Page:Nigger Heaven (1926).pdf/259



Here's Ran, Danny came up to announce. Looking towards the entrance Byron saw the Bolito King, imposing with his gold cane and silk hat. He was accompanied by a girl. Waving his hand at Lasca, he escorted his companion to a table in the far end of the room, and then walked towards them.

How you been, Mrs. Sartoris? he demanded, nodding casually at the same time in Byron's general direction.

Fine, Rannie. Sit down. Who's the skirt?

Oh, dat's jes' little Ruby. Nobody you know.

Better be-have, Ran.

Oh, Ah's one o' duh best be-havers 'roun' dis place.

A shriek interrupted them. Instinctively they turned to see what was happening. A yellow girl at a table nearby had risen and stood facing another woman seated with two men.

Ah'll turn yo' damper down! she screamed.

Ah'll cut you every way but loose! the other retorted.

Lemme miss you.

Run 'roun' duh block an' git yo'self some air.

At this precise juncture, the man sitting on the outside of the table jumped up and hurled a glass full of whiskey with unsteady aim. It shivered