Hoods & Halos
by Mary Wingfield Bell

Delicia and Elon were playing tic-tac-toe beneath a spreading chinaberry tree. Delicia was winning and Elon felt a spirit of resentment rise inside of him. Why should Delicia win every time if she was ten years old and he was only eight.

"Drat it, nigger," he shouted and grabbed a branch of dead leaves and berries and crammed what he could down the back of her neck and inside her dress.

"Elon, I'm telling Mama," Delicia yelled. "I am. I'm telling Mama what you called me and what you did to me! Mama! Mama!"

Caroline Jackson came at once and demanded to know what had happened.

"Elon called me a nigger, Mama. He shoved this mess down my back. It itches! Mama, take it out please!"

Elon ran and hid behind crepe myrtle bushes. He thought he was hidden but Mama saw his blue shirt sleeve. "Come here, Elon, right this minute!"

"All right, sit down both of you and listen! My name is Caroline Jackson. Am I a black woman?" she asked.

"Yes, Mama."

"Are you black children?"

"Yes, Mama."

"Are you a nigger, Elon?"

"No, Mama."

"Are you a nigger, Delicia?"

"No, Mama."

"Well then, don't ever call anyone a nigger. Children, I want to tell you that God made us black because He wanted black people. Black people are special, too. God has a plan for your lives. He has plans for your brother, Diamond. There's your Papa and Diamond now. And Elon because you acted ugly you will go to bed an hour earlier tonight."

Papa and Diamond got out of their old car. Papa reached into the back seat and pulled out two burlap bags half-full of pecans. They had spent the afternoon gathering nuts for Margaret Misenkamp, a white teacher in the local school.

Margaret and Mrs. Jackson were the best of friends and their children got along well together. Anna Rule was ten, the same age as Delicia. Coleman, her brother was nine. He and Elon had many happy times together, running through the fields that skirted the edge of the small southern town of Favorville. Often they went fishing in Splinter Creek.

Reverend and Caroline Jackson first met Margaret at a P.T.A. meeting at the school house when Diamond was seven and in the second grade. Ever since that meeting eight years ago, their friendship had grown dearer. Margaret always called Ed Jackson the "Rev" when she was speaking of him. Reverend Jackson was pastor of a church attended almost exclusively by blacks. Mrs. Misenkamp visited the church now and then with her children. She was welcomed warmly at the church but had been criticized by some of the town's people.

It made no difference that Margaret was called "nigger lover." She was independent and no one was going to tell her how to choose her friends.

"Look, Mama, now you can make fudge and cakes with all these nuts," suggested Diamond.

"I'll need a lot of help cracking these nuts, Son," said Mama." You can crack a bunch after supper and your sister can take them out of the shells."

"No, Mama, please!" begged Diamond. "I have a lot of algebra problems to do tonight. I am getting behind."

"All right, you can help another time," replied Mama. "You did bring a lot of pecans. Delicia will help. Elon has to go to bed early."

"I like to pick out nuts, Mama." Delicia was thinking of how many she could eat while helping.

"Everyone wash up now," said Mama. "Supper is on the table."

"Sure, Caroline, we are hungry," said Papa. "Uhmn! Smells good!" He looked at the big kitchen table with the turnip greens, rice and sweet potato pies.

"Sweet tater pies, Oh boy! Mama," Elon said, smiling from ear to ear.

They all sat down and held hands while Papa blessed the food on the table. Then he blessed the family and the home they shared together.

"I don't want any fat bacon in my turnip greens," declared Elon.

"Me neither," joined Delicia.

"Ok, children tomorrow I'll get some real meat. Eat your rice and greens. And you can have pecans in your lunch. There is protein in nuts. You three look healthy. I'm sure that you get your vitamins," Mama said proudly.

After supper Diamond went to his room to do algebra.

Papa spoke to Delicia and Elon, "You little ones have homework?"

"No, Papa, not me," they replied in unison.

Mama said, "Elon has to go to bed now. He is being punished."

"Yeah, Papa, he called me a nigger and put old chinaberries down my back," Delicia informed.

"Elon, I thought you knew better than that," Papa said calmly. Elon hung his head and Mama said, "Child, let me kiss you good night, I know that you will do better tomorrow."

Elon climbed into bed with his old teddy bear that he had slept with for the past five years. The bear was a great comfort to him when he felt badly.

Papa asked Delicia, "Did you learn the three spelling words I gave to you last night?"

"Oh, Papa, I am sorry," Delicia answered. "I forgot to."

"Well, little girl you can add three more for tomorrow night," said Papa. "Where is your list?"

Delicia found the list and a pencil. She added the words regulator, missionary, and anniversary. Papa was going to be sure his children were good spellers. Delicia went into the living room and studied for a few minutes. She jumped up suddenly saying, "Oh, I'm going to help Mama with the nuts."

Mama was finishing dishes when she came into the kitchen. She handed Delicia the dish towel to dry the last three pans. "Why didn't I study spelling a few more minutes?" said Delicia. Drying old pans wasn't something that she wanted to do.

Mama put the nut-cracker and a big pan full of nuts on the table. The work began. Mama cracked nuts for a while then she helped Delicia pick the pieces from the shells with nut picks. Most of the pieces came out easily and soon there were two quarts of pecans - one with small pieces and one with pecan halves. Candy and cakes always looked pretty decorated with the halves.

"Mama, can we have some candy?" asked Delicia.

"Not tonight, dear, it is getting late," Mama answered. "How about making fudge Friday night when Anna Rule comes over? Mrs. Margaret will be out of town, visiting her mother who is very sick. The children will stay here."

"Mama, I am glad Anna Rule and Coleman are coming," said Delicia, "but I'm sorry their grandmother is real sick. Will she die?"

"I don't know child, she will be with the Lord either way. Look at that clock!" Mama noticed how late it was.

"Yeah, Mama, I am really getting sleepy." Delicia kissed Mama and ran to find Papa in his study room. She kissed Papa and peeped in Diamond's room to say, "Good night, Diamond." He was still working on algebra problems.

Papa spent some time each night in his study room so he would not have to stay up all night Saturday getting ready for his sermon. He drove a truck for a meat packing plant five days a week.

Mama took a bath in a tub of hot water and stayed there long enough to relax her tired bones and muscles. She felt like a new person stepping out of the tub. The warm housecoat felt good as the children's mother went into the bedroom to read her Bible. Diamond was in the kitchen getting himself a glass of milk and Mama hoped that he would leave enough for the breakfast cereal.

By eleven o'clock the house was dark and all the Jacksons were sleeping. Most people in Favorville were in bed by now except night-time workers and the few people who had nothing to do in the daytime and watched the late television movies.

