porch. He
+tried to close his ears, but the same was persistent. It was between the
+landlady and the expressman, who had arrived with the stuff.
+
+"That little trunk is as heavy as lead," he heard that worthy saying.
+
+"That has nothing to do with it," from the landlady. "They left fifty
+cents here to pay for it, and you must have agreed to that amount, or
+they would have left more."
+
+"Seventy-five cents, seventy-five cents. That little trunk is like
+something filled with bricks."
+
+"My trunk," mumbled Wyeth, coming to himself, and listening to the
+argument. "And that sucker is trying to work her. The dirty cur!" he now
+cried, angry for two reasons. One for being disturbed when he was
+sleeping so peacefully, and another for being worked, or trying to be.
+With a bound he was on the floor, and in a jiffy he was in his trousers
+and upon the porch.
+
+"Well, 'f' y' ain' go'n pay it, I'll haf t' take th' stuff back," the
+expressman said, as Wyeth came up. The other did not see him until he
+mounted the porch. Then he looked into his eyes which were fighting, and
+recoiled.
+
+"What's this you are going to do!" he demanded, filling the doorway, and
+bestowing upon the other, a look that corresponded with his feelings.
+
+"Well, stuff I brung down heah's mor'n I thought 't'was, so I'll haf t'
+have a quarter mo'!"
+
+"What kind of a proposition did we make with you in regard to hauling it
+at the depot awhile ago?"
+
+"You said yu'd give me a haf a-dollah fo' haulin' it, but I didn't say
+I'd do it fo' a haf," he sulked, evasively.
+
+Wyeth glared at him, but the other refused to meet his eye. "Then," he
+began, "when you took hold of it and loaded it into your wagon, you
+subsequently agreed to my offer, and now I want to see you get more."
+
+"I'll haf t' take the stuff," argued the other, shifting about, but
+keeping at a safe distance. Something in the eye of the other did not
+offer welcome.
+
+"Give him a quater more," called Legs, who had returned in the meantime,
+and had been trying to catch a little sleep.
+
+"I don't intend to pay him one little dime more!" exclaimed Wyeth
+stubbornly.
+
+"Then I'll haf t' see 'n' officer," bluffed the other, and turning, he
+started briskly down the street. Wyeth learned later, he was sure he
+could not have found one. He was not looking for any, but the landlady
+and Legs made up the quarter, and calling him back, paid him.
+
+"Books is stubborn when he thinks he's been worked. M-m," said Legs,
+going back to bed. "Yeh, comes down to a show, believe he'd fight."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO
+
+"_These Negroes in Effingham Are Nigga's Proper_"
+
+
+The next day dawned calm and beautiful, and Sidney made preparations to
+begin his canvassing. In one city in Ohio, and which was also a great
+industrial center, he had found much success in selling his book to the
+multitude of workers employed there. Therefore, with what Moore had
+already told him, he was anxious to get his work under way.
+
+The first thing necessary, of course, would be to secure agents. School
+had closed recently, and he had intended coming to the city, to enlist
+some of the teachers for that work. Securing a number of names and
+addresses, he began calling on them, but without any immediate success.
+Late that afternoon, however, a teacher, a settled woman, gave him the
+name and address of one whom she felt, she assured him, would take up
+the work. "At least," she said, "she always does something during
+vacation. Her name is Miss Palmer," so thither he went.
+
+She lived not far away, and near the center of a block in a small two
+story house, rusty and somewhat ramshackle. He mounted the steps, which
+were perhaps a half dozen, and asked for her. She was out, they informed
+him, but was expected to return shortly. Before they were through
+telling him, she came. She was a brown-skinned woman, although in the
+fading twilight, she struck him as being a mulatto. Of medium height and
+size, she gave a welcome that played about the corners of her small
+mouth. Her chin was long and tapered to a small point, which made her
+appearance unusual; her eyes were small, very small, and playful.
+
+They were very soon in conversation, and he was pleased to learn, after
+he had talked with her a few minutes, that she was a woman with the
+strength of her convictions, although there was something about her he
+did not, and was not likely, he felt, to understand for some time to
+come, and he didn't.
+
+Presently he stated the object of his visit, and suggested that she take
+up the work during her vacation. She shook her head dubiously, and said:
+
+"I don't mind canvassing; but I don't want to sell books."
+
+"Why not books?" he inquired, in a tone of surprise, and then added: "It
+would seem that, being a teacher, selling a nice book would be
+preferable to something else."
+
+"Yes, that may be," said she, thoughtfully now, "but nigga's here don't
+read. At least they won't buy and pay for books. Sell them toilet
+articles or hair goods, something to straighten their kinks or rub on
+their faces, anything guaranteed to make their hair grow soft and curly,
+or their black faces brighter."
+
+He laughed long. She now observed him with something akin to admiration.
+"Then the people of your community--the black people--don't consider
+feeding the mind an essential to moral welfare," he suggested
+mirthfully.
+
+"Naw, Lord," she replied flatly. "These Negroes in Effingham are nigga's
+proper. They think nothing about reading and trying to learn something,
+they only care for dressing up and having a good time."
+
+He was silent and resigned for a time. They now sat together in a swing
+that hung suspended from the porch. Directly, when he had said nothing
+for some time, she looked again at him, and with something in her
+demeanor that was anxious.
+
+"What book is it?" she inquired.
+
+He told her.
+
+"That's a good title, and should take if anything will," she said, a
+little more serious now than before. She did not impress Wyeth as being
+much of a literary person, as he now observed her. For a moment, he felt
+the interest wane, that he had experienced the moment she came up. She
+was speaking.
+
+"I sold books one summer, 'Up From Bondage,' by the greatest Negro the
+race has ever known, and I had a time! I never want such another
+experience! They told me a thousand lies, and had me trotting after them
+all summer," whereupon, she shrugged her shoulders disgustedly.
+
+"Well," said he, "I'm confident there are people, and plenty, who _do_
+care to read, and will likewise buy when the book is properly presented.
+So, of course, the duty of a distributer, will be to find these people,
+and it is for this purpose, I am here. I do not, of course, know what
+kind of a black population you have; but it is reasonable to suppose
+that, if I could and did, personally sell twelve hundred copies in
+Attalia in a matter of five months, I should be able to find a few
+readers here. Do you not agree with me?"
+
+"Oh, of course," said she; "but you cannot as yet appreciate the fact
+that Effingham has the orneriest Negroes in the world. I am frank when I
+say that I do not have any confidence in them, but wait," she
+admonished, "you'll find out."
+
+They sat together now, and conversed on topics otherwise than books and
+literature, which he observed, could be engaged in with more success.
+Moreover, as the minutes wore on, he also came to see that Miss Palmer
+was somewhat sentimental. She smiled freely, moved close at times, and
+then away, artfully; saw him at moments out of liquid eyes, and said her
+words with a coquetishness that came by careful practice.
+
+And so, Sidney Wyeth, a man free to practice the arts of coquetry--if a
+man may do so--accepted Miss Palmer's attention, and to that end he soon
+became a friend.
+
+When he departed that evening, she had taken the agency, and had agreed
+to go with him on the morrow.
+
+That night it rained, a heavy rain, and when he went forth the following
+morning, the streets were heavy with mud wherever there was no
+paving--which was, in this part of town, almost everywhere. Moreover, it
+showed signs of raining more. It had been one of the dryest springs the
+south had ever seen, and it was now probable that the deficiency in
+rainfall would be eradicated by an excess in moisture.
+
+Wyeth, however, was impatient to begin as soon as possible. He wished to
+ascertain to what extent intelligence and regard for higher morals was
+prevalent in this town.
+
+Miss Palmer was not ready when he arrived, and it was two hours before
+she was. "Thought since it rained," she explained, "that you would not,
+perhaps, go out today."
+
+"Won't know the difference this time next year," he jested, with a
+cheerful smile, nevertheless, surveying the threatening elements
+anxiously.
+
+"If we go into the quarter districts," she advised, "we will most likely
+get our feet wet--muddy."
+
+"Are there no sidewalks out there?" he inquired.
+
+They had decided, the evening before, at her suggestion, to begin in one
+of the many little towns, inhabited by Negroes employed in the mines,
+mills and furnaces, that made Effingham what it was. These little towns
+encircle the city proper, laying, many of them, at a considerable
+distance, to be incorporated as part of the city.
+
+Some years before--between one census and the next--this city is
+recorded to have trebled and over in population. It had, but in doing
+so, it gathered all these little burgs for miles around. Some of them
+were even beyond the car lines, which were built to them after the city
+had incorporated them, and counted the people as a part of the
+population of Effingham. Wyeth perhaps, as well as the world at large,
+had not known this. The population, at this time, was estimated to be
+one hundred sixty-six thousand. Of this amount, two-fifths were Negroes.
+Only a portion had been born in Effingham; the rest came in the last few
+years, in great, ignorant hordes from the rural parts of the state, and
+from the states adjoining. And as Wyeth soon came to know, they included
+some of the most depraved and vicious creatures humanity has known--but
+of this, our story will reveal in due time.
+
+The most extraordinary part of Effingham, was its staggering number of
+churches. That is, among the Negroes. Notwithstanding the fact that the
+city was the resort of every escaped convict, and the city where every
+freed one headed for, which, of course, naturally made it the scene of
+excessive depravity, there was, apparently, a great amount of pious
+worship. Wyeth recalled, as he became better acquainted with the city
+and the people, that a year before, in a northern city, he had one day,
+gone to the library, where he found the directories of all cities of any
+significance. He was preparing a circular campaign, and, in going
+through the various directories, chanced to look through the part of
+those of the southern cities that had recorded the churches. Effingham
+had, according to an old one, almost a hundred Negro churches.
+
+But, having digressed at some length, we will return now to Miss Palmer
+and Sidney Wyeth, preparing to spread intelligence among a people who
+greatly needed it.
+
+"Sidewalks!" Miss Palmer exclaimed, in derision, "Lordy, they hardly
+have streets in some places!"
+
+A few minutes later, they were sailing through the country--although it
+was counted as part of the city--to a town, a suburb, nine miles
+distant, a suburb of mills. "I used to sell toilet articles out there,
+on and right after pay days, and did quite well," said she, as the heavy
+car thundered along at a great rate of speed, for an inter-urban. "I am
+skeptical in regard to books, though, because these are 'bad' nigga's,
+with the exception of a precious few good ones."
+
+They were just then passing through a district that was well kept, and
+apparently quiet. "We are now in a part of the town, where a large
+number of the better class of our people reside," she said, "and I am
+going to point out the homes of some of them."
+
+"There is where Mr. Judson, paying teller at the Dime Savings Bank,
+lives." She pointed to a handsome bungalow, setting well back from the
+street, and surrounded by many young trees, with a well kept lawn upon
+three sides. "Now over there is where Paul Widner, contractor and
+builder, has his home." Following the direction of her finger, he was
+moved by the sumptuous and imposing structure that met his gaze. "That
+is the finest residence owned and occupied by one of our kind in the
+city," she said, with evident pride. "Still, though, here is Dr.
+Jackson's, which is almost as fine," and she pointed to another that was
+a credit. "He is the financial secretary of one of the church
+denominations of the south.
+
+"See that long house over there?" she pointed to another. "That is Dr.
+Wayland's. He runs the drugstore."
+
+"A preacher?"
+
+"No; a pharmacist."
+
+They were now in the wood, a deep forest with great trees all about,
+that darkened the inside of the car. The picked over and slim pines,
+mingled with large water oaks, rose gloomily against the heavy clouds
+that now rumbled ominously overhead. Before long, large drops of water
+began an intermittent patter on the car roof, while the windows were
+spat upon occasionally. And then, of a sudden, the very heavens seem to
+open, and the rain fell in torrents. Through it the heavy car pushed
+resolutely forward. The line was one recently completed, and facilitated
+travel between the city and the suburb wonderfully. Built of steel, the
+cars were long and heavy, with doors that opened near the center,
+allowing the colored passengers to enter on one side of the conductor,
+who operated the doors, from a convenient position near the furtherest
+side of the opening.
+
+"We will surely get soaked today," grumbled Miss Palmer, but not
+lightly, for she trembled on observing the terrific downpour.
+
+"How much further is it to this place we are going?" he inquired. To
+him, it seemed they had been riding an hour. "You do not mean to tell
+me, that all that stretch of forest and open country before we got to
+the forest, is a part of Effingham?"
+
+"We will soon be there now," she evaded, and then added: "Effingham
+includes everything that electric cars operating in and out of the city
+reaches," and laughed. He believed her.
+
+At last, the big car came to a stop. They alighted in the downpour, and
+rushed to shelter beneath the porch of a small grocery store, conducted
+by a kind-faced little colored woman.
+
+"Oh, how-do, Mrs. Brown," cried Miss Palmer, when the latter, upon
+seeing them, opened the door and bade them enter. "I'm certainly glad to
+see you," whereupon they kissed, and Miss Palmer cheered the dark
+atmosphere with many cute words.
+
+"Permit me, Mrs. Brown, to introduce Mr.----I forget your name?" "You
+see, Mr. Wyeth," said Miss Palmer, with a delightful smile, "I taught
+out here these past three years, and Mrs. Brown is one of my many
+friends. Yonder is the school," she pointed to an old frame building,
+that could barely be outlined through the storm. "They have transferred
+me back to the city again," she turned to Mrs. Brown. "So I regret to
+say that I shall not be with you next year."
+
+Miss Palmer had a way of finishing her sentences with a show of her fine
+little teeth; and her chin, at such a time, reached to a fine point,
+which at first amused Sidney. She would bestow upon him a coquettish
+smile, when she found his eyes searching her mysteriously.
+
+"Mr. Wyeth," said she, with her arm linked now within Mrs. Brown's, "is
+general agent for a new book by a Negro author, _The Tempest_, and for
+which I have accepted the local agency--why not," she broke off
+suddenly, "show Mrs. Brown the book?"
+
+"She is clever and suggestive at the same time," thought Sidney, almost
+aloud; but he forthwith obeyed the suggestion with much pleasure, and
+took Mrs. Brown's order amid the rainfall, collecting twenty-five cents
+as a guarantee of good faith, in addition.
+
+It had ceased raining as suddenly as it had commenced. They turned to
+leave the store, and, as he was passing Miss Palmer, he bumped against
+her roughly. She was looking at his picture on the frontispiece now,
+with apparent suspicion. He pretended not to see her or her suspicion,
+that had now grown to excitement. She was yet apparently in some doubt,
+as she tried to make connections.
+
+"Look here! Look here!" she exclaimed at last, in subdued excitement.
+"This picture! This picture! It is you! You!" She held the book open,
+and looked at him in amazement. He waved her aside depreciatively, and
+passed outside, while she continued gazing at the picture in a state of
+excitement. She followed him, and they were alone.
+
+"Why didn't you tell me this?" she cried, unable to stem her tide of
+excitement. She had lost interest, for the present, in all else, and
+pursued: "You, the author of this book!" She now saw him as another
+person entirely. Feeling much put out, he felt something should be
+resorted to, to dissipate the spell.
+
+"I'm not the author," he said, with straight face. "Where shall we go
+now?" his demeanor was calm and imperious.
+
+"Stop next door--no, that's Mrs. Brown's house," she said, as she
+followed him in a meditative mood. "The next house," he heard her say,
+as if speaking from far away. Miss Palmer was now serious, and very
+thoughtful.
+
+Disturbed by her discovery, and, in a measure, disconcerted, Wyeth
+concentrated himself upon the demonstration of the book to a creditable
+degree that morning; and, one by one, with his voice and look charged
+with dynamite, he secured those black people's orders, and the deposit
+wherever they had the amount available. Miss Palmer merely followed him,
+insisting upon the point of authorship, until, with a touch of
+impatience, he admonished her that their purpose, on that occasion, was
+to sell the book, the author, therefore, insofar as they were concerned,
+was a matter of secondary consideration.
+
+"Going to be angry with me so soon?" she pined, looking into his eyes
+with a feigned appeal. In spite of himself, he smiled back
+disconcertedly.
+
+"You are the author, though, aren't you?" she asked softly.
+
+He ignored the question.
+
+"We have eleven orders, and have collected a dollar and seventy-five
+cents, in exactly an hour and a half," she informed him, at the end of
+that time. "Whether you _did_ or did _not_ write this book--say what you
+will, I'm convinced you did--you _do_ know how to sell it. I never heard
+a man talk so fast and so effectively in my life!"
+
+"I must leave you now," he said. "I have agreed to be back in town for
+the afternoon, and help start my young friend."
+
+"Please don't leave me," she whispered artfully, and smiled in her
+winning way, then suddenly hurried into the next house.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Thought you had quit me for good, Books," complained young Hatfield,
+when he saw Wyeth, on his return to the city. "When we goin' out?"
+
+"As soon as I have fed my face, and the car will take us to--where, or
+what is that place you spoke of? Where the girls work in service?"
+
+"South Highlands," he replied.
+
+They followed the street until they came to the main street, or rather,
+to one of the main streets, and caught a car from the front end, that
+took them to the North Highlands, and not to the South, as they were
+accustomed to go.
+
+"You'll have to pay carfare back, Books," said Hatfield. "I have only
+fifteen cents left."
+
+"Go right over to where you see that girl, that little colored girl
+standing on the steps that lead to the rear, and tell her the tale of
+_The Tempest_, and get her order," said Wyeth, when at last they had
+come to the right place.
+
+"I thought I would go along with you this afternoon," he said with a
+frown, but obeyed the command, nevertheless.
+
+Two hours later, Sidney found him where they had left each other. "What
+have you done?" he asked holding back a frown, because he felt the
+student had succumbed to a lack of confidence; but he was cheered in a
+degree, when the other replied:
+
+"I got four, how many did you get?"
+
+"Eight," and they went on their way rejoicing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE
+
+_"I Have BEEN Married," Said She_
+
+
+Thirty-five years ago, Effingham was an unsuspected factor. That was
+before somebody had demonstrated that the chain of red hills encircling
+the then small town, contained immense deposits of iron ore and coal,
+and other mineral matter, that could be converted into practical
+purposes.
+
+Effingham lay, at that time, in the valley, where, as yet, most of it is
+found; then, it was regarded as only an ordinary town, without any
+expectation of future greatness. It had, to be exact, thirty-eight
+thousand, fourteen years ago, fifteen thousand Negroes, and the
+remainder white population, including a few Chinese. Today, the city
+boasts of approximately one hundred seventy thousand.
+
+Thus the city had developed, regardless of circumstances, which our
+story will unfold.
+
+But Sidney Wyeth, our erstwhile observer and literary contemporary, had
+not been long in Effingham, before he had come to learn that it was not
+the city Attalia was, in spite of its great industries, and its million
+dollar payroll, which was employed in advertising the iron city.
+
+To begin with, capital--hard cash--was a very expensive thing to use
+toward the development of its extension. When the city incorporated the
+many little towns that make up a large part of its present population,
+it began to run in debt; a great deficit was customary at the end of
+each year, and now, at the time of our story, it was still energetically
+engaged in the same task--piling up a deficit. The many little towns
+that are a part of the city, and where most of the great industrial
+concerns are located, are practically controlled by the interests. But
+when the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company became a vested interest, it
+took over all these various concerns, and merged them into a trust,
+which is a problem to every congress. And now as Sidney Wyeth saw it,
+the company owned everything. It almost owned the Negroes, and thousands
+of foreigners who were employed by the company.
+
+But there was one thing the T.C.I. company did not own, and that was
+train loads of liquor consumed by its black help, and, of course, the
+whites also, to a degree, but not in such proportion. Drink was very
+popular in Effingham, exceedingly popular. It operated to an alarming
+degree everywhere, and about pay days, held sway in certain portions of
+the town, and made everything run riot. And yet there were not nearly so
+many saloons in Effingham as there might have been. It cost too much for
+the privilege. At three thousand dollars a year, only about one hundred
+fifty saloons were in operation. But some years before, while the state
+was under prohibition, "tigers" became the order. And now many of them
+still operated. Especially on Sunday and after closing hours, they were
+busy. They dealt in a liquor known, in general, as "busthead;" and to
+say that it deserved such a title, is saying little enough.
+
+It was Miss Palmer, who became at once a personal friend of Wyeth's, and
+who first told him of these conditions. From her, before he had time to
+observe of his own initiative, he also learned a great deal in regard to
+the black people.
+
+He was waiting on the porch for her when she returned late that
+afternoon, in fact, it was night when she arrived. She was tired, but
+cheerful and greatly encouraged. She had secured eleven orders for his
+book, and collected considerable more deposits in connection therewith.
+
+"I certainly did some talking to those Negroes this afternoon," she
+exclaimed, drawing herself upon the porch when she arrived. "I talked a
+blue streak; and believe me, one after another succumbed," she boasted.
+
+"You work too late," he said, with a note of kindness and admiration in
+his voice. "I do not usually work to exceed six hours a day, and quit by
+six at the latest," he added.
+
+"That's the trouble with Annie," said her cousin, and a teacher also.
+"She has so much ambition when she sees herself succeeding, that she
+invariably wears herself out."
+
+"Have you met my roomers?" Miss Palmer inquired. He shook his head and
+waited, while she, with much ostentation, introduced them one by one.
+
+"This is Mr. Jones, who carries mail upon a rural route; Mr. Farrell is
+a student at Tuskegee. He is spending his vacation in our city. And you
+have been talking with my cousin, Miss Black."
+
+Mr. Farrell was a small creature, so black in the darkness of the night,
+that only a gloomy outline of his features was discernable, while his
+white eyes reminded Sidney as he winked them, of a pair of lightning
+bugs on a warm June night. This was augmented by the occasional flash of
+his white teeth. He was studying architectural drawing. There was
+another student from the same school, a West Indian Negro, and who, like
+his kind, was always apparently desirous of learning, and asked Sidney
+many questions. Mr. Jones, who happened to be another cousin of Miss
+Palmer, and the aforementioned mail carrier, was a suave creature who
+read books, and discoursed with much practical intelligence.
+
+The following morning, Miss Palmer and Sidney were starting toward the
+car, on their way to canvass, when they stepped in a small drugstore
+conducted by a tall, slender man, of about thirty-five. Wyeth had been
+in the store two evenings before, or the day he arrived, and overheard a
+big argument. He had now come to know, that this was a place for warm
+debate, with the druggist ever conspicuous as one of the debaters.
+
+He had not displayed his book there, or suggested a sale to the
+druggist. There were certain classes of his race to whom he never made a
+practice of showing the book for several reasons. The first and most
+significant of these reasons was, that he almost always found the
+Negroes who were engaged professionally, including teachers, not very
+appreciative of the work of their race, although any of them would have
+been insulted if this were told them. He had also made observation from
+other sources, concerning the possible sale of his book. His decision to
+dispense henceforth with showing the book to certain classes, had
+resulted, because of a little incident the year before in Cincinnati. He
+had observed the same in other cities before he reached Cincinnati. In
+Dayton, Indianapolis, and elsewhere; but in Cincinnati, it was so
+evident, that he was, in a way, ashamed to tell it afterwards. This is
+what occurred:
+
+The colored people were making great efforts to secure a Y.M.C.A., and
+were, when he left the city, within fifteen thousand dollars of the
+amount they were required to raise. The white people had given sixty
+thousand. He became well acquainted with the secretary, and it was from
+him that he learned, without inquiring, that, of twenty-nine colored
+teachers who were receiving a minimum of sixty dollars a month,
+twenty-one had not subscribed one dollar toward this small amount the
+colored people were strenuously trying to raise. And of the eight who
+had subscribed, five had grudgingly given one dollar each. The
+secretary, himself a former teacher, admitted this with great
+humiliation.
+
+Wyeth had always found the teachers profuse with excuses, when it came
+to buying the book. And he had found the doctors little better; but, to
+avoid what he had grown to expect, and which he invariably met, he had
+decided to ignore this class of his race. He did not offer criticism
+upon the whole teaching staff, because, of the three teachers out of
+twenty-nine in Cincinnati, who had actually contributed toward the
+colored Y.M.C.A., the professor had shown his sincerity and race
+appreciation, by subscribing one hundred dollars, and had paid it.
+
+So Sidney Wyeth would never have shown the book to the druggist, with a
+view of sale, but Miss Palmer did. In her insistent manner, she urged
+him to buy. Now Wyeth, as was his custom, always went to the leading
+book store in each town, and had never failed to sell them a few books.
+The leading store in Effingham had purchased ten copies, and had placed
+an advertisement of ten inch space in the colored paper, that ran for a
+month, and which the druggist had seen. So, when Miss Palmer approached
+him insistently, he declared that he had seen the book advertised at
+that store, and, as was their custom, sometime during the year they
+offered all books at forty-nine cents, he would, if he wanted the book,
+purchase it then. Of course, he didn't want it, and Wyeth was provoked
+that Miss Palmer had even shown it to him; but Miss Palmer had, and,
+upon being told of these conditions, she at once ceased her efforts.
+
+Of course, the druggist was wrong, and Wyeth knew it; but the druggist
+didn't. He wanted to bet--any amount, that he was right--that one of the
+biggest booksellers in the southland, offered all books, regardless of
+"best sellers," sometime during the year at forty-nine cents a copy. It
+cost the druggist two dollars to learn that he could be wrong, or
+mistaken at least, even if he had _been to school and graduated from
+college_, which, in the minds of his august contemporaries, meant that
+he _knew_ everything.
+
+It was Miss Palmer who advised Sidney that Dr. Randall, for druggists
+were called doctors also, among these people, had _been to school and
+graduated from college_.... And Miss Palmer was much chagrined that
+Wyeth had acted so hastily.... For times were hard and two dollars was
+_something_.... If he had caught her eye when she tried so hard to get
+his, she would have gotten him outside for a minute, one little minute,
+and then she would have told him who the other was.... She was almost in
+tears as she remonstrated with him for his hasty act.... Miss Palmer was
+sincere and meant it, because, for some reason, she was unable as yet to
+account; she really liked Mr. Wyeth. "He has such eyes," she told her
+cousin when she returned, while the bet was being settled.
+
+"Well, we have lost two hours, so we will have to get a move on us now,
+to make up for lost time. Of course," he said cheerfully, "I've made two
+dollars, which is as much, maybe more, than we would have made in the
+meantime----"
+
+"You did what!" Miss Palmer was amazed.
+
+It was some time before she could be brought to believe it.
+
+"We will go to a different part of the quarter today," she said after a
+time. Wyeth looked at her. Miss Palmer was very kind. And Sidney Wyeth
+longed for kindness. When he saw Miss Palmer as she was that day, he
+felt something amiss in his heart. She had said nothing today; whereas,
+yesterday she had acted, he thought, boldly.
+
+The car now seemed to be flying through space. It roared like a mad
+thing, and filled him with a peculiar feeling; exhilaration overwhelmed
+him. For one moment he forgot everything, and he felt a burning desire
+to touch the woman. At his side sat Miss Palmer. She had been kind to
+him, even though he had known her almost no time. And then suddenly his
+hand found hers, and, closing over it one moment, he crushed it. A
+moment later the impulse had passed.
+
+The powerful car thundered on its way.
+
+Miss Palmer worked hard that day. All the hours through, she talked and
+talked. She simply _made_ those black people buy. "The story of a young
+man, a young man of our race, who had the strength and courage of a
+pioneer, went alone into the wilds of the great northwest, and there
+made conquest. Think of that as an example, and incentive to effort for
+your children!" They nodded and joined her in seriousness, though they
+knew not what it all meant; but they did feel the strength of her eyes,
+and the insistence held them.
+
+Wyeth suggested the route.
+
+She offered no objection. Whither he suggested, she followed meekly,
+almost subserviently. And always, she sought, whenever she could get his
+attention, his eyes, and into them she looked for something; but it was
+ever something unfathomable she saw therein. But the more she was unable
+to fathom those depths, the more her eagerness to do so became apparent.
+
+She talked of her work as a teacher, she told him then of her ambition,
+and her hopes; but Miss Palmer, withal she felt that day, could not,
+somehow, impart the secret of her great ambition. Vainly she tried, in
+her most artful way, to have him tell her something--something of
+himself.
+
+But he never did. That made it harder for Miss Palmer, for soon, she
+felt, she just _had_ to know.
+
+"Over there," said she, pointing to a row of new houses, uniform in
+splendor, "are homes that are beautiful and still economical. It is my
+intention to begin the purchase of one of them next year. All the people
+living there in those houses are personal acquaintances of mine and
+friends. And, as you will observe, there is a school just around the
+corner, which adds greatly to the value of the property. I want also to
+buy another home in that neighborhood, as soon as I have the first one
+well under payment, and so have it paid for by the time my boy becomes
+of age."
+
+"Your boy!"
+
+"Yes," she admitted, with a tired, hard smile.
+
+"Oh...."
+
+"I have been married."
+
+"Oh...."
+
+"But am now a widow."
+
+"Oh...."
+
+"But not by death."
+
+"Oh...."
+
+"No; _he_ is not dead--at least he wasn't a month ago." She shrugged her
+shoulders, and went on now somewhat doggedly. "I am a grass widow, and
+you know what that means...."
+
+He made no answer; but she knew he heard her, and was listening. She
+went on as only an unsuccessful and unhappy woman could. "Yes, when a
+woman marries a man that she loves, and gives to him the best that's in
+her, and, after years, is forced to give up the fight, her very heart,
+for a piece of paper marked 'divorce,' she is never the same woman she
+was, and might have continued to be. There are those who say: 'Oh, I
+don't care;' but I'm going to tell you, they do. The woman lives on
+apparently gay, but her heart is dead within her." For a long time now,
+there was silence. Presently, she spoke again.
+
+"I am living entirely now for my little boy. He is all I have, and I am
+willing, I feel, to slave until the skin falls from my fingers, that he
+may have his chance. I am planning to graduate him as early as possible,
+and place him in a good northern school in the study of medicine."
+
+Again Sidney Wyeth felt a peculiarity about his heart. His thoughts went
+back into yesterdays, and he recalled all that he had lived and hoped
+for, and then for one brief moment, another stood before him. Miss
+Palmer was talking, but her voice seemed to come from far away.
+Presently she touched him. He looked up and she saw the _something_ in
+his eyes, and suddenly all she had been feeling passed, as she now
+observed him closely. Her lips parted. They started to say: "You strange
+man. You've had your troubles too." And then something else seemed to
+say: "But you're game, oh you're game. You've lived a bitter pill, a
+very bitter pill. Look into those eyes; study them, and if you have
+suffered, and by that suffering you have learned, you can read that a
+secret lurks therein; you say nothing, but you feel, nevertheless." What
+Miss Palmer did say when her lips spoke was: "We'd better be going, Mr.
+Wyeth. It's getting late. Hear the whistle of the furnace, and across
+from that we hear another. That belongs to the Semet Solvay; but they
+both are right. It's one o'clock and thirty minutes. Time to canvass; we
+must go." Her voice was kinder now than ever.
+
+They went.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR
+
+"_Eidder Stuck Up ah She's a Witch_"
+
+
+They now passed between two large industrial plants of the Tennessee
+Coal and Iron Company. To the left, roaring mightily, was one of the
+many blast furnaces, where the pig iron was made from the crude ore.
+Innumerable small cars, upon which sat huge ladles, whirled to and fro.
+Backward and forward they were pulled, out of the great shed, where they
+received their supply of molten matter from the largest cupolas in
+existence. Everywhere the white heat flashed. Hundreds and thousands of
+men, black and white (although as they were now seen, they were all
+black), worked away. System was everywhere evident. The cars, with their
+loads of molten heat, moved with systematic regularity, while each and
+every man seemed to know and fill a certain place. Only a little
+carelessness, a little disregard for established rules and regulation,
+would lead to death, of one to a score of men.
+
+To the right of them, filling the hot summer air with sulphuric and
+gaseous fumes, the plant of the Semet Solvay Company was visible in all
+its activity. It rose grim and forbidding, with intense heat, and
+stretched back for a mile, seemingly, from where they passed. Even the
+dirt upon which they walked, as they went into the quarters between the
+plants, was hot and dead. No grass was to be seen. A sickly little short
+weed struggled for existence in this medley of industry.
+
+And now, before them rose a hill, at the top of which were the quarters.
+High above the factories, as though seeking the air, and as if to be as
+much as possible free from the sulphuric fumes that at times almost
+stifled one, these houses stood, dirty, grim and forbidding. They rose
+sinister-like in the dull sunlight, and fell back beyond as they
+approached.
+
+When the two had reached the summit and viewed the place closer, Sidney
+was, for a time, awed by the sight. Row after row of little red or
+brown, shell-like homes they were. With a thin board porch, they made
+little resistance against the intense heat, for it seemed hotter here
+than elsewhere.
+
+At this hour, the inmates could be seen spread about on these little
+porches, if it happened to be on the shady side; or else, they could be
+seen in the houses, and some were even beneath them, anywhere they could
+find a spot that would permit of a little rest; for, from one to three
+weeks they must work at nights, twelve, thirteen and fourteen long
+hours. The furnace cupolas had not been cool, in many instances, since
+they were erected, and only two shifts were employed. They were
+predominantly black people.
+
+Only here and there was a mulatto to be seen. Little children filled the
+grimy streets, that are made to stink fearfully from the slag used in
+the paving. And now, as the sun beats down, it was soft and stuck to the
+shoes, much to the provocation of the walker. Notwithstanding the
+apparent lack of comfort, evident everywhere in this little village of
+workers, these little black children, with an occasional Italian, seemed
+as cheerful and happy and gay, as those of the aristocrats of the South
+Highlands. They played busily, while their little faces, tanned by the
+heat, were full of joy. They were as courteous--more so than one would
+expect under the circumstances.
+
+When Sidney Wyeth inquired, he learned that the T.C.I. company maintains
+and pays the teachers well in the schools for the education of these
+masses of little, growing human beings. Unfortunately, so torn and
+frittered by race law legislation, the city and the county and the state
+are far in arrears financially, and, were it left to those bodies, these
+little children would not all, by any means, learn the art of reading
+and writing; for, with all our boast as the greatest nation of civilized
+people, there is no law here, that compels the parent, guardian and
+what more, to send these children to school. Which, perhaps, accounts
+for the fact that forty per cent of the black population are illiterate,
+and almost as large a per cent of the whites.
+
+They walked along together in silence, Miss Annie Palmer and Sidney
+Wyeth. This silence was interrupted only when they drew near one or a
+number of these little human beings, who smiled upon them, and made eyes
+back at Sidney, who winked humorously, and then made them all happy with
+a few pennies, for he loved children. They passed through this mass,
+which our pen has attempted to describe, and found themselves soon in a
+part given over to nature. Trees had made a brave fight for the right to
+exist against poisonous gases, and some had succeeded, in a measure;
+while garden truck, closer to its mother earth, had apparently succeeded
+to a still greater degree. Fences were in evidence; pride as well. The
+children were cleaner; the houses were not quarter-shacks any more; but
+commodious, even large homes, and were occupied by a class, while
+workers, nevertheless they had employed their earnings otherwise than
+for liquor and dice, and other frivolities, the curse that submerges the
+more ignorant and prideless. They were a kind people, these were, and
+when approached with a suggestion of literature, they smiled and
+replied: "We are fond of reading."
+
+Thus Miss Palmer and Sidney Wyeth began work that day, and until the sun
+was hurrying toward the west, they talked and said words of kind
+sincerity to the many they met, for these people deserved it. What was
+more important, some made effort toward their betterment. These were few
+in number. For this reason, such kind words of encouragement--ay, very
+often praise, was necessary.
+
+So, one by one they subscribed, and hoped for the book soon, until their
+orders were many. The evening had approached until the hour was near
+six, when they came upon another, a black woman truly, but pride,
+apparently, she had plenty. While not the finest, in point of value, her
+house was one of the cosiest. It was painted in two colors, and reposed
+quietly behind a medley of small trees, around which was a fair stand of
+blue grass. The lace curtains, all clean and white, contrasted
+beautifully behind and below the pale green shades, while within the
+furniture was artistically arranged.
+
+They were invited in, and made most welcome. "Yes," said the black
+woman, "I am fond, very fond of good books, and when it comes to one
+which my race has produced, I want it, for such are few. So you may take
+my name, and bring the book as soon as you can."
+
+They thanked her profusely, and spoke, as they had spoken many times
+that day, kind words of encouragement and praise. She appreciated it.
+
+Yet some said of this woman, before the two made this call:
+
+"She's a mean nigger, and you'll neveh be 'vited in da' house! Um-m! She
+has no 'commadation 'bout her, and she's eidder stuck up, ah she's a
+witch!" Whereupon they shook their black heads, and went their way with
+a mutter.
+
+But 'ere long another--and he was himself a practical and successful
+man--said: "She's O.K., a fine woman; but she runs a grocery store while
+her husband digs coal, and, well, she doesn't credit Tom, Dick and
+Harry." And then Wyeth and his companion understood.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The day's work was done at last, and they were hurrying back to town.
+They were tired, both mentally and physically, but their spirits were
+high. They were, moreover, grateful, and seemed, to a great degree, to
+understand each other. Their friendship has reached the stage at which
+they could indulge in confidences, Miss Palmer especially. She regarded
+Wyeth, out of her liquid eyes, and smiled kindly, confidentially. "I'm
+glad I took up the work--now."
+
+She smiled with more confidence than before. "Yes; I am, really. I have
+_enjoyed_ it." And still she smiled. He did too. She smiled back, and
+then, in a voice that was so soft, and kind, and confidential, she said:
+"You wrote it, didn't you?"
+
+He heard the car as it crashed along through the night, for the sun had
+set long ago. The trees, for they were passing through the forest,
+flashed darkly through the electric lighted car, and Miss Palmer waited.
+He did not reply. After a time--shall we say minutes--she sought his
+eye. She was languid, and resigned to a degree. "If you would only admit
+that which I am positive is true, it would be so nice. I would truly be
+satisfied."
+
+"What matter could it make?" and then he stopped. She might be more
+interesting curious than otherwise.... He remained silent.
+
+"Oh, why do you maintain this silence regarding the authorship?" she
+fretted, moving restlessly about.
+
+"Cannot we go along and sell it--that, in particular, is all that
+matters, isn't it?" He tried to be reasonable. "You will, as you must
+now see," he argued, "only need to go to the _industrial_ people, and
+success will be yours." She was oblivious to all this. He resumed,
+somewhat uncertainly:
+
+"If many people--especially those in the class to which I feel you
+belong--knew or thought that I am the author of this book, their
+possible interest might become doubtful; whereas, with no thought than
+the ordinary--that is the usual fetish--they _might_, after reading it,
+be much impressed with its message. Don't you agree with me?" He wanted
+to be reasonable, but Miss Palmer was silent.
+
+She was still so when they left the car some minutes later. When they
+had reached the curbing and stepped upon the walk, they saw Hatfield. He
+had his suit case and was in somewhat of a hurry, from the strides he
+was making.
+
+"Where is he going, home?" inquired Miss Palmer.
+
+"I don't know," replied the other, "but I wouldn't think so at least. He
+never said anything to me in regard to it, when I left him this
+morning." Yet so he was, though he never said so, when they met him and
+exchanged a few words.
+
+"I'm going to a friend's house," and he gave Wyeth a number. They told
+him of their success, whereupon he secured a dollar, and that was the
+last time they saw him. He went back with the same porter they had come
+over with.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was Legs who informed Sidney that young Hatfield was going back to
+Attalia. Legs was having some experiences of his own. Before he related
+them to Wyeth, he inquired:
+
+"Well, Books, how goes it?" He was cheerful as usual--in fact Legs was
+always cheerful--with one exception, which we shall cite presently.
+
+"Fine, Legs," Wyeth beamed. "Couldn't be better, which is saying a great
+deal. How's things with you?"
+
+"_Could_ be a whole lot better," he laughed, with dancing eyes; "but
+they have been worse. I've been busy though. Working right along. Got me
+a gal now, and won a little change today that I might lose tonight."
+
+He did--and more. He lost all he had, borrowed a quarter from Wyeth,
+wanted a dollar, but Wyeth halted him, advising that he loaned only to
+purchase the means to fill his stomach, and then only when it was
+begging for bread.
+
+After this, and for some time to come, Legs' fortune varied from near
+prosperity, to going for a whole day without anything to eat. And at
+these times, he dispensed with his usual cheerfulness.
+
+One day, he pawned his meagre jewelry for all he could obtain thereon,
+which amounted to only a dollar and a half. He ate a big meal at a cheap
+restaurant, got his shirts from the laundry, paid fifty cents on his
+room rent, and went with the remainder to a game. Luck was with him, as
+it is with all, once in a while. True, it was only in a small measure,
+but he had sufficient to finish paying his rent, bought a cold lunch
+that he sensibly tucked away for future purposes, and went to bed with a
+dollar in his pocket.
+
+Sleeping peacefully at two A.M., he was awakened by John Moore, the man
+of the house, who told him--Sidney heard this--of a great game close by,
+and where hundreds were at stake. So Legs got up, not too cheerfully,
+from his comfortable bed and peaceful sleep, dressed, and a moment
+later, followed Moore out into the night, and to fortune. (?)
+
+He came back in about an hour. He was drunk and broke, angry with
+himself, and more so with John Moore.
+
+"Damn that nigger!" he cried terribly, when alone with Wyeth. "Damn him,
+damn him, d-a-m-n him! Came in here and got me out of bed," he roared,
+brandishing his long arms. "When I was sleeping the sleep of peace.
+'Nigga's gotta big game on; all kinds a-money. I'n beat 'm in scan, know
+I c'n.' And then like a fool," and here he looked down at himself, as if
+to see which would be the best part to kick, "I up and goes with him. Of
+course, he must have a drink for himself; so a quarter first went to
+'get him right.' And then to the game. No sooner had we arrived than
+'slip me a haf,' said he, and like a damn fool I did. He bet a quarter
+that a dinge who held the craps wouldn't hit, and lost. He repeated--and
+lost again. He wanted the last quarter, declaring his luck would begin
+with it; but I forestalled him and got the craps myself and threw them
+dancing, clear across the table, and they turned up," Wyeth waited
+eagerly, "--craps!"
+
+"Doggone that nigga! 'f he comes around me again, I'm going to shoot him
+in the head--right through the middle of the head!" And with this solemn
+declaration, he went forthwith back to bed. He slept peacefully, and
+awakened the following morning, hungry and madder than ever, as the fact
+dawned upon him. Wyeth loaned him a quarter, and gave him some good
+advice.
+
+"Quit it! Get a job! Work! Honest work! Come to the room with a book,
+read and thereby learn something and save your money!"
+
+"I will, so help me God!" declared the other, feeling repentant all the
+way through.
+
+"And remember--in speaking of the God--he helps those who help
+themselves."
+
+"My father was a preacher!"
+
+Wyeth made no further comment; but Legs was a good rustler. He did
+better--for a while. He looked the town from end to end for the kind of
+work he followed, but without success. So it continued, day after day,
+his great problem was to get something to fill that stomach, which was
+now flabby, very much so at times. He managed, by diligent application,
+to drop something into it once and sometimes twice a day, and one night
+he came to the room with an exclamation, that he had eaten three times
+that day, and had a dime left in his pocket. He drew this forth,
+balanced it on the tip of his forefinger, observed it long and
+earnestly, and then said: "Little one, we are friends, it's true, but
+such we cannot possibly remain; for tomorrow you will have to go the way
+of the rest," whereupon he touched his stomach with the forefinger of
+his other hand. "So, tonight, on a pilgrimage of fortune we must go, you
+and I. It's more or less--possibly nothing. So, to the first crap game I
+take thee. And once there in the glare, I shall risk you against the
+rest. Therefore, little one, prepare thyself, for soon I shall bet thee,
+understand, in the first crap game I come to, a nickel at a time."
+
+He did--and won. He continued then for some time to win and win, and
+resumed all the cheerfulness he once possessed. His winnings continued
+until he had redeemed his jewelry, paid a week's room rent in advance,
+was clean, and seven dollars to the good over all. Then it began to go
+the other way. He quit, however, and deposited five dollars with his
+friend Wyeth.
+
+"I'm doing this," said he, "because these roomers, who shoot craps too,
+would not allow me to be otherwise than broke." Thus the fortune of Legs
+took a turn for the good, for one day. The next night he went broke.
+Thus we will leave him for the present, and return to Sidney Wyeth and
+Miss Annie Palmer, who sold books.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE
+
+"_A Bigger Liah They Ain't in Town_"
+
+
+John Smith was a large man, fat, and big-hearted as well, so Wyeth had
+been told previously. Sidney met both Smith and his wife, and she was
+larger still. She, too, was a good, kind woman, with a multitude of
+friends whom they had made by kindness to others. She was a full blood,
+while he was not more than half. Together they would weigh to exceed
+five hundred pounds. And, of course, he was a preacher.
+
+Said he, when he had heard the story of _The Tempest_: "Yes, I'll take
+one--no, you may put me down for two." And then he seated himself with
+as much comfort as was possible upon the greasy counter, for John Smith
+was a successful merchant, who made his living by the sale of
+necessities, to a multitude of his clan, who were employed by the Semet
+Solvay Company. As he made the above remark, he was ready, as we can
+see, for a long conversation.
+
+"Been takin' many odah's?" he inquired.
+
+"Oh, lots of them," the other replied, cheerfully.
+
+"M-m. Who all yu' got in that list?" he went on.
+
+The other shoved it before him.
+
+"M-m," said he, running his eyes over the order list. "See yu' have Lem
+Jackson down he' fo' one."
+
+"Yes," said the other; "seems to be quite a fine fellow," he commented.
+
+"M-m; but a bigger liah they ain't in town." He was not much excited by
+the statement, and went on calmly: "He's fine all right, though--to
+drink whiskey. M-m. Fight 'n' steal, and lay around drunk, and go
+regularly to jail, and likewise have somebody pay him out. I have done
+so myself, a few times, 's why I happen t' know. M-m. Two times in
+succession I have done that in the last thirty days. M-m; but the next
+time he gets his black hide in there, in so fo' 's I'm concerned, he c'n
+stay. Yeh, 'n' 'twouldn't 'sprise me 'f the officers didn' come rid'n up
+at any time fo' 'im, 'cause 'es been actin' mighty suspicious the last
+few days. I'n bet he's been int' somethin'."
+
+"Heah! Heah!" he cried, jumping from the counter and hurrying to the
+platform in front, "what'n the devil you all makin' all this he' noise
+'bout!"
+
+"O-oh, uncle," cried a little one, grasping his trousers and looking up,
+"the p'lice uz jes' gone ova the hill wi' Lem Jackson. Dey has 'rested
+'im fo' stealin' coppa wiah."
+
+Sadly, Wyeth drew his pencil through a name he had written not an hour
+before.
+
+"I'm glad to get your opinion concerning these, Elder," he said
+gratefully. "The ones we have had down here have been pretty good, and I
+don't wish to be cherishing expectations that are not likely to be
+realized. So tell me, if you don't mind, who can be relied on."
+
+"Aw, I do'n mind," he rumbled; "'cause them that's all right is all
+right; and them that ain't, ain't. So whateve' I tell you 's all the
+same in the end, exceptin' you won't need t' build on them that ain't.
+
+"These people who had oh'd, 'n' took the' books so readily, 'n' did'n'
+haf t' wait fo' pay day, ah, among the good people we got out he',
+that's the reason." He took the paper from Wyeth's hand, and, pointing
+out the names, he began:
+
+"He's Joe Sim's now, I see you have, 's as good as gold. You c'n count
+that book delivered; also I see you have Tom Hutchis, 'n' 'es O.K. Jerry
+Carter is also; but here's Joe Tuttle, outside-a Lem Jackson, a bigger
+liah, gambler--tin horn gambler, never lived; 'n' he caint read, why has
+he subscribed fo' the book?" The other looked at the name, and then
+said:
+
+"I think Miss Palmer took that order."
+
+"Aw, that's it. He's chivalrous, all right, and would be gallant enough
+to subscribe to anything a woman's carrying around; but he won't be man
+'nough t' take it, 'n' he knows it." At this point he laid the list
+down, stuck his big stomach forward, rested his hands thereupon, and
+with his finger to emphasize, he forthwith gave Wyeth a lecture on
+Negroology.
+
+"I been runnin' this sto' heah fo' thoiteen yeahs, 'n' lemme tell y',
+brother, I know these nigga's fo' what they is." He paused a moment, and
+surveyed the list again, critically. Then, laying it down, said: "Jump
+up on the counter and rest yo'se'f, I gotta story t' tell yu'." Wyeth
+obeyed, and John Smith began.
+
+"I was run outta Geo'gi', 'n' I ain' 'shame to admit it; but
+notwithstandin' the fact, 'twas a mistake 'n' aftwa'd the whi' people
+found it out 'n' was sorry, 'n' wanted me t' return. That, however, was
+afta I was ove' he' 'n' doin' business, 'n' mo' bus'ness than I had eve'
+done befo'. So I jes' thanked them fo' admittin' to the mistake, 'n'
+stay's he'. Well, 's I was sayin', I came ove' he' 'n' sta'ted a sto'. I
+had owned a big fa'm back the' in Geo'gi', 'n' I received $10,000 fo' it
+'n' put's most uv it in th' sto' 'n' trusted cullud people. In three
+ye's I's broke--flat broke. Did'n' have nothin' but my credit. I had
+opened that sto' wi' the finest stock of eve'thing: Clothing, boots 'n'
+shoes, groceries 'n' hardware, 'n' 's I said, trusted my people.
+
+"Now a nigga, with rare exceptions, will not pay 'n' hones' debt, oh,
+no! He'll lie, 'n' lie, 'n' lie! T' make a long story sho't, they lied
+me outta bus'ness. So I broke, but wi' plenty sense, I sta'ted all ove'
+agin, wi' the help of the Lawd 'n' the whi' people, what knowed I was
+hones' 'n' ambitious.
+
+"That was ten yeah's ago. Seven ye's ago I made a 'rangement wi' the
+Semet Solvay Company t' give these da'kies credit, and th' company has
+since then, held the amount from the' pay envelope. From then on I began
+to climb, but I had a drawback that was like a tick in my shirt, but
+I'll git t' that later. Now nobody c'n say I gets my money by holding up
+these nigga's, either; fo' I gives 's much 'n' mo' fo' th' money than
+does the average sto' keeper 'bout he'.
+
+"And so, with the help a th' Lawd, and a good wife, I have now
+twenty-nine houses 'n' lots, 'n' a little money besides. And he' comes
+the drawback I sta'ted t' speak uv. Eve' week that comes ove' my head, I
+mus' spend good money t' get some a these low-down big mouth nigga's
+outta jail. Last ye', 'n' you wouldn't b'lieve it, but I spent nine
+hund'd dollahs a-gettin' nigga's outta jail, 'n' this ye' promises t'
+exceed that."
+
+"But why will you pay their fines?" exclaimed the other. "Why don't you
+let the skunks stay and work it out?"
+
+"That's it! That's it!" he exclaimed, moving about on the counter. "I
+swear at the end of each ye' that I ain' go'n pay another fine, but they
+pr'ceed diligently t' get locked up, 'n' I, bye and bye, comes fo'th wi'
+the long green 'n' pays'm out.
+
+"Now he's a incident uv it: Take this heh Lem Jackson, fo' instance. A
+low-down o'nry hound, it would be a blessing t' this dirty little
+district 'f he was in his grave; but the troubles comes by him not being
+there. So he, on earth a-runnin' a-roun'; but wi' a family--a wife 'n'
+chillun a-hollerin' fo' bread.
+
+"It comes 'bout by his wife, who was one a-the finest girls in this burg
+when he married her. So yu'n see, when he pr'ceeds t' git drunk, 'n'
+drunk right, understand, 'n' then gets t' squabblin' wi' some other no
+count nigga, 'n' gets run in, who's affected?"
+
+The other winced.
+
+"It's the same wi' dozens of the others. I'd let them stay in there 'n'
+rot, so fo' 's they is concerned; but t' me comes a cry'n wife, 'n'
+a-string-a hongry kids, so I goes 'n' bails the devil out." He paused a
+moment now to breathe a spell. "'Cassionally," he resumed, "I c'n, with
+some 'nfluence I have with the judge, get some out without payin' a
+fine; but th' lawyer must have his, anyhow, 'n' a nigga, 's I done
+already said, would'n' pay the Lo'd Jesus when he's out; but promises to
+bring eve' dime he makes t' you when he's in.
+
+"So, the're my bu'den, come day, go day. Over theah, fo' 'nuther
+instance, stands a nigga--see him? The one that's so drunk 'n' noisy? I
+got him out las' week, when he had received two hund'd days on th'
+gang, 'n' t'day I got his brother out who was locked up Friday."
+
+"Why can they not keep out of so much trouble?" said Wyeth seriously.
+
+"Whiskey. The minute they get the' pay, the first thing they wants is
+whiskey, 'n' then a crap game."
+
+"And women," said Wyeth.
+
+"Yes," said the other; "but they won't spend any money on them; no, that
+would in one sense, be too much like right."
+
+"What per cent of them, do you think, who, after giving their word as a
+bond, would stand to it, a promise, you understand?"
+
+"I'm 'shame t' admit it, I'm 'shame t' admit it; but, honestly, I
+wouldn't estimate that more than two out of ten could be trusted to keep
+their word, other than t' buy a pint a whiskey, or shoot dice until they
+did'n' have a dime."
+
+"What effect is the white man's prejudice having upon him directly?"
+Wyeth inquired.
+
+"None! None! In the days of old, and even yet, the white man's prejudice
+was very hindersome; but, as time has wore on, and the races have come
+to expect each other as they know they will be, the prejudice of the
+white man is not near so hindersome as some a ouh people would have you
+b'lieve it. Of co'se," he added thoughtfully, "politic's is in a way
+denied him; but a great many more can vote than they do if they would
+pay the' poll taxes. All in all, you'll find so much ignorance, and
+ignorance by preference among them, and their minds are so polluted with
+the devil, until politic's as they are now, would not make much
+difference. I sometimes shudder when I look around me and listen, to
+conclude what the race is sometime coming to."
+
+"You have a large number of churches, a hundred odd, I think. That
+should act as a great feature toward the moral evolution."
+
+"Very little, very little," he returned, shaking his head sadly. "For
+this reason: The churches, while having, of course, many good men as
+their pastors, are filled up with more grafters, it seems, and mean
+rascals as well, until the calling is not fulfilled. I don't hesitate t'
+say that there are more grafters among the preachers, than any other
+profession among the colored people in this town. And the Baptists have,
+and still are, building so many little churches, until every dime
+available, and unavailable too, is used fo' this purpose, instead of
+some means to help the chillun."
+
+"Don't you think, figuratively speaking, that there are too many Negro
+churches?"
+
+"'Course the' is, a-course. Why there are more than seventy Baptist
+churches among Negroes in the town alone. That in itself, is an example
+of the utter selfishness tha' p'vails heh."
+
+"How does it come about? It seems to me that the organization of the
+church system must be very loose, to permit of such a wholesale building
+of churches all the time. It would seem advisable that if they had fewer
+churches, with better conduct in the administration of those few, more
+good would result."
+
+"Well, the Baptists are dominated, to some extent, by the association,
+but it is inadequate in many ways. For instance, when they rule a pastor
+out, he claims to a handful of devouts and friends, that he has been
+made the goat of a frame-up, starts him a church in some shack, or any
+other place where he can concentrate a few shouters, and continues."
+
+"And what effect does all this have upon the children?"
+
+He held up his hand in despair. "Brother, brother! That is the sad part.
+The colored child in this town is lucky, 'f he becomes anything else but
+a criminal before he does anything else. His surroundings 'n'--what's
+that other thing?" he stopped short, and held his hand to his head.
+
+"Environment?"
+
+"That's it! His 'nvironment is so bad. He is surrounded by eve' thing
+conducive t' crime 'n' degeneration. He sees, hears, 'n' is brought in
+contact, in his eve' day life, with all that is evil, 'n' learns t'
+drink whiskey befo' he gets into pants. And now, instead of the Negro
+churches concentrating their efforts toward the raising of the child,
+they put all the fo'ce into the preacher's lungs, trying t' convert ole
+sinnahs that nothin' but hell itse'f will effect."
+
+"A library, and Y.M.C.A., properly conducted, might have some effect for
+the good, don't you think?"
+
+"A dead investment fo' yeahs t' come, fo' the reason that they would
+have no incentive to attend either. Without clean, intelligent parents,
+'n' better conducted churches, such cannot fulfill the purpose."
+
+"Hadn't we better be going?" called Miss Palmer at this moment. "It's
+getting late."
+
+The two shook hands as they parted. As Sidney went over the hill, that
+sloped for a long way down to the car line, he did not seem to hear Miss
+Palmer, and he answered her mechanically.
+
+He was thinking, thinking of what he had learned, in the last hour, from
+John Smith, merchant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX
+
+"_Yes--Miss Latham_"
+
+
+Three weeks had passed since Mildred Latham first saw the city she now
+called home. She considered it the only home she ever really had;
+because she had in one person a friend, such as she had never felt she
+would have. That friend was Constance Jacobs. Daily, they went forth
+together in their work, which was the sale of _The Tempest_. There was
+another, who was, apparently, a friend also. That was Wilson Jacobs--but
+more of him later.
+
+Where there is congeniality, understanding and sympathy, there is
+happiness to a degree. When such is the case, every day--despite even an
+arduous task, within itself, becomes a holiday. Such were the days which
+Mildred Latham experienced. Constance was like a sister. One of those
+rare creatures, whose happiness came in her honest and sincere desire,
+to see that others were happy about her. She had found Mildred a girl
+secretive to an unfathomable degree, and, to say the least, strange; but
+withal, a personality, and a sympathy that was so sincere, even devout,
+that she loved her more than her own soul. That affection seemed to grow
+and become more apparent when she saw, slowly but truly, nevertheless, a
+cloud lifting from the brow of the girl who came to her door in quest of
+lodging, not long since.
+
+"Wilson," said she one day, "do you know, can you appreciate how much it
+means to one to please somebody; to make one feel happy, relieved, and
+in turn, see that person, come to know her, and see how genuinely she
+can, in turn, appreciate what one does?"
+
+"You are dealing in riddles today, Constance. I don't understand; but I
+will guess. Is it Mil--Miss Latham?"
+
+"Yes--_Miss_ Latham," whereupon she smiled upon him, and then looked
+away.
+
+"Yes," she resumed, looking out of the window upon a small garden she
+was trying to further, "it is she. I think if I know her until the end
+of my days, there will always be something strange--something I do
+not--can never understand; but, in addition to showing a kind regard for
+the little things it pleases one's heart to do, she makes me so happy."
+
+"She keeps me puzzled," said Wilson. "I can never make up my mind about
+her. She is indeed a mystery. I do not, as I can see, have any clue in
+guessing who she is--and what she is, nor can I even conjecture. She is
+a lady. But as you say, and have said before, there is something about
+her that one can never understand." He was thoughtful. Presently he
+heard his sister.
+
+"She is an excellent saleswoman, although I do not think she was selling
+the book until she came here. I have not asked her. She is one of these
+people who, while not forbidding approach, yet her manner does not
+invite questioning. But she is a business woman--girl. I cannot come to
+see her as a girl, and yet, in the sense we know her, she is not a
+woman."
+
+"I finished the book. That young man had an extraordinary experience, to
+say the least," said Wilson.
+
+"Mr. Carroll has finished the copy I sold him, but his sympathies are
+not altogether with the pioneer; he criticises him."
+
+"How's that? Oh, yes, I understand. I have heard the same thing from
+others. They see it; that the pioneer should have seen the evil and
+insincerity of the preacher, and should have governed his happiness
+accordingly. Yes," he went on, "but the pioneer _did_ see that the
+preacher meant no good; he was aware, fully aware that he was about to
+become the victim of an intrigue. But regardless of this fact, it must
+be appreciated, that if this grave incident had not come to pass in the
+life of that young man, we would not now have the book. Men do not----"
+
+"And women."
+
+"Yes, of course," he smiled, "write that kind of book unless their lives
+have met with extreme reverses; something in their souls has gone amiss,
+and, as a last resort--I can't quite find the words to explain it; but
+it--what they write--is a brief of the soul; while the public is the
+court, and to this court, as in the common court of the land, they cry
+out for justice, restitution."
+
+"Well," sighed Constance, "whoever this Lochinvar is, and regardless of
+his misfortunes, writing the book has made one person happy. That person
+is Mildred Latham. The book is her hobby. I would give something to
+learn why she is so wrapped up in the work; but it gives her more
+pleasure, I am sure, to show it to someone, and tell them the story a
+dozen times a day, than it does some of those levee Negroes to get
+drunk. And the work, she is simply lost in it. She makes the six work
+days of the week seem like one, with her cheerful enthusiasm. The very
+life in itself seems to please her. To make readers out of multitudes
+who've never given reading a second thought, seems to be her great
+ambition. She succeeds, too. And at the end of such days, more than at
+any other time, she is like I fancy her to be: Feminine, lovable,
+sympathetic--human in all its depths."
+
+"We certainly struck it rich when she condescended to play for the
+choir. And she can seem to get more out of the organ than anyone has
+heretofore."
+
+"She sings too. I never knew that she could sing so sweetly, until she
+led last Sunday, when Bernice Waverly was ill."
+
+"She almost made me forget my text."
+
+"She's coming now," whispered Constance, as, upon the narrow walk, a
+familiar footfall sounded. Presently the screen slammed lightly behind
+the one of their conversation.
+
+"I've been clear to the river, walked all the way there and back. Thirty
+blocks in all," she cried cheerfully, surveying both, smilingly.
+
+"And after all the walking you did today in delivering!" Constance
+remonstrated softly. "You mustn't overdo your good health, dear. We
+would both be terribly upset if you were taken down in any way. Did you
+know that?" The other was taken by surprise. She was plainly embarrassed
+for a moment, and to dismiss it she plucked childlike at her skirts.
+Presently she said lightly:
+
+"Always saying something, Constance." And suddenly she flew into the
+caress of the other. "I haven't become used to such words, yet, and
+you'll have to be careful in using them. Because," and here she buried
+her head against the other's shoulder, "I might be likely to boo-hoo."
+The three laughed it away now.
+
+"Constance tells me, Miss Latham," said Wilson, "that you are an agent,
+sophisticated in all the arts that result in a sale." His eyes now
+sought hers with unfeigned admiration.
+
+"Constance is, too; and did she not mention herself?" She rated
+Constance now the least bit severely. "You never give yourself credit
+for anything. Why don't you?" She frowned, but it was too grateful--her
+appearance--to be accepted seriously.
+
+"How many copies are both of you delivering weekly now?" he inquired.
+
+"We delivered eighty-seven this week so far, and forty-five last week,"
+replied Mildred, sitting very close to his sister on a small settee.
+
+"Have you ever thought, Mildred," said Constance, "that selling a book,
+or anything, for that matter, is a task within itself, calling always
+for initiative. The average person has not the courage, at least he has
+not practiced it, that would make a salesman or saleswoman. All of us,
+with possibly a few exceptions, are chattels, human chattels. The
+ordinary person would stand on his head on a nail for an hour, if
+someone told him that was right; whereas, to take upon himself the task
+of leading anything, he is an utter failure."
+
+"Constance is psychological today, don't you think?" smiled her brother;
+but Mildred accepted the words seriously and listened for more.
+Constance had a turn of logic, and was in the habit, Mildred had
+learned, of saying some very serious things at times; although she could
+not be regarded as entirely serious.
+
+"That is why I think you are so successful, Mildred," she went on. "You
+seem to be possessed with initiative; it seems a part of your
+construction; you seem charged with it; and, in addition to this, is
+your kind regard and appreciation, for another's point of view."
+
+"Oh, please don't tell me so many nice things. I can't believe it; I
+have never seen myself in the way you speak of, and if you persist,
+dear," and her smile upon Constance was the softest, "you might make me
+vain--and I would almost rather be anything than vain--and spoil it all.
+Here!" She kissed her a long lingering kiss, and then flew to her room.
+
+"Wilson," said his sister, when they were alone again, "when I think of
+the young man and his experiences in the story, and his make-up and
+point of view, I find myself connecting Mildred. She fills my dreams in
+that story as the One Woman. How successful and how happy that man could
+have been, had he had a treasure like her, for his own."
+
+"Well, yes, possibly. No doubt; but if, taking the story as it is, if he
+had her now, after what has come to pass, I judge he could appreciate
+her real worth to a greater degree. Don't you agree with me?"
+
+She was thoughtful a moment before replying. "Yes, I think I do. It
+_would_ be different now." She was reflective for some time before she
+went on again. "The other day I said to her: 'If you had been in the
+girl's place in the story, how would you have accepted this father?' I
+shall not soon forget how strange she looked. Her entire being seemed to
+undergo a change. From the way I recall it, her mind seemed to go back
+into the past, and she was so odd for a few seconds, that I was sorry I
+said it. Then, after a moment, during which she seemed to struggle with
+something, she said: 'I would not, you may be sure, have been like the
+girl.' That was all, and I said no more; nor do I think I will again.
+She acted--ah, I can't hardly frame it; but, frankly, too peculiar."
+
+"I'm going to bed, Sis'," said her brother now. His eyes were evidence
+that he should go. He was awake now for a moment. "I've been much
+interested in what has passed tonight, Sis'. I'll be glad to talk on the
+same subject again." He was silent a moment, and then, rising, he said,
+"Good night."
+
+"Good night, Wilson."
+
+Then she heard his door close, after watching him until he reached his
+door; after that, she fell into deep and serious thinking. It concerned
+him. He was all she had--this brother--and his future was in her
+thoughts now, a grave concern of hers. Yes, and Wilson Jacobs was now
+one and thirty.... He had no wife--not even did he see women in that
+sense. Constance didn't think of herself now--nor at any other time,
+apparently. And yet she was twenty-eight; but she felt, if her brother
+was to be a happy man, he should consider his life more seriously. He
+was lost in his purpose. Mildred Latham was a girl, the kind of girl she
+would like to see him take notice of.
+
+And then she was jerked back into a sudden reminder.... Wilson _had_
+been acting different lately. How could she, for one moment, have
+forgotten it. Yes, he had been acting _very_ differently.... He was all
+attention when Mildred was saying anything. He was careful never to
+disturb her. And only tonight, when they had spoken of her together, he
+had almost called her by her first name.
+
+Constance Jacobs was now oblivious to what was about her. She continued
+to think. Mildred was kind, she was intelligent; she was--and here
+Constance forgot the words Mildred had said not an hour before, 'I
+cannot stand vanity'--beautiful.
+
+She retired presently, but it was sometime before she went to sleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN
+
+"_It All Falls Right Back on Society_"
+
+
+"Two Negroes killed yesterday in the city, is the homicide record for
+this town, which makes thirteen killed in the last week," said Wilson
+Jacobs the following morning, as he laid the paper down to take up his
+knife at breakfast. "Every day, at least, it is almost every day, there
+is a murder of each other by our people in this town. Saturday night or
+Sunday usually sees four or five such crimes."
+
+"Isn't it deplorable?" breathed Mildred, seating herself at the other
+side. "What accounts, Mr. Reverend"--she somehow found it awkward to
+call him Reverend--"Jacobs, for such acts, that is, such is to be
+expected; but why does there happen to be so much of it here?"
+
+"Ignorance--lack of intelligence in our people. This city has a
+preponderance of ignorant, polluted people among the Negroes. They flock
+into this town from all around, and represent the low, polluted, and
+depraved element of our race. They settle about the levee district,
+spend their earnings for the worst whiskey, give the remainder of their
+time to gambling and all forms of vice, and murder is the natural
+consequence."
+
+"Is there no way, there are so many churches, it would seem that so many
+places of worship would have a good effect upon these people?" said the
+other anxiously.
+
+"More than a hundred Negro churches in this town; but they are, for the
+most part, churches only. Seventy of these are Baptist, and they are
+building more right along."
+
+"I meet it every day in my work," she said. "Always so many apparently
+good women, mothers and daughters, sisters, who say: 'I sho would lak t'
+have that book, but y' see, it's lak this. We's building a new chu'ch;
+or, a rally is on next Sunday, 'n' all the women is axed t' give five
+dollars 'n' the men ten,' etc. and etc. But that is not the most I hear;
+it is: 'Lawd, Lawd, honey, yu' sweet li'l chile. I sho is sorry to
+disappint you. I sho is. You walkin' way up heh 'n' bringin' tha' book;
+but don' you know, honey, that low down nigga man a mine went off Sat'dy
+night un got drunk, got t' fightin' and was 'rested. I did'n' pay no
+'tention when 'e did'n' show up a-Sat'dy night; nor was I wo'ied Sunday;
+but when Monday mawnin' come 'n' no nigga, den I knowed de p'lice done
+got dat nigga. And dey had, Sat'dy night fo' fightin' 'n' 'sturbin de
+peace. So I done took yo' money, honey, 'n' got dat nigga out. 'n' now,
+honey, I jes' cain' say when I'll be ready, 'cause 'e done lost his job,
+too, so that means I gotta take ceh' a both uv us.'"
+
+"If we allow our minds to dwell too long on it, frankly, Miss Latham,"
+said he, "we will become discouraged. Where ignorance is bliss, it may
+be folly to be wise; but it is unprofitable, from a moral point of view.
+So, as long as we have a preponderance of ignorance, just so long are we
+going to have a dreadful homicide record in this, and other towns."
+
+"I read an editorial in the paper recently, with regard to murder and
+the record per city," said Miss Latham. "I see that the south leads. And
+this town and Effingham seem to struggle for the lead of them all. It
+was not decided as to which had the most, but it stated that more people
+were murdered in either one of them than in any other city in the world,
+regardless of population."
+
+"And that is not all. In both of these cities, no data is kept of the
+number the police kill. I know policemen personally, and see them on
+duty, who have killed as many as half a dozen Negroes."
+
+"Oh, be merciful!" she cried. "Can this really be so?"
+
+"It _is_ so," he maintained. "Why last week I stopped a few days in
+Effingham on the way from Attalia, and read on the front page of one of
+the leading papers, and which was accompanied by a cut, that an old
+policeman, who had seen twenty-five years on the force, and who had
+recently been made a captain, had never killed a man. It was this fact,
+obviously, that was the most extraordinary."
+
+"Cannot the city government do more toward the suppression of so much
+crime?" she asked, forgetting to eat her breakfast.
+
+"They cannot to any great extent, because it is the task of society. The
+very foundation upon which this crime rests, is due to ignorance on the
+part of the masses. You cannot reason with a mind that has no training.
+Have you ever seen it that way?" he asked, more serious now than she had
+ever seen him before, notwithstanding he was a serious person.
+
+She nodded.
+
+"No one can, the law of the land cannot. It all falls right back on
+society." He was too serious now for a time to say anything, and he ate
+his meal with his face contracted in serious thought. Presently he said:
+"I am a minister of the gospel, and have the highest regard for the
+Presbyterian faith; but, honestly, when I see the Baptists with their
+loose system, keeping the black population that make up their body, and
+with little, almost no effort whatever toward the education of the
+children, and when I see still further, the Methodists with their better
+system, in that they are not held back so much by 'splitters,' I
+sometimes regret that the world took Martin Luther seriously. For, say
+what they will, the conduct of the Catholics in regard to the children,
+marriage and divorce, has an encouraging result in our civic life."
+
+"I believe that if there were a Christian movement here as there is in
+the northern cities, Y.M.C.A. and libraries, and if those who are
+leaders of the race would encourage the patronage of these places,
+eventually, it would result to the public's good," she said, after some
+thought.
