Page:The leopard's spots - a romance of the white man's burden-1865-1900 (IA leopardsspotsrom00dixo).pdf/127

 "Nuffin. Des stan up dar befo' er man wid big whiskers en he make me swar ter export de Constertution er de Nunited States er Nor'f Calliny."

When Nelse appeared Perkins looked at him a moment and asked,

"Are you a member of the Union League?"

"Dat I hain't."

"Then stand aside and let these men register. If you want to vote you had better join."

Nelse made no reply, but in a short time he returned with the Rev. John Durham by his side. He was allowed to register, but from that day he was a marked man among his race.

When the registration closed Perkins was in high glee.

"We've got 'em, Timothy! It's a dead sure thing!" he cried as he slipped his arm around Tim's shoulder.

"Will the majority be big?" asked Tim.

"If it ain't big enough we'll disfranchise more aristocrats and enfranchise the dogs." Tim wondered whether this proposition was altogether flattering.

During the progress of the campaign, a committee from the organisation of the "truly loyal," Ezra Perkins and Dave Haley, called on Tom Camp.

"Mr. Camp, we want your help as a leader among the poor white people to save the country from these rebel aristocrats who have ruined it," said Ezra.

"You're barkin' up the wrong tree!" answered Tom dryly.

"The poor men have got to stand together now and get their rights."

"Well if I've got to stand with niggers, have 'em hug me and blow their breath in my face, as you fellers are doin', you can count me out!—and if that's all you want with me, you'll find the door open."

Haley tried his hand.