But the party was not to move. A pleasant odor of freshly frying ham and of baking johnny-cake filled the air.
“I ain’t had no food yet to-day,” whined Black Smith. “I can’t go too long without food.”
“Well, then, eat,” grumbled Sheldon, who, while he scolded, commanded Jinny to bring him his own breakfast.
Jinny brought him not only his breakfast, but advice as well.
“You have no right to persecute these young people,” said she. “Vengeance is prepared for you; it were well to meet it with deeds of goodness. Let ’em go.”
Her husband silenced her with his usual command.
“I ain’t goin’ to shet up,” persisted Jinny. “An’ you can’t make me shet up. I’ve stood by ye, but I won’t stand by ye no longer. We were benighted, but we have seen the light. Light is bein’ let into all sorts o’ dark places these days.”
“Shet up, Jinny,” commanded Sheldon once more. “Ain’t a man to eat his vittles in peace?”
“No,” said Jinny, “he ain’t! Keep on an’ them police in black clothes’ll git ye soon enough, an’ then ye can eat in the peace o’ prison.”
Sheldon rose brushing the plate of food from his knee.