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| title
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|---|---|---|---|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, what's the matter, Aunt Peggy, are you afraid I'm going to run away?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I ain' afeared o' dat, said mammy, meekly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, go ahead, I'm listening."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ask huh ag'in, she said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What does this mean, he cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it true, didn't I offend her?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, you didn' 'fend huh. She's been pinin' fu' you, 'twell she's growed right peekid."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sh, auntie, do you mean to tell me that Mim--Miss Harrison cares for me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You go an' ax huh ag'in."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How do you do, Mr. Northcope?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have I been mistaken, Mima, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought you were angry with me because I had taken advantage of your kindness to my father, or presumed upon any kindness that you may have felt for me out of respect to your brother's memory. Believe me, I was innocent of any such intention."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, it wasn't--it wasn't that!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then won't you give me a different answer,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't, I can't,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, Mima?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Because--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because of the Harrison pride?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bartley!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your Mammy Peggy has confessed all to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mammy Peggy!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then it is all out of the question,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't let any little folly or pride stand between us,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bartley, it wasn't my pride, it was Mammy Peggy's."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, mammy, mammy, you bad, stupid, dear old goose!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oomph, grunted mammy,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I said de right kin' o' pride allus pays. But de wrong kin'--oomph, well, you'd bettah look out!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I 'low, honey, an old woman had said,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kin I do it? he was saying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kin I do it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who-ee!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's de mattah wid you, Ben? You ac' lak you mighty happy. Bettah come on in hyeah an' git yo' suppah fo' hit gits col'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Ben, she shrieked,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dah, now, he said, letting her down;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nev' min'; I'm goin' to fix you fu' dat fus' time I gits de chanst--see ef I don't."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whut you gwine do? Gwine to pizen me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Worse'n dat!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wuss'n dat? Whut you gwine fin' any wuss'n pizenin' me, less'n you conjuh me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh uh--still worse'n dat. I'm goin' to leave you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huh uh--no you ain', 'cause any place you'd go you wouldn' no more'n git dah twell you'd tu'n erroun' all of er sudden an' say, 'Why, dah's Ben!' an' dah I'd be."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I got great news fu' you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I bet you ain' got nothin' of de kin'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right. Den dey ain' no use in me a tryin' to 'vince you. I jes' be wastin' my bref."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Go on--tell me, Ben."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh uh--you bet I ain', an' ef I tell you you lose de bet."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don' keer. Ef you don' tell me, den I know you ain' got no news worth tellin'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ain' go no news wuff tellin'! Who-ee!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huccume you so full of laugh to-night?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How you 'spec' I gwine tell you dat less'n I tell you my sec'ut?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, den, go on--tell me yo' sec'ut."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh uh. You done bet it ain' wuff tellin'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't keer what I bet. I wan' to hyeah it now. Please, Ben, please!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Listen how she baig! Well, I gwine tell you now. I ain' gwine tease you no mo'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I had a talk wid Mas' Raymond to-day,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An' he say he pay me all my back money fu' ovahtime."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An' all I gits right along he gwine he'p me save, an' when I git fo' hund'ed dollahs he gwine gin me de free papahs fu' you, my little gal."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Ben, Ben! Hit ain' so, is it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, hit is. Den you'll be you own ooman--leas'ways less'n you wants to be mine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You don' mean, Ben, dat I'll be free?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, you'll be free, Viney. Den I's gwine to set to wo'k an' buy my free papahs."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, kin you do it--kin you do it--kin you do it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Kin I do it? he repeated. He stretched out his arm, with the sleeve rolled to the shoulder, and curved it upward till the muscles stood out like great knots of oak. Then he opened and shut his fingers, squeezing them together until the joints cracked."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kin I do it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ben, Ben! My Ben! I nevah even thought of it. Hit seemed so far away, but now we're goin' to be free--free, free!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's gwine to tek a pow'ful long time,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don' keer, she cried gaily."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We know it's comin' an' we kin wait."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We could a' stood that."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hyeah, hyeah's de docyment dat meks you yo' own ooman. Tek it."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Ben, you keep it. I can't tek keer o' no sich precious thing ez dat. Put hit in yo' chist."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tek hit and feel of hit, anyhow, so's you'll know dat you's free."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dah, now, he said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, Ben! she cried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I jes' can't!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You mus'. Dat's de way to git used to bein' free. Whenevah you looks at yo'se'f an' feels lak you ain' no diff'ent f'om whut you been you tek dat papah out an' look at hit, an' say to yo'se'f, 'Dat means freedom.'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, de nex' t'ing fu' me to do is to set out to git one dem papahs fu' myse'f. Hit'll be a long try, 'cause I can't buy mine so cheap as I got yo's, dough de Lawd knows why a great big ol' hunk lak me should cos' mo'n a precious mossell lak you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hit's because dey's so much of you, Ben, an' evah bit of you's wo'th its weight in gol'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heish, chile! Don' put my valy so high, er I'll be twell jedgment day a-payin' hit off."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mis' Viney Allen, if you please!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Viney Allen! exclaimed her visitor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huccum you's Viney Allen now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ben 'longs to de Raymonds, an' his name Ben Raymond an' you his wife. How you git aroun' dat, Mis' Viney Allen?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ben's name goin' to be Mistah Allen soon's he gits his free papahs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oomph! You done gone now! Yo' naik so stiff you can't ha'dly ben' it. I don' see how dat papah mek sich a change in anybody's actions. Yo' face ain' got no whitah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, but I's free, an' I kin do as I please."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She's Mis' Viney Allen, if you please!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, Viney, said Ben,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Raymond's good enough name fu' me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don' you see, Ben, she answered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don' know. I talk about dat when I's free, and freedom's a mighty long, weary way off yet."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Evahbody dat's free has dey own name, an' I ain' nevah goin' feel free's long ez I's a-totin' aroun' de Raymonds' name."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, change den, said Ben;"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, suh! I ain' goin' 'sociate wid slaves! I's free!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you cuttin' out yo' own husban'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dat's diff'ent. I's jined to my husban'. And then petulantly:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do wish you'd hu'y up an' git yo' free papahs, Ben."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dey'll be a long time a-comin', he said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I's free, she whispered to herself,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You ought to go North when you gits yo' papahs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I won't go Nawth! I was bo'n an' raised in de Souf, an' in de Souf I stay ontwell I die. Ef I have to go Nawth to injoy my freedom I won't have it. I'll quit wo'kin fu' it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I's got my free papahs an' I's a-goin' Nawth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I don't care where you go, but I'm sorry for Ben. He was a fool for working for you. You don't half deserve such a man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I won' have him long,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I's got money enough an' I's a-goin' Nawth next week. You kin stay down hyeah an' be a slave ef you want to, but I's a-goin' Nawth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Even ef I wanted to go Nawth you know I ain' half paid out yit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I can't he'p it. I can't spen' all de bes' pa't o' my life down hyeah where dey ain' no 'vantages."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I reckon dey's 'vantages everywhah fu' anybody dat wants to wu'k."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, but what kin' o' wages does yo' git? Why, de Johnsons say dey had a lettah f'om Miss Smiff an' dey's gettin' 'long fine in de Nawth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "De Johnsons ain' gwine?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Si Johnson is--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, hit's Si Johnson? Huh!