AY SHAFT 11
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his happened, but ominous mutterings foretoldthe coming storm. So matters stood on thenight that Jason Andrews left his cabin to findout what was “ up.” He went on down the road until he reachedthe outskirts of the crowd, which he saw to begathered about a man who was haranguingthem. The speaker proved to be “ Red”Cleary, one of Daly’s first and most ardentconverts. He had worked the men up to ahigh pitch of excitement, and there were criesof, “Go it, Red, you’re on the right track! ”“ What’s the matter with Cleary? He’s allright!”’ and, “Run the niggers out. That’sit!’? On the edge of the throng, half in theshadow, Jason Andrews listened in silence, andhis just anger grew. The speaker was saying, “What are wewhite men goin’ to do? Set still an’ let niggerssteal the bread out of our mouths? Ain’t itour duty to rise up like free Americans an’ drive?em from the place? Who dares say no tothat? ”’ Cleary made the usual pause for dra-matic effect and to let the incontrovertibility ofhis argument sink into the minds of his hearers.The pause was fatal. A voice broke the still- 215
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