ought to have been. There was something like subtle reproach in his
sticking to nature as nature had ordained. And the folks of Egypt had
been having much to say about Usial Britt putting this new touch of
malice into the long-enduring feud between twin brothers--even though
he merely went on as he had been going, bald and gray. But because Usial
had taken to going about in public places wherever Tasper appeared, and
unobtrusively got as near his brother as possible on those occasions,
and winked and pointed to himself and suggested "Before using!" the
malice was apparent.

Usial, in the door, stroked his smooth poll complacently and grinned.

Tasper, on the porch, shook his fist.

Prophet Elias marched close to the porch and struck an attitude. "Hear
ye! Hath not Job said, 'The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the
joy of the hypocrite but for a moment'?"

A man who was humped over a sawbuck in a nearby yard straightened up
and began to pay strict attention. A driver halted a sled loaded with
unshaved hoop poles, and listened. The commercial drummer came out on
the porch.

"Look here, you crazy coot, haven't I given you fair warning about
tongue-whaling me in public?" demanded the man who was pilloried.

"'Behold, all they that are incensed against thee shall be ashamed and
confounded,'" quoted the Prophet, pounding his fist against the lettered
breast. "'They shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall
perish.'"