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He ain' goin' wid me. He's jes' goin' to see dat I git sta'ted right aftah I git thaih."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hit's Si Johnson?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "said the woman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hit's freedom."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Men's so 'spicious, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ain' goin' Nawth 'cause Si's a-goin'--I ain't."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, look here, Ben, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're one of the best hands on my place and I'd be sorry to lose you. I never did believe in this buying business from the first, but you were so bent on it that I gave in. But before I'll see her cheat you out of your money I'll give you your free papers now. You can go North with her and you can pay me back when you find work."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, replied Ben doggedly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ef she cain't wait fu' me she don' want me, an' I won't roller her erroun' an' be in de way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're a fool!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I loves huh,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me look at yo' free papahs, he said, for Si could read and liked to show off his accomplishment at every opportunity. He stumbled through the formal document to the end, reading at the last:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is a present from Ben to his beloved wife, Viney."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ben, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thaih, she said,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lord he'p we po' sinnahs!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Brothahs an' sistahs, de Lawd has opened ouah eyes to wickedness in high places."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oom--oom--oom, he have opened ouah eyes,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have been puhmitted to see de man who was intrusted wid de guidance of dis flock a-sleepin' in de houah of duty, an' we feels grieved ter-night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He sholy were asleep, sister Hannah Johnson broke in,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I kin testify to it, said another sister,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I p'intly did hyeah him sno', an' I hyeahed him sno't w'en he waked up."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An' we been givin' him praise fu' meditation,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It ain't de sleepin' itse'f, he went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dat's it, dat's it, broke in a chorus of voices."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He 'ceived us, dat's what he did."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come hyeah, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, Sis' Dicey, said the minister complacently,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I's troubled in sperit now, she answered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand doeth."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thankye, ma'am, Sis' Dicey, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thankye, ma'am. I believe I'll go back an' pray ovah this subject."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, ef Brothah Eddards slep' dis mornin', he sholy prached a wakenin' up sermon ter-night."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Shirkin' again, said the old man to himself,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I reckon he wants to go to sleep again, but ef he don't sleep dis day to his own confusion, I ain't hyeah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ef he sleep he shell do well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But ef he sleep, he shell do well."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You all condemns a man when you sees him asleep, not knowin' what visions is a-goin' thoo his mind, nor what feelin's is a-goin thoo his heart. You ain't conside'in' that mebbe he's a-doin' mo' in the soul wo'k when he's asleep then when he's awake. Mebbe he sleep, w'en you think he ought to be up a-wo'kin'. Mebbe he slumber w'en you think he ought to be up an' erbout. Mebbe he sno' an' mebbe he sno't, but I'm a-hyeah to tell you, in de wo'ds of the Book, that they ain't no 'sputin' 'Ef he sleep, he shell do well!'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, Lawd!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Amen!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sleep on Ed'ards!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hol' on, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No! No!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, pursued the preacher,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wasn't a-shirkin' ner I wasn't a-lazy, but the soul within me was a wo'kin' wid the min', an' as we all gwine ter do some day befo' long, early in de mornin', I done fu'git this ol' body. My haid fall on my breas', my eyes close, an' I see visions of anothah day to come. I see visions of a new Heaven an' a new earth, when we shell all be clothed in white raimen', an' we shell play ha'ps of gol', an' walk de golden streets of the New Jerusalem! That's what been a runnin' thoo my min', w'en I set up in the pulpit an' sleep under the Wo'd; but I want to ax you, was I wrong? I want to ax you, was I sinnin'? I want to p'int you right hyeah to the Wo'd, as it are read out in yo' hyeahin' ter-day, 'Ef he sleep, he shell do well.'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dat man sholy did sleep to some pu'pose, although he knew that the dictum was a deathblow to his own pastoral hopes. The people thronged around the pastor as he descended from the pulpit, and held his hand as they had done of yore. One old woman went out, still mumbling under her breath,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sleep on, Ed'ards, sleep on."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mrs. Leckler, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am troubled in my mind. I--in fact, I am puzzled over a matter that involves either the maintaining or relinquishing of a principle."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Mr. Leckler?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I had been a scheming, calculating Yankee, I should have been rich now; but all my life I have been too generous and confiding. I have always let principle stand between me and my interests. Mr. Leckler took himself all too seriously to be conscious of his pun, and went on:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now this is a matter in which my duty and my principles seem to conflict. It stands thus: Josh has been doing a piece of plastering for Mr. Eckley over in Lexington, and from what he says, I think that city rascal has misrepresented the amount of work to me and so cut down the pay for it. Now, of course, I should not care, the matter of a dollar or two being nothing to me; but it is a very different matter when we consider poor Josh. There was deep pathos in Mr. Leckler's tone."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know Josh is anxious to buy his freedom, and I allow him a part of whatever he makes; so you see it's he that's affected. Every dollar that he is cheated out of cuts off just so much from his earnings, and puts further away his hope of emancipation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But where does the conflict come in, Mr. Leckler?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Just here. If Josh knew how to read and write and cipher--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mr. Leckler, are you crazy!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen to me, my dear, and give me the benefit of your judgment. This is a very momentous question. As I was about to say, if Josh knew these things, he could protect himself from cheating when his work is at too great a distance for me to look after it for him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But teaching a slave--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, that's just what is against my principles. I know how public opinion and the law look at it. But my conscience rises up in rebellion every time I think of that poor black man being cheated out of his earnings. Really, Mrs. Leckler, I think I may trust to Josh's discretion, and secretly give him such instructions as will permit him to protect himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, of course, it's just as you think best,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I knew you would agree with me, he returned."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's such a comfort to take counsel with you, my dear! And the generous man walked out on to the veranda, very well satisfied with himself and his wife, and prospectively pleased with Josh. Once he murmured to himself,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll lay for Eckley next time."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, Josh, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have already gone against my principles and against the law for your sake, and of course a man can't stretch his conscience too far, even to help another who's being cheated; but I reckon you can take care of yourself now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes, suh, I reckon I kin,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And it wouldn't do for you to be seen with any books about you now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, no, suh, su't'n'y not."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Some o' Leckler's work, said Eckley,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Leckler heard the story with great glee."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I laid for him that time--the old fox. But to Mrs. Leckler he said:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You see, my dear wife, my rashness in teaching Josh to figure for himself is vindicated. See what he has saved for himself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What did he save?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, of course, it was only twenty cents saved to him, but to a man buying his freedom every cent counts; and after all, it is not the amount, Mrs. Leckler, it's the principle of the thing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thus far shalt thou go, and no farther. Gyves, chains and fetters will enforce that command. But what master shall say unto the mind,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Here do I set the limit of your acquisition. Pass it not ? Who shall put gyves upon the intellect, or fetter the movement of thought? Joshua Leckler, as custom denominated him, had tasted of the forbidden fruit, and his appetite had grown by what it fed on. Night after night he crouched in his lonely cabin, by the blaze of a fat pine brand, poring over the few books that he had been able to secure and smuggle in. His fellow-servants alternately laughed at him and wondered why he did not take a wife. But Joshua went on his way. He had no time for marrying or for love; other thoughts had taken possession of him. He was being swayed by ambitions other than the mere fathering of slaves for his master. To him his slavery was deep night. What wonder, then, that he should dream, and that through the ivory gate should come to him the forbidden vision of freedom? To own himself, to be master of his hands, feet, of his whole body--something would clutch at his heart as he thought of it; and the breath would come hard between his lips. But he met his master with an impassive face, always silent, always docile; and Mr. Leckler congratulated himself that so valuable and intelligent a slave should be at the same time so tractable. Usually intelligence in a slave meant discontent; but not so with Josh. Who more content than he? He remarked to his wife:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You see, my dear, this is what comes of treating even a nigger right."