That smile sent the cold shivers up Pap’s spine, and made the hair bristle and crinkle with terror on the back of his neck. He had had dealings with Marse Tom before, and he knew that Marse Tom had no patience with a crooked, tricky nigger.
“My Gawd!” Pap sighed. “Dat white man is gwine hang me shore!”
Gaitskill pulled out a heavy purse, laid two yellow-backed bills on the table in front of the constable, and said:
“There’s your pay, Bob. Much obliged for bringing my nigger back. I guess you want to run around town a little before you go back.”
Bob grinned his appreciation, pocketed his money, and strode out.
Gaitskill looked at Pap Curtain and broke out in a loud laugh.
Great tears rolled down Pap Curtain’s face and splashed upon the hands folded in his lap, but Gaitskill took no notice.
“Now, Pap,” Gaitskill grinned, “that was a great stunt you pulled off on me. What do you think I ought to do to you for it?”
“Dunno, boss,” the negro quavered, leaning over and resting his teary face upon his hands.
“How many of those niggers did you get?”