Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/39

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He’s right, Meg. I might ha’ knowed this ’ld happen. [He goes toward with a malicious expression] But I’m a-goin’ to tell you sompen fer your own good, Matt. God so loved the world that he give His only begotten Son to die so ’at everybody ’at wanted to might be saved. But you’ve never took advantage o’ His offer. I cain’t understand that in a close trader like you, Matt. If the offer o’ free salvation ’us a box o’ free terbacker fer the store you’d never let it git by. [ makes an angry move. backs away.] Understand, I’m a-sayin’ this in a true Christian sperit—fer your own good. The Scripture says to love our enemies an’ do good to them that despitefully uses us.

Dadburn you, I don’t want you a-lovin’ me, ner doin’ good to me, nuther!

I know you don’t, Matt. But I cain’t help it—an’ you cain’t, neither! That’s one thing you ain’t the boss of!

[Menacingly]

Go on up an’ pack your duds an’ git out o’ here!