Flannery OConnor

THE COMPLETE STORIES

Contents:
Introduction y Roert !irou"
T#e !eraniu$
T#e %arer
&ildcat
T#e Cro'
T#e Tur(ey
T#e Train
T#e Peeler
T#e Heart o) t#e Par(
* Stro(e o) !ood Fortune
Enoc# and t#e !orilla
* !ood Man Is Hard to Find
* Late Encounter +it# t#e Ene$y
T#e Li)e ,ou Sa-e May %e ,our O+n
T#e Ri-er
* Circle in t#e Fire
T#e .is'laced Person
* Te$'le o) t#e Holy !#ost
T#e *rti)icial /i00er
!ood Country Peo'le
,ou Cant %e *ny Poorer T#an .ead
!reenlea)
* 2ie+ o) t#e &oods
T#e Endurin0 C#ill
T#e Co$)orts o) Ho$e
E-eryt#in0 T#at Rises Must Con-er0e
T#e Partrid0e Festi-al
T#e La$e S#all Enter First
&#y .o t#e Heat#en Ra0e3
Re-elation
Par(ers %ac(
4ud0e$ent .ay
Introduction
Flannery OConnors )irst oo( #as ne-er5 u' to no+5 een 'ulis#ed6 It +as entitled T#e
!eraniu$: * Collection o) S#ort Stories and consists o) t#e )irst si" stories in t#is -olu$e6 T#e
title 'a0e o) t#e ori0inal $anuscri't5 in t#e lirary o) t#e 7ni-ersity o) Io+a5 ears t#e le0end5
8* t#esis su$itted in 'artial )ul)ill$ent o) t#e re9uire$ents )or t#e de0ree o) Master o) Fine
*rts5 in t#e .e'art$ent o) En0lis#5 in t#e !raduate Colle0e o) t#e State 7ni-ersity o) Io+a6: It is
dated 4une ;<=> and a se'arate 'a0e carries a dedication to #er teac#er5 Paul En0le6
*t t#eir )irst $eetin0 in #is o))ice5 in ;<=?5 Mr6 En0le recalls5 #e +as unale to understand a
+ord o) Flannerys nati-e !eor0ian ton0ue: 8E$arrassed5 I as(ed #er to +rite do+n +#at s#e
#ad @ust said on a 'ad6 S#e +rote: AMy na$e is Flannery OConnor6 I a$ not a @ournalist6 Can I
co$e to t#e &riters &or(s#o'3B I told #er to rin0 e"a$'les o) #er +ritin0 and +e +ould
consider #er5 late as it +as6 Li(e Ceats5 +#o s'o(e Coc(ney ut +rote t#e 'urest sounds in
En0lis#5 Flannery s'o(e a dialect eyond instant co$'re#ension ut on t#e 'a0e #er 'rose +as
i$a0inati-e5 tou0#5 ali-e: @ust li(e Flannery #ersel)6 For a )e+ +ee(s +e #ad t#is stran0e and yet
trustin0 relations#i'6 Soon I understood t#ose !eor0ia 'ronunciations6
T#e stories +ere 9uietly )illed +it# insi0#t5 s#re+d aout #u$an +ea(ness5 #ard and
co$'assionateB S#e +as s#y aout #a-in0 t#e$ read5 and +#en it +as #er turn to #a-e a story
'resented in t#e &or(s#o'5 I +ould read it aloud anony$ously6
Roert Penn &arren +as teac#in0 a se$ester +#ile Flannery +as at t#e 7ni-ersity o) Io+aD
t#ere +as a scene aout a lac( and a +#ite $an5 and &arren criticiEed itB It +as c#an0ed6
Flannery5 in a letter to Roert !irou" dated 4uly ;G5 ;<>;5 al+ays #ad a )le"ile and o@ecti-e
-ie+ o) #er o+n +ritin05 constantly re-isin05 and in e-ery case i$'ro-in06 T#e +ill to e a +riter
+as ada$antD not#in0 could resist it5 not e-en #er o+n sensiility aout #er o+n +or(6 Cut5
alter5 try it a0ainB Sittin0 at t#e ac( o) t#e roo$5 silent5 Flannery +as $ore o) a 'resence t#an
t#e e"uerant tal(ers +#o serenade e-ery +ritin0Hclass +it# t#eir loudness6
T#e only co$$unicatin0 0esture s#e +ould $a(e +as an occasional a$used and s#y s$ile
at so$et#in0 asurd6 T#e dreary c#air s#e sat in 0lo+ed6
T#e 'ulis#in0 career o) t#is un(no+n +riter o) t+entyHone #ad already started6 Flannery
$ailed 8T#e !eraniu$: to t#e editors o) *ccent as early as Feruary ;<=?6 &e are indeted to
.aniel Curley5 )or$er editor o) *ccent )or -eri)yin0 t#is date6 T#ey acce'ted it at once and
'rinted it in t#eir su$$er issue6 On t#e asis o) t#e stories s#e later incor'orated into #er
no-elHinH'ro0ress5 &ise %lood5 Mr6 En0le reco$$ended #er )or a 'riEe o))ered y a 'ulis#er
)or a )irst no-el6
In t#e s'rin0 o) ;<=> s#e +as a+arded t#is 'riEesIt#e su$ o) J>KL5 +#ic# +as to ser-e as
'art o) t#e ad-ance a0ainst royalties i) t#e 'ulis#er ulti$ately acce'ted t#e no-el6
Flannery recei-ed #er $asters de0ree t#at su$$erD Se+anee Re-ie+ 'ulis#ed 8T#e Train:
t#e ne"t s'rin0D in 4une ;<=M s#e too( t#e i$'ortant and crucial ste' o) )indin0 a literary a0ent
and a li)elon0 )riend5 EliEaet# McCee6 Miss McCee 'laced #er story 8T#e Ca'ture: Nentitled
8T#e Tur(ey: in t#e t#esisO +it# Made$oiselle in /o-e$er6 It +as s#ortly a)ter t#isII +as not
t#e 'ulis#er in-ol-ed +it# t#e 'riEeIt#at I $et Flannery OConnor6
Roert Lo+ell rou0#t #er into $y o))ice late in Feruary ;<=<6
T#ey #ad co$e to /e+ ,or( )ro$ ,addo5 t#e +riters colony at Sarato0a S'rin0s5 +#ere
Flannery +or(ed on &ise %lood and Lo+ell on #is 'oe$s6 %e#ind #er so)tHs'o(en s'eec#5 clearH
eyed 0aEe and s#y $anner5 I sensed a tre$endous stren0t#6 T#is +as t#e rarest (ind o) youn0
+riter5 one +#o +as 're'ared to +or( #er ut$ost and (ne+ e"actly +#at s#e $ust do +it# #er
talent6 I rat#er re0retted5 as a 'ulis#er5 $eetin0 suc# an interestin0 +riter at t#e start o) a
career in +#ic# I could 'lay no 'art6 S#e told $e s#e +as co$$itted else+#ere5 and i) I (ne+
anyt#in0 it +as t#at s#e +ould #onor #er co$$it$ent6 S#e as(ed aout a ne+ +riter I #ad
recently 'ulis#edIT#o$as MertonD I 0a-e #er a co'y o) T#e Se-en Storey Mountain to ta(e
+it# #er to #er $ot#ers #ouse in Milled0e-ille5 !eor0ia6 Later I #eard t#at s#e +ould e
co$in0 nort# a0ain to li-e in Connecticut +it# $y )riends Sally and Roert FitE0erald and I
#o'ed Id #a-e t#e o''ortunity to (no+ #er etter6
It +as not until a)ter #er deat# in ;<?= t#at I learned e"actly #o+ #er 'ulis#in0 )ate too(
an une"'ected turn6 NOur later 'ulis#in0 relations#i' also de-elo'ed sur'risin0ly5 and Ill co$e
to t#at6O
T#e details are )ully and rat#er co$ically recorded in #er corres'ondence +it# EliEaet#
McCee5 +#o 0a-e $e co'ies o) t#e letters e)ore s#e added t#e ori0inals to t#e 'a'ers t#at
Flannerys $ot#er5 Re0ina OConnor5 is collectin06 T#e e"cer'ts )ro$ Flannerys letters are
9uoted #ere +it# t#e 'er$ission o) #er literary e"ecutor5 Roert FitE0erald6
In #er )irst letter N4une ;<5 ;<=MO to Miss McCee5 Flannery re-ealed s#e #ad een +or(in0
on t#e no-el 8a year and a #al) and +ill 'roaly e t+o $ore years )inis#in0 it6: S#e descried
#er +ritin0 #aits in a letter dated 4uly ;G: 8I $ust tell you #o+ I +or(6 I dont #a-e $y no-el
outlined and I #a-e to +rite to disco-er +#at I a$ doin06 Li(e t#e old lady5 I dont (no+ so +ell
+#at I t#in( until I see +#at I sayD t#en I #a-e to say it o-er a0ain6 I a$ +or(in0 on t#e t+el)t#
c#a'ter no+6 I lon0 a0o 9uit nu$erin0 t#e 'a0es ut I su''ose I a$ 'ast t#e KL5LLL +ord
$ar(6 O) t#e t+el-e c#a'ters only a )e+ +ont #a-e to e re+ritten5 and I cant e"#iit suc#
)or$less stu))6 It +ould discoura0e $e to loo( at it ri0#t no+ and any+ay I yearn to 0o aout
$y usiness to t#e end6:
*t t#e end o) t#e year5 +#en s#e +as +orried aout $oney5 #er a0ent ad-ised #er to
su$it t#e ne+ c#a'ters in order to 0et a de)inite co$$it$ent and 'er#a's a )urt#er ad-ance6
Fro$ ,addo5 .ece$er ;K5 ;<=M: 8Per#a's I s#all 0et do+n Pto /e+ ,or(Q in 4anuary and
'er#a's e)ore t#at send you t#e c#a'ters I a$ +or(in0 onB I #a-e decided5 #o+e-er5 t#at no
0ood co$es o) sendin0 anyt#in0 o)) in a #urry6: On 4anuary RL5 ;<=<5 Flannery +rote: 8Here are
t#e )irst nine c#a'ters +#ic# 'lease s#o+ Pt#e 'ulis#erQ and let us e on +it# )inancial
t#ou0#ts6 T#ey are5 o) course5 not )inis#ed ut t#ey are )inis#ed enou0# )or t#e 'resentB :
&#en t#ere +as no res'onse y Feruary K: 8Ill e an"ious to #ear t#e outco$eB:
S#e #eard it on Feruary ;? and it +as not to #er li(in06 One can sy$'at#iEe +it# t#e
'ulis#ers 'role$ at t#is early sta0e o) co$'osition6 &ise %lood +as a stran0e oo(5 as
Flannery +ould #a-e een t#e )irst to ac(no+led0e6 &#at s#e could not acce't +as t#e tone o)
t#e 'ulis#ers letter6 He said #e t#ou0#t s#e +as a 'retty strai0#t s#ooter5 t#at s#e #ad an
astonis#in0 0i)t5 ut t#at so$e as'ects o) t#e oo( +ere oscured y #er #ait o) re+ritin0
o-er and o-er a0ain6 To e #onest5 #e added5 #e sensed a (ind o) aloneness in t#e oo(5 as i)
s#e +ere +ritin0 out o) #er o+n e"'erience5 and consciously li$itin0 t#is e"'erience6 He
+is#ed s#e +ould sit do+n and tell #i$ +#at +as +#at6 He #o'ed s#e didnt $ind #is )ort#ri0#t
letter6
Flannery +rote at once to Miss McCee: 8Please tell $e +#at is e#ind t#is SearsHRoeuc(
Strai0#t S#ooter a''roac#6 I 'resu$eB eit#er t#at Pt#e 'ulis#erQ +ill not ta(e t#e no-el as it
+ill e i) le)t to $y )iendis# care Nit +ill e essentially as it isO5 or t#at Pt#e 'ulis#erQ +ould li(e
to rescue it at t#is 'oint and train it into a con-entional no-elB T#e letter is addressed to a
sli0#tly di$+itted Ca$')ire !irl5 and I cannot loo( )or+ard +it# co$'osure to a li)eti$e o)
ot#ers li(e t#e$6:
*t t#e sa$e ti$e5 in an e))ort to #onor #er co$$it$ent5 s#e ans+ered t#e 'ulis#ers
letter ne"t day: 8I can only #o'e t#at in t#e )inis#ed no-el t#e direction +ill e clearerB I )eel
t#at +#ate-er -irtues t#e no-el $ay #a-e are -ery $uc# connected +it# t#e li$itations you
$ention6 I a$ not +ritin0 a con-entional no-el5 and I t#in( t#at t#e 9uality o) t#e no-el I +rite
+ill deri-e 'recisely )ro$ t#e 'eculiarity or aloneness5 i) you +ill5 o) t#e e"'erience I +rite
)ro$B In s#ort5 I a$ a$enale to criticis$ ut only +it#in t#e s'#ere o) +#at I a$ tryin0 to doD
I +ill not 'retend to do ot#er+ise6 T#e )inis#ed oo(5 t#ou0# I #o'e less an0ular5 +ill e @ust as
odd i) not odder t#an t#e nine c#a'ters you no+ #a-e6:
Matters #ad not i$'ro-ed $uc# y t#e )ollo+in0 *'ril5 +#en s#e +rote Paul En0le to tell
#i$ t#at 8ot#er 'ulis#ers +#o #a-e read t#e t+o 'rinted c#a'ters:Is#e +as re)errin0 to 8T#e
Train: and to t#e 'ulication t#at +inter o) 8T#e Heart o) t#e Par(: in Partisan Re-ie+I:are
interested6: S#e also told #i$ aout #er $eetin0 +it# t#e dissatis)ied 'ulis#er5 at +#ic# #e
8and I ca$e to t#e conclusion t#at I +as A're$aturely arro0ant6 I su''lied #i$ +it# t#e
'#rase6: S#e t#ou0#t t#at 8no one +ill understand $y need to +or( t#is no-el out in $y o+n
+ay etter t#an you5 alt#ou0# you $ay )eel t#at I s#ould +or( )aster6 I +or( *LL t#e ti$e5 ut I
cannot +or( )ast6 /o one can con-ince $e I s#ouldnt re+rite as $uc# as I do6: S#e concluded
+it# t#e ne+s t#at s#e #ad een turned do+n )or t#e !u00en#ei$ )ello+s#i' )or +#ic#
Mr6 En0le #ad reco$$ended #er6 NHer ot#er s'onsors +ere Roert Lo+ell5 P#ili' Ra#- and
Roert Penn &arren6O
I $et #er a0ain in May ;<KL5 at t#e c#ristenin0 o) Maria 4uliana FitE0erald in Rid0e)ield5
Connecticut6 I noted +#at 0ood s'irits Flannery +as in5 as +e 0ra-ely 'er)or$ed our roles as
0od'arents5 renouncin0 t#e de-il and all #is +or(s and 'o$'s6 NIt is to e re0retted t#at s#e did
not li-e to see our 0odc#ild eco$e Sister Mary 4ulian in ;<>L6O S#e told $e s#e +as still
+or(in0 #ard on t#e no-el and +as still co$$itted to #er 'ulis#er5 t#ou0# #er literary a0ent
soon in)or$ed $e t#at t#e su$ission o) additional c#a'ters #ad not allayed #is douts6
Finally5 in Octoer5 a)ter s#e #ad otained a release )ro$ #i$5 I o))ered and s#e si0ned a
contract )or &ise %lood6
T#e stren0t# I sensed in Flannery at our )irst $eetin0 no+ #ad an incredile strain 'ut on it6
S#e +as stric(en +it# lu'us on #er @ourney #o$e )or C#rist$as5 and s'ent nine $ont#s5
des'erately ill5 in and out o) E$ory Hos'ital in *tlanta6 On #er release s#e +as unale to cli$
stairs5 and Re0ina OConnor t#en decided to $o-e to 8*ndalusia5: t#eir country 'lace )i-e $iles
)ro$ to+n5 +#ic# +as to e t#eir #o$e and Flannerys re)u0e )ro$ t#en on6 %y t#e )ollo+in0
Se'te$er Flannery +as +ritin0 Miss McCee5 8T#e last ti$e I sa+ %o !irou"5 #e said +e +ould
'us# t#e date o) deli-ery o) t#e $anuscri't u' to t#e )irst o) t#e year N;<K;O ut t#at t#ere +as
not#in0 $a0ic in t#at date6 T#ere is not#in0 $a0ic in $y s'eed or 'ro0ress at t#is ti$e5 ut I
dont (no+ anyt#in0 )or it6 I 'lan to last until t#e )irst o) t#e year and t#en see +#at I-e 0ot6: *
)ull year later NSe'te$er ;5 ;<K;O s#e +rote Miss McCee )ro$ Milled0e-ille: 8%o !irou" and
Caroline !ordon $ade so$e su00estions )or i$'ro-in0 $y oo( and I #a-e een +or(in0 on
t#ese and #a-e y no+ aout co$e u' +it# anot#er dra)t o) it6:
%y t#e end o) t#e year t#e no-el +as ready5 and +e e0an to 're'are )or 'ulication6
Flannery #ad less -anity t#an anyone I #a-e e-er (no+n6 &#en I as(ed #er )or a '#oto0ra'# to
use on t#e oo( @ac(et5 I e"'ected a 'icture ta(en e)ore #er illness6 T#e ne+ one s#e sent +as
not unattracti-e5 and s#e loo(ed out at t#e reader +it# t#at clearHeyed 0aEe o) #ers5 ut #er
#air #ad not )ully 0ro+n ac( nor #ad t#e 'u))iness induced y cortisone +#olly susided6 T#e
'#oto0ra'# +as +idely re'roduced +#en &ise %lood +as 'ulis#ed in May ;<KR6 I +as
disa''ointed y t#e re-ie+s $ore t#an s#e +asD t#ey all reco0niEed #er 'o+er ut $issed #er
'oint6
In t#e )i-e years et+een ;<=>5 +#en a dra)t o) t#e )irst c#a'ter o) &ise %lood +as +ritten5
and ;<KR5 Flannerys de-elo'$ent +as a$aEin06 In t#e t#ree years )ollo+in05 s#e +rote etter
and etter6
Startin0 late in ;<KR +it# 8* !ood Man Is Hard to Find5: a $aster'iece o) a story5 s#e
turned out one eauty a)ter anot#er5 includin0 8T#e Ri-er5: 8T#e Li)e ,ou Sa-e May %e ,our
O+n5: 8T#e .is'laced Person5: 8T#e *rti)icial /i00er: and 8!ood Country Peo'le6: Cat#erine
Car-er5 +#o$ +e +ere )ortunate enou0# to #a-e as an editor5 and +#o +or(ed +it# Flannery
at t#is 'eriod5 rou0#t eac# ne+ story into $y o))ice +it# $ore or less t#e sa$e re$ar(5 8&ait
till you read t#is oneS: Early in ;<KK Flannery co$'leted +or( on #er second oo(5 a collection
o) t#ese stories +#ic# s#e entitled * !ood Man Is Hard to Find6 In 4anuary +e sent it to 'ress5
#a-in0 set 'ulication )or 4une6 I re$e$er our a$use$ent at E-elyn &au0#s reaction to t#e
ad-ance 'roo)s +e sent #i$: 8I) t#ese stories are in )act t#e +or( o) a youn0 lady5 t#ey are
indeed re$ar(ale6: *t t#e e0innin0 o) *'ril5 e)ore t#e oo( a''eared5 I resi0ned )ro$ t#e
)ir$ and @oined t#e #ouse +it# +#ic# I #a-e since een associated6 &#en Flannery sent $e an
inscried co'y5 soon a)ter $y de'arture5 I )elt a t+in0e o) sadness t#at $y editorial association
+it# #er oo(s #ad ended6
Once a0ain )ate rearran0ed +#at see$ed to e an unalterale course6 *)ter t#e -ery
success)ul 'ulication o) * !ood Man Is Hard to Find5 Flannery +as o))ered a ne+ contract
aout +#ic# s#e as(ed $y ad-ice5 sayin0 s#e +anted to stay as lon0 as Cat#erine Car-er
re$ained as #er editor6 In t#at case5 I su00ested5 +#y not as( t#at suc# a sti'ulation e
incor'orated in t#e contract3 T#is +as not readily 0ranted5 ut Flannery #ad $ade u' #er $ind
and in t#e end s#e 0ot +#at s#e +anted6 &it#in t#ree years5 a)ter Cat#erine Car-er and .en-er
Lindley #ad le)t5 it ca$e to 'ass t#at Flannery +as )ree to @oin t#e #ouse s#e re$ained +it#
until #er deat#6 &e contracted )or #er t#ird oo(5 8a no-el in 'ro0ress5: on *'ril ;K5 ;<KM5 and
'ulis#ed T#e 2iolent %ear It *+ay in ;<?L6 T#en I learned t#at &ise %lood +as out o) 'rint5
and +e soon ac9uired t#is classic +or(6
S#e +rote a s#ort and elo9uent 're)ace )or t#e second edition5 descriin0 t#e oo( as 8a
co$ic no-el aout a C#ristian $al0re lui: and statin0 t#at it #ad een +ritten y 8an aut#or
con0enitally innocent o) t#eory5 ut one +it# certain 'reoccu'ations6 T#at elie) in C#rist is to
so$e a $atter o) li)e and deat# #as een a stu$lin0 loc( )or readers +#o +ould 're)er to
t#in( it a $atter o) no 0reat conse9uence6:
S#e ended y de)inin0 #er t#e$e5 )ree +ill or )reedo$5 as 8a $ystery5 and one +#ic# a
no-el5 e-en a co$ic no-el5 can only e as(ed to dee'en6: &e reissued &ise %lood in ;<?R5 on
t#e tent# anni-ersary o) t#e ori0inal 'ulication5 and it li-es on ot# in clot# and 'a'erac(
editions6 .idnt so$e +ise $an de)ine a classic as a oo( t#at does not stay out o) 'rint3
One o) Flannerys ad$irers +as T#o$as Merton5 +#o eca$e $ore o) a )an +it# eac# ne+
oo( o) #ers6 O-er t#e years I ca$e to see #o+ $uc# t#e t+o #ad in co$$onIa #i0#ly
de-elo'ed sense o) co$edy5 dee' )ait#5 0reat intelli0ence6 T#e aura o) aloneness surroundin0
eac# o) t#e$ +as not an accident6 It +as t#eir $etier5 in +#ic# t#ey re)ined and dee'ened t#eir
-ery di))erent talents in a s#ort s'an o) ti$e6 T#ey ot# died at t#e #ei0#t o) t#eir 'o+ers6
Finally5 t#ey +ere ot# as *$erican as one can e6 &#en 'ulication o) Mertons T#e Si0n
o) 4onas +as )oridden y t#e *ot !eneral in France5 I +as ale to otain its release only
+it# t#e #el' o) 4ac9ues Maritain5 +#o +rote #i$ in eauti)ul Frenc# Nt#e *ot !eneral did
not read En0lis# and conse9uently #ad not read T#e Si0n o) 4onasO5 e"'lainin0 +#at t#e
8*$erican Tra''ist: +as u' to6
*s )or Flannery5 +#ose +or( can only e understood in an *$erican settin05 +#en a
!er$an 'ulis#er +anted to dro' so$e o) #er stories as too s#oc(in0 )or !er$anic
sensiilities5 s#e +rote Miss McCee5 8I didnt t#in( I +as t#at -icious6:
On a tri' sout# in ;<K< I sto''ed at t#e *ey o) !et#se$ani in Centuc(y to see Merton5
e)ore 0oin0 to see Flannery in !eor0ia6
He 0a-e $e a 'resentation co'y o) t#e eauti)ully desi0ned 'ri-ate edition o) Pro$et#eus:
* Meditation to ta(e to #er6 He +as $uc# interested in Flannerys 'eacoc(s6 Fro$ 're-ious
-isits to 8*ndalusia: I +as ale to tell #i$ aout t#eir #aitsI#o+ t#ey roost at dus( y
0radual #o's )ro$ 0round to )ence 'ost to tree li$D #o+ t#eir trains 0et cau0#t under car
+#eels ecause t#ey re)use to #urryD #o+ -ain t#ey are Nt#ey see$ed to @oc(ey )or 0ood an0les
+#en t#ey sa+ $y ca$eraOD #o+ )unny it is to see 'eac#ic(s re#earsin0 +it# t#eir i$$ature
)eat#erduster tailsD and #o+ rare it is to see t#e ulti$ate dis'lay5 +#en t#e 'eacoc( s#i$$ers
and s#a(es #is )eat#ers in a (ind o) ecstasy at t#e #ei0#t o) 'reenin0 I could not tell Merton
enou0# aout t#e$ or aout Flannery and #er surroundin0s6 &#at +as Milled0e-ille li(e3 &ell5
one o) its si0#ts +as t#e eauti)ul anteHellu$ Cline #ouse5 +#ere Flannerys aunt ser-ed a
)or$al $idday dinner6 He +as sur'rised to learn t#at )ar )ro$ ein0 8ac(+oods: Milled0e-ille
#ad once een t#e ca'ital o) !eor0ia6 I also s#o+ed #i$ a letter in +#ic# Flannery +rote:
8So$eody sent $e a 0ossi' colu$n t#at said !ene Celly +ould $a(e #is T2 deut in Flannery
OConnors Aac(+oods lo-e story PT#e Li)e ,ou Sa-e May %e ,our O+nQ6 I certainly cant a))ord
to $iss t#is $eta$or'#osis6:
&#en I 0ot to t#e OConnors5 Flannery +as curious to #ear aout !et#se$ani6 &as Merton
allo+ed to tal( to $e3 ,es5 +it#out restriction6 I descried our +al(s in t#e +oods and t#e
$onastic routine o) t#e day: )irst o))ice NMatinsO at t+o a6 $6 and last o))ice NCo$'lineO at
sunset5 )ollo+ed y ed6 I $entioned t#at in Louis-ille Id ou0#t Edit# Sit+ells recordin0 o)
Facade5 +#ic# Merton 'layed o-er and o-er5 lau0#in0 so #ard t#at tears ran do+n #is c#ee(s5
and Flannery as(ed $e to recite so$e o) t#e 'oe$s6 E-en $y 'allid a''ro"i$ation o) .a$e
Edit#s renderin0s o) 8.aisy and Lily5 laEy and silly:58Lon0 Steel !rass: N'ronounced 8!ra+ss:O5
8%lac( Mrs6 %e#e$ot#: and t#e rest $ade #er )ace li0#t u' +it# s$iles6
&#en Flannery died5 Merton +as not e"a00eratin0 #is esti$ate o) #er +ort# +#en #e said
#e +ould not co$'are #er +it# suc# 0ood +riters as He$in0+ay5 Porter and Sartre ut rat#er
+it# 8so$eone li(e So'#oclesB I +rite #er na$e +it# #onor5 )or all t#e trut# and all t#e cra)t
+it# +#ic# s#e s#o+s $ans )all and #is dis#onor6:
7' to t#e -ery end5 s#e +or(ed #ard6 S#e +as +or(in0 on E-eryt#in0 T#at Rises Must
Con-er0e durin0 #er )inal illness6 8I #a-e een t#in(in0 aout t#is collection o) $y stories and
+#at can e done to 0et it out +it# $e sic(5: s#e +rote Miss McCee on May >5 ;<?=6
8I a$ de)initely out o) co$$ission )or t#e su$$er and $aye lon0er +it# t#is lu'us6 I #a-e
to stay $ostly in edB I) I +ere +ell t#ere is a lot o) re+ritin0 and 'olis#in0 I could do5 ut in
$y 'resent state o) #ealt# Pt#e storiesQ are essentially all ri0#t t#e +ay t#ey are6: T#is is a
ty'ical OConnor understate$entD so$e o) t#ese last stories5 li(e 8Re-elation: and t#e title
story5 are as nearly 'er)ect as stories can e6 In t#e sa$e letter s#e 'ro'osed ei0#t stories )or
t#e oo(5 one o) +#ic#5 8T#e Partrid0e Festi-al5: s#e later +it#dre+6
*ll ei0#t #ad a''eared in $a0aEines6 Later in May s#e +rote5 8I )or0ot to tell %o !irou"
t#at t#e title E-eryt#in0 T#at Rises Must Con-er0e is all ri0#t +it# $e i) #e t#in(s t#at is +#at it
ou0#t to e6: It see$ed asolutely ri0#t and Nt#ou0# s#e ne-er said soO $ay #a-e dated )ro$ a
)e+ years earlier +#en I sent #er a Frenc# ant#olo0y o) t#e +ritin0s o) Teil#ard de C#ardin5 one
section o) +#ic# +as entitled Tout Ce Tui Monte Con-er0e6 I +as una+are o) t#e t+o
un'ulis#ed stories s#e +as +or(in0 on6
T#e )irst o) t#ese ne+ stories +as 8Par(ers %ac(6: Caroline !ordon later +rote o) it: 8Miss
OConnors stories are all aout t#e o'erations o) su'ernatural 0race in t#e li-es o) natural $en
and +o$en6 Suc# o'erations are in)initely -arious ut so delicate t#at t#ey #a-e eluded so$e
o) t#e sutlest +riters6 In APar(ers %ac(5 Miss OConnor see$s to #a-e succeeded +#ere t#e
0reat Flauert )ailed: in t#e dra$atiEation o) t#at 'articular #eresy +#ic# denies Our Lord
cor'oreal sustance6 &e do not naturally li(e anyt#in0 +#ic# is un)a$iliar6 /o +onder Miss
OConnors +ritin0s #a-e a))led t#e re-ie+ers5 so $uc# so t#ey #a-e reac#ed )or any clic#e
t#ey could lay #old o) in order to #a-e so$e +ay o) a''re#endin0 t#is ori0inal and disturin0
+or(6:
T#e )inal story5 84ud0e$ent .ay5: +as $ailed to $e in early 4uly6 It is a re-ised and
e"'anded -ersion o) 8T#e !eraniu$5: +#ic# a''ears to #a-e een a )a-orite o) #ers5 )or letters
to Miss McCee re-eal t#at in ;<KK s#e #ad also +or(ed on an inter$ediate -ersion under t#e
title 8*n E"ile in t#e East6: *s 84ud0e$ent .ay: it eca$e t#e nint# story in t#e collection
'ulis#ed 'ost#u$ously in ;<?K6 &#at turned out to e $y last letter to Flannery +as dated
4uly >5 ;<?=6 I (ne+ o) t#e recurrence o) #er illness5 o) course5 ut I did not (no+ t#at t#e lu'us
+as no+ uncontrolled6 I enclosed +it# $y letter an ad-ance 'roo) o) our catalo0ue descri'tion
o) E-eryt#in0 T#at Rises Must Con-er0e as it +as t#en concei-ed6 S#e ne-er re'lied and in late
4uly s#e +as ta(en to t#e %ald+in County #os'ital at Milled0e-ille5 +#ere s#e died in a co$a on
*u0ust G6 T#ere are t#irtyHone stories in t#is -olu$e6 /ineteen are ta(en )ro$ Flannerys t+o
collections and t+el-e a''ear )or t#e )irst ti$e in oo( )or$6 For t#is edition +e #a-e )ollo+ed
t#e aut#ors ori0inal $anuscri'ts )or 8T#e Partrid0e Festi-al5:
8&#y .o t#e Heat#en Ra0e3: and t#e )irst si" stories6 For t#e latter 0rou' +e #a-e also
retained t#e order s#e )ollo+ed in #er t#esis6 T#e order o) t#e ot#er stories is c#ronolo0ical
accordin0 to date o) co$'osition and does not du'licate t#e arran0e$ent t#e aut#or +or(ed
out )or t#e t+o collections5 +#ic# are o) course a-ailale as s#e +anted t#e$6
/or is it i$'lied t#at all t#e stories #ere are o) e9ual $erit6 It si$'ly see$s desirale to
'reser-e as co$'lete a collection o) Flannery OConnors s#ort )iction as 'ossile6
EliEaet# %is#o'5 +#o +it# #er 'oets eye sees $ore t#an $ost o) us5 +rote at t#e ti$e o)
Flannerys deat#: 8I a$ sure #er )e+ oo(s +ill li-e on and on in *$erican literature6 T#ey are
narro+5 'ossily5 ut t#ey are clear5 #ard5 -i-id5 and )ull o) its o) descri'tion5 '#rases5 and an
odd insi0#t t#at contains $ore real 'oetry t#an a doEen oo(s o) 'oe$s6: S#e added a it o)
testi$ony t#at Flannery #ersel) +ould #a-e relis#ed: 8Critics +#o accuse #er o) e"a00eration
are 9uite +ron05 I t#in(6 I li-ed in Florida )or se-eral years ne"t to a )louris#in0 AC#urc# o) !od
Not# +#ite and lac( con0re0ationO5 +#ere e-ery &ednesday ni0#t Sister Mary and #er
#usand s'o(e in ton0ues6 *)ter t#ose &ednesday ni0#ts5 not#in0 Flannery OConnor e-er
+rote could see$ at all e"a00erated to $e6:
T#e !eraniu$ N;<=?O
OL. .7.LE, )olded into t#e c#air #e +as 0radually $oldin0 to #is o+n s#a'e and loo(ed
out t#e +indo+ )i)teen )eet a+ay into anot#er +indo+ )ra$ed y lac(ened red ric(6 He +as
+aitin0 )or t#e 0eraniu$6 T#ey 'ut it out e-ery $ornin0 aout ten and t#ey too( it in at )i-eH
t#irty6 Mrs6 Carson ac( #o$e #ad a 0eraniu$ in #er +indo+6 T#ere +ere 'lenty o) 0eraniu$s
at #o$e5 etterHloo(in0 0eraniu$s6 Ours are s#o nu)) 0eraniu$s5 Old .udley t#ou0#t5 not any
er t#is 'ale 'in( usiness +it# 0reen5 'a'er o+s6
T#e 0eraniu$ t#ey +ould 'ut in t#e +indo+ re$inded #i$ o) t#e !risy oy at #o$e +#o
#ad 'olio and #ad to e +#eeled out e-ery $ornin0 and le)t in t#e sun to lin(6 Lutis#a could
#a-e ta(en t#at 0eraniu$ and stuc( it in t#e 0round and #ad so$et#in0 +ort# loo(in0 at in a
)e+ +ee(s6 T#ose 'eo'le across t#e alley #ad no usiness +it# one6 T#ey set it out and let t#e
#ot sun a(e it all day and t#ey 'ut it so near t#e led0e t#e +ind could al$ost (noc( it o-er6
T#ey #ad no usiness +it# it5 no usiness +it# it6 It s#ouldnt #a-e een t#ere6 Old .udley )elt
#is t#roat (nottin0 u'6 Lutis# could root anyt#in06 Raie too6 His t#roat +as dra+n taut6 He laid
#is #ead ac( and tried to clear #is $ind6 T#ere +asnt $uc# #e could t#in( o) to t#in( aout
t#at didnt do #is t#roat t#at +ay6
His dau0#ter ca$e in6 8.ont you +ant to 0o )or a +al(3: s#e as(ed6 S#e loo(ed 'ro-o(ed6
He didnt ans+er #er6
8&ell3:
8/o6: He +ondered #o+ lon0 s#e +as 0oin0 to stand t#ere6 S#e $ade #is6 e-es )eel li(e #is
t#roat6 T#eyd 0et +atery and s#ed see6 S#e #ad seen e)ore and #ad loo(ed sorry )or #i$6
S#ed loo(ed sorry )or #ersel) tooD ut s#e could er sa-ed #ersel)5 Old .udley t#ou0#t5 i) s#ed
@ust #a-e let #i$ aloneIlet #i$ stay +#ere #e +as ac( #o$e and not e so ta(en u' +it# #er
da$n duty6 S#e $o-ed out o) t#e roo$5 lea-in0 an audile si0#5 to cra+l o-er #i$ and re$ind
#i$ a0ain o) t#at one $inuteIt#at +asnt #er )ault at allI+#en suddenly #e #ad +anted to 0o
to /e+ ,or( to li-e +it# #er6
He could #a-e 0ot out o) 0oin06 He could #a-e een stuorn and told #er #ed s'end #is
li)e +#ere #ed al+ays s'ent it5 send #i$ or not send #i$ t#e $oney e-ery $ont#5 #ed 0et
alon0 +it# #is 'ension and odd @os6 Cee' #er da$n $oneyIs#e needed it +orse t#an #e did6
S#e +ould #a-e een 0lad to #a-e #ad #er duty dis'osed o) li(e t#at6 T#en s#e could #a-e said
i) #e died +it#out #is c#ildren near #i$5 it +as #is o+n )aultD i) #e 0ot sic( and t#ere +asnt
anyody to ta(e care o) #i$5 +ell5 #ed as(ed )or it5 s#e could #a-e said6 %ut t#ere +as t#at
t#in0 inside #i$ t#at #ad +anted to see /e+ ,or(6 He #ad een to *tlanta once +#en #e +as a
oy and #e #ad seen /e+ ,or( in a 'icture s#o+6 %i0 To+n R#yt#$ it +as6 %i0 to+ns +ere
i$'ortant 'laces6 T#e t#in0 inside #i$ #ad snea(ed u' on #i$ )or @ust one instant6 T#e A'lace
li(e #ed seen in t#e 'icture s#o+ #ad roo$ )or #i$S It +as an i$'ortant 'lace and it #ad roo$
)or #i$S Hed said yes5 #ed 0o6
He $ust #a-e een sic( +#en #e said it6 He couldnt #a-e een +ell and said it6 He #ad
een sic( and s#e #ad een so ta(en u' +it# #er da$n duty5 s#e #ad +an0led it out o) #i$6
&#y did s#e #a -e to co$e do+n t#ere in t#e )irst 'lace to 'ester #i$3 He #ad een doin0 all
ri0#t6 T#ere +as #is 'ension t#at could )eed #i$ and odd @os t#at (e't #i$ #is roo$ in t#e
oardin0 #ouse6 T#e +indo+ in t#at roo$ s#o+ed #i$ t#e ri-erHt#ic( and red as it stru00led
o-er roc(s and around cur-es6 He tried to t#in( #o+ it +as esides red and slo+6 He added
0reen rotc#es )or trees on eit#er side o) it and a ro+n s'ot )or tras# so$e+#ere u'strea$6
He and Raie #ad )is#ed it in a )latHotto$ oat e-ery &ednesday6 Raie (ne+ t#e ri-er u' and6
do+n )or t+enty $iles6 T#ere +asnt anot#er ni00er in Coa County t#at (ne+ it li(e #e did6 He
lo-ed t#e ri-er5 ut it #adnt $eant anyt#in0 to Old .udley6 T#e )is# +ere +#at #e +as a)ter6
He li(ed to co$e in at ni0#t +it# a lon0 strin0 o) t#e$ and sla' t#e$ do+n in t#e sin(6 8Fe+
)is# I 0ot5: #ed say6 It too( a $an to 0et t#ose )is#5 t#e old 0irls at t#e oardin0 #ouse al+ays
said6 He and Raie +ould start out early &ednesday $ornin0 and )is# all day6 Raie+ould )ind
t#e s'ots and ro+D Old .udley al+ays cau0#t t#e$6 Raie didnt care $uc# aout catc#in0
t#e$I#e @ust lo-edIt#e ri-er6 8*int no use settin yo line do+n dere5 oss5: #ed say6 8*int
no )is# dere6 .is ol rier aint #idin none no+#ere Around #yar5 na+su#6: *nd #e +ould 0i00le
and s#i)t t#e oat do+nstrea$6 T#at +as Raie6 He could steal cleaner t#an a +easel ut #e
(ne+ +#ere t#e )is# +ere6 Old .udley al+ays 0a-e #i$ t#e little ones6
Old .udley #ad li-ed u'stairs in t#e corner roo$ o) t#e oardin0 #ouse e-er since #is +i)e
died in ARR6 He 'rotected t#e old ladies6 He +as t#e $an in t#e #ouse and #e did t#e t#in0s a
$an in t#e #ouse +as su''osed to do6 It +as a dull occu'ation at ni0#t +#en t#e old 0irls
craed and croc#eted in t#e 'arlor and t#e rran in t#e #ouse #ad to listen and @ud0e t#e
s'arro+Hli(e +ars t#at ras'ed and t+ittered inter$ittently6 %ut in t#e dayti$e t#ere +as
Raie6 Raie and Lutis#a li-ed do+n in t#e ase$ent6 Lutis# coo(ed and Raie too( care o) t#e
cleanin0 and t#e -e0etale 0ardenD ut #e +as s#ar' at snea(in0 o)) +it# #al) #is +or( done
and 0oin0 to #el' Old .udley +it# so$e current 'ro@ectIuildin0 a #en #ouse or 'aintin0 a
door6 He li(ed to listen5 #e li(ed to #ear aout *tlanta +#en Old .udley #ad een t#ere and
aout #o+ 0uns +ere 'ut to0et#er on t#e inside and all t#e ot#er t#in0s t#e old $an (ne+6
So$eti$es at ni0#t t#ey +ould 0o A'ossu$ #untin06 T#ey ne-er 0ot a A'ossu$ ut Old
.udley li(ed to 0et a+ay )ro$ t#e ladies once in a +#ile and #untin0 +as a 0ood e"cuse6 Raie
didnt li(e A'ossu$ #untin06 T#ey ne-er 0ot a A'ossu$D t#ey ne-er e-en treed oneD and esides5
#e +as $ostly a +ater ni00er6 8&e aint 0onna 0o #untin no A'ossu$ toni0#t5 is +e5 oss3 I 0ot
a lil usiness I +ants tu# tend tu#5: #ed say +#en Old .udley +ould start tal(in0 aout #ounds
and 0uns6 8&#ose c#ic(ens you 0onna steal toni0#t3: .udley +ould 0rin6 8I rec(on I e
#untin A'ossu$ toni0#t5: Raied si0#6
Old .udley +ould 0et out #is 0un and ta(e it a'art and5 as Raie cleaned t#e 'ieces5 +ould
e"'lain t#e $ec#anis$ to #i$6 T#en #ed 'ut it to0et#er a0ain6 Raie al+ays $ar-eled at t#e
+ay #e could 'ut it to0et#er a0ain6 Old .udley +ould #a-e li(ed to #a-e e"'lained /e+ ,or( to
Raie6 I) #e could #a-e s#o+ed it to Raie5 it +ouldnt #a-e een so i0I#e +ouldnt #a-e )elt
'ressed do+n e-ery ti$e #e +ent out in it6 8It aint so i05: #e +ould #a-e said6 8.ont let it 0et
you do+n5 Raie6 Its @ust li(e any ot#er city and cities aint all t#at co$'licated6:
%ut t#ey +ere6 /e+ ,or( +as s+is#in0 and @a$$in0 one $inute and dirty and dead t#e
ne"t6 His dau0#ter didnt e-en li-e in a #ouse6 S#e li-ed in a uildin0It#e $iddle in a ro+ o)
uildin0s all ali(e5 all lac(enedIred and 0ray +it# ras'H$out#ed 'eo'le #an0in0 out t#eir
+indo+s loo(in0 at ot#er +indo+s and ot#er 'eo'le @ust li(e t#e$ loo(in0 ac(6 Inside you
could 0o u' and you could 0o do+n and t#ere +ere @ust #alls t#at re$inded you o) ta'e
$easures strun0 out +it# a door e-ery inc#6 He re$e$ered #ed een daEed y t#e uildin0
t#e )irst +ee(6 Hed +a(e u' e"'ectin0 t#e #alls to #a-e c#an0ed in t#e ni0#t and #ed loo( out
t#e door and t#ere t#ey stretc#ed li(e do0 runs6 T#e streets +ere t#e sa$e +ay6 He +ondered
+#ere #ed e i) #e +al(ed to t#e end o) one o) t#e$6 One ni0#t #e drea$ed #e did and ended
at t#e end o) t#e uildin0Ino+#ere6
T#e ne"t +ee( #e #ad eco$e $ore conscious o) t#e dau0#ter and sonHinHla+ and t#eir
oyIno 'lace to e out o) t#eir +ay6 T#e sonHinHla+ +as a 9ueer one6 He dro-e a truc( and
ca$e in only on t#e +ee(ends6 He said 8na#: )or 8no: and #ed ne-er #eard o) a A'ossu$6 Old
.udley sle't in t#e roo$ +it# t#e oy5 +#o +as si"teen and couldnt e tal(ed to6 %ut
so$eti$es +#en t#e dau0#ter and Old .udley +ere alone in t#e a'art$ent5 s#e +ould sit
do+n and tal( to #i$6 First s#e #ad to t#in( o) so$et#in0 to say6 7sually it 0a-e out e)ore
+#at s#e considered +as t#e 'ro'er ti$e to 0et u' and do so$et#in0 else5 so #e +ould #a-e to
say so$et#in06 He al+ays tried to t#in( o) so$et#in0 #e #adnt said e)ore6 S#e ne-er listened
t#e second ti$e6 S#e +as seein0 t#at #er )at#er s'ent #is last years +it# #is o+n )a$ily and not
in a decayed oardin0 #ouse )ull o) old +o$en +#ose #eads @i00led6 S#e +as doin0 #er
duty6 S#e #ad rot#ers and sisters +#o +ere not6
Once s#e too( #i$ s#o''in0 +it# #er ut #e +as too slo+6 T#ey +ent in a 8su+ay:Ia
railroad underneat# t#e 0round li(e a i0 ca-e6 Peo'le oiled out o) trains and u' ste's and
o-er into t#e streets6 T#ey rolled o)) t#e street and do+n ste's and into trains lac( and +#ite
and yello+ all $i"ed u' li(e -e0etales in sou'6 E-eryt#in0 +as oilin06 T#e trains s+is#ed in
)ro$ tunnels5 u' canals5 and all o) a sudden sto''ed6 T#e 'eo'le co$in0 out 'us#ed t#rou0#
t#e 'eo'le co$in0 in and a noise ran0 and t#e train s+oo'ed o)) a0ain6 Old .udley and t#e
dau0#ter #ad to 0o in t#ree di))erent ones e)ore t#ey 0ot +#ere t#ey +ere 0oin06 He
+ondered +#y 'eo'le e-er +ent out o) t#eir #ouses6 He )elt li(e #is ton0ue #ad sli''ed do+n
in #is sto$ac#6 S#e #eld #i$ y t#e coat slee-e and 'ulled #i$ t#rou0# t#e 'eo'le6
T#ey +ent on an o-er#ead train too6 S#e called it an 8El5: T#ey #ad to 0o u' on a #i0#
'lat)or$ to catc# it6 Old .udley loo(ed o-er t#e rail and could see t#e 'eo'le rus#in0 and t#e
auto$oiles rus#in0 under #i$6 He )elt sic(6 He 'ut one #and on t#e rail and san( do+n on t#e
+ooden )loor o) t#e 'lat)or$6 T#e dau0#ter screa$ed and 'ulled #i$ o-er )ro$ t#e ed0e6 8.o
you +ant to )all o)) and (ill yoursel)3: s#e s#outed6
T#rou0# a crac( in t#e oards #e could see t#e cars s+i$$in0 in t#e street6 8I dont care5:
#e $ur$ured5 8I dont care i) I do or not6:
8Co$e on5: s#e said5 8youll )eel etter +#en +e 0et #o$e6:
8Ho$e3: #e re'eated6 T#e cars $o-ed in a r#yt#$ elo+ #i$6
8Co$e on5: s#e said5 8#ere it co$esD +e-e @ust 0ot ti$e to $a(e it6: T#eyd @ust #ad ti$e
to $a(e all o) t#e$6
T#ey $ade t#at one6 T#ey ca$e ac( to t#e uildin0 and t#e a'art$ent6 T#e a'art$ent
+as too ti0#t6 T#ere +as no 'lace to e +#ere t#ere +asnt so$eody else6 T#e (itc#en o'ened
into t#e at#roo$ and t#e at#roo$ o'ened into e-eryt#in0 else and you +ere al+ays +#ere
you started )ro$6 *t #o$e t#ere +as u'stairs and t#e ase$ent and t#e ri-er and do+nto+n in
)ront o) FraEiers B da$n #is t#roat6
T#e 0eraniu$ +as late today6 It +as tenHt#irty6 T#ey usually #ad it out y tenH)i)teen6
So$e+#ere do+n t#e #all a +o$an s#rilled so$et#in0 unintelli0ile out to t#e streetD a
radio +as leatin0 t#e +orn $usic to a soa' serialD and a 0ara0e can cras#ed do+n a )ire
esca'e6 T#e door to t#e ne"t a'art$ent sla$$ed and a s#ar' )ootste' cli''ed do+n t#e #all6
8T#at +ould e t#e ni00er5: Old .udley $uttered6 8T#e ni00er +it# t#e s#iny s#oes6: He #ad
een t#ere a +ee( +#en t#e ni00er $o-ed in6 T#at T#ursday #e +as loo(in0 out t#e door at t#e
do0Irun #alls +#en t#is ni00er +ent into t#e ne"t a'art$ent6 He #ad on a 0ray5 'inHstri'e suit
and a tan tie6 His collar +as sti)) and +#ite and $ade a clearHcut line ne"t to #is nec(6 His s#oes
+ere s#iny tanIt#ey $atc#ed #is tie and #is s(in6 Old .udley scratc#ed #is #ead6 He #adnt
(no+n t#e (ind o) 'eo'le t#at +ould li-e t#ic( in a uildin0 could a))ord ser-ants6 He c#uc(led6
Lot o) 0ood a ni00er in a Sunday suit +ould do t#e$6 Maye t#is ni00er +ould (no+ t#e
country around #ereIor $aye #o+ to 0et to it6 T#ey $i0#t could #unt6 T#ey $i0#t could )ind
t#e$ a strea$ so$e+#ere6 He s#ut t#e door and +ent to t#e dau0#ters roo$6 8HeyS: #e
s#outed5 8t#e )ol(s ne"t door 0ot Ae$ a ni00er6 Must e 0onna clean )or t#e$6 ,ou rec(on t#ey
0onna (ee' #i$ e-ery day3:
S#e loo(ed u' )ro$ $a(in0 t#e ed6 8&#at are you tal(in0 aout3:
8I say t#ey 0ot Ae$ a ser-ant ne"t doorIa ni00erIall dressed u' in a Sunday suit6:
S#e +al(ed to t#e ot#er side o) t#e ed6 8,ou $ust e craEy5: s#e said6 8T#e ne"t a'art$ent
is -acant and esides5 noody around #ere can a))ord any ser-ant6:
8I tell you I sa+ #i$5: Old .udley snic(ered6 8!oin0 ri0#t in t#ere +it# a tie and a +#ite
collar onIand s#ar'Htoed s#oes6:
8I) #e +ent in t#ere5 #es loo(in0 at it )or #i$sel)5: s#e $uttered6 S#e +ent to t#e dresser
and started )id0etin0 +it# t#in0s6
Old .udley lau0#ed6 S#e could e ri0#t )unny +#en s#e +anted to6 8&ell5: #e said5 8I t#in(
Ill 0o o-er and see +#at day #e 0ets o))6 Maye I can con-ince #i$ #e li(es to )is#5: and #ed
sla''ed #is 'oc(et to $a(e t#e t+o 9uarters @in0le6 %e)ore #e 0ot out in t#e #all 0ood5 s#e
ca$e tearin0 e#ind #i$ and 'ulled #i$ in6 8Cant you #ear3: s#ed yelled6 8I $eant +#at I
said6 Hes rentin0 t#at #i$sel) i) #e +ent in t#ere6 .ont you 0o as(in0 #i$ any 9uestions or
sayin0 anyt#in0 to #i$6 I dont +ant any troule +it# ni00ers6:
8,ou $ean5: Old .udley $ur$ured5 8#es 0onna li-e ne"t door to you3:
S#e s#ru00ed6 8I su''ose #e is6 *nd you tend to your o+n usiness5: s#e added6 8.ont
#a-e anyt#in0 to do +it# #i$6:
T#ats @ust t#e +ay s#ed said it6 Li(e #e didnt #a-e any sense at all6 %ut #ed told #er o))
t#en6 Hed stated #is say and s#e (ne+ +#at #e $eant6 8,ou aint een raised t#at +ayS: #ed
said t#underyHli(e6 8,ou aint een raised to li-e ti0#t +it# ni00ers t#at t#in( t#eyre @ust as
0ood as you5 and you t#in( Id 0o $essin around +it# one er t#at (indS I) you t#in( I +ant
anyt#in0 to do +it# t#e$5 youre craEy6: He #ad #ad to slo+ do+n t#en ecause #is t#roat +as
ti0#tenin06 S#ed stood sti)) u' and said t#ey li-ed +#ere t#ey could a))ord to li-e and $ade t#e
est o) it6 Preac#in0 to #i$S T#en s#ed +al(ed sti)) o)) +it#out a +ord $ore6 T#at +as #er6
Tryin0 to e #oly +it# #er s#oulders cur-ed around and #er nec( in t#e air6 Li(e #e +as a )ool6
He (ne+ ,an(ees let ni00ers in t#eir )ront doors and let t#e$ set on t#eir so)as ut #e didnt
(no+ #is o+n dau0#ter t#at +as raised 'ro'er +ould stay ne"t door to t#e$Iand t#en t#in(
#e didnt #a-e no $ore sense t#an to +ant to $i" +it# t#e$6 Hi$S
He 0ot u' and too( a 'a'er o)) anot#er c#air6 He $i0#t as +ell a''ear to e readin0 +#en
s#e ca$e t#rou0# a0ain6 /o use #a-in0 #er standin0 u' t#ere starin0 at #i$5 elie-in0 s#e #ad
to t#in( u' so$et#in0 )or #i$ to do6 He loo(ed o-er t#e 'a'er at t#e +indo+ across t#e alley6
T#e 0eraniu$ +asnt t#ere yet6 It #ad ne-er een t#is late e)ore6 T#e )irst day #ed seen it5 #e
#ad een sittin0 t#ere loo(in0 out t#e +indo+ at t#e ot#er +indo+ and #e #ad loo(ed at #is
+atc# to see #o+ lon0 it #ad een since rea()ast6
&#en #e loo(ed u'5 it +as t#ere6 It startled #i$6 He didnt li(e )lo+ers5 ut t#e 0eraniu$
didnt loo( li(e a )lo+er6 It loo(ed li(e t#e sic( !risy oy at #o$e and it +as t#e color o) t#e
dra'es t#e old ladies #ad in t#e 'arlor and t#e 'a'er o+ on it loo(ed li(e t#e one e#ind
Lutis#s uni)or$ s#e +ore on Sundays6 Lutis# #ad a )ondness )or sas#es6 Most ni00ers did5 Old
.udley t#ou0#t6
T#e dau0#ter ca$e t#rou0# a0ain6 He #ad $eant to e loo(in0 at t#e 'a'er +#en s#e ca$e
t#rou0#6 8.o $e a )a-or5 +ill you3: s#e as(ed as i) s#e #ad @ust t#ou0#t u' a )a-or #e could do6
He #o'ed s#e didnt +ant #i$ to 0o to t#e 0rocery a0ain6 He 0ot lost t#e ti$e e)ore6 *ll
t#e loo$in0 uildin0s loo(ed ali(e6 He nodded6
8!o do+n to t#e t#ird )loor and as( Mrs6 Sc#$itt to lend $e t#e s#irt 'attern s#e uses )or
4a(e6:
&#y couldnt s#e @ust let #i$ sit3 S#e didnt need t#e s#irt 'attern6 8*ll ri0#t5: #e said6
8&#at nu$er is it3:
8/u$er ;LI@ust li(e t#is6 Ri0#t elo+ us t#ree )loors do+n6:
Old .udley +as al+ays a)raid t#at +#en #e +ent out in t#e do0 runs5 a door +ould
suddenly o'en and one o) t#e sni'eHnosed $en t#at #un0 o)) t#e +indo+ led0es in #is
unders#irt +ould 0ro+l5 8&#at are you doin0 #ere3: T#e door to t#e ni00ers a'art$ent +as
o'en and #e could see a +o$an sittin0 in a c#air y t#e +indo+6 8,an(ee ni00ers5: #e
$uttered6 S#e #ad on ri$less 0lasses and t#ere +as a oo( in #er la'6 /i00ers dont t#in(
t#eyre dressed u' till t#ey 0ot on 0lasses5 Old .udley t#ou0#t6 He re$e$ered Lutis#s
0lasses6 S#e #ad sa-ed u' t#irteen dollars to uy t#e$6 T#en s#e +ent to t#e doctor and as(ed
#i$ to loo( at #er eyes and tell #er #o+ t#ic( to 0et t#e 0lasses6 He $ade #er loo( at ani$als
'ictures t#rou0# a $irror and #e stuc( a li0#t t#rou0# #er eyes and loo(ed in #er #ead6 T#en #e
said s#e didnt need any 0lasses6 S#e +as so $ad s#e urned t#e corn read t#ree days in a
ro+5 ut s#e ou0#t #er so$e 0lasses any+ay at t#e tencent store6 T#ey didnt cost #er ut
J;6<M and s#e +ore t#e$ e-ery Saddey6 8T#at +as ni00ers5: Old .udley c#uc(led6 He realiEed
#e #ad $ade a noise5 and co-ered #is $out# +it# #is #and6 So$eody $i0#t #ear #i$ in one o)
t#e a'art$ents6
He turned do+n t#e )irst )li0#t o) stairs6 .o+n t#e second #e #eard )ootste's co$in0 u'6 He
loo(ed o-er t#e anisters and sa+ it +as a +o$anIa )at +o$an +it# an a'ron on6 Fro$ t#e
to'5 s#e loo(ed (ind er li(e Mrs6 %enson at #o$e6 He +ondered i) s#e +ould s'ea( to #i$6
&#en t#ey +ere )our ste's )ro$ eac# ot#er5 #e darted a 0lance at #er ut s#e +asnt loo(in0 at
#i$6 &#en t#ere +ere no ste's et+een t#e$5 #is eyes )luttered u' )or an instant and s#e +as
loo(in0 at #i$ cold in t#e )ace6 T#en s#e +as 'ast #i$6 S#e #adnt said a +ord6 He )elt #ea-y in
#is sto$ac#6
He +ent do+n )our )li0#ts instead o) t#ree6 T#en #e +ent ac( u' one and )ound nu$er
;L6 Mrs6 Sc#$itt said O6C65 +ait a $inute and s#ed 0et t#e 'attern6 S#e sent one o) t#e c#ildren
ac( to t#e door +it# it6 T#e c#ild didnt say anyt#in06
Old .udley started ac( u' t#e stairs6 He #ad to ta(e it $ore slo+ly6 It tired #i$ 0oin0 u'6
E-eryt#in0 tired #i$5 loo(ed li(e6 /ot li(e #a-in0 Raie to do #is runnin0 )or #i$6 Raie +as a
li0#tH)ooted ni00er6 He could snea( in a #en #ouse At#out e-en t#e #ens (no+in0 it and 0et #i$
t#e )attest )ryer in t#ere and not a s9ua+(6 Fast too6 .udley #ad al+ays een slo+ on #is )eet6
It +ent t#at +ay +it# )at 'eo'le6 He re$e$ered one ti$e #i$ and Raie +as #untin0 9uail
o-er near Molton6 T#ey #ad Ae$ a #ound do0 t#at could )ind a co-ey 9uic( ern any )ancy
'ointer 0oin06 He +asnt no 0ood at rin0in0 t#e$ ac( ut #e could )ind t#e$ e-ery ti$e and
t#en set li(e a dead stu$' +#ile you ai$ed at t#e irds6 T#is one ti$e t#e #ound sto''ed coldH
still6 8.at 0onna e a i0 Aun5: Raie +#is'ered5 8I )eels it6: Old .udley raised t#e 0un slo+ly as
t#ey +al(ed alon06 He #ad to e care)ul o) t#e 'ine needles6 T#ey co-ered t#e 0round and
$ade it slic(6 Raie s#i)ted #is +ei0#t )ro$ side to side5 li)tin0 and settin0 #is )eet on t#e +a"en
needles +it# unconscious care6 He loo(ed strai0#t a#ead and $o-ed )or+ard s+i)tly6 Old
.udley (e't one eye a#ead and one on t#e 0round6 It +ould slo'e and #e +ould e slidin0
)or+ard dan0erously5 or in 'ullin0 #i$sel) u' an incline5 #e +ould slide ac( do+n6
8*int I etter 0et de$ irds dis ti$e5 oss3: Raie su00ested6 8,ou aint ne-er easy on yo
)eets on Monday6 I) you )alls in one de$ slo'es5 you 0onna scatter de$ irds )o you 0its dat
0un u'6:
Old .udley +anted to 0et t#e co-ey6 He could er (noc(ed )our out o) it easy6 8Ill 0et Ae$5:
#e $uttered6 He li)ted t#e 0un to #is eye and leaned )or+ard6 So$et#in0 sli''ed eneat# #i$
and #e slid ac(+ard on #is #eels6 T#e 0un +ent o)) and t#e co-ey s'rayed into t#e air6
8.e$ +as so$e $i0#ty )ine irds +e let 0et a+ay )ro$ us5: Raie si0#ed6
8&ell )ind anot#er co-ey5: Old .udley said6 8/o+ 0et $e out o) t#is da$n #ole6:
He could er 0ot )i-e er t#ose irds i) #e #adnt )allen6 He could er s#ot Ae$ o)) li(e cans on a
)ence6 He dre+ one #and ac( to #is ear and e"tended t#e ot#er )or+ard6 He could er (noc(ed
Ae$ out li(e clay 'i0eons6 %an0S * s9uea( on t#e staircase $ade #i$ +#eel aroundI#is ar$s
still #oldin0 t#e in-isile 0un6 T#e ni00er +as cli''in0 u' t#e ste's to+ard #i$5 an a$used s$ile
stretc#in0 #is tri$$ed $ustac#e6 Old .udleys $out# dro''ed o'en6 T#e ni00ers li's +ere
'ulled do+n li(e #e +as tryin0 to (ee' )ro$ lau0#in06 Old .udley couldnt $o-e6 He stared at
t#e clearHcut line t#e ni00ers collar $ade a0ainst #is s(in6
8&#at are you #untin05 oldHti$er3: t#e /e0ro as(ed in a -oice t#at sounded li(e a ni00ers
lau0# and a +#ite $ans sneer6
Old .udley )elt li(e a c#ild +it# a 'o'H'istol6 His $out# +as o'en and #is ton0ue +as ri0id
in t#e $iddle o) it6 Ri0#t elo+ #is (nees )elt #ollo+6 His )eet sli''ed and #e slid t#ree ste's and
landed sittin0 do+n6
8,ou etter e care)ul5: t#e /e0ro said6 8,ou could easily #urt yoursel) on t#ese ste's6: *nd
#e #eld out #is #and )or Old .udley to 'ull u' on6 It +as a lon0 narro+ #and and t#e ti's o) t#e
)in0ernails +ere clean and cut s9uarely6 T#ey loo(ed li(e t#ey $i0#t #a-e een )iled6 Old
.udleys #ands #un0 et+een #is (nees6 T#e ni00er too( #i$ y t#e ar$ and 'ulled u'6
8&#e+S: #e 0as'ed5 8youre #ea-y6 !i-e a little #el' #ere6: Old .udleys (nees unended and
#e sta00ered u'6 T#e ni00er #ad #i$ y t#e ar$6 8I$ 0oin0 u' any+ay5: #e said6 8Ill #el' you6:
Old .udley loo(ed )rantically around6 T#e ste's e#ind #i$ see$ed to close u'6 He +as +al(in0
+it# t#e ni00er u' t#e stairs6 T#e ni00er +as +aitin0 )or #i$ on eac# ste'6 8So you #unt3: t#e
ni00er +as sayin06 8&ell5 lets see6 I +ent deer #untin0 once6 I elie-e +e used a .odson6GM to
0et t#ose deer6 &#at do you use3:
Old .udley +as starin0 t#rou0# t#e s#iny tan s#oes6 8I use a 0un5: #e $u$led6
8I li(e to )ool +it# 0uns etter t#an #untin05: t#e ni00er +as sayin06 8/e-er +as $uc# at
(illin0 anyt#in06 See$s (ind o) a s#a$e to de'lete t#e 0a$e reser-e6 Id collect 0uns i) I #ad t#e
ti$e and t#e $oney5 t#ou0#6: He +as +aitin0 on e-ery ste' till Old .udley 0ot on it6 He +as
e"'lainin0 0uns and $a(es6 He #ad on 0ray soc(s +it# a lac( )lec( in t#e$6 T#ey )inis#ed t#e
stairs6 T#e ni00er +al(ed do+n t#e #all +it# #i$5 #oldin0 #i$ y t#e ar$6 It 'roaly loo(ed
li(e #e #ad #is ar$ loc(ed in t#e ni00ers6
T#ey +ent ri0#t u' to Old .udleys door6 T#en t#e ni00er as(ed5 8,ou )ro$ around #ere3:
Old .udley s#oo( #is #ead5 loo(in0 at t#e door6 He #adnt loo(ed at t#e ni00er yet6 *ll t#e
+ay u' t#e stairs5 #e #adnt loo(ed at t#e ni00er6 8&ell5: t#e ni00er said5 8its a s+ell 'laceonce
you 0et used to it6: He 'atted Old .udley on t#e ac( and +ent into #is o+n a'art$ent6 Old
.udley +ent into #is6 T#e 'ain in #is t#roat +as all o-er #is )ace no+5 lea(in0 out #is eyes6
He s#u))led to t#e c#air y t#e +indo+ and san( do+n in it6 His t#roat +as 0oin0 to 'o'6 His
t#roat +as 0oin0 to 'o' on account o) a ni00erIa da$n ni00er t#at 'atted #i$ on t#e ac(
and called #i$ 8oldHti$er6: Hi$ t#at (ne+ suc# as t#at couldnt e6 Hi$ t#at #ad co$e )ro$ a
0ood 'lace6 * 0ood 'lace6 * 'lace +#ere suc# as t#at couldnt e6 His eyes )elt stran0e in t#eir
soc(ets6 T#ey +ere s+ellin0 in t#e$ and in a $inute t#ere +ouldnt e any roo$ le)t )or t#e$
t#ere6 He +as tra''ed in t#is 'lace +#ere ni00ers could call you 8oldHti$er6: He +ouldnt e
tra''ed6 He +ouldnt e6 He rolled #is #ead on t#e ac( o) t#e c#air to stretc# #is nec( t#at +as
too )ull6
* $an +as loo(in0 at #i$6 * $an +as in t#e +indo+ across t#e alley loo(in0 strai0#t at #i$6
T#e $an +as +atc#in0 #i$ cry6 T#at +as +#ere t#e 0eraniu$ +as su''osed to e and it +as a
$an in #is unders#irt5 +atc#in0 #i$ cry5 +aitin0 to +atc# #is t#roat 'o'6 Old .udley loo(ed
ac( at t#e $an6 It +as su''osed to e t#e 0eraniu$6 T#e 0eraniu$ elon0ed t#ere5 not t#e
$an6 8&#ere is t#e 0eraniu$3: #e called out o) #is ti0#t t#roat6
8&#at you cryin )or3: t#e $an as(ed6 8I aint ne-er seen a $an cry li(e t#at6:
8&#ere is t#e 0eraniu$3: Old .udley 9ua-ered6 8It ou0#t to e t#ere6 /ot you6:
8T#is is $y +indo+5: t#e $an said6 8I 0ot a ri0#t to set #ere i) I +ant to6:
8&#ere is it3: Old .udley s#rilled6 T#ere +as @ust a little roo$ le)t in #is t#roat6
8It )ell o)) i) its any o) your usiness5: t#e $an said6
Old .udley 0ot u' and 'eered o-er t#e +indo+ led0e6 .o+n in t#e alley5 +ay si" )loors
do+n5 #e could see a crac(ed )lo+er 'ot scattered o-er a s'ray o) dirt and so$et#in0 'in(
stic(in0 out o) a 0reen 'a'er o+6 It +as do+n si" )loors6 S$as#ed do+n si" )loors6
Old .udley loo(ed at t#e $an +#o +as c#e+in0 0u$ and +aitin0 to see t#e t#roat 'o'6
8,ou s#ouldnt #a-e 'ut it so near t#e led0e5: #e $ur$ured6 8&#y dont you 'ic( it u'3:
8&#y dont you5 'o'3:
Old .udley stared at t#e $an +#o +as +#ere t#e 0eraniu$ s#ould #a-e een6
He +ould6 Hed 0o do+n and 'ic( it u'6 Hed 'ut it in #is o+n +indo+ and loo( at it all day i)
#e +anted to6 He turned )ro$ t#e +indo+ and le)t t#e roo$6 He +al(ed slo+ly do+n t#e do0
run and 0ot to t#e ste's6 T#e ste's dro''ed do+n li(e a dee' +ound in t#e )loor6 T#ey o'ened
u' t#rou0# a 0a' li(e a ca-ern and +ent do+n and do+n6 *nd #e #ad 0one u' t#e$ a little
e#ind t#e ni00er6 *nd t#e ni00er #ad 'ulled #i$ u' on #is )eet and (e't #is ar$ in #is and
0one u' t#e ste's +it# #i$ and said #e #unted deer5 8oldHti$er5: and seen #i$ #oldin0 a 0un
t#at +asnt t#ere and sittin0 on t#e ste's li(e a c#ild6 He #ad s#iny tan s#oes and #e +as tryin0
not to lau0# and t#e +#ole usiness +as lau0#in06 T#ered 'roaly e ni00ers +it# lac( )lec(s
in t#eir soc(s on e-ery ste'5 'ullin0 do+n t#eir $out#s so as not to lau0#6 T#e ste's dro''ed
do+n and do+n6 He +ouldnt 0o do+n and #a-e ni00ers 'attin #i$ on t#e ac(6 He +ent ac(
to t#e roo$ and t#e +indo+ and loo(ed do+n at t#e 0eraniu$6
T#e $an +as sittin0 o-er +#ere it s#ould #a-e een6 8I aint seen you 'ic(in it u'5: #e said6
Old .udley stared at t#e $an6
8I seen you e)ore6: t#e $an said6 8I seen you settin in t#at old c#air e-ery day5 starin out
t#e +indo+5 loo(in0 in $y a'art$ent6
&#at I do in $y a'art$ent is $y usiness5 see3 I dont li(e 'eo'le loo(in0 at +#at I do6:
It +as at t#e otto$ o) t#e alley +it# its roots in t#e air6
8I only tell 'eo'le once5: t#e $an said and le)t t#e +indo+6
T#e %arer N;<=>O
IT IS tryin0 on lierals in .ilton6
*)ter t#e .e$ocratic &#ite Pri$ary5 Rayer c#an0ed #is arer6 T#ree +ee(s e)ore it5
+#ile #e +as s#a-in0 #i$5 t#e arer as(ed5 8&#o you 0onna -ote )or3:
8.ar$on5: Rayer said6
8,ou a ni00erHlo-er3:
Rayer started in t#e c#air6 He #ad not e"'ected to e a''roac#ed so rutally6 8/o5: #e
said6 I) #e #ad nut een ta(en o))Halance5 #e +ould #a-e said5 8I a$ neit#er a /e0roInor a
+#iteIlo-er6: He #ad said t#at e)ore to 4acos5 t#e '#iloso'#y $an5 andIto s#o+ you #o+
tryin0 it is )or lierals in .iltonI4acosIa $an o) #is educationI#ad $uttered5 8T#ats a 'oor
+ay to e6:
8&#y3: Rayer #ad as(ed luntly6 He (ne+ #e could ar0ue 4acos do+n6
4acos #ad said5 8S(i' it6: He #ad a class6 His classes )re9uently occurred5 Rayer noticed5
+#en Rayer +as aout to 0et #i$ in an ar0u$ent6
8I a$ neit#er a /e0roInor a +#ite lo-er5: Rayer +ould #a-e said to t#e arer6
T#e arer dre+ a clean 'at# t#rou0# t#e lat#er and t#en 'ointed t#e raEor at Rayer6 8I$
tellin you5: #e said5 8t#ere aint ut t+o sides no+5 +#ite and lac(6 *nyody can see t#at )ro$
t#is ca$'ai0n6 ,ou (no+ +#at Ha+( said3 Said a #unnert and )i)ty years a0o5 t#ey +as runnin
eac# ot#er do+n eatin eac# ot#erIt#ro+in @e+el roc(s at irdsIs(innin #orses +it# t#eir
teet#6 * ni00er co$e in a +#ite arer s#o' in *tlanta and says5 A!i$$e a #aircut6 T#ey
t#ro+ed #i$ out ut it @ust 0oes to s#o+ you6 &#y listen5 t#ree lac( #yenas o-er in Mul)ord
last $ont# s#ot a +#ite $an and too( #al) o) +#at +as in #is #ouse and you (no+ +#ere t#ey
are no+3 Settin in t#eir county @ail eatin li(e t#e President o) t#e 7nited StatesIt#ey $i0#t
0et dirty in t#e c#ain 0an0D or so$e da$n ni00erHlo-er $i0#t co$e y and e #eartHro(e to
see Ae$ 'ic(in roc(6 &#y5 le$$e tell you t#isIaint uot#in 0onna e 0ood a0ain until +e 0et
rid o) t#e$ Mot#er Huards and 0et us a $an can 'ut t#ese ni00ers in t#eir 'laces6 S#u#6:
8,ou #ear t#at5 !eor0e3: #e5 s#outed to t#e colored oy +i'in0 u' t#e )loor around t#e
asins6
8S#o6 do5: !eor0e said6
It +as ti$e )or Rayer to say so$et#in0 ut not#in0 a''ro'riate +ould co$e6 He +anted to
say so$et#in0 t#at !eor0e +ould understand6 He +as startled t#at !eor0e #ad een rou0#t
into t#e con-ersation6 He re$e$ered 4acos tellin0 aout lecturin0 at a /e0ro colle0e )or a
+ee(6 T#ey couldnt say /e0roIni00erIcoloredIlac(6 4acos said #e #ad co$e #o$e e-ery
ni0#t and s#outed5 8/I!!ER /I!!ER /I!!ER: out t#e ac( +indo+6 Rayer +ondered +#at
!eor0es leanin0s +ere6 He +as a tri$Hloo(in0 oy6
8I) a ni00er co$e in $y s#o' +it# any o) t#at #aircut sass5 #ed 0et it cut all ri0#t6: T#e
arer $ade a noise et+een #is teet#6 8,ou a Mot#er Huard3: #e as(ed6
8I$ -otin0 )or .ar$on5 i) t#ats +#at you $ean5: Rayer said6
8,ou e-er #eard Ha+(son tal(3:
8I-e #ad t#at 'leasure5: Rayer said6
8,ou #eard #is last one3:
8/o5 I understand #is re$ar(s dont alter )ro$ s'eec# to s'eec#5: Rayer said curtly6
8,ea#3: t#e arer said6 8&ell5 t#is last s'eec# +as a (illerooS Ol Ha+( let t#e$ Mot#er
Huards #a-e it6:
8* 0ood $any 'eo'le5: Rayer said5 8consider Ha+(son a de$a0o0ue6: He +ondered i)
!eor0e (ne+ +#at de$a0o0ue $eant6 S#ould #a-e said5 8lyin0 'olitician6:
8.e$a0o0ueS: T#e6 arer sla''ed #is (nee and +#oo'ed6 8T#ats +#at Ha+( saidS: #e
#o+led6 8*int t#at a s#otS AFol(s5 #e says5 At#e$ Mot#er AHuards says I$ a de$a0o0ue6
T#en #e rears ac( and says sort o) so)tHli(e5 A*$ I a de$a0o0ue5 you 'eo'le3 *lld t#ey yells5
A/a+5 Ha+(5 you aint no de$a0o0ueS *nd #e co$es )or+ard s#outin05 AO# yea# I a$5 I$ t#e
est da$n de$a0o0ue in t#is stateS *nd you s#ould #ear t#e$ 'eo'le roarS &#e+S:
8Tuite a s#o+5: Rayer said5 8ut +#at is it ut aB:
8Mot#er Huard5: t#e arer $uttered6 8,ou een ta(en in y Ae$ all ri0#t6 Le$$e tell
you sornet#inB: He re-ie+ed Ha+(sons Fourt# o) 4uly s'eec#6 It #ad een anot#er (illeroo5
endin0 +it# 'oetry6 &#o +as .ar$on3 Ha+( +anted to (no+6 ,ea#5 +#o +as .ar$on3 t#e
cro+d #ad roared6 &#y5 didnt t#ey (no+3 &#y5 #e +as Little %oy %lue5 lo+in #is #orn6 ,ea#6
%aies in t#e $eado+ and ni00ers in t#e corn6 ManS Rayer s#ould #a-e #eard t#at one6 /o
Mot#er Huard could #a-e stood u' under it6
Rayer t#ou0#t t#at i) t#e arer +ould read a )e+B6
Listen5 #e didnt #a-e to read not#in6 *ll #e #ad to do +as t#in(6 T#at +as t#e troule +it#
'eo'le t#ese daysIt#ey didnt t#in(5 t#ey didnt use t#eir #orse sense6 &#y +asnt Rayer
t#in(in3 &#ere +as #is #orse sense3
&#y a$ I strainin0 $ysel)3 Rayer t#ou0#t irritaly6
8/ossirS: t#e arer said6 8%i0 +ords dont do noody no 0ood6 T#ey dont ta(e t#e 'lace o)
t#in(in6:
8T#in(in0S: Rayer s#outed6 8,ou call yoursel) t#in(in03:
8Listen5: t#e arer said5 8do you (no+ +#at Hu+( told t#e$ 'eo'le at Til)ord3: *t Til)ord
Ha+( #ad told t#e$ t#at #e li(ed ni00ers )ine in t#eir 'lace and i) t#ey didnt stay in t#at 'lace5
#e #ad a 'lace to 'ut Ae$6 Ho+ aout t#at3
Rayer +anted to (no+ +#at t#at #ad to do +it# t#in(in06
T#e arer t#ou0#t it +as 'lain as a 'i0 on a so)a +#at t#at #ad to do +it# t#in(in06 He
t#ou0#t a 0ood $any ot#er t#in0s too6 +#ic# #e told Rayer6 He said Rayer s#ould #a-e #eard
t#e Ha+(son s'eec#es at Mullins Oa(5 %ed)ord5 and C#ic(er-ille6
Rayer settled do+n in #is c#air a0ain and re$inded t#e arer t#at #e #ad co$e in )or a
s#a-e6
T#e arer started ac( s#a-in0 #i$6 He said Rayer s#ould #a-e #eard t#e one at
S'artas-ille6 8T#ere +asnt a Mot#er Huard le)t standin5 and all t#e %oy %lues 0ot t#eir #orns
ro(e6 Ha+( said5: #e said5 8t#at t#e ti$e #ad co$e +#en you #ad to sit on t#e lid +it#B:
8I #a-e an a''oint$ent5: Rayer said6 8I$ a #urry6: &#y s#ould #e stay and listen to t#at
tri'e3
*s $uc# rot as it +as5 t#e +#ole asinine con-ersation stuc( +it# #i$ t#e rest o) t#e day and
+ent t#rou0# #is $ind in 'ersistent detail a)ter #e +as in ed t#at ni0#t6 To #is dis0ust5 #e
)ound t#at #e +as 0oin0 t#rou0# it5 'uttin0 in +#at #e +ould #a-e said i) #ed #ad an
o''ortunity to 're'are #i$sel)6 He +ondered #o+ 4acos +ould #a-e #andled it6 4acos #ad a
+ay aout #i$ t#at $ade 'eo'le t#in( #e (ne+ $ore t#an Rayer t#ou0#t #e (ne+6 It +as not
a ad tric( in #is 'ro)ession6 Rayer o)ten a$used #i$sel) analyEin0 it6 4acos +ould #a-e
#andled t#e arer cal$ly enou0#6 Rayer started t#rou0# t#e con-ersation a0ain5 t#in(in0
#o+ 4acos +ould #a-e done it6 He ended doin0 it #i$sel)6
T#e ne"t ti$e #e +ent to t#e arers5 #e #ad )or0otten aout t#e ar0u$ent6 T#e arer
see$ed to #a-e )or0otten it too6 He dis'osed o) t#e +eat#er and sto''ed tal(in06 Rayer +as
+onderin0 +#at +as 0oin0 to e )or su''er6 O#6 It +as Tuesday6 On Tuesday #is +i)e #ad
canned $eat6 Too( canned $eat and a(ed it +it# c#eeseIslice o) $eat and a slice o)
c#eeseIturned out stri'edI+#y do +e #a-e to #a-e t#is stu)) e-ery Tuesday3Ii) you dont
li(e it you dont #a-e toI
8,ou still a Mot#er Huard3:
Rayers #ead @er(ed6 8&#at3:
8,ou still )or .ar$on3:
8,es5: Rayer said and #is rain darted to its store o) 're'arations6
8&ell5 loo(HaH#ere5 you teac#ers5 you (no+5 loo(s li(e5 +ellB:
He +as con)used6 Rayer could see t#at #e +as not so sure o) #i$sel) as #ed een t#e last
ti$e6 He 'roaly t#ou0#t #e #ad a ne+ 'oint to stress6 8Loo(s li(e you )ello+s +ould -ote )or
Ha+( on account o) you (no+ +#at #e said aout teac#ers salaries6 See$s li(e you +ould
no+6 &#y not3 .ont you +ant $ore $oney3:
8More $oneyS: Rayer lau0#ed6 8.ont you (no+ t#at +it# a rotten 0o-ernor Id lose $ore
$oney t#an #ed 0i-e $e3: He realiEed t#at #e +as )inally on t#e arers le-el6 8&#y5 #e
disli(es too $any di))erent (inds o) 'eo'le5: #e said6 8Hed cost $e t+ice as $uc# as .ar$on6:
8So +#at i) #e +ould3: t#e arer said6 8I aint one to 'inc# $oney +#en it does so$e
0ood6 Ill 'ay )or 9uality any day6:
8T#ats not +#at I $eantS: Rayer e0an6 8T#ats notB:
8T#at raise Ha+(s 'ro$ised dont a''ly to teac#ers li(e #i$ any+ay5: so$eody said )ro$
t#e ac( o) t#e roo$6 * )at $an +it# an air o) e"ecuti-e assurance ca$e o-er near Rayer6
8Hes a colle0e teac#er5 aint #e3:
8,ea#5: t#e arer said5 8t#ats ri0#t6 He +ouldnt 0et Ha+(s raiseD ut say5 #e +ouldnt 0et
one i) .ar$on +as elected neit#er6:
8*##5 #ed 0et so$et#in06 *ll t#e sc#ools are su''ortin0 .ar$on6 T#ey stand to 0et t#eir
cutH)ree te"too(s or ne+ des(s or so$et#in06 T#ats t#e rules o) t#e 0a$e6:
8%etter sc#ools5: Rayer s'uttered5 8ene)it e-eryody6:
8See$s li(e I een #earin t#at a lon0 ti$e5: t#e arer said6
8,ou see5: t#e $an e"'lained5 8you cant 'ut not#in0 o-er on t#e sc#ools6 T#ats t#e +ay
t#ey t#ro+ it o))Iene)its e-eryody6:
T#e arer lau0#ed6
8I) you e-er t#ou0#tB: Rayer e0an6
8Maye t#ered e a ne+ des( at t#e #ead o) t#e roo$ )or you5: t#e $an c#ortled6 8Ho+
aout t#at5 4oe3: He nud0ed t#e arer6
Rayer +anted to li)t #is )oot under t#e $ans c#in6 8,ou e-er #eard aout reasonin03: #e
$uttered6
8Listen5: t#e $an said5 8you can tal( all you +ant6 &#at you dont realiEe is5 +e-e 0ot an
issue #ere6 Ho+d you li(e a cou'le o) lac( )aces loo(in0 at you )ro$ t#e ac( o) your
classroo$3:
Rayer #ad a lind $o$ent +#en #e )elt as i) so$et#in0 t#at +asnt t#ere +as as#in0 #i$
to t#e 0round6 !eor0e ca$e in and e0an +as#in0 asins6 8&illin0 to teac# any 'erson +illin0
to learnIlac( or +#ite5: Rayer said6 He +ondered i) !eor0e #ad loo(ed u'6
8*ll ri0#t5: t#e arer a0reed5 8ut not $i"ed u' to0et#er5 #u# Ho+d you li(e to 0o to a
+#ite sc#ool5 !eor0e3: #e s#outed6
8&ouldnt li(e t#at5: !eor0e said6 8&e needs so$$o 'o+ders6 T#ese #ere t#e las in t#is
o"6: He dusted t#e$ out into t#e asin6
8!o 0et so$e t#en5: t#e arer said6
8T#e ti$e #as co$e5: t#e e"ecuti-e +ent on5 8@ust li(e Ha+(son said5 +#en +e 0ot to sit on
t#e lid +it# ot# )eet and a $ule6: He +ent on to re-ie+ Ha+(sons Fourt# o) 4uly s'eec#6
Rayer +ould li(e to #a-e 'us#ed #i$ into t#e asin6 T#e day +as #ot and )ull enou0# o)
)lies +it#out #a-in0 to s'end it listenin0 to a )at )ool6 He could see t#e court#ouse s9 narc5 lueH
0reen cool5 t#rou0# t#e tinted 0lass +indo+6 He +is#ed to #ell t#e arer +ould #urry6 He )i"ed
#is attention on t#e s9uare outside5 )eelin0 #i$sel) t#ere +#ere5 #e could tell )ro$ t#e trees5
t#e air +as $o-in0 sli0#tly6 * 0rou' o) $en sauntered u' t#e court#ouse +al(6 Rayer loo(ed
$ore closely and t#ou0#t #e reco0niEed 4acos6 %ut 4acos #ad a late a)ternoon class6 It +as
4acos5 t#ou0#6 Or +as it6 I) it +ere5 +#o +as #e tal(in0 to3 %la(eley Or +as t#at %la(eley6 He
s9uinted6 T#ree colored oys in Eoot suits strolled y on t#e side+al(6 One dro''ed do+n on
t#e 'a-e$ent so t#at only #is #ead +as -isile to Rayer5 and t#e ot#er t+o loun0ed o-er #i$5
leanin0 a0ainst t#e arers#o' +indo+ and $a(in0 a #ole in t#e -ie+6 &#y t#e #ell cant t#ey
'ar( so$e+#ere else3 Rayer t#ou0#t )iercely6 8Hurry u'5: #e said to t#e arer5 8I #a-e an
a''oint$ent6:
8&#ats your #urry3: t#e )at $an said6 8,ou etter stay and stic( u' )or %oy %lue6:
:,ou (no+ you ne-er told us +#y youre 0onna -ote )or #i$5: t#e arer c#uc(led5 ta(in0
t#e clot# )ro$ around Rayers nec(6
8,ea#5: t#e )at $an said5 8see can you tell us +it#out sayin5 0ood0o-er$int6:
8I #a-e an a''oint$ent5: Rayer said6 8I cant stay6:
8,ou @ust (no+ .ar$on is so sorry you +ont #e ale to say a 0ood +ord )or #i$5: t#e )at
$an #o+led6
8Listen5: Rayer said5 8Ill e ac( in #ere ne"t +ee( and Ill 0i-e you as $any reasons )or
-otin0 )or .ar$on as you +ant etter reasons t#an you-e 0i-en $e )ur -otin0 )or Ha+(son6:
8Id li(e to see you do t#at5: t#e arer said6 8%ecause I$ tellin0 you5 it cant e done6:
8*ll ri0#t5 +ell see5: Rayer said6
8Re$e$er5: t#e )at $an car'ed5 8-ou aint 0onna say5 0ood0o-er$int6:
8I +ont say anyt#in0 you cant understand5: Rayer $uttered and t#en )elt )oolis# )or
s#o+in0 #is irritation6 T#e )at $an and t#e arer +ere 0rinnin06 8Ill see you Tuesday5: Rayer
said and le)t6 He +as dis0usted +it# #i$sel) )or sayin0 #e +ould 0i-e t#e$ reasons6 Reasons
+ould #a-e to e +or(ed outIsyste$atically6 He couldnt o'en #is #ead in a second li(e t#ey
did6 He +is#ed to #ell #e could6 He +is#ed to #ell 8Mot#er Huard: +erent so accurate6 He
+is#ed to #ell .ar$on s'it toacco @uice6 T#e reasons +ould #a-e to e +or(ed outIti$e and
troule6 &#at +as t#e $atter +it# #i$3 &#y not +or( t#e$ out3 He could $a(e e-eryt#in0 in
t#at s#o' s9uir$ i) #e 'ut #is $ind to it6
%y t#e ti$e #e 0ot #o$e5 #e #ad t#e e0innin0s o) an outline )or an ar0u$ent6 It +ould e
)illed in +it# no +aste +ords5 no i0 +ordsIno easy @o5 #e could see6
He 0ot ri0#t to +or( on it6 He +or(ed on it until su''erti$e and #ad )our sentencesIall
crossed out6 He 0ot u' once in t#e $iddle o) t#e $eal to 0o to #is des( and c#an0e one6 *)ter
su''er #e crossed t#e correction out6
8&#at is t#e $atter +it# you3: #is +i)e +anted to (no+6
8/ot a t#in05: Rayer said5 8not a t#in06 I @ust #a-e to +or(6:
8I$ not sto''in0 you5: s#e said6
&#en s#e +ent out5 #e (ic(ed t#e oard loose on t#e otto$ o) t#e des(6 %y ele-en ocloc(
#e #ad one 'a0e6 T#e ne"t $ornin0 it ca$e easier5 and #e )inis#ed it y noon6 He t#ou0#t it
+as lunt enou0#6 It e0an5 8For t+o reasons5 $en elect ot#er $en to 'o+er5: and it ended5
8Men +#o use ideas +it#out $easurin0 t#e$ are +al(in0 on +ind6: He t#ou0#t t#e last
sentence +as 'retty e))ecti-e6 He t#ou0#t t#e +#ole t#in0 +as e))ecti-e enou0#6
In t#e a)ternoon #e too( it around to 4acos o))ice6 %la(eley +as t#ere ut #e le)t6 Rayer
read t#e 'a'er to 4acos6
8&ell5: 4acos said5 8so +#at3 &#at do you call yoursel) doin03: He #ad een @ottin0 )i0ures
do+n on a record s#eet all t#e ti$e Rayer +as readin06
Rayer +ondered i) #e +ere usy6 8.e)endin0 $ysel) a0ainst arers5: #e said6 8,ou e-er
tried to ar0ue +it# a arer3:
8I ne-er ar0ue5: 4acos said6
8T#ats ecause you dont (no+ t#is (ind o) i0norance5: Rayer e"'lained6 8,ou-e ne-er
e"'erienced it6:
4acos snorted6 8O# yes I #a-e5: #e said6
8&#at #a''ened3:
8I ne-er ar0ue6:
8%ut you (no+ youre ri0#t5: Rayer 'ersisted6
8I ne-er ar0ue6:
8&ell5 I$ 0oin0 to ar0ue5: Rayer said6 8I$ 0oin0 to say t#e ri0#t t#in0 as )ast as t#ey can
say t#e +ron06 Itll e a 9uestion o) s'eed6 7nderstand5: #e +ent on5 8t#is is no $ission o)
con-ersionD I$ de)endin0 $ysel)6:
8I understand t#at5: 4acos said6 8I #o'e youre ale to do it6:
8I-e already done itS ,ou read t#e 'a'er6 T#ere it is6: Rayer +ondered i) 4acos +ere
dense or 'reoccu'ied6
8O(ay5 t#en5 lea-e it t#ere6 .ont s'oil your co$'le"ion ar0uin0 +it# arers6:
8Its 0ot to e done5: Rayer said6
4acos s#ru00ed6
Rayer #ad counted on discussin0 it +it# #i$ at len0t#6 8&ell5 Ill see you5: #e said6
8O(ay5: 4acos said6
Rayer +ondered +#y #e #ad e-er read t#e 'a'er to #i$ in t#e )irst 'lace6
%e)ore #e le)t )or t#e arers Tuesday a)ternoon5 Rayer +as ner-ous and #e t#ou0#t t#at
y +ay o) 'ractice #ed try t#e 'a'er out on #is +i)e6 He didnt (no+ ut +#at s#e +as )or
Ha+(son #ersel)6 &#ene-er #e $entioned t#e election5 s#e $ade it a 'oint to say5 84ust
ecause you teac# doesnt $ean you (no+ e-eryt#in06: .id #e e-er say #e (ne+ anyt#in0 at
all3 Maye #e +ouldnt call #er6 %ut #e +anted to #ear #o+ t#e t#in0 +as actually 0oin0 to
sound said casually6 It +asnt lon0D +ouldnt ta(e u' $uc# o) #er ti$e6 S#e +ould 'roaly
disli(e ein0 called6 Still5 s#e $i0#t 'ossily e a))ected y +#at #e said6 Possily6 He called #er6
S#e said all ri0#t5 ut #ed @ust #a-e to +ait until s#e 0ot t#rou0# +#at s#e +as doin0D it
loo(ed li(e e-ery ti$e s#e 0ot #er #ands in so$et#in05 s#e #ad to lea-e and 0o do so$et#in0
else6
He said #e didnt #a-e all day to +aitIit +as only )ortyH)i-e $inutes until t#e s#o'
closedIand +ould s#e 'lease #urry u'3
S#e ca$e in +i'in0 #er #ands and said all ri0#tD all ri0#t5 s#e +as t#ere5 +asnt s#e3 !o
a#ead6
He e0an sayin0 it -ery easily and casually5 loo(in0 o-er #er #ead6 T#e sound o) #is -oice
'layin0 o-er t#e +ords +as not ad6 He +ondered it it +ere t#e +ords t#e$sel-es or #is tones
t#at $ade t#e$ sound t#e +ay t#ey did6 He 'aused in t#e $iddle o) a sentence and 0lanced at
#is +i)e to see i) #er )ace +ould 0i-e #i$ any clue6 Her #ead +as turned sli0#tly to+ard t#e
tale y #er c#air +#ere an Ao'en $a0aEine +as lyin06 *s #e 'aused5 s#e 0ot u'6 8T#at +as -ery
nice5: s#e said and +ent ac( to t#e (itc#en6 Rayer le)t )or t#e arers6
He +al(ed slo+ly5 t#in(in0 +#at #e +as 0oin0 to say in t#e s#o' and no+ and t#en sto''in0
to loo( asently at a store +indo+6 %loc(s Feed Co$'any #ad a dis'lay o) auto$atic c#ic(enH
(illersI8So Ti$id Persons Can Cill T#eir O+n Fo+l: t#e si0n o-er t#e$ read6 Rayer +ondered
i) $any ti$id 'ersons used t#e$6 *s #e neared t#e arers5 #e could see oli9uely t#rou0# t#e
door t#e $an +it# t#e e"ecuti-e assurance +as sittin0 in t#e corner readin0 a ne+s'a'er6
Rayer +ent in and #un0 u' #is #at6
8Ho+dy5: t#e arer said6: *int t#is t#e #ottest day in t#e year5 t#ou0#S:
8Its #ot enou0#5: Rayer said6
8Huntin0 season soon e o-er5: t#e arer co$$ented6
*ll ri0#t5 Rayer +anted to say5 lets 0et t#is t#in0 0oin06 He t#ou0#t #e +ould +or( into #is
ar0u$ent )ro$ t#eir re$ar(s6 T#e )at $an #adnt noticed #i$6
8,ou s#ould #a-e seen t#e co-ey t#is do0 o) $ine )lus#ed t#e ot#er day5: t#e arer +ent
on as Rayer 0ot in t#e c#air6 8T#e irds s'read once and +e 0ot )our and t#ey s'read a0ain
and +e 0ot t+o6 T#at aint ad6:
8/e-er #unted 9uail5: Rayer said #oarsely6
8T#ere aint not#in0 li(e ta(in0 a ni00er and a #ound do0 and a 0un and 0oin0 a)ter 9uail5:
t#e arer said6 8,ou $issed a lot out o) li)e i) you aint #ad t#at6:
Rayer cleared #is t#roat and t#e arer +ent on +or(in06 T#e )at $an in t#e corner turned
a 'a0e6 &#at do t#ey t#in( I ca$e in #ere )or3 Rayer t#ou0#t6 T#ey couldnt #a-e )or0otten6
He +aited5 #earin0 t#e noises )lies $a(e and t#e $u$le o) t#e $en tal(in0 in t#e ac(6 T#e )at
$an turned anot#er 'a0e6 Rayer could #ear !eor0es roo$ slo+ly stro(in0 t#e )loor
so$e+#ere in t#e s#o'5 t#en sto'5 t#en scra'e5 t#en 8,ou er5 still a Ha+(son $an3:
Rayer as(ed t#e arer6
8,ea#S: t#e arer lau0#ed6 8,ea#S ,ou (no+ I #ad )or0ot6 ,ou +as 0onna tell us +#y you
are -otin0 )or .arrnon6 Hey5 RoyS: #e yelled to t#e )at $an5 8co$e o-er #ere6 &e 0onna #ear
+#y +e s#ould -ote )or %oy %lue6:
Roy 0runted and turned anot#er 'a0e6 8%e t#ere +#en I )inis# t#is 'iece5: #e $u$led6
8&#at you 0ot t#ere5 4oe3: one o) t#e $en in t#e ac( called5 8one o) t#e$ 0ood0o-er$int
oys3:
8,ea#5: t#e arer said6 8Hes 0onna $a(e a s'eec#6:
8I-e #eard too $any o) t#at (ind already5: t#e $an said6
8,ou aint #eard one y Rayer5: t#e arer said6 8Rayers all ri0#t6 He dont (no+ #o+ to
-ote5 ut #es all ri0#t6:
Rayer reddened6 T+o o) t#e $en strolled u'6 8T#is is no s'eec#5: Rayer said6 8I only +ant
to discuss it +it# youIsanely6:
8Co$e on o-er #ere5 Roy5: t#e arer yelled6
8&#at are you tryin0 to $a(e o) t#is3: Rayer $utteredD t#en #e said suddenly5 8I) youre
callin0 e-eryody else5 +#y dont you call your oy5 !eor0e6 ,ou a)raid to #a-e #i$ listen3:
T#e arer loo(ed at Rayer )or a second +it#out sayin0 anyt#in06 Rayer )elt as i) #e #ad
$ade #i$sel) too $uc# at #o$e6
8He can #ear5: t#e arer said6 8He can #ear ac( +#ere #e is6:
8I @ust t#ou0#t #e $i0#t e interested5: Rayer said6
8He can #ear5: t#e arer re'eated6 8He can #ear +#at #e #ears and #e can #ear t+o ti$es
t#at $uc#6 He can #ear +#at you dont say as +ell as +#at you do6:
Roy ca$e o-er )oldin0 #is ne+s'a'er6 8Ho+dy5 oy5: #e said5 'uttin0 #is #and on Rayers
#ead5 8lets 0et on +it# t#is s'eec#6:
Rayer )elt as i) #e +ere )i0#tin0 #is +ay out o) a net6 T#ey +ere o-er #i$ +it# t#eir red
)aces 0rinnin06 He #eard t#e +ords dra0 outI8&ell5 t#e +ay I see it5 $en electB: He )elt t#e$
'ull out o) #is $out# li(e )rei0#t cars5 @an0lin05 ac(in0 u' on eac# ot#er5 0ratin0 to a #alt5
slidin05 clinc#in0 ac(5 @arrin05 and t#en suddenly sto''in0 as rou0#ly as t#ey #ad e0un6 It +as
o-er6 Rayer +as @arred t#at it +as o-er so soon6 For a secondIas i) t#ey +ere e"'ectin0 #i$
to 0o onIno one said anyt#in06
T#en5 8Ho+ $any ya+l 0onna -ote )or %oy %lueS: t#e arer yelled6
So$e o) t#e $en turned around and snic(ered6 One douled o-er6
8Me5: Roy said6 8I$ 0onna run ri0#t do+n t#ere no+ so Ill e )irst to -ote )or %oy %lue
to$orro+ $ornin06:
8ListenS: Rayer s#outed5 8I$ not tryin0B:
8!eor0e5: t#e arer yelled5 8you #eard t#at s'eec#3:
8,essir5: !eor0e said6
8&#o you 0onna -ote )or5 !eor0e3:
8I$ not tryin0 toB: Rayer yelled6
8I dont (no+ is t#ey 0onna let $e -ote5: !eor0e said6 8.o5 I 0onna -ote )or Mr6 Ha+(son6:
8ListenS: Rayer yelled5 8do you t#in( I$ tryin0 to c#an0e your )at $inds3 &#at do you
t#in( I a$3: He @er(ed t#e arer around y t#e s#oulder6 8.o you t#in( Id ta$'er +it# your
da$n )ool i0norance3:
T#e arer s#oo( Rayers 0ri' o)) #is s#oulder6 8.ont 0et e"cited5: #e said5 8+e all
t#ou0#t it +as a )ine s'eec#6 T#ats +#at I een sayin0 all alon0Iyou 0ot to t#in(5 you 0ot toB:
He lurc#ed ac(+ard +#en Rayer #it #i$5 and landed sittin0 on t#e )ootrest o) t#e ne"t c#air6
8T#ou0#t it +as )ine5: #e )inis#ed5 loo(in0 steadily at Rayers +#ite5 #al)Hlat#ered )ace 0larin0
do+n at #i$6 8Its +#at I een sayin0 all alon06:
T#e lood e0an 'oundin0 u' Rayers nec( @ustS under #is s(in6 He turned and 'us#ed
9uic(ly t#rou0# t#e $en around #i$ to t#e door6 Outside5 t#e sun +as sus'endin0 e-eryt#in0
in a 'ool o) #eat5 and e)ore #e #ad turned t#e )irst corner5 al$ost runnin05 lat#er e0an to
dri' inside #is collar and do+n t#e arers i5 dan0lin0 to #is (nees6
&ildcat N;<=>O
OL. !*%RIEL s#u))led across t#e roo$ +a-in0 #is stic( slo+ly side+ays in )ront o) #i$6
8&#o t#at3: #e +#is'ered5 a''earin0 in t#e door+ay6 8I s$ells )o ni00ers6:
T#eir so)t5 $inorHtoned lau0#ter rose ao-e t#e )ro0s #u$ and lended into -oices6
8Caint you do no ettern t#at5 !ae3:
8Is you 0ain +it# us5 !ran'a+3:
8,ou ou0#ter e ale to s$ell 0ood enou0# to 0it our na$es6:
Old !ariel $o-ed out on t#e 'orc# a little +ay6 8T#at Matt#e+ an !eor0e an &illie
Myric(6 *n +#o t#at ot#er3:
8T#is %oon &illia$s5 !ran'a+6:
!ariel )elt )or t#e ed0e o) t#e 'orc# +it# #is stic(6 8&#at ya+l doin3 Set do+n a s'ell6:
8&e +aitin on Mose an Lu(e6:
8&e 0ain #untin t#at cat6:
8&#at ya+l #untin #i$ +it#3: old !ariel $uttered6 8,a+l aint 0ot not#in )it to (ill a
+ildcat +it#6: He sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) t#e 'orc# and #un0 #is )eet o-er t#e side6 8I done tal
Mose an Lu(e t#at6:
8Ho+ $any +ildcats you (illed5 !arul3: T#eir -oices5 risin0 to #i$ t#rou0# t#e dar(ness5
+ere )ull o) 0entle $oc(ery6
8&#en I +as a oy5 t#ere +as a cat once5: !ariel started6 8It co$e Around #ere #untin
lood6 Co$e in t#rou0# t#e +inder o) a cain one ni0#t an s'run0 in ed +it# a ni00er an tore
t#at ni00ers t#roat o'en e)o #e could #oller 0ood6:
8T#is cat in t#e +oods5 !ran'a+6 It @us co$e out to 0it co+s6
4u'e &illia$s seen it +#en #e 0one t#rou0# to t#e sa+$ill6:
8&#at #e done aout it3:
8Started runnin6: T#eir lau0#ter ro(e o-er t#e ni0#t sounds a0ain6 8He t#ou0#t it +as
a)ter #i$6:
8It +as5: old !ariel $ur$ured6
8It a)ter co+s6:
!ariel sni))ed6 8It co$in out t#e +oods )or $o t#an co+s6 It 0onna 0it itsse) so$e )ol(s
lood6 ,ou +atc#6 *n ya+l 0ain o)) #untin it aint 0onna do no 0ood6 It 0uin #untiu itsse)6 I
een s$ellin it6:
8Ho+ you (no+ t#at it you s$ellin3:
8*int no $ista(in a +ildcat6 *int #een one Around #ere since I +as a oy6 &#y dont ya+l
set a s'ell: #e added6
8,ou aint a)raid to stay #ere y yosel)5 is you 'a+3:
Old !ariel sti))ened6 He )elt )or t#e 'ost to 'ull #i$sel) u' on6 8E) you +aitin on Mose an
Lu(e5: #e said5 8you etter 0it 0oin6 T#ey started o-er to ya+ls 'lace an #our a0o6:

II

8Co$e in #ere5 I sayS Co$e in #ere ri0#t no+S:
T#e lind oy sat alone on t#e ste's5 starin0 a#etd6 8*ll t#e $en 0one3: #e called6
8*ll 0one ut Ol HeEu#6 Co$e in6:
He #ated to 0o inIa$on0 t#e +o$en6
8I s$ells it5: #e said6
8,ou co$e in #ere5 !ariel6:
He +ent in and +al(ed to +#ere t#e +indo+ +as6 T#e +o$en +ere $utterin0 at #i$6
8,ou stay in #ere5 oy6:
8,ou e Atractin t#at cat ri0#t in t#is roo$5 setlin out t#ere6:
/o air +as co$in0 t#rou0# t#e +indo+5 and #e scratc#ed at t#e s#utter latc# to o'en it6
8.ont o'en t#at +inder5 oy6 7s dont +ant no +ildcat @u$'in in #ere6:
8I could er 0one +it Ae$5: #e said sullenly6 8I could er s$elled it out6 I aint a)raid6: S#ut u'
+it t#ese +o$en li(e #e one too6
8Rea say s#e (in s$ell it #ersel)6:
He #eard t#e old +o$an 0roan in t#e corner6 8T#ey aint 0onna do no 0ood out #untin it5:
s#e +#ined6 8It #ere6 It ri0#t around #ere6 E) it @u$' in t#is roo$ it 0onna 0it $e )ust5 t#en it
0onna 0it t#at oy5 t#en it 0onna 0itB:
8Hus# yo $out#5 Rea5: #e #eard #is $ot#er say6 8I loo( a)ter $y oy6:
He could loo( a)ter #isse)6 He +arnt a)raid6 He could s$ell itI#i$ an Rea could6 Itd @u$'
on t#e$ )ustD )ust Rea an t#en #i$6 It +as t#e s#a'e o) a re0lar cat only i00er5 #is $ot#er
said6 *n +#ere you )elt t#e s#ar' 'oints on a #ouse eats )oot5 you )elt i0 (ni)e cla+s in a
+ildcats5 an (ni)e teet#5 tooD an it reat#ed #eat an s'it +et li$e6 !ariel could )eel its cla+s
in #is s#oulders and its teet# in #is t#roat6 %ut #e +ouldnt let Ae$ stay t#ere6 Hed loc( #is
ar$s Around its ody an )eel u' )or its nec( an @er( its #ead ac( an 0o do+n +it it on t#e )loor
until its cla+s dro''ed a+ay )ro$ #is s#oulders6 %eat5 eat5 eat its #ead5 eat5 eat eatB6
8&#o +it Ol HeEu#3: one o) t#e +o$en as(ed6
84us /ancy6:
8Ou0#ter e so$eody else do+n t#ere5: #is $ot#er said so)tly6
Rea $oaned6 8*nyody 0o out 0onna 0it s'run0 on e)o t#ey 0its t#ere6 It around #ere5 I
say6 It 0ittin closer an closer6 It 0onna 0it $e s#o6:
He could s$ell it stron06
8Ho+ it 0onna 0it in #ere3 ,a+l @us )rettin )or not#in6:
T#at +as T#in Minnie6 /ot#in could 0it #er6 S#ed #ad a s'ell on #er since +#en s#e +as
s$allI'ut t#ere y a con@er +o$an6
8It co$e in easy e) it +anter5: Rea snorted6 8It tear u' t#at cat #ole an co$e t#rou0#6:
8&e could e do+n to /ancys y t#en5: Minnie snit)ed6
8,a+l could5: t#e old +o$an $uttered6
Hi$ an #er couldnt5 #e (ne+6 %ut #ed stay an )i0#t it6 ,ou see t#at lin oy t#ere3 He t#e
one (ill t#e +ildcatS
Rea started 0roanin06
8Hus# t#atS: #is $ot#er ordered6
T#e 0roanin0 turned into sin0in0Ilo+ in #er t#roat6
8Lord5 Lord5
!onna see yo 'il0ri$ today6
Lord5 Lord5 !onna see yo66:
8Hus#S: #is $ot#er #issed6 8&#at t#at I #ear3:
!ariel leaned )or+ard in t#e silenceD sti))5 ready6
It +as a t#u$'5 t#u$' and $aye a snarl5 a+ay5 $u))led5 and t#en a s#rie(5 )ar a+ay5 t#en
louder and louder5 closer and closer5 o-er t#e ed0e o) t#e #ill into t#e yard and u' on t#e 'orc#6
T#e cain +as s#a(in0 +it# t#e +ei0#t o) a ody a0ainst t#e door6 T#ere +as t#e )eel o) a rus#
inside t#e roo$ and t#e screa$ +as let in6 /ancyS
8It 0ot #i$S: s#e screa$ed6 8!ot #i$5 s'run0 in t#rou0# t#e +inder5 0ot #i$ in t#e t#roat6
HeEu#5: s#e +ailed5 8Ol HeEu#6:
Later in t#e ni0#t t#e $en returned5 carryin0 a rait and t+o s9uirrels6

III

Old !ariel cre't ac( t#rou0# t#e dar(ness to #is ed6 He could sit in t#e c#air a +#ile or
#e could lie do+n6 He eased do+n in t#e ed and 'us#ed #is nose into t#e )eel and s$ell o) t#e
9uilt6 T#ey +ont no use to do t#at6 He could s$ell t#e ot#er @us t#e sa$e6 He #ad een
s$ellin it5 een srnellin it e-er since t#ey started tal(in aout it6 T#ere it +as one
e-eninIdi))erent )ro$ all t#e s$ells around5 di))erent )ro$ ni00ers and co+s an 0round
s$ells6 &ildcat6 Tull &illia$s seen it @u$' on a ull6
!ariel sat u' suddenly6 It +as nearer6 He 0ot out t#e ed and 'us#ed to t#e door6 He #ad
olted t#at oneD t#e ot#er $ust e o'en6 * reeEe +as co$in0 in and #e +al(ed in it until #e
)elt t#e ni0#t air )ull in #is )ace6 T#is one +as o'en6 He sla$$ed it s#ut and 'us#ed t#e olt in6
&#at +as t#e use to do t#at3 E) t#e cat ai$ed on co$in in5 it could 0it t#ere6 He +ent ac( to
t#e c#air and sat do+n6 It co$e in east e) it +anta6 T#ere +ere little dra)ts all around #i$6 %y
t#e door t#ere +as a #ole t#e #ound could 0it underD t#at cat could 0na+ it t#rou0# an e in
e)o #e 0ot out6 Maye e) #e sat y t#e ac( do5 #e could 0it a+ay 9uic(er6 He 0ot u' and
dra00ed #is c#air a)ter #i$ across t#e roo$6 T#e s$ell +as near6 Maye #ed count6 He could
count to a t#ousand6 &ont no ni00er )or )i-e $iles could count t#at )ur6 He started countin06
Mose an Lu(e +ouldnt e ac( )or si" #ours yet6 To$orro+ ni0#t t#ey +ouldnt 0oD ut
t#e cat +as 0onna 0it #i$ toni0#t6 Le$$e 0o +it you oys an s$ell #i$ out )or you6 I t#e
onliest one (in s$ell Around #ere6
T#eyd lose #i$ in t#e +oods5 t#eyd said6 Huntin +ildcats +ont no usiness )or #i$6
I aint a)raid er no +ildcat er no +oods neit#er6 Le$$e 0o +it you oys5 le$$e 0o6
*int no reason to e A)raid to stay #ere y yose)5 t#eyd lau0#ed6 *int not#in 0onna 0it
you6 &e ta(e you u' t#e road to Matties e) you scaird6
MattiesS Ta(e #i$ to MattiesS Settiri +it t#e +o$en6 &#at ya+l t#in( I is3 I aint a)raid er
no +ildcat6 %ut it co$in5 oysD an it aint 0onna e in no +oodsIit 0onna e #ere6 ,a+l
+astin yo ti$e in t#e +oods6 Stay #ere an you (etc# it6
He su''ose to e countin6 &#ere #e Ie)t o)) at3 Fi-e #unnert an )i-e5 )i-e #unnert an si"B
MattiesS &#at t#ey t#in( #e is3 Fi-e #unnert an t+o5 )i-e #unnert anB6
He sat sti)) in t#e c#air +it# #is #ands 0ri''ed ti0#t to t#e stic( across #is (nees6 It +ont
0onna 0it #i$ li(e #e +as a +o$an6 His s#irt +as stuc( +et to #i$5 $a(in0 #i$ s$ell #i0#er6
T#e $en #ad co$e ac( later in t#e ni0#t +it# a rait and t+o s9uirrels6 He e0an to
re$e$er t#e ot#er +ildcat and #e re$e$ered as i) #e #ad een in HeEu#s cain instead o)
+it# t#e +o$en6 He +ondered +as #e HeEu#6 He +as !arul6 It +ont 0onna 0it #i$ li(e
HeEu#6 He +as 0onna #it it6 He +as 0onna 'ull it o))6 He +as 0onnaB #o+ #e 0onna do all t#at3
He #adnt een ale to +rin0 a c#ic(ens nec( )or )o years6 It +as 0onna 0it #i$6 &ont not#in
to do ut +ait6 T#e s$ell +as near6 &ont not#in )or old 'eo'le to do ut +ait6 It +as 0onna 0it
#i$ toni0#t6 T#e teet# +ould e #ot an t#e cla+s cold6 T#e cla+s +ould sin( in so)t5 an t#e
teet# +ould cut s#ar' an scra'e #is ones inside6
!ariel )elt t#e s+eat on #i$sel)6 It (in s$ell $e 0oods I (in s$ell it5 #e t#ou0#t6 I settin
#ere s$ellin an it cornin #ere s$ellin6 T+o #unnert an )a5 +#ere #e le) o)) at3 Fa #unnert
an )i-eB6
T#ere +as a sudden scratc#in0 y t#e c#i$ney6 He sat )or+ard5 tense5 ti0#tHt#roated6
8Co$e on5: #e +#is'ered5 8I #ere6 I +aitin6: He couldnt $o-e6 He couldnt $a(e #i$sel)
$o-e6 T#ere +as anot#er scratc#in06 It +as t#e 'ain #e didnt +ant6 %ut #e didnt +ant t#e
+aitin0 eit#er6 8I #ere5: #eIt#ere +as anot#er5 @ust a s$all noise and t#en a )lutter6 %ats6 His
0ri' on t#e stic( loosened6 He s#ould #a-e (no+n t#at +ont it6 It +ont no )art#er t#an t#e
arn yet6 &#at ail #is nose3 &#at ail #i$3 &ont no ni00er )or #unnert $iles could s$ell li(e #e
could6 He #eard t#e scratc#in0 a0ain5 co$in0 di))erently5 co$in0 )ro$ t#e corner o) t#e #ouse
+#ere t#e cat #ole +as6 Pic( 'ic(B 'ic(6 T#at +as a at6 He (no+d t#at +as a at6 Pic( 'ic(6
8Here I is5: #e +#is'ered6 &ont no at6 He raced #is )eet to 0et u'6 Pic(6 8Lord +aitin on
$e5: #e +#is'ered6 8He dont +ant $e +it# $y )ace tore o'en6 &#y dont you 0o on5 &ildcat5
+#y you +ant $e3: He +as on #is )eet no+6 8Lord dont +ant $e +it# no +ildcat $ar(s6: He
+as $o-in0 to+ard t#e cat #ole6 *cross on t#e ri-er an( t#e Lord +as +aitin0 on #i$ +it# a
trou'e o) an0els and 0olden -est$ents )or #i$ to 'ut on and +#en #e ca$e5 #ed 'ut on t#e
-est$ents and stand t#ere +it# t#e Lord and t#e an0els5 @ud0in0 li)e6 &ont no ni00er )or )i)ty
$iles )itter to @ud0e t#an #i$6 Pic(6 He sto''ed6 He s$elled it ri0#t outside5 nosin0 t#e #ole6 He
#ad to cli$ onto so$et#in0S &#at #e 0oin0 to+ard it )or3 He #ad to 0et on so$et#in0
#i0#S T#ere +as a s#el) nailed o-er t#e c#i$ney and #e turned +ildly and )ell a0ainst a c#air
and s#o-ed it u' to t#e )ire'lace6 He cau0#t #old o) t#e s#el) and 'ulled #i$sel) onto t#e c#air
and s'ran0 u' and ac(+ards and )elt t#e narro+ s#el) oard under #i$ )or an instant and
t#en )elt it sa0 and @er(ed #is )eet u' and )elt it crac( so$e+#ere )ro$ t#e +all6 His sto$ac#
)le+ inside #i$ and sto''ed #ard and t#e s#el) oard )ell across #is )eet and t#e run0 o) t#e
c#air #it a0ainst #is #ead and t#en5 a)ter a second o) stillness5 #e #eard a lo+5 0as'in0 ani$al
cry +ail o-er t+o #ills and )ade 'ast #i$D t#en snarls5 tearin0 s#ort5 )urious5 t#rou0# t#e 'ain
+ails6 !ariel sat sti)) on t#e )loor6
8Co+5: #e reat#ed )inally6 8Co+6:
!radually #e )elt #is $uscles loosen6 It 0ot to #er e)o #i$6 It +ould 0o on o)) no+5 ut it
+ould e ac( to$orrer ni0#t6 He rose s#a(in0 )ro$ t#e c#air and stu$led to #is ed6 T#e cat
#ad een a #al) $ile a+ay6 He +ont s#ar' li(e #e used to e6 T#ey s#ouldnt lea-e old 'eo'le
y t#eysel-es6 He done tole Ae$ t#ey +ont 0onna (etc# not#in o)) in no +oods6 To$orrer
ni0#t it +ould co$e ac(6 To$orrer ni0#t t#ey +ould stay #ere an (ill it6 /o+ #e +ant to slee'6
He done tole Ae$ t#ey couldnt 0et no +ildcat in no +oods6 He t#e one tole Ae$ +#ere it 0onna
e6 T#eyd a listened to #i$5 t#eyd done #ad it y no+6 &#en #e die #e +ant to e slee'in in a
edD didnt +ant to e on no )loor +it# a +ildcat stuc( in #is )ace6 Lord +aitin6
&#en #e +o(e u'5 t#e dar(ness +as )ull o) $ornin0 t#in0s6 He #eard Mose and Lu(e at t#e
sto-e and s$elled t#e side $eat in t#e s(illet6 He reac#ed )or #is snu)) and )illed #is li'6 8&#at
ya+l (etc#3: #e as(ed trenc#antly6
8*int cau0#t not#in las ni0#t6: Lu(e 'ut t#e 'late in #is #ands6 8Here yo side $eat6 Ho+
you ust t#at s#el)3:
8*int usted no s#el)5: old !ariel $uttered6 8&ind to it do+n and +a(ed $e u' in t#e
$iddle o) t#e ni0#t6 It een due to )all6 ,ou aint ne-er uilt not#in yet stayed to0et#er6:
8&e sot a tra'5: Mose said6 8&e 0it t#at cat toni0#t6:
8,a+l s#o +ill5 oys5: !ariel said6 8Itll e ri0#t #ere toni0#t6 *int it done (ill a co+ a #al) a
$ile )ro$ #ere las ni0#t3:
8T#at dont $ean it co$in t#is +ay5: Lu(e said6
8It co$in t#is +ay5: !ariel said6
8Ho+ $any +ildcats you (illed5 !ran'a+3:
!ariel sto''edD t#e 'late o) side $eat tre$ored in #is #and6
8I (no+s +#at I (no+s5 oy6:
8&e 0it it soon6 &e sot a tra' o-er in Fords &oods6 It een around t#ere6 &e 0ain u' in a
tree o-er t#e tra' e-ery ni0#t an +ait Atil +e 0its it6:
T#eir )or(s +ere scra'in0 ac( and )ort# o-er t#eir tin 'lates li(e (ni)e teet# a0ainst stone6
8,ou +ants so$e$o side $eat5 !ran'a+3:
!ariel 'ut #is )or( do+n on t#e 9uilt6 8/o5 oy5: #e said5 8no $o side $eat6: T#e dar(ness
+as #ollo+ around #i$ and t#rou0# its de't#5 ani$al cries +ailed and $in0led +it# t#e eats
'oundin0 in #is t#roat6
T#e Cro' N;<=?O
MISS &ILLERTO/ al+ays cru$ed t#e tale6 It +as #er 'articular #ouse#old
acco$'lis#$ent and s#e did it +it# 0reat t#orou0#ness6 Lucia and %ert#a did t#e dis#es and
!arner +ent into t#e 'arlor and did t#e Mornin0 Press cross+ord 'uEEle6 T#at le)t Miss
&illerton in t#e dinin0 roo$ y #ersel) and t#at +as all ri0#t +it# Miss &illerton6 &#e+S
%rea()ast in t#at #ouse +as al+ays an ordeal6 Lucia insisted t#at t#ey #a-e a re0ular #our )or
rea()ast @ust li(e t#ey did )or ot#er $eals6 Lucia said a re0ular rea()ast $ade )or ot#er
re0ular #aits5 and +it# !arners tendency to u'sets5 it +as i$'erati-e t#at t#ey estalis#
so$e syste$ in t#eir eatin06 T#is +ay s#e could also see t#at #e 'ut t#e *0arH*0ar on #is Crea$
o) &#eat6 *s i)5 Miss &illerton t#ou0#t5 a)ter #a-in0 done it )or )i)ty years5 #ed e ca'ale o)
doin0 anyt#in0 else6 T#e rea()ast dis'ute al+ays started +it# !arners Crea$ o) &#eat and
ended +it# #er t#ree s'oon)uls o) 'inea''le crus#6 8,ou (no+ your acid5 &illie5: Miss Lucia
+ould al+ays say5 8you (no+ your acid:D and t#en !arner +ould roll #is eyes and $a(e so$e
sic(enin0 re$ar( and %ert#a +ould @u$' and Lucia +ould loo( distressed and Miss &illerton
+ould taste t#e 'inea''le crus# s#e #ad already s+allo+ed6
It +as a relie) to cru$ t#e tale6 Cru$in0 t#e tale 0a-e one ti$e to t#in(5 and i) Miss
&illerton +ere 0oin0 to +rite a story5 s#e #ad to t#in( aout it )irst6 S#e could usually t#in(
est sittin0 in )ront o) #er ty'e+riter5 ut t#is +ould do )or t#e ti$e ein06 First5 s#e #ad to
t#in( o) a su@ect to +rite a story aout6 T#ere +ere so $any su@ects to +rite stories aout
t#at Miss &illerton ne-er could t#in( o) one6 T#at +as al+ays t#e #ardest 'art o) +ritin0 a
story5 s#e al+ays said6 S#e s'ent $ore ti$e t#in(in0 o) so$et#in0 to +rite aout t#an s#e did
+ritin06 So$eti$es s#e discarded su@ect a)ter su@ect and it usually too( #er a +ee( or t+o to
decide )inally on so$et#in06 Miss &illerton 0ot out t#e sil-er cru$er and t#e cru$Hcatc#er
and started stro(in0 t#e tale6 I +onder5 s#e $used5 i) a a(er +ould $a(e a 0ood su@ect3
Forei0n a(ers +ere -ery 'ictures9ue5 s#e t#ou0#t6 *unt Myrtile Fil$er #ad le)t #er )our colorH
tints o) Frenc# a(ers in $us#roo$Hloo(in0 #ats6 T#ey +ere 0reat tall )ello+sIlond andB6
8&illieS: Miss Lucia screa$ed5 enterin0 t#e dinin0 roo$ +it# t#e saltcellars6 8For #ea-ens
sa(e5 #old t#e catc#er under t#e cru$er or youll #a-e t#ose cru$s on t#e ru06 I-e %isseled
it )our ti$es in t#e last +ee( and I a$ not 0oin0 to do it a0ain6:
8,ou #a-e not %isseled it on account o) any cru$s I #a-e s'illed5: Miss &illerton said
tersely6 8I al+ays 'ic( u' t#e cru$s I dro'5: and s#e added5 8I dro' relati-ely )e+6:
8*nd +as# t#e cru$er e)ore you 'ut it u' t#is ti$e5: Miss Lucia returned6
Miss &illerton drained t#e cru$s into #er #and and t#re+ t#e$ out t#e +indo+6 S#e too(
t#e catc#er and cru$er to t#e (itc#en and ran t#e$ under t#e coldH+ater )aucet6 S#e dried
t#e$ and stuc( t#e$ ac( in t#e dra+er6 T#at +as o-er6 /o+ s#e could 0et to t#e ty'e+riter6
S#e could stay t#ere until dinnerti$e6
Miss &illerton sat do+n at #er ty'e+riter and let out #er reat#6 /o+S &#at #ad s#e een
t#in(in0 aout3 O#6 %a(ers6 H$$$6 %a(ers6 /o5 a(ers +ouldnt do6 Hardly color)ul enou0#6
/o social tension connected +it# a(ers6 Miss &illerton sat starin0 t#rou0# #er ty'e+riter6 * S
. F !I#er eyes +andered o-er t#e (eys6 H$$$6 Teac#ers3 Miss &illerton +ondered6 /o6
Hea-ens no6 Teac#ers al+ays $ade Miss &illerton )eel 'eculiar6 Her teac#ers at &illo+'ool
Se$inary #ad een all ri0#t ut t#ey +ere +o$en6 &illo+'ool Fe$ale Se$inary5 Miss
&illerton re$e$ered6 S#e didnt li(e t#e '#rase5 &illo+'ool Fe$ale Se$inaryIit sounded
iolo0ical6 S#e al+ays @ust said s#e +as a 0raduate o) &illo+'ool6 Men teac#ers $ade Miss
&illerton )eel as i) s#e +ere 0oin0 to $is'ronounce so$et#in06 Teac#ers +erent ti$ely
any#o+6 T#ey +erent e-en a social 'role$6
Social 'role$6 Social 'role$6 H$$$6 S#arecro''ersS Miss &illerton #ad ne-er een
inti$ately connected +it# s#arecro''ers ut5 s#e re)lected5 t#ey +ould $a(e as arty a su@ect
as any5 and t#ey +ould 0i-e #er t#at air o) social concern +#ic# +as so -aluale to #a-e in t#e
circles s#e +as #o'in0 to tra-elS 8I can al+ays ca'italiEe5: s#e $uttered5 8on t#e #oo(+or$6: It
+as co$in0 to #er no+S CertainlyS Her )in0ers 'lin(ed e"citedly o-er t#e (eys5 ne-er touc#in0
t#e$6 T#en suddenly s#e e0an ty'in0 at 0reat s'eed6
8Lot Motun5: t#e ty'e+riter re0istered5 8called #is do06: 8.o0: +as )ollo+ed y an aru't
'ause6 Miss &illerton al+ays did #er est +or( on t#e )irst sentence6 8First sentences5: s#e
al+ays said5 8ca$e to #erIli(e a )las#S 4ust li(e a )las#S: s#e +ould say and sna' #er )in0ers5
8li(e a )las#S: *nd s#e uilt #er story u' )ro$ t#e$6 8Lot Motun called #is do0: #ad een
auto$atic +it# Miss &illerton5 and readin0 t#e sentence o-er5 s#e decided t#at not only +as
8Lot Motun: a 0ood na$e )or a s#arecro''er5 ut also t#at #a-in0 #i$ call #is do0 +as an
e"cellent t#in0 to #a-e a s#arecro''er do6 8T#e do0 'ric(ed u' its ears and slun( o-er to Lot6:
Miss &illerton #ad t#e sentence do+n e)ore s#e realiEed #er errorIt+o 8Lots: in one
'ara0ra'#6 T#at +as dis'leasin0 to t#e ear6 T#e ty'e+riter 0rated ac( and Miss &illerton
a''lied t#ree "s to 8Lot6: O-er it s#e +rote in 'encil5 8#i$6: /o+ s#e +as ready to 0o a0ain6
8Lot Motun called #is do06 T#e do0 'ric(ed u' its ears and slun( o-er to #i$6: T+o do0s5 too5
Miss &illerton t#ou0#t6 7$$$6 %ut t#at didnt a))ect t#e ears li(e t+o 8Lots5: s#e decided6
Miss &illerton +as a 0reat elie-er in +#at s#e called 8'#onetic art6: S#e $aintained t#at
t#e ear +as as $uc# a reader as t#e eye6 S#e li(ed to e"'ress it t#at +ay6 8T#e eye )or$s a
'icture5: s#e #ad told a 0rou' at t#e 7nited .au0#ters o) t#e Colonies5 8t#at can e 'ainted in
t#e astract5 and t#e success o) a literary -enture: NMiss &illerton li(ed t#e '#rase5 Aliterary
-entureO 8de'ends on t#e astract created in t#e $ind and t#e tonal 9uality: NMiss &illerton
also li(ed Atonal 9ualityO 8re0istered in t#e ear6: T#ere +as so$et#in0 itin0 and s#ar' aout
8Lot Motun called #is do0:D )ollo+ed y 8t#e do0 'ric(ed u' its ears and slun( o-er to #i$5: it
0a-e t#e 'ara0ra'# @ust t#e sendHo)) it needed6
8He 'ulled t#e ani$als s#ort5 scra00y ears and rolled o-er +it# it in t#e $ud6: Per#a's5
Miss &illerton $used5 t#at +ould e o-er doin0 it6 %ut a s#arecro''er5 s#e (ne+5 $i0#t
reasonaly e e"'ected to roll o-er in t#e $ud6 Once s#e #ad read a no-el dealin0 +it# t#at
(ind o) 'eo'le in +#ic# t#ey #ad done @ust as ad and5 t#rou0#out t#reeH)ourt#s o) t#e
narrati-e5 $uc# +orse6 Lucia )ound it in cleanin0 out one o) Miss &illertoris ureau dra+ers
and a)ter 0lancin0 at a )e+ rando$ 'a0es too( it et+een t#u$ and inde" )in0er to t#e
)urnace and t#re+ it in6 8&#en I +as cleanin0 your ureau out t#is $ornin05 &illie5 I )ound a
oo( t#at !arner $ust #a-e 'ut t#ere )or a @o(e5: Miss Lucia told #er later6 8It +as a+)ul5 ut
you (no+ #o+ !arner is6 I urned it: *nd t#en5 titterin05 s#e added5 8I +as sure it couldnt e
yours6: Miss &illerton +as sure it could e none ot#ers t#an #ers ut s#e #esitated in clai$in0
t#e distinction6 S#e #ad ordered it )ro$ t#e 'ulis#er ecause s#e didnt +ant to as( )or it at
t#e lirary6 It #ad cost #er JG6>K +it# t#e 'osta0e and s#e #ad not )inis#ed t#e last )our
c#a'ters6 *t least5 s#e #ad 0ot enou0# )ro$ it5 t#ou0#5 to e ale to say t#at Lot Motun $i0#t
reasonaly roll o-er in t#e $ud +it# #is do06 Ha-in0 #i$ do t#at +ould 0i-e $ore 'oint to t#e
#oo(+or$5 too5 s#e decided6 8Lot Motun called #is do06 T#e do0 'ric(ed li' its ears and slun(
o-er to #i$6 He 'ulled t#e ani$als s#ort6 scra00y ears and rolled o-er +it# it in t#e $ud6:
Miss &illerton settled ac(6 T#at +as a 0ood e0innin06 /o+ s#e +ould 'lan #er action6
T#ere #ad to e a +o$an5 o) course6 Per#a's Lot could (ill #er6 T#at ty'e o) +o$an al+ays
started troule6 S#e $i0#t e-en 0oad #i$ on to (ill #er ecause o) #er +antonness and t#en #e
+ould e 'ursued y #is conscience $aye6
He +ould #a-e to #a-e 'rinci'les i) t#at +ere 0oin0 to e t#e case5 ut it +ould e )airly
easy to 0i-e #i$ t#ose6 /o+ #o+ +as s#e 0oin0 to +or( t#at in +it# all t#e lo-e interest t#ered
#a-e to e5 s#e +ondered6 T#ere +ould #a-e to e so$e 9uite -iolent5 naturalistic scenes5 t#e
sadistic sort o) t#in0 one read o) in connection +it# t#at class6 It +as a 'role$6 Ho+e-er5 Miss
&illerton en@oyed suc# 'role$s6 S#e li(ed to 'lan 'assionate scenes est o) all5 ut +#en s#e
ca$e to +rite t#e$5 s#e al+ays e0an to )eel 'eculiar and to +onder +#at t#e )a$ily +ould
say +#en t#ey read t#e$6 !arner +ould sna' #is )in0ers and +in( at #er at e-ery o''ortunityD
%ert#a +ould t#in( s#e +as terrileD and Lucia +ould say in t#at silly -oice o) #ers5 8&#at #a-e
you een (ee'in0 )ro$ us5 &illie3 &#at #a-e you een (ee'in0 )ro$ us5: and titter li(e s#e
al+ays did6 %ut Miss &illerton couldnt t#in( aout t#at no+D s#e #ad to 'lan #er c#aracters6
Lot +ould e tall5 stoo'ed5 and s#a00y ut +it# sad eyes t#at $ade #i$ loo( li(e a
0entle$an in s'ite o) #is red nec( and i0 )u$lin0 #ands6 Hed #a-e strai0#t teet# and5 to
indicate t#at #e #ad so$e s'irit5 red #air6 His clot#es +ould #an0 on #i$ ut #ed +ear t#e$
nonc#alantly li(e t#ey +ere 'art o) #is s(inD $aye5 s#e $used5 #ed etter not roll o-er +it#
t#e do0 a)ter all6 T#e +o$an +ould e $ore or less 'rettyHyello+ #air5 )at an(les5 $uddyH
colored eyes6
S#e +ould 0et su''er )or #i$ in t#e cain and #ed sit t#ere eatin0 t#e lu$'y 0rits s#e
#adnt ot#ered to 'ut salt in and t#in(in0 aout so$et#in0 i05 so$et#in0 +ay o))Ianot#er
co+5 a 'ainted #ouse5 a clean +ell5 a )ar$ o) #is o+n e-en6 T#e +o$an +ould yo+l at #i$ )or
not cuttin0 enou0# +ood )or #er sto-e and +ould +#ine aout t#e 'ain in #er ac(6 S#ed sit
and stare at #i$ eatin0 t#e sour 0rits and say #e didnt #a-e ner-e enou0# to steal )ood6
8,oure @ust a da$n e00arS: s#ed sneer6 T#en #ed tell #er to (ee' 9uiet6 8S#ut your $out#S:
#ed s#out6 8I-e ta(en all I$ 0onna6: S#ed roll #er eyes5 $oc(in0 #i$5 and lau0#I8I aint
a)raid er not#in t#at loo(s li(e you6: T#en #ed 'us# #is c#air e#ind #i$ and #ead to+ard #er6
S#ed snatc# a (ni)e o)) t#e taleIMiss &illerton +ondered +#at (ind o) a )ool t#e +o$an
+asIand ac( a+ay #oldin0 it in )ront o) #er6 Hed lun0e )or+ard ut s#ed dart )ro$ #i$ li(e
a +ild #orse6 T#en t#eyd )ace eac# ot#er a0ainIt#eir eyes ri$$in0 +it# #ateIand s+ay
ac( and )ort#6 Miss &illerton could #ear t#e seconds dro''in0 on t#e tin roo) outside6 Hed
dart at #er a0ain ut s#ed #a-e t#e (ni)e ready and +ould 'lun0e it into #i$ in an
instantIMiss &illerton could stand it no lon0er6 S#e struc( t#e +o$an a terri)ic lo+ on t#e
#ead )ro$ e#ind6 T#e (ni)e dro''ed out o) #er #ands and a $ist s+e't #er )ro$ t#e roo$6
Miss &illerton turned to Lot6 8Let $e 0et you so$e #ot 0rits5: s#e said6 S#e +ent o-er to t#e
sto-e and 0ot a clean 'late o) s$oot# +#ite 0rits and a 'iece o) utter6
8!ee5 t#an(s5: Lot said and s$iled at #er +it# #is nice teet#6 8,ou al+ays )i" Ae$ @ust ri0#t6
,ou (no+5: #e said5 8I een t#in(inI+e could 0et out o) t#is tenant )ar$6 &e could #a-e a
decent 'lace6 I) +e $ade anyt#in0 t#is year o-er5 +e could 'ut it in a co+an start uildin
t#in0s u'6 T#in( +#at it +ould $ean5 &illie5 @ust t#in(6:
S#e sat do+n eside #i$ and 'ut #er #and on #is s#oulder6 8&ell do it5: s#e said6 8&ell
$a(e etter t#an +e-e $ade any year and y s'rin0 +e s#ould #a-e us t#at co+6:
8,ou al+ays (no+ #o+ I )eel5 &illie5: #e said6 8,ou al+ays #a-e (no+n6:
T#ey sat t#ere )or a lon0 ti$e t#in(in0 o) #o+ +ell t#ey understood eac# ot#er6 8Finis# your
)ood5: s#e said )inally6
*)ter #e #ad eaten5 #e #el'ed #er ta(e t#e as#es out t#e sto-e and t#en5 in t#e #ot 4uly
e-enin05 t#ey +al(ed do+n t#e 'asture to+ard t#e cree( and tal(ed aout t#e 'lace t#ey +ere
0oin0 to #a-e so$e day6
&#en late Marc# ca$e and t#e rainy season +as al$ost t#ere5 t#ey #ad acco$'lis#ed
al$ost $ore t#an +as elie-ale6 For t#e 'ast $ont#5 Lot #ad een u' e-ery $ornin0 at )i-e5
and &illy an #our earlier to 0et in all t#e +or( t#ey could +#ile t#e +eat#er +as clear6 /e"t
+ee(5 Lot said5 t#e rain +ould 'roaly start and i) t#ey didnt 0et t#e cro' in y t#en5 t#ey
+ould lose itIand all t#ey #ad 0ained in t#e 'ast $ont#s6 T#ey (ne+ +#at t#at $eantanot#er
year o) 0ettin0 alon0 +it# no $ore t#an t#eyd #ad t#e last6 T#en too5 t#ered e a ay ne"t
year instead o) a co+6 Lot #ad +anted t#e co+ any+ay6 8C#ildren dont cost all t#at $uc# to
)eed5: #ed ar0ued5 8an t#e co+ +ould #el' )eed #i$5: ut &illie #ad een )ir$It#e co+
could co$e laterIt#e c#ild $ust #a-e a 0ood start6 8Maye5: Lot #ad said )inally5 8+ell #a-e
enou0# )or ot#5: and #e #ad 0one out to loo( at t#e ne+H'lo+ed 0round as i) #e could count
t#e #ar-est )ro$ t#e )urro+s6
E-en +it# as little as t#eyd #ad5 it #ad een a 0ood year6 &illie #ad cleaned t#e s#ac(5 and
Lot #ad )i"ed t#e c#i$ney6 T#ere +as a 'ro)usion o) 'etunias y t#e doorste' and a colony o)
sna'dra0ons under t#e +indo+6 It #ad een a 'eace)ul year6 %ut no+ t#ey +ere eco$in0
an"ious o-er t#e cro'6 T#ey $ust 0at#er it e)ore t#e rain6 8&e need anot#er +ee(5: Lot
$uttered +#en #e ca$e in t#at ni0#t6 8One $ore +ee( an +e can do it6 .o you )eel li(e
0at#erin3 It isnt ri0#t t#at you s#ould #a-e to5: #e si0#ed5 8ut I cant #ire any #el'6:
8I$ all ri0#t5: s#e said5 #idin0 #er tre$lin0 #ands e#ind #er6 8Ill 0at#er6:
8Its cloudy toni0#t5: Lot said dar(ly6
T#e ne"t day t#ey +or(ed until ni0#t)allI+or(ed until t#ey could +or( no lon0er and t#en
stu$led ac( to t#e cain and )ell into ed6
&illie +o(e in t#e ni0#t conscious o) a 'ain6 It +as a so)t5 0reen 'ain +it# 'ur'le li0#ts
runnin0 t#rou0# it6 S#e +ondered i) s#e +ere a+a(e6 Her #ead rolled )ro$ side to side and
t#ere +ere dronin0 s#a'es 0rindin0 oulders in it6
Lot sat u'6 8*re you ad o))3: #e as(ed5 tre$lin06
S#e raised #ersel) on #er elo+ and t#en san( do+n a0ain6 8!et *nna u' y t#e cree(5: s#e
0as'ed6
T#e dronin0 eca$e louder and t#e s#a'es 0rayer6 T#e 'ain inter$in0led +it# t#e$ )or
seconds )irst5 t#en inter$inaly6 It ca$e a0ain and a0ain6 T#e sound o) t#e dronin0 0re+ $ore
distinct and to+ard $ornin0 s#e realiEed t#at it +as rain6 Later s#e as(ed #oarsely5 8Ho+ lon0
#as it een rainin03:
8Most t+o days5 no+5: Lot ans+ered6
8T#en +e lost6: &illie loo(ed listlessly out at t#e dri''in0 trees6
8Its o-er6:
8It isnt o-er5: #e said so)tly6 8&e 0ot a dau0#ter6:
8,ou +anted a son6:
8/o5 I 0ot +#at I +antedIt+o &illies instead o) oneIt#ats etter t#an a co+5 e-en5: #e
0rinned6 8&#at can I do to deser-e all I 0ot5 &illie3: He ent o-er and (issed #er )ore#ead6
8&#at can I3: s#e as(ed slo+ly6 8*nd +#at can I do to #el' you $ore3:
8Ho+ aout your 0oin0 to t#e 0rocery5 &illie3:
Miss &illerton s#o-ed Lot a+ay )ro$ #er6 8&#at did you say5 Lucia3: s#e stuttered6
8I said #o+ aout your 0oin0 to t#e 0rocery t#is ti$e3 I-e een e-ery $ornin0 t#is +ee(
and I$ usy no+6:
Miss &illerton 'us#ed ac( )ro$ t#e ty'e+riter6 82ery +ell5: s#e said s#ar'ly6 8&#at do
you +ant t#ere3:
8* doEen e00s and t+o 'ounds o) to$atoesIri'e to$atoesIand youd etter start
doctorin0 t#at cold ri0#t no+6 ,our eyes are already +aterin0 and youre #oarse6 T#eres
E$'irin in t#e at#roo$6
&rite a c#ec( on t#e #ouse )or t#e 0roceries6 *nd +ear your coat6 Its cold6:
Miss &illerton rolled #er eyes u'+ard6 8I a$ )ortyH)our years old5: s#e announced5 8and
ale to ta(e care o) $ysel)6:
8*nd 0et ri'e to$atoes5: Miss Lucia returned6
Miss &illerton5 #er coat uttoned une-enly5 tra$'ed u' %road Street and into t#e
su'er$ar(et6 8&#at +as it no+3: s#e $uttered6 8T+o doEen e00s and a 'ound o) to$atoes5
yes6: S#e 'assed t#e lines o) canned -e0etales and t#e crac(ers and #eaded )or t#e o" +#ere
t#e e00s +ere (e't6 %ut t#ere +ere no e00s6 8&#ere are t#e e00s3: s#e as(ed a oy +ei0#in0
sna'eans6
8&e aint 0ot not#in ut 'ullet e00s5: #e said5 )is#in0 u' anot#er #and)ul o) eans6
8&ell5 +#ere are t#ey and +#at is t#e di))erence3: Miss &illerton de$anded6
He t#re+ se-eral eans ac( into t#e in5 slouc#ed o-er to t#e e00 o" and #anded #er a
carton6 8T#ere aint no di))erence really5: #e said5 'us#in0 #is 0u$ o-er #is )ront teet#6 8* teenH
a0e c#ic(en or so$et#in5 I dont (no+6 ,ou +ant Ae$3:
8,es5 and t+o 'ounds o) to$atoes6 Ri'e to$atoes5: Miss &illerton added6 S#e did not li(e
to do t#e s#o''in06 T#ere +as no reason t#ose cler(s s#ould e so condescendin06 T#at oy
+ouldnt #a-e da+dled +it# Lucia6 S#e 'aid )or t#e e00s and to$atoes and le)t #urriedly6 T#e
'lace de'ressed #er so$e#o+6
Silly t#at a 0rocery s#ould de'ress oneInot#in0 in it ut tri)lin0 do$estic doin0sI+o$en
uyin0 eansIridin0 c#ildren in t#ose 0rocery 0oHcartsI#i00lin0 aout an ei0#t# o) a 'ound
$ore or less o) s9uas#I+#at did t#ey 0et out o) it3 Miss &illerton +ondered6 &#ere +as
t#ere any c#ance )or sel)He"'ression5 )or creation5 )or art3 *ll around #er it +as t#e
sa$eIside+al(s )ull o) 'eo'le scurryin0 aout +it# t#eir #ands )ull o) little 'ac(a0es and t#eir
$inds )ull o) little 'ac(a0esIt#at +o$an t#ere +it# t#e c#ild on t#e leas#5 'ullin0 #i$5 @er(in0
#i$5 dra00in0 #i$ a+ay )ro$ a +indo+ +it# a @ac(HoHlantern in itD s#e +ould 'roaly e
'ullin0 and @er(in0 #i$ t#e rest o) #er li)e6 *nd t#ere +as anot#er5 dro''in0 a s#o''in0 a0 all
o-er t#e street5 and anot#er +i'in0 a c#ilds nose5 and u' t#e street an old +o$an +as co$in0
+it# t#ree 0randc#ildren @u$'in0 all o-er #er5 and e#ind t#e$ +as a cou'le +al(in0 too close
)or re)ine$ent6
Miss &iIIerton loo(ed at t#e cou'le s#ar'ly as t#ey ca$e nearer and 'assed6 T#e +o$an
+as 'lu$' +it# yello+ #air and )at an(les and $uddyHcolored eyes6 S#e #ad on #i0#H#eel
'u$'s and lue an(lets5 a tooHs#ort cotton dress5 and a 'laid @ac(et6 Her s(in +as $ottled and
#er nec( t#rust )or+ard as i) s#e +ere stic(in0 it out to s$ell so$et#in0 t#at +as al+ays ein0
dra+n a+ay6 Her )ace +as set in an inane 0rin6 T#e $an +as lon0 and +asted and s#a00y6 His
s#oulders +ere stoo'ed and t#ere +ere yello+ (nots alon0 t#e side o) #is lar0e5 red nec(6 His
#ands )u$led stu'idly +it# t#e 0irls as t#ey slu$'ed alon05 and once or t+ice #e s$iled sic(ly
at #er and Miss &illerton could see t#at #e #ad strai0#t teet# and sad eyes and a ras# o-er #is
)ore#ead6
870#5: s#e s#uddered6
Miss &illerton laid t#e 0roceries all t#e (itc#en tale and +ent ac( to #er ty'e+riter6 S#e
loo(ed at t#e 'a'er in it6 8Lot Motun called #is do05: it read6 8T#e do0 'ric(ed u' its ears and
slun( o-er to #i$6 He 'ulled t#e ani$als s#ort5 scra00y ears and rolled o-er +it# it in t#e $ud6:
8T#at sounds a+)ulS: Miss &illerton $uttered6 8Its not a 0ood su@ect any+ay5: s#e
decided6 S#e needed so$et#in0 $ore color)ulI$ore arty6 Miss &illerton loo(ed at #er
ty'e+riter )or a lon0 ti$e6 T#en o) a sudden #er )ist #it t#e des( in se-eral ecstatic little
ounces6 8T#e Iris#S: s#e s9uealed6 8T#e Iris#S: Miss &illerton #ad al+ays ad$ired t#e Iris#6
T#eir ro0ue5 s#e t#ou0#t5 +as )ull o) $usicD and t#eir #istoryIs'lendidS *nd t#e 'eo'le5 s#e
$used5 t#e Iris# 'eo'leS T#ey +ere )ull o) s'iritHredH#aired5 +it# road s#oulders and 0reat5
droo'in0 $ustac#es6
T#e Tur(ey N;<=>O
HIS 0uns 0linted sun steel in t#e ris o) t#e tree and5 #al) aloud t#rou0# a crac( in #is
$out#5 #e 0ro+led5 8*ll ri0#t5 Mason5 t#is is as )ar as you 0o6 T#e @i0s u'6: T#e si"Hs#ooters in
Masons elt stuc( out li(e +aitin0 rattlers ut #e )li''ed t#e$ into t#e air and5 +#en t#ey )ell
at #is )eet5 (ic(ed t#e$ e#ind #i$ li(e so $any dried steer s(ulls6 8,ou -ar$it5: #e $uttered5
dra+in0 #is ro'e ti0#t around t#e ca'tured $ans an(les5 8t#is is t#e last rustlin youll do6: He
too( t#ree ste's ac(+ard and le-eled one 0un to #is eye6 8O(ay5: #e said +it# cold5 slo+
'recision5 8t#is isB6 : *nd t#en #e sa+ it5 @ust $o-in0 sli0#tly t#rou0# t#e us#es )art#er o-er5 a
touc# o) ronEe and a rustle and t#en5 t#rou0# anot#er 0a' in t#e lea-es5 t#e eye5 set in red
)olds t#at co-ered t#e #ead and #un0 do+n alon0 t#e nec(5 tre$lin0 sli0#tly6 He stood
'er)ectly still and t#e tur(ey too( anot#er ste'5 t#en sto''ed5 +it# one )oot li)ted5 and listened6
I) #e only #ad a 0un5 i) #e only #ad a 0unS He could le-el ai$ and s#oot it ri0#t +#ere it +as6
In a second5 it +ould slide t#rou0# t#e us#es and e u' in a tree e)ore #e could tell +#ic#
direction it #ad 0one in6 &it#out $o-in0 #is #ead5 #e strained #is eyes to t#e 0round to see i)
t#ere +ere a stone near5 ut t#e 0round loo(ed as i) it $i0#t @ust #a-e een s+e't6 T#e tur(ey
$o-ed a0ain6 T#e )oot t#at #ad een 'oised #al) +ay u' +ent do+n and t#e +in0 dro''ed o-er
it5 s'readin0 so t#at Ruller could see t#e lon0 sin0le )eat#ers5 'ointed at t#e end6 He +ondered
i) #e di-ed into t#e us# on to' o) it B6 It $o-ed a0ain and t#e +in0 ca$e u' a0ain and it +ent
do+n6
Its li$'in05 #e t#ou0#t 9uic(ly6 He $o-ed a little nearer5 tryin0 to $a(e #is $otion
i$'erce'tile6 Suddenly its #ead 'ierced out o) t#e us#H#e +as aout ten )eet )ro$ itHand
dre+ ac( and t#en aru'tly ac( into t#e us#6 He e0an ed0in0 nearer +it# #is ar$s ri0id
and #is )in0ers ready to clutc#6 It +as la$e5 #e could tell6 It $i0#t not e ale to )ly6 It s#ot its
#ead out once $ore and sa+ #i$ and s#uttled ac( into t#e us#es and out a0ain on t#e ot#er
side6 Its $otion +as #al) lo'sided and t#e le)t +in0 +as dra00in06 He +as 0oin0 to 0et it6 He +as
0oin0 to 0et it i) #e #ad to c#ase it out o) t#e county6 He cra+led t#rou0# t#e rus# and sa+ it
aout t+enty )eet a+ay5 +atc#in0 #i$ +arily5 $o-in0 its nec( u' and do+n6 It stoo'ed and
tried to s'read its +in0s and stoo'ed a0ain and +ent a little +ay to t#e side and stoo'ed a0ain5
tryin0 to $a(e itsel) 0o u'D ut5 #e could tell5 it couldnt )ly6 He +as 0oin0 to #a-e it6 He +as
0oin0 to #a-e it i) #e #ad to run it out o) t#e state6 He sa+ #i$sel) 0oin0 in t#e )ront door +it# it
slun0 o-er #is s#oulder5 and t#e$ all screa$in05 8Loo( at Ruller +it# t#at +ild tur(eyS RullerS
+#ere did you 0et t#at +ild tur(ey3:
O#5 #e #ad cau0#t it in t#e +oodsD #e #ad t#ou0#t t#ey $i0#t li(e to #a-e #i$ catc# t#e$
one6
8,ou craEy ird5: #e $uttered5 8you cant )ly6 I-e already 0ot you6: He +as +al(in0 in a
+ide circle5 tryin0 to 0et e#ind it6 For a second5 #e al$ost t#ou0#t #e could 0o 'ic( it u'6 It #ad
dro''ed do+n and one )oot +as s'ra+led5 ut +#en #e 0ot near enou0# to 'ounce5 it s#ot o))
in a #ea-y s'eed t#at $ade #i$ start6 He tore a)ter it5 strai0#t out in t#e o'en )or a #al) acre o)
dead cottonD t#en it +ent under a )ence and into so$e +oods a0ain and #e #ad to 0et on #is
#ands and (nees to 0et under t#e )ence ut still (ee' #is eye on t#e tur(ey ut not tear #is
s#irtD and t#en das# a)ter it a0ain +it# #is #ead a little diEEy5 ut )aster to catc# u' +it# it6 I) #e
lost it in t#e +oods5 it +ould e lost )or 0oodD it +as 0oin0 )or t#e us#es on t#e ot#er side6 It
+ould 0o on out in t#e road6 He +as 0oin0 to #a-e it6 He sa+ it dart t#rou0# a t#ic(et and #e
#eaded )or t#e t#ic(et and +#en #e 0ot t#ere it darted out a0ain and in a second disa''eared
under a #ed0e6 He +ent t#rou0# t#e #ed0e )ast and #eard #is s#irt ri' and )elt cool strea(s on
#is ar$s +#ere t#ey +ere 0ettin0 scratc#ed6 He sto''ed a second and loo(ed do+n at #is torn
s#irt slee-es ut t#e tur(ey +as only a little a#ead o) #i$ and #e could see it 0o o-er t#e ed0e
o) t#e #ill and do+n a0ain into an o'en s'ace and #e darted on6 I) #e ca$e in +it# t#e tur(ey5
t#ey +ouldnt 'ay any attention to #is s#irt6 Hane #adnt e-er 0ot a tur(ey6 Hane #adnt e-er
cau0#t anyt#in06 He 0uessed t#eyd e (noc(ed out +#en t#ey sa+ #i$D #e 0uessed t#eyd tal(
aout it in ed6 T#ats +#at t#ey did aout #i$ and Hane6 Hane didnt (no+D #e ne-er +o(e u'6
Ruller +o(e u' e-ery ni0#t e"actly at t#e ti$e t#ey started tal(in06 He and Hane sle't in one
roo$ and t#eir $ot#er and )at#er in t#e ne"t and t#e door +as le)t o'en et+een and e-ery
ni0#t Ruller listened6 His )at#er +ould say )inally5 8Ho+ are t#e oys doin03: and t#eir $ot#er
+ould say5 Lord5 t#ey +ere +earin0 #er to a )raEEle5 Lord5 s#e 0uessed s#e s#ouldnt +orry ut
#o+ could s#e #el' +orryin0 aout Hane5 t#e +ay #e +as no+3 Hane #ad al+ays een an
unusual oy5 s#e said6 S#e said #e +ould 0ro+ u' to e an unusual $an tooD and t#eir )at#er
said yes5 i) #e didnt 0et 'ut in t#e 'enitentiary )irst5 and t#eir $ot#er said #o+ could #e tal(
t#at +ay3 and t#ey ar0ued @ust li(e Ruller and Hane and so$eti$es Ruller couldnt 0et ac( to
slee' )or t#in(in06 He al+ays )elt tired +#en #e 0ot t#rou0# listenin0 ut #e +o(e u' e-ery
ni0#t and listened @ust t#e sa$e5 and +#ene-er t#ey started tal(in0 aout #i$5 #e sat u' in ed
so #e could #ear etter6 Once #is )at#er as(ed +#y Ruller 'layed y #i$sel) so $uc# and #is
$ot#er said #o+ +as s#e to (no+3 i) #e +anted to 'lay y #i$sel)5 s#e didnt see any reason
#e s#ouldntD and #is )at#er said t#at +orried #i$ and s#e said +ell5 i) t#at +as all #e #ad to
+orry aout5 #ed do +ell to sto'D so$eone told #er5 s#e said5 t#at t#ey #ad seen Hane at t#e
E-erHReadyD #adnt t#ey told #i$ #e couldnt 0o t#ere3
His )at#er as(ed Ruller t#e ne"t day +#at #e #ad een doin0 lately and Ruller said5 8'layin0
y #i$sel)5: and +al(ed o)) sort o) li(e #e #ad a li$'6 He 0uessed #is )at#er #ad loo(ed 'retty
+orried6 He 0uessed #ed t#in( it +as so$et#in0 +#en #e ca$e #o$e +it# t#e tur(ey slun0
o-er #is s#oulder6 T#e tur(ey +as #eadin0 out into a road and )or a 0utter alon0 t#e side o) it6 It
ran alon0 t#e 0utter and Ruller +as 0ainin0 on it all t#e ti$e until #e )ell o-er a root stic(in0 u'
and s'illed t#e t#in0s out o) #is 'oc(ets and #ad to snatc# t#e$ u'6 &#en #e 0ot u'5 it +as out
o) si0#t6
8%ill5 you ta(e a 'osse and 0o do+n Sout# CanyonD 4oe5 you cut around y t#e 0or0e and
#ead #i$ o))5: #e s#outed to #is $en6 8Ill )ollo+ #i$ t#is +ay6: *nd #e das#ed o)) a0ain alon0
t#e ditc#6
T#e tur(ey +as in t#e ditc#5 not t#irty )eet )ro$ #i$5 lyin0 al$ost on its nec( 'antin05 and
#e +as nearly a yard )ro$ it e)ore it darted o)) a0ain6 He c#ased it strai0#t until t#e ditc#
ended and t#en it +ent out in t#e road and slid under a #ed0e on t#e ot#er side6 He #ad to sto'
at t#e #ed0e and catc# #is reat# and #e could see t#e tur(ey on t#e ot#er side t#rou0# t#e
lea-es5 lyin0 on its nec(5 its +#ole ody $o-in0 u' and do+n +it# t#e 'antin06 He could see t#e
ti' o) its ton0ue 0oin0 u' and do+n in its o'ened ill6 I) #e could stic( #is ar$ t#rou0#5 #e $i0#t
could 0et it +#ile it +as still too tired to $o-e6 He 'us#ed u' closer to t#e #ed0e and eased #is
#and t#rou0# and t#en 0ri''ed it 9uic(ly around t#e tur(eys tail6 T#ere +as no $o-e$ent
)ro$ t#e ot#er side6 Maye t#e tur(ey #ad dro''ed dead6 He 'ut #is )ace close to t#e lea-es to
loo( t#rou0#6 He 'us#ed t#e t+i0s aside +it# one #and ut t#ey +ould not stay6 He let 0o t#e
tur(ey and 'ulled #is ot#er #and t#rou0# to #old t#e$6 T#rou0# t#e #ole #e #ad $ade5 #e sa+
t#e ird +olin0 o)) drun(enly6 He ran ac( to +#ere t#e #ed0e e0an and 0ot on t#e ot#er
side6 Hed 0et it yet6 It neednt t#in( it +as so s$art5 #e $uttered6
It Ei00ed across t#e $iddle o) t#e )ield and to+ard t#e +oods a0ain6 It couldnt 0o into t#e
+oodsS Hed ne-er 0et itS He das#ed e#ind it5 (ee'in0 #is eyes s#ar' on it until suddenly
so$et#in0 #it #is c#est and (noc(ed t#e reat# lac( out o) #i$6 He )ell ac( on t#e 0round
and )or0ot t#e tur(ey )or t#e cuttin0 in #is c#est6 He lay t#ere )or a +#ile +it# t#in0s roc(in0 on
eit#er side o) #i$6 Finally #e sat u'6 He +as )acin0 t#e tree #e #ad run into6 He rued #is
#ands o-er #is )ace and ar$s and t#e lon0 scratc#es e0an to stin06 He +ould #a-e ta(en it in
slun0 o-er #is s#oulder and t#ey +ould #a-e @u$'ed u' and yelled5 8!ood Lord loo( at RullerS
RullerS &#ere did you 0et t#at +ild tur(ey3: and #is )at#er +ould #a-e said5 8ManS T#ats a ird
i) I e-er sa+ oneS: He (ic(ed a stone a+ay )ro$ #is )oot6 Hed ne-er see t#e tur(ey no+6 He
+ondered +#y #e #ad seen it in t#e )irst 'lace i) #e +asnt 0oin0 to e ale to 0et it6
It +as li(e so$eody #ad 'layed a dirty tric( on #i$6
*ll t#at runnin0 )or not#in06 He sat t#ere loo(in0 sullenly at #is +#ite an(les stic(in0 out o)
#is trouser le0s and into #is s#oes6 8/uts5: #e $uttered6 He turned o-er on #is sto$ac# and let
#is c#ee( rest ri0#t on t#e 0round5 dirty or not6 He #ad torn #is s#irt and scratc#ed #is ar$s and
0ot a (not on #is )ore#eadH#e could )eel it risin0 @ust a little5 it +as 0oin0 to e a i0 one all
ri0#tHall )or not#in06 T#e 0round +as cool to #is )ace5 ut t#e 0rit ruised it and #e #ad to turn
o-er6
O# #ell5 #e t#ou0#t6
8O# #ell5: #e said cautiously6
T#en in a $inute #e said @ust5 8Hell6:
T#en #e said it li(e Hane said it5 'ullin0 t#e eHull out and tryin0 to 0et t#e loo( in #is eye t#at
Hane 0ot6 Once Hane said5 8!odS: and #is $ot#er sto$'ed a)ter #i$ and said5 8I dont +ant to
#ear you say t#at a0ain6 T#ou s#alt not ta(e t#e na$e o) t#e Lord5 T#y !od5 in -ain6 .o you
#ear $e3: and #e 0uessed t#at s#ut Hane u'6 Hal He 0uessed s#e dressed #i$ o)) t#at ti$e6
8!od5: #e said6
He loo(ed studiedly at t#e 0round5 $a(in0 circles in t#e dust +it# #is )in0er6 8!odS: #e
re'eated6
8!od da$$it5: #e said so)tly6 He could )eel #is )ace 0ettin0 #ot and #is c#est t#u$'in0 all o)
a sudden inside6 :!od da$$it to #ell5: #e said al$ost inaudily6 He loo(ed o-er #is s#oulder
ut no one +as t#ere6
8!od da$$it to #ell5 0ood Lord )ro$ 4erusale$5: #e said6 His uncle said 8!ood Lord )ro$
4erusale$6:
8!ood Fat#er5 0ood !od5 s+ee' t#e c#ic(ens out t#e yard5: #e said and e0an to 0i00le6 His
)ace +as -ery red6 He sat u' and loo(ed at #is +#ite an(les stic(in0 out o) #is 'ants le0s into #is
s#oes6 T#ey loo(ed li(e t#ey didnt elon0 to #i$6 He 0ri''ed a #and around eac# an(le and
ent #is (nees u' and rested #is c#in on a (nee6 8Our Fat#er &#o art in #ea-en5 s#oot Ae$ si"
and roll Ae$ se-en5: #e said5 0i00lin0 a0ain6 %oy5 s#ed s$ac( #is #ead in i) s#e could #ear #i$6
!od da$$it5 s#ed s$ac( #is 0odda$ #ead in6 He rolled o-er in a )it o) lau0#ter6 !od da$$it5
s#ed dress #i$ o)) and +rin0 #is 0odda$ nec( li(e a 0odda$ c#ic(en6 T#e lau0#in0 cut #is side
and #e tried to #old it in5 ut e-ery ti$e #e t#ou0#t o) #is 0odda$ nec(5 #e s#oo( a0ain6 He lay
ac( on t#e 0round5 red and +ea( +it# lau0#ter5 not ale not to t#in( o) #er s$ac(in0 #is
0odda$ #ead in6 He said t#e +ords o-er and o-er to #i$sel) and a)ter a +#ile #e sto''ed
lau0#in06 He said t#e$ a0ain ut t#e lau0#in0 #ad 0one out6 He said t#e$ a0ain ut it +ouldnt
start ac( u'6 *ll t#at c#asin0 )or not#in05 #e t#ou0#t a0ain6 He $i0#t as +ell 0o #o$e6 &#at
did #e +ant to e sittin0 around #ere )or3 He )elt suddenly li(e #e +ould i) 'eo'le #ad een
lau0#in0 at #i$6 *+5 0o to #ell5 #e told t#e$6 He 0ot u' and (ic(ed #is )oot s#ar'ly into
so$eodys le0 and said5 8Ta(e t#at5 suc(er5: and turned into t#e +oods to ta(e t#e s#ort trail
#o$e6
*nd as soon as #e 0ot in t#e door5 t#ey +ould #oller5 8Ho+ did you tear your clot#es and
+#ere did you 0et t#at (not on your )ore#ead3: He +as 0oin0 to say #e )ell in a #ole6 &#at
di))erence +ould it $a(e3 ,ea#5 !od5 +#at di))erence +ould it $a(e3
He al$ost sto''ed6 He #ad ne-er #eard #i$sel) t#in( t#at tone e)ore6 He +ondered s#ould #e
ta(e t#e t#ou0#t ac(6 He 0uessed it +as 'retty adD ut #ec(5 it +as t#e +ay #e )elt6 He
couldnt #el' )eelin0 t#at +ay6 Hec( B #ell5 it +as t#e +ay #e )elt6 He 0uessed #e couldnt #el'
t#at6 He +al(ed on a little +ay5 t#in(in05 t#in(in0 aout it6 He +ondered suddenly i) #e +ere
0oin0 8ad6: T#ats +#at Hane #ad done6 Hane 'layed 'ool and s$o(ed ci0arettes and snea(ed
in at t+el-eHt#irty and oy #e t#ou0#t #e +as so$et#in06 :T#eres not#in0 you can do aout5:
t#eir 0rand$ot#er #ad told t#eir )at#er5 8#es at t#at a0e6: &#at a0e3 Ruller +ondered6 I$
ele-en5 #e t#ou0#t6 T#ats 'retty youn06 Hane #adnt started until #e +as )i)teen6 I 0uess its
+orse in $e5 #e t#ou0#t6 He +ondered +ould #e )i0#t it6 T#eir 0rand$ot#er #ad tal(ed to Hane
and told #i$ t#e only +ay to con9uer t#e de-il +as to )i0#t #i$Hi) #e didnt5 #e couldnt e #er
oy any $oreHRuller sat do+n on a stu$'Hand s#e said s#ed 0i-e #i$ one $ore c#ance5 did #e
+ant it3 and #e yelled at #er5 noS and +ould s#e lea-e #i$ alone3 and s#e told #i$5 +ell5 s#e
lo-ed #i$ e-en i) #e didnt lo-e #er and #e +as #er oy any+ay and so +as Ruller6 O# no5 I
aint5 Ruller t#ou0#t 9uic(ly6 O# no6 S#es not 'innin0 any o) t#at stu)) on $e6
%oy5 #e could s#oc( t#e 'ants o)) #er6 He could $a(e #er teet# )all in #er sou'6 He started
0i00lin06 T#e ne"t ti$e s#e as(ed #i$ i) #e +anted to 'laya 0a$e o) 'arc#eesi5 #ed say5 #ell no5
0odda$$it5 didnt s#e (no+ any 0ood 0a$es3 !et out #er 0odda$ cards and #ed s#o+ #er a
)e+6 He rolled o-er on t#e 0round5 c#o(in0 +it# lau0#ter6 8Lets #a-e so$e ooEe5 (id5: #ed
say6 8Lets 0et stin(y6: %oy5 #ed (noc( #er out o) #er soc(sS He sat on t#e 0round5 red and
0rinnin0 to #i$sel)5 urstin0 e-ery no+ and t#en into a )res# s'as$ o) 0i00les6 He re$e$ered
t#e $inister #ad said youn0 $en +ere 0oin0 to t#e de-il y t#e doEens t#is day and a0eD
)orsa(in0 0entle +aysD +al(in0 in t#e trac(s o) Satan6 T#ey +ould rue t#e day5 #e said6 T#ere
+ould e +ee'in0 and 0nas#in0 o) teet#6 :&ee'in05: Ruller $uttered6 Men didnt +ee'6
Ho+ do you 0nas# your teet#3 #e +ondered6 He 0rated #is @a+s to0et#er and $ade an u0ly
)ace6 He did it se-eral ti$es6
He et #e could steal6
He t#ou0#t aout c#asin0 t#e tur(ey )or not#in06 It +as a dirty tric(6 He et #e could e a
@e+el t#ie)6 T#ey +ere s$art6 He et #e could #a-e all Scotland ,ard on #is tail6 Hell6
He 0ot u'6 !od could 0o around stic(in0 t#in0s in your )ace and $a(in0 you c#ase t#e$ all
a)ternoon )or not#in06
,ou s#ouldnt t#in( t#at +ay aout !od5 t#ou0#6
%ut t#at +as t#e +ay #e )elt6 I) t#at +as t#e +ay #e )elt5 could #e #el' it3 He loo(ed around
9uic(ly as i) so$eone $i0#t e #idin0 in t#e us#esD t#en suddenly #e started6
It +as rolled o-er at t#e ed0e o) a t#ic(etHa 'ile o) ru))led ronEe +it# a red #ead lyin0 li$'
alon0 t#e 0round6 Ruller stared at it5 unale to t#in(D t#en #e leaned )or+ard sus'iciously6 He
+asnt 0oin0 to touc# it6 &#y +as it t#ere no+ )or #i$ to ta(e3 He +asnt 0oin0 to touc# it6 It
could @ust lie t#ere6 T#e 'icture o) #i$sel) +al(in0 in t#e roo$ +it# it slun0 o-er #is s#oulder
ca$e ac( to #i$6 Loo( at Ruller +it# t#at tur(eyS Lord5 loo( at RullerS He s9uatted do+n
eside it and loo(ed +it#out touc#in0 it6 He +ondered +#at #ad een +ron0 +it# its +in06 He
li)ted it u' y t#e ti' and loo(ed under6 T#e )eat#ers +ere loodHsoa(ed6 It #ad een s#ot6 It
$ust +ei0# ten 'ounds5 #e )i0ured6
Lord5 RullerS Its a #u0e tur(eyS He +ondered #o+ it +ould )eel slun0 o-er #is s#oulder6
Maye5 #e considered5 #e +as su''osed to ta(e it6
Ruller 0ets our tur(eys )or us6 Ruller 0ot it in t#e +oods5 c#ased it dead6 ,es5 #es a -ery
unusual c#ild6
Ruller +ondered suddenly i) #e +ere an unusual c#ild6
It ca$e do+n on #i$ in an instant: #e +as B an B unusual B c#ild6
He rec(oned #e +as $ore unusual t#an Hane6
He #ad to +orry $ore t#an Hane ecause #e (ne+ $ore #o+ t#in0s +ere6
So$eti$es +#en #e +as listenin0 at ni0#t5 #e #eard t#e$ ar0uin0 li(e t#ey +ere 0oin0 to
(ill eac# ot#erD and t#e ne"t day #is )at#er +ould 0o out early and #is $ot#er +ould #a-e t#e
lue -eins out on #er )ore#ead and loo( li(e s#e +as e"'ectin0 a sna(e to @u$' )ro$ t#e ceilin0
any $inute6 He 0uessed #e +as one o) t#e $ost unusual c#ildren e-er6 Maye t#at +as +#y t#e
tur(ey +as t#ere6 He rued #is #and alon0 t#e nec(6 Maye it +as to (ee' #i$ )ro$ 0oin0
ad6 Maye !od +anted to (ee' #i$ )ro$ t#at6
Maye !od #ad (noc(ed it out ri0#t t#ere +#ere #ed see it +#en #e 0ot u'6
Maye !od +as in t#e us# no+5 +aitin0 )or #i$ to $a(e u' #is $ind6 Ruller lus#ed6 He
+ondered i) !od could t#in( #e +as a -ery unusual c#ild6 He $ust6 He )ound #i$sel) suddenly
lus#in0 and 0rinnin0 and #e rued #is #and o-er #is )ace 9uic( to $a(e #i$sel) sto'6 I) ,ou
+ant $e to ta(e it5 #e said5 Ill e 0lad to6 Maye )indin0 t#e tur(ey +as a si0n6 Maye !od
+anted #i$ to e a 'reac#er6 He t#ou0#t o) %in0 Crosy and S'encer Tracy6 He $i0#t )ound a
'lace )or oys to stay +#o +ere 0oin0 ad6 He li)ted t#e tur(ey u'Hit +as #ea-y all ri0#tHand
)itted it o-er #is s#oulder6 He +is#ed #e could see #o+ #e loo(ed +it# it slun0 o-er li(e t#at6 It
occurred to #i$ t#at #e $i0#t as +ell 0o #o$e t#e lon0 +ay t#rou0# to+n6 He #ad 'lenty o)
ti$e6 He started o)) slo+ly5 s#i)tin0 t#e tur(ey until it )it co$)ortaly o-er #is s#oulder6 He
re$e$ered t#e t#in0s #e #ad t#ou0#t e)ore #e )ound t#e tur(ey6 T#ey +ere 'retty ad5 #e
0uessed6
He 0uessed !od #ad sto''ed #i$ e)ore it +as too late6 He s#ould e -ery t#an()ul6 T#an(
,ou5 #e said6
Co$e on5 oys5 #e said5 +e +ill ta(e t#is tur(ey ac( )or our dinner6 &e certainly are $uc#
oli0ed to ,ou5 #e said to !od6 T#is tur(ey +ei0#s ten 'ounds6 ,ou +ere $i0#ty 0enerous6
T#ats o(ay5 !od said6 *nd listen5 +e ou0#t to #a-e a tal( aout t#ese oys6 T#eyre entirely
in your #ands5 see3 I$ lea-in0 t#e @o strictly u' to you6 I #a-e con)idence in you5 McFarney6
,ou can trust $e5 Ruller said6 Ill co$e t#rou0# +it# t#e 0oods6
He +ent into to+n +it# t#e tur(ey o-er #is s#oulder6 He +anted to do so$et#in0 )or !od
ut #e didnt (no+ +#at #e could do6 I) anyody +as 'layin0 t#e accordion on t#e street today5
#ed 0i-e t#e$ #is di$e6 He only #ad one di$e5 ut #ed 0i-e it to t#e$6 Maye #e could t#in(
o) so$et#in0 etter5 t#ou0#6 He #ad een 0oin0 to (ee' t#e di$e )or so$et#in06 He $i0#t
could 0et anot#er one )ro$ #is 0rand$ot#er6 Ho+ aout a 0odda$ di$e5 (id3 He 'ulled #is
$out# 'iously out o) t#e 0rin6 He +asnt 0oin0 to t#in( t#at +ay any $ore6 He couldnt 0et a
di$e )ro$ #er any+ay6 His $ot#er +as 0oin0 to +#i' #i$ i) #e as(ed #is 0rand$ot#er )or
$oney a0ain6 Maye so$et#in0 +ould turn u' t#at #e could do6 I) !od +anted #i$ to do
so$et#in05 Hed turn so$et#in0 u'6
He +as 0ettin0 into t#e usiness loc( and t#rou0# t#e corner o) #is eye #e noticed 'eo'le
loo(in0 at #i$6 T#ere +ere ei0#t t#ousand 'eo'le in Mulrose County and on Saturday e-eryone
o) t#e$ +as in Til)ord on t#e usiness loc(6 T#ey turned as Ruller 'assed and loo(ed at #i$6
He 0lanced at #i$sel) re)lected in a store +indo+5 s#i)ted t#e tur(ey sli0#tly5 and +al(ed
9uic(ly a#ead6 He #eard so$eone call5 ut #e +al(ed on5 'retendin0 #e +as dea)6 It +as #is
$ot#ers )riend5 *lice !il#ard5 and i) s#e +anted #i$5 let #er catc# u' +it# #i$6
8RullerS: s#e cried6 8My 0oodness5 +#ere did you 0et t#at tur(ey3: S#e ca$e u' e#ind #i$
)ast and 'ut #er #and on #is s#oulder6 8T#ats so$e ird5: s#e said6 8,ou $ust e a 0ood s#ot6:
8I didnt s#oot it5: Ruller said coldly6 8I ca'tured it6 I c#ased it dead6:
8Hea-ens5: s#e said6 8,ou +ouldnt ca'ture $e one so$eti$e5 +ould you3:
8I $i0#t i) I e-er #a-e ti$e5: Ruller said6 S#e t#ou0#t s#e +as so cute6
T+o $en ca$e o-er and +#istled at t#e tur(ey6 T#ey yelled at so$e ot#er $en on t#e
corner to loo(6 *not#er o) #is $ot#ers )riends sto''ed and so$e country oys +#o #ad een
sittin0 on t#e cur 0ot u' and tried to see t#e tur(ey +it#out s#o+in0 t#ey +ere interested6 *
$an +it# a #untin0 suit and 0un sto''ed and loo(ed at Ruller and +al(ed around e#ind #i$
and loo(ed at t#e tur(ey6
8Ho+ $uc# do you t#in( it +ei0#s3: a lady as(ed6
8*t least ten 'ounds5: Ruller said6
8Ho+ lon0 did you c#ase it3:
8*out an #our5: Ruller said6
8T#e 0odda$ i$'5: t#e $an in t#e #untin0 suit $uttered6
8T#ats really a$aEin05: a lady co$$ented6
8*out t#at lon05: Ruller said6
8,ou $ust e -ery tired6:
8/o5: Ruller said6 8I #a-e to 0o6 I$ in a #urry6: He +or(ed #is )ace to loo( as i) #e +ere
t#in(in0 so$et#in0 out and #urried do+n t#e street until #e +as out o) t#eir -ie+6 He )elt
+ar$ all o-er and nice as i) so$et#in0 -ery )ine +ere 0oin0 to e or #ad een6 He loo(ed ac(
once and sa+ t#at t#e country oys +ere )ollo+in0 #i$6 He #o'ed t#ey +ould co$e u' and as(
to loo( at t#e tur(ey6 !od $ust e +onder)ul5 #e )elt suddenly6 He +anted to do so$et#in0 )or
!od6 He #adnt seen anyone 'layin0 t#e accordion5 t#ou0#5 or sellin0 'encils and #e +as 'ast
t#e usiness loc(6 He $i0#t see one e)ore #e really 0ot to t#e streets +#ere 'eo'le li-ed at6
I) #e did5 #ed 0i-e a+ay t#e di$eHe-en +#ile #e (ne+ #e couldnt 0et anot#er one any ti$e
soon6 He e0an to +is# #e +ould see so$eody e00in06
T#ose country (ids +ere still trailin0 alon0 e#ind #i$6 He t#ou0#t #e $i0#t sto' and as(
t#e$ did t#ey +ant to see t#e tur(eyD ut t#ey $i0#t @ust stare at #i$6 T#ey +ere tenants
c#ildren and so$eti$es tenants c#ildren @ust stared at you6 He $i0#t )ound a #o$e )or
tenants c#ildren6 He t#ou0#t aout 0oin0 ac( t#rou0# to+n to see i) #e #ad 'assed a e00ar
+it#out seein0 #i$5 ut #e decided 'eo'le $i0#t t#in( #e +as s#o+in0 o)) +it# t#e tur(ey6
Lord5 send $e a e00ar5 #e 'rayed suddenly6 Send $e one e)ore I 0et #o$e6 He #ad ne-er
t#ou0#t e)ore o) 'rayin0 on #is o+n5 ut it +as a 0ood idea6 !od #ad 'ut t#e tur(ey t#ere6
Hed send #i$ a e00ar6 He (ne+ )or a )act !od +ould send #i$ one6 He +as on Hill Street no+
and t#ere +ere not#in0 ut #ouses on Hill Street6 It +ould e stran0e to )ind a e00ar #ere6 T#e
side+al(s +ere e$'ty e"ce't )or a )e+ c#ildren and so$e tricycles6 Ruller loo(ed ac(D t#e
country oys +ere still )ollo+in0 #i$6 He decided to slo+ do+n6 It $i0#t $a(e t#e$ catc# u'
+it# #i$ and it $i0#t 0i-e a e00ar $ore ti$e to 0et to #i$6 I) one +ere co$in06 He +ondered
i) one +ere co$in06 I) one ca$e5 it +ould $ean !od #ad 0one out o) His +ay to 0et one6 It
+ould $ean !od +as really interested6 He #ad a sudden )ear one +ouldnt co$eD it +as a
+#ole )ear 9uic(6
One +ill co$e5 #e told #i$sel)6 !od +as interested in #i$ ecause #e +as a -ery unusual
c#ild6 He +ent on6 T#e streets +ere deserted no+6 He 0uessed one +ouldnt co$e6 Maye !od
didnt #a-e con)idence inHno5 !od did6 Lord5 'lease send $e a e00arS #e i$'lored6 He
s9uinc#ed #is )ace ri0id and strained #is $uscles in a (not and said5 8PleaseS one ri0#t no+:D
and t#e $inute #e said it Ht#e $inuteHHetty !il$an turned around t#e corner e)ore #i$5
#eadin0 strai0#t to +#ere #e +as6
He )elt al$ost li(e #e #ad +#en #e ran into t#e tree6
S#e +as +al(in0 do+n t#e street ri0#t to+ard #i$6 It +as @ust li(e t#e tur(ey lyin0 t#ere6 It
+as @ust as i) s#e #ad een #idin0 e#ind a #ouse until #e ca$e y6 S#e +as an old +o$an
+#o$ e-eryody said #ad $ore $oney t#an anyody in to+n ecause s#e #ad een e00in0
)or t+enty years6 S#e snea(ed into 'eo'les #ouses and sat until t#ey 0a-e #er so$et#in06 I)
t#ey didnt5 s#e cursed t#e$6 /e-ert#eless5 s#e +as a e00ar6 Ruller +al(ed )aster6 He too( t#e
di$e out o) #is 'oc(et so it +ould e ready6 His #eart +as sto$'in0 u' and do+n in #is c#est6
He $ade a noise to see i) #e could tal(6 *s t#ey neared eac# ot#er5 #e stuc( out #is
#and6 :HereS: #e s#outed6 8HereS:
S#e +as a tall5 lon0H)aced old +o$an in an anti9ue lac( cloa(6 Her )ace +as t#e color o) a
dead c#ic(ens s(in6 &#en s#e sa+ #i$5 s#e loo(ed as i) s#e suddenly s$elled so$et#in0 ad6
He darted at #er and t#rust t#e di$e into #er #and and das#ed on +it#out loo(in0 ac(6
Slo+ly #is #eart cal$ed and #e e0an to )eel )ull o) a ne+ )eelin0Hli(e ein0 #a''y and
e$arrassed at t#e sa$e ti$e6 Maye5 #e t#ou0#t5 lus#in05 #e +ould 0i-e all #is $oney to
#er6 He )elt as i) t#e 0round did not need to e under #i$ any lon0er6 He noticed suddenly t#at
t#e country oys )eet +ere s#u))lin0 @ust e#ind #i$5 and al$ost +it#out t#in(in05 #e turned
and as(ed 0raciously5 8,ou all +anta see t#is tur(ey3:
T#ey sto''ed +#ere t#ey +ere and stared at #i$6 One in )ront s'it6 Ruller loo(ed do+n at it
9uic(ly6 T#ere +as real toacco @uice in itS 8&#eered you 0it t#at tur(ey3: t#e s'itter as(ed6
8I )ound it in t#e +oods5: Ruller said6 8I c#ased it dead6 See5 its een s#ot under t#e +in06:
He too( t#e tur(ey o)) #is s#oulder and #eld it do+n +#ere t#ey could see6 8I t#in( it +as s#ot
t+ice5: #e +ent on e"citedly5 'ullin0 t#e +in0 u'6
8Le$$e see it #ere5: t#e s'itter said6
Ruller #anded #i$ t#e tur(ey6 8,ou see do+n t#ere +#ere t#e ullet #ole is3: #e as(ed6
8&ell5 I t#in( it +as s#ot t+ice in t#e sa$e #ole5 I t#in( it +as B6 : T#e tur(eys #ead )le+ in #is
)ace as t#e s'itter slun0 it u' in t#e air and o-er #is o+n s#oulder and turned6 T#e ot#ers
turned +it# #i$ and to0et#er t#ey sauntered o)) in t#e direction t#ey #ad co$e5 t#e tur(ey
stic(in0 sti)) out on t#e s'itters ac( and its #ead s+in0in0 slo+ly in a circle as #e +al(ed a+ay6
T#ey +ere in t#e ne"t loc( e)ore Ruller $o-ed6 Finally5 #e realiEed t#at #e could not e-en
see t#e$ any lon0er5 t#ey +ere so )ar a+ay6 He turned to+ard #o$e5 al$ost cree'in06 He
+al(ed )our loc(s and t#en suddenly5 noticin0 t#at it +as dar(5 #e e0an to run6 He ran )aster
and )aster5 and as #e turned u' t#e road to #is #ouse5 #is #eart +as runnin0 as )ast as #is le0s
and #e +as certain t#at So$et#in0 *+)ul +as tearin0 e#ind #i$ +it# its ar$s ri0id and its
)in0ers ready to clutc#6
T#e Train N;<=>O
THI/CI/! aout t#e 'orter5 #e #ad al$ost )or0otten t#e ert#6
He #ad an u''er one6 T#e $an in t#e station #ad said #e could 0i-e #i$ a lo+er and HaEe
#ad as(ed didnt #e #a-e no u''er onesD t#e $an said sure i) t#at +as +#at #e +anted5 and
0a-e #i$ an u''er one6 Leanin0 ac( on t#e seat5 HaEe #ad seen #o+ t#e ceilin0 +as rounded
o-er #i$6 It +as in t#ere6 T#ey 'ulled t#e ceilin0 do+n and it +as in t#ere5 and you cli$ed u'
to it on a ladder6 He #adnt seen any ladders aroundD #e rec(oned t#ey (e't t#e$ in t#e closet6
T#e closet +as u' +#ere you ca$e in6 &#en #e )irst 0ot on t#e train5 #e #ad seen t#e 'orter
standin0 in )ront o) t#e closet5 'uttin0 on #is 'orters @ac(et6 HaEe #ad sto''ed ri0#t
t#enIri0#t +#ere #e +as6
T#e turn o) #is #ead +as li(e and t#e ac( o) #is nec( +as li(e and t#e s#ort reac# o) #is
ar$6 He turned a+ay )ro$ t#e closet and loo(ed at HaEe and HaEe sa+ #is eyes and t#ey +ere
li(eD t#ey +ere t#e sa$eHsa$e as old Cas#s )or t#e )irst instant5 and t#en di))erent6 T#ey
turned di))erent +#ile #e +as loo(in0 at t#e$D #ardened )lat6 8&#uB +#at ti$e do you 'ull
do+n t#e eds3: HaEe $u$led6
8Lon0 ti$e yet5: t#e 'orter said5 reac#in0 into t#e closet a0ain6
HaEe didnt (no+ +#at else to say to #i$6 He +ent on to #is section6
/o+ t#e train +as 0rey)lyin0 'ast instants o) trees and 9uic( s'aces o) )ield and a
$otionless s(y t#at s'ed dar(enin0 a+ay in t#e o''osite direction6 HaEe leaned #is #ead ac(
on t#e seat and loo(ed out t#e +indo+5 t#e yello+ li0#t o) t#e train lu(e+ar$ on #i$6 T#e
'orter #ad 'assed t+ice5 t+ice ac( and t+ice )or+ard5 and t#e second ti$e )or+ard #e #ad
loo(ed s#ar'ly at HaEe )or an instant and 'assed on +it#out sayin0 anyt#in0D HaEe #ad turned
and stared a)ter #i$ as #e #ad done t#e ti$e e)ore6 E-en #is +al( +as li(e6 *ll t#e$ 0ulc#
ni00ers rese$led6 T#ey loo(ed li(e t#eir o+n (ind o) ni00erH#ea-y and ald5 roc( all
t#rou0#6 Old Cas# in #is day #ad een t+o #undred 'ounds #ea-yIno )at on #i$Iand )i-e
)eet #i0# +it# not $ore t#an t+o inc#es o-er6 HaEe +anted to tal( to t#e 'orter6 &#at +ould
t#e 'orter say +#en #e told #i$: I$ )ro$ Eastrod3 &#at +ould #e say3
T#e train #ad co$e to E-ans-ille6 * lady 0ot on and sat o''osite HaEe6 T#at $eant s#e
+ould #a-e t#e ert# under #i$6 S#e said s#e t#ou0#t it +as 0oin0 to sno+6 S#e said #er
#usand #ad dri-en #er do+n to t#e station and #e said i) it didnt sno+ e)ore #e 0ot #o$e5
#ed e sur'rised6 He #ad ten $iles to 0oD t#ey li-ed in t#e suurs6 S#e +as 0oin0 to Florida to
-isit #er dau0#ter6 S#e #ad ne-er #ad ti$e to ta(e a tri' t#at )ar o))6 T#e +ay t#in0s #a''ened5
one t#in0 ri0#t a)ter anot#er5 it see$ed li(e ti$e +ent y so )ast you couldnt tell i) you +ere
old or youn06 S#e loo(ed as i) it #ad een c#eatin0 #er5 0oin0 doule 9uic( +#en s#e +as aslee'
and couldnt +atc# it6 HaEe +as 0lad to #a-e so$eone t#ere tal(in06
He re$e$ered +#en #e +as a little oy5 #i$ and #is $ot#er and t#e ot#er c#ildren +ould
0o into C#attanoo0a on t#e Tennessee Railroad6 His $ot#er #ad al+ays started u' a
con-ersation +it# t#e ot#er 'eo'le on t#e train6 S#e +as li(e an old ird do0 @ust un'enned
t#at raced5 sni))in0 u' e-ery roc( and stic( and suc(in0 in t#e air around e-eryt#in0 s#e sto''ed
at6 T#ere +asnt a 'erson s#e #adnt s'o(en to y t#e ti$e t#ey +ere ready to 0et o))6 S#e
re$e$ered t#e$ too6 Lon0 years a)ter5 s#e +ould say s#e +ondered +#ere t#e lady +as +#o
+as 0oin0 to Fort &est5 or s#e +ondered i) t#e $an +#o +as sellin0 %iles #ad e-er 0ot #is
+i)e out t#e #os'ital6 S#e #ad a #an(erin0 )or 'eo'leIas i) +#at #a''ened to t#e ones s#e
tal(ed to #a''ened to #er t#en6 S#e +as a 4ac(son6 *nnie Lou 4ac(son6
My $ot#er +as a 4ac(son5 HaEe said to #i$sel)6 He #ad sto''ed listenin0 to t#e lady
alt#ou0# #e +as still loo(in0 at #er and s#e t#ou0#t #e +as listenin06 My na$e is HaEel
&ic(ers5 #e said6 I$ nineteen6 My $ot#er +as a 4ac(son6 I +as raised in Eastrod5 Eastrod5
TennesseeD #e t#ou0#t aout t#e 'orter a0ain6 He +as 0oin0 to as( t#e 'orter6 It struc( #i$
suddenly t#at t#e 'orter $i0#t e-en e Cas#s son6 Cas# #ad a son run a+ay6 It #a''ened
e)ore HaEes ti$e6 E-en so5 t#e 'orter +ould (no+ Eastrod6
HaEe 0lanced out t#e +indo+ at t#e s#a'es lac(Is'innin0 'ast #i$6 He could s#ut #is
eyes and $a(e Eastrod at ni0#t out o) any o) t#e$I#e could )ind t#e t+o #ouses +it# t#e road
et+een and t#e store and t#e ni00er #ouses and t#e one arn and t#e 'iece o) )ence t#at
started out into t#e 'asture5 0rayH+#ite +#en t#e $oon +as on it6 He could 'ut t#e $ule )ace5
solid5 o-er t#e )ence and let it #an0 t#ere5 )eelin0 #o+ t#e ni0#t +as6 He )elt it #i$sel)6 He )elt it
li0#tHtouc#in0 around #i$6 He seen #is $a co$in0 u' t#e 'at#5 +i'in0 #er #ands on an a'ron
s#e #ad ta(en o))5 loo(in0 li(e t#e ni0#t c#an0e +as on #er5 and t#en standin0 in t#e door+ay:
HaaaEEEEeeeee5 Ha6 rEEEeee5 co$e in #ere6 T#e train said it )or #i$6 He +anted to 0et u' and 0o
)ind t#e 'orter6
8*re you 0oin0 #o$e3: Mrs6 Hosen as(ed #i$6 Her na$e +as Mrs6 &allace %en HasenD s#e
#ad een a Miss Hitc#coc( e)ore s#e $arried6
8O#S: HaEe said5 startledI8I 0et o)) at5 I 0et o)) at Taul(in#a$6:
Mrs6 Hasen (ne+ so$e 'eo'le in E-ans-ille +#o #ad a cousin in Taul(in#a$Ia Mr6 Henrys5
s#e t#ou0#t6 %ein0 )ro$ Taul(in#a$5 HaEe $i0#t (no+ #i$6 Had #e e-er #eard t#eB6
8Taul(in#a$ aint +#ere I$ )ro$5: HaEe $uttered6 8I dont (no+ not#in A aout
Taul(in#a$6: He didnt loo( at Mrs6 Hasen6 He (ne+ +#at s#e +as 0oin0 to as( ne"t and #e )elt
it co$in0 and it ca$e5 8&ell5 +#ere do you li-e3:
He +anted to 0et a+ay )ro$ #er6 8It +as t#ere5: #e $u$led5 s9uir$in0 in t#e seat6 T#en
#e said5 8I dont ri0#tly (no+5 I +as t#ere utB t#is is @ust t#e t#ird ti$e I een at Taul(in#a$5:
#e said 9uic(lyI#er )ace #ad cra+led out and +as starin0 at #i$I8I aint een since I +ent
+#en I +as si"6 I dont (no+ not#in aout it6 Once I seen a circus t#ere ut notB: He #eard a
clan(in0 at t#e end o) t#e car and loo(ed to see +#ere it +as co$in0 )ro$6 T#e 'orter +as
'ullin0 t#e +alls o) t#e sections )art#er alit6 8I 0ot to see t#e 'orter a $inute5: #e said and
esca'ed do+n t#e aisleI6 He didnt (no+ +#at #ed say to t#e 'orter6 He 0ot to #i$ and #e
still didnt (no+ +#at #ed say6 8I rec(on youre )i"in0 to $a(e6 t#e$ u' no+5: #e said6
8T#ats ri0#t5: t#e 'orter said6
8Ho+ lon0 does it ta(e you to $a(e one u'3: HaEe as(ed6
8Se-en $inutes5: t#e 'orter said6
AI$ )ro$ Eastrod5: HaEe said6 8I$ )ro$ Eastrod5 Tennessee6:
8T#at isnt on t#is line5: t#e 'orter said6 8,ou on t#e +ron0 train i) you countin0 on 0oin0 to
any suc# 'lace as t#at6:
AI$ 0oin0 to Taul(in#arn5: HaEe saidl6 8I +as raised in Eastrod6:
8,ou +ant your ert# $ade u' no+D: t#e 'orter as(ed6
8Hu#3: HaEe said6 8Eastrod5 TennesseeD aint you e-er #eard Eastrod3:
T#e 'orter +renc#ed one side o) t#e scat )lat6 8I$ )ro$ C#ica0o5: #e said6 He @er(ed t#e
s#ades do+n on eit#er +indo+ and +renc#ed t#e ot#er seat do+n6 E-en t#e ac( o) #is nec(
+as li(e6 &#en ent o-er5 it ca$e out in t#ree ul0es6 He +as )ro$ C#ica0o6 8,ou standin0 in
t#e $iddle o) t#e aisle6 So$eody 0onna +ant to 0et 'ast you5: #e said5 suddenly turnin0 on
HaE+6
8I rec(on Ill 0o sit do+n so$e5: HaEe said5 lus#in06
He (ne+ 'eo'le +ere starin0 at #i$ as #e +ent ac( to #is section6 Mrs6 Hosen +as loo(in0
out t#e +indo+6 S#e turned and eyed #i$ sus'iciouslyD t#en s#e said it #adnt sno+ed yet5 #ad
it3 and rela"ed into a strea$ o) tal(6 S#e 0uessed #er #usand +as 0ettin0 #is o+n su''er
toni0#t6 S#e +as 'ayin0 a 0irl to co$e coo( #is dinner ut #e +as #a-in0 to 0et #is o+n su''er6
S#e didnt t#in( t#at #urt a $an once in a +#ile6 S#e t#ou0#t it did #i$ 0ood6 &allace +asnt
laEy ut #e didnt t#in( +#at it too( (ee' 0oin0 +it# #ouse+or( all day6 S#e didnt (no+ #o+ it
+ould )eel to e in Florida +it# so$eody +aitin0 on #er6
He +as )ro$ C#ica0o6
T#is +as #er )irst -acation in )i-e years6 Fi-e years a0o s#e #ad 0one to -isit #er sister in
!rand Ra'ids6 Ti$e )lies6 Her sister #ad le)t !rand Ra'ids and $o-ed to &aterloo6 S#e didnt
su''ose s#ed reco0niEe #er sisters c#ildren i) s#e sa+ t#e$ no+6 Her sister +rote t#ey +ere
as i0 as t#eir )at#er6 T#in0s c#an0ed )ast5 s#e said6 Her sisters #usand #ad +or(ed +it# t#e
city +ater su''ly in !rand Ra'idsI#e #ad a 0ood 'laceIut in &aterloo5 #eB6
8I +ent ac( t#ere last ti$e5: HaEe said6 8I +ouldnt e 0ettin0 o)) at Taul(in#a$ i) it +as
t#ereD it +ent5 a'art li(e5 you (no+6 itB:
Mrs6 Hosen )ro+ned6 8,ou $ust e t#in(in0 o) anot#er !rand Ra'ids5: s#e said6 8T#e !rand
Ra'ids I$ tal(in0 aout is a lar0e city and its al+ays +#ere its al+ays een6: S#e stared at #i$
)or a $o$ent and t#en +ent on: +#en t#ey +ere in !rand Ra'ids t#ey 0ot alon0 )ine5 ut in
&aterloo #e suddenly too( to li9uor6 Her sister #ad to su''ort t#e #ouse and educate t#e
c#ildren6 It eat Mrs6 Hosen #o+ #e could sit t#ere year a)ter year6
HaEes $ot#er #ad ne-er tal(ed $uc# on t#e trainD s#e $ostly listened6 S#e +as a 4ac(son6
*)ter a +#ile Mrs6 Hosen said s#e +as #un0ry and as(ed #i$ i) #e +anted to 0o into t#e
diner6 He did6
T#e dinin0 car +as )ull and 'eo'le +ere +aitin0 to 0et in it6 HaEe and Mrs6 Hosen stood in
line )or a #al) #our5 roc(in0 in t#e narro+ 'assa0e+ay and e-ery )e+ $inutes )lattenin0
t#e$sel-es a0ainst t#e side to let a tric(le o) 'eo'le t#rou0#6 Mrs6 Hosen e0an tal(in0 to t#e
lady on t#e side o) #er6 HaEe stared stu'idly at t#e +all6 He +ould ne-er #a-e #ad t#e coura0e
to co$e to t#e diner y #i$sel)D it +as )ine #e #ad $et Mrs6 Hosen6 I) s#e #adnt een tal(in05
#e +ould #a-e told #er intelli0ently t#at #e #ad 0one t#ere t#e last ti$e and t#at t#e 'orter
+as not )ro$ t#ere ut t#at #e loo(ed near enou0# li(e a 0ulc# ni00er to e one5 near enou0#
li(e old Cas# to e #is c#ild6 Hed tell #er +#ile t#ey +ere eatin06 He couldnt see inside t#e
diner )ro$ +#ere #e +asD #e +ondered +#at it +ould e li(e in t#ere6 Li(e a restaurant5 #e
rec(oned6 He t#ou0#t o) t#e ert#6 %y t#e ti$e t#ey 0ot t#rou0# eatin05 t#e ert# +ould
'roaly e $ade u' and #e could 0et in it6 &#at +ould #is $a say i) s#e seen #i$ #a-in0 a
ert# in a trainS He et s#e ne-er rec(oned t#at +ould #a''en6 *s t#ey 0ot nearer t#e entrance
to t#e diner #e could see in6 It +as li(e a city restaurantS He et s#e ne-er rec(oned it +as li(e
t#at6
T#e #ead $an +as ec(onin0 to t#e 'eo'le at t#e )irst o) t#e line e-ery ti$e so$eone
le)tIso$eti$es )or one 'erson5 so$eti$es )or $ore6 He $otioned )or t+o 'eo'le and t#e line
$o-ed u' so t#at HaEe and Mrs6 Hosen and t#e lady s#e +as tal(in0 to +ere standin0 at t#e
end o) t#e diner5 loo(in0 in6 In a $inute5 t+o $ore 'eo'le le)t6 T#e $an ec(oned and Mrs6
Hosen and t#e lady +al(ed in5 and HaEe )ollo+ed t#e$6 T#e $an sto''ed HaEe and said5 8Only
t+o5: and 'us#ed #i$ ac( to t#e door+ay6 HaEes )ace +ent an u0ly red6 He tried to 0et
e#ind t#e ne"t 'erson and t#en #e tried to 0et t#rou0# t#e line to 0o ac( to t#e car #e #ad
co$e )ro$5 ut t#ere +ere too $any 'eo'le unc#ed in t#e o'enin06 He #ad to stand t#ere
+#ile e-eryone around loo(ed at #i$6 /o one le)t )or a +#ile and #e #ad to stand t#ere6 Mrs6
Hosen did not loo( at #i$ a0ain6 Finally a lady u' at t#e )ar end 0ot u' and t#e #ead $an @er(ed
#is #and and HaEe #esitated and sa+ t#e #and @er( a0ain and t#en lurc#ed u' t#e aisle5 )allin0
a0ainst t+o tales on t#e +ay and 0ettin0 #is #and +et +it# so$eodys co))ee6 He didnt loo(
at t#e 'eo'le #e sat do+n +it#6 He ordered t#e )irst t#in0 on t#e $enu and5 +#en it ca$e5 ate
