Nigger Heaven/Prologue
Anatole Longfellow, alias the Scarlet Creeper,[1] strutted aimfully down the east side of Seventh Avenue. He wore a tight-fitting suit of shepherd's plaid which thoroughly revealed his lithe, sinewy figure to all who gazed upon him, and all gazed. A great diamond, or some less valuable stone which aped a diamond, glistened in his fuchsia cravat. The uppers of his highly polished tan boots were dove-coloured suède and the buttons were pale blue. His black hair was sleek under his straw hat, set at a jaunty angle. When he saluted a friend—and his acquaintanceship seemed to be wide—two rows of pearly teeth gleamed from his seal-brown countenance.
It was the hour when promenading was popular—about eleven o'clock in the evening. The air was warm, balmy for June, and not too humid. Over the broad avenue, up and down which multi-hued taxicabs rolled, hung a canopy of indigo sky, spangled with bright stars. The shops, still open, were brilliantly illuminated. Slouching under the protecting walls of the buildings, in front of show-windows, or under the trees, groups of young men congregated, chattering and laughing. Women, in pairs, or with male escorts, strolled up and down the ample sidewalk.
Hello, 'Toly! A stalwart black man accosted the Creeper.
Hello, Ed. How you been?
Po'ly, thank you. How you been?
No complaints. Nummer come out. Drew sixty-seven bucks.
Holy Kerist!
Yeh. Anatole displayed his teeth.
What nummer?
Seven-Nine-Eight.
Whah you found et?
Off'n a gal's fron' do'.
Comin' out?
Goin' in. Ah went out duh back winder. Her daddy done come home widout writin'.
Hush mah mouf!
Ah doan mean mebbe.
As Anatole walked on, his self-esteem flowered. Unbuttoning his coat, he expanded his chest, dangerously stretching the gold watch-chain which extended from pocket to pocket across his muscular belly.
Howdy.
Howdy.
He greeted in passing Leanshanks Pescod, a mulatto lightweight who, in successive Saturday sessions at the Commonwealth Club, had defeated two white comers.
Is you enjoyin' de air, Mr. Longfellow?
'Deed, Ah is, Mrs. Guckeen. How you been? The Creeper's manner became slightly flirtatious.
Thank you, Mr. Longfellow, an' pretty well.
Mrs. Imogene Guckeen was the proprietor of a popular beauty parlour further up the avenue. It was Anatole's custom to indulge in a manicure at this parlour every afternoon around five. As a wide circle of admiring women was cognizant of this habit, five was the rush hour at Mrs. Guckeen's establishment. She was fully aware of the important rôle this customer played in her affairs and, as a consequence, made no effort to collect his always considerable bill. Occasionally, moreover, the Creeper would slip her five or ten dollars on account, adding a chuck under her drooping chin and a devastating smile.
Turning about at One hundred and twenty-seventh Street, Anatole faced north and resumed his leisurely promenade. Now, however, despite the apparently careless flipping and twisting of his ebony cane, tipped with a ball of ivory, his air was more serious. He peered into the faces of the women he encountered with an expression that was almost anxious. Once, so eagerly did he seek a pair of eyes which obstinately refused to return his stare, he bumped into an elderly black man with a long white beard, who limped, supported by a cane. Anatole caught the old fellow only in time to prevent his falling.
Ah sartainly beg yo' pahdon, he said with his most enchanting smile.
The octogenarian returned the smile.
'Pears to me, he squeaked, dat you's mos' unnacherly perlite fo' dis street at dis hour.
The Creeper's breast expanded a full two inches, causing his watch-chain, stretched to capacity, to drag a ring of jangling keys from his waistcoat pocket. Replacing the keys, he reflected that he could afford to be agreeable, even magnanimous, to harmless old gentlemen. Was there another sheik in Harlem who possessed one-tenth his attraction for the female sex? Was there another of whose muscles the brick-pressers, ordinarily quite free with their audible, unflattering comments about passers-by, were more afraid? As he meditated in this wise, his pride received an unexpected jolt. Under the bright lights in front of the Lafayette. Theatre, he discerned a pompous figure whose presence obliterated the smug cheerfulness from his heart.
A few years earlier Randolph Pettijohn had made his start in Harlem as a merchant of hot-dogs. His little one-storey shop, hugged between two towering buildings, had rapidly become popular. His frankfurters were excellent; his buns were fresh; his mustard beyond reproach. In a short time Pettijohn's business was so successful, the overhead expense so light—he was his own cook and he personally served his customers over the counter—that he had saved a sufficient sum of money to invest in real-estate, an investment which increased in value over-night. Next, with the proceeds of a few judicious sales, he openeda cabaret which shortly became the favourite resort in Harlem. Now, his Bolito game had made him so rich that his powerfully exerted influence began to be felt in political circles.
