Unfettered: A NovelGriggs, Sutton E. (Sutton Elbert)
General
Unfettered: A Novel
Griggs, Sutton E. (Sutton Elbert)
African Americans -- Fiction; United States -- Race relations -- Fiction
Bloodworth had employed a number of viciously inclined Negroes to put out
the lights, bar the doors and foment excitement. In the midst of the
disturbance Harry was to effect the murder of Dorlan. Bigoted Harry had not
been in the least affected, nor were his mercenary compatriots in any wise
moved, by Dorlan's utterances. When the speech was finished, at a given
signal the lights were extinguished and a tumult raised.
Harry had closely noted the position of Dorlan on the platform, and as soon
as the lights were out began to make his way toward him. As there was no
one on the platform but Dorlan, he did not fear making a mistake as to the
man he was to assault.
Morlene had employed a young man of strength and courage to sit by and keep
close watch on Harry to thwart any attempts he might make. As Harry made
his way with eager cat-like tread, he was followed by the young man
appointed to watch him. When near Dorlan, Harry drew his pistol but felt it
wrenched from his hand by some one of superior strength. Discovering that
he was followed, Harry turned and sought to mingle with the crowd in the
hope of eluding his pursuer. In this he was successful.
Morlene, thickly veiled, had been sitting in a corner of the auditorium
throughout the meeting. In a satchel she had brought along a small lighted
lantern. She knew the building well, and even in the midst of the hubbub
and excitement incident to the putting out of the lights, had made her way
to the platform whereon was Dorlan. Now handling her lantern so that it
guided her directly to Dorlan, without informing others of her movements,
she crept to his side. She found him seated, his head bent forward resting
on his hand. Even now his first thought was of the future of the race,
seeking to keep alive in his bosom to the moment of death, the hope that it
would rise in spite of the unthinking element that now sought his life.
Morlene whispered into his ear, "Mr. Warthell, do not die here. As a
friend, a sincere friend, I plead with you to live for all our sakes." The
presence of Morlene in such a dangerous situation thoroughly aroused
Dorlan. He sprang to his feet determined to live until she was out of
danger, at least. "Here is a lantern," said she, handing it to him.
"Keep close to me," said Dorlan to Morlene. To the throng he said:
"Gentlemen, vacate the aisle to the extreme right. Whoever obstructs that
pathway to the door, does so at the peril of his life. I have given fair
warning and hold you accountable for whatever results from your failure to
obey." His voice was so commanding and he spoke with such self-assurance,
that the movement to clear the aisle designated began at once; but the
words had scarcely escaped his lips when he was stabbed from the rear.
Turning upon his assailant, he felled him to the floor with a powerful
blow. Flashing the light across the face of the fallen man, Dorlan and
Morlene both saw that it was Harry.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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