The Jacksons' alarm clock went off at 6:30 a.m. They all scrambled to the dining table. Each one had a Bible in his hand. First Papa blessed the home and activities for the day. Then he prayed for the safety of the children. After Papa prayed each member of the family took a turn reading from the holy book. The chapter for this day was Psalms 91. Usually questions from the children followed the reading of scripture but today Delicia and Elon were anxious to get out of their pajamas. Diamond had already dressed and he sat there at the table with his chin resting on the palm of his hand.

"School, I hate school!" muttered Diamond. "Always problems! Always problems!"

"Anyway it is necessary to get through school so you can get a decent job," said his father.

Diamond said no more. His thoughts turned to biology. He did like biology and his biology teacher. Then there were the chicks he talked to at lunch time and three of the girls paid him a lot of mind.

Mama packed the lunches and she was in the kitchen filling the table with good things for breakfast like the plate piled high with golden-brown biscuits. They all sat down and thanked God for the food. Diamond filled his plate as he was a big eater. Delicia was anxious to get going and ate only a little bit. Elon ate much but was about to leave milk in his glass.

"Finish that milk, Elon," said Mama. "You have to drink all your milk to grow."

Elon gulped and wiped his face. He grabbed his lunch and books. "Come on, Licia, let's go to school. I'm going to call Jamie when I go by his house. Hope he's ready. He sure is a slowpoke."

"I'm ready, Elon," his sister called and they ran out the front door, going in the direction of the elementary school five blocks away.

Diamond left for school soon after his little brother and sister. The high school that he attended was across the street from the elementary school.

When Diamond was on the way out the door Mama called, "Diamond, wait a second. I want you to get me some postage stamps on the way home. Here, get a dollar's worth. There's a pattern I am going to send for right away."

"Do you really need the stamps today?" said the teenager.

"Yes, Son," his mother said. "It won't take you long to go to the post office and buy my stamps."

"OK, Mama, but I hate to go into that post office," complained Diamond.

"Old man Falson is such a grouch."

"You must have respect for older people," returned Mama. "Maybe he had a headache when you were there last."

"He looks down at me," said Diamond.

"Maybe you think so," said his mother.

"I'll get your stamps, Mama," Diamond said as he ran to catch up with his friend Price.

Mama went back into the house to talk to Papa who was pouring a cup of coffee.

"Sit down, Honey," Papa said. "Take a little time out for me."

"Sure Dear," said Mama. "I wouldn't miss talking to the greatest man in Favorville but you have to admit our children are worth fussing over."

"With the sweetest Mama and greatest man in Favorville as parents they just have to amount to big things. Delicia sparkles more each day. Elon is a quality chip off the block and watch Diamond, Mama, he is going to be a real charmer."

"Yeah, Rev. we got a good family," agreed Mama. "The Lord has been good to us and buying this house makes me feel good. Say, that reminds me of the Lord's house. Honey, I have washed the drapes for the children's department. Please drop them off at the church on you way to the plant. I'll go down later and hang them. Crimson said she would help me. She's a dear."

"Guess this preacher had better go to work," Papa said pushing his chair from the table. "This job pays fairly and I don't want to lose it."

This day will fly fast as we all have plenty to do," Mama said. "First thing you know evening will be here and the good Lord willing, we'll be together again."

Papa kissed Mama and hurried to the car to drive to the meat packing plant. He arrived there just as a man closed the door to the truck and he was on his way to deliver meat products.

Mama got a telephone call. Margaret was coming by after school to bring material for Delicia and Anna Rule's dresses. She wished Mama a good day and hung up. Mama and her friend had an arrangement. She would make the dresses for both girls and Margaret would pay for the cloth and trimmings. Mama liked sewing for the girls.

It had been an ordinary school day for the teacher and her pupils. The Misenkamp children had no complaints either. Margaret and her children sang as they were on their way home. The nice block house was three miles out from the town limits. It was nestled among pecan trees on eight acres of ground that her husband had left his family when he died. The great old trees added charm to the view of their homestead and there was extra income from the sale of the nuts.

Caroline and the Reverend had been good to Margaret and her children. There was close friendship between the families.

Delicia and Elon walked home with classmates. They were let out of school before the older boys and girls. Jamie threw his books on the porch as he passed his house and proceeded to go home with Elon. They found Mama in her bedroom working on a quilt which had been rolled on a frame.

"Mama, that's so pretty," said Delicia running her fingers over the butterfly blocks.

"Mama, Jamie and I want to go fishing, please!" begged Elon.

"All right, Elon," Mama replied. "Don't stay too long. You be home before that sun goes down."

Elon took the pole down from the back wall of the house. Jamie got the can of worms from under the steps and away they went.

Diamond left the high school building with Price. As they neared the post office Diamond said, "Wait up, Buddy. I have to get stamps for Mama."

"I'll wait out here," declared Price. "I am not going in that post office."

As the Jackson boy entered the post office the double doors were opened outward. Billie Faye Stonehearthy walked through at the same time. Diamond walked faster and stood in front of her in the line that was forming at the window. Will Falson, the postmaster, glared at Diamond and said, "All right, Blackie, let the white lady be first. Who do you think you are?"

"If you hadn't said white lady, I'd move out of the way for her, but not now! My name is Diamond Jackson and I have rights, too, you know." The teenager was boiling inside and thinking - I got to get out of here fast before I really let go and let the old man have it.

Mr. Falson curled his lips as he handed Diamond the stamps in exchange for the dollar and said, "Confound you, boy! You just don't know your place."

Billie Faye Stonehearthy said nothing. She just gritted her teeth as she moved over to let Diamond pass.

"What happened?" asked Price. "You look like you could bite a rattlesnake.

" "Mr. Falson is worse than a rattlesnake. That yellowback honky! I can't stand him! Mama is going to get her own stamps next time unless she wants me to fight."

"Man! You better let your blood pressure fall before you break an artery." said Price. "I don't blame you for feeling that way, but don't get sick over it. All whites ain't bigots. Forget him! He ain't worth a penny."

"Sure you're right. What can we do now?" asked Diamond.

"Let's go to your house and play music," suggested Price.

"I'll get the guitar," said Diamond. "You play the piano."

The lads spent quite a while in the Jackson living room. Mama got tired of listening to the music although she believed they had real talent. She went outside to take curtains off the line.

Margaret drove into the yard as she was going into the house. Coleman and Anna Rule were with her.

Delicia ran to see what Anna Rule had in a shoe box. The box was filled with paper dolls. The girls ran off to the front porch to have a fashion show. Coleman went to the back yard to play on the tire swing since Elon had not come back from fishing.

"Come into the bedroom, Margaret, said Mama. "I want you to see a quilt."