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Courage! --and on that night the shadows beckoned him as the white hills had done, and the forest called to him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Follow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It seems to me that Josh might have been able to get home to-night, said Mr. Leckler, walking up and down his veranda;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In the morning he said:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, he's not here yet; he must have had to do some extra work. If he doesn't get here by evening, I'll run up there."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But why did you let him go without a pass?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn't, replied the agent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He had a written pass, signed James Leckler, and I let him go on it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forged, forged! yelled the master."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He wrote it himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Humph! said the agent,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, Mrs. Leckler, this is what comes of my goodness of heart. I taught that nigger to read and write, so that he could protect himself,--and look how he uses his knowledge. Oh, the ingrate, the ingrate! The very weapon which I give him to defend himself against others he turns upon me. Oh, it's awful,--awful! I've always been too confiding. Here's the most valuable nigger on my plantation gone,--gone, I tell you,--and through my own kindness. It isn't his value, though, I'm thinking so much about. I could stand his loss, if it wasn't for the principle of the thing, the base ingratitude he has shown me. Oh, if I ever lay hands on him again!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lie still,--thee'll be perfectly safe there. Here comes John Trader, our local slave catcher, but I will parley with him and send him away. Thee need not fear. None of thy brethren who have come to us have ever been taken back to bondage.--Good-evening, Friend Trader!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thou and thy brothers are free!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mrs. Leckler, he said,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Would I stay, ef you 'crease my wages? Well--I reckon I could, but I--but I do' want no foolishness."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huh! Did she think she was gwine to come down hyeah an' skeer me, huh, uh? Whaih's dat fryin' pan?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "See, the Conquering Hero Comes."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, there can't be any foolishness about this, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You've got to stay in bed and not get yourself damp."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How long you think I got to lay hyeah, doctah?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm a doctor, not a fortune-teller, was the reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You'll lie there as long as the disease holds you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I can't lay hyeah long, doctah, case I ain't got nuffin' to go on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, take your choice: the bed or the boneyard."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You needn't sniffle, said the doctor;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't see what you people want to come up here for anyhow. Why don't you stay down South where you belong? You come up here and you're just a burden and a trouble to the city. The South deals with all of you better, both in poverty and crime."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Honey, she said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nevah you min', said Patsy with a choke in his voice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can do somep'n', an' we'll have anothah doctah."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "La, listen at de chile; what kin you do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm goin' down to McCarthy's stable and see if I kin git some horses to exercise."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You'd bettah not go, Patsy; dem hosses'll kill you yit, des lak dey did yo' pappy."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ye little devil, ye, I've a mind to knock the whole head off o' ye. Ye want harses to exercise, do ye? Well git on that 'un, an' see what ye kin do with him."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, suh, he was saying to them generally,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm goin' to withdraw my hoss, because thaih ain't nobody to ride him as he ought to be rode. I haven't brought a jockey along with me, so I've got to depend on pick-ups. Now, the talent's set agin my hoss, Black Boy, because he's been losin' regular, but that hoss has lost for the want of ridin', that's all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The fools! muttered the stranger."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I could ride myself I'd show 'em!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you doing thaih,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Look hyeah, mistah, said Patsy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of co'se it is, an' one o' the fastest that evah grazed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll ride that hoss, mistah."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you know 'bout ridin'?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I used to gin'ally be' roun' Mistah Boone's paddock in Lexington, an'--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aroun' Boone's paddock--what! Look here, little nigger, if you can ride that hoss to a winnin' I'll give you more money than you ever seen before."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll ride him."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He sholy is full o' ginger,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He'll show 'em a thing or two,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His dam was a fast one,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What do you know about his dam?"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said Brackett,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You little devil, he cried,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Goin' out to spend it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm goin' for a doctah fu' my mother, said Patsy,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't let me lose sight of you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I'll see you again. So long,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, it's just like this, Davis was saying to McLean,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here we are, all three of us turned out into the world like a lot of little sparrows pitched out of the nest, and what are we going to do? Of course it's easy enough for you, McLean, but what are my grave friend with the nasty black briar, and I, your humble servant, to do? In what wilderness are we to pitch our tents and where is our manna coming from?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, well, the world owes us all a living,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hackneyed, but true. Of course it does; but every time a colored man goes around to collect, the world throws up its hands and yells 'insolvent'--eh, Halliday?"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm right, Davis went on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There's India and the young Englishmen, if I remember rightly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes, that's all right, with the Cabots and Drake and Sir John Franklin behind them. Their traditions, their blood, all that they know makes them willing to go 'where there ain't no ten commandments and a man can raise a thirst,' but for me, home, if I can call it home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, then, stick it out."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That's easy enough to say, McLean; but ten to one you've got some snap picked out for you already, now 'fess up, ain't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, of course I'm going in with my father, I can't help that, but I've got--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To be sure, broke in Davis,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "More luck to you, you'll be a father before or behind some one else; you'll be an ancestor."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's more profitable being a descendant, I find."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, man, if I could, I'd change places with you. You don't deserve your fate. What is before you? Hardships, perhaps, and long waiting. But then, you have the zest of the fight, the joy of the action and the chance of conquering. Now what is before me,--me, whom you are envying? I go out of here into a dull counting-room. The way is prepared for me. Perhaps I shall have no hardships, but neither have I the joy that comes from pains endured. Perhaps I shall have no battle, but even so, I lose the pleasure of the fight and the glory of winning. Your fate is infinitely to be preferred to mine."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, now you talk with the voluminous voice of the centuries, bantered Davis."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are but echoing the breath of your Nelsons, your Cabots, your Drakes and your Franklins. Why, can't you see, you sentimental idiot, that it's all different and has to be different with us? The Anglo-Saxon race has been producing that fine frenzy in you for seven centuries and more. You come, with the blood of merchants, pioneers and heroes in your veins, to a normal battle. But for me, my forebears were savages two hundred years ago. My people learn to know civilization by the lowest and most degrading contact with it, and thus equipped or unequipped I tempt, an abnormal contest. Can't you see the disproportion?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I do, I can also see the advantage of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For the sake of common sense, Halliday, said Davis, turning to his companion,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you fellows know Henley?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know him as a critic,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know him as a name, echoed the worldly Davis,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean his poems, resumed Halliday,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, now that you have settled the relative place in English letters of Kipling and Henley, might I be allowed humbly to ask what in the name of all that is good has that to do with the question before the house?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I don't know your man's poetry, said McLean,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wonderful perspicacity, oh, youth!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If Webb will agree not to run, I'll spring on you the poem that seems to me to strike the keynote of the matter in hand."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, well, curiosity will keep me. I want to get your position, and I want to see McLean annihilated."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's it, exclaimed McLean, leaping to his feet,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, for two poetry-spouting, poetry-consuming, sentimental idiots, commend me to you fellows. Master of my fate, captain of my soul, be dashed! Old Jujube, with his bone-pointed hunting spear, began determining a couple of hundred years ago what I should be in this year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-four. J. Webb Davis, senior, added another brick to this structure, when he was picking cotton on his master's plantation forty years ago."