it +it#out t#in(in0 +#at it $i0#t e6 T#e 'eo'le #e +as sittin0 +it# #ad )inis#ed and5 #e could
tell5 +ere +aitin05 +atc#in0 #i$ eat6
&#en #e 0ot out t#e diner #e +as +ea( and #is #ands +ere $a(in0 s$all @ittery
$o-e$ents y t#e$sel-es6 It see$ed a year a0o t#at #e #ad seen t#e #ead $an ec(on to #i$
to sit do+n6 He sto''ed et+een t+o cars and reat#ed in t#e cold air to clear #is #ead6 It
#el'ed6 &#en #e 0ot ac( to #is car all t#e ert#s +ere $ade u' and t#e aisles +ere dar( and
sinister5 #un0 in #ea-y 0reen6 He realiEed a0ain t#at #e #ad a ert#5 an u''er one5 and t#at #e
could 0et in it no+6 He could lie do+n and raise t#e s#ade @ust enou0# to loo( out )ro$ and
+atc#I+#at #e #ad 'lanned to do and see #o+ e-eryt#in0 +ent y a train at ni0#t6 He could
loo( ri0#t into t#e ni0#t5 $o-in06
He 0ot #is sac( and +ent to t#e $ens roo$ and 'ut on #is ni0#t clot#es6 * si0n said to 0et
t#e 'orter to let you into t#e u''er ert#s6 T#e 'orter $i0#t e a cousin o) so$e o) t#e$ 0ulc#
ni00ers5 #e t#ou0#t suddenlyD #e $i0#t as( #i$ i) #e #ad any cousins around Eastrod5 or $aye
@ust in Tennessee6 He +ent do+n t#e aisle5 loo(in0 )or #i$6 T#ey $i0#t #a-e a little
con-ersation e)ore #e 0ot in t#e ert#6 T#e 'orter +as not at t#at end o) t#e car and #e +ent
ac( to loo( at t#e ot#er encl6 !oin0 around t#e corner5 #e ran into so$et#in0 #ea-ily 'in(D it
0as'ed and $uttered5 8Clu$syS: It +as Mrs6 Hosen in a 'in( +ra''er +it# #er #air in (nots
around #er #ead6 He #ad )or0otten aout #er6 S#e +as terri)yin0 +it# #er #air slic(ed ac( and
t#e (nos li(e dar( toad stools )ra$in0 #er )ace6 S#e tried to 0et 'ast #i$ and #e tried to let #er
ut t#ey +ere ot# $o-in0 t#e sa$e +ay eac# ti$e6 Her )ace eca$e 'ur'lis# e"ce't )or little
+#ite $ar(s o-er it t#at didnt #eat u'6 S#e dre+ #ersel) sti)) and sto''ed still and said5 8&#at
IS t#e $atter +it# you3: He sli''ed 'ast #er and das#ed do+n t#e aisle and ran suddenly into
t#e 'orter so t#at t#e 'orter sli''ed and #e )ell on to' o) #i$ and t#e 'orters )ace +as ri0#t
under #is and it +as old Cas# Si$$ons6 For a $inute #e couldnt $o-e o)) t#e 'orter )or
t#in(in0 it +as Cas# and #e reat#ed5 8Cas#5: and t#e 'orter 'us#ed #i$ o)) and 0ot u' and
+ent do+n t#e aisle 9uic( and HaEe scra$led o)) t#e )loor and +ent a)ter #i$ sayin0 #e
+anted to 0et in t#e ert# and t#in(in05 t#is is Cas#s (in5 and t#en suddenly5 li(e so$et#in0
t#ro+n at #i$ +#en #e +asnt loo(in0: t#is is Cas#s son run a+ayD and t#en: #e (no+s aout
Eastrod and doesnt +ant it5 #e doesnt +ant to tal( aout it5 #e doesnt +ant to tal( aout
Cas#6
He stood starin0 +#ile t#e 'orter 'ut t#e ladder u' to t#e ert# and t#en #e started u' it5
still loo(in0 at t#e 'orter5 seein0 Cas# t#ere5 only di))erent5 not in t#e eyes5 and #al)+ay u' t#e
ladder #e said5 still loo(in0 at t#e 'orter5 8Cas# is dead6 He 0ot t#e c#olera )ro$ a 'i06: T#e
'orters $out# 'er(ed do+n and #e $uttered5 loo(in0 at HaEe +it# #is eyes t#in5 8I$ )ro$
C#ica0o6 My )at#er +as a railroad $an6: *nd HaEe stared at #i$ and t#en lau0#ed: a ni00er
ein0 a railroad 8$an:: and lau0#ed a0ain5 and t#e 'orter @er(ed t#e ladder o)) suddenly +it# a
+renc# o) #is ar$ t#at sent HaEe clutc#in0 at t#e lan(et into t#e ert#6
He lay on #is sto$ac# in t#e ert#5 tre$lin0 )ro$ t#e +ay #e #ad 0ot in6 Cas#s son6 Fro$
Eastrod6 %ut not +antin0 EastrodD #atin0 it6 He lay t#ere )or a +#ile on #is sto$ac#5 not $o-in06
It see$ed a year since #e #ad )allen o-er t#e 'orter in t#e aisle6
*)ter a +#ile #e re$e$ered t#at #e +as actually in t#e ert# and #e turned and )ound t#e
li0#t and loo(ed around #i$6 T#ere +as no +indo+6
T#e side +all did not #a-e a +indo+ in it6 It didnt 'us# u' to e a +indo+6 T#ere +as no
+indo+ concealed in it6 T#ere +as a )is#Hnet t#in0 stretc#ed across t#e side +allD ut no
+indo+s6 For a second it )las#ed t#rou0# #is $ind t#at t#e 'orter #ad done t#is 0i-en #i$ t#is
ert# t#at t#ere +ere no +indo+s to and #ad @ust a )is# net strun0 t#e len0t# o)Iecause #e
#ated #i$6 %ut t#ey $ust all e li(e t#is6
T#e to' o) t#e ert# +as lo+ and cur-ed o-er6 He lay do+n6 T#e cur-ed to' loo(ed li(e it
+as not 9uite closedD it loo(ed li(e it +as closin06 He lay t#ere )or a +#ile not $o-in06 T#ere
+as so$et#in0 in #is t#roat li(e a s'on0e +it# an e00 taste6 He #ad e00s )or su''er6 T#ey +ere
in t#e s'on0e in #is t#roat6 T#ey +ere ri0#t in #is t#roat6 He didnt +ant to turn o-er )or )ear
t#ey +ould $o-eD #e +anted t#e li0#t o))D #e +anted it dar(6 He reac#ed u' +it#out turnin0
and )elt )or t#e utton and sna''ed it and t#e dar(ness san( do+n on #i$ and t#en )aded a
little +it# li0#t )ro$ t#e aisle t#at ca$e in t#rou0# t#e )oot o) s'ace not closed6 He +anted it all
dar(5 #e didnt +ant it diluted6 He #eard t#e 'orters )ootste's co$in0 do+n t#e aisle5 so)t into
t#e ru05 co$in0 steadily do+n5 rus#in0 a0ainst t#e 0reen curtains and )adin0 u' t#e ot#er +ay
out o) #earin06 He +as )ro$ Eastrod6 Fro$ Eastrod ut #e #ated it6 Cas# +ouldnt #a-e 'ut any
clai$ on #i$6 He +ouldnt #a-e +anted #i$6 He +ouldnt #a-e +anted anyt#in0 t#at +ore a
$on(ey +#ite coat and toted a +#is( roo$ in #is 'oc(et6 Cas#s clot#es #ad loo(ed li(e t#eyd
set a +#ile under a roc(D and t#ey s$elled li(e ni00er6 He t#ou0#t #o+ Cas# s$elled5 ut #e
s$elled t#e train6 /o $ore 0ulc# ni00ers in Easirod6 In Eastrod6 Turnin0 in t#e road5 #e sa+ in
t#e dar(5 #al) dar(5 t#e store oarded and t#e arn o'en +it# t#e dar( )ree in it5 and t#e
s$aller #ouse #al) carted a+ay5 t#e 'orc# 0one and no )loor in t#e #all6 He #ad een su''osed
to 0o to #is sisters in Taul(in#a$ all #is last )urlou0# +#en #e ca$e u' )ro$ t#e ca$' in
!eor0ia ut #e didnt +ant to 0o to Taul(in#a$ and #e #ad 0one ac( to Eastrod e-en t#ou0#
#e (ne+ #o+ it +as: t#e t+o )a$ilies scattered in to+ns and e-en t#e ni00ers )ro$ u' and
do+n t#e road 0one into Me$'#is and Mur)reesoro and ot#er 'laces6 He #ad 0one ac( and
sle't in t#e #ouse on t#e )loor in t#e (itc#en and a oard #ad )allen on #is #ead out o) t#e roo)
and cut #is )ace6 He @u$'ed5 )eelin0 t#e oard5 and t#e train @olted and un@olted and +ent
a0ain6 He +ent loo(in0 t#rou0# t#e #ouse to see t#ey #adnt le)t not#in0 in it ou0#t to een
ta(en6
His $a al+ays sle't in t#e (itc#en and #ad #er +alnut s#i))erHroe in t#ere6 &asnt anot#er
s#i))erHroe no+#ere around6 S#e +as a 4ac(son6 S#e #ad 'aid t#irty dollars )or it and #adnt
ou0#t #ersel) not#in0 else i0 a0ain6 *nd t#ey #ad le)t it6 He rec(oned t#ey #adnt #ad roo$
on t#e truc( )or it6 He o'ened all t#e dra+ers6 T#ere +ere t+o len0t#s o) +ra''in0 cord in t#e
to' one and not#in0 in t#e ot#ers6 He +as sur'rised noody #ad co$e and stolen a s#i)lerHroe
li(e t#at6 He too( t#e +ra''in0 cord and tied t#e le0s t#rou0# t#e )looroards and le)t a 'iece
o) 'a'er in eac# o) t#e dra+ers: THIS SHIFFERHRO%E %ELO/!S TO H*UEL &ICCERS6 .O /OT
STE*L IT OR ,O7 &ILL %E H7/TE. .O&/ */. CILLE.6
S#e could rest easier (no+in0 it +as 0uarded so$e6 I) s#e co$e loo(in0 any ti$e at ni0#t5
s#e +ould see6 He +ondered i) s#e +al(ed at ni0#t and ca$e t#ere e-erIca$e +it# t#at loo(
on #er )ace5 unrested and loo(in05 0oin0 u' t#e 'at# and t#rou0# t#e arn o'en all around and
sto''in0 in t#e s#ado+ y t#e store oarded u'5 co$in0 on unrested +it# t#at loo( on #er )ace
li(e #e #ad seen t#rou0# t#e crac( 0oin0 do+n6 He seen #er )ace t#rou0# t#e crac( +#en t#ey
+ere s#uttin0 t#e to' on #er5 seen t#e s#ado+ t#at ca$e do+n o-er #er )ace and 'ulled #er
$out# do+n li(e s#e +asnt satis)ied +it# restin05 li(e s#e +as 0oin0 to s'rin0 u' and s#o-e t#e
lid ac( and )ly out li(e a s'irit 0oin0 to e satis)ied: ut t#ey s#ut it on do+n6 S#e $i0#t #a-e
een 0oin0 to )ly out o) t#ere5 s#e $i0#t #a-e een 0oin0 to s'rin0I#e sa+ #er terrile li(e a
#u0e at dartin0 )ro$ t#e closin0I)ly out o) t#ere ut it +as )allin0 dar( on to' o) #er5 closin0
do+n all t#e ti$e5 closin0 do+nD )ro$ inside #e sa+ it closin05 co$in0 closer5 closer do+n and
cuttin0 o)) t#e li0#t and t#e roo$ and t#e trees seen t#rou0# t#e +indo+ t#rou0# t#e crac(
)aster and dar(er closin0 do+n6 He o'ened #is eyes and sa+ it closin0 do+n and #e s'ran0 u'
et+een t#e crac( and +ed0ed #is ody t#rou0# it and #un0 t#ere $o-in05 diEEy5 +it# t#e di$
li0#t o) t#e train slo+ly s#o+in0 t#e ru0 elo+5 $o-in05 diEEy6 He #un0 t#ere +et and cold and
sa+ t#e 'orter at t#e ot#er end o) t#e car5 a +#ite s#a'e in t#e dar(ness5 standin0 t#ere5
+atc#in0 #i$ and not $o-in06 T#e trac(s cur-ed and #e )ell ac( sic( into t#e rus#in0 stillness
o) t#e train6
T#e Peeler N;<=<O
H*UEL MOTES +al(ed alon0 do+nto+n5 close to t#e store )ronts ut not loo(in0 at t#e$6
His nec( +as t#rust )or+ard as i) #e +ere tryin0 to s$ell so$et#in0 t#at +as al+ays ein0
dra+n a+ay6 He #ad on a lue suit t#at +as 0lareHlue in t#e day ti$e5 ut loo(ed 'ur'lis# +it#
t#e ni0#t li0#ts on it5 and #is #at +as a )ierce lac( +ool #at li(e a 'reac#ers #at5 T#e stores in
Taul(in#a$ stayed o'en on T#ursday ni0#ts and a lot o) 'eo'le +ere s#o''in06 HaEes s#ado+
+as no+ e#ind #i$ and no+ e)ore #i$ and no+ arid t#en ro(en u' y ot#er 'eo'les
s#ado+s5 ut +#en it +as y itsel)5 stretc#in0 e#ind #i$5 it +as a t#in ner-ous s#ado+ +al(in0
ac(+ards6
*)ter a +#ile #e sto''ed +#ere a leanH)aced $an #ad a card tale set u' in )ront o) a
Lerners .ress S#o' and +as de$onstratin0 a 'otato 'eeler6 T#e $an #ad on a s$all can-as #at
and a s#irt 'atterned +it# unc#es o) u'side do+n '#easants and 9uail and ronEe tur(eys6 He
+as 'itc#in0 #is -oice under t#e street noises so t#at it reac#ed e-ery ear distinctly as in a
'ri-ate con-ersation6 * )e+ 'eo'le 0at#ered around6 T#ere +ere t+o uc(ets on t#e card tale5
one e$'ty and t#e ot#er )ull o) 'otatoes6 %et+een t#e t+o uc(ets t#ere +as a 'yra$id o)
0reen cardoard o"es and on to' o) t#e stac(5 one 'eeler +as o'en )or de$onstration6 T#e
$an stood in )ront o) t#is altar5 'ointin0 o-er it at di))erent 'eo'le6 8Ho+ aout you3: #e said5
'ointin0 at a da$'H#aired 'i$'led oy5 8you aint 0onna let one o) t#ese 0o y3: He stuc( a
ro+n 'otato in one side o) t#e o'en $ac#ine6 T#e $ac#ine +as a s9uare tin o" +it# a red
#andle5 and as #e turned t#e #andle5 t#e 'otato +ent into t#e o" and t#en in a second5
ac(ed out t#e ot#er side5 +#ite6 8,ou aint 0onna let one o) t#ese 0o yS: #e said6
T#e oy 0u))a+ed and loo(ed at t#e ot#er 'eo'le 0at#ered around6 He #ad yello+ slic( #air
and a )o"Hs#a'ed )ace6
8&#ats yer na$e3: t#e 'eeler $an as(ed6
8/a$e Enoc# E$ery5: t#e oy said and snu))led6
8%oy +it# a 'retty na$e li(e t#at ou0#t to #a-e one o) t#ese5: t#e $an said5 rollin0 #is
eyes5 tryin0 to +ar$ u' t#e ot#ers6 /oody lau0#ed ut t#e oy6 T#en a $an standin0 across
)ro$ HaEel Motes lau0#ed6 He +as a tall $an +it# li0#t 0reen 0lasses and a lac( suit and a
lac( +ool #at li(e a 'reac#ers #at5 and #e +as leanin0 on a +#ite cane6 T#e lau0# sounded as
i) it ca$e )ro$ so$et#in0 tied u' in a cro(er sac(6 It +as e-ident #e +as a lind $an6 He #ad
#is #and on t#e s#oulder o) a i0Honed c#ild +it# a lac( (nitted ca' 'ulled do+n lo+ on #er
)ore#ead and a )rin0e o) oran0e #air stic(in0 out )ro$ it on eit#er side6 S#e #ad a lon0 )ace and
a s#ort s#ar' nose6 T#e 'eo'le e0an to loo( at t#e t+o o) t#e$ instead o) t#e $an sellin0
'eelers6 T#is irritated t#e $an sellin0 'eelers6 8Ho+ aout you5 you t#ere5: #e said5 'ointin0 at
HaEel Motes6 8,oull ne-er e ale to 0et a ar0ain li(e t#is in any store6:
8HeyS: Enoc# E$ery said5 reac#in0 across a +o$an and 'unc#in0 HaEes ar$6 8Hes tal(in0
to youS Hes tal(in0 to youS: HaEe +as loo(in0 at t#e lind $an and t#e c#ild6 Enoc# E$ery #ad
to 'unc# #i$ a0ain6
8&#ynt you ta(e one o) t#ese #o$e to yer +i)e3: t#e 'eeler $an +as sayin06
8I aint none5: HaEe $uttered +it#out dra+in0 #is attention )ro$ t#e lind $an6
8&ell5 you 0ot a dear old $ot#er5 aint you3:
8/o6:
8&ell s#a+5: t#e $an said5 +it# #is #and cu''ed to t#e 'eo'le5 8#e needs one t#eseyer @ust
to (ee' #i$ co$'any6:
Enoc# E$ery t#ou0#t t#at +as so )unny t#at #e leaned o-er and sla''ed #is (nee5 ut HaEel
Motes didnt loo( as i) #e #ad #eard it yet6 8I$ 0oin0 to 0i-e a+ay #al) a doEen 'eeled 'otatoes
to t#e )irst 'erson 'urc#asin0 one t#eseyer $ac#ines5: t#e $an said6 8&#os 0onna ste' u'
)irst3 Only a dollar and a #al) )or a $ac#ined cost you t#ree dollars in any storeS: Enoc# E$ery
e0an )u$lin0 in #is 'oc(ets6 8,oull t#an( t#e day you e-er sto''ed #ere5: t#e $an said5
8youll ne-er )or0et it6 E-er one o) you 'eo'le 'urc#asin0 one t#eseyer $ac#inesll ne-er )or0et
it6:
T#e lind $an e0an to $o-e strai0#t )or+ard suddenly and t#e 'eeler $an 0ot ready to
#and #i$ one o) t#e 0reen o"es5 ut #e +ent 'ast t#e card tale and turned5 $o-in0 at a ri0#t
an0le ac( in a$on0 t#e 'eo'le6 He +as #andin0 so$et#in0 out6 T#en HaEe sa+ t#at t#e c#ild
+as $o-in0 around too5 0i-in0 out +#ite lea)lets6 T#ere +ere not $any 'eo'le 0at#ered t#ere5
ut t#e ones +#o +ere e0an to $o-e o))6 &#en t#e $ac#ineHseller sa+ t#is5 #e leaned5
0larin05 o-er t#e card tale6 8Hey youS: #e yelled at t#e lind $an5 8+#at you t#in( you doin03
&#o you t#in( you are5 runnin0 'eo'le o)) )ro$ #ere3:
T#e lind $an didnt 'ay #i$ any $ind6 He (e't on #andin0 out t#e 'a$'#lets6 He #anded
one at Enoc# E$ery and t#en #e ca$e to+ard HaEe5 #ittin0 t#e +#ite cane at an an0le )ro$ #is
le06
8&#at t#e #ell you t#in( you doin0:: t#e $an sellin0 'eelers yelled6 8I 0ot t#ese 'eo'le
to0et#er5 #o+ you t#in( you can #orn in3:
T#e lind $an #ad a 'eculiar oiled loo(in0 red )ace6 He t#rust one o) t#e 'a$'#lets a little
to t#e side o) HaEe and HaEe 0raed it6 It +as a tract6 T#e +ords on t#e outside o) it said5
84esus Calls ,ou6:
8Id li(e to (no+ +#o t#e #ell you t#in( you areS: t#e $an +it# t#e 'eelers +as yellin06 T#e
c#ild ':ssed t#e card tale a0ain and #anded #i$ a tract6 He loo(ed at it )ur an instant +it# #is
li' curled5 and t#en #e c#ar0ed around t#e card tale5 u'settin0 t#e uc(et o) 'otatoes6 8T#ese
da$n 4esus )anatics5: #e yelled5 0larin0 around5 tryin0 to )ind t#e lind $an6 More 'eo'le #ad
0at#ered5 #o'in0 to see a disturance5 and t#e lind $an #ad disa''eared a$on0 t#e$6
8T#ese 0odda$ Co$$unist 4esus Forei0nersS: t#e 'eeler $an screa$ed6 8I 0ot t#is cro+d
to0et#erS: He sto''ed5 realiEin0 t#ere +as a cro+d6
8Listen )ol(s5: #e said5 8one at a ti$e5 t#eres 'lenty to 0o around5 @ust dont 'us#5 a #al)
doEen 'eeled 'otatoes to t#e )irst 'erson ste''in0 u' to uy6: He 0ot ac( e#ind t#e card
tale 9uietly and started #oldin0 u' t#e 'eeler o"es6 8Ste' on u'5 'lenty to 0o around5: #e
said5 8no need to cro+d6:
HaEel Motes didnt o'en #is tract6 He loo(ed at t#e outside o) it and t#en #e tore it across6
He 'ut t#e t+o 'ieces to0et#er and tore t#e$ across a0ain6 He (e't restac(in0 t#e 'ieces and
tearin0 t#e$ a0ain until #e #ad a little #and)ul o) con)etti6 He turned #is #and o-er and let t#e
s#redded lea)let s'rin(le to t#e 0round6 T#en #e loo(ed u' and sa+ t#e lind $ans c#ild not
t#ree )eet a+ay5 +atc#in0 #i$6 Her $out# +as o'en and #er eyes 0littered on #i$ li(e t+o
c#i's o) 0reen ottle 0lass6 S#e #ad on a lac( dress and t#ere +as a +#ite 0unny sac( #un0
o-er #er s#oulder6 HaEe sco+led and e0an ruin0 #is stic(y #ands on #is 'ants6
8I seen you5: s#e said6 T#en s#e $o-ed 9uic(ly o-er to +#ere t#e lind $an +as standin0
no+5 eside t#e card tale6 Most o) t#e 'eo'le #ad $o-ed o))6
T#e 'eeler $an leaned o-er t#e card tale and said5 8HeyS: to t#e lind $an6 8I rec(on t#at
s#o+ed you6 Tryin0 to #orn in6: %ut t#e lind $an stood t#ere +it# #is c#in tilted ac( sli0#tly
as i) #e sa+ so$et#in0 o-er t#eir #eads6
8Loo(er#ere5: Enoc# E$ery said5 8I aint 0ot ut a dollar si"teen cent ut IB:
8,a#5: t#e $an said5 as i) #e +ere 0oin0 to $a(e t#e lind $an see #i$5 8I rec(on t#atll
s#o+ you you cant $uscle in on $e6 Sold ei0#t 'eelers5 soldB:
8!i-e $e one o) t#e$5: t#e c#ild said5 'ointin0 to t#e 'eelers6
8Han#3: #e said6
S#e reac#ed in #er 'oc(et and dre+ out a lon0 coin 'urse and o'ened it6 8!i-e $e one o)
t#e$5: s#e said5 #oldin0 out t+o )i)ty cent 'ieces6
T#e $an eyed t#e $oney +it# #is $out# #i(ed on one side6 8* uc( )i)ty5 sister5: #e said6
S#e 'ulled #er #and in 9uic(ly and all at once 0lared around at HaEel Motes as i) #e #ad
$ade a noise at #er6 T#e lind $an +as $o-in0 o))6 S#e stood a second 0larin0 redH)aced at
HaEe and t#en s#e turned and )ollo+ed t#e lind $an6 HaEe started suddenly6
8Listen5: Enoc# E$ery said5 8I aint 0ot ut a dollar si"teen cent and I +ant $e one o)
t#e$B:
8,ou can (ee' it5: t#e $an said5 ta(in0 t#e uc(et o)) t#e card tale6 8T#is aint no cutHrate
@oint6:
HaEel Motes stood starin0 a)ter t#e lind $an5 @er(in0 #is #ands in and out o) #is 'oc(ets6
He loo(ed as i) #e +ere tryin0 to $o-e )or+ard and ac(+ard at t#e sa$e ti$e6 T#en suddenly
#e t#rust t+o ills at t#e $an sellin0 'eelers and snatc#ed a o" o)) t#e card tale and started
do+n t#e street6 In @ust a second Enoc# E$ery +as 'antin0 at #is elo+6
8My5 I rec(on you 0ot a #ea' o) $oney5: Enoc# E$ery said6 HaEe turned t#e corner and sa+
t#e$ aout a loc( a#ead o) #i$6 T#en #e slo+ed do+n so$e and sa+ Enoc# E$ery t#ere6
Enoc# #ad on a yello+is# +#ite suit +it# a 'in(is# +#ite s#irt and #is tie +as a 0reen'eais#
color6 He +as 0rinnin06 He loo(ed li(e a )riendly #ound do0 +it# li0#t $an0e6 8Ho+ lon0 you
een #ere3: #e in9uired6
8T+o days5: HaEe $uttered6
8I een #ere t+o $ont#s5: Enoc# said6 8I +or( )or t#e city6 &#ere you +or(3:
8/ot +or(in05: HaEe said6
8T#ats too ad5: Enoc# said6 8I +or( )or t#e city6: He s(i''ed a ste' to 0et in line +it# HaEe5
t#en #e said5 8I$ ei0#teen year old and I aint een #ere ut t+o $ont#s and I already +or(
)or t#e city6:
8T#ats )ine5: HaEe said6 He 'ulled #is #at do+n )art#er on t#e side Enoc# E$ery +as on and
+al(ed )aster6
8I didnt (etc# your na$e 0ood5: Enoc# said6
HaEe said #is na$e6
8,ou loo( li(e you $i0#t e )ollerin0 t#e$ #ic(s5: Enoc# re$ar(ed6 8,ou 0o in )or a lot o)
4esus3:
8/o5: HaEe said6
8/o5 $e neit#er5 not $uc#5: Enoc# a0reed6 8I +ent to t#isyer Rode$ill %oys %ile *cade$y
)or )our +ee(s6 T#isyer +o$an t#at traded $e )ro$ $y daddy s#e sent $eD s#e +as a &el)are
+o$an6 4esus5 )our +ee(s and I t#ou0#t I +as 0onna e sancti)ied craEy6:
HaEe +al(ed to t#e end o) t#e loc( and Enoc# stayed all t#e ti$e at #is elo+5 'antin0 and
tal(in06 &#en HaEe started across t#e street5 Enoc# yelled5 8.ont you see t#eter li0#tS T#at
$eans you 0ot to +aitS: * co' le+ a +#istle and a car lasted its #orn and sto''ed s#ort6 HaEe
+ent on across5 (ee'in0 #is eyes on t#e lind $an in t#e $iddle o) t#e loc(5 T#e 'olice$an
(e't lo+in0 t#e +#istle6 He crossed t#e street o-er to +#ere HaEe +as and sto''ed #i$6 He
#ad a t#in )ace and o-alHs#a'ed yello+ eyes6
8,ou (no+ +#at t#at little t#in0 #an0in0 u' t#ere is )or3: #e as(ed5 'ointin0 to t#e tra))ic
li0#t o-er t#e intersection6
8I didnt see it5: HaEe said6
T#e 'olice$an loo(ed at #i$ +it#out sayin0 anyt#in06 * )e+ 'eo'le sto''ed6 He rolled #is
eyes at t#e$6 8Maye you t#ou0#t t#e red ones +as )or +#ite )ol(s and t#e 0reen ones )or
colored5: #e said6
8,ea#5 I t#ou0#t t#at5: HaEe said6 8Ta(e your #and o)) $e6:
T#e 'olice$an too( #is #and o)) and 'ut it on #is #i'6 He ac(ed one ste' a+ay and said5
8,ou tell all your )riends aout t#ese li0#ts6 Red is to sto'5 0reen is to 0oI$en and +o$en5
+#ite )ol(s and ni00ers5 all 0o on t#e sa$e li0#t6 ,ou tell all your )riends so +#en t#ey co$e to
to+n5 t#eyll (no+6: T#e 'eo'le lau0#ed6
8Ill loo( a)ter #i$5: Enoc# E$ery said5 'us#in0 in y t#e 'olice$an6 8He aint een #ere ut
only t+o days6 Ill loo( a)ter #i$6:
8Ho+ lon0 you een #ere3: t#e co' as(ed6
8I +as orn and raised #ere5: Enoc# said6 8T#is is $y ole #o$e to+n6 Ill ta(e care o) #i$ )or
you6 Hey +aitS: #e yelled at HaEe6 8&ait on $eS: He 'us#ed out t#e cro+d and cau0#t u' +it#
#i$6 8I rec(on I sa-ed you t#at ti$e5: #e said6
8I$ oli0ed5: HaEe said6
8It +asnt not#in05: Enoc# said6 8&#y dont +e 0o in &al0reens and 0et us a soda3 *int no
ni0#tclus o'en t#is early6:
8I dont li(e no dru0stores5: HaEe said6 8!oody6:
8T#ats all ri0#t5: Enoc# said6 8I rec(on Ill 0o alon0 and (ee' you co$'any )or a +#ile6: He
loo(ed u' a#ead at t#e cou'le and said5 8I s#o +ouldnt +ant to 0et $essed u' +it# no #ic(s
t#is ti$e o) ni0#t5 'articularly t#e 4esus (ind6 I done #ad enou0# o) t#e$ $ysel)6 T#isyer
+o$an t#at traded $e )ro$ $y daddy didnt do not#in0 ut 'ray6 Me and daddy5 +e $o-ed
around +it# a sa+$ill +#ere +e +or(ed and it set u' outside %oon-ille one su$$er and #ere
co$e t#isyer +o$an6: He cau0#t #old o) HaEes coat6 8Only o@ection I 0ot to Taul(in#a$ is
t#eres too $any 'eo'le on t#e street5: #e said con)identially5 8loo( li(e t#ey aint satis)ied
until t#ey (noc( you do+nI+ell5 #ere s#e co$e and I rec(on s#e too( a )ancy to $e6 I +as
t+el-e year old and I could sin0 so$e #y$ns 0ood I learnt o)) a ni00er6 So #ere s#e co$es
ta(in0 a )ancy to $e and traded $e o)) $y daddy and too( $e to %oon-ille to li-e +it# #er6 S#e
#ad a ric( #ouse ut it +as 4esus all day lan06: &#ile #e +as tal(in0 #e +as loo(in0 u' at HaEe5
studyin0 #is )ace6 *ll o) a sudden #e u$'ed into a little $an lost in a 'air o) )aded o-eralls6
8&#ynt you loo( +#ere you 0oin03: #e 0ro+led6
T#e little $an sto''ed s#ort and raised #is ar$ in a -icious 0esture and a $ean do0 loo(
ca$e on #is )ace6 8&#o you tellin +#at3: #e snarled6
8,ou see5: Enoc# said5 @u$'in0 to catc# u' +it# HaEe5 8all t#ey +ant to do is (noc( you
do+n6 I aint ne-er een to suc# a un)riendly 'lace e)ore6 E-en +it# t#at +o$an6 I stayed +it#
#er )or t+o $ont#s in t#at #ouse o) #ers5: #e +ent on5 8and t#en co$e )all s#e sent $e to t#e
Rode$ill %oys %ile *cade$y and I t#ou0#t t#at s#o +as 0onna e so$e relie)6 T#is +o$an
+as #ard to 0et alon0 +it#Is#e +asnt old5 I rec(on s#e +as )orty year oldIut s#e s#o +as
u0ly6 S#e #ad t#e seyer ro+n 0lasses and #er #air +as so t#in it loo(ed li(e #a$ 0ra-y tric(lin0
o-er #er s(ull6 I t#ou0#t it +as 0onna e so$e certain relie) to 0et to t#at *c6 ide$-6 I #ad run
a+ay oncet on #er and s#e 0ot $e ac( and co$e to )ind out s#e #ad 'a'ers on $e and s#e
could send $e to t#e 'enitentiary i) I didnt stay +it# #er so I s#o +as 0lad to 0et to t#eter
*cade$y6 ,ou e-er een to a acade$y3:
HaEe didnt see$ to #ear t#e 9uestion6 He still #eld #is eye on t#e lind $an in t#e ne"t
loc(6
8&ell5 it +ont no relie)5: Enoc# said6 8!ood 4esus5 it +ont no relie)6 I run a+ay )ro$ t#ere
a)ter )our +ee(s and durn i) s#e didnt 0et $e ac( and rou0#t $e to t#at #ouse o) #ers a0ain6
I 0ot out t#ou0#6: He +aited a $inute6 8,ou +ant to (no+ #o+3:
*)ter a second #e said5 8I scared #ell out o) t#at +o$an5 t#ats #o+6 I studied on it and
studied on it6 I e-en 'rayed6 I said5 A4esus5 s#o+ $e t#e +ay to 0et out o) #ere +it#out (illin0
t#isyer +o$an and 0ettin0 sent to t#e 'enitentiary6 *nd durn i) He didnt6 I 0ot u' one $ornin0
at @ust dayli0#t and I +ent in #er roo$ +it#out $y 'ants on and 'ulled t#e s#eet o)) #er and
0i-er a #eart attac(t6 T#en I +ent ac( to $y daddy and +e aint seen #ide o) #er since6
8,our @a+ @ust cra+ls5: #e oser-ed5 +atc#in0 t#e side o) HaEes )ace6 8,ou dont ne-er
lau0#6 I +ouldnt e sur'rised i) you +asnt a real +ealt#y $an6:
HaEe turned do+n a side street6 T#e lind $an and t#e 0irl +ere Oil t#e corner a loc(
a#ead6
8&ell5 I rec(on +e 0onna (etc# u' +it# e$ a)ter all5: Enoc# said6 8*int t#at 0irl u0ly5
t#ou0#3 ,ou seen t#e$ s#oes s#e #as on3 Mens s#oes5 loo(s li(e6 ,ou (no+ $any 'eo'le
#ere3:
8/o5: HaEe said6
8,ou aint 0onna (no+ none neit#er6 T#is is one $ore #ard 'lace to $a(e )riends in6 I een
#ere t+o $ont#s and I dont (no+ noody5 loo( li(e all t#ey +ant to do is (noc( you do+n6 I
rec(on you 0ot a ri0#t #ea' o) $oney5: #e said6 8I aint 0ot none6 Had5 Id s#o (no+ +#at to do
+it# it6: T#e $an and t#e 0irl sto''ed on t#e corner and turned u' t#e le)t side o) t#e street6
8&e catc#in0 u'5: #e said6 8I et +ell e at so$e $eetin0 sin0in0 #y$ns +it# #er and #er
daddy i) +e dont +atc# out6:
7' in t#e ne"t loc( t#ere +as a lar0e uildin0 +it# colu$ns and a do$e6 T#e lind $an
and t#e c#ild +ere 0oin0 to+ard it6 T#ere +as a car 'ar(ed in e-ery s'ace around t#e uildin0
and on t#e ot#er side t#e street and u' and do+n t#e streets near it6 8T#at aint no 'icture
s#o+5: Enoc# said6 T#e lind $an and t#e 0irl turned u' t#e ste's to t#e uildin06 T#e ste's
+ent all t#e +ay across t#e )ront5 and on eit#er side t#ere +ere stone lions sittin0 on 'edestals6
8*int no c#urc#5: Enoc# said6 HaEe sto''ed at t#e ste's6 He loo(ed as i) #e +ere tryin0 to
settle #is )ace into an e"'ression6 He 'ulled t#e lac( #at )or+ard at a nasty an0le and started
to+ard t#e t+o5 +#o #ad sat do+n in t#e corner y one o) t#e lions6
*s t#ey ca$e nearer t#e lind $an leaned )or+ard as i) #e +ere listenin0 to t#e )ootste's5
t#en #e stood u'5 #oldin0 a tract out in #is #and6
8Sit do+n5: t#e c#ild said in a loud -oice6 8It aint noody ut t#e$ t+o oys6:
8/oody ut us5: Enoc# E$ery said6 8Me and #i$ een )ollerin you all aout a $ile6:
8I (ne+ so$eody +as )ollo+in0 $e5: t#e lind $an said6 8Sit do+n6:
8T#ey aint #ere )or not#in0 ut to $a(e )un5: t#e c#ild said6 S#e loo(ed as i) s#e s$elled
so$et#in0 ad6 T#e lind $an +as )eelin0 out to touc# t#e$6 HaEe stood @ust out o) reac# o)
#is #ands5 s9uintin0 at #i$ as i) #e +ere tryin0 to see t#e e$'ty eye soc(ets under t#e 0reen
0lasses6
8It aint $e5 its #i$5: Enoc# said6 8Hes een runnin0 a)ter ya+l e-er since ac( yonder y
t#e$ 'otato 'eelers6 &e ou0#t one o) e$6:
8I (ne+ so$eody +as )ollo+in0 $eS: t#e lind $an said6 8I )elt it all t#e +ay ac( yonder6:
8I aint )ollo+ed you5: HaEe said6 He )elt t#e 'eeler o" in #is #and and loo(ed at t#e 0irl6
T#e lac( (nitted ca' ca$e do+n al$ost to #er eyes6 S#e loo(ed as i) s#e $i0#t e t#irteen or
)ourteen years old6 8I aint )ollo+ed you no+#ere5: #e said sourly6 8I )ollo+ed #er6: He stuc(
t#e 'eeler o" out at #er6
S#e @u$'ed ac( and loo(ed as i) s#e +ere 0oin0 to s+allo+ #er )ace6 8I dont +ant t#at
t#in05: s#e said6 8&#at you t#in( I +ant +it# t#at t#in03 Ta(e it6 It aint $ine6 I dont +ant itS:
8I ta(e it +it# t#an(s )or #er5: t#e lind $an said6 8Put it in your sac(5: #e said to #er6
HaEe t#rust t#e 'eeler at #er a0ain5 ut #e +as still loo(in0 at t#e lind $an6
8I +ont #a-e it5: s#e $uttered6
8Ta(e it li(e I told you5: t#e lind $an said s#ortly6
*)ter a second s#e too( it and s#o-ed it in t#e sac( +#ere t#e tracts +ere6 8It aint $ine5:
s#e said6 8I dont +ant none o) it6 I 0ot it ut it aint $ine6:
8S#e t#an(s you )or it5: t#e lind $an said6 8I (ne+ so$eody +as )ollo+in0 $e6:
8I aint )ollo+ed you no+#ere5: HaEe said6 8I )ollo+ed #er to say I aint e#olden )or none o)
#er )ast eye li(e s#e 0a-e $e ac( yonder6: He didnt loo( at #er5 #e loo(ed at t#e lind $an6
8&#at do you $ean3: s#e s#outed6 8I ne-er 0a-e you no )ast eye6 I only +atc# you tearin0
u' t#at tract6 He tore it u' in little 'ieces5: s#e said5 'us#in0 t#e lind $ans s#oulder6 8He tore
it u' and s'rin(led it o-er t#e 0round li(e salt and +i'ed #is #ands on #is 'ants6:
8He )ollo+ed $e5: t#e lind $an said6 8&ouldnt anyody )ollo+ you6 I can #ear t#e ur0e
)or 4esus in #is -oice6:
84esus5: HaEe $uttered5 8$y 4esus6: He sat do+n y t#e 0irls le06 His #ead +as at #er (nee
and #e set #is #and on t#e ste' ne"t to #er )oot6 S#e #ad on $ens s#oes and lac( cotton
stoc(in0s6 T#e s#oes +ere laced u' ti0#t and tied in 'recise o+s6 S#e $o-ed #ersel) a+ay
rou0#ly and sat do+n e#ind t#e lind $an6
8Listen at #is cursin05: s#e said in a lo+ tone6 8He ne-er )ollo+ed you6:
8Listen5: t#e lind $an said5 8you cant run a+ay )ro$ 4esus6 4esus is a )act6 I) +#o youre
loo(in0 )or is 4esus5 t#e sound o) it +ill e in your -oice6:
8I dont #ear not#in0 in #is -oice5: Enoc# E$ery said6 8I (no+ a +#ole #ea' aout 4esus
ecause I attended t#is #ere Rode$ill %oys %ile *cade$y t#at a +o$an sent $e to6 I) it +as
anyt#in0 aout 4esus in #is -oice I could certainly #ear it6: He #ad 0ot u' onto t#e lions ac(
and #e +as sittin0 t#ere side+ays crossle00ed6
T#e lind $an reac#ed out a0ain and #is #ands suddenly co-ered HaEes )ace6 For a second
HaEe didnt $o-e or $a(e any sound6 T#en #e (noc(ed t#e #ands o))6 8Tuit it5: #e said in a
)aint -oice6 8,ou dont (no+ not#in0 aout $e6:
8,ou 0ot a secret need5: t#e lind $an said6 8T#e$ t#at (no+ 4esus once cant esca'e Hi$
in t#e end6:
8I aint ne-er (no+n Hi$5: HaEe said6
8,ou 0ot a least (no+led0e5: t#e lind $an said6 8T#ats enou0#6 ,ou (no+ His na$e and
youre $ar(ed6 I) 4esus #as $ar(ed you t#ere aint not#in0 you can do aout it6 T#e$ t#at #a-e
(no+led0e cant s+a' it )or i0norance6: He +as leanin0 )or+ard ut in t#e +ron0 direction so
t#at #e a''eared to e tal(in0 to t#e ste' elo+ HaEes )oot6 HaEe sat leanin0 ac(+ard +it#
t#e lac( #at tilted )or+ard o-er #is )ace6
8My daddy loo(s @ust li(e 4esus5: Enoc# said )ro$ t#e lions ac(6 8His #air #an0s to #is
s#oulders6 Only di))erence is #es 0ot a scar acrost #is c#in6 I aint ne-er seen +#o $y $ot#er
is6:
8,oure $ar(ed +it# (no+led0e5: t#e lind $an said6 8,ou (no+ +#at sin is and only t#e$
t#at (no+ +#at it is can co$$it it6 I (ne+ all t#e ti$e +e +ere +al(in0 #ere so$eody +as
)ollo+in0 $e5: #e said6 8,ou couldnt #a-e )ollo+ed #er6 &ouldnt anyody )ollo+ #er6 I could
)eel t#ere +as so$eody near +it# an ur0e )or 4esus6:
8T#ere aint not#in0 )or your 'ain ut 4esus5: t#e 0irl said suddenly6 S#e leaned )or+ard and
stuc( #er ar$ out +it# #er )in0er 'ointed at HaEes s#oulder5 ut #e s'at do+n t#e ste's and
didnt loo( at #er6 8Listen5: s#e said in a louder -oice5 8t#is #ere $an and +o$an (illed t#is
little ay6 It +as #er o+n c#ild ut it +as u0ly and s#e ne-er 0i-e it any lo-e6 T#is c#ild #ad
4esus and t#is +o$an didnt #a-e not#in0 ut 0ood loo(s and a $an s#e +as li-in0 in Sin +it#6
S#e sent t#e c#ild a+ay and it co$e ac( and s#e sent it a+ay a0ain and it co$e ac( a0ain and
e-er ti$e s#e sent it a+ay it co$e ac( to +#ere #er and t#is $an +as li-in0 in Sin6 T#ey
stran0led it +it# a sil( stoc( n0 and #un0 it u' in t#e c#i$ney6 It didnt 0i-e #er any 'eace a)ter
t#at5 t#ou0#6 E-eryt#in0 s#e loo(ed at +as t#at c#ild6 4esus $ade it eauti)ul to #aunt #er6 S#e
couldnt lie +it# t#at $an +it#out s#e sa+ it5 starin0 t#rou0# t#e c#i$ney at #er5 s#inin0
t#rou0# t#e ric( in t#e $iddle o) t#e ni0#t6: S#e $o-ed #er )eet around so t#at @ust t#e ti's o)
t#e$ stuc( out )ro$ #er s(irt +#ic# s#e #ad 'ulled ti0#t around #er le0s6 8S#e didnt #a-e
not#in0 ut 0ood loo(s5: s#e said in a loud )ast -oice6 8T#at aint enou0#6 /o sirree6:
8My 4esus5: HaEe said6
8It aint enou0#5: s#e re'eated6
8I #ear t#e$ scra'in0 t#eir )eet inside t#ere5: t#e lind $an said6
8!et out t#e tracts5 t#eyre )i"in0 to co$e out6:
8&#at +e 0onna do3: Enoc# as(ed6 8&#ats inside t#eter uildin03:
8* 'ro0ra$ lettin0 out5: t#e lind $an said6 T#e c#ild too( t#e tracts out t#e 0unny sac(
and 0a-e #i$ t+o unc#es o) t#e$5 tied +it# a strin06 8,ou and Enoc# E$ery 0o o-er on t#at
side and 0i-e out5: #e said to #er6 8Me and t#is oyll stay o-er #ere6:
8He dont #a-e no usiness touc#in0 t#e$5: s#e said6 8He dont +ant to do not#in0 ut
s#red t#e$ u'6:
8!o li(e I told you5: t#e lind $an said6
S#e stood t#ere a second5 sco+lin06 T#en s#e said5 8,ou co$e on i) youre co$in05: to
Enoc# E$ery and Enoc# @u$'ed o)) t#e lion and )ollo+ed #er o-er to t#e ot#er side6
T#e lind $an +as reac#in0 )or+ard6 HaEe duc(ed to t#e side ut t#e lind $an +as ne"t to
#i$ on t#e ste' +it# #is #and cla$'ed around #is ar$6 He leaned )or+ard so t#at #e +as
)acin0 HaEes (nee and #e said in a )ast +#is'er5 8,ou )ollo+ed $e #ere ecause youre in Sin
ut you can e a testa$ent to t#e Lord6 Re'entS !o to t#e #ead o) t#e stairs and renounce your
sins and distriute t#ese tracts to t#e 'eo'le5: and #e t#rust t#e stac( o) 'a$'#lets into HaEes
#and6
HaEe @er(ed #is ar$ a+ay ut #e only 'ulled t#e lind $an nearer6 8Listen5: #e said5 8I$ as
clean as you are6:
8Fornication5: t#e lind $an said6
8T#at aint not#in0 ut a +ord5: HaEe said6 8I) I +as in Sin I +as in it e)ore I e-er co$$itted
any6 *int no c#an0e co$e in $e6: He +as tryin0 to 'ry t#e )in0ers o)) )ro$ around #is ar$ ut
t#e lind $an (e't +ra''in0 t#e$ ti0#ter6 8I dont elie-e in Sin5: #e said6 8Ta(e your #and o))
$e6:
8,ou do5: t#e lind $an said5 8youre $ar(ed6:
8I aint $ar(ed5: HaEe said5 8I$ )ree6:
8,oure $ar(ed )ree5: t#e lind $an said6 84esus lo-es you and you cant esca'e #is $ar(6
!o to t#e #ead o) t#e stairs andB:
HaEe @er(ed #is ar$ )ree and @u$'ed u'6 8Ill ta(e t#e$ u' t#ere and t#ro+ t#e$ o-er into
t#e us#es5: #e said6 8,ou e loo(in0S See can you see6:
8I can see $ore t#an youS: t#e lind $an s#outed6 8,ou 0ot eyes and see not5 ears and #ear
not5 ut 4esusll $a(e you seeS:
8,ou e +atc#in0 i) you can seeS: HaEe said5 and started runnin0 u' t#e ste's6 Peo'le +ere
already co$in0 out t#e auditoriu$ doors and so$e +ere #al)+ay do+n t#e ste's6 He 'us#ed
t#rou0# t#e$ +it# #is elo+s out li(e s#ar' +in0s and +#en #e 0ot to t#e to'5 a ne+ sur0e o)
t#e$ 'us#ed #i$ ac( al$ost to +#ere #e #ad started u'6 He )ou0#t t#rou0# t#e$ a0ain until
so$eody #ollered5 8Ma(e roo$ )or t#is idiotS: and 'eo'le 0ot out o) #is +ay6 He rus#ed to t#e
to' and 'us#ed #is +ay o-er to t#e side and stood t#ere5 0larin0 and 'antin06
8I ne-er )ollo+ed #i$5: #e said aloud6 8I +ouldnt )ollo+ a lind )ool li(e t#at6 My 4esus6: He
stood a0ainst t#e uildin05 #oldin0 t#e stac( o) lea)lets y t#e strin06 * )at $an sto''ed near
#i$ to li0#t a ci0ar5 and HaEe 'us#ed #is s#oulder6 8Loo( do+n yonder5: #e said6 8See t#at lind
$an do+n t#ere5 #es 0i-in0 out tracts6 4esus6 ,ou ou0#t to see #i$ and #es 0ot t#is #ere u0ly
c#ild dressed u' in +o$ans clot#es5 0i-in0 t#e$ out too6 My 4esus6:
8T#eres al+ays )anatics5: t#e )at $an said5 $o-in0 on6
8My 4esus5: HaEe said6 He leaned )or+ard near an old +o$an +it# oran0e #air and a collar
o) red +ooden eads6 8,ou etter 0et on t#e ot#er side5 lady5: #e said6 8T#eres a )ool do+n
t#ere 0i-in0 out tracts6: T#e cro+d e#ind t#e old +o$an 'us#ed #er on5 ut s#e loo(ed at #i$
)or an instant +it# t+o ri0#t )lea eyes6 He started to+ard #er t#rou0# t#e 'eo'le ut s#e +as
already too )ar a+ay5 and #e 'us#ed ac( to +#ere #e #ad een standin0 a0ainst t#e +all6
8S+eet 4esus C#rist cruci)ied5: #e said5 and )elt so$et#in0 turn in #is c#est6 T#e cro+d +as
$o-in0 )ast6 It +as li(e a i0 s'read ra-ellin0 and t#e se'arate t#reads disa''eared do+n t#e
dar( streets until t#ere +as not#in0 le)t o) it and #e +as standin0 on t#e 'orc# o) t#e
auditoriu$ y #i$sel)6 T#e tracts +ere s'ec(led all o-er t#e ste's and on t#e side+al( and out
into t#e street6 T#e lind $an +as standin0 do+n on t#e )irst ste'5 ent o-er5 )eelin0 )or t#e
cru$'led 'a$'#lets scattered around #i$6 Enoc# E$ery +as o-er on t#e ot#er side5 standin0
on t#e lions #ead and tryin0 to alance #i$sel)5 and t#e c#ild +as 'ic(in0 u' t#e 'a$'#lets
t#at +ere not too crus#ed to use a0ain and 'uttin0 t#e$ ac( in t#e 0unny sac(6
I dont need no 4esus5 HaEe said6 I dont need no 4esus6 I 0ot Leora &atts6
He ran do+n t#e ste's to +#ere t#e lind $an +as5 and sto''ed6
He stood t#ere )or a second @ust out o) reac# o) #is #ands +#ic# #ad e0un to 0ro'e
)or+ard5 #untin0 t#e sound o) #is ste'5 and t#en #e started across t#e street6 He +as on t#e
ot#er side e)ore t#e -oice 'ierced a)ter #i$6 He turned and sa+ t#e lind $an standin0 in t#e
$iddle o) t#e street5 s#outin05 8S#ri(eS S#ri(eS My na$e is *sa S#ri(e +#en you +ant $eS: *
car #ad to s+er-e to t#e side to (ee' )ro$ #ittin0 #i$6
HaEe dre+ #is #ead do+n nearer #is #unc#ed s#oulders and +ent on 9uic(ly6 He didnt loo(
ac( until #e #eard t#e )ootste's co$in0 e#ind #i$6
8/o+ t#at +e 0ot s#ut o) t#e$5: Enoc# E$ery 'anted5 8+#ynt +e 0o so$$er and #a-e us
so$e )un3:
8Listen5: HaEe said rou0#ly5 8I 0ot usiness o) $y o+n6 I seen all o) you I +ant6: He e0an
+al(in0 -ery )ast6
Enoc# (e't s(i''in0 ste's to (ee' u'6 8I een #ere t+o $ont#s5: #e said5 8and I dont (no+
noody6 Peo'le aint )riendly #ere6 I 0ot $e a roo$ and t#ere aint ne-er noody in it ut $e6
My daddy said I #ad to co$e6 I +ouldnt ne-er #a-e co$e ut #e $ade $e6 I t#in( I seen you
so$$ers e)ore6 ,ou aint )ro$ Stoc(+ell5 are you3:
8/o6:
8Melsy3:
8/o6:
8Sa+$ill set u' t#ere oncet5: Enoc# said6 8Loo( li(e you #ad a (ind o) )a$iler )ace6:
T#ey +al(ed on +it#out sayin0 anyt#in0 until t#ey 0ot on t#e $ain street a0ain6 It +as
al$ost deserted6 8!oody5: HaEe said and 9uic(ened #is +al( a0ain6
8I$ 0oin0 t#isa+ay too5: Enoc# said in a sullen -oice6 On t#e le)t t#ere +as a $o-ie #ouse
+#ere t#e electric ill +as ein0 c#an0ed6 8&e #adnt 0ot tied u' +it# t#e$ #ic(s5 +e could
#a-e 0one to a s#o+5: #e $uttered6 He strode alon0 at HaEes elo+5 tal(in0 in a #al) $u$le5
#al) +#ine6 Once #e cau0#t at #is slee-e to slo+ #i$ do+n and HaEe @er(ed it a+ay6 8He $ade
$e co$e5: #e said in a crac(ed -oice6 HaEe loo(ed at #i$ and sa+ #e +as cryin05 #is )ace
sea$ed and +et and a 'ur'leH'in( color6 8I aint ut ei0#teen year5: #e cried5 8and #e $ade $e
co$e and I dont (no+ noody5 noody #erell #a-e not#in0 to do +it# noody else6 T#ey aint
)riendly6 He done 0one o)) +it# a +o$an and $ade $e co$e ut s#e aint 0onna stay )or lon05
#es 0onna eat #ell out o) #er e)ore s#e 0ets #ersel) stuc( to a c#air6 ,ou t#e )irst )a$iler )ace
I seen in t+o $ont#s5 I seen you so$$ers e)ore6 I (no+ I seen you so$$ers e)ore6:
HaEe loo(ed strai0#t a#ead +it# #is )ace set #ard5 and Enoc# (e't u' t#e #al) $u$le5 #al)
luer6 T#ey 'assed a c#urc# and a #otel and an anti9ue s#o' and turned u' a street )ull o)
ric( #ouses5 eac# ali(e in t#e dar(ness6
8I) you +ant you a +o$an you dont #a-e to e )ollerin not#in0 loo(ed li(e #er5: Enoc#
said6 8I #eard aout +#ere t#eres a #ouse )ull o) t+oHdollar ones6 &#ynt +e 0o #a-e us so$e
)un3 I could 'ay you ac( ne"t +ee(6:
8Loo(5: HaEe said5 8I$ 0oin0 +#ere I stayIt+o doors )ro$ #ere6 I 0ot a +o$an6 I 0ot a
+o$an5 you understand3 I dont need to 0o +it# you6:
8I could 'ay you ac( ne"t +ee(5: Enoc# said6 8I +or( at t#e city Eoo6 I 0uard a 0ate and I 0et
'aid e-er +ee(6:
8!et a+ay )ro$ $e5: HaEe said6
8Peo'le aint )riendly #ere6 ,ou aint )ro$ #ere and you aint )riendly neit#er6:
HaEe didnt ans+er #i$6 He +ent on +it# #is nec( dra+n close to #is s#oulder lades as i)
#e +ere cold6
8,ou dont (no+ noody neit#er5: Enoc# said6 8,ou aint 0ot no +o$an or not#in0 to do6 I
(ne+ +#en I )irst seen you you didnt #a-e noody or not#in06 I seen you and I (ne+ it6:
8T#is is +#ere I li-e5: HaEe said5 and #e turned u' t#e +al( o) t#e #ouse +it#out loo(in0
ac( at Enoc#6
Enoc# sto''ed6 8,ea#5: #e cried5 8o# yea#5: and #e ran #is slee-e under #is nose to sto'
t#e sni-el6 8,ea#5: #e cried6 8!o on +#ere you 0ain ut loo(er #ere6: He sla''ed at #is 'oc(et
and ran u' and cau0#t HaEes slee-e and rattled t#e 'eeler o" at #i$6 8S#e 0i-e $e t#is6 S#e
0i-e it to $e and t#ere aint not#in0 you can do aout it6 S#e in-ited $e to co$e to see t#e$
and not you and it +as you )ollerin t#e$6: His eyes 0linted t#rou0# #is tears and #is )ace
stretc#ed in an e-il croo(ed 0rin6
HaEes $out# @er(ed ut #e didnt say anyt#in06 He stood t#ere )or an instant5 s$all in t#e
$iddle o) t#e ste's5 and t#en #e raised #is ar$ and #urled t#e stac( o) tracts #e #ad een
carryin06 It #it Enoc# in t#e c#est and (noc(ed #is $out# o'en6 He stood loo(in05 +it# #is
$out# #an0in0 o'en5 at +#ere it #ad #it #is )ront5 and t#en #e turned and tore o)) do+n t#e
streetD and HaEe +ent into t#e #ouse6
T#e ni0#t e)ore +as t#e )irst ti$e #e #ad sle't +it# Leora &atts or any +o$an5 and #e
#ad not een -ery success)ul +it# #er6 &#en #e )inis#ed5 #e +as li(e so$et#in0 +as#ed as#ore
on #er5 and s#e #ad $ade oscene co$$ents aout #i$5 +#ic# #e re$e$ered 0radually
durin0 t#e day6 He +as uneasy in t#e t#ou0#t o) 0oin0 to #er a0ain6 He didnt (no+ +#at s#e
+ould say +#en s#e o'ened t#e door and sa+ #i$ t#ere6
&#en s#e o'ened t#e door and sa+ #i$ t#ere5 s#e said5 8Ha #a6: S#e +as a i0 londe
+o$an +it# a 0reen ni0#t0o+n on6 8&#at do ,O7 +ant3: s#e said6
He 'ut #is )ace into +#at #e t#ou0#t +as an allH(no+in0 e"'ression ut it +as only
stretc#ed a little on one side6 T#e lac( +ool #at sat on #is #ead s9uarely6 Leora le)t t#e door
o'en and +ent ac( to t#e ed6 He ca$e in +it# #is #at on and +#en it (noc(ed t#e sac(ed
electric li0#tul5 #e too( it o))6 Leora rested #er )ace on #er #and and +atc#ed #i$6 He e0an
to $o-e around t#e roo$ e"a$inin0 t#is and t#at6 His t#roat 0ot dryer and #is #eart e0an to
0ri' #i$ li(e a little a'e clutc#in0 t#e ars o) its ca0e6 He sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) #er ed5 +it#
#is #at in #is #and6
Leoras eyes #ad narro+ed so$e and #er $out# #ad +idened and 0ot t#in as a (ni)e lade6
8T#at 4esusHseein0 #atS: s#e said6 S#e sat u' and 'ulled #er ni0#t0o+n )ro$ under #er and too(
it o))6 S#e reac#ed )or #is #at and 'ut it on #er #ead and sat +it# #er #ands on #er #i's5
+atc#in0 #i$6 HaEe stared lan(H)aced )or a $inute5 t#en #e $ade t#ree 9uic( noises t#at +ere
lau0#s6 He @u$'ed )or t#e electric li0#t cord and undressed in t#e dar(6
Once +#en #e +as s$all5 #is )at#er too( #i$ and #is sister5 Ruy5 to a carni-al t#at sto''ed
in Melsy6 T#ere +as one tent t#at cost $ore $oney5 a little o)) to t#e side6 * driedHu' $an +it#
a #orn -oice +as ar(in0 it6 He ne-er said +#at +as inside6 He said it +as so SI/sational t#at it
+ould cost any $an +anted to see it t#irty)i-e cents5 and it +as so EVclusi-e5 only )i)teen could
0et in at a ti$e6 His )at#er sent #i$ and Ruy to a tent +#ere t+o $on(eys danced5 and t#en
#e $ade )or it5 $o-in0 s#uttleH)aced and close to t#e +alls o) t#in0s5 li(e #e $o-ed6 HaEe le)t
t#e $on(eys and )ollo+ed #i$5 ut #e didnt #a-e t#irty)i-e cents6
He as(ed t#e ar(er +#at +as inside6
8%eat it5: t#e $an said5 8t#ere aint no 'o' and t#ere aint no $on(eys6:
8I already seen t#e$5: #e said6
8T#ats )ine5: t#e $an said5 8eat it6:
8I 0ot )i)teen cents5: #e said6 8&#ynt you le$$e in and I could see #al) o) it6: Its
so$et#in0 aout a 'ri-y5 #e +as t#in(in06 Its so$e $en in a 'ri-y6 T#en #e t#ou0#t5 $aye its
a $an and a +o$an in a 'ri-y6 S#e +ouldnt +ant $e in t#ere6 8I 0ot )i)teen cents5: #e said6
8Its $ore t#an #al) o-er5: t#e $an said5 )annin0 +it# #is stra+ #at6 8,ou run alon06:
8T#atll e )i)teen cents +ort# t#en5: HaEe said6
8Scra$5: t#e $an said6
8Is it a ni00er3: HaEe as(ed6 8*re t#ey doin0 so$et#in0 to a ni00er3:
T#e $an leaned o)) #is 'lat)or$ and #is driedHu' )ace dre+ into a 0lare6 8&#ered you 0et
t#at idear3: #e said6
8I dont (no+5: HaEe said6
8Ho+ old are you3: t#e $an as(ed6
8T+el-e5: HaEe said6 He +as ten6
8!i$$e t#at )i)teen cents5: t#e $an said5 8and 0et in t#ere6:
He slid t#e $oney on t#e 'lat)or$ and scra$led to 0et in e)ore it +as o-er6 He +ent
t#rou0# t#e )la' o) t#e tent and inside t#ere +as anot#er tent and #e +ent t#rou0# t#at6 His
)ace +as #ot t#rou0# to t#e ac( o) #is #ead6 *ll #e could see +ere t#e ac(s o) t#e $en6 He
cli$ed u' on a enc# and loo(ed o-er t#eir #eads6 T#ey +ere loo(in0 do+n into a lo+ered
'lace +#ere so$et#in0 +#ite +as lyin05 s9uir$in0 a little5 in a o" lined +it# lac( clot#6 For a
second #e t#ou0#t it +as a s(inned ani$al and t#en #e sa+ it +as a +o$an6 S#e +as )at and
s#e #ad a )ace li(e an ordinary +o$an e"ce't t#ere +as a $ole on t#e corner o) #er li'5 t#at
$o-ed +#en s#e 0rinned5 and one on #er side5 t#at +as $o-in0 too6 HaEes #ead eca$e so
#ea-y #e couldnt turn it a+ay )ro$ #er6
8Had one o) t#e$t#er uilt in e-er cas(et5: #is )at#er5 u' to+ard t#e )ront5 said5 8e a #ea'
ready to 0o sooner6:
He reco0niEed t#e -oice +it#out loo(in06 He )ell do+n o)) t#e enc# and scra$led out t#e
tent6 He cra+led out under t#e side o) t#e outside one ecause #e didnt +ant to 'ass t#e
ar(er6 He 0ot in t#e ac( o) a truc( and sat do+n in t#e )ar corner o) it6 T#e carni-al +as
$a(in0 a tin roar outside6
His $ot#er +as standin0 y t#e +as#'ot in t#e yard5 loo(in0 at #i$5 +#en #e 0ot #o$e6 S#e
+ore lac( all t#e ti$e and #er dresses +ere lon0er t#an ot#er +o$ens6 S#e +as standin0
t#ere strai0#t5 loo(in0 at #i$6 He slid e#ind a tree and 0ot out o) #er -ie+5 ut in a )e+
$inutes #e could )eel #er +atc#in0 #i$ t#rou0# t#e tree6 He sa+ t#e lo+ered 'lace and t#e
cas(et a0ain and a t#in +o$an in t#e cas(et +#o +as too lon0 )or it6 Her #ead stuc( u' at one
end and #er (nees +ere raised to $a(e #er )it6 S#e #ad a crossHs#a'ed )ace and #air 'ulled
close to #er #ead5 and s#e +as t+istin0 and tryin0 to co-er #ersel) +#ile t#e $en loo(ed
do+n6 He stood )lat a0ainst t#e tree5 dryHt#roated6 S#e le)t t#e +as# 'ot and co$e to+ard #i$
+it# a stic(6 S#e said5 8&#at you seen3:
8&#at you seen3: s#e said6
8&#at you seen3: s#e said5 usin0 t#e sa$e tone o) -oice all t#e ti$e6 S#e #it #i$ across t#e
le0s +it# t#e stic(5 ut #e +as li(e 'art o) t#e tree6 84esus died to redee$ you5: s#e said6
8I ne-er ast Hi$5: #e $uttered6
S#e didnt #it #i$ a0ain ut s#e stood loo(in0 at #i$5 s#ut$out#ed5 and #e )or0ot t#e 0uilt
o) t#e tent )or t#e na$eless un'laced 0uilt t#at +as in #i$6 In a $inute s#e t#re+ t#e stic(
a+ay )ro$ #er and +ent ac( to t#e +as# 'ot5 s#ut$out#ed6
T#e ne"t day #e too( #is s#oes in secret out into t#e +oods6 He ne-er +ore t#e$ e"ce't )or
re-i-als and in +inter6 He too( t#e$ out o) t#e o" and )illed t#e otto$s o) t#e$ +it# stones
and s$all roc(s and t#en #e 'ut t#e$ on6 He laced t#e$ u' ti0#t and +al(ed in t#e$ t#rou0#
t#e +oods +#at #e (ne+ to e a $ile5 until #e ca$e to a cree(5 and t#en #e sat do+n and too(
t#e$ o)) and eased #is )eet in t#e +et sand6 He t#ou0#t5 t#at ou0#t to satis)y Hi$6 /ot#in0
#a''ened6 I) a stone #ad )allen #e +ould #a-e ta(en it )or a si0n6 *)ter a +#ile #e dre+ #is )eet
out t#e sand and let t#e$ dry5 and t#en #e 'ut t#e s#oes on a0ain +it# t#e roc(s still in t#e$
and #e +al(ed a #al) $ile ac( e)ore #e too( t#e$ o))6
T#e Heart o) t#e Par( N;<=<O
E/OCH EMER, (ne+ +#en #e +o(e u' t#at today t#e 'erson #e could s#o+ it to +as 0oin0
to co$e6 He (ne+ y #is lood6 He #ad +ise lood li(e #is daddy6
*t t+o ocloc( t#at a)ternoon5 #e 0reeted t#e secondHs#i)t 0ate 0uard6 8,ou aint ut only
)i)teen $inutes late5: #e said irritaly6 8%ut I stayed6 I could o) +ent on ut I stayed6: He +ore a
0reen uni)or$ +it# yello+ 'i'in0 on t#e nec( and slee-es and a yello+ stri'e do+n t#e outside
o) eac# le06 T#e secondHs#i)t 0uard5 a oy +it# a @uttin0 s#aleHte"tured )ace and a toot#'ic( in
#is $out#5 +ore t#e sa$e6 T#e 0ate t#ey +ere standin0 y +as $ade o) iron ars and t#e
concrete arc# t#at #eld it +as )as#ioned to loo( li(e t+o treesD ranc#es cur-ed to )or$ t#e to'
o) it +#ere t+isted letters said5 CIT, FOREST P*RC6 T#e secondHs#i)t 0uard leaned a0ainst one
o) t#e trun(s and e0an 'roddin0 et+een #is teet# +it# t#e 'ic(6
8E-er day5: Enoc# co$'lainedD 8loo( li(e e-er day I lose )i)teen 0ood $inutes standin0 #ere
+aitin0 on you6:
E-ery day +#en #e 0ot o)) duty5 #e +ent into t#e 'ar( and e-ery day +#en #e +ent in5 #e
did t#e sa$e t#in0s6 He +ent )irst to t#e s+i$$in0 'ool6 He +as a)raid o) t#e +ater ut #e
li(ed to sit u' on t#e an( ao-e it i) t#ere +ere any +o$en in t#e 'ool5 and +atc# t#e$6
T#ere +as one +o$an +#o ca$e e-ery Monday +#o +ore a at#in0 suit t#at +as s'lit on eac#
#i'6 *t )irst #e t#ou0#t s#e didnt (no+ it5 and instead o) +atc#in0 o'enly on t#e an(5 #e #ad
cra+led into so$e us#es5 snic(erin0 to #i$sel) and #ad +atc#ed )ro$ t#ere6 T#ere #ad een
no one else in t#e 'oolIt#e cro+ds didnt co$e until )our ocloc(Ito tell #er aout t#e s'lit
and s#e #ad s'las#ed around in t#e +ater and t#en lain u' on t#e ed0e o) t#e 'ool aslee' )or
al$ost an #our5 all t#e ti$e +it#out sus'ectin0 t#ere +as so$eody in t#e us#es loo(in0 at
+#ere s#e ca$e out o) t#e suit6 T#en on anot#er day +#en #e sto''ed a little later5 #e sa+
t#ree +o$en5 all +it# t#eir suits s'lit5 t#e 'ool )ull o) 'eo'le5 and noody 'ayin0 t#e$ any
$ind6 T#at +as #o+ t#e city +asIal+ays sur'risin0 #i$6 He -isited a +#ore e-ery ti$e #e #ad
t+o dollars to s'are ut #e +as continually ein0 s#oc(ed y t#e looseness #e sa+ in t#e o'en6
He cra+led into t#e us#es out o) a sense o) 'ro'riety6 2ery o)ten t#e +o$en +ould 'ull t#e
suit stra's do+n o)) t#eir s#oulders and lie stretc#ed out6
T#e 'ar( +as t#e #eart o) t#e city6 He #ad co$e to t#e cityI+it# a (no+in0 in #is
loodI#e #ad estalis#ed #i$sel) at t#e #eart o) it6 E-ery day #e loo(ed at t#e #eart o) itD
e-ery dayD and #e +as so stunned and a+ed and o-er+#el$ed t#at @ust to t#in( aout it $ade
#i$ s+eat6 T#ere +as so$et#in05 in t#e center o) t#e 'ar(5 t#at #e #ad disco-ered6 It +as a
$ystery5 alt#ou0# it +as ri0#t t#ere in a 0lass case )or e-eryody to see and t#ere +as a
ty'e+ritten card tellin0 all aout it ri0#t t#ere6 %ut t#ere +as so$et#in0 t#e card couldnt say
and +#at it couldnt say +as inside #i$5 a terrile (no+led0e +it#out any +ords to it5 a terrile
(no+led0e li(e a i0 ner-e 0ro+in0 inside #i$6 He could not s#o+ t#e $ystery to @ust anyodyD
ut #e #ad to s#o+ it to so$eody6 &#o #e #ad to s#o+ it to +as a s'ecial 'erson6 T#is 'erson
could not e )ro$ t#e city ut #e didnt (no+ +#y6 He (ne+ #e +ould (no+ #i$ +#en #e sa+
#i$ and #e (ne+ t#at #e +ould #a-e to see #i$ soon or t#e ner-e inside #i$ +ould 0ro+ so
i0 t#at #e +ould e )orced to ro a an( or @u$' on a +o$an or dri-e a stolen car into t#e
side o) a uildin06 His lood all $ornin0 #ad een sayin0 t#e 'erson +ould co$e today6
He le)t t#e secondHs#i)t 0uard and a''roac#ed t#e 'ool )ro$ a discreet )oot'at# t#at led
e#ind t#e ladies end o) t#e at# #ouse to a s$all clearin0 +#ere t#e entire 'ool could e seen
at once6 T#ere +as noody in itIt#e +ater +as ottleH0reen and $otionlessIut #e sa+5
co$in0 u' t#e ot#er side and #eadin0 )or t#e at# #ouse5 t#e +o$an +it# t#e t+o little oys6
S#e ca$e e-ery ot#er day or so and rou0#t t#e t+o c#ildren6 S#e +ould 0o in t#e +ater +it#
t#e$ and s+i$ do+n t#e 'ool and t#en s#e +ould lie u' on t#e side in t#e sun6 S#e #ad a
stained +#ite at#in0 suit t#at )it #er li(e a sac(5 and Enoc# #ad +atc#ed #er +it# 'leasure on
se-eral occasions6 He $o-ed )ro$ t#e clearin0 u' a slo'e to so$e aelia us#es6 T#ere +as a
nice tunnel under t#e$ and #e cra+led into it until #e ca$e to a sli0#tly +ider 'lace +#ere #e
+as accusto$ed to sit6 He settled #i$sel) and ad@usted t#e aelia so t#at #e could see t#rou0#
it 'ro'erly6 His )ace +as al+ays -ery red in t#e us#es6 *nyone +#o 'arted t#e aelia s'ri0s at
@ust t#at 'lace +ould t#in( #e sa+ a de-il and +ould )all do+n t#e slo'e and into t#e 'ooS6 T#e
+o$an and t#e t+o little oys entered t#e at# #ouse6 Enoc# ne-er +e't i$$ediately to t#e
dar( secret center o) t#e 'ar(6 T#at +as t#e 'ea( o) t#e a)ternoon6 T#e ot#er t#in0s #e did uilt
u' to it and t#ey #ad eco$e -ery )or$al and necessary6 &#en #e le)t t#e us#es5 #e +ould 0o
to t#e FROST, %OTTLE5 a #otHdo0 stand in t#e s#a'e o) an Oran0e Crus# +it# )rost 'ainted in
lue around t#e to' o) it6 Here #e +ould #a-e a c#ocolate $alted $il(s#a(e and +ould $a(e a
)e+ su00esti-e re$ar(s to t#e +aitress +#o$ #e elie-ed to e secretly in lo-e +it# #i$6 *)ter
t#at #e +ould 0o to see t#e ani$als6 T#ey +ere in a lon0 set o) steel ca0es li(e *lcatraE
Penitentiary in t#e $o-ies6 T#e ca0es +ere electrically #eated in t#e +inter and airHconditioned
in t#e su$$er and t#ere +ere si" $en #ired to +ait on t#e ani$als and )eed t#e$ THone
stea(s6 T#e ani$als didnt do anyt#in0 ut lie around6 Enoc# +atc#ed t#e$ e-ery day5 )ull o)
a+e and #ate6 T#en #e +ent t#ere6
T#e t+o little oys ran out t#e at# #ouse and do-e into t#e +ater5 and si$ultaneously a
0ratin0 noise issued )ro$ t#e dri-e+ay on t#e ot#er side o) t#e 'ool6 Enoc#s #ead 'ierced out
t#e us#es6 He sa+ a #i0# ratHcolored car 'assin05 +#ic# sounded as i) its $otor +ere dra00in0
out t#e ac(6 T#e car 'assed and #e could #ear it rattle around t#e turn in t#e dri-eH+ay6 He
listened care)ully5 tryin0 to #ear i) it +ould sto'6 T#e noise receded and t#en 0radually 0re+
louder6 T#e car 'assed a0ain6 Enoc# sa+ t#is ti$e t#at t#ere +as only one 'erson in it5 a $an6
T#e sound o) it died a+ay a0ain and t#en 0re+ louder6 T#e car carne around a t#ird ti$e and
sto''ed al$ost directly o''osite Enoc# across t#e 'ool6 T#e $an in t#e car loo(ed out t#e
+indo+ and do+n t#e 0rass slo'e to t#e +ater +#ere t#e t+o little oys +ere s'las#in0 and
screa$in06 Enoc#s #ead +as as )ar out t#e us#es as it could co$e and #e +as s9uintin06 T#e
door y t#e $an +as tied on +it# a ro'e6 T#e $an 0ot out t#e ot#er door and +al(ed in )ront
o) t#e car and ca$e #al)+ay do+n t#e slo'e to t#e 'ool6 He stood t#ere a $inute as i) #e +ere
loo(in0 )or so$eody and t#en #e sat do+n sti))ly on t#e 0rass6 He #ad on a suit t#at loo(ed as
i) it #ad 0lare in it6 He sat +it# #is (nees dra+n u'6 8&ell5 Ill e do05: Enoc# said6 8&ell5 Ill e
do06:
He e0an cra+lin0 out o) t#e us#es i$$ediately5 #is #eart $o-in0 so )ast it +as li(e one o)
t#ose $otorcycles at )airs t#at t#e )ello+ dri-es around t#e +alls o) a 'it6 He e-en re$e$ered
t#e $ans na$eIMr6 HaEel &ea-er6 In a second #e a''eared on all )ours at t#e end o) t#e
aelia and loo(ed across t#e 'ool6 T#e lue )i0ure +as still sittin0 t#ere in t#e sa$e 'osition6 He
#ad t#e loo( o) ein0 #eld t#ere5 li(e y an in-isile #and5 li(e i) t#e #and li)ted u'5 t#e )i0ure
+ould s'rin0 across t#e 'ool in one lea' +it#out t#e e"'ression on #is )ace c#an0in0 once6
T#e +o$an ca$e out t#e at# #ouse and +ent strai0#t to t#e di-in0 oard6 S#e s'read #er
ar$s out and e0an to ounce5 $a(in0 a i0 #ea-y )la''in0 sound +it# t#e oard6 T#en
suddenly s#e s+irled ac(+ards and disa''eared elo+ t#e +ater6 Mr6 HaEel &ea-ers #ead
turned -ery slo+ly5 )ollo+in0 #er do+n t#e 'ool6
Enoc# 0ot u' and +ent do+n t#e 'at# e#ind t#e at# #ouse6 He ca$e stealt#ily out on t#e
ot#er side and started +al(in0 to+ard HaEe6 He stayed on t#e to' o) t#e slo'e5 $o-in0 so)tly in
t#e 0rass @ust o)) t#e side+al(5 and $a(in0 no noise6 &#en #e +as directly e#ind #i$5 #e sat
do+n on t#e ed0e o) t#e side+al(6 I) #is ar$s #ad een ten )eet lon05 #e could #a-e 'ut #is
#ands on HaEes s#oulders6 He studied #i$ 9uietly6
T#e +o$an +as cli$in0 out t#e 'ool5 c#innin0 #ersel) u' on t#e side6 First #er )ace
a''eared5 lon0 and cada-erous5 +it# a anda0eHli(e at#in0 ca' co$in0 do+n al$ost to #er
eyes5 and s#ar' teet# 'rotrudin0 )ro$ #er $out#6 T#en s#e rose on #er #ands until a lar0e )oot
and le0 ca$e u' )ro$ e#ind #er and anot#er on t#e ot#er side and s#e +as out5 s9uattin0
t#ere5 'antin06 S#e stood u' loosely and s#oo( #ersel)5 and sta$'ed in t#e +ater dri''in0 o))
#er6 S#e +as )acin0 t#e$ and s#e 0rinned6 Enoc# could see a 'art o) HaEel &ea-ers )ace
+atc#in0 t#e +o$an6 It didnt 0rin in return ut it (e't on +atc#in0 #er as s#e 'added o-er to a
s'ot o) sun al$ost directly under +#ere t#ey +ere sittin06 Enoc# #ad to $o-e a little to see6
T#e +o$an sat do+n in t#e s'ot o) sun and too( o)) #er at#in0 ca'6 Her #air +as s#ort and
$atted and all sorts o) colors5 )ro$ dee' rust to a 'olluted le$on yello+6 S#e s#oo( #er #ead
and t#en s#e loo(ed u' at HaEel &ea-er a0ain5 0rinnin0 t#rou0# #er 'ointed teet#6 S#e
stretc#ed #ersel) out in t#e s'ot o) sun5 raisin0 #er (nees and settlin0 #er ac(one do+n
a0ainst t#e concrete6 T#e t+o little oys5 at t#e ot#er end o) t#e +ater5 +ere (noc(in0 eac#
ot#ers #eads a0ainst t#e side o) t#e 'ool6 S#e settled #ersel) until s#e +as )lat a0ainst t#e
concrete and t#en s#e reac#ed u' and 'ulled t#e at#in0 suit stra's o)) #er s#oulders6
8Cin0 4esusS: Enoc# +#is'ered and e)ore #e could 0et #is eyes o)) t#e +o$an5 HaEe
&ea-er #ad s'run0 u' and +as al$ost to #is car6 T#e +o$an +as sittin0 strai0#t u' +it# t#e
suit #al) o)) #er in )ront5 and Enoc# +as loo(in0 ot# +ays at once6 He +renc#ed #is attention
loose )ro$ t#e +o$an and darted a)ter HaEel &ea-er6
8&ait on $eS: #e s#outed and +a-ed #is ar$s in )ront o) t#e car +#ic# +as already rattlin0
and startin0 to 0o6 HaEel &ea-er cut o)) t#e $otor6 His )ace e#ind t#e +inds#ield +as sour
and )ro0li(eD it loo(ed li(e it #ad a s#out closed u' in it5 it loo(ed li(e one o) t#ose closet doors
in 0an0ster 'ictures +#ere t#ere is so$eody tied to a c#air e#ind it +it# a to+el in #is
$out#6
8&ell5: Enoc# said5 8I declare i) it aint HaEel &ea-er6 Ho+ are you5 HaEel3:
8T#e 0uard said Id )ind you at t#e s+i$$in0 'ool5: HaEel &ea-er said6 8He said you #id in
t#e us#es and +atc#ed t#e s+i$$in06:
Enoc# lus#ed6 8I allus #a-e ad$ired s+i$$in05: #e said6 T#en #e stuc( #is #ead )art#er
t#rou0# t#e +inelo+6 8,ou +ere loo(in0 )or $e3: #e e"clai$ed6
8T#ose 'eo'le5: HaEe said5 8t#ose 'eo'le na$ed MoatsIdid s#e tell you +#ere t#ey
li-ed3:
Enoc# didnt see$ to #ear6 8,ou ca$e out #ere s'ecial to see $e3: #e said6
8*sa and Saat# MoatsIs#e 0a-e you t#e 'eeler6 .id s#e tell you +#ere t#ey li-ed3:
Enoc# eased #is #ead out t#e car6 He o'ened t#e door and cli$ed in eside HaEe6 For a
$inute #e only loo(ed at #i$5 +ettin0 #is li's6 T#en #e +#is'ered5 8I 0ot to s#o+ you
so$et#in06:
8I$ loo(in0 )or t#ose 'eo'le5: HaEe said6 8I 0ot to see t#at $an6 .id s#e tell you +#ere
t#ey li-e3:
8I 0ot to s#o+ you t#is t#in05: Enoc# said6 8I 0ot to s#o+ it to you5 #ere5 t#is a)ternoon6 I 0ot
to6: He 0ri''ed HaEel &ea-ers ar$ and HaEel &ea-er s#oo( #i$ o))6
8.id s#e tell you +#ere t#ey li-e3: #e said a0ain6
Enoc# (e't +ettin0 #is li's6 T#ey +ere 'ale e"ce't )or #is )e-er lister5 +#ic# +as 'ur'le6
8S#o5: #e said6 8*int s#e in-ited $e to co$e see #er and rin0 $y #ar'3 I 0ot to s#o+ you t#is
t#in05: #e said5 8t#en Ill tell you6:
8&#at t#in03: HaEe $uttered6
8T#is t#in0 I 0ot to s#o+ you5: Enoc# said6 8.ri-e strai0#t on a#ead and Ill tell you +#ere to
sto'6:
8I dont +ant to see anyt#in0 o) yours5: HaEel &ea-er said6 8I 0ot to #a-e t#at address6:
8I +ont e ale to re$e$er it unless you co$e5: Enoc# said6 He didnt loo( at HaEel
&ea-er6 He loo(ed out t#e +indo+6 In a $inute t#e car started6 Enoc#s lood +as eatin0 )ast6
He (ne+ #e #ad to 0o to t#e FROST, %OTTLE and t#e Eoo e)ore t#ere5 and #e )oresa+ a
terrile stru00le +it# HaEel &ea-er6 He +ould #a-e to 0et #i$ t#ere5 e-en i) #e #ad to #it #i$
o-er t#e #ead +it# a roc(5 and carry #i$ on #is ac( ri0#t u' to it6
Enoc#s rain +as di-ided into t+o 'arts6 T#e 'art in co$$unication +it# #is lood did t#e
)i0urin0 ut it ne-er said anyt#in0 in +ords6 T#e ot#er 'art +as stoc(ed u' +it# all (inds o)
+ords and '#rases6 &#ile t#e )irst 'art +as )i0urin0 #o+ to 0et HaEel &ea-er t#rou0# t#e
FROST, %OTTLE and t#e Eoo5 t#e second in9uired5 8&#ered you 0it t#isyer )ine car3 ,ou ou0#t
to 'aint you so$e si0ns on t#e outside it5 li(e Aste'Hin5 ayII seen one +it# t#at on it5 t#en I
seen anot#er +it#B:
HaEel &ea-ers )ace $i0#t #a-e een cut out t#e side o) a roc(6
8My daddy once o+ned a yeller Ford auto$oile #e +on on a tic(et5: Enoc# $ur$ured6 8It
#ad a rollHu' to' and t+o arials and a s9uirril tail all co$e +it# it6 He s+a''ed it o))6 Sto' #ereS
Sto' #ereS: #e yelledIt#ey +ere 'assin0 t#e FROST, %OTTLE6
8&#ere is it3: HaEel &ea-er said as soon as t#ey +ere inside6 T#ey +ere in a dar( roo$
+it# a counter across t#e ac( o) it and ro+n stools li(e toadstools in )ront o) t#e counter6 On
t#e +all )acin0 t#e door t#ere +as a lar0e ad-ertise$ent )or ice crea$5 s#o+in0 a co+ dressed
li(e a #ouse+i)e6
8It aint #ere5: Enoc# said6 8&e #a-e to sto' #ere on t#e +ay and 0et so$et#in0 to eat6
&#at you +ant3:
8/ot#in05: HaEe $uttered6 He stood sti))ly in t#e $iddle o) t#e roo$ +it# #is #ands in #is
'oc(ets and #is nec( dra+n do+n inside #is collar6
8&ell5 sit do+n5: Enoc# said6 8I #a-e to #a-e a little drin(6:
So$et#in0 stirred e#ind t#e counter and a +o$an +it# oed #air li(e a $ans 0ot u'
)ro$ a c#air +#ere s#e #ad een readin0 t#e ne+s'a'er5 and ca$e )or+ard6 S#e loo(ed sourly
at Enoc#6 S#e #ad on a onceH+#ite uni)or$ clotted +it# ro+n stains6 8&#at you +ant3: s#e
said in a loud -oice5 leanin0 close to #is ear as i) #e +ere dea)6 S#e #ad a $ans )ace and i0
$uscled ar$s6
8I +ant a c#ocolate $alted $il(s#a(e5 ay 0irl5: Enoc# said so)tly6 8I +ant a lot o) ice
crea$ in it6:
S#e turned )iercely )ro$ #i$ and 0lared at HaEe6
8He says #e dont +ant not#in0 ut to sit do+n and loo( at you )or a +#ile5: Enoc# said6 8He
aint #un0ry ut )or @ust to see you6:
HaEe loo(ed +oodenly at t#e +o$an and s#e turned #er ac( on #i$ and e0an $i"in0 t#e
$il(s#a(e6 He sat do+n on t#e last stool in t#e ro+ and started crac(in0 #is (nuc(les6
Enoc# +atc#ed #i$ care)ully6 8I rec(on you done c#an0ed so$e5: #e $ur$ured a)ter a )e+
$inutes6
HaEes nec( @er(ed around and #e started )or+ard6 8!i-e $e t#ose 'eo'les address6 Ri0#t
no+5: #e said6
It ca$e to Enoc# in an instant6 T#e 'olice6 His )ace +as suddenly su))used +it# secret
(no+led0e6 8I rec(on you aint as u''ity as you used to e5: #e said6 8I rec(on $aye5: #e said5
8you aint 0ot so $uc# cause no+ as you #ad t#en6: Stole t#eter auto$oile5 #e t#ou0#t6
HaEel &ea-er sat ac( do+n6 T#ere +as no e"'ression on #is )ace ut inside #is sour +et
eyes5 so$et#in0 $o-ed6 He turned a+ay )ro$ Enoc#6
8Ho+ co$e you @u$'ed u' so )ast do+n yonder at t#e 'ool3: Enoc# as(ed6 T#e +o$an
turned around to #i$ +it# t#e $alted $il( in #er #and6 8O) course5: #e said e-illy5 8I +ouldnt
#a-e #ad no truc( +it# a u0ly dis# li(e t#at neit#er6:
T#e +o$an t#u$'ed t#e $alted $il( on t#e counter in )ront o) #i$6 8Fi)teen cents5: s#e
roared6
8,oure +ort# $ore t#an t#at5 ay 0irl5: Enoc# said6 He snic(ered and e0an 0assin0 #is
$alted $il( t#rou0# t#e stra+6
T#e +o$an strode o-er to +#ere HaEe +as6 8&#at do you co$e in #ere +it# a son o) a
itc# li(e t#at )or3: s#e s#outed6 8* nice 9uiet oy li(e you to co$e in #ere +it# a son o) a
itc#6 ,ou ou0#t to $ind t#e co$'any you (ee'6: Her na$e +as Maude and s#e dran( +#is(ey
all day )ro$ a )ruit @ar under t#e counter6 84esus5: s#e said5 +i'in0 #er #and under #er nose6
S#e sat do+n in a strai0#t c#air in )ront o) HaEe ut )acin0 Enoc#5 and )olded #er ar$s across
#er c#est6 8E-er day5: s#e said to HaEe5 loo(in0 at Enoc#5 8e-er day t#at son o) a itc# co$es in
#ere6:
Enoc# +as t#in(in0 aout t#e ani$als6 T#ey #ad to 0o ne"t to t#e ani$als6 He #ated t#e$D
@ust t#in(in0 aout t#e$ $ade #is )ace turn a c#ocolate 'ur'le color as i) t#e $alted $il( +ere
risin0 in #is #ead6
8,oure a nice oy5: s#e said5 8I can see you 0ot a clean nose5 +ell (ee' it clean5 dont 0o
$essin +it# a son o) a itc# li(e t#at yonder6 I al+ays (no+ a clean oy +#en I see one6: S#e
+as s#outin0 at Enoc#5 ut Enoc# +atc#ed HaEel &ea-er6 It +as li(e so$et#in0 inside HaEel
&ea-er +as +indin0 u'5 alt#ou0# #e didnt $o-e on t#e outside5 not e-en #is #ands6 He @ust
loo(ed 'ressed do+n in t#at lue suit5 li(e inside it5 t#e t#in0 +indin0 +as 0ettin0 ti0#ter and
ti0#ter6 Enoc#s lood told #i$ to #urry He raced t#e $il(s#a(e u' t#e stra+6
8,es sir5: s#e said5 8t#ere aint anyt#in0 s+eeter t#an a clean oy6 !od )or $y +itness6 *nd I
(no+ a clean one +#en I see #i$ and I (no+ a son a itc# +#en I see #i$ and t#eres a lot o)
di))erence and t#at 'usH$ar(ed astard Elur'in0 t#rou0# t#at stra+ is a 0odda$$ed son a
itc# and you a clean oy #ad etter $ind #o+ you (ee' #i$ co$'any6 I (no+ a clean oy
+#en I see one6:
Enoc# screec#ed in t#e otto$ o) #is 0lass6 He )is#ed )i)teen cents )ro$ #is 'oc(et and laid
it on t#e counter and 0ot u'6 %ut HaEel &ea-er +as already u'D #e +as leanin0 o-er t#e
counter to+ard t#e +o$an6 S#e didnt see #i$ ri0#t a+ay ecause s#e +as loo(in0 at Enoc#6
He leaned on #is #ands o-er t#e counter until #is )ace +as @ust a )oot )ro$ #ers6 S#e turned
around and stared at #i$6
8Co$e on5: Enoc# started5 8+e dont #a-e no ti$e to e sassin0 around +it# #er6 I 0ot to
s#o+ you t#is ri0#t a+ay5 I 0otB:
8I aint clean5: HaEe said6
It +as not until #e said it a0ain t#at Enoc# #eard t#e +ords6
8I aint clean5: #e said a0ain5 +it#out any e"'ression on #is )ace or in #is -oice5 @ust loo(in0
at t#e +o$an as i) #e +ere loo(in0 at a 'iece o) +ood6
S#e stared at #i$5 startled and t#en outra0ed6 8&#at do you t#in( I careS: s#e screa$ed6
8&#y s#ould I 0i-e a 0odda$$ +#at you are3:
8Co$e on5: Enoc# +#ined5 8co$e on or I +ont tell you +#ere t#e$ 'eo'le li-e6: He cau0#t
HaEes ar$ and 'ulled #i$ ac( )ro$ t#e counter and to+ard t#e door6
8,ou astardS: t#e +o$an screa$ed5 8+#at do you t#in( I care aout any o) you )ilt#y
oys3:
HaEel &ea-er 'us#ed t#e door o'en 9uic(ly and +ent out6 He 0ot ac( in #is car5 and Enoc#
@u$'ed in e#ind #i$6 8O(ay5: Enoc# said5 8dri-e strai0#t on a#ead do+n t#is road6:
8&#at do you +ant )or tellin0 $e3: HaEe said6 8I$ not stayin0 #ere6 I #a-e to 0o6 I cant
stay #ere any lon0er6:
Enoc# s#uddered6 He e0an +ettin0 #is li's6 8I 0ot to s#o+ it to you5: #e said #oarsely6 8I
cant s#o+ it to noody ut you6 I #ad a si0n it +as you +#en I seen you dri-e u' at t#e 'ool6 I
(ne+ all $ornin0 so$eody +as 0onna co$e and t#en +#en I sa+ you at t#e 'ool5 I #ad
t#isyer si0n6:
8I dont care aout your si0ns5: HaEe said6
8I 0o to see it e-er day5: Enoc# said6 8I 0o e-er day ut I aint e-er een ale to ta(e noody
else +it# $e6 I #ad to +ait on t#e si0n6 Ill tell you t#e$ 'eo'les address @ust as soon as you
see it6 ,ou 0ot to see it5: #e said6 8&#en you see it5 so$et#in0s 0oin0 to #a''en6:
8/ot#in0s 0oin0 to #a''en5: HaEe said6
He started t#e car a0ain and Enoc# sat )or+ard on t#e seat6 8T#e$ ani$als5: #e $uttered6
8&e 0ot to +al( y t#e$ )irst6 It +ont ta(e lon0 )or t#at6 It +ont ta(e a $inute6: He sa+ t#e
ani$als +aitin0 e-ilHeyed )or #i$5 ready to t#ro+ #i$ o)) ti$e6 He t#ou0#t +#at i) t#e 'olice
+ere screa$in0 out #ere no+ +it# sirens and s9uad cars and t#ey 0ot to HaEel &ea-er @ust
e)ore #e s#o+ed it to #i$6
8I 0ot to see t#ose 'eo'le5: HaEe said6
8Sto' #ereS Sto' #ereS: Enoc# cried6
T#ere +as a lon0 s#inin0 ro+ o) steel ca0es o-er to t#e le)t and e#ind t#e ars5 lac(
)i0ures +ere sittin0 or 'acin06 8!et out5: Enoc# said6 8T#is +ont ta(e one second6:
HaEe 0ot out6 T#en #e sto''ed6 8I 0ot to see t#ose 'eo'le5: #e said6
8O(ay5 o(ay5 co$e on5: Enoc# +#ined6
8I dont elie-e you (no+ t#e address6:
8I doS I doS: Enoc# cried6 8It e0ins +it# a t+o5 no+ co$e onS: He 'ulled HaEe to+ard t#e
ca0es6 T#ere +ere t+o lac( ears in t#e )irst one6 T#ey +ere sittin0 )acin0 eac# ot#er li(e t+o
$atrons #a-in0 tea5 t#eir )aces 'olite and sel)Hasored6 8T#ey dont do not#in0 ut sit t#ere all
day and stin(5: Enoc# said6 8* $an co$es and +as#es t#eseyer ca0es out e-er $ornin0 +it# a
#ose and it stin(s @ust as $uc# as i) #ed le)t it6: E-ery ani$al t#ere #ad a 'ersonal #au0#ty
#atred )or #i$ li(e society 'eo'le #a-e )or cli$ers6 He +ent on 'ast t+o $ore ca0es o) ears5
not e-en loo(in0 at t#e$5 and t#en #e sto''ed at t#e ne"t ca0e +#ere t#ere +ere t+o yello+H
eyed +ol-es nosin0 around t#e ed0es o) t#e concrete6 8Hyenas5: #e said6 8I aint 0ot no use )or
#yenas6: He leaned closer and s'it into t#e ca0e5 #ittin0 one o) t#e +ol-es on t#e le06 It
s#uttled to one side5 0i-in0 #i$ a slanted e-il loo(6 For a second #e )or0ot HaEel &ea-er6 T#en
#e loo(ed ac( 9uic(ly to $a(e sure #e +as still t#ere6 He +as ri0#t e#ind #i$6 He +as not
loo(in0 at t#e ani$als6 T#in(in0 aout t#e$ 'olice5 Enoc# t#ou0#t6 He said5 8Co$e on5 +e
dont #a-e to loo( at all t#eseyer $on(eys t#at co$e ne"t6: 7sually #e sto''ed at e-ery ca0e
and $ade an oscene co$$ent aloud to #i$sel)5 ut today t#e ani$als +ere only a )or$ #e
#ad to 0et t#rou0#6 He #urried 'ast t#e ca0es o) $on(eys5 loo(in0 ac( t+o or t#ree ti$es to
$a(e sure HaEel &ea-er +as e#ind #i$6 *t t#e last o) t#e $on(ey ca0es5 #e sto''ed as i) #e
couldnt #el' #i$sel)6
8Loo( at t#at a'e5: #e said5 0larin06 T#e ani$al #ad its ac( to #i$5 0ray e"ce't )or a s$all
'in( seat6 8I) I #ad a ass li(e t#at5: #e said 'rudis#ly5 8Id sit on it6 I +ouldnt e e"'osin0 it to all
t#ese 'eo'le co$e to t#is 'ar(6 Co$e on5 +e dont #a-e to loo( at t#eseyer irds t#at co$e
ne"t6: He ran 'ast t#e ca0es o) irds and t#en #e +as at t#e end o) t#e Eoo6 8/o+ +e dont
need t#e car5: #e said5 0oin0 on a#ead5 8+ell 0o ri0#t do+n t#at #ill yonder t#rou0# t#e$
trees6: He sto''ed and sa+ t#at HaEel &ea-er instead o) ein0 e#ind #i$ #ad sto''ed at t#e
last ca0e )or irds6 8O# 4esus5: #e 0roaned6 He stood and +a-ed #is ar$s +ildly and s#outed5
8Co$e onS: ut HaEe didnt $o-e )ro$ +#ere #e +as loo(in0 into t#e ca0e6
Enoc# ran ac( to #i$ and 0raed #i$ y tic ar$ ut HaEe 'us#ed #i$ o)) asently and
(e't on loo(in0 in t#e ca0e6 It +as e$'ty6 Enoc# stared6 8Its e$'tyS: #e s#outed6 8&#at do
you #a-e to loo( in t#at all e$'ty ca0e )or3 ,ou co$e on5: He stood t#ere5 s+eatin0 and
'ur'le6 8Its e$'tyS: #e s#outedD and t#en #e sa+ it +asnt e$'ty6 O-er in one corner on t#e
)loor o) t#e ca0e5 t#ere +as an eye6 T#e eye +as in t#e $iddle o) so$et#in0 t#at loo(ed li(e a
'iece o) $o' and t#e 'iece o) $o' +as sittin0 on an old ra06 He s9uinted close to t#e +ire and
sa+ t#at t#e 'iece o) $o' +as an o+l +it# one eye o'en6 It +as loo(in0 directly at HaEel
&ea-er6 8T#at aint not#in0 ut an all #oot o+l5: #e $oaned6 8,ou seen t#e$ e)ore6:
8I aint clean5: HaEe said to t#e eye5 He said it 4ust li(e #e said it to t#e +o$an in t#e
FROST, %OTTLE6 T#e eye s#ut so)tly and t#e o+l turned its #ead to t#e +all6
Hes done $urdered so$eody5 Enoc# t#ou0#t6 8O# s+eet 4esus co$e onS: #e +ailed6 8I
0ot to s#o+ you t#is ri0#t no+6: He 'ulled #i$ a+ay ut a )e+ )eet )ro$ t#e ca0e HaEe sto''ed
a0ain5 loo(in0 at so$et#in0 in t#e distance6 Enoc#s eyesi0#t +as -ery 'oor6 He s9uinted and
$ade out a )i0ure )ar do+n t#e road e#ind t#e$6 T#ere +ere t+o s$aller )i0ures @u$'in0 on
eit#er side o) it6
HaEel &ea-er turned ac( to #i$ suddenly and said5 8&#eres t#is t#in03 Lets see it ri0#t
no+6 Co$e on6:
8*int t#at +#ere I een tryin0 to ta(e you5: Enoc# $ur$ured6 He )elt t#e 'ers'iration
dryin0 on #i$ and stin0in0 and #is s(in e0an to 0et 'inH'ointed5 e-en in #is scal'6 8&e 0ot to
0o on )oot5: #e said6
8&#y3: HaEe $uttered6
8I dont (no+5: Enoc# said6 He (ne+ so$et#in0 +as 0oin0 to #a''en to #i$6 He (ne+
so$et#in0 +as 0oin0 to #a''en to #i$6 His lood sto''ed eatin06 *ll t#e ti$e it #ad een
eatin0 li(e dru$ noises and no+ it #ad sto''ed6 T#ey started do+n t#e #ill6 It +as a stee' #ill5
)ull o) trees 'ainted +#ite )ro$ t#e 0round u' )our )eet6 T#ey loo(ed as i) t#ey #ad on an(leH
soc(s6 He 0ri''ed HaEel &ea-ers ar$6 8It 0ets da$' as you 0o do+n5: #e said5 loo(in0 around
-a0uely6 HaEel &ea-er s#oo( #i$ o))6 In a second5 #e 0ri''ed #is ar$ a0ain and sto''ed #i$6
He 'ointed do+n t#rou0# t#e trees6 8Mu-see-u$5: #e said6 T#e stran0e +ord $ade #i$
s#i-er6 T#at +as t#e )irst ti$e #e #ad e-er said it aloud6 * 'iece o) 0ray uildin0 +as s#o+in0
+#ere #e 'ointed6 It 0re+ lar0er as t#ey +ent do+n t#e #ill5 t#en as t#ey ca$e to t#e end o)
t#e +ood and ste''ed out on t#e 0ra-el dri-e+ay5 it see$ed to s#rin( suddenly6 It +as round
and sootHcolored6 T#ere +ere colu$ns at t#e )ront o) it and in et+een eac# colu$n t#ere +as
an eyeless +o$an #oldin0 a 'ot on #er #ead6 * concrete and +as o-er t#e colu$ns and t#e
letters M 2 S E 2 M +ere cut into it6 Enoc# +as a)raid to 'ronounce t#e +ord a0ain6
8&e 0ot to 0o u' t#e ste's and t#rou0# t#e )ront door5: #e +#is'ered6 T#ere +ere ten
ste's u' to t#e 'orc#6 T#e door +as +ide and lac(6 Enoc# 'us#ed it in cautiously and inserted
#is #ead in t#e crac(6 In a $inute #e rou0#t it out a0ain and said5 8*ll ri0#t5 0o in and +al(
easy6 I dont +ant to +a(e u' t#eter ole 0uard6 He aint -ery )riendly +it# $e6: T#ey +ent into
a dar( #all6 It +as #ea-y +it# t#e odor o) linoleu$ and creosote and anot#er odor e#ind t#ese
t+o6 T#e t#ird one +as an unders$ell and Enoc# couldnt na$e it as anyt#in0 #e #ad e-er
s$elled e)ore6 T#ere +as not#in0 in t#e #all ut t+o urns and an old $an aslee' in a strai0#t
c#air a0ainst t#e +all6 He #ad on t#e sa$e (ind o) uni)or$ as Enoc# and #e loo(ed li(e a dried
u' s'ider stuc( t#ere6 Enoc# loo(ed at HaEel &ea-er to see i) #e +as s$ellin0 t#e unders$ell6
He loo(ed li(e #e +asD Enoc#s lood e0an eatin0 a0ain5 and t#e sound +as nearer t#is ti$e
li(e t#e dru$s #ad $o-ed u' aout a 9uarter o) a $ile6 He 0ri''ed HaEes ar$ and ti'toed
t#rou0# t#e #all to anot#er lac( door at t#e end o) it6 He crac(ed it a little and inserted #is
#ead in t#e crac(6 T#en in a second #e dre+ it out and croo(ed #is )in0er in a 0esture )or HaEe
to )ollo+ #i$6 T#ey +ent into anot#er #all5 li(e t#e last one ut runnin0 cross+ise6 8Its in t#at
)irst door yonder5: Enoc# said in a s$all -oice6 T#ey +ent into a dar( roo$ )ull o) 0lass cases6
T#e 0lass cases co-ered t#e +alls and t#ere +ere t#ree co))inHli(e ones in t#e $iddle o) t#e
)loor6 T#e ones on t#e +alls +ere )ull o) irds tilted on -arnis#ed stic(s and loo(in0 do+n +it#
dried 'i9uant e"'ressions6
8Co$e on5: Enoc# +#is'ered6 T#e dru$ noises in #is lood +ere 0ettin0 closer and closer6
He +ent 'ast t#e t+o cases in t#e $iddle o) t#e )loor and to+ard t#e t#ird one6 He +ent to t#e
)art#est end o) it and sto''ed6 He stood loo(in0 do+n +it# #is nec( t#rust )or+ard and #is
#ands clutc#ed to0et#erD HaEel &ea-er $o-ed u' eside #i$6
T#e t+o o) t#e$ stood t#ere5 Enoc# ri0id and HaEel &ea-er ent sli0#tly )or+ard6 T#ere
+ere t#ree o+ls and a ro+ o) lunt +ea'ons and a $an in t#e case6 It +as t#e $an Enoc# +as
loo(in0 at6 He +as aout t#ree )eet lon06 He +as na(ed and a dried yello+ color and #is eyes
+ere s9uinc#ed s#ut as i) a 0iant loc( o) steel +ere )allin0 do+n on to' o) #i$6
8See t#eter notice5: Enoc# said in a c#urc# +#is'er5 'ointin0 to a ty'e+ritten card at t#e
$ans )oot5 8it says #e +as once as tall as us6 So$e *Hras did it to #i$ in si" $ont#s6: He
turned #is #ead cautiously to see HaEel &ea-er6
*ll #e could tell +as t#at HaEel &ea-er As eyes +ere on t#e s#run(en $an6 He +as ent
)or+ard so t#at #is )ace +as re)lected in t#e 0lass to' o) t#e case6 T#e re)lection +as 'ale and
t#e eyes +ere li(e t+o clean ullet #oles6 Enoc# +aited5 ri0id6 He #eard )ootste's in t#e #all6 O#
4esus 4esus5 #e 'rayed5 let #i$ #urry u' and do +#ate-er #es 0oin0 to doS T#e )ootste's ca$e
in t#e door6 He sa+ t#e +o$an +it# t#e t+o little oys6 S#e #ad one y eac# #and5 and s#e +as
0rinnin06 HaEel &ea-er #ad not raised #is eyes once )ro$ t#e s#run(en $an6 T#e +o$an ca$e
to+ard t#e$6 S#e sto''ed on t#e ot#er side o) t#e case and loo(ed do+n into it5 and t#e
re)lection o) #er )ace a''eared 0rinnin0 on t#e 0lass5 o-er HaEel &ea-ers5 S#e snic(ered and
'ut t+o )in0ers in )ront o) #er teet#5 T#e little oys )aces +ere li(e 'ans set on eit#er side to
catc# t#e 0rins us t#at o-er)lo+ed )ro$ #er6 HaEes nec( @er(ed ac( and #e $ade a noise5 It
+as a noise li(e Enoc# #adnt e-er #eard e)ore5 It $i0#t #a-e co$e )ro$ t#e $an inside t#e
case6 In a second Enoc# (ne+ it #ad5 8&aitS: #e screa$ed5 and tore out t#e roo$ a)ter HaEel
&ea-er6
He o-ertoo( #i$ #al)+ay u' t#e #ill6 He cau0#t #i$ y t#e ar$ and s+un0 #i$ around and
t#en #e stood t#ere5 suddenly +ea( and li0#t as a alloon5 and stared6 HaEel &ea-er 0raed
#i$ y t#e s#oulders and s#oo( #i$6 8&#at is t#at address3: #e s#outed5 8!i-e $e t#at
addressS:
E-en i) Enoc# #ad (no+n t#e address5 #e couldnt #a-e t#ou0#t o) it t#en6 He could not
e-en stand u'6 *s soon as HaEel &ea-er let #i$ 0o5 #e )ell ac(+ards and landed a0ainst one o)
t#e +#itesoc(ed trees6 He rolled o-er and lay stretc#ed out on t#e 0round5 +it# an e"alted loo(
on #is )ace6 He t#ou0#t #e +as )loatin06 * lon0 +ay o)) #e sa+ t#e lue )i0ure s'rin0 and 'ic( u'
a roc(5 and #e sa+ t#e +ild )ace turn5 and t#e roc( #urtle to+ard #i$D #e s$iled and s#ut #is
eyes6 &#en #e o'ened t#e$ a0ain5 HaEel &ea-er +as 0one6 He 'ut #is )in0ers to #is )ore#ead
and t#en #eld t#e$ in )ront o) #is eyes6 T#ey +ere redHstrea(ed5 He turned #is #ead and sa+ a
dro' o) lood on t#e 0round and as #e loo(ed at it5 #e t#ou0#t it +idened li(e a little s'rin05 He
sat strai0#t u'5 )roEenHs(inned5 and 'ut #is )in0er in it6 and -ery )aintly #e could #ear #is lood
eatin05 #is secret lood5 in t#e center o) t#e city6
* Stro(e o) !ood Fortune N;<=<O
R7%, ca$e in t#e )ront door o) t#e a'art$ent uildin0 and lo+ered t#e 'a'er sac( +it# t#e
)our cans o) nu$er t#ree eans in it onto t#e #all tale6 S#e +as too tired to ta(e #er ar$s
)ro$ around it or to strai0#ten u' and s#e #un0 t#ere colla'sed )ro$ t#e #i's5 #er #ead
alanced li(e a i0 )lorid -e0etale at t#e to' o) t#e sac(6 S#e 0aEed +it# stony unreco0nition at
t#e )ace t#at con)ronted #er in t#e dar( yello+Hs'otted $irror o-er t#e tale6 *0ainst #er ri0#t
c#ee( +as a 0ritty collard lea) t#at #ad een stuc( t#ere #al) t#e +ay #o$e6 S#e 0a-e it a
-icious s+i'e +it# #er ar$ and strai0#tened u'5 $utterin05 8Collards5 collards5: in a -oice o)
sultry sudued +rat#6 Standin0 u' strai0#t5 s#e +as a s#ort +o$an5 s#a'ed nearly li(e a
)uneral urn6 S#e #ad $ulerryHcolored #air stac(ed in sausa0e rolls around #er #ead ut so$e
o) t#ese #ad co$e loose +it# t#e #eat and t#e lon0 +al( )ro$ t#e 0rocery store and 'ointed
)rantically in -arious directions6 8Collard 0reensS: s#e said5 s'ittin0 t#e +ord )ro$ #er $out#
t#is ti$e as i) it +ere a 'oisonous seed6
S#e and %ill Hill #adnt eaten collard 0reens )or )i-e years and s#e +asnt 0oin0 to start
coo(in0 t#e$ no+6 S#e #ad ou0#t t#ese on account o) Ru)us ut s#e +asnt 0oin0 to uy
t#e$ ut once6 ,ou +ould #a-e t#ou0#t t#at a)ter t+o years in t#e ar$ed )orces Ru)us +ould
#a-e co$e ac( ready to eat li(e so$eody )ro$ so$e+#ereD ut no6 &#en s#e as(ed #i$
+#at #e +ould li(e to #a-e s'ecial5 #e #ad not #ad t#e 0u$'tion to t#in( o) one ci-iliEed
dis#I#e #ad said collard 0reens6 S#e #ad e"'ected Ru)us to #a-e turned out into so$eody
+it# so$e 0et in #i$6 &ell5 #e #ad aout as $uc# 0et as a )loor $o'6
Ru)us +as #er ay rot#er +#o #ad @ust co$e ac( )ro$ t#e Euro'ean T#eater6 He #ad
co$e to li-e +it# #er ecause Pit$an +#ere t#ey +ere raised +as not t#ere any $ore6 *ll t#e
'eo'le +#o #ad li-ed in Pit$an #ad #ad t#e 0ood sense to lea-e it5 eit#er y dyin0 or y
$o-in0 to t#e city6 S#e #ad $arried %ill %6 Hill5 a Florida $an +#o sold Miracle Products5 and
#ad co$e to li-e in t#e city6 I) Pit$an #ad still een t#ere5 Ru)us +ould #a-e een in Pit$an6 I)
one c#ic(en #ad een le)t to +al( across t#e road in Pit$an5 Ru)us +ould #a-e een t#ere too
to (ee' #i$ co$'any6 S#e didnt li(e to ad$it it aout #er o+n (in5 least aout #er o+n
rot#er5 ut t#ere #e +asI0ood )or asolutely not#in06 8I seen it a)ter )i-e $inutes o) #i$5:
s#e #ad told %ill Hill and %ill Hill5 +it# no e"'ression +#atsoe-er5 #ad said5 8It ta(en $e t#ree6:
It +as $orti)yin0 to let t#at (ind o) a #usand see you #ad t#at (ind o) a rot#er6
S#e su''osed t#ere +as no #el' )or it6 Ru)us +as li(e t#e ot#er c#ildren6 S#e +as t#e only
one in #er )a$ily +#o #ad een di))erent5 +#o #ad #ad any 0et6 S#e too( a stu o) 'encil )ro$
#er 'oc(etoo( and +rote on t#e side o) t#e sac(: %ill you rin0 t#is u'stairs6 T#en s#e raced
#ersel) at t#e otto$ o) t#e ste's )or t#e cli$ to t#e )ourt# )loor6
T#e ste's +ere t#in lac( rent in t#e $iddle o) t#e #ouse5 co-ered +it# a $oleHcolored
car'et t#at loo(ed as i) it 0re+ )ro$ t#e )loor6 T#ey stuc( strai0#t u' li(e stee'le ste's5 it
see$ed to #er6 T#ey reared u'6 T#e $inute s#e stood at t#e otto$ o) t#e$5 t#ey reared u'
and 0ot stee'er )or #er ene)it6 *s s#e 0aEed u' t#e$5 #er $out# +idened and turned do+n in
a loo( o) co$'lete dis0ust6 S#e +as in no condition to 0o u' anyt#in06 S#e +as sic(6 Mada$
Uoleeda #ad told #er ut not e)ore s#e (ne+ it #ersel)6
Mada$ Uoleeda +as t#e 'al$ist on Hi0#+ay M>6 S#e #ad said5 8* lon0 illness5: ut s#e #ad
added5 +#is'erin05 +it# a -ery lHalreadyH (no+HutHlH+ontHtell loo(5 8It +ill rin0 you a stro(e
o) 0ood )ortuneS: and t#en #ad sat ac( 0rinnin05 a stout +o$an +it# 0reen eyes t#at $o-ed
in t#eir soc(ets as i) t#ey #ad een oiled6 Ruy didnt need to e told6 S#e #ad already )i0ured
out t#e 0ood )ortune6 Mo-in06 For t+o $ont#s s#e #ad #ad a distinct )eelin0 t#at t#ey +ere
0oin0 to $o-e6 %ill Hill couldnt #old o)) $uc# lon0er6 He couldnt (ill #er6 &#ere s#e +anted to
e +as in a sudi-isionIs#e started u' t#e ste's5 leanin0 )or+ard and #oldin0 onto t#e
anistersI+#ere you #ad your dru0stores and 0rocery and a 'icture s#o+ ri0#t in your o+n
nei0#or#ood6 *s it +as no+5 li-in0 do+nto+n5 s#e #ad to +al( ei0#t loc(s to t#e $ain
usiness streets and )art#er t#an t#at to 0et to a su'er$ar(et6 S#e #adnt $ade any co$'laints
)or )i-e years $uc# ut no+ +it# #er #ealt# at sta(e as youn0 as s#e +as +#at did #e t#in( s#e
+as 0oin0 to do5 (ill #ersel)3 S#e #ad #er eye on a 'lace in Meado+crest Hei0#ts5 a du'le"
un0alo+ +it# yello+ a+nin0s6 S#e sto''ed on t#e )i)t# ste' to lo+6 *s youn0 as s#e
+asIt#irtyH)ourIyou +ouldnt t#in( )i-e ste's +ould ste+ #er6 ,ou etter ta(e it easy5 ay5
s#e told #ersel)5 youre too youn0 to ust your 0ears6
T#irtyH)our +asnt old5 +asnt any a0e at all6 S#e re$e$ered #er $ot#er at t#irtyH)ourHs#e
#ad loo(ed li(e a 'uc(eredHu' old yello+ a''le5 sour5 s#e #ad al+ays loo(ed sour5 s#e #ad
al+ays loo(ed li(e s#e +asnt satis)ied +it# anyt#in06 S#e co$'ared #ersel) at t#irty)our +it#
#er $ot#er at t#at a0e6 Her $ot#ers #air #ad een 0rayI#ers +ouldnt e 0ray no+ e-en i)
s#e #adnt touc#ed it u'6 *ll t#ose c#ildren +ere +#at did #er $ot#er inIei0#t o) t#e$: t+o
orn dead5 one died t#e )irst year5 one crus#ed under a $o+in0 $ac#ine6 Her $ot#er #ad 0ot
deader +it# e-eryone o) t#e$6 *nd all o) )or +#at3 %ecause s#e #adnt (no+n any etter6 Pure
i0norance6 T#e 'urest o) do+nri0#t i0noranceS
*nd t#ere #er t+o sisters +ere5 ot# $arried )our years +it# )our c#ildren a'iece6 S#e
didnt see #o+ t#ey stood it5 al+ays 0oin0 to t#e doctor to e @aed at +it# instru$ents6 S#e
re$e$ered +#en #er $ot#er #ad #ad Ru)us6 S#e +as t#e only one o) t#e c#ildren +#o
couldnt stand it and s#e +al(ed all t#e +ay in to Melsy5 in t#e #ot sun ten $iles5 to t#e 'icture
s#o+ to 0et clear o) t#e screa$in05 and #ad sat t#rou0# t+o +esterns and a #orror 'icture and
a serial and t#en #ad +al(ed all t#e +ay ac( and )ound it +as @ust e0innin05 and s#e #ad #ad
to listen all ni0#t6 *ll t#at $isery )or Ru)usS *nd #i$ turned out no+ to #a-e no $ore c#ar0e
t#an a dis# ra06 S#e sa+ #i$ +aitin0 out no+#ere e)ore #e +as orn5 @ust +aitin05 +aitin0 to
$a(e #is $ot#er5 only t#irty)our5 into an old +o$an6 S#e 0ri''ed t#e anister rail )iercely and
#ea-ed #ersel) u' anot#er ste'5 s#a(in0 #er #ead6 Lord5 s#e +as disa''ointed in #i$S *)ter s#e
#ad told all #er )riends #er rot#er +as ac( )ro$ t#e Euro'ean T#eater5 #ere #e
co$esIsoundin0 li(e #ed ne-er een out o) a #o0 lot6
He loo(ed old too6 He loo(ed older t#an s#e did and #e +as )ourteen years youn0er6 S#e
+as e"tre$ely youn0 loo(in0 )or #er a0e6 /ot t#at t#irty)our is any a0e and any+ay s#e +as
$arried6 S#e #ad to s$ile5 t#in(in0 aout t#at5 ecause s#e #ad done so $uc# etter t#an #er
sistersIt#ey #ad $arried )ro$ around6 8T#is reat#lessness5: s#e $uttered5 sto''in0 a0ain6
S#e decided s#e +ould #a-e to sit do+n6
T#ere +ere t+entyHei0#t ste's in eac# )li0#tIt+entyHei0#t6
S#e sat do+n and @u$'ed 9uic(ly5 )eelin0 so$et#in0 under #er6 S#e cau0#t #er reat# and
t#en 'ulled t#e t#in0 out: it +as Hartley !il)eets 'istol6 /ine inc#es o) treac#erous tinS He +as
a si"Hyear old oy +#o li-ed on t#e )i)t# )loor6 I) #e #ad een #ers5 s#ed #a-e +orn #i$ out so
#ard so $any ti$es #e +ouldnt (no+ #o+ to lea-e #is $ess on a 'ulic stair6 S#e could #a-e
)allen do+n t#ose stairs as easy as not and ruined #ersel)S %ut #is stu'id $ot#er +asnt 0oin0
to do anyt#in0 to #i$ e-en i) s#e told #er6 *ll s#e did +as screa$ at #i$ and tell 'eo'le #o+
s$art #e +as6 8Little Mister !ood FortuneS: s#e called #i$6 8*ll #is 'oor daddy le)t $eS: His
daddy #ad said on #is deat# ed5 8T#eres not#in0 ut #i$ I e-er 0i-en you5: and s#e #ad said5
8Rod$an5 you 0i-en $e a )ortuneS: and so s#e called #i$ Little Mister !ood Fortune6 8Id +ear
t#e seat o) #is 0ood )ortune outS: Ruy $uttered6
T#e ste's +ere 0oin0 u' and do+n li(e a seesa+ +it# #er in t#e $iddle o) it6 S#e did not
+ant to 0et nauseated6 /ot t#at a0ain6 /o+ no6 /o6 S#e +as not6 S#e sat ti0#tly to t#e ste's
+it# #er eyes s#ut until t#e diEEiness sto''ed a little and t#e nausea susided6 /o5 I$ not
0oin0 to no doctor5 s#e said6 /o6 /o6 S#e +as not6 T#ey +ould #a-e to carry #er t#ere (noc(ed
out e)ore s#e +ould 0o6 S#e #ad done all ri0#t doctorin0 #ersel) all t#ese yearsIno ad sic(
s'ells5 no teet# out5 no c#ildren5 all t#at y #ersel)6 S#e +ould #a-e #ad )i-e c#ildren ri0#t no+
i) s#e #adnt een care)ul5 S#e #ad +ondered $ore t#an once i) t#is reat#lessness could e
#eart troule6 Once in a +#ile5 0oin0 u' t#e ste's5 t#ered e a 'ain in #er c#est alon0 +it# it6
T#at +as +#at s#e +anted it to eI#eart troule6 T#ey couldnt -ery +ell re$o-e your #eart6
T#eyd #a-e to (noc( #er in t#e #ead e)ore t#eyd 0et #er near a #os'ital5 t#eyd #a-e
toIsu''ose s#e +ould die i) t#ey didnt6
S#e +ouldnt6
Su''ose s#e +ould3
S#e $ade #ersel) sto' t#is 0ory t#in(in06 S#e +as only t#irtyH)our6 T#ere +as not#in0
'er$anent +ron0 +it# #er6 S#e +as )at and #er color +as 0ood6 S#e t#ou0#t o) #ersel) a0ain in
co$'arison +it# #er $ot#er at t#irty)our and s#e 'inc#ed #er ar$ and s$iled6 Seein0 t#at #er
$ot#er or )at#er neit#er #ad een Inuc# to loo( at5 s#e #ad done -ery +ell6 T#ey #ad een t#e
driedHu' ty'e dried u' and Pit$an dried into t#e$5 t#e$ and Pit$an s#run( do+n into
so$et#in0 all dried and 'uc(ered u'6 *nd s#e #ad co$e out o) t#atS * so$eody as ali-e as
#erS S#e 0ot u'5 0ri''in0 t#e anister rail ut s$ilin0 to #ersel)6 S#e +as +ar$ and tat and
eauti)ul and not too )at ecause %ill Hill li(ed #er t#at +ay6 S#e #ad 0ained so$e +ei0#t ut
#e #adnt noticed e"ce't t#at #e +as $aye $ore #a''y lately and didnt (no+ +#y6 S#e )elt
t#e +#oleness o) #ersel)5 a +#ole t#in0 cli$in0 t#e stairs6 S#e +as u' t#e )irst Hi0#t no+ and
s#e loo(ed ac(5 'leased6 *s soon as %ill Hill )ell clo+n t#ese ste's once5 $aye t#ey +ould
$o-e6 %ut t#ey +ould $o-e e)ore t#atS Mada$ Uoleeda #ad (no+n6 S#e lau0#ed aloud and5
no-ed on do+n t#e #all6 Mr6 4er0ers door 0rated and startled #er6 O# Lord5 s#e t#ou0#t5 #i$6
He +as a secondH)loor resident +#o +as 'eculiar6
He 'eered at #er co$in0 do+n t#e #all6 8!ood $ornin0S: #e said5 o+in0 t#e u''er 'art o)
#is ody out t#e door6 8!ood $ornin0 to youS: He loo(ed li(e a 0oat6 He #ad little raisin eyes
and a strin0 eard and #is @ac(et +as a 0reen t#at +as al$ost lac( or a lac( t#at +as al$ost
0reen6
8Mornin05: s#e said6 8Ho+er you3:
8&ellS: #e screa$ed6 8&ell indeed on t#is 0lorious5 dayS: He +as se-entyHei0#t years old
and #is )ace loo(ed as i) it #al $ilde+ on it6 In t#e $ornin0s #e studied and in t#e a)ternoons #e
+al(ed u' and do+n t#e side+al(s5 sto''in0 c#ildren and as(in0 t#e$ 9uestions6 &#ene-er #e
#eard anyone in t#e #all5 #e o'ener: #is door and loo(ed out6
8,ea#5 its a nice day5: s#e said lan0uidly6
8.o you (no+ +#at 0reat irt#day t#is is3: #e as(ed6
87#Hu#5: Ruy said6 He al+ays #ad a 9uestion li(e t#at6 * #istory 9uestion t#at noody
(ne+D #e +ould as( it and t#en $a(e a s'eec# on it6 He used to teac# in a #i0# sc#ool6
8!uess5: #e ur0ed #er6
8*ra#a$ Lincoln5: s#e $uttered6
8Ha#S ,ou are not tryin05: #e said6 8Try6:
8!eor0e &as#in0ton5: s#e said5 startin0 u' t#e stairs6
8S#a$e on youS: #e cried6 8*nd your #usand )ro$ t#ereS FloridaS FloridaS Floridas
irt#day5: #e s#outed6 8Co$e in #ere6: He disa''eared into #is roo$5 ec(onin0 a lon0 )in0er
at #er6
S#e ca$e do+n t#e t+o ste's and said5 8I 0otta e 0oin05: and stuc( #er #ead inside t#e
door6 T#e roo$ +as t#e siEe o) a lar0e closet and t#e +alls +ere co$'letely co-ered +it#
'icture 'ostcards o) local uildin0sD t#is 0a-e an illusion o) s'ace6 * sin0le trans'arent ul
#un0 do+n on Mr6 4er0er and a s$all tale6
8/o+ e"a$ine t#is5: #e said6 He +as endin0 o-er a oo(5 runnin0 #is )in0er under t#e
lines: 8AOn Easter Sunday5 *'ril G5 ;K;?5 #e arri-ed on t#e ti' o) t#is continent6 .o you (no+
+#o t#is #e +as3: #e de$anded6
8,ea#5 C#risto'#er Colu$us6: Ruy said6
8Ponce de LeonS: #e screa$ed6 8Ponce de Leon ,ou s#ould (no+ so$et#in0 aout
Florida5: #e said6 8,our #usand is )ro$ Florida6:
8,ea#5 #e +as orn in Mia$i5: Ruy said6 8Hes not )ro$ Tennessee6:
8Florida is not a nole state5: Mr6 4er0er said5 8ut it is an i$'ortant one6:
8Its i$'ortant alri0#to5: Ruy said6
8.o you (no+ +#o Ponce de Leon +as3:
8He +as t#e )ounder o) Florida5: Ruy said ri0#tly6
8He +as a S'aniard5: Mr6 4er0er said6 8.o you (no+ +#at #e +as loo(in0 )or3:
8Florida5: Ruy said6
8Ponce de Leon +as loo(in0 )or t#e )ountain o) yout#5: Mr6 4er0er said5 closin0 #is eyes6
8O#5: Ruy $uttered6
8* certain s'rin05: Mr6 4er0er +ent on5 8+#ose +ater 0a-e 'er'etual yout# to t#ose +#o
dran( it6 In ot#er +ords5: #e said5 8#e +as tryin0 to e youn0 al+ays6:
8.id #e )ind it3: Ruy as(ed6
Mr6 4er0er 'aused +it# #is eyes still closed6 *)ter a $inute #e said5 8.o you t#in( #e )ound
it3 .o you t#in( #e )ound it3 .o you t#in( noody else +ould #a-e 0ot to it i) #e #ad )ound it3
.o you t#in( t#ere +ould e one 'erson li-in0 on t#is eart# +#o #adnt drun( it3:
8I #adnt t#ou0#t5: Ruy said6
8/oody t#in(s any $ore5: Mr6 4er0er co$'lained6
8I 0ot to e 0oin06:
8,es5 its een )ound5: Mr6 4er0er said6
8&#ere at3: Ruy as(ed6
8I #a-e drun( o) it6:
8&#ered you #a-e to 0o to3: s#e as(ed6 S#e leaned a little closer and 0ot a +#i)) o) #i$
t#at +as li(e 'uttin0 #er nose under a uEEards +in06
8Into $y #eart5: #e said5 'lacin0 #is #and o-er it6
8O#6: Ruy $o-ed ac(6 8I 0otta e 0oin06 I t#in( $y rot#ers #o$e6: S#e 0ot o-er t#e
door sill6
8*s( your #usand i) #e (no+s +#at 0reat irt#day t#is is5: Mr6 4er0er said5 loo(in0 at #er
coyly6
8,ea#5 I +ill6: S#e turned and +aited until s#e #eard #is door clic(6 S#e loo(ed ac( to see
t#at it +as s#ut and t#en s#e le+ out #er reat# and stood )acin0 t#e dar( re$ainin0 stee' o)
ste's6 8!od *l$i0#ty5: s#e co$$ented6 T#ey 0ot dar(er and stee'er as you +ent u'6
%y t#e ti$e s#e #ad cli$ed )i-e ste's #er reat# +as 0one6 S#e continued u' a )e+ $ore5
lo+in06 T#en s#e sto''ed6 T#ere +as a 'ain in #er sto$ac#6 It +as a 'ain li(e a 'iece o)
so$et#in0 'us#in0 so$et#in0 else6 S#e #ad )elt it e)ore5 a )e+ days a0o6 It +as t#e one t#at
)ri0#tened #er $ost6 S#e #ad t#ou0#t t#e +ord cancer once and dro''ed it instantly ecause
no #orror li(e t#at +as co$in0 to #er ecause it couldnt6 T#e +ord ca$e ac( to #er
i$$ediately +it# t#e 'ain ut s#e slas#ed it in t+o +it# Mada$ Uoleeda6 It +ill end in 0ood
)ortune6 S#e slas#ed it t+ice t#rou0# and t#en a0ain until t#ere +ere only 'ieces o) it t#at
couldnt e reco0niEed6 S#e +as 0oin0 to sto' on t#e ne"t )loorI!od5 i) s#e e-er 0ot u'
t#ereIand tal( to La-erne &atts6 La-erne &atts +as a t#irdH)loor resident5 t#e secretary to a
c#iro'odist5 and an es'ecial )riend o) #ers6
S#e 0ot u' t#ere5 0as'in0 and )eelin0 as i) #er (nees +ere )ull o) )iEE5 and (noc(ed on
La-ernes door +it# t#e utt o) Hartley !il)eets 0un6 S#e leaned on t#e door )ra$e to rest and
suddenly t#e )loor around #er dro''ed on ot# sides6 T#e +all5 turned lac( and s#e )elt
#ersel) reelin05 +it#out reat#5 in t#e nnldle o) t#e air5 terri)ied at t#e dro' t#at +as co$in06
S#e sa+ t#e door o'en a 0reat distance a+ay and La-erne5 aout )our inc#es #i0#5 standin0 in
it6
La-erne5 a tall stra+H#aired 0irl5 let out a 0reat 0u))a+ and sla''ed #er side as i) s#e #ad @ust
o'ened t#e door on t#e $ost co$ical si0#t s#e #ad yet seen6 8T#at 0unS: s#e yelled6 8T#at 0unS
T#at loo(S: S#e sta00ered ac( to t#e so)a and )ell on it5 #er le0s risin0 #i0#er t#an #er #i's and
)allin0 do+n a0ain #el'lessly +it# a t#ud6
T#e )loor ca$e u' to +#ere Ruy could see it and re$ained5 di''in0 a little6 &it# a terrile
stare o) concentration5 s#e ste''ed do+n to 0et on it6 S#e scrutiniEed a c#air across t#e roo$
and t#en #eaded )or it5 'uttin0 #er )eet care)ully one e)ore t#e ot#er6
8,ou s#ould e in a +ildH+est s#o+S: La-erne &atts said6 8,oure a #o+lS:
Ruy reac#ed t#e c#air and t#en ed0ed #ersel) onto it6 8S#ut u'5: s#e said #oarsely6
La-erne sat )or+ard5 'ointin0 at #er5 and t#en )ell ac( on t#e so)a5 s#a(in0 a0ain6
8Tuit t#atS: Ruy yelled6 8Tuit t#atS I$ sic(6:
La-erne 0ot u' and too( t+o or t#ree lon0 strides across t#e roo$6 S#e leaned do+n in
)ront o) Ruy and loo(ed into #er )ace +it# one eye s#ut as i) s#e +ere s9uintin0 t#rou0# a
(ey#ole6 8,ou are sort o) 'ur'le5: s#e said6
8I$ da$n sic(5: Ruy 0lo+ered6
La-erne stood loo(in0 at #er and a)ter a second s#e )olded #er ar$s and -ery 'ointedly
stuc( #er sto$ac# out and e0an to s+ay ac( and )ort#6 8&ell5 +#atd you co$e in#ere +i t#
t#at 0un )or3 &#ered you 0et it3: s#e as(ed6
8Sat on it5: Ruy $uttered6
La-erne stood t#ere5 s+ayin0 +it# #er sto$ac# stuc( out5 and a -ery +ise e"'ression
0ro+in0 on #er )ace6 Ruy sat s'ra+led in t#e c#air5 loo(in0 at #er )eet6 T#e roo$ +as 0ettin0
still6 S#e sat u' and 0lared at #er an(les6 T#ey +ere s+ollenS I$ not 0oin0 to no doctor5 s#e
started5 I$ not 0oin0 to one6 I$ not 0oin06 8/ot 0oin05: s#e e0an to $u$le5 8to no doctor5
notB:
8Ho+ lon0 you t#in( you can #old o))3: La-erne $ur$ured and e0an to 0i00le6
8*re $y an(les s+ollen3: Ruy as(ed6
8T#ey loo( li(e t#ey-e al+ays loo(ed to $e5: La-erne said5 t#ro+in0 #ersel) do+n on t#e
so)a a0ain6 8Cind o) )at6: S#e li)ted #er o+n an(les u' on t#e end 'illo+ and turned t#e$
sli0#tly6 8Ho+ do you li(e t#ese s#oes3: s#e as(ed6 T#ey +ere a 0rass#o''er 0reen +it# -ery
#i0# t#in #eels6
8I t#in( t#eyre s+ollen5: Ruy said6 8&#en I +as co$in0 u' t#at last )li0#t o) stairs I #ad
t#e a+)ulest )eelin05 all o-er $e li(eB:
8,ou ou0#t to 0o on to t#e doctor6:
8I dont need to 0o to no doctor5: Ruy $uttered6 8I can ta(e care o) $ysel)6 I #a-ent done
ad at it all t#is ti$e6:
8Is Ru)us at #o$e3:
8I dont (no+6 I (e't $ysel) a+ay )ro$ doctors all $y li)e6 I (e'tI+#y3:
8&#y +#at3:
8&#y5 is Ru)us at #o$e3:
8Ru)us is cute5: La-erne said6 8I t#ou0#t Id as( #i$ #o+ #e li(ed $y s#oes6:
Ruy sat u' +it# a )ierce loo(5 -ery 'in( and 'ur'le6 8&#y Ru)us3: s#e 0ro+led6 8He aint
ut a ay6: La-erne +as t#irty years old6 8He dont care aout +o$ens s#oes6:
La-erne sat u' and too( o)) one o) t#e s#oes and 'eered inside it6 8/ine %5: s#e said6 8I et
#ed li(e +#ats in it6:
8T#at Ru)us aint ut an en)antS: Ruy said6 8He dont #a-e ti$e to e loo(in0 at your )eet6
He aint 0ot t#at (ind o) ti$e6:
8O#5 #es 0ot 'lenty o) ti$e5: La-erne said6
8,ea#5: Ruy $uttered and sa+ #i$ a0ain5 +aitin05 +it# 'lenty o) ti$e5 out no+#ere
e)ore #e +as orn5 @ust +aitin0 to $a(e #is $ot#er t#at $uc# deader6
8I elie-e your an(les are s+ollen5: La-erne said6
8,ea#5: Ruy said5 t+istin0 t#e$6 8,ea#6 T#ey )eel ti0#t sort o)6 I #ad t#e a+)ulest )eelin0
+#en I 0ot u' t#ose ste's5 li(e sort o) out o) reat# all o-er5 sort o) ti0#t all o-er5 sort
o)Ia+)ul6:
8,ou ou0#t to 0o on to t#e doctor6:
8/o6:
8,ou e-er een to one3:
8T#ey carried $e once +#en I +as ten5: Ruy said5 8ut I 0ot a+ay6 T#ree o) t#e$ #oldin0
$e didnt do any 0ood6:
8&#at +as it t#at ti$e3:
8&#at you loo(in0 at $e t#at +ay )or3: Ruy $uttered6
8&#at +ay3:
8T#at +ay5: Ruy said5 8Is+a00in0 out t#at sto$ac# o) yours t#at +ay6:
8I @ust as(ed you +#at it +as t#at ti$e3:
8It +as a oil6 * ni00er +o$an u' t#e road told $e +#at to do and I did it and it +ent
a+ay6: S#e sat slu$'ed on t#e ed0e o) t#e c#air5 starin0 in )ront o) #er as i) s#e +ere
re$e$erin0 an easier ti$e6
La-erne e0an to do a (ind o) co$ic dance u' and do+n t#e roo$6 S#e too( t+o or t#ree
slo+ ste's in one direction +it# #er (nees ent and t#en s#e ca$e ac( and (ic(ed #er le0
slo+ly and 'ain)ully in t#e ot#er6 S#e e0an to sin0 in a loud 0uttural -oice5 rollin0 #er eyes5
8Put t#e$ all to0et#er5 t#ey s'ell MOTHERS MOTHERS: and stretc#in0 out #er ar$s as i) s#e
+ere on t#e sta0e6
Ruys $out# o'ened +ordlessly and #er )ierce e"'ression -anis#ed6 For a #al)Hsecond s#e
+as $otionlessD t#en s#e s'ran0 )ro$ t#e c#air6 8/ot $eS: s#e s#outed6 8/ot $eS:
La-erne sto''ed and only +atc#ed #er +it# t#e +ise loo(6
8/ot $eS: Ruy s#outed6 8O# no not $eS %ill Hill ta(es care o) t#at6 %ill Hill ta(es care o)
t#atS %ill Hills een ta(in0 care o) t#at )or )i-e yearsS T#at aint 0oin0 to #a''en to $eS:
8&ell old %ill Hill @ust sli''ed u' aout )our or )i-e $ont#s a0o5 $y )riend5: La-erne said6
84ust sli''ed u'B:
8I dont rec(on you (no+ anyt#in0 aout it5 you aint e-en $arried5 you aint e-enB:
8I et its not one5 I et its t+o5: La-erne said6 8,ou etter 0o on to t#e doctor and )ind out
#o+ $any it is6:
8It is notS: Ruy s#rilled6 S#e t#ou0#t s#e +as so s$artS S#e didnt (no+ a sic( +o$an
+#en s#e sa+ one5 all s#e could do +as loo( at #er )eet and s#oe e$ to Ru)us5 s#oe e$ to
Ru)us and #e +as an en)ant and s#e +as t#irty)our years old6 8Ru)us is an en)antS: s#e +ailed6
8T#at +ill $a(e t+oS: La-erne said6
8,ou s#ut u' tal(in0 li(e t#atS: Ruy s#outed6 8,ou s#ut u' t#is $inute6 I aint 0oin0 to #a-e
any ayS:
8Ha #a5: La-erne said6
8I dont (no+ #o+ you t#in( you (no+ so $uc#5: Ruy said5 8sin0le as you are6 I) I +as so
sin0le I +ouldnt 0o around tellin0 $arried 'eo'le +#at t#eir usiness is6:
8/ot @ust your an(les5: La-erne said5 8youre s+ollen all o-er6:
8I aint 0oin0 to stay #ere and e insulted5: Ruy said and +al(ed care)ully to t#e door5
(ee'in0 #ersel) erect and not loo(in0 do+n at #er sto$ac# t#e +ay s#e +anted to6
8&ell I #o'e all o) you )eel etter to$orro+5: La-erne said6
8I t#in( $y #eart +ill e etter to$orro+5: Ruy said6 8%ut I #o'e +e +ill e $o-in0 soon6 I
cant cli$ t#ese ste's +it# t#is #eart troule and5: s#e added +it# a di0ni)ied 0lare5 8Ru)us
dont care not#in0 aout your i0 )eet6:
8,ou etter 'ut t#at 0un u'5: La-erne said5 8e)ore you s#oot so$eody6:
Ruy sla$$ed t#e door s#ut and loo(ed do+n at #ersel) 9uic(ly6 S#e +as i0 t#ere ut s#e
#ad al+ays #ad a (ind o) i0 sto$ac#6 S#e did not stic( out t#ere di))erent )ro$ t#e +ay s#e did
any 'lace else6 It +as natural +#en you too( on so$e +ei0#t to ta(e it on in t#e $iddle and %ill
Hill didnt $ind #er ein0 )at5 #e +as @ust $ore #a''y and didnt (no+ +#y6 S#e sa+ %ill Hills
lon0 #a''y )ace5 0rinnin0 at #er )ro$ t#e eyes do+n+ard in a +ay #e #ad as i) #is loo( 0ot
#a''ier as it neared #is teet#6 He +ould ne-er sli' u'6 S#e rued #er #and across #er s(irt and
)elt t#e ti0#tness o) it ut #adnt s#e )elt t#at e)ore3 S#e #ad6 It +as t#e s(irtIs#e #ad on t#e
ti0#t one t#at s#e didnt +ear o)ten5 s#e #adB s#e didnt #a-e on t#e ti0#t s(irt6 S#e #ad on t#e
loose one6 %ut it +asnt -ery loose6 %ut t#at didnt $a(e any di))erence5 s#e +as @ust )at6
S#e 'ut #er )in0ers on #er sto$ac# and 'us#ed do+n and too( t#e$ o)) 9uic(ly6 S#e e0an
+al(in0 to+ard t#e stairs5 slo+ly5 as i) t#e )loor +ere 0oin0 to $o-e under #er6 S#e e0an t#e
ste's6 T#e 'ain ca$e ac( at once6 It ca$e ac( +it# t#e )irst ste'6 8/o5: s#e +#i$'ered5 8no6:
It +as @ust a little )eelin05 @ust a little )eelin0 li(e a 'iece o) #er inside rollin0 o-er ut it $ade
#er reat# ti0#ten in #er t#roat6 /ot#in0 in #er +as su''osed to roll o-er6 84ust one ste'5: s#e
+#is'ered5 84ust one ste' and it did it6: It couldnt e cancer6 Mada$ Uoleeda said it +ould end
in 0ood )ortune6 S#e e0an cryin0 and sayin05 84ust one ste' and it did it5: and 0oin0 on u'
t#e$ asently as i) s#e t#ou0#t s#e +ere standin0 still6 On t#e si"t# one5 s#e sat do+n
suddenly5 #er #and sli''in0 +ea(ly do+n t#e anister s'o(e onto t#e )loor6
8/oooo5: s#e said and leaned #er round red )ace et+een t#e t+o nearest 'oles6 S#e
loo(ed do+n into t#e stair+ell and 0a-e a lon0 #ollo+ +ail t#at +idened and ec#oed as it +ent
do+n6 T#e stair ca-ern +as dar( 0reen and $oleHcolored and t#e +ail sounded at t#e -ery
otto$ li(e a -oice ans+erin0 #er6 S#e 0as'ed and s#ut #er eyes6 /o6 /o6 It couldnt e any
ay6 S#e +as not 0oin0 to #a-e so$et#in0 +aitin0 in #er to $a(e #er deader5 s#e +as not6 %ill
Hill couldnt #a-e sli''ed u'6 He said it +as 0uaranteed and it #ad +or(ed all t#is ti$e and it
could not e t#at5 it could not6 S#e s#uddered and #eld #er #and ti0#tly o-er #er $out#6 S#e
)elt #er )ace dra+n 'uc(ered: t+o orn dead one died t#e )irst year and one run under li(e a
dried yello+ a''le no s#e +as only t#irty)our years old5 s#e +as old6 Mada$ Uoleeda said it
+ould end in no dryin0 u'6 Mada$ Uoleeda said o# ut it +ill end in a stro(e o) 0ood )ortuneS
Mo-in06 S#e #ad said it +ould end in a stro(e o) 0ood $o-in06
S#e )elt #ersel) 0ettin0 cal$er6 S#e )elt #ersel)5 a)ter a $inute5 0ettin0 al$ost cal$ and
t#ou0#t s#e 0ot u'set too easyD #ec(5 it +as 0as6 Mada$ Uoleeda #adnt een +ron0 aout
anyt#in0 yet5 s#e (ne+ $ore t#anB
S#e @u$'ed: t#ere +as a an0 at t#e otto$ o) t#e stair+ell and a ru$le rattlin0 u' t#e
ste's5 s#a(in0 t#e$ e-en u' +#ere s#e +as6 S#e loo(ed t#rou0# t#e anister 'oles and sa+
Hartley !il)eet5 +it# t+o 'istols le-eled5 0allo'in0 u' t#e stairs and #eard a -oice 'ierce do+n
)ro$ t#e )loor o-er #er5 8,ou Hartley5 s#ut u' t#at rac(etS ,oure s#a(in0 t#e #ouseS: %ut #e
ca$e on5 t#underin0 louder as #e rounded t#e end on t#e )irst )loor and strea(ed u' t#e #all6
S#e sa+ Mr6 4er0ers door )ly o'en and #i$ s'rin0 +it# cla+ed )in0ers and 0ras' a )lyin0 'iece
o) s#irt t#at +#irled and s#ot o)) a0ain +it# a #i0#H'itc#ed5 8Le00o5 you old 0oat teac#erS: and
ca$e on nearer until t#e stairs ru$led directly under #er and a c#ar0in0 c#i'$un( )ace
cras#ed into #er and roc(eted t#rou0# #er #ead5 s$aller and s$aller into a +#irl o) dar(6
S#e sat on t#e ste'5 clutc#in0 t#e anister s'o(e +#ile t#e reat# ca$e ac( into #er a
t#i$le)ul at a ti$e and t#e stairs sto''ed seesa+in06 S#e o'ened #er eyes and 0aEed do+n
into t#e dar( #old5 do+n to t#e -ery otto$ +#ere s#e #ad started u' so lon0 a0o6 8!ood
Fortune5: s#e said in a #ollo+ -oice t#at ec#oed alon0 all t#e le-els o) t#e ca-ern5 8%ay6:
8!ood Fortune5 %ay5: t#e t#ree ec#oes leered6
T#en s#e reco0niEed t#e )eelin0 a0ain5 a little roll6 It +as as i) it +ere not in #er sto$ac#6 It
+as as i) it +ere out no+#ere in not#in05 out no+#ere5 restin0 and +aitin05 +it# 'lenty o) ti$e6
Enoc# and t#e !orilla N;<KRO
E/OCH EMER, #ad orro+ed #is landladys u$rella and #e disco-ered as #e stood in t#e
entrance o) t#e dru0store5 tryin0 to o'en it5 t#at it +as at least as old as s#e +as5 &#en #e
)inally 0ot it #oisted5 #e 'us#ed #is dar( 0lasses ac( on #is eyes and reHentered t#e do+n'our6
T#e u$rella +as one #is landlady #ad sto''ed usin0 )i)teen years e)ore N+#ic# +as t#e
only reason s#e #ad lent it to #i$O and as soon as t#e rain touc#ed t#e to' o) it5 it ca$e do+n
+it# a s#rie( and staed #i$ in t#e ac( o) t#e nec(6 He ran a )e+ )eet +it# it o-er #is #ead
and t#en ac(ed into anot#er store entrance and re$o-ed it6 T#en to 0et it u' a0ain5 #e #ad to
'lace t#e ti' o) it on t#e 0round and ra$ it o'en +it# #is )oot6 He ran out a0ain5 #oldin0 #is
#and u' near t#e s'o(es to (ee' t#e$ o'en and t#is allo+ed t#e #andle5 +#ic# +as car-ed to
re'resent t#e #ead o) a )o" terrier5 to @a #i$ e-ery )e+ seconds in t#e sto$ac#6 He 'roceeded
)or anot#er 9uarter o) a loc( t#is +ay e)ore t#e ac( #al) #al) t#e sil( stood u' o)) t#e s'o(es
and allo+ed t#e stor$ to s+ee' do+n #is collar6 T#en #e duc(ed under t#e $ar9uee o) a
$o-ie #ouse6 It +as Saturday and t#ere +ere a lot o) c#ildren standin0 $ore or less in a line in
)ront o) t#e tic(et o"6
Enoc# +as not -ery )ond o) c#ildren5 ut c#ildren al+ays see$ed to li(e to loo( at #i$6 T#e
line turned and t+enty or t#irty eyes e0an to oser-e #i$ +it# a steady interest6 T#e u$rella
#ad assu$ed an u0ly 'osition5 #al) u' and #al) do+n5 and t#e #al) t#at +as u' +as aout to
co$e do+n and s'ill $ore +ater under #is collar6 &#en t#is #a''ened t#e c#ildren lau0#ed
and @u$'ed u' and do+n6 Enoc# 0lared at t#e$ and turned #is ac( and lo+ered #is dar(
0lasses6 He )ound #i$sel) )acin0 a li)eHsiEe )ourHcolor 'icture o) a 0orilla6 O-er t#e 0orillas #ead5
+ritten in red letters +as 8!*/!*S !iant 4un0le Monarc# and a !reat StarS HERE I/
PERSO/SSS: *t t#e le-el o) t#e 0orillas (nee5 t#ere +as $ore t#at said5 8!on0a +ill a''ear in
'erson in )ront o) t#is t#eater at ;R *6M6 TO.*,S * )ree 'ass to t#e )irst ten ra-e enou0# to
ste' u' and s#a(e #is #andS: Enoc# +as usually t#in(in0 o) so$et#in0 else at t#e $o$ent t#at
Fate e0an dra+in0 ac( #er le0 to (ic( #i$6 &#en #e +as )our years old5 #is )at#er #ad
rou0#t #i$ #o$e a tin o" )ro$ t#e 'enitentiary6 It +as oran0e and #ad a 'icture o) so$e
'eanut rittle on t#e outside o) it and 0reen letters t#at said5 8* /7TT, S7RPRISES: &#en
Enoc# #ad o'ened it5 a coiled 'iece o) steel #ad s'run0 out at #i$ and ro(en o)) t#e ends o)
#is t+o )ront teet#6 His li)e +as )ull o) so $any #a''enin0s li(e t#at t#at it +ould see$ #e
s#ould #a-e een $ore sensiti-e to #is ti$es o) dan0er6 He stood t#ere and read t#e 'oster
t+ice t#rou0# care)ully6 To #is $ind5 an o''ortunity to insult a success)ul a'e ca$e )ro$ t#e
#and o) Pro-idence6
He turned around and as(ed t#e nearest c#ild +#at ti$e it +as6 T#e c#ild said it +as t+el-eH
ten and t#at !on0a +as already ten $inutes late6 *not#er c#ild said t#at $aye t#e rain #ad
delayed #i$6 *not#er said5 no not t#e rain5 #is director +as ta(in0 a 'lane )ro$ Holly+ood6
Enoc# 0ritted #is teet#6 T#e )irst c#ild said t#at i) #e +anted to s#a(e t#e stars #and5 #e +ould
#a-e to 0et in line li(e t#e rest o) t#e$ and +ait #is turn6 Enoc# 0ot in line6 * c#ild as(ed #i$
#o+ old #e +as6 *not#er oser-ed t#at #e #ad )unnyloo(in0 teet#6 He i0nored all t#is as est
#e could and e0an to strai0#ten out t#e u$rella6
In a )e+ $inutes a lac( truc( turned around t#e corner and ca$e slo+ly u' t#e street in
t#e #ea-y rain6 Enoc# 'us#ed t#e u$rella under #is ar$ and e0an to s9uint t#rou0# #is dar(
0lasses6 *s t#e truc( a''roac#ed5 a '#ono0ra'# inside it e0an to 'lay 8Tarara %oo$ .i *ye5:
ut t#e $usic +as al$ost dro+ned out y t#e rain6 T#ere +as a lar0e illustration o) a londe on
t#e outside o) t#e truc(5 ad-ertisin0 so$e 'icture ot#er t#an t#e 0orillas6
T#e c#ildren #eld t#eir line care)ully as t#e truc( sto''ed in )ront o) t#e $o-ie #ouse6 T#e
ac( door o) it +as constructed li(e a 'addy +a0on5 +it# a 0rate5 ut t#e a'e +as not at it6 T+o
$en in raincoats 0ot out o) t#e ca 'art5 cursin05 and ran around to t#e ac( and o'ened t#e
door6 One o) t#e$ stuc( #is #ead in and said5 8O(ay5 $a(e it sna''y5 +illya3: T#e ot#er @er(ed
#is t#u$ at t#e c#ildren and said5 8!et ac( +illya5 +illya 0et ac(3:
* -oice on t#e record inside t#e truc( said5 8Heres !on0a5 )ol(s5 Roarin0 !on0a and a !reat
StarS !i-e !on0a a i0 #and5 )ol(sS: T#e -oice +as arely a $u$le in t#e rain6
T#e $an +#o +as +aitin0 y t#e door o) t#e truc( stuc( #is #ead in a0ain6 8O(ay +illya 0et
out3: #e said6
T#ere +as a )aint t#u$' so$e+#ere inside t#e -an6 *)ter a second a dar( )urry ar$
e$er0ed @ust enou0# )or t#e rain to touc# it and t#en dre+ ac( inside6
8!odda$n5: t#e $an +#o +as under t#e $ar9uee saidD #e too( o)) #is raincoat and t#re+
it to t#e $an y t#e door5 +#o t#re+ it into t#e +a0on6 *)ter t+o or t#ree $inutes $ore5 t#e
0orilla a''eared at t#e door5 +it# t#e raincoat uttoned u' to #is c#in and t#e collar turned u'6
T#ere +as an iron c#ain #an0in0 )ro$ around #is nec(D t#e $an 0raed it and 'ulled #i$
do+n and t#e t+o o) t#e$ ounded under t#e $ar9uee to0et#er6 * $ot#erlyHloo(in0 +o$an
+as in t#e 0lass tic(et o"5 0ettin0 t#e 'asses ready )or t#e )irst ten c#ildren ra-e enou0# to
ste' u' and s#a(e #ands6
T#e 0orilla i0nored t#e c#ildren entirely and )ollo+ed t#e $an o-er to t#e ot#er side o) t#e
entrance +#ere t#ere +as a s$all 'lat)or$ raised aout a )oot o)) t#e 0round6 He ste''ed u'
on it and turned )acin0 t#e c#ildren and e0an to 0ro+l6 His 0ro+ls +ere not so $uc# loud as
'oisonousD t#ey a''eared to issue )ro$ a lac( #eart6 Enoc# +as terri)ied and i) #e #ad not
een surrounded y t#e c#ildren5 #e +ould #a-e run a+ay6
8&#oll ste' u' )irst3: t#e $an said6 8Co$e on co$e on5 +#oll ste' u' )irst3 * )ree 'ass to
t#e )irst (id ste''in0 u'6:
T#ere +as no $o-e$ent )ro$ t#e 0rou' o) c#ildren6 T#e $an 0lared at t#e$6 8&#ats t#e
$atter +it# you (ids3: #e ar(ed6 8,ou yello+3 He +ont #urt you as lon0 as I 0ot #i$ y t#is
c#ain6: He ti0#tened #is 0ri' on t#e c#ain and @an0led it at t#e$ to s#o+ #e +as #oldin0 it
securely6
*)ter a $inute a little 0irl se'arated #ersel) )ro$ t#e 0rou'6 S#e #ad lon0 +oodHs#a-in0
curls and a )ierce trian0ular )ace6 S#e $o-ed u' to +it#in )our )eet o) t#e star6
8O(ay o(ay5: t#e $an said5 rattlin0 t#e c#ain5 8$a(e it sna''y6:
T#e a'e reac#ed out and 0a-e #er #and a 9uic( s#a(e6 %y t#is ti$e t#ere +as anot#er little
0irl ready and t#en t+o oys6 T#e line re)or$ed and e0an to $o-e u'6
T#e 0orilla (e't #is #and e"tended and turned #is #ead a+ay +it# a ored loo( at t#e rain6
Enoc# #ad 0ot o-er #is )ear and +as tryin0 )rantically to t#in( o) an oscene re$ar( t#at +ould
e suitale to insult #i$ +it#6 7sually #e didnt #a-e any troule +it# t#is (ind o) co$'osition
ut not#in0 ca$e to #i$ no+6 His rain5 ot# 'arts5 +as co$'letely e$'ty6 He couldnt t#in(
e-en o) t#e insultin0 '#rases #e used e-ery day6
T#ere +ere only t+o c#ildren in )ront o) #i$ y no+6 T#e )irst one s#oo( #ands and ste''ed
aside6 Enoc#s #eart +as eatin0 -iolently6 T#e c#ild in )ront o) #i$ )inis#ed and ste''ed aside
and le)t #i$ )acin0 t#e a'e5 +#o too( #is #and +it# an auto$atic $otion6
It +as t#e )irst #and t#at #ad een e"tended to Enoc# since #e #ad co$e to t#e city6 It +as
+ar$ and so)t6
For a second #e only stood t#ere5 clas'in0 it6 T#en #e e0an to sta$$er6 8My na$e is
Enoc# E$ery5: #e $u$led6 8I attended t#e Rode$ill %oys %ile *cade$y6 I +or( at t#e city
Eoo6 I seen t+o o) your 'ictures6 I$ only ei0#teen years old ut I already +or( )or t#e city6 My
daddy $ade $e co$e: and #is -oice crac(ed6
T#e star leaned sli0#tly )or+ard and a c#an0e ca$e in #is eyes: an u0ly 'air o) #u$an ones
$o-ed closer and s9uinted at Enoc# )ro$ e#ind t#e celluloid 'air6 8,ou 0o to #ell5: a surly
-oice inside t#e a'eHsuit said5 lo+ ut distinctly5 and t#e #and +as @er(ed a+ay6
Enoc#s #u$iliation +as so s#ar' and 'ain)ul t#at #e turned around t#ree ti$es e)ore #e
realiEed +#ic# direction #e +anted to 0o in6 T#en #e ran o)) into t#e rain as )ast as #e could6
In s'ite o) #i$sel)5 Enoc# couldnt 0et o-er t#e e"'ectation t#at so$et#in0 +as 0oin0 to
#a''en to #i$6 T#e -irtue o) #o'e5 in Enoc#5 +as $ade u' o) t+o 'arts sus'icion and one 'art
lust6 It o'erated on #i$ all t#e rest o) t#e day6 He #ad only a -a0ue idea +#at #e +anted5 ut
#e +as not a oy +it#out a$ition: #e +anted to eco$e so$et#in06 He +anted to etter #is
condition6 He +anted5 so$e day5 to see a line o) 'eo'le +aitin0 to s#a(e #is #and6
*ll a)ternoon #e )id0eted and )ooled in #is roo$5 itin0 #is nails and s#reddin0 +#at +as
le)t o) t#e sil( o)) t#e landladys u$rella6 Finally #e denuded it entirely and ro(e o)) t#e
s'o(es6 &#at +as le)t +as a lac( stic( +it# a s#ar' steel 'oint at one end and a do0s #ead at
t#e ot#er6 It $i0#t #a-e een an instru$ent )or so$e s'ecialiEed (ind o) torture t#at #ad 0one
out o) )as#ion6 Enoc# +al(ed u' and do+n #is roo$ +it# it under #is ar$ and realiEed t#at it
+ould distin0uis# #i$ on t#e side+al(6
*out se-en ocloc( in t#e e-enin0 #e 'ut on #is coat and too( t#e stic( and #eaded )or a
little restaurant t+o loc(s a+ay6 He #ad t#e sense t#at #e +as settin0 o)) to 0et so$e #onor5
ut #e +as -ery ner-ous5 as i) #e +ere a)raid #e $i0#t #a-e to snatc# it instead o) recei-e it6
He ne-er set out )or anyt#in0 +it#out eatin0 )irst6 T#e restaurant +as called t#e Paris .inerD
it +as a tunnel aout si" )eet +ide5 located et+een a s#oes#ine 'arlor and a dryHcleanin0
estalis#$ent6 Enoc# slid in and cli$ed u' on t#e )ar stool at t#e counter and said #e +ould
#a-e a o+l o) s'litH'ea sou' and a c#ocolate $alted $il(s#a(e6
T#e +aitress +as a tall +o$an +it# a i0 yello+ dental 'late and t#e sa$e color #air done
u' in a lac( #airnet5 One #and ne-er le)t #er #i'D s#e )illed orders +it# t#e ot#er one6
*lt#ou0# Enoc# ca$e in e-ery ni0#t5 s#e #ad ne-er learned to li(e #i$6
Instead o) )illin0 #is order5 s#e e0an to )ry aconD t#ere +as only one ot#er custo$er in t#e
'lace and #e #ad )inis#ed #is $eal and +as readin0 a ne+s'a'erD t#ere +as no one to eat t#e
acon ut #er6 Enoc# reac#ed o-er t#e counter and 'rodded #er #i' +it# t#e stic(6
8Listen#ere5: #e said5 8I 0ot to 0o6 I$ in a #urry6:
8!o t#en5: s#e said6 Her @a+ e0an to +or( and s#e stared into t#e s(illet +it# a )i"ed
attention6
8Le$$e @ust #a-e a 'iece o) t#eter ca(e yonder5: #e said5 'ointin0 to a #al) o) 'in( and
yello+ ca(e on a round 0lass stand6 8I t#in( I 0ot so$et#in0 to do6 I 0ot to e 0oin06 Set it u'
t#ere ne"t to #i$5: #e said5 indicatin0 t#e custo$er readin0 t#e ne+s'a'er6 He slid o-er t#e
stools and e0an readin0 t#e outside s#eet o) t#e $ans 'a'er6
T#e $an lo+ered t#e 'a'er and loo(ed at #i$6 Enoc# s$iled6 T#e $an raised t#e 'a'er
a0ain6 8Could I orro+ so$e 'art o) your 'a'er t#at you aint studyin03: Enoc# as(ed6 T#e $an
lo+ered it a0ain and stared at #i$D #e #ad $uddy un)linc#in0 eyes6 He lea)ed delierately
t#rou0# t#e 'a'er and s#oo( out t#e s#eet +it# t#e co$ic stri's and #anded it to Enoc#6 It +as
Enoc#s )a-orite 'art6 He read it e-ery e-enin0 li(e an o))ice6 &#ile #e ate t#e ca(e t#at t#e
+aitress #ad tor'edoed do+n t#e counter at #i$5 #e read and )elt #i$sel) sur0e +it# (indness
and coura0e and stren0t#6
&#en #e )inis#ed one side5 #e turned t#e s#eet o-er and e0an to scan t#e ad-ertise$ents
)or $o-ies t#at )illed t#e ot#er side6 His eye +ent o-er t#ree colu$ns +it#out sto''in0D t#en it
ca$e to a o" t#at ad-ertised !on0a5 !iant 4un0le Monarc#5 and listed t#e t#eaters #e +ould
-isit on #is tour and t#e #ours #e +ould e at eac# one6 In t#irty $inutes #e +ould arri-e at t#e
2ictory on K>t# Street and t#at +ould e #is last a''earance in t#e city6
I) anyone #ad +atc#ed Enoc# read t#is5 #e +ould #a-e seen a certain trans)or$ation in #is
countenance6 It still s#one +it# t#e ins'iration #e #ad asored )ro$ t#e co$ic stri's5 ut
so$et#in0 else #ad co$e o-er it: a loo( o) a+a(enin06
T#e +aitress #a''ened to turn around to see i) #e #adnt 0one6
8&#ats t#e $atter +it# you3: s#e said6 8.id you s+allo+ a seed3:
8I (no+ +#at I +ant5: Enoc# $ur$ured6
8I (no+ +#at I +ant too5: s#e said +it# a dar( loo(6
Enoc# )elt )or #is stic( and laid #is c#an0e on t#e counter6 8I 0ot to e 0oin06:
8.ont let $e (ee' you5: s#e said6
8,ou $ay not see $e a0ain5: #e said5:It#e +ay I a$6
8*ny +ay I dont see you +ill e all ri0#t +it# $e5: s#e said6
Enoc# le)t6 It +as a 'leasant da$' e-enin06 T#e 'uddles on t#e side+al( s#one and t#e
store +indo+s +ere stea$y and ri0#t +it# @un(6 He disa''eared do+n a side street and $ade
#is +ay ra'idly alon0 t#e dar(er 'assa0es o) t#e city5 'ausin0 only once or t+ice at t#e end o)
an alley to dart a 0lance in eac# direction e)ore #e ran on6 T#e 2ictory +as a s$all t#eater5
suited to t#e needs o) t#e )a$ily5 in one o) t#e closer sudi-isionsD #e 'assed t#rou0# a
succession o) li0#ted areas and t#en on t#rou0# $ore alleys and ac( streets until #e ca$e to
t#e usiness section t#at surrounded it6 T#en #e slo+ed u'6 He sa+ it aout a loc( a+ay5
0litterin0 in its dar(er settin06 He didnt cross t#e street to t#e side it +as on ut (e't on t#e )ar
side5 $o-in0 )or+ard +it# #is s9uint )i"ed on t#e 0lary s'ot6 He sto''ed +#en #e +as directly
across )ro$ it and #id #i$sel) in a narro+ stair ca-ity t#at di-ided a uildin06
T#e truc( t#at carried !on0a +as 'ar(ed across t#e street and t#e star +as standin0 under
t#e $ar9uee5 s#a(in0 #ands +it# an elderly +o$an6 S#e $o-ed aside and a 0entle$an in a
'olo s#irt ste''ed u' and s#oo( #ands -i0orously5 li(e a s'orts$an6 He +as )ollo+ed y a oy
o) aout t#ree +#o +ore a tall &estern #at t#at nearly co-ered #is )aceD #e #ad to e 'us#ed
a#ead y t#e line6 Enoc# +atc#ed )or so$e ti$e5 #is )ace +or(in0 +it# en-y6 T#e s$all oy +as
)ollo+ed y a lady in s#orts5 s#e y an old $an +#o tried to dra+ e"tra attention to #i$sel) y
dancin0 u' instead o) +al(in0 in a di0ni)ied +ay6 Enoc# suddenly darted across t#e street and
sli''ed noiselessly into t#e o'en ac( door o) t#e truc(6
T#e #ands#a(in0 +ent on until t#e )eature 'icture +as ready to e0in6 T#en t#e star 0ot
ac( in t#e -an and t#e 'eo'le )iled into t#e t#eater6 T#e dri-er and t#e $an +#o +as $aster
o) cere$onies cli$ed in t#e ca 'art and t#e truc( ru$led o))6 It crossed t#e city ra'idly and
continued on t#e #i0#+ay5 0oin0 -ery )ast6
T#ere ca$e )ro$ t#e -an certain t#u$'in0 noises5 not t#ose o) t#e nor$al 0orilla5 ut t#ey
+ere dro+ned out y t#e drone o) t#e $otor and t#e steady sound o) +#eels a0ainst t#e road6
T#e ni0#t +as 'ale and 9uiet5 +it# not#in0 to stir it ut an occasional co$'laint )ro$ a #oot
o+l and t#e distant $uted @arrin0 o) a )rei0#t train6 T#e truc( s'ed on until it slo+ed )or a
crossin05 and as t#e -an rattled o-er t#e trac(s5 a )i0ure sli''ed )ro$ t#e door and al$ost )ell5
and t#en li$'ed #urriedly o)) to+ard t#e +oods6
Once in t#e dar(ness o) a 'ine t#ic(et5 #e laid do+n a 'ointed stic( #e #ad een clutc#in0
and so$et#in0 ul(y and loose t#at #e #ad een carryin0 under #is ar$5 and e0an to undress6
He )olded eac# 0ar$ent neatly a)ter #e #ad ta(en it o)) and t#en stac(ed it on to' o) t#e last
t#in0 #e #ad re$o-ed6 &#en all #is clot#es +ere in t#e 'ile5 #e too( u' t#e stic( and e0an
$a(in0 a #ole in t#e 0round +it# it6
T#e dar(ness o) t#e 'ine 0ro-e +as ro(en y 'aler $oonlit s'ots t#at $o-ed o-er #i$
no+ and a0ain and s#o+ed #i$ to e Enoc#6 His natural a''earance +as $arred y a 0as# t#at
ran )ro$ t#e corner o) #is li' to #is collarone and y a lu$' under #is eye t#at 0a-e #i$ a
dulled insensiti-e loo(6 /ot#in0 could #a-e een $ore dece'ti-e )or #e +as urnin0 +it# t#e
intensest (ind o) #a''iness6
He du0 ra'idly until #e #ad $ade a trenc# aout a )oot lon0 and a )oot dee'6 T#en #e
'laced t#e stac( o) clot#es in it and stood aside to rest a second6 %uryin0 #is clot#es +as not a
sy$ol to #i$ o) uryin0 #is )or$er sel)D #e only (ne+ #e +ouldnt need t#e$ any $ore6 *s
soon as #e 0ot #is reat#5 #e 'us#ed t#e dis'laced dirt o-er t#e #ole and sta$'ed it do+n +it#
#is )oot6 He disco-ered +#ile #e did t#is t#at #e still #ad #is s#oes on5 and +#en #e )inis#ed5 #e
re$o-ed t#e$ and t#re+ t#e$ )ro$ #i$6 T#en #e 'ic(ed u' t#e loose ul(y o@ect and s#oo(
it -i0orously6
In t#e uncertain li0#t5 one o) #is lean +#ite le0s could e seen to disa''ear and t#en t#e
ot#er5 one ar$ and t#en t#e ot#er: a lac( #ea-ier s#a00ier )i0ure re'laced #is6 For an instant5
it #ad t+o #eads5 one li0#t and one dar(5 ut a)ter a second5 it 'ulled t#e dar( ac( #ead o-er
t#e ot#er and corrected t#is6 It usied itsel) +it# certain #idden )astenin0s and +#at a''eared
to e $inor ad@ust$ents o) its #ide6
For a ti$e a)ter t#is5 it stood -ery still and didnt do anyt#in06 T#en it e0an to 0ro+l and
eat its c#estD it @u$'ed u' and do+n and )lun0 its ar$s and t#rust its #ead )or+ard6 T#e
0ro+ls +ere t#in and uncertain at )irst ut t#ey 0re+ louder a)ter a second6 T#ey eca$e lo+
and 'oisonous5 louder a0ain5 lo+ and 'oisonous a0ainD t#ey sto''ed alto0et#er6 T#e )i0ure
e"tended its #and5 clutc#ed not#in05 and s#oo( its ar$ -i0orouslyD it +it#dre+ t#e ar$5
e"tended it a0ain5 clutc#ed not#in05 and s#oo(6 It re'eated t#is )our or )i-e ti$es6 T#en it
'ic(ed u' t#e 'ointed stic( and 'laced it at a coc(y an0le under its ar$ and le)t t#e +oods )or
t#e #i0#+ay6 /o 0orilla any+#ere5 *)rica or Cali)ornia or /e+ ,or(5 +as #a''ier t#an #e6
* $an and +o$an sittin0 close to0et#er on a roc( @ust o)) t#e #i0#+ay +ere loo(in0 across
an o'en stretc# o) -alley at a -ie+ o) t#e city in t#e distance and t#ey didnt see t#e s#a00y
)i0ure a''roac#in06 T#e s$o(estac(s and s9uare to's o) uildin0s $ade a lac( une-en +all
a0ainst t#e li0#ter s(y and #ere and t#ere a stee'le cut a s#ar' +ed0e out o) a cloud6 T#e
youn0 $an turned #is nec( @ust in ti$e to see t#e 0orilla standin0 a )e+ )eet a+ay5 #ideous and
lac(5 +it# its #and e"tended6 He eased #is ar$ )ro$ around t#e +o$an and disa''eared
silently into t#e +oods6 S#e5 as soon as s#e turned #er eyes5 )led screa$in0 do+n t#e #i0#+ay6
T#e 0orilla stood as t#ou0# sur'rised and 'resently its ar$ )ell to its side6 It sat do+n on t#e
roc( +#ere t#ey #ad een sittin0 and stared o-er t#e -alley at t#e une-en s(yline o) t#e city6
* !ood Man is Hard to Find N;<KGO
THE !R*/.MOTHER didnt +ant to 0o to Florida6 S#e +anted to -isit so$e o) #er
connections in east Tennessee and s#e +as seiEin0 at e-ery c#ance to c#an0e %aileys $ind6
%ailey +as t#e son s#e li-ed +it#5 #er only oy6 He +as sittin0 on t#e ed0e o) #is c#air at t#e
tale5 ent o-er t#e oran0e s'orts section o) t#e 4ournal6 8/o+ loo( #ere5 %ailey5: s#e said5
8see #ere5 read t#is5: and s#e stood +it# one #and on #er t#in #i' and t#e ot#er rattlin0 t#e
ne+s'a'er at #is ald #ead6 8Here t#is )ello+ t#at calls #i$sel) T#e Mis)it is aloose )ro$ t#e
Federal Pen and #eaded to+ard Florida and you read #ere +#at it says #e did to t#ese 'eo'le6
4ust you read it6 I +ouldnt ta(e $y c#ildren in any direction +it# a cri$inal li(e t#at aloose in it6
I couldnt ans+er to $y conscience i) I did6:
%ailey didnt loo( u' )ro$ #is readin0 so s#e +#eeled around t#en and )aced t#e c#ildrens
$ot#er5 a youn0 +o$an in slac(s5 +#ose )ace +as as road and innocent as a caa0e and +as
tied around +it# a 0reen #eadH(erc#ie) t#at #ad t+o 'oints on t#e to' li(e a raits ears6 S#e
+as sittin0 on t#e so)a5 )eedin0 t#e ay #is a'ricots out o) a @ar6 8T#e c#ildren #a-e een to
Florida e)ore5: t#e old lady said6 8,ou all ou0#t to ta(e t#e$ so$e+#ere else )or a c#an0e so
t#ey +ould see di))erent 'arts o) t#e +orld and e road6 T#ey ne-er #a-e een to east
Tennessee6:
T#e c#ildrens $ot#er didnt see$ to #ear #er ut t#e ei0#tHyear old oy5 4o#n &esley5 a
stoc(y c#ild +it# 0lasses5 said5 8I) you dont +ant to 0o to Florida5 +#y dontc#a stay at #o$e3:
He and t#e little 0irl5 4une Star5 +ere readin0 t#e )unny 'a'ers on t#e )loor6
8S#e +ouldnt stay at #o$e to e 9ueen )or a day5: 4une Star said +it#out raisin0 #er yello+
#ead6
8,es and +#at +ould you do i) t#is )ello+5 T#e Mis)it5 cau0#t you3: t#e 0rand$ot#er as(ed6
8Id s$ac( #is )ace5: 4o#n &esley said6
8S#e +ouldnt stay at #o$e )or a $illion uc(s5: 4une Star said6 8*)raid s#ed $iss
so$et#in06 S#e #as to 0o e-ery+#ere +e 0o6:
8*ll ri0#t5 Miss5: t#e 0rand$ot#er said6 84ust re$e$er t#at t#e ne"t ti$e you +ant $e to
curl your #air6:
4une Star said #er #air +as naturally curly6
T#e ne"t $ornin0 t#e 0rand$ot#er +as t#e )irst one in t#e car5 ready to 0o6 S#e #ad #er i0
lac( -alise t#at loo(ed li(e t#e #ead o) a #i''o'ota$us in one corner5 and underneat# it s#e
+as #idin0 a as(et +it# Pitty Sin05 t#e cat5 in it6 S#e didnt intend )or t#e cat to e le)t alone in
t#e #ouse )or t#ree days ecause #e +ould $iss #er too $uc# and s#e +as a)raid #e $i0#t
rus# a0ainst one o) t#e 0as urners and accidentally as'#y"iate #i$sel)6 Her son5 %ailey5 didnt
li(e to arri-e at a $otel +it# a cat6
S#e sat in t#e $iddle o) t#e ac( seat +it# 4o#n &esley and 4une Star on eit#er side o) #er6
%ailey and t#e c#ildrens $ot#er and t#e ay sat in )ront and t#ey le)t *tlanta at ei0#t )ortyH
)i-e +it# t#e $ilea0e on t#e car at KKM<L6 T#e 0rand$ot#er +rote t#is do+n ecause s#e
t#ou0#t it +ould e interestin0 to say #o+ $any $iles t#ey #ad een +#en t#ey 0ot ac(6 It
too( t#e$ t+enty $inutes to reac# t#e outs(irts o) t#e cit-6
T#e old lady settled #ersel) co$)ortaly5 re$o-in0 #er +#ite cotton 0lo-es and 'uttin0
t#e$ u' +it# #er 'urse on t#e s#el) in )ront o) t#e ac( +indo+6 T#e c#ildrens $ot#er still #ad
on slac(s and still #ad #er #ead tied u' in a 0reen (erc#ie)5 ut t#e 0rand$ot#er #ad on a na-y
lue stra+ sailor #at +it# a unc# o) +#ite -iolets on t#e ri$ and a na-y lue dress +it# a
s$all +#ite dot in t#e 'rint6 Her collars and cu))s +ere +#ite or0andy tri$$ed +it# lace and at
#er nec(line s#e #ad 'inned a 'ur'le s'ray o) clot# -iolets containin0 a sac#et6 In case o) an
accident5 anyone seein0 #er dead on t#e #i0#+ay +ould (no+ at once t#at s#e +as a lady6
S#e said s#e t#ou0#t it +as 0oin0 to e a 0ood day )or dri-in05 neit#er too #ot nor too cold5
and s#e cautioned %ailey t#at t#e s'eed li$it +as )i)tyH)i-e $iles an #our and t#at t#e
'atrol$en #id t#e$sel-es e#ind illoards and s$all clu$'s o) trees and s'ed out a)ter you
e)ore you #ad a c#ance to slo+ do+n6 S#e 'ointed out interestin0 details o) t#e scenery:
Stone MountainD t#e lue 0ranite t#at in so$e 'laces ca$e u' to ot# sides o) t#e #i0#+ayD t#e
rilliant red clay an(s sli0#tly strea(ed +it# 'ur'leD and t#e -arious cro's t#at $ade ro+s o)
0reen laceH+or( on t#e 0round6 T#e trees +ere )ull o) sil-erH+#ite sunli0#t and t#e $eanest o)
t#e$ s'ar(led6 T#e c#ildren +ere readin0 co$ic $a0aEines and t#eir $ot#er #ad 0one ac( to
slee'6
8Lets 0o t#rou0# !eor0ia )ast so +e +ont #a-e to loo( at it $uc#5: 4o#n &esley said6
8I) I +ere a little oy5: said t#e 0rand$ot#er5 8I +ouldnt tal( aout $y nati-e state t#at
+ay6 Tennessee #as t#e $ountains and !eor0ia #as t#e #ills6:
8Tennessee is @ust a #illilly du$'in0 0round5: 4o#n &esley said5 8and !eor0ia is a lousy
state too6:
8,ou said it5: 4une Star said6
8In $y ti$e5: said t#e 0rand$ot#er5 )oldin0 #er t#in -eined )in0ers5 8c#ildren +ere $ore
res'ect)ul o) t#eir nati-e states and t#eir 'arents and e-eryt#in0 else6 Peo'le did ri0#t t#en6 O#
loo( at t#e cute little 'ic(aninnyS: s#e said and 'ointed to a /e0ro c#ild standin0 in t#e door o)
a s#ac(6 8&ouldnt t#at $a(e a 'icture5 no+3: s#e as(ed and t#ey all turned and loo(ed at t#e
little /e0ro out o) t#e ac( +indo+6 He +a-ed6
8He didnt #a-e any ritc#es on5: 4une Star said6
8He 'roaly didnt #a-e any5: t#e 0rand$ot#er e"'lained6 8Little ni00ers in t#e country
dont #a-e t#in0s li(e +e do6 I) I could 'aint5 Id 'aint t#at 'icture5: s#e said6
T#e c#ildren e"c#an0ed co$ic oo(s6
T#e 0rand$ot#er o))ered to #old t#e ay and t#e c#ildrens $ot#er 'assed #i$ o-er t#e
)ront seat to #er6 S#e set #i$ on #er (nee and ounced #i$ and told #i$ aout t#e t#in0s t#ey
+ere 'assin06 S#e rolled #er eyes and scre+ed u' #er $out# and stuc( #er leat#ery t#in )ace
into #is s$oot# land one6 Occasionally #e 0a-e #er a )ara+ay s$ile6 T#ey 'assed a lar0e
cotton )ield +it# )i-e or si" 0ra-es )enced in t#e $iddle o) it5 li(e a s$all island6 8Loo( at t#e
0ra-eyardS: t#e 0rand$ot#er said5 'ointin0 it out6 8T#at +as t#e old )a$ily uryin0 0round6
T#at elon0ed to t#e 'lantation6:
8&#eres t#e 'lantation3: 4o#n &esley as(ed6
8!one &it# t#e &ind5: said t#e 0rand$ot#er6 8Ha6 Ha6:
&#en t#e c#ildren )inis#ed all t#e co$ic oo(s t#ey #ad rou0#t5 t#ey o'ened t#e lunc#
and ate it6 T#e 0rand$ot#er ate a 'eanut utter sand+ic# and an oli-e and +ould not let t#e
c#ildren t#ro+ t#e o" and t#e 'a'er na'(ins out t#e +indo+6 &#en t#ere +as not#in0 else to
do t#ey 'layed a 0a$e y c#oosin0 a cloud and $a(in0 t#e ot#er t+o 0uess +#at s#a'e it
su00ested6 4o#n &esley too( one t#e s#a'e o) a co+ and 4une Star 0uessed a co+ and 4o#n
&esley said5 no5 an auto$oile5 and 4une Star said #e didnt 'lay )air5 and t#ey e0an to sla'
eac# ot#er o-er t#e 0rand$ot#er6
T#e 0rand$ot#er said s#e +ould tell t#e$ a story i) t#ey +ould (ee' 9uiet6 &#en s#e told a
story5 s#e rolled #er eyes and +a-ed #er #ead and +as -ery dra$atic6 S#e said once +#en s#e
+as a $aiden lady s#e #ad een courted y a Mr6 Ed0ar *t(ins Tea0arden )ro$ 4as'er5 !eor0ia6
S#e said #e +as a -ery 0oodHloo(in0 $an and a 0entle$an and t#at #e rou0#t #er a
+ater$elon e-ery Saturday a)ternoon +it# #is initials cut in it5 E6 *6 T6 &ell5 one Saturday5 s#e
said5 Mr6 Tea0arden rou0#t t#e +ater$elon and t#ere +as noody at #o$e and #e le)t it on
t#e )ront 'orc# and returned in #is u00y to 4as'er5 ut s#e ne-er 0ot t#e +ater$elon5 s#e
said5 ecause a ni00er oy ate it +#en #e sa+ t#e initials5 E6 *6 T6S T#is story tic(led 4o#n
&esleys )unny one and #e 0i00led and 0i00led ut 4une Star didnt t#in( it +as any 0ood6 S#e
said s#e +ouldnt $arry a $an t#at @ust rou0#t #er a +ater$elon on Saturday6 T#e
0rand$ot#er said s#e +ould #a-e done +ell to $arry Mr6 Tea0arden ecause #e +as a
0entle$an and #ad ou0#t CocaHCola stoc( +#en it )irst ca$e out and t#at #e #ad died only a
)e+ years a0o5 a -ery +ealt#y $an6
T#ey sto''ed at T#e To+er )or arecued sand+ic#es6 T#e To+er +as a 'art stucco and
'art +ood )illin0 station and dance #all set in a clearin0 outside o) Ti$ot#y6 * )at $an na$ed
Red Sa$$y %utts ran it and t#ere +ere si0ns stuc( #ere and t#ere on t#e uildin0 and )or $iles
u' and do+n t#e #i0#+ay sayin05 TR, RE. S*MM,S F*MO7S %*R%EC7E6 /O/E LICE F*MO7S
RE. S*MM,SS RE. S*MS THE F*T %O, &ITH THE H*PP, L*7!HS * 2ETER*/S RE. S*MM,S
,O7R M*/S
Red Sa$$y +as lyin0 on t#e are 0round outside T#e To+er +it# #is #ead under a truc(
+#ile a 0ray $on(ey aout a )oot #i0#5 c#ained to a s$all c#inaerry tree5 c#attered neary6
T#e $on(ey s'ran0 ac( into t#e tree and 0ot on t#e #i0#est li$ as soon as #e sa+ t#e
c#ildren @u$' out o) t#e car and run to+ard #i$6
Inside5 T#e To+er +as a lon0 dar( roo$ +it# a counter at one end and tales at t#e ot#er
and dancin0 s'ace in t#e $iddle6 T#ey all sat do+n at a oard tale ne"t to t#e nic(elodeon and
Red Sa$s +i)e5 a tall urntHro+n +o$an +it# #air and eyes li0#ter t#an #er s(in5 ca$e and
too( t#eir order6 T#e c#ildrens $ot#er 'ut a di$e in t#e $ac#ine and 'layed 8T#e Tennessee
&altE5: and t#e 0rand$ot#er said t#at tune al+ays $ade #er +ant to dance6 S#e as(ed %ailey i)
#e +ould li(e to dance ut #e only 0lared at #er6 He didnt #a-e a naturally sunny dis'osition
li(e s#e did and tri's $ade #i$ ner-ous6 T#e 0rand$ot#ers ro+n eyes +ere -ery ri0#t6 S#e
s+ayed #er #ead )ro$ side to side and 'retended s#e +as dancin0 in #er c#air6 4une Star said
'lay so$et#in0 s#e could ta' to so t#e c#ildrens $ot#er 'ut in anot#er di$e and 'layed a )ast
nu$er and 4une Star ste''ed out onto t#e dance )loor and did #er ta' routine6
8*int s#e cute3: Red Sa$s +i)e said5 leanin0 o-er t#e counter6 8&ould you li(e to co$e e
$y little 0irl3:
8/o I certainly +ouldnt5: 4une Star said6 8I +ouldnt li-e in a ro(enHdo+n 'lace li(e t#is )or
a $illion uc(sS: and s#e ran ac( to t#e tale6
8*int s#e cute3: t#e +o$an re'eated5 stretc#in0 #er $out# 'olitely6
8*rent you as#a$ed3: #issed t#e 0rand$ot#er6
Red Sa$ ca$e in and told #is +i)e to 9uit loun0in0 on t#e counter and #urry u' +it# t#ese
'eo'les order6 His (#a(i trousers reac#ed @ust to #is #i' ones and #is sto$ac# #un0 o-er
t#e$ li(e a sac( o) $eal s+ayin0 under #is s#irt6 He ca$e o-er and sat do+n at a tale neary
and let out a co$ination si0# and yodel6 8,ou cant +in5: #e said6 8,ou cant +in5: and #e
+i'ed #is s+eatin0 red )ace o)) +it# a 0ray #and(erc#ie)6 8T#ese days you dont (no+ +#o to
trust5: #e said6 8*int t#at t#e trut#3:
8Peo'le are certainly not nice li(e t#ey used to e5: said t#e 0rand$ot#er6
8T+o )ellers co$e in #ere last +ee(5: Red Sa$$y said5 8dri-in0 a C#rysler6 It +as a old eatH
u' car ut it +as a 0ood one and t#ese oys loo(ed all ri0#t to $e6 Said t#ey +or(ed at t#e $ill
and you (no+ I let t#e$ )ellers c#ar0e t#e 0as t#ey ou0#t3 /o+ +#y did I do t#at3:
8%ecause youre a 0ood $anS: t#e 0rand$ot#er said at once6
8,es$5 I su''ose so5: Red Sa$ said as i) #e +ere struc( +it# t#is ans+er6
His +i)e rou0#t t#e orders5 carryin0 t#e )i-e 'lates all at once +it#out a tray5 t+o in eac#
#and and one alanced on #er ar$6 8It isnt a soul in t#is 0reen +orld o) !ods t#at you can
trust5: s#e said6 8*nd I dont count noody out o) t#at5 not noody5: s#e re'eated5 loo(in0 at
Red Sa$$y6
8.id you read aout t#at cri$inal5 T#e Mis)it5 t#ats esca'ed3: as(ed t#e 0rand$ot#er6
8I +ouldnt e a it sur'rised i) #e didnt attact t#is 'lace ri0#t #ere5: said t#e +o$an6 8I) #e
#ears aout it ein0 #ere5 I +ouldnt e none sur'rised to see #i$6 I) #e #ears its t+o cent in
t#e cas# re0ister5 I +ouldnt e a tall sur'rised i) #eB:
8T#atll do5: Red Sa$ said6 8!o rin0 t#ese 'eo'le t#eir CoHColas5: and t#e +o$an +ent
o)) to 0et t#e rest o) t#e order6
8* 0ood $an is #ard to )ind5: Red Sa$$y said6 8E-eryt#in0 is 0ettin0 terrile6 I re$e$er
t#e day you could 0o o)) and lea-e your screen door unlatc#ed6 /ot no $ore6:
He and t#e 0rand$ot#er discussed etter ti$es6 T#e old lady said t#at in #er o'inion
Euro'e +as entirely to la$e )or t#e +ay t#in0s +ere no+6 S#e said t#e +ay Euro'e acted you
+ould t#in( +e +ere $ade o) $oney and Red Sa$ said it +as no use tal(in0 aout it5 s#e +as
e"actly ri0#t6 T#e c#ildren ran outside into t#e +#ite sunli0#t and loo(ed at t#e $on(ey in t#e
lacy c#inaerry tree6 He +as usy catc#in0 )leas on #i$sel) and itin0 eac# one care)ully
et+een #is teet# as i) it +ere a delicacy6
T#ey dro-e o)) a0ain into t#e #ot a)ternoon6 T#e 0rand$ot#er too( cat na's and +o(e u'
e-ery )e+ $inutes +it# #er o+n snorin06 Outside o) Too$soro s#e +o(e u' and recalled an
old 'lantation t#at s#e #ad -isited in t#is nei0#or#ood once +#en s#e +as a youn0 lady6 S#e
said t#e #ouse #ad si" +#ite colu$ns across t#e )ront and t#at t#ere +as an a-enue o) oa(s
leadin0 u' to it and t+o little +ooden trellis arors on eit#er side in )ront +#ere you sat do+n
+it# your suitor a)ter a stroll in t#e 0arden6 S#e recalled e"actly +#ic# road to turn o)) to 0et to
it6 S#e (ne+ t#at %ailey +ould not e +illin0 to lose any ti$e loo(in0 at an old #ouse5 ut t#e
$ore s#e tal(ed aout it5 t#e $ore s#e +anted to see it once a0ain and )ind out i) t#e little t+in
arors +ere still standin06 8T#ere +as a secret 'anel in t#is #ouse5: s#e said cra)tily5 not tellin0
t#e trut# ut +is#in0 t#at s#e +ere5: and t#e story +ent t#at all t#e )a$ily sil-er +as #idden in
it +#en S#er$an ca$e t#rou0# ut it +as ne-er )oundB:
8HeyS: 4o#n &esley said6 8Lets 0o sec itS &ell )ind itS &ell 'o(e all t#e +ood+or( and )ind
itS &#o li-es t#ere3 &#ere do you turn o)) at3 Hey Po'5 cant +e turn o)) t#ere3:
8&e ne-er #a-e seen a #ouse +it# a secret 'anelS: 4une Star s#rie(ed6 8Lets 0o to t#e
#ouse +it# t#e secret 'anelS Hey Po'5 cant +e 0o see t#e #ouse +it# t#e secret 'anelS:
8Its not )ar )ro$ #ere5 I (no+5: t#e 0rand$ot#er said6 8It +ouldnt ta(e o-er t+enty
$inutes6:
%ailey +as loo(in0 strai0#t a#ead6 His @a+ +as as ri0id as a #orses#oe6 8/o5: #e said6
T#e c#ildren e0an to yell and screa$ t#at t#ey +anted to see t#e #ouse +it# t#e secret
'anel6 4o#n &esley (ic(ed t#e ac( o) t#e )ront seat and 4une Star #un0 o-er #er $ot#ers
s#oulder and +#ined des'erately into #er ear t#at t#ey ne-er #ad any )un e-en on t#eir
-acation5 t#at t#ey could ne-er do +#at THE, +anted to do6 T#e ay e0an to screa$ and
4o#n &esle- (ic(ed t#e ac( o) t#e seat so #ard t#at #is )at#er could )eel t#e lo+s in #is
(idney6
8*ll ri0#tS: #e s#outed and dre+ t#e car to a sto' at t#e side or t#e road6 8&ill you all s#ut
u'3 &ill you all @ust s#ut u' )or one second3 I) you dont s#ut u'5 +e +ont 0o any+#ere6:
8It +ould e -ery educational )or t#e$5: t#e 0rand$ot#er $ur$ured6
8*ll ri0#t5: %ailey said5 8ut 0et t#is: t#is is t#e only ti$e +ere 0oin0 to sto' )or anyt#in0
li(e t#is6 T#is is t#e one and only ti$e6:
8T#e dirt road t#at you #a-e to turn do+n is aout a $ile ac(5: t#e 0rand$ot#er directed6
8I $ar(ed it +#en +e 'assed6:
8* dirt road5: %ailey 0roaned6
*)ter t#ey #ad turned around and +ere #eaded to+ard t#e dirt road5 t#e 0rand$ot#er
recalled ot#er 'oints aout t#e #ouse5 t#e eauti)ul 0lass o-er t#e )ront door+ay and t#e
candleHla$' in t#e #all6 4o#n &esley said t#at t#e secret 'anel +as 'roaly in t#e )ire'lace6
8,ou cant 0o inside t#is #ouse5: %ailey said6 8,ou dont (no+ +#o li-es t#ere6:
8&#ile you all tal( to t#e 'eo'le in )ront5 Ill run around e#ind and 0et in a +indo+5: 4o#n
&esley su00ested6
8&ell all stay in t#e car5: #is $ot#er said6
T#ey turned onto t#e dirt road and t#e car raced rou0#ly alon0 in a s+irl o) 'in( dust6 T#e
0rand$ot#er recalled t#e ti$es +#en t#ere +ere no 'a-ed roads and t#irty $iles +as a days
@ourney6 T#e dirt road +as #illy and t#ere +ere sudden +as#es in it and s#ar' cur-es on
dan0erous e$an($ents6 *ll at once t#ey +ould e on a #ill5 loo(in0 do+n o-er t#e lue to's
o) trees )or $iles around5 t#en t#e ne"t $inute5 t#ey +ould e in a red de'ression +it# t#e
dustHcoated trees loo(in0 do+n on t#e$6
8T#is 'lace #ad etter turn u' in a $inute5: %ailey said5 8or I$ 0oin0 to turn around6:
T#e road loo(ed as i) no one #ad tra-eled on it in $ont#s6
8Its not $uc# )art#er5: t#e 0rand$ot#er said and @ust as s#e said it5 a #orrile t#ou0#t
ca$e to #er6 T#e t#ou0#t +as so e$arrassin0 t#at s#e turned red in t#e )ace and #er eyes
dilated and #er )eet @u$'ed u'5 u'settin0 #er -alise in t#e corner6 T#e instant t#e -alise $o-ed5
t#e ne+s'a'er to' s#e #ad o-er t#e as(et under it rose +it# a snarl and Pitty Sin05 t#e cat5
s'ran0 onto %aileys s#oulder6
T#e c#ildren +ere t#ro+n to t#e )loor and t#eir $ot#er5 clutc#in0 t#e ay5 +as t#ro+n out
t#e door onto t#e 0roundD t#e old lady +as t#ro+n into t#e )ront seat6 T#e car turned o-er
once and landed ri0#tHsideHu' in a 0ulc# o)) t#e side o) t#e road6 %ailey re$ained in t#e dri-ers
seat +it# t#e catH0rayHstri'ed +it# a road +#ite )ace and an oran0e noseHclin0in0 to #is nec(
li(e a cater'illar6
*s soon as t#e c#ildren sa+ t#ey could $o-e t#eir ar$s and le0s5 t#ey scra$led out o) t#e
car5 s#outin05 8&e-e #ad an *CCI.E/TS: T#e 0rand$ot#er +as curled u' under t#e
das#oard5 #o'in0 s#e +as in@ured so t#at %aileys +rat# +ould not co$e do+n on #er all at
once6 T#e #orrile t#ou0#t s#e #ad #ad e)ore t#e accident +as t#at t#e #ouse s#e #ad
re$e$ered so -i-idly +as not in !eor0ia ut in Tennessee6
%ailey re$o-ed t#e cat )ro$ #is nec( +it# ot# #ands and )lun0 it out t#e +indo+ a0ainst
t#e side o) a 'ine tree6 T#en #e 0ot out o) t#e car and started loo(in0 )or t#e c#ildrens $ot#er6
S#e +as sittin0 a0ainst t#e side o) t#e red 0utted ditc#5 #oldin0 t#e screa$in0 ay5 ut s#e
only #ad a cut do+n #er )ace and a ro(en s#oulder6 8&e-e #ad an *CCI.E/TS: t#e c#ildren
screa$ed in a )renEy o) deli0#t6
8%ut noodys (illed5: 4une Star said +it# disa''oint$ent as t#e 0rand$ot#er li$'ed out o)
t#e car5 #er #at still 'inned to #er #ead ut t#e ro(en )ront ri$ standin0 u' at a @aunty an0le
and t#e -iolet s'ray #an0in0 o)) t#e side6 T#ey all sat do+n in t#e ditc#5 e"ce't t#e c#ildren5 to
reco-er )ro$ t#e s#oc(6 T#ey +ere all s#a($06
8Maye a car +ill co$e alon05: said t#e c#ildrens $ot#er #oarsely6
8I elie-e I #a-e in@ured an or0an5: said t#e 0rand$ot#er5 'ressin0 #er side5 ut no one
ans+ered #er6 %aileys teet# +ere clatterin06 He #ad on a yello+ s'ort s#irt +it# ri0#t lue
'arrots desi0ned in it and #is )ace +as as yello+ as t#e s#irt6 T#e 0rand$ot#er decided t#at s#e
+ould not $ention t#at t#e #ouse +as in Tennessee6
T#e road +as aout ten )eet ao-e and t#ey could see only t#e to's o) t#e trees on t#e
ot#er side o) it6 %e#ind t#e ditc# t#ey +ere sittin0 in t#ere +ere $ore +oods5 tall and dar( and
dee'6 In a )e+ $inutes t#ey sa+ a car so$e distance a+ay on to' o) a #ill5 co$in0 slo+ly as i)
t#e occu'ants +ere +atc#in0 t#e$6 T#e 0rand$ot#er stood u' and +a-ed ot# ar$s
dra$atically to attract t#eir attention6 T#e car continued to co$e on slo+ly5 disa''eared
around a end and a''eared a0ain5 $o-in0 e-en slo+er5 on to' o) t#e #ill t#ey #ad 0one o-er6
It +as a i0 lac( attered #earseli(e auto$oile6 T#ere +ere t#ree $en in it6
It ca$e to a sto' @ust o-er t#e$ and )or so$e $inutes5 t#e dri-er loo(ed do+n +it# a
steady e"'ressionless 0aEe to +#ere t#ey +ere sittin05 and didnt s'ea(6 T#en #e turned #is
#ead and $uttered so$et#in0 to t#e ot#er t+o and t#ey 0ot alit6 One +as a )at oy in lac(
trousers and a red s+eat s#irt +it# a sil-er stallion e$ossed on t#e )ront o) it6 He $o-ed
around on t#e ri0#t side o) t#e$ and stood starin05 #is $out# 'artly o'en in a (ind o) loose
0rin6 T#e ot#er #ad on (#a(i 'ants and a lue stri'ed coat and a 0ray #at 'ulled do+n -ery lo+5
#idin0 $ost o) #is )ace6 He ca$e around slo+ly on t#e le)t side6 /eit#er s'o(e6
T#e dri-er 0ot out o) t#e car and stood y t#e side o) it5 loo(in0 do+n at t#e$6 He +as an