Unreasoningly, Anatole hated him. He had—never inimically crossed the Creeper's path, but somehow, subconsciously, Anatole was aware that such an eventuality was by no means impossible. Besides, it irked the Creeper to realize that any one else possessed power of whatever kind. The feeling was not reciprocated. Anatole was frequently a spectacular figure at the Winter Palace, Pettijohn's cabaret, where he was welcome because he was known to be a particular favourite with jig-chasers from below the line.
ow you been, 'Toly? The Bolito King greeted the Creeper warmly, even affectionately.
Hello, Ran.
Lookin' 'em over?
Ah'm takin' 'em in. The Creeper was reticent.
You sartainly are one dressin' up fool, Creeper, one of the King's companions inserted.
Heavy lover, too, another added.
The King offered his accolade: Nobody like duh Creeper fo' close an' women, nobody a-tall.
Anatole exposed his pearls. Bottle et, he suggested.
Come in an' see me, Pettijohn invited. Mah Winter Palace is open winter an' summer.
Completely at his ease again, the Creeper strutted on, swinging his cane, expanding his chest, and humming to himself:
An' when he smiles he throws dem lights on me.
Howdy, 'Toly!
As Anatole looked into the unwelcome eyes of a high yellow boy whose suit was shiny and whose boots were patched, his manner became a trifle patronizing.
How you been, Duke?
Not so good, 'Toly. Duh show done went broke.
Dere'll be annudder.
Sho'. How's Ah gwine live till den?
The Creeper proffered no advice.
You lookin' mighty lucky, 'Toly. The Duke's tone was one of whining admiration.
The Creeper preserved his discreet silence.
Ah nebber did see no sheik what had yo' gif' fo' dressin'.
The Creeper's chest was the thermometer of the effect of this compliment.
Ah's hungry, 'Toly. Hones'. Gimme duh price of a dog.
Drawing a handful of loose change from his trouser-pocket, with great deliberation the Creeper selected a quarter from this heap and passed it to his indigent acquaintance.
Heah you is, Duke. . . . He had the air of a munificent benefactor. . . . Now why ain' you git mo' providen'?
Ah is, 'Toly, when Ah gits duh chance. 'T'ain' mah fault duh show done went broke. Inserting the quarter in his mouth, the boy made a sudden dash down a side-street.
Han' full o' gimme, mouf full o' much oblige, mused the Creeper.
At the corner of One hundred and thirty-seventh Street, surrounded by a numerous group of spectators, many of whom clapped their hands rhythmically, a crowd of urchins executed the Charleston. Apparently without intent, Anatole joined these pleasure-seekers. His eyes, however, quickly shifted from the dancers and stole around the ring of onlookers, in hasty but accurate inspection. Suddenly he found that for which he had been searching.
She was a golden-brown and her skin was clear, as soft as velvet. As pretty a piece, he reflected, as he had seen around these parts for some time, and he had not happened to see her before. Her slender body was encased in coral silk, the skirt sufficiently short to expose her trim legs in golden-brown stockings. A turquoise-blue cloche all but covered her straight black shingled hair. Her soft, brown eyes seemed to be begging. Withdrawing his own gaze almost immediately, so swift had been his satisfactory appraisal, he was nevertheless aware that she was contriving, without appearing to do so, without, indeed, appearing to look at him at all, to edge nearer to him. Never once, while she carried out her design, did her hands refrain from the rhythmic clapping which accompanied the juvenile dancers. When at last, she stood by his side, so close that he might touch her, she continued to pretend that she was only interested in the intricate steps of the Charleston. Anatole, outwardly, gave no sign whatever that he was aware of her presence.
After they had played this game of mutual duplicity for some time, she, losing patience or acquiring courage, accosted him.
Hello, 'Toly.
He turned, without a smile, and stared at her.
Ah doan seem to recerllec' dat Ah got duh honour o' yo' acquaintance.
You ain', Mr. 'Toly, an' dat's a fac'. Mah name's Ruby.
He did not encourage her to proceed.
Ruby Silver, she completed.
He: remained silent. Presently, in an offhand way, he began to clap his hands. A particularly agile lad of six was executing some pretty capers. Hey! Hey! Do that thing!
Everybody knows who you is, Mr. 'Toly, everybody! Her voice implored his attention.
The Creeper continued to clap.
Ah been jes' nacherly crazy to meet you.
The Creeper was stern. What fo'? he shot out.
You knows, Mr. 'Toly. I guess you knows.
He drew her a little apart from the ring.
How much you got?
Oh, Ah been full o' prosperity dis evenin'. Ah met an ofay wanted to change his luck. He gimme a tenner.
The Creeper appeared to be taking the matter under consideration. Ah met a gal las' night dat offer me fifteen, he countered. Nevertheless, it could be seen that he was weakening.
Ah got annuder five in mah lef' stockin', an' Ah'll show you lovin' such as you never seen.
The Creeper became more affable. Ah do seem to remember yo' face, Miss Silver, he averred. Will you do me duh favour to cling to mah arm.
As they strolled, their bodies touching, down a dark side-street, his hand freely explored her flesh, soft and warm under the thin covering of coral silk.
Wanna dance? he demanded.
Luvvit, she replied.
Come across.
