Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/166

152 rich men, an’ the chief captains, an’ the mighty men hid theirselves in the dens an’ in the rocks o’ the mountains; an’ said to the rocks an’ the mountains, fall on us an’ hide us from the face o” Him [He has gradually worked himself up to an emotional singsong like that of the old-fashioned mountain preacher. and  ''have been swaying rhythmically in tune with his voice. They now join in shouting “Halleluyah!” “Amen!” “Blessed be His Name!” etc. Inspired by this, he continues with increasing fervor, losing all control of himself'']—that sitteth on the throne—ah! An’ from the wrath o’ the Lamb—ah! Fer the gr-r-r-eat day o’ His wrath has come—ah!

Whoa, ole hoss, er you’ll bust your bellyband! When I tell my religious experience I won’t have to stop to suck wind! I’ll spit it out quick!

[Shakes his finger at impressively]

If you’d seen what I’ve seen an’ hyeard what I’ve hyeard your tongue ’ld cleave to the roof o’ your mouth! Woe unto the covenant breaker, fer

No, Rufe! You cain’t come that on me! Oath er no oath, my tongue won’t cleave wuth a dam! It’s loose