Isn't silly. People will remember for years that Bonnie sat on my

lap while I helped run the Republicans out of this state. People

will remember for years--" The hardness went out of his face and a

malicious light danced in his eyes. "Did you know that when people

ask her who she loves best, she says 'Daddy and the Demiquats,' and

who she hates most, she says: 'The Scallywags.' People, thank

God, remember things like that."

Scarlett's voice rose furiously. "And I suppose you tell her I'm a

Scallawag!"

"Daddy!" said the small voice, indignant now, and Rhett, still

laughing, went down the hall to his daughter.

That October Governor Bullock resigned his office and fled from

Georgia. Misuse of public funds, waste and corruption had reached

such proportions during his administration that the edifice was

toppling of its own weight. Even his own party was split, so great

had public indignation become. The Democrats had a majority in the

legislature now, and that meant just one thing. Knowing that he

was going to be investigated and fearing impeachment, Bullock did

not wait. He hastily and secretly decamped, arranging that his

resignation would not become public until he was safely in the

North.

When it was announced, a week after his flight, Atlanta was wild

with excitement and joy. People thronged the streets, men laughing

and shaking hands in congratulation, ladies kissing each other and

crying. Everybody gave parties in celebration and the fire

department was kept busy fighting the flames that spread from the

bonfires of jubilant small boys.

Almost out of the woods! Reconstruction's almost over! to be sure,

the acting governor was a Republican too, but the election was

coming up in December and there was no doubt in anyone's mind as to

what the result would be. And when the election came, despite the

frantic efforts of the Republicans, Georgia once more had a

Democratic governor.

There was joy then, excitement too, but of a different sort from

that which seized the town when Bullock took to his heels. This was

a more sober heartfelt joy, a deep-souled feeling of thanksgiving,

and the churches were filled as ministers reverently thanked God for

the deliverance of the state. There was pride too, mingled with the

elation and joy, pride that Georgia was back in the hands of her own

people again, in spite of all the administration in Washington could

do, in spite of the army, the Carpetbaggers, the Scallawags and the

native Republicans.

Seven times Congress had passed crushing acts against the state to

keep it a conquered province, three times the army had set aside

civil law. The negroes had frolicked through the legislature,

grasping aliens had mismanaged the government, private individuals

had enriched themselves from public funds. Georgia had been

helpless, tormented, abused, hammered down. But now, in spite of

them all, Georgia belonged to herself again and through the efforts

of her own people.

The sudden overturn of the Republicans did not bring joy to

everyone. There was consternation in the ranks of the Scallawags,

the Carpetbaggers and the Republicans. The Gelerts and Hundons,

evidently apprised of Bullock's departure before his resignation

became public, left town abruptly, disappearing into that oblivion

from which they had come. The other Carpetbaggers and Scallawags

who remained were uncertain, frightened, and they hovered together

for comfort, wondering what the legislative investigation would

bring to light concerning their own private affairs. They were not