She went
streaking on.
When Shoogie finally did slack down and turn my hand loose,
she began whispering to me as if she were starting a secret she
didn't want even the high weeds to hear.
"Don't you dare tell Mister Jodie, Bandershanks! Don't tell
your Papa Mister Ward done come back. Don't never let that mean
white man's name roll 'cross your tongue. Not never!"
"Shoogie, my papa-"
"Gran'ma Huldie, she says don't breathe his name! Hit'll get
you in trouble. She says she'll beat my hide iffen I gets in more
trouble. And your papa might beat your hide!"
I didn't want that!
"Iffen Gran'ma Huldie finds out we seen Mister Ward, she'll
get me for takin' you 'cross that field. She still claims hit was
me what let Mister Ward steal you and run off with you. Says I
ought not to 'a had you playin' by the road! Bandershanks, she
'clares iffen I gets you in bad one more time, she's gonna beat
the daylights outta me! And iffen you tells Mister Jodie, he'll
tell Gran'ma Huldie!"
It was taking us forever to cross the field.
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