squint out doors wid all de shutters closed up tight."
"I thought you intended to look out of the window?"
"It carn't be did down here, honey."
"Then go up-stairs."
"Dat's des what I'se hankerin' after mighty bad; but it won't do for er ole nigger like me to be prowlin' 'roun' de house erlone,' less you'se willin'."
"I am quite certain mother would give you permission to go into the upper chamber; but she wouldn't allow you to take a candle, because of the chance that the house might be set afire."
"I ain't carin' for de candle, honey. Ef you'se warnts ole Scip, des yell, an' he'll be down here in er shake."
As he spoke Scipio began the ascent of the stairs rapidly, and Sarah, suddenly realizing that she and Dorothy might witness that which would interest them, called after him:
"If you can see the bonfire, come back and tell us."
"Trus' ole Scip not ter let you'se miss anything dat's goin' on," he cried from the upper floor, and the girls could hear his heavy footsteps as he went from one apartment to another to ascertain where the best view might be had.
On this evening the girls were particularly
