With a smile of greatest indulgence he replied, "You know, Miss Patience, I'd do anything to oblige you, but my duty, my duty, madam, is my first consideration, and even for you I must refuse to do anything contrary to my duty."
"Tell me," I said, "of what he is convicted and what is the sentence?"
"He is convicted of cursing and creating a disturbance within fifty yards of the public highway, and the sentence is thirty days' work on the chain gang or a fine of fifty dollars."
"Mr. Haman, you must sign that release until the distance is measured. I know that it is more than fifty yards from the road to Bill's house, and until that distance is measured his committal to the gang is illegal. Elihu is a hard working, docile, respectable negro. If I wanted anything hard done to-night such as to send by land or water ten miles Elihu is the man I could call upon, knowing he would not refuse. If I had occasion to drive forty miles this night through the darkness, Elihu is a man I could trust to take me safely through the darkness and do it cheerfully. And you think I will see him put on the chain gang illegally? You don't know me, Mr. Haman."
He listened as if he did not hear, so determined was he not to yield and so accustomed to shake the law at people.
He said he would get the book and read me the section, but I said that was unnecessary, I knew the law; the point was whether this case was within the legal distance. Darkness was coming and I was making no headway. At last I said:—
"If I were to sign a note for fifty dollars would you give me the order for his release?"
"Oh, yes, Miss Patience, if you pay the money that'll be all right."
"Very well; bring me ink, pen, and paper and I will sign." He went in and returned very quickly with pen, ink, and a check. I had not meant to sign a check, but a note; however, I signed it in ink and then asked for a pencil and on the back wrote, "Not to be presented until distance is measured." He seized the check with delight; when he turned it over and saw the writing on the back his face changed.
"Now," I said, "will you give me the order for Elihu's release?"