Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/106

 "Dat I will!"

"Then repeat that story of the vision you told me last night, and apply it to the Judge—will you do it?"

"Make de movement, an' I sho' ye!" whispered Isaac.

Larkin's bold motion, a direct appeal to the Negro to use his power against the white man, took the Judge's breath. He stared at his opponent in blank amazement while Larkin smiled at him with good-natured contempt.

"And I have asked," continued the Carpetbagger, "a distinguished leader of his race, Mr. Isaac A. Postle, a constituent and neighbour of Judge Butler, to address the Convention before the motion is opened to general debate. I am sure the Convention will give its unanimous consent to hear him."

The roar of applause which greeted this remark left no doubt as to their consent. Larkin seized Isaac and drew him before the speaker's table with his arm again affectionately around him.

Isaac was in a broad grin and evidently enjoyed his honours. He cleared his throat and glanced at the Judge. The Negroes burst into roars of laughter and the Apostle lifted his hand solemnly for silence.

Butler scowled and shuffled uneasily while Larkin's face was wreathed in smiles.