NOBODIES

NOEL MONTAQNAC

"

THE

OVE'%;

Where

are

the

"Ends

of the

which are ^ the O~ber-Seas ?

At "

Empire"? and
the

Ends" of one

may arise the beginnings of other Empires to come. It is notorious that wherever an English-speaking community settles and opens up new lands, it speedily speaks for itself as a Centre ; and so rapid is the
growth of the great Colonies, that Ministers to-day
writing despatches
to

Dependencies d}>er-seas, receive

their answers from nations to-morrow.

But great as

is the

growth of the Empire and the

new native-born literatures enterpriseof take years to germinate and generations to arrive. 'Thence comes it that often we do not understand the
its peoples, the

atmospheres of the new English-speaking peoples, and the problems, the ambitions, the often misunderstand And while attitudes, befitting them as new races.
the British

Empire grows richer

daily in patriotic

fervours, in speeches, in splendour, in cant,

and

in

the oracular assurances of Statesmen, the English understand its cousins by the interpeople seeks to

change of cablegrams, by debates, and by all the

ambiguities of official memoranda. It is, however, the artist's work to bring the people of his nation and their atmosphere before the eyes of It is the artist alone, great or small, who^ another.
by repealing and interpreting the life around him> And the makes it lining to the rest of the world. In the case of the English artist is generally absent !
in

India,

ten years

ago,

while

the

literature

of

information was

was absent; Mr. KJpling arrived and discovered modern India to

plentiful,

the artist

the English imagination. And to-day, in the midst of a general movement for Empire expansion, with talk of Federation, Jingoism, and with the doing of real

work, the artists in literature are generally absent, who should repeal the tendencies, the hidden strength and weakness, the capacities of the
the artists

new

communities.
"
is

The aim of " The O^er-Seas Library

purely

experimental. from any quarter that deals with the aftual life of the English outside England, whether of Colonial life or
the life of English emigrants, travellers, traders, officers, over-seas, among foreign and native races, black or white. Pictures of life in the American
States will not necessarily be excluded. " " The O)>er-Seas Library makes no pretence at Imperial drum-beating, or putting English before
It aims, instead, at getting the outlook of the new peoples recorded, It aims at being an Interchange if such is possible. between all parts of the Empire without favour, an

It proposes to print literature

Colonial opinion.

atmosphere and

Interchange of records of the life of the Englishspeaking peoples, and of the Englishmen beyond seas,

however

im-berfeff, / X

fragmentary O
^

and modest such

receive any

records or accounts

may
be

be.

The Editor will

addressed
to

glad

to

MSS.

him, c/o the Publisher.

E.G.
II, Paternoster 'Buildings,

London.

1899.

The

Overseas
Library
.

NEGRO NOBODIES

Xtet of tbe Series.

I.

THE
'

IPANE.

Every page is instinct with subtle grace and beauty.' Saturday Review.
II.

THE CAPTAIN OF THE LOCUSTS.

The studies of native life strike us as being better than almost anything of the kind that has been written about Africa.'
'

Pall Mall Gazette.

III.

IN
'

GUIANA WILDS.
Falls not far short of being

little

master-

piece.'

Star.

IV.

THE WELL-SINKERS.
An excellent number of the new series. It's a faithful, restrained, almost grim piece of work." Echo.
'

V.
VI.

IN A CORNER OF ASIA. NEGRO NOBODIES.

New

Volumes.

A WIDE DOMINION.

AMONG THE MAN-EATERS.

Other Volumes in Preparation.

NOEL DE MONTAGNAC

NEGRO NOBODIES
JBeing a Settee of S&etcbes of peasant
3Lffe in

Jamaica

LONDON
T.

FISHER UNWIN
PATERNOSTER SQUARE
M DCCC XCIX

OVERSEAS LIBRARY

1
U,3
.

'/

.
.

PREFACE
some people have a way
of
is

THE

DEVIL,
is

saying,

black.

negro,

they add,

also black,

and then they smile and leave

you,

a stranger, to come to but one con-

clusion.

This

is if

scarcely

fair.

For

it

is

plain
is

that even

both be black, a negro

not necessarily a devil.

a

On

the

con-

trary,
is

negro

at

least

a Jamaica
of

negro

frequently
that

man
is

such
to

excellent

character

one

glad

make

his

acquaintance.

More than

this,

he can be
truth
is,

something of a gentleman.
there are

The
in

some
is

fine black

people

Jamaica,

and here

a book concerning them.

vii

Preface
It

seems,
to

indeed,

scarcely necessary for

this

me

explain

the purpose of

book.

Jamaica, one of the

is

West Indian
although

Islands,

British

colony
in

little
is

sugar

is

now made
and

it,

there
are

but

one

theatre,
it

the

taxes

heavy

and

is

interesting to learn something of the

people
is

who

really
to

belong
learn

to

it.

Also

it

interesting

the

truth

about
the

them.

Many
foolish
;

of

these

people
slaves,

are

descendants of
not as
believed

African

who were
is

or faithless are

as

generally

they

people

who,

having

had

few advantages, are yet

with
words,

surprisingly

clever

who

think

and

feel,

and who are certainly not

to be despised.

They
has

are

the people

of

whom
to
;

the tourist but

of the
viii

been
he

kind

enough

write,

whom

knows

nothing

they are

Preface
people

who

have

been,

and

are

still,

misunderstood.
sincerely
all

Who,
their

however,
;

more

love
are

Queen

who,

when
truly

things

considered,
It
is

more

serve their
to

God?

such a pleasure
to
to

me,

therefore,
'

to

help
'

introduce

these

so-called

quashies

those

who,

more than
interested

any others, should always

in

be
be

them,
give

and
the

who

should

the

first

to

worthy black man

the credit that he deserves.

In conclusion,
I

should like to say that

have purposely given

few

descriptions
is

of the environment
the
people,

my
the

business

with only
to

not

with

scenery
as

such descriptions, indeed,

necessary
to
is

seem

be

make
very
I

the

characters
to

clear.

The
and

dialect
to

difficult
I

understand

write.

trust

have succeeded
ix

Preface
in

making

it

intelligible.

What more

is

there to be said?

'Sutt'nly,' as

my

friend

Zacche, the
'

tailor,

has remarked to a custhere

tomer,

sutt'nly, sir,
is

may be

faults

whichen no man

perfect, not

even a new
best,

machine
I

but

have done

my

and
in

will

thank you kindly to bear that

mind.'

N. DE M.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND.

CONTENTS

CHAP.
I.

PAGE

THE MISTAKE OF SAMUEL UTTOCK

CONCERNING A CHRISTENING

II.

...
.

23

III.

ELIZABETH WALTERS DISCOVERS A DUPPY

53

iv.

'REST AND BE THANKFUL'

77

V.

MICHAEL AND MARY

91

VI.

ZACCHEUS METTLE ADDRESSES A MEETING

A 'YOUNG LADY'

103

vii.

129

VIII.

THE PROPHET, SARAH THE SHADOW OF A

SIN

151

IX.

183
xi

THE MISTAKE OF SAMUEL

UTTOCK

The Library
University of East Anglia

The

Gift of

Claude Colleer Abbott

NEGRO NOBODIES
CHAPTE R
T^VlRECTLY
man
name
in
I

THE MISTAKE OF SAMUEL UTTOCK

Daddy caught a young

trying to hide a girl's Christian

folds

the

of

a conversation,
intimate,
'

he

knew

that

they
to

were

and
son

he

advised

them

marry.

My

and

daughter,' he would say,

'you make haste

will

and married, then

you

have

plenty

time and opportunity to do you'

Married,
I

courting.
re-

say,

then

you

becomes

The
spectable
is

Overseas Library
and
you'
is
is

persons,

conversation
lawful,

lawful,

and

you'

love

and

every
lawful,

thing

about

you
really

thoroughly
in

and

you

is

blessed

de

eyes of

de Lord.'
Mettle,

'Sutt'nly'

(certainly),

Zaccheus
tailor,

the
'

little

pock-pitted
that's
all

has
well,

replied,

sutt'nly,

very
if

sounds

very

well,

but

what

you married and you

mistake
?

finds

you
how's

make
that

Well,

sutt'nly,
'

my
gave
cut
rest
;

man, how's that

this

To

which

Daddy
you
a

answer
cloth

'
:

Zacche,
give
too

my

son,

you'
this

and
is

you'
thick

tongue
for

matter

you'

scissors.'
It

happened,

however,

that

although

Zacche's opinion

found favour with many,

who were

intelligent,

Daddy

influenced no

inconsiderable number.

Some

of these,

it

Negro Nobodies
is

only right

to

say,

lived

happily ever
to

afterward,

but
words,

some
'

'well,'

use

Zacche's

some,

sutt'nly,

see

de

devil before they dead.'

The

case of Samuel Uttock and Maria

Stephens
the

was

the

worst.

Maria
seen

begun

courtship.

She

had

Sammy
his

slipping
to

down
the

Titchfield

Hill, in

on
a

way
that
land,

protect

Reservoir,

rain

was making a deep sea of the dry

and,

womanlike and
if

logical,

she came to
could do so
of

the conclusion that

man

much
handed

for

the

mere

privilege

being

few

shillings

every
his

Saturday

afternoon,

he would
of

break

neck

for

the

love
of

beautiful

woman.

Maria
Be-

was,
sides,

course,

beautiful

woman.
once

she had more than

observed
of

that

Samuel's

suit

was

made

good

The
material.

Overseas Library
studs,

His

she

would

swear,
therecost.

were
fore,

gold.

From

her

standpoint,
at

he was

worth

having
in to

any

Reading,
entitled

however,

a
be

certain

book,
that

Hints

How

Happy,

no woman should

dream

of

marrying
to

man
his

until

she had learned

how

tickle

palate,

Maria

questioned
the

Rachel,
eccentrihis

Samuel's
cities

sister,

concerning
taste

of

his
It

which
only

affected
to

stomach.

seemed

emphasise

the suitability of her selection

when Maria
dish

was

informed
rice,

that

a
bit

plain

of

red

peas and
plantain

of

pear,
fried

a roasted
in

and a few sprats

with a
little

cocoa-

nut
fill

oil

'bird
for

pepper' would
a
fortnight.

Samuel

with

joy

Maria then made her arrangements.

Samuel had

scarcely

time

to

consider
6

Negro Nobodies
the matter.

He knew

that
so,

Maria

loved

him,

for

she told him

that
it

and he firmly
also.

believed
only,

he

loved

her

Once
Sunday
'

and

was

early

one

morning while he was tacking a

Cigarette
' '

Duke's
as

Cameo
to

'

of
wall

Ellen
of

Terry
his

Margaret
it

the

hut,

did

occur to him
really
it

that,

after

all,

he might
Maria.
pre-

not

care

a
a

button
thought,

for

But
sently

was
he

only

and
for
it

reproached
of
it.

himself

the

ingratitude

As

soon

as

was

convenient,

Daddy
together

entertained
at
his

Samuel
and
of
the

and

Maria
for

house,
picture

painted
their

them
life.

beautiful
It

future

would
the
their

be
devil

garden
the

of

Eden without
fruit.

and

forbidden

In

enthusiasm
each
other
7

Samuel

and

Maria

kissed

The
several

Overseas Library
and
as

times

swore
long
as

to

be
life

loving
lasted.

and

faithful

Before they returned

the wedding
blessed

home
fixed,

that

evening

day

was

and

Daddy

them.

Zacche
(the

made
and

the
vest,

wedding
the

trousers
Inspector's

coat

present,

were obtained ready

but
the

made from
puzzled

Kingston)
to

cutting

him
ab-

such

an

extent

(Sammy
that

being

normally
the
'

bow-legged)

he

declared

marriage

would

not

turn

out
after

well.

Sutt'nly,'

he remarked to

me

Sam
pro-

had

tried
it

on
a

the
misfit,

trousers
'

and

nounced
not every
legs,
tailor

sutt'nly,

busha,

man
I

has

such
it

particular
is

bow
every

and
can

say
cut

that
to
fit

not
said

that

bow
way
8

legs.

And,

sutt'nly,

in

de

same

Negro Nobodies
I

say

that

not
a

every

woman
with

can

fit

de

heart

of
less

man
man

proper

legs,

muchen
ordinary

with

such

extra-

bow

legs.'

Sammy was
Maria

how-

ever
to

sanguine,
disfigure
to

and

threatened

anyone
stand

who

had
herself

the

temerity

between'

and

her adored.

What

was

considered

to
in

be
a

the

honeymoon

was

spent

fashion

which convinced both

that
at
least

Samuel and Maria

could,
find

two
of

people
lives,

at

certain

time
in

their

themwithout
Coolie

selves

kind

of

heaven

dying.

Sam

gave

Maria

a
;

bangle and three new straw hats

fed

Maria
a

Sam

on

red peas
like

and
the

rice

twice

day.

He

filled

Reservoir
feelings

and

ran over

with

joy.

Her

cannot
9

The
be
described.

Overseas Library
In
the

course

of

a a
to
dis-

month,
great

however,
friend
at

Charlie
Zacche's,

Hooper,
thought
of
fit

of

observe,
cussion
visible

the
'

termination
are

on
signs

What
of

the
'

outward and
that
see,'
'

Happiness

what
and
all,

we
that

say
'

we

see

we

don't
is,

single
Tightest

blessedness
thing
for

after

de

a
its

poor
eyes

man.'
to

Then
fact

the

town
Sam's

opened
affection

the

that

for

Maria was
In-

already
deed,
it

in

rapid

consumption.
fast.

was dying
to

Sam
to

would
hut,

hesitate

climb
the the

the

hill

the

and

Binn,

fisherman,

caught
steps

him

sitting

on

church

nursing
at

dejection

when he should have been

with Maria.

home spooning

One

afternoon

Sam was

standing bare10

Negro Nobodies
headed
with
his

back
the

to

the

western

door of the church

door

by
his

which
chin

he had

entered to
breast,

be

married

upon

his

his

hands
of

behind him,
a

having
statue

the

appearance
Despair.

Sambo
stole

of Chronic
the

Daddy
him

from

vestry

and

touched

on

the shoulder.
'

Sam,

my

son

'

he began.
beadle,

Uttock

faced

the

fury

flashing

from his eyes.

'

See

here,
sir,

Missa

Daddy,'

he

hissed,

'

see

here,

mind

me and you
old
I

here
say,
fair

this

evening.

Mind me,
Very
well,

man,

mind

me.

give

you

warning and
'

notice.'

Sam ?

'

But

the

tone

was

every-

thing.

The

expression on

Sam's face immedi1 1

The
ately

Overseas Library
His
resentment

changed.
full

was

already in
'

retreat.

Ah,

my
this

son,'

and he smiled
ever
see

in

spite
trial
?

of

himself,

'you
blessed

my

here

Tuesday
you
a

evening

Old
ing
I

man,

what
really

want?

Suppos-

was
'

bad-tempered

man,

though

There were
'

tears in

Daddy's eyes.
he,

remember,' said
in

speaking

softly
I

as

if

a dream,

'

remember when
you,

was

young
ah,

man

like

Sam,

and
!

Lucy
Lucy,

Lucy,

she

was

alive

then
to

me and
forbear,

Lucy,
to

we
bear
she

had
and

bear

and

really

forbear,

Sam,
angel.'

although

Lucy

was

such

an

Now

Lucy,
his

whom Daddy had

appointment
as

married
of
12

soon after

beadle

Negro Nobodies
the church, was said by the town to have

been one of the most noble

ever lived.

women

that

She was so sweet and good

that

upon
even

all

occasions

there

were

those

of

her
her.

own

sex
it

who

positively
that
his

worshipped

Indeed,

was held
for

Daddy had
labours
in

thus
the

been

rewarded
vineyard.

Master's

When
in tears, in
its

Lucy died the whole town was

and
she

must

thenceforward

be,

eyes, a saint.

This confession of Daddy's

would, therefore,

have been something of

a revelation

to

most of the townspeople,

its

but Uttock failed to appreciate

cance.

signifi-

He

was, in

truth,

struck

only by

the tenderness of Daddy.

'You
'pon
here,

is

really a

kind old
said

man
'
;

though,

my

word,'

Sam

b
this

Missa Daddy, make we change

The
subject.
already.'
I

Overseas Library

am

well

and

sore

with

it

'Well,
to

tell

me,' said

Daddy, who agreed

'

change the subject,

tell

me
I

then,

my

son,

what's de said trouble

is

mean, boy,

how

Maria

'

Daddy's intentions were

best.
'

invariably

the

De

gal

is hell,

sa,'

exclaimed

Sam

with

spirit.

'Asking you' pardon, Missa Daddy,

is

whichen you
a beadle, and
I

certainly an old
is

man, and
;

we
de
' !

close

de church
if
if
it

but

will

speak

truth

be

de

Judgment Day
'

Sam,
really

Sam,' said

'

Daddy,

fear

you

is

going

down and

disappointing

de old man.'
'

Not

so,

Missa
that.

Daddy,'

replied

Sam,
sa,
I

'

nothing like

You

hear me,

Negro Nobodies
did
love

de

gal
for

until

would
I

have

drownded myself
her
;

her

did
I

worship

make her my

idol

give her a

ring

and, certainly, she was a fine gal

it

except to her nose whichen

ticular

has a parwell,

shape that

never did like

and you married we.

old

Ah,

Missa Daddy,

as
I

you

is,

beadle

though
tie
'

you
fasten

be,

when
hang

think
in this

how

up,

up,

up,

thing
son,'

'Steady,
harass
is

my

said

Daddy, 'don't
;

you'self.

Consider de matter
is

you

married, you have a wife, you

lawful,

you
'

hear
'

all
I

that before,'
bit

broke

in

Sam,
;

bitterly.

hear every
this

of that before

and

married

three

day
I

gone

month,

and
feel,

know,

and
can

experience,

and

and

tell

you

that

The
marriage
it

Overseas Library
thing,

is

a most unlawful
utter

being

really

mean de
for

ruination

of

two

poor

people

ever

and

ever,

amen,

world without end, amen.

'

Amen.'

Sam,
'

my

son/ said Daddy, on another

'

tack,
'

Maria has good

qualities,

good
sa,'

But
'

most
greedy,

awfully
sa,

greedy,

said

Sam

and

domineering and
herself,

wanting everything for

a
powerful piece
not a boy,
of

and

with
I

a temper.

Look,
if

am
man
in

Missa
to

Daddy, and
tie

be

accustomed
for

his

neck-tie
year,

his
is

fashion

the

last

fifteen

him
as

not going to

make such a person

it

woman
is

tie

for

her
of

fashion,

whichen
tention.
like

de

main

cause

de
this

congal
said

Hi,

now,
I

now,
don't
;

now,
like

sailor

knot,

that
I

kind of sailor knot

then

because

does
16

Negro Nobodies
not

consent

to

do

as

she has
to

mind,

she
eye.'
'

has

an

inclination

dig

out

my
said

would

give

up

de

tie,

man/

Daddy.
'

Then she would

instantly

insist

that

make her wear de

whichen
is

stud

and

all

de
of
is

rings

de

second

cause
there

contention.

No, Missa
for

Daddy,
sa.

no

hope

me
or

now,

Lawful
I

or
well

unlawful,

proper

improper,

am

and securely married and

tied up.'

He
from
tinued
'If
:

carefully
his
face,

removed
took

the

perspiration

breath

and

con-

had

followed

Zacche

Mettle,
this

would
but

have

been
with

a free

man

day

no,

what

de

soft

talking

and
her17

de devilnation fascination of
B

de gal

The
self,

Overseas Library
Missa

and

you,

Daddy,

must
?

turn jackass and get married.

For what

For
me.

her

to

take
old
this

real
let

advantage

of

Now,
;

man,

me

tell

you

something
I

was de

said

place where

waited for

Maria upon de
I

day

of

de

wedding
but that
is

(and
is

was

really

happy

then,
it

past

now),

and therefore
I

at

this

said

place that
to
;

am
de

going to
gal
for

make a vow
ever and

done
she
is

with
to

ever
to

go

her way,

and

am

take

my own
a
seat

road for

de

peace of

my
of

soul.'

Daddy
the
steps

had

taken

on

one
after

of

the porch

shortly
but,

the

conversation
last

commenced,

when

these

words were uttered, he rose quickly,

with his
.

and,

right

hand, covered

Sam's

mouth

18

Negro Nobodies
'Man,' said he sternly, 'in de name of
decency,
'

how

could

you

do

such

thing
'

And

she

will

go her way, and Sam,

like

will

go

my way/
'

reiterated

one

rightly convinced.

