t up. I
haven't succeeded in getting within ten yards of a nigger woman to-day.
If I went in at the front door, every occupant in a house would bolt out
at the back one, and run for dear life. They will listen to no overtures
of friendship. Our very faces fill them with abject terror. We had just
as well throw up the insurance business and quit, as far as Wilmington
is concerned. God's curse on the men who are responsible for this
blight upon the good name of this city. One woman opened her door,
cursed me, threw her book at me, and slammed the door in my face; and I
can't blame her, for she saw and recognized me among the mob who shot
her husband down right in her gate. And God knows I did not want to be
among them, but was compelled to. And they say that old devil, after
usurping the Mayoralty of the city, and killing and driving from their
homes so many colored people, has softened, and has sent out to induce
the wretches to return," said Mr. Kahn after a long pause. "Yes,"
returned the agent, "but that won't help us. They say they've lost their
confidence in white people. Why, you have no idea what a wretched state
of things I've come across. The last five days' experience has made
raving maniacs out of some of the niggers. The papers have announced the
giving out of rations at the City Hall to-morrow, but I doubt if many
will go to get them." Mr. Kahn leaned over, rested his elbows upon the
desk, and slowly ran his fingers through his hair. "Some of our men left
the city before they would be mixed up in this affair, and I wish now
that I had done the same. But," he continued slowly, "we may just as
well wait until all excitement is at an end before we pull up stakes.
Other blacks will doubtless pour in to fill the places of those that are
going, and we may be enabled to build up business." "You can remain and
wait, Mr. Kahn," answered the agent rising. "This accursed town can no
longer hold me. I leave to-night for Richmond, for I can no longer look
into the faces of the people whom I have had a hand in killing and
terrorizing. Good bye, Mr. Kahn," and the collector was gone.

* * * * *

"Everybody git in line an' pass one ba one before ther Mair an' git yer
permits; fer yer can't git rations thoughten 'um," shouted a policeman
to a crowd of hungry citizens who stood upon the steps of the City Hall.
"Git in thur ole Aunty an' wait yer turn!" to an old lady, who started
to leisurely c