+
+"Only one place in the south, as yet, seems to be making any effort
+along such Christian lines. And you would not believe it, but the
+greatest barrier to this has been the preachers. In their church effort,
+they have the people fairly well under control, but to their own end.
+In Attalia, they have almost come to appreciate the fact, that a more
+intelligent and cleaner populace reacts to the welfare of the church.
+Everything seems favorable toward getting one."
+
+"I am sure that would make a great difference in time," said she,
+heartily. "In Cincinnati, they expect to begin one soon. They have
+almost all the subscriptions in now." She was silent for a time, and
+then pursued: "Do you not think such a movement could be stimulated
+here?"
+
+"Not at the present, I think, regardless of the great need of one, and
+of the great good it could do. It will be some time before the preachers
+would come to lend their support--in fact, I do not think it could be
+expected until they have been shown, in a majority, that such would
+react for the good of all."
+
+"Oh, my!" cried Constance, entering at this moment, "you two appear to
+have worked yourself into a frenzy of excitement." She surveyed both,
+questioningly.
+
+"We have," her brother replied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT
+
+"_Where Are You From?_"
+
+
+Mildred worked hard that day. As she went from the rear of one house to
+another, she studied the people she met, more seriously than she had
+done before. By this time, her work had become automatic, and she did
+not find it hard or monotonous, to say the same thing over and over
+again. She had, moreover, become accustomed to the class of people among
+whom she worked. She liked it now, and for more than one reason; but
+perhaps the greatest reason, was because it brought her into the closest
+contact with humanity, without regard to conventionality. The people she
+met daily, with few exceptions, made no attempt to be conventional. They
+were human, almost all of them. She met them in their vocations; she
+studied their environment. Some she saw, grown people with families, but
+themselves like children. They gave their word with apparent sincerity,
+and did not make any more effort to keep it than the merest babe. Why
+did they not? She asked this question, and then studied them carefully
+for the answer. It was ignorance. It amused her to find so many who were
+positive they did not want it, did not even read, so how could they use
+it? "But you can read?" she would inquire. "Sho!" would invariably come
+the answer. Then came argument. Force of reason on her part, and
+sometimes, she guiltily felt, it was by force of argument they were
+induced to buy. She now paid little attention when they remarked that
+they did not want the book. Obviously, since the most stubborn ones
+were, very often after argument, the most appreciative buyers, she found
+it reasonable to ignore their words of objection.
+
+Mildred's life was a diversion that was much to her liking. She was
+learning the greatest lesson a woman could learn--the study of human
+nature.
+
+On Sunday, when she met others (Wilson Jacobs' church had for its
+members the more thoughtful and respectable Negro element), she was the
+recipient of many surprised expressions. They were, she invariably
+found, surprised that she canvassed among the servant class. She did not
+appraise them of the practical side of it; in fact, of the masses, these
+were more able to buy. She saw, as the Sundays went by, that much of the
+display was a pretense. Many of those who expressed such surprise were
+themselves unwilling to buy a book. Always she found (and especially
+among the teachers, whom she thought the most pretentious) some artful
+excuse. Most of them had a library which contained many books, but few
+by their own race. They had the works of a poet who had died some years
+ago; they also had a copy of a book or so by the principal of Tuskegee.
+And then, one day she learned, from a most reliable and unbiased source:
+"That those people bought the works of the now dead poet, because his
+name had become a fetish. The white people had accepted these men's work
+and called them great. Therefore, the Negroes had accordingly followed
+suit. So the Negro author must first get a white audience, which will
+laud the greatness of his pen, and then the Negroes will buy, calling
+the book great also."
+
+Miss Latham found conditions thus, and governed her work accordingly.
+But, as time went on, she met surprises. They did not buy _The Tempest_,
+but they read it. She found it borrowed among them all. They never
+offered to buy it, but they read it nevertheless.
+
+She did not understand this at first.
+
+So she found the masses, often amusing, to say the least, but often with
+more active race regard. They had the many faults of ignorance; easy to
+influence into giving an order, they were still more ready to back out,
+lie out of taking it. Some of those who took orders, and even the books,
+did not read, she learned. While others could read, but did not; but
+when she told them all the story, the story of her hero, for now she
+held him thus, they were all thrilled, and inspired. Thus it happened
+that many bought the book because it was by a Negro, and said as much.
+
+Mildred Latham succeeded in her work. And with her success, there came
+to her each day, almost every hour, thoughts of the one of her dreams.
+This day, and others as well, she shuddered when she could not forget
+what he had been told. It was worse, and more, because he had been told
+the truth. It hurt her. He was somewhere, and he didn't know that she
+loved him; but, even if he did, he could not accept this knowledge with
+any delight. No, he was out of her life, or, rather, she was out of his.
+He would never, no never, be out of hers. Never, because, as she felt
+every day, it was his memory that stimulated her, made her feel and
+appreciate what great good a life can do. And she did all she could, in
+her way, to assist others. Some day, maybe, she might be able to do
+more.
+
+When she undressed each night to retire, she fell on her knees and
+offered thanks to Him that is Holy. She asked for strength and
+conviction and courage to continue in the same on the morrow. She
+struggled to lead a Christian life, and to be acceptable in the eyes of
+her Creator.... She was a believer.
+
+Mildred was welcomed everywhere, and treated with all the courtesy due
+to a lady. When she left a house one day, where two women had given her
+their order, she overheard them say she was beautiful. She felt her
+heart throbbing. She was not vain, but she loved to be called
+attractive. Then she thought of him. He had called her beautiful also.
+She wondered whether he, at any time, forgot the words he heard, and
+remembered her as he had seen her that day. The day they had danced and
+he--kissed her. She seemed to feel still that kiss; she hoped to feel it
+always. She wondered, if he knew she was working in his memory and made
+happy thereby, would he be pleased--and would he, at least, try to
+forget as much as he could what he had been told. He could, of course,
+not forget. That made it hard. _She did not expect him to forget._
+
+When the day's work was done, and she had returned to her place of
+abode, she lay upon her bed, and for a time, she gave up to thoughts of
+him. She knew not where he was. She did not try to find out, that would
+make it worse. Sometimes she felt that if she did, perhaps, it might
+help her in her picture of him; then again, she did not think it best.
+That might bring him too conspicuously before her. Sometimes at night
+she would suddenly awaken, and her very soul would be on fire. She sat
+up at these times, and almost declared it could not go on this way. She
+must know his whereabouts; he must feel, know that she loved him. And
+then, when the spell had died--was killed, for its death was inevitable,
+she would lie down again and try to forget. But she never succeeded in
+this.
+
+More than a month had passed since she came hither. She had, with the
+assistance of Constance, sold more than three hundred copies of the
+book. She had saved the greater part of her earnings. She wondered, one
+day, as she left a Negro bank, where she kept it, what he would think of
+her, if he could know. She saw him viewing her in many ways, as she was
+now. But always she was left undecided. Never would what he had been
+told, seem to leave her free and undisturbed.
+
+One day she returned home very much excited. She didn't let Constance
+see her though. She had an adventure that day. She encountered a man who
+looked at her strangely, when she was offering the book. She had seen
+him in Cincinnati; and she recognized him by a scar on his forehead; but
+she had not known this until she looked into his face, and asked him to
+give her his order. Then he started. Did he recognize her? She thought
+not, because she had not known he ever saw her, when he used to pass by
+the house in Cincinnati, where she then lived. When she recognized him
+this day, she had bungled in her talk. This fact made him suspicious. He
+regarded her with undisguised curiosity. Presently his face cleared, and
+he said: "You remind me of a girl I once used to see and know in
+Cincinnati. Where are you from?" She tried to ignore this question; she
+pretended not to hear him. Despite this effort, she choked. He observed
+it, and was convinced that she was the one he had seen and known. Then
+she was frightened, and, of course, did the worst thing she could have
+done. She asked to be excused, and forthwith fled. She had not gone many
+steps when she heard him mutter: "Well, I'll be damned!" And still
+before she got beyond the sound of his voice, she heard him again: "The
+same. Wonder what kind of a game she is playing here. Books. Hump! Well
+I'll be damned!"
+
+She didn't canvass any more that day. She couldn't. She was too nervous
+and afraid. Then she was upset for other days. She feared to meet him.
+She could never again stand that gaze of suspicion. All that she had
+lived suddenly stood before her when she recalled it. Night came, and
+she retired early. The incident persisted in her memory. She was
+exhausted, and then she did what any unhappy girl is most likely to do.
+She cried all night.
+
+Even if she felt Sidney Wyeth had closed the chapter of her in his life,
+she wanted him. She _needed_ him. To have felt now that he loved her, in
+spite of what he had heard, he could and would protect her. He stood
+before her now and she saw him as she had never seen him before. How
+strong and brave and courageous he was! He was her hero. She went to
+sleep after a time, a troubled, fitful sleep, and when she heard
+Constance calling her the following morning, she awoke with a start and
+was rested, although she could not understand how it was possible. But
+she was calm. After all, she felt, maybe, her fear was premature.
+
+She worked that day with her usual good spirits.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE
+
+"_But Smith Is Not His Real Name_"
+
+
+Owen Beasely. That was his name, and Sidney met him while waiting for a
+subscriber, who failed to show up. He was a relative of Smith's, whom he
+had met the day before. It was two P.M., the fourth day of July, and the
+colored people, as well as the white, had retired to a day of delight.
+It was hot, and clouds rolled up, white-capped from the west. "It would
+rain before night," the weather man said, and it did.
+
+"And so you came from the west," said Beasely, who had been reading _The
+Tempest_. Wyeth had seen him working behind the counter, and they put
+aside all formality of introduction. Wyeth was glad to meet someone to
+talk to that day. He had come out to this suburb, under promise of
+subscribers to take the book. And, since every one of them had
+retracted, he was discouraged, which is a disagreeable feeling.
+
+"Yes," he replied gloomily, "and the day I return will be one of great
+happiness. I am not particularly in love with being down here anyhow;
+and the sooner I see the plains again, that much sooner will I be happy
+and contented."
+
+"Well," drawled the other lazily, "having been born down here, and never
+having seen the rest of this great domain, I do not, of course, know the
+difference; still, I have always cherished a longing to go west. I
+intended going to Oklahoma years ago, and getting in on some of that
+government land they were giving away, but I put it off until it was too
+late, and then too, I had trouble in my family. My oldest daughter
+married a worthless rascal who burdened her with those children you see
+playing about the store, and I had to take care of them and her too,
+since her marriage left her in bad health."
+
+The other listened without comment. Beasely, however, went on,
+apparently in a mood to relate the past.
+
+"Smith has been telling me about you, and I have been anxious to have a
+talk with you. Smith is my brother-in-law, and he too, has had his share
+of trials."
+
+By this time, they had settled themselves on the porch of an empty
+quarter house. Wyeth chanced to look around, and, seeing so many empty
+ones, said: "How does this come to be? So many empty houses?"
+
+"Bulgarians lived in this row," he said, pointing to them. "Hundreds of
+them, and when the war broke out in the Balkan states, every last one of
+them left here and went back to fight, and have not returned."
+
+"Some patriotism, eh!" Wyeth commented.
+
+"It is singular about these foreigners," he said thoughtfully. "Have you
+ever observed them?"
+
+The other nodded. Beasely went on.
+
+"They come to this country without knowing a word of our language, and
+from a poor country. But they are not here ten years, before they are
+able, financially, to buy a car load of our people. Negroes are
+certainly a problem to themselves. These foreigners always have money,
+and many of them return to the old country and retire, after a few years
+of just ordinary hard work here; while many of our people at the same
+job, if they get sick a week, are on the county.
+
+"Clerking in a store where the trade is of the kind we have," he went
+on, "is an opportunity for the best study in human nature you can
+possibly imagine. A man like Smith, for instance, can succeed with the
+trade of his people, when he can get it. Smith has succeeded on the
+heels of his own failure."
+
+"It appears harder for one of us to succeed, than for any other race
+now, doesn't it?" commented Wyeth.
+
+"It does, it does indeed," said Beasely. "Somehow the money gets through
+our fingers, despite our efforts to hold it."
+
+"This morning," said Sidney, "I had an experience that amused me. I had
+the promise to take a book to a certain fellow in Averytown. I called
+accordingly with the same, but he had just left. His family didn't,
+rather couldn't tell me where I was likely to find him. I came on up the
+street that leads here, and made inquiries on the way. Every one who
+knew him gave me the same advice. 'If,' they said, 'he is not home, just
+go to every saloon between here and there, and you will be sure to find
+him.' I did so, and found him at the second one."
+
+"And did he take it?" asked Beasely.
+
+"Oh, I hadn't thought of it since. No, he didn't take the book--but I
+think he will. He had no money, and when I approached him he went to the
+commissary, took a scrip and got some groceries. These he took to
+somebody and sold them, a dollar and a half worth for a dollar. He then
+gave me a quarter, and told me to bring it next pay day." After a moment
+he said: "Smith is an exceptional business man for a Negro, and an
+interesting man to talk to."
+
+"Yes," smiled the other; "but Smith is not his real name. He took that
+after coming here. And since we have spoken of it, I'm going to tell you
+the story of John Smith, alias Thomas Rollins." He laughed as his voice,
+very dramatic in what he had just said, came back to him.
+
+The other listened, and prepared himself to do so comfortably, while
+Beasely mopped his forehead, drew his breath, and prepared to tell the
+following story.
+
+Beasely was a black man--a full blood--and intelligent. Nearly fifty
+years he seemed to be, although, at a passing glance, he would have
+passed for forty. He had been a school teacher, and had some education,
+Wyeth had observed from his careful use of English.
+
+"We lived in Palmetto, Georgia, where he married my sister. He was then
+a farmer and pastor of the Baptist church, while I farmed and taught the
+local country school. He had been in politics quite actively in the
+eighties and early nineties, as were many other Negroes during the
+reconstruction period, and had served as postmaster for four years. Now,
+in this town were what is called a bunch of pet Negroes. These were
+coons whom the white people used as local goats for their amusements.
+And, so to speak, they were a sort of privileged character, but became
+too familiar. As everywhere in the south, this town had its herd of the
+poor trash, that kept things stirred up in the way of lynching and other
+lawlessness. Considerable incendiarism had occurred of late, and some of
+these pets were accused. Friction had been evident for some time in this
+county and all around, and, with this burning and accusations, a
+wholesale lynching took place. About a dozen of these pets were herded
+into a box car, and burned alive. It was the most diabolical thing that
+could be perpetrated by human beings, and created much comment all over
+the country. It drove hundreds of Negroes out of the county, and you
+will find them scattered over the rest of the state and other parts now.
+Sometime after this, a strange Negro came to town, and hung around
+Smith's place for a while. He secured a job finally with a white man,
+who was one of the men who led the mob. It seems, one day, he overheard
+him relating how they burned the pets. This crazed the Negro, or it
+might have been that one of the victims was a brother of his, who knows.
+Well, this Negro took an ax, marched into the room, and without a word,
+split open the man's head.
+
+"He made his escape. Pandemonium reigned. Lynching by hanging and
+burning at the stake became common, and a general state of lawlessness
+reigned for some time.
+
+"Now, after this Negro had killed the man, he came by Smith's and got
+the clothes Smith's cook had washed for him. He threatened her with
+death if she ever said anything about it. Well, a lot of the poor
+crackers had become jealous of Smith anyhow, and they tried to implicate
+him in it, while he knew nothing about it. Smith stood well with the
+best white people; but when any friction comes up in these parts, the
+cracker is supreme, because he has the numbers. So, while the mob spirit
+was still prevalent, they decided to give vent to their jealousy, and
+called on Smith with a dark purpose. They charged him with having
+furnished this Negro with an ax and instructions to kill the cracker. So
+they were on the way to see him, when I warned him at church one Sunday
+morning, preparing to preach a sermon. He hurried home, grabbed a few
+things, and left the state as fast as he could leave it.
+
+"That is how Smith came to be in this country and doing business; but
+there is another part of this chapter, and which brings us up to the
+present.
+
+"A Negro worked for Smith back there, and after the thing had died out
+and people there saw that he was wrongly accused, this Negro came on
+here, and since then, this has been his home. Having known him back
+there, Smith trusted him in the store here, and continued to trust him
+until he was head over heels in debt to him. There came a day when Smith
+was tired of this, and called him to account. The Negro, then, instead
+of paying like a man, or making an effort to do so, howled his head off
+and was surprised, or professed to be. He told Smith that he was repaid
+from the fact that he had kept his mouth closed about his past, his
+changing his name, and all that. In conclusion, he threatened to tell
+the world, or that part of it in which Smith and himself were known.
+Now, if Smith had told all this in the beginning, it would, of course,
+have been different. But, having deferred it so long, he naturally hated
+to have it told and flaunted in his face by the Negroes here. You know,
+too, how Negroes like to hear anything, envious and spiteful as they are
+by nature. It was a nasty affair, and to hush it up, Smith let the bill
+go hang. But this was not to be the end of it by any means, oh, no! This
+Negro had the nerve to come back into the store and ask for more credit.
+Then Smith, with his nigga aroused, stood his ground. The Negro then got
+drunk, fighting drunk. He found an old revolver that had been lost for
+years in a trash heap, and ran Smith all over town. It wouldn't shoot,
+of course, but Smith didn't know that. The crowd finally got around the
+Negro and held him, while he raged and swore. Smith went to the phone,
+declaring he was going to call the officers. The Negro yelled that if he
+did--he knew. Smith desisted, but then into it came my sister, his wife.
+She has spirit and was now thoroughly aroused and with a big forty-five
+left-hand wheeler, she sought this shine. When the people that were
+holding him saw her coming, they turned him lose and flew. When they
+did, she began to shoot, and shot to hit. She missed; but she picked the
+dirt all about him, and he did some running.
+
+"After that, the Negro--he had been doing fairly well outside what I
+have mentioned--began to go down. Whiskey and craps got all his money,
+and then he parted with his wife. But he still had it in for Smith, and
+it had come to Smith and me, too, that he intends telling it all at the
+ball game, today. Moreover, that he will kill his wife if she plays ball
+or attempts to, today. Smith's nigga is up, and he is going to the ball
+game, and if that Negro starts anything on that diamond, look out!"
+
+"I'm afraid of these Negroes down here myself," said Wyeth. "A few
+nights ago, I was standing on a corner in Effingham, when one of them
+came up the street slapping his wife or woman, or whatever she was,
+something outrageously. I felt constrained to punch him in the jaw, the
+brute, especially when she ran around a bunch of us trying to escape the
+blows he was raining on her face. I didn't, and some time later I was
+talking with a cop that patrols that beat. I told him of the incident.
+'That's nothing,' he said. 'I started to punch him,' I said. 'You'd
+better not punch any of these Negroes,' he warned. 'They'll shoot you
+down like a dog. This is Effingham.'"
+
+"Well," said Beasely, "I'm going to the game myself to have a hand in
+the affair, if he starts anything. Wanta go 'long?"
+
+Since he had nothing to do, he decided that it would be a good outing
+and some diversion, so, rising, he followed. As they started, a ragged,
+dirty Negro rushed up. He wanted Beasely, being unable to locate Smith,
+to let him have ten dollars to get his brother out of jail, who had
+gotten into a squabble down in a saloon and got run in.
+
+"Let him stay there until tomorrow, and we won't have to get him out but
+once. If he is gotten out today, he's liable to be in again before the
+day is spent," replied Beasely carelessly. The other went his way with
+mutterings.
+
+They had not gone far before they came upon another. He had a load, a
+heavy load. So heavy that he could scarcely make it. However, with a
+superior effort, he managed to drag his feet along, and join them.
+
+"Abe Thomas," remonstrated Beasely. "You are a disgrace to yourself and
+the human race." The other accepted the rebuke in good nature. He
+declared, that since it was the fourth, he was entitled by the law of
+the land to get drunk, and convince the public to that effect.
+
+"The fourth do'n' come but once a yeah," he said. "But I'm a good guy
+all the time 'n' all the time. Fifty years I've been in this world and
+don't look forty." He didn't, which was an odd thing, thought Wyeth.
+
+"Say, Beasely, lend me a dollar!" he exclaimed. Wyeth was again
+surprised; for Beasely, without a word, but a laugh full of humor, drew
+forth a silver dollar, and handed it over.
+
+As they walked along leisurely, Wyeth remarked about the crops, which
+did not appear to be doing much good in the highlands.
+
+"You know why that is?" said their companion, winking wisely. "That's
+because all this land about here is undermined, and the water goes on
+through."
+
+Wyeth looked at him. He looked back at Wyeth and winked. "You are
+philosophical indeed," said he. "How far is it to the mines below?"
+
+"Three hundred feet," Beasely replied.
+
+"And between that is all kinds of rock, hard pan and shale?"
+
+"Oh, sure," replied the other; "but what has that to do with it?"
+
+Wyeth looked at him, but the other didn't gather what the expression
+meant, so he said: "Jok, you are full." They were passing into a cut,
+and he saw at a glance the reason for the plant suffering. About two to
+six inches from the surface was a thick layer of jip, which, as he knew,
+prevented the water from going into the subsoil, to come up when the sun
+had dried the surface, and furnish nourishment to the roots. Further
+argument was not necessary, for, as they came out of the cut, a saloon
+smiled before them, and into this their companion disappeared.
+
+When they arrived at the grounds, thousands had preceded them, and the
+same was black with people, enjoying a holiday. The diamond had been
+cleared, and preparations were in order for opening of the game. The
+contestants were a set of school boys and girls, and women, in fact, any
+girl or woman that could be prevailed upon for the occasion. The sun,
+now in the west, could be seen only at intervals, as it hung suspended
+above the heavy treetops. The air was unusually still and humid. The
+heat was intense; but, notwithstanding the fact, the future American
+Negro seemed to be getting all that a holiday afforded.
+
+Popcorn and cracker-jack, lemonade and coca-cola, barbecue and fried
+fish, were being consumed by the crowd in every direction in large
+quantities, and all seemed to be happy.
+
+At last the preliminaries were over. The game was called. On every base,
+in the pitcher's box, the catchers, and in the field, stood black girls.
+Gayly they flitted about, and caught the ball cleverly, as it was thrown
+from one to the other.
+
+"Play ball!" called the umpire.
+
+Everyone had his eye upon the game. A strapping woman, wound up like a
+professional, and let drive a swift ball that went far to the right of a
+left hand batter.
+
+"Ba-l-l one!" cried the umpire.
+
+"Frow lak a ole maid," cackled a big-mouthed Negro, who was immediately
+hooted down.
+
+"St-r-i-k-e one!" cried the umpire, slapping his thigh, giving vent to a
+big laugh, as the batter swung wildly at the ball just missed.
+
+"Dat gal's got some speed, b'lieve muh!" cried another Negro, who was a
+good support.
+
+"Who dat gal?" inquired another, at this point.
+
+"Do'n you know 'er?" someone else replied. "Dat's Bobb Lee's wife. Dey
+is pa'ted, y' know."
+
+Wyeth started. Bobb Lee's wife! Bobb Lee was the Negro Beasely had told
+him about.... And he had threatened to kill her if she played ball this
+day. She was playing. He felt a strange pulling at his nerves as he
+watched her, and his imagination began to play. He was afraid of these
+Negroes. Even if they did nothing, they could, so far as he had learned,
+be depended upon to commit murder. No one, perhaps, paid much attention
+to a Negro's threat; but he didn't feel just right in the stomach. A
+chilly feeling was creeping upward and held him. He looked about him.
+For a moment he had forgotten the game. The men were now on the bases,
+while the girls were swinging in many ways at the ball. The wife of Bobb
+Lee was there at the bat. Around him the crowd watched her closely,
+expectantly. He did likewise.
+
+"B-a-l-l one!" cried the umpire. The woman was a stout Negress, with
+square, broad hips, and was conspicuous in the green uniform. Two balls
+and one strike were against her, when the fourth came whizzing across
+the plate. She struck it with terrific force, that sent it just over the
+heads of all and beyond the fielders, making a clean home run, as well
+as bringing in two girls that were on bases. The cheering that followed
+was deafening. For a time Sidney forgot the threats of the bad Negro.
+
+Again the wife of Bobb Lee was pitching. More speed had developed since
+last she held the ball, and she was apparently more clever. She hurled
+the ball across the plate so swiftly, that the crowd could hardly see
+it, nor could the batters, whom, one by one she fanned. Two balls and
+two strikes she had on the last one. Wyeth's gaze, wandering across the
+diamond, observed John Smith standing to the other side, and again the
+words of Beasely came to his memory. He wished the thought and the
+threat would not so persist. He tried to concentrate his mind on the
+game, but the words lingered. During his whole life, Sidney now
+recalled, he was peculiarly given to predestination. If he had not seen
+anyone he had known for some time, and happened to meet him, he could
+always recall that he had just thought of him a few days before, or it
+might have been only a few hours before. Strangely, as he watched the
+game, there came to him a premonition that something was going to
+happen. He felt it so strongly that he stood waiting for it. It was only
+a question of a little while.
+
+The wife of Bobb Lee had raised her arm and was winding up for the last
+throw, when suddenly, from across the field in the crowd, came a cry as
+of some one mad, enraged. In the still, humid air, the cry of a woman
+resounded, and fell upon the ears of the crowd like a cry of death.
+There was a shot, and so quiet did every one appear at the moment, that
+the noise it made sounded like a cannon. A woman rushed upon the
+diamond, and fell prone on her face, with a last scream that disturbed
+the quiet.
+
+Clouds had been gathering overhead for some time, and now they overcast
+the skies. The sunlight, with all its brightness of a few minutes ago,
+had faded; it became so dark that the people could scarcely see across
+the diamond. Heavy peals of thunder added now to the darkness, while
+flashes of lightning struck electrically all about. The crowd stood
+awestruck. The woman in the box had lowered her arm, and was looking
+wild-eyed at the woman who had fallen prostrate at her feet. And then,
+through the still air came again the cry of the beast.
+
+"Ah tole yu' 'f yu' played ball ag'in ah'd kill yu'. Ah've killed yu'
+doity sista, in the' stands you, 'n' the' is John Smith who run away
+frum Palmetto, Geo'gi', 'n' whose real name's Tom Rollins!" And with
+that, the woman gave a long lingering cry that frightened all those
+about. They turned in one great mass, the revolver sounded another shot,
+and with scarcely a groan, the woman staggered for a moment, and fell to
+the ground dead. For just a second it seemed, the crowd, tearing wildly
+about, halted and turned their eyes upon the two dead women. And as they
+did so, the murderer turned wildly in the direction of where Smith had
+stood, but he was gone. In a blind fury, the drunken brute whirled
+around dazed, yelling: "Wha' is he! Damn him! Wha' is he!"
+
+"I'm heah, you beast!" roared Smith, in a terrible voice. The other had
+just time to see him, but too late to do further murder. John Smith was
+on him in an instant, and all the strength of his powerful frame seemed
+to come to him in that moment. He snatched the smoking weapon from the
+hand of the brute, and, raising it to the length of his large arm, while
+the other, at last sensitive to the moment, saw it as it lingered one
+brief instant, with eyes, the sight of which Sidney Wyeth did not soon
+forget, it fell, crushing the skull. A mad herd now, the crowd rushed
+upon the fallen creature and did the rest.
+
+Just then the heavens opened up with a mighty crash of thunder, and
+there came a flash of lightning that made trees tremble, while the rain
+came down in torrents.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Sidney returned to the city by the first car. The incident rose before
+him again and again, as the car crept along in the downpour. He had seen
+the first murder of his life, which, however, was an almost daily
+occurrence in Effingham. When he reached his room and related the
+incident, it caused less excitement than when he once witnessed a
+gambling raid and related it. No one took murder seriously in Effingham.
+
+"They kill a nigga every day on an average in this town," grinned Moore.
+When he read the papers the following morning, he had about given up
+finding it at all, when his eyes came across a small paragraph in the
+corner, reporting that a drunken Negro had killed his wife and
+sister-in-law, which added to the list of casualties, making eleven for
+the day in Effingham. All were homicides. No deaths from other sources
+were reported.
+
+As Sidney Wyeth now saw it, the people might have prosperity, and they
+might have happiness; likewise, they might suffer reverses and be in
+hard straights for a time; but of one thing there seemed a certainty,
+that as long as whiskey was available, crime would be prevalent in
+Effingham.
+
+Sidney Wyeth had never voted for prohibition. As he saw it now in
+Attalia, where it was not sold legally, and in Effingham, where it had
+this permit, there seemed but one conclusion. Only when they stopped
+making it, would these ignorant, semi-barbarous creatures quit drinking
+it.
+
+And thus we find conditions in one of our great American cities, where
+there is forty per cent of illiteracy among two-fifths of the populace.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Having sent for a considerable consignment of books, and, due to the
+inability to collect from a number who spent their money on the fourth,
+Sidney found his finances depleted. Room rent, by paying in advance was
+due the following Monday, so, taking himself to one of his subscribers
+among the servants, he was able to collect only a dollar that day. Half
+of this he divided with his landlady, promising to pay her the remainder
+on the morrow. He did so, but John Moore desired to question in regard
+to the same. The truth of it was that John Moore wanted the dollar, and
+had figured on it, in order to shoot craps on Saturday night, as was his
+usual custom. So John came into the room where Sidney sat reading. It
+happened that Wyeth was in no pleasant frame of mind, and, calling was
+thus not in order that evening. Perhaps John Moore did not know this,
+but he did a few minutes later. He wished to know what Wyeth was going
+to do about the rent.
+
+Wyeth looked at him. It wasn't a very pleasant look, to say the least.
+And Wyeth was one of these creatures who could not stand to be dunned.
+Since he had already made arrangement with the real person, he regarded
+Moore out of eyes now that narrowed with anger. He said something, sharp
+and quick, and stinging. Thereupon, a storm ensued.
+
+"I aised you a civil question," complained Moore.
+
+"And I tell you that I have already arranged with the landlady regarding
+the rent, and don't want any argument with you!"
+
+"Then I ais you to git yo' things and get out!" cried Moore, with an air
+of finality.
+
+"And I tell you that I will do no such thing; moreover, you, insofar as
+I'm concerned," cried Wyeth heatedly, "can go to Hell!"
+
+"Look out, look out!" cried Moore. "I'm a-comin', I'm a-comin'."
+
+"Not very fast as I can see, standing there in the doorway," said Wyeth,
+now composed, and reseating himself from where he had risen. And yet he
+felt, as he had never felt before, like fighting--with his fists.
+
+"Hole me Mary, hole me!" cried Moore, moving many ways--in the doorway.
+The other waited--in vain.
+
+"Come ova' he' from Attalia, a bad nigga, 'n' tellin' me what I ain'
+go'n do 'n' mah house!" he cried, now derisively. "Stay! Yes, stay, 'n'
+be killed, 'cause 'f you sleep in this house t'night, you go'n sleep
+ova' mah dead body."
+
+"Oh, but you're an awful liar," smiled Sidney grimly. He arose from his
+chair and moved in the direction of Moore, whereupon that worthy moved
+in the opposite direction. "A Negro like you ain't going to fight
+anyone, and talk about your dead body! Hump! If you had any idea I was
+going to kill you, you'd be a mile away by this time and still running.
+As it is, I am going to stay in this house until I get ready to leave,
+or at least until I am ordered out by the landlady." With this, he
+jumped forward quickly and caught Moore by the nose, which was, to say
+the least, a difficult task. He pinched it hard, and then, with well
+directed licks, he slapped his face with his open palm. Then, giving his
+nose another pinch that made the creature scream with pain, he pushed
+him with such force that he fell backward into the other room. A moment
+later, Sidney slammed the door, and, resuming his seat, picked up the
+book and began reading.
+
+They were good friends ever after.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN
+
+"_When You Have Been Grass-Widowed, It's Different_"
+
+
+"Oh, is it Mr. Wyeth? How-do, Mr. Wyeth. Come right in and be seated. I
+shall be in presently." Whereupon, for the fraction of a second, Miss
+Palmer gave him a smile that was bewitching.
+
+It was Sunday, and a beautiful cool day in July. A rain had fallen the
+night before, which made the air cool and radiant. Just a day for an
+outing. To go forth into the forest on a day like this, in company with
+the lady of his choice, was a pleasure all men could wish. And to go
+forth today, to the forest about Effingham, which could be seen from
+almost any part of the city, was, to say the least, a treat. From the
+summit of any of the many points, the observer could gaze down full upon
+all that makes Effingham.
+
+And it was for such a purpose that Sidney Wyeth called upon Miss Annie
+Palmer that day.
+
+Miss Palmer had been good to him. And he, a man of experience and
+adversities, was not the kind of man to be indifferent to her courtesy.
+And, besides, Miss Palmer was fairly well endowed with the art of making
+it pleasant. Especially was this so when it happened to be a young man
+who had captivated her, and, apparently, without any effort on his part.
+
+It is said that curiosity is the inspiration of invention, and that
+women, although with no great record as inventors, cannot stand to be
+held in doubt. Sidney Wyeth had aroused Miss Palmer. It was whispered
+that other men had done so before, but no one spoke ill of Miss Palmer.
+It was so told here and there that she desired to marry. Miss Palmer
+found it difficult to keep Sidney out of her thoughts; daily, hourly
+and, sometimes she sighed, it seemed minutely. So, when he had
+suggested an outing, she had accepted with all the grace of which she
+was capable. It had been arranged for this day. She had worked hard
+every day preceding it, and had sold a number of books. As we now know,
+Miss Palmer was the mother of a very young son, and she had always had
+to work to care for him, herself, and her mother, who was somewhat of an
+invalid. Perhaps this was the best excuse Miss Palmer had for not having
+remarried. It was a plausible one, no one could deny. It sufficed to
+arouse sympathy for her, and she had many friends who unhesitatingly
+spoke of her in such terms.
+
+"Miss Palmer has a hard time," said one.
+
+"What kind of a deal--that is, what kind of a husband was the man she
+married?"
+
+"A half white nigga from Ohio, whose parents made him mistreat her,
+because she was not brighter in color. They never forgave him for
+marrying anything but a 'high yellow.' So they, through their treatment
+of her, snubbing her whenever they could, simply broke them up. She was
+a good girl," so everybody said about Miss Palmer, "and she worked night
+and day to help him, but he drank. His parents kept up the game of
+spoiling him, even after he was the father of her child. So, in the end,
+when there was nothing else for her to do, she had asked for, and was
+duly granted a divorce. That ended it. The school board, although they
+were overrun with applications from multitudes of colored girls, to
+teach in the city schools (because teaching is about the only thing they
+can get to do to make some money and a living for themselves), had
+reinstated her, and she went back to teaching, after four years of
+unhappy married life."
+
+It was thus Sidney Wyeth had found her. Miss Palmer was a human being
+with a heart that cried silently for the love of a man, as all other
+women's hearts do, who happen not to be so fortunate as to have one. She
+had been to school, and graduated from a normal academy, that taught
+English as far as it goes, and, likewise, compelled the girls to learn
+how to cook, sew and save. Miss Palmer was mistress in all these arts,
+and some more. It was her delight to show them by a demonstration,
+whenever she could. She had proven all this to Sidney Wyeth, and he had
+thought it practical in her. He had said as much, but he would have said
+as much to any other, no doubt. And of the many good things we now know
+of Miss Palmer, let us not forget that she was selfish to a degree.
+
+Unfortunately, many of us are. But when Miss Palmer became the recipient
+of such kind words from the lips of this man of mystery, for as such she
+regarded him, and believed it, she was subtly delighted. So she had done
+all she could as a saleswoman of the book she was positive he had
+written, to prove further her ability to help him. (?) Today they would
+be all alone, together. She had looked forward to the same with all the
+anxiety of the anxious, and the day had come at last. And such a day!
+
+She dressed in her best for the occasion. We shall not attempt to
+describe her; but when she appeared at the end of an hour, she was a
+delight to observe. "Indeed!" exclaimed Wyeth frankly, "I didn't know
+you could look so well!"
+
+"Why are you flat?" she complained, with a frown; and then she added
+softly: "You could be otherwise."
+
+"We will catch the Tidewater and get off at Jewell Junction, and take
+the Relay. That will take us to the summit of Baldin Knob. From there
+you can see everything this state possesses for fifteen miles," she
+said, as they walked cheerfully in the direction of the car line.
+
+Never had either experienced such a delightful ride, as the heavy
+tidewater cars gave them that morning. The Relay unloaded them forty
+minutes later at the highest peak of which the Red Mountains boast.
+Below lay Effingham, the iron city, a medley of smoke and many little
+points. Only the blast of the furnaces, and the heavy smoke they belched
+forth, met their gaze, as they saw it now. It seemed hardly possible
+that it was a city of so many thousands, it seemed so small at this
+distance. A mass of uneven timber appeared all about and below them, and
+far away were a thousand peaks. Broken by hundreds of ravines and
+draws, that split and tore the mighty range, they saw the city beyond. A
+dull haze as of Indian summer hung in the distance, as their gaze sought
+the horizon.
+
+Then they walked down a slope to a spot they had seen. She stepped on a
+rock that lay buried beneath many leaves, and turned her ankle so
+severely, that he feared it had been sprained. It hadn't; but, as a
+precaution, he took her arm, and that, perforce, brought them closer
+together. Thus they walked, until, at the foot of a pine, lay a fallen
+tree conveniently. They sat themselves thereon, and, leaning their backs
+against the tree, for a minute, possibly more, they heard their own
+breathing.
+
+After saying many things that meant nothing, she said:
+
+"Now, you are going to tell me all about yourself today, aren't you?"
+She ended this beautifully, and waited likewise. His reply was not
+gallant, if such it could be; but he merely added:
+
+"There is little to tell, Miss Palmer--so little, I'm sure telling it
+would be dull for you to listen to."
+
+"You have beautiful ways of saying anything," she said, and gave him her
+best smile. He looked at her now, but without any apparent enthusiasm.
+His smile was a little tired and weary and sad. Very often he was this
+way.
+
+"Do you know," Miss Palmer now said, "you have impressed me
+wonderfully."
+
+"I didn't, I'm sure; but you are complimentary." He was now a mite more
+cheerful. "In what way, I beg, have I impressed you? In that I can sell
+books?"
+
+"I don't mean that, and you know I do not," she pouted. "And you can be
+so innocent, when you want to be. Oh, you are artful. But I mean, if I
+must say it and then explain why, there is something about you that is
+unusual. You are in disguise, going through the country studying people,
+yes, people and what they are, have been and are likely to be." She was
+thoughtful now, as she sat in serious mood for some time. Presently, she
+said:
+
+"I've been reading that book, and, of course, I understand you better.
+Is all that you say in it true?" She was serious now, and anxious too.
+She waited eagerly for him to speak.
+
+He laughed. Then he said nothing in the affirmative, but indulged in
+words concerning other topics.
+
+"You are more than a book agent. You have, at least, been a man of
+means. Really, I would be pleased to know from your own lips," she now
+sighed.
+
+"I wish we could talk of something else, that would be more interesting.
+Cannot you suggest something?" he turned to her now appealingly.
+
+"I cannot. Yourself is the most interesting thing I care to talk about.
+I have been thinking of the terrible secret you disclose in the book.
+Won't you please tell me if it is all true?"
+
+"I suppose if _the_ book is published as a true story, then it must be
+so," he said evasively.
+
+"And she was a weak woman. No strength and conviction; nothing to
+protect a home. You and she will not remain as you are, will you?"
+Silence. "There is nothing the matter with you--and her. I sympathize
+with _this fellow_." Miss Palmer was more serious now. "Because,
+apparently, he wanted, tried to do the right thing, and was not
+allowed.... I know somebody else that wished to do likewise, and was not
+allowed.... Life is a strange thing, isn't it?"
+
+"Indeed so," he agreed.
+
+"And on this pilgrimage you study the lives of others, many others, and
+it reveals so much to you that would, could not be possible, otherwise?"
+
+He agreed with her again.
+
+"And on this pilgrimage you have met _women_, and you have studied them
+and their way of seeing things?"
+
+"Possibly. They are all in the same category."
+
+"Yes; but somebody said: 'I bet that fellow has _so_ many girls!' I
+didn't agree with them. I don't think you have any; you are too
+preoccupied to give them serious thought. Perhaps that is why the girl
+allowed herself to be taken away...."
+
+He now looked at her. His lips, for one moment, had started to speak,
+and then he seemed to think better of it, and said nothing.
+
+"Everyone I sell the book to cries when they have read it: 'If I had
+been that fellow, I'd have kicked that old preacher into Hades.' It's
+what you tell in the last part of the book that arouses the people. But
+they all think _he_ acted with poor judgment in the end; but if _he_
+hadn't allowed that to come to pass, I would never have known you." Miss
+Palmer was tantalizing.
+
+"Out in this _Rosebud Country_, of which the story is told, are there no
+colored people?"
+
+"None."
+
+"I should think it would be dreadfully lonesome."
+
+"Why so? The white people are kind and sociable."
+
+"Yes, but I would prefer my kind. Still, I suppose if one lived there
+and had their all there, it would be different."
+
+"Yes," he agreed, "it would be different."
+
+"You will, no doubt, marry one of the many girls you meet before you
+return, and then live happily ever afterwards."
+
+"That is nice to listen to. Nice girls, that is, girls who are willing
+to sacrifice to an end that would help both, are, to say the least, hard
+to find."
+
+"Yes, in a sense; but there are plenty. And all want husbands. Of
+course, when you have been widowed, grass-widowed, it's different...."
+
+"Well, yes; but I see no reason, if she is the right kind of girl, why
+she cannot re-marry and be happy in the end."
+
+"Oh, you don't," she essayed. "Well, there is. A woman is never regarded
+as the same. The looks she gets are not like the ones bestowed upon her
+when she, or before she married. They are looks--looks that are not
+honest," she sighed. He was silent.
+
+"And the men are the cause of it. All of it. Sometimes I hate men."
+
+He saw her now, calmly. She was uneasy under the look he gave her. And
+then he was silent again. She went on:
+
+"Of course, there are some that are different. Yourself, for instance."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"So many I hardly like to say. So unassuming, for one. And then you--oh
+I won't say it."
+
+"Please do."
+
+"Not until you have told me more about yourself. Has it occurred to you
+that you have told me nothing, absolutely nothing about yourself?" She
+was looking at him now. He winced.
+
+"Of course, if a woman is--is--well, easy enough to go into the
+mountains and on an outing with the man--a man who has told her nothing
+of himself, then, it--he cannot be censured." She watched a pine
+squirrel now that played near, and who regarded them out of eyes that
+made Miss Palmer feel guilty.
+
+"You are like a stone wall when it comes to secrets. Did you ever really
+love anyone?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Oh, you don't mean it!" she cried in feigned surprise. "Who was it?"
+
+"You would be no wiser if I told you."
+
+At this moment, a blast in a mine near, which they did not see, went
+off. It broke the silence so sharply, that both sat quickly upright. In
+doing so, their hands met. His clasped hers. In a moment the tension was
+released, but the hands were not. Slowly their hands clasped each others
+tighter. He was in some way conscious of the fact, while she was dreamy.
+He looked by chance into her eyes, and they were more dreamy still.
+Their shoulders touched. She sat at his left, and it happened singularly
+to be his right hand that held hers. In that moment they seemed to feel
+lonely, very lonely. Both had suffered--and, to a degree, their
+suffering had been similar. To give up and to be human, unconventionally
+so for just a little while, seemed a mad desire. She swayed perceptibly.
+Suddenly his left arm stole about her waist and encircled her body.
+Mechanically he looked down, and into her eyes, that were upturned. They
+seemed to tell the secret behind. To be loved for one minute was what
+they asked. He lingered a moment, and then his head went down. When it
+had retained its former position and was erect, he had kissed Miss
+Palmer.
+
+He was standing now, and was looking down upon Effingham. It lay silent
+and gray from where he saw it. In that moment he wanted to be back
+there. He felt guilty. He turned and beheld Miss Palmer. He felt more
+guilty than before. She lay against the tree with her face turned the
+other way. He felt very sorry for her then. Yes, Miss Palmer would, he
+believed, do the right thing. _She would be glad_ to do the right thing.
+Oh, she had had her troubles. And Sidney Wyeth knew that when people had
+suffered, especially when it had been their great ambition to do the
+right thing and be happy, they would go through eternity to make
+happiness possible. He spoke now.
+
+"Don't you think we had better be going, Miss Palmer?" She heard him,
+and his voice was kind, she thought. She rose, and together they went
+back over the hill and caught the Relay.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN
+
+"_I'm Worried About Mildred_"
+
+
+"Wilson, I'm worried. I'm worried about Mildred. Something is haunting
+that girl. Something has been haunting her for days. She says nothing,
+of course; but I can see, I can't help but see. She is worried almost to
+insanity." So Constance said to her brother, some days after Mildred met
+the man who saw her in Cincinnati.
+
+"I wonder what it can be," said he, thoughtfully.
+
+"I'd give anything to know," she sighed. "The only thing I know is that
+she is worried. I dare not ask her. She is not inviting in her demeanor,
+when it comes to confidences. She seems to be looking for something,
+simply uneasy always, and hesitant. Some days, she seems to dislike to
+go canvassing; in fact, for some time now, she has been nervous every
+time she ventures out."
+
+"I wonder whether it would not be advisable to ask her to lay off a few
+days."
+
+"I have thought of that," said she; "but she has so many deliveries to
+make that she is almost compelled to go out every day. And then, if what
+she fears is to happen, I'm sure she would be more worried if she stayed
+in."
+
+"I'm willing to do anything to help Mildred." She looked at him, but
+they were both too preoccupied to take notice of the fact that he had
+called her by her first name.
+
+"The only time I can seem to get her away from that worried, tired
+expression, is when I play. She listens and becomes, at least for a
+time, oblivious to her troubles."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+By day, Mildred, when she was canvassing, hourly expected to meet again
+the man whose recognition had frightened her. But the days went by
+without further encounter, and when she failed to meet him, she began to
+relax. She was worried constantly, but she was relieved after two weeks.
+The fright had passed, and she was cheerful again, much to the relief of
+her two friends. It had pained her to see that both were obviously
+worried on her account. And she respected them, because they were
+considerate enough not to ask her questions that would have annoyed her.
+
+"You sang that beautifully, Miss Latham," said Wilson, one afternoon,
+when she left the piano, after singing a song that had been introduced
+lately into church services; and which, while sentimental, nevertheless
+possessed more thrill than the average.
+
+"Do you think I can satisfy the congregation now?" she asked sweetly.
+She had been practicing it for several afternoons.
+
+"I should say you could," he cried, enthusiastically. "You could satisfy
+any congregation, much less our little crowd." He looked sorrowful, as
+he said this. She understood. The great majority did not attend his
+services. They went to the big Baptist church two blocks away. Many of
+them even smiled, when they passed his little church and observed the
+few people sitting therein. Mildred sympathised with him, because she
+realized that he was a courageous young man, willing to go to any
+extent, so far as effort was concerned, in order to help those about
+him. They needed it too, these black people.
+
+"Oh," she cried, so kind that he choked, "you will have a larger church
+some day. I am confident you will--I _know you will_." And she meant all
+she said. "In time the people will come to appreciate your efforts. As
+it is now, they don't think deep enough to do so. They want sermons, as
+yet, that make them feel by merely listening; whereas, it is necessary
+to study what you say.... That makes it difficult now. When the people
+become more intelligent, more practical, and more thoughtful, they will
+appreciate religion in a practical sense." He was overwhelmed with
+gratitude, as he heard these words. For a moment he couldn't speak. He
+felt the tears come.
+
+"You are so kind, Miss Latham. You seem to understand, and see below the
+surface. And what you have said is timely. I am one, you may be sure,
+who appreciates it." He stopped here.
+
+A choking, which he didn't wish her to notice, made it necessary. She
+was aware of the gratitude, the sincere gratitude in his tone, and her
+sympathy went out to him more than ever. As she saw him sitting there,
+with head bowed and face hid, he seemed his mother's boy. She felt
+strangely that other part. Impulsively, she advanced to where he sat by
+the window, with the sunlight streaming in upon him. In the bright, soft
+light, his curly hair shone, and seemed more beautiful than she had
+noticed it before. She laid her hand upon it. An hour ago, she would
+not, could not have dreamed she would do this. And then she spoke in
+words, the kindest, he felt, he had ever heard.
+
+"There, now. It will be all right. Just give yourself time. Oh, it's a
+great struggle, this human problem. All these black ones of ours. But
+you are pursuing the right course, and some day they will see it. Then
+will come your success. It's going to come. It will come. It _must_
+come. These people can't keep on going along as they are; this
+crime--murder. It's terrible. Someone will help to stem the tide of it,
+someone will lead them. They need leaders. They are not bad people, with
+all we see and now know of them. They simply need some one to lead them
+into the light. I feel you will be that person. Yes. I am sure you are
+the person." She paused a moment, and it was only then, she became aware
+that her hand still rested upon his head. She removed it now, and
+silently left the room.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I love her! I love her!" cried Wilson Jacobs. "Oh, God lead me, for I
+know not whither I go!"
+
+It was the first time in his thirty-one years that Wilson Jacobs had
+felt so. But he was a man. And the fact made him respect Mildred Latham
+the more. Not for anything would he have her know his secret after
+this. She had thought of him in no other way but to help him. That was
+all. He would have to go forth now with a secret from Constance even.
+
+He studied his text for the coming Sunday, and prepared himself to
+preach as he had never preached before.
+
+"Here is an example of how much our people down here desire a Y.M.C.A.,
+Miss Latham," said Reverend Jacobs later. "You may recall that, last
+spring the colored people of Grantville (which had a population, in the
+last census, of one hundred ten thousand people, almost forty thousand
+being colored), made a great campaign to secure a Y.M.C.A." He laid
+before her a Negro journal, published weekly at Grantville. She picked
+it up and read the whole article.
+
+It went into detail concerning the campaign that was made to secure a
+Y.M.C.A. for the colored youth of Grantville. She had been interested in
+the campaign and knew that in a few days, thirty-three thousand dollars
+and more had been subscribed. The publishing house that printed this
+paper, had issued a daily of sixteen pages during the campaign, and had
+heralded the spirit of the colored people in their liberality. They had
+been liberal indeed, but it was only in subscribing. The paying was
+different, quite different.
+
+After six months, only something over four thousand dollars of that
+amount had been paid in. The building, equipped, would cost one hundred
+thousand dollars. A millionaire Jew, the head of one of the greatest
+mail order houses in the country, would give twenty-five thousand
+dollars. The white Y.M.C.A. gave an equal amount. From other sources,
+seventeen thousand dollars were forthcoming. The colored people were
+expected to raise the remainder. It had been oversubscribed, but only
+four thousand had been paid in. Six months had passed, and she knew
+(although the paper was optimistic and had no other thought, apparently,
+than that the colored people would raise the amount) subscriptions would
+be paid slower now than before. She did not know what to say when she
+had read the article.
+
+"Do you realize what they are up against?"
+
+"Yes," she said resignedly.
+
+"And they do not seem to know it."
+
+"No."
+
+"It's discouraging."
+
+She nodded.
+
+"It would be no trick at all for any of a dozen churches in the town to
+raise four thousand dollars in sixty days in a rally." She remained
+silent but listened, and knew that he spoke the truth.
+
+"They have hundreds of churches all over the south, that have cost, in
+actual money, one hundred thousand dollars, and they have paid the
+amount without assistance from other sources; whereas, the white people
+are offering sixty thousand dollars of this amount."
+
+"And, I gather," said she, in a voice that was listless, "that
+Grantville, with its many schools and much more intelligent colored
+people, is far more likely to succeed in such an effort than this town."
+
+He nodded.
+
+"But this place needs it, it needs it badly. It needs a Y.M.C.A. worse
+than any town in the south--"
+
+"In the world," he insisted.
+
+"And you do not think it would be worth while to inaugurate a campaign
+for that purpose here, before long?"
+
+He sighed sadly, and then grew thoughtful.
+
+"Last week, the number of murders exceeded any previous week for two
+years...."
+
+"And over one hundred Negro churches have preaching in them every
+Sunday."
+
+"And from what I can learn, these murders are rarely mentioned, in any."
+
+"I have been thinking for a long time--before you came--of a Y.M.C.A.
+for our people in this town, but I have never spoken of it. But since I
+have known and talked with you, Miss Latham, and have seen the way our
+people are conducting themselves, I have been constrained to take up the
+effort of securing one." He said this very calmly, with no undue
+excitement.
+
+"Have you, Mr. Jacobs?" She made no attempt to use the clerical term.
+Her tone was eager, anxious.
+
+"Yes," he repeated. "I have decided to begin at once, regardless of the
+discouraging spectacle of Grantville."
+
+"Oh, I'm so glad," she sighed, relieved.
+
+He looked at her, but said nothing. He knew that she would be glad to
+hear it. He was glad, though, that she had spoken.
+
+"Yes," he resumed. "I have discussed the matter with the heads of three
+of the big trunk lines operating in and out of this town, and all of
+whom have shops here that hire black men, and, as you might, of course,
+expect, they are all in favor of it. They have, moreover, advised me
+that they will bring such a movement to the attention of the board of
+directors. They have further advised me, however, that I must not expect
+to exceed five thousand dollars from either, and not to be disappointed
+if the board failed to give anything at all. That, they explained, and I
+understood without explanation, was due to the financial conditions of
+the railroads. I have met the same response from other local interests.
+But by them all, I have been encouraged. Of course, the white Y.M.C.A.
+are agreeable to giving assistance as in other towns, and have given me
+to understand that they will put in twenty-five thousand dollars. And
+then the Chicago philanthropist, of course, has a like amount awaiting.
+But the time limit expires in six months."
+
+"From these, I have gone to our people."
+
+"You went?" She held her breath now.
+
+"To those others, the preachers."
+
+"And they were----"
+
+"Against it, almost to a man."
+
+"God be merciful!"
+
+"Of course, all of them did not say so in so many words--in fact, as you
+might expect, 'Yes, brother, this town sure needs a Y.M.C.A,' But when
+cooperation was suggested to that end, quibbling began. Most of them,
+not a bit original, put forward the same excuse, _too_ busy. All were
+preachers, yet too busy to save souls. Then, of course, the next excuse
+was their church was loaded up with debt; they were now preparing a
+rally to raise such and such an amount. And still others had just closed
+a rally, which meant their flock was strapped and would be until another
+rally. And there are three churches in this very town that cost equally
+as much as this thing, all told.
+
+"Next, I tried the teachers. The professors, of course, were full of the
+idea. I found only two, however, who had paid enough attention to the
+effort in Grantville, to know that the people were likely not to
+succeed. These, I was glad to hear, spoke of this fact, and we then
+discussed the matter from a serious point of view."
+
+"Have you not found ignorance a great stumbling block?" she inquired.
+
+"The greatest, in a measure, I think. To be ignorant means, that they
+will be easily discouraged, when they discover the obstacles."
+
+"When do you intend beginning the campaign?"
+
+"Sunday. I have prepared a speech to that end for that day, but, of
+course, I would have to concentrate a greater effort before it can be
+started with any effect. I have, however, prepared an article, rather,
+several articles, and which the newspapers, the white dailies, have
+agreed to publish conspicuously. But before we can expect much from the
+white people, we will ourselves have to show greater activity. That is
+where the hard part comes. It is hard to arouse the local leaders to any
+appreciation of such a thing. There is so much surface interest, and so
+little heart enthusiasm. So many will say a lot of sweet things that
+mean nothing, not even an effort to be serious. But I shall open the
+campaign Sunday, and I was thinking of asking your assistance in singing
+and playing."
+
+"Oh, I'd be only too glad to help in any way I know how, but that is so
+little," she said bashfully.
+
+"We will start only in a small way. I have thought it best to begin with
+my congregation. I have been to them all, and have already secured
+liberal subscriptions, all of whom paid a part of it in cash. This I
+will employ as a means of stimulating others. So Sunday, at three P.M.,
+I will lecture on it and ask subscriptions, detailing first those who
+have already subscribed."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"What is my balance, please," inquired Mildred the next afternoon, at
+the window of the paying teller.
+
+"One hundred fifty," said the cashier, who looked surprised.
+
+"I wish to withdraw it. And you may make it into a draft, payable to the
+colored Y.M.C.A."
+
+His mouth opened slightly. He regarded her with a different look, and
+then did as she instructed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A fairly good crowd greeted Wilson Jacobs, when he got up to speak on
+the proposed campaign for a colored Y.M.C.A. To cheer the listeners, he
+asked Miss Latham to play and sing the song she had practiced, and which
+was new to the congregation. She did so, with all the art of which she
+was capable, and was pleased, when she turned to face the audience, that
+she had given both pleasure and satisfaction. Her eyes wandered over
+them for a moment, and then rested upon someone she had seen before.
+
+"Where was it," she mused, in a half whisper. Wilson Jacobs was
+speaking. For two hours he spoke in behalf of the Christian forward
+movement. He made plain in so many ways, the urgent need of such, and
+did this eloquently. He arraigned the high murder record, which made all
+of those before him feel alarmed. The time for some united effort was
+necessary. Eventually something had to be done. Plenty of churches, it
+was true, were open; but churches were arranged for worship, and not for
+clean sport, pool, billiard, gymnasiums and other amusements in which
+young men might indulge, would indulge, and did indulge; but in so many
+ways and places, that were not conducted in a Christian manner.
+
+"And now," he said, at the close, "we have decided to start this
+movement today at home. We will be pleased to make an example we hope
+the other churches will follow." With that, he read the names of the
+donors and subscribers. Among them, one hundred fifty dollars by
+Mildred Latham, the organist, led in cash. They were surprised. Very few
+had even become acquainted with her. Now all desired to. When the
+meeting had closed, many gathered about her and were introduced. Then,
+as she was turning to go, the person she had observed when she finished
+playing, approached. His hand was extended, while his eyes looked into
+hers with something that frightened her when she saw him--and recognized
+him as the man she had seen back in Cincinnati, and who now recognized
+her.
+
+When she went home that day, she had reached a decision.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE
+
+_And Then She Began to Grow Otherwise_
+
+
+The week following Miss Palmer's and Sidney's outing, was a week of
+conflictions for her. She was torn by them considerably. She hardly knew
+how to feel; whether to be happy or angry with herself for having acted
+as she did. He was kind to her, he was considerate; but that was all.
+She had exercised all her wits to make him see her seriously, but beyond
+that incident, he had given her no encouragement whatever. She felt
+guilty at her conduct. She accused herself of having acted unbecoming in
+her attitude toward him. Although he would not admit having written the
+book, which had aroused her curiosity, she, of course, knew that he had.
+She had finished it now, and knew all he had suffered. And, as she
+thought it over, time and again, she almost concluded that his life, as
+he had suffered, made him hard and unsympathetic. And almost in the same
+thought, she rebuked herself for feeling that way; because, above all
+else, he was certainly not selfish.
+
+He called almost every evening when he had finished his work, and they
+sat on the porch in the swing if there was no one, and when there
+happened to be, they sat in the parlor on the davenport. And when they
+did so, it so happened they began to flirt. And this continued to
+develop until it reached a point she declared to be outrageous. And yet
+it persisted. At such times, moreover, she became bold. There came a
+time when she was almost disgusted with herself for being so weak.
+
+After a few weeks had passed, she came to realize that her quest was in
+vain. Sidney Wyeth had no affection, beyond flirting, with her. And then
+she began to grow otherwise. He observed the change, and was sorry,
+perhaps. Still, Miss Palmer did not give up entirely. She was not that
+kind of person. After all, to kiss him and to be kissed in return, was
+some pastime. It was better than not being kissed or loved at all. So
+she flirted.
+
+After this became the usual thing in their acquaintance, she began to
+assert other dispositions that had not before been evident. She inquired
+boldly where he went when he didn't call in the evening, as usual. She
+dictated where he should go as well. In desperation she continued her
+tactics--even to a point where our pen is constrained to relate.
+
+"Do you know," said she one evening, when they had flirted shamefully.
+"I'm beginning to care for you." She said this from his knee.
+
+"I did not," he sighed. He was not the least excited by her
+acknowledgement.
+
+"I am," she affirmed. "More and more as the days go by." She smiled into
+his face, while he looked tired. "Have you anyone back where you came
+from, who loves you and calls you her all?" she asked now, as though she
+could think of nothing else to say.
+
+"No, no, no!" He looked distressed. "I wish I had," he added.
+
+"I know you tell what is not true--feel you do," she corrected. After a
+pause she said: "Do you happen to have just a little, only a little
+regard for me?" He made light of it by blowing her a kiss, and tried to
+change the conversation, but she had more to say.
+
+"Of course you wouldn't love an old grass-widow like me anyhow," she
+pouted. He was at a loss what to say, so said nothing.
+
+"Why don't you say something?" she said, put out.
+
+"You should not make such remarks," he said, with a frown.
+
+"But it's true, it's true, and you can't deny it." She seemed angry now,
+and didn't appear to care what she said. She left his knee with a last
+retort. "And you men are the cause of it all."
+
+He leaned his head against the back of the davenport and closed his
+eyes, which angered her, and she cried:
+
+"Go to sleep, go to sleep. You are the worst person I ever knew," and
+forthwith she left the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN
+
+_Enter--Mr. Tom Toddy!_
+
+
+When Legs had pawned and lost about all he possessed, he happened upon a
+job at one of the hotels, and went to work. To do so, however, he had to
+secure a white jacket, and a pair of black trousers. This was somewhat
+difficult on account of his long legs, but he managed to secure an old
+pair, and, too glad of the chance to work where he could fill his
+stomach regularly, he gave good service, and was soon on the good side
+of the head waiter.
+
+"Say, Books," he cried one day, soon after he had commenced work. "You
+should have seen me eat today. Nice hot bisquits with butter, and
+dripping out around the edges, um-um. Man, the way I did eat! I got all
+them nigga's t' laffin' over somethin' funny I said, and then I'd slip
+back into the kitchen, open the oven and get me a half dozen hot rolls
+and butter'm good, and eat, and eat, and eat!
+
+"There is but one thing I can't seem to get over, and that is that
+dollar this nigga Moore got me out of bed to lose. Say, that hurt me
+worse than anything in this world. I've drawn the line on him now
+though. He ain't nothing but an old always broke coon, a-moochin' around
+for somebody to stake him in a game. I could have made it all right when
+I came over here, if it hadn't been for him. And he never won anything,
+and kept me broke as long as I would speak to him."
+
+In a very short time Legs was "on his feet," as the saying goes. He was
+making some money and spending it all. His good resolution with regard
+to gambling had been laid on the shelf until further declarations, and
+he shot craps whenever off duty, and when he could find a game. Moore he
+ignored; but that worthy was as fond of the game as a pig was of corn,
+so they occasionally ran into each other, nevertheless. In fact, as
+Sidney observed them, almost every Negro shot craps, with few
+exceptions. Whiskey and craps were so much in evidence everywhere he
+looked, that he drew this conclusion soon.
+
+Now a man lived overhead, and rented from the landlady, whose name was
+Murphy. Wyeth called him "Smoked Irish." He was a creature with a dark
+record, so Wyeth was told, and he hailed from a little town in the state
+adjoining. Some years before, he had been a man of considerable
+importance, but with women and other pastimes, he had fallen into bad
+ways, was sent to the penitentiary for fraud, and had sought other parts
+after the expiration of his term.
+
+As Wyeth knew him, he was a "bahba," and shaved chins and sheared wool
+in one of Effingham's fancy Negro shops.
+
+Murphy had seen almost fifty summers, was about five feet eleven, and a
+mulatto with coarse, stiff, black hair, tinged with gray. His features
+were set, like a man with experience, and he could tell some wonderful
+stories. The Mis' called them lies. They might have been, but it is to
+Murphy's credit that they were good ones, and interesting to listen to.
+
+On Sunday, and week days also, when he was home from the shop, and in
+his loft, Murphy sold whiskey on the side--or as a side line, and
+operated a crap game in addition. The law, of course, did not permit of
+this, as we shall see presently; but--well, it didn't matter--as long as
+the law didn't know it. And Murphy made money, Wyeth was told. It was up
+there Legs invested most of his earnings, winning once in a while, but
+losing more frequently. The fact that Murphy was so convenient with his
+diversion, was, in a sense, helpful to Legs, because he didn't have to
+journey far to his bed. And always as soon as he was "cleaned," he would
+retire and sleep as peacefully as a babe, until his work called him the
+following morning.
+
+John Moore was a frequent visitor also. Legs put Wyeth wise, when he
+inquired why Moore was up there so often, since he appeared to have no
+money. "He's a piker, a cheap piker that touts for Murphy, for the
+privilege of gambling and gettin' a drink a liquah, that he loves so
+well."
+
+Much to the surprise of them all, one Saturday night about this time,
+Moore did make a winning. Legs informed Wyeth to this effect, when he
+retired from the battle "clean."
+
+"Seven dollars and a half, the dirty devil. And he'll be as scarce as
+hen's teeth as long as he has a dime of it too." He was mistaken. That
+was on Saturday night. Sunday morning after he had risen and had some
+good whiskey, Moore dressed himself like a gentleman, and made some of
+the losers envy him for a few hours. Then he went back upstairs to
+Murphy's. When Wyeth saw him again, he was sitting under a shade tree,
+reading the Bible. This was a self-evident fact that he had made an
+investment. As further evidence of the fact, that night at supper he
+offered a beautiful prayer. He had failed to do so that morning, which
+was further proof of Legs' contention.
+
+Legs came up while Moore was reposing sanctimoniously, and said: "M-m!
+Cleaned, eh! Glad of it, the cheap sucker. He's dead broke, too. Because
+if he had even a nickel, he'd be upstairs. You can bet a nickel up
+there. The only thing against it is Murphy's cut. He cuts a nickel a
+pass. And sometimes he cuts both ways, going and coming. So, with men
+betting a nickel against a nickel, Murphy is liable to take it all."
+
+Moore retired early that evening, and slept peacefully. He had worked
+hard the night before, and that morning.
+
+The following Saturday night, Legs came to the room, caught Wyeth half
+asleep, and borrowed a dollar. With this, he went for a joy ride, and
+got drunk into the bargain. Wyeth didn't realize that he had loaned him
+a dollar, until the other was whizzing down the street in the car. And
+then he was angry with himself. This disturbed him until sleep was
+impossible, so, rising, he betook himself to the porch. As he thought it
+over, he became more angry with himself than ever, because he knew Legs
+had borrowed it for the sole purpose of getting drunk and joy riding.
+While he was getting over it in the soft night air, the Mis' told him
+Legs had got paid that day, and, with the exception of what he paid her,
+he had lost the remainder of his two weeks' wage in a game. That made
+him more angry, and, in seeking a diversion, he rose, and out of
+curiosity, he decided to pay Murphy's den a visit.
+
+Murphy had a good crowd that night--he usually did on Saturday. In a
+room that was near the middle of the apartment, surrounded by a crowd of
+Negroes, stood a table over which was spread a green cloth. At one side
+of the table sat Moore, and he called the points and fished the cuts;
+while in another room to the rear of this, with doors open, stood a
+large refrigerator. This, Wyeth surmised, was where the liquor was kept.
+It was, for, as he was looking, Murphy approached it, opened it, took
+therefrom several bottles of beer, and served it to the many gamesters
+who were working hard, and perspiring freely.
+
+The green cloth, which at one time had decorated a pool table, was, as
+he now observed, employed to deaden the sound of the rolling dice, that
+slid over it from some perspiring palm. Not any large amount was upon
+the table; but many one dollar bills could be seen in the palms of the
+gamesters. Another roomer downstairs, and who read a great deal, was on
+hand and shot craps too. This was something of a surprise, since he was
+apparently very intelligent; but, as Wyeth learned later, literary
+training did not make them ignore the game by any means. As he stood
+watching, the dice passed to Glenview, the intelligent roomer. He made a
+point, and then threw seven before he came back to it. The winners
+picked up the money. Wyeth was relieved to see the dice pass to another
+Negro, who had been fidgeting about impatiently. He caught them up, and
+blew his breath on them, as they were held in his palm, before throwing
+them before him across the table. Wyeth advanced closer as the game
+became more excited. Glenview had thrown the dice, much as Wyeth had
+observed the white people did back in the _Rosebud Country_--for they
+shot craps there as well. But now, with a "clea' dy way, I'm a comin',"
+he let them roll.
+
+"Throwed eight!" cried Moore.
+
+"Eight I throwed! Now dice, do it again!"
+
+"T' click-i-lick-lick-lick, 'ah eight!"
+
+"Throw-e-d ten!"
+
+"Haf 'e cain' hit!"
+
+"Ah got yu!"
+
+"Qua'ta' mo' I'n make it!" exclaimed the shooter, hesitating with
+upraised hand, but shaking the dice in them the while, and throwing a
+quarter across the table.
+
+"Ah'll take yu'!" cried a burley on the other side.
+
+"Shoot the dice, nigga, shoot the dice," commanded Moore.
+
+"T-click-i-lick-i-lick 'ah-ha-eight!"
+
+"Throwed five!"
+
+"Ain' no eight on 'nem dice!"
+
+"T-click-i-click-i-click 'ah, eaighter from Decatur!'"
+
+"Throwed seben!"
+
+"Ke-hu!"
+
+"Tole yu he coul'n't make it!" cried a big dinge. "Now gimme dem dice!"
+
+"Bet a quata!"
+
+"Make it a haf!"
+
+"Ah take yu!"
+
+"Shoot the dice, nigga, shoot the dice!"
+
+"Yeh. Cut out d' awgument 'n' let'm roll, let'm roll!"
+
+"Gimme room heah 'cause ah kicks!" He did too. Raising his left foot he
+stamped the floor with it, kicking backward viciously at the same time
+with the other. He caught a Negro on the shins, which made that worthy
+angry with pain, whereupon he turned, and let the other have a good one
+in the usual place. For a time the game was threatened with a fight; but
+Murphy, who appeared to understand them quite well, interfered with
+success.
+
+"T-click-i-lick-i-lick, 'ah, seben ah 'leben!'"
+
+"Throwed craps!"
+
+"Ya-ha! Makin' all da fuss 'n' lose d' fus' shot!"
+
+"Dem dice 's crooket," he muttered.
+
+"Yuz a liah," cried one of the winners, as if afraid they were, and he
+would not get his bet.
+
+"Yuse a cheap nigga," said Moore. "Stand aside."
+
+Next came a little Negro, with a nose that began at the ears, and peepy
+eyes which observed the dice suspiciously. He was displeased with the
+looks of them, evidently. They were a large white pair, and which, so
+'tis said, can be loaded. He threw them across the table without making
+his bet, saying: "Ah gotta paih mah own," and produced from his pocket,
+a pair of huge celluloid ones, that were beautiful in the electric
+light.
+
+"Haf t' use the house's dice, cain't substitute," advised Moore,
+judiciously.
+
+"Why caint ah, I'd lak t' know. Why caint ah!" he exclaimed, beginning
+to perspire.
+
+Moore started to say more, but Murphy came forward now, with "Let me see
+them." He took them carefully in his hand, held them between his eyes
+and the light, tossed them about, and then threw them on the table.
+"They're all right," and walked away. The little dinge grabbed them
+eagerly, rubbed them together fondly, blew his breath on them, and then,
+raising his hand above his head, he made a peculiar rattle and threw
+them bouncing and jumping across the table. The Negroes about had been
+observing him with ill omen, and now, as the dice jumped before them
+like little red devils, they sparkled in the light, and made their eyes
+blink.
+
+"Throwed seven!" cried Moore.
+
+"Dogone nigga's 's lucky 's 'e 's ugly," grumbled a loser.
+
+"Shoot it all!" he cried, hesitating with the dice in his hand.