Sam,
'

my
I

son/

said

Daddy, speaking
to

slowly,

want

you

make me

to

make de
'

old

man

a promise.'

Done, Missa Daddy, done/ was Sam's

*

reply.

There

is

only

one decent thing

is

to

do

now,
all

and that
you

to

thank
I

you
thank
in-

kindly for
you,
old

have
for

done.
you'

gentleman,

good

tentions.'

Then,

suddenly
'

softening

his

voice,
is

he observed,

'most
in

think
this

there

no

more

Miss

Lucy

town

now.'

Daddy

winced.
19

The
'

Overseas Library
said
he,

My

son,'

with
is

deep emotion,
better
:

'

whichen
you'

you think
Maria,

more
is

you

with with
'

who
is

living,
'

or

me

my

Lucy,
sa,

who
to

dead

Well,

tell

you

de

truth,

would much prefer

Lucy.'
'

to

be you with Miss

Then,' said

Daddy, with
real

'

fervour,

you

would have a

sorrow and a righteous

cause of complaint.

You
son,

hear me,
for

Sam,

thank
have,

de

Lord,

my
be,

what you
though
be,
if

greedy
be.

and

domineering
I

she

May
this

say,

may

Maria
to
find

died

night,

you would

come
all.'

she wasn't a bad gal after

20

CONCERNING A CHRISTENING

CHAPTER

II

CONCERNING A CHRISTENING

O PEAKING
character
shipwright,

to

me

confidentially of the
Tilbert,

of Augustus

the

Binn
really

has a

remarked,

''Gustus,
really

busha,

is

good
I

man,

man
so

of sense, whichen

told those fellows

the

other
that
sir,

day,

but

Then,

after

pause

meant
his

a
has
in

good

deal,

'You
last

know,
night?'

wife was,
his

baby again
truth,

This

Tilbert's

one

weakness,
the

certain

misfortune

of

which

town

was

positively

ashamed.
23

The
Had
drink
stale
'

Overseas Library

he too frequently flavoured his 'cool

with
'

common rum
'

had he smoked
;

donkey rope
his

tobacco

had
a

he,

in

building
to

boats,

made

it

practice

put putty only in places where

;

oakum
he,
in

and putty should have been

short,

had

done almost anything but annually

his family,

increase
felt

the

town would have

It

no embarrassment.
failing
in

would have

re-

garded the
light.

a purely sympathetic small

'

To
de

have
privilege
to

family

was

really

of

persons

whichen
trouble,

have gone

some expense, and

to

and

worry,

not

speak

of

de

great

responsibility of de thing

itself.
is

Besides,'

Binn

added,

'

family,
it

sir,

necessary

and honourable, being

de
said
parties

is

to
ill

prove that
feelings

have

no

de

one towards de other, nor such a personal

24

Negro Nobodies
thing as a physical

disagreement between

them.
is

But

to

have a family of a number

less

nothing more or

than

pure
sir,

idleis

ness

and

nonsense
Tilbert
'

whichen,
himself

disgrace/

spoke
to to

freely

on

the

subject.

For a man
was
heard

have

large

family,'

he

declare
child,

shortly after the birth of his

'

fourth
for a
it

for

man
of
gal,

to

be responsible

whole
boy,

regiment
oh,

pickney

whether

is

or

oh

he

must
and
less

certainly

be

very worthless,

deceitful

not worthy

de consideration muchen
tion
I

de conversawell

of
:

decent

people.
is

Mark

what
fourth

say

now,
it

this
is

certainly
child.

my

child,

but

my

last

This make

altogether two boys and two gals, whichen

I

consider
So,

is

well

done and prove everyI

thing.

my

friends,

finish

with

de
25

The
business.

Overseas Library
conclusion,
I

In

say
as

will

never
I

be a father again

for

long as

live.'

The

following year,
twins.

however, he

was the father of

When,
in

about

week
I

after

arrived

Port

Antonio,

became

acquainted

with

Tilbert

and
the

his

wife, there
child.

was

fair

promise
thin

of

ninth

Tilbert

was
and
a
ex-

and

evidently

much
to

distressed,

he

hesitated
;

somewhat
his

commence
wore
the

sentence
pression

while
of

wife

woman

who,

having been

constantly confused, could form no accurate

idea

of

what
the

was

likely

to
far

happen.
affected

Indeed,
Tilbert
things.

trouble

had
to
for

so

that

he
told

began
me,

imagine foolish
example,
that

He

he

was

certain

some
envied

wretched
his

person
with

(who

probably

success

26

Negro Nobodies
boats)
to

had
his

bargained with
ruin.

an

evil

spirit

work

The

bargain would be

made, of course, by means of an obeah

man.
worked.

It

was curious how the

Tilbert

evil
feel

spirit

was

made

to

that

he would not see heaven unless he kept

on
fathering
babies.

For a
me,

number of
in

years,
his

he further told he

with tears
of
the

eyes,

was

firmly

opinion

that

he would
family
is

be responsible for only a

'

small

whichen

as

you

know,

busha,

nothing
felt

contrary or
as
if

improper,'

but

now he
on

his

family

would

keep

increasing
until

in

an

extraordinary
still,

manner

he died.
a

As he was

properly speaking,

young man, and as

to
for

he

was
be

endeavouring
responsible

live

long,

he

might

forty

children.

Then,

what

would

he

do

with

them

27

The
The mere
forty

Overseas Library
of

idea

being

the

father

of

children

gave

him

cough,

and

made him
At
fly.

perspire until his knees trembled.

nights

he

could
to

no more
say?

sleep

than

What was he
to

What, indeed,

was he

do

When
called
to
tell

that ninth child

was born, Tilbert

at

my house late in the evening me that he had determined to

Hanging was
unsafe,
it
-

drown
said.

himself.

he

In

such an extreme case

for

would
lightly,

have been unwise

so
I

me

to

speak

frowned,

and vowed

to

him

that

if
I

ever he attempted to do such a thing, should

have

him

imprisoned
of his
cool

where

he

would be deprived
a month.

drink for

The town was

Binn,

a
boss

good
'

deal
chief

more

severe.

the

'

or

fisherman,

representing

the

married

men,
28

Negro Nobodies
and

Hooper

and

'

Needlecase

'

Phillips,

the shoemaker,

representing the unmarried

his

men, arrested Tilbert on

way

to

work

the following morning to ask

him whether
sufficiently

he did not think he had already

disgraced them
in
all,

and especially whether,

offence,

view of

this

last

he

did

not

think he merited

some

sort of punishment.

Hooper, clearing
Tilbert

his throat,

suggested that
to

should
'

be

shipped

Hayti

or

Colon

for

time.'

Tilbert,

however,
Hayti,

preferred to remain where he was.

he

informed

them,

was

rather

hot

just

then,

and Colon was always deadly damp.

in

There was only one man

Port Antonio
appreciate the

who seemed thoroughly

painfulness

to

of poor Tilbert's position, and

therefore,

from whom,

Tilbert

could

ex-

pect genuine sympathy.

He

was Daddy.
29

The
Daddy
affection

Overseas Library
only
entertained
a
sincere

not
for

Tilbert,

and

provided

him

many a day
the
after

with the means of obtaining

wholesome
all,

bread to
than

eat

which was,

better

any kind of cheap

that
'cool

ginger
drink
'

and
of

water

and sugar
he
a

which

was

so

fond

but
Rosa,

Daddy had ever

Tilbert's wife,
interest
in

kind word for

and he evinced a substantial

children,

the

beginning
the
built,

with

Arthur Augustus.
the

When
Tilbert

Phantom^

yacht

which

won
in

the

Governor's cup at the Regatta

ton,

Kings-,
his

was

it

not

Daddy who backed

by
five

congratulations

shillings

and

black
was,

coat,

the

material
to

alone

of

which
half - a-

according

Zacche,

worth

sovereign?

Also when

Clarentina
Tilbert's

Maud
chil-

Jane Franseca, another of

30

Negro Nobodies
dren,

had

the
'

cough

that

Mother
first

Bet

declared

was

consumption's

cousin/

was

it

not

Daddy who

supplied the nourishto

ment and who helped

Ay, there was no friend

save her

life?

like

Daddy.

In Tilbert's present trouble

Daddy
affection.

again
In-

showed the strength of

stead

his

of

swelling the

unison of uncharit-

able criticism on the conduct of the unfor-

tunate shipwright,

he

must

apologise

for

the whole business, and take infinite pains

to convince the unbelieving that that ninth

child

would be

Tilbert's last.

Daddy,

in

short, pacified the town.

Late

in

the
I
'

afternoon

previous

to

the
at

christening
the

found

Tilbert
'

standing
firmer

bench

rubbing
irons.

up

chisel

and two plane

be
propping

Phillips

seemed

to

the

meagre

cocoanut

shed

The
under which

Overseas Library
a skiff was being timbered.

Scott and Burnet were leaning on the old

galley (Tilbert's tool store),
clined
in

and Binn

re-

his

large

seine

canoe.

Zacche,

who
feet

could

not

be comfortable unless his

were touching the ground, was seated

oil

on an
a

drum.
girl

Behind them Arthur and

were
collecting
closely,

little

shavings.

Hooper
came up

followed
to him,
:

me

and

as

he

he slapped Tilbert on the

shoulder, saying
'

Hi,

man,

hear

you

take

this

last
total.

pickney and make nine you' grand

Hi,
yes,

for

true,

no nonsense

this

time.

And you
to us
all.
'

going to stop introducing pickney

Hi, yes,'

addressing Scott and

Burnet,

'Gustus really has that intention.

He

has

done

well,

and

he

conclude

to

draw out de

business.'

32

Negro Nobodies
Now,
'

Tilbert had a temper.

Well,

and
'

what's that

'

to

you ?

said

he sharply.

De

devil take

de whole of
busha,
for

you

all

asking

you'

pardon,

de said expression

you

is

well

ignorant
I

and

interfering

and forward.

Supposing
'

even choose to have forty children

however, he
'

(here,
I

shivered),

and supposing
is
it

choose to have none, what

I

to

you

all,

say?'
'

Hi,
none,'

but

you

can't

choose
quietly,

to

have
be-

rejoined

Hooper

'only

cause,

of

course,

you have nine already.

for
that's

Hi, yes, you mustn't be vexed,

de truth what
'

I
'
!

am

telling

you now.'

Done, done

exclaimed Burnet, a lover

of peace,

'done, Charlie.

Cho, man, you

than
to

ought

to

know

better

continue

to harass 'Gustus in

such a manner.

You
33

The
think
it it

Overseas Library
this?

is

boy business
play
for

You

think
to
'

is

play

one
in

single

man
?

have nine living pickney

'Well,

seven year

we

not

saying nothing to
'All

that,'

drawled

Hooper.

we saying

is,

that

'Gustus not going to bother to have any

more baby
'

again.'

Well, sutt'nly, gentlemen,' said Zacche,

'

springing to his
contention
in

feet,

there should be no
Sutt'nly,
if

this

matter.
to

man

is

idle
is

enough

get

married
forget

whichen
that

to

hang

himself,

don't

as a rule he will have babies.

if

Just

de same as
soup
cases

you drink thick

split peas'

upon
out

an

empty
ten

stomach,

in

nine

of every

you

will

have a
other.

spasm.

De
sutt'nly,

one thing follows de

And,
poor

de more baby, de more de

miserable
that
is,

man must

if

a 34

Negro Nobodies
poor

man

can

be

any

more
But,

miserable

after his
that's

wedding day.
I

howsomever,
in

not de point

have
tell

my

mind.
to-

Sutt'nly

Missa

Daddy
(please

me

that

morrow morning
'Gustus's
last

God, no damage
is all
is

!)

boy pickney

to
I

have a

christening.

Now,

sutt'nly,

want

to

know

is

what name 'Gustus

determined

to call that said

'

boy pickney.'

'Gustus/ said Binn from the bottom of

'

the canoe,

you give de baby name yet ?

tell

'

'Well,
'

to
I

you

de

truth,'

Tilbert
fact
is,

replied,

don't decided yet.

I

De
all

by
I

this

time

almost use up

de name
as
it

can think upon.

Howsomever,

is

a boy, Rosa want to give him

so-so Willie.
Tilbert,
'

name

just

Willie, nothing more.

I

Willie
that.'

and

think

will

agree to

Hi, but

how can you do

such a thing?'
35

The
said
first
it

Overseas Library
bolt
is
'

Binn,
place,

sitting

upright.

In

de

de name

too short, whichen

is

almost

indecent,

and

in

de

second

place,

one
in

of

you'

pickney

has

de

said

name

de middle of two others already,

whichen you should know.'

'

Hi,

and

in

de

third

place,

de sweetWillie
all

ness of de

name
is

Willie, Willie,
to

day long

going

induce

'Gustus

to

bother with baby again.'

But

as

this

remark

of

Hooper's
it.

was

considered irrelevant, no one noticed

'Well,
could
speech,
as

sutt'nly,'

said

Zacche,
to

who
make

it

be

seen

was
there

itching
is

'sutt'nly

no
is

such
a

name
name,
of,

Willie.

Sutt'nly

there
is

William, whichen Willie

so,

de short

and

sutt'nly,

without William

you cannot
out of

have

Willie.

short

name make

36

Negro Nobodies
a long name,

and
itself,

nickname
it

generally

make

out of

being

has a double

especial particular meaning.

sutt'nly

For example,

Missa Daddy

real
is

name

is

Daniel

Rutherford,

whichen
connected

well

known, but
Scriptures,

Daniel

is

with

de

whichen
ford
is

is

holy and sacred,

and Ruther-

a great trouble to a poor

if

bone, more so

you don't take

man jaw time how

consent
is

you
to

call

it,

by which means we
Daddy.
if

all

say

Missa

Then

there

Hellick.
this

Sutt'nly

his
kill

mother was

alive
for

day
an

she

would

any person
call

having

idea that

she could

her

one boy pickney so-so Hellick.

sutt'nly

Well, no,

his

name
Binn.

is

Alexander
there
is

James
John

Macfarlane
Scott,

Then
call
is

him

we

Scotty.

Charles

Stapleton Hooper, he

Charlie

37

The
'

Overseas Library
Zaccheus
Belinfante
Mettle,'
is

Hi,

and

yawned Hooper, under the bench, 'he

Zacche.'

'Well,
are

sutt'nly,'

pursued Zacche,
is

'these

example of long name that

name.

made
then,

short

Towards de nickname,
"

we

have

Needlecase."

By
Mother

rights

(whichen
his

we

have
say)

heard

Bet,

godmother,
is

Needlecase

proper
Be-

name
ing,

Abraham Nathaniel

Phillips.

however, he has such a long length

I

and

must know,
he
I

for

measure him
de
said

and
insect

being

really

favour

(whichen

am

paying him a compliment),

Needlecase.
if

we
it's

call

him

Well,

sutt'nly,

not his fault

he has a likeness to

a needlecase or a grasshopper.'
'

Anyhow,'

observed

Phillips,

who had

deliberately turned his

back upon Zacche,

38

Negro Nobodies
'anyhow
I

would sooner be a needlecase

beetle.
is
I

than such a thing as a

would

sooner see everything that

to

be seen
than
see

from

de

elevation

of

six

feet

nothing, and feel

lonesome and most cold

level of four.'

and miserable from de

'Well,' said Binn,
is

'all

what Zacche say

don't
fascinate

true.

De name
all,

Willie
I

me
I

at

whichen

have said before, so

think

'Gustus better

make an

elevation

to get another name.'

'

That

is

it,'

Tilbert

answered.
I

'

am

really sorry,

Alexander Binn, that

don't

please

you,
if

whichen

will

thank

you

kindly

yon could give me a name.'

sutt'nly,

'Well,

take

Jeroboam,'

sug-

gested Zacche.
'

Nothing
instantly,

of

de

kind,'

said

Burnet

'for that is

de name of Inspecta
39

The
Gresham
bull

Overseas Library
dog,

whichen
place.'

is

de terror

and de sorrow of de
'Well,' said Scott,

who sometimes stamname Na-Na-Na-Na

mered, 'gi-give him

Na

'

'Hi,
'

but
!

what a

beautiful

new name

that
'

is

observed Hooper.

See here/ said

Burnet

encouragingly,

'

you don't mind Charlie.

You
will

take time,
wait

Scotty,
you.'
'

my

brother.

We
Scott,

upon

Napoleon,'

said

and

he

sat

down.
'

You,

sir,'

said

Binn,

almost

savagely,

'

don't you ever talk so lightly

terrible,

upon such

powerful,

royal,

foreign

name

as that!'
'

See

here,

then,

how

'

is

Reginald

asked Needlecase.

40

Negro Nobodies
'Very

good

indeed,
*

really

first

class,'

replied Tilbert.

Bbth

me and Rosa

really

take a great fancy to de said

name, but
use
of
it

de

misfortune

is

we

make

already.'

'Well, sutt'nly,
'

have

it,'

said

Zacche.
- - er

Call

that

particular

boy pickney

Constantine.'

Scott and

Burnet opened
approval,

their

mouths
Tilbert

and

then

nodded

but

must be guided by Binn.

'What you
'

think of that name, Hellick?'

said
'

Well,

'Gustus,'

Binn,

being
opinion,

am

really

to

give
that

you
foreign

my

am

saying

names,

like

foreign victuals, don't suit us poor Jamaica

black people.
fer

De

truth

is,

much

pre-

one of our old time common name.'

then,'

'Well,

said

Scott,

who

was

The
commencing
name.'
'Johnson,'
son
Tilbert.
if

Overseas Library
to
fidget,

'you

give

us

said

Binn

decisively,
is

'Johnsuitable

Now,
like.'

that

name

you

To
reply,
it

this

assertion
it

there

was

but

one
who,
a

and

came
just

from

Hooper,

seemed,

had

awakened

from

doze.
'

Hi,
said

you
'

is

all

getting

on

first

class,'

he,

first

class

and

number
last

one

with
but
don't

name
de
only

for

'Gustus
is,

pickney,

thing
hit

of

course,
rightest

you
one
to

quite

upon

de

yet

and,

of course,
rest
I

you didn't want

ask for
Hi,
great

disturb

my

to

my
yes,
I

opinion

too

that

know.
for

thank

you and

kindly
all

you'

consideration

that.'

42

Negro Nobodies
Tilbert
tried

looked
say

very

unhappy.
but
failed,

He
and

to

something,

Hooper,
softened
'

evidently
his

taking

compassion,
:

voice

and said
call
'

Well,
could- a
'

make

we

him,

Nebber-

make -a - razor
I

(Nebuchadnezzar).

Hi, yes,

am

not

making a piece of a
I

joke
"

mean

what

say,
a- razor
if

of
"

course.

Nebber - could - a - mek

of
it

was

de

name
live,

king

and,

de
it.

pickney
Besides,

will will

proud
always

of

de

name

remind

'Gustus
again.'

not to bother with any

more baby

But
no
to

this

suggestion of Hooper's carried

weight,
tell

and
that

Tilbert
it

hurried
likely

home

Rosa

was

the child

would be baptised without a name.

The

following morning

was

bleak, misty,

muddy and

forbidding

nevertheless,

from

43

The

Overseas Library

an early hour Daddy was about, on Tilbert's

behalf,

inviting

people to the christening.

Binn

was

then

upon
at

the

sea

superinseine
;

tending his

men
Scott

work with the

attend,
for,

nor

could
as

rivalling

Hooper
said,

Jack-of-all-trades,

he had, he
cocoanuts,

to

pick

a
hut,

cart-load

of

whitewash

make a

coffin,

dress

and bury an old acquaintance,

eat
his

cook
a
tray

and
of

dinner,

and

make

peppermint

sugar

candy

before
several

sunset.

But

Phillips,

Uttock

and

others

accepted

the

invitation.

Consequently

there was a fairly large gathering in the

church at eight o'clock when the

service

commenced.
for

Hooper and Zacche having,

which
is

reason

to

appear,

con-

sented to be the godfathers, were

the

among
-

most

conspicuous.

fat

faced,

44

Negro Nobodies
heavy
girl,

named

Verona
and

Machonochie

Rosa's
self

bosom

friend

Rosa

her-

were the godmothers.

this

Now
cause

was a service that many had

It

to

remember.

commenced

in

the usual manner, but, just as the Gospel

was
seized

about

to
fit

be
of

read,

Hooper
the
the

was
effect,

by a

coughing,
of

he

whispered

to
in

Zacche,

rather

damp draught
and
which

which he was standing,

him,
of
course,

affected

be-

cause he was

thinner

and more
Zacche

dejicate

and two
ona,

spiritual

than

either

or

'de

gal

them,'

meaning

Rosa and Ver-

the

godmothers.
loud

This remark was,

to

nevertheless,

enough

be

heard,

and several
minister,

people smiled,
Blackburn.

including

the

Mr

Indeed, in order
to

that

he

might continue

conduct

the

45

The
service

Overseas Library
dignity,

with

he

must

keep

his

eyes upon the

prayer-book.