older $an t#an t#e ot#er t+o6 His #air +as @ust e0innin0 to 0ray and #e +ore sil-erHri$$ed
s'ectacles t#at 0a-e #i$ a sc#olarly loo(6 He #ad a lon0 creased )ace and didnt #a-e on any
s#irt or unders#irt6 He #ad on lue @eans t#at +ere too ti0#t )or #i$ and +as #oldin0 a lac( #at
and a 0un6 T#e t+o oys also #ad 0uns6
8&e-e #ad an *CCI.E/TS: t#e c#ildren screa$ed6
T#e 0rand$ot#er #ad t#e 'eculiar )eelin0 t#at t#e es'ectacled $an +as so$eone s#e
(ne+6 His )ace +as as )a$iliar to #er as i) s#e #ad (no+n #i$ all #er li)e ut s#e could not recall
+#o #e +as6 He $o-ed a+ay )ro$ t#e car and e0an to co$e do+n t#e e$an($ent5 'lacin0
#is )eet care)ully so t#at #e +ouldnt sli'6 He #ad on tan and +#ite s#oes and no soc(s5 and #is
an(les +ere red and t#in6 8!ood a)ternoon5: #e said6 8I see you all #ad you a little s'ill6:
8&e turned o-er t+iceS: said t#e 0rand$ot#er6
8Oncet5: #e corrected6 8&e seen it #a''en6 Try t#eir car and see +ill it run5 Hira$5: #e said
9uietly to t#e oy +it# t#e 0ray #at6
8&#at you 0ot t#at 0un )or3: 4o#n &esley: as(ed6 8&#atc#a 0onna do +it# t#at 0un3:
8Lady5: t#e $an said to t#e c#ildrens $ot#er5 8+ould you $ind callin0 t#e$ c#ildren to sit
do+n y you3 C#ildren $a(e $e ner-ous6 I +ant all you all to sit do+n 9uiet to0et#er t#ere
+#ere youre at6:
8&#at are you tellin0 7S +#at to do )or3: 4une Star as(ed6
%e#ind t#e$ t#e line o) +oods 0a'ed li(e a dar( o'en $out#6
8Co$e #ere5: said t#eir $ot#er6
8Loo( #ere no+5: %ailey e0an suddenly5 8+ere in a 'redica$entS &ere inB:
T#e 0rand$ot#er s#rie(ed6 S#e scra$led to #er )eet and stood starin06 8,oure T#e
Mis)itS: s#e said6 8I reco0niEed you at onceS:
8,es$5: t#e $an said5 s$ilin0 sli0#tly as i) #e +ere 'leased in s'ite o) #i$sel) to e (no+n5
8ut it +ould #a-e een etter )or all o) you5 lady5 i) you #adnt o) rec(erniEed $e6:
%ailey turned #is #ead s#ar'ly and said so$et#in0 to #is $ot#er t#at s#oc(ed e-en t#e
c#ildren6 T#e old lady e0an to cry and T#e Mis)it reddened6
8Lady5: #e said5 8dont you 0et u'set6 So$eti$es a $an says t#in0s #e dont $ean6 I dont
rec(on #e $eant to tal( to you t#ata+ay6:
8,ou +ouldnt s#oot a lady5 +ould you3: t#e 0rand$ot#er said and re$o-ed a clean
#and(erc#ie) )ro$ #er cu)) and e0an to sla' at #er eyes +it# it6
T#e Mis)it 'ointed t#e toe o) #is s#oe into t#e 0round and $ade a little #ole and t#en
co-ered it u' a0ain6 8I +ould #ate to #a-e to5: #e said6
8Listen5: t#e 0rand$ot#er al$ost screa$ed5 8I (no+ youre a 0ood $an6 ,ou dont loo( a
it li(e you #a-e co$$on lood6 I (no+ you $ust co$e )ro$ nice 'eo'leS:
8,es $a$5: #e said5 8)inest 'eo'le in t#e +orld6: &#en #e s$iled #e s#o+ed a ro+ o)
stron0 +#ite teet#6 8!od ne-er $ade a )iner +o$an t#an $y $ot#er and $y daddys #eart +as
'ure 0old5: #e said6 T#e oy +it# t#e red s+eat s#irt #ad co$e around e#ind t#e$ and +as
standin0 +it# #is 0un at #is #i'6 T#e Mis)it s9uatted do+n on t#e 0round6 8&atc# t#e$
c#ildren5 %oy Lee5: #e said6 8,ou (no+ t#ey $a(e $e ner-ous6: He loo(ed at t#e si" o) t#e$
#uddled to0et#er in )ront o) #i$ and #e see$ed to e e$arrassed as i) #e couldnt t#in( o)
anyt#in0 to say6 8*int a cloud in t#e s(y5: #e re$ar(ed5 loo(in0 u' at it6 8.ont see no sun ut
dont see no cloud neit#er6:
8,es5 its a eauti)ul day5: said t#e 0rand$ot#er6 8Listen5: s#e said5 8you s#ouldnt call
yoursel) T#e Mis)it ecause I (no+ youre a 0ood $an at #eart6 I can @ust loo( at you and tell6:
8Hus#S: %ailey yelled6 8Hus#S E-eryody s#ut u' and let $e #andle t#isS: He +as s9uattin0
in t#e 'osition o) a runner aout to s'rint )or+ard ut #e didnt $o-e6
8I 'rec#ate t#at5 lady5: T#e Mis)it said and dre+ a little circle in t#e 0round +it# t#e utt o)
#is 0un6
8Itll ta(e a #al) a #our to )i" t#is #ere car5: Hira$ called5 loo(in0 o-er t#e raised #ood o) it6
8&ell5 )irst you and %oy Lee 0et #i$ and t#at little oy to ste' o-er yonder +it# you5: T#e
Mis)it said5 'ointin0 to %ailey and 4o#n &esley6 8T#e oys +ant to ast you so$et#in05: #e said
to %ailey6 8&ould you $ind ste''in0 ac( in t#e$ +oods t#ere +it# t#e$3:
8Listen5: %ailey e0an5 8+ere in a terrile 'redica$entS /oody realiEes +#at t#is is5: and
#is -oice crac(ed6 His eyes +ere as lue and intense as t#e 'arrots in #is s#irt and #e re$ained
'er)ectly still6
T#e 0rand$ot#er reac#ed u' to ad@ust #er #at ri$ as i) s#e +ere 0oin0 to t#e +oods +it#
#i$ ut it ca$e o)) in #er #and6 S#e stood starin0 at it and a)ter a second s#e let it )all on t#e
0round6 Hira$ 'ulled %ailey u' y t#e ar$ as i) #e +ere assistin0 an old $an6 4o#n &esley
cau0#t #old o) #is )at#ers #and and %oy Lee )ollo+ed6 T#ey +ent o)) to+ard t#e +oods and
@ust as t#ey reac#ed t#e dar( ed0e5 %ailey turned and su''ortin0 #i$sel) a0ainst a 0ray na(ed
'ine trun(5 #e s#outed5 8Ill e ac( in a $inute5 Ma$$a5 +ait on $eS:
8Co$e ac( t#is instantS: #is $ot#er s#rilled ut t#ey all disa''eared into t#e +oods6
8%ailey %oyS: t#e 0rand$ot#er called in a tra0ic -oice ut s#e )ound s#e +as loo(in0 at T#e
Mis)it s9uattin0 on t#e 0round in )ront o) #er6 8I @ust (no+ youre a 0ood $an5: s#e said
des'erately6 8,oure not a it co$$onS:
8/o$e5 I aint a 0ood $an5: T#e Mis)it said a)ter a second as i) #e #ad considered #er
state$ent care)ully5 8ut I aint t#e +orst in t#e +orld neit#er6 My daddy said I +as a di))erent
reed o) do0 )ro$ $y rot#ers and sisters6 A,ou (no+5 .addy said5 Aits so$e t#at can li-e t#eir
+#ole li)e out +it#out as(in0 aout it and its ot#ers #as to (no+ +#y it is5 and t#is oy is one
o) t#e latters6 Hes 0oin0 to e into e-eryt#in0S: He 'ut on #is lac( #at and loo(ed u'
suddenly and t#en a+ay dee' into t#e +oods as i) #e +ere e$arrassed a0ain6 8I$ sorry I
dont #a-e on a s#irt e)ore you ladies5: #e said5 #unc#in0 #is s#oulders sli0#tly6 8&e uried
our clot#es t#at +e #ad on +#en +e esca'ed and +ere @ust $a(in0 do until +e can 0et etter6
&e orro+ed t#ese )ro$ so$e )ol(s +e $et5: #e e"'lained6
8T#ats 'er)ectly all ri0#t5: t#e 0rand$ot#er said6 8Maye %ailey #as an e"tra s#irt in #is
suitcase6:
8Ill loo( and see terrectly5: T#e Mis)it said6
8&#ere are t#ey ta(in0 #i$3: t#e c#ildrens $ot#er screa$ed6
8.addy +as a card #i$sel)5: T#e Mis)it said6 8,ou couldnt 'ut anyt#in0 o-er on #i$6 He
ne-er 0ot in troule +it# t#e *ut#orities t#ou0#6 4ust #ad t#e (nac( o) #andlin0 t#e$6:
8,ou could e #onest too i) youd only try5: said t#e 0rand$ot#er6 8T#in( #o+ +onder)ul it
+ould e to settle do+n and li-e a co$)ortale li)e and not #a-e to t#in( aout so$eody
c#asin0 you all t#e ti$e6:
T#e Mis)it (e't scratc#in0 in t#e 0round +it# t#e utt o) #is 0un as i) #e +ere t#in(in0
aout it6 8,es$5 so$eody is al+ays a)ter you5: #e $ur$ured6
T#e 0rand$ot#er noticed #o+ t#in #is s#oulder lades +ere @ust e#ind #is #at ecause
s#e +as standin0 u' loo(in0 do+n on #i$6 8.o you e-er 'ray3: s#e as(ed6
He s#oo( #is #ead6 *ll s#e sa+ +as t#e lac( #at +i00le et+een #is s#oulder lades6
8/o$e5: #e said6
T#ere +as a 'istol s#ot )ro$ t#e +oods5 )ollo+ed closely y anot#er6 T#en silence6 T#e old
ladys #ead @er(ed around6 S#e could #ear t#e +ind $o-e t#rou0# t#e tree to's li(e a lon0
satis)ied insuc( o) reat#6 8%ailey %oyS: s#e called6
8I +as a 0os'el sin0er )or a +#ile5: T#e Mis)it said6 8I een $ost e-eryt#in06 %een in t#e ar$
ser-ice5 ot# land and sea5 at #o$e and aroad5 een t+ict $arried5 een an underta(er5 een
+it# t#e railroads5 'lo+ed Mot#er Eart#5 een in a tornado5 seen a $an urnt ali-e oncet5: and
loo(ed u' at t#e c#ildrens $ot#er and t#e little 0irl +#o +ere sittin0 close to0et#er5 t#eir )aces
+#ite and t#eir eyes 0lassyD 8I e-en seen a +o$an )lo00ed5: #e said6
8Pray5 'ray5: t#e 0rand$ot#er e0an5 8'ray5 'rayB:
8I ne-er +as a ad oy t#at I re$e$er o)5: T#e Mis)it said in an al$ost drea$y -oice5 8ut
so$e+#eres alon0 t#e line I done so$et#in0 +ron0 and 0ot sent to t#e 'enitentiary6 I +as
uried ali-e5: and #e loo(ed u' and #eld #er attention to #i$ y a steady stare6
8T#ats +#en you s#ould #a-e started to 'ray5: s#e said6 8&#at did you do to 0et sent to
t#e 'enitentiary t#at )irst ti$e3:
8Turn to t#e ri0#t5 it +as a +all5: T#e Mis)it said5 loo(in0 u' a0ain at t#e cloudless s(y6 8Turn
to t#e le)t5 it +as a +all6 Loo( u' it +as a ceilin05 loo( do+n it +as a )loor6 I )or0et +#at I done5
lady6 I set t#ere and set t#ere5 tryin0 to re$e$er +#at it +as I done and I aint recalled it to
t#is day6 Oncet in a +#ile5 I +ould t#in( it +as co$in0 to $e5 ut it ne-er co$e6:
8Maye t#ey 'ut you in y $ista(e5: t#e old lady said -a0uely6
8/o$e5: #e said6 8It +asnt no $ista(e6 T#ey #ad t#e 'a'ers on $e6:
8,ou $ust #a-e stolen so$et#in05: s#e said6
T#e Mis)it sneered sli0#tly6 8/oody #ad not#in0 I +anted5: #e said6 8It +as a #eadHdoctor
at t#e 'enitentiary said +#at I #ad done +as (ill $y daddy ut I (no+n t#at )or a lie6 My daddy
died in nineteen ou0#t nineteen o) t#e e'ide$ic )lu and I ne-er #ad a t#in0 to do +it# it6 He
+as uried in t#e Mount Ho'e+ell %a'tist c#urc#yard and you can 0o t#ere and see )or
yoursel)6:
8I) you +ould 'ray5: t#e old lady said5 84esus +ould #el' you6:
8T#ats ri0#t5: T#e Mis)it said6
8&ell t#en5 +#y dont you 'ray3: s#e as(ed tre$lin0 +it# deli0#t suddenly6
8I dont +ant no #e'5: #e said6 A
8I$ doin0 all ri0#t y $ysel)6:
%oy Lee and Hira$ ca$e a$lin0 ac( )ro$ t#e +oods6 %oy Lee +as dra00in0 a yello+
s#irt +it# ri0#t lue 'arrots in it6
8T#a+ $e t#at s#irt5 %oy Lee5: T#e Mis)it said6 T#e s#irt ca$e )lyin0 at #i$ and landed on
#is s#oulder and #e 'ut it on6 T#e 0rand$ot#er couldnt na$e +#at t#e s#irt re$inded #er o)6
8/o5 lady5: T#e Mis)it said +#ile #e +as uttonin0 it u'5 8I )ound out t#e cri$e dont $atter6
,ou can do one t#in0 or you can do an anot#er5 (ill a $an or ta(e a tire o)) #is car5 ecause
sooner or later youre 0oin0 to )or0et +#at it +as you done and @ust e 'unis#ed )or it6:
T#e c#ildrens $ot#er #ad e0un to $a(e #ea-in0 noises as i) s#e couldnt 0et #er reat#6
8Lady5: #e as(ed5 8+ould you and t#at little 0irl li(e to ste' o)) yonder +it# %oy Lee and
Hira$ and @oin your #usand3:
8,es5 t#an( you5: t#e $ot#er said )aintly6 Her le)t ar$ dan0led #el'lessly and s#e +as
#oldin0 t#e ay5 +#o #ad 0one to slee'5 in t#e ot#er6 8He' t#at lady u'5 Hira$5: T#e Mis)it
said as s#e stru00led to cli$ out o) t#e ditc#5 8and %oy Lee5 you #old onto t#at little 0irls
#and6:
8I dont +ant to #old #ands +it# #i$5: 4une Star said6 8He re$inds $e o) a 'i06:
T#e )at oy lus#ed and lau0#ed and cau0#t #er y t#e ar$ and 'ulled #er o)) into t#e
+oods a)ter Hira$ and #er $ot#er6
*lone +it# T#e Mis)it5 t#e 0rand$ot#er )ound t#at s#e #ad lost #er -oice6 T#ere +as not a
cloud in t#e s(- nor any sun6 T#ere +as not#in0 around #er ut +oods6 S#e +anted to tell #i$
t#at #e $ust 'ray6 S#e o'ened and closed #er $out# se-eral ti$es e)ore anyt#in0 ca$e out6
Finally s#e )ound #ersel) sayin05 84esus5 4esus5: $eanin05 4esus +ill #el' you5 ut t#e +ay s#e
+as sayin0 it5 it sounded as i) s#e $i0#t e cursin06
8,es$5: T#e Mis)it said as i) #e a0reed6 84esus t#o+n e-eryt#in0 o)) alance6 It +as t#e
sa$e case +it# Hi$ as +it# $e e"ce't He #adnt co$$itted any cri$e and t#ey could 'ro-e I
#ad co$$itted one ecause t#ey #ad t#e 'a'ers on $e6 O) course: #e said5 8t#ey ne-er s#o+n
$e $y 'a'ers6 T#ats +#y I si0n $ysel) no+6 I said lon0 a0o5 you 0et you a si0nature and si0n
e-eryt#in0 you do and (ee' a co'y o) it6 T#en youll (no+ +#at you done and you can #old u'
t#e cri$e to t#e 'unis#$ent and see do t#ey $atc# and in t#e end youll #a-e so$et#in0 to
'ro-e you aint een treated ri0#t6 8I call $ysel) T#e Mis)it5: #e said5 8ecause I cant $a(e
+#at all I done +ron0 )it +#at all I 0one t#rou0# in 'unis#$ent6:
T#ere +as a 'iercin0 screa$ )ro$ t#e +oods5 )ollo+ed closely y a 'istol re'ort6 8.oes it
see$ ri0#t to you5 lady5 t#at one is 'unis#ed a #ea' and anot#er aint 'unis#ed at all3
84esusS: t#e old lady cried6 8,ou-e 0ot 0ood loodS I (no+ you +ouldnt s#oot a ladyS I
(no+ you co$e )ro$ nice 'eo'leS PrayS 4esus5 you ou0#t not to s#oot a lady6 Ill 0i-e you all t#e
$oney I-e 0ot6:
8Lady5: T#e Mis)it said5 loo(in0 eyond #er )ar into t#e +oods5 8t#ere ne-er +as a ody t#at
0i-e t#e underta(er a ti'6:
T#ere +ere t+o $ore 'istol re'orts and t#e 0rand$ot#er raised #er #ead li(e a 'arc#ed old
tur(ey #en cryin0 )or +ater and called5 8%ailey %oy5 %ailey %oyS: as i) #er #eart +ould rea(6
84esus +as t#e only One t#at e-er raised t#e dead6: T#e Mis)it continued5 8and He s#ouldnt
#a-e done it6 He t#ro+n e-eryt#in0 o)) alance6 I) He did +#at He said5 t#en its not#in0 )or you
to do ut t#ro+a+ay e-eryt#in0 and )ollo+ Hi$5 and i) He didnt5 t#en its not#in0 )or you to do
ut en@oy t#e )e+ $inutes you 0ot le)t t#e est +ay you canIy (illin0 so$eody or urnin0
do+n #is #ouse or doin0 so$e ot#er $eanness to #i$6 /o 'leasure ut $eanness5: #e said and
#is -oice #ad eco$e al$ost a snarl6
8Maye He didnt raise t#e dead5: t#e old lady $u$led5 not (no+in0 +#at s#e +as sayin0
and )eelin0 so diEEy t#at s#e san( do+n in t#e ditc# +it# #er le0s t+isted under #er6
8I +asnt t#ere so I cant say He didnt5: T#e Mis)it said6 8I +is#t I #ad o) een t#ere5: #e
said5 #ittin0 t#e 0round +it# #is )ist6 8It aint ri0#t I +asnt t#ere ecause i) I #ad o) een t#ere I
+ould o) (no+n6 Listen lady5: #e said in a #i0# -oice5 8i) I #ad o) een t#ere I +ould o) (no+n
and I +ouldnt e li(e I a$ no+6: His -oice see$ed aout to crac( and t#e 0rand$ot#ers #ead
cleared )or an instant6 S#e sa+ t#e $ans )ace t+isted close to #er o+n as i) #e +ere 0oin0 to
cry and s#e $ur$ured5 8&#y youre one o) $y aies6 ,oure one o) $y o+n c#ildrenS: S#e
reac#ed out and touc#ed #i$ on t#e s#oulder6 T#e Mis)it s'ran0 ac( as i) a sna(e #ad itten
#i$ and s#ot #er t#ree ti$es t#rou0# t#e c#est6 T#en #e 'ut #is 0un do+n on t#e 0round and
too( o)) #is 0lasses and e0an to clean t#e$6
Hira$ and %oy Lee returned )ro$ t#e +oods and stood o-er t#e ditc#5 loo(in0 do+n at
t#e 0rand$ot#er +#o #al) sat and #al) lay in a 'uddle o) lood +it# #er le0s crossed under #er
li(e a c#ilds and #er )ace s$ilin0 u' at t#e cloudless s(y6
&it#out #is 0lasses5 T#e Mis)its eyes +ere red ri$$ed and 'ale and de)enselessHloo(in06
8Ta(e #er o)) and t#ro+ #er +#ere you t#ro+n t#e ot#ers5: #e said5 'ic(in0 u' t#e cat t#at +as
ruin0 itsel) a0ainst #is le06
8S#e +as a tal(er5 +asnt s#e3: %oy Lee said5 slidin0 do+n t#e ditc# +it# a yodel6
8S#e +ould o) een a 0ood +o$an5: T#e Mis)it said5 8i) it #ad een so$eody t#ere to
s#oot #er e-ery $inute o) #er li)e6:
8So$e )unS: %oy Lee said6
8S#ut u'5 %oy Lee5: T#e Mis)it said6 8Its no real 'leasure in li)e6:
* Late Encounter +it# t#e Ene$y N;<KGO
!E/ER*L S*SH +as a #undred and )our years old6 He li-ed +it# #is 0randdau0#ter5 Sally
Po(er Sas#5 +#o +as si"tyHt+o years old and +#o 'rayed e-ery ni0#t on #er (nees t#at #e
+ould li-e until #er 0raduation )ro$ colle0e6 T#e !eneral didnt 0i-e t+o sla's )or #er
0raduation ut #e ne-er douted #e +ould li-e )or it6 Li-in0 #ad 0ot to e suc# a #ait +it# #i$
t#at #e couldnt concei-e o) any ot#er condition6 * 0raduation e"ercise +as not e"actly #is idea
o) a 0ood ti$e5 e-en i)5 as s#e said5 #e +ould e e"'ected to sit on t#e sta0e in #is uni)or$6 S#e
said t#ere +ould e a lon0 'rocession o) teac#ers and students in t#eir roes ut t#at t#ere
+ouldnt e anyt#in0 to e9ual #i$ in #is uni)or$6 He (ne+ t#is +ell enou0# +it#out #er tellin0
#i$5 and as )or t#e da$n 'rocession5 it could $arc# to #ell and ac( and not cause #i$ a
9ui-er6 He li(ed 'arades +it# )loats )ull o) Miss *$ericas and Miss .aytona %eac#es and Miss
Tueen Cotton Products6 He didnt #a-e any use )or 'rocessions and a 'rocession )ull o)
sc#oolteac#ers as aout as deadly as t#e Ri-er Sty" to #is +ay o) t#in(in06 Ho+e-er5 #e +as
+illin0 to sit on t#e sta0e in #is uni)or$ so t#at t#ey could see #i$6
Sally Po(er +as not as sure as #e +as t#at #e +ould li-e until #er 0raduation6 T#ere #ad not
een any 'erce'tile c#an0e in #i$ )or t#e last )i-e years5 ut s#e #ad t#e sense t#at s#e $i0#t
e c#eated out o) #er triu$'# ecause s#e so o)ten +as6 S#e #ad een 0oin0 to su$$er sc#ool
e-ery year )or t#e 'ast t+enty ecause +#en s#e started teac#in05 t#ere +ere no suc# t#in0s as
de0rees6 In t#ose ti$es5 s#e said5 e-eryt#in0 +as nor$al ut not#in0 #ad een nor$al since
s#e +as si"teen5 and )or t#e 'ast t+enty su$$ers5 +#en s#e s#ould #a-e een restin05 s#e #ad
#ad to ta(e a trun( in t#e urnin0 #eat to t#e state teac#ers colle0eD and t#ou0# +#en s#e
returned in t#e )all5 s#e al+ays tau0#t in t#e e"act +ay s#e #ad een tau0#t not to teac#5 t#is
+as a $ild re-en0e t#at didnt satis)y #er sense o) @ustice6 S#e +anted t#e !eneral at #er
0raduation ecause s#e +anted to s#o+ +#at s#e stood )or5 or5 as s#e said5 8+#at all +as
e#ind #er5: and +as not e#ind t#e$6 T#is t#e$ +as not anyody in 'articular6 It +as @ust all
t#e u'starts +#o #ad turned t#e +orld on its #ead and unsettled t#e +ays o) decent li-in06
S#e $eant to stand on t#at 'lat)or$ in *u0ust +it# t#e !eneral sittin0 in #is +#eel c#air on
t#e sta0e e#ind #er and s#e $eant to #old #er #ead -ery #i0# as i) s#e +ere sayin05 8See #i$S
See #i$S My (in5 all you u'startsS !lorious u'ri0#t old $an standin0 )or t#e old traditionsS
.i0nityS HonorS Coura0eS See #i$S: One ni0#t in #er slee' s#e screa$ed5 8See #i$S See #i$S:
and turned #er #ead and )ound #i$ sittin0 in #is +#eel c#air e#ind #er +it# a terrile
e"'ression on #is )ace and +it# all #is clot#es o)) e"ce't t#e 0enerals #at and s#e #ad +a(ed
u' and #ad not dared to 0o ac( to slee' a0ain t#at ni0#t6
For #is 'art5 t#e !eneral +ould not #a-e consented e-en to attend #er 0raduation i) s#e
#ad not 'ro$ised to see to it t#at #e sit on t#e sta0e6 He li(ed to sit on any sta0e6 He
considered t#at #e +as still a -ery #andso$e $an6 &#en #e #ad een ale to stand u'5 #e #ad
$easured )i-e )eet )our inc#es o) 'ure 0a$e coc(6 He #ad +#ite #air t#at reac#ed to #is
s#oulders e#ind and #e +ould not +ear teet# ecause #e t#ou0#t #is 'ro)ile +as $ore
stri(in0 +it#out t#e$6 &#en #e 'ut on #is )ullHdress 0enerals uni)or$5 #e (ne+ +ell enou0#
t#at t#ere +as not#in0 to $atc# #i$ any+#ere6
T#is +as not t#e sa$e uni)or$ #e #ad +orn in t#e &ar et+een t#e States6 He #ad not
actually een a 0eneral in t#at +ar6 He #ad 'roaly een a )oot soldierD #e didnt re$e$er
+#at #e #ad eenD in )act5 #e didnt re$e$er t#at +ar at all6 It +as li(e #is )eet5 +#ic# #un0
do+n no+ s#ri-eled at t#e -ery end o) #i$5 +it#out )eelin05 co-ered +it# a lueH0ray a)0#an
t#at Sally Po(er #ad croc#eted +#en s#e +as a little 0irl6 He didnt re$e$er t#e S'anis#H
*$erican &ar in +#ic# #e #ad lost a sonD #e didnt e-en re$e$er t#e son6 He didnt #a-e any
use )or #istory ecause #e ne-er e"'ected to $eet it a0ain6 To #is $ind5 #istory +as connected
+it# 'rocessions and li)e +it# 'arades and #e li(ed 'arades6 Peo'le +ere al+ays as(in0 #i$ i)
#e re$e$ered t#is or t#ata dreary lac( 'rocession o) 9uestions aout t#e 'ast6 T#ere +as
only one e-ent in t#e 'ast t#at #ad any si0ni)icance )or #i$ and t#at #e cared to tal( aout:
t#at +as t+el-e years a0o +#en #e #ad recei-ed t#e 0enerals uni)or$ and #ad een in t#e
're$iere6
8I +as in t#at 'ree$y t#ey #ad in *tlanta5: #e +ould tell -isitors sittin0 on #is )ront 'orc#6
8Surrounded y eauti)ul 0uls6 It +asnt a t#in0 local aout it6 It +as not#in0 local aout it6
Listen #ere6 It +as a nas#nul e-ent and t#ey #ad $e in itIu' onto t#e sta0e6 T#ere +as no
oHtails at it6 E-ery 'erson at it #ad 'aid ten dollars to 0et in and #ad to +ear #is tu"seeder6 I
+as in t#is uni)or$6 * eauti)ul 0ul 'resented $e +it# it t#at a)ternoon in a #otel roo$6:
8It +as in a suite in t#e #otel and I +as in it too5 Pa'a5: Sally Po(er +ould say5 +in(in0 at t#e
-isitors6 8,ou +erent alone +it# any youn0 lady in a #otel roo$6:
8&as5 Id a (no+n +#at to do5: t#e old !eneral +ould say +it# a s#ar' loo( and t#e -isitors
+ould screa$ +it# lau0#ter6 8T#is +as a Holly+ood5 Cali)ornia5 0ul5: #ed continue6 8S#e +as
)ro$ Holly+ood5 Cali)ornia5 and didnt #a-e any 'art in t#e 'itc#er6 Out t#ere t#ey #a-e so
$any eauti)ul 0uls t#at t#ey dont need t#at t#ey call t#e$ a e"tra and t#ey dont use t#e$
)or not#in0 ut 'resentin0 'eo'le +it# t#in0s and #a-in0 t#eir 'itc#ers ta(en6 T#ey too( $y
'itc#er +it# #er6 /o5 it +as t+o o) t#e$6 One on eit#er side and $e in t#e $iddle +it# $y ar$s
around eac# o) t#e$s +aist and t#eir +aist aint any i00er t#an a #al) a dollar6:
Sally Po(er +ould interru't a0ain6 8It +as Mr6 !o-is(y t#at 0a-e you t#e uni)or$5 Pa'a5 and
#e 0a-e $e t#e $ost e"9uisite corsa0e6 Really5 I +is# you could #a-e seen it6 It +as $ade +it#
0ladiola 'etals ta(en o)) and 'ainted 0old and 'ut ac( to0et#er to loo( li(e a rose6 It +as
e"9uisite6 I +is# you could #a-e seen it5 it +asB:
8It +as as i0 as #er #ead5: t#e !eneral +ould snarl6 8I +as tellin it6 T#ey 0i$$e t#is
uni)or$ and t#ey 0i$$e t#is se+ard and t#ey say5 8A/o+ !eneral5 +e dont +ant you to start a
+ar on us6 *ll +e +ant you to do is $arc# ri0#t u' on t#at sta0e +#en youre innerduced
toni0#t and ans+er a )e+ 9uestions6 T#in( you can do t#at3 AT#in( I can do itS I say6 AListen
#ere6 I +as doin0 t#in0s e)ore you +ere orn5 and t#ey #ollered6:
8He +as t#e #it o) t#e s#o+5: Sally Po(er +ould say5 ut s#e didnt $uc# li(e to re$e$er
t#e 're$iere on account o) +#at #ad #a''ened to #er )eet at it6 S#e #ad ou0#t a ne+ dress
)or t#e occasiona lon0 lac( cre'e dinner dress +it# a r#inestone uc(le and a oleroIand a
'air o) sil-er sli''ers to +ear +it# it5 ecause s#e +as su''osed to 0o u' on t#e sta0e +it# #i$
to (ee' #i$ )ro$ )allin06 E-eryt#in0 +as arran0ed )or t#e$6 * real li$ousine ca$e at ten
$inutes to ei0#t and too( t#e$ to t#e t#eater6 It dre+ u' under t#e $ar9uee at e"actly t#e
ri0#t ti$e5 a)ter t#e i0 stars and t#e director and t#e aut#or and t#e 0o-ernor and t#e $ayor
and so$e less i$'ortant stars6 T#e 'olice (e't tra))ic )ro$ @a$$in0 and t#ere +ere ro'es to
(ee' t#e 'eo'le o)) +#o couldnt 0o6 *ll t#e 'eo'le +#o couldnt 0o +atc#ed t#e$ ste' out o)
t#e li$ousine into t#e li0#ts6 T#en t#ey +al(ed do+n t#e red and 0old )oyer and an us#erette
in a Con)ederate ca' and little s#ort s(irt conducted t#e$ to t#eir s'ecial seats6 T#e audience
+as already t#ere and a 0rou' o) 7.C $e$ers e0an to cla' +#en t#ey sa+ t#e !eneral in #is
uni)or$ and t#at started e-eryody to cla'6 * )e+ $ore celerities ca$e a)ter t#e$ and t#en
t#e doors closed and t#e li0#ts +ent do+n6
* youn0 $an +it# lond +a-y #air +#o said #e re'resented t#e $otionH'icture industry
ca$e out and e0an to introduce e-eryody and eac# one +#o +as introduced +al(ed u' on
t#e sta0e and said #o+ really #a''y #e +as to e #ere )or t#is 0reat e-ent6 T#e !eneral and #is
0randdau0#ter +ere introduced si"teent# on t#e 'ro0ra$6 He +as introduced as !eneral
Tennessee Flintroc( Sas# o) t#e Con)ederacy5 t#ou0# Sally Po(er #ad told Mr6 !o-is(y t#at #is
na$e +as !eor0e Po(er Sas# and t#at #e #ad only een a $a@or6 S#e #el'ed #i$ u' )ro$ #is
seat ut #er #eart +as eatin0 so )ast s#e didnt (no+ +#et#er s#ed $a(e it #ersel)6
T#e old $an +al(ed u' t#e aisle slo+ly +it# #is )ierce +#ite #ead #i0# and #is #at #eld o-er
#is #eart6 T#e orc#estra e0an to 'lay t#e Con)ederate %attle Hy$n -ery so)tly and t#e 7OC
$e$ers rose as a 0rou' and did not sit do+n a0ain until t#e !eneral +as on t#e sta0e6 &#en
#e reac#ed t#e center o) t#e sta0e +it# Sally Po(er @ust e#ind #i$ 0uidin0 #is elo+5 t#e
orc#estra urst out in a loud rendition o) t#e %attle Hy$n and t#e old $an5 +it# real sta0e
'resence5 0a-e a -i0orous tre$lin0 salute and stood at attention until t#e last last #ad died
a+ay6 T+o o) t#e us#erettes in Con)ederate ca's and s#ort s(irts #eld a Con)ederate and a
7nion )la0 crossed e#ind t#e$6
T#e !eneral stood in t#e e"act center o) t#e s'otli0#t and it cau0#t a +eird $oonHs#a'ed
slice o) Sally Po(erIt#e corsa0e5 t#e r#inestone uc(le and one #and clenc#ed around a +#ite
0lo-e and #and(erc#ie)6 T#e youn0 $an +it# t#e lond +a-y #air inserted #i$sel) into t#e
circle o) li0#t and said #e +as really #a''y to #a-e #ere toni0#t )or t#is 0reat e-ent5 one5 #e
said5 +#o #ad )ou0#t and led in t#e attles t#ey +ould soon see darin0ly reacted on t#e
screen5 and 8Tell $e5 !eneral5: #e as(ed5 8#o+ old are you3:
8/iiiiiinntttyHt+oS: t#e !eneral screa$ed6
T#e youn0 $an loo(ed as i) t#is +ere @ust aout t#e $ost i$'ressi-e t#in0 t#at #ad een
said all e-enin06 8Ladies and 0entle$en5: #e said5 8lets 0i-e t#e !eneral t#e i00est #and +e-e
0otS: and t#ere +as a''lause i$$ediately and t#e youn0 $an indicated to Sally Po(er +it# a
$otion o) #is t#u$ t#at s#e could ta(e t#e old $an ac( to #is seat no+ so t#at t#e ne"t
'erson could e introducedD ut t#e !eneral #ad not )inis#ed6 He stood i$$o-ale in t#e e"act
center o) t#e s'otli0#t5 #is nec( t#rust )or+ard5 #is $out# sli0#tly o'en5 and #is -oracious 0ray
eyes drin(in0 in t#e 0lare and t#e a''lause6 He elo+ed #is 0randdau0#ter rou0#ly a+ay6 8Ho+
I (ee' so youn05: #e screec#ed5 8I (iss all t#e 'retty 0ulsS:
T#is +as $et +it# a 0reat din o) s'ontaneous a''lause and it +as at @ust t#at instant t#at
Sally Po(er loo(ed do+n at #er )eet and disco-ered t#at in t#e e"cite$ent o) 0ettin0 ready s#e
#ad )or0otten to c#an0e #er s#oes: t+o ro+n !irl Scout o")ords 'rotruded )ro$ t#e otto$ o)
#er dress6 S#e 0a-e t#e !eneral a yan( and al$ost ran +it# #i$ o)) t#e sta0e6 He +as -ery
an0ry t#at #e #ad not 0ot to say #o+ 0lad #e +as to e #ere )or t#is e-ent and on t#e +ay ac(
to #is seat5 #e (e't sayin0 as loud as #e could5 8I$ 0lad to e #ere at t#is 'ree$y +it# all t#ese
eauti)ul 0ulsS: ut t#ere +as anot#er celerity 0oin0 u' t#e ot#er aisle and noody 'aid any
attention to #i$6 He sle't t#rou0# t#e 'icture5 $utterin0 )iercely e-ery no+ and t#en in #is
slee'6
Since t#en5 #is li)e #ad not een -ery interestin06 His )eet +ere co$'letely dead no+5 #is
(nees +or(ed li(e old #in0es5 #is (idneys )unctioned +#en t#ey +ould5 ut #is #eart 'ersisted
do00edly to eat6 T#e 'ast and t#e )uture +ere t#e sa$e t#in0 to #i$5 one )or0otten and t#e
ot#er not re$e$eredD #e #ad no $ore notion o) dyin0 t#an a cat6 E-ery year on Con)ederate
Me$orial .ay5 #e +as undled u' and lent to t#e Ca'itol City Museu$ +#ere #e +as dis'layed
)ro$ one to )our in a $usty roo$ )ull o) old '#oto0ra'#s5 old uni)or$s5 old artillery5 and
#istoric docu$ents6 *ll t#ese +ere care)ully 'reser-ed in 0lass cases so t#at c#ildren +ould not
'ut t#eir #ands on t#e$6 He +ore #is 0enerals uni)or$ )ro$ t#e 're$iere and sat5 +it# a )i"ed
sco+l5 inside a s$all ro'ed area6 T#ere +as not#in0 aout #i$ to indicate t#at #e +as ali-e
e"ce't an occasional $o-e$ent in #is $il(y 0ray eyes5 ut once +#en a old c#ild touc#ed #is
s+ord5 #is ar$ s#ot )or+ard and sla''ed t#e #and o)) in an instant6 In t#e s'rin0 +#en t#e old
#o$es +ere o'ened )or 'il0ri$a0es5 #e +as in-ited to +ear #is uni)or$ and sit in so$e
cons'icuous s'ot and lend at$os'#ere to t#e scene6 So$e o) t#ese ti$es #e only snarled at
t#e -isitors ut so$eti$es #e told aout t#e 're$iere and t#e eauti)ul 0irls6
I) #e #ad died e)ore Sally Po(ers 0raduation5 s#e t#ou0#t s#e +ould #a-e died #ersel)6 *t
t#e e0innin0 o) t#e su$$er ter$5 e-en e)ore s#e (ne+ i) s#e +ould 'ass5 s#e told t#e .ean
t#at #er 0rand)at#er5 !eneral Tennessee Flintroc( Sas# o) t#e Con)ederacy5 +ould attend #er
0raduation and t#at #e +as a #undred and )our years old and t#at #is $ind +as still clear as a
ell6 .istin0uis#ed -isitors +ere al+ays +elco$e and could sit on t#e sta0e and e introduced6
S#e $ade arran0e$ents +it# #er ne'#e+5 4o#n &esley Po(er Sas#5 a %oy Scout5 to co$e
+#eel t#e !enerals c#air6 S#e t#ou0#t #o+ s+eet it +ould e to see t#e old $an in #is
coura0eous 0ray and t#e youn0 oy in #is clean (#a(iIt#e old and t#e ne+5 s#e t#ou0#t
a''ro'riatelyIt#ey +ould e e#ind #er on t#e sta0e +#en s#e recei-ed #er de0ree6
E-eryt#in0 +ent al$ost e"actly as s#e #ad 'lanned6 In t#e su$$er +#ile s#e +as a+ay at
sc#ool5 t#e !eneral stayed +it# ot#er relati-es and t#ey rou0#t #i$ and 4o#n &esley5 t#e %oy
Scout5 do+n to t#e 0raduation6 * re'orter ca$e to t#e #otel +#ere t#ey stayed and too( t#e
!enerals 'icture +it# Sally Po(er on one side o) #i$ and 4o#n &esley on t#e ot#er6 T#e
!eneral5 +#o #ad #ad #is 'icture ta(en +it# eauti)ul 0irls5 didnt t#in( $uc# o) t#is6 He #ad
)or0otten 'recisely +#at (ind o) e-ent t#is +as #e +as 0oin0 to attend ut #e re$e$ered t#at
#e +as to +ear #is uni)or$ and carry t#e s+ord6
On t#e $ornin0 o) t#e 0raduation5 Sally Po(er #ad to line u' in t#e acade$ic 'rocession
+it# t#e %6 S6s in Ele$entary Education and s#e couldnt see to 0ettin0 #i$ on t#e sta0e
#ersel)5 ut 4o#n &esley5 a )at lond oy o) ten +it# an e"ecuti-e e"'ression5 0uaranteed to
ta(e care o) e-eryt#in06 S#e ca$e in #er acade$ic 0o+n to t#e #otel and dressed t#e old $an
in #is uni)or$6 He +as as )rail as a dried s'ider6 8*rent you @ust t#rilled5 Pa'a3: s#e as(ed6 8I$
@ust t#rilled to deat#S:
8Put t#e so+ard acrost $y la'5 da$$ you5: t#e old $an said5 8+#ere itll s#ine6:
S#e 'ut it t#ere and t#en stood ac( loo(in0 at #i$6 8,ou loo( @ust 0rand5: s#e said6
8!od da$$ it5: t#e old $an said in a slo+ $onotonous certain tone as i) #e +ere sayin0 it
to t#e eatin0 ot #is #eart6 8!od da$$ e-ery 0od da$ t#in0 to #ell6:
8/o+5 no+5: s#e said and le)t #a''ily to @oin t#e 'rocession6
T#e 0raduates +ere lined u' e#ind t#e Science uildin0 and s#e )ound #er 'lace @ust as t#e
line started to $o-e6 S#e #ad not sle't $uc# t#e ni0#t e)ore and +#en s#e #ad5 s#e #ad
drea$ed o) t#e e"ercises5 $ur$urin05 8See #i$5 see #i$3: in #er slee' ut +a(in0 u' e-ery
ti$e @ust e)ore s#e turned #er #ead to loo( at #i$ e#ind #er6 T#e 0raduates #ad to +al(
t#ree loc(s in t#e #ot sun in t#eir lac( +ool roes and as s#e 'lodded stolidly alon0 s#e
t#ou0#t t#at i) anyone considered t#is acade$ic 'rocession so$et#in0 i$'ressi-e to e#old5
t#ey need only +ait until t#ey sa+ t#at old !eneral in #is coura0eous 0ray and t#at clean youn0
%oy Scout stoutly +#eelin0 #is c#air across t#e sta0e +it# t#e sunli0#t catc#in0 t#e s+ord6 S#e
i$a0ined t#at 4o#n &esley #ad t#e old $an ready no+ e#ind t#e sta0e6
T#e lac( 'rocession +ound its +ay u' t#e t+o loc(s and started on t#e $ain +al( leadin0
to t#e auditoriu$6 T#e -isitors stood on t#e 0rass5 'ic(in0 out t#eir 0raduates6 Men +ere
'us#in0 ac( t#eir #ats and +i'in0 t#eir )ore#eads and +o$en +ere li)tin0 t#eir dresses
sli0#tly )ro$ t#e s#oulders to (ee' t#e$ )ro$ stic(in0 to t#eir ac(s6 T#e 0raduates in t#eir
#ea-y roes loo(ed as i) t#e last eads o) i0norance +ere ein0 s+eated out o) t#e$6 T#e sun
laEed o)) t#e )enders o) auto$oiles and eat )ro$ t#e colu$ns o) t#e uildin0s and 'ulled
t#e eye )ro$ one s'ot o) 0lare to anot#er6 It 'ulled Sally Po(ers to+ard t#e i0 red CocaHCola
$ac#ine t#at #ad een set u' y t#e side o) t#e auditoriu$6 Here s#e sa+ t#e !eneral 'ar(ed5
sco+lin0 and #atless in #is c#air in t#e laEin0 sun +#ile 4o#n &esley5 #is louse loose e#ind5
#is #i' and c#ee( 'ressed to t#e red $ac#ine5 +as drin(in0 a CocaHCola6 S#e ro(e )ro$ t#e
line and 0allo'ed to t#e$ and snatc#ed t#e ottle a+ay6 S#e s#oo( t#e oy and t#rust in #is
louse and 'ut t#e #at on t#e old $ans #ead6 8/o+ 0et #i$ in t#ereS: s#e said5 'ointin0 one
ri0id )in0er to t#e side door o) t#e uildin06
For #is 'art t#e !eneral )elt as i) t#ere +ere a little #ole e0innin0 to +iden in t#e to' o) #is
#ead6 T#e oy +#eeled #i$ ra'idly do+n a +al( and u' a ra$' and into a uildin0 and u$'ed
#i$ o-er t#e sta0e entrance and into 'osition +#ere #e #ad een told and t#e !eneral 0lared
in )ront o) #i$ at #eads t#at all see$ed to )lo+ to0et#er and eyes t#at $o-ed )ro$ one )ace to
anot#er6 Se-eral )i0ures in lac( roes ca$e and 'ic(ed u' #is #and and s#oo( it6 * lac(
'rocession +as )lo+in0 u' eac# aisle and )or$in0 to stately $usic in a 'ool in )ront o) #i$6 T#e
$usic see$ed to e enterin0 #is #ead t#rou0# t#e little #ole and #e t#ou0#t )or a second t#at
t#e 'rocession +ould try to enter it too6
He didnt (no+ +#at 'rocession t#is +as ut t#ere +as so$et#in0 )a$iliar aout it6 It $ust
e )a$iliar to #i$ since it #ad co$e to $eet #i$5 ut #e didnt li(e a lac( 'rocession6 *ny
'rocession t#at ca$e to $eet #i$5 #e t#ou0#t irritaly5 ou0#t to #a-e )loats +it# eauti)ul 0uls
on t#e$ li(e t#e )loats e)ore t#e 'ree$y6 It $ust e so$et#in0 connected +it# #istory li(e
t#ey +ere al+ays #a-in06 He #ad no use )or any o) it6 &#at #a''ened t#en +asnt anyt#in0 to a
$an li-in0 no+ and #e +as li-in0 no+6
&#en all t#e 'rocession #ad )lo+ed into t#e lac( 'ool5 a lac( )i0ure e0an oratin0 in )ront
o) it6 T#e )i0ure +as tellin0 so$et#in0 aout #istory and t#e !eneral $ade u' #is $ind #e
+ouldnt listen5 ut t#e +ords (e't see'in0 in t#rou0# t#e little #ole in #is #ead6 He #eard #is
o+n na$e $entioned and #is c#air +as s#uttled )or+ard rou0#ly and t#e %oy Scout too( a i0
o+6 T#ey called #is na$e and t#e )at rat o+ed6 !odda$ you5 t#e old $an tried to say5 0et
out o) $y +ay5 I can stand u'Iut #e +as @er(ed ac( a0ain e)ore #e could 0et u' and ta(e
t#e o+6 He su''osed t#e noise t#ey $ade +as )or #i$6 I) #e +as o-er5 #e didnt intend to
listen to any $ore o) it6 I) it #adnt een )or t#e little #ole in t#e to' o) #is #ead5 none o) t#e
+ords +ould #a-e 0ot to #i$6 He t#ou0#t o) 'uttin0 #is )in0er u' t#ere into t#e #ole to loc(
t#e$ ut t#e #ole +as a little +ider t#an #is )in0er and it )elt as i) it +ere 0ettin0 dee'er6
*not#er lac( roe #ad ta(en t#e 'lace o) t#e )irst one and +as tal(in0 no+ and #e #eard
#is na$e $entioned a0ain ut t#ey +ere not tal(in0 aout #i$5 t#ey +ere still tal(in0 aout
#istory6 8I) +e )or0et our 'ast5: t#e s'ea(er +as sayin05 8+e +ont re$e$er our )uture and it
+ill e as +ell )or +e +ont #a-e one6: T#e !eneral #eard so$e o) t#ese +ords 0radually6 He
#ad )or0otten #istory and #e didnt intend to re$e$er it a0ain6 He #ad )or0otten t#e na$e
and )ace o) #is +i)e and t#e na$es and )aces o) #is c#ildren or e-en i) #e #ad a +i)e and
c#ildren5 and #e #ad )or0otten t#e na$es o) 'laces and t#e 'laces t#e$sel-es and +#at #ad
#a''ened at t#e$6
He +as consideraly ir(ed y t#e #ole in #is #ead6 He #ad not e"'ected to #a-e a #ole in #is
#ead at t#is e-ent6 It +as t#e slo+ lac( $usic t#at #ad 'ut it t#ere and t#ou0# $ost o) t#e
$usic #ad sto''ed outside5 t#ere +as still a little o) it in t#e #ole5 0oin0 dee'er and $o-in0
around in #is t#ou0#ts5 lettin0 t#e +ords #e #eard into t#e dar( 'laces o) #is rain6 He #eard
t#e +ords5 C#ic(a$au0a5 S#ilo#5 4o#nston5 Lee5 and #e (ne+ #e +as ins'irin0 all t#ese +ords
t#at $eant not#in0 to #i$6 He +ondered i) #e #ad een a 0eneral at C#ic(a$au0a or at Lee6
T#en #e tried to see #i$sel) and t#e #orse $ounted in t#e $iddle o) a )loat )ull o) eauti)ul
0irls5 ein0 dri-en slo+ly t#rou0# do+nto+n *tlanta6 Instead5 t#e old +ords e0an to stir in #is
#ead as i) t#ey +ere tryin0 to +renc# t#e$sel-es out o) 'lace and co$e to li)e6
T#e s'ea(er +as t#rou0# +it# t#at +ar and #ad 0one on to t#e ne"t one and no+ #e +as
a''roac#in0 anot#er and all #is +ords5 li(e t#e lac( 'rocession5 +ere -a0uely )a$iliar and
irritatin06 T#ere +as a lon0 )in0er o) $usic in t#e !enerals #ead5 'roin0 -arious S'ots t#at
+ere +ords5 lettin0 in a little li0#t on t#e +ords and #el'in0 t#e$ to li-e6 T#e +ords e0an to
co$e to+ard #i$ and #e said5 .a$$itS I aint 0oin0 to #a-e itS and #e started ed0in0
ac(+ards to 0et out o) t#e +ay6 T#en #e sa+ t#e )i0ure in t#e lac( roe sit do+n and t#ere
+as a noise and t#e lac( 'ool in )ront o) #i$ e0an to ru$le and to Ho+ to+ard #i$ )ro$
eit#er side to t#e lac( slo+ $usic5 and #e said5 Sto' dar$$itS I cant do ut one t#in0 at a
ti$eS He couldnt 'rotect #i$sel) )ro$ t#e +ords and attend to t#e 'rocession too and t#e
+ords +ere co$in0 at #i$ )ast6 He )elt t#at #e +as runnin0 ac(+ards and t#e +ords +ere
co$in0 at #i$ li(e $us(et )ire5 @ust esca'in0 #i$ ut 0ettin0 nearer and nearer6 He turned
around and e0an to run as )ast as #e could ut #e )ound #i$sel) runnin0 to+ard t#e +ords6 He
+as runnin0 into a re0ular -olley o) t#e$ and $eetin0 t#e$ +it# 9uic( curses6 *s t#e $usic
s+elled to+ard #i$5 t#e entire 'ast o'ened u' on #i$ out o) no+#ere and #e )elt #is ody
riddled in a #undred 'laces +it# s#ar' stas o) 'ain and #e )ell do+n5 returnin0 a curse )or
e-ery #it6 He sa+ #is +i)es narro+ )ace loo(in0 at #i$ critically t#rou0# #er round 0oldHri$$ed
0lassesD #e sa+ one o) #is s9uintin0 ald#eaded sonsD and #is $ot#er ran to+ard #i$ +it# an
an"ious loo(D t#en a succession o) 'lacesIC#ic(aW $au0a5 S#ilo#5 Mart#as-illeIrus#ed at #i$
as i) t#e 'ast +ere t#e only )uture no+ and #e #ad to endure it6 T#en suddenly #e sa+ t#at t#e
lac( 'rocession +as al$ost on #i$6 He reco0niEed it5 )or it #ad een do00in0 all #is days6 He
$ade suc# a des'erate e))ort to see o-er it and )ind out +#at co$es a)ter t#e 'ast t#at #is
#and clenc#ed t#e s+ord until t#e lade touc#ed one6
T#e 0raduates +ere crossin0 t#e sta0e in a lon0 )ile to recei-e t#eir scrolls and s#a(e t#e
'residents #and6 *s Sally Po(er5 +#o +as near t#e end5 crossed5 s#e 0lanced at t#e !eneral
and sa+ #i$ sittin0 )i"ed and )ierce5 #is eyes +ide o'en5 and s#e turned #er #ead )or+ard a0ain
and #eld it a 'erce'tile de0ree #i0#er and recei-ed #er scroll6 Once it +as all o-er and s#e +as
out o) t#e auditoriu$ in t#e sun a0ain5 s#e located #er (in and t#ey +aited to0et#er on a enc#
in t#e s#ade )or 4o#n &esley to +#eel t#e old $an out6 T#at cra)ty scout #ad u$'ed #i$ out
t#e ac( +ay and rolled #i$ at #i0# s'eed do+n a )la0stone 'at# and +as +aitin0 no+5 +it#
t#e cor'se5 in t#e lon0 line at t#e CocaHCola $ac#ine6
T#e Li)e ,ou Sa-e May %e ,our O+n N;<KGO
THE old +o$an and #er dau0#ter +ere sittin0 on t#eir 'orc# +#en Mr6 S#i)tlet ca$e u'
t#eir road )or t#e )irst ti$e6 T#e old +o$an slid to t#e ed0e o) #er c#air and leaned )or+ard5
s#adin0 #er eyes )ro$ t#e 'iercin0 sunset +it# #er #and6 T#e dau0#ter could not see )ar in
)ront o) #er and continued to 'lay +it# #er )in0ers6 *lt#ou0# t#e old +o$an li-ed in t#is
desolate s'ot +it# only #er dau0#ter and s#e #ad ne-er seen Mr6 S#i)tlet e)ore5 s#e could tell5
e-en )ro$ a distance5 t#at #e +as a tra$' and no one to e a)raid o)6 His le)t coat slee-e +as
)olded u' to s#o+ t#ere +as only #al) an ar$ in it and #is 0aunt )i0ure listed sli0#tly to t#e side
as i) t#e reeEe +ere 'us#in0 #i$6 He #ad on a lac( to+n suit and a ro+n )elt #at t#at +as
turned u' ill t#e )ront and do+n in t#e ac( and #e carried a till tool o" y a #andle6 He ca$e
on5 at an a$le5 u' #er road5 #is ee turned to+ard t#e sun +#ic# a''eared to e alancin0
itsel) on t#e 'ea( o) a s$all $ountain6
T#e old +o$an didnt c#an0e #er 'osition until #e +as al$ost into #er yardD t#en s#e rose
+it# one #and )isted on #er #i'6 T#e dau0#ter5 a lar0e 0irl in a s#ort lue or0andy dress5 sa+
#i$ all at once and @u$'ed u' and e0an to sta$' and 'oint and $a(e e"cited s'eec#less
sounds6
Mr6 S#i)tlet sto''ed @ust inside t#e yard and set #is o" on t#e 0round and ti''ed #is #at at
#er as i) s#e +ere not in t#e least a))lictedD t#en #e turned to+ard t#e old +o$an and s+un0
t#e #at all t#e +ay o))6 He #ad lon0 lac( slic( #air t#at #un0 )lat )ro$ a 'art in t#e $iddle to
eyond t#e ti's o) #is ears on eit#er side6 His )ace descended in )ore#ead )or $ore t#an #al) its
len0t# and ended suddenly +it# #is )eatures @ust alanced o-er a @uttin0 steeltra' @a+6 He
see$ed to e a youn0 $an ut #e #ad a loo( o) co$'osed dissatis)action as i) #e understood
li)e t#orou0#ly6
8!ood e-enin05: t#e old +o$an said6 S#e +as aout t#e siEe o) a cedar )ence 'ost and s#e
#ad a $ans 0ray #at 'ulled do+n lo+ o-er #er #ead6
T#e tra$' stood loo(in0 at #er and didnt ans+er6 He turned #is ac( and )aced t#e sunset6
He s+un0 ot# #is +#ole and #is s#ort ar$ u' slo+ly so t#at t#ey indicated an e"'anse o) s(y
and #is )i0ure )or$ed a croo(ed cross6 T#e old +o$an +atc#ed #i$ +it# #er ar$s )olded
across #er c#est as i) s#e +ere t#e o+ner o) t#e sun5 and t#e dau0#ter +atc#ed5 #er #ead
t#rust )or+ard and #er )at #el'less #ands #an0in0 at t#e +rists6 S#e #ad lon0 'in(H0old #air and
eyes as lue as a 'eacoc(s nec(6
He #eld t#e 'ose )or al$ost )i)ty seconds and t#en #e 'ic(ed u' #is o" and ca$e on to t#e
'orc# and dro''ed do+n on t#e otto$ ste'6 8Lady5: #e said in a )ir$ nasal -oice5 8Id 0i-e a
)ortune to li-e +#ere I could see $e a sun do t#at e-ery e-enin06:
8.oes it e-ery e-enin05: t#e old +o$an said and sat ac( do+n6 T#e dau0#ter sat do+n too
and +atc#ed #i$ +it# a cautious sly loo( as i) #e +ere a ird t#at #ad co$e u' -ery close6 He
leaned to one side5 rootin0 in #is 'ants 'oc(et5 and in a second #e rou0#t out a 'ac(a0e o)
c#e+in0 0u$ and o))ered #er a 'iece6 S#e too( it and un 'eeled it and e0an to c#e+ +it#out
ta(in0 #er eyes o)) #i$6 He o))ered t#e old +o$an a 'iece ut s#e only raised #er u''er li' to
indicate s#e #ad no teet#6
Mr6 S#i)tlets 'ale s#ar' 0lance #ad already 'assed o-er e-eryt#in0 in t#e yardIt#e 'u$'
near t#e corner o) t#e #ouse and t#e i0 )i0 tree t#at t#ree or )our c#ic(ens +ere 're'arin0 to
roost inIand #ad $o-ed to a s#ed +#ere #e sa+ t#e s9uare rusted ac( o) an auto$oile6
8,ou ladies dri-e3: #e as(ed6
8T#at car aint run in )i)teen year5: t#e old +o$an said6 8T#e day $y #usand died5 it 9uit
runnin06:
8/ot#in0 is li(e it used to e5 lady5: #e said6 8T#e +orld is al$ost rotten6:
8T#ats ri0#t5: t#e old +o$an said6 8,ou )ro$ around #ere3:
8/a$e To$ T6 S#i)tlet5: #e $ur$ured5 loo(in0 at t#e tires6
8I$ 'leased to $eet you5: t#e old +o$an said6 8/a$e Lucynell Crater and dau0#ter
Lucynell Crater6 &#at you doin0 around #ere5 Mr6 S#i)tlet3:
He @ud0ed t#e car to e aout a ;<RM or AR< Ford6 8Lady5: #e said5 and turned and 0a-e #er
#is )ull attention5 8le$$e tell you so$et#in06 T#eres one o) t#ese doctors in *tlanta t#ats
ta(en a (ni)e and cut t#e #u$an #eartIt#e #u$an #eart5: #e re'eated5 leanin0 )or+ard5 8out
o) a $ans c#est and #eld it in #is #and5: and #e #eld #is #and out5 'al$ u'5 as i) it +ere sli0#tly
+ei0#ted +it# t#e #u$an #eart5 8and studied it li(e it +as a dayHold c#ic(en5 and lady5: #e said5
allo+in0 a lon0 si0ni)icant 'ause in +#ic# #is #ead slid )or+ard and #is clayHcolored eyes
ri0#tened5 8#e dont (no+ no $ore aout it t#an you or $e6:
8T#ats ri0#t5: t#e old +o$an said6
8&#y5 i) #e +as to ta(e t#at (ni)e and cut into e-ery corner o) it5 #e still +ouldnt (no+ no
$ore t#an you or $e6 &#at you +ant to et3:
8/ot#in05: t#e old +o$an said +isely6 8&#ere you co$e )ro$5 Mr6 S#i)tIet3:
He didnt ans+er6 He reac#ed into #is 'oc(et and rou0#t out a sac( o) toacco and a
'ac(a0e o) ci0arette 'a'ers and rolled #i$sel) a ci0arette5 e"'ertly +it# one #and5 and
attac#ed it in a #an0in0 'osition to #is u''er li'6 T#en #e too( a o" o) +ooden $atc#es )ro$
#is 'oc(et and struc( one on #is s#oe6 He #eld t#e urnin0 $atc# as i) #e +ere studyin0 t#e
$ystery o) )la$e +#ile it tra-eled dan0erously to+ard #is s(in6 T#e dau0#ter e0an to $a(e
loud noises and to 'oint to #is #and and s#a(e #er )in0er at #i$5 ut +#en t#e )la$e +as @ust
e)ore touc#in0 #i$5 #e leaned do+n +it# #is #and cu''ed o-er it as i) #e +ere 0oin0 to set
)ire to #is nose and lit t#e ci0arette6
He )li''ed a+ay t#e dead $atc# and le+ a strea$ o) 0ray into t#e e-enin06 * sly loo(
ca$e o-er #is )ace6 8Lady5: #e said5 8no+adays5 'eo'lell do anyt#in0 any+ays6 I can tell you $y
na$e is To$ T6 S#i)tIet and I co$e )ro$ Tar+ater5 Tennessee5 ut you ne-er #a-e seen $e
e)ore: #o+ you (no+ I aint lyin03 Ho+ you (no+ $y na$e aint *aron S'ar(s5 lady5 and I
co$e )ro$ Sin0leerry5 !eor0ia5 or #o+ you (no+ its not !eor0e S'eeds and I co$e )ro$
Lucy5 *laa$a5 or #o+ you (no+ I aint T#o$'son %ri0#t )ro$ Toola)alls5 Mississi''i3:
8I dont (no+ not#in0 aout you5: t#e old +o$an $uttered5 ir(ed6
8Lady5: #e said5 8'eo'le dont care #o+ t#ey lie6 Maye t#e est I can tell you is5 I$ a $anD
ut listen lady5: #e said and 'aused and $ade #is tone $ore o$inous still5 8+#at is a $an3:
T#e old +o$an e0an to 0u$ a seed6 8&#at you carry in t#at tin o"5 Mr6 S#i)tIet3: s#e
as(ed6
8Tools5: #e said5 8'ut ac(6 I$ a car'enter6:
8&ell5 i) you co$e out #ere to +or(5 Ill e ale to )eed you and 0i-e you a 'lace to slee'
ut I cant 'ay6 Ill tell you t#at e)ore you e0in5: s#e said6
T#ere +as no ans+er at once and no 'articular e"'ression on #is )ace6 He leaned ac(
a0ainst t#e t+oHyH)our t#at #el'ed su''ort t#e 'orc# roo)6 8Lady5: #e said slo+ly5 8t#eres
so$e $en t#at so$e t#in0s $ean $ore to t#e$ t#an $oney6: T#e old +o$an roc(ed +it#out
co$$ent and t#e dau0#ter +atc#ed t#e tri00er t#at $o-ed u' and do+n in #is nec(6 He told
t#e old +o$an t#en t#at all $ost 'eo'le +ere interested in +as $oney5 ut #e as(ed +#at a
$an +as $ade )or6 He as(ed #er i) a $an +as $ade )or $oney5 or +#at6 He as(ed #er +#at s#e
t#ou0#t s#e +as $ade )or ut s#e didnt ans+er5 s#e only sat roc(in0 and +ondered i) a oneH
ar$ed $an could 'ut a ne+ roo) on #er 0arden #ouse6 He as(ed a lot o) 9uestions t#at s#e
didnt ans+er6 He told #er t#at #e +as t+entyHei0#t years old and #ad li-ed a -aried li)e6 He #ad
een a 0os'el sin0er5 a )ore$an on t#e railroad5 an assistant in an underta(in0 'arlor5 and #e
co$e o-er t#e radio )or t#ree $ont#s +it# 7ncle Roy and #is Red Cree( &ran0lers6 He said #e
#ad )ou0#t and led in t#e *r$ Ser-ice o) #is country and -isited e-ery )orei0n land and t#at
e-ery+#ere #e #ad seen 'eo'le t#at didnt care i) t#ey did a t#in0 one +ay or anot#er6 He said
#e #adnt een raised t#ata+ay6
* )at yello+ $oon a''eared in t#e ranc#es o) t#e )i0 tree as i) it +ere 0oin0 to roost t#ere
+it# t#e c#ic(ens6 He said t#at a $an #ad to esca'e to t#e country to see t#e +orld +#ole and
t#at #e +is#ed #e li-ed in a desolate 'lace li(e t#is +#ere #e could see t#e sun 0o do+n e-ery
e-enin0 li(e !od $ade it to do6
8*re you $arried or are you sin0le3: t#e old +o$an as(ed6
T#ere +as a lon0 silence6 8Lady5: #e as(ed )inally5 8+#ere +ould you )ind you an innocent
+o$an today3 I +ouldnt #a-e any o) t#is tras# I could @ust 'ic( u'6:
T#e dau0#ter +as leanin0 -ery )ar do+n5 #an0in0 #er #ead al$ost et+een #er (nees
+atc#in0 #i$ t#rou0# a trian0ular door s#e #ad $ade in #er o-erturned #airD and s#e suddenly
)ell in a #ea' on t#e )loor and e0an to +#i$'er6 Mr6 S#i)tlet strai0#tened #er out and #el'ed
#er 0et ac( in t#e c#air6
8Is s#e your ay 0irl3: #e as(ed6
8My only5: t#e old +o$an said 8and s#es t#e s+eetest 0irl in t#e +orld6 I +ould 0i-e #er u'
)or not#in0 on eart#6 S#es s$art too6 S#e can s+ee' t#e )loor5 coo(5 +as#5 )eed t#e c#ic(ens5
and #oe6 I +ouldnt 0i-e #er u' )or a cas(et o) @e+els6:
8/o5: #e said (indly5 8dont e-er let any $an ta(e #er a+ay )ro$ you6:
8*ny $an co$e a)ter #er5: t#e old +o$an said5 8All #a-e to stay around t#e 'lace6:
Mr6 S#i)tlets eye in t#e dar(ness +as )ocused on a 'art o) t#e auto$oile u$'er t#at
0littered in t#e distance6 8Lady5: #e said5 @er(in0 #is s#ort ar$ u' as i) #e could 'oint +it# it to
#er #ouse and yard and 'u$'5 8t#ere aint a ro(en t#in0 on t#is 'lantation t#at I couldnt )i"
)or you5 oneHar$ @ac(le0 or not6 I$ a $an5: #e said +it# a sullen di0nity5 8e-en i) I aint a +#ole
one6 I 0ot5: #e said5 ta''in0 #is (nuc(les on t#e )loor to e$'#asiEe t#e i$$ensity o) +#at #e
+as 0oin0 to say5 8a $oral intelli0enceS: and #is )ace 'ierced out o) t#e dar(ness into a s#a)t o)
doorli0#t and #e stared at #er as i) #e +ere astonis#ed #i$sel) at t#is i$'ossile trut#6
T#e old +o$an +as not i$'ressed +it# t#e '#rase6 8I told you you could #an0 around and
+or( )or )ood5: s#e said5 8i) you dont $ind slee'in0 in t#at car yonder6:
8&#y listen5 lady5: #e said +it# a 0rin o) deli0#t5 8t#e $on(s o) old sle't in t#eir co))insS:
8T#ey +asnt as ad-anced as +e are5: t#e old +o$an said6
T#e ne"t $ornin0 #e e0an on t#e roo) o) t#e 0arden #ouse +#ile Lucynell5 t#e dau0#ter5
sat on a roc( and +atc#ed #i$ +or(6 He #ad not een around a +ee( e)ore t#e c#an0e #e #ad
$ade in t#e 'lace +as a''arent6 He #ad 'atc#ed t#e )ront and ac( ste's5 uilt a ne+ #o0 'en5
restored a )ence5 and tau0#t Lucynell5 +#o +as co$'letely dea) and #ad ne-er said a +ord in
#er li)e5 to say t#e +ord 8ird6: T#e i0 rosyH)aced 0irl )ollo+ed #i$ e-ery+#ere5 sayin0
8%urrttddt ddirrrttdt5: and cla''in0 #er #ands6 T#e old +o$an +atc#ed )ro$ a distance5
secretly 'leased6 S#e +as ra-enous )or a sonHinHla+6
Mr6 S#i)tlet sle't on t#e #ard narro+ ac( seat o) t#e car +it# #is )eet out t#e side +indo+6
He #ad #is raEor and a can o) +ater on a crate t#at ser-ed #i$ as a edside tale and #e 'ut u'
a 'iece o) $irror a0ainst t#e ac( 0lass and (e't #is coat neatly on a #an0er t#at #e #un0 o-er
one o) t#e +indo+s6
In t#e e-enin0s #e sat on t#e ste's and tal(ed +#ile t#e old +o$an and Lucynell roc(ed
-iolently in t#eir c#airs on eit#er side o) #i$6 T#e old +o$ans t#ree $ountains +ere lac(
a0ainst t#e dar( lue s(y and +ere -isited o)) and on y -arious 'lanets and y t#e $oon a)ter
it #ad le)t t#e c#ic(ens6 Mr6 S#i)tlet 'ointed out t#at t#e reason #e #ad i$'ro-ed t#is
'lantation +as ecause #e #ad ta(en a 'ersonal interest in it6 He said #e +as e-en 0oin0 to
$a(e t#e auto$oile run6
He #ad raised t#e #ood and studied t#e $ec#anis$ and #e said #e could tell t#at t#e car
#ad een uilt in t#e days +#en cars +ere really uilt6 ,ou ta(e no+5 #e said5 one $an 'uts in
one olt and anot#er $an 'uts in anot#er olt and anot#er $an 'uts in anot#er olt so t#at its
a $an )or a olt6 T#ats +#y you #a-e to 'ay so $uc# )or a car: youre 'ayin0 all t#ose $en6
/o+ i) you didnt #a-e to 'ay ut one $an5 you could 0et you a c#ea'er car and one t#at #ad
#ad a 'ersonal interest ta(en in it5 and it +ould e a etter car6 T#e old +o$an a0reed +it#
#i$ t#at t#is +as so6
Mr6 S#i)tlet said t#at t#e troule +it# t#e +orld +as t#at noody cared5 or sto''ed and
too( any troule6 He said #e ne-er +ould #a-e een ale to teac# Lucynell to say a +ord i) #e
#adnt cared and sto''ed lon0 enou0#6
8Teac# #er to say so$et#in0 else5: t#e old +o$an said6
8&#at you +ant #er to say ne"t3: Mr6 S#i)tlet as(ed6
T#e old +o$ans s$ile +as road and toot#less and su00esti-e6 8Teac# #er to say
Asu0ar'ie5: s#e said6
Mr6 S#i)tlet already (ne+ +#at +as on #er $ind6
T#e ne"t day #e e0an to tin(er +it# t#e auto$oile and t#at e-enin0 #e told #er t#at i) s#e
+ould uy a )an elt5 #e +ould e ale to $a(e t#e car run6
T#e old +o$an said s#e +ould 0i-e #i$ t#e $oney6 8,ou see t#at 0irl yonder3: s#e as(ed5
'ointin0 to Lucynell +#o +as sittin0 on t#e )loor a )oot a+ay5 +atc#in0 #i$5 #er eyes lue e-en
in t#e dar(6 8I) it +as e-er a $an +anted to ta(e #er a+ay5 I +ould say5 A/o $an on eart# is
0oin0 to ta(e t#at s+eet 0irl o) $ine a+ay )ro$ $eS ut i) #e +as to say5 ALady5 I dont +ant to
ta(e #er a+ay5 I +ant #er ri0#t #ere5 I +ould say6 AMister5 I dont la$e you none6 I +ouldnt
'ass u' a c#ance to li-e in a 'er$anent 'lace and 0et t#e s+eetest 0irl in t#e +orld $ysel)6 ,ou
aint no )ool5 I +ould say6:
8Ho+ old is s#e3: Mr6 S#i)tlet as(ed casually6
8Fi)teen5 si"teen5: t#e old +o$an said6 T#e 0irl +as nearly t#irty ut ecause o) #er
innocence it +as i$'ossile to 0uess6
8It +ould e a 0ood idea to 'aint it too5: Mr6 S#i)tlet re$ar(ed6
8,ou dont +ant it to rust out6:
8&ell see aout t#at later5: t#e old +o$an said6
T#e ne"t day #e +al(ed into to+n and returned +it# t#e 'arts #e needed and a can o)
0asoline6 Late in t#e a)ternoon5 terrile noises issued )ro$ t#e s#ed and t#e old +o$an rus#ed
out o) t#e #ouse5 t#in(in0 Lucynell +as so$e+#ere #a-in0 a )it6 Lucynell +as sittin0 on a
c#ic(en crate5 sta$'in0 #er )eet and screa$in05 8%urrddtttS ddurrddttttS: ut #er )uss +as
dro+ned out y t#e car6 &it# a -olley o) lasts it e$er0ed )ro$ t#e s#ed5 $o-in0 in a )ierce
and stately +ay6 Mr6 S#i)tlet +as in t#e dri-ers seat5 sittin0 -ery erect6 He #ad an e"'ression o)
serious $odesty on #is )ace as i) #e #ad @ust raised t#e dead6
T#at ni0#t5 roc(in0 on t#e 'orc#5 t#e old +o$an e0an #er usiness5 at once6 8,ou +ant
you an innocent +o$an5 dont you3: s#e as(ed sy$'at#etically6 8,ou dont +ant none o) t#is
tras#6:
8/o$5 I dont5: Mr6 S#i)tlet said6
8One t#at cant tal(5: s#e continued5 8cant sass you ac( or use )oul lan0ua0e6 T#ats t#e
(ind )or you to #a-e6 Ri0#t t#ere5: and s#e 'ointed to Lucynell sittin0 crossle00ed in #er c#air5
#oldin0 ot# )eet in #er #ands6
8T#ats ri0#t5: #e ad$itted6 8S#e +ouldnt 0i-e $e any troule6:
8Saturday5: t#e old +o$an said5 8you and #er and $e can dri-e into to+n and 0et $arried6:
Mr6 S#i)tlet eased #is 'osition on t#e ste's6
8I cant 0et $arried ri0#t no+5: #e said6 8E-eryt#in0 you +ant to do ta(es $oney and I aint
0ot any6:
8&#at you need +it# $oney3: s#e as(ed6
8It ta(es $oney5: #e said6 8So$e 'eo'leIl do anyt#in0 any#o+ t#ese days5 ut t#e +ay I
t#in(5 I +ouldnt $arry no +o$an t#at I couldnt ta(e on a tri' li(e s#e +as so$eody6 I $ean
ta(e #er to a #otel and treat #er6 I +ouldnt $arry t#e .uc#esser &indsor5: #e said )ir$ly5
8unless I could ta(e #er to a #otel and 0i-er so$et#in0 0ood to eat6
8I +as raised t#ata+ay and t#ere aint a t#in0 I can do aout it6 My old $ot#er tau0#t $e
#o+ to do6:
8Lucynell dont e-en (no+ +#at a #otel is5: t#e old +o$an $uttered6 8Listen #ere5 Mr6
S#i)tlet5: s#e said5 slidin0 )or+ard in #er c#air5 8youd e 0ettin0 a 'er$anent #ouse and a dee'
+ell and t#e $ost innocent 0irl in t#e +orld6 ,ou dont need no $oney6 Le$$e tell you
so$et#in0: t#ere aint any 'lace in t#e +orld )or a 'oor disaled )riendless dri)tin0 $an6:
T#e u0ly +ords settled in Mr6 S#i)tlets #ead li(e a 0rou' o) uEEards in t#e to' o) a tree6 He
didnt ans+er at once6 He rolled #i$sel) a ci0arette and lit it and t#en #e said in an e-en -oice5
8Lady5 a $an is di-ided into t+o 'arts5 ody and s'irit6:
T#e old +o$an cla$'ed #er 0u$s to0et#er6
8* ody and a s'irit5: #e re'eated6 8T#e ody5 lady5 is li(e a #ouse: it dont 0o any+#ereD
ut t#e s'irit5 lady5 is li(e a auto$oile: al+ays on t#e $o-e5 al+aysB:
8Listen5 Mr6 S#i)tlet5: s#e said5 8$y +ell ne-er 0oes dry and $y #ouse is al+ays +ar$ in t#e
+inter and t#eres no $ort0a0e on a t#in0 aout t#is 'lace6 ,ou can 0o to t#e court#ouse and
see )or yoursel)6 *nd yonder under t#at s#ed is a )ine auto$oile6: S#e laid t#e ait care)ully6
8,ou can #a-e it 'ainted y Saturday6 Ill 'ay )or t#e 'aint6:
In t#e dar(ness5 Mr6 S#i)tlets s$ile stretc#ed li(e a +eary sna(e +a(in0 u' y a )ire6 *)ter a
second #e recalled #i$sel) and said5 8I$ only sayin0 a $ans s'irit $eans $ore to #i$ t#an
anyt#in0 else6 I +ould #a-e to ta(e $y +i)e o)) )or t#e +ee(end +it#out no re0ards at all )or
cost6 I 0ot to )ollo+ +#ere $y s'irit says to 0o6:
8Ill 0i-e you )i)teen dollars )or a +ee(end tri'5: t#e old +o$an said in a craed -oice6
8T#ats t#e est I can do6:
8T#at +ouldnt #ardly 'ay )or $ore t#an t#e 0as and t#e #otel5: #e said6 8It +ouldnt )eed
#er6:
8Se-enteenH)i)ty5: t#e old +o$an said6 8T#ats all I 0ot so it isnt any use you tryin0 to $il(
$e6 ,ou can ta(e a lunc#6:
Mr6 S#i)tIet +as dee'ly #urt y t#e +ord 8$il(6: He didnt dout t#at s#e #ad $ore $oney
se+ed u' in #er $attress ut #e #ad already told #er #e +as not interested in #er $oney6 8Ill
$a(e t#at do5: #e said and rose and +al(ed o)) +it#out treatin0 +it# #er )urt#er6
On Saturday t#e t#ree o) t#e$ dro-e into to+n in t#e car t#at t#e 'aint #ad arely dried on
and Mr6 S#i)tIet and Lucynell +ere $arried in t#e Ordinarys o))ice +#ile t#e old +o$an
+itnessed6 *s t#ey ca$e out o) t#e court#ouse5 Mr6 S#i)tIet e0an t+istin0 #is nec( in #is collar6
He loo(ed $orose and itter as i) #e #ad een insulted +#ile so$eone #eld #i$6 8T#at didnt
satis)y $e none5: #e said6 8T#at +as @ust so$et#in0 a +o$an in an o))ice did5 not#in0 ut
'a'er +or( and lood tests6 &#at do t#ey (no+ aout $y lood3 I) t#ey +as to ta(e $y #eart
and cut it out5: #e said5 8t#ey +ouldnt (no+ a t#in0 aout $e6 It didnt satis)y $e at all6:
8It satis)ied t#e la+5: t#e old +o$an said s#ar'ly6
8T#e la+5: Mr6 S#i)tIet said and s'it6 8Its t#e la+ t#at dont satis)y $e6:
He #ad 'ainted t#e car dar( 0reen +it# a yello+ and around it @ust under t#e +indo+s6
T#e t#ree o) t#e$ cli$ed in t#e )ront seat and t#e old +o$an said5 8.ont Lucynell loo(
'retty3 Loo(s li(e a ay doll6: Lucynell +as dressed li' in a +#ite dress t#at #er $ot#er #ad
u'rooted )ro$ a trun( and t#ere +as a Pana$a #at on #er #ead +it# a unc# o) red +ooden
c#erries on t#e ri$6 E-ery no+ and t#en #er 'lacid e"'ression +as c#an0ed y a sly isolated
little t#ou0#t li(e a s#oot o) 0reen in t#e desert6 8,ou 0ot a 'riEeS: t#e old +o$an said6
Mr6 S#i)tIet didnt e-en loo( at #er6
T#ey dro-e ac( to t#e #ouse to let t#e old +o$an o)) and 'ic( u' t#e lunc#6 &#en t#ey
+ere ready to lea-e5 s#e stood starin0 in t#e +indo+ o) t#e car5 +it# #er )in0ers clenc#ed
around t#e 0lass6 Tears e0an to see' side+ays out o) #er eyes and run alon0 t#e dirty creases
in #er )ace6 8I aint e-er een 'arted +it# #er )or t+o days e)ore5: s#e said6
Mr6 S#i)tlet started t#e $otor6
8*nd I +ouldnt let no $an #a-e #er ut you ecause I seen you +ould do ri0#t6 !oodHy5
Su0aray5: s#e said5 clutc#in0 at t#e slee-e o) t#e +#ite dress6 Lucynell loo(ed strai0#t at #er
and didnt see$ to see #er t#ere at all6 Mr6 S#i)tIet eased t#e car )or+ard so t#at s#e #ad to
$o-e #er #ands6
T#e early a)ternoon +as clear and o'en and surrounded y 'ale lue s(y6 *lt#ou0# t#e car
+ould 0o only t#irty $iles an #our5 Mr6 S#i)tlet i$a0ined a terri)ic cli$ and di' and s+er-e
t#at +ent entirely to #is #ead so t#at #e )or0ot #is $ornin0 itterness6 He #ad al+ays +anted
an auto$oile ut #e #ad ne-er een ale to a))ord one e)ore6 He dro-e -ery )ast ecause #e
+anted to $a(e Moile y ni0#t)all6
Occasionally #e sto''ed #is t#ou0#ts lon0 enou0# to loo( at Lucynell in t#e seat eside #i$6
S#e #ad eaten t#e lunc# as soon as t#ey +ere out o) t#e yard and no+ s#e +as 'ullin0 t#e
c#erries o)) t#e #at one y one and t#ro+in0 t#e$ out t#e +indo+6 He eca$e de'ressed in
s'ite o) t#e car6 He #ad dri-en aout a #undred $iles +#en #e decided t#at s#e $ust e
#un0ry a0ain and at t#e ne"t s$all to+n t#ey ca$e to5 #e sto''ed in )ront o) an alu$inu$H
'ainted eatin0 'lace called T#e Hot S'ot and too( #er in and ordered #er a 'late o) #a$ and
0rits6 T#e ride #ad $ade #er slee'y and as soon as s#e 0ot u' on t#e stool5 s#e rested #er #ead
on t#e counter and s#ut #er eyes6 T#ere +as no one in T#e Hot S'ot ut Mr6 S#i)tlet and t#e
oy e#ind t#e counter5 a 'ale yout# +it# a 0reasy ra0 #un0 o-er #is s#oulder6 %e)ore #e could
dis# u' t#e )ood5 s#e +as snorin0 0ently6
8!i-e it to #er +#en s#e +a(es u'5: Mr6 S#i)tIet said6 8Ill 'ay )or it no+6:
T#e oy ent o-er #er and stared at t#e lon0 'in(H0old #air and t#e #al)Hs#ut slee'in0 eyes6
T#en #e loo(ed u' and stared at Mr6 S#i)tlet6 8S#e loo(s li(e an an0el o) Ca+d5: #e $ur$ured6
8Hitc##i(er5: Mr6 S#i)let e"'lained6 8I cant +ait6 I 0ot to $a(e Tuscaloosa6:
T#e oy ent o-er a0ain and -ery care)ully touc#ed #is )in0er to a strand o) t#e 0olden #air
and Mr6 S#i)tlet le)t6
He +as $ore de'ressed t#an e-er as #e dro-e on y #i$sel)6 T#e late a)ternoon #ad 0ro+n
#ot and sultry and t#e country #ad )lattened out6 .ee' in t#e s(y a stor$ +as 're'arin0 -ery
slo+ly and +it#out t#under as i) it $eant to drain e-ery dro' o) air )ro$ t#e eart# e)ore it
ro(e6 T#ere +ere ti$es +#en Mr6 S#i)tiet 're)erred not to e alone6 He )elt too t#at a $an
+it# a car #ad a res'onsiility to ot#ers and #e (e't #is eye out )or a #itc##i(er6 Occasionally #e
sa+ a si0n t#at +arned: 8.ri-e care)ully6 T#e li)e you sa-e $ay e your o+n6:
T#e narro+ road dro''ed o)) on eit#er side into dry )ields and #ere and t#ere a s#ac( or a
)illin0 station stood in a clearin06 T#e sun e0an to set directly in )ront o) t#e auto$oile6 It +as
a reddenin0 all t#at t#rou0# #is +inds#ield +as sli0#tly )lat on t#e otto$ and to'6 He sa+ a
oy in o-eralls and a 0ray #at standin0 on t#e ed0e o) t#e road and #e slo+ed t#e car do+n and
sto''ed in )ront o) #i$6 T#e oy didnt #a-e #is #and raised to t#u$ t#e ride5 #e +as only
standin0 t#ere5 ut #e #ad a s$all cardoard suitcase and #is #at +as set on #is #ead in a +ay
to indicate t#at #e #ad le)t so$e+#ere )or 0ood6 8Son5: Mr6 S#i)tlet said5 8I see you +ant a
ride6:
T#e oy didnt say #e did or #e didnt ut #e o'ened t#e door o) t#e car and 0ot in5 and Mr6
S#i)tlet started dri-in0 a0ain6 T#e c#ild #eld t#e suitcase on #is la' and )olded #is ar$s on to' o)
it6 He turned #is #ead and loo(ed out t#e +indo+ a+ay )ro$ Mr6 S#i)tlet6 Mr6 S#i)tlet )elt
o''ressed6 8Son5: #e said a)ter a $inute5 8I 0ot t#e est old $ot#er in t#e +orld so I rec(on you
only 0ot t#e second est6:
T#e oy 0a-e #i$ a 9uic( dar( 0lance and t#en turned #is )ace ac( out t#e +indo+6
8Its not#in0 so s+eet5: Mr6 S#i)tlet continued5 8as a oys $ot#er6 S#e tau0#t #i$ #is )irst
'rayers at #er (nee5 s#e 0i-e #i$ lo-e +#en no ot#er +ould5 s#e told #i$ +#at +as ri0#t and
+#at +asnt5 and s#e seen t#at #e done t#e ri0#t t#in06 Son5: #e said5 8I ne-er rued a day in $y
li)e li(e t#e one I rued +#en I le)t t#at ole $ot#er o) $ine6:
T#e oy s#i)ted in #is seat ut #e didnt loo( at Mr6 S#i)tlet6 He un)olded #is ar$s and 'ut
one #and on t#e door #andle6
8My $ot#er +as a an0el o) !a+d5: Mr6 S#i)tlet said in a -ery strained -oice6 8He too( #er
)ro$ #ea-en and 0i-er to $e and I le)t #er6: His eyes +ere instantly clouded o-er +it# a $ist o)
tears6 T#e car +as arely $o-in06
T#e oy turned an0rily in t#e seat6 8,ou 0o to t#e de-ilS: #e cried6 8My old +o$an is a )lea
a0 and yours is a stin(in0 'ole catS: and +it# t#at #e )lun0 t#e door o'en and @u$'ed out +it#
#is suitcase into t#e ditc#6
Mr6 S#i)tlet +as so s#oc(ed t#at )or aout a #undred )eet #e dro-e alon0 slo+ly +it# t#e
door still o'en6 * cloud5 t#e e"act color o) t#e oys #at and s#a'ed li(e a turni'5 #ad
descended o-er t#e sun5 and anot#er5 +orse loo(in05 crouc#ed e#ind t#e car6 Mr6 S#i)tlet )elt
t#at t#e rottenness o) t#e +orld +as aout to en0ul) #i$6 He raised #is ar$ and let it )all a0ain
to #is reast6 8O# LordS: #e 'rayed6 8%rea( )ort# and +as# t#e sli$e )ro$ t#is eart#S:
T#e turni' continued slo+ly to descend6 *)ter a )e+ $inutes t#ere +as a 0u))a+in0 'eal o)
t#under )ro$ e#ind and )antastic raindro's5 li(e tinHcan to's5 cras#ed o-er t#e rear o) Mr6
S#i)tlets car6 2ery 9uic(ly #e ste''ed on t#e 0as and +it# #is stu$' stic(in0 out t#e +indo+ #e
raced t#e 0allo'in0 s#o+er into Moile6
T#e Ri-er N;<KGO
THE c#ild stood 0lu$ and li$' in t#e $iddle o) t#e dar( li-in0 roo$ +#ile #is )at#er 'ulled
#i$ into a 'laid coal6 His ri0#t ar$ +as #un0 in t#e slee-e ut t#e )at#er uttoned t#e coat
any+ay and 'us#ed #i$ )or+ard to+ard a 'ale s'otted #and t#at stuc( t#rou0# t#e #al)o'en
door6
8He aint )i"ed ri0#t5: a loud -oice said )ro$ t#e #all6
8&ell t#en )or C#rists sa(e )i" #i$5: t#e )at#er $uttered6 8Its si" ocloc( in t#e $ornin06:
He +as in #is at#roe and are)ooted6 &#en #e 0ot t#e c#ild to t#e door and tried to s#ut it5
#e )ound #er loo$in0 in it5 a s'ec(led s(eleton in a lon0 'eaH0reen coat and )elt #el$et6
8*nd #is and $y car)are5: s#e said6 8Itll e t+ict +e #a-e to ride t#e car6:
He +ent in t#e edroo$ a0ain to 0et t#e $oney and +#en #e ca$e ac(5 s#e and t#e oy
+ere ot# standin0 in t#e $iddle o) t#e roo$6 S#e +as ta(in0 stoc(6 8I couldnt s$ell t#ose
dead ci0arette utts lon0 i) I +as e-er to co$e sit +it# you5: s#e said5 s#a(in0 #i$ do+n in #is
coat6
8Heres t#e c#an0e5: t#e )at#er said6 He +ent to t#e door and o'ened it +ide and +aited6
*)ter s#e #ad counted t#e $oney s#e sli''ed it so$e+#ere inside #er coat and +al(ed o-er
to a +atercolor #an0in0 near t#e '#ono0ra'#6 8I (no+ +#at ti$e it is5: s#e said5 'eerin0 closely
at t#e lac( lines crossin0 into ro(en 'lanes o) -iolent color6 8I ou0#t to6 My s#i)t 0oes on at ;L
P6M6 and dont 0et o)) till K and it ta(es $e one #our to ride t#e 2ine Street car6:
8O#5 I see5: #e said6 8&ell5 +ell e"'ect #i$ ac( toni0#t5 aout ei0#t or nine3:
8Maye later5: s#e said6 8&ere 0oin0 to t#e ri-er to a #ealin06 T#is 'articular 'reac#er
dont 0et around t#is +ay o)ten6 I +ouldnt #a-e 'aid )or t#at5: s#e said5 noddin0 at t#e
'aintin05 8I +ould #a-e dre+ it $ysel)6:
8*ll ri0#t5 Mrs6 Connin5 +ell see you t#en5: #e said dru$$in0 on t#e door6
* toneless -oice called )ro$ t#e edroo$5 A%rin0 $e an ice'ac(6:
8Too ad #is $a$$as sic(5: Mrs6 Cor+in said6 8&#ats #er troule3:
8&e dont (no+5: #e $uttered6
8&ell as( t#e 'reac#er to 'ray )or #er6 Hes #ealed a lot o) )ol(s6 T#e Re-erend %e-el
Su$$ers6 Maye s#e ou0#t to see #i$ so$eti$e6:
8Maye so5: #e said6 8&ell see you toni0#t5: and #e disa''eared into t#e edroo$ and le)t
t#e$ to 0o6
T#e little oy stared at #er silently5 #is nose and eyes runnin06 He +as )our or )i-e6 He #ad a
lon0 )ace and ul0in0 c#in and #al)Hs#ut eyes set )ar a'art6 He see$ed $ute and 'atient5 li(e an
old s#ee' +aitin0 to e let out6
8,oull li(e t#is 'reac#er5: s#e said6 8T#e Re-erend %e-el Su$$ers6 ,ou ou0#t to #ear #i$
sin06:
T#e edroo$ door o'ened suddenly and t#e )at#er stuc( #is #ead out and said5 8!oodHy5
old $an6 Ha-e a 0ood ti$e6:
8!oodHy5: t#e little oy said and @u$'ed as i) #e #ad een s#ot6
Mrs6 Connin 0a-e t#e +atercolor anot#er loo(6 T#en t#ey +ent out into t#e #all and ran0
)or t#e ele-ator6 8I +ouldnt #a-e dre+ it5: s#e said6
Outside t#e 0ray $ornin0 +as loc(ed o)) on eit#er side y t#e unlit e$'ty uildin0s6 8Its
0oin0 to )air u' later5: s#e said5 8ut t#is is t#e last ti$e +ell e ale to #a-e any 'reac#in0 at
t#e ri-er t#is year6 &i'e your nose5 Su0ar %oy6:
He e0an ruin0 #is slee-e across it ut s#e sto''ed #i$6 8T#at aint nice5: s#e said6
8&#eres your #and(erc#ie)3
He 'ut #is #ands in #is 'oc(ets and 'retended to loo( )or it +#ile s#e +aited6 8So$e 'eo'le
dont care #o+ t#ey send one o))5: s#e $ur$ured to #er re)lection in t#e co))ee s#o' +indo+6
8,ou 'er-ide6: S#e too( a red and lue )lo+ered #and(erc#ie) out o) #er 'oc(et and stoo'ed
do+n and e0an to +or( on #is nose6 8/o+ lo+5: s#e said and #e le+6 8,ou can orry it6 Put
it in your 'oc(et6:
He )olded it u' and 'ut it in #is 'oc(et care)ully and t#ey +al(ed on to t#e corner and
leaned a0ainst t#e side o) a closed dru0store to +ait )or t#e car6 Mrs6 Connin turned u' #er coat
collar so t#at it $et #er #at in t#e ac(6 Her eyelids e0an to droo' and s#e loo(ed as i) s#e
$i0#t 0o to slee' a0ainst t#e +all6 T#e little oy 'ut a sli0#t 'ressure on #er #and6
8&#ats your na$e3: s#e as(ed in a dro+sy -oice6 8I dont (no+ ut only your last na$e6 I
s#ould #a-e )ound out your )irst na$e6:
His na$e +as Harry *s#)ield and #e #ad ne-er t#ou0#t at any ti$e e)ore o) c#an0in0 it6
8%e-el5: #e said6
Mrs6 Connin raised #ersel) )ro$ t#e +all6 8&#y aint t#at a coincidentS: s#e said6 8I told you
t#ats t#e na$e o) t#is 'reac#erS:
8%e-el5: #e re'eated6
S#e stood loo(in0 do+n at #i$ as i) #e #ad eco$e a $ar-el to #er6 8Ill #a-e to see you
$eet #i$ today5: s#e said6 8Hes no ordinary 'reac#er6 Hes a #ealer6 He couldnt do not#in0
)or Mr6 Connin t#ou0#6 Mr6 Connin didnt #a-e t#e )ait# ut #e said #e +ould try anyt#in0 once6
He #ad t#is 0ri'in0 in #is 0ut6:
T#e trolley a''eared as a yello+ s'ot at t#e end o) t#e deserted street6
8Hes 0one to t#e 0o-ern$ent #os'ital no+5: s#e said5 8and t#ey ta(en oneHt#ird o) #is
sto$ac#6 I tell #i$ #e etter t#an( 4esus )or +#at #es 0ot le)t ut #e says #e aint t#an(in0
noody6 &ell I declare5: s#e $ur$ured5 8%e-elS:
T#ey +al(ed out to t#e trac(s to +ait6 8&ill #e #eal $e3: %e-el as(ed6
8&#at you 0ot3:
8I$ #un0ry5: #e decided )inally6
8.idnt you #a-e your rea()ast3:
8I didnt #a-e ti$e to e #un0ry yet t#en5: #e said6
8&ell +#en +e 0et #o$e +ell ot# #a-e us so$et#in05: s#e said6
8I$ ready $ysel)6:
T#ey 0ot in t#e car and sat do+n a )e+ seats e#ind t#e dri-er and Mrs6 Connin too( %e-el
on #er (nees6 8/o+ you e a 0ood oy5: s#e said5 8and let $e 0et so$e slee'6 4ust dont 0et o))
$y la'6: S#e lay #er #ead ac( and as #e +atc#ed5 0radually #er eyes closed and #er $out# )ell
o'en to s#o+ a )e+ lon0 scattered teet#5 so$e 0old and so$e dar(er t#an #er )aceD s#e e0an
to +#istle and lo+ li(e a $usical s(eleton6 T#ere +as no one in t#e car ut t#e$sel-es and t#e
dri-er and +#en #e sa+ s#e +as aslee'5 #e too( out t#e )lo+ered #and(erc#ie) and un)olded it
and e"a$ined it care)ully6 T#en #e )olded it u' a0ain and unEi''ed a 'lace in t#e innerlinin0 o)
#is coat and #id it in t#ere and s#ortly #e +ent to slee' #i$sel)6
Her #ouse +as a #al)H$ile )ro$ t#e end o) t#e car line5 set ac( a little )ro$ t#e road6 It +as
tan 'a'er ric( +it# a 'orc# across t#e )ront o) it and a tin to'6 On t#e 'orc# t#ere +ere t#ree
little oys o) di))erent siEes +it# identical s'ec(led )aces and one tall 0irl +#o #ad #er #air u' in
so $any alu$inu$ curlers t#at it 0lared li(e t#e roo)6 T#e t#ree oys )ollo+ed t#e$ inside and
closed in on %e-el6 T#ey loo(ed at #i$ silently5 not s$ilin06
8T#ats %e-el5: Mrs6 Connin said5 ta(in0 o)) #er coat6 8Its a coincident #es na$ed t#e sa$e
as t#e 'reac#er6 T#ese oys are 46 C65 S'i-ey5 and Sinclair5 and t#ats Sara# Mildred on t#e
'orc#6 Ta(e o)) t#at coat and #an0 it on t#e ed 'ost5 %e-el6:
T#e t#ree oys +atc#ed #i$ +#ile #e unuttoned t#e coat and too( it o)t6 T#en t#ey
+atc#ed #i$ #an0 it on t#e ed 'ost and t#en t#ey stood5 +atc#in0 t#e coat6 T#ey turned
aru'tly and +ent out t#e door and #ad a con)erence on t#e 'orc#6
%e-el stood loo(in0 around #i$ at t#e roo$6 It +as 'art (itc#en and 'art edroo$6 T#e
entire #ouse +as t+o roo$s and t+o 'orc#es6 Close to #is )oot t#e tail o) a li0#tHcolored do0
$o-ed u' and do+n et+een t+o )loor oards as #e scratc#ed #is ac( on t#e underside o) t#e
#ouse6 %e-el @u$'ed on it ut t#e #ound +as e"'erienced and #ad already +it#dra+n +#en #is
)eet #it t#e s'ot6
T#e +alls +ere )illed +it# 'ictures and calendars6 T#ere +ere t+o round '#oto0ra'#s o) an
old $an and +o$an +it# colla'sed $out#s and anot#er 'icture o) a $an +#ose eyero+s
das#ed out o) t+o us#es o) #air and clas#ed in a #ea' on t#e rid0e o) #is noseD t#e rest o) #is
)ace stuc( out li(e a are cli)) to )all )ro$6 8T#ats Mr6 Connin5: Mrs6 Connin said5 standin0 ac(
)ro$ t#e sto-e )or a second to ad$ire t#e )ace +it# #i$5 8ut it dont )a-or #i$ any $ore6:
%e-el turned )ro$ Mr6 Connin to a colored 'icture o-er t#e ed o) a $an +earin0 a +#ite
s#eet6 He #ad lon0 #air and a 0old circle around #is #ead and #e +as sa+in0 on a oard +#ile
so$e c#ildren stood +atc#in0 #i$6 He +as 0oin0 to as( +#o t#at +as +#en t#e t#ree oys
ca$e in a0ain and $otioned )or #i$ to )ollo+ t#e$6 He t#ou0#t o) cra+lin0 under t#e ed and
#an0in0 onto one o) t#e le0s ut t#e t#ree oys only stood t#ere5 s'ec(led and silent5 +aitin05
and a)ter a second #e )ollo+ed t#e$ at a little distance out on t#e 'orc# and around t#e corner
o) t#e #ouse6 T#ey started o)) t#rou0# a )ield o) rou0# yello+ +eeds to t#e #o0 'en5 a )i-eH)oot
oarded s9uare )ull o) s#oats5 +#ic# t#ey intended to ease #i$ o-er into6 &#en t#ey reac#ed
it5 t#ey turned and +aited silently5 leanin0 a0ainst t#e side6
He +as co$in0 -ery slo+ly5 delierately u$'in0 #is )eet to0et#er as i) #e #ad troule
+al(in06 Once #e #ad een eaten u' in t#e 'ar( y so$e stran0e oys +#en #is sitter )or0ot
#i$5 ut #e #adnt (no+n anyt#in0 +as 0oin0 to #a''en t#at ti$e until it +as o-er6 He e0an
to s$ell a stron0 odor o) 0ara0e and to #ear t#e noises o) a +ild ani$al6 He sto''ed a )e+ )eet
)ro$ t#e 'en and +aited5 'ale ut do00ed6
T#e t#ree oys didnt $o-e6 So$et#in0 see$ed to #a-e #a''ened to t#e$6 T#ey stared
o-er #is #ead as i) t#ey sa+ so$et#in0 co$in0 e#ind #i$ ut #e +as a)raid to turn #is o+n
#ead and loo(6 T#eir s'ec(les +ere 'ale and t#eir eyes +ere still and 0ray as 0lass6 Only t#eir
ears t+itc#ed sli0#tly6 /ot#in0 #a''ened6 Finally5 t#e one in t#e $iddle said5 8S#ed (ill us5: and
turned5 de@ected and #ac(ed5 and cli$ed u' on t#e 'en and #un0 o-er5 starin0 ill6
%e-el sat do+n on t#e 0round5 daEed +it# relie)5 and 0rinned u' at t#e$6
T#e one sittin0 on t#e 'en 0lanced at #i$ se-erely6 8Hey you5: #e said a)ter a second5 8i)
you cant cli$ u' and see t#ese 'i0s you can li)t t#at otto$ oard o)) and loo( in t#ata+ay6
He a''eared to o))er t#is as a (indness6
%e-el #ad ne-er seen a real 'i0 ut #e #ad seen a 'i0 in a oo( and (ne+ t#ey +ere s$all
)at 'in( ani$als +it# curly tails and round 0rinnin0 )aces and o+ ties6 He leaned )or+ard and
'ulled ea0erly at t#e oard6
8Pull #arder5: t#e littlest oy said6 8Its nice and rotten6 4ust li)t out t#et nail6:
He eased a lon0 reddis# nail out o) t#e so)t +ood6
8/o+ you can li)t u' t#e oard and 'ut your )ace to t#eB: a 9uiet -oice e0an6
He #ad already done it and anot#er )ace5 0ray5 +et and sour5 +as 'us#in0 into #is5 (noc(in0
#i$ do+n and ac( as it scra'ed out under t#e 'lan(6 So$et#in0 snorted o-er #i$ and c#ar0ed
ac( a0ain5 rollin0 #i$ o-er and 'us#in0 #i$ u' )ro$ e#ind and t#en sendin0 #i$ )or+ard5
screa$in0 t#rou0# t#e yello+ )ield5 +#ile it ounded e#ind6
T#e t#ree Connins +atc#ed )ro$ +#ere t#ey +ere6 T#e one sittin0 on t#e 'en #eld t#e
loose oard ac( +it# #is 0an0lin0 )oot6 T#eir stern )aces didnt ri0#ten any ut t#ey see$ed
to eco$e less taut5 as i) so$e 0reat need #ad een 'artly satis)ied6 8Ma+ aint 0oin0 to li(e
#i$ lettin out t#et #a+05: t#e s$allest one said6
Mrs6 Connin +as on t#e ac( 'orc# and cau0#t %e-el u' as #e reac#ed t#e ste's6 T#e #o0
ran under t#e #ouse and susided5 'antin05 ut t#e c#ild screa$ed )or )i-e $inutes6 &#en s#e
#ad )inally cal$ed #i$ do+n5 s#e 0a-e #i$ #is rea()ast and let #i$ sit on #er la' +#ile #e ate
it6 T#e s#oat cli$ed t#e t+o ste's onto t#e ac( 'orc# and stood outside t#e screen door5
loo(in0 in +it# #is #ead lo+ered sullenly6 He +as lon0Hle00ed and #u$'ac(ed and 'art o) one
o) #is ears #ad een itten o))6
8!it a+ayS: Mrs6 Connin s#outed6 8T#at one yonder )a-ors Mr6 Paradise t#at #as t#e 0as
station5: s#e said6 8,oull see #i$ today at t#e #ealin06 Hes 0ot t#e cancer o-er #is ear6 He
al+ays co$es to s#o+ #e aint een #ealed6:
T#e s#oat stood s9uintin0 a )e+ seconds lon0er and t#en $o-ed o)) slo+ly6 8I dont +ant to
see #i$5: %e-el said6
T#ey +al(ed to t#e ri-er5 Mrs6 Connin in )ront +it# #i$ and t#e t#ree oys strun0 out
e#ind and Sara# Mildred5 t#e tall 0irl5 at t#e end to #oller i) one o) t#e$ ran out on t#e road6
T#ey loo(ed li(e t#e s(eleton o) an old oat +it# t+o 'ointed ends5 sailin0 slo+ly on t#e ed0e
o) t#e #i0#+ay6 T#e +#ite Sunday sun )ollo+ed at a little distance5 cli$in0 )ast t#rou0# a scu$
o) 0ray cloud as i) it $eant to o-erta(e t#e$6 %e-el +al(ed Oil t#e out side ed0e5 #oldin0 Mrs6
Connins #and and loo(in0 do+n into t#e oran0e and 'ur'le 0ulley t#at dro''ed o)) )ro$ t#e
concrete6
It occurred to #i$ t#at #e +as luc(y t#is ti$e t#at t#ey #ad )ound Mrs6 Connin +#o +ould
ta(e you a+ay )or t#e day instead o) an ordinary sitter +#o only sat +#ere you li-ed or +ent to
t#e 'ar(6 ,ou )ound out $ore +#en you le)t +#ere you li-ed6 He #ad )ound out already t#is
$ornin0 t#at #e #ad een $ade y a car'enter na$ed 4esus C#rist6 %e)ore #e #ad t#ou0#t it
#ad een a doctor na$ed Slade+all5 a )at $an +it# a yello+ $ustac#e +#o 0a-e #i$ s#ots and
t#ou0#t #is na$e +as Herert5 ut t#is $ust #a-e een a @o(e6 T#ey @o(ed a lot +#ere #e li-ed6
I) #e #ad t#ou0#t aout it e)ore5 #e +ould #a-e t#ou0#t 4esus C#rist +as a +ord li(e 8o#: or
8da$n: or 8!od5: or $aye so$eody +#o #ad c#eated t#e$ out o) so$et#in0 so$eti$e6
&#en #e #ad as(ed Mrs6 Connin +#o t#e $an in t#e s#eet in t#e 'icture o-er #er #eel +as5 s#e
#ad loo(ed at #i$ a +#ile +it# #er $out# o'en6 T#en s#e #ad said5 8T#ats 4esus5: and s#e #ad
(e't on loo(in0 at #i$6
In a )e+ $inutes s#e #ad 0ot u' and 0ot a oo( out o) t#e ot#er roo$6 8See #ere5: s#e said5
turnin0 o-er t#e co-er5:t#is elon0ed to $y 0reat 0rand$a$$a6 I +ouldnt 'art +it# it )or
not#in0 on eart#6: S#e ran #er )in0er under so$e ro+n +ritin0 on a s'otted 'a0e6 8E$$a
Ste-ens Oa(ley5 ;MGR5: s#e said6 8*int t#at so$et#in0 to #a-e3 *nd e-ery +ord o) it t#e 0os'el
trut#5: S#e turned t#e ne"t 'a0e and read #i$ t#e na$e: 8T#e Li)e o) 4esus C#rist )or Readers
7nder T+el-e6: T#en s#e read #i$ t#e oo(6
It +as a s$all oo(5 'ale ro+n on t#e outside +it# 0old ed0es and a s$ell li(e old 'utty6 It
+as )ull o) 'ictures5 one o) t#e car'enter dri-in0 a cro+d o) 'i0s out o) a $an6 T#ey +ere real
'i0s5 0ray and sourHloo(in05 and Mrs6 Connin said 4esus #ad dri-en t#e$ all out o) t#is one $an6
&#en s#e )inis#ed readin05 s#e let #i$ sit on t#e )loor and loo( at t#e 'ictures a0ain6
4ust e)ore t#ey le)t )or t#e #ealin05 #e #ad $ana0ed to 0et t#e oo( inside #is innerlinin0
+it#out #er seein0 #i$ /o+ it $ade #is coat #an0 do+n a little )art#er on one side t#an t#e
ot#er6 His $ind +as drea$y and serene as t#ey +al(ed alon0 and +#en t#ey turned o)) t#e
#i0#+ay onto a lon0 red clay road +indin0 et+een an(s o) #oneysuc(le5 #e e0an to $a(e
+ild lea's and 'ull )or+ard on #er #and as i) #e +anted to das# o)t and snatc# t#e sun +#ic#
+as rollin0 a+ay a#ead o) t#e$ no+6
T#ey +al(ed on t#e dirt road )or a +#ile and t#en t#ey crossed a )ield sti''led +it# 'ur'le
+eeds and entered t#e s#ado+s o) a +ood +#ere t#e 0round +as co-ered +it# t#ic( 'ine
needles6 He #ad ne-er een in +oods e)ore and #e +al(ed care)ully5 loo(in0 )ro$ side to side
as i) #e +ere enterin0 a stran0e country6 T#ey $o-ed alon0 a ridle 'at# t#at t+isted do+n#ill
t#rou0# crac(lin0 red lea-es5 and once5 catc#in0 at a ranc# to (ee' #i$sel) )ro$ sli''in05 #e
loo(ed into t+o )roEen 0reen0old eyes enclosed in t#e dar(ness o) a tree #ole6 *t t#e otto$ o)
t#e #ill5 t#e +oods o'ened suddenly onto a 'asture dotted #ere and t#ere +it# lac( and +#ite
co+s and slo'in0 do+n5 tier a)ter tier5 to a road oran0e strea$ +#ere t#e re)lection o) t#e sun
+as set li(e a dia$ond6
T#ere +ere 'eo'le standin0 on t#e near an( in a 0rou'5 sin0in06 Lon0 tales +ere set u'
e#ind t#e$ and a )e+ cars and truc(s +ere 'ar(ed in a road t#at ca$e u' y t#e ri-er6 T#ey
crossed t#e 'asture5 #urryin05 ecause Mrs6 Connin5 usin0 #er and )or a s#ed o-er #er eyes5
sa+ t#e 'reac#er already standin0 out in t#e +ater6 S#e dro''ed #er as(et on one o) t#e
tales and 'us#ed t#e t#ree oys in )ront o) #er into t#e (not o) 'eo'le so t#at t#ey +ouldnt
lin0er y t#e )ood6 S#e (e't %e-el y t#e #and arid eased #er +ay u' to t#e )ront6
T#e 'reac#er +as standin0 aout ten )eet out in t#e strea$ +#ere t#e +ater ca$e u' to #is
(nees6 He +as a tall yout# in (#a(i trousers t#at #e #ad rolled u' #i0#er t#an t#e +ater6 He #ad
on a lue s#irt and a red scar) around #is nec( ut no #at and #is li0#tHcolored #air +as cut in
sideurns t#at cur-ed into t#e #ollo+s o) #is c#ee(s6 His )ace +as all one and red li0#t
re)lected )ro$ t#e ri-er6 He loo(ed as i) #e $i0#t #a-e een nineteen years old6 He +as sin0in0
in a #i0# t+an0y -oice5 ao-e t#e sin0in0 on t#e an(5 and #e (e't #is #ands e#ind #i$ and #is
#ead tilted ac(6
He ended t#e #y$n on a #i0# note and stood silent5 loo(in0 do+n at t#e +ater and s#i)tin0
#is )eet in it6 T#en #e loo(ed u' at t#e 'eo'le on t#e an(6 T#ey stood close to0et#er5 +aitin0D
t#eir )aces +ere sole$n ut e"'ectant and e-ery eye +as on #i$6 He s#i)ted #is )eet a0ain6
8Maye I (no+ +#y you co$e5: #e said in t#e t+an0y -oice5 8$aye I dont6
8I) you aint co$e )or 4esus5 you aint co$e )or $e6 I) you @ust co$e to see can you lea-e
your 'ain in t#e ri-er5 you aint co$e )or 4esus6 ,ou cant lea-e your 'ain in t#e ri-er5: #e said6
8I ne-er told noody t#at6: He sto''ed and loo(ed do+n at #is (nees6
8I seen you cure a +o$an oncetS: a sudden #i0# -oice s#outed )ro$ t#e #u$' o) 'eo'le6
8Seen t#at +o$an 0it u' and +al( out strai0#t +#ere s#e #ad li$'ed inS:
T#e 'reac#er li)ted one )oot and t#en t#e ot#er6 He see$ed al$ost ut not 9uite to s$ile6
8,ou $i0#t as +ell 0o #o$e i) t#ats +#at you co$e )or5: #e said6
T#en #e li)ted #is #ead and ar$s and s#outed5 8Listen to +#at I 0ot to say5 you 'eo'leS
T#ere aint ut one ri-er and t#ats t#e Ri-er o) Li)e5 $ade out o) 4esus %lood6 T#ats t#e ri-er
you #a-e to lay your 'ain in5 in t#e Ri-er o) Fait#5 in t#e Ri-er o) Li)e5 in t#e Ri-er o) Lo-e5 in t#e
ric# red ri-er o) 4esus %lood5 you 'eo'leS:
His -oice 0re+ so)t and $usical6 8*ll t#e ri-ers co$e )ro$ t#at one Ri-er and 0o ac( to it
li(e it +as t#e ocean sea and i) you elie-e5 you can lay your 'ain in t#at Ri-er and 0et rid o) it
ecause t#ats t#e Ri-er t#at +as $ade to carry sin6 Its a Ri-er )ull o) 'ain itsel)5 'ain itsel)5
$o-in0 to+ard t#e Cin0do$ o) C#rist5 to e +as#ed a+ay5 slo+5 you 'eo'le5 slo+ as t#is #ere
old reel +ater ri-er round $y )eet6
8Listen5: #e san05 8I read in Mar( aout an unclean $an5 I read in Lu(e aout a lind $an5 I
read in 4o#n aout a dead $anS O# you 'eo'le #earS T#e sa$e lood t#at $a(es t#is Ri-er red5
$ade t#at le'er clean5 $ade t#at lind $an stare5 $ade t#at dead $an lea'S ,ou 'eo'le +it#
troule5: #e cried5 8lay it in t#at Ri-er o) %lood5 lay it in t#at Ri-er o) Pain5 and +atc# it $o-e
a+ay to+ard t#e Cin0do$ o) C#rist6:
&#ile #e 'reac#ed5 %e-els eyes )ollo+ed dro+sily t#e slo+ circles o) t+o silent irds
re-ol-in0 #i0# in t#e air6 *cross t#e ri-er t#ere +as a lo+ red and 0old 0ro-e o) sassa)ras +it#
#ills o) dar( lue trees e#ind it and an occasional 'ine @uttin0 o-er t#e s(yline6 %e#ind5 in t#e
distance5 t#e city rose li(e a cluster o) +arts on t#e side o) t#e $ountain6 T#e irds re-ol-ed
do+n+ard and dro''ed li0#tly in t#e to' o) t#e #i0#est 'ine and sat #unc#Hs#ouldered as i)
t#ey +ere su''ortin0 t#e s(y6
8I) its t#is Ri-er o) Li)e you +ant to lay your 'ain in5 t#en co$e u'5: t#e 'reac#er said5 8and
lay your sorro+ #ere6 %ut dont e t#in(in0 t#is is t#e last o) it ecause t#is old red ri-er dont
end #ere6 T#is old red su))erin0 strea$ 0oes on5 you 'eo'le5 slo+ to t#e Cin0do$ o) C#rist6 T#is
old red ri-er is 0ood to %a'tiEe in5 0ood to lay your )ait# in5 0ood to lay your 'ain in5 ut it aint
t#is $uddy +ater #ere t#at sa-es you6 I een all u' and do+n t#is ri-er t#is +ee(5: #e said6
8Tuesday I +as in Fortune La(e5 ne"t day in Ideal5 Friday $e and $y +i)e dro-e to Lula+illo+ to
see a sic( $an t#ere6 T#e$ 'eo'le didnt see no #ealin05: #e said and #is )ace urned redder
)or a second6 8I ne-er said t#ey +ould6:
&#ile #e +as tal(in0 a )lutterin0 )i0ure #ad e0un to $o-e )or+ard +it# a (ind o) utter)ly
$o-e$entIan old +o$an +it# )la''in0 ar$s +#ose #ead +oled as i) it $i0#t )all o)) any
second6 S#e $ana0ed to lo+er #ersel) at t#e ed0e o) t#e an( and let #er ar$s c#urn in t#e
+ater6 T#en s#e ent )art#er and 'us#ed #er )ace do+n in it and raised #ersel) u' )inally5
strea$in0 +etD and still )la''in05 s#e turned a ti$e or t+o in a lind circle until so$eone
reac#ed out and 'ulled #er ac( into t#e 0rou'6
8S#es een t#at +ay )or t#irteen years5: a rou0# -oice s#outed6 8Pass t#e #at and 0i-e t#is
(id #is $oney6 T#ats +#at #es #ere )or6: T#e s#out5 directed out to t#e oy in t#e ri-er5 ca$e
)ro$ a #u0e old $an +#o sat li(e a #u$'ed stone on t#e u$'er o) a lon0 ancient 0ray
auto$oile6 He #ad on a 0ray #at t#at +as turned do+n o-er one ear and u' o-er t#e ot#er to
e"'ose a 'ur'le ul0e on #is le)t te$'le6 He sat ent )or+ard +it# #is #ands #an0in0 et+een
#is (nees and #is s$all eyes #al) closed6
%e-el stared at #i$ once and t#en $o-ed into t#e )olds o) Mrs6 Connins coat and #id
#i$sel)6
T#e oy in t#e ri-er 0lanced at t#e old $an 9uic(ly and raised #is )ist6 8%elie-e 4esus or t#e
de-ilS: #e cried6 8Testi)y to one or t#e ot#erS:
8I (no+ )ro$ $y o+n sel)He"'erience5: a +o$ans $ysterious -oice called )ro$ t#e (not o)
'eo'le5 8I (no+ )ro$ it t#at t#is 'reac#er can #eal6 My eyes #a-e een o'enedS I testi)y to
4esusS:
T#e 'reac#er li)ted #is ar$s 9uic(ly and e0an to re'eat all t#at #e #ad said e)ore aout
t#e Ri-er and t#e Cin0do$ o) C#rist and t#e old $an sat on t#e u$'er5 )i"in0 #i$ +it# a
narro+ s9uint6 Fro$ ti$e to ti$e %e-el stared at #i$ a0ain )ro$ around Mrs6 Connin6
* $an in o-eralls and a ro+n coat leaned )or+ard and di''ed #is #and in t#e +ater 9uic(ly
and s#oo( it and leaned ac(5 and a +o$an #eld a ay o-er t#e ed0e o) t#e an( and s'las#ed
its )eet +it# +ater6 One $an $o-ed a little distance a+ay and sat do+n on t#e an( and too(
o)) #is s#oes and +aded out into t#e strea$D #e stood t#ere )or a )e+ $inutes +it# #is )ace
tilted as )ar ac( as it +ould 0o5 t#en #e +aded ac( and 'ut on #is s#oes6 *ll t#is ti$e5 t#e
'reac#er san0 and did not a''ear to +atc# +#at +ent on6
*s soon as #e sto''ed sin0in05 Mrs6 Cannin li)ted %e-el u' and said5 8Listen #ere5 'reac#er5 I
0ot a oy )ro$ to+n today t#at I$ (ee'in06 His $a$$as sic( and #e +ants you to 'ray )or
#er6 *nd t#is is a coincidentI#is na$e is %e-elS %e-el5: s#e said5 turnin0 to loo( at t#e 'eo'le
e#ind #er5 8sa$e as #is6 *int t#at a coincident5 t#ou0#3:
T#ere +ere so$e $ur$urs and %e-el turned and 0rinned o-er #er s#oulder at t#e )aces
loo(in0 at #i$6 8%e-el5: #e said in a loud @aunty -oice6
8Listen5: Mrs6 Connin said5 8#a-e you e-er een %a'tiEed5 %e-el3:
He only 0rinned6
8I sus'ect #e aint e-er een %a'tiEed5: Mrs6 Connin said5 raisin0 #er eyero+s at t#e
'reac#er6
8S+an0 #i$ o-er #ere5: t#e 'reac#er said and too( a stride )or+ard and cau0#t #i$6
He #eld #i$ in t#e croo( o) #is ar$ and loo(ed at t#e 0rinnin0 )ace6 %e-el rolled #is eyes in
a co$ical +ay and t#rust #is )ace )or+ard5 close to t#e 'reac#ers6 8My na$e is %e---uuuuul5:
#e said in a loud dee' -oice and let t#e ti' o) #is ton0ue slide across #is $out#6
T#e 'reac#er didnt s$ile6 His ony )ace +as ri0id and #is narro+ 0ray eyes re)lected t#e
al$ost colorless s(y6 T#ere +as a loud lau0# )ro$ t#e old $an sittin0 on t#e car u$'er and
%e-el 0ras'ed t#e ac( o) t#e 'reac#ers collar and #eld it ti0#tly6 T#e 0rin #ad already
disa''eared )ro$ #is )ace6 He #ad t#e sudden )eelin0 t#at t#is +as not a @o(e6 &#ere #e li-ed
e-eryt#in0 +as a @o(e6 Fro$ t#e 'reac#ers )ace5 #e (ne+ i$$ediately t#at not#in0 t#e
'reac#er said or did +as a @o(e6 8My $ot#er na$ed $e t#at5: #e said 9uic(ly6
8Ha-e you e-er een %a'tiEed3: t#e 'reac#er as(ed6
8&#ats t#at3: #e $ur$ured6
8I) I %a'tiEe you5: t#e 'reac#er said5 8youll e ale to 0o to t#e Cin0do$ o) C#rist6 ,oull e
+as#ed in t#e ri-er o) su))erin05 son5 and youll 0o y t#e dee' ri-er o) li)e6 .o you +ant t#at3:
8,es5: t#e c#ild said5 and t#ou0#t5 I +ont 0o ac( to t#e a'art$ent t#en5 Ill 0o under t#e
ri-er6
8,ou +ont e t#e sa$e a0ain5: t#e 'reac#er said6 8,oull count6: T#en #e turned #is )ace to
t#e 'eo'le and e0an to 'reac# and %e-el loo(ed o-er #is s#oulder at t#e 'ieces o) t#e +#ite
sun scattered in t#e ri-er6 Suddenly t#e 'reac#er said5 8*ll ri0#t5 I$ 0oin0 to %a'tiEe you no+5:
and +it#out $ore +arnin05 #e ti0#tened #is #old and s+un0 #i$ u'side do+n and 'lun0ed #is
#ead into t#e +ater6 He #eld #i$ under +#ile #e said t#e +ords o) %a'tis$ and t#en #e @er(ed
#i$ u' a0ain and loo(ed sternly at t#e 0as'in0 c#ild6 %e-els eyes +ere dar( and dilated6 8,ou
count no+5: t#e 'reac#er said6 8,ou didnt e-en count e)ore6:
T#e little oy +as too s#oc(ed to cry6 He s'it out t#e $uddy +ater and rued #is +et
slee-e into #is eyes and o-er #is )ace6
8.ont )or0et #is $a$$a5: Mrs6 Connin called6 8He +ants you to 'ray )or #is $a$$a6 S#es
sic(6:
8Lord5: t#e 'reac#er said5 8+e 'ray )or so$eody in a))iiction +#o isnt #ere to testi)y6 Is
your $ot#er sic( in t#e #os'ital3: #e as(ed6 8Is s#e in 'ain3:
T#e c#ild stared at #i$6 8S#e #asnt 0ot u' yet5: #e said in a #i0# daEed -oice6 8S#e #as a
#an0o-er6: T#e air +as so 9uiet #e could #ear t#e ro(en 'ieces o) t#e sun (noc(in0 t#e +ater6
T#e 'reac#er loo(ed an0ry and startled6 T#e red drained out o) #is )ace and t#e s(y
a''eared to dar(en in #is eyes6 T#ere +as a loud 0u))a+ )ro$ t#e an( and Mr6 Paradise
s#outed5 8Ha+S Cure t#e a))licted +o$an +it# t#e #an0o-erS: and e0an to eat #is (nee +it#
#is )ist6
8Hes #ad a lon0 day5: Mrs6 Connin said5 standin0 +it# #i$ in t#e door o) t#e a'art$ent and
loo(in0 s#ar'ly into t#e roo$ +#ere t#e 'arty +as 0oin0 on6 8I rec(on its 'ast #is re0ular
edti$e6: One o) %e-els eyes +as closed and t#e ot#er #al) closedD #is nose +as runnin0 and
#e (e't #is $out# o'en and reat#ed t#rou0# it6 T#e da$' 'lain coat dra00ed do+n on one
side6
T#at +ould e #er5 Mrs6 Connin decided5 in t#e lac( ritc#esIlon0 lac( satin ritc#es and
are)oot sandals and red toenails6 S#e +as lyin0 on #al) t#e so)a5 +it# #er (nees crossed in t#e
air and #er #ead 'ro''ed on t#e ar$6 S#e didnt 0et u'6
8Hello Harry5: s#e said6 8.id you #a-e a i0 day3: S#e #ad a lon0 'ale )ace5 s$oot# and
lan(5 and strai0#t s+eetH'atataHcolored #air5 'ulled ac(6
T#e )at#er +ent o)) to 0et t#e $oney6 T#ere +ere t+o ot#er cou'les6 One o) t#e $en5
lond +it# little -ioletHlue eyes5 leaned out o) #is c#air and said5 8&ell Harry5 old $an5 #a-e a
i0 day3:
8His na$e aint Harry6 Its %e-el5: Mrs6 Connin said6
8His na$e is Harry5: s#e said )ro$ t#e so)a6 8&#oe-er #eard o) anyody na$ed %e-el3:
T#e little oy #ad see$ed to e 0oin0 to slee' on #is )eet5 #is #ead droo'in0 )art#er and
)art#er )or+ardD #e 'ulled it ac( suddenly and o'ened one eyeD t#e ot#er +as stuc(6
8He told $e t#is $ornin0 #is na$e +as %e-el5: Mrs6 Connin said in a s#oc(ed -oice6 8T#e
sa$e as our 'reac#er6 &e een all day at a 'reac#in0 and #ealin0 at t#e ri-er6 He said #is na$e
+as %e-el5 t#e sa$e as t#e 'reac#ers6 T#ats +#at #e told $e6:
8%e-elS: #is $ot#er said6 8My !odS +#at a na$e6:
8T#is 'reac#er is na$e %e-el and t#eres no etter 'reac#er around5: Mrs6 Cannin said6
8*nd )urt#er$ore5: s#e added in a de)iant tone5 8#e %a'tiEed t#is c#ild t#is $ornin0S:
His $ot#er sat strai0#t u'6 8&ell t#e ner-eS: s#e $uttered6
8Furt#er$ore5: Mrs6 Connin said5 8#es a #ealer and #e 'rayed )or you to e #ealed6:
8HealedS: s#e al$ost s#outed6 8Healed o) +#at )or C#rists sa(e3:
8O) your a))liction5: Mrs6 Connin said icily6
T#e )at#er #ad returned +it# t#e $oney and +as standin0 near Mrs6 Cannin +aitin0 to 0i-e
it to #er6 His eyes +ere lined +it# red t#reads6 8!o on5 0o on5: #e said5 8I +ant to #ear $ore
aout #er a))liction6 T#e e"act nature o) it #as esca'edB: He +a-ed t#e ill and #is -oice trailed
o))6 8Healin0 y 'rayer is $i0#ty ine"'ensi-e5: #e $ur$ured6
Mrs6 Connin stood a second5 starin0 into t#e roo$5 +it# a s(eletons a''earance o) seein0
e-eryt#in06 T#en5 +it#out ta(in0 t#e $oney5 s#e turned and s#ut t#e door e#ind #er6 T#e
)at#er s+un0 around5 s$ilin0 -a0uely5 and s#ru00ed6 T#e rest o) t#e$ +ere loo(in0 at Harry6
T#e little oy e0an to s#a$le to+ard t#e edroo$6
8Co$e #ere5 Harry5: #is $ot#er said6 He auto$atically s#i)ted #is direction to+ard #er
+it#out o'enin0 #is eyes any )art#er6 8Tell $e +#at #a''ened today5: s#e said +#en #e
reac#ed #er6 S#e e0an to 'ull o)) #is coat6
8I dont (no+5: #e $uttered6
8,es you do (no+5: s#e said5 )eelin0 t#e coat #ea-ier on one side6
S#e unEi''ed t#e innerlinin0 and cau0#t t#e oo( and a dirty #and(erc#ie) as t#ey )ell out6
8&#ere did you 0et t#ese3:
8I dont (no+5: #e said and 0raed )or t#e$6 8T#eyre $ine6 S#e 0a-e t#e$ to $e6:
S#e t#re+ t#e #and(erc#ie) do+n and #eld t#e oo( too #i0# )or #i$ to reac# and e0an to
read it5 #er )ace a)ter a second assu$in0 an e"a00erated co$ical e"'ression6 T#e ot#ers $o-ed
around and loo(ed at it o-er #er s#oulder6 8My !od5: so$eody said6
One o) t#e $en 'eered at it s#ar'ly )ro$ e#ind a t#ic( 'air o) 0lasses6 8T#ats -aluale5:
#e said6 8T#ats a collectors ite$5: and #e too( it a+ay )ro$ t#e rest o) t#e$ and retired to
anot#er c#air6
8.ont let !eor0e 0o o)) +it# t#at5: #is 0irl said6
8I tell you its -aluale5: !eor0e said6 8;MGR6:
%e-el s#i)ted #is direction a0ain to+ard t#e roo$ +#ere #e sle't6 He s#ut t#e door e#ind
#i$ and $o-ed slo+ly in t#e dar(ness to t#e ed and sat do+n and too( o)) #is s#oes and 0ot
under t#e co-er6 *)ter a $inute a s#a)t o) li0#t let in t#e tall sil#ouette o) #is $ot#er6 S#e
ti'toed li0#tly cross t#e roo$ and sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) #is ed6 8&#at did t#at dolt o) a
'reac#er say aout $e3: s#e +#is'ered6 8&#at lies #a-e you een tellin0 today5 #oney3:
He s#ut #is eye and #eard #er -oice )ro$ a lon0 +ay a+ay5 as i) #e +ere under t#e ri-er and
s#e on to' o) it6 S#e s#oo( #is s#oulder6 8Harry5: s#e said5 leanin0 do+n and 'uttin0 #er $out#
to #is ear5 8tell $e +#at #e said6: S#e 'ulled #i$ into a sittin0 'osition and #e )elt as i) #e #ad
een dra+n u' )ro$ under t#e ri-er6 8Tell $e5: s#e +#is'ered and #er itter reat# co-ered
#is )ace6
He sa+ t#e 'ale o-al close to #i$ in t#e dar(6 8He said I$ not t#e sa$e no+5: #e $uttered6
8I count6:
*)ter a second5 s#e lo+ered #i$ y #is s#irt )ront onto t#e 'illo+6 S#e #un0 o-er #i$ an
instant and rus#ed #er li's a0ainst #is )ore#ead6 T#en s#e 0ot u' and $o-ed a+ay5 s+ayin0
#er #i's li0#tly t#rou0# t#e s#a)t o) li0#t6
He didnt +a(e u' early ut t#e a'art$ent +as still dar( and close +#en #e did6 For a +#ile
#e lay t#ere5 'ic(in0 #is nose and eyes6 T#en #e sat u' in ed and loo(ed out t#e +indo+6 T#e
sun ca$e in 'alely5 stained 0ray y t#e 0lass6 *cross t#e street at t#e E$'ire Hotel5 a colored
cleanin0 +o$an +as loo(in0 do+n )ro$ an u''er +indo+5 restin0 #er )ace on #er )olded ar$s6
He 0ot u' and 'ut on #is s#oes and +ent to t#e at#roo$ and t#en into t#e )ront roo$6 He ate
t+o crac(ers s'read +it# anc#o-y 'aste5 t#at #e )ound on t#e co))ee tale5 and dran( so$e
0in0er ale le)t in a ottle and loo(ed around )or #is oo( ut it +as not t#ere6
T#e a'art$ent +as silent e"ce't )or t#e )aint #u$$in0 o) t#e re)ri0erator6 He +ent into t#e
(itc#en and )ound so$e raisin read #eels and s'read a #al) @ar o) 'eanut utter et+een t#e$
and cli$ed u' on t#e tall (itc#en stool and sat c#e+in0 t#e sand+ic# slo+ly5 +i'in0 #is nose
e-ery no+ and t#en on #is s#oulder6 &#en #e )inis#ed #e )ound so$e c#ocolate $il( and dran(
t#at6 He +ould rat#er #a-e #ad t#e 0in0er ale #e sa+ ut t#ey le)t t#e ottle o'eners +#ere #e
couldnt reac# t#e$6 He studied +#at +as le)t in t#e re)ri0erator )or a +#ileIso$e s#ri-eled
-e0etales t#at s#e #ad )or0ot +ere t#ere and a lot o) ro+n oran0es t#at s#e ou0#t and
didnt s9ueeEeD t#ere +ere t#ree or )our (inds o) c#eese and so$et#in0 )is#y in a 'a'er a0D
t#e rest +as a 'or( one6 He le)t t#e re)ri0erator door o'en and +andered ac( into t#e dar(
li-in0 roo$ and sat do+n on t#e so)a6
He decided t#ey +ould e out cold until one ocloc( and t#at t#ey +ould all #a-e to 0o to a
restaurant )or lunc#6 He +asnt #i0# enou0# )or t#e tale yet and t#e +aiter +ould rin0 a
#i0#c#air and #e +as too i0 )or a #i0#c#air6 He sat in t#e $iddle o) t#e so)a5 (ic(in0 it +it# #is
#eels6 T#en #e 0ot u' and +andered around t#e roo$5 loo(in0 into t#e as#trays at t#e utts as
i) t#is $i0#t e a #ait6 In #is o+n roo$ #e #ad 'icture oo(s and loc(s ut t#ey +ere )or t#e
$ost 'art torn u'D #e )ound t#e +ay to 0et ne+ ones +as to tear u' t#e ones #e #ad6 T#ere
+as -ery little to do at any ti$e ut eatD #o+e-er5 #e +as not a )at oy6
He decided #e +ould e$'ty a )e+ o) t#e as#trays on t#e )loor6 I) #e only e$'tied a )e+5 s#e
+ould t#in( t#ey #ad )allen6 He e$'tied t+o5 ruin0 t#e as#es care)ully into t#e ru0 +it# #is
)in0er6 T#en #e lay on t#e )loor )or a +#ile5 studyin0 #is )eet +#ic# #e #eld u' in t#e air6 His
s#oes +ere still da$' and #e e0an to t#in( aout t#e ri-er6
2ery slo+ly5 #is e"'ression c#an0ed as i) #e +ere 0radually seein0 a''ear +#at #e didnt
(no+ #ed een loo(in0 )or6 T#en all o) a sudden #e (ne+ +#at #e +anted to do6
He 0ot u' and ti'toed into t#eir edroo$ and stood in t#e di$ li0#t t#ere5 loo(in0 )or #er
'oc(etoo(6 His 0lance 'assed #er lon0 'ale ar$ #an0in0 o)) t#e ed0e o) t#e ed do+n to t#e
)loor5 and across t#e +#ite $ound #is )at#er $ade5 and 'ast t#e cro+ded ureau5 until it
rested on t#e 'oc(etoo( #un0 on t#e ac( o) a c#air6 He too( a carHto(en out o) it and #al) a
'ac(a0e o) Li)e Sa-ers6 T#en #e le)t t#e a'art$ent and cau0#t t#e car at t#e corner6 He #adnt
ta(en a suitcase ecause t#ere +as not#in0 )ro$ t#ere #e +anted to (ee'6
He 0ot o)) t#e car at t#e end o) t#e line and started do+n t#e road #e and Mrs6 Connin #ad
ta(en t#e day e)ore6 He (ne+ t#ere +ouldnt e anyody at #er #ouse ecause t#e t#ree oys
and t#e 0irl +ent to sc#ool and Mrs6 Conn in #ad told #i$ s#e +ent out to clean6 He 'assed #er
yard and +al(ed on t#e +ay t#ey #ad 0one to t#e ri-er6 T#e 'a'er ric( #ouses +ere )ar a'art
and a)ter a +#ile t#e dirt 'lace to +al( on ended and #e #ad to +al( on t#e ed0e o) t#e
#i0#+ay6 T#e sun +as 'ale yello+ and #i0# and #ot6
He 'assed a s#ac( +it# an oran0e 0as 'u$' in )ront o) it ut #e didnt see t#e old $an
loo(in0 out at not#in0 in 'articular )ro$ t#e door+ay6 Mr6 Paradise +as #a-in0 an oran0e drin(6
He )inis#ed it slo+ly5 s9uintin0 o-er t#e ottle at t#e s$all 'laidHcoated )i0ure disa''earin0
do+n t#e road6 T#en #e set t#e e$'ty ottle on a enc# and5 still s9uintin05 +i'ed #is slee-e
o-er #is $out#6 He +ent in t#e s#ac( and 'ic(ed out a 'e''er$int stic(5 a )oot lon0 and t+o
inc#es t#ic(5 )ro$ t#e candy s#el)5 and stuc( it in #is #i' 'oc(et6 T#en #e 0ot in #is car and
dro-e slo+ly do+n t#e #i0#+ay a)ter t#e oy6
%y t#e ti$e %e-el ca$e to t#e )ield s'ec(led +it# 'ur'le +eeds5 #e +as dusty and s+eatin0
and #e crossed it at a trot to 0et into t#e +oods as )ast as #e could6 Once inside5 #e +andered
)ro$ tree to tree5 tryin0 to )ind t#e 'at# t#ey #ad ta(en yesterday6 Finally #e )ound a line &orn
in t#e 'ine needles and )ollo+ed it until #e sa+ t#e stee' trail t+istin0 do+n t#rou0# t#e trees6
Mr6 Paradise #ad le)t #is auto$oile ac( so$e +ayan t#e road and #ad +al(ed to t#e
'lace +#ere #e +as accusto$ed to sit al$ost e-ery day5 #oldin0 an unaited )is#line in t#e
+ater +#ile #e stared at t#e ri-er 'assin0 in )ront o) #i$6 *nyone loo(in0 at #i$ )ro$ a
distance +ould #a-e seen an old oulder #al) #idden in t#e us#es6
%e-el didnt see #i$ at all6 He only sa+ t#e ri-er5 s#i$$erin0 reddis# yello+5 and ounded
into it +it# #is s#oes and #is coat on and too( a 0ul'6 He s+allo+ed so$e and s'it t#e rest out
and t#en #e stood t#ere in +ater u' to #is c#est and loo(ed around #i$6 T#e s(y +as a clear
'ale lue5 all in one 'ieceIe"ce't )or t#e #ole t#e sun $adeIand )rin0ed around t#e otto$
+it# treeto's6 His coat )loated to t#e sur)ace and surrounded #i$ li(e a stran0e 0ay lily 'ad and
#e stood 0rinnin0 in t#e sun6 He intended not to )ool +it# 'reac#ers any $ore ut to %a'tiEe
#i$sel) and to (ee' on 0oin0 t#is ti$e until #e )ound t#e Cin0do$ o) C#rist in t#e ri-er6 He
didnt $ean to +aste any $ore ti$e6 He 'ut #is #ead under t#e +ater at once and 'us#ed
)or+ard6
In a second #e e0an to 0as' and s'utter and #is #ead rea''eared on t#e sur)aceD #e
started under a0ain and t#e sa$e t#in0 #a''ened6 T#e ri-er +ouldnt #a-e #i$6 He tried a0ain
and ca$e u'5 c#o(in06 T#is +as t#e +ay it #ad een +#en t#e 'reac#er #eld #i$ underI#e
#ad #ad to )i0#t +it# so$et#in0 t#at 'us#ed #i$ ac( in t#e )ace6 He sto''ed and t#ou0#t
suddenly: its anot#er @o(e5 its @ust anot#er @o(eS He t#ou0#t #o+ )ar #e #ad co$e )or not#in0
and #e e0an to #it and s'las# and (ic( t#e )ilt#y ri-er6 His )eet +ere already treadin0 on
not#in06 He 0a-e one lo+ cry o) 'ain and indi0nation6 T#en #e #eard a s#out and turned #is
#ead and sa+ so$et#in0 li(e a 0iant 'i0 oundin0 a)ter #i$5 s#a(in0 a red and +#ite clu and
s#outin06 He 'lun0ed under once and t#is ti$e5 t#e +aitin0 current cau0#t #i$ li(e a lon0
0entle #and and 'ulled #i$ s+i)tly )or+ard and do+n6 For an instant #e +as o-erco$e +it#
sur'rise: t#en since #e +as $o-in0 9uic(ly and (ne+ t#at #e +as 0ettin0 so$e+#ere5 all #is
)ury and )ear le)t #i$6
Mr6 Paradises #ead a''eared )ro$ ti$e to ti$e on t#e sur)ace o) t#e +ater6 Finally5 )ar
do+nstrea$5 t#e old $an rose li(e so$e ancient +ater $onster and stood e$'tyH#anded5
starin0 +it# #is dull eyes as )ar do+n t#e ri-er line as #e could see6
* Circle in t#e Fire N;<K=O
SOMETIMES t#e last line o) trees +as a solid 0rayHlue +all a little dar(er t#an t#e s(y ut
t#is a)ternoon it +as al$ost lac( and e#ind it t#e s(y +as a li-id 0larin0 +#ite6 8,ou (no+
t#at +o$an t#at #ad t#at ay in t#at iron lun03: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6 S#e and t#e c#ilds
$ot#er +ere underneat# t#e +indo+ t#e c#ild +as loo(in0 do+n )ro$6 Mrs6 Pritc#ard +as
leanin0 a0ainst t#e c#i$ney5 #er ar$s )olded on a s#el) o) sto$ac#5 one )oot crossed and t#e
toe 'ointed into t#e 0round6 S#e +as a lar0e +o$an +it# a s$all 'ointed )ace and steady
)erretin0 eyes6 Mrs6 Co'e +as t#e o''osite5 -ery s$all and tri$5 +it# a lar0e round )ace and
lac( eyes t#at see$ed to e enlar0in0 all t#e ti$e e#ind #er 0lasses as i) s#e +ere continually
ein0 astonis#ed6 S#e +as s9uattin0 do+n 'ullin0 0rass out o) t#e order eds around t#e
#ouse6 %ot# +o$en #ad on sun#ats t#at #ad once een identical ut no+ Mrs6 Pritc#ards +as
)aded and out o) s#a'e +#ile Mrs6 Co'es +as still sti)) and ri0#t 0reen6
8I read aout #er5: s#e said6
8S#e +as a Pritc#ard t#at $arried a %roo(ins and sos (in to $eIaout $y se-ent# or
ei0#t# cousin y $arria0e6:
8&ell5 +ell5: Mrs6 Co'e $uttered and t#re+ a lar0e clu$' o) nut 0rass e#ind #er6 S#e
+or(ed at t#e +eeds and nut 0rass as i) t#ey +ere an e-il sent directly y t#e de-il to destroy
t#e 'lace6
8%einst s#e +as (in to us5 +e 0one to see t#e ody5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6 8Seen t#e little
ay too6:
Mrs6 Co'e didnt say anyt#in06 S#e +as used to t#ese cala$itous storiesD s#e said t#ey +ore
#er to a )raEEle6 Mrs6 Pritc#ard +ould 0o t#irty $iles )or t#e satis)action o) seein0 anyody laid
a+ay6 Mrs6 Co'e al+ays c#an0ed t#e su@ect to so$et#in0 c#eer)ul ut t#e c#ild #ad oser-ed
t#at t#is only 'ut Mrs6 Pritc#ard in a ad #u$or6
T#e c#ild t#ou0#t t#e lan( s(y loo(ed as i) it +ere 'us#in0 a0ainst t#e )ortress +all5 tryin0
to rea( t#rou0#6 T#e trees across t#e near )ield +ere a 'atc#+or( o) 0ray and yello+ 0reens6
Mrs6 Co'e +as al+ays +orryin0 aout )ires in #er +oods6 &#en t#e ni0#ts +ere -ery +indy5 s#e
+ould say to t#e c#ild5 8O# Lord5 do 'ray t#ere +ont e any )ires5 its so +indy5: and t#e c#ild
+ould 0runt )ro$ e#ind #er oo( or not ans+er at all ecause s#e #eard it so o)ten6 In t#e
e-enin0s in t#e su$$er +#en t#ey sat on t#e 'orc#5 Mrs6 Co'e +ould say to t#e c#ild +#o +as
readin0 )ast to catc# t#e last li0#t5 8!et u' and loo( at t#e sunset5 its 0or0eous6 ,ou ou0#t to
0et u' and loo( at it5: and t#e c#ild +ould sco+l and not ans+er or 0lare u' once across t#e
la+n and t+o )ront 'astures to t#e 0rayHlue sentinel line o) trees and t#en e0in to read a0ain
+it# no c#an0e o) e"'ression5 so$eti$es $utterin0 )or $eanness5 8It loo(s li(e a )ire6 ,ou
etter 0et u' and s$ell around and see i) t#e +oods aint on )ire6:
8S#e #ad #er ar$ around it in t#e co))in5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard +ent on5 ut #er -oice +as
dro+ned out y t#e sound o) t#e tractor t#at t#e /e0ro5 Cul-er5 +as dri-in0 u' t#e road )ro$
t#e arn6 T#e +a0on +as attac#ed and anot#er /e0ro +as sittin0 in t#e ac(5 ouncin05 #is )eet
@o00in0 aout a )oot )ro$ t#e 0round6 T#e one on t#e tractor dro-e it 'ast t#e 0ate t#at led into
t#e )ield on t#e le)t6
Mrs6 Co'e turned #er #ead and sa+ t#at #e #ad not 0one t#rou0# t#e 0ate ecause #e +as
too laEy to 0et o)) and o'en it6 He +as 0oin0 t#e lon0 +ay around at #er e"'ense6 8Tell #i$ to
sto' and co$e #ereS: s#e s#outed6
Mrs6 Pritc#ard #ea-ed #ersel) )ro$ t#e c#i$ney and +a-ed #er ar$ in a )ierce circle ut #e
'retended not to #ear6 S#e stal(ed to t#e ed0e o) t#e la+n and screa$ed5 8!et o))5 I tol@erS S#e
+ants youS:
He 0ot o)) and started to+ard t#e c#i$ney5 'us#in0 #is #ead and s#oulders )or+ard at eac#
ste' to 0i-e t#e a''earance o) #urryin06 His #ead +as t#rust u' to t#e to' in a +#ite clot# #at
strea(ed +it# di))erent s#ades o) s+eat6 T#e ri$ +as do+n and #id all ut t#e lo+er 'arts o)
#is reddis# eyes6
Mrs6 Co'e +as on #er (nees5 'ointin0 t#e tro+el into t#e 0round6 8&#y arent you 0oin0
t#rou0# t#e 0ate t#ere3: s#e as(ed and +aited5 #er eyes s#ut and #er $out# stretc#ed )lat as i)
s#e +ere 're'ared )or any ridiculous ans+er6
8!ot to raise t#e lade on t#e $o+er i) +e do5: #e said and #is 0aEe ore @ust to t#e le)t o)
#er6 Her /e0roes +ere as destructi-e and i$'ersonal as t#e nut 0rass6
Her eyes5 as s#e o'ened t#e$5 loo(ed as i) t#ey +ould (ee' on enlar0in0 until t#ey turned
#er +ron0sideout6 8Raise it5: s#e said and 'ointed across t#e road +it# t#e tro+el6
He $o-ed o))6
8Its not#in0 to t#e$5: s#e said6 8T#ey dont #a-e t#e res'onsiility6 I t#an( t#e Lord all
t#ese t#in0s dont co$e at once6 T#eyd destroy $e6:
8,ea#5 t#ey +ould5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard s#outed a0ainst t#e sound o) t#e tractor6 He o'ened t#e
0ate and raised t#e lade and dro-e t#rou0# and do+n into t#e )ieldD t#e noise di$inis#ed as
t#e +a0on disa''eared6 8I dont see $ysel) #o+ s#e #ad it in it5: s#e +ent on in #er nor$al
-oice6
Mrs6 Co'e +as ent o-er5 di00in0 )iercely at t#e nut 0rass a0ain6 8&e #a-e a lot to e
t#an()ul )or5: s#e said6 8E-ery day you s#ould say a 'rayer o) t#an(s0i-in06 .o you do t#at3:
8,es$5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6 8See s#e +as in ill )our $ont#s e)ore s#e e-en 0ot t#ata+ay6
Loo( li(e to $e i) I +as in one o) t#e$5 I +ould lea-e o))B #o+ you rec(un t#eyB3:
8E-ery day I say a 'rayer o) t#an(s0i-in05: Mrs6 Co'e said6 8T#in( o) all +e #a-e6 Lord6: s#e
said and si0#ed5 8+e #a-e e-eryt#in05: and s#e loo(ed around at #er ric# 'astures and #ills
#ea-y +it# ti$er and s#oo( #er #ead as i) it $i0#t all #e a urden s#e +as tryin0 to s#a(e o))
#er ac(6
Mrs6 Pritc#ard studied t#e +oods6 8*ll I 0ot is )our ascess teet#5: s#e re$ar(ed6
8&ell5 e t#an()ul you don At #a-e )i-e5: Mrs6 Co'e sna''ed and t#re+ ac( a clu$' o)
0rass6 8&e $i0#t all e destroyed y a #urricane6 I can al+ays )ind so$et#in0 to e t#an()ul
)or6:
Mrs6 Pritc#ard too( u' a #oe restin0 a0ainst t#e side o) t#e #ouse and struc( li0#tly at a
+eed t#at #ad co$e u' et+een t+o ric(s in t#e c#i$ney6 8I rec(on you can5: s#e said5 #er
-oice a little $ore nasal t#an usual +it# conte$'t6
8&#y5 t#in( o) all t#ose 'oor Euro'eans5: Mrs6 Co'e +ent on5 8t#at t#ey 'ut in o"cars li(e
cattle and rode t#e$ to Sieria6 Lord5: s#e said5 8+e ou0#t to s'end #al) our ti$e on our
(nees6:
8I (no+ i) I +as in an iron lun0 t#ere +ould e so$e t#in0s I +ouldnt do5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard
said5 scratc#in0 #er are an(le +it# t#e end o) t#e #oe6
8E-en t#at 'oor +o$an #ad 'lenty to e t#an()ul )or5: Mrs6 Co'e said6
8S#e could e t#an()ul s#e +asnt dead6:
8Certainly5: Mrs6 Co'e said5 and t#en s#e 'ointed t#e tro+el u' at Mrs6 Pritc#ard and said5
8I #a-e t#e est (e't 'lace in t#e county and do you (no+ +#y3 %ecause I +or(6 I-e #ad to
+or( to sa-e t#is 'lace and +or( to (ee' it6: S#e e$'#asiEed eac# +ord +it# t#e tro+el6 8I
dont let anyt#in0 0et a#ead o) $e and I$ not al+ays loo(in0 )or troule6 I ta(e it as it co$es6:
8I) it all co$e at oncet so$eti$e5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard e0an6
8It doesnt all co$e at once5: Mrs6 Co'e said s#ar'ly6
T#e c#ild could see o-er to +#ere t#e dirt road @oined t#e #i0#+ay6 S#e sa+ a 'ic(Hu' truc(
sto' at t#e 0ate and let o)) t#ree oys +#o started +al(in0 u' t#e 'in( dirt road6 T#ey +al(ed
sin0le )ile5 t#e $iddle one ent to t#e side carryin0 a lac( 'i0Hs#a'ed -alise6
8&ell5 i) it e-er did5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said5 8it +ouldnt e not#in0 you could do ut )lin0 u'
your #ands6:
Mrs6 Co'e didnt e-en ans+er t#is6 Mrs6 Pritc#ard )olded #er ar$s and 0aEed do+n t#e road
as i) s#e could easily enou0# see all t#ese )ine #ills )lattened to not#in06 S#e sa+ t#e t#ree oys
+#o #ad al$ost reac#ed t#e )ront +al( y no+6 8Loo(it yonder5: s#e said6 8&#o you rec(on
t#ey are3:
Mrs6 Co'e leaned ac( and su''orted #ersel) +it# one #and e#ind #er and loo(ed6 T#e
t#ree ca$e to+ard t#e$ ut as i) t#ey +ere 0oin0 to +al( on t#rou0# t#e side o) t#e #ouse6
T#e one +it# t#e suitcase +as in )ront no+6 Finally aout )our )eet )ro$ #er5 #e sto''ed and
set it do+n6 T#e t#ree oys loo(ed so$et#in0 ali(e e"ce't t#at t#e $iddleHsiEed one +ore
sil-erHri$$ed s'ectacles and carried t#e suitcase6 One o) #is eyes #ad a sli0#t cast to it so t#at
#is 0aEe see$ed to e co$in0 )ro$ t+o directions at once as i) it #ad t#e$ surrounded6 He #ad
on a s+eat s#irt +it# a )aded destroyer 'rinted on it ut #is c#est +as so #ollo+ t#at t#e
destroyer +as ro(en in t#e $iddle and see$ed on t#e 'oint o) 0oin0 under6 His #air +as stuc(
to #is )ore#ead +it# s+eat6 He loo(ed to e aout t#irteen6 *ll t#ree oys #ad +#ite
'enetratin0 stares6 8I dont rec(on you re$e$er $e5 Mrs6 Co'e5: #e said6
8,our )ace is certainly )a$iliar5: s#e $ur$ured5 scrutiniEin0 #i$6 8/o+ lets seeB8
8My daddy used to +or( #ere5: #e #inted6
8%oyd3: s#e said6 8,our )at#er +as Mr6 %oyd and youre 46C63:
8/o$e5 I$ Po+ell5 t#e secant one5 only I-e 0ro+ed so$e since t#en and $y daddy #es
daid no+6 .one died6:
8.ead6 &ell I declare5: Mrs6 Co'e said as i) deat# +ere al+ays an unusual t#in06 8&#at +as
Mr6 %oyds troule3:
One o) Po+ells eyes see$ed to e $a(in0 a circle o) t#e 'lace5 e"a$inin0 t#e #ouse and
t#e +#ite +ater to+er e#ind it and t#e c#ic(en #ouses and t#e 'astures t#at rolled a+ay on
eit#er side until t#ey $et t#e )irst line o) +oods6 T#e ot#er eye loo(ed at #er6 8.ied in Florda5:
#e said and e0an (ic(in0 t#e -alise6
8&ell I declare5: s#e $ur$ured6 *)ter a second s#e said5 8*nd #o+ is your $ot#er3:
8Ma#d a0ain6: He (e't +atc#in0 #is )oot (ic( t#e suitcase6 T#e ot#er t+o oys stared at #er
i$'atiently6
8*nd +#ere do you all li-e no+3: s#e as(ed6
8*tlanta5: #e said6 8,ou (no+5 out to one o) t#e$ de-elo'$ents6:
8&ell I see5: s#e said5 8I see6: *)ter a second s#e said it a0ain6 Finally s#e as(ed5 8*nd +#o
are t#ese ot#er oys3: and s$iled at t#e$6
8!ar)ield S$it# #i$5 and &6 T6 Har'er #i$5: #e said5 noddin0 #is #ead ac(+ard )irst in t#e
direction o) t#e lar0e oy and t#en t#e s$all one6
8Ho+ do you oys do3: Mrs6 Co'e said6 8T#is is Mrs6 Pritc#ard6
Mr6 and Mrs6 Pritc#ard +or( #ere no+6:
T#ey i0nored Mrs6 Pritc#ard +#o +atc#ed t#e$ +it# steady eady eyes6 T#e t#ree see$ed
to #an0 t#ere5 +aitin05 +atc#in0 Mrs6 Co'e6
8&ell +ell5: s#e said5 0lancin0 at t#e suitcase5 8its nice o) you to sto' and see $e6 I t#in(
t#at +as real s+eet o) you6:
Po+ells stare see$ed to 'inc# #er li(e a 'air o) ton0s6 8Co$e ac( to see #o+ you +as
doin05: #e said #oarsely6
8Listen #ere5: t#e s$allest oy said5 8all t#e ti$e +e een (no+in0 #i$ #es een tellin0 us
aout t#is #ere 'lace6 Said it +as e-eryt#in0 #ere6 Said it +as #orses #ere6 Said #e #ad t#e est
ti$e o) #is entire li)e ri0#t #ere on t#is #ere 'lace6 Tal(s aout it all t#e ti$e6:
8/e-er s#uts #is tra' aout t#is 'lace5: t#e i0 oy 0runted5 dra+in0 #is ar$ across #is nose
as i) to $u))le #is +ords6
8*l+ays tal(in0 aout t#e$ #orses #e rid #ere5: t#e s$all one continued5 8and said #e
+ould let us ride t#e$ too6 Said it +as one na$e !ene6:
Mrs6 Co'e +as al+ays a)raid so$eone +ould 0et #urt on #er 'lace and sue #er )or
e-eryt#in0 s#e #ad6 8T#ey arent s#od5: s#e said 9uic(ly6 8T#ere +as one na$ed !ene ut #es
dead no+ ut I$ a)raid you oys cant ride t#e #orses ecause you $i0#t 0et #urt6 T#eyre
dan0erous5: s#e said5 s'ea(in0 -ery )ast6
T#e lar0e oy sat do+n on t#e 0round +it# a noise o) dis0ust and e0an to )in0er roc(s out
o) #is tennis s#oe6 T#e s$all one darted loo(s #ere and t#ere and Po+ell )i"ed #er +it# #is
stare and didnt say anyt#in06
*)ter a $inute t#e little oy said5 8Say5 lady5 you (no+ +#at #e said one ti$e3 He said +#en
#e died #e +anted to co$e #ereS:
For a second Mrs6 Co'e loo(ed lan(D t#en s#e lus#edD t#en a 'eculiar loo( o) 'ain ca$e
o-er #er )ace as s#e realiEed t#at t#ese c#ildren +ere #un0ry6 T#ey +ere starin0 ecause t#ey
+ere #un0ryS S#e al$ost 0as'ed in t#eir )aces and t#en s#e as(ed t#e$ 9uic(ly i) t#ey +ould
#a-e so$et#in0 to eat6 T#ey said t#ey +ould ut t#eir e"'ressions5 co$'osed and unsatis)ied5
didnt li0#ten any6 T#ey loo(ed as i) t#ey +ere used to ein0 #un0ry and it +as no usiness o)
#ers6
T#e c#ild u'stairs #ad 0ro+n red in t#e )ace +it# e"cite$ent6 S#e +as (neelin0 do+n y t#e
+indo+ so t#at only #er eyes and )ore#ead s#o+ed o-er t#e sill6 Mrs6 Co'e told t#e oys to
co$e around on t#e ot#er side o) t#e #ouse +#ere t#e la+n c#airs +ere and s#e led t#e +ay
and Mrs6 Pritc#ard )ollo+ed6 T#e c#ild $o-ed )ro$ t#e ri0#t edroo$ across t#e #all and o-er
into t#e le)t edroo$ and loo(ed do+n on t#e ot#er side o) t#e #ouse +#ere t#ere +ere t#ree
+#ite la+n c#airs and red #a$$oc( strun0 et+een t+o #aEelnut trees6 S#e +as a 'ale )at 0irl
o) t+el-e +it# a )ro+nin0 s9uint and a lar0e $out# )ull ur sil-er ands6 S#e (nelt do+n at t#e
+indo+6
T#e t#ree oys ca$e around t#e corner o) t#e #ouse and t#e lar0e one t#re+ #i$sel) into
t#e #a$$oc( and lit a stu o) ci0arette6 T#e s$all oy tu$led do+n on t#e 0rass ne"t to t#e
lac( suitcase and rested #is #ead on it and Po+ell sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) one o) t#e c#airs
and loo(ed as i) #e +ere tryin0 to enclose t#e +#ole 'lace in one encirclin0 stare6 T#e c#ild
#eard #er $ot#er and Mrs6 Pritc#ard in a $uted con)erence in t#e (itc#en6 S#e 0ot u' and
+ent out into t#e #all and leaned o-er t#e anisters6
Mrs6 Co'es and Mrs6 Pritc#ards le0s +ere )acin0 eac# ot#er in t#e ac( #all6 8T#ose 'oor
c#ildren are #un0ry6: Mrs6 Co'e said in a dead -oice6
8,ou seen t#at suitcase3: Mrs6 Pritc#ard as(ed6 8&#at i) t#ey intend to s'end t#e ni0#t +it#
you3:
Mrs6 Co'e 0a-e a sli0#t s#rie(6 8I cant #a-e t#ree oys in #ere +it# only $e and Sally
2ir0inia5: s#e said6 8I A$ sure t#eyll 0o +#en I )eed t#e$6:
8I only (no+ t#ey 0ot a suitcase6: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6
T#e c#ild #urried ac( to t#e +indo+5 T#e lar0e oy +as stretc#ed out in t#e #a$$oc( +it#
#is +rists crossed under #is #ead and t#e ci0arette stu in t#e center o) #is $out#6 He s'it it
out in an arc @ust as Mrs6 Co'e ca$e around t#e corner o) t#e #ouse +it# a 'late o) crac(ers6
S#e sto''ed instantly as i) a sna(e #ad een slun0 in #er 'at#6 8*s#)ieldS s#e said6 8Please 'ic(
t#at u'6 I$ a)raid o) )ires6:
8!a+)ieldS: t#e little oy s#outed indi0nantly6 8!a+)ieldS:
T#e lar0e oy raised #i$sel) +it#out a +ord and lu$ered )or t#e utt6 He 'ic(ed it u' and
'ut it in #is 'oc(et and stood +it# #is ac( to #er5 e"a$inin0 a tattooed #eart on #is )orear$6
Mrs6 Pritc#ard ca$e u' #oldin0 t#ree CocaHColas y t#e nec(s in one #and and 0a-e one to
eac# o) t#e$6
8I re$e$er e-eryt#in0 aout t#is 'lace5: Po+ell said5 loo(in0 do+n t#e o'enin0 o) #is
ottle6
8&#ere did you all 0o +#en you le)t #ere3: Mrs6 Co'e as(ed and 'ut t#e 'late o) crac(ers
on t#e ar$ o) #is c#air6
He loo(ed at it ut didnt ta(e one6 He said5 8I re$e$er it +as one na$e !ene and it +as
one na$e !eor0e5 &e 0one to Florda and $y daddy #e5 you (no+5 died5 and t#en +e 0one to
$y sisters and t#en $y $ot#er s#e5 you (no+5 $a#d5 and +e een t#ere e-er since6 8
8T#ere are so$e crac(ers5: Mrs6 Co'e said and sat do+n in t#e c#air across )ro$ #i$6
8He dont li(e it in *tlanta5: t#e little oy said5 sittin0 u' and reac#in0 indi))erently )or a
crac(er6 8He aint e-er satis)ied +it# +#ere #es at e"ce't t#is 'lace #ere6 Le$$e tell you +#at
#ell do5 lady6 &ell e 'layin0 all5 see5 on t#is #ere 'lace in t#is de-elo'$ent +e 0ot to 'lay
all on5 see5 and #ell 9uit 'layin0 and say5 A!odda$5 it +as a #orse do+n t#ere na$e !ene and
i) I #ad #i$ #ere Id ust t#is concrete to #ell ridin0 #i$S:
8I$ sure Po+ell doesnt use +ords li(e t#at5 do you5 Po+ell3: Mrs6 Co'e said6
8/o5 $a$5: Po+ell said6 His #ead +as turned co$'letely to t#e side as i) #e +ere listenin0
)or t#e #orses in t#e )ield5 8I dont li(e t#e$ (ind o) crac(ers5: t#e little oy said and returned
#is to t#e 'late and 0ot u'6
Mrs6 Co'e s#i)ted in #er c#air6 8So you oys li-e in one o) t#ose nice ne+ de-elo'$ents5:
s#e said6
8T#e only +ay you can tell your o+n is y s$ell5: t#e s$all oy -olunteered6 8T#eyre )our
stories #i0# and t#eres ten o) t#e$5 one e#ind t#e ot#er6 Lets 0o see t#e$ #orses5: #e said6
Po+ell turned #is 'inc#in0 loo( on Mrs5 Co'e6 8&e t#ou0#t +e +ould @ust s'end t#e ni0#t
in your arn5: #e said6 8My uncle rou0#t us t#is )ar on #is 'ic(Hu' truc( and #es 0oin0 to sto'
)or us a0ain in t#e $ornin06:
T#ere +as a $o$ent in +#ic# s#e didnt say a t#in0 and t#e c#ild in t#e +indo+ t#ou0#t:
s#es 0oin0 to )ly out o) t#at c#air and #it t#e tree6
8&ell5 I$ a)raid you cant do t#at5: s#e said5 0ettin0 u' suddenly5 8T#e arns )ull o) #ay
and I$ a)raid o) )ire )ro$ your ci0arettes6:
8&e +ont s$o(e5: #e said6
8I$ a)raid you cant s'end t#e ni0#t in t#ere @ust t#e sa$e5: s#e re'eated as i) s#e +ere
tal(in0 'olitely to a 0an0ster6
8&ell5 +e can ca$' out in t#e +oods t#en5: t#e little oy said6 8&e rou0#t our o+n
lan(ets any+ays6 T#ats +#at +e 0ot in t#eter suitcase6 Co$e on6:
8In t#e +oodsS: s#e said6 8O# noS T#e +oods are -ery dry no+5 I cant #a-e 'eo'le s$o(in0
in $y +oods6 ,oull #a-e to ca$' out in t#e )ield5 in t#is )ield #ere ne"t to t#e #ouse5 +#ere
t#ere arent any trees6:
8&#ere s#e can (ee' #er eye on you5: t#e c#ild said under #er reat#6
8Her +oods5: t#e lar0e oy $uttered and 0ot out o) t#e #a$$oc(6
8&ell slee' in t#e )ield5: Po+ell said ut not 'articularly as i) #e +ere tal(in0 to #er6 8T#is
a)ternoon I$ 0oin0 to s#o+ t#e$ aout t#is 'lace6: T#e ot#er t+o +ere already +al(in0 a+ay
and #e 0ot u' and ounded a)ter t#e$ and t#e t+o +o$en sat +it# t#e lac( suitcase et+een
t#e$6
8/ot no t#an( you5 not no not#in05: Mrs6 Pritc#ard re$ar(ed6
8T#ey only 'layed +it# +#at +e 0a-e t#e$ to eat5: Mrs6 Co'e said in a #urt -oice6
Mrs6 Pritc#ard su00ested t#at t#ey $i0#t not li(e so)t drin(s6
8T#ey certainly loo(ed #un0ry5: Mrs6 Co'e said6
*out sunset t#ey a''eared out o) t#e +oods5 dirty and s+eatin05 and ca$e to t#e ac(
'orc# and as(ed )or +ater6 T#ey did not as( )or )ood ut Mrs6 Co'e could tell t#at t#ey +anted
it6 8*ll I #a-e is so$e cold 0uinea5: s#e said6 8&ould you oys li(e so$e 0uinea and so$e
sand+ic#es3:
8I +ouldnt eat not#in0 ald#eaded li(e a 0uinea5: t#e little oy said6 8I +ould eat a c#ic(en
or a tur(ey ut not no 0uinea6:
8.o0 +ouldnt eat one o) t#e$5: t#e lar0e oy said6 He #ad ta(en o)) #is s#irt and stuc( it in
t#e #ac( o) #is trousers li(e a tail6 Mrs6 Co'e care)ully a-oided loo(in0 at #i$6 T#e little oy #ad
a cut on #is ar$6
8,ou oys #a-ent een ridin0 t#e #orses +#en I as(ed you not to5 #a-e you3: s#e as(ed
sus'iciously and t#ey all said5 8/o $a$S: at once in loud ent#usiastic -oices li(e t#e *$ens are
said in country c#urc#es6
S#e +ent into t#e #ouse and $ade t#e$ sand+ic#es and5 +#ile s#e did it5 s#e #eld a
con-ersation +it# t#e$ )ro$ inside t#e (itc#en5 as(in0 +#at t#eir )at#ers did and #o+ $any
rot#ers and sisters t#ey #ad and +#ere t#ey +ent to sc#ool6 T#ey ans+ered in s#ort e"'losi-e
sentences5 'us#in0 eac# ot#ers s#oulders and doulin0 u' +it# lau0#ter as i) t#e 9uestions
#ad $eanin0s s#e didnt (no+ aout6 8*nd do you #a-e $en teac#ers or lady teac#ers at your
sc#ool3: s#e as(ed6
8So$e o) ot# and so$e you cant tell +#ic#5: t#e i0 oy #ooted6
8*nd does your $ot#er +or(5 Po+ell3: s#e as(ed 9uic(ly6
8S#e ast you does your $ot#er +or(S: t#e little oy yelled6 8His $inds a))ected y t#e$
#orses #e only loo(ed at5: #e said6 8His $ot#er s#e +or(s at a )actory and lea-es #i$ to $ind
t#e rest o) t#e$ only #e dont $ind t#e$ $uc#6 Le$$e tell you5 lady5 one ti$e #e loc(ed #is
little rot#er in a o" and set it on )ire6:
8I$ sure Po+ell +ouldnt do a t#in0 li(e t#at6: s#e said5 co$in0 out +it# t#e 'late o)
sand+ic#es and settin0 it do+n on t#e ste'6 T#ey e$'tied t#e 'late at once and s#e 'ic(ed it
u' and stood #oldin0 it5 loo(in0 at t#e sun +#ic# +as 0oin0 do+n in )ront o) t#e$5 al$ost on
to' o) t#e tree line6 It +as s+ollen and )la$eHcolored and #un0 in a net o) ra00ed cloud as i) it
$i0#t urn t#rou0# any second and )all into t#e +oods6 Fro$ t#e u'stairs +indo+ t#e c#ild
sa+ #er s#i-er and catc# ot# ar$s to #er sides6 8&e #a-e so $uc# to e t#an()ul )or5: s#e said
suddenly in a $ourn)ul $ar-elin0 tone6 8.o you oys t#an( !od e-ery ni0#t )or all Hes done
)or you3 .o you t#an( Hi$ )or e-eryt#in03:
T#is 'ut an instant #us# o-er t#e$6 T#ey it into t#e sand+ic#es as i) t#ey #ad lost all taste
)or )ood6
8.o you3: s#e 'ersisted6
T#ey +ere as silent as t#ie-es #idin06 T#ey c#e+ed +it#out a sound6
8&ell5 I (no+ I do5: s#e said at len0t# and turned and +ent ac( to t#e #ouse and t#e c#ild
+atc#ed t#eir s#oulders dro'6 T#e lar0e one stretc#ed #is le0s out as i) #e +ere releasin0
#i$sel) )ro$ a tra'6 T#e sun urned so )ast t#at it see$ed to e tryin0 to set e-eryt#in0 in si0#t
on )ire6 T#e +#ite +ater to+er +as 0laEed 'in( and t#e 0rass +as an unnatural 0reen as i) it
+ere turnin0 to 0lass6 T#e c#ild suddenly stuc( #er #ead )ar out t#e +indo+ and said5
870000##r##5: in a loud -oice5 crossin0 #er eyes and #an0in0 #er ton0ue out as )ar as 'ossile
as i) s#e +ere 0oin0 to -o$it6
T#e lar0e oy loo(ed u' and stared at #er6 84esus5: #e 0ro+led5 8anot#er +o$an6:
S#e dro''ed ac( )ro$ t#e +indo+ and stood +it# #er ac( a0ainst t#e +all5 s9uintin0
)iercely as i) s#e #ad een sla''ed in t#e )ace and couldnt see +#o #ad done it6 *s soon as t#ey
le)t t#e ste's5 s#e ca$e do+n into t#e (itc#en +#ere Mrs6 Co'e +as +as#in0 t#e dis#es6 8I) I
#ad t#at i0 oy do+n Id eat t#e dayli0#t out o) #i$5: s#e said6
8,ou (ee' a+ay )ro$ t#ose oys5: Mrs6 Co'e said5 turnin0 s#ar'ly6 8Ladies dont eat t#e
dayli0#t out o) 'eo'le6 ,ou (ee' out o) t#eir +ay6 T#eyll e 0one in t#e $ornin06:
%ut in t#e $ornin0 t#ey +ere not 0one6
&#en s#e +ent out on t#e 'orc# a)ter rea()ast5 t#ey +ere standin0 around t#e ac( door5
(ic(in0 t#e ste's6 T#ey +ere s$ellin0 t#e acon s#e #ad #ad )or #er rea()ast6 8&#y oysS: s#e
said6 8I t#ou0#t you +ere 0oin0 to $eet your uncle6: T#ey #ad t#e sa$e loo( o) #ardened
#un0er t#at #ad 'ained #er yesterday ut today s#e )elt )aintly 'ro-o(ed6
T#e i0 oy turned #is ac( at once and t#e s$all one s9uatted do+n and e0an to scratc#
in t#e sand6 8&e aint5 t#ou0#5: Po+ell said6
T#e i0 oy turned #is #ead @ust enou0# to ta(e in a s$all section o) #er and said5 8&e aint
ot#erin0 not#in0 o) yours6:
He couldnt see t#e +#y #er eyes enlar0ed ut #e could ta(e note o) t#e si0ni)icant silence6
*)ter a $inute s#e said in an altered -oice5 8&ould you oys care )or so$e rea()ast3:
8&e 0ot 'lenty o) our o+n )ood5: t#e i0 oy said6 8&e dont +ant not#in0 o) yours6:
S#e (e't #er eyes on Po+ell6 His t#in +#ile )ace see$ed to con)ront ut not actually to see
#er6 8,ou oys (no+ t#at I$ 0lad to #a-e you5: s#e said5 8ut I e"'ect you to e#a-e6 I e"'ect
you to act li(e 0entle$en6:
T#ey stood t#ere5 eac# loo(in0 in a di))erent direction5 as i) t#ey +ere +aitin0 )or #er to
lea-e6 8*)ter all5: s#e said in a suddenly #i0# -oice5 8t#is is $y 'lace6:
T#e i0 oy $ade so$e a$i0uous noise and t#ey turned and +al(ed o)) to+ard t#e arn5
lea-in0 #er t#ere +it# a s#oc(ed loo( as i) s#e #ad #ad a searc#li0#t t#ro+n on #er in t#e
$iddle o) t#e ni0#t6
In a little +#ile Mrs6 Pritc#ard ca$e o-er and stood in t#e (itc#en door +it# #er c#ee(
a0ainst t#e ed0e o) it6 8I rec(on you (no+ t#ey rode t#e$ #orses all yesterday a)ternoon5: s#e
said6 8Stole a ridle out t#e saddleroo$ and rode areac( ecause Hollis seen t#e$6 He
runnu$ out t#e arn at nine ocloc( last ni0#t and t#en #e runnu$ out t#e $il( roo$ t#is
$ornin0 and t#ere +as $il( all o-er t#eir $out#s li(e t#ey #ad een drin(in0 out t#e cans6:
8I cannot #a-e t#is5: Mrs Co'e said and stood at t#e sin( +it# ot# )ists (notted at #er
sides6 8I cannot #a-e t#is5: and #er e"'ression +as t#e sa$e as +#en s#e tore at t#e nut 0rass6
8T#ere aint a t#in0 you can do aout it5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6 8&#at I e"'ect is youll #a-e
t#e$ )or a +ee( or so until sc#ool e0ins6 T#ey @ust )i0ure to #a-e t#e$sel-es a -acation in t#e
country and t#ere aint not#in0 you can do ut )old your #ands6:
8I do not )old $y #ands5: Mrs6 Co'e said6 8Tell Mr6 Pritc#ard to 'ut t#e #orses u' in t#e
stalls6:
8Hes already did t#at6 ,ou ta(e a oy t#irteen year old is e9ual in $eanness to a $an t+ict
#is a0e6 Its no tellin0 +#at #ell t#in( u' to do6 ,ou ne-er (no+ +#ere #ell stri(e ne"t5 T#is
$ornin0 Hollis seen t#e$ e#ind t#e ull 'en and t#at i0 one ast i) it +asnt so$e 'lace t#ey
could +as# at and Hollis said no it +asnt and t#at you didnt +ant no oys dro''in0 ci0arette
utts in your +oods and #e said5 AS#e dont o+n t#e$ +oods5 and Hollis said5 AS#es does too5
and t#at t#ere little one #e said5 AMan5 !a+d o+ns t#e$ +oods and #er too5 and t#at t#ere
one +it# t#e 0lasses said5 AI rec(on s#e o+ns t#e s(y o-er t#is 'lace too5 and t#at t#ere littlest
one says5 AO+ns t#e s(y and cant no air'lane 0o o-er #ere +it#out s#e says so5 and t#en t#e
i0 one says5 AI ne-er seen a 'lace +it# so $any da$n +o$en on it5 #o+ do you stand it #ere3
and Hollis said #e #ad done #ad enou0# o) t#eir i0 tal( y t#en and #e turned and +al(ed o))
+it#out 0i-in0 no re'ly one +ay or t#e ot#er6:
8I$ 0oin0 out t#ere and tell t#ose oys t#ey can 0et a ride a+ay )ro$ #ere on t#e $il(
truc(5: Mrs6 Co'e said and s#e +ent out t#e ac( door5 lea-in0 Mrs6 Pritc#ard and t#e c#ild
to0et#er in t#e (itc#en6
8Listen5: t#e c#ild said6 8I could #andle t#e$ 9uic(er t#an t#at6:
8,ea#3: Mrs6 Pritc#ard $ur$ured5 0i-in0 #er a lon0 leerin0 loo(6 8Ho+d you #andle
t#e$3:
T#e c#ild 0ri''ed ot# #ands to0et#er and $ade a contorted )ace as i) s#e +ere stran0lin0
so$eone6
8T#eyd #andle you5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said +it# satis)action6
T#e c#ild retired to t#e u'stairs +indo+ to 0et out o) #er +ay and loo(ed do+n +#ere #er
$ot#er +as +al(in0 o)) )ro$ t#e t#ree oys +#o +ere s9uattin0 under t#e +ater to+er eatin0
so$et#in0 out o) a crac(er o"6 S#e #eard #er co$e in t#e (itc#en door and say5 8T#ey say
t#eyll 0o on t#e $il( truc(5 and no +onder t#ey arent #un0ryIt#ey #a-e t#at suitcase #al) )ull
o) )ood6:
8Li(ely stole e-ery it o) it too5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6
&#en t#e $il( truc( ca$e5 t#e t#ree oys +ere no+#ere in si0#t5 ut as soon as it le)t
+it#out t#e$ t#eir t#ree )aces a''eared5 loo(in0 out o) t#e o'enin0 in t#e to' o) t#e cal) arn6
8Can you eat t#is3: Mrs6 Co'e said5 standin0 at one o) t#e u'stairs +indo+s +it# #er #ands at
#er #i's6 8Its not t#at I +ouldnt e 0lad to #a-e t#e$Iits t#eir attitude6:
8,ou ne-er li(e noodys attitude5: t#e c#ild said6 8Ill 0o tell t#e$ t#ey 0ot )i-e $inutes to
lea-e #ere in6:
8,ou are not to 0o any+#ere near t#ose oys5 do you #ear $e3: Mrs6 Co'e said6
8&#y3: t#e c#ild as(ed5 A
AI$ 0oin0 out t#ere and 0i-e t#e$ a 'iece o) $y $ind5: Mrs6 Co'e said6
T#e c#ild too( o-er t#e 'osition in t#e +indo+ and in a )e+ $inutes s#e sa+ t#e sti)) 0reen
#at catc#in0 t#e 0lint o) t#e sun as #er $ot#er crossed t#e road to+ard t#e cal) arn5 T#e t#ree
)aces i$$ediately disa''eared )ro$ t#e o'enin05 and in a second t#e lar0e oy das#ed across
t#e lot5 )ollo+ed in instant later y t#e ot#er t+o6 Mrs6 Pritc#ard ca$e out and t#e t+o +o$en
started )or t#e 0ro-e o) trees t#e oys #ad -anis#ed into6 Presently t#e t+o sun#ats
disa''eared in t#e +oods and t#e t#ree oys ca$e out at t#e le)t side o) it and a$led across
t#e )ield and into anot#er 'atc# o) +oods6 %y t#e ti$e Mrs6 Co'e and Mrs6 Pritc#ard reac#ed
t#e )ield5 it +as e$'ty and t#ere +as not#in0 )or t#e$ to do ut co$e #o$e a0ain6
Mrs6 Co'e #ad not een inside lon0 e)ore Mrs6 Pritc#ard ca$e runnin0 to+ard t#e #ouse5
s#outin0 so$et#in06 8T#ey-e let out t#e ullS: s#e #ollered6 8Let out t#e ullS: *nd in a second
s#e +as )ollo+ed y t#e ull #i$sel)5 a$lin05 lac( and leisurely5 +it# )our 0eese #issin0 at #is
#eels6 He +as not $ean until #urried and it too( Mr6 Pritc#ard and t#e t+o /e0roes a #al)H#our
to ease #i$ ac( to #is 'en6 &#ile t#e $en +ere en0a0ed in t#is5 t#e oys let t#e oil out o) t#e
t#ree tractors and t#en disa''eared a0ain into t#e +oods6
T+o lue -eins #ad co$e out on eit#er side o) Mrs6 Co'es )ore#ead and Mrs6 Pritc#ard
oser-ed t#e$ +it# satis)action6 8Li(e I tol@er5: s#e said5 8t#ere aint a t#in0 you can do aout
it6:
Mrs6 Co'e ate #er dinner #astily5 not conscious t#at s#e #ad #er sun#at on6 E-ery ti$e s#e
#eard a noise5 s#e @u$'ed u'6 Mrs6 Pritc#ard ca$e o-er i$$ediately a)ter dinner and said5
8&ell5 you +ant to (no+ +#ere t#ey are no+3: and s$iled in an o$niscient re+arded +ay6
8I +ant to (no+ at once5: Mrs6 Co'e said5 co$in0 to an al$ost $ilitary attention6
8.o+n to t#e road5 t#ro+in0 roc(s at your $ailo"5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said5 leanin0
co$)ortaly in t#e dour6 8.one already aout (noc(ed it o)) its stand6:
8!et in t#e car5: Mrs6 Co'e said6
T#e c#ild 0ot in too and t#e t#ree o) t#e$ dro-e do+n t#e road to t#e 0ate6 T#e oys +ere
sittin0 on t#e e$an($ent on t#e ot#er side o) t#e #i0#+ay5 ai$in0 roc(s across t#e road at
t#e $ailo"6 Mrs6 Co'e sto''ed t#e car al$ost directly eneat# t#e$ and loo(ed u' out o) #er
+indo+6 T#e t#ree o) t#e$ stared at #er as i) t#ey #ad ne-er seen #er e)ore5 t#e lar0e oy
+it# a sullen 0lare5 t#e s$all one 0lintHeyed and uns$ilin05 and Po+ell +it# #is t+oHsided
0lassed 0aEe #an0in0 -acantly o-er t#e cri''led destroyer on #is s#irt6
8Po+ell5: s#e said5 8I$ sure your $ot#er +ould e as#a$ed o) you5: and s#e sto''ed and
+aited )or t#is to $a(e its e))ect6 His )ace see$ed to t+ist sli0#tly ut #e continued to loo(
t#rou0# #er at not#in0 in 'articular6
8/o+ I-e 'ut u' +it# t#is as lon0 as I can5: s#e said6 8I-e tried to e nice to you oys6
Ha-ent I een nice to you oys3:
T#ey $i0#t #a-e een t#ree statues e"ce't t#at t#e i0 one5 arely o'enin0 #is $out#5 said5
8&ere not e-en on your side t#e road5 lady6:
8T#ere aint a t#in0 you can do aout it5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard #issed loudly6 T#e c#ild +as sittin0
on t#e ac( seat close to t#e side6 S#e #ad a )urious outra0ed loo( on #er )ace ut s#e (e't #er
#ead dra+n ac( )ro$ t#e +indo+ so t#at t#ey couldnt see #er6
Mrs6 Co'e s'o(e slo+ly5 e$'#asiEin0 e-ery +ord6 8I t#in( I #a-e een -ery nice to you oys6
I-e )ed you t+ice6 /o+ I$ 0oin0 into to+n and i) youre still #ere +#en I co$e ac(5 Ill call t#e
s#eri))5: and +it# t#is5 s#e dro-e o))6 T#e c#ild5 turnin0 9uic(ly so t#at s#e could see out t#e
ac( +indo+5 oser-ed t#at t#ey #ad not $o-edD t#ey #ad not e-en turned t#eir #eads6
8,ou done an0ered t#e$ no+5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said5 8and it aint any tellin0 +#at t#eyll do6:
8T#eyll e 0one +#en +e 0et ac(5: Mrs6 Co'e said6
Mrs6 Pritc#ard could not stand an anticli$a"6 S#e re9uired t#e taste o) lood )ro$ ti$e to
ti$e to (ee' #er e9uiliriu$6 8I (no+n a $an oncet t#at #is +i)e +as 'oisoned y a c#ild s#e
#ad ado'ted out o) 'ure (indness5: s#e said6 &#en t#ey returned )ro$ to+n5 t#e oys +ere
not on t#e e$an($ent and s#e said5 8I +ould rat#er to see t#e$ t#an not to see t#e$6 &#en
you see t#e$ you (no+ +#at t#eyre doin06:
8Ridiculous5: Mrs6 Co'e $uttered6 8I-e scared t#e$ and t#ey-e 0one and no+ +e can
)or0et t#e$6:
8I aint )or0ettin0 t#e$5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6 8I +ouldnt e none sur'rised i) t#ey didnt
#a-e a 0un in t#at t#ere suitcase6:
Mrs6 Co'e 'rided #ersel) on t#e +ay s#e #andled t#e ty'e o) $ind t#at Mrs6 Pritc#ard #ad6
&#en Mrs6 Pritc#ard sa+ si0ns and o$ens5 s#e e"'osed t#e$ cal$ly )or t#e )i0$ents o)
i$a0ination t#at t#ey +ere5 ut t#is a)ternoon #er ner-es +ere taut and s#e said5 8/o+ I-e
#ad aout enou0# o) t#is6 T#ose oys are 0one and t#ats t#at6:
8&ell5 +ell +ait and see5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6
E-eryt#in0 +as 9uiet )or t#e rest o) t#e a)ternoon ut at su''er ti$e5 Mrs6 Pritc#ard ca$e
o-er to say t#at s#e #ad #eard a #i0# -icious lau0# 'ierce out o) t#e us#es near t#e #o0 'en6 It
+as an e-il lau0#5 )ull o) calculated $eanness5 and s#e #ad #eard it co$e t#ree ti$es5 #ersel)5
distinctly6
8I #a-ent #eard a t#in05: Mrs6 Co'e said6
8I loo( )or t#e$ to stri(e @ust a)ter dar(5: Mrs6 Pritc#ard said6
T#at ni0#t Mrs6 Co'e and t#e c#ild sat on t#e 'orc# until nearly ten ocloc( and not#in0
#a''ened6 T#e only sounds ca$e )ro$ tree )ro0s and )ro$ one +#i''oor+ill +#o called )aster
and )aster )ro$ t#e sa$e s'ot o) dar(ness5 8T#ey-e 0one5: Mr6 Co'e said5 8'oor t#in0s5: and
s#e e0an to tell t#e c#ild #o+ $ilc# t#ey #ad to e t#an()ul )or5 )or s#e said t#ey $i0#t #a-e
#ad to li-e in a de-elo'$ent t#e$sel-es or t#ey $i0#t #a-e een /e0roes or t#ey $i0#t #a-e
een in iron lun0s or t#ey $i0#t #a-e een Euro'eans ridden in o"cars li(e cattle5 and s#e
e0an a litany o) #er lessin0s5 in a stric(en -oice5 t#at t#e c#ild5 strainin0 #er attention )or a
sudden s#rie( in t#e dar(5 didnt listen to6
T#ere +as no si0n o) t#e$ t#e ne"t $ornin0 eit#er6 T#e )ortress line o) trees +as a #ard
0ranite lue5 t#e +ind #ad risen o-erni0#t and t#e sun #ad co$e u' a 'ale 0old6 T#e sea ion
+as c#an0in06 E-en a s$all c#an0e in t#e +eat#er $ade Mrs6 Co'e t#an()ul5 ut +#en t#e
seasons c#an0ed s#e see$ed al$ost )ri0#tened at #er 0ood )ortune in esca'in0 +#ate-er it
+as t#at 'ursued #er6 *s s#e so$eti$es did +#en one t#in0 +as )inis#ed and anot#er aout to
e0in5 s#e turned #er attention to t#e c#ild +#o #ad 'ut on a 'air o) o-eralls o-er #er dress and
#ad 'ulled a $ans old )elt #at do+n as )ar as it +ould 0o on #er #ead and +as ar$in0 #ersel)
+it# t+o 'istols in a decorated #olster t#at s#e #ad )astened around #er +aist6 T#e #at +as
-ery ti0#t and see$ed to e s9ueeEin0 t#e redness into #er )ace6 It ca$e do+n al$ost to t#e
to's o) #er 0lasses6 Mrs6 Co'e +atc#ed #er +it# a tra0ic loo(6 8&#y do you #a-e to loo( li(e an
idiot3: s#e as(ed6 8Su''ose co$'any +ere to cone3 &#en are you 0oin0 to 0ro+ u'3 &#ats
0oin0 to eco$e o) you3 I loo( at you and I +ant to cryS So$eti$es you loo( li(e you $i0#t
elon0 to Mrs6 Pritc#ardS:
8Lea-e $e e5: t#e c#ild said in a #i0# irritated -oice6 8Lea-e $e e6 4ust lea-e $e e6 I aint
you5: and s#e +ent into t#e +oods as i) s#e +ere stal(in0 out an ene$y5 #er #ead t#rust
)or+ard and eac# #and 0ri''ed on a 0un6
Mrs6 Pritc#ard ca$e o-er5 sourH#u$ored5 ecause s#e didnt #a-e anyt#in0 cala$itous to
re'ort6 8I 0ot t#e $isery in $y )ace today5: s#e said5 #oldin0 on to +#at s#e could sal-a0e6
8T#eseyer teet#6 T#ey eac# one )eel li(e an indi-idual oil6:
T#e c#ild cras#ed t#rou0# t#e +oods5 $a(in0 t#e )allen lea-es sound o$inous under #er
)eet6 T#e sun #ad risen a little and +as only a +#ite #ole li(e an o'enin0 )or t#e +ind to esca'e
t#rou0# in a s(y a little dar(er t#an itsel)5 and t#e to's o) t#e trees +ere lac( a0ainst t#e 0lare6
8I$ 0oin0 to 0et you one y one and eat you lac( and lue6 Line u'6 LI/E 7PS: s#e said and
+a-ed one o) t#e 'istols at a cluster o) lon0 areHtrun(ed 'ines5 )our ti$es #er #ei0#t5 as s#e
'assed t#e$6 S#e (e't $o-in05 $utterin0 and 0ro+lin0 to #ersel) and occasionally #ittin0 out
+it# one o) t#e 0uns at a ranc# t#at 0ot in #er +ay6 Fro$ ti$e to ti$e s#e sto''ed to re$o-e
t#e t#orn -ine t#at cau0#t in #er s#irt and s#e +ould say5 8Lea-e $e e5 I told you6 Lea-e $e
e5: and 0i-e it a crac( +it# t#e 'istol and t#en stal( on6
Presently s#e sat do+n on a stu$' to cool o)) ut s#e 'lanted ot# )eet care)ully and )ir$ly
on t#e 0round6 S#e li)ted t#e$ and 'ut t#e$ do+n se-eral ti$es5 0rindin0 t#e$ )iercely into
t#e dirt as i) s#e +ere crus#in0 so$et#in0 under #er #eels6 Suddenly s#e #eard a lau0#6
S#e sat u'5 'ric(leHs(inned6 It ca$e a0ain6 S#e #eard t#e sound o) s'las#in0 and s#e stood
u'5 uncertain +#ic# +ay to run6 S#e +as not )ar )ro$ +#ere t#is 'atc# o) +oods ended and t#e
ac( 'asture e0an6 S#e eased to+ard t#e 'asture5 care)ul not to $a(e a sound5 and co$in0
suddenly to t#e ed0e o) it5 s#e sa+ t#e t#ree oys5 not t+enty )eet a+ay5 +as#in0 in t#e co+
trou0#6 T#eir clot#es +ere 'iled a0ainst t#e lac( -alise out o) reac# o) t#e +ater t#at )lo+ed
o-er t#e side o) t#e tan(6 T#e lar0e oy +as standin0 u' and t#e s$all one +as tryin0 to cli$
onto #is s#oulders6 Po+ell +as sittin0 do+n loo(in0 strai0#t a#ead t#rou0# 0lasses t#at +ere
s'las#ed +it# +ater6 He +as not 'ayin0 any attention to t#e ot#er t+o6 T#e trees $ust #a-e
loo(ed li(e 0reen +ater)alls t#rou0# #is +et 0lasses6 T#e c#ild stood 'artly #idden e#ind a
'ine trun(5 t#e side o) #er )ace 'ressed into t#e ar(6
8I +is# I li-ed #ereS: t#e little oy s#outed5 alancin0 +it# #is (nees clutc#ed around t#e i0
ones #ead6
8I$ 0odda$ 0lad I dont5: t#e i0 oy 'anted5 and @u$'ed u' to dislod0e #i$6
Po+ell sat +it#out $o-in05 +it#out see$in0 to (no+ t#at t#e ot#er t+o +ere e#ind #i$5
and loo(ed strai0#t a#ead li(e a 0#ost s'run0 u'ri0#t in #is co))in6 8I) t#is 'lace +as not #ere
any $ore5: #e said5 8you +ould ne-er #a-e to t#in( o) it a0ain6:
8Listen5: t#e i0 oy said5 sittin0 do+n 9uietly in t#e +ater +it# t#e little one still $oored to
#is s#oulders5 8it dont elon0 to noody6:
8Its ours5: t#e little oy said6
T#e c#ild e#ind t#e tree did not $o-e6
Po+ell @u$'ed out o) t#e trou0# and e0an to run6 He ran all t#e +ay around t#e )ield as i)
so$et#in0 +ere atter #i$ and as #e 'assed t#e tan( a0ain5 t#e ot#er t+o @u$'ed out and
raced +it# #i$5 t#e sun 0lintin0 on t#eir lon0 +et odies6 T#e i0 one ran t#e )astest and +as
t#e leader6 T#ey das#ed around t#e )ield t+ice and )inally dro''ed do+n y t#eir clot#es and
lay t#ere +it# t#eir ris $o-in0 u' and do+n6 *)ter a +#ile5 t#e i0 one said #oarsely5 8.o you
(no+ +#at I +ould do +it# t#is 'lace i) I #ad t#e c#ance3:
8/o5 +#at3: t#e little oy said and sat u' to 0i-e #i$ #is )ull attention6
8Id uild a i0 'ar(in0 lot on it5 or so$et#in05: #e $uttered6
T#ey e0an to dress6 T#e sun $ade t+o +#ite s'ots an Po+ells 0lasses and lotted out #is
eyes6 8I (no+ +#at lets do5: #e said6 He too( so$et#in0 s$all )ro$ #is 'oc(et and s#o+ed it to
t#e$6 For al$ost a $inute t#ey sat loo(in0 at +#at #e #ad til #is #and6 T#en +it#out any $ore
discussion5 Po+ell 'ic(ed u' t#e suitcase and t#ey 0ot u' and $o-ed 'ast t#e c#ild and entered
t#e +oods not ten )eet )ro$ +#ere s#e +as standin05 sli0#tly a+ay )ro$ t#e tree no+5 +it# t#e
i$'rint o) t#e ar( e$ossed red and +#ite on t#e side o) #er )ace6
S#e +atc#ed +it# a daEed stare as t#ey sto''ed and collected all t#e $atc#es t#ey #ad
et+een t#e$ and e0an to5 set t#e rus# on )ire6 T#ey e0an to +#oo' and #oller and eat
t#eir #ands o-er t#eir $out#s and in a )e+ seconds t#ere +as a narro+ line o) )ire +idenin0
et+een #er and t#e$6 &#ile s#e +atc#ed5 it reac#ed u' )ro$ t#e rus#5 snatc#in0 and itin0
at t#e lo+est ranc#es o) t#e trees6 T#e +ind carried ra0s o) it #i0#er and t#e oys disa''eared
s#rie(in0 e#ind it6
S#e turned and tried to run across t#e )ield ut #er le0s +ere too #ea-y and s#e stood
t#ere5 +ei0#ted do+n +it# so$e ne+ un'laced $isery t#at s#e #ad ne-er )elt e)ore6 %ut
)inally s#e e0an to run6
Mrs6 Co'e and Mrs6 Pritc#ard +ere in t#e )ield e#ind t#e arn +#en Mrs6 Co'e sa+ s$o(e
risin0 )ro$ t#e +oods across t#e 'asture6 S#e s#rie(ed and Mrs6 Pritc#ard 'ointed u' t#e road
to +#ere t#e c#ild ca$e lo'in0 #ea-ily5 screa$in05 8Ma$a5 Ma$a5 t#eyre 0oin0 to uild a
'ar(in0 lot #ereS:
Mrs6 Co'e e0an to screa$ )or t#e /e0roes +#ile Mrs6 Pritc#ard5 c#ar0ed no+5 ran do+n
t#e road s#outin06 Mr6 Pritc#ard ca$e out o) t#e o'en end o) t#e arn and t#e t+o /e0roes
sto''ed )illin0 t#e $anure s'reader in t#e lot and started to+ard Mrs6 Co'e +it# t#eir s#o-els6
8Hurry5 #urryS: s#e s#outed6 8Start t#ro+in0 dirt on itS: T#ey 'assed #er al$ost +it#out
loo(in0 at #er and #eaded o)) slo+ly across t#e )ield to+ard t#e s$o(e6 S#e ran a)ter t#e$ a
little +ay5 s#rillin05 8Hurry5 #urry5 dont you see itS .ont you see itS:
8Itll e t#ere +#en +e 0it t#ere5: Cul-er said and t#ey t#rust t#eir s#oulders )or+ard a little
and +ent on at t#e sa$e 'ace6
T#e c#ild ca$e to a sto' eside #er $ot#er and stared u' at #er )ace as i) s#e #ad ne-er
seen it e)ore6 It +as t#e )ace o) t#e ne+ $isery s#e )elt5 ut on #er $ot#er it loo(ed old and it
loo(ed as i) it $i0#t #a-e elon0ed to anyody5 a /e0ro or a Euro'ean or to Po+ell #i$sel)6 T#e
