“Naw, suh, kunnel,” Tick interrupted with emphasis. “I’s gwine git dat job ef I’s got to mess up wid all de mattermony ladies in dis town. I needs dat job.”
“Go as far as you like,” Gaitskill smiled. “You can’t make me mad. If you get into trouble I’ll help you all I can, and I am sure the judge will give you the benefit of his legal knowledge and experience.”
“Will you-alls really he’p me, Marse Tom?” Tick asked eagerly.
Gaitskill did not know that his jesting words were being taken seriously. So his answer to Tick’s eager question was unfortunate. It had the effect of turning Tick loose on the community, feeling that he could do anything with impunity because the colonel and the judge were with him.
“Certainly,” Gaitskill said. “We’ll be glad to help you.”
“Could you begin he’pin’ by loantin’ me five dollars?” Tick asked diffidently.
“Give it to him!” Lanark exploded. “War munitions—campaign expenses!”
Tick turned away with the money in his pocket and exultation in his heart. With two great men to back his enterprises, he was sure he could accomplish great things. Whatever the risks, he would be perfectly safe. Even if he got into jail, the judge would help him out again.
“I’ll mess wid mattermony, all right!” he chuckled. “It’s de kunnel’s awders!”