The Gospel
service

was

then

read,

and
minister

the

pro-

ceeded.

The

now

addressed

the godfathers and the godmothers.

'

Dost thou,
the

in

the

name
and
glory
all

of this child,
his

renounce
the

devil

works,
world,

vain
all

pomp and
covetous
carnal

of the

with

desires

of
the

the

same,
so

and
that

the

desires

of

flesh,

thou wilt not follow nor be led

'

by

them
'

Well,
said
voice.

sutt'nly
in

we
a

do,

we

do,

we
-

do,'

Zacche,

loud,

business

like

Someone

burst
so,

out

laughing,

he

could

not help doing

and

Mr

Blackburn did

not raise his head for a second or two.

'

No,

my good

man,'

said

he,

striving

46

Negro Nobodies
not to smile,
that.
tell
'

you must not answer

wait a
little,

like
will

You must

and

you what to say.

Now,
all."

repeat after

me, "I renounce them

'Hi,
yes,'

observed
;

Hooper,
of course,

'that's

what we

mean

only,

Zacche

was a
I

little

too quick for you.'

thought

Daddy would have

be baptised
in

fallen.
'

'

Wilt thou

this

faith

continued the minister.

For a few seconds no one spoke, then

Hooper, seeing
that

Zacche was framing

an

answer,
:

pulled

him

to

one

side,

saying
'

That
yes.

is

for

de

gal

them
for

to

answer.

Hi,

We

answer

our

part

done

already.'

Mr

Blackburn,

however,

kept

his

countenance.

47

The
'Name
Here
looked
Rosa,
at

Overseas Library
he presently.
embarrassed,
to

this child,' said

Tilbert,

greatly

Daddy.

Daddy whispered
her

who shook
Hooper
a

head and
helping

sighed.

Meanwhile
to
pull

was

Zacche
slip

from

pocket

long

of

paper which was handed to the minister.

'Is
this

the

name

of

the

child?'

he

asked.
'

Well, suttn'ly,
'

sir,

it

is,'

Zacche

replied.

It's

rather
'

long
is
it ?

name/

said

the

minister.

What

Simon,

Peter,

Mount
Sinai.

what's this

Mount S

oh, Mount.

Simon, Peter,
smiled,

Mount Sinai
started

Tilbert'

Hooper

Tilbert

and the

baby screamed.
'

Is that to

be the name of your child

said

Mr

Blackburn, addressing Tilbert.

rector,'

'Well,

replied

the

shipwright,

48

Negro Nobodies
'

suppose
I

it

is,

whichen

it

is

a decent

name,

think,

and

so

really

thank

Zacche
'

for

de mention of
Peter,
'

it.'
'

Simon,

Mount

Sinai
is

said
right

Mr

Blackburn.
;

Simon Peter

all

enough
is

but,

my good
we
but

man, Mount Sinai

the
'

name

of a mountain.'
all
it

Hi, 'yes, well,

'

know

that/

said

Hooper dryly

is

going to be de
from
for

name
this

of

'Gustus

last

boy pickney

day.

Simon we give him name

;

his
for

father sake
his

Peter we give him name

sake
for
;

mother

Mount Sinai we
;

give him

name

our sake
is

Mount

is

for Zacche,

and Sinai
last

for

me.

Hi, yes

This

is

de
in

of

de name them.
for

De
all

name,
done,

this

quarter,

pickney

and,

of

course,

'Gustus

done with

de name them.'

49

The
'

Overseas Library
excuse
nearer

Well,

sutt'nly,

me,
to

sir,'

said

Zacche,

stepping
Peter>

the

minister,
is

Simon,

Mount
whichen
said

Sinai

Tilbert,

de

said

name

we have given
boy pickney, and

unto you for this

so, sutt'nly, sir,

you can proceed.'

And

the child

was

christened.

ELIZABETH WALTERS COVERS A DUPPY

DIS-

CHAPTER
TT
was
after

II

ELIZABETH WALTERS DISCOVERS A DUPPY

six

o'clock
still,

on

Friday
twi-

evening, in the
light

warm, feeble

to

which, in

this part

of the world,

we

are

accustomed,

that
half

Letitia

Burke,
Richto

who occupied a hut mond Hill, stopped

listen

way up

grating

cassava

to

screams

out

screaming
old

one

another

somewhere near the

tall

church

and the
that
hill.

cocoanut tree on the top of

first

Her

and altogether natural

impression was that a certain wicked one

53

The
of

Overseas Library
having stepped
instigation

the

dead,
at

out of

his

tomb

the
in

of

powerful

obeahman
noise,

the parish, was

in
fact,

making the
according to

was

signalling,

a perfectly understood and diabolical plan.

But

when

the

screams

were
for

presently
help,
in

succeeded
a
voice
to

by

healthy

cries

which

she

recognised,

Letitia

hurried
by,
to

Binn's house,

which was close

ask him what he intended to do.

in

Binn had a habit of considering a case

two or three respects before he consented

to take
it

up
been

a habit which
fostered
Letitia

may

or

may
and
to

not have

by laziness
to
sit

he therefore

told
for

and

keep quiet

few

minutes
the
matter.

while

he

looked carefully into

Before,

however, he was able to determine on a

course of action, Charlie

Hooper was seen

54

Negro Nobodies
conducting to her
condition,

house,

in

distressed

the

unfortunate

subject

of

the

disturbance, Elizabeth
sive

Walters, an inoffenherself

young woman, who supported

her

and

two

children

by sweeping
and

the

church,
poultry.
in

washing

clothes

selling

Hooper
graveyard,

must
for

have

found

her

the

they were walking

Several people
put
questions

from that direction.

beset
Elizabeth,

now
to

and
little

which
did
for

she

paid

attention.
;

Hooper
naturally,

not seem

much concerned
the

he was at

bottom of the whole

business.

There were sympathisers enough,

Rachel
Uttock,

however,
being o
the

Samuel's
her

sister,

loudest.

When

hut

was
relief,

reached, Elizabeth heaved a sigh of

and became
say that,

sufficiently

communicative

to

searching the graveyard to find

55

The
a missing hen seen a

Overseas Library
and two chickens, she had

duppy.
their

The women

could

not

believe

ears.

They must

tremble.
light.

Another

terrible

ghost had come to

face the

Who

could

now

graveyard even
?

in the glare

of the unclouded noon

The
next.
to

Lord only knew what would happen

The world was undoubtedly coming

end.

an

At

all

events,

Elizabeth
suffered
said
;

had seen

something

and

had

some

one
it

had put obeah on was

ness/
'

her,

they,

and

really

shameful
remarked,

piece of
'

wicked-

Rachel
gal

considering

de

poor

has

no
is

husband

and

de

two
Binn

pickney them
called
after at

so awfully young.'

about

nine o'clock to say that,

the
matter,
that

carefully

considering
the

he
the

had

come

to

conclusion

duppy,

who

must

have been

a splendid

56

Negro Nobodies
judge of
the two
fowls,

had
;

taken

the hen

and

chickens

and
the

that, as

they were

worth having and

duppy must
on no

have

been

hungry,
up.

he

would
of
it

account

give them

Some
that

the neighbours,

however, thought

would be
that

wise
;

and

seemly

to

propitiate

duppy

wherefore

rum

was

bought

and

handed

round, and a few hymns, including the old

hundredth,

were

sung

for

this

purpose.
'a
little

Indeed

it

was but an excuse

like,'

for

excitement and such

'scene' which, had
it

that

led

to

been possible, would

have annoyed even a broad-minded duppy.

On

the following

morning,

Saturday,

which was observed as a kind of holiday,

Zacche opened
a portion
to

his

shop to accommodate

of the town
the

who had
In

gathered
to

discuss

duppy.

respect

his

57

The
position

Overseas Library
beadle,
;

as

Daddy was asked

actually, to

to
sit

take the chair

which was,

on

the

table.

Zacche then

stood

on a
short,
that,

soap box beside him,

pertinent
certainly,

and made a
which
thing

speech,

in

he

said

the
of

whole
the

meaning the
was

occurrence 'pure

previous evening

foolishness
'

and

monkey

business

from

first

to last

and

that he encouraged
for the

them

to

occupy his shop

purpose of

discussing the matter only because he would

avail himself of

the
in

opportunity to
material,
to

show
,

them a
in

coat,

fine

fashionable

style

and comfortable
finished.

wear,

which

he had

After exhibiting the coat

orders
their
for

and receiving two

however,
providing

(the

customers,
material),

own

Zacche made room

discussion.

Binn to open the

58

Negro Nobodies
'Well,
liberately,

my
'

friends/

began

Binn

de-

have no book learning, only

de one sense
I

God Almighty
if

give me, but

say

that

there

is

no

duppy

upon

Richmond

Hill,
is

then

my

grandmother
taking her

whichen she
rest,
I

now dead and

old
is is

hope,

poor

lady

my

grand-

mother, gentlemen,
*

a herring.'
duppy,' said Scott,
in

Of

course there

who was

carefully seated
stool,

a corner
is

on

an old three-legged
certainly.
If

'there

duppy

there

was no duppy about

take
into

de

place,

then person wouldn't

to
die,
I

them head suddenly

ally

more

especi-

at

night

time.

And

must know,

for nearly

de whole of

my

family dead in

this fashion.'
'

And my poopa
said

'

'

(father)

and

cousin

too,'

a boy,

who had been

listening

59

The
'

Overseas Library

attentively.

De

blow de duppy give

my
his

cousin

Tommy

knock out de whole of

front teeth them.'

'Well, sutt'nly,
'

my

son,'

observed Zacche,

that

may have been from a fall.' Two women and Burnet, the
now
boisterously tackled
this

dogside

catcher,
issue,

but,

Daddy rebuking

them,

they

became
'

silent.
'

And

sutt'nly,'

pursued

Zacche,

it's

not only a duppy can knock out de whole

of a man's front
that.

teeth,

make me
go
back

tell

you
de
is

Howsomever,
point,
I

to

to

particular

say,

sutt'nly,

there
spirit

no

such
or

thing

as

a
calf,

duppy or
and
so

or

ghost
person

rolling

on.
is

A
not

which

has

no

substance
exist.'

a person at

all,

and cannot

And

Zacche

sat

down. 60

Negro Nobodies
'

Hear
is

what

Missa

Daddy

say,'

and

'We
now

waiting for
expressions
it

Missa
of
the
to

Daddy' were
few
present

the

who found
selves.
'

difficult

express

them-

My

dear

brethren/ said
of
to

Daddy,
'de

after

the

fashion

the

minister,

blessed
light

Scriptures,
in
all

which
matters

we
of

look

for

these

de

other

world

de sacred Scriptures,
is

my

dear brethren,
there-

not
I

very clear
can
tell

upon

de point,

fore

you

nothing.

Certainly,

Mr

Blackburn has told

are
that

me
as

privately that

there

no

duppies,

we

call

them,

but

spirits;
evil

my

beloved

brethren,

good
exist.

and
I

spirits,

may
it

or
is

may

not

think,

after

all,

a question

of eyesight.'
'

Of

eyesight

and

all

other

sight,

no
61

The
doubt,'
'

Overseas Library
Tilbert,

said

imitating

Daddy. and
hear

Some

people,

my
with

beloved
four
is

sisters

brothers,

see

eyes

and

with four

ears.

That
all

de reason
for

why

asking
point

you
little

pardon
is

leaving de

that

de

great

reason

why some

people

know more

of a person's

private affairs

than de said person

know
can

himself
prove.
less,
I

or

herself,

whichen

we

all

But

howsomever
agreeing
there

and

neverthe-

am
that

with
or

you,

Missa
not

Daddy,
duppy.

may
is

may

be

Hellick
there

Binn
is.

a ripe man, and

he

says

Zacche
to
is

Mettle

whichen,

we

are

proud

say,

have a

great sense, although he

little

in statues
is

he says
with
Binn,

there

is

not.

Most of us
see

because

we

duppy

and

feel duppy.

Anyhow, my beloved

sisters

62

Negro Nobodies
and brothers,
it

is

terrible, terrible

thing

to think upon.'

'What

did

'Lizbeth

see,

though?' said

someone, suddenly.
Elizabeth
person.

was
had

there

to

answer
the

in

She
hope
for

joined

company
substantial
poultry.

with

the

of

enlisting
loss

sympathy

the

of
is

her

Wiping her
said
'

eyes,

this

what

Elizabeth

At

about

six

o'clock

last
is

night

whichen
time
fowl
I

Rachel

Uttock

know
to

de said

am

accustomed
I

pen

up

my
hen

them

missed

two of
-

my

white

cock chickens

and a trash
an egg

coloured

which

give

me
I

every day with-

out missing.

had no idea where they

I

took
to

themself,
in

but-

make up my mind

look

de graveyard where fowl has 63

The
been found.

Overseas Library
I

look,

and

look,

and

look,
I

and
think

see
I

nothing.
see

Presently
of

though,

one

de

cock
close

chickens

picking a blade of

grass

poor
I

old

Missa
to
to

Jorden
it.

grave,

and
as

so
I

stooped
turn
said

catch

Well,
(being

sir,
it

could

get

up
I

was
person

not

de

chicken)

saw

oh,

Lord,
!

such

most
a

outrageous
long

person

He
with

was

wearing

white
it,

frock

plenty of red spots

upon

and he had

one large red eye and not a single sign

of

nose
ugliest,
in

my good
awfullest
life.

Missa
thing
sa,
I

Daddy, de
have ever
de
it

most
seen

my
as

Well,

person

whichen,

have

said,

was

male

moved

his

arms so and so'

(putt-

ing her arms into a circular

if

motion)
intention

'as

he.

did

really

have

de

of

64

Negro Nobodies
hugging
brothers

me

up.

And, Lord
sisters,

my
de

sweet

and
of

upon

mere

thought
turn

such

thing,

my

head just
I

round and

round

and round, and

knew nothing more.

all

Then
feel

wake up
Hooper
favour-

of

sudden

to

Charlie

and

another

young

man, greatly

ing Missa Mettle, pinching me, and Missa

Hooper

kept

on saying,

"

Miss 'Lizbeth,
;

Miss 'Lizbeth, get up, get up

for

don't

die

de sake of a so-so cock chicken."

paused,

She
to

on the advice of

Rachel,
the the

calm

herself,

and

Zacche
that

seized

opportunity

to

remark

certainly

ways of women were the most mysterious.

Binn
dignity

then
that,

rose

and
a

pointed
of
the

out
fact,

with
the

as

matter
not

ways

of

duppies,

and
most

ways

of

women, were
E

the

mysterious.

To
65

The
which
replied
'
:

Overseas Library

Zacche,

who was a

little

excited,

So you
you

say,

my
got
to

man,

so

you

say

but
I

have

prove,
is

sutt'nly,

as

said

before,

that
all.

there

such a thing
is

as

duppy

at
?

What

a duppy,
Sutt'nly,

Hellick Binn
I

Answer me
about
a

that.

have walked

great

deal
I

and
never

in

de darkness of de night, and

see a
'

duppy from

born.'

No

contention,

brethren,
'

no

conten-

tion,'

Daddy

called out.
'

Maybe

Charlie

has something to say

Charlie, as a matter of fact,

but,

was dozing,

hearing his

name
eyes

so distinctly called,

he

opened

his

and

asked

quietly

whether

they
not,

had

all

finished

speaking.

They had

they said.

So

he

shut

his eyes again.

66

Negro Nobodies
*

De
-

point

is,

gentlemen,' said

little

smooth
spoken
there

faced
before,

fisherman,

who
is

had

not

'de point
oh,

that

whether
there
is

is

duppy
oh,

or

whether
calamity

no

duppy

great

has

be-

fallen

this gal,

'Lizbeth Walters, with her

two

young pickney them,

who

has

lost

her hen and her two good cock chickens.'

Then, seeming

to think that

he had made

a fool of himself, he disappeared.

It

was,

however,

sensible
;

observa-

tion,

and

much

appreciated

so

Daddy
that

proposed,

seconded

by
the

Binn,

a
the

sum,
lost

representing
poultry,
to

value

of

should
Elizabeth.

be

collected

and

handed

The
;

proposition

was
tion

unanimously carried
of

indeed,

a porI

the

amount,
subscribed

two
then

shillings,

think,

was

and

there

67

The
and
shop
given
in

Overseas Library
to

Elizabeth,
spirits.

who

left

the

excellent

The
'

discussion

revived.
said
to
is

Zaccheus
'

Mettle,'

Binn,
tell

facing
that

the
that

tailor,

you

mean
she a

me

gal

whichen
not see
in

well

intelli-

gent

did
Hill,

duppy upon
last

Richnight?'

mond
'

de graveyard,

Sutt'nly,
4

no,' .instantly

replied

Zacche,

because,

Alexander
as
I

Binn,

there

was

no
to

such
see
'

thing

duppy

for

'Lizbeth

whichen

have said

before.'

duppy box
last

myself 'pon
observed

Richmond
paren-

Hill

year,'

Scott

thetically,

and

in

what

he

deemed

an

undertone.

'You hear
claimed
'

that,

Zaccheus Mettle?' exthe

Binn,

striking
all

soap

box.

Scotty

and

see

duppy

upon

Rich-

Negro Nobodies
mond
wrong.
'

Hill.

Cho,

man,

confess
'

you

is

Behave
is

you'self,

say

Duppy
son,'

there.

Duppy

is

there,

my

hysterically

muttered
'

three-

fourths

of

the
Hill,

company.
in

Duppy
' !

'pon

Richmond
to-day.
'

de

graveyard,

to-day,

There's a thing, oh,

man,'
said

Lord

Zacche,
'

Tilbert

cautiously,

you
can't
'

think they
see

are
all.'

tying

you

up

you

at

Sutt'nly,'

replied

Zacche
'

boldly,

but
is

little

like

a parrot,
every

free

speech

de

birthright
fore,

of

gentleman.

Therelike.

gentlemen, say what you

See

you'

duppy,
eat

make
you'

you'

duppy,
;

cook you'

duppy,

duppy

but

de

day

ever catch
*

Charlie

Hooper
?

Eh,

what's
up,

matter

You

all

done ?

'

and,

sitting

Hooper yawned.
69

The
For
a

Overseas Library
seconds
face,

few
-

no

one

spoke.

B inn's
shone,
*

coal

black

which
ever.

always

now shone more than

then,

Speak

my

son/ pleaded
'

Daddy,

who was
speak.'
'

fidgeting,

relieve

you'

mind

Charlie

Hooper,' said Tilbert and

in

two

others

together,

solemn tones,
does

'

Charlie

Hooper,
anything
derful
'

man,

Charlie,

you

know

concerning this great

'

and won-

affair ?
I

If

know
his

anything,'
'If
I

said

Hooper,

clearing

throat,

know anything?
ghost.
I

Well,

was
that
I

only
is

de

don't

know
is

if

anything.
tell

And,
that
all

what
this
I

more,

could
yes!
I

you

time.

Hi,

Let
gill

me

see

now.

remember
dress

buy a
(I

clay

pipe

and

myself

am

sorry

de young lady
70

Negro Nobodies
did

not
I

think
qualify

jne
for

handsome
duppy
see
I

fellow)

and
while.

for

short
telling
assist-

Zacche
everything),
hi,

(you

am

you
ant,
little

Zacche
as
I

was

my
he

yes,

but,

usual,

was

late,

and

so

get

no

assistance

at

all,

only he did oblige de gal with a

spot,

measure of consolation upon de

giving her a couple pinch them

by

to

wake
soon.

her

up,

for
is

she was
all.

sleeping
ladies
' !

too

Now,
men,
'

that

Hi,

and gentle-

you look surprised

now,

But

now,

now,
his

sa,'

said
'

Binn,

who had recovered

in

composure,
this
'

what
big,

this

world
to

ever

possessed

ripe
'

man

do such a thing ?
pure
idleness
to

Idleness,

and
with

mischief,
himself,'

and
said

nothing better

do

someone

quickly.

The
'And
in
'

Overseas Library
of
fowl
too,'

love

said

another,

a light voice.
Well,'

said

'

Hooper,
course,

don't

deny
only
I

that.

And,

of

/ am de
being

one
de

who

like

fowl.

