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“Now Lawyer McCampbell was old Pete’s opponent in the Legislature race…and that lawyer went among the religious women in the community, telling them with a long face that I am a sinner – that I play cards, horse race, and drink whiskey. Now, all this is true, but I had to defend myself nonetheless.
So, at one of our community gatherings, I addressed these issues. Said I, “Lawyer McCampbell says Pete’s a sinner. He tells a lie. Pete loves God, fears the Devil, and hates snakes. He don’t play cards…‘cept when the truck is up and all his goods are bartered. He don’t horse race, ‘cept for fun…and when there’s a sure chance to win. And he does not drink liquor…‘cept bald face whiskey—and just enough of that to encourage our own still houses.”
Well, I tell you, that ‘bout brought the crowd to their senses.”
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