"Caroline, you do the very nicest hand-work," complimented Margaret. "That quilt is a real beauty. Who's bed is it for?" "I am glad you like it," replied Mama. "It's for you."

"No, you have put a lot of work in it," said Margaret. "But I could buy it from you."

"It is your birthday present," explained Mama.

Margaret gave Caroline a little hug, "I don't know what to say. You are such a good friend. Thank you!" She was very glad that Mrs. Jackson had saved scraps from the dress material to make the quilt for her.

"Now let us have some coffee," invited Mama.

"I sure would like a cup right now," said Margaret.

The two ladies talked for an hour. When Papa came from work it was time for the Misenkamps to go home. The school teacher had papers to grade and a meal to prepare.

"Hi there," Rev. How are you doing?" Margaret asked Papa.

"Just a bit tired, Margaret, but you look fine!" answered Papa. Margaret called her children, "Anna Rule, Coleman, come! We must go now."

Price left for his house.

Elon and Jamie could be seen dragging themselves down the unpaved road towards home.

After Margaret left, Mama poured a cup of coffee for Papa and then she prepared supper for her family. When the food was on the table, everyone sat down to eat. The meal was eaten quietly. Mama could see that Papa was too tired to say much. Elon was sullen because he did not catch the big fish he planned to have for supper. Delicia was thinking about the spelling words she had not studied for tonight. It wasn't a good time for Diamond to talk about the incident at the post office when Papa was tired but deep inside the episode kept gnawing at him. He wished that he could just forget about Will Falson and Billie Faye.

"Papa, why not lie down awhile so you can enjoy my company when Delicia and I have finished the dishes," Mama said.

"Mama, I can't do dishes," Delicia whispered to her mother. "I have to learn the spelling words. Papa will be upset."

"All right, Honey, you can help me later. You will become a champion speller for yourself and for Papa."

"Thank you, Mama," Delicia said smiling and she hurried to get the list of words. The child studied hard until she knew all of the words.

Papa had gone to the bedroom to take a nap. Elon was working on a jigsaw puzzle. Diamond was in the kitchen where Mama was busy with the dishes.

"Son, care to help your Mama?" she said smiling. Mama could see that Diamond was troubled and she waited for him to speak.

He took the dish towel and began drying the dishes. Suddenly the lad asked, "Mama, does it bother you being a black woman."

"No, dear, why should it bother me?" replied Mama.

"I just wondered," said Diamond.

Then Mama asked, "Does it bother you being a black boy?" "Mama, you told us we were special people but I am beginning to wonder what is so special when some of the white folks give us a hard time," answered Diamond.

"Everyone is special to God. Do not forget that. Some people do not understand why God made many kinds of people. God is the great creator. He wouldn't have stopped after making one type of man and one type of woman. Did God just make pine trees? No. He made the oaks, palm, maple and pecan trees. God made many nut and fruit trees."

"Mama, I see what you are saying," said Diamond. "I wish everyone could see that."

"So you see God made his perfect creation, people," continued Mama. "Each person is a special work of art and there is a promise in each person to glorify his creator. Son, don't let anyone make you feel down. God made you and what He makes is good, whether it is black or white or brown or whatever color. When I see Anna Rule with her honey-colored hair and fair complexion I see a lovely piece of art. And I look at Delicia walking beside her with ebony eyes, smooth brown skin and black hair. I see another work of art just as beautiful. There is a reflection of God's glory in both girls - in all children."

"Mama, you've really got it together," Diamond said as he put the last pan away. "Why can't other grown ups be that smart? You know how to make a kid feel better. You are the greatest." The teenager hugged his mother.

"If I am great, you children have a lot to do with it," chuckled Mama.

Soon Papa awoke from his nap. He was refreshed and ready to help his daughter with the spelling words. "Where is Delicia?" he asked.

"Here I am, Papa. I added four more words to the list. Are you surprised?" asked the little girl.

"It will be good if you spell them all correctly," replied Papa.

Delicia spelled each word and did not miss a single one. Tonight she was proud of herself. Studying had paid off and the look on Papa's face was a reward in itself.

Papa gave his daughter a big hug. "That's my girl," he said proudly.

Delicia was happy as she ran to the bedroom to get her pajamas. She sang as she closed the bathroom door and continued to sing in the shower.

Papa went into the kitchen to have a cup of coffee with Mama. Elon was finishing his math problems. Diamond had retired to his bedroom with a book and his little sister had already slid under the covers on her bed.

Soon all of the Jacksons were in bed and the lights were out. Mama and Papa lay there talking of ordinary things. They talked about their children and the kind of life they wished for them. Rain began to fall heavy on the roof and its' rhythm put the Reverend and his wife to sleep.

Next morning the streets looked clean except for mud puddles here and there. The sun was shining and the trees and fence posts were drying out but the air was cooler than the day before.

Papa sat at the table with his Bible waiting for the rest of the family. Elon and Delicia hurried in. Then Mama and Diamond appeared.

"Diamond, it is your turn to read the scripture," Papa said.

"I want to hurry," was the boy's response. "Can I read something short?"

Papa spoke, "Whatever you read, remember it is a message from God."

Diamond read the first six verses of Psalm 55.

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore

my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts

trouble me and I am distraught at the voice

of the enemy, at the stares of the wicked;

for they bring down suffering upon me and

revile me in their anger. My heart is in

anguish within me. The terrors of death assail

me; Fear and trembling have beset me. Horror

has overwhelmed me. I said, "Oh, that I had the

the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest."

When Diamond had finished the last sentence he said, "Papa, that is just what I want to do sometimes. I want to fly away where there are no white people."

"Son, you know that there are good white folks," said the Reverend.

"Sure, but the no-good whites spoil the whole human race," returned Diamond.

"I don't like what I see building inside of you, my lad," said Papa. "Don't think mean because others are bad."

"Okay, Papa, I'll cool it for now but someday I'm afraid I will blow up," said the teenager.

Papa prayed for the family and blessed each child separately. Then Mama served breakfast with help from Delicia.

Elon and Delicia went off to school with their friends.

Mama kissed Papa as he went out the door.

Diamond took his bike from the back porch. He and Price were going to ride bicycles to school. There was a few minutes before the bell would ring so the boys decided to ride around the community. The brisk air was invigorating.

"Man! It's fun riding in the early morning," said Price.

"It sure is," agreed Diamond as they split the mud puddles on Broad Street.

"You black coons!" a girl's voice yelled at them. "Niggers, you messed up my new pink sweater."

"Jeanie Belle, it was an accident," returned Diamond. The boys were talking and had not seen her.

"Sure it was an accident," joined her friend, Martie.

