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 out in Catfish Row, except for a shaft of firelight that fell across the dark from Serena's room, and a faint flicker in the cook- shop, where Maria was getting her fire laid in readiness for the early breakfast.

A cry sounded in the court, which was quickly muffled; then followed low, insolent laughter.

Maria was at her door instantly. Across the court, a man could be seen for one moment, seated on Serena's wash-bench; then behind him the door closed with a bang, shutting off the shaft of firelight.

Maria crossed the court, and when she had reached the man's side he looked up. The moonlight fell upon his face. It was Crown.

"What yuh doin' hyuh?" she asked him.

"Jus' droppin' in on a few ole frien'."

"Come tuh de shop," she commanded. "I gots tuh hab talk wid yuh."

He arose obediently, and followed her.

Maria turned up the lamp and faced about as Crown entered the room. He had to bend his head to pass under the lintel, and his shoulders brushed the sides of the opening.

The big negress stood for a long moment looking at him. Her gaze took in the straight legs with their springing thighs straining the fabric of the cotton pants, the