The Marshall republican., 1912-04-19
& MSS MINERVA &
'MWIluAh GREEN fIIIr
&vFRANGS BOYD CALHOUN

lily q Britton Col
I Jou int Frances must be Tie Prison
ers."
Well. I amt going to play 'thout I
can he the boss Of the ~niggers. It q
Sarah James chain and she q my
mama'J cook. and I'm going to be what
/ please"
! II II tell you what do" was Billy's
suggestion. well take II turn about:
nc an Lima II first be the perlice an
y all be the chain.gang. an then we
II be the uiggers an y all be the
/, bosses"
This arrangement was satisfactory,
so the younger boy climbed the fence
and soon returned With a short chain
and paddock.
Billy chained Jimmy AID Frances to-
geiher by two round, fat ankles and
put the key to the lock In his pocket.
we must decide what crimes they
have committed" said Lima.
Frances done got rested fer shoot.
In craps an Jimmy done got rested
fer 'sturbin' public worship" said the
other boss.
Nav, I amt neither" objected the
male member OF the chain.gang. 81
done cut my woman with a razor
cause | see her racking down the
street like a proud coon with another
gent. like what Sarah James brother
telled me he done al the picnic"
The children played happily together
for half an hour. Billy and Lima com.
handing. and the prisoners. entering
thoroughly into the spirit OF tho game.
according prompt obedience to their
bosses. At last the captiyes wearIed
OF their role and ciamored for an er-
change OF parts.
"Ali right" agreed Lima. Get. the
key. Billy. and we II be tho chain.
gnng."
Billy put his right hand in his pocket
but found no key there: he tried the
other pocket with the same success:
he felt IN his blouse. he looked In his
cap. ho Jumped UP and down. he hear.
ly' shook himself TO pieces all without
avail: the key had disappeared as II
by.magic.
IL berlieve y all done los that
key" concluded n q.
Maybe II dropped on tho ground"
said Frances.
They searched the yard over. but
the key was not TO be found.
We'll. II that amt Just like you.
Billy r-cried Jimmy. "you all time per.
posing to play chain-gang and you all
time lose the key"
Lima grew indignant.
You proposed this yourself. Jimmy
Garner" she said; I'VE never would
have thought OF playing chain'gang
but for you"
1T looks like we can't never do any.
hing at ALL" moaned Frances,
'thout grown folks We got to know
bout H."
Yes. and laugh At TO pop theirselfs
)pen." said her fellow. prisoner. II
can't never pass by owen Gibbs and
len Hammer now 'thout they laugh
lust like idjets and grin Just like pole.
| cats"
~ amt never hear tell Of a pols.cat
%srlnnin'." corrected Billy. he jes smell
sorsor n what a billy goat do"
ut is chessy cats that grim" ex.
"lsined Lima.
Look like folks would get 'em a lot
Of pole-cats stead o. chillens always
hafto be wearing assfetty bags round
heir makes. ~ q they can keep OF
%whooping cough" said Frances.
You can't wear a pole-cat roun' yo'
rake." g~rinned Billy.
And Len Hammer all time now ask.
ing me-" Jimmy continued. when I'm
going to wear Sarah James co'set to
Sunday school. Grown folks bout the
lunatickest things they IL. Amt you
going TO unlock this chain, Billyy'' he
demanded.
what l got to unlock It With"
asked Billy.
AS Jimmy's father was taking the
cre"'fallen changing to the black.
smith shop to have their letters re-
moved. they had to pass by the livery
stable; and Sam Lamb, bent double
with Intoxicating mirth at their predic.
ament. yelled:
"Lordee! Lordee! Y all sho' is de
outiandishest Kids 'twixt de Bad Place
an de moon"