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And now, said Halliday, also rising,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Spoken like a man,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, you two are so hopelessly young,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "but Halliday knew what his own reply would have been:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a white man can do, I can do."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, how de do, Bert, how are you? Glad to see you back. I hear you have been astonishing them up at college."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How do you do? It's Bob Dickson,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I'm Mr. Dickson, said the young man, patronizingly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You seem to have developed wonderfully, you hardly seem like the same Bert Halliday I used to know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, but I'm the same Mr. Halliday."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh--ah--yes, said the young man,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good-bye, Bob."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Presumptuous darky!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Insolent puppy!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "H.G. Featherton, Counsellor and Attorney-at-Law."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why--why--ah--Bert, how de do, how are you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, I thank you, Mr. Featherton."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hum, I'm glad to see you back, sit down. Going to stay with us, you think?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not sure, Mr. Featherton; it all depends upon my getting something to do."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You want to go to work, do you? Hum, well, that's right. It's work makes the man. What do you propose to do, now since you've graduated?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, in the first place, Mr. Featherton, he replied,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must get to work and make some money. I have heard of fellows studying and supporting themselves at the same time, but I musn't expect too much. I'm going to study law."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't you think you've taken rather a hard profession to get on in?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No doubt. But anything I should take would be hard. It's just like this, Mr. Featherton, he went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am willing to work and to work hard, and I am not looking for any snap."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say the law is a hard profession to get on in, and as a friend I say that it will be harder for you. Your people have not the money to spend in litigation of any kind."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should not cater for the patronage of my own people alone."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, but the time has not come when a white person will employ a colored attorney."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you mean to say that the prejudice here at home is such that if I were as competent as a white lawyer a white person would not employ me?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say nothing about prejudice at all. It's nature. They have their own lawyers; why should they go outside of their own to employ a colored man?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I am of their own. I am an American citizen, there should be no thought of color about it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, my boy, that theory is very nice, but State University democracy doesn't obtain in real life."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "More's the pity, then, for real life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perhaps, but we must take things as we find them, not as we think they ought to be. You people are having and will have for the next ten or a dozen years the hardest fight of your lives. The sentiment of remorse and the desire for atoning which actuated so many white men to help negroes right after the war has passed off without being replaced by that sense of plain justice which gives a black man his due, not because of, nor in spite of, but without consideration of his color."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder if it can be true, as my friend Davis says, that a colored man must do twice as much and twice as well as a white man before he can hope for even equal chances with him? That white mediocrity demands black genius to cope with it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am afraid your friend has philosophized the situation about right."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, we have dealt in generalities, said Bert, smiling,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well,--I should be glad to see you get on, Bert, but as you see, I have nothing in my office that you could do. Now, if you don't mind beginning at the bottom--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's just what I expected to do."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that's a work I abhor."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, but you must begin at the bottom, you know. All young men must."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To be sure, but would you have recommended the same thing to your nephew on his leaving college?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah--ah--that's different."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said Halliday, rising,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll do so with pleasure, said Mr. Featherton,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should like to hear that address, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wonder if he'll recommend them to his head-waiter. No, 'that's different.' All the addresses and all the books written on how to get on, are written for white men. We blacks must solve the question for ourselves."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what can I do for you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wanted to see you about a situation"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, no, no, you don't want to see me, broke in Stockard,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I don't want to see the head janitor. I want to see the head of the clerical department."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You want to see the head of the clerical department!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, sir, I see you are advertising for clerks with preference given to the high school boys. Well, I am an old high school boy, but have been away for a few years at college."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have nothing for you,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Very well, I should be glad to drop in again and see you, said Halliday, moving to the door."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope you will remember me if anything opens."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I'm dumbed!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do they still require of us bricks without straw? I thought all that was over. Well, I suspect that I will have to ask Mr. Featherton to speak to his head-waiter in my behalf. I wonder if the head-waiter will demand my diploma. Webb Davis, you were nearer right than I thought."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what do ye want to be doin' sich wurruk for, whin ye've been through school?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am doing the only thing I can get to do,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, said the Irishman,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Maybe, he thought,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mr. Featherton has relented, and is going to give me a chance anyway. Or perhaps he wanted me to prove my metal before he consented to take me up. Well, I've tried to do it, and if that's what he wanted, I hope he's satisfied."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you've been getting on, I see,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes, replied Bert,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have been getting on by hook and crook."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hum, done any studying lately?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, but not as much as I wish to. Coke and Wharton aren't any clearer to a head grown dizzy with bending over mops, brooms and heavy trucks all day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I should think not. Ah--oh--well, Bert, how should you like to come into my office and help around, do such errands as I need and help copy my papers?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I should be delighted."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It would only pay you five dollars a week, less than what you are getting now, I suppose, but it will be more genteel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, now, that I have had to do it, I don't care so much about the lack of gentility of my present work, but I prefer what you offer because I shall have a greater chance to study."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, then, you may as well come in on Monday. The office will be often in your charge, as I am going to be away a great deal in the next few months. You know I am going to make the fight for nomination to the seat on the bench which is vacant this fall."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed. I have not so far taken much interest in politics, but I will do all in my power to help you with both nomination and election."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thank you, said Mr. Featherton,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am sure you can be of great service to me as the vote of your people is pretty heavy in Broughton. I have always been a friend to them, and I believe I can depend upon their support. I shall be glad of any good you can do me with them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For value received,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it's wonderful, said one of his visitors,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I have been a friend to the colored people, and they know it,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Bert, I guess I can get along now. I'll be shutting up this office pretty soon. Here are your wages and here is a little gift I wish to add out of respect to you for your kindness during my run for office."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, I thank you, Mr. Featherton, he said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then let us say that I have raised your wages to this amount."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, that would only be evasion. I want no more than you promised to give me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Very well, then accept my thanks, anyway."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has used me as a housemaid would use a lemon, he said,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "P.S.--Just as I finished writing I had a note from Judge Featherton offering me the court messengership at five dollars a week. I am twenty-five. The place was held before by a white boy of fifteen. I declined. 'Southward Ho!'"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thank heaven, he said,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dat Jim, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oomph, de debbil done got his stamp on dat boy, an' dey ain' no use in tryin' to scratch hit off."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But Parker, said his master,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lawd, Mas' Mordaunt, exclaimed the old man,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Jim was under conviction."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hit do seem, Mandy said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I reckon hit's de rheumatics,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don' mek no diffunce what de inst'ument is, Mandy replied,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is he mou'nin' yit?