But,

am
a

means of giving
and

lonesome
the

gal

subscription,

being
is

hen and
under
I

de de

two
gal

cock

chicken

roosting
I

bed

at this

minute,
too

think

should

get a subscription

for

my
I

generosity
will

and you
not
also
yes,

all
all

that.

Howsomever,
it.

make
I

a present of
!

Hi,

yes,
I

am
did

joking

And,
feel

don't

forget,
feel.

want

to
is

how duppy
nice

Hi,

duppy
if

thing

man,
to

more
give

so

he

could

always
a
little

manage
harmless

de

gal
for
!

them
old

hugging
Hi,
lot

up
yes

time sake

and

all

that.

Now

you see

give you a

of

72

Negro Nobodies
news,

and
look

don't
to

charge

for

it,

so

you

must
see

out

thank

me

when you

me
his

another time.'

And, smiling, he

went
But

way.
people,

the

whose
as

superstitions

had
say,

been
still

thus nourished,
believed
that

you

might

Elizabeth
Hill,

had and
place

seen

a
of

duppy

on

Richmond
near

none
for

them

ventured

the

a long time afterwards.

73

REST AND BE THANKFUL

CHAPTER
'

IV
'

REST AND BE THANKFUL

cottage
in

^HE

which

Daddy

lived

stood in a decent place on the east

side of Titchfield
his
Hill.

Two

years before

marriage, acting on

Lucy's advice, he

drew from the Savings

able

Bank

the

credit-

sum which
to

luck
save,

with

June

fish

had

enabled him
premises,
siderable

and

purchased the
then
in

the

house being

con-

disrepair.

There were only two

and

people
the

the minister

Mr

Petlock,
to

of

Public

Works

Department

con-

77

The
gratulate

Overseas Library
the

Daddy on

good sense
;

dis-

played by this

transaction
(as
is

the majority, the

case)

who knew

best

usually

thought that he might just as well have

thrown
on,

his

money

into

the

sea.

Later

however,
plans,

when, according to Daddy's

the

own
shape,

cottage
to

took

new
a

and

became,
dwelling,

some

extent,

handsome
mered them

the

majority
wiser

stam-

that
all.

he

had

been

than

From any
view
from

corner

of

the
it

cottage

the

was

pleasing,

but

was

perhaps
that

Daddy's bedroom
the finest

window

you

obtained

sight.

Standing there,
of

your

eye

caught

bit

the

slender,

naked lighthouse, followed

fourths of the

distinctly threebelt,

dark mangrove
beat,

which on
78

the

billows

loudly

and

rested

Negro Nobodies
the beautiful
placid

eastern basin, on
of

the

broad,

rim

which many kingly cocoathe

nut

trees

placed

shadows

of

their

crowns.
the

In the fierce, of the of

sweating sunlight,
of the cocoanut

colours

limbs
the

and

the

leaves

other

trees,

and

of the water and the sky, were gorgeous

gold

and
is

green
very blue.
the
eye,
bit

and

blue

that
clear,

blue

which
light

On
of
the

moonwinked
to

night

lighthouse
belt

watery

and

seemed
the

mysteriously
of
the

broaden.
trees

Then

limbs

cocoanut

appeared

more

grey than green, and they were feathery.

Over

the

silvered

surface

of

the the

basin,

through a kind of silken mist,

north

wind raised
blew
a
the
sail.

little

ripples,

and

sometimes
the
the

These
painting,

two
so
to

pictures

one

oil

speak,

79

The
other
in

Overseas Library
engraving

the

steel

Daddy
the

had

mind
the

when

he

bought

cottage,
artist.

for

beadle was by nature an

to

In addition
piece
of

the

house,

there

was a
size,

land

of

an

appreciable
into

which Daddy divided

vegetable garden.
time,
to

flower

and
a

In the
violets

former,

after

the

bed

of

was something
however,
of the
as

see.

The

vegetables,

did

not turn out well.

for
*

Many

cabbage,
ex-

example,
'

sutt'nly,'

Zacche

pressed
all.'

it,

never did favour cabbage at

greatly lacked flavour,

The tomatoes

and the peppers

too

'sutt'nly they

was

either

hot or not
'sutt'nly

hot enough
not

but/ added

Zacche,

only beadle

pepper
Besides

have
the
trees,

that- particular contraryness.'

vegetables,

there

were

few

fruit

namely,

yam mango,

starapple,

80

Negro Nobodies
naseberry

and
the

several

banana.

Daddy
especially,

watered
because

yam
in

mango
it.

he believed he
held,

good yam
for

mango,
a

was
rate.

nourishment
Bananas,

beadle at

any
unless

on

the

other hand,

eaten with bread, pro-

moted

spasms,
considered,

which

might
that

be

fatal.

He

however,
sprinkled

banana

fritters,

properly

with
delicious

brown
but

sugar,

were

not

only

strengthening.

And,

said he,

they

agreed

with
tected

old people.

Both gardens were profrivolity

from

the

of

neighbouring

poultry,

chiefly

chickens,

by

two
a

neat

white - washed
gate,

fences

that
front

met
steps,
in

grey
the

close

to

the

on

top
even,

of

which
black
'

was
letters,

painted
the

small,

unthe

name

of

cottage
F

Rest and be thankful.'

81

The
The

Overseas Library
thatched, plastered

house,

and

white-washed,
It

was
of

entirely

weather proof.

consisted

four

rooms,

which

were
neces-

also

washed as frequently as
to

was
clean.
It

sary

make
was

them

look

The
con-

largest
tained,

Daddy's
a
that

bedroom.
wide,

principally,

heavy,

maheld
little

hogany
four,

bedstead
quiet
sleeps

could
or

have
one

stout,

sleepers,
not,

child

that
kicks.

but cries and

for

rolls

and
as

Daddy,
able,

as

many
this

years

he was

varnished

bedstead
could

every
bear

Queen's
a

birthday.

He

not

mark

upon

it.

Room number
but, after

two was the

death,

children's,

Lucy's

when

Michael

and

Mary

were

able

properly to dress and undress themit

selves,

became Mary's, Michael sleeping

father.

with

his

Mary

made

it

the

82

Negro Nobodies
sweetest room
in

the

house.

Above

the

head of the bed were pasted two

executed plates,

finely-

one

'

Mary and

Martha,'

and
the

the
right

other

'The
left

Resurrection.'

To

and

of

these were

tacked

illuminated

texts also from the

'

Scriptures,

the
life.

largest

being,
vi.

am

that

bread

of

John

48.'

On

one of the walls

were

gummed

prints,

from the Illustrated

Beaconsfield,

London News, of the Earl of

the

Right

Hon.

W.

E.

Gladstone,

Mr

Parnell,

the Queen, the

of

Prince of Wales,
lady,

the

Duke
doubt

Cambridge and an old

distinguished

no

philanthropist,
retrifle

whose
moved.
out
'

name had been

Below
line,

inadvertently
torn

these,

and

of

stuck

coloured
Fashions,'

plates

of

The

Latest

Spring

from the
the

Young

Ladies

Joiirnal.

Through

83

The
little

Overseas Library
when
the

window,
sweet,

day

was

done,

the

delicate,

tamarind-leaf jasmine,

which

Mary

cared,

would

breathe

into

the room.

In the smaller of the two other apartments,

on a
fare

plain,

deal

board

table,

the

simple
less

of

the

family

was
at

neverthe-

respectably

placed

the

proper
,

times.
'

The
'

brick-coloured

water jug
balanced
a
seat
leg.

or

monkey

was

ingeniously
chair

on

mahogany
thick,

having
only

two

inches

but

one
If

The
was a
until
tin

family sat
friend
to

on

bench.

there

dinner,
finished,

Michael
or
sat

waited
with
the

he

had
in

plate
safe,

his

lap,

on the
Co.,

doorstep.

The

marked
been

gB&
four

in

which straw hats

Antonio,

had

packed

to

Port

was
in

supported

by

legs,

which stood

84

Negro Nobodies
as

many

fresh
oil

salmon
water,

tins

filled

with

kerosene
ants.

and

to

disappoint
the family

In the

larger apartment,

received

visitors.
fell

As
the

you
strong
also

entered

it,

your eyes
sideboard
the
large,

on

mahogany
on
the

(which

was
of

varnished

twenty-fourth

May),
-

and

heavy,

curiously

shaped

tumblers,

decanters,

wine-glasses,
it.

and the odd cups

and saucers upon

ornamental.

These were
tumblers

chiefly

The few

appropri-

ated for the use of distinguished visitors

were

put
family,

in

corner
friends

by
like

themselves.

The

and

Binn

and

Zacche,
table,
sail

used pans.
it

There was only one

bit

and
cloth.

was covered with a

it

of

On

were

placed

a
to

lamp
be
the

like

lighthouse
of),

(something
several

proud

and

books

85

The
Bible,

Overseas Library
Progress,

Pilgrints

Walker's

dictionary,
thing^

an

Inquire within for Everyothers.

and some

But
cane

there
seat

were

three

or four chairs,

a
of

among
arm

them,
chair,

the

largest

which,

an

was
called.

proffered

the

minister

when
visitor

he

On
mud
of

entering,

the
feet

scraped

the

from

his

on

to

yard

or

so

coarse,

cocoanut matting.
laid

Then, by
umbrella
All

request,

he
table

his

hat

and

on

the

and
the

sat

down.

which
fine

emphasised
taste

respectability
I

and
as

of

the

beadle.

know,
proud
to

a matter of
the
it

fact,

that

he

was

of

cottage,

and

that

he

strove

keep
hill.

the

neatest

of

its

size

on

the

fancy

have climbed from the town

the

and followed

stony

carriage

road to

86

Negro Nobodies
the
little

corner,
hotel,
I

where and
the

it

turns

west

to
at

the
this

that,

standing

corner,

see

verdant crowns of
dark,

the

cocoanut
the
the
it
;

trees;

the
;

thatched

roof;

white

walls

Mary's

window,

with

sweet
the

tamarind-leaf jasmine

framing
leaves the

banana,

with

their

broad
near

and

heavy
;

hands

propped

window
trim,

the

yam
the
;

mango,
;

green

and
;

beside

banana
the

the
;

starapple

the

red

hibiscus

fence

the

grey

gate and the

'

name, uneven

but distinct,

Rest and be thankful.'

MICHAEL AND MARY

CHAPTER
TT THEN
every pore,
tree.
taller,
I

first

saw Mich'ael he was

standing

in

the sun, sweating from

his

with

back

to

a banana

recognised him instantly.

He was
figured

broader
his

and
but

more
his

finely

than

father,

features

were
learnt

unmistakably

Daddy's.

When
that

he
I

who
have

was
the
to

he

insisted

should
kindly
at

minister's
call

chair,

and

offered

his

father,

who was
But
I

the
I

beach calking

canoe.

said

had no intention of disturbing Daddy,

I

and that

would wait

until

he returned.

The
but

Overseas Library
resumed work,
with him,
interesting
to

Michael would then have

I

opened
which
having
I

conversation

from
facts

gathered
reference

many

especially

the

days of his childhood.

Michael

was

four

years old

when

his

mother
he
he

died.

Consequently, you
her.

may

say,

never

knew
his

For

long

time

believed

aunt
stout
It

Matilda

(Lucy's

sister,

who was
mother.

and

bad-tempered)
his

was

his

affected

growth.

One Sunday

evening,
that

however,
she

when

he

suddenly realised
aunt,

was

only his

he

immediately hid himself

behind
from

box,

he

said,

and

thanked

God

the bottom
to

of his

heart.

And

he began
morning.
amiable,
his

grow

from

the

following

At school Michael was considered

but

fool.

Indeed,

notwithstanding

92

Negro Nobodies
good
letters

nature,

he was so troubled
that

by the

of

the alphabet,

he

grew

to

hate the
feeling

very shape of them,

confessed
extent,

an unkind

which, he
to

with

shame,

he

still,

some
for

entertained.

The
failed

letter

M,

example, he frequently

to

recognise,

because

it

was

to

him

so

much

like

W.

It

was

only by

shutting one eye and

looking at both of
at

them sideways

that

he

length learned

to appreciate the

difference.

But Michael
of
fact,

could

read,

and,

as

a
the

matter
Bible

had

read portions

of

and

the

whole of the Pilgrims Progress, and he

could
days,
write.

Speaking

to

me
if

of
there

those

Michael observed that

thing
it

was
re-

one

more
was

than
that

another

he

gretted,

he

should

have

been removed from school before he had

93

The
sum.

Overseas Library
really

the chance of doing a

plication

good
hoped
a

multi-

Daddy had
have been

that

Michael

would

dispenser,

but the confidential report of the teacher

was so
lad
into

discouraging that

Daddy

put
to

the
sea.

canoe and

took him

Michael, however, soon

fisherman.

became an expert
after

Three

weeks

he

began

the business he
of

made

his father a present

slate-coloured
fishing

beaver.

When

he

was not
Michael
the the
fruit

or overhauling his

tackle,

would weed
trees,

the garden,

manure
about
the

and

do

odd jobs
he

house.

On

Sundays

was

assistant

beadle.

Indeed, he had no disto

position

and no time
into
trousers.

be

idle.

Sooner
would
town,

than
patch

gaze
his

space,

Michael

Wherefore the

ever

hard to

please,

was proud of him.

94

Negro Nobodies
And
he could
spirit

thoroughly enter

into

the
tell

festive

of certain occasions, and

a joke that was

are,
I

worth

repeating.

There
as

have

heard,

different

opinions

to the nature

and number of the

an
excellent

qualities

that

constitute

character.

Michael,

therefore,

may

not

have
I

been

such

an

estimable
correct
in

young
saying

man.
that

am,

however,
at least

he

was
;

honest,

manly
to

and

affectionate
his

that
in

he endeavoured

please
to

father

every respect,

and

earn

the

good

opinion of his friends.

Mary's nose was the shape of Daddy's.

Otherwise
her mother.

she

was
was

the

counterpart

of

She

one year younger

seeing

than

Michael,

although,

them
thought
looked
95

together,
so.

you

would
generally

not

have

Mary,

serious,

The
fully

Overseas Library
years
older.
If

four

Michael,

merely
in

drinking

his

sugar

and
it

water

the

mornings,

had found
to

necessary
his

to

entreat

Providence

remove
life

aunt

Matilda,
less

Mary,
confined
to

whose

was
had
unfor

more or
had
timely
this

the house,
regret

special

cause
of

to

the

death

her

mother.

But

sad

circumstance,

her

aunt
hut

Matilda
fattenuntil

would have
ing

remained at her
other

and

tormenting

people

she died.
to

Daddy,
himself

however,
of

was

obliged

avail

Matilda's

assistance,

as

he

felt

he could not himself properly

care
his

the children,
principle
to
his

and as
invite

it

was against

strange

woman
first

to

sleep

in

apartments.
reason,

Mary
to

objected,
in

with

good
aunt

the

way
a

which

her

Matilda

applied

96

Negro Nobodies
'

fine

teeth
notice

'

comb
was
of

daily

to

her
the

hair.

No
In
fore,

taken
a

of

knots.

the

course

few months,
to

thereextent,

Mary
headed.

became,

some

bald

Then,
teens,

although

she

had
on

entered her

her

aunt
with

insisted

making
that
large.

her

dresses,

the

result

the

arm

holes
dress,

were

invariably

too
misall

One
to

Mary had
say,

the

fortune

hear

someone
her

was

arm

hole.

Even

father

knew

that

her aunt
with
the

Matilda was
needle,
to
left
it

not to be

trusted

because
collar

she

sewed
which

button

his

band

suddenly
in

half an

hour

afterwards,

church,

just

as

the

bell

stopped.

Besides,
gant.

her

aunt
fry

Matilda
a
a

was

extravafor

To
she

dozen
pint

sprats,

example,

used

of

cocoanut

97

The
oil.

Overseas Library
her
day,

To
used,
sugar.

sweeten
twice

mug
a

of

coffee

she
of

tablespoonful

Coffee,

she

declared,

could

never
for

be
long

too

sweet.
that

After

insisting

a
last

time

she

could,

she
boil

at

admitted

that

she could
that
it

not
it

an

e gg-

When,
broke
quite
it

asserting
boldly,

was
out
the
the

hard,
to

she

turned

be
fell

soft,

and,
table.
it

perhaps,

yoke
other

upon the

When, on
to be
soft,

hand,
it

believing
carefully,

she
could

cracked
scarcely

it

sometimes

leave
leave

the

shell.

Washing,
the

she

would
it

the

soap

in

water until

wasted.
and,

Also she ground her teeth at

during the day,
ate
like

nights,

an

elephant.

Altogether

her

aunt
but

Matilda

caused her much

as far as she

unhappiness,

Mary,

was

able, held her peace.

98

Negro Nobodies
Concerning
could
fined.

Mary's

appearance
;

there
re-

be

but
Tall

one

opinion

it

was
like

and

delicate figure

her

mother,
dignity
her,

she had a

lacking

neither
I

nor

grace

and

whenever
like

saw
lady.

she

was

dressed
black

Mary's
prettiest

large
I

eyes
seen.

were

the

have

ever
is

Generally
to
is

speaking,

a brother
fact,

wont

declare,

contrary to

that

his

sister

neither

good-looking

nor
to

amiable.
the
rule.

Michael

was

no
of

exception

His

opinion

Mary,

although

not
I

characteristically

positive

and extreme,
to
her,

could
set

not,

with
here.
face,

any

justice

down
pretty
as

Mary

had,

nevertheless,

and she was

mother.
take
the
In
seat

as

sweet tempered
she
least

her

company
that

must

ever

was

conspicu-

99

The
ous,

Overseas Library
was
not
to

and

she

be
or

seen

at

an

unwomanly

gathering,

on

a
to

questionable

occasion.

Ah,

Mary,
should
thing,

think

that

eventually

you

have
you,
truth,

experienced

such
in

an unholy

who

grew by
;

righteousness
Scriptures

and

abiding

the

and

knowing

no

evil

you,

whose thoughts were whiter

lily,

than the white

you,
!

whose love was

I

lovelier than the rose

But

anticipate.

In

affection

Mary
even

was

not

found
Matilda,
to

insincere

by
was,

her

aunt

but

she

naturally,

devoted
of

her

father,

and

spent
those

most

her

time

securing

him

comforts
his

which

he

needed.
of

Wherefore of
he

two
proud,

children,

whom

was

justly

Daddy

loved more the younger, Mary.

oo

ZACCHEUS METTLE ADDRESSES A MEETING

CHAPTER
T

VI

ZACCHEUS METTLE ADDRESSES A MEETING

AM

not likely

to

forget

that

Satur-

day evening, the

when,
tallow
that
at

fifteenth

of

June,

by

the

light

of
tin

few

puny
lamp
spoke

candles

and a

kerosene

smoked
on

abominably,
the

Zacche
of

length

ways
like

women.

For

long

while

men

Daddy,

Tilbert

and Binn, who were

Phillips
in

fathers,

and Uttock,
to

and

Burnet,

who
position
their

hoped
before
ears

be
they

that

important

died,

had been having

troubled

103

The
by certain
'

Overseas Library
disrespectful

most
de
for soft

statements

affecting

sex them

'

and wedlock

generally,

which statements, as every-

body
was
these
the

knew,

Zacche

Mettle,
So,

the

tailor,

responsible.

one

morning,
that

men came
time

to

the

conclusion

had

arrived
either

when

Zacche
for

should,
all

publicly,

apologise

he
his

had

said,

or

emphasise his

views

to

everlasting

disgrace.
at

meeting

was therefore
ever,
treat

arranged,

which,

howto

Zacche was
the
subjects
best.

very
or

kindly
subject
to

asked
as

he

considered
idea,

According

Zacche's
excellent.

the
too,

arrangement
for

was

He,
been

had

a long while

not

only

hearing

but

seeing
him,
the

things

which

greatly

distressed

and he had been

hour

patiently

waiting

and

the

104

Negro Nobodies
company
could

when

and
his

before
to

whom
the

he
best
ar-

deliver

views

advantage.

He

could

easily

have

ranged his own

meeting,
?

but

how many
however,
for

would

have

attended

Now,
placed

the platform

had

been

him

the

long-desired
to

opportunity

had
he

been

given
'

him,
like

and
a
to

speak

would
anxious,

sutt'nly,

man.'
facilitate

So
the

indeed,

was
for

he
the the

arrangeoffered

ments
to

meeting
lights,

that

he

provide
I

which,

however,
that

as

have

hinted,

were
he

lights

failed.