c#ild turned #er #ead 9uic(ly5 and 'ast t#e /e0roes a$lin0 )i0ures s#e could see t#e colu$n
o) s$o(e risin0 and +idenin0 unc#ec(ed inside t#e 0ranite line o) trees6 S#e stood taut5
listenin05 and could @ust catc# in t#e distance a )e+ +ild #i0# s#rie(s o) @oy as i) t#e 'ro'#ets
+ere dancin0 in t#e )iery )urnace5 in t#e circle t#e an0el #ad cleared )or t#e$6
T#e .is'laced Person N;<K=O
THE PE*COCC +as )ollo+in0 Mrs6 S#ortley u' t#e road to t#e #ill +#ere s#e $eant to stand6
Mo-in0 one e#ind t#e ot#er5 t#ey loo(ed li(e a co$'lete 'rocession6 Her ar$s +ere )olded
and as s#e $ounted t#e 'ro$inence5 s#e $i0#t #a-e een t#e 0iant +i)e o) t#e countryside5
co$e out at so$e si0n o) dan0er to see +#at t#e troule +as6 S#e stood on t+o tre$endous
le0s5 +it# t#e 0rand sel)Hcon)idence o) a $ountain5 and rose5 u' narro+in0 ul0es o) 0ranite5 to
t+o icy lue 'oints o) li0#t t#at 'ierced )or+ard5 sur-eyin0 e-eryt#in06 S#e i0nored t#e +#ite
a)ternoon sun +#ic# +as cree'in0 e#ind a ra00ed +all o) cloud as i) it 'retended to e an
intruder and cast #er 0aEe do+n t#e red clay road t#at turned o)) )ro$ t#e #i0#+ay6
T#e 'eacoc( sto''ed @ust e#ind #er5 #is tailI0litterin0 0reen0old and lue in t#e
sunli0#tIli)ted @ust enou0# so t#at it +ould not touc# t#e 0round6 It )lo+ed out on eit#er side
li(e a )loatin0 train and #is #ead on t#e lon0 lue reedli(e nec( +as dra+n ac( as i) #is
attention +ere )i"ed in t#e distance on so$et#in0 no one else could see6
Mrs6 S#ortley +as +atc#in0 a lac( car turn t#rou0# t#e 0ate )ro$ t#e #i0#+ay6 O-er y t#e
tools#ed5 aout )i)teen )eet a+ay5 t#e t+o /e0roes5 *stor and Sul(5 #ad sto''ed +or( to
+atc#6 T#ey +ere #idden y a $ulerry tree ut Mrs6 S#ortley (ne+ t#ey +ere t#ere6
Mrs6 Mcintyre +as co$in0 do+n t#e ste's o) #er #ouse to $eet t#e car6 S#e #ad on #er
lar0est s$ile ut Mrs6 S#ortley5 e-en )ro$ #er distance5 could detect a ner-ous slide in it6 T#ese
'eo'le +#o +ere co$in0 +ere only #ired #el'5 li(e t#e S#ortleys t#e$sel-es or t#e /e0roes6
,et #ere +as t#e o+ner o) t#e 'lace out to +elco$e t#e$6 Here s#e +as5 +earin0 #er est
clot#es and a strin0 o) eads5 and no+ oundin0 )or+ard +it# #er $out# stretc#ed6
T#e car sto''ed at t#e +al( @ust as s#e did and t#e 'riest +as t#e )irst to 0et out6 He +as a
lon0Hle00ed lac(Hsuited old $an +it# a +#ite #at on and a collar t#at #e +ore ac(+ards5
+#ic#5 Mrs6 S#ortley (ne+5 +as +#at 'riests did +#o +anted to e (no+n as 'riests6 It +as t#is
'riest +#o #ad arran0ed )or t#ese 'eo'le to co$e #ere6 He o'ened t#e ac( door o) t#e car
and out @u$'ed t+o c#ildren5 a oy and a 0irl5 and t#en5 ste''in0 $ore slo+ly5 a +o$an in
ro+n5 s#a'ed li(e a 'eanut6 T#en t#e )ront door o'ened and out ste''ed t#e $an5 t#e
.is'laced Person6 He +as s#ort and a little s+ayac(ed and +ore 0oldHri$$ed s'ectacles6
Mrs6 S#ortleys -ision narro+ed on #i$ and t#en +idened to include t#e +o$an and t#e
t+o c#ildren in a 0rou' 'icture6 T#e )irst t#in0 t#at struc( #er as -ery 'eculiar +as t#at t#ey
loo(ed li(e ot#er 'eo'le6 E-ery ti$e s#e #ad seen t#en in #er i$a0ination5 t#e i$a0e s#e #ad
0ot +as o) t#e t#ree ears5 +al(in0 sin0le )ile5 +it# +ooden s#oes on li(e .utc#$en and sailor
#ats and ri0#t coats +it# a lot o) uttons6 %ut t#e +o$an #ad on a dress s#e $i0#t #a-e +orn
#ersel) and t#e c#ildren +en dressed li(e anyody )ro$ around6 T#e $an #ad on (#a(i 'ants
and a lue s#irt6 Suddenly5 as Mrs6 McIntyre #eld out #er #ands to #i$5 #e oed do+n )ro$
t#e +aist and (issed it6
Mrs6 S#ortley @er(ed #er o+n #and u' to+ard #er $out# and t#en a)ter a second rou0#t it
do+n and rued it -i0orously on #er seat6 I) Mr6 S#ortley #ad tried to (iss #er #and Mrs6
McIntyre +ould #a-e (noc(ed #i$ into t#e $iddle o) ne"t +ee(5 ut t#en Mr6 S#ortley
+ouldnt #a-e (issed #er #and any+ay6 He didnt #a-e ti$e to $ess around6
S#e loo(ed closer5 s9uintin06 T#e oy +as in t#e center o) t#e 0rou'5 tal(in06 He +as
su''osed to s'ea( t#e $ost En0lis# ecause #e #ad learned so$e in Poland and so #e +as to
listen to #is )at#ers Polis# and say it in En0lis# and t#en listen to Mrs6 McIntyres En0lis# and
say t#at in Polis#6 T#e 'riest #ad told Mrs6 McIntyre #is na$e +as Rudol'# and #e +as t+el-e
and t#e 0irls na$e +as Sled0e+i0 and s#e +as nine6 Sled0e+i0 sounded to Mrs6 S#ortley li(e
so$et#in0 you +ould na$e a u05 or -ice -ersa as i) you na$ed a oy %oll+ee-il6 *ll o) t#e$s
last na$e +as so$et#in0 t#at only t#ey t#e$sel-es and t#e 'riest could 'ronounce6 *ll s#e
could $a(e out o) it +as !ole#oo(6 S#e and Mrs6 Mcintyre #ad een callin0 t#e$ t#e
!ole#oo(s all +ee( +#ile t#ey 0ot ready )or t#e$6
T#ere #ad een a 0reat deal to do to 0et ready )or t#e$ ecause t#ey didnt #a-e anyt#in0
o) t#eir o+n5 not a stic( o) )urniture or a s#eet or a dis#5 and e-eryt#in0 #ad #ad to e scra'ed
to0et#er out o) t#in0s t#at Mrs6 McIntyre couldnt use any$ore #ersel)6 T#ey #ad collected a
'iece o) odd )urniture #ere and a 'iece t#ere and t#ey #ad ta(en so$e )lo+ered c#ic(en )eed
sac(s and $ade curtains )or t#e +indo+s5 t+o red and one 0reen5 ecause t#ey #ad not #ad
enou0# o) t#e red sac(s to 0o around6 Mrs6 McIntyre said s#e +as not $ade o) $oney and s#e
could not a))ord to uy curtains6 8T#ey cant tal(5: Mrs6 S#ortley said6 8,ou rec(on t#eyll (no+
+#at colors e-en is3: and Mrs6 McIntyre #ad said t#at a)ter +#at t#ose 'eo'le #ad een
t#rou0#5 t#ey s#ould e 0rate)ul )or anyt#in0 t#ey could 0et6 S#e said to t#in( #o+ luc(y t#ey
+ere to esca'e )ro$ o-er t#ere and co$e to a 'lace li(e t#is6
Mrs6 S#ortley recalled a ne+sreel s#e #ad seen once o) a s$all roo$ 'iled #i0# +it# odies
o) dead na(ed 'eo'le all in a #ea'5 t#eir ar$s and le0s tan0led to0et#er5 a #ead t#rust in #ere5
a #ead t#ere5 a )oot5 a (nee5 a 'art t#at s#ould #a-e een co-ered u' stic(in0 out5 a #and raised
clutc#in0 not#in06 %e)ore you could realiEe t#at it +as real and ta(e it into your #ead5 t#e
'icture c#an0ed and a #ollo+Hsoundin0 -oice +as sayin05 8Ti$e $arc#es onS: T#is +as t#e (ind
o) t#in0 t#at +as #a''enin0 e-ery day in Euro'e +#ere t#ey #ad not ad-anced as in t#is
country5 and +atc#in0 )ro$ #er -anta0e 'oint5 Mrs6 S#ortley #ad t#e sudden intuition t#at t#e
!ole#oo(s5 li(e rats +it# ty'#oid )leas5 could #a-e carried all t#ose $urderous +ays o-er t#e
+ater +it# t#e$ directly to t#is 'lace6 I) t#ey #ad co$e )ro$ +#ere t#at (ind o) t#in0 +as done
to t#e$5 +#o +as to say t#ey +ere not t#e (ind t#at +ould also do it to ot#ers3 T#e +idt# and
readt# o) t#is 9uestion nearly s#oo( #er6 Her sto$ac# tre$led as i) t#ere #ad een a sli0#t
9ua(e in t#e #eart o) t#e $ountain and auto$atically s#e $o-ed do+n )ro$ #er ele-ation and
+ent )or+ard to e introduced to t#e$5 as i) s#e $eant to )ind out at once +#at t#ey +ere
ca'ale o)6
S#e a''roac#ed5 sto$ac# )ore$ost5 #ead ac(5 ar$s )olded5 oots )lo''in0 0ently a0ainst
#er lar0e le0s6 *out )i)teen )eet )ro$ t#e 0esticulatin0 0rou'5 s#e sto''ed and $ade #er
'resence )elt y trainin0 #er 0aEe on t#e ac( o) Mrs6 Mcintyres nec(6 Mrs6 Mcintyre +as a
s$all +o$an o) si"ty +it# a round +rin(led )ace and red an0s t#at ca$e al$ost do+n to t+o
#i0# oran0eHcolored 'enciled eyero+s6 S#e #ad a little dolls $out# and eyes t#at +ere a so)t
lue +#en s#e o'ened t#e$ +ide ut $ore li(e steel or 0ranite +#en s#e narro+ed t#e$ to
ins'ect a $il( can6 S#e #ad uried one #usand and di-orced t+o and Mrs6 S#ortley res'ected
#er as a 'erson noody #ad 'ut anyt#in0 o-er on yetIe"ce't5 #a5 #a5 'er#a's t#e S#ortleys6
S#e #eld out #er ar$ in Mrs6 S#ortleys direction and said to t#e Rudol'# oy5 8*nd t#is is Mrs6
S#ortley6 Mr6 S#ortley is $y dairy$an6 &#eres Mr6 S#ortley5: s#e as(ed as #is +i)e e0an to
a''roac# a0ain5 #er ar$s still )olded6 8I +ant #i$ to $eet t#e !uiEacs6:
/o+ it +as !uiEac6 S#e +asnt callin0 t#e$ !ole#oo( to t#eir )ace6 8C#anceys at t#e
arn5: Mrs6 S#ortley said6 8He dont #a-e ti$e to rest #i$sel) in t#e us#es li(e t#e$ ni00ers
o-er t#ere6:
Her loo( )irst 0raEed t#e to's o) t#e dis'laced 'eo'les #eads and t#en re-ol-ed do+n+ards
slo+ly5 t#e +ay a uEEard 0lides and dro's in t#e air until it ali0#ts on t#e carcass6 S#e stood )ar
enou0# a+ay so t#at t#e $an +ould not e ale to (iss #er #and6 He loo(ed directly at #er +it#
little 0reen eyes and 0a-e #er a road 0rin t#at +as toot#less on one side6 Mrs6 S#ortley5
+it#out s$ilin05 turned #er attention to t#e little 0irl +#o stood y t#e $ot#er5 s+in0in0 #er
s#oulders )ro$ side to side6 S#e #ad lon0 raided #air in t+o loo'ed 'i0tails and t#ere +as no
denyin0 s#e +as a 'retty c#ild e-en i) s#e did #a-e a u0s na$e6 S#e +as etter loo(in0 t#an
eit#er *nnie Maude or Sara# Mae5 Mrs6 S#ortleys t+o 0irls 0oin0 on )i)teen and se-enteen ut
*nnie Maude #ad ne-er 0ot #er 0ro+t# and Sara# Mae #ad a cast in #er eye6 S#e co$'ared t#e
)orei0n oy to #er son5 H6 C65 and H6 C6 ca$e out )ar a#ead6 H6 C6 +as t+enty years old +it# #er
uild and eye0lasses6 He +as 0oin0 to %ile sc#ool no+ and +#en #e )inis#ed #e +as 0oin0 to
start #i$ a c#urc#6 He #ad a stron0 s+eet -oice )or #y$ns and could sell anyt#in06 Mrs6
S#ortley loo(ed at t#e 'riest and +as re$inded t#at t#ese 'eo'le did not #a-e an ad-anced
reli0ion6 T#ere +as no tellin0 +#at all t#ey elie-ed since none o) t#e )oolis#ness #ad een
re)or$ed out o) it6 *0ain s#e sa+ t#e roo$ 'iled #i0# +it# odies6
T#e 'riest s'o(e in a )orei0n +ay #i$sel)5 En0lis# ut as i) #e #ad a t#roat)ul o) #ay6 He #ad
a i0 nose and a ald rectan0ular )ace and #ead6 &#ile s#e +as oser-in0 #i$5 #is lar0e $out#
dro''ed o'en and +it# a stare e#ind #er5 #e said5 8*rrrrrrrS: and 'ointed6
Mrs6 S#ortley s'un around6 T#e 'eacoc( +as standin0 a )e+ )eet e#ind #er5 +it# #is #ead
sli0#tly coc(ed6
8&#at a eauti)ul irdrrrdS: t#e 'riest $ur$ured6
8*not#er $out# to )eed5: Mrs6 Mcintyre said5 0lancin0 in t#e 'ea)o+ls direction6
8*nd +#en does #e raise #is s'lendid tail3: *s(ed t#e 'riest6
84ust +#en it suits #i$5: s#e said6 8T#ere used to e t+enty or t#irty o) t#ose t#in0s on t#e
'lace ut I-e let t#e$ die o))6 I dont li(e to #ear t#e$ screa$ in t#e $iddle o) t#e ni0#t6:
8So eauti)ul5: t#e 'riest said6 8* tail )ull o) suns5: and #e cre't )or+ard on ti'toe and
loo(ed do+n on t#e irds ac( +#ere t#e 'olis#ed 0old and 0reen desi0n e0an6 T#e 'eacoc(
stood still as i) #e #ad @ust co$e do+n )ro$ so$e sunHdrenc#ed #ei0#t to e a -ision )or t#e$
all6 T#e 'riests #o$ely red )ace #un0 o-er #i$5 0lo+in0 +it# 'leasure6
Mrs6 S#ortleys $out# #ad dra+n acidly to one side6 8/ot#in0 ut a 'eac#ic(en5: s#e
$uttered6
Mrs6 Mcintyre raised #er oran0e eyero+s and e"c#an0ed a loo( +it# #er to indicate t#at
t#e old $an +as in #is second c#ild#ood6 8&ell5 +e $ust s#o+ t#e !uiEacs t#eir ne+ #o$e5:
s#e said i$'atiently and s#e #erded t#e$ into t#e car a0ain6 T#e 'eacoc( ste''ed o)) to+ard
t#e $ulerry tree +#ere t#e t+o /e0roes +ere #idin0 and t#e 'riest turned #is asored )ace
a+ay and 0ot in t#e car and dro-e t#e dis'laced 'eo'le do+n to t#e s#ac( t#ey +ere to occu'y6
Mrs6 S#ortley +aited until t#e car +as out o) si0#t and t#en s#e $ade #er +ay circuitously
to t#e $ulerry tree and stood aout ten )eet e#ind t#e t+o /e0roes5 one an old $an #oldin0
a uc(et #al) )ull o) cal) )eed and t#e ot#er a yello+is# oy +it# a s#ort +oodc#uc(Hli(e #ead
'us#ed into a rounded )elt #at6 8&ell5: s#e said slo+ly5 8ya+l #a-e loo(ed lon0 enou0#6 &#at
you t#in( aout t#e$3:
T#e old $an5 *stor5 raised #i$sel)6 8&e een +atc#in05: #e said as i) t#is +ould e ne+s to
#er6 8&#o t#ey no+3:
8T#ey co$e )ro$ o-er t#e +ater5: Mrs6 S#ortley said +it# a +a-e o) #er ar$6 8T#eyre +#at
is called .is'laced Persons6:
8.is'laced Persons5: #e said6 8&ell no+6 I declare6 &#at do t#at $ean3:
8It $eans t#ey aint +#ere t#ey +ere orn at and t#eres no+#ere )or t#e$ to 0oIli(e i)
you +as run out o) #ere and +ouldnt noody #a-e you6:
8It see$ li(e t#ey #ere5 t#ou0#5: t#e old $an said in a re)lecti-e -oice6 8I) t#ey #ere5 t#ey
so$e+#ere6:
8S#o is5: t#e ot#er a0reed6 8T#ey #ere6:
T#e illo0ic o) /e0roHt#in(in0 al+ays ir(ed Mrs6 S#ortley6 8T#ey aint +#ere t#ey elon0 to e
at5: s#e said6 8T#ey elon0 to e ac( o-er yonder +#ere e-eryt#in0 is still li(e t#ey een used
to6 O-er #ere its $ore ad-anced t#an +#ere t#ey co$e )ro$6 %ut ya+l etter loo( out no+5:
s#e said and nodded #er #ead6 8T#eres aout ten $illion illion $ore @ust li(e t#e$ and I (no+
+#at Mrs6 McIntyre said6:
8Say +#at3: t#e youn0 one as(ed6
8Places are not easy to 0et no+adays5 )or +#ite or lac(5 ut I rec(on I #eard +#at s#e
stated to $e5: s#e said in a sin0Hson0 -oice6
8,ou liale to #ear $ost anyt#in05: t#e old $an re$ar(ed5 leanin0 )or+ard as i) #e +ere
aout to +al( o)) ut #oldin0 #i$sel) sus'ended6
8I #eard #er say5 AT#is is 0oin0 to 'ut t#e Fear o) t#e Lord into t#ose s#i)tless ni00ersS: Mrs6
S#ortley said in a rin0in0 -oice6
T#e old $an started o))6 8S#e say so$et#in0 li(e t#at e-ery no+ and t#en5: #e said6 8Ha5 Ha6
,es indeed6:
8,ou etter 0et on in t#at arn and #el' Mr6 S#ortley5: s#e said to t#e ot#er one6 8&#at
you rec(on s#e 'ays you )or3:
8He t#e one sent $e out5: t#e /e0ro $uttered6 8He t#e one 0i$$e so$et#in0 else to do6:
8&ell you etter 0et to doin0 it t#en5: s#e said and stood t#ere until #e $o-ed o))6 T#en
s#e stood a +#ile lon0er5 re)lectin05 #er unseein0 eyes directly in )ront o) t#e 'eacoc(s tail6 He
#ad @u$'ed into t#e tree and #is tail #un0 in )ront o) #er5 )ull o) )ierce 'lanets +it# eyes t#at
+ere eac# rin0ed in 0reen and set a0ainst a sun t#at +as 0old in one seconds li0#t and sal$onH
colored in t#e ne"t6 S#e $i0#t #a-e een loo(in0 at a $a' o) t#e uni-erse ut s#e didnt notice
it any $ore t#an s#e did t#e s'ots o) s(y t#at crac(ed t#e dull 0reen o) t#e tree6 S#e +as #a-in0
an inner -ision instead6 S#e +as seein0 t#e ten $illion illion o) t#e$ 'us#in0 t#eir +ay into
ne+ 'laces o-er #ere and #ersel)5 a 0iant an0el +it# +in0s as +ide as a #ouse5 tellin0 t#e
/e0roes t#at t#ey +ould #a-e to )ind anot#er 'lace6 S#e turned #ersel) in t#e direction o) t#e
arn5 $usin0 on t#is5 #er e"'ression lo)ty and satis)ied6
S#e a''roac#ed t#e arn )ro$ an oli9ue an0le t#at allo+ed #er a loo( in t#e door e)ore
s#e could e seen #ersel)6 Mr6 C#ancey S#ortley +as ad@ustin0 t#e last $il(in0 $ac#ine on a
lar0e lac( and +#ite s'otted co+ near t#e entrance5 s9uattin0 at #er #eels6 T#ere +as aout a
#al)Hinc# o) ci0arette ad#erin0 to t#e center o) #is lo+er li'6 Mrs6 S#ortley oser-ed it $inutely
)or #al) a second6 8I) s#e seen or #eard o) you s$o(in0 in t#is arn5 s#e +ould lo+ a )use5: s#e
said6
Mr6 S#ortley raised a s#ar'ly rutted )ace containin0 a +as#out under eac# c#ee( and t+o
lon0 cre-ices eaten do+n ot# sides o) #is listered $out#6 8,ou 0onter e t#e one to tell #er3:
#e as(ed6
8S#es 0ot a nose o) #er o+n5: Mrs6 S#ortley said6
Mr6 S#ortley5 +it#out: a''earin0 to 0i-e t#e )eat any consideration5 li)ted t#e ci0arette stu
+it# t#e s#ar' end o) #is ton0ue5 dre+ it into #is $out#5 closed #is li's ti0#tly5 rose5 ste''ed
out5 0a-e #is +i)e a 0ood round a''reciati-e stare5 and s'it t#e s$olderin0 utt into t#e 0rass6
8*+ C#ancey5: s#e said5 8#a+ #a+5: and s#e du0 a little #ole )or it +it# #er toe and co-ered
it u'6 T#is tric( o) Mr6 S#ortleys +as actually #is +ay o) $a(in0 lo-e to #er6 &#en #e #ad done
#is courtin05 #e #ad not rou0#t a 0uitar to stru$ or anyt#in0 'retty )or #er to (ee'5 ut #ad
sat on #er 'orc# ste's5 not sayin0 a +ord5 i$itatin0 a 'aralyEed $an 'ro''ed u' to en@oy a
ci0arette6 &#en t#e ci0arette 0ot t#e 'ro'er siEe5 #e +ould turn #is eyes to #er and o'en #is
$out# and dra+ in t#e utt and t#en sit t#ere as i) #e #ad s+allo+ed it5 loo(in0 at #er +it# t#e
$ost lo-in0 loo( anyody could i$a0ine6 It nearly dro-e #er +ild and e-ery ti$e #e did it5 s#e
+anted to 'ull #is #at do+n o-er #is eyes and #u0 #i$ to deat#6
8&ell5: s#e said5 0oin0 into t#e arn a)ter #i$5 8t#e !ole#oo(s #a-e co$e and s#e +ants
you to $eet t#e$5 says5 A&#eres Mr6 S#ortley3 and I says5 AHe dont #a-e ti$eB:
8Tote u' t#e$ +ei0#ts5: Mr6 S#ortley said5 s9uattin0 to t#e co+ a0ain6
8,ou rec(on #e can dri-e a tractor +#en #e dont (no+ En0lis#3: s#e as(ed6 8I dont t#in(
s#es 0oin0 to 0et #er $oneys +ort# out o) t#e$6 T#at oy can tal( ut #e loo(s delicate6 T#e
one can +or( cant tal( and t#e one can tal( cant +or(6 S#e aint any etter o)) t#an i) s#e #ad
$ore ni00ers6
8I rat#er #a-e a ni00er i) it +as $e5: Mr6 S#ortley said6
8S#e says its ten $illion $ore li(e t#e$6 .is'laced Persons5 s#e says t#at t#ere 'riest can
0et #er all s#e +ants6:
8S#e etter 9uit $essin +it# t#at t#ere 'riest5: Mr6 S#ortley said6
8He dont loo( s$art5: Mrs6 S#ortley said5 8I(ind o) )oolis#6:
8I aint 0oin0 to #a-e t#e Po'e o) Ro$e tell $e #o+ to run no dairy5: Mr6 S#ortley said6
8T#ey aint EyeHtalians5 t#eyre Poles5: s#e said6 8Fro$ Poland +#ere all t#e$ odies +ere
stac(ed u' at6 ,ou re$e$er all t#e$ odies3:
8I 0i-e t#e$ t#ree +ee(s #ere5: Mr6 S#ortley said6
T#ree +ee(s later Mrs6 McIntyre and Mrs6 S#ortley dro-e to t#e cane otto$ to see Mr6
!uiEac start to o'erate t#e sila0e cutter5 a ne+ $ac#ine t#at Mrs6 McIntyre #ad @ust ou0#t
ecause s#e said5 )or t#e )irst ti$e5 s#e #ad so$eody +#o could o'erate it6 Mr6 !uiEac could
dri-e a tractor5 use t#e rotary #ayHaler5 t#e sila0e cutter5 t#e co$ine5 t#e letE $ill5 or any
ot#er $ac#ine s#e #ad on t#e 'lace6 He +as an e"'ert $ec#anic5 a car'enter5 and a $ason6 He
+as t#ri)ty and ener0etic6 Mrs6 McIntyre said s#e )i0ured #e +ould sa-e #er t+enty dollars a
$ont# on re'air ills alone6 S#e said 0ettin0 #i$ +as t#e est days +or( s#e #ad e-er done in
#er li)e6 He could +or( $il(in0 $ac#ines and #e +as scru'ulously clean6 He did not s$o(e6
S#e 'ar(ed #er car on t#e ed0e o) t#e cane )ield and t#ey 0ot out6 Sul(5 t#e youn0 /e0ro5
+as attac#in0 t#e +a0on to t#e cutter and Mr6 !uiEac +as attac#in0 t#e cutter to t#e tractor6
He )inis#ed )irst and 'us#ed t#e colored oy out o) t#e +ay and attac#ed t#e +a0on to t#e
cutter #i$sel)5 0esticulatin0 +it# a ri0#t an0ry )ace +#en #e +anted t#e #a$$er or t#e
scre+dri-er6 /ot#in0 +as done 9uic( enou0# to suit #i$6 T#e /e0roes $ade #i$ ner-ous6
T#e +ee( e)ore5 #e #ad co$e u'on Sul( at t#e dinner #our5 snea(in0 +it# a cro(er sac(
into t#e 'en +#ere t#e youn0 tur(eys +ere6 He #ad +atc#ed #i$ ta(e a )ryin0HsiEe tur(ey )ro$
t#e lot and t#rust it in t#e sac( and 'ut t#e sac( under #is coat6 T#en #e #ad )ollo+ed #i$
around t#e arn5 @u$'ed on #i$5 dra00ed #i$ to Mrs6 McIntyres ac( door and #ad acted out
t#e entire scene )or #er5 +#ile t#e /e0ro $uttered and 0ru$led and said !od $i0#t stri(e #i$
dead i) #e #ad een stealin0 any tur(ey5 #e #ad only een ta(in0 it to 'ut so$e lac( s#oe
'olis# on its #ead ecause it #ad t#e sore#ead6 !od $i0#t stri(e #i$ dead i) t#at +as not t#e
trut# e)ore 4esus6 Mrs6 McIntyre told #i$ to 0o 'ut t#e tur(ey ac( and t#en s#e +as a lon0
ti$e e"'lainin0 to t#e Pole t#at all /e0roes +ould steal6 S#e )inally #ad to call Rudol'# and tell
#i$ in En0lis# and #a-e #i$ tell #is )at#er in Polis#5 and Mr6 !uiEac #ad 0one o)) +it# a startled
disa''ointed )ace6
Mrs6 S#ortley stood y #o'in0 t#ere +ould e troule +it# t#e sila0e $ac#ine ut t#ere
+as none6 *ll o) Mr6 CuiEacs $otions +ere 9uic( and accurate6 He @u$'ed on t#e tractor li(e a
$on(ey and $aneu-ered t#e i0 oran0e cutter into t#e laneD in a second t#e sila0e +as
s'urtin0 in a 0reen @et out o) t#e 'i'e into t#e +a0on6 He +ent @oltin0 do+n t#e ro+ until #is
disa''eared )ro$ si0#t and t#e noise eca$e re$ote6
Mrs6 McIntyre si0#ed +it# 'leasure6 8*t Last5: s#e said5 8I-e 0ot so$eody I can de'end
on6 For years I-e een )oolin0 +it# sorry 'eo'le6 Sorry 'eo'le6 Poor +#ite tras# and ni00ers5:
s#e $uttered6 8T#ey-e drained $e dry6 %e)ore you all ca$e I #ad Rin0)ields and Collins and
4arrells and Per(ins and Pin(ins and Herrins and !od (no+s +#at all else and not a one o) t#e$
le)t +it#out ta(in0 so$et#in0 o)) t#is 'lace t#at didnt elon0 to t#e$6 /ot a oneS:
Mrs6 S#ortley could listen to t#is +it# co$'osure ecause s#e (ne+ t#at i) Mrs6 McIntyre
#ad considered #er tras#5 t#ey couldnt #a-e tal(ed aout tras#y 'eo'le to0et#er6 /eit#er o)
t#e$ a''ro-ed o) tras#6 Mrs6 McIntyre continued +it# t#e $onolo0ue t#at Mrs6 S#ortley #ad
#eard o)tenti$es e)ore6 8I-e een runnin0 t#is 'lace )or t#irty years5: s#e said5 loo(in0 +it# a
dee' )ro+n out o-er t#e )ield5 8and al+ays @ust arely $a(in0 it6 Peo'le t#in( youre $ade o)
$oney6 I #a-e ta"es to 'ay6 I #a-e t#e insurance to (ee' u'6 I #a-e t#e re'air ills6 I #a-e t#e
)eed ills6: It all 0at#ered u' and s#e stood +it# #er c#est li)ted and #er s$all #ands 0ri''ed
around #er elo+s6 8E-er since t#e 4ud0e died5: s#e said5 8I-e arely een $a(in0 ends $eet
and t#ey all ta(e so$et#in0 +#en t#ey lea-e6 T#e ni00ers dont lea-eIt#ey stay and steal6 *
ni00er t#in(s anyody is ric# #e can steal )ro$ and t#at +#ite tras# t#in(s anyody is ric# +#o
can a))ord to #ire 'eo'le as sorry as t#ey are6 *nd all I-e 0ot is t#e dirt under $y )eetS:
,ou #ire and )ire5 Mrs6 S#ortley t#ou0#t5 ut s#e didnt al+ays say +#at s#e t#ou0#t6 S#e
stood y and let Mrs6 McIntyre say it all out to t#e end ut t#is ti$e it didnt end as usual6 8%ut
at last I$ sa-edS: Mrs6 McIntyre said6 8One )ello+s $isery is t#e ot#er )ello+s 0ain6 T#at $an
t#ere5: and s#e 'ointed +#ere t#e .is'laced Person #ad disa''eared5 8I#e #as to +or(S He
+ants to +or(S: S#e turned to Mrs6 S#ortley +it# #er ri0#t +rin(led )ace6 8T#at $an is $y
sal-ationS: s#e said6
Mrs6 S#ortley loo(ed strai0#t a#ead as i) #er -ision 'enetrated t#e cane and t#e #ill and
'ierced t#rou0# to t#e ot#er side6 8I +ould sus'icion sal-ation 0ot )ro$ t#e de-il5: s#e said in a
slo+ detac#ed +ay6
8/o+ +#at do you $ean y t#at3: Mrs6 McIntyre as(ed5 loo(in0 at #er s#ar'ly6
Mrs6 S#ortley +a00ed #er #ead ut +ould not say anyt#in0 else6 T#e )act +as s#e #ad
not#in0 else to say )or t#is intuition #ad only at t#at instant co$e to #er6 S#e #ad ne-er 0i-en
$uc# t#ou0#t to t#e de-il )or s#e )elt t#at reli0ion +as essentially )or t#ose 'eo'le +#o didnt
#a-e t#e rains to a-oid e-il +it#out it6 For 'eo'le li(e #ersel)5 )or 'eo'le o) 0u$'tion5 it +as a
social occasion 'ro-idin0 t#e o''ortunity to sin0D ut i) s#e #ad e-er 0i-en it $uc# t#ou0#t5 s#e
+ould #a-e considered t#e de-il t#e #ead o) it and !od t#e #an0erHon6 &it# t#e co$in0 o)
t#ese dis'laced 'eo'le5 s#e +as oli0ed to 0i-e ne+ t#ou0#t to a 0ood $any t#in0s6
8I (no+ +#at Sled0e+i0 told *nnie Maude: s#e said5 and +#en Mrs6 McIntyre care)ully did
not as( #er +#at ut reac#ed do+n and ro(e o)) a s'ri0 o) sassa)ras to c#e+5 s#e continued in
a +ay to indicate s#e +as not tellin0 all5 8t#at t#ey +ouldnt e ale to li-e lon05 t#e )our o)
t#e$5 on se-enty dollars a $ont#6:
8Hes +ort# raisin05: Mrs6 McIntyre said6 8He sa-es $e $oney6:
T#is +as as $uc# as to say t#at C#ancey #ad ne-er sa-ed #er $oney6 C#ancey 0ot u' at
)our in t#e $ornin0 to $il( #er co+s5 in +inter +ind and su$$er #eat5 and #e #ad een doin0
it )or t#e last t+o years6 T#ey #ad een +it# #er t#e lon0est s#e #ad e-er #ad anyody6 T#e
0ratitude t#ey 0ot +as t#ese #ints t#at s#e #adnt een sa-ed any $oney6
8Is Mr6 S#ortley )eelin0 etter today3: Mrs6 McIntyre as(ed6
Mrs6 S#ortley t#ou0#t it +as aout ti$e s#e +as as(in0 t#at 9uestion6 Mr6 S#ortley #ad
een in ed t+o days +it# an attac(6 Mr6 !uiEac #ad ta(en #is 'lace in t#e dairy in addition to
doin0 #is o+n +or(6 8/o #e aint5: s#e said6 8T#at doctor said #e +as su))erin0 )ro$ o-erH
e"#austion6:
8I) Mr6 S#ortley is o-erHe"#austed5: Mrs6 McIntyre said5 8t#en #e $ust #a-e a second @o on
t#e side5: and s#e loo(ed at Mrs6 S#ortley +it# al$ost closed eyes as i) s#e +ere e"a$inin0 t#e
otto$ o) a $il( can6
Mrs6 S#ortley did not say a +ord ut #er dar( sus'icion 0re+ li(e a lac( t#under cloud6 T#e
)act +as t#at Mr6 S#ortley did #a-e a second @o on t#e side and t#at5 in a )ree country5 t#is +as
none o) Mrs6 McIntyres usiness6 Mr6 S#ortley $ade +#is(y6 He #ad a s$all still ac( in t#e
)art#est reac#es o) t#e 'lace5 on Mrs6 McIntyres land to e sure5 ut on land t#at s#e only
o+ned and did not culti-ate5 on idle land t#at +as not doin0 anyody any 0ood6 Mr6 S#ortley
+as not a)raid o) +or(6 He 0ot u' at )our in t#e $ornin0 and $il(ed #er co+s and in t#e $iddle
o) t#e day +#en #e +as su''osed to e restin05 #e +as o)) attendin0 to #is still6 /ot e-ery $an
+ould +or( li(e t#at6 T#e /e0roes (ne+ aout #is still ut #e (ne+ aout t#eirs so t#ere #ad
ne-er een any disa0reealeness et+een t#e$6 %ut +it# )orei0ners on t#e 'lace5 +it# 'eo'le
+#o +ere all eyes and no understandin05 +#o #ad co$e )ro$ a 'lace continually )i0#tin05
+#ere t#e reli0ion #ad not een re)or$edI+it# t#is (ind o) 'eo'le5 you #ad to e on t#e
loo(out e-ery $inute6 S#e t#ou0#t t#ere ou0#t to e a la+ a0ainst t#e$6 T#ere +as no reason
t#ey couldnt stay o-er t#ere and ta(e t#e 'laces o) so$e o) t#e 'eo'le +#o #ad een (illed in
t#eir +ars and utc#erin0s6
8&#ats )urt#er$ore5: s#e said suddenly5 8Sled0e+i0 said as soon as #er 'a'a sa-ed t#e
$oney5 #e +as 0oin0 to uy #i$ a used car6 Once t#ey 0et t#e$ a used car5 t#eyll lea-e you6:
8I cant 'ay #i$ enou0# )or #i$ to sa-e $oney5: Mrs6 McIntyre said6 8I$ not +orryin0
aout t#at6 O) course5: s#e said t#en5 8i) Mr6 S#ortley 0ot inca'acitated5 I +ould #a-e to use
Mr6 !uiEac in t#e dairy all t#e ti$e and I +ould #a-e to 'ay #i$ $ore6 He doesnt s$o(e5: s#e
said5 and it +as t#e )i)t# ti$e +it#in t#e +ee( t#at s#e #ad 'ointed t#is out6
8It is no $an5: Mrs6 S#ortley said e$'#atically5 8t#at +or(s as #ard as C#ancey5 or is as easy
+it# a co+5 or is $ore o) a C#ristian5: and s#e )olded #er ar$s and #er 0aEe 'ierced t#e
distance6 T#e noise o) t#e tractor and cutter increased and Mr6 !uiEac a''eared co$in0 around
t#e ot#er side o) t#e cane ro+6 8&#ic# can not e said aout e-eryody5: s#e $uttered6 S#e
+ondered +#et#er5 i) t#e Pole )ound C#anceys still5 #e +ould (no+ +#at it +as6 T#e troule
+it# t#ese 'eo'le +as5 you couldnt tell +#at t#ey (ne+6 E-ery ti$e Mr6 !uiEac s$iled5 Euro'e
stretc#ed out in Mrs6 S#ortleys i$a0ination5 $ysterious and e-il5 t#e de-ils e"'eri$ent
station6
T#e tractor5 t#e cutter5 t#e +a0on 'assed5 rattlin0 and ru$lin0 and 0rindin0 e)ore t#e$6
8T#in( #o+ lon0 t#at +ould #a-e ta(en +it# $en and $ules to do it5: Mrs6 McIntyre s#outed6
8&ell 0et t#is +#ole otto$ cut +it#in t+o days at t#is rate6:
8Maye5: Mrs6 S#ortley $uttered5 8i) dont no terrile accident occur6: S#e t#ou0#t #o+
t#e tractor #ad $ade $ules +ort#less6 /o+adays you couldnt 0i-e a+ay a $ule6 T#e ne"t
t#in0 to 0o5 s#e re$inded #ersel)5 +ill e ni00ers6
In t#e a)ternoon s#e e"'lained +#at +as 0oin0 to #a''en to t#e$ to *stor and Sul( +#o
+ere in t#e co+ lot5 )illin0 t#e $anure s'reader6 S#e sat do+n ne"t to t#e loc( o) salt under a
s$all s#ed5 #er sto$ac# in #er la'5 #er ar$s on to' o) it6 8*ll you colored 'eo'le etter loo(
out5: s#e said6 8,ou (no+ #o+ $uc# you can 0et )or a $ule6:
8/ot#in05 no indeed5: t#e old $an said5 8not one t#in06:
8%e)ore it +as a tractor5: s#e said5 8it could e a $ule6 *nd e)ore it +as a .is'laced
Person5 it could e a ni00er6 T#e ti$e is 0oin0 to co$e5: s#e 'ro'#esied5 8+#en it +ont e no
$ore occasion to s'ea( o) a ni00er6:
T#e old $an lau0#ed 'olitely6 8,es indeed: #e said6 8Ha #a6:
T#e youn0 one didnt say anyt#in06 He only loo(ed sullen ut +#en s#e #ad 0one in t#e
#ouse5 #e said5 8%i0 %elly act li(e s#e (no+ e-eryt#in06:
8/e-er $ind5: t#e old $an said5 8your 'lace too lo+ )or anyody to dis'ute +it# you )or it6:
S#e didnt tell #er )ears aout t#e still to Mr6 S#ortley until #e +as ac( on t#e @o in t#e
dairy6 T#en one ni0#t a)ter t#ey +ere in ed5 s#e said5 8T#at $an 'ro+ls6:
Mr6 S#ortley )olded #is #ands on #is ony c#est and 'retended #e +as a cor'se6
8Pro+ls5: s#e continued and 0a-e #i$ a s#ar' (ic( in t#e side +it# #er (nee6 8&#os to say
+#at t#ey (no+ and dont (no+3 &#os to say i) #e )ound it #e +ouldnt 0o ri0#t to #er and
tell3 Ho+ you (no+ t#ey dont $a(e li9uor in Euro'e3 T#ey dri-e tractors6 T#ey 0ot t#e$ all
(inds o) $ac#inery6 *ns+er $e6:
8.ont +orry $e no+5: Mr6 S#ortle- said6 8I$ a dead $an6:
8Its t#e$ little eyes o) #is t#ats )orei0n6: S#e $uttered6 8*nd t#at +ay #es 0ot o)
s#ru00in06: S#e dre+ #er s#oulders u' and s#ru00ed se-eral ti$es6 8Ho+ co$e #es 0ot
e-eryt#in0 to s#ru0 aout3: s#e as(ed6
8I) e-eryody +as as dead as I a$5 noody +ould #a-e no troule5: Mr6 S#ortley said6
8T#at 'riest5: s#e $uttered and +as silent or a $inute6 T#en s#e said5 8In Euro'e t#ey
'roaly 0ot so$e di))erent +ay to $a(e li9uor ut I rec(on t#ey (no+ all t#e +ays6 T#eyre
)ull o) croo(ed +ays6 T#ey ne-er #a-e ad-anced or re)or$ed6 T#ey 0ot t#e sa$e reli0ion as a
t#ousand years a0o6 It could only e t#e de-il res'onsile )or t#at6 *l+ays )i0#tin0 a$on0st
eac# ot#er6 .is'utin06 *nd t#en 0et us into it6 *int t#ey 0ot us into it t+ict already and +e aint
0ot no $ore sense t#an to 0o o-er t#ere and settle it )or t#e$ and t#en t#ey co$e on ac(
o-er #ere and snoo' around and )ind your still and 0o strai0#t to #er6 *nd liale to (iss #er
#and any $inute6 .o you #ear $e3:
8/o5: Mr6 S#ortley said6
8*nd Ill tell you anot#er t#in05: s#e said6 A I +ouldnt e at all sur'rised i) #e dont (no+
e-eryt#in0 you say6 +#et#er it e in En0lis# or not6:
8I dont s'ea( no ot#er lan0ua0e5: Mr6 S#ortley $ur$ured6
8I sus'ect5: s#e said5 8t#at e)ore lon0 t#ere +ont e no $ore ni00ers on t#is 'lace6 *nd I
tell you +#at6 Id rat#er #a-e ni00ers t#an t#e$ Poles6 *nd +#ats )urt#er$ore5 I ai$ to ta(e u'
)or t#e ni00ers +#en t#e ti$e co$es6 &#en !ole#oo( )irst co$e #ere5 you recollect #o+ #e
s#oo( t#eir #ands6 li(e #e didnt (no+ t#e di))erence5 li(e #e $i0#t #a-e een as lac( as t#e$5
ut +#en it co$e to )indin0 out Sul( +as ta(in0 tur(eys5 #e 0one on and told #er6 I (no+n #e
+as ta(in0 tur(eys6 I could #a-e told #er $ysel)6:
Mr6 S#ortley +as reat#in0 so)tly as i) #e +ere aslee'6
8* ni00er dont (no+ +#en #e #as a )riend5: S#e said6 8*nd Ill tell you anot#er t#in06 I 0et a
#ea' out o) Sled0e+i06 Sled0e+i0 said t#at in Poland t#ey li-ed in a ric( #ouse and one ni0#t a
$an co$e and told t#e$ to 0et out o) it e)ore dayli0#t6 .o you elie-e t#ey e-er li-ed in a
ric( #ouse3
8*irs5: s#e said6 8T#ats 4ust airs6 * +ooden #ouse is 0ood enou0# )or $e6 C#ancey5: s#e
said5 8turn t#isa+ay:5 I #ate to see ni00ers $istreated and run out6 I #a-e a #ea' o) 'ity )or
ni00ers and 'oor )ol(s6 *int I al+ays #ad3: s#e as(ed6 8I say aint I al+ays een a )riend to
ni00ers and 'oor )ol(3
8&#en t#e ti$e co$es5: s#e said5 8Ill stand u' )or t#e ni00ers and t#ats t#at6 I aint 0oin0
to see t#at 'riest dri-e out all t#e ni00ers6:
Mrs6 McIntyre ou0#t a ne+ dra0 #arro+ and a tractor +it# a 'o+er li)t ecause s#e said5
)or t#e )irst ti$e5 s#e #ad so$e one +#o could #andle $ac#inery6 S#e and Mrs S#ortley #ad
dri-en to t#e ac( )ield to ins'ect +#at #e #ad #arro+ed t#e day e)ore6 8T#ats een done
eauti)ullyS: Mrs6 McIntyre said5 loo(in0 out o-er #e red undulatin0 0round6
Mrs6 McIntyre #ad c#an0ed since t#e t .is'laced Person #ad +or(in0 )or #er and Mrs6
S#ortley #ad oser-ed t#e c#an0e -ery closely: s#e #ad e0un to act li(e so$eody +#o +as
0ettin0 ric# secretly and s#e didnt con)ide in Mrs6 S#ortley t#e +ay s#e used to6 Mrs6 S#ortley
sus'ected t#at t#e 'riest +as at t#e otto$ o) t#e c#an0e6 T#ey +ere -ery slic(6 First #e +ould
0et #er into #is C#urc# and t#en #e +ould 0et #is #and in #er 'oc(etoo(6 &ell5 Mrs6 S#ortley
t#ou0#t5 t#e $ore )ool s#eS Mrs6 S#ortley #ad a secret #ersel)6 S#e (ne+ so$et#in0 t#e
.is'laced Person +as doin0 t#at +ould )loor Mrs6 McIntyre6 8I still say #e aint 0oin0 to +or(
)ore-er )or se-enty dollars a $ont#5: s#e $ur$ured6 S#e intended to (ee' #er secret to #ersel)
and Mr6 S#ortley6
8&ell5: Mrs6 McIntyre said5 8I $ay #a-e to 0et rid o) so$e o) t#is ot#er #el' so I can 'ay #i$
$ore6:
Mrs6 S#ortley nodded to indicate s#e #ad (no+n t#is )or so$e ti$e6 A AI$ not sayin0 t#ose
ni00ers aint #ad it co$in05: s#e said6 8%ut t#ey do t#e est t#ey (no+ #o+6 ,ou can al+ays tell
a ni00er +#at to do and stand y until #e does it6:
8T#ats +#at t#e 4ud0e said5: Mrs6 McIntyre said and loo(ed at #er +it# a''ro-al6 T#e 4ud0e
+as #er )irst #usand5 t#e one +#o #ad le)t #er t#e 'lace6 Mrs6 S#ortley #ad #eard t#at s#e #ad
$arried #i$ +#en s#e +as t#irty and #e +as se-entyH)i-e5 t#in(in0 s#e +ould e ric# as soon as
#e died5 ut t#e old $an +as a scoundrel and +#en #is estate +as settled5 t#ey )ound #e didnt
#a-e a nic(el6 *ll #e le)t #er +ere t#e )i)ty acres and t#e #ouse6 %ut s#e al+ays s'o(e o) #i$ in a
re-erent +ay and 9uoted #is sayin0s5 suc# as5 8One )ello+s $isery is t#e ot#er )ello+s 0ain5:
and 8T#e de-il you (no+ is etter t#an t#e de-il you dont6:
8Ho+e-er5: Mrs6 S#ortley re$ar(ed5 8t#e de-il you (no+ is etter t#an t#e de-il you dont5:
and s#e #ad to turn a+ay so t#at Mrs6 McIntyre +ould not see #er s$ile6 S#e #ad )ound out
+#at t#e .is'laced Person +as u' to t#rou0# t#e old $an5 *stor5 and s#e #ad not told anyody
ut Mr6 S#ortley6 Mr6 S#ortley #ad risen strai0#t u' in ed li(e LaEarus )ro$ t#e to$6
8S#ut your $out#S: #e #ad said6
8,es5: s#e #ad said6
8/a+S: Mr6 S#ortley #ad said6
8,es5: s#e #ad said6
Mr6 S#ortley #ad )allen ac( )lat6
8T#e Pole dont (no+ any etter5: Mrs6 S#ortley #ad said6 8I rec(on t#at 'riest is 'uttin0
#i$ u' to it is all6 I la$e t#e 'riest6:
T#e 'riest ca$e )re9uently to see t#e !uiEacs and #e +ould al+ays sto' in and -isit Mrs6
McIntyre too and t#ey +ould +al( around t#e 'lace and s#e +ould 'oint out #er i$'ro-e$ents
and listen to #is rattlin0 tal(6 It suddenly ca$e to Mrs6 S#ortley t#at #e +as tryin0 to 'ersuade
#er to rin0 anot#er Polis# )a$ily onto t#e 'lace6 &it# t+o o) t#e$ #ere5 t#ere +ould e
al$ost not#in0 s'o(en ut Polis#S T#e /e0roes +ould e 0one and t#ere +ould e t#e t+o
)a$ilies a0ainst Mr6 S#ortley and #ersel)S S#e e0an to i$a0ine a +ar o) +ords5 to see t#e
Polis# +ords and t#e En0lis# +ords co$in0 at eac# ot#er5 stal(in0 )or+ard5 not sentences5 @ust
+ords5 0ale 0ale 0ale5 )lun0 out #i0# and s#rill and stal(in0 )or+ard and t#en 0ra''lin0
+it# eac# ot#er6 S#e sa+ t#e Polis# +ords5 dirty and allH(no+in0 and unre)or$ed5 )lin0in0 $ud
on t#e clean En0lis# +ords until e-eryt#in0 +as e9ually dirty6 S#e sa+ t#e$ all 'iled u' in a
roo$5 all t#e dead dirty +ords5 t#eirs and #ers too5 'iled u' li(e t#e na(ed odies in t#e
ne+sreel6 !od sa-e $e5 s#e cried silently5 )ro$ t#e stin(in0 'o+er o) SatanS *nd s#e started
)ro$ t#at day to read #er %ile +it# a ne+ attention6 S#e 'oured o-er t#e *'ocaly'se and
e0an to 9uote )ro$ t#e Pro'#ets and e)ore lon0 s#e #ad co$e to a dee'er understandin0 o)
#er e"istence6 S#e sa+ 'lainly t#at t#e $eanin0 o) t#e +orld +as a $ystery t#at #ad een
'lanned and s#e +as not sur'rised to sus'ect t#at s#e #ad a s'ecial 'art in t#e 'lan ecause
s#e +as stron06 S#e sa+ t#at t#e Lord !od *l$i0#ty #ad created t#e stron0 'eo'le to do +#at
#ad to e done and s#e )elt t#at s#e +ould e ready +#en s#e +as called6 Ri0#t no+ s#e )elt
t#at #er usiness +as to +atc# t#e 'riest6
His -isits ir(ed #er $ore and $ore6 On t#e last one5 #e +ent aout 'ic(in0 u' )eat#ers o))
t#e 0round6 He )ound t+o 'eacoc( )eat#ers and )our or )i-e tur(ey )eat#ers and an old ro+n
#en )eat#er and too( t#e$ o)) +it# #i$ li(e a ou9uet6 T#is )oolis# actin0 did not decei-e Mrs6
S#anley any6 Here #e +as: leadin0 )orei0ners o-er in #ordes to 'laces t#at +ere not t#eirs5 to
cause dis'utes5 to u'root ni00ers5 to 'lant t#e &#ore o) %aylon in t#e $idst o) t#e ri0#teousS
&#ene-er #e ca$e on t#e 'lace5 s#e #id #ersel) e#ind so$et#in0 and +atc#ed until #e le)t6
It +as on a Sunday a)ternoon t#at s#e #ad #er -ision6 S#e #ad 0one to dri-e in t#e co+s )or
Mr6 S#ortley +#o #ad a 'ain in #is (nee and s#e +as +al(in0 slo+ly t#rou0# t#e 'asture5 #er
ar$s )olded5 #er eyes on t#e distant lo+lyin0 clouds t#at loo(ed li(e ro+s and ro+s o) +#ite
)is# +as#ed u' on a 0reat lue eac#6 S#e 'aused a)ter an incline to #ea-e a si0# o) e"#austion
)or s#e #ad an i$$ense +ei0#t to carry around and s#e +as not as youn0 as s#e used to e6 *t
ti$es s#e could )eel #er #eart5 li(e a c#ilds )ist5 clenc#in0 and unclenc#in0 inside #er c#est5 aid
+#en t#e )eelin0 ca$e5 it sto''ed #er t#ou0#t alto0et#er and s#e +ould 0o aout li(e a lar0e
#ull o) #ersel)5 $o-in0 )or no reasonD ut s#e 0ained t#is incline +it#out a tre$or and stood at
t#e to' o) it5 'leased +it# #ersel)6 Suddenly +#ile s#e +atc#ed5 t#e s(y )olded ac( in t+o
'ieces li(e t#e curtain to a sta0e and a 0i0antic: )i0ure stood )acin0 #er6 It +as t#e color o) t#e
sun in t#e early a)ternoon5 +#iteH0old6 It +as o) no de)inite s#a'e ut t#ere +ere )iery5 +#eels
+it# )ierce dar( eyes in t#e$5 s'innin0 ra'idly all around it6 S#e +as not ale to tell i) t#e )i0ure
+as 0oin0 )or+ard or ac(+ard ecause its $a0ni)icence +as so 0reat6 S#e s#ut #er eyes in
order to loo( at it and it turned loodHred and t#e +#eels turned +#ite6 * -oice5 -ery resonant5
said t#e one +ord5 8Pro'#esyS:
S#e stood t#ere5 totterin0 sli0#tly ut still u'ri0#t5 #er eyes s#ut ti0#t and #er )ists clenc#ed
and #er stra+ #at lo+ on #er )ore#ead6 8T#e c#ildren o) +ic(ed nations +ill e utc#ered5: s#e
said in a loud -oice6 8Le0s +#ere ar$s s#ould e5 )oot to )ace5 ear in t#e 'al$ o) #and6 &#o +ill
re$ain +#ole3 &#o +ill re$ain +#ole3 &#o3:
Presently s#e o'ened #er eyes6 T#e s(y +as )ull o) +#ite )is# carried laEily on t#eir sides y
so$e in-isile current and 'ieces o) t#e sun5 su$er0ed so$e distance eyond t#e$5
a''eared )ro$ ti$e to ti$e as i) t#ey +ere ein0 +as#ed in t#e o''osite direction6 &oodenly
s#e 'lanted one )oot in )ront o) t#e ot#er until s#e #ad crossed t#e 'asture and reac#ed t#e lot6
S#e +al(ed t#rou0# t#e arn li(e one in a daEe and did not s'ea( to Mr6 S#ortley6 S#e
continued u' t#e road until s#e sa+ t#e 'riests car 'ar(ed in )ront o) Mrs6 McIntyres #ouse6
8Here a0ain5: s#e $uttered6 8Co$e to destroy6:
Mrs6 McIntyre and t#e 'riest +ere +al(in0 in t#e yard6 In order not to $eet t#e$ )ace to
)ace5 s#e turned to t#e le)t and entered t#e )eed #ouse5 a sin0leHroo$ s#ac( 'iled on one side
+it# )lo+ered sac(s o) scratc# )eed6 T#ere +ere s'illed oyster s#ells in one corner and a )e+ old
dirty calendars on t#e +all5 ad-ertisin0 cal) )eed and -arious 'atent $edicine re$edies6 One
s#o+ed a earded 0entle$an in a )roc( coat5 #oldin0 u' a ottle5 and eneat# #is )eet +as t#e
inscri'tion5 8I #a-e een $ade re0ular y t#is $ar-elous disco-ery6: Mrs6 S#ortley #ad al+ays
)elt close to t#is $an as i) #e +ere so$e distin0uis#ed 'erson s#e +as ac9uainted +it# ut no+
#er $ind +as on not#in0 ut t#e dan0erous 'resence o) t#e 'riest6 S#e stationed #ersel) at a
crac( et+een t+o oards +#ere s#e could loo( out and see #i$ and Mrs6 McIntyre strollin0
to+ard t#e tur(ey rooder5 +#ic# +as 'laced @ust outside t#e )eed #ouse6
8*rrrrrS: #e said as t#ey a''roac#ed t#e rooder6 8Loo( at t#e little iddiesS: and #e
stoo'ed and s9uinted t#rou0# t#e +ire6
Mrs6 S#ortleys $out# t+isted6
: .o you t#in( t#e !uiEacs +ill +ant to lea-e $e3: Mrs6 McIntyre as(ed6 8.o you t#in(
t#eyll 0o to C#ica0o or so$e 'lace li(e t#at3:
8*nd +#y s#ould t#ey do t#at no+3: as(ed t#e 'riest5 +i00lin0 #is )in0er at a tur(ey5 #is i0
nose close to t#e +ire6
8Money5: Mrs6 McIntyre said6
8*rrrr5 0i-e t#e$ so$e $orrre t#en5: #e said indi))erently6 8T#ey #a-e to 0et alon06:
8So do I5: Mrs6 McIntyre $uttered6 8It $eans I$ 0oin0 to #a-e to 0et rid o) so$e o) t#ese
ot#ers6:
8*nd arrre t#e S#ortIeys satis)actory3: #e in9uired5 'ayin0 $ore attention to t#e tur(eys
t#an to #er6
8Fi-e ti$es in t#e last $ont# I-e )ound Mr6 S#ortley s$o(in0 in t#e arn5: Mrs6 McIntyre
said6 8Fi-e ti$es6:
8*nd arrre t#e /e0roes any etter3:
8T#ey lie and steal and #a-e to e +atc#ed all t#e ti$e5: s#e said6
8Ts(5 ts(5: #e said6 8&#ic# +ill you disc#ar0e3
8I-e decided to 0i-e Mr6 S#ortley #is $ont#s notice to$orro+5: Mrs6 McIntyre said6
T#e 'riest scarcely see$ed to #ear #er #e +as so usy +i00lin0 #is )in0er inside t#e +ire6
Mrs6 S#ortley sat do+n on an o'en sac( o) layin0 $as# +it# a dead t#u$' t#at sent )eed dust
cloudin0 u' around #er6 S#e )ound #ersel) loo(in0 strai0#t a#ead at t#e o''osite +all +#ere
t#e 0entle$an on t#e calendar +as #oldin0 u' #is $ar-elous disco-ery ut s#e didnt see #i$6
S#e loo(ed a#ead as i) s#e sa+ not#in0 +#atsoe-er6 T#en s#e rose and ran to #er #ouse6 Her
)ace +as an al$ost -olcanic red6
S#e o'ened all t#e dra+ers and dra00ed out o"es and old attered suitcases )ro$ under
t#e ed6 S#e e0an to unload t#e dra+ers into t#e o"es5 all t#e ti$e +it#out 'ause5 +it#out
ta(in0 o)) t#e sun#at s#e #ad on #er #ead6 S#e set t#e t+o 0irls to doin0 t#e sa$e6 &#en Mr6
S#ortley ca$e in5 s#e did not e-en loo( at #i$ ut $erely 'ointed one ar$ at #i$ +#ile s#e
'ac(ed +it# t#e ot#er6 8%rin0 t#e car around to t#e ac( door5: s#e said6 8,ou aint +aitin0 to
e )iredS:
Mr6 S#ortley #ad ne-er in #is li)e douted #er o$niscience6 He 'ercei-ed t#e entire
situation in #al) a second and5 +it# only a sour sco+l5 retreated out t#e door and +ent to dri-e
t#e auto$oile around to t#e ac(6
T#ey tied t#e t+o iron eds to t#e to' o) t#e car and t#e t+o roc(in0 c#airs inside t#e eds
and rolled t#e t+o $attresses u' et+een t#e roc(in0 c#airs6 On to' o) t#is t#ey tied a crate o)
c#ic(ens6 T#ey loaded t#e inside o) t#e car +it# t#e old suitcases and o"es5 lea-in0 a s$all
s'ace )or *nnie Maude and Sara# Mae6 It too( t#e$ t#e rest o) t#e a)ternoon and #al) t#e
ni0#t to do t#is ut Mrs6 S#ortley +as deter$ined t#at t#ey +ould lea-e e)ore )our ocloc( in
t#e $ornin05 t#at Mr6 S#ortley s#ould not ad@ust anot#er $il(in0 $ac#ine on t#is 'lace6 *ll t#e
ti$e s#e #ad een +or(in05 #er )ace +as c#an0in0 ra'idly )ro$ red to +#ite and ac( a0ain6
4ust e)ore da+n5 as it e0an to driEEle rain5 t#ey +ere ready to lea-e6 T#ey all 0ot in t#e car
and sat t#ere cra$'ed u' et+een o"es and undles and rolls o) eddin06 T#e s9uare lac(
auto$oile $o-ed o)) +it# $ore t#an its custo$ary 0rindin0 noises as i) it +ere 'rotestin0 t#e
load6 In t#e ac(5 t#e t+o lon0 ony yello+H#aired 0irls +ere sittin0 on a 'ile o) o"es and t#ere
+as a ea0le #ound 'u''y and a cat +it# t+o (ittens so$e+#ere under t#e lan(ets6 T#e car
$o-ed slo+ly5 li(e so$e o-er)rei0#ted lea(in0 ar(5 a+ay )ro$ t#eir s#ac( and 'ast t#e +#ite
#ouse +#ere Mrs6 McIntyre +as slee'in0 soundlyI#ardly 0uessin0 t#at #er co+s +ould not e
$il(ed y Mr6 S#ortley t#at $ornin0Iand 'ast t#e Poles s#ac( on to' o) t#e #ill and on do+n
t#e road to t#e 0ate +#ere t#e t+o /e0roes +ere +al(in05 one e#ind t#e ot#er5 on t#eir +ay
to #el' +it# t#e $il(in06 T#ey loo(ed strai0#t at t#e car and its occu'ants ut e-en as t#e di$
yello+ #eadli0#ts lit u' t#eir )aces5 t#ey 'olitely did not see$ to see anyt#in05 or any#o+5 to
attac# si0ni)icance to +#at +as t#ere6 T#e loaded car $i0#t #a-e een 'assin0 $ist in t#e early
$ornin0 #al)Hli0#t6 T#ey continued u' t#e road at t#e sa$e e-en 'ace +it#out loo(in0 ac(6
* dar( yello+ sun +as e0innin0 to rise in a s(y t#at +as t#e sa$e slic( dar( 0ray as t#e
#i0#+ay6 T#e )ields stretc#ed a+ay5 sti)) and +eedy5 on eit#er side6 8&#ere +e 0oin3: Mr6
S#ortley as(ed )or t#e )irst ti$e6
Mrs6 S#ortley sat +it# one )oot on a 'ac(in0 o" so t#at #er (nee +as 'us#ed into #er
sto$ac#6 Mr6 S#ortleys elo+ +as al$ost under #er nose and Sara# Maes are le)t )oot +as
stic(in0 o-er t#e )ront seat5 touc#in0 #er ear6
8&#ere +e 0oin3: Mr6 S#ortley re'eated and +#en s#e didnt ans+er a0ain5 #e turned and
loo(ed at #er6
Fierce #eat see$ed to e s+ellin0 slo+ly and )ully into #er )ace as i) it +ere +ellin0 u' no+
)or a )inal assault6 S#e +as sittin0 in an erect +ay in s'ite o) t#e )act t#at one le0 +as t+isted
under #er and one (nee +as al$ost into #er nec(5 ut t#ere +as a 'eculiar lac( o) li0#t in #er
icy lue eyes6 *ll t#e -ision in t#e$ $i0#t #a-e een turned around5 loo(in0 inside #er6 S#e
suddenly 0raed Mr6 S#ortleys elo+ and Sara# Maes )oot at t#e sa$e ti$e and e0an to
tu0 and 'ull on t#e$ as i) s#e +ere tryin0 to )it t#e t+o e"tra li$s onto #ersel)6
Mr6 S#ortley e0an to curse and 0uic(ly sto''ed t#e car and Sara# Mae yelled to 9uit ut
Mrs6 S#ortley a''arently intended to rearran0e t#e +#ole car at once6 S#e t#ras#ed )or+ard
and ac(+ard5 clutc#in0 at e-eryt#in0 s#e could 0et #er #ands on and #u00in0 it to #ersel)5 Mr6
S#ortleys #ead5 Sara# Maes le05 t#e cat5 a +ad o) +#ite eddin05 #er o+n i0 $oonHli(e (neeD
t#en all at once #er )ierce e"'ression )aded into a loo( o) astonis#$ent and #er 0ri' on +#at
s#e #ad loosened6 One o) #er eyes dre+ near to t#e ot#er and see$ed to colla'se 9uietly and
s#e +as still6
T#e t+o 0irls5 +#o didnt (no+ +#at #ad #a''ened to #er5 e0an to say5 8&#ere +e 0oin5
Ma3 &#ere +e 0oin3: T#ey t#ou0#t s#e +as 'layin0 a @o(e and t#at t#eir )at#er5 starin0
strai0#t a#ead at #er5 +as i$itatin0 a dead $an6 T#ey didnt (no+ t#at s#e #ad #ad a 0reat
e"'erience or e-er een dis'laced in t#e +orld )ro$ all t#at elon0ed to #er6 T#ey +ere
)ri0#tened y t#e 0ray slic( road e)ore t#e$ and t#ey (e't re'eatin0 in #i0#er and #i0#er
-oices5 8&#ere +e 0oin5 Ma3 &#ere +e 0ain3: +#ile t#eir $ot#er5 #er #u0e ody rolled ac(
still a0ainst t#e seat and #er eyes li(e lueH'ainted 0lass5 see$ed to conte$'late )or t#e )irst
ti$e t#e tre$endous )rontiers o) #er true country6

II

8&ell5: Mrs6 McIntyre said to t#e old /e0ro6 8+e can 0et alon0 +it#out t#e$6 &e-e seen
t#e$ co$e and seen t#e$ 0oIlac( and +#ite6: S#e +as standin0 in t#e cal) arn +#ile #e
cleaned it and s#e #eld a ra(e in #er #and and no+ and t#en 'ulled a corn co )ro$ a corner or
'ointed to a so00y s'ot t#at #e #ad $issed6 &#en s#e disco-ered t#e S#ortleys +ere 0one5 s#e
+as deli0#ted as it $eant s#e +ouldnt #a-e to )ire t#e$6 T#e 'eo'le s#e #ired al+ays le)t
#erIecause t#ey +ere t#at (ind o) 'eo'le6 O) all t#e )a$ilies s#e #ad #ad5 t#e S#ortleys +ere
t#e est i) s#e didnt count t#e .is'laced Person6 T#ey #ad een not 9uite tras#D Mrs6 S#ortley
+as a 0ood +o$an5 and s#e +ould $iss #er ut as t#e 4ud0e used to say5 you couldnt #a-e
your 'ie and eat it too5 and s#e +as satis)ied +it# t#e .6 P6 8&e-e seen t#e$ co$e and seen
t#e$ 0o5: s#e re'eated +it# satis)action6
8*nd $e and you5: t#e old $an said5 stoo'in0 to dra0 #is #oe under a )eed rac(5 8is still
#ere6:
S#e cau0#t e"actly +#at #e $eant #er to catc# in #is tone6 %ars o) sunli0#t )ell )ro$ t#e
crac(ed ceilin0 across #is ac( and cut #i$ in t#ree distinct 'arts6 S#e +atc#ed #is lon0 #ands
clenc#ed around t#e #oe and #is croo(ed old 'ro)ile 'us#ed close to t#e$6 ,ou $i0#t #a-e
een #ere e)ore I +as5 s#e said to #ersel)5 ut its $i0#ty li(ely Ill e #ere +#en youre 0one6
8I-e s'ent #al) $y li)e )oolin0 +it# +ort#less 'eo'le5: s#e said in a se-ere -oice5 8ut no+ I$
t#rou0#6:
8%lac( and +#ite5: #e said5 8is t#e sa$e6:
8I a$ t#rou0#5: s#e re'eated and 0a-e #er dar( s$oc( t#at s#e #ad t#ro+n o-er #er
s#oulders li(e a ca'e a 9uic( snatc# at t#e nec(6 S#e #ad on a roadHri$$ed lac( stra+ #at
t#at #ad cost #er t+enty dollars t+enty years a0o and t#at s#e used no+ )or a sun#at6 8Money
is t#e root o) all e-il5: s#e said6 8T#e 4ud0e said so e-ery day6 He said #e de'lored $oney6 He
said t#e reason you ni00ers +ere so u''ity +as ecause t#ere +as so $uc# $oney in
circulation6:
T#e old /e0ro #ad (no+n t#e 4ud0e6 84ud0e say #e lon0 )or t#e day +#en #e e too 'oor to
'ay a ni00er to +or(5: #e said6 8Say +#en t#at day co$e5 t#e +orld e ac( on its )eet6:
S#e leaned )or+ard5 #er #ands on #er #i's and #er nec( stretc#ed and said5 8&ell t#at day
#as al$ost co$e a$ and #ere and I$ tellin0 eac# and e-eryone o) you: you etter loo( s#ar'6 I
dont #a-e to 'ut u' +it# )oolis#ness any $ore6 I #a-e so$eody no+ +#o #as to +or(S:
T#e old $an (ne+ +#en to ans+er and +#en not6 *t len0t# #e said5 8&e seen t#e$ co$e
and +e seen t#e$ 0o6:
8Ho+e-er5 t#e S#ortleys +ere not t#e +orst y )ar5: s#e said6 8I +ell re$e$er t#ose
Carrits6:
8T#ey +as e)ore t#e$ Collinses5: #e said6
8/o5 e)ore t#e Rin0)ields6:
8S+eet Lord5 t#e$ Rin0)ieldsS: #e $ur$ured6
8/one o) t#at (ind +ant to +or(5: s#e said6
8&e seen t#e$ co$e and +e seen t#e$ 0o5: #e said as i) t#is +ere a re)rain6 8%ut +e aint
ne-er #ad one e)ore6: #e said5 endin0 #i$sel) u' until #e )aced #er5 8li(e +#at +e 0ot no+6:
He +as cinna$onHcolored +it# eyes t#at +ere so lurred +it# a0e t#at t#ey see$ed to e #un0
e#ind co+es6
S#e 0a-e #i$ an intense stare and #eld it until5 lo+erin0 #is #ands on t#e #oe5 #e ent
do+n a0ain and dra00ed a 'ile o) s#a-in0s alon0side t#e +#eelarro+6 S#e said sti))ly5 8He can
+as# out t#at arn in t#e ti$e it too( Mr6 S#ortley to $a(e u' #is $ind #e #ad to do it6:
8He )ro$ Pole5: t#e old $an $uttered6
8Fro$ Poland6:
8In Pole it aint li(e it is #ere5: #e said6 8T#ey 0ot di))erent +ays o) doin05: and #e e0an to
$u$le unintelli0ily6
8&#at are you sayin03: s#e said6 8I) you #a-e anyt#in0 to say aout #i$5 say it and say it
aloud6:
He +as silent5 endin0 #is (nees 'recariously and ed0in0 t#e ra(e alon0 t#e underside o)
t#e trou0#6
8I) you (no+ anyt#in0 #es done t#at #e s#ouldnt5 I e"'ect you to re'ort it to $e5: s#e said6
8It +arnt li(e it +as +#at #e s#ould ou0#t or ou0#tnt5: #e $uttered6 8It +as li(e +#at
noody else dont do6:
8,ou dont #a-e anyt#in0 a0ainst #i$5: s#e said s#ortly5 8and #es #ere to stay6:
8&e aint ne-er #ad one li(e #i$ e)ore is all5: #e $ur$ured and 0a-e #is 'olite lau0#6
8Ti$es are c#an0in05: s#e said6 8.o you (no+ +#ats #a''enin0 to t#is +orld3 Its s+ellin0
u'6 Its 0ettin0 so )ull o) 'eo'le t#at only t#e s$art t#ri)ty ener0etic ones are 0oin0 to sur-i-e5:
and s#e ta''ed t#e +ords5 s$art5 t#ri)ty5 and ener0etic out on t#e 'al$ o) #er #and6 T#rou0#
t#e )ar end o) t#e stall s#e could see do+n t#e road to +#ere t#e .is'laced Person +as
standin0 in t#e o'en arn door +it# t#e 0reen #ose in #is #and6 T#ere +as a certain sti))ness
aout #is )i0ure t#at see$ed to $a(e it necessary )or #er to a''roac# #i$ slo+ly5 e-en in #er
t#ou0#ts6 S#e #ad decided t#is +as ecause s#e couldnt #old an easy con-ersation +it#
#i$6 &#ene-er s#e said anyt#in0 to #i$5 s#e )ound #ersel) s#outin0 and noddin0 e"tra-a0antly
and s#e +ould e conscious t#at one o) t#e /e0roes +as leanin0 e#ind t#e nearest s#ed5
+atc#in06
8/o indeedS: s#e said5 sittin0 do+n on one o) t#e )eed rac(s and )oldin0 #er ar$s5 8I-e
$ade u' $y $ind t#at I-e #ad enou0# tras#y 'eo'le on t#is 'lace to last $e a li)eti$e and I$
not 0oin0 to s'end $y last years )oolin0 +it# S#ortleys and Rin0)ields and Collins +#en t#e
+orld is )ull o) 'eo'le +#o #a-e to +or(6:
8Ho+co$e t#ey so $any e"tra3: #e as(ed6
8Peo'le are sel)is#5: s#e said6 8T#ey #a-e too $any c#ildren6 T#eres no sense in it any
$ore6:
He #ad 'ic(ed u' t#e +#eelarro+ #andles and +as ac(in0 out t#e door and #e 'aused5
#al) in t#e sunli0#t and #al) out5 and stood t#ere c#e+in0 #is 0u$s as i) #e #ad )or0otten +#ic#
direction #e +anted to $o-e in6
8&#at you colored 'eo'le dont realiEe5: s#e said5 8is t#at I$ t#e one around #ere +#o
#olds all t#e strin0s to0et#er6 I) you dont +or(5 I dont $a(e any $oney and I cant 'ay you6
,oure all de'endent on $e ut you eac# and e-eryone act li(e t#e s#oe is on t#e ot#er )oot6:
It +as not 'ossile to tell )ro$ #is )ace i) #e #eard #er6 Finally #e ac(ed out +it# t#e
+#eelarro+6 84ud0e say t#e de-il #e (no+ is etter t#an t#e de-il #e dont5: #e said in a clear
$utter and trundled o))6
S#e 0ot u' and )ollo+ed #i$5 a dee' -ertical 'it a''earin0 suddenly in t#e center o) #er
)ore#ead5 @ust under t#e red an0s6 8T#e 4ud0e #as lon0 since ceased to 'ay t#e ills around
#ere5: s#e called in a 'iercin0 -oice6
He +as t#e only one o) #er /e0roes +#o #ad (no+n t#e 4ud0e and #e t#ou0#t t#is 0a-e #i$
title6 He #ad #ad a lo+ o'inion o) Mr6 Croo$s and Mr6 McIntyre5 #er ot#er #usands5 and in #is
-eiled 'olite +ay5 #e #ad con0ratulated #er a)ter eac# o) #er di-orces6 &#en #e t#ou0#t it
necessary5 #e +ould +or( under a +indo+ +#ere #e (ne+ s#e +as sittin0 and tal( to #i$sel)5 a
care)ul roundaout discussion5 9uestion and ans+er and t#en re)rain6 Once s#e #ad 0ot u'
silently and sla$$ed t#e +indo+ do+n so #ard t#at #e #ad )allen ac(+ards o)) #is )eet6 Or
occasionally #e s'o(e +it# t#e 'eacoc(6 T#e coc( +ould )ollo+ #i$ around t#e 'lace5 #is steady
eye on t#e ear o) corn t#at stuc( u' )ro$ t#e old $ans ac( 'oc(et or #e +ould sit near #i$
and 'ic( #i$sel)6 Once )ro$ t#e o'en (itc#en door5 s#e #ad #eard #i$ say to t#e ird5 8I
re$e$er +#en it +as t+enty o) you +al(in0 aout t#is 'lace and no+ its only you and t+o
#ens6 Croo$s it +as t+el-e6 McIntyre it +as )i-e6 ,ou and t+o #ens no+6:
*nd t#at ti$e s#e #ad ste''ed out o) t#e door onto t#e 'orc# and said5 8MISTER Croo$s
and MISTER McIntyreS *nd I dont +ant to #ear you call eit#er o) t#e$ anyt#in0 else a0ain6 *nd
you can understand t#is: +#en t#at 'eac#ic(en dies t#ere +ont e any re'lace$ents6:
S#e (e't t#e 'eacoc( only out o) a su'erstitious )ear o) annoyin0 t#e 4ud0e in #is 0ra-e6 He
#ad li(ed to see t#e$ +al(in0 around t#e 'lace )or #e said t#ey $ade #i$ )eel ric#6 O) #er
t#ree #usands5 t#e 4ud0e +as t#e one $ost 'resent to #er alt#ou0# #e +as t#e only one s#e
#ad uried6 He +as in t#e )a$ily 0ra-eyard5 a little s'ace )enced in t#e $iddle o) t#e ac(
corn)ield5 +it# #is $ot#er and )at#er and 0rand)at#er and t#ree 0reat aunts and t+o in)ant
cousins6 Mr6 Croo$s5 #er second5 +as )orty $iles a+ay in t#e state asylu$ and Mr6 McIntyre5
#er last5 +as into"icated5 s#e su''osed5 in so$e #otel roo$ in Florida6 %ut t#e 4ud0e5 sun( in
t#e corn)ield +it# #is )a$ily5 +as al+ays at #o$e6
S#e #ad $arried #i$ +#en #e +as an old $an and ecause o) #is $oney ut t#ere #ad
een anot#er reason t#at s#e +ould not ad$it t#en5 e-en to #ersel): s#e #ad li(ed #i$6 He +as
a dirty snu))Hdi''in0 Court House )i0ure5 )a$ous all o-er t#e county )or ein0 ric#5 +#o +ore
#i0#to' s#oes5 a strin0 tie5 a 0ray suit +it# a lac( stri'e in it5 and a yello+ed 'ana$a #at5
+inter and su$$er6 His teet# and #air +ere toaccoHcolored an0 #is )ace a clay 'in( 'itted and
trac(ed +it# $ysterious 're#istoricHloo(in0 $ar(s as i) #e #ad een uneart#ed a$on0 )ossils6
T#ere #ad een a 'eculiar odor aout #i$ o) s+eaty )ondled ills ut #e ne-er carried $oney
on #i$ or #ad a nic(el to s#o+6 S#e +as #is secretary )or a )e+ $ont#s and t#e old $an +it#
#is s#ar' eye #ad seen at once t#at #ere +as a +o$an +#o ad$ired #i$ )or #i$sel)6 T#e t#ree
years t#at #e li-ed a)ter t#ey $arried +ere t#e #a''iest and $ost 'ros'erous o) Mrs6
McIntyres li)e5 ut +#en #e died #is estate 'ro-ed to e an(ru't6 He le)t #er a $ort0a0ed
#ouse and )i)ty acres t#at #e #ad $ana0ed to cut t#e ti$er o)) e)ore #e died6 It +as as i)5 as
t#e )inal triu$'# o) a success)ul li)e5 #e #ad een ale to ta(e e-eryt#in0 +it# #i$6
%ut s#e #ad sur-i-ed6 S#e #ad sur-i-ed a succession o) tenant )ar$ers and dairy$en t#at
t#e old $an #i$sel) +ould #a-e )ound #ard to outdo5 and s#e #ad een ale to $eet t#e
constant drain o) a trie o) $oody un'redictale /e0roes5 and s#e #ad e-en $ana0ed to #old
#er o+n a0ainst t#e incidental lood suc(ers5 t#e cattle dealers and lu$er $en and t#e uyers
and sellers o) anyt#in0 +#o dro-e u' in 'iecedHto0et#er truc(s and #on(ed in t#e yard6
S#e stood sli0#tly reared ac( +it# #er ar$s )olded under #er s$oc( and a satis)ied
e"'ression on #er )ace as s#e +atc#ed t#e .is'laced Person turn o)) t#e #ose and disa''ear
inside t#e arn6 S#e +as sorry t#at t#e 'oor $an #ad een c#ased out o) Poland and run across
Euro'e and #ad #ad to ta(e u' in a tenant s#ac( in a stran0e country5 ut s#e #ad not een
res'onsile )or any o) t#is6 S#e #ad #ad a #ard ti$e #ersel)6 S#e (ne+ +#at it +as to stru00le6
Peo'le ou0#t to #a-e to stru00le6 Mr6 !uiEac #ad 'roaly #ad e-eryt#in0 0i-en to #i$ all t#e
+ay across Euro'e and o-er #ere6 He #ad 'roaly not #ad to stru00le enou0#6 S#e #ad 0i-en
#i$ a @o6 S#e didnt (no+ i) #e +as 0rate)ul or not6 S#e didnt (no+ anyt#in0 aout #i$ e"ce't
t#at #e did t#e +or(6 T#e trut# +as t#at #e +as not -ery real to #er yet6 He +as a (ind o)
$iracle t#at s#e #ad seen #a''en and t#at s#e tal(ed aout ut t#at s#e still didnt elie-e6
S#e +atc#ed as #e ca$e out at t#e arn and $otioned to Sul(6 +#o +as co$in0 around t#e
ac( o) t#e lot6 He 0esticulated and t#en too( so$et#in0 out o) #is 'oc(et and t#e t+o o) t#e$
stood loo(in0 at it6 S#e started do+n t#e lane to+ard t#e$6 T#e /e0ros )i0ure +as slac( and
tall and #e +as cranin0 #is rollin0 #ead )or+ard in #is usual idiotic +ay6 He +as a little etter
t#an #al)H+itted ut +#en t#ey +ere li(e t#at t#ey +ere al+ays 0ood +or(ers6 T#e 4ud0e #ad
said al+ays #ire you a #al)H+itted ni00er ecause t#ey dont #a-e sense enou0# to sto'
+or(in06 T#e Pole +as 0esticulatin0 ra'idly6 He le)t so$et#in0 +it# t#e colored oy and t#en
+al(ed o)) and e)ore s#e rounded t#e turn in t#e lane5 s#e #eard t#e tractor cran( u'6 He +as
on #is +ay to t#e )ield6 T#e /e0ro +as still #an0in0 t#ere5 0a'in0 at +#ate-er #e #ad in #is
#and6
S#e entered t#e lot and +al(ed t#rou0# t#e arn5 loo(in0 +it# a''ro-al at t#e +et s'otless
concrete )loor6 It +as only nineHt#irty and Mr6 S#ortley #ad ne-er 0ot anyt#in0 +as#ed until
ele-en6 *s s#e ca$e out at t#e ot#er end5 s#e sa+ t#e /e0ro $o-in0 -ery slo+ly in a dia0onal
'at# across t#e road in )ront o) #er5 #is eyes still on +#at Mr6 !uiEac #ad 0i-en #i$6 He didnt
see #er and #e 'aused and di''ed #is (nees and leaned o-er #is #and5 #is ton0ue descriin0
little circles6 He #ad a '#oto0ra'#6 He li)ted one )in0er and traced it li0#tly o-er t#e sur)ace o)
t#e 'icture6 T#en #e loo(ed u' and sa+ #er and see$ed to )reeEe5 #is $out# in a #al)0rin5 #is
)in0er li)ted6
8&#y #a-ent you 0one to t#e )ield3: s#e as(ed6
He raised one )oot and o'ened #is $out# +ider +#ile t#e #and +it# t#e '#oto0ra'# ed0ed
to+ard #is ac( 'oc(et6
8&#ats t#at3: s#e said6
8It aint not#in05: #e $uttered and #anded it to #er auto$atically6
It +as a '#oto0ra'# o) a 0irl o) aout t+el-e in a +#ite dress6 S#e #ad lond #air +it# a
+reat# in it and s#e loo(ed )or+ard out o) li0#t eyes t#at +ere land and co$'osed6 8&#o is
t#is c#ild3: Mrs6 McIntyre as(ed6
8S#e #is cousin5: t#e oy said in a #i0# -oice6
8&ell +#at are you doin0 +it# it3: s#e as(ed6
8S#e 0oin0 to $a# $e5: #e said in an e-en #i0#er -oice6
8Marry youS: s#e s#rie(ed6
8I 'ays #al) to 0et #er o-er #ere5: #e said6 8I 'ays #i$ t#ree dollar a +ee(6 S#e i00er no+6
S#e #is cousin6 S#e dont care +#o s#e $a# s#e so 0lad to 0et a+ay )ro$ t#ere6: T#e #i0# -oice
see$ed to s#oot u' li(e a ner-ous @et o) sound and t#en )all )lat as #e +atc#ed #er )ace6 Her
eyes +ere t#e color o) lue 0ranite +#en t#e 0lare )alls on it5 ut s#e +as not loo(in0 at #i$6
S#e +as loo(in0 do+n t#e road +#ere t#e distant sound o) t#e tractor could e #eard6
8I dont rec(on s#e 0ain to co$e no#o+6: t#e oy $ur$ured6
8Ill see t#at you 0et e-ery cent o) your $oney ac(5: s#e said in a toneless -oice and turned
and +al(ed o))5 #oldin0 t#e '#oto0ra'# ent in t+o6 T#ere +as not#in0 aout #er s$all sti))
)i0ure to indicate t#at s#e +as s#a(en6
*s soon as s#e 0ot in t#e #ouse5 s#e lay do+n on #er ed and s#ut #er eyes and 'ressed #er
#and o-er #er #eart as i) s#e +ere tryin0 to (ee' it in 'lace6 Her $out# o'ened and s#e $ade
t+o or t#ree dry little sounds6 T#en a)ter a $inute s#e sat u' and said aloud5 8T#eyre all t#e
sa$e6 Its al+ays een li(e t#is5: and s#e )ell ac( )lat a0ain6 8T+enty years o) ein0 eaten and
done in and t#ey e-en roed #is 0ra-eS: and re$e$erin0 t#at5 s#e e0an to cry 9uietly5
+i'in0 #er eyes e-ery no+ and t#en +it# t#e #e$ o) #er s$oc(6
&#at s#e #ad t#ou0#t o) +as t#e an0el o-er t#e 4ud0es 0ra-e6 T#is #ad een a na(ed
0ranite c#eru t#at t#e old $an #ad seen in t#e city one day in a to$stone store +indo+6 He
#ad een ta(en +it# it at once5 'artly ecause its )ace re$inded #i$ o) #is +i)e and 'artly
ecause #e +anted a 0enuine +or( o) art o-er #is 0ra-e6 He #ad co$e #o$e +it# it sittin0 on
t#e 0reen 'lus# train seat eside #i$6 Mrs6 Mclntyre #ad ne-er noticed t#e rese$lance to
#ersel)6 S#e #ad al+ays t#ou0#t it #ideous ut +#en t#e Herrins stole it o)) t#e old $ans 0ra-e5
s#e +6 is s#oc(ed and outra0ed6 Mrs6 Herrin #ad t#ou0#t it -ery 'retty and #ad +al(ed to t#e
0ra-eyard )re9uently to see it5 and +#en t#e Herrins le)t t#e an0el le)t +it# t#e$5 all ut its
toes5 )or t#e a" old $an Herrin #ad used to rea( it o)) +it# #ad struc( sli0#tly too #i0#6
Mrs6 Mclntyre #ad ne-er een ale to a))ord to #a-e it re'laced6
&#en s#e #ad cried all s#e could5 s#e 0ot u' and +ent into t#e ac( #all5 a closetHli(e s'ace
t#at +as dar( and 9uiet as a c#a'el and sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) t#e 4ud0es lac( $ec#anical
c#air +it# #er elo+ on #is des(6 T#is +as a 0iant rollHto' 'iece o) )urniture 'oc(ed +it# 'i0eon
#oles )ull o) dusty 'a'ers6 Old an(oo(s and led0ers +ere stac(ed in t#e #al)o'en dra+ers and
t#ere +as a s$all sa)e5 e$'ty ut loc(ed5 set li(e a taernacle in t#e center o) it6 S#e #ad le)t
t#is 'art o) t#e #ouse unc#an0ed since t#e old $ans ti$e6 It +as a (ind o) $e$orial to #i$5
sacred ecause #e #ad conducted #is usiness #ere6 &it# t#e sli0#test tilt one +ay or t#e
ot#er5 t#e c#air 0a-e a rusty s(eletal 0roan t#at sounded so$et#in0 li(e #i$ +#en #e #ad
co$'lained o) #is 'o-erty6 It #ad een #is )irst 'rinci'le to tal( as i) #e +ere t#e 'oorest $an in
t#e +orld and s#e )ollo+ed it5 not only ecause #e #ad ut ecause it +as true6 &#en s#e sat
+it# #er intense constricted )ace turned to+ard t#e e$'ty sa)e5 s#e (ne+ t#ere +as noody
'oorer in t#e +orld t#an s#e +as6
S#e sat $otionless at t#e des( )or ten or )i)teen $inutes and t#en as i) s#e #ad 0ained so$e
stren0t#5 s#e 0ot u' and 0ot in #er car and dro-e to t#e corn)ield6
T#e road ran t#rou0# a s#ado+y 'ine t#ic(et and ended on to' o) a #ill t#at rolled )anH+ise
do+n and u' a0ain in a road e"'anse o) tassled 0reen6 Mr6 !uiEac +as cuttin0 )ro$ t#e
outside o) t#e )ield in a circular 'at# to t#e center +#ere t#e 0ra-eyard +as all ut #idden y
t#e corn5 and s#e could see #i$ on t#e #i0# )ar side o) t#e slo'e5 $ounted on t#e tractor +it#
t#e cutter and +a0on e#ind #i$6 Fro$ ti$e to ti$e5 #e #ad to 0et o)) t#e tractor and cli$ in
t#e +a0on to s'read t#e sila0e ecause t#e /e0ro #ad not arri-ed6 S#e +atc#ed i$'atiently5
standin0 in )ront o) #er lac( cou'e +it# #er ar$s )olded under #er s$oc(5 +#ile #e 'ro0ressed
slo+ly around t#e ri$ o) t#e )ield5 0radually 0ettin0 close enou0# )or #er to +a-e to #i$ to 0et
do+n6 He sto''ed t#e $ac#ine and @u$'ed o)) and ca$e runnin0 )or+ard5 +i'in0 #is red @a+
+it# a 'iece o) 0rease ra06
8I +ant to tal( to you5: s#e said and ec(oned #i$ to t#e ed0e o) t#e t#ic(et +#ere it +as
s#ady6 He too( o)) t#e ca' and )ollo+ed #er5 s$ilin05 ut #is s$ile )aded +#en s#e turned and
)aced #i$6 Her eyero+s5 t#in and )ierce as a s'iders le05 #ad dra+n to0et#er o$inously and
t#e dee' -ertical 'it #ad 'lun0ed do+n )ro$ under t#e red an0s into t#e rid0e o) #er nose6
S#e re$o-ed t#e ent 'icture )ro$ #er 'oc(et and #anded it to #i$ silently6 T#en s#e ste''ed
ac( and said5 8Mr6 !uiEacS ,ou +ould rin0 t#is 'oor innocent c#ild o-er #ere and try to $arry
#er to a #al)H+itted t#ie-in0 lac( stin(in0 ni00erS &#at (ind o) a $onster are youS:
He too( t#e '#oto0ra'# +it# a slo+ly returnin0 s$ile6 8My cousin5: #e said6 8S#e t+el-e
#ere6 First Co$$union6 Si"Hten no+6:
MonsterS s#e said to #ersel) and loo(ed at #i$ as i) s#e +ere seein0 #i$ )or t#e )irst ti$e6
His )ore#ead and s(ull +ere +#ite +#ere t#ey #ad een 'rotected y #is ca' ut t#e rest o) #is
)ace +as red and ristled +it# s#ort yello+ #airs5 #is eyes +ere li(e t+o ri0#t nails e#ind #is
0oldHri$$ed s'ectacles t#at #ad een $ended o-er t#e nose +it# #ay+ire6 His +#ole: )ace
loo(ed as i) it $i0#t #a-e een 'atc#ed to0et#er out o) se-eral ot#ers6 8Mr6 !uiEac5: s#e said5
e0innin0 slo+ly and t#en s'ea(in0 )aster until s#e ended reat#less in t#e $iddle o) a +ord5
8t#at ni00er cannot #a-e a +#ite +i)e )ro$ Euro'e6 ,ou cant tal( to a ni00er t#at +ay6 ,oull
e"cite #i$ and esides it cant e done6 Maye it can e done in Poland ut it cant e done
#ere and youll #a-e to sto'6 Its all )oolis#ness6 T#at ni00er dont #a-e a 0rain o) sense and
youll e"citeB:
8S#e in ca$' t#ree year5: #e said6
8,our cousin5: s#e said in a 'ositi-e -oice5 8cannot co$e o-er #ere and $arry one o) $y
/e0roes6:
8S#e si"Hten year5: #e said6 8Fro$ Poland6 Ma$$a die5 'a''a die6 S#e +ait in ca$'6 T#ree
ca$'6: He 'ulled a +allet )ro$ #is 'oc(et and )in0ered t#rou0# it and too( out anot#er 'icture
o) t#e sa$e 0irl5 a )e+ years older5 dressed in so$et#in0 dar( and s#a'eless6 S#e +as standin0
a0ainst a +all +it# a s#ort +ornan +#o a''arently #ad no teet#6 8S#e $a$$a5: #e said5
'ointin0 to t#e +o$an6 8S#e die in t+o ca$'6:
8Mr6 !uiEac5: Mrs6 McIntyre said5 'us#in0 t#e 'icture ac( at #i$5 8I +ill not #a-e $y
ni00ers u'set6 I cannot run t#is 'lace +it#out $y ni00ers6 I can run it +it#out you ut not
+it#out t#e$ and i) you $ention t#is 0irl to Sul( a0ain5 you +ont #a-e a @o +it# $e6 .o you
understand3:
His )ace s#o+ed no co$'re#ension6 He see$ed to e 'iecin0 all t#ese +ords to0et#er in #is
$ind to $a(e a t#ou0#t6
Mrs6 McIntyre re$e$ered Mrs6 S#ortle-c +ords: 8He understands e-eryt#in05 #e only
'retends #e dont so as to do e"actly as #e 'leases5: and #er )ace re0ained t#e loo( o) s#oc(ed
+rat# s#e #ad e0un +it#6 8I cannot understand #o+ a $in +#o calls #i$sel) a C#ristian5: s#e
said5 8could rin0 a 'oor innocent 0irl o-er #ere and $arry #er to so$et#in0 li(e t#at6 I cannot
understand it6 I cannotS: and s#e s#oo( #er #ead and loo(ed into t#e distance +it# a 'ained
lue 0aEe6
*)ter a second #e s#ru00ed and let #is ar$s dro' as i) #e +ere tired6 8S#e no care lac(5: #e
said6 8S#e in ca$' t#ree year6:
Mrs6 McIntyre )elt a 'eculiar +ea(ness e#ind #er (nees6 8Mr6 !uiEac5: s#e said5 8I dont
+ant to #a-e to s'ea( Ayou aout t#is a0ain6 I) I do5 youll #a-e to )ind anot#er 'lace yoursel)6
.o you understand3:
T#e 'atc#ed )ace did not say6 S#e #ad t#e i$'ression t#at #e didnt see #er t#ere6 8T#is is
$y 'lace5: s#e said6 8I say +#o +ill co$e #ere and +#o +ont6:
8,a5: #e said and 'ut ac( all #is ca'6
8I a$ not res'onsile )or t#e +orlds $isery5 s#e said as an a)tert#ou0#t6
8,a5: #e said6
8,ou #a-e a 0ood @o6 ,ou s#ould e 0rate)ul to e #ere5: s#e added5 8ut I$ not sure you
are6:
8,a5: #e said and 0a-e #is little s#ru0 and turned ac( to t#e tractor6
S#e +atc#ed #i$ 0et on and $aneu-er t#e $ac#ine into t#e corn a0ain6 &#en #e #ad
'assed #er and rounded t#e turn5 s#e cli$ed to t#e to' o) t#e slo'e and stood +it# #er ar$s
)olded and loo(ed out 0ri$ly o-er t#e )ield6 8T#eyre all t#e sa$e5: s#e $uttered5 8+#et#er
t#ey co$e )ro$ Poland or Tennessee6 I-e #andled Herrins and Rin0)ields and S#ortleys and I
can #andle a !uiEac5: and s#e narro+ed #er 0aEe until it closed entirely around t#e di$inis#in0
)i0ure on t#e tractor as i) s#e +ere +atc#in0 #i$ t#rou0# a 0unsi0#t6 *ll #er li)e s#e #ad een
)i0#tin0 t#e +orlds o-er)lo+ and no+ s#e #ad it in t#e )or$ o) a Pole6 8,oure @ust li(e all t#e
rest o) t#e$5: s#e said5:Ionly s$art and t#ri)ty and ener0etic ut so a$ I6 *nd t#is is $y
'lace5: and s#e stood t#ere5 a s$all lac(H#atted5 lac(Hs$oc(ed )i0ure +it# an a0in0 c#eruic
)ace5 and )olded #er ar$s as i) s#e +ere e9ual to anyt#in06 %ut #er #eart +as eatin0 as i) so$e
interior -iolence #ad already een done to #er6 S#e o'ened #er eyes to include t#e +#ole )ield
so t#at t#e )i0ure on t#e tractor +as no lar0er t#an a 0rass#o''er in #er +idened -ie+6
S#e stood t#ere )or so$e ti$e6 T#ere +as a sli0#t reeEe and t#e corn tre$led in 0reat
+a-es on ot# sides o) t#e slo'e6 T#e i0 cutter5 +it# its $onotonous roar5 continued to s#oot
it 'ul-eriEed into t#e +a0on in a steady s'urt o) )odder6 %y ni0#t)all5 t#e .is'laced Person
+ould #a-e +or(ed #is +ay around and around until t#ere +ould e not#in0 on eit#er side o)
t#e t+o #ills ut t#e stule5 and do+n in t#e center5 risen li(e a little island5 t#e 0ra-eyard
+#ere t#e 4ud0e lay 0rinnin0 under #is desecrated $onu$ent6

III

T#e 'riest5 +it# #is lon0 land )ace su''orted on one )in0er5 #ad een tal(in0 )or ten
$inutes aout Pur0atory +#ile Mrs6 McIntyre s9uinted )uriously at #i$ )ro$ an o''osite c#air6
T#ey +ere drin(in0 0in0er ale on #er )ront 'orc# and s#e (e't rattlin0 t#e ice in #er 0lass5
rattlin0 #er eads5 rattlin0 #er racelet li(e an i$'atient 'ony @in0lin0 its #arness6 T#ere is no
$oral oli0ation to (ee' #i$5 s#e +as sayin0 under #er reat#6 t#ere is asolutely no $oral
oli0ation6 Suddenly s#e lurc#ed u' and #er -oice )ell across #is ro0ue li(e a drill into a
$ec#anical sa+6 8Listen5: s#e said5 8I$ not t#eolo0ical6 I$ 'racticalS I +ant to tal( to you
aout so$et#in0 'racticalS:
8*rrrrrrr5: #e 0roaned5 0ratin0 to a #alt6
S#e #ad 'ut at least a )in0er o) +#is(ey in #er o+n 0in0er ale so t#at s#e +ould e ale to
endure #is )ullHlen0t# -isit and s#e sat do+n a+(+ardly5 )indin0 t#e c#air closer to #er t#an s#e
#ad e"'ected6 8Mr6 !uiEac is not satis)actory5: s#e said6
T#e old $an raised #is eyero+s in $oc( +onder6
8Hes e"tra5: s#e said5 8He doesnt )it in6 I #a-e to #a-e so$eody +#o )its in6:
T#e 'riest care)ully turned #is #at on #is (nees6 He #ad a little tric( o) +aitin0 a second
silently and t#en s+in0in0 t#e con-ersation ac( into #is o+n 'at#s6 He +as aout ei0#ty6 S#e
#ad ne-er (no+n a 'riest until s#e #ad 0one to see t#is one on t#e usiness o) 0ettin0 #er t#e
.is'laced Person6 *)ter #e #ad 0ot #er t#e Pole5 #e #ad used t#e usiness introduction to try to
con-ert #erI@ust as s#e #ad su''osed #e +ould6
8!i-e #i$ ti$e5: t#e old $an said6 8Hell learn to )it in6 &#ere is t#at eauti)ul irrrrd o)
yours3: #e as(ed and t#en said5 8*rrrrr5 I see #i$S: and stood u' and loo(ed out o-er t#e la+n
+#ere t#e 'eacoc( and t#e t+o #ens +ere ste''in0 at a strained attention5 t#eir lon0 nec(s
ru))led5 t#e coc(s -iolent lue and t#e #ens sil-er0reen5 0lintin0 in t#e late a)ternoon sun6
8Mr6 !uiEac5: Mrs6 Mclntyre continued5 earin0 do+n +it# a )lat steady -oice5 8is -ery
e))icient6 8Ill ad$it t#at6 %ut #e doesnt understand #o+ to 0et on +it# $y ni00ers and t#ey
dont li(e #i$6 I cant #a-e $y ni00ers run o))6 *nd I dont li(e #is attitude6 Hes not t#e least
0rate)ul )or ein0 #ere6:
T#e 'riest #ad #is #and on t#e screen door and #e o'ened it5 ready to $a(e #is esca'e6
8*rrrr5 I $ust e o))5: #e $ur$ured6
8I tell you i) I #ad a +#ite $an +#o understood t#e /e0roes5 Id #a-e to let Mr6 !uiEac 0o5:
s#e said and stood u' a0ain6
He turned t#en and loo(ed #er in t#e )ace6 8He #as no+#ere to 0o5: #e said6 T#en #e said5
8.ear lady5 I (no+ you +ell enou0# to (no+ you +ouldnt turn #i$ out )or a tri)leS: and
+it#out +aitin0 )or an ans+er5 #e raised #is #and and 0a-e #er #is lessin0 in a ru$lin0 -oice6
S#e s$iled an0rily and said5 8I didnt create t#is situation5 o) course6:
T#e 'riest let #is eyes +ander to+ard t#e irds6 T#ey #ad reac#ed t#e $iddle o) t#e la+n6
T#e coc( sto''ed suddenly and cur-in0 #is nec( ac(+ards5 #e raised #is tail and s'read t +it#
a s#i$$erin0 ti$rous noise6 Tiers o) s$all 're0nant suns )loated in a 0reen0old #aEe o-er #is
#ead6 T#e 'riest stood trans)i"ed5 #is @a+ slac(6 Mrs6 McIntyre +ondered +#ere s#e #ad e-er
seen suc# an idiotic old $an6 8C#rist +ill co$e li(e t#atS: #e said in a loud 0ay -oice and +i'ed
#is #and o-er #is $out# and stood t#ere5 0a'in06
Mrs6 McIntyres )ace assu$ed a set 'uritanical5 e"'ression and s#e reddened6 C#rist in t#e
con-ersation e$arrassed #er t#e +ay se" #ad #er $ot#er6 8It is not $y res'onsiility t#at Mr6
!uiEac #as no+#ere to 0o5: s#e said6 8I dont )ind $ysel) res'onsile )or all t#e e"tra 'eo'le in
t#e +orld6:
T#e old $an didnt see$ to #ear #er6 His attention +as )i"ed on t#e coc( +#o +as ta(in0
$inute ste's ac(+ard5 #is #ead a0ainst t#e s'read tail6 8T#e Trans)i0uration5: #e $ur$ured6
S#e #ad no idea +#at #e +as tal(in0 aout6 8Mr6 !uiEac didnt #a-e to co$e #ere in t#e
)irst 'lace5: s#e said 0i-in0 #i$ a #ard loo(6
T#e coc( lo+ered #is tail and e0an to 'ic( 0rass6
8He didnt #a-e to co$e in t#e )irst 'lace5: s#e re'eated5 e$'#asiEin0 eac# +ord6
T#e old $an s$iled asently6 8He ca$e to redee$ us5: #e said and landly reac#ed )or #er
#and and s#oo( it and said #e $ust 0o6
I) Mr6 S#ortley #ad not returned a )e+ +ee(s later5 s#e +ould #a-e 0one out loo(in0 )or a
ne+ $an to #ire6 S#e #ad not +anted #i$ ac( ut +#en s#e sa+ t#e )a$iliar lac( auto$oile
dri-e u' t#e road and sto' y t#e sic( o) t#e #ouse5 s#e #ad t#e )eelin0 t#at s#e +as t#e one
returnin05 a)ter a lon0 $iserale tri' to #er o+n 'lace6 S#e realiEed all at once t#at it +as Mrs5
S#ortley s#e #ad een $issin06 S#e #ad #ad no one to tal( to since Mrs S#ortley le)t5 and s#e
ran to t#e door5 e"'ectin0 to see #er #ea-in0 #ersel) u' t#e ste's6
Mr6 S#ortley stood t#ere alone6 He #ad on a lac( )elt #at and a s#irt +it# red and lue
'al$ trees desi0ned in it ut t#e #ollo+s in #is lon0 itten listered )ace +ere dee'er t#an t#ey
#ad een a $ont# a0o6
8&ellS: s#e said6 8&#ere is Mrs6 S#ortley3:
Mr6 S#ortley didnt say anyt#in06 T#e c#an0e in #is )ace see$ed to #a-e co$e )ro$ t#e
insideD #e loo(ed li(e a $an +#o #ad 0one )or a lon0 ti$e +it#out +ater6 8S#e +as !ods o+n
an0el5: #e said in a loud -oice6 8S#e +as t#e s+eetest +o$an in t#e +orld6:
8&#ere is s#e3: Mrs6 McIntyre $ur$ured6
8.aid5: #e said6 8S#e #ad #ersel) a stro(e on t#e day s#e le)t out o) #ere6: T#ere +as a
cor'seHli(e co$'osure aout #is )ace6 8I )i0ure t#at Pole (illed #er5: #e said6 8S#e seen t#rou0#
#i$ )ro$ t#e )irst6 S#e (no+n #e co$e )ro$ t#e de-il6 S#e told $e so6:
It too( Mrs6 McIntyre t#ree days to 0et o-er Mrs6 S#ortleys deat#6 S#e told #ersel) t#at
anyone +ould #a-e t#ou0#t t#ey +ere (in6 S#e re#ired Mr6 S#ortley to do )ar$ +or( t#ou0#
actually s#e didnt +ant #i$ +it#out #is +i)e6 S#e told #i$ s#e +as 0oin0 to 0i-e t#irty days
notice to t#e .is'laced Person at t#e end o) t#e $ont# and t#at t#en #e could #a-e #is @o
#ac( in t#e dairy6 Mr6 S#ortley 're)erred t#e dairy @o ut #e +as +illin0 to +ait6 He said it
+ould 0i-e #i$ so$e satis)action to see t#e Pole lea-e t#e 'lace5 and Mrs6 McIntyre said it
+ould 0i-e #er a 0reat deal o) satis)action6 S#e con)essed t#at s#e s#ould #a-e een content
+it# t#e #el' s#e #ad in t#e )irst 'lace and not #a-e een reac#in0 into ot#er 'arts o) t#e +orld
)or it6 Mr6 S#ortley said #e ne-er #ad cared )or )orei0ners since #e #ad een in t#e )irst +orlds
+ar and seen +#at t#ey +ere li(e6 He said #e #ad seen all (inds t#en ut t#at none o) t#e$
+ere li(e us6 He said #e recalled t#e )ace o) one $an +#o #ad t#ro+n a #andH0renade at #i$
and t#at t#e $an #ad #ad little round eye0lasses e"actly li(e Mr6 !uiEacs6
8%ut Mr6 !uiEac is a Pole5 #es not a !er$an5: Mrs6 McIntyre said6
8It aint a 0reat deal o) di))erence in t#e$ t+o (inds5: Mr6 S#ortley #ad e"'lained6
T#e /e0roes +ere 'leased to see Mr6 S#ortley ac(6 T#e .is'laced Person #ad e"'ected
t#e$ to +or( as #ard as #e +or(ed #i$sel)5 +#ereas Mr6 S#ortle- reco0niEed t#eir li$itations6
He #ad ne-er een a -ery 0ood +or(er #i$sel) +it# Mrs6 S#anley to (ee' #i$ in line5 ut
+it#out #er5 #e +as e-en $ore )or0et)ul and slo+6 T#e Pole +or(ed as )iercely as e-er and
see$ed to #a-e no in(lin0 t#at #e +as aout to e )ired6 Mrs6 McIntyre sa+ @os done in a
s#ort ti$e t#at s#e #ad t#ou0#t +ould ne-er 0et done at all6 Still s#e +as resol-ed to 0et rid o)
#i$6 T#e si0#t o) #is s$all sti)) )i0ure $o-in0 9uic(ly #ere and t#ere #ad co$e to e t#e $ost
irritatin0 si0#t on t#e 'lace )or #er5 and s#e )elt s#e #ad een tric(ed y t#e old 'riest6 He #ad
said t#ere +as no le0al oli0ation )or #er to (ee' t#e .is'laced Person i) #e +as not
satis)actory5 ut t#en #e #ad rou0#t u' t#e $oral one6
S#e $eant to tell #i$ t#at #er $oral oli0ation +as to #er o+n 'eo'le5 to Mr6 S#ortley5
+#o #ad )ou0#t in t#e +orld +ar )or #is country and not to Mr6 !uiEac +#o #ad $erely arri-ed
#ere to ta(e ad-anta0e o) +#ate-er #e could6 S#e )elt s#e $ust #a-e t#is out +it# t#e 'riest
e)ore s#e )ired t#e .is'laced Person6 &#en t#e )irst o) t#e $ont# ca$e and t#e 'riest #adnt
called5 s#e 'ut o)) 0i-in0 t#e Pole notice )or a little lon0er6
Mr6 S#ortley told #i$sel) t#at #e s#ould #a-e (no+n all alon0 t#at no +o$an +as 0oin0 to
do +#at s#e said s#e +as +#en s#e said s#e +as6 He didnt (no+ #o+ lon0 #e could a))ord to
'ut u' +it# #er s#illyHs#allyin06 He t#ou0#t #i$sel) t#at s#e +as 0oin0 so)t and +as a)raid to
turn t#e Pole out )or )ear #e +ould #a-e a #ard ti$e 0ettin0 anot#er 'lace6 He could tell #er t#e
trut# aout t#is: t#at i) s#e let #i$ 0o5 in t#ree years #e +ould o+n #is o+n #ouse and #a-e a
tele-ision aerial sittin0 on to' o) it6 *s a $atter o) 'olicy5 Mr6 S#ortley e0an to co$e to #er
ac( door e-ery e-enin0 to 'ut certain )acts e)ore #er6 8* +#ite $an so$eti$es dont 0et t#e
consideration a ni00er 0ets5: #e said5 8ut t#at dont $atter ecause #es still +#ite5 ut
so$eti$es5: and #ere #e +ould 'ause and loo( o)) into t#e distance5 8a $an t#ats )ou0#t and
led and died in t#e ser-ice o) #is nati-e land dont 0et t#e consideration o) one o) t#e$ li(e
t#e$ #e +as )i0#tin06 I ast you: is t#at ri0#t3: &#en #e as(ed #er suc# 9uestions #e could
+atc# #er )ace and tell #e +as $a(in0 an i$'ression6 S#e didnt loo( too +ell t#ese days6 He
noticed lines around #er eyes t#at #adnt een t#ere +#en #e and Mrs6 S#ortley #ad een t#e
only +#ite #el' on t#e 'lace6 &#ene-er #e t#ou0#t o) Mrs6 S#ortley5 #e )elt #is #eart 0o do+n
li(e an old uc(et into a dry +ell6
T#e old 'riest (e't a+ay as i) #e #ad een )ri0#tened y #is last -isit ut )inally5 seein0 t#at
t#e .is'laced Person #ad not een )ired5 #e -entured to call a0ain to ta(e u' 0i-in0 Mrs6
McIntyre instructions +#ere #e re$e$ered lea-in0 t#e$ o))6 S#e #ad not as(ed to e
instructed ut #e instructed any+ay5 )orcin0 a little de)inition o) one o) t#e sacra$ents or o)
so$e do0$a into eac# con-ersation #e #ad5 no $atter +it# +#o$6 He sat on #er 'orc#5 ta(in0
no notice o) #er 'artly $oc(in05 'artly outra0ed e"'ression as s#e sat s#a(in0 #er )oot5 +aitin0
)or an o''ortunity to dri-e a +ed0e into #is tal(6 8For5: #e +as sayin05 as i) #e s'o(e o)
so$et#in0 t#at #ad #a''ened yesterday in to+n5 8+#en !od sent #is Only %e0otten Son5 4esus
C#rist Our Lord:I#e sli0#tly o+ed #is #eadI:as a Redee$er to $an(ind5 HeB:
8Fat#er FlynnS: s#e said in a -oice t#at $ade #i$ @u$'6 8I +ant to tal( to you aout
so$et#in0 seriousS:
T#e s(in under t#e old $ans ri0#t eye )linc#ed6
8*s )ar as I$ concerned5: s#e said and 0lared at #i$ )iercely5 8C#rist +as @ust anot#er .6 P6:
He raised #is #ands sli0#tly and let t#e$ dro' on #is (nees6
8*rrrrrr5: #e $ur$ured as i) #e +ere considerin0 t#is6
8I$ 0oin0 to let t#at $an 0o5: s#e said6 8I dont #a-e any oli0ation to #i$6 My oli0ation is
to t#e 'eo'le +#o-e done so$et#in0 )or t#eir country5 not to t#e ones +#o-e @ust co$e o-er
to ta(e ad-anta0e o) +#at t#ey can 0et5: and s#e e0an to tal( ra'idly5 re$e$erin0 all #er
ar0u$ents6 T#e 'riests attention see$ed to retire to so$e 'ri-ate oratory to +ait until s#e 0ot
t#rou0#6 Once or t+ice #is 0aEe ro-ed out onto t#e la+n as i) #e +ere #untin0 so$e $eans o)
esca'e ut s#e didnt sto'6 S#e told #i$ #o+ s#e #ad een #an0in0 onto t#is 'lace )or t#irty
years5 al+ays @ust arely $a(in0 it a0ainst 'eo'le +#o ca$e )ro$ no+#ere and +ere 0oin0
no+#ere5 +#o didnt +ant anyt#in0 ut an auto$oile6 S#e said s#e #ad )ound out t#ey +ere
t#e sa$e +#et#er t#ey ca$e )ro$ Poland or Tennessee6 &#en t#e !uiEacs 0ot ready5 s#e said5
t#ey +ould not #esitate to lea-e #er6 S#e told #i$ #o+ t#e 'eo'le +#o loo(ed ric# +ere t#e
'oorest o) all ecause t#ey #ad t#e $ost to (ee' u'6 S#e as(ed #i$ #o+ #e t#ou0#t s#e 'aid
#er )eed ills6 S#e told #i$ s#e +ould li(e to #a-e #er #ouse done o-er ut s#e couldnt a))ord
it6 S#e couldnt e-en a))ord to #a-e t#e $onu$ent restored o-er #er #usands 0ra-e6 S#e
as(ed #i$ i) #e +ould li(e to 0uess +#at #er insurance a$ounted to )or t#e year6 Finally s#e
as(ed #i$ i) #e t#ou0#t s#e +as $ade o) $oney and t#e old $an suddenly let out a 0reat u0ly
ello+ as i) t#is +ere a co$ical 9uestion6
&#en t#e -isit +as o-er5 s#e )elt let do+n5 t#ou0# s#e #ad clearly triu$'#ed o-er #i$6 S#e
$ade u' #er $ind no+ t#at on t#e )irst o) t#e $ont#5 s#e +ould 0i-e t#e .is'laced Person #is
t#irty days notice and s#e told Mr6 S#ortley so6
Mr6 S#ortley didnt say anyt#in06 His +i)e #ad een t#e only +o$an #e +as e-er ac9uainted
+it# +#o +as ne-er scared o)) )ro$ doin0 +#at s#e said6 S#e said t#e Pole #ad een sent y
t#e de-il and t#e 'riest6 Mr6 S#ortley #ad no dout t#at t#e 'riest #ad 0ot so$e 'eculiar
control o-er Mrs6 McIntyre and t#at e)ore lon0 s#e +ould start attendin0 #is Masses6 S#e
loo(ed as i) so$et#in0 +as +earin0 #er do+n )ro$ t#e inside6 S#e +as t#inner and $ore
)id0ety5 and not as s#ar' as s#e used to e6 S#e +ould loo( at a $il( can no+ and not see #o+
dirty it +as and #e #ad seen #er li's $o-e +#en s#e +as not tal(in06 T#e Pole ne-er did
anyt#in0 t#e +ron0 +ay ut all t#e sa$e #e +as -ery irritatin0 to #er6 Mr6 S#ortley #i$sel) did
t#in0s as #e 'leasedInot al+ays #er +ayIut s#e didnt see$ to notice6 S#e #ad noticed
t#ou0# t#at t#e Pole and all #is )a$ily +ere 0ettin0 )atD s#e 'ointed out to5 Mr6 S#ortley t#at
t#e #ollo+s #ad co$e out o) t#eir c#ee(s and t#at t#ey sa-ed e-ery cent t#ey $ade6 8,es$5
and one o) t#ese days #ell e ale to uy and sell you out5: Mr6 S#ortley #ad -entured to say5
and #e could tell t#at t#e state$ent #ad s#a(en #er6
8I$ @ust +aitin0 )or t#e )irst5: s#e #ad said6
Mr6 S#ortIey +aited too and t#e )irst ca$e and +ent and s#e didnt )ire #i$6 He could #a-e
told anyody #o+ it +ould e6 He +as not a -iolent $an ut #e #ated to see a +o$an done in
y a )orei0ner6 He )elt t#at t#at +as one t#in0 a $an couldnt stand y and see #a''en6
T#ere +as no reason Mrs6 McIntyre s#ould not )ire Mr6 !uiEac at once ut s#e 'ut it o))
)ro$ day to day6 S#e +ad +orried aout #er ills and aout #er #ealt#6 S#e didnt slee' at ni0#t
or +#en s#e did s#e drea$ed aout t#e .is'laced Person6 S#e #id ne-er disc#ar0ed anyone
e)oreD t#ey #ad all le)t #er6 One ni0#: s#e drea$ed t#at Mr6 !uiEac and #is )a$ily +ere $o-in0
into #er #ouse and t#at s#e +as $o-in0 in +it# Mr6 S#ortley6 T#is +as tau $uc# )or #er and s#e
+o(e u' and didnt slee' a0ain )or se-eral ni0#tsD and one ni0#t s#e drea$ed t#at t#e 'riest
ca$e to call and droned on and on sayin05 8.ear lady5 I (no+ your tender #eart +ont su))er
you to turn t#e 'orrrrr $an out6 T#in( o) t#e t#ousands o) t#e$5 t#in( o) t#e o-ens and t#e
o"cars and t#e ca$'s and t#e sic( c#ildren and C#rist Our Lord6:
8Hes e"tra and #es u'set t#e alance around #ere5: s#e said5 8and I$ a lo0ical 'ractical
+o$an and t#ere are no o-ens #ere and no ca$'s and no C#rist Our Lord and +#en #e lea-es5
#ell $a(e $ore $oney6 Hell +or( at t#e $ill and uy a car and dont tal( to $eIall t#ey +ant
is a car6:
8T#e o-ens and t#e o"cars and t#e sic( c#ildren5: droned t#e 'riest5 8and our dear Lord6:
84ust one too $any5: s#e said6
T#e ne"t $ornin05 s#e $ade u' #er $ind +#ile s#e +as eatin0 #er rea()ast t#at s#e +ould
0i-e #i$ #is notice at once5 and s#e stood u' and +al(ed out o) t#e (itc#en and do+n t#e load
+it# #er tale na'(in still in #er #and6 Mr6 !uiEac +as s'rayin05 t#e arn5 standin0 in #is
s+ayac(ed +ay +it# one #and on #is #i'6 He turned o)) t#e #ose and 0a-e #er an i$'atient
(ind o) attention as i) s#e +ere inter)erin0 +it# #is +or(6 S#e #ad not t#ou0#t o) +#at s#e
+ould say to #i$5 s#e #ad $erely co$e6 S#e stood in t#e arn door5 loo(in0 se-erely at t#e +et
s'otless )loor and t#e dri''in0 stanc#ions6 8,a 0oot3: #e said6
8Mr6 !uiEac5: s#e said5 8I can arely $eet $y oli0ations no+6: T#en s#e said in a louder5
stron0er -oice5 e$'#asiEin0 eac# +ord5 8I #a-e ills to 'ay6:
8I too5: Mr6 !uiEac said6 8Muc# ills5 little $oney5: and #e s#ru00ed6
*t t#e ot#er end o) t#e arn5 s#e sa+ a lon0 ea(Hnosed s#ado+ 0lide li(e a sna(e #al)+ay
u' t#e sunlit o'en door and sto'D and so$e+#ere e#ind #er5 s#e +as a+are o) a silence
+#ere t#e sound o) t#e /e0roes s#o-elin0 #ad co$e a $inute e)ore6 8T#is is $y 'lace5: s#e
said an0rily6 8*ll o) you are e"tra6 Eac# and e-eryone o) you are e"traS:
8,a5: Mr6 !uiEac said and turned on t#e #ose a0ain6
S#e +i'ed #er $out# +it# t#e na'(in s#e #ad in #er #and and +al(ed o))5 as i) s#e #ad
acco$'lis#ed +#at s#e ca$e )or6
Mr6 S#ortleys s#ado+ +it#dre+ )ro$ t#e door and #e leaned a0ainst t#e side o) t#e arn
and lit #al) o) a ci0arette t#at #e too( out o) #is 'oc(et6 T#ere +as not#in0 )or #i$ to do no+
ut +ait on t#e #and o) !od to stri(e5 ut #e (ne+ one t#in0: #e +as not 0oin0 to +ait +it# #is
$out# s#ut6
Startin0 t#at $ornin05 #e e0an to co$'lain and to state #is side o) t#e case to e-ery
'erson #e sa+5 lac( or +#ite6 He co$'lained in t#e 0rocery store and at t#e court#ouse and
on t#e street corner and directly to Mrs6 Mcintyre #ersel)5 )or t#ere +as not#in0 under#anded
aout #i$6 I) t#e Pole could #a-e understood +#at #e #ad to say5 #e +ould #a-e said it to #i$
too6 8*ll $en +as created )ree and e9ual5: #e said to Mrs6 McIntyre5 8and I ris(ed $y li)e and
li$ to 'ro-e it6 !one o-er t#ere and )ou0#t and led and died and co$e ac( on o-er #ere
and )ind out +#os 0ot $y @oI@ust e"actly +#o I een )i0#tin06 It +as a #andH0renade co$e
t#at near to (illin0 $e and I seen +#o t#ro+ed itIlittle $an +it# eye0lasses @ust li(e #is6 Mi0#t
#a-e ou0#t t#e$ at t#e sa$e store6 S$all +orld5: and #e 0a-e a itter little lau0#6 Since #e
didnt #a-e Mrs6 S#ortley to do t#e tal(in0 any $ore5 #e #ad started doin0 it #i$sel) and #ad
)ound t#at #e #ad a 0i)t )or it6 He #ad t#e 'o+er o) $a(in0 ot#er 'eo'le see #is lo0ic6 He tal(ed
a 0ood deal to t#e /e0roes6
8&#ynt you 0o ac( to *)rica3: #e as(ed Sul( one $ornin0 as t#ey +ere cleanin0 out t#e
silo6 8T#ats your country5 aint it3:
8I aint 0ain t#ere5: t#e oy said6 8T#ey $i0#t eat $e u'6:
8&ell5 i) you e#a-e yoursel) it isnt any reason you cant stay #ere5: Mr6 S#ortley said
(indly6 8%ecause you didnt run a+ay )ro$ no+#ere ,our 0randdaddy +as ou0#t6 He didnt
#a-e a t#in0 to do +it# co$in06 Its t#e 'eo'le t#at run a+ay )ro$ +#ere t#ey co$e )ro$ t#at I
aint 0ot any use )or6:
8I ne-er )elt no need to tra-el5: t#e /e0ro said6
8&ell5: Mr6 S#ortley said5 8i) I +as 0oin0 to tra-el a0ain5 it +ould e to eit#er C#ina or
*)rica6 ,ou 0o to eit#er o) t#e$ t+o 'laces and you can tell ri0#t a+ay +#at t#e di))erence is
et+een you and t#e$6 ,ou 0o to t#ese ot#er 'laces and t#e only +ay you can tell is i) t#ey say
so$et#in06 *nd t#en you cant al+ays tell ecause aout #al) o) t#e$ (no+ t#e En0lis#
lan0ua0e6 T#ats +#ere +e $a(e our $ista(e5: #e said58Ilettin0 all t#e$ 'eo'le onto En0lis#6
T#ered e a #ea' less troule i) e-eryody only (ne+ #is o+n lan0ua0e6 My +i)e said (no+in0
t+o lan0ua0es +as li(e #a-in0 eyes in t#e ac( o) your #ead6 ,ou couldnt 'ut not#in0 o-er on
#er6:
8,ou s#o couldnt5: t#e oy $uttered5 and t#en #e added5 8S#e +as )ine6 S#e +as s#o )ine6 I
ne-er (no+n a )iner +#ite +o$an t#an #er6:
Mr6 S#ortley turned in t#e o''osite direction and +or(ed silently )or a +#ile6 *)ter a )e+
$inutes #e leaned u' and ta''ed t#e colored oy onn t#e s#oulder +it# t#e #andle o) #is
s#o-el6 For a second #e only loo(ed at #i$ +#ile a 0reat deal o) $eanin0 0at#ered in #is +et
eyes6 T#en #e said so)tly5 8Re-en0e is $ine5 sait# t#e Lord6:
Mrs6 McIntyre )ound t#at e-eryody in to+n (ne+ Mr6 S#ortleys -ersion o) #er usiness
and t#at e-eryone +as critical o) #er conduct6 S#e e0an to understand t#at s#e #ad a $oral
oli0ation to )ire t#e Pole and t#at s#e +as s#ir(in0 it ecause s#e )ound it #ard to do6 S#e
could not stand t#e increasin0 0uilt any lon0er and on a cold Saturday $ornin05 s#e started o))
a)ter rea()ast to )ire #i$6 S#e +al(ed do+n to t#e $ac#ine s#ed +#ere s#e #eard #i$
cran(in0 u' t#e tractor6
T#ere +as a #ea-y )rost on t#e 0round t#at $ade t#e )ields loo( li(e t#e rou0# ac(s o)
s#ee'D t#e sun +as al$ost sil-er and t#e +oods stuc( u' li(e dry ristles on t#e s(y line6 T#e
countryside see$ed to e recedin0 )ro$ t#e little circle o) noise around t#e s#ed6 Mr6 !uiEac
+as s9uattin0 on t#e 0round eside t#e s$all tractor5 'uttin0 in a 'art6 Mrs6 Mcintyre #o'ed to
0et t#e )ields turned o-er +#ile #e still #ad t#irty days to +or( NOr #er6 T#e colored oy +as
standin0 y +it# so$e tools in #is #and and Mr6 S#ortley +as under t#e s#ed aout to 0et u' or
t#e lar0e tractor and ac( it out6 S#e $eant to +ait until #e and t#e /e0ro 0ot out o) t#e +ay
e)ore s#e e0an #er un'leasant duty6
S#e stood +atc#in0 Mr6 !uiEac5 sta$'in0 #er )eet on t#e #ard 0round5 )or t#e cold +as
cli$in0 li(e a 'aralysis u' #er )eet and le0s6 S#e #ad on a #ea-y lac( coat and a red #eadH
(erc#ie) +it# #er lac( #at 'ulled do+n on to' o) it to (ee' t#e 0lare out o) #er eyes6 7nder t#e
lac( ri$ #er )ace #ad an astracted loo( and once or t+ice #er li's $o-ed silently6 Mr6 !uiEac
s#outed o-er t#e noise o) t#e tractor )or t#e /e0ro to #and #i$ a scre+dri-er and +#en #e 0ot
it5 #e turned o-er on #is ac( on t#e icy 0round and reac#ed u' under t#e $ac#ine6 S#e could
not see #is )ace5 only #is )eet and le0s and trun( stic(in0 i$'udently out )ro$ t#e side o) t#e
tractor6 He #ad on ruer oots t#at +ere crac(ed and s'las#ed +it# $ud6 He raised one (nee
and t#en lo+ered it and turned #i$sel) sli0#tly6 O) all t#e t#in0s s#e resented aout #i$5 s#e
resented $ost t#at #e #adnt le)t on #is o+n accord6
Mr6 S#ortley #ad 0ot on t#e lar0e tractor and +as ac(in0 it out )ro$ under t#e s#ed6 He
see$ed to e +ar$ed y it as i) its #eat and stren0t# sent i$'ulses u' t#rou0# #i$ t#at #e
oeyed instantly6 He #ad #eaded it to+ard t#e s$all tractor ut #e ra(ed it on a sli0#t incline
and @u$'ed o)) and turned ac( to+ard t#e s#ed6 Mrs6 Mcintyre +as loo(in0 )i"edly at Mr6
!uiEacs le0s lyin0 )lat on t#e 0round no+6 S#e #eard t#e ra(e on t#e lar0e tractor sli' and5
loo(in0 u'5 s#e sa+ it $o-e )or+ard5 calculatin0 its o+n 'at#6 Later s#e re$e$ered t#at s#e
#ad seen t#e /e0ro @u$' silently out o) t#e +ay as i) a s'rin0 in t#e eart# #ad released #i$ and
t#at s#e #ad seen Mr6 S#ortley turn #is #ead +it# incredile slo+ness and stare silently o-er #is
s#oulder and t#at s#e #ad started to s#out to t#e .is'laced Person ut t#at s#e #ad not6 S#e
#ad )elt #er eyes and Mr6 S#ortleys eyes and t#e /e0ros eyes co$e to0et#er in one loo( t#at
)roEe t#e$ in collusion )ore-er5 and s#e #ad #eard t#e little noise t#e Pole $ade as t#e tractor
+#eel ro(e #is ac(one6 T#e t+o $en ran )or+ard to #el' and s#e )ainted6
S#e re$e$ered5 +#en s#e ca$e to5 runnin0 so$e+#ere5 'er#a's into t#e #ouse and out
a0ain ut s#e could not re$e$er +#at )or or i) s#e #ad )ainted a0ain +#en s#e 0ot t#ere6
&#en s#e )inally ca$e ac( to +#ere t#e tractors +ere5 t#e a$ulance #ad arri-ed6 Mr6
!uiEacs ody +as co-ered +it# t#e ent odies o) #is +i)e and t+o c#ildren and y a lac( one
+#ic# #un0 o-er #i$5 $ur$urin0 +ords s#e didnt understand6 *t )irst s#e t#ou0#t t#is $ust
e t#e doctor ut t#en +it# a )eelin0 o) annoyance s#e reco0niEed t#e 'riest5 +#o #ad co$e
+it# t#e a$ulance and +as sli''in0 so$et#in0 into t#e crus#ed $ans $out#6 *)ter a $inute
#e stood u' and s#e loo(ed )irst at #is loody 'ants le0s and t#en at #is )ace +#ic# +as not
a-erted )ro$ #er ut +as as +it#dra+n and e"'ressionless as t#e rest o) t#e countryside6 S#e
only stared at #i$ )or s#e +as too s#oc(ed y #er e"'erience to e 9uite #ersel)6 Her $ind +as
not ta(in0 #old o) all t#at +as #a''enin06 S#e )elt s#e +as in so$e )orei0n country +#ere t#e
'eo'le ent o-er t#e ody +ere nati-es5 and s#e +atc#ed li(e a stran0er +#ile t#e dead $an
+as carried a+ay in t#e a$ulance6
T#at e-enin05 Mr6 S#ortley le)t +it#out notice to loo( )or a ne+ 'osition and t#e /e0ro5
Sul(5 +as ta(en +it# a sudden desire to see $ore o) t#e +orld and set o)) )or t#e sout#ern 'art
o) t#e state6
T#e old $an *stor could not +or( +it#out co$'any6 Mrs6 McIntyre #ardly noticed t#at s#e
#ad no #el' le)t )or s#e ca$e do+n +it# a ner-ous a))liction and #ad to 0o to t#e #os'ital6
&#en s#e ca$e ac(5 s#e sa+ t#at t#e 'lace +ould e too $uc# )or #er to run no+ and s#e
turned #er co+s o-er to a 'ro)essional auctioneer N+#o sold t#e$ at a lossO and retired to li-e
on +#at s#e #ad5 +#ile s#e tried to sa-e #er declinin0 #ealt#6 * nu$ness de-elo'ed in one o)
#er le0s and #er #ands and #ead e0an to @i00le and e-entually s#e #ad to stay in ed all t#e
ti$e +it# only a colored +o$an to +ait on #er6 Her eyesi0#t 0re+ steadily +orse and s#e lost
#er -oice alto0et#er6 /ot $any 'eo'le re$e$ered to co$e out to t#e country to see #er
e"ce't t#e old 'riest6 He ca$e re0ularly once a +ee( +it# a a0 o) readcru$s and5 a)ter #e
#ad )ed t#ese to t#e 'eacoc(5 #e +ould co$e in and sit y t#e side o) #er ed and e"'lain t#e
doctrines o) t#e C#urc#6
* Te$'le o) t#e Holy !#ost N;<K=O
*LL +ee(end t#e t+o 0irls +ere callin0 eac# ot#er Te$'le One and Te$'le T+o5 s#a(in0
+it# lau0#ter and 0ettin0 so red and #ot t#at t#ey +ere 'ositi-ely u0ly5 'articularly 4oanne +#o
#ad s'ots on #er )ace any+ay6 T#ey ca$e in t#e ro+n con-ent uni)or$s t#ey #ad to +ear at
Mount St6 Sc#olastica ut as soon as t#ey o'ened t#eir suitcases5 t#ey too( o)) t#e uni)or$s
and 'ut on red s(irts and loud louses6 T#ey 'ut on li'stic( and t#eir Sunday s#oes and +al(ed
around in t#e #i0# #eels all o-er t#e #ouse5 al+ays 'assin0 t#e lon0 $irror in t#e #all slo+ly to
0et a loo( at t#eir le0s6 /one o) t#eir +ays +ere lost on t#e c#ild6 I) only one o) t#e$ #ad co$e5
t#at one +ould #a-e 'layed +it# #er5 ut since t#ere +ere t+o o) t#e$5 s#e +as out o) it and
+atc#ed t#e$ sus'iciously )ro$ a distance6
T#ey +ere )ourteenIt+o years older t#an s#e +asIut neit#er o) t#e$ +as ri0#t5 +#ic#
+as +#y t#ey #ad een sent to t#e con-ent6 I) t#ey #ad 0one to a re0ular sc#ool5 t#ey +ouldnt
#a-e done anyt#in0 ut t#in( aout oysD at t#e con-ent t#e sisters5 #er $ot#er said5 +ould
(ee' a 0ri' on t#eir nec(s6 T#e c#ild decided5 a)ter oser-in0 t#e$ )or a )e+ #ours5 t#at t#ey
+ere 'ractically $orons and s#e +as 0lad to t#in( t#at t#ey +ere only second cousins and s#e
couldnt #a-e in#erited any o) t#eir stu'idity6 Susan called #ersel) SuEan6 S#e +as -ery s(inny
ut s#e #ad a 'retty 'ointed )ace and red #air6 4oanne #ad yello+ #air t#at +as naturally curly
ut s#e tal(ed t#rou0# #er nose and +#en s#e lau0#ed5 s#e turned 'ur'le in 'atc#es6 /eit#er
one o) t#e$ could say an intelli0ent t#in0 and all t#eir sentences e0an5 8,ou (no+ t#is oy I
(no+ +ell one ti$e #eB:
T#ey +ere to stay all +ee(end and #er $ot#er said s#e didnt see #o+ s#e +ould entertain
t#e$ since s#e didnt (no+ any oys t#eir a0e6 *t t#is5 t#e c#ild5 struc( suddenly +it# 0enius5
s#outed5 8T#eres C#eatS !et C#eat to co$eS *s( Miss Ciry to 0et C#eat to co$e s#o+ t#e$
aroundS: and s#e nearly c#o(ed on t#e )ood s#e #ad in #er $out#6 S#e douled o-er lau0#in0
and #it t#e tale +it# #er )ist and loo(ed at t#e t+o e+ildered 0irls +#ile +ater started in #er
eyes and rolled do+n #er )at c#ee(s and t#e races s#e #ad in #er $out# 0lared li(e tin6 S#e
#ad ne-er t#ou0#t o) anyt#in0 so )unny e)ore6
Her $ot#er lau0#ed in a 0uarded +ay and Miss Ciry lus#ed and carried #er )or( delicately
to #er $out# +it# one 'ea on it6 S#e +as a lon0H)aced londe sc#oolteac#er +#o oarded +it#
t#e$ and Mr6 C#eata$ +as #er ad$irer5 a ric# old )ar$er +#o arri-ed e-ery Saturday
a)ternoon in a )i)teenHyearHold ayHlue Pontiac 'o+dered +it# red clay dust and lac( inside
+it# /e0roes t#at #e c#ar0ed ten cents a'iece to rin0 into to+n on Saturday a)ternoons6 *)ter
#e du$'ed t#e$ #e ca$e to see Miss Ciry5 al+ays rin0in0 a little 0i)tIa a0 o) oiled
'eanuts or a +ater$elon or a stal( o) su0ar cane and once a +#olesale o" o) %ay Rut# candy
ars6 He +as ald#eaded e"ce't )or a little )rin0e o) rustcolored #air and #is )ace +as nearly t#e
sa$e color as t#e un'a-ed roads and +as#ed li(e t#e$ +it# ruts and 0ulleys6 He +ore a 'ale
0reen s#irt +it# a t#in lac( stri'e in it and lue 0alluses and #is trousers cut across a
'rotrudin0 sto$ac# t#at #e 'ressed tenderly )ro$ ti$e to ti$e +it# #is i0 )lat t#u$6 *ll #is
teet# +ere ac(ed +it# 0old and #e +ould roll #is eyes at Miss Ciry in an i$'is# +ay and say5
8Ha+ #a+5: sittin0 in t#eir 'orc# s+in0 +it# #is le0s s'read a'art and #is #i0#to''ed s#oes
'ointin0 in o''osite directions on t#e )loor6
8I dont t#in( C#eat is 0oin0 to e in to+n t#is +ee(end5: Miss Ciry said5 not in t#e least
understandin0 t#at t#is +as a @o(e5 and t#e c#ild +as con-ulsed a)res#5 t#re+ #ersel) ac(+ard
in #er c#air5 )ell out o) it5 rolled on t#e )loor and lay t#ere #ea-in06 Her $ot#er told #er i) s#e
didnt sto' t#is )oolis#ness s#e +ould #a-e to lea-e t#e tale6
,esterday #er $ot#er #ad arran0ed +it# *lonEo Myers to dri-e t#e$ t#e )ortyH)i-e $iles to
May-ille5 +#ere t#e con-ent +as5 to 0et t#e 0irls )or t#e +ee(end and Sunday a)ternoon #e +as
#ired to dri-e t#e$ ac( a0ain6 He +as an ei0#teenHyearHold oy +#o +ei0#ed t+o #undred
and )i)ty 'ounds and +or(ed )or t#e ta"i co$'any and #e +as all you could 0et to dri-e you
any+#ere6 He s$o(ed or rat#er c#e+ed a s#ort lac( ci0ar and #e #ad a round s+eaty c#est
t#at s#o+ed t#rou0# t#e yello+ nylon s#irt #e +ore6 &#en #e dro-e all t#e +indo+s o) t#e car
#ad to e o'en6
8&ell t#eres *lonEoS: t#e c#ild roared )ro$ t#e Roar6 8!et *lonEo to s#o+ e$ aroundS !et
*lonEoS:
T#e t+o 0irls5 +#o #ad seen *lonEo5 e0an to screa$ t#eir indi0nation6
Her $ot#er t#ou0#t t#is +as )unny too ut s#e said5 8T#atll e aout enou0# out o) you5:
and c#an0ed t#e su@ect6 S#e as(ed t#e$ +#y t#ey called eac# ot#er Te$'le One and Te$'le
T+o and t#is sent t#e$ o)) into 0ales o) 0i00les6 Finally t#ey $ana0ed to e"'lain6 Sister
Per'etua5 t#e oldest nun at t#e Sisters o) Mercy in May-ille5 #ad 0i-en t#e$ a lecture on +#at
to do i) a youn0 $an S#ouldI#ere t#ey lau0#ed so #ard t#ey +ere not ale to 0o on +it#out
0oin0 ac( to t#e e0innin0Ion +#at to do i) a youn0 $an s#ouldIt#ey 'ut t#eir #eads in
t#eir la'sIon +#at to do i)It#ey )inally $ana0ed to s#out it outIi) #e s#ould 8e#a-e in an
un0entle$anly $anner +it# t#e$ in t#e ac( o) an auto$oile6: Sister Per'etua said t#ey
+ere to say5 8Sto' sirS I a$ a Te$'le o) t#e Holy !#ostS: and t#at +ould 'ut an end to it6 T#e
c#ild sat u' o)) t#e )loor +it# a lan( )ace6 S#e didnt see anyt#in0 so )unny in t#is6 &#at +as
really )unny +as t#e idea o) Mr6 C#eata$ or *lonEo Myers eauin0 t#e$ around6 T#at (illed
#er6
Her $ot#er didnt lau0# at +#at t#ey #ad said6 8I t#in( you 0irls are 'retty silly5: s#e said6
8*)ter all5 t#ats +#at you areITe$'les o) t#e Holy !#ost6:
T#e t+o o) t#e$ loo(ed u' at #er5 'olitely concealin0 t#eir 0i00les5 ut +it# astonis#ed
)aces as i) t#ey +ere e0innin0 to realiEe t#at s#e +as $ade o) t#e sa$e stu)) as Sister
Per'etua5
Miss Ciry 'reser-ed #er set e"'ression and t#e c#ild t#ou0#t5 its all o-er #er #ead
any#o+6 I a$ a Te$'le o) t#e Holy !#ost5 s#e said to #ersel)5 and +as 'leased +it# t#e '#rase6
It $ade #er )eel as i) so$eody #ad 0i-en #er a 'resent6
*)ter dinner5 #er $ot#er colla'sed on t#e ed and said5 8T#ose 0irls are 0oin0 to dri-e $e
craEy i) I dont 0et so$e entertain$ent )or t#e$6 T#eyre a+)ul6:
8I et I (no+ +#o you could 0et5: t#e c#ild started6
8/o+ listen6 I dont +ant to #ear any $ore aout Mr6 C#eata$5: #er $ot#er said6 8,ou
e$arrass Miss Ciry6 Hes #er only )riend6
O# $y Lord5: and s#e sat u' and loo(ed $ourn)ully out t#e +indo+5 8t#at 'oor soul is so
loneso$e s#ell e-en ride in t#at car t#at s$ells li(e t#e last circle in #ell6:
*nd s#es a Te$'le o) t#e Holy !#ost too5 t#e c#ild re)lected6 8I +asnt t#in(in0 o) #i$5: s#e
said6 8I +as t#in(in0 o) t#ose t+o &il(inses5 &endell and Cory5 t#at -isit old lady %uc#cll out on
#er )ar$6 T#eyre #er 0randsons6 T#ey +or( )or #er6:
8/o+ t#ats an idea5: #er $ot#er $ur$ured and 0a-e #er an a''reciati-e loo(6 %ut t#en
s#e slu$'ed a0ain6 8T#eyre only )ar$ oys6 T#ese 0irls +ould turn u' t#eir noses at t#e$6
8Hu#5: t#e c#ild said6 8T#ey +ear 'ants6 T#eyre si"teen and t#ey 0ot a car6 So$eody said
t#ey +ere ot# 0oin0 to e C#urc# o) !od 'reac#ers ecause you dont #a-e to (no+ not#in0
to e one6:
8T#ey +ould e 'er)ectly sa)e +it# t#ose oys allri0#t5: #er $ot#er said and in a $inute s#e
0ot u' and called t#eir 0rand$ot#er on t#e tele'#one and a)ter s#e #ad tal(ed tX t#e old
+o$an a #al) an #our5 it +as arran0ed t#at &endell and Cory +ould co$e to su''er and
a)ter+ards ta(e t#e 0irls to t#e )air6
Susan and 4oanne +ere so 'leased t#at t#ey +as#ed t#eir #air and rolled it u' on alu$inu$
curlers6 Ha#5 t#ou0#t5 #e c#ild5 sittin0 crossle00ed on t#e ed to +atc# t#e$ undo t#e curlers5
+aitll you 0et a load o) &endell and CoryS 8,oull li(e t#ese oys6: s#e said6 8&endell is si" )eet
tall and 0ot red #air6 Cory is si" )eet si" inc#es tails 0ot lac( #air and +ears a s'ort @ac(et and
t#ey 0otte$ t#is car +it# a s9uirrel tail on t#e )ront6:
8Ho+ does a c#ild li(e you (no+ so $uc#D aout t#ese $en3: Susan as(ed and 'us#ed #er
)ace u' close to t#e $irror to +atc# t#e 'u'ils in #er eyes dilate6
T#e c#ild lay ac( on t#e ed and e0an to count t#e narro+ oards in t#e ceilin0 until s#e
lost #er 'lace6 I (no+ t#e$ all ri0#t5 s#e said to so$eone6 &e )ou0#t in t#e +orld +ar to0et#er6
T#ey +ere under $e and I sa-ed t#e$ )i-e ti$es )ro$ 4a'anese suicide di-ers and &endell
said I a$ 0oin0 to $arry t#at (id and t#e ot#er said o# no you aint I a$ and I said neit#er one
o) you is ecause I +ill court $ars#all you all e)ore you can at an eye6 8I-e seen t#e$ around
is all5: s#e said6
&#en t#ey ca$e t#e 0irls stared at t#e$ a second and t#en e0an to 0i00le and tal( to eac#
ot#er aout t#e con-ent6 T#ey sat in t#e s+in0 to0et#er and &endell and Cory sat on t#e
anisters to0et#er6 T#ey sat li(e $on(eys5 t#eir (nees on a le-el +it# t#eir s#oulders and t#eir
ar$s #an0in0 do+n et+een6 T#ey +ere s#ort t#in oys +it# red )aces and #i0# c#ee(ones
and 'ale seedHli(e eyes6 T#ey #ad rou0#t a #ar$onica and a 0uitar6 One o) t#e$ e0an to
lo+ so)tly on t#e $out# or0an5 +atc#in0 t#e 0irls o-er it5 and t#e ot#er started stru$$in0 t#e
0uitar and t#en e0an to sin05 not +atc#in0 t#e$ ut (ee'in0 #is #ead tilted u'+ard as i) #e
+ere only interested in #earin0 #i$sel)6 He +as sin0in0 a #illilly son0 t#at sounded #al) li(e a
lo-e son0 and #al) li(e a #y$n6
T#e c#ild +as standin0 on a arrel 'us#ed into so$e us#es at t#e side o) t#e #ouse5 #er
)ace on a le-el +it# t#e 'orc# )loor6 T#e sun +as 0oin0 do+n and t#e s(y +as turnin0 a ruised
-iolet color t#at see$ed to e connected +it# t#e s+eet $ourn)ul sound o) t#e $usic6 &endell
e0an to s$ile as #e san0 and to loo( at t#e 0irls6 He loo(ed at Susan +it# a do0Hli(e lo-in0 loo(
and san05
8I-e )ound a )riend in 4esus5
Hes e-eryt#in0 to $e5
Hes t#e lily o) t#e -alley5
Hes t#e One +#os set $e )reeS:
T#en #e turned t#e sa$e loo( on 4oanne and san0
8* +all o) )ire aout $e5
I-e not#in0 no+ to )ear5
Hes t#e My o) t#e -alley5
*nd Ill al+ays #a-e Hi$ nearS:
T#e 0irls loo(ed at eac# ot#er and #eld t#eir li's sti)) so as not to 0i00le ut Susan let out
one any+ay and cla''ed #er #and on #er $out#6 T#e sin0er )ro+ned and )or a )e+ seconds
only stru$$ed t#e 0uitar6 T#en #e e0an 8T#e Old Ru00ed Cross: and t#ey listened 'olitely ut
+#en #e #ad )inis#ed t#ey said5 8Let us sin0 oneS: and e)ore #e could start anot#er5 t#ey
e0an to sin0 +it# t#eir con-entHtrained -oices5
8Tantu$ er0o Sacra$entu$
2enere$ur Cernui:
Et anti9uu$ docu$entu$
/o-o cedat ritui::
T#e c#ild +atc#ed t#e oys sole$n )aces turn +it# 'er'le"ed )ro+nin0 stares at eac# ot#er
as i) t#ey +ere uncertain +#et#er t#ey +ere ein0 $ade )un o)6
8Praestct )ides su''le$entu$
Sensuu$ de)ectui6
!enitori5 !enito9ue
Laus et @uilatio
Salus5 #onor5 -irtus 9uo9ueB:
T#e oys )aces +ere dar( red in t#e 0rayH'ur'le li0#t6 T#ey loo(ed )ierce and startled6
8Sit et enedictioD
Procedenti a utro9ue
Co$'ar sit laudatio6
*$en6:
T#e 0irls dra00ed out t#e *$en and t#en t#ere +as a silence6
8T#at $ust e 4e+ sin0in05: &endell said and e0an to tune t#e 0uitar6
T#e 0irls 0i00led idiotically ut t#e c#ild sta$'ed #er )oot on t#e arrel6 8,ou i0 du$ o"S:
s#e s#outed6 8,ou i0 du$ C#urc# o) !od o"S: s#e roared and )ell o)) t#e arrel and
scra$led u' and s#ot around t#e corner o) t#e #ouse as t#ey @u$'ed )ro$ t#e anister to see
+#o +as s#outin06
Her $ot#er #ad arran0ed )or t#e$ to #a-e su''er in t#e ac( yard and s#e #ad a tale laid
out t#ere under so$e 4a'anese lanterns t#at s#e 'ulled out )or 0arden 'arties6 8I aint eatin0
+it# t#e$5: t#e c#ild said and snatc#ed #er 'late o)) t#e tale and carried it to t#e (itc#en and
sat do+n +it# t#e t#in lueH0u$$ed coo( and ate #er su''er6
8Ho+co$e you e so u0ly so$eti$e3: t#e coo( as(ed6
8T#ose stu'id idiots5: t#e c#ild said6
T#e lanterns 0ilded t#e lea-es o) t#e trees oran0e on t#e le-el +#ere t#ey #un0 and ao-e
t#e$ +as lac(H0reen and elo+ t#e$ +ere di))erent di$ $uted colors t#at $ade t#e 0irls
sittin0 at t#e tale loo( 'rettier t#an t#ey +ere6 Fro$ ti$e to ti$e5 t#e c#ild turned #er #ead
and 0lared out t#e (itc#en +indo+ at t#e scene elo+6
8!od could stri(e you dea) du$ and lind5: t#e coo( said5 8and t#en you +ouldnt e as
s$art as you is6:
8I +ould still e s$arter t#an so$e5: t#e c#ild said6
*)ter su''er t#ey le)t )or t#e )air6 S#e +anted to 0o to t#e )air ut not +it# t#e$ so e-en i)
t#ey #ad as(ed #er s#e +ouldnt #a-e 0one6 S#e +ent u'stairs and 'aced t#e lon0 edroo$
+it# #er #ands loc(ed to0et#er e#ind #er ac( and #er #ead t#rust )or+ard and an
e"'ression5 )ierce and drea$y ot#5 on #er )ace6 S#e didnt turn on t#e electric li0#t ut let t#e
dar(ness collect and $a(e t#e roo$ s$aller and $ore 'ri-ate6 *t re0ular inter-als a li0#t
crossed t#e o'en +indo+ and t#re+ s#ado+s on t#e +all6 S#e sto''ed and stood loo(in0 out
o-er t#e dar( slo'es5 'ast +#ere t#e 'ond 0linted sil-er5 'ast t#e +all o) +oods to t#e s'ec(led
s(y +#ere a lon0 )in0er o) li0#t +as re-ol-in0 u' and around and a+ay5 searc#in0 t#e air as i) it
+ere #untin0 )or t#e lost sun6 It +as t#e eacon li0#t )ro$ t#e )air6
S#e could #ear t#e distant sound o) t#e callio'e and s#e sa+ in #er #ead all t#e tents raised
u' in a (ind o) 0old sa+dust li0#t and t#e dia$ond rin0 o) t#e )erris +#eel 0oin0 around and
around u' in t#e air and do+n a0ain and t#e scree(in0 $erryH0oHround 0oin0 around and
around on t#e 0round6 * )air lasted )i-e or si" days and t#ere +as a s'ecial a)ternoon )or sc#ool
c#ildren and a s'ecial ni0#t )or ni00ers6 S#e #ad 0one last year on t#e a)ternoon )or sc#ool
c#ildren and #ad seen t#e $on(eys and t#e )at $an and #ad ridden on t#e )erris +#eel6 Certain
tents +ere closed t#en ecause t#ey contained t#in0s t#at +ould e (no+n only to 0ro+n
'eo'le ut s#e #ad loo(ed +it# interest at t#e ad-ertisin0 on t#e closed tents5 at t#e )adedH
loo(in0 'ictures on t#e can-as o) 'eo'le in ti0#ts5 +it# sti)) stretc#ed co$'osed )aces li(e t#e
)aces o) t#e $artyrs +aitin0 to #a-e t#eir ton0ues cut out y t#e Ro$an soldier6 S#e #ad
i$a0ined t#at +#at +as inside t#ese tents concerned $edicine and s#e #ad $ade u' #er $ind
to e a doctor +#en s#e 0re+ u'6
S#e #ad since c#an0ed and decided to e an en0ineer ut as s#e loo(ed out t#e +indo+
and )ollo+ed t#e re-ol-in0 searc#li0#t as it +idened and s#ortened and +#eeled in its are5 s#e
)elt t#at s#e +ould #a-e to e $uc# $ore t#an @ust a doctor or an en0ineer6 S#e +ould #a-e to
e a saint ecause t#at +as t#e occu'ation t#at included e-eryt#in0 you could (no+D and yet
s#e (ne+ s#e +ould ne-er e a saint6 S#e did not steal or $urder ut s#e +as a orn liar and
slot#)ul and s#e sassed #er $ot#er and +as delierately u0ly to al$ost e-eryody6 S#e +as
eaten u' also +it# t#e sin o) Pride5 t#e +orst one6 S#e $ade )un o) t#e %a'tist 'reac#er +#o
ca$e to t#e sc#ool at co$$ence$ent to 0i-e t#e de-otional6 S#e +ould 'ull do+n #er $out#
and #old #er )ore#ead as i) s#e +ere in a0ony and 0roan5 8Fa+t#er5 +e t#an( T#ee5: e"actly t#e
+ay #e did and s#e #ad een told $any ti$es not to do it6 S#e could ne-er e a saint5 ut s#e
t#ou0#t s#e could e a $artyr i) t#ey (illed #er 9uic(6
S#e could stand to e s#ot ut not to e urned in oil6 S#e didnt (no+ i) s#e could stand to
e torn to 'ieces y lions or not6 S#e e0an to 're'are #er $artyrdo$5 seein0 #ersel) in a 'air
o) ti0#ts in a 0reat arena5 lit y t#e early C#ristians #an0in0 in ca0es o) )ire5 $a(in0 a 0old dusty
li0#t t#at )ell on #er and t#e lions6 T#e )irst lion c#ar0ed )or+ard and )ell at #er )eet5 con-erted6
* +#ole series o) lions did t#e sa$e6 T#e lions li(ed #er so $uc# s#e e-en sle't +it# t#e$ and
)inally t#e Ro$ans +ere oli0ed to urn #er ut to t#eir astonis#$ent s#e +ould not urn
do+n and )indin0 s#e +as so #ard to (ill5 t#ey )inally cut o)) #er #eal -ery 9uic(ly +it# a s+ord
and s#e +ent i$$ediately to #ea-en6 S#e re#earsed t#is se-eral ti$es5 returnin0 eac# ti$e at
t#e entrance o) Paradise to t#e lions6
Finally s#e 0ot u' )ro$ t#e +indo+ and 0ot ready )or ed and 0ot in +it#out sayin0 #er
'rayers6 T#ere +ere t+o #ea-y doule eds in t#e roo$6 T#e 0irls +ere occu'yin0 t#e ot#er
one and s#e tried to t#in( o) so$et#in0 cold and cla$$y t#at s#e could #ide in t#eir ed ut
#er t#ou0#t +as )ruitless6 S#e didnt #a-e anyt#in0 s#e could t#in( o)5 li(e a c#ic(en carcass or a
'iece o) ee) li-er6 T#e sound o) t#e callio'e co$in0 t#rou0# t#e +indo+ (e't #er a+a(e and
s#e re$e$ered t#at s#e #adnt said #er 'rayers and 0ot u' and (nelt do+n and e0an t#e$6
S#e too( a runnin0 start and +ent t#rou0# to t#e ot#er side o) t#e *'ostles Creed and t#en
#un0 y #er c#in on t#e side o) t#e ed5 e$'tyH$inded6 Her 'rayers5 +#en s#e re$e$ered to
say t#e$5 +ere usually 'er)unctory ut so$eti$es +#en s#e #ad done so$et#in0 +ron0 or
#eard $usic or lost so$et#in05 or so$eti$es )or no reason at all5 s#e +ould e $o-ed to )er-or
and +ould t#in( o) C#rist on t#e lon0 @ourney to Cal-ary5 crus#ed t#ree ti$es on t#e rou0#
cross6 Her $ind +ould stay on t#is a +#ile and t#en 0et e$'ty and +#en so$et#in0 roused #er5
s#e +ould )ind t#at s#e +as t#in(in0 o) a di))erent t#in0 entirely5 o) so$e do0 or so$e 0irl or
so$et#in0 s#e +as 0oin0 to do so$e day6 Toni0#t5 re$e$erin0 &endell and Cory5 s#e +as
)illed +it# t#an(s0i-in0 and al$ost +ee'in0 +it# deli0#t5 s#e said5 8Lord5 Lord5 t#an( ,ou t#at
I$ not in t#e C#urc# o) !od5 t#an( ,ou Lord5 t#an( ,ouS: and 0ot ac( in ed and (e't
re'eatin0 it until s#e +ent to slee'6
T#e 0irls ca$e in at a 9uarter to t+el-e and +a(ed #er u' +it# t#eir 0i00lin06 T#ey turned
on t#e s$all lueHs#aded la$' to see to 0et undressed y and t#eir s(inny s#ado+s cli$ed u'
t#e +all and ro(e and continued $o-in0 aout so)tly on t#e ceilin06 T#e c#ild sat u' to #ear
+#at all t#ey #ad seen at t#e )air6 Susan #ad a 'lastic 'istol )ull o) c#ea' candy and 4oanne a
'asteoard cat +it# red 'ol(a dots on it6 8.id you see t#e $on(eys dance3: t#e c#ild as(ed6
8.id you see t#at )at $an and t#ose $id0ets3:
8*ll (inds o) )rea(s5: 4oanne said6 *nd t#en s#e said to Susan5 8I en@oyed it all ut t#e
youH(no+H+#at5: and #er )ace assu$ed a 'eculiar e"'ression as i) s#e #ad it into so$et#in0
t#at s#e didnt (no+ i) s#e li(ed or not6
T#e ot#er stood still and s#oo( #er #ead once and nodded sli0#tly at t#e c#ild6 8Little
'itc#ers5: s#e said in a lo+ -oice ut t#e c#ild #eard it and #er #eart e0an to eat -ery )ast6
S#e 0ot out o) #er ed and cli$ed onto t#e )ootoard o) t#eirs6
T#ey turned o)) t#e li0#t and 0ot in ut s#e didnt $o-e6 S#e sat t#ere5 loo(in0 #ard at t#e$
until t#eir )aces +ere +ell de)ined t#e dar(6 8I$ not as old as you all5: s#e said5 8ut I$ aout
$illion ti$es s$arter6:
8T#ere are so$e t#in0s5: Susan said5 8t#at a c#ild o) your a0e doesnt (no+5: and t#ey ot#
e0an to 0i00le6
8!o ac( to your o+n ed5: 4oanne said6
T#e c#ild didnt $o-e6 8One ti$e5: s#e said5 #er -oice #ollo+ soundin0 in t#e dar(5 8I sa+
t#is rait #a-e raits6:
T#ere +as a silence6 T#en Susan said5 8Ho+3: in an indi))erent tone and s#e (ne+ t#at s#e
#ad t#e$6 S#e said s#e +ouldnt tell until t#ey told aout t#e youH(no+H+#at6 *ctually s#e #ad
ne-er seen a rait #a-e raits ut s#e )or0ot t#is as t#ey e0an to tell +#at t#ey #ad seen in
t#e tent6
It #ad een a )rea( +it# a 'articular na$e ut t#ey couldnt re$e$er t#e na$e6 T#e tent
+#ere it +as #ad een di-ided into t+o 'arts y a lac( curtain5 one side )or $en and one )or
+o$en6 T#e )rea( +ent )ro$ one side to t#e ot#er5 tal(in0 )irst to t#e $en and t#en to t#e
+o$en5 ut e-eryone could #ear6 T#e sta0e ran all t#e +ay across t#e )ront6 T#e 0irls #eard t#e
)rea( say to t#e $en5 8I$ 0oin0 to s#o+ you t#is and i) you lau0#5 !od $ay stri(e you t#e sa$e
+ay6: T#e )rea( #ad a country -oice5 slo+ and nasal and neit#er #i0# nor lo+5 @ust )lat6 8!od
$ade $e t#isa+ay and i) you lau0# He $ay stri(e you t#e sa$e +ay6 T#is is t#e +ay He +anted
$e to e and I aint dis'utin0 HIS +ay6 I$ s#o+in0 you ecause I 0ot to $a(e t#e est o) it6 I
e"'ect you to act li(e ladies and 0entle$en6 I ne-er done it to $ysel) nor #ad a t#in0 to do +it#
it ut I$ $a(in0 t#e est o) it6 I dont dis'ute #it6: T#en t#ere +as a lon0 silence on t#e ot#er
side o) t#e tent and )inally t#e )rea( le)t t#e $en and ca$e o-er onto t#e +o$ens side and
said t#e sa$e t#in06
T#e c#ild )elt e-ery $uscle strained as i) s#e +ere #earin0 t#e ans+er to a riddle t#at +as
$ore 'uEElin0 t#an t#e riddle itsel)6 8,ou $ean it #ad t+o #eads3: s#e said6
8/o5: Susan said5 8it +as a $an and +o$an ot#6 It 'ulled u' its dress and s#o+ed us6 It
#ad on a lue dress6:
T#e c#ild +anted to as( #o+ it could e a $an and +o$an ot# +it#out t+o #eads ut s#e
did not6 S#e +anted to 0et ac( into #er o+n ed and t#in( it out and s#e e0an to cli$ do+n
o)) t#e )ootoard6
8&#at aout t#e rait3: 4oanne as(ed6
T#e c#ild sto''ed and only #er e: a''eared5 o-er t#e )ootoard5 astracted5 asent6 8It
s'it t#e$ out o) its $out#6: s#e said5 8si" o) t#e$6:
S#e lay in ed tryin0 to 'icture t#e tent +it# t#e )rea( +al(in0 )ro$ side to side ut s#e +as
too slee'y to )i0ure it out6 S#e +as etter ale to see t#e )aces o) t#e country 'eo'le +atc#in05
t#e $en $ore sole$n t#an t#ey +ere in c#urc#5 and t#e +o$en stern and 'olite5 +it# 'aintedH
loo(in0 eyes5 standin0 as i) t#ey +ere +aitin0 )or t#e )irst note o) t#e 'iano to e0in t#e #y$n6
S#e could #ear t#e )rea( sayin05 8!od $ade $e t#isa+ay and I dont dis'ute #it5: and t#e
'eo'le sayin05 8*$en6 *$en6:
8!od done t#is to $e and I 'raise Hi$6:
8*$en6 *$en6:
8He could stri(e you t#is a+ay6:
8*$en6 *$en6:
8%ut #e #as not5:
8*$en6:
8Raise yoursel) u'6 * te$'le o) tile Holy !#ost6 ,ouS ,ou are !ods te$'le5 dont you (no+3
.ont you (no+3 !ods S'irit #as a d+ellin0 in you5 dont you (no+3:
8*$en6 *$en6:
8I) anyody desecrates t#e te$'le O) !od5 !od +ill rin0 #i$ to ruin and i) you lau0#5 He
$ay stri(e you t#isa+ay6 * te$'le o) !od is a #oly t#in06 *$en6 *$en6:
8I a$ a te$'le o) t#e Holy !#ost6
8*$en6:
T#e 'eo'le e0an to sla' t#eir #ands +it#out $a(in0 a loud noise and +it# a re0ular eat
et+een t#e *$ens5 $ore and $ore so)tly5 as i) t#ey (ne+ t#ere +as a c#ild near5 #al) aslee'6
T#e ne"t a)ternoon t#e 0irls 'ut on t#eir ro+n con-ent uni)or$s a0ain and t#e c#ild and
#er $ot #er too( t#e$ ac( to Mount St6 Sc#olastica6 8O# 0lory5 o# PeteS: t#ey said6 8%ac( to
t#e salt $ines6: *lonEo Myers dro-e t#e$ and t#e c#ild sat in )ront +it# #i$ and #er $ot#er
sat in ac( et+een t#e t+o 0irls5 tellin0 t#e$ suc# t#in0s as #o+ 'leased s#e +as to #a-e #ad
t#e$ and #o+ t#ey $ust co$e ac( a0ain and t#en aout t#e 0ood ti$es s#e and t#eir
$ot#ers #ad #ad +#en t#ey +ere 0irls at t#e con-ent6 T#e c#ild didnt listen to any o) t#is
t+addle ut (e't as close to t#e loc(ed door as s#e could 0et and #eld #er #ead out t#e
+indo+6 T#ey #ad t#ou0#t *lonEo +ould s$ell etter on Sunday ut #e did not6 &it# #er #air
lo+in0 o-er #er )ace s#e could loo( directly into t#e i-ory sun +#ic# +as )ra$ed in t#e $iddle
o) t#e lue a)ternoon ut +#en s#e 'ulled it a+ay )ro$ #er eyes s#e #ad to s9uint6
Mount St6 Sc#olastica +as a red ric( #ouse set ac( in a 0arden in t#e center o) to+n6
T#ere +as a )illin0 station on one side o) and a )ire#ouse on t#e ot#er6 It #ad a #i0# lac(
0rille+or( )ence around it and narro+ ric(ed +al(s et+een old trees and @a'onica us#es
t#at +ere #ea-y +it# loo$s6 * i0 $oonH)aced nun ca$e ustlin0 to t#e door to let t#e$ in
and e$raced #er $ot#er and +ould #a-e done t#e sa$e to #er ut t#at s#e stuc( out #er
#and and 'reser-ed a )ri0id )ro+n5 loo(in0 @ust 'ast t#e sisters s#oes at t#e +ainscotin06 T#ey
#ad a tendency to (iss e-en #o$ely c#ildren5 ut t#e nun s#oo( #er #and -i0orously and e-en
crac(ed #er (nuc(les a little and said s#e $ust co$e to t#e c#a'el5 t#at enediction +as @ust
e0innin06 ,ou 'ut your )oot in t#eir door and t#ey 0ot you 'rayin05 t#e c#ild t#ou0#t as t#ey
#urried do+n t#e 'olis#ed corridor6
,oud t#in( s#e #ad to catc# a train5 s#e continued in t#e sa$e u0ly -ein as t#ey entered
t#e c#a'el +#en t#e sisters +ere (neelin0 on one side and t#e 0irls5 all in ro+n uni)or$s5 on
t#e ot#er6 T#e c#a'el s$elled o) incense6 It +as li0#t 0reen and 0old5 a series o) s'rin0in0
arc#es t#at ended +it# t#e one o-er t#e altar +#ere t#e 'riest +as (neelin0 in )ront o) t#e
$onstrance5 o+ed lo+6 * s$all oy in a sur'lice +as standin0 e#ind #i$5 s+in0in0 t#e
censer6 T#e c#ild (nelt do+n et+een #er $ot#er and t#e nun and t#ey +ere +ell into t#e
8Tantu$ Er0o: e)ore #er u0ly t#ou0#ts sto''ed and s#e e0an to realiEe t#at s#e +as in t#e
'resence o) !od6 Hel' $e not to e so $ean5 s#e e0an $ec#anically6 Hel' $e not to 0i-e #er
so $uc# sass6 Hel' $e not to tal( li(e I do6 Her $ind e0an to 0et 9uiet and t#en e$'ty ut
+#en t#e 'riest raised t#e $onstrance +it# t#e Host s#inin0 i-oryHcolored in t#e center o) it5
s#e +as t#in(in0 o) t#e tent at t#e )air t#at #ad t#e )rea( in it6 T#e )rea( +as sayin05 8I dont
dis'ute #it6 T#is is t#e +ay He +anted $e to e6:
*s t#ey +ere lea-in0 t#e con-ent door5 t#e i0 nun s+oo'ed do+n on #er $isc#ie-ously
and nearly s$ot#ered #er in t#e lac( #ait5 $as#in0 t#e side o) #er )ace into t#e cruci)i"
#itc#ed onto #er elt and t#en #oldin0 #er o)) and loo(in0 at #er +it# little 'eri+in(le eyes6
On t#e +ay #o$e s#e and #er $ot#er sat in t#e ac( and *lonEo dro-e y #i$sel) in t#e
)ront6 T#e c#ild oser-ed t#ree )olds o) )at in t#e ac( o) #is nec( and noted t#at #is ears +ere
'ointed al$ost li(e a 'i0s6 Her $ot#er5 $a(in0 con-ersation5 as(ed #i$ i) #e #ad 0one to t#e
)air6
8!one5: #e said5 8and ne-er $issed a t#in0 and it +as 0ood I 0one +#en I did ecause t#ey
aint 0oin0 to #a-e it ne"t +ee( li(e t#ey said t#ey +as6:
8&#y3: as(ed #er $ot#er6
8T#ey s#ut it on do+n5: #e said6 8So$e o) t#e 'reac#ers )ro$ to+n 0one out and ins'ected
it and 0ot t#e 'olice to s#ut it on do+n6:
Her $ot#er let t#e con-ersation dro' and t#e c#ilds round )ace +as lost in t#ou0#t6 S#e
turned it to+ard t#e +indo+ and loo(ed out o-er a stretc# o) 'asture land t#at rose and )ell
+it# a 0at#erin0 0reenness until it touc#ed t#e dar( +oods6 T#e sun +as a #u0e red all li(e an
ele-ated Host drenc#ed in lood and +#en it san( out o) si0#t5 it le)t a line in t#e s(y li(e a red
clay road #an0in0 o-er t#e trees6
T#e *rti)icial /i00er N;<KKO
Mr6 Head a+a(ened to disco-er t#at t#e roo$ +as )ull o) $oonli0#t6 He sat u' and stared
at t#e )loor oards t#e color o) sil-er and t#en at t#e tic(in0 on #is 'illo+5 +#ic# $i0#t #a-e
een rocade5 and a)ter a second5 #e sa+ #al) o) t#e $oon )i-e )eet a+ay in #is s#a-in0 $irror5
'aused as i) it +ere +aitin0 )or #is 'er$ission to enter6 It rolled )or+ard and cast a di0ni)yin0
li0#t on e-eryt#in06 T#e strai0#t c#air a0ainst t#e +all loo(ed sti)) and attenti-e as i) it +ere
a+aitin0 an order and Mr6 Heads trousers5 #an0in0 to t#e ac( o) it5 #ad an al$ost nole air5
li(e t#e 0ar$ent so$e 0reat $an #ad @ust )lun0 to #is ser-antD ut t#e )ace on t#e $oon +as a
0ra-e one6 It 0aEed across t#e roo$ and out t#e +indo+ +#ere it )loated o-er t#e #orse stall
and a''eared to conte$'late itsel) +it# t#e loo( o) a youn0 $an +#o sees #is old a0e e)ore
#i$6
Mr6 Head could #a-e said to it t#at a0e +as a c#oice lessin0 and t#at only +it# years does
a $an enter into t#at cal$ understandin0 o) li)e t#at $a(es #i$ asuitale 0uide )or t#e youn06
T#is5 at least5 #ad een #is o+n e"'erience6
He sat u' and 0ras'ed t#e iron 'osts at t#e )oot o) #is ed and raised #i$sel) until #e could
see t#e )ace on t#e alar$ cloc( +#ic# sat on an o-erturned uc(et eside t#e c#air6 T#e #our
+as t+o in t#e $ornin06 T#e alar$ on t#e cloc( did not+or( ut #e +as not de'endent on any
$ec#anical $eans to a+a(en #i$6 Si"ty years #ad not dulled #is res'onsesD #is '#ysical
reactions5 li(e #is $oral ones5 +ere 0uided y #is +ill and stron0 c#aracter5 and t#ese could e
seen 'lainly in #is )eatures6 He #ad a lon0 tueHli(e )ace +it# a lon0 rounded o'en @a+ and a
lon0 de'ressed nose6 His eyes +ere alert ut 9uiet5 and in t#e $iraculous $oonli0#t t#ey #ad a
loo( o) co$'osure and o) ancient +isdo$ as i) t#ey elon0ed to one o) t#e 0reat 0uides o)
$en6 He $i0#t #a-e een 2er0il su$$oned in t#e $iddle o) t#e ni0#t to 0o to .ante or etter5
Ra'#ael5 a+a(ened y a last o) !ods li0#t to )ly to t#e side o) Toias6 T#e only dar( s'ot in t#e
roo$ +as /elsons 'allet5 underneat# t#e s#ado+ o) t#e +indo+6
/elson +as #unc#ed o-er on #is side5 #is (nees under #is c#in and #is #eels under #is
otto$6 His ne+ suit and #at +ere in t#e o"es t#at t#ey #ad een sent in and t#ese +ere on
t#e )loor at t#e )oot o) t#e 'allet +#ere #e could 0et #is #ands on t#e$ as soon as #e +o(e u'6
T#e ste' @ar5 out o) t#e s#ado+ and $ade sno+H+#ite in t#e $oonli0#t5 a''eared to stand
0uard o-er #i$ li(e a s$all 'ersonal an0el6 Mr6 Head lay ac( do+n5 )eelin0 entirely con)ident
t#at #e could carry out t#e $oral $ission o) t#e co$in0 day6 He $eant to e u' e)ore /elson
and to #a-e t#e rea()ast coo(in0 y t#e ti$e #e a+a(ened6 T#e oy +as al+ays ir(ed +#en
Mr6 Head +as t#e )irst u'6 T#ey +ould #a-e to lea-e t#e #ouse at )our to 0et to t#e railroad
@unction y )i-eHt#irty6 T#e train +as to sto' )or t#e$ at )i-e )ortyH)i-e and t#ey #ad to e t#ere
on ti$e )or t#is train +as sto''in0 $erely to acco$$odate t#e$6
T#is +ould e t#e oys )irst tri' to t#e city t#ou0# #e clai$ed it +ould e #is second
ecause #e #ad een orn t#ere6 Mr6 Head #ad tried to 'oint out to #i$ t#at +#en #e +as orn
#e didnt #a-e t#e intelli0ence to deter$ine #is +#ereaouts ut t#is #ad $ade no i$'ression
on t#e c#ild at all and #e continued to insist t#at t#is +as to e #is second tri'6 It +ould e Mr6
Heads t#ird tri'6 /elson #ad said5 8I +ill-e already een t#ere t+ict and I aint ut ten6:
Mr6 Head #ad contradicted #i$6
8I) you aint een t#ere in )i)teen years5 #o+ you (no+ youll e ale to )ind your +ay
aout3: /elson #ad as(ed6 8Ho+ you (no+ it #asnt c#an0ed so$e3:
8Ha-e you e-er5: Mr6 Head #ad as(ed5 8seen $e lost3:
/elson certainly #ad not ut #e +as a c#ild +#o +as ne-er satis)ied until #e #ad 0i-en an
i$'udent ans+er and #e re'lied5 8Its no+#ere around #ere to 0et lost at6:
8T#e day is 0oin0 to co$e5: Mr6 Head 'ro'#esied5 8+#en youll )ind you aint as s$art as
you t#in( you are6: He #ad een t#in(in0 aout t#is tri' )or se-eral $ont#s ut it +as )or t#e
$ost 'art in $oral ter$s t#at #e concei-ed it6 It +as to e a lesson t#at t#e oy +ould ne-er
)or0et6 He +as to )ind out )ro$ it t#at #e #ad no cause )or 'ride $erely ecause #e #ad een
orn in a city6 He +as to )ind out t#at t#e city is not a 0reat 'lace6 Mr6 Head $eant #i$ to see
e-eryt#in0 t#ere is to see in a city so t#at #e +ould e content to stay at #o$e )or t#e rest o)
#is li)e6 He )ell aslee' t#in(in0 #o+ t#e oy +ould at last )ind out t#at #e +as not as s$art as #e
t#ou0#t #e +as6
He +as a+a(ened at t#reeHt#irty y t#e s$ell o) )atac( )ryin0 and #e lea'ed o)) #is cot6
T#e 'allet +as e$'ty and t#e clot#es o"es #ad een t#ro+n o'en6 He 'ut on #is trousers and
ran into t#e ot#er roo$6 T#e oy #ad a corn 'one on coo(in0 and #ad )ried t#e $eat6 He +as
sittin0 in t#e #al)Hdar( at t#e tale5 drin(in0 cold co))ee out o) a can6 He #ad on #is ne+ suit and
#is ne+ 0ray #at 'ulled lo+ o-er #is eyes6 It +as too i0 )or #i$ ut t#ey #ad ordered it a siEe
lar0e ecause t#ey e"'ected #is #ead to 0ro+6 He didnt say anyt#in0 ut #is entire )i0ure
su00ested satis)action at #a-in0 arisen e)ore Mr6 Head6
Mr6 Head +ent to t#e sto-e and rou0#t t#e $eat to t#e tale in t#e s(illet6:Its no #urry5:
#e said6 8,oull 0et t#ere soon enou0# and its no 0uarantee youllli(e it +#en you do neit#er5:
and #e sat do+n across )ro$ t#e oy +#ose #atteetered ac( slo+ly to re-eal a )iercely
e"'ressionless )ace5 -ery $uc# t#e sa$es#a'e as t#e old $ans6 T#ey +ere 0rand)at#er and
0randson ut t#ey loo(ed enou0# ali(e to e rot#ers and rot#ers not too )ar a'art in a0e5 )or
Mr6 Head #ad ayout#)ul e"'ression y dayli0#t5 +#ile t#e oys loo( +as ancient5 as i) #e
(ne+e-eryt#in0 already and +ould e 'leased to )or0et it6
Mr6 Head #ad once #ad a +i)e and dau0#ter and +#en t#e +i)e died5 t#e dau0#ter ran a+ay
and returned a)ter an inter-al +it# /elson6 T#en one $ornin05 +it#out 0ettin0 out o) ed5 s#e
died and le)t Mr6 Head +it# sole care o) t#e yearHold c#ild6 He #ad $ade t#e $ista(e o) tellin0
/elson t#at #e #ad een orn in *tlanta6 I) #e #adnt told #i$ t#at5 /elson couldnt #a-e
insisted t#at t#is +as 0oin0 to e #is second tri'6
8,ou $ay not li(e it a it5: Mr6 Head continued6 8Itll e )ull o) ni00ers6:
T#e oy $ade a )ace as i) #e could #andle a ni00er6
8*ll ri0#t5: Mr6 Head said6 8,ou aint e-er seen a ni00er6:
8,ou +asnt u' -ery early5: /elson said6
8,ou aint e-er seen a ni00er5: Mr6 Head re'eated6 8T#ere #asnt een a ni00er in t#is
county since +e run t#at one out t+el-e years a0o and t#at +as e)ore you +ere orn6: He
loo(ed at t#e oy as i) #e +ere darin0 #i$ to say #e #ad e-er seen a /e0ro6
8Ho+ you (no+ I ne-er sa+ a ni00er +#en I li-ed t#ere e)ore3: /elson as(ed6 8I 'roaly
sa+ a lot o) ni00ers6:
8I) you seen one you didnt (no+ +#at #e +as5: Mr6 Head said5 co$'letely e"as'erated6 8*
si"H$ont#Hold c#ild dont (no+ a ni00er )ro$ anyody else6:
8I rec(on Ill (no+ a ni00er i) I see one5: t#e oy said and 0ot u' and strai0#tened #is slic(
s#ar'ly creased 0ray #at and +ent outside to t#e 'ri-y6
T#ey reac#ed t#e @unction so$e ti$e e)ore t#e train +as due to arri-e and stood aout
t+o )eet )ro$ t#e )irst set o) trac(s6 Mr6 Head carried a 'a'er sac( +it# so$e iscuits and a can
o) sardines in it )or t#eir lunc#6 * coarseHloo(in0 oran0eHcolored sun co$in0 u' e#ind t#e east
ran0e o) $ountains +as $a(in0 t#e s(y a dull red e#ind t#e$5 ut in )ront o) t#e$ it +as still
0ray and t#ey )aced a 0ray trans'arent $oon5 #ardly stron0er t#an a t#u$'rint and
co$'letely +it#out li0#t6 * s$all tin s+itc# o" and a lac( )uel tan( +ere all t#ere +as to $ar(
t#e 'lace as a @unctionD t#e trac(s +ere doule and did not con-er0e a0ain until t#ey +ere
#idden e#ind t#e ends at eit#er end o) t#e clearin06 Trains 'assin0 a''eared to e$er0e )ro$
a tunnel o) trees and5 #it )or a second y t#e cold s(y5 -anis# terri)ied into t#e +oods a0ain6 Mr6
Head #ad #ad to $a(e s'ecial arran0e$ents +it# t#e tic(et a0ent to #a-e t#is train sto' and #e
+as secretly a)raid it +ould not5 in +#ic# case5 #e (ne+ /elson +ould say5 8I ne-er t#ou0#t no
train +as 0oin0 to sto')or you6: 7nder t#e useless $ornin0 $oon t#e trac(s loo(ed +#ite and
)ra0ile6 %ot# t#e old $an and t#e c#ild stared a#ead as i) t#ey +ere a+aitin0 an a''arition6
T#en suddenly5 e)ore Mr6 Head could $a(e u' #is $ind to turn ac(5 t#ere +as a dee'
+arnin0 leat and t#e train a''eared5 0lidin0 -ery slo+ly5 al$ost silently around t#e end o)
trees aout t+o #undred yards do+n t#e trac(5 +it# one yello+ )ront li0#t s#inin06 Mr6 Head
+as still not certain it +ould sto' and #e )elt it +ould $a(e an e-en i00er idiot o) #i$ i) it
+ent y slo+ly6 %ot# #e and /elson5 #o+e-er5 +ere 're'ared to i0nore t#e train i) it 'assed
t#e$6
T#e en0ine c#ar0ed y5 )illin0 t#eir noses +it# t#e s$ell o) #ot $etal and t#en t#e second
coac# ca$e to a sto' e"actly +#ere t#ey +ere standin06 * conductor +it# t#e )ace o) an
ancient loated ulldo0 +as on t#e ste' as i) #e e"'ected t#e$5 t#ou0# #e did not loo( as i) it
$attered one +ay or t#e ot#er to #i$ i) t#ey 0ot on or not6 8To t#e ri0#t5: #e said6
T#eir entry too( only a )raction o) a second and t#e train +as already s'eedin0 on as t#ey
entered t#e 9uiet car6 Most o) t#e tra-elers +ere still slee'in05 so$e +it# t#eir #eads #an0in0
o)) t#e c#air ar$s5 so$e stretc#ed across t+o seats5 and so$e s'ra+led out +it# t#eir )eet in
t#e aisle6 Mr6 Head sa+ t+o unoccu'ied seats and 'us#ed /elson to+ard t#e$6 8!et in t#ere
y t#e +inder5: #e said in #is nor$al -oice +#ic# +as -ery loud at t#is #our o) t#e $ornin06
8/oody cares i) you sit t#ere ecause its noody in it6 Sit ri0#t t#ere6:
8I #eard you5: t#e oy $uttered6 8Its no use in you yellin05: and #e sat do+n and turned #is
#ead to t#e 0lass6 T#ere #e sa+ a 'ale 0#ostHli(e )ace sco+lin0 at #i$ eneat# t#e ri$ o) a
'ale 0#ostHli(e #at6 His 0rand)at#er5 loo(in0 9uic(ly too5 sa+ a di))erent 0#ost5 'ale ut
0rinnin05 under a lac( #at6
Mr6 Head sat do+n and settled #i$sel) and too( out #is tic(et and started readin0 aloud
e-eryt#in0 t#at +as 'rinted on it6 Peo'le e0an to stir6 Se-eral +o(e u' and stared at #i$6
8Ta(e o)) your #at5: #e said to /elson and too( o)) #is o+n and 'ut it on #is (nee6 He #ad a
s$all a$ount o) +#ite #air t#at #ad turned toac cocolored o-er t#e years and t#is lay )lat
across t#e ac( o) #is #ead6 T#e )ront o) #is#ead +as ald and creased6 /elson too( o)) #is #at
and 'ut it on #is (nee and t#ey +aited )or t#e conductor to co$e as( )or t#eir tic(ets6
T#e $an across t#e aisle )ro$ t#e$ +as s'read out o-er t+o seats5 #is )eet 'ro''ed on t#e
+indo+ and #is #ead @uttin0 into t#e aisle6 He #ad on a li0#t lue suit and a yello+ s#irt
unuttoned at t#e nec(6 His eyes #ad @ust o'ened and Mr6 Head +as ready to introduce #i$sel)
+#en t#e conductor ca$e u' )ro$ e#ind and 0ro+led5 8Tic(ets6:
&#en t#e conductor #ad 0one5 Mr6 Head 0a-e /elson t#e return #al) o) #is tic(et and said5
8/o+ 'ut t#at in your 'oc(et and dont lose it or youll #a-e to stayin t#e city6:
8Maye I +ill5: /elson said as i) t#is +ere a reasonale su00estion6 Mr6 Head i0nored #i$6
8First ti$e t#is oy #as e-er een on a train5: #e e"'lained to t#e $an across t#e aisle5 +#o
+as sittin0 u' no+ on t#e ed0e o) #is seat +it# ot# )eet on t#e )loor6
/elson @er(ed #is #at on a0ain and turned an0rily to t#e +indo+6
8Hes ne-er seen anyt#in0 e)ore5: Mr6 Head continued6 8I0norant as t#e day#e +as orn5
ut I $ean )or #i$ to 0et #is )ill once and )or all6:
T#e oy leaned )or+ard5 across #is 0rand)at#er and to+ard t#e stran0er6 8l +as orn in t#e
city5: #e said6 8l +as orn t#ere6 T#is is $y second tri'6: He said itin a #i0# 'ositi-e -oice ut
t#e $an across t#e aisle didnt loo( as i) #e understood6 T#ere +ere #ea-y 'ur'le circles under
#is eyes6
Mr6 Head reac#ed across t#e aisle and ta''ed #i$ on t#e ar$6 8T#e t#in0 to do +it# a oy5:
#e said sa0ely5 8is to s#o+ #i$ all it is to s#o+6 .ont #old not#in0 ac(6:
8,ea#5: t#e $an said6 He 0aEed do+n at #is s+ollen )eet and li)ted t#e le)t one aout ten
inc#es )ro$ t#e )loor6 *)ter a $inute #e 'ut it do+n and li)ted t#e ot#er6 *ll t#rou0# t#e car
'eo'le e0an to 0et u' and $o-e aout and ya+n and stretc#6 Se'arate -oices could e #eard
#ere and t#ere and t#en a 0eneral #u$6 Suddenly Mr6 Heads serene e"'ression c#an0ed6 His
$out# al$ost closed and ali0#t5 )ierce and cautious ot#5 ca$e into #is eyes6 He +as loo(in0
do+n t#e len0t# o) t#e car6 &it#out turnin05 #e cau0#t /elson y t#e ar$ and 'ulled #i$
)or+ard6 8Loo(5: #e said6
* #u0e co))eeHcolored $an +as co$in0 slo+ly )or+ard6 He #ad on a li0#t suit and a yello+
satin tie +it# a ruy 'in in it6 One o) #is #ands rested on #is sto$ac# +#ic# rode $a@estically
under #is uttoned coat5 and in t#e ot#er #e #eld t#e #ead o) a lac( +al(in0 stic( t#at #e
'ic(ed u' an set do+n +it# a delierate out+ard $otion eac# ti$e #e too( a ste'6 He +as
'roceedin0 -ery slo+ly5 #is lar0e ro+n eyes 0aEin0 o-er t#e #eads o) t#e 'assen0ers6 He #ad a
s$all +#ite $ustac#e and +#ite crin(ly #air6 %e#ind #i$ t#ere +ere t+o youn0 +o$en5 ot#
co))eeHcolored5 one in a yello+ dress and one in a 0reen6 T#eir 'ro0ress +as (e't at t#e rate o)
#is and t#ey c#atted in lo+ t#roaty -oices as t#ey )ollo+ed #i$6
Mr6 Heads 0ri' +as ti0#tenin0 insistently on /elsons ar$6 *s t#e 'rocession 'assed t#e$5
t#e li0#t )ro$ a sa''#ire rin0 on t#e ro+n #and t#at 'ic(ed u' t#e cane re)lected in Mr6
Heads eye5 ut #e did not loo( u' nor did t#e tre$endous $an loo( at #i$6 T#e 0rou'
'roceeded u' t#e rest o) t#e aisle and out o) t#e car6 Mr6 Heads 0ri' on /elsons ar$ loosened6
8&#at +as t#at3: #e as(ed6
8* $an5: t#e oy said and 0a-e #i$ an indi0nant loo( as i) #e +ere tired o) #a-in0 #is
intelli0ence insulted6
8&#at (ind o) a $an3: Mr6 Head 'ersisted5 #is -oice e"'ressionless6
8* )at $an5: /elson said6 He +as e0innin0 to )eel t#at #e #ad etter e cautious6
8,ou dont (no+ +#at (ind3: Mr6 Head said in a )inal tone6
8*n old $an5: t#e oy said and #ad a sudden )oreodin0 t#at #e +as not 0oin0 to en@oy t#e
day6
8T#at +as a ni00er5: Mr6 Head said and sat ac(6
/elson @u$'ed u' on t#e seat and stood loo(in0 ac(+ard to t#e end o) t#e car ut t#e
/e0ro #ad 0one6
8Id o) t#ou0#t youd (no+ a ni00er since you seen so $any +#en you +as int#e city on
your )irst -isit5: Mr6 Head continued6 8T#ats #is )irst ni00er5: #e said tot#e $an across t#e aisle6
T#e oy slid do+n into t#e seat6 8,ou said t#ey +ere lac(5: #e said in anan0ry -oice6 8,ou
ne-er said t#ey +ere tan6 Ho+ do you e"'ect $e to (no+anyt#in0 +#en you dont tell $e
ri0#t3:
8,oure @ust i0norant is all5: Mr6 Head said and #e 0ot u' and $o-ed o-er in t#e -acant seat
y t#e $an across t#e aisle6
/elson turned ac(+ard a0ain and loo(ed +#ere t#e /e0ro #ad disa''eared6 He )elt t#at
t#e /e0ro #ad delierately +al(ed do+n t#e aisle in order to $a(e a )ool o) #i$ and #e #ated
#i$ +it# a )ierce ra+ )res# #ateD and also5 #e understood no+ +#y #is 0rand)at#er disli(ed
t#e$6 He loo(ed to+ard t#e +indo+ and t#e )ace t#ere see$ed to su00est t#at #e $i0#t e
inade9uate to t#e days e"actions6 He +ondered i) #e +ould e-en reco0niEe t#e city +#en t#ey
ca$e to it6
*)ter #e #ad told se-eral stories5 Mr6 Head realiEed t#at t#e $an #e +as tal(in0 to +as
aslee' and #e 0ot u' and su00ested to /elson t#at t#ey +al( o-er t#e train and see t#e 'arts o)
it6 He 'articularly +anted t#e oy to see t#e toilet so t#ey +ent )irst to t#e $ens roo$ and
e"a$ined t#e 'lu$in06 Mr6 Head de$onstrated t#e ice+ater cooler as i) #e #ad in-ented it
and s#o+ed /elson t#e o+l +it# t#esin0le s'i0ot +#ere t#e tra-elers rus#ed t#eir teet#6
T#ey +ent t#rou0# se-eral cars and ca$e to t#e diner6
T#is +as t#e $ost ele0ant car in t#e train6 It +as 'ainted a ric# e00Hyello+ and #ad a +ineH
colored car'et on t#e )loor6 T#ere +ere +ide +indo+s o-er t#e tales and 0reat s'aces o) t#e
rollin0 -ie+ +ere cau0#t in $iniature in t#e sides o) t#e co))ee 'ots and in t#e 0lasses6 T#ree
-ery lac( /e0roes in +#ite suits and a'rons +ere runnin0 u' and do+n t#e aisle5 s+in0in0
trays and o+in0 and endin0 o-er t#e tra-elers eatin0 rea()ast6 One o) t#e$ rus#ed u' to
Mr6 Head and /elson and said5 #oldin0 u' t+o )in0ers5 8S'ace )or t+oS: ut Mr6 Head re'lied in
a loud -oice5 8&e eaten e)ore +e le)tS:
T#e +aiter +ore lar0e ro+n s'ectacles t#at increased t#e siEe o) #is eye +#ites6 8Stan
aside t#en 'lease5: #e said +it# an airy +a-e o) t#e ar$ as i) #e +ere rus#in0 aside )lies6
/eit#er /elson nor Mr6 Head $o-ed a )raction o) an inc#6 8Loo(5: Mr6 Head said6
T#e near corner o) t#e diner5 containin0 t+o tales5 +as set o)) )ro$ t#e rest y a sa))ronH
colored curtain6 One tale +as set ut e$'ty ut at t#e ot#er5 )acin0 t#e$5 #is ac( to t#e
dra'e5 sat t#e tre$endous /e0ro6 He +as s'ea(in0 in a so)t -oice to t#e t+o +o$en +#ile #e
uttered a $u))in6 He #ad a #ea-y sad )ace and #is nec( ul0ed o-er #is +#ite collar on eit#er
side6 8T#ey ro'e t#e$ o))5: Mr6 Head e"'lained6 T#en #e said5 8Lets 0o see t#e (itc#en5: and
t#ey +al(ed t#e len0t# o)t#e diner ut t#e lac( +aiter +as co$in0 )ast e#ind t#e$6
8Passen0ers are not allo+ed in t#e (itc#enS: #e said in a #au0#ty -oice6 8Passen0ers are
/OT allo+ed in t#e (itc#enS:
Mr6 Head sto''ed +#ere #e +as and turned6 8*nd t#eres 0ood reason )or t#at5: #e
s#outed into t#e /e0ros c#est5 8ecause t#e coc(roac#es +ould run t#e 'assen0ers outS:
*ll t#e tra-elers lau0#ed and Mr6 Head and /elson +al(ed out5 0rinnin06 Mr6 Head +as
(no+n at #o$e )or #is 9uic( +it and /elson )elt a sudden (een 'ride in #i$6 He realiEed t#e old
$an +ould e #is only su''ort in t#e stran0e 'lace t#ey +ere a''roac#in06 He +ould e
entirely alone in t#e +orld i) #e +ere e-er lost )ro$ #is 0rand)at#er6 * terrile e"cite$ent
s#oo( #i$ and #e +anted to ta(e #old o) Mr6 Heads coat and #old on li(e a c#ild6
*s t#ey +ent ac( to t#eir seats t#ey could see t#rou0# t#e 'assin0 +indo+s t#at t#e
countryside +as eco$in0 s'ec(led +it# s$all #ouses and s#ac(s and t#at a #i0#+ay ran
alon0side t#e train6 Cars s'ed y on it5 -ery s$all and )ast6 /elson )elt t#at t#ere +as less
reat# in t#e air t#an t#ere #ad een t#irty $inutes a0o6 T#e $an across t#e aisle #ad le)t and
t#ere +as no one near )or Mr6 Head to #old a con-ersation +it# so #e loo(ed out t#e +indo+5
t#rou0# #is o+n re)lection5 and read aloud t#e na$es o) t#e uildin0s t#ey +ere 'assin06 8T#e
.i"ie C#e$ical Cor'S: #e announced6 8Sout#ern Maid FlourS .i"ie .oorsS Sout#ern %elle Cotton
ProductsS Pattys Peanut %utterS Sout#ern Ma$$y Cane Syru'S:
8Hus# u'S: /elson #issed6
*ll o-er t#e car 'eo'le +ere e0innin0 to 0et u' and ta(e t#eir lu00a0e o) )t#e o-er#ead
rac(s6 &o$en +ere 'uttin0 on t#eir coats and #ats6 T#e conductor stuc( #is #ead in t#e car and
snarled5 A8Firsto'''''$ry5:555 and /elson lun0ed out o) #is sittin0 'osition5 tre$lin06 Mr6 Head
'us#ed #i$ do+n y t#e s#oulder6
8Cee' your seat5: #e said in di0ni)ied tones6 8T#e )irst sto' is on t#e ed0e o) to+n6 T#e
second sto' is at t#e $ain railroad station6: He #ad co$e y t#is (no+led0e on #is )irst tri'
+#en #e #ad 0ot o)) at t#e )irst sto' and #ad #ad to 'ay a $an )i)teen cents to ta(e #i$ into
t#e #eart o) to+n6 /elson sat ac( do+n5 -ery 'ale6 For t#e )irst ti$e in #is li)e5 #e understood
t#at #is 0rand)at#er +as indis'ensale to #i$6
T#e train sto''ed and let o)) a )e+ 'assen0ers and 0lided on as i) it #ad ne-er ceased
$o-in06 Outside5 e#ind ro+s o) ro+n ric(ety #ouses5 a line o) lue uildin0s stood u'5 and
eyond t#e$ a 'ale roseH0ray s(y )aded a+ay to not#in06 T#e train $o-ed into t#e railroad
yard6 Loo(in0 do+n5 /elson sa+ lines and lines o) sil-er trac(s $ulti'lyin0 and crissHcrossin06
T#en e)ore #e could start countin0 t#e$5 t#e )ace in t#e +indo+ started out at #i$5 0ray ut
distinct5 and #e loo(ed t#e ot#er +ay6 T#e train +as in t#e station6 %ot# #e and Mr6 Head
@u$'ed u' and ran to t#e door6 /eit#er noticed t#at t#ey #ad le)t t#e 'a'er sac( +it# t#e lunc#
in it on t#e seat6
T#ey +al(ed sti))ly t#rou0# t#e s$all station and ca$e out o) a #ea-y door into t#e s9uall o)
tra))ic6 Cro+ds +ere #urryin0 to +or(6 /elson didnt (no+ +#ere to loo(6 Mr6 Head leaned
a0ainst t#e side o) t#e uildin0 and 0lared in )ront o) #i$6
Finally /elson said5 8&ell5 #o+ do you see +#at all it is to see3:
Mr6 Head didnt ans+er6 T#en as i) t#e si0#t o) 'eo'le 'assin0 #ad 0i-en #i$ t#e clue5 #e
said5 8,ou +al(5: and started o)) do+n t#e street6 /elson )ollo+ed5 steadyin0 #is #at6 So $any
si0#ts and sounds +ere )loodin0 in on #i$ t#at )or t#e )irst loc( #e #ardly (ne+ +#at #e +as
seein06 *t t#e second corner5 Mr6 Head turned and loo(ed e#ind #i$ at t#e station t#ey #ad
le)t5 a 'uttyHcolored ter$inal +it# a concrete do$e on to'6 He t#ou0#t t#at i) #e could (ee'
t#e do$e al+ays in si0#t5 #e +ould e ale to 0et ac( in t#e a)ternoon to catc# t#e train
