“Us will hab a entirely diffunt show tomorrer night, my frien’s,” Deo announced when the noise and excitement subsided. “I is knowed all over de worl’ an’ in Yurope as de Monarch of de Manacle. I’s de only real nigger Handcuff King in dis country. Tomorrer night I’s gwine hab eve’y kind of handcuff whut is used by de sheriffs an’ policemens of dis country an’ furin parts, and I’ll let you handcuff me up any way you please, an’ ef I don’t git loose in five minutes I’ll gib you twenty-five dollars reward. Fetch all de handcuffs you is got aroun’ de house an’ watch de Handcuff King pufform!”
“I’ll git dat reward-bill!” Skeeter Butts squealed.
“All right, pardner!” Deo laughed. “Do yo’ durndest! Good-night!”
While the people were leaving Skeeter Butts climbed back upon the stage and confronted Tella Tandy.
“Is you married to dis Deo Diddle, Tella?” he asked earnestly.
“Suttinly,” Tella laughed. “Ain’t Deo a wonder?”
“Whut you mean by makin’ a fool outen me?” Skeeter demanded.
“Don’t pick no fuss wid me, Skeeter!” Tella said. “Dis is a free country an’ you made love at me wid yo’ own mind. I couldn’t he’p it ef you handed me yo’ heart tied up in a paper-sack.”
Skeeter glared at her a moment, then turned and started away.
“I don’t bear you no grudge fer dem lovin’ words, Skeeter,” Tella snickered.