She stooped to fumble in her stockings, first the right, then the left. Presently she handed him two bills which he stuffed into his waistcoat pocket without the formality of examination.
Winter Palace? she inquired.
A nasty shadow flitted across Anatole's face.
Naw, he retorted. Too many ofays an' jig-chasers.
Bowie Wilcox's is dicty.
Too many monks.
Atlantic City Joe's?
Too many pink-chasers an' bulldikers.
Where den?
Duh Black Venus.
A few moments later they were swallowed by an entrance on Lenox Avenue, flanked by two revolving green lights. Arm in arm, they descended the stairs to the basement. As they walked down the long hallway which led to the dance-floor, the sensual blare of jazz, slow, wailing jazz, stroked their ears. At the door three waiters in evening clothes greeted the Creeper with enthusiasm.
Why, dat's sartainly Mr. 'Toly.
Good evenin'.
Gwine sit at mah table?
Mine?
Mine, Mr. 'Toly?
Expanding his chest, Anatole gazed down the length of the hall. Couples were dancing in such close proximity that their bodies melted together as they swayed and rocked to the tormented howling of the brass, the barbaric beating of the drum. Across each woman's back, clasped tight against her shoulder blades, the black hands of her partner were flattened. Blues, smokes, dinges, charcoals, chocolate browns, shines, and jigs.
Le's hoof, Ruby urged.
Le's set down, Anatole commanded. Passing his straw hat to the hat-check girl, he followed a waiter to an empty table, pushing Ruby ahead of him.
Hello, 'Toly! A friend hailed him from an adjoining table.
Hello, Licey.
A pint, the Creeper ordered.
The waiter Charlestoned down the floor to the intoxicating rhythm, twirling his tray on palm held high overhead.
Put ashes in sweet papa's bed so as he can' slip out, moaned Licey in the Creeper's ear. Ah knows a lady what'll be singing, Wonder whah mah easy rider's gone!
Bottle et.
Licey chuckled. Hush mah mouf ef Ah doan!
The waiter came back, like a cat, shuffling ingeniously from one side of the room to the other, in and out of the throng of dancers. Charleston! Charleston! Do that thing! Oh boy!
On his tray were two glasses, two splits of ginger ale, and a bowl of cracked ice. From his hip-pocket he extracted a bottle containing a transparent liquid. He poured out the ginger ale. Anatole poured out the gin.
Tea fo' two! he toasted his companion, almost jovially.
She gulped her glassful in one swallow, and then giggled, 'Toly, you's mah sho' 'nough daddy an' Ah sho' does love you wid all mah h'aht.
Everybody loves mah baby, tooted the cornet.
But mah baby doan love nobody but me, Ruby chimed in. She tentatively touched the Creeper's arm. As he did not appear to object to this attention, she stroked it tenderly.
Jes' once 'roun', she pleaded.
He humoured her. Embracing her closely, he rocked her slowly around the hall. Their heels shuffled along the floor. Their knees clicked amorously. On all sides of the swaying couple, bodies in picturesque costumes rocked, black bodies, brown bodies, high yellows, a kaleidoscope of colour transfigured by the amber searchlight. Scarves of bottle green, cerise, amethyst, vermilion, lemon. The drummer in complete abandon tossed his sticks in the air while he shook his head like a wild animal. The saxophone player drew a dilapidated derby over the bowl of his instrument, smothering the din. The banjos planked deliriously. The band snored and snorted and whistled and laughed like a hyena. This music reminded the Creeper of the days when he worked as a bootblack in a Memphis barbershop. Hugged closely together, the bodies rocked and swayed, rocked and swayed. Sometimes a rolling-eyed couple, caught in the whirlpool of aching sound, would scarcely move from one spot. Then the floor-manager would cry, Git off dat dime!
Unexpectedly it was over. The saxophone player substituted the stub of a black cigar for the tube of his instrument. As if they had been released from some subtle enchantment the dancing couples broke apart, dazed, and lumbered towards their tables. Now that music was lacking their bodies had lost the secret of the magic rhythm. Normal illumination. A new mood. Laughter and chatter. A woman shrieked hysterically. The Creeper drew the bottle from his hip-pocket and poured out two more drinks.
Again Ruby drained her portion at one gulp. This time she had repudiated the ginger ale. Again she caressed her companion's arm. Again she sought his eyes, his great brown eyes, like a doe's.
Ah sho' will show you some lovin', daddy, she promised.
The Creeper grunted his approval.
Does you know what Ah calls dis? she continued rapturously.
Calls what?
Dis place, where Ah met you—Harlem. Ah calls et, specherly tonight, Ah calls et Nigger Heaven! I jes' nacherly think dis heah is Nigger Heaven!
On the floor a scrawny yellow girl in pink silk, embroidered with bronze sequins in floral designs, began to sing:
Dere ain' no slippin' when he once takes hol' . . .
The Creeper sipped his gin meditatively.
- ↑ The reader will find, at the end of this volume, a glossary of the unusual Negro words and phrases employed in this novel.