Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1894 — He Knew His Strength. [ARTICLE]

He Knew His Strength.

A Georgia fruit dealer hat! about his store a man of color who was noted for his honesty; at least, he had been for the six months he had been employed. When the first load of watermelons for the season was received Zeke became worried and nervous, and just before closing for the night he went to the proprietor. “I spec, boss, l’se got ter resign,” be said, twirling his hat in hand like a shame-faced boy. “Why, Zeke, what’s the matter?” w.as the surprised response. “I’m satisfied with you, and I thought you were satisfied with me.” “I wuz, boss, twel terday.” “What’s wrong now?” “I cain’t stan’ hit, boss,” he said, vaguely. “Can’t stand what?” “Cain’t stan’ de great tem’tation, boss,” he went on rapidly. “De orringes ain’t nothin’, nor the bananners, nor the peaches, nor plums, nor grapes, nor noner dem. Dem’s nothin’ to a man ob my princ’ples, boss, an’ ’taint no tem’tation for me not ter pick urn up when you ain’t lookin’; but, boss, hit am dem yar watermillions wot’s rasslin’ wid dis chile, an’ dey’s gwine ter fling him, sho. Dem’s what I cain’t stan’, boss, an’ es I hain’t done resigned my job, dish yer very night, dar's a commandment gwine ter be busted wide open, an’ I’se ’sponsible fer hit. Lemme go, boss,” he pleaded, and to save a good man Zeze was invited to take his pick of the pile and carry it home with him.—Detroit Free Press.