Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1895 — Which? [ARTICLE]

Which?

That the average negro is inclined to be lazy, and that he also has a keen sense of the ludicrous, is shown by the following story received directly from the Ups of an old “uncle,” who vouches far its truth: “Unc’ Toby,” a man for whom Bartlett’s Creek has more attractions than the hot and grassy cotton field, not long ago took a “day off” in pursuit of his favorite amusement He baited his hook, and long and patiently sat upon the bank of the stream, vainly waiting for a bite. At last under the combined influence of the warmth of the day and the sluggish movements of the stream, Une’ Toby fell asleep. Eternal vigilance is the price of trout and while our weary angler slept an enormous fish took the bait and puUed him Into the creek. Of course this awakened the old man, and he was overheard to inquire, as he floundered about in the water: “For de Lord’s sake, Toby, am dis nlggah a-fishin’, or am dis fish a-nig-gerin’?”