‚ÄúCandidly, Colton,‚Äù he concluded, ‚ÄúI believe in aristocracy. I can‚Äôt think it right or wise to replace the old aristocracy by new and untried blood.‚Äù And in a sudden outburst‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚ÄúBut, by God, sir! I‚Äôm a white man, and I place the lowest white man ever created above the highest darkey ever thought of. This Yankee, Taylor, is a nigger-lover. He‚Äôs secretly encouraging and helping them. You saw what he did to me, and I‚Äôm warning you in time.‚Äù
Colton’s glass dropped.
“I thought it was you that was corralling the niggers against us,” he exclaimed.
The Colonel reddened. “I don’t count all white men my equals, I admit,” he returned with dignity, “but I know the difference between a white man and a nigger.”
Colton stretched out his massive hand. “Put it there, sir,” said he; “I misjudged you, Colonel Cresswell. I’m a Southerner, and I honor the old aristocracy you represent. I’m going to join with you to crush this Yankee and put the niggers in their places. They are getting impudent around here; they need a lesson and, by gad! they’ll get one they’ll remember.”
‚ÄúNow, see here, Colton‚ÅÝ‚Äînothing rash,‚Äù the Colonel charged him, warningly. ‚ÄúDon‚Äôt stir up needless trouble; but‚ÅÝ‚Äîwell, things must change.‚Äù
Colton rose and shook his head.
‚ÄúThe niggers need a lesson,‚Äù he muttered as he unsteadily bade his host goodbye. Cresswell watched him uncomfortably as he rode away, and again a feeling of doubt stirred within him. What new force was he loosening against his black folk‚ÅÝ‚Äîhis own black folk, who had lived