"Jeanie Belle, I am sorry," said Diamond as they rode on but inside he had a little fun knowing that she got dirty from the mud. Anyone so uppity deserved a little mud on them.

Price said, "Forget that girl, she is a real snob."

The boys went to school and forgot about the sweater. But Jeanie Belle did not forget. She went to the wash room to clean her sweater and was late for class. The history teacher, Mr. Collins, scolded her for being tardy. The girl spent the rest of the day pouting and promising herself the black boys would have to pay one way or another.

"Martie, why couldn't the darkies have stayed on the plantations where they belong?" Jeanie Belle said fuming. "Why did they have to crawl out of the wood work of their shanties?"

"What is wrong with you?" Martie said. "You talk as if blacks aren't human."

"Do you honestly think they are human, Martie?" returned Jeanie Belle. "What kind of breed are you?"

"God made everyone and that makes us equal," Martie said.

"God also made monkeys," hurled back Jeanie Belle.

The girls were about to quarrel so Martie changed the subject, "Let's hurry -or you will be late to another class." Then Jeanie Belle and her friend went back to their studies. Martie hoped her classmate would forget about Price and Diamond.

Jeanie Belle did not forget. She made a face at both of them as she passed their desks.

When school was out the Jackson boy and his friend hurried away to avoid an encounter with her.

It was Friday afternoon and Margaret Misenkamp brought her children to spend the night at the Jackson house while she went out of town to visit her mother. The sick woman was in a serious condition but slowly improving. The school teacher bought a bucket of fried chicken and two dozen donuts so there would be no shortage of food.

"Margaret, that isn't necessary, you know that, don't you?" Mama said. "I'll feed your children."

"Caroline, you take such good care of Anna Rule and Coleman," replied Margaret. "The least I can do is bring a little food."

"Thank you, dear," said Mama. "That chicken does smell good.

" Margaret kissed her little boy and girl and said, "Now you two mind Mrs. Jackson. I will be back tomorrow night."

"Bye. we'll be good," Coleman said as he ran around the house to play with Elon.

Delicia and Anna Rule began jumping rope as they watched the teacher drive away. They jumped inside the rope at the same time until they grew tired of that. Then Anna Rule tied one end of the rope to a small tree. They took turns turning and jumping. The little friends repeated many rope rhymes as they jumped - How many kisses did she get and etc. Delicia made up a new chant: "Today is a happy day. How many angels watch us play?" 1,2,3,4, and on up to 73 Anna Rule jumped. It was Delicia's turn. "Today is a happy day. Count the angels fly away." 1,2,3,4 and on to 69 Delicia jumped without missing.

"Let's rest awhile," the Jackson girl said.

"Sure," answered Anna Rule and the two sat down under the chinaberry tree.

"How many angels do you think really watch us when we play," Delicia asked her friend.

"I don't know," replied Anna Rule. "Do you think the angels watch us?"

"Yes, it's in the Bible," said Delicia. "Angels are watching and maybe the people in heaven look down on us."

"Oh, Goodie! Daddy is watching me play," Anna Rule was elated. "I can't see him but I am glad he can see me."

At that time Elon and Coleman came around the house. "Want to help us catch frogs?" asked Coleman.

"Nope," Anna Rule answered quickly.

"We are talking about angels," Delicia told the boys.

The boys sat down with the girls beneath the branches of the chinaberry tree. The thought of angels was an interesting one. There were questions in the minds of the children. Delicia was giving the answers as the others asked about the heavenly creatures. She felt proud that she knew about angels.

"Do angels wear clothes?" asked Coleman.

"Certainly," said Anna Rule. She didn't want Delicia to show her up. Anyway, she could not imagine God making angels without clothes.

"Why can't we see angels?" Elon said. He remembered the story of Daniel in the den of lions and the angel who came to shut the gate? "Do people ever see angels," asked Anna Rule.

"I don't know," Delicia answered. "Let's go ask Mama."

Mama was calling from the kitchen, "Girls, I want you to set the table."

Delicia placed seven plates on the table. Anna Rule put the knives and forks by the plates. When the napkins were on the table, Delicia asked Mama, "Do people ever see angels?"

"I have never seen an angel, Honey, but I have read of people seeing them," replied Mama. "Perhaps I have seen one and did not recognize him."

"How could you do that, Mama?" asked her daughter.

"The scripture tells us to be kind to strangers," said Mama. "I may have seen an angel without knowing it."

"Really!" the girls responded at the same time.

Delicia then asked, "What color are angels, Mama?"

"I think they may be any color they want to be or maybe they come in as many colors as people," replied Mama. "Oh, there is Papa. Let's get the chicken and potato salad on the table."

Diamond, on his bicycle, followed Papa's car into the yard. He was really hungry as he and his friend had been riding for miles on their bikes.

It was Friday and Papa was glad. He looked forward to the weekends. Saturday and Sunday were his refreshing times. He enjoyed his family but he also loved the family of God - the church people. They were family, too. It was a joy to meet with the brothers and sisters in the Lord. When he sometimes felt depressed, their prayers lifted him into a happy mood. Papa looked over his family and the two white children present at their table. He was thinking - how pleasant it is here in this house.

Everyone at the table joined hands as Papa blessed the food and asked God to protect each one there. Then he asked God to take care of Margaret and bring her back safely to her children.

"May I spend the night with Price?" asked Diamond.

Mama spoke quickly, "I like to have you home at night." She knew that if he were at home there would be no concern about him getting into trouble of any kind.

"Diamond, you can stay with Price tonight but stay away from those people who cause trouble for blacks," said Papa. "Need I say more?"

"No, Papa, I understand. We will play chess."

Mama was not pleased with the idea of Diamond being out of the house at night but Papa was head of the house so she didn't say another word. Mama knew that Diamond was old enough to stay overnight with his friend. She also knew that sometimes trouble finds its way to teenagers.

"Everything will be all right," Papa said to Mama. "Don't worry, Dear, our heavenly Father watches over us."

Mama's thoughts turned to clearing the table and cleaning the stack of dishes at hand. She put the food in the refrigerator while the girls carried the dishes to the sink.

"Run along little helpers and play," said Mama. "It will be dark soon."

All of the children went outside. Elon and Coleman ran to search for frogs. Delicia and Anna Rule played hopscotch. Diamond left with his transistor radio and took off on his bicycle - free as a bird in flight.

"Caroline, please pour another cup of coffee," said Papa.

"One cup of coffee coming up," said Mama, kissing the preacher on his forehead.

"Caroline, do you realize there has hardly been any telephone calls from the church family this week?" mentioned Papa. "Everybody must be well. They must be taking care of their own problems. Praise God for the rest! It is good being able to sit in peace and talk with my favorite lady."