+
+"Ah'll take it!"
+
+"Haf 'e cain' hit!"
+
+"Ah fate yu!"
+
+"Let'm roll, let'm roll!"
+
+"T-click-i-lick-i-lick, ah baby dolls!"
+
+"Throwed five!"
+
+"Raise ut t' a dollah!"
+
+"Make ut sebenty-five!"
+
+"Let'm roll!"
+
+"T-click-i-lick-i-lick, ah, phoebe!"
+
+"Throwed five!"
+
+"Um-m-m-m-m!"
+
+"T-click-i-lick-lick! a-ha dice!"
+
+"Throwed seben!"
+
+"Jes' look ut dat fool nigga, good Gawd!"
+
+"Sech luck, sech luck, sech luck!"
+
+"Shoot it all!"
+
+"Fate dis nickel," begged a loser, with a whimper.
+
+"Trow it out d' windu' shine!"
+
+"Now watch dis 'leben!" cried the guy with the luck.
+
+"Aw, Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawdy, jes' look ut dat nigga agin!"
+
+"Nigga, dem dice yu' shootin' uz sho God crooket!"
+
+"Shoot it all!" Five dollars was the size of the pot now. It was like
+five hundred to the eyes that now saw it.
+
+"Whu, whu, whu!" He blew on them; while with murder in their eyes, the
+losers watched.
+
+"I'll take it," said Glenview calmly. He placed a five dollar bill over
+the amount that lay upon the table. Several had now gone broke, while
+others declared silently, that he was a hoo-doo, and feared to risk him.
+Several little bets were made on the side, but no one was willing to
+risk much against such luck as he had displayed.
+
+"Now, Anne Jane, bring home du' bacin!" he cried, as he let them bounce
+on the table. It seemed an age to the lookers before they stopped
+somewhat to the far side. A six and a five. Eleven. He had won again.
+There was no comment now. Every one was silent, and surveyed him, as if
+he were the clouds.
+
+"Shoot it all," he cried again. A bit of muttering went the rounds
+before any one ventured to cover it.
+
+"'E cain' keep ut up, 'e cain' keep ut up," declared one who held only
+three dollars out of a ten dollar bill a few minutes before. He threw a
+dollar viciously toward him. After much parley, others joined; John
+Moore saw Murphy's back, eased a dollar from the cuts, and added it to
+the pool. Twenty dollars was now the stake, and it was like a million to
+those that saw it.
+
+The winner now uncoated himself. He had on nothing beneath the coat but
+an undershirt. He flung his hat in the corner, revealing a little sharp
+head, shaven clean and upon which the light dazzled like a smoked opal.
+As Wyeth observed him, he was reminded of an ape, if he had ever seen
+one. He took plenty of time, as though anticipating something. Rolling
+up his sleeve, he exposed a pair of sinewy arms that made the crowd
+exchange glances. Sidney was standing near the window. At this moment he
+happened to look out. From up the street came a sound of merry
+rollicking. No other appeared to hear.
+
+The dice were now tumbling over the table in their fateful quest. More
+than a dozen pairs of brown eyes blinked dryly at them, as the red
+material flickered beautifully. Wyeth now looked carefully in the
+direction of the sound, and finally caught the outline of Legs. From the
+distance, he saw that he was loaded. He was covering considerable
+space--so much so that it would have been extremely difficult to have
+passed him on the walk, which was narrow. And behind him came another.
+He was about half the height of Legs, as they now appeared. Wyeth
+recognized him as the runt, and his name was Tom Toddy, at least, that
+is what they called him about a hotel that was patronized by Negroes,
+and where he acted as a sort of goat and flunky. Wyeth had had his life
+threatened on one occasion by him. It was because he had called him
+"Graveyard." He was old, bald-headed and measly. So this epithet seemed
+quite appropriate. And, thereupon, Toddy had threatened to send him into
+eternity, if he addressed him again in such terms. He had a load also.
+
+On they came, and for the time Wyeth forgot the game. Toddy was now
+beside Legs, and they embraced like man and wife. As Wyeth smiled at the
+spectacle, they began to sing.
+
+     "It's a long, long way to Temporary,"
+
+and as they came on, they changed it to:
+
+     "We're a long, long way from home."
+
+Wyeth laughed now almost outright; but those behind him never heard.
+They heard only, and saw with all eyes, that the apish creature had won
+again, and had strapped the crowd to cover the next bet he was now
+shooting for.
+
+Legs and Toddy had reached the curbing, and, not seeing it, they tumbled
+over into the sand-covered street. As they picked themselves up, they
+sang lowly:
+
+     "You made me what I am today,
+      So I guess you're satisfied."
+
+On toward the house they now came, singing at intervals. Presently they
+stepped upon the porch, and rattled the knob. The door was always kept
+locked during such proceedings. From the lower end of town, a rooster
+crowed long and loud; while, at the same moment, a clock from some
+remote tower struck two. The dice tumbled onward to their fatal end, and
+Legs kicked the door a bang.
+
+In the still night, it sounded like the discharge of a cannon.
+
+Then here came a lull. All became so quiet that the ticking of a clock
+upon the mantel sounded like the pounding of a hammer. Faces turned
+about and eyes looked into each other. They were all colors and a sight
+to see. The little Negro, coolest all the while, eased the money into
+his jeans, as the others cried all at once:
+
+"The bulls!"
+
+And now began the scramble, and it was a mighty one.
+
+Under the table went many, whereupon it turned over, and revealed them
+all wiggling like so many eels. To the room containing the refrigerator,
+went a half dozen others and closed the door. John Moore stood in the
+center of the room where he had been deserted by the others, his knees
+hitting together with a sound like rocks. Cold fear, for he was an awful
+coward, held him like a vise. Into the closets; into Murphy's bedroom
+went some more, and piled in a hurry into the bed, whereupon it gave way
+with a loud crash, mixing many in a nasty, smothered mass, where they
+tried to extricate themselves with much difficulty.
+
+And, in the meantime, the kicking continued. "Let me in! Let me in! What
+in Hell!" cried Legs, and it was punctuated with a piping from Tom
+Toddy.
+
+"Yes,"--he was very proper--"open up! Open up! This is a He-ll uv a way
+to treat two gentlemen!"
+
+John Moore was still doing the dazzle; but, now upon hearing the voices,
+he gathered enough courage to stand erect, and then he turned hurriedly
+and running to a rear window, put his feet out, jumped out full upon the
+soft dirt below, and landed without injury, apparently, for, a moment
+later, Wyeth heard him running around the house in the direction of the
+kicking. He didn't permit the miscreants to see him, until he had made
+out fully that they were not officers. When he had made sure they were
+not blue-coats, he advanced on them from the rear, and took them by
+surprise. He appeared unable to frame words of denunciation strong
+enough, but at last he made it. His voice was subdued when he did speak,
+he was so angry.
+
+"Yeu! Yeu! Y-e-u long-legged nigga! Yeu liver eatin' bunch a-meat! And
+you! You little dried shrimp! Git ready t' die, 'cause 's sho 's I'm a
+nigga, I'm going t' part you from this earth t'night!"
+
+They turned now, for a moment sober, and looked at him. He went on with
+his tirade.
+
+"Makin' all this noise down heh, 'n' scarrin' everybody t' death, 'n'
+a-breakin' up the game! This is wha' you all 'n' me meets our Jehovah!"
+
+Legs was now too near the edge, and, suddenly with a catching to save
+himself, which Moore construed as an advance upon him, he went overboard
+with a mighty tumble.
+
+To this day, however, John Moore didn't know it was an accident. He
+didn't wait to investigate. A long pair of legs, with a long body on top
+of them was all he cared to see, and when they landed, he was going
+around the corner of the house and into the kitchen.
+
+His hurry up ingress awakened the Mis', who bolted out of bed, and
+demanded to know what was up.
+
+"The devil's up--on the front porch, a-raisin' cain."
+
+"What are you talkin' 'bout!"
+
+"That long-legged nigga from Attalia a-comin in heh a-kickin' on the
+door, and a-scarrin everybody outta the' senses!" he told her, much
+excited, and with his back against the door, not failing to listen in
+the meantime.
+
+Wyeth descended the stair now, opened the street door, admitting Legs
+and Toddy. Legs entered first, while Toddy, blinking blindly, followed
+suit with a grip on his coat tail.
+
+"Where is he," cried Legs. "I mean John Moore! I want to kill him! Death
+for him is the campaign for tonight! From this earth he's got to part!
+Where is he! Show him to me now, and in a minute I'll show you his
+heart, the skunk."
+
+In some way, Moore did not hear this; but stood at the rear looking for
+Legs from that direction; and, in the meantime, declaring to the Mis'
+what he was going to do.
+
+"I'm go'n throw that nigga out tonight! To-night, or I'll die tomorra,
+so help me Jaysus!"
+
+Legs, who had entered his bedroom which opened into the kitchen,
+overheard this last. He now tore off his coat and hat, which Tom Toddy
+held, and forthwith sought Moore with a mighty oath. Glenview put in his
+appearance now from the rear, and kept Legs out of the kitchen, which
+fact sufficed for John Moore to make words. Our pen fails to describe
+this in detail.
+
+"Git yo things 'n' go!" cried Moore near the door, and positive that
+Glenview was between them. "Leave mah house at once!"
+
+"Oh, hush! Hush! Hush!" interposed the Mis'.
+
+"Leave, leave, to-night!"
+
+"Just let me get to him, just let me get to him! I want to eat'm,"
+begged Legs.
+
+"Yeh; let us have him. We're going t' skin him," squeaked Tom Toddy.
+
+"This is terrible," cried the Mis'.
+
+"Just let me get my fingers on the tramp, and it'll be all over in a
+minute," Legs begged.
+
+"All but the funeral," assisted Toddy.
+
+"Orderin' somebody out of _his_ house. You ain' nothin' but the flunky
+anywhere. If I was in charge here, I'd make you sleep under the bed!"
+
+"I'd make him sleep under the house, the lousy rat," cried Toddy.
+
+"Ah said you leave this house now," cried Moore. "These ah the orders
+from me. From me-e!"
+
+"The Mis' ain' said nothin'," Legs cried again.
+
+"Leave, leave, before I tear yu' t' pieces," Moore raved, stamping his
+foot.
+
+At that moment, Legs gave Glenview a push that sent him reeling, and
+with a lunge, he cornered Moore. That worthy was frightened into Hades.
+He was speechless. Legs smiled on him as he reached out and got him by
+the ears. Grasping them tight, he essayed a bumping process against the
+wall with his head.
+
+"Have you got him, boy?" inquired Toddy, making sure before he ventured
+forth with a small knife. "What shall I do to the sucker now? Just tell
+me, and I'll proceed to take off his nose or his lips; either one of
+them will make good dog meat."
+
+"You shouldn't have come home disturbing everybody like this," said the
+Mis', and seemed hurt. This had effect on Legs, who was always
+considerate of the ladies.
+
+"I'm sorry for you, Mis'; but I've had it in for this hunk a meat, ever
+since he got me out of bed to lose my last dollar." He emphasized the
+remark by another bumping.
+
+"I'm a poor widow woman without protection, and you are ruining the only
+way I have of making a living." That was enough. He forgot John Moore
+for a second, and the next moment that worthy was locked in an adjoining
+room. Here he went into a tirade. Legs forgot the Mis' now and sought
+him, but the door was locked and bolted.
+
+"Git yo things 'n' go nigga!" he cried boldly now, from his safe
+retreat.
+
+"If you had called, or knocked, I would have come and opened the door,
+as I always do. There was no call for all this!" remonstrated the Mis'.
+
+"Don't lock me out, don't lock me out!" Legs raged.
+
+"Git yo things and go, dy'e hear," from the retreat. Legs now became
+angry with the Mis'.
+
+"Gimme a dollar Mis' and I'll go. If that thing in the other woom there
+is running this place, I don't want to stay."
+
+"Git yo things 'n' go!"
+
+"Gimme a dollar!"
+
+"You ought to have known better than to create such a disturbance," the
+Mis' said.
+
+"Gimme a dollar!" from Legs again.
+
+"Let's get another drink!" from Toddy.
+
+"I've always treated you like a gentleman."
+
+"Gimme a dollar!" "Gimme a dollar 'n' a haf!"
+
+"What we go'n give you a dollar 'n' a haf fo'?"
+
+"I paid room rent in advance last Wednesday."
+
+"Now! Here!" cried the Mis', "all of you go to bed and forget this
+noise."
+
+"Ah'm go'n git 'n' officer, and have that long-legged nigga 'rested!"
+from within.
+
+"Go to bed!" from the Mis'.
+
+"Go'n have who arrested?" exclaimed Legs, mad all over again.
+
+"'F you do'n git out at once, I'm go'n throw you out!"
+
+"If I ever get my hands on you again, you old cheap nigga; you old
+broken nigga; you moochin' piker; you pot a-neck-bone stew!"
+
+"Say," cried one of the roomers, just then, "a pair of bulls are coming
+down the street!"
+
+That was the end of it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEEN
+
+_The Disappearing Chin_
+
+
+Some years before, back in the west, and at the drug store in a little
+town near which Wyeth owned land, and where, during the cold wint'ry
+days, the more intelligent and pretentious, as well as argumentative
+were wont to collect and discuss science, politics and economics, a
+subject came up one day, that thereafter, became the topic on more than
+one afternoon's discussion.
+
+It concerned chins, and grew out of the presence of an insurance writer,
+who was booziogically inclined. And, being so, and a man of no great
+means, if any, it was a puzzle to many how he could get the means to
+fill up on liquor daily, and pay for it.
+
+The occurrence had remained in Wyeth's memory, and, afterwards, he had a
+new viewpoint in observing people.
+
+Fitzpatrick was his name, and he was, of course, Irish. His ability to
+get the wherewith to get drunk daily, and have money for other purposes
+as well, came up one day for discussion. The more logical and nature
+study debaters, laid it to the fact that he was possessed of an
+indefatigable will, and that, in addition, was conspicuously evident in
+his chin. Fitzpatrick had a wonderful chin; one was inclined to take
+notice of it the first time he met the man. It extended some distance
+beyond his teeth, and was square and firm. A chin that was set in such a
+fashion and did not recede, was, they argued, an evidence of will. So be
+it.
+
+Chins were carefully observed at once, and lo, the druggist was the only
+one with a chin that was inclined to disappear. It was plain at first
+glance, that not one of more than a dozen, possessed a chin the equal of
+Fitzpatrick.
+
+It was then that Sidney began to see everybody's chin, apart from every
+other, the moment he met a person. When he had come back again among his
+own, after eleven years, his observation began to reveal chins, which
+according to the argument related, were, to say the least, discouraging.
+Almost two-thirds of his people possessed the disappearing chin. A bad
+sign, he was positive, but they had it, and he now studied this race to
+which he belonged, very carefully, and from an every day and practical
+point of view. He did not attempt a scientific study, for, in the first
+place, he knew little of science, and in the second place, to understand
+life from a practical point of view, and to apply one's thoughts and
+efforts to that end, seemed to him a more profitable occupation. In this
+research, he met many of his people who had gone through college, knew
+everything from the dark ages to Caesar, but many of them couldn't have
+bounded the state which they called home, for they paid little attention
+to their surroundings. As he became better acquainted with them, he was
+disappointed upon finding them ignorant. At the same time, they had
+little appreciation for another's viewpoint, unless he had _been to
+school and graduated from college_.
+
+Having digressed, we will attempt to return to the story.
+
+The druggist was not an assuming person, and admitted, very gracefully,
+to the fact that he possessed neither will nor determination; but, as
+Sidney Wyeth knew his people, he did not expect many to be so frank.
+
+So, it came about that when he met Miss Palmer, almost the first thing
+he took notice of when she came out of the darkness to the porch, was
+that she possessed a chin, the point of which was far beyond the lips.
+It was that fact more than any other, that caused him to try in every
+way possible, to secure her services. As we have stated, he had little
+confidence in chinless persons, a fact, which was so much in evidence
+among his people.
+
+So, when he had known Miss Palmer a few weeks, and had been convinced,
+from a practical point of view, that she did possess will in keeping
+with the set of her chin, he confided the fact to her. She smiled very
+modestly, and, of course, deplored it; but, nevertheless, he caught her
+studying the reflection of it more than once, when a mirror was
+convenient.
+
+That Miss Palmer was determined, vigorous, possessed courage and had
+strength of her convictions, was a positive fact. When she made up her
+mind to do a thing, if she failed, it was because it was beyond the
+range of reasonable effort to accomplish it. And it was shortly after
+this, that Wyeth discovered that such a fortune could be superabundant.
+That is, a person could be endowed with so many of these helpful
+qualities that it passed beyond the range of judgment to assert them.
+This happened to be what he discovered in Miss Palmer. He regretted it
+too, because he had begun to admire her.
+
+The presence of these aggressive facts, began later to result in a
+change in their regard for each other. They disagreed in their point of
+view, and, still later, they came to a crash, literally.
+
+For Miss Palmer was, in addition to the agreeable and admirable things
+he had discovered, pretentious to an alarming degree. And it was this,
+which caused the trouble.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Our pen has not before had occasion to relate that the change in the
+life of Sidney Wyeth, from the prairies to the present, was due, in a
+great measure, to the evil genius of an overly busy person. And yet,
+such was the fact. Therefore, being an observing character, and
+realizing these qualities, but not appreciating them in the creature
+whom he would always despise, he did, above all else, wish to avoid a
+person thus richly endowed. He had declared many a time, that he trusted
+the diamond back rattlers that infested the prairies, more than he did
+an unduly pretentious, ostentatious person.
+
+Therefore, when he came to notice these qualities in Miss Palmer, it led
+to frequent disagreements. And yet, withal, no one could altogether
+dislike Miss Palmer. There came a time when he felt, that if she did not
+try to argue on everything that came up, without first attempting to
+equip herself with a few facts bearing on the subject, and which would
+serve to substantiate her argument, he could have overlooked much of her
+pretense. But, as he came to know her better, she argued on everything,
+and sought to force her conclusions upon the other, when her knowledge
+was quite foreign to the question on hand. She literally murdered facts.
+And, as time went on, he saw that her aim was, very often, merely to
+dominate, with no apparent regard for what might be learned by careful
+listening.
+
+In Effingham, as in every other town, Wyeth had discovered, among his
+people, a set who claimed to be the more elite; they were the more
+intelligent, and called themselves society. On his pilgrimage, he had
+never sought to become a part of this society.
+
+In Effingham, Sidney came to see this phase a little clearer than
+before, due to his acquaintance with Miss Palmer--that is, that side of
+it, the woman's side. As for the men, he met that at the drug store,
+where he had relieved the druggist of two dollars, and where the more
+elite gathered and indulged. Arguments were usually in process there, he
+soon saw; and when not so engaged, they gambled and drank to an alarming
+degree, in the back room, and secluded, where he was not invited. Cards
+were the custom; but soon craps, he heard, became more conspicuous. The
+druggist was "a" shooter, and won quite frequently, so 'twas said.
+
+Miss Palmer took pride--as well she might--in informing Wyeth of the
+fact that she was a member of the colored society of Effingham, and
+proved it by entertaining until she was ever bankrupt; she was always up
+against it for money; and this fact, no doubt, brought her to selling
+books, as a means to make ends meet during vacation. But Miss Palmer did
+not, could not, of course, be expected to admit such a thing. She could
+have said nothing about it, which would have been as dignified; but she
+made it a point to appraise Wyeth of the fact, that she only did it to
+help him, at which times she would smile, and show her little teeth. "I
+like you so much," and she would smile again, "that it is my great and
+ardent desire to help you."
+
+Sidney had never appreciated it in this way.
+
+At Miss Palmer's could often be found a gathering of teachers, of which
+Effingham, with its sixty thousand black people, had many. And these, to
+whom the masses looked to for tutor, he studied very carefully. He had,
+as before stated, never shown them the book; but the surprise of it was,
+that Miss Palmer had not done so either.
+
+In one of the little suburbs, where they had canvassed, he recalled a
+row of very attractive homes occupied by the more respectable colored
+people. Miss Palmer had canvassed there very carefully, and had sold the
+book to nearly every one, but she had as carefully avoided showing it to
+a professor, who occupied the most imposing of the row. He had not said
+anything, but, of course, he could scarcely help noticing this careful
+avoidance of all houses where teachers lived. In some manner, the matter
+came up one day, and Miss Palmer merely remarked that the teachers were
+all broke, would be so, until school opened again.
+
+Sidney had surpressed his criticism. But one day he called on Miss
+Palmer. He was just in time to meet a white woman coming out. The latter
+turned and thanked Miss Palmer for her kindness in giving her the list
+of thirty teachers, with the suggestion that they would be interested in
+the set of books for which she was agent. The lady had sold to
+twenty-five of that number, not counting Miss Palmer, who had cheerfully
+started the list. And the books were in twenty volumes, at one dollar
+each.
+
+Of course, Miss Palmer showed them to her friend with much ado, stating
+that the same would be so helpful to her in her school work. He said it
+was very nice; but he wondered just what particular help the books could
+be to these teachers, for the set were a collected list of fiction, with
+no care as to whether it was a work of specific interest. The set
+included many volumes, by authors who issued a book every sixty days,
+all of which were on sale at any bookseller, or by mail at that time,
+and for some time past, at fifty cents a volume, or twenty copies from
+the publishers at forty-five cents each.
+
+Of course, Miss Palmer did not know this, or any of the other
+twenty-five teachers out of the thirty who had purchased--and lest we
+forget, it was this lack of knowledge that had cost the druggist two
+dollars, because he had been shown a work by one of his race, with a
+suggestion to buy. The fact uppermost in the mind of Sidney was, that
+the teachers with few exceptions, scarcely needed any such work to teach
+black children. Many of them would be unlikely to read as many as half a
+dozen of the books in their lifetime. And yet, by borrowing the book,
+they were reading _The Tempest_. Some were even contemptible in their
+criticism; but all of them borrowed it and read it, including Miss
+Palmer; and she admitted it was the only book she had read that season,
+other than what she was compelled to read by the board of education.
+
+But all of these people felt they were sacrificing everything for their
+race, and would deplore it, were they told that such was not true.
+
+But the teachers were nice; much more interesting to talk to than the
+common herd. They could, almost all, smile beautifully; and they could
+pronounce their English more correctly, employing their "r's," and
+interspersing their discourse with a clever toss of the head or twinkle
+of the eye; and when one of the race, who had been successful, married,
+he invariably picked a teacher. They were sensible enough to realize
+that a husband who could keep the wolf from the door, was a treasure to
+be appreciated. It was thus Sidney Wyeth found teachers. But he could
+not understand why they seldom appreciated Negro literature to the point
+of purchasing, since they were engaged in the teaching.
+
+Miss Palmer was buying a small home in one of the suburbs, and which was
+all she could boast of owning. As we know her, she secured her living by
+teaching nine months in the year, at forty dollars a month. And as we
+now know, she must perforce earn something during vacation, which was
+the real reason for selling Wyeth's book. So, from what we know of her,
+there is no reason why she should not have been conspicuous in colored
+society, since the masses, unfortunately, are all poor. Hence, wealth
+cannot be the dividing line, else there would be no society whatever.
+
+Miss Palmer showed more ostentation as their acquaintance lengthened.
+Sidney was now thirty; and since nineteen, he had lived on the western
+ranges. And, as is usually the case, western people are great readers.
+But here, his people did not read. Not that they could not do so, but
+because it was apparently not a preference; considering the fact that
+few seemed to care for much reading beyond a newspaper sensation. And,
+as he met the more elite, he was surprised that they paid so little
+attention to the condition of the masses. Murder, as we have seen, was
+an established habit. Of all those he had met, the teachers impressed
+Wyeth as having the least regard for conditions. In other words, "they
+never worried." They dressed the best their means would afford, and aped
+the rest, which was easy. And this he found so prevalent, that he was,
+at times, dreadfully bored by it all. But he was relieved when he looked
+deeper, to find that the people who were actually succeeding in doing
+something, paid little attention to this set, which dominated society.
+But the set claimed them, nevertheless.
+
+As he had known society from reading of it only, he had judged that
+literature was one of its chief features--but not so with this. Gossip
+and hearsay were more in keeping, and obviously more appreciated.
+
+Wyeth was a literary man now for the sake of gaining a livelihood; but
+he had studied it, as we know, from a modern point of view. He had
+never, however, any difference of opinion with them, for so few knew of
+the late books, purchased few, and most of them not any magazines of
+interest. Not one in a dozen even read the race's only periodical, _The
+Climax_: though the editor had once been one of them, and had written a
+book, a novel. It was a failure, from a financial point of view.
+
+The fiction they knew and talked of was in the order of Rip Van Winkle,
+Ben Hur and St. Elmo.
+
+One day, when arguments were abundant, it came to a point where Wyeth
+made mention of the fact that so few teachers showed any interest in
+current events; did not read the magazines, and Negro literature they
+almost held in contempt.
+
+"Is it because they feel that no Negro knows enough to write anything
+they would care to read?"
+
+"The idea," cried Miss Palmer, indignant. "All the teachers take the
+magazines, and as for Negro literature, it has been the teachers who
+have robbed themselves to make the same possible."
+
+"And yet other than 'Up From Bondage' and the works of the dead poet,
+you can seldom find a volume by a Negro author in any of their
+houses.... And, if I have investigated correctly, ninety per cent of
+this was placed there, after the white people had bought it and
+proclaimed the authors great. In the many houses I have been in with
+you, I have not yet seen any of Derwin's. Though one of them he wrote,
+and which is named after our souls, had a great sale among the white
+people even."
+
+"I cannot see, nor appreciate either, your point of view with regard to
+the teachers' lack of literary interest, when not two weeks ago,
+twenty-six teachers among a list of thirty, purchased a set of twenty
+volumes each, and which cost them all that many dollars."
+
+"And every volume by an author few know of, further than that he was
+white, and, therefore, knew something," he retorted.
+
+It ended there and they were both relieved that it did; but neither
+forgot it.
+
+Effingham, with its sixty thousand black people, had scores of drug
+stores which sold literature. Many newsstands also did such a business
+exclusively. There were four drug stores operated by colored people,
+and, like Attalia, not one sold magazines and newspapers as a side line;
+nor did any sell literature, which were operated by whites that depended
+upon Negro trade. Granting, of course, that many colored people bought
+such at white places, when they desired to read, it may reasonably be
+imagined how much literature was in demand among the colored people.
+
+Wyeth usually purchased a work of fiction weekly, and sometimes more;
+while some weeks, of course, he omitted this custom. One day, he was
+asked by the clerk of the leading book store in Effingham, what he did
+with so many books when he had read them. "We have sold," he said,
+"seven copies of the book you sold us; but I guess you'll be surprised
+to know that we have not, as yet, sold one to a Negro." Wyeth was not
+surprised, but didn't say so. "That ad we placed in the colored paper,
+and have had standing a month, would bring dozens of curious white
+people in to see what it was. And, of course, some would purchase it to
+see what was said. Then, if the contents did not thrill or please,
+indifference would follow. But when nobody buys, not even inquires, we
+can only feel that your people don't have much interest in books, and we
+have had the same experience before." He smiled when he had finished, a
+smile that was embarrassed. He disliked to say it, apparently, but when
+Wyeth was so pleasant, he added: "We have bought what few books your
+race has written, for the purpose of sale, and have naturally expected
+some evidence of interest from them, by a call and an occasional
+purchase. And I am telling you the truth, if we depended on them to
+unload this stuff from our shelves, it would be there yet, as some of it
+is. You have personally bought more literature, in the way of current
+books, since you came in here, than all the rest of your people in this
+town together."
+
+Wyeth went his way then, but he was no longer surprised, as he once was,
+for he had heard that many times before.
+
+One day shortly after, Wyeth happened in at the druggist's place, the
+hot bed of argument. He inquired why a few magazines were not carried in
+stock.
+
+"Hell!" cried that one, throwing his hands up in a gesture of despair
+and mingled disgust, "nigga's don't read."
+
+The following Sunday morning, when the drug store was full, he happened
+to mention a new book he had, and which many of the idlers were
+inspecting, one by one, asking to borrow it when he was through. He
+suggested that it was on sale uptown, then quoted the words of the
+clerk, who had remarked that he, Wyeth, bought more books than did the
+rest of the colored people put together.
+
+He was hooted down, so there was no argument. Each was positive that his
+friend had bought one; while that friend was likewise of the same
+opinion. And of the many, almost every one had read the book he wrote,
+having borrowed it from someone who had bought it. The druggist then
+offered an excuse for the absence of literature at his store, by
+declaring that almost all the people subscribed, and the same came
+through mail.
+
+Miss Palmer and he were certainly very forgetful.
+
+Literature was a dead issue, that could not be denied; but whiskey was
+not.
+
+Effingham had no library for its black people, and they were not allowed
+the privilege of the white. Yet a part of their tax was paid to support
+the same. Still, no one gave that much thought, insofar as Wyeth could
+ascertain. When he mentioned it to the teachers, almost without
+exception they replied: "No use. Negroes don't read." And it was so
+everywhere. Yet every class but the doctors and teachers purchased _The
+Tempest_, when it was brought to their attention, and Wyeth even sold to
+three of these (two doctors and one teacher) in Effingham that summer.
+
+No, no one he met had any worry about a library; but thousands of black
+children ran wild day by day upon their streets, went to jail in great
+numbers before they were of age, and filled convict camps as members of
+chain gangs long before they could be called even young men. There was
+no library, nor was there a park; but there were plenty of other places
+conducive to crime. And still Effingham had more than a hundred Negro
+churches.
+
+"Can you not realize, that in your absence of such necessities for the
+training of these little black children, that you are growing children
+for the chain gang every day?" But this never aroused any visible
+concern. And sometimes they did say, emphatically:
+
+"Aw, we don't need no library; and if we had a park for colored people,
+they would do nothing but fight in it." And still others would cry: "Git
+religion! 'n' read d' Bible; pr'pare y'self fo' Heaben." And still
+others were in disgust, as they replied: "A nigga ain' going to 'mount
+to nothin' nohow, so what's the use?"
+
+"A library could be obtained, if the conditions here were brought to the
+attention of the northern philanthropists," he suggested to Miss Palmer,
+whereupon she cried:
+
+"Oh, Mr. Wyeth, you bore me with your contention about libraries and
+parks and Y.M.C.A.'s and the like. These nigga's in Effingham are not
+worrying about such things; so why should you, a stranger, a mere
+observer, be so concerned!"
+
+"Because, Miss Palmer, I cannot help but see all this murder and crime
+going on, which is undermining the foundation of colored society. Every
+day, when my paper comes, it's murder, murder, murder, and fully ninety
+per cent is among our people, although only two-fifths of the population
+is Negro."
+
+"Haven't I told you all along, that the crime is among the low down,
+whiskey drinking, depraved element, and not among the best people?"
+
+"Yes, but this country cannot exist in peace and prosperity and
+happiness; nor can this race, with the greater part ignorant, criminal
+and depraved. The more intelligent have, for their duty, the task of
+helping in any way possible, and by so doing, lift these unfortunates
+into a state of intelligence and self-respect."
+
+"Well," she contended, resignedly, "that is for the churches to do,
+there's enough of them."
+
+"And the teachers, because they are looked to, should help as much as
+they can with their higher intelligence, for the mothers are too
+ignorant and too depraved to do so. But of the many churches, of which
+seventy are Baptist, not one has any connection or interest in a school
+here, directly or indirectly."
+
+"I begin to think you are going to lose your mind, if you don't quit
+seeing the many iniquities of our people. If you would only see what the
+good people are doing, and try to interest yourself more in them, you
+would be happier," she said. He sighed now, and then said to himself:
+"What's the use."
+
+"Quit it all, Sidney," she said softly, calling him for the first time
+by his first name. "Quit all this worry about these nigga's and be
+yourself; be sweet." And she kissed him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEEN
+
+"_Wilson, Wilson! Mildred Is Gone!_"
+
+
+"Wilson, Wilson! Mildred is gone, Mildred is gone!" cried Constance,
+ringing her hands despairingly.
+
+"Gone," he breathed, uncomprehendingly.
+
+"Yes, gone." His sister sank into a chair, and gave up to a flood of
+tears.
+
+"But why?" he cried, only now seeming to understand that she had
+actually left them.
+
+"I don't know, I don't know," she moaned.
+
+"This is certainly a mystery. Surely dear, you are mistaken," he
+insisted, greatly disturbed. "Mildred would surely not have left us so
+unceremoniously. And, besides--why, she--she, Constance, why she gave
+one hundred and fifty dollars to the Christian association movement only
+today. And you cannot mean that she has gone! It is hardly possible!"
+
+"I only wish it were not so; but come," and, taking his hand, she led
+him to the room Mildred had occupied. It was deserted, save for the
+furniture that belonged there. Only once had he seen the inside of it
+while she occupied it. And now it did not appear the same; because then,
+it was decorated with much lace and woman's needle work and picture
+postals. But, strange as he had thought, when he happened to glance into
+it before, there were no pictures of girls and men, young or old, nobody
+excepting the picture of the author of the book which she sold, and
+which had been taken from the frontispiece.
+
+"This is the way I found it when I came home a few minutes ago," she
+said, resigned. "I cannot make it out; I cannot make anything out,
+except that the sweetest friend, the dearest girl I ever knew, has
+disappeared strangely."
+
+"She sang at the meeting only a few hours ago, and sang as I never heard
+her sing before. She was, moreover, in the best of spirits all day, and
+was so enthusiastic over the meeting. Dear me," he sighed wearily.
+
+"If she had only left some word; given some hint that she was going to
+leave, but, of course she knew, and couldn't tell us, so there is no use
+at all. She's gone and I cannot imagine how much I am going to miss
+her."
+
+Her brother sank into a chair, and gazed silently at nothing. He could
+not think clearly of the departure. For days he had slaved for this day
+of inauguration, and in his work, he had looked forward to her for much
+help. Her encouragement, to be near her and to hear her voice daily, was
+more to him than our pen can describe. He had felt that he could face
+the mighty struggle (which he knew was now before him) with all the
+strength of the strong; but now only, he fully estimated what she had
+been to him, and what he had dreamed that she would be some day. And all
+that, was now cast aside; in this one moment, his hope, his greatest
+hope had been shattered.
+
+His sister looked at him, and for a moment, almost fell on her knees in
+sympathy. For she had not been blind. She had seen the change coming
+over him, with no thought but to encourage him. Constance had faith and
+patience and perseverance, and she had felt that everything would result
+favorably in the end.
+
+And then she had watched this girl during that spell of a short time
+ago. She had seen her appearance change, as the result of some mystery.
+Her eyes became dazed from loss of sleep, due to the worry and subtle
+fear. It was then, with great cheer, that she saw it disappear later,
+until she was the same again. Constance was happy then, because the
+other was happy. She had been happier still, because she saw that,
+without effort, the other was making her brother happy. He had fairly
+thrived under it.
+
+Constance felt that his lot was a hard one. She was confident that he
+would be a leader of men, in a greater measure than he was at the
+present. And when she had carefully observed the practical ability, as
+well as the intuition and foresight of Mildred Latham, she had longed,
+with all the craving of her heart, for a union between these two.
+
+And, as she saw her brother now, with eyes dry and listless, her heart
+went out to him with all of a sister's love. It pained her more, when
+she realized that she could not help him. She would have to stand by and
+say nothing, at the very time he needed her more than ever before. He
+was too strong a man by disposition; he possessed too much will power,
+and was too proud to ask or accept sympathy. It would all have to be
+given in silence.
+
+There was a knock at the door. She heard steps on the porch, and guessed
+it was the people calling in regard to the Y.M.C.A. And it was only then
+she recalled, that they had been invited to a supper. She called to him:
+
+"Wilson, some one has called." She went to the door and admitted a dozen
+persons, members of the church, and foremost enthusiasts in the
+Christian forward movement.
+
+"Well, well!" Martin Girsh, principal of the local high school cried,
+coming in ahead of the others. "You are both sitting here at home, when
+we have been looking all around for you. And you both show the effect of
+the strain you have been laboring under, in this affair." He said this
+after he had seen the look upon their faces, their efforts at
+self-possession, which they could not hide. They were glad he saw it
+that way.
+
+"Where is the young lady, the dear young lady who showed such an
+interest in the movement by giving such a liberal sum?" inquired one,
+and it was immediately taken up by the others. It required an effort on
+the part of both, to explain that she was out and would not be back
+again that evening....
+
+"Isn't that too bad! And all of us were simply wild to meet her, to hear
+her sing, and to know more of this courageous young person," said the
+professor, with much regret.
+
+"She is positively a jewel, to say the least. Upon my honor," cried
+another, who was a letter carrier, "I didn't know she was such a
+treasure until she sang, and when she led them all in a cash
+subscription, I declared I would have to become better acquainted with
+her."
+
+"I had heard her play and sing, but, indeed, I didn't know she possessed
+such a voice before."
+
+"Suppose we arrange a banquet for this young lady, have her cut in the
+paper, and let the people know what a race-spirited young woman we have
+in this town," suggested one. The others took it up by acclamation.
+Wilson's eyes found his sister's, with a sickly green expression. And
+then he heard them again.
+
+"When can we arrange this, Wilson? It is left to you and Miss Jacobs to
+set a date. The incident of this young woman's contribution to the
+colored Y.M.C.A., can be employed to a great advantage in the
+inauguration of this movement."
+
+"Fire, fire, fire!" came an alarm from the street at that moment. All
+eyes sought the front, where, directly across the street and one door
+down, a large frame house suddenly burst into flames. Forthwith the
+visitors rushed, in a body. A wind was blowing strongly from the west at
+that moment, and the conflagration seemed to draw the flames. It had not
+rained for some time, and in an incredibly short time, the beautiful
+structure of a few minutes before, was beyond saving. From the way the
+flames were fanned by the wind, they threatened to endanger other
+buildings.
+
+In a few minutes, the place was surrounded by spectators; while a number
+of fire departments were rushed to the scene from different directions.
+
+It was hours later before the flames were subdued. Only a mass of
+charred ruins marked the place where the handsome structure had stood.
+
+Services at the churches were well under way before many of the watchers
+left the scene, and the number included many of Jacob's callers who had,
+of course, forgotten their suggestion to entertain Mildred Latham, in
+honor of the beginning of the effort to secure aid for the colored youth
+of the city.
+
+As they sat alone that evening, neither Wilson Jacobs nor his sister
+offered any comment upon how they were saved an embarrassing ordeal.
+They were both thinking, thinking, and seeing, with their eyes full of
+tears, a chair where one had sat and talked and laughed with them the
+Sunday night before.
+
+Their hearts were heavy, very heavy, for, strangely enough, they felt
+that Mildred Latham would never sit in that chair again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEEN
+
+_The Beast and The Jungle_
+
+
+"REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY"
+
+This was the inscription under a cartoon in the Effingham Herald, one
+Sunday, following a Sunday when crime seemed to have run riot. The
+cartoon pictured a huge knife stuck into a human heart, and the moral
+was, that on the Sabbath day, when its population was supposed to be at
+pious worship, murder was un-Godly.
+
+The Sunday previous to this, seven different murders had occurred in
+that many different parts of the town. Sidney had read the accounts, and
+said nothing when he saw they were all black people. Only one exception,
+and that was one who had shot another, and in attempting to escape, had
+been shot by the police.
+
+Thus was the condition of crime in Effingham. It was a rare Sunday that
+didn't have five or six shootings, killings and cutting affrays. The
+record for the previous year showed more than three hundred murders,
+mostly by Negroes upon each other, and in part by the police. Eighty per
+cent of all murder in the city was among two-fifths of the whole, or the
+Negro population. But what surprised Wyeth was, that insofar as speaking
+of it as an everyday occurrence, and something to be expected, the
+colored people paid little attention to it.
+
+By this time, Wyeth had become known as a severe critic. And, therefore,
+against colored people in their effort for salvation, so the critics
+complained. There was one, however, who saw beneath the surface, and who
+said, in reply to the criticisms going the rounds, that Wyeth was
+criticised, not for the criticisms, but for his method of bringing the
+truth before the eyes which did not wish to see it.
+
+"We've tried every way possible to obtain a library," said one.
+
+"What are some of the ways?" he inquired pointedly.
+
+"Well, for instance, we have asked the teachers to each give a book for
+that purpose. We have almost two hundred teachers in this town, and if
+each one gave a book, and the preachers likewise, that would make
+considerable of a library."
+
+"For sixty thousand people, yes." And under his breath he added, "You
+fool!"
+
+"Why do you not write an editorial and bring attention to the dreadful
+amount of crime that seems to have submerged your population," he said
+one day to Mathews, a very excellent writer.
+
+"I'm writing of what people are doing that is uplifting," the other
+returned.
+
+"Do you not consider that all this murder the Negro is committing, to
+the disgrace of the state, the city, the county, and the race to which
+he belongs, is a thing that requires some effort, or some comment on our
+part as citizens of this commonwealth?"
+
+"Oh, but the best colored people don't care to read of that," he
+explained.
+
+"But it's a fact, is it not; and one that is going forth every day
+through the columns of the big dailies, and a fact that the public is
+making record of, and holds up to the gaze of the world, and gives this
+town the name of being the most uncivilized community in the country?"
+
+"There is, of course, Mr. Wyeth, no use in trying to argue these things
+with you," complained the other. "About town, although you have been
+here only a short time, you are regarded as a contentious person, always
+forcing your way of seeing things upon people, and criticising our
+teachers and preachers and best people for their lack of concern, in
+regard to a lot of criminal Negroes, that find their way to this town,
+from every convict camp in the state and other states. If you would
+struggle to get into society and mingle with the best people, you would
+forget what these brutes are doing. Instead of that, you can always be
+seen standing at a distance, viewing all of us as one."
+
+"Abraham Lincoln, our emancipator, said: 'This country cannot continue
+with one part of the people free and the other in serfdom, and thrive.'
+I am wholly at a loss to understand this attitude of what you term the
+'best people' toward the masses." Wyeth persisted, thoroughly aroused.
+"We complain of the injustice of prejudice, which is well worth the
+complaint. But, while we see that the white people refuse to accept us
+on an equal basis with themselves, we cry out about the 'best people.'
+We cannot expect the world to accept us as a race on the reputation of a
+precious few. And yet right here in this town, on all sides, among the
+'best people' we hear that 'you' cannot be responsible for the condition
+of the great herd. I do not think you are expected to by the public; but
+what stirs me, fires me sometimes to denunciation, is this utter
+disregard for the evil things in which our people indulge themselves, to
+the disgrace of all."
+
+"Have it your way, Mr. Wyeth," said the other, resignedly. "That is the
+reputation you have, 'having your way.'"
+
+This was the end of that, but not of murder. Everywhere it continued.
+
+Wyeth went to the churches. He listened to the sermons; and at the drug
+store, where the more logical members of the city could often be found,
+he met the same condition. Nobody was worried. Nobody cared. Just as
+long as their own affairs were going along in a satisfactory manner, no
+complaint was forthcoming. And, as time went on, Wyeth took notice that
+everybody carried a revolver. One evening, at the drug store, someone
+displayed a revolver of a new type, which brought about some comment.
+Forthwith, among the twelve present, ten additional revolvers were
+produced and displayed, Wyeth being the only one not possessing one. He
+was looked at in surprise, and made the object of much comment.
+
+"Why, I wouldn't go from here home one night, without my cannon," said
+the druggist. A prominent doctor smiled grimly, as he pocketed his,
+while others laughed and patted their weapons fondly.
+
+"You from out of the west and haven't a gun. Man, you are crazy,"
+laughed one. "You better send out west there, and have them send on that
+dungeon."
+
+"I never owned a gun in my life."
+
+"What! Been living out in that wild country these many years, and never
+owned a cannon! What kind of people do you have out there?"
+
+"Civilized people."
+
+"Uh, well, I ain' never been without a smoker, believe muh."
+
+"He'll be carrying one before he's here long," laughed a physician, as
+they filed out into the night.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+More conspicuously here than elsewhere he had been, Wyeth saw that the
+undertaking business thrived better in this city than any other
+conducted by colored people. A half dozen companies were incorporated,
+with a paid-up capital stock, and declared handsome dividends every six
+months. And each company owned one or more ambulance carriages, or "dead
+wagons," as they were commonly called as they moved busily about the
+streets, picking up wounded and dead Negroes. Almost daily they whirled
+through the town at break-neck speed, to the tune of a dreadful alarm.
+
+Then Wyeth began to see, without looking, why crime thrived. The mills,
+coal mines and furnaces employed thousands of men, as we know, and paid
+them at various times. And to a saloon they filed and drank their fill.
+In his observations, Wyeth had never seen saloons do such an excessive
+bottle business. Great cases, the length of the bar in many instances,
+and piled everywhere, were half pints of liquor. A man said to him one
+day, "You'll find, upon searching the ignorant Negro, three things
+almost any time: A bottle of booze, which might be empty if you searched
+him at his work--a cannon, if not, it is because he is not able to
+possess one--a knife, with a blade long enough to go through
+you--additionally, a pair of dice."
+
+But it was not at the saloons that they bought all the whiskey,
+regardless of the great number in sight. But barrel houses and
+wholesale stores were operated in connection therewith. Here the tiger
+conductors purchased their supplies, which consisted mostly of whiskey,
+and the cheapest available, which was, to be exact, a dollar and a half
+a gallon; but, if bought in smaller quantities, it came at forty cents a
+quart; while the beer used by the tigers was so cheap that finally, no
+label was used on the bottle. And it was this kind, he learned, the
+tiger people used almost exclusively. It was likewise, this kind that
+produced the most fighting drunks, and was sold after midnight--Saturday
+night. So, on the outside of a good supply of drink and a crap game in
+sight, crime ran high in this city, and was ever in continuance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
+
+"_This Is Mr. Winslow, Madam!_"
+
+
+After his conflict with Moore, Legs took a silent pledge; he would quit
+gambling and drinking, and start a bank account. "I'm going to use some
+sense and save my money," he declared, with much sincerity. "There is
+nothing like a few dollars, in case of emergency."
+
+"If you stick to that theory in practice, Legs," Wyeth corroborated,
+"you'll never have cause to regret it."
+
+He started the same at once, with one dollar. The next week he added
+another, which made two, and was jubilant. The next week he added
+another, and at the end of four weeks, had five dollars to his credit,
+and was discussing investments. "I'm going to buy me a house and lot by
+and by," he said, laughing over his prospects.
+
+"I own the L. & N. R.R.," cried a dirty, black, fat Negro, coming up the
+street. "Haf a the A.G.S. too!"
+
+"That's Sam," said the Mis', coming to the door at that moment. "Ever
+since a white man took his wife, they say he's been like that. He
+imagines he owns railroads, and if you happen to be going by the
+station, you can see him standing gazing at the trains, with a foreign
+expression."
+
+"Git that car back on the right switch there! Flag that engine, and make
+them push that section to the left! All right. Now, pull her ahead.
+That's all."
+
+"How-do, Sam," she greeted him as he came abreast. He halted a moment,
+and gazed at her remonstratingly.
+
+"This is Mr. Winslow, madam. Always address me as such, and in that
+manner hereafter. I am Mr. Winslow, understand, and I own the L. & N.
+R.R."
+
+"And the A.G.S.?"
+
+"Own haf a that too."
+
+"And the T.C.I. Company?"
+
+"They wanted to sell it to me. I wouldn't buy it. Come on there with
+that train, engineer. Drop that car on siding G. Now, switch that other
+chain around on track E.
+
+"Say, Books," laughed Legs. "If you want a get rich, quit the book
+business, and run into a train with your head. That guy is certainly
+rich."
+
+"He carries on that way all the time," the Mis' explained. "But he is
+sane otherwise, that is, he is harmless and lives with his mother down
+the street a few doors. He goes errands, and you can give him as much as
+twenty dollars to buy a nickel's worth, and he'll bring back nineteen
+dollars and ninety five cents. No one can beat him, and he is as honest
+as the most conservative."
+
+"Let's go to a movie, Books," said Legs, when Sam had disappeared.
+
+"All right," and together, they went down the street in the direction of
+the business district. When they had arrived at one of the three shows,
+the pictures did not appeal to them, and they strolled about the town.
+
+The bank, conducted by Negroes, was near the center of the block, and
+cornered on the alley, and on either side of this was business conducted
+by or for Negro trade. Within a block of the bank, was located the three
+shows; and while operated and owned by white men, were patronized
+entirely by Negroes. It was a puzzle to Wyeth to see his people
+operating banks with more success than they could picture shows,
+clothing stores, and even hotels. This was the case not only in
+Effingham, but in other cities as well. The bank and the neighborhood
+immediately surrounding it, was the center for Negro gatherings, and
+upon this street might be found a crowd at any time. Almost every other
+door seemed to be a restaurant, and operated by Greeks. In fact, this
+line of business was, apparently, monopolized by these people all over
+the country. Wyeth saw that this was due to social reasons. A Greek or
+an Italian, or even a poor Jew, operating a business like a grocery
+store, or any kind of business, employing less than ten thousand dollars
+capital stock, lived much within his means; whereas, a colored man in
+the same business, invariably was, through the connections of his
+family, a leader in society. These Greeks did not even pretend such a
+thing, even in a small way among their own, which made a great
+difference at the end of each year. None of this class referred to would
+think of owning an automobile; whereas, such an asset is common among
+these black people. Hence, a Negro in any business other than a
+barbershop, bootblack stand, pressing shop, or business requiring a
+considerable amount of practical ability, was a rare thing.
+
+Being in business, he is looked to to spend more money, as well. This,
+Wyeth had found, was not always his preference; but his wife and family
+usually represented the better colored people, and, therefore, are
+expected to entertain; are made the object of much flattery and
+ostentation. There was one who ran a grocery near Miss Palmer's, whom,
+Wyeth recalled, was the object of much scorn, when discussed. More than
+once, when he suggested a purchase of a watermelon, or soda water, or
+some refreshment that might be obtained at a grocery store, he was
+advised against patronizing the "chinse" on the corner, meaning the
+colored grocery keeper. And he came to learn, that the only excuse for
+such a reference, was that he didn't "keep" his wife in society, but
+made her "slave" in his little old store along with himself.
+
+For this, he was given as little of their trade as possible; but, with
+careful application and perseverance, he was succeeding to a creditable
+degree. But the most extraordinary feature of this was, that the
+druggist received no more of this class of trade, than did the grocery
+keeper, notwithstanding the fact that he was high in society, and was
+positively of their point of view. Wyeth passed much of his spare time
+talking with the grocery man, and came to find him a most obliging man
+in every way. When he was informed that Wyeth was selling a book by a
+Negro, he instructed him to bring him one forthwith, and which he was
+glad to own, and read it through at once.
+
+So it came to pass, that in all he saw, Wyeth found many honest and
+unassuming people, and whose interest in the race did not end with a few
+sweet words and a shrug of the shoulders.
+
+Many colored men were actually succeeding in the grocery business in
+Effingham, and many of them were referred to as "chinse's," by those
+purporting to be leaders in society.
+
+Getting back to Sidney Wyeth and Legs, who were uptown for the purpose
+of attending a picture show. Two of the three shows were operated by the
+same company, and the playhouses were referred to as capital number one,
+and capital number two. They were in separate blocks. Legs and Wyeth had
+been to capital number one, and were turning in the direction of the
+other, when some excitement was in evidence in that direction. They
+joined in the crush, and were just in time to see an altercation between
+a man and a woman, a nice looking woman, brown-skinned, with an
+unusually heavy head of hair. The man appeared to have called the woman,
+and was desirous of remonstrating with her about something to which she
+took exception. She turned to go, and it was then that, like a flash, he
+drew a long, keen-bladed knife from his pocket, and, without a word,
+drove it to the hilt in her breast. She walked calmly, perhaps a half
+dozen steps, and than, with a sudden clutching at the air, she cried:
+"Oh, I'm so sick!" Wyeth saw her eyes for one moment, and the next, she
+reeled about, and fell dead at the feet of the crowd.
+
+The murderer saw her, and it was only when she fell, that he appeared to
+take any notice of the fact that he had committed murder. He now turned
+and fled up the alley, while the Negroes about him fell back.
+
+"There goes the beast!" cried Legs, pointing him out to Wyeth, and the
+next moment they followed in close pursuit. A cry from the crowd went up
+as they disappeared. It warned them that they would be dealt with
+likewise, but they heeded it not.
+
+They ran up the alley that opened ahead into a wide street. The murderer
+led them at considerable distance, and, as they hurried after him, they
+saw his head turning from left to right, evidently looking for some
+opening in which to escape. But their pursuit was too close. Arriving at
+the end of the alley, he halted one brief moment, and then turned south.
+
+This street fell rapidly a block, and reached a level in a railroad
+yard, where long trains of cars stood silently in the pale moonlight. To
+these he now ran, not looking back at his pursuers. A few minutes later,
+he had, for a time, disappeared from view behind a car. But determined,
+with their blood now boiling, the two flew on after him. When they got
+inside the yards, they caught a glimpse of him crawling along to the
+other side of a line of cars, to which was hitched an engine.
+
+A moment later, this began to move, and, suddenly, while they were yet
+some distance away, he swung aboard one of the cars and stood on the
+bumpers. They hurried forward, and caught a car each, a few cars to the
+rear; while the speed of the train increased. In a few minutes it was
+flying, and they were hanging dangerously to the side. With quick
+intuition, Wyeth climbed to the top of the train, and called to Legs
+when he stood over him, to do likewise. Hurriedly, Legs clambered to the
+top. As he settled panting on top of the moving train, in the rear and
+hurrying forward, the light of a brakeman approached. They darted
+forward, looking carefully between the cars, to ascertain which
+contained the fugitive. The train now hurried around a bend toward the
+outskirts of the town, and, as it did so, they saw the creature drop
+suddenly from between the cars and roll over the embankment, and down
+the grade which was, perhaps, at this point twenty odd feet.
+
+The train was tearing along now at a speed that made it positively
+dangerous to alight. Still, the light of the brakeman was only a few
+cars away, and, inasmuch as they would most likely be severely dealt
+with if found, they were, for the moment, at a loss what to do. The
+fugitive had now arisen, and was running again to safety. All they had
+seen before the electric show now came back to them, and, without regard
+for the risk they were taking, they quickly clambered to the bottom and
+fell off the train, just as a curse greeted their ears from the
+brakeman above.
+
+A moment later, the roar of the train was lost in the distance, and they
+were alone, but, fortunately, uninjured. The fugitive had, apparently,
+made good his escape. Disgusted and disgruntled, they started back down
+the track in the direction from whence they had come. They had gone, it
+seemed perhaps a half mile, when suddenly a groan came to their ears.
+They stopped and listened.
+
+From near where a few stray hedge and weeds had grown up and were
+tangled and enmeshed, they caught the outline of a man, stretched
+apparently helpless therein. They hurried forward, Legs in the lead. As
+they did so, he sighed perceptibly. Legs had now reached the man, and
+was in the act of bending over him, when Wyeth grabbed him from the rear
+and jerked him quickly back; but he was in time to save him from the
+other, who had, like a flash, sprung up and lunged forward with upraised
+knife.
+
+Having missed, the murderer tumbled forward on his face, and bit the
+cinders, while Legs raised himself off Wyeth, who had been pushed
+backward and down by the sudden collision. The other had gained his
+feet, however, before they got their wits together, and with a mad curse
+he tore down the tracks. As Wyeth raised himself, his fingers
+encountered a piece of cinder, heavy with iron. Unconsciously, his
+fingers encircled it, and when they again started in pursuit, he grasped
+it.
+
+"We'll kill that beast as he killed that woman," cried Legs, panting
+dreadfully, but more determined now than ever. With a clear track, and
+nothing to obstruct the speed, it was now evidently only a question of
+minutes until they must surely overcome the other who was shorter, and
+whose speed had become noticeably slower. Legs had got within a few feet
+of him, when suddenly he stopped short and whirled about. Too late! Legs
+seemed doomed to meet the point of the upraised knife that glistened in
+the moonlight. Wyeth at that moment saw the danger of his companion,
+and, with a cry, he hurled the cinder full at the crouching fugitive.
+It went straight, and took the beast full in the face. With a cry, the
+other fell backward across the track.
+
+Legs tumbled over his prostrate form, while, at that moment, from down
+the track came the sound of an approaching train. Both now looked up,
+and it was only then they were aware that it was so near. They were
+blinded by the light, but with a cry they sprang free, as the light fell
+full upon the face of the fugitive, who at that moment came to his
+senses. He staggered forward, and then with a cry that rang above the
+roar of the train, he stumbled forward, but in rising, one of his feet
+had caught in a frog and held him fast. A screwing of brakes could be
+heard, but in a moment the heavy engine crushed over his writhing body,
+and mangled him until, when he was taken from beneath it, he could not
+be recognized.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Legs and Wyeth were present the next morning at the inquest. There was
+no visible excitement over the death of either. A small paragraph at the
+bottom of the back page of the morning paper reported the death, by
+stabbing, of a Negro woman; while a still smaller one made notice of the
+death, in an unusual manner, of the murderer.
+
+And so it was in Effingham. If one desired notoriety he had to do other
+than kill a Negro, or be killed by one. For such was soon forgotten
+among other and more unusual sensations.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
+
+"_Thou Shalt Not Steal!_"
+
+
+During Wyeth's canvass among his people, he had become accustomed to
+regard men who indulged excessively in drinking, as a problematical
+feature. And when that same man gambled, in addition, and failed to keep
+his word or oath, he was not in the least surprised. And, moreover, when
+he became acquainted with a person who loved liquor, gambled likewise,
+and who did not struggle to secure a job, but was content to walk about
+in perfect peace, without any effort in that direction, he was not
+surprised if that person stole, in addition.
+
+The people he stopped with were, in a measure, secretive. That is, they
+did not always take the trouble to state where they purchased all they
+had about the house. He took meals with them occasionally, and saw them
+eating every day; and, although chicken was very high, exceedingly high
+in Effingham, they had it every day.
+
+The druggist, whose store was a block distant, had inquired of them, and
+made known the fact that Moore was indebted to him two fifty, but Wyeth
+paid little attention to this, since, during the warm afternoons, under
+the cool of the electric fan, he indulged in such reminiscences, and
+Wyeth knew almost everybody who owed the druggist anything, including
+Miss Palmer.
+
+Two robberies had occurred in less than two weeks at the place, and both
+were shrouded in mystery. The first had been explained away very
+reasonably. A window that was almost hid by vines had been left open,
+and through this, a "nigga," as they put it, had made his entrance and
+gotten away, carrying with him a suit of clothes belonging to one of the
+roomers, who kept himself pretty well soaked with liquor; this roomer
+happened to be employed at a wholesale liquor house, and was,
+therefore, able to drink with economy. Sam was his name, but he was not,
+however, the one who owned the L. & N. R.R. But Sam was an easy go-lucky
+and didn't care whether school kept or not; and, likewise, didn't make a
+big noise if something did crawl in through the window, and steal a new
+thirty-five dollar suit.
+
+As was stated, it was explained, John Moore lost an old derby the same
+time--at least, this was how he reported it. The green stain upon the
+window-sill, from the vines his knees crushed, was further evidence of
+the ingress and the egress. Considerable indignation was shown by Moore,
+and a great many words were employed over the affair; but, in due time
+it had died away and was forgotten, when the second came to pass.
+
+The victim this time happened to be a gloomy and forlorn creature, who
+could well boast that no miscegenation had prostituted his ancestors,
+and whose teeth, in the night, flashed like a diamond necklace. Griffin
+was his name, and he did not shoot craps, or fight, or get drunk, and
+Wyeth didn't think he drank, until he saw the Mis' go to make his bed
+one day, and, in turning back the pillow, revealed a half pint of John.
+
+Griffin reported that it was employed as a medicine, and Wyeth allowed
+it to go at that, but indulged a smile upon Griffin that meant more.
+Wyeth had a way of joking with the eyes that kept him out of
+difficulties, but convicted and judged those near him, and they could
+only laugh and look guilty.
+
+One of the other good things we know of Griffin, is that he read the
+Bible, and nothing else, and said so; moreover, he deplored the reading
+of anything else, declaring it to be contrary to the laws of God.
+Griffin rarely said Jesus, and never "Jaysus." And--yes, he was a Sunday
+school teacher, and went to services to a church that was at the other
+side of town; he shouted when the preacher delivered a soul-stirring
+sermon, and expected to go to Heaven when he died. Only one thing did
+Griffin indulge in, though he was careful to keep that to himself, and
+that was woman--but we are a long way from our story. And still, we
+cannot leave it, this part of it, until we make known that she was a
+"high yellow" which is perhaps unnecessary to state, for when the color
+is like Griffins', they scorn all other kind.
+
+The robber this time employed a more machination method, and he was a
+very congenial robber also. Out of consideration for Griffin's regular
+attendance at church, he left an old greasy suit that, due to the great
+amount of the foreign matter it contained, was likely to last him until
+finances would enable him to restock for the benefit of the robber.
+
+This robbery occurred one night when he was away, and did not return
+until the following morning, which was in itself singular, for Griffin
+was rarely away. It was, like the other, mysterious. Griffin was a
+miner, and since he would not--so 'twas said--pay twenty-five cents a
+week for warm water and a towel to clean himself at the mines, he
+preferred to sleep in the kitchen, because he was unfit to occupy any
+other portion of the house, unless it was the attic. And since there was
+none to this house, we leave him in the kitchen, where he slept in a
+dirty, but warm bed, and kept his clothes--he had some pride--in the
+strongest trunk Wyeth thought he had ever seen. On the outside, he kept
+it locked with the strongest Yale spring. With all the high-priced
+advertising done in regard to the safety of such locks, this robber
+didn't seem to give a hang, but, with a steel poker, he had twisted and
+twisted, until Mr. Yale had resigned himself to the inevitable, and
+permitted ingress. Within were four nice, clean suits, awaiting
+Griffin's subtle occasions.
+
+Legs, Wyeth and Glenview, who were very agreeable roomers, didn't hear
+of it until the second morning. And they might not have known then, if
+it had not happened that they were together in the adjoining room, and
+overheard Griffin crying over the loss. That happened to be Friday. Legs
+had become something of a hero, with his successful running down of the
+murderer, and now played, very successfully, the part of a man. Legs did
+not positively condone the light fingered method. When they had been
+led, by their curiosity, to investigate, and had returned to the room,
+he remarked:
+
+"It beats Hell the way this place continues to be robbed!"
+
+"It is indeed singular," commented Glenview, whose English was always
+the most careful. And he never swore.
+
+"Yes," said Legs again, "it _is_ strange. So strange that I'm getting
+suspicious," and he closed an eye meaningly. "There's a man in the house
+who has not worked this summer.... He cannot _seem_ to get the kind of
+work he follows, true; but the fact to be considered, is that he _has_
+not worked this summer. He likes to gamble, and is particularly fond of
+liquah...."
+
+There was a pause, and he closed that eye again, and looked across at
+Glenview. Glenview closed an eye and looked at Wyeth. Wyeth held his
+open, but did some rapid thinking. He now recalled that, upon entering,
+the robber had cut the screen, it was shown to them; but now as he
+remembered it, the ends of the wires where the screen had been cut
+pointed outward.... Also, it was reported to have been cut with a
+hatchet; and the hatchet was on the ground near the window, which was
+logical.... It was very strange indeed, this robbery.... Legs was
+speaking again:
+
+"This man who has been out of work all summer, at least has not worked
+all summer, and who loves liquah better than I do, and who could shoot
+craps forever and be happy, sleeps within four feet of that trunk. The
+only thing between him and the trunk is a door that has not been closed
+this summer.... And who, moreover, if you will recall," he closed that
+eye again and held it so a second, "awakens always when we enter late at
+night, and inquires, 'who goes there.' _And this man slept through all
+this with the trunk almost against his head, and didn't hear it being
+opened._" He paused again and closed that eye, it was the right;
+Glenview closed his left, Wyeth closed his too. From the other room came
+sighs, and a restless turning on the bed where some one lay. On the
+front porch, John Moore sat with the Bible open before him....
+
+"Have you observed," said Glenview, in his Englishy way, "that the ones
+who have been robbed, are those most likely to take _his_ story about
+it, and are not capable of investigating on their own initiative?" Three
+eyes closed simultaneously. "For instance," he resumed, "there's Sam,
+always full you know; when I inquired what he had done about it, he
+replied that he had inquired of one pawnbroker--and you know there are
+perhaps a hundred in this town--if any one had offered a suit as
+security for a loan that fit that description. Think of it! And now here
+comes the instance of this old creature we hear sighing in the kitchen;
+and who reads nothing but the Bible, and goes to church on Sunday. He
+hasn't sense enough, and nerve, he doesn't know; he has perhaps called
+on the Lord to restore those things. Why haven't some of our things been
+stolen?" ... Again three eyes closed, while memories became the order;
+the memory of Wyeth's conflict, and they didn't forget that of Legs. "We
+leave them laying around, and none of us lock our trunks.... You," he
+said, seeing Legs, "have more suits than any of us, and they hang on the
+wall...."
+
+John Moore had fallen asleep and the Bible had tumbled to the floor. A
+street car line came past the door, and the cars, when passing, filled
+the house with noise. One passed at this moment, and he was suddenly
+awakened. Looking about hastily for the Bible he had held, he saw it on
+the floor at his feet. He stooped to pick it up, and as he did so, saw
+that it was open. As his hand touched it, his eyes lit upon a chapter,
+whereupon he straightened up quickly. A moment later he picked it up,
+and rising, entered the house.
+
+The words of the chapter that had disconcerted him for the moment were:
+"_Thou Shalt Not Steal!_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINETEEN
+
+_They Turned Her Out of Church_
+
+
+Saturday night of that week was a beautiful night, and everybody sought
+the open air--no, almost everybody. There were a few that didn't, in
+fact they sought the closed inside for a purpose.
+
+Murphy had a good crowd, for it was pay day, and everything was
+"sliding" along O.K. Glenview, who had purchased a new novel from Wyeth,
+who bought them and sold the same at a discount when he had read them,
+was there too. So was John Moore, _he_ was always there. Wyeth was
+below, and so was Legs, for, strange as it may seem, he had kept his
+pledge thus far. He was glad of it, too, which is ahead of our story.
+Easy.
+
+A game was on, a big game, and darkies were uncoated; perspiration
+flowed freely. Wyeth retired about twelve, or it might have been
+earlier--it makes little difference. The game was on, and so was
+somebody else. Wyeth felt himself being shook, but could not seem to
+awaken at once. Words came to his ears, and it was the voice of Legs
+that spoke:
+
+"Get up," it said, in subdued excitement. "Get up, you fool."
+
+"Go to the devil! Are you crazy? Don't awaken me. I'm tired and want to
+rest," he answered unconsciously.
+
+"I said, arise--at once. Somethin' doin'."
+
+"Will you go to the devil, or shall I hit you in the ear and dispatch
+you forthwith! I want to rest, you pair of Legs."
+
+"Listen! Listen! Hear them, Books!"
+
+Books heard something, but he didn't know what it was; moreover, he
+didn't care--in fact, he didn't want to hear. He wanted to sleep. It was
+a fine night for sleeping, too. The soft air floated in through the
+window at his head, and the vines and garden the Mis' raised, and which
+grew within a few feet of him, perfumed it with nature's own. Why should
+he be concerned about what went on up in Murphy's den. He kicked at
+Legs, when he repeated.
+
+Legs went into the other room, but the noise from above persisted.
+
+"Look out there, nigger!" it said. "Don't start nothing, don't start
+nothing! Get around there, you, beside that other nigger! Now, here,
+you, ink, put these cuffs on the two niggers against the wall. Right
+around the wrists, you fool. I've put them on you often enough for you
+to know that they don't go on the shoulders. And don't be so damn
+nervous. You shiver around there as though it was the first time you've
+been arrested. Are you done? Well, stand over in that row beside them
+other niggers! Don't think because I know you that you c'n ease out that
+window. And don't figure I'm going to play any pets! Heah! Heah! You
+little black rat! You, I say, with the pop peepers! If you try any
+monkey foolishness, I'll put'm out, I'll put'm out! Hear that nigger,
+hear that! I'll shoot you nigger, I'll shoot you!"
+
+"Hear'm Books, hear'm! It's the police. They're upstairs. They're making
+a raid. Hear'm Books!" came Leg's voice, as he came back to where Wyeth
+lay. Sidney had awakened now. Sitting up in bed, he listened to the
+voices that came down from upstairs. It was still a little vague, but
+Legs spoke again:
+
+"They are coming down now." And so they were. A noise of many feet
+tramping about, began to file downward on the rickety steps.
+
+"Wait, Frank," came a voice. "Let me out on the front, so I can hold a
+gun on these niggers. Now come ahead. Now, niggers, the first one that
+makes a break, remember, out goes his light, bingo!"
+
+"Mary, oh, Mary, bring me my coat and hat." Wyeth was dressed now and
+peeping out the window. Yes, it was John Moore, and he wanted his coat
+and hat. He was going away, on a journey. The Mis', very much
+frightened, hurried forward, and held them out to him. He placed the hat
+on his head, and took the coat on his arm. He wore cuffs, so that made a
+difference.
+
+The Mis' fell into the room a moment later, and gave up to silent
+anguish. It was not the first time she had witnessed a raid. Sometimes
+Wyeth felt sorry for her. For, once upon a time she had been a good
+woman, she was yet when she could be. At least she was always kind; but
+when liquor was voted out of the state some years before, he, her
+husband then, took up the sale of it, contrary to the law. He had been
+caught once, and then twice. He had then been caught the third time. The
+third time is when you go to the mines. You may never return from these
+places, so 'tis said. "They kill you out there," is what John Moore had
+told him once, grimly. "Yes, they _kill_ you out there. It's _Hell_!"
+
+They killed the Mis's husband. And she had a son, and he sold liquor
+too. He was a dissipated youth. The mines had him six months. They gave
+him back to her. T.B. He died. And at this time she mourned his loss.
+She was now alone in the world. She had, at first, made an honest
+living, and was a member of the A.M.E. church. She became acquainted
+with John Moore. Well, they turned her out of church some time
+afterward. They would have done so sooner, but she was pitied, and black
+people have sympathy--even for criminals. The Mis' had lost her husband,
+and then her son and--but they turned her out of church. That's bad. Oh,
+it's awful bad to be turned out of church. Black faces, crooked often,
+regard one with dark suspicion when he is turned out of church,
+especially if a woman.
+
+And now they had _him_. The other, her consort, for such he was, because
+you see, be merciful, she was a human being.... And all human beings cry
+out for love, yes, _love_....
+
+"Take along his Bible, Mis'," grinned Legs. And then he looked at
+her.... Yes, Legs knew the story too.... He was sorry, terribly sorry.
+They were all sorry for the Mis'.
+
+Legs and Wyeth now stood on the outside. It was safe now. They watched
+the arrangement.
+
+Four abreast they now stood lined in four rows. They were all handcuffed
+together. John Moore was there, bringing up the rear. Murphy was, too.
+Being the man of the house, he was honored with a place at the front.
+And behind these sixteen men, walked his honor, the police. And so very
+insignificant they were, apparently. Yet, they were the _law_! And that
+means more than our pen can describe here.
+
+Black people claim to fear God and no other. They don't. The most of
+them do not understand it in a larger sense. No. But, notwithstanding
+the fact that, in Dixie they are forever breaking it, they _do_ fear the
+law--and the white man.
