Uncle John’s eyes were tired and sad. “I been secret all my days,” he said. “I done things I never tol’ about.” Ma turned from the fire. “Don’ go tellin’, John,” she said. “Tell ’em to God. Don’ go burdenin’ other people with your sins. That ain’t decent.” “They’re a-eatin’ on me,” said John. “Well, don’ tell ’em. Go down the river an’ stick your head under an’ whisper ’em in the stream.”
