Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII A STOP PLAY SENTENCE I AMES LAFAYETTE GAR- !NER -- " " Yes, sir, but folks usu'lly calls me Jimmy." ' Well, Jimmy, hold up your right hand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." " I'll tell the truth, an' the whole truth -- but I's scairt to say I won't tell nothin' but the truth. I'm a gonter try not to -- but, Jedge, looks like sometimes I remembers what didn't happen better'n what did." " Do your best, Jimmy. Now tell from the beginning all about it." " Things happened jes' like Billy said, 'ceptin' he's all time leavin' out somethin'. He done lef out that Lina stole the chops. I wouldn't call it borrowin' when you done et 'em up, all but the bones. I ain't done nothin' but borrow Sarah Jane's things -- an' she kin have 'em back as good as new. I ain't stole 'em any mo'n she stole my cravat, what Gramma Garner done knitted for me. She borrowed it, an' put it on for a garter. I reckon she's got it on this minute." Sarah Jane quickly pulled her skirts down and the fierce expression on her face faded into a look of unctuous innocence, as Jimmy continued: " Co'se I ain't a mindin' 'bout the garter I'd a give it to her if she had a asked me, but I reckon she forgot. I reckon Sarah Jane would a lent me her sheet an' stockin' if I had asked her. Sarah Jane is so nice to kids." Sarah Jane smirked at that. "Why didn't you ask her, then?" " 'Cause you see, Jedge, we was a playin' gypsies, and gypsies don't never ask for nothin'. We all time play true." " Are you sure Lina took the chops and not Frances? " "Co'se I's sho'! Lina's all time takin' her mamma's lamb chops an' callin' it borrowin'. She's the sissies' girl they is. All time cryin' in p'lice court." With that Lina sat up, uncovered her...