Re-read the passage below.  Pick two group members to give a dramatic reading of this passage, trying to recreate how Tom and Jim would speak.  Discuss what they are saying?  What is Tom trying to do?  What is his relationship with Jim?

      "Can't, Mars Tom. Ole missis, she tole me I got to go an' git dis water an' not stop foolin' roun' wid anybody. She say she spec' Mars Tom gwine to ax me to whitewash, an' so she tole me go 'long an' 'tend to my own business -- she 'lowed she'd 'tend to de whitewashin'."

      "Oh, never you mind what she said, Jim. That's the way she always talks. Gimme the bucket -- I won't be gone only a a minute. She won't ever know."

      "Oh, I dasn't, Mars Tom. Ole missis she'd take an' tar de head off'n me. 'Deed she would."

      "She! She never licks anybody -- whacks 'em over the head with her thimble -- and who cares for that, I'd like to know. She talks awful, but talk don'thurt -- anyways it don't if she don't cry. Jim, I'll give you a marvel. I'll give you a white alley!"

      Jim began to waver.

       "White alley, Jim! And it's a bully taw."

      "My! Dat's a mighty gay marvel, I tell you! But Mars Tom I's powerful 'fraid ole missis -- "   (p. 13-14)

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