Page:The New Negro.pdf/226

JANE

[Catching him by the arm.]

Not that 'a way!

[Pointing to the door which leads to the stairway.]

Go thu' there and jump out o' the back window so nobody won't see you!

[Alec goes through the door which leads to the stairs.]

[Fondling Ruth.]

You'll get educated just the same, Ruth; see if you don't. Ben Carter'll keep his word!

RUTH

Ah don't know what he'll do after what Alec's done.

JANE

Yes, he will. He ain't never broke his word.

[Carter, hatless and coatless, rushes in angrily.]

CARTER

What kind o' business is this, Jane Lee?

JANE

What?

CARTER

That boy o' yours broke Jack's arm! I'm goin' to put the sheriff on him sure as a gun's iron!

{{c|JANE

Put the sheriff on him what for? You know Alec's hot-headed!

CARTER

Hot-headed or not hot-headed! He'll go up for it if he's caught! And that bargain I made with you about sendin' 'em to school is all off! It don't go! Wasn't nothin' in it about breakin' ma boy's arm! I'm done with you! I'm done with you all—'ceptin' Alec— Yer hear me.

[He hurries out.]