Lewis: Kabnis passed me on the road. Had a piece of business of my own, and couldnt get here any sooner. Thought I might be able to help in some way or other. Halsey: A good baths bout all he needs now. An somethin t put his mind t rest. Lewis: I think I can give him that. That note was meant for me. Some Negroes have grown uncomfortable at my being here— Kabnis: You mean, Mr. Lewis, some colored folks threw it? Christ Amighty! Halsey: Thats what he means. An just as I told y. White folks more direct than that. Kabnis: What are they after you for? Lewis: Its a long story, Kabnis. Too long for now. And it might involve present company. (He laughs pleasantly and gestures vaguely in the direction of Hanby.) Tell you about it later on perhaps. Kabnis: Youre not going? Lewis: Not till my month’s up. Halsey: Hows that? Lewis: I’m on a sort of contract with myself. (Is about to leave.) Well, glad its nothing serious— Halsey: Come round t th shop sometime why dont y, Lewis? I’ve asked y enough. I’d like t have a talk with y. I aint as dumb as I look. Kabnis an me’ll be in most any time. Not much work these days. Wish t hell there was. This burg gets to me when there aint. (In answer to Lewis’ question.) He’s goin t work with me. Ya. Night air this side th branch aint good fer him. (Looks at Hanby. Laughs.) Lewis: I see... His eyes turn to Kabnis. In the instant of their shifting, a vision of the life they are to meet. Kabnis, a promise of a soil-soaked beauty; uprooted, thinning out. Suspended a few feet above the soil whose touch would resurrect him. Arm’s length removed from him whose will to help... There is a swift intuitive interchange of consciousness. Kabnis has a sudden need to rush into the arms of this man. His eyes call, “Brother.” And then a savage, cynical twist-about within him mocks his impulse and strengthens him to repulse Lewis. His lips curl cruelly. His eyes laugh. They are glittering needles, stitching. With a throbbing ache they draw Lewis to. Lewis brusquely wheels on Hanby. Lewis: I’d like to see you, sir, a moment, if you dont mind. Hanby’s tight collar and vest effectively preserve him. Hanby: Yes, erer, Mr. Lewis. Right away. Lewis: See you later, Halsey. Halsey: So long—thanks—sho hope so, Lewis. As he opens the door and Hanby passes out, a woman, miles down the valley, begins to sing. Her song is a spark that travels swiftly to the near-by cabins. Like purple tallow flames, songs jet up. They spread a ruddy haze over the heavens. The haze swings low. Now the whole countryside is a soft chorus. Lord. O Lord... Lewis closes the door behind him. A flame jets out... The kettle is boiling. Halsey notices it. He pulls the wash-tub from beneath the bed. He arranges for the bath before the fire.