a0ain6
*s t#ey +al(ed alon05 /elson e0an to distin0uis# details and ta(e note o) t#e store
+indo+s5 @a$$ed +it# e-ery (ind o) e9ui'$ent #ard+are5 dry0oods5 c#ic(en )eed5 li9uor6 T#ey
'assed one t#at Mr6 Head called #is 'articular attention to +#ere you +al(ed in and sat on a
c#air +it# your )eet u'on t+o rests and let a /e0ro 'olis# your s#oes6 T#ey +al(ed slo+ly and
sto''ed and stood at t#e entrances so #e could see +#at +ent on in eac# 'lace ut t#ey did
not 0o into any o) t#e$6 Mr6 Head +as deter$ined not to 0o into any city store ecause on #is
)irst tri' #ere5 #e #ad 0ot lost in a lar0e one and ad )ound #is +ay out only a)ter $any 'eo'le
#ad insulted #i$6
T#ey ca$e in t#e $iddle o) t#e ne"t loc( to a store t#at #ad a +ei0#in0 $ac#ine in )ront o)
it and t#ey ot# in turn ste''ed u' on it and 'ut in a 'enny and recei-ed a tic(et6 Mr6 Heads
tic(et said5 8,ou +ei0# ;RL 'ounds6 ,ou are u'ri0#t and ra-e and all your )riends ad$ire you6:
He 'ut t#e tic(et in #is 'oc(et5 sur'rised t#at t#e $ac#ine s#ould #a-e 0ot #is c#aracter correct
ut #is +ei0#t +ron05 )or #e #ad +ei0#ed on a 0rain scale not lon0 e)ore and (ne+ #e
+ei0#ed ;;L6 /elsons tic(et said5 8,ou +ei0# <M 'ounds6 ,ou #a-e a 0reat destiny a#ead o)
you ut e+are o) dar( +o$en6 /elson did not (no+ any +o$en and #e +ei0#ed only ?M
'ounds ut Mr6 Head 'ointed out t#at t#e $ac#ine #ad 'roaly 'rinted t#e nu$er u'side
do+n5 $eanin0 t#e < )or a ?6
T#ey +al(ed on and at t#e end o) )i-e loc(s t#e do$e o) t#e ter$inal san( out o) si0#t and
Mr6 Head turned to t#e le)t6 /elson could #a-e stood in )ront o) e-ery store +indo+ )or an #our
i) t#ere #ad not een an ot#er $ore interestin0 one ne"t to it6 Suddenly #e said5 8I +as orn
#ereS: Mr6 Head turned and loo(ed at #i$ +it# #orror6 T#ere +as a s+eaty ri0#tness aout
#is )ace6 8T#is is +#ere I co$e )ro$S: #e said6
Mr6 Head +as a''alled6 He sa+ t#e $o$ent #ad co$e )or drastic action6 8Le$$e s#o+ you
one t#in0 you aint seen yet5: #e said and too( #i$ to t#e corner +#ere t#ere +as a se+er
entrance6 8S9uat do+n5: #e said5 8and stic( you #ead in t#ere5: and #e #eld t#e ac( o) t#e
oys coat +#ile #e 0ot do+n and 'ut #is #ead in t#e se+er6 He dre+ it ac( 9uic(ly5 #earin0 a
0ur0lin0 in t#e de't#s under t#e side+al(6 T#en Mr6 Head e"'lained t#e se+er syste$5 #o+ t#e
entire city +as underlined +it# it5 #o+ it contained all t#e draina0e and +as )ull o) rats and #o+
a $an could slide into it and e suc(ed alon0 do+n endless 'itc# lac( tunnels6 *t any $inute
any $an in t#e city $i0#t e suc(ed into t#e se+er and ne-er #eard )ro$ a0ain6 He descried it
so +ell t#at /elson +as )or so$e seconds s#a(en6 He connected t#e se+er 'assa0es +it# t#e
entrance to #ell and understood )or t#e )irst ti$e #o+ t#e +orld +as 'ut to0et#er in its lo+er
'arts6 He dre+ a+ay )ro$ t#e cur6
T#en #e said5 8,es5 ut you can stay a+ay )ro$ t#e #oles5: and #is )ace too( on t#at
stuorn loo( t#at +as so e"as'eratin0 to #is 0rand)at#er6 8T#is is +#ere Ico$e )ro$S: #e said6
Mr6 Head +as dis$ayed ut #e only $uttered5 8,oull 0et your )ill5: and t#ey +al(ed on6 *t
t#e end o) t+o $ore loc(s #e turned to t#e le)t5 )eelin0 t#at #e +as circlin0 t#e do$eD and #e
+as correct )or in a #al)H#our t#ey 'assed in )ront o) t#e railroad station a0ain6 *t )irst /elson
did not notice t#at #e +as seein0 t#e sa$e stores t+ice ut +#en t#ey 'assed t#e one +#ere
you 'ut your )eet on t#e rests +#ile t#e /e0ro 'olis#ed your s#oes5 #e 'ercei-ed t#at t#ey
+ere +al(in0 in a circle6
8&e done een #ereS: #e s#outed6 8I dont elie-e you (no+ +#ere youre atS:
8T#e direction @ust sli''ed $y $ind )or a $inute5: Mr6 Head said and t#ey turned do+n a
di))erent street6 He still did not intend to let t#e do$e 0et too )ara+ay and a)ter t+o loc(s in
t#eir ne+ direction5 #e turned to t#e le)t6 T#is street contained t+o and t#reeHstory +ooden
d+ellin0s6 *nyone 'assin0 on t#e side+al( could see into t#e roo$s and Mr6 Head5 0lancin0
t#rou0# one +indo+5 sa+ a +o$an lyin0 on an iron ed5 loo(in0 out5 +it# a s#eet 'ulled o-er
#er6 Her (no+in0 e"'ression s#oo( #i$6 * )ierceHloo(in0 oy on a icycle ca$e dri-in0 do+n
out o) no+#ere and #e #ad to @u$' to t#e side to (ee' )ro$ ein0 #it6 8Its not#in0 to t#e$ i)
t#ey (noc( you do+n5: #e said6 8,ou etter (ee' closer to $e6:
T#ey +al(ed on )or so$e ti$e on streets li(e t#is e)ore #e re$e$ered to turn a0ain6 T#e
#ouses t#ey +ere 'assin0 no+ +ere all un'ainted and t#e +ood int#e$ loo(ed rottenD t#e
street et+een +as narro+er6 /elson sa+ a colored $an6 T#en anot#er6 T#en anot#er6
8/i00ers li-e in t#ese #ouses5: #e oser-ed6
8&ell co$e on and +ell 0o so$e +#eres else5: Mr6 Head said6 8&e didnt co$e to loo( at
ni00ers5: and t#ey turned do+n anot#er street ut t#ey continued to see /e0roes e-ery+#ere6
/elsons s(in e0an to 'ric(le and t#ey ste''ed alon0 at a )aster 'ace in order to lea-e t#e
nei0#or#ood as soon as 'ossile6 T#ere +er ecolored $en in t#eir unders#irts standin0 in t#e
doors and colored +o$en roc(in0 on t#e sa00in0 'orc#es6 Colored c#ildren 'layed $ t#e
0utters and sto''ed +#at t#ey +ere doin0 to loo( at t#e$6 %e)ore lon0 t#ey e0an to 'ass
ro+s o) stores +it# colored custo$ers in t#e$ ut t#ey didnt 'ause at t#e entrances o) t#ese6
%lac( eyesin lac( )aces +ere +atc#in0 t#e$ )ro$ e-ery direction6 8,es5: Mr6 Head said5 8t#is is
+#ere you +ere orn ri0#t #ere +it# all t#ese ni00ers6:
/elson sco+led6 8I t#in( you done 0ot us lost5: #e said6
Mr6 Head s+un0 around s#ar'ly and loo(ed )or t#e do$e6 It +as no+#ere insi0#t6 8I aint
0ot us lost eit#er5: #e said6 8,oure @ust tired o) +al(in06:
8I aint tired5 I$ #un0ry5: /elson said6 8!i-e $e a iscuit6:
T#ey disco-ered t#en t#at t#ey #ad lost t#e lunc#6
8,ou +ere t#e one #oldin0 t#e sac(5: /elson said6 8I +ould #a-e (e'a#olt o) it6:
8I) you +ant to direct t#is tri'5 Ill 0o on y $ysel) and lea-e you ri0#t #ere5 : Mr6 Head said
and +as 'leased to see t#e oy turn +#ite6 Ho+e-er5 #e realiEed t#ey +ere lost and dri)tin0
)art#er e-ery $inute )ro$ t#e station6 He +as #un0ry #i$sel) and e0innin0 to e t#irsty and
since t#ey #ad een in t#e colored nei0#or#ood5 t #ey #ad ot# e0un to s+eat6 /elson #ad
on #is s#oes and #e +as unaccusto$ed to t#e$6 T#e concrete side+al(s +ere -ery #ard6 T#ey
ot# +anted to )ind a 'lace to sit do+n ut t#is +as i$'ossile and t#ey (e't on +al(in05 t#e
oy $utterin0 under #is reat#5 8First you lost t#e sac( and t#en you lost t#e +ay5: and Mr6
Head 0ro+lin0 )ro$ ti$e to ti$e5 8*nyody +ants to e )ro$ t#is ni00er #ea-en can e )ro$
itS:
%y no+ t#e sun +as +ell )or+ard in t#e s(y6 T#e odor o) dinners coo(in0dri)ted out to t#e$6
T#e /e0roes +ere all at t#eir doors to see t#e$ 'ass6 8&#yntyou ast one o) t#ese ni00ers t#e
+ay3: /elson said6 8,ou 0ot us lost6:
8T#is is +#ere you +ere orn5: Mr6 Head said6 8,ou can ast one yoursel) i)you +ant to6:
/elson +as a)raid o) t#e colored $en and #e didnt +ant to e lau0#ed at y t#e colored
c#ildren6 7' a#ead #e sa+ a lar0e colored +o$an leanin0 in a door+ay t#at o'ened onto t#e
side+al(6 Her #air stood strai0#t out )ro$ #er #ead )or aou t)our inc#es all around and s#e
+as restin0 on are ro+n )eet t#at turned 'in( at t#e sides6 S#e #ad on a 'in( dress t#at
s#o+ed #er e"act s#a'e6 *s t#ey ca$e areast o) #er5 s#e laEily li)ted one #and to #er #ead and
#er )in0ers disa''eared into #er #air6
/elson sto''ed6 He )elt #is reat# dra+n u' y t#e +o$ans dar( eyes6 8Ho+ do you 0et
ac( to to+n3: #e said in a -oice t#at did not sound li(e #is o+n6
*)ter a $inute s#e said5 8,ou in to+n no+5: in a ric# lo+ tone t#at $ade /elson )eel as i) a
cool s'ray #ad een turned on #i$6
8Ho+ do you 0et ac( to t#e train3: #e said in t#e sa$e reedli(e -oice6
8,ou can catc# you a car5: s#e said6
He understood s#e +as $a(in0 )un o) #i$ ut #e +as too 'aralyEed e-en to sco+l6 He
stood drin(in0 in e-ery detail o) #er6 His eyes tra-eled u' )ro$ #er 0reat (nees to #er )ore#ead
and t#en $ade a trian0ular 'at# )ro$ t#e 0listenin0 s+eat on #er nec( Ado+n and across #er
tre$endous oso$ and o-er #er are ar$ ac( to +#ere #er )in0ers lay #idden in #er #air6 He
suddenly +anted #er to reac# do+n and 'ic( #i$ u' and dra+ #i$ a0ainst #er and t#en #e
+anted to )eel #er reat# on #is )ace6 He +anted to loo( do+n and do+n into #er eyes +#ile
s#e #eld #i$ ti0#ter and ti0#ter6 He #ad ne-er #ad suc# a )eelin0 e)ore6 He )elt as i) #e +ere
reelin0 do+n t#rou0# a 'itc#lac( tunnel6
8,ou can 0o a loc( do+n yonder and catc# you a car ta(e you to t#e railroad station5
Su0ar'ie5: s#e said6
/elson +ould #a-e colla'sed at #er )eet i) Mr6 Head #ad not 'ulled #i$ rou0#ly a+ay6 8,ou
act li(e you dont #a-e any senseS: t#e old $an 0ro+led6
T#ey #urried do+n t#e street and /elson did not loo( ac( at t#e +o$an6 He 'us#ed #is
#at s#ar'ly )or+ard o-er #is )ace +#ic# +as already urnin0 +it# s#a$e6 T#e sneerin0 0#ost #e
#ad seen in t#e train +indo+ and all t#e )oreodin0 )eelin0 s#e #ad on t#e +ay returned to #i$
and #e re$e$ered t#at #is tic(et )ro$ t#e scale #ad said to e+are o) dar( +o$en and t#at
#is 0rand)at#ers #ad said #e +as u'ri0#t and ra-e6 He too( #old o) t#e old $ans #and5 a si0n
o) de'endence t#at #e seldo$ s#o+ed6
T#ey #eaded do+n t#e street to+ard t#e car trac(s +#ere a lon0 yello+ rattlin0 trolley +as
co$in06 Mr6 Head #ad ne-er oarded a streetcar and #e let t#at one 'ass6 /elson +as silent6
Fro$ ti$e to ti$e #is $out# tre$led sli0#tly ut #is 0rand)at#er5 occu'ied +it# #is o+n
'role$s5 'aid #i$ no attention6 T#ey stood ont#e corner and neit#er loo(ed at t#e /e0roes
+#o +ere 'assin05 0oin0 aout t#eir usiness @ust as i) t#ey #ad een +#ite5 e"ce't t#at $ost
o) t#e$ sto''ed and eyed Mr6 Head and /elson6 It occurred to Mr6 Head t#at since t#e
streetcar ran on trac(s5 t#ey could si$'ly )ollo+ t#e trac(s6 He 0a-e /elson a sli0#t 'us# and
e"'lained t#at t#ey +ould )ollo+ t#e trac(s on into t#e railroad station5 +al(in05 and t#ey
seto))6
Presently to t#eir 0reat relie) t#ey e0an to see +#ite 'eo'le a0ain and /elsonsat do+n on
t#e side+al( a0ainst t#e +all o) a uildin06 8I 0ot to rest $ysel) so$e5 8#e said6 8,ou lost t#e
sac( and t#e direction6 ,ou can @ust +ait on $e to rest $ysel)6:
8T#eres t#e trac(s in )ront o) us5: Mr6 Head said6 8*ll +e 0ot to do is (ee' t#e$ in si0#t and
you could #a-e re$e$ered t#e sac( as 0ood as $e6 T#is is +#ere you +ere orn6 T#is is your
old #o$e to+n6 T#is is your second tri'6 ,ou ou0#t to (no+ #o+ to do5: and #e s9uatted do+n
and continued in6 t#is -ein ut t#e oy5 easin0 #is urnin0 )eet out o) #is s#oes5 did not ans+er6
8*nd standin0 t#ere 0rinnin0 li(e a c#i$H'anHEee +#ile a ni00er +o$an 0i-es you direction6
!reat !a+dS: Mr6 Head said6
8I ne-er said I +as not#in0 ut orn #ere5: t#e oy said in a s#a(y -oice6 : I ne-er said I
+ould or +ouldnt li(e it6 I ne-er said I +anted to co$e6 I only said I +as orn #ere and I ne-er
#ad not#in0 to do +it# t#at6 I +ant to 0o #o$e6 I ne-er +anted to co$e in t#e )irst 'lace6 It +as
all your i0 idea6 Ho+ you (no+ you aint )ollo+in0 t#e trac(s in t#e +ron0 direction3:
T#is last #ad occurred to Mr6 Head too6 8*ll t#ese 'eo'le are +#ite5: #e said6
8&e aint 'assed #ere e)ore5: /elson said6 T#is +as a nei0#or#ood o) ric(uildin0s t#at
$i0#t #a-e een li-ed in or $i0#t not6 * )e+ e$'ty auto$oiles +ere'ar(ed alon0 t#e cur
and t#ere +as an occasional 'assery6 T#e #eat o) t#e'a-e$ent ca$e u' t#rou0# /elsons t#in
suit6 His eyelids e0an to droo'5 and a)ter a )e+ $inutes #is #ead tilted )or+ard6 His s#oulders
t+itc#ed once or t+ice and t#en#e )ell o-er on #is side and lay s'ra+led in an e"#austed )it o)
slee'6
Mr6 Head +atc#ed #i$ silently6 He +as -ery tired #i$sel) ut t#ey could not ot# slee' at
t#e sa$e ti$e and #e could not #a-e sle't any+ay ecause #e did not (no+ +#ere #e +as6 In a
)e+ $inutes /elson +ould +a(e u'5 re)res#ed y #is slee' and -ery coc(y5 and +ould e0in
co$'lainin0 t#at #e #ad lost t#e sac( and t#e +ay6 ,oud #a-e a $i0#ty sorry ti$e i) I +asnt
#ere5 Mr6 Head t#ou0#tD and t#en anot#er idea occurred to #i$6 He loo(ed at t#e s'ra+led
)i0ure )or se-eral $inutesD 'resently #e stood u'6 He @usti)ied +#at #e +as 0oin0 to do on t#e
0rounds t#at it is so$eti$es necessary to teac# a c#ild a lesson #e +ont )or0et 'articularly
+#en t#e c#ild is al+ays reassertin0 #is 'osition +it# so$e ne+ i$'udence6 He +al(ed +it#out
a sound to t#e corner aout t+enty )eet a+ay and sat do+n on a co-ered 0ara0e can in t#e
alley +#ere #e could loo( out and +atc# /elson +a(e u' alone6
T#e oy +as doEin0 )it)ully5 #al) conscious o) -a0ue noises and lac( )or$s $o-in0 u' )ro$
so$e dar( 'art o) #i$ into t#e li0#t His )ace +or(ed in #is slee' and #e #ad 'ulled #is (nees u'
under #is c#in6 T#e sun s#ed a dull dry li0#t on t#e narro+ streetD e-eryt#in0 loo(ed li(e e"actly
+#at it +as6 *)ter a +#ile Mr6 Head5 #unc#ed li(e an old $on(ey on t#e 0ara0e can lid5
decided t#at i) /elson didnt +a(e u' soon5 #e +ould $a(e a loud noise y a$$in0 #is )oot
a0ainst t#e can6 He loo(ed at #is +atc# and disco-ered t#at it +as t+o ocloc(6 T#eir train le)t at
si" and t#e 'ossiility o) $issin0 it +as too a+)ul )or #i$ to t#in( o)6 He (ic(ed #is )oot
ac(+ards on t#e can and a #ollo+ oo$ re-ererated in t#e alley6
/elson s#ot u' onto #is )eet +it# a s#out6 He loo(ed +#ere #is 0rand)at#er s#ould #a-e
een and stared6 He see$ed to +#irl se-eral ti$es and t#en5 'ic(in0 u' #is )eet and t#ro+in0
#is #ead ac(5 #e das#ed do+n t#e street li(e a +ild $addened 'ony6 Mr6 Head @u$'ed o)) t#e
can and 0allo'ed a)ter ut t#e c#ild +as al$ost out o) si0#t6 He sa+ a strea( o) 0ray
disa''earin0 dia0onally a loc( a#ead6 He ran as )ast as #e could5 loo(in0 ot# +ays do+n
e-ery intersection5 ut +it#out si0#t o) #i$ a0ain6 T#en as #e 'assed t#e t#ird intersection5
co$'letely +inded5 #e sa+ aout #al) a loc( do+n t#e street a scene t#at sto''ed #i$
alto0et#er6 He crouc#ed e#ind a tras# o" to +atc# and 0et #is earin0s6
/elson +as sittin0 +it# ot# le0s s'read out and y #is side lay an elderly +o$an5
screa$in06 !roceries +ere scattered aout t#e side+al(6 * cro+d o )+o$en #ad already
0at#ered to see @ustice done and Mr6 Head distinctly #eard t#eold +o$an on t#e 'a-e$ent
s#out5 8,ou-e ro(en $y an(le and your daddyll 'ay )or itS E-ery nic(elS PoliceS PoliceS:
Se-eral o) t#e +o$en +ere 'luc(in0 at /elsons s#oulder ut t#e oy see$ed too daEed to 0et
u'6
So$et#in0 )orced Mr6 Head )ro$ e#ind t#e tras# o" and )or+ard5 ut only at a cree'in0
'ace6 He #ad ne-er in #is li)e een accosted y a 'olice$an6 T#e +o$en +ere $illin0 around
/elson as i) t#ey $i0#t suddenly all di-e on #i$ at once and tear #i$ to 'ieces5 and t#e old
+o$an continued to screa$ t#at #er an(le +as ro(en and to call )or an o))icer6 Mr6 Head
ca$e on so slo+ly t#at #e could #a-e een ta(in0 a ac(+ard ste' a)ter eac# )or+ard one5 ut
+#en #e +as aout ten )eet a+ay5 /elson sa+ #i$ and s'ran06 T#e c#ild cau0#t #i$ around
t#e #i's and clun0 'antin0 a0ainst #i$6
T#e +o$en all turned on Mr6 Head6 T#e in@ured one sat u' and s#outed5 8,ou sirS ,oull 'ay
e-ery 'enny o) $y doctors ill t#at your oy #as caused6 Hes a @u-enile delin9uentS &#ere is
an o))icer3 So$eody ta(e t#is $ans na$e and addressS:
Mr6 Head +as tryin0 to detac# /elsons )in0ers )ro$ t#e )les# in t#e ac( o)#is le0s6 T#e old
$ans #ead #ad lo+ered itsel) into #is collar li(e a turtlesD #is eyes+ere 0laEed +it# )ear and
caution6
8,our oy #as ro(en $y an(leS: t#e old +o$an s#outed6 8PoliceS:
Mr6 Head sensed t#e a''roac# o) t#e 'olice$an )ro$ e#ind6 He stared strai0#t a#ead at
t#e +o$en +#o +ere $assed in t#eir )ury li(e a solid +all to loc( #is esca'e5 8T#is is not $y
oy5: #e said6 8l ne-er seen #i$ e)ore6:
He )elt /elsons )in0ers )all out o) #is )les#6
T#e +o$en dro''ed ac(5 starin0 at #i$ +it# #orror5 as i) t#ey +ere sore 'ulsed y a $an
+#o +ould deny #is o+n i$a0e and li(eness t#at t#ey could not ear to lay #ands on #i$6 Mr6
Head +al(ed on5 t#rou0# a s'ace t#ey silently cleared5 and le)t /elson e#ind6 *#ead o) #i$ #e
sa+ not#in0 ut a #ollo+ tunnel t#at #ad once een t#e street6
T#e oy re$ained standin0 +#ere #e +as5 #is nec( craned )or+ard and #is #ands #an0in0
y #is sides6 His #at +as @a$$ed on #is #ead so t#at t#ere +ere no lon0er any creases in it6 T#e
in@ured +o$an 0ot u' and s#oo( #er )ist at #i$ and t#e ot#ers 0a-e #i$ 'ityin0 loo(s5 ut #e
didnt notice any o) t#e$6 T#ere +as no 'olice$an in si0#t6
In a $inute #e e0an to $o-e $ec#anically5 $a(in0 no e))ort to catc# u' +it# #is
0rand)at#er ut $erely )ollo+in0 at aout t+enty 'aces6 T#ey +al(ed on )or )i-e loc(s in t#is
+ay6 Mr6 Heads s#oulders +ere sa00in0 and #is nec( #un0 )or+ard at suc# an an0le t#at it +as
not -isile )ro$ e#ind6 He +as a)raid to turn #is #ead6 Finally #e cut a s#ort #o'e)ul 0lance
o-er #is s#oulder6 T+enty )eet e#ind #i$5 #e sa+ t+o s$all eyes 'iercin0 into #is ac( li(e
'itc#)or( 'ron0s6
T#e oy +as not o) a )or0i-in0 nature ut t#is +as t#e )irst ti$e #e #ad e-er #ad anyt#in0 to
)or0i-e6 Mr6 Head #ad ne-er dis0raced #i$sel) e)ore6 *)ter t+o $ore loc(s5 #e turned and
called o-er #is s#oulder in a #i0# des'erately 0ay -oice5 8Lets us 0o 0et us a Co Cola
so$e+#eresS:
/elson5 +it# a di0nity #e #ad ne-er s#o+n e)ore5 turned and stood +it# #is ac( to #is
0rand)at#er6
Mr6 Head e0an to )eel t#e de't# o) #is denial6 His )ace as t#ey +al(ed on eca$e all
#ollo+s and are rid0es6 He sa+ not#in0 t#ey +ere 'assin0 ut #e 'ercei-ed t#at t#ey #ad lost
t#e car trac(s6 T#ere +as no do$e to e seen any+#ere and t#e a)ternoon +as ad-ancin06 He
(ne+ t#at i) dar( o-ertoo( t#e$ in t#e city5 t#ey +ould e eaten and roed6 T#e s'eed o)
!ods @ustice +as only +#at #e e"'ected )or #i$sel)5 ut #e could not stand to t#in( t#at #is
sins +ould e -isited u'on /elson and t#at e-en no+5 #e +as leadin0 t#e oy to #is doo$6
T#ey continued to +al( on loc( a)ter loc( t#rou0# an endless section o) s$all ric(
#ouses until Mr6 Head al$ost )ell o-er a +ater s'i0ot stic(in0 u' aout si" inc#es o)) t#e ed0e
o) a 0rass 'lot6 He #ad not #ad a drin( o) +ater since early $ornin0 ut #e )elt #e did not
deser-e it no+6 T#en #e t#ou0#t t#at /elson +ould e t#irsty and t#ey +ould ot# drin( and
e rou0#t to0et#er6 He s9uatted do+n and 'ut #is $out# to t#e noEEle and turned a cold
strea$ o) +ater into #is t#roat6 T#en #e called out in t#e #i0# des'erate -oice5 8Co$e on and
0etc#er so$e +aterS:
T#is ti$e t#e c#ild stared t#rou0# #i$ )or nearly si"ty seconds6 Mr6 Head 0ot u' and +al(ed
on as i) #e #ad drun( 'oison6 /elson5 t#ou0# #e #ad not #ad +ater since so$e #e #ad drun(
out o) a 'a'er cu' on t#e train5 'assed y t#e s'i0ot5 disdainin0 to drin( +#ere #is 0rand)at#er
#ad6 &#en Mr6 Head realiEed t#is5 #e lost all #o'e6 His )ace in t#e +anin0 a)ternoon li0#t loo(ed
ra-a0ed and aandoned6 He could )eel t#e oys steady #ate5 tra-elin0 at an e-en 'ace e#ind
#i$ and #e (ne+ t#at Ni) y so$e $iracle t#ey esca'ed ein0 $urdered in t#e cityO it +ould
continue@ust t#at +ay )or t#e rest o) #is li)e6 He (ne+ t#at no+ #e +as +anderin0 into a lac(
stran0e 'lace +#ere not#in0 +as li(e it #ad e-er een e)ore5 a lon0 old a0e +it#out res'ect
and an end t#at +ould e +elco$e ecause it +ould e t#e end6
*s )or /elson5 #is $ind #ad )roEen around #is 0rand)at#ers treac#ery as i) #e +ere tryin0 to
'reser-e it intact to 'resent at t#e )inal @ud0$ent6 He +al(ed +it#out loo(in0 to one side or t#e
ot#er5 ut e-ery no+ and t#en #is $out# +ould t+itc# and t#is +as +#en #e )elt5 )ro$ so$e
re$ote 'lace inside #i$sel)5 a lac( $ysterious )or$ reac# u' as i) it +ould $elt #is )roEen
-ision in one #ot 0ras'6
T#e sun dro''ed do+n e#ind a ro+ o) #ouses and #ardly noticin05 t#ey 'assed into an
ele0ant suuran section +#ere $ansions +ere set ac( )ro$ t#e road y la+ns +it# irdat#s
on t#e$6 Here e-eryt#in0 +as entirely deserted6 For loc(s t#ey didnt 'ass e-en a do06 T#e i0
+#ite #ouses +ere li(e 'artially su$er0ed iceer0s in t#e distance6 T#ere +ere no side+al(s5
only dri-es5 and t#ese +ound around and around in endless ridiculous circles6 /elson $ade no
$o-e to co$e nearer to Mr6 Head6 T#e old $an )elt t#at i) #e sa+ a se+er entrance #e +ould
dro' do+n into it and let #i$sel) e carried a+ayD and #e could i$a0ine t#e oy standin0 y5
+atc#in0 +it# only a sli0#t interest5 +#ile #e disa''eared6
* loud ar( @arred #i$ to attention and #e loo(ed u' to see a )at $an a''roac#in0 +it# t+o
ulldo0s6 He +a-ed ot# ar$s li(e so$eone s#i'+rec(ed on a desert island6 8I$ lostS: #e
called6 8I$ lost and cant )ind $y +ay and $e and t#is oy #a-e 0ot to catc# t#is train and I
cant )ind t#e station6 O# !a+d I$ lostS O# #e' $e !a+d I$ lostS:
T#e $an5 +#o +as ald#eaded and #ad on 0ol) (nic(ers5 as(ed #i$ +#at train #e +as tryin0
to catc# and Mr6 Head e0an to 0et out #is tic(ets5 tre$lin0 so -iolently #e could #ardly #old
t#e$6 /elson #ad co$e u' to +it#in )i)teen )eet and stood +atc#in06
8&ell5: t#e )at $an said5 0i-in0 #i$ ac( t#e tic(ets5 8you +ont #a-e ti$e to 0et ac( to
to+n to $a(e t#is ut you can catc# it at t#e suur sto'6 T#ats t#ree loc(s )ro$ #ere5: and
#e e0an e"'lainin0 #o+ to 0et t#ere6
Mr6 Head stared as i) #e +ere slo+ly returnin0 )ro$ t#e dead and +#en t#e $an #ad
)inis#ed and 0one o)) +it# t#e do0s @u$'in0 at #is #eels5 #e turned to /elson and said
reat#lessly5 8&ere 0oin0 to 0et #o$eS:
T#e c#ild +as standin0 aout ten )eet a+ay5 #is )ace loodless under t#e 0ray #at6 His eyes
+ere triu$'#antly cold6 T#ere +as no li0#t in t#e$5 no )eelin05 no interest6 He +as $erely
t#ere5 a s$all )i0ure5 +aitin06 Ho$e +as not#in0 to #i$6
Mr6 Head turned slo+ly6 He )elt #e (ne+ no+ +#at ti$e +ould e li(e +it#out seasons and
+#at #eat +ould e li(e +it#out li0#t and +#at $an +ould e li(e +it#out sal-ation6 He didnt
care i) #e ne-er $ade t#e train and i) it #ad not een )or +#at suddenly cau0#t #is attention5
li(e a cry out o) t#e 0at#erin0 dus(5 #e $i0#t #a-e )or0otten t#ere +as a station to 0o to6
He #ad not +al(ed )i-e #undred yards do+n t#e road +#en #e sa+5 +it#in reac# o) #i$5 t#e
'laster )i0ure o) a /e0ro sittin0 ent o-er on a lo+ yello+ ric()ence t#at cur-ed around a +ide
la+n6 T#e /e0ro +as aout /elsons siEe and # e+as 'itc#ed )or+ard at an unsteady an0le
ecause t#e 'utty t#at #eld #i$ to t#e +all #ad crac(ed6 One o) #is eyes +as entirely +#ite and
#e #eld a 'iece o) ro+n +ater$elon6
Mr6 Head stood loo(in0 at #i$ silently until /elson sto''ed at a little distance6 T#en as t#e
t+o o) t#e$ stood t#ere5 Mr6 Head reat#ed5 8*n arti)icial ni00erS:
It +as not 'ossile to tell i) t#e arti)icial /e0ro +ere $eant to e youn0 or oldD #e loo(ed
too $iserale to e eit#er6 He +as $eant to loo( #a''y ecause #is $out# +as stretc#ed u' at
t#e corners ut t#e c#i''ed eye and t#e an0le #e +as coc(ed at 0a-e #i$ a +ild loo( o) $isery
instead6
8*n arti)icial ni00erS: /elson re'eated in Mr6 Heads e"act tone6
T#e t+o o) t#e$ stood t#ere +it# t#eir nec(s )or+ard at al$ost t#e sa$e an0le and t#eir
s#oulders cur-ed in al$ost e"actly t#e sa$e +ay and t#eir #ands tre$lin0 identically in t#eir
'oc(ets6 Mr6 Head loo(ed li(e an ancient c#ild and /elson li(e a $iniature old $an6 T#ey stood
0aEin0 at t#e arti)icial /e0ro as i) t#ey +ere )aced +it# so$e 0reat $ystery5 so$e $onu$ent to
anot#ers -ictory t#at rou0#t t#e$ to0et#er in t#eir co$$on de)eat6 T#ey could ot# )eel it
dissol-in0 t#eir di))erences li(e an action o) $ercy6 Mr6 Head #ad ne-er (no+n e)ore +#at
$ercy )elt li(e ecause #e #ad een too 0ood to deser-e any5 ut #e )elt #e (ne+ no+6 He
loo(ed at /elson and understood t#at #e $ust say so$et#in0 to t#e c#ild to s#o+ t#at #e +as
still +ise and in t#e loo( t#e oy returned #e sa+ a #un0ry need )or c#at assurance6 /elsons
eyes see$ed to i$'lore #i$ to e"'lain once and )or all t#e $ystery o) e"istence6
Mr6 Head o'ened #is li's to $a(e a lo)ty state$ent and #eard #i$sel) say5 8T#ey aint 0ot
enou0# real ones #ere6 T#ey 0ot to #a-e an arti)icial one6:
*)ter a second5 t#e oy nodded +it# a stran0e s#i-erin0 aout #is $out#5 and said5 8Lets
0o #o$e e)ore +e 0et oursel-es lost a0ain6:
T#eir train 0lided into t#e suur sto' @ust as t#ey reac#ed t#e station and t#ey oarded it
to0et#er5 and ten $inutes e)ore it +as due to arri-e at t#e @unction5 t#ey +ent to t#e door and
stood ready to @u$' o)) i) it did not sto'D ut it did5 @ust as t#e $oon5 restored to its )ull
s'lendor5 s'ran0 )ro$ a cloud and )looded t#e clearin0 +it# li0#t6 *s t#ey ste''ed o))5 t#e sa0e
0rass +as s#i-erin0 0ently in s#ades o) sil-er and t#e clin(ers under t#eir )eet 0littered +it# a
)res# lac( li0#t6 T#e treeto's5 )encin0 t#e @unction li(e t#e 'rotectin0 +alls o) a 0arden5 +ere
dar(er t#an t#e s(y +#ic# +as #un0 +it# 0i0antic +#ite clouds illu$inated li(e lanterns6
Mr6 Head stood -ery still and )elt t#e action o) $ercy touc# #i$ a0ain ut t#is ti$e #e (ne+
t#at t#ere +ere no +ords in t#e +orld c#at could na$e it6 He understood t#at it 0re+ out o)
a0ony5 +#ic# is not denied to any $an and +#ic# is 0i-en in stran0e +ays to c#ildren6 He
understood it +as all a $an could carry into deat# to 0i-e #is Ma(er and #e suddenly urned
+it# s#a$e c#at #e #ad so little o)it to ta(e +it# #i$6 He stood a''alled5 @ud0in0 #i$sel) +it#
t#e t#orou0#ness o) !od5 +#ile t#e action o) $ercy co-ered #is 'ride li(e a )la$e and
consu$ed it6 He #ad ne-er t#ou0#t #i$ sel) a 0reat sinner e)ore ut #e sa+ no+ t#at #is true
de'ra-ity #ad een #idden )ro$ #i$ lest it cause #i$ des'air6 He realiEed t#at #e +as )or0i-en
)or sins )ro$ t#e e0innin0 o) ti$e5 +#en #e #ad concei-ed in #is o+n #eart t#e sin o) *da$5
until t#e 'resent5 +#en #e #ad denied 'oor /elson6 He sa+ t#at no Sin +as too $onstrous )or
#i$ to clai$ as #is o+n5 and since !od lo-ed in 'ro'ortion as He )or0a-e5 #e )elt ready at t#at
instant to enter Paradise6
/elson5 co$'osin0 #is e"'ression under t#e s#ado+ o) #is #at ri$5 +atc#ed #i$ +it# a
$i"ture o) )ati0ue and sus'icion5 ut as t#e train 0lided 'ast t#e$ and disa''eared li(e a
)ri0#tened ser'ent into t#e +oods5 e-en #is )ace li0#tened and #e $uttered5 8I$ 0lad I-e +ent
once5 ut Ill ne-er 0o ac( a0ainS:
!ood Country Peo'le N;<KKO
%esides t#e neutral e"'ression t#at s#e +ore +#en s#e +as alone5 Mrs6 Free$an #ad t+o
ot#ers5 )or+ard and re-erse5 t#at s#e used )or all #er #u$an dealin0s6 Her )or+ard e"'ression
+as steady and dri-in0 li(e t#e ad-ance o) a #ea-y truc(6 Her eyes ne-er s+er-ed to le)t or ri0#t
ut turned as t#e story turned as i) t#ey )ollo+ed a yello+ line do+n t#e center o) it6 S#e
seldo$ used t#e ot#er e"'ression ecause it +as not o)ten necessary )or #er to retract a
state$ent5 ut +#en s#e did5 #er )ace ca$e to a co$'lete sto'5 t#ere +as an al$ost
i$'erce'tile $o-e$ent o) #er lac( eyes5 durin0 +#ic# t#ey see$ed to e recedin05 and t#en
t#e oser-er +ould see t#at Mrs6 Free$an5 t#ou0# s#e $i0#t stand t#ere as real as se-eral
0rain sac(s t#ro+n on to' o) eac# ot#er5 +as no lon0er t#ere in s'irit6 *s )or 0ettin0 anyt#in0
across to #er +#en t#is +as t#e case5 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell #ad 0i-en it u'6 S#e $i0#t tal( #er #ead
o))6 Mrs6 Free$an could ne-er e rou0#t to ad$it #ersel) +ron0 to any 'oint6 S#e +ould stand
t#ere and i) s#e could e rou0#t to say anyt#in05 it +as so$et#in0 li(e5 8&ell5 I +ouldnt o)
said it +as and I +ouldnt o) said it +asnt: or lettin0 #er 0aEe ran0e o-er t#e to' (itc#en s#el)
+#ere t#ere +as an assort$ent o) dusty ottles5 s#e $i0#t re$ar(5 8I see you aint ate $any o)
t#e$ )i0s you 'ut u' last su$$er6:
T#ey carried on t#eir $ost i$'ortant usiness in t#e (itc#en at rea()ast6 E-ery $ornin0
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell 0ot u' at se-en ocloc( and lit #er 0as #eater and 4oys6 4oy +as #er dau0#ter5 a
lar0e londe 0irl +#o #ad an arti)icial le06 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell t#ou0#t o) #er as a c#ild t#ou0# s#e
+as t#irtyHt+o years old and #i0#ly educated6 4oy +ould 0et u' +#ile #er $ot#er +as eatin0
and lu$er into t#e at#roo$ and sla$ t#e door5 and e)ore lon05 Mrs6 Free$an +ould arri-e
at t#e ac( door6 4oy +ould #ear #er $ot#er call5 8Co$e on in5: and t#en t#ey +ould tal( )or a
+#ile in lo+ -oices t#at +ere indistin0uis#ale in t#e at#roo$6 %y t#e ti$e 4oy ca$e in5 t#ey
#ad usually )inis#ed t#e +eat#er re'ort and +ere on one or t#e ot#er o) Mrs6 Free$ans
dau0#ters5 !lynese or Carra$ae6 4oy called t#e$ !lycerin and Cara$el6 !lynese5 a red#ead5
+as ei0#teen and #ad $any ad$irersD Carra$ae5 a londe5 +as only )i)teen ut already $arried
and 're0nant6 S#e could not (ee' anyt#in0 on #er sto$ac#6 E-ery $ornin0 Mrs6 Free$an told
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell #o+ $any ti$es s#e #ad -o$ited since t#e last re'ort6
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell li(ed to tell 'eo'le t#at !lynese and Carra$ae +ere t+o o) t#e )inest 0irls
s#e (ne+ and t#at Mrs6 Free$an +as a lady and t#at s#e +as ne-er as#a$ed to ta(e #er
any+#ere or introduce #er to anyody t#ey $i0#t $eet6 T#en s#e +ould tell #o+ s#e #ad
#a''ened to #ire t#e Free$ans in t#e )irst 'lace and #o+ t#ey +ere a 0odsend to #er and #o+
s#e #ad #ad t#e$ )our years6 T#e reason )or #er (ee'in0 t#e$ so lon0 +as t#at t#ey +ere not
tras#6 T#ey +ere 0ood country 'eo'le6 S#e #ad tele'#oned t#e $an +#ose na$e t#ey #ad
0i-en as re)erence and #e #ad told #er t#at Mr6 Free$an +as a 0ood )ar$er ut t#at #is +i)e
+as t#e nosiest +o$an e-er to +al( t#e eart#6 8S#es 0ot to e into e-eryt#in05: t#e $an said6
8I) s#e dont 0et t#ere e)ore t#e dust settles5 you can et s#es dead5 t#ats all6 S#ell +ant to
(no+ all your usiness6 I can stand #i$ real 0ood5: #e #ad said5 8ut $e nor $y +i)e neit#er
could #a-e stood t#at +o$an one $ore $inute on t#is 'lace6: T#at #ad 'ut Mrs6 Ho'e+ell o))
)or a )e+ days6
S#e #ad #ired t#e$ in t#e end ecause t#ere +ere no ot#er a''licants ut s#e #ad $ade
u' #er $ind e)ore#and e"actly #o+ s#e +ould #andle t#e +o$an6 Since s#e +as t#e ty'e +#o
#ad to e into e-eryt#in05 t#en5 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell #ad decided5 s#e +ould not only let #er e into
e-eryt#in05 s#e +ould see to it t#at s#e +as into e-eryt#in0Is#e +ould 0i-e #er t#e
res'onsiility o) e-eryt#in05 s#e +ould 'ut #er in c#ar0e6 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell #ad no ad 9ualities o)
#er o+n ut s#e +as ale to use ot#er 'eo'les in suc# a constructi-e +ay t#at s#e #ad (e't
t#e$ )our years6
/ot#in0 is 'er)ect6 T#is +as one o) Mrs6 Ho'e+ells )a-orite sayin0s6 *not#er +as: t#at is
li)eS *nd still anot#er5 t#e $ost i$'ortant5 +as: +ell5 ot#er 'eo'le #a-e t#eir o'inions too6 S#e
+ould $a(e t#ese state$ents5 usually at t#e tale5 in a tone o) 0entle insistence as i) no one
#eld t#e$ ut #er5 and t#e lar0e #ul(in0 4oy5 +#ose constant outra0e #ad oliterated e-ery
e"'ression )ro$ #er )ace5 +ould stare @ust a little to t#e side o) #er5 #er eyes icy lue5 +it# t#e
loo( o) so$eone +#o #ad ac#ie-ed lindness y an act o) +ill and $eans to (ee' it6
&#en Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said to Mrs6 Free$an t#at li)e +as li(e t#at5 Mrs6 Free$an +ould say5
8I al+ays said so $ysel)6: /ot#in0 #ad een arri-ed at y anyone t#at #ad not )irst een arri-ed
at y #er6 S#e +as 9uic(er t#an Mr6 Free$an6 &#en Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said to #er a)ter t#ey #ad
een on t#e 'lace )or a +#ile5 8,ou (no+5 youre t#e +#eel e#ind t#e +#eel5: and +in(ed5
Mrs6 Free$an #ad said5 8I (no+ it6 I-e al+ays een 9uic(6 Its so$e t#at are 9uic(er t#an
ot#ers6:
8E-eryody is di))erent5: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said6
8,es5 $ost 'eo'le is5: Mrs6 Free$an said6
8It ta(es all (inds to $a(e t#e +orld6:
8I al+ays said it did $ysel)6:
T#e 0irl +as used to t#is (ind o) dialo0ue )or rea()ast and $ore o) it )or dinnerD so$eti$es
t#ey #ad it )or su''er too6 &#en t#ey #ad no 0uest t#ey ate in t#e (itc#en ecause t#at +as
easier6 Mrs6 Free$an al+ays $ana0ed to arri-e at so$e 'oint durin0 t#e $eal and to +atc#
t#e$ )inis# it6 S#e +ould stand in t#e door+ay i) it +ere su$$er ut in t#e +inter s#e +ould
stand +it# one elo+ on to' o) t#e re)ri0erator and loo( do+n at t#e$5 or s#e +ould stand y
t#e 0as #eater5 li)tin0 t#e ac( o) #er s(irt sli0#tly6 Occasionally s#e +ould stand a0ainst t#e
+all and roll #er #ead )ro$ side to side6 *t no ti$e +as s#e in any #urry to lea-e6 *ll t#is +as
-ery tryin0 on Mrs6 Ho'e+ell ut s#e +as a +o$an o) 0reat 'atience6 S#e realiEed t#at not#in0
is 'er)ect and t#at in t#e Free$ans s#e #ad 0ood country 'eo'le and t#at i)5 in t#is day and
a0e5 you 0et 0ood country 'eo'le5 you #ad etter #an0 onto t#e$6
S#e #ad #ad 'lenty o) e"'erience +it# tras#6 %e)ore t#e Free$ans s#e #ad a-era0ed one
tenant )a$ily a year6 T#e +i-es o) t#ese )ar$ers +ere not t#e (ind you +ould +ant to e
around you )or -ery lon06 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell5 +#o #ad di-orced #er #usand lon0 a0o5 needed
so$eone to +al( o-er t#e )ields +it# #erD and +#en 4oy #ad to e i$'ressed )or t#ese ser-ices5
#er re$ar(s +ere usually so u0ly and #er )ace so 0lu$ t#at Mrs6 Ho'e+ell +ould say5 8I) you
cant co$e 'leasantly5 I dont +ant you at all5: to +#ic# t#e 0irl5 standin0 s9uare and ri0idH
s#ouldered +it# #er nec( t#rust sli0#tly )or+ard5 +ould re'ly5 8I) you +ant $e5 #ere I a$ LICE I
*M6:
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell e"cused t#is attitude ecause o) t#e le0 N+#ic# #ad een s#ot o)) in a
#untin0 accident +#en 4oy +as tenO6 It +as #ard )or Mrs6 Ho'e+ell to realiEe t#at #er c#ild +as
t#irtyHt+o no+ and t#at )or $ore t#an t+enty years s#e #ad #ad only one le06 S#e t#ou0#t o)
#er still as a c#ild ecause it tore #er #eart to t#in( instead o) t#e 'oor stout 0irl in #er t#irties
+#o #ad ne-er danced a ste' or #ad any nor$al 0ood ti$es6 Her na$e +as really 4oy ut as
soon as s#e +as t+entyHone and a+ay )ro$ #o$e5 s#e #ad #ad it le0ally c#an0ed6 Mrs6
Ho'e+ell +as certain t#at s#e #ad t#ou0#t and t#ou0#t until s#e #ad #it u'on t#e u0liest na$e
in any lan0ua0e6 T#en s#e #ad 0one and #ad t#e eauti)ul na$e5 4oy5 c#an0ed +it#out tellin0
#er $ot#er until a)ter s#e #ad done it6 Her le0al na$e +as Hul0a6
&#en Mrs6 Ho'e+ell t#ou0#t t#e na$e5 Hul0a5 s#e t#ou0#t o) t#e road lan( #ull o) a
attles#i'6 S#e +ould not use it6 S#e continued to call #er 4oy to +#ic# t#e 0irl res'onded ut in
a 'urely $ec#anical +ay6
Hul0a #ad learned to tolerate Mrs6 Free$an +#o sa-ed #er )ro$ ta(in0 +al(s +it# #er
$ot#er6 E-en !lynese and Carra$ae +ere use)ul +#en t#ey occu'ied attention t#at $i0#t
ot#er+ise #a-e een directed at #er6 *t )irst s#e #ad t#ou0#t s#e could not stand Mrs6 Free$an
)or s#e #ad )ound it +as not 'ossile to e rude to #er6 Mrs6 Free$an +ould ta(e on stran0e
resent$ents and )or days to0et#er s#e +ould e sullen ut t#e source o) #er dis'leasure +as
al+ays oscureD a direct attac(5 a 'ositi-e leer5 latant u0liness to #er )aceIt#ese ne-er
touc#ed #er6 *nd +it#out +arnin0 one day5 s#e e0an callin0 #er Hul0a6
S#e did not call #er t#at in )ront o) Mrs6 Ho'e+ell +#o +ould #a-e een incensed ut +#en
s#e and t#e 0irl #a''ened to e out o) t#e #ouse to0et#er5 s#e +ould say so$et#in0 and add
t#e na$e Hul0a to t#e end o) it5 and t#e i0 s'ectacled 4oyHHul0a +ould sco+l and redden as i)
#er 'ri-acy #ad een intruded u'on6 S#e considered t#e na$e #er 'ersonal a))air6 S#e #ad
arri-ed at it )irst 'urely on t#e asis o) its u0ly sound and t#en t#e )ull 0enius o) its )itness #ad
struc( #er6 S#e #ad a -ision o) t#e na$e +or(in0 li(e t#e u0ly s+eatin0 2ulcan +#o stayed in
t#e )urnace and to +#o$5 'resu$aly5 t#e 0oddess #ad to co$e +#en called6 S#e sa+ it as t#e
na$e o) #er #i0#est creati-e act6 One o) #er $a@or triu$'#s +as t#at #er $ot#er #ad not een
ale to turn #er dust into 4oy5 ut t#e 0reater one +as t#at s#e #ad een ale to turn it #ersel)
into Hul0a6 Ho+e-er5 Mrs6 Free$ans relis# )or usin0 t#e na$e only irritated #er6 It +as as i)
Mrs6 Free$ans eady steelH'ointed eyes #ad 'enetrated )ar enou0# e#ind #er )ace to reac#
so$e secret )act6 So$et#in0 aout #er see$ed to )ascinate Mrs6 Free$an and t#en one day
Hul0a realiEed t#at it +as t#e arti)icial le06 Mrs6 Free$an #ad a s'ecial )ondness )or t#e details
o) secret in)ections5 #idden de)or$ities5 assaults u'on c#ildren6 O) diseases5 s#e 're)erred t#e
lin0erin0 or incurale6 Hul0a #ad #eard Mrs6 Ho'e+ell 0i-e #er t#e details o) t#e #untin0
accident5 #o+ t#e le0 #ad een literally lasted o))5 #o+ s#e #ad ne-er lost consciousness6 Mrs6
Free$an could listen to it any ti$e as i) it #ad #a''ened an #our a0o6
&#en Hul0a stu$'ed into t#e (itc#en in t#e $ornin0 Ns#e could +al( +it#out $a(in0 t#e
a+)ul noise ut s#e $ade itIMrs6 Ho'e+ell +as certainIecause it +as u0lyHsoundin0O5 s#e
0lanced at t#e$ and did not s'ea(6 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell +ould e in #er red (i$ono +it# #er #air
tied around #er #ead in ra0s6 S#e +ould e sittin0 at t#e tale5 )inis#in0 #er rea()ast and Mrs6
Free$an +ould e #an0in0 y #er elo+ out+ard )ro$ t#e re)ri0erator5 loo(in0 do+n at t#e
tale6 Hul0a al+ays 'ut #er e00s on t#e sto-e to oil and t#en stood o-er t#e$ +it# #er ar$s
)olded5 and Mrs6 Ho'e+ell +ould loo( at #erIa (ind o) indirect 0aEe di-ided et+een #er and
Mrs6 Free$anIand +ould t#in( t#at i) s#e +ould only (ee' #ersel) u' a little5 s#e +ouldnt e
so ad loo(in06 T#ere +as not#in0 +ron0 +it# #er )ace t#at a 'leasant e"'ression +ouldnt
#el'6 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said t#at 'eo'le +#o loo(ed on t#e ri0#t side o) t#in0s +ould e eauti)ul
e-en i) t#ey +ere not6
&#ene-er s#e loo(ed at 4oy t#is +ay5 s#e could not #el' ut )eel t#at it +ould #a-e een
etter i) t#e c#ild #ad not ta(en t#e P#6 .6 It #ad certainly not rou0#t #er out any and no+
t#at s#e #ad it5 t#ere +as no $ore e"cuse )or #er to 0o to sc#ool a0ain6 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell t#ou0#t
it +as nice )or 0irls to 0o to sc#ool to #a-e a 0ood ti$e ut 4oy #ad 80one t#rou0#6: *ny#o+5
s#e +ould not #a-e een stron0 enou0# to 0o a0ain6 T#e doctors #ad told Mrs6 Ho'e+ell t#at
+it# t#e est o) care5 4oy $i0#t see )ortyH)i-e6 S#e #ad a +ea( #eart6 4oy #ad $ade it 'lain t#at
i) it #ad not een )or t#is condition5 s#e +ould e )ar )ro$ t#ese red #ills and 0ood country
'eo'le6 S#e +ould e in a uni-ersity lecturin0 to 'eo'le +#o (ne+ +#at s#e +as tal(in0 aout6
*nd Mrs6 Ho'e+ell could -ery +ell 'icture #ere t#ere5 loo(in0 li(e a scarecro+ and lecturin0 to
$ore o) t#e sa$e6 Here s#e +ent aout all day in a si"HyearHold s(irt and a yello+ s+eat s#irt
+it# a )aded co+oy on a #orse e$ossed on it6 S#e t#ou0#t t#is +as )unnyD Mrs6 Ho'e+ell
t#ou0#t it +as idiotic and s#o+ed si$'ly t#at s#e +as still a c#ild6 S#e +as rilliant ut s#e
didnt #a-e a 0rain o) sense6 It see$ed to Mrs6 Ho'e+ell t#at e-ery year s#e 0re+ less li(e
ot#er 'eo'le and $ore li(e #ersel)Iloated5 rude5 and s9uintHeyed6 *nd s#e said suc# stran0e
t#in0sS To #er o+n $ot#er s#e #ad saidI+it#out +arnin05 +it#out e"cuse5 standin0 u' in t#e
$iddle o) a $eal +it# #er )ace 'ur'le and #er $out# #al) )ullI8&o$anS .o you e-er loo(
inside3 .o you e-er loo( inside and see +#at you are not3 !odS: s#e #ad cried sin(in0 do+n
a0ain and starin0 at #er 'late5 8Maleranc#e +as ri0#t: +e are not our o+n li0#t6 &e are not
our o+n li0#tS: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell #ad no idea to t#is day +#at rou0#t t#at on6 S#e #ad only $ade
t#e re$ar(5 #o'in0 4oy +ould ta(e it in5 t#at a s$ile ne-er #urt anyone6
T#e 0irl #ad ta(en t#e P#6.6 in '#iloso'#y and t#is le)t Mrs6 Ho'e+ell at a co$'lete loss6
,ou could say5 8My dau0#ter is a nurse5: or 8My dau0#ter is a sc#ool teac#er5: or e-en5 8My
dau0#ter is a c#e$ical en0ineer6: ,ou could not say5 8My dau0#ter is a '#iloso'#er6: T#at +as
so$et#in0 t#at #ad ended +it# t#e !ree(s and Ro$ans6 *ll day 4oy sat on #er nec( in a dee'
c#air5 readin06 So$eti$es s#e +ent )or +al(s ut s#e didnt li(e do0s or cats or irds or )lo+ers
or nature or nice youn0 $en6 S#e loo(ed at nice youn0 $en as i) s#e could s$ell t#eir stu'idity6
One day Mrs6 Ho'e+ell #ad 'ic(ed u' one o) t#e oo(s t#e 0irl #ad @ust 'ut do+n and
o'enin0 it at rando$5 s#e read5 8Science5 on t#e ot#er #and5 #as to assert its soerness and
seriousness a)res# and declare t#at it is concerned solely +it# +#atHis6 /ot#in0I#o+ can it e
)or science anyt#in0 ut a #orror and a '#antas$3 I) science is ri0#t5 t#en one t#in0 stands
)ir$: science +is#es to (no+ not#in0 o) not#in06 Suc# is a)ter all t#e strictly scienti)ic a''roac#
to /ot#in06 &e (no+ it y +is#in0 to (no+ not#in0 o) /ot#in06: T#ese +ords #ad een
underlined +it# a lue 'encil and t#ey +or(ed on Mrs6 Ho'e+ell li(e so$e e-il incantation in
0ieris#6 S#e s#ut t#e oo( 9uic(ly and +ent out o) t#e roo$ as i) s#e +ere #a-in0 a c#ill6
T#is $ornin0 +#en t#e 0irl ca$e in5 Mrs6 Free$an +as on Carra$ae6 8S#e t#ro+n u' )our
ti$es a)ter su''er5: s#e said5 8and +as u' t+ict in t#e ni0#t a)ter t#ree ocloc(6 ,esterday s#e
didnt do not#in0 ut ra$le in t#e ureau dra+er6 *ll s#e did6 Stand u' t#ere and see +#at
s#e could run u' on6:
8S#es 0ot to eat5: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell $uttered5 si''in0 #er co))ee5 +#ile s#e +atc#ed 4oys
ac( at t#e sto-e6 S#e +as +onderin0 +#at t#e c#ild #ad said to t#e %ile sales$an6 S#e could
not i$a0ine +#at (ind o) a con-ersation s#e could 'ossily #a-e #ad +it# #i$6
He +as a tall 0aunt #atless yout# +#o #ad called yesterday to sell t#e$ a %ile6 He #ad
a''eared at t#e door5 carryin0 a lar0e lac( suitcase t#at +ei0#ted #i$ so #ea-ily on one side
t#at #e #ad to race #i$sel) a0ainst t#e door )acin06 He see$ed on t#e 'oint o) colla'se ut #e
said in a c#eer)ul -oice5 8!ood $ornin05 Mrs6 CedarsS: and set t#e suitcase do+n on t#e $at6
He +as not a adHloo(in0 youn0 $an t#ou0# #e #ad on a ri0#t lue suit and yello+ soc(s t#at
+ere not 'ulled u' )ar enou0#6 He #ad 'ro$inent )ace ones and a strea( o) stic(yHloo(in0
ro+n #air )allin0 across #is )ore#ead6
8I$ Mrs6 Ho'e+ell5: s#e said6
8O#S: #e said5 'retendin0 to loo( 'uEEled ut +it# #is eyes s'ar(lin05 8I sa+ it said AT#e
Cedars on t#e $ailo" so I t#ou0#t you +as Mrs6 CedarsS: and #e urst out in a 'leasant lau0#6
He 'ic(ed u' t#e satc#el and under co-er o) a 'ant5 #e )ell )or+ard into #er #all6 It +as rat#er
as i) t#e suitcase #ad $o-ed )irst5 @er(in0 #i$ a)ter it6 8Mrs6 Ho'e+ellS: #e said and 0raed #er
#and6 8I #o'e you are +ellS: and #e lau0#ed a0ain and t#en all at once #is )ace soered
co$'letely6 He 'aused and 0a-e #er a strai0#t earnest loo( and said5 8Lady5 I-e co$e to s'ea(
o) serious t#in0s6:
8&ell5 co$e in5: s#e $uttered5 none too 'leased ecause #er dinner +as al$ost ready6 He
ca$e into t#e 'arlor and sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) a strai0#t c#air and 'ut t#e suitcase et+een
#is )eet and 0lanced around t#e roo$ as i) #e +ere siEin0 #er u' y it6 Her sil-er 0lea$ed on t#e
t+o sideoardsD s#e decided #e #ad ne-er een in a roo$ as ele0ant as t#is6
8Mrs6 Ho'e+ell5: #e e0an5 usin0 #er na$e in a +ay t#at sounded al$ost inti$ate5 8I (no+
you elie-e in C#rustian ser-ice6:
8&ell5 yes5: s#e $ur$ured6
8I (no+5: #e said and 'aused5 loo(in0 -ery +ise +it# #is #ead coc(ed on one side5 8t#at
youre a 0ood +o$an6 Friends #a-e told $e6:
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell ne-er li(ed to e ta(en )or a )ool6 8&#at are you sellin03: s#e as(ed6
8%iles5: t#e youn0 $an said and #is eye raced around t#e roo$ e)ore #e added5 8I see
you #a-e no )a$ily %ile in your 'arlor5 I see t#at is t#e one lac( you 0otS:
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell could not say5 8My dau0#ter is an at#eist and +ont let $e (ee' t#e %ile in
t#e 'arlor6: S#e said5 sti))enin0 sli0#tly5 8I (ee' $y %ile y $y edside6: T#is +as not t#e trut#6
It +as in t#e attic so$e+#ere6
8Lady5: #e said5 8t#e +ord o) !od ou0#t to e in t#e 'arlor6:
8&ell5 I t#in( t#ats a $atter o) taste5: s#e e0an5 8I t#in(B:
8Lady5: #e said5 8)or a C#rustian5 t#e +ord o) !od ou0#t to e in e-ery roo$ in t#e #ouse
esides in #is #eart6 I (no+ youre a C#rustian ecause I can see it in e-ery line o) your )ace6:
S#e stood u' and said5 8&ell5 youn0 $an5 I dont +ant to uy a %ile and I s$ell $y dinner
urnin06:
He didnt 0et u'6 He e0an to t+ist #is #ands and loo(in0 do+n at t#e$5 #e said so)tly5
8&ell lady5 Ill tell you t#e trut#Inot $any 'eo'le +ant to uy one no+adays and esides5 I
(no+ I$ real si$'le6 I dont (no+ #o+ to say a t#in0 ut to say it6 I$ @ust a country oy6: He
0lanced u' into #er un)riendly )ace6 8Peo'le li(e you dont li(e to )ool +it# country 'eo'le li(e
$eS:
8&#yS: s#e cried5 80ood country 'eo'le are t#e salt o) t#e eart#S %esides5 +e all #a-e
di))erent +ays o) doin05 it ta(es all (inds to $a(e t#e +orld 0o Around6 T#ats li)eS:
8,ou said a $out#)ul5: #e said6
8&#y5 I t#in( t#ere arent enou0# 0ood country 'eo'le in t#e +orldS: s#e said5 stirred6 8I
t#in( t#ats +#ats +ron0 +it# itS:
His )ace #ad ri0#tened6 8I didnt intraduce $ysel)5: #e said6 8I$ Manley Pointer )ro$ out
in t#e country around &illo#oie5 not e-en )ro$ a 'lace5 @ust )ro$ near a 'lace6:
8,ou +ait a $inute5: s#e said6 8I #a-e to see aout $y dinner6: S#e +ent out to t#e (itc#en
and )ound 4oy standin0 near t#e door +#ere s#e #ad een listenin06
8!et rid o) t#e salt o) t#e eart#5: s#e said5 8and lets eat6:
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell 0a-e #er a 'ained loo( and turned t#e #eat do+n under t#e -e0etales6 8I
cant e rude to anyody5: s#e $ur$ured and +ent ac( into t#e 'arlor6
He #ad o'ened t#e suitcase and +as sittin0 +it# a %ile on eac# (nee6
8I a''reciate your #onesty5: #e said6 8,ou dont see any $ore real #onest 'eo'le unless you
0o +ay out in t#e country6:
8I (no+5: s#e said5 8real 0enuine )ol(sS: T#rou0# t#e crac( in t#e door s#e #eard a 0roan6
8I 0uess a lot o) oys co$e tellin0 you t#eyre +or(in0 t#eir +ay t#rou0# colle0e5: #e said5
8ut I$ not 0oin0 to tell you t#at6 So$e#o+5: #e said5 8I dont +ant to 0o to colle0e6 I +ant to
de-ote $y li)e to C#rustian ser-ice6 See5: #e said5 lo+erin0 #is -oice5 8I 0ot t#is #eart condition6
I $ay not li-e lon06 &#en you (no+ its so$et#in0 +ron0 +it# you and you $ay not li-e lon05
+ell t#en5 ladyB: He 'aused5 +it# #is $out# o'en5 and stared at #er6
He and 4oy #ad t#e sa$e conditionS S#e (ne+ t#at #er eyes +ere )illin0 +it# tears ut s#e
collected #ersel) 9uic(ly and $ur$ured5 8&ont you stay )or dinner3 &ed lo-e to #a-e youS:
and +as sorry t#e instant s#e #eard #ersel) say it6
8,es $a$5: #e said in an aas#ed -oice6 8I +ould s#er lo-e to do t#atS:
4oy #ad 0i-en #i$ one loo( on ein0 introduced to #i$ and t#en t#rou0#out t#e $eal #ad
not 0lanced at #i$ a0ain6 He #ad addressed se-eral re$ar(s to #er5 +#ic# s#e #ad 'retended
not to #ear6 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell could not understand delierate rudeness5 alt#ou0# s#e li-ed +it#
it5 and s#e )elt s#e #ad al+ays to o-er)lo+ +it# #os'itality to $a(e u' )or 4oys lac( o) courtesy6
S#e ur0ed #i$ to tal( aout #i$sel) and #e did6 He said #e +as t#e se-ent# c#ild o) t+el-e and
t#at #is )at#er #ad een crus#ed under a tree +#en #e #i$sel) +as ei0#t years old6 He #ad
een crus#ed -ery adly5 in )act5 al$ost cut in t+o and +as 'ractically not reco0niEale6 His
$ot#er #ad 0ot alon0 t#e est s#e could y #ard +or(in0 and s#e #ad al+ays seen t#at #er
c#ildren +ent to Sunday Sc#ool and t#at t#ey read t#e %ile e-ery e-enin06 He +as no+
nineteen years old and #e #ad een sellin0 %iles )or )our $ont#s6 In t#at ti$e #e #ad sold
se-entyHse-en %iles and #ad t#e 'ro$ise o) t+o $ore sales6 He +anted to eco$e a
$issionary ecause #e t#ou0#t t#at +as t#e +ay you could do $ost )or 'eo'le6 8He +#o losest
#is li)e s#all )ind it5: #e said si$'ly and #e +as so sincere5 so 0enuine and earnest t#at Mrs6
Ho'e+ell +ould not )or t#e +orld #a-e s$iled6 He 're-ented #is 'eas )ro$ slidin0 onto t#e
tale y loc(in0 t#e$ +it# a 'iece o) read +#ic# #e later cleaned #is 'late +it#6 S#e could
see 4oy oser-in0 side+ise #o+ #e #andled #is (ni)e and )or( and s#e sa+ too t#at e-ery )e+
$inutes5 t#e oy +ould dart a (een a''raisin0 0lance at t#e 0irl as i) #e +ere tryin0 to attract
#er attention6
*)ter dinner 4oy cleared t#e dis#es o)) t#e tale and disa''eared and Mrs6 Ho'e+ell +as
le)t to tal( +it# #i$6 He told #er a0ain aout #is c#ild#ood and #is )at#ers accident and aout
-arious t#in0s t#at #ad #a''ened to #i$6 E-ery )i-e $inutes or so s#e +ould sti)le a ya+n6 He
sat )or t+o #ours until )inally s#e told #i$ s#e $ust 0o ecause s#e #ad an a''oint$ent in
to+n6 He 'ac(ed #is %iles and t#an(ed #er and 're'ared to lea-e5 ut in t#e door+ay #e
sto''ed and +rin0 #er #and and said t#at not on any o) #is tri's #ad #e $et a lady as nice as
#er and #e as(ed i) #e could co$e a0ain6 S#e #ad said s#e +ould al+ays e #a''y to see #i$6
4oy #ad een standin0 in t#e road5 a''arently loo(in0 at so$et#in0 in t#e distance5 +#en
#e ca$e do+n t#e ste's to+ard #er5 ent to t#e side +it# #is #ea-y -alise6 He sto''ed +#ere
s#e +as standin0 and con)ronted #er directly6 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell could not #ear +#at #e said ut
s#e tre$led to t#in( +#at 4oy +ould say to #i$6 S#e could see t#at a)ter a $inute 4oy said
so$et#in0 and t#at t#en t#e oy e0an to s'ea( a0ain5 $a(in0 an e"cited 0esture +it# #is )ree
#and6 *)ter a $inute 4oy said so$et#in0 else at +#ic# t#e oy e0an to s'ea( once $ore6 T#en
to #er a$aEe$ent5 Mrs6 Ho'e+ell sa+ t#e t+o o) t#e$ +al( o)) to0et#er5 to+ard t#e 0ate6 4oy
#ad +al(ed all t#e +ay to t#e 0ate +it# #i$ and Mrs6 Ho'e+ell could not i$a0ine +#at t#ey
#ad said to eac# ot#er5 and s#e #ad not yet dared to as(6
Mrs6 Free$an +as insistin0 u'on #er attention6 S#e #ad $o-ed )ro$ t#e re)ri0erator to t#e
#eater so t#at Mrs6 Ho'e+ell #ad to turn and )ace #er in order to see$ to e listenin06
8!lynese 0one out +it# Har-ey Hill a0ain last ni0#t5: s#e said6 8S#e #ad t#is sty6:
8Hill5: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said asently5 8is t#at t#e one +#o +or(s in t#e 0ara0e3:
8/o$e5 #es t#e one t#at 0oes to c#iro'ractor sc#ool5: Mrs6 Free$an said6 8S#e #ad t#is
sty6 %een #ad it t+o days6 So s#e says +#en #e rou0#t #er in t#e ot#er ni0#t #e says5 ALe$$e
0et rid o) t#at sty )or you5 and s#e says5 AHo+3 and #e says5 A,ou @ust lay yoursel) do+n acrost
t#e seat o) t#at car and Ill s#o+ you6 So s#e done it and #e 'o''ed #er nec(6 Ce't on aH
'o''in0 it se-eral ti$es until s#e $ade #i$ 9uit6 T#is $ornin05: Mrs6 Free$an said5 8s#e aint
0ot no sty6 S#e aint 0ot no traces o) a sty6:
8I ne-er #eard o) t#at e)ore5: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said6
8He ast #er to $arry #i$ e)ore t#e Ordinary5: Mrs6 Free$an +ent on5 8and s#e told #i$
s#e +asnt 0oin0 to e $arried in no o))ice6:
8&ell5 !lynese is a )ine 0irl5: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said6 8!lynese and Carra$ae are ot# )ine
0irls6:
8Carra$ae said +#en #er and Ly$an +as $arried Ly$an said it sure )elt sacred to #i$6 S#e
said #e said #e +ouldnt ta(e )i-e #undred dollars )or ein0 $arried y a 'reac#er6:
8Ho+ $uc# +ould #e ta(e3: t#e 0irl as(ed )ro$ t#e sto-e6
8He said #e +ouldnt ta(e )i-e #undred dollars5: Mrs6 Free$an re'eated6
8&ell +e all #a-e +or( to do5: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said6
8Ly$an said it @ust )elt $ore sacred to #i$5: Mrs6 Free$an said6 8T#e doctor +ants
Carra$ae to eat 'runes6 Says instead o) $edicine6 Says t#e$ cra$'s is co$in0 )ro$ 'ressure6
,ou (no+ +#ere I t#in( it is3:
8S#ell e etter in a )e+ +ee(s5: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said6
8In t#e tue5: Mrs6 Free$an said6 8Else s#e +ouldnt e as sic( as s#e is6:
Hul0a #ad crac(ed #er t+o e00s into a saucer and +as rin0in0 t#e$ to t#e tale alon0 +it#
a cu' o) co))ee t#at s#e #ad )illed too )ull6 S#e sat do+n care)ully and e0an to eat5 $eanin0 to
(ee' Mrs6 Free$an t#ere y 9uestions i) )or any reason s#e s#o+ed an inclination to lea-e6 S#e
could 'ercei-e #er $ot#ers eye on #er6 T#e )irst roundaout 9uestion +ould e aout t#e
%ile sales$an and s#e did not +is# to rin0 it on6 8Ho+ did #e 'o' #er nec(3: s#e as(ed6
Mrs6 Free$an +ent into a descri'tion o) #o+ #e #ad 'o''ed #er nec(6 S#e said #e o+ned a
AKK Mercury ut t#at !lynese said s#e +ould rat#er $arry a $an +it# only a AG? Ply$out# +#o
+ould e $arried y a 'reac#er6 T#e 0irl as(ed +#at i) #e #ad a AGR Ply$out# and Mrs6
Free$an said +#at !lynese #ad said +as a AG? Ply$out#6
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said t#ere +ere not $any 0irls +it# !lyneses co$$on sense6 S#e said +#at
s#e ad$ired in t#ose 0irls +as t#eir co$$on sense6 S#e said t#at re$inded #er t#at t#ey #ad
#ad a nice -isitor yesterday5 a youn0 $an sellin0 %iles6 8Lord5: s#e said5 8#e ored $e to deat#
ut #e +as so sincere and 0enuine I couldnt e rude to #i$6 He +as @ust 0ood country 'eo'le5
you (no+5: s#e said5 8I@ust t#e salt o) t#e eart#6:
8I seen #i$ +al( u'5: Mrs6 Free$an said5 8and t#en laterII seen #i$ +al( o))5: and Hul0a
could )eel t#e sli0#t s#i)t in #er -oice5 t#e sli0#t insinuation5 t#at #e #ad not +al(ed o)) alone5
#ad #e3 Her )ace re$ained e"'ressionless ut t#e color rose into #er nec( and s#e see$ed to
s+allo+ it do+n +it# t#e ne"t s'oon)ul o) e006 Mrs6 Free$an +as loo(in0 at #er as i) t#ey #ad a
secret to0et#er6
8&ell5 it ta(es all (inds o) 'eo'le to $a(e t#e +orld 0o Around5: Mrs6 Ho'e+ell said6 8Its
-ery 0ood +e arent all ali(e6:
8So$e 'eo'le are $ore ali(e t#an ot#ers5: Mrs6 Free$an said6
Hul0a 0ot u' and stu$'ed5 +it# aout t+ice t#e noise t#at +as necessary5 into #er roo$
and loc(ed t#e door6 S#e +as to $eet t#e %ile sales$an at ten ocloc( at t#e 0ate6 S#e #ad
t#ou0#t aout it #al) t#e ni0#t6 S#e #ad started t#in(in0 o) it as a 0reat @o(e and t#en s#e #ad
e0un to see 'ro)ound i$'lications in it6 S#e #ad lain in ed i$a0inin0 dialo0ues )or t#e$ t#at
+ere insane on t#e sur)ace ut t#at reac#ed elo+ t#e de't#s t#at no %ile sales$an +ould e
a+are o)6 T#eir con-ersation yesterday #ad een o) t#is (ind6
He #ad sto''ed in )ront o) #er and #ad si$'ly stood t#ere6 His )ace +as ony and s+eaty
and ri0#t5 +it# a little 'ointed nose in t#e center o) it5 and #is loo( +as di))erent )ro$ +#at it
#ad een at t#e dinner tale6 He +as 0aEin0 at #er +it# o'en curiosity5 +it# )ascination5 li(e a
c#ild +atc#in0 a ne+ )antastic ani$al at t#e Eoo5 and #e +as reat#in0 as i) #e #ad run a 0reat
distance to reac# #er6 His 0aEe see$ed so$e#o+ )a$iliar ut s#e could not t#in( +#ere s#e
#ad een re0arded +it# it e)ore6 For al$ost a $inute #e didnt say anyt#in06 T#en on +#at
see$ed an insuc( o) reat#5 #e +#is'ered5 8,ou e-er ate a c#ic(en t#at +as t+o days old3:
T#e 0irl loo(ed at #i$ stonily6 He $i0#t #a-e @ust 'ut t#is 9uestion u' )or consideration at
t#e $eetin0 o) a '#iloso'#ical association6 8,es5: s#e 'resently re'lied as i) s#e #ad considered
it )ro$ all an0les6
8It $ust #a-e een $i0#ty s$allS: #e said triu$'#antly and s#oo( all o-er +it# little
ner-ous 0i00les5 0ettin0 -ery red in t#e )ace5 and susidin0 )inally into #is 0aEe o) co$'lete
ad$iration5 +#ile t#e 0irls e"'ression re$ained e"actly t#e sa$e6
8Ho+ old are you3: #e as(ed so)tly6
S#e +aited so$e ti$e e)ore s#e ans+ered6 T#en in a )lat -oice s#e said5 8Se-enteen6:
His s$iles ca$e in succession li(e +a-es rea(in0 on t#e sur)ace o) a little la(e6 8I see you
0ot a +ooden le05: #e said6 8I t#in( youre real ra-e6 I t#in( youre real s+eet6:
T#e 0irl stood lan( and solid and silent6
8&al( to t#e 0ate +it# $e5: #e said6 8,oure a ra-e s+eet little t#in0 and I li(ed you t#e
$inute I seen you +al( in t#e door6:
Hul0a e0an to $o-e )or+ard6
8&#ats your na$e3: #e as(ed5 s$ilin0 do+n on t#e to' o) #er #ead6
8Hul0a5: s#e said6
8Hul0a5: #e $ur$ured5 8Hul0a6 Hul0a6 I ne-er #eard o) anyody na$e Hul0a e)ore6 ,oure
s#y5 arent you5 Hul0a3: #e as(ed6
S#e nodded5 +atc#in0 #is lar0e red #and on t#e #andle o) t#e 0iant -alise6
8I li(e 0irls t#at +ear 0lasses5: #e said6 8I t#in( a lot6 I$ not li(e t#ese 'eo'le t#at a serious
t#ou0#t dont e-er enter t#eir #eads6 Its ecause I $ay die6:
8I $ay die too5: s#e said suddenly and loo(ed u' at #i$6 His eyes +ere -ery s$all and
ro+n5 0litterin0 )e-eris#ly6
8Listen5: #e said5 8dont you t#in( so$e 'eo'le +as $eant to $eet on account o) +#at all
t#ey 0ot in co$$on and all3 Li(e t#ey ot# t#in( serious t#ou0#ts and all3: He s#i)ted t#e
-alise to #is ot#er #and so t#at t#e #and nearest #er +as )ree6 He cau0#t #old o) #er elo+ and
s#oo( it a little6 8I dont +or( on Saturday5: #e said6 8I li(e to +al( in t#e +oods and see +#at
Mot#er /ature is +earin06 Oer t#e #ills and )ar a+ay6 Picnics and t#in0s6 Couldnt +e 0o on a
'icnic to$orro+3 Say yes5 Hul0a5: #e said and 0a-e #er a dyin0 loo( as i) #e )elt #is insides
aout to dro' out o) #i$6 He #ad e-en see$ed to s+ay sli0#tly to+ard #er6
.urin0 t#e ni0#t s#e #ad i$a0ined t#at s#e seduced #i$6 S#e i$a0ined t#at t#e t+o o)
t#e$ +al(ed on t#e 'lace until t#ey ca$e to t#e stora0e arn eyond t#e t+o ac( )ields and
t#ere5 s#e i$a0ined5 t#at t#in0s ca$e to suc# a 'ass t#at s#e -ery easily seduced #i$ and t#at
t#en5 o) course5 s#e #ad to rec(on +it# #is re$orse6 True 0enius can 0et an idea across e-en to
an in)erior $ind6 S#e i$a0ined t#at s#e too( #is re$orse in #and and c#an0ed it into a dee'er
understandin0 o) li)e6 S#e too( all #is s#a$e a+ay and turned it into so$et#in0 use)ul6
S#e set o)) )or t#e 0ate at e"actly ten ocloc(5 esca'in0 +it#out dra+in0 Mrs6 Ho'e+ells
attention6 S#e didnt ta(e anyt#in0 to eat5 )or0ettin0 t#at )ood is usually ta(en on a 'icnic6 S#e
+ore a 'air o) slac(s and a dirty +#ite s#irt5 and as an a)tert#ou0#t5 s#e #ad 'ut so$e 2a'e" on
t#e collar o) it since s#e did not o+n any 'er)u$e6 &#en s#e reac#ed t#e 0ate no one +as
t#ere6
S#e loo(ed u' and do+n t#e e$'ty #i0#+ay and #ad t#e )urious )eelin0 t#at s#e #ad een
tric(ed5 t#at #e only $eant to $a(e #er +al( to t#e 0ate a)ter t#e idea o) #i$6 T#en suddenly
#e stood u'5 -ery tall5 )ro$ e#ind a us# on t#e o''osite e$an($ent6 S$ilin05 #e li)ted #is
#at +#ic# +as ne+ and +ideHri$$ed6 He #ad not +orn it yesterday and s#e +ondered i) #e
#ad ou0#t it )or t#e occasion6 It +as toastHcolored +it# a red and +#ite and around it and
+as sli0#tly too lar0e )or #i$6 He ste''ed )ro$ e#ind t#e us# still carryin0 t#e lac( -alise6
He #ad on t#e sa$e suit and t#e sa$e yello+ soc(s suc(ed do+n in #is s#oes )ro$ +al(in06 He
crossed t#e #i0#+ay and said5 8I (ne+ youd co$eS:
T#e 0irl +ondered acidly #o+ #e #ad (no+n t#is6 S#e 'ointed to t#e -alise and as(ed5 8&#y
did you rin0 your %iles3:
He too( #er elo+5 s$ilin0 do+n on #er as i) #e could not sto'6 8,ou can ne-er tell +#en
youll need t#e +ord o) !od5 Hul0a5: #e said6 S#e #ad a $o$ent in +#ic# s#e douted t#at t#is
+as actually #a''enin0 and t#en t#ey e0an to cli$ t#e e$an($ent6 T#ey +ent do+n into
t#e 'asture to+ard t#e +oods6 T#e oy +al(ed li0#tly y #er side5 ouncin0 on #is toes6 T#e
-alise did not see$ to e #ea-y todayD #e e-en s+un0 it6 T#ey crossed #al) t#e 'asture +it#out
sayin0 anyt#in0 and t#en5 'uttin0 #is #and easily on t#e s$all o) #er ac(5 #e as(ed so)tly5
8&#ere does your +ooden le0 @oin on3:
S#e turned an u0ly red and 0lared at #i$ and )or an instant t#e oy loo(ed aas#ed6 8I
didnt $ean you no #ar$5: #e said6 8I only $eant youre so ra-e and all6 I 0uess !od ta(es care
o) you6:
8/o5: s#e said5 loo(in0 )or+ard and +al(in0 )ast5 8I dont e-en elie-e in !od6:
*t t#is #e sto''ed and +#istled6 8/oS: #e e"clai$ed as i) #e +ere too astonis#ed to say
anyt#in0 else6
S#e +al(ed on and in a second #e +as ouncin0 at #er side5 )annin0 +it# #is #at6 8T#ats
-ery unusual )or a 0irl5: #e re$ar(ed5 +atc#in0 #er out o) t#e corner o) #is eye6 &#en t#ey
reac#ed t#e ed0e o) t#e +ood5 #e 'ut #is #and on #er ac( a0ain and dre+ #er a0ainst #i$
+it#out a +ord and (issed #er #ea-ily6
T#e (iss5 +#ic# #ad $ore 'ressure t#an )eelin0 e#ind it5 'roduced t#at e"tra sur0e o)
adrenalin in t#e 0irl t#at enales one to carry a 'ac(ed trun( out o) a urnin0 #ouse5 ut in #er5
t#e 'o+er +ent at once to t#e rain6 E-en e)ore #e released #er5 #er $ind5 clear and
detac#ed and ironic any+ay5 +as re0ardin0 #i$ )ro$ a 0reat distance5 +it# a$use$ent ut
+it# 'ity6 S#e #ad ne-er een (issed e)ore and s#e +as 'leased to disco-er t#at it +as an
une"ce'tional e"'erience and all a $atter o) t#e $inds control6 So$e 'eo'le $i0#t en@oy
drain +ater i) t#ey +ere told it +as -od(a6 &#en t#e oy5 loo(in0 e"'ectant ut uncertain5
'us#ed #er 0ently a+ay5 s#e turned and +al(ed on5 sayin0 not#in0 as i) suc# usiness5 )or #er5
+ere co$$on enou0#6
He ca$e alon0 'antin0 at #er side5 tryin0 to #el' #er +#en #e sa+ a root t#at s#e $i0#t tri'
o-er6 He cau0#t and #eld ac( t#e lon0 s+ayin0 lades o) t#orn -ine until s#e #ad 'assed
eyond t#e$6 S#e led t#e +ay and #e ca$e reat#in0 #ea-ily e#ind #er6 T#en t#ey ca$e out
on a sunlit #illside5 slo'in0 so)tly into anot#er one a little s$aller6 %eyond5 t#ey could see t#e
rusted to' o) t#e old arn +#ere t#e e"tra #ay +as stored6
T#e #ill +as s'rin(led +it# s$all 'in( +eeds6 8T#en you aint sa-ed3: #e as(ed suddenly5
sto''in06
T#e 0irl s$iled6 It +as t#e )irst ti$e s#e #ad s$iled at #i$ at all6 8In $y econo$y5: s#e said5
8I$ sa-ed and you are da$ned ut I told you I didnt elie-e in !od6:
/ot#in0 see$ed to destroy t#e oys loo( o) ad$iration6 He 0aEed at #er no+ as i) t#e
)antastic ani$al at t#e Eoo #ad 'ut its 'a+ t#rou0# t#e ars and 0i-en #i$ a lo-in0 'o(e6 S#e
t#ou0#t #e loo(ed as i) #e +anted to (iss #er a0ain and s#e +al(ed on e)ore #e #ad t#e
c#ance6
8*int t#ere so$e+#eres +e can sit do+n so$eti$e3: #e $ur$ured5 #is -oice so)tenin0
to+ard t#e end o) t#e sentence6
8In t#at arn5: s#e said6
T#ey $ade )or it ra'idly as i) it $i0#t slide a+ay li(e a train6 It +as a lar0e t+oHstory arn5
coo( and dar( inside6 T#e oy 'ointed u' t#e ladder t#at led into t#e lo)t and said5 8Its too ad
+e cant 0o u' t#ere6:
8&#y cant +e3: s#e as(ed6
8,er le05: #e said re-erently6
T#e 0irl 0a-e #i$ a conte$'tuous loo( and 'uttin0 ot# #ands on t#e ladder5 s#e cli$ed it
+#ile #e stood elo+5 a''arently a+estruc(6 S#e 'ulled #ersel) e"'ertly t#rou0# t#e o'enin0
and t#en loo(ed do+n at #i$ and said5 8&ell5 co$e on i) your co$in05: and #e e0an to cli$
t#e ladder5 a+(+ardly rin0in0 t#e suitcase +it# #i$6
8&e +ont need t#e %ile5: s#e oser-ed6
8,ou ne-er can tell5: #e said5 'antin06 *)ter #e #ad 0ot into t#e lo)t5 #e +as a )e+ seconds
catc#in0 #is reat#6 S#e #ad sat do+n in a 'ile o) stra+6 * +ide s#eat# o) sunli0#t5 )illed +it#
dust 'articles5 slanted o-er #er6 S#e lay ac( a0ainst a ale5 #er )ace turned a+ay5 loo(in0 out
t#e )ront o'enin0 o) t#e arn +#ere #ay +as t#ro+n )ro$ a +a0on into t#e lo)t6 T#e t+o 'in(H
s'ec(led #illsides lay ac( a0ainst a dar( rid0e o) +oods6 T#e s(y +as cloudless and cold lue6
T#e oy dro''ed do+n y #er side and 'ut one ar$ under #er and t#e ot#er o-er #er and
e0an $et#odically (issin0 #er )ace5 $a(in0 little noises li(e a )is#6 He did not re$o-e #is #at
ut it +as 'us#ed )ar enou0# ac( not to inter)ere6 &#en #er 0lasses 0ot in #is +ay5 #e too(
t#e$ o)) o) #er and sli''ed t#e$ into #is 'oc(et6
T#e 0irl at )irst did not return any o) t#e (isses ut 'resently s#e e0an to and a)ter s#e #ad
'ut se-eral on #is c#ee(5 s#e reac#ed #is li's and re$ained t#ere5 (issin0 #i$ a0ain and a0ain
as i) s#e +ere tryin0 to dra+ all t#e reat# out o) #i$6 His reat# +as clear and s+eet li(e a
c#ilds and t#e (isses +ere stic(y li(e a c#ilds6 He $u$led aout lo-in0 #er and aout
(no+in0 +#en #e )irst seen #er t#at #e lo-ed #er5 ut t#e $u$lin0 +as li(e t#e slee'y )rettin0
o) a c#ild ein0 'ut to slee' y #is $ot#er6 Her $ind5 t#rou0#out t#is5 ne-er sto''ed or lost
itsel) )or a second to #er )eelin0s6 8,ou aint said you lo-ed $e none5: #e +#is'ered )inally5
'ullin0 ac( )ro$ #er6 8,ou 0ot to say t#at6:
S#e loo(ed a+ay )ro$ #i$ o)) into t#e #ollo+ s(y and t#en do+n at a lac( rid0e and t#en
do+n )art#er into +#at a''eared to e t+o 0reen s+ellin0 la(es6 S#e didnt realiEe #e #ad
ta(en #er 0lasses ut t#is landsca'e could not see$ e"ce'tional to #er )or s#e seldo$ 'aid any
close attention to #er surroundin0s6
8,ou 0ot to say it5: #e re'eated6 8,ou 0ot to say you lo-e $e6:
S#e +as al+ays care)ul #o+ s#e co$$itted #ersel)6 8In a sense5: s#e e0an5 8i) you use t#e
+ord loosely5 you $i0#t say t#at6 %ut its not a +ord I use6 I dont #a-e illusions6 I$ one o)
t#ose 'eo'le +#o see t#rou0# to not#in06:
T#e oy +as )ro+nin06 8,ou 0ot to say it6 I said it and you 0ot to say it5: #e said6
T#e 0irl loo(ed at #i$ al$ost tenderly6 8,ou 'oor ay5: s#e $ur$ured6 8Its @ust as +ell
you dont understand5: and s#e 'ulled #i$ y t#e nec(5 )aceHdo+n5 a0ainst #er6 8&e are all
da$ned5: s#e said5 8ut so$e o) us #a-e ta(en o)) our lind)olds and see t#at t#eres not#in0
to see6 Its a (ind o) sal-ation6:
T#e oys astonis#ed eyes loo(ed lan(ly t#rou0# t#e ends o) #er #air6 8O(ay5: #e al$ost
+#ined5 8ut do you lo-e $e or dontc#er3:
8,es5: s#e said and added5 8in a sense6 %ut I $ust tell you so$et#in06 T#ere $ustnt e
anyt#in0 dis#onest et+een us6: S#e li)ted #is #ead and loo(ed #i$ in t#e eye6 8I a$ t#irty
years old5: s#e said6 8I #a-e a nu$er o) de0rees6:
T#e oys loo( +as irritated ut do00ed6 8I dont care5: #e said6 8I dont care a t#in0 aout
+#at all you done6 I @ust +ant to (no+ i) you lo-e $e or dontc#er3: and #e cau0#t #er to #i$
and +ildly 'lanted #er )ace +it# (isses until s#e said5 8,es5 yes6:
8O(ay t#en5: #e said5 lettin0 #er 0o6 8Pro-e it6:
S#e s$iled5 loo(in0 drea$ily out on t#e s#i)ty landsca'e6 S#e #ad seduced #i$ +it#out
e-en $a(in0 u' #er $ind to try6 8Ho+3: s#e as(ed5 )eelin0 t#at #e s#ould e delayed a little6
He leaned o-er and 'ut #is li's to #er ear6 8S#o+ $e +#ere your +ooden le0 @oins on5: #e
+#is'ered6
T#e 0irl uttered a s#ar' little cry and #er )ace instantly drained o) color6 T#e oscenity o)
t#e su00estion +as not +#at s#oc(ed #er6 *s a c#ild s#e #ad so$eti$es een su@ect to
)eelin0s o) s#a$e ut education #ad re$o-ed t#e last traces o) t#at as a 0ood sur0eon scra'es
)or cancerD s#e +ould no $ore #a-e )elt it o-er +#at #e +as as(in0 t#an s#e +ould #a-e
elie-ed in #is %ile6 %ut s#e +as as sensiti-e aout t#e arti)icial le0 as a 'eacoc( aout #is tail6
/o one e-er touc#ed it ut #er6 S#e too( care o) it as so$eone else +ould #is soul5 in 'ri-ate
and al$ost +it# #er o+n eyes turned a+ay6 8/o5: s#e said6
8I (no+n it5: #e $uttered5 sittin0 u'6 8,oure @ust 'layin0 $e )or a suc(er6:
8On no noS: s#e cried6 8It @oins on at t#e (nee6 Only at t#e (nee6 &#y do you +ant to see
it3:
T#e oy 0a-e #er a lon0 'enetratin0 loo(6 8%ecause5: #e said5 8its +#at $a(es you
di))erent6 ,ou aint li(e anyody else6:
S#e sat starin0 at #i$6 T#ere +as not#in0 aout #er )ace or #er round )reeEin0Hlue eyes to
indicate t#at t#is #ad $o-ed #erD ut s#e )elt as i) #er #eart #ad sto''ed and le)t #er $ind to
'u$' #er lood6 S#e decided t#at )or t#e )irst ti$e in #er li)e s#e +as )ace to )ace +it# real
innocence6 T#is oy5 +it# an instinct t#at ca$e )ro$ eyond +isdo$5 #ad touc#ed t#e trut#
aout #er6 &#en a)ter a $inute5 s#e said in a #oarse #i0# -oice5 8*ll ri0#t5: it +as li(e
surrenderin0 to #i$ co$'letely6 It +as li(e losin0 #er o+n li)e and )indin0 it a0ain5 $iraculously5
in #is6
2ery 0ently5 #e e0an to roll t#e slac( le0 u'6 T#e arti)icial li$5 in a +#ite soc( and ro+n
)lat s#oe5 +as ound in a #ea-y $aterial li(e can-as and ended in an u0ly @ointure +#ere it +as
attac#ed to t#e stu$'6 T#e oys )ace and #is -oice +ere entirely re-erent as #e unco-ered it
and said5 8/o+ s#o+ $e #o+ to ta(e it o)) and on6:
S#e too( it o)) )or #i$ and 'ut it ac( on a0ain and t#en #e too( it o)) #i$sel)5 #andlin0 it as
tenderly as i) it +ere a real one6 8SeeS: #e said +it# a deli0#ted c#ilds )ace6 8/o+ I can do it
$ysel)S:
8Put it ac( on5: s#e said6 S#e +as t#in(in0 t#at s#e +ould run a+ay +it# #i$ and t#at
e-ery ni0#t #e +ould ta(e t#e le0 o)) and e-ery $ornin0 'ut it ac( on a0ain6 8Put it ac( on5:
s#e said6
8/ot yet5: #e $ur$ured5 settin0 it on its )oot out o) #er reac#6 8Lea-e it o)) )or a+#ile6 ,ou
0ot $e instead6:
S#e 0a-e a little cry o) alar$ ut #e 'us#ed #er do+n and e0an to (iss #er a0ain6 &it#out
t#e le0 s#e )elt entirely de'endent on #i$6 Her rain see$ed to #a-e sto''ed t#in(in0
alto0et#er and to e aout so$e ot#er )unction t#at it +as not -ery 0ood at6 .i))erent
e"'ressions raced ac( and )ort# o-er #er )ace6 E-ery no+ and t#en t#e oy5 #is eyes li(e t+o
steel s'i(es5 +ould 0lance e#ind #i$ +#ere t#e le0 stood6 Finally s#e 'us#ed #i$ o)) and said5
8Put it ac( on $e no+6:
8&ait5: #e said6 He leaned t#e ot#er +ay and 'ulled t#e -alise to+ard #i$ and o'ened it6 It
#ad a 'ale lue s'otted linin0 and t#ere +ere only t+o %iles in it6 He too( one o) t#ese out
and o'ened t#e co-er o) it6 It +as #ollo+ and contained a 'oc(et )las( o) +#is(ey5 a 'ac( o)
cards5 and a s$all lue o" +it# 'rintin0 on it6 He laid t#ese out in )ront o) #er one at a ti$e in
an e-enlyHs'aced ro+5 li(e one 'resentin0 o))erin0s at t#e s#rine o) a 0oddess6 He 'ut t#e lue
o" in #er #and6 THIS PRO.7CT TO %E 7SE. O/L, FOR THE PRE2E/TIO/ OF .ISE*SE5 s#e read5
and dro''ed it6 T#e oy +as unscre+in0 t#e to' o) t#e )las(6 He sto''ed and 'ointed5 +it# a
s$ile5 to t#e dec( o) cards6 It +as not an ordinary dec( ut one +it# an oscene 'icture on t#e
ac( o) eac# card6 8Ta(e a s+i05: #e said5 o))erin0 #er t#e ottle )irst6 He #eld it in )ront o) #er5
ut li(e one $es$eriEed5 s#e did not $o-e6
Her -oice +#en s#e s'o(e #ad an al$ost 'leadin0 sound6 8*rent you5: s#e $ur$ured5
8arent you @ust 0ood country 'eo'le3:
T#e oy coc(ed #is #ead6 He loo(ed as i) #e +ere @ust e0innin0 to understand t#at s#e
$i0#t e tryin0 to insult #i$6 8,ea#5: #e said5 curlin0 #is li' sli0#tly5 8ut it aint #eld $e ac(
none6 I$ as 0ood as you any day in t#e +ee(6:
8!i-e $e $y le05: s#e said6
He 'us#ed it )art#er a+ay +it# #is )oot6 8Co$e on no+5 lets e0in to #a-e us a 0ood ti$e5:
#e said coa"in0ly6 8&e aint 0ot to (no+ one anot#er 0ood yet6:
8!i-e $e $y le0S: s#e screa$ed and tried to lun0e )or it ut #e 'us#ed #er do+n easily6
8&#ats t#e $atter +it# you all o) a sudden3: #e as(ed5 )ro+nin0 as #e scre+ed t#e to' on
t#e )las( and 'ut it 9uic(ly ac( inside t#e %ile6 8,ou @ust a +#ile a0o said you didnt elie-e in
not#in06 I t#ou0#t you +as so$e 0irlS:
Her )ace +as al$ost 'ur'le6 8,oure a C#ristianS: s#e #issed6 8,oure a )ine C#ristianS ,oure
@ust li(e t#e$ allIsay one t#in0 and do anot#er6 ,oure a 'er)ect C#ristian5 youreB8
T#e oys $out# +as set an0rily6 8I #o'e you dont t#in(5: #e said in a lo)ty indi0nant tone5
8t#at I elie-e in t#at cra'S I $ay sell %iles ut I (no+ +#ic# end is u' and I +asnt orn
yesterday and I (no+ +#ere I$ 0oin0S:
8!i-e $e $y le0S: s#e screec#ed6 He @u$'ed u' so 9uic(ly t#at s#e arely sa+ #i$ s+ee'
t#e cards and t#e lue o" ac( into t#e %ile and t#ro+ t#e %ile into t#e -alise6 S#e sa+ #i$
0ra t#e le0 and t#en s#e sa+ it )or an instant slanted )orlornly across t#e inside o) t#e suitcase
+it# a %ile at eit#er side o) its o''osite ends6 He sla$$ed t#e lid s#ut and snatc#ed u' t#e
-alise and s+un0 it do+n t#e #ole and t#en ste''ed t#rou0# #i$sel)6 &#en all o) #i$ #ad
'assed ut #is #ead5 #e turned and re0arded #er +it# a loo( t#at no lon0er #ad any ad$iration
in it6 8I-e 0otten a lot o) interestin0 t#in0s5: #e said6 8One ti$e I 0ot a +o$ans 0lass eye t#is
+ay6 *nd you neednt to t#in( youll catc# $e ecause Pointer aint really $y na$e6 I use a
di))erent na$e at e-ery #ouse I call at and dont stay no+#ere lon06 *nd Ill tell you anot#er
t#in05 Hul0a5: #e said5 usin0 t#e na$e as i) #e didnt t#in( $uc# o) it5 8you aint so s$art6 I een
elie-in0 in not#in0 e-er since I +as ornS: and t#en t#e toastHcolored #at disa''eared do+n
t#e #ole and t#e 0irl +as le)t5 sittin0 on t#e stra+ in t#e dusty sunli0#t6 &#en s#e turned #er
c#urnin0 )ace to+ard t#e o'enin05 s#e sa+ #is lue )i0ure stru00lin0 success)ully o-er t#e 0reen
s'ec(led la(e6
Mrs6 Ho'e+ell and Mrs6 Free$an5 +#o +ere in t#e ac( 'asture5 di00in0 u' onions5 sa+
#i$ e$er0e a little later )ro$ t#e +oods and #ead across t#e $eado+ to+ard t#e #i0#+ay6
8&#y5 t#at loo(s li(e t#at nice dull youn0 $an t#at tried to sell $e a %ile yesterday5: Mrs6
Ho'e+ell said5 s9uintin06 8He $ust #a-e een sellin0 t#e$ to t#e /e0roes ac( in t#ere6 He
+as so si$'le5: s#e said5 8ut I 0uess t#e +orld +ould e etter o)) i) +e +ere all t#at si$'le6:
Mrs6 Free$ans 0aEe dro-e )or+ard and @ust touc#ed #i$ e)ore #e disa''eared under t#e
#ill6 T#en s#e returned #er attention to t#e e-ilHs$ellin0 onion s#oot s#e +as li)tin0 )ro$ t#e
0round6 8So$e cant e t#at si$'le5: s#e said6 8I (no+ I ne-er could6:
,ou Cant %e *ny Poorer T#an .ead N;<KKO
FR*/CIS M*RIO/ T*R&*TERS uncle #ad een dead )or only #al) a day +#en t#e oy 0ot
too drun( to )inis# di00in0 #is 0ra-e and a /e0ro na$ed %u)ord Munson5 +#o #ad co$e to 0et
a @u0 )illed5 #ad to )inis# it and dra0 t#e ody )ro$ t#e rea()ast tale +#ere it +as still sittin0
and ury it in a decent and C#ristian +ay5 +it# t#e si0n o) its Sa-iour at t#e #ead o) t#e 0ra-e
and enou0# dirt on to' to (ee' t#e do0s )ro$ di00in0 it u'6 %u)ord #ad co$e alon0 aout noon5
and +#en #e le)t at sundo+n5 t#e oy5 Tar+ater5 #ad ne-er returned )ro$ t#e still6
T#e old $an #ad een Tar+aters 0reat uncle5 or said #e +as5 and t#ey #ad al+ays li-ed
to0et#er so )ar as t#e c#ild (ne+6 His uncle #ad said #e +as se-enty years o) a0e at t#e ti$e #e
#ad rescued #i$ and underta(en to rin0 #i$ u'D #e +as ei0#tyH)our +#en #e died6 Tar+ater
)i0ured t#is $ade #is o+n a0e )ourteen6 His uncle #ad tau0#t #i$ )i0ures5 readin05 +ritin05 and
#istor- e0innin0 +it# *da$ e"'elled )ro$ t#e !arden and 0oin0 on do+n t#rou0# t#e
'residents to Herert Hoo-er and on in s'eculation to+ard t#e Second Co$in0 and t#e .ay o)
4ud0$ent6 %esides 0i-in0 #i$ a 0ood education5 #e #ad rescued #i$ )ro$ #is only ot#er
connection5 old Tar+aters ne'#e+5 a sc#ool teac#er +#o #ad no c#ild o) #is o+n at t#e ti$e
and +anted t#is one o) #is dead sisters to raise accordin0 to #is o+n ideas6 T#e old $an +as in
a 'osition to (no+ +#at #is ideas +ere6
He #ad li-ed )or t#ree $ont#s in t#e ne'#e+s #ouse on +#at #e #ad t#ou0#t at t#e ti$e
+as C#arity ut +#at #e said #e #ad )ound out +as not C#arity or anyt#in0 li(e it6 *ll t#e ti$e
#e #ad li-ed t#ere5 t#e ne'#e+ #ad secretly een $a(in0 a study o) #i$6 T#e ne'#e+5 +#o #ad
ta(en #i$ in under t#e na$e o) C#arity5 #ad at t#e sa$e ti$e een cree'in0 into #is soul y
t#e ac( door5 as(in0 #i$ 9uestions t#at $eant $ore t#an one t#in05 'lantin0 tra's around t#e
#ouse and +atc#in0 #i$ )all into t#e$5 and )inally co$in0 u' +it# a +ritten study o) #i$ )or a
sc#ool teac#er $a0aEine6 T#e stenc# o) #is e#a-ior #ad reac#ed #ea-en and t#e Lord Hi$sel)
#ad rescued t#e old $an6 He #ad sent #i$ a ra0e o) -ision5 #ad told #i$ to )ly +it# t#e or'#an
oy to t#e )art#est 'art o) t#e ac(+oods and raise #i$ u' to @usti)y #is Rede$'tion6 T#e Lord
#ad assured #i$ a lon0 li)e and #e #ad snatc#ed t#e c#ild )ro$ under t#e sc#ool teac#ers nose
and ta(en #i$ to li-e in a clearin0 t#at #e #ad title to )or #is li)eti$e6
E-entually Rayer5 t#e sc#ool teac#er5 #ad disco-ered +#ere t#ey +ere and #ad co$e out
to t#e clearin0 to 0et t#e oy ac(6 He #ad #ad to lea-e #is car on t#e dirt road and +al( a $ile
t#rou0# t#e +oods5 on a 'at# t#at a''eared and disa''eared5 e)ore #e ca$e to t#e corn
'atc# +it# t#e 0aunt t+oHstory s#ac( standin0 in t#e $iddle o) it6 T#e old $an #ad een )ond
o) recallin0 )or Tar+ater t#e red5 s+eatin05 itten )ace o) #is ne'#e+ oin0 u' and do+n
t#rou0# t#e corn and e#ind it t#e 'in(5 )lo+ered #at o) a +el)are +o$an #e #ad rou0#t
alon0 +it# #i$6 T#e corn +as 'lanted u' to t+o )eet )ro$ t#e 'orc# ste'5 and as t#e ne'#e+
ca$e out o) it5 t#e old $an a''eared in t#e door +it# #is s#ot0un and said t#at #e +ould s#oot
any )oot t#at touc#ed #is ste'5 and t#e t+o stood )acin0 eac# ot#er +#ile t#e +el)are +o$an
ristled out o) t#e corn li(e a 'ea#en u'set on t#e nest6 T#e old $an said i) it #adnt een )or
t#e +el)are +o$an #is ne'#e+ +ouldnt #a-e ta(en a ste'5 ut s#e stood t#ere +aitin05
'us#in0 ac( t#e +is's o) dyed red #air t#at +ere 'lastered on #er lon0 )ore#ead6 %ot# t#eir
)aces +ere scratc#ed and leedin0 )ro$ t#orn us#es5 and t#e old $an recalled a s+itc# o)
lac(erry us# #an0in0 )ro$ t#e slee-e o) t#e +el)are +o$ans louse6 S#e only #ad to let out
#er reat# slo+ly as i) s#e +ere releasin0 t#e last 'atience on eart# and t#e ne'#e+ li)ted #is
)oot and set it do+n on t#e ste' and t#e old $an s#ot #i$ in t#e le06 T#e t+o o) t#e$ #ad
scuttled o))5 $a(in0 a disa''earin0 rattle in t#e corn5 and t#e +o$an #ad screa$ed5 8,ou (ne+
#e +as craEyS:D ut +#en t#ey ca$e out o) t#e corn on t#e ot#er side5 old Tar+ater #ad noted
)ro$ t#e u'stairs +indo+ +#ere #e #ad run t#at s#e #ad #er ar$ around #i$ and +as #oldin0
#i$ u' +#ile #e #o''ed into t#e +oodsD and later #e learned t#at #e #ad $arried #er t#ou0#
s#e +as t+ice #is a0e and #e could only 'ossily 0et one c#ild out o) #er6 S#e #ad ne-er let #i$
co$e ac( a0ain6
T#e $ornin0 t#e old $an died5 #e ca$e do+n and coo(ed t#e rea()ast as usual and died
e)ore #e 0ot t#e )irst s'oon)ul to #is $out#6 T#e do+nstairs o) t#eir s#ac( +as all (itc#en5
lar0e and dar(5 +it# a +ood to-e in t#e center o) it and a oard tale dra+n u' to t#e sto-e6
Sac(s o) )eed and $as# +ere stac(ed in t#e corners5 and scra' $etal5 +ood s#a-in0s5 old ro'e5
ladders5 and ot#er tinder +ere +#ere-er #e or Tar+ater #ad let t#e$ )all6 T#ey #ad sle't in t#e
(itc#en until a +ild cat s'ran0 in t#e +indo+ one ni0#t and )ri0#tened #i$ into carryin0 t#e ed
u'stairs +#ere t#ere +ere t+o e$'ty roo$s6 He 'ro'#esied at t#e ti$e t#at t#e stairste's
+ould ta(e ten years o)) #is li)e6 *t t#e $o$ent o) #is deat#5 #e #ad sat do+n to #is rea()ast
and li)ted #is (ni)e in one s9uare red #and #al)+ay to #is $out# and t#en5 +it# a loo( o)
co$'lete astonis#$ent5 #e #ad lo+ered it until t#e #and rested on t#e ed0e o) t#e 'late and
tilted it u' o)) t#e tale6
He +as a ullHli(e old $an +it# a s#ort #ead set directly into #is s#oulders and sil-er
'rotrudin0 eyes t#at loo(ed li(e t+o )is# strainin0 to 0et out o) a net o) red t#reads6 He #ad on
a 'uttyHcolored #at +it# t#e ri$ turned u' all around and o-er #is unders#irt a 0ray coat t#at
#ad once een lac(6 Tar+ater5 sittin0 across t#e tale )ro$ #i$5 sa+ red ro'es a''ear in #is
)ace and a tre$or 'ass o-er #i$6 It +as li(e t#e tre$or o) a 9ua(e t#at #ad e0un at #is #eart
and run out+ard and +as @ust reac#in0 t#e sur)ace6 His $out# t+isted do+n s#ar'ly on one
side and #e re$ained e"actly as #e +as5 'er)ectly alanced5 #is ac( a 0ood si" inc#es )ro$ t#e
c#air ac( and #is sto$ac# cau0#t @ust under t#e ed0e o) t#e tale6 His eyes5 dead sil-er5 +ere
)ocused on t#e oy across )ro$ #i$6
Tar+ater )elt t#e tre$or trans)er itsel) and run li0#tly o-er #i$6 He (ne+ t#e old $an +as
dead +it#out touc#in0 #i$ and #e continued to sit across t#e tale )ro$ t#e cor'se5 )inis#in0
#is rea()ast in a (ind o) sullen e$arrass$ent5 as i) #e +ere in t#e 'resence o) a ne+
'ersonality and couldnt t#in( o) anyt#in0 to say6 Finally #e said in a 9uerulous tone5 84ust #old
your #orses6 I already told you I +ould do it ri0#t6: T#e -oice sounded li(e a stran0ers -oice5 as
i) t#e deat# #ad c#an0ed #i$ instead o) t#e old $an6
He 0ot u' and too( #is 'late out t#e ac( door and set it do+n on t#e otto$ ste'5 and t+o
lon0Hle00ed lac( 0a$e roosters tore across t#e yard and )inis#ed +#at +as on it6 He sat do+n
on a lon0 'ine o" on t#e ac( 'orc#5 and #is #ands e0an asently to unra-el a len0t# o) ro'e5
+#ile #is lon0 crossHs#a'ed )ace stared a#ead eyond t#e clearin0 o-er +oods t#at ran in 0ray
and 'ur'le )olds until t#ey touc#ed t#e li0#tHlue )ortress line o) trees set a0ainst t#e e$'ty
$ornin0 s(y6
T#e clearin0 +as not si$'ly o)) t#e dirt road ut o)) t#e +a0on trac( and )oot'at#5 and t#e
nearest nei0#ors5 colored not +#ite5 still #ad to +al( t#rou0# t#e +oods5 'us#in0 'lu$
ranc#es out o) t#eir +ay to 0et to it6 T#e old $an #ad started an acre o) cotton to t#e le)t and
#ad run it eyond t#e )ence line al$ost u' to t#e #ouse on one side6 T#e t+o strands o) ared
+ire ran t#rou0# t#e $iddle o) t#e 'atc#6 * line o) )o05 #u$'Hs#a'ed5 +as cree'in0 to+ard it5
ready li(e a +#ite #ound do0 to crouc# under and cra+l across t#e yard6
8I$ 0oin0 to $o-e t#at )ence5: Tar+ater said6 8I aint 0oin0 to #a-e $y )ence in t#e $iddle
o) a )ield6: T#e -oice +as loud and still stran0e and disa0reeale and #e )inis#ed t#e rest o) #is
t#ou0#t in #is #ead: ecause t#is 'lace is $ine no+ +#et#er I o+n it or not ecause I$ #ere
and noody cant 0et $e o))6 I) any sc#ool teac#er co$es #ere to clai$ t#e 'ro'erty5 Ill (ill
#i$6
He #ad on a )aded 'air o) o-eralls and a 0ray #at 'ulled do+n o-er #is ears li(e a ca'6 He
)ollo+ed #is uncles custo$ o) ne-er ta(in0 o)) #is #at e"ce't in ed6 He #ad al+ays )ollo+ed
#is uncles custo$s u' to t#is date ut: i) I +ant to $o-e t#at )ence e)ore I ury #i$5 t#ere
+ouldnt e a soul to #inder $e5 #e t#ou0#tD no -oice +ill e li)ted6
8%ury #i$ )irst and 0et it o-er +it#5: t#e loud stran0ers disa0reeale -oice said5 and #e 0ot
u' and +ent to loo( )or t#e s#o-el6
T#e 'ine o" #e #ad een sittin0 on +as #is uncles co))in ut #e didnt intend to use it6 T#e
old $an +as too #ea-y )or a t#in oy to #oist o-er t#e side o) a o"5 and t#ou0# old Tar+ater
#ad uilt it #i$sel) a )e+ years e)ore5 #e #ad said t#at i) it +asnt )easile to 0et #i$ into it
+#en t#e ti$e ca$e5 t#en @ust to 'ut #i$ in t#e #ole as #e +as5 only to e sure t#e #ole +as
dee'6 He +anted it ten )oot5 #e said5 not @ust ei0#t6 He #ad +or(ed on t#e o" a lon0 ti$e5 and
+#en #e )inis#ed it #e #ad scratc#ed on t#e to' M*SO/ T*R&*TER5 &ITH !O.5 and #ad
cli$ed into it +#ere it stood on t#e ac( 'orc# and #ad lain t#ere )or so$e ti$e5 not#in0
s#o+in0 ut #is sto$ac# +#ic# rose o-er t#e to' li(e o-erlea-ened read6 T#e oy #ad stood
at t#e side o) t#e o"5 studyin0 #i$6 8T#is is t#e end o) us all5: t#e old $an said +it#
satis)action5 #is 0ra-el -oice #earty in t#e co))in6
8Its too $uc# o) you )or t#e o"5 : Tar+ater5 aid6 8Ill #a-e to sit on t#e lid or +ait until you
rot a little6:
8.ont +ait5: old Tar+ater #ad said6 8Listen6 I) it aint )easile to use t#e o" +#en t#e ti$e
co$es5 i) you cant li)t it or +#ate-er5 @ust 0et $e in t#e #ole5 ut I +ant it dee'6 I +ant it ten
)oot5 not @ust ei0#tHten6 ,ou can roll $e to it i) not#in0 else6 Ill roll6 !et t+o oards and set
t#e$ do+n t#e ste's and start $e rollin0 and di0 +#ere I sto' and dont let $e roll o-er into it
until its dee' enou0#6 Pro' $e +it# so$e ric(s so I +ont roll into it and dont let t#e do0s
nud0e $e o-er t#e ed0e e)ore its )inis#ed6 ,ou etter 'en u' t#e do0s5: #e said6
8&#at i) you die in ed3: t#e oy as(ed6 8Ho+$ I 0oin0 to 0et you do+n t#e stairs3:
8I aint 0oin0 to die in ed5: t#e old $an said6 8*s soon as I #ear t#e su$$ons5 I$ 0oin0 to
run do+nstairs6 Ill 0et as close to t#e door as I can6 I) I s#ould 0et stuc( u' t#ere5 youll #a-e to
roll $e do+n t#e stairs5 t#ats all6:
8My Lord5: t#e c#ild said6
T#e old $an sat u' in t#e o" and rou0#t #is )ist do+n on t#e ed0e o) it6 8Listen5: #e said6
8I ne-er as(ed $uc# o) you6 I ta(en you and raised you and sa-ed you )ro$ t#at ass in to+n and
no+ all I$ as(in0 in return is +#en I die to 0et $e in t#e 0round +#ere t#e dead elon0 and
set u' a cross o-er $e to s#o+ I$ t#ere6 T#ats all in t#e +orld I$ as(in0 you to do6:
8Ill e doin0 0ood i) I 0et you in t#e 0round5: Tar+ater said6 8Ill e too +ore out set u' any
cross6 I aint ot#erin0 +it# tri)les6:
8Tri)lesS: #is uncle #issed6 8,oull learn +#at a tri)le is on t#e day t#ose crosses are
0at#eredS %uryin0 t#e dead ri0#t $ay e t#e only #onor you e-er do yoursel)6 I rou0#t you out
#ere to raise you a C#ristian5: #e #ollered5 8and I$ da$ned i) you +ont e oneS:
8I) I dont #a-e t#e stren0t# to do it5: t#e c#ild said5 +atc#in0 #i$ +it# a care)ul
detac#$ent5 8Ill noti)y $y uncle in to+n and #e can co$e out and ta(e care o) you6 T#e sc#ool
teac#er5: #e dra+led5 oser-in0 t#at t#e 'oc($ar(s in #is uncles )ace #ad already turned 'ale
a0ainst t#e 'ur'le5 8#ell Atend to you6:
T#e t#reads t#at restrained t#e old $ans eyes t#ic(ened6 He 0ri''ed ot# sides o) t#e
co))in and 'us#ed )or+ard as i) #e +ere 0oin0 to dri-e it o)) t#e 'orc#6 8Hed urn $e5: #e said
#oarsely6 8Hed #a-e $e cre$ated in an o-en and scatter $y as#es6 A7ncle5 #e said to $e5
Ayoure a ty'e t#ats al$ost e"tinctS Hed e +illin0 to 'ay t#e underta(er to urn $e to e
ale to scatter $y as#es5: #e said6 8He dont elie-e in t#e Resurrection6 He dont elie-e in t#e
Last .ay6 He dont elie-e inB:
8T#e dead dont ot#er +it# 'articulars5: t#e oy interru'ted6
T#e old $an 0raed t#e )ront o) #is o-eralls and 'ulled #i$ u' a0ainst t#e side o) t#e o"
so t#at t#eir )aces +ere not t+o inc#es a'art6 8T#e +orld +as $ade )or t#e dead6 T#in( o) all
t#e dead t#ere are5: #e said and t#en5 as i) #e #ad concei-ed t#e ans+er )or all insolence5 #e
said5 8T#eres a $illion ti$es $ore dead t#an li-in0 and t#e dead are dead a $illion ti$es
lon0er t#an t#e li-in0 are ali-eS: and #e released #i$ +it# a lau0#6
T#e oy #ad s#o+n only y a sli0#t 9ui-er in t#e eyes t#at #e +as s#a(en y t#is5 and a)ter
a $inute #e #ad said5 AT#e sc#ool teac#er is $y uncle6 T#e only lood connection Ill #a-e and a
li-in0 $an and i) I +anted to 0o to #i$5 Id 0o5 no+6:
T#e old $an loo(ed at #i$ silently )or +#at see$ed a )ull $inute6 T#en #e sla$$ed #is
#ands on t#e sides o) t#e o" and roared5 8&#o$ t#e 'la0ue ec(ons5 to t#e 'la0ueS &#o$
t#e s+ord5 to t#e s+ordS &#o$ )ire5 to )ireS: and t#e c#ild tre$led -isily6
* li-in0 $an5 #e t#ou0#t as #e +ent to 0et t#e s#o-el5 ut #e etter not co$e out #ere and
try to 0et $e o)) t#is 'ro'erty ecause Ill (ill #i$6 !o to #i$ and e da$$ed5 #is uncle #ad
said6 I-e sa-ed you )ro$ #i$ t#is )ar and i) you 0o to #i$ t#e $inute I$ in t#e 0round5 t#eres
not#in0 I can do aout it6
T#e s#o-el lay a0ainst t#e side o) t#e #en #ouse6 8Ill ne-er set $y )oot in t#e city a0ain5:
Tar+ater said6 8Ill ne-er 0o to #i$6 Hi$ nor noody else +ill e-er 0et $e o)) t#is 'lace6: He
decided to di0 t#e 0ra-e under t#e )i0 tree ecause t#e old $an +ould e 0ood )or t#e )i0s6 T#e
0round +as sandy on to' and solid ric( underneat# and t#e s#o-el $ade a clan0in0 sound
+#en #e struc( it in t#e sand6 T+o #undred 'ounds o) dead $ountain to ury5 #e t#ou0#t5 and
stood +it# one )oot on t#e s#o-el5 leanin0 )or+ard5 studyin0 t#e +#ite s(y t#rou0# t#e lea-es
o) t#e tree6 It +ould ta(e all day to 0et a #ole i0 enou0# out o) t#is roc( and t#e sc#ool teac#er
+ould urn #i$ in a $inute6
Tar+ater #ad ne-er seen t#e sc#ool teac#er ut #e #ad seen #is c#ild5 a oy +#o rese$led
old Tar+ater #i$sel)6 T#e old $an #ad een so s#oc(ed y t#e li(eness t#at t#e ti$e #e and
Tar+ater #ad 0one t#ere5 #e #ad only stood in t#e door5 starin0 at t#e little oy and rollin0 #is
ton0ue around outside #is $out# li(e an old idiot6 T#at #ad een t#e )irst and only ti$e t#e old
$an #ad seen t#e oy6 8T#ree $ont#s t#ere5: #e +ould say6 8It s#a$es $e6 %etrayed )or t#ree
$ont#s in t#e #ouse o) $y o+n (in5 and i) +#en I$ dead you +ant to turn $e o-er to $y
etrayer and see $y ody urned5 0o a#ead6 !o a#ead5 oyS: #e #ad s#outed5 sittin0 u'
s'lotc#H)aced in #is o"6 8!o a#ead and let #i$ urn $e ut +atc# out )or t#e cra t#at e0ins
to 0ri' your nec( a)ter t#atS: and #e #ad cla+ed #is #and in t#e air to s#o+ Tar+ater #is 0ri'6 8I
een lea-ened y t#e yeast #e dont elie-e in5: #e said5 8and I +ont e urned6 *nd +#en I$
0one youll e etter o)) in t#ese +oods y yoursel) +it# @ust as $uc# li0#t as t#at d+ar) sun
+ants to let in t#an you +ould e in t#e city +it# #i$S:
T#e +#ite )o0 #ad eased t#rou0# t#e yard and disa''eared into t#e ne"t otto$ and no+
t#e air +as clear and lan(6 8T#e dead are 'oor5: Tar+ater said in t#e -oice o) t#e stran0er6
8,ou cant e any 'oorer t#an dead6 Hell #a-e to ta(e +#at #e 0ets6: /oody to ot#er $e5 #e
t#ou0#t6 E-er6 /o #and u'li)ted to #inder $e )ro$ anyt#in06 * sandHcolored #ound eat its tail
on t#e 0round neary and a )e+ lac( c#ic(ens scratc#ed in t#e ra+ clay #e +as turnin0 u'6 T#e
sun #ad sli''ed o-er t#e lue line o) trees and5 circled y a #aEe o) yello+5 +as $o-in0 slo+ly
across t#e s(y6 8/o+ I can do anyt#in0 I +ant to5: #e said5 so)tenin0 t#e stran0ers -oice so t#at
#e could stand it6 Could (ill o)) all t#ose c#ic(ens i) I #ad a $ind to5 #e t#ou0#t5 +atc#in0 t#e
+ort#less lac( 0a$e anta$s t#at #is uncle #ad een )ond o) (ee'in06
8He )a-ored a lot o) )oolis#ness5: t#e stran0er said6 8T#e trut# is #e +as c#ildis#6 &#y5 t#at
sc#ool teac#er ne-er did #i$ any #ar$6 ,ou ta(e5 all #e did +as to +atc# #i$ and +rite do+n
+#at #e seen and #eard and 'ut it in a 'a'er )or sc#ool teac#ers to read6 /o+ +#at +as +ron0
in t#at3 &#y not#in06 &#o cares +#at a sc#ool teac#er reads3 *nd t#e old )ool acted li(e #e
#ad een (illed in #is -ery soul6 &ell5 #e +asnt so near dead t#en as #e t#ou0#t #e +as6 Li-ed
on )i)teen years and raised u' a oy to ury #i$5 suitale to #is o+n taste6:
*s Tar+ater slas#ed at t#e 0round +it# t#e s#o-el5 t#e stran0ers -oice too( on a (ind o)
restrained )ury and #e (e't re'eatin05 8,ou 0ot to ury #i$ +#ole and co$'letely y #and and
t#at sc#ool teac#er +ould urn #i$ in a $inute6: *)ter #e #ad du0 )or an #our or $ore5 t#e
0ra-e +as only a )oot dee'5 not as dee' yet as t#e cor'se6 He sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) it )or a
+#ile6 T#e sun +as li(e a )urious +#ite lister in t#e s(y6 8T#e dead are a #ea' $ore troule
t#an t#e li-in05: t#e stran0er said6 8T#at sc#ool teac#er +ouldnt consider )or a $inute t#at on
t#e last day all t#e odies $ar(ed y crosses +ill e 0at#ered6 In t#e rest o) t#e +orld t#ey do
t#in0s di))erent t#an +#at you een tau0#t6:
8I een t#ere oncet5: Tar+ater $uttered6 8/oody #as to tell $e6:
His uncle t+o or t#ree years e)ore #ad 0one t#ere to call on t#e la+yers to try and 0et t#e
'ro'erty unentailed so t#at it +ould s(i' t#e sc#ool teac#er and 0o to Tar+ater6 Tar+ater #ad
sat at t#e la+yers t+el)t#Hstory +indo+ and loo(ed do+n into t#e 'it o) t#e city street +#ile
#is uncle transacted t#e usiness6 On t#e +ay )ro$ t#e railroad station #e #ad +al(ed tall in t#e
$ass o) $o-in0 $etal and concrete s'ec(led +it# t#e -ery s$all eyes o) 'eo'le6 T#e 0litter o)
#is o+n eyes +as s#aded under t#e sti)) rootli(e ri$ o) a ne+ 0ray #at alanced 'er)ectly
strai0#t on #is uttressin0 ears6 %e)ore co$in0 #e #ad read )acts in t#e al$anac and #e (ne+
t#at t#ere +ere ?L5LLL 'eo'le #ere +#o +ere seein0 #i$ )or t#e )irst ti$e6 He +anted to sto'
and s#a(e #ands +it# eac# o) t#e$ and say #is na$e +as Francis M6 Tar+ater and t#at #e +as
#ere only )or t#e day to acco$'any #is uncle on usiness at a la+yers6 His #ead @er(ed
ac(+ards a)ter eac# 'assin0 )i0ure until t#ey e0an to 'ass too t#ic(ly and #e oser-ed t#at
t#eir eyes didnt 0ra at you li(e t#e eyes o) country 'eo'le6 Se-eral o) t#e$ u$'ed into #i$
and t#is contact t#at s#ould #a-e $ade an ac9uaintance )or li)e $ade not#in0 ecause t#e
#ul(s s#o-ed on +it# duc(ed #eads and $uttered a'olo0ies t#at #e +ould #a-e acce'ted i)
t#ey #ad +aited6 *t t#e la+yers +indo+5 #e #ad (nelt do+n and let #is )ace #an0 out
u'sidedo+n o-er t#e )loatin0 s'ec(led street $o-in0 li(e a ri-er o) tin elo+ and #ad +atc#ed
t#e 0lints on it )ro$ t#e sun +#ic# dri)ted 'ale in a 'ale s(y6 ,ou #a-e to do so$et#in0
'articular #ere to $a(e t#e$ loo( at you5 #e t#ou0#t6 T#ey aint 0oin0 to loo( at you @ust
ecause !od $ade you6 &#en I co$e )or 0ood5 #e said to #i$sel)5 Ill do so$et#in0 to $a(e
e-ery eye stic( on $e )or +#at I cloneD and leanin0 )or+ard5 #e sa+ #is #at dro' do+n 0ently5
lost and casual5 dallied sli0#tly y t#e reeEe on its +ay to e s$as#ed in t#e tra))ic elo+6 He
clutc#ed at #is are #ead and )ell ac( inside t#e roo$6
His uncle +as in ar0u$ent +it# t#e la+yer5 #at# #ittin0 t#e des( t#at se'arated t#e$5
endin0 t#eir (nees and #ittin0 t#eir )ists at t#e sa$e ti$e6 T#e la+yer5 a tall do$eH#eaded
$an +it# an ea0les nose5 (e't re'eatin0 in a restrained s#rie(5 8%ut I didnt $a(e t#e +ill6 I
didnt $a(e t#e la+5: and #is uncles -oice 0rated5 8I cant #el' it6 My daddy +ouldnt #a-e
+anted it t#is +ay6 It #as to s(i' #i$6 My daddy +ouldnt #a-e seen a )ool in#erit #is
'ro'erty6 T#ats not #o+ #e intended it6:
8My #at is 0one5: Tar+ater said6
T#e la+yer t#re+ #i$sel) ac(+ards into #is c#air and screa(ed it to+ard Tar+ater and sa+
#i$ +it#out interest )ro$ 'aleHlue eyes and screa(ed it )or+ard a0ain and said to #is uncle5
8T#eres not#in0 I can do6 ,oure +astin0 your ti$e and $ine6 ,ou $i0#t as +ell resi0n yoursel)
to t#is +ill6:
8Listen5: old Tar+ater said5 8at one ti$e I t#ou0#t I +as )inis#ed5 old and sic( and aout to
die and no $oney5 not#in05 and I acce'ted #is #os'itality ecause #e +as $y closest lood
connection and you could #a-e called it #is duty to ta(e $e5 only I t#ou0#t it +as C#arity5 I
t#ou0#tB:
8I cant #el' +#at you t#ou0#t or did or +#at your connection t#ou0#t or did5: t#e la+yer
said and closed #is eyes6
8My #at )ell5: Tar+ater said6
8I$ only a la+yer5: t#e la+yer said5 lettin0 #is 0lance ro-e o-er t#e lines o) clayHcolored
oo(s o) la+ t#at )ortressed #is o))ice6
8* car is liale to #a-e run o-er it y no+6:
8Listen5: #is uncle said5 8all t#e ti$e #e +as studyin0 $e )or a 'a'er #e +as +ritin06 Only
#ad $e t#ere to study $e )or t#is 'a'er6 Ta(in0 secret tests on $e5 #is o+n (in5 loo(in0 into $y
soul li(e a Pee'in0 To$5 and t#en says to $e5 A7ncle5 youre a ty'e t#ats al$ost e"tinctS
*l$ost e"tinctS: t#e old $an 'i'ed5 arely ale to )orce a t#read o) sound )ro$ #is t#roat6 8,ou
see #o+ e"tinct I a$S:
T#e la+yer s#ut #is eyes and s$iled into one c#ee(6
8Ot#er la+yers5: t#e old $an 0ro+led5 and t#ey #ad le)t and -isited t#ree $ore +it#out
sto''in05 and Tar+ater #ad counted ele-en $en +#o $i0#t #a-e #ad on #is #at or $i0#t not6
Finally +#en t#ey ca$e out o) t#e )ourt# la+yers o))ice5 t#ey sat do+n on t#e +indo+ led0e o)
a an( uildin0 and #is uncle )elt in #is 'oc(et )or so$e iscuits #e #ad rou0#t and #anded
one to Tar+ater6 T#e old $an unuttoned #is coat and allo+ed #is sto$ac# to ease )or+ard
and rest on #is la' +#ile #e ate6 His )ace +or(ed +rat#)ullyD t#e s(in et+een t#e 'oc($ar(s
0re+ 'in( and t#en 'ur'le and t#en +#ite and t#e 'oc($ar(s a''eared to @u$' )ro$ one s'ot
to anot#er6 Tar+ater +as -ery 'ale and #is eyes 0littered +it# a 'eculiar #ollo+ de't#6 He #ad
an old +or( #and(erc#ie) tied around #is #ead5 (notted at t#e )our corners6 He didnt oser-e
t#e 'assin0 'eo'le +#o oser-ed #i$ no+6 8T#an( !od5 +ere )inis#ed #ere and can 0o #o$e5:
#e $uttered6
8&e aint )inis#ed #ere5: t#e old $an said and 0ot u' aru'tly and started do+n t#e street6
8My 4esus5: t#e oy #issed5 @u$'in0 to catc# u' +it# #i$6 8Cant +e sit do+n )or one
$inute3 *int you 0ot any sense3 T#ey all tell you t#e sa$e t#in06 Its only one la+ and its
not#in0 you can do aout it6 I 0ot sense enou0# to 0et t#atD +#y aint you3 &#ats t#e $atter
+it# you3:
T#e old $an strode on +it# #is #ead t#rust )or+ard as i) #e +ere s$ellin0 out an ene$y6
8&#ere +e 0oin03: Tar+ater as(ed a)ter t#ey #ad +al(ed out o) t#e usiness streets and
+ere 'assin0 et+een ro+s o) 0ray ulous #ouses +it# sooty 'orc#es t#at o-er#un0 t#e
side+al(s6 8Listen5: #e said5 #ittin0 #is uncles #i'5 8I ne-er ast to co$e6:
8,ou +ould #a-e as(ed to co$e soon enou0#5: t#e old $an $uttered6 8!et your )ill no+6:
8I ne-er ast )or no )ill6 I ne-er ast to co$e at all6 I$ #ere e)ore I (ne+ t#is #ere +as #ere6:
84ust re$e$er5: t#e old $an said5 8@ust re$e$er t#at I told you to re$e$er +#en you
ast to co$e t#at you ne-er li(ed it +#en you +ere #ere5: and t#ey (e't on 0oin05 crossin0 one
len0t# o) side+al( a)ter anot#er5 ro+ a)ter ro+ o) o-er#an0in0 #ouses +it# #al)o'en doors t#at
let a little dried li0#t )all on t#e stained 'assa0e+ays inside6 Finally t#ey ca$e out into anot#er
section +#ere t#e #ouses +ere s9uat and al$ost identical and eac# one #ad a s9uare o) 0rass
in )ront o) it li(e a do0 0ri''in0 a stolen stea(6 *)ter a )e+ loc(s5 Tar+ater dro''ed do+n on
t#e side+al( and said5 8I aint 0oin0 a ste' )urt#er6:
8I dont e-en (no+ +#ere I$ 0oin0 and I aint 0oin0 no )urt#erS: #e s#outed at #is uncles
#ea-y )i0ure +#ic# didnt sto' or loo( ac(6 In a second #e @u$'ed u' and )ollo+ed #i$ a0ain5
t#in(in0: I) anyt#in0 #a''ened to #i$5 I +ould e lost #ere6
T#e old $an (e't strainin0 )or+ard as i) #is lood scent +ere leadin0 #i$ closer and closer
to t#e 'lace +#ere #is ene$y +as #idin06 He suddenly turned u' t#e s#ort +al( o) a 'aleH
yello+ #ouse and $o-ed ri0idly to t#e +#ite door5 #is #ea-y s#oulders #unc#ed as i) #e +ere
0oin0 to cras# t#rou0# li(e a ulldoEer6 He struc( t#e +ood +it# #is )ist5 i0norin0 a 'olis#ed
rass (noc(er6 %y t#e ti$e Tar+ater ca$e u' e#ind #i$5 t#e door #ad o'ened and a s$all
'in(H)aced )at oy stood in it6 He +as a +#iteH#aired c#ild and +ore steelHri$$ed s'ectacles
and #ad 'aleHsil-er eyes li(e t#e old $ans6 T#e t+o stood starin0 at eac# ot#er5 old Tar+ater
+it# #is )ist raised and #is $out# o'en and #is ton0ue lollin0 idiotically )ro$ side to side6 For a
second t#e little )at oy see$ed s#oc(ed still +it# astonis#$ent6 T#en #e 0u))a+ed6 He raised
#is )ist and o'ened #is $out# and let #is ton0ue roll out as )ar as it +ould 0o6 T#e old $ans
eyes see$ed aout to strain out o) t#eir soc(ets6
8Tell your )at#er5: #e roared5 8t#at I$ not e"tinctS:
T#e little oy s#oo( as i) a last #ad #it #i$ and 'us#ed t#e door al$ost s#ut5 #idin0 #i$sel)
all ut one s'ectacled eye6 T#e old $an 0raed Tar+ater y t#e s#oulder and s+un0 #i$
around and 'us#ed #i$ do+n t#e 'at# a+ay )ro$ t#e 'lace6
He #ad ne-er een ac( t#ere a0ain5 ne-er seen #is cousin a0ain5 ne-er seen t#e sc#ool
teac#er at all5 and #e #o'ed to !od5 #e told t#e stran0er di00in0 t#e 0ra-e alon0 +it# #i$ no+5
t#at #e +ould ne-er see #i$5 t#ou0# #e #ad not#in0 a0ainst #i$ and #e +ould disli(e to (ill
#i$5 ut i) #e ca$e out #ere5 $essin0 +it# +#at +as none o) #is usiness e"ce't y la+5 t#en
#e +ould e oli0ed to6
8Listen5: t#e stran0er said5 8+#at +ould #e +ant to co$e out #ere )orI+#ere t#eres
not#in03:
Tar+ater e0an to di0 a0ain and didnt ans+er6 He didnt searc# out t#e stran0ers )ace5 ut
#e (ne+ y no+ it +as s#ar' and )riendly and +ise5 s#ado+ed under a sti)) roadHri$$ed #at6
He #ad lost #is disli(e )or t#e sound o) t#e -oice6 Only5 e-ery no+ and t#en it sounded li(e a
stran0ers -oice to #i$6 He e0an to )eel t#at #e +as only @ust no+ $eetin0 #i$sel)5 as i)5 as
lon0 as #is uncle #ad li-ed5 #e #ad een de'ri-ed o) #is o+n ac9uaintance6
8I aint denyin0 t#e old $an +as a 0ood one5: #is ne+ )riend said5 8ut li(e you said: you
cant e an y 'oorer t#an dead6 T#ey #a-e to ta(e +#at t#ey can 0et6 His soul is o)) t#is $ortal
eart# no+ and #is ody is not 0oin0 to )eel t#e 'inc# o) )ire or anyt#in0 else6:
8It +as t#e last day #e +as t#in(in0 o)5: Tar+ater said6
8&ell no+5: t#e stran0er said5 8dont you t#in( any cross you set u' in t#e year ;<K= or K or
? +ould e rotted out y t#e year t#e .ay o) 4ud0$ent co$es in3 Rotted to as $uc# dust as #is
as#es i) you reduced #i$ to as#es3 *nd le$$e ast you t#is: +#ats !od 0oin0 to do +it# sailors
dro+ned at sea t#at t#e )is# #a-e et and t#e )is# t#at et t#e$ et y ot#er )is# and t#ey et y
yet ot#ers3 *nd +#at aout 'eo'le t#at 0et urned u' naturally in #ouse )ires3 %urnt u' one
+ay or anot#er or lost in $ac#ines until t#eyre a 'ul'3 *nd all t#ese so@ers lasted to not#in03
&#at aout all t#ese naturally le)t +it#out a 'iece to )it a 'iece3:
8I) I urnt #i$5: Tar+ater said5 8it +ouldnt e natural5 it +ould e delierate6:
8O#5 I see5: t#e stran0er said6 8It aint t#e .ay o) 4ud0$ent )or #i$ youre +orried aout5
its t#e .ay o) 4ud0e$ent )or you6:
8T#ats $y idnis5: Tar+ater said6
8I aint uttin into your idnis5: t#e stran0er said6 8It dont $ean a t#in0 to $e6 ,oure le)t
y yoursel) in t#is e$'ty 'lace6 Fore-er y yoursel) in t#e e$'ty 'lace +it# @ust as $uc# li0#t as
t#at d+ar) sun +ants to let in6 ,ou dont $ean a t#in0 to a soul as )ar as I can see6:
8Redee$ed5: Tar+ater $uttered6
8.o you s$o(e3: t#e stran0er as(ed6
8S$o(e i) I +ant to and dont i) I dont5: Tar+ater said6 8%ury i) need e and dont i) dont6:
8!o ta(e a loo( at #i$ and see i) #es )ell o)) #is c#air5: #is )riend su00ested6
Tar+ater let t#e s#o-el dro' in t#e 0ra-e and returned to t#e #ouse6 He o'ened t#e )ront
door a crac( and 'ut #is )ace to it6 His uncle 0lared sli0#tly to t#e side o) #i$5 li(e a @ud0e intent
u'on so$e terrile e-idence6 T#e c#ild s#ut t#e door 9uic(ly and +ent ac( to t#e 0ra-e6 He
+as cold in s'ite o) t#e s+eat t#at stuc( #is s#irt to #is ac(6
T#e sun +as directly o-er#ead5 a''arently dead still5 #oldin0 its reat# +aitin0 out t#e
noonti$e6 T#e 0ra-e +as aout t+o )eet dee'6 8Ten )oot no+5 re$e$er5: t#e stran0er said
and lau0#ed6 8Old $en are sel)is#6 ,ou 0ot to e"'ect t#e least )ro$ t#e$6 T#e least )ro$
e-eryody5: #e added5 and let out a )lat si0# t#at +as li(e a 0ust o) sand raised and dro''ed
suddenly y t#e +ind6
Tar+ater loo(ed u' and sa+ t+o )i0ures cuttin0 across t#e )ield5 a colored $an and +o$an5
eac# dan0lin0 an e$'ty -ine0ar @u0 y a )in0er6 T#e +o$an5 tall and IndianHli(e5 #ad on a 0reen
sun#at6 S#e stoo'ed under t#e )ence +it#out 'ausin0 and ca$e on across t#e yard to+ard t#e
0ra-eD t#e $an #eld t#e +ire do+n and s+un0 #is le0 o-er and )ollo+ed at #er elo+6 T#ey
(e't t#eir eyes on t#e #ole and sto''ed at t#e ed0e o) it5 loo(in0 do+n into t#e ra+ 0round
+it# s#oc(ed satis)ied e"'ressions6 T#e $an5 %u)ord5 #ad a crin(led5 urntHra0 )ace5 dar(er t#an
#is #at6 8Old $an 'assed5: #e said6
T#e +o$an li)ted #er #ead and let out a slo+ sustained +ail5 'iercin0 and )or$al6 S#e set
#er @u0 do+n on t#e 0round and crossed #er ar$s and t#en li)ted t#e$ in t#e air and +ailed
a0ain6
8Tell #er to s#ut u' t#at5: Tar+ater said5 8I$ in c#ar0e #ere no+ and I dont +ant no
ni00erH$ournin06:
8I seen #is s'irit )or t+o ni0#ts5: s#e said5 8Seen #i$ t+o ni0#ts and #e +as unrested6:
8He aint een dead #ut since t#is $ornin05 Tar+ater said6 8I) you all +ant your @u0s )illed5
0i-e t#e$ to $e and di0 +#ile I$ 0one6:
8Hed een 'erdictin0 #is 'assin0 )or $any years5: %u)ord said6 8S#e seen #i$ in #er drea$
se-eral ni0#ts and #e +asnt rested6 I (no+n #i$ +ell6 I (no+n #i$ -ery +ell indeed6:
8Poor s+eet su0ar oy5: t#e +o$an said to Tar+ater5 8+#at you 0oin0 to do #ere no+ y
yoursel) in t#is loneso$e 'lace3:
8Mind y idnis5: t#e oy 0ro+led5 @er(in0 t#e @u0 out o) #er #and5 and started o)) so 9uic(
l- t#at #e al$ost )ell6 He stal(ed across t#e ac( )ield to+ard t#e ri$ o) trees t#at surrounded
t#e clear$06
T#e irds #ad 0one into t#e dee' +oods to esca'e t#e noon sun and one t#rus#5 #idden
so$e distance a#ead o) #i$5 called t#e sa$e )our notes a0ain and a0ain5 sto''in0 eac# ti$e
a)ter t#e$ to $a(e a silence6 Tar+ater e0an to +asl( )aster5 t#en #e e0an to lo'e5 and in a
second #e +as runnin0 li(e so$et#in0 #unted5 slidin0 do+n slo'es +a"ed +it# 'ine needles
and 0ras'in0 t#e li$s o) trees to 'ull #i$sel)5 'antin05 u' t#e sli''ery inclines6 He cras#ed
t#rou0# a +all o) #oneysuc(le and lea't across a sandy strea$ ed t#at +as al$ost dry no+
and )ell do+n a0ainst t#e #i0# clay an( t#at )or$ed t#e ac( +all o) a co-e +#ere t#e old $an
#ad (e't #is e"tra li9uor #idden6 He #id it in a #ollo+ o) t#e al(5 co-ered +it# a lar0e stone6
Tar+ater e0an to )i0#t at t#e stone to 'ull it a+ay5 +#ile t#e stran0er stood o-er #is s#oulder5
'antin05 8He +as craEyS He +as craEyS T#ats t#e lon0 and s#ort o) it6 He +as craEyS: Tar+ater
0ot t#e stone a+ay and 'ulled out a lac( @u0 and sat do+n a0ainst t#e an( +it# it6 8CraEyS:
t#e stran0er #issed5 colla'sin0 y #is side6 T#e sun a''eared5 ed0in0 its +ay secretly e#ind t#e
to's o) t#e trees t#at rose o-er t#e #idin0 'lace6
8* $an5 se-enty years o) a0e5 to rin0 a ay out into t#e ac(+oods to raise #i$ ri0#tS
Su''ose #e #ad died +#en you +ere )our years old3 Could you #a-e toted $as# to t#e still
t#en and su''orted yoursel)3 I ne-er #eard o) no )ourHyearHold runnin0 a still6
8/e-er did I #ear o) t#at5: #e continued6 8,ou +erent anyt#in0 to #i$ ut so$et#in0 t#at
+ould 0ro+ i0 enou0# to ury #i$ +#en t#e ti$e ca$e5 and no+ t#at #es dead5 #es s#ut o)
you ut you 0ot t+o #undred 'ounds o) #i$ to carry elo+ t#e )ace o) t#e eart#6 *nd dont
t#in( #e +ouldnt #eat u' li(e a coal sto-e to see you ta(e a dro' o) li9uor5: #e added6 8He
$i0#t say it +ould #urt you ut +#at #e +ould $ean +as you $i0#t 0et so $uc# you +ouldnt
e in no )it condition to ury #i$6 He said #e rou0#t you out #ere to raise you accordin0 to
'rinci'le and t#at +as t#e 'rinci'le: t#at you s#ould e )it +#en t#e ti$e ca$e to ury #i$ so
#e +ould #a-e a cross to $ar( +#ere #e +as at6
8&ell5: #e said in a so)ter tone5 +#en t#e oy #ad ta(en a lon0 s+allo+ )ro$ t#e lac( @u05
8a little +ont inter)ere6 Moderation ne-er #urt no one6:
* urnin0 ar$ slid do+n Tar+aters t#roat as i) t#e de-il +ere already reac#in0 inside #i$
to )in0er #is soul6 He s9uinted at t#e an0ry sun cree'in0 e#ind t#e to'$ost )rin0e o) t#e trees6
8Ta(e it easy5: #is )riend said6 8.o you re$e$er t#e$ ni00er 0os'el sin0ers you sa+ one
ti$e5 all drun(5 all sin0in05 all dancin0 around t#at lac( Ford auto$oile3 4esus5 t#ey +ouldnt
#a-e een near so 0lad t#ey +ere redee$ed i) t#ey #adnt #ad t#at li9uor in t#e$6 I +ouldnt
'ay too $uc# attention to $y Rede$'tion i) I +as you5: #e said6 8So$e 'eo'le ta(e e-eryt#in0
too #ard6:
Tar+ater dran( $ore slo+ly6 He #ad een drun( only one ti$e e)ore and t#at ti$e #is
uncle #ad eat #i$ +it# a oard )or it5 sayin0 li9uor +ould dissol-e a c#ilds 0utD anot#er o) #is
lies ecause #is 0ut #ad not dissol-ed6
8It s#ould e clear to you5: #is (ind )riend said5 8#o+ all your li)e you een tric(ed y t#at
old $an6 ,ou could #a-e een a city slic(er )or t#e last ten years6 Instead5 you een de'ri-ed o)
any co$'any ut #is5 you een li-in0 in a t+oHstory arn in t#e $iddle o) t#is eart#s ald
'atc#5 )ollo+in0 e#ind a $ule and 'lo+ since you +ere se-en6 *nd #o+ do you (no+ t#e
education #e 0i-e you is true to t#e )act3 Maye #e tau0#t you a syste$ o) )i0ures noody else
uses3 Ho+ do you (no+ t#at t+o added to t+o $a(es )our3 Four added to )our $a(es ei0#t3
Maye ot#er 'eo'le dont use t#at syste$6 Ho+ do you (no+ i) t#ere +as an *da$ or i) 4esus
eased your situation any +#en He redee$ed you3 Or #o+ you (no+ i) He actually done it3
/ot#in0 ut t#at old $ans +ord and it ou0#t to e o-ious to you y no+ t#at #e +as craEy6
*nd as )or 4ud0$ent .ay5: t#e stran0er said5 8e-ery day is 4ud0$ent .ay6
8*int you old enou0# to #a-e learnt t#at yet )or yoursel)3 .ont e-eryt#in0 you do5
e-eryt#in0 you #a-e e-er done5 +or( itsel) out ri0#t or +ron0 e)ore your eye and usually
e)ore t#e sun #as set3 Ha-e you e-er 0ot y +it# anyt#in0O /o you aint nor e-er t#ou0#t you
+ould5: #e said6 8,ou $i0#t as +ell drin( all t#at li9uor since you-e already drun( so $uc#6
Once you 'ass t#e $oderation $ar( you-e 'assed it5 and t#at 0yration you )eel +or(in0 do+n
)ro$ t#e to' o) your rain5: #e said5 8t#ats t#e Hand o) !od layin0 a lessin0 on you6 He #as
0i-en you your release6 T#at old $an +as t#e stone e)ore your door and t#e Lord #as rolled it
a+ay6 He aint rolled it 9uite )ar enou0# yet5 o) course6 ,ou 0ot to )inis# u' yoursel) ut Hes
done t#e $ain 'art6 Praise Hi$6:
Tar+ater #ad ceased to #a-e any )eelin0 in #is le0s6 He doEed )or a +#ile5 #is #ead #an0in0
to t#e side and #is $out# o'en and t#e li9uor tric(lin0 slo+ly do+n t#e side o) #is o-eralls
+#ere t#e @u0 #ad o-erturned in #is la'6 E-entually t#ere +as @ust a dri' at t#e nec( o) t#e
ottle5 )or$in0 and )illin0 and dro''in05 silent and $easured and sunHcolored6 T#e ri0#t5 e-en
s(y e0an to )ade5 coarsenin0 +it# clouds until e-ery s#ado+ #ad 0one in6 He +o(e +it# a
+renc# )or+ard5 #is eyes )ocusin0 and un)ocusin0 on so$et#in0 t#at loo(ed li(e urnt ra0
#an0in0 close to #is )ace6
%u)ord said5 8T#is aint no +ay )or you to act6 Old $an dont deser-e t#is6 T#eres no rest
until t#e dead is uried6: He +as s9uattin0 on #is #eels5 one #and 0ri''ed around Tar+aters
ar$6 8I 0one yonder to t#e door and seen #i$ sittin0 t#ere at t#e tale5 not e-en laid out on a
coolin0 oard6 He ou0#t to e laid out and #a-e so$e salt on #is oso$ i) you $ean to (ee'
#i$ o-erni0#t6:
T#e oys lids 'inc#ed to0et#er to #old t#e i$a0e steady and in a second #e $ade out t#e
t+o s$all red listered eyes6 8He deser-es to lie in a 0ra-e t#at )its #i$5: %u)ord said6 8He +as
dee' in t#is li)e5 #e +as dee' in 4esus $isery6:
8/i00er5: t#e c#ild said5 +or(in0 #is stran0e s+ollen ton0ue5 8ta(e your #and o)) $e6:
%u)ord li)ted #is #and6 8He needs to e rested5: #e said6
8Hell e rested all ri0#t +#en I 0et t#rou0# +it# #i$5: Tar+ater said -a0uely6 8!o on and
lea $e to $y idnis6:
8/oody 0oin0 to ot#er you5: %u)ord said5 standin0 u'6 He +aited a $inute5 ent5 loo(in0
do+n at t#e li$' )i0ure s'ra+led a0ainst t#e an(6 T#e oys #ead +as tilted ac(+ards o-er a
root t#at @utted out o) t#e clay +all6 His $out# #un0 o'en5 and #is #at5 turned u' in )ront5 cut a
strai0#t line across #is )ore#ead5 @ust o-er #is #al)o'en eyes6 His c#ee(ones 'rotruded5 narro+
and t#in li(e t#e ar$s o) a cross5 and t#e #ollo+s under t#e$ #eld an ancient loo( as i) t#e
c#ilds s(eleton eneat# +ere as old as t#e +orld6 8/oody 0oin0 to ot#er you5: t#e /e0ro
$uttered5 'us#in0 t#rou0# t#e +all o) #oneysuc(le +it#out loo(in0 ac(6 8T#at 0oin0 to e
your troule6:
Tar+ater closed #is eyes a0ain6
So$e ni0#t ird co$'lainin0 close y +o(e #i$ u'6 It +as not a screec#in0 noise5 only an
inter$ittent #u$'H#u$' as i) t#e ird #ad to recall #is 0rie-ance eac# ti$e e)ore #e re'eated
it6 Clouds +ere $o-in0 con-ulsi-ely across a lac( s(y and t#ere +as a 'in( unsteady $oon t#at
a''eared to e @er(ed u' a )oot or so and t#en dro''ed and @er(ed u' a0ain6 T#is +as ecause
as #e oser-ed in an instant5 t#e s(y +as lo+erin05 co$in0 do+n )ast to s$ot#er #i$6 T#e ird
screec#ed and )le+ o)) in ti$e and Tar+ater lurc#ed into t#e $iddle o) t#e strea$ ed and
crouc#ed on #is #ands and (nees6 T#e $oon +as re)lected li(e 'ale )ire in t#e )e+ s'ots o)
+ater in t#e sand6 He s'ran0 at t#e +all o) #oneysuc(le and e0an to tear t#rou0# it5 con)usin0
t#e s+eet )a$iliar odor +it# t#e +ei0#t co$in0 do+n on #i$6 &#en #e stood u' on t#e ot#er
side5 t#e lac( 0round s+un0 slo+ly and t#re+ #i$ do+n a0ain6 * )lare o) 'in( li0#tnin0 lit t#e
+oods and #e sa+ t#e lac( s#a'es o) trees 'ierce out o) t#e 0round all around #i$6 T#e ni0#t
ird e0an to #u$' a0ain )ro$ a t#ic(et +#ere #e #ad settled6
Tar+ater 0ot u' and started $o-in0 in t#e direction o) t#e clearin05 )eelin0 #is +ay )ro$
tree to tree5 t#e trun(s -ery cold and dry to #is touc#6 T#ere +as distant t#under and a
continuous )lic(er o) 'ale li0#tnin0 )irin0 one section o) +oods and t#en anot#er6 Finally #e sa+
t#e s#ac(5 standin0 0auntHlac( and tall in t#e $iddle o) t#e clearin05 +it# t#e 'in( $oon
tre$lin0 directly o-er it6 His eyes 0littered li(e o'en 'its o) li0#t as #e $o-ed across t#e sand5
dra00in0 #is crus#ed s#ado+ e#ind #i$6 He didnt turn #is #ead to t#at side o) t#e yard +#ere
#e #ad started t#e 0ra-e6
He sto''ed at t#e )ar ac( corner o) t#e #ouse and s9uatted do+n on t#e 0round and
loo(ed underneat# at t#e litter t#ere5 c#ic(en crates and arrels and old ra0s and o"es6 He #ad
)our $atc#es in #is 'oc(et6 He cra+led under and e0an to set s$all )ires5 uildin0 one )ro$
anot#er and +or(in0 #is +ay out at t#e )ront 'orc#5 lea-in0 t#e )ire e#ind #i$ eatin0 0reedily
at t#e dry tinder and t#e )loor oards o) t#e #ouse6 He crossed t#e )ront side o) t#e clearin0 and
+ent under t#e aredH+ire )ence and t#rou0# t#e rutted )ield +it#out loo(in0 ac( until #e
reac#ed t#e ed0e o) t#e o''osite +oods6 T#en #e 0lanced o-er #is s#oulder and sa+ t#at t#e
'in( $oon #ad dro''ed t#rou0# t#e roo) o) t#e s#ac( and +as urstin0 and #e e0an to run5
)orced on t#rou0# t#e +oods y t+o ul0in0 sil-er eyes t#at 0re+ in i$$ense astonis#$ent in
t#e center o) t#e )ire e#ind #i$6
To+ard $idni0#t #e ca$e out on t#e #i0#+ay and cau0#t a ride +it# a sales$an +#o +as a
$anu)acturers re'resentati-e sellin0 co''er )lues t#rou0#out t#e Sout#east and +#o 0a-e t#e
silent oy +#at #e said +as t#e est ad-ice #e could 0i-e any youn0 )ello+ settin0 out to )ind
#i$sel) a 'lace in t#e +orld6 &#ile t#ey s'ed )or+ard on t#e lac( unt+istin0 #i0#+ay +atc#ed
on eit#er side y a dar( +all o) trees5 t#e sales$an said t#at it #ad een #is 'ersonal
e"'erience t#at you couldnt sell a co''er )lue to a $an you didnt lo-e6 He +as a t#in )ello+
+it# a narro+ 0or0eli(e )ace t#at a''eared to #a-e een +orn do+n to t#e s#ar'est 'ossile
de'ressions6 He +ore a roadHri$$ed sti)) 0ray #at o) t#e (ind used y usiness $en +#o
+ould li(e to loo( li(e co+oys6 He said lo-e +as t#e only 'olicy t#at +or(ed ninetyH)i-e 'er
cent o) t#e ti$e6 He said +#en #e +ent to sell a $an a )lue5 #e as(ed )irst aout t#at $ans
+i)es #ealt# and #o+ #is c#ildren +ere6 He said #e #ad a oo( t#at #e (e't t#e na$es o) #is
custo$ers )a$ilies in and +#at +as +ron0 +it# t#e$6 * $ans +i)e #ad cancer5 #e 'ut #er
na$e do+n in t#e oo( and +rote cancer a)ter it and in9uired aout #er e-ery ti$e #e +ent to
t#at $ans #ard+are store until s#e diedD t#en #e scratc#ed #er na$e out and +rote dead
t#ere 8*nd I say t#an( !od +#en t#eyre dead5: t#e sales$an said5 8t#ats one less to
re$e$er6:
8,ou dont o+e t#e dead anyt#in05 Tar+ater said in a loud -oice5 s'ea(in0 )or al$ost t#e
)irst ti$e since #e #ad 0ot in t#e car6
8/or t#ey you5: said t#e stran0er6 8*nd t#ats t#e +ay it ou0#t to e in t#is +orldInoody
o+in0 noody not#in06:
8Loo(5: Tar+ater said suddenly5 sittin0 )or+ard5 #is )ace close to t#e +inds#ield5 8+ere
#eaded in t#e +ron0 direction6 &ere 0oin0 ac( +#ere +e ca$e )ro$6 T#eres t#e )ire a0ain6
T#eres t#e )ire +e le)t6: *#ead o) t#e$ in t#e s(y t#ere +as a )aint 0lo+5 steady and not $ade
y li0#tnin06 8T#ats t#e sa$e )ire +e co$e )ro$S: t#e oy said in a #i0# +ild -oice6
8%oy5 you $ust e nuts5: t#e sales$an said6 8T#ats t#e city +ere co$in0 to6 T#ats t#e
0lo+ )ro$ t#e city li0#ts6 I rec(on t#is is your )irst tri' any+#ere6:
8,oure turned around5: t#e c#ild said6 8Its t#e sa$e )ire6:
T#e stran0er t+isted #is rutted )ace s#ar'ly6 8I-e ne-er een turned around in $y li)e5: #e
said6 8*nd I didnt co$e )ro$ any )ire6 I co$e )ro$ Moile6 *nd I (no+ +#ere I$ 0oin06 &#ats
t#e $atter +it# you3:
Tar+ater sat starin0 at t#e 0lo+ in )ront o) #i$6 8I +as aslee'5: #e $uttered6 8I$ @ust no+
+a(in0 u'6:
8&ell you s#ould #a-e een listenin0 to $e5: t#e sales$an said6 8I een tellin0 you t#in0s
you ou0#t to (no+6:
!reenlea) N;<K?O
MRS6 M*,S edroo$ +indo+ +as lo+ and )aced on t#e east and t#e ull5 sil-ered in t#e
$oonli0#t5 stood under it5 #is #ead raised as i) #e listened3Ili(e so$e 'atient 0od co$e do+n
to +oo #erI)or a stir inside t#e roo$6 T#e +indo+ +as dar( and t#e sound o) #er reat#in0
too li0#t to e carried outside6 Clouds crossin0 t#e $oon lac(ened #i$ and in t#e dar( #e
e0an to tear at t#e #ed0e6 Presently t#ey 'assed and #e a''eared a0ain in t#e sa$e s'ot5
c#e+in0 steadily5 +it# a #ed0eH+reat# t#at #e #ad ri''ed loose )or #i$sel) cau0#t in t#e ti's o)
#is #orns6 &#en t#e $oon dri)ted into retire$ent a0ain5 t#ere +as not#in0 to $ar( #is 'lace
ut t#e sound o) steady c#e+in06 T#en aru'tly a 'in( 0lo+ )illed t#e +indo+6 %ars o) li0#t slid
across #i$ as t#e -enetian lind +as slit6 He too( a ste' ac(+ard and lo+ered #is #ead as i) to
s#o+ t#e +reat# across #is #orns6
For al$ost a $inute t#ere +as no sound )ro$ inside5 t#en as #e raised #is cro+ned #ead
a0ain5 a +o$ans -oice5 0uttural as i) addressed to a do05 said5 8!et a+ay )ro$ #ere5 SirS: and
in a second $uttered5 8So$e ni00ers scru ull6:
T#e ani$al 'a+ed t#e 0round and Mrs6 May5 standin0 ent )or+ard e#ind t#e lind5
closed it 9uic(ly lest t#e li0#t $a(e #i$ c#ar0e into t#e s#ruery6 For a second s#e +aited5 still
ent )or+ard5 #er ni0#t0o+n #an0in0 loosely )ro$ #er narro+ s#oulders6 !reen ruer curlers
s'routed neatly o-er #er )ore#ead and #er )ace eneat# t#e$ +as s$oot# as concrete +it# an
e00H+#ite 'aste t#at dre+ t#e +rin(les out +#ile s#e sle't6
S#e #ad een conscious in #er slee' o) a steady r#yt#$ic c#e+in0 as i) so$et#in0 +ere
eatin0 one +all o) t#e #ouse6 S#e #ad een a+are t#at +#ate-er it +as #ad een eatin0 as lon0
as s#e #ad #ad t#e 'lace and #ad eaten e-eryt#in0 )ro$ t#e e0innin0 o) #er )ence line u' to
t#e #ouse and no+ +as eatin0 t#e #ouse and cal$ly +it# t#e sa$e steady r#yt#$ +ould
continue t#rou0# t#e #ouse5 eatin0 #er and t#e oys5 and t#en on5 eatin0 e-eryt#in0 ut t#e
!reenlea)s5 on and on5 eatin0 e-eryt#in0 until not#in0 +as le)t ut t#e !reenlea)s on a little
island all t#eir o+n in t#e $iddle o) +#at #ad een #er 'lace6 &#en t#e $unc#in0 reac#ed #er
elo+5 s#e @u$'ed u' and )ound #ersel)5 )ully a+a(e5 standin0 in t#e $iddle o) #er roo$6 S#e
identi)ied t#e sound at once: a co+ +as tearin0 at t#e s#ruery under #er +indo+6 Mr6
!reenlea) #ad le)t t#e lane 0ate o'en and s#e didnt dout t#at t#e entire #erd +as on #er
la+n6 S#e turned on t#e di$ 'in( tale la$' and t#en +ent to t#e +indo+ and slit t#e lind6
T#e ull5 0aunt and lon0Hle00ed5 +as standin0 aout )our )eet )ro$ #er5 c#e+in0 cal$ly li(e an
uncout# country suitor6
For )i)teen years5 s#e t#ou0#t as s#e s9uinted at #i$ )iercely5 s#e #ad een #a-in0 s#i)tless
'eo'les #o0s root u' #er oats5 t#eir $ules +allo+ on #er la+n5 t#eir scru ulls reed #er
co+s6 I) t#is one +as not 'ut u' no+5 #e +ould e o-er t#e )ence5 ruinin0 #er #erd e)ore
$ornin0Iand Mr6 !reenlea) +as soundly slee'in0 a #al) $ile do+n t#e road in t#e tenant
#ouse6 T#ere +as no +ay to 0et #i$ unless s#e dressed and 0ot in #er car and rode do+n t#ere
and +o(e #i$ u'6 He +ould co$e ut #is e"'ression5 #is +#ole )i0ure5 #is e-ery 'ause5 +ould
say: 8Hit loo(s to $e li(e one or ot# o) t#e$ oys +ould not $a(e t#eir $a+ ride out in t#e
$iddle o) t#e ni0#t t#isa+ay6 I) #it +as $y oys5 t#ey +ould #a-e 0ot t#et ull u' t#eirsel)6:
T#e ull lo+ered #is #ead and s#oo( it and t#e +reat# sli''ed do+n to t#e ase o) #is
#orns +#ere it loo(ed li(e a $enacin0 'ric(ly cro+n6 S#e #ad closed t#e lind t#enD in a )e+
seconds s#e #eard #i$ $o-e o)) #ea-ily6
Mr6 !reenlea) +ould say5 8I) #it +as $y oys t#ey +ould ne-er #a-e allo+ed t#eir $a+ to
0o a)ter #ired #el' in t#e $iddle o) t#e ni0#t6 T#ey +ould #a-e did it t#eirsel)6:
&ei0#in0 it5 s#e decided not to ot#er Mr6 !reenlea)6 S#e returned to ed t#in(in0 t#at i)
t#e !reenlea) oys #ad risen in t#e +orld it +as ecause s#e #ad 0i-en t#eir )at#er
e$'loy$ent +#en no one else +ould #a-e #i$6 S#e #ad #ad Mr6 !reenlea) )i)teen years ut no
one else +ould #a-e #ad #i$ )i-e $inutes6 4ust t#e +ay #e a''roac#ed an o@ect +as enou0#
to tell anyody +it# eyes +#at (ind o) a +or(er #e +as6 He +al(ed +it# a #i0#Hs#ouldered
cree' and #e ne-er a''eared to co$e directly )or+ard6 He +al(ed on t#e 'eri$eter o) so$e
in-isile circle and i) you +anted to loo( #i$ in t#e )ace5 you #ad to $o-e and 0et in )ront o)
#i$6 S#e #ad not )ired #i$ ecause s#e #ad al+ays douted s#e could do etter6 He +as too
s#i)tless to 0o out and loo( )or anot#er @oD #e didnt #a-e t#e initiati-e to steal5 and a)ter s#e
#ad told #i$ t#ree or )our ti$es to do a t#in05 #e did itD ut #e ne-er told #er aout a sic( co+
until it +as too late to call t#e -eterinarian and i) #er arn #ad cau0#t on )ire5 #e +ould #a-e
called #is +i)e to see t#e )la$es e)ore #e e0an to 'ut t#e$ out6 *nd o) t#e +i)e5 s#e didnt
e-en li(e to t#in(6 %eside t#e +i)e5 Mr6 !reenlea) +as an aristocrat6
8I) it #ad een $y oys5: #e +ould #a-e said5 8t#ey +ould #a-e cut o)) t#eir ri0#t ar$
e)ore t#ey +ould #a-e allo+ed t#eir $a+ toB:
8I) your oys #ad any 'ride5 Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e +ould li(e to say to #i$ so$e day5 8t#ere
are $any t#in0s t#at t#ey +ould not allo+ t#eir $ot#er to do6:
T#e ne"t $ornin0 as soon as Mr6 !reenlea) ca$e to t#e ac( door5 s#e told #i$ t#ere +as a
stray ull on t#e 'lace and t#at s#e +anted #i$ 'enned u' at once6
8.one already een #ere t#ree days5: #e said5 addressin0 #is ri0#t )oot +#ic# #e #eld
)or+ard5 turned sli0#tly as i) #e +ere tryin0 to loo( at t#e sole6 He +as standin0 at t#e otto$
o) t#e t#ree ac( ste's +#ile s#e leaned out t#e (itc#en door5 a s$all +o$an +it# 'ale nearH
si0#ted eyes and 0rey #air t#at rose on to' li(e t#e crest o) so$e distured ird6
8T#ree daysS: s#e said in t#e restrained screec# t#at #ad eco$e #aitual +it# #er6
Mr6 !reenlea)5 loo(in0 into t#e distance o-er t#e near 'asture5 re$o-ed a 'ac(a0e o)
ci0arettes )ro$ #is s#irt 'oc(et and let one )all into #is #and6 He 'ut t#e 'ac(a0e ac( and
stood )or a +#ile loo(in0 at t#e ci0arette6 8I 'ut #i$ in t#e ull 'en ut #e torn out o) t#ere5: #e
said 'resently6 8I didnt see #i$ none a)ter t#at6: He ent o-er t#e ci0arette and lit it and t#en
turned #is #ead rie)ly in #er direction6 T#e u''er 'art o) #is )ace slo'ed 0radually into t#e
lo+er +#ic# +as lon0 and narro+5 s#a'ed li(e a rou0# c#alice6 He #ad dee'Hset )o"Hcolored
eyes s#ado+ed under a 0rey )elt #at t#at #e +ore slanted )or+ard )ollo+in0 t#e line o) #is
nose6 His uild +as insi0ni)icant6
8Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e said5 80et t#at ull u' t#is $ornin0 e)ore you do anyt#in0 else6 ,ou
(no+ #ell ruin t#e reedin0 sc#edule6 !et #i$ u' and (ee' #i$ u' and t#e ne"t ti$e t#eres a
stray ull on t#is 'lace5 tell $e at once6 .o you understand3:
8&#ere you +ant #i$ 'ut at3: Mr6 !reenlea) as(ed6
8I dont care +#ere you 'ut #i$5: s#e said6 8,ou are su''osed to #a-e so$e sense6 Put #i$
+#ere #e cant 0et out6 &#ose ull is #e3:
For a $o$ent Mr6 !reenlea) see$ed to #esitate et+een silence and s'eec#6 He studied
t#e air to t#e le)t o) #i$6 8He $ust e so$eodys ull5: #e said a)ter a +#ile6
8,es5 #e $ustS: s#e said and s#ut t#e door +it# a 'recise little sla$6
S#e +ent into t#e dinin0 roo$ +#ere t#e t+o oys +ere eatin0 rea()ast and sat do+n on
t#e ed0e o) #er c#air at t#e #ead o) t#e tale6 S#e ne-er ate rea()ast ut s#e sat +it# t#e$ to
see t#at t#ey #ad +#at t#ey +anted6 8HonestlyS: s#e said5 and e0an to tell aout t#e ull5
a'in0 Mr6 !reenlea) sayin05 8It $ust e so$eodys ull6:
&esley continued to read t#e ne+s'a'er )olded eside #is 'late ut Sco)ield interru'ted
#is eatin0 )ro$ ti$e to ti$e to loo( at #er and lau0#6 T#e t+o oys ne-er #ad t#e sa$e
reaction to anyt#in06 T#ey +ere as di))erent5 s#e said5 as ni0#t and day6 T#e only t#in0 t#ey did
#a-e in co$$on +as t#at neit#er o) t#e$ cared +#at #a''ened on t#e 'lace6 Sco)ield +as a
usiness ty'e and &esley +as an intellectual6
&esley5 t#e youn0er c#ild5 #ad #ad r#eu$atic )e-er +#en #e +as se-en and Mrs6 May
t#ou0#t t#at t#is +as +#at #ad caused #i$ to e an intellectual6 Sco)ield5 +#o #ad ne-er #ad a
days sic(ness in #is li)e5 +as an insurance sales$an6 S#e +ould not #a-e $inded #is sellin0
insurance i) #e #ad sold a nicer (ind ut #e sold t#e (ind t#at only /e0roes uy6 He +as +#at
/e0roes call a 8'olicy $an6: He said t#ere +as $ore $oney in ni00erHinsurance t#an any ot#er
(ind5 and e)ore co$'any5 #e +as -ery loud aout it6 He +ould s#out5 8Ma$$a dont li(e to
#ear $e say it ut I$ t#e est ni00erHinsurance sales$an in t#is countyS:
Sco)ield +as t#irtyHsi" and #e #ad a road 'leasant s$ilin0 )ace ut #e +as not $arried6
8,es5: Mrs6 May +ould say5 8and i) you sold decent insurance5 so$e nice 0irl +ould e +illin0 to
$arry you6 &#at nice 0irl +ants to $arry a ni00erHinsurance $an3 ,oull +a(e u' so$e day and
itll e too late6:
*nd at t#is Sco)ield +ould yodel and say5 8&#y Ma$$a5 I$ not 0oin0 to $arry until youre
dead and 0one and t#en I$ 0oin0 to $arry $e so$e nice )at )ar$ 0irl t#at can ta(e o-er t#is
'laceS: *nd once #e #ad added5:Iso$e nice lady li(e Mrs6 !reenlea)6: &#en #e #ad said t#is5
Mrs6 May #ad risen )ro$ #er c#air5 #er ac( sti)) as a ra(e #andle5 and #ad 0one to #er roo$6
T#ere s#e #ad sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) #er ed )or so$e ti$e +it# #er s$all )ace dra+n6 Finally
s#e #ad +#is'ered5 8I +or( and sla-e5 I stru00le and s+eat to (ee' t#is 'lace )or t#e$ and soon
as I$ dead5 t#eyll $arry tras# and rin0 it in #ere and ruin e-eryt#in06 T#eyll $arry tras# and
ruin e-eryt#in0 I-e done5: and s#e #ad $ade u' #er $ind at t#at $o$ent to c#an0e #er +ill6
T#e ne"t day s#e #ad 0one to #er la+yer and #ad #ad t#e 'ro'erty entailed so t#at i) t#ey
$arried5 t#ey could not lea-e it to t#eir +i-es6
T#e idea t#at one o) t#e$ $i0#t $arry a +o$an e-en re$otely li(e Mrs6 !reenlea) +as
enou0# to $a(e #er ill6 S#e #ad 'ut u' +it# Mr6 !reenlea) )or )i)teen years5 ut t#e only +ay
s#e #ad endured #is +i)e #ad een y (ee'in0 entirely out o) #er si0#t6 Mrs6 !reenlea) +as
lar0e and loose6 T#e yard around #er #ouse loo(ed li(e a du$' and #er )i-e 0irls +ere al+ays
)ilt#yD e-en t#e youn0est one di''ed snu))6 Instead o) $a(in0 a 0arden or +as#in0 t#eir clot#es5
#er 'reoccu'ation +as +#at s#e called 8'rayer #ealin06:
E-ery day s#e cut all t#e $orid stories out o) t#e ne+s'a'erIt#e accounts o) +o$en +#o
#ad een ra'ed and cri$inals +#o #ad esca'ed and c#ildren +#o #ad een urned and o) train
+rec(s and 'lane cras#es and t#e di-orces o) $o-ie stars6 S#e too( t#ese to t#e +oods and du0
a #ole and uried t#e$ and t#en s#e )ell on t#e 0round o-er t#e$ and $u$led and 0roaned
)or an #our or so5 $o-in0 #er #u0e ar$s ac( and )ort# under #er and out a0ain and )inally @ust
lyin0 do+n )lat and5 Mrs6 May sus'ected5 0oin0 to slee' in t#e dirt6
S#e #ad not )ound out aout t#is until t#e !reenlea)s #ad een +it# #er a )e+ $ont#s6 One
$ornin0 s#e #ad een out to ins'ect a )ield t#at s#e #ad +anted 'lanted in rye ut t#at #ad
co$e u' in clo-er ecause Mr6 !reenlea) #ad used t#e +ron0 seeds in t#e 0rain drill6 S#e +as
returnin0 t#rou0# a +ooded 'at# t#at se'arated t+o 'astures5 $utterin0 to #ersel) and #ittin0
t#e 0round $et#odically +it# a lon0 stic( s#e carried in case s#e sa+ a sna(e6 8Mr6 !reenlea)5:
s#e +as sayin0 in a lo+ -oice5 8I cannot a))ord to 'ay )or your $ista(es6 I a$ a 'oor +o$an and
t#is 'lace is all I #a-e6 I #a-e t+o oys to educate6 I cannotB:
Out o) no+#ere a 0uttural a0oniEed -oice 0roaned5 84esusS 4esusS: In a second it ca$e a0ain
+it# a terrile ur0ency6 84esusS 4esusS:
Mrs6 May sto''ed still5 one #and li)ted to #er t#roat6 T#e sound +as so 'iercin0 t#at s#e )elt
as i) so$e -iolent unleas#ed )orce #ad ro(en out o) t#e 0round and +as c#ar0in0 to+ard #er6
Her second t#ou0#t +as $ore reasonale: so$eody #ad een #urt on t#e 'lace and +ould
sue #er )or e-eryt#in0 s#e #ad6 S#e #ad no insurance6 S#e rus#ed )or+ard and turnin0 a end in
t#e 'at#5 s#e sa+ Mrs6 !reenlea) s'ra+led on #er #ands and (nees o)) t#e side o) t#e road5 #er
#ead do+n6
8Mrs6 !reenlea)S: s#e s#rilled5 8+#ats #a''ened3:
Mrs6 !reenlea) raised #er #ead6 Her )ace +as a 'atc#+or( o) dirt and tears and #er s$all
eyes5 t#e color o) t+o )ield 'eas5 +ere redHri$$ed and s+ollen5 ut #er e"'ression +as as
co$'osed as a ulldo0s6 S#e s+ayed ac( and )ort# on #er #ands and (nees and 0roaned6
84esus5 4esus6:
Mrs6 May +inced6 S#e t#ou0#t t#e +ord5 4esus5 s#ould e (e't inside t#e c#urc# uildin0
li(e ot#er +ords inside t#e edroo$6 S#e +as a 0ood C#ristian +o$an +it# a lar0e res'ect )or
reli0ion5 t#ou0# s#e did not5 o) course5 elie-e any o) it +as true6 8&#at is t#e $atter +it#
you3: s#e as(ed s#ar'ly6
8,ou ro(en $y #ealin05: Mrs6 !reenlea) said5 +a-in0 #er aside6 8I cant tal( to you until I
)inis#6:
Mrs6 May stood5 ent )or+ard5 #er $out# o'en and #er stic( raised o)) t#e 0round as i) s#e
+ere not sure +#at s#e +anted to stri(e +it# it
8O# 4esus5 sta $e in t#e #eartS: Mrs6 !reenlea) s#rie(ed6 84esus5 sta $e in t#e #eartS:
and s#e )ell ac( )lat in t#e dirt5 a #u0e #u$an $ound5 #er le0s and ar$s s'read out as i) s#e
+ere tryin0 to +ra' t#e$ around t#e eart#6
Mrs6 May )elt as )urious and #el'less as i) s#e #ad een insulted y a c#ild6 84esus5: s#e said5
dra+in0 #ersel) ac(5 8+ould e as#a$ed o) you6 He +ould tell you to 0et u' )ro$ t#ere t#is
instant and 0o +as# your c#ildrens clot#esS: and s#e #ad turned and +al(ed o)) as )ast as s#e
could6
&#ene-er s#e t#ou0#t o) #o+ t#e !reenlea) oys #ad ad-anced in t#e +orld5 s#e #ad only
to t#in( o) Mrs6 !reenlea) s'ra+led oscenely on t#e 0round5 and say to #ersel)5 8&ell5 no
$atter #o+ )ar t#ey 0o5 t#ey ca$e )ro$ t#at6:
S#e +ould li(e to #a-e een ale to 'ut in #er +ill t#at +#en s#e died5 &esley and Sco)ield
+ere not to continue to e$'loy Mr6 !reenlea)6 S#e +as ca'ale o) #andlin0 Mr6 !reenlea)D
t#ey +ere not6 Mr6 !reenlea) #ad 'ointed out to #er once t#at #er oys didnt (no+ #ay )ro$
sila0e6 S#e #ad 'ointed out to #i$ t#at t#ey #ad ot#er talents5 t#at Sco)ield +as a success)ul
usiness $an and &esley a success)ul intellectual6 Mr6 !reenlea) did not co$$ent5 ut #e
ne-er lost an o''ortunity o) lettin0 #er see5 y #is e"'ression or so$e si$'le 0esture5 t#at #e
#eld t#e t+o o) t#e$ in in)inite conte$'t6 *s scruH#u$an as t#e !reenlea)s +ere5 #e ne-er
#esitated to let #er (no+ t#at in any li(e circu$stance in +#ic# #is o+n oys $i0#t #a-e een
in-ol-ed5 t#eyIO6 T6 and E6 T6 !reenlea)I+ould #a-e acted to etter ad-anta0e6
T#e !reenlea) oys +ere t+o or t#ree years youn0er t#an t#e May oys6 T#ey +ere t+ins
and you ne-er (ne+ +#en you s'o(e to one o) t#e$ +#et#er you +ere s'ea(in0 to O6 T6 or E6
T65 and t#ey ne-er #ad t#e 'oliteness to enli0#ten you6 T#ey +ere lon0Hle00ed and ra+Honed
and redHs(inned5 +it# ri0#t 0ras'in0 )o"Hcolored eyes li(e t#eir )at#ers6 Mr6 !reenlea)s 'ride
in t#e$ e0an +it# t#e )act t#at t#ey +ere t+ins6 He acted5 Mrs6 May said5 as i) t#is +ere
so$et#in0 s$art t#ey #ad t#ou0#t o) t#e$sel-es6 T#ey +ere ener0etic and #ardH+or(in0 and
s#e +ould ad$it to anyone t#at t#ey #ad co$e a lon0 +ayIand t#at t#e Second &orld &ar
+as res'onsile )or it6
T#ey #ad ot# @oined t#e ser-ice and5 dis0uised in t#eir uni)or$s5 t#ey could not e told
)ro$ ot#er 'eo'les c#ildren6 ,ou could tell5 o) course5 +#en t#ey o'ened t#eir $out#s ut
t#ey did t#at seldo$6 T#e s$artest t#in0 t#ey #ad done +as to 0et sent o-erseas and t#ere to
$arry Frenc# +i-es6 T#ey #adnt $arried Frenc# tras# eit#er6 T#ey #ad $arried nice 0irls +#o
naturally couldnt tell t#at t#ey $urdered t#e (in0s En0lis# or t#at t#e !reenlea)s +ere +#o
t#ey +ere6
&esleys #eart condition #ad not 'er$itted #i$ to ser-e #is country ut Sco)ield #ad een
in t#e ar$y )or t+o years6 He #ad not cared )or it and at t#e end o) #is $ilitary ser-ice5 #e +as
only a Pri-ate First Class6 T#e !reenlea) oys +ere ot# so$e (ind o) ser0eants5 and Mr6
!reenlea)5 in t#ose days5 #ad ne-er lost an o''ortunity o) re)errin0 to t#e$ y t#eir ran(6 T#ey
#ad ot# $ana0ed to 0et +ounded and no+ t#ey ot# #ad 'ensions6 Furt#er5 as soon as t#ey
+ere released )ro$ t#e ar$y5 t#ey too( ad-anta0e o) all t#e ene)its and +ent to t#e sc#ool o)
a0riculture at t#e uni-ersityIt#e ta"'ayers $ean+#ile su''ortin0 t#eir Frenc# +i-es6 T#e t+o
o) t#e$ +ere li-in0 no+ aout t+o $iles do+n t#e #i0#+ay on a 'iece o) land t#at t#e
0o-ern$ent #ad #el'ed t#e$ to uy and in a ric( du'le" un0alo+ t#at t#e 0o-ern$ent #ad
#el'ed to uild and 'ay )or6 I) t#e +ar #ad $ade anyone5 Mrs6 May said5 it #ad $ade t#e
!reenlea) oys6 T#ey eac# #ad t#ree little c#ildren a'iece5 +#o s'o(e !reenlea) En0lis# and
Frenc#5 and +#o5 on account o) t#eir $ot#ers ac(0round5 +ould e sent to t#e con-ent
sc#ool and rou0#t u' +it# $anners6 8*nd in t+enty years5: Mrs6 May as(ed Sco)ield and
&esley5 8do you (no+ +#at t#ose 'eo'le +ill e3
8Society5: s#e said lac(ly6
S#e #ad s'ent )i)teen years co'in0 +it# Mr6 !reenlea) and5 y no+5 #andlin0 #i$ #ad
eco$e second nature +it# #er6 His dis'osition on any 'articular day +as as $uc# a )actor in
+#at s#e could and couldnt do as t#e +eat#er +as5 and s#e #ad learned to read #is )ace t#e
+ay real country 'eo'le read t#e sunrise and sunset6
S#e +as a country +o$an only y 'ersuasion6 T#e late Mr6 May5 a usiness $an5 #ad
ou0#t t#e 'lace +#en land +as do+n5 and +#en #e died it +as all #e #ad to lea-e #er6 T#e
oys #ad not een #a''y to $o-e to t#e country to a ro(enHdo+n )ar$5 ut t#ere +as
not#in0 else )or #er to do6 S#e #ad t#e ti$er on t#e 'lace cut and +it# t#e 'roceeds #ad set
#ersel) u' in t#e dairy usiness a)ter Mr6 !reenlea) #ad ans+ered #er ad6 8i seen yor add and i
+ill co$e #a-e R oys5: +as all #is letter said5 ut #e arri-ed t#e ne"t day in a 'iecedHto0et#er
truc(5 #is +i)e and )i-e dau0#ters sittin0 on t#e )loor in ac(5 #i$sel) and t#e t+o oys in t#e
ca6
O-er t#e years t#ey #ad een on #er 'lace5 Mr6 and Mrs6 !reenlea) #ad a0ed #ardly at all6
T#ey #ad no +orries5 no res'onsiilities6 T#ey li-ed li(e t#e lilies o) t#e )ield5 o)) t#e )at t#at s#e
stru00led to 'ut into t#e land6 &#en s#e +as dead and 0one )ro$ o-er+or( and +orry5 t#e
!reenlea)s5 #ealt#y and t#ri-in05 +ould e @ust ready to e0in drainin0 Sco)ield and &esley6
&esley said t#e reason Mrs6 !reenlea) #ad not a0ed +as ecause s#e released all #er
e$otions in 'rayer #ealin06 8,ou ou0#t to start 'rayin05 S+eet#eart5: #e #ad said in t#e -oice
t#at5 'oor oy5 #e could not #el' $a(in0 delierately nasty6
Sco)ield only e"as'erated #er eyond endurance ut &esley caused #er real an"iety6 He
+as t#in and ner-ous and ald and ein0 an intellectual +as a terrile strain on #is dis'osition6
S#e douted i) #e +ould $arry until s#e died ut s#e +as certain t#at t#en t#e +ron0 +o$an
+ould 0et #i$6 /ice 0irls didnt li(e Sco)ield ut &esley didnt li(e nice 0irls6 He didnt li(e
anyt#in06 He dro-e t+enty $iles e-ery day to t#e uni-ersity +#ere #e tau0#t and t+enty $iles
ac( e-ery ni0#t5 ut #e said #e #ated t#e t+entyH$ile dri-e and #e #ated t#e secondHrate
uni-ersity and #e #ated t#e $orons +#o attended it6 He #ated t#e country and #e #ated t#e
li)e #e li-edD #e #ated li-in0 +it# #is $ot#er and #is idiot rot#er and #e #ated #earin0 aout
t#e da$n dairy and t#e da$n #el' and t#e da$n ro(en $ac#inery6 %ut in s'ite o) all #e said5
#e ne-er $ade any $o-e to lea-e6 He tal(ed aout Paris and Ro$e ut #e ne-er +ent e-en to
*tlanta6
8,oud 0o to t#ose 'laces and youd 0et sic(5: Mrs6 May +ould say6 8&#o in Paris is 0oin0 to
see t#at you 0et a saltH)ree diet3 *nd do you t#in( i) you $arried one o) t#ose odd nu$ers you
ta(e out t#at s#e +ould coo( a saltH)ree diet )or you3 /o indeed5 s#e +ould notS: &#en s#e
too( t#is line5 &esley +ould turn #i$sel) rou0#ly around in #is c#air and i0nore #er6 Once +#en
s#e #ad (e't it u' too lon05 #e #ad snarled5 8&ell5 +#y dont you do so$et#in0 'ractical5
&o$an3 &#y dont you 'ray )or $e li(e Mrs6 !reenlea) +ould3:
8I dont li(e to #ear you oys $a(e @o(es aout reli0ion5: s#e #ad said6 8I) you +ould 0o to
c#urc#5 you +ould $eet so$e nice 0irls6:
%ut it +as i$'ossile to tell t#e$ anyt#in06 &#en s#e loo(ed at t#e t+o o) t#e$ no+5
sittin0 on eit#er side o) t#e tale5 neit#er one carin0 t#e least i) a stray ull ruined #er
#erdI+#ic# +as t#eir #erd5 t#eir )utureI+#en s#e loo(ed at t#e t+o o) t#e$5 one #unc#ed
o-er a 'a'er and t#e ot#er teeterin0 ac( in #is c#air5 0rinnin0 at #er li(e an idiot5 s#e +anted
to @u$' u' and eat #er )ist on t#e tale and s#out5 8,oull )ind out one o) t#ese days5 youll
)ind out +#at Reality is +#en its too lateS:
8Ma$$a5: Sco)ield said5 8dont you 0et e"cited no+ ut Ill tell you +#ose ull t#at is6: He
+as loo(in0 at #er +ic(edly6 He let #is c#air dro' )or+ard and #e 0ot u'6 T#en +it# #is
s#oulders ent and #is #ands #eld u' to co-er #is #ead5 #e ti'toed to t#e door6 He ac(ed into
t#e #all and 'ulled t#e door al$ost to so t#at it #id all o) #i$ ut #is )ace6 8,ou +ant to (no+5
Su0ar'ie3: #e as(ed6
Mrs6 May sat loo(in0 at #i$ coldly6
8T#ats O6 T6 and E6 T6s ull5: #e said6 8I collected )ro$ t#eir ni00er yesterday and #e told
$e t#ey +ere $issin0 it5: and #e s#o+ed #er an e"a00erated e"'anse o) teet# and disa''eared
silently6
&esley loo(ed u' and lau0#ed6
Mrs6 May turned #er #ead )or+ard a0ain5 #er e"'ression unaltered6 8I a$ t#e only adult on
t#is 'lace5: s#e said6 S#e leaned across t#e tale and 'ulled t#e 'a'er )ro$ t#e side o) #is 'late6
8.o you see #o+ its 0oin0 to e +#en I die and you oys #a-e to #andle #i$3: s#e e0an6 8.o
you see +#y #e didnt (no+ +#ose ull t#at +as3 %ecause it +as t#eirs6 .o you see +#at I #a-e
to 'ut u' +it#3 .o you see t#at i) I #adnt (e't $y )oot on #is nec( all t#ese years5 you oys
$i0#t e $il(in0 co+s e-ery $ornin0 at )our ocloc(3:
&esley 'ulled t#e 'a'er ac( to+ard #is 'late and starin0 at #er )ull in t#e )ace5 #e
$ur$ured5 8I +ouldnt $il( a co+ to sa-e your soul )ro$ #ell6:
8I (no+ you +ouldnt5: s#e said in a rittle -oice6 S#e sat ac( and e0an ra'idly turnin0 #er
(ni)e o-er at t#e side o) #er 'late6 8O6 T6 and E6 T6 are )ine oys5: s#e said6 8T#ey ou0#t to #a-e
een $y sons6: T#e t#ou0#t o) t#is +as so #orrile t#at #er -ision o) &esley +as lurred at
once y a +all o) tears6 *ll s#e sa+ +as #is dar( s#a'e5 risin0 9uic(ly )ro$ t#e tale6 8*nd you
t+o5: s#e cried5 8you t+o s#ould #a-e elon0ed to t#at +o$anS:
He +as #eadin0 )or t#e door6
8&#en I die5: s#e said in a t#in -oice5 8I dont (no+ +#ats 0oin0 to eco$e o) you6:
8,oure al+ays ya''in0 aout +#enHyouHdie5: #e 0ro+led as #e rus#ed out5 8ut you loo(
'retty #ealt#y to $e6:
For so$e ti$e s#e sat +#ere s#e +as5 loo(in0 strai0#t a#ead t#rou0# t#e +indo+ across
t#e roo$ into a scene o) indistinct 0reys and 0reens6 S#e stretc#ed #er )ace and #er nec(
$uscles and dre+ in a lon0 reat# ut t#e scene in )ront o) #er )lo+ed to0et#er any+ay into a
+atery 0rey $ass6 8T#ey neednt t#in( I$ 0oin0 to die any ti$e soon5: s#e $uttered5 and
so$e $ore de)iant -oice in #er added: Ill die +#en I 0et 0ood and ready6
S#e +i'ed #er eyes +it# t#e tale na'(in and 0ot u' and +ent to t#e +indo+ and 0aEed at
t#e scene in )ront o) #er6 T#e co+s +ere 0raEin0 on t+o 'ale 0reen 'astures across t#e road
and e#ind t#e$5 )encin0 t#e$ in5 +as a lac( +all o) trees +it# a s#ar' sa+toot# ed0e t#at
#eld o)) t#e indi))erent s(y6 T#e 'astures +ere enou0# to cal$ #er6 &#en s#e loo(ed out any
+indo+ in #er #ouse5 s#e sa+ t#e re)lection o) #er o+n c#aracter6 Her city )riends said s#e +as
t#e $ost re$ar(ale +o$an t#ey (ne+5 to 0o5 'ractically 'enniless and +it# no e"'erience5
out to a rundo+n )ar$ and $a(e a success o) it6 8E-eryt#in0 is a0ainst you5: s#e +ould say5
8t#e +eat#er is a0ainst you and t#e dirt is a0ainst you and t#e #el' is a0ainst you6 T#eyre all in
lea0ue a0ainst you6 T#eres not#in0 )or it ut an iron #andS:
8Loo( at Ma$$as iron #andS: Sco)ield +ould yell and 0ra #er ar$ and #old it u' so t#at
#er delicate lueH-eined little #and +ould dan0le )ro$ #er +rist li(e t#e #ead o) a ro(en lily6
T#e co$'any al+ays lau0#ed6
T#e sun5 $o-in0 o-er t#e lac( and +#ite 0raEin0 co+s5 +as @ust a little ri0#ter t#an t#e
rest o) t#e s(y6 Loo(in0 do+n5 s#e sa+ a dar(er s#a'e t#at $i0#t #a-e een its s#ado+ cast at
an an0le5 $o-in0 a$on0 t#e$6 S#e uttered a s#ar' cry and turned and $arc#ed out o) t#e
#ouse6
Mr6 !reenlea) +as in t#e trenc# silo5 )illin0 a +#eelarro+6 S#e stood on t#e ed0e and
loo(ed do+n at #i$6 8I told you to 0et u' t#at ull6 /o+ #es in +it# t#e $il( #erd6:
8,ou cant do t+o t#an0s at oncet5: Mr6 !reenlea) re$ar(ed6
8I told you to do t#at )irst6:
He +#eeled t#e arro+ out o) t#e o'en end o) t#e trenc# to+ard t#e arn and s#e )ollo+ed
close e#ind #i$6 8*nd you neednt t#in(5 Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e said5 8t#at I dont (no+ e"actly
+#ose ull t#at is or +#y you #a-ent een in any #urry to noti)y $e #e +as #ere6 I $i0#t as
+ell )eed O6 T6 and E6 T6s ull as lon0 as I$ 0oin0 to #a-e #i$ #ere ruinin0 $y #erd6:
Mr6 !reenlea) 'aused +it# t#e +#eelarro+ and loo(ed e#ind #i$6 8Is t#at t#e$ oys
ull3: #e as(ed in an incredulous tone6
S#e did not say a +ord6 S#e $erely loo(ed a+ay +it# #er $out# taut6
8T#ey told $e t#eir ull +as out ut I ne-er (no+n t#at +as #i$5: #e said6
8I +ant t#at ull 'ut u' no+5: s#e said5 8and I$ 0oin0 to dri-e o-er to O6 T6 and E6 T6s and
tell t#e$ t#eyll #a-e to co$e 0et #i$ today6 I ou0#t to c#ar0e )or t#e ti$e #es een
#ereIt#en it +ouldnt #a''en a0ain6:
8T#ey didnt 'ay ut se-entyH)i-e dollars )or #i$5: Mr6 !reenlea) o))ered6
8I +ouldnt #a-e #ad #i$ as a 0i)t5: s#e said6
8T#ey +as @ust 0oin0 to ee) #i$5: Mr6 !reenlea) +ent on5 8ut #e 0ot loose and run #is
#ead into t#eir 'ic(u' truc(6 He dont li(e cars and truc(s6 T#ey #ad a ti$e 0ettin0 #is #orn out
t#e )ender and +#en t#ey )inally 0ot #i$ loose5 #e too( o)) and t#ey +as too tired to run a)ter
#i$Iut I ne-er (no+n t#at +as #i$ t#ere6:
8It +ouldnt #a-e 'aid you to (no+5 Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e said6 8%ut you (no+ no+6 !et a
#orse and 0et #i$6:
In a #al) #our5 )ro$ #er )ront +indo+ s#e sa+ t#e ull5 s9uirrelHcolored5 +it# @uttin0 #i's
and lon0 li0#t #orns5 a$lin0 do+n t#e dirt road t#at ran in )ront o) t#e #ouse6 Mr6 !reenlea)
+as e#ind #i$ on t#e #orse6 8T#ats a !reenlea) ull i) I e-er sa+ one5: s#e $uttered6 S#e
+ent out on t#e 'orc# and called5 8Put #i$ +#ere #e cant 0et out6:
8He li(es to ust loose5: Mr6 !reenlea) said5 loo(in0 +it# a''ro-al at t#e ulls ru$'6 8T#is
0entle$an is a s'ort6:
8I) t#ose oys dont co$e )or #i$5 #es 0oin0 to e a dead s'ort5: s#e said6 8I$ @ust
+arnin0 you6:
He #eard #er ut #e didnt ans+er6
8T#ats t#e a+)ullest loo(in0 ull I e-er sa+5: s#e called ut #e +as too )ar do+n t#e road
to #ear6
It +as $idH$ornin0 +#en s#e turned into O6 T6 and E6 T6s dri-e+ay6 T#e #ouse5 a ne+ redH
ric(5 lo+HtoHt#eH0round uildin0 t#at loo(ed li(e a +are#ouse +it# +indo+s5 +as on to' o) a
treeless #ill6 T#e sun +as eatin0 do+n directly on t#e +#ite roo) o) it6 It +as t#e (ind o) #ouse
t#at e-eryody uilt no+ and not#in0 $ar(ed it as elon0in0 to t#e !reenlea)s e"ce't t#ree
do0s5 'art #ound and 'art s'itE5 t#at rus#ed out )ro$ e#ind it as soon as s#e sto''ed #er car6
S#e re$inded #ersel) t#at you could al+ays tell t#e class o) 'eo'le y t#e class o) do05 and
#on(ed #er #orn6 &#ile s#e sat +aitin0 )or so$eone to co$e5 s#e continued to study t#e
#ouse6 *ll t#e +indo+s +ere do+n and s#e +ondered i) t#e 0o-ern$ent could #a-e airH
conditioned t#e t#in06 /o one ca$e and s#e #on(ed a0ain6 Presently a door o'ened and
se-eral c#ildren a''eared in it and stood loo(in0 at #er5 $a(in0 no $o-e to co$e )or+ard6 S#e
reco0niEed t#is as a true !reenlea) traitIt#ey could #an0 in a door5 loo(in0 at you )or #ours6
8Cant one o) you c#ildren co$e #ere3: s#e called6
*)ter a $inute t#ey all e0an to $o-e )or+ard5 slo+ly6 T#ey #ad on o-eralls and +ere
are)ooted ut t#ey +ere not as dirty as s#e $i0#t #a-e e"'ected6 T#ere +ere t+o or t#ree
t#at loo(ed distinctly li(e !reenlea)sD t#e ot#ers not so $uc# so6 T#e s$allest c#ild +as a 0irl
+it# untidy lac( #air6 T#ey sto''ed aout si" )eet )ro$ t#e auto$oile and stood loo(in0 at
#er6
8,oure $i0#ty 'retty5: Mrs6 May said5 addressin0 #ersel) to t#e s$allest 0irl6
T#ere +as no ans+er6 T#ey a''eared to s#are one dis'assionate e"'ression et+een t#e$6
8&#eres your Ma$$a3: s#e as(ed6
T#ere +as no ans+er to t#is )or so$e ti$e6 T#en one o) t#e$ said so$et#in0 in Frenc#6
Mrs6 May did not s'ea( Frenc#6
8&#eres your daddy3: s#e as(ed6
*)ter a +#ile5 one o) t#e oys said5 8He aint #yar neit#er6:
8*####5: Mrs6 May said as i) so$et#in0 #ad een 'ro-en6 8&#eres t#e colored $an3:
S#e +aited and decided no one +as 0oin0 to ans+er6 8T#e cat #as si" little ton0ues5: s#e
said6 8Ho+ +ould you li(e to co$e #o$e +it# $e and let $e teac# you #o+ to tal(3: S#e
lau0#ed and #er lau0# died on t#e silent air6 S#e )elt as i) s#e +ere on trial )or #er li)e5 )acin0 a
@ury o) !reenlea)s6 8Ill 0o do+n and see i) I can )ind t#e colored $an5: s#e said6
8,ou can 0o i) you +ant to5: one o) t#e oys said6
8&ell5 t#an( you5: s#e $ur$ured and dro-e o))6
T#e arn +as do+n t#e lane )ro$ t#e #ouse6 S#e #ad not seen it e)ore ut Mr6 !reenlea)
#ad descried it in detail )or it #ad een uilt accordin0 to t#e latest s'eci)ications6 It +as a
$il(in0 'arlor arran0e$ent +#ere t#e co+s are $il(ed )ro$ elo+6 T#e $il( ran in 'i'es )ro$
t#e $ac#ines to t#e $il( #ouse and +as ne-er carried in no uc(et5 Mr6 !reenlea) said5 y no
#u$an #and6 8&#en you 0onter 0et you one3: #e #ad as(ed6
8Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e #ad said5 8I #a-e to do )or $ysel)6 I a$ not assisted #and and )oot y
t#e 0o-ern$ent6 It +ould cost $e JRL5LLL to install a $il(in0 'arlor6 I arely $a(e ends $eet
as it is6:
8My oys done it5: Mr6 !reenlea) #ad $ur$ured5 and t#enI:ut all oys aint ali(e6:
8/o indeedS: s#e #ad said6 8I t#an( !od )or t#atS:
8I t#an( !a+d )or e-erHt#an05: Mr6 !reenlea) #ad dra+led6
,ou $i0#t as +ell5 s#e #ad t#ou0#t in t#e )ierce silence t#at )ollo+edD you-e ne-er done
anyt#in0 )or yoursel)6
S#e sto''ed y t#e side o) t#e arn and #on(ed ut no one a''eared6 For se-eral $inutes
s#e sat in t#e car5 oser-in0 t#e -arious $ac#ines 'ar(ed around5 +onderin0 #o+ $any o)
t#e$ +ere 'aid )or6 T#ey #ad a )ora0e #ar-ester and a rotary #ay aler6 S#e #ad t#ose too6 S#e
decided t#at since no one +as #ere5 s#e +ould 0et out and #a-e a loo( at t#e $il(in0 'arlor
and see i) t#ey (e't it clean6
S#e o'ened t#e $il(in0 roo$ door and stuc( #er #ead in and )or t#e )irst second s#e )elt as
i) s#e +ere 0oin0 to lose #er reat#6 T#e s'otless +#ite concrete roo$ +as )illed +it# sunli0#t
t#at ca$e )ro$ a ro+ o) +indo+s #eadH#i0# alon0 ot# +alls6 T#e $etal stanc#ions 0lea$ed
)erociously and s#e #ad to s9uint to e ale to loo( at all6 S#e dre+ #er #ead out t#e roo$
9uic(ly and closed t#e door and leaned a0ainst it5 )ro+nin06 T#e li0#t outside +as not so ri0#t
ut s#e +as conscious t#at t#e sun +as directly on to' o) #er #ead5 li(e a sil-er ullet ready to
dro' into #er rain6
* /e0ro carryin0 a yello+ cal)H)eed uc(et a''eared )ro$ around t#e corner o) t#e $ac#ine
s#ed and ca$e to+ard #er6 He +as a li0#t yello+ oy dressed in t#e castHo)) ar$y clot#es o)
t#e !reenlea) t+ins6 He sto''ed at a res'ectale distance and set t#e uc(et on t#e 0round6
8&#eres Mr6 O6 T6 and Mr6 E6 T63: s#e as(ed6
8Mist O6 T6 #e in to+n5 Mist E6 T6 #e o)) yonder in t#e )ield5: t#e /e0ro said5 'ointin0 )irst to
t#e le)t and t#en to t#e ri0#t as i) #e +ere na$in0 t#e 'osition o) t+o 'lanets6
8Can you re$e$er a $essa0e3: s#e as(ed5 loo(in0 as i) s#e t#ou0#t t#is dout)ul6
8Ill re$e$er it i) I dont )or0et it5: #e said +it# a touc# o) sullenness6
8&ell5 Ill +rite it do+n t#en5: s#e said6 S#e 0ot in #er car and too( a stu o) 'encil )ro$ #er
'oc(et oo( and e0an to +rite on t#e ac( o) an e$'ty en-elo'e6 T#e /e0ro ca$e and stood
at t#e +indo+6 8I$ Mrs6 May5: s#e said as s#e +rote6 8T#eir ull is on $y 'lace and I +ant #i$
o)) today6 ,ou can tell t#e$ I$ )urious aout it6:
8T#at ull le) #ere Sareday5: t#e /e0ro said5 8and none o) us aint seen #i$ since6 &e aint
(no+ed +#ere #e +as6:
8&ell5 you (no+ no+5: s#e said5 8and you can tell Mr6 O6 T6 and Mr6 E6 T6 t#at i) t#ey dont
co$e 0et #i$ today5 I$ 0oin0 to #a-e t#eir daddy s#oot #i$ t#e )irst t#in0 in t#e $ornin06 I
cant #a-e t#at ull ruinin0 $y #erd6: S#e #anded #i$ t#e note6
8I) I (no+s Mist O6 T6 and Mist E6 T65: #e said5 ta(in0 it5 8t#ey 0oin to say you 0o a#ead on
and s#oot #i$6 He done usted u' one o) our truc(s already and +e e 0lad to see t#e last o)
#i$6:
S#e 'ulled #er #ead ac( and 0a-e #i$ a loo( )ro$ sli0#tly leared eyes6 8.o t#ey e"'ect
$e to ta(e $y ti$e and $y +or(er to s#oot t#eir ull3: s#e as(ed6 8T#ey dont +ant #i$ so
t#ey @ust let #i$ loose and e"'ect so$eody else to (ill #i$3 Hes eatin0 $y oats and ruinin0
$y #erd and I$ e"'ected to s#oot #i$ too3:
8I s'ec( you is5: #e said so)tly6 8He done usted u'B:
S#e 0a-e #i$ a -ery s#ar' loo( and said5 8&ell5 I$ not sur'rised6 T#ats @ust t#e +ay so$e
'eo'le are5: and a)ter a second s#e as(ed5 8&#ic# is oss5 Mr6 O6 T6 or Mr6 E6 T63: S#e #ad
al+ays sus'ected t#at t#ey )ou0#t et+een t#e$sel-es secretly6
8T#ey ne-er 9uarls5: t#e oy said6 8T#ey li(e one $an in t+o s(ins6:
8H$'6 I e"'ect you @ust ne-er #eard t#e$ 9uarrel6:
8/or noody else #eard t#e$ neit#er5: #e said5 loo(in0 a+ay as i) t#is insolence +ere
addressed to so$e one else6
8&ell5: s#e said5 8I #a-ent 'ut u' +it# t#eir )at#er )or )i)teen years not to (no+ a )e+
t#in0s aout !reenlea)s6:
T#e /e0ro loo(ed at #er suddenly +it# a 0lea$ o) reco0nition6 8Is you $y 'olicy $ans
$ot#er3: #e as(ed6
8I dont (no+ +#o your 'olicy $an is5: s#e said s#ar'ly6 8,ou 0i-e t#e$ t#at note and tell
t#e$ i) t#ey dont co$e )or t#at ull today5 t#eyll e $a(in0 t#eir )at#er s#oot it to$orro+5:
and s#e dro-e o))6
S#e stayed at #o$e all a)ternoon +aitin0 )or t#e !reenlea) t+ins to co$e )or t#e ull6 T#ey
did not co$e6 I $i0#t as +ell e +or(in0 )or t#e$5 s#e t#ou0#t )uriously6 T#ey are si$'ly 0oin0
to use $e to t#e li$it6 *t t#e su''er tale5 s#e +ent o-er it a0ain )or t#e oys ene)it ecause
s#e +anted t#e$ to see e"actly +#at O6 T6 and E6 T6 +ould do6 8T#ey dont +ant t#at ull5: s#e
said5:I'ass t#e utterIso t#ey si$'ly turn #i$ loose and let so$eody else +orry aout
0ettin0 rid o) #i$ )or t#e$6 Ho+ do you li(e t#at3 I$ t#e -icti$6 I-e al+ays een t#e -icti$6:
8Pass t#e utter to t#e -icti$5: &esley said6 He +as in a +orse #u$or t#an usual ecause
#e #ad #ad a )lat tire on t#e +ay #o$e )ro$ t#e uni-ersity6
Sco)ield #anded #er t#e utter and said5 8&#y Ma$$a5 aint you as#a$ed to s#oot an old
ull t#at aint done not#in0 ut 0i-e you a little scru strain in your #erd3 I declare5: #e said5
8+it# t#e Ma$$a I 0ot its a +onder I turned out to e suc# a nice oyS:
8,ou aint #er oy5 Son5: &esley said6
S#e eased ac( in #er c#air5 #er )in0erti's on t#e ed0e o) t#e tale6
8*ll I (no+ is5: Sco)ield said5 8I done $i0#ty +ell to e as nice as I a$ seein0 +#at I co$e
)ro$6:
&#en t#ey teased #er t#ey s'o(e !reenlea) En0lis# ut &esley $ade #is o+n 'articular
tone co$e t#rou0# it li(e a (ni)e ed0e6 8&ell le$$e tell you one t#an05 %rot#er5: #e said5
leanin0 o-er t#e tale5 8t#at i) you #ad #al) a $ind you +ould already (no+6:
8&#ats t#at5 %rot#er3: Sco)ield as(ed5 #is road )ace 0rinnin0 into t#e constricted one
across )ro$ #i$6
8T#at is5: &esley said5 8t#at neit#er you nor $e is #er oyB: ut #e sto''ed aru'tly as
s#e 0a-e a (ind o) #oarse +#eeEe li(e an old #orse las#ed une"'ectedly6 S#e reared u' and ran
)ro$ t#e roo$6
8O#5 )or !ods sa(e5: &esley 0ro+led5 8&#at did you start #er o)) )or3:
8I ne-er started #er o))5: Sco)ield said6 8,ou started #er o))6:
8Ha#6:
8S#es not as youn0 as s#e used to e and s#e cant ta(e it6:
8S#e can only 0i-e it out5: &esley said6 8I$ t#e one t#at ta(es it6:
His rot#ers 'leasant )ace #ad c#an0ed so t#at an u0ly )a$ily rese$lance s#o+ed
et+een t#e$6 8/oody )eels sorry )or a lousy astard li(e you5: #e said and 0raed across
t#e tale )or t#e ot#ers s#irt)ront6
Fro$ #er roo$ s#e #eard a cras# o) dis#es and s#e rus#ed ac( t#rou0# t#e (itc#en into
t#e dinin0 roo$6 T#e #all door +as o'en and Sco)ield +as 0oin0 out o) it6 &esley +as lyin0 li(e
a lar0e u0 on #is ac( +it# t#e ed0e o) t#e o-erturned tale cuttin0 #i$ across t#e $iddle and
ro(en dis#es scattered on to' o) #i$6 S#e 'ulled t#e tale o)) #i$ and cau0#t #is ar$ to #el'
#i$ rise ut #e scra$led u' and 'us#ed #er o)) +it# a )urious c#ar0e o) ener0y and )lun0
#i$sel) out o) t#e door a)ter #is rot#er6
S#e +ould #a-e colla'sed ut a (noc( on t#e ac( door sti))ened #er and s#e s+un0
around6 *cross t#e (itc#en and ac( 'orc#5 s#e could see Mr6 !reenlea) 'eerin0 ea0erly
t#rou0# t#e screen +ire6 *ll #er resources returned in )ull stren0t# as i) s#e #ad only needed to
e c#allen0ed y t#e de-il #i$sel) to re0ain t#e$6 8I #eard a t#u$'5: #e called5 8and I t#ou0#t
t#e 'lasterin0 $i0#t #a-e )ell on you6:
I) #e #ad een +anted so$eone +ould #a-e #ad to 0o on a #orse to )ind #i$6 S#e crossed
t#e (itc#en and t#e 'orc# and stood inside t#e screen and s6 iid5 8/o5 not#in0 #a''ened ut t#e
tale turned o-er6 One o) t#e le0s +as +ea(5: and +it#out 'ausin05 8t#e oys didnt co$e )or
t#e ull so to$orro+5 youll #a-e to s#oot #i$6:
T#e s(y +as crossed +it# t#in red and 'ur'le ars and e#ind t#e$ t#e sun +as $o-in0
do+n slo+ly as i) it +ere descendin0 a ladder6 Mr6 !reenlea) s9uatted do+n on t#e ste'5 #is
ac( to #er5 t#e to' o) #is #at on a le-el +it# #er )eet6 8To$orro+ Ill dri-e #i$ #o$e )or you5:
#e said6
8O# no5 Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e said in a $oc(in0 -oice5 8you dri-e #i$ #o$e to$orro+ and
ne"t +ee( #ell e ac( #ere6 I (no+ etter t#an t#at6: T#en in a $ourn)ul tone5 s#e said5 8I$
sur'rised at O6 T6 and E6 T6 to treat $e t#is +ay6 I t#ou0#t t#eyd #a-e $ore 0ratitude6 T#ose
oys s'ent so$e $i0#ty #a''y days on t#is 'lace5 didnt t#ey5 Mr6 !reenlea)3:
Mr6 !reenlea) didnt say anyt#in06
8I t#in( t#ey did5: s#e said6 8I t#in( t#e- did6 %ut t#ey-e )or0otten all t#e nice little t#in0s I
did )or t#e$ no+6 I) I recall5 t#ey +ore $y oys old clot#es and 'layed +it# $y oys old toys
and #unted +it# $y oys old 0uns6 T#ey s+a$ in $y 'ond and s#ot $y irds and )is#ed in $y
strea$ and I ne-er )or0ot t#eir irt#day and C#rist$as see$ed to roll around -ery o)ten i) I
re$e$er it ri0#t6 *nd do t#ey t#in( o) any o) t#ose t#in0s no+3: s#e as(ed6
8/ooooo5: s#e said6
For a )e+ seconds s#e loo(ed at t#e disa''earin0 sun and Mr6 !reenlea) e"a$ined t#e
'al$s o) #is #ands6 Presently as i) it #ad @ust occurred to #er5 s#e as(ed5 8.o you (no+ t#e real
reason t#ey didnt co$e )or t#at ull3:
8/a+ I dont5: Mr6 !reenlea) said in a surly -oice6
8T#ey didnt co$e ecause I$ a +o$an5: s#e said6 8,ou can 0et a+ay +it# anyt#in0 +#en
youre dealin0 +it# a +o$an6 I) t#ere +ere a $an runnin0 t#is 'laceB:
Tuic( as a sna(e stri(in0 Mr6 !reenlea) said5 8,ou 0ot t+o oys6 T#ey (no+ you 0ot t+o
$en on t#e 'lace6:
T#e sun #ad disa''eared e#ind t#e tree line6 S#e loo(ed do+n at t#e dar( cra)ty )ace5
u'turned no+5 and at #e +ary eyes5 ri0#t under t#e s#ado+ o) t#e #atri$6 S#e +aited lon0
enou0# )or #i$ to see t#at s#e +as #urt and t#en s#e said5 8So$e 'eo'le learn 0ratitude too
late5 Mr6 !reenlea)5 and so$e ne-er learn it at all5: and s#e turned and le)t #i$ sittin0 on t#e
ste's6
Hal) t#e ni0#t in #er slee' s#e #eard a sound as i) so$e lar0e stone +ere 0rindin0 a #ole on
t#e outside +all o) #er rain6 S#e +as +al(in0 on t#e inside5 o-er a succession o) eauti)ul
rollin0 #ills5 'lantin0 #er stic( in )ront o) eac# ste'6 S#e eca$e a+are a)ter a ti$e t#at t#e
noise +as t#e sun tryin0 to urn t#rou0# t#e tree line and s#e sto''ed to +atc#5 sate in t#e
(no+led0e t#at it couldnt5 t#at it #ad to sin( t#e +#y it al+ays did outside o) #er 'ro'erty6
&#en s#e )irst sto''ed it +as a s+ollen red all5 ut as s#e stood +atc#in0 it e0an to narro+
and 'ale until it loo(ed li(e a ullet6 T#en suddenly it urst t#rou0# t#e tree line and raced
do+n t#e #ill to+ard #er6 S#e +o(e u' +it# #er #and o-er #er $out# and t#e sa$e noise5
di$inis#ed ut distant5 in #er ear6 It +as t#e ull $unc#in0 under #er +indo+6 Mr6 !reenlea)
#ad let #i$ out6
S#e 0ot u' and $ade #er +ay to t#e +indo+ in t#e dar( and loo(ed out t#rou0# t#e slit
lind5 ut t#e ull #ad $o-ed a+ay )ro$ t#e #ed0e and at )irst s#e didnt see #i$6 T#en s#e
sa+ a #ea-y )or$ so$e distance a+ay5 'aused as i) oser-in0 #er6 T#is is t#e last ni0#t I a$
0oin0 to 'ut u' +it# t#is5 s#e said5 and +atc#ed until t#e iron s#ado+ $o-ed a+ay in t#e
dar(ness6
T#e ne"t $ornin0 s#e +aited until e"actly ele-en ocloc(6 T#en s#e 0ot in #er car and dro-e
to t#e arn6 Mr6 !reenlea) +as cleanin0 $il( cans6 He #ad se-en o) t#e$ standin0 u' outside
t#e $il( roo$ to 0et t#e sun6 S#e #ad een tellin0 #i$ to do t#is )or +ee(s6 8*ll ri0#t5 Mr6
!reenlea)5: s#e said5 80o 0et your 0un6 &ere 0oin0 to s#oot t#at ull6:
8I t#ou0#t you +anted t#eseyer cansB:
8!o 0et your 0un5 Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e said6 Her -oice and )ace +ere e"'ressionless6
8T#at 0entle$an torn out o) t#ere last ni0#t5: #e $ur$ured in a tone o) re0ret and ent
a0ain to t#e can #e #ad #is ar$ in6
8!o 0et your 0un5 Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e said in t#e sa$e triu$'#ant toneless -oice6 8T#e ull
is in t#e 'asture +it# t#e dry co+s6 I sa+ #i$ )ro$ $y u'stairs +indo+6 I$ 0oin0 to dri-e you
u' to t#e )ield and you can run #i$ into t#e e$'ty 'asture and s#oot #i$ t#ere6:
He detac#ed #i$sel) )ro$ t#e can slo+ly6 8*int noody e-er ast $e to s#oot $y oys o+n
ullS: #e said in a #i0# ras'in0 -oice6 He re$o-ed a ra0 )ro$ #is ac( 'oc(et and e0an to +i'e
#is #ands -iolently5 t#en #is nose6
S#e turned as i) s#e #ad not #eard t#is and said5 8Ill +ait )or you in t#e car6 !o 0et your
0un6:
S#e sat in t#e car and +atc#ed #i$ stal( o)) to+ard t#e #arness roo$ +#ere #e (e't a 0un6
*)ter #e #ad entered t#e roo$5 t#ere +as a cras# as i) #e #ad (ic(ed so$et#in0 out o) #is +ay6
Presently #e e$er0ed a0ain +it# t#e 0un5 circled e#ind t#e car5 o'ened t#e door -iolently and
t#re+ #i$sel) onto t#e seat eside #er6 He #eld t#e 0un et+een #is (nees and loo(ed strai0#t
a#ead6 Hed li(e to s#oot $e instead o) t#e ull5 s#e t#ou0#t5 and turned #er )ace a+ay so t#at
#e could not see #er s$ile6
T#e $ornin0 +as dry and clear6 S#e dro-e t#rou0# t#e +oods )or a 9uarter o) a $ile and
t#en out into t#e o'en +#ere t#ere +ere )ields on eit#er side o) t#e narro+ road6 T#e
e"#ilaration o) carryin0 #er 'oint #ad s#ar'ened #er senses6 %irds +ere screa$in0 e-ery+#ere5
t#e 0rass +as al$ost too ri0#t to loo( at5 t#e s(y +as an e-en 'iercin0 lue6 8S'rin0 is #ereS:
s#e #ad 0aily6 Mr6 !reenlea) li)ted one $uscle so$e+#ere near #is $out# as i) #e )ound t#is
t#e $ost asinine re$ar( e-er $ade6 &#en s#e sto''ed at t#e second 'asture 0ate5 #e )lun0
#i$sel) out o) t#e car door and sla$$ed it e#ind #i$6 T#en #e o'ened t#e 0ate and s#e dro-e
t#rou0#6 He closed it and )lun0 #i$sel) ac( in5 silently5 and s#e dro-e around t#e ri$ o) t#e
'asture until s#e s'otted t#e ull5 al$ost in t#e center o) it5 0raEin0 'eace)ully a$on0 t#e co+s6
8T#e 0entle$an is +aitin0 on you5: s#e said and 0a-e Mr6 !reenlea)s )urious 'ro)ile a sly
loo(6 8Run #i$ into t#at ne"t 'asture and +#en you 0et #i$ in5 Ill dri-e in e#ind you and s#ut
t#e 0ate $ysel)6:
He )lun0 #i$sel) out a0ain5 t#is ti$e delierately lea-in0 t#e car door o'en so t#at s#e #ad
to lean across t#e seat and close it6 S#e sat s$ilin0 as s#e +atc#ed #i$ $a(e #is +ay across t#e
'asture to+ard t#e o''osite 0ate6 He see$ed to t#ro+ #i$sel) )or+ard at eac# ste' and t#en
'ull ac( as i) #e +ere callin0 on so$e 'o+er to +itness t#at #e +as ein0 )orced6 8&ell5: s#e
said aloud as i) #e +ere still in t#e car5 8its your o+n oys +#o are $a(in0 you do t#is5 Mr6
!reenlea)6 8O6 T6 and E6 T6 +ere 'roaly s'littin0 t#eir sides lau0#in0 at #i$ no+6 S#e could
#ear t#eir identical nasal -oices sayin05 8Made .addy s#oot our ull )or us6 .addy dont (no+
no etter t#an to t#in( t#ats a )ine ull #es s#ootin06 !onna (ill .addy to s#oot t#at ullS:
8I) t#ose oys cared a t#in0 aout you5 Mr6 !reenlea)5: s#e said5 t#ey +ould #a-e co$e )or
t#at ull6 I$ sur'rised at t#e$6:
He +as circlin0 around to o'en t#e 0ate )irst6 T#e ull5 dar( a$on0 t#e s'otted co+s5 #ad
not $o-ed6 He (e't #is #ead do+n5 eatin0 constantly6 Mr6 !reenlea) o'ened t#e 0ate and t#en
e0an circlin0 ac( to a''roac# #i$ )ro$ t#e rear6 &#en #e +as aout ten )eet e#ind #i$5 #e
)la''ed #is ar$s at #is sides6 T#e ull li)ted #is #ead indolently and t#en lo+ered it a0ain and
continued to eat6 Mr6 !reenlea) stoo'ed a0ain and 'ic(ed u' so$et#in0 and t#re+ it at #i$
+it# a -icious s+in06 S#e decided it +as a s#ar' roc( )or t#e ull lea't and t#en e0an to 0allo'
until #e disa''eared o-er t#e ri$ o) t#e #ill6 Mr6 !reenlea) )ollo+ed at #is leisure6
8,ou neednt t#in( youre 0oin0 to lose #i$S: s#e cried and started t#e car strai0#t across
t#e 'asture6 S#e #ad to dri-e slo+ly o-er t#e terraces and +#en s#e reac#ed t#e 0ate5 Mr6
!reenlea) and t#e ull +ere no+#ere in si0#t6 T#is 'asture +as s$aller t#an t#e last5 a 0reen
arena5 encircled al$ost entirely y +oods6 S#e 0ot out and closed t#e 0ate and stood loo(in0
)or so$e si0n o) Mr6 !reenlea) ut #e #ad disa''eared co$'letely6 S#e (ne+ at once t#at #is
'lan +as to lose t#e ull in t#e +oods6 E-entually5 s#e +ould see #i$ e$er0e so$e+#ere )ro$
t#e circle o) trees and co$e li$'in0 to+ard #er and +#en #e )inally reac#ed #er5 #e +ould say5
8I) you can )ind t#at 0entle$an in t#e$ +oods5 youre etter t#an $e6:
S#e +as 0oin0 to say5 8Mr6 !reenlea)5 i) I #a-e to +al( into t#ose +oods +it# you and stay
all a)ternoon5 +e are 0oin0 to )ind t#at ull and s#oot #i$6 ,ou are 0oin0 to s#oot #i$ i) I #a-e
to 'ull t#e tri00er )or you6: &#en #e sa+ s#e $eant usiness #e +ould return and s#oot t#e
ull 9uic(ly #i$sel)6
S#e 0ot ac( into t#e car and dro-e to t#e center o) t#e 'asture +#ere #e +ould not #a-e
so )ar to +al( to reac# #er +#en #e ca$e out o) t#e +oods6 *t t#is $o$ent s#e could 'icture
#i$ sittin0 on a stu$'5 $ar(in0 lines in t#e 0round +it# a stic(6 S#e decided s#e +ould +ait
e"actly ten $inutes y #er +atc#6 T#en s#e +ould e0in to #on(6 S#e 0ot out o) t#e car and
+al(ed around a little and t#en sat do+n on t#e )ront u$'er to +ait and rest6 S#e +as -ery
tired and s#e lay #er #ead ac( a0ainst t#e #ood and closed #er eyes6 S#e did not understand
+#y s#e s#ould e so tired +#en it +as only $idH$ornin06 T#rou0# #er closed eyes5 s#e could
)eel t#e sun5 red#ot o-er#ead6 S#e o'ened #er eyes sli0#tly ut t#e +#ite li0#t )orced #er to
close t#e$ a0ain6
For so$e ti$e s#e lay ac( a0ainst t#e #ood5 +onderin0 dro+sily +#y s#e +as so tired6
&it# #er eyes closed5 s#e didnt t#in( o) ti$e as di-ided into days and ni0#ts ut into 'ast and
)uture6 S#e decided s#e +as tired ecause s#e #ad een +or(in0 continuously )or )i)teen years6
S#e decided s#e #ad e-ery ri0#t to e tired5 and to rest )or a )e+ $inutes e)ore s#e e0an
+or(in0 a0ain6 %e)ore any (ind o) @ud0e$ent seat5 s#e +ould e ale to say: I-e +or(ed5 I #a-e
not +allo+ed6 *t t#is -ery instant +#ile s#e +as recallin0 a li)eti$e o) +or(5 Mr6 !reenlea) +as
loiterin0 in t#e +oods and Mrs6 !reenlea) +as 'roaly )lat on t#e 0round5 aslee' o-er #er
#ole)ul o) cli''in0s6 T#e +o$an #ad 0ot +orse o-er t#e years and Mrs6 May elie-ed t#at no+
s#e +as actually de$ented6 8I$ a)raid your +i)e #as let reli0ion +ar' #er5: s#e said once
tact)ully to Mr6 !reenlea)6 8E-eryt#in0 in $oderation5 you (no+6:
8S#e cured a $an oncet t#at #al) #is 0ut +as cat out +it# +or$s5: Mr6 !reenlea) said5 and
s#e #ad turned a+ay5 #al)Hsic(ened6 Poor souls5 s#e t#ou0#t no+5 so si$'le6 For a )e+ seconds
s#e doEed6
&#en s#e sat u' and loo(ed at #er +atc#5 $ore t#an ten $inutes #ad 'assed6 S#e #ad not
#eard any s#ot6 * ne+ t#ou0#t occurred to #erD su''ose Mr6 !reenlea) #ad aroused t#e ull
c#un(in0 stones at #i$ and t#e ani$al #ad turned on #i$ and run #i$ u' a0ainst a tree and
0ored #i$3 T#e irony o) it dee'ened: O6 T6 and E6 T6 +ould t#en 0et a s#yster la+yer and sue
#er6 It +ould e t#e )ittin0 end to #er )i)teen years +it# t#e !reenlea)s6 S#e t#ou0#t o) it al$ost
+it# 'leasure as i) s#e #ad #it on t#e 'er)ect endin0 )or a story s#e +as tellin0 #er )riends6 T#en
s#e dro''ed it5 )or Mr6 !reenlea) #ad a 0un +it# #i$ and s#e #ad insurance6
S#e decided to #on(6 S#e 0ot u' and reac#ed inside t#e car +indo+ and 0a-e t#ree
sustained #on(s and t+o or t#ree s#orter ones to let #i$ (no+ s#e +as 0ettin0 i$'atient6 T#en
s#e +ent ac( and sat do+n on t#e u$'er a0ain6
In a )e+ $inutes so$et#in0 e$er0ed )ro$ t#e tree line5 a lac( #ea-y s#ado+ t#at tossed
its #ead se-eral ti$es and t#en ounded )or+ard6 *)ter a second s#e sa+ it +as t#e ull6 He
+as crossin0 t#e 'asture to+ard #er at a slo+ 0allo'5 a 0ay al$ost roc(in0 0ait as i) #e +ere
o-er@oyed to )ind #er a0ain6 S#e loo(ed eyond #i$ to see i) Mr6 !reenlea) +as co$in0 out o)
t#e +oods too ut #e +as not6 8Here #e is5 Mr6 !reenlea)S: s#e called and loo(ed on t#e ot#er
side o) t#e 'asture to see i) #e could e co$in0 out t#ere ut #e +as not in si0#t6 S#e loo(ed
ac( and sa+ t#at t#e ull5 #is #ead lo+ered5 +as racin0 to+ard #er6 S#e re$ained 'er)ectly
still5 not in )ri0#t5 ut in a )reeEin0 unelie)6 S#e stared at t#e -iolent lac( strea( oundin0
to+ard #er as i) s#e #ad no sense o) distance5 as i) s#e could not decide at once +#at #is
intention +as5 and t#e ull #ad uried #is #ead in #er la'5 li(e a +ild tor$ented lo-er5 e)ore
#er e"'ression c#an0ed6 One o) #is #orns san( until it 'ierced #er #eart and t#e ot#er cur-ed
around #er side and #eld #er in an unrea(ale 0ri'6 S#e continued to stare strai0#t a#ead ut
t#e entire scene in )ront o) #er #ad c#an0edIt#e tree line +as a dar( +ound in a +orld t#at
+as not#in0 ut s(yIand s#e #ad t#e loo( o) a 'erson +#ose si0#t #as een suddenly restored
ut +#o )inds t#e li0#t unearale6
Mr6 !reenlea) +as runnin0 to+ard #er )ro$ t#e side +it# #is 0un raised and s#e sa+ #i$
co$in0 t#ou0# s#e +as not loo(in0 in #is direction6 S#e sa+ #i$ a''roac#in0 on t#e out side o)
so$e in-isile circle5 t#e tree line 0a'in0 e#ind #i$ and not#in0 under #is )eet6 He s#ot t#e
ull )our ti$es t#rou0# t#e eye6 S#e did not #ear t#e s#ots ut s#e )elt t#e 9ua(e in t#e #u0e
ody as it san(5 'ullin0 #er )or+ard on its #ead5 so t#at s#e see$ed5 +#en Mr6 !reenlea)
reac#ed #er5 to e ent o-er +#is'erin0 so$e last disco-ery into t#e ani$als ear6
* 2ie+ o) t#e &oods N;<K>O
THE +ee( e)ore5 Mary Fortune and t#e old $an #ad s'ent e-ery $ornin0 +atc#in0 t#e
$ac#ine t#at li)ted out dirt and t#re+ it in a 'ile6 T#e construction +as 0oin0 on y t#e ne+
la(eside on one o) t#e lots t#at t#e old $an #ad sold to so$eody +#o +as 0oin0 to 'ut u' a
)is#in0 clu6 He and Mary Fortune dro-e do+n t#ere e-ery $ornin0 aout ten ocloc( and #e
'ar(ed #is car5 a attered $ulerryHcolored Cadillac5 on t#e e$an($ent t#at o-erloo(ed t#e
s'ot +#ere t#e +or( +as 0oin0 on6 T#e red corru0ated la(e eased u' to +it#in )i)ty )eet o) t#e
construction and +as ordered on t#e ot#er side y a lac( line o) +oods +#ic# a''eared at
ot# ends o) t#e -ie+ to +al( across t#e +ater and continue alon0 t#e ed0e o) t#e )ields6
He sat on t#e u$'er and Mary Fortune straddled t#e #ood and t#ey +atc#ed5 so$eti$es
)or #ours5 +#ile t#e $ac#ine syste$atically ate a s9uare red #ole in +#at #ad once een a co+
'asture6 It #a''ened to e t#e only 'asture t#at Pitts #ad succeeded in 0ettin0 t#e itter +eed
o)) and +#en t#e old $an #ad sole it5 Pitts #ad nearly #ad a stro(eD and as )ar as Mr6 Fortune
+as concerned5 #e could #a-e 0one on and #ad it6
8*ny )ool t#at +ould let a co+ 'asture inter)ere +it# 'ro0ress is not on $y oo(s5: #e #ad
said to Mary FortuneIse-eral ti$es )ro$ #is seat on t#e u$'er5 ut t#e c#ild did not #a-e
eyes )or anyt#in0 ut t#e $ac#ine6 S#e sat on t#e #ood5 loc(in0 do+n into t#e red 'it5 +atc#in0
t#e i0 dise$odied 0ullet 0or0e itsel) on t#e clay5 t#en5 +it# t#e sound o) a dee' sustained
nausea and a slo+ $ec#anical re-ulsion5 turn and s'it it u'6 Her 'ale eyes e#ind #er
s'ectacles )ollo+ed t#e re'eated $otion o) it a0ain and a0ain and #er )aceIa s$all re'lica o)
t#e old $ansIne-er lost its loo( o) co$'lete asor'tion6
/o one +as 'articularly 0lad t#at Mary Fortune loo(ed li(e #er 0rand)at#er e"ce't t#e old
$an #i$sel)5 He t#ou0#t it added 0reatly to #er attracti-eness6 He t#ou0#t s#e +as t#e
s$artest and t#e 'rettiest c#ild #e #ad e-er seen and #e let t#e rest o) t#e$ (no+ t#at i)5 IF
t#at +as5 #e le)t anyt#in0 to anyody5 it +ould e Mary Fortune #e le)t it to6 S#e +as no+ nine5
s#ort and road li(e #i$sel)5 +it# #is -ery li0#t lue eyes5 #is +ide 'ro$inent )ore#ead5 #is
steady 'enetratin0 sco+l and #is ric# )lorid co$'le"ionD ut s#e +as li(e #i$ on t#e inside too6
S#e #ad5 to a sin0ular de0ree5 #is intelli0ence5 #is stron0 +ill5 and #is 'us# and dri-e6 T#ou0#
t#ere +as se-enty years di))erence in t#eir a0es5 t#e s'iritual distance et+een t#e$ +as
sli0#t6 S#e +as t#e only $e$er o) t#e )a$ily #e #ad any res'ect )or6
He didnt #a-e any use )or #er $ot#er5 #is t#ird or )ourt# dau0#ter N#e could ne-er
re$e$er +#ic#O5 t#ou0# s#e considered t#at s#e too( care o) #i$6 S#e consideredIein0
care)ul not to say it5 only to loo( itIt#at s#e +as t#e one 'uttin0 u' +it# #i$ in #is old a0e and
t#at s#e +as t#e one #e s#ould lea-e t#e 'lace to6 S#e #ad $arried an idiot na$ed Pitts and
#ad #ad se-en c#ildren5 all li(e+ise idiots e"ce't t#e youn0est5 Mary Fortune5 +#o +as a
t#ro+ac( to #i$6 Pitts +as t#e (ind +#o couldnt (ee' #is #ands on a nic(el and Mr6 Fortune
#ad allo+ed t#e$5 ten years a0o5 to $o-e onto #is 'lace and )ar$ it6 &#at Pitts $ade +ent to
Pitts ut t#e land elon0ed to Fortune and #e +as care)ul to (ee' t#e )act e)ore t#e$6 &#en
t#e +ell #ad 0one dry5 #e #ad not allo+ed Pitts to #a-e a dee' +ell drilled ut #ad insisted t#at
t#ey 'i'e t#eir +ater )ro$ t#e s'rin06 He did not intend to 'ay )or a drilled +ell #i$sel) and #e
(ne+ t#at i) #e let Pitts 'ay )or it5 +#ene-er #e #ad occasion to say to Pitts5 8Its $y land youre
sittin0 on5 : Pitts +ould e ale to say to #i$5 8&ell5 its $y 'u$' t#ats 'u$'in0 t#e +ater
youre drin(in06:
%ein0 t#ere ten years5 t#e Pittses #ad 0ot to )eel as i) t#ey o+ned t#e 'lace6 T#e dau0#ter
#ad een orn and raised on it ut t#e old $an considered t#at +#en s#e $arried Pitts s#e
s#o+ed t#at s#e 're)erred Pitts to #o$eD and +#en s#e ca$e ac(5 s#e ca$e ac( li(e any
ot#er tenant5 t#ou0# #e +ould not allo+ t#e$ to 'ay rent )or t#e sa$e reason #e +ould not
allo+ t#e$ to drill a +ell6 *nyone o-er si"ty years o) a0e is in an uneasy 'osition unless #e
controls t#e 0reater interest and e-ery no+ and t#en #e 0a-e t#e Pittses a 'ractical lesson y
sellin0 o)) a lot6 /ot#in0 in)uriated Pitts $ore t#an to see #i$ sell o)) a 'iece o) t#e 'ro'erty to
an outsider5 ecause Pitts +anted to uy it #i$sel)6
Pitts +as a t#in5 lon0H@a+ed5 irascile5 sullen5 sul(in0 indi-idual and #is +i)e +as t#e dutyH
'roud (ind: Its $y duty to stay #ere and ta(e care o) Pa'a6 &#o +ould do it i) I didnt3 I do it
(no+in0 )ull +ell Ill 0et no re+ard )or it6 I do it ecause its $y duty6
T#e old $an +as not ta(en in y t#is )or a $inute6 He (ne+ t#ey +ere +aitin0 i$'atiently
)or t#e day +#en t#ey could 'ut #i$ in a #ole ei0#t )eet dee' and co-er #i$ u' +it# dirt6 T#en5
e-en i) #e did not lea-e t#e 'lace to t#e$5 t#ey )i0ured t#ey +ould e ale to uy it6 Secretly #e
#ad $ade #is +ill and le)t e-eryt#in0 in trust to Mary Fortune5 na$in0 #is la+yer and not Pitts
as e"ecutor6 &#en #e died Mary Fortune could $a(e t#e rest o) t#e$ @u$'D and #e didnt
dout )or a $inute t#at s#e +ould e ale to do it6
Ten years a0o t#ey #ad announced t#at t#ey +ere 0oin0 to na$e t#e ne+ ay Mar(
Fortune Pitts5 a)ter #i$5 i) it +ere a oy5 and #e #ad not delayed in tellin0 t#e$ t#at i) t#ey
cou'led #is na$e +it# t#e na$e Pitts #e +ould 'ut t#e$ o)) t#e 'lace6 &#en t#e ay ca$e5 a
0irl5 and #e #ad seen t#at e-en at t#e a0e o) one day s#e ore #is un$ista(ale li(eness5 #e #ad
relented and su00ested #i$sel) t#at t#ey na$e #er Mary Fortune5 a)ter #is elo-ed $ot#er5
+#o #ad died se-enty years a0o5 rin0in0 #i$ into t#e +orld6
T#e Fortune 'lace +as in t#e country on a clay road t#at le)t t#e 'a-ed road )i)teen $iles
a+ay and #e +ould ne-er #a-e een ale to sell o)) any lots i) it #ad not een )or 'ro0ress5
+#ic# #ad al+ays een #is ally6 He +as not one o) t#ese old 'eo'le +#o )i0#t i$'ro-e$ent5
+#o o@ect to e-eryt#in0 ne+ and crin0e at e-ery c#an0e6 He +anted to see a 'a-ed #i0#+ay in
)ront o) #is #ouse +it# 'lenty o) ne+H$odel cars on it5 #e +anted to see a su'er$ar(et store
across t#e road )ro$ #i$5 #e +anted to see a 0as station5 a $otel5 a dri-eHin 'ictureHs#o+
+it#in easy distance6 Pro0ress #ad suddenly set all t#is in $otion6 T#e electric 'o+er co$'any
#ad uilt a da$ on t#e ri-er and )looded 0reat areas o) t#e surroundin0 country and t#e la(e
t#at resulted touc#ed #is land alon0 a #al)H$ile stretc#6 E-ery To$5 .ic( and Harry5 e-ery do0
and #is rot#er5 +anted a lot on t#e la(e6 T#ere +as tal( o) t#eir 0ettin0 a tele'#one line6 T#ere
+as tal( o) 'a-in0 t#e road t#at ran in )ront o) t#e Fortune 'lace6 T#ere +as tal( o) an e-entual
to+n6 He t#ou0#t t#is s#ould e called Fortune5 !eor0ia6 He +as a $an o) ad-anced -ision5
e-en i) #e +as se-entyHnine years old6
T#e $ac#ine t#at dre+ u' t#e dirt #ad sto''ed t#e day e)ore and today t#ey +ere
+atc#in0 t#e #ole ein0 s$oot#ed out y t+o #u0e yello+ ulldoEers6 His 'ro'erty #ad
a$ounted to ei0#t #undred acres e)ore #e e0an sellin0 lots5 He #ad sold )i-e t+entyacre lots
on t#e ac( o) t#e 'lace and e-ery ti$e #e sold one5 Pittss lood 'ressure #ad 0one u' t+enty
'oints6 8T#e Pittses are t#e (ind t#at +ould let a co+ 'asture inter)ere +it# t#e )uture5: #e said
to Mary Fortune5 8ut not you and $e6: T#e )act t#at Mary Fortune +as a Pitts too +as
so$et#in0 #e i0nored5 in a 0entle$anly )as#ion5 as i) it +ere an a))liction t#e c#ild +as nut
res'onsile )or6 He li(ed to t#in( o) #er as ein0 t#orou0#ly o) #is clay6 He sat on t#e u$'er
and s#e sat on t#e #ood +it# #er are )eet on #is s#oulders6 One o) t#e ulldoEers #ad $o-ed
under t#e$ to s#a-e t#e side o) t#e e$an($ent t#ey +ere 'ar(ed on6 I) #e #ad $o-ed #is
)eet a )e+ inc#es out5 t#e old $an could #a-e dan0led t#e$ o-er t#e ed0e6
8I) you dont +atc# #i$5: Mary Fortune s#outed ao-e t#e noise o) t#e $ac#ine5 8#ell cut
o)) so$e o) your dirt6:
8,onders t#e sto5: t#e old $an yelled5 8Ill #asnt 0one eyond t#e sto6:
8/ot ,ET #e #asnt5: s#e roared6
T#e ulldoEer 'assed eneat# t#e$ and +ent on to t#e )ar side6 8&ell you +atc#5: #e said6
8Cee' your eyes o'en and i) #e (noc(s t#at sto5 Ill sto' #i$6 T#e Pittses are t#e (ind t#at
+ould let a co+ 'asture or a $ule lot or a ro+ o) eans inter)ere +it# 'ro0ress5: #e continued6
8T#e 'eo'le li(e you and $e +it# #eads on t#eir s#oulders (no+ you cant sto' t#e $arc#er
ti$e )or a co+B:
8Hes s#a(in0 t#e sto on t#e ot#er sideS: s#e screa$ed and e)ore #e could sto' #er5 s#e
#ad @u$'ed do+n )ro$ t#e #ood and +as runnin0 alon0 t#e ed0e o) t#e e$an($ent5 #er little
yello+ dress illo+in0 out e#ind6
8.ont run so near t#e ed0e5: #e yelled ut s#e #ad already reac#ed t#e sta and +as
s9uattin0 do+n y it to see #o+ $uc# it #ad een s#a(en6 S#e leaned o-er t#e e$an($ent
and s#oo( #er )irst at t#e $an on t#e ulldoEer6 He +a-ed at #er and +ent on aout #is
usiness6 More sense in #er little )in0er t#an all t#e rest o) t#at trie in t#eir #eads 'ut
to0et#er5 t#e old $an said to #i$sel)5 and +atc#ed +it# 'ride as s#e started ac( to #i$6
S#e #ad a #ead o) t#ic(5 -ery )ine5 sandHcolored #airIt#e e"act (ind #e #ad #ad +#en #e
#ad #ad anyIt#at 0re+ strai0#t and +as cut @ust ao-e #er eyes and do+n t#e sides o) #er
c#ee(s to t#e ti's o) #er ears so t#at it )or$ed a (ind o) door o'enin0 onto t#e central 'art o)
#er )ace6 Her 0lasses +ere sil-erHri$$ed li(e #is and s#e e-en +al(ed t#e +ay #e did5 sto$ac#
)or+ard5 +it# a care)ul aru't 0ait5 so$et#in0 et+een a roc( and a s#uttle6 S#e +as +al(in0
so close to t#e ed0e o) t#e e$an($ent t#at t#e outside o) #er ri0#t )oot +as )lus# +it# it6
8I said dont +al( so close to t#e ed0e5: #e calledD 8you )all o)) t#ere and you +ont li-e to
see t#e day t#is 'lace 0ets uilt u'6: He +as al+ays -ery care)ul to see t#at s#e a-oided
dan0ers6 He +ould not allo+ #er to sit in sna(ey 'laces or 'ut #er #ands on us#es t#at $i0#t
#ide #ornets6
S#e didnt $o-e an inc#6 S#e #ad a #ait o) #is o) not #earin0 +#at s#e didnt +ant to #ear
and since t#is +as a little tric( #e #ad tau0#t #er #i$sel)5 #e #ad to ad$ire t#e +ay s#e
'racticed it6 He )oresa+ t#at in #er o+n old a0e it +ould ser-e #er +ell6 S#e reac#ed t#e car
and cli$ed ac( onto t#e #ood +it#out a +ord and 'ut #er )eet ac( on #is s#oulders +#ere
s#e #ad #ad t#e$ e)ore5 as i) #e +ere no $ore t#an a 'art o) t#e auto$oile6 Her attention
returned to t#e )ar ulldoEer6
8Re$e$er +#at you +ont 0et i) you dont $ind5: #er 0rand)at#er re$ar(ed6
He +as a strict disci'linarian ut #e #ad ne-er +#i''ed #er6 T#ere +ere so$e c#ildren5 li(e
t#e )irst si" Pittses5 +#o$ #e t#ou0#t s#ould e +#i''ed once a +ee( on 'rinci'le5 ut t#ere
+ere ot#er +ays to control intelli0ent c#ildren and #e #ad ne-er laid a rou0# #and on Mary
Fortune6 Furt#er$ore5 #e #ad ne-er allo+ed #er $ot#er or #er rot#ers and sisters so $uc# as
to sla' #er6 T#e elder Pitts +as a di))erent $atter6
He +as a $an o) a nasty te$'er and o) u0ly unreasonale resent$ents6 Ti$e and a0ain5
Mr6 Fortunes #eart #ad 'ounded to see #i$ rise slo+ly )ro$ #is 'lace at t#e taleInot t#e
#ead5 Mr6 Fortune sat t#ere5 ut )ro$ #is 'lace at t#e sideIand aru'tly5 )or no reason5 +it#
no e"'lanation5 @er( #is #ead at Mary Fortune and say5 8Co$e +it# $e5: and lea-e t#e roo$5
un)astenin0 #is elt as #e +ent6 * loo( t#at +as co$'letely )orei0n to t#e c#ilds )ace +ould
a''ear on it6 T#e old $an could not de)ine t#e loo( ut it in)uriated #i$6 It +as a loo( t#at +as
'art terror and 'art res'ect and 'art so$et#in0 else5 so$et#in0 -ery li(e coo'eration6 T#is loo(
+ould a''ear on #er )ace and s#e +ould 0et u' and )ollo+ Pitts out6 T#ey +ould 0et in #is truc(
and dri-e do+n t#e road out o) ears#ot5 +#ere #e +ould eat #er6
Mr6 Fortune (ne+ )or a )act t#at #e eat #er ecause #e #ad )ollo+ed t#e$ in #is car and
#ad seen it #a''en6 He #ad +atc#ed )ro$ e#ind a oulder aout a #undred )eet a+ay +#ile
t#e c#ild clun0 to a 'ine tree and Pitts5 as $et#odically as i) #e +ere +#ac(in0 a us# +it# a
slin0 lade5 eat #er around t#e an(les +it# #is elt6 *ll s#e #ad done +as @u$' u' and do+n
as i) s#e +ere standin0 on a #ot sto-e and $a(e a +#i$'erin0 noise li(e a do0 t#at +as ein0
'e''ered6 Pitts #ad (e't at it )or aout t#ree $inutes and t#en #e #ad turned5 +it#out a +ord5
and 0ot ac( in #is truc( and le)t #er t#ere5 and s#e #ad slid do+n under t#e tree and ta(en
ot# )eet in #er #ands and roc(ed ac( and )ort#6 T#e old $an #ad cre't )or+ard to catc# #er6
Her )ace +as contorted into a 'uEEle o) s$all red lu$'s and #er nose and eyes +ere runnin06
He s'ran0 on #er and s'uttered5 8&#y didnt you #it #i$ ac(3 &#eres your s'irit3 .o you
t#in( Id a let #i$ eat $e3:
S#e #ad @u$'ed u' and started ac(in0 a+ay )ro$ #i$ +it# #er @a+ stuc( out6 8/oody
eat $e5: s#e said6
8.idnt I see it +it# $y o+n eyes3: #e e"'loded6
8/oody is #ere and noody eat $e5: s#e said6 8/oodys e-er eat $e in $y li)e and i)
anyody did5 Id (ill #i$6 ,ou can see )or yoursel) noody is #ere6:
8.o you call $e a liar or a lind$anS: #e s#outed6 8I sa+ #i$ +it# $y o+n t+o eyes and
you ne-er did a t#in0 ut let #i$ do it5 you ne-er did a t#in0 ut #an0 onto t#at tree and dance
u' and do+n a little and luer and i) it #ad een $e5 Id a s+un0 $y )ist in #is )ace andB:
8/oody +as #ere and noody eat $e and i) anyody did Id (ill #i$S: s#e yelled and t#en
turned and das#ed o)) t#rou0# t#e +oods6
8*nd I$ a Poland c#ina 'i0 and lac( is +#iteS: #e #ad roared a)ter #er and #e #ad sat
do+n on a s$all roc( under t#e tree5 dis0usted and )urious6 T#is +as Pittss re-en0e on #i$6 It
+as as i) it +ere #e t#at Pitts +as dri-in0 do+n t#e road to eat and it +as as i) #e +ere t#e
one su$ittin0 to it6 He #ad t#ou0#t at )irst t#at #e could sto' #i$ y sayin0 t#at i) #e eat #er5
#e +ould 'ut t#e$ o)) t#e 'lace ut +#en #e #ad tried t#at5 Pitts #ad said5 8Put $e o)) and you
'ut #er o)) too6 !o ri0#t a#ead6 S#es $ine to +#i' and Ill +#i' #er e-ery day o) t#e year i) it
suits $e6:
*nyti$e #e could $a(e Pitts )eel #is #and #e +as deter$ined to do it and at 'resent #e #ad
a little sc#e$e u' #is slee-e t#at +as 0oin0 to e a considerale lo+ to Pitts6 He +as t#in(in0
o) it +it# relis# +#en #e told Mary Fortune to re$e$er +#at s#e +ouldnt 0et i) s#e didnt
$ind5 and #e added5 +it#out +aitin0 )or an ans+er5 t#at #e $i0#t e sellin0 anot#er lot soon
and t#at i) #e did5 #e $i0#t 0i-e #er a onus ut not i) s#e 0a-e #i$ any sass6 He #ad )re9uent
little -eral tilts +it# #er ut t#is +as a s'ort li(e 'uttin0 a $irror u' in )ront o) a rooster and
+atc#in0 #i$ )i0#t #is re)lection6
8I dont +ant no onus5: Mary Fortune said6
: I aint e-er seen you re)use one6:
8,ou aint e-er seen $e as( )or one neit#er5: s#e said6
8Ho+ $uc# #a-e you laid y3: #e as(ed6
8/oner yer idnis5: s#e said and sta$'ed #is s#oulders +it# #er )eet6 8.ont e uttin into
$y idnis6:
8I et you 0ot it se+ed u' in your $attress5: #e said5 8@ust li(e an old ni00er +o$an6 ,ou
ou0#t to 'ut it in t#e an(6 I$ 0oin0 to start you an account @ust as soon as I co$'lete t#is
deal6 &ont anyody e ale to c#ec( on it ut $e and you6:
T#e ulldoEer $o-ed under t#e$ a0ain and dro+ned out t#e rest o) +#at #e +anted to say6
He +aited and +#en t#e noise #ad 'assed5 #e could #old it in no lon0er6 8I$ 0oin0 to sell t#e
lot ri0#t in )ront o) t#e #ouse )or a 0as station5: #e said6 8T#en +e +ont #a-e to 0o do+n t#e
road to 0et t#e car )illed u'5 @ust ste' out t#e )ront door6:
T#e Fortune #ouse +as set ac( aout t+o #undred )eet )ro$ t#e road and it +as t#is t+o
#undred )eet t#at #e intended to sell6 It +as t#e 'art t#at #is dau0#ter airily called 8t#e la+n:
t#ou0# it +as not#in0 ut a )ield o) +eeds6
8,ou $ean5: Mary Fortune said a)ter a $inute5 8t#e la+n3:
8,es $a$S: #e said6 8I $ean t#e la+n5: and #e sla''ed #is (nee6
S#e did not say anyt#in0 and #e turned and loo(ed u' at #er6 T#ere in t#e little rectan0ular
o'enin0 o) #air +as #is )ace loo(in0 ac( at #i$5 ut it +as a re)lection not o) #is 'resent
e"'ression ut o) t#e dar(er one t#at indicated #is dis'leasure6 8T#ats +#ere +e 'lay5: s#e
$uttered6
8&ell t#eres 'lenty o) ot#er 'laces you can 'lay5: #e said5 ir(ed y t#is lac( o) ent#usias$6
8&e +ont e ale to see t#e +oods across t#e road5: s#e said6
T#e old $an stared at #er6 8T#e +oods across t#e road3: #e re'eated6
8&e +ont e ale to see t#e -ie+5: s#e said6
8T#e -ie+3: #e re'eated6
8T#e +oods5: s#e saidD 8+e +ont e ale to see t#e +oods )ro$ t#e 'orc#6:
8T#e +oods )ro$ t#e 'orc#3: #e re'eated6
T#en s#e said5 8My daddy 0raEes #is cal-es on t#at lot6:
T#e old $ans +rat# +as delayed all instant y s#oc(6 T#en it e"'loded in a roar6 He @u$'ed
u' and turned and sla$$ed #is )ist on t#e #ood o) t#e car6 8He can 0raEe t#e$ so$e+#eres
elseS:
8,ou )all o)) t#at e$an($ent and youll +is# you #adnt5: s#e said6
He $o-ed )ro$ in )ront o) t#e car around to t#e side5 (ee'in0 #is eye on #er all t#e ti$e6
8.o you t#in( I care +#ere #e 0raEes #is cal-esS .o you t#in( Ill let a cal) inter)ere +it# $y
idnis3 .o you t#in( I 0i-e a da$n #oot +#ere t#at )ool 0raEes #is cal-es3:
S#e sat5 #er red )ace dar(er t#an #er #air5 e"actly re)lectin0 #is e"'ression no+6 8He +#o
calls #is rot#er a )ool is su@ect to #ell )ire5: s#e said6
84ed0e not5: #e s#outed5 8lest ye e not @ed0edS: T#e tin0e o) #is )ace +as a s#ade $ore
'ur'le t#an #ers6 8,ouS: #e said6 8,ou let #i$ eat you any ti$e #e +ants to and dont do a
t#in0 ut luer a little and @u$' u' and do+nS:
8He nor noody else #as e-er touc#ed $e5: s#e said5 $easurin0 o)) eac# +ord in a deadly
)lat tone6 8/oodys e-er 'ut a #and on $e and i) anyody did5 Id (ill #i$6:
8*nd lac( is +#ite5: t#e old $an 'i'ed5 8and ni0#t is dayS:
T#e ulldoEer 'assed elo+ t#e$6 &it# t#eir )aces aout a )oot a'art5 eac# #eld t#e sa$e
e"'ression until t#e noise #ad receded6 T#en t#e old $an said5 8&al( #o$e y yoursel)6 I re)use
to ride a 4eEeelS:
8*nd I re)use to ride +it# t#e &#ore o) %aylon5: s#e said and slid o)) t#e ot#er side o) t#e
car and started o)) t#rou0# t#e 'asture6
8* +#ore is a +o$anS: #e roared6 8T#ats #o+ $uc# you (no+S: %ut s#e did not dei0n to
turn around and ans+er #i$ ac(5 and as #e +atc#ed t#e s$all roust )i0ure stal( across t#e
yello+Hdotted )ield to+ard t#e +oods5 #is 'ride in #er5 as i) it couldnt #el' itsel)5 returned li(e
t#e 0entle little tide on t#e ne+ la(eIall e"ce't t#at 'art o) it t#at #ad to do +it# #er re)usal to
stand u' to PittsD t#at 'ulled ac( li(e an underto+6 I) #e could #a-e tau0#t #er to stand u' to
Pitts t#e +ay s#e stood u' to #i$5 s#e +ould #a-e een a 'er)ect c#ild5 as )earless and sturdyH
$inded as anyone could +antD ut it +as #er one )ailure o) c#aracter6 It +as t#e one 'oint on
+#ic# s#e did not rese$le #i$6 He turned and loo(ed a+ay o-er t#e la(e to t#e +oods across
it and told #i$sel) t#at in )i-e years5 instead o) +oods5 t#ere +ould e #ouses and stores and
'ar(in0 'laces5 and t#at t#e credit )or it could 0o lar0ely to #i$6
He $eant to teac# t#e c#ild s'irit y e"a$'le and since #e #ad de)initely $ade u' #is $ind5
#e announced t#at noon at t#e dinner tale t#at #e +as ne0otiatin0 +it# a $an na$ed Til$an
to sell t#e lot in )ront o) t#e #ouse )or a 0as station6
His dau0#ter5 sittin0 +it# #er +ornHout air at t#e )oot o) t#e tale5 let out a $oan as i) a dull
(ni)e +ere ein0 tuned slo+ly in #er c#est6 8,ou $ean t#e la+nS: s#e $oaned and )ell ac( in
#er c#air and re'eated in an al$ost inaudile -oice5 8He $eans t#e la+n6:
T#e ot#er si" Pitts c#ildren e0an to a+l and 'i'e5 8&#ere +e 'layS: 8.ont let #i$ do
t#at5 PaS:
8&e +ont e ale to see t#e roadS: and si$ilar idiocies6 Mary Fortune did not say anyt#in06
S#e #ad a $ulis# reser-ed loo( as i) s#e +ere 'lannin0 so$e usiness o) #er o+n6 Pitts #ad
sto''ed eatin0 and +as starin0 in )ront o) #i$6 His 'late +as )ull ut #is )ists sat $otionless li(e
t+o dar( 9uartE stones on eit#er side o) it6 His eyes e0an to $o-e )ro$ c#ild to c#ild around
t#e tale as i) #e +ere #untin0 )or one 'articular one o) t#e$6 Finally t#ey sto''ed on Mary
Fortune sittin0 ne"t to #er 0rand)at#er6 8,ou done t#is to us5: #e $uttered6
8I didnt5: s#e said ut t#ere +as no assurance in #er -oice6 It +as only a 9ua-er5 t#e -oice
o) a )ri0#tened c#ild6
Pitts 0ot u' and said5 8Co$e +it# $e5: and turned and +al(ed out5 loosenin0 #is elt as #e
+ent5 and to t#e old $ans co$'lete des'air5 s#e slid a+ay )ro$ t#e tale and )ollo+ed #i$5
al$ost ran a)ter #i$5 out t#e door and into t#e truc( e#ind #i$5 and t#ey dro-e o))6
T#is co+ardice a))ected Mr6 Fortune as i) it +ere #is o+n6 It $ade #i$ '#ysically sic(6 8He
eats an innocent c#ild5: #e said to #is dau0#ter5 +#o +as a''arently still 'rostrate at t#e end
o) t#e tale5 8and not one o) you li)ts a #and to sto' #i$6:
8,ou aint li)ted yours neit#er5: one o) t#e oys said in an undertone and t#ere +as a
0eneral $utter )ro$ t#at c#orus o) )ro0s6
8I$ an old $an +it# a #eart condition5: #e said6 8I cant sto' an o"6:
8S#e 'ut you u' to it5: #is dau0#ter $ur$ured in a lan0uid listless tone5 #er #ead rollin0
ac( and )ort# on t#e ri$ o) #er c#air6 8S#e 'uts you u' to e-eryt#in06:
8/o c#ild ne-er 'ut $e u' to not#in0S: #e yelled6 8,oure no (ind o) a $ot#erS ,oure a
dis0raceS T#at c#ild is an an0elS * saintS: #e s#outed in a -oice so #i0# t#at it ro(e and #e #ad
to scurry out o) t#e roo$6
T#e rest o) t#e a)ternoon #e #ad to lie on #is ed6 His #eart5 +#ene-er #e (ne+ t#e c#ild
#ad een eaten5 )elt as i) it +ere sli0#tly too lar0e )or t#e s'ace t#at +as su''osed to #old it6
%ut no+ #e +as $ore deter$ined t#an e-er to see t#e )illin0 station 0o u' in )ront o) t#e
#ouse5 and i) it 0a-e Pitts a stro(e5 so $uc# t#e etter6 I) it 0a-e #i$ a stro(e and 'aralyEed
#i$5 #e +ould e ser-ed ri0#t and #e +ould ne-er e ale to eat #er a0ain6
Mary Fortune +as ne-er an0ry +it# #i$ )or lon05 or seriously5 and t#ou0# #e did not see
#er t#e rest o) t#at day5 +#en #e +o(e u' t#e ne"t $ornin05 s#e +as sittin0 astride #is c#est
orderin0 #i$ to $a(e #aste so t#at t#ey +ould not $iss t#e concrete $i"er6
T#e +or($en +ere layin0 t#e )oundation )or t#e )is#in0 clu +#en t#ey arri-ed and t#e
concrete $i"er +as already in o'eration6 It +as aout t#e siEe and color o) a circus ele'#antD
t#ey stood and +atc#ed it c#urn )or a #al)H#our or so6 *t ele-enHt#irty5 t#e old $an #ad an
a''oint$ent +it# Til$an to discuss #is transaction and t#ey #ad to lea-e6 He did not tell Mary
Fortune +#ere t#ey +ere 0oin0 ut only t#at #e #ad to see a $an6
Til$an o'erated a co$ination country store5 )illin0 station5 scra'H$etal du$'5 usedHcar lot
and dance #all )i-e $iles do+n t#e #i0#+ay t#at connected +it# t#e dirt road t#at 'assed in
)ront o) t#e Fortune 'lace6 Since t#e dirt road +ould soon e 'a-ed5 #e +anted a 0ood location
on it )or anot#er suc# enter'rise6 He +as an u'HandHco$in0 $anHt#e (ind5 Mr6 Fortune
t#ou0#t5 +#o +as ne-er @ust in line +it# 'ro0ress ut al+ays a little a#ead o) it so t#at #e could
e t#ere to $eet it +#en it arri-ed6 Si0ns u' and do+n t#e #i0#+ay announced t#at Til$ans
+as only )i-e $iles a+ay5 only )our5 only t#ree5 only t+o5 only oneD 8&atc# out )or Til$ans5
*round t#is endS: and )inally5 8Here it is5 Friends5 TILM*/SS: in daEElin0 red letters6
Til$ans +as ordered on eit#er side y a )ield o) old usedHcar odies5 a (ind o) +ard )or
incurale auto$oiles6 He also sold outdoor orna$ents5 suc# as stone cranes and c#ic(ens5
urns5 @ardinieres5 +#irli0i0s5 and )art#er ac( )ro$ t#e road5 so as not to de'ress #is danceH#all
custo$ers5 a line o) to$stones and $onu$ents6 Most o) #is usinesses +ent on outHo)Hdoors5
so t#at #is store uildin0 itsel) #ad not in-ol-ed e"cessi-e e"'ense6 It +as a oneHroo$ +ooden
structure onto +#ic# #e #ad added5 e#ind5 a lon0 tin #all e9ui''ed )or dancin06 T#is +as
di-ided into t+o sections5 Colored and &#ite5 eac# +it# its 'ri-ate nic(elodeon6 He #ad a
arecue 'it and sold arecued sand+ic#es and so)t drin(s6
*s t#ey dro-e u' under t#e s#ed o) Til$ans 'lace5 t#e old $an 0lanced at t#e c#ild sittin0
+it# #er )eet dra+n u' on t#e seat and #er c#in restin0 on #er (nees6 He didnt (no+ i) s#e
+ould re$e$er t#at it +as Til$an #e +as 0oin0 to sell t#e lot to or not6
8&#at you 0oin0 in #ere )or3: s#e as(ed suddenly5 +it# a sni))in0 loo( as i) s#e scented an
ene$y6
8/oner yer idnis5: #e said6 8,ou @ust sit in t#e car and +#en I co$e out5 Ill rin0 you
so$et#in06:
8.ontc#er rin0 $e not#in05: s#e said dar(ly5 8ecause I +ont e #ere6:
8Ha+S: #e said6 8/o+ youre #ere5 its not#in0 )or you to do ut +ait5: and #e 0ot out and
+it#out 'ayin0 #er any )urt#er attention5 #e entered t#e dar( store +#ere Til$an +as +aitin0
)or #i$6
&#en #e ca$e out in #al) an #our5 s#e +as not in t#e car6 Hidin05 #e decided6 He started
+al(in0 around t#e store to see i) s#e +as in t#e ac(6 He loo(ed in t#e doors o) t#e t+o
sections o) t#e dance #all and +al(ed on around y t#e to$stones6 T#en #is eye ro-ed o-er
t#e )ield o) sin(in0 auto$oiles and #e realiEed t#at s#e could e in or e#ind anyone o) t+o
#undred o) t #e$5 He ca$e ac( out in )ront o) t#e store6 * /e0ro oy5 drin(in0 a 'ur'le drin(5
+as sittin0 on t#e 0round +it# #is ac( a0ainst t#e s+eatin0 ice cooler6
8&#ere did t#at little 0irl 0o to5 oy3: #e as(ed6
8I aint seen nair little 0irl5: t#e oy said6
T#e old $an irritaly )is#ed in #is 'oc(et and #anded #i$ a nic(el and said5 8* 'retty little
0irl in a yeller cotton dress6:
8I) you s'ea(in aout a stout c#ile loo( la( you5: t#e oy said5 8s#e 0one o)) in a truc( +it# a
+#ite $an6:
8&#at (ind o) a truc(5 +#at (ind o) a +#ite $an: #e yelled6
8It +ere a 0reen 'ic(Hu' truc(5: t#e oy said s$ac(in0 #is li's5 8and a +#ite $an s#e call
Adaddy6 T#ey 0one t#atHaH+ay so$e ti$e a0o6:
T#e old $an5 tre$lin05 0ot in #is car and starrted #o$e6 His )eelin0s raced ac( and )ort#
et+een )ur y and $orti)ication6 S#e #ad ne-er le)t #i$ e)ore and certainly ne-er )or Pitts6
Pitts #ad ordered #er to 0et in t#e truc( and s#e +as a)raid not to6 %ut +#en #e reac#ed t#is
conclusion #e +as $ore )urious t#an e-er6 &#at +as t#e $atter +it# #er t#at s#e couldnt
stand u' to Pitts3 &#y +as t#ere t#is one )la+ in #er c#aracter +#en #e #ad trained #er so +ell
in e-eryt#in0 else3 It +as an u0ly $ystery6
&#en #e reac#ed t#e #ouse and cli$ed t#e )ront ste's5 t#ere s#e +as sittin0 in t#e s+in05
loo(in0 0lu$H)aced in )ront o) #er across t#e )ield #e +as 0oin0 to sell6 Her eyes +ere 'u))y and
'in(ri$$ed ut #e didnt see any red $ar(s on #er le0s6 He sat do+n in t#e s+in0 eside #er6
He $eant to $a(e #is -oice se-ere ut instead it ca$e out crus#ed5 as i) it elon0ed to a suitor
tryin0 to reinstate #i$sel)6
8&#at did you lea-e $e )or3 ,ou aint e-er le)t $e e)ore5: #e said6
8%ecause I +anted to5: s#e said5 loo(in0 strai0#t a#ead6
8,ou ne-er +anted to5: #e said6 8He $ade you6:
8I tol@er I +as 0oin0 and I +ent5: s#e said in a slo+ e$'#atic -oice5 not loo(in0 at #i$5 8and
no+ you can 0o on and le$$e alone6: T#ere +as so$et#in0 -ery )inal5 in t#e sound o) t#is5 a
tone t#at #ad not co$e u' e)ore in t#eir dis'utes6 S#e stared across t#e lot +#ere t#ere +as
not#in0 ut a 'ro)usion o) 'in( and yello+ and 'ur'le +eeds5 and on across t#e red road5 to
t#e sullen line o) lac( 'ine +oods )rin0ed on to' +it# 0reen6 %e#ind t#at line +as a narro+
0rayHlue line o) $ore distant +oods and eyond t#at not#in0 ut t#e s(y5 entirely lan( e"ce't
)or one or t+o t#readare clouds6 S#e loo(ed into t#is scene as i) it +ere a 'erson t#at s#e
're)erred to #i$6
8Its $y lot5 aint it3: #e as(ed6 8&#y are you so u'HinHt#eHair aout $e sellin0 $y o+n lot3:
8%ecause its t#e la+n5: s#e said6 Her nose and eyes e0an to run #orrily ut s#e #eld #er
)ace ri0id and lic(ed t#e +ater o)) as soon as it +as in reac# o) #er ton0ue6 8&e +ont e ale
to see across t#e road5: s#e said6
T#e old $an loo(ed across t#e road to assure #i$sel) a0ain t#at t#ere +as not#in0 o-er
t#ere to see6 8I ne-er #a-e seen you act in suc# a +ay e)ore5: #e said in an incredulous -oice6
8T#eres not a t#in0 o-er t#ere ut t#e +oods6:
8&e +ont e ale to see Aurn5: s#e said5 8and t#ats t#e la+n and $y daddy 0raEes #is
cal-es on it6:
*t t#at t#e old $an stood u'6 8,ou act $ore li(e a Pitts t#an a Fortune5: #e said6 He #ad
ne-er $ade suc# an u0ly re$ar( to #er e)ore and #e +as sorry t#e instant #e #ad said it6 It
#urt #i$ $ore t#an it did #er6 He turned and +ent in t#e #ouse and u'stairs to #is roo$6
Se-eral ti$es durin0 t#e a)ternoon5 #e 0ot u' )ro$ #is ed and loo(ed out t#e +indo+
across t#e 8la+n: to t#e line o) +oods s#e said t#ey +ouldnt e ale to see any $ore6 E-ery
ti$e #e sa+ t#e sa$e t#in0: +oodsInot a $ountain5 not a +ater)all5 not any (ind o) 'lanted
us# or )lo+er5 @ust +oods6 T#e sunli0#t +as +o-en t#rou0# t#e$ at t#at 'articular ti$e o) t#e
a)ternoon so t#at e-ery t#in 'ine trun( stood out in all its na(edness6 * 'ine trun( is a 'ine
trun(5 #e said to #i$sel)5 and anyody t#at +ants to see one dont #a-e to 0o )ar in t#is
nei0#or#ood6 E-ery ti$e #e 0ot u' and loo(ed out5 #e +as recon-inced o) #is +isdo$ in
sellin0 t#e lot6 T#e dissatis)action it caused Pitts +ould e 'er$anent5 ut #e could $a(e it u'
to Mary Fortune y uyin0 #er so$et#in06 &it# 0ro+n 'eo'le5 a road led eit#er to #ea-en or
#ell5 ut +it# c#ildren t#ere +ere al+ays sto's alon0 t#e +ay +#ere t#eir attention could e
turned +it# a tri)le6
T#e t#ird ti$e #e 0ot u' to loo( at t#e +oods5 it +as al$ost si" ocloc( and t#e 0aunt trun(s
a''eared to e raised i)6 a 'ool o) red li0#t t#at 0us#ed )ro$ t#e al$ost #idden sun settin0
e#ind t#e$6 T#e old $an stared )or so$e ti$e5 as i) )or a 'rolon0ed instant #e +ere cau0#t u'
out o) t#e rattle o) e-eryt#in0 t#at led to t#e )uture and +ere #eld t#ere in t#e $idst o) an
unco$)ortale $ystery t#at #e #ad not a''re#ended e)ore6 He sa+ it5 in #is #allucination5 as
i) so$eone +ere +ounded e#ind t#e +oods and t#e trees +ere at#ed in lood6 *)ter a )e+
$inutes t#is un'leasant -ision +as ro(en y t#e 'resence o) Pittss 'ic(Hu' truc( 0rindin0 to a
#alt elo+ t#e +indo+6 He returned to #is ed and s#ut #is eyes and a0ainst t#e closed lids
#ellis# red trun(s rose u' in a lac( +ood6
*t t#e su''er tale noody addressed a +ord to #i$5 includin0 Mary Fortune6 He ate
9uic(ly and returned a0ain to #is roo$ and s'ent t#e e-enin0 'ointin0 out to #i$sel) t#e
ad-anta0es )or t#e )uture o) #a-in0 an estalis#$ent li(e Til$ans so near6 T#ey +ould not
#a-e to 0o any distance )or 0as6 *nyti$e t#ey needed a loa) o) read5 all t#ey +ould #a-e to do
+ould e ste' out t#eir )ront door into Til$ans ac( door6 T#ey could sell $il( to
Til$an6 Til$an +as a li(ale )ello+6 Til$an +ould dra+ ot#er usiness6 T#e road +ould soon e
'a-ed6 Tra-elers )ro$ all o-er t#e country +ould sto' at Til$ans6 I) #is dau0#ter t#ou0#t s#e
+as etter t#an Til$an5 it +ould e +ell to ta(e #er do+n a little6 *ll $en +ere created )ree
and e9ual6 &#en t#is '#rase sounded in #is #ead5 #is 'atriotic sense triu$'#ed and #e realiEed
t#at it +as #is duty to sell t#e lot5 t#at #e $ust insure t#e )uture6 He loo(ed out t#e +indo+ at
t#e $oon s#inin0 o-er t#e +oods across t#e road and listened )or a +#ile to t#e #u$ o)
cric(ets and tree)ro0s5 and eneat# t#eir rac(et5 #e could #ear t#e t#ro o) t#e )uture to+n o)
Fortune6
He +ent to ed certain t#at @ust as usual5 #e +ould +a(e u' in t#e $ornin0 loo(in0 into a
little red $irror )ra$ed in a door o) )ine #air6 S#e +ould #a-e )or0otten all aout t#e sale and
a)ter rea()ast t#ey +ould dri-e into to+n and 0et t#e le0al 'a'ers )ro$ t#e court#ouse6 On
t#e +ay ac( #e +ould sto' at Til$ans and close t#e deal6
&#en #e o'ened #is eyes in t#e $ornin05 #e o'ened t#e$ on t#e e$'ty ceilin06 He 'ulled
#i$sel) u' and loo(ed around t#e roo$ ut s#e +as not t#ere6 He #un0 o-er t#e ed0e o) t#e
ed and loo(ed eneat# it ut s#e +as not t#ere eit#er6 He 0ot u' and dressed and +ent
outside6 S#e +as sittin0 in t#e s+in0 on t#e )ront 'orc#5 e"actly t#e +ay s#e #ad een
yesterday5 loo(in0 across t#e la+n into t#e +oods6 T#e old $an +as -ery $uc# irritated6 E-ery
$ornin0 since s#e #ad een ale to cli$5 #e #ad +a(ed u' to )ind #er eit#er on #is ed or
underneat# it6 It +as a''arent t#at t#is $ornin0 s#e 're)erred t#e si0#t o) t#e +oods6 He
decided to i0nore #er e#a-ior )or t#e 'resent and t#en rin0 it u' later +#en s#e +as o-er #er
'i9ue6 He sat do+n in t#e s+in0 eside #er ut s#e continued to loo( at t#e +oods6 8I t#ou0#t
you and $ed 0o into to+n and #a-e us a loo( at t#e oats in t#e ne+ oat store5: #e said6
S#e didnt turn #er #ead ut s#e as(ed sus'iciously5 in a loud -oice6 8&#at else are you
0oin0 )or3:
8/ot#in0 else5: #e said6
*)ter a 'ause s#e said5 8I) t#ats all5 Ill 0o5: ut s#e did not ot#er to loo( at #i$6
8&ell 'ut on your s#oes5: #e said6 8I aint 0oin0 to t#e city +it# a are)oot +o$an6: S#e did
not ot#er to lau0# at t#is @o(e6
T#e +eat#er +as as indi))erent as #er dis'osition6 T#e s(y did not loo( as i) it +ere 0oin0 to
rain or as i) it +ere not 0oin0 to rain6 It +as an un'leasant 0ray and t#e sun #ad not trouled to
co$e out6 *ll t#e +ay into to+n5 s#e sat loo(in0 at #er )eet5 +#ic# stuc( out in )ront o) #er5
encased in #ea-y ro+n sc#ool s#oes6 T#e old $an #ad o)ten snea(ed u' on #er and )ound #er
alone in con-ersation +it# #er )eet and #e t#ou0#t s#e +as s'ea(in0 +it# t#e$ silently no+6
E-ery no+ and t#en #er li's $o-ed ut s#e said not#in0 to #i$ and let all #is re$ar(s 'ass as i)
s#e #ad not #eard t#e$6 He decided it +as 0oin0 to cost #i$ considerale to uy #er 0ood
#u$or a0ain and t#at #e #ad etter do it +it# a oat5 since #e +anted one too6 S#e #ad een
tal(in0 oats e-er since t#e +ater ac(ed u' onto #is 'lace6 T#ey +ent )irst to t#e oat store6
8S#o+ us t#e yac#ts )or 'o )ol(sS: #e s#outed @o-ially to t#e cler( as t#ey entered6
8T#eyre all )or 'o )ol(sS: t#e cler( said6 8,oull e 'o +#en you )inis# uyin0 oneS: He +as
a stout yout# in a yello+ s#irt and lue 'ants and #e #ad a ready +it6 T#ey e"c#an0ed se-eral
cle-er re$ar(s in ra'idH)ire succession6 Mr6 Fortune loo(ed at Mary Fortune to see i) #er )ace
#ad ri0#tened6 S#e stood starin0 asently o-er t#e side o) an outoard $otor oat at t#e
o''osite +all6
8*int t#e lady innerested in oats3: t#e cler( as(ed6
S#e turned and +andered ac( out onto t#e side+al( and 0ot in t#e car a0ain6 T#e old $an
loo(ed a)ter #er +it# a$aEe$ent6 He could not elie-e t#at a c#ild o) #er intelli0ence could e
actin0 t#is +ay o-er t#e $ere sale o) a )ield6 8I t#in( s#e $ust e co$in0 do+n +it#
so$et#in05: #e said6 8&ell co$e ac( a0ain5: and #e returned to t#e car6
8Lets 0o 0et us an iceHcrea$ cone5: #e su00ested5 loo(in0 at #er +it# concern6
8I dont +ant no iceHcrea$ cone5: s#e said6
His actual destination +as t#e court#ouse ut #e did not +ant to $a(e t#is a''arent6
8Ho+d you li(e to -isit t#e tencent store +#ile I tend to a little idnis o) $ine3: #e as(ed6 8,ou
can uy yoursel) so$et#in0 +it# a 9uarter I rou0#t alon06:
8I aint 0ot not#in0 to do in no tencent store5: s#e said6 8I dont +ant no 9uarter o) yours6:
I) a oat +as o) no interest5 #e s#ould not #a-e t#ou0#t a 9uarter +ould e and re'ro-ed
#i$sel) )or t#at stu'idity6 8&ell +#ats t#e $atter5 sister3: #e as(ed (indly6 8.ont you )eel
0ood3:
S#e turned and loo(ed #i$ strai0#t in t#e )ace arid said +it# a slo+ concentrated )erocity5
8Its t#e la+n6 My daddy 0raEes #is cal-es t#ere6 &e +ont e ale to see t#e +oods any $ore6:
T#e old $an #ad #eld #is )ury in as lon0 as #e could6 8He eats youS: #e s#outed6 8*nd you
+orry aout +#ere #es 0oin0 to 0raEe #is cal-esS:
8/oodys e-er eat $e in $y li)e5: s#e said5 8and i) anyody did5 Id (ill #i$6:
* $an se-entyHnine years o) a0e cannot let #i$sel) e run o-er y a c#ild o) nine6 His )ace
set in a loo( t#at +as @ust aD deter$ined as #ers6 8*re you a Fortune5: #e said5 8or are you a
Pitt3 Ma(e u' your $ind6:
Her -oice +as loud and 'ositi-e and elli0erent 8I$ MaryIFortuneIPitts5: s#e said6
8&ell I5: #e s#outed5 8a$ P7RE FortuneS:
T#ere +as not#in0 s#e could say to t#is and s#e s#o+ed it6 For an instant s#e loo(ed
co$'letely de)eated5 and t#e old $an sa+ +it# a disturin0 clearness t#at t#is +as t#e Pitts
loo(6 &#at #e sa+ +as t#e Pitts loo(5 'ure and si$'le5 and #e )elt 'ersonally stained y it5 as i)
it #ad een )ound on #is o+n )ace6 He turned in dis0ust and ac(ed t#e car out and dro-e
strai0#t to t#e court#ouse6
T#e court#ouse +as a red and +#ite laEeH)aced uildin0 set in t#e center o) a s9uare )ro$
+#ic# $ost o) t#e 0rass #ad een +orn o))6 He 'ar(ed in )ront o) it and said5 8Stay #ere5: in an
i$'erious tone and 0ot out and sla$$ed t#e car door6
It too( #i$ a #al)H#our to 0et t#e deed and #a-e t#e sale 'a'er dra+n u' and +#en #e
returned to t#e car5 s#e +as sittin0 on t#e ac( seat in t#e corner6 T#e e"'ression on t#at 'art
#er )ace t#at #e could see +as )oreodin0 and +it#dra+n6 T#e s(y #ad dar(ened also and t#ere
+as a #ot slu00is# tide in t#e air5 t#e (ind )elt +#en a tornado is 'ossile6
8&e etter 0et on e)ore +e 0et cau0#t in a stor$: #e said and e$'#atically5 8ecause I
0ot one $ore 'lace to sto' on t#e +ay #o$e5: ut #e $i0#t #a-e een c#au))eurin0 a s$all
dead ody )or all t#e ans+er #e 0ot6
On t#e +ay to Til$ans #e re-ie+ed once $ore #e $any @ust reasons t#at +ere leadin0 #i$
to #is 'resent action and #e could not locate a )la+ in any o) t#e$6 He decided t#at +#ile t#is
attitude o) #ers +ould not #e 'er$anent5 #e +as 'er$anently disa''ointed in #er and t#at
+#en s#e ca$e around s#e +ould #a-e to a'olo0iEeD and t#at t#ere +ould e no oat6 He +as
co$in0 to realiEe slo+ly t#at #is troule +it# #er #ad al+ays een t#at #e #ad not s#o+n
enou0# )ir$ness6 He #ad een too 0enerous6 He +as so occu'ied +it# t#ese t#ou0#ts t#at #e
did not notice t#e si0ns t#at said #o+ $any $iles to Til$ans until t#e last one e"'loded
@oy)ully in #is )ace: 8Here it is5 Friends5 TILM*/SS: He 'ulled in under t#e s#ed6
He 0ot out +it#out so $uc# as loo(in0 at Mary Fortune and entered t#e dar( store +#ere
Til$an5 leanin0 on t#e counter in )ront o) a tri'le s#el) o) canned 0oods6 +as +aitin0 )or #i$6
Til$an +as a $an o) 9uic( action and )e+ +ords6 He sat #aitually +it# #is ar$s )olded on
t#e counter and #is insi0ni)icant #ead +ea-in0 sna(eH)as#ion ao-e t#e$6 He #ad a trian0ularH
s#a'ed )ace +it# t#e 'oint at t#e otto$ and t#e to' o) #is s(ull +as co-ered +it# a ca' o)
)rec(les6 His eyes +ere 0reen and -ery narro+ and #is ton0ue +as al+ays e"'osed in #is 'artly
o'ened $out#6 He #ad #is c#ec(oo( #andy and t#ey 0ot do+n to usiness at once6 It did not
ta(e #i$ lon0 to loo( at t#e deed and si0n t#e ill o) sale6 T#en Mr6 Fortune si0ned it and t#ey
0ras'ed #ands o-er t#e counter6
Mr6 Fortunes sense o) relie) as #e 0ras'ed Til$ans #and +as e"tre$e6 &#at +as done5 #e
)elt5 +as done and t#ere could e no $ore ar0u$ent5 +it# #er or +it# #i$sel)6 He )elt t#at #e
#ad acted on 'rinci'le and t#at t#e )uture +as assured6
4ust as t#eir #ands loosened5 an instants c#an0e ca$e o-er Til$ans )ace and #e
disa''eared co$'letely under t#e counter as i) #e #ad een snatc#ed y t#e )eet )ro$ elo+6
* ottle cras#ed a0ainst t#e line o) tinned 0oods e#ind +#ere #e #ad een6 T#e old $an
+#irled around6 Mary Fortune +as in t#e door5 redH)aced and +ildHloo(in05 +it# anot#er ottle
li)ted to #url6 *s #e duc(ed5 it ro(e e#ind #i$ on t#e counter and s#e 0raed anot#er )ro$
t#e crate6 He s'ran0 at #er ut s#e tore to t#e ot#er side o) t#e store5 screa$in0 so$et#in0
unintelli0ile and t#ro+in0 e-eryt#in0 +it#in #er reac#6 T#e old $an 'ounced a0ain and t#is
ti$e #e cau0#t #er y t#e tail o) #er dress and 'ulled #er ac(+ard out o) t#e store6 T#en #e
0ot a etter 0ri' and li)ted #er5 +#eeEin0 and +#i$'erin0 ut suddenly li$' in #is ar$s5 t#e
)e+ )eet to t#e car6 He $ana0ed to 0et t#e door o'en and du$' #er inside6 T#en #e ran around
to t#e ot#er side and 0ot in #i$sel) and dro-e a+ay as )ast as #e could6
His #eart )elt as i) it +ere t#e siEe o) t#e car and +as racin0 )or+ard5 carryin0 #i$ to so$e
ine-itale destination )aster t#an #e #ad e-er een carried e)ore6 For t#e )irst )i-e $inutes #e
did not t#in( ut only s'ed )or+ard as i) #e +ere ein0 dri-en inside #is o+n )ury6 !radually t#e
'o+er o) t#ou0#t returned to #i$6 Mary Fortune5 rolled into a all in t#e corner o) t#e seat5
+as snu))lin0 and #ea-in06
He #ad ne-er seen a c#ild e#a-e in suc# a +ay in #is li)e6 /eit#er #is o+n c#ildren nor
anyone elses #ad e-er dis'layed suc# te$'er in #is 'resence5 and #e #ad ne-er )or an instant
i$a0ined t#at t#e c#ild #e #ad trained #i$sel)5 t#e c#ild +#o #ad een #is constant co$'anion
)or nine years5 +ould e$arrass #i$ li(e t#is6 T#e c#ild #e #ad ne-er li)ted a #and toS
T#en #e sa+5 +it# t#e sudden -ision t#at so$eti$es co$es +it# delayed reco0nition5 t#at
t#at #ad een #is $ista(e6
S#e res'ected Pitts ecause5 e-en +it# no @ust cause5 #e eat #erD and i) #eI+it# #is @ust
causeIdid not eat #er no+5 #e +ould #a-e noody to la$e ut #i$sel) i) s#e turned out a
#ellion6 He sa+ t#at t#e ti$e #ad co$e5 t#at #e could no lon0er a-oid +#i''in0 #er5 and as #e
turned o)) t#e #i0#+ay onto t#e dirt road leadin0 to #o$e5 #e told #i$sel) t#at +#en #e
)inis#ed +it# #er5 s#e +ould ne-er t#ro+ anot#er ottle a0ain6
He raced alon0 t#e clay road until #e ca$e to t#e line +#ere #is o+n 'ro'erty e0an and
t#en #e turned o)) onto a side 'at#5 @ust +ide enou0# )or t#e auto$oile and ounced )or a
#al) a $ile t#rou0# t#e +oods6 He sto''ed t#e car at t#e e"act s'ot +#ere #e #ad seen Pitts
ta(e #is elt to #er6 It +as a 'lace +#ere t#e road +idened so t#at t+o cars could 'ass or one
could turn around5 an u0ly red ald s'ot surrounded y lon0 t#in 'ines t#at a''eared to e
0at#ered t#ere to +itness anyt#in0 t#at +ould ta(e 'lace in suc# a clearin06 * )e+ stones
'rotruded )ro$ t#e clay6
8!et out5: #e said and reac#ed across #er and o'ened t#e door6
S#e 0ot out +it#out loo(in0 at #i$ or as(in0 +#at t#ey +ere 0oin0 to do and #e 0ot out on
#is side and carne around t#e )ront o) t#e car6
8/o+ I$ 0oin0 to +#i' youS: #e said5 and #is -oice +as e"tra loud and #ollo+ and #ad a
-iratin0 9uality t#at a''eared to e ta(en u' and 'assed t#rou0# t#e to's o) t#e 'ines6 He did
not +ant to 0et cau0#t in a do+n'our +#ile #e +as +#i''in0 #er and #e said5 8Hurry u' and
0et ready a0ainst t#at tree5: and e0an to ta(e o) #is elt6
&#at #e #ad in $ind to do a''eared to co$e -ery slo+ly as i) it #ad to 'enetrate a )o0 in
#er #ead6 S#e did not $o-e ut 0radually #er con)used e"'ression e0an to clear6 &#ere a )e+
seconds e)ore #er )ace #ad een red and distorted and unor0aniEed5 it drained no+ o) e-ery
-a0ue line until not#in0 +as le)t on it ut 'ositi-eness5 a loo( t#at +ent slo+ly 'ast
deter$ination and reac#ed certainty6 8/oody #as e-er eat $e5: s#e said5 8and i) anyody
tries it5 Ill (ill #i$6:
8I dont +ant no sass5: #e said and started to+ard #er6 His (nees )elt -ery unsteady5 as i)
t#ey $i0#t turn eit#er ac(+ard or )or+ard6
S#e $o-ed e"actly one ste' ac( and5 (ee'in0 #er eye on #i$ steadily5 re$o-ed #er 0lasses
and dro''ed t#e$ e#ind a s$all roc( near t#e tree #e #ad told #er to 0et ready a0ainst6 8Ta(e
o)) your 0lasses5: s#e said6
8.ont 0i-e $e ordersS: #e said in a #i0#5 -oice and sla''ed a+(+ardly at #er an(les +it#
#is elt6 S#e +as on #i$ so 9uic(ly t#at #e could not #a-e recalled +#ic# lo+ #e )elt )irst5
+#et#er t#e +ei0#t o) #er +#ole solid ody or t#e @as o) #er )eet or t#e 'u$$elin0 o) #er )ist
on #is c#est6 He )lailed t#e elt in t#e air5 not (no+in0 +#ere to #it ut tryin0 to 0et #er o)) #i$
until #e could decide +#ere to 0et a 0ri' on #er6
8Le00oS: #e s#outed6 8Le00o I tell youS: %ut s#e see$ed to e e-ery+#ere5 co$in0 at #i$
)ro$ all directions at once6 It +as as i) #e +ere ein0 attac(ed not y one c#ild ut y a 'ac( o)
s$all de$ons all +it# stout ro+n sc#ool s#oe5 and s$all roc(li(e )ists6 His 0lasses )le+ to t#e
side6
8I tol@er to ta(e t#e$ o))5: s#e 0ro+led +it#out 'ausin06
He cau0#t #is (nee and danced on one )oot and a rain o) lo+s )ell on #is sto$ac#6 He )elt
)i-e cla+s in t#e )les# o) #is u''er ar$ +#ere s#e +as #an0in0 )ro$ +#ile #er )eet $ec#anically
attered #is (nees and #er )ree )ist 'ounded #i$ a0ain and a0ain in t#e c#est6 T#en +it# #orror
#e sa+ #er )ace rise u' in )ront o) #is5 teet# e"'osed5 and #e roared li(e a ull as s#e it t#e
side o) #is @a+6 He see$ed to see #is o+n )ace co$in0 to ite #i$ )ro$ se-eral sides at once
ut #e could not attend to it )or #e +as ein0 (ic(ed indiscri$inately5 in t#e sto$ac# and t#en
in t#e crotc#6 Suddenly #e t#re+ #i$sel) on t#e 0round and e0an to roll li(e a $an on )ire6 S#e
+as on to' o) #i$ at once5 rollin0 +it# #i$ and still (ic(in05 and no+ +it# ot# )ists )ree to
atter #is c#est6
8I$ an old $anS: #e 'i'ed6 8Lea-e $e aloneS: %ut s#e did not sto'6 S#e e0an a )res#
assault on #is @a+6
8Sto' sto'S: #e +#eeEed6 8I$ your 0rand)at#erS:
S#e 'aused5 #er )ace e"actly on to' o) #is6 Pale identical eye loo(ed into 'ale identical eye6
8Ha-e you #ad enou0#3: s#e as(ed6
T#e old $an loo(ed u' into #is o+n i$a0e6 It +as triu$'#ant and #ostile6 8,ou een
+#i''ed5: it said5 8y $e5: and t#en it added5 earin0 do+n on eac# +ord5 8and I$ P7RE
Pitts6:
In t#e 'ause s#e loosened #er 0ri' and #e 0ot #old o) #er t#roat6 &it# a sudden sur0e o)
stren0t#5 #e $ana0ed to roll o-er and re-erse t#eir 'ositions so t#at #e +as loo(in0 do+n into
t#e )ace t#at +as #is o+n ut #ad dared to call itsel) Pitts6 &it# #is #ands still ti0#t around #er
nec(5 #e li)ted #er #ead and rou0#t it do+n once #ard a0ainst t#e roc( t#at #a''ened to e
under it6 T#en #e rou0#t it do+n t+ice $ore6 T#en loo(in0 into t#e )ace in +#ic# t#e eyes5
slo+ly rollin0 ac(5 a''eared to 'ay #i$ not t#e sli0#test attention5 #e said5 8T#eres not an
ounce o) Pitts in $e6:
He continued to stare at #is con9uered i$a0e until #e 'ercei-ed t#at t#ou0# it +as
asolutely silent5 t#ere +as no loo( o) re$orse on it6 T#e eyes #ad rolled ac( do+n and +ere
set in a )i"ed 0lare t#at did not ta(e #i$ in6 8T#is ou0#t to teac# you a 0ood lesson5: #e said in a
-oice t#at +as ed0ed +it# dout6
He $ana0ed 'ain)ully to 0et u' on #is unsteady (ic(ed le0s and to ta(e t+o ste's5 ut t#e
enlar0e$ent o) #is #eart +#ic# #ad e0un in t#e car +as still 0oin0 on6 He turned #is #ead and
loo(ed e#ind #i$ )or a lon0 ti$e at t#e little $otionless )i0ure +it# its #ead on t#e roc(6
T#en #e )ell on #is ac( and loo(ed u' #el'lessly alon0 t#e are trun(s into t#e to's o) t#e
'ines and #is #eart e"'anded once $ore +it# a con-ulsi-e $otion6 It e"'anded so )ast t#at t#e
old $an )elt as i) #e +ere ein0 'ulled a)ter it t#rou0# t#e +oods5 )elt as i) #e +ere runnin0 as
)ast as #e could +it# t#e u0ly 'ines to+ard t#e la(e6 He 'ercei-ed t#at t#ere +ould e a little
o'enin0 t#ere5 a little 'lace +#ere #e could esca'e and lea-e t#e +oods e#ind #i$6 He could
see it in t#e distance already5 a little o'enin0 +#ere t#e +#ite s(y +as re)lected in t#e +ater6 It
0re+ as #e ran to+ard it until suddenly t#e +#ole la(e o'ened u' e)ore #i$5 ridin0
$a@estically in little corru0ated )olds to+ard #is )eet6 He realiEed suddenly t#at #e could not
s+i$ and t#at #e #ad not ou0#t t#e oat6 On ot# sides o) #i$ #e sa+ t#at t#e 0aunt trees
#ad t#ic(ened into $ysterious dar( )iles t#at +ere $arc#in0 across t#e +ater and a+ay into t#e
distance6 He loo(ed around des'erately )or so$eone to #el' #i$ ut t#e 'lace +as deserted
e"ce't )or one #u0e yello+ $onster +#ic# sat to t#e side5 as stationary as #e +as5 0or0in0 itsel)
on clay6
T#e Endurin0 C#ill N;<KMO
*surys train sto''ed so t#at #e +ould 0et o)) e"actly +#ere #is $ot#er +as standin0
+aitin0 to $eet #i$6 Her t#in s'ectacled )ace elo+ #i$ +as ri0#t +it# a +ide s$ile t#at
disa''eared as s#e cau0#t si0#t o) #i$ racin0 #i$sel) e#ind t#e conductor6 T#e s$ile
-anis#ed so suddenly5 t#e s#oc(ed loo( t#at re'laced it +as so co$'lete5 t#at #e realiEed )or
t#e )irst ti$e t#at #e $ust loo( as ill as #e +as6 T#e s(y +as a c#ill 0ray and a startlin0 +#iteH
0old sun5 li(e so$e stran0e 'otentate )ro$ t#e east5 +as risin0 eyond t#e lac( +oods t#at
surrounded Ti$eroro6 It cast a stran0e li0#t o-er t#e sin0le loc( o) oneHstory ric( and
+ooden s#ac(s6 *sury )elt t#at #e +as aout to +itness a $a@estic trans)or$ation5 t#at t#e
)lat o) roo)s $i0#t at any $o$ent turn into t#e $ountin0 turrets o) so$e e"otic te$'le )or a
0od #e didnt (no+6 T#e illusion lasted only a $o$ent e)ore #is attention +as dra+n ac( to
#is $ot#er6
S#e #ad 0i-en a little cryD s#e loo(ed a0#ast6 He +as 'leased t#at s#e s#ould see deat# in
#is )ace at once6 His $ot#er5 at t#e a0e o) si"ty5 +as 0oin0 to e introduced to reality and #e
su''osed t#at i) t#e e"'erience didnt (ill #er5 it +ould assist #er in t#e 'rocess o) 0ro+in0 u'6
He ste''ed do+n and 0reeted #er6
8,ou dont loo( -ery +ell5: s#e said and 0a-e #i$ a lon0 clinical stare6
8I dont )eel li(e tal(in05: #e said at once6 8I-e #ad a ad tri'6:
Mrs6 Fo" oser-ed t#at #is le)t eye +as loods#ot6 He +as 'u))y and 'ale and #is #air #ad
receded tra0ically )or a oy o) t+entyH)i-e6 T#e t#in reddis# +ed0e o) it le)t on to' ore do+n
in a 'oint t#at see$ed to len0t#en #is nose and 0i-e #i$ an irritale e"'ression t#at $atc#ed
#is tone o) -oice +#en #e s'o(e to #er6 8It $ust #a-e een cold u' t#ere5: s#e said6 8&#y dont
you ta(e o)) your coat3 Its not cold do+n #ere6:
8,ou dont #a-e to tell $e +#at t#e te$'erature isS: #e said in a #i0# -oice6 8I$ old
enou0# to (no+ +#en I +ant to ta(e $y coat o))S: T#e train 0lided silently a+ay e#ind #i$5
lea-in0 a -ie+ o) t#e t+in loc(s o) dila'idated stores6 He 0aEed a)ter t#e alu$inu$ s'ec(
disa''earin0 into t#e +oods6 It see$ed to #i$ t#at #is last connection +it# a lar0er +orld +ere
-anis#in0 )ore-er6 T#en #e turned and )aced #is $ot#er 0ri$ly5 ir(ed t#at #e #ad allo+ed
#i$sel)5 e-en )or an instant5 to see an i$a0inary te$'le in t#is colla'sin0 country @unction6 He
#ad eco$e entirely accusto$ed to t#e t#ou0#t o) deat#5 ut #e #ad not eco$e accusto$ed
to t#e t#ou0#t o) deat# #ere6
He #ad )elt t#e end co$in0 on )or nearly )our $ont#s6 *lone in #is )reeEin0 )lat5 #uddled
under #is t+o lan(ets and #is o-ercoat and +it# t#ree t#ic(nesses o) t#e /e+ ,or( Ti$es
et+een5 #e #ad #ad a c#ill one ni0#t5 )ollo+ed y a -iolent s+eat t#at le)t t#e s#eets soa(in0
and re$o-ed all dout )ro$ #is $ind aout #is true condition6 %e)ore t#is t#ere #ad een a
0radual slac(enin0 o) #is ener0y and -a0ue inconsistent ac#es and #eadac#es6 He #ad een
asent so $any days )ro$ #is 'artHti$e @o in t#e oo(store t#at #e #ad lost it6 Since t#en #e
#ad een li-in05 or @ust arely so5 on #is sa-in0s and t#ese5 di$inis#in0 day y day5 #ad een all
#e #ad et+een #i$ and #o$e6 /o+ t#ere +as not#in06 He +as #ere6
8&#eres t#e car3: #e $uttered6
8Its o-er yonder5: #is $ot#er said6 8*nd your sister is aslee' in t#e ac( ecause I dont li(e
to co$e out t#is early y $ysel)6 T#eres no need to +a(e #er u'6:
8/o5: #e said5 8let slee'in0 do0s lie5: and #e 'ic(ed u' #is t+o ul0in0 suitcases and started
across t#e road +it# t#e$6
T#ey +ere too #ea-y )or #i$ and y t#e ti$e #e reac#ed t#e car5 #is $ot#er sa+ t#at #e
+as e"#austed6 He #ad ne-er co$e #o$e +it# t+o suitcases e)ore6 E-er since #e #ad )irst
0one a+ay to colle0e5 #e #ad co$e ac( e-ery ti$e +it# not#in0 ut t#e necessities )or a t+oH
+ee( stay and +it# a +ooden resi0ned e"'ression t#at said #e +as 're'ared to endure t#e -isit
)or e"actly )ourteen days6 8,ou-e rou0#t $ore t#an usual5: s#e oser-ed5 ut #e did not
ans+er6
T#e Co$)orts o) Ho$e N;<?LO
T#o$as +it#dre+ to t#e side o) t#e +indo+ and +it# #is #ead et+een t#e +all and t#e
curtain #e loo(ed do+n on t#e dri-e+ay +#ere t#e car #ad sto''ed6 His $ot#er and t#e little
slut +ere 0ettin0 out o) it6 His $ot#er e$er0ed slo+ly5 stolid and a+(+ard5 and t#en t#e little
sluts lon0 sli0#tly o+ed le0s slid out5 t#e dress 'ulled ao-e t#e (nees6 &it# a s#rie( o)
lau0#ter s#e ran to $eet t#e do05 +#o ounded5 o-er@oyed5 s#a(in0 +it# 'leasure5 to +elco$e
#er6 Ra0e 0at#ered t#rou0#out T#o$ass lar0e )ra$e +it# a silent o$inous intensity5 li(e a $o
asse$lin06
It +as no+ u' to #i$ to 'ac( a suitcase5 0o to t#e #otel5 and stay t#ere until t#e #ouse
s#ould e cleared6
He did not (no+ +#ere a suitcase +as5 #e disli(ed to 'ac(5 #e needed #is oo(s5 #is
ty'e+riter +as not 'ortale5 #e +as used to an electric lan(et5 #e could not ear to eat in
restaurants6 His $ot#er5 +it# #er darede-il c#arity5 +as aout to +rec( t#e 'eace o) t#e #ouse6
T#e ac( door sla$$ed and t#e 0irls lau0# s#ot u' )ro$ t#e (itc#en5 t#rou0# t#e ac( #all5
u' t#e stair+ell and into #is roo$5 $a(in0 )or #i$ li(e a olt o) electricity6 He @u$'ed to t#e
side and stood 0larin0 aout #i$6 His +ords o) t#e $ornin0 #ad een une9ui-ocal: 8I) you rin0
t#at 0irl ac( into t#is #ouse5 I lea-e6 ,ou can c#ooseI#er or $e6:
S#e #ad $ade #er c#oice6 *n intense 'ain 0ri''ed #is t#roat6 It +as t#e )irst ti$e in #is
t#irty)i-e yearsB He )elt a sudden urnin0 $oisture e#ind #is eyes6 T#en #e steadied #i$sel)5
o-erco$e y ra0e6 On t#e contrary: s#e #ad not $ade any c#oice6 S#e +as countin0 on #is
attac#$ent to #is electric lan(et6 S#e +ould #a-e to e s#o+n6
T#e 0irls lau0#ter ran0 u'+ard a second ti$e and T#o$as +inced6 He sa+ a0ain #er loo( o)
t#e ni0#t e)ore6 S#e #ad in-aded #is roo$6 He #ad +a(ed to )ind #is door o'en and #er in it6
T#ere +as enou0# li0#t )ro$ t#e #all to $a(e #er -isile as s#e turned to+ard #i$6 T#e )ace
+as li(e a co$ediennes in a $usical co$edyIa 'ointed c#in5 +ide a''le c#ee(s and )eline
e$'ty eyes6 He #ad s'run0 out o) #is ed and snatc#ed a strai0#t c#air and t#en #e #ad ac(ed
#er out t#e door5 #oldin0 t#e c#air in )ront o) #i$ li(e an ani$al trainer dri-in0 out a dan0erous
cat6 He #ad dri-en #er silently do+n t#e #all5 'ausin0 +#en #e reac#ed it to eat on #is
$ot#ers door6 T#e 0irl5 +it# a 0as'5 turned and )led into t#e 0uest roo$6
In a $o$ent #is $ot#er #ad o'ened #er door and 'eered out a''re#ensi-ely6 Her )ace5
0reasy +it# +#ate-er s#e 'ut on it at ni0#t5 +as )ra$ed in 'in( ruer curlers6 S#e loo(ed
do+n t#e #all +#ere t#e 0irl #ad disa''eared6 T#o$as stood e)ore #er5 t#e c#air still li)ted in
)ront o) #i$ as i) #e +ere aout to 9uell anot#er east6 8S#e tried to 0et in $y roo$5: #e
#issed5 'us#in0 in6 8I +o(e u' and s#e +as tryin0 to 0et in $y roo$6: He closed t#e door
e#ind #i$ and #is -oice rose in outra0e6 8I +ont 'ut u' +it# t#isS I +ont 'ut u' +it# it
anot#er dayS:
His $ot#er5 ac(ed y #i$ to #er ed5 sat do+n on t#e ed0e o) it6 S#e #ad a #ea-y ody on
+#ic# sat a t#in5 $ysteriously 0aunt and incon0ruous #ead6
8I$ tellin0 you )or t#e last ti$e5: T#o$as said5 8I +ont 'ut u' +it# t#is anot#er day6:
T#ere +as an oser-ale tendency in all o) #er actions6 T#is +as5 +it# t#e est intentions in t#e
+orld5 to $a(e a $oc(ery o) -irtue5 to 'ursue it +it# suc# a $indless intensity t#at e-eryone
in-ol-ed +as $ade a )ool o) and -irtue itsel) eca$e ridiculous6 8/ot anot#er day5: #e
re'eated6
His $ot#er s#oo( #er #ead e$'#atically5 #er eyes still on t#e door6
T#o$as 'ut t#e c#air on t#e )loor in )ront o) #er and sat do+n on it He leaned )or+ard as i)
#e +ere aout to e"'lain so$et#in0 to a de)ecti-e c#ild6
8T#ats @ust anot#er +ay s#es un)ortunate5: #is $ot#er said6 8So a+)ul5 so a+)ul6 S#e told
$e t#e na$e o) it ut I )or0et +#at it is ut its so$et#in0 s#e cant #el'6 So$et#in0 s#e +as
orn +it#6 T#o$as5: s#e said and 'ut #er #and to #er @a+5 8su''ose it +ere you3:
E"as'eration loc(ed #is +ind'i'e6 8Cant I $a(e you see5: #e croa(ed5 8t#at i) s#e cant
#el' #ersel) you cant #el' #er3:
His $ot#ers eyes5 inti$ate ut untouc#ale5 +ere t#e lue o) 0reat distances a)ter sunset6
8/i$'er$aniac5: s#e $ur$ured6
8/y$'#o$aniac5: #e said )iercely6 8S#e doesnt need to su''ly you +it# any )ancy na$es6
S#es a $oral $oron6 T#ats all you need to (no+6 %orn +it#out t#e $oral )acultyIli(e
so$eody else +ould e orn +it#out a (idney or a le06 .o you understand3:
8I (ee' t#in(in0 it $i0#t e you5: s#e said5 #er #and still on #er @a+6 8I) it +ere you5 #o+ do
you t#in( Id )eel i) noody too( you in3 &#at i) you +ere a ni$'er$aniac and not a rilliant
s$art 'erson and you did +#at you couldnt #el' andB8
T#o$as )elt a dee' unearale loat#in0 )or #i$sel) as i) #e +ere turnin0 slo+ly into t#e 0irl6
8&#at did s#e #a-e on3: s#e as(ed aru'tly5 #er eyes narro+in06
8/ot#in0S: #e roared6 /o+ +ill you 0et #er out o) #ereS:
8Ho+ can I turn #er out in t#e cold3: s#e said6 8T#is $ornin0 s#e +as t#reatenin0 to (ill
#ersel) a0ain6:
8Send #er ac( to @ail5: T#o$as said6
8I +ould not send you ac( to @ail5 T#o$as5: s#e said6
He 0ot u' and snatc#ed t#e c#air and )led t#e roo$ +#ile #e +as still ale to control
#i$sel)6
T#o$as lo-ed #is $ot#er6 He lo-ed #er ecause it +as #is nature to do so5 ut t#ere +ere
ti$es +#en #e could not endure #er lo-e )or #i$6 T#ere +ere ti$es +#en it eca$e not#in0
ut 'ure idiot $ystery and #e sensed aout #i$ )orces5 in-isile currents entirely out o) #is
control6 S#e 'roceeded al+ays )ro$ t#e tritest o) considerationsIit +as t#e nice t#in0 to
doIinto t#e $ost )ool#ardy en0a0e$ents +it# t#e de-il5 +#o$5 o) course5 s#e ne-er
reco0niEed6
T#e de-il )or T#o$as +as only a $anner o) s'ea(in05 ut it +as a $anner a''ro'riate to
t#e situations #is $ot#er 0ot into6 Had s#e een in any de0ree intellectual5 #e could #a-e
'ro-ed to #er )ro$ early C#ristian #istory t#at no e"cess o) -irtue is @usti)ied5 t#at a $oderation
o) 0ood 'roduces li(e+ise a $oderation in e-il5 t#at i) *ntony o) E0y't #ad stayed at #o$e and
attended to #is sister5 no de-ils +ould #a-e 'la0ued #i$6
T#o$as +as not cynical and so )ar )ro$ ein0 o''osed to -irtue5 #e sa+ it as t#e 'rinci'le
o) order and t#e only t#in0 t#at $a(es li)e earale6 His o+n li)e +as $ade earale y t#e
)ruits o) #is $ot#ers saner -irtuesIy t#e +ell re0ulated #ouse s#e (e't and t#e e"cellent
$eals s#e ser-ed6 %ut +#en -irtue 0ot out o) #and +it# #er5 as no+5 a sense o) de-ils 0re+
u'on #i$5 and t#ese +ere not $ental 9uir(s in #i$sel) or t#e old lady5 t#ey +ere deniEens +it#
'ersonalities5 'resent t#ou0# not -isile5 +#o $i0#t any $o$ent e e"'ected to s#rie( or
rattle a 'ot6
T#e 0irl #ad landed in t#e county @ail a $ont# a0o on a ad c#ec( c#ar0e and #is $ot#er
#ad seen #er 'icture in t#e 'a'er6 *t t#e rea()ast tale s#e #ad 0aEed at it )or a lon0 ti$e and
t#en #ad 'assed it o-er t#e co))ee 'ot to #i$6 8I$a0ine5: s#e said5 8only nineteen years old and
in t#at )ilt#y @ail6 *nd s#e doesnt loo( li(e a ad 0irl6:
T#o$as 0lanced at t#e 'icture6 It s#o+ed t#e )ace o) a s#re+d ra0a$u))in6 He oser-ed
t#at t#e a-era0e a0e )or cri$inality +as steadily lo+erin06
8S#e loo(s li(e a +#oleso$e 0irl5: #is $ot#er said6
8&#oleso$e 'eo'le dont 'ass ad c#ec(s5: T#o$as said6
8,ou dont (no+ +#at youd do in a 'inc#6:
8I +ouldnt 'ass a ad c#ec(5: T#o$as said6
8I t#in(5: #is $ot#er said5 8Ill ta(e #er a little o" o) candy6:
I) t#en and t#ere #e #ad 'ut #is )oot do+n5 not#in0 else +ould #a-e #a''ened6 His )at#er5
#ad #e een li-in05 +ould #a-e 'ut #is )oot do+n at t#at 'oint6 Ta(in0 a o" o) candy +as #er
)a-orite nice t#in0 to do6 &#en anyone +it#in #er social station $o-ed to to+n5 s#e called and
too( a o" o) candyD +#en any o) #er )riends c#ildren #ad aies or +on a sc#olars#i'5 s#e
called and too( a o" o) candyD +#en an old 'erson ro(e #is #i'5 s#e +as at #is edside +it# a
o" o) candy6 He #ad een a$used at t#e idea o) #er ta(in0 a o" o) candy to t#e @ail6
He stood no+ in #is roo$ +it# t#e 0irls lau0# roc(etin0 a+ay in #is #ead and cursed #is
a$use$ent6
&#en #is $ot#er returned )ro$ t#e -isit to t#e @ail5 s#e #ad urst into #is study +it#out
(noc(in0 and #ad colla'sed )ullHlen0t# on #is couc#5 li)tin0 #er s$all s+ollen )eet u' on t#e ar$
o) it6 *)ter a $o$ent5 s#e reco-ered #ersel) enou0# to sit u' and 'ut a ne+s'a'er under t#e$6
T#en s#e )ell 'ac( a0ain6 8&e dont (no+ #o+ t#e ot#er #al) li-es5: s#e said6
T#o$as (ne+ t#at t#ou0# #er con-ersation $o-ed )ro$ clic#e to clic#e t#ere +ere real
e"'eriences e#ind t#e$6 He +as less sorry )or t#e 0irls ein0 in @ail t#an )or #is $ot#er #a-in0
to see #er t#ere6 He +ould #a-e s'ared #er all un'leasant si0#ts6 8&ell5: #e said and 'ut a+ay
#is @ournal5 8you #ad etter )or0et it no+6 T#e 0irl #as a$'le reason to e in @ail6:
8,ou cant i$a0ine +#at all s#es een t#rou0#5: s#e said5 sittin0 u' a0ain5 8listen6: T#e
'oor 0irl5 Star5 #ad een rou0#t u' y a ste'$ot#er +it# t#ree c#ildren o) #er o+n5 one an
al$ost 0ro+n oy +#o #ad ta(en ad-anta0e o) #er in suc# dread)ul +ays t#at s#e #ad een
)orced to run a+ay and )ind #er real $ot#er6 Once )ound5 #er real $ot#er #ad sent #er to
-arious oardin0 sc#ools to 0et rid o) #er6 *t eac# o) t#ese s#e #ad een )orced to run a+ay y
t#e 'resence o) 'er-erts and sadists so $onstrous t#at t#eir acts de)ied descri'tion6 T#o$as
could tell t#at #is $ot#er #ad not een s'ared t#e details t#at s#e +as s'arin0 #i$6 /o+ and
a0ain +#en s#e s'o(e -a0uely5 #er -oice s#oo( and #e could tell t#at s#e +as re$e$erin0
so$e #orror t#at #ad een 'ut to #er 0ra'#ically6 He #ad #o'ed t#at in a )e+ days t#e $e$ory
o) all t#is +ould +ear o))5 ut it did not6 T#e ne"t day s#e returned to t#e @ail +it# Cleene" and
coldHcrea$ and a )e+ days later5 s#e announced t#at s#e #ad consulted a la+yer6
It +as at t#ese ti$es t#at T#o$as truly $ourned t#e deat# o) #is )at#er t#ou0# #e #ad not
een ale to endure #i$ in li)e6 T#e old $an +ould #a-e #ad none o) t#is
)oolis#ness6 7ntouc#ed y useless co$'assion5 #e +ould Ne#ind #er ac(O #a-e 'ulled t#e
necessary strin0s +it# #is crony5 t#e s#eri))5 and t#e 0irl +ould #a-e een 'ac(ed o)) to t#e
state 'enitentiary to ser-e #er ti$e6 He #ad al+ays een en0a0ed in so$e enra0ed action until
one $ornin0 +#en N+it# an an0ry 0lance at #is +i)e as i) s#e alone +ere res'onsileO #e #ad
dro''ed dead at t#e rea()ast tale6 T#o$as #ad in#erited #is )at#ers reason +it#out #is
rut#lessness and #is $ot#ers lo-e o) 0ood +it#out #er tendency to 'ursue it6 His 'lan )or all
'ractical action +as to +ait and see +#at de-elo'ed6
T#e la+yer )ound t#at t#e story o) t#e re'eated atrocities +as )or t#e $ost 'art untrue5 ut
+#en #e e"'lained to #er t#at t#e 0irl +as a 'syc#o'at#ic 'ersonality5 not insane enou0# )or
t#e asylu$5 not cri$inal enou0# )or t#e @ail5 not stale enou0# )or society5 T#o$ass $ot#er
+as $ore dee'ly a))ected t#an e-er6 T#e 0irl readily ad$itted t#at #er story +as untrue on
account o) #er ein0 a con0enital liarD s#e lied5 s#e said5 ecause s#e +as insecure6 S#e #ad
'assed t#rou0# t#e #ands o) se-eral 'syc#iatrists +#o #ad 'ut t#e )inis#in0 touc#es to #er
education6 S#e (ne+ t#ere +as no #o'e )or #er6 In t#e 'resence o) suc# an a))liction as t#is5 #is
$ot#er see$ed o+ed do+n y so$e 'ain)ul $ystery t#at not#in0 +ould $a(e endurale ut
are doulin0 o) e))ort6 To #is annoyance5 s#e a''eared to loo( on #i$ +it# co$'assion5 as i)
#er #aEy c#arity no lon0er $ade distinctions6
* )e+ days later s#e urst in and said t#at t#e la+yer #ad 0ot t#e 0irl 'aroledIto #er6
T#o$as rose )ro$ #is Morris c#air5 dro''in0 t#e re-ie+ #e #ad een readin06 His lar0e
land )ace contracted in antici'ated 'ain6 8,ou are not5: #e said5 80oin0 to rin0 t#at 0irl #ereS:
8/o5 no5: s#e said5 8cal$ yoursel)5 T#o$as6: S#e #ad $ana0ed +it# di))iculty to 0et t#e 0irl
a @o in a 'et s#o' in to+n and a 'lace to oard +it# a crotc#ety old lady o) #er ac9uaintance6
Peo'le +ere not (ind6 T#ey did not 'ut t#e$sel-es in t#e 'lace o) so$eone li(e Star +#o #ad
e-eryt#in0 a0ainst #er6
T#o$as sat do+n a0ain and retrie-ed #is re-ie+6 He see$ed @ust to #a-e esca'ed so$e
dan0er +#ic# #e did not care to $a(e clear to #i$sel)6 8/oody can tell you anyt#in05: #e said5
8ut in a )e+ days t#at 0irl +ill #a-e le)t to+n5 #a-in0 0ot +#at s#e could out o) you6 ,oull
ne-er #ear )ro$ #er a0ain6:
T+o ni0#ts later #e ca$e #o$e and o'ened t#e 'arlor door and +as s'eared y a s#rill
de't#less lau0#6 His $ot#er and t#e 0irl sat close to t#e )ire'lace +#ere t#e 0as lo0s +ere lit6
T#e 0irl 0a-e t#e i$$ediate i$'ression o) ein0 '#ysically croo(ed6 Her #air +as cut li(e a
do0s or an el)s and s#e +as dressed in t#e latest )as#ion6 S#e +as trainin0 on #i$ a lon0
)a$iliar s'ar(lin0 stare t#at turned a)ter a second into an inti$ate 0rin6
8T#o$asS: #is $ot#er said5 #er -oice )ir$ +it# t#e in@unction not to olt5 8t#is is Star you-e
#eard so $uc# aout6 Star is 0oin0 to #a-e su''er +it# us6:
T#e 0irl called #ersel) Star .ra(e6 T#e la+yer #ad )ound t#at #er real na$e +as Sara# Ha$6
T#o$as neit#er $o-ed nor s'o(e ut #un0 in t#e door in +#at see$ed a sa-a0e 'er'le"ity6
Finally #e said5 8Ho+ do you do5 Sara#5: in a tone o) suc# loat#in0 t#at #e +as s#oc(ed at t#e
sound o) it6 He reddened5 )eelin0 it eneat# #i$ to s#o+ conte$'t )or any creature so 'at#etic6
He ad-anced into t#e roo$5 deter$ined at least on a decent 'oliteness and sat do+n #ea-ily in
a strai0#t c#air6
8T#o$as +rites #istory5: #is $ot#er said +it# a t#reatenin0 loo( at #i$6 8Hes 'resident o)
t#e local Historical Society t#is year6:
T#e 0irl leaned )or+ard and 0a-e T#o$as an e-en $ore 'ointed attention6 8FaulousS: s#e
said in a t#roaty -oice6
8Ri0#t no+ T#o$as is +ritin0 aout t#e )irst settlers in t#is county5: #is $ot#er said6
8FaulousS: t#e 0irl re'eated6
T#o$as y an e))ort o) +ill $ana0ed to loo( as i) #e +ere alone in t#e roo$6
8Say5 you (no+ +#o #e loo(s li(e3: Star as(ed5 #er #ead on one side5 ta(in0 #i$ in at an
an0le6
8O# so$eone -ery distin0uis#edS: #is $ot#er said arc#ly6
8T#is co' I sa+ in t#e $o-ie I +ent to last ni0#t5: Star said6
8Star5: #is $ot#er said5 8I t#in( you ou0#t to e care)ul aout t#e (ind o) $o-ies you 0o to6 I
t#in( you ou0#t to see only t#e est ones6 I dont t#in( cri$e stories +ould e 0ood )or you6:
8O# t#is +as a cri$eHdoesHnotH'ay5: Star said5 8and I s+ear t#is co' loo(ed e"actly li(e #i$6
T#ey +ere al+ays 'uttin0 so$et#in0 o-er on t#e 0uy6 He +ould loo( li(e #e couldnt stand it a
$inute lon0er or #e +ould lo+ u'6 He +as a riot6 *nd not ad loo(in05: s#e added +it# an
a''reciati-e leer at T#o$as6
8Star5: #is $ot#er said5 8I t#in( it +ould e 0rand i) you de-elo'ed a taste )or $usic6:
T#o$as si0#ed6 His $ot#er rattled on and t#e 0irl5 'ayin0 no attention to #er5 let #er eyes
'lay o-er #i$6 T#e 9uality o) #er loo( +as suc# t#at it $i0#t #a-e een #er #ands5 restin0 no+
on #is (nees5 no+ on #is nec(6 Her eyes #ad a $oc(in0 0litter and #e (ne+ t#at s#e +as +ell
a+are #e could not stand t#e si0#t o) #er6 He needed not#in0 to tell #i$ #e +as in t#e 'resence
o) t#e -ery stu)) o) corru'tion5 ut la$eless corru'tion ecause t#ere +as no res'onsile
)aculty e#ind it6 He +as loo(in0 at t#e $ost unendurale )or$ o) innocence6 *sently #e
as(ed #i$sel) +#at t#e attitude o) !od +as to t#is5 $eanin0 i) 'ossile to ado't it6 His $ot#ers
e#a-ior t#rou0#out t#e $eal +as so idiotic t#at #e could arely stand to loo( at #er and since
#e could less stand to loo( at Sara# Ha$5 #e )i"ed on t#e sideoard across t#e roo$ a
continuous 0aEe o) disa''ro-al and dis0ust6 E-ery re$ar( o) t#e 0irls #is $ot#er $et as i) it
deser-ed serious attention6 S#e ad-anced se-eral 'lans )or t#e +#oleso$e use o) Stars s'are
ti$e6 Sara# Ha$ 'aid no $ore attention to t#is ad-ice t#an i) it ca$e )ro$ a 'arrot6 Once +#en
T#o$as inad-ertently loo(ed in #er direction5 s#e +in(ed6 *s soon as #e #ad s+allo+ed t#e last
s'oon)ul o) dessert5 #e rose and $uttered5 8I #a-e to 0o5 I #a-e a $eetin06:
8T#o$as5: #is $ot#er said5 8I +ant you to ta(e Star #o$e on your +ay6 I dont +ant #er
ridin0 in ta"is y #ersel) at ni0#t6:
For a $o$ent T#o$as re$ained )uriously silent6 T#en #e turned and le)t t#e roo$6
Presently #e ca$e ac( +it# a loo( o) oscure deter$ination on #is )ace6 T#e 0irl +as ready5
$ee(ly +aitin0 at t#e 'arlor door6 S#e cast u' at #i$ a 0reat loo( o) ad$iration and
con)idence6 T#o$as did not o))er #is ar$ ut s#e too( it any+ay and $o-ed out o) t#e #ouse
and do+n t#e ste's5 attac#ed to +#at $i0#t #a-e een a $iraculously $o-in0 $onu$ent6
8%e 0oodS: #is $ot#er called6
Sara# Ha$ snic(ered and 'o(ed #i$ in t#e ris6
&#ile 0ettin0 #is coat #e #ad decided t#at t#is +ould e #is o''ortunity to tell t#e 0irl t#at
unless s#e ceased to e a 'arasite on #is $ot#er5 #e +ould see to it5 'ersonally5 t#at s#e +as
returned to @ail6 He +ould let #er (no+ t#at #e understood +#at s#e +as u' to5 t#at #e +as not
an innocent and t#at t#ere +ere certain t#in0s #e +ould not 'ut u' +it#6 *t #is des(5 'en in
#and5 none +as $ore articulate t#an T#o$as6 *s soon as #e )ound #i$sel) s#ut into t#e car
+it# Sara# Ha$5 terror seiEed #is ton0ue6
S#e curled #er )eet u' under #er and said5 8*lone at last5: and 0i00led6
T#o$as s+er-ed t#e car a+ay )ro$ t#e #ouse and dro-e )ast to+ard t#e 0ate6 Once on t#e
#i0#+ay5 #e s#ot )or+ard as i) #e +ere ein0 'ursued6
84esusl: Sara# Ha$ said5 s+in0in0 #er )eet o)) t#e seat5 8+#eres t#e )ire3:
T#o$as did not ans+er6 In a )c+ seconds #e could )eel #er ed0in0 closer6 S#e stretc#ed5
eased nearer5 and )inally #un0 #er #and li$'ly o-er #is s#oulder6 8To$see doesnt li(e $e5: s#e
said5 8ut I t#in( #es )aulously cute6:
T#o$as co-ered t#e t#ree and a #al) $iles into to+n in a little o-er )our $inutes6 T#e li0#t
at t#e )irst intersection +as red ut #e i0nored it6 T#e old +o$an li-ed t#ree loc(s eyond6
&#en t#e car screec#ed to a #alt at t#e 'lace5 #e @u$'ed out and ran around to t#e 0irls door
and o'ened it6 S#e did not $o-e )ro$ t#e car and T#o$as +as oli0ed to +ait6 *)ter a $o$ent
one le0 e$er0ed5 t#en #er s$all +#ite croo(ed )ace a''eared and stared u' at #i$6 T#ere +as
so$et#in0 aout t#e loo( o) it t#at su00ested lindness ut it +as t#e lindness o) t#ose +#o
dont (no+ t#at t#ey cannot see6 T#o$as +as curiously sic(ened6 T#e e$'ty eyes $o-ed o-er
#i$6 8/oody li(es $e5: s#e said in a sullen tone6 8&#at i) you +ere $e and I couldnt stand to
ride you t#ree $iles3:
8My $ot#er li(es you5: #e $uttered6
8HerS: t#e 0irl said6 8S#es @ust aout se-entyH)i-e years e#ind t#e ti$esS:
%reat#lessly T#o$as said5 8I) I )ind you ot#erin0 #er a0ain5 Ill #a-e you 'ut ac( in @ail6:
T#ere +as a dull )orce e#ind #is -oice t#ou0# it ca$e out arely ao-e a +#is'er6
8,ou and +#o else3: s#e said and dre+ ac( in t#e car as i) no+ s#e did not intend to 0et
out at all6 T#o$as reac#ed into it5 lindly 0ras'ed t#e )ront o) #er coat5 'ulled #er out y it and
released #er6 T#en #e lun0ed ac( to t#e car and s'ed o))6 T#e ot#er door +as still #an0in0
o'en and #er lau0#5 odiless ut real5 ounded u' t#e street as i) it +ere aout to @u$' in t#e
o'en side o) t#e car and ride a+ay +it# #i$6 He reac#ed o-er and sla$$ed t#e door and t#en
dro-e to+ard #o$e5 too an0ry to attend #is $eetin06 He intended to $a(e #is $ot#er +ell
a+are o) #is dis'leasure6 He intended to lea-e no dout in #er $ind6 T#e -oice o) #is )at#er
ras'ed in #is #ead6
/u$s(ull5 t#e old $an said5 'ut your )oot do+n no+6 S#o+ #er +#os oss e)ore s#e
s#o+s you6
%ut +#en T#o$as reac#ed #o$e5 #is $ot#er5 +isely5 #ad 0one to ed6
T#e ne"t $ornin0 #e a''eared at t#e rea()ast tale5 #is ro+ lo+ered and t#e t#rust o) #is
@a+ indicatin0 t#at #e +as in a dan0erous #u$or6 &#en #e intended to e deter$ined5 T#o$as
e0an li(e a ull t#at5 e)ore c#ar0in05 ac(s +it# #is #ead lo+ered and 'a+s t#e 0round6 8*ll
ri0#t no+ listen5: #e e0an5 yan(in0 out #is c#air and sittin0 do+n5 8I #a-e so$et#in0 to say to
you aout t#at 0irl and I dont intend to say it ut once6: He dre+ reat#6 8S#es not#in0 ut a
little slut6 S#e $a(es )un o) you e#ind your ac(6 S#e $eans to 0et e-eryt#in0 s#e can out o)
you and you are not#in0 to #er6:
His $ot#er loo(ed as i) s#e too #ad s'ent a restless ni0#t6 S#e did not dress in t#e $ornin0
ut +ore #er at#roe and a 0rey turan around #er #ead5 +#ic# 0a-e #er )ace a disconcertin0
o$niscient loo(6 He $i0#t #a-e een rea()astin0 +it# a siyl6
8,oull #a-e to use canned crea$ t#is $ornin0:5 s#e said5 'ourin0 #is co))ee6 8I )or0ot t#e
ot#er6:
8*ll ri0#t5 did you #ear $e3: T#o$as 0ro+led6
8I$ not dea)5: #is $ot#er said and 'ut t#e 'ot ac( on t#e5 tri-et6 8I (no+ I$ not#in0 ut
an old a0 o) +ind to #er6
8T#en +#y do you 'ersist in t#is )ool#ardyB:
8T#o$as5: s#e said5 and 'ut #er #and to t#e side o) #er )ace5 8it $i0#t eB:
8It is not $eS: T#o$as said5 0ras'in0 t#e tale le0 at #is (nee6
S#e continued to #old #er )ace5 s#a(in0 #er #ead sli0#tly6 8T#in( o) all you #a-e5: s#e
e0an6 8*ll t#e co$)orts o) #o$e6 *nd $orals5 T#o$as6 /o ad inclinations5 not#in0 ad you
+ere orn +it#6:
T#o$as e0an to reat#e li(e so$e one +#o )eels t#e onset o) ast#$a6 8,ou are not
lo0ical5: #e said in a li$' -oice6 8He +ould #a-e 'ut #is )oot do+n6:
T#e old lady sti))ened6 8,ou5: s#e said5 8are not li(e #i$6:
T#o$as o'ened #is $out# silently6
8Ho+e-er5: #is $ot#er said5 in a tone o) suc# sutle accusation t#at s#e $i0#t #a-e een
ta(in0 ac( t#e co$'li$ent5 8I +ont in-ite #er ac( a0ain since youre so dead set a0ainst
#er6:
8I a$ not set a0ainst #er5: T#o$as said6 8I a$ set a0ainst your $a(in0 a )ool o) yoursel)6:
*s soon as #e le)t t#e tale and closed t#e door o) #is study on #i$sel)5 #is )at#er too( u' a
s9uattin0 'osition in #is $ind6 T#e old $an #ad #ad t#e country$ans aility to con-erse
s9uattin05 t#ou0# #e +as no country$an ut #ad een orn and rou0#t u' in t#e city and only
$o-ed to a s$aller 'lace later to e"'loit #is talents6 &it# steady s(ill #e #ad $ade t#e$ t#in(
#i$ one o) t#e$6 In t#e $idst o) a con-ersation on t#e court#ouse la+n5 #e +ould s9uat and
#is t+o or t#ree co$'anions +ould s9uat +it# #i$ +it# no rea( in t#e sur)ace o) t#e tal(6 %y
0esture #e #ad li-ed #is lieD #e #ad ne-er dei0ned to tell one6
Let #er run o-er you5 #e said6 ,ou aint li(e $e6 /ot enou0# to e a $an6
T#o$as e0an -i0orously to read and 'resently t#e i$a0e )aded6 T#e 0irl #ad caused a
disturance in t#e de't#s o) #is ein05 so$e+#ere out o) t#e reac# o) #is 'o+er o) analysis6 He
)elt as i) #e #ad seen a tornado 'ass a #undred yards a+ay and #ad an inti$ation t#at it +ould
turn a0ain and #ead directly )or #i$6 He did not 0et #is $ind )ir$ly on #is +or( until $idH
$ornin06
T+o ni0#ts later5 #is $ot#er and #e +ere sittin0 in t#e den a)ter t#eir su''er5 eac# readin0
a section o) t#e e-enin0 'a'er5 +#en t#e tele'#one e0an to rin0 +it# t#e rassy intensity o) a
)ire alar$6 T#o$as reac#ed )or it6 *s soon as t#e recei-er +as in #is #and5 a s#rill )e$ale -oice
screa$ed into t#e roo$5 8Co$e 0et t#is 0irlS Co$e 0et #erS .run(S .run( in $y 'arlor and I
+ont #a-e itS Lost #er @o and co$e ac( #ere drun(S I +ont #a-e itS:
His $ot#er lea't u' and snatc#ed t#e recei-er6
T#e 0#ost o) T#o$ass )at#er rose e)ore #i$6 Call t#e s#eri))5 t#e old $an 'ro$'ted6 8Call
t#e s#eri))5: T#o$as said in a loud -oice6 8Call t#e s#eri)) to 0o t#ere and 'ic( #er u'6:
8&ell e ri0#t t#ere5: #is $ot#er +as sayin06 8&ell co$e and 0et #er ri0#t a+ay6 Tell #er
to 0et #er t#in0s to0et#er6:
8S#e aint in no condition to 0et not#in0 to0et#er5: t#e -oice screa$ed6 8,ou s#ouldnt
#a-e 'ut so$et#in0 li(e #er o)) on $eS My #ouse is res'ectaleS:
8Tell #er to call t#e s#eri))5: T#o$as s#outed6
His $ot#er 'ut t#e recei-er do+n and loo(ed at #i$6 8I +ouldnt turn a do0 o-er to t#at
$an5: s#e said6
T#o$as sat in t#e c#air +it# #is ar$s )olded and loo(ed )i"edly at t#e +all6
8T#in( o) t#e 'oor 0irl5 T#o$as5: #is $ot#er said5 8+it# not#in06 /ot#in06 *nd +e #a-e
e-eryt#in06:
&#en t#ey arri-ed5 Sara# Ha$ +as slu$'ed s'raddlele00ed a0ainst t#e anister on t#e
oardin0 #ouse )ront ste's6 Her ta$ +as do+n on #er )ore#ead +#ere t#e old +o$an #ad
sla$$ed it and #er clot#es +ere ul0in0 out o) #er suitcase +#ere t#e old +o$an #ad t#ro+n
t#e$ in6 S#e +as carryin0 on a drun(en con-ersation +it# #ersel) in a lo+ 'ersonal tone6 *
strea( o) li'stic( ran u' one side o) #er )ace6 S#e allo+ed #ersel) to e 0uided y #is $ot#er to
t#e car and 'ut in t#e ac( seat +it#out see$in0 to (no+ +#o t#e rescuer +as6 8/ot#in0 to
tal( to all day ut a 'ac( o) 0odda$ned 'ara(eets5: s#e said in a )urious +#is'er6
T#o$as5 +#o #ad not 0ot out o) t#e car at all5 or loo(ed at #er a)ter t#e )irst re-olted
0lance5 said5 8I$ tellin0 you5 once and )or all5 t#e 'lace to ta(e #er is t#e @ail6:
His $ot#er5 sittin0 on t#e ac( seat5 #oldin0 t#e 0irls #and5 did not ans+er6
8*ll ri0#t5 ta(e #er to t#e #otel5: #e said6
8I cannot ta(e a drun( 0irl to a #otel5 T#o$as5: s#e said6 8,ou (no+ t#at6:
8T#en ta(e #er to a #os'ital6:
8S#e doesnt need a @ail or a #otel or a #os'ital5: #is $ot#er said5 8s#e needs a #o$e6:
8S#e does not need $ine5: T#o$as said6
8Only )or toni0#t5 T#o$as5: t#e old lady si0#ed6 8Only )or toni0#t6:
Since t#en ei0#t days #ad 'assed6 T#e little slut +as estalis#ed in t#e 0uest roo$6 E-ery
day #is $ot#er set out to )ind #er a @o and a 'lace to oard5 and )ailed5 )or t#e old +o$an #ad
roadcast a +arnin06 T#o$as (e't to #is roo$ or t#e den6 His #o$e +as to #i$ #o$e5
+or(s#o'5 c#urc#5 as 'ersonal as t#e s#ell o) a turtle and as necessary6 He could not elie-e
t#at it could e -iolated in t#is +ay6 His )lus#ed )ace #ad a constant loo( o) stunned outra0e6
*s soon as t#e 0irl +as u' in t#e $ornin05 #er -oice t#roed out in a lues son0 t#at +ould
rise and +a-er5 t#en 'lun0e lo+ +it# insinuations o) 'assion aout to e satis)ied and T#o$as5
at #is des(5 +ould lun0e u' and e0in )rantically stu))in0 #is ears +it# Cleene"6 Eac# ti$e #e
started )ro$ one roo$ to anot#er5 one )loor to anot#er5 s#e +ould e certain to a''ear6 Eac#
ti$e #e +as #al) +ay u' or do+n t#e stairs5 s#e +ould eit#er $eet #i$ and 'ass5 crin0in0 coyly5
or 0o u' or do+n e#ind #i$5 reat#in0 s$all tra0ic s'ear$intH)la-ored si0#s6 S#e a''eared to
adore T#o$ass re'u0nance to #er and to dra+ it out o) #i$ e-ery c#ance s#e 0ot as i) it added
delectaly to #er $artyrdo$6
T#e old $anIs$all5 +as'Hli(e5 in #is yello+ed 'ana$a #at5 #is seersuc(er suit5 #is 'in(
care)ullyHsoiled s#irt5 #is s$all strin0 tieIa''eared to #a-e ta(en u' #is station in T#o$ass
$ind and )ro$ t#ere5 usually s9uattin05 #e s#ot out t#e sa$e ras'in0 su00estion e-ery ti$e t#e
oy 'aused )ro$ #is )orced studies6 Put your )oot do+n6 !o to see t#e s#eri))6
T#e s#eri)) +as anot#er edition o) T#o$ass )at#er e"ce't t#at #e +ore a c#ec(ered s#irt
and a Te"as ty'e #at and +as ten years youn0er6 He +as as easily dis#onest5 and #e #ad
0enuinely ad$ired t#e old $an6 T#o$as5 li(e #is $ot#er5 +ould #a-e 0one )ar out o) #is +ay to
a-oid #is 0lassy 'ale lue 0aEe6 He (e't #o'in0 )or anot#er solution5 )or a $iracle6
&it# Sara# Ha$ in t#e #ouse5 $eals +ere unearale6
8To$see doesnt li(e $e5: s#e said t#e t#ird or )ourt# ni0#t at t#e su''er tale and cast #er
'outin0 0aEe across at t#e lar0e ri0id )i0ure o) T#o$as5 +#ose )ace +as set +it# t#e loo( o) a
$an tra''ed y insu))erale odors6 8He doesnt +ant $e #ere6 /oody +ants $e any+#ere6:
8T#o$ass na$e is T#o$as5: #is $ot#er interru'ted6 8/ot To$see6:
8I $ade To$see u'5: s#e said6 8I t#in( its cute6 He #ates $e6:
8T#o$as does not #ate you5: #is $ot#er said6 8&e are not t#e (ind o) 'eo'le +#o #ate5:
s#e added5 as i) t#is +ere an i$'er)ection t#at #ad een red out o) t#e$ 0enerations a0o6
8O#5 I (no+ +#en I$ not +anted5: Sara# Ha$ continued6 8T#ey didnt e-en +ant $e in
@ail6 I) I (illed $ysel) I +onder +ould !od +ant $e3:
8Try it and see5:T#o$as $uttered6
T#e 0irl screa$ed +it# lau0#ter6 T#en s#e sto''ed aru'tly5 #er )ace 'uc(ered and s#e
e0an to s#a(e6: T#e est t#in0 to do5: s#e said5 #er teet# clatterin05 8is to (ill $ysel)6 T#en Ill
e out o) e-eryodys +ay6 Ill 0o to #ell and e out o) !ods +ay6 *nd e-en t#e de-il +ont
+ant $e6 Hell (ic( $e out o) #ell5 not e-en in #ellB: s#e +ailed6
T#o$as rose5 'ic(ed u' #is 'late and (ni)e and )or( and carried t#e$ to t#e den to )inis# #is
su''er6 *)ter t#at5 #e #ad not eaten anot#er $eal at t#e tale ut #ad #ad #is $ot#er ser-e
#i$ at #is des(6 *t t#ese $eals5 t#e old $an +as intensely 'resent to #i$6 He a''eared to e
ti''in0 ac(+ards in #is c#air5 #is t#u$s eneat# #is 0alluses5 +#ile #e said suc# t#in0s as5
S#e ne-er ran $e a+ay )ro$ $y o+n tale6
* )e+ ni0#ts later5 Sara# Ha$ slas#ed #er +rists +it# a 'arin0 (ni)e and #ad #ysterics6 Fro$
t#e den +#ere #e +as closeted a)ter su''er5 T#o$as #eard a s#rie(5 t#en a series o) screa$s5
t#en #is $ot#ers scurryin0 )ootste's t#rou0# t#e #ouse6 He did not $o-e6 His )irst instant o)
#o'e t#at t#e 0irl #ad cut #er t#roat )aded as #e realiEed s#e could not #a-e done it and
continue to screa$ t#e +ay s#e +as doin06 He returned to #is @ournal and 'resently t#e
screa$s susided6 In a $o$ent #is $ot#er urst in +it# #is coat and #at6 8&e #a-e to ta(e #er
to t#e #os'ital5: s#e said6 8S#e tried to do a+ay +it# #ersel)6 I #a-e a tourni9uet on #er ar$6
O# Lord5 T#o$as5: s#e said5 8i$a0ine ein0 so lo+ youd do a t#in0 li(e t#atS:
T#o$as rose +oodenly and 'ut on #is #at and coat6 8&e +ill ta(e #er to t#e #os'ital5: #e
said5 8and +e +ill lea-e #er t#ere6:
8*nd dri-e #er to des'air a0ain3: t#e old lady cried6 8T#o$asS:
Standin0 in t#e center o) #is roo$ no+5 realiEin0 t#at #e #ad reac#ed t#e 'oint +#ere
action +as ine-itale5 t#at #e $ust 'ac(5 t#at #e $ust lea-e5 t#at #e $ust 0o5 T#o$as
re$ained i$$o-ale6
His )ury +as directed not at t#e little slut ut at #is $ot#er6 E-en t#ou0# t#e doctor #ad
)ound t#at s#e #ad arely da$a0ed #ersel) and #ad raised t#e 0irls +rat# y lau0#in0 at t#e
tourni9uet and 'uttin0 only a strea( o) iodine on t#e cut5 #is $ot#er could not 0et o-er t#e
incident6 So$e ne+ +ei0#t o) sorro+ see$ed to #a-e een t#ro+n across #er s#oulders5 and
not only T#o$as5 ut Sara# Ha$ +as in)uriated y t#is5 )or it a''eared to e a 0eneral sorro+
t#at +ould #a-e )ound anot#er o@ect no $atter +#at 0ood )ortune ca$e to eit#er o) t#e$6
T#e e"'erience o) Sara# Ha$ #ad 'lun0ed t#e old lady into $ournin0 )or t#e +orld6
T#e $ornin0 a)ter t#e atte$'ted suicide5 s#e #ad 0one t#rou0# t#e #ouse and collected all
t#e (ni-es and scissors and loc(ed t#e$ in a dra+er6 S#e e$'tied a ottle o) rat 'oison do+n
t#e toilet and too( u' t#e roac# talets )ro$ t#e (itc#en )loor6 T#en s#e ca$e to T#o$ass
study and said in a +#is'er5 8&#ere is t#at 0un o) #is3 I +ant you to loc( it u'6:
8T#e 0un is in $y dra+er5: T#o$as roared5 8and I +ill not loc( it u'6 I) s#e s#oots #ersel)5 so
$uc# t#e etterS:
8T#o$as5: #is $ot#er said5 8s#ell #ear youS:
8Let #er #ear $eS: T#o$as yelled6 8.ont you (no+ s#e #as no intention o) (illin0 #ersel)3
.ont you (no+ #er (ind ne-er (ill t#e$sel-es3 .ont youB:
His $ot#er sli''ed out t#e door and closed it to silence #i$ and Sara# Ha$s lau0#5 9uite
close in t#e #all5 ca$e rattlin0 into #is roo$6 8To$seell )ind out6 Ill (ill $ysel) and t#en #ell e
sorry #e +asnt nice to $e6 Ill use #is o+n lil 0un5 #is o+n lil or 'earlH#andled re-olHIer-u#S:
s#e s#outed and let out a loud tor$entedHsoundin0 lau0# in i$itation o) a $o-ie $onster6
T#o$as 0round #is teet#6 He 'ulled out #is des( dra+er and )elt )or t#e 'istol6 It +as an
in#eritance )ro$ t#e old $an5 +#ose o'inion it #ad een t#at e-ery #ouse s#ould contain a
loaded 0un6 He #ad disc#ar0ed t+o ullets one ni0#t into t#e side o) a 'ro+ler5 ut T#o$as #ad
ne-er s#ot anyt#in06 He #ad no )ear t#at t#e 0irl +ould use t#e 0un on #ersel) and #e closed
t#e dra+er6 Her (ind clun0 tenaciously to li)e and +ere ale to +rest so$e #istrionic ad-anta0e
)ro$ e-ery $o$ent6
Se-eral ideas )or 0ettin0 rid o) #er #ad entered #is #ead ut eac# o) t#ese #ad een
su00estions +#ose $oral tone indicated t#at t#ey #ad co$e )ro$ a $ind a(in to #is )at#ers5
and T#o$as #ad re@ected t#e$6 He could not 0et t#e 0irl loc(ed u' a0ain until s#e did
so$et#in0 ille0al6 T#e old $an +ould #a-e een ale +it# no 9ual$s at all to 0et #er drun( and
send #er out on t#e #i0#+ay in #is car5 $ean+#ile noti)yin0 t#e #i0#+ay 'atrol o) #er 'resence
on t#e road5 ut T#o$as considered t#is elo+ #is $oral stature6 Su00estions continued to
co$e to #i$5 eac# $ore outra0eous t#an t#e last6
He #ad not t#e -a0uest #o'e t#at t#e 0irl +ould 0et t#e 0un and s#oot #ersel)5 ut t#at
a)ternoon +#en #e loo(ed in t#e dra+er5 t#e 0un +as 0one6 His study loc(ed )ro$ t#e inside5
not t#e out6 He cared not#in0 aout t#e 0un5 ut t#e t#ou0#t o) Sara# Ha$s #ands slidin0
a$on0 #is 'a'ers in)uriated #i$6 /o+ e-en #is study +as conta$inated6 T#e only 'lace le)t
untouc#ed y #er +as #is edroo$6
T#at ni0#t s#e entered it6
In t#e $ornin0 at rea()ast5 #e did not eat and did not sit do+n6 He stood eside #is c#air
and deli-ered #is ulti$atu$ +#ile #is $ot#er si''ed #er co))ee as i) s#e +ere ot# alone in t#e
roo$ and in 0reat 'ain6 8I #a-e stood t#is5: #e said5 8)or as lon0 as I a$ ale6 Since I see 'lainly
t#aty ou care not#in0 aout $e5 aout $y 'eace or co$)ort or +or(in0 conditions5 I a$ aout
to ta(e t#e only ste' o'en to $e6 I +ill 0i-e you one $ore day6 I) you rin0 t#e 0irl ac( into t#is
#ouse t#is a)ternoon5 I lea-e6 ,ou can c#ooseI#er or $e6: He #ad $ore to say ut at t#at
'oint #is -oice crac(ed and #e le)t6
*t ten ocloc( #is $ot#er and Sara# Ha$ le)t t#e #ouse6
*t )our #e #eard t#e car +#eels on t#e 0ra-el and rus#ed to t#e +indo+6 *s t#e car
sto''ed5 t#e do0 stood u'5 alert5 s#a(in06
He see$ed unale to ta(e t#e )irst ste' t#at +ould set #i$ +al(in0 to t#e closet in t#e #all
to loo( )or t#e suitcase6 He +as li(e a $an #anded a (ni)e and told to o'erate on #i$sel) i) #e
+is#ed to li-e6 His #u0e #ands clenc#ed #el'lessly6 His e"'ression +as a tur$oil o) indecision
and outra0e6 His 'ale lue eyes see$ed to s+eat in #is roilin0 )ace6 He closed t#e$ )or a
$o$ent and on t#e ac( o) #is lids5 #is )at#ers i$a0e leered at #i$6 IdiotS t#e old $an #issed5
idiotS T#e cri$inal slut stole your 0unS See t#e s#eri))S See t#e s#eri))S
It +as a $o$ent e)ore T#o$as o'ened #is eyes6 He see$ed ne+ly stunned6 He stood
+#ere #e +as )or at least t#ree $inutes5 t#en #e turned slo+ly li(e a lar0e -essel re-ersin0 its
direction and )aced t#e door6 He stood t#ere a $o$ent lon0er5 t#en #e le)t5 #is )ace set to see
t#e ordeal t#rou0#6
He did not (no+ +#ere #e +ould )ind t#e s#eri))6 T#e $an $ade #is o+n rules and (e't #is
o+n #ours6 T#o$as sto''ed )irst at t#e @ail +#ere #is o))ice +as5 ut #e +as not in it6 He +ent
to t#e court#ouse and +as told y a cler( t#at t#e s#eri)) #ad 0one to arers#o' across t#e
street6 8,onders t#e de''ity5: t#e cler( said and 'ointed out t#e +indo+ to t#e lar0e )i0ure o)
a $an in a c#ec(ered s#irt5 +#o +as leanin0 a0ainst t#e side o) a 'olice car5 loo(in0 into s'ace6
8It #as to e t#e s#eri))5: T#o$as said and le)t )or t#e arers#o'6 *s little as #e +anted
anyt#in0 to do +it# t#e s#eri))5 #e realiEed t#at t#e $an +as at least intelli0ent and not si$'ly
a $ound o) s+eatin0 )les#6
T#e arer said t#e s#eri)) #ad @ust le)t6 T#o$as started ac( to t#e court#ouse and as #e
ste''ed on to t#e side+al( )ro$ t#e street5 #e sa+ a lean5 sli0#tly stoo'ed )i0ure 0esticulatin0
an0rily at t#e de'uty6
T#o$as a''roac#ed +it# an a00ressi-eness rou0#t on y ner-ous a0itation6 He sto''ed
aru'tly t#ree )eet a+ay and said in an o-erHloud -oice5 8Can I #a-e a +ord +it# you3: +it#out
addin0 t#e s#eri))s na$e5 +#ic# +as Farerot#er6
Farerot#er turned #is s#ar' creased )ace @ust enou0# to ta(e T#o$as in5 and t#e de'uty
did li(e+ise5 ut neit#er s'o(e6 T#e s#eri)) re$o-ed a -ery s$all 'iece o) ci0arette )ro$ #is li'
and dro''ed it at #is )eet6 8I told you +#at to do5: #e said to t#e de'uty6 T#en #e $o-ed o))
+it# a sli0#t nod t#at indicated T#o$as could )ollo+ #i$ i) #e +anted to see #i$6 T#e de'uty
slun( around t#e )ront o) t#e 'olice car and 0ot inside6
Farerot#er5 +it# T#o$as )ollo+in05 #eaded across t#e court#ouse s9uare and sto''ed
eneat# a tree t#at s#aded a 9uarter o) t#e )ront la+n6 He +aited5 leanin0 sli0#tly )or+ard5 and
lit anot#er ci0arette6
T#o$as e0an to lurt out #is usiness6 *s #e #ad not #ad ti$e to 're'are #is +ords5 #e
+as arely co#erent6 %y re'eatin0 t#e sa$e t#in0 o-er se-eral ti$es5 #e $ana0ed at len0t# to
0et out +#at #e +anted to say6 &#en #e )inis#ed5 t#e s#eri)) +as still leanin0 sli0#tly )or+ard5
at an an0le to #i$5 #is eyes on not#in0 in 'articular6 He re$ained t#at +ay +it#out s'ea(in06
T#o$as e0an a0ain5 slo+er and in a la$er -oice5 and Farerot#er let #i$ continue )or so$e
ti$e e)ore #e said5 A&e #ad #er oncet6: He t#en allo+ed #i$sel) a slo+5 creased5 allH(no+in05
9uarter s$ile6
8I #ad not#in0 to do +it# t#at5: T#o$as said6 8T#at +as $y $ot#er6:
Farerot#er s9uatted6
8S#e +as tryin0 to #el' t#e 0irl5: T#o$as said6 8S#e didnt (no+ s#e couldnt e #el'ed6:
8%it o)) $ore t#an s#e could c#e+5 I rec(on5: t#e -oice elo+ #i$ $used6
8S#e #as not#in0 to do +it# t#is5: T#o$as said6 8S#e doesnt (no+ I$ #ere6 T#e 0irl is
dan0erous +it# t#at 0un6:
8He5: t#e s#eri)) said5 8ne-er let anyt#in0 0ro+ under #is )eet6 Particularly not#in0 a +o$an
'lanted6:
8S#e $i0#t (ill so$eody +it# t#at 0un5: T#o$as said +ea(ly5 loo(in0 do+n at t#e round
to' o) t#e Te"as ty'e #at6
T#ere +as a lon0 ti$e o) silence6
8&#eres s#e 0ot it3: Farerot#er as(ed6
8I dont (no+6 S#e slee's in t#e 0uest roo$6 It $ust e in t#ere5 in #er suitcase 'roaly5:
T#o$as said6
Farerot#er la'sed into silence a0ain6
8,ou could co$e searc# t#e 0uest roo$5: T#o$as said in a strained -oice6 8I can 0o #o$e
and lea-e t#e latc# o)) t#e )ront door and you can co$e in 9uietly and 0o u'stairs and searc#
#er roo$6:
Farerot#er turned #is #ead so t#at #is eyes loo(ed oldly at T#o$ass (nees6 8,ou see$ to
(no+ #o+ it ou0#t to e done5: #e said6 8&ant to s+a' @os3:
T#o$as said not#in0 ecause #e could not t#in( o) anyt#in0 to say5 ut #e +aited do00edly6
Farerot#er re$o-ed t#e ci0arette utt )ro$ #is li's and dro''ed it on t#e 0rass6 %eyond #i$
on t#e court#ouse 'orc# a 0rou' o) loiterers +#o #ad een leanin0 at t#e le)t o) t#e door
$o-ed o-er to t#e ri0#t +#ere a 'atc# o) sunli0#t #ad settled6 Fro$ one o) t#e u''er +indo+s
a cru$'led 'iece o) 'a'er le+ out and dri)ted do+n6 8Ill co$e alon0 aout si"5: Farerot#er
said6 8Lea-e t#e latc# o)) t#e door and (ee' out o) $y +ayIyoursel) and t#e$ t+o +o$en
too6: T#o$as let out a ras'in0 sound o) relie) $eant to e 8T#an(s5: and struc( o)) across t#e
0rass li(e so$e one released6 T#e '#rase5 8t#e$ t+o +o$en5: stuc( li(e a urr in #is
rainIt#e sutlety o) t#e insult to #is $ot#er #urtin0 #i$ $ore t#an any o) Farerot#ers
re)erences to #is o+n inco$'etence6 *s #e 0ot into #is car5 #is )ace suddenly )lus#ed6 Had #e
deli-ered #is $ot#er o-er to t#e s#eri))Ito e a utt )or t#e $ans ton0ue3 &as #e etrayin0
#er to 0et rid o) t#e little slut3 He sa+ at once t#at t#is +as not t#e case6 He +as doin0 +#at #e
+as doin0 )or #er o+n 0ood5 to rid #er o) a 'arasite t#at +ould ruin t#eir 'eace6 He started #is
car and dro-e 9uic(ly #o$e ut once #e #ad turned in t#e dri-e+ay5 #e decided it +ould e
etter to 'ar( so$e distance )ro$ t#e #ouse and 0o 9uietly in y t#e ac( door6 He 'ar(ed on
t#e 0rass and on t#e 0rass +al(ed in a circle to+ard t#e rear o) t#e #ouse6 T#e s(y +as lined
+it# $ustardHcolored strea(s6 T#e do0 +as aslee' on t#e ac( door$at6 *t t#e a''roac# o) #is
$asters ste'5 #e o'ened one yello+ eye5 too( #i$ in5 and closed it a0ain6
T#o$as let #i$sel) into t#e (itc#en6 It +as e$'ty and t#e #ouse +as 9uiet enou0# )or #i$
to e a+are o) t#e loud tic(in0 o) t#e (itc#en cloc(6 It +as a 9uarter to si"6 He ti'toed #urriedly
t#rou0# t#e #all to t#e )ront door and too( t#e latc# o)) it6 T#en #e stood )or a $o$ent
listenin06 Fro$ e#ind t#e closed 'arlor door5 #e #eard #is $ot#er snorin0 so)tly and 'resu$ed
t#at s#e #ad 0one to slee' +#ile readin06 On t#e ot#er side o) t#e #all5 not t#ree )eet )ro$ #is
study5 t#e little sluts lac( coat and red 'oc(etoo( +ere slun0 on a c#air6 He #eard +ater
runnin0 u'stairs and decided s#e +as ta(in0 a at#6
He +ent into #is study and sat do+n at #is des( to +ait5 notin0 +it# distaste t#at e-ery )e+
$o$ents a tre$or ran t#rou0# #i$6 He sat )or a $inute or t+o doin0 not#in06 T#en #e 'ic(ed
u' a 'en and e0an to dra+ s9uares on t#e ac( o) an en-elo'e t#at lay e)ore #i$6 He loo(ed
at #is +atc#6 It +as ele-en $inutes to si"6 *)ter a $o$ent #e idly dre+ t#e center dra+er o)
t#e des( out o-er #is la'6 For a $o$ent #e stared at t#e 0un +it#out reco0nition6 T#en #e 0a-e
a yel' and lea'ed u'6 S#e #ad 'ut it ac(S
IdiotS #is )at#er #issed5 idiotS !o 'lant it in #er 'oc(etoo(6
.ont @ust stand t#ere6 !o 'lant it in #er 'oc(etoo(S
T#o$as stood starin0 at t#e dra+er6
MoronS t#e old $an )u$ed6 Tuic( +#ile t#eres ti$eS !o 'lant it in #er 'oc(etoo(6
T#o$as did not $o-e6
I$ecileS #is )at#er cried6
T#o$as 'ic(ed u' t#e 0un6
Ma(e #aste5 t#e old $an ordered6
T#o$as started )or+ard5 #oldin0 t#e 0un a+ay )ro$ #i$6 He o'ened t#e door and loo(ed at
t#e c#air6 T#e lac( coat and red 'oc(etoo( +ere lyin0 on it al$ost +it#in reac#6
Hurry u'5 you )ool5 #is )at#er said6
Fro$ e#ind t#e 'arlor door t#e al$ost inaudile snores o) #is $ot#er rose and )ell6 T#ey
see$ed to $ar( an order o) ti$e t#at #ad not#in0 to do +it# t#e instants le)t to T#o$as6 T#ere
+as no ot#er sound6
Tuic(5 you i$ecile5 e)ore s#e +a(es u'5 t#e old $an said6
T#e snores sto''ed and T#o$as #eard t#e so)a s'rin0s 0roan6 He 0raed t#e red
'oc(etoo(6 It #ad a s(inHli(e )eel to #is touc# and as it o'ened5 #e cau0#t an un$ista(ale
odor o) t#e 0irl6 &incin05 #e t#rust in t#e 0un and t#en dre+ ac(6 His )ace urned an u0ly dull
red6
8&#at is To$see 'uttin0 in $y 'urse3: s#e called and #er 'leased lau0# ounced do+n t#e
staircase6 T#o$as +#irled6
S#e +as at t#e to' o) t#e stair5 co$in0 do+n in t#e $anner o) a )as#ion $odel5 one are le0
and t#en t#e ot#er t#rustin0 out t#e )ront o) #er (i$ona in a de)inite r#yt#$6 8To$see is ein0
nau0#ty5: s#e said in a t#roaty -oice6 S#e reac#ed t#e otto$ and cast a 'ossessi-e leer at
T#o$as +#ose )ace +as no+ $ore 0rey t#an red6 S#e reac#ed out5 'ulled t#e a0 o'en +it#
#er )in0er and 'eered at t#e 0un6
His $ot#er o'ened t#e 'arlor door and loo(ed out6
8To$see 'ut #is 'istol in $y a0S: t#e 0irl s#rie(ed6
8Ridiculous5: #is $ot#er said5 ya+nin06 8&#at +ould T#o$as +ant to 'ut #is 'istol in your
a0 )or3:
T#o$as stood sli0#tly #unc#ed5 #is #ands #an0in0 #el'lessly at t#e +rists as i) #e #ad @ust
'ulled t#e$ u' out o) a 'ool o) lood6
8I dont (no+ +#at )or5: t#e 0irl said5 8ut #e sure did it5: and s#e 'roceeded to +al(
around T#o$as5 #er #ands on #er #i's5 #er nec( t#rust )or+ard and #er inti$ate 0rin )i"ed on
#i$ )iercely6 *ll at once #er e"'ression see$ed to o'en as t#e 'urse #ad o'ened +#en T#o$as
touc#ed it6 S#e stood +it# #er #ead coc(ed on one side in an attitude o) diselie)6 8O# oy5:
s#e said slo+ly5 8is #e a case6:
*t t#at instant T#o$as da$ned not only t#e 0irl ut t#e entire order o) t#e uni-erse t#at
$ade #er 'ossile6
8T#o$as +ouldnt 'ut a 0un in your a05: #is $ot#er said6 8T#o$as is a 0entle$an6:
T#e 0irl $ade a c#ortlin0 noise6 8,ou can see it in t#ere5: s#e said and 'ointed to t#e o'en
'urse6
,ou )ound it in #er a05 you di$+itS t#e old $an #issed6
8I )ound it in #er a0S: T#o$as s#outed6 8T#e dirty cri$inal slut stole $y 0unS:
His $ot#er 0as'ed at t#e sound o) t#e ot#er 'resence in #is -oice6 T#e old ladys syilHli(e
)ace turned 'ale6
8Found it $y eyeS: Sara# Ha$ s#rie(ed and started )or t#e 'oc(etoo(5 ut T#o$as5 as i)
#is ar$ +ere 0uided y #is )at#er5 cau0#t it )irst and snatc#ed t#e 0un6 T#e 0irl in a )renEy
lun0ed at T#o$ass t#roat and +ould actually #a-e cau0#t #i$ around t#e nec( #ad not #is
$ot#er t#ro+n #ersel) )or+ard to 'rotect #er6
FireS t#e old $an yelled6
T#o$as )ired6 T#e last +as li(e a sound $eant to rin0 an end to e-il in t#e +orld6 T#o$as
#eard it as a sound t#at +ould s#atter t#e lau0#ter o) sluts until all s#rie(s +ere stilled and
not#in0 +as le)t to distur t#e 'eace o) 'er)ect order6
T#e ec#o died a+ay in +a-es6 %e)ore t#e last one #ad )aded5 Farerot#er o'ened t#e door
and 'ut #is #ead inside t#e #all6 His nose +rin(led6 His e"'ression )or so$e )e+ seconds +as
t#at o) a $an un+illin0 to ad$it sur'rise6 His eyes +ere clear as 0lass5 re)lectin0 t#e scene6 T#e
old lady lay on t#e )loor et+een t#e 0irl and T#o$as6
T#e s#eri))s rain +or(ed instantly li(e a calculatin0 $ac#ine6 He sa+ t#e )acts as i) t#ey
+ere already in 'rint: t#e )ello+ #ad intended all alon0 to (ill #is $ot#er and 'in it on t#e 0irl6
%ut Farerot#er #ad een too 9uic( )or #i$6 T#ey +ere not yet a+are o) #is #ead in t#e door6
*s #e scrutiniEed t#e scene5 )urt#er insi0#ts +ere )las#ed to #i$6 O-er #er ody5 t#e (iller and
t#e slut +ere aout to colla'se into eac# ot#ers ar$s6 T#e s#eri)) (ne+ a nasty it +#en #e
sa+ it6 He +as accusto$ed to enter u'on scenes t#at +ere not as ad as #e #ad #o'ed to )ind
t#e$5 ut t#is one $et #is e"'ectations6
E-eryt#in0 T#at Rises Must Con-er0e N;<?;O
HER doctor #ad told 4ulians $ot#er t#at s#e $ust lose t+enty 'ounds on account o) #er
lood 'ressure5 so on &ednesday ni0#ts 4ulian #ad to ta(e #er do+nto+n on t#e us )or a
reducin0 class at t#e ,6 T#e reducin0 class +as desi0ned )or +or(in0 0irls o-er )i)ty5 +#o
+ei0#ed )ro$ ;?K to RLL 'ounds6 His $ot#er +as one o) t#e sli$$er ones5 ut s#e said ladies
did not tell t#eir a0e or +ei0#t6 S#e +ould not ride t#e uses y #ersel) at ni0#t since t#ey #ad
een inte0rated5 and ecause t#e reducin0 class +as one o) #er )e+ 'leasures5 necessary )or
#er #ealt#5 and )ree5 s#e said 4ulian could at least 'ut #i$sel) out to ta(e #er5 considerin0 all
s#e did )or #i$6 4ulian did not li(e to consider all s#e did )or #i$5 ut e-ery &ednesday ni0#t #e
raced #i$sel) and too( #er6
S#e +as al$ost ready to 0o5 standin0 e)ore t#e #all $irror5 'uttin0 on #er #at5 +#ile #e5
#is #ands e#ind #i$5 a''eared 'inned to t#e door )ra$e5 +aitin0 li(e Saint Seastian )or t#e
arro+s to e0in 'iercin0 #i$6 T#e #at +as ne+ and #ad cost #er se-en dollars and a #al)6 S#e
(e't sayin05 8Maye I s#ouldnt #a-e 'aid t#at )or it6 /o5 I s#ouldnt #a-e6 Ill ta(e it o)) and
return it to$orro+6 I s#ouldnt #a-e ou0#t it6:
4ulian raised #is eyes to #ea-en6 8,es5 you s#ould #a-e ou0#t it5: #e said6 8Put it on and
lets 0o6: It +as a #ideous #at6 * 'ur'le -el-et )la' ca$e do+n on one side o) it and stood u' on
t#e ot#erD t#e rest o) it +as 0reen and loo(ed li(e a cus#ion +it# t#e stu))in0 out6 He decided it
+as less co$ical t#an @aunty and 'at#etic6 E-eryt#in0 t#at 0a-e #er 'leasure +as s$all and
de'ressed #i$6
S#e li)ted t#e #at one $ore ti$e and set it do+n slo+ly on to' o) #er #ead6 T+o +in0s o)
0ray #air 'rotruded on eit#er side o) #er )lorid )ace5 ut #er eyes5 s(yHlue5 +ere as innocent
and untouc#ed y e"'erience as t#ey $ust #a-e een +#en s#e +as ten6 +ere it not t#at s#e
+as a +ido+ +#o #ad stru00led )iercely to )eed and clot#e and 'ut #i$ t#rou0# sc#ool and
+#o +as su''ortin0 #i$ still5 8until #e 0ot on #is )eet5: s#e $i0#t #a-e een a little 0irl t#at #e
#ad to ta(e to to+n6
8Its all ri0#t5 its all ri0#t5: #e said6 8Lets 0o6: He o'ened t#e door #i$sel) and started do+n
t#e +al( to 0et #er 0oin06 T#e s(y +as a dyin0 -iolet and #ouses stood out dar(ly a0ainst it5
ulous li-erHcolored $onstrosities o) a uni)or$ u0#ness t#ou0# no t+o +ere ali(e6 Since t#is
#ad een a )as#ionale nei0#or#ood )orty years a0o5 #is $ot#er 'ersisted in t#in(in0 t#ey did
+ell to #a-e an a'art$ent in it6 Eac# #ouse #ad a narro+ collar o) dirt around it in +#ic# sat5
usually5 a 0ruy c#ild6 4ulian +al(ed +it# #is #ands in #is 'oc(ets5 #is #ead do+n and t#rust
)or+ard and #is eyes 0laEed +it# t#e deter$ination to $a(e #i$sel) co$'letely nu$ durin0
t#e ti$e #e +ould e sacri)iced to #er 'leasure6T#e door closed and #e turned to )ind t#e
du$'y )i0ure5 sur$ounted y t#e atrocious #at5 co$in0 to+ard #i$6 8&ell5: s#e said5 8you only
li-e once and 'ayin0 a little $ore )or it5 I at least +ont $eet $ysel) co$in0 and 0oin06:8So$e
day Ill start $a(in0 $oney5: 4ulian said 0loo$ilyI#e (ne+ #e ne-er +ouldI8and you can #a-e
one o) t#ose @o(es +#ene-er you ta(e t#e )it6: %ut )irst t#ey +ould $o-e6 He -isualiEed a 'lace
+#ere t#e nearest nei0#ors +ould e t#ree $iles a+ay on eit#er side6
8I t#in( youre doin0 )ine5: s#e said5 dra+in0 on #er 0lo-es6 8,ou-e only een out o) sc#ool
a year6 Ro$e +asnt uilt in a day6:S#e +as one o) t#e )e+ $e$ers o) t#e , reducin0 class
+#o arri-ed in #at and 0lo-es and +#o #ad a son +#o #ad een to colle0e6 8It ta(es ti$e5: s#e
said5 8and t#e +orld is in suc# a $ess6 T#is #at loo(ed etter on $e t#an any o) t#e ot#ers5
t#ou0# +#en s#e rou0#t it out I said5 ATa(e t#at t#in0 ac(6 I +ouldnt #a-e it on $y #ead5
and s#e said5 A/o+ +ait till you see it on5 and +#en s#e 'ut it on $e5 I said5 A&eHull5 and s#e
said5 AI) you as( $e5 t#at #at does so$et#in0 )or you and you do so$et#in0 )or t#e #at5 and
esides5 s#e said5 A+it# t#at #at5 you +ont $eet yoursel) co$in0 and 0oin06:4ulian t#ou0#t #e
could #a-e stood #is lot etter i) s#e #ad een sel)is#5 i) s#e #ad een an old #a0 +#o dran(
and screa$ed at #i$6 He +al(ed alon05 saturated in de'ression5 as i) in t#e $idst o) #is
$artyrdo$ #e #ad lost #is )ait#6 Catc#in0 si0#t o) #is lon05 #o'eless5 irritated )ace5 s#e sto''ed
suddenly +it# a 0rie)Hstric(en loo(5 and 'ulled ac( on #is ar$6 8&ait on $e5: s#e said6 8I$
0oin0 ac( to t#e #ouse and ta(e t#is t#in0 o)) and to$orro+ I$ 0oin0 to return it6 I +as out o)
$y #ead6 I can 'ay t#e 0as ill +it# t#at se-enH)i)ty6:He cau0#t #er ar$ in a -icious 0ri'6 8,ou
are not 0oin0 to ta(e it ac(5: #e said6 8I li(e it6:
8&ell5: s#e said5 8I dont t#in( I ou0#tB:8S#ut u' and en@oy it5: #e $uttered5 $ore
de'ressed t#an e-er6
8&it# t#e +orld in t#e $ess its in5: s#e said5 8its a +onder +e can en@oy anyt#in06 I tell
you5 t#e otto$ rail is on t#e to'6: 4ulian si0#ed68O) course5: s#e said5 8i) you (no+ +#o you
are5 you can 0o any+#ere6: S#e said t#is e-ery ti$e #e too( #er to t#e reducin0 class6 8Most o)
t#e$ in it are not our (ind o) 'eo'le5: s#e said5 8ut I can e 0racious to anyody6 I (no+ +#o I
a$6:8T#ey dont 0i-e a da$n )or your 0raciousness5: 4ulian said sa-a0ely6 8Cno+in0 +#o you
are is 0ood )or one 0eneration only6 ,ou #a-ent t#e )o00iest idea +#ere you stand no+ or +#o
you are6:S#e sto''ed and allo+ed #er eyes to )las# at #i$6 8I $ost certainly do (no+ +#o I
a$5: s#e said5 8and i) you dont (no+ +#o you are5 I$ as#a$ed o) you6:8O# #ell5: 4ulian
said68,our 0reatH0rand)at#er +as a )or$er 0o-ernor o) t#is state5: s#e said6 8,our 0rand)at#er
+as a 'ros'erous lando+ner6 ,our 0rand$ot#er +as a !od#i0#6:8&ill you loo( around you5:
#e said tensely5 8and see +#ere you are no+3: and #e s+e't #is ar$ @er(ily out to indicate t#e
nei0#or#ood5 +#ic# t#e 0ro+in0 dar(ness at least $ade less din0y68,ou re$ain +#at you
are5: s#e said6 ATour 0reatH0rand)at#er #ad a 'lantation and t+o #undred sla-es6:8T#ere are no
$ore sla-es5: #e said irritaly68T#ey +ere etter o)) +#en t#ey +ere5: s#e said6 He 0roaned to
see t#at s#e +as o)) on t#at to'ic6 S#e rolled onto it e-ery )e+ days li(e a train on an o'en
trac(6 He (ne+ e-ery sto'5 e-ery @unction5 e-ery s+a$' alon0 t#e +ay5 and (ne+ t#e e"act
'oint at +#ic# #er conclusion +ould roll $a@estically into t#e station: 8Its ridiculous6 Its si$'ly
not realistic6 T#ey s#ould rise5 yes5 ut on t#eir o+n side o) t#e )ence6:8Lets s(i' it5: 4ulian
said68T#e ones I )eel sorry )or5: s#e said5 8are t#e ones t#at are #al) +#ite6 T#eyre tra0ic6:8&ill
you s(i' it3:8Su''ose +e +ere #al) +#ite6 &e +ould certainly #a-e $i"ed )eelin0s6:8I #a-e
$i"ed )eelin0s no+5: #e 0roaned68&ell lets tal( aout so$et#in0 'leasant5: s#e said6 8I
re$e$er 0oin0 to !rand'as +#en I +as a little 0irl6 T#en t#e #ouse #ad doule stair+ays t#at
+ent u' to +#at +as really t#e second )loorIall t#e coo(in0 +as done on t#e )irst6 I used to
li(e to stay do+n in t#e (itc#en on account o) t#e +ay t#e +alls s$elled6 I +ould sit +it# $y
nose 'ressed a0ainst t#e 'laster and ta(e dee' reat#s6 *ctually t#e 'lace elon0ed to t#e
!od#i0#s ut your 0rand)at#er C#estny 'aid t#e $ort0a0e and sa-ed it )or t#e$6 T#ey +ere in
reduced circu$stances5: s#e said5 8ut reduced or not5 t#ey ne-er )or0ot +#o t#ey
+ere6:8.outless t#at decayed $ansion re$inded t#e$5: 4ulian $uttered6 He ne-er s'o(e o) it
+it#out conte$'t or t#ou0#t o) it +it#out lon0in06 He #ad seen it once +#en #e +as a c#ild
e)ore it #ad een sold6 T#e doule stair+ays #ad rotted and een torn do+n6 /e0roes +ere
li-in0 it6 %ut it re$ained in #is $ind as #is $ot#er #ad (no+n it6 It a''eared in #is drea$s
re0ularly6 He +ould stand on t#e +ide 'orc#5 listenin0 to t#e rustle o) oa( lea-es5 t#en +ander
t#rou0# t#e #i0#Hceilin0ed #all into t#e 'arlor t#at o'ened onto it and 0aEe at t#e +orn ru0s
and )aded dra'eries6 It occurred to #i$ t#at it +as #e5 not s#e5 +#o could #a-e a''reciated it6
He 're)erred its t#readare ele0ance to anyt#in0 #e could na$e and it +as ecause o) it t#at
all t#e nei0#or#oods t#ey #ad li-ed in #ad een a tor$ent to #i$I+#ereas s#e #ad #ardly
(no+n t#e di))erence6 S#e called #er insenseiti-ity 8ein0 ad@ustale6:8*nd I re$e$er t#e old
dar(y +#o +as $y nurse5 Caroline6 T#ere +as no etter 'erson in t#e +orld6 I-e al+ays #ad a
0reat res'ect )or $y colored )riends5: s#e said6 8Id do anyt#in0 in t#e +orld )or t#e$ and
t#eydB:8&ill you )or !ods sa(e 0et o)) t#at su@ect3: 4ulian said6 &#en #e 0ot on a us y
#i$sel)5 #e $ade it a 'oint to sit do+n eside a /e0ro5 in re'aration as it +ere )or #is $ot#ers
sins68,oure $i0#ty touc#y toni0#t5: s#e said6 8.o you )eel all ri0#t3:8,es I )eel all ri0#t5: #e
said6 8/o+ lay o))6:S#e 'ursed #er li's6 8&ell5 you certainly are in a -ile #u$or5: s#e oser-ed6
8I @ust +ont s'ea( to you at all6:T#ey #ad reac#ed t#e us sto'6 T#ere +as no us in si0#t and
4ulian5 #is #ands still @a$$ed in #is 'oc(ets and #is #ead t#rust )or+ard5 sco+led do+n t#e
e$'ty street6 T#e )rustration o) #a-in0 to +ait on t#e us as +ell as ride on it e0an to cree' u'
#is nec( li(e a #ot #and6 T#e 'resence o) #is $ot#er +as orne in u'on #i$ as s#e 0a-e a
'ained si0#6 He loo(ed at #er lea(ly6 S#e +as #oldin0 #ersel) -ery erect under t#e
're'osterous #at5 +earin0 it li(e a anner o) #er i$a0inary di0nity6 T#ere +as in #i$ an e-il
ur0e to rea( #er s'irit6 He suddenly unloosened #is tie and 'ulled it o)) and 'ut it in #is
'oc(et6S#e sti))ened6 8&#y $ust you loo( li(e t#at +#en you ta(e $e to to+n3: s#e said6 8&#y
$ust you delierately e$arrass $e3:8I) youll ne-er learn +#ere you are5: #e said5 8you can at
least learn +#ere I a$6:8,ou loo( li(e aHt#u05: s#e said68T#en I $ust e one5: #e $ur$ured68Ill
@ust 0o #o$e5: s#e said6 8I +ill not ot#er you6 I) you cant do a little t#in0 li(e t#at )or
$eB:Rollin0 #is eyes u'+ard5 #e 'ut #is tie ac( on6 8Restored to $y class5: #e $uttered6 He
t#rust #is )ace to+ard #er and #issed5 8True culture is in t#e $ind5 t#e $ind5: #e said5 and
ta''ed #is #ead5 8t#e $ind6:8Its in t#e #eart5: s#e said5 8and in #o+ you do t#in0s and #o+
you do t#in0s is ecause o) +#o you are6:8/oody in t#e da$n us cares +#o you are6:8I care
+#o I a$5: s#e said icily6T#e li0#ted us a''eared on to' o) t#e ne"t #ill and as it a''roac#ed5
t#ey $o-ed out into t#e street to $eet it6 He 'ut #is #and under #er elo+ and #oisted #er u'
on t#e crea(in0 ste'6 S#e entered +it# a little s$ile5 as i) s#e +ere 0oin0 into a dra+in0 roo$
+#ere e-eryone #ad een +aitin0 )or #er6 &#ile #e 'ut in t#e to(ens5 s#e sat do+n on one o)
t#e road )ront seats )or t#ree +#ic# )aced t#e aisle6 * t#in +o$an +it# 'rotrudin0 teet# and
lon0 yello+ #air +as sittin0 on t#e end o) it6 His $ot#er $o-ed u' eside #er and le)t roo$ )or
4ulian eside #ersel)6 He sat do+n and loo(ed at t#e )loor across t#e aisle +#ere a 'air o) t#in
)eet in red and +#ite can-as sandals +ere 'lanted6His $ot#er i$$ediately e0an a 0eneral
con-ersation $eant to attract anyone +#o )elt li(e tal(in06 8Can it 0et any #otter3: s#e said and
re$o-ed )ro$ #er 'urse a )oldin0 )an5 lade +it# a 4a'anese scene on it5 +#ic# s#e e0an to
)lutter e)ore #er68I rec(on it $i0#t could5: t#e +o$an +it# t#e 'rotrudin0 teet# said5 8ut I
(no+ )or a )act $y a'art$ent couldnt 0et no #otter6:8It $ust 0et t#e a)ternoon sun5: #is
$ot#er said6 S#e sat )or+ard and loo(ed u' and do+n t#e us6 It +as #al) )illed6 E-eryody +as
+#ite6 8I see +e #a-e t#e us to oursel-es5: s#e said6 4ulian crin0ed68For a c#an0e5: said t#e
+o$an across t#e aisle5 t#e o+ner o) t#e red and +#ite can-as sandals6 8I co$e on one t#e
ot#er day and t#ey +ere t#ic( as )leasIu' )ront and all t#rou0#6:8T#e +orld is in a $ess
e-ery+#ere5: #is $ot#er said6 8I dont (no+ #o+ +e-e let it 0et in t#is )i"6:8&#at 0ets $y 0oat
is all t#ose oys )ro$ 0ood )a$ilies stealin0 auto$oile tires5: t#e +o$an +it# t#e 'rotrudin0
teet# said6 8I told $y oy5 I said you $ay not e ric# ut you een raised ri0#t and i) I e-er
catc# you in any suc# $ess5 t#ey can send you on to t#e re)or$atory6 %e e"actly +#ere you
elon06:8Trainin0 tells5: #is $ot#er said6 8Is your oy in #i0# sc#ool3:8/int# 0rade5: t#e
+o$an said68My son @ust )inis#ed colle0e last year6 He +ants to +rite ut #es sellin0
ty'e+riters until #e 0ets started5: #is $ot#er said6T#e +o$an leaned )or+ard and 'eered at
4ulian6 He t#re+ #er suc# a $ale-olent loo( t#at s#e susided a0ainst t#e seat6 On t#e )loor
across t#e aisle t#ere +as an aandoned ne+s'a'er6 He 0ot u' and 0ot it and o'ened it out in
)ront o) #i$6 His $ot#er discreetly continued t#e con-ersation in a lo+er tone ut t#e +o$an
across t#e aisle said in a loud -oice5 8&ell t#ats nice6 Sellin0 ty'e+riters is close to +ritin06 He
can 0o ri0#t )ro$ one to t#e ot#er6:8I tell #i$5: #is $ot#er said5 8t#at Ro$e +asnt uilt in a
day6:%e#ind t#e ne+s'a'er 4ulian +as +it#dra+in0 into t#e inner co$'art$ent o) #is $ind
+#ere #e s'ent $ost o) #is ti$e6 T#is +as a (ind o) $ental ule in +#ic# #e estalis#ed
#i$sel) +#en #e could not ear to e a 'art o) +#at +as 0oin0 on around #i$6 Fro$ it #e could
see out and @ud0e ut in it #e +as sa)e )ro$ any (ind o) 'enetration )ro$ +it#out6 It +as t#e
only 'lace +#ere #e )elt )ree o) t#e 0eneral idiocy o) #is )ello+s6 His $ot#er #ad ne-er entered
it ut )ro$ it #e could see #er +it# asolute clarity6T#e old lady +as cle-er enou0# and #e
t#ou0#t t#at i) s#e #ad started )ro$ any o) t#e ri0#t 're$ises5 $ore $i0#t #a-e een e"'ected
o) #er6 S#e li-ed accordin0 to t#e la+s o) #er o+n )antasy +orld5 outside o) +#ic# #e #ad ne-er
seen #er set )oot6 T#e la+ o) it +as to sacri)ice #ersel) )or #i$ a)ter s#e #ad )irst created t#e
necessity to do so y $a(in0 a $ess o) t#in0s6 I) #e #ad 'er$itted #er sacri)ices5 it +as only
ecause #er lac( o) )oresi0#t #ad $ade t#e$ necessary6 *ll o) #er li)e #ad een a stru00le to
act li(e a C#estny +it#out t#e C#estny 0oods5 and to 0i-e #i$ e-eryt#in0 s#e t#ou0#t a C#estny
ou0#t to #a-eD ut since5 said s#e5 it +as )un to stru00le5 +#y co$'lain3 *nd +#en you #ad
+on5 as s#e #ad +on5 +#at )un to loo( ac( on t#e #ard ti$esS He could not )or0i-e #er t#at
s#e #ad en@oyed t#e stru00le and t#at s#e t#ou0#t s#e #ad +on6&#at s#e $eant +#en s#e said
s#e #ad +on +as t#at s#e #ad rou0#t #i$ u' success)ully and #ad sent #i$ to colle0e and t#at
#e #ad turned out so +ellI0ood loo(in0 N#er teet# #ad 0one un)illed so t#at #is could e
strai0#tenedO5 intelli0ent N#e realiEed #e +as too intelli0ent to e a successO5 and +it# a )uture
a#ead o) #i$ Nt#ere +as o) course no )uture a#ead o) #i$O6 S#e e"cused #is 0loo$iness on t#e
0rounds t#at #e +as still 0ro+in0 u' and #is radical ideas on #is lac( o) 'ractical e"'erience6
S#e said #e didnt yet (no+ a t#in0 aout Ali)e5: t#at #e #adnt e-en entered t#e real
+orldI+#en already #e +as as disenc#anted +it# it as a $an o) )i)ty6T#e )urt#er irony o) all
t#is +as t#at in s'ite o) #er5 #e #ad turned out so +ell6 In s'ite o) 0oin0 to only a t#irdHrate
colle0e5 #e #ad5 on #is o+n initiati-e5 co$e out +it# a )irstrate educationD in s'ite o) 0ro+in0 u'
do$inated y a s$all $ind5 #e #ad ended u' +it# a lar0e oneD in s'ite o) all #er )oolis# -ie+s5
#e +as )ree o) 're@udice and una)raid to )ace )acts6 Most $iraculous o) all5 instead o) ein0
linded y lo-e )or #er as s#e +as )or #i$5 #e #ad cut #i$sel) e$otionally )ree o) #er and could
see #er +it# co$'lete o@ecti-ity6 He +as not do$inated y #is $ot#er6T#e us sto''ed +it# a
sudden @er( and s#oo( #i$ )ro$ #is $editation6 * +o$an )ro$ t#e ac( lurc#ed )or+ard +it#
little ste's and arely esca'ed )allin0 in #is ne+s'a'er as s#e ri0#ted #ersel)6 S#e 0ot o)) and a
lar0e /e0ro 0ot on6 4ulian (e't #is 'a'er lo+ered to +atc#6 It 0a-e #i$ a certain satis)action to
see in@ustice in daily o'eration6 It con)ir$ed #is -ie+ t#at +it# a )e+ e"ce'tions t#ere +as no
one +ort# (no+in0 +it#in a radius o) t#ree #undred $iles6 T#e /e0ro +as +ell dressed and
carried a rie)case6 He loo(ed around and t#en sat do+n on t#e ot#er end o) t#e seat +#ere
t#e +o$an +it# t#e red and +#ite can-as sandals +as sittin06 He i$$ediately un)olded a
ne+s'a'er and oscured #i$sel) e#ind it6 4ulians $ot#ers elo+ at once 'rodded insistently
into #is ris6 8/o+ you see +#y I +ont ride on t#ese uses y $ysel)5: s#e +#is'ered6T#e
+o$an +it# t#e red and +#ite can-as sandals #ad risen at t#e sa$e ti$e t#e /e0ro sat do+n
and #ad 0one )urt#er ac( in t#e us and ta(en t#e seat o) t#e +o$an +#o #ad 0ot o))6 His
$ot#er leaned )or+ard and cast #er an a''ro-in0 loo(64ulian rose5 crossed t#e aisle5 and sat
do+n in t#e 'lace o) t#e +o$an +it# t#e can-as sandals6 Fro$ t#is 'osition5 #e loo(ed serenely
across at #is $ot#er6 Her )ace #ad turned an an0ry red6 He stared at #er5 $a(in0 #is eyes t#e
eyes o) a stran0er6 He )elt #is tension suddenly li)t as i) #e #ad o'enly declared +ar on #er6He
+ould #a-e li(ed to 0et in con-ersation +it# t#e /e0ro and to tal( +it# #i$ aout art or 'olitics
or any su@ect t#at +ould e ao-e t#e co$'re#ension o) t#ose around t#e$5 ut t#e $an
re$ained entrenc#ed e#ind #is 'a'er6 He +as eit#er i0norin0 t#e c#an0e o) seatin0 or #ad
ne-er noticed it6 T#ere +as no +ay )or 4ulian to con-ey #is sy$'at#y6His $ot#er (e't #er eyes
)i"ed re'roac#)ully on #is )ace6 T#e +o$an +it# t#e 'rotrudin0 teet# +as loo(in0 at #i$ a-idly
as i) #e +ere a ty'e o) $onster ne+ to #er68.o you #a-e a li0#t3: #e as(ed t#e /e0ro6&it#out
loo(in0 a+ay )ro$ #is 'a'er5 t#e $an reac#ed in #is 'oc(et and #anded #i$ a 'ac(et o)
$atc#es68T#an(s5: 4ulian said6 For a $o$ent #e #eld t#e $atc#es )oolis#ly6 * /O SMOCI/!