+
+They filed now, a row at a time, and a few feet apart, across the
+street. Under the flaring electric street lamp they passed, some
+bareheaded, but all downcast, discouraged and remorseful. Oh, this was
+the law. The law of Effingham declared: "Thou must not game!" In the
+middle of the street they walked, and a few minutes later, they passed
+under the light of the lamp at the next intersection, and disappeared in
+the direction of the station. And it was only then, Wyeth recalled, that
+among them he had not observed Glenview. He was not there, he was
+positive; and yet he was at the game. Where was he? Where did he go?
+
+He turned his eyes in the direction of the rear, and at that moment
+Glenview walked into view.
+
+"You!" cried many voices, for a curious crowd of crooks had gathered.
+Good people had long since retired.
+
+"Well?" he smiled.
+
+"Well...."
+
+"I'm _here_. Not _there_!" And his eyes went in the direction of the
+others, who were now passing under another light, into a bigger light.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I saw they were nothing but a pair of snots."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"The window was open."
+
+"The window?"
+
+"And the _outside_ air was _very_ inviting. Much more than that
+_other_."
+
+"Oh...." It was becoming clear to all now. The Mis' looked disappointed.
+Sometimes she had not liked Glenview.... He winked and went to the front
+of the house.
+
+"Well," sighed the Mis', resignedly. "They certainly got a bunch of
+them," and then laughed, a laugh that Wyeth had heard before and knew.
+Not a cheerful laugh, but a dry, hard laugh. One that was possible after
+years of bitterness.
+
+By this time, a score or more Negroes, denizens of the night, had
+gathered and were exchanging opinions, offering theories, and executing
+objections.
+
+"Some low down nigga done turned'm up." This was what a large Negress,
+with imposing hips, was saying. She sold liquor across the way, and
+conducted a house for any kind of purpose.
+
+"Some doity li'l' stool pigeon," added another, who was more doubtful
+still. Wyeth regarded them a moment in disgust. They were dressed as
+they were when they arose that morning or that afternoon, or whenever it
+was, which was not in the last hour or two.
+
+It was Glenview who detailed the raid now at some length. "A big Negro
+was shooting for three dollars. A little guy, who appeared to be very
+drunk, kept making a fuss, finally asking to be let out. He went, and
+when Murphy opened the street door for that purpose, well, in walked the
+bulls--no, the little snots."
+
+"I'm going upstairs to see how it looks after the scramble," said he,
+and a moment later his feet were heard in that direction. He had no
+sooner hit the landing, than from above came a dreadful noise. A
+crashing of window panes indicated that someone was trying to get out of
+the window. A table turned over with considerable objections, judging
+from the noise it made. The whatever-it-was appeared to be coming toward
+the stair in post haste now. Chairs were cast aside, without care of how
+they might land, and then it appeared on the landing. A moment later it
+came down, much a tumble, and not in the usual way. Hands and legs and
+feet seemed altogether, as they did many stunts on the way down. Eyes
+were opened wide, while breaths were held, as the spectacle was observed
+closely. And then it landed. One moment it lingered, and made a funny
+picture for the many eyes. Then it became erect--and behold! It was a
+man.
+
+But he hadn't taken the time to dress entirely. He had, upon coming
+down, or deciding to do so, donned only a coat; while his large, loose
+knee lengths stood out conspicuously from the small legs, that reminded
+one of pipe stems, smoked ones--coming out of huge corn cobs.
+
+It came about when Glenview ascended the stair, and met it in the act of
+looking about to ascertain whether the coast was clear.
+
+For a time that may have been a second, possibly more, he stood
+hesitant. Wild of eye and trembling in the legs, but conspicuous to a
+humorous degree, he soon came to appreciate the spectacle he made, and
+forthwith betook himself hurriedly back up the steps; but, alas! Not
+many had he ascended when he made a miss, and, with a smothered,
+embarrassed cry, he fell, and the next moment came back.
+
+While all this performing was going on, he was not aware that the
+officers had long since departed. And when he again landed at the feet
+of his onlookers, who were now given over to a fit of snickers, he cried
+in a subdued, but intensely excited voice: "Don't let them get me! Don't
+let them get me!" He was wild, as he hesitated before attempting to
+return. And in the meantime, he whined like a poor thing, which made the
+Negroes who stood about, give up to loud laughing.
+
+At last, he was calmed to a point where he took himself hurriedly up the
+stairs, and disappeared. And then there was another commotion!
+Apparently the house was coming down, from the scrambling, and the way
+chairs, and beds, and tables--and everything seemed to be turning over.
+
+"Say, say!" came the voice of Glenview. "The officers have disappeared a
+half hour ago. Be quiet. Those are not officers below. They are
+curiosities." But it was some time before he was able to communicate
+this fact to a point that brought quiet. When he presently emerged, the
+onlookers saw not two, Glenview and the other, but five. They slipped
+down the steps like ghosts, looked wildly about for one brief second,
+and then melted into the night like vampires.
+
+As they floated away, some one recognized one and called him out by
+name, and these words came back to those who listened:
+
+"Hush calling my name, you fool!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The plate at the head of the table was not turned that morning. The
+Mis', notwithstanding the words she uttered when the raid had been made:
+"I'm glad of it! It'll stop that gambling, and I hope, Murphy's whiskey
+selling," she was, nevertheless, sad-eyed, and all upset. All that day
+she so remained, grew worse, if anything.
+
+"Don't worry, Mis'," comforted Glenview kindly. "As soon as some word
+comes from them, I'll hustle about and secure bail." But it was late in
+the morning before any word came, and then, alas! It was a surprise.
+
+There is a law in regard to gaming in Effingham, which makes the penalty
+heavier if caught gaming during the week; whereas, it is lighter for
+Sunday. Therefore, being well aware of the fact, no serious anticipation
+was held as to how the gamesters would be dealt with, since they had
+been caught after midnight Saturday night. In fact, when the excitement
+attendant with the raid had passed, those directly interested, looked
+hourly for those who were caught, to be released.
+
+"What'll it cost them under this law?" inquired Wyeth of Glenview, who
+appeared to be fairly well informed regarding the matter.
+
+"Oh, not much," he replied. "Perhaps five or six dollars. You see," he
+explained, "the city considers gambling through the week as a business
+indulged in by professionals; whereas Sunday, they construe that they
+may be workmen engaged in a pastime."
+
+Wyeth understood, of course, but it appeared singular at first.
+
+"They will be taken to the city lock-up," Glenview resumed, "and if
+collateral to the amount of twenty-five dollars be offered and
+approved, they will be allowed to return, and when they appear tomorrow
+morning, they will be fined five dollars and cost. If they were caught
+during the week, it would be ten and cost, and possibly more,
+depending."
+
+It was at the end of this conversation that they got their surprise.
+
+Murphy came in. He seemed tired and worn; he was a picture, in fact, of
+the result of such a raid. He sat himself down with a sigh that was not
+altogether one of relief. All waited, with drawn breath.
+
+"That's the worst place I have seen the inside of," he said, and shook
+his head in emphasis.
+
+"Where did the wagon pick you fellows up?" inquired Glenview. "I don't
+recall hearing any."
+
+"No wagon picked us up. We walked all the way. They didn't carry us to
+the city pen, but to the county jail."
+
+"What!" cried the Mis', while Glenview appeared to regard it with
+incredulity.
+
+And then all were silent, with a cold feeling creeping through their
+veins, as the grim reality came upon them. It would now be thirty-seven
+fifty, and not five dollars, for the county made no exception for
+Sunday.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+All the day through, John Moore raised from his hard seat, and gazed out
+through the heavy bars that penned him in. "Will they never come, will
+they never come!" he cried to himself, but only the heat and multitudes
+of Negroes greeted his gaze, as it eagerly sought the door to freedom.
+
+And all day Glenview walked from one bondman to another.
+
+"No," said the wealthiest Negro doctor, who had bailed out many. "I've
+quit going anybody's bond. I don't think, from the experience I have
+had, that I would be justified in going my brother's hereafter." He had
+a few to jump them, and it cost him a pretty penny, he afterwards told
+Wyeth, to get them back.
+
+"He's worthless," said the druggist, apparently amused, at least
+satisfied with his solution for the present. "He owes me two fifty for
+medicine I sold him, and trusted to my sorrow. But I'll tell you what I
+will do." He changed his tone to one of thought, then went on. "Now you
+tell the Mis' if she will come down here and give me seven fifty, five
+of this is going the bond that'll put the thief on the street, because
+it is he who has been doing that stealing up there, and all of you don't
+seem to know it, and the remainder, two fifty, is what he owes me. Tell
+her to bring it to me in cash, understand, the long green, and out he
+comes, to go back soon where he ought to be, for he has honestly no
+right to be free."
+
+Of course, Mis' never had such an amount, so Moore, insofar as this
+source was concerned, was doomed to stay in the hot place for some time.
+Glenview went to another.
+
+"That nigga! Hell! Why I wouldn't go his bond to stay in Heaven, he is
+so crooked and undependable."
+
+That was the end of it for that day, and the night settled down.
+
+It would cost ten dollars cash to secure release through professional
+bondsmen; and, inasmuch as John had not the tenth part of that, he
+reposed for several days in his new place of abode, and became very
+dirty and bedraggled in the meantime. Always so clean and tidy--thus the
+Mis' kept him, that he was hardly recognizable, when a few days
+afterward, he returned. It was Murphy who secured bond, and Wyeth came
+upon him in some surprise that evening. He sat quietly on the porch with
+the Bible in his hand, so, greeting him, Wyeth asked how he "liked" it.
+The other said:
+
+"Whew! The worse place I was ever in." He had been in them before, but
+not this one; but he did not, of course, deem it necessary to make this
+mention. It had been made by others. "Two hundred nigga's in the room I
+was in, and God knows how many more elsewhere. And they were one-armed
+and one-legged, one-eyed and toothless, earless and one-eared; but the
+whole bunch, every one of them, were filthy. And the place was rotten!"
+
+Yet more than five hundred Negroes, most of them young men, preferred
+the place to freedom.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY
+
+_"I Love You!" She Said_
+
+
+Miss Annie Palmer had about despaired of winning Sidney Wyeth, and by
+this time was not nearly so considerate when he called, as she had been
+some weeks before. And, besides, Wyeth had an insistent way of seeing
+things, which was not the custom of her friends. When he called,
+sometimes, instead of giving up to the easier things in life, and which
+concerned the select few, he was liable to bring up a subject concerning
+the future of the Negro of the south, as he is today, etc., etc., etc.
+So it came to pass, that Miss Palmer was only good at times; and at
+those times, she was liable to be good by fits and starts, and then she
+"got cranky." Notwithstanding the fact, they were still friends, nothing
+more, and, as Miss Palmer sometimes sighed to herself, "Will never be
+anything more."
+
+"You were, I thought," she declared one day, "the sweetest kind of a
+boy. But of late you are so concerned about Y.M.C.A.'s, and libraries,
+and schools, and the like, for our people, and how many are being killed
+and all that, that I am sometimes serious in my belief that you are
+losing your mind."
+
+"I came to show you the article in _The Herald_, by the park
+commissioner, with regard to the establishing of a park for Negroes. I
+suppose you have read it? I am certainly glad to know that you have
+white people in your city, who are showing some interest in the civic
+welfare of our race; and from what he has suggested, with regard to this
+park for our people, to be centrally located, there is conclusive
+evidence, that the white people are coming to appreciate that the
+evolution of these black people can be brought about otherwise than in
+the chain gang."
+
+"Please don't today, Mr. Wyeth, please don't," she begged. "Promise just
+once that you will try to be, if it's only for a minute, as you were
+when I became acquainted with you. Let's drop this matter about the park
+and all that today. These Negroes here would do nothing with a park but
+fight in it. And a library, they don't read; so what's the use." She
+came to him, and before he could say a word in protest, she had gotten
+on the davenport, and beside him very closely. In that moment, Miss
+Palmer felt that she wanted to hear him say something about her.
+
+"Listen," she said, in a voice that was full of feigned passion. "Do you
+care for me?" It was so sudden that he did not know how to accept it,
+whether as a joke or serious. He had, of late, been backing up on the
+flirtation. However, she was evidently serious, so, with a jolly word,
+he talked with her at some length about nothing. Presently she became
+meditative. She spoke of her unhappy life with a sigh, and then fell to
+accounts regarding her little boy.
+
+"My entire hope is centered in him. I intend to make a doctor out of
+him, and to do that, I will have to work hard and save money to put him
+through school when he is grown up, and you see what that will call
+for."
+
+He was a lad of ten years, and the image of his mother. The future of
+the American Negro was bright in his eyes; and he assisted commerce to a
+degree, by consuming as much coca cola as he could buy, with as many
+nickels as he could gather; likewise, peanuts, crackerjack and candies.
+
+"He's _some_ boy," glowed Wyeth, enthusiastically. "I wish I possessed a
+lad like him. I would feel proud."
+
+"Wouldn't you like to have something to do with him?" she said, and he
+replied jokingly:
+
+"Sure."
+
+She nestled close, very close. So close that he felt her hot breath upon
+his cheek. "You do care for me a little, don't you?" she almost
+implored. He was embarrassed, but replied:
+
+"Of course, I _like_ you."
+
+"I love you," she said. "I love you," she said again.
+
+"Ooh, mamma!" cried her son, at that moment. "Come and see the funny man
+coming down the street. Ooh, but he is so funny!" She moved away
+guiltily. A moment later, he arose and took his leave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
+
+"_Please Git d' Ole Man Outta Jail_"
+
+
+"Ump-um-um! Man, you done bring dat book heah t'day 'n' I ain' got a
+cent. Nary a cent!"
+
+"Oh, but you're a good joker," he laughed, depreciatingly. "You drew
+four or five great big dollars Saturday night, and I know you saved a
+part of it for the book, as you said you would, didn't you?"
+
+"Yesser, yesser, ah knows ah said I would; but sumpin' done happened
+since then; sumpin' I wa'n't figurin' on. Sumpin' I sho wasn't lookin'
+fo'."
+
+"Oh...."
+
+"Yes," embarrassed. "Y'see, it's lak dis: Ma ole man 'e went down town
+Sat'dy night 'n'--well, 'e got'n a li'l trouble. Yes, lak a nigga, y'
+know. Got in dis heah trouble, 'n it done took all I had t' get'm out;
+'sides, I did'n' have 'nough 'n' had t' borra frum ma whi' people."
+
+"That's too bad indeed," said Wyeth. Sometimes he said this freely, and
+again, his voice carried a touch of disappointment and impatience,
+because, sometimes he met a half dozen such instances, when he went to
+deliver on Monday. As a rule, and since he was by now accustomed to it,
+he offered sympathy to the unfortunate wife who had to pay so many
+fines, and went his way.
+
+"Yeh. 'Es allus gittin' in sumpin'. Las' yeah--ah maybe 'twas las'
+month--'e got in jail, 'n' when I got 'im out dat time, I swo' I's gwine
+let 'im stay du nex' time 'e went off'm heah and did'n' come back. 'N ah
+did'n' get'im out right away dis time. Ah let'm stay tree days, but 'e
+jes' keep sendin' up heah 'n' worrin' 'n' worrin' th' life outta me--'n'
+I was worried anyhow--wi' 'Uh please ole 'oman, jes' please come'in git
+du ole man outta jail.' So 'e jes' promis' so faithful, 'n' jes' begged
+so 'a'd until I was at last p'vailed on wi' du 'elp a-Jaysus, t' git'im
+out jes' this time--'n' you c'n jes' depen' on it, its the las' time I
+gi'n git dat no 'count nigga a-mine outta dat place, so help me Jaysus,
+du las' time!" And she bustled about her duties, with a determined set
+of the head.
+
+"How did he come to get locked up this time?"
+
+"Ugh! Yes, yes. It's lak dis--so 'e said. 'E was down t' a s'loon 'n'
+got t' argin' wid annuder nigga. 'N so den, dis udder nigga done 'posed
+on 'im; 'n' den dey got t' squabblin' 'n' d' p'lice dey runs in on'm 'n'
+line'm up. So d' wagin come 'long 'n' hurried 'm up t' jail. So, a'cose,
+Jedge Douglass 'e 'poses a big fine on'm and dey is jes' waitin' fo'
+somebody t' come 'n' pay 'is fine, 'cause, y' see, I done paid it a-fore
+already. So dey is jes' waitin' fo' me t' come 'n' pay it agin, 'n' don'
+send dis nigga t' du stockade, 'cause dey's done got so many triflin'
+nigga's out dare, until dey hates t' feed so many, 'n' wou' ruther git
+th' money 'f dey can."
+
+And thus it went. Wyeth found the women, in a great measure, trying to
+do right, as they so regarded it. But the men, from the saloon to a
+tiger, thoroughly soaked themselves, regardless of the cost, so long as
+they had it. And then, to a crap game, where they lost the remainder.
+Evidently there must have been some winning; but Wyeth never happened to
+find the winner. They were all losers. If he had their orders and
+expected to deliver the book, he had to plan to deliver the same on
+Saturday night, and before they found the enticing game. And for telling
+the truth, they drew the line on that--refused to have anything to do
+whatever with keeping their word. When he ran into a man who was as good
+as his word, and which he did occasionally, he was so surprised that he
+became nervous. Many of the white agents and collectors informed him,
+that, with a few exceptions, they drew the line on any credit business
+with the men, because they simply could not trust them. Of course this
+was not among the so-called "best" people; but with them, he had a hard
+time securing an order, since, to make appearance was their obvious
+effort, in a large measure. When the cook advised him to see the
+butler, he forthwith inquired whether he gambled or drank; for, if so,
+he thanked her for her kindness, and made no effort to get the order,
+for it was useless, in four cases out of five.
+
+Hence it came to pass, that Sidney Wyeth learned that his people were
+the victims of liquor and gaming, and this was the result of ill
+training, ignorance, and lack of civic observation. If John Barleycorn
+was at the bottom of most of the crime--which grew, in most instances,
+out of discussions and differences of opinion regarding trifling
+matters--ignorance was at the bottom of the indulgence.
+
+On this day, when he had completed his work, he stopped at the library.
+This was not open to colored people, which he knew; but, since what he
+desired could not be obtained elsewhere, he decided to go to the desk
+and make known the fact, and leave it to the civil regard of the
+librarian. He was ushered into a room to one side, which was not always
+used, and they brought anything to him that he wished. When he took his
+leave, he was invited to call at any time, and he could expect the same
+accommodations.
+
+Some time later he did, and while looking through the matter which was
+the occasion of his visit, the librarian approached him, and said:
+
+"You will perhaps be interested in hearing that it is the desire of the
+board, to take some steps toward a library for the colored people of the
+city."
+
+"Indeed!" he replied. "I am sure I am interested. Nothing, I assure you,
+is much more needed."
+
+"Yes," the other went on earnestly. "It has been the desire of the board
+to do so for some time; but, owing to the fact, I regret to say,
+that--well, those in your race whom we have waited for, and looked to,
+to take some initiative with regard to the matter, have not appeared to
+care much--well, not any, as yet." He paused a moment, while Wyeth
+waited.
+
+"I presume," said he presently, "that you are one of the professors."
+
+"No, I am not. I am not connected with any school, in fact, I am not
+connected with anything here, other than a book, of which I am the
+author, and which is being circulated by myself here in the city. But I
+am deeply interested in anything pertaining to what you mention."
+
+"Oh, I see," said the other, and disappointment was evident in his tone.
+"I had hoped, from the interest you show in literature, that you are
+connected with one of the schools. But I will state what we have planned
+on, and what would be necessary on the part of your people, in order to
+stimulate such a movement.
+
+"This city is, of course, unable to make such an investment; but it, the
+board, is willing to cooperate with the leaders of your people, the
+teachers and preachers, in bringing this to the attention of northern
+philanthropists, and, with a little effort concentrated on the issue, it
+is reasonable to suppose that, in view of libraries given to the
+different colored schools in the south, the securing of one here is
+quite possible."
+
+"That is the way I have been compelled to see it, through knowledge
+gained in observation," Wyeth agreed.
+
+"Oh, it can be obtained, it should be obtained." He paused again
+hesitantly, then went on, somewhat determinedly: "This city has a
+dreadful record for crime; and, while I regret to make the mention, yet,
+I think you will agree with me--"
+
+"That the great amount of the crime is among the black population,"
+Wyeth assisted, unembarrassed.
+
+"Exactly. It is a dreadful affair, this daily murdering of human beings,
+and this continual herding to the chain gang. These people go there and
+get in so much trouble, because their minds are untrained--and this is
+due to their environment, which is bad. It is a distressing condition
+which the state is facing. A library will, in time, have a marked effect
+upon existing conditions. There is no park either, in fact, there is
+nothing but the open street, the schools and churches for the colored
+youth; whereas, the white children have everything to help them become
+the proper men and women. And yet, and here is where it becomes awkward
+for the public to do anything. You are aware that the south is poor,
+and, therefore, unable to give even their white population what the
+north can in regard to uplift; but, as I remarked, the leaders appear to
+show such little interest in betterment.
+
+"Now, for instance, if the teachers and preachers would unite themselves
+into a body, for the purpose of securing a library for the colored
+people of Effingham, and persist in this matter, eventually they would
+have a building, and not less than fifty thousand volumes. But, as it
+now stands, rarely do any of them call in the manner you do. And, before
+anything can be done by the board, it is expedient on the part of these
+people, to get some public sentiment, in favor of the proposal. Now,
+what is your opinion of it?"
+
+"Of course, I cannot be otherwise than heartily in accordance with such
+a proposition. And, I regret to agree with you, that the people we, or
+you, look to as our leaders, show little interest in this matter.
+Publicity is necessary. I could, for instance, write an article calling
+attention to such a movement, and have it published in the colored
+paper; but they would not read it with other than a passing interest in
+such a sheet. I have had it in view for some time past of doing
+something--or, I should say, saying something. I shall not yet, however,
+state just what or how I will say it; but suffice that I am going to say
+something, and say it at a time and in such words, that the Negro
+public, as well as the whites, will, I hope, sit up and take notice."
+
+"I am glad to hear that. Drop in at any time, and if we can help you in
+any way, we will be only too glad to do so," said the librarian,
+enthusiastically, and extended his hand.
+
+When Wyeth got to his room, he thought long and deeply upon the subject.
+And when he retired that evening, he had begun the formulation of a plan
+that would wake up this sluggish resignation, which seemed to possess
+the race to whom the white people looked to for initiative.
+
+The following Sunday, when he received his paper, _The Herald_, an
+article spread over the front page, double column, caught his attention,
+and he read it through, as no doubt every one did, who was interested in
+civic welfare. It was another by the park commissioner, and was in
+regard to a park to be centrally located, and to be used exclusively for
+the use of the colored population of the city.
+
+In Effingham, there are perhaps a half dozen small and large parks, and
+all for white use exclusively. During the hot days of the long summer,
+black people must roast in their stuffy little homes, perhaps a fourth
+of which face alleys. Black children have no place to play, no place to
+exercise their little bodies, or give free vent to their desire for
+child play. Crime, therefore, is their greatest environment.
+
+Stealing is so bad in this city, that the druggist remarked to Wyeth one
+day, that if he should awaken at two A.M. and see a Negro pushing a box
+car up the street, not to become excited or even be surprised. Since he
+had been in Effingham, a man who lived to the rear of his abode, and who
+owned a horse and wagon, had, on three different occasions, and in less
+than two months, found it in a remote part of the city. It was tied to a
+tree or a fence, or maybe not tied at all. It was nothing uncommon. The
+horse was used to haul stuff that had previously been spotted and later
+stolen. It is this that the colored children see and become acquainted
+with in their alley homes, and which makes criminals of so many long
+before they are of age.
+
+The article by the park commissioner dealt with these conditions, as
+well as with the great amount of murder committed in the city. It was
+the desire, to locate a park near the heart of the city, so that these
+little children with the ebony faces, might find some relief from their
+alley homes, and in that way, help a little toward the discouragement of
+so much crime. The jail was overrun with both women and men prisoners;
+the funds for the purpose of building a larger jail was not forthcoming,
+so the city could do the least by giving these people some place of
+recreation.
+
+However, went on the commissioner's article, neither the city nor the
+commissioner could be expected to make any move toward giving this to
+the colored people, until the colored people themselves, through their
+leaders, the preachers and teachers, of which there was estimated to be
+in the neighborhood of three hundred, would show, in some manner, that
+they desired it. To purchase the ground and remove the buildings
+thereon, prepare and dress it down to a park, would, of course, require
+a considerable outlay of capital. The commissioner, therefore, would be
+glad to consult with this body of people with a view to that end. If it
+was not convenient for all to come, he added, kindly write him their
+views and desires with regard to the matter. But the commissioners would
+consider it more demonstrative, if the teachers and preachers of the
+city, colored, would call upon him in person; and, in conclusion, he set
+a day, and requested that as many, if not all of them, would call at his
+office on the afternoon of the following Wednesday.
+
+Wyeth spoke of the matter to those he knew; few though, had concerned
+themselves as much as to read it even; while others made idle remarks,
+and so the day came.
+
+Yes, it came, and to the office went, to be exact, five teachers and
+three preachers out of a possible total number of three hundred. The
+commissioner was too discouraged to keep these precious eight very long,
+so, with a few words, announcement was made that a pasture, five miles
+from town, could be leased for a small figure, and that a car line went
+within a mile of it; so that it was moved and seconded, and the colored
+people got a park.
+
+The following day, the papers were considerate enough to make small
+mention of it, and that was the end of the matter.
+
+When Sidney Wyeth had learned the details, he decided upon a plan which
+will be unfolded in a later chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
+
+"_This Man Is Losing His Mind_"
+
+
+"Hello, stranger," said Miss Palmer one beautiful morning, when he came
+strolling by. "I haven't seen you for a long time," she said, smiling
+not overly pleasant. In fact, Miss Palmer looked worn, and acted
+likewise. She did not present a hopeful example, as Wyeth saw her now.
+She was sweeping the sidewalk in front of her place with a broom that
+was worn to the last threads, and more. These had been cut, and only the
+small wire held it to the handle.
+
+"Good Lord!" he exclaimed, upon looking at it. "What do you call that?"
+and pointed at it with a laugh. She looked sad and replied:
+
+"That's my broom. Isn't it a shame? But it's all the broom I have. Won't
+you buy me one, and give it to me as a present? You make plenty of
+money, and I have five fifty in the house for you myself." She smiled up
+into his face now wearily, and he was touched. He was, moreover, sorry
+now for what he had said. But to make amends, he replied cheerfully:
+
+"Sure, sis. Take any part of what is due me, and use it for that
+purpose."
+
+"That is so sweet of you," she smiled, gratefully. "I always believed
+you were sweet, regardless of the fact that of late you have become so
+awful."
+
+"How's that?" he inquired, curiously.
+
+"Oh, I have been constrained to believe you are losing your mind. You
+have succeeded in criticising about everybody and everything, that
+pertains to the good colored people of this city."
+
+"Oh, Miss Palmer," he cried, looking hurt, "I have not criticised
+everybody and everything. I have only shown that I think a lot of the
+so-called good people are four-flushers and selfish creatures, with no
+real love for the race, nor any regard for the civic improvement of
+these black people. But I know lots of good, kind, sincere colored
+people in this town, that I am proud of as members of the race."
+
+"Come into the house," she invited, and presently they were seated in
+the parlor. At once Miss Palmer took up the discussion of society, and
+the buying of homes, which had reached a degree of impracticability
+among the colored people, notwithstanding the sound idea.
+
+All over the country, during this pilgrimage, Wyeth had witnessed this
+purchase idea with a mark of encouragement. And, to say that they were
+succeeding, was a fact that meant a great deal to their future welfare.
+
+Miss Palmer delighted always to discuss the buying of a home, and
+marrying. Another teacher was visiting her that day, and likewise shared
+her views. Wyeth did too, but he always had questions to ask, that
+sometimes made the discussion rather upset.
+
+Now he read the Negro paper, and had fearfully observed that an unusual
+and alarming amount of foreclosures was the order. In conversation with
+the numerous real estate dealers, he learned, moreover, that many of the
+attempts at purchasing, were foredoomed to failure when made; that to
+own a home, in a great many cases had become a fetish, and was,
+therefore, not based upon a practical consideration in the beginning.
+
+A very successful dealer, colored, had told him confidentially, that he
+sold many homes, and would have bet, if it had been expedient, that they
+would not be able to keep the payments up for a year.
+
+"How does so much of this come about?" he had inquired.
+
+"Notoriety. Too many people do not study, although they may have a
+liberal school training among our people. It's the great ambition of too
+many, to get into a home with the first object of being seen therein, to
+show to their friends and put on airs. They buy with no idea whatever
+as to value, liability or anything. They have simply stinted themselves
+until they have managed to save a few dollars, and desire to get into
+the biggest home possible, to be where they can be seen by their
+friends."
+
+"The rate of interest appears to be very high, I have observed," said
+he, by way of comment. The other looked at him meaningly, and then said:
+
+"Interest eats these people alive here; just sucks their life's
+blood--but it is not that alone. Not one in five knows how to arrange a
+loan. They permit themselves to be governed by some dealer, who, in
+almost every instant, is the worst grafter possible. They will make a
+loan with a life of three years, at eight per cent interest, and five
+per cent commission. Now you know that no loan running three years, on
+property that poor people are trying to buy on the installment plan, is
+practical. Yet that is the kind of loan that most of these cheap sharks
+offer to the masses of our people, who have no judgment. A Negro is
+unable, as a rule, to realize that three years is a very short time. He
+is compelled to learn by bitter experience. The worst feature of this
+is, that at the end of it, he is so discouraged, that often he does not
+benefit by this experience, because the failure has gotten his heart,
+and he is done for.
+
+"At the end of three years, which seems like three days when they are
+trying to buy a home, the shark is around for a renewal of the mortgage,
+and must, therefore, collect another cash commission of five per cent.
+Think of it! In two-thirds of such instances, it takes every dime they
+have paid in those three years. Sometimes more. Now how can people pay
+for a home under such conditions! But there is another side of it. And
+it all comes from the inability of our people to see further than their
+noses.
+
+"Almost all these purchases are made beyond the extension of the
+sewerage, often the water works, positively no street improvements, and
+side walks are rare; but, in three years, in order to boom the property,
+the promoter is active in bringing some of these improvements within
+reach of this property. That adds about one-half to two-thirds more to
+the cost of the property he is trying to buy. Moreover, when these
+people know anything, they will not buy a house built by these
+promoters, for it is nothing but the cheapest shell they can get to
+stand, but attractive from the outside. In two years, the occupant is
+fortunate if he doesn't have to build another.
+
+"Then comes the great day. These people cannot pay that commission over
+again, and the loan company doesn't care to increase the loan, maybe, by
+including the commission in a new one. If they are unable to make
+arrangements with a bank, and that means they are going to deed them the
+property, seven cases in ten, foreclosure proceedings are instituted.
+The property is finally deeded by the sheriff to the mortgagee. Now here
+is another phase: This piece of property can then be sold quicker than
+before, for this reason: It is very easy to frame up a tale, to the
+effect that a party who was purchasing the place was a shiftless
+drunkard, or anything, and imagination can supply the rest; but,
+inasmuch as they had taken the property back, they are now offering it
+at a greatly reduced price and better terms. There are so many subtle
+ways of drawing people in, that it would take a volume to relate them
+all; but they come to the same in the end. Installment property at two
+thousand dollars can be bought for about twelve to not exceed fifteen
+hundred. Instead of commission and everything else, buying by the
+installment plan in this, and every overboomed southern town, costs from
+twice to three times what the property would actually cost, if the
+purchaser could pay half of the purchase price cash, for, in that way he
+could secure terms, and could pay interest rate on the remainder. In
+time he would get the same paid, and have his little home."
+
+"And that, you feel, is the reason for all this foreclosure?" said
+Wyeth.
+
+"That is the _cause_ of it. Why, advertising property for foreclosure
+has become a feature of competition, between the three Negro papers in
+this town. They get more money out of that end, than they do from the
+advertisements through straight business, for the purpose of selling it
+originally."
+
+"It would seem that the people would get on to such methods by and by,"
+Wyeth commented.
+
+"Some, of course, do, and avoid it; but you cannot imagine how many do
+not. It all comes about through a lack of general intelligence. Too many
+of our people do not read anything; are, therefore, without any vision
+or judgment of their own. They don't know. And, of course, are made the
+goats of those who do."
+
+"So that explains why a portion of this town to the west, and which is
+occupied almost exclusively by our people, has such dreadful streets and
+no sidewalks whatever."
+
+"That's it. They will, perhaps, have none for the next twenty-five
+years. Too much property is being bought, and so little is being paid
+for, that it is a continual change about."
+
+"I find a great many of the people--intelligent people--who do not care
+to see this side of it," Wyeth remarked.
+
+"Half of the school teachers, for instance, seem to wish not to see it.
+And they get stung! But they are so anxious to be seen, and to be
+referred to in a position beyond their means, no wonder."
+
+So Sidney Wyeth had to take this man's point of view for more than one
+reason. Like Attalia--but worse, these people considered literature, as
+a whole, dead stock. More than sixty thousand in number, the demand
+among them for books and magazines, was insufficient to justify any
+one's running a place for such a purpose. It was not large enough to
+justify either of the Negro drug stores carrying periodicals in stock,
+even those that were carried by all white drug stores, excepting those
+in districts occupied and patronized by the colored people. And with all
+this, there was not the least claim for that kind of knowledge. More
+than a hundred churches never encouraged the people to read anything but
+the Bible: apparently, the obtaining of a library had not worried any
+but Sidney Wyeth; it has been seen how they worried over the securing
+of a park. Is it a wonder, with all this under his observation, that
+Sidney Wyeth, who came from a land where people read and thought, and
+had some perspective, eventually came to be regarded as a chronic
+critic? He had witnessed more murders than he had in all the days of his
+life.
+
+Having digressed to such a length, we will return now to Miss Annie
+Palmer, who was possessed with the ambition to be established in a home
+of her own, and to be seen by those who knew her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Just think of it, suga'," she said to the other teacher. "You can get
+the nicest kind of a home in the west end for a moderate sum, and only
+fifty or a hundred dollars down on the best of them. The rest is paid
+just like you pay rent, and no more." It was this, Wyeth recalled, that
+got them. "It cost no more than to pay rent after the first payment."
+
+"Um-um," from the other.
+
+"And the sewers, and sidewalks, and streets and lights are all there,"
+said Wyeth kindly.
+
+"Oh, there you go for an argument," Miss Palmer retorted, angrily. Wyeth
+grinned.
+
+"Well, these things have all been completed to include this
+property...."
+
+Miss Palmer said nothing to him in reply.
+
+"And you can get it after the first payment like paying rent," commented
+the other teacher.
+
+"Um-m," let out Miss Palmer, sweetly.
+
+"What sweet real estate dealer offers such bargains and _easy_ things?"
+said Wyeth, humorously. The druggist, who knew everybody's business, had
+told him that Miss Palmer, at one time, was the object of every real
+estate shark in Effingham. And then some one lodged her in the suburbs,
+and since, she had been left alone. So he wondered whether it was
+because Miss Palmer, as a lady high in colored society, could not
+conveniently get such an amount together.
+
+"This man is losing his mind," she said, to the other teacher. The other
+now regarded Wyeth dubiously. He grinned and then said:
+
+"If you start buying, or biting on one of these _easy_ homes in the west
+end that you refer to, you are going to lose your head."
+
+"Oh, is that so," Miss Palmer essayed, with much spirit. "Do you
+suppose, that with me teaching in the schools of this city for thirteen
+years--" and she had begun at twenty-two, so she told him once--"I do
+not know something! And if you infer that I haven't a hundred dollars,
+then you haven't become acquainted with Annie Palmer! Don't you worry
+about her, for she always has a roll convenient. And you never see any
+collectors coming here, and leaving without what they came for." She was
+very dignified now, as she went to the door to answer a knock.
+
+The room in which they sat opened into a small hallway, which was
+entered from the street by a glass door. It was at this open door, that
+a man stood, who, however, could not be seen from where Miss Palmer's
+company sat. He could be heard, though. And they, the company, couldn't
+help hearing. They were not eavesdropping. It was then that Wyeth
+learned Miss Palmer was vain. He could not help recalling, that if "no
+collectors went away without what they came for," it was because they
+expected nothing when they came. So, when Miss Palmer had completed her
+trite sentence and sallied forth to answer the knock, they could not
+help hearing her say very quickly, and with some embarrassment:
+
+"Oh, you are too early. Come back tomorrow. I have my books to deliver
+this afternoon, and will be ready for you tomorrow, so--"
+
+That was as far as she got. And her company could not be censured for
+overhearing the rest of it, that is, what the other made in reply. The
+chances are the other was not aware of their presence, a few feet away,
+but that is a matter for conjecture. Miss Palmer could be heard
+attempting to finish with him, without his words that came in a flow.
+She was nervous, but he would have his say, and so he said, cutting off
+her discourse:
+
+"I'm tired of this stalling, all this stalling you have been handing us
+for months. This has got to come to an end."
+
+"I'll bring it to the office, I--"
+
+"You'll do nothing of the kind, and you know you won't!"
+
+"I'll pay you tomorrow, sure, sure, sure!" Why didn't the man be a
+gentleman and go, go, go! Plainly Miss Palmer was dreadfully nervous,
+more, as she could be heard by those who were listening. She was plainly
+in agony. The collector was on the warpath, and went on relentlessly:
+
+"If you haven't made some disposition of it by Monday a week, get that
+stuff ready for the wagon," and a moment later his steps died away in
+the distance.
+
+For one moment, Wyeth saw the face of her friend, but he couldn't
+believe it! And still, when Miss Palmer returned and resumed her
+discussion with regard to buying homes, he would have sworn that the
+other had to smother very quickly a gleeful expression.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
+
+"_I'll Brand You as a Faker_"
+
+
+"Eh, there! Get that car on switch A! Now, let her come back to the
+left. All forward no-ow! Engineer, what's the matter with you today? Are
+you drunk? Pull that train forward and back it up as I tell you, or I
+shall report you to the superintendent! You're devilishly contrary
+today."
+
+"Oh, Sam," called some one.
+
+"Aw, don't bother me today. I'm in a hurry. I am called by the board of
+directors to talk over the purchase of the A.G.S. I am chairman of the
+committee, and have no time to talk with you."
+
+"Hello, Sam," greeted Wyeth, as this worthy came hurriedly by. Sam
+halted a moment and gazed at him, then walked forward and extended his
+hand, crying:
+
+"Mr. Morgan. I'm glad to see you. I am called by the directors of the
+Southern Railway, with regard to purchasing that line and merging it
+with the L. & N."
+
+"I see. Who owns the L. & N. now," he inquired, casually.
+
+"Me."
+
+"And the A.G.S.?"
+
+"I only have a half interest in that now."
+
+"I understand that you refused to buy out the controlling interest in
+the Tennessee Coal and Iron Company."
+
+"Yes, I refused. I don't like the line-up in the directorship. And,
+besides, I cannot see my way clear to act as chairman of the board of
+control, therefore, I considered it unwise to invest any millions in the
+thing."
+
+"Well, I won't detain you, since I know you are so busy. Good day."
+
+"Good day, Mr. Morgan. Try to call at my office in the Empire building
+before you leave town.
+
+"Engineer, if you don't switch better, call at the office this evening
+and get your time. I will fire you," and Sam hurried to his office, just
+as John Moore came from another direction, sleepy-eyed, and looking like
+the "last rose of summer". The Mis' was waiting for him, and as soon as
+he was inside, she inquired with concealed suspicion:
+
+"Well, where were you last night?"
+
+"In jail."
+
+"You seem fond of that place of late."
+
+He shrugged his shoulders sleepily.
+
+"Where did they get you this time?"
+
+"Rosie's."
+
+"You've been quite a frequenter about there of late...."
+
+"That's mah business. Don't try t' hand me no argerment this morning.
+Fix me something to eat. I'm hongry."
+
+"Didn't you have breakfast up there; but then it seems you left before
+breakfast? How came you back so early? I didn't look for you so soon."
+
+"How did you know that I had been got? You are too smart nowaday's
+anyhow."
+
+"Who went your bond?"
+
+He regarded her out of impatient eyes now. He glared at her, but said:
+"I was eight dollars winner, and had two dollars besides."
+
+"Um-m. So you give that to a professional bondsman."
+
+"Hello," came a call from the outside.
+
+"Hello," called back the Mis'. "Come in."
+
+"Is John Moore here?" said a bad looking Negro, with a head like a
+monkey and no chin at all. Moore looked uneasy.
+
+"Oh, here you are," said the other, as he spied Moore. His tone was full
+of contempt, and a touch of anger was mingled. "Where is my part for the
+stuff you disposed of?"
+
+"Ssh! Not so loud."
+
+"Not so the devil! You can't shoo me away any longer. You ain't paid me
+for the last bunch a chicken I brung heah; and now you want t' shoo me
+away on this last stuff we done stole togedder."
+
+"Will you hush. We'll talk this matter over outside."
+
+"We's go'n talk it over heah, 'n' you go'n hand me ove fo' dollah's, ah
+I'm go'in' t' take it outta yo' stinkin' hide!" He looked at Moore now
+with an evil eye, and that worthy backed up and picked up a pair of
+scissors, that he had brought in late one night from one of the
+mysterious directions.
+
+"Oh, you go'n push them things through me, eh! All right, ole nigga.
+This is wha you 'n' me mixes it. I gi'n fix you ah you gi'n fix me," and
+with that he started in the other's direction.
+
+"Now, Sha'p Head. Ain' I done always treated you right?" Moore
+whimpered.
+
+"Naw, naw! 'n that's what I'm gi'n land on you cause!"
+
+"Now just name a time when I ain'," Moore temporized, nervously.
+
+"Naw, I say. Git out that winda 'f you don't wanta be killed. Git out
+wi' out awgument, cause I g'in to make you run some. Don't you b'lieve
+I'm go'n run yu?"
+
+"'C'ose I b'lieve you. I b'lieve you go'n come in heah 'n' run me outta
+ma house, outta ma house," cried Moore, piteously.
+
+"Come pickin' up a pair a-scissors two feet long to push in me," roared
+the other. "I got a notion t' run yu ontell yo' ankles gits hot. I'll
+run yu six blocks, you lop eared bull dog!"
+
+"You outta be 'shamed t' treat me that way, Sha'p head, 'n' you know you
+outta!" went on Moore, soothingly.
+
+"Come outside, John Moore, 'n' leave yo' coat inside. I'm go'n' run y'
+six blocks, so help me Gawd!"
+
+"All right, Sha'p Head. 'F you jes' gotta run me outta ma house, then go
+on outside. I'm a-comin."
+
+The other came through the room where Wyeth and Legs were trying to
+play a game of checkers. He was puffing so hard, that he appeared to be
+afraid of himself. "That low down skunk! I'm go'n run that nigga ontell
+'is ankle's done be so hot that the streets go'n melt behind him!
+Doggone 'im!"
+
+"Are you outside, Sha'p Head?" called Moore, nervously.
+
+"I'm out heah, you liver eater. Come out wi' yo ankle's greased, 'cause
+you go'n run six blocks faster yu ebber did in yo' life; 'n' when you
+gits to d' end of it, I' gi'n kill yu!"
+
+"Bang!" went the door, and the key turned. To describe the indignation
+of Moore for the next few minutes; what he would do; what he ought to
+have done, would be beyond the possibilities of our pen. He was
+positively so bad that he had much effort to keep from doing injury to
+himself. Legs winked at Wyeth, and then, rising, unlocked the door and
+slipped out quietly. A moment later, a terrible banging was instituted
+upon the door. Wyeth held it closed, with a great feigned effort.
+
+"Let me at him! Let me at him!" cried Legs from the outside, but John
+Moore didn't wait to hear any more. A crash and a rattle as of falling
+glass scattered about, showed that an exit was unconventionally made in
+the rear. Wyeth and Legs came around in time to see him going over the
+back fence. The next time they saw him, he was leading the other by
+about two rods, as they went up the street.
+
+"Jumped right into his jaws," laughed Glenview, as they watched the
+chase from the porch.
+
+Ten minutes later, some one tore into the house, and turned the key of
+the door so quickly, that it seemed like an automatic spring lock.
+
+It was John Moore.
+
+"Let's go down to the drug store," suggested Wyeth. Legs didn't hang out
+in that direction, so Glenview was the recipient of the suggestion. He
+couldn't, so, presently, Wyeth went alone.
+
+"They are going to fall down in both those towns, on the securing of a
+Y.M.C.A. for Negroes, and I knew they would when they started," the
+druggist was saying, when Wyeth entered.
+
+"Negroes can secure nothing but churches down south," commented another.
+
+"They have only a few weeks left, before the time limit on the
+appropriations from the Jew expires. He offered twenty-five thousand to
+any association where the people secured an additional seventy-five
+thousand. Now six months after the campaign for the association in
+Grantville," so said a mail clerk who ran to that city, "less than five
+thousand in cash, out of a total of more than thirty-three thousand
+dollars subscribed, has been collected to date. How can this--what is
+the name of the secretary of the proposed association--yes, I have it,
+Jacobs--Rev. Wilson Jacobs, figure they will be able to secure one in
+that town?"
+
+"It's all stuff. Nigga's down here would do nothing with an association
+no way," said the druggist.
+
+"I stopped at the Y.M.C.A. when I was in Chicago this summer," said the
+bookkeeper in the Dime Savings Bank. "It appears to be conducted with
+great success, and is surely a fine, clean, up-to-date place to stop,
+regardless of the fact that almost everything is open to Negroes in that
+city."
+
+"Yes, but the Negroes in Chicago are civilized," said another. "These
+Negroes down here would have to have a half dozen police standing around
+to keep order, if they had one."
+
+"But don't you feel such a thing in this town would act as a great moral
+benefit?" suggested Wyeth, at this juncture.
+
+"We now hear from Tempest," smiled the druggist. He had not been able,
+as yet, to reconcile himself to the bet he lost some months before, and
+had since a grudge against Wyeth.
+
+"I see by today's paper, that Wilson Jacobs will address the people of
+the city in regard to the Christian forward movement, and will be
+assisted by several white men of high standing in the city."
+
+"Well, speeches will be all right; but I'd bet a dollar to a dime that
+they will never secure a Y.M.C.A. in the town he represents. As for
+Effingham, no chance."
+
+"You seem to be successful in getting the biggest kind of churches
+here," said Wyeth.
+
+"Yes," returned the druggist, "and they will be paying for them, as they
+have been for the last--since I ever knew anything."
+
+"But they have the churches, nevertheless."
+
+"Oh, so far as that goes, yes."
+
+"They must have had to pay as much as forty per cent of the cost, to
+secure a loan for the remainder?"
+
+"Yes, Tempest; but what has that to do with it?"
+
+"Well, if the big church on the corner up the street could be secured at
+a cost of seventy-five thousand dollars, half or more of which I
+understand has been paid, then, a like amount should be available in a
+town of this size, and which has an equal number of colored people,
+shouldn't it?"
+
+"Tempest is out for argument," said the druggist.
+
+"No argument, when almost every large city in the north--and some not as
+large as this town--have a Y.M.C.A. for its black population. And more
+than half that have such, have not nearly the colored population that
+this town has, and positively have not nearly the need."
+
+"Tempest has been worrying about a library, a park, and everything else
+for this town, in the months he has been here," the druggist said,
+looking almost amused. Wyeth took exception.
+
+"I _am_ interested in this town, and in another, where I see and read of
+more crime and murder, than I ever dreamed was possible."
+
+"Then, Tempest," said the druggist, naively, "you ought to get one. Or,
+at least, you ought to awaken, by some initiative on your part, some
+enthusiasm to that end. You see all we need, you do, a globe trotter,
+and you have certainly criticised to that end, and now," his voice took
+on a cold, hard tone, "I say: Do something to prove this criticism worth
+the while, or I'll brand _you_ as a faker--a frost, with all your
+premeditated ideas!"
+
+Every one about was silent, while their eyes turned and regarded Sidney
+Wyeth. About the corners of their mouths a smile that spelled of a
+sneer, played subtly. If Sidney Wyeth didn't see it, he at least felt
+it. And in that moment, he realized that he would not dare show his face
+about this place, lest he be scorned henceforth, if he didn't take the
+stand the druggist had taken.
+
+"Very well, Dr. Randall," he said, rising. "_I shall do so._" He
+regarded them all for a moment, with a firm sweep of his eyes, and,
+next, he turned and left the store.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
+
+_The Arraignment_
+
+
+"I guess that will do," whispered Wyeth to himself, arising from his
+typewriter at one-thirty the following morning. Carefully he placed the
+typewritten pages in the drawer, and retired.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"A colored man to see you, Mr. Byron," said the clerk, to the managing
+editor of the Effingham _Age-Herald_.
+
+"Show him in," said the other shortly, and kept about his work. A moment
+later, Sidney Wyeth stood before the editor.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I should like twenty minutes talk with you, Mr. Byron," said the other
+calmly.
+
+The editor laid down his pen, and raising his eyes, he began at the
+feet, which were somewhat large, ran the gaze up a pair of long legs,
+and finally saw a chin, a nose and the eyes, and there they stopped. He
+had been in the act of freezing, what he was confident was a crank, a
+fool, or a knave. To walk calmly into the office of the managing editor,
+and ask for twenty minutes of his time! It was incredulous. And yet,
+when he saw the eyes of the other, something therein told him strangely,
+that this man was no fool, nor a knave--nor any of the things he had
+been feeling. He was--well, he was a colored man, which made it stranger
+still, for colored men had not been in the habit of coming to his office
+at all, much less asking for such an amount of time on his busy day. He
+shifted his position, and finally, after swallowing guiltily, the words
+he started to say, he added:
+
+"Be seated."
+
+"I realize that you are busy, very busy, Mr. Byron," Wyeth began
+rapidly, not waiting for the other to say anything more. "But my
+business is a matter of grave importance, of the very gravest
+importance. And that is why I have called, and asked for the amount of
+time which I am aware is not customary for you to grant."
+
+The other said nothing. He knew of nothing to say; but, somehow, he
+simply sat viewing Sidney Wyeth out of curious eyes--and waiting. The
+other unfolded one of several papers; they were, the editor now saw,
+previous issues of his paper. He wondered. He had been very careful to
+kill stories that smelled of strife between the races.... He did not
+conduct his paper with an appeal to race prejudice. Mr. Byron was proud
+of the fact, too. Moreover, while he had doubts as to the hurried
+evolution of the Negro race to a place in the least equal to the one of
+which he was a member, he had always tried, when he could conveniently
+do so, to say a word of kind encouragement with regard to the colored
+people. Only that week, he had run a strong account on the front page,
+with regard to the governor's visit to Tuscola, at the invitation of its
+principal, who had extended it. The invitation came for the purpose of
+allowing the state government to see, by a personal inspection, whether
+the colored schools were entitled to a portion of certain funds, the
+Federal government had appropriated for the purpose of farm
+demonstration work. Following his return to the city, the governor had,
+without reservation, announced that the appropriation would be so
+divided, as to allow Tuscola Institute and another Negro school, a
+liberal portion of said funds.
+
+Steven Byron justly took some of the credit for this, and now is it a
+wonder that he held his breath, while this young Negro, whom he had
+never seen before, unfolded the paper and finally began.
+
+Coming to the side of his desk, Wyeth reseated himself, and, pointing to
+an article, said: "You recall this incident?"
+
+"Yes," said the editor, still wondering.
+
+"And this one also," said the other, with another paper unfolded and
+spread before him.
+
+"Of course."
+
+And for the next few seconds he showed him others. The other was still
+wondering, when Wyeth said:
+
+"Do you recall following this particular Wednesday, when you published
+this article in regard to the park for colored people, the number of
+teachers and preachers who presented themselves as the commissioner had
+suggested and requested?"
+
+"Well, yes. There were--"
+
+"Eight, to be exact. Three preachers and five teachers."
+
+"Yes." The other was still curious.
+
+"Have you any idea what number of preachers and teachers you have among
+the colored people of this city?"
+
+"Why, a great many, I am sure."
+
+"Three hundred or more, according to the directory. I don't think they
+got all that teach elsewhere, and make their homes here during vacation;
+and I know they have not all the preachers, but that is neither here nor
+there.
+
+"In regard to this article about securing a library for the colored
+people. How many visits, can you recall, were paid you by any of the
+teachers and preachers following the publication of it? And can you
+recall how many letters you received, or anything else connected with
+the instant?"
+
+"I can quite well, I regret to say," replied the editor; "for the simple
+reason I received no letters nor any visits."
+
+"You requested, in your paper of recent issue, and which is before you,
+that the leading colored people--and of course this includes the
+teachers--should call at your office to make arrangement for the coming
+lecture in regard to the need of Y.M.C.A.'s for the colored people of
+the south. I suppose you have been favored with many visits?"
+
+The other shook his head sadly, as he replied: "No one has called among
+your people."
+
+"Very well. Has it ever occurred to you, Mr. Byron, that an unusual
+amount of crime appears to be the order in this city?"
+
+"Who couldn't realize it, that lived here or knew of the place through
+the columns of the papers?"
+
+"And, unfortunately, eighty per cent of the murders are committed by a
+certain two-fifths of our population. That two-fifths represents my
+race."
+
+The editor nodded.
+
+"Then, in view of what I have just called to your attention, does it
+occur to you that the leaders--or the should-be-leaders of my people of
+this city, are indicating, by their actions, that they care a hang what
+becomes of the race?"
+
+The elements were beginning to clear now. The editor said: "It certainly
+doesn't appear so."
+
+"And yet how many of these people, in conversation, are ever ready, when
+there is a mob demonstration, to exploit--which in itself is much in
+order--the 'best' people. And what consideration should be shown them,
+regardless of the ignorance and crime of the masses? Does it not occur
+to the casual observer, that a great deal of negligence is the order
+when it comes to moral uplift, on the part of the leading Negroes
+themselves?"
+
+"I cannot help but agree with you."
+
+"Then, Mr. Byron, I have prepared an article arraigning this element of
+my race, that I have brought with me, and ask you to examine it, with a
+view to publication. I beg you to read the same carefully, and if you
+feel you would like to run it, I shall appreciate it. And if you do not,
+I will call tomorrow and get the same." Forthwith, he handed the editor
+the typewritten pages he had prepared the night before, and, with a bow,
+left the office.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"The colored man that was here yesterday, Mr. Byron, has called again,
+and waits outside."
+
+"Show him in, show him in at once," cried the editor, turning about, and
+preparing himself for a conversation.
+
+"Well, sir," said Wyeth, after greetings had been exchanged, "you, of
+course, realize what I am here for."
+
+"And I am certainly glad you called," returned the editor, with a
+serious face. "I have read the article, and reread parts of it." He
+paused, and was thoughtful before he went on, "and must say that it is
+certainly strong. Whew! The colored people are liable to lynch you for
+such an arraignment, if I know them a little."
+
+"I had considered all that before I submitted it," said the other,
+resignedly.
+
+"If a white man wrote such an article and brought it to the office, I
+would not, under any consideration, publish it. But, since it has been
+written by a colored man, well, that makes a difference." He was silent
+again.
+
+"Do you know," he said, regarding Wyeth keenly, "I thought over what you
+wrote all last night. I have thought of it in that way before, but it
+would never have done to give utterance to it, me, a white man. But,
+take for instance" (he drew out the manuscript, and turned to a certain
+page): "You say here, that multitudes of these so-called leaders have
+accepted the work and the teaching of the wizard of Tuscola, merely
+because the white people have; and that, in accepting him and his views
+for the welfare of the race, it has been merely to be on the popular
+side, because the wizard is so much so; but that they have no sincerity
+whatever in the words they say about him." He laid the sheets down, and,
+raising his finger, said: "How true that is! Why I know personally,
+scores that would kick him for the statements he has made, if they could
+do so. But, as you say further, they seek to get into the band wagon, at
+any cost. Now you refer, at some length, to the proposal to secure a
+park.
+
+"It is a positive fact, that the good white people of the south, are
+made the object of bitterness by the northern people, on account of
+something for which they cannot always be blamed. Now, who would believe
+at the north, that the white people were willing and ready to give the
+colored people a park, a place for an outing for the children; and the
+colored people didn't want it?" Wyeth shook his head.
+
+"Nobody!" declared the editor. "Nobody in the world, and yet here is an
+example in this very town, which has more murder and crime among its
+black population than any city in the world, regardless of the size! And
+your race; that body of people, the teachers and preachers, to whom we
+have naturally looked and asked for cooperation in securing a park, have
+simply ignored our invitation!
+
+"Now, in regard to the library. Here is the article, and which I, with
+care, prepared myself. What good has it done? I have asked their
+cooperation, not their money; but I have been ignored, the same as the
+commissioner was in regard to the park. And before and since then, crime
+continues.
+
+"We know the law-abiding colored people cannot be altogether
+responsible, for the crime of the polluted and the criminal; but, Lord!
+One would not suppose that they would so utterly disregard an effort on
+our part for their civic welfare.
+
+"In the end, you call attention to the churches and the condition of the
+pastors. It is certainly time someone is calling to time ignorance in
+the ministry. Frankly, I have long been of the opinion you advance in
+the article, that an educational requirement should become a law with
+regard to preachers, as well as to men in other professions. Think of
+it! A profession, calling for the highest general intelligence, having
+the lowest rate of intelligence!
+
+"And, again, this church building bee has submerged the Baptist church,
+among the colored people. How can any of them be of any practical
+service, when there is one for every one who can say 'Jesus!'
+
+"You draw attention to the inability of the southern cities to secure
+Y.M.C.A's, where the great masses of black people, of course, live. Not
+a one is in operation, as they are conducted by the whites, or by the
+colored people of the north. It is easy to excuse the matter by pleading
+poverty. But, while that is a plausible excuse, it seems quite feasible
+to build great big churches for a certain few. They have two churches in
+this town that would cost more than a Y.M.C.A. building, complete. And
+yet, in Grantville, and the other town, and Attalia, they are required
+to raise only about one-third of the amount necessary.
+
+"What, then, is the cause of this failure? You have answered it in the
+pages of this manuscript.
+
+"I am going to publish it. And in doing so, I am forewarned that it is
+going to arouse a world of indignation among your people, or I miss my
+guess. But it needs to be done. Something should come before them, to
+awaken this sluggishness with regard to uplift among their own. So you
+may look for it--the entire article, on the front page of next Sunday's
+issue. Good day!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"That was sure a dirty deal Dr. Randall and Dr. Bard handed Tempest,
+wasn't it?" remarked L. Jones, editor and owner of the Effingham
+_Reporter_, colored, to his assistant.
+
+"I don't fully understand. What was it? I hear that Wyeth bet, or
+rather, made a bet with Dr. Bard about something," said the other,
+attentively.
+
+"Made a bet with Bard and beat him a mile and Bard, through his
+friendship with Randall, who has had it in for Wyeth since he came here,
+over a bet that Wyeth won from him, hedged on it the dirtiest you can
+imagine."
+
+"Tell me in detail about it," requested the other. At that moment, a
+private detective entered the office, and, upon overhearing the
+conversation, said:
+
+"I can tell you all about it, because I was there when the bet was made.
+
+"It was like this, or came about in this way: Down at the drug store,
+Wyeth has had the nerve--I guess that is how you can place it, since the
+bunch, including Bard and Randall--especially Randall, don't appear to
+appreciate that any one knows anything but themselves. At least, they
+have been this way in regard to that fellow Wyeth. So an argument came
+about that Wyeth got into. He quoted an editorial in regard to the
+prosperity of California, and mentioned that California had more
+automobiles, in proportion to population, than any state in the union.
+Randall had no reason to take exception to this, further than he was so
+anxious to put this Wyeth in the wrong. He started an argument, but, of
+course, he had his dose last summer and knew--if he would have admitted
+it--that Wyeth was not arguing on something he didn't know. But Bard,
+who accepts Randall as the man who knows everything, and who has argued
+so much that he would try to down anybody for the sake of it, was
+regardless as to the merit. Bard took exception. Those fellows cannot
+appreciate anybody's knowing anything, unless he is a doctor. So, in the
+course of the argument, Bard offered to bet Wyeth five dollars, that the
+state of Iowa had more automobiles than California, in proportion to its
+population. Wyeth called him, and they put up the money.
+
+"I heard Bard explaining to one of their friends, that Iowa had so many
+automobiles; but was away down when it came to population. Wyeth
+overheard him, and agreed that Iowa _did_ have lots of machines, but
+that he was wrong in regard to its being away down in population. That,
+in fact, Iowa had almost as many people as California. The crowd
+ridiculed such an idea, and cited the big cities of California, as an
+evidence of the fact. 'There is no call for argument when the same is
+down in black and white. Look it up in the census,' Wyeth declared. Bard
+colored, while Randall fished around in his belongings, and found a book
+containing the last government census report. Now, what do you think of
+a bunch that are always arguing, and not one of them knew the population
+of either of those great states. Not a one, and most of them graduated
+from college. Which showed that they have not studied what is around
+them, while Wyeth had.
+
+"The report they found, had Iowa's population for fifteen years before.
+'Wrong,' said Wyeth calmly. 'Well, here it is in black and white,' they
+all cried at once. 'But it's wrong, I say,' declared Wyeth. 'You can't
+convince Tempest on anything,' declared Randall disgustedly. 'You cannot
+convince me that Iowa has not increased in population in fifteen years.
+The census you are poring over there, is fifteen years old.' They were
+taken aback. They looked at the top of the page and saw they were all
+wrong again. Not a word did they say. No, they wouldn't admit in words
+to him, that they were wrong when it was before them. Wyeth called the
+population, and when they looked just to the side, there it was. It was
+the same with California. And still, not one of that bunch said: 'By
+jove! He's right.' No, but they all knew then that he had won that bet.
+And Dr. Bard was sick. Just sick, while Randall was sore with himself.
+
+"Now here is how they hedged and kept from paying it: Wyeth wrote to two
+of the biggest motor magazines, and to the department of commerce. The
+department of commerce wrote back that the information he required,
+could be gotten by consulting the magazine he had written to, and stated
+what issues gave it. Wyeth brought the issues and the letters. They then
+claimed that they would accept the information from the secretaries of
+the states only. He wrote to these people, and, strange to say, they did
+not answer. And that was how they hedged. There was only one of the
+bunch that frequents the place regularly, who was man enough to tell
+them how cheap it was, and that was Dr. Landrum. He purchased Wyeth's
+book and read it, and told Wyeth that he had done finely for a beginner;
+Randall has had more criticism to offer upon it than any one else, but
+would not, of course, honor Wyeth by buying one."
+
+"I guess he more than paid for one, from what I have heard," laughed
+Jones, and related the incident of the bet, which had become known about
+town.
+
+"Well," said the detective, "they are giving him the laugh down there
+now, about how Randall called him on his criticisms."
+
+"I heard about that, too," said Jones. "But you take it from me. That
+fellow is going to make a fool of those fellows yet. The man has
+something up his sleeve behind all this criticism he is accused of, and
+I am looking for him to do something. I don't know what it will be; but
+I feel in my bones, that it will be something that we will all know
+about."
+
+"I agree with you," said the detective. "That fellow has no college
+education like Randall and Bard, and others, that feel they are the only
+fish in the pond; but he is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to
+every day facts about our country and the people, and some day we are
+going to hear from him otherwise than through the pages of his book. He
+didn't know all about writing when he wrote that; but it's some book at
+any rate," and with that, he rose and went his way.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Sunday was a beautiful day. The air was calm and soft. A crowd was on
+hand early at Randall's pharmacy, as was the usual custom on Sunday.
+
+"Well," said Randall cheerfully, "today is fine. Wonder where Tempest
+is." And he looked about at the others, amusedly. A tittering went the
+rounds.
+
+"He appears to be somewhat scarce about these premises, since you called
+him some days ago," said Bard, whereupon there was some more tittering.
+
+"Well, guess I'll look over the paper, since our wise friend isn't
+around to teach us something," and, smothering his glee, he uncovered
+the _Age-Herald_. Laying the funny pages aside, he allowed his gaze to
+fall upon the front page of the general news section.
+
+"What in Hell!" he exclaimed, in the next breath.
+
+"What is it, Ran?" cried the crowd.
+
+     "NEGRO SAYS RACE FACES DREADFUL CONDITIONS, DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST
+     BY THEIR LEADERS. SAYS SELFISHNESS IS SO MUCH THE ORDER THAT THERE
+     IS NO INTEREST WHATEVER TOWARD UPLIFT. PROFESSIONAL NEGRO THE
+     WORST."
+
+"Have you read this?" cried Professor Dawes, bursting in a few minutes
+later. "What do you think of it?" He was very much excited. So were many
+others.
+
+"That Negro's crazy!" cried Professor Ewes, of the Mater School.
+Professor Ewes had read Wyeth's book, which was loaned to him by one of
+his teachers, who had purchased it from one of Wyeth's agents, in two
+payments. She had loaned it to Professor Ewes, and Professor Ewes had,
+in turn, loaned it to Professor Dawes, and Professor Dawes had, in
+turn, loaned it to another professor, and after all three had read it,
+it was returned to the original purchaser, who had seen the
+advertisement, that it was on sale at the biggest white store in the
+south, and had been inspired to subscribe for it, on that account. When
+the book was returned to her, she had read fifty odd pages and liked it,
+so she told Miss Palmer. She further said, she hoped some day to know
+the young man, who had written such a great story. And then Miss Palmer
+told her. Forthwith, all interest became an argument.
+
+"Do you mean to say, that fellow is the author of the book?" she
+inquired of her professor.
+
+"Oh, yes," he said.
+
+When the agent called for the remainder due, he was handed the book,
+with a statement that it was positively N.G. When the agent opened it,
+as he was leaving the rear of the house of the wealthy white people, a
+book mark dropped from between pages fifty and fifty-one.
+
+"Did you read what he said about the teachers?" exclaimed a
+supernumerary, stopping in at the drug store, and seeing everybody
+excited over the article. Jones came in behind her.
+
+"This is where you come in for a big article in your next week's issue,"
+said Randall, who didn't take any Negro paper, shoving the article under
+the eyes of the Negro editor.
+
+"I'm afraid Mr. Wyeth has said all I would liked to have said," he
+replied calmly.
+
+"What!" several cried, in consternation. "Do you mean to say that you
+would have talked about the best people as this man has!"
+
+"I mean that I would have tried to. I do not consider that I possess the
+ability to arrange it as he has. You see, his range and vision is beyond
+mine, which has been confined to the southland. While he has studied
+every section of the country we call the United States, and he has, as
+you will observe, written this article in appreciation of that point of
+view."
+
+"But, great goodness, Jones," cried Randall, very much excited, and
+likewise forgetting that he did not subscribe for nor advertise in
+Jones' paper, which was the best Negro paper in the state. Because, he
+said to everybody but Jones himself, it was N.G., and didn't pay to
+advertise in it. "See what he has said about our teachers!"
+
+"I have seen it. What of it?"
+
+"It's dreadful--terrible!"
+
+"About the park and library, you mean?"
+
+"Sure!"
+
+"How can you say that--or anything to the contrary, when you know all he
+has related there is true?"
+
+Randall hesitated embarrassed for a moment, then said: "But he needn't
+have made such an issue of it!"
+
+"But it's true?"
+
+"Well--yes--of course it's true. But--"
+
+"And about this crime, etc.?"
+
+"Yes--but--"
+
+"He shouldn't have told it where the white people can read it," assisted
+Jones, grimly. Those about became quiet very quickly, and looked at each
+other. Jones saw the lay of the land, and took his leave.
+
+"At last, at last!" he cried to himself, as he went up the street, "the
+turning point has been reached. When I write again of civic conditions
+in my paper, and show up the fallacies among our own, it'll be read and
+notice taken of it."
+
+All that day, indignation meetings denouncing the article by Sidney
+Wyeth, was the order among Effingham's black people. All the week
+following, it was further denounced. And thus we come to the end of this
+part of our story.
+
+As for Sidney Wyeth, he left Effingham. He left shortly after writing
+the article, and went to another city. In that other city, he came back
+to where he started--that is, something had come back to him which was
+his dream, when we met him in the beginning of our story.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE
+
+"_That Gal's Crooked!_"
+
+
+When Mildred Latham left the church, she hurried to her room, greatly
+excited. Without delay, she threw her belongings together as quickly as
+possible, and without care. When she had them tied and ready for moving,
+she went out, locking the door behind her, and paused briefly to gaze up
+and down the street. After a moment, in which she satisfied herself that
+neither were in sight, she hurried down the street to where she knew a
+man lived who owned a dray.
+
+"Can you get a trunk and other matter for me at once?" she inquired,
+subduing her excitement.
+
+"I guess so. Sometime this afternoon. What number, Miss," he replied,
+regarding her with admiring eyes. She bit her lips in vexation.
+
+"But I would like it moved at once--right away," she said, quelling her
+excitement as best she could.
+
+"Oh, very well. Didn't know you were in such a hurry." He called to a
+black boy in the rear, and, after instructions, turned to her and said:
+
+"Fo'kes out, eh! He-he! Where you want it dumped?"
+
+"Oh,----why, yes--oh,--you may just keep it here until I call for it,
+please." Without further words, she hurried away. Down the street she
+came to a boy with a push cart, directed him to the address, let him in,
+saw to the loading of her luggage, and, when this was completed, slipped
+quietly out behind him. When a few doors away, she paused long enough to
+gaze longingly in the direction of the number she had just left. And
+then, after a smothered sob, she caught a car that took her miles to
+another side of town, and where the houses were recently built near a
+new extension of the car tracks.
+
+Two hours later, she had succeeded in getting a room from a woman who
+had a daughter about her age. She would get her meals at a small
+restaurant nearby, until she could arrange to cook them in her room, or,
+maybe, she might be allowed to cook them in the kitchen, on the stove of
+the family. She didn't request that privilege this day, for she was too
+greatly excited to say more than she had to.
+
+"It's terrible," she moaned silently, when alone in the room she had
+secured. "I would not have left them like this for anything in the
+world; but I could never stay there and take the risk. I could never
+look in their faces again.... But, oh, how I dislike to be away from
+them! It is almost the only real home I ever knew, and the only ones who
+ever really loved me--but Sidney.... I must not think of him, I must
+forget. But can I? That is what has worried me these months. I can never
+forget how he looked at me that day; that day when he would have
+spoken....
+
+"And then he came.... That night--but that was the end, the end of my
+dream. And yet, only yesterday, I don't know why, I couldn't seem to
+help it; but I had hopes, dear hopes--but today----" She went to sleep
+after a time, and all the night through, was asleep and awake by turns.
+It seemed that morning would never come; and when it did at last, she
+arose with heavy eyes.
+
+She decided to go for a walk, and not canvass that morning. She was glad
+now that Constance's work was in another part of the city, and she could
+at least go about hers without any likelihood of meeting her.
+
+"Did you rest well last night?" inquired the lady of the house, a
+hard-faced dark woman, whose appearance did not appeal to Mildred the
+night before, and now she was less impressed than before.
+
+"Oh, very well, thank you," she replied quickly. So much so that the
+other looked at her keenly, and when Mildred saw her eyes now, she
+detected an air of suspicion therein. She flinched perceptibly. The
+other saw this, and was more suspicious still.
+
+"You seem worried, nervous," said the other, with feigned kindness; but
+even in the tone, could be discerned a mockery.
+
+"I never sleep well when I change rooms and sleep in a new bed," said
+Mildred, calmly. The other nodded.
