184
THE NEW NEGRO
JANE
[Controlling herself with an effort.]
It's true, Ben Carter, just like Ah was scared it was.
CARTER
What's true?
JANE
Annie's in trouble, and it's Jack.
CARTER
How do you know it's Jack?
JANE
[Looking straight at him.]
She just told me!
CARTER
That ain't no proof.
JANE
[Advancing to him and shaking her finger in his face.]
Wait a minute, Ben Carter! Wait right there! Ah ain't goin' to have you throwin' out no slurs about ma child! She says it's Jack, and Jack it is! This is the third thing that's happened to us on account o' you and your'n! And this time you're goin' to pay! If you compermise this time you're goin' to compermise for somethin'!
CARTER
I'm a fair man, Jane Lee; you know that. And if Jack's in fault I'll do all I kin do, but I won't be bullied. I've got to know he's in fault.
JANE
Jack is in fault!
CARTER
Your gal must be in fault, too.
