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The dilapidated rooely deserted for a place that was completely occupied

“But Abraham came by and paid you while I was incapacitated,” I said

“Your e,” she said, pointing at my trunk and valises in a dusty corner of the center hall “You can count it, it’s all there”

“You accepted myme out? That makes no sense”

Up till now, Maybelle had maintained her best polite southern-lady voice Now the tone changed Her voice dropped three notes

“Look, I ain’t gonna stand here and argue with the likes of you,” she said “I don’t kno I could ot no rooms available for you So if you don’t o on and leave the house now”

“I can’t carry this trunk by myse

lf,” I said

“Why don’t you get one of your nigger friends to help you,” she snapped “That’s what I would do”

“I’ll take the valises and send someone back for the trunk,” I said

I stuffed the envelope inin each hand, and walked out into the blazing noonday sun of Eudora Nohat?

Sweet tea That’s what I needed, a frosty glass of tea And tih I went to the Slide Inn Café and sat at my usual table I sat there for alet the attention of a waitress Miss Fanny wouldn’t even meet my eye

Oh, they sawtheo-to-town dresses, rawboned far to their mamas’ skirts—they saw me too When I dared to look back at them, they turned away And I remembered what Abraham had said: There’s cowards in both places That’s why the bullies can have their way

Finally, Miss Fanny approached with a glass of tea, dripping condensation down its sides

She spoke in a quiet voice “I’m sorry, Mr Corbett We don’t all feel the saainst you I like you But I ain’t the owner So you’d best just drink this tea and be on your way You’re not welcome here”