“I will tell you a Bible story,” again suggested his aunt, “I will tell you about—”
“I don' want to hear no Bible story, neither,” he objected, “I wants to hear Uncle Jimmy-Jawed Jup'ter play his 'corjun an' sing:
“'Rabbit up the gum tree, Coon is in the holler
Wake, snake; Juney-Bug stole a half a dollar.”'
“I'll sing you a hymn,” said Miss Minerva patiently.
“I don' want to hear you sing no hymn,” said Billy impolitely. “I wants to see Sanctified Sophy shout.”
As his aunt could think of no substitute with which to tempt him in lieu of Sanctified Sophy's shouting, she remained silent.
“An' I wants Wilkes Booth Lincoln to dance a clog,” persisted her nephew.
Miss Minerva still remained silent. She felt unable to cope with the situation till she had adjusted her thoughts and made her plans.
Presently Billy, looking at her shrewdly, said:
“Gimme my rabbit foot, Aunt Minerva, an' I'll go right off to sleep.”