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, not yet, but I think now is a good time to sow the seeds in his mind."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oomph, said the old man,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But Parker, said his master,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, la den, mas', you don' spec' I gwine outdo de sperit."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now look here, Parker, I've got a fine lot of that good old tobacco you like so up to the big house, and I'll tell you what I'll do. If you'll just try to work on Jim, and get his feet in the right path, you can come up and take all you want."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oom-oomph, said the old man,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, it is, and you shall have all you want of it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I'll have a little wisit wid Jim, an' des' see how much he 'fected, an' if dey any stroke to be put in fu' de gospel ahmy, you des' count on me ez a mighty strong wa'ior. Dat boy been layin' heavy on my mind fu' lo, dese many days."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Jim, the preacher said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Po'ly, po'ly, said Jim,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I des' plum' racked an' 'stracted f'om haid to foot."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, huh, hit do seem lak to me de Bible don' tell nuffin' else but de trufe."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What de Bible been sayin' now?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Des' what it been sayin' all de res' o' de time. 'Yo' sins will fin' you out'"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don' you reckon now, Jim, ef you was a bettah man dat you wouldn' suffah so?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do' know, I do' know nuffin' 'bout hit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now des' look at me. I ben a-trompin' erlong in dis low groun' o' sorrer fu' mo' den seventy yeahs, an' I hain't got a ache ner a pain. Nevah had no rheumatics in my life, an' yere you is, a young man, in a mannah o' speakin', all twinged up wid rheumatics. Now what dat p'int to? Hit mean de Lawd tek keer o' dem dat's his'n. Now Jim, you bettah come ovah on de Lawd's side, an' git erway f'om yo' ebil doin's."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let us pray."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great work you've done, Parker, a great work."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, yes, Mas', grinned the old man,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His probation!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh yes suh, yes suh, we has all de young convu'ts stan' a p'obation o' six months, fo' we teks 'em reg'lar inter de chu'ch. Now ef Jim will des' stan' strong in de faif--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Parker, said Mordaunt,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think it will be better for all concerned if Jim's probation only lasts two months. Get him into the fold, Parker, get him into the fold!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi, oh, Brothah Jim, at it agin?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, des' heish up an' go 'long. We got to mek some 'lowances fu' you young convu'ts. Wen you gwine cook dat 'possum, Brothah Jim?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do' know, Brothah Pahkah. He so po', I 'low I haveter keep him and fatten him fu' awhile."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, huh! well, so long, Jim."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So long, Brothah Pahkah. Jim chuckled as he went away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I 'low I fool dat ol' fox. Wanter come down an' eat up my one little 'possum, do he? huh, uh!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hi, oh, Brothah Jim, I's des' in time."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Draw up a cheer, Brothah Pahkah,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wha--wha'd you come hyeah fu'?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought I'd des' come in an' tek a bite wid you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ain' gwine tek no bite wid me,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Heish, said Mandy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Preachah er no preachah, you hyeah what I say,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Wha's de mattah wid you, Jim; dat's one o' de' 'quiahments o' de chu'ch."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it one o' de 'quiahments o' de chu'ch dat you eat hyeah ter-night?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hit sholy am usual fu' de shepherd to sup wherevah he stop,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ve'y well, ve'y well, said Jim,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wants you to know dat I 'specs to stay out o' yo' chu'ch. I's got two weeks mo' p'obation. You tek hit back, an' gin hit to de nex' niggah you ketches wid a 'possum."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good-morning, Uncle Simon,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mornin' Mas' Gawge. How you come on?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm first-rate. How are you? How are your rheumatics coming on?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, my, dey's mos' nigh well. Dey don' trouble me no mo'!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Most nigh well, don't trouble you any more?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dat is none to speak of."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, Uncle Simon, who ever heard tell of a man being cured of his aches and pains at your age?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ain' so powahful ol', Mas', I ain' so powahful ol'."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're not so powerful old! Why, Uncle Simon, what's taken hold of you? You're eighty if a day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sh--sh, talk dat kin' o' low, Mastah, don' 'spress yo'se'f so loud!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, why, I should like to know, may I not speak of your age aloud?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Mastah, I's 'fraid ol' man Time mought hyeah you an' t'ink he done let me run too long."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, then, Simon, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll try not to give away any of your secrets to old man Time. But isn't your age written down somewhere?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I reckon it's in dat ol' Bible yo' pa gin me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, let it alone then, even Time won't find it there."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what is it now, Uncle Simon? the master asked, heeding the servant's embarrassment,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know you've come up to ask or tell me something. Have any of your converts been backsliding, or has Buck been misbehaving again?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, suh, de converts all seem to be stan'in' strong in de faif, and Buck, he actin' right good now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Doesn't Lize bring your meals regular, and cook them good?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes, suh, Lize ain' done nuffin'. Dey ain' nuffin' de mattah at de quahtahs, nuffin' 't'al."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, what on earth then--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hol' on, Mas', hol' on! I done tol' you dey ain' nuffin' de mattah 'mong de people, an' I ain' come to 'plain 'bout nuffin'; but--but--I wants to speak to you 'bout somefin' mighty partic'ler."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, go on, because it will soon be time for you to be getting down to the meeting-house to exhort the hands."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dat's jes' what I want to speak 'bout, dat 'zortin'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, you've been doing it for a good many years now."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dat's de very idee, dat's in my haid now. Mas' Gawge, huccume you read me so nigh right?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, that's not reading anything, that's just truth. But what do you mean, Uncle Simon, you don't mean to say that you want to resign. Why what would your old wife think if she was living?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no, Mas' Gawge, I don't ezzactly want to 'sign, but I'd jes' lak to have a few Sundays off."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A few Sundays off! Well, now, I do believe that you are crazy. What on earth put that into your head?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nuffin', Mas' Gawge, I wants to be away f'om my Sabbaf labohs fu' a little while, dat's all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, what are the hands going to do for some one to exhort them on Sunday. You know they've got to shout or burst, and it used to be your delight to get them stirred up until all the back field was ringing."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do' say dat I ain' gwine try an' do dat some mo', Mastah, min' I do' say dat. But in de mean time I's got somebody else to tek my place, one dat I trained up in de wo'k right undah my own han'. Mebbe he ain' endowed wif de sperrit as I is, all men cain't be gifted de same way, but dey ain't no sputin' he is powahful. Why, he can handle de Scriptures wif bof han's, an' you kin hyeah him prayin' fu' two miles."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you want to put this wonder in your place?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, suh, fu' a while, anyhow."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uncle Simon, aren't you losing your religion?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Losin' my u'ligion? Who, me losin' my u'ligion! No, suh."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, aren't you afraid you'll lose it on the Sundays that you spend out of your meeting-house?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now, Mas' Gawge, you a white man, an' you my mastah, an' you got larnin'. But what kin' o' argyment is dat? Is dat good jedgment?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, now if it isn't, you show me why, you're a logician."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, I ain' no 'gician, Mastah, the old man contended."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But what kin' o' u'ligion you spec' I got anyhow? Hyeah me been sto'in' it up fu' lo, dese many yeahs an' ain' got enough to las' ovah a few Sundays. What kin' o' u'ligion is dat?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe you've got me there, Uncle Simon; well go along, but see that your flock is well tended."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thanky, Mas' Gawge, thanky. I'll put a shepherd in my place dat'll put de food down so low dat de littles' lambs kin enjoy it, but'll mek it strong enough fu' de oldes' ewes."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wonder, he mused,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "George, George, what is the matter. What amuses you so that you forget that this is the Sabbath day?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, don't talk to me about Sunday any more, when it comes to the pass that the Reverend Simon Marston wants a vacation. It seems that the cares of his parish have been too pressing upon him and he wishes to be away for some time. He does not say whether he will visit Europe or the Holy Land, however, we shall expect him to come back with much new and interesting material for the edification of his numerous congregation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wish you would tell me what you mean by all this."