Page 102 (1/2)

Benja in his

library, heard their steps on the veranda As soon as supper was over,

he had dis before it was

necessary, had bidden Siht fell, it

occurred to his easier, and in a

panic, he shuffled about and blew thee of terror; he couldn't bear that voice in the dark!

"You! Siht the lamps!"

"I done lit 'em, suh--" Simmons expostulated from the pantry, and then

looked blankly at the black doorway of the library "I 'clare to

goodness, they's gone out," heand scratch a ht all four, you stupid nigger!" the old ar, his fingers tre very much;

it went out almost at once, and he threw it away and took another

Just as he heard that ponderous step on the veranda, he took a third--

[Illustration: Samuel slid into a chair near the door] but only to

throw it, too, still s, into the empty fireplace