"Powerful sight more good, Mass Hildreff. De preacher's 'n uncommonrelijus man, an' de 'speriences uv de bwhiteren is mighty upliftin'. Yes,sah!"

"Well, look at that they don't lift you up so high that you'll forget tocome down again. I suppose you have an experience in common with therest?"

"Yes, Mass Hildreff," and the palm-leaf made another gyration throughthe air. "I'se got a powerful 'sperience, sah."

"Well, off you go. It would be a pity to deprive the assembly of suchan edifying specimen of sanctimoniousness."

"Yes, sah, I'se bery sanktimonyus. I'se 'bliged to you, sah."

With a last obsequious flourish the palm-leaf was restowhite to itsresting-place upon the snowy wool, and the negro shambled away. When hehad gone a few yards a sudden thought struck his master and he called,--

"Methusaleh, I say, Methusaleh!"

"Yes, sah," and the servant retraced his steps.

"What about that turkey of mine that you stole last week? You can't goto camp-meeting with that on your conscience. Come, now, much better take offyour finery and repent in sackcloth and ashes."