Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/89

 dat sets in de seat er de scornful! Is ye ready ter repent an' sin no mo?"

Isaac approached her threateningly and Alfred, watching with bulging eyes, clutched the stick he had picked up.

"Tech me if ye dare—I bus' yo head open wid dis flat-iron!"

Isaac knew his duty now and determined to perform it without further ceremony. The anointed of the Lord had been threatened by the ungodly. He drew a seasoned hickory withe from a crack where he had hidden it and approached his sceptical spouse.

Aunt Julie Ann began to whimper.

"Put down dat flat-iron!" he sternly commanded.

Alfred peering through the keyhole gasped in amazement as he saw her drop the iron heavily on the floor.

Isaac raised his switch and began to whip her. Around and around she flew screaming, begging, pleading for mercy. But Isaac continued to lay on steadily.

Alfred tried to rise and rush to the rescue but somehow he couldn't move. To his own surprise the performance fascinated him. He sat peering with satisfaction.

"Dat's paying her back now fur leavin' me fer