He was to enter the bar in a brisk, businesslike way, seize the bag, and hustle the Colonel out before he had time to reflect.

We peered over the screen, knowing the fateful moment was come.
We saw the Colonel resist the attack on his bag and listen with marked astonishment to the assertion of Amos that there was just time to catch the train.
"Time was made for slaves," said Potts.
"That there train ain't goin' to wait a minute," reminded Amos, civilly.

The Colonel turned upon him with a large sweetness of manner.
"Ah, yes, my friend, but trains will be passing through your pretty little hamlet for years--I hope for ages--yet.

They pass every day, but you can't have Jonas Rodney Potts every day." Here, with a gesture, he directed the crowd's attention to Amos.
"Look at him, gentlemen.

Speak to him for me--for I cannot.