Mama sat down and drank more coffee with her husband. she reached out her hand and laid it on his hand and said, "How wonderful to have a good husband."

Papa went into the living room to watch the news on the television. Mama had to finish doing the dishes. The girls came in as she was wiping the sink.

"We want a glass of water," Delicia said. "I mean, please."

"We get awfully thirsty when we play hopscotch, Mrs. Jackson," added Anna Rule.

"Girls, go take your showers and put on pajamas," instructed Mama. "Then you may play inside."

"Where are Elon and Coleman?" asked Mama.

"They are at the creek hunting for frogs," replied Delicia.

Mama hurried to the door and looked towards the road. There she saw two dirty little boys coming into the yard. "Praise God!" she said gratefully.

When all were accounted for Mama sat down in an overstuffed chair with her crochet needle and yarn.

In the Parker house Diamond and Price were at the dining table playing chess and eating pecan pie. What a delightful way to spend an evening. Even though it was fun the two teenagers grew tired of staying inside.

"Hey, it's a full moon tonight," said Price. "Let's go bike riding out on the country roads."

"I don't know if I should," returned Diamond. "I promised Papa to stay away from trouble makers," was Diamond's response. "We just might run into some problems."

"Aw, come on, man, let's go," Price insisted.

"Get your jacket. I'm wearing mine," Diamond told his friend. "It is cold outside."

It was a calm cool night. The boys could easily see the road even though Diamond had no light on his bicycle. The moon gave a luster to the flat farm lands almost as bright as day.

"Wow! This is great!" declared Price. "Beats being cooped up in the house."

The lads rode past peanut fields with stacks and stacks of peanut hay. They sped by pecan groves and fields that had grown tobacco in the summer. Old corn shocks stood proudly in the moonlight.

Suddenly they came upon Barlet's tobacco barn. It was surrounded by seven cars and a pickup truck.

"Great guns! What is going on," asked Diamond.

"I don't know," answered Price. "We had better get home."

"Yeah, but then again if something weird is going on our folks should know," returned Diamond. He stopped his bike and looked for a place to hide it. "See that little persimmon tree. We can use that for direction and hide the bikes beyond there behind one of the pecan trees. We will lay the bicycles on the ground and sneak behind the barn. Maybe there is a crack we can peep through. Sh', be careful, let's not make any noise."

"Okay," agreed Price.

The boys ran across the dirt road and crept up carefully to the back of the barn. There was a slit of light about two feet long. Two pair of eyes looked on the scene within the barn and two pairs of ears listened intently.

The teenagers recognized five faces. There was Will Falson, Jasper Stonehearthy, husband of Billie Faye, Jeanie Belle Foster and her father, Hoover Harrison and seven more white men.

Chills went up their spines as Diamond and Price saw what was taking place.

Jasper stood up and said, "You know that this is our second meeting for the preservation of white people and our way of life. We have formed a group to combat the disrespect of the coloreds, 'specially the young niggers. They are getting out of hand. This is a local outfit. We don't want outsiders buttin' in. At the last meeting we picked a name for our gang, the Caucasian Command Council. Ain't that impressive."

"Caucasian! What is that about?" asked Hoover.

"Stupid, that means white people - the only real people," Jasper informed and then said, "Any questions?"

J. C. Foster arose to his feet and announced, "We got enough money for hoods and white sweatshirts. Jeanie Belle said she would sew red felt letters on the shirts. Just imagine three big Cs across the front. Or should it be on the back of the shirts?"

"Yeah, men, that will do it!" Will Foster exclaimed. "C.C.C. - complete control of coloreds!"

Everybody in the barn laughed.

Just about that moment Price stepped on a piece of pipe and it struck the barn.

"Someone is out there," said Jasper. He pointed to the Sprickland brothers, Billy and Dykes. "Go get 'em!"

Like a bull tearing out of the barn, they lunged through the door. Billy grabbed Diamond and Dykes caught Price.

"Hah, Billy, we got two tar babies already!" Dykes said laughing.

"Yep, what are we going to do with 'em?" asked Billy.

"Here, hold the rats!" replied Dykes. And he ran to his pickup truck to get a rope.

The white men tied the lads to a large oak tree a few yards away from the barn and left them there. Then they went back to the others and told them what had happened.

"You'd better not leave the coons there all night," warned Will. "Someone might call the sheriff and we are not ready for a show-down yet but the time is coming."

"Heck! We'll turn 'em loose before daylight," was Dykes response.

The newly formed C.C.C. continued their meeting with even more determination to stop the advancement of the black people in the community.

Diamond and Price tried to squirm, hoping to loosen the rope that held them to the tree. The rope was wound tightly around their bodies. They were so angry that the two men had caught them and there was nothing that could be done about it.

"Heathens!" yelled Diamond.

"They belong in jail," wailed Price. "What is going to happen? What do you think will happen to us?"

"Who knows?" Diamond said, trembling.

Their anger turned into a real fear as they kept their eyes on the tobacco barn. After a time the men and a girl came out. All got into the cars and the one pickup truck and drove away. Not one had come near the tree where the youths were tied.

It was a relief to see the group leave but the teenagers were still bound and scared.

While at the Parker house, Sweetie went to the kitchen for a glass of warm milk to help her sleep. She saw a light on in her son's room and went to find out what Price and Diamond were doing. She peeped in and discovered that the boys were gone. The Parker woman went back to the kitchen and saw that the clock over the stove said that it was 12:45 a.m.

"What'll I do?" Price's mother said out loud. "I'll call Diamond's parents."

Mama was easily awakened by the telephone and hurried to answer so as not to disturb the four young children. The lady on the end of the line was crying. Sweetie Parker was very upset.

"Calm down!" Mama said. "Tell me what is wrong?"

"The boys are missing, Caroline. Diamond and Price are gone. I looked in the bedroom and they are not here."

"I'll get Rev up right away," Mama offered. "Come over here. You don't have to wait alone."

"Wake up, Rev!" Mama shook Papa. "I think our son and Price may be in trouble."

"That boy promised," Papa said. "Why this time of night? I need my rest."

"Quit fretting, Papa," said Mama. "Let's pray."

Diamond's parents dropped to their knees and asked God in the name of Jesus to take care of the boys.

Then the Reverend put clothes on over his pajamas. He put on a heavy jacket and left the house to search for the missing teenagers.

Papa wondered where he should begin. He knew that Diamond liked to ride his bike on the country roads. Maybe the youngsters went for a ride and had bicycle trouble.

