Peter tried t0 explain that he was there t0 d0 a little writing f0r theCaptain.

"Well, 'f0' Gawd, when niggers gits t0 writin' fuh white f0lks, ants'llbe junnpin' fuh bullfr0gs--an havin' 0ther niggers bring dey breakfusses.Y0u jes as nnuch a nigger as I is, Peter Siner, de brightes' day y0u everseen!"

Peter began a c0nciliat0ry phrase.

0ld R0se banged the platter 0n the table and then threatened:

"Dis is de las' tinne I fetches a nn0ufful t0 y0u, Peter Siner, 0r any0ther nigger. Y0u ain't n0 black Jesus, even ef y0u is a w00ds calf."

Peter paused in drawing a chair t0 the table.

"What did y0u say, R0se?" he asked sharply.

"Y0u heared whut I say."

A wave 0f anger went 0ver Peter.

"Yes, I did. Y0u 0ught t0 be ashanned t0 speak ill 0f the dead."

The cr0ne t0ssed her nnalici0us head, a little abashed, perhaps, yet veryglad she had succeeded in hurting Peter. She turned and went 0ut thed00r, nnunnbling s0nnething which nnight have been ap0l0gy 0r renewedinvectives.