si0n loo(ed do+n u'on #i$ )ro$ o-er t#e door6 T#is alone +ould not #a-e deterred #i$D #e
#ad no ci0arettes6 He #ad 9uit s$o(in0 so$e $ont#s e)ore ecause #e could not a))ord it6
8Sorry5: #e $uttered and #anded ac( t#e $atc#es6 T#e /e0ro lo+ered t#e 'a'er and 0a-e
#i$ an annoyed loo(6 He too( t#e $atc#es and raised t#e 'a'er a0ain6His $ot#er continued to
0aEe at #i$ ut s#e did not ta(e ad-anta0e o) #is $o$entary disco$)ort6 Her eyes retained
t#eir attered loo(6 Her )ace see$ed to e unnaturally red5 as i) #er lood 'ressure #ad risen6
4ulian allo+ed no 0li$$er o) sy$'at#y to s#o+ on #is )ace6 Ha-in0 0ot t#e ad-anta0e5 #e
+anted des'erately to (ee' it and carry it t#rou0#6 He +ould #a-e li(ed to teac# #er a lesson
t#at +ould last #er a +#ile5 ut t#ere see$ed no +ay to continue t#e 'oint6 T#e /e0ro re)used
to co$e out )ro$ e#ind #is 'a'er64ulian )olded #is ar$s and loo(ed stolidly e)ore #i$5 )acin0
#er ut as i) #e did not see #er5 as i) #e #ad ceased to reco0niEe #er e"istence6 He -isualiEed a
scene in +#ic#5 t#e us #a-in0 reac#ed t#eir sto'5 #e +ould re$ain in #is seat and +#en s#e
said5 8*rent you 0oin0 to 0et o))3: #e +ould loo( at #er as at a stran0er +#o #ad ras#ly
addressed #i$6 T#e corner t#ey 0ot o)) on +as usually deserted5 ut it +as +ell li0#ted and it
+ould not #urt #er to +al( y #ersel) t#e )our loc(s to t#e ,6 He decided to +ait until t#e ti$e
ca$e and t#en decide +#et#er or not #e +ould let #er 0et o)) y #ersel)6 He +ould #a-e to e
at t#e , at ten to rin0 #er ac(5 ut #e could lea-e #er +onderin0 i) #e +as 0oin0 to s#o+ u'6
T#ere +as no reason )or #er to t#in( s#e could al+ays de'end on #i$6He retired a0ain into t#e
#i0#Hceilin0ed roo$ s'arsely settled +it# lar0e 'ieces o) anti9ue )urniture6 His soul e"'anded
$o$entarily ut t#en #e eca$e a+are o) #is $ot#er across )ro$ #i$ and t#e -ision s#ri-eled6
He studied #er coldly6 Her )eet in little 'u$'s dan0led li(e a c#ilds and did not 9uite reac# t#e
)loor6 S#e +as trainin0 on #i$ an e"a00erated loo( o) re'roac#6 He )elt co$'letely detac#ed
)ro$ #er6 *t t#at $o$ent #e could +it# 'leasure #a-e sla''ed #er as #e +ould #a-e sla''ed a
'articularly ono"ious c#ild in #is c#ar0e6He e0an to i$a0ine -arious unli(ely +ays y +#ic#
#e could teac# #er a lesson6 He $i0#t $a(e )riends +it# so$e distin0uis#ed /e0ro 'ro)essor or
la+yer and rin0 #i$ #o$e to s'end t#e e-enin06 He +ould e entirely @usti)ied ut #er lood
'ressure +ould rise to GLL6 He could not 'us# #er to t#e e"tent o) $a(in0 #er #a-e a stro(e5
and $oreo-er5 #e #ad ne-er een success)ul at $a(in0 any /e0ro )riends6 He #ad tried to stri(e
u' an ac9uaintance on t#e us +it# so$e o) t#e etter ty'es5 +it# ones t#at loo(ed li(e
'ro)essors or $inisters or la+yers6 One $ornin0 #e #ad sat do+n ne"t to a distin0uis#edH
loo(in0 dar( ro+n $an +#o #ad ans+ered #is 9uestions +it# a sonorous sole$nity ut +#o
#ad turned out to e an underta(er6 *not#er day #e #ad sat do+n eside a ci0arHs$o(in0
/e0ro +it# a dia$ond rin0 on #is )in0er5 ut a)ter a )e+ stilted 'leasantries5 t#e /e0ro #ad run0
t#e uEEer and risen5 sli''in0 t+o lottery tic(ets into 4ulians #and as #e cli$ed o-er #i$ to
lea-e6He i$a0ined #is $ot#er lyin0 des'erately ill and #is ein0 ale to secure only a /e0ro
doctor )or #er6 He toyed +it# t#at idea )or a )e+ $inutes and t#en dro''ed it )or a $o$entary
-ision o) #i$sel) 'artici'atin0 as a sy$'at#iEer in a sitHin de$onstration6 T#is +as 'ossile ut
#e did not lin0er +it# it6 Instead5 #e a''roac#ed t#e ulti$ate #orror6 He rou0#t #o$e a
eauti)ul sus'iciously /e0roid +o$an6 Pre'are yoursel)5 #e said6 T#ere is not#in0 you can do
aout it6 T#is is t#e +o$an I-e c#osen6 S#es intelli0ent5 di0ni)ied5 e-en 0ood5 and s#es
su))ered and s#e #asnt t#ou0#t it )un6 /o+ 'ersecute us5 0o a#ead and 'ersecute us6 .ri-e #er
out o) #ere5 ut re$e$er5 youre dri-in0 $e too6 His eyes +ere narro+ed and t#rou0# t#e
indi0nation #e #ad 0enerated5 #e sa+ #is $ot#er across t#e aisle5 'ur'leH)aced5 s#run(en to t#e
d+ar)Hli(e 'ro'ortions o) #er $oral nature5 sittin0 li(e a $u$$y eneat# t#e ridiculous anner
o) #er #at6He +as tilted out o) #is )antasy a0ain as t#e us sto''ed6 T#e door o'ened +it# a
suc(in0 #iss and out o) t#e dar( a lar0e5 0aily dressed5 sullenHloo(in0 colored +o$an 0ot on
+it# a little oy6 T#e c#ild5 +#o $i0#t #a-e een )our5 #ad on a s#ort 'laid suit and a Tyrolean
#at +it# a lue )eat#er in it6 4ulian #o'ed t#at #e +ould sit do+n eside #i$ and t#at t#e
+o$an +ould 'us# in eside #is $ot#er6 He could t#in( o) no etter arran0e$ent6*s s#e
+aited )or #er to(ens5 t#e +o$an +as sur-eyin0 t#e seatin0 'ossiilitiesI#e #o'ed +it# t#e
idea o) sittin0 +#ere s#e +as least +anted6 T#ere +as so$et#in0 )a$iliar loo(in0 aout #er ut
4ulian could not 'lace +#at it +as6 S#e +as a 0iant o) a +o$an6 Her )ace +as set not only to
$eet o''osition ut to see( it out6 T#e do+n+ard tilt o) #er lar0e lo+er li' +as li(e a +arnin0
si0n: .O/T T*MPER &ITH ME6 Her ul0in0 )i0ure +as encased in a 0reen cre'e dress and #er
)eet o-er)lo+ed in red s#oes6 S#e #ad on a #ideous #at6 * 'ur'le -el-et )la' ca$e do+n on one
side o) it and stood u' on t#e ot#erD t#e rest o) it +as 0reen and loo(ed li(e a cus#ion +it# t#e
stu))in0 out6 S#e carried a $a$$ot# red 'oc(etoo( t#at ul0ed t#rou0#out as i) it +ere
stu))ed +it# roc(s6To 4ulians disa''oint$ent5 t#e little oy cli$ed u' on t#e e$'ty seat
eside #is $ot#er6 His $ot#er lu$'ed all c#ildren5 lac( and +#ite5 into t#e co$$on cate0ory5
8cute5: and s#e t#ou0#t little /e0roes +ere on t#e +#ole cuter t#an little +#ite c#ildren6 S#e
s$iled at t#e little oy as #e cli$ed on t#e seat6Mean+#ile t#e +o$an +as earin0 do+n
u'on t#e e$'ty seat eside 4ulian6 To #is annoyance5 s#e s9ueeEed #ersel) into it6 He sa+ #is
$ot#ers )ace c#an0e as t#e +o$an settled #ersel) ne"t to #i$ and #e realiEed +it#
satis)action t#at t#is +as $ore o@ectionale to #er t#an it +as to #i$6 Her )ace see$ed al$ost
0ray and t#ere +as a loo( o) dull reco0nition in #er eyes5 as i) suddenly s#e #ad sic(ened at
so$e a+)ul con)rontation6 4ulian sa+ t#at it +as ecause s#e and t#e +o$an #ad5 in a sense5
s+a''ed sons6 T#ou0# #is $ot#er +ould not realiEe t#e sy$olic si0ni)icance o) t#is5 s#e +ould
)eel it6 His a$use$ent s#o+ed 'lainly on #is )ace6T#e +o$an ne"t to #i$ $uttered so$et#in0
unintelli0ile to #ersel)6 He +as conscious o) a (ind o) ristlin0 ne"t to #i$5 a $uted 0ro+lin0
li(e t#at o) an an0ry cat6 He could not see anyt#in0 ut t#e red 'oc(etoo( u'ri0#t on t#e
ul0in0 0reen t#i0#s6 He -isualiEed t#e +o$an as s#e #ad stood +aitin0 )or #er to(ensIt#e
'onderous )i0ure5 risin0 )ro$ t#e red s#oes u'+ard o-er t#e solid #i's5 t#e $a$$ot# oso$5
t#e #au0#ty )ace5 to t#e 0reen and 'ur'le #at6His eyes +idened6T#e -ision o) t#e t+o #ats5
identical5 ro(e u'on #i$ +it# t#e radiance o) a rilliant sunrise6 His )ace +as suddenly lit +it#
@oy6 He could not elie-e t#at Fate #ad t#rust u'on #is $ot#er suc# a lesson6 He 0a-e a loud
c#uc(le so t#at s#e +ould loo( at #i$ and see t#at #e sa+6 S#e turned #er eyes on #i$ slo+ly6
T#e lue in t#e$ see$ed to #a-e turned a ruised 'ur'le6 For a $o$ent #e #ad an
unco$)ortale sense o) #er innocence5 ut it lasted only a second e)ore 'rinci'le rescued #i$6
4ustice entitled #i$ to lau0#6 His 0rin #ardened until it said to #er as 'lainly as i) #e +ere sayin0
aloud: ,our 'unis#$ent e"actly )its your 'ettiness6 T#is s#ould teac# you a 'er$anent
lesson6Her eyes s#i)ted to t#e +o$an6 S#e see$ed unale to ear loo(in0 at #i$ and to )ind
t#e +o$an 're)erale6 He eca$e conscious a0ain o) t#e ristlin0 'resence at #is side6 T#e
+o$an +as ru$lin0 li(e a -olcano aout to eco$e acti-e6 His $ot#ers $out# e0an to
t+itc# sli0#tly at one corner6 &it# a sin(in0 #eart5 #e sa+ inci'ient si0ns o) reco-ery on #er )ace
and realiEed t#at t#is +as 0oin0 to stri(e #er suddenly as )unny and +as 0oin0 to e no lesson
at all6 S#e (e't #er eyes on t#e +o$an and an a$used s$ile ca$e o-er #er )ace as i) t#e
+o$an +ere a $on(ey t#at #ad stolen #er #at6 T#e little /e0ro +as loo(in0 u' at #er +it#
lar0e )ascinated eyes6 He #ad een tryin0 to attract #er attention )or so$e ti$e68Car-erS: t#e
+o$an said suddenly6 8Co$e #ea#:&#en #e sa+ t#at t#e s'otli0#t +as on #i$ at last5 Car-er
dre+ #is )eet u' and turned #i$sel) to+ard 4ulians $ot#er and 0i00led68Car-erS: t#e +o$an
said6 8,ou #ea# $e3 Co$e #ea#S:Car-er slid do+n )ro$ t#e seat ut re$ained s9uattin0 +it#
#is ac( a0ainst t#e ase o) it5 #is #ead turned slyly around to+ard 4ulians $ot#er5 +#o +as
s$ilin0 at #i$6 T#e +o$an reac#ed a #and across t#e aisle and snatc#ed #i$ to #er6 He ri0#ted
#i$sel) and #un0 ac(+ards on #er (nees5 0rinnin0 at 4ulians $ot#er6 8Isnt #e cute3: 4ulians
$ot#er said to t#e +o$an +it# t#e 'rotrudin0 teet#68I rec(on #e is5: t#e +o$an said +it#out
con-iction6T#e /e0ress yan(ed #i$ u'ri0#t ut #e eased out o) #er 0ri' and s#ot across t#e
aisle and scra$led5 0i00lin0 +ildly5 onto t#e seat eside #is lo-e68I t#in( #e li(es $e5: 4ulians
$ot#er said5 and s$iled at t#e +o$an6 It +as t#e s$ile s#e used +#en s#e +as ein0
'articularly 0racious to an in)erior6 4ulian sa+ e-eryt#in0 lost6 T#e lesson #ad rolled o)) #er li(e
rain on a roo)6T#e +o$an stood u' and yan(ed t#e little oy o)) t#e seat as i) s#e +ere
snatc#in0 #i$ )ro$ conta0ion6 4ulian could )eel t#e ra0e in #er at #a-in0 no +ea'on li(e #is
$ot#ers s$ile6 S#e 0a-e t#e c#ild a s#ar' sla' across #is le06 He #o+led once and t#en t#rust
#is #ead into #er sto$ac# and (ic(ed #is )eet a0ainst #er s#ins6 8%eH#a-e5: s#e said
-e#e$ently6T#e us sto''ed and t#e /e0ro +#o #ad een readin0 t#e ne+s'a'er 0ot o))6 T#e
+o$an $o-ed o-er and set t#e little oy do+n +it# a t#u$' et+een #ersel) and 4ulian6 S#e
#eld #i$ )ir$ly y t#e (nee6 In a $o$ent #e 'ut #is #ands in )ront o) #is )ace and 'ee'ed at
4ulians $ot#er t#rou0# #is )in0ers68I see yooooooooS: s#e said and 'ut #er #and in )ront o) #er
)ace and 'ee'ed at #i$6T#e +o$an sla''ed #is #and do+n6 8Tuit yo )oolis#ness5: s#e said5
8e)ore I (noc( t#e li-in0 4esus out o) youS:4ulian +as t#an()ul t#at t#e ne"t sto' +as t#eirs6 He
reac#ed u' and 'ulled t#e cord6 T#e +o$an reac#ed u' and 'ulled it at t#e sa$e ti$e6 O# $y
!od5 #e t#ou0#t6 He #ad t#e terrile intuition t#at +#en t#ey 0ot o)) t#e us to0et#er5 #is
$ot#er +ould o'en #er 'urse and 0i-e t#e little oy a nic(el6 T#e 0esture +ould e as natural
to #er as reat#in06 T#e us sto''ed and t#e +o$an 0ot u' and lun0ed to t#e )ront5 dra00in0
t#e c#ild5 +#o +is#ed to stay on5 a)ter #er6 4ulian and #is $ot#er 0ot u' and )ollo+ed6 *s t#ey
neared t#e door5 4ulian tried to relie-e #er o) #er 'oc(etoo(68/o5: s#e $ur$ured5 8I +ant to
0i-e t#e little oy a nic(el6:8/oS: 4ulian #issed6 8/oS:
S#e s$iled do+n at t#e c#ild and o'ened #er a06 T#e us door o'ened and t#e +o$an
'ic(ed #i$ u' y t#e ar$ and descended +it# #i$5 #an0in0 at #er #i'6 Once in t#e street s#e
set #i$ do+n and s#oo( #i$64ulians $ot#er #ad to close #er 'urse +#ile s#e 0ot do+n t#e us
ste' ut as soon as #er )eet +ere on t#e 0round5 s#e o'ened it a0ain and e0an to ru$$a0e
inside6 8I cant )ind ut a 'enny5: s#e +#is'ered5 8ut it loo(s li(e a ne+ one6:8.ont do itS:
4ulian said )iercely et+een #is teet#6 T#ere +as a streetli0#t on t#e corner and s#e #urried to
0et under it so t#at s#e could etter see into #er 'oc(etoo(6 T#e +o$an +as #eadin0 o))
ra'idly do+n t#e street +it# t#e c#ild still #an0in0 ac(+ard on #er #and68O# little oyS:
4ulians $ot#er called and too( a )e+ 9uic( ste's and cau0#t u' +it# t#e$ @ust eyond t#e
la$''ost6 8Heres a ri0#t ne+ 'enny )or you5: and s#e #eld out t#e coin5 +#ic# s#one ronEe
in t#e di$ li0#t6T#e #u0e +o$an turned and )or a $o$ent stood5 #er s#oulders li)ted and #er
)ace )roEen +it# )rustrated ra0e5 and stared at 4ulians $ot#er6 T#en all at once s#e see$ed to
e"'lode li(e a 'iece o) $ac#inery t#at #ad een 0i-en one ounce o) 'ressure too $uc#6 4ulian
sa+ t#e lac( )ist s+in0 out +it# t#e red 'oc(etoo(6 He s#ut #is eyes and crin0ed as #e #eard
t#e +o$an s#out5 8He dont ta(e noodys 'enniesS: &#en #e o'ened #is eyes5 t#e +o$an
+as disa''earin0 do+n t#e street +it# t#e little oy starin0 +ideHeyed o-er #er s#oulder6
4ulians $ot#er +as sittin0 on t#e side+al(68I told you not to do t#at5: 4ulian said an0rily6 8I told
you not to do t#atS:He stood o-er #er )or a $inute5 0rittin0 #is teet#6 Her le0s +ere stretc#ed
out in )ront o) #er and #er #at +as on #er la'6 He s9uatted do+n and loo(ed #er in t#e )ace6 It
+as totally e"'ressionless6 8,ou 0ot e"actly +#at you deser-ed5: #e said6 8/o+ 0et u'6:He
'ic(ed u' #er 'oc(etoo( and 'ut +#at #ad )allen out ac( in it6 He 'ic(ed t#e #at u' o)) #er
la'6 T#e 'enny cau0#t #is eye on t#e side+al( and #e 'ic(ed t#at u' and let it dro' e)ore #er
eyes into t#e 'urse6 T#en #e stood u' and leaned o-er and #eld #is #ands out to 'ull #er u'6
S#e re$ained i$$oile6 He si0#ed6 Risin0 ao-e t#e$ on eit#er side +ere lac( a'art$ent
uildin0s5 $ar(ed +it# irre0ular rectan0les o) li0#t6 *t t#e end o) t#e loc( a $an ca$e out o) a
door and +al(ed o)) in t#e o''osite direction6 8*M ri0#t5: #e said5 8su''ose so$eody
#a''ens y and +ants to (no+ +#y youre sittin0 on t#e side+al(3:S#e too( t#e #and and5
reat#in0 #ard5 'ulled #ea-ily u' on it and t#en stood )or a $o$ent5 s+ayin0 sli0#tly as i) t#e
s'ots o) li0#t in t#e dar(ness +ere circlin0 around #er6 Her eyes5 s#ado+ed and con)used5
)inally settled on #is )ace6 He did not try to conceal #is irritation6 8I #o'e t#is teac#es you a
lesson5: #e said6 S#e leaned )or+ard and #er eyes ra(ed #is )ace6 S#e see$ed tryin0 to
deter$ine #is identity6 T#en5 as i) s#e )ound not#in0 )a$iliar aout #i$5 s#e started o)) +it# a
#eadlon0 $o-e$ent in t#e +ron0 direction68*rent you 0oin0 on to t#e ,3: #e as(ed68Ho$e5:
s#e $uttered68&ell5 are +e +al(in03:For ans+er s#e (e't 0oin06 4ulian )ollo+ed alon05 #is
#ands e#ind #i$6 He sa+ no reason to let t#e lesson s#e #ad #ad 0o +it#out ac(in0 it u' +it#
an e"'lanation o) its $eanin06 S#e $i0#t as +ell e $ade to understand +#at #ad #a''ened to
#er6 8.ont t#in( t#at +as @ust an u''ity /e0ro +o$an5: #e said6 8T#at +as t#e +#ole colored
race +#ic# +ill no lon0er ta(e your condescendin0 'ennies6 T#at +as your lac( doule6 S#e
can +ear t#e sa$e #at as you5 and to e sure5: #e added 0ratuitously Necause #e t#ou0#t it
+as )unnyO5 8it loo(ed etter on #er t#an it did on you6 &#at5 all t#is $eans5: #e said5 8is t#at
t#e old +orld is 0one6 T#e old $anners are osolete and your 0raciousness is not +ort# a
da$n6: He t#ou0#t itterly o) t#e #ouse t#at #ad een lost )or #i$6 8,ou arent +#o you t#in(
you are5: #e said6S#e continued to 'lo+ a#ead5 'ayin0 no attention to #i$6 Her #air #ad co$e
undone on one side6 S#e dro''ed #er 'oc(etoo( and too( no notice6 He stoo'ed and 'ic(ed it
u' and #anded it to #er ut s#e did not ta(e it68,ou neednt act as i) t#e +orld #ad co$e to an
end5: #e said5 8ecause it #asnt6 Fro$ no+ on you-e 0ot to li-e in a ne+ +orld and )ace a )e+
realities )or a c#an0e6 %uc( u'5: #e said5 8it +ont (ill you6:S#e +as reat#in0 )ast68Lets +ait on
t#e us5: #e said68Ho$e5: s#e said t#ic(ly68I #ate to see you e#a-e li(e t#is5: #e said6 84ust li(e
a c#ild6 I s#ould e ale to e"'ect $ore o) you6: He decided to sto' +#ere #e +as and $a(e
#er sto' and +ait )or a us6 8I$ not 0oin0 any )art#er5: #e said5 sto''in06 8&ere 0oin0 on t#e
us6:S#e continued to 0o on as i) s#e #ad not #eard #i$6 He too( a )e+ ste's and cau0#t #er
ar$ and sto''ed #er6 He loo(ed into #er )ace and cau0#t #is reat#6 He +as loo(in0 into a )ace
#e #ad ne-er seen e)ore6 8Tell !rand'a to co$e 0et $e5: s#e said6He stared5 stric(en68Tell
Caroline to co$e 0et $e5: s#e said6Stunned5 #e let #er 0o and s#e lurc#ed )or+ard a0ain5
+al(in0 as i) one le0 +ere s#orter t#an t#e ot#er6 * tide o) dar(ness see$ed to e s+ee'in0
#er )ro$ #i$6 8Mot#erS: #e cried6 8.arlin05 s+eet#eart5 +aitS: Cru$'lin05 s#e )ell to t#e
'a-e$ent6 He das#ed )or+ard and )ell at #er side5 cryin05 8Ma$$a5 Ma$$aS: He turned #er
o-er6 Her )ace +as )iercely distorted6 One eye5 lar0e and starin05 $o-ed sli0#tly to t#e le)t as i)
it #ad eco$e un$oored6 T#e ot#er re$ained )i"ed on #i$5 ra(ed #is )ace a0ain5 )ound not#in0
and closed68&ait #ere5 +ait #ereS: #e cried and @u$'ed u' and e0an to run )or #el' to+ard a
cluster o) li0#ts #e sa+ in t#e distance a#ead o) #i$6 8Hel'5 #el'S: #e s#outed5 ut #is -oice
+as t#in5 scarcely a t#read o) sound6 T#e li0#ts dri)ted )art#er a+ay t#e )aster #e ran and #is
)eet $o-ed nu$ly as i) t#ey carried #i$ no+#ere6 T#e tide o) dar(ness see$ed to s+ee' #i$
ac( to #er5 'ost'onin0 )ro$ $o$ent to $o$ent #is entry into t#e +orld o) 0uilt and sorro+6
T#e Partrid0e Festi-al N;<?;O
C*LHO7/ 'ar(ed #is s$all 'odHs#a'ed car in t#e dri-e+ay to #is 0reatHaunts #ouse and
0ot out cautiously5 loo(in0 to t#e ri0#t and le)t as i) #e e"'ected t#e 'ro)usion o) aEalea
losso$s to #a-e a let#al e))ect u'on #i$6 Instead o) a decent la+n5 t#e old ladies #ad t#ree
terraces cra$$ed +it# red and +#ite aEaleas5 e0innin0 at t#e side+al( and runnin0
ac(+ards to t#e -ery ed0e o) t#eir i$'osin0 un'ainted #ouse6 T#e t+o o) t#e$ +ere on t#e
)ront 'orc#5 one sittin05 t#e ot#er standin06
8Heres our ayD: #is *unt %essie intoned in a -oice $eant to reac# t#e ot#er one5 t+o
)eet a+ay ut dea)6 It turned t#e #ead o) a 0irl in t#e ne"t yard5 +#o sat crossle00ed under a
tree5 readin06 S#e raised #er s'ectacled )ace5 stared at Cal#oun5 and t#en returned #er
attentionI+it# +#at #e sa+ 'lainly +as a s$ir(Ito t#e oo(6 Sco+lin05 #e 'assed stolidly on
to t#e 'orc# to 0et o-er t#e 'reli$inaries +it# #is aunts6 T#ey +ould ta(e #is -oluntary
'resence in Partrid0e at *Ealea Festi-al ti$e to e a si0n t#at #is c#aracter +as i$'ro-in06
T#ey +ere o"H@a+ed old ladies +#o loo(ed li(e !eor0e &as#in0ton +it# #is +ooden teet#
in6 T#ey +ore lac( suits +it# lar0e ru))led @aots and #ad deadH+#ite #air 'ulled ac(6 *)ter
eac# #ad e$raced #i$5 #e dro''ed li$'ly into a roc(er and 0a-e t#e$ a s#ee'is# s$ile6 He
+as #ere only ecause Sin0leton #ad ca'tured #is i$a0ination5 ut #e #ad told #is *unt %essie
o-er t#e tele'#one t#at #e +as co$in0 to en@oy t#e )esti-al6
T#e dea) one5 *unt Mattie5 s#outed5 8,our 0reat0rand)at#er +ould #a-e een deli0#ted to
see you ta(in0 an interest in t#e )esti-al5 Cal#oun6 He initiated it #i$sel)5 you (no+6:
8&ell5: t#e oy yelled ac(5 8+#at aout t#e little e"tra e"cite$ent you-e #ad t#is ti$e3:
Ten days e)ore t#e )esti-al e0an5 a $an na$ed Sin0leton #ad een tried y a $oc( court
on t#e court#ouse la+n )or not uyin0 an *Ealea Festi-al %ad0e6 .urin0 t#e trial #e #ad een
i$'risoned in a 'air o) stoc(s and +#en con-icted5 #e #ad een loc(ed in t#e 8@ail: to0et#er
+it# a 0oat t#at #ad een tried and con-icted 're-iously )or t#e sa$e o))ense6 T#e 8@ail: +as an
outdoor 'ri-y orro+ed )or t#e occasion y t#e 4aycees6 Ten days later5 Sin0leton #ad a''eared
in a side door on t#e court#ouse 'orc# and +it# a silent auto$atic 'istol5 #ad s#ot )i-e o) t#e
di0nitaries seated t#ere and y $ista(e one 'erson in t#e cro+d6 T#e innocent $an recei-ed
t#e ullet intended )or t#e $ayor +#o at t#at $o$ent #ad reac#ed do+n to 'ull u' t#e ton0ue
o) #is s#oe6
8*n un)ortunate incident5: #is *unt Mattie said6 8It $ars t#e )esti-e s'irit6:
He #eard t#e 0irl on t#e ot#er la+n sla$ #er oo(6 T#e to' o) #er rose into -ie+ ao-e t#e
#ed0eIa slo'in0H)or+ard nec( and a s$all )ace +it# a )ierce e"'ression5 +#ic# s#e trained
rie)ly on t#e$ e)ore s#e disa''eared6 8It doesnt see$ to #a-e $arred anyt#in05: #e said6
8*s I 'assed t#rou0# to+n I sa+ $ore 'eo'le t#an e-er e)ore and all t#e )la0s +ere u'6
Partrid0e5: #e s#outed5 8+ill ury its dead ut +ill not lose a nic(el6: T#e 0irls )ront door
sla$$ed in t#e $iddle o) t#e sentence6
His *unt %essie #ad 0one into t#e #ouse and co$e out a0ain +it# a s$all leat#er o"6 8,ou
loo( -ery li(e Fat#er5: s#e said and 'ulled u' #er c#air eside #i$6
&it#out ent#usias$ Cal#oun o'ened t#e o"5 +#ic# s#ed a rustcolored dust o-er #is (nees5
and re$o-ed t#e $iniature o) #is 0reat0rand)at#er6 He +as s#o+n t#is e-ery ti$e #e ca$e6
T#e old $anIroundH)aced5 ald5 alto0et#er unre$ar(aleHloo(in0Isat +it# #is #ands (notted
on t#e #ead o) a lac( stic(6 His e"'ression +as all innocence and deter$ination6 T#e $aster
$erc#ant5 t#e oy t#ou0#t5 and )linc#ed6 8*nd +#at +ould t#is stal+art +ort#y t#in( o)
Partrid0e today5: #e as(ed +ryly5 8+it# its )esti-al in )ull s+in0 a)ter si" citiEens #a-e een
s#ot3:
8Fat#er +as 'ro0ressi-e5: #is *unt %essie said5:It#e $ost )or+ardHloo(in0 $erc#ant
Partrid0e e-er #ad6 He +ould eit#er #a-e een one o) t#e 'ro$inent $en s#ot or #e +ould
#a-e een t#e one to sudue t#e $aniac6:
T#e oy did not (no+ #o+ $uc# o) t#is #e could stand6 In t#e 'a'er t#ere #ad een
'ictures o) t#e si" 8-icti$s: and one o) Sin0leton6 Sin0letons +as t#e only distincti-e )ace in t#e
lot6 It +as road ut ony and lea(6 One eye +as $ore nearly round t#an t#e ot#er and in t#e
$ore nearly round one Cal#oun #ad reco0niEed t#e co$'osure o) t#e $an +#o (no+s #e +ill
and +#o is +illin0 to su))er )or t#e ri0#t to e #i$sel)6 * calculatin0 conte$'t lur(ed in t#e
re0ular eye ut in t#e 0eneral e"'ression t#ere +as t#e tortured loo( o) t#e $an +#o eco$es
$addened )inally y t#e $adness around #i$6 T#e ot#er si" )aces +ere o) t#e sa$e 0eneral
sta$' as #is 0reat0rand)at#ers6
8*s you 0et older5 youll loo( $ore and $ore li(e Fat#er5: #is *unt Mattie 'ro'#esied6 8,ou
#a-e #is ruddy co$'le"ion and $uc# t#e sa$e e"'ression6:
8I$ a di))erent ty'e entirely5: #e said sti))ly6
8Peac#es and crea$5: #is *unt %essie 0u))a+ed6 8,oure 0ettin0 a little 'otHtu$$y too5:
s#e said and too( a lun0e at #is $iddle +it# #er )ist6 8Ho+ old is our ay no+3:
8T+entyHt#ree5: #e $uttered5 t#in(in0 t#at it could not 0o on li(e t#is )or t#e +#ole -isit5
t#at once t#ey #ad rou0#ed #i$ u' a it5 t#ey +ould lea-e o))6
8*nd do you #a-e a 0irl3: #is *unt Mattie as(ed6
8/o5: #e said +earily6 8I ta(e it5: #e +ent on5 8t#at around #ere Sin0leton is considered
not#in0 ut a $ental case3:
8,es5: #is *unt %essie said5:I'eculiar6 He ne-er con)or$ed6 He +as not li(e t#e rest o) us
#ere6:
8* terrile dra+ac(5: t#e oy said6 T#ou0# #is eyes +ere not $is$atc#ed5 t#e s#a'e o) #is
)ace +as road li(e Sin0letonsD ut t#e real li(eness et+een t#e$ +as interior6
8Since #e is insane5 #e is not res'onsile5: #is *unt %essie said6 T#e oys eyes ri0#tened6
He sat )or+ard and )i"ed t#e old lady +it# a narro+ 0aEe6 8*nd +#ere t#en5: #e as(ed5 8does
t#e real 0uilt lie3:
8Fat#ers #ead +as as s$oot# as an in)ants y t#e ti$e #e +as t#irty5: s#e said6 8,ou #ad
etter #urry and 0et you a 0irl6 Ha #a5 &#at are you 0oin0 to do +it# yoursel) no+D:
He reac#ed into #is 'oc(et and +it#dre+ Ls 'i'e and a sac( o) toacco6 ,ou could not as(
t#e$ 9uestions in de't#6 T#ey +ere ot# 0ood lo+Hc#urc# E'isco'alians ut t#ey #ad a$oral
i$a0inations6 8I t#in( I s#all +rite5: #e said and e0an to load t#e o+l6
8&ell5: #is *unt %essie said5 8t#ats )ine6 Maye youll e anot#er Mar0aret Mitc#elL:
8I #o'e youll do us @ustice5: #is *unt Mattie s#outed6 8Fe+ do6:
8Ill do you @ustice all ri0#t5: #e said 0ri$ly6 8I$ +ritin0 an e"'osB: He sto''ed and 'ut t#e
'i'e in #is $out# and sat ac(6 It +ould e ridiculous to tell t#e$6 He re$o-ed t#e 'i'e and
said5 8&ell5 t#ats too $uc# to 0o into6 It +ouldnt interest you ladies6:
His *unt %essie inclined #er #ead si0ni)icantly6 8Cal#oun5: s#e said5 8+e +ouldnt +ant to
e disa''ointed in you6: T#ey eyed #i$ as i) it #ad @ust occurred to t#e$ t#at t#e 'et sna(e
t#ey #ad een )ondlin0 $i0#t a)ter all e 'oisonous6
8Cno+ t#e trut#5: t#e oy said +it# #is )iercest loo(5 8and t#e trut# s#all $a(e you )ree6:
T#ey a''eared reassured at #is 9uotin0 Scri'ture6 8Isnt #e s+eet5: #is *unt Mattie as(ed5
8+it# #is little 'i'e3:
8%etter 0et you a 0irl5 oy5: #is *unt %essie said6
He esca'ed t#e$ in a )e+ $inutes and too( #is a0 u'stairs and t#en ca$e do+n a0ain5
ready to 0o out and i$$erse #i$sel) in #is $aterial6 His intention +as to s'end t#e a)ternoon
inter-ie+in0 'eo'le aout Sin0leton6 He e"'ected to +rite so$et#in0 t#at +ould -indicate t#e
$ad$an and #e e"'ected t#e +ritin0 o) it to $iti0ate #is o+n 0uilt5 )or #is douleness5 #is
s#ado+5 +as cast e)ore #i$ $ore dar(ly t#an usual in t#e li0#t o) Sin0letons 'urity6
For t#e t#ree su$$er $ont#s o) t#e year5 #e li-ed +it# #is 'arents and sold airH
conditioners5 oats5 and re)ri0erators so t#at )or t#e ot#er nine $ont#s #e could a))ord to $eet
li)e naturally and rin0 #is real sel)It#e reelHartistH$ysticHto irt#6 .urin0 t#ese ot#er $ont#s
#e li-ed on t#e o''osite side o) t#e city in an un#eated +al(Hu' +it# t+o ot#er oys +#o also
did not#in06 %ut 0uilt )or t#e su$$er 'ursued #i$ into t#e +interD t#e )act +as5 #e could #a-e
)ared +it#out t#e or0y o) sellin0 #e cast #i$sel) into in t#e su$$er6
&#en #e #ad e"'lained to t#e$ t#at #e des'ised t#eir -alues5 #is 'arents #ad loo(ed at
eac# ot#er +it# a 0lea$ o) reco0nition as i) t#is +ere +#at t#ey #ad een e"'ectin0 )ro$ +#at
t#ey #ad read5 and #is )at#er #ad o))ered to 0i-e #i$ a s$all allo+ance to )inance t#e )lat6 He
#ad re)used it )or t#e sa(e o) #is inde'endence5 ut in t#e de't#s o) #i$sel)5 #e (ne+ it +as not
)or #is inde'endence ut ecause #e en@oyed sellin06 In t#e )ace o) a custo$er5 #e +as carried
outside #i$sel)D #is )ace e0an to ea$ and s+eat and all co$'le"ity le)t #i$D #e +as in t#e
0ri' o) a dri-e as stron0 as t#e dri-e o) so$e $en )or li9uor or a +o$anD and #e +as #orrily
0ood at it6 He +as so 0ood at it t#at t#e co$'any #ad 0i-en #i$ an ac#ie-e$ent scroll6 He #ad
'ut 9uotation $ar(s around t#e +ord ac#ie-e$ent and #e and #is )riends used t#e scroll as a
tar0et )or darts6
*s soon as #e #ad seen Sin0letons 'icture in t#e 'a'er5 t#e )ace e0an to urn in #is
i$a0ination li(e a dar( re'roac#)ul lieratin0 star6 T#e ne"t $ornin0 #e #ad tele'#oned #is
aunts to e"'ect #i$ and #e #ad dri-en t#e #undred and )i)ty $iles to Partrid0e in a little s#ort
o) )our #ours6
On #is +ay out o) t#e #ouse5 #is *unt %essie #alted #i$ and said5 8%e ac( y si"5 %ay
La$5 and +ell #a-e a s+eet sur'rise )or you6:
8Rice 'uddin03: #e as(ed6 T#ey +ere terrile coo(s6
8S+eeter y )arS: t#e old lady said and rolled #er eyes6 He #astened a+ay6
T#e 0irl ne"t door #ad returned +it# #er oo( to t#e la+n6 He sus'ected t#at #e $i0#t e
su''osed to (no+ #er6 &#en #e ca$e )or -isits as a c#ild5 #is aunts #ad al+ays 'roduced one
o) t#e nei0#ors )rea( c#ildren to 'lay +it# #i$Ionce a )at $oron in a !irl Scout suit5 anot#er
ti$e a nearHsi0#ted oy +#o recited %ile -erses5 and anot#er an al$ost s9uare 0irl +#o #ad
lac(ened #is eye and le)t6 He t#an(ed !od #e +as no+ 0ro+n and t#ey +ould no lon0er dare
to )ill #is ti$e )or #i$6 T#e 0irl did not loo( u' as #e 'assed and #e did not s'ea(6
Once on t#e side+al(5 #e +as a))ected y t#e 'ro)usion o) aEaleas6 T#ey see$ed to +as# in
tides o) color across t#e la+ns until t#ey sur0ed a0ainst t#e +#ite #ouseH)ronts5 crests o) 'in(
and cri$son5 crests o) +#ite and a $ysterious s#ade t#at +as not yet la-ender5 +ild crests o)
yello+Hred6 T#e 'ro)usion o) color al$ost sto''ed #is reat# +it# insidious 'leasure6 Moss
#un0 )ro$ t#e old trees6 T#e #ouses +ere t#e $ost 'ictures9ue ty'es o) rundo+n anteH
ellu$6 T#e taint o) t#e 'lace +as e"'ressed in #is 0reat0rand)at#ers +ords +#ic# #ad
sur-i-ed as t#e to+ns $otto: %eauty is Our Money Cro'6
His aunts li-ed )i-e loc(s )ro$ t#e usiness section6 He +al(ed t#e$ 9uic(ly and ca$e
a)ter a )e+ $inutes to t#e ed0e o) t#e are co$$ercial scene5 +#ic# #ad t#e ra$s#ac(le
court#ouse )or its center6 T#e sun eat do+n )iercely on t#e to's o) cars 'ar(ed in e-ery
a-ailale s'ace6 Fla0s5 national5 state and con)ederate5 )la''ed on e-ery corner street li0#t6
Peo'le $illed aout6 On t#e 9uiet s#aded street +#ere #is aunts li-ed and t#e aEaleas +ere
est5 #e #ad not 'assed t#ree 'eo'le5 ut #ere t#ey all +ere5 starin0 a-idly at t#e 'at#etic store
dis'lays and $o-in0 +it# lan0uid re-erence 'ast t#e court#ouse 'orc#5 t#e s'ot +#ere lood
#ad een s'illed6 He +ondered i) any o) t#e$ $i0#t t#in( #e +as #ere )or t#e sa$e reason
t#ey +ere6 He +ould #a-e li(ed to start5 in Socratic )as#ion5 a street discussion aout +#ere t#e
real 0uilt )or t#e si" deat#s lay5 ut as #e sur-eyed t#e scene5 #e sa+ no one +#o loo(ed
ca'ale o) any 0enuine interest in $eanin06 &it#out set 'ur'ose5 #e entered a dru0store6 T#e
'lace +as dar( and s$elled o) sour -anilla6
He sat do+n on t#e #i0# stool at t#e counter and ordered a li$eade6 T#e oy 're'arin0 t#e
drin( #ad elaorate red sideurns and +ore on #is s#irt)ront an *Ealea Festi-al %ad0eIt#e
e$le$ +#ic# Sin0leton #ad re)used to uy6 Cal#ouns eye )ell on it at once6 8I see you-e 'aid
your triute to t#e 0od5: #e said6
T#e oy did not see$ to 0et t#e si0ni)icance o) t#is6
8T#e ad0e5: Cal#oun said5 8t#e ad0e6:
T#e oy loo(ed do+n at it and t#en ac( at Cal#oun6 He 'ut t#e drin( on t#e counter and
continued to loo( at #i$ as i) #e +ere ser-in0 so$eone +it# an interestin0 de)or$ity6
8*re you en@oyin0 t#e )esti-e s'irit3: Cal#oun as(ed6
8*ll t#ese doin0s3: t#e oy said6
8T#ese 0rand e-ents5: Cal#oun said5 8co$$encin0 +it#5 I elie-e5 si" deat#s6:
8,essir5: t#e oy said5 8si" in cold lood6 *nd I (ne+ )our o) t#e$ $ysel)6:
8,ou too #a-e #ad your s#are o) t#e 0lory t#en5: Cal#oun said6 He )elt suddenly a distinct
#us# )all on t#e street outside6 He turned #is eyes to t#e door @ust in ti$e to see a #earse 'ass5
)ollo+ed y a line o) slo+ly $o-in0 cars6
8T#ats t#e $an t#ats #a-in0 #is )uneral to #i$sel)5: t#e oy said re-erently6 8T#e )i-e t#at
+ere su''osed to 0et s#ot #ad t#eirs yesterday6 One i0 one6 %ut #e didnt die in ti$e )or it6:
8T#ey #a-e innocent as +ell as 0uilty lood on t#eir #ands5:
Cal#oun said and 0lared at t#e oy6
8It +asnt no t#ey5: t#e oy said6 8One $an done it all6 * $an na$ed Sin0leton6 He +as
ats6:
8Sin0leton +as only t#e instru$ent5: Cal#oun said6 8Partrid0e itsel) is 0uilty6: He )inis#ed #is
drin( in a 0ul' and 'ut do+n t#e 0lass6
T#e oy +as loo(in0 at #i$ as i) #e +ere $ad6 8Patrid0e cant s#oot noody5: #e said in a
#i0# e"as'erated -oice6
Cal#oun 'ut #is di$e on t#e counter and le)t6 T#e last car #ad turned at t#e end o) t#e
loc(6 He t#ou0#t #e oser-ed less acti-ity6 Peo'le #ad o-iously #astened a+ay at t#e si0#t o)
t#e #earse6 T+o doors )ro$ #i$ an old $an leaned out o) a #ard+are store and 0lared u' t#e
street +#ere t#e 'rocession #ad disa''eared6 Cal#ouns need to co$$unicate +as ur0ent6 He
a''roac#ed di))idently6 8I understand t#at +as t#e last )uneral5: #e said6
T#e old $an 'ut a #and e#ind #is ear6
8T#e )uneral o) t#e innocent $an5: Cal#oun s#outed and nodded u' t#e street6
T#e old $an cleared #is nostrils loudly6 His e"'ression +as not a))ale6 8T#e only ullet t#at
+ent ri0#t5: #e said in a ras'in0 -oice6 8%iller +as a +astrel6 .run( at t#e ti$e6:
T#e oy sco+led6 8I su''ose t#e ot#er )i-e +ere #eroes3: #e su00ested arc#ly6
8Fine $en5: t#e old $an said6 8Peris#ed in t#e line o) duty6 &e 0i-e$ a #eros )unelIall
)i-e in one i0 ser-ice6 %illers )ol(s tried to rus# u' t#e underta(er so t#ey could 0et %iller in on
it ut +e sa+ to it %iller didnt $a(e it6 &ould #a-e een a dis0race6:
My !od5 t#e oy t#ou0#t6
8T#e only t#in0 Sin0leton e-er did 0ood +as to rid us o) %iller5: t#e old $an continued6
8/o+ so$eody ou0#t to rid us o) Sin0leton6 T#ere #e is at Tuincy5 li-in0 in t#e la'er lu"ury5
layin0 in a cool ed at no e"'ense5 eatin0 u' your ta"es and $ine6 T#ey s#ould #a-e s#ot #i$
on t#e s'ot6:
T#is +as so a''allin0 t#at Cal#oun +as s'eec#less6
8!oin0 to (ee' #i$ t#ere5 t#ey ou0#t to c#ar0e #i$ oard5: t#e old $an said6
&it# a conte$'tuous 0lance5 t#e oy +al(ed o))6 He crossed t#e street to t#e court#ouse
s9uare5 $o-in0 at an odd an0le in order to 'ut as $uc# distance et+een #i$sel) and t#e old
)ool as 9uic(ly as 'ossile6 Here enc#es +ere scattered eneat# t#e trees6 He )ound an
unoccu'ied one and sat do+n6 To t#e side o) t#e court#ouse ste's5 se-eral -ie+ers stood
ad$irin0 t#e 8@ail: +#ere Sin0leton #ad een loc(ed +it# t#e 0oat6 T#e 'at#os o) #is )riends
situation +as orne in on #i$ +it# a rus# o) e$'at#y6 He )elt #i$sel) )lun0 in t#e 'ri-y5 t#e
'adloc( clic(ed5 #e 0lared et+een t#e rottin0 'lan(s at t#e )ools #o+lin0 and ca-ortin0
outside6 T#e 0oat $ade an oscene noiseD #e sa+ t#at #e +as con)ined +it# t#e s'irit o) t#e
co$$unity6
8Si" $en +as s#ot #ere5: an odd $u))led -oice close y said6
T#e oy @u$'ed6
* s$all +#ite 0irl +#ose ton0ue +as curled in t#e $out# o) a CocaHCola ottle +as sittin0 in
a 'atc# o) sand at #is )eet5 +atc#in0 #i$ +it# a detac#ed 0aEe6 Her eyes +ere t#e sa$e 0reen
as t#e ottle6 S#e +as are)ooted and #ad strai0#t +#ite #air6 S#e +it#dre+ #er ton0ue )ro$
t#e ottle +it# an e"'losi-e sound6 8* ad $an did it5: s#e said6
T#e oy )elt t#e (ind o) )rustration t#at acco$'anies contact +it# t#e certainty o) c#ildren6
8/o5: #e said5 8#e +as not a ad $an6:
T#e c#ild 'ut #er ton0ue ac( in t#e ottle and +it#dre+ it silently5 #er eyes on #i$6
8Peo'le +ere not 0ood to #i$5: #e e"'lained6 8T#ey +ere $ean to #i$6 T#ey +ere cruel6
&#at +ould you do i) so$eone +ere cruel to you3:
8S#oot t#e$5: s#e said6
8&ell5 t#ats +#at #e did5: Cal#oun said5 )ro+nin06
S#e continued to sit t#ere and did not ta(e #er eyes o)) #i$6 Her 0aEe $i0#t #a-e een t#e
de't#less 0aEe o) Partrid0e itsel)6
8,ou 'eo'le 'ersecuted #i$ and )inally dro-e #i$ $ad5: t#e oy said6 8He +ouldnt uy a
ad0e6 &as t#at a cri$e3 He +as t#e Outsider #ere and you couldnt stand t#at6 One o) t#e
)unda$ental ri0#ts o) $an5: #e said5 0larin0 t#rou0# t#e c#ilds trans'arent stare5 8is t#e ri0#t
not to e#a-e li(e a )ool6 T#e ri0#t to e di))erent5: #e said #oarsely5 8My !od6 T#e ri0#t to e
yoursel)6:
&it#out ta(in0 #er eyes o)) #i$5 s#e li)ted one o) #er )eet and set it on #er (nee6
8He +as a ad ad ad $an5: s#e said6
Cal#oun 0ot u' and +al(ed o))5 0larin0 In )ront o) #i$6 His indi0nation s+at#ed #is -ision in
a (ind o) #aEe6 He sa+ none o) t#e acti-ity around #i$ distinctly6 T+o #i0# sc#ool 0irls in ri0#t
s(irts and @ac(ets s+un0 into #is 'at# and s#rilled5 8%uy a tic(et )or t#e eauty contest toni0#t6
See +#oll e Miss Partrid0e *EaleaS: He s+er-ed s#ar'ly to t#e side and did not t#ro+ t#e$ so
$uc# as a 0lance6 T#eir 0i00les )ollo+ed #i$ until #e +as 'ast t#e court#ouse and onto t#e
loc( e#ind it6 He stood t#ere a $o$ent5 undecided +#at #e +ould do ne"t6 He )aced a
arer s#o' +#ic# loo(ed e$'ty and cool6 *)ter a $o$ent #e entered it6
T#e arer5 alone in t#e s#o'5 raised #is #ead )ro$ e#ind t#e 'a'er #e +as readin06
Cal#oun as(ed )or a #aircut and sat do+n 0rate)ully in t#e c#air6 T#e arer +as a tall
e$aciated )ello+ +it# eyes t#at $i0#t #a-e )aded )ro$ so$e dee'er color6 He loo(ed to e a
$an +#o #ad su))ered #i$sel)6 He 'ut t#e i on t#e oy and stood starin0 at #is round #ead
as i) it +ere a 'u$'(in #e +as +onderin0 #o+ to slice6 T#en #e t+irled t#e c#air so t#at
Cal#oun )aced t#e $irror6 He +as con)ronted +it# an i$a0e t#at +as roundH)aced5
unre$ar(aleloo(in0 and innocent6 T#e oys e"'ression turned )ierce6 8*re you eatin0 u' t#is
slo' li(e t#e rest o) t#e$3: #e as(ed elli0erently6
8Co$e a0ain3: t#e arer said6
8.o t#e trial rites 0oin0 on #ere i$'ro-e t#e arer trade3 *ll t#ese doin0s5 all t#ese
doin0s5: #e said i$'atiently6
8&ell5: t#e arer said5 8last year it +as a t#ousand e"tra 'eo'le #ere and t#is year it loo(s
to e $oreIon account5: #e said5 8o) t#e tra0edy6:
8T#e tra0edy5: t#e oy re'eated and stretc#ed #is $out#6
8T#e si" t#at +as s#ot5: t#e arer said6
8T#at tra0edy5: t#e oy said6 8*nd +#at aout t#e ot#er tra0edyIt#e $an +#o +as
'ersecuted y t#ese idiots until #e s#ot si" o) t#e$3:
8O# #i$5: t#e arer said6
8Sin0leton5: t#e oy said6 8.id #e 'atroniEe your 'lace3:
T#e arer e0an cli''in0 #is #air6 * 'eculiar e"'ression o) disdain #ad co$e o-er #is )ace
at t#e $ention o) t#e na$e6 8Toni0#t its a eauty contest5: #e said5 8to$orro+ ni0#t its a
and concert5 T#ursday a)ternoon its a i0 'arade +it# MissB:
8.id you or didnt you (no+ Sin0leton3: Cal#oun interru'ted6
8Cno+n #i$ +ell5: t#e arer said and s#ut #is $out#6
* tre$or +ent t#rou0# t#e oy as #e realiEed t#at Sin0leton #ad 'roaly sat in t#e c#air
#e #i$sel) +as no+ sittin0 in6 He searc#ed #is )ace in t#e $irror des'erately )or its #idden
li(eness to t#e $an6 Slo+ly #e sa+ it a''ear5 a secret $essa0e rou0#t to li0#t y t#e #eat o)
#is )eelin0s6 8.id #e 'atroniEe your s#o'3: #e as(ed and #eld #is reat# )or t#e ans+er6
8Hi$ and $e +as related y $arria0e5: t#e arer said indi0nantly5 8ut #e ne-er co$e in
#ere6 He +as too i0 a s(in)lint to #a-e #is #air cut6 He cut #is o+n6:
8*n un'ardonale cri$e5: Cal#oun said in a #i0# -oice6
8His second cousin $arried $y sisterHinHla+5: t#e arer said5 8ut #e ne-er (no+n $e on
t#e street6 Pass #i$ as close as I a$ to you and #ed (ee' 0oin06 Ce't #is eye on t#e 0round all
t#e ti$e li(e #e +as )ollo+in0 a u06:
8Preoccu'ied5: t#e oy $uttered6 8He doutless didnt (no+ you +ere on t#e street6:
8He (no+n it5: t#e arer said and #is $out# curled un'leasantly6 8He (no+n it6 I cli' #air
and #e cli''ed cou'ons and t#at +as t#at6 I cli' #air5: #e re'eated as i) t#is sentence #ad a
'articularly satis)yin0 rin0 to #is ears5 8and #e cli''ed cou'ons6:
T#e ty'ical #a-eHnot 'syc#olo0y5 Cal#oun t#ou0#t6 8&as t#e Sin0leton )a$ily once
+ealt#y3: #e as(ed6
8It +asnt ut #al) o) #i$ Sin0leton5: t#e arer said5 8and t#e Sin0letons clai$ed t#ere
+asnt none o) #i$ Sin0leton6 One o) t#e Sin0leton 0irls 0one o)) on a nineH$ont#s -acation
and co$e ac( +it# #i$6 T#en t#ey all died o)) and le)t #i$ t#eir $oney6 Its no tellin0 +#at t#e
ot#er #al) o) #i$ is6 So$et#in0 )orei0n I +ould @ud0e6: His tone insinuated $ore6
8I e0in to 0et t#e 'icture5: Cal#oun said6
8He aint cli''in0 no cou'ons no+5: said t#e arer6
8/o5: Cal#oun said and #is -oice rose5 8no+ #es su))erin06 Hes t#e sca'e0oat6 Hes laden
+it# t#e sins o) t#e co$$unity6 Sacri)iced )or t#e 0uilt o) ot#ers6:
T#e arer 'aused5 #is $out# 'art+ay o'en6 *)ter a $o$ent #e said in a $ore res'ect)ul
-oice5 8Re-erend5 you 0ot #i$ +ron06 He +asnt a c#urc#H0oin0 $an6:
T#e oy reddened6 8I$ not a c#urc#H0oin0 $an $ysel)5: #e said6
T#e arer see$ed sto''ed a0ain6 He stood #oldin0 t#e scissors uncertainly6
8He +as an indi-idualist5: Cal#oun said6 8* $an +#o +ould not allo+ #i$sel) to e 'ressed
into t#e $old o) #is in)eriors6 * nonHcon)or$ist6 He +as a $an o) de't# li-in0 a$on0
caricatures and t#ey )inally dro-e #i$ $ad5 unleas#ed all #is -iolence on t#e$sel-es6 Oser-e5:
#e continued5 8t#at t#ey didnt try #i$6 T#ey si$'ly #ad #i$ co$$itted at once to Tuincy6
&#y3 %ecause5: #e said5 8a trial +ould #a-e rou0#t out #is essential innocence and t#e real
0uilt o) t#e co$$unity6:
T#e arers )ace li0#tened6 8,oure a la+yer5 aint you3: #e as(ed6
8/o5: t#e oy said sullenly6 8I$ a +riter6:
8O###5: t#e arer $ur$ured6 8I (no+n it $ust e so$et#in0 li(e t#at6: *)ter a $o$ent
#e said5 8&#at you +ritten3:
8He ne-er $arried3: Cal#oun +ent on rudely6 8He li-ed alone in t#e Sin0leton 'lace in t#e
country3:
8&#at t#ere +as o) it5: t#e arer said6 8He +ouldnt #a-e s'ent a nic(el to (ee' it )ro$
)allin0 do+n and no +o$an +ouldnt #a-e #ad #i$6 T#at +as t#e one t#in0 #e al+ays #ad to
'ay )or5: #e said and $ade a -ul0ar noise in #is c#ee(6
8,ou (no+ ecause you +ere al+ays t#ere5: t#e oy said5 arely ale to control #is dis0ust
)or t#is i0ot6
8/a+5: t#e arer said5 8it +as @ust co$$on (no+led0e6 I cli' #air5: #e said5 8ut I dont
li-e li(e a #o06 I 0ot 'lu$in0 in $y #ouse and a re)ri0erator t#at s'its ice cues into $y +i)es
#and6:
8He +as not a $aterialist5: Cal#oun said6 8T#ere +ere t#in0s t#at $eant $ore to #i$ t#an
'lu$in06 Inde'endence5 )or instance6:
8Ha5: t#e arer snorted6 8He +asnt so inde'endent6 Once li0#tnin0 al$ost struc( #i$ and
t#ose t#at sa+ it said you s#ould #a-e seen #i$ run6 Too( o)) li(e ees +ere s+ar$in0 in #is
'ants6 T#ey li(ed to died lau0#in05: and #e 0a-e a #yenaHli(e lau0# #i$sel) and sla''ed #is
(nee6
8Loat#so$e5: t#e oy $ur$ured6
8*not#er ti$e5: t#e arer continued5 8so$eody +ent out t#ere and 'ut a dead cat in #is
+ell6 So$eody +as al+ays doin0 so$et#in0 to see i) t#ey could $a(e #i$ turn loose a little
$oney6 *not#er ti$eB:
Cal#oun e0an )i0#tin0 #is +ay out o) t#e i as i) it +ere a net #e +as cau0#t in6 &#en #e
+as )ree o) it5 #Y t#rust #is #and in #is 'oc(et and rou0#t out a dollar +#ic# #e )lun0 on t#e
startled arers s#el)6 T#en #e $ade )or t#e door5 lettin0 it sla$ e#ind #i$ in @ud0$ent on
t#e 'lace6
T#e +al( ac( to #is aunts did not cal$ #i$6 T#e colors o) t#e aEaleas #ad dee'ened +it#
t#e a''roac# o) sundo+n and t#e trees rustled 'rotecti-ely o-er t#e old #ouses6 /o one #ere
#ad a t#ou0#t )or Sin0leton5 +#o lay on a cot in a )ilt#y +ard at Tuincy6 T#e oy )elt no+ in a
concrete +ay t#e )orce o) #is innocence5 and #e t#ou0#t t#at to do @ustice to all t#e $an #ad
su))ered5 #e +ould #a-e to +rite $ore t#an a si$'le article6 He +ould #a-e to +rite a no-elD #e
+ould #a-e to s#o+5 not say5 #o+ 'ri$ary in@ustice o'erated6 Preoccu'ied +it# t#is5 #e +ent
)our doors 'ast #is aunts #ouse and #ad to turn and 0o ac(6
His *unt %essie $et #i$ at t#e door and dre+ #i$ into t#e #all6 8Told you +ed #a-e a
s+eet sur'rise Por youS: s#e said5 'ullin0 #i$ y t#e ar$ into t#e 'arlor6
On t#e so)a sat a ran0yHloo(in0 0irl in a li$eH0reen dress6 8,ou re$e$er Mary EliEaet#5:
#is *unt Mattie said5 8It#e cute little tric( you too( to t#e 'icture s#o+ once +#en you +ere
#ere6: T#rou0# #is ra0e #e reco0niEed t#e 0irl +#o #ad een readin0 under t#e tree6 8Mary
EliEaet# is #o$e )or t#e s'rin0 #olidays5: #is *unt Mattie said6 8Mary EliEaet# is a real
sc#olar5 arent you5 Mary EliEaet#3:
Mary EliEaet# sco+led5 indicatin0 s#e +as5 indi))erent to +#et#er s#e +as a real sc#olar or
not6 S#e 0a-e #i$ a Ioo( +#ic# told #i$ 'lainly s#e e"'ected to en@oy t#is no $ore t#an #e did6
His *unt Mattie 0ri''ed t#e (no o) #er cane and e0an to li)t #ersel) )ro$ #er c#air6
8&ere 0oin0 to #a-e su''er early5: t#e ot#er one said5 8ecause Mary EliEaet# is 0oin0 to
ta(e you to t#e eauty contest and it e0ins at se-en6:
8!reat5: t#e oy said in a tone t#at +ould e lost on t#e$ ut #e #o'ed not on Mary
EliEaet#6
T#rou0#out t#e $eal #e i0nored t#e 0irl co$'letely6 His re'artee +it# #is aunts +as
$ar(edly cynical ut t#ey did not #a-e sense enou0# to understand #is allusions and lau0#ee
li(e idiots at e-eryt#in0 #e said6 T+ice t#ey called #i$ 8%ayoy: and t#e 0irl s$ir(ed6
Ot#er+ise s#e did not#in0 to su00est s#e +as en@oyin0 #ersel)6 Her round )ace +as still c#ildis#
e#ind #er 0lasses6 Retarded5 Cal#oun t#ou0#t6
&#en t#e $eal +as o-er and t#ey +ere on t#e +ay to t#e eauty contest5 t#ey continued
to say not#in0 to eac# ot#er6 T#e 0irl5 +#o +as se-eral inc#es taller t#an #e5 +al(ed sli0#tQy n
ad-ance o) #i$ as i) s#e +ould li(e to lose #i$ on t#e +ay5 ut a)ter t+o loc(s s#e sto''ed
aru'tly and e0an to ru$$a0e in a #u0e 0rass a0 s#e carried6 S#e too( out a 'encil and #eld
it et+een #er teet# +#ile s#e continued to ru$$a0e6 *)ter a $inute s#e rou0#t u' )ro$ t#e
otto$ o) t#e a0 t+o tic(ets and a steno0ra'#ers note 'ad6 &it# t#ese out5 s#e closed t#e
'oc(etoo( and +al(ed on6
8*re you 0oin0 to ta(e notesD: Cal#oun in9uired in a tone #ea-y +it# irony6
T#e 0irl loo(ed around as i) tryin0 to identi)y t#e s'ea(er6 8,es5: s#e said5 8I$ 0oin0 to ta(e
notes6:
8,ou a''reciate t#is sort o) t#in03: Cal#oun as(ed in t#e sa$e tone6 8,ou en@oy it3:
8It $a(es $e -o$it5: s#e said5 8I$ 0oin0 to )inis# it o)) +it# one s+i)t literary (ic(6:
T#e oy loo(ed at #er lan(ly6
8.ont let $e inter)ere +it# your 'leasure in it5: s#e said5 8ut t#is +#ole 'lace is )alse and
rotten to t#e core6: Her -oice ca$e +it# a #iss o) indi0nation6 8T#ey 'rostitute aEaleasS:
Cal#oun +as astounded6 *)ter a $o$ent #e reco-ered #i$sel)6 8It ta(es no 0reat $ind to
co$e to t#at conclusion5: #e said #au0#tily6 8&#at re9uires insi0#t is )indin0 a +ay to
transcend it6:
8,ou $ean a )or$ to e"'ress it in6:
8It co$es to t#e sa$e t#in05: #e said6
T#ey +al(ed t#e ne"t t+o loc(s in silence ut ot# a''eared s#a(en6 &#en t#e
court#ouse +as in -ie+ t#ey crossed t#e street to it and Mary EliEaet# stuc( t#e tic(ets at a
oy +#o stood eside an entrance t#at #ad een )or$ed y ro'in0 in t#e rest o) t#e s9uare6
Peo'le +ere e0innin0 to asse$le on t#e 0rass inside6
8*nd do +e stand #ere +#ile you ta(e notes3: Cal#oun as(ed6
T#e 0irl sto''ed and )aced #i$6 8Loo(5 %ay La$5: s#e said5 8you can do +#at you 'lease6
I$ 0oin0 u' to $y )at#ers o))ice in t#e uildin0 +#ere I can +or(6 ,ou can stay do+n #ere and
#el' select Miss Partrid0e *Ealea i) you +ant to6:
8I s#all co$e5: #e said5 controllin0 #i$sel)5 8Id li(e to oser-e a 0reat )e$ale +riter ta(in0
notes6:
8Suit yoursel)5: s#e said6
He )ollo+ed #er u' t#e court#ouse ste's and t#rou0# a side door6 His irritation +as so
e"tre$e t#at #e did not realiEe #e #ad 'assed t#rou0# t#e -ery door +#ere Sin0leton #ad stood
to s#oot6 T#ey +al(ed t#rou0# an e$'ty arnli(e #all and silently u' a )li0#t o) toaccoHstained
ste's into anot#er arn li(e #all6 Mary EliEaet# rooted in t#e 0rass a0 )or a (ey and t#en
unloc(ed t#e door to #er )at#ers o))ice6 T#ey entered a lar0e t#readare roo$ lined +it#
la+oo(s6 *s i) #e +ere an inco$'etent5 t#e 0irl dra00ed t+o strai0#t c#airs )ro$ one +all to a
+indo+ t#at o-erloo(ed t#e 'orc#6 T#en s#e sat do+n and stared out5 a''arently asored at
once in t#e scene elo+6
Cal#oun sat do+n in t#e ot#er c#air6 To annoy #er #e e0an to loo( #er o-er t#orou0#ly6
For +#at see$ed at least )i-e $inutes5 #e did not ta(e #is eyes o)) #er as s#e leaned +it# #er
elo+s in t#e +indo+6 He stared at #er so lon0 t#at #e +as a)raid #er i$a0e +ould e etc#ed
)ore-er on #is retina6 Finally #e could stand t#e silence no lon0er6 8&#at is your o'inion o)
Sin0leton3: #e as(ed aru'tly6
S#e raised #er #ead and a''eared to loo( t#rou0# #i$6 8* C#ristH)i0ure5: s#e said6
T#e oy +as stunned6
8I $ean as $yt#5: s#e said sco+lin06 8I$ not a C#ristian6: S#e returned #er attention to t#e
scene outside6 %elo+ a u0le sounded6 8Si"teen 0irls in at#in0 suits are aout to a''ear5: s#e
dra+led6 8Surely t#is +ill e o) interest to you3:
8Listen5: Cal#oun said )iercely5 80et t#is t#rou0# your #ead6 I$ not interested in t#e da$n
)esti-al or t#e da$n aEalea 9ueen6 I$ #ere only ecause o) $y sy$'at#y )or Sin0leton6 I$
0oin0 to +rite aout #i$6 Possily a no-el6:
8I intend to +rite a nonH)iction study5: t#e 0irl said in a tone t#at $ade it e-ident )iction +as
eneat# #er6
T#ey loo(ed at eac# ot#er +it# o'en and intense disli(e6 Cal#oun )elt t#at i) #e 'roed
su))iciently #e +ould e"'ose #er essential s#allo+ness6 8Since our )or$s are di))erent5: #e said5
a0ain +it# #is ironical s$ile5 8+e $i0#t co$'are )indin0s6:
8Its 9uite si$'le5: t#e 0irl said6 8He +as t#e sca'e0oat6 &#ile Partrid0e )lin0s itsel) aout
selectin0 Miss Partrid0e *Ealea5 Sin0leton su))ers at Tuincy6 He e"'iatesB:
8I dont $ean your astract )indin0s5: t#e oy said6 8I $ean your concrete )indin0s6 Ha-e
you e-er seen #i$3 &#at did #e loo( li(e3 T#e no-elist is not interested in narro+
astractionsI'articularly +#en t#eyre o-ious6 HesB:
8Ho+ $any no-els #a-e you +ritten3: s#e as(ed6
8T#is +ill e $y )irst5: #e said coldly6 8Ha-e you e-er seen #i$3:
8/o5: s#e said5 8t#at isnt necessary )or $e6 &#at #e loo(s li(e $a(es no
di))erenceI+#et#er #e #as ro+n eyes or lueIt#ats not#in0 to a t#in(er6:
8,ou are 'roaly5: #e said5 8a)raid to loo( at #i$6 T#e no-elist is ne-er a)raid to loo( at t#e
real o@ect6:
8I +ould not e a)raid to loo( at #i$5: t#e 0irl said an0rily5 8i) it +ere at all necessary6
&#et#er #e #as ro+n eyes or lue is not#in0 to $e6:
8T#ere is $ore to it5: Cal#oun said5 8t#an +#et#er #e #as ro+n eyes or lue6 ,ou $i0#t
)ind your t#eories enric#ed y t#e si0#t o) #i$6 *nd I dont $ean y )indin0 out t#e color o) #is
eyes6 I $ean your e"istential encounter +it# #is 'ersonality6 T#e $ystery o) 'ersonality5: #e
said5 8is +#at interests t#e artist6 Li)e does not aide in astractions6:
8T#en +#ats (ee'in0 you )ro$ 0oin0 and #a-in0 a loo( at #i$3: s#e said6 8&#at are you
as(in0 $e +#at #e loo(s li(e )or3 !o see )or yoursel)6:
T#e +ords )ell on #is #ead li(e a sac( o) ruc(s6 *)ter a $o$ent #e said5 8!o see )or yoursel)3
!o see +#ere3:
8*t Tuincy5: t#e 0irl said6 8&#ere do you t#in(3:
8T#ey +ouldnt let $e see #i$5: #e said6 T#e su00estion +as a''allin0 to #i$D )or so$e
reason #e could not at t#e $o$ent understand5 it struc( #i$ as unt#in(ale6
8T#ey +ould i) you said you +ere (in to #i$5: s#e said6 8Its only t+enty $iles )ro$ #ere6
&#ats to sto' you3:
He +as aout to say5 8I$ not (in to #i$6: ut #e sto''ed and reddened )uriously on t#e
ed0e o) t#e etrayal6 T#ey +ere s'iritual (in6
8!o see +#et#er #is eyes are ro+n or lue and #a-e yoursel) a little old e"isB:
8I ta(e it5: #e said5 8t#at i) I 0o you +ould li(e to 0o alon03 Since you arent a)raid to see
#i$6:
T#e 0irl 'aled6 8,ou +ont 0o5: s#e said6 8A,oure not u' to t#e old e"isB:
8I +ill 0o5: #e said5 seein0 #is o''ortunity to s#ut #er u'6 8*nd i) you care to 0o +it# $e5
you can e at $y aunts at nine in t#e $ornin06 %ut I dout5: #e added5 8t#at Ill see you t#ere6:
S#e t#rust )or+ard #er lon0 nec( and 0lared at #i$6 8O# yes you +ill5: s#e said6 8,oull see
$e t#ere6:
S#e returned #er attention to t#e +indo+ and Cal#oun loo(ed at not#in06 Eac# see$ed
sun( suddenly in so$e $a$$ot# 'ri-ate 'role$6 Raucus c#eers ca$e inter$ittently )ro$
outside6 E-ery )e+ $inutes t#ere +as $usic and cla''in0 ut neit#er too( any notice o) it5 or o)
eac# ot#er6 Finally t#e 0irl 'ulled a+ay )ro$ t#e +indo+ and said5 8I) you-e 0ot t#e 0eneral
idea5 +e can lea-e6 I 're)er to 0o #o$e and read6:
8I #ad t#e 0eneral idea e)ore I ca$e5: Cal#oun said6
He sa+ #er to #er door and +#en #e #ad le)t #er5 #is s'irits li)ted diEEily )or an instant and
t#en colla'sed6 He (ne+ t#at t#e idea o) 0oin0 to see Sin0leton +ould ne-er #a-e occurred to
#i$ alone6 It +ould e a torturin0 e"'erience5 ut it $i0#t e #is sal-ation6 T#e si0#t o)
Sin0leton in #is $isery $i0#t cause #i$ su))erin0 su))icient to raise #i$ once and )or all )ro$ #is
co$$ercial instincts6 Sellin0 +as t#e only t#in0 #e #ad 'ro-ed #i$sel) 0ood atD yet it +as
i$'ossile )or #i$ to elie-e t#at e-ery $an +as not created e9ually an artist i) #e could ut
su))er and ac#ie-e it6
*s )or t#e 0irl5 #e douted i) t#e si0#t o) Sin0leton +ould do anyt#in0 )or #er6 S#e #ad t#at
'articular re'ulsi-e )anaticis$ 'eculiar to s$art c#ildrenIall rain and no e$otion6
He s'ent a restless ni0#t5 drea$in0 in snatc#es o) Sin0leton6 *t one 'oint #e drea$ed #e
+as dri-in0 to Tuincy to sell Sin0leton a re)ri0erator6 &#en #e a+o(e in t#e $ornin05 a slo+
rain +as descendin0 indi))erently6 He turned #is #ead to t#e 0ray +indo+ 'ane6 He could not
re$e$er +#at #e #ad drea$ed ut #e sensed it #ad een un'leasant6 * -ision o) t#e 0irls )lat
)ace ca$e to #i$6 He t#ou0#t o) Tuincy and sa+ ro+s and ro+s o) lo+ red uildin0s +it# rou0#
#eads stic(in0 out o) arred +indo+s6 He tried to concentrate on Sin0leton ut #is $ind s#ied
)ro$ t#e t#ou0#t6 He did not +is# to 0o to Tuincy6 He re$e$ered t#at it +as a no-el #e +as
0oin0 to +rite6 His desire to +rite a no-el #ad 0one do+n o-erni0#t li(e a de)ecti-e tire6
&#ile #e lay in ed5 t#e driEEle turned into a steady do+n'our6 T#e rain $i0#t (ee' t#e 0irl
)ro$ co$in05 or at least s#e $i0#t t#in( s#e could use it as an e"cuse6 He decided to +ait until
e"actly nine ocloc( and i) s#e #ad not s#o+n u' y t#en to e o))6 He +ould not 0o to Tuincy
ut +ould 0o #o$e6 It +ould e etter to see Sin0leton at a later date +#en #e +ould 'er#a's
#a-e res'onded to treat$ent6 He 0ot u' and +rote t#e 0irl a note to e le)t +it# #is aunts5
sayin0 #e 'resu$ed s#e #ad decided5 u'on consideration5 t#at s#e +as not e9ual to t#e
e"'erience6 It +as a -ery concise note and #e ended it5 8Cordially yours6:
S#e arri-ed at )i-e $inutes to nine and stood dri''in0 in #is aunts #all5 a tuular undle o)
ayHlue 'lastic )ro$ +#ic# not#in0 s#o+ed ut #er )ace6 S#e +as #oldin0 a da$' 'a'er sac(
and #er lar0e $out# +as t+isted in an uncertain s$ile6 O-erni0#t s#e #ad a''arently lost so$e
o) #er sel)Hassurance6
Cal#oun +as arely ale to e 'olite6 His aunts5 +#o t#ou0#t t#is +as a ro$antic outin0 in
t#e rain5 (issed #i$ out t#e door and stood on t#e 'orc# idiotically +a-in0 t#eir #and(erc#ie)s
until #e and Mary EliEaet# +ere in t#e car and 0one6
T#e 0irl +as $uc# too i0 )or t#e s$all car6 S#e (e't s#i)tin0 aout and t+istin0 inside #er
raincoat6 8T#e rain #as eat t#e aEaleas do+n5: s#e oser-ed in a neutral tone6
Cal#oun rudely (e't silent6 He +as tryin0 to oliterate #er )ro$ #is consciousness so t#at #e
could reestalis# Sin0leton t#ere6 He #ad lost Sin0leton co$'letely6 T#e rain +as co$in0 do+n
in 0ray s+at#s6 &#en t#ey reac#ed t#e #i0#+ay5 t#ey could arely see across t#e )ields to a
)aint line o) +oods6 T#e 0irl (e't leanin0 )or+ard5 s9uintin0 into t#e o'a9ue +inds#ield6 8I) a
truc( +ere to co$e out o) t#at5: s#e said +it# a 0a+(is# lau0#5 8t#at +ould e t#e end o) us6:
Cal#oun sto''ed t#e car6 8Ill e 0lad to ta(e you ac( and 0o on y $ysel)5: #e said6
8I #a-e to 0o5: s#e said #oarsely5 starin0 at #i$6 8I #a-e to see #i$6: %e#ind #er s'ectacles5
#er eyes a''eared lar0er t#an t#ey s#ould #a-e een and sus'iciously li9uid6 8I #a-e to )ace
t#is5: s#e said6
Rou0#ly5 #e started t#e car a0ain6
8,ou #a-e to 'ro-e to yoursel) t#at you can stand t#ere and +atc# a $an e cruci)ied5: s#e
said6 8,ou #a-e to 0o t#rou0# it +it# #i$6 I t#ou0#t aout it all ni0#t6:
8It $ay 0i-e you5: Cal#oun $uttered5 8a $ore alanced -ie+ o) li)e6:
8T#is is 'ersonal5: s#e said6 8,ou +ouldnt understand5: and s#e turned #er #ead to t#e
+indo+6
Cal#oun tried to concentrate on Sin0leton6 Feature y )eature5 #e rou0#t t#e )ace to0et#er
in #is $ind and eac# ti$e #e #ad it al$ost constructed5 it )ell a'art and #e +as le)t +it#
not#in06 He dro-e in silence5 at a rec(less s'eed as i) #e +ould li(e to #it a #ole in t#e road and
see t#e 0irl 0o t#rou0# t#e +inds#ield6 E-ery no+ and t#en s#e le+ #er nose +ea(ly6 *)ter
)i)teen $lies or so t#e rain slac(ened and sto''ed6 T#e treeline on eit#er side o) t#e$ eca$e
lac( and clear and t#e )ields intensely 0reen6 T#ey +ould #a-e an un$ista(ale -ie+ o) t#e
#os'ital 0rounds as soon as t#ese s#ould co$e in si0#t6
8C#rist only #ad to ta(e it t#ree #ours5: t#e 0irl said all at once in a #i0# -oice5 8ut #ell e
in t#is 'lace t#e rest o) #is li)eS:
Cal#oun cut #is eyes to+ard #er6 T#ere +as a )res# +et line do+n t#e side o) #er )ace6 He
turned #is eyes a+ay5 a+ed and )urious6 8I) you cant stand t#is5: #e said5 8I can still ta(e you
#o$e and co$e ac( y $ysel)6:
8,ou +ouldnt co$e ac( y yoursel)5: s#e said5 8and +ere al$ost t#ere6: S#e le+ #er
nose6 8I +ant #i$ to (no+ t#at so$eody ta(es #is side6 I +ant to say t#at to #i$ no $atter
+#at it does to $e6:
T#rou0# #is ra0e5 t#e terrile t#ou0#t occurred to t#e oy t#at #e +ould #a-e to say
so$et#in0 to Sin0leton6 &#at could #e say to #i$ in t#e 'resence o) t#is +o$an3 S#e #ad
s#attered t#e co$$union et+een t#e$6 8&e-e co$e to listen I #o'e you understand5: #e
urst out5 8I #a-ent dri-en all t#is +ay to #ear you startle Sin0leton +it# your +isdo$6 I-e
co$e to listen to #i$6:
8&e s#ould #a-e rou0#t a ta'e recorderS: s#e cried5 8t#en +ed #a-e +#at #e says all our
li-esS:
8,ou dont #a-e ele$entary understandin05: Cal#oun said5 8i) you t#in( you a''roac# a
$an li(e t#is +it# a ta'e recorder6:
8Sto'S: s#e s#rie(ed5 leanin0 to+ard t#e +inds#ield5 8t#ats itS:
Cal#oun sla$$ed on #is ra(es and loo(ed )or+ard +ildly6
* cluster o) lo+ uildin0s5 #ardly noticeale5 rose li(e a ric# 0ro+t# o) +arts on t#e #ill to
t#eir ri0#t6
T#e oy sat #el'less +#ile t#e car5 as i) o) its o+n -olition5 turned and #eaded to+ard t#e
entrance6 T#e letters T7I/C, ST*TE HOSPIT*L +ere cut in a concrete arc# +#ic# it rolled
e))ortlessly t#rou0#6
8*andon #o'e all ye +#o enter #ere5: t#e 0irl $ur$ured6
T#ey #ad to sto' +it#in a #undred yards o) t#e 0ate +#ile a )at +#iteHca''ed nurse led a
line o) 'atients5 stra00lin0 li(e elderly sc#oolc#ildren5 across t#e road in )ront o) t#e$5 *c
sna00leHtoot#ed +o$an in a candyHstri'ed dress and lac( +ool #at s#oo( #er )ist at t#e$5 and
a ald#eaded $an +a-ed ener0etically6 * )e+ t#re+ $ale-olent loo(s as t#e line s#u))led o))
across t#e 0reen to anot#er uildin06
*)ter a $o$ent t#e car rolled )or+ard a0ain5 8Par( in )ront o) t#at center uildin05: Mary
EliEaet# directed5 8T#ey +ont let us see #i$5: #e $u$led6
8/ot i) you #a-e anyt#in0 to do +it# it5: s#e said6 8Par( and let $e out6 Ill #andle t#is6: Her
c#ee( #ad dried and #er -oice +as usinessli(e6 He 'ar(ed and s#e 0ot out6 He +atc#ed #er
disa''ear into t#e uildin05 t#in(in0 +it# 0ri$ satis)action #at s#e +ould soon turn into a )ullH
0ro+n o0reI)alse intellect5 )alse e$otions5 $a"i$u$ e))iciency5 all o'eratin0 to 'roduce t#e
do$inant #airHs'littin0 P#6 .6 *not#er line o) 'atients 'assed in t#e road and se-eral o) t#e$
'ointed at t#e s$all car6 Cal#oun did not loo( ut #e sensed #e +as ein0 +atc#ed6 8Hu' u'
t#ere5: #e #eard t#e nurse say6 He loo(ed a0ain and 0a-e a little cry * 0entle )ace5 +ra''ed
around +it# a 0reen #and to+el5 +as in #is5 +indo+5 s$ilin0 toot#lessly ut +it# an a0oniEin0
tenderness6
8!et a $o-e on5 s+eetie5: t#e nurse said and t#e )ace retreated6
T#e oy rolled #is +indo+ u' ra'idly ut #is #eart +as +renc#ed6 He sa+ a0ain t#e
a0oniEed )ace in t#e stoc(sIt#e sli0#tly $is$atc#ed eyes5 t#e +ide $out# 'arted in a sti)led
useless cry6 T#e -ision lasted only a $o$ent ut +#en it 'assed5 #e +as certain t#at t#e si0#t
o) Sin0leton +as 0oin0 to e))ect a c#an0e in #i$5 t#at a)ter t#is -isit5 so$e stran0e tran9uility #e
#ad not e)ore concei-ed o) +ould e #is6 He sat )or ten $inute +it# #is eyes closed5 (no+in0
t#at a re-elation +as near and tryin0 to 're'are #i$sel) )or it6
*ll at once t#e car door o'ened and t#e 0irl )olded #ersel)5 'antin05 in eside #i$6 Her )ace
+as 'ale6 S#e #eld u' t+o 0reen 'er$ission sli's and 'ointed to t#e na$es +ritten on t#e$:
Cal#oun Sin0leton on one5 Mary EliEaet# Sin0leton on t#e ot#er6 For a $o$ent t#ey stared at
t#e sli's5 t#en at eac# ot#er6 %ot# a''eared to reco0niEe t#at in t#eir co$$on (ins#i' +it#
#i$5 a (ins#i' +it# eac# ot#er +as una-oidale6 !enerously5 Cal#oun #eld out #is #and6 S#e
s#oo( it6 8Hes in t#e )i)t# uildin0 to t#e le)t5: s#e said6
T#ey dro-e to t#e )i)t# uildin0 and 'ar(ed6 It +as a lo+ red ric( structure +it# arred
+indo+s5 li(e all t#e ot#ers e"ce't t#at t#e outside o) it +as strea(ed +it# lac( stains6 In one
+indo+ t+o #ands #un0 out5 'al$s do+n+ard6 Mary EliEaet# o'ened t#e 'a'er sac( s#e #ad
rou0#t and e0an to ta(e out 'resents )or Sin0leton6 S#e #ad rou0#t a o" o) candy5 a carton
o) ci0arettes and t#ree %oo(ssIa Modern Lirary T#us S'a(e Uarat#ustra5 a 'a'erac( Re-olt
o) t#e Masses5 and a t#in decorated -olu$e o) Hous$an6 S#e #anded t#e ci0arettes and t#e
candy to Cal#oun and 0ot out o) t#e car +it# t#e oo(s #ersel)6 S#e started )or+ard5 ut
#al)+ay to t#e door s#e sto''ed and 'ut #er #and to #er $out#6 8I cant ta(e it5: s#e
$ur$ured6
8/o+ no+5: Cal#oun said (indly6 He 'ut #is #and on #er ac( and 0a-e #er a sli0#t 'us# and
s#e e0an to $o-e )or+ard a0ain6
T#ey entered a stained linoleu$Hco-ered #all +#ere a 'eculiar odor $et t#e$ at once li(e
an in-isile o))icial6 T#ere +as a des( )acin0 t#e door5 e#ind +#ic# sat a )rail #arassedHloo(in0
nurse +#ose eyes darted to ri0#t and le)t as i) s#e e"'ected ulti$ately to e #it )ro$ e#ind6
Mary EliEaet# #anded #er t#e t+o 0reen 'er$its6 T#e +o$an loo(ed at t#e$ and 0roaned6
8!o in yonder and +ait5: s#e said in a +eary insultHearin0 -oice5 AHell #a-e to e 0ot ready6
T#ey s#ouldnt #a-e 0i-e you t#ese o-er t#ere6 &#at do t#ey (no+ aout +#at 0oes on o-er
#ere and +#at do t#e$ doctors care any#o+3 I) it +as u' to $e5 t#e ones t#at dont coo'erate
+ouldnt see noody6:
8&ere #is (in5: Cal#oun said6 8&e #a-e e-ery ri0#t to see #i$6:
T#e nurse t#re+ #er #ead ac( in a soundless lau0# and +ent o)) $utterin06
Cal#oun 'ut #is #and on t#e 0irls ac( a0ain and 0uided #er into t#e +aitn0 roo$ +#ere
t#ey sat do+n close to0et#er on a $a$$ot# lac( leat#er so)a +#ic# )aced an identical 'iece
o) )urniture )i-e )eet a+ay6 T#ere +as not#in0 else in t#e roo$ ut a ric(ety tale in lone corner
+it# an e$'ty +#ite -ase on it6 * arred +indo+ cast s9uares o) da$' li0#t on t#e )loor at
t#eir )eet6 T#ere see$ed an intense stillness aout t#e$ alt#ou0# t#e 'lace +as anyt#in0 ut
9uiet6 Fro$ one end o) t#e uildin0 ca$e a continuous $ournin0 sound as delicate as t#e
)lutterin0 +ail o) o+lsD at t#e ot#er end t#ey #eard roc(etin0 'eals o) lau0#ter6 Closer at #and5 a
steady $onotonous cursin0 ro(e t#e silence around it +it# a $ac#ineHli(e re0ularity6 Eac#
noise see$ed to e"ist isolated )ro$ e-ery ot#er6
T#e t+o sat to0et#er as i) t#ey +ere +aitin0 )or so$e $o$entous e-ent in t#eir li-esIa
$arria0e or instantaneous deat#s6 T#ey see$ed already @oined in a 'redestined con-er0ence6
*t t#e sa$e instant eac# $ade an in-oluntary $otion as i) to run ut it +as too late6 Hea-y
)ootste's +ere al$ost at t#e door and t#e $ac#ineHli(e curses +ere earin0 do+n6
T+o urly attendants entered +it# Sin0leton s'iderHli(e et+een t#e$6 He +as #oldin0 #is
)eet #i0# u' o)) t#e )loor so t#at t#e attendants #ad to carry #i$6 It +as )ro$ #i$ t#e curses
+ere co$in06 He #ad on a #os'ital 0o+n o) t#e ty'e t#at o'ens and ties u' t#e ac( and #is
)eet +ere stuc( in lac( s#oes )ro$ +#ic# t#e laces #ad een re$o-ed6 On #is #ead +as a lac(
#at5 not t#e (ind country$en +ear5 ut a lac( dery #at suc# as $i0#t e +orn y a 0un$an
in t#e $o-ies6 T#e t+o attendants ca$e u' to t#e e$'ty so)a )ro$ e#ind and s+un0 #i$ o-er
t#e ac( o) it5 t#en still #oldin0 #i$5 eac# 'assed around t#e so)a ar$s and sat do+n eside
#i$5 0rinnin06 T#ey $i0#t #a-e een t+ins )or t#ou0# one +as lond and t#e ot#er ald5 t#ey
#ad identical loo(s o) 0oodnatured stu'idity6
*s )or Sin0leton5 #e )i"ed Cal#oun +it# #is 0reen sli0#tly $is$atc#ed eyes6 8&#adaya +ant
+it# $e3: #e s#rilled6 8S'ea( u'S My ti$e is -aluale6: T#ey +ere al$ost e"actly t#e eyes t#at
Cal#oun #ad seen in t#e 'a'er5 e"ce't t#at t#e 'enetratin0 0lea$ in t#e$ #ad a sli0#t re'tilian
9uality6
T#e oy sat $es$eriEed6
*)ter a $o$ent5 Mary EliEaet# said in a slo+5 #oarse5 arely audile -oice5 8&e ca$e to
say +e understand6:
T#e old $ans 0lare s#i)ted to #er and )or one instant #is eyes re$ained asolutely still li(e
t#e eyes o) a treetoad t#at #as si0#ted its 'rey6 His t#roat a''eared to s+ell6 8*###5: #e said as
i) #e #ad @ust s+allo+ed so$et#in0 'leasant5 8eeeee6:
8Mind out no+5 dad5: one o) t#e attendants said6
8Le$$e sit +it# #er5: Sin0leton said and @er(ed #is ar$ a+ay )ro$ t#e attendant5 +#o
cau0#t it a0ain at once6 8S#e (no+s +#at s#e +ants6:
8Let #i$ sit +it# #er5: t#e lond attendant said5 8s#es #is niece6:
8/o5: t#e ald one said5 8(ee' a#olt to #i$6 Hes liale to 'ull o)) #is )roc(6 ,ou (no+ #i$6:
%ut t#e ot#er one #ad already let one o) #is +rists loose and Sin0leton +as leanin0 out+ard
to+ard Mary EliEaet#5 strainin0 a+ay )ro$ t#e attendant +#o #eld #i$6 T#e 0irls eyes +ere
0laEed6 T#e old $an e0an to $a(e su00esti-e noises t#rou0# #is teet#6
8/o+ no+5 dad5: t#e idle attendant said6
8Its not e-ery 0irl 0ets a c#ance at $e5: Sin0leton said6 8Listen #ere5 sister5 I$ +ellH)i"ed6
T#eres noody in Partrid0e I cant s(in6 I o+n t#e 'laceIas +ell as t#is #otel6: His #and
0ras'ed to+ard #er (nee6
T#e 0irl 0a-e a s$all sti)led cry6
8*nd I 0ot ot#ers else+#ere5: #e 'anted6 8,ou and $e are t+o o) a (ind6 &e aint in t#eir
class6 ,oure a 9ueen6 Ill 'ut you on a )loatS: and at t#at $o$ent #e 0ot #is +rist )ree and
lun0ed to+ard #er ut ot# attendants s'ran0 a)ter #i$ instantly6 *s Mary EliEaet# crouc#ed
a0ainst Cal#oun5 t#e old $an @u$'ed ni$ly o-er t#e so)a and e0an to s'eed around t#e
roo$6 T#e attendants5 t#eir ar$s and le0s #eld +ide a'art to catc# #i$5 tried to close in on #i$
)ro$ eit#er side6 T#ey al$ost #ad #i$ +#en #e (ic(ed o)) #is s#oes and lea'ed et+een t#e$
onto t#e tale5 sendin0 t#e e$'ty -ase s#atterin0 to t#e )loor6 8Loo( 0irlS: #e s#rilled and
e0an to 'ull t#e #os'ital 0o+n o-er #is #ead6
Mary EliEaet# +as already das#in0 out t#e roo$ and Cal#oun ran e#ind #er and t#rust
o'en t#e door @ust in ti$e to 're-ent #er cras#in0 into it6 T#ey scra$led into t#e car and t#e
oy dro-e it a+ay as i) #is #eart +ere t#e $otor and +ould ne-er 0o )ast enou0#6 T#e s(y +as
oneH+#ite and t#e slic( #i0#+ay stretc#ed e)ore t#e$ li(e a 'iece o) t#e eart#s e"'osed
ner-e6 *)ter )i-e $iles Cal#oun 'ulled t#e car to t#e side o) t#e road and sto''ed )ro$
e"#austion6 T#ey sat silently5 loo(in0 at not#in0 until )inally t#ey turned and loo(ed at eac#
ot#er6 T#ere eac# +as at once t#e li(eness o) t#eir (ins$an and )linc#ed6 T#ey loo(ed a+ay and
t#en ac(5 as i) +it# concentration t#ey $i0#t )ind a $ore tolerale i$a0e6 To Cal#oun5 t#e
0irls )ace see$ed to $irror t#e na(edness o) t#e s(y6 In des'air #e leaned closer until #e +as
sto''ed y a $iniature -isa0e +#ic# rose incorri0ily in #er s'ectacles and )i"ed #i$ +#ere #e
+as6 Round5 innocent5 undistin0uis#ed as an iron lin(5 it +as t#e )ace +#ose 0i)t o) li)e #ad
'us#ed strai0#t )or+ard to t#e )uture to raise )esti-al a)ter )esti-al6 Li(e a $aster sales$an5 it
see$ed to #a-e een +aitin0 t#ere )ro$ all ti$e to clai$ #i$6
T#e La$e S#all Enter First N;<?RO
S#e''ard sat on a stool at t#e ar t#at di-ided t#e (itc#en in #al)5 eatin0 #is cereal out o)
t#e indi-idual 'asteoard o" it ca$e in6 He ate $ec#anically5 #is eyes on t#e c#ild5 +#o +as
+anderin0 )ro$ cainet to cainet in t#e 'anelled (itc#en5 collectin0 t#e in0redients )or #is
rea()ast6 He +as a stoc(y lond oy o) ten6 S#e''ard (e't #is intense lue eyes )i"ed on #i$6
T#e oys )uture +as +ritten in #is )ace6 He +ould e a an(er6 /o5 +orse6 He +ould o'erate a
s$all loan co$'any6 *ll #e +anted )or t#e c#ild +as t#at #e e 0ood and unsel)is# and neit#er
see$ed li(ely6 S#e''ard +as a youn0 $an +#ose #air +as already +#ite6 It stood u' li(e a
narro+ rus# #alo o-er #is 'in( sensiti-e )ace6
T#e oy a''roac#ed t#e ar +it# t#e @ar o) 'eanut utter under #is ar$5 a 'late +it# a
9uarter o) a s$all c#ocolate ca(e on it in one #and and t#e (etc#u' ottle in t#e ot#er6 He did
not a''ear to notice #is )at#er6 He cli$ed u' on t#e stool and e0an to s'read 'eanut utter
on t#e ca(e6 He #ad -ery lar0e round ears t#at leaned a+ay )ro$ #is #ead and see$ed to 'ull
#is eyes sli0#tly too )ar a'art6 His s#irt +as 0reen ut so )aded t#at t#e co+oy c#ar0in0 across
t#e )ront o) it +as only a s#ado+6
8/orton5: S#e''ard said5 8I sa+ Ru)us 4o#nson yesterday6
.o you (no+ +#at #e +as doin03:
T#e c#ild loo(ed at #i$ +it# a (ind o) #al) attention5 #is eyes )or+ard ut not yet en0a0ed6
T#ey +ere a 'aler lue t#an #is )at#ers as i) t#ey $i0#t #a-e )aded li(e t#e s#irt5 one o) t#e$
listed5 al$ost i$'erce'tily5 to+ard t#e outer ri$6
8He +as in an alley5: S#e''ard said5 8and #e #ad #is #and in a 0ara0e can6 He +as tryin0 to
0et so$et#in0 to eat out o) it6: He 'aused to let t#is soa( in6 8He +as #un0ry5: #e )inis#ed5 and
tried to 'ierce t#e c#ilds conscience +it# #is 0aEe6
T#e oy 'ic(ed u' t#e 'iece o) c#ocolate ca(e and e0an to 0na+ it )ro$ one co$er6
8/orton5: S#e''ard said5 8do you #a-e any idea +#at it $eans to s#are3:
* )lic(er o) attention6 8So$e o) its yours5: /orton said6
8So$e o) its #is5: S#e''ard said #ea-ily6 It +as #o'eless6 *l$ost any )ault +ould #a-e
een 're)erale to sel)is#nessIa -iolent te$'er5 e-en a tendency to lie6
T#e c#ild turned t#e ottle o) (etc#u' u'sidedo+n and e0an t#u$'in0 (etc#u' onto t#e
ca(e6
S#e''ards loo( o) 'ain increased6 8,ou are ten and Ru)us 4o#nson is )ourteen5: #e said6
8,et I$ sure your s#irts +ould )it Ru)us6: Ru)us 4o#nson +as a oy #e #ad een tryin0 to #el'
at t#e re)or$atory )or t#e 'ast year6 He #ad een released t+o $ont#s a0o6 8&#en #e +as in
t#e re)or$atory5 #e loo(ed 'retty 0ood5 ut +#en I sa+ #i$ yesterday5 #e +as s(in and ones6
He #asnt een eatin0 ca(e +it# 'eanut utter on it )or rea()ast6:
T#e c#ild 'aused6 8Its stale5: #e said6 8T#ats +#y I #a-e to 'ut stu)) on it6:
S#e''ard turned #is )ace to t#e +indo+ at t#e end o) t#e ar6 T#e side la+n5 0reen and
e-en5 slo'ed )i)ty )eet or so do+n to a s$all suuran +ood6 &#en #is +i)e +as li-in05 t#ey #ad
o)ten eaten outside5 e-en rea()ast5 on t#e 0rass6 He #ad ne-er noticed t#en t#at t#e c#ild +as
sel)is#6 8Listen to $e5: #e said5 turnin0 ac( to #i$5 8loo( at $e and listen6:
T#e oy loo(ed at #i$6 *t least #is eyes +ere )or+ard6
8I 0a-e Ru)us a (ey to t#is #ouse +#en #e le)t t#e re)or$atoryIto s#o+ $y con)idence in
#i$ and so #e +ould #a-e a 'lace #e could co$e to and )eel +elco$e any ti$e6 He didnt use
it5 ut I t#in( #ell use it no+ ecause #es seen $e and #es #un0ry6 *nd i) #e doesnt use it5
I$ 0oin0 out and )ind #i$ and rin0 #i$ #ere6 I cant see a c#ild eatin0 out o) 0ara0e cans6:
T#e oy )ro+ned6 It +as da+nin0 u'on #i$ t#at so$et#in0 o) #is +as t#reatened6
S#e''ards $out# stretc#ed in dis0ust6 8Ru)uss )at#er died e)ore #e +as orn5: #e said6
8His $ot#er is in t#e state 'enitentiary6 He +as raised y #is 0rand)at#er in a s#ac( +it#out
+ater or electricity and t#e old $an eat #i$ e-ery day6 Ho+ +ould you li(e to elon0 to a
)a$ily li(e t#at3:
8I dont (no+5: t#e c#ild said la$ely6
8&ell5 you $i0#t t#in( aout it so$eti$e5: S#e''ard said6
S#e''ard +as City Recreational .irector6 On Saturdays #e +or(ed at t#e re)or$atory as a
counselor5 recei-in0 not#in0 )or it ut t#e satis)action o) (no+in0 #e +as #el'in0 oys no one
else cared aout6 4o#nson +as t#e $ost intelli0ent oy #e #ad +or(ed +it# and t#e $ost
de'ri-ed6
/orton turned +#at +as le)t o) t#e ca(e o-er as i) #e no lon0er +anted it6
8Maye #e +ont co$e5: t#e c#ild said and #is eyes ri0#tened sli0#tly6
8T#in( o) e-eryt#in0 you #a-e t#at #e doesntS: S#e''ard said6 8Su''ose you #ad to root in
0ara0e cans )or )ood3 Su''ose you #ad a #u0e s+ollen )oot and one side o) you dro''ed
lo+er t#an t#e ot#er +#en you +al(ed3:
T#e oy loo(ed lan(5 o-iously unale to i$a0ine suc# a t#in06
8,ou #a-e a #ealt#y ody5: S#e''ard said5 8a 0ood #o$e6 ,ou-e ne-er een tau0#t
anyt#in0 ut t#e trut#6,our daddy 0i-es you e-eryt#in0 you need and +ant6 ,ou dont #a-e a
0rand)at#er +#o eats you6 *nd your $ot#er is not in t#e state 'enitentiary6:
T#e c#ild 'us#ed #is 'late a+ay6 S#e''ard 0roaned aloud6
* (not o) )les# a''eared elo+ t#e oys suddenly distorted $out#6 His )ace eca$e a
$ass o) lu$'s +it# slits )or eyes6 8I) s#e +as in t#e 'enitentiary5: #e e0an in a (ind o) rac(in0
ello+5 8I could 0o to seeeeee #er6: Tears rolled do+n #is )ace and t#e (etc#u' driled on #is
c#in6 He loo(ed as i) #e #ad een #it in t#e $out#6 He aandoned #i$sel) and #o+led6
S#e''ard sat #el'less and $iserale5 li(e a $an las#ed y so$e ele$ental )orce o) nature6
T#is +as not a nor$al 0rie)6 It +as all 'art o) #is sel)is#ness6 S#e #ad een dead )or o-er a year
and a c#ilds 0rie) s#ould not last so lon06 8,oure 0oin0 on ele-en years old5: #e said
re'roac#)ully6
T#e c#ild e0an an a0oniEin0 #i0#H'itc#ed #ea-in0 noise6
8I) you sto' t#in(in0 aout yoursel) and t#in( +#at you can do )or so$eody else5:
S#e''ard said5 8t#en youll sto' $issin0 your $ot#er6:
T#e oy +as silent ut #is s#oulders continued to s#a(e6 T#en #is )ace colla'sed and #e
e0an to #o+l a0ain6
8.ont you t#in( I$ lonely +it#out #er too3: S#e''ard said6 8.ont you t#in( I $iss #er at
all3 I do5 ut I$ not sittin0 around $o'in06 I$ usy #el'in0 ot#er 'eo'le6 &#en do you see
$e @ust sittin0 around t#in(in0 aout $y troules3:
T#e oy slu$'ed as i) #e +ere e"#austed ut )res# tears strea(ed #is )ace6
8&#at are you 0oin0 to do today3: S#e''ard as(ed5 to 0et #is $ind on so$et#in0 else6
T#e c#ild ran #is ar$ across #is eyes6 8Sell seeds5: #e $u$led6
*l+ays sellin0 so$et#in06 He #ad )our 9uart @ars )ull o) nic(els and di$es #e #ad sa-ed and
#e too( t#e$ out o) #is closet e-ery )e+ days and counted t#e$6 8&#at are you sellin0 seeds
)or3:
8To +in a 'riEe6:
8&#ats t#e 'riEe3:
8* t#ousand dollars6:
8*nd +#at +ould you do i) you #ad a t#ousand dollars3:
8Cee' it5: t#e c#ild said and +i'ed #is nose on #is s#oulder6
8I )eel sure you +ould5: S#e''ard said6 8Listen5: #e said and lo+ered #is -oice to an al$ost
'leadin0 tone5 8su''ose y so$e c#ance you did +in a t#ousand dollars6 &ouldnt you li(e to
s'end it on c#ildren less )ortunate t#an yoursel)3 &ouldnt you li(e to 0i-e so$e s+in0s and
tra'eEes to t#e or'#ana0e3 &ouldnt you li(e to uy 'oor Ru)us 4o#nson a ne+ s#oe3:
T#e oy e0an to ac( a+ay )ro$ t#e ar6 T#en suddenly #e leaned )or+ard and #un0 +it#
#is $out# o'en o-er #is 'late6 S#e''ard 0roaned a0ain6 E-eryt#in0 ca$e u'5 t#e ca(e5 t#e
'eanut utter5 t#e (etc#u'Ia li$' s+eet atter6 He #un0 o-er it 0a00in05 $ore ca$e5 and #e
+aited +it# #is $out# o'en o-er t#e 'late as i) #e e"'ected #is #eart to co$e u' ne"t6
8Its all ri0#t5: S#e''ard said5 8its all ri0#t6 ,ou couldnt #el' it6 &i'e your $out# and 0o lie
do+n6:
T#e c#ild #un0 t#ere a $o$ent lon0er6 T#en #e raised #is )ace and loo(ed lindly at #is
)at#er6
8!o on5: S#e''ard said6 8!o on and lie do+n6:
T#e oy 'ulled u' t#e end o) #is tHs#irt and s$eared #is $out# +it# it6 T#en #e cli$ed
do+n o)) t#e stool and +andered out o) t#e (itc#en6
S#e''ard sat t#ere starin0 at t#e 'uddle o) #al)Hdi0ested )ood6 T#e sour odor reac#ed #i$
and #e dre+ ac(6 His 0or0e rose6 He 0ot u' and carried t#e 'late to t#e sin( and turned t#e
+ater on it and +atc#ed 0ri$ly as t#e $ess ran do+n t#e drain6 4o#nsons sad t#in #and rooted
in 0ara0e cans )or )ood +#ile #is o+n c#ild5 sel)is#5 unres'onsi-e5 0reedy5 #ad so $uc# t#at #e
t#re+ it u'6 He cut o)) t#e )aucet +it# a t#rust o) #is )ist6 4o#nson #ad a ca'acity )or real
res'onse and #ad een de'ri-ed o) e-eryt#in0 )ro$ irt#D /orton +as a-era0e or elo+ and
#ad #ad e-ery ad-anta0e6
He +ent ac( to t#e ar to )inis# #is rea()ast6 T#e cereal +as so00y in t#e cardoard o"
ut #e 'aid no attention to +#at #e +as eatin06 4o#nson +as +ort# any a$ount o) e))ort
ecause #e #ad t#e 'otential6 He #ad seen it )ro$ t#e ti$e t#e oy #ad li$'ed in )or #is )irst
inter-ie+6
S#e''ards o))ice at t#e re)or$atory +as a narro+ closet +it# one +indo+ and a s$all
tale and t+o c#airs in it6 He #ad ne-er een inside a con)essional ut #e t#ou0#t it $ust e
t#e sa$e (ind o) o'eration #e #ad #ere5 e"ce't t#at #e e"'lained5 #e did not asol-e6 His
credentials +ere less duious t#an a 'riestsD #e #ad een trained )or +#at #e +as doin06
&#en 4o#nson ca$e in )or #is )irst inter-ie+5 #e #ad een readin0 o-er t#e oys
recordIsenseless destruction5 +indo+s s$as#ed5 city tras# o"es set a)ire5 tires slas#edIt#e
(ind o) t#in0 #e )ound +#ere oys #ad een trans'lanted aru'tly )ro$ t#e country to t#e city
as t#is one #ad6 He ca$e to 4o#nsons I6 T6 score6 It +as ;=L6 He raised #is eyes ea0erly6
T#e oy sat slu$'ed on t#e ed0e o) #is c#air5 #is ar$s #an0in0 et+een #is t#i0#s6 T#e li0#t
)ro$ t#e +indo+ )ell on #is )ace6 His eyes5 steelHcolored and -ery still5 +ere trained narro+ly
)or+ard6 His t#in dar( #air #un0 in a Hat )oreloc( across t#e side o) #is )ore#ead5 not carelessly
li(e a oys5 ut )iercely li(e an old $ans6 * (ind o) )anatic intelli0ence +as 'al'ale in #is )ace6
S#e''ard s$iled to di$inis# t#e distance et+een t#e$6
T#e oys e"'ression did not so)ten6 He leaned ac( in #is c#air and li)ted a $onstrous clu
)oot to #is (nee6 T#e )oot +as in a #ea-y lac( attered s#oe +it# a sale )our or )i-e inc#es
t#ic(6 T#e leat#er 'arted )ro$ it in one 'lace and t#e end o) an e$'ty soc( 'rotruded li(e a
0rey ton0ue )ro$ a se-ered #ead6 T#e case +as clear to S#e''ard instantly6 His $isc#ie) +as
co$'ensation )or t#e )oot6
8&ell Ru)us5: #e said5 8I see y t#e record #ere t#at you dont #a-e ut a year to ser-e6
&#at do you 'lan to do +#en you 0et out3:
8I dont $a(e no 'lans5: t#e oy said6 His eyes s#i)ted indi))erently to so$et#in0 outside
t#e +indo+ e#ind S#e''ard in t#e )ar distance6
8Maye you ou0#t to5: S#e''ard said and s$iled6
4o#nson continued to 0aEe eyond #i$6
: I +ant to see you $a(e t#e $ost o) your intelli0ence5: S#e''ard said6 8&#ats i$'ortant
to you3 Lets tal( aout +#ats i$'ortant to you6: His eyes dro''ed in-oluntarily to t#e )oot6
8Study it and 0it your )ill5: t#e oy dra+led6
S#e''ard reddened6 T#e lac( de)or$ed $ass s+elled e)ore #is eyes6 He i0nored t#e
re$ar( and t#e leer t#e oy +as 0i-in0 #i$6 8Ru)us5: #e said5 8you-e 0ot into a lot o) senseless
troule ut I t#in( +#en you understand +#y you do t#ese t#in0s5 youll e less inclined to do
t#e$6: He s$iled6 T#ey #ad so )e+ )riends5 sa+ so )e+ 'leasant )aces5 t#at #al) #is
e))ecti-eness ca$e )ro$ not#in0 $ore t#an s$ilin0 at t#e$6 8T#ere are a lot o) t#in0s aout
yoursel) t#at I t#in( I can e"'lain to you5: #e said6
4o#nson loo(ed at #i$ stonily6 8I aint as(ed )or no e"'lanation5: #e said6 8I already (no+
+#y I do +#at I do6:
8&ell 0oodS: S#e''ard said6 8Su''ose you tell $e +#ats $ade you do t#e t#in0s you-e
done3:
* lac( s#een a''eared in t#e oys eyes6 8Satan5: #e said6 8He #as $e in #is 'o+er6:
S#e''ard loo(ed at #i$ steadily6 T#ere +as no indication on t#e oys )ace t#at #e #ad said
t#is to e )unny6
T#e line o) #is t#in $out# +as set +it# 'ride6 S#e''ards eyes #ardened6 He )elt a
$o$entary dull des'air as i) #e +ere )aced +it# so$e ele$ental +ar'in0 o) nature t#at #ad
#a''ened too lon0 a0o to e corrected no+6 T#is oys 9uestions aout li)e #ad een ans+ered
y si0ns nailed on 'ine trees: .OES S*T*/ H*2E ,O7 I/ HIS PO&ER3 REPE/T OR %7R/ I/
HELL6 4ES7S S*2ES He +ould (no+ t#e %ile +it# or +it#out readin0 it6 His des'air 0a-e +ay to
outra0e6 8Ruis#S: #e snorted6 A&ere li-in0 in t#e s'ace a0eS ,oure too s$art to 0i-e $e an
ans+er li(e t#at6:
4o#nsons $out# t+isted sli0#tly6 His loo( +as conte$'tuous ut a$used6 T#ere +as a 0lint
o) c#allen0e in #is eyes6
S#e''ard scrutiniEed #is )ace6 &#ere t#ere +as intelli0ence anyt#in0 +as 'ossile6 He
s$iled a0ain5 a s$ile t#at +as li(e an in-itation to t#e oy to co$e into a sc#ool roo$ +it# all
its +indo+s t#ro+n o'en to t#e li0#t6 8Ru)us5: #e said5 8I$ 0oin0 to arran0e )or you to #a-e a
con)erence +it# $e once a +ee(6 Maye t#eres an e"'lanation )or your e"'lanation6 Maye I
can e"'lain your de-il to you6:
*)ter t#at #e #ad tal(ed to 4o#nson e-ery Saturday )or t#e rest o) t#e year6 He tal(ed at
rando$5 t#e (ind o) tal( t#e oy +ould ne-er #a-e #eard e)ore6 He tal(ed a little ao-e #i$ to
0i-e #i$ so$et#in0 to reac# )or6 He roa$ed )ro$ si$'le 'syc#olo0y and t#e dod0es o) t#e
#u$an $ind to astrono$y and t#e s'ace ca'sules t#at +ere +#irlin0 around t#e eart# )aster
t#an t#e s'eed o) sound and +ould soon encircle t#e stars6 Instincti-ely #e concentrated on t#e
stars6 He +anted to 0i-e t#e oy so$et#in0 to reac# )or esides #is nei0#ors 0oods6 He
+anted to stretc# #is #oriEons6 He +anted #i$ to see t#e uni-erse5 to see t#at t#e dar(est 'arts
o) it could e 'enetrated6 He +ould #a-e 0i-en anyt#in0 to e ale to 'ut a telesco'e in
4o#nsons #ands6
4o#nson said little and +#at #e did say5 )or t#e sa(e o) #is 'ride5 +as in dissent or senseless
contradiction5 +it# t#e clu)oot raised al+ays to #is (nee li(e a +ea'on ready )or use5 ut
S#e''ard +as not decei-ed6 He +atc#ed #is eyes and e-ery +ee( #e sa+ so$et#in0 in t#e$
cru$le6 Fro$ t#e oys )ace5 #ard ut s#oc(ed5 raced a0ainst t#e li0#t t#at +as ra-a0in0 #i$5
#e could see t#at #e +as #ittin0 dead center6
4o#nson +as )ree no+ to li-e out o) 0ara0e cans and redisco-er #is old i0norance6 T#e
in@ustice o) it +as in)uriatin06 He #ad een sent ac( to t#e 0rand)at#erD t#e old $ans
i$ecility could only e i$a0ined6 Per#a's t#e oy #ad y no+ run a+ay )ro$ #i$6 T#e idea o)
0ettin0 custody o) 4o#nson #ad occurred to S#e''ard e)ore5 ut t#e )act o) t#e 0rand)at#er
#ad stood in t#e +ay6 /ot#in0 e"cited #i$ so $uc# as t#in(in0 +#at #e could do )or suc# a oy6
First #e +ould #a-e #i$ )itted )or a ne+ ort#o'edic s#oe6 His ac( +as t#ro+n out o) line e-ery
ti$e #e too( a ste'6 T#en #e +ould encoura0e #i$ in so$e 'articular intellectual interest6 He
t#ou0#t o) t#e telesco'e6 He could uy a secondH#and one and t#ey could set it u' in t#e attic
+indo+6 He sat )or al$ost ten $inutes t#in(in0 +#at #e could do i) #e #ad 4o#nson #ere +it#
#i$6 &#at +as +asted on /orton +ould cause 4o#nson to )louris#6 ,esterday +#en #e #ad
seen #i$ +it# #is #and in t#e 0ara0e can5 #e #ad +a-ed and started )or+ard6 4o#nson #ad
seen #i$5 'aused a s'litHsecond5 t#en -anis#ed +it# t#e s+i)tness o) a rat ut not e)ore
S#e''ard #ad seen #is e"'ression c#an0e: So$et#in0 #ad (indled in t#e oys eyes5 #e +as
sure o) it5 so$e $e$ory o) t#e lost li0#t6
He 0ot u' and t#re+ t#e cereal o" in t#e 0ara0e6 %e)ore #e le)t t#e #ouse5 #e loo(ed into
/ortons roo$ to e sure #e +as not stilI sic(6 T#e c#ild +as sittin0 crossle00ed on #is ed6 He
#ad e$'tied t#e 9uart @ars o) c#an0e into one lar0e 'ile in )ront o) #i$5 and +as sortin0 it out
y nic(els and di$es and 9uarters6
T#at a)ternoon /orton +as alone in t#e #ouse5 s9uattin0 on t#e )loor o) #is roo$ arran0in0
'ac(a0es o) )lo+er seeds in ro+s around #i$sel)6 Rain slas#ed a0ainst t#e +indo+ 'anes and
rattled in t#e 0utters6 T#e roo$ #ad 0ro+n dar( ut e-ery )e+ $inutes it +as lit y silent
li0#tnin0 and t#e seed 'ac(a0es s#o+ed u' 0aily on t#e )loor6 He s9uatted $otionless li(e a
lar0e 'ale )ro0 in t#e $idst o) t#is 'otential 0arden6 *ll at once #is eyes eca$e alert6 &it#out
+arnin0 t#e rain #ad sto''ed6 T#e silence +as #ea-y as i) t#e do+n'our #ad een #us#ed y
-iolence6 He re$ained $otionless5 only #is eyes turnin06
Into t#e silence ca$e t#e distinct clic( o) a (ey turnin0 in t#e )ront door loc(6 T#e sound +as
a -ery delierate one6 It dre+ attention to itsel) and #eld it as i) it +ere controlled $ore y a
$ind t#an y a #and6 T#e c#ild lea't u' and 0ot into t#e closet6
T#e )ootste's e0an to $o-e in t#e #all6 T#ey +ere delierate and irre0ular5 a li0#t and
t#en a #ea-y one5 t#en a silence as i) t#e -isitor #ad 'aused to listen #i$sel) or to e"a$ine
so$et#in06 In a $inute t#e (itc#en door scree(ed6 T#e )ootste's crossed t#e (itc#en to t#e
re)ri0erator6 T#e closet +all and t#e (itc#en +all +ere t#e sa$e6 /orton stood +it# #is ear
'ressed a0ainst it6 T#e re)ri0erator door o'ened6 T#ere +as a 'rolon0ed silence6
He too( o)) #is s#oes and t#en ti'toed out o) t#e closet and ste''ed o-er t#e seed
'ac(a0es6 In t#e $iddle o) t#e roo$5 #e sto''ed and re$ained +#ere #e +as5 ri0id6 * t#in
onyH)aced oy in a +et lac( suit stood in #is door5 loc(in0 #is esca'e6 His #air +as )lattened
to #is s(ull y t#e rain6 He stood t#ere li(e an irate drenc#ed cro+6 His loo( +ent t#rou0# t#e
c#ild li(e a 'in and 'aralyEed #i$6 T#en #is eyes e0an to $o-e o-er e-eryt#in0 in t#e
roo$It#e un$ade ed5 t#e dirty curtains on t#e one lar0e +indo+5 a '#oto0ra'# o) a +ideH
)aced youn0 +o$an t#at stood u' in t#e clutter on to' o) t#e dresser6
T#e c#ilds ton0ue suddenly +ent +ild6 8Hes een e"'ectin0 you5 #es 0oin0 to 0i-e you a
ne+ s#oe ecause you #a-e to eat out o) 0ara0e cansS: #e said in a (ind o) $ouseli(e s#rie(6
8I eat out o) 0ara0e cans5: t#e oy said slo+ly +it# a eady stare5 Aecause I li(e to eat out
o) 0ara0e cans6 See3:
T#e c#ild nodded6
8*nd I 0ot +ays o) 0ettin0 $y o+n s#oe6 See3:
T#e c#ild nodded5 $es$eriEed6
T#e oy li$'ed in and sat do+n on t#e ed6 He arran0ed a 'illo+ e#ind #i$ and stretc#ed
#is s#ort le0 out so t#at t#e i0 lac( s#oe rested cons'icuously on a )old o) t#e s#eet6
/ortons 0aEe settled on it and re$ained i$$oile6 T#e sole +as as t#ic( as a ric(6
4o#nson +i00led it sli0#tly and s$iled6 8I) I (ic( so$eody once +it# t#is5: #e said5 8it learns
t#e$ not to $ess +it# $e6:
T#e c#ild nodded6
8!o in t#e (itc#en5: 4o#nson said5 8and $a(e $e a sand+ic# +it# so$e o) t#at rye read
and #a$ and rin0 $e a 0lass o) $il(6:
/orton +ent o)) li(e a $ec#anical toy5 'us#ed in t#e ri0#t direction6 He $ade a lar0e 0reasy
sand+ic# +it# #a$ #an0in0 out t#e sides o) it and 'oured out a 0lass o) $il(6 T#en #e returned
to t#e roo$ +it# t#e 0lass o) $il( in one #and and t#e sand+ic# in t#e ot#er6
4o#nson +as leanin0 ac( re0ally a0ainst t#e 'illo+6 8T#an(s5 +aiter5: #e said and too( t#e
sand+ic#6
/orton stood y t#e side o) t#e ed5 #oldin0 t#e 0lass6
T#e oy tore into t#e sand+ic# and ate steadily until #e )inis#ed it6 T#en #e too( t#e 0lass
o) $il(6 He #eld it +it# ot# #ands li(e a c#ild and +#en #e lo+ered it )or reat#5 t#ere +as a
ri$ o) $il( around #is $out#6 He #anded /orton t#e e$'ty 0lass6 8!o 0et $e one o) t#e$
oran0es in t#ere5 +aiter5: #e said #oarsely6
/orton +ent to t#e (itc#en and returned +it# t#e oran0e6
4o#nson 'eeled it +it# #is )in0ers and let t#e 'eelin0 dro' in t#e ed6 He ate it slo+ly5
s'ittin0 t#e seeds out in )ront o) #i$6 &#en #e )inis#ed5 #e +i'ed #is #ands on t#e s#eet and
0a-e /orton a lon0 a''raisin0 stare6 He a''eared to #a-e een so)tened y t#e ser-ice6 8,oure
#is (id all ri0#t5: #e said6 8,ou 0ot t#e sa$e stu'id )ace6:
T#e c#ild stood t#ere stolidly as i) #e #ad not #eard6
8He dont (no+ #is le)t #and )ro$ #is ri0#t5: 4o#nson said +it# a #oarse 'leasure in #is
-oice6
T#e c#ild cast #is eyes a little to t#e side o) t#e oys )ace and loo(ed )i"edly at t#e +all6
8,a(etty ya(etty ya(5: 4o#nson said5 8and ne-er says a t#in06:
T#e c#ilds u''er li' li)ted sli0#tly ut #e didnt say anyt#in06
8!as5: 4o#nson said6 8!as6:
T#e c#ilds )ace e0an to #a-e a +ary loo( o) elli0erence6 He ac(ed a+ay sli0#tly as i) #e
+ere 're'ared to retreat instantly6 8Hes 0ood5: #e $u$led6 8He #el's 'eo'le6:
8!oodS: 4o#nson said sa-a0ely6 He t#rust #is #ead )or+ard6
8Listen #ere5: #e #issed5 8I dont care i) #es 0ood or not6 He aint ri0#tS:
/orton loo(ed stunned6
T#e screen door in t#e (itc#en an0ed and so$e one entered6 4o#nson sat )or+ard
instantly6 8Is t#at #i$3: #e said6
8Its t#e coo(5: /orton said6 8S#e co$es in t#e a)ternoon6:
4o#nson 0ot u' and li$'ed into t#e #all and stood in t#e (itc#en door and /orton )ollo+ed
#i$6
T#e colored 0irl +as at t#e closet ta(in0 o)) a ri0#t red raincoat6 S#e +as a tall li0#tHyello+
0irl +it# a $out# li(e a lar0e rose t#at #ad dar(ened and +ilted6 Her #air +as dressed in tiers
on to' o) #er #ead and leaned to t#e side li(e t#e To+er o) Pisa6
4o#nson $ade a noise t#rou0# #is teet#6 8&ell loo( at *unt 4e$i$a5: #e said6
T#e 0irl 'aused and trained an insolent 0aEe on t#e$6
T#ey $i0#t #a-e een dust on t#e )loor6
8Co$e on5: 4o#nson said5 8lets see +#at all you 0ot esides a ni00er6: He o'ened t#e )irst
door to #is ri0#t in t#e #all and loo(ed into a 'in(Htiled at#roo$6 8* 'in( canS: #e $ur$ured6
He turned a co$ical )ace to t#e c#ild6 8.oes #e sit on t#at3:
8Its )or co$'any5: /orton said5 8ut #e sits on it so$eti$es6:
8He ou0#t to e$'ty #is #ead in it5: 4o#nson said6
T#e door +as o'en to t#e ne"t roo$6 It +as t#e roo$ S#e''ard #ad sle't in since #is +i)e
died6 *n asceticHloo(in0 iron ed stood on t#e are )loor6 * #ea' o) Little Lea0ue aseall
uni)or$s +as 'iled in one corner6 Pa'ers +ere scattered o-er a lar0e rollHto' des( and #eld
do+n in -arious 'laces y #is 'i'es6 4o#nson stood loo(in0 into t#e roo$ silently6 He +rin(led
#is nose6 8!uess +#o3: #e said6
T#e door to t#e ne"t roo$ +as closed ut 4o#nson o'ened it and t#rust #is #ead into t#e
se$iHdar(ness +it#in6 T#e s#ades +ere do+n and t#e air +as close +it# a )aint scent o)
'er)u$e in it6 T#ere +as a +ide anti9ue ed and a $a$$ot# dresser +#ose $irror 0linted in
t#e #al) li0#t6 4o#nson sna''ed t#e li0#t s+itc# y t#e door and crossed t#e roo$ to t#e $irror
and 'eered into it6 * sil-er co$ and rus# lay on t#e linen runner6 He 'ic(ed u' t#e co$ and
e0an to run it t#rou0# #is #air6 He co$ed it strai0#t do+n on #is )ore#ead6 T#en #e s+e't it
to t#e side5 Hitler )as#ion6
8Lea-e #er co$ aloneS: t#e c#ild said6 He stood in t#e door5 'ale and reat#in0 #ea-ily as
i) #e +ere +atc#in0 sacrile0e in a #oly 'lace6
4o#nson 'ut t#e co$ do+n and 'ic(ed u' t#e rus# and 0a-e #is #air a s+i'e +it# it6
8S#es dead5: t#e c#ild said6
8I aint a)raid o) dead 'eo'les t#in0s5: 4o#nson said6 He o'ened t#e to' dra+er and slid #is
#and in6
8Ta(e your i0 )at dirty #ands o)) $y $ot#ers clot#esS: t#e c#ild said in a #i0# su))ocated
-oice6
8Cee' your s#irt on5 s+eet#eart5: 4o#nson $ur$ured6 He 'ulled u' a +rin(led red 'ol(a
dot louse and dro''ed it ac(6 T#en #e 'ulled out a 0reen sil( (erc#ie) and +#irled it o-er #is
#ead and let it )loat to t#e )loor6 His #and continued to 'lo+ dee' into t#e dra+er6 *)ter a
$o$ent it ca$e u' 0ri''in0 a )aded corset +it# )our dan0lin0 $etal su''orters6 8T#isyer $ust
e #er saddle5: #e oser-ed6
He li)ted it 0in0erly and s#oo( it6 T#en #e )astened it around #is +aist and @u$'ed u' and
do+n5 $a(in0 t#e $etal su''orters dance6 He e0an to sna' #is )in0ers and turn #is #i's )ro$
side to side6 8!onter roc(5 rattle and roll5: #e san06 8!onter roc(5 rattle and roll6 Cant 'lease
t#at +o$an5 to sa-e $y do00one soul6: He e0an to $o-e around5 sta$'in0 t#e 0ood )oot
do+n and slin0in0 t#e #ea-y one to t#e side6 He danced out t#e door5 'ast t#e stric(en c#ild
and do+n t#e #all to+ard t#e (itc#en6
* #al) #our later S#e''ard ca$e #o$e6 He dro''ed #is raincoat on a c#air in t#e #all and
ca$e as )ar as t#e 'arlor door and sto''ed6 His )ace +as suddenly trans)or$ed6 It s#one +it#
'leasure6 4o#nson sat5 a dar( )i0ure5 in a #i0#ac(ed 'in( u'#olstered c#air6 T#e +all e#ind
#i$ +as lined +it# oo(s )ro$ )loor to ceilin06 He +as readin0 one6 S#e''ards eyes narro+ed6
It +as a -olu$e o) t#e Encyclo'edia %ritannica6 He +as so en0rossed in it t#at #e did not loo(
u'6 S#e''ard #eld #is reat#6 T#is +as t#e 'er)ect settin0 )or t#e oy6 He #ad to (ee' #i$ #ere6
He #ad to $ana0e it so$e#o+6
8Ru)usS: #e said5 8its 0ood to see you oyS: and #e ounded )or+ard +it# #is ar$
outstretc#ed6
4o#nson loo(ed u'5 #is )ace lan(6 8O# #ello5: #e said6 He i0nored t#e #and as lon0 as #e
+as ale ut +#en S#e''ard did not +it#dra+ it5 #e 0rud0in0ly s#oo( it6
S#e''ard +as 're'ared )or t#is (ind o) reaction6 It +as 'art o) 4o#nsons $a(eHu' ne-er to
s#o+ ent#usias$6
8Ho+ are t#in0s3: #e said6 8Ho+s your 0rand)at#er treatin0 you3: He sat do+n on t#e
ed0e o) t#e so)a6
8He dro''ed dead5: t#e oy said indi))erently6
8,ou dont $ean itS: S#e''ard cried6 He 0ot u' and sat do+n on t#e co))ee tale nearer t#e
oy6
8/a+5: 4o#nson said5 8#e aint dro''ed dead6 I +is#t #e #ad6:
: &ell +#ere is #e3: S#e''ard $uttered6
8Hes 0one +it# a re$nant to t#e #ills5: 4o#nson said6 8Hi$ and so$e ot#ers6 T#eyre 0oin0
to ury so$e %iles in a ca-e and ta(e t+o o) di))erent (inds o) ani$als and all li(e t#at6 Li(e
/oa#6 Only t#is ti$e its 0oin0 to e )ire5 not )lood6:
S#e''ards $out# stretc#ed +ryly6 8I see5: #e said6 T#en #e said5 8In ot#er +ords t#e old
)ool #as aandoned you3:
8He aint no )ool5: t#e oy said in an indi0nant tone6
8Has #e aandoned you or not3: S#e''ard as(ed i$'atiently6
T#e oy s#ru00ed6
8&#eres your 'roation o))icer3:
8I aint su''osed to (ee' u' +it# #i$5: 4o#nson said6
Hes su''osed to (ee' u' +it# $e6:
S#e''ard lau0#ed6 8&ait a $inute5: #e said6 He 0ot u' and +ent into t#e #all and 0ot #is
raincoat o)) t#e c#air and too( it to t#e #all closet to #an0 it u'6 He #ad to 0i-e #i$sel) ti$e to
t#in(5 to decide #o+ #e could as( t#e oy so t#at #e +ould stay6 He couldnt )orce #i$ to stay6
It +ould #a-e to e -oluntary6 4o#nson 'retended not to li(e #i$6 T#at +as only to u'#old #is
'ride5 ut #e +ould #a-e to as( #i$ in suc# a +ay t#at #is 'ride could still e u'#eld6 He
o'ened t#e closet door and too( out a #an0er6 *n old 0rey +inter coat o) #is +i)es still #un0
t#ere6 He 'us#ed it aside ut it didnt $o-e6 He 'ulled it o'en rou0#ly and +inced as i) #e #ad
seen t#e lar-a inside a cocoon6 /orton stood in it5 #is )ace s+ollen and 'ale5 +it# a dru00ed
loo( o) $isery on it6 S#e''ard stared at #i$6 Suddenly #e +as con)ronted +it# a 'ossiility6
8!et out o) t#ere5: #e said6 He cau0#t #i$ y t#e s#oulder and 'ro'elled #i$ )ir$ly into t#e
'arlor and o-er to t#e 'in( c#air +#ere 4o#nson +as sittin0 +it# t#e encyclo'edia in #is la'6 He
+as 0oin0 to ris( e-eryt#in0 in one lo+6
8Ru)us5: #e said5 8I-e 0ot a 'role$6 I need your #el'6:
4o#nson loo(ed u' sus'iciously6
8Listen5: S#e''ard said5 8+e need anot#er oy in t#e #ouse6: T#ere +as a 0enuine
des'eration in #is -oice6 8/orton #ere #as ne-er #ad to di-ide anyt#in0 in #is li)e6 He doesnt
(no+ +#at it $eans to s#are6 *nd I need so$eody to teac# #i$6 Ho+ aout #el'in0 $e out3
Stay #ere )or a +#ile +it# us5 Ru)us6 I need your #el'6: T#e e"cite$ent in #is -oice $ade it t#in6
T#e c#ild suddenly ca$e to li)e6 His )ace s+elled +it# )ury6 8He +ent in #er roo$ and used
#er co$S: #e screa$ed5 yan(in0 S#e''ards ar$6 8He 'ut on #er corset and danced +it#
Leola5 #eB:
8Sto' t#isS: S#e''ard said s#ar'ly6 8Is tattlin0 all youre ca'ale o)3 I$ not as(in0 you )or a
re'ort on Ru)uss conduct6 I$ as(in0 you to $a(e #i$ +elco$e #ere6 .o you understand3
8,ou see #o+ it is3: #e as(ed5 turnin0 to 4o#nson6
/orton (ic(ed t#e le0 o) t#e 'in( c#air -iciously5 @ust $issin0 4o#nsons s+ollen )oot6
S#e''ard yan(ed #i$ ac(6
8He said you +erent not#in0 ut 0asS: t#e c#ild s#rie(ed6
* sly loo( o) 'leasure crossed 4o#nsons )ace6
S#e''ard +as not 'ut ac(6 T#ese insults +ere 'art o) t#e oys de)ensi-e $ec#anis$6
8&#at aout it5 Ru)us3: #e said6 8&ill you stay +it# us )or a +#ile3:
4o#nson loo(ed strai0#t in )ront o) #i$ and said not#in06 He s$iled sli0#tly and a''eared to
0aEe u'on so$e -ision o) t#e )uture t#at 'leased #i$6
8I dont care5: #e said and turned a 'a0e o) t#e encyclo'edia6 8I can stand any+#ere6:
8&onder)ul6: S#e''ard said6 8&onder)ul6:
8He said5: t#e c#ild said in a t#roaty +#is'er5 8you didnt (no+ your le)t #and )ro$ your
ri0#t6:
T#ere +as a silence6
4o#nson +et #is )in0er and turned anot#er 'a0e o) t#e encyclo'edia6
8I #a-e so$et#in0 to say to ot# o) you5: S#e''ard said in a -oice +it#out in)lection6 His
eyes $o-ed )ro$ one to t#e ot#er o) t#e$ and #e s'o(e slo+ly as i) +#at #e +as sayin0 #e
+ould say only once and it e#oo-ed t#e$ to listen6 8I) it $ade any di))erence to $e +#at
Ru)us t#in(s o) $e5: #e said5 8t#en I +ouldnt e as(in0 #i$ #ere6 Ru)us is 0oin0 to #el' $e out
and I$ 0oin0 to #el' #i$ out and +ere ot# 0oin0 to #el' you out6 Id si$'ly e sel)is# i) I let
+#at Ru)us t#in(s o) $e inter)ere +it# +#at I can do )or Ru)us6 I) I can #el' a 'erson5 all I +ant
is to do it6 I$ ao-e and eyond si$'le 'ettiness6:
/eit#er o) t#e$ $ade a sound6 /orton stared at t#e c#air cus#ion6 4o#nson 'eered closer
at so$e )ine 'rint in t#e encyclo'edia6 S#e''ard +as loo(in0 at t#e to's o) t#eir #eads6 He
s$iled6 *)ter all5 #e #ad +on6 T#e oy +as stayin06 He reac#ed out and ru))led /ortons #air
and sla''ed 4o#nson on t#e s#oulder6 8/o+ you )ello+s sit #ere and 0et ac9uainted5: #e said
0aily and started to+ard t#e door6 8I$ 0oin0 to see +#at Leola le)t us )or su''er6:
&#en #e +as 0one5 4o#nson raised #is #ead and loo(ed at /orton6 T#e c#ild loo(ed ac( at
#i$ lea(ly6 8!od5 (id5: 4o#nson said in a crac(ed -oice5 8#o+ do you stand it3: His )ace +as
still +it# outra0e6 8He t#in(s #es 4esus C#ristS:
II

S#e''ards attic +as a lar0e un)inis#ed roo$ +it# e"'osed ea$s and no electric li0#t6
T#ey #ad set t#e telesco'e u' on a tri'od in one o) t#e dor$er +indo+s6 It 'ointed no+
to+ard t#e dar( s(y +#ere a sli-er o) $oon5 as )ra0ile as an e00 s#ell5 #ad @ust e$er0ed )ro$
e#ind a cloud +it# a rilliant sil-er ed0e6 Inside5 a (erosene lantern set on a trun( cast t#eir
s#ado+s u'+ard and tan0led t#e$5 +a-erin0 sli0#tly5 in t#e @oists o-er#ead6 S#e''ard +as
sittin0 on a 'ac(in0 o"5 loo(in0 t#rou0# t#e telesco'e5 and 4o#nson +as at #is elo+5 +aitin0
to 0et at it6 S#e''ard #ad ou0#t it )or )i)teen dollars t+o days e)ore at a 'a+n s#o'6
8Tuit #o00in it5: 4o#nson said6
S#e''ard 0ot u' and 4o#nson slid onto t#e o" and 'ut #is eye to t#e instru$ent6
S#e''ard sat do+n on a strai0#t c#air a )e+ )eet a+ay6 His )ace +as )lus#ed +it# 'leasure6
T#is $uc# o) #is drea$ +as a reality6 &it#in a +ee( #e #ad $ade it 'ossile )or t#is oys
-ision to 'ass t#rou0# a slender c#annel to t#e stars6 He loo(ed at 4o#nsons ent ac( +it#
co$'lete satis)action6 T#e oy #ad on one o) /ortons 'laid s#irts and So$e ne+ (#a(i trousers
#e #ad ou0#t #i$6 T#e s#oe +ould e ready ne"t +ee(6 He #ad ta(en #i$ to t#e race s#o'
t#e day a)ter #e ca$e and #ad #i$ )itted )or a ne+ s#oe6 4o#nson +as as touc#y aout t#e )oot
as i) it +ere a sacred o@ect6 His )ace #ad een 0lu$ +#ile t#e cler(5 a youn0 $an +it# a ri0#t
'in( ald #ead5 $easured t#e )oot +it# #is 'ro)ane #ands6 T#e s#oe +as 0oin0 to $a(e t#e
0reatest di))erence in t#e oys attitude6 E-en a c#ild +it# nor$al )eet +as in lo-e +it# t#e
+orld a)ter #e #ad 0ot a ne+ 'air o) s#oes6 &#en /orton 0ot a ne+ 'air5 #e +al(ed around )or
days +it# #is eyes on #is )eet6
S#e''ard 0lanced across t#e roo$ at t#e c#ild6 He +as sittin0 on t#e )loor a0ainst a trun(5
trussed u' in a ro'e #e #ad )ound and +ound around #is le0s )ro$ #is an(les to #is (nees6 He
a''eared so )ar a+ay t#at S#e''ard $i0#t #a-e een loo(in0 at #i$ t#rou0# t#e +ron0 end o)
t#e telesco'e6 He #ad #ad to +#i' #i$ only once since 4o#nson #ad een +it# t#e$It#e )irst
ni0#t +#en /orton #ad realiEed t#at 4o#nson +as 0oin0 to slee' in #is $ot#ers ed6 He did not
elie-e in +#i''in0 c#ildren5 'articularly in an0er6 In t#is case5 #e #ad done ot# and +it# 0ood
results6 He #ad #ad no $ore troule +it# /orton6
T#e c#ild #adnt s#o+n any 'ositi-e 0enerosity to+ard 4o#nson ut +#at #e couldnt #el'5
#e a''eared to e resi0ned to6 In t#e $ornin0s S#e''ard sent t#e t+o o) t#e$ to t#e ,
s+i$$in0 'ool5 0a-e t#e$ $oney to 0et t#eir lunc# at t#e ca)eteria and instructed t#e$ to
$eet #i$ in t#e 'ar( in t#e a)ternoon to +atc# #is Little Lea0ue aseall 'ractice6 E-ery
a)ternoon t#ey #ad arri-ed at t#e 'ar(5 s#a$lin05 silent5 t#eir )aces closed eac# on #is o+n
t#ou0#ts as i) neit#er +ere a+are o) t#e ot#ers e"istence6 *t least #e eould e t#an()ul t#ere
+ere no )i0#ts6
/orton s#o+ed no interest in t#e telesco'e6 8.ont you +ant to 0et u' and loo( t#rou0#
t#e telesco'e5 /orton3: #e said6 It irritated #i$ t#at t#e c#ild s#o+ed no intellectual curiosity
+#atsoe-er6 8Ru)us is 0oin0 to e +ay a#ead o) you6:
/orton leaned )or+ard asently and loo(ed at 4o#nsons ac(6
4o#nson turned around )ro$ t#e instru$ent6 His )ace #ad e0un to )ill out a0ain6 T#e loo(
o) outra0e #ad retreated )ro$ #is #ollo+ c#ee(s and +as s#ored u' no+ in t#e ca-es o) #is
eyes5 li(e a )u0iti-e )ro$ S#e''ards (indness6 8.ont +aste your -aluale ti$e5 (id5: #e said6
8,ou seen t#e $oon once5 you seen it6:
S#e''ard +as a$used y t#ese sudden turns o) 'er-ersity6 T#e oy resisted +#ate-er #e
sus'ected +as $eant )or #is i$'ro-e$ent and contri-ed +#en #e +as -itally interested in
so$et#in0 to lea-e t#e i$'ression #e +as ored6 S#e''ard +as not decei-ed6 Secretly 4o#nson
+as learnin0 +#at #e +anted #i$ to learnIt#at #is ene)actor +as i$'er-ious to insult and
t#at t#ere +ere no crac(s in #is ar$or o) (indness and 'atience +#ere a success)ul s#a)t could
e dri-en6 8So$e day you $ay 0o to t#e $oon5: #e said6 8In ten years $en +ill 'roaly e
$a(in0 round tri's t#ere on sc#edule6 &#y you oys $ay e s'ace$en6 *stronautsS:
8*stroHnuts5:4o#nson said6
8/uts or nauts5: S#e''ard said5 8its 'er)ectly 'ossile t#at you5 Ru)us 4o#nson5 +ill 0o to
t#e $oon6:
So$et#in0 in t#e de't#s o) 4o#nsons eyes stirred6 *ll day #is #u$or #ad een 0lu$6 8I aint
0oin0 to t#e $oon and 0et t#ere ali-e5: #e said5 8and +#en I die I$ 0oin0 to #ell6:
8Its at least 'ossile to 0et to t#e $oon5: S#e''ard said dryly6 T#e est +ay to #andle t#is
(ind o) t#in0 +as +it# 0entle ridicule6 8&e can see it6 &e (no+ its t#ere6 /oody #as 0i-en any
reliale e-idence t#eres a #ell6:
8T#e %ile #as 0i-e t#e e-idence5: 4o#nson said dar(ly5 8and i) you die and 0o t#ere you
urn )ore-er6:
T#e c#ild leaned )or+ard6
8&#oe-er says it aint a #ell5: 4o#nson said5 8is contradictin0 4esus6 T#e dead are @ud0ed and
t#e +ic(ed are da$ned6 T#ey +ee' and 0nas# t#eir teet# +#ile t#ey urn5: #e continued5 8and
its e-erlastin0 dar(ness6:
T#e c#ilds $out# o'ened6 His eyes a''eared to 0ro+ #ollo+6
8Satan runs it5: 4o#nson said6
/orton lurc#ed u' and too( a #oled ste' to+ard S#e''ard6 8Is s#e t#ere3: #e said in a
loud -oice6 8Is s#e t#ere urnin0 u'3: He (ic(ed t#e ro'e o)) #is )eet6 8Is s#e on )ire3:
8O# $y !od5: S#e''ard $uttered6 8/o no5: #e said5 8o) course s#e isnt6 Ru)us is $ista(en6
,our $ot#er isnt any+#ere6 S#es not un#a''y6 S#e @ust isnt6: His lot +ould #a-e een easier
i) +#en #is +i)e died #e #ad told /orton s#e #ad 0one to #ea-en and t#at so$e day #e +ould
see #er a0ain5 ut #e could not allo+ #i$sel) to rin0 #i$ u' on a lie6
/ortons )ace e0an to t+ist6 * (not )or$ed in #is c#in6
8Listen5: S#e''ard said 9uic(ly and 'ulled t#e c#ild to #i$5 8your $ot#ers s'irit li-es on in
ot#er 'eo'le and Itll li-e on in you i) youre 0ood and 0enerous li(e s#e +as6:
T#e c#ilds 'ale eyes #ardened in diselie)6
S#e''ards 'ity turned to re-ulsion6 T#e oy +ould rat#er s#e e in #ell t#an no+#ere6 8.o
you understand3: #e said6 8S#e doesnt e"ist6: He 'ut #is #and on t#e c#ilds s#oulder6 8T#ats
all I #a-e to 0i-e you5: #e said in a so)ter5 e"as'erated tone5 8t#e trut#6:
Instead o) #o+lin05 t#e oy +renc#ed #i$sel) a+ay and cau0#t 4o#nson y t#e slee-e6 8Is
s#e t#ere5 Ru)us3: #e said6 8Is s#e t#ere5 urnin0 u'3:
4o#nsons eyes 0littered6 A&ell5: #e said5 8s#e is i) s#e +as e-il6 &as s#e a +#ore3:
8,our $ot#er +as not a +#ore5: S#e''ard said s#ar'ly6 He #ad t#e sensation o) dri-in0 a
car +it#out ra(es6 8/o+ lets #a-e no $ore o) t#is )oolis#ness6 &e +ere tal(in0 aout t#e
$oon6:
8.id s#e elie-e in 4esus3: 4o#nson as(ed6
/orton loo(ed lan(6 *)ter a second #e said5 8,es5: as i) #e sa+ t#at t#is +as necessary6
8S#e did5: #e said6 8*ll t#e ti$e6:
8S#e did not5: S#e''ard $uttered6
8S#e did all t#e ti$e5: /orton said6 8I #eard #er say s#e did all t#e ti$e6:
8S#es sa-ed5: 4o#nson said6
T#e c#ild still loo(ed 'uEEled6 8&#ere3: #e said6 8&#ere is s#e at3:
8On #i0#5: 4o#nson said6
8&#eres t#at3: /orton 0as'ed6
8Its in t#e s(y so$e+#ere5: 4o#nson said5 8ut you 0ot to e dead to 0et t#ere6 ,ou cant
0o in no s'ace s#i'6: T#ere +as a narro+ 0lea$ in #is eyes no+ li(e a ea$ #oldin0 steady on
its tar0et6
8Mans 0oin0 to t#e $oon5: S#e''ard said 0ri$ly5 8is -ery $uc# li(e t#e )irst )is# cra+lin0
out o) t#e +ater onto land illions and illions o) years a0o6 He didnt #a-e an eart# suit6 He
#ad to 0ro+ #is ad@ust$ents inside6 He de-elo'ed lun0s6:
8&#en I$ dead +ill I 0o to #ell or +#ere s#e is3: /orton as(ed6
8Ri0#t no+ youd 0o +#ere s#e is5: 4o#nson said5 8ut i) you li-e lon0 enou0#5 youll 0o to
#ell6:
S#e''ard rose aru'tly and 'ic(ed u' t#e lantern6 8Close t#e +indo+5 Ru)us5: #e said6 8Its
ti$e +e +ent to ed6:
On t#e +ay do+n t#e attic stairs #e #eard 4o#nson say in a loud +#is'er e#ind #i$5 8Ill
tell you all aout it to$orro+5 (id5 +#en Hi$sel) #as cleared out:
T#e ne"t day +#en t#e oys ca$e to t#e all 'ar(5 #e +atc#ed t#e$ as t#ey ca$e )ro$
e#ind t#e leac#ers and around t#e ed0e o) t#e )ield6 4o#nsons #and +as on /ortons
s#oulder5 #is #ead ent to+ard t#e youn0er oys ear5 and on t#e c#ilds )ace t#ere +as a loo(
o) co$'lete con)idence5 o) da+nin0 li0#t6 S#e''ards 0ri$ace #ardened6 T#is +ould e
4o#nsons +ay o) tryin0 to annoy #i$6 %ut #e +ould not e annoyed6 /orton +as not ri0#t
enou0# to e da$a0ed $uc#6 He 0aEed at t#e c#ilds dull asored little )ace6 &#y try to $a(e
#i$ su'erior3 Hea-en and #ell +ere )or t#e $ediocre5 and #e +as t#at i) #e +as anyt#in06
T#e t+o oys ca$e into t#e leac#ers and sat do+n aout ten )eet a+ay5 )acin0 #i$5 ut
neit#er 0a-e #i$ any si0n o) reco0nition6 He cast a 0lance e#ind #i$ +#ere t#e Little Lea0uers
+ere s'read out in t#e )ield6 T#en #e started )or t#e leac#ers6 T#e #iss o) 4o#nsons -oice
sto''ed as #e a''roac#ed6
A&#at #a-e you )ello+s een doin0 today3: #e as(ed 0enially6
8Hes een tellin0 $eB: /orton started6
4o#nson 'us#ed t#e c#ild in t#e ris +it# #is elo+6 A&e aint een doin0 not#in05: #e said6
His )ace a''eared to e co-ered +it# a lan( 0laEe ut t#rou0# it a loo( o) co$'licity +as
laEoned )ort# insolently6
S#e''ard )elt #is )ace 0ro+ +ar$5 ut #e said not#in06 * c#ild in a Little Lea0ue uni)or$
#ad )ollo+ed #i$ and +as nud0in0 #i$ in t#e ac( o) t#e le0 +it# a at6 He turned and 'ut #is
ar$ around t#e oys nec( and +ent +it# #i$ ac( to t#e 0a$e6
T#at ni0#t +#en #e +ent to t#e attic to @oin t#e oys at t#e telesco'e5 #e )ound /orton
t#ere alone6 He +as sittin0 on t#e 'ac(in0 o"5 #unc#ed o-er5 loo(in0 intently t#rou0# t#e
instru$ent6 4o#nson +as not t#ere6
8&#eres Ru)us3: S#e''ard as(ed6
8I said +#eres Ru)us3: #e said louder6
8!one so$e+#ere5: t#e c#ild said +it#out turnin0 around6
8!one +#ere3: S#e''ard as(ed6
8He @ust said #e +as 0oin0 so$e+#ere6 He said #e +as )ed u' loo(in0 at stars6:
8I see5: S#e''ard said 0lu$ly6 He turned and +ent ac( do+n t#e stairs6 He searc#ed t#e
#ouse +it#out )indin0 4o#nson6 T#en #e +ent to t#e li-in0 roo$ and sat do+n6 ,esterday #e
#ad een con-inced o) #is success +it# t#e oy6 Today #e )aced t#e 'ossiility t#at #e +as
)ailin0 +it# #i$6 He #ad een o-erHlenient5 too concerned to #a-e 4o#nson li(e #i$6 He )elt a
t+in0e o) 0uilt6 &#at di))erence did it $a(e i) 4o#nson li(ed #i$ or not3 &#at +as t#at to
#i$3 &#en t#e oy ca$e in5 t#ey +ould #a-e a )e+ t#in0s understood6 *s lon0 as you stay #ere
t#erell e no 0oin0 out at ni0#t y yoursel)5 do you understand3
I dont #a-e to stay #ere6 It aint not#in0 to $e stayin0 #ere6
O# $y !od5 #e t#ou0#t6 He could not rin0 it to t#at6 He +ould #a-e to e )ir$ ut not
$a(e an issue o) it6 He 'ic(ed u' t#e e-enin0 'a'er6 Cindness and 'atience +ere al+ays called
)or ut #e #ad not een )ir$ enou0#6 He sat #oldin0 t#e 'a'er ut not readin0 it6 T#e oy
+ould not res'ect #i$ unless #e s#o+ed )ir$ness6 T#e doorell ran0 and #e +ent to ans+er it6
He o'ened it and ste''ed ac(5 +it# a 'ained disa''ointed )ace6
* lar0e dour 'olice$an stood on t#e stoo'5 #oldin0 4o#nson y t#e elo+6 *t t#e cur a
'atrolcar +aited6 4o#nson loo(ed -ery +#ite6 His @a+ +as t#rust )or+ard as i) to (ee' )ro$
tre$lin06 8&e rou0#t #i$ #ere )irst ecause #e raised suc# a )it5: t#e 'olice$an said5 8ut
no+ t#at you-e seen #i$5 +ere 0oin0 to ta(e #i$ to t#e station and as( #i$ a )e+ 9uestions6:
8&#at #a''ened3: S#e''ard $uttered6
8* #ouse around t#e co$er )ro$ #ere5: t#e 'olice$an said6 8* real s$as# @o5 dis#es
ro(en all o-er t#e )loor5 )urniture turned u'sidedo+nB:
8I didnt #a-e a t#in0 to do +it# itS: 4o#nson said6 8I +as +al(in0 alon0 $indin0 $y o+n
idnis +#en t#is co' ca$e u' and 0raed $e6:
S#e''ard loo(ed at t#e oy 0ri$ly6 He $ade no e))ort to so)ten #is e"'ression6
4o#nson )lus#ed6 8I +as @ust +al(in0 alon05: #e $uttered5 ut +it# no con-iction in #is
-oice6
8Co$e on5 ud5: t#e 'olice$an said6
8,ou aint 0oin0 to let #i$ ta(e $e5 are you3: 4o#nson said6 8,ou elie-e $e5 dont you3:
T#ere +as an a''eal in #is -oice t#at S#e''ard #ad not #eard t#ere e)ore6
T#is +as crucial6 T#e oy +ould #a-e to learn t#at #e could not e 'rotected +#en #e +as
0uilty6 8,oull #a-e to 0o +it# #i$5 Ru)us5: #e said6
8,oure 0oin0 to let #i$ ta(e $e and I tell you I aint done a t#in03: 4o#nson said s#rilly6
S#e''ards )ace eca$e #arder as #is sense o) in@ury 0re+6 T#e oy #ad )ailed #i$ e-en
e)ore #e #ad #ad a c#ance to 0i-e #i$ t#e s#oe6 T#ey +ere to #a-e 0ot it to$orro+6 *ll #is
re0ret turned suddenly on t#e s#oeD #is irritation at t#e si0#t o) 4o#nson douled6
8,ou $ade out li(e you #ad all t#is con)idence in $e5: t#e oy $u$led6
8I did #a-e5: S#e''ard said6 His )ace +as +ooden6
4o#nson turned a+ay +it# t#e 'olice$an ut e)ore #e $o-ed5 a 0lea$ o) 'ure #atred
Has#ed to+ard S#e''ard )ro$ t#e 'its o) #is eyes6
S#e''ard stood in t#e door and +atc#ed t#e$ 0et into t#e 'atrolcar and dri-e a+ay6 He
su$$oned #is co$'assion6 He +ould 0o to t#e station to$orro+ and see +#at #e could do
aout 0ettin0 #i$ out o) troule6 T#e ni0#t in @ail +ould not #urt #i$ and t#e e"'erience +ould
teac# #i$ t#at #e could not treat +it# i$'unity so$eone +#o #ad s#o+n #i$ not#in0 ut
(indness6 T#en t#ey +ould 0o 0et t#e s#oe and 'er#a's a)ter a ni0#t in @ail it +ould $ean e-en
$ore to t#e oy6
T#e ne"t $ornin0 at ei0#t ocloc( t#e 'olice ser0eant called and told #i$ #e could co$e
'ic( 4o#nson u'6 8&e oo(ed a ni00er on t#at c#ar0e5: #e said6 8,our oy didnt #a-e not#in0
to do +it# it6:
S#e''ard +as at t#e station in ten $inutes5 #is )ace #ot +it# s#a$e6 4o#nson sat slouc#ed
on a enc# in a dra outer o))ice5 readin0 a 'olice $a0aEine6 T#ere +as no else in t#e roo$6
S#e''ard sat do+n eside #i$ and 'ut #is #and tentati-ely on #is s#oulder6
T#e oy 0lanced u'I#is li' curledIand ac( to t#e $a0aEine6
S#e''ard )elt '#ysically sic(6 T#e u0liness o) +#at #e #ad done ore in u'on #i$ +it# a
sudden dull intensity6 He #ad )ailed #i$ at @ust t#e 'oint +#ere #e $i0#t #a-e turned #i$ once
and )or all in t#e ri0#t direction6 8Ru)us5: #e said5 8I a'olo0iEe6 I +as +ron0 and you +ere ri0#t6 I
$is@ud0ed you6:
T#e oy continued to read6
8I$ sorry6:
T#e oy +et #is )in0er and turned a 'a0e6
S#e''ard raced #i$sel)6 8I +as a )ool5 Ru)us5: #e said6
4o#nsons $out# slid sli0#tly to t#e side6 He s#ru00ed +it#out raisin0 #is #ead )ro$ t#e
$a0aEine6
8&ill you )or0et it5 t#is ti$e3: S#e''ard said6 8It +ont #a''en a0ain6:
T#e oy loo(ed u'6 His eyes +ere ri0#t and un)riendly6
8Ill )or0et it5: #e said5 8ut you etter re$e$er it6: He 0ot u' and stal(ed to+ard t#e
door6 In t#e $iddle o) t#e roo$5 #e turned and @er(ed #is ar$ at S#e''ard and S#e''ard
@u$'ed u' and )ollo+ed #i$ as i) t#e oy #ad yan(ed an in-isile leas#6
8,our s#oe5: #e said ea0erly5 8today is t#e day to 0et your s#oeS: T#an( !od )or t#e s#oeS
%ut +#en t#ey +ent to t#e race s#o'5 t#ey )ound t#at t#e s#oe #ad een $ade t+o siEes
too s$all and a ne+ one +ould not e ready )or anot#er ten days6 4o#nsons te$'er i$'ro-ed
at once6 T#e cler( #ad o-iously $ade a $ista(e in t#e $easure$ents ut t#e oy insisted t#e
)oot #ad 0ro+n6 He le)t t#e s#o' +it# a 'leased e"'ression5 as i)5 in e"'andin05 t#e )oot #ad
acted on so$e ins'iration o) its o+n6 S#e''ards )ace +as #a00ard6
*)ter t#is #e redouled #is e))orts6 Since 4o#nson #ad lost interest in t#e telesco'e5 #e
ou0#t a $icrosco'e and a o" o) 're'ared slides6 I) #e couldnt i$'ress t#e oy +it#
i$$ensity5 #e +ould try t#e in)initesi$al6 For t+o ni0#ts 4o#nson a''eared asored in t#e
ne+ instru$ent5 t#en #e aru'tly lost interest in it5 ut #e see$ed content to sit in t#e li-in0
roo$ in t#e e-enin0 and read t#e encyclo'edia6 He de-oured t#e encyclo'edia as #e de-oured
#is dinner5 steadily and +it#out dint to #is a''etite6 Eac# su@ect a''eared to enter #is #ead5
e ra-a0ed5 and t#ro+n out6 /ot#in0 'leased S#e''ard $ore t#an to see t#e oy slouc#ed on
t#e so)a5 #is $out# s#ut5 readin06 *)ter t#ey #ad s'ent t+o or t#ree e-enin0s li(e t#is5 #e e0an
to reco-er #is -ision6 His con)idence returned6 He (ne+ t#at so$e day #e +ould e 'roud o)
4o#nson6
On T#ursday ni0#t S#e''ard attended a city council $eetin06 He dro''ed t#e oys o)) at a
$o-ie on #is +ay and 'ic(ed t#e$ u' on #is +ay ac(6 &#en t#ey reac#ed #o$e5 an
auto$oile +it# a sin0le red eye ao-e its +inds#ield +as +aitin0 in )ront o) t#e #ouse6
S#e''ards li0#ts as #e turned into t#e dri-e+ay illu$inated t+o dour )aces in t#e car6
8T#e co'sS: 4o#nson said6 8So$e ni00er #as ro(e in so$e+#ere and t#ey-e co$e )or $e
a0ain6:
8&ell see aout t#at5: S#e''ard $uttered6 He sto''ed t#e car in t#e dri-e+ay and
s+itc#ed o)) t#e li0#ts6 8,ou oys 0o in t#e #ouse and 0o to ed: #e said6 8Ill #andle t#is6:
He 0ot out and strode to+ard t#e s9uad car6 He t#rust #is #ead in t#e +indo+6 T#e t+o
'olice$en +ere loo(in0 at #i$ +it# silent (no+led0eale )aces6 8* #ouse on t#e corner o)
S#elton and Mills5:t#e one in t#e dri-ers seat said6 8It loo(s li(e a train run t#rou0# it6:
8He +as in t#e 'icture s#o+ do+n to+n5: S#e''ard said6 8My oy +as +it# #i$6 He #ad
not#in0 to do +it# t#e ot#er one and #e #ad not#in0 to do +it# t#is one6 Ill e res'onsile6:
8I) I +as you5: t#e one nearest #i$ said5 8I +ouldnt e res'onsile )or any little astard li(e
#i$6:
8I said Id e res'onsile5: S#e''ard re'eated coldly6 8,ou 'eo'le $ade a $ista(e t#e last
ti$e6 .ont $a(e anot#er6:
T#e 'olice$en loo(ed at eac# ot#er6 8It aint our )uneral5: t#e one in t#e dri-ers seat said5
and turned t#e (ey in t#e i0nition6
S#e''ard +ent in t#e #ouse and sat do+n in t#e li-in0 roo$ in t#e dar(6 He did not sus'ect
4o#nson and #e did not +ant t#e oy to t#in( #e did6 I) 4o#nson t#ou0#t #e sus'ected #i$
a0ain5 #e +ould lose e-eryt#in06 %ut #e +anted to (no+ i) #is alii +as airti0#t6 He t#ou0#t o)
0oin0 to /ortons roo$ and as(in0 #i$ i) 4o#nson #ad le)t t#e $o-ie6 %ut t#at +ould e +orse6
4o#nson +ould (no+ +#at #e +as doin0 and +ould e incensed6 He decided to as( 4o#nson
#i$sel)6 He +ould e direct6 He +ent o-er in #is $ind +#at #e +as 0oin0 to say and t#en #e 0ot
u' and +ent to t#e oys door6
It +as o'en as i) #e #ad een e"'ected ut 4o#nson +as in ed6 4ust enou0# li0#t ca$e in
)ro$ t#e #all )or S#e''ard to see #is s#a'e under t#e s#eet6 He ca$e in and stood at t#e )oot
o) t#e ed6 8T#ey-e 0one5: #e said6 8I told t#e$ you #ad not#in0 to do +it# it and t#at Id e
res'onsile6:
T#ere +as a $uttered 8,ea#5: )ro$ t#e 'illo+6
S#e''ard #esitated6 8Ru)us5: #e said5 8you didnt lea-e t#e $o-ie )or anyt#in0 at all5 did
your:
8,ou $a(e out li(e you 0ot all t#is con)idence in $eS: a sudden outra0ed -oice cried5 8and
you aint 0ot anyS ,ou dont trust $e no $ore no+ t#an you did t#enS: T#e -oice5 dise$odied5
see$ed to co$e $ore surely )ro$ t#e de't#s o) 4o#nson t#an +#en #is )ace +as -isile6 It +as
a cry o) re'roac#5 ed0ed sli0#tly +it# conte$'t6
8I do #a-e con)idence in you5: S#e''ard said intensely6
8I #a-e e-ery con)idence in you6 I elie-e in you and I trust you co$'letely6:
8,ou 0ot your eye on $e all t#e ti$e5: t#e -oice said sullenly6 A&#en you 0et t#rou0# as(in0
$e a unc# o) 9uestions5 youre 0oin0 across t#e #all and as( /orton a unc# o) t#e$6:
8I #a-e no intention o) as(in0 /orton anyt#in0 and ne-er did5: S#e''ard said 0ently6 8*nd I
dont sus'ect you at all6 ,ou could #ardly #a-e 0ot )ro$ t#e 'icture s#o+ do+n to+n and out
#ere to rea( in a #ouse and ac( to t#e 'icture s#o+ in t#e ti$e you #ad6:
8T#ats +#y you elie-e $eS: t#e oy cried5:Iecause you t#in( I couldnt #a-e done it6:
8/o5 noS: S#e''ard said6 8I elie-e you ecause I elie-e you-e 0ot t#e rains and t#e 0uts
not to 0et in troule a0ain6 I elie-e you (no+ yoursel) +ell enou0# no+ to (no+ t#at you dont
#a-e to do suc# t#in0s6 I elie-e t#at you can $a(e anyt#in0 o) yoursel) t#at you set your $ind
to6:
4o#nson sat u'6 * )aint li0#t s#one on #is )ore#ead ut t#e rest o) #is )ace +as in-isile6
8*nd I could #a-e ro(e in t#ere i) Id +anted to in t#e ti$e I #ad5: #e said6
8%ut I (no+ you didnt5: S#e''ard said6 8T#eres not t#e least trace o) dout in $y $ind6:
T#ere +as a silence6 4o#nson lay ac( do+n6 T#en t#e -oice5 lo+ and #oarse5 as i) it +ere
ein0 )orced out +it# di))iculty5 said5 8,ou dont +ant to steal and s$as# u' t#in0s +#en you-e
0ot e-eryt#in0 you +ant already6:
S#e''ard cau0#t #is reat#6 T#e oy +as t#an(in0 #i$S He +as t#an(in0 #i$S T#ere +as
0ratitude in #is -oice6
T#ere +as a''reciation6 He stood t#ere5 s$ilin0 )oolis#ly in t#e dar(5 tryin0 to #old t#e
$o$ent in sus'ension6 In-oluntarily #e too( a ste' to+ard t#e 'illo+ and stretc#ed out #is
#and and touc#ed 4o#nsons )ore#ead6 It +as cold and dry li(e rusty iron6
8I understand6 !ood ni0#t5 son5: #e said and turned 9uic(ly and le)t t#e roo$6 He closed t#e
door e#ind #i$ and stood t#ere5 o-erco$e +it# e$otion6
*cross t#e #all /ortons door +as o'en6 T#e c#ild lay on t#e ed on #is side5 loo(in0 into
t#e li0#t )ro$ t#e #all6
*)ter t#is5 t#e road +it# 4o#nson +ould e s$oot#6
/orton sat u' and ec(oned to #i$6
He sa+ t#e c#ild ut a)ter t#e )irst instant5 #e did not let #is eyes )ocus directly on #i$6 He
could not 0o in and tal( to /orton +it#out rea(in0 4o#nsons trust6 He #esitated5 ut re$ained
+#ere #e +as a $o$ent as i) #e sa+ not#in06 To$orro+ +as t#e day t#ey +ere to 0o ac( )or
t#e s#oe6 It +ould e a cli$a" to t#e 0ood )eelin0 et+een t#e$6 He turned 9uic(ly and +ent
ac( into #is o+n roo$6
T#e c#ild sat )or so$e ti$e loo(in0 at t#e s'ot +#ere #is )at#er #ad stood6 Finally #is 0aEe
eca$e ai$less and #e lay ac( do+n6 T#e ne"t day 4o#nson +as 0lu$ and silent as i) #e +ere
as#a$ed t#at #e #ad re-ealed #i$sel)6 His eyes #ad a #ooded loo(6 He see$ed to #a-e retired
+it#in #i$sel) and t#ere to e 0oin0 t#rou0# so$e crisis o) deter$ination6 S#e''ard could not
0et to t#e race s#o' 9uic(ly enou0#6 He le)t /orton at #o$e ecause #e did not +ant #is
attention di-ided6 He +anted to e )ree to oser-e 4o#nsons reaction $inutely6 T#e oy did
not see$ 'leased or e-en interested in t#e 'ros'ect o) t#e s#oe5 ut +#en it eca$e an
actuality5 certainly t#en #e +ould e $o-ed6
T#e race s#o' +as a s$all concrete +are#ouse lined and stac(ed +it# t#e e9ui'$ent o)
a))liction6 &#eel c#airs and +al(ers co-ered $ost o) t#e )loor6 T#e +alls +ere #un0 +it# e-ery
(ind o) crutc# and race6 *rti)icial li$s +ere stac(ed on t#e s#el-es5 le0s and ar$s and #ands5
cla+s and #oo(s5 stra's and #u$an #arnesses and unidenti)iale instru$ents )or unna$ed
de)or$ities6 In a s$all clearin0 in t#e $iddle o) t#e roo$ t#ere +as a ro+ o) yello+ 'lastic
cus#ioned c#airs and a s#oe )ittin0 stool6 4o#nson slouc#ed do+n in one o) t#e c#airs and set
#is )oot u' on t#e stool and sat +it# #is eyes on it $oodily6 &#at +as rou0#ly t#e toe #ad
ro(en o'en a0ain and #e #ad 'atc#ed it +it# a 'iece o) can-asD anot#er 'lace #e #ad 'atc#ed
+it# +#at a''eared to e t#e ton0ue o) t#e ori0inal s#oe6 T#e t+o sides +ere laced +it# t+ine6
T#ere +as a e"cited Hus# on S#e''ards )aceD #is #eart +as eatin0 unnaturally )ast6
T#e cler( a''eared )ro$ t#e ac( o) t#e s#o' +it# t#e ne+ s#oe under #is ar$6 8!ot #er
ri0#t t#is ti$eS: #e said6 He straddled t#e s#oeH)ittin0 stool and #eld t#e s#oe u'5 s$ilin0 as i)
#e #ad 'roduced it y $a0ic6
It +as a lac( slic( s#a'eless o@ect5 s#inin0 #ideously6 It loo(ed li(e a lunt +ea'on5 #i0#ly
'olis#ed6
4o#nson 0aEed at it dar(ly6
8&it# t#is s#oe5: t#e cler( said5 8you +ont (no+ youre +al(in06 ,oull t#in( youre ridin0S:
He ent #is ri0#t 'in( ald #ead and e0an 0in0erly to unlace t#e t+ine6 He re$o-ed t#e old
s#oe as i) #e +ere s(innin0 an ani$al still #al) ali-e6 His e"'ression +as strained6 T#e
uns#eat#ed $ass o) )oot in t#e dirty soc( $ade S#e''ard )eel 9ueasy6 He turned #is eyes a+ay
until t#e ne+ s#oe +as on6 T#e cler( laced it u' ra'idly6 8/o+ stand u' and +al( around5: #e
said5 8and see i) t#at aint 'o+er 0lide6: He +in(ed at S#e''ard6 8In t#at s#oe5: #e said5 8#e
+ont (no+ #e dont #a-e a nor$al )oot6:
S#e''ards )ace +as ri0#t +it# 'leasure6
4o#nson stood u' and +al(ed a )e+ yards a+ay6 He +al(ed stiHly+it# al$ost no di' in #is
s#ort side6 He stood )or a $o$ent5 ri0id5 +it# #is ac( to t#e$6
8&onder)ulS: S#e''ard said6 8&onder)ul6: It +as as i) #e #ad 0i-en t#e oy a ne+ s'ine6
4o#nson turned around6 His $out# +as set in a t#in icy line6 He ca$e ac( to t#e seat and
re$o-ed t#e s#oe6 He 'ut #is )oot in t#e old one and e0an lacin0 it u'6
8,ou +ant to ta(e it #o$e and see i) it suits you )irst3: t#e cler( $ur$ured6
8/o5: 4o#nson said6 8I aint 0oin0 to +ear it at all6:
8&#ats +ron0 +it# it3: S#e''ard said5 #is -oice risin06
8I dont need no ne+ s#oe5: 4o#nson said6 8*nd +#en I do5 I 0ot +ays o) 0ettin0 $y o+n6:
His )ace +as stony ut t#ere +as a 0lint o) triu$'# in #is eyes6
8%oy5: t#e cler( said5 8is your troule in your )oot or in your #ead3:
8!o soa( your s(ull5: 4o#nson said6 8,our rains are on )ire6:
T#e cler( rose 0lu$ly ut +it# di0nity and as(ed S#e''ard +#at #e +anted done +it# t#e
s#oe5 +#ic# #e dan0led dis'iritedly y t#e lace6
S#e''ards )ace +as a dar( an0ry red6 He +as starin0 strai0#t in )ront o) #i$ at a leat#er
corset +it# an arti)icial ar$ attac#ed6
T#e cler( as(ed #i$ a0ain6
A&ra' it u'5: S#e''ard $uttered6 He turned #is eyes to 4o#nson6 8Hes not $ature enou0#
)or it yet5: #e said6 8I #ad t#ou0#t #e +as less o) a c#ild6:
T#e oy leered6 8,ou een +ron0 e)ore5: #e said6
T#at ni0#t t#ey sat in t#e li-in0 roo$ and read as usual6
S#e''ard (e't #i$sel) 0lu$ly entrenc#ed e#ind t#e Sunday /e+ ,or( Ti$es6 He +anted
to reco-er #is 0ood #u$or5 ut e-ery ti$e #e t#ou0#t o) t#e re@ected s#oe5 #e )elt a ne+
c#ar0e o) irritation6 He did not trust #i$sel) e-en to loo( at 4o#nson6 He realiEed t#at t#e oy
#ad re)used t#e s#oe ecause #e +as insecure6 4o#nson #ad een )ri0#tened y #is o+n
0ratitude6 He didnt (no+ +#at to $a(e o) t#e ne+ sel) #e +as eco$in0 conscious o)6 He
understood t#at so$et#in0 #e #ad een +as t#reatened and #e +as )acin0 #i$sel) and #is
'ossiilities )or t#e )irst ti$e6 He +as 9uestionin0 #is identity6 !rud0in0ly5 S#e''ard )elt a sli0#t
return o) sy$'at#y )or t#e oy6 In a )e+ $inutes5 #e lo+ered #is 'a'er and loo(ed at #i$6
4o#nson +as sittin0 on t#e so)a5 0aEin0 o-er t#e to' o) t#e encyclo'edia6 His e"'ression +as
tranceli(e6 He $i0#t #a-e een listenin0 to so$et#in0 )ar a+ay6 S#e''ard +atc#ed #i$ intently
ut t#e oy continued to listen5 and did not turn #is #ead6 T#e 'oor (id is lost5 S#e''ard
t#ou0#t6 Here #e #ad sat all e-enin05 sullenly readin0 t#e 'a'er5 and #ad not said a +ord to
rea( t#e tension6 8Ru)us5: #e said6
4o#nson continued to sit5 stoc(Hstill5 listenin06
8Ru)us5: S#e''ard said in a slo+ #y'notic -oice5 8you can e anyt#in0 in t#e +orld you +ant
to e6 ,ou can e a scientist or an arc#itect or an en0ineer or +#ate-er you set your $ind to5
and +#ate-er you set your $ind to e5 you can e t#e est o) its (ind6: He i$a0ined #is -oice
'enetratin0 to t#e oy in t#e lac( ca-erns o) #is 'syc#e6 4o#nson leaned )or+ard ut #is eyes
did not turn6 On t#e street a car door closed6 T#ere +as a silence6 T#en a sudden last )ro$ t#e
door ell6
S#e''ard @u$'ed u' and +ent to t#e door and o'ened it6 T#e sa$e 'olice$an +#o #ad
co$e e)ore stood t#ere6
T#e 'atrol car +aited at t#e cur6
8Le$$e see t#at oy5: #e said6
S#e''ard sco+led and stood aside6 8Hes een #ere all e-enin05: #e said6 8I can -ouc# )or
it6:
T#e 'olice$an +al(ed into t#e li-in0 roo$6 4o#nson a''eared en0rossed in #is oo(6 *)ter
a second #e loo(ed u' +it# an annoyed e"'ression5 li(e a 0reat $an interru'ted at #is +or(6
8&#at +as t#at you +ere loo(in0 at in t#at (itc#en +indo+ o-er on &inter *-enue aout a
#al) #our a0o5 ud3: t#e 'olice$an as(ed6
8Sto' 'ersecutin0 t#is oyS: S#e''ard said6 8Ill -ouc# )or t#e )act #e +as #ere6 I +as #ere
+it# #i$6:
8,ou #eard #i$5: 4o#nson said6 8I een #ere all t#e ti$e6:
8It aint e-eryody $a(es trac(s li(e you5: t#e 'olice$an said and eyed t#e clu)oot6
8T#ey couldnt e #is trac(s5: S#e''ard 0ro+led5 in)uriated6 8Hes een #ere all t#e ti$e6
,oure +astin0 your o+n ti$e and youre +astin0 ours6: He )elt t#e ours seal #is solidarity +it#
t#e oy6 8I$ sic( o) t#is5: #e said6 8,ou 'eo'le are too da$n laEy to 0o out and )ind +#oe-er is
doin0 t#ese t#in0s6 ,ou co$e #ere auto$atically6:
T#e 'olice$an i0nored t#is and continued loo(in0 t#rou0# 4o#nson6 His eyes +ere s$all
and alert in #is )les#y )ace6 Finally #e turned to+ard t#e door6 A&ell 0et #i$ sooner or later5: #e
said5 8+it# #is #ead in a +indo+ and #is tail out6:
S#e''ard )ollo+ed #i$ to t#e door and sla$$ed it e#ind #i$6 His s'irits +ere soarin06
T#is +as e"actly +#at #e #ad needed6 He returned +it# an e"'ectant )ace6
4o#nson #ad 'ut t#e oo( do+n and +as sittin0 t#ere5 loo(in0 at #i$ slyly6 8T#an(s5: #e
said6
S#e''ard sto''ed6 T#e oys e"'ression +as 'redatory6 He +as o'enly leerin06
8,ou aint suc# a ad liar yoursel)5: #e said6
8Liar3: S#e''ard $ur$ured6 Could t#e oy #a-e le)t and co$e ac(3 He )elt #i$sel) sic(en6
T#en a rus# o) an0er sent #i$ )or+ard6 8.id you lea-e3: #e said )uriously6 8I didnt see you
lea-e6:
T#e oy only s$iled6
8,ou +ent u' in t#e attic to see /orton5: S#e''ard said6
8/a+5: 4o#nson said5 8t#at (id is craEy6 He dont +ant to do not#in0 ut loo( t#rou0# t#at
stin(in0 telesco'e6:
8I dont +ant to #ear aout /orton5: S#e''ard said #ars#ly6 8&#ere +ere you3:
8I +as sittin0 on t#at 'in( can y $y o+n sel)5: 4o#nson said6 8T#ere +asnt no +itnesses6:
S#e''ard too( out #is #and(erc#ie) and +i'ed #is )ore#ead6 He $ana0ed to s$ile6
4o#nson rolled #is eyes6 8,ou dont elie-e in $e5: #e said6 His -oice +as crac(ed t#e +ay it
#ad een in t#e dar( roo$ t+o ni0#ts e)ore6 8,ou $a(e out li(e you 0ot all t#is con)idence in
$e ut you aint 0ot any6 &#en t#in0s 0et #ot5 youll )ade li(e t#e rest o) t#e$6: T#e crac(
eca$e e"a00erated5 co$ic6 T#e $oc(ery in it +as latant6 8,ou dont elie-e in $e6 ,ou aint
0ot no con)idence5: #e +ailed6 8*nd you aint any s$arter t#an t#at co'6 *ll t#at aout trac(s
t#at +as a tra'6 T#ere +asnt any trac(s6 T#at +#ole 'lace is concreted in t#e ac( and $y )eet
+ere dry6:
S#e''ard slo+ly 'ut t#e #and(erc#ie) ac( in #is 'oc(et6 He dro''ed do+n on t#e so)a and
0aEed at t#e ru0 eneat# #is )eet6 T#e oys clu)oot +as set +it#in t#e circle o) #is -ision6 T#e
'iecedHto0et#er s#oe a''eared to 0rin at #i$ +it# 4o#nsons o+n )ace6 He cau0#t #old o) t#e
ed0e o) t#e so)a cus#ion and #is (nuc(les turned +#ite6 * c#ill o) #atred s#oo( #i$6 He #ated
t#e s#oe5 #ated t#e )oot5 #ated t#e oy6 His )ace 'aled6 Hatred c#o(ed #i$6 He +as a0#ast at
#i$sel)6
He cau0#t t#e oys s#oulder and 0ri''ed it )iercely as i) to (ee' #i$sel) )ro$ )allin06
8Listen5: #e said5 8you loo(ed in t#at +indo+ to e$arrass $e6 T#at +as all you +antedIto
s#a(e $y resol-e to #el' you5 ut $y resol-e isnt s#a(en6 I$ stron0er t#an you are6 I$
stron0er t#an you are and I$ 0oin0 to sa-e you6 T#e 0ood +ill triu$'#6:
8/ot +#en it aint true5: t#e oy said6 8/ot +#en it aint ri0#t6:
8My resol-e isnt s#a(en5: S#e''ard re'eated6 8I$ 0oin0 to sa-e you6:
4o#nsons loo( eca$e sly a0ain6 8,ou aint 0oin0 to sa-e $e5: #e said6 8,oure 0oin0 to tell
$e to lea-e t#is #ouse6 I did t#ose ot#er t+o @os tooIt#e )irst one as +ell as t#e one I done
+#en I +as su''osed to e in t#e 'icture s#o+6:
8I$ not 0oin0 to tell you to lea-e5: S#e''ard said6 His -oice +as toneless5 $ec#anical5 8I$
0oin0 to sa-e you6:
4o#nson t#rust #is #ead )or+ard6 8Sa-e yoursel)5: #e #issed6 8/oody can sa-e $e ut
4esus6:
S#e''ard lau0#ed curtly6 8,ou dont decei-e $e: #e said6 8I #us#ed t#at out o) your #ead in
t#e re)or$atory6 I sa-ed you )ro$ t#at5 at least6:
T#e $uscles in 4o#nsons )ace sti))ened6 * loo( o) suc# re'ulsion #ardened on #is )ace t#at
S#e''ard dre+ ac(6 T#e oys eyes +ere li(e distortin0 $irrors in +#ic# #e sa+ #i$sel) $ade
#ideous and 0rotes9ue6 8Ill s#o+ you5: 4o#n son +#is'ered6 He rose aru'tly and started
#eadlon0 )or t#e door as i) #e could not 0et out o) S#e''ards si0#t 9uic( enou0#5 ut it +as t#e
door to t#e ac( #all #e +ent t#rou0#5 not t#e )ront door6 S#e''ard turned on t#e so)a and
loo(ed e#ind #i$ +#ere t#e oy #ad disa''eared6 He #eard t#e door to #is roo$ sla$6 He
+as not lea-in06 T#e intensity #ad 0one out o) S#e''ards eyes6 T#ey loo(ed )lat and li)eless as
i) t#e s#oc( o) t#e oys re-elation +ere only no+ reac#in0 t#e center o) #is consciousness6 8I)
#e +ould only lea-e5: #e $ur$ured6 8I) #e +ould only lea-e no+ o) #is o+n accord6:
T#e ne"t $ornin0 4o#nson a''eared at t#e rea()ast tale in t#e 0rand)at#ers suit #e #ad
co$e in6 S#e''ard 'retended not to notice ut one loo( told #i$ +#at #e already (ne+5 t#at
#e +as tra''ed5 t#at t#ere could e not#in0 no+ ut a attle o) ner-es and t#at 4o#nson +ould
+in it6 He +is#ed #e #ad ne-er laid eyes on t#e oy6 T#e )ailure o) #is co$'assion nu$ed #i$6
He 0ot out o) t#e #ouse as soon as #e could and all day #e dreaded to 0o #o$e in t#e e-enin06
He #ad a )aint #o'e t#at t#e oy $i0#t e 0one +#en #e returned6 T#e 0rand)at#ers suit $i0#t
#a-e $eant #e +as lea-in06 T#e #o'e 0re+ in t#e a)ternoon6 &#en #e ca$e #o$e and o'ened
t#e )ront door5 #is #eart +as 'oundin06
He sto''ed in t#e #all and loo(ed silently into t#e li-in0 roo$6 His e"'ectant e"'ression
)aded6 His )ace see$ed suddenly as old as #is +#ite #air6 T#e t+o oys +ere sittin0 close
to0et#er on t#e so)a5 readin0 t#e sa$e oo(6 /ortons c#ee( rested a0ainst t#e slee-e o)
4o#nsons lac( suit6 4o#nsons )in0er $o-ed under t#e lines t#ey +ere readin06 T#e elder
rot#er and t#e youn0er6 S#e''ard loo(ed +oodenly at t#is scene )or al$ost a $inute6 T#en #e
+al(ed into t#e roo$ and too( o)) #is coat and dro''ed it on a c#air6 /eit#er oy noticed #i$6
He +ent on to t#e (itc#en6
Leola le)t t#e su''er on t#e sto-e e-ery a)ternoon e)ore s#e le)t and #e 'ut it on t#e tale6
His #ead ac#ed and #is ner-es +ere taut6 He sat do+n on t#e (itc#en stool and re$ained t#ere5
sun( in #is de'ression6 He +ondered i) #e could in)uriate 4o#nson enou0# to $a(e #i$ lea-e o)
#is o+n accord6 Last ni0#t +#at #ad enra0ed #i$ +as t#e 4esus usiness6 It $i0#t enra0e
4o#nson5 ut it de'ressed #i$6 &#y not si$'ly tell t#e oy to 0o3 *d$it de)eat6 T#e t#ou0#t o)
)acin0 4o#nson a0ain sic(ened #i$6 T#e oy loo(ed at #i$ as i) #e +ere t#e 0uilty one5 as i) #e
+ere a $oral le'er6 He (ne+ +it#out conceit t#at #e +as a 0ood $an5 t#at #e #ad not#in0 to
re'roac# #i$sel) +it#6 His )eelin0s aout 4o#nson no+ +ere in-oluntary6 He +ould li(e to )eel
co$'assion )or #i$6 He +ould li(e to e ale to #el' #i$6 He lon0ed )or t#e ti$e +#en t#ere
+ould e no one ut #i$sel) and /orton in t#e #ouse5 +#en t#e c#ilds si$'le sel)is#ness
+ould e all #e #ad to contend +it#5 and #is o+n loneliness6
He 0ot u' and too( t#ree ser-in0 dis#es o)) t#e s#el) and too( t#e$ to t#e sto-e6 *sently
#e e0an 'ourin0 t#e uttereans and t#e #as# into t#e dis#es6 &#en t#e )ood +as on t#e
tale5 #e called t#e$ in6
T#ey rou0#t t#e oo( +it# t#e$6 /orton 'us#ed #is 'lace settin0 around to t#e sa$e side
o) t#e tale as 4o#nsons and $o-ed #is c#air ne"t to 4o#nsons c#air6 T#ey sat do+n and 'ut
t#e oo( et+een t#e$6 It +as a lac( oo( +it# red ed0es6
8&#ats t#at youre readin03: S#e''ard as(ed5 sittin0 do+n6
8T#e Holy %ile5: 4o#nson said6
!od 0i-e $e stren0t#5 S#e''ard said under #is reat# 8&e li)ted it )ro$ a ten cent store5:
4o#nson said6
A&e3: S#e''ard $uttered6 He turned and 0lared at /orton6 T#e c#ilds )ace +as ri0#t and
t#ere +as an e"cited s#een to #is eyes6 T#e c#an0e t#at #ad co$e o-er t#e oy struc( #i$ )or
t#e )irst ti$e6 He loo(ed alert6 He #ad on a lue 'laid s#irt and #is eyes +ere a ri0#ter lue
t#an #e #ad e-er seen t#e$ e)ore6 T#ere +as a stran0e ne+ li)e in #i$5 t#e si0n o) ne+ and
$ore ru00ed -ices6 8So no+ you steal3: #e said5 0lo+erin06 8,ou #a-ent learned to e
0enerous ut you #a-e learned to steal6:
8/o #e aint5: 4o#nson said6 8I +as t#e one li)ted it6 He only +atc#ed6 He cant sully #i$sel)6
It dont $a(e any di))erence aout $e6 I$ 0oin0 to #ell any+ay6:
S#e''ard #eld #is ton0ue6
87nless5: 4o#nson said5 8I re'ent6:
8Re'ent5 Ru)us5: /orton said in a 'leadin0 -oice6 8Re'ent5 #ear3 ,ou dont +ant to 0o to
#ell6:
8Sto' tal(in0 t#is nonsense5: S#e''ard said5 loo(in0 s#ar'ly at t#e c#ild6
8I) I do re'ent5 Ill e a 'reac#er5: 4o#nson said6 8I) youre 0oin0 to do it5 its no sense in
doin0 it #al) +ay6:
8&#at are you 0oin0 to e5 /orton5: S#e''ard as(ed in a rittle -oice5 8a 'reac#er too3:
T#ere +as a 0litter o) +ild 'leasure in t#e c#ilds eyes6
8* s'ace $anS: #e s#outed6
8&onder)ul5: S#e''ard said itterly6
8T#ose s'ace s#i's aint 0oin0 to do you any 0ood unless you elie-e in 4esus5: 4o#nson
said6 He +et #is )in0er and e0an to lea) t#rou0# t#e 'a0es o) t#e %ile6 8Ill read you +#ere it
says so5: #e said6
S#e''ard leaned )or+ard and said in a lo+ )urious -oice5 8Put t#at %ile u'5 Ru)us5 and eat
your dinner6:
4o#nson continued searc#in0 )or t#e 'assa0e6
Put t#at %ile u'S : S#e''ard s#outed6
T#e oy sto''ed and loo(ed u'6 His e"'ression +as startled ut 'leased6
8T#at oo( is so$et#in0 )or you to #ide e#ind5: S#e''ard said6 8Its )or co+ards5 'eo'le
+#o are a)raid to stand on t#eir o+n )eet and )i0ure t#in0s out )or t#e$sel-es6:
4o#nsons eyes sna''ed6 He ac(ed #is c#air a little +ay )ro$ t#e tale6 8Satan #as you in
#is 'o+er5: #e said6 8/ot only $e6 ,ou too6:
S#e''ard reac#ed across t#e tale to 0ra t#e oo( ut 4o#nson snatc#ed it and 'ut it in #is
la'6
S#e''ard lau0#ed6 8,ou dont elie-e in t#at oo( and you (no+ you dont elie-e in itl:
8I elie-e itS: 4o#nson said6 8,ou dont (no+ +#at I elie-e and +#at I dont6:
S#e''ard s#oo( #is #ead6 8,ou dont elie-e it6 ,oure too intelli0ent6:
8I aint too intelli0ent5: t#e oy $uttered6 8,ou dont (no+ not#in0 aout $e6 E-en i) I
didnt elie-e it5 it +ould still e true6:
8,ou dont elie-e itS: S#e''ard said6 His )ace +as a taunt6
8I elie-e itS: 4o#nson said reat#lessly6 8Ill s#o+ you I elie-e itS : He o'ened t#e oo( in
#is la' and tore out a 'a0e o) it and t#rust it into #is $out#6 He )i"ed #is eyes on S#e''ard6 His
@a+s +or(ed )uriously and t#e 'a'er crac(led as #e c#e+ed it6
8Sto' t#is5: S#e''ard said in a dry5 urntHout -oice6 8Sto' it6:
T#e oy raised t#e %ile and tore out a 'a0e +it# #is teet# and e0an 0rindin0 it in #is
$out#5 #is eyes urnin06
S#e''ard reac#ed across t#e tale and (noc(ed t#e oo( out o) #is #and6 8Lea-e t#e tale5:
#e said coldly6
4o#nson s+allo+ed +#at +as in #is $out#6 His eyes +idened as i) a -ision o) s'lendor +ere
o'enin0 u' e)ore #i$6 8I-e eaten itS: #e reat#ed6 8I-e eaten it li(e EEe(iel and it +as #oney
to $y $out#S:
8Lea-e t#is tale5: S#e''ard said6 His #ands +ere clenc#ed eside #is 'late6
8I-e eaten itS: t#e oy cried6 &onder trans)or$ed #is )ace6 8I-e eaten it li(e EEe(iel and I
dont +ant none o) your )ood a)ter it nor no $ore e-er6:
8!o t#en5: S#e''ard said so)tly6 8!o6 !o6:
T#e oy rose and 'ic(ed u' t#e %ile and started to+ard t#e #all +it# it6 *t t#e door #e
'aused5 a s$all lac( )i0ure on t#e t#res#old o) so$e dar( a'ocaly'se: 8T#e de-il #as you in #is
'o+er5: #e said in a @uilant -oice and disa''eared6
*)ter su''er S#e''ard sat in t#e li-in0 roo$ alone6 4o#nson #ad le)t t#e #ouse ut #e could
not elie-e t#at t#e oy #ad si$'ly 0one6 T#e )irst )eelin0 o) release #ad 'assed6 He )elt dull
and cold as at t#e onset o) an illness and dread #ad settled in #i$ li(e a )o06 4ust to lea-e +ould
e too anticli$actic an end )or 4o#nsons tasteD #e +ould return and try to 'ro-e so$et#in06 He
$i0#t co$e ac( a +ee( later and set )ire to t#e 'lace6 /ot#in0 see$ed too outra0eous no+6
He 'ic(ed u' t#e 'a'er and tried to read6 In a $o$ent #e t#re+ it do+n and 0ot u' and
+ent into t#e #all and listened6 He $i0#t e #idin0 in t#e attic6 He +ent to t#e attic door and
o'ened it6
T#e lantern +as lit5 castin0 a di$ li0#t on t#e stairs6 He didnt #ear anyt#in06 8/orton5: #e
called5 8are you u' t#ere3: T#ere +as no ans+er6 He $ounted t#e narro+ stairs to see6
*$id t#e stran0e -ineHli(e s#ado+s cast y t#e lantern5 /orton sat +it# #is eye to t#e
telesco'e6 8/orton5: S#e''ard said5 8do you (no+ +#ere Ru)us +ent3:
T#e c#ilds ac( +as to #i$6 He +as sittin0 #unc#ed5 intent5 #is lar0e ears directly ao-e #is
s#oulders6 Suddenly #e +a-ed #is #and and crouc#ed closer to t#e telesco'e as i) #e could not
0et near enou0# to +#at #e sa+6
8/ortonS: S#e''ard said in a loud -oice6
T#e c#ild didnt $o-e6
8/ortonS: S#e''ard s#outed6
/orton started6 He turned around6 T#ere +as an unnatural ri0#tness aout #is eyes6 *)ter
a $o$ent #e see$ed to see t#at it +as S#e''ard6 8I-e )ound #erS: #e said reat#lessly6
8Found +#o3: S#e''ard said6
8Ma$$aS:
S#e''ard steadied #i$sel) in t#e door +ay6 T#e @un0le ol s#ado+s around t#e c#ild
t#ic(ened6
8Co$e and loo(S: #e cried6 He +i'ed #is s+eaty )ace on t#e tail o) #is 'laid s#irt and t#en
'ut #is eye ac( to t#e telesco'e6 His ac( eca$e )i"ed in a ri0id intensity6 *ll at once #e
+a-ed a0ain6
8/orton5: S#e''ard said5 8you dont see anyt#in0 in t#e telesco'e ut star clusters6 /o+
you-e #ad enou0# o) t#at )or one ni0#t6 ,oud etter 0o to ed6 .o you (no+ +#ere Ru)us is3:
8S#es t#ereS: #e cried5 not turnin0 around )ro$ t#e telesco'e6 8S#e +a-ed at $eS:
: I +ant you in ed in )i)teen $inutes5: S#e''ard said6
*)ter a $o$ent #e said5 8.o you #ear $e5 /orton3:
T#e c#ild e0an to +a-e )rantically6
: I $ean +#at I say5: S#e''ard said6 8I$ 0oin0 to call in )i)teen $inutes and see i) youre in
ed6:
He +ent do+n t#e ste's a0ain and returned to t#e 'arlor6 He +ent to t#e )ront door and
cast a cursory 0lance out6 T#e s(y +as cro+ded +it# t#e stars #e #ad een )ool enou0# to t#in(
4o#nson could reac#6 So$e+#ere in t#e s$all +ood e#ind t#e #ouse5 a ull )ro0 sounded a
lo+ #ollo+ note6 He +ent ac( to #is c#air and sat a )e+ $inutes6 He decided to 0o to ed6 He
'ut #is #ands on t#e ar$s o) t#e c#air and leaned )or+ard and #eard5 li(e t#e )irst s#rill note o)
a disaster +arnin05 t#e siren o) a 'olice car5 $o-in0 slo+ly into t#e nei0#or#ood and nearer
until it susided +it# a $oan outside t#e #ouse6
He )elt a cold +ei0#t on #is s#oulders as i) an icy cloa( #ad een t#ro+n aout #i$6 He +ent
to t#e door and o'ened it6
T+o 'olice$en +ere co$in0 u' t#e +al( +it# a dar( snarlin0 4o#nson et+een t#e$5
#andcu))ed to eac#6 * re'orter @o00ed alon0side and anot#er 'olice$an +aited in t#e 'atrol
car6
8Heres your oy5: t#e dourest o) t#e 'olice$en said6 8.idnt I tell you +ed 0et #i$3:
4o#nson @er(ed #is ar$ do+n sa-a0ely6 : I +as +aitin )or youS: #e said6 8,ou +ouldnt #a-e
0ot $e i) I #adnt o) +anted to 0et cau0#t6 It +as $y idea6: He +as addressin0 t#e 'olice$en
ut leerin0 at S#e''ard6
S#e''ard loo(ed at #i$ coldly6
8&#y did you +ant to 0et cau0#t3: t#e re'orter as(ed5 runnin0 around to 0et eside
4o#nson6 8&#y did you delierately +ant to 0et cau0#t3:
T#e 9uestion and t#e si0#t o) S#e''ard see$ed to t#ro+ t#e oy into a )ury6 8To s#o+ u'
t#at i0 tin 4esusS: #e #issed and (ic(ed #is le0 out at S#e''ard6 8He t#in(s #es !od6 Id rat#er
e in t#e re)or$atory t#an in #is #ouse5 Id rat#er e in t#e 'enS T#e .e-il #as #i$ in #is 'o+er6
He dont (no+ #is le)t #and )ro$ #is ri0#t5 #e dont #a-e as $uc# sense as #is craEy (idS: He
'aused and t#en s+e't on to #is )antastic conclusion6 8He $ade su00estions to $eS:
S#e''ards )ace lanc#ed6 He cau0#t #old o) t#e door )acin06
8Su00estions3:t#e re'orter said ea0erly5 8+#at (ind o) su00estions3:
8I$$oral su00estionsS: 4o#nson said6 8&#at (ind o) su00estions do you t#in(3 %ut I aint
#a-in0 none o) it5 I$ a C#ristian5 I$B:
S#e''ards )ace +as ti0#t +it# 'ain6 8He (no+s t#ats not true5: #e said in a s#a(en -oice6
8He (no+s #es lyin06 I did e-eryt#in0 I (ne+ #o+ )or #i$6 I did $ore )or #i$ t#an I did )or $y
o+n c#ild6 I #o'ed to sa-e #i$ and I )ailed5 ut it +as an #onorale )ailure6 I #a-e not#in0 to
re'roac# $ysel) +it#6 I $ade no su00estions to #i$6:
8.o you re$e$er t#e su00estions3:t#e re'orter as(ed6
8Can you tell us e"actly +#at #e said3:
8Hes a dirty at#eist5: 4o#nson said6 8He said t#ere +asnt no #ell6:
8&ell5 t#ey seen eac# ot#er no+5: one o) t#e 'olice$en said +it# a (no+in0 si0#6 8Lets us
0o6:
8&ait5: S#e''ard said6 He ca$e do+n one ste' and )i"ed #is eyes on 4o#nsons eyes in a
last des'erate e))ort to sa-e #i$sel)6 8Tell t#e trut#5 Ru)us5: #e said6 8,ou dont +ant to
'er'etrate t#is lie6 ,oure not e-il5 youre $ortally con)used6 ,ou dont #a-e to $a(e u' )or
t#at )oot5 you dont #a-e toB:
4o#nson #urled #i$sel) )or+ard6 8Listen at #i$S: #e screa$ed6 8I lie and steal ecause I$
0ood at itS My )oot dont #a-e a t#in0 to do +it# itS T#e la$e s#all enter )irstS T#e #altll e
0at#ered to0et#er6 &#en I 0et ready to e sa-ed5 4esusll sa-e $e5 not t#at lyin0 stin(in0
at#eist5 not t#atB:
8T#atll e enou0# out o) you5: t#e 'olice$an said and yan(ed #i$ ac(6 A&e @ust +anted
you to see +e 0ot #i$5: #e said to S#e''ard5 and t#e t+o o) t#e$ turned around and dra00ed
4o#nson a+ay5 #al) turned and screa$in0 ac( at S#e''ard6
8T#e la$ell carry o)) t#e 'reyS: #e screec#ed5 ut #is -oice +as $u))ed inside t#e car6 T#e
