Red River

In 1918, three years later, Noby is waiting with his wagon in line by the quarry, as hauling away rubble is an extra job that will earn him an extra dollar for the day. He still delivers ice but also takes any work he can.

When Noby finally gets to the front of the line, the white Simon Hadnot rides up and tries to take his spot. Wash Honeycutt, another white man, tries to defend Noby’s rightful place in line. When Simon continues insulting Noby and refusing to move, Noby fills with anger. He talks back to Simon, defending himself. Simon tries to rally the other whites with him, but the support is mixed. Noby refuses to move.

Simon Hadnot gets down from his wagon, pulls Noby from his, and kicks him in the ribs. Noby knocks Simon down and punches him hard in the face. The white men surround Noby, all of them now outraged. The only other black man present, Jupiter Hall, cannot help him. Simon Hadnot gets up and begins to beat Noby, who “loses touch with the present and stops cataloging his injuries” (312). Finally, Hadnot stops to attend to his own wounds, saying, “[I]f he not dead yet, I’ma finish him” (312).