+
+"This is my daughter," the other announced, as a tired looking black
+girl came forward. Mildred accepted the introduction with forced
+courtesy, and only returned the greeting. The other did likewise, while
+her mother, appearing to wish to tantalize the feelings of her roomer,
+said:
+
+"You and she can be partners. You must take her, Myrtle, around to see
+your friends." She now turned to Mildred and said: "Myrtle has many
+admirers, so you and she can go out anytime and turn on a 'stunt.'" She
+smiled a dry hard smile, that almost made Mildred shudder. She made an
+excuse, and hurried into the street, preferring the outside air to the
+evil atmosphere she felt within.
+
+"That gal's crooked," said the black woman to her daughter, who had just
+come in that morning.
+
+"How do you know?" said the other coldly.
+
+"How do I know!" she repeated derisively. "Do you suppose I have been in
+this town and seen a thousand gals with her sweet face, and not know
+that she ain' got a white man--maybe two or three--on her string."
+
+"You're crooked--so crooked yourself, Ma, that you see everybody else
+the same way," said the other, sinking into a chair and closing her
+eyes.
+
+"I've always tried to make you straight, and you know that," her mother
+retorted grimly.
+
+"A crooked mother can't raise a straight daughter. It's up to the
+daughter--and I've failed." A moment later, she was snoring loudly. The
+other regarded her now, with a pang in her evil heart. It always made
+her sad to see her only daughter like that. She had fostered hopes,
+while this one was growing up, that she would be a lady; she had sent
+her to school with the funds she got in any way she could; but heredity
+was too strong. They wouldn't have the girl after six months, at the
+boarding school she attended in Grantville. No, they expelled her with
+an emphatic letter, that she should not return the following season. She
+swore when she read the letter from the president, and forthwith sent
+her to another. The offense was repeated. She sent her then to a
+catholic convent. But in some way she escaped from this, and when her
+mother saw her two months later, she was living in adultery.
+
+Mildred renewed her canvass that afternoon, and, under the spell of the
+work, she was able, after a time, in part, to forget the worry that
+possessed her. She returned to her room, humming a little song, much to
+the surprise of herself. She hushed, however, when she approached the
+house. The face of the black woman seemed more cruel every time she saw
+it. She wished she had another place. But, since she had moved in, she
+decided to make the best of it.
+
+All that week she worked away diligently. She worked to forget what had
+frightened her away from her friends, and her success was great. She
+placed the book in scores of homes through her concentrated efforts, and
+when she returned at night, she was invariably so much exhausted, that
+she retired early, and fell asleep the minute she touched the bed, and
+awakened each morning, rested and spurred on to a greater effort.
+
+Sunday came again, and, having grown accustomed to attending church, she
+knew it would be a long day for her without doing so. She inquired of
+the people regarding a church, and was embarrassed to have the woman
+remark:
+
+"Oh, you attend church! Well, there's a big Baptist church down the
+street and across five blocks; while there's a smaller one two blocks
+up."
+
+"Thank you," said Mildred so sweetly, that the other looked after her
+with open mouth.
+
+"I can't make that gal out," she said to her daughter, as they sat
+together at breakfast.
+
+"I'm glad of it," growled the daughter, without looking up.
+
+"She's a puzzle. Sells a book; but I will never bring myself to believe
+that she doesn't do something else on the side."
+
+"Evil to him who evil thinks," said her daughter, still looking in her
+plate. "I think I might possibly have been something, Ma, if you hadn't
+been so evil. Now what right have you trying to trump up something
+against that girl. Supposing she ain't straight, does that give you any
+call for all time tryin' t' make her what she ain' showed herself t'
+be?" Myrtle was impatient, and her mother had a way of hushing up when
+she was in this mood.
+
+"She c'n certainly make herself look good," commented the black woman,
+as Mildred passed out, and went down the street in the direction given
+to the big church.
+
+"Has got some clothes, too," she commented further, as the other
+remained silent. "She certainly knows how t' have her men. Don't none
+of'm bother about where she lives; and 'she goes t' church on Sunday.'"
+She laughed a low, hard laugh, but did not look in her daughter's
+direction.
+
+Mildred found the church. It was indeed a large structure. And a large
+crowd attended it. She sat to one side, where a window was raised, and
+the soft air floated in above her. As she caught the strains of the
+mammoth pipe organ, and heard the music from a score or more voices in
+the choir, she thought of her friends as never before, since she left
+them. She had told Wilson--who was so good--that some day he'd be the
+pastor of a big church. A big church like this, where thousands of
+people attended. Only forty members comprised his congregation; he was
+delighted, she recalled, when as many as one hundred attended. And she
+had wanted so much to help Wilson Jacobs and his sister in their great
+effort. As she recalled how unceremoniously she had left them, and at
+the very time they needed her more than ever, she experienced a pain
+that made her turn in the pew.
+
+She heard the pastor now. He was preaching. She settled herself for a
+long sermon. That was the kind the Baptists preached, she judged. Soon
+she found herself listening to the words that came from his lips. He
+told the story of Damon and Pythias. How glorious, she thought! Pythias
+was a man--and so was Damon. They were strong men--with, what was that,
+she was thinking of it all the time? Yes, they were strong men with the
+strength of their convictions. "Amen" came all about her. And still the
+pastor was preaching. And he was preaching a good sermon. She heard it
+all, and it concerned men--and the strength of their convictions.
+
+"To be a Christian," she heard him now, "you must be strong. You must be
+courageous, and willing to sacrifice for your brother, as was Damon for
+Pythias. There are those who are Christians with all the feeling--on
+Sunday. Monday, they are like any other sinner. This version of
+Christianity and religion, is the reason Hell is getting so many people
+every day. Sometimes when I think it over, I don't wonder; because, all
+my life, I have been constrained to observe, that too many people regard
+Jesus as the individual, and not as the moral. It is the moral of the
+Christ, his teachings and example, that we are to follow. We do not know
+him, insofar as the Christian sense is concerned, as an individual. But
+it is a fact that so many of our preachers wax eloquent, and literally
+bring down the heavens, and, likewise, great demonstration from the
+congregation thereby. But, to be a successful practitioner, one must be
+strong; he must stand for something; to be a successful farmer, a man
+must be practical; to be a successful business man, requires application
+and fortitude; to be a good husband, and the father of a happy family,
+requires strength--in short, to be anything in this life, requires
+strength! Therefore, dear friends, fancy, if you can, how a weak man can
+be a Christian. For, to be a Christian, requires the strength of all
+things."
+
+She was moved. Oh, it was a relief to listen to a good sermon! And she
+was glad to hear a Baptist preacher speak so forcibly in such terms. She
+was not so very well acquainted with this denomination and its pastors;
+but, from her observation, she had almost concluded that they appealed
+to the emotion, rather than to strength. She wondered now, as she saw
+him making gestures in emphasizing his words, whether he had taken any
+interest in the Y.M.C.A. She decided to find out, if she became an
+attendant of this church.
+
+When the sermon had closed, she contributed liberally to the table,
+whereupon she was looked at closely by the man who took collections.
+When she had reseated herself, and glanced in the direction of the
+table, she saw the man pointing her out to the pastor, whose eyes, for a
+moment, rested upon her in curiosity.
+
+When she was leaving the church at the close of the services, someone
+touched her arm. She turned quickly, with a pang of the heart, recalling
+with fright, having been touched a week before. She had no need to fear,
+however. It was the man who had taken collections.
+
+"The pastor would like a word with you, Madam," he said, with his hat in
+his hand, and all politeness. She blushed, and then, turning, followed
+him back into the church, where she came upon the pastor, standing among
+several people.
+
+"Ah," he said, advancing as soon as she drew near. "And this is the
+young lady we observed. Pardon me, Miss, but you are a stranger among
+us. We wish you to feel welcome in our church. I hope the service didn't
+bore you." He was a good man. Her ideal of a true Christian. She replied
+with embarrassment, and blushed fearfully:
+
+"Oh, no, indeed not, Sir! I enjoyed the service--oh, ever so much! And I
+am delighted to be made welcome here. I hope to come to services very
+often--every Sunday. I think you preached a wonderful sermon!" She
+paused now, too embarrassed to go on. He saw it, and made haste to
+dispell it. Introductions followed, and invitations were the order.
+
+It was over now, and she was happy. At that moment, she felt at peace
+with the world. And this included the evil black woman with whom she
+roomed, and who didn't attend church. She grasped the hands that now
+sought hers, and murmured kind words. Then she turned, and before her
+stood the man with the scar. She uttered a low cry, and the next moment,
+fell prone upon her face, in a dead faint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO
+
+"_It Was In That Church Last Sunday!_"
+
+
+The Sunday following Mildred's departure was a sad one in the Jacobs'
+household. Since she came to it months before, Sunday had always been
+distinguished from other days. It was then that all talked and smiled,
+and indulged at length in other pastimes that make home happy. And that
+is why today was the saddest day they--Constance and her brother--felt
+they had ever experienced. Neither could keep their gaze from wandering
+to the empty chair, and down in the hearts of each was a constant cry,
+though both surpressed it with a mighty effort: "Where is she today?"
+
+It was Wilson who broke the silence. Was it perhaps the one woman who
+had filled that empty chair only last Sunday, gay, cheerful, happy and
+hopeful? Wilson Jacobs felt as though he should choke. Constance saw his
+emotion 'ere he spoke, and experienced a choking sensation also. She
+hadn't become reconciled to the absence, and all the week through, she
+had been like one in a trance.
+
+"Can we ever give Mildred up, Constance?" Constance did not reply. She
+did not raise her head for fear he might happen to see her eyes. But
+after a time, she could hold back the tears no longer. All at once they
+came in a flood, and her whole being gave up to convulsive sobs.
+
+"There, there, dear," he cried, rising and coming hurriedly around to
+where she sat. Whereupon she became worse. He raised her to a standing
+posture, and took her affectionately in his arms, but the weeping went
+on unchecked. He held her and stroked her hair with his hand, but said
+nothing. He could not, for he was too overcome himself. By and by, he
+knew it would pass, and then they would speak of her in the terms they
+had known her. She was a good girl.
+
+"Oh, Wilson, I will never get over it--never, never, never!" Constance
+moaned and gripped him convulsively. "Just think of it, too, and when we
+were beginning to realize how much she was to both of us. And just think
+how she acted about the Y.M.C.A.! Went to the bank and drew all the
+money she had saved this summer, walking by day in the sun to sell the
+book, and gave it, every dollar of it, to the cause of our people!" She
+cried harder now than ever. He drew her closer, and as he did so, one
+tear dropped from his eye upon her hair. She never felt it, and he would
+not have had her know for anything. He was a strong man, and had ever
+kept from tears.
+
+"If we could only do something, only help a little," he said now, in a
+constrained voice. "I would give the rest of my life to the cause of
+that girl," he said, with words that spelled of fire. "Whatever this
+lurking evil is that has driven her from the protection of those who
+love her, _it was in that church last Sunday_!" He paused now, and while
+he stood silent, his sister released herself, looking at him for a
+moment sympathetically, and then sank again into the chair.
+
+Their breakfast had been neglected, forgotten, and was growing cold.
+"Come, Wilson," she called softly, and pointed to his plate. He heard
+her and obeyed. They ate in absolute silence, automatically putting from
+their minds the emotion that had possessed them.
+
+And even as he ate the food, with the strength it required to force it
+down, his mind played about the incident connected with her strange
+leaving. He tried vainly to recall who was at the church that he did not
+know. And it occurred to him that there were many. Yes. There were many;
+then he remembered suddenly how cheered he had been, when he saw his
+little church filled to its capacity. He recalled with a pang, that, as
+he stood at the rostrum, Mildred had passed, and, upon seeing him, had
+glanced at the congregation that had gathered, and then back at him and
+smiled. He continued his meal, but he knew he could never forget that
+smile.
+
+Mildred Latham had wanted to help him. And when she saw his small church
+filled with people that day, some there purposely, while others were
+merely curious, she had, in that smile, shown how glad she was. It was
+that unselfishness about her, which was evident in many little ways, and
+which had finally won him.
+
+And she had played and sung that day with all the strength of her body
+and soul. She had struggled in every way she knew how, to help him in
+his great effort. She had gone to the bank and drawn all she had saved
+in the months he had known her, as further evidence of her regard for
+this human welfare. She had acted, in doing so, at the most opportune
+time. With such a sum from an unknown girl, others, during the week, had
+surprised even themselves by subscribing sums that made the success of
+his work seemed assured. And cash was given where it might not have been
+otherwise. He knew his people a little. And when someone started the
+ball rolling, by means of patience, fortitude, hard work and application
+to the task, others can be found who will keep it going.
+
+And why had Mildred Latham done this? Certainly she had not done so
+because she was in love with him. She had never shown any affection for
+him in that way. She had been interested in him, because she felt that
+he was sincere in his effort to help his fellow men. And she had given
+the sum to the proposed Y.M.C.A., because she was _interested in
+humanity_, and that was her mite to prove it....
+
+And on the heels of this, she had--almost in the same moment, been
+driven from the place she had appreciated as home.... Who was this
+beast, for positively he was a beast.... When he got to a man in the
+case, he could never go further. For, think as he might, he could not,
+in some way, connect her with a man. A man it might be; but he felt
+positive she had no relation with anyone. And yet, what was it? Just
+something, and after that, all was blank.
+
+They had finished their meal now. And he rose and strolled out upon the
+porch. He drew a cigar and, lighting it, started to smoke. It was a
+beautiful morning, and one to make even the sorrowful happy. But Wilson
+Jacobs was not happy. He gave up to the delight of the moment, and for a
+time, he forgot the harrowing sorrows.
+
+The trees that lined the street were heavy with foliage, and gave forth
+the sound of many song birds; while a soft wind made the leaves rustle
+ever so little.
+
+Presently, a man came down the street. On he came until he was even with
+the house, and then, for a brief spell, he paused at the gate. Until
+then, he had apparently not observed the man sitting on the porch. He
+glanced up and saw him. Then, with something akin to an air of guilt,
+the stranger passed on, and, as he did so, Wilson gave a start. His
+thoughts flew back over the past, with electric rapidity. Where had he
+seen that man before? "Where, where, where?" His thoughts were fairly
+alive. His lips grasped the cigar so tightly, that the lighted end fell
+to the floor, for he had bitten it in two, in his excitement. He kicked
+it from him with impatience, while he ransacked his brains in deep
+thought. "Where, where, where?" he cried, now almost aloud. And, strange
+as it seemed, in some way he connected this man with the disappearance
+of Mildred Latham. He raised his hands to his head to steady the
+thumping there, which by now had reached a state of violence. Just then
+the sexton rang the bell of his church next door. The same broke forth
+upon the clear morning air in stentorian tones, and floated beyond, and
+then Wilson Jacobs sat up quickly, bolt upright.
+
+"I have it! _I have it!_" he cried in a subdued voice, while his very
+frame trembled. "It was at the meeting. That man came in late, I recall
+it all now. He came in late and I saw him. He, I recall now, appeared to
+have no interest in the service; but his eyes sought something, and then
+I caught him looking at Mildred with a cunning expression!" Why had he
+not thought of this before? It was all clear to him now, as he arose.
+
+And then it occurred to him to follow. He tore into the house, and
+seizing his hat, hurried out and through the yard, came into the street
+and looked in the direction which he had seen the other take. No one was
+in sight. He hesitated a moment, and then hurried forward in that
+direction. He presently came abreast of a house where people sat upon
+the porch. He halted a moment as they called out his name pleasantly,
+bidding him good morning. He calmed himself, and after returning the
+greeting, inquired quite casually whether a man had passed that way
+recently, and he gave a description of him.
+
+"No; but such a man as you describe came down as far as the corner back
+there," one of them explained, "and turned in that direction," and he
+pointed west.
+
+"Thank you," he nodded calmly, and then retreated until he came to the
+place the other had turned. He stood for a moment, apparently lost in
+thought, while the people on the porch stared at him carelessly. A
+moment later, he passed in the direction the other had taken.
+
+But, while he had been advised that the other had gone in that
+direction, no one was in sight, he now saw with sinking heart. He walked
+for two blocks, making inquiries as he went, but no one had seen such a
+man. He was downcast for a time. Presently, he returned to his home in a
+disappointed mood. As he came by the church, the doors were open, and
+his few members were filing scatteringly in. He hurried into his
+clothes, and a few minutes later, stood before his congregation reading
+the text.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE
+
+"_Uh! 'es Got'im a Nigga!_"
+
+
+When Mildred awakened, she found herself stretched upon a pew, with her
+head in a woman's lap, while the pastor and many others whom she had met
+a few minutes before, stood about with anxious expressions. Two ladies
+were fanning her face vigorously. She awoke with a start, and recalled
+quickly the moment she had fainted. She had never done so before, and
+had often wondered how people must feel when they fainted. She knew now;
+but that was not what she thought of, when it became clear to her. The
+man was her chief concern. She sat up and looked about her quickly. If
+she saw him, she felt that she must certainly lose consciousness again.
+
+He was gone. With a sigh, she sank back into the arms of the woman for a
+moment. The fanning was more vigorous now than ever. All was quiet about
+her. She did not first understand it. Was it because they were afraid it
+might disturb her; or was it--had they seen--and _understood_? She was
+too weak just then to speculate about the situation; but she was
+delighted to hear the pastor say, a moment later, stroking her forehead
+kindly:
+
+"You feel better now, Miss?"
+
+She nodded, and felt now like crying. She understood facial expressions,
+and they had not seen. She was so relieved--for the present, and did not
+think then of the future. She had that to worry over later, and for this
+moment at least, she was relieved. These good people hadn't suspected
+the cause of her swoon. She sat up now, smiled with thanks upon those
+about her, and wiped the cold perspiration from her forehead. Someone
+held her hat, which they now handed to her. She placed it upon her head,
+covering the mass of hair that many were looking at a moment before,
+with natural admiration. Thanking them again in a kind and embarrassed
+manner, she turned and left them, while they followed to the door, and
+went their many ways.
+
+When she got back to her room, she experienced a spell of nervousness
+when she entered. She saw the black woman's face for a moment, and was
+again relieved. The other had not been there, so she nodded coldly, and
+entered her room. She closed the door, and, removing her apparel, got
+into a kimono and threw herself upon the bed.
+
+She had no thoughts for a time, but surrendered herself to idleness for
+perhaps a half hour, and then her mind began to react. It took the form
+of reminiscence. Sidney Wyeth came back into her memory, and for a long
+time she lay thinking entirely of him.
+
+It was he--and he never knew what had started her on this strange
+journey. She now recalled--or tried to recall why. And then after a time
+she knew. Yes. She loved Sidney Wyeth, and it was that which had made
+the difference. But what kind of love was this that had no hope? And yet
+did she not hope?
+
+As she lay with the hot air floating in upon her, she gazed out into the
+street, where a dozen or so little black boys played. She thought, with
+her mind idly drifting, and she saw these boys as men, in her idle
+fancy. They gathered presently in a circle, and when she watched them in
+her half-conscious, half-waking manner for a few minutes, she saw they
+were shooting craps. Think of it! These boys, ranging in years from
+eight to twelve. And they were already engaged in that demoralizing
+pastime. She trembled with sorrow as she watched the game proceed. Soon
+she saw that an argument of some kind had come up. They became very
+demonstrative, and while this was going on, suddenly, from a remote
+direction, a blue-coated policeman appeared upon the scene. There was a
+scramble and they flew in many directions. All escaped, with the
+exception of one. He was a cripple, and as he tried to hobble away, the
+burly cop swooped down upon him. He grasped him, without regard for his
+infirmity, and disappeared up the street, dragging the cripple with him.
+
+And that was a common occurrence in this city. Hundreds of young
+men--boys--were started on a career of crime by premeditated arrests.
+They were often placed in jail when they were so young, that it was a
+tragedy. When they came out--for the courts could not bring themselves
+to sentence below a certain age--they were then pointed at as having
+"been in jail." And since they had the name, they often thereafter
+diligently sought the game.
+
+As the policeman passed up the street with the pitiful cripple, she
+rushed to the window to look after him. A little boy stuck his head
+through a broken fence, and she heard him say, as they went by: "Uh! 'es
+got 'im a nigga!"
+
+Mildred stretched herself upon the bed again; but her thoughts were now
+of something else. The Y.M.C.A. and Wilson Jacobs. At this same hour
+last Sunday, she had been with him in his effort--his great effort. And
+the need of such an effort had just been demonstrated a few minutes
+before, almost beneath her very eyes.
+
+There was no place to go; no place, as a rule, where young men would go,
+and this helped to make it so bad. Young men will play pool, some of
+them, and they will seek some kind of diversion, other than the church.
+Their natures call for these things, and she knew it. Since freedom, the
+Negro has not been sufficiently practical to appreciate this point of
+view. Plenty of churches are available, and services are held all day
+Sunday. And it is easy, so easy, to say they ought to go--everybody
+_ought_ to go. But _does_ everybody go? _Would_ everybody go? And the
+most discouraging part of it is that _everybody does_ not go.
+
+Some young men, if there were a clean place to go and indulge in the
+pastimes that are a custom with many of them, would be glad to avail
+themselves of the opportunity. Yes, they would be glad. And, by so
+doing, they would perforce meet others, who were likewise seeking
+amusement. Thus brought together, they would know and appreciate the
+good in each other. And still further, when they would go their many
+ways in life, they would naturally spread the gospel of good, or
+whatever was worth while. Such was the natural tendency of environment.
+She had just witnessed such an example, a mere incident in the city's
+life. Those boys had not all known the game when they began to play. But
+those who did know it, and had likewise learned it from somebody else,
+had, of course, in turn taught it to these others, who would in turn
+teach it still to others, and so on. Evil environment, bad influence.
+She had seen these lurking evils in so many places in this city of the
+south. And, as the months went by, they took heavy toll in startling
+numbers among the black children.
+
+The effort of Wilson Jacobs would not soon be appreciated. It would take
+years for all these young men to see and know the real worth of such an
+institution. But it was the duty of society, nevertheless (and what was
+the church but the center of society), to put forward all its efforts
+toward the evolution of its members.
+
+Oh, some day Mildred Latham hoped she could do more. Apparently, for the
+present, she had done her best. But, as to how she could continue doing
+that which she loved better than anything else to do, helping others,
+she could not now see clearly. She had no plans whatever for the future,
+as she lay stretched across the bed this warm afternoon. She had no
+thought of leaving the city, and still, she now knew that it was only a
+question of time when she would hear from this man again. He had said
+nothing, but she had read evil in his eyes. He _would_ strike sooner or
+later, of that she was sure. But she was now resigned to the inevitable.
+She decided to continue her work the next day, and to be brave. She was
+away from those whom she would dislike to see embarrassed. Maybe he
+might go about his business, if he had any, and let her alone. That was
+all she asked. If he spoke to her again, and forced himself upon her,
+she would ask him to do so. She would even beg him not to annoy her. And
+in the next thought, she realized how useless this would be.
+
+She was in the street now, and was walking along. This part of the city
+stood upon a considerable hill, and some distance away ran the mighty
+river. Its muddy water could be seen from where she stood. In that
+moment, she wanted to be within its shining ripples. They led to the
+mightier ocean, hundreds of miles below. Impulsively she now sought the
+river, and decided to walk all the way. She had walked to it when she
+had stayed with her dear friends--yes, very often. And then, as she
+thought of them, a fear arose in her bosom, that she might possibly meet
+them. That would never do, and she turned back. Oh, why could she not
+meet them? How much would it have meant to her to feel herself in
+Constance's arms; to feel those kisses upon her cheek, and to know that
+someone loved her. Yes, to see Wilson, and appreciate his great
+kindness. When these pleasant thoughts had spent themselves, she
+realized they could never be anything more to her. No. She could go back
+there, and they would take her in and ask no questions; they would be
+good to her, and appreciate her desire to do good; but it would always
+be different--now. No. Her life was before her--she must work out her
+own destiny. Whither would it lead? She made no effort to answer this
+question.
+
+She thought now of Wyeth. She formed his name with her lips, and spoke
+it aloud, and was made strangely happy and forgetful of that which
+troubled her, when she heard it pronounced. She repeated it: "Sidney."
+Oh, but to hear him call to her now as he did that day! The day they
+danced, and she had heard him stifle the passion; she had seen his eyes,
+and they had hypnotised her; and, in that moment of sweet insanity, she
+had not resisted the kiss that she saw he would imprint. No. And she had
+never been sorry. Somehow, that one moment had been her guiding star.
+She would continue into the future, and thus it would always continue
+so.
+
+She arrived at the place--not home. She could never call this place
+home; but where she had her room. She came around to the rear; she did
+not know why. And then she was sorry too. Ranged about, without regard
+as to how they sat, were men and women. Their faces were flushed, while
+their smiles were amorous. She almost choked as she begged pardon, and
+hurried around to the front. She had not gotten out of reach of their
+voices, when she heard the men say: "Gee! Some kid! Who is she?"
+
+"Aw, she's a little nicey, nicey girlie, that don't drink, nor smoke,
+nor chew, nor--anything; but goes t' church on Sunday," the black woman
+answered, and laughed a nasty laugh.
+
+She was in her room and was glad she was shut away from the comment. To
+forget it, she busied herself with the names of her subscribers, and
+worked over the same until the sun had disappeared for the day, and
+twilight was in the air. She lit a small lamp, drew down the shade, and,
+taking up _The Tempest_, read until sleepiness drove her to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR
+
+_"Please Go!" She Cried Hoarsely_
+
+
+Weeks had passed, and Mildred Latham had not seen the man since that
+Sunday at church. She had become an active worker in the big Baptist
+church. She had no thought of becoming so, but, somehow, she couldn't
+keep out of it. Such a great crowd of people attended it each Sunday!
+But they are not the select class of people she had met at the
+Presbyterian. They consisted of all classes, and from every walk in
+life. Among them, she met many of her subscribers, and was pleased to be
+remembered by them. They impressed her, all of them, as being good
+people. In fact, she could never believe many of them bad. They were
+simple and too free in their thoughts--when they had any. They impressed
+her, at times, as so many children. Many of those who came to the church
+regularly, did not, she observed, pay the least attention to the sermon.
+For the most part, the large majority could not even have remembered the
+text.
+
+And yet they came every Sunday in great numbers, in droves even. Many of
+them were very beautifully dressed. There were no kinky heads among
+them, albeit, the original had been so. The most of the hair which was
+theirs by birth was all straight, while the acquired portion was
+beautifully matched.
+
+But the point that reconciled her, was the fact that the pastor was a
+good man, and a fit one. He preached always the sermon that spoke of
+practical uplift. And this, she judged, after a time, was why he was not
+liked by all, and why also, a great many made not the slightest effort
+to listen to his sermons.
+
+"Aw, Reverend Castle don't preach this religion lak I wants to hear it
+preached," some complained.
+
+"Um--m!" exploded others.
+
+"They ain' no 'ligion no mo' 'mong the people; they is all out fo'
+style!" still others said.
+
+And thus it went. "Out for style," was, in a great measure, quite true;
+but Reverend Castle's sermons could easily be understood, if those who
+attended made any effort whatever to do so. But they did not, and
+Mildred could never reconcile herself to this.
+
+Back in Cincinnati, she recalled when she used to attend a certain
+theatre. The only reason colored people were allowed to purchase
+admittance, was because they did not come in great numbers. There were
+theaters where they were denied entrance, because they made such
+disgusting disturbances. And it was only because they would come and
+make no effort to understand the performance, unless it was something
+below par, and something entirely comic.
+
+In this city, she had attended a great motion picture drama. It was a
+play built upon an incident in the history of the struggle for
+Christianity--the effort to overthrow the power of Caesar. Above all, it
+was a play for Christians, which these multitudes professed very loudly
+to be. And yet the entire performance was disturbed by the gallery,
+where only the _black_ people were allowed to sit. They were assigned
+this portion, because so few understood or made any effort to understand
+the play. These were some of the facts in the lives of her people, which
+exposed the Negro to the contempt of the white race.
+
+Wilson Jacobs and Reverend Castle were preachers of a new type, and
+there were many other such ministers; but the masses continued to preach
+in the old style, regardless of the fact that many had prepared
+themselves to preach as these men did. The old type still continued to
+work upon the emotional fibre of the congregation. And, likewise, in so
+doing, others were disturbed who wished to be taught. But the sermons of
+Reverends Jacobs and Castle were not disturbed by emotional
+demonstrations. The people were, if the truth be known, inspired to
+higher ideals and a more lofty conception of life. Christ was pictured
+in such sermons, not as the moralist, but in the highest type of
+perfection, as an incentive to noble conduct.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Autumn finally came with its many varied tints, and the leaves were
+falling. Jack Frost had placed his feathery designs for the third time
+upon the window panes, and, in the meantime, the work for social
+betterment went on apace.
+
+The effort toward the securing of the colored Y.M.C.A., as it was
+referred to, had proceeded to the extent that it was on everybody's
+lips. Wilson Jacobs had proved to be a secretary of unusual efficiency.
+
+Mildred kept herself informed of it through the columns of the papers,
+and was always delighted to see that subscriptions were being paid to an
+encouraging degree; but she saw that, of the thirty-five thousand
+dollars to be raised by the colored people of the city, only six
+thousand dollars had been paid in, after two months campaigning. This
+was encouraging, nevertheless, for Grantville, with a much more
+intelligent Negro population, had only secured two-thirds of this amount
+at the end of six months. Yet twenty-nine thousand dollars were to be
+paid in. This amount had been over subscribed, but, getting the money
+was a different story. Would the black people of this town pay the
+twenty-nine thousand dollars before, or by the first of the coming year?
+For, on that day, the time limit of the Jew's contribution would expire;
+also, that from other sources; but it was the money from the Jew
+philanthropist, that figured most prominently. Frankly, when Mildred saw
+it, she smothered her doubts as to their ability of obtaining the
+desired amount.
+
+Rallies for the purpose of raising money were given weekly, but
+winter-time was approaching, and colored people very often had little
+set aside for such a purpose. Then, already work was shutting down, and
+had shut down in many cases. Hard times had been felt for some time, but
+were beginning to be felt more so. Men by the hundreds walked the
+streets in search of employment, and found instead, trouble. Arresting
+for vagrancy had been stopped by the order of the court. Many preferred
+being locked up, for they complained it was so difficult to secure
+bread, and even at times an impossibility; whereas, while locked up,
+they could eat. And that meant much.
+
+Churches were now begging for money to buy coal; the annual interest on
+indebtedness was past due, and Reverend Castle did double work--the
+Y.M.C.A. and his church.
+
+And it was about this time, when one evening Mildred returned from her
+work, and was informed by the black woman, that she had a caller. She
+was surprised, and looked it. The black woman was too, and she likewise
+looked it. Moreover, she made comment. Mildred had never had a caller
+before.
+
+"A gentleman," said the other, when the look of surprise spread over her
+face. The other winked and continued: "Some guy, too. Yes, swell," and
+laughed in a way which Mildred always disliked to hear.
+
+"Who was he?" she presently inquired, thinking of someone with a growing
+fear.
+
+"Didn't leave no name; said you wouldn't know it nohow," whereupon her
+black face took on a look that was tantalizing. Mildred ended it by
+going to her room. She felt the call would be repeated. And then would
+come the climax. She experienced a tired feeling. This being sought by
+one whom she did not seek, was nerve-racking; but she steeled herself
+for the ordeal. She hoped, since she now felt that he would call, that
+he would come again that same evening, and she would have it over.
+
+And he did.
+
+She was about to retire, but not to sleep. For, as the time passed, her
+nerve began to break under the strain of waiting, and she was fatigued.
+
+"The gentleman has returned, Miss," announced the voice of the black
+woman, as her fingers played upon the door. Mildred opened it forthwith,
+and--yes, there he was. He pushed himself in without being asked, and,
+being surprised at the intrusion, Mildred let go the knob, whereupon he
+grasped it, and closed the door. He smiled at her now; a smile that
+lurked, that boded no good; and she felt this, with a heaving of the
+breast.
+
+"Haven't seen you for some time. Why don't you bid me welcome?" he
+leered. Her eyes stared at him coldly, but her bosom heaved,
+nevertheless.
+
+"Don't stare at me as if I were an iceberg," said the other, with his
+smiles. "Just an old acquaintance from"--and he jerked his thumb in the
+apparent direction of Cincinnati. He smiled a cruel, hard smile, as he
+did this, dropped uninvited into a chair and lit a cigarette.
+
+"Have one?" he invited, and then snickered. "You are real cute
+now-a-days, I observe," he tortured. "Quite a church lady, ha, ha!" And
+he gave up to his mirth for a few seconds. "Quite cute with the
+preachers. Wilson Jacobs is 'bugy' 'bout you. Awful bad for you t' get
+up and steal away so mysteriously." He looked at her now with ill
+concealed glee, and then continued: "I didn't know you'd 'beat' it until
+the next Sunday; when I passed I didn't see you sitting on the porch
+with him; but, instead, he sat there alone, looking like the devil
+before dawn. About the time I saw him, he saw me, and looked at me as if
+he had caught me trying to break in his house, or something, so I lit
+out. I 'hunched' you'd fled d' coup then, 'n' as I was 'beating' it down
+the street in no slow gate, I see's a drayman a-greasin' his old hack. I
+had a premonition this guy, the way he regarded me, was likely to
+follow. So I just slips into this old crow's nest, and gets behind
+some-a-his junk, and gets int' conversation with him, and, sure enough,
+it wasn't three minutes before this 'preacher' comes walking by
+a-lookin' right and left for me. I laffed in my sleeve, and continued
+talking with the old skate. A bent key encountered my hand on the
+ground, 'n' I raised it up. The old buzzard spied it, and cried: 'That's
+a gal's key that come down heah t' have me move her in a hurry las'
+Sunday. I oughtta sent it to'r, but 'lows I ain' got the time.' Just lak
+a flash, I get's wise, so I says t' 'im: 'Was she the girl that stayed
+up at Jacobs'? If so, I'll carry it to her, since she's a'friend
+a-mine's.' 'By gad,' he coughs, ''n' I'm the one that'll let y' too,'
+and looked grateful. 'Where did she move to?' I inquired like I didn't
+care, and then added: 'Y' see, I know the place by sight, but I can't
+find it 's I'm turned around down here a little.' He puts me next, and I
+beats it up to where youse 's roostin' 'n' I comes up, I see this ole
+black hen a-workin' away with the house all open, 'n' nobody about, I
+dopes at once that you, sweet little girlie, is off some'eres to church.
+
+"You know the rest," and rising now, he came toward her. "You ought t'
+be willin' t' give me a kiss now, honey, for showing how hard I'm
+willin' to hustle for a sight a them eyes." He advanced to where she
+stood. He smiled as he came, while she recoiled from the sight of him,
+and retreated. That appeared to please him, and he began a merry chase,
+dodging behind chairs and jumping up and down playfully. "Wants t'
+tease, eh? That's a way with you little women, yu lak t' tease! Ah!
+That's what makes us lak yu'. 'N', kid, I sho' does lak you. You are a
+pretty little wench--I mean little gal," he corrected, continuing his
+chase.
+
+"Please go!" she cried hoarsely. "I don't know you. I don't want to know
+you. Why do you torment me!" He only smiled now, and looked grim and
+determined, as he at last cornered her. Between them was a chair. She
+got behind it, and grasped the back of it. He halted on the other side,
+and showed his teeth for a full minute, before he said a word, or a word
+was spoken.
+
+"Did you hear me! Why don't you go! If you were a gentleman, you'd go!"
+His eyes narrowed to mere slits, and then he suddenly opened them wide.
+
+"Just a kiss, dearie, why all this argument. Sometimes it goes so far
+that it spoils all the sweetness. Just allow me to turn this chair until
+I can be seated, and then I will draw you down, nicey, upon my knee, and
+everything is O.K.--see!" He now grasped the chair, which, despite her
+efforts to hold it as it was, he twisted slowly from her grasp. The next
+minute he had succeeded, and nothing was between them. He made one step
+in her direction, whereupon she recoiled in fright. He caught her wrist
+with his right, and then with the left, he proceeded to encircle her
+waist. The next moment, she felt his hot breath in her face, and then,
+with her free hand, she struck him a resounding smack full on his cheek,
+with all her strength. He released her so quickly, that he staggered
+backward blindly for a moment. The next he had recovered, while his face
+was colored with the blood she had brought to it. His eyes were narrower
+now than ever, while his voice, as he spoke, came in gasps.
+
+"Why, you little wench! You little imp! You little fourflusher! You
+little ---- strike me, when I have kept my head closed all this time,
+while you sailed about here with these big niggers, the nicest little
+nicey. Ha! _Nice_--_Hell!_ How long do you figure these church people
+would kite you about, if I told them _what you were back in Cinci'_!"
+
+She flew to the door now, and jerked it wide. A bundle of meat with
+clothes on, fell in with a scream. It was the black woman, and she had
+heard all.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE
+
+_The Time Limit_
+
+
+"What is the total, Constance?" her brother inquired wearily, as his
+sister poured over a long list of figures on a balance sheet before her.
+
+"In a minute," she said and continued her figuring. Presently, with a
+sigh she straightened up, and handed him a sheet, showing a list of
+names, at the right of which was registered various amounts.
+
+"Seven thousand six hundred fifty-nine dollars and fifteen cents," he
+repeated, half aloud. He looked at his sister, and saw in her tired
+eyes, failure staring them in the face. Unless something extraordinary
+occurred, the chances of securing a Y.M.C.A. for the colored youth of
+the city was doomed to failure. He laid the sheet down, and picked up
+another piece of paper--a letter. He had read it several times, but now
+he read it again. He didn't want to believe what was written upon it,
+and signed by the Jew philanthrophist. But it was before him in plain,
+typewritten words, and was to this effect:
+
+
+     _Mr. Wilson Jacobs_,
+       _Secretary Y.M.C.A._
+
+     MY DEAR SIR: Receipt of your letter of December 1, is here
+     acknowledged. I note carefully what you say in regard to your
+     efforts in relation to the securing of funds for the Y.M.C.A. for
+     the colored youth of your city.
+
+     You are of course aware that my offer, made five years ago, in
+     which I agreed to give the sum of $25,000 to any city, where an
+     additional sum of $75,000 was forthcoming from other sources. The
+     time I made that offer was five years ago January of the coming
+     year. Therefore, the time will expire at twelve, December 31, this
+     month.
+
+     With regard to extending the time limit on these gifts, I regret to
+     say that I have made no such provision. Moreover, with the present
+     condition of the financial outlook, I cannot see my way clear to
+     do so. However, all cities that report favorably up to that date, I
+     will fulfill my agreement.
+
+     Regretting that I cannot write you more favorably, but hoping it
+     will be possible for you to comply with my offer, I beg to remain,
+
+     Very truly, J. ROSENTHAL.
+
+He laid the letter aside. He had known before he wrote, what to expect,
+for announcements had come from Grantville, that the philanthropist
+would not extend the time on his gifts for this purpose. Hard times had
+spread over the country, until not enough was being collected to
+maintain the cost of the office and advertising, notwithstanding the
+fact that they secured it at the smallest possible rate. Both were
+compelled to acknowledge now that a failure seemed imminent. To secure
+the gift of the Jew, it was necessary for them to raise still more than
+twenty-seven thousand dollars.
+
+Could he raise such a sum in view of prevailing circumstances?
+
+"Have you received a decision from the railroad president, who
+personally contributed five hundred dollars, Wilson?" Constance now
+inquired.
+
+"The hoped for appropriations for such purposes have been deferred
+indefinitely," he replied. "So there is no hope now, only from the local
+interests, and they, I fear, are hopeless."
+
+"And you see no place where such a sum might be raised--in so short a
+time?" she asked again, a trifle nervous.
+
+"Only to go north, and try to enlist the sympathy of other philanthropic
+persons."
+
+"And--will--you go?" She looked at him now, anxiously.
+
+"Yes, I will go," he returned.
+
+"May God be with us!" she sighed, and picked up the afternoon paper. She
+glanced over it, and saw the usual accounts relating to the shutting
+down of various industrial concerns, and, as she looked further, there
+were the same accounts regarding the colored people. The business of
+fighting and stealing and getting drunk went on more actively than
+usual, if such were possible. She laid it aside presently, and picked up
+her subscription list. She was still selling the book, and had a great
+many sales for the holiday trade.
+
+When she paid the charges on a consignment of books a few minutes later,
+and unwrapped them, she thought of her dear friend who had brought her
+attention to the work. How much she would have liked to see her, she did
+not conjecture; but she was glad now she had taken up the work. The
+returns from the sale of it, had meant a great deal to the home in the
+past months. Wilson, who usually made some money otherwise than what he
+received from the church, which was small, had been unable to look after
+or give his time to anything but the work of the Y.M.C.A. Therefore, the
+money from the sale of the book had come in at an opportune time.
+
+As for Mildred, the earth seemed to have swallowed her, insofar as they
+had been able to ascertain. Wilson had worried to a point where he now
+looked ten years older than he had six months before. Grantville had
+given up in despair. Five thousand dollars was all they had been able to
+raise, and, therefore, realized how useless it was to continue the
+effort, which had subsequently come to an end. She believed in her
+brother; she was confident he could raise the amount necessary, if he
+had the time. If the gift from the Jew could have been possible a year
+hence, she was confident he could raise the balance; but, with less than
+four weeks, it seemed hopeless.
+
+And yet, "as long as there is life there is hope!" He would go north the
+coming Monday--this was Friday--and she hoped he would be successful.
+Until he returned, she would not despair. She made preparations for his
+departure, by packing his steamer trunk, washed his handkerchiefs,
+purchased many little necessities from her own purse, and placed them
+along with the rest of his belongings.
+
+"Will you go to New York or Chicago?" she inquired as they sat at
+dinner.
+
+"I suppose the chances are better beyond New York. I shall, of course,
+go directly to New York, but from there I will go into New England. I
+have credentials from several well known white people, as well as
+letters from the secretary of the white Y.M.C.A. here, and at Effingham
+and Attalia, so I think that part is quite sufficiently looked after."
+
+When Reverend Wilson Jacobs had dined, he felt like walking, and,
+drawing on a light overcoat and cap, he strolled out into the chill
+December night. The air was still, and the stars gleamed brightly, as he
+strolled down the street in the direction of the river. When he had gone
+three blocks, he decided to walk to the river, and look out upon its
+water for a spell. So, increasing his speed, he walked briskly in that
+direction.
+
+To reach the river by the street he was following, it was necessary to
+pass through a district of the town that had not the best reputation. It
+was a part of the town, inhabited in former days by denizens of the
+underworld, and was interspersed with many halls and buildings that had
+been built for such purposes. Since liquor had been voted out of the
+state, and the city likewise, while the women had also been forced to
+scatter, due to the enforcement of the law relative to their profession,
+the neighborhood had been given over largely to bootlegging. Places
+operating under the guise of soft-drink shops, sold liquor as freely as
+the saloons had, when they operated in the same places a year ago. And,
+in this district, holdups and other cases of outlawry were a common
+occurrence.
+
+He had arrived, and was passing leisurely through this part of the town,
+when, ahead of him, a figure crossed the street, and entered one of the
+dives. Something about the swing of the arms, made him recall that he
+had seen that person before. He thought it over, as he approached the
+place the other had entered. He had not reached it, when the other
+emerged, and made his way up the street ahead of him, only a few yards.
+He studied the character, and when he turned into another place a few
+doors up, he recalled where he had seen him. It was the man who had
+paused before his gate months before, and whom he had started to follow,
+but who had eluded him. He saw no reason for paying him further
+attention now, and passed on to the river.
+
+He returned by the same street, and as he came abreast of an open door,
+he overheard voices and caught a glimpse of the man again. He halted,
+and leaned beside the door in the shade of the building a moment, out of
+sheer curiosity. The voices came to his ears plainly, as he stood there.
+
+"I have reason to believe she has money," said one, whom he surmised was
+that of the man he had seen.
+
+"If she has, you have spoiled your chances of getting hold of any of
+it."
+
+"How do you figure that out?" said the other gruffly.
+
+"Well, what you should have done was to have communicated with her while
+she was stopping up here with that preacher and his sister, and made her
+come across to keep you from putting them next. Now, 's I figure it out,
+you blows in on her with your recognition game, and frightens her out of
+her wits, and she flies the coup. And then, to make matters worse, you
+trail her across town to where she 'beats' it, and, instead of using a
+little diplomacy, you blow in on her and frighten her away from there.
+You played a deuce of a game, you did." The tone was impatient, and,
+from the way the other shifted, it was quite obvious that he was not
+playing a clever one either.
+
+"Well, she was such a good looking little wench that, to be truthful, I
+lost my head over her," the other laughed a low, hard laugh, as he said
+this.
+
+"Lost your head, hump!" growled another. "I can't get into my nut, how
+you blame nigga's get in your ugly knots, that a gal that's got the
+sense you say this gal has, is going to fall to a cheap nigga like
+yourself." The voice showed that the speaker was plainly disgusted.
+
+"Aw, old shine, I've had some a's good looking a gals as her on my
+string, don't fool yourself 'bout that," the first speaker retorted.
+
+"How much sense did they have in their nuts? None! If they had, they'd a
+never fooled with you."
+
+"Well, I'm still trailing her. I ain' give up yet. I'm determined I'll
+bring her to time, or I'll know the reason why," the other declared,
+determinedly.
+
+"Don't the ole cat down where she was roosting, know where she has
+gone?" inquired the other now.
+
+"Don't know a thing. Swears that she don't, and I b'lieve her. She's a
+little sore 'cause I blew in and scared her away. Funny, too, 'cause
+that old woman's so crooked she cain' lay straight in bed. And, say, you
+know Lizzie, the good looking black gal that comes over to Dago's place,
+and licks up so much booze?"
+
+"Who, Slender Liz? Sure! Why?"
+
+"That's her ma."
+
+"The dickens!"
+
+"Sure is!"
+
+"That beats the devil. I know her; but I didn't know until this minute
+that Liz was her brat. And you mean to say this little gal what you lost
+your head about and chased away, was stopping with the old woman?"
+
+"That was where she slapped me blind at."
+
+"Well, I'll be darned. I shouldn't have thought she'd have stayed around
+her very long, when she got next to what was going on."
+
+"Well, the little wench was so frightened when she left this preacher up
+here, that she didn't know where she was going, and she got into the
+place hurriedly, and then after she had got tied up there, she seemed to
+have decided to stick it out until she could do better. Then, besides,
+the old woman told me that she don't think the gal knew she sold liquor,
+and ran a crap game every Saturday night. Her room was so located that
+the gamesters came and went without going near her room. Then, the gal
+kept herself shut in like a prisoner, when she was around, besides."
+
+"I wish you hadn't spoiled this deal. I believe we could have dug enough
+dough out of her to stake us into a game, when we're settin' 'roun'
+broke like we are now."
+
+"I'll get her, just be patient. I don't believe she's left town; but I
+can't pull the old woman for any more information. Besides, she ain' got
+over me frightening her away, 'cause she said the gal was sure a fine
+roomer, and that she is sorry now that I found her at all. These old
+crooks can be won over when you come clean at that."
+
+"Bet your life they can. And when you get the friendship of one like
+that, they'd go through fire for you."
+
+There was a shuffling about now, as if someone was coming toward the
+door. Wilson hurried away, and walked rapidly in the direction of home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX
+
+_The Black Cavalry's Charge--"Onward Boys!"_
+
+
+"Mildred, my Mildred, where are you, dear heart?" said Wilson Jacobs, as
+he hurried in the direction of his home, after he had overheard the
+words of the two men. He was in a turmoil of excitement. He had reached
+no decision as to what he would do, that is, as to how he would find
+her; but he was determined that he would search the city to the very
+doors, until he found and brought back that girl to his home.
+
+"She is being persecuted, being hounded out of her life, as she has been
+out of the place she called her home--and by those brutes." And he
+trembled with anger, as he thought of the dastardly creatures who were
+pursuing her.
+
+"I could corner that brute and make him confess what is behind this
+mystery; but then I have overheard him admit that she has eluded him;
+therefore, that would be useless. Until he ascertains her whereabouts,
+it would be foolish even to whip the cur for his villainy." One thing he
+decided on 'ere he had gone far in his reflections, and that was to keep
+it from his sister. It would only serve to upset her more, and she was
+worried enough already.
+
+"My poor, dear little girl; my brave little girl; and you must bear this
+burden and sorrow all alone," he murmured in a strained voice, as he
+approached his abode. "Somewhere in this city she is in fear tonight, in
+fear of these dark creatures. I would give half my life to find her this
+very night. Oh, that I had some clue! She would not have me find her,
+but that is a matter that I would waive aside. Her happiness, even her
+very life, is in danger. And, whatever this evil may be, I will never
+believe, even from her own lips, that Mildred Latham is guilty of any
+act that would not become a lady. Somewhere in the past, she has, in
+some way, become involved, and this, in some manner, is the occasion of
+the mystery; but I have faith in her above all others." And so, with
+this thought, he entered the house and his room, where he walked for
+hours trying to form some plan of action.
+
+"I will find her. I _must_ find her," he declared, with compressed lips,
+time and again; but, as to how, no way seemed clear. "I must leave
+Monday on the mission, and I must try to find her before then. I don't
+care what it is--has been, and might be in the future--I love you,
+Mildred, I love you--nothing else matters. I have faith in you; I
+believe in you above all others; with your presence, under my
+protection, I feel I could do the things you had faith I could do!" He
+almost raved at times, during the still hours that followed.
+
+All the kind words she had said to him in the months gone by, came back
+to him as he trod the floor--thinking, thinking, thinking. "You will
+succeed; you will become, 'ere long, a leader of men," she had said
+once. "For it is you, courageous, with the strength of your convictions,
+this race needs; and it is you they will eventually find."
+
+She had said this with all the fervor of her soul. And he had listened;
+he had hoped, and then he had worked. Yes, Wilson Jacobs had worked hard
+to raise those few thousands, that would revert back to the donors in
+four weeks, if a preponderous sum was not raised by midnight of December
+thirty-first. December thirty-first, midnight? God, how that sounded in
+his ears now. The fateful night! One minute after that hour, sixty-seven
+thousand dollars, waiting from other sources than the black people of
+this town, would be no longer available. Seventy-three thousand dollars
+for the future moral welfare of thousands of young men of this race
+would no longer be available, unless he, Wilson Jacobs, could raise
+twenty-seven thousand dollars in a day over three weeks.
+
+That was his burden.
+
+If he, Wilson Jacobs, could raise such an amount, innumerable black
+children yearly, and until the end of time, oh, how long.... _Until the
+end of time_, would be saved and have their chance, their great chance,
+to become _men_! How much they needed it, these black youth! Only to see
+any daily, _every_ daily paper, would answer this! And how much would
+they appreciate it? Yes, how much would they appreciate it?... And yet,
+what did that matter?... Yes, there were plenty who would say off-hand,
+"They would not know how to appreciate it; they are incapable of
+appreciating it." ... But that was from those who did not think
+deeply--and, yes, the majority, by far, of this race to which he
+belonged, did not think deeply. But Wilson Jacobs did. He had made it a
+part of his young life to think deeply, and in the interest of those who
+needed him.
+
+And _now_ they needed him. Oh, _how_ much they needed him, and how
+_much_ strength he needed to raise twenty-seven thousand dollars before
+midnight of December thirty-first!
+
+"Black people _do_ appreciate that which is for their good; but, _be
+merciful, dear God_, they know it not. But they _will_, and when they
+_do_ come to know it, how _much_ life, how _much_ feeling and enthusiasm
+they will exert! _And may we not say the same of all of us!_"
+
+He had been a very young man when his country--yes, _his_
+country--regardless of the fact that many of this race now said, with
+pent up anger, "This is not _our_ country, it's the _white man's_
+country." How much bitterness they put into the words, he could not soon
+forget; but this _was his_ country, and he proclaimed it as such, and
+had enlisted and gone away to that little island to the southeast.
+
+He was with that cavalry; that cavalry of black men. And when thousands
+of aimless bullets poured upon America's greatest cavalry (commanded by
+the greatest American citizen since one immortal one, who met his death
+cruelly, but for _this_ country), and tumbled them from the saddles like
+so many playthings, he would never forget that battle cry, "Onward
+boys!" And from another direction, they came, _black men_. Up a hill
+that was forbidding in the abruptness of its ascent, they went. Under
+the heavy fire of the enemy, they did not flinch.
+
+What they did on that memorable day in our modern history, the world
+knows. And if a part of our citizens _did_ not appreciate it at this
+date, one did. And he proved it in after-years. So, when he heard these
+poor men of his race now bemoan their fate, crying "This is a white
+man's country. We have none!" he sighed, and felt pity in his heart for
+them.
+
+After the war, he had gone to Arizona, and spent one summer there at a
+ranch during his vacation. And this ranch was among the Navajo's. Dull,
+listless, inert creatures they were. They did nothing to make this
+country a better place in which to live, and they had _never_ done so,
+nor were they ever likely to. But, in spite of that, they are the
+primitive inhabitants and heroes; but not in the best sense, could
+anyone live among those people three months and conscientiously regard
+them as _men_. And yet they were given every consideration, while black
+men were thrust aside. And this was after three hundred years, out of
+which two hundred and fifty were spent in developing that which is
+called Dixie.
+
+And, in spite of these conditions, Wilson Jacobs was the most optimistic
+of all men. He conscientiously believed that this was a black man's as
+well as a white man's country. Yes, he heard those others say: "This is
+a white man's country!" and they said it very loudly; but these same men
+were the scions of those who had tried, at the price of all their wealth
+and blood, to divide it. He never let his memory dwell upon this. Other
+black men did, though. So much so, that they made themselves unfit for
+this new generation. What has been done, he always considered could
+never be undone. If prejudice against his people was the custom here,
+prejudice against the Jew elsewhere, was usual also. "But it isn't
+right!" they would deplore. And, of course, he could only agree that it
+wasn't. To hate thy brother, is contrary to the laws of Christianity,
+under which we live.... But the prejudice remained after all that could
+be said. "It's growing worse!" they cried. "Yes, it appears to grow
+worse," he also agreed. "Then, what have you to say?" And he answered:
+"Nothing!" And then asked: "And you?" "Nothing!" "Then, what are we to
+do? Become examples of dull inertia by grieving over it, or shall we
+struggle to become _men_, and through the strength of our mind and
+bodies, make this a better place in which to live, if only for
+ourselves? For live, we must. Not since the beginning of the world have
+ten million souls sunk into oblivion." The pessimist always departed at
+this point.
+
+After all, Jacobs felt sorry and pitied both--the ones who bemoaned
+their fate, and those who boasted. Both were in error. For, regardless
+of what was said, he loved America, his home and "_a man's country_"!
+
+So, when college had given Wilson Jacobs his degree, he drifted about
+for a year among his people. He had never thought of the ministry as a
+vocation. And it was only when he had seen his people as they were--not
+altogether as they _ought_ to be, did he appreciate the fact that he
+might be able to help them. He had learned while at school, but more in
+actual life, that Jesus lived and died as a moral example. But his
+people saw only the individual.
+
+So back to school he had gone, where he studied five long years, to fit
+himself for his present calling. His success was yet to come. Mildred
+Latham had said _it would come_. "Oh, Mildred! For you I would go
+through eternity," he declared feverishly. But only the silent walls
+answered him.
+
+After many hours, he retired. The sun was shining, although it was
+December, when he heard Constance calling him to breakfast. How much he
+would have liked to have said: "Constance, Mildred is somewhere in this
+town, our Mildred! She is being persecuted, Constance, our Mildred is
+being persecuted--being hounded out of the sweet life we know she lived,
+and inspired in those about her!" And he knew that Constance would say:
+"Go forth, my brother, and find her; bring her back into our home, that
+we may love her and make her our sister, for it is as such she was, and
+more, these many months." That was the spirit of the Jacobs. But he kept
+his peace, and ate in silence.
+
+Monday came, a cold, dreary day. Snow fell all over the country, and
+Dixie land, far south, was white mantled. Wilson Jacobs went to the
+depot, for he was leaving on a great mission. Would he succeed? He hoped
+so; others hoped so; and Constance hoped so, as well as Mildred Latham.
+
+But he never knew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN
+
+"_Please Stop--and Save Me!_"
+
+
+"Breakfast is ready, my dear," said Mother Jane, for as such she was
+known and called by all who knew her. She was speaking to Mildred
+Latham.
+
+A moment later, Mildred came out of her room and seated herself at the
+table, at the head of which sat an old gray-headed man, and at the foot
+sat Mother Jane, whose head was white also.
+
+"And did you rest well, my dear?" inquired Mother Jane of Mildred,
+bestowing upon her a smile full of kindness and tenderness.
+
+"I slept beautifully," Mildred replied as kindly, and beamed upon the
+old soul with all the consideration--maybe more--of her own child.
+
+"And you sell a book?" inquired the elder woman, after a moment.
+
+"Yes, ma'am, I sell a book. A book by a young colored author."
+
+"By a young colored author? I do declare!" exclaimed the other, with
+enthusiasm. "It is delightful when I know we have young men who are
+doing something else besides making convicts." Mother Jane was known for
+her wit.
+
+"What is the text of this story?" she inquired later.
+
+Mildred told her.
+
+"Delightful, to say the least." The elder woman had secured some
+learning in her childhood, and had studied by consistent reading, until
+she was well informed, and used the most perfect English. "Went out into
+the great west. To the _Rosebud Country_. Well, well. I read all about
+that country when it was opened to settlers some years ago. I wanted my
+son to go; but--he went elsewhere," and she paused to swallow, while a
+tear shone in her old eyes. Mildred spoke of other things. The other
+didn't say, but quick intuition told her that son had gone to the chain
+gang.
+
+She had found this place two days after the visit that was paid her by
+the unwelcome guest. It was far removed from the black woman, and she
+was glad of it. And yet, when she was taking her leave, that apparently
+evil creature had shed tears and begged her to stay, saying that she
+would not be molested further. Mildred felt a human pity for her, but
+she knew she could not have stayed on. The longer she lived, the more
+she was learning that secrets are not good things to share with others,
+or for others to be in possession of, regardless of their good will
+thereto. She now knew that the only way she would have people to know
+these things, people she might chance to live with, would be to tell
+them before she moved into the house. To have them find out afterwards,
+and from others, would be, she felt, an infringement upon their
+kindness. As for the man who had, with his persistency, driven her from
+two places, she hoped he would not succeed in finding her in the
+present.
+
+The following day, she went about her work with heavy heart. She felt
+she must continue in the work as long as she was in the city; and
+besides, she had accumulated many orders for the holiday trade, and
+could, with her efforts, secure many others. But it was not this alone
+that held her in this city, it was something else.
+
+She was following the effort of Wilson Jacobs to secure the Y.M.C.A.
+Each week, she carefully noted the details in regard to the same, and
+had fearfully observed that it might fail. She was aware of the time
+limit, and she was worried over the lack of the twenty-seven thousand
+dollars. "How can he raise such a large sum in so short a time?" she
+asked herself many times each day. And yet she still hoped he would,
+even when less than four weeks were left in which to do so.
+
+She had managed, by dint of economy and hard work, to accumulate almost
+two hundred dollars since she left them, and this she would give at the
+right moment, when she saw there was any possible chance of his
+succeeding. She would have to send it anonymously; but desire for his
+success was her gravest concern.
+
+Sunday came, and she stayed at home for the first time since she came to
+the city. The sound of the bells made her feel terribly sad and lonely.
+To have heard Wilson Jacobs, or Reverend Castle, would have been a
+privilege of which she would have been thankful to have availed herself,
+but fear kept her confined to her room all that day. She felt positive
+that he would visit all the churches in search of her that day, and
+other Sundays. So, with this pleasure denied her, she felt more lonely
+now than she had ever felt before, since coming to the city.
+
+She purchased a book, a new novel, the evening before; so in this she
+concentrated her mind all that day. It was an unusual story, which made
+it more interesting. It seemed that, in England, where the plot lay, a
+postmaster was likely to be removed through subtle influences. To save
+the position for him, because of her love, his wife, who was all to him,
+made a sublime sacrifice. It came to his attention, and in doing so, the
+fact of her past was also revealed. It was a terrible book, to say the
+least, but between the lines was a moral that the reader was compelled
+to appreciate. In the end, the man was redeemed to her through the
+church--the Baptist church.
+
+Two weeks passed without event. Her work went along nicely, and she
+succeeded in delivering to almost all of her holiday customers. It was
+about this time that she became deeply concerned with regard to the
+possibility of securing the Y.M.C.A. Wilson Jacobs had not returned, nor
+had any word come from him, so far as the public knew, as to whether he
+had met with success. But Mildred entertained grave doubts regarding the
+matter. If he were succeeding, it was her opinion, that some word would
+be wired that cheer might fill the hearts of the anxious ones waiting.
+She wished she could go to Constance, and comfort her during these
+anxious days. That desire became so uppermost in her mind and heart,
+that it was with difficulty she kept herself from rushing madly to the
+house, and throwing herself to the other's feet. She felt strangely
+guilty. She had convicted herself in their eyes, by fleeing. It couldn't
+be changed now. No, she could not go to Constance, as much as she wanted
+to. And, as she looked into it deeper, she came to realize that she
+could never go to Constance again.... That was the hardest part of it.
+Never to go to her again. Oh, the anguish it gave her when this was
+regarded as a reality.
+
+"Constance," she prayed on her knees that night. "Constance, will you,
+can you forgive me; can you forgive Mildred? She loved you and your
+brother, and it was because she was weak; because she felt that she
+could never have stood to see both of you know--felt me otherwise than
+as you knew me. Oh, I have suffered, Constance; I have died a living
+death. Daily I long for you; I pray in the only way I know how that he,
+your brother, whom I know to be so strong, and noble and good, may
+succeed in this great effort; this effort which these others so much
+need. Some day, oh, Lord, may it come to pass--though my mind cannot now
+see it, I hope to feel that love again."
+
+And then it came to pass, the next day she met the other upon the
+streets, He smiled upon her through his ugly teeth, and in soothing
+words, offered greeting. She passed him by, but knew, without looking
+back, that he followed. She had completed her work for that day. Many
+copies of _his_ book she had placed in other hands, and that night many
+eyes would begin an acquaintance with those years in the west. And now,
+at her heels followed her vendetta. He would follow her to Mother
+Jane's? And then she trembled. She could never allow Mother Jane to even
+think she was any other but "her dear daughter." For it was such Mother
+Jane now called her. Anywhere now--but there.
+
+She increased her steps, made them faster in a direction that led
+to--she knew not where, nor cared; but anywhere but to Mother Jane's.
+Supper would be awaiting her there at six-thirty, as it had waited for
+her every day these past weeks; but Mother Jane would be disappointed
+this evening. Mildred Latham would not see Mother Jane at that hour
+today, and maybe she, Mother Jane, might never see "her daughter"
+again....
+
+On she went. Before her, over a hill, came a car. She could not catch
+that one, but others would come that way soon. Maybe by the time she
+arrived beside the tracks, another might meet her. She hurried. She
+never looked back. She was too frightened. But intuition told her that
+he followed. She wished she knew how far he was in the rear. Maybe if
+the car came before he arrived, she could elude him. Oh, if it would!
+She was trotting now. She was so near the tracks at this time, that they
+glistened like steel rays in the distance. From a direction, which was
+not the way the other car had come, she heard another car. It was
+approaching, and now it flashed into sight.
+
+The sun had disappeared long ago, and the stars stood out like a million
+diamonds in the skies above. The evening air was chill, and she
+rushed--she was running now--past the houses. The car was almost at the
+crossing. Would she make it? She cried out and waved her hand
+frantically. It was going to pass her, although she had arrived at the
+crossing, and regarded it with eyes that were frantic--wild! "Please
+stop, Mr. Motorman!" she cried piteously.
+
+"Please stop--and save me." It tore by her, the front end. In the rear,
+she heard the crunch of feet upon the gravel street. She saw the side of
+the car. It dazzled her. She was lost. She could almost feel the
+presence of the other. One terrible moment she swayed, and the next, the
+rear end of the car was before her. Welcome did the inside seem. She
+_must_ catch that car, she felt--_or die_. A brass rail touched her
+hand. Like electricity, it closed over it. She was raised and then felt
+her body speeding through space. A cry from the inside and a "ting,"
+then a shutting of brakes, and the car came to a stop.
+
+"My God," the conductor was saying, "why did she grab that rail? This is
+the only line left with cars with the open entry. None of the others
+can be caught without the consent of the conductor." She looked about
+her. She sat in the rear of the car that was now speeding into the
+business section. About her were many anxious faces.
+
+"Why, oh, why," their eyes and lips spoke, as soon as they saw her, "did
+you take that terrible risk?" But she did not see their eyes, or hear
+their words--for her eyes were looking for another. He was not there.
+
+And they never knew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT
+
+_What Her Eyes Saw_
+
+
+"Our daughter is late tonight, Gabriel," said Mother Jane, coming from
+the door, where she had been many times. "It is now almost seven, and
+she has not yet arrived. I am uneasy. But I will be patient. Maybe she
+had to wait on some of her customers. It is so near the holidays, that
+some may have been downtown buying presents for their friends, and she
+is compelled to wait. Of course, she has never been late before, which
+doesn't mean that she might not be late today--but, oh well, I'll wait."
+
+Gabriel, her old husband, played with his fork and said nothing. He
+never said anything. He had not said anything since '65. The rebels at
+Fort Pillar stopped him from saying anything further, for since then he
+had been speechless.
+
+"We will have a big Christmas this year, Gabriel," said she. "Mildred's
+being with us will make a difference." She was silent now, listening to
+the fire that cracked in the grate. Presently her eyes sought a place at
+the table. It was the place Mildred occupied, but she was thinking of
+another. This other had been all to her, for he was her son. Tears came
+to her eyes now, as she thought of the years gone by, and the times she
+had fixed that place for him. Yes, she had fixed the plate there for him
+a thousand times. But he did not--had not eaten from it for many a meal
+now. No, he ate _elsewhere_. As she looked at the place today, strangely
+she felt he would never eat there again. And he was her only child. If
+he failed to carry the name beyond his present circumstances, then the
+name of Gabriel Ware ended with her mute husband, who sat waiting
+patiently.
+
+"It will be so nice, Gabriel, to have her with us this Christmas. And
+she stays right at home and reads to us both every night. She is a sweet
+child, is Mildred. She has been our own daughter since she came here. It
+has been a treat for me, because I love so much to read; while you have
+liked since '65 to hear me; but my old eyes cannot follow the lines with
+the accuracy they used to. No, the lines run together so often now, and
+when they become clear again, it is so hard and tiresome to find the
+place. But since she came, with her young eyes, her cheerful smiles, her
+endless patience with old people, who at the best are hard to get along
+with, I appreciate that things have been so different."
+
+Gabriel nodded. They lived easily, these two. This may be a "white man's
+country," but our "Uncle" took care of Gabriel and Mother Jane
+comfortably. These many years, he gave to them many dollars at the end
+of every quarter, and he had increased this, until now Gabriel received
+ninety dollars four times a year.
+
+A step sounded upon the porch. "There she is, God bless her," said
+Mother Jane, and flew to the door, opening it wide, and then, alas! No
+Mildred stood on the threshold--but a man.
+
+His teeth shown, and his hat in hand, he stood with a bow, and inquired
+if Miss Mildred Latham was within.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On the main street of the town, where all cars find their way, Mildred
+alighted, and, crossing the street, she waited for the car that would
+take her to the suburbs which was near where Mother Jane lived.
+
+When Gabriel and she had built and settled, it was far from the town,
+and they had not dreamed, that some day before they died, that their ten
+acres would be surrounded. But the city grew, and they had sold the ten
+acres long since, in lots for big prices. They had money, she now knew,
+a part of which they had received for the lots, and they owned other
+houses. But a part of what they had was gone. It had been invested in a
+shoe store, incorporated and conducted by colored people. They knew not
+how colored people act in such capacity, so, in due time, they failed;
+therefore, going the way of thousands of such attempts in Dixie. For,
+you see, these black people had not known how to conduct such a
+business. They only knew how to wear shoes, when they were fitted by the
+other race.
+
+"Now for home," Mildred sighed, as she settled back and listened to the
+hum of the car, as it sped on its way. "Oh, how glad I am that I eluded
+him," she breathed happily. "I'll be late, which I dislike; but it's
+better late than never. Blessed old dears," she added, impulsively. And
+then fell to planning for the Christmas day. It was so near now, that
+she would have to hurry in her few plans. Months ago, she had hoped she
+was going to spend a real, genuine, merry Christmas with her friends,
+the Jacobs; but now, long since, of course, she had given that up. But
+she was glad that she had found this new place, and had been there long
+enough to be so high in their favor, as to be the star guest for their
+holiday.
+
+They were industrious, and raised almost all they ate in a garden of a
+half acre in the rear. And chickens! Mother Jane had raised two hundred
+fifty. So they had this meat almost every day. For supper they would
+have some surely, so, soon she would eat, and then the two would prepare
+for the coming event. She was impatient to be there.
+
+It was freezing outside. Ice could be seen from the car window,
+gathering wherever there was water. A nice hot fire they would have, she
+knew; while she had a good new book that was half read through. After
+all was done, she would read to them, and so all three would be made
+happy.
+
+She fell to thinking, to thinking of others, and Sidney Wyeth came to
+her mind. Last Christmas she had received two nice books from him. He
+wrote no letter, nor did he autograph the same--he didn't even let her
+know by word or letter that they were from him, but she knew.
+
+Where was he--where had he been since? She wished she knew, for if she
+did, as she thought now, she would send him a nice book for a Christmas
+present. But he would never know it was from her. Her pleasure would be
+in the giving. That was why presents were given. For the pleasure of
+giving a token of remembrance. Some people did not consider it that way,
+but then they were not Christians. She wondered, as the car sped along,
+how many people who belonged to church did not know they were not
+Christians.
+
+"I wish I knew where he is," she said again, this time half aloud.
+"Somehow I believe he would--forget--for a day." And then she thought of
+Wilson Jacobs, and in doing so, recalled that, in the months gone by,
+she had seen him at the end of a talk, and was forced to look away. She
+could not stand the pain in his eyes. Did he care for her? She wouldn't
+trust herself to believe it. It wouldn't be right. No. She was glad now
+that it had gone no further. It wasn't right that he should be allowed
+to do that, and then learn the truth. Oh, the truth! That was _her_
+burden. The other had learned the truth, and then he went away. He would
+never return. No. And Wilson Jacobs would do likewise. She had struggled
+these months to keep it from him. If he learned from other lips, it
+would be as sad; but she would at least not have to face him, and see
+another suffering in his eyes. With Sidney Wyeth, it now seemed
+different. As she had grown to feel, she believed she could meet him.
+She felt now that if she could find his whereabouts, she would go to
+him. Yes. She would go to him and see him, and let him see her. Oh, as
+much as she loved him--for her love had never died--she believed now she
+could look in his eyes and ask him to forget. She suddenly made up her
+mind to leave and seek him. "But I can't," she moaned. "I can never
+leave here until I know the worst in regard to the Y.M.C.A. No. I would
+never be happy to leave them to their fate until I know the best--or the
+worst." Somewhere in the great north, Wilson Jacobs had either by now,
+succeeded or failed. Which? Until she knew, she couldn't bring herself
+to leave.
+
+By this time, she had arrived at the getting off place. She sprang
+lightly from the car, and walked briskly to where a light shone, for one
+always shone from Mother Jane's window. And it was this light which
+guided her now. She skipped lightly along, humming a little song as she
+did so. Again was she at peace with the world, and forgave all who
+sinned against her. She had no malice in her heart against anyone, as
+she approached the house--the house of the Wares'--where already the
+smell of nourishment was in the air.