His
twelve

work

table

said

would
to

hold
back.
thanks.
It

persons
offer

sitting

back

But

this

was

declined

with

rained
day,

heavily
at

nearly

the whole
precisely

of

the

and

eight o'clock

105

The
when,
I

Overseas Library

was informed, the meeting would

there

be opened

was water everywhere

star.

and the heavens showed no

I

But as

knew
I

that

this

was

no

uncommon

weather,
I

picked
the

my
tailor

path as speedily as

could

to

shop where,
already
fully

sure

enough,

several

had
late,

gathered.
to

Zacche

arrived
but,
light,

intending

apologise,

learning

that

they
his

only

required

he

changed

mind.
still

The

shop, for

some reason
and the

or other,
difficulty

leaked appreciably,
so
to

was
not
all

seat the

people that

they did

get

wet.

After

Hooper

had

heard

the suggestions,
there
sitting

he observed

simply that

was such a thing as odd

under a
table.

numbers
therefore,

The

few,

who were
from

subject

to cold, or sat

who
the

suffered
table.
1

rheumatism,

under

06

Negro Nobodies
Phillips,

being

the

tallest,

steadied
of
his

the

kerosene

lamp on

the

top

head.

The
rum
In

candles, stuck in the necks

bottles,

of empty

stood in line upon the table.

the

semi-darkness

many
Indeed,
of

expressions
the the
coal-

could not be denned.

black faces
in

the

corners

shop
of

could
those

scarcely

be seen, but the teeth

who

grinned
the

seemed
walls

very

white.
curious.

The shadows on
There was
little

were

ceremony.

At the comit

mencement
the

of
for

these
the

proceedings,

was

custom

chairman

to

inquire

whether or no the company were comfortably seated.

On
out,

this
'

occasion,

therefore,
is

Daddy
all

called
'

Hellick
Binn,
'

Binn,

you
seat

right

to

which
replied,

whose
-

satisfied

him,

First

class,

Missa

Daddy.'

'John Scott,

my

son,

you have
107

The
the

Overseas Library
'Thank you
so on
;

mark?'

kindly,

Missa

Daddy,' and

after

which

Zacche

was asked

to address the meeting.

Zacche
position,

had availed himself of an exalted

standing on a box on the table, with the

candles
for

footlights,

and

he

was

not

unembarrassed.
that, in
first

Indeed,
of

Burnet
Zacche's
lost,

declared
throat,

the
five
so,

clearing

the

words

were

but

that

was not
here
'

for

Zacche spoke
:

plainly,

and

is

what he said

Well, gentlemen, sutt'nly

speaker.'

am

no great

(Cries of

'

Don't mind that side

all

man
from
too
as

'

'

Whichen we
the

know you
'

is,'

and,

under
long
all
I

table,

Don't
son.')

keep
'

we

you

do,

my

Sutt'nly,

say,

am am

no
to

great

or

wonderful

orator,
this

but

give
is

my

views here
truth
1

night,

whichen

de

identical

08

Negro Nobodies
from
really

my
I

experience,
in

and

what
matter.

have

heard

great

And,

sutt'nly,

have much pleasure, gentlemen,

this

in

speaking here
subject.

night upon de
you' head

said

great

(Mind

and that

lamp, Needlecase.)

Well, gentlemen, sutt'nly

de subject

is

de ways of such persons as de

first

women, and
thing
is,

thing,

de correctest
just
to

think,

for

me

give

you

short

description,

from

my own
woman
female.'

mind, of what such a person as a

is.

woman,
is

gentlemen,
truth,' cried

is

('

Whichen

de

the company,

and there was much applause).

female
is

'And

sutt'nly a creature with a temper,

a long tongue and a terrible weakness to

wear every
eye
'

sailor hat

and print frock her

upon.'
all

take

a
there

fancy
are

(Sensation).

Sutt'nly,

kinds

of

woman.
109

The
There
thin
is

Overseas Library

short

woman and
stout

tall

woman
;

woman

and

woman

woman

with teeth
without

(mostly jaw teeth)

teeth
at
all.

and woman
But
of
I

any
of

am

speaking

de

generality
that

women
every

them
day
'

de

woman
is

we

meet

whichen
Like

de ordinary woman.'

Rachel

Uttock

'

said

someone

mischievously.
'

Cho,'

said

Binn,
quiet

pettishly,

'all

of you
turn

keep

you'self

now

don't

us

from de course of de
'

man

argument.'

Zacche,

my

son,'
'

observed Daddy,
don't

who
really

looked

sleepy,

deny
I

you

make a good
see

start,

although
to

does
with

not
you.

my way
This
'

yet

agree

Howsomever,
'

proceed.'

creature,
is

woman,'
a

Zacche

pro-

ceeded,

like

lucky

bag

whichen

no

Negro Nobodies
small
'

children
it

buy

for

quattie'

(i|d.)
it,

because

has a pretty face upon

is

and,
first-

because
class

it

supposed

to

contain

sugar

plums

and,

maybe,

such

thing as

diamond
find
?

ring.
?

But what do
I

de

said

children

Sutt'nly,

say,
all

what

do they
out
well,

find

De
of
is

sugar plum
Paris,

make
ring

of

plaster

and
of

de
a

sutt'nly,

that

kind

hoop
a

for

de finger having de likeness of

brass

ring

and made out of a cheap

Gentlemen,
(Cries of
'
'

wire.
at
all.'

it

is

no diamond ring
true, for true,

For

'pon

my
you

word.')

But,

gentlemen,
so-so

what

can

expect for
that
is

quattie?
matter.

HowIn

somever,

another

de

beginning
ribs

woman was made from de

of a

man,
of
in

Adam
de

by name, whichen
second
chapter
of

we

read

in

The
Genesis de
me,

Overseas Library
twenty second
verse
(correct

Missa
said

Daddy,

if

am

wrong), and

de

woman

she

was

made

perfect

and

knew no
to
all

evil

whatsoever.

But

she
say,

listened

de word de
in

serpent
third

whichen
of

we

notice

de

chapter

Genesis
to to

de sixth verse, therefore she

becomes
do
evil,
;

know
even

evil,

to

teach
great

evil,

to

have de
all

likeness

of evil

and she have

those particular

faculties

down
is

to

this

very

day.

woman

de most perfect living instance of

Altogether,
full

pure contraryness.
a

gentlemen,

woman

is

a petticoat

of powerful de'

struction.'

(Sensation and sighs).

I

Sutt'nly,
'

gentlemen,

hope

don't fatigue you

No
'

one was feeling fatigued, so Zacche

continued,

Well, sutt'nly,

we come now

to de

ways
I

12

Negro Nobodies
of

women.

A
than
awful
to

woman,
wants
thing,

gentlemen,

has
is

more ways
saying

whichen that
for,

an
lives

sutt'nly,

a
is

woman

want.

In

fact,

there

no counting a woman's ways.

live,
live,

De more
more we
there
is

de more

you

live,

de

all

we

are

convinced that
to

no

end or

specification

woman's ways.

Now,

there are

are a heap of

many old ways, but there new ways. Sutt'nly, de old

but,

ways are bad ways,

ways
is

O
I

Lord, de new
you, Hellick

de worst ways.

Mind

Binn, hear
'

me good what
is

am

saying

But you

an

idle

man, though,' replied

Binn.
'
.

'Who

says I'm not hearing you?'

nothing,
'

Nothing,

my

friend,'

said

Zacche quickly,
I

no damage, no damage*
you
because
I

only refer
before

to

you'

face

was

me when

pronounced

de
113

The
said

Overseas Library
Howsomever,
is

words.
there
But,
to

as

was

saying,

no

end

to

woman's
really

ways.
like

may

be,
is

you
a

would

know what
sutt'nly,
I
I

woman's ways.
tell

Well,
before

will will

you.

But
kindly,

begin

thank you

Scotty, to pass
in

me

that can of lime water

de corner there.
thing as

To
is

talk

'pon
to
.

such

woman
a

enough
. .

give

an

iron

man

dry

throat.

Thank
.

you,

brother,
sutt'nly,

thank

you.
to

Well,

now,

we come

de

ways
will

of

woman.
an

A
of

woman, gentlemen,
that

make
to

affidavit

she

loves

you

de
has

bottom

her
feeling

soul,

and you

really

she a

no more
ing lizard
is

for

than

croak-

has

for

a turkey cock.
sutt'nly,

That
a very

one way, and,

way.

that
will

is

common

woman

say

she

114

Negro Nobodies
don't
time,
to

love

you
is

in

de

least

when,

all

de

she

really

worshipping you down

thing
as

even
nail.

such

you'
is

smallest
extraall

toe

Sutt'nly,

that
it

an

ordinary

way,

but

is

a
is

way

de

same.
a

When
she

woman
only
note,

introduced to
his

man

can

see
first

pockets
of

them,
size,

making a
and
if

of

all,

de

then

whether

those

pockets
to

look as

they are

accustomed

carry

money.
nise

Now, whether she

she
to

will

recog-

him when
especially

see

him

de
his

second

time

remember
upon
way.
if

name
Well,

depends
sutt'niy,

entirely

that.

that's

another

Supposing

de man pockets look as something better

de
than

they can carry

well,

copper,

then

woman becomes most

a

awfully

sweet
conver-

and give him such

fascinating

The
sation,

Overseas Library
de
is

that

poor
still

fellow

generally

forget

her eye
doesn't

'pon

him pocket,
that
to

and
often

he

see,

sutt'nly,

very

her hand

come

quite

close

de

said pocket them.'

'Then,'

said
to

Tilbert
insinuate,
is

indignantly,

'does

you

mean

does

you

mean

to say that she

most

like

a thief?'
of

There was now

something

com-

motion, caused chiefly by three

as

men who,
must
stretch
restored,

the

shop
from

had
under

stopped
the

leaking,
to

creep
their

table

legs.

When

order

was

and Zacche had

water,

again sipped the

that

lemon
'

he

replied

he

meant

someex-

thing of de kind,'
pression

but that the

said

was what
example,

might

be

called
sutt'nly,

'an a

illustration

meaning,

figure

of speech.'

116

Negro Nobodies
'Although,'

pursued
thieves

Zacche,

'women
I

have been
prove.
will
till
I

real

whichen

can

say,

gentlemen, that de
fascinating

woman
man
;

keep on
he

that

poor

has to confess that

sutt'nly,

he love her
said

then,

from
water

that
is

day
to

land

crab
First

in
is

hot

nothing

him.
five

de pair of boots
of

(generally

shillings

you'

hard,

hard

savings),

then de glove,
rings,
that's
is
'

then
well,

de bangles, then de
sutt'nly,
hell.
it.

then

And
What

de long and de short of

?

marriage
Utter
ever,

Marriage
of

is

de

ruination

de

man

for

ever

and

amen

'
!

exclaimed
himself.

Uttock,

who

could not

contain
said

'Sutt'nly,'

Zacche,

'that

is

well

spoken.
advice,

Well,

Sam
you

did
all

not

take
I

my
gave
117

whichen

know

The
him,
and,

Overseas Library
you
hear

gentlemen,
Sutt'nly,

what

he

has to say.

he can

tell

you de

X Y
I

plus

de
if

B C
other.

of de

ways of

one woman,
shall

no

Howsomever,

proceed.'
not,
for,

But he could
called

just

then,

Scott
tall,

out

that

there

were
door,

'two

female persons' at
to
'

the

who asked

be

kindly

admitted.
Tilbert,

Give de gals them room,' said

'

without a second's hesitation.

not
?

For why
themprivi-

De women come

to

defend

selves,

and they should certainly be

leged to say a few words.'

'

No

such
not
;

thing,'

shouted

Zacche.
or
to

'

Sutt'nly

although
is

de

devil,

his

cousin

them,
at

always

suppose

be

present
'

a meeting.'

Ah,

Zacche,

my

son,

my

son,'

said

118

Negro Nobodies
'

Daddy,
awful
'

don't

talk

so lightly of such an

person.'
is

Whichen
is

woman,'

replied

Zacche

'

whichen

one of those women,

de
door.

sutt'nly,

now

outside

Well,

gentle-

men'
have

(Cries of 'Order, Order'), 'Well,

gentlemen,
seen

de
are

ways
not

of

woman
ways,

we
but

straight

crooked
female,
that),

ways and wicked

whichen
is

ways.

Hi,

woman

(don't forget
will
is

a female,
comfort,

my

dear friends,
joy,

have
yet

every

every
at

and

dressing

up herself

de expense
I

of

de

poor man.

One
her

female

know have a
full

way

to

wear
as

husband's

suit

of

clothes,

well

as

her

own

frock,

to

de
de

market

'pon

rainy

mornings,

while
his

poor fellow have to

feeling

remain

in

room,

a most miserable coldness without

119

The
his
clothes.

Overseas Library
Another female has a way,

whenever

she

mends
de needle
to

her
in
it,

husband's

trousers, to leave

whichen,

de poor
lot

man

confess

me, cause him a

of uneasiness
But,

of

de mind as well as
these are simple

de body.
ways.

sutt'nly,

De
is

chief

and

most

destructive

way
to

how

a
;

woman

can inveigle a

man

marry her

how a woman can make

get a

every sort of elevation to

give

man

to

her

all

he has,
turn

and

then, suddenly,

how
roast

she

can

round

and give

him

horse plantain,
all

cayenne pepper and

into

mustard plaster
a
rest.

roll

one,

without
present

All

you

old
to

men
know

here

this

night
?

want

de

ways

of

women

Then
;

consider
all

what you have

de
trouble

experienced

consider

and

de

expense

and de devilnation generally

1

20

Negro Nobodies
from
week,
is

first

to

last,

every
every
of
I

day,
year,
till

every

every
well

month,

you
crav-

now

and
!

tired

life

and

ing

de grave

Sutt'nly,

excuse

Missa
really

Daddy,
an

because

Miss
bless

Lucy
her
a

was

angel,

God

two

pickney

them.
like

Howsomever,
fit,

good

woman,

a good
I

is

de fortune of de few.

And
learn,

say

you young
effort

men be
to learn, to

careful

or

make an
before

de ways
say boo
is

of
to

women

you consent

one of them.

Sutt'nly, single life

lone-

some, but marriage bite worse than jackass.'

'

Zacche,
'

my

son

'

Sutt'nly,'

pursued Zacche,
'

in

the
is

face

of Daddy's interruption,

woman
as

useful,

but

so

is

dildo,

whichen,
first-class

you

know,
has

makes
more

really

fence,

but
is

prickle

and

"

macca," and

more
121

The
ruinous to

Overseas Library
of

de flesh

human person

than plenty people can have a conception

of.

Woman,
;

say,
is

is

useful,

but

so
so

is

dildo

woman

amusing,
is

but

is

monkey, whichen
any
walk
other
softly,

more
this

deceitful

than

animal

in

world

woman
;

but so do snake and scorpion

well,

woman mean

and so do black spiders

but so
is is

woman

is

attentive,
;

sand

fly

and
so,

mosquitto

woman
is

bewitching,

but

by

all

accounts,

de very devil himself.'

'Therefore,

(General uneasiness.)
friends,
this

my

dear
into

de whole thing resolve

whatsoever

itself

have nothing

to

do with

such a person as a woman.

You,

Alex-

ander

Binn,

Augustus

Tilbert,
I

Samuel
shall

Uttock and others, whichen

not

name, that married and hang up already-well,

sutt'nly,

there

is

nothing to be done
122

Negro Nobodies
for

you

in

this

world,

although

you can

pray hard that

you might not long con-

tinue subjects of such a misfortune, whichen

is

simply to pray that either party, either

she,

you or

may soon
But

cease

to

have an

existence.

you

courting

gentlemen,
tied

who

are

not

yet

married
Uttock,
I

and
say.

up,
is

remember Samuel
here present this
face merely as an
I

He

night with

sorrowful

example.

In conclusion

will

tell

you there are

two

particular
in

things for a sensible

life,

man

to avoid

this

namely, poison of any sort and mar-

riage.

But

sutt'nly

poison
in

is

better

than

marriage,

because

de

one

case

you

don't have time to see you' mistake before

you know nothing and

in

all

is

peace, while
you'

de other case

you not 'only see

it,

mistake, but you live with

and you' two

123

The
eye them
is is

Overseas Library
constantly upon
it,

and

that,

my

son,

equal to

all

de

fire

and brim-

stone

and

hot lead and de extra special

boilingnation

and
all

more

down

below,

whichen we
from de

have been cautioned about

first

day when we were and

of

born.'
at

(Great
the

excitement

loud

talking,

commencement
out,

which two candles

promptly went
tried to

the tin kerosene lamp

of Needlecase,
in

damage the head

and Tilbert and another,

gust,
left

evident
I

dis-

the

shop.)

Then

heard

the

voice of Daddy, clear and resonant,

'Children,
children.

calm you'self;
is

calm

you'self,

There

always two

sides

to
;

question.

You have heard

to hear mine,

Zacche's

well,
I

you have yet

certainly

whichen
God,
at

will

give you,
by-and-by.

please
In

a suitable

time

de mean124

Negro Nobodies
time,

hear

well

what

say

- - there

is
is

woman and woman.

alike
be,
;

Not every woman

so.

Zacche himself says

be,
I

But may

may

say,

you

will

think kindly

of all

women, because

well,

because that

person that loved you and cared you from

de days when you was

(think of
it
!),

little,

that

person

whom
in

you did love better

world,
ah,

than

anybody

this

she

your

own dear kind mother

was a woman.'

remember, she

But Zacche had something further to

'

say.

Sutt'nly,'

he

observed,
speaking,

immediately
'sutt'nly
I

Daddy had
think

finished

we

have

had
I

enough
to

of

woman.
all

Now, gentlemen,
a coat whichen

want

show you

Here nearly everyone stood

case sat down.

up.
to

Needle
know, he
125

He

wanted

The
said,

Overseas Library
to

what showing a coat had

do with

the

ways of woman.

Daddy

bid good-night.

Indeed, there was a general

dissatisfaction,

expression of
to

and Zacche was obliged

coat.

postpone the exhibition of his

'That

is

nothing
a voice,

like

de

ways

of

woman,' said
nine.
'

astonishingly

femi-

'

No,'

replied

Hooper
it

huskily,

that
like

is

quite

true,

but

is

everything
little

de
with
I

ways of man,
sense,
like

especially a

man

Zacche.
all

Hi,

of

course,

thought

you
I

knew
you
least,

that.
all

And
a

now,

gentlemen,
night's
(I
rest.

wish
I,

pleasant

at

am
all

going home

don't

know what you

in

going to do),

for

de

oil

de lamp

is

done.'
up,

So

the

meeting

broke

each

man

moving straightway

to his abode.

126

A 'YOUNG LADY'

CHAPTER
A
'

VII
'

YOUNG LADY

T)ORT ANTONIO,
few
'

in those

days, had

young

ladies,'

or Zacche
perdition.
called Irene,

must
But

soon have been

of these

teased
ladies
fast

to

young
of a

so
set

because
or,

they were

as

she was commonly called, 'Hireen'

gregor,

Mac-

was was

perhaps

the most

notorious.

Irene

interesting

and

no

mistake.

Although her hair was cut close because,

even soaked
to
in

castor

oil,

it

was

difficult

comb, and although she had long arms

I

and a mouth which

i

am

glad

am

not

129

The
compelled
to

Overseas Library
describe,

she

contrived

to

win admirers who considered

ful.

her

beauti-

Daddy

it

was,

believe,
in

who took
the

a fancy to her as a child

school,

Sunday

and

who superintended
that

her trainto

ing so

successfully

she was able

obtain a situation
children.

as nurse to the doctor's

After

time,

however,

influ-

enced by a cousin, who was a good-looking

scamp, she
fortune

left

this

employment
where,
as

to
it

make a

in

Colon,
all

happened, she

lost

she had, gained an

a

unenviable reputation as
then
fell
ill

'young
died,

lady,'

and

nearly

and

was

obliged to return to Port Antonio.

Why
desire

Irene should
to

have shown such a

be

in

Zacche's
understood.
nor,

company could

not at

first

be

He was by
130

no means a dandy,

according to his

Negro Nobodies
creed,

could he
the

have been fond

of

her.

Martin,

doctor's

coachman, a popular
jealous,

'young gentleman,' but mean and

protested that Irene bothered with Zacche

'only because he allowed she to keep play

'pon
his

money.'

Hooper, however, who

knew Zacche
remark.

intimately,

made

fun

of the

Zacche, as a matter of

fact,

had

no money to keep, and absolutely nothing

for

anyone
everyone

to

'keep play upon.'

Besides,

as
in

said,

he had
events,

little

confidence
distailor

women.

At

all

Irene was
in

covered

comfortably seated

the

shop on more than one occasion.

