It was too much, however, to expect the Negro to take immediate advantage of his opportunities.

What he wanted was a long holiday, a gun and a dog, and plenty of hunting and fishing.

He must have Saturday at least for a trip to town or to a picnic or a circus; he did not wish to be a servant.

When he had any money, swindlers reaped a harvest.

They sold him worthless finery, cheap guns, preparations to bleach the skin or straighten the hair, and striped pegs which, when set up on the master's plantation, would entitle the purchaser to "40 acres and a mule." The attitude of the Negroes' employers not infrequently complicated the situation which they sought to better.