+
+"Oh, how delightful it is to have a home. A place where someone with
+love in their hearts awaits you, and, when the door is opened, gathers
+you in welcome." She thanked Him that is Holy, for being so kind to her.
+
+She had arrived at last, and with a delightful sigh, raised her foot to
+the step, and as she did so, her eyes glanced through the window. The
+next moment she fell back, and placed her hand upon her breast, while
+her heart thumped violently within.
+
+Then she turned, and disappeared into the night, while those inside
+waited.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE
+
+"_Wha's Y' Man?_"
+
+
+On she flew. Across the car tracks she stumbled, but she didn't stop,
+nor did she look to see whether anyone was coming or not. She thought of
+nothing, but to be away, away, away! Down the street that was dark and
+rough, and led to where she did not know, nor did she even care. She was
+going away, away from everybody. She would hide herself from the world.
+She could go to another city, but there was no use in that either. She
+cried half aloud as she hurried along: "I can stand it no longer, I can
+stand it no longer! I want to die, oh, I want to die!"
+
+"I know," she choked at last, as she stumbled down the middle of a dark
+alley, in which she now found herself. "I know," she cried again. And
+she hurried on, as soon as she had caught her breath. "It is the river.
+Yes, the river." She quickened her pace as she came into a street that
+was at the end of the alley. It was wider. She hastened down a hill that
+seemed to her a mile long, and maybe it was more. But when she had
+hurried two blocks along this, she left the middle of the street and
+took to the sidewalk, and slowed to a walk. "I can't go on like this. It
+will excite people. I must walk, but I must hurry, hurry, hurry!"
+
+She had covered many blocks, when she came abreast of buildings occupied
+by colored people. There was a barber shop where men were being shaved,
+and a restaurant where others were eating; a soda fountain also, and she
+wondered whether the people who conducted it made any money this time of
+the year.
+
+The night seemed to have grown much colder, from the frost that was on
+the windows, but Mildred Latham did not feel it. Her face, she felt it
+for a moment, was flushed. And then it occurred to her that her throat
+was dry. Oh, yes. She knew why, now. She had cried all the way from
+Mother Jane's to here--wherever it was. And her face was hot, her throat
+was dry, and she wanted water. She must have water, or she could no
+longer swallow. For a moment she hesitated before the soda fountain.
+Then she opened the door and entered. A man who sat in the rear
+approached. He was a neat man, with a heavy mustache. He invited her to
+a chair at a table that was near a glowing fire. She took it. He waited
+her order politely.
+
+"I would like some--a-soda water, if you please," she said hesitatingly.
+He looked at her a moment keenly, winked his right eye, and then his
+left--then his right eye again, twice. She looked at him without
+understanding. He repeated it. She wondered what he meant. Presently he
+moved behind the counter, and returned with her order.
+
+While she drank it, another, a woman came in. Mildred watched him
+incidentally. He repeated the winking process, while she glanced at the
+other, who repeated it. He went now to a room in the rear, and when he
+returned, he handed her something in a package. The woman gave him a
+half dollar, and waited for no change.
+
+"You're a stranger about here, Miss?" he said, observing her a bit
+dubiously.
+
+"Yes, sir," she replied, "I am a stranger about here."
+
+"Oh, I see," he said, now gazing at her very keenly a few moments.
+"You're one of the solicitors for the Y.M.C.A., I suppose," said he,
+after a moment's thought.
+
+"No, sir, I am not," she replied with a start, and wondered why he asked
+her.
+
+"They was a-planning t' have a meeting overhead here t'night, was why I
+asked," he said.
+
+"Oh, is that so," she commented, and then added: "I am not connected
+with it in any way, but I am very much interested in it."
+
+"Well, it's too bad," he said thoughtfully, "but I don't think we will
+ever get such a thing in this town. It's going to be a failure, so I
+hear."
+
+"Indeed," she echoed, "how so?"
+
+"Well, unless they get twenty-seven thousand dollars together in a week,
+it's sure to be. And 'f anybody c'n raise that many dollars, 's hard's
+times is now, I'd lak t' see them," he smiled grimly.
+
+She wanted to ask him about Wilson, but hesitated. Had he returned? He
+was speaking again:
+
+"They ain't had no word frum the secretary since he left. He went north
+some time ago, and it was hoped that he might succeed in raising the
+amount among the wealthy northern people. But it's dollars t' doughnuts
+that he don't. 'Cause I figure it's lak this: 'f he'd a-had any success
+up there, some word-a come back by now frum 'im."
+
+So no word had yet come from Wilson Jacobs, and as she thought of his
+possible failure, all thought of herself and what had been in her mind a
+moment ago, left her. When she left the place she was calm. But where to
+go now was another problem. To go back to Mother Jane, never entered her
+mind. She wandered about for an hour. She now recognized the locality.
+She was on the same street she had found upon her arrival in the
+city--Beal street. She walked up this for two blocks, and where many
+Negroes were assembled. Several picture shows greeted her, but she had
+no inclination for such amusement.
+
+Presently she turned into another street that led down to the river. It
+was narrow and poorly lighted, and the people, what few she saw, were
+ragged and dirty, and forbidding. She walked some distance on this,
+until she came across another that led in another direction. Into this
+she turned aimlessly.
+
+She had gone about three-quarters of a block, when her eyes, in glancing
+up, caught sight of a house, dark and weather beaten, with a glimmering
+light on the front, under which was written:
+
+     LODGING FOR MEN OR WOMEN
+       RATES RIGHT
+
+She paused. Her hand touched her forehead; it was hot and throbbing.
+She felt tired, and her eyes were heavy with sleep. She hesitated,
+turned into the gate, and approached the door timidly. It was a
+forbidding place, she saw as she came nearer. The door hung weakly upon
+its hinges, while light came through the many cracks. She shuddered. How
+different it was from Mother Jane's, where everything was spick and
+span, clean and well kept. Oh, if she could be home now with Mother
+Jane! She wrapped lightly upon the door, and it seemed a long time
+before someone shuffled in that direction.
+
+Presently, after a turning of bolts, or it seemed more like someone was
+drawing a peg out of a staple, with a squeak, the door opened about a
+foot. In the dim light, the face of an old woman looked out from a very
+wrinkled face.
+
+"What d' ya want?" she asked gruffly.
+
+"I see you have a sign up here," and she pointed upward, "that says
+rooms," she replied, timidly.
+
+"Yeh. Is yu 'lone. Wha's yu man?"
+
+Mildred shuddered, and then she recovered. She was tired and wanted to
+sleep. Tomorrow she would try to do better. She replied as politely as
+she could; "I am alone. I have no _man_."
+
+"Hunh!" grunted the other, opening the squeaking door wide as she said:
+"Come in!"
+
+Mildred entered and stood looking about her, while the old witch
+regarded her suspiciously.
+
+"So you're alone, uh? Got no man. Hunh! That's funny." She hobbled to
+where a lamp set, with chimney smoked, and upon which a crack had been
+patched with paper. "There's a chair. Sit down, gal." She shuffled
+about, and when the light was better, by turning it up a bit higher, she
+came near where Mildred sat, and took a seat in an old rocker which had
+a sack filled with straw, to make it more comfortable.
+
+"How much do you charge for your rooms?" Mildred inquired.
+
+"Two bits when you're alone. Thirty-five cents if yu got a man." Mildred
+had surmised that would be the charge, and had the amount ready. She
+didn't care to have this witch see that she had money. She handed her
+the quarter. The old creature took it, held it to the light, and
+examined it a moment before she dropped it into an old pocket.
+
+"Wantta go t' bed now?" the other inquired, a little kinder than she had
+spoken before.
+
+"I feel sleepy," said Mildred, and looked it.
+
+"All right," said the other, rising with much difficulty. "Ah, gal,
+that's rheumatiz. Bad. When you gits lak dis, life don't hold much fo'
+you."
+
+Mildred tried to look sympathetic as she followed her, and murmured
+something inaudible.
+
+They had entered a room now that corresponded with the remainder of the
+house, except that the ceiling seemed to be lower, and the room was a
+bit cleaner. A small fireplace was in one side of the wall, and the bed
+stood in an opposite corner. Two chairs, a table, a bureau, a wash stand
+and a pitcher with a clean towel spread over it, made up the meagre
+furnishings. A rag carpet covered the floor.
+
+"I don't fu'nish fiah," said the other, when she saw Mildred's eyes rest
+for a moment upon the fireplace. If there were a fire, she now felt she
+would rest better.
+
+"I should like to purchase some fuel of you to make a fire, if it is
+possible," she said.
+
+"I'll sell you a nickel's wo'th."
+
+"Very well. Bring it in." When the other was gone, she took fifty cents
+in change from her purse. She displayed this that the other might see
+and feel that she possessed little. A few minutes later, she was alone
+with a fire cracking in the grate, that soon made the room quite
+comfortable.
+
+She retired when the room had become warm. The heat, in contrast with
+the air she had just come out of, made her yawn. So, after barring the
+door securely, she retired, and was soon fast asleep.
+
+She might have slept for an hour, or it may have been only a minute, but
+she was slowly awakened by a stream of light that poured in through the
+window. She sat up suddenly, and blinked as the rays fell across her
+face, and saw that she had forgotten to draw the blind and that the
+moonlight was streaming into her room.
+
+But it was not that alone which had awakened her. There was some
+commotion in the street, or rather, in the house next door. A wagon
+stood at the front, and into it, policemen were pushing men and women.
+The wagon was a police patrol, and they were making a raid. In a few
+minutes it was all over, and, dropping back, she was soon asleep again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN
+
+"_Kick Higher Dare, Gal!_"
+
+
+Christmas day had come and the whole country was gay and festive. In the
+city of our story, the sun shone beautifully, and from the way the birds
+sang, it was hard to believe it was late December. The streets, at an
+early hour, were filled with pedestrians seeking the open air, freedom
+and merriment. Fire crackers filled the air with noise; while the
+discharge of blank cartridges and an occasional gunshot, as well as a
+cannon now and then, added to the confusion. The sharp noises made many
+people start suddenly, and then smile when they recalled that it was
+Xmas day; the day when Jesus, our Saviour, came into the world, and
+began a Christian civilization.
+
+But there was one person who was neither gay, merry, nor festive;
+although she had cherished hopes, dreams, and desires for that day.
+
+Mildred Latham lurked in the confines of the room she had taken, seeing
+the world--a small part of it--from the window of the room she had taken
+a night or two before. She had remained in it ever since, venturing out
+only to get something to eat and drink. She was almost oblivious to the
+fact, that it was Xmas day, until the discharge of firearms and crackers
+came to her ears from the street. And then she awakened to the reality
+of what she would lose that day.
+
+A Chinaman ran the restaurant where she bought her meals. At one of
+their stores, she had purchased a few dishes and a knife, spoon and a
+fork, so she brought the meals to her room, and ate the same at the
+table. She had no plans now for Xmas day. She tried to forget it, but
+the noise from the street did not permit her to do so. As the sun rose
+higher, the revelry became more pronounced. She tried to forget the day
+Mother Jane and she had planned to spend together. She tried to shut out
+of her mind the day she might have spent with the Jacobs. And she tried,
+likewise, not to see the dreary day she must now perforce spend--alone.
+
+The sun rose higher and higher, and the day became warmer. So warm about
+noon, that she raised her window and permitted the soft breeze to float
+in upon her, filling her lungs with it, and sighing contentedly. She
+watched the few people that passed that way, and noted that they all
+appeared so happy. They were all apparently carefree and desirous of
+getting all the enjoyment that the day afforded. Presently it occurred
+to her to venture forth and get something. It was bad enough that she
+must spend it alone; but to hover in the four walls of that little room,
+was a fact she could no longer submit to.
+
+She passed into the room that may have been called a sitting room, and
+where the old woman was stewing some meat on the rusty stove. Before the
+other turned at the sound of her footfall, she scrutinized her for a
+moment, meditatively. She wondered who this old woman was, who lived
+thus alone. She fancied what her life must be; she had other roomers,
+she had observed; but they came in late and left early, so she had no
+idea who they were, or what kind of people stayed there. She hesitated
+for a second, and then the other turned and faced her.
+
+"Uh, gal," she creaked in her shaky old voice, "be goin' out t' see a
+li'l' Xmas, ha, ha! Sho' you might. Cain' stay shut up in that room all
+time!" And she grinned, which made her features repulsive to Mildred.
+
+"Yes, ma'am, I thought I would step out and look around a while," she
+answered kindly. "I shall be back presently."
+
+As she went toward the gate, the hag looked after her and shook her
+head, as she muttered: "That gal's a puzzle, a devilish puzzle. I cain'
+make her out; but of one thing I'm certain, she's straight. Huh! Yes,
+she's straight," and she continued shaking her head.
+
+And it was that fact that made her a mystery to this old woman.
+
+She walked along slowly when she got into the street, looking from one
+side to the other. At the end of the street, in the direction she had
+taken, was the warehouse district. In the old days, this had been a
+prominent shipping point by water; but now this had been largely
+substituted by railroads. The yards were quiet today, as she made her
+way along, while scarcely a wagon was in evidence around the many large
+buildings.
+
+She walked in the same direction until she came to a street that led
+down to the river. She turned into this, and followed it until she stood
+on the banks of the stream that flowed gently southward. It was filled
+with a number of boats, while ferries plied back and forth to the other
+side. For a half hour she stood thus, with her mind free of all care,
+and enjoyed the stiff air that came with the breeze from the river. When
+she presently turned to go, she felt strangely invigorated, and decided
+to walk about more.
+
+Without regard to direction, she finally found herself on Beal street,
+which she recognized at once. She paused briefly before venturing into
+it, but the street was filled with music; while across the way, several
+electric shows invited the crowds that poured in and out. So she went
+forward timidly. She stopped at length before a black boy who was
+turning a street piano. The music was exhilarating, and she gave him a
+nickel when he was starting away, whereupon he dropped the handles and
+played her three of the popular airs. She gave him another nickel, and
+he took delight in turning on three more. By this time a crowd had
+gathered, and, thinking quickly, she slipped away and continued her way.
+
+She stood before a large picture show for colored people a few minutes
+later. At the front were gorgeous pictures, advertising the show within.
+She hesitated briefly, and then, fishing a five cent piece from her
+purse, she entered the show, and took a seat to one side. In a minute
+her attention was centered on the screen, where a western play in which
+red Indians and cowboys were in a mimic battle was being shown. The
+play aroused much interest in the audience, which fairly raised from the
+seats at times, especially when there was a gun play; and since gun
+playing seemed to be in evidence, much excitement was attendant during
+the whole time the reel was being run.
+
+She recalled suddenly, what she had read in the book of Sidney Wyeth,
+with regard to Indians. He had dwelt at some length upon this subject,
+and had concluded a chapter with words to the effect that the Indian, as
+he was today, and had been for years, was in no wise what he was
+pictured upon the screen, or in novels, but a shiftless being, without
+spirit. In truth, only an example of dull inertia.
+
+The next reel was much more original, she thought, and, therefore, more
+interesting--to her; but it wasn't to many of those about her, who, as
+she heard them, made little effort to catch the moral of it.
+
+It was a play of present day life, in which the hero was a man employed
+as floor walker in a large department store, while the heroine was a
+girl, employed in the most insignificant position in the basement of the
+same. She studied the play, and was carried away with the great human
+interest conveyed in the plot. It was a difficult task to keep her mind
+and thoughts upon it, however, because all about her, many remarks came
+from impatient creatures, who continually muttered aloud, demanding that
+it be hurried off, and something with "ginger" put on.
+
+"Hu'y, hu'y, 'n' git hit off! Git a gal out the' 'n' some song 'n'
+dancin'," said one who sat next to her, and who, she observed, was
+ragged and dirty in the bargain; his long, kinky hair stood erect on his
+head, and made him resemble something recently departed from the jungle.
+
+When the vaudeville in connection therewith was put on, she was filled
+with disgust. It was not refined vaudeville, and in no way corresponded
+with the pictures that had preceeded it; but of the most vulgar sort. It
+brought shrill cries from the throats of those about her, and remarks
+that showed the character of the crowd.
+
+"Put the sof' pedal on it, kid, ke-ha!"
+
+"Dat gal sho kin' sing, nigga, believe muh!"
+
+"Kick higher, dare, gal! You ain' done nothin'," growled one, who was
+not satisfied.
+
+Mildred arose to go out. To get to the aisle, she must pass about ten
+people, mostly men in rough clothing. "Set down, gal, don' git in
+front-a me!" one next to her complained.
+
+"Don' spile my gaze when dat gal's showing up lak she is," said another.
+With a sigh and a disgusted feeling, she sank back and made herself
+patient, until the disgusting performance was at an end. She had no
+trouble then, for all those between her and the aisle filed out ahead of
+her. Apparently they came to the show for the purpose of witnessing the
+vaudeville only.
+
+When she was on the street again, the sun was getting toward the west,
+but she did not feel like going back to the hovel she called a room yet.
+The noise and music seemed to make her forget her troubles and worries,
+and, mingling with the masses that now filled the sidewalks, she
+followed them aimlessly along the street. She stopped before other
+shows, and, when, at last, finding one that appeared to have no
+vaudeville in connection with the pictures, and which did not appear to
+have such a big crowd about the entrance, she entered and took a seat
+toward the rear.
+
+She had been seated about half an hour, when she chanced, upon looking
+back, to see someone whose face was familiar. She looked toward the
+front, and then, after a few minutes, in which she tried to recall where
+it was she had seen it before, she turned her head slowly, and looked
+again. Behind her, and just seating themselves, were not only three
+women belonging to Wilson Jacobs' church, and with whom she was well
+acquainted--they had been her best friends, and had admired her playing
+and singing--but in their midst, sat Constance herself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN
+
+"_My Wife--Sick--HELL!_"
+
+
+It was the day before New Years, and the city was in the grip of a
+severe blizzard that has swept down from the northwest, and had driven
+the people from the streets and into their homes, where they stayed
+closely shut in. From her little room, Mildred Latham peeped out through
+the small window, and was glad it was an ugly day without; for, being
+so, she did not feel as lonesome, and so desirous of going forth, as she
+had the few days previous; or, since Xmas day.
+
+She would never forget the moments she went through, wondering how she
+would extricate herself, when her friends entered the show and seated
+themselves behind her.
+
+She had sat with her heart beating a tattoo against her ribs, and hardly
+dared to breathe. The play was a deep one that flashed upon the screen,
+but her attention had wandered. She was trying, with all her senses, to
+think of some way out, and the way would have to come quickly, for if
+not, at the best, it would be only a question of minutes, possibly
+seconds, before one of the trio saw and recognized her. She was almost
+choking when there was a noise in the rear. All eyes turned quickly, and
+then there was a snapping of films, or something; but, whatever it was,
+the place was dark in a moment.
+
+Now was her chance, she thought, as the theater was suddenly plunged
+into darkness. She arose. Could she make it? In a flash the lights might
+be on. "Great God!" she trembled. "Suppose they should be turned on!"
+And with this fear gripping her heart until the perspiration started,
+she struggled toward the door. She stepped on many toes, while growls
+and complaints came from the lips of the owners, but she felt her way
+resolutely forward and toward the aisle. It seemed like an age before
+her feet found it. Through the place now, matches were flashing. She
+glanced for a brief second in the direction of those from whom she was
+fleeing, and, as she did so, someone struck a match. In that moment, the
+faces of the four came full into view. "Oh, my God!" she cried
+inaudibly, "they are looking straight at me." But before the flare had
+died, she breathed a sigh of relief, for, at that moment the lights came
+on, and they were looking toward the screen.
+
+She passed quietly out, and, when once outside, hurried in the direction
+of her room.
+
+They had not seen her.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The day was fading into twilight. The sun had set, and with it the wind
+had fallen; the air had become still, and the stars shone brightly from
+above.
+
+"If I don't get out of this place for an hour, I will surely die," cried
+Mildred, walking the floor in a fit of impatience. Having become
+accustomed to plenty of exercise, the days that had come and gone since
+Xmas day had seemed like an eternity. Perhaps it was hard for her,
+because she had not been further than the restaurant since that day. She
+admitted to herself that she was afraid to go anywhere now. She had not
+the courage to run the risk of being seen again, and had, therefore,
+remained confined to her room.
+
+She paused before the window, and looked long and earnestly into the
+street. Never before had anything seemed so inviting. She was simply mad
+to be in it, if for only a half hour; but to be in it, she felt she
+must. After a time, she resolved to run the risk. She fixed herself as
+best she could, and shuddered when she realized that she had not changed
+her clothes for a week. At last, with a suppression of her excited
+nerves, she slipped out of the house, and entered the street just as
+darkness had set in, and the stars were the brightest.
+
+She hurried along, and when she had arrived at the end of the street,
+she turned into another, and in a direction she had not been before.
+Along this she hurried, feeling the sting of the air, which brought the
+blood to her cheeks, and made her feel real life, after many days of
+fear and worry. She had been downtown one day before Xmas, where she
+dispatched a telegram, and now, as she hurried along, it occurred to her
+to go to the office again. She walked boldly in that direction, and a
+moment after she had entered, she came out with a satisfied smile
+playing about the corners of her mouth.
+
+"Now," she whispered softly, "where shall I go?" Without answering her
+own question, she began walking. She walked until she had exercised her
+limbs, and they were tired. So she felt like sitting down and resting.
+Still she continued the way she was going until, in turning a corner,
+she ran fully into someone and fell back with: "I beg your pardon!" And
+then suddenly the other fell back.
+
+"Why, Miss Latham!" the other exclaimed, amazed.
+
+"Miss Jones, I declare!" echoed the other, and stood abashed.
+
+"I have not seen or heard of you for months. Indeed, I thought you left
+town long since!"
+
+"No-o," Mildred mumbled, frightened and embarrassed, all in one.
+
+"And--what--what are you doing--in _this_ part of town!" the other
+exclaimed, now regarding her suspiciously.
+
+"_This_ part of town?" she echoed bewilderingly. "I--I--don't
+understand. _Why_ this part of town?"
+
+"Yes, _this_ part of town." She paused a moment and surveyed Mildred in
+wonder, and then went on: "Why, didn't you know? _This_ part of town--is
+the _restricted district_!"
+
+"Oh--Miss Jones!" she wailed. "Heaven help me! I didn't know!"
+
+The other looked at her keenly and a little dubious, and then she said,
+with a toss of her head, as something seemed to have occurred to her
+when the other looked at her strangely:
+
+"I guess you wonder _what I_ am doing down here, too."
+
+The other started, and her lips opened to say she had not, but before
+she could say anything, the other continued:
+
+"Well, I don't mind admitting what _I_ am doing down here, since I see
+_you_ here, also; but I have been coming down here for a long time. Yes,
+you see this is not the first time. I have been down here before," and
+she laughed a hard laugh, as she ended with another toss of her head.
+
+Mildred stood frozen. She could not collect her shattered wits to say
+anything, but she was thinking. Miss Jones was a member of Wilson
+Jacobs' church and sang in the choir. "It can't be possible!" she
+murmured inaudibly. "It can't be possible!" And then, all of a sudden,
+she felt sorry for Miss Jones, because she had liked her, and thought
+her very sweet. And now she met her face to face _in the worst_ part of
+the city! How could this be explained! Miss Jones being encountered in
+the _worst part_ of the city!... And Miss Jones had, with her own lips,
+admitted that 'she had been there before. _She had been coming there for
+a long time._' "Oh, God," Mildred cried almost aloud: "This is
+terrible!" _Why_ did Miss Jones come to this part of town?... Miss Jones
+came to this part of town and _knew_ she was doing so.... Then, if that
+were true--which it surely was--Miss Jones was _a bad girl_.... Miss
+Jones a _bad girl_? She could not believe it; and yet, before she could
+get all this through her whirling brain, she heard Miss Jones speaking
+again. What was she saying? It couldn't be true! Surely Miss Jones could
+not mean what she was saying. Oh, horrors! If Miss Jones meant what she
+was saying, then, Miss Jones regarded her as a _bad girl_, too. "Miss
+Jones, Miss Jones!" Something in her now was crying, although her lips
+moved not. "Please don't, please don't! I am not that way. I am not a
+_bad girl_, oh, no, please, _please_!" And still her lips had not moved.
+She stood like a dumb person; but she heard Miss Jones clearly:
+
+"Let's go over here to a place _I know_," she said. "It's safe--nobody
+but a swell bunch goes there, no tramps or _talkers_."
+
+She felt all she had heard a moment before now running through her mind,
+and yet she did not speak. Miss Jones was speaking again:
+
+"We are both in the same boat; one's as _bad_ as the other. No questions
+asked...."
+
+"Oh, Miss Jones," Mildred heard again, but her lips still were not
+moved. "How can you, oh, how can you!" Why _didn't_ she do something?
+She heard herself, but words were not spoken: "Why _do_ you stand,
+Mildred Latham? Why do you not go--_hurry_? You have stood _too_ long
+now. Hurry, hurry! To Mother Jane's--to Jacobs! Yes, to anywhere; but
+go, go, go!" And still she stood in flesh, and made no reply.
+
+"A swell bunch from the north, railroad fellows with plenty of coin.
+Some good time, kid. Come on at once. Let's don't stand here and be
+looked at."
+
+She was in a trance now. She couldn't stand there; she was aware of
+that. That would be worse. How to get out, she did not know, for she had
+now forgotten how she came in. But she had no notion of following Miss
+Jones. No. She would go to Mother Jane's--no, she would go to Jacobs.
+Jacobs? _Who_ were they? Oh, yes. She remembered now. And when she knew
+the Jacobs, she had known them for _the truth_. If she went to them and
+told them she had just came from the----oh, no, no, no! She couldn't go
+to Jacobs.... But now she had it. She would go to Sidney Wyeth.... Yes,
+that was where she would go. He would welcome her. He would be good to
+her; while she--she--_would tell him everything_--yes, _everything_. Oh,
+she was glad she had thought of him in time. Because if she had waited a
+little longer, she _might not be fit_ to go to him.
+
+They were going now, Miss Jones and she. Miss Jones was going, where?
+She didn't know, but she, Mildred Latham was going to her lover, Sidney
+Wyeth. Oh, how she loved him--she had always loved him; but now she
+loved him more than ever. And she was going to him, and when she
+arrived, the first thing she would do, would be to get on her knees, as
+she did when a little girl, at her prayers. She would tell him all. All
+the truth from the time she was old enough to remember, until today.
+Yes, she would tell _him all_. She would show him how faithfully she had
+worked in the sale of his book. And she would tell him how she had been
+driven from place to place, until she had no home nor friends; but,
+withal, she had remained clean. _Clean?_ Yes, that was why she had
+struggled so. She had fought _everything_, to keep clean.... And he, oh,
+he--would be happy. Oh, he would be _so_ happy. And then they would
+both--yes, _both_ go to the _Rosebud Country_ together. Wouldn't that be
+delightful? They would go to the _Rosebud Country_ together and live
+happily.
+
+"Here we are," she heard Miss Jones saying. She rapped on the door in a
+peculiar fashion. Presently the door opened, but no one stood beside it
+or behind it. It had opened from the top of a stair, which they mounted
+the moment they entered. This led to somewhere, but she followed.
+
+Now they were at the top, and paused for a brief moment; then, turning
+to the right, they crossed a hallway and entered a room. The door closed
+behind them, and it was some time before her eyes became accustomed to
+the darkness within. _Why_ was the room dark? She wondered; but just
+then it became a blaze of light. She looked all around her
+bewilderingly. It was a beautifully furnished room, with a soft, heavy
+carpet, while about the room were many heavy chairs. In the center was a
+table, and around the side were smaller tables. "What was this place?"
+she asked herself, feeling the back of one of the heavy chairs. To one
+side of the room was a huge buffet with a number of glasses, all thin
+and of many varying sizes, artistically arranged. On the other end was a
+piano, with an electric cord reaching it from above. And as she stood
+looking at it, a light within it flashed, and it began to play a song
+that made the room resound.
+
+"Hark! What was that!" she cried, with her lips closed. She saw the eyes
+of her companion, as her ears listened to the music. A smile, a wild
+smile danced in the eyes of Miss Jones. She caught Mildred suddenly
+about the waist, and before she was aware of it, was whirling her about
+in a waltz. And the tune--was the _Blue Danube_!
+
+In the midst of the sweet old tune, the door they had entered a moment
+ago swung open, and two men entered. They were striking looking men and
+were dressed in the latest style of clothes. They were both smoking
+cigars, and the room was soon filled with the aroma. But they must have
+been good cigars, because the odor they gave off was pleasant--so
+Mildred thought.
+
+Miss Jones dropped her at once and flew to one of them, who gathered her
+in his arms, and dreadful, before the others he kissed her. As Mildred
+swallowed, she turned and nestled in his embrace, and with his hands he
+pulled her head back until her round throat stood out beautifully, and
+kissed her again and again.
+
+Mildred was shocked at such immodesty; but before she got over it, the
+other stood over her, smiling down into her face with eyes that danced
+like fire. She fell away from beneath his amorous gaze, and ran across
+the room and got behind a chair. She turned and looked at him wildly
+now. He hurried after her. His lips were pursed to say something funny,
+and then he saw her eyes. He stopped suddenly and fell back a step,
+while his smile died and his gaze, as he saw her now, grew pointed.
+
+"Thunder!" he muttered slowly. The others disembraced themselves, and
+regarded them for a moment. They looked from one to the other, and then
+three pairs of eyes rested upon her alone. At first they were dubious,
+and then, as they saw the frightened look, they changed to something
+akin to contempt.
+
+"Aw, kid," cried Miss Jones--and Mildred had never imagined she could be
+so coarse. "'Cut' it. He's a _good_ guy, he is. A _thoroughbred_!" She
+looked at the man now, who appeared a trifle angry. "You're spoiling it
+all. He'd _like_ you; but he don't want too much of the kid play."
+
+"These good lookers are always hard t' land," said the man. "But this
+trick appears the hardest." Then to her he said: "Come on kid. Look
+over my hurry of a moment ago. That face of yours, I must say, got me
+'daffy'," and he laughed with a toss of the head.
+
+Her tension relaxed, and she permitted herself to come from behind the
+chair. A moment later they were seated around the large table in the
+center of the room. A waiter now stood over them, with eyes askance.
+
+"Little Sunny Brook'll do me," said one of the men. The other nodded the
+same; his eyes rested upon Miss Jones, who tossed her head gayly, and
+said:
+
+"Aw, Dickie and Joe, I don't like it straight. Make mine a dry martini."
+
+He attended Mildred now, while the others conversed. She did not know
+what to say. She had not thought of anything to drink; but in that
+moment she knew she would have to order something.
+
+"A coca cola," she said quietly.
+
+Three pair of eyes regarded her then with surprise evident. As it became
+clear to them, all threw their heads back and laughed loudly. The waiter
+stood with a little smile about the corners of his mouth, which showed
+he possessed a sense of humor.
+
+Mildred was silent and looked at them in surprise. Presently, when they
+had quieted, Miss Jones said a little impatiently:
+
+"You're a good one, kid. I must say so. Coca cola! ha, ha! But they
+don't carry coca cola at this 'joint'," whereupon they laughed again.
+
+"Yes, ma'am," now spoke the waiter. "We carry _coca cola_, but it's used
+as a wash." They laughed long and earnestly.
+
+"Bring us a quart of Sunny Brook," said the man who was nearest her.
+"And--yes, bring this little girl here a coca cola--for a wash."
+
+He lit a fresh cigar, and smiled.
+
+"Play cards, kid?" he inquired, and looked at her. "Why don't you say
+something, sweetness? Gee! Has the cat got your tongue?" he complained a
+trifle nervously, as he flicked the ashes from the cigar.
+
+The waiter had returned now with many glasses and bottles, and their
+drinks were before them. Before her was placed a small bottle of the
+drink she had ordered, while two glasses were arranged beside it, while
+a larger glass filled with ice stood beside them. The others had before
+them likewise, all except Miss Jones, whose drink was in a peculiar
+glass with a long stem, and flashed green in the electric light.
+
+The others poured their glasses about half full, while Mildred poured a
+part of the fluid in one of the glasses before her. It foamed! She
+stopped, and when it quit foaming, the glass was only about a third
+full. She had not observed how much it lacked of being full, when
+suddenly the room resounded with the music of the electric piano. It
+took her so much by surprise, that she turned quickly and looked. When
+she saw that it was only the piano, she turned to them again, as they
+raised their glasses. She took up hers, at a sign from them. It was
+full. They all drank together.
+
+She had a mighty effort to swallow hers. When she had succeeded, she
+made a wry face, and tasted the stuff gingerly. She had never drunk coca
+cola that tasted like that before. The others smiled naively. She felt
+strange. She raised her hands to her head. It felt stranger still. She
+wondered at such a strange feeling after a drink of something she was
+fond of? She had drunk as many as a half dozen bottles a day, and as
+many as three bottles in an hour. But three bottles had never any
+effect; while now, her head was whirling terribly. Everything about her
+swam. She saw the others smiling, and then she heard herself talking and
+laughing; but she was not aware of what she was saying.
+
+It was perhaps an hour later, or it might have been only a half, but she
+was on the street. She was trying to walk, but apparently she was not
+succeeding, for the man she had run from was supporting her. He had his
+arm about her waist; while his free hand held both of hers. She was not
+talking now. She was resting. Her neck was limp. Presently they turned
+into another place. She did not know where. Before them raised another
+flight of stairs, and up this they walked--that is, he did and almost
+carried her. A full minute it took before they reached the top. An old
+woman met them. Mildred saw her for a brief moment, and recalled that
+she resembled the one where she had a room.
+
+"My wife is sick," she heard the man say, "is sick. I wish to get a
+room."
+
+"His wife?" she repeated, but that was all. Darkness was all about her
+now; but the man repeated his words, and at the same time handed the old
+woman a half dollar. A moment later a door closed behind them, and the
+next a key turned.
+
+But Mildred Latham didn't hear it.
+
+The old woman looked after them a moment, as she rubbed the new coin in
+her palm. She raised it to her lips and kissed it with a smack. She
+regarded the door of the room in which they had disappeared, and then
+she burst into a fit of laughing.
+
+"My wife--sick--_Hell!_" And went about her duties.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE
+
+_Midnight, December Thirty-first_
+
+
+Wilson Jacobs sat in his study, gazing across the room at a clock. It
+"tick-tocked" as it always had. The minute hand slipped from notch to
+notch. There was nothing whatever wrong with it. It was a good clock. As
+he gazed at it, he recalled that in the years it had stuck to the wall
+there, it had never stopped; it had never varied from standard city time
+more than a minute or two during those years. And yet he watched the
+clock as though it were something strange; something uncanny; something
+that spelled his end.
+
+For it was, and it marked the failure of his great effort.
+
+In a few hours now that clock would show another year, for it was the
+night of December thirty-first.
+
+In a few hours, it would tell him, as it had told him before, that a new
+year had come. Yes. But this year it would tell him more. How much more?
+It was hard to estimate. He made no effort to do so. He had already done
+that in the past few days--the days he would always remember as the
+darkest in his life of hope.
+
+A noise in the other room came to his ears. It was a sigh. It was
+Constance, and he was sorry for her. Yes, Constance had hoped until the
+last minute that he would succeed. But he had failed....
+
+Vainly he struggled in the great northeast, to secure those thousands to
+complete the amount necessary. He had gone from town to town. The people
+were kind; they were considerate, and they listened patiently; while he
+waxed eloquent and forceful in his appeal for this great purpose. He met
+the nicest people he had ever met--he knew that. So refined, and how
+much they appreciated his great cause, was shown in every town, large
+or small. They took him through many of the buildings. They were perfect
+pictures, and the management was the best. The per cent of people who
+could not read or write in those parts, did not include any of the
+native born. He had never, he recalled this now strangely, met people
+who were so courteous. He had been so long in Dixie, and, therefore,
+accustomed to the country there, that he found it hard to believe that
+white people could be so courteous to a Negro. True, but they held to
+their money. They shook their heads and pointed across the water--and he
+knew.
+
+He had raised less than three thousand dollars. He lacked almost
+twenty-five thousand of having the proper amount when he returned home.
+
+His sister met him with a kiss. She looked hopefully into his eyes at
+the same moment, and knew he had failed. So they had said nothing about
+it. Others came in as soon as they learned he had returned, and it was
+with a heavy heart that he told them the result.
+
+"Well," said the professor of the colored high school, "you made a brave
+fight, Reverend. Yes, you made a brave fight. More than ten thousand
+dollars in such a short time is going some. You beat Grantville by twice
+the amount, and did it in one-third the time."
+
+"By the way, Doctor," said a mail clerk, as he was passing out. He
+stopped, and lighting a cigar, continued: "What ever became of that
+young lady who played at the church, and who started the cash
+subscription?"
+
+"Yes," said the professor, "I have intended to ask you myself."
+
+"My friends," said Wilson, "it is the strangest thing I ever knew; but
+we have not seen that young lady since the day you were here--in fact,
+we have not seen her since she left the church that Sunday."
+
+"Indeed!" both exclaimed. "That is strange!"
+
+"The strangest thing, I should say," he declared. They spoke of it at
+some length, and then they took their leave. Others had come, and made
+it harder for him to tell. Words of consolation were given by all, which
+made it still harder.
+
+He arose after a time, and walked back and forth across the room. He
+thought of the Y.M.C.A. in a northern city for colored men, and where he
+had stopped. Such a delightful place it had been. There was a pool hall,
+a cafe, a barber shop, a complete gymnasium, a swimming pool, a reading
+room with piles of the latest magazines; in fact, there was everything
+to keep young men out of bad company, and, at the same time, provided
+for them a place for clean, manly sport. He had stopped there three
+days, and during that time he had observed the great good it was doing
+the young Negro men of that city. The Negro population was not
+one-fourth that of this town, and still the schools there were the best;
+while almost everything in the way of public conveniences was open to
+the black people. If the Y.M.C.A. could be of such great good in a
+community of that sort, words, figures, estimates, all were inadequate
+to describe what a great benefit it would be to this town.
+
+And, until the last day he did not despair. He hoped and he worked. "The
+administration has balled the financial situation up so badly, that it
+is useless to seek subscriptions for anything," one had told him.
+
+"A million and more dollars he has given away," said the secretary of a
+millionaire he had consulted. "Yes, I will arrange an appointment," but
+from the way he said it, he was sure it would do no good.
+
+"Crime and evil environments have undermined the foundations of our
+society; those people, for whom a million men went to battle fifty years
+ago and freed, have reached a place in our American society, where it is
+the greatest mistake of a decade that they are not provided with better
+surroundings." He said this time and again, and the people heard him
+through, but in the end it was the same.
+
+By some he was greatly encouraged. If the gift of the Jew could be
+extended a year, all would be well, he was sure; but that had been
+settled.
+
+"I am asking you for assistance, because we have at our disposal
+three-fourths of the amount necessary; but, without your assistance in
+this, this three-fourths reverts back to those who have offered it."
+
+"The country is in a bad shape," and they pointed again across the
+water.
+
+And now he had returned, and had to admit to himself and the others that
+he had failed. He forgot his own desire; he wanted the association for
+the great good it would do his people.
+
+He seated himself, and mechanically his eyes sought the clock again. It
+tick-tocked the minutes away, and the minutes became hours, and every
+hour drew him near the end. If he could present twenty-five thousand
+dollars to the Y.M.C.A. by twelve o'clock that night, it would be saved.
+
+Suddenly it occurred to him to go into the street and walk about for a
+time. Maybe he could forget it. He picked up his hat, that he had thrown
+on the floor in his absentmindedness, and drawing on his overcoat, made
+his way thither. It was a crisp night, and the chill, as he struck the
+street, made him quicken his steps, and he walked briskly in the
+direction of the river.
+
+He observed with a start, presently, that he was going in the same
+direction and the same street, he had taken before going north. The
+incident and the words he had overheard came back to him, and he thought
+of Mildred with a pang of the heart. "I wish I could see her now," he
+said; and then, in the next breath, he said no. "I would have to tell
+her that I had failed, after her kind words. She said I would succeed.
+Yes, she said that--and meant it." He walked on, and finally fell to
+talking to himself aloud.
+
+"Yes, Wilson Jacobs, with all you have been through, you have come to
+this in the end. You've failed." And then something somewhere in his
+mind said: "Yes, you have failed, but don't despair. All may not be
+lost. As long as there is life, there is hope." He laughed at this, and
+wondered then at the strange caprice of the human brain. "Wonderful," he
+commented. "I wonder how did man ever come to be. In the years when he
+was wild, that was different. But now he is becoming so wise, that
+almost miracles are accomplished. He continues to grow wiser as the
+years go by, until I wonder what it will all come to in the end."
+
+By now he had reached the place where he overheard the voices of a few
+weeks before. It was dark. Not a soul nor a sound came from within. He
+stood where he had heard the voices, but no voices came to him that
+night. He presently retraced his footsteps. He could, at least, be home
+and comfort his sister. She could not be allowed to be alone while the
+old year died and the new sprang into being. He dragged himself along in
+an aimless fashion, not hurrying. As he figured in his mind, he had yet
+two hours.
+
+When he arrived at the house and entered, he resumed his seat in the
+study, and, since there was nothing else to do, he resumed his task of
+watching the clock. Not as much time was left as he thought for. It was
+now almost eleven. In one hour and a few minutes, it was goodby to
+seventy-five thousand dollars for the purpose of building and
+establishing a Y.M.C.A. for the black youth of the city.
+
+He heard Constance in the other room, breathing heavily, and wondered
+whether she was sick. He watched the clock now as a man who waits for
+the death knell. Time seemed to go slowly, he thought. He would call his
+sister when the clock reached a quarter of. Yes, and together they would
+watch, watch, watch. He dozed off to sleep. Suddenly he awoke with a
+start. He had slept the old year out, was his first thought. Then he
+looked at the clock. No, not quite. He rubbed his eyes.
+
+And then he listened. Had he heard someone, or something? "Of course
+not," he muttered half aloud. "This game is telling on me," and he
+raised his hand and grasped his head. And still he felt something had
+happened. He arose and walked back and forth across the room, and then
+sat down again. As he did so, his eyes saw the clock.
+
+It was now eleven thirty-five.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN
+
+_Into the Infinite Long Ago_
+
+
+"That is the Ponca, dear," said Sidney, taking her hand, as they walked
+up the road.
+
+"But you did not call it that in your story, Sidney," said Mildred,
+squeezing his hand fondly. "I have never been on its banks. When are you
+going to take me there?" she now said poutingly.
+
+He placed his free hand under her chin, and dared her to look into his
+face with such a frown. She failed, and laughed instead.
+
+"But I want to go," she cried, swinging the hand she held back and
+forth. "Won't you take me soon--take me today?" she begged.
+
+He drew her to him, placed his arms about her, and kissed her fondly.
+
+A moment later they walked down the wide road.
+
+"And this is the _Rosebud Country_," she said, allowing her eyes to
+stretch over a land to which she saw no end.
+
+"Yes, this is the _Rosebud Country_," he said contentedly.
+
+She regarded him a moment closely, before she spoke. In that look, she
+appeared to see him as she had never seen him before. This man was her
+husband, and he had spent the prime years of his life in this land to
+the northwest. He loved it, and now she would love it, because he did.
+In the years gone by he had hoped--he had built his hopes here, and into
+that life had come another. After that things had been different. Yes,
+things had been different, and that was why she was here. But she was
+happy. Yes, she was happy. He was too, so that made her more happy.
+
+"See those rocks on yonder hill?" she heard him say, and she allowed her
+eyes to follow the direction of his finger.
+
+"Yes, and oh Sidney, I gaze each day at them, and at the smaller one
+just this side of it. Tell me of them, and of the little one, too."
+
+And as they strolled together down this prairie road to the valley of
+the Ponca, Sidney Wyeth, her husband, told her the story of the two
+hills.
+
+"Many, I know not how many years ago, yon hill was the scene of many a
+crime, so the squaws told me." And he sighed, as he seemed to look back
+over the time. She placed her hand now in the curve of his arm and held
+it closely. It seemed to satisfy him, and with a glance at her, and a
+far away look in his eyes, he proceeded to tell the legend of the hills.
+
+"It was before the days of the mighty Sitting Bull, and Red Cloud, too;
+before the days of the cowboy--and even the squaw man. It was in the
+days of Chief Stinking Eye, who was the bravest--so the Indians say--of
+all the great Sioux warriors. Stinking Eye and Chief Bettleyon loved one
+and the same maiden--the daughter of Chief Go-Catch-The-Enemy.
+
+"Go-Catch-The-Enemy was a great chief, and owned all the land in what is
+called the Bull Creek district now, while Bettleyon lived with the tribe
+of his father in a part of this country far to the west, in that part
+which is now called the Cottonwood Creek district.
+
+"This vast tribe of red men lived by hunting principally; but their
+women discovered that crops could be grown in this soil, and, with rude
+plows and hoes, and whatever they had, they dug little patches in the
+soil along the creek, and in springtime, they planted these patches in
+maize and beans; so, when the zero weather of winter made the wigwams
+the most comfortable place, they kept from starving by feeding thereon.
+Of course, that was in the day when the buffalo was plentiful, and they
+had meat; but with cornmeal this was made more delicious. So, in this
+way, the Sioux Indians came through many cold winters, and went to war
+again in the early springtime; that is, the men did, while the women
+repeated the task each year, of planting the patches to Squaw corn or
+maize.
+
+"How they fought, and bled and died, is a matter not trivial. About this
+time, there came a man. He rode a pony, and he had on boots--not
+moccasins--and he wore a hat on his head. He carried a rifle in his
+hand, and that was the first time _these_ red men had seen such a
+weapon. Strange, as it was to them, he talked fluently in their tongue,
+and withal his cleverness, he became a favorite among the many. Before
+long he was, in reality, chief over all. From the Niobrara across the
+Keya Paha, including the Ponca, the Mastadon, on to the Whetstone and
+Landing Creek and to the White River, he ruled. They named him
+Rain-In-The-Face, and he made them all believe that he was next to the
+great white father.
+
+"There came a day when he made love to Go-Catch-The-Enemy's daughter,
+Winnetkha, which was her name, and she was said to have been the most
+beautiful daughter of the Sioux Indians the _Rosebud_ had ever known.
+
+"This, as you might expect, made enemies of Young Chief Bettleyon and
+also Chief Stinking Eye. But the white man was shrewd. He thought at
+night, when all was quiet and the Indians slept. So the mornings were
+used in carrying out the thoughts of the night before, while the Indians
+had to think of war.
+
+"So, before any knew, the white man had made Winnetkha his own, and took
+her to live in a real house, that he had made the Indians build for him,
+of straight ash logs, with bark peeled off and hewn on the inside, until
+the white wood glistened like silver.
+
+"That was the beginning of the breeds, and after that, many became
+crossed and have not stopped until recently; but Bettleyon and Stinking
+Eye never got over it, and when the pale face was spending his time
+herding the cattle that were now replacing the buffalo, they intrigued
+cruelly against him.
+
+"Winnetkha overheard their plan, and informed him when he came from the
+herd that night, and so he kept watch. They came late, with a band of
+picked men and loyal followers, and began at once to make war on the big
+house. All night they fought, but the Indians were shrewd this time,
+and fought from long range. They shot at the house with arrows that were
+heated red hot on the point, until at last they set it on fire. This, of
+course, drove the white man and his squaw out. They managed to escape
+and reached safety ere they were discovered. But the white man was
+angry, and he swore to have revenge, so, loading his rifle, he saddled
+his horse and came down single-handed on the Indians and killed many,
+and routed the rest.
+
+"He was not bothered any more for years afterward, but the Indian, you
+know, never forgets, so, one day, when he was grazing his herds near the
+top of the hill, he looked up to find himself almost hemmed in by the
+skulking red devils. He rushed to safety behind the rocks at the top,
+where you see them. Here he fought until his ammunition was exhausted,
+and he was without defense, with the Indians all about him.
+
+"And it was then that he looked about for other weapons of defense, and
+discovered a den of rattlers. Then, one at a time, he allowed the
+Indians to approach him, and as they did and went to look for him, they
+were struck in the face by a rattler. More than twenty were bitten, so
+'tis said, and more than half died from the effects. And then they
+killed him.
+
+"Old Go-Catch-The-Enemy made war on them afterward and a reign of
+outlawry began; but to the white man, his son-in-law, he gave a great
+funeral, and did not bury him on a tree top, where buzzards picked the
+bones, as had been the custom; but the Indians preferred such a burial
+rather than that a coyote should dig them up from the earth. He was
+buried on the top of the little hill to the side, as you see, with
+stones arranged about him, and so deep in the earth, that the wolves
+never bothered.
+
+"So, that is the legend of those hills that you see, and they are the
+land mark. Those who live here will not soon forget it."
+
+They stood on the banks of the Ponca now, and listened to the happy
+birds that filled the air with music like thousands of little bells. As
+they stood, arm in arm, they appreciated all that life held in store for
+them.
+
+Suddenly from the west came a great noise. "Hark!" cried the husband. "A
+prairie fire? Of course not. The settlers made that impossible long
+since." He looked anxiously in the direction from whence came the noise.
+The sun could not be seen, and everything at once grew dark. "A
+tornado!" cried Sidney, and, grabbing his wife, he started to fall to
+the ground, but too late! A sudden wind seemed to pick him up, and a
+moment later whirled him into the air, while Mildred cried out in
+agonizing tones:
+
+"Sidney, Sidney, come back, come back; don't leave me!" But on he flew,
+with the wind raising him higher and higher into the air, while she
+moaned until she felt her heart would break. Everything was so dark
+about her that she could not see, and then, suddenly it began to clear.
+Darkness was not about her, for overhead burned an electric light. She
+lay across a bed. She stood up and looked about her.
+
+Her brain throbbed terribly, while she tried to recall where she was,
+and then slowly it all came back to her. Miss Jones--the visit to the
+blind tiger--a bottle of coca cola--"Oh, my God!" she cried in piteous
+tones. "I'm lost! I'm lost! I'm lost!"
+
+She rushed to the door. It was bolted. She paused a moment as she stood
+by it. Where had _he_ gone! She had a watch on her wrist; she looked at
+it. She had not been there long. She recalled looking at it just before
+drinking the stuff in the glass. That was exactly an hour before. It was
+fully a half hour later when she had been brought to this place. But
+_where_ was the man.
+
+She looked across the room to a chair. Over the back of it lay the
+overcoat he had worn. Then it became clear to her. He had stepped out a
+moment to get something perhaps. She walked to the door quickly and
+tried the knob. It was locked and the key was gone. She became frantic
+as she ran around the room. She tried the window again. Useless.
+Besides, when she peeped under the shade, it was too far to the ground.
+She stood dumbly for a moment. Presently, mechanically, she walked to a
+dresser that stood to one side, and peered in the glass at herself. She
+recoiled when she saw her face. It was swollen, and her eyes looked
+strange. She could not believe herself. She looked again. "Yes," she
+whispered, "this is _I_!" She looked away. The top of the dresser was
+covered with a newspaper. Mechanically she found herself looking over
+it. It was not a city paper, she could see, so, somewhat curiously, she
+turned it over and saw the front page. Her eyes chanced to fall on an
+article two columns in width. She read a few lines, and then, with a
+muffled cry, she staggered backward, clutching the paper. She sought the
+chair or the bed--anything, she was too weak to stand now. But, ere she
+had reached either, she suddenly stood stiffly erect, while the blood
+seemed to freeze in her veins.
+
+A step sounded in the hallway, and a moment later, a key rattled in the
+lock. The _man_ was returning.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEEN
+
+"_Go Brother! In God's Name, Go!_"
+
+
+"I am truly sorry to see the colored people of this town fail in their
+effort to secure a Y.M.C.A. for their youth," said the secretary of the
+white Y.M.C.A., as he rested his elbows for a moment upon the cigar
+case.
+
+"And they won't get it after all," said a young man whose father had
+given five hundred dollars to the cause. "They certainly need something
+of the kind. The crime and condition of the colored people of the
+southern states, give this section a bad name in the eyes of the
+enlightened world," he commented, lighting a cigarette and sprawling his
+legs in front of him, when he had taken a seat.
+
+"I regret it more because that fellow, Wilson Jacobs, the secretary, has
+been a faithful worker, if there ever was one," the secretary said
+thoughtfully.
+
+"How did they happen to fall down on it? I understand that the white
+association has subscribed twenty-five thousand dollars?" inquired
+another.
+
+"So did a Chicago Jew, and likewise seventeen thousand dollars were
+subscribed from the city and other places, by the white people; but only
+ten thousand dollars could be raised among the colored people--or
+rather, only about five thousand. He secured about the same amount from
+the white people here and in the north."
+
+"I met that fellow down here one day, and say!" exclaimed another, "he
+impressed me as much as any person I ever met, I want to tell you!"
+
+"How did they ever come out with the effort over at Grantville?"
+inquired another.
+
+"They failed," said the secretary, and then added: "The gift from the
+Jew philanthropist has run for five years, and expires tonight at twelve
+o'clock." So saying, all eyes sought the clock that hung on the wall
+above them.
+
+"They have only a few minutes left, according to that," smiled one.
+
+"Say, wouldn't it be a sensation, if that fellow came tearing in here at
+one minute to twelve," said one, and laughed. The others joined in, but
+the secretary did not share in the joke, notwithstanding that it was not
+meant to be depreciating.
+
+"If he should," said the secretary, walking from behind the case, "I am
+authorized to acknowledge the same, and the colored people would get
+their association. But, of course, I do not anticipate such miracles
+tonight."
+
+A moment later, they all filed to another part of the building, where
+hundreds were gathered to watch the old year out and the new in, and
+where music soon made them forget the subject they had been discussing.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Twenty minutes of the year was left. In five minutes Wilson Jacobs would
+call his sister, and together they would watch. But the new year would
+bring no joy to their hearts. It meant that a great struggle would end
+in failure. He watched the clock by the minute. It was now eleven
+forty-one. Nineteen minutes left.
+
+Presently he heard a light footfall. He looked up and saw his sister
+coming toward him. She looked tired and worn; the strain she had been
+laboring under was plainly evident in her face.
+
+She came straight to him. What was it that made her regard him as she
+did. Had she seen, in these last minutes, how much it hurt him to have
+to pronounce his great effort a failure. She advanced to where he sat,
+and impulsively bent over and kissed him. As she raised up, both pairs
+of eyes saw the clock, and both pair of lips murmured:
+
+"Eighteen minutes left." And then his lips said:
+
+"Yes, sister, eighteen minutes left to raise twenty-five thousand
+dollars for the Y.M.C.A. for our people." He lowered his head, and
+sighed long and deeply. She placed her hands about his forehead, and let
+them slip back over his hair.
+
+"My poor brother, my poor brother!" And then, for the first time she
+observed a package. With womanly curiosity, she inquired:
+
+"What is this, Wilson?" and pointed toward it. He sat up quickly as
+though he had been asleep.
+
+"That," he replied, blinking. "Why, I don't know. I declare. I didn't
+know it was there." He was thoroughly awake now, as well as curious.
+
+"Wonder what it is," she said, curiously.
+
+"I don't know," he breathed, turning the package over. "And you are sure
+you didn't put it there?"
+
+"Oh, no, but I am curious to know what it contains," and she turned it
+over, while her face lit with a little smile that was carefree. He saw
+it, and said:
+
+"Why dear, if it will please you, open it as the last thing in the old
+year."
+
+"Oh, brother, that is so nice of you," and she took the knife he handed
+her, opened it, and quickly cut the strings. A package was enclosed,
+tied with paper. She pursued the task of cutting strings, and then, as
+she unwrapped the paper from about it she mused:
+
+"Oh, I wonder what it can be!" It was open now, and two pairs of eyes
+opened their widest, while her voice cried:
+
+"Wilson, Wilson! My God! It's money! _It's money to save the Y.M.C.A.
+for our people!_" Both now regarded the clock. Fifteen minutes was left
+to reach the Y.M.C.A. building thirteen blocks away! It was she who
+spoke:
+
+"Go brother! In God's name, go!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Had it been any other night but the night of December thirty-first, a
+man who tore wildly down the middle of the street, bareheaded, and with
+a woman with hair flowing loosely behind her, the officers on duty would
+surely have made an arrest. But as it was, they only smiled amusedly, as
+they remarked a new freak of meeting the new year. How little did any
+feel or know that upon that wild run, depended one hundred thousand
+dollars for the salvation of thousands of black youth, until the end of
+time....
+
+The papers carried the account in large headlines the following morning.
+
+     "REVEREND WILSON JACOBS SPRINGS A COUP
+
+     "Energetic worker and secretary of the Y.M.C.A. for the colored
+     people raised twenty-five thousand dollars, and completed the
+     condition of the association at two minutes of twelve o'clock last
+     night. Two minutes later, more than seventy-five thousand dollars
+     would have been unavailable for the purpose."
+
+In a column and a half, the people of the city and elsewhere read the
+account of the wonderful victory that meant so much for the colored
+people of the city, of which the population was two-fifths. It was
+likewise a victory for the white people, all of whom could appreciate
+the fact. In securing the same, the city, with the unenviable reputation
+of being one of the most criminal cities in the world, now took first
+place in the line for uplift among the colored people, as it would be
+the only city in the south to have a Y.M.C.A. for its black population.
+
+The fact made thousands of black people buy the blind tigers and
+drugstores out of whiskey on New Years day. _It was their greatest day
+since freedom!_
+
+In Grantville, everybody wondered how they had done it, and in Effingham
+and Attalia; and then the people of the fortunate city wondered too,
+after their excitement had cooled and they could think. Wilson Jacobs
+wondered likewise, and so did Constance. Everybody wondered.
+
+But they never knew.
+
+
+END OF BOOK THREE
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE
+
+"_'Scriminatin' 'G'inst Nigga's_"
+
+
+"Do you read d' papers?"
+
+"A' co'se I does. Wha' kind-a 'sinuations y're tryin' t' pass on me,
+nigga?" said one, whose feelings were, at that moment, very much
+injured.
+
+The heavy train pulled cumbersomely to the summit, and stopped a moment,
+while the switch engine attached to the rear, was uncoupled. A moment
+later, it continued on its way.
+
+Miles to the rear and below Effingham it struggled for one brief moment,
+and then, as a curve in the mountain was being made, it finally
+disappeared from view.
+
+Sidney Wyeth settled back in his seat in the front end of the Jim Crow
+car, and, with his feet spread over the seat ahead, prepared himself
+languidly to enjoy the four hundred odd miles that were before him.
+
+Only half a car, possibly not that much, was given over to the use of
+the colored passengers. It was as comfortable as the other part of the
+train, however, so no discrimination was evident. The portion given to
+them was, of course, next to the baggage car; while far to the rear, as
+he observed when the train rounded a curve, fully eight or ten cars were
+more or less filled with white passengers. About half the number were
+Pullmans.
+
+"Den 'f y' read d' papers, yu autta know 'bout dis 'scrimination dat is
+a-goin' on up dere in Washington," he overheard between three or four
+Negroes a few seats to the rear.
+
+"Ah reads th' papers eve' day; but I 'on know wha' you's a-drivin' at,"
+contended another.
+
+"Den you do'n read d' papers den, case all dis accurred up dere las'
+fall, 'n' dere was a big awgument 'bout it, 'n' all de no'then papers
+done took sides agi'nst d' president."
+
+"Aw, sho!" cried the second speaker now quickly. "Ah knows what youah
+talkin' 'bout now, sho thing!" And he nodded his head understandingly.
+The other observed him nevertheless, dubiously, but was patient while
+the other enlightened him.
+
+"Yeh; you 'ferrin' t' dat bill dey had up dare about 'scriminatin'
+ag'inst nigga's. M-m. Yeh. Des 'ere bill was a pretest from--well,
+somebody up no'th, a'-cose; but it's to make dem stop havin' nigga's
+eatin' in d' kitchen, dat us it, sho," and he looked about him into the
+faces of the listeners.
+
+The first speaker, confident at first that he was going to show the
+other up as not knowing as much as he, looked a trifle disappointed; but
+he didn't grant the other the benefit of the doubt.
+
+The second speaker went on:
+
+"Yeh, I don read all 'bout dat. Yu see," he explained very
+ostentatiously, "dare was 'n' editor, a sma't nigga frum Boston who had
+done _been t' school 'n' graduated frum college, and knowed ebreting_,
+'n' 'e 'as a bill down dare t' Washington, 'n' eve' body says t' 'im:
+'Why 'on' you take dat bill up 'n' make d' president sign it!' So dis
+nigga 'e finally git mad 'n' takes it 'roun' to de president's office,
+'n' shows it to'im 'n' tole him: 'Sign it!' Now, dy president he look at
+it, and read it over a little. Then 'e jumped up outer 'is chaeh, 'n'
+says: 'I won' sign tha' bill!' 'N' dey says 'e got awful mad, 'n'
+sto'med aroun' fo' 'n' houh.
+
+"So dis Boston nigga 'e got mad den, too, 'n' den 'e got du' president
+tole. Says 'e: 'I voted fo' yu; 'n' so did a lotta udder crazy nigga's,
+'n' now we 'us about t' be drivin outta du race, kase why? So now, I dun
+come all d' way heah frum Boston wi' dis bill that I wants you t' sign,
+t' make dese secretaries quit fo'cin' nigga's t' eat in d' kitchen!' Den
+du president 'e got madder still, 'n' wants t' fight. But they pa'ts 'm,
+but d' president 'lows: 'I won' sign dat bill, I won' sign it!' 'E
+stamps 'is foot den, 'e be so mad. But dis nigga, 'e ain' no southern
+darkey 'n' 'e stans pat, an 'monstrates dat 'e will sign it, ah dare
+won' no mo' nigga's t' vote fo' 'im fo' president. Well, du' president
+'e is so mad dat he sto'm, 'n' finally says: 'I won' sign dat bill, I
+won' sign hit! Befo' I'll sign that bill--'n' 'e strikes 'is desk wi'
+'is fist--'I'll qui' mah job!'"
+
+"But," said another, who, up to this time, had taken no part in the
+harrangue, "the president, ah taut, ain' axed t' sign a bill ontell it
+had been acted on by congress."
+
+The others looked at each other now, in some surprise. Then they
+observed the speaker, in a manner that was serene with contempt, for his
+apparent ignorance. (?) Then the second speaker said:
+
+"Aw, dis bill, y' see, 'us a secret. Dey wa'nt but three people knowed
+'bout it. 'N' dey was du editor and du president--'n'--," he was
+thoughtful now, as he meditated for a moment, and then said,
+"_Roosevelt!_"
+
+By this time the train had gotten under way, and it thundered on its way
+southward, down among the scrub pines that stood back from the single
+track. Croppings of iron, Wyeth observed, reached far to the south of
+Effingham, while the country, as far as soil was concerned, was a
+desolate lot of red clay and rock. The train tore through numerous
+little towns, consisting of a number of shacks, built mostly of plain
+boards, standing straight up and down, with smaller boards nailed on the
+cracks. Before some of these shanties played white children, whose
+appearance showed the life they lived, which was apparently that of
+poverty; while at some distance, he also observed were other houses, not
+as respectable as those behind which white children played, and occupied
+by Negroes. Little patches of cleared land that was scratched over,
+denoted that agriculture was attempted in even this poor soil. By the
+slenderness of the dead stalks, he could see that it would take many
+acres to produce a bale of cotton.
+
+On to the south the train hurried, and as they neared the capital of the
+state, he observed, with some encouragement, that the soil grew a little
+deeper; but, at the best, would have been laughed at back in the
+_Rosebud Country_. And the same sight met his gaze all along. This had
+once been a proud, aristocratic state; but, he wondered if it became so
+by the returns of crops from such poor land. Yet he was seeing only a
+small part of it from the car window.
+
+A cotton gin greeted the traveler at almost every station; while
+everywhere the scrub pines and rocks were largely in evidence. If all
+the state was like what he saw from the car window, with the exception
+of that which lay about the capital for a distance of fifteen or twenty
+miles, he scarcely wondered that so many Negroes preferred the city,
+where wages were sufficient to give them something in life.
+
+It was a cold, disagreeable day in the beginning; but, as afternoon wore
+on, he was cheered to see the elements clear, and the air become warmer.
+
+The highlands were behind them now, and had given place to great trees,
+while back from the track log houses interspersed the forest here and
+there. The further south the train pulled, the deeper became the swamp,
+while the trees towered to heights that could not be fully estimated
+from the car window. The atmosphere, which had before been dry, was now
+charged with a peculiar dampness, that seemed to rise from the earth,
+which melted away from the tracks.
+
+After many miles, in which the afternoon sun barely penetrated the deep
+forest, the train passed through another pine district. The trees were
+slender and scattered, while thousands of stumps stood lowly and darkly
+about. As he looked closer, he saw that among the standing timber, at
+the base, were little buckets. He made inquiries and was told that this
+was where turpentine came from. He laughed then at his ignorance. He had
+forgotten entirely that it was the south which produced the greatest
+amount of this article.
+
+"And when they have tapped the tree for such a purpose, I suppose it is
+of no further good but to be cut down?"
+
+"They cut them down at once, and make most of them into cord wood,"
+replied the person of whom he asked.
+
+"Now these people," said Wyeth, pointing to the black people, "they
+attend to the most of it?"
+
+"Yes; the women to the turpentine, and the men to the timber."
+
+The train had now come into a land of swamp. As far as eyes could see,
+there was a profusion of vines and palm leaves. He wondered if that was
+where the palm leaf fans came from. If so, the harvest was abundant. For
+miles and miles the swamp was thick with them, and they appeared to be
+all of fan size. Water stood a foot deep, while the track rose, perhaps,
+upwards of four or five feet above it all. The trees were a strange
+variety to him, while nowhere for miles did it appear possible for
+anyone to live. The mosquitoes, he judged, must surely find this place a
+haven when the days were warm; while fever could fairly thrive.
+
+Now the train had left the deeper forests, and was rolling across
+numerous trestles that stood high above the water. Great lagoons were
+crossed, where large birds, sea gulls and others not so large, flew
+about undisturbed. Miles away at last, rose church spires and ship
+hoists, and he then knew they were approaching a city that was a great
+seaport.
+
+A half hour later, they stood in the station. He found his way out over
+the tracks and into the station, where he entered the colored waiting
+room and lunch counter. They were supposed to stop twenty minutes there;
+but, before the lunch he had ordered was served, he observed the train
+pulling out. He tore out and was about to pass through a gate that was
+open, but was halted by a young white man, who informed him that it was
+the gate white people passed through.
+
+"But I'm traveling on that train, and it is pulling out," he cried
+frantically.
+
+"Don't make any difference," said the other coldly. "Enter through the
+niggers' gate," and pointed to the rear. Wyeth tore down there, but it
+was closed and locked. He gave up. Aboard the train was his luggage,
+while he must stand and see it go on without him, simply for the sake of
+a rule, that Negroes and whites cannot walk through the same gate. He
+was disgusted over such an occurrence, and stood watching his train
+disappear. It had gone well toward the end of the yards, when it came to
+a stop, while the locomotive attached thereto, whistled two or three
+times. Another man came to the gate, and Wyeth said to him:
+
+"I'm traveling on that train. Can I not pass through this gate and catch
+it?"
+
+He was permitted to, and breathed a deep drawn sigh. As he passed the
+fop who kept him back, he gave him a look, and wished they were both in
+the _Rosebud Country_ at that moment....
+
+A waiter, who had seen him go into the station, had the vestibule of the
+diner open, and it was through this he entered, as he caught the moving
+train.
+
+"I knew you would get balled up!" he exclaimed. "I saw your controversy
+at the gate.... And wasn't surprised, for you see, this is a _white
+man's country_." Thereupon he smiled a hard, dry smile. Wyeth passed
+forward to the Jim Crow car, and forgot the incident, for it was best
+so.
+
+They had now come into the greater city, and he got off.
+
+"Where can good accommodations be had here?" he inquired of the porter.
+
+"Want a place to stop?" His face lightened perceptibly. "If you will
+wait until I get through--say ten or fifteen minutes--I'll carry you to
+a good place," he said, and Sidney waited.
+
+He sat in the waiting room listening to the noise without. About the
+four sides of the wall, sat many little girls--that is, girls. They
+smiled upon him, and made immodest advances. He wondered at it, but then
+he recalled that this was supposed to be the most profligate town in our
+states. He paid little attention to them. Others entered, and they
+smiled upon them also.
+
+Presently the porter appeared, clothing changed, and dressed neatly.
+Several of the girls gathered about him, and said many foolish things.
+He smiled upon some of them, while he told others to go to the devil;
+and still others he told to go to----but we will stop here. And then
+they told him he could go there, too. They left then, and Wyeth and he
+walked up a street that was the widest, he felt certain, that he had
+ever seen.
+
+"Where are you from?" inquired the porter.
+
+Wyeth told him; whereupon the other whistled.
+
+"That's a long way from here. How do you like these parts?"
+
+Wyeth didn't answer the last; but to the first he said: "Yes, a long
+way," and fell silent.
+
+"Ever been here before?" said the porter.
+
+"Twelve years and more ago."
+
+"See quite a difference now, eh?"
+
+"I was not here long enough to see what there was in the beginning."
+
+They walked up a street that was intersected at various and irregular
+intervals, by numerous other streets, that were as narrow, if not more
+so, than the one they were following was wide. In the center of the wide
+street were four car lines. This part of the street was raised above the
+other, and was protected by a curbing, that prevented anything with
+wheels from crossing, only at the intersections. Wyeth remembered this.
+It was something he had never seen elsewhere, and he wondered who could
+have conceived the idea of making one street so wide, and then crossing
+it with others that were so narrow that only one single street car track
+was possible, and, when passing down it, the wagons on either side had
+to hug the curbing closely, or be collided with.
+
+"A beautiful place," he commented, pointing to the maze of electric
+lights that lined the narrow cross streets, and made their way as bright
+as day--brighter, he came afterwards to see, when it rained.
+
+"This town was settled by French and Spaniards many years ago, and they
+were very artistic in planning for the future of the city," said the
+other.
+
+"It is apparent on all sides; I can see that," Wyeth agreed.
+
+"There are some of the most beautiful colored people here you ever saw,"
+said the other.
+
+"There is one now," said Wyeth, as a woman, different from the kind he
+had been accustomed to, passed by.
+
+"Creole," advised the other.
+
+"And this is their native soil, so I understand," said Wyeth, turning
+his head to take another look at the woman with the beautiful face.
+
+"There are some," said the porter, "who cannot speak English at all."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed Wyeth.
+
+"Yes," went on the other. "Plenty cannot speak a word of English, and
+they may be found in what is called the French district. It is there you
+find them with the most beautiful skin, and the finest and heaviest hair
+you ever saw."
+
+"I hear they have frightful tempers," said Wyeth. "Is it true?"
+
+"I would advise you to avoid any conflict with them, lest you find out,"
+said the other, smiling amusedly.
+
+"What is that?" said Wyeth, pointing to a bar before which stood many
+men drinking.
+
+"Why, what?" said the other, then replied: "A saloon."
+
+"And they are open on Sunday?" Yet he was not surprised when he had
+thought, for he had seen the same elsewhere. But the other replied:
+
+"The saloons never close here."
+
+"Never close! What do you mean?" said Wyeth.
+
+"What I say," from the other.
+
+"And still I do not understand you," said Wyeth. And then added: "What
+time do they open in the morning?"
+
+"They do not close at night; therefore, they do not have to go to the
+trouble of opening in the morning."
+
+"Uh huh!"
