Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-18

something in it, I beleve-what, I cannot
say. Our friend here is one of the last of
the Obi Men, and he threw his spell over
the sugar-canes-hung up red rags and
empty bottles on the skirts of the planta-
tion-uttered some mumbo-ju spell in
the ears of the frightened people and went
his way. 1t was enough. Devil another
stick went
''Debble anudder stick go! He-he!'' snig-
gered Jesse.
I'VE ought to be greatly obliged" con-
fessed Henry Vivian. This has been a
most interesting experience, and 1 hope
you'll accept an English sovereign from me
in the name of my father, old man. Be sure
I'll tell him of your exploits and all that he
owes to you"
"Gold-me like gold berry much" de-
clared Jesse. He took the money greedily
and slipped it, into a pocket at his belt.
'Massa King of England on it-good!" he
said.
And now I'll depart, If you please,
Ford" continued young Vivian. I'm glad
to have had this most interesting expe-
rience, but can't stand the place any long
err. The uncanny odors are choking me-
Smoke then. We can't go Immediately.
The old boy would never forgive US. I'll be
off soon as L dare.
He turned to Jesse.
Seen any turtle lately?'
Plenty turtle, sar. l take my walks on
moony nights and see de great cock turtle
making a fuss and de ladies laying dar
eggs in de sand. Berry good soup-but
Jesse like rum better. 1t work quicker. You
gem men shall taste Jesses rum punch.
Nobody make rum punch like me, masSa.
He made signs to Jacky, and the silent
negro, who stood at the door, drew three
calabash shells from a corner and took
them out to wash them.
He my son. massa" explained ord Hagan.
Him no speak or hear. Him tongue tied
by de Lord But him understand berry
quick. Him understand like a dog, sar.
1ry,o ti,,rrC dot NO lnn nv oil
dat we have ears and tongues
Vivian nodded dreamily and pulled his
cigar. he vile atmosphere of the hut and
Jesse's voice that ran on ceaselessly began
together to hypnotic him. He felt sleepy.
How much more Of it?" he asked Ford,
and the other answered:
Not five minutes. The drink is ready.
We will wish him good luck and long life.
Then we will clear out. His rum punch Ia
really worth drinking. 1 know nothing like
it,"
Meantime Jacky had rinsed out his three
split calabash bowls and now placed them
on the table in a row.
DIS Obi punch make for you, sar. No
body make him but lesser declared the
host. Then he poured his concoction into
the three bowls and, when he had emptied
a large open pan. about half a pint of liquor
| filled each calabash.
Drink and remember de poor old Obi
man, sars! Oars yours, Massa Ford, and
dar's yours, Massa Vivian; and dis am
| mine. Jacky and me will share and share
| togedder.
He handed the calabashes to his son and
a close observer might have noted that into
! one bowl of refreshment-that intended for
Henry Vivian-Jesse dipped the iong, bony
| middle finger Of his right hand.
A moment later Jabez Ford lifted his
| drink and pledged the giver.
| Here's to you, old fellow, and may your
| shadow never grow less. Good luck and
| long life to all Of us!''
| He drank heartily. smacked his lips, and
| set his empty bowl upon the table. while
Vivian followed his example and drained
| his drink also.
| "Splendid-splendid!' he said. 'Tll give
| that!'
! Jesse looked at the doomed man with his
! toad's eyes.
| II 'fraid de secret no good whar you
| gwaine, massa. You dead gem man, sar.
| Muffin on God earf save you now. Five
| minutes more and we take Off your tings
| and put You under Jesse's snake gourd,
| sar.''
| What the deuce Is he talking about?'
| began Vivian. Then his jaw fell and he
1 stared at the face of Jabez Ford. Behind
| other side of the table. the Obi Man quietly
4 slipped his rum punch and waited.
But now thing unforeseen occurred. and
the awful inevitable death that had been
mixed with Henry Vivian,s cup fell upon
| another.
Jabez Ford It was who leapt to his feet
cried q hoarse oath and turned upon the
negro behind him.
"Treachery-you-youp' he began.
"Treachery-you-you he began. Then
he fell in a heap on the moor, twisted hoF'