Page:The New Negro.pdf/219

that seem fair to you, Ben Carter; when Ah'm just as honest as you and just as good a Christian?

CARTER

Ain't nobody denyin' about you bein' honest, and ain't nobody denyin' about you bein' a good Christian.

JANE

Where's ma reward for bein' honest and bein' good?

CARTER

I reckon you'll get your reward in heaven.

JANE

Ah know that well enough; but Ah want ma children to have somethin' in this worl'.

CARTER

I can't blame you much for that. I'll talk to my wife and Jack, and I reckon we kin come to terms.

[He starts out.]

JANE

Wait a minute.

[She brings out the gun again.]

Ah believe you mean to be fair, and Ah want to show you that Ah mean to be fair. This old gun's loaded, and when Alec finds out what's happened Ah can't tell what he might do. The Lawd hisself moughtn't be able to hold him back this time—so Ah'll unload it.

[She unloads the gun and puts the cartridges in her bosom.]

CARTER

All right, Jane, I see you mean well and I'll do what I kin for you. 'Deed I will, Jane.

[He goes out. She puts the gun back and returns to the table where she sits weakly, and, losing control of herself, breaks into a flood of tears. Presently Alec enters from the yard, bringing an armful of wood.]