+
+"There are saloons here that boast of having not closed since before the
+Revolutionary War."
+
+"Good night!" Wyeth laughed. "Something historical down here!"
+
+"You'll learn more when you have been here a while. This is the city of
+history--American history. We turn here."
+
+And Wyeth came to see for himself. They were crossing the wide street
+now, and went up another that was as wide, but no cars ran up that way.
+
+"This is Basin court," said the other, as they paused outside of a
+two-story structure, that opened its doors upon the street.
+
+A big, fat, brown-skinned man appeared presently, and bade them enter.
+
+When they were inside they met another--a woman, and she was fatter
+still. It was the man's wife, and she appeared to be in charge, from her
+statements regarding the rental. They were from Alabama, and one glance
+was sufficient to show they were not creole.
+
+Wyeth bought some beer, and the fat man went for it with a pitcher. He
+returned with as much for a dime, as would have cost twenty-five cents
+in Effingham. He said so to the other, and then the others laughed and
+said:
+
+"This is the city where they drink it. They drink more here than
+anywhere else in the world." Wyeth recalled a year before--but then
+these people had seen only a small part of the world, as their
+conversation later revealed, and, of course--but it didn't matter.
+
+"You genemens goin' to the dance?" said the woman.
+
+"To the dance?" Wyeth repeated. "This is Sunday!"
+
+They smiled at him now--all of them--and then said:
+
+"Sunday is the day of sport in this town. More dances occur on Sunday
+than any other day."
+
+Wyeth whistled.
+
+"This is the creole city," and they smiled again.
+
+"This gentleman is from a more pious territory," said the porter,
+appreciatively. He seemed to be very intelligent.
+
+"What kind of work do the genemen follow?" asked the hostess.
+
+"Books," Wyeth replied.
+
+"They don't read much down here," she said, dubiously.
+
+"Some do everywhere--more or less!"
+
+"They are strongly engaged in the art of having a good time here,"
+remarked the porter, and laughed.
+
+"I suppose so," said Wyeth. "And, since practically half of the colored
+people of the state are illiterate, I am, of course, compelled to agree
+with you."
+
+They talked on other topics now, and Wyeth, not feeling sleepy,
+suggested venturing out sight seeing. He went alone, and what he saw, he
+did not soon forget.
+
+When the door had closed behind him, and his steps died away in the
+distance, the fat man winked and the woman smiled; then the pair spoke,
+in the same breath:
+
+"Books--huh! He he! Books--huh! He he!" They regarded the porter with a
+smile; but he did not, strange to say, share their point of view. But
+they had their say, nevertheless.
+
+"Books--huh!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO
+
+_At Last She Didn't Care_
+
+
+Mildred stood in the middle of the room, directly under the electric
+light that filled the room with its bright rays. She could see the end
+of the key, as it turned in the lock, and, in that moment, a scheme
+entered her head, like a flash. Locating the direction of the door, and
+facing toward it, she reached up suddenly and switched off the light.
+Instantly the room was ingulfed in darkness. She hurried to the door,
+and stood just to one side. Presently the knob turned and the man
+entered. He stood on the threshold a moment, and she heard him say:
+
+"Ah, the little girl is sleeping peacefully," and laughed. "That was a
+devil of a dose a-whiskey that girl gave her, though! Knocked her stiff!
+Darned if I don't believe she was handing the straight dope after all."
+He advanced now toward the middle of the room. Quick as a flash she
+stepped out, and, seeing he had left the key in the lock, she jerked the
+door closed, and, turning the key, which she allowed to remain, rushed
+to the end of the steps, and hurried down as fast as she could safely
+venture.
+
+It was dark outside, and no one stood about the entrance. She struck the
+pavement, looked up and down a brief moment, and then hurried in a
+direction that led to whither she knew not, but to escape was her only
+thought. She hurried along for fully three blocks, and then turned in
+another direction, and then one block in another, and paused--feeling
+safe at last.
+
+Up to this time, she was not conscious that her head was aching to a
+point that was almost splitting. She placed her hand upon her forehead,
+and only then was she aware that she had the paper she had picked from
+the dresser, closely clutched in her hand. The words she had seen there,
+made her at once forget her headache and all else.
+
+She thought of something then. She looked at the watch on her wrist.
+"Yes, thank God, there is yet time." An hour later she came back to the
+place where she had stood, and continued in the direction she had been
+going, looking from right to left for a lodging house.
+
+She stopped at several places where a sign over the front advertised
+rooms, but, at each one they wanted men only. She had no thought of
+going back to where she had been stopping the last week; and, besides,
+she knew not where she was, nor did she know the street or number where
+she had been stopping, therefore was confident she could not have found
+it, had she wished to return.
+
+Upon the street, she encountered many people celebrating the event of
+the coming year, and then she tried a small house that set back in a
+yard, and which appeared very neat from where she viewed it. She secured
+a room, and retired at once. Setting the oil lamp on a chair next to the
+bed, she unfolded the paper and read the article on the front page
+carefully, over and over again. It was an Effingham paper, and a date of
+some time before. When she had read it, until she was convinced that she
+was not dreaming, she sighed restfully as she murmured:
+
+"At last, oh Lord, at last!"
+
+It was the Effingham _Age-Herald_, and the issue contained the article
+by Sidney Wyeth, in which he severely arraigned the leading people of
+his race in that city for their disregard of the general welfare of
+their people.
+
+"I'm so glad, so glad," she whispered softly. "And to think that it came
+to my attention in such an extraordinary manner!" She felt her forehead,
+and winced when the heat and throb came into contact with the touch. She
+made a wry face, as she recalled the taste of stale whiskey. Only then
+did she become aware, that when she had turned at the sound of the
+piano, someone had filled her glass with liquor. And she had drunk it
+before she realized that it had been doped. She thought of the incident;
+from the time she had met Miss Jones at the corner, and had been
+informed of the part of the town she was in. She shuddered and drew the
+coverlets closely about her, as her mind went over it again. She then
+tried to recall how she had followed Miss Jones to the place where she
+had met the men. And there she had drunk for the first time in her life,
+whiskey, although she was not at the moment aware of it. She rose out of
+the bed, as the dream came back to her; how the tornado had taken Sidney
+into the air, and then the story of the hills and the Indians. She
+pondered for a time, and wondered if such a thing had been the history
+of the _Rosebud Country_. And Sidney Wyeth had not been caught in a
+tornado, but had swept a multitude of people with his pen, in a burning
+article. She read over a part of it again. The very evils he had berated
+the most fiercely, were the things she had heard Wilson Jacobs deplore,
+and speak of more than once. Yes, Sidney Wyeth had written the truth.
+And from the way it was pictured, she reckoned that it must have created
+a bit of excitement. And that was the kind of man Sidney Wyeth was. She
+smiled as she thought of it.
+
+"And I love him. Was it because of these principles, that I strangely
+felt were inherent in him, that he has been my dream, which has grown
+larger in my estimation, in the months I have had no word of him?" she
+asked herself. "I am going to him--I am, tomorrow. Of course," she
+replied to herself in the next sentence, "I am not going directly to
+him.... He wouldn't quite appreciate that--oh, he wouldn't appreciate me
+at all; but I love him, and am going where he is, and after that----"
+she had no other words, nor thoughts. To be where he was, maybe to see
+him, became the uppermost desire in her mind.
+
+She did not, strangely enough, think any more about the Y.M.C.A. She
+thought of her lover as, with a peaceful smile, she fell asleep. She did
+not dream that night, but lay as she had fallen asleep, and it was six
+o'clock the following morning, the first of January, when she awakened.
+
+She lay a half hour without any thoughts in her mind, and then,
+observing a window next to the bed, she raised it slightly, and peeped
+out. It was not yet so very light. It was, apparently, a quiet street,
+occupied by working people who were now in many numbers on the way to
+their work. A boy with a bunch of papers under his arm was passing in
+their midst, and then suddenly she wrapped on the window pane. He looked
+up, being accustomed to doing so, and, catching sight of her hand,
+entered the gate and stood under the window with an upraised paper,
+while she fished out a nickel and dropped it into his hand.
+
+She smiled with an expression of satisfaction, as she read the article
+relating to the Y.M.C.A. for colored youth of the city, and was glad to
+note that Wilson Jacobs came in for a great deal of praise. She laid it
+aside for a time, and was thoughtful again.
+
+"Yes," she whispered to herself, "I will leave the city at once. The one
+thing I so much desired, and which has kept me here through these weary
+months, has been obtained." She closed her lips and planned further.
+
+She decided to go to Effingham. She would send an expressman for her
+things at Mother Jane's that morning. She would then purchase a ticket
+and go by the first train. She turned to the editorial column of the
+paper, and was made happy by a lengthy editorial, relating the effort
+for the Y.M.C.A., and praising Wilson Jacobs further.
+
+She did not know, however, that the editor of the paper that she was
+reading, and who was one of the most ardent supporters in the Christian
+forward movement in the south, had been at the Y.M.C.A. the evening
+before. He had come with the others, out of curiosity, when Wilson
+Jacobs had torn into the building, bareheaded and looking like an insane
+man. And he had written the article the first thing in the new year.
+
+She arose and dressed herself at seven o'clock, and slipped out of the
+house without awakening anyone. It was getting light now, and she went
+some blocks before she encountered an expressman that satisfied her.
+She gave him the instructions, and walked about, impatiently, while she
+waited for him to return. As she was waiting, she became possessed with
+a desire to see the little house occupied by the Jacobs, and where she
+had spent so many happy, hopeful months.
+
+She had no trouble finding it, since light had given her an acquaintance
+with her surroundings. She found that she was not far from it, and then
+recognized with a start, that the same drayman she had sent for the
+goods, was the one who had taken the same from the Jacobs' a few months
+before. He had not recognized her, and she now gave him no further
+chance to do so.
+
+She walked until the house was in sight, and then, going around a block,
+she found herself within a half block of it. Smoke was coming from the
+kitchen chimney, and she knew they were astir.
+
+"Bless them!" she murmured, as she realized how happy must be their
+hearts that morning. "And that is why they are astir so soon. They do
+not usually arise until nearly eight o'clock."
+
+As she stood gazing longingly at the house, she saw Constance emerge
+from the rear, and scatter wheat to a few chickens they had taken a
+delight in raising the past summer. "If I could only go to her in this
+minute, and feel her caress for just a moment, I would leave the city
+the happiest woman in the world." She stopped when she had said this. To
+realize that she was slipping out of the city like a criminal, without
+greeting the friends she had there, made her feel peculiarly guilty. She
+had no enmity in her heart toward anyone--not even the man who haunted
+her into the position she now assumed, and whose sole purpose had been
+to satisfy an animal desire. She knew she could not go to Constance, nor
+to Mother Jane's--nor to anyone. She would leave the city without saying
+goodbye to a soul. She turned her face away, as she recalled that she
+had left Cincinnati the same way. She had no friends there, and had
+avoided making acquaintances. She almost choked with guilty anguish as
+she asked herself:
+
+"Is it always to be this way? Am I forever to go from place to place
+under cover like a criminal? Am I always to be without friends?" She
+couldn't make answer. She could have a certain kind of friends; but she
+shuddered when she realized what kind they would be. She had never told
+anyone the secret.
+
+She had no desire, strangely, to do so. Only one person among those she
+loved knew it, she now conjectured. And she would leave to be near him
+soon. He knew--a part of it ... and he had turned away and had passed
+out of her life, when he learned it. He would never come back; he would
+never forget it--and even if, through any possible chance, she proved to
+him that it was all a very different problem, could he ever forgive her?
+Perhaps that was what made it harder to bear. She almost believed he
+would not. In reading his book, she had marked a cold, decided stand,
+and she felt that, if he had made up his mind against her, which he had
+apparently done, he was not likely to change.... It depended upon the
+strength of his resolutions. She could never get beyond a certain point
+in her dreams. But in spite of that fact, something within her longed to
+be near him; to see him; not to ask forgiveness--not to do anything; but
+just to be near him, that was all.
+
+Wilson Jacobs stood on the porch at the front of the house now, smoking
+a cigar in a way, she could at this distance see, he enjoyed. Yesterday
+morning he could not have smoked in so much peace; but today, the future
+was brighter than it had ever been for him; she felt this, and it was
+true. As he stood looking about him, Wilson Jacobs was happy. He was not
+happy over his own success--for Wilson Jacobs did not feel that he had
+made the success--but he was happy from the fact that the young Negro
+men of that wicked, criminally torn city, would soon be the recipients
+of a movement that would insure a brighter future, less tinged with
+degradation and vice.
+
+Presently he turned, as though responding to a call, and entered the
+house. Mildred surmised that he had been called to breakfast. She turned
+on her heel, and went back to the expressman's place, and met him
+returning with the things.
+
+They were all packed. The trunk only required a rope around it, and it
+was ready for the station. She instructed the expressman to this end,
+and met him at the depot, where she purchased a ticket for Effingham.
+
+She strolled outside and to a nearby restaurant, where she partook of a
+hearty breakfast, for she was hungry. She returned to the station, and
+waited patiently for the arrival of the train from the north, that would
+take her away from the city where she had been for many months. If it
+had not fallen to her lot to encounter the man who had known her back in
+Cincinnati, she could have left the city with friends at the depot, and
+much more ceremoniously; but she was glad that she was leaving it as it
+was. When she had awakened the evening before, she had, for a moment,
+felt that she could not leave it without a terrible pang of conscience.
+
+The train had arrived, and the people were hurrying in that direction.
+She joined them, and, as she was passing through the gate, she turned
+for a moment, and looked into the face of the man who had sent her away
+like this. She regarded him without a tremor of fright. At last she
+didn't care. A moment later she entered the car.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE
+
+"_They Knew He Had Written the Truth_"
+
+
+"Yes," said the man, "I knew Sidney Wyeth well. He was, in fact, a
+personal friend of mine; and, let me tell you, Madam, there never was a
+fellow more interested in the welfare of his people, from a general
+point of view, than the one you inquire about."
+
+"Indeed!" she echoed, with a pleased smile.
+
+"Yes, Madam, I speak the truth. My name is Jones," he said. "I am the
+editor of the _Reporter_, and Mr. Wyeth used to drop into the office
+here quite often, and talk with me about the condition of our people in
+the south. He was a conscientious fellow, void of pretense, and with a
+regard for anyone's point of view. Yes, Wyeth was a fellow who insisted
+upon calling a spade a spade, not a hoe; but there is an element of
+people here--or was, rather--before the appearance of an arraignment by
+Wyeth, who had only contempt for anyone's opinion other than their own.
+Oh, I'll tell you, Miss, you cannot imagine how this has been worrying
+me for years. I have been conducting this paper for some time, and have
+struggled to make it a good sheet; but, of course, we cannot collect
+from advertising and make our paper pay, as we would like to see it." He
+paused a moment, and then, making himself more comfortable, he fell into
+a long conversation, in which, with much fervor, he told Mildred Latham,
+whom he had observed was a careful and appreciative listener, of the
+conditions Sidney Wyeth had seen and had written about.
+
+"The papers told about the success of Wilson Jacobs in securing a
+Y.M.C.A. for the town northwest of here, and God knows how glad I am to
+see that our people in the south are coming to appreciate a Christian
+forward movement. We have been, in a way, steering in a direction that
+got us nowhere, and that was the way Wyeth used to discuss it. We have
+here, and in the town just mentioned, the worst Negroes under the sun,
+and yet counted as civilized people. And it seems to have been forgotten
+or overlooked, that our salvation, in a moral sense, as well as in a
+practical and progressive, depends first upon our own initiative. I
+cannot account for the selfishness that has so pervaded the lives of our
+professional people. Last summer, in a lengthy article, a Mr. B.J.
+Dickson, editor of the _Attalia Independent_, scored the physicians of
+that city for a little incident, that in itself showed a mark of
+narrowness that few would or could be brought to believe."
+
+He then related the article in brief, stating that the color line had
+been drawn among the colored people themselves, and became very much
+worked up over the fact that most of the people who had been invited,
+did not, as a rule, employ Negro doctors for professional purposes.
+
+"I have hinted at the things Mr. Wyeth attacked in his article, and I
+have, more than once, pointed to the evils in our own society; but no
+one paid any attention. No, they were too self-opinionated. They could
+not see their faults in a Negro paper; but, when it was brought to their
+attention on the front page of one of the most conservative papers
+conducted by whites in the south, well, then, it appeared altogether
+different.
+
+"They stewed and deplored, became indignant, and all that; but the truth
+cannot be played with. With all the noise that followed the publication
+of the article, conscience became a burden. They knew to the last one,
+that Sidney Wyeth had written the truth, and nothing but the truth. And,
+thanks to God, there were enough good people to say, when the demagogues
+were decrying it, that it was the truth. So now, in this city, where
+times are hard, and many people are out of work; but with plenty of time
+to think it over, there is in evidence a decided change, and it is my
+opinion, that next summer will see this new idea put into effect--at
+least started."
+
+"So, Mr. Wyeth has located permanently here?" she inquired, after a
+pause.
+
+"Oh, no," he replied quickly. "I had become so stirred, when I recalled
+how much life and appreciation that article of his had inspired in the
+order of existence about here, that I forgot to say that Mr. Wyeth has
+left the city. In fact, he left the city immediately after the
+appearance of the article."
+
+She caught her breath, and swallowed with surprise and disappointment.
+He had left the city. Where had he gone to? She was afraid to inquire.
+But Jones was speaking again, and saved her the embarrassment of
+inquiring.
+
+"Yes, he left a day or so afterward. He is not likely to locate in the
+south. And, moreover, his mission in these parts is not, I am sure, one
+of locating or hunting a location. He appears to be one seeking the
+truth about our people." He told her of Wyeth's departure to the creole
+city, and then, obviously anxious to unload his burden of opinions, to
+which she listened with patient interest, he continued:
+
+"I am of the opinion that he will write a book on these conditions in
+the near future. And, if it compares with his article and carries a
+romance interwoven, it will meet with public appreciation. He always
+spoke of his home out west with much longing, and I suppose that the
+atmosphere out there must be of the progressive spirit, which makes a
+difference when one is forced to tolerate the conditions of sluggishness
+down here."
+
+"How are the people here on Christian forward work?" she asked.
+
+"They had never thought of such a thing until Wyeth wrote the article,
+and it was the same in regard to a library and a park. You see, Madam,
+it has been like this," he explained: "Our people have been in the habit
+of accepting everything (when it came to uplift) from the white people
+as a matter of course, never letting it worry them, as far as their own
+efforts were concerned. Then, again, what few books have been written,
+with some exceptions (novels especially, and of which our race has
+produced but few) have dealt with the Negro as a poor, persecuted
+character, deserving everybody's sympathy. In some manner, the authors
+have been either careful to avoid his more inherent traits, or they were
+so fired with their subject matter, that they forgot it.
+
+"Yes, Wyeth brought in a couple of books he had sent for, and which were
+written by the most successful fiction writer our race has known. He
+read them, and pointed out that only a slight mention was made therein,
+that the Negro would lie--'excuse the expression'--and steal, get drunk,
+and fight, and kill and gamble to such an extent, that he would lose his
+last dollar, and lie out of paying an honest debt.
+
+"Anyone who conscientiously knows the Negro, must certainly be aware of
+these traits. Why then, should a writer build a work of the imagination,
+in which he seeks to reveal to the reader the white man's hatred for his
+black brother, without including in the same statement, that the Negro
+has inherent traits, which are some of the worst evils good society is
+called upon to endure? Wyeth judged this was the reason why these books
+did not sell and the authors ceased to write, since they could not work
+without a living profit.
+
+"Of course, when we allow ourselves, our thoughts, rather, to dwell upon
+the white man's prejudice, we will surely become pessimists. Who is not
+aware of it? But it is the purpose of the practical Negro to forget that
+condition as much as possible. To allow our minds to dwell upon it, and
+predict what is likely to happen, is only to prepare ourselves for
+eternal misery. So far as I believe, it is my opinion that the white man
+will always hate the Negro. It may be argued that it is
+un-Christianlike, which is true; but the fact to be reckoned with, and
+which remains, is that the white man dislikes Negroes. But, when we have
+our own welfare to consider first and last, it is logical that we turn
+our energies to a more momentary purpose.
+
+"I read Derwins' first book, a work of sociology, and which met a great
+sale, and thereby brought him into public notice. Then I read his late
+one, a novel, in which he portrayed the evil of prejudice. Like the
+other author I refer to, he built his plot entirely upon that, leaving
+the fact that the Negro possesses the many vices I have mentioned to be
+understood. Of all races, the Negro is the most original and humorous.
+Those who know him, even the least, look for some humor. Fancy, then,
+how people must be disappointed, when they purchase and read a volume
+concerning that race, and find it void of humor! The work of both these
+men, like works other than fiction, by Negroes, is couched in the most
+select words; but the people look for what they know to be current. And
+when they do not find it, they are likely to lay the book aside, and
+pick up something that is more to their taste.
+
+"And, with all due regard for the writings of these men, if you read
+their works carefully, you will discover their own lack of confidence in
+the race whose cause they champion. I will relate a little incident to
+show this:
+
+"Follow the romance, and you will find it invariably centered about a
+white couple. Why have they done this? The answer will be, a moral; but,
+in my opinion, they could not imagine a Negro character strong enough to
+weave into the plot, and, therefore, substituted white lovers, because,
+in their imagination, it was more fitting.
+
+"These men have quit writing, from the fact, that it did not pay; for,
+it takes a world of thought, concentrated upon a certain purpose, to
+write a novel. Any man with the ability to put a great thought into
+words, and to employ words that are select, in the manner these men did
+in their books, could, at least should be, practical enough to do so in
+such a manner as to win an audience that would pay sufficiently for
+their work to maintain them. Instead of that, they have both quit
+writing. They were sincere, but did the worst possible thing by
+quitting. For the quitter never gains anything; and, when it comes to
+championing the cause of a people, the persons who have attempted the
+same, should certainly adhere to the task." He paused now, as someone
+knocked at the door.
+
+"Come in," he called.
+
+A woman, neatly dressed and attractive in appearance, and apparently
+intelligent, entered.
+
+"How do, Mr. Jones," she cried, stretching forth her hand. Mildred rose
+to go, but Jones waved her back.
+
+"Mrs. Langdon," he said kindly, "I am glad to see you. Be seated." She
+took a seat. She turned to Mildred, who looked as though she felt she
+was intruding, and said:
+
+"It is nothing private!"
+
+She drew from her bag a few sheets of paper, and, smoothing them out,
+she handed them to the editor with: "Here is a little article I have
+written, in honor of the young lady who is soon to make her appearance
+here in recital, as you know, and which has been well advertised. I wish
+to have you publish it in your paper," and then she smiled sweetly and
+affected much modesty, as she added: "It will not be necessary that you
+mention the same is written by me."
+
+"But I wish you to have all that is your due, Mrs. Langdon," he
+protested.
+
+"Oh, very well, then," she said, and rising, with a few more words, she
+took her leave.
+
+Jones glanced over the page, and then started. "Excuse me just a moment,
+Miss," he begged, and read the pages which were neatly written and
+punctuated. When he had finished, he smiled and said, under his breath:
+"That is certainly nerve."
+
+Mildred regarded him curiously. He looked at her, and handed the
+manuscript across the desk, saying: "Please read it."
+
+She obeyed, and when she was through, said: "It is a nice eulogy," and
+then her face showed the wonderment because of his expression of a
+moment ago.
+
+"Yes," he agreed, "it _is_ nice, but take a glance at this," and
+forthwith drew from the top of the desk, a pamphlet with the picture of
+an attractive colored girl thereon.
+
+Mildred observed the picture, and then read the article on the other
+three pages. When she saw the editor's face again, she understood, but
+she didn't say, in fact, she didn't know what to say. The editor
+continued:
+
+"These pamphlets are scattered all over town. Can you imagine a person
+with her appearance and obvious intelligence doing such a thing? And
+yet, this office is the recipient of many such instances."
+
+The article had been copied from the three pages of the pamphlet he had
+handed her, and which were scattered all over the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR
+
+_The Woman With the Three Moles_
+
+
+She was now in the creole city. Before her lay the wide street that
+Sidney Wyeth had followed; but it was lighted by the sun, for she had
+arrived in the morning, whereas, he had come at night. She traveled with
+only a handbag to encumber her, and, therefore, did not take a car, but
+walked leisurely up the broad highway.
+
+The street, she at once observed, was very wide; it was so wide that the
+buildings appeared very low that lined the sides. She counted the
+stories of one building, and found that it was not the wide street
+alone, for the buildings were not high after all, not nearly so high as
+any of the towns in which she had been. She wondered why they were not;
+and, of course, it did not occur to her, that the city was built over
+water that was only a few inches from the surface, and which, in fact,
+seeped and stood upon the top whenever it could. Keeping the water below
+the surface, in short, had been this city's problem ever since its
+location. And it is no wonder, for, if anyone takes notice, the water of
+the mighty river (that makes it possible as a port and encircles it
+largely) is very often above the town. At several times in the history
+of this city's existence, these waters have become so high, that they
+threatened for days to spill over, and, therefore, submerge all the city
+in a few minutes. But our story is not concerned with the possible
+submerging of the town; we are concerned in following Mildred Latham, as
+she walked curiously up one side of one of its broad highways.
+
+She wondered, as had Sidney Wyeth--and as perhaps anyone else given to
+observation would wonder--that it should build some streets so wide, and
+at the same time make others so narrow that they were not adequate for
+an alley. The buildings, as she saw them, with few exceptions, were old;
+only a few had, apparently, been erected in the past ten years; while
+over most of the sidewalks were sheds.
+
+As she continued her indefinite wandering, she observed many
+curiosities, not to be seen in other cities. "But, of course," she
+murmured, "this is the creole city, and is known to be much more
+historical than the rest of our country."
+
+There are not so many colored people encountered on the streets as in
+other southern towns; although, viewing its last census of five years
+before, there should be now not less than one hundred thousand of that
+race within its limits. She saw many, however, and looked at them
+curiously. Here and there was one that looked like a creole; while most
+of them, were the usual kind.
+
+Never had she seen so many cars on one street, as she saw on the four
+tracks that ran down the middle of this one. They were arranged with a
+curbing to protect, or keep slim-footed mules out of their way, so they
+had to avoid the pedestrians only. Many police protected at every
+intersection; but withal, she was nervous as she hurried across, at the
+beckon of one who wore the bluest uniform, and a white hat--no, it was a
+helmet.
+
+She had arrived at Basin court, and did not know that she was within a
+few doors of the man she loved. She gazed about for a time, and then
+went on her way. She came, presently, abreast of a man--a colored
+man--and he was neat looking and intelligent. She paused with some
+constraint, and said:
+
+"Could you advise me, Mister, where I could secure lodging? I am a
+stranger, and--I do not know where to go."
+
+He looked at her keenly for a moment. Then his eyes glanced away and
+down a street that intersected. On either side of that street were
+houses--small houses that made a specialty of a room to the front, and
+these rooms contained--but we have not come to that. And then he looked
+at her again.
+
+His eyes wandered back down that other street, and he thought for a
+moment. He looked at her again, and then spoke. This girl might be
+stalling--so many of them did--but still she was intelligent, and that
+made a difference.
+
+"I could not, Madam, I regret to say, for I do not live on this side. My
+home is in Tunis, which is across the river. That is why I do not know."
+
+"Oh," she said, and her tone was sorry, "you do not live on this side?"
+
+"No, ma'am. You are a stranger here?" He eyed her keenly again.
+
+"Yes, sir. I have just arrived," and she told him also, that she sold
+books.
+
+Her tone was pleasant; her words were correct; and she said them in such
+a way that he forgot his suspicion, and then showed her forthwith much
+courtesy.
+
+"Indeed," he commented. "I wish I knew a place; but I am not so often on
+this side, for I am a physician, and my duties keep me mostly over
+there; but if you had happened to be wishing to stop over there, I could
+place you." She thought quickly.
+
+Sidney Wyeth was on this side, undoubtedly. She might at any time
+encounter him. And she didn't know why, since that was what she had
+hoped for; but she rather feared to encounter him right now. She had no
+room or place to go, and, as she meditated, she could not see any reason
+why she should not as soon be on the other side as on this. She liked
+quietness. So she said:
+
+"I had not decided whether I would stay across the river or here,
+though, of course, I expected to stay on this side. I would, however, as
+soon be on the other side, I think."
+
+"In that event, then," said he, "you can accompany me home, for my
+wife--we are recently married and she is a stranger and would be glad of
+companionship--has a room, and it is for rent. So, when you have seen
+it, and in case you are satisfied, you could have it. The charge, I
+think, furnished, is seven dollars a month."
+
+"That will be nice," she said, and was beside him. "I am sure I shall be
+satisfied."
+
+"Thank you," said he, "I am going over now, so if you are agreeable, we
+will catch a ferry forthwith."
+
+They now walked back down the broad highway, at the end of which could
+be seen the stacks of many steamers. He pointed out, very kindly, sights
+of interest and explained them.
+
+"Now, here," he said, "is a store. The family who own it are rich, as
+rich as any in the city, and it is said they are part Negro; though, of
+course, they do not admit it. The city, you will find, is a historical
+old place in many instances." And as they walked down the broad highway,
+he told her a great deal that was so interesting, that it made the
+distance which had seemed a long way an hour before, appear real short.
+They went up to the river, and boarded a ferry.
+
+It was a nice ride to the other shore. Once in the middle of the river,
+which was very wide at this point, the creole city rose and stood
+outlined in all its splendor. The waters near either shore were
+decorated with many river steamers, and as many, if not more, ocean
+liners. Great docks, grim and dark, opened their roller doors along the
+banks; while the steamers before them swung great loads of freight in
+their cellars.
+
+"Miss Latham," said the doctor, when they had arrived at the house,
+"this is my wife, Mrs. Winnie Jacques."
+
+They greeted each other, and murmured many words, and, when the
+introduction was over, Mrs. Jacques turned and asked Mildred to follow
+her. As she did so, upon her neck, which rose above the loose kimono she
+wore, was a mole; to the right of it another. Almost midway between the
+two, but an inch below, was another. And now Mildred Latham gave a
+start, then she swallowed hard. _Where had she seen the moles
+before_--the three moles? Only one person in the world, she was sure,
+possessed them. She followed the other to a room, and that night she
+didn't sleep.
+
+The next morning she kissed the other, before she left, but Mrs. Jacques
+didn't know why. But she watched her strangely, as she walked toward the
+ferry.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE
+
+"_Hello, Brown Skin!_"
+
+
+He came abreast of a depot; it was new, with an imposing front, over
+which was inscribed TERMINAL STATION in arched letters. It seemed quite
+a long way back to the colored waiting room, and the station was very
+narrow. It ran back several hundred feet, where four or five tracks
+received the incoming and outgoing human traffic. The station, like the
+one he had come into a short while ago, was filled with men and women,
+obviously idlers. He lingered only a few minutes, when curiosity led him
+further. He left the station from the side entrance, and found himself
+upon a very narrow street. He paused, and as he did so, strains of
+ragtime music came to his ears. He was curious to see where it came
+from, and to hear it closer. He crossed the street, and found that it
+came from a place--a cabaret--but for white people only. He turned away
+and went down the street, where something odd caught his attention.
+
+He stood where the walks intersected, and gazed to his left. Yes, it was
+a _feature_. On either side of the street stood a row of one-story
+houses. Lights were bright, as bright as day, on either side, which fact
+filled the narrow street with light also. He passed down one side; and
+there were multitudes of men sauntering, as he was--but there were no
+women, excepting in the one-story houses. They stood behind open doors,
+some of them, while others sat in chairs before a grate fire; but one
+and all, he noted, were thinly dressed and smiled on everybody--but
+himself (for, you see, they were white women)--with amorous eyes.
+
+"Come here dearie," said one--and many others said the same. "I have
+something to tell you." "Indeed," he conjectured, "but secrets appear
+to be the fashion here."
+
+He walked to the end of that block, and where that street intersected
+with another. And before him, on eight different sides, was a myriad of
+the same. Women, thinly clad--and it, you understand, was the month of
+January....
+
+It was a sight to be indulged; a pastime that was diverting, to say the
+least. And, since so very many others--men--were seeing it, why then not
+he?
+
+He saw it--at least a large part of it.
+
+He strolled another block, and the same sight met his eye; but, as he
+got further away from the station, the lights grew dimmer; the women
+fewer, but plenty, at any rate.
+
+Now he had reached a place where the crowds had not penetrated--only
+stragglers lingered like himself--and where the women were of another
+race, for now they were colored.
+
+"Hello, Brown Skin," they greeted him, and he smiled back, but didn't
+stop--not even to hear the secret that almost everyone had to tell him.
+
+"You are sure some brown, kid. Just come here a moment. Don't be afraid,
+I won't eat you."
+
+"Indeed," he said to one who was very small, and could smile with more
+effect than the others. "But I'm afraid." And he laughed aloud as he
+went upon his way.
+
+He had stopped now. He had to; for, before him was a brick wall--no, a
+brick fence. It was painted white and was about eight or ten feet high;
+while inside raised something sinister. "Gee!" he exclaimed. "But that
+is a sight one does not appreciate."
+
+He turned now, and passed down a side street, which was occupied by the
+same. But he couldn't forget what stood grim and determined on the other
+side. It had been there a long time too--before, oh, long before these
+women had. Yes, and it would be there long after they had passed away,
+and others, not yet born, had come to take their places. And as he
+passed down the street, under the subtlety of those night smiles, that
+place seemed to say--kept on saying:
+
+"Play on she cats! Oh, play on! Hell's got your soul; but I'll have the
+rest by and by." He turned the next corner and walked another block, and
+lo! There stood another! "Kick high little girl; sin as you please;
+Hell's got your hearts, but I'll have what's left--I won't say how
+soon...."
+
+"The devil!" he exclaimed. "This is the worst place for cemeteries I
+ever knew. I'm going away from here, to my room." And he went.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Where do the wealthiest of the wealthy white people live?" he inquired
+the next morning, when he had arisen, and dined at one of the Chinese
+cafes.
+
+The others regarded him now with a question in their eyes. "Yes," he
+repeated, "where do they live, for it is to their servants I prefer to
+try to sell the book, for which I am agent."
+
+They caught his logic then, and replied:
+
+"Take a car at the next corner, ride until you come to a park that is
+called d'Ubberville. There you unload, and find yourself in the midst of
+the wealthiest of the wealthy."
+
+He went down to that street, which was the aforementioned wide street.
+All that money could buy, was on sale along its broad highway. He sought
+a bookstore, where he wished to make inquiries, and, of course, found a
+number. He strolled about, making inquiries, until his watch said it was
+time to return, and go forth in quest of that part of town, where he
+wished to begin his work.
+
+It was certainly a long way to his destination. Indeed, he made
+inquiries of the conductor, until that one told him he would tell him
+when they arrived at the place where he wanted to stop. So, he sat in
+patience after that. He allowed his eyes to feast upon the splendor and
+magnificence of the beautiful buildings. Yes, they were elegant homes;
+they were the finest homes; and they were beautifully arranged, not to
+say artistically, on either side of the street, which, while not the
+same, was another one just as wide. So wide, indeed, that the middle
+was converted into a lawn, on which many palms reared their graceful
+foliage.
+
+"The creole city," he murmured. "For a long time I have wished to see it
+as it really is; to know the people and to learn of the many things and
+wonders it is said to contain."
+
+"Here you are," said the conductor at last, and Sidney Wyeth alighted at
+once.
+
+"Whew!" he exclaimed, standing entranced, as he looked all about him.
+"_Such_ homes; _such_ trees--such _everything_." And then he walked in
+the direction his face happened to be turned. He was slightly nervous
+for a time, but presently, with a bold front, he turned into the most
+insignificant of the many houses, and rapped quietly at the back door.
+
+"Come in," someone called, and he knew the voice belonged to one of his
+race. He had many times thought it strange, but it was always easy to
+determine the Negro by his voice alone.
+
+He entered, and looked at the owner of that same voice. She was a stout,
+brown-skinned woman; and there was another also, but she was black. One,
+the large woman, was the cook, for she worked over the stove, while the
+other was obviously the washer-woman, for she was ironing.
+
+In his talk, he told the story of the book, and filled them with
+enthusiasm, to a point that both subscribed. He said he was just
+commencing, and was glad they had favored him with an order. He thanked
+them again, and, turning, he left and betook himself across the street,
+where he encountered another brown-skinned woman, but she failed to buy.
+And the excuse she gave for not doing so, was one he always regarded.
+She was not able--having other irons in the fire. He left her, went
+across the street on another corner, and entered the rear of the
+smallest house he saw on the street. He was turning to go, when another
+brown-skinned woman put in her appearance. She was beautiful, he
+thought. And she could smile until he--well, she smiled. She said she'd
+take one, to be sure, so he wrote down her name, and asked her about
+herself. She was married, and laughed tantalizingly, though he had not
+asked her that. He left presently, by the way he had entered, and went
+to another house, and still to another, until the watch said five; then
+he betook himself to a car line. It was not the one he had come out on,
+and soon he saw other homes, which showed the creole element.
+
+That night he went rambling; he couldn't seem to be still. There was so
+much to be seen, and it had a peculiar fascination for him. He went in
+the direction he had gone the night before, and met crowds of people. He
+strolled until gay music arrested his attention. About an electric
+entrance, from which the music came, stood colored men. He got a peep
+inside, as some one entered, and saw that the occupants were Negroes, so
+he entered.
+
+A waiter showed him a seat by a table. Around the room were plenty of
+others; there were women and men, and others came and went all the time.
+The music had ceased when he entered; but, 'ere long, it struck up, and
+the room was filled with the strains. Couples arose and stood face to
+face, and did what he had never seen, as he recalled. The music played
+was a two-step; but they did not two-step--at least not the way he had
+done it years before. They made only one step where he had made two.
+Across the table from where he sat, a girl smiled upon him invitingly,
+as much as to say: "Let's dance!" He was tempted, and then he recalled
+that they had begun this dance since he had quit some years before. So
+he kept his seat, and she smiled upon another. He escorted her, and they
+joined the dancers. A hesitation, they called it, and he was positive he
+would--could never learn it.
+
+Presently the music stopped, and the couple returned to their seat.
+
+"I know you are going to buy me a little drink," she said, whereupon the
+man said "nix" and left. She glared after him, and called him "cheap."
+
+Wyeth was glad now he had kept his seat. He didn't like bold women, even
+in a cabaret, and this was the first one he had ever entered.
+
+It was a place for amusements, he soon saw, for, between dances came
+songs by many girls and a man or two, while clever dancing and "ballin'
+the jack" was a feature; and it attracted to the performers many
+nickels, that they did not hesitate to pick up 'ere they had fallen, and
+"balled" again and again, until it seemed their legs must sure be tired;
+but you see, they were accustomed to that.
+
+"Some town," he said to himself, when he took his leave. "A good place
+to forget, to live?" Well, it seemed that way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX
+
+_"Who're You!" She Repeated_
+
+
+And now we arrive at the end of the pilgrimage of Sidney Wyeth. He had
+ceased his critical observations, and had secured a room on the fifth
+floor of an office building, that was owned and controlled by a Negro
+lodge. He began an effort toward the distribution of his work, that he
+believed would be successful now, since he had learned, by contact, the
+art of reaching his people.
+
+He placed a large desk in the office, and put a carpet on the floor; a
+large table for wrapping purposes to one side, while upon the door and
+the windows he had an artist painter inscribe the letters:
+
+     CRESENT DISTRIBUTORS COMPANY
+
+"Now, then," he said, "if I can induce someone, here and there, to go to
+the people and follow the instructions I will cheerfully give, I think
+_The Tempest_ will be placed into the hands of many people. And to that
+end, I shall bend all my energy."
+
+And thus he began work permanently. He decided to canvass every
+afternoon, and to attend to the office and correspondence in the
+mornings, until such a time, when it would not be necessary to do so.
+
+He filled the country again with circular letters; but before he had
+completed this task, he felt an illness pervading his usual healthy
+physique. "Biliousness," he said. "It'll be over in a few days," and he
+went to work much harder, in an effort to forget it.
+
+For days he held it in check by the effort he put forth. But, as the
+days came and went, it became harder. He didn't go to a physician, but
+waited. But before many days had passed, however, he became conscious
+that it was more serious. So there came a day when he felt strangely
+sick; when he laid down, everything about him swam; he felt dizzy, but
+withal, he kept up the fight.
+
+"I won't give up to it, I won't!" he declared. And he earnestly tried to
+overcome it.
+
+He arose from his desk, and, despite the fact that his knees trembled
+and his whole frame quivered, he went into the street. He felt a mad
+desire to see this city, although he had been seeing it every day. So,
+to the wide street he went, and boarded a car that took him around a
+belt. It brought him back to where he had entered, and the route was
+twelve miles long. It led him through the district where he canvassed,
+and which was occupied by the richest. He saw their magnificent homes
+this time, strangely. At times his eyes would close, despite his effort
+to keep them open. And then, when he awoke, it was with a nervous start,
+and he was surprised each time, to find himself aboard the large cars
+that thundered along between rows of the finest houses in the city.
+
+He could not interest himself in them now; they appeared dull and
+without life. The car came down, and went through the business district
+before it came back again into the wide street. He got off, and almost
+fell in doing so. He stood for a time, at a loss to control himself. He
+wouldn't go to bed, that was sure; but where to go, he could not think
+for a time. Then it occurred to him to see that place--that place where
+a thousand and more women, vandals, were hurrying life to its end.
+
+So he walked in that direction, reeling at times, until some regarded
+him as if he were drunk. He passed down a street that was called
+Bienville. In that neighborhood it was the broad highway. And it was
+crowded. It was then about nine o'clock, and the sidewalks were filled.
+The girls were merry--they were always merry, apparently.... They called
+to him as before, that is, a part of them. The others--well, the color
+line was drawn here too, and white men came first.
+
+"Hello, Brown Skin," smiled one he had not seen before, and winked. He
+regarded her for a moment strangely. She took it as an evidence of
+encouragement. She beckoned to him vigorously, and _promised_ so very
+much. He turned, and before him rose one of the ghostly, silent
+places--the cemetery. It aroused him, for a time, from his apparent
+lethargy. He looked at it, and thought how strange it was this city had
+so many. And they were always silent--waiting, waiting, waiting.
+
+He shuddered and moved away from it, and in a direction that he had not
+been. On all sides the girls were gay that night. He went around a
+block, ignoring invitations. His brain was clear for awhile, and he
+thought: "Who located such a place?" A place where each day someone died
+and went to hell! But, as he thought the more, he concluded that dying
+was not necessary. It was a living death....
+
+"Come in, Brown Skin, not a man has been here tonight." He looked up,
+and in the doorway stood a woman. She was tall and slender, and brown.
+She smiled with an effort, he could see, for, in truth, the woman was
+hungry.
+
+"I'm hungry," she faltered, "and that's on the square. The landlord took
+every dime I made last night, for rent this morning. Not a bite have I
+eaten this day. Every day he calls early for his rent. Business is
+rotten--everybody's broke; but he must have his rent, or out into the
+street I go." She paused and looked tired, and then went on: "I'm so
+weak. I'd slip out of this hell hole, and try to make an honest living,
+but I have no clothes, and besides, I'm afraid that while I was gone, he
+might come along and turn the lock, and carry the key with him. And too,
+the bulls are filling the streets tonight, and fly cops are everywhere.
+So I might be arrested, and go t' jail. I don't like that place up
+there." And she sighed a long drawn, weary sigh.
+
+"Why would you be arrested?" he inquired, speaking for the first time.
+
+"Why would I be arrested?" she exclaimed. "You must not know the rules
+of this district," she cried. "Why, we are not allowed to leave it. When
+we enter this, we agree to stay!"
+
+"To stay?" he echoed.
+
+"Yes," she replied. "To stay...." He followed her gaze. She was not
+aware of what she saw, no doubt; but he was. Before her gaze rose gray,
+grim and sinister, one of those places--the abode of dead things. Yes,
+and it was waiting, silently waiting. He turned and regarded the woman.
+She was quiet. A man came by crying:
+
+"Hot sandwiches--hot tamales--five cents apiece!"
+
+He saw her gazing at them with eyes that were dry, but hungry.
+
+"Here," he cried, "with your sandwiches." And then turned to her:
+
+"Take as many as you want. All you can eat tonight, and some for
+tomorrow!"
+
+Her eyes widened. She beheld him now with wonder. "Do you mean it?" she
+whispered, in a subdued voice.
+
+He nodded, and handed the man a half dollar.
+
+She ate ravenously, while he watched. Presently he started, while she
+watched him strangely, as if he were something unearthly. He turned
+suddenly, and came back to where she stood. He ran his hand into his
+pocket, and drew forth three silver dollars. "Here," he said, and a
+moment later he was gone.
+
+She stood transformed, and then, dreamlike, she cried after him:
+
+"God bless you!"
+
+Back toward his room he now walked, and at times stumbled. But all the
+way the words of that woman rang in his ears: "God bless you!" "God," he
+murmured, "do You know these people? Are You acquainted with these women
+who are sinning? They don't know You! Their souls are burning now in
+hell!" He didn't know the direction he was going, nor did he hear the
+invitations; but soon he came to one of those walls, and looked up. Yes,
+they were inside.... Those who had known this life in the infinite long
+ago. And they were waiting for those others....
+
+"Brown Skin," he now heard, and then much gayety followed; but he looked
+up and saw the others, who were likewise waiting. "Sin on little girl.
+Satan's got your soul, and you'll burn in hell some day."
+
+He went a block where, on one side the gray silence greeted him, while
+on the other gay life was the order.
+
+"Come in boy, I've something to tell you." But Sidney Wyeth made no
+answer; all the while he could feel that silent spectre, the grave. And
+it seemed to say: "We are waiting, waiting, waiting."
+
+He went now in the direction of his room, and as he went along, the gray
+court kept telling him: "These are mine--all of them. And, do you know,
+they come to me each day. Oh, they are gay--now! The devil's got their
+souls, but I always get the rest. Meanwhile I am waiting, patiently
+waiting."
+
+Gay music came from the doors of a cabaret, and he saw it was for
+colored people. White people were not allowed within. He entered. The
+accustomed crowd lined the walls. The same girls came each night--he now
+saw. They welcomed those who wished for drinks, which came at fifteen
+cents apiece; a half of which they received at the end of the night, and
+that was how they lived.
+
+He avoided them. On the floor were the dancers. The music was inspiring,
+and "balling the jack" was the order. A rain of nickels came down upon
+them, and they quit only when they were exhausted.
+
+He was awakened by a waiter, at the table where he had fallen asleep. So
+he ordered a drink, gulped it down with an effort, and took his leave.
+He emerged, and had walked a few steps, when someone touched him. He
+looked down into the face of the woman who had been hungry.
+
+"Who're you?" she said. "_Who're you?_" she repeated, "to feed a
+starving wench and ask nothing. Don't look at me so strangely. I
+followed you. I saw you enter there. I would have followed you in; but
+they don't allow _us_ in there.... They don't allow us anywhere but--oh,
+well, I didn't come to tell you my troubles. And then," she added, "I
+wouldn't wish to disgrace you by having others see; but won't you come
+back?"
+
+He gazed down into her eyes and saw the truth therein. "A lost soul....
+Yes, a lost soul." And then something within him seemed to burst. The
+world about him became a maze of darkness, and he knew no more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN
+
+"_At Last, Oh Lord, At Last!_"
+
+
+Mrs. Ernestine Jacques very soon became devoted to her roomer, Mildred
+Latham. She told her husband as much when she had been in the house a
+few days.
+
+"She's a delightful girl, a fine companion, and I am glad she made
+inquiry of you in regard to lodging."
+
+"I am pleased to hear it," said her husband. "I am glad to have found
+you a companion, and now you won't miss me so much, will you?"
+
+"Of course, I will," she pouted. "I didn't mean that," she said. "But
+women, you know, seem to require friends, even when they have the best
+husbands in the world."
+
+We leave them at this point, and return to the subject of their
+conversation, who had begun a canvass in the sale of Wyeth's book, and
+had met with success, which is neither unusual nor strange, since it
+depends upon the efforts of the worker.
+
+She estimated that he would confine his work to the aristocratic
+section, where the multitude of servants were, so she decided to try the
+colored people in their homes, to begin with. Therefore, from one she
+learned of others, until she had a list of people whom she worked among,
+and with excellent results. She became an attendant of the Methodist
+church, where she met many, and made acquaintances that increased the
+success of her work. And thus her life flowed serenely along, uneventful
+for many weeks. But she had not seen or heard of the one she sought,
+although, in the course of time, she came across the book, and knew it
+had been bought from him.
+
+It rained at times, until whole days were lost, for it was too wet to
+enter nice homes. She stayed in her room at these times, and talked
+with Mrs. Jacques as little as possible, although she longed to do so
+very much. She was glad to see, as the time went on, that the two were
+devoted to each other. Dr. Jacques was a good man, and was even a better
+husband.
+
+"Some day," she sighed, "maybe I'll be like that." She pondered now for
+some time.
+
+Mildred had reached no decision, as yet, in regard to her plans. She was
+nervous, at times, on the street, fearing she might meet Sidney. She
+worked hard to occupy herself, and thus it went along, until she had
+gotten her work well under way.
+
+"Have you ever been up in the Perier building?" a lawyer, who purchased
+a book, inquired of her.
+
+"No, sir, I have not. Where is that, and are there colored people about
+it?" she said.
+
+"Yes, ma'am. It is a building occupied and owned by Negroes. There are a
+great many people located in it who would buy the book, I am sure," he
+informed her. "I would advise you to go."
+
+"I thank you ever so much, indeed," she cried gratefully. "I shall go
+there tomorrow."
+
+The next day was a beautiful one; the air was fragrant with the perfume
+of roses, and the birds sang, seemingly, everywhere.
+
+"A storm of some proportion will reach this place before night," said
+Dr. Jacques. "A day that begins as this one, always ends that way!"
+
+"My husband is a weather prognosticator," commented his wife,
+humorously. Mildred smiled knowingly from across the table.
+
+"And you have been very successful with your work, Miss Latham?" said
+he, surveying her appreciatively.
+
+"Oh, very much so. But it has been so elsewhere." She told him of her
+work in the city she had just left.
+
+"It was a strange coincidence," said he, "how they came to secure the
+Y.M.C.A. in that town. I keep myself pretty well informed regarding
+uplift among our people, and it was truly a delight when I read, that,
+at almost the last minute, money that was lacking, but necessary to
+fulfil the requirements, was brought to hand.
+
+"It was too bad Grantville failed in the effort to secure theirs. And
+they wanted it so badly," the doctor continued. "I attended school in
+that city, and always have a warm spot in my heart for the place."
+
+"Well, dear," said his wife, "how did they come to fail in the effort in
+Grantville, and succeeded in this other town? I understood you to say
+that Grantville had a much more intelligent set of colored people, and
+more progressive."
+
+"So it has! So it has!" he said quickly; "but by some strange
+coincidence, the money necessary to complete the arrangement, was
+brought forward at almost the last minute. Otherwise, they had
+acknowledged failure."
+
+"I wonder where the money came from?" she mused.
+
+"I suppose I must be going about my work," said Mildred, rising. "I am
+going to canvass the Perier building today. I have been told there are
+many offices occupied by persons who might buy."
+
+"Most assuredly," said the doctor. "There are many I am sure." He was
+thoughtful a moment, and then continued: "Our people in this town are
+not possessed with that race spirit which it is claimed Negroes have in
+other cities. They are accused of lacking unity; but, in spite of that,
+when one applies himself to the task with patience and fortitude, enough
+of the spirit can be aroused to make work like yours remunerative. But,
+nevertheless, I am often distressed when I realize, that we haven't a
+first class local race paper here; for, without one, it is impossible to
+reach the people--the colored people--through advertising, unless a high
+rate is paid in the columns of the white paper, and that is not
+practical."
+
+"Are you much acquainted in the building?" Mildred inquired.
+
+"Oh, yes, I know everybody--that is, almost everybody. The last time I
+was over there, I observed that an office had been taken by one who is
+a stranger to me; and I observed, also, that he appeared to be studious,
+so it might be worth while to see him too."
+
+She thanked him, kissed his wife, and a few minutes later, her steps
+died away in the distance.
+
+"Dear," said Mrs. Jacques, "don't you know that she reminds me of
+someone I knew a long time ago. But who it was, where it was, I do not
+know; but I always feel queer when she kisses me."
+
+"You're becoming fanciful," he smiled, lighting a cigar.
+
+They talked about other subjects, and Mildred was, for the time,
+forgotten.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"A story of the northwest, by a Negro pioneer, eh?" said a man, upon
+whose office door was written: _Real Estate, Loans and Renting_. "M-m.
+Looks like a good book. Negroes don't write many books, although there
+are a great many that come the rounds about Negroes, but gotten up by
+whites with a sketch about Tom, Dick and Harry, and exaggerated
+estimates of the Negro. So, in view of the fact, I guess you may put me
+down for a copy, and deliver it next week."
+
+"Thank you, sir," she said, as she wrote his name, and the date of
+delivery.
+
+"Having much success?" he inquired.
+
+"A great deal, I am glad to say," she replied pleasantly.
+
+"Glad to hear that. There are always readers to be found, if one looks
+for them; but, on the whole, the people of this town have not much of a
+literary turn of mind."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"No, it is such a care-free, happy-go-lucky place, that not all the
+people who should, try to concentrate themselves in reading." He was
+quiet and thoughtful for a moment, and then said: "Have you tried many
+of the school teachers?"
+
+"A great many," she said.
+
+"And how did you find them?"
+
+"Well, just fair. I sold to a few of them."
+
+"A few of them, eh! It would seem they should welcome the fact that
+Negroes are beginning to write books."
+
+"Obviously, yes."
+
+"And the preachers?"
+
+"They buy; but some of them dislike to, so much so, that I have
+dispensed with going to them."
+
+"And the physicians?"
+
+"They are very nice." She didn't say how nice, and he didn't ask, so it
+ended there.
+
+She went from one office to another, and almost all purchased. Some out
+of real interest, while others subscribed merely through courtesy to
+her, and from the fact that it was rare to meet colored people selling,
+or trying to sell anything.
+
+She had completed the third floor, and was ascending to the fourth, when
+the then overcast skies became darker and rain began falling fitfully.
+She made all the offices on that floor with her usual success, and
+started upon the fifth. Twilight was gathering, and, with the darkness
+from the clouds, lights were soon aglow.
+
+She had made the fifth and was just passing to the elevator, when she
+chanced to spy an office that she had overlooked, and, in that moment,
+she recalled the doctor's statement about the stranger. The office was
+at the end of the hall--a hall that was not much used, evidently.
+Mildred observed, as she approached, that the door was slightly ajar.
+She knocked lightly, and then, receiving no invitation, pushed the door
+open and entered.
+
+A man sat at the other side of the room, and he seemed to be sick, or
+asleep--at least he lay with face downward across the desk, at which he
+sat. She approached him, disregarding his apparent lethargy, and when
+she had offered a greeting, and he had raised himself slightly, she told
+him the story of the book.
+
+He was sick, she soon saw, and she felt sympathetic. She bathed his
+head--his forehead--with a damp towel; then she inquired if he felt
+better, and looked for the first time into his face.
+
+"At last, oh Lord, at last!" she cried, in a subdued voice, as she
+bounded down the steps. "I have found him, I have found him!" She walked
+hurriedly on her way to the street, and did not wait or think of the
+elevator that would have saved her strength. When she was on the street,
+she hurried through the rain--for it was pouring now--and did not stop
+until the ferry had been reached.
+
+Once aboard this, she hid herself in the darkest place she could find,
+and there, as the paddle of the propeller came to her ears, she cried:
+"Sidney, my Sidney, I have found you. And never, never, until the end of
+the world will I be far from you--Oh, my love!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT
+
+_"Well, I'm Going!" And She Went_
+
+
+"Typhoid-pneumonia," said the physician, rising from over the patient,
+who had just been brought to the hospital.
+
+Sidney Wyeth, unconscious, was carried at once to the section of the
+great hospital reserved for patients with contagious diseases.
+
+"What do you think of it, doctor? Is it a serious case, or just a light
+attack?" inquired one of the assistants, who was making a specialty of a
+study of fever.
+
+"Serious," was the reply, "very serious. He will be lucky if he is able
+to pull through."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I just missed you, Miss Latham," said Dr. Jacques, coming in a few
+minutes after Mildred had entered the house.
+
+"Indeed, I am sorry! We could have come over together," she exclaimed,
+smothering her excitement for the time, and smiling regretfully, when he
+had told her that he was in the Perier building just before she left.
+
+"Were you very successful with the people in the building?" he inquired
+pleasantly.
+
+"I received eleven orders there today."
+
+"Too bad the young man, the stranger, took sick. You might have gotten a
+dozen," he said.
+
+"Who took sick?" she inquired, with a start.
+
+"The young man I spoke to you about this morning," explained the
+physician. "He was carried from the building shortly after you left,
+with a serious attack of typhoid-pneumonia." He was standing with his
+back to her when he said this, and, therefore, did not see her start and
+open her mouth. She swallowed the exclamation, and he was no wiser.
+Hurrying to her room, she entered, locked the door, and sat down with a
+wild look in her eyes, plainly frightened.
+
+"Sick," she mumbled. "Typhoid-pneumonia. Oh, merciful God!" She was
+silent then for a long time. Outside, the rain continued to fall, while
+in the other rooms she could hear Mrs. Jacques singing softly, as she
+busied herself in the preparation of the evening meal.
+
+"If I had only known," Mildred whispered to herself. And then she was
+compelled to dismiss what she was thinking of, as being impractical. She
+continued to sit and meditate, until she was called to supper by
+Ernestine. She arose and bathed her face, realizing it would be
+advisable to appear unconcerned, for, as she now estimated, she would
+dislike to be questioned.
+
+When the meal was over, she inquired of the physician where the patient
+had been taken.
+
+"To the charity hospital," he replied.
+
+"I see," she said calmly. "Is that a good place?"
+
+"Oh, the best in the south. The Sisters of Mercy have it largely in
+charge, and they give the best possible care to all patients--black or
+white."
+
+She went to her room, slightly relieved, and fell at once to planning.
+
+The fact that he had taken an office, was self-evident that he was
+preparing some extensive campaign with regard to his book. As it stood
+now, whatever he had been arranging would stop at once.
+
+It was late that evening when she retired. But, before sleep came to her
+eyes that night, she had decided upon a course of action.
+
+Mildred arose early, dressed, heated some tea, and ate a light lunch.
+Then she threw on a dress, hurried out of the house and down to the
+ferry. An hour later, she was at the hospital.
+
+"I called, beg pardon," she began, "to inquire about a patient who was
+brought here last evening, and who, I understand, was stricken with
+typhoid-pneumonia. His name is Sidney Wyeth, and he is a colored man."
+
+After a moment, in which the record was consulted, the informant turned
+to her and said: "Sidney Wyeth, a colored man, serious attack of
+typhoid-pneumonia. In the ward of contagious diseases. Cannot be seen,
+Madam, I regret to say."
+
+"Indeed--ah,--did you say--it--was--quite serious?" she inquired,
+tremulously.
+
+"Quite serious, Madam. Quite serious."
+
+"There is no doubt, however--ah, that he will recover?"
+
+"We are not allowed to give out information of that nature. He may
+recover, and still he may not; but we cannot say."
+
+"Just another question, sir," she said hesitatingly. "About how long
+would it be, in case he should recover, before he will likely be on the
+street?"
+
+"Cases as serious, and of that nature, rarely leave the hospital under
+two months, possibly three, and sometimes it is even four; but, if he
+should recover, it would not be possible under two months."
+
+"Very well, I thank you," and, bowing, she left the desk.
+
+Mildred walked down the wide street upon which the hospital faced. She
+had not consulted any one else, and in truth, had no idea that the
+disease would last so long.
+
+"What can I do, what can I do?" she asked herself several times, as she
+passed down the street. "He has just started up, and to think that such
+a misfortune should overtake him at the outset."
+
+She walked on down the street, until she arrived at the corner, where
+she paused for a moment. She turned, and only a block away rose the
+Perier building. She could see his office. It was toward the rear, and,
+as she stood looking up at it meditatively, she caught an outline of the
+desk at which he had sat, when she came into the office, with no thought
+that she was near him.
+
+"I am going up there, to the custodian of that building, and--well, I'm
+going," and she went.
+
+"Are you the custodian of the building, sir?" she inquired a few minutes
+later, of an elderly man with a pointed beard and cleverly trimmed
+mustache.
+
+"I am, Madam," he replied. "And at your service."
+
+"A gentleman, who has recently taken an office here, was yesterday
+stricken with typhoid-pneumonia, and was taken to the charity hospital."
+
+"Yes, Madam, so he was," acknowledged the other. "Too bad. He took the
+office only a short time ago, and seemed to be a very progressive young
+man. You are acquainted with him?" he asked, observing the worried look
+upon her face.
+
+"Yes, sir. I am acquainted with him."
+
+"Indeed! I suppose you are a relative or a close friend," he said, and
+then paused before proceeding. "His office is open--that is, no one is
+there to attend to it, and he seems to be the recipient of considerable
+mail, I have observed. So, if you are interested in his affairs, you may
+have the key and look after the matter, if you wish too." He was very
+cordial, and the fact saved her from explaining what she had in view
+when she entered.
+
+"Yes," she said, "I am interested in his affairs, and it is very kind of
+you to make the suggestion. In truth, it was on his account that I
+called here. I should be glad to look after his business while he is
+indisposed," she ended bravely and kept her face straight.
+
+The custodian gave her the keys, and a few minutes later, she found
+herself in the small office, looking curiously and guiltily about.
+
+She assorted the mail, and then, going through what had been opened, she
+soon got an idea of his plans. Being engaged in this same work, it was
+easy for her to collect the broken threads, and resume his task. She
+carefully opened the mail that had come that day, and, a moment later,
+was typing replies to a score or more, in the manner he would have done,
+had providence given him the opportunity.
+
+She worked late that evening, and neglected to canvass at all, although
+it was a beautiful day.
+
+She saw, by the copy in one of the drawers, that he was advertising for
+agents, and in an apparently successful way. Now, it had occurred to her
+before, that white people preyed upon Negroes as agents, and, moreover,
+from her own experience, she had come to realize that they would (white
+agents) attempt to sell anything, if inducements were made that seemed
+plausible.
+
+When she was in her room alone that night, she did some more planning,
+some figuring, and some estimating. In the end, she decided to take the
+risk.
+
+Being a business woman had always appealed to her fancy, and the work
+was, to her, a most absorbing diversion. She had learned how to operate
+a typewriter when she attended school, and was very clever at shorthand
+also, could keep books with proficiency, and was now glad she had
+learned these things, although, until she had taken up the sale of the
+book, she had had no occasion to use her ability.
+
+The following day, she arrived at the office at eight o'clock sharp, and
+went to work at once. When the mail came, she was cheered to receive
+twenty dollars in the same, and also, to note three orders from agents,
+who were selling the book in other cities. She attended to all this, the
+packing and shipping of the books, wrote replies to all letters,
+including some of encouragement to those who were succeeding.
+
+She had lunch at a nearby cafe, and returned to work immediately. She
+then made up a list of carbon copies, which she mailed before going
+home, to several newspapers all over the country, inclosing a money
+order in each to cover the cost of insertion.
+
+"And now," she sighed, "I am happy. I feel better than I have felt for
+some time...." She closed her eyes meditatively, and thought of him.
+Would he survive? Typhoid-pneumonia was a dreadful disease, and she was
+considerably worried. When she retired that night, she prayed a long
+prayer, and went to sleep with a smile upon her lips, at peace with the
+world, and with hopes for the best.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE
+
+"_I Hope You--Won't--Won't be Angry_"
+
+
+"We cannot give out information as to the condition of the patient,
+Madam," said the informant at the hospital, when Mildred had called to
+inquire regarding the condition of her lover. She turned wearily away,
+and went back to the office.
+
+She was anxious to know the worst, if it came to that, and was worried
+daily, until she could not restrain the desire to visit the hospital
+each morning, before she went about the duties she had preempted.
+
+"He is not dead," she whispered to herself, "and if I go each day, I can
+work with my mind at peace; whereas, I would surely go crazy, if I were
+compelled to go along, and not know whether he is living or dead."
+
+Two weeks passed and he still lived, and at the end of that time, she
+was advised at the hospital, that recovery was expected, but that he
+would be, in all likelihood, unable to leave the hospital under two
+months from that date.
+
+She went to the office that day in the highest spirits, and was
+especially cheered to find a pile of letters in answer to the
+advertisements. Replies were many during the following days. In due
+course of time, she had secured a large number of agents, and a greater
+portion, upon following her instructions, were successful. Orders for
+books began to fill the office, and after she had been in charge of the
+office a month, she was pleased to see that she was actually succeeding.
+Each mail brought money and express orders, and then, the work being too
+heavy for one, she looked about for a stenographer to help her. She was
+successful in securing a very intelligent girl, a creole, with French
+ways and a command of that tongue which, at times, especially when
+excited, conflicted with her English to a degree that was amusing.
+
+As the days went by, business increased, until at the end of six weeks,
+more than a thousand dollars was finding its way to the office each
+week. Mildred was encouraged, she was delighted. She deposited the money
+to his credit in a savings account, and used only what was necessary for
+expenses and for her own living. She became so enthusiastic over the
+same, that she almost forgot he would return, and then--but she got no
+further.
+
+"He will be able to leave the hospital in two weeks, possibly ten days,"
+the informant advised her the last day she called, which was eight weeks
+after he had taken sick. It was only then that she became fully
+appreciative of the position she held. She now became uneasy, as, after
+thinking it over for some time, she was unable to decide what to do. The
+business was now so heavy, that it was impossible to be away from it;
+money came in each mail, and sometimes in large sums, while orders and
+inquiries for the agency, kept her dictating letters for hours each day.
+She permitted herself, that day and other days that followed, to become
+the heroine in a wild dream. She saw him well, which he would be soon,
+and she fancied how much she could help him. But always, when she
+recalled the past, there came a choking, and she would turn desperately
+to her work in order to forget.
+
+"And yet," she said to herself one day--and that was only a few days
+before he was expected to return--"I must do something. I cannot sit
+here and allow him to walk in upon me, because--he, oh, I'm afraid he
+might resent it."
+
+One morning the mail was heavier than usual, because it was Monday, and
+Saturday had been a holiday. Springtime had come, with its time of
+blossom, and the air was fragrant. She hummed a little tune and was
+happy that day; happier than she had been for a long time. She went
+about the great amount of work with a calmness and precision, that
+resulted in finishing it before five o'clock. Ordinarily, there was
+enough to have kept them busy until the next day noon.
+
+"Well, Katherine," she said to the stenographer, "we have been very
+industrious today, and I am going to bring you something nice tomorrow.
+You are very helpful," and with a quick impulse she kissed the other,
+who returned it as affectionately.
+
+In that moment, she almost felt inclined to tell the girl the burden
+that was upon her, but she thought better of it quickly, and, with a
+kind word, she turned to her desk, and for a time listened to the
+other's footstep in the hallway, where she moved occasionally, while
+waiting for the elevator.
+
+From a drawer she took some letters, and glanced over them reflectively.
+They were letters from a girl she recognized in the story, and from
+their tone, she surmised that the other had once loved him. That love,
+however, had changed in the course of events, and now they were only
+friends.
+
+She sat for a long time and gazed dreamily out over the city, and then,
+suddenly, it occurred to her, that she was sitting in the same position
+he had occupied, when she had entered his office almost ten weeks
+before. She stirred uneasily. At that moment a step sounded in the hall,
+and came in the direction of the office. It paused a minute outside the
+door, and then it was opened, and some person stood on the threshold.
+
+It was getting dark, and as the man paused, she observed that he looked
+about the office strangely--doubtfully. In so far as he knew, he had
+felt the office was a thing of the past, and at this moment he muttered:
+"Hump. Guess someone else is in this place." Presently, with another
+muttering, he came toward the window. Mildred sat stupified, and seemed
+unable to move any part of her body. She felt strangely paralyzed. When
+he got near the middle of the room, he suddenly bethought himself of the
+light, and turning, he went to the wall, where the switch was located,
+and pressed the button.
+
+She had rearranged the office, that is, she had added to the number of
+lights, since there were only two bulbs when she came. Now there were
+six. Over the desk set one, and it had a reflector. When he pressed the
+button, the room became instantly illuminated by the bright rays, while
+the one on the desk reflected full into her face.
+
+She said something and turned her face, while he gave a start and cried:
+
+"You!"
+
+The next moment, he fell back and observed her strangely. She sat as he
+had found her, with head lowered and heart thumping violently. He
+advanced after a pause, and stood close to her, regarding her with a
+look that was stranger still. He appeared to be at a loss what to say or
+do; then he raised his hand to his forehead, while his gaze was one of
+utter blankness. It occurred to her then, that he might be impaired in
+some way, after such a severe illness. So, with an effort, she rose
+boldly from the chair, and facing him, said:
+
+"Yes, it is I, Sid--Mr. Wyeth." She was compelled, by the thumping of
+her heart, to hesitate for a moment, and then she continued, more
+calmly: "I have made bold to come here during your illness,
+and--and--take charge of your work. I hope," she was now faltering,
+while he was regarding her without understanding, from the expression he
+wore. And--oh! She saw it now. He was regarding her with disfavor. A
+frown played about his lips that appeared drawn and thin, while his eyes
+gradually changed until they were openly hostile--contempt almost could
+be read. She turned her eyes away.
+
+This was her reward. She choked. Her brain became a whirl for a moment.
+She had tried to help him, and had succeeded. She had thought of it in
+that way; she now strangely realized that she had not expected any
+thanks--indeed, she had never thought of anything but to make the
+business a success. And, she was positive, that she had not expected any
+reward.
+
+She was saying something. She was not fully aware what it was, and her
+head hung down, while her eyes sought the floor, instead of his face
+with the hostile expression.
+
+"I hope you--won't--won't be angry!" With a great effort, during which
+she felt he was regarding her in the same critical manner, although she
+was careful not to glance into his face, she explained briefly what had
+transpired during his absence. "And so," she concluded, "here is
+everything drawn down to date," and with that, she suddenly caught up
+her light coat, drew her turban hat over her head, and went toward the
+door.
+
+As she did so, she was aware that he had turned and was looking after
+her. She paused when she reached the door, and thought of his illness.
+He might take sick again. She saw his eyes now for a brief moment, and
+they were upon her. She could not read them altogether, but it seemed as
+if the hostility was gone, and a look that bordered on appeal had taken
+its place. Her gaze lingered kindly, and then she said:
+
+"You are ill--have been. Please be careful." And, in spite of the effort
+it cost her to say it, she added: "I will come again tomorrow," and was
+gone.
+
+All that night she tossed and tumbled in her little bed in Tunis. And
+when morning came, she dropped off to sleep. Mrs. Jacques called her,
+and then came to the room and knocked at the door. Presently, she
+ventured to open it slightly. Mildred was snoring peacefully.
+
+"She's tired, poor thing. Very tired." She looked at her again. Her face
+was upturned and her throat was exposed. A beautiful brown throat. She
+crossed the room easily to where she lay, gazed down at her for a
+moment, and became conscious again of that same feeling that had been
+haunting her since she knew her. She stopped presently, and drew the
+lace night dress down a bit. The next moment she recoiled in fright.
