The Daily Alaska empire., 1934-04-26
Judith Lane
by JEANNE OVsfAN

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 q know by the preachers, but you didn't think alike, and cause you wouldn't think united solemn-like with Mass Norman he done set about doin't things his way. raised him, Miss Judy, l knows"
 "Delicious cake" said Judith, a new note of confidence in her voice, then looked up. Delphy's back had strengthened like ramrod.
 "He'ah comes them white trash now" she said and Judith, leaning forward, saw the Scoggins family approaching.
 Judith left the table, told Delphy to clear it quickly, and met the trio at the front door. She glanced in astonishment at the simmer Of sequins as Mrs. Scoggins removed rain sodden coat, and noticed in second glance that her pretty, vapid. face had been thickly coated with powder to hide tear stains.
 Tommy. in long trousers and his first white collar, was very serious. Judith couldn't tell whether 1t was an expression worn for the solem- nifty of the occasion or the dignity of his new clothes.
 And then she turned to Scoggins. senior. He wore the shabby town suit he had probably bought for his big adventure when he left Arkansas years before, and had saved for momentous occasions. From his in- ner pocket he was drawing his copy of the contract she had made with him, three months before.
 Judith winced. He had come, as Clia would have said, "To put the screws on the torture chair" He was going to prove that she had promised
 Mrs. Dale,"
 She realized he was using his ora torical voice reserved for impor- tant occasions-"we have gathered here this evening to tell you"
 Please sit down." Judith inter rupted She felt her knees were go ing to buckle under her. MRS. DALE" Scoggins repeated 4Fl the opening salutation of the speech he was intent upon making He alone of the trio had remained standing. Eve have gathered here this evening to tell you that we have seen a great light.
 Tn deepest hum m-hum-hum-
 Humiliation" prompted Tommy in stage whisper.
 Humiliation we have come to tell you that the sword of the Lord has cut the blindness from our eyes"
 Judith had interrupted one of MT. Scoggins' declamations, she didn't intend to interrupt another, but she did wish he would get to the point. Word after word rolled in sonorous tones from his tongue. Oc- casionally whole sentences would remain in Judith's mind, such as
 Big Tom Bevins found us on the banks of the Rio Diablo, destitute. beggars, starving. He shared his food with us and then he lifted us up and gave us a chance to be hu- man beings again"
 There was more of this extolling Big Tom and Big Toms unselfish generosity.
 And what did I do for him?" parked the little man suddenly. "I listened to the serpent's voice. The woman tempted me with riches and I fell"
 Judith was glad Clia Sanford wasn't present.
 Miss Judith, that is, Mrs. Dale, have you a match?" came suddenly at the end of wordy Reclamation
 Judith motioned Delphy, who brought in box of matches, admira- tion for the white traish" who could use words like he could, shining in her black eyes.
 Scoggins struck a match, let the flame burn to gold, then holding the contract in one hand, the match in the other he said-"The sword of the Lord burned the altar of Mammon. So will burn this contract"
 There was a flash of fire, and Scoggins, suddenly human. dropped the burning contract on the floor while Delphy shuffled away for pan of water.
 Judith was hysterical. An over. whelming desire to laugh. an over whelming desire to cry and an over. whelming sense of relief each fought for supremacy. Scoggins saw the tears in her eyes and nodded with satisfaction, then lapsing into his natural tone of voice said
 Land sakes, Miss Judy, didn't you think the Mexicans had crossed the border with big guns when them there drums started explodin'?"
 Judith was relieved at his normal tone and started talking with ami. nation. She could see Delphy stand. ing by the kitchen table, eyeing the remains of her up-side-down cake as if trying to decide whether or not the Scoggins family were worthy of it.
 The oratory of Thomas, Senior, evidently won for she put on the coffee pot and started clicking cake