MRS. LEWIS Deed Godknows you better not lay de weight of yo' hand on me, Lum. Here you ain't dry behind de ears yert and come telling me what to do. Gwan way from here before I kick yo' clothes up round you' neck like a horse collar.
(Lum goes on back and takes his seat beside the prisoner.)
CLARKE (glaring ferociously) This court is set and I'm bound to have some order or else. (The talking ceases. Absolute quiet)
CLARKE Now less git down to business. We got folks in dis town dat's just like a snake in de grass.
SISTER BOGER Brother Mayor! We ain't got no business going into no trial nor northin' else 'thout a word of prayer—to be sure de right spirit is wid us.
VOICE ON METHODIST SIDE Thass right,—Elder Simms, give us a word of prayer. (He rises hurriedly.)
VOICE ON BAPTIST SIDE This is a Baptist Church and de pastor is settin' right here—how come he can't pray in his own church?
VOICE ON METHODIST SIDE Y'all done started all dis mess—how you going to git de right spirit here? Go head, Rev. Simms.
VOICE ON BAPTIST SIDE
He can't pray over me. Dis Church says one Lord, one faith, one
Baptism—and a man that ain't never been baptised atall ain't got no
business praying over nobody.
CLARKE (rapping with gavel) Less sing! Somebody raise a tune.