Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/66

52 licker on me! But drive on, Rufe! Dam’ it all, I’m free, white, an’ twenty-one!

[He goes upstairs. hangs back.  goes to the door and looks out.]

[Insinuatingly]

I meant fer you to sample it too, Sid!

[Intent on the door]

Much obliged. You an’ Andy go ahead. I’ll go out an’ see what Jude wants.

[With venom behind the jest]

I know what’s the matter ’ith you! Now ’at you know Jude’s got religion, you want her to think you’re sproutin’ wings!

[Surprised, turns and looks at him]

Have you staked out any grounds fer objectin’ to what she thinks about me?

Why, Sid, you didn’t take me serious, did you? She’s all free country as fur as I’m concerned! I wus only jokin’!