+
+"At last, oh God! At last I have found her! My sister!" The other
+stirred. Light shown brightly through the window, for it was
+seven-thirty, and the sun was climbing. But Mildred Latham was tired,
+and was snoring again in calm repose. The other bent over her. She kept
+from putting her arms about her with much effort, and then kissed her
+lips fondly.
+
+She stood a few feet away, and regarded her with a heavenly feeling, and
+then, drawing the blind until the room was fully dark, she left her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN
+
+_Vellun Parish--Jefferson Bernard_
+
+
+Sidney Wyeth sat for a long time at his desk after he had looked through
+the statement before him. He could not for some time understand how it
+had all come about. He had been carried from the office unconscious ten
+weeks before, and during that time, or when he had come back into his
+senses after many weeks, he had concluded that his effort, which had not
+gone very far, was doomed to die, and had resigned himself to the
+inevitable. Now before him was a statement, which showed that more than
+a thousand dollars was finding its way to the office each week, in
+excess of the cost of the books. More than five thousand dollars was to
+his credit in a local bank. What miracle had been wrought to make such a
+profit in so short a time--or any time at all? It had taken him two
+years to reach a fourth edition of this book, while now the copies
+before him stated ninth edition. How had it all happened?
+
+There was but one answer, and that was, Mildred Latham.
+
+He lived over again the years of the past. He saw her as he had met her
+on that first day. He recalled her patience and appreciation, while he
+explained to her the contents of the book, and the order she had given.
+He remembered the dance and the kiss, with a strange pang of the heart.
+In all his days, no kiss had seemed like that. And the look in her eyes
+afterward. Was that love? Surely that was life. If God, our Creator,
+made that possible, then life was worth the effort. He became so
+absorbed in his reflections, that he started when he recalled his last
+visit.
+
+After that it was different. But for that--but he had worried himself
+sick, and had succeeded in forgetting it and her until the day he took
+sick. He was too weak and torn by the illness to think about the matter,
+while he lay on his back in the hospital. But when convalescence had set
+in, he had thought of it almost constantly. Try as he would, he had been
+unable to understand how it all happened. He pondered over it until he
+entered the office an hour ago, and now it was all plain.
+
+"Who is this girl?" he asked himself. "What is she?" he demanded. "She
+has always puzzled me." But, at the end of it all, the old hag on the
+steps, with the words she had spoken, rose again before him, and he
+forgot--he felt he was compelled to forget, all the rest.
+
+He got up, after a time, and walked about the office. He felt tired, and
+in view of her success, and of the circumstances surrounding it, he
+would go somewhere and rest, until he had thought it all out. But of one
+thing he was certain, and that was he must never see her again. He could
+love her; he could do anything within his power for her--he was only too
+glad to; but he felt he could never forget the few words he had heard a
+long time ago.
+
+So he wrote a letter to the effect that he had gone away, but he did not
+state where.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Oh, I have overslept myself dreadfully," cried Mildred, entering the
+kitchen where the other worked away in silence.
+
+"I started to awaken you, and you were resting so quietly, that I
+desisted," Mrs. Jacques replied, regarding her with a fond glance that
+the other did not understand.
+
+"I must hurry, for, of all mornings, this is the very one I would not
+have been late for anything," and she hurried through her breakfast and
+was turning to go, when the other came up, threw her arms about her
+impulsively, and kissed her long and lingeringly upon the lips. Mildred
+returned the embrace, but she did not understand the expression in the
+eyes of the other, as she took her leave.
+
+She arrived at the office, and was surprised to find only Katherine
+working away on the books.
+
+"Has--ah, any one been here?" she inquired, after waiting to hear
+something from the lips of the other.
+
+"No, ma'am, no one," said the other, looking up in surprise for a
+moment.
+
+"Very well," said Mildred, seating herself at her desk. As she did so,
+her eyes fell upon an envelope with her name written across it, and
+marked personal. She broke the seal nervously. Calming herself, she
+straightened out the folded sheet, and read it carefully.
+
+
+     _Miss Mildred Latham_,
+
+       _My Dear Madam_:
+
+     It is impossible to state how much you have done for the sale of
+     the book during my illness. I do not hesitate to say, that in view
+     of the fact that I have struggled over a period of two years, with
+     only a small measure of success, as compared to that which has come
+     about since you have looked after it, that it is beyond me. I
+     cannot, however, conscientiously accept it in the way you have
+     offered it according to your statement. So I have, therefore, made
+     over to you the sum total that you placed in the bank to my credit.
+
+     I am leaving the city for parts unknown, and may not return for a
+     long time--and possibly not at all.
+
+     Regretting that I cannot thank you more amply, but hoping you will
+     accept what is no more than due you, I am,
+
+     Very sincerely yours,
+
+       SIDNEY WYETH.
+
+
+She laid the letter down and gazed into space for a long time, not
+trying to understand anything. He had gone, and left her. He had given
+her all she had earned, and the privilege of earning more, but he had
+gone. Would he ever return?... She was sorry now that she didn't tell
+him all when it had been convenient; and still, in the next thought, she
+was glad she hadn't.
+
+She was not excited, but went about the work without any outward sign
+that she had been the recipient of anything unusual; but all the day
+through, she was thinking of what had just passed. She could not recall
+what she had expected, or that she had expected anything; but of one
+thing she was more conscious than ever before, and that was that she
+loved him with all her soul.
+
+So she decided to allow matters to drift along and made no change.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Wyeth stood before the window of the city ticket office of a small
+railroad. He was attracted by a parish which appeared rather remote, but
+where a lake was advertised as a nice place to fish. He made up his mind
+to go there. It was a half day's journey by rail, and a train left in
+two hours. He returned to his room, and an hour later his trunk was at
+the depot. He passed near the building, and from where he paused, he
+caught a sight of her sitting at the desk where she had sat the night
+before.
+
+He could go to her now, and say what had been on his lips more than a
+year before. He gazed at her for a long time, and was conscious of a
+longing. He had loved her--oh, so very much. Indeed, she was everything
+he had desired. Then he thought of the hag and what she had said, and
+went his way to the depot.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Vellun Parish is perhaps the most remote part of the state. It lies
+toward the southwest, and is bounded on one side by the Gulf of Mexico.
+Its land is all swamp, while no part of it is more than ten feet above
+the level of the sea. The most of it is under perhaps a foot of water.
+Upon the dry portion a few people live. They make no effort to raise
+crops further than a garden, but depend mostly upon fishing, and upon
+tourists for their living. One railroad pulls through the mighty swamps
+about it, and has a small station located on this dry spot. It is many
+miles to another station. Almost everybody leaves the place in summer,
+for mosquitoes hold sway, while sickness and swamp fever are prevalent.
+
+It was high noon at this resort, and from down the track could be heard
+the whistle of a small locomotive--for the trestles would not hold up
+large, heavy ones, Presently, with a ringing of bells, it came to a stop
+before the station, and two people got off, other than members of the
+train crew. One from the rear, and the other from the front of the Jim
+Crow car.
+
+The latter was Sidney Wyeth, and in his hands he carried a fishing
+outfit and other matter, together with a suit case. Before the station
+loafed a few of the inhabitants, including an old man whose age was
+perhaps sixty. He regarded Wyeth strangely, but returned the nod
+curteously, when the other had spoken.
+
+"Have any idea where I can find lodging about here?" he inquired. It was
+at the end of the winter season, and those who live the summer months
+through, had resigned themselves to the heat and mosquitoes. The old man
+surveyed Wyeth a moment critically before replying.
+
+"Well, I dunno exactly," said he at last, and Wyeth was startled at his
+command of language, for in those parts few spoke English, and when they
+did it was bad. Creole was customary. The old man looked about a moment
+before continuing, but presently he said. "I live alone over beyond that
+clump of trees," and he pointed to a grove that Wyeth saw plainly, "and
+if you are alone, you might go along and look it over, and if satisfied,
+why we might make a deal."
+
+"That's fair enough," agreed Wyeth. "I'm alone, and may be here a month,
+a week, or it may be three months, I can't say."
+
+"Very well then, follow me."
+
+He took part of the luggage, and they went across one of the few cleared
+spots of the parish. Finally they came to a neat log house behind a
+paling fence, before which a dog barked viciously. "Don, Don, hush the
+noise," the old man said. "He won't bite, but he is fond of barking."
+The dog now rolled on his back at Wyeth's feet, and they soon became
+friends. Sidney patted his head and then rolled him over, much to the
+dog's delight.
+
+"Well, well, Governor!" cried Wyeth enthusiastically, when they were
+inside, "but you're all fixed here, I must say."
+
+"Yes," said the other, slowly and modestly, "I guess it'll do for an old
+relic like me," and he laughed humorously. Wyeth regarded him a moment,
+and then, for the first time told him his name.
+
+"And mine is Jefferson Bernard."
+
+"Well, Mr. Bernard, I have always taken pride in the fact that I am at
+home in the open," and he gazed out the window across the cleared spot,
+and into the forest that surrounded the house.
+
+"Glad to hear that," cried the other. "I was under the impression that
+you were one of the fly butlers who come here with their people."
+
+"No, I'm a sort of globe trotter, you might say. In fact, at the present
+I have no plans whatever for the future, so I might bunk with you here a
+few months. Depends on how my mind is at the end of each day."
+
+"Restless, eh?"
+
+"That's it. Have spent eleven years on the prairies of Dakota, and very
+often, the 'Call of the Wild' gets into my veins, and I want to get out
+where I cannot see any one, and sort of--well, forget the strenuous ways
+of life for a while."
+
+Both laughed agreeably.
+
+"Well," said Jefferson Bernard. "I bunk here alone and do my own cooking
+of course, and hunt and fish and read and sleep whenever I get ready."
+
+Wyeth wondered at this man. About the wall everything was clean, while
+the clothes the other wore were a forest suit of brown cloth, with lace
+boots and a belt; his hat was a broad brimmed Stetson. They were all the
+best of material, and the man's appearance was anything else but the
+back-woods Negro. He started to inquire who he was, but something about
+the other did not invite familiarity, so he talked on other topics
+instead.
+
+He had been there two weeks, and had been over all the part of the
+parish that was accessible, when one of the periodic rainy spells set
+in. For days they were unable to get outside without getting wet, and at
+times they told a great deal about themselves.
+
+"And that reminds me," said Bernard, "that you spoke of Cincinnati and
+that you came south from there, a bit over a year ago. I, then, left
+there after you did."
+
+"Indeed," said Wyeth in surprise.
+
+"Yes, I have been down here a little over a year only. I was reared in
+this same parish many years ago, and, since then, I always had a longing
+to come back and stay again until I got tired of it." He made himself
+comfortable as he drew away on a long pipe; while Wyeth, observing him,
+waited for the story he had to tell.
+
+"Yes, I used to live in Cincinnati--in fact, I guess that is what I
+might call home, if not this."
+
+"This is news to me," said Wyeth.
+
+The other smiled languidly, and went on:
+
+"I used to live on Walnut Hill, and was employed by Stephen Myer, a
+wealthy retired merchant, who not only was well-to-do in Cinci', but
+owned a number of interests in the south, in fact, he came to Cincinnati
+from the south not so long before, and never went back again, for he
+died.
+
+"I was his valet for years. Got acquainted with him right here in this
+parish one winter, when he was staying at the hotel over there, and it
+was the second winter when he hired me and took me north with him.
+
+"Stephen Myer was a good man at heart, but a sport until he died, and
+certainly believed in a good time with the women. He loved his family,
+but he would run around, which recalls his death whenever I think of it.
+
+"He came back from the south about three years ago I think, and it was
+not long until I knew he was keeping a girl he had brought with him. I
+paid the matter no attention, because he always had somebody before; but
+strange to say, after that he had no other. It was kept very quiet and I
+knew nothing of it,--that is, from him, until the night he died. That
+took place while we were at a hotel in Detroit. His death was due to
+heart failure, but it didn't take him as it does most of its victims. He
+was conscious that he was going to die, although he was, to all
+appearances, well.
+
+"It was then he told me the story.
+
+"Calling me to his bedside, this is what he said. I do not think I shall
+ever forget it, because it was such an awful death. 'Jeff,' said he.
+'I'm going to die.' I looked at him, saying: 'Oh, you're frightened;'
+but he shook his head in such a way that I became frightened, and
+waited. 'Yes, Jeff,' he resumed: 'I'm goin' to die, and Jeff, I'm going
+to hell,' I tried to soothe him, but he only frowned slightly, and went
+on. 'Yes, Jeff, I'm going to die and go to hell, because I deserve to go
+there. I deserve to go there, Jeff, because I have sinned. Yes, Jeff,
+I've committed an awful sin, and it's no more than my due to burn in
+hell in payment. I never believed much in such a place until not long
+ago, when I brought that girl to Cincinnati.' He breathed deeply and
+with some effort, and it was then I could see he wore a strange
+expression, and now, as I look back at it, I guess that meant death. He
+went on again, after a breathing spell:
+
+"'Bring me that box over there Jeff, that one with the key in the lock.
+I want to leave that one whom I have wronged something before I'm done
+for.' I brought it to him, and he unlocked it, and took therefrom a lot
+of papers, and a certified check for twenty-five thousand dollars, all
+made out, and to be turned over to her through due recognition, as
+attested by his lawyers in Cincinnati. 'Hadn't I better wire for your
+family?' I inquired of him; but he waived it aside, and said he didn't
+want them to know until it was over.
+
+"'Now, Jeff,' he went on, 'you are to take this envelope to my attorney
+and see that you get their receipt of it, after which, when you get back
+to Cincinnati, you take this box as it is to her. I trust you, Jeff, and
+believe that you will attend to it. And, too, I've left you well cared
+for; but that is in the will, in due form. And now, if you'll just give
+me a drink of water, I'll tell you the story.
+
+"'My company had their southern office in Attalia, and we had quite a
+bit of business with the financial department of one of the big
+denominations of Negro churches. And that was how we came to become
+involved in this deal. The financial secretary of the church very often
+gave us his note in payment, and soon became well known to me, and I
+liked him. Pretty soon, however, it came to me that he aspired to be a
+bishop; although the office he held was a good graft, and we knew it,
+altho' the niggers didn't. But he became crazy to be a bishop and a real
+big Negro, proper.
+
+"'About this time, it came to my attention that something crooked,
+something underhanded was going on in the affairs of the church. Well,
+one of the boys who worked as porter, was reading a Negro paper one day,
+and I observed that this financial secretary's picture covered the whole
+front page. I took the paper, and when I had read all the stuff he had
+written under another's name, I began to figure what it was costing him
+to become a bishop. Other extravagances came under my observation, and,
+since the business we had with them was becoming involved, I began an
+investigation regarding the preacher. It developed that he had been
+married twice--that is, the present wife was his second. The first one
+had died and left him two daughters. My investigation, which came
+through a Negro detective by the name of Dejoie, although he was known
+during the investigation as Edwards, developed that he was a despot. His
+youngest daughter by his first wife realized this, and she threw it into
+his face, and left when she was thirteen, going to a place in Michigan
+where she educated herself. The other was a girl with much sense, but
+somewhat subservient to the old man, regardless of the fact that she
+possessed a mind of her own. Apparently it had been the old man's
+practice to have them regard him as the great I am. She stayed with her
+father, who lived with his second wife, and to that union were born
+several children, I don't know how many.
+
+"'Edwards uncovered all this and some more. He revealed the fact that
+this preacher, who was so anxious to become a bishop, was not only
+seeking it by extravagant methods, but had employed the church's funds
+to the amount of more than five thousand dollars. And still, all those
+pig headed niggers knew nothing of it. It's a great wonder they have
+anything, they seem to know so little. My company was up against it for
+what was due us; but that was not the end of it. On top of this, what
+did that sinner do but write my name on a note for five thousand
+dollars, and, through his standing with the bank, got the money and
+covered the shortage before those niggers ever knew there was any!
+Wasn't that the limit? He was elected bishop, and became the big nigger
+his great ambition had aspired to.
+
+"'I was too put out to do anything at once, although the note came due
+before I was aware it had been given.
+
+"'The night I discovered it, was one when I happened to be in my office
+alone. I decided forthwith to place it in the hands of the law. It was
+then that this daughter came to the office with a note from him, asking
+for an appointment. I have an idea he was only then aware that the note
+was due or past due. She caught me as mad as a hornet, and I told her
+the whole thing. I shall not soon forget the expression on her face when
+I had told her. She looked like she would die right there. It was then,
+too, I saw how beautiful she was and so well formed. Suddenly a proposal
+entered my head. I have always been impulsive, but I have never been
+known to back up. So I got up and stood before her, and said my say. She
+was terribly indignant and would have fled, but I stood between her and
+the door. I became mad to have that girl. She fought me, but I grew
+worse. I finally said to her: "Come with me to Cincinnati, and save your
+rotten, sinning preacher father from the chain gang. A home it is up
+there with plenty of everything, or fifteen years for your now bishop
+father on the worst chain gang in the world." She regarded me wildly, as
+the substance of it became clear to her. "Oh, I mean it," I cried. "I'm
+going to send that dad of yours to the chain gang tomorrow--and you know
+what that means." I think all the horror of it rose before her in that
+moment. All the Negroes, spiteful, envious creatures crying: "Aw, you're
+a big nigger, huh. Your daddy's a bishop!" And the next day: "Um-um!
+What do you think of it! A big bishop done fo'ged a note!" And she had
+seen the chain gang. All those stripes and chains frightened her. She
+looked up at me with an appeal in her eyes that frightened me--even
+then; but I was too wild to have her at that moment, to give heed. And
+then she begged me to have mercy. She cried and beseeched--she did
+everything, and then--in the end--well, I'll not soon forget those
+appeals. "I'm a nice girl. Can you not appreciate what that means? I
+will--to save my father and those little ones; but before God: Hear him,
+please, see him. I may be yours in body, but never in soul; while--oh,
+can't you see what you ask? Can you not see that you take everything I
+have lived for? Don't you see, that when you rob a woman of her purity
+you have destroyed her womanhood?" She fell on her face and sobbed
+until, as I see it now, I can't imagine how I could have acted so.
+
+"'And that is why, Jeff, I'm going to hell. Yes, to hell!' He was going
+now, his eyes had a far away, an unearthly expression; but before he was
+gone, he said--and his voice seemed to come from another world as I held
+him. 'I'm going, Jeff, I'm going. Satan's waiting for me. And, say,
+Jeff,' his voice now came in gasps, and sounded as if from eternity: 'I
+don't mind it so much, no I don't, Jeff; but the only thing, and the
+last request of God, is to be sure to send that old preacher down to
+meet me sometime.' With that his muscles relaxed, a spasm contracted his
+form, and he lay dead."
+
+The two were silent now. Outside a bird hopped about, and finally lit on
+the window sill, peering in as if to inquire the cause of the silence.
+After a long time, it seemed, Wyeth spoke.
+
+"Strange. And did--you--ah--fulfill the request?"
+
+"Yes," said the other slowly. "I did at once, and let me tell you, my
+friend, I will never forget that girl's face. Oh, I've seen many; but
+this girl's face told the story, and her story was that of a pure girl,
+a good girl, who had made a sublime sacrifice. Was that sacrifice worth
+the cost?" Again silence reigned supreme, each with his thoughts.
+
+The birds outside made sweet music, as they flitted happily about.
+Sidney Wyeth was speaking again, and his voice was from a distance, as
+he said quietly:
+
+"What became of her?"
+
+"What became of her? Oh yes," cried the other, sitting up and shaking
+off his distraction, as though he had been awakened from sleep. "Why,
+she left soon after. Came south, and when I was on the way down here, I
+chanced to stop over in a town--I won't mention the name--because she
+was there. Was selling a book, so I understood, but was staying with the
+pastor of the Presbyterian church, and high in their favor. I was glad
+to see it and never let on; but there was a skunk aboard the same train
+from Cincinnati, and who stayed there. I've often thought about it
+since, and I hope that devil never knew her and made trouble. She was a
+good girl, and still may be saved if things go along right."
+
+"Life is full of mysteries," Wyeth commented.
+
+"Sure is," his companion replied, and then became dreary, as his mind
+wandered sadly, solemnly, back into the past. Suddenly he sat bolt
+upright, saying: "I trust you, and for that reason, since I have told it
+to you, I have a small picture that I found in the old man's effects,
+and considered it good policy to remove. So I have kept it, and I'm
+going to show it to you."
+
+While the other fished away in an old trunk, a strange thought came to
+Sidney Wyeth, and he recalled singularly, the effort for the Y.M.C.A. in
+that town up the river, and how twenty-five thousand dollars from a
+source that no one could explain, was paid at almost the last minute....
+He was doing some thinking and had forgotten all about the other, who
+had closed the trunk now, and came before him with a small picture. He
+sat up quickly when the other touched him, and held before his gaze the
+picture of Mildred Latham.
+
+And in that moment there came a vision of a dark, dreary night, when he
+hurried through the streets of Cincinnati, and came to a place where an
+old woman sat, an evil hag; and who regarded him with malicious
+eyes--eyes that appeared to hate everyone--and the words in reply to his
+request, came back with a shock: "_Gwan! She's with her man!_"
+
+Sidney continued to gaze at the picture. There was profound silence, for
+neither spoke. One was not in the mood to do so, the other could not. He
+raised his hand mechanically to his head, as though to rid his mind of
+some obstruction. He tried to think coherently, but his senses were
+confused.
+
+He turned, staggered slightly, groping as if blindly, for support, and
+passed on out into the open, and under God's pure heavens--anywhere away
+from the stifling air inside, and its hideous secret.
+
+Sidney stood outside now, and the spring sun beat upon his bare head,
+as, with his trembling hand he shaded his eyes, and looked in the
+direction of the creole city. Back there he would go--he had to go! He
+couldn't say why--feel why--now. For, in the tangle of his confused
+thoughts, nothing seemed clear. But, he would go back. His hand sought
+his forehead again. Yes, he would go back.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Let us go back to a night when the heroine of our story got up from a
+drunken stupor, to find that the hour of fate--fate for the Y.M.C.A. was
+at hand. She had rushed breathlessly to the office of the Western Union,
+and had secured the money that had been transferred, at her request,
+from the Cincinnati bank some days before. She had known when Wilson
+Jacobs returned unsuccessful in his attempt, that some expedient was
+necessary.
+
+When she realized a year before, that she was heiress to such a sum of
+money, she had worried as to what she would do with it. Her conscience
+would never let her touch a penny of it for personal use. It had been
+left on deposit, and, insofar as her daily life had been concerned, she
+had about forgotten it, until the climax of Wilson Jacobs' great effort
+had stood like a spectre before her.
+
+For a time she had hesitated, feeling that such money should not be used
+for Christian purposes.... But, when she had awakened on that dreadful
+night, she came at once to appreciate how, through her and her alone,
+this effort should be realized.
+
+So, she rushed pell mell through the streets that led to Wilson Jacobs'
+home. As she hurried along, visions of the great need passed fitfully
+through her mind. She recalled all the crime she had witnessed;
+thousands yearly herded on the gangs, torn mothers, prostituted sisters,
+homes broken up by that demon of liquor. She could see the condition
+which forced so many of her people to the belief that colored people
+could never be anything, regardless as to how much they might try.
+
+Race prejudice, that demon of American society, had succeeded in
+convincing so many of these weak people that there was no future; that
+the only resort was to get all the excitement out of life that was
+possible. How they conducted themselves to secure such a life, was the
+one great detriment to the race, to the city, to the state, and in the
+end, to the United States.
+
+As she rushed along, she could hear these poor creatures, and the words
+they uttered, when approached with offers for their salvation; for, in
+addition to the discouragement caused by race prejudice, there was
+another feature that was worse still--class prejudice. The folly of it.
+The effect was more damnable, she knew, than all the other causes, for,
+through it these poor creatures were made to feel that they were
+actually bad; bad beyond redemption, which made them unfit for the
+civilized world. Under this they fretted. They grew likewise to hate,
+and in the end, to become not only a disgrace to the race, community and
+state, but even enemies to society.
+
+She recalled once a man, a mulatto and obviously a pervert, who answered
+a street preacher. She could never seem to forget his words.
+
+"You say," he had said, "that I should get religion. _and I say, what's
+the use_? I'm a _nigger_, and that means I'm a vagabond, a cast-off, a
+thing to be hated, condemned and persecuted. You speak of brotherly love
+and the reward hereafter. I laugh when you make such assertions. _Heaven
+for a Negro?_ Why, do you suppose that even Satan would care for him? As
+to brotherly love, why don't you go to the white man that keeps my
+sister? Why don't you tell that man what you preach about? I am
+illegitimate. My youngest sister, the white man's mistress, is too, and
+so are all the rest! Then you speak of heaven and reward in the
+hereafter for Negroes. The hereafter is the chain gang, where my
+illegitimate brother is serving twenty years for murder. As for me, I'm
+going to a blind tiger and get a drink. I'm going to get drunk. The idea
+that a Negro can be anything is a joke. There may be a heaven for white
+people, but for a Negro, oh, you fool!"
+
+As all this and other instances passed through her mind, Mildred became
+much excited. Then, as the reality dawned upon her, a picture of what
+that money could do became clear to her, and with Wilson Jacobs as its
+secretary, she presently came to feel that her sacrifice might be a
+blessing in disguise.
+
+On and on she hurried, until at last she came to the house. She paused
+at the gate, and caught her breath. Her thoughts were busy for a moment,
+as she tried to formulate a plan to deliver the money without being
+caught. She struggled nervously, with first one plan and then another,
+and then at last she boldly entered the gate and walked up to the front
+door. As she reached to push the bell, she looked through the glass
+door. Wilson sat nodding in the study. His position, she saw, was such
+that he could see the clock, and watch the fatal moments pass. It was
+then past eleven. She could see the clock and realized what those
+moments meant. He had, as she observed him, fallen asleep from sheer
+fatigue. As she watched him, there came to her mind a bold idea, and she
+put it into effect at once. She tried the door, fearing it might be
+locked, but was relieved when it opened with a turn of the knob.
+
+She entered the house on tip-toe, passed through the hall to the study,
+which was to one side, entered the room in which he sat, and, with
+breath held, nerves tense, she cautiously crossed to where he sat. She
+slowly drew her breath, when she saw he was sleeping peacefully. She
+placed the package containing the price of her virtue upon the table.
+She looked at him again, and caught her breath in fear, as he moved
+slightly, but did not fully awaken.
+
+The next moment she stole her way to the door, like a thief in the
+night, and was outside. She turned, as she heard a sound, and saw
+Constance, weary, tired, and apparently nervally exhausted, come from
+the rear and enter the study. She dared stand and watch her, as she
+entered the study where her brother sat, now fully awake, but oblivious
+to the presence of the package. He was watching the clock that was
+ticking away.
+
+With a catch of her breath, she saw that Constance had discovered the
+package, and she saw them open it with curiosity. She noted the look of
+intense joy, as their eyes beheld the contents.
+
+As she was leaving, these words floated out to her in the stillness of
+night, "_Go, brother, in God's name, go!_"
+
+No one, so far as we know, guessed where the much needed money came
+from. But, strangely enough, the giving had relieved the giver. After
+she left the Jacobs' home, she felt as she had never felt before, and
+took life and what it brought very calmly. As she passed along, she
+looked with silent relief into the faces of those of her race, who were
+persecuted on one hand by fear of the superior white, and, on the other,
+by cast. At times she had regarded them as so many dogs, lurking, hungry
+dogs, who wait until darkness sets in, before lurking in the alleys and
+searching garbage cans, expecting to be kicked or be killed upon
+discovery, if, for no other reason, simply to give vent to a hatred.
+They felt, as she saw it, that it was the lot of the Negro to be hated.
+They got no kindness; they expected none; they even scoffed when it was
+offered, regarding it as some subtle means of inviting them to a worse
+fate, and this was what discrimination and prejudice had brought them
+to.
+
+There still remained the dispensation. No person in all the world, she
+felt, was so fitted for the task as Wilson Jacobs. Care of the building,
+after its completion, would itself be a problem. Then there was that
+distrust to dispell. Too often, she knew, that arrogance on the part of
+the leaders of these institutions, had a tendency to keep away from
+their doors the very class whom they sought to attract. Unfortunately,
+the Negroes themselves realized that those conditions were true.
+
+Wilson Jacobs was not such a character. She felt relieved as she
+realized this. When she thought again of her people, she appreciated
+what in time this genuine Christianity of his would mean to them, when
+they came to know him for the kind man he was. Her race was emotional,
+superstitious, but withal, patriotic and enthusiastic. Nothing,
+regardless of all she had seen, could make her think otherwise. And what
+could be the attitude of her race, her brothers, when they realized the
+efforts made in their behalf? Will they say:
+
+"You want to help me? You _really_ want to be a brother, and take me
+into that place and help me to lead a good, clean life? And I doubted
+you! I scorned your offer and cursed you and all society. Oh, merciful
+God, but I knew not what I did! And you say, that I am not bad, that I
+never was bad? That I was merely weak--weak as other human beings were?
+Can all this be true? I can hardly realize it. I have _never_ known
+kindness. I have always been told that life held no future for me, a
+Negro; that by the will of our Creator, I was born to be hated, hunted
+and abused, a creature of no destiny, a thing to be spat upon and made a
+slave of, a creature without morals. You say that all this was wrong,
+and that I can be not only a good person, but an example for the good of
+others? That I am, after all, only the victim of circumstances?"
+
+Wilson Jacobs would convince them, and, when this was done, her reward
+would come.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN
+
+"_Mildred, I've Come Back_"
+
+
+It seemed a long way back to the city, as though he would never get
+there, and the train crept slowly along through the mighty swamps. But
+all the way, his mind was busy. Thought after thought came and went, but
+only one became fixed. "I love her," he cried, again and again. "I love
+her!" he exclaimed feverishly. "Nothing else matters--nothing else _can_
+matter, now!"
+
+He was going to her, just as fast as the slow train would carry him, and
+when he arrived--beyond those conflicting moments, he got no further.
+
+He lay back in his seat after a spell, and calmed himself to a degree
+that he could see it all clearly. He wanted to see her now; he wanted to
+look deep into the eyes that he was sure must be tired; he wanted to see
+behind those mirrors, and to do his share to relieve the turmoil within.
+After a time, his return to the office after his illness, recurred to
+him. He had found a letter from the publisher, and upon opening it, he
+had found it to contain a draft for a large sum of money. He didn't know
+then who had sold the book with so much success to him, and he had
+wondered. Strange, but it had not occurred to him then, that it was she.
+But now, it was all clear--everything.
+
+"And it was Mildred all the while!" he exclaimed in a controlled voice,
+despite the excitement it gave him. "How could I have misunderstood so
+long!" And then the instance of the five thousand dollars came back to
+him, and the sale of his work as he had left it. True, he had given this
+all over to her; but the fact to be reckoned with was that she had
+succeeded where he had not.... She had done this without any thought of
+herself.... No girl with so much ability, with such constructive
+thoughts, would have done as she had for others, unless inspired by some
+divine sacrifice.
+
+It was all clear to him now. And then the other.... In all his life,
+virtue in women had been his highest regard. During the months he spent
+in the south, he had seen immorality of a nature that was revolting to
+his finer senses. It had been the custom since the landing of Negroes in
+this country, and was in evidence every where, in the many colors that
+made up his people; but, in spite of this, his high regard for the
+virtuous woman remained the same. So, when the words of the hag came
+back to him, amid all the good things he was thinking of her, for a
+time, all was swept from him in a wave of revolt.... How could he be
+blind henceforth to that?
+
+He became weak and listless for a time. To pass on through the city; to
+catch one of the ocean goers that he was often interested in observing
+at the harbor, and go to Argentina, Brazil--anywhere and forget it all;
+and then there came to him the thought of his people. All that he had
+lived through when he saw the leaders with their selfishness, the
+neglect of their Christian duty; how he had written of that selfishness,
+fearlessly with jaws set and soul on fire; and of the reign of
+excitement that followed--it was impossible to further contemplate other
+plans.
+
+And, amid all the chaos, there came to him thoughts of the success of
+the Christian forward movement in the town up the river. With success
+there, in the worst of two towns in the world, it was now an almost
+foregone conclusion, that shortly, the spirit would prevail successfully
+in other towns. Yes, it would have to. The public, for its own welfare,
+would soon come to appreciate what such a movement meant to two-fifths
+of its population. And how came this to be? Would the people of that
+town up the river, now have a beautiful building in course of
+construction, if it had been left to them to supply that fatal
+twenty-five thousand? "Great God!" he murmured, "how can I, _how can
+I_!"
+
+And, as the train continued on its way over innumerable trestles with
+lagoons and marshes everywhere, it occurred to him, that the one who
+had made all this possible, and who, at the price of purity, which was a
+woman's all, was now, and for the sake of it, homeless and
+friendless.... Even that family, that bishop father, surrounded by
+thousands of hero worshippers, with his picture decorating the walls of
+thousands of homes, and pointed to by day, would scorn her. The
+thousands of young men, respectable, but poor, and who, for this girl's
+sacrifice, were given a great chance to conduct their future lives along
+Christian lines, even they would scorn her. All decent and respecting
+society would scorn her. _They would have to scorn her._ He himself _had
+already scorned her_.
+
+He allowed his gaze to wander beyond the waters of a lagoon; until it
+rested upon a clump of trees that rose ragged in the background. He was
+too torn with anguish to think for a time. What price had been put upon
+virtue, for his people--and her people--was too great to estimate. But
+behind it all, was a homeless, friendless, loveless little girl,
+drifting about in the world. For Mildred Latham as he saw her again, was
+a mere girl, not yet twenty-two. She had a heart, but what kind of a
+heart must she have, after the suffering she had endured? Yet she was a
+human being, with a human desire after all.
+
+What he had seen in her eyes in Cincinnati; that pain, and at times that
+wild, elfinlike, mad desire.... And, oh, that caress, that one kiss that
+seemed to have penetrated her very soul; the look she had given him;
+that weak protest, afterward united in its pathetic appeal for mercy....
+She had been his dream; his mad desire. He had declared then, that he
+would help to dispell that worry; he had felt himself courageous enough
+to do so, too; but now before him was the test, and he was weakening
+under it.
+
+Back in the _Rosebud Country_, he had lived alone for years, and during
+those long days, his greatest desire, his greatest hope, had been to
+love, to have that love returned by his ideal of womanhood. He dismissed
+what had followed. The other had not even courage enough to accept
+graciously what he had worked for. Any woman can, to a degree, mould
+the future of her husband. No man, he knew, could be oblivious to the
+condition of his household, and that which made it. That part of his
+life, however, had long since been a closed chapter. His great effort
+had been to forget it, and he had succeeded to such a degree, that he
+was able to concentrate his mind on other things; but now, it was
+different. Because, with the exception of the one thing, Mildred Latham
+was more than his picture, his ideal. But that one thing was the silent
+barrier.
+
+It was springtime now, and back in the _Rosebud Country_ all must be
+busy. He thought of the years, and how busy he was at this time. And
+hopeful; because, whether the season proved successful or not,
+springtime, when the crops were planted, was always a hopeful time;
+every farmer believed, as he planted his seed, that the season would be
+successful. And now he was not there to plant the crops. He had not been
+there the year before; but, as he continued to recall the past, he knew
+that it had never occurred to him that he would have been anywhere else
+but there. He wanted to be there; but financially, he couldn't afford to
+be there any more.
+
+After an interminable spell of mental depression, something came to his
+mind. It entered slowly, but at last took shape. He whispered after a
+time: "Yes, yes, I could. With that amount I could start all over
+again.... And out there, no one would know, no one would need to
+know.... Just being there with the right to continue as I once was; but
+with a terrible experience to remind me of what it is all worth--it
+would not be the same now."
+
+He saw her now differently. That other side was passing. It would come
+back--it would keep coming back; but it was his duty; it was his
+future--it was his very life to crush it as often as it came up; but
+that was not the half of it: Mildred Latham was homeless, and friendless
+as we know. After what she had done for so many others, was it not
+Christianlike to think of her?...
+
+And now he had another thought. Yes, back in the _Rosebud Country_ it
+would be possible for two people to be happy; people who had no other
+hope, no other ambition, but to follow the pursuit of happiness and
+labor....
+
+As it became clearer, he realized that he had never cared for
+conventionality. That other experience had thrust it upon him, and when
+he showed his dislike for it, he had been tortured. It would be
+different--now. Mildred Latham would not care for any thing but himself,
+and that which would make him happy.... And he, his experience had been
+too real and too bitter, not to appreciate what kindness, sincerity, and
+courage in one's convictions, means in future happiness.
+
+The train stood in the station now, and all the other passengers had
+left the cars. He came out of his revery with a start; and, hastily
+collecting his luggage, he rushed forth, and caught a car that took him
+within a block of his office. He deposited his grips in a cafe he knew,
+and, a few minutes later, he stood in the doorway.
+
+It was late in the afternoon, and nearly everyone in the building had
+left for home; but she was there. Curiously, he had felt that she would
+be there. With the amount of business he had seen she had created, he
+was certain that he would find her, and he did.
+
+She sat at the desk, as she had the afternoon he had returned from the
+hospital. She was working away, and he saw her before she noticed him.
+When she did, she gave a start, opened her mouth, and then, as if she
+thought of something, closed it slowly, fumbled her pen, but said
+nothing.
+
+He paused briefly and observed her, and as he did so, took note of the
+fact that she had lowered her head. And he knew. It was in shame.
+Strangely now, since she knew that he was aware of at least a part of
+the past, she could not endure to have him look at her. But, in these
+moments, Sidney Wyeth was not observing her in scorn, as her colored
+cheeks gave evidence.
+
+Mildred sat still and waited. She expected to be scorned; she had come
+to a place in life, where she expected anything. He might rebuke her,
+and she would say nothing; but intuitively, she had never felt _he_
+would rebuke her. As she sat with drooped head, he saw one tear drop
+unchecked upon her lap. No others followed; but he knew the time had
+come to go to this girl. She had endured a hard lot. Not one person in a
+thousand, would have gone through what she had, but human endurance,
+wrestling with all life's vicissitudes, has a limit. How much it cost,
+that one tear, he could not fully estimate; but, if he knew life, if
+some one didn't come to Mildred Latham's rescue soon, she might become
+anything. Not far from where she sat, a thousand or more women were
+burning their souls in hell. And all those women were there--not by
+preference; but because they were simply human beings and weak.
+
+He approached, and a moment later stood near her, while her finger toyed
+with the pen. She had, as he noticed now, grown stouter since he knew
+her in Cincinnati. Her hair covered her head, and was beautiful to his
+eyes, while her skin appeared somewhat darker. He paused as one at a
+loss how to begin, because he had so much he then wished to say.
+Presently he found his voice, and his excitement was controlled as he
+spoke her name:
+
+"Mildred," said he. She heard him, but did not reply. So he repeated:
+"Mildred, I've come back." He paused again, and the room was silent. She
+did not answer him, and he did not expect her to. Presently he said it
+over again. "Yes, I've come back.... I was away. I was off in one of the
+parishes, one of the most remote, for, when I left, I wanted to be away,
+away from everybody.... But it happened out there, that I met a man,
+Mildred. I met a man ... and he told me a story, a long story.... What
+he told me, concerned something--something I will not tell, and somebody
+I will not mention, but what he told me, cleared the horizon.... And
+that's why I came back. On the way I faltered, I weakened for a time. I
+thought once of not stopping. I started to go on and on and on, maybe
+never stop. But when I thought again, and again, and kept on thinking, I
+couldn't. I couldn't, because, well, after all, I wanted to stop.
+
+"So I stopped, Mildred, and then, I came here. Here--and to you.... I
+have come back, Mildred, and to you. Are you glad I've come back,
+Mildred?" He paused and listened, though he did not expect her to
+answer.
+
+She remained as she was, and silent.
+
+"On the way back, I thought of you, of nothing else, no one else but
+you. My thoughts went back to our acquaintance in Cincinnati, and the
+day we danced and I--I--kissed you, Mildred." He paused again, and gazed
+out over the rows of buildings below. "And then I realized what has been
+wrong with me ever since, and all my life.... It was because I have been
+hungry. I have been starving to death these many years for love,
+Mildred, love and understanding.... I am still hungry, and thirsty; but
+at last a hope has come to me. A hope that it will not long continue as
+it has these many years. But withal, I have thought of something else
+too. And that is, I want to go home. I want to go home to stay. I don't
+like it here; I don't like it anywhere, but in the _Rosebud Country_."
+
+"The _Rosebud Country_?" she echoed, sitting erect and turning slightly.
+
+"Yes, Mildred, The _Rosebud Country_." He paused again, and the ticking
+of his watch was quite audible to both. "Yes," he said presently, and
+after a time, in which he seemed to be engaged in deep thought, he
+resumed, "and I was going to say that I have decided to go back." He
+moved and stood beside her. The sinking sun now played a last evening
+ray across her face, and in turning from it, she happened to look up and
+into his face. He saw her now as he had never seen her before. Something
+she saw caused her to catch her breath and venture another look. His
+eyes appeared to see something far away, and she continued to stare at
+him.
+
+"Yes, Mildred," he started again, and now his voice became low and
+strange. She understood, and knew that he was living in the past,
+oblivious to her presence. She listened with a strange rapture. "I've
+decided to go back to that land beyond the Big Muddy. Back to that
+little reservation, the name of which I love. But Mildred, it depends."
+He halted and looked down into her face. Their eyes met now, and both
+seemed hypnotized for they continued to stare at each other, becoming
+more enraptured. "It depends," said he, very slowly, "_upon you_." She
+looked away, but he reached and caught her hand. He backed up until he
+reached the desk, upon which he seated himself. He looked at her now
+pleadingly. She gave one glance, and caught the same look she had seen
+but once before, more than a year before, and before he knew. He pulled
+her gently from the chair, and placed her beside him on the desk.
+
+"It depends _upon you_ Mildred!" And still she said nothing.
+
+"Out there, Mildred, I longed for you. Yes, it was you, you! These many
+years I waited for you. At last I have found you. Oh, I have found you,
+the _one Woman_. And now," he said this in a strong voice, "I'm through.
+I'm through, and ready to go back, if you will go with me. Do you hear?
+I mean, that I love you Mildred. Love you with all the passion of a
+hungry heart." He paused again.
+
+"And you have had a hard time, little girl, oh you've had a hard time. I
+_know_. But it's all over now, dear. Yes, it's all over now. There is no
+society that we are under obligation to; there are no pretentious
+persons to make us false to our convictions; there is nothing but
+impulse to direct us."
+
+"Oh, Sidney," he heard her say with a slight tremble. His arm stole
+about her waist, and she did not remove it. She looked up into his eyes
+and saw him with trust. "And you'll go?" he said and waited.
+
+"Do you mean it Sidney? Oh, Sidney, _do you mean it_?" Her voice now was
+low, strained, strangely wistful, and then, as if suddenly remembering
+something she had apparently forgotten, her eyes took on an expression
+of mute appeal, like that of a hunted animal. Her form became tense,
+while a spasm of agony contracted her features as she moaned:
+
+"_No, No, No I can not. Oh, I will not!_" And before he could quite
+understand her sudden rebellion, she rushed from the room and into the
+hall, and soon her rapid footsteps died away in the distance.
+
+He stood as she had left him, not comprehending that she had gone. "Am I
+awake?" he whispered dreamily putting his hands together, and gazing at
+them stupidly, as if to assure himself they were his own, "She has gone?
+Gone, gone! Mildred--but--why?" He felt sadly weak, for the strain was
+beginning to tell upon him.
+
+In a half stupor, he finally found a seat in the office chair, and
+mechanically let his gaze wander out over the city. After a time, it
+rested upon a street that led down to the wide thoroughfare. His eye
+soon caught sight of a figure hurrying along the walk. He leaned forward
+and observed it carefully, and when it reached another street, he made
+out that it was Mildred. He watched her as she crossed quickly to the
+center where a car was moving, and boarded it. In a moment it had
+disappeared down the street.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE
+
+_The Slave Market_
+
+
+Days passed and still he waited, still he watched, and still he
+listened, but in vain. And always he moved about distractedly. He had no
+plans, he had no hopes now, but was simply moving in a circle. At times
+he would utter stupidly, "Where is she? Where is Mildred?" And after
+that he would become silent; he would be thinking--yes, always thinking.
+
+He ransacked the office; he made inquiries to ascertain where she
+stayed--but in vain. He knew not how to look for her; he knew not where
+to begin. But the work in the office--the result of her
+ability--continued to increase. Mail was brought four times a day, and
+in each, letters from far and near would contain money orders, express
+checks, cheerful letters, and still orders for more books. But they gave
+him no cheer, notwithstanding he mechanically went about the work, with
+the system he saw she had created.
+
+And as the days went by, he grew more anxious, more worried in regard to
+her fate, and he grew determined to find her, if he could.
+
+"Poor little girl. Poor little Mildred. Why has she done all this? And
+she is alone somewhere--always alone--and I know not where."
+
+There came a day when he felt he could stand it no longer.
+
+He took a walk; he knew not where it led to. Possibly it led nowhere.
+Yet he felt he must walk, not in the direction he was accustomed to go
+(to the river, where he had wandered many a night, and observed the
+mighty ocean liners, receiving and discharging their cargoes; or where,
+on the deck of packets, he listened to steam calliopes), but in a
+direction he had never gone before.
+
+It was in one of the creole city's narrow ways, where he presently found
+himself. Sidney strolled along, oblivious to all whereabouts, and found
+that this part of the city was much unlike any part he had known.
+
+He felt as one in a strange land, to be sure. On all sides he was
+greeted by little low houses, opening into the narrow streets. Peculiar
+people moved about and spoke in a tongue he could not understand, but he
+knew it was creole. They were quieter than those in the neighborhood he
+lived, and he understood. They were all Catholics, he had been told, and
+"obeyed" the priest. He was glad of it. He wished all his race would
+obey something other than their animal instincts.
+
+He paused at last before a statue in a small square. Four rows of
+buildings faced it on that many sides. Only one side confronted him,
+however, and to this he finally went. He stopped before a large church,
+a cathedral, and read that it had been built almost two hundred years
+before. Next to the church, was the museum. Curious, and for a time
+forgetting his troubles, he wandered in. He went up a winding stairway
+to the second floor. As he passed upward, great oil paintings greeted
+him. All old, this he saw; for, under many were inscriptions, showing
+that many had been painted more than a hundred years ago. While he had
+never studied this art, he readily appreciated that many were wonderful.
+Elegant ladies gazed at him from the frames, their eyes following him
+strangely out of sight; for, no matter where he stood, whether in front
+or from either side, they seemed to scrutinize him.
+
+He passed into the museum and began to examine, through the glass cases,
+relics of another day. That the city was old was shown by the age of
+papers and documents of numerous mention. Pictures of fond old mammies,
+gray and white-haired old uncles, grand dames (such as Dixie had seen),
+caught his attention everywhere.
+
+An old, old man, scion of a decayed aristocracy, sat in a chair within
+this art room, and Sidney approached him. "Have you," said he, "any
+record of the sale of slaves, in this museum?" The other pointed to a
+room Wyeth had not observed, but spoke no word.
+
+Wyeth wandered into it, and his gaze immediately encountered what he was
+curious to see.
+
+"Know all men by these presents:
+
+"Being the last will and testament of Joan Becuare.
+
+"To my wife and life companion, I do bequeath to thee, all I have after
+death. To-wit:
+
+"One thousand acres of land in Caddo Parish, unencumbered.
+
+"One hundred niggers, of various ages and the following description:
+
+"One mammy, age eighty. A better wench never lived. Name: Diana.
+
+"One 'uncle', eighty-seven, beloved servant of his master, and faithful
+ever. Name: Joe.
+
+"One wench, twenty-two, robust, healthy, a good servant of the house.
+Name: Martha."
+
+And so on the description ran, which seemed strange and unnecessary in a
+will; then he recalled the sentiment of the southerner.
+
+In still another case, he read a sale bill, written in long hand with an
+artistic flourish:
+
+"Having sold my plantation, I will hereby sell to the highest bidder, at
+public auction, the following named property, to-wit:
+
+"One nigger wench, sixteen years, hail and hearty, promises to be a good
+breeder, and is now with child by Ditto, a young nigger, strong as a
+lion, healthy and a good worker. Not 'sassy'.
+
+"One nigger wench, twenty-three, name, Mandy. This is the most
+attractive wench in Gretna Parish. She is expecting a third child soon."
+
+Wyeth wondered why the father was not mentioned. And then he thought of
+something, and knew.... His own father was the son of a master.
+
+He read other such documents, and then observed that almost all sales
+were recorded to be held at the "slave" market. After an hour or more,
+he passed out.
+
+He went up a street, which was narrow--like all those in the old
+section of the city, and walked on, whither he had no idea. Not far
+away, he could see the river and many great vessels moving up and down.
+Just ahead of him, appeared an odd, long, two-story building. The first
+glance revealed that, once upon a time, it had been a grand affair.
+"Wonder what it was?" he muttered idly.
+
+And now he came up to it, and paused near one end. He viewed it many
+minutes curiously from across the street, but he could not make out what
+it had been. As he saw it now, it was evident that it had been empty for
+many, many years.
+
+Presently, he crossed to where a door greeted him, only to find, when he
+had come to it, that it was bolted from the inside, while the heavy iron
+knob was rusted until it was hardly recognizable. He glanced up, and,
+straining his eyes, he read an inscription over the door:
+
+     ST. LOUIS--ROYAL HOTEL
+
+       SLAVE MARKET
+
+"So this is the place," he whispered, observing everything before him
+now with a new interest. "Herein were sold, in the days of old,
+hundreds--aye, thousands of _my_ people." He passed to the street upon
+which the hotel faced for a block, and walked down this, observing the
+decaying structure with greater curiosity. The entire building was,
+apparently, empty. A porch, supported by massive iron pillars, reached
+over the walk, the entire length of the building. The large windows of
+the second story were without glass, and gaped darkly, seeming to tell a
+story which he would like to have known. The lower floor had evidently
+been given over to business purposes, judging from the wide windows that
+now were boarded over with two-inch planks. All this was decorated with
+stage announcements.
+
+When he reached the other end, there was an opening; the door was to one
+side, and, more curious now than ever, he paused, and gazed into the
+dark interior. Soon he passed within. The place seemed almost as dark
+as a dungeon at first, and he stood for a minute, until he had become
+accustomed to it. He passed into the interior, and finally came into a
+room that was perfectly round. "An arch chamber, or what?" he
+conjectured. Out of the gloom a block arose. Something about it
+attracted him, and he crossed to where it was fitted into the wall. At
+one side he now read, "Sheriff's desk." On the other side he read,
+"Clerk." And now he looked at the block, and knew that it was on this
+_his_ people had been sold--at auction. He closed his eyes for a time,
+and allowed his thoughts--his imagination--to go back into the past,
+when rich planters, grand ladies, and harsh overseers once held sway.
+And before him rose a picture.
+
+"Hear me," the auctioneer, "I now offer the best nigger that ever held a
+plow. A good, strong rascal, that is worth:--How much am I offered to
+start him? How much am I offered to start him? Five hundred! Who is
+insane, or jokes? Five hundred for a nigger like this? Nonsense! Now,
+here, come forward, and feel this nigger's muscles, examine his teeth,
+strike his breast." And, to emphasize his good, robust property, he
+struck the slave a resounding lick across the breast, that would have
+knocked over half the people before him. Wyeth could seem to see the
+man, the black man, merely smile at all the faces about him.
+
+"And now I am going to offer you something that will arouse you. Bring
+forward the wench, the pretty young wench."
+
+A young mulatto Negress now stood before the crowd. A stirring, a
+collecting near the front, a crowding about the block; some almost
+getting upon it, in their excitement. A murmur went the rounds, and
+words could be heard. "I'd like to own her!" There was a consulting of
+bank books, a figuring of credit, and then the auctioneers voice was
+heard again.
+
+"Look at 'er, look at 'er! Ha! A fine one, eh? Yes, a fine one.... Look
+at her form.... Look at her face! Here, bright eyes, hold up, hold up,
+and let the boys see what I have got.... What am I bid?"
+
+"$1000."
+
+"Say! The man that made that bid ought to be hung! A thousand dollars
+for a wench like this? Why, by all the pious gods, she is worth that for
+a year...."
+
+"$1500."
+
+"$2000."
+
+"$2500."
+
+"$3000."
+
+"Ah, sir," said someone, and Wyeth came back to the present, to look
+down upon and old, white-haired woman, who was standing, observing him
+from the doorway. He bowed apologetically, got down, and went toward
+her.
+
+"I have charge of the building," said she, speaking in a little strained
+voice. "Would you not like to view the interior?"
+
+"I should like to, I am sure," he replied.
+
+He followed her back to the door through which he had entered, and up a
+flight of winding, iron stairs to the next floor. Even these, he saw,
+had once been most magnificent. His guide offered no comment, but caught
+her breath in gasps as she ascended. When the landing had been reached,
+both paused for breath, while Wyeth's attention was immediately caught
+by the decaying grandeur, that was evident all about him. "Wonderful,"
+he said at last, in a low, respectful voice, and as though he feared to
+disturb some of those grand persons that once had frequented it.
+
+"Wonderful, you say?" echoed the woman, and regarded him out of small,
+sharp eyes.
+
+"Magnificent."
+
+"And, be you a stranger in the city?" she now asked.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And from where do you come?"
+
+"The great northwest. Dakota."
+
+"Ah, Dakota--m-m. That is far, far away?"
+
+"Yes; far, far away."
+
+"I have never been there. I have never been anywhere, but have always
+lived here in Bienville Parish. I was born here, a creole."
+
+They now walked down the wide hall, and where he gazed into the
+deserted rooms on either side, all of which revealed a once great
+splendor.
+
+"Here," she said, "is a room that once played a conspicuous part in the
+old south." She led him then into a large room, much larger than any
+other in the building. It was a round room, and he could see that it had
+been made to be used for convention purposes. She was explaining.
+
+"It was once used as a temporary capitol, and later as a rendezvous for
+secessionists. And still later, after the war, Sheridan made a raid, and
+arrested many conspirators."
+
+"I suppose," said Sidney, "that this place has seen many grand
+occasions?"
+
+"Ah, indeed it has. All the aristocrats of the southland always stopped
+here, as well as counts and dukes and lords and great ladies, and still
+from South America and Mexico the best people stopped here."
+
+They passed out of the room, across the hallway, and entered another
+room that was furnished. "I live here," said the woman, to his surprise.
+
+"Here--alone?"
+
+She nodded. "Yes, alone for many years."
+
+He understood now, and, running his hands into his pockets, he pulled
+forth a half dollar, and handed it to her. She accepted it with many
+thanks, and gave him then, some pictures and relics.
+
+"I suppose you have many visitors--tourists?" he inquired, starting
+toward the door.
+
+"Well, no, I do not," she said, somewhat regretfully. "The people do not
+seem to wander down into this section. They do not appear curious for
+relics, as they used to be."
+
+"That's too bad--for you," he said kindly.
+
+"It is, since I am old, and have no other way of getting my living," and
+she sighed.
+
+"How old are you?"
+
+"Eighty-nine."
+
+"And you have no--no children?" he asked now, with curious interest.
+
+"None. And that--and that, perhaps, is why I'm like I am today...."
+
+Wyeth listened kindly, patiently. The other appeared sad and
+reminiscent.
+
+"No, I shall never seem to get over it, either. I am the last of a
+family that came here from France, many, many years ago--two hundred, to
+be exact. For many years, we were the richest family in Bienville
+Parish, and perhaps almost as rich as any other in the state. We owned
+land, and slaves, until we could hardly count them. Of course, the war
+meant--you can understand what we lost with the freedom of the blacks.
+But after that, we were still immensely rich. But, somehow, a curse
+seemed to come over the family. No boy babies were born to any. The
+girls became subject to consumption, until all had died but myself. Then
+I married. My husband was Spanish and French, very affectionate, and was
+good to me, and we were hopeful and happy--until I bore him no
+offspring. He grew crabbed, nervous and impatient.
+
+"Before long, I came to see that he was intimate elsewhere. He began to
+drink, to gamble, and to carouse. He stayed out until all hours of the
+night, and then he got so he would not come home at all. For days I
+would not see him, and then for weeks." She paused long enough now to
+wipe a tear. "I began to fear for him, for, I recalled that his
+ancestors had come to abrupt ends, and I worried. Because I could bear
+him no children, I gave him freely of the fortune that was left to me.
+He ran through with his, and then with mine." She was weeping quietly
+now, and he felt inclined to comfort her, but did not know how.
+
+After a time she was calm again. She took a seat by the window, and
+gazed with a tired expression out into the street, while he waited.
+"Well," she resumed, "they brought him home one day, dead, and I have
+been alone since."
+
+"Too bad," said Wyeth, and shifted about, listening for more, for,
+carefully observant, he saw that she was not through.
+
+"One day, there came a woman, an attractive colored woman, with large
+eyes and the most beautiful hair and skin and form I had ever, I think,
+seen. She led a little boy by the hand, and when he looked up at me, I
+screamed. I knew then, and didn't have to be told, that he was my
+husband's son.
+
+"Strangely, I was happy. To know that my good husband--for he had been
+good in the beginning--had left his name, somewhat cheered me, and we
+agreed to educate and give him a chance.
+
+"We placed him later, at my expense, in a good school, and he grew to be
+a handsome, bright-eyed young man. I watched him, however, with a slight
+fear--for I remembered. But he made a man of himself, a successful man,
+and with the last few thousands I could gather, I helped to start him in
+business, and in due time he had made a name that was an envy. He became
+the owner of much of the best property in the city, land in the northern
+part of the state, and, in the end, married one of the wealthiest and
+most attractive girls in the town." She paused again, and Wyeth listened
+without a word. Something remained yet to be told....
+
+The woman was speaking again.
+
+"Yes, he grew to success and happiness--and then, well, something
+happened."
+
+"Something happened?" Wyeth echoed.
+
+"Yes. Something happened." She was silent now, and gazed again out of
+the window.
+
+"Heredity."
+
+"Heredity?" And still he did not understand. He could not be patient
+longer. "Who was this man--that is, ah--what was his name. I don't think
+I ever heard of him--a colored man?"
+
+She looked straight at him now, without a change of expression, and
+answered: "He was not colored!"
+
+"Not colored?"
+
+"I should have said," she corrected, "that he didn't go as colored....
+He _passed_ for white."
+
+"Oh...."
+
+"But that was not it--heredity."
+
+Wyeth said nothing.
+
+"He ran around. He took up drink--and then he wanted--colored women."
+
+After this, both were silent for a long time; but Wyeth was thinking. He
+was hearing over again what he had heard before--many times. "_Colored
+women!_" In Dixie, he felt that if he could keep his ears deaf to
+hearing of white men--and those who "passed" for white--wanting--and
+having--colored women, he could, he possibly might like the country; but
+everywhere he had heard this. The woman broke the silence.
+
+"This city is possessed with that desire. Have you observed
+it--everywhere you might chance to look, you will see it?"
+
+He sighed. She looked at him again, and then became silent.
+
+Across the way, a large, municipal building rose far above St.
+Louis--Royal Hotel--Slave Market. Through the window from where they
+sat, busy clerks worked away over books. When their eyes glanced to the
+street, it was broken with automobiles, and busy people hurrying to and
+fro.
+
+"I have a visitor," he heard the woman say. "She is a sweet, kind, but
+sad sort of girl. She has been to see me several times of late, and I
+have been talking religion with her. In all my days, no human being has
+interested me as she has. I love her. And while I can't object, I regret
+to feel in some way that she is going to enter the convent, and become a
+sister."
+
+"Are you a Catholic?"
+
+"All French are Catholic," she answered.
+
+"Then you perforce sanction this intention of your girl friend?"
+
+"Yes, I do; but, oh, how much I shall miss her!"
+
+"Will she enter soon?"
+
+"Very soon!"
+
+"Have you known her long?"
+
+"A few months; but it seems I have known her all my life."
+
+"Is she--what is she, colored or white?" he asked.
+
+"Colored."
+
+"Indeed. Her name?"
+
+"I have it; but I forget. I call her always Little Sister. I have her
+picture and will let you see it. She had it taken a few days ago, out
+there on that grass plot," and she pointed to the yard of the municipal
+building. She was a few minutes finding the picture, and then Wyeth was
+overcome by a strange feeling, with regard to what he had heard. A girl
+... sad ... going to enter a convent.... Who was this girl? Who, who,
+who?
+
+"Here is her picture," said the woman.
+
+He took it, and saw Mildred smiling up at him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN
+
+"_Restitution_"
+
+
+"I had to," cried Mildred bewilderingly, as she hurried, hatless,
+breathless, along the walk, when she left her lover so abruptly. She was
+distracted; she was not fully aware of what she said. All she knew was,
+that at the most supreme moment of her existence, she had broken away
+from the one she loved, and for whom she would have been willing to die;
+but to marry him at last, she felt she could not conscientiously do.
+"Oh, but it was manly, kindly--sublime, his offer, and how I love him
+for it!" she whispered. "I know he will forgive me; he will remember me
+kindly; he will never forget me, and my love for him--but to go to him
+and make him suffer with the thought of the past--never!"
+
+She slowed down, as she neared the wide street, that crossed just ahead
+of her. She crossed the walk to the center of the street, where a car
+was coming, and caught it. Once inside and seated, she lay back, and
+became, for a time, dully listless. Presently, she saw the river just
+ahead, and when the car slowed down, she left it, crossed to the ferry,
+and went aboard. A half hour later, she was in her room.
+
+Her sister greeted her pleasantly from the garden, which aroused her
+emotion to such a degree, that she choked slightly, in order to hold
+back words she had long wished to say.
+
+When alone at last in her room, she lay across the bed, and gave up to
+the feeling of inertia, that had taken possession of her.
+
+All that day she remained so. She could scarcely collect her wits. Again
+and again, the events connected with his return, flew through her dull,
+sluggish mind, and, at last, to relieve it, she dressed in a cool, thin
+dress, and went for a walk down by the river front.
+
+She passed many docks, where not so many steamers lay at anchor as she
+had once noticed. She wondered why, since she had observed the falling
+off of traffic. Then she thought about the bloodshed that was going on
+each day across the water. She soon came abreast of a wharf where more
+than a score of great ocean goers were anchored. No smoke came from
+their funnels; no men worked away on their decks; in fact, they were as
+silent as the grave, their dark hulls casting a dull shadow above the
+water. She wandered down the board platform, and studied them idly. Then
+she read, painted on their sterns, names with Bremen and Hamburg as
+their port.... Her thoughts again reverted to the carnage across the
+waters.
+
+She found the street again, and wandered aimlessly along the sidewalk.
+Suddenly she halted and strained her ears, as a sound came to her from
+some distance. She listened, and then looked up and across the river,
+where the creole city stretched, apparently endless, before her. She
+observed in doing so, for the first time, that the river curved in such
+a manner as to form a perfect crescent at this point, and, although her
+thoughts were confused, she did not fail to appreciate the beauty of it.
+
+Her gaze had found the place from whence came the sound that had halted
+her. It was the bell of a church vibrating through the still evening
+air. The steeple in which it was mounted, raised far into the air above
+the buildings about it, and she watched it with growing reverence. As
+she continued to stare at it, it seemed to outline a mighty sepulchre,
+and she fell to speculating about it. She was familiar with it, in a
+measure, and recalled, as she found herself wandering vaguely along a
+few moments later, that she used to pass it each day. It was when _he_
+lay ill at the hospital, that it was near. It was called St. Catherine.
+She had happily observed that may little colored children went to it
+each day, and Sunday. Their training, she had observed, was very
+different from the denominations with which she was acquainted. She had
+stopped before its steeple the first time, one day toward the close of
+Sidney's recovery. The next day she had entered it, and wandered down
+its carpeted aisles. She had gone up to the front, before she realized
+that any one was in the church. And then a sister came from an alcove,
+or from some place, but she could not imagine where.
+
+She had halted embarrassed, but the other smiled upon her so pleasantly,
+that her confidence was won in a moment.
+
+Mildred recalled it--the meeting--strangely today. She wondered what the
+life of a sister was like. She had guessed what it meant.... She had
+almost forgotten the sister, until she went her way this day, when the
+lot of those patient souls came to her mind again.
+
+She reached a street presently, where two wide walkways intersected, and
+when she reached the center of the intersection, something gripped her
+and she stopped quickly, catching her breath. She continued to stand
+thus, but with eyes widening, nerves tense, and then she uttered beneath
+her breath: "Why not? Yes, why not? Why, why, why?" Then, completely
+absorbed in the idea, which had suddenly come to her, offering, as she
+felt it now, a solution of her life, she turned on her heel, and
+retraced her steps homeward.
+
+And all the way she kept saying to herself: "Why not, why, why?"
+
+She hesitated at the gate, and again there came to her ears from across
+the river the chime of the bell on St. Catherine. It echoed softly, and
+vibrating, it touched her soul to its depths. She stood at last
+transformed. As it continued to float across to her, she seemed to
+translate: "Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give
+thee rest."
+
+When she entered the house, her head hung, with eyes cast down. She had
+decided to become a sister.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+There came a day, bright, clear, and slightly breezy; but withal,
+invigorating, and she went to visit the old woman who lived alone in
+the deserted St. Louis--Royal Hotel. She had no tremors, because it had
+been the place where once her people were sold by thousands. She had met
+the old woman on one of her frequent pilgrimages alone in the creole
+city, and had become strangely fond of her. Mildred had, on more than
+one occasion, felt constrained to tell her the story.... So today, she
+came quietly upon the old soul sitting by the window, with the light
+streaming in upon her faded hair and features.
+
+"You come today, Little Sister. I am always so glad to see you."
+
+Mildred returned the greeting kindly and pleasantly, and sank into the
+proffered chair. She had told the other of her intentions, but offered
+no reason for her decision. She asked today that the other bless her,
+which was done. They sat afterward in mutual silence. Presently,
+however, the other broke it.
+
+"A young man was here yesterday, a strange, kind, forgiving sort of
+fellow. He aroused me in a way; he brought back, by his presence,
+memories, and I don't know why; but I told him my story.... He listened
+so patiently, so kindly, and with such sympathy, I do declare, that I
+wept."
+
+"A young man? A--"
+
+"A young colored man from away off in the great northwest."
+
+"Sidney, oh, Sidney," Mildred breathed, unheard.
+
+"And do you know, dear Little Sister, I thought of you almost all the
+time he listened, and was near me.... I don't know why. I cannot imagine
+predestination in a large sense; but in some way I felt he suffered."
+She paused, and Mildred swallowed. After a time she said, in a small
+voice:
+
+"I guess I'll go now."
+
+The other did not detain her, though she wished she would never leave,
+but followed her out of the silent old place down to the street, and
+watched her out of sight.
+
+She passed through one of the narrow streets to the banking section of
+the city, entered the one where Sidney's money was deposited, which he
+had given back to her, and she had it made into a draft. This was mailed
+forthwith to him. Then she recrossed the river, and when in her room,
+packed all her belongings securely, and then wrote a long letter to her
+sister. In this, she told of her life from the day she had left home on
+the mission ... omitting why she had done this ... up to the day. She
+wrote that she loved a young man, loved him, so that she could not bear
+to become his, and feel that she was guilty--unworthy. She closed it,
+asking her sister to accept all she left--which was everything, but what
+she wore.
+
+She retired, for night had come, and slept so peacefully the night
+through, that she was surprised. She dressed before the others arose,
+and slipped into the street.
+
+In due time, she stood at the gates of St. Catherine. It was still
+early, and the people were not much astir, when again the chimes came to
+her ears, a hundred and more feet above her. She listened, and as they
+continued to ring, she gradually became transformed. No one came, so she
+entered the gate, went around to the side, and took a seat.
+
+Her mind became reflective and reverted to the past, and she found
+herself living it over, again and again. But, as she reviewed it, she
+seemed to have no regrets; she did not foster the kind of hopes she once
+had, and then she arose and found her way again to the front. She
+approached the door, and when she tried the knob, found that it was
+open. The priest was just leaving through a side door as she entered,
+and did not hear her footfall, as she passed lightly down the carpeted
+aisle.
+
+She stood before the altar, when she had come to the other end, and
+getting down upon her knees, offered a silent little prayer. She
+remained there until the flood of emotion--for she found herself
+peculiarly emotional today--had passed, and then arose. She gazed at the
+emblem of the Christ before her for a moment, and then, turning, she
+walked into Sidney Wyeth, who had come upon her, and was waiting while
+she was in prayer.
+
+"Mildred," he said, and his voice came low, even, and respectful. "I
+know...." This was all he said; but the hungry look in his eyes told all
+else....
+
+She halted before him without any undue excitement in her manner, but
+her eyes were downcast. She recalled even now, that she had never been
+able to return his piercing gaze. She kept her head bent, with her small
+hands folded before her, but listened with something akin to a heavenly
+rapture. He was speaking again.
+
+"I am not going to infringe upon your liberty by asking you to give up
+what is your intention. I've come, Mildred, just to see--to look into
+your eyes once more, before you go your way.... That is all I ask. You
+will grant me that, won't you, Mildred?" They stood facing each other,
+only a few feet apart. He held his hat crushed in his hand, while she
+did not release her grip on the cross she held. He watched her, as she
+slowly raised her head, as her eyebrows came slowly into view, and then
+at last her eyes.... They looked into his now. His looked into hers.
+Slowly, they spoke--both pairs of eyes. No words passed their lips, but
+each could seem to hear a soul within crying: "_Restitution!
+Restitution!_"
+
+How long they stood thus, they did not know. But, after a time,
+something seemed to break the spell. Perhaps it was the departed souls.
+They knew not, were not even aware of what was passing. Still, the eyes
+of each, hypnotic, struggling with the fire of incarnation, slowly drew
+them nearer. They were at last near each other. Their breaths came in
+strange, tender gasps. Their eyes continued to see and regard each other
+in that heavenly rapture. And still no word was spoken.
+
+His hands seemed to find hers and the cross. They gathered them and held
+them fast, while out of her ethereal eyes he saw a divine glory never to
+be forgotten. Then his left arm rose. It slowly encircled her form. They
+heard now, each others heart. And then something else seemed to guide
+him. His head went down, while his eyes still looked into Mildred's with
+that peculiar enchantment. He placed his cheek against hers, with
+gentleness and reverence.
+
+When the good father came again into the church, he paused as he watched
+a couple pass slowly down the aisle. They were a man and a woman. His
+arm rested about the slender shoulders of his companion, with great
+tenderness.
+
+So together, they went to that land in the west.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+On page 259 of this original, 1915 publication of The Forged Note, there
+is a line of missing text, which appears as a blank line on the page. In
+the 1916 reprint (which is available for viewing online at
+hathitrust.org) this missing line reads: "... the subject, and which
+would serve to substantiate her...." For the convenience of the reader,
+the missing line, as printed in the 1916 edition, has been inserted into
+this text.
+
+Obvious typos and printer errors have been corrected without comment.
+
+In addition to obvious errors, the following changes were made:
+
+     1. Page 165: "wan" was changed to "wane" in the phrase: "...he felt
+     the interest wane...."
+
+     2. Page 255: "here" was changed to "hear" in the phrase "... and
+     go, dy'e hear...."
+
+With the above exceptions, inconsistencies in the author's spelling,
+punctuation, and use of hyphens are retained as in the original
+publication.
+
+Unconventional spelling has been retained in words such as (but not
+limited to) the following:
+
+     Page 243: bisquits
+     Page 344: surpressed
+     Page 362: philanthrophist
+     Page 389: wrapped (instead of rapped)
+     Page 395: preceeded
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Forged Note, by Oscar Micheaux
+
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