Then he tuck the pill and give it to
his ole 'oman an' she swaller it an' he jerk it back up but
didn't nothin' 'tall come up but jest the string an' his ole
'oman she died 'cause all the strenk done gone outer that pill."
Miss Minerva opened a book called "Gems for the Household," which
she had purchased from a silvertongued book-agent. She selected
an article the subject of which was "The Pure in Heart."
Billy listened with a seemingly attentive ear to the choice flow
of words, but in reality his little brain was busy with its own
thoughts. The article closed with the suggestion that if one
were innocent and pure he would have a dreamless sleep
"If you have a conscience clear,
And God's commands you keep;
If your heart is good and pure,
You will have a perfect sleep."
Billy's aunt concluded. Wishing to know if he had understood
what she had just read she asked:
"What people sleep the soundest?"
"Niggers," was his prompt reply, as he thought of the long summer
days and the colored folk on the plantation.
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