When Papa started the car, a voice in his spirit directed him. The moon was still shining brightly as Papa drove past peanut fields with peanut stacks and more stacks. He passed pecan groves and harvested tobacco fields. The inner voice assured him he was on the right road. There was the field of corn shocks. Beyond Barlet's tobacco barn was the big oak tree.

Papa saw the boys tied to the tree, silhouetted against the moonlit sky. He stopped the car. Diamond and his friend heard the car door shut and looked to see Papa hurrying towards them. "Papa! Papa!" Diamond shouted happily.

Price was happy, too.

Papa untied the frightened youths. "You boys shouldn't have come out here at night," he scolded. "Price, your mother is half out of her mind worrying. She is at our house now."

"You're going home, Diamond," said Papa. "It will be a long time before you go out for the night again."

"Yes, Papa," agreed the son.

"Who did this?" asked the Reverend as he put the bikes in the trunk of the car.

"Billy and Dykes Sprickland tied us to the tree," the Jackson boy replied. "There is a lot more going on - something you should know. It is awful!"

"Reverend, there is a gang out to get us blacks," Price added. They told Papa about the C.C.C. gang and the white hoods and sweat shirts they planned to wear when they carried out their dastardly plans.

Papa said little on the way home. He had a lot of thinking and praying to do.

When the car pulled into the yard, Mama and Sweetie came on the porch to see if he had found the boys. Diamond and Price hurried into the house. Mama hugged her son, crying and praising the Lord. Price was almost squeezed to pieces; Sweetie was so glad to have him with her again. Then they all went to the kitchen for a cup of tea.

Papa spoke in a somber tone, "There is much to be concerned about. But I don't want anyone being scared. Hold up your head and go about your business as usual."

"Dear, why do you talk that way?" asked Mama.

"Some of the white folks are organizing against the blacks," said Papa. "Everything will be all right. I don't think anything terrible will take place but we must be watchful. Whatever you do don't scare the little ones."

Papa, Mama, Mrs. Parker and the two boys agreed to pray against the evil gang of hoodlums. After talking half an hour, Sweetie and Price went home. Mama, Papa and Diamond went to bed.

Diamond was glad to be in his own bed again and felt secure here with the rest of the family. Many thoughts filled his mind - the C.C.C. gang and all the things that they said about black people. He remembered Mama's words to him in the kitchen that night and how good she made him feel about himself. His father was so strong in the faith. Diamond wouldn't trade his parents for anything in the world. Thoughts of the good things in his life almost drowned out the bitter experience of the night.

His parents did not fall asleep right away. They talked of their children and the free happy living they must have now and in the future. Papa recalled unpleasant times in his childhood and Mama remembered ugly names that white youngsters had called her when she was small.

"Mama, those things must not happen to our kids," Papa said. "Diamond should have obeyed me but since he did go we know where the enemy is. We know how to pray. Satan's workers will fail in the town of Favorville. The power of our God will overcome."

"Right you are," said Mama. She kissed Papa and turned over to sleep. Papa was ready for sleep also. There was a peace in the Jackson house.

Elon and Coleman awoke at eight o'clock Saturday morning and went to the kitchen looking for Mama and breakfast. She wasn't there but Elon found the bananas and gave one to his friend. Then they ran out to play.

The girls went into the living room and turned on the television set.

"Mama sure is sleeping late," said Delicia.

"We all sleep late at our house on Saturday," returned Anna Rule.

Mama and Papa got out of bed at 9:30 a.m. Diamond slept until eleven o'clock.

When breakfast was over Mama let the children help her with the work. The girls cleaned the kitchen. Elon and Coleman raked the yard. Mama ironed the clothes so everybody would look their best on Sunday.

Papa went to the study room with his Bible and a notebook. He had much to study and his thoughts weighed heavily on his mind. The preacher knew that old hatreds were being revived in this little town and he was concerned. What could he do? There was no need to tell everyone what had happened to the boys the night before. It would only increase tensions between the blacks and whites.

The good Reverend dropped on his knees and prayed, asking God for guidance. After praying he opened the Holy Bible to the book of Habakkuk and read three verses from the first chapter starting with the third verse:

"Why do you make me look at injustice?

Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction

and violence are before me; there is

strife and conflict abounds.

Therefore the law is paralyzed and

justice never prevails. The wicked hem

in the righteous, so that justice is

perverted.

Look at the nations and watch and be

utterly amazed. For I am going to do

something in your days that you would

not believe, even if you were told."

These words stood out to the Reverend. He accepted the reading personally, believing it was a message for him. God was going to help in some manner. Papa had no idea what the Lord would do but his mind would be at peace in the coming days. Why should there be fear? The battle would be the Lord's.

Diamond had awakened feeling good and was thankful to be in his own home. Remembering how scared he had been the night before, his own house seemed like a peaceful haven.

Mama went shopping for groceries in the afternoon. She remembered that tomorrow would be Papa's birthday. When he went to sleep that night she would bake his birthday cake.

Elon and his friend had a great day playing. The little girls spent hours playing with their paper dolls, tracing, coloring and cutting out new paper clothes.

After dark Margaret came by for her children. She had good news. Her mother was much better.

"Can Grandmother come for Christmas?" asked Anna Rule.

"I think she might come," her mother said hopefully.

It had been a long, tiring and lonely ride for the school teacher without her little boy and girl to keep her company. Once inside their house, Margaret turned the heat on. Then she put a pizza in the oven and made hot chocolate. The children were happy to be home with their mother even though it had been fun at the Jackson house.

After they ate the pizza, Mrs. Misenkamp turned on the stereo for some nice relaxing music.

Suddenly there was a quick thud at the living room door! "What on earth?" said Margaret.

Turning on the porch light and looking out, she saw the rock with a note tied to it. The teacher read the words: WATCH OUT NIGGER LOVER!

"What happened, Mother?" her daughter called from the dining room.

"Just someone playing a prank," Mrs. Misenkamp answered and tore the note into bits before putting it in the garbage can. Then she prayed a silent pray for God to stop that kind of mischief.

Coleman went to his room and worked jigsaw puzzles. Anna Rule was busy painting with her new water colors. Margaret went to her room to pray.

Neither Margaret nor her friends, the Reverend and his wife, were upset about what was happening. They knew that there was a higher power than that of man and He was in control.

Sunday morning came. No one in the Jackson household mentioned that it was Papa's birthday. He had many things on his mind and did not realize that he was another year older until Elder Beacon stood up in the church service and announced "This is a special day. It is our pastor's birthday. After service we will gather in the dining hall to celebrate but right now let us join in singing and wishing him a great day."

Papa's heart was warmed with the love of the people as the congregation sang loud and clear.

He arose to thank his friends and said, "I praise God for all of you. I feel wonderful so I think I'll just stay thirty-seven. Why should I want anymore birthdays. This is good. Thank you.

