This was old Uncle Mose, who looked solemn enough for a funeral when I asked him how things were going.
"I declar'," he said, "I got ter be mo' keerful in future—I sho' has!"
"What's the trouble now?" I asked.
"Well, suh, I whirled in en prayed fer rain dese two hours en a half, en bless de Lawd, dey come along a regular deluge, dat mighty nigh drown de bes' mule I had. Prov'dence am so partial ter me, dat I'se got ter be mo' keerful about overdoin' things, you see."
Uncle Mose had a son who, being a barber, puts on considerable style at times.
I'd seen him look like a howling swell.
One day, down at the post office, while waiting for the mail to be distributed, I saw this Adolphus saunter in.
Another young gamecock rubbed elbows with him.
"Hullo, 'Dolphus, you'se ain't been a wearin' dem fine patent-leather shoes ob yours no mo'. What am de matter?" I heard him ask.