"Well, I ain't going to play 'thout I can be the boss of the
niggers. It's Sarah Jane's chain and she's my mama's cook, and
I'm going to be what I please."

"I'll tell you what do," was Billy's suggestion, "we'll take it
turn about; me an' Lina'll firs' be the perlice an' y' all be the
chain-gang, an' then we'll be the niggers an' y' all be the
bosses."

This arrangement was satisfactory, so the younger boy climbed the
fence and soon returned with a short chain and padlock.

Billy chained Jimmy and Frances together by two round, fat
ankles and put the key to the lock in his pocket.

"We must decide what crimes they have committed," said Lina.

"Frances done got 'rested fer shootin' craps an' Jimmy done
got 'rested fer 'sturbin' public worship," said the other boss.

"Naw, I ain't neither," objected the male member of the
chain-gang, "I done cut my woman with a razor 'cause I see her
racking down the street like a proud coon with another gent, like
what Sarah Jane's brother telled me he done at the picnic."

The children played happily together for half an hour, Billy
and Lina commanding, and the prisoners, entering thoroughly
into the spirit of the game, according prompt obedience to
their bosses. At last the captives wearied of their role and