Carrie began to climb the stairs slowly. Her big mouth gaped in a grin. “Go on back,” she said. “I’m comin’
to talk to you. Look what I’ve got for you.”
Sadie saw she was holding a thin length of whalebone in her hand. She caught her breath and turned to run up the stairs. A powerfully built negro was standing at the head of the stairs, blocking her escape. He grinned at her; his thick lips seemed to split his face in half.
Paralysed with terror, Sadie turned again. Carrie was right on her. She said, “Go to your room.”
Sadie suddenly clutched her head between her hands and began to scream. Her screams resounded against the walls.
The negro ran down the few stairs and grabbed her. She nearly went mad with terror as his great damp hands closed on her.
“Get her upstairsquick!” Carrie said angrily. “She’ll disturb my people.”
The negro, grinning broadly, carried Sadie up the stairs. Her arms and legs banged against the sides of the wall as he carried her. She twisted and struggled frantically, but the grip round her arms and thighs was immovable. She continued to scream until she heard the door shut with a thud, and then she went limp.
Carrie said, “She doesn’t know anythin’ yet. Put her on the bed, Joe.”
The negro lowered her on to the bed and stood away. His face beamed. Sadie half lay, half crouched, looking at Carrie.