is word. But it's at the Cotton Press that the
dance of death was to really begin, where hundreds of unsuspecting men
are at work. The fire and the cannon shot are only a ruse to entice them
out to be shot down. They must be warned! I must warn them!" She hastily
dressed herself, locked her cottage and hurried away. Down Bladen street
she hastened, turned into Fourth and across Bony bridge. At the corner
of Campbell street she came upon a large body of armed men who were
parleying with a negro who was making a futile protest against being
searched. More than half a dozen of them thrust pistols into the
helpless and frightened man's face, while two others rifled his pockets
for firearms. All this Molly took in at a glance, as she hurried down
Campbell street toward the press. At the corner of Third street she
encountered five white boys, mere lads, who were proceeding up Campbell
street. "Halt!" cried they all in one voice, and five pistols were
thrust into her face. Molly paused, but with no show of embarrassment or
dismay. "Come, hol up your hans!" commanded one of them, advancing a
step nearer. "Hol on, fellers, we're not to search white ladies," said
another, lowering his pistol, and attempting to push the others aside.
"O, she's no lady; she's er nigger; I know her," returned the lad who
gave the command. "Search her! tear her clothes from her! All er these
nigger women are armed." The boy raised his hand to seize Molly, but was
not quick enough. Molly stepped back; a quick raise of her foot sent the
boy sprawling into the gutter. This completely demoralized his
companions, who broke and ran. A gang of men coming up Third street
inspired the boys to renew the attack upon the woman, who was hurrying
on her way. "Nigger," cried the boy, raising himself up and scrambling
from the gutter into which Molly's well-aimed kick had sent him. The men
ran and overtook Molly, spread themselves across the sidewalk in front
of her. "Will I never be permitted to reach the press?" she murmured to
herself. "You've got ter be searched, ole gal," said one of the men,
with a mocking smile of triumph in his face, "an' you jes' es well let
these boys go through them duds er your'n an' have done with it. Come
now, hands up!" and they all glared like hungry wolves at the woman, who
stood apparently unmoved. Molly drew herself up to her full height.
"Cowards!" she shrieked. "Not satisfied at the cutting off of every
means of defense from the b