The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1909-12-28
THE co Nv|CT'S STORY
(AI.nie GOOiIOe Randall.

tlttc1liNs CN'Gi l iNS - -
negroes. Not cne seemed to be
ashamed. To be q convict was no
.reproach to them nor to those back
in the cabins to whom they owed care
and protection.
One old man worked more quietly
than the rest, but he smiled at the
jests OF the others. Hello. Uncle
Dan" shouted q little lad OF six. The
old mans eyes frightened as they
fastened on the little figure running
to him. He stopped and put his arms
about the boy in spotless white, lift
ing the child high up. Il boys arms
were abcut the black neck Of the con-
| Wet. Then the little hand went into
the pocket on his breast. Shut your
eyes ana open your mouth. Uncle
Dan" Immediately the eyes were
few pen, exposing the great white
teeth which might nave startled g
child whose birthright it had not been
to grow up with our gentle, kindly
| Southern negroes.
A red and white peppermint block
was dropped in aud C~runched. An
other and sceyera more followed till
the ola man said:
'~"Thank'y, son, | got ter stop eatin'
now and so ter wuk er dat gyard
maui be Wantin' ter know de reason
why"
Well, you've had your dessert any
how. Amt you. Uncle Dam"
Yes. thank Cord. honey. You is
good to de ole man. (
II W you, Uncle Dan
Il love you,too, son, but you better
run er long now. Your PAIL be
comm ronn dis way soon"
i don't care II he does. I've told
him 1 hat vn, and ma 20 friends &C.
'Ha, ha! kyar, kyar!!" laughed ont
the old man and he took up the mat.
took again. The guard came up with
a frown to Know why the negro was
out Of work. What's up here?'
His frown changed to q smile when
he saw the boy, whom he knew to be
the only child of one OF the towns
leading lawyers.
The boy struck an attitude, &
apart, hands in pockets, head UP. face
set, ready to meet danger and--tT need
be-to protect his friend.
Why, hello, man. How are YOU -
Tn aIl right. l came to bring
Uncle Dan his dessert"
whats that? Amt he got his
deserts, You taink?'
Il don't know what you mean, but
you don't give him anything sweet
after dinner and he likes it and l told
him I'D give him something swee,
every day. That's all. Mayn't / talk
to him
"What for
II want to vestigate his case"
Whats the matter with his case -
4 don't know. but he's a good man.
He's 8 colored gentleman. My mann
my said so. He's my friend and he's
my n1ammy's cousin and I don't be-
lieve he broke into that house
God knows l didn't, nuther.'
muttercd the old man as he raised his
hea@ from the ditch he was digging.
Shut up!" snapped the guard.
yes, MASTER came hulnbly from
the sewer and the heavy shoulders
bent lower while the muddy hama
went to the wet face, leaving streakS
Of red or the ebony.
You shan't tai kto him like that,
I say" shouted the boy with Redeemed
cheeks and shining eyes.
How are you going TO help it. lit
tie man laughingly said the guard.
ri tell my Papa and you'll los.
your place. He said the law wont low
no brutality. II somethin' like that, to
poor prisoners, and o. know my Papa
knows What the law is
THAT he does and q lot more be-
sides returned the guard. m~eaningly.
You may vestigate ole Dan all you
want. He is a good old n~igger." Fl.
walked to another group feeling that
ne had made for himself q friend al
court.
The boy did not catch the bidder
meaning in the tones of the man. His
sweet spirit accepted gracefully the
tribute to his father and the permits
sion TO talk to his friend. He turned
and said:
I amt said q thing to anybody
about your case 'cept to Mamma ano
NANNY. Mamma said I musn',
bother Papa less he could do som.
thin, but Nanny said the Lord knows
| oughtef, cause II the white folks
don't friend the colored folks They
won't have any lection at all. Sh.
!. OF the Carpenter OF C,aIileo. Thair