s in general.
But they soon quieted down, and waited the "final day." The Colonel
feeling assured that this article in the Negro Journal would be the
means of driving all lukewarm whites into line, leisurely strolled on
this particular day toward the office of Mr. Gideon.

"Why, good morning, Colonel!" said Mr. Gideon, arising from his desk and
extending his hand toward the Colonel who strode noiselessly across the
large office and gently tapped him upon the shoulder. The Colonel sank
into a chair, and opening the little sheet which he had drawn from his
coat pocket, laid it on the desk before Mr. Gideon.

"Now, is it not time for white men to act?"

Mr. Gideon made no answer, but fastened his eyes upon the paper before
him. The Colonel continued, "We have taken care of the Negro, paid his
taxes, educated his children, tried to show to him that we were more
interested in his well-being than the Yankee Radical Carpet-bagger he
has chosen to follow; but he has persistently disregarded us, unheeded
our advice, rode rough shod over us, and fretted us until patience is no
longer a virtue. The Negro has reached the end of his rope. Emboldened
by successful domination, and the long suffering of the white people of
this community, this nigger has made an unpardonable attack upon our
white women. Now, Gideon, if this article is not sufficient to stimulate
you to join in with your brethren in driving the ungrateful nigger out
of Wilmington and inducing white labor into it, you are not true to your
race."

Mr. Gideon turned in his chair and faced the Colonel, "I have
previously read the article," he answered slowly "I have read also
with--I must say--considerable disgust, the letters on the Negro
question from the pen of Mrs. Fells, of Georgia, and the editorials of
Kingston upon the subject; and to tell you the truth, Colonel, I must
commend the boy for his courage; he was simply defending his race
against the attack."

The Colonel jumped to his feet; "In the name of God, Gideon, do you
believe that a nigger should answer a white man back?"

"Under certain circumstances, Colonel, I do. Mrs. Fells style is
extremely brazen, and can we expect to harp with impunity upon the
shortcomings of the Negro? Let us blame the right persons; those whose
uncalled for assaults provoked the issuing of the article. But that's a
small matter just at this time. I have refrained from entering into the
scheme of driving out Negroes, because I