Since the Reverend was already standing he went right on with the sermon - Victory in Jesus. "With Jesus as our captain we will win our battles," he preached.

"Amen! Amen! was heard while Papa continued with his message. Diamond listened to every word. In his mind he saw marching feet following the footsteps of Jesus. He saw Satan's troops flee as the righteous army approached. Never before in church had the Jackson lad felt this force of strength. Courage swelled up in him. He felt no fear of the future at this moment.

Price sat next to Diamond and was thrilled also. He whispered to his friend, "Man! The Rev. has really got the word today! I'm not afraid anymore."

Mama looked lovingly at the man in the pulpit. She knew that her husband was God's man for this time and place.

Delicia watched Papa walk across the platform as he preached. "Papa talks like there is going to be a war," she spoke in a low soft voice to her brother.

"If Papa is going to fight, I want to go along," said Elon in a whisper.

After the sermon ended, there were songs of victory. The benediction was pronounced and everybody started making their way to the dining hall. With plenty of food and folks, a good time was planned for the afternoon.

While the women prepared food, Papa called six elders into the pastor's study room and locked the door so there would be no interruption.

"Brothers in the Lord," began the Reverend, "It is time to fight, but not with guns or knives. I am asking you to fight along with me. Now the weapons we'll use wile be prayers, fasting and Bible study. Pass the word to your woman folks and other adults."

"You talk as though there is a real problem," one of the elders said.

Papa told the men what had happened to Diamond and Price. He also informed them of the C.C.C. gang and their threats to the black community.

"You are so right, Reverend," said elder Jones. "We'll use the power of God to crush their evil plans. We want no hooded gang in Favorville."

Seven men dropped to their knees, asking God for help. Then they arose and went to the dining hall where the festivity had already begun.

After hungry needs were supplied, the afternoon was spent in happy conversations and joyful singing. The children were a part of both - the tiniest tots were encouraged to perform. In the late evening the good time ended with everyone holding hands in a great circle around the dining hall, marching and singing. Happy shouts of joy could be heard as the flock left the church building.

Papa praised the Lord as he unlocked the door to let his family into the house. This had been a good day for him and the others. The best way to celebrate a birthday was with friends. More than that the Reverend sensed the presence and power of the creator.

Mama hung her coat in the closet and reminded the children to hang their wraps.

"Come here, Mama," Papa said. "I am waiting for my birthday kiss."

"I'm coming, Rev." Mama answered.

Diamond hurried to his room to get Papa,s present. It was a new pocket knife bought with the money he had saved. Elon and Delicia had cut and pasted birthday cards for Papa. Mama brought out the pink frosted cake with green candles and a brand new white shirt and black tie.

Papa heard the Happy Birthday greetings from his family. Mama made tea for herself and her husband. The children drank milk and each one had a slice of birthday cake. In that manner the day ended.

Monday arrived and no one was anxious for the daily routines to start all over again. Nevertheless, Papa had to return to work and the children had to go to school.

Price and Diamond had not forgotten their experience on Friday night but they walked bravely with heads held high. The lads knew there was a cloud of hatred on the horizon. A violent storm could come at any time. And just ahead sitting on the steps of the feed store were Billy and Dykes. It looked as if the men were waiting for the teenagers to pass.

"Price, this is it!" said Diamond. "I have heard Mama take authority over evil in the name of Jesus. That is what I am going to do."

"Maybe we shouldn't get involved," suggested his friend.

"We are already, look!" exclaimed the Jackson boy.

Billy Sprickland rose to his feet. His hands rested on his hips. He was a big fellow, weighing nearly 300 pounds. Billy stepped in from of Diamond and Price. It was his plan to butt their heads together.

Suddenly Diamond said loudly, "Get out of the way in the name of Jesus!"

Billy staggered, not knowing what strange power had hit him. He had often used the name of Jesus profanely but had not known the power of that name. An invisible force threw him aside.

The youths went on their way. "God is real!" exclaimed Diamond. "See what happened."

"Your papa sure is right!" declared Price.

Dykes looked confused. His brother's actions were baffling.

Billy sat on the steps again trying to figure out what had just happened to him.

Neither of the Sprickland men said anything more as the teenagers continued on their way to school.

Delicia and Elon with their friends followed far behind Diamond and Price. They walked by the Sprickland brothers unaware that anything unusual had happened.

"More little darkies around town than raisins in a fruit cake," remarked Dykes. "I declare the place is swarming with black young'uns. Somethin' has gotta be done!"

Billy never responded to what Dykes said. He was still trying to pull himself together.

At school Delicia went to her classroom, feeling confident that today was going to be a good day. Anna Rule handed Delicia a pencil since the Jackson girl's pencil had worn to a stub.

Mrs. Hall, the teacher, announced that the class was having its first spelling bee today. There would be three spelling bees. If there was a different winner each day the three winners would have a spell-down. Spelling would continue until one student spelled the most words correctly.

Twenty-six students stood in line, each one spelling in his turn. As a word was missed, that student took his seat. Soon there were only three pupils standing - Delicia, Anna Rule and Willie Falson. It looked as if these three would spell forever. Then Anna Rule missed her word - J U R I S D I C T I O N. Anna Rule was disappointed when Willie spelled the word correctly.

"You have to beat Willie," she whispered to Delicia. "Don't let a boy win." And the girl sat down.

Delicia spelled the word - B A C K G A M M O N although she did not know that it was a game.

Willie spelled E N A M E L.

Delicia spelled O R N A M E N T.

Willie spelled R E L E G A T E.

Delicia spelled S I L H O U E T T E.

Then Willie missed the next word. He spelled the word - L E A V E N E D with an I. The Jackson girl spelled the word correctly and was winner of the first spelling contest.

"Congratulations!" Mrs. Hall said to Delicia and reminded the class that there would be a second spelling match on Wednesday. Willie was very angry, not just because a girl had won, but because the girl was black.

"Pop will kill me if he finds out I let a nigger gal outspell me," Willie told his friend Paul. "What rotten luck!"

"I won't be the one to tell him," promised Paul.

"I just have to win the spelling bee on Wednesday," said Willie.

Wednesday came and there was the new spelling contest. Again the last three pupils left standing were Delicia, Anna Rule and Willie. It wasn't long before Anna Rule had to take her seat for missing the word - T H R O T T L E. Then Delicia missed the word - S P E C I E S. Willie spelled the word correctly and was the winner of the second spelling bee. Now he could tell his pop he was the champion. But there still was another contest to come on Friday.

On Friday the students were excited to see who would be the best speller in the classroom. Would Willie win? Would Delicia win? Would another student win so there would have to be another spelling match?