Irene

was

caught mixing lime juice and

for the

sugar
de-

and water
clared

man

to

drink

who

that

women

were

worse

than

poison, and this

was a great matter.

But
is,

Zacche was wide awake.

The

truth

The
Irene

Overseas Library
of

was

use

to

him,

and,

what
he
sex

would not

then

have

been
of
*

believed,

was
them.'
It

great

admirer

de

soft

will

be remembered that

in the

heat

of the meeting,

when Zacche was making

observations,
that

some

most

eloquent
to

Scott
tall

stopped
female

him

announce

two

persons at the door

kindly

asked

admission.

Irene was one of them.

the
subject

She
on
re-

had thoroughly discussed

which Zacche was to speak, and had

solved, on gaining admission,
to say a

few
sex.

words on behalf of her much-abused

Foiled in
this

excellent purpose, however,

she determined to see Zacche,

as

the rascal,

soon

as

possible,

and

to to

give

him
a

beans.
bangle,

Also
of

she

wanted
and

borrow

some

value,

pretty,

which
132

Negro Nobodies
Zacche
morning,
into

possessed.
therefore,
tailor

On
she
to

the

following

walked

boldly

the

shop,

the astonishment

of Zacche,

who

believed that she

was on

a visit to a cousin
lived
in

who was married and

So astonished
he
closed
in-

Manchioneal.

deed

was
at

Zacche
the

that

the

scissors

wrong place on a sleeve

spoilt
it.

and completely
'

See

here,' said Irene,

in
last

'why you wouldn't

?
. . .

let

me

night, eh

Just look

at him,

de picture of a

rat bat.'

Zacche held up the

'

sleeve.
'

Well,

sutt'nly,'

said
-

he,

think

would

say

good

morning

whichen

is

manners.'
'

Well,

see

here,'
-

said

'

Irene,

goodmorning,

morning,

good

morning,

good
;

good-morning, Mista Zacche

hope you
133

The
and mind and

Overseas Library
good health both
soul.

are well and in

in

body

There,

you

satisfied

now?'
'

And
thank
'

she sat

down

beside him.

you, please, to
up,
I

get

up,'
I

said

Zacche.

Get

say

sutt'nly

don't

allow any female person to consider herself

on a seating with me.'

Irene rose and stood in front of him.
'

But what's

de
'

matter with

you,

eh

'

?
?

she exclaimed.

You
to
let

turn stupid or what

See

here,

please

answer

my

question,
?
.
.

why you
Zacche
'

wouldn't
I

me

in last night

Missa Zacche,
still

am

speaking to you.'

silently

examined the
Irene

sleeve.

Missa

Zacche,'

said

presently,
to

'

how much you would charge me me a trousers ?

'

make

'

To make you

a what ?

'

said

Zacche,

dropping the sleeve.

134

Negro Nobodies
'A
True
trousers,'

said

Irene;
fun,
I

'a

trousers.

and

true.

No

am

really

going to wear trousers now.'

'

Look

here, gal,' exclaimed Zacche,

this blessed
I

'

come

out

my

shop

morning.

Hireen
with

Macgregor,

say leave

me

alone,

you' pure idleness and nonsense.

Sutt'nly,

from

born

never hear a female person

to

have such an inclination as

a thing as trousers.'
'

wear such

And

want

your

best

broadcloth,'

said Irene seriously.

'

Well,

sutt'nly,'

said

Zacche,
for
is

'

maybe
cousin

you

want

de

trousers

you'

husband
sutt'nly,
I

(whichen
say,
if

he

man),

and

he can wear a trousers,

for himself.'

he can seek de price of one

'

That

is

none of your
is

business,'

replied

Irene.

'You

tailor

man,

and

135

The
supposed
to

Overseas Library
ask

you
I

anything
like

about
you'

garments

them

that

with

forwardness.'
'

Make

measure

you

then,'

said

Zacche.
Irene

had

not

anticipated
affected

this

move,
plans.

and

it

considerably

her

In her embarrassment she sat down,

but

immediately rose
shop,
for

and backed out of the

tape-line
in

Zacche,

hand,

was

evidently bent on business.

'Stop
stop
I
it,
I

it,

say,'

she cried,
it

'see

here,

say.

Stop

now

no nonsense.
fun.

am

not

making a piece of

Please

to

leave

me
I

alone,

and

let

with

what
to

am

asking
of

me go on You you.
Hi,

ought

be

ashamed
forward.

you'self.

you

well
'

and
?

Am

playing

with you

136

Negro Nobodies
*

Well, sutt'nly,
tailor,

come now,'
'

said the

little

plainly
talking.

put
I

out,

come

now,

stop

you'

have
out of
is

no

business
shop,
I

with
say
!

you

here.

Walk

my
to

Sutt'nly whichen

more

indecent,

you

to

come here
trousers,

to

ask
to
'

me

make you
you
to

or

me
?

request

make

me measure you
'

Done, done, see

'done,

here,

done,'

pleaded

Irene,

my
I

sweetie

marsa;

my
Don't

sugar

candy,

beg you' pardon.

trousers.
I

mind about de
all

Make

us forget

about
'pon

it.

See here,
word,

was only making

now,
I

fun

my

Hi,

could not

wear
male.'
1

trousers?

After

am

Well, sutt'nly, you

is

now

talking like a

sensible person,' said Zacche, 'although

is

you

nothing but a female

don't forget that

137

The
so you

Overseas Library
sit

may

down upon

that said

box

there for a short space of time.'

So

far

then Irene had not succeeded in

giving Zacche beans.

But she must tease

him a
'

little

more.
said
'

Missa

Zacche,'

she presently,

in

her sweetest tones,

you think you would

if
if
I

have

let

me
'

in last

night

did give

my name ?
'

No,

suttn'ly

not,

suttn'ly

not/

said

Zacche.

'But why?' asked Irene.

Zacche diligently sewed.
'

Why ?

You mean

to
'

say you can't

just give

me

an answer
at
her,

He
the

looked

and then, without

this

least

warning,

fired

explanation

into her face.

'

Well no,

sutt'nly,

because,

in

de

first

138

Negro Nobodies
place,

you

is

a moving engine of exciteall

ment and destructive contraryness and

maliciousness,

otherwise a female person.'

Irene stood up.

'

Secondly,

because you,
is

Hireen

Mac-

gregor, de said person,

de most excitest

and de most destructive contraryest female

person that
I

know

and

thirdly,

because

from de
last
is

last

point of you' toe nail to de

length of de hair of you' head,

spirit of evil,

you

one and de same

badness,

wickedness,

damnation,

deceitfulness

and

dog

curiosity.'
girl

The
volley

seemed stunned by the mere

words,
but
presently

of

she

had

not only recovered

the following reply.
'

her wits,

but

framed

Cho,

man,

am

a woman, a woman,

a woman.'
139

The
'

Overseas Library
so

Well,

sutt'nly,
;

you

are,
is

my

friend,

so

you are

and
is

woman

a female,

and a female
is

a person,
'

and

a person
sutt'nly,

well,'

said

Zacche,

a person,
all

is

de devil

whichen we

know.'

'And
Irene.

am

a beautiful woman,' added

'And
so

who,'

cried

Zacche,

'who
?

says

besiden

you'self,
'

my
his

friend

Who
he
for

says so?

Who
his

He

paused,

for,

in

excitement,

dropped
it.

needle

and

must

look

'Well,
see,

now,'
to

said

he,
I

'sutt'nly,

you

talking

you

have

lost

my

needle.'
'

No, indeed
it is.'

you

haven't,'
it

said

Irene,

'

here

And, picking

up, she

handed

it

to him.

140

Negro Nobodies
'

When

'

a person
certainly,
I

began Zacche.
think
is
I

'Well,
"

would say
said

thank

you,"

which

manners,'

Ire*ne.

Zacche

was

instantly

on

his

feet

and

bowed
'

low.
'

ask you' pardon/ said he.

I

Sutt'nly,

Miss Hireen Macgregor,

thank you.'

But

in
fell

this

effort

to

be courteous his

work
it

to

the

ground,

and on taking
little

up again he was not a

find

distressed

to

that a portion

of the

serge was
to

soiled.

Irene

was

not

inclined
visited

be

sympathetic.

She

had

Zacche
utterly

principally to give
failed

him beans, had

to

do

so,

and was,
that

therefore,

glad
him.
the

of

any

circumstance

annoyed
having

But

Irene

was

bent

upon

bangle, and so she must adopt an attitude

141

The
to this

Overseas Library
Zacche,

end.

on the other hand,

guessed that a favour,

Irene wanted

him

to

do her
to

and

he was determined

do

no

such
use

thing.

He

would,
then,

however,

make
little

of

her.

Here,

was

game being
it

played
is

between
to

these
see

two people, and

which
in

interesting
It

of

them succeeded.
mind
at
to to

was

now
not,

Irene's

coax

Zacche,
of

however,
considered
respect,

the

expense
her

what
and
he

she
self-

be
she

dignity
until

and

waited

had

spoken.

'Look

here,'

said he

bitterly,

''pon
is

my

word, these female person them

a cuss

and no mistake.
I

Well, look here, sutt'nly,

ill-mannered and
I

don't

want

to be

hurt

you'

feelings,

but

wish

never

could

see such

a gal as you again.

From you
142

Negro Nobodies
come here
this

blessed

morning

first

you
de
then

make
said

me
sleeve

spoil
is

sleeve

whichen
eyes

before

your
lose

you nearly make

fine
-

me

my
then

one

good
keep

thread

needle,

and

you

on annoying

me,

and annoying me, and

annoying
is

me

Look

here,

sutt'nly

you

hell!'
'

But

who

'

you
de

is

helling

snapped
is

Irene.

'Who

deuce
is

you

helling?
all ?
?

But see here, what you

forming at
face
last

You

ever

see

what

you'

favour
night

Who
.
.

prevent you from sleep

For

true,

though,

it's

so

male stay

when they
'

can't sleep at night.'

And
said

sutt'nly

you would know

quietly.

all

about

it,'

Zacche

'If
'

know

all
'

about

it?'

said

Irene.

What you mean

143

The
'

Overseas Library
de
said

Sutt'nly,

thing

say,'

re-

plied Zacche.
'

What

did

'

you

say

she

asked.
said.

'

Indeed,
I

you don't know what you

will
'

suppose you

tell

me you

sleep well

at night
'

now ?

Well, sutt'nly,

do

not,'

he answered,
'

with

mischievous

twinkle,

whichen

you should know.'

'

Oh, go to the devil with you' forwardcried

I

ness,'

Irene.

'

What

know about
to

you?
'

have

anything

do

with

you?
Zacche
thought, O
'

yawned.
that
:

It

was

time,

he

he went on with his work.

So he
'

said

thank you kindly

Sutt'nly
I

to
is

move
good
-

out

of

de
all

light.

you

looking,

de same

can't see

through you.'
144

Negro Nobodies
Irene

was

tickled.

Nevertheless,
:

sur-

veying him, she sneered

'

Humph, and you

lovely,

is

really

beautiful,

and

and sweet,

all
'

to

you'

nose.'

Then, smiling, she added,

never
mind,

But see here,

to

you want
'

me

mix some

lime juice for you

Zacche looked
'

at her.
objection,'

Sutt'nly,

have no

he

said.

Irene

now seemed
made
the

in

excellent

humour,
it

and soon
to

drink.
little

Handing

him she was

disappointed

to

see that he did not

it.

immediately swallow
a
kind:

Having, however, done him

ness, she
'

had no hesitation
here,
I

in

saying

See

am
hear?

taking

de
will

bangle
lend
it

again,
to
'

do
'

you

You

me

?
'

Well,

sutt'niy,'

said

he,

you don't do

The
scarcely

Overseas Library
thing

from
is

morning.
of

For
door,

example,

de

brush

back

de

de

dirt is

on de

floor

and

Irene needed no second hint.

the

She took
corn

brush and

the

bit

of

old

bag

that served as a duster, and, in less than

ten minutes, she

made

the place as

clean

and
1

tidy as

it

could be.

Well,' said Irene.

not.

But Zacche answered

Then
stepped

Irene,

thinking
the

to

spite

him,

out

of

shop

and

bid

him

good-morning.
'

am

leaving,

do you hear

'

'Mind
reply,

you'self,'
:

was

the

unexpected
for all
all

which meant

many thanks

you

have done, very many thanks

intended to do,
safely,

for

you

hope you
heaven
I

will

get

home

hope

to

shall

never see
146

Negro Nobodies
your
face

again

- -

which

meant

good

deal, of course.
'

And de
Sutt'nly,

'

bangle
I

she asked.
it

'

sold

yesterday,' he

said,

and went on sewing.

THE PROPHET, SARAH

CHAPTER

VIII

THE PROPHET, SARAH

QARAH '
girl

HUTCHINSON,
the

an attentive

in

Sunday

school,

was conyears old,

firmed before she was fourteen

and

from that

day

Christ

Church,

Port

Antonio,

knew
Like

no

more

enthusiastic

member.
others,

Michael and

score

of
al-

Sarah had had trouble with the

phabet, and would have retreated from the

field

had not her ambition

urged her to
story

victory.

That was

sweet

about

the Lord Jesus Christ, and she would read

it

for

herself.

Her

chief

ambition,

how-

The
ever,

Overseas Library
save souls for the
Master's

was

to

kingdom.
in

Had Daddy
days
'

been

the beadle

those

he

would

have

warned

Sarah against

de pride and temper and

general contraryness and misery that comes

of a too free

reading of such a powerful

book as de
and
spelt

Bible,' but Pine,

who was
So

old

saw
and

little,

said

nothing.

Sarah
to

stumbled

from

Genesis

Revelations
Genesis,
there

and

from

Revelations
forwards,

to
until

backwards

and

came a
a

day when she decided

-

to

have

prayer

meeting

on

her

own
that

account.

Mother Bet has assured me

pleasure to
rector
it.

the

idea gave

them
that

all.

Mr
was
it

Denbore,

the

at

time,

greatly in favour of
fine

He

thought

example
the

set

by a

sincere

Christian,
spirit

to

whom

Lord had given

with

Negro Nobodies
the

understanding

also,

and

he

said

Sarah's modesty withal

pleased him much.

carried

But

at last

the

woman was
of

away
the

by

the

sublimity

her

work,

by
she

magnificence

of

the

message

was
one
to

charged

to

deliver,

and
she

suddenly,

Saturday
prophesy.

morning,
It

commenced
in
stall,
'

occurred

the

market,
where,
'

where

Sarah

kept

and
crying

when she was

candy,
fruit.

not making or
sold

sugar

she

ground

provisions

and

The market was

beached a
fine

full.

Binn,
fish,

who had
stood in

canoe-load of

his usual place

by the south

gate,

and was
cook

endeavouring to convince the

that,

rector's
live

for sixpence,

two small
five

snappers
ones.

were
Elliot,

better

than

large
in

dead

the butcher, switch

hand, and a

153

The
little

Overseas Library
settling a difference

mongrel were

on

the subject of a bone, and there was another

dog looking on compassionately.

Mass

Jim' was carefully weighing ground coffee

to

be put
a

in

little

paper bags
his
left

for

retail,

while

boy

on

served
it.

cheap
Seated
stall

cheese to those

who

called for
chair,

on an old mahogany on which

beside a
of

were

bucket

water

and
Bet

dozens of bottled cool drink, Mother

was polishing her teeth with a chewstick,

when

there

was a loud

cry,

followed

by

the words, shrilly uttered,

'

say that now, now, now de time has

turn from your sins.

come when you must

Judgment
sisters
is

coming,

my

dear,

sweet,
ye,
reis

and
for
'
!

brothers.

repent

pent ye,
at

de Kingdom of

Heaven

hand

154

Negro Nobodies
Surrounded by heaps of yam,
cocoa,
breadfruit,
kallaloo,
fruit,

plantain,

akee,

limes,

naseberries and other

her head tied

with

large

white

handkerchief,

Sarah

Hutchinson, the prophet, stood waving her

hands

to

number

of

people,
at her.
'

chiefly

women, who were gazing

'

yes,

yes/ she pursued,

is

the King-

dom

of

Heaven

at

hand, prepare ye,

prepare ye the

way

for

de coming of de
that

Lord
in

all

ye people
sin,

have lived

iniquity
face,

and
turn

O
is

all

ye people cover

you'

you'

head

from

de ever!

lasting

fire

that

before

you

The

trumpet

shall sound, the bugles shall blow,

the heavens shall open, and you shall see

de Lord

in glory,

and you

shall
I

be called
say unto
it

upon
you,

for

judgment.
ye,

Wherefore
ye,

repent

repent

before

is

155

The
indeed
too

Overseas Library
late.

He

that

believeth

in

me
'

Never mind, never

mind," said

Mother
cry,

Bet, who, directly she heard the

had
to

pushed

her

way

through

the

crowd

Sarah's elbow,

'never

mind,

never mind,
sh sh
is

my

daughter.

Never mind
Done, done
;

sh
well

that will do.

we

all

acquainted with our iniquity and

sin,

and

we

are really praying to de Lord for for-

giveness.

Done, done, you

hear?

Don't

say anything more.'

Then addressing
'

the crowd she said

But who disturb her?

Who

raise

her?

Rachel Uttock, and you, Miss Hireen, you

couldn't

go you' ways and leave de poor

'

creature alone

At

that

moment

Irene

was more con-

cerned with the movements of the doctor's

156

Negro Nobodies
coachman,
than with

whom
either

she saw in the distance,

Sarah

or

Mother Bet

consequently she took

the latter said. not a
1

no notice of what

Rachel, however, replied

:

little

angrily
I

See

here,

beg you please

blessed morning.

to

leave
see

me

alone this
interfering

You
see

me
have

with

her?

You
with

me
?

any
I

conversation
just just
this

anybody

After
here.
alone.'
'

minute
to

come

thank you

kindly

leave

me

See

here,'

said

another

woman,

'

don't

have
Bet,

no
for

contention,
true

See here,
true,

Mother
Uttock

and

Rachel
it.

have nothing to do with

Sarah, and
Sarah,
Bet,
let

Ask Miss

her
the

tell

you.'

on

interruption

of

Mother
white
157

had resumed her

seat, tying the

The
but

Overseas Library

handkerchief more securely round her head,

when she heard her name

called

she

rose quickly, her hands trembling and her

eyes having the expression of one insane.

'

What

are

ye
'

all

gathering here for

that
I

'

she shouted.
slaughter?

As lambs

come
say,
is

to

de

Go

your ways,

go your
a
time

ways,

my

children.

There

coming when Lord

and

no
I

man can

work.

The
I

He
my

says

am

not of this

world,

Father are one.

that?
I

Eh ?
not

You can
Is

dispute
that not,
'

Is

that

gospel?

say,

de blessed truth
done,'
'

Cho,

done,

once

more

inter-

posed Mother Bet,

done,

Sarah.

ripe

woman
tell
is

like
all

you should know

better.

You

us

that already, and, moreover, this

not

de

said

time

for

prayer-meeting.'

Then, turning

to the crowd, she

remarked

.5?

Negro Nobodies
'

Some one

of you must have been troubl-

ing her.'

'See

here,

Mother

Bet,'
'

said

Esther

Morgan,
hear

Binn's

cousin,

see

here,

you
her.

me,

mam,
Spratt,

they

do

trouble

Rebecca
to

who you
over

see

just

gone
and
Miss

de

beef

stall

there,

she

Hireen
Sarah

and
all

another gal
of

been
till

ask

sort

questions,
to

de poor

woman
'

don't

know what
devil
'

say.'
'

Oh,

what de

are

you saying ?
is

said

Irene sharply.

and you
forward.

com-

pany?

You

well
It

and

What

you know?
*

concern you?'
yes,'

Concern
(was
it

me,
not)

snapped

Esther.

'

No

you been ask Miss Sarah

questions
until
'

them so make her answer you

all
it

she bawl out

certainly,

of a sudden
is

'

Well,

none

of your

159

The
business,'

Overseas Library
Irene
stiffly,

said

'so

please

to

walk Sarah
talk.'
'

off.

Mother

Bet,
It's

you
talk

make Miss
she want to

talk,

mam.

But,

Lord,'

exclaimed

little

woman
time

who had been

with three
Lord,

standing- for
in

some

plantains
I

her hand, here

all

'good

am

to

stand

de day?
gill

Miss

Sarah,

serve

me

de

three

worth of plantain
ways.
to

and make

me go my

All

of
or

you people

have nothing

do here,

you would not stand up

you.'

and trouble what don't concern

'

What you want ?

