The South, being largely populated by negroes, will
feel it most. I fear that it will become the despised
spot of the country, for mongrel blood is hated
throughout the world."

Miss Marbury turned and looked at him intently
for a moment and then asked:

"Then what is the solution of the negro problem?"

Andy shook his head and smiled as he replied:

"Colonization; but at present it seems imprac-
ticable."

"What dp you consider is the real negro prob-
lem?" asked she, as she scanned his face that was
now so intense with feeling.
"The negro problem?" repeated he, looking away
as if for an answer. "Well, 1 don't know that I can
state it clearly and fully, but it is something like
this: How can two distinct races, differing in
color, habits, instincts, and aspirations, continue to
work in peace, side by side, when the struggle for life
is growing fiercer and fiercer? When one, the white,
is a proud, dominant race, glorying in its past



102 THE BLACK MANTLE

achievements^ and spurning all other races as in-
ferior; while the other, the black, just out of bar-
barism, burdened with the instincts of the savage,
and holding its own blood in contempt, demands
equality with the white race?"

A moment's silence followed this statement, for
both were reflecting over it. Before either spoke
they saw an old shabbily dressed negro woman en-
tering the side gate. It was old Harriet. She was
some sixty years old, but strong and vigorous; and
her keen, ferret-like eyes, long face, and high cheek
bones indicated she might have Indian blood in her
veins. This was said of her, but whether it was a
fact or not none knew.
"WeU, Harriet, what is it?" called Andy.
