_Ezra_, _176_ _Miss Mary_, _182_ _Mars Arthur_, _184_ _Miss Sanson_, _190_ _Mars Torm_, _194_ _Ezra and the children_, _196_ _Mammy_, _212_ INTRODUCTION ❧❧ _My subjects are all typical Eastern-Shore-of-Maryland darkies, some of whom “had erligion, ’longed ter de Babtis’ chuch an’ wuz monstus pious.” Others danced, sang, played the banjo, fiddled, fished and frolicked in Talbot County “Befo’ de Wah.”_ “_Ole Joe kickin’ up behin’ an’ befo’, Yaller gal kirkin’ up behin’ ole Joe._” _Their smiling, shining, happy faces can be fully appreciated only by those who played with them, heard them sing, preach and pray, and had among them Mammies._ _To all such I dedicate this volume._ [Illustration: MISS SANSON IN THE SADDLE. ] PERSONS REPRESENTED ❧❧ _Parson Phil Demby_ _An adept in breaking colts and steers, and especially hearts. Can read a wee bit and has a remarkable memory. Very gallant among the dusky damsels. Has the best coon dogs on the plantation._ _Uncle Reubin Viney_ _Sensible, truthful and pious. Sir Oracle among the negroes. Can read some and is familiar with the Bible._ _Damon Danridge_ _Courtly, intelligent and observant body servant to Rev. William Pinckney. His bow would have charmed Beau Brummel._ _Ezra_ _Quite as much of a beau as Rosin, and not as pious as the prophet._ _Frisby Jemes_ _A pupil of Uncle Reubin Viney. Afraid of shirks [sharks]._ _Scipio Jones_ _A firm believer in witches, ghosts and “spirits,” especially applejack._ _Hesakiah Sprouts_ _Would rather coon hunt than debate. A fiddler._ _Little Billy_ _A crafty wag. Nimble witted._ _Juba Viney_ _A fine singer and hymn raiser. Kinsman to Uncle Reubin._ _Deacon Rasmus Jasper Jemes_ _A pompous, dandy darkey; very wise in his own conceit. A good preacher._ _Stephen Demby (Uncle Stephen)_ _A dear old servant. A devoted fisherman. Little and Bent._ _John Poney_