'

asked Sarah, almost

shrieking.
'

Do

so

so

three

gills

(twopence
the

farthing)
'

of

plantain,'

replied
I

woman.
a
pig,

And, see
you

here,

after
at

am
for
?

not

what

bawl

me

Serve

me
1

60

Negro Nobodies
the
plantain,
I

say,

and

make

me

go

my
'

ways.'
I

am

not

serving

no

plantain,'

said

Sarah,

grabbing the
held.
'

plantains

which the

woman
all

am

here
is

to

warn you

of the

wrath that

to

come.'

And

she sat
'

down and
thing,'

sighed.
little

Poor

muttered the

woman,

'she must be mad, she must be mad.'

'

She

is

mad,
'

yes,'

said

boy
eye,

misdon't

chievously.

Look

'pon

her

you

see

it

favour

rolling

calf?

They

should take her up and send her home.'

'You,

sir,'

exclaimed Mother Bet,

I

'if

hear you say that word again,

give you
it.'

such a flogging that you never forget

'

But

who

is

he

'

inquired

Esther

Morgan.
'

Is

it

not

Miss

Aitcheson

last

boy
161

The

Overseas Library
Miss
de
Harris,

pickney?' replied
everything,
is,

who knew
thing
quiet

'and

most

hurtful

that
;

his

father

was

such

man

don't

trouble

anybody,

and

he

and Miss Sarah been know

well,

one another

being they
lowering
'

confirm

de

same
she

day.'

Then,

her

voice,

said Bet,

to
for

Mother
true
I

Bet,
true,
it

But

you

know,

and

Sarah eye do look funny.

three

notice

this

days now,

and

to-

day she
'

is

well
is

and
not

excited.'

But she
Bet,
.

mad, mam,' answered

they

Mother
her.
'

'only

keep on teasing

Sarah,'

addressing the prophet,

don't

you

see
?

de
'

creature

is

waiting

for
'

her plantain

For

it

shall

be a time
dignity,

of
'a

woe,'

ob-

served Sarah,

with

time

and

a season of fasting and repentance.'

162

Negro Nobodies
'

But

'

began Mother Bet.

of joy,'

Not a time
a

pursued

Sarah,

'

but

time
4ist

of fasting

and
de

repentance.

In

de

chapter
'

of

book

of

de

prophet Isaiah
'

But
;

done,'

pleaded
love,

Mother
Don't

Bet,

'

done

do

my
mad,

done.

you

hear?'
4

She

is

yes,'

bawled
stall.

the

boy,

and he dodged under the

'Mad?
a
short,
*

No.
slim,

She no mad.'
Coolie

This was

man

whom

they
for

called

Johnson-come-Calcutta.'

'What
Hi,

she

mad?
Sarah,
side

Mad?

No.

salaam,

Miss
cutta
hi
!

salaam.

Johnson-come-Cal-

hi

him

buy good

kellaloo

Give me sixpence wut good kellaloo

!

quick

Sun

hot
or

this

morning,

my
163

bakkara'

('backra'

white

man).

The
Sarah
for

Overseas Library
steadily
at

looked
or

the

Coolie
smiling,

a second

two,

and

then,

handed him the sixpence worth of good

kallaloo.
'

And
akee

'

'

quattie
for

(three said

halfpence)

worth

of
'

me,'

someone

hoarsely.
farth-

And

see here,
'

mam, you make

asked another.

ing worth of

yam ?
us,

'Hi, but serve

a third.
Sarah,

can't you!' exclaimed

however, staring

at

the roof of

the market,
' 7

seemed

to hear

no one.
customer,

Well,

observed
'

the

akee
don't

walking

away,

if

she

mad,

she

favour mad,

and she can keep her damn

akee them.'

Meanwhile
and
the

the

crowd

had

increased,
freely

opinion

was

being

ex-

pressed that Sarah

Hutchinson had gone

164

Negro Nobodies
mad.

Daddy,

who had come

merest

into

the

market

by

the

chance,
as
just

and
he
as

Hooper, who had seen the crowd

passed
the
ately

Binn's

stall,

approached

Coolie

was

leaving.
to
first

Daddy immediinformation,

proceeded

gather
salute
he,
all

but

Hooper must
Johnson,'
fast

Johnson.

'Hi,
is

said

'hi,

man, you
kellaloo.

going very

with

that

Let
'

me
!

see

what you

have

there.

Hi,

yes

The
stop.

Coolie

grinned,

but

would
Irene.
all

not

Hooper then addressed

now,'
this? fresh said
he,

'Well,
what's
all

'what's
gal,

this,
is

Hi,
as

Irene a

you

looking

as

lignum
it.

vitae

blossom

with
is

bee

upon
'

Hi,

yes

What you
'

doing here
she

?
'

See

here,'

replied,

don't

ask

me
165

The
anything,
you.
for

Overseas Library
I

am

not going to answer

there,

See Mother Bet

however,

ask

her.'

Hooper,
ask,
for

had

no occasion

to

Sarah again raised her voice.

'Ye
'

have

betrayed

me,'

she

cried.
is

Ye have

crucified
all,

me,

but

my
all

blood

shed for you

Lord.

all,

all.

So spoke de
ye
I

"Come
are

unto

me
laden,

that
will

labour and

heavy

and
I

give you rest."

horted
ness.

My
called
evil
is

brethren,

have exrighteousto

you before
I

to

walk

in

have
you'

upon you
but

turn

ye

from
?

ways,

have

you

done so

Now
in

de great time coming.

I

You

will

be judged,
de
great

say

you and

will

be

weighed
wanting.'
'Hi,'

balance

found

said

'

Hooper.

Gead,

she

is

giving

us

whole

sermon

and a bene166

Negro Nobodies
diction

as
to

well
tell

hi,

yes!
all

Then she
milk

is

going

us

about
I

and

honey, and

now

that's

what

like.'

But
Tears

Daddy
were
in

was
his

much
as

distressed.

eyes

he

laid

his

hand on Sarah's shoulder.

'

My
pray

daughter/
together,

said

he
not

'

tenderly,

let

us

but
is

now.

Calm
you.

you'self;

de

Lord
;

supporting
all

Have
well.'

patience

indeed,

will

be

Sarah
and,
1

listened

to

him

with
said
:

interest,

when he had
will

finished,

All

be

well,
is

say

you
us.

But

de

Philistine

them
race
is

against

Howsomnor de

ever,

de

not to de
'
!

swift

battle to

de strong

Daddy thought he would

greater
tact.

exercise

even

167

The
'

Overseas Library
he,
'

Miss Hutcheson,' said

pointing
are

to

heap

of

provisions,
there.'

those

fine

yams you have

Sarah smiled.
'

This

long

time

you

never
till

come

to

de market,
come.
you.

Missa Daddy,
I

to-day
to

you
see
last

Well,

am
I

really pleased

You know
Yes,

have

a
it

dream

night?
to

Missa
I

Daddy,
a

has come
shining

pass,

and

saw

great,

light,

and Moses and Abraham and Isaac

Elijah

and

and

Paul

oh,

yes,

oh,

yes

and Peter and de whole of them, Jew and

for

Gentile.

And
us.

get

message
say to

de

whole of

What you
and

that?'

Daddy
ceeded to

did

not

reply,

Sarah pro-

reheap
scattered.

some provisions

which

had been

The crowd had now

1

68

Negro Nobodies
satisfied
its

curiosity,

and

begun

to

dis-

perse.

A
kept

few pressed closer to Sarah to

make
long

purchases,
waiting.

and

they

were

not

Several,

however
Esther

including

Daddy,
Irene
to

Miss

Harris,

Morgan,

Macgregor and HooperBet's

stall,

removed

Mother

where, as
all

Hooper
sermons

suggested,

they
at

could
the

give
time.

upon

Sarah

same
it

Miss Harris spoke

first,

and
a

was while
of
'cool

Mother

Bet

uncorked

bottle

drink' for Daddy.

'You know,
really think a

Bet,'

said

Miss Harris,

'I

woman
a

don't have a natural

constitution

and

mind

for

preaching,

and
Bible

woman
too
it is

them
close,

shouldn't

study
as
is

de
well

whichen,

known,
book.

a very powerful and mysterious

Then,

you

know,

Sarah

mother,

169

The
they
say,
all

Overseas Library
dead
in

been
this

mad-house

and

reading

and preaching

and

de said inheritance from her mother going

to turn her

head

for ever

and

ever, amen.'

'Miss

Bet,'

said

Daddy,

'your
all

cool

drink does
is

you
to

credit,

whichen
de

of us

prepared

pay

you
I

same

com;

pliment.

Miss Harris,
don't
really

agree with you

for

woman
You

make

preaching.

will

remember
other
not
day.

Missa

Blackburn
you,

sermon de
Sarah
is

And, mark

strong

woman.

Then

you
in

must

remember she has grown up

in

de Church, and confirm

she
all

de Church,
all

and
years

has

been

member
Missa

these

de
Pine

way from
and
she

Denbore
to

and

old

accustomed
is

prayer meeting, so her mind

constantly

upon de Gospel without a

rest.'

170

Negro Nobodies
'

Her mind was upon

remarked
something

something
'

else

already,'

Hooper.

Hi,

yes, his
is

but

de

went
in

away with
and that

regiment and died

Africa,

de

first

time Sarah has

such a thing as

a feeling to prophesy.'

'See

here,'

said

Irene,
of.'

'that

is

what

you are always thinking

'

Well,

don't say no,' replied

is,

Hooper.
are talk-

'

De

only thing

of course,

we

ing about Sarah and not about me.'

'

She

don't mad,' protested

Mother

Bet,

'

but she get well excited, being de

is

morn-

ing

really

warm and

they keep on ask

her questions.'
'

She

says

she
that

had
not

dream,'

said
told

Esther.

'Was

what

she

Missa Daddy?'

'Now,

that

is

pure

madness,' observed
171

The
Miss Harris.
to see

Overseas Library
'You think Sarah has eyes
'

a shining light
said
for

'Well,'

Hooper,

'I

don't

know
Missa
myself,

about

that,

she has just seen

Bet,

Daddy,

Mother

Irene
light

and
for

and we are de shining

being of Port Antonio.'
Irene
smiled,
tickled

de time

and
by

even
the

Mother

Bet
but

seemed

compliment,

Daddy thought
'

otherwise.
son,'
i

Charlie,

my
in

said
'

he,

looking

Hooper
running

full

the

face,

you'

tongue
is

is

easy,

but

you'

heart
sport

heavy.
of

Be

careful.

Don't
is

make
an

poor

Sarah.

She
really

really

understanding

woman,

a
will

woman

of faith and truth,

her.'

and de Lord
*

support

Hi, yes,' said Hooper, very solemnly.

Then

hear

say

that

for

de

last

172

Negro Nobodies
three

night

now she
the

can't

sleep
'

at

all/
I

Esther

informed
call

company

and

hear say she

Missa

Blackburn name
sing

and
them.'
'

clap

her

hands

and

hymns

Now,' exclaimed

little

woman, with
'now, that's

a ginger-coloured complexion, de same thing now

people them
tell
;

and

that's

how some
tell

lie.

Mother Barnet

me

say that she hear say Sarah get up at

to

night

receive

spirit
tell all

them.

Then she
when she

clap her hands to

is

de

spirit

ready, then they

'

sing hymns.'
'

But
a

is

that
'

not

pure
spirits

foolishness

said
sing.'
'

girl.

After

them

can't

Sing,
'

of

course,'

declared

another.
'

What you know

about

them ?

Esther would gladly have expressed her

173

The
opinion

Overseas
this

Library
point
'

upon
been
a
fat

particular

had
'

she

not

prevented
little

by

Mistriss

Walters
this

gossip

who, just at

moment,

made

her

way

into

the

centre of the crowd.

'

All of you here

come with

me,' urged

Mistriss

Walters,
'all

almost
of

breathless

with

excitement,

you
;

here

come with
hear

me.

Come
!

quick

come
Miss
'

Miss
'

Hutcheson

My

good

Bet

(turn-

ing to that individual),

poor Sarah can't

. .

be

in

her right senses.

look

Well,

well,

well,
'till

how me an
to

old

somebody

live

this

day

hear

yam and
all
'
!

plaintain
to-

and preaching and praying

gether.

mix up

All of you

come quick

Several of the unkind and curious were

ready

to

move

immediately,

but

Daddy

entreated them not to do so.

174

Negro Nobodies
'

Mistriss Walters

make a

mistake,' said

he,

'whichen she
all

will

confess,

so

will

ask you

very kindly to go your ways.

. .

Don't harrass de poor creature again.

Hireen,

my
for

daughter, show them de way.

will

Miss Bet, Broderick here

kindly

thank you
Esther,

a pan of cool drink.

like

may be Binn would

question.
later.

to
I

ask
will

you

Charlie,

my
if

son,
I

see you

Miss
with

Harris,

will

say

a
so

few
just

words

you

you

please,

take a step this

In
this

side.'

way Daddy soon

taking
across

cleared

the

crowd,
Harris,
Mistriss

and,

the
to

arm

of

Miss
stall.

walked
Walters
the

Sarah's

had

not

exaggerated.

Even

before
to

couple approached close

seen,

enough
jumbling,

be
in

Sarah

was
a

heard
little

manner

not

175

The
humorous,
with
short

Overseas Library
phrases
of
Scripture,
to

familiar

sentences

common

the

market.
*

Comfort

ye,

comfort

ye,'
'

she pursued,

with singular earnestness,

comfort ye,

my

people saith

gal,
sell
it

sell

nothing but dry

yam, and

cheap.
if

And am

Paul said
like

unto Agrippa

Well,

you don't
I

de

yam them
you
.
. .

leave them,
Hi,

not

begging

to

buy any.
Cast
thy

what a thing now.

upon
you
I

bread

de

waters

and

it

shall

return unto

say these

three pieces here for sixpence, those three

there

for

sixpence,
It
is

and

these

two
I

for
tell

threepence.
you.
.

good dry yam,

'

Whosoever

will

The
'

couple drew a

little

nearer.

Missa Daddy/ whispered Miss Harris,

it,

'

what you think of

eh

'

176

Negro Nobodies
'

What
I

think

'

replied
I

Daddy

sadly.
is

'Well,
full,

think and
Harris.
is

see

till

my

heart

Miss

Sarah

whichen

you

know she
alas
!

no

common woman
to

Sarah,

come

this

day

a very sad weakshall

ness.

Howsomever,
?

who
I

question

de ways of de Lord
Harris,
that

am

saying, Miss

you

would

think

de

devil

had no control over a person so long as

de holy Spirit
really

dwell

within

her,

but

we

see

to

de

contrary.

De
for

devil,

we

see,

disturb

Sarah's

mind

her to
devil,

minister no

more against him.

De

always de devil, Miss Harris, wherever you

turn
as
it

was

in

de beginning,

is

now,
'

and ever

shall be,

world without end

'Amen,' said Miss Harris.

'

Whichen

is

de conclusion of de whole
sighed.

matter,' said

Daddy and he

177

The
*

Overseas Library
notwithstanding,'
'

Nevertheless and

ob-

served

Miss

Harris,
for

and
so

asking
bold,

you to
Missa

pardon

me
if
I

being
I

Daddy,
Miss
here

was you

would take home

of

Hutcheson
behind
her
.

instead

standing

up
but

back so

sorrowful,

doing nothing.'

'Whichen

is

a sensible
I

word,'

admitted

Daddy, 'and so
Harris, to
I

thank you kindly, Miss

mind the provisions them while

creature

take

home de poor
Blackburn
to

and see
arrange-

Missa
ments.'

make

de

To

induce

Sarah

to

leave

the

stall,
it

however, was no simple matter.

the
will

Was

of

the

Lord
she

that

she

should

leave

the

stall ?

asked.

And now
would
last

Daddy's
surprised

courteous

firmness

have
Sarah
178

^stranger.

At

Negro Nobodies
seemed
to

see
his

the

kindness
and,

and
taking

the
his

wisdom

of

words,

hand as a
her
father,

child

would take the hand of

'
'

the

prophet

walked

quietly

away.

179

THE SHADOW OF A

SIN

CHAPTER
THE SHADOW OF
"

IX
A SIN

"HE
third
'

heat

that

day

had
I

baked the
emptying

violet

bed,

and

was
it

the
'

pan of water upon

when

old

Mistriss

Pengelly rapped sharply at the

tell

garden gate to
'

me

of her son's arrival.

My

son

come,
'

busha,

my
I

son

come,'
sa,

she cried.

Busha,

Reggie come,

and

he really look handsome, and

well pleased to see him.'
' '

am

indeed

Mistriss

Pengelly, a respectable widow,

had four sons, but of these there was one

only,

fine

young

man,

of

whom

she 183

The

Overseas Library

could justly be proud.

The

other three
their

had tempers and

mother
could

vices,

and although
dearly
that

loved
not see

them
the

so

she

whole

number
it

or the
secret

seriousness of their faults,

that

was no

these

three sons

caused her a good

youngest, Reginald,

deal of anxiety.

The

had the most uncontrollable temper, which

deprived him of work very soon after he

had

obtained

it,

and

which
life.

threatened

entirely to disfigure his

But he had
though
black,

such

kind

heart,

and,

such fine features and such manners, that

he made many friends

'
'

chiefly

among
swells

the
of

young gentlemen
the town.
old

or

common

He was
sober
as

no favourite with the

however,
nor with

and

heads,

such

men

Binn,

Hooper and
intolerable.

Zacche

who

thought

him

When,
184

Negro Nobodies
therefore,

on finding

little

employment
to

in

the town, he determined

see a
all

bit

of

the world,

'

missis queen and

de prince
it

and
likely

pretty

princess

them/
return,
his

and

was
a

he would not
of regret
cried,

there was
friends,

feeling
his

among
but

and

mother

Binn

and

others

expressed their satisfaction

that,
if

and the hope

his

temper did not lead him on

Reginald

to

murder and hanging abroad,

would
quiet,

some
wise

day come

back

to

them a
All
for

and

well-behaved
the

man.

the
his

money and

means necessary

passage in the schooner

Boston,
him.
to
his

Esther Bell,

to
for

mother

and Daddy found

the
to

Indeed,

Daddy persuaded
a
letter

rector

give

Reginald

clergyman
help

in the States

who would
of
need.

surely

him

in

the

hour

Soon
8s

The
after

Overseas Library
sailed,

the

schooner

report

was

mysteriously mouthed about the town that

she

had

foundered,

and
the

the

distress

of
this

Mistriss

Pengelly

at

death
to

of

estimable

son

was

painful

witness.

The
with

arrival

of another schooner, however,

letter

from

Reginald

in

Boston,

soon
few

dispelled

his mother's

fears.

For a
her

months

afterward,

he

wrote

regularly, but these letters told a miserable

tale.

He

could

get
his

no

work and

was

starving.

Could
?

mother lend him a

to
re-

few
turn

shillings

He

would be sure
interest.

them with
mother was money.

love and
at

And
to find

the the

her wit's

end

Still,

she sent him the few

that

shillings,

'and so
son,'

you keep a good

'

boy,
fear

my
de

she dictated,
in

and love and

his

Lord and walk

ways,

no
186

Negro Nobodies
trouble
to

return

de

money, whichen

give you for you'self.'

arrived and
there

Then

three

mails
as

was no

letter,

and,

the postman rapped less at her door,

you

might have seen the old woman, her face

careworn

and

wet
to

with
inquire
letter.

tears,

calling

at

the post office

why

Reginald

had not sent her a

vSpeaking
Mistriss
to

me
at

of

the

distress

of

Pengelly

this

time,

Daddy
with
in

took

the

opportunity
that

to

observe,

fervour,
this

there

was

nothing

world
the

more
the

permanently

beneficial

to

body,

mind
daily,

and
on

the

soul

than
knees,
heart.

prayer

offered

bended
of

from

the

lowest

bottom

the
did

The
allow

Lord,
Mistriss

added

Daddy,
to

not
long,

Pengelly

suffer

having

taken

due

notice

of

her

The
prayers,
for

Overseas Library
she

soon

received
left

tidings
for

of

her

son,

who had
to

Boston

Colon,

there

make a
was

fortune

and a by
a

home.
letter

The
from
in
ill

news

confirmed

Reginald
health

who,
debt.

however,

was
Bet,

and

Mother
(for

learning
had,

of
of

this

fresh

appeal

Reginald
help)
if

course,
to

appealed

for

was

bold

enough
a

remark
he
his

that

Reginald

had

face,

certainly

had no conscience,

and that
fool

mother
help

would
him.

be

great

to

again
that
'

Mother
sick
at

Bet
all,

protested

he

was not

but playing
his to

grand
brother
the

man'
slaved
family,

in
in

Colon, Port

whilst

eldest

Antonio

support

which

was
Bet

burning
supported

shame.
in

And Mother
opinion

was

this

by

many.

