“Masse John done send you to de post office two hours ago,” said Mandy, as she took the letters and papers from his hand. “Five minutes is plenty ob time for any nigger to do dat job.”
“I done been detained,” Hasty drawled.
“You'se always 'tained when dar's any work a-goin' on,” Mandy snapped at him.
“Whar's Miss Polly?” Hasty asked, ignoring Mandy's reference to work.
“Nebber you mind 'bout Miss Polly. She don't want you. Jes' you done fetch that step-ladder into de Sunday-school-room.”
“But I wants her,” Hasty insisted. “I'se been on very 'ticular business what she ought to know 'bout.”
“Business?” she repeated. “What kind ob business?”
“I got to fix de Sunday-school-room,” said Hasty, as he perceived her growing curiosity.
“You come heah, nigger!” Mandy called, determined that none of the village doings should escape her. “Out wid it!”
“Well, it's 'bout de circus,” Hasty answered? seating himself again on the box. “Dey's showin' in Wakefield to-night, and next month dey's comin' here.”