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, well, and you carry on so, only because one of the servants wishes his Sundays to himself for awhile? Shame on you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mrs. Marston, said her husband, solemnly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I can see why easily enough, and so could you, if you were not so intent on laughing at everything. The poor old man is tired and wants rest, that's all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And that reason satisfies you? Ah, Mrs. Marston, Mrs. Marston, you discredit your sex!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sundays off"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look hyeah, Mis' M'ree, she exclaimed, without the formality of prefacing her remarks,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wants to know whut's de mattah wif Brothah Simon--what mek him ac' de way he do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, I do not know, Eliza, what has Uncle Simon been doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, some o' you all mus' know, lessn' he couldn' 'a' done hit. Ain' he ax you nuffin', Marse Gawge?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, he did have some talk with me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Some talk! I reckon he did have some talk wif somebody!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell us, Lize, Mr. Marston said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He done brung somebody else, dat young Merrit darky, to oc'py his pu'pit. He in'juce him, an' 'en he say dat he gwine be absent a few Sundays, an' 'en he tek hissef off, outen de chu'ch, widout even waitin' fu' de sehmont."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, didn't you have a good sermon?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It mought 'a' been a good sehmont, but dat ain' whut I ax you. I want to know whut de mattah wif Brothah Simon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, he told me that the man he put over you was one of the most powerful kind, warranted to make you shout until the last bench was turned over."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, some o' dem, dey shouted enough, dey shouted dey fill. But dat ain' whut I's drivin' at yit. Whut I wan' 'o know, whut mek Brothah Simon do dat?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I'll tell you, Lize,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, George, she said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then turning to the old servant, she said:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eliza, it means nothing. Do not trouble yourself about it. You know Uncle Simon is old; he has been exhorting for you now for many years, and he needs a little rest these Sundays. It is getting toward midsummer, and it is warm and wearing work to preach as Uncle Simon does."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh uh! Miss M'ree, dat may 'splain t'ings to you, but hit ain' mek 'em light to me yit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, Mrs. Marston"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hush, I tell you, George. It's really just as I tell you, Eliza, the old man is tired and needs rest!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Huh uh, she said,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Mrs. Marston, he bantered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are some things I can afford to be excelled in by my husband and my servants. For my part, I have no suspicion of Uncle Simon, and no concern about him either one way or the other."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "said Lize,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I didn' mean no ha'm to you, but I ain' a trustin' ol' Brothah Simon, I tell you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm not blaming you, Eliza; you are sensible as far as you know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ahem,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look a-hyeah, Brothah Simon, whut's dis I been hyeahin' 'bout you, huh?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, sis' Lize, I reckon you'll have to tell me dat yo' se'f, 'case I do' know. Whut you been hyeahin'?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Brothah Simon, you's a ol' man, you's ol'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, sis' Lize, dah was Methusalem."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I ain' jokin', Brothah Simon, I ain' jokin', I's a talkin' right straightfo'wa'd. Yo' conduc' don' look right. Hit ain' becomin' to you as de shepherd of a flock."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But whut I been doin', sistah, whut I been doin'?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I reckon I do, but I wan' see whethah you does er not."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You been gwine ovah to de wes' plantation, dat's whut you been doin'. You can' 'ny dat, you's been seed!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I do' wan' 'ny it. Is dat all?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is dat all! Lize stood aghast. Then she said slowly and wonderingly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Brothah Simon, is you losin' yo' senses er yo' grace?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I ain' losin' one ner 'tothah, but I do' see no ha'm in gwine ovah to de wes' plantation."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You do' see no ha'm in gwine ovah to de wes' plantation! You stan' hyeah in sight o' Gawd an' say dat?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't git so 'cited, sis' Lize, you mus' membah dat dey's souls on de wes' plantation, jes' same as dey is on de eas'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, an' dey's souls in hell, too,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cose dey is, but dey's already damned; but dey's souls on de wes' plantation to be saved."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oomph, uh, uh, uh!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You done called me de shepherd, ain't you, sistah? Well, sayin' I is, when dey's little lambs out in de col' an' dey ain' got sense 'nough to come in, er dey do' know de way, whut do de shepherd do? Why, he go out, an' he hunt up de po' shiverin', bleatin' lambs and brings 'em into de fol'. Don't you bothah 'bout de wes' plantation, sis' Lize."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I nevah! she exclaimed when she could get her lips together,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do believe de day of jedgmen' is at han'."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Eliza, that you ought. After the estrangement of all this time if Uncle Simon can effect a reconciliation between the west and the east plantations, you ought not to lay a straw in his way. I am sure there is more of a real Christian spirit in that than in shouting and singing for hours, and then coming out with your heart full of malice. You need not laugh, Mr. Marston, you need not laugh at all. I am very much in earnest, and I do hope that Uncle Simon will continue his ministrations on the other side. If he wants to, he can have a room built in which to lead their worship."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But you do' want him to leave us altogethah?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If you do not care to share your meeting-house with them, they can have one of their own."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, look hyeah, Missy, dem Lousiany people, dey bad--an' dey hoodoo folks, an' dey Cath'lics--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eliza!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never mind, Eliza, it is only evil that needs to be watched, the good will take care of itself."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Whut I tell you! Whut I tell you!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, what now,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Didn' I tell you ol' Simon was up to some'p'n?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Out with it, exclaimed her master,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "George, try to remember who you are."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Brothah Simon come in chu'ch dis mo'nin' an' he 'scended up de pulpit--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what of that, are you not glad he is back?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hol' on, lemme tell you--he 'scended up de pu'pit, an' 'menced his disco'se. Well, he hadn't no sooner got sta'ted when in walked one o' dem brazen Lousiany wenches--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Eliza!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hol' on, Miss M'ree, she walked in lak she owned de place, an' flopped huhse'f down on de front seat."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what if she did, burst in Mrs. Marston,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hadn' got done yit, Missy. Jes' ez soon ez de sehmont was ovah, whut mus' Brothah Simon, de 'zortah, min' you, whut mus' he do but come hoppin' down f'om de pu'pit, an' beau dat wench home! 'Scorted huh clah 'crost de plantation befo' evahbody's face. Now whut you call dat?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I call it politeness, that is what I call it. What are you laughing at, Mr. Marston? I have no doubt that the old man was merely trying to set an example of courtesy to some of the younger men, or to protect the woman from the insults that the other members of the congregation would heap upon her. Mr. Marston, I do wish you would keep your face serious. There is nothing to laugh at in this matter. A worthy old man tries to do a worthy work, his fellow-servants cavil at him, and his master, who should encourage him, laughs at him for his pains."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I assure you, my dear, I'm not laughing at Uncle Simon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then at me, perhaps; that is infinitely better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And not at you, either; I'm amused at the situation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Manette ca'ied him off dis mo'nin',"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Manette!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was Manette he was a beauin'. Evahbody say he likin' huh moughty well, an' dat he look at huh all th'oo preachin'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh my! Manette's one of the nicest girls I brought from St. Pierre. I hope--oh, but then she is a young woman, she would not think of being foolish over an old man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do' know, Miss M'ree. De ol' men is de wuss kin'. De young oomans knows how to tek de young mans, 'case dey de same age, an' dey been lu'nin' dey tricks right along wif dem'; but de ol' men, dey got sich a long sta't ahaid, dey been lu'nin' so long. Ef I had a darter, I wouldn' be afeard to let huh tek keer o' huhse'f wif a young man, but ef a ol' man come a cou'tin' huh, I'd keep my own two eyes open."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Eliza, you're a philosopher, said Mr. Marston."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You're one of the few reasoners of your sex."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is all nonsense, said his wife."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why Uncle Simon is old enough to be Manette's grandfather."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Love laughs at years."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And you laugh at everything."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's the difference between love and me, my dear Mrs. Marston."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do not pay any attention to your master, Eliza, and do not be so suspicious of every one. It is all right. Uncle Simon had Manette over, because he thought the service would do her good."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes'm, I 'low she's one o' de young lambs dat he gone out in de col' to fotch in. Well, he tek'n' moughty good keer o' dat lamb."