But

Mistriss

Pen188

Negro Nobodies
gelly

believed

otherwise.

Poor Reginald
land
so

was

dying

in

strange

strangers,

she
of

pleaded,
several
to

and

among won the

sympathies

people.
relieve

Money
and,
sale

must
for

be

raised

him,

this

purpose,

there

was a great guava

filled

of

Mistriss

Pengelly's

jelly

and

cocoanut cake.
for
'

Zacche

his

stomach
with
'

three
'

days
4

and

three

nights
he,

grater
for

cake,

sutt'nly,'

said

not

de

boy

himself
all

whichen
for

he

is

scamp, as
of
his

we

know, but

de sake
fast

poor

old

mother
taking a
world.'

going
last

to

her grave,
of
this

and

experience

sorrowful

The

money

thus raised was

to

forwarded

without delay,

be returned, Reginald wrote, with more

which
fort his

he

was

going
in

to

make

to

com-

dear mother

her declining days.

189

The
Reginald
couple
of

Overseas Library
remained
in

Colon
which

for

years,

during
little

time

he

made,

but

with
to

success,
for

many

more appeals
during
of

his

family
also

money
a
life

which

time

he

lived

extravagant
of

pleasure
kind.
sure,

and But

acquired
the

vices

a
to

refined

day

dawned,
advised to
ing,

be

when
country.

he

was

leave
all

that

Borrowcould,

therefore,
set
sail

the
for

money he
Jamaica.
his

he

at

night

Before

leaving, however,

he informed
fortune

mother
he

of

certain

small

which

had made and as good as

he was returning home
the few dollars that were
to

lost,

but that her enjoy

let

left.

Reginald

arrived

in

Port

Antonio
in

from

Kingston
to

one

fine

afternoon
of

May,

the

astonishment

Uttock
190

Negro Nobodies
who,
first

hurrying to the
to

Reservoir,
so

was the
is

see

him.

'Hi,

you had

with
to

we
say.

again,'

was

all

Uttock

time

Reginald
striding

next

met
for

Needlecase
Titchfield
his

Phillips

straight

with

pair

of

boots
'

under

arm.
(look

Phillips
'

stopped.
'
!

Well now

coo

'

at)

Reginald

he exclaimed and strode

to

on.

But he took the news with him

Titchfield,

and and

in

ten

minutes
in

Mistriss

Pengelly

the

friends
to

town were
Reginald.

gathered
It

together

welcome
to

was

an afternoon

be

remembered,
as Mistriss

the

pleasure

marred

only,

Pengelly said, by the fact that Reginald's

brothers,
in

working them
were not
an

at

different places

the parish,

there
in

to

receive

him.
cried

After
for

embrace
excitement

which

she

joy,

lent

Mistriss

191

The
Pengelly
the
hill

Overseas Library
to

strength
to

walk

briskly
to

up

the

rector's

door and
she

my
to

garden
the

gate.

Then
she

returned

house

where

found

Reginald

admiring his features

glass

in a

broken looking-

and

commenting
of

on

the
Later,

general

shabbiness
called to
'

the place.

Daddy

welcome
'

his godson.

My
No

son

he began.
old

'

preaching,

man,

hope,'

in-

terposed Reginald.

Daddy was
pained,

surprised

and

not a

little

but
it.

you

would

scarcely

have

known
'

My
see

son,'

said

'

he,

am

indeed glad
tall

to

you.

You

really

grow

and

handsome and you look very

Reginald

well.'

beamed,

and

drew

his

stool

nearer the beadle.

192

Negro Nobodies
'

am

really

glad
he.

to
'

see

you

myself,

Missa Daddy,' said

old,

You have grown

is

but old age, as you know,

is

honour

honour
soul
is

de richness of de soul; and de

precious in de sight of the Lord.'

Pengelly,

Mistriss

putting

supper

on

the table,
In
as
all

straightened herself with pride.

life

her

she
as

had not heard words

these.

eloquent

Daddy,

too,

thought kindly.
'

I
'

am

saying,

Reggie,'

he

remarked,

'

you
Colon,

connection
but

with

de

Church
you'

in

more
prayers,
to

especially

mother

and

our

has

been
I

of

some
well

assistance

you.
that,

Now,
and
I

am
to

thankful
you,

for

hope

see
like

my

son,

an

everlasting
in

credit,

you'

poor dead

father,

this

said

town

of Port Antoney.'

193

The
and
is,

Overseas Library
old

Reginald gripped the

man's

hand,
truth

Daddy

was
too
to

satisfied.

The
and

Daddy was
too
blind

charitable
that

there-

fore

see

Reginald was

a humbug.

The
subject

conversation
of

now

turned

on

the

Reginald's experiences so

abroad,
sensibly

and he spoke
giving
for

modestly
credit,

and

Heaven

like

a Christian,

whatever
that

health
his

and

prosperity

he

had had
again

mother and

embraced
left

him
the

and

again,

Daddy
that

house with the

conviction
finest

Reginald,

was
had

one
ever

of

the

young

men he
did
to

known.
until

Indeed,
following

Daddy
morning

not wait

the

give
to

Michael and
give
aware,

Mary

his

impressions

Mary
had

particularly

who,
a

he
kind
194

was

always

had

Negro Nobodies
feeling
for

Reginald.

If

Daddy
have
that

had
seen

been
that

observant

he
to

would

Mary

listened

him
;

evening
in
fact,

with

unusual

attention
peculiarly

that,

she

seemed
said.

pleased

at

what
called

he
at

The

next
and,

day

Reginald

the cottage,
out,

Daddy and Michael

by
blue

being

was

entertained
in
'

Mary.
suit,

He
wore

was
his

dressed

his
'

best

heavy

gold
to
is

chain
like

and

ring,

and endeavoured
gentleman,
ever,
fellow.

look

a wealthy

He

more
and

handsome than
such
a
nice

thought

Mary,

When Daddy
at

returned

he

found
large

them seated
Bible

the table,

with the
discussing

between

them,
this

the
that

Scriptures.

Now

was a
If
it

sight

pleased
to

the
that

beadle.
this

should

come

pass

new

Reginald,

who

The

Overseas Library
marry
Mary,
lit

was so respectable, should

how happy he would

his

be.

So Daddy
the

pipe

and

smoked,
Reginald
the

and
then

smoke
in-

was

sweet.

became

timate
presents

with

family,

making
with

Mary
much

and
and
he

treating
respect.

Daddy

kindness

With
less

Michael,
for

however, Reginald
him.

was
that

friendly,

fancied

Michael
joy
of

suspected
Mistriss

Meanwhile

the

Pengelly

was

unspeakable.

Robert,

Alexander and

Frederick

had

come
a

to

town

and

given their
Robert,

brother
still

hearty

welcome.
his

who

supported
pride
pride

mother,
family.
:

was no

longer the

of
of

the

Reginald

was

the the
'

the family
face,

Reginald with
the
of

handsome
'

the

ring,

heavy
vices.

gold

chain
is

and

the

score

Reginald

196

good,

Negro Nobodies said his He mother.

to

even

pre-

sumed
evidence

attend

the
piety

Communion which

of

his

Daddy
however,
for

deemed
still

indisputable.

Reginald,
of

showed

that

sort

contempt

straightforwardness

and

that

impertinent

independence which
him,

Binn,

and

men

like

so

disliked.
fine

And
clothes

now

Reginald

displayed his
chain

and watch and

especially
to

on

every

occasion

on

Sundays
that
in

and

in

manner

indicate

he

was the
town.

most

important

person

the

So Binn and Hooper and

their time.

Zacche abided

The
into

intimacy with
courtship,
yet,

Mary

plainly ripened

strangely
as usual,

enough,
to hasten

Daddy took no
the

steps,

marriage.

And now

Zacche,

a keen

observer and logician of a kind,

who saw
197

The
Reginald and

Overseas Library
Mary more
frequently

than

they thought they were seen

Zacche had
convinced

an
that

idea.

In

short,

he

was

Reginald was very carefully planning

to seduce

Mary, and Zacche must, as the

put a spoke in the
villain's

saying

is,

wheel.

Meeting Michael one evening

he asked Michael
tively
'

after service,
tell

if

he could

him

posi-

whether Reginald was courting Mary.

Sutt'nly,'
I

added

'

Zacche,
like

that's
is

what
not to

hear,

but report,

female,
I

be

relied to
is

upon.
tell

Sutt'nly

don't

want
you'

you

me

secret,

but

if

tongue

really loose

well, sutt'nly,

speak

out like a man.'

Michael

replied

that

he believed they
to

were engaged, and attempted

pass on.

But Zacche held him,

thing more to say.

for

he

had some-

198

Negro Nobodies
'Well,
you'

look here,' said he sternly, 'open

eye

and

you'

father
sutt'nly
I

eye,

Michael
say
I

Rutherford,

although
thing

don't

say
is

so.
:

One

have
don't

to say,
live in

and

it

this

a Colon

man

Colon

and wear Colon watch and chain and ring

and
that's

blue suit for nothing.

all.

Well,

sutt'nly

Good-night.'
suspicions

Michael's

were

therefore

strengthened, and although

he had detersilence
in

mined
matter,

to

preserve
the

strict

the

early

following
into
his

morning

he

must

take

Zacche

confidence.

They had

scarcely finished speaking

into

when
and

Hooper walked
hazarded
a

the

tailor

shop

remark that was astonishingly

a propos.
'Hi, Mike, boy,' said he,
first

'let

me
de

be de

to

congratulate

you

upon

new
199

The
arrangement.
class
hi,
hi,

Overseas Library
Reginald getting
!

on

first-

yes
!

Patient

man

ride
'

jackass

yes

Don't you
a

know
man,

that

'You

is

funny

though,'

said

Michael uneasily.
plain

out?

'Why Give me you'

don't you speak

meaning.
'

How

do
'

know what Reginald

is
it

is

doing

That
is

now,'

exclaimed

Hooper

'

that

de very thing.
is

You

don't

know

what

Reginald
that
hi,

doing,
I

and

Reginald
so.

know

yes.
is

tell

you

Wake

up, man,
you'

this

de time.
is

Sleeping with

eye
lie

open
with

just

as

dangerous
shut,
for
in

as

telling

you'
is

eye

you
de

don't

know

what

happening

meantime,' and he smiled.

'

Well,

sutt'nly,'

said
this

'

Zacche,
day,

Michael

eye do open before

and he does

know

a thing or two.

Howsomever, no200

Negro Nobodies
thing

can

be

done
wait.'

now.

Sutt'nly

we

must watch and

It

was therefore
of

agreed that the busievidence

to

ness

securing

condemn
in

Reginald for ever should rest entirely

the hands of the three of them, and that, as

Zacche
wait.

suggested,

they should

watch

and

Further, information obtained by

to
in-

one should be instantly communicated

the other two,

and Zacche, the most

nocent looking, was to be placed in every

position of advantage.

Reginald and Mary were often together.

Seated

beside
front

her
of the
set,

on

the

small

green

lawn

in

fort,

Reginald would

watch the sun

and

tell

Mary, as he

thought poetically,

how

beautiful

was that

love of his which would never

love,

set.

Such
if

he

added

was

heavenly.

Later,

201

The
the weather

Overseas Library
were
fine,

they would launch

pull

Michael's
across

canoe, and

Reginald would
harbour,
still

the
that

eastern

talking

about

love

of
the

his

that

was

so

heavenly.

And

in

same hour Daddy

would,
the
curiously

and

Mistriss

Pengelly
seated
light
in

enough,
little

be

cottage,

the

kerosene

burning steadily and

their old

eyes sparkling with a happiness

that could not be described.

No

rain

had

fallen

that

afternoon

and

the evening
rose
early

was dry and

it

fine.

The moon

and with
north.

a cool, sweet wind

from
turned

the

Reginald
corner

and
shortly

Mary
after

the

church

seven and walked swiftly and happily on

in

the

direction
at

of the

Reservoir.

They

were followed

some distance by Zacche,

the
latter

Hooper and

Michael,

carrying

202

Negro Nobodies
a short, thick, pimento
stick.

When

they

reached the gate that closes the

the

path to

Reservoir,

the

couple

stopped,

and

Reginald
to see
if

turned

round

twice,

evidently

they were being followed.

And
yards

had

not
of

Hooper,
Michael
at

who was a few

and
Zacche,
in

ahead
just

arrived
road,

then

the

bend
seen

the

Reginald must

have

him.

Seeing
the

no

one,

however,

Reginald

opened

gate, left the path

and hurried with Mary

field

across

kind

of

to

spot in

the

wide shadow of a clump of bamboo

Hooper,
cautiously
finding
to

trees.

the

gate

open,

called

Zacche

and

Michael

to

double

up.

The

three

then

separated,

Michael keeping to the clear path which

led
to

the
to

Reservoir,

Zacche
wall

creeping

west

close

stone

and Hooper
203

The
dodging
trees.

Overseas Library
to the

his

way

clump of bamboo
soon
in

Zacche,

however,
time
feet

thinking a

that

he

was

losing

wrong
and ran
a

direction,
after

got on his

again
put

Hooper,

who now

up

hand

to counsel silence.

Slowly they approached

stopping once or twice

the clump, Zacche

to pull

prickle

from

his

heel.

The

breeze

had

freshened,

and

the
to

bamboos
croakchirp

creaked an accompaniment
ing of

the

the toads and

the

piercing

of the water crickets, but

loudest was
right

the

voice

of

the

river

to

the

protest-

ing at the
sently

stiffness

of

the
a
It

stones.

Pre-

there

was

cry

woman's
rose

cry
fell

of agony and

shame.

and

and rose again before Hooper

to

had
then

time

spring

to

the

spot.

And
saw

he

found

Mary sobbing and

Reginald 204

Negro Nobodies
bending over her with
hand.
'

his jacket

in

his

Hi,

Reggie, you
smile.
;

is

here
'

see,'

said

Hooper, with a

Well now,

this is
is,

what

call first-class

de only thing

of

course,

you

is

a worthless fellow, and you

deserve the biggest beating you ever have

in

your

life

hi,

yes,

am

not joking.'
voice,

At

the

sound of

Hooper's

both

Reginald and Mary started, and Reginald,

furious
at
his

small
of

success,

and

from
words,

the

peculiar

sting

Hooper's
it

seized a bit of rock

his

and flung
head.

with

all

strength at
it,

Hooper's

Hooper
:

dodged
'

remarking quickly but coolly

is

And
to

that

first-class

too,

being

you
I

mean
don't

have

game
you,

with

me.

But

agree with
will see.'

Missa

Reggie, as

you

205

The
Then,

Overseas Library
Reginald

before
his

had

time

to

comprehend

meaning,

Hooper struck
in

him

powerful
sent

blow

full

the
to

face,

which
ground.
all
it

Reginald

sprawling

the

Mary, who had

been
to

trembling-

over,

now commenced
this

shriek,

and

was

shrieking

that

summoned

Michael to the scene.

Zacche, too, came

time.
hole,
in

up

panting
into

about
a

this

He
an

had

fallen

muddy hog
to

and was
earlier

unable,

therefore,

put

appearance.

Quickly recovering his breath,

he
'

first

addressed

Mary

to comfort her.

Well, sutt'nly,
his

my

dear,' said he, putting

'

arms
a

tenderly
fright

round

her,
is

you have

had

whichen

what

some
no

female

really

want

but

no

damage,
Sutt'nly

damage, so wipe you' eyes.

is

we

here

now

to protect you.'

206

Negro Nobodies
Michael, speechless with rage,
stick
lifted

his

to

beat

the'

life

out

of

Reginald,

but
'

Hooper held

his arm.
in

You going

put you'self
man,'
so.

perspira' ;

tion for

nothing,
tell

he reasoned
this
is

hi,

yes

you

Now,

it,

we

three will take charge of Missa Reginald,

and Missa Reginald, of course, can

charge
cottage
still

take
to

of

us,
hi,

and

we

is

going

de

now

yes (turning to Reginald,

furious, but

who

saw, from the arrival

of Michael
useless),
hi,

and Zacche, that fighting was

yes,

man, and

you
all

is

going

to

tell

Missa

Daddy
heaven
is

about
are

de
with
of

angel

them from
now,

who

you

whichen

we.

Hi,

yes,

course.'
'

Well,

sutt'nly,'

said

Zacche,
'

who had
sutt'nly

succeeded

in

quieting

Mary,

de
207

The
night
is

Overseas Library
far

dark and we are

from home
case,
all

whichen that may not exactly be de

but
it's

a line from de
nevertheless
I

same

hymn book propose we

this

de

right

about face
sharp.

and

out

of

place sharp,

Only,
finger,

sutt'nly,'

pointing,

with his
'there
is

muddy
a

to a certain spot,

small

hog

hole

over

there,

whichen

you must mind.'

Michael
then

took

Mary's
getting

hand,

and
either
to

Zacche
side

and

Hooper,
the

on

of

Reginald,
the

party

started

walk

across

field.

Before

they had

proceeded many yards, however, Reginald

suddenly
stooped

and

caught

Zacche by
against

the legs, lifting and throwing him

Hooper,
bolted
in

who
the

fell

also.

Reginald

then

opposite direction

and

was

soon out of sight.

208

Negro Nobodies
'

Sutt'nly,'

said

Zacche,

rising
is

and

wiping his mouth, 'that

'

man

hell.'
'

Well,
is

yes,' also,

assented

Hooper,
is

but

we

hell

de only thing

we give

him a chance

to

make

his escape.'

'Ah,' sobbed
don't

Mary, 'don't disturb him,

him.

disturb

Oh,

have
.

pity
.

on

me, pity

me and

leave him.

He
this
I

promised to take
said

me

for

a walk to
lovely,

place

that

was indeed

and

would be so happy with him

there,
I

he

said.
?

Did

doubt him

Oh, could

doubt him
?

Was

he not

really a
is

handsome man
for
.

Oh,
it

what a thing
can
deceive

love,
.

now

know

you.

Then, suddenly,
oh,

he held me, he kissed me, he

God,

what
It

shall

do
so.

For
I

am

indeed ruined.
lost.

must be

am

lost,

lost,
I

Oh,

Michael, Michael, what

am

to tell father?'

209

The
'Well,

Overseas Library
distress
'

don't
kindly,

you'self,'

said

Zacche

no damage, no damage,
all

my
I

dear

whichen we

hope.

Sutt'nly

watch him and come to de conclusion

he

that

was

not
this

to

be

trusted.

We
made
to

watched him

very evening and

an arrangement
pass that

whichen
right
life

it

has come

we was

and de fellow get

is

a surprise.
being
next,

Sutt'nly

a funny thing,
to

you

don't

know

what
is

expect

and de cleverest man

that
his

de

man who
his

know
and

God Almighty
eye

put
his

sense
for

two

them
one.'

in

head

more purpose than

On
Daddy
Bet.

their

way

to

the
a

cottage they
visit

met

returning from

to

Mother
lost in

The

old

man

seemed
he
heard
his

thought,
half-stifled

and,
sobs,

when
he

Mary's
to
his

put

hand

210

Negro Nobodies
head and
lost

stared

at

them as
truth
is,

if

he

had

his senses.

The

Daddy had
time of the

that night learnt for the true

first

character
still

of

Reginald

Pengelly,

and

was
he

puzzling over the course of action

should

pursue

when
Mary's

the

party

apthe

proached.
expressions

Then
on

sobs
of

and
her
his

the

faces

comworst

panions

so

rudely
that

confirmed
suffered

suspicions,

he

terrible
fallen

shock.

Indeed

he

would

have

had not Hooper supported him.

And

it

was

not

until

some

minutes
to

afterwards,

when
Zacche,

he

appeared
with
to

be

calmer,

that

great

tact

and
idea

delicacy,

ventured

give

him

an

of

what

had happened.

About

twelve

o'clock

that
asleep,

night,

when

the

town

was

sound

and
211

The
the

Overseas Library
shining
in

moon,
a

cloudless
like

sky, silken

spread
sheet,

soft,

clear

light,
;

a the

upon

the

land
the

while
trees,

wind
Nature

blew gently upon

herself

and

seemed

in

a beautiful dream, there

wandered,

ghostlike,

upon

Titchfield

Hill,

two

figures.

The

one, sighing, was Mistriss

I

Pengelly.

The

other

need not name.

THE END

212
Colston

&

Coy. Limited, Printers, Edinburgh.

n
23
I*

PR

5029 M78NM 1899

C.I

ROBA