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34

You can’t stay here, Ben; you know that as well as I do. I signed the warrant for your arrest myself. It ’s been over a year since the Grand Jury indicted you for arson.

You mean you ’ll give me up?

You won’t do that, Judge; you ’re here as her friend.

No, but if it ’s known he ’s here, I could n’t save him, and it ’s bound to be known.

(to Ben)

Were you careful coming?

Yes.

It ’s bound to be known.

He means they ’ll tell on me. (He nods his head toward door) My brother, or my sisters.

No, I don’t think they ’d do that.

Let ’em! What do I care. I ’m sick of hiding out, half starved! Let ’em do what they please. All I know is one thing,—when they put her into her grave her sons and daughters are goin’ to be standin’ there, like the Jordans always do.

(quietly)

Hannah will have your room ready by now. There are some clean shirts and things that was your father’s; I ’ll bring them to you.