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "George, dear, do you really think there is anything in it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thoroughly agree with you, Mrs. Marston, in the opinion that Uncle Simon needed rest, and I may add on my own behalf, recreation."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pshaw! I do not believe it."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Uncle Simon, I hear that you're back in your pulpit again?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, suh, I's done 'sumed my labohs in de Mastah's vineya'd."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Have you had a good rest of it?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I ain' ezzackly been restin', said the aged man, scratching his head."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I's been pu'su'in' othah 'ployments."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, yes, but change of work is rest. And how's the rheumatism, now, any better?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bettah? Why, Mawse Gawge, I ain' got a smidgeon of hit. I's jes' limpin' a leetle bit on 'count o' habit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, it's good if one can get well, even if his days are nearly spent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Heish, Mas' Gawge. I ain' t'inkin' 'bout dyin'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aren't you ready yet, in all these years?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hope I's ready, but I hope to be spaihed a good many yeahs yit."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To do good, I suppose?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, suh; yes, suh. Fac' is, Mawse Gawge, I jes' hop up to ax you some'p'n."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, here I am."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I want to ax you--I want to ax you--er--er--I want--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, speak out. I haven't time to be bothering here all day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you know, Mawse Gawge, some o' us ain' nigh ez ol' ez dey looks."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's true. A person, now, would take you for ninety, and to my positive knowledge, you're not more than eighty-five."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Lawd. Mastah, do heish."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm not flattering you, that's the truth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, now, Mawse Gawge, couldn' you mek me' look lak eighty-fo', an' be a little youngah?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, what do you want to be younger for?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You see, hit's jes' lak dis, Mawse Gawge. I come up hyeah to ax you--I want--dat is--me an' Manette, we wants to git ma'ied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Get married! thundered Marston."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What you, you old scarecrow, with one foot in the grave!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Heish, Mastah, 'buse me kin' o' low. Don't th'ow yo' words 'roun' so keerless."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is what you wanted your Sundays off for, to go sparking around--you an exhorter, too."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But I's been missin' my po' ol' wife so much hyeah lately."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You've been missing her, oh, yes, and so you want to get a woman young enough to be your granddaughter to fill her place."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Mas' Gawge, you know, ef I is ol' an' feeble, ez you say, I need a strong young han' to he'p me down de hill, an' ef Manette don' min' spa'in' a few mont's er yeahs--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That'll do, I'll see what your mistress says. Come back in an hour."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mrs. Marston, Manette's hand has been proposed for."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "George!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Rev. Simon Marston has this moment come and solemnly laid his heart at my feet as proxy for Manette."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He shall not have her, he shall not have her!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But remember, Mrs. Marston, it will keep her coming to meeting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do not care; he is an old hypocrite, that is what he is."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Think, too, of what a noble work he is doing. It brings about a reconciliation between the east and west plantations, for which we have been hoping for years. You really oughtn't to lay a straw in his way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He's a sneaking, insidious, old scoundrel."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Such poor encouragement from his mistress for a worthy old man, who only needs rest!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "George! cried Mrs. Marston, and she sank down in tears, which turned to convulsive laughter as her husband put his arm about her and whispered,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is showing the true Christian spirit. Don't you think we'd better call Manette and see if she consents? She is one of his lambs, you know."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, George, George, do as you please. If the horrid girl consents, I wash my hands of the whole affair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know these old men have been learning such a long while."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Brothah Simon"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "quoted Mr. Marston again when the girl had been dismissed. Mrs. Marston was laughingly angry, but speechless for a moment. Finally she said:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Manette seems willing, so there is nothing for us to do but to consent, although, mind you, I do not approve of this foolish marriage, do you hear?"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Now look here, Uncle Simon, said his master,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want you to tell me how you, an old, bad-looking, half-dead darky won that likely young girl."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mastah, I don' b'lieve you looks erroun' you, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now, 'mongst white folks, you knows a preachah 'mongst de ladies is mos' nigh i'sistible, but 'mongst col'ed dey ain't no pos'ble way to git erroun' de gospel man w'en he go ahuntin' fu' anything."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Look here, boy, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am expecting some callers soon. If they come, just send them right up to my room. You take good care of me and look sharp when I ring and you'll not lose anything."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "or"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tell you, sir, you've got a mighty fine town here. Of course, there's no opportunity for anything like local pride, because it's the outsiders, or the whole country, rather, that makes it what it is, but that's nothing. It's a fine town, and I'm right sorry that I can't stay longer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How long do you expect to be with us, Professor?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, about ten days, I reckon, at the furthest. I want to spend some time sight-seeing. I'll drop in on the Congressman from my district to-morrow, and call a little later on the President."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Uh, huh!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, sir, I want to get through with my little matter and get back home. I'm not asking for much, and I don't anticipate any trouble in securing what I desire. You see, it's just like this, there's no way for them to refuse us. And if any one deserves the good things at the hands of the administration, who more than we old campaigners, who have been helping the party through its fights from the time that we had our first votes?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who, indeed?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tell you, gentlemen, the administration is no fool. It knows that we hold the colored vote down there in our vest pockets and it ain't going to turn us down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, of course not, but sometimes there are delays--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Delays, to be sure, where a man doesn't know how to go about the matter. The thing to do, is to go right to the centre of authority at once. Don't you see?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Certainly, certainly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know, he said,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Too busy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell Congressman Barker that Mr. Johnson, Mr. Cornelius Johnson, of Alabama, desires to see him. I think he will see me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I can take your message, said the clerk, doggedly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, why, Cornelius, how'do? how'do? Ah, you came about that little matter, didn't you? Well, well, I haven't forgotten you; I haven't forgotten you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sorry, but I'm in a great hurry now. I'm compelled to leave town to-day, much against my will, but I shall be back in a week; come around and see me then. Always glad to see you, you know. Sorry I'm so busy now; good-morning, good-morning."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, what luck?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are we to congratulate you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not yet, not yet, gentlemen. I have not seen the President yet. The fact is--ahem--my Congressman is out of town."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is most annoying, he went on,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly not, said Col. Mason, blandly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There will be delays."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, yes; of course, delays, he assented;"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But what am I to do?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, you just bide your time. I'll look out for you. Never fear."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "to their rooms without a loss of dignity. In fact, it was in these hours with the old man, over a pipe and a bit of something, that Johnson was most nearly cheerful. Hitch after hitch had occurred in his plans, and day after day he had come home unsuccessful and discouraged. The crowning disappointment, though, came when, after a long session that lasted even up into the hot days of summer, Congress adjourned and his one hope went away. Johnson saw him just before his departure, and listened ruefully as he said:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I tell you, Cornelius, now, you'd better go on home, get back to your business and come again next year. The clouds of battle will be somewhat dispelled by then and we can see clearer what to do. It was too early this year. We were too near the fight still, and there were party wounds to be bound up and little factional sores that had to be healed. But next year, Cornelius, next year we'll see what we can do for you."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, why, what's the matter now? asked the old man."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No bad news, I hope."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing worse than I should have expected, was the choking answer."