Judge March rode slowly toward Suez. John rode beside him. In a moment
the Judge halted again, lifted his head, and listened. A long cheer
floated to them, attenuated by the distance.

"I thought it was a charge, but I reckon it's on'y a meet'n of ow people
in the square." He glanced at his son, who was listening, ashy pale.

"Son, we ain't goin' into town. I'm going, but you needn't. You can ride
back a piece an' wait faw me; aw faw further news which'll show you what
to do. On'y don't in any case come into town. This ain't yo' fight, son,
an' you no need to get mixed in with it. You hear, son?"

"I"--the lad tried twice before he could speak--"I want to go with you."

"Why, no, son, you no need to go. You ain't fitt'n' to go. Yo' too
young. You a-trembling now fum head to foot. Ain't you got a chill?"

"N-no, sir." The boy shivered visibly. "I've got a pain in my side, but
it don't--don't hurt. I want to go with you."

"But, son, there's goin' to be fight'n'. I'm goin' to try to p'vent it,
but I shan't be able to. Why, if you was to get hurt, who'd eveh tell
yo' po' deah mother? I couldn't. I jest couldn't! You betteh go 'long
home, son."

"I c-c-can't do it, father."

"Why, air you that sick, son?"

"No, sir, but I don't feel well enough to go
home--Father--I--I--t-t-told--I told--an awful lie, one time, about you,
and----"

"Why, son!"

"Yes, sir. I've been tryin' for seven years to--k--own up, and----"

"Sev--O Law, son, I don't believe you eveh done it at all. You neveh so
much as told a fib in yo' life. You jest imagine you done it."

"Yes, I have father, often. I can't explain now, but please lemme go
with you."

"Why, son, I jest can't. Lawd knows I would if I could."

"Yes, you can, father, I won't be in the way. And I won't be af-raid.
You don't think I would eveh be a-scared of a nigger, do you? But if the
niggers should kill you, and me not there, I wouldn't ever be any
account no more! I haven't ever been any yet, but I will be, father, if
you'll----"

Three pistol shots came from the town, and two townward-bound horsemen
broke their trot and passed at a gallop. "Come on, Judge," laughed one.

"I declare, son, I don't know what _toe_ do. You betteh go 'long back."

"Oh, father, don't send me back! Lemme go 'long with you. Please don't
send me back! I couldn't go. I'd just haf to turn round again an' follow
you. Lemme go with you, father. I want to go 'long with you. Oh--thank
you, sir