"
Jim spoke for the first time. He had stood with folded arms, and
sometimes his lips moved as if he were muttering a prayer. And now his
voice was as solemn as a benediction: "The poor Ethiopian was lead down
into the waters of forgiveness and baptized. In the sight of the Savior
the color of his skin had not made him a sinner. About the weak and the
wretched the gospel threw its protecting arm, and to-night it is here
to do the same. I represent the gospel, and as the gospel, I ask you to
liberate that man."
"Hah, preacher," replied Sanderson. "And what if I don't pay no
attention to the gospel?"
And Jim's voice was deep and solemn when he answered: "Then Jim
Starbuck, the man, will mash your head and throw you out into the road
where your dog is lying."
Old Jasper slapped himself and laughed, but there were tears in his
eyes. "Thar won't be no necessity for that, Jim. You know my appetite
ain't been right good lately--I've needed exercise, and the sort of
exercise I need, this here man is goin' to help me to take.
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