Once more the boys and girls lined up around the edge of the classroom. And for the third time Delicia and Willie were left standing to spell to the finish Delicia's legs were shaking. Willie was perspiring heavily.

"Delicia, beat Willie," the girls called out.

"Willie, beat that girl," the boys yelled.

The last two contestants took turns spelling several words. The teacher said, "Now, Willie, your word is prejudice."

"P R E J U D A C E," spelled Willie.

"Wrong," said Mrs. Hall.

Delicia spelled the word, "P R E J U D I C E."

"Good!" said the teacher. "Delicia is the best speller in this classroom."

She gave both children new dictionaries for their prizes. "Shootin' bullfrogs!" pouted Willie. "I wanted to win."

Willie went home to tell his mother that he had lost in the spelling bee. She was proud of him for being the second best.

That night his father found out that he had lost the match to a black girl. This made the postmaster very angry. "I don't like it one bit!" he growled.

"It's not all that bad," Mrs. Falson said, hoping he would forget it.

"You just bet it is! Martha!" Will returned. "Things have just got to change in this town."

Mrs. Falson was concerned that her husband was so upset. What could she do? Nothing.

The following Friday night the C.C.C. gang met in Barlet's tobacco barn again. Sweatshirts had been purchased for all the men. Jeanie Belle had worked hard sewing on all the letters.

"Great!" Jasper congratulated her for a job well done.

"Any remarks or suggestions?" Jasper asked the group gathered there.

"The coloreds are still getting out of line," said Dykes. "We gotta put 'em in their place."

"That is what this Caucasian Command Council is for. Right," said Jasper.

"Right!" yelled all the men and one girl in the barn.

Will Falson stood up. "Can I have the floor?" he said and he continued talking. "This here school business is ruining our kids - being forced to sit all day with the niggers. It ain't fair at all. We can't change the law but we can do something."

Billy was thinking about the preacher's son. He was remembering what had happened in front of the feed store. An idea was forming in his mind. It was not a bright idea because Billy was not that clever. He thought that if the Reverend's house was destroyed then the Jacksons would not have this power from God. They would think God let them down and they wouldn't ask for his help ever again.

"Let's burn down the preacher's house and see what the coloreds do then," suggested Billy.

"Hack hounds!" shouted J. Clemond. "Why not burn down his church? That will teach the coons a lesson. Then they won't be so uppity sure of themselves."

"Yeah!" agreed Dykes. "Tomorrow night is a good time. The church is always dark on Saturday night."

So the C.C.C. prepared for its mission to take place at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night. And the meeting was adjourned.

Saturday appeared to be a normal day for the Jackson family.

In the afternoon Delicia went to her friend's birthday party. Anna Rule was now eleven. Twenty children came to her party but three of the girls invited were not allowed to come. Their parents learned that Delicia was going to be present.

Mama shopped for the week's groceries as she usually did on Saturday. Papa studied his sermon for the next day. He spent much time praying in his study room. The Jackson boys went fishing.

That night when all were in bed, Mama began to shake the Reverend. "Papa, I have a feeling that something awful is about to happen!" she said. "I don't know what it is but I can sense it is not good. It is like a cold dark cloud engulfing me. It is peculiar; I also feel heat in it."

It was eleven o'clock when the telephone rang. Mama answered it. "Oh, Margaret, I am glad it is you. I just have this feeling that something terrible is about to take place. I am glad you and the children are all right. You are, aren't you?" asked Mama. "Yes, we are fine," Margaret said. She also sensed that something was wrong somewhere. Then she remembered to tell Mama about the rock that was tossed at her front door which had a note tied to it containing the words - WATCH OUT NIGGER LOVER.

And Mama told her about Diamond and Price being tied to a tree.

"How dreadful!" exclaimed Margaret.

"Evil!" added Mama.

The teacher just remembered at that moment what Coleman had said before going to bed. Her little boy overheard three white men talking at the service station when they stopped for gas.

Coleman had said that the big man asked the others, "Did you get the kerosene?"

Then one of the men said, "That nigger church will light up tonight.

" "Oh! I am sorry!" Margaret continued. "It just hit me what that conversation was about."

"That's it!" Mama said. "Now we know what is about to happen and we know what to pray about. Thank you, Precious. Thank you so much.

Mama hurried to tell Papa. The Reverend got out of bed and dressed quickly.

"Caroline, make us some coffee," he said.

While the coffee perked, Mama and Papa knelt by the kitchen chairs and prayed. They asked God to save the church.

Meanwhile some of the C.C.C. gang members climbed in the truck and a car. They headed for the church where Papa was the minister to commit their dastardly crime.

The Reverend and Mama drank their coffee quickly. They decided to walk in the direction of the church to see what God would do.

The pickup truck and car pulled into the side parking lot at the church. Inside the truck were kerosene soaked rags tied to long sticks.

The Reverend and his wife walked near to the church. Then they hid quietly behind the hedge in a yard next to the church lot.

A dozen men in white hoods, shirts and pants got out of the truck and a car. They wore masks on their faces. The very big man had on a sheet. It was pinned at the neck.

Jasper gave a command, "It's time to light up!"

Before the men could reach for their matches, a bright light engulfed the whole church building and parking lot. It was a brilliant light. Only a heavenly light could sparkle so much. In the great light were men attired in gold, white and light shades of blue. They had wings that came out from beneath the shoulders. The halos about their heads shone even more brightly than their gleaming swords which were drawn for action.

"Look! Angels! Angels! Real angels!" Mama said, reaching for Papa's hand.

"Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!" Papa said happily. "The angels have come to save our church."

The hooded men were very scared. Jasper was so frightened that he fell flat on his face when he saw the angels with shining swords. Not one of the members of the C.C.C. gang was able to speak right away. Dykes and his brother were shaking in terror. Will Falson and J. Clemond tried to run but discovered their legs would not move.

As suddenly as the angels appeared, they vanished but the bright light remained. One by one the confused men of the C.C.C. managed to climb back into the car and pickup truck. They drove out of the church parking lot and sped away as fast as they could.

Only a few of the residents in Favorville knew what was taking place and most would not even believe this story if someone told them.

After the hooded gang left, the brightness faded away. Everything was all right now. Papa and Mama started for home.

"Caroline," said Papa. "I have a feeling that there will never be any more trouble of this kind in Favorville. God blessed our town this night."

"Right! Rev." added Mama. "Let's go home."

Questions or comments?  Email the Author at mbell@cdp.com

Copyright (c) 1998-2002 Mary Wingfield Bell, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium
of more than one copy for personal use without the express written permission of Mary Wingfield Bell is prohibited.