"
IX. IN THE ROLE OF A TARTAR
A CHARLESTON negro who was in Atlanta on the Fourth of July made
a mistake. He saw Uncle Remus edging his way through the crowd,
and thought he knew him.
"Howdy, Daddy Ben?" the stranger exclaimed. "I tink I nubber see
you no mo'. Wey you gwan? He hot fer true, ain't he?"
"Daddy who?" asked Uncle Remus, straightening himself up with
dignity. "W'ich?"
"I know you in Char'son, an' den in Sewanny. I spec I dun grow
away from 'membrance."
"You knowed me in Charlstun, and den in Savanny?"
"He been long time, ain't he, Daddy Ben?"
"Dat's w'at's a pesterin' un me. How much you reckon you know'd
me?"
"He good while pas'; when I wer' pickaninny. He long time ago.
Wey you gwan, Daddy Ben?"
"W'at does you season your recollection wid fer ter make it hol'
on so?" inquired the old man.
"I dunno. He stick hese'f. I see you comin' 'long 'n I say 'Dey
Daddy Ben.' I tink I see you no mo', an' I shaky you by de han'.
Wey you gwan? Dey no place yer wey we git wine?"
Uncle Remus stared at the strange darkey curiously for a moment,
and then he seized him by the arm.
"Come yer, son, whar dey ain't no folks an' lemme drap some
Jawjy 'intment in dem years er yone.
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