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's a letter from my wife. She's sick and one of the babies is down, but --his voice broke--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She's a brave little woman, he said, gravely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wish her husband was as brave a man. Johnson raised his head and arms from the table where they were sprawled, as the old man went on:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The hard conditions of life in our race have taught our women a patience and fortitude which the women of no other race have ever displayed. They have taught the men less, and I am sorry, very sorry. The thing, that as much as anything else, made the blacks such excellent soldiers in the civil war was their patient endurance of hardship. The softer education of more prosperous days seems to have weakened this quality. The man who quails or weakens in this fight of ours against adverse circumstances would have quailed before--no, he would have run from an enemy on the field."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, Mason, your mood inspires me. I feel as if I could go forth to battle cheerfully. For the moment, Johnson's old pomposity had returned to him, but in the next, a wave of despondency bore it down."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But that's just it; a body feels as if he could fight if he only had something to fight. But here you strike out and hit--nothing. It's only a contest with time. It's waiting--waiting--waiting!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In this case, waiting is fighting."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, even that granted, it matters not how grand his cause, the soldier needs his rations."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forage,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, Mason, that's well enough in good country; but the army of office-seekers has devastated Washington. It has left a track as bare as lay behind Sherman's troopers. Johnson rose more cheerfully."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm going to the telegraph office,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What have you been doing?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Something very imprudent, I'm sure you will say. I've mortgaged my little place down home. It did not bring much, but I had to have money for the wife and the children, and to keep me until Congress assembles; then I believe that everything will be all right."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, you here already, Cornelius?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I haven't been away,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, you've got the hang-on, and that's what an officer-seeker needs. Well, I'll attend to your matter among the very first. I'll visit the President in a day or two."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your appointment was sent in to-day. I'll rush it through on the other side. Come up to-morrow afternoon."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It came just in time, said the younger man;"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, Cornelius, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm glad to see you still prosperous-looking, for there were some alleged irregularities in your methods down in Alabama, and the Senate has refused to confirm you. I did all I could for you, but--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Poor devil! said the Congressman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I should have broken it more gently."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Damn you! damn you! he cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Damn your deceit, your fair cruelties; damn you, you hard, white liar!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Chee, Blink, you ought to hear my ol' lady talk about de times dey have down w'ere we come from at Christmas; N'Yoick ain't in it wid dem, you kin jist bet. And Blinky, who was a New Yorker clear through with a New Yorker's contempt for anything outside of the city, had promptly replied with a downward spreading of his right hand,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Aw fu'git it!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Old Folks at Home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "All up an' down the whole creation, Sadly I roam, Still longing for the old plantation, An' for the old folks at home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What a reg'lar ol' fool I'm a-gittin' to be."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and when Blinky Scott had him"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "until he was right on him, so he was"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Poor little chap; I wonder what he's been up to now. Others said sarcastically,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems strange that 'copper' didn't call for help."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's shameful, the bearded sergeant said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I wunner whah that little scamp is, she said, smiling;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I tol' him to hu'y home, but I reckon he's stayin' out latah wid de evenin' papahs so's to bring home mo' money."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Chimmie was pinched fur t'rowin' de bones."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, darkies, how my heart grows weary, Far from the old folks at home."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "sent a little money to be distributed desultorily in the district, and then left it to go its way, never doubting what that way would be. The opposing candidates never felt that the place was worthy of consideration, for as the Chairman of the Central Committee said, holding up his hand with the fingers close together:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What's the use of wasting any speakers down there? We've got 'em just like that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gentlemen, he said to the campaign managers,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, I tell you now, Lane, said his closest friend,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What's the matter with the bellwether?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That's just exactly what _is_ the matter. Their bellwether is an old deacon named Isham Swift, and you couldn't turn him with a forty-horsepower crank."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There's nothing like trying."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are many things very similar to failing, but none so bad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm willing to take the risk."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, all right; but whom will you send? We can't waste a good man."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll go myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, I."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, you'd be the laughing-stock of the State."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right; put me down for that office if I never reach the gubernatorial chair."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Say, Lane, what was the name of that Spanish fellow who went out to fight windmills, and all that sort of thing?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Never mind, Widner; you may be a good political hustler, but you're dead bad on your classics,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I can't get the bellwether to jump the way I want, I'll transfer the bell."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The brothah, meaning the candidate,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and he hoped they'd listen to him quietly. Then he added subtly:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of co'se Brothah Lane knows we colo'ed folks 're goin' to think our own way, anyhow."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He sholy tol' de truth,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dat man was right,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They ain't no way to 'ny a word he said."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We know; the young ones said"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "We have heard,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His temples are our forts and towers which frown upon a tyrant foe."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mistah Cheerman, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, my f'en's, I want to ax you, who was behind Ab'aham Lincoln? Who was it helt up dat man's han's when dey sent bayonets an' buttons to enfo'ce his word--umph? I want to--to know who was behin' him? Wasn' it de 'Publican pa'ty? There were cries of"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yes! dat's so!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "An' now I want to know in dis hyeah day o' comin' up ef we a-gwineter 'sert de ol' flag which waved ovah Lincoln, waved ovah Gin'r'l Butler, an' led us up straight to f'eedom? Ladies an' gent'men, an' my f'en's, I know dar have been suttain meetin's held lately in dis pa't o' de town. I know dar have been suttain cannerdates which have come down hyeah an' brung us de mixed wine o' Babylon. I know dar have been dem o' ouah own people who have drunk an' become drunk--ah! But I want to know, an' I want to ax you ter-night as my f'en's an' my brothahs, is we all a-gwineter do it--huh? Is we all a-gwineter drink o' dat wine? Is we all a-gwineter reel down de perlitical street, a-staggerin' to an' fro?--hum!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! No! No!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gent'men an' ladies, said the old man, lowering his voice,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Huh, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I did vote the Democratic ticket,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You did? he cried."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You did?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, said Tom, visibly shaken;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Evah man has a right to what?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To vote as he thinks he ought to,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You--you tell me dat?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You tell me dat? You with yo' bringin' up vote de way you think you're right? You lie! Tell me what dey paid you, or, befo' de Lawd, I'll taih you to pieces right hyeah!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They--they give me five dollahs, he said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fi' dollahs! fi' dollahs! My son sell hisse'f fu' fi' dollahs! an' forty yeahs ago I brung fifteen hun'erd, an' dat was only my body, but you sell body an' soul fu' fi' dollahs!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tek it back to 'em! he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tek it back to 'em."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, pap--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tek it back to 'em, I say, or yo' blood be on yo' own haid!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Des' a minute, brothahs, he said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I want to mek a 'fession. I was too ha'd an' too brash in my talk de othah night, an' de Lawd visited my sins upon my haid. He struck me in de bosom o' my own fambly. My own son went wrong. Pray fu' me!"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": ""
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "and"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "An' when hit do change, he would add, impressively,"
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yas'm, I kin sholy git dat much money together in th'ee weeks de way I's a-wo'kin'."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, now, Polly, be sure; for if you are not prompt I shall have to dispose of it where it was first promised,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, you kin 'pend on me, Mis' Mo'ton; fu' when I sets out to save money I kin save, I tell you."
}
]
|
15886 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He even went so far as to go to work for a week and bring Polly his earnings, of course, after certain"
}
]
|
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