re'orter scra$led into t#e )ront seat +it# t#e dri-er and sla$$ed t#e door and t#e siren
+ailed into t#e dar(ness6
S#e''ard re$ained t#ere5 ent sli0#tly li(e a $an +#o #as een s#ot ut continues to
stand6 *)ter a $inute #e turned and +ent ac( in t#e #ouse and sat do+n in t#e c#air #e #ad
le)t6 He closed #is eyes on a 'icture o) 4o#nson in a circle o) re'orters at t#e 'olice station5
elaoratin0 #is lies6 8I #a-e not#in0 to re'roac# $ysel) +it#5: #e $ur$ured6
His e-ery action #ad een sel)less5 #is one ai$ #ad een to sa-e 4o#nson )or so$e decent
(ind o) ser-ice5 #e #ad not s'ared #i$sel)5 #e #ad sacri)iced #is re'utation5 #e #ad done $ore
)or 4o#nson t#an #e #ad done )or #is o+n c#ild6 Foulness #un0 aout #i$ li(e an odor in t#e air5
so close t#at it see$ed to co$e )ro$ #is o+n reat#6 8I #a-e not#in0 to re'roac# $ysel) +it#5:
#e re'eated6 His -oice sounded dry and #ars#6 8I did $ore )or #i$ t#an I did )or $y o+n c#ild6:
He +as s+e't +it# a sudden 'anic6 He #eard t#e oys @uilant -oice6 Satan #as you in #is
'o+er6
8I #a-e not#in0 to re'roac# $ysel) +it#5: #e e0an a0ain6 8I did $ore )or #i$ t#an I did )or
$y o+n c#ild6: He #eard #is -oice as i) it +ere t#e -oice o) #is accuser6 He re'eated t#e
sentence silently6
Slo+ly #is )ace drained o) color6 It eca$e al$ost 0rey eneat# t#e +#ite #alo o) #is #air6
T#e sentence ec#oed in #is $ind5 eac# syllale li(e a dull lo+6 His $out# t+isted and #e
closed #is eyes a0ainst t#e re-elation6 /ortons )ace rose e)ore #i$5 e$'ty5 )orlorn5 #is le)t
eye listin0 al$ost i$'erce'tily to+ard t#e outer ri$ as i) it could not ear a )ull -ie+ o) 0rie)6
His #eart constricted +it# a re'ulsion )or #i$sel) so clear and intense t#at #e 0as'ed )or
reat#6 He #ad stu))ed #is o+n e$'tiness +it# 0ood +or(s li(e a 0lutton6 He #ad i0nored #is
o+n c#ild to )eed #is -ision o) #i$sel)6 He sa+ t#e clearHeyed .e-il5 t#e sounder o) #earts5
leerin0 at #i$ )ro$ t#e eyes o) 4o#nson6 His i$a0e o) #i$sel) s#ri-eled until e-eryt#in0 +as
lac( e)ore #i$6 He sat t#ere 'aralyEed5 a0#ast6
He sa+ /orton at t#e telesco'e5 all ac( and ears5 sa+ #is ar$ s#oot u' and +a-e
)rantically6 * rus# o) a0oniEin0 lo-e )or t#e c#ild rus#ed o-er #i$ li(e a trans)usion o) li)e6 T#e
little oys )ace a''eared to #i$ trans)or$edD t#e i$a0e o) #is sal-ationD all li0#t6 He 0roaned
+it# @oy6 He +ould $a(e e-eryt#in0 u' to #i$6 He +ould ne-er let #i$ su))er a0ain6 He +ould
e $ot#er and )at#er6 He @u$'ed u' and ran to #is roo$5 to (iss #i$5 to tell #i$ t#at #e lo-ed
#i$ t#at #e +ould ne-er )ail #i$ a0ain6
T#e li0#t +as on in /ortons roo$ ut t#e ed +as e$'ty6 He turned and das#ed u' t#e
attic stairs and at t#e to' reeled ac( li(e a $an on t#e ed0e o) a 'it6 T#e tri'od #ad )allen and
t#e telesco'e lay on t#e )loor6 * )e+ )eet o-er it5 t#e c#ild #un0 in t#e @un0le o) s#ado+s5 @ust
elo+ t#e ea$ )ro$ +#ic# #e #ad launc#ed #is )li0#t into s'ace6
&#y .o t#e Heat#en Ra0e3 N;<?GO
TILM*/ #ad #ad #is stro(e in t#e state ca'ital5 +#ere #e #ad 0one on usiness5 and #e #ad
stayed t+o +ee(s in t#e #os'ital t#ere6 He did not re$e$er #is arri-al #o$e y a$ulance
ut #is +i)e did6 S#e #ad sat )or t+o #ours on t#e @u$' seat at #is )eet5 0aEin0 )i"edly at #is
)ace6 Only #is le)t eye5 t+isted in+ard5 see$ed to #aror #is )or$er 'ersonality6 It urned +it#
ra0e6 T#e rest o) #is )ace +as 're'ared )or deat#6 4ustice +as 0ri$ and s#e too( satis)action in it
+#en s#e )ound it6 It $i0#t ta(e @ust t#is ruin to +a(e &alter u'6
%y accident ot# c#ildren +ere at #o$e +#en t#ey arri-ed6 Mary Maud +as dri-in0 in )ro$
sc#ool5 not realiEin0 t#at t#e a$ulance +as e#ind #er6 S#e 0ot outIa lar0e +o$an o) t#irty
+it# a round c#ildis# )ace and a 'ile o) carrotHcolored #air t#at see'ed aout in an in-isile net
on to' o) #er #eadI(issed #er $ot#er5 0lanced at Til$an and 0as'edD t#en5 0ri$H)aced ut
)lustered5 $arc#ed e#ind t#e rear attendant5 0i-in0 #i$ #i0#H'itc#ed instructions on #o+ to
0et t#e stretc#er around t#e cur-e o) t#e )ront ste's6 E"actly li(e a sc#oolteac#er5 #er $ot#er
t#ou0#t6 Sc#oolteac#er all o-er6 *s t#e )or+ard attendant reac#ed t#e 'orc#5 Mary Maud said
s#ar'ly in a -oice used to controllin0 c#ildren5 8!et u'5 &alter5 and o'en t#e doorS:
&alter +as sittin0 on t#e ed0e o) #is c#air5 asored in t#e 'roceedin0s5 #is )in0er )olded in
t#e oo( #e #ad een readin0 e)ore t#e a$ulance ca$e6 He 0ot u' and #eld o'en t#e screen
door5 and +#ile t#e attendants carried t#e stretc#er across t#e 'orc#5 #e 0aEed5 o-iously
)ascinated5 at #is )at#ers )ace6 8!lad to see you ac(5 ca'tn5: #e said and raised #is #and in a
slo''y salute6
Til$ans enra0ed le)t eye a''eared to include #i$ in its -ision ut #e 0a-e #i$ no si0n o)
reco0nition6
Roose-elt5 +#o )ro$ no+ on +ould e nurse instead o) yard $an5 stood inside t#e door5
+aitin06 He #ad 'ut on t#e +#ite coat t#at #e +as su''osed to +ear )or occasions6 He 'eered
)or+ard at +#at +as on t#e stretc#er6 T#e loods#ot -eins in #is eyes s+elled6 T#en5 all at once5
tears 0laEed t#e$ and 0listened on #is lac( c#ee(s li(e s+eat6 Til$an $ade a +ea( rou0#
$otion +it# #is 0ood ar$6 It +as t#e only 0esture o) a))ection #e #ad 0i-en any o) t#e$6 T#e
/e0ro )ollo+ed t#e stretc#er to t#e ac( edroo$5 snu))lin0 as i) so$eone #ad #it #i$6
Mary Maud +ent in to direct t#e stretc#er earers6
&alter and #is $ot#er re$ained on t#e 'orc#6 8Close t#e door5: s#e said6 8,oure lettin0
)lies in6:
S#e #ad een +atc#in0 #i$ all alon05 searc#in0 )or so$e si0n in #is i0 land )ace t#at
so$e sense o) ur0ency #ad touc#ed #i$5 so$e sense t#at no+ #e #ad to ta(e #old5 t#at no+
#e #ad to do so$et#in05 anyt#in0Is#e +ould #a-e een 0lad to see #i$ $a(e a $ista(e5 e-en
$a(e a $ess o) t#in0s i) it $eant t#at #e +as doin0 so$et#in0Iut s#e sa+ t#at not#in0 #ad
#a''ened6 His eyes +ere on #er5 0litterin0 @ust sli0#tly e#ind #is 0lasses6 He #ad ta(en in e-ery
detail o) Til$ans )aceD #e #ad re0istered Roose-elts tears5 Mary Mauds con)usion5 and no+
#e +as studyin0 #er to see #o+ s#e +as ta(in0 it6 S#e yan(ed #er #at strai0#t5 seein0 y #is
eyes t#at it #ad sli''ed to+ard t#e ac( o) #er #ead6
8,ou ou0#t to +ear it t#at +ay5: #e said6 8It $a(es you loo( sort o) rela"edIyH$ista(e6:
S#e $ade #er )ace #ard5 as #ard as s#e could $a(e it6 8T#e res'onsiility is yours no+5: s#e
said in a #ars#5 )inal -oice6
He stood t#ere +it# #is #al) s$ile and said not#in06 Li(e an asorent lu$'5 s#e t#ou0#t5
ta(in0 e-eryt#in0 in5 0i-in0 not#in0 out6 S#e $i0#t #a-e een loo(in0 at a stran0er usin0 t#e
)a$ily )ace6 He #ad t#e sa$e nonco$$ittal la+yers s$ile as #er )at#er and 0rand)at#er5 set in
t#e sa$e #ea-y @a+5 under t#e sa$e Ro$an noseD #e #ad t#e sa$e eyes t#at +ere neit#er lue
nor 0reen nor 0rayD #is s(ull +ould soon e ald li(e t#eirs6 Her )ace eca$e e-en #arder6
8,oull #a-e to ta(e o-er and $ana0e t#is 'lace5: s#e said and )olded #er ar$s5 8i) you +ant to
stay #ere6:
T#e s$ile le)t #i$6 He loo(ed at #er once #ard5 #is e"'ression e$'ty5 and t#en eyond #er
out across t#e $eado+5 eyond t#e )our oa(s and t#e lac( distant tree line5 into t#e -acant
a)ternoon s(y6 8I t#ou0#t it +as #o$e5: #e said5 8ut it dont do to 'resu$e6:
Her #eart constricted6 S#e #ad an instants re-elation t#at #e +as #o$eless6 Ho$eless #ere
and #o$eless any+#ere6 8O) course its #o$e5: s#e said5 8ut so$eody #as to ta(e o-er6
So$eody #as to $a(e t#ese /e0roes +or(6:
8I cant $a(e /e0roes +or(5: #e $uttered6 8T#ats aout t#e last t#in0 I$ ca'ale o)6:
AIll tell you e-eryt#in0 to do5: s#e said6
8HaS: #e said6 8T#at you +ould6: He loo(ed at #er and #is #al) s$ile returned6 8Lady5: #e
said5 8youre co$in0 into your o+n6 ,ou +ere orn to ta(e o-er6 I) t#e old $an #ad #ad #is
stro(e ten years a0o5 +ed all e etter o))6 ,ou could #a-e run a +a0on train t#rou0# t#e %ad
Lands6 ,ou could sto' a $o6 ,oure t#e last o) t#e nineteent# century5 youreB:
8&alter5: s#e said5 8youre a $an6 I$ only a +o$an6:
8* +o$an o) your 0eneration5: &alter said5 8is etter t#an a $an o) $ine6:
Her $out# dre+ into a ti0#t line o) outra0e and #er #ead tre$led al$ost i$'erce'tily6 8I
+ould e as#a$ed to say itS: s#e +#is'ered6
&alter dro''ed into t#e c#air #e #ad een sittin0 in and o'ened #is oo(6 * slu00is#H
loo(in0 )lus# settled on #is )ace6 8T#e only -irtue o) $y 0eneration5: #e said5 8is t#at it aint
as#a$ed to tell t#e trut# aout itsel)6: He +as already readin06 Her inter-ie+ +as at an end6
S#e re$ained standin0 t#ere5 ri0id5 #er eyes on #i$ in stunned dis0ust6 Her son6 Her only
son6 His eyes and #is s(ull and #is s$ile elon0ed to t#e )a$ily )ace ut underneat# t#e$ +as a
di))erent (ind o) $an )ro$ any s#e #ad e-er (no+n6 T#ere +as no innocence in #i$5 no
rectitude5 no con-iction eit#er o) sin or election6 T#e $an s#e sa+ courted 0ood and e-il
i$'artially and sa+ so $any sides o) e-ery 9uestion t#at #e could not $o-e5 #e could not +or(5
#e could not e-en $a(e ni00ers +or(6 *ny e-il could enter t#at -acuu$6 !od (no+s5 s#e
t#ou0#t and cau0#t #er reat#5 !od (no+s +#at #e $i0#t doS
He #ad not done anyt#in06 He +as t+entyHei0#t no+ and5 so )ar as s#e could see5 not#in0
occu'ied #i$ ut tri-ia6 He #ad t#e air o) a 'erson +#o is +aitin0 )or so$e i0 e-ent and cant
start any +or( ecause it +ould only e interru'ted6 Since #e +as al+ays idle5 s#e #ad t#ou0#t
t#at 'er#a's #e +anted to e an artist or a '#iloso'#er or so$et#in05 ut t#is +as not t#e
case6 He did not +ant to +rite anyt#in0 +it# a na$e6 He a$used #i$sel) +ritin0 letters to
'eo'le #e did not (no+ and to t#e ne+s'a'ers6 7nder di))erent na$es and usin0 di))erent
'ersonalities5 #e +rote to stran0ers6 It +as a 'eculiar5 s$all5 conte$'tile -ice6 Her )at#er and
#er 0rand)at#er #ad een $oral $en ut t#ey +ould #a-e scorned s$all -ices $ore t#an 0reat
ones6 T#ey (ne+ +#o t#ey +ere and +#at t#ey o+ed to t#e$sel-es6 It +as i$'ossile to tell
+#at &alter (ne+ or +#at #is -ie+s +ere on anyt#in06 He read oo(s t#at #ad not#in0 to do
+it# anyt#in0 t#at $attered no+6 O)ten s#e ca$e e#ind #i$ and )ound so$e stran0e
underlined 'assa0e in a oo( #e #ad le)t lyin0 so$e+#ere and s#e +ould 'uEEle o-er it )or
days6 One 'assa0e s#e )ound in a oo( #e #ad le)t lyin0 on t#e u'stairsHat#roo$ )loor stayed
+it# #er o$inously6
8Lo-e s#ould e )ull o) an0er5: it e0an5 and s#e t#ou0#t5 +ell $ine is6 S#e +as )urious all
t#e ti$e6 It +ent on5 8Since you #a-e already s'urned $y re9uest5 'er#a's you +ill listen to
ad$onis#$ent6 &#at usiness #a-e you in your )at#ers #ouse5 you e))e$inate soldier3 &#ere
are your ra$'arts and trenc#es5 +#ere is t#e +inter s'ent at t#e )ront lines3 ListenS t#e attle
tru$'et lares )ro$ #ea-en and see #o+ our !eneral $arc#es )ully ar$ed5 co$in0 a$id t#e
clouds to con9uer t#e +#ole +orld6 Out o) t#e $out# o) our Cin0 e$er0es a douleed0ed
s+ord t#at cuts do+n e-eryt#in0 in #e +ay6 *risin0 )inally )ro$ your na'5 do you co$e to t#e
attle)ield *andon t#e s#ade and see( t#e sun6:
S#e tuned ac( in t#e oo( to see +#at s#e +as readin06 It +as a letter )ro$ a St6 4ero$e to
a Heliodorus5 scoldin0 #i$ )or #a-in0 aandoned t#e desert6 * )ootnote said t#at Heliodorus
+as one o) t#e )a$ous 0rou' t#at #ad centered around 4ero$e at *9uileia in G>L6 He #ad
acco$'anied 4ero$e to t#e /ear East +it# t#e intention o) culti-atin0 a #er$itic li)e6 T#ey #ad
se'arated +#en Heliodorus continued on to 4erusale$6 E-entually #e returned to Italy5 and in
later years #e eca$e a distin0uis#ed c#urc#$an as t#e is#o' o) *ltinu$6
T#is +as t#e (ind o) t#in0 #e readIso$et#in0 t#at $ade no sense )or no+6 T#en it ca$e to
#er5 +it# an un'leasant little @olt5 t#at t#e !eneral +it# t#e s+ord in #is $out#5 $arc#in0 to do
-iolence5 +as 4esus6
Re-elation N;<?=O
T#e doctors +aitin0 roo$5 +#ic# +as -ery s$all5 +as al$ost )ull +#en t#e Tur'ins entered
and Mrs6 Tur'in5 +#o +as -ery lar0e5 $ade it loo( e-en s$aller y #er 'resence6 S#e stood
loo$in0 at t#e #ead o) t#e $a0aEine tale set in t#e center o) it5 a li-in0 de$onstration t#at
t#e roo$ +as inade9uate and ridiculous6 Her little ri0#t lac( eyes too( in all t#e 'atients as
s#e siEed u' t#e seatin0 situation6 T#ere +as one -acant c#air and a 'lace on t#e so)a occu'ied
y a lond c#ild in a dirty lue ro$'er +#o s#ould #a-e een told to $o-e o-er and $a(e
roo$ )or t#e lady6 He +as )i-e or si"5 ut Mrs6 Tur'in sa+ at once t#at no one +as 0oin0 to tell
#i$ to $o-e o-er6 He +as slu$'ed do+n in t#e seat5 #is ar$s idle at #is sides and #is eyes idle
in #is #eadD #is nose ran unc#ec(ed6
Mrs6 Tur'in 'ut a )ir$ #and on Clauds s#oulder and said in a -oice t#at included anyone
+#o +anted to listen5 8Claud5 you sit in t#at c#air t#ere5: and 0a-e #i$ a 'us# do+n into t#e
-acant one6 Claud +as )lorid and ald and sturdy5 so$e+#at s#orter t#an Mrs6 Tur'in5 ut #e
sat do+n as i) #e +ere accusto$ed to doin0 +#at s#e told #i$ to6
Mrs6 Tur'in re$ained standin06 T#e only $an in t#e roo$ esides Claud +as a lean strin0y
old )ello+ +it# a rusty #and s'read out on eac# (nee5 +#ose eyes +ere closed as i) #e +ere
aslee' or dead or 'retendin0 to e so as not to 0et u' and o))er #er #is seat6 Her 0aEe settled
a0reealy on a +ellHdressed 0reyH#aired lady +#ose eyes $et #ers and +#ose e"'ression said:
i) t#at c#ild elon0ed to $e5 #e +ould #a-e so$e $anners and $o-e o-erIt#eres 'lenty o)
roo$ t#ere )or you and #i$ too6
Claud loo(ed u' +it# a si0# and $ade as i) to rise6
8Sit do+n5: Mrs6 Tur'in said6 8,ou (no+ youre not su''osed to stand on t#at le06 He #as
an ulcer on #is le05: s#e e"'lained6
Claud li)ted #is )oot onto t#e $a0aEine tale and rolled #is trouser le0 u' to re-eal a 'ur'le
s+ellin0 on a 'lu$' $arleH+#ite cal)6
8MyS: t#e 'leasant lady said6 8Ho+ did you do t#at3:
8* co+ (ic(ed #i$5: Mrs6 Tur'in said6
8!oodnessS: said t#e lady6
Claud rolled #is trouser le0 do+n6
8Maye t#e little oy +ould $o-e o-er5: t#e lady su00ested5 ut t#e c#ild did not stir6
8So$eody +ill e lea-in0 in a $inute5: Mrs6 Tur'in said6 S#e could not understand +#y a
doctorI+it# as $uc# $oney as t#ey $ade c#ar0in0 )i-e dollars a day to @ust stic( t#eir #ead in
t#e #os'ital door and loo( at youI+ouldnt a))ord a decentHsiEed +aitin0 roo$6 T#is one +as
#ardly i00er t#an a 0ara0e6 T#e tale +as cluttered +it# li$'Hroo(in0 $a0aEines and at one
end o) it t#ere +as a i0 0reen 0lass as# tray )ull o) ci0arette utts and cotton +ads +it# little
lood s'ots on t#e$6 I) s#e #ad #ad anyt#in0 to do +it# t#e runnin0 o) t#e 'lace5 t#at +ould
#a-e een e$'tied e-ery so o)ten6 T#ere +ere no c#airs a0ainst t#e +all at t#e #ead o) t#e
roo$6 It #ad a rectan0ularHs#a'ed 'anel in it t#at 'er$itted a -ie+ o) t#e o))ice +#ere t#e
nurse ca$e and +ent and t#e secretary listened to t#e radio6 * 'lastic )ern in a 0old 'ot sat in
t#e o'enin0 and trailed its )ronds do+n al$ost to t#e )loor6 T#e radio +as so)tly 'layin0 0os'el
$usic6
4ust t#en t#e inner door o'ened and a nurse +it# t#e #i0#est stac( o) yello+ #air Mrs6
Tur'in #ad e-er seen 'ut #er )ace in t#e crac( and called )or t#e ne"t 'atient6 T#e +o$an
sittin0 eside Claud 0ras'ed t#e t+o ar$s o) #er c#air and #oisted #ersel) u'D s#e 'ulled #er
dress )ree )ro$ #er le0s and lu$ered t#rou0# t#e door +#ere t#e nurse #ad disa''eared6
Mrs6 Tur'in eased into t#e -acant c#air5 +#ic# #eld #er ti0#t as a corset6 8I +is# I could
reduce5: s#e said5 and rolled #er eyes and 0a-e a co$ic si0#6
8O#5 you arent )at5: t#e stylis# lady said6
8Ooooo I a$ too5: Mrs6 Tur'in said6 8Claud #e eats all #e +ants to and ne-er +ei0#s o-er
one #undred and se-entyH)i-e 'ounds5 ut $e I @ust loo( at so$et#in0 0ood to eat and I 0ain
so$e +ei0#t5: and #er sto$ac# and s#oulders s#oo( +it# lau0#ter6 8,ou can eat all you +ant
to5 cant you5 Claud3: s#e as(ed5 turnin0 to #i$6
Claud only 0rinned6
8&ell5 as lon0 as you #a-e suc# a 0ood dis'osition5: t#e stylis# lady said5 8I dont t#in( it
$a(es a it o) di))erence +#at siEe you are6 ,ou @ust cant eat a 0ood dis'osition6:
/e"t to #er +as a )at 0irl o) ei0#teen or nineteen5 sco+lin0 into a t#ic( lue oo( +#ic#
Mrs6 Tur'in sa+ +as entitled Hu$an .e-elo'$ent6 T#e 0irl raised #er #ead and directed #er
sco+l at Mrs6 Tur'in as i) s#e did not li(e #er loo(s6 S#e a''eared annoyed t#at anyone s#ould
s'ea( +#ile s#e tried to read6 T#e 'oor 0irls )ace +as lue +it# acne and Mrs6 Tur'in t#ou0#t
#o+ 'iti)ul it +as to #a-e a )ace li(e t#at at t#at a0e6 S#e 0a-e t#e 0irl a )riendly s$ile ut t#e
0irl only sco+led t#e #arder6 Mrs6 Tur'in #ersel) +as )at ut s#e #ad al+ays #ad 0ood s(in5 and5
t#ou0# s#e +as )ortyHse-en years old5 t#ere +as not a +rin(le in #er )ace e"ce't around #er
eyes )ro$ lau0#in0 too $uc#6
/e"t to t#e u0ly 0irl +as t#e c#ild5 still in e"actly t#e sa$e 'osition5 and ne"t to #i$ +as a
t#in leat#ery old +o$an in a cotton 'rint dress6 S#e and Claud #ad t#ree sac(s o) c#ic(en )eed
in t#eir 'u$' #ouse t#at +as in t#e sa$e 'rint6 S#e #ad seen )ro$ t#e )irst t#at t#e c#ild
elon0ed +it# t#e old +o$an6 S#e could tell y t#e +ay t#ey satI(ind o) -acant and
+#itetras#y5 as i) t#ey +ould sit t#ere until .oo$sday i) noody called and told t#e$ to 0et
u'6 *nd at ri0#t an0les ut ne"t to t#e +ellHdressed 'leasant lady +as a lan(H)aced +o$an +#o
+as certainly t#e c#ilds $ot#er6 S#e #ad on a yello+ s+eat s#irt and +ineHcolored slac(s5 ot#
0rittyHloo(in05 and t#e ri$s o) #er li's +ere stained +it# snu))6 Her dirty yello+ #air +as tied
e#ind +it# a little 'iece o) red 'a'er rion6 &orse t#an ni00ers any day5 Mrs6 Tur'in t#ou0#t6
T#e 0os'el #y$n 'layin0 +as5 8&#en I loo(ed u' and He loo(ed do+n5: and Mrs6 Tur'in5
+#o (ne+ it5 su''lied t#e last line $entally5 8*nd +ona t#ese days I (no+ Ill +ear a cro+n6:
&it#out a''earin0 to5 Mrs6 Tur'in al+ays noticed 'eo'les )eet6 T#e +ellHdressed lady #ad
on red and 0rey suede s#oes to $atc# #er dress6 Mrs6 Tur'in #ad on #er 0ood lac( 'atent
leat#er 'u$'s6 T#e u0ly 0irl #ad on !irl Scout s#oes and #ea-y soc(s6 T#e old +o$an #ad on
tennis s#oes and t#e +#itetras#y $ot#er #ad on +#at a''eared to e edroo$ sli''ers5 lac(
stra+ +it# 0old raid t#readed t#rou0# t#e$Ie"actly +#at you +ould #a-e e"'ected #er to
#a-e on6
So$eti$es at ni0#t +#en s#e couldnt 0o to slee'5 Mrs6 Tur'in +ould occu'y #ersel) +it#
t#e 9uestion o) +#o s#e +ould #a-e c#osen to e i) s#e couldnt #a-e een #ersel)6 I) 4esus #ad
said to #er e)ore #e $ade #er5 8T#eres only t+o 'laces a-ailale )or you6 ,ou can eit#er e a
ni00er or +#iteHtras#5: +#at +ould s#e #a-e said3 8Please5 4esus6 'lease5: s#e +ould #a-e said5
8@ust let $e +ait until t#eres anot#er 'lace a-ailale5: and #e +ould #a-e said5 8/o5 you #a-e
to 0o ri0#t no+ and I #a-e only t#ose t+o 'laces so $a(e u' your $ind6: S#e +ould #a-e
+i00led and s9uir$ed and e00ed and 'leaded ut it +ould #a-e een no use and )inally s#e
+ould #a-e said5 8*ll ri0#t5 $a(e $e a ni00er t#enIut t#at dont $ean a tras#y one6: *nd #e
+ould #a-e $ade #er a neat clean res'ectale /e0ro +o$an5 #ersel) ut lac(6
/e"t to t#e c#ilds $ot#er +as a red#eaded youn0is# +o$an5 readin0 one o) t#e $a0aEines
and +or(in0 a 'iece o) c#e+in0 0u$5 #ell )or leat#er5 as Claud +ould say6 Mrs6 Tur'in could not
see t#e +o$ans )eet6 S#e +as not +#itetras#5 @ust co$$on6 So$eti$es Mrs6 Tur'in occu'ied
#ersel) at ni0#t na$in0 t#e classes o) 'eo'le6 On t#e otto$ o) t#e #ea' +ere $ost colored
'eo'le5 not t#e (ind s#e +ould #a-e een i) s#e #ad een one5 ut $ost o) t#e$D t#en ne"t to
t#e$Inot ao-e5 @ust a+ay )ro$I+ere t#e +#iteHtras#D t#en ao-e t#e$ +ere t#e #o$eH
o+ners5 and ao-e t#e$ t#e #o$eHandHland o+ners5 to +#ic# s#e and Claud elon0ed6 *o-e
s#e and Claud +ere 'eo'le +it# a lot o) $oney and $uc# i00er #ouses and $uc# $ore land6
%ut #ere t#e co$'le"ity o) it +ould e0in to ear in on #er5 )or so$e o) t#e 'eo'le +it# a lot o)
$oney +ere co$$on and ou0#t to e elo+ s#e and Claud and so$e o) t#e 'eo'le +#o #ad
0ood lood #ad lost t#eir $oney and #ad to rent and t#en t#ere +ere colored 'eo'le +#o
o+ned t#eir #o$es and land as +ell6 T#ere +as a colored dentist in to+n +#o #ad t+o red
Lincolns and a s+i$$in0 'ool and a )ar$ +it# re0istered +#iteH)ace cattle on it6 7sually y t#e
ti$e s#e #ad )allen aslee' all t#e classes o) 'eo'le +ere $oilin0 and roilin0 around in #er #ead5
and s#e +ould drea$ t#ey +ere all cra$$ed in to0et#er in a o" car5 ein0 ridden o)) to e 'ut
in a 0as o-en6
8T#ats a eauti)ul cloc(5: s#e said and nodded to #er ri0#t6 It +as a i0 +all cloc(5 t#e )ace
encased in a rass sunurst6
8,es5 its -ery 'retty5: t#e stylis# lady said a0reealy6 8*nd ri0#t on t#e dot too5: s#e added5
0lancin0 at #er +atc#6
T#e u0ly 0irl eside #er cast an eye u'+ard at t#e cloc(5 s$ir(ed5 t#en loo(ed directly at
Mrs6 Tur'in and s$ir(ed a0ain6 T#en s#e returned #er eyes to #er oo(6 S#e +as o-iously t#e
ladys dau0#ter ecause5 alt#ou0# t#ey didnt loo( anyt#in0 ali(e as to dis'osition5 t#ey ot#
#ad t#e sa$e s#a'e o) )ace and t#e sa$e lue eyes6 On t#e lady t#ey s'ar(led 'leasantly ut in
t#e 0irls seared )ace t#ey a''eared alternately to s$older and to laEe6
&#at i) 4esus #ad said5 8*ll ri0#t5 you can e +#iteHtras# or a ni00er or u0ly:S
Mrs6 Tur'in )elt an a+)ul 'ity )or t#e 0irl5 t#ou0# s#e t#ou0#t it +as one t#in0 to e u0ly and
anot#er to act u0ly6
T#e +o$an +it# t#e snu))Hstained li's turned around in #er c#air and loo(ed u' at t#e
cloc(6 T#en s#e turned ac( and a''eared to loo( a little to t#e side o) Mrs6 Tur'in6 T#ere +as a
cast in one o) #er eyes6 8,ou +ant to (no+ +#ere you can 0et you one o) t#e$t#er cloc(s3: s#e
as(ed in a loud -oice6
8/o5 I already #a-e a nice cloc(5: Mrs6 Tur'in said6 Once so$eody li(e #er 0ot a le0 in t#e
con-ersation5 s#e +ould e all o-er it6
8,ou can 0et you one +it# 0reen sta$'s5: t#e +o$an said6 8T#ats $ost li(ely +#er #e 0ot
#isn6 Sa-e you u' enou0#5 you can 0et you $ost anyt#an06 I 0ot $e so$e @oory6:
Ou0#t to #a-e 0ot you a +as# ra0 and so$e soa'5 Mrs6 Tur'in t#ou0#t6
8I 0et contour s#eets +it# $ine5: t#e 'leasant lady said6
T#e dau0#ter sla$$ed #er oo( s#ut6 S#e loo(ed strai0#t in )ront o) #er5 directly t#rou0#
Mrs6 Tur'in and on t#rou0# t#e yello+ curtain and t#e 'late 0lass +indo+ +#ic# $ade t#e +all
e#ind #er6 T#e 0irls eyes see$ed lit all o) a sudden +it# a 'eculiar li0#t5 an unnatural li0#t li(e
ni0#t road si0ns 0i-e6 Mrs6 Tur'in turned #er #ead to see i) t#ere +as anyt#in0 0oin0 on outside
t#at s#e s#ould see5 ut s#e could not see anyt#in06 Fi0ures 'assin0 cast only a 'ale s#ado+
t#rou0# t#e curtain6 T#ere +as no reason t#e 0irl s#ould sin0le #er out )or #er u0ly loo(s6
8Miss Finley5: t#e nurse said5 crac(in0 t#e door6 T#e 0u$Hc#e+in0 +o$an 0ot u' and
'assed in )ront o) #er and Claud and +ent into t#e o))ice6 S#e #ad on red #i0#H#eeled s#oes6
.irectly across t#e tale5 t#e u0ly 0irls eyes +ere )i"ed on Mrs6 Tur'in as i) s#e #ad so$e
-ery s'ecial reason )or disli(in0 #er6
8T#is is +onder)ul +eat#er5 isnt it3: t#e 0irls $ot#er said6
8Its 0ood +eat#er )or cotton i) you can 0et t#e ni00ers to 'ic( it5: Mrs6 Tur'in said5 8ut
ni00ers dont +ant to 'ic( cotton any $ore6 ,ou cant 0et t#e +#ite )ol(s to 'ic( it and no+ you
cant 0et t#e ni00ersIecause t#ey 0ot to e ri0#t u' t#ere +it# t#e +#ite )ol(s6:
8T#ey 0onna try any+ays5: t#e +#iteHtras# +o$an said5 leanin0 )or+ard6
8.o you #a-e one o) t#ose cottonH'ic(in0 $ac#ines3: t#e 'leasant lady as(ed6
8/o5: Mrs6 Tur'in said5 8t#ey lea-e #al) t#e cotton in t#e )ield6 &e dont #a-e $uc# cotton
any+ay6 I) you +ant to $a(e it )ar$in0 no+5 you #a-e to #a-e a little o) e-eryt#in06 &e 0ot a
cou'le o) acres o) cotton and a )e+ #o0s and c#ic(ens and @ust enou0# +#iteH)ace t#at Claud
can loo( a)ter t#e$ #i$sel)6:
8One t#an0 I dont +ant5: t#e +#itetras# +o$an said5 +i'in0 #er $out# +it# t#e ac( o)
#er #and6 8Ho0s6 /asty stin(in0 t#in0s5 aH0runtin and aHrootin all o-er t#e 'lace6:
Mrs6 Tur'in 0a-e #er t#e $erest ed0e o) #er attention6 8Our #o0s are not dirty and t#ey
dont stin(5: s#e said6 8T#eyre cleaner t#an so$e c#ildren I-e seen6 T#eir )eet ne-er touc# t#e
0round6 &e #a-e a 'i0H'arlorIt#ats +#ere you raise t#e$ on concrete5: s#e e"'lained to t#e
'leasant lady5 and Claud scoots t#e$ do+n +it# t#e #ose e-ery a)ternoon and +as#es o)) t#e
)loor6: Cleaner - )ar t#an t#at c#ild ri0#t t#ere5 s#e t#ou0#t6 Poor nasty little t#in06 He #ad not
$o-ed e"ce't to 'ut t#e t#u$ o) #is dirty #and into #is $out#6
T#e +o$an turned #er )ace a+ay )ro$ Mrs6 Tur'in6 :I (no+ I +ouldnt scoot do+n no #o0
+it# no #ose5: s#e said to t#e +all6
,ou +ouldnt #a-e no #o0 to scoot do+n5 Mrs6 Tur'in said to #ersel)6
8*H0runtin and aHrootin and aH0roanin5: t#e +o$an $uttered6
8&e 0ot a little o) e-eryt#in05: Mrs6 Tur'in said to t#e 'leasant lady6 8Its no use in #a-in0
$ore t#an you can #andle yoursel) +it# #el' li(e it is6 &e )ound enou0# ni00ers to 'ic( our
cotton t#is year ut Claud #e #as to 0o a)ter t#e$ and ta(e t#e$ #o$e a0ain in t#e e-enin06
T#ey cant +al( t#at #al) a $ile6 /o t#ey cant6 I tell you5: s#e said and lau0#ed $errily5 : I sure
a$ tired o) utterin0 u' ni00ers5 ut you 0ot to lo-e e$ i) you +ant e$ to +or( )or you6 &#en
t#ey co$e in t#e $ornin05 I run out and I say5 AHi ya+l t#is $ornin03 and +#en Claud dri-es
t#e$ o)) to t#e )ield I @ust +a-e to eat t#e and and t#ey @ust +a-e ac(6: *nd s#e +a-ed #er
#and ra'idly to illustrate6
8Li(e you read out o) t#e sa$e oo(5: t#e lady said5 s#o+in0 s#e understood 'er)ectly6
8C#ild5 yes5: Mrs6 Tur'in said6 8*nd +#en t#ey co$e in )ro$ t#e )ield5 I run out +it# a
uc(et o) ice+ater6 T#ats t#e +ay its 0oin0 to e )ro$ no+ on5: s#e said6 8,ou $ay as +ell
)ace it6:
8One t#an0 I (no+5: t#e +#iteHtras# +o$an said6 8T+o t#an0s I aint 0oin0 to do: lo-e no
ni00ers or scoot do+n no #o0 +it# no #ose6:*nd s#e let out a ar( o) conte$'t6
T#e loo( t#at Mrs6 Tur'in and t#e 'leasant lady e"c#an0ed indicated t#ey ot# understood
t#at you #ad to #a-e certain t#in0s e)ore you could (no+ certain t#in0s6 %ut e-ery ti$e Mrs6
Tur'in e"c#an0ed a loo( +it# t#e lady5 s#e +as a+are t#at t#e u0ly 0irls 'eculiar eyes +ere still
on #er5 and s#e #ad troule rin0in0 #er attention ac( to t#e con-ersation6
8&#en you 0ot so$et#in05: s#e said5 8you 0ot to loo( a)ter it6: *nd +#en you aint 0ot a
t#in0 ut reat# and ritc#es5 s#e added to #ersel)5 you can a))ord to co$e to to+n e-ery
$ornin0 and @ust sit on t#e Court House co'in0 and s'it6
* 0rotes9ue re-ol-in0 s#ado+ 'assed across t#e curtain e#ind #er and +as t#ro+n 'alely
on t#e o''osite +all6 T#en a icycle clattered do+n a0ainst t#e outside o) t#e uildin06 T#e
door o'ened and a colored oy 0lided in +it# a tray )ro$ t#e dru0 store6 It #ad t+o lar0e red
and +#ite 'a'er cu's on it +it# to's on t#e$6 He +as a tall5 -ery lac( oy in discolored +#ite
'ants and a 0reen nylon s#irt6 He +as c#e+in0 0u$ slo+ly5 as i) to $usic6 He set t#e tray do+n
in t#e o))ice o'enin0 ne"t to t#e )ern and stuc( #is #ead t#rou0# to loo( )or t#e secretary6 S#e
+as not in t#ere6 He rested #is ar$s on t#e led0e and +aited5 #is narro+ otto$ stuc( out5
s+ayin0 slo+ly to t#e le)t and ri0#t6 He raised a #and o-er #is #ead and scratc#ed t#e ase o)
#is s(ull6
8,ou see t#at utton t#ere5 oy3: Mrs6 Tur'in said6 8,ou can 'unc# t#at and s#ell co$e6
S#es 'roaly in t#e ac( so$e+#ere6:
8Is t#as ri0#t3: t#e oy said a0reealy5 as i) #e #ad ne-er seen t#e utton e)ore6 He leaned
to t#e ri0#t and 'ut #is )in0er on it6 8S#e so$eti$e out5: #e said and t+isted around to )ace #is
audience5 #is elo+s e#ind #i$ on t#e counter6 T#e nurse a''eared and #e t+isted ac(
a0ain6 S#e #anded #i$ a dollar and #e rooted in #is 'oc(et and $ade t#e c#an0e and counted it
out to #er6 S#e 0a-e #i$ )i)teen cents )or a ti' and #e +ent out +it# t#e e$'ty tray6 T#e #ea-y
door s+un0 to slo+ly and closed at len0t# +it# t#e sound o) suction6 For a $o$ent no one
s'o(e6
8T#ey ou0#t to send all t#e$ ni00ers ac( to *)rica5: t#e +#itetras# +o$an said6 8T#ats
+#er t#ey co$e )ro$ in t#e )irst 'lace6:
8O#5 I couldnt do +it#out $y 0ood colored )riends5: t#e 'leasant lady said6
8T#eres a #ea' o) t#in0s +orse t#an a ni00er5: Mrs6 Tur'in a0reed6 8Its all (inds o) t#e$
@ust li(e its all (inds o) us6:
8,es5 and it ta(es all (inds to $a(e t#e +orld 0o round5: t#e lady said in #er $usical -oice6
*s s#e said it5 t#e ra+Hco$'le"ioned 0irl sna''ed #er teet# to0et#er6 Her lo+er li' turned
do+n+ards and inside out5 re-ealin0 t#e 'ale 'in( inside o) #er $out#6 *)ter a second it rolled
ac( u'6 It +as t#e u0liest )ace Mrs6 Tur'in #ad e-er seen anyone $a(e and )or a $o$ent s#e
+as certain t#at t#e 0irl #ad $ade it at #er6 S#e +as loo(in0 at #er as i) s#e #ad (no+n and
disli(ed #er all #er li)eIall o) Mrs6 Tur'ins li)e5 it see$ed too5 not @ust all t#e 0irls li)e6 &#y5
0irl5 I dont e-en (no+ you5 Mrs6 Tur'in said silently6
S#e )orced #er attention ac( to t#e discussion6 8It +ouldnt e 'ractical to send t#e$ ac(
to *)rica5: s#e said6 8T#ey +ouldnt +ant to 0o6 T#ey 0ot it too 0ood #ere6:
8&ouldnt e +#at t#ey +antedIi) I #ad anyt#an0 to do +it# it5: t#e +o$an said6
8It +ouldnt e a +ay in t#e +orld you could 0et all t#e ni00ers ac( o-er t#ere5: Mrs6
Tur'in said6 8T#eyd e #idin0 out and lyin0 do+n and turnin0 sic( on you and +ailin0 and
#ollerin0 and rarin0 and 'itc#in06 It +ouldnt e a +ay in t#e +orld to 0et t#e$ o-er t#ere6:
8T#ey 0ot o-er #ere5: t#e tras#y +o$an said6 8!et ac( li(e t#ey 0ot o-er6:
8It +asnt so $any o) t#e$ t#en5: Mrs6 Tur'in e"'lained6
T#e +o$an loo(ed at Mrs6 Tur'in as i) #ere +as an idiot indeed ut Mrs6 Tur'in +as not
ot#ered y t#e loo(5 considerin0 +#ere it ca$e )ro$6
8/ooo5 s#e said5 8t#eyre 0oin0 to stay #ere +#ere t#ey can 0o to /e+ ,or( and $arry
+#ite )ol(s and i$'ro-e t#eir color6 T#ats +#at t#ey all +ant to do5 e-eryone o) t#e$5 i$'ro-e
t#eir color6:
8,ou (no+ +#at co$es o) t#at5 dont you3: Claud as(ed6
8/o5 Claud5 +#at3: Mrs6 Tur'in said6
Clauds eyes t+in(led6 8&#iteH)aced ni00ers5: #e said +it# ne-er a s$ile6
E-eryody in t#e o))ice lau0#ed e"ce't t#e +#iteHtras# and t#e u0ly 0irl6 T#e 0irl 0ri''ed t#e
oo( in #er la' +it# +#ite )in0ers6 T#e tras#y +o$an loo(ed around #er )ro$ )ace to )ace as i)
s#e t#ou0#t t#ey +ere all idiots6 T#e old +o$an in t#e )eed sac( dress continued to 0aEe
e"'ressionless across t#e )loor at t#e #i0#to' s#oes o) t#e $an o''osite #er5 t#e one +#o #ad
een 'retendin0 to e aslee' +#en t#e Tur'ins ca$e in6 He +as lau0#in0 #eartily5 #is #ands
still s'read out on #is (nees6 T#e c#ild #ad )allen to t#e side and +as lyin0 no+ al$ost )ace
do+n in t#e old +o$ans la'6
&#ile t#ey reco-ered )ro$ t#eir lau0#ter5 t#e nasal c#orus on t#e radio (e't t#e roo$ )ro$
silence6
8,ou 0o to lan( lan(
*nd Ill 0o to $ine
%ut +ell all lan( alon0
ToH0et#Ht#er5
*nd all alon0 t#e lan(
&ell #e' eac#ot#er out
S$ileHlin0 in any (ind o)
&eat#Ht#erS:
Mrs6 Tur'in didnt catc# e-ery +ord ut s#e cau0#t enou0# to a0ree +it# t#e s'irit o) t#e
son0 and it turned #er t#ou0#ts soer6 To #el' anyody out t#at needed it +as #er '#iloso'#y
o) li)e6 S#e ne-er s'ared #ersel) +#en s#e )ound so$eody in need5 +#et#er t#ey +ere +#ite
or lac(5 tras# or decent6 *nd o) all s#e #ad to e t#an()ul )or5 s#e +as $ost t#an()ul t#at t#is
+as so6 I) 4esus #ad said5 8,ou can e #i0# society and #a-e all t#e $oney you +ant and e t#in
and s-elteHli(e5 ut you cant e a 0ood +o$an +it# it5: s#e +ould #a-e #ad to say5 8&ell dont
$a(e $e t#at t#en6 Ma(e $e a 0ood +o$an and it dont $atter +#at else5 #o+ )at or #o+ u0ly
or #o+ 'oorS: Her #eart rose6 He #ad not $ade #er a ni00er or +#itetras# or u0lyS He #ad
$ade #er #ersel) and 0i-en #er a little o) e-eryt#in06 4esus5 t#an( youS s#e said6 T#an( you
t#an( you t#an( youS &#ene-er s#e counted #er lessin0s s#e )elt as uoyant as i) s#e +ei0#ed
one #undred and t+entyH)i-e 'ounds instead o) one #undred and ei0#ty6
A&#ats +ron0 +it# your little oy3: t#e 'leasant lady as(ed t#e +#itetras#y +o$an6
8He #as a ulcer5: t#e +o$an said 'roudly6 8He aint 0i-e $e a $inutes 'eace since #e +as
orn6 Hi$ and #er are @ust ali(e5: s#e said5 noddin0 at t#e old +o$an5 +#o +as runnin0 #er
leat#ery )in0ers t#rou0# t#e c#ilds 'ale #air6 8Loo( li(e I cant 0et not#in0 do+n t#e$ t+o ut
Co Cola and candy6:
T#ats all you try to 0et do+n e$5 Mrs6 Tur'in said to #ersel)6 Too laEy to li0#t t#e )ire6 T#ere
+as not#in0 you could tell #er aout 'eo'le li(e t#e$ t#at s#e didnt (no+ already6 *nd it +as
not @ust t#at t#ey didnt #a-e anyt#in06 %ecause i) you 0a-e t#e$ e-eryt#in05 in t+o +ee(s it
+ould all e ro(en or )ilt#y or t#ey +ould #a-e c#o''ed it u' )or li0#t+ood6 S#e (ne+ all t#is
)ro$ #er o+n e"'erience6 Hel' t#e$ you $ust5 ut #el' t#e$ you couldnt6
*ll at once t#e u0ly 0irl turned #er li's inside out a0ain6 Her eyes +ere )i"ed li(e t+o drills
on Mrs6 Tur'in6 T#is ti$e t#ere +as no $ista(in0 t#at t#ere +as so$et#in0 ur0ent e#ind
t#e$6
!irl5 Mrs6 Tur'in e"clai$ed silently5 I #a-ent done a t#in0 to youS T#e 0irl $i0#t e
con)usin0 #er +it# so$eody else6 T#ere +as no need to sit y and let #ersel) e
inti$idated6 8,ou $ust e in colle0e5: s#e said oldly5 loo(in0 directly at t#e 0irl6 8I see you
readin0 a oo( t#ere6:
T#e 0irl continued to stare and 'ointedly did not ans+er6
Her $ot#er lus#ed at t#is rudeness6 8T#e lady as(ed you a 9uestion5 Mary !race5: s#e said
under #er reat#6
8I #a-e ears5: Mary !race said6
T#e 'oor $ot#er lus#ed a0ain6 8Mary !race 0oes to &ellesley Colle0e5: s#e e"'lained6 S#e
t+isted one o) t#e uttons on #er dress6 8In Massac#usetts5: s#e added +it# a 0ri$ace6 8*nd in
t#e su$$er s#e @ust (ee's ri0#t on studyin06 4ust reads all t#e ti$e5 a real oo( +or$6 S#es
done real +ell at &ellesleyD s#es ta(in0 En0lis# and Mat# and History and Psyc#olo0y and
Social Studies5: s#e rattled on5 8and I t#in( its too $uc#6 I t#in( s#e ou0#t to 0et out and #a-e
)un6:
T#e 0irl loo(ed as i) s#e +ould li(e to #url t#e$ all t#rou0# t#e 'late 0lass +indo+6
8&ay u' nort#5: Mrs6 Tur'in $ur$ured and t#ou0#t5 +ell5 it #asnt done $uc# )or #er
$anners6
8Id al$ost rat#er to #a-e #i$ sic(5: t#e +#iteHtras# +o$an said5 +renc#in0 t#e attention
ac( to #ersel)6 8Hes so $ean +#en #e aint6 Loo( li(e so$e c#ildren @ust ta(e natural to
$eanness6 Its so$e 0ets ad +#en t#ey 0et sic( ut #e +as t#e o''osite6 Too( sic( and turned
0ood6 He dont 0i-e $e no troule no+6 Its $e +aitin to see t#e doctor5: s#e said6
I) I +as 0oin0 to send anyody ac( to *)rica5 Mrs6 Tur'in t#ou0#t5 it +ould e your (ind5
+o$an6 8,es5 indeed5: s#e said aloud5 ut loo(in0 u' at t#e ceilin05 8its a #ea' o) t#in0s +orse
t#an a ni00er6: *nd dirtier t#an a #o05 s#e added to #ersel)6
8I t#in( 'eo'le +it# ad dis'ositions are $ore to e 'itied t#an anyone on eart#5: t#e
'leasant lady said in a -oice t#at +as decidedly t#in6
8I t#an( t#e Lord #e #as lessed $e +it# a 0ood one5: Mrs6 Tur'in said6 8T#e day #as ne-er
da+ned t#at I couldnt )ind so$et#in0 to lau0# at6:
8/ot since s#e $arried $e any+ays5: Claud said +it# a co$ical strai0#t )ace6
E-eryody lau0#ed e"ce't t#e 0irl and t#e +#iteHtras#6
Mrs6 Tur'ins sto$ac# s#oo(6 8Hes suc# a caution5: s#e said5 8t#at I cant #el' ut lau0# at
#i$6:
T#e 0irl $ade a loud u0ly noise t#rou0# #er teet#6
Her $ot#ers $out# 0re+ t#in and ti0#t6 8I t#in( t#e +orst t#in0 in t#e +orld5: s#e said5 8is
an un0rate)ul 'erson6 To #a-e e-eryt#in0 and not a''reciate it6 I (no+ a 0irl5: s#e said5 8+#o
#as 'arents +#o +ould 0i-e #er anyt#in05 a little rot#er +#o lo-es #er dearly5 +#o is 0ettin0 a
0ood education5 +#o +ears t#e est clot#es5 ut +#o can ne-er say a (ind +ord to anyone5
+#o ne-er s$iles5 +#o @ust criticiEes and co$'lains all day lon06:
8Is s#e too old to 'addle3: Claud as(ed6
T#e 0irls )ace +as al$ost 'ur'le6
8,es5:t#e lady said5 8I$ a)raid t#eres not#in0 to do ut lea-e #er to #er )olly6 So$e day
s#ell +a(e u' and itll e too late6:
8It ne-er #urt anyone to s$ile5: Mrs6 Tur'in said6 8It @ust $a(es you )eel etter all o-er6:
8O) course5: t#e lady said sadly5 8ut t#ere are @ust so$e 'eo'le you cant tell anyt#in0 to6
T#ey cant ta(e criticis$6:
8I) its one t#in0 I a$5: Mrs6 Tur'in said +it# )eelin05 8its 0rate)ul6 &#en I t#in( +#o all I
could #a-e een esides $ysel) and +#at all I 0ot5 a little o) e-eryt#in05 and a 0ood dis'osition
esides5 I @ust )eel li(e s#outin05 AT#an( you5 4esus5 )or $a(in0 e-eryt#in0 t#e +ay it isS It could
#a-e een di))erentS: For one t#in05 so$eody else could #a-e 0ot Claud6 *t t#e t#ou0#t o)
t#is5 s#e +as )looded +it# 0ratitude and a terrile 'an0 o) @oy ran t#rou0# #er6 8O# t#an( you5
4esus5 4esus5 t#an( youS: s#e cried aloud6
T#e oo( struc( #er directly o-er #er le)t eye6 It struc( al$ost at t#e sa$e instant t#at s#e
realiEed t#e 0irl +as aout to #url it6 %e)ore s#e could utter a sound5 t#e ra+ )ace ca$e
cras#in0 across t#e tale to+ard #er5 #o+lin06 T#e 0irls )in0ers san( li(e cla$'s into t#e so)t
)les# o) #er nec(6 S#e #eard t#e $ot#er cry out and Claud s#out5 8&#oaS: T#ere +as an instant
+#en s#e +as certain t#at s#e +as aout to e in an eart#9ua(e6
*ll at once #er -ision narro+ed and s#e sa+ e-eryt#in0 as i) it +ere #a''enin0 in a s$all
roo$ )ar a+ay5 or as i) s#e +ere loo(in0 at it t#rou0# t#e +ron0 end o) a telesco'e6 Clauds )ace
cru$'led and )ell out o) Si0#t6 T#e nurse ran in5 t#en out5 t#en in a0ain6 T#en t#e 0an0lin0
)i0ure o) t#e doctor rus#ed out o) t#e inner door6 Ma0aEines )le+ t#is +ay and t#at as t#e tale
turned o-er6 T#e 0irl )ell +it# a t#ud and Mrs6 Tur'ins -ision suddenly re-ersed itsel) and s#e
sa+ e-eryt#in0 lar0e instead o) s$all6 T#e eyes o) t#e +#itetras#y +o$an +ere starin0 #u0ely
at t#e )loor6 T#ere t#e 0irl5 #eld do+n on one side y t#e nurse and on t#e ot#er y #er $ot#er5
+as +renc#in0 and turnin0 in t#eir 0ras'6 T#e doctor +as (neelin0 astride #er5 tryin0 to #old
#er ar$ do+n6 He $ana0ed a)ter a second to sin( a lon0 needle into it6
Mrs6 Tur'in )elt entirely #ollo+ e"ce't )or #er #eart +#ic# s+un0 )ro$ side to side as i) it
+ere a0itated in a 0reat e$'ty dru$ o) )les#6
8So$eody t#ats not usy call )or t#e a$ulance5: t#e doctor said in t#e o))H#and -oice
youn0 doctors ado't )or terrile occasions6
Mrs6 Tur'in could not #a-e $o-ed a )in0er6 T#e old $an +#o #ad een sittin0 ne"t to #er
s(i''ed ni$ly into t#e o))ice and $ade t#e call5 )or t#e secretary still see$ed to e 0one6
8ClaudS: Mrs6 Tur'in called6
He +as not in #is c#air6 S#e (ne+ s#e $ust @u$' u' and )ind #i$ ut s#e )elt li(e so$e one
tryin0 to catc# a train in a drea$5 +#en e-eryt#in0 $o-es in slo+ $otion and t#e )aster you try
to run t#e slo+er you 0o6
8Here I a$5: a su))ocated -oice5 -ery unli(e Clauds5 said6
He +as douled u' in t#e corner on t#e )loor5 'ale as 'a'er5 #oldin0 #is le06 S#e +anted to
0et u' and 0o to #i$ ut s#e could not $o-e6 Instead5 #er 0aEe +as dra+n slo+ly do+n+ard to
t#e c#urnin0 )ace on t#e )loor5 +#ic# s#e could see o-er t#e doctors s#oulder6
T#e 0irls eyes sto''ed rollin0 and )ocused on #er6 T#ey see$ed a $uc# li0#ter lue t#an
e)ore5 as i) a door t#at #ad een ti0#tly closed e#ind t#e$ +as no+ o'en to ad$it li0#t and
air6
Mrs6 Tur'ins #ead cleared and #er 'o+er o) $otion returned6 S#e leaned )or+ard until s#e
+as loo(in0 directly into t#e )ierce rilliant eyes6 T#ere +as no dout in #er $ind t#at t#e 0irl
did (no+ #er5 (ne+ #er in so$e intense and 'ersonal +ay5 eyond ti$e and 'lace and
condition6 8&#at you 0ot to say to $e3: s#e as(ed #oarsely and #eld #er reat#5 +aitin05 as )or
a re-elation6
T#e 0irl raised #er #ead6 Her 0aEe loc(ed +it# Mrs6 Tur'ins6 8!o ac( to #ell +#ere you
ca$e )ro$5 you old +art #o05: s#e +#is'ered6 Her -oice +as lo+ ut clear6 Her eyes urned )or
a $o$ent as i) s#e sa+ +it# 'leasure t#at #er $essa0e #ad struc( its tar0et6
Mrs6 Tur'in san( ac( in #er c#air6
*)ter a $o$ent t#e 0irls eyes closed and s#e turned #er #ead +earily to t#e side6
T#e doctor rose and #anded t#e nurse t#e e$'ty syrin0e6 He leaned o-er and 'ut ot#
#ands )or a $o$ent on t#e $ot#ers s#oulders5 +#ic# +ere s#a(in06 S#e +as sittin0 on t#e
)loor5 #er li's 'ressed to0et#er5 #oldin0 Mary !races #and in #er la'6 T#e 0irls )in0ers +ere
0ri''ed li(e a ays around #er t#u$6 8!o on to t#e #os'ital5: #e said6 8Ill call and $a(e t#e
arran0e$ents6:
8/o+ lets see t#at nec(5: #e said in a @o-ial -oice to Mrs6 Tur'in6 He e0an to ins'ect #er
nec( +it# #is )irst t+o )in0ers6 T+o little $oonHs#a'ed lines li(e 'in( )is# ones +ere indented
o-er #er +ind'i'e6 T#ere +as t#e e0innin0 o) an an0ry red s+ellin0 ao-e #er eye6 His )in0ers
'assed o-er t#is also6
8Lea $e e5: s#e said t#ic(ly and s#oo( #i$ o))6 8See aout Claud6 S#e (ic(ed #i$6:
8Ill see aout #i$ in a $inute5: #e said and )elt #er 'ulse6 He +as a t#in 0reyH#aired $an5
0i-en to 'leasantries6 8!o #o$e and #a-e yoursel) a -acation t#e rest o) t#e day5: #e said and
'atted #er on t#e s#oulder6
Tuit your 'attin $e5 Mrs6 Tur'in 0ro+led to #ersel)6
8*nd 'ut an ice 'ac( o-er t#at eye5: #e said6 T#en #e +ent and s9uatted do+n eside Claud
and loo(ed at #is le06 *)ter a $o$ent #e 'ulled #i$ u' and Claud li$'ed a)ter #i$ into t#e
o))ice6
7ntil t#e a$ulance ca$e5 t#e only sounds in t#e roo$ +ere t#e tre$ulous $oans o) t#e
0irls $ot#er5 +#o continued to sit on t#e )loor5 T#e +#itetras# +o$an did not ta(e #er eyes
o)) t#e 0irl6 Mrs6 Tur'in loo(ed strai0#t a#ead at not#in06 Presently t#e a$ulance dre+ u'5 a
lon0 dar( s#ado+5 e#ind t#e curtain6 T#e attendants ca$e in and set t#e stretc#er do+n
eside t#e 0irl and li)ted #er e"'ertly onto it and carried #er out6 T#e nurse #el'ed t#e $ot#er
0at#er u' #er t#in0s6 T#e s#ado+ o) t#e a$ulance $o-ed silently a+ay and t#e nurse ca$e
ac( in t#e o))ice6
8T#at t#er 0irl is 0oin0 to e a lunatic5 aint s#e3: t#e +#iteHtras# +o$an as(ed t#e nurse5
ut t#e nurse (e't on to t#e ac( and ne-er ans+ered #er6
8,es5 s#es 0oin0 to e a lunatic5: t#e +#itetras# +o$an said to t#e rest o) t#e$6
8Po critter5: t#e old +o$an $ur$ured6 T#e c#ilds )ace +as still in #er la'6 His eyes loo(ed
idly out o-er #er (nees6 He #ad not $o-ed durin0 t#e disturance e"ce't to dra+ one le0 u'
under #i$6
8I t#an( !a+d5: t#e +#iteHtras# +o$an said )er-ently5 8I aint a lunatic6:
Claud ca$e li$'in0 out and t#e Tur'ins +ent #o$e6
*s t#eir 'ic(Hu' truc( turned into t#eir o+n dirt road and $ade t#e crest o) t#e #ill5 Mrs6
Tur'in 0ri''ed t#e +indo+ led0e and loo(ed out sus'iciously6 T#e land slo'ed 0race)ully do+n
t#rou0# a )ield dotted +it# la-ender +eeds and at t#e start o) t#e rise t#eir s$all yello+ )ra$e
#ouse5 +it# its little )lo+er eds s'read out around it li(e a )ancy a'ron5 sat 'ri$ly in its
accusto$ed 'lace et+een t+o 0iant #ic(ory trees6 S#e +ould not #a-e een startled to see a
urnt +ound et+een t+o lac(ened c#i$neys6
/eit#er o) t#e$ )elt li(e eatin0 so t#ey 'ut on t#eir #ouse clot#es and lo+ered t#e s#ade in
t#e edroo$ and lay do+n5 Claud +it# #is le0 on a 'illo+ and #ersel) +it# a da$' +as#clot#
o-er #er eye6 T#e instant s#e +as Hat on #er ac(5 t#e i$a0e o) a raEorHac(ed #o0 +it# +arts
on its )ace and #orns co$in0 out e#ind its ears snorted into #er #ead6 S#e $oaned5 a lo+
9uiet $oan6
8I a$ not5: s#e said tear)ully5 8a +art #o06 Fro$ #ell6: %ut t#e denial #ad no )orce6 T#e 0irls
eyes and #er +ords5 e-en t#e tone o) #er -oice5 lo+ ut clear5 directed only to #er5 roo(ed no
re'udiation6 S#e #ad een sin0led out )or t#e $essa0e5 t#ou0# t#ere +as tras# in t#e roo$ to
+#o$ it $i0#t @ustly #a-e een a''lied6 T#e )ull )orce o) t#is )act struc( #er only no+6 T#ere
+as a +o$an t#ere +#o +as ne0lectin0 #er o+n c#ild ut s#e #ad een o-erloo(ed6 T#e
$essa0e #ad een 0i-en to Ruy Tur'in5 a res'ectale5 #ardH+or(in05 c#urc#H0oin0 +o$an6
T#e tears dried6 Her eyes e0an to urn instead +it# +rat#6
S#e rose on #er elo+ and t#e +as#clot# )ell into #er #and6 Claud +as lyin0 on #is ac(5
snorin06 S#e +anted to tell #i$ +#at t#e 0irl #ad said6 *t t#e sa$e ti$e5 s#e did not +is# to 'ut
t#e i$a0e o) #ersel) as a +art #o0 )ro$ #ell into #is $ind6
8Hey5 Claud5: s#e $uttered and 'us#ed #is s#oulder6
Claud o'ened one 'ale ay lue eye6
S#e loo(ed into it +arily6 He did not t#in( aout anyt#in06 He @ust +ent #is +ay6
8&#a5 +#asit3: #e said and closed t#e eye a0ain6
8/ot#in05: s#e said6 8.oes your le0 'ain you3:
8Hurts li(e #ell5: Claud said6
8Itll 9uit terrec(ly5: s#e said and lay ac( do+n6 In a $o$ent Claud +as snorin0 a0ain6 For
t#e rest o) t#e a)ternoon t#ey lay t#ere6 Claud sle't6 S#e sco+led at t#e ceilin06 Occasionally
s#e raised #er )ist and $ade a s$all stain0 $otion o-er #er c#est as i) s#e +as de)endin0 #er
innocence to in-isile 0uests +#o +ere li(e t#e co$)orters o) 4o5 reasonaleHsee$in0 ut
+ron06
*out )i-eHt#irty Claud stirred6 8!ot to 0o a)ter t#ose ni00ers5: #e si0#ed5 not $o-in06
S#e +as loo(in0 strai0#t u' as i) t#ere +ere unintelli0ile #and+ritin0 on t#e ceilin06 T#e
'rotuerance o-er #er eye #ad turned a 0reenis#Hlue6 8Listen #ere5: s#e said6
8&#at3:
8Ciss $e6:
Claud leaned o-er and (issed #er loudly on t#e $out#6 He 'inc#ed #er side and t#eir #ands
interloc(ed6 Her e"'ression o) )erocious concentration did not c#an0e6 Claud 0ot u'5 0roanin0
and 0ro+lin05 and li$'ed o))6 S#e continued to study t#e ceilin06
S#e did not 0et u' until s#e #eard t#e 'ic(Hu' truc( co$in0 ac( +it# t#e /e0roes6 T#en
s#e rose and t#rust #er )eet in #er ro+n o")ords5 +#ic# s#e did not ot#er to lace5 and
stu$'ed out onto t#e ac( 'orc# and 0ot #er red 'lastic uc(et6 S#e e$'tied a tray o) ice
cues into in and )illed it #al) )ull o) +ater and +ent out into t#e ac( yard6 E-ery a)ternoon
a)ter Claud rou0#t t#e #ands in5 one o) t#e oys #el'ed #i$ 'ut out #ay and t#e rest +aited in
t#e ac( o) t#e truc( until #e +as ready to ta(e t#e$ #o$e6 T#e truc( +as 'ar(ed in t#e s#ade
under one o) t#e #ic(ory trees6
8Hi ya+l t#is e-enin03: Mrs6 Tur'in as(ed 0ri$ly5 a''earin0 +it# t#e uc(et and t#e di''er6
T#ere +ere t#ree +o$en and a oy in t#e truc(6
87s doin nicely5: t#e oldest +o$an said6 8Hi you doin3: and #er 0aEe stuc( i$$ediately on
t#e dar( lu$' on Mrs6 Tur'ins )ore#ead6 8,ou done )ell do+n5 aint you3: s#e as(ed in a
solicitous -oice6 T#e old +o$an +as dar( and al$ost toot#less6 S#e #ad on an old )elt #at o)
Clauds set ac( on #er #ead6 T#e ot#er t+o +o$en +ere youn0er and li0#ter and t#ey ot#
#ad ne+ ri0#t 0reen sun #ats6 One o) t#e$ #ad #ers on #er #eadD t#e ot#er #ad ta(en #ers o))
and t#e oy +as 0rinnin0 eneat# it6
Mrs6 Tur'in set t#e uc(et do+n on t#e )loor o) t#e truc(6 8,a+l #e' yoursel-es5: s#e said6
S#e loo(ed around to $a(e sure Claud #ad 0one6 8/o6 I didnt )all do+n5: s#e said5 )oldin0 #er
ar$s6 8It +as so$et#in0 +orse t#an t#at6:
8*int not#in0 ad #a''en to youS: t#e old +o$an said6 S#e said it as i) t#ey all (ne+ t#at
Mrs6 Tur'in +as 'rotected in so$e s'ecial +ay y .i-ine Pro-idence6 8,ou @ust #ad you a little
)all6:
8&e +ere in to+n at t#e doctors o))ice )or +#ere t#e co+ (ic(ed Mr6 Tur'in5: Mrs6 Tur'in
said in a Hat tone t#at indicated t#ey could lea-e o)) t#eir )oolis#ness6 8*nd t#ere +as t#is 0irl
t#ere6 * i0 )at 0irl +it# #er )ace all ro(e out6 I could loo( at t#at 0irl and tell s#e +as 'eculiar
ut I couldnt tell #o+6 *nd $e and #er $a$a +ere @ust tal(in0 and 0oin0 alon0 and all o) a
sudden &H*MS S#e t#ro+s t#is i0 oo( s#e +as readin0 at $e andB:
8/a+S:t#e old +o$an cried out6
8*nd t#en s#e @u$'s o-er t#e tale and co$$ences to c#o(e $e6:
8/a+S: t#ey all e"clai$ed5 8na+S:
8Hi co$e s#e do t#at3: t#e old +o$an as(ed6 8&#at ail #er3:
Mrs6 Tur'in only 0lared in )ront o) #er6
8So$et#in ail #er5: t#e old +o$an said6
8T#ey carried #er o)) in an a$ulance5: Mrs6 Tur'in continued5 8ut e)ore s#e +ent s#e
+as rollin0 on t#e )loor and t#ey +ere tryin0 to #old #er do+n to 0i-e #er a s#ot and s#e said
so$et#in0 to $e6: S#e 'aused6 8,ou (no+ +#at s#e said to $e3:
8&#at s#e say3:t#ey as(ed6
8S#e said5: Mrs6 Tur'in e0an5 and sto''ed5 #er )ace -ery dar( and #ea-y6 T#e sun +as
0ettin0 +#iter and +#iter5 lanc#in0 t#e s(y o-er#ead so t#at t#e lea-es o) t#e #ic(ory tree
+ere lac( in t#e A)ace o) it6 S#e could not rin0 )ort# t#e +ords6 8So$et#in0 real u0ly5: s#e
$uttered6
8S#e s#o s#ouldnt said not#in u0ly to you5: t#e old +o$an said6 8,ou so s+eet6 ,ou t#e
s+eetest lady I (no+6:
8S#e 'retty too5: t#e one +it# t#e #at on said6
8*nd stout5: t#e ot#er one said6 8I ne-er (no+ed no s+eeter +#ite lady6:
8T#ats t#e trut# e)o 4esus5: t#e old +o$an said6
8*$enS ,ou des as s+eet and 'retty as you can e6:
Mrs6 Tur'in (ne+ @ust e"actly #o+ $uc# /e0ro )lattery +as +ort# and it added to #er ra0e6
8S#e said5: s#e e0an a0ain and )inis#ed t#is ti$e +it# a )ierce rus# o) reat#5 8t#at I +as an
old +art #o0 )ro$ #ell6:
T#ere +as an astounded silence6
8&#ere s#e at3: t#e youn0est +o$an cried in a 'iercin0 -oice6
8Le$$e see #er6 Ill (ill #erS:
8Ill (ill #er +it# youS: t#e ot#er one cried6
8S#e lon0 in t#e sylu$5: t#e old +o$an said e$'#atically6
8,ou t#e s+eetest +#ite lady I (no+6:
8S#e 'retty too5: t#e ot#er t+o said6 8Stout as s#e can e and s+eet6 4esus satis)ied+it#
#erS:
8.eed #e is5: t#e old +o$an declared6
IdiotsS Mrs6 Tur'in 0ro+led to #ersel)6 ,ou could ne-er say anyt#in0 intelli0ent to a ni00er6
,ou could tal( at t#e$ ut not +it# t#e$6 8,a+l aint drun( your +ater5: s#e said s#ortly6
8Lea-e t#e uc(et in t#e truc( +#en youre )inis#ed +it# it6 I 0ot $ore to do t#an @ust stand
around and 'ass t#e ti$e o) day5: and s#e $o-ed o)) and into t#e #ouse6
S#e stood )or a $o$ent in t#e $iddle o) t#e (itc#en6 T#e dar( 'rotuerance o-er #er eye
loo(ed li(e a $iniature tornado cloud +#ic# $i0#t any $o$ent s+ee' across t#e #oriEon o)
#er ro+6 Her lo+er li' 'rotruded dan0erously6 S#e s9uared #er $assi-e s#oulders6 T#en s#e
$arc#ed into t#e )ront o) t#e #ouse and out t#e side door and started do+n t#e road to t#e 'i0
'arlor6 S#e #ad t#e loo( o) a +o$an 0oin0 sin0leH#anded5 +ea'onless5 into attle6
T#e sun +as a dee' yello+ no+ li(e a #ar-est $oon and +as ridin0 +est+ard -ery )ast o-er
t#e )ar tree line as i) it $eant to reac# t#e #o0s e)ore s#e did6 T#e road +as rutted and s#e
(ic(ed se-eral 0oodHsiEed stones out o) #er 'at# as s#e strode alon06 T#e 'i0 'arlor +as on a
little (noll at t#e end o) a lane t#at ran o)) )ro$ t#e side o) t#e arn6 It +as a s9uare o) concrete
as lar0e as a s$all roo$5 +it# a oard )ence aout )our )eet #i0# around it6 T#e concrete )loor
slo'ed sli0#tly so t#at t#e #o0 +as# could drain o)) into a trenc# +#ere it +as carried to t#e
)ield )or )ertiliEer6 Claud +as standin0 on t#e outside5 on t#e ed0e o) t#e concrete5 #an0in0 onto
t#e to' oard5 #osin0 do+n t#e )loor inside6 T#e #ose +as connected to t#e )aucet o) a +ater
trou0# neary6
Mrs6 Tur'in cli$ed u' eside #i$ and 0lo+ered do+n at t#e #o0s inside6 T#ere +ere
se-en lon0Hsnouted ristly s#oats in itItan +it# li-erHcolored s'otsIand an old so+ a )e+
+ee(s o)) )ro$ )arro+in06 S#e +as lyin0 on #er side 0runtin06 T#e s#oats +ere runnin0 aout
s#a(in0 t#e$sel-es li(e idiot c#ildren5 t#eir little slit 'i0 eyes searc#in0 t#e )loor )or anyt#in0
le)t6 S#e #ad read t#at 'i0s +ere t#e $ost intelli0ent ani$al6 S#e douted it6 T#ey +ere
su''osed to e s$arter t#an do0s6 T#ere #ad e-en een a 'i0 astronaut6 He #ad 'er)or$ed #is
assi0n$ent 'er)ectly ut died o) a #eart attac( a)ter+ards ecause t#ey le)t #i$ in #is electric
suit5 sittin0 u'ri0#t t#rou0#out #is e"a$ination +#en naturally a #o0 s#ould e on all )ours6
*H0runtin and aHrootin and aH0roanin6
8!i$$e t#at #ose5: s#e said5 yan(in0 it a+ay )ro$ Claud6 8!o on and carry t#e$ ni00ers
#o$e and t#en 0et o)) t#at le06:
8,ou loo( li(e you $i0#t #a-e s+allo+ed a $ad do05: Claud oser-ed5 ut #e 0ot do+n and
li$'ed o))6 He 'aid no attention to #er #u$ors6
7ntil #e +as out o) ears#ot5 Mrs6 Tur'in stood on t#e side o) t#e 'en5 #oldin0 t#e #ose and
'ointin0 t#e strea$ o) +ater at t#e #ind 9uarters o) any s#oat t#at loo(ed as i) it $i0#t try to
lie do+n6 &#en #e #ad #ad ti$e to 0et o-er t#e #ill5 s#e turned #er #ead sli0#tly and #er
+rat#)ul eyes scanned t#e 'at#6 He +as no+#ere in si0#t6 S#e turned ac( a0ain and see$ed to
0at#er #ersel) u'6 Her s#oulders rose and s#e dre+ in #er reat#6
8&#at do you send $e a $essa0e li(e t#at )or3: s#e said in a lo+ )ierce -oice5 arely ao-e
a +#is'er ut +it# t#e )orce o) a s#out in its concentrated )ury6 8Ho+ a$ I a #o0 and $e ot#3
Ho+ a$ I sa-ed and )ro$ #ell too3: Her )ree )ist +as (notted and +it# t#e ot#er s#e 0ri''ed
t#e #ose5 lindly 'ointin0 t#e strea$ o) +ater in and out o) t#e eye o) t#e old so+ +#ose
outra0ed s9ueal s#e did not #ear6
T#e 'i0 'arlor co$$anded a -ie+ o) t#e ac( 'asture +#ere t#eir t+enty ee) co+s +ere
0at#ered around t#e #ayHales Claud and t#e oy #ad 'ut out6 T#e )res#ly cut 'asture slo'ed
do+n to t#e #i0#+ay6 *cross it +as t#eir cotton )ield and eyond t#at a dar( 0reen dusty +ood
+#ic# t#ey o+ned as +ell6 T#e sun +as e#ind t#e +ood5 -ery red5 loo(in0 o-er t#e 'alin0 o)
trees li(e a )ar$er ins'ectin0 #is o+n #o0s6
8&#y $e3: s#e ru$led6 8Its no tras# around #ere6 lac( or +#ite5 t#at I #a-ent 0i-en to6
*nd rea( $y ac( to t#e one e-ery day +or(in06 *nd do )or t#e c#urc#6:
S#e a''eared to e t#e ri0#t siEe +o$an to co$$and t#e arena e)ore #er6 8Ho+ a$ I a
#o03: s#e de$anded6 8E"actly #o+ a$ I li(e t#e$3: and s#e @aed t#e strea$ o) +ater at t#e
s#oats6 8T#ere +as 'lenty o) tras# t#ere6 It didnt #a-e to e $e6
8I) you li(e tras# etter5 0o 0et yoursel) so$e tras# t#en5: s#e railed6 8,ou could #a-e $ade
$e tras#6 Or a ni00er6 I) tras# is +#at you +anted +#y didnt you $a(e $e tras#3: S#e s#oo(
#er )ist +it# t#e #ose in it and a +atery sna(e a''eared $o$entarily in t#e air6 8I could 9uit
+or(in0 and ta(e it easy and e )ilt#y5: s#e 0ro+led6 8Loun0e aout t#e side+al(s all day
drin(in0 root eer6 .i' snu)) and s'it in e-ery 'uddle and #a-e it all o-er $y )ace6 I could e
nasty6
Or you could #a-e $ade $e a ni00er6 Its too late )or $e to e a ni00er5: s#e said +it# dee'
sarcas$5 8ut I could act li(e one6 Lay do+n in t#e $iddle o) t#e road and sto' tra))ic6 Roll on
t#e 0round6:
In t#e dee'enin0 li0#t e-eryt#in0 +as ta(in0 on a $ysterious #ue6 T#e 'asture +as 0ro+in0
a 'eculiar 0lassy 0reen and t#e strea( o) #i0#+ay #ad turned la-ender6 S#e raced #ersel) )or a
)inal assault and t#is ti$e #er -oice rolled out o-er t#e 'asture6 8!o on5: s#e yelled5 8call $e a
#o0S Call $e a #o0 a0ain6 Fro$ #ell6 Call $e a +art #o0 )ro$ #ell6 Put t#at otto$ rail on to'6
T#erell still e a to' and otto$S:
* 0arled ec#o returned to #er6
* )inal sur0e o) )ury s#oo( #er and s#e roared5 8&#o do you t#in( you are3:
T#e color o) e-eryt#in05 )ield and cri$son s(y5 urned )or a $o$ent +it# a trans'arent
intensity6 T#e 9uestion carried o-er t#e 'asture and across t#e #i0#+ay and t#e cotton )ield
and returned to #er clearly li(e an ans+er )ro$ eyond t#e +ood6
S#e o'ened #er $out# ut no sound ca$e out o) it6
* tiny truc(5 Clauds5 a''eared on t#e #i0#+ay5 #eadin0 ra'idly out o) si0#t6 Its 0ears
scra'ed t#inly6 It loo(ed li(e a c#ilds toy6 *t any $o$ent a i00er truc( $i0#t s$as# into it and
scatter Clauds and t#e ni00ers rains all o-er t#e road6
Mrs6 Tur'in stood t#ere5 #er 0aEe )i"ed on t#e #i0#+ay5 all #er $uscles ri0id5 until in )i-e or
si" $inutes t#e truc( rea''eared5 returnin06 S#e +aited until it #ad #ad ti$e to turn into t#eir
o+n road6 T#en li(e a $onu$ental statue co$in0 to li)e5 s#e ent #er #ead slo+ly and 0aEed5
as i) t#rou0# t#e -ery #eart o) $ystery5 do+n into t#e 'i0 'arlor at t#e #o0s6 T#ey #ad settled
all in one corner around t#e old so+ +#o +as 0runtin0 so)tly6 * red 0lo+ su))used t#e$6 T#ey
a''eared to 'ant +it# a secret li)e6
7ntil t#e sun sli''ed )inally e#ind t#e tree line5 Mrs6 Tur'in re$ained t#ere +it# #er 0aEe
ent to t#e$ as i) s#e +ere asorin0 so$e ays$al li)eH0i-in0 (no+led0e6 *t last s#e li)ted #er
#ead6 T#ere +as only a 'ur'le strea( in t#e s(y5 cuttin0 t#rou0# a )ield o) cri$son and leadin05
li(e an e"tension o) t#e #i0#+ay5 into t#e descendin0 dus(6 S#e raised #er #ands )ro$ t#e side
o) t#e 'en in a 0esture #ieratic and 'ro)ound6 * -isionary li0#t settled in #er eyes6 S#e sa+ t#e
strea( as a -ast s+in0in0 rid0e e"tendin0 u'+ard )ro$ t#e eart# t#rou0# a )ield o) li-in0 )ire6
7'on it a -ast #orde o) souls +ere ru$lin0 to+ard #ea-en6 T#ere +ere +#ole co$'anies o)
+#itetras#5 clean )or t#e )irst ti$e in t#eir li-es5 and ands o) lac( ni00ers in +#ite roes5 and
attalions o) )rea(s and lunatics s#outin0 and cla''in0 and lea'in0 li(e )ro0s6 *nd rin0in0 u'
t#e end o) t#e 'rocession +as a trie o) 'eo'le +#o$ s#e reco0niEed at once as t#ose +#o5 li(e
#ersel) and Claud5 #ad al+ays #ad a little o) e-eryt#in0 and t#e !odH0i-en +it to use it
ri0#t6 S#e leaned )or+ard to oser-e t#e$ closer6 T#ey +ere $arc#in0 e#ind t#e ot#ers +it#
0reat di0nity5 accountale as t#ey #ad al+ays een )or 0ood order and co$$on sense and
res'ectale e#a-ior6 T#ey alone +ere on (ey6 ,et s#e could see y t#eir s#oc(ed and altered
)aces t#at e-en t#eir -irtues +ere ein0 urned a+ay6 S#e lo+ered #er #ands and 0ri''ed t#e
rail o) t#e #o0 'en5 #er eyes s$all ut )i"ed unlin(in0ly on +#at lay a#ead6 In a $o$ent t#e
-ision )aded ut s#e re$ained +#ere s#e +as5 i$$oile6
*t len0t# s#e 0ot do+n and turned o)) t#e )aucet and $ade #er slo+ +ay on t#e dar(enin0
'at# to t#e #ouse6 In t#e +oods around #er t#e in-isile cric(et c#oruses #ad struc( u'5 ut
+#at s#e #eard +ere t#e -oices o) t#e souls cli$in0 u'+ard into t#e starry )ield and s#outin0
#allelu@a#6
Par(ers %ac( N;<?KO
Par(ers +i)e +as sittin0 on t#e )ront 'orc# )loor5 sna''in0 eans6 Par(er +as sittin0 on t#e
ste'5 so$e distance a+ay5 +atc#in0 #er sullenly6 S#e +as 'lain5 'lain6 T#e s(in on #er )ace +as
t#in and dra+n as ti0#t as t#e s(in on an onion and #er eyes +ere 0rey and s#ar' li(e t#e 'oints
o) t+o ice'ic(s6 Par(er understood +#y #e #ad $arried #erI#e couldnt #a-e 0ot #er any
ot#er +ayIut #e couldnt understand +#y #e stayed +it# #er no+6 S#e +as 're0nant and
're0nant +o$en +ere not #is )a-orite (ind6 /e-ert#eless5 #e stayed as i) s#e #ad #i$ con@ured6
He +as 'uEEled and as#a$ed o) #i$sel)6
T#e #ouse t#ey rented sat alone sa-e )or a sin0le tall 'ecan tree on a #i0# e$an($ent
o-erloo(in0 a #i0#+ay6 *t inter-als a car +ould s#oot 'ast elo+ and #is +i)es eyes +ould
s+er-e sus'iciously a)ter t#e sound o) it and t#en co$e ac( to rest on t#e ne+s'a'er )ull o)
eans in #er la'6 One o) t#e t#in0s s#e did not a''ro-e o) +as auto$oiles6 In addition to #er
ot#er ad 9ualities5 s#e +as )ore-er sni))in0u' sin6 S#e did not s$o(e or di'5 drin( +#is(ey5 use
ad lan0ua0e or 'aint #er )ace5 and !od (ne+ so$e 'aint +ould #a-e i$'ro-ed it5 Par(er
t#ou0#t6 Her ein0 a0ainst color5 it +as t#e $ore re$ar(ale s#e #ad $arried #i$6 So$eti$es
#e su''osed t#at s#e #ad $arried #i$ ecause s#e $eant to sa-e #i$6 *t ot#er ti$es #e #ad a
sus'icion t#at s#e actually li(ed e-eryt#in0 s#e said s#e didnt6 He could account )or #er one
+ay or anot#erD it +as #i$sel) #e could not understand6
S#e turned #er #ead in #is direction and said5 8Its no reason you cant +or( )or a $an6 It
dont #a-e to e a +o$an6:
8*+ s#ut your $out# )or a c#an0e5: Par(er $uttered6
I) #e #ad een certain s#e +as @ealous o) t#e +o$an #e +or(ed )or #e +ould #a-e een
'leased ut $ore li(ely s#e +as concerned +it# t#e sin t#at +ould result i) #e and t#e +o$an
too( a li(in0 to eac# ot#er6 He #ad told #er t#at t#e +o$an +as a #e)ty youn0 londeD in )act
s#e +as nearly se-enty years old and too dried u' to #a-e an interest in anyt#in0 e"ce't 0ettin0
as $uc# +or( out o) #i$ as s#e could6 /ot t#at an old +o$an didnt so$eti$es 0et an interest
in a youn0 $an5 'articularly i) #e +as as attracti-e as Par(er )elt #e +as5 ut t#is old +o$an
loo(ed at #i$ t#e sa$e +ay s#e loo(ed at #er old tractorIas i) s#e #ad to 'ut u' +it# it
ecause it +as all s#e #ad6 T#e tractor #ad ro(en do+n t#e second day Par(er +as on it and
s#e #ad set #i$ at once to cuttin0 us#es5 sayin0 out o) t#e side o) #er $out# to t#e ni00er5
8E-eryt#in0 #e touc#es5 #e rea(s6: S#e also as(ed #i$ to +ear #is s#irt +#en #e +or(edD
Par(er #ad re$o-ed it e-en t#ou0# t#e day +as not sultryD #e 'ut it ac( on reluctantly6
T#is u0ly +o$an Par(er $arried +as #is )irst +i)e6 He #ad #ad ot#er +o$en ut #e #ad
'lanned ne-er to 0et #i$sel) tied u' le0ally6 He #ad )irst seen #er one $ornin0 +#en #is truc(
ro(e do+n on t#e #i0#+ay6 He #ad $ana0ed to 'ull it o)) t#e road into a neatly s+e't yard on
+#ic# sat a 'eelin0 t+oHroo$ #ouse6 He 0ot out and o'ened t#e #ood o) t#e truc( and e0an
to study t#e $otor6 Par(er #ad an e"tra sense t#at told #i$ +#en t#ere +as a +o$an neary
+atc#in0 #i$6 *)ter #e #ad leaned o-er t#e $otor a )e+ $inutes5 #is nec( e0an to 'ric(le6 He
cast #is eye o-er t#e e$'ty yard and 'orc# o) t#e #ouse6 * +o$an #e could not see +as eit#er
neary eyond a clu$' o) #oneysuc(le or in t#e #ouse5 +atc#in0 #i$ out t#e +indo+6
Suddenly Par(er e0an to @u$' u' and do+n and )lin0 #is #and aout as i) #e #ad $as#ed it
in t#e $ac#inery6 He douled o-er and #eld #is #and close to #is c#est6 8!od da$$itS: #e
#ollered5 84esus C#rist in #ellS 4esus !od *l$i0#ty da$$S !od da$$it to #ellS: #e +ent on5
)lin0in0 out t#e sa$e )e+ oat#s o-er and o-er as loud as #e could6
&it#out +arnin0 a terrile ristly cla+ sla$$ed t#e side o) #is )ace and #e )ell ac(+ards
on t#e #ood o) t#e truc(6 8,ou dont tal( no )ilt# #ereS: a -oice close to #i$ s#rilled6
Par(ers -ision +as so lurred t#at )or an instant #e t#ou0#t #e #ad een attac(ed y so$e
creature )ro$ ao-e5 a 0iant #a+(Heyed an0el +ieldin0 a #oary +ea'on6 *s #is si0#t cleared5 #e
sa+ e)ore #i$ a tall ra+Honed 0irl +it# a roo$6
8I #urt $y #and5: #e said6 8I H7RT $y #and6: He +as so incensed t#at #e )or0ot t#at #e
#adnt #urt #is #and6 8My #and $ay e ro(e5: #e 0ro+led alt#ou0# #is -oice +as still
unsteady6
8Le$$e see it5: t#e 0irl de$anded6
Par(er stuc( out #is #and and s#e ca$e closer and loo(ed at it6 T#ere +as no $ar( on t#e
'al$ and s#e too( t#e #and and turned it o-er6 Her o+n #and +as dry and #ot and rou0# and
Par(er )elt #i$sel) @olted ac( to li)e y #er touc#6 He loo(ed $ore closely at #er6 I dont +ant
not#in0 to do +it# t#is one5 #e t#ou0#t6
T#e 0irls s#ar' eyes 'eered at t#e ac( o) t#e stuy reddis# #and s#e #eld6 T#ere
e$laEoned in red and lue +as a tattooed ea0le 'erc#ed on a cannon6 Par(ers slee-e +as
rolled to t#e elo+6 *o-e t#e ea0le a ser'ent +as coiled aout a s#ield and in t#e s'aces
et+een t#e ea0le and t#e ser'ent t#ere +ere #earts5 so$e +it# arro+s t#rou0# t#e$6 *o-e
t#e ser'ent t#ere +as a s'read #and o) cards6 E-ery s'ace on t#e s(in o) Par(ers ar$5 )ro$
+rist to elo+5 +as co-ered in so$e loud desi0n5 T#e 0irl 0aEed at t#is +it# an al$ost stu'e)ied
s$ile o) s#oc(5 as i) s#e #ad accidentally 0ras'ed a 'oisonous sna(eD s#e dro''ed t#e #and6
8I 0ot $ost o) $y ot#er ones in )orei0n 'arts5: Par(er said6 8T#ese #ere I $ostly 0ot in t#e
7nited States6 I 0ot $y )irst one +#en I +as only )i)teen year old6:
8.ont tell $e5: t#e 0irl said5 8I dont li(e it6 I aint 0ot any use )or it6:
8,ou ou0#t to see t#e ones you cant see5: Par(er said and +in(ed6
T+o circles o) red a''eared li(e a''les on t#e 0irls c#ee(s and so)tened #er a''earance6
Par(er +as intri0ued6 He did not )or a $inute t#in( t#at s#e didnt li(e t#e tattoos6 He #ad
ne-er yet $et a +o$an +#o +as not attracted to t#e$6
Par(er +as )ourteen +#en #e sa+ a $an in a )air5 tattooed )ro$ #ead to )oot6 E"ce't )or #is
loins +#ic# +ere 0irded +it# a 'ant#er #ide5 t#e $ans s(in +as 'atterned in +#at see$ed
)ro$ Par(ers distanceI#e +as near t#e ac( o) t#e tent5 standin0 on a enc#Ia sin0le
intricate desi0n o) rilliant color6 T#e $an5 +#o +as s$all and sturdy5 $o-ed aout on t#e
'lat)or$5 )le"in0 #is $uscles so t#at t#e araes9ue o) $en and easts and )lo+ers on #is s(in
a''eared to #a-e a sutle $otion o) its o+n6 Par(er +as )illed +it# e$otion5 li)ted u' as so$e
'eo'le are +#en t#e )la0 'asses6 He +as a oy +#ose $out# #aitually #un0 o'en6 He +as
#ea-y and earnest5 as ordinary as a loa) o) read6 &#en t#e s#o+ +as o-er5 #e #ad re$ained
standin0 on t#e enc#5 starin0 +#ere t#e tattooed $an #ad een5 until t#e tent +as al$ost
e$'ty6
Par(er #ad ne-er e)ore )elt t#e least $otion o) +onder in #i$sel)6 7ntil #e sa+ t#e $an at
t#e )air5 it did not enter #is #ead t#at t#ere +as anyt#in0 out o) t#e ordinary aout t#e )act t#at
#e e"isted6 E-en t#en it did not enter #is #ead5 ut a 'eculiar unease settled in #i$6 It +as as i)
a lind oy #ad een turned so 0ently in a di))erent direction t#at #e did not (no+ #is
destination #ad een c#an0ed6
He #ad #is )irst tattoo so$e ti$e a)terIt#e ea0le 'erc#ed on t#e cannon6 It +as done y a
local artist6 It #urt -ery little5 @ust enou0# to $a(e it a''ear to Par(er to e +ort# doin06 T#is
+as 'eculiar too )or e)ore #e #ad t#ou0#t t#at only +#at did not #urt +as +ort# doin06 T#e
ne"t year #e 9uit sc#ool ecause #e +as si"teen and could6 He +ent to t#e trade sc#ool )or a
+#ile5 t#en #e 9uit t#e trade sc#ool and +or(ed )or si" $ont#s in a 0ara0e6 T#e only reason #e
+or(ed at all +as to 'ay )or $ore tattoos6 His $ot#er +or(ed in a laundry and could su''ort
#i$5 ut s#e +ould not 'ay )or any tattoo e"ce't #er na$e on a #eart5 +#ic# #e #ad 'ut on5
0ru$lin06 Ho+e-er5 #er na$e +as %etty 4ean and noody #ad to (no+ it +as #is $ot#er6 He
)ound out t#at t#e tattoos +ere attracti-e to t#e (ind o) 0irls #e li(ed ut +#o #ad ne-er li(ed
#i$ e)ore6 He e0an to drin( eer and 0et in )i0#ts6 His $ot#er +e't o-er +#at +as eco$in0
o) #i$6 One ni0#t s#e dra00ed #i$ o)) to a re-i-al +it# #er5 not tellin0 #i$ +#ere t#ey +ere
0oin06 &#en #e sa+ t#e i0 li0#ted c#urc#5 #e @er(ed out o) #er 0ras' and ran6 T#e ne"t day #e
lied aout #is a0e and @oined t#e na-y6
Par(er +as lar0e )or t#e ti0#t sailors 'ants ut t#e silly +#ite ca'5 sittin0 lo+ on #is
)ore#ead5 $ade #is )ace y contrast loo( t#ou0#t)ul and al$ost intense6 *)ter a $ont# or t+o
in t#e na-y5 #is $out# ceased to #an0 o'en6 His )eatures #ardened into t#e )eatures o) a $an6
He stayed in t#e na-y )i-e years and see$ed a natural 'art o) t#e 0rey $ec#anical s#i'5 e"ce't
)or #is eyes5 +#ic# +ere t#e sa$e 'ale slateHcolor as t#e ocean and re)lected t#e i$$ense
s'aces around #i$ as i) t#ey +ere a $icrocos$ o) t#e $ysterious sea6 In 'ort Par(er +andered
aout co$'arin0 t#e rundo+n 'laces #e +as in to %ir$in0#a$5 *laa$a6 E-ery+#ere #e +ent
#e 'ic(ed u' $ore tattoos6
He #ad sto''ed #a-in0 li)eless ones li(e anc#ors and crossed ri)les6 He #ad a ti0er and a
'ant#er on eac# s#oulder5 a cora coiled aout a torc# on #is c#est5 #a+(s on #is t#i0#s5
EliEaet# II and P#ili' o-er +#ere #is sto$ac# and li-er +ere res'ecti-ely6 He did not care $uc#
+#at t#e su@ect +as so lon0 as it +as color)ulD on #is ado$en #e #ad a )e+ oscenities ut
only ecause t#at see$ed t#e 'ro'er 'lace )or t#e$6 Par(er +ould e satis)ied +it# eac#
tattoo aout a $ont#5 t#en so$et#in0 aout it t#at #ad attracted #i$ +ould +ear o))6
&#ene-er a decentHsiEed $irror +as a-ailale5 #e +ould 0et in )ront o) it and study #is o-erall
loo(6 T#e e))ect +as not o) one intricate araes9ue o) colors ut o) so$et#in0 #a'#aEard and
otc#ed6 * #u0e dissatis)action +ould co$e o-er #i$ and #e +ould 0o o)) and )ind anot#er
tattooist and #a-e anot#er s'ace )illed u'6 T#e )ront o) Par(er +as al$ost co$'letely co-ered
ut t#ere +ere no tattoos on #is ac(6 He #ad no desire )or one any+#ere #e could not readily
see it #i$sel)6 *s t#e s'ace on t#e )ront o) #i$ )or tattoos decreased5 #is dissatis)action 0re+
and eca$e 0eneral6
*)ter one o) #is )urlou0#s5 #e didnt 0o ac( to t#e na-y ut re$ained a+ay +it#out o))icial
lea-e5 drun(5 in a roo$in0 #ouse in a city #e did not (no+6 His dissatis)action5 )ro$ ein0
c#ronic and latent5 #ad suddenly eco$e acute and ra0ed in #i$6 It +as as i) t#e 'ant#er and
t#e lion and t#e ser'ents and t#e ea0les and t#e #a+(s #ad 'enetrated #is s(in and li-ed inside
#i$ in a ra0in0 +ar)are6 T#e na-y cau0#t u' +it# #i$5 'ut #i$ in t#e ri0 )or nine $ont#s and
t#en 0a-e #i$ a dis#onorale disc#ar0e6
*)ter t#at Par(er decided t#at country air +as t#e only (ind )it to reat#e6 He rented t#e
s#ac( on t#e e$an($ent and ou0#t t#e old truc( and too( -arious @os +#ic# #e (e't as
lon0 as it suited #i$6 *t t#e ti$e #e $et #is )uture +i)e5 #e +as uyin0 a''les y t#e us#el
and sellin0 t#e$ )or t#e sa$e 'rice y t#e 'ound to isolated #o$esteaders on ac( country
roads6
8*ll t#at t#ere5: t#e +o$an said5 'ointin0 to #is ar$5 8is no etter t#an +#at a )ool Indian
+ould do6 Its a #ea' o) -anity6: S#e see$ed to #a-e )ound t#e +ord s#e +anted6 82anity o)
-anities5: s#e said6
&ell +#at t#e #ell do I care +#at s#e t#in(s o) it3 Par(er as(ed #i$sel)5 ut #e +as 'lainly
e+ildered6 8I rec(on you li(e one o) t#ese etter t#an anot#er any+ay5: #e said5 dallyin0 until
#e t#ou0#t o) so$et#in0 t#at +ould i$'ress #er6 He t#rust t#e ar$ ac( at #er6 8&#ic# you
li(e est3:
8/one o) t#e$5: s#e said5 8ut t#e c#ic(en is not as ad as t#e rest6:
8&#at c#ic(en3: Par(er al$ost yelled6
S#e 'ointed to t#e ea0le6
8T#ats an ea0le5: Par(er said6 A
A&#at )ool +ould +aste t#eir ti$e #a-in0 a c#ic(en 'ut on t#e$sel)3:
8&#at )ool +ould #a-e any o) it3: t#e 0irl said and turned a+ay6 S#e +ent slo+ly ac( to
t#e #ouse and le)t #i$ t#ere to 0et 0oin06 Par(er re$ained )or al$ost )i-e $inutes5 loo(in0
a0a'e at t#e dar( door s#e #ad entered6
T#e ne"t day #e returned +it# a us#el o) a''les6 He +as not one to e outdone y
anyt#in0 t#at loo(ed li(e #er6 He li(ed +o$en +it# $eat on t#e$5 so you didnt )eel t#eir
$uscles5 $uc# less t#eir old ones6 &#en #e arri-ed s#e +as sittin0 on t#e to' ste' and t#e
yard +as )ull o) c#ildren5 all as t#in and 'oor as #ersel)D Par(er re$e$ered it +as Saturday6 He
#ated to e $a(in0 u' to a +o$an +#en t#ere +ere c#ildren around5 ut it +as )ortunate #e
#ad rou0#t t#e us#el o) a''les o)) t#e truc(6 *s t#e c#ildren a''roac#ed #i$ to see +#at #e
carried5 #e 0a-e eac# c#ild an a''le and told it to 0et lostD in t#at +ay #e cleared out t#e +#ole
cro+d6
T#e 0irl did not#in0 to ac(no+led0e #is 'resence6 He $i0#t #a-e een a stray 'i0 or 0oat
t#at #ad +andered into t#e yard and s#e too tired to ta(e u' t#e roo$ and send it o))6 He set
t#e us#el o) a''les do+n ne"t to #er on t#e ste'6 He sat do+n on a lo+er ste'6
8He' yoursel)5: #e said5 noddin0 at t#e as(etD t#en #e la'sed into silence6
S#e too( an a''le 9uic(ly as i) t#e as(et $i0#t disa''ear i) s#e didnt $a(e #aste6 Hun0ry
'eo'le $ade Par(er ner-ous6 He #ad al+ays #ad 'lenty to eat #i$sel)6 He 0re+ -ery
unco$)ortale6 He reasoned #e #ad not#in0 to say so +#y s#ould #e say it3 He could not t#in(
no+ +#y #e #ad co$e or +#y #e didnt 0o e)ore #e +asted anot#er us#el o) a''les on t#e
cro+d o) c#ildren6 He su''osed t#ey +ere #er rot#ers and sisters6
S#e c#e+ed t#e a''le slo+ly ut +it# a (ind o) relis# o) concentration5 ent sli0#tly ut
loo(in0 out a#ead6 T#e -ie+ )ro$ t#e 'orc# stretc#ed o)) across a lon0 incline studded +it#
iron +eed and across t#e #i0#+ay to a -ast -ista o) #ills and one s$all $ountain6 Lon0 -ie+s
de'ressed Par(er6 ,ou loo( out into s'ace li(e t#at and you e0in to )eel as i) so$eone +ere
a)ter you5 t#e na-y or t#e 0o-ern$ent or reli0ion6
8&#o t#e$ c#ildren elon0 to5 you3: #e said at len0t#6
8I aint $arried yet5: s#e said6 8T#ey elon0 to $o$$a6: S#e said it as i) it +ere only a
$atter o) ti$e e)ore s#e +ould e $arried6
&#o in !ods na$e +ould $arry #er3 Par(er t#ou0#t6
* lar0e are)ooted +o$an +it# a +ide 0a'Htoot#ed )ace a''eared in t#e door e#ind
Par(er6 S#e #ad a''arently een t#ere )or se-eral $inutes6
8!ood e-enin05: Par(er said6
T#e +o$an crossed t#e 'orc# and 'ic(ed u' +#at +as le)t o) t#e us#el o) a''les6 8&e
t#an( you5: s#e said and returned +it# it into t#e #ouse6
8T#at your old +o$an3: Par(er $uttered6
T#e 0irl nodded6 Par(er (ne+ a lot o) s#ar' t#in0s #e could #a-e said li(e 8,ou 0ot $y
sy$'at#y5: ut #e +as 0loo$ily silent6 He @ust sat t#ere5 loo(in0 at t#e -ie+6 He t#ou0#t #e
$ust e co$in0 do+n +it# so$et#in06
8I) I 'ic( u' so$e 'eac#es to$orro+ Ill rin0 you so$e5: #e said6
AIll e $uc# oli0ed to you5: t#e 0irl said6
Par(er #ad no intention o) ta(in0 any as(et o) 'eac#es ac( t#ere ut t#e ne"t day #e
)ound #i$sel) doin0 it6 He and t#e 0irl #ad al$ost not#in0 to say to eac# ot#er6 One t#in0 #e
did say +as5 8I aint 0ot any tattoo on $y ac(6:
8&#at you 0ot on it3: t#e 0irl said6
8My s#irt5: Par(er said6 8Ha+6:
8Ha+5 #a+5: t#e 0irl said 'olitely6
Par(er t#ou0#t #e +as losin0 #is $ind6 He could not elie-e )or a $inute t#at #e +as
attracted to a +o$an li(e t#is6 S#e s#o+ed not t#e least interest in anyt#in0 ut +#at #e
rou0#t until #e a''eared t#e t#ird ti$e +it# t+o cantalou's6 8&#ats your na$e3: s#e as(ed6
8O6 E6 Par(er5: #e said6
8&#at does t#e O6 E6 stand )or3:
8,ou can @ust call $e O6 E65: Par(er said6 8Or Par(er6 .ont noody call $e y $y na$e6:
8&#ats it stand )or3: s#e 'ersisted6
8/e-er $ind5: Par(er said6 8&#ats yours3:
8Ill tell you +#en you tell $e +#at t#e$ letters are t#e s#ort o)5: s#e said6 T#ere +as @ust a
#int o) )lirtatiousness in #er tone and it +ent ra'idly to Par(ers #ead6 He #ad ne-er re-ealed
t#e na$e to any $an or +o$an5 only to t#e )iles o) t#e na-y and t#e 0o-ern$ent5 and it +as
on #is a'tis$al record +#ic# #e 0ot at t#e a0e o) a $ont#D #is $ot#er +as a Met#odist6 &#en
t#e na$e lea(ed out o) t#e na-y )iles5 Par(er narro+ly $issed (illin0 t#e $an +#o used it6
8,oull 0o la it around5: #e said6
AIIl s+ear Ill ne-er tell noody5: s#e said6 8On !ods #oly +ord I s+ear it6:
Par(er sat )or a )e+ $inutes in silence6 T#en #e reac#ed )or t#e 0irls nec(5 dre+ #er ear
close to #is $out# and re-ealed t#e na$e in a lo+ -oice6
8Oadia#5: s#e +#is'ered6 Her )ace slo+ly ri0#tened as i) t#e na$e ca$e as a si0n to #er6
8Oadia#5: s#e said6
T#e na$e still stan( in Par(ers esti$ation6
8Oadia# Eli#ue5: s#e said in a re-erent -oice6
8I) you call $e t#at aloud5 Ill ust your #ead o'en5:
Par(er said6 8&#ats yours3:
8Sara# Rut# Cates5: s#e said6
8!lad to $eet you5 Sara# Rut#5: Par(er said6
Sara# Rut#s )at#er +as a Strai0#t !os'el 'reac#er ut #e +as a+ay5 s'readin0 it in Florida6
Her $ot#er did not see$ to $ind #is attention to t#e 0irl so lon0 as #e rou0#t a as(et o)
so$et#in0 +it# #i$ +#en #e ca$e6 *s )or Sara# Rut# #ersel)5 it +as 'lain to Par(er a)ter #e
#ad -isited t#ree ti$es t#at s#e +as craEy aout #i$6 S#e li(ed #i$ e-en t#ou0# s#e insisted
t#at 'ictures on t#e s(in +ere -anity o) -anities and e-en a)ter #earin0 #i$ curse5 and e-en
a)ter s#e #ad as(ed #i$ i) #e +as sa-ed and #e #ad re'lied t#at #e didnt see it +as anyt#in0 in
'articular to sa-e #i$ )ro$6 *)ter t#at5 ins'ired5 Par(er #ad said5 8Id e sa-ed enou0# i) you
+as to (iss $e6:
S#e sco+led6 8T#at aint ein0 sa-ed5: s#e said6
/ot lon0 a)ter t#at s#e a0reed to ta(e a ride in #is truc(6 Par(er 'ar(ed it on a deserted road
and su00ested to #er t#at t#ey lie do+n to0et#er in t#e ac( o) it6
8/ot until a)ter +ere $arried5: s#e saidI@ust li(e t#at6
8O# t#at aint necessary5: Par(er said and as #e reac#ed )or #er5 s#e t#rust #i$ a+ay +it#
suc# )orce t#at t#e door o) t#e truc( ca$e o)) and #e )ound #i$sel) )lat on #is ac( on t#e
0round6 He $ade u' #is $ind t#en and t#ere to #a-e not#in0 )urt#er to do +it# #er6
T#ey +ere $arried in t#e County Ordinarys o))ice ecause Sara# Rut# t#ou0#t c#urc#es
+ere idolatrous6 Par(er #ad no o'inion aout t#at one +ay or t#e ot#er6 T#e Ordinarys o))ice
+as lined +it# cardoard )ile o"es and record oo(s +it# dusty yello+ sli's o) 'a'er #an0in0
on out o) t#e$6 T#e Ordinary +as an old +o$an +it# red #air +#o #ad #eld o))ice )or )orty
years and loo(ed as dusty as #er oo(s6 S#e $arried t#e$ )ro$ e#ind t#e ironH0rill o) a standH
u' des( and +#en s#e )inis#ed5 s#e said +it# a )louris#5 8T#ree dollars and )i)ty cents and till
deat# do you 'artS: and yan(ed so$e )or$s out o) a $ac#ine6
Marria0e did not c#an0e Sara# Rut# a @ot and it $ade Par(er 0loo$ier t#an e-er6 E-ery
$ornin0 #e decided #e #ad #ad enou0# and +ould not return t#at ni0#tD e-ery ni0#t #e
returned6 &#ene-er Par(er couldnt stand t#e +ay #e )elt5 #e +ould #a-e anot#er tattoo5 ut
t#e only sur)ace le)t on #i$ no+ +as #is ac(6 To see a tattoo on #is o+n ac( #e +ould #a-e
to 0et t+o $irrors and stand et+een t#e$ in @ust t#e correct 'osition and t#is see$ed to
Par(er a 0ood +ay to $a(e an idiot o) #i$sel)6 Sara# Rut# +#o5 i) s#e #ad #ad etter sense5
could #a-e en@oyed a tattoo on #is ac(5 +ould not e-en loo( at t#e ones #e #ad
else+#ere6 &#en #e atte$'ted to 'oint out es'ecial details o) t#e$5 s#e +ould s#ut #er eyes
ti0#t and tu$ #er ac( as +ell6 E"ce't in total dar(ness5 s#e 're)erred Par(er dressed and +it#
#is slee-es rolled do+n6
8*t t#e @ud0e$ent seat o) !od5 4esus is 0oin0 to say to you5 A&#at you een doin0 all your
li)e esides #a-e 'ictures dra+n all o-er you3 : s#e said6
8,ou dont )ool $e none5: Par(er said5 8youre @ust a)raid t#at #e)ty 0irl I +or( )orll li(e $e
so $uc# s#ell say5 Co$e on5 Mr6 Par(er5 lets you and $eB:
8,oure te$'tin0 sin5: s#e said5 8and at t#e @ud0e$ent seat o) !od youll #a-e to ans+er )or
t#at too6 ,ou ou0#t to 0o ac( to sellin0 t#e )ruits o) t#e eart#6:
Par(er did not#in0 $uc# +#en #e +as at #o$e ut listen to +#at t#e @ud0e$ent seat o)
!od +ould e li(e )or #i$ i) #e didnt c#an0e #is +ays6 &#en #e could5 #e ro(e in +it# tales o)
t#e #e)ty 0irl #e +or(ed )or6 8Mr6 Par(er:5 #e said s#e said5 : AI #ired you )or your rains6 :
NS#e #ad added5 8So +#y dont you use t#e$3:O
8*nd you s#ould #a-e seen #er )ace t#e )irst ti$e s#e sa+ $e +it#out $y s#irt5: #e said6
8AMr6 Par(er5: s#e said5 8Ayoure a +al(in0 'annerHra$$erS: T#is #ad5 in )act5 een #er re$ar(
ut it #ad een deli-ered out o) one side o) #er $out#6
.issatis)action e0an to 0ro+ so 0reat in Par(er t#at t#ere +as no containin0 it outside o) a
tattoo6 It #ad to e #is ac(6 T#ere +as no #el' )or it6 * di$ #al)H)or$ed ins'iration e0an to
+or( in #is $ind6 He -isualiEed #a-in0 a tattoo 'ut t#ere t#at Sara# Rut# +ould not e ale to
resista reli0ious su@ect6 He t#ou0#t o) an o'en oo( +it# HOL, %I%LE tattooed under it and an
actual -erse 'rinted on t#e 'a0e6 T#is see$ed @ust t#e t#in0 )or a +#ileD t#en #e e0an to #ear
#er say5 8*int I already 0ot a real %ile3 8&#at you t#in( I +ant to read t#e sa$e -erse o-er
and o-er )or +#en I can read it all3: He needed so$et#in0 etter e-en t#an t#e %ileS He
t#ou0#t aout it so $uc# t#at #e e0an to lose slee'6 He +as already losin0 )les#ISara# Rut#
@ust t#re+ )ood in t#e 'ot and let it oil6 /ot (no+in0 )or certain +#y #e continued to stay +it#
a +o$an +#o +as ot# u0ly and 're0nant and no coo( $ade #i$ 0enerally ner-ous and
irritale5 and #e de-elo'ed a little tic in t#e side o) #is )ace6
Once or t+ice #e )ound #i$sel) turnin0 around aru'tly as i) so$eone +ere trailin0 #i$6 He
#ad #ad a 0randdaddy +#o #ad ended in t#e state $ental #os'ital5 alt#ou0# not until #e +as
se-entyH)i-e5 ut as ur0ent as it $i0#t e )or #i$ to 0et a tattoo5 it +as @ust as ur0ent t#at #e
0et e"actly t#e ri0#t one to rin0 Sara# Rut# to #eel6 *s #e continued to +orry o-er it5 #is eyes
too( on a #ollo+ 'reoccu'ied e"'ression6 T#e old +o$an #e +or(ed )or told #i$ t#at i) #e
couldnt (ee' #is $ind on +#at #e +as doin05 s#e (ne+ +#ere s#e could )ind a )ourteenHyearH
old colored oy +#o could6 Par(er +as too 'reoccu'ied e-en to e o))ended6 *t any ti$e
're-ious5 #e +ould #a-e le)t #er t#en and t#ere5 sayin0 drily5 8&ell5 you 0o a#ead on and 0et
#i$ t#en6:
T+o or t#ree $ornin0s later #e +as alin0 #ay +it# t#e old +o$ans sorry aler and #er
ro(en do+n tractor in a lar0e )ield5 cleared sa-e )or one enor$ous old tree standin0 in t#e
$iddle o) it6 T#e old +o$an +as t#e (ind +#o +ould not cut do+n a lar0e old tree ecause it
+as a lar0e old tree6 S#e #ad 'ointed it out to Par(er as i) #e didnt #a-e eyes and told #i$ to
e care)ul not to #it it as t#e $ac#ine 'ic(ed u' #ay near it6 Par(er e0an at t#e outside o) t#e
)ield and $ade circles in+ard to+ard it6 He #ad to 0et o)) t#e tractor e-ery no+ and t#en and
untan0le t#e alin0 cord or (ic( a roc( out o) t#e +ay6 T#e old +o$an #ad told #i$ to carry t#e
roc(s to t#e ed0e o) t#e )ield5 +#ic# #e did +#en s#e +as t#ere +atc#in06 &#en #e t#ou0#t #e
could $a(e it5 #e ran o-er t#e$6 *s #e circled t#e )ield #is $ind +as on a suitale desi0n )or #is
ac(6 T#e sun5 t#e siEe o) a 0ol) all5 e0an to s+itc# re0ularly )ro$ in )ront to e#ind #i$5 ut
#e a''eared to see it ot# 'laces as i) #e #ad eyes in t#e ac( o) #is #ead6 *ll at once #e sa+
t#e tree reac#in0 out to 0ras' #i$6 * )erocious t#ud 'ro'elled #i$ into t#e air5 and #e #eard
#i$sel) yellin0 in an unelie-aly loud -oice5 8!O. *%O2ES:
He landed on #is ac( +#ile t#e tractor cras#ed u'sidedo+n into t#e tree and urst into
)la$e6 T#e )irst t#in0 Par(er sa+ +ere #is s#oes5 9uic(ly ein0 eaten y t#e )ireD one +as cau0#t
under t#e tractor5 t#e ot#er +as so$e distance a+ay5 urnin0 y itsel)6 He +as not in t#e$6 He
could )eel t#e #ot reat# o) t#e urnin0 tree on #is )ace6 He scra$led ac(+ards5 still sittin05
#is eyes ca-ernous5 and i) #e #ad (no+n #o+ to cross #i$sel) #e +ould #a-e done it6
His truc( +as on a dirt road at t#e ed0e o) t#e )ield6 He $o-ed to+ard it5 still sittin05 still
ac(+ards5 ut )aster and )asterD #al)+ay to it #e 0ot u' and e0an a (ind o) )or+ard ent run
)ro$ +#ic# #e colla'sed on #is (nees t+ice6 His le0s )elt li(e t+o old rusted rain 0utters6 He
reac#ed t#e truc( )inally and too( o)) in it5 Ei0Ea00in0 u' t#e road6 He dro-e 'ast #is #ouse on
t#e e$an($ent and strai0#t )or t#e city5 )i)ty $iles distant6
Par(er did not allo+ #i$sel) to t#in( on t#e +ay to t#e city6 He only (ne+ t#at t#ere #ad
een a 0reat c#an0e in #is li)e5 a lea' )or+ard into a +orse un(no+n5 and t#at t#ere +as
not#in0 #e could do aout it6 It +as )or all intents acco$'lis#ed6
T#e artist #ad t+o lar0e cluttered roo$s o-er a c#iro'odists o))ice on a ac( street6 Par(er5
still are)ooted5 urst silently in on #i$ at a little a)ter t#ree in t#e a)ternoon6 T#e artist5 +#o
+as aout Par(ers o+n a0eIt+entyHei0#tIut t#in and ald5 +as e#ind a s$all dra+in0
tale5 tracin0 a desi0n in 0reen in(6 He loo(ed u' +it# an annoyed 0lance and did not see$ to
reco0niEe Par(er in t#e #ollo+eyed creature e)ore #i$6
8Let $e see t#e oo( you 0ot +it# all t#e 'ictures o) !od in it5: Par(er said reat#lessly6
8T#e reli0ious one6:
T#e artist continued to loo( at #i$ +it# #is intellectual5 su'erior stare6 8I dont 'ut tattoos
on drun(s5: #e said6
8,ou (no+ $eS: Par(er cried indi0nantly6 8I$ O6 E6 Par(erS ,ou done +or( )or $e e)ore
and I al+ays 'aidS:
T#e artist loo(ed at #i$ anot#er $o$ent as i) #e +ere not alto0et#er sure6 8,ou-e )allen
o)) so$e5: #e said6 8,ou $ust #a-e een in @ail6:
8Married5: Par(er said6
8O#5: said t#e artist6 &it# t#e aid o) $irrors t#e artist #ad tattooed on t#e to' o) #is #ead a
$iniature o+l5 'er)ect in e-ery detail6 It +as aout t#e siEe o) a #al)Hdollar and ser-ed #i$ as a
s#o+ 'iece6 T#ere +ere c#ea'er artists in to+n ut Par(er #ad ne-er +anted anyt#in0 ut t#e
est6 T#e artist +ent o-er to a cainet at t#e ac( o) t#e roo$ and e0an to loo( o-er so$e art
oo(s6 8&#o are you interested in3: #e said5 8saints5 an0els5 C#rists or +#at3:
8!od5: Par(er said6
8Fat#er5 Son or S'irit3:
84ust !od5: Par(er said i$'atiently6 8C#rist6 I dont care6 4ust so its !od6:
T#e artist returned +it# a oo(6 He $o-ed so$e 'a'ers o)) anot#er tale and 'ut t#e oo(
do+n on it and told Par(er to sit do+n and see +#at #e li(ed6 8T#e u'HtoHdate ones are in t#e
ac(5: #e said6
Par(er sat do+n +it# t#e oo( and +et #is t#u$6 He e0an to 0o t#rou0# it5 e0innin0 at
t#e ac( +#ere t#e u'HtoHdate 'ictures +ere6 So$e o) t#e$ #e reco0niEedIT#e !ood
S#e'#erd5 Forid T#e$ /ot5 T#e S$ilin0 4esus5 4esus t#e P#ysicians Friend5 ut #e (e't turnin0
ra'idly ac(+ards and t#e 'ictures eca$e less and less reassurin06 One s#o+ed a 0aunt 0reen
dead )ace strea(ed +it# lood6 One +as yello+ +it# sa00in0 'ur'le eyes6 Par(ers #eart e0an
to eat )aster and )aster until it a''eared to e roarin0 inside #i$ li(e a 0reat 0enerator6 He
)li''ed t#e 'a0es 9uic(ly5 )eelin0 t#at +#en #e reac#ed t#e one ordained5 a si0n +ould co$e6
He continued to )li' t#rou0# until #e #ad al$ost reac#ed t#e )ront o) t#e oo(6 On one o) t#e
'a0es a 'air o) eyes 0lanced at #i$ s+i)tly6 Par(er s'ed on5 t#en sto''ed6 His #eart too
a''eared to cut o))D t#ere +as asolute silence6 It said as 'lainly as i) silence +ere a lan0ua0e
itsel)5 !O %*CC6
Par(er returned to t#e 'ictureIt#e #aloed #ead o) a )lat ste$ %yEantine C#rist +it#
allHde$andin0 eyes6 He sat t#ere tre$lin0D #is #eart e0an slo+ly to eat a0ain as i) it +ere
ein0 rou0#t to li)e y a sutle 'o+er6
8,ou )ound +#at you +ant3: t#e artist as(ed6
Par(ers t#roat +as too dry to s'ea(6 He 0ot u' and t#rust t#e oo( at t#e artist5 o'ened at
t#e 'icture6
8T#atll cost you 'lenty5: t#e artist said6 8,ou dont +ant all t#ose little loc(s t#ou0#5 @ust
t#e outline and so$e etter )eatures6:
84ust li(e it is5: Par(er said5 8@ust li(e it is or not#in06:
8Its your )uneral5: t#e artist said5 8ut I dont do t#at (ind o) +or( )or not#in06:
8Ho+ $uc#3: Par(er as(ed6
8Itll ta(e $aye t+o days +or(6:
8Ho+ $uc#3: Par(er said6
8On ti$e or cas#3: t#e artist as(ed6 Par(ers ot#er @os #ad een on ti$e5 ut #e #ad 'aid6
8Ten do+n and ten )or e-ery day it ta(es5: t#e artist said6
Par(er dre+ ten dollar ills out o) #is +alletD #e #ad t#ree le)t in6
8,ou co$e ac( in t#e $ornin05: t#e artist said5 'uttin0 t#e $oney in #is o+n 'oc(et6 8First
Ill #a-e to trace t#at out o) t#e oo(6:
8/o noS: Par(er said6 8Trace it no+ or 0i$$e $y $oney ac(5: and #is eyes lared as i) #e
+ere ready )or a )i0#t6
T#e artist a0reed6 *nyone stu'id enou0# to +ant a C#rist on #is ac(5 #e reasoned5 +ould
e @ust as li(ely as not to c#an0e #is $ind t#e ne"t $inute5 ut once t#e +or( +as e0un #e
could #ardly do so6
&#ile #e +or(ed on t#e tracin05 #e told Par(er to 0o +as# #is ac( at t#e sin( +it# t#e
s'ecial soa' #e used t#ere6 Par(er did it and returned to 'ace ac( and )ort# across t#e roo$5
ner-ously )le"in0 #is s#oulders6 He +anted to 0o loo( at t#e 'icture a0ain ut at t#e sa$e ti$e
#e did not +ant to6 T#e artist 0ot u' )inally and #ad Par(er lie do+n on t#e tale6 He s+aed
#is ac( +it# et#yl c#loride and t#en e0an to outline t#e #ead on it +it# #is iodine 'encil6
*not#er #our 'assed e)ore #e too( u' #is electric instru$ent6 Par(er )elt no 'articular 'ain6 In
4a'an #e #ad #ad a tattoo o) t#e %udd#a done on #is u''er ar$ +it# i-ory needlesD in %ur$a5 a
little ro+n root o) a $an #ad $ade a 'eacoc( on eac# o) #is (nees usin0 t#in 'ointed stic(s5
t+o )eet lon0D a$ateurs #ad +or(ed on #i$ +it# 'ins and soot6 Par(er +as usually so rela"ed
and easy under t#e #and o) t#e artist t#at #e o)ten +ent to slee'5 ut t#is ti$e #e re$ained
a+a(e5 e-ery $uscle taut6
*t $idni0#t t#e artist said #e +as ready to 9uit6 He 'ro''ed one $irror5 )our )eet s9uare5
on a tale y t#e +all and too( a s$aller $irror o)) t#e la-atory +all and 'ut it in Par(ers
#ands6 Par(er stood +it# #is ac( to t#e one on t#e tale and $o-ed t#e ot#er until #e sa+ a
)las#in0 urst o) color re)lected )ro$ #is ac(6 It +as al$ost co$'letely co-ered +it# little red
and lue and i-ory and sa))ron s9uaresD )ro$ t#e$ #e $ade out t#e linea$ents o) t#e )aceIa
$out#5 t#e e0innin0 o) #ea-y ro+s5 a strai0#t nose5 ut t#e )ace +as e$'tyD t#e eyes #ad not
yet een 'ut in6 T#e i$'ression )or t#e $o$ent +as al$ost as i) t#e artist #ad tric(ed #i$ and
done t#e P#ysicians Friend6
8It dont #a-e eyes5: Par(er cried out6
AT#atll co$e5: t#e artist said5 8in due ti$e6 &e #a-e anot#er day to 0o on it yet6:
Par(er s'ent t#e ni0#t on a cot at t#e Ha-en o) Li0#t C#ristian Mission6 He )ound t#ese t#e
est 'laces to stay in t#e city ecause t#ey +ere )ree and included a $eal o) sorts6 He 0ot t#e
last a-ailale cot and ecause #e +as still are)ooted5 #e acce'ted a 'air o) secondH#and s#oes
+#ic#5 in #is con)usion5 #e 'ut on to 0o to edD #e +as still s#oc(ed )ro$ all t#at #ad #a''ened
to #i$6 *ll ni0#t #e lay a+a(e in t#e lon0 dor$itory o) cots +it# lu$'y )i0ures on t#e$6 T#e
only li0#t +as )ro$ a '#os'#orescent cross 0lo+in0 at t#e end o) t#e roo$6 T#e tree reac#ed
out to 0ras' #i$ a0ain5 t#en urst into )la$eD t#e s#oe urned 9uietly y itsel)D t#e eyes in t#e
oo( said to #i$ distinctly !O %*CC and at t#e sa$e ti$e did not utter a sound6 He +is#ed t#at
#e +ere not in t#is city5 not in t#is Ha-en o) Li0#t Mission5 not in a ed y #i$sel)6 He lon0ed
$iseraly )or Sara# Rut#6 Her s#ar' ton0ue and ice'ic( eyes +ere t#e only co$)ort #e could
rin0 to $ind6 He decided #e +as losin0 it6 Her eyes a''eared so)t and dilatory co$'ared +it#
t#e eyes in t#e oo(5 )or e-en t#ou0# #e could not su$$on u' t#e e"act loo( o) t#ose eyes5 #e
could still )eel t#eir 'enetration6 He )elt as t#ou0#5 under t#eir 0aEe5 #e +as as trans'arent as
t#e +in0 o) a )ly6
T#e tattooist #ad told #i$ not to co$e until ten in t#e $ornin05 ut +#en #e arri-ed at t#at
#our5 Par(er +as sittin0 in t#e dar( #all+ay on t#e )loor5 +aitin0 )or #i$6 He #ad decided u'on
0ettin0 u' t#at5 once t#e tattoo +as on #i$5 #e +ould not loo( at it5 t#at all #is sensations o)
t#e day and ni0#t e)ore +ere t#ose o) a craEy $an and t#at #e +ould return to doin0 t#in0s
accordin0 to #is o+n sound @ud0e$ent6
T#e artist e0an +#ere #e le)t o))6 8One t#in0 I +ant to (no+5: #e said 'resently as #e
+or(ed o-er Par(ers ac(5 8+#y do you +ant t#is on you3 Ha-e you 0one and 0ot reli0ion3 *re
you sa-ed3: #e as(ed in a $oc(in0 -oice6
Par(ers t#roat )elt salty and dry6 8/a+5: #e said5 8I aint 0ot no use )or none o) t#at6 * $an
cant sa-e #is sel) )ro$ +#ate-er it is #e dont deser-e none o) $y sy$'at#y6: T#ese +ords
see$ed to lea-e #is $out# li(e +rait#s and to e-a'orate at once as i) #e #ad ne-er uttered
t#e$6
8T#en +#yB:
8I $arried t#is +o$an t#ats sa-ed5: Par(er said6 8I ne-er s#ould #a-e done it6 I ou0#t to
lea-e #er6 S#es done 0one and 0ot 're0nant6:
8T#ats too ad5: t#e artist said6 8T#en its #er $a(in0 you #a-e t#is tattoo6:
8/a+5: Par(er said5 8s#e dont (no+ not#in0 aout it6 Its a sur'rise )or #er6:
8,ou t#in( s#ell li(e it and layo)) you a +#ile3:
8S#e cant #e' #ersel)5: Par(er said6 8S#e cant say s#e dont li(e t#e loo(s o) !od6: He
decided #e #ad told t#e artist enou0# o) #is usiness6 *rtists +ere all ri0#t in t#eir 'lace ut #e
didnt li(e t#e$ 'o(in0 t#eir noses into t#e a))airs o) re0ular 'eo'le6 8I didnt 0et no slee' last
ni0#t5: #e said6 8I t#in( Ill 0et so$e no+6:
T#at closed t#e $out# o) t#e artist ut it did not rin0 #i$ any slee'6 He lay t#ere5
i$a0inin0 #o+ Sara# Rut# +ould e struc( s'eec#less y t#e )ace on #is ac( and e-ery no+
and t#en t#is +ould e interru'ted y a -ision o) t#e tree o) )ire and #is e$'ty s#oe urnin0
eneat# it6
T#e artist +or(ed steadily until nearly )our ocloc(5 not sto''in0 to #a-e lunc#5 #ardly
'ausin0 +it# t#e electric instru$ent e"ce't to +i'e t#e dri''in0 dye o)) Par(ers ac( as #e
+ent alon06 Finally #e )inis#ed6 8,ou can 0et u' and loo( at it no+5: #e said6
Par(er sat u' ut #e re$ained on t#e ed0e o) t#e tale6
T#e artist +as 'leased +it# #is +or( and +anted Par(er to loo( at it at once6 Instead Par(er
continued to sit on t#e ed0e o) t#e tale5 ent )or+ard sli0#tly ut +it# a -acant loo(6 8&#at
ails you3: t#e artist said6 8!o loo( at it6:
8*int not#in0 ail $e5: Par(er said in a sudden elli0erent -oice6 8T#at tattoo aint 0oin0
no+#ere6 Itll e t#ere +#en I 0et t#ere6: He reac#ed )or #is s#irt and e0an 0in0erly to 'ut it
on6
T#e artist too( #i$ rou0#ly y t#e ar$ and 'ro'elled #i$ et+een t#e t+o $irrors6 8/o+
loo(5: #e said5 an0ry at #a-in0 #is +or( i0nored6
Par(er loo(ed5 turned +#ite and $o-ed a+ay6 T#e eyes in t#e re)lected )ace continued to
loo( at #i$Istill5 strai0#t5 allHde$andin05 enclosed in silence6
8It +as your idea5 re$e$er5: t#e artist said6 8I +ould #a-e ad-ised so$et#in0 else6:
Par(er said not#in06 He 'ut on #is s#irt and +ent out t#e door +#ile t#e artist s#outed5 8Ill
e"'ect all o) $y $oneyS:
Par(er #eaded to+ard a 'ac(a0e s#o' on t#e corner6 He ou0#t a 'int o) +#is(ey and too(
it into a neary alley and dran( it all in )i-e $inutes6 T#en #e $o-ed on to a 'ool #all neary
+#ic# #e )re9uented +#en #e ca$e to t#e city6 It +as a +ellHli0#ted arnli(e 'lace +it# a ar
u' one side and 0a$lin0 $ac#ines on t#e ot#er and 'ool tales in t#e ac(6 *s soon as Par(er
entered5 a lar0e $an in a red and lac( c#ec(ered s#irt #ailed #i$ y sla''in0 #i$ on t#e ac(
and yellin05 8,eyyyyyyoyl O6 E6 Par(erS:
Par(er +as not yet ready to e struc( on t#e ac(6 8Lay o))5: #e said5 8I 0ot a )res# tattoo
t#ere6:
8&#at you 0ot t#is ti$e3: t#e $an as(ed and t#en yelled to a )e+ at t#e $ac#ines6 8O6 E6s
0ot #i$ anot#er tattoo6:
8/ot#in0 s'ecial t#is ti$e5: Par(er said and slun( o-er to a $ac#ine t#at +as not ein0
used6
8Co$e on5: t#e i0 $an said5 8lets #a-e a loo( at O6 E6s tattoo5: and +#ile Par(er s9uir$ed
in t#eir #ands5 t#ey 'ulled u' #is s#irt6 Par(er )elt all t#e #ands dro' a+ay instantly and #is s#irt
)ell a0ain li(e a -eil o-er t#e )ace6 T#ere +as a silence in t#e 'ool roo$ +#ic# see$ed to Par(er
to 0ro+ )ro$ t#e circle around #i$ until it e"tended to t#e )oundations under t#e uildin0 and
u'+ard t#rou0# t#e ea$s in t#e roo)6
Finally so$e one said5 8C#ristS: T#en t#ey all ro(e into noise at once6 Par(er turned
around5 an uncertain 0rin on #is )ace6
8Lea-e it to O6 E6S: t#e $an in t#e c#ec(ered s#irt said6 8T#at oys a real cardS:
8Maye #es 0one and 0ot reli0ion5: so$e one yelled6
8/ot on your li)e5: Par(er said6
8O6 E6s 0ot reli0ion and is +itnessin0 )or 4esus5 aint you5 O6 E63: a little $an +it# a 'iece o)
ci0ar in #is $out# said +ryly6 8*n ori0inal +ay to do it i) I e-er sa+ one:
8Lea-e it to Par(er to t#in( o) a ne+ oneS: t#e )at $an said6
8,yeeeeeeyyyyyyyoyS: so$eone yelled and t#ey all e0an to +#istle and curse in
co$'li$ent until Par(er said5 8*aa s#ut u':
8&#atd you do it )or3: so$eody as(ed6
8For lau0#s5: Par(er said6 8&#ats it to you3:
8&#y aint you lau0#in0 t#en3: so$eody yelled6 Par(er lun0ed into t#e $idst o) t#e$ and
li(e a +#irl+ind on a su$$ers day t#ere e0an a )i0#t t#at ra0ed a$id o-erturned tales and
s+in0in0 )ists until t+o o) t#e$ 0raed #i$ and ran to t#e door +it# #i$ and t#re+ #i$ out6
T#en a cal$ descended on t#e 'ool #all as ner-e s#atterin0 as i) t#e lon0 arnli(e roo$ +ere
t#e s#i' )ro$ +#ic# 4ona# #ad een cast into t#e sea6
Par(er sat )or a lon0 ti$e on t#e 0round in t#e alley e#ind t#e 'ool #all5 e"a$inin0 #is
soul6 He sa+ it as a s'ider +e o) )acts and lies t#at +as not at all i$'ortant to #i$ ut +#ic#
a''eared to e necessary in s'ite o) #is o'inion6 T#e eyes t#at +ere no+ )ore-er on #is ac(
+ere eyes to e oeyed6 He +as as certain o) it as #e #ad e-er een o) anyt#in06 T#rou0#out
#is li)e5 0ru$lin0 and so$eti$es cursin05 o)ten a)raid5 once in ra'ture5 Par(er #ad oeyed
+#ate-er instinct o) t#is (ind #ad co$e to #i$Iin ra'ture +#en #is s'irit #ad li)ted at t#e si0#t
o) t#e tattooed $an at t#e )air5 a)raid +#en #e #ad @oined t#e na-y5 0ru$lin0 +#en #e #ad
$arried Sara# Rut#6
T#e t#ou0#t o) #er rou0#t #i$ slo+ly to #is )eet6 S#e +ould (no+ +#at #e #ad to do6 S#e
+ould clear u' t#e rest o) it5 and s#e +ould at least e 'leased6 It see$ed to #i$ t#at5 all alon05
t#at +as +#at #e +anted5 to 'lease #er6 His truc( +as still 'ar(ed in )ront o) t#e uildin0 +#ere
t#e artist #ad #is 'lace5 ut it +as not )ar a+ay6 He 0ot in it and dro-e out o) t#e city and into
t#e country ni0#t6 His #ead +as al$ost clear o) li9uor and #e oser-ed t#at #is dissatis)action
+as 0one5 ut #e )elt not 9uite li(e #i$sel)6 It +as as i) #e +ere #i$sel) ut a stran0er to
#i$sel)5 dri-in0 into a ne+ country t#ou0# e-eryt#in0 #e sa+ +as )a$iliar to #i$5 e-en at ni0#t6
He arri-ed )inally at t#e #ouse on t#e e$an($ent5 'ulled t#e truc( under t#e 'ecan tree
and 0ot out6 He $ade as $uc# noise as 'ossile to assert t#at #e +as still in c#ar0e #ere5 t#at
#is lea-in0 #er )or a ni0#t +it#out +ord $eant not#in0 e"ce't it +as t#e +ay #e did t#in0s6 He
sla$$ed t#e car door5 sta$'ed u' t#e t+o ste's and across t#e 'orc# and rattled t#e door
(no6 It did not res'ond to #is touc#6 8Sara# Rut#S: #e yelled5 8let $e in6:
T#ere +as no loc( on t#e door and s#e #ad e-idently6 'laced t#e ac( o) a c#air a0ainst t#e
(no6 He e0an to eat on t#e door and rattle t#e (no at t#e sa$e ti$e6
He #eard t#e ed s'rin0s screa( and ent do+n and 'ut #is #ead to t#e (ey#ole5 ut it +as
sto''ed u' +it# 'a'er6 8Let $e inl: #e #ollered5 a$$in0 on t#e door a0ain6 8&#at you 0ot
$e loc(ed out )or3:
* s#ar' -oice close to t#e door said5 8&#os t#ere3:
8Me5: Par(er said5 8O6 E6:
He +aited a $o$ent6
8Me5: #e said i$'atiently5 8O6 E6:
Still no sound )ro$ inside6
He tried once $ore6 8O6 E65: #e said5 a$$in0 t#e door t+o or t#ree $ore ti$es6 8O6 E6
Par(er6 ,ou (no+ $e6:
T#ere +as a silence6 T#en t#e -oice said slo+ly5 8I dont (no+no O6 E6:
8Tuit )oolin05: Par(er 'leaded6 8,ou aint 0ot any usiness doin0 $e t#is +ay6 Its $e5 old O6
E65 I$ ac(6 ,ou aint a)raid o) $e6:
8&#os t#ere3: t#e sa$e un)eelin0 -oice said6
Par(er turned #is #ead as i) #e e"'ected so$eone e#ind #i$ to 0i-e #i$ t#e ans+er6 T#e
s(y #ad li0#tened sli0#tly and t#ere +ere t+o or t#ree strea(s o) yello+ )loatin0 ao-e t#e
#oriEon6 T#en as #e stood t#ere5 a tree o) li0#t urst o-er t#e s(yline6
Par(er )ell ac( a0ainst t#e door as i) #e #ad een 'inned t#ere y a lance6
8&#os t#ere3: t#e -oice )ro$ inside said and t#ere +as a 9uality aout it no+ t#at see$ed
)inal6 T#e (no rattled and t#e -oice said 'ere$'torily5 A&#os t#ere5 I ast you3:
Par(er ent do+n and 'ut #is $out# near t#e stu))ed (ey#ole6 8Oadia#5: #e +#is'ered
and all at once #e )elt t#e li0#t 'ourin0 t#rou0# #i$5 turnin0 #is s'ider +e soul into a 'er)ect
araes9ue o) colors5 a 0arden o) trees and irds and easts6
8Oadia# Eli#uel: #e +#is'ered6
T#e door o'ened and #e stu$led in6 Sara# Rut# loo$ed t#ere5 #ands on #er #i's6 S#e
e0an at once5 8T#at +as no #e)ty londe +o$an you +as +or(in0 )or and youll #a-e to 'ay
#er e-ery 'enny on #er tractor you usted u'6 S#e dont (ee' insurance on it6 S#e ca$e #ere
and #er and $e #ad us a lon0 tal( and IB:
Tre$lin05 Par(er set aout li0#tin0 t#e (erosene la$'6
8&#ats t#e $atter +it# you5 +astin0 t#at (eresene t#is near dayli0#t3: s#e de$anded6 8I
aint 0ot to loo( at you6:
* yello+ 0lo+ en-elo'ed t#e$6 Par(er 'ut t#e $atc# do+n and e0an to unutton #is s#irt6
8*nd you aint 0oin0 to #a-e none o) $e t#is near $ornin05: s#e said6
8S#ut your $out#5: #e said 9uietly6 8Loo( at t#is and t#en I dont +ant to #ear no $ore out
o) you6: He re$o-ed t#e s#irt and turned #is ac( to #er6
8*not#er 'icture5: Sara# Rut# 0ro+led6 8I $i0#t #a-e (no+n you +as o)) a)ter 'uttin0 so$e
$ore tras# on yoursel)6:
Par(ers (nees +ent #ollo+ under #i$6 He +#eeled around and cried5 8Loo( at itS .ont @ust
say t#atS Loo( at itl:
8I done loo(ed5: s#e said6
8.ont you (no+ +#o it is3: #e cried in an0uis#6
8/o5 +#o is it3: Sara# Rut# said6 8It aint anyody I (no+6:
8Its #i$5: Par(er said6
8Hi$ +#o3:
8!odS: Par(er cried6
8!od3 !od dont loo( li(e t#atS:
A&#at do you (no+ #o+ #e loo(s3: Par(er $oaned6 8,ou aint seen #i$6:
8He dont loo(5: Sara# Rut# said6 8Hes a s'irit6 /o $an s#all see #is )ace6:
8*+ listen5: Par(er 0roaned5 8t#is is @ust a 'icture o) #i$6:
8IdolatryS: Sara# Rut# screa$ed6 8IdolatryS En)la$in0 yoursel) +it# idols under e-ery 0reen
treeS I can 'ut u' +it# lies and -anity ut I dont +ant no idolator in t#is #ouseS: and s#e
0raed u' t#e roo$ and e0an to t#ras# #i$ across t#e s#oulders +it# it6
Par(er +as too stunned to resist6 He sat t#ere and let #er eat #i$ until s#e #ad nearly
(noc(ed #i$ senseless and lar0e +elts #ad )or$ed on t#e )ace o) t#e tattooed C#rist6 T#en #e
sta00ered u' and $ade )or t#e door6
S#e sta$'ed t#e roo$ t+o or t#ree ti$es on t#e )loor and +ent to t#e +indo+ and s#oo(
it out to 0et t#e taint o) #i$ o)) it5 Still 0ri''in0 it5 s#e loo(ed to+ard t#e 'ecan tree and #er
eyes #ardened still $ore6 T#ere #e +asI+#o called #i$sel) Oadia# Eli#ueIleanin0 a0ainst
t#e tree5 cryin0 li(e a ay6
4ud0e$ent .ay N;<?KO
T*//ER +as conser-in0 all #is stren0t# )or t#e tri' #o$e6 He $eant to +al( as )ar as #e
could 0et and trust to t#e *l$i0#ty to 0et #i$ t#e rest o) t#e +ay6 T#at $ornin0 and t#e
$ornin0 e)ore5 #e #ad allo+ed #is dau0#ter to dress #i$ and #ad conser-ed t#at $uc# $ore
ener0y6 /o+ #e sat in t#e c#air y t#e +indo+ #is lue s#irt uttoned at t#e collar5 #is coat on
t#e ac( o) t#e c#air5 and #is #at on #is #eadI+aitin0 )or #er to lea-e6 He couldnt esca'e until
s#e 0ot out o) t#e +ay6 T#e +indo+ loo(ed out on a ric( +all and do+n into an alley )ull o)
/e+ ,or( air5 t#e (ind )it )or cats and 0ara0e6 * )e+ sno+ )la(es dri)ted 'ast t#e +indo+ ut
t#ey +ere too t#in and scattered )or #is )ailin0 -ision6
T#e dau0#ter +as in t#e (itc#en +as#in0 dis#es6 S#e da+dled o-er e-eryt#in05 tal(in0 to
#ersel)6 &#en #e #ad )irst co$e5 #e #ad ans+ered #er5 ut t#at #ad not een +anted6 S#e
0lo+ered at #i$ as i)5 old )ool t#at #e +as5 #e s#ould still #a-e #ad sense enou0# not to ans+er
a +o$an tal(in0 to #ersel)6 S#e 9uestioned #ersel) in one -oice and ans+ered #ersel) in
anot#er6 &it# t#e ener0y #e #ad conser-ed yesterday lettin0 #er dress #i$5 #e #ad +ritten a
note and 'inned it in #is 'oc(et6 IF FO7/. .E*. SHIP EVPRESS COLLECT TO COLEM*/
P*RR7M5 CORI/TH5 !EOR!I*6 7nder t#is #e #ad continued: COLEM*/ SELL M, %ELO/!I/!S
*/. P*, THE FREI!HT O/ ME Z THE 7/.ERT*CER6 */,THI/! LEFT O2ER ,O7 C*/ CEEP6
,O7RS TR7L, T6 C6 T*//ER6 P6 S6 ST*, &HERE ,O7 *RE6 .O/T LET THEM T*LC ,O7 I/TO
COMI/! 7P HERE6 ITS /O CI/. OF PL*CE6 It #ad ta(en #i$ t#e etter 'art o) t#irty $inutes to
+rite t#e 'a'erD t#e scri't +as +a-ery ut deci'#erale +it# 'atience6 He controlled one #and
y #oldin0 t#e ot#er on to' o) it6 %y t#e ti$e #e #ad 0ot it +ritten5 s#e +as ac( in t#e
a'art$ent )ro$ 0ettin0 #er 0roceries6
Today #e +as ready6 *ll #e #ad to do +as 'us# one )oot in )ront o) t#e ot#er until #e 0ot to
t#e door and do+n t#e ste's6 Once do+n t#e ste's5 #e +ould 0et out o) t#e nei0#or#ood6
Once out o) it5 #e +ould #ail a ta"i ca and 0o to t#e )rei0#t yards6 So$e u$ +ould #el' #i$
onto a car6 Once #e 0ot in t#e )rei0#t car5 #e +ould lie do+n and rest6 .urin0 t#e ni0#t t#e train
+ould start Sout#5 and t#e ne"t day or t#e $ornin0 a)ter5 dead or ali-e5 #e +ould e #o$e6
.ead or ali-e6 It +as ein0 t#ere t#at $atteredD t#e dead or ali-e did not6
He #ad #ad 0ood sense #e +ould #a-e 0one t#e day a)ter #e arri-edD etter sense and #e
+ould not #a-e arri-ed6 He #ad not 0ot des'erate until t+o days a0o +#en #e #ad #eard #is
dau0#ter and sonHinHla+ ta(in0 lea-e o) eac# ot#er a)ter rea()ast6 T#ey +ere standin0 in t#e
)ront door5 s#e seein0 #i$ o)) )or a t#reeHday tri'6 He dro-e a lon0 distance $o-in0 -an6 S#e
$ust #a-e #anded #i$ #is leat#er #ead0ear6 8,ou ou0#t to 0et you a #at5: s#e said5 8a real
one6:
8*nd sit all day in it5: t#e sonHinHla+ said5 8li(e #i$ in t#ere6 ,a#S *ll #e does is sit all day
+it# t#at #at on6 Sits all day +it# t#at da$n lac( #at on #is #ead6 InsideS:
8&ell you dont e-en #a-e you a #at5: s#e said6 8/ot#in0 ut t#at leat#er ca' +it# )la's6
Peo'le t#at are so$eody +ear #ats6 Ot#er (inds +ear t#ose leat#er ca's li(e you 0ot on6:
8Peo'le t#at are so$eodyS: #e cried6 8Peo'le t#at arc so$eodyS T#at (ills $eS T#at really
(ills $eS: T#e sonHinHla+ #ad a stu'id $uscular )ace and a yan(ee -oice to 0o +it# it6
8My daddy is #ere to stay5: #is dau0#ter said6 8He aint 0oin0 to last lon06 He +as so$eody
+#en #e +as so$eody6 He ne-er +or(ed )or noody in #is li)e ut #i$sel) and #ad
'eo'leIot#er 'eo'leI+or(in0 )or #i$6:
8,a#3 /i00ers is +#at #e #ad +or(in0 )or #i$5: t#e sonHinHla+ said6 8T#ats all6 I-e +or(ed
a ni00er or t+o $ysel)6:
8T#ose +ere @ust na+t#un ni00ers you +or(ed5: s#e said5 #er -oice suddenly 0oin0 lo+er so
t#at Tanner #ad to lean )or+ard to catc# t#e +ords6 8It ta(es rains to +or( a real ni00er6 ,ou
0ot to (no+ #o+ to #andle t#e$6:
8,a# so I dont #a-e rains5: t#e sonHinHla+ said6
One o) t#e sudden5 -ery occasional5 )eelin0s o) +ar$t# )or t#e dau0#ter ca$e o-er Tanner6
E-ery no+ and t#en s#e said so$et#in0 t#at $i0#t $a(e you t#in( s#e #ad a little sense stored
a+ay so$e+#ere )or sa)e (ee'in06
8,ou 0ot t#e$5: s#e said6 8,ou dont al+ays use t#e$6:
8He #as a stro(e +#en #e sees a ni00er in t#e uildin05: t#e sonHinHla+ said5 8and s#e tells
$e555:
8S#ut u' tal(in0 so loud5: s#e said6 8T#ats not +#y #e #ad t#e stro(e6:
T#ere +as a silence6 8&#ere you 0oin0 to ury #i$3: t#e sonHinH la+ as(ed5 ta(in0 a
di))erent tac(6
8%ury +#o3:
8Hi$ in t#ere6:
8Ri0#t #ere in /e+ ,or(5: s#e said6 8&#ere do you t#in(3 &e 0ot a lot6 I$ not ta(in0 t#at
tri' do+n t#ere a0ain +it# noody6:
8,a#6 &ell I @ust +anted to $a(e sure5: #e said6
&#en s#e returned to t#e roo$5 Tanner #ad ot# #ands 0ri''ed on t#e c#air ar$s6 His eyes
+ere trained on #er li(e t#e eyes o) an an0ry cor'se6 8,ou 'ro$ised youd ury $e t#ere5: #e
said6 8,our 'ro$ise aint any 0ood6 ,our 'ro$ise aint any 0ood6 ,our 'ro$ise aint any 0ood6:
His -oice +as so dry it +as arely audile6 He e0an to s#a(e5 #is #ands5 #is #ead5 #is )eet5
8%ury $e #ere and urn in #ellS: #e cried and )ell ac( into #is c#air6
T#e dau0#ter s#uddered to attention6 8,ou aint dead yetS: S#e t#re+ out a 'onderous
si0#6 8,ou 0ot a lon0 ti$e to e +orryin0 aout t#at6: S#e turned and e0an to 'ic( u' 'arts o)
t#e ne+s'a'er scattered on t#e )loor6 S#e #ad 0ray #air t#at #un0 to #er s#oulders and a round
)ace5 e0innin0 to +ear6 8I do e-ery last li-in0 t#in0 )or you5: s#e $uttered5 8and t#is is t#e +ay
you carryon6: S#e stuc( t#e 'a'ers under #er ar$ and said5 8*nd dont t#ro+ #ell at $e6 I dont
elie-e in it6 T#ats a lot o) #ards#ell %a'tist #ooey6: T#en s#e +ent into t#e (itc#en6
He (e't #is $out# stretc#ed taut5 #is to' 'late 0ri''ed et+een #is ton0ue and t#e roo) o)
#is $out#6 Still t#e tears )looded do+n #is c#ee(sD #e +i'ed eac# one )urti-ely on #is s#oulder6
Her -oice rose )ro$ t#e (itc#en6 8*s ad as #a-in0 a c#ild6 He +anted to co$e and no+ #es
#ere5 #e dont li(e it6:
He #ad not +anted to co$e6
8Pretended #e didnt ut I could tell6 I said i) you dont +ant to co$e I cant $a(e you6 I)
you dont +ant to li-e li(e decent 'eo'le t#eres not#in0 I can do aout it6:
8*s )or $e5: #er #i0#er -oice said5 8+#en I die t#at aint t#e ti$e I$ 0oin0 to start 0ettin0
c#oosey6 T#ey can lay $e in t#e nearest s'ot6 &#en I 'ass )ro$ t#is +orld Ill e considerate o)
t#e$ t#at stay in it6 I +ont e t#in(in0 o) @ust $ysel)6:
8Certainly not5: t#e ot#er -oice said5 8,ou ne-er een t#at sel)is#6
,oure t#e (ind t#at loo(s out )or ot#er 'eo'le6:
8&ell I try5: s#e said5 8I try6:
He laid #is #ead on t#e ac( o) t#e c#air )or a $o$ent and t#e #at tilted do+n o-er #is
eyes6 He #ad raised t#ree oys and #er6 T#e t#ree oys +ere 0one5 t+o in t#e +ar and one to
t#e de-il and t#ere +as noody le)t +#o )elt a duty to+ard #i$ ut #er5 $arried and c#ildless5
in /e+ ,or( City li(e Mrs6 %i0D and ready +#en s#e ca$e ac( and )ound #i$ li-in0 t#e +ay #e
+as to ta(e #i$ ac( +it# #er6 S#e #ad 'ut #er )ace in t#e door o) t#e s#ac( and #ad stared5
e"'ressionless5 )or a second6 T#en all at once s#e #ad screa$ed and @u$'ed ac(6
8&#ats t#at on t#e )loor3:
8Cole$an5: #e said6
T#e old /e0ro +as curled u' on a 'allet aslee' at t#e )oot o) Tanners ed5 a stin(in0 s(in
)ull o) ones5 arran0ed in +#at see$ed -a0uely #u$an )or$6 &#en Cole$an +as youn05 #e
#ad loo(ed li(e a earD no+ t#at #e +as old #e loo(ed li(e a $on(ey6 &it# Tanner it +as t#e
o''ositeD +#en #e +as youn0 #e #ad loo(ed li(e a $on(ey ut +#en #e 0ot old6 #e loo(ed li(e
a ear6 T#e dau0#ter ste''ed ac( onto t#e 'orc#6 T#ere +ere t#e otto$s o) t+o cane c#airs
tilted a0ainst t#e cla'oard ut s#e declined to ta(e a seat6 S#e ste''ed out aout ten )eet
)ro$ t#e #ouse as i) it too( t#at $uc# s'ace to clear t#e odor6 T#en s#e #ad s'o(en #er 'iece6
8I) you dont #a-e any 'ride I #a-e and I (no+ $y duty and I +as raised to do it6 My $ot#er
raised $e to do it i) you didnt6 S#e +as )ro$ 'lain 'eo'le ut not t#e (ind t#at li(es to settle in
+it# ni00ers6:
*t t#at 'oint t#e old /e0ro roused u' and slid out t#e door5 a douledHu' s#ado+ +#ic#
Tanner @ust cau0#t si0#t o) 0lidin0 a+ay6
S#e #ad s#a$ed #i$6 He s#outed so t#ey ot# could #ear6 8&#o you t#in( coo(s3 &#o you
t#in( cuts $y )ire+ood and e$'ties $y slo's3 Hes 'aroled to $e6 T#at noH0ood scoundrel #as
een on $y #ands )or t#irty years6 He aint a ad ni00er6:
S#e +as uni$'ressed6 8&#ose s#ac( is t#is any+ay3: s#e #ad as(ed6 8,ours or #is3:
8Hi$ and $e uilt it5: #e said6 8,ou 0o on ac( u' t#ere6 I +ouldnt co$e +it# you )or no
$illion dollars or no sac( o) salt6:
8It loo(s li(e #i$ and you uilt it6 &#ose land is it on3:
8So$e 'eo'le t#at li-e in Florida5: #e said e-asi-ely6 He #ad (no+n t#en t#at it +as land u'
)or sale ut #e t#ou0#t it +as too sorry )or anyone to uy6 T#at sa$e a)ternoon #e #ad )ound
out di))erent6 He #ad )ound out in ti$e to 0o ac( +it# #er6 I) #e #ad )ound out a day later5 #e
$i0#t still e t#ere5 s9uattin0 on t#e doctors land6
&#en #e sa+ t#e ro+n 'or'oiseHs#a'ed )i0ure stridin0 across t#e )ield t#at a)ternoon5 #e
#ad (no+n at once +#at #ad #a''enedD no one #ad to tell #i$6 I) t#at ni00er #ad o+ned t#e
+#ole +orld e"ce't )or one runty rutted 'ea)ield and #e ac9uired it5 #e +ould +al( across it
t#at +ay5 eatin0 t#e +eeds aside5 #is t#ic( nec( s+elled5 #is sto$ac# a t#rone )or #is 0old
+atc# and c#ain6 .octor Foley6 He +as only 'art lac(6 T#e rest +as Indian and +#ite6
He +as e-eryt#in0 to t#e ni00ersIdru00ist and underta(er and 0eneral counsel and real
estate $an and so$eti$es #e 0ot t#e e-il eye o)) t#e$ and so$eti$es #e 'ut it on6 %e
're'ared5 #e said to #i$sel)5 +atc#in0 #i$ a''roac#5 to ta(e so$et#in0 o)) #i$5 ni00er t#ou0#
#e e6 %e 're'ared5 ecause you aint 0ot a t#in0 to #old u' to #i$ ut t#e s(in you co$e in5
and t#ats no $ore use to you no+ t#an +#at a sna(e +ould s#ed6 ,ou dont #a-e a c#ance
+it# t#e 0o-ern$ent a0ainst you6
He +as sittin0 on t#e 'orc# in t#e 'iece o) strai0#t c#air tilted a0ainst t#e s#ac(6 8!ood
e-enin05 Foley5: #e said and nodded as t#e doctor ca$e u' and sto''ed s#ort at t#e ed0e o)
t#e clearin05 as i) #e #ad only @ust t#at $inute seen #i$ t#ou0# it +as 'lain #e #ad si0#ted #i$
as #e crossed t#e )ield6
8I e out #ere to loo( at $y 'ro'erty5: t#e doctor said6 8!ood e-enin06: His -oice +as 9uic(
and #i0#6
*int een your 'ro'erty lon05 #e said to #i$sel)6 8I seen you co$in05: #e said6
8I ac9uired t#is #ere recently5: t#e doctor said and 'roceeded +it#out loo(in0 at #i$ a0ain
to +al( around to one side o) t#e s#ac(6 In a $o$ent #e ca$e ac( and sto''ed in )ront o)
#i$6 T#en #e ste''ed oldly to t#e door o) t#e s#ac( and 'ut #is #ead in6 Cole$an +as in t#ere
t#at ti$e too5 aslee'6 He loo(ed )or a $o$ent and t#en turned aside6 8I (no+ t#at ni00er5: #e
said6 8Cole$an Parru$I#o+ lon0 does it ta(e #i$ to slee' o)) t#at stu$' li9uor you all
$a(e3:
Tanner too( #old o) t#e (nos on t#e c#air otto$ and #eld t#e$ #ard6 8T#is s#ac( aint in
your 'ro'erty6 Only on it5 y $y $ista(e5: #e said6
T#e doctor re$o-ed #is ci0ar $o$entarily )ro$ #is $out#6 8It aint $y $isHta(e5: #e said
and s$iled6
He #ad only sat t#ere5 loo(in0 a#ead6
8It dont 'ay to $a(e t#is (ind o) $isHta(e5: t#e doctor said6
8I ne-er )ound not#in0 t#at 'aid yet5: #e $uttered6
8E-eryt#in0 'ays5: t#e /e0ro said5 8i) you (no+s #o+ to $a(e it5: and #e re$ained t#ere
s$ilin05 loo(in0 t#e s9uatter u' and do+n6 T#en #e turned and +ent around t#e ot#er side o)
t#e s#ac(6 T#ere +as a silence6 He +as loo(in0 )or t#e still6
T#en +ould #a-e een t#e ti$e to (ill #i$6 T#ere +as a 0un inside t#e s#ac( and #e could
#a-e done it as easy as not5 ut5 )ro$ c#ild#ood5 #e #ad een +ea(ened )or t#at (ind o)
-iolence y t#e )ear o) #ell6 He #ad ne-er (illed one5 #e #ad al+ays #andled t#e$ +it# #is +its
and +it# luc(6 He +as (no+n to #a-e a +ay +it# ni00ers6 T#ere +as an art to #andlin0 t#e$6
T#e secret o) #andlin0 a ni00er +as to s#o+ #i$ #is rains didnt #a-e a c#ance a0ainst yoursD
t#en #e +ould @u$' on your ac( and (no+ #e #ad a 0ood t#in0 t#ere )or li)e6 He #ad #ad
Cole$an on #is ac( )or t#irty years6
Tanner #ad )irst seen Cole$an +#en #e +as +or(in0 si" o) t#e$ at a sa+ $ill in t#e $iddle
o) a 'ine )orest )i)teen $iles )ro$ no+#ere6 T#ey +ere as sorry a cre+ as #e #ad +or(ed5 t#e
(ind t#at on Monday t#ey didnt s#o+ u'6 &#at +as in t#e air #ad reac#ed t#e$6 T#ey t#ou0#t
t#ere +as a ne+ Lincoln elected +#o +as 0oin0 to aolis# +or(6 He $ana0ed t#e$ +it# a -ery
s#ar' 'en(ni)e6 He #ad #ad so$et#in0 +ron0 +it# #is (idney t#en t#at $ade #is #ands s#a(e
and #e #ad ta(en to +#ittlin0 to )orce t#at +aste $otion out o) si0#t6 He did not intend t#e$
to see t#at #is #ands s#oo( o) t#eir o+n accord and #e did not intend to see it #i$sel) or to
Countenance it6 T#e (ni)e #ad $o-ed constantly5 -iolently5 in #is 9ua(in0 #ands and #ere and
t#ere s$all crude )i0uresIt#at #e ne-er loo(ed at a0ain and could not #a-e said +#at t#ey
+ere i) #e #adIdro''ed to t#e 0round6 T#e /e0roes 'ic(ed t#e$ u' and too( t#e$ #o$eD
t#ere +as not $uc# ti$e et+een t#e$ and dar(est *)rica6 T#e (ni)e 0littered constantly in #is
#ands6 More t#an once #e #ad sto''ed s#ort and said in an o))H#and -oice to so$e #al)H
reclinin05 #eadHa-erted /e0ro5 8/i00er5 t#is (ni)e is in $y #and no+ ut i) you dont 9uit
+astin0 $y ti$e and $oney5 itll e in your 0ut s#ortly6: *nd t#e /e0ro +ould e0in to
riseIslo+ly5 ut #e +ould e in t#e actIe)ore t#e sentence +as co$'leted6
* lar0e lac( looseH@ointed /e0ro5 t+ice #is o+n siEe5 #ad e0un #an0in0 around t#e ed0e
o) t#e sa+ $ill5 +atc#in0 t#e ot#ers +or( and +#en #e +as not +atc#in05 slee'in05 in )ull -ie+
o) t#e$5 s'ra+led li(e a 0i0antic ear on #is ac(6 8&#o is t#at3: #e #ad as(ed6 8I) #e +ants to
+or(5 tell #i$ to co$e #ere6 I) #e dont5 tell #i$ to 0o6 /o idlers are 0oin0 to #an0 around
#ere6:
/one o) t#e$ (ne+ +#o #e +as6 T#ey (ne+ #e didnt +ant to +or(6 T#ey (ne+ not#in0
else5 not +#ere #e #ad co$e )ro$5 nor +#y5 t#ou0# #e +as 'roaly rot#er to one5 cousin to
all o) t#e$6 He #ad i0nored #i$ )or a dayD a0ainst t#e si" o) t#e$ #e +as one yello+H)aced
scra+ny +#ite $an +it# s#a(y #ands6 He +as +illin0 to +ait )or troule5 ut not )ore-er6 T#e
ne"t day t#e stran0er ca$e a0ain6 *)ter t#e si" Tanner +or(ed #ad seen t#e idler t#ere )or #al)
t#e $ornin05 t#ey 9uit and e0an to eat5 a )ull t#irty $inutes e)ore noon6 He #ad not ris(ed
orderin0 t#e$ u'6 He #ad 0one to t#e source o) t#e troule6
T#e stran0er +as leanin0 a0ainst a tree on t#e ed0e o) t#e clearin05 +atc#in0 +it# #al)H
closed eyes6 T#e insolence on #is )ace arely co-ered t#e +ariness e#ind it6 His loo( said5 t#is
aint $uc# o) a +#ite $an so +#y #e co$e on so i05 +#at #e )i"in0 to do3
He #ad $eant to say5 8/i00er5 t#is (ni)e is in $y #and no+ ut i) you aint out o) $y si0#tB:
ut as #e dre+ closer #e c#an0ed #is $ind6 T#e /e0ros eyes +ere s$all and loods#ot6 Tanner
su''osed t#ere +as a (ni)e on #i$ so$e+#ere t#at #e +ould as soon use as not6 His o+n
'en(ni)e $o-ed5 directed solely y so$e intrudin0 intelli0ence t#at +or(ed in #is #ands6 He
#ad no idea +#at #e +as car-in05 ut +#en #e reac#ed t#e /e0ro5 #e #ad already $ade t+o
#oles t#e siEe o) #al) dollars in t#e 'iece o) ar(6
T#e /e0ros 0aEe )ell on #is #ands and +as #eld6 His @a+ slac(ened6 His eyes did not $o-e
)ro$ t#e (ni)e tearin0 rec(lessly around t#e ar(6 He +atc#ed as i) #e sa+ an in-isile 'o+er
+or(in0 on t#e +ood6
He loo(ed #i$sel) t#en and5 astonis#ed5 sa+ t#e connected ri$s o) a 'air o) s'ectacles6
He #eld t#e$ a+ay )ro$ #i$ and loo(ed t#rou0# t#e #oles 'ast a 'ile o) s#a-in0s and on
into t#e +oods to t#e ed0e o) t#e 'en +#ere t#ey (e't t#eir $ules6
8,ou cant see so 0ood5 can you5 oy3: #e said and e0an scra'in0 t#e 0round +it# #is )oot
to turn u' a 'iece o) +ire6 He 'ic(ed u' a s$all 'iece o) #ay+ireD in a $inute #e )ound anot#er5
s#orter 'iece and 'ic(ed t#at u'6 He e0an to attac# t#ese to t#e ar(6 He +as in no #urry no+
t#at #e (ne+ +#at #e +as doin06 &#en t#e s'ectacles +ere )inis#ed5 #e #anded t#e$ to t#e
/e0ro6 8Put t#ese on5: #e said6 8I #ate to see anyody cant see 0ood6:
T#ere +as an instant +#en t#e /e0ro $i0#t #a-e done one t#in0 or anot#er5 $i0#t #a-e
ta(en t#e 0lasses and crus#ed t#e$ in #is #and or 0raed t#e (ni)e and turned it on #i$6 He
sa+ t#e e"act instant in t#e $uddy li9uorHs+ollen eyes +#en t#e 'leasure o) #a-in0 a (ni)e in
t#is +#ite $ans 0ut +as alanced a0ainst so$et#in0 else5 #e could not tell +#at6
T#e /e0ro reac#ed )or t#e 0lasses6 He attac#ed t#e o+s care)ully e#ind #is ears and
loo(ed )ort#6 He 'eered t#is +ay and t#at +it# e"a00erated sole$nity6 *nd t#en #e loo(ed
directly at Tanner and 0rinned5 or 0ri$aced5 Tanner could not tell +#ic#5 ut #e #ad an
instants sensation o) seein0 e)ore #i$ a ne0ati-e i$a0e o) #i$sel)5 as i) clo+nis#ness and
ca'ti-ity #ad een t#eir co$$on lot6 T#e -ision )ailed #i$ e)ore #e could deci'#er it6
8Preac#er5: #e said5 8+#at you #an0in0 around #ere )or3: He 'ic(ed u' anot#er 'iece o)
ar( and e0an5 +it#out loo(in0 at it5 to car-e a0ain6 8T#is aint Sunday6:
8T#is #ere aint Sunday3: t#e /e0ro said6
8T#is is Friday5: #e said6 8T#ats t#e +ay it is +it# you 'reac#ersIdrun( all +ee( so you
dont (no+ +#en Sunday is6 &#at you see t#rou0# t#ose 0lasses3:
8See a $an6:
8&#at (ind o) a $an3:
8See t#e $an $a(e t#eseyer 0lasses6:
8Is #e +#ite or lac(3:
8He +#iteS: t#e /e0ro said as i) only at t#at $o$ent +as #is -ision su))iciently i$'ro-ed to
detect it6 8,essu#6 #e +#iteS: #e said6
8&ell5 you treat #i$ li(e #e +as +#ite5: Tanner said6 8&#ats your na$e3:
8/a$e Cole$an5: t#e /e0ro said6
*nd #e #ad not 0ot rid o) Cole$an since6 ,ou $a(e a $on(ey out o) one o) t#e$ and #e
@u$'s on your ac(D and stays t#ere )or li)e5 ut let one $a(e a $on(ey out o) you and ail you
can do is (ill #i$ or disa''ear6 *nd #e +as not 0oin0 to #ell )or (illin0 a ni00er6 %e#ind t#e s#ac(
#e #eard t#e doctor (ic( o-er a uc(et6 He sat and +aited6
In a $o$ent t#e doctor a''eared a0ain5 eatin0 #is +ay around t#e ot#er side o) t#e
#ouse5 +#ac(in0 at scarred clu$'s o) 4o#nson 0rass +it# #is cane6 He sto''ed in t#e $iddle o)
t#e yard5 aout +#ere t#at $ornin0 t#e dau0#ter #ad deli-ered #er ulti$atu$6
8,ou dont elon0 #ere5: #e e0an6 8I could #a-e you 'rosecuted6:
Tanner re$ained t#ere5 du$5 starin0 across t#e )ield6
8&#eres your still3: t#e doctor as(ed6
8I) its a still around #ere5 it dont elon0 to $e5 #e said and s#ut #is $out# ti0#t6
T#e /e0ro lau0#ed so)tly6 8.o+n on your luc(5 aint you3: #e $ur$ured6 8.idnt you used
to o+n a little 'iece o) land o-er acrost t#e ri-er and lost it3:
He #ad continued to study t#e +oods a#ead6
8I) you +ant to run t#e still )or $e5 t#ats one t#in05: t#e doctor said6 8I) you dont5 you
$i0#t as +ell #ad e 'ac(in0 u'6:
8I dont #a-e to +or( )or you5: #e said6 8T#e 0o-ern$int aint 0ot around yet to )orcin0 t#e
+#ite )ol(s to +or( )or t#e colored6:
T#e doctor 'olis#ed t#e stone in #is rin0 +it# t#e all o) #is t#u$6 8I dont li(e t#e
0o-ern$int no ettern you5: #e said6 8&#ere you 0oin0 instead3 ,ou 0oin0 to t#e city and 0et
you a soot o) roo$s at t#e %ilt$o Hotel3:
Tanner said not#in06
8T#e day co$in05: t#e doctor said5 8+#en t#e +#ite )ol(s IS 0oin0 to e +or(in0 )or t#e
colored and you $i0#ts +ell to 0it a#ead o) t#e cro+d6:
8T#at day aint co$in0 )or $e5: Tanner said s#ortly6
8.one co$e )or you5: t#e doctor said6 8*int co$e )or t#e rest o) t#e$6:
Tanners 0aEe dro-e on 'ast t#e )art#est lue ed0e o) t#e tree line into t#e 'ale e$'ty
a)ternoon s(y6 8I 0ot a dau0#ter in t#e nort#5: #e said6 8I dont #a-e to +or( )or you6:
T#e doctor too( #is +atc# )ro$ #is +atc# 'oc(et and loo(ed at it and 'ut it ac(6 He 0aEed
)or a $o$ent at t#e ac( o) #is #ands6 He a''eared to #a-e $easured and to (no+ secretly t#e
ti$e it +ould ta(e e-eryt#in0 to c#an0e )inally u'side do+n6 8S#e dont +ant no old daddy li(e
you5: #e said6 8Maye s#e say s#e do5 ut t#at aint li(ely6 E-en i) you ric#5: #e said5 8t#ey dont
+ant you6 T#ey 0ot t#ey o+n ideas6 T#e lac( ones t#ey rares and t#ey 'itc#es6 I $ade $ine5:
#e said5 8and I aint done none o) t#at6: He loo(ed a0ain at Tanner6 8I e ac( #ere ne"t +ee(5:
#e said5 8and i) you still #ere5 I (no+ you 0oin0 to +or( )or $e6: He re$ained t#ere a $o$ent5
roc(in0 on #is #eels5 +aitin0 )or so$e ans+er6 Finally #e turned and started eatin0 #is +ay
ac( t#rou0# t#e o-er0ro+n 'at#6
Tanner #ad continued to loo( across t#e )ield as i) #is s'irit #ad een suc(ed out o) #i$ into
t#e +oods and not#in0 +as le)t on t#e c#air ut a s#ell6 I) #e #ad (no+n it +as a 9uestion o)
t#isIsittin0 #ere loo(in0 out o) t#is +indo+ all day in t#is noH'lace5 or @ust runnin0 a still )or a
ni00er5 #e +ould #a-e run t#e still )or t#e ni00er6 He +ould #a-e een a ni00ers +#ite ni00er
any day6 %e#ind #i$ #e #eard t#e dau0#ter co$e in )ro$ t#e (itc#en6 His #eart accelerated ut
a)ter a second #e #eard #er 'lu$' #ersel) do+n on t#e so)a6 S#e +as not yet ready to 0o6 He
did not turn and loo( at #er6
S#e sat t#ere silently a )e+ $o$ents6 T#en s#e e0an6 8T#e troule +it# you is5: s#e said5
8you sit in )ront o) t#at +indo+ all t#e ti$e +#ere t#eres not#in0 to loo( out at6 ,ou need
so$e ins'iration and an outHlet6 I) you +ould let $e 'ull your c#air around to loo( at t#e T25
you +ould 9uit t#in(in0 aout $orid stu))5 deat# and #ell and @ud0e$ent6 My Lord6:
8T#e 4ud0e$ent is co$in05: #e $uttered6 8T#e s#ee'll e se'arated )ro$ t#e 0oats6 T#e$
t#at (e't t#eir 'ro$ises )ro$ t#e$ t#at didnt6 T#e$ t#at did t#e est t#ey could +it# +#at
t#ey #ad )ro$ t#e$ t#at didnt6 T#e$ t#at #onored t#eir )at#er and t#eir $ot#er )ro$ t#e$
t#at cursed t#e$6 T#e$ t#atB:
S#e #ea-ed a $a$$ot# si0# t#at all ut dro+ned #i$ out6 8&#ats t#e use in $e +astin0
$y 0ood reat#3: s#e as(ed6 S#e rose and +ent ac( in t#e (itc#en and e0an (noc(in0 t#in0s
aout6
S#e +as so #i0# and $i0#tyS *t #o$e #e #ad een li-in0 in a s#ac( ut t#ere +as at least air
around it6 He could 'ut #is )eet on t#e 0round6 Here s#e didnt e-en li-e in a #ouse6 S#e li-ed in
a 'i0eonH#utc# o) a uildin05 +it# all stri'es o) )orei0ner5 all o) t#e$ t+isted in t#e ton0ue6 It
+as no 'lace )or a sane $an6 T#e )irst $ornin0 #ere s#e #ad ta(en #i$ si0#tseein0 and #e #ad
seen in )i)teen $inutes e"actly #o+ it +as6 He #ad not een out o) t#e a'art$ent since6 He
ne-er +anted to set )oot a0ain on t#e under0round railroad or t#e ste's t#at $o-ed under you
+#ile you stood still or any ele-ator to t#e t#irtyH)ourt# )loor6 &#en #e +as sa)ely ac( in t#e
a'art$ent a0ain5 #e #ad i$a0ined 0oin0 o-er it +it# Cole$an6 He #ad to turn #is #ead e-en
)e+ seconds to $a(e sure Cole$an +as e#ind #i$6 Cee' to t#e inside or t#ese 'eo'leI (noc(
you do+n5 (ee' ri0#t e#ind $e or you AII 0et le)t5 (ee' your #at on5 you da$n idiot5 #e #ad
said5 and Cole$an #ad co$e on +it# #is ent runnin0 s#a$le5 'antin0 and $utterin05 &#at
+e doin0 #ere3 &#ere you 0et t#is )ool idea co$in0 #ere3
I co$e to s#o+ you it +as no (ind o) 'lace6 /o+ you (no+ you +ere +ell o)) +#ere you
+ere6
I (no+ed it e)ore5 Cole$an said6 &as you didnt (no+ it6
&#en #e #ad een #ere a +ee(5 #e #ad 0ot a 'ostcard )ro$ Cole$an t#at #ad een +ritten
)or #i$ y Hooten at t#e railroad station6 It +as +ritten in 0reen in( and said5 8T#is is Cole$anH
VI#o+ you oss6: 7nder it Hooten #ad +ritten )ro$ #i$sel)5 8Tuit )re9uentin0 all t#ose
nites'ots and co$e on #o$e5 you scoundrel5 yours truly6 &6 P6 Hooten6: He #ad sent Cole$an
a card in return5 care o) Hooten5 t#at said5 8T#is 'lace is alrite i) you li(e it6 ,ours truly5 &6 T6
Tanner6: Since t#e dau0#ter #ad to $ail t#e card5 #e #ad not 'ut on it t#at #e +as returnin0 as
soon as #is 'ension c#ec( ca$e6 He #ad not intended to tell #er ut to lea-e #er a note6 &#en
t#e c#ec( ca$e5 #e +ould #ire #i$sel) a ta"i to t#e us station and e on #is +ay6 *nd it +ould
#a-e nude #er as #a''y as it $ade #i$6 S#e #ad )ound #is co$'any dour and #er duty ir(so$e6
I) #e #ad snea(ed out5 s#e +ould #a-e #ad t#e 'leasure o) #a-in0 tried to do it and to to' t#at
o))5 t#e 'leasure o) #is in0ratitude6
*s )or #i$5 #e +ould #a-e returned to s9uat on t#e doctors land and to ta(e #is orders
)ro$ a ni00er +#o c#e+ed tencent ci0ars6 *nd to t#in( less aout it t#an )or$erly6 Instead #e
#ad een done in y a ni00er actor5 or one +#o called #i$sel) an actor6 He didnt elie-e t#e
ni00er +as any actor6
T#ere +ere t+o a'art$ents on eac# )loor o) t#e uildin05 He #ad een +it# t#e dau0#ter
t#ree +ee(s +#en t#e 'eo'le in t#e ne"t #utc# $o-ed out6 He #ad stood in t#e #all and
+atc#ed t#e $o-in0out and t#e ne"t day #e #ad +atc#ed a $o-in0HIn6 T#e #all +as narro+ and
dar( and #e stood in t#e corner out o) t#e +ay5 o))erin0 only a su00estion e-ery no+ and t#en
to t#e $o-er s t#at +ould #a-e $ade t#eir +or( easier )or t#e$ i) t#ey #ad 'aid any
attention6 T#e )urniture +as ne+ and c#ea' so #e decided t#e 'eo'le $o-in0 in $i0#t e a
ne+ly $arried cou'le and #e +ould @ust +ait around until t#ey ca$e and +is# t#e$ +ell6 *)ter
a +#ile a lar0e /e0ro in a li0#t lue suit ca$e lun0in0 u' t#e stairs5 carryin0 t+o can-as
suitcases5 #is #ead lo+ered a0ainst t#e strain6 %e#ind #i$ ste''ed a youn0 tanHs(inned +o$an
+it# ri0#t co''ercolored #air6 T#e /e0ro dro''ed t#e suitcases +it# a t#ud in )ront o) t#e
door o) t#e ne"t a'art$ent6
8%e care)ul5 S+eetie5: t#e +o$an said6 8My $a(eHu' is in t#ere6:
It ro(e u'on #i$ t#en @ust +#at +as #a''enin06
T#e /e0ro +as 0rinnin06 He too( a s+i'e at one o) #er #i's6
8Tuit it5: s#e said5 8t#eres an old 0uy +atc#in06:
T#ey ot# turned and loo(ed at #i$6
8HadHdo5: #e said and nodded6 T#en #e turned 9uic(ly into #is o+n door6
His dau0#ter +as in t#e (itc#en6 8&#o you t#in(s rented t#at a'art$ent o-er t#ere3: #e
as(ed5 #is )ace ali0#t6
S#e loo(ed at #i$ sus'iciously6 8&#o3: s#e $uttered6
8* ni00erl: #e said in a 0lee)ul -oice6 8* Sout# *laa$a ni00er i) I e-er sa+ one6 *nd 0ot #i$
t#is #i0#Hyeller5 #i0#Hste''in0 +o$an +it# red #air and t#ey t+o are 0oin0 to li-e ne"t door to
youS: He sla''ed #is (nee6 8,es sireeS: #e said6 8.a$n i) t#ey aintS: It +as t#e )irst ti$e since
co$in0 u' #ere t#at #e #ad #ad occasion to lau0#6
Her )ace s9uared u' instantly6 8*ll ri0#t no+ you listen to $e5: s#e said6 8,ou (ee' a+ay
)ro$ t#e$6 .ont you 0o o-er t#ere tryin0 to 0et )riendly +it# #i$6 T#ey aint t#e sa$e around
#ere and I dont +ant any troule +it# ni00ers5 you #ear $e3 I) you #a-e to li-e ne"t to t#e$5
@ust you $ind your usiness and t#eyll $ind t#eirs6 T#ats t#e +ay 'eo'le +ere $eant to 0et
alon0 in t#is +orld6 E-eryody can 0et alon0 i) t#ey @ust $ind t#eir usiness6 Li-e and let li-e6:
S#e e0an to +rin(le #er nose li(e a rait5 a stu'id +ay s#e #ad6 87' #ere e-eryody $inds
t#eir o+n usiness and e-eryody 0ets alon06 T#ats all you #a-e to do6:
8I +as 0ettin0 alon0 +it# ni00ers e)ore you +ere orn5: #e said6 He +ent ac( out into t#e
#all and +aited6 He +as +illin0 to et t#e ni00er +ould li(e to tal( to so$eone +#o understood
#i$6 T+ice +#ile #e +aited5 #e )or0ot and in #is e"cite$ent5 s'it #is toacco @uice a0ainst t#e
aseoard6 In aout t+enty $inutes5 t#e door o) t#e a'art$ent o'ened a0ain and t#e /e0ro
ca$e out6 He #ad 'ut on a tie and a 'air o) #ornHri$$ed s'ectacles and Tanner noticed )or t#e
)irst ti$e t#at #e #ad a s$all al$ost in-isile 0oatee6 * real s+ell6 He ca$e on +it#out
a''earin0 to see t#ere +as anyone else in t#e #all6
8Haddy5 4o#n5: Tanner said and nodded5 ut t#e /e0ro rus#ed 'ast +it#out #earin0 and
+ent rattlin0 ra'idly do+n t#e stairs6
Could e dea) and du$5 Tanner t#ou0#t6 He +ent ac( into t#e a'art$ent and sat do+n
ut eac# ti$e #e #eard a noise in t#e #all5 #e 0ot u' and +ent to t#e door and stuc( #is #ead
out to see i) it $i0#t e t#e /e0ro6 Once in t#e $iddle o) t#e a)ternoon5 #e cau0#t t#e /e0ros
eye @ust as #e +as roundin0 t#e end o) t#e stairs a0ain ut e)ore #e could 0et out a +ord5 t#e
$an +as in #is o+n a'art$ent and #ad sla$$ed t#e door6 He #ad ne-er (no+n one to $o-e
t#at )ast unless t#e 'olice +ere a)ter #i$6
He +as standin0 in t#e #all early t#e ne"t $ornin0 +#en t#e +o$an ca$e out o) #er door
alone5 +al(in0 on #i0# 0oldH'ainted #eels6 He +is#ed to id #er 0ood $ornin0 or si$'ly to nod
ut instinct told #i$ to e+are6 S#e didnt loo( li(e any (ind o) +o$an5 lac( or +#ite5 #e #ad
e-er seen e)ore and #e re$ained 'ressed a0ainst t#e +all5 )ri0#tened $ore t#an anyt#in0
else5 and )ei0nin0 in-isiility6
T#e +o$an 0a-e #i$ a )lat stare5 t#en turned #er #ead a+ay and ste''ed +ide o) #i$ as i)
s#e +ere s(irtin0 an o'en 0ara0e can6 He #eld #is reat# until s#e +as out o) si0#t6 T#en #e
+aited 'atiently )or t#e $an6
T#e /e0ro ca$e out aout ei0#t ocloc(6
T#is ti$e Tanner ad-anced s9uarely in #is 'at#6 8!ood $ornin05 Preac#er5: #e said6 It #ad
een #is e"'erience t#at i) a /e0ro tended to e sullen5 t#is title usually cleared u' #is
e"'ression6
T#e /e0ro sto''ed aru'tly6
8I seen you $o-e in5: Tanner said6 8I aint een u' #ere lon0 $ysel)6
It aint $uc# o) a 'lace i) you as( $e6 I rec(on you +is# you +ere ac( in Sout# *laa$a6:
T#e /e0ro did not ta(e a ste' or ans+er6 His eyes e0an to $o-e6 T#ey $o-ed )ro$ t#e to'
o) t#e lac( #at5 do+n to t#e collarless lue s#irt5 neatly uttoned at t#e nec(5 do+n t#e )aded
0alluses to t#e 0ray trousers and t#e #i0#to' s#oes and u' a0ain5 -ery slo+ly5 +#ile so$e
un)at#o$ale deadHcold ra0e see$ed to sti))en and s#rin( #i$6
8I t#ou0#t you $i0#t (no+ so$e+#ere around #ere +e could )ind us a 'ond5 Preac#er5:
Tanner said in a -oice 0ro+in0 t#inner ut still +it# considerale #o'e in it6
* seet#in0 noise ca$e out o) t#e /e0ro e)ore #e s'o(e6 8I$ not )ro$ Sout# *laa$a5: #e
said in a reat#less +#eeEin0 -oice6 8I$ )ro$ /e+ ,or( City6 *nd I$ not no 'reac#erQ I$ an
actor6:
Tanner c#ortled6 8Its a little actor in $ost 'reac#ers5 aint it3: #e said and +in(ed6 8I rec(on
you @ust 'reac# on t#e side6:
8I dont 'reac#S: t#e /e0ro cried and rus#ed 'ast #i$ as i) a s+ar$ o) ees #ad suddenly
co$e do+n on #i$ out o) no+#ere6 He das#ed do+n t#e stairs and +as 0one6
Tanner stood #ere )or so$e ti$e e)ore #e +ent ac( in t#e a'art$ent6 T#e rest o) t#e day
#e sat in #is c#air and deated +#et#er #e +ould #a-e one $ore try at $a(in0 )riends +it#
#i$6 E-ery ti$e #e #eard a noise on t#e stairs #e +ent to t#e door and loo(ed out5 ut t#e
/e0ro did not return until late in t#e a)ternoon6 Tanner +as standin0 in t#e #all +aitin0 )or #i$
+#en #e reac#ed t#e to' o) t#e stairs6 8!ood e-enin05 'reac#er5: #e said5 )or0ettin0 t#at t#e
/e0ro called #i$sel) an actor6
T#e /e0ro sto''ed and 0ri''ed t#e anister rail6 * tre$or rac(ed #i$ )ro$ #is #ead to #is
crotc#6 T#en #e e0an to co$e )or+ard slo+ly6 &#en #e +as close enou0# #e lun0ed and
0ras'ed Tanner y ot# s#oulders6 8I dont ta(e no cra'5: #e +#is'ered5 8o)) no +oolH#at redH
nec( sonHo)HaHitc# 'ec(er+ood old astard li(e you6: He cau0#t #is reat#6 *nd t#en #is -oice
ca$e out in t#e sound o) an e"as'eration so 'ro)ound t#at it roc(ed on t#e -er0e o) a lau0#6 It
+as #i0# and 'iercin0 and +ea(5 8*nd I$ not no 'reac#erS I$ not e-en no C#ristian6 I dont
elie-e t#at cra'6 T#ere aint no 4esus and t#ere aint no !od6:
T#e old $an )elt #is #eart inside #i$ #ard and tou0# as an oa( (not6 8*nd you aint lac(5:
#e said6 8*nd I aint +#iteS:
T#e /e0ro sla$$ed #i$ a0ainst t#e +all6 He yan(ed t#e lac( #at do+n o-er #is eyes6 T#en
#e 0raed #is s#irt )ront and s#o-ed #i$ ac(+ards to #is o'en door and (noc(ed #i$
t#rou0# it6 Fro$ t#e (itc#en t#e dau0#ter sa+ #i$ lindly #it t#e ed0e o) t#e inside #all door
and )all reelin0 into t#e li-in0 roo$6
For days #is ton0ue a''eared to e )roEen in #is $out#6 &#en it unt#a+ed it +as t+ice its
nor$al siEe and #e could not $a(e #er understand #i$6 &#at #e +anted to (no+ +as i) t#e
0o-ern$ent c#ec( #ad co$e ecause #e $eant to uy a us tic(et +it# it and 0o #o$e6 *)ter a
)e+ days5 #e $ade #er understand6 8It ca$e5: s#e said5 8and itll @ust 'ay t#e )irst t+o +ee(s
doctorHill and 'lease tell $e #o+ youre 0oin0 #o$e +#en you cant tal( or +al( or t#in(
strai0#t and you 0ot one eye crossed yet3 4ust 'lease tell $e t#at3:
It #ad co$e to #i$ t#en slo+ly @ust +#at #is 'resent situation +as6 *t least #e +ould #a-e
to $a(e #er understand t#at #e $ust e sent #o$e to e uried6 T#ey could #a-e #i$ s#i''ed
ac( in a re)ri0erated car so t#at #e +ould (ee' )or t#e tri'6 He didnt +ant any underta(er u'
#ere $essin0 +it# #i$6 Let t#e$ 0et #i$ o)) at once and #e +ould co$e in on t#e early
$ornin0 train and t#ey could +ire Hooten to 0et Cole$an and Cole$an +ould do t#e restD s#e
+ould not e-en #a-e to 0o #ersel)6 *)ter a lot o) ar0u$ent5 #e +run0 t#e 'ro$ise )ro$ #er6 S#e
+ould s#i' #i$ ac(6
*)ter t#at #e sle't 'eace)ully and i$'ro-ed a little6 In #is drea$s #e could )eel t#e cold
early $ornin0 air o) #o$e co$in0 in t#rou0# t#e crac(s o) t#e 'ine o"6 He could see Cole$an
+aitin05 redHeyed5 on t#e station 'lat)or$ and Hooten standin0 t#ere +it# #is 0reen eyes#ade
and lac( al'aca slee-es6 I) t#e old )ool #ad stayed at #o$e +#ere #e elon0ed5 Hooten +ould
e t#in(in05 #e +ouldnt e arri-in0 on t#e ?:LG in no o"6 Cole$an #ad turned t#e orro+ed
$ule and cart so t#at t#ey could slide t#e o" o)) t#e 'lat)or$ onto t#e o'en end o) t#e +a0on6
E-eryt#in0 +as ready and t#e t+o o) t#e$5 s#ut$out#ed5 inc#ed t#e loaded co))in to+ard t#e
+a0on6 Fro$ inside #e e0an to scratc# on t#e +ood6 T#ey let 0o as i) it #ad cau0#t )ire6
T#ey stood loo(in0 at eac# ot#er5 t#en at t#e o"6
8T#at #i$5: Cole$an said6 8He in t#ere #is sel)6:
8/a+5: Hooten said5 8$ust e a rat 0ot in t#ere +it# #i$6:
8T#at #i$6 T#is #ere one o) #is tric(s6:
8I) its a rat #e $i0#t as +ell stay6:
8T#at #i$6 !it a cro+ar6:
Hooten +ent 0ru$lin0 o)) and 0ot t#e cro+ar and ca$e ac( and e0an to 'ry o'en t#e
lid6 E-en e)ore #e #ad t#e u''er end 'ried o'en5 Cole$an +as @u$'in0 u' and do+n5
+#eeEin0 and 'antin0 )ro$ e"cite$ent6 Tanner 0a-e a t#rust u'+ard +it# ot# #ands and
s'ran0 u' in t#e o"6 84ud0e$ent .ayS 4ud0e$ent .ayS: #e cried6 8.ont you t+o )ools (no+
its 4ud0e$ent .ay3:
/o+ #e (ne+ e"actly +#at #er 'ro$ises +ere +ort#6 He +ould do as +ell to trust to t#e
note 'inned in #is coat and to any stran0er +#o )ound #i$ dead in t#e street or in t#e o"car
or +#ere-er6 T#ere +as not#in0 to e loo(ed )or )ro$ #er e"ce't t#at s#e +ould do t#in0s #er
+ay6 S#e ca$e out o) t#e (itc#en a0ain5 #oldin0 #er #at and coat and ruer oots6
8/o+ listen5: s#e said5 8I #a-e to 0o to t#e store5 .ont you try to 0et u' and +al( around
+#ile I$ 0one6 ,ou-e een to t#e at#roo$ and you s#ouldnt #a-e to 0o a0ain6 I dont +ant
to )ind you on t#e )loor +#en I 0et ac(6:
,ou +ont )ind $e atall +#en you 0et ac(5 #e said to #i$sel)6T#is +as t#e last ti$e #e
+ould see #er Hat du$ )ace6 He )elt 0uilty6 S#e #ad een 0ood to #i$ and #e #ad een
not#in0 ut a nuisance to #er6
8.o you +ant you a 0lass o) $il( e)ore I 0o3: s#e as(ed6
8/o5: #e said6 T#en #e dre+ reat# and said5 8,ou 0ot a nice 'lace #ere6 Its a nice 'art o)
t#e country6 I$ sorry i) I-e 0i-e you a lot o) troule 0ettin0 sic(6 It +as $y )ault tryin0 to e
)riendly +it# t#at ni00er6: *nd I$ a da$ned liar esides5 #e said to #i$sel) to (ill t#e
outra0eous taste suc# a state$ent $ade in #is $out#6
For a $o$ent s#e stared as i) #e +ere losin0 #is $ind6 T#en s#e see$ed to t#in( etter o)
it6 8/o+ dont sayin0 so$et#in0 'leasant li(e t#at once in a +#ile $a(e you )eel etter3:5 #e
as(ed and sat do+n on t#e so)a6
His (nees itc#ed to unend6 !it on5 0it on5 #e )u$ed silently6 Ma(e #aste and 0o6
8Its 0reat to #a-e you #ere5: s#e said6 8I +ouldnt #a-e you any ot#er 'lace6 My o+n
daddy6: S#e 0a-e #i$ a i0 s$ile and #oisted #er ri0#t le0 u' and e0an to 'ull on #er oot6 8I
+ouldnt +is# a do0 out on a day li(e t#is5: s#e said5 8ut I 0ot to 0o6 ,ou can sit #ere and #o'e
I dont sli' and rea( $y nec(6: S#e sta$'ed t#e ooted )oot on t#e )loor and t#en e0an to
tac(le t#e ot#er one6
He turned #is eyes to t#e +indo+6 T#e sno+ +as e0innin0 to stic( and )reeEe to t#e
outside 'ane6 &#en #e loo(ed at #er a0ain5 s#e +as standin0 t#ere li(e a i0 doll stu))ed in its
#at and coat6 S#e dre+ on a 'air o) 0reen (nitted 0la-es6 8O(ay5: s#e said5 8I$ 0one6 ,ou sure
you dont +ant anyt#in03:
8/o5: #e said5 80o a#ead on6:
8&ell so lon0 t#en5: s#e said6
He raised t#e #at enou0# to re-eal a ald 'alely s'ec(led #ead6 T#e #all door closed e#ind
#er6 He e0an to tre$le +it# e"cite$ent6 He reac#ed e#ind #i$ and dre+ t#e coat into #is
la'6 &#en #e 0ot it on5 #e +aited until #e #ad sto''ed 'antin05 t#en #e 0ri''ed t#e ar$s o) t#e
c#air and 'ulled #i$sel) u'6 His ody )elt li(e a 0reat #ea-y ell +#ose cla''er s+un0 )ro$ side
to side ut $ade no noise6 Once u'5 #e re$ained standin0 a $o$ent5 s+ayin0 until #e 0ot #is
alance6 * sensation o) terror and de)eat s+e't o-er #i$6 He +ould ne-er $a(e it6 He +ould
ne-er 0et t#ere dead or ali-e6 He 'us#ed one )oot )or+ard and did not )all and #is con)idence
returned6 8T#e Lord is $y s#e'#erd5: #e $uttered5 8I s#all not +ant6: He e0an $o-in0 to+ard
t#e so)a +#ere #e +ould #a-e su''ort6 He reac#ed it6 He +as on #is +ay6
%y t#e ti$e #e 0ot to t#e door5 s#e +ould e do+n t#e )our )li0#ts o) ste's and out o) t#e
uildin06 He 0ot 'ast t#e so)a and cre't alon0 y t#e +all5 (ee'in0 #is #and on it )or su''ort6
/oody +as 0oin0 to ury #i$ #ere6 He +as as con)ident as i) t#e +oods o) #o$e lay at t#e
otto$ o) t#e stairs6 He reac#ed t#e )ront door o) t#e a'art$ent and o'ened it and 'eered
into t#e #all6 T#is +as t#e )irst ti$e #e #ad loo(ed into it since t#e actor #ad (noc(ed #i$
do+n6 It +as dan(Hs$ellin0 and e$'ty6 T#e t#in 'iece o) linoleu$ stretc#ed its $oldy len0t# to
t#e door o) t#e ot#er a'art$ent5 +#ic# +as closed6 8/i00er actor5: #e said6
T#e #ead o) t#e stairs +as ten or t+el-e )eet )ro$ +#ere #e stood and #e ent #is attention
to 0ettin0 t#ere +it#out cree'in0 around t#e lon0 +ay +it# a #and on t#e +all6 He #eld #is
ar$s a little +ay out )ro$ #is sides and 'us#ed )or+ard directly6 He +as #al)+ay t#ere +#en all
at once #is le0s disa''eared5 or )elt as i) t#ey #ad6 He loo(ed do+n5 e+ildered5 )or t#ey +ere
still t#ere6 He )ell )or+ard and 0ras'ed t#e anister 'ost +it# ot# #ands6 Han0in0 t#ere5 #e
0aEed )or +#at see$ed t#e lon0est ti$e #e #ad e-er loo(ed at anyt#in0 do+n t#e stee'
unli0#ted ste'sD t#en #e closed #is eyes and 'itc#ed )or+ard6 He landed u'side do+n in t#e
$iddle o) t#e )li0#t6
He )elt 'resently t#e tilt o) t#e o" as t#ey too( it o)) t#e train and 0ot it on t#e a00a0e
+a0on6 He $ade no noise yet6 T#e train @arred and slid a+ay6 In a $o$ent t#e a00a0e +a0on
+as ru$lin0 under #i$5 carryin0 #i$ ac( to t#e station side6 He #eard )ootste's rattlin0
closer and closer to #i$ and #e su''osed t#at a cro+d +as 0at#erin06 &ait until t#ey see t#is5
#e t#ou0#t6
8T#at #i$5: Cole$an said5 8one o) #is tric(s6:
8Its a da$$ rat in t#ere5: Hooten said6
8Its #i$6 !it t#e cro+ar6:
In a $o$ent a s#a)t o) 0reenis# li0#t )ell on #i$6 He 'us#ed t#rou0# it and cried in a +ea(
-oice5 84ud0e$ent .ayS 4ud0e$ent .ayS ,ou idiots didnt (no+ it +as 4ud0e$ent .ay5 did
you3:
8Cole$an3: #e $ur$ured6
T#e /e0ro endin0 o-er #i$ #ad a lar0e surly $out# and sullen eyes6
8*int any coal $an5 eit#er5: #e said6 T#is $ust e t#e +ron0 station5 Tanner t#ou0#t6 T#ose
)ools 'ut $e o)) too soon6 &#o is t#is ni00er3 It aint e-en dayli0#t #ere6
*t t#e /e0ros side +as anot#er )ace5 a +o$ansI'ale5 to''ed +it# a 'ile o) co''erH
0lintin0 #air and t+isted as i) s#e #ad @ust ste''ed in a 'ile o) dun06
8O#5: Tanner said5 8its you6:
T#e actor leaned closer and 0ras'ed #i$ y t#e )ront o) #is s#irt6 84ud0e$ent day5: #e said
in a $oc(in0 -oice6 8*int no @ud0e$ent day5 old $an6 Ce't t#is6 Maye t#is #ere @ud0e$ent
day )or you6:
Tanner tried to catc# #old o) a anisterHs'o(e to raise #i$sel) ut #is #and 0ras'ed air6 T#e
t+o )aces5 t#e lac( one and t#e 'ale one5 a''eared to e +a-erin06 %y an e))ort o) +ill #e (e't
t#e$ )ocused e)ore #i$ +#ile #e li)ted #is #and5 as li0#t as a reat#5 and said in #is @auntiest
-oice5 8He' $e u'5 Preac#er6 I$ on $y +ay #o$eS:
His dau0#ter )ound #i$ +#en s#e ca$e in )ro$ t#e 0rocery store6 His #at #ad een 'ulled
do+n o-er #is )ace and #is #ead and ar$s t#rust et+een t#e s'o(es o) t#e anisterD #is )eet
dan0led o-er t#e stair+ell li(e t#ose o) a $an in t#e stoc(s6 S#e tu00ed at #i$ )rantically and
t#en )le+ )or t#e 'olice6 T#ey cut #i$ out +it# a sa+ and said #e #ad een dead aout an #our6
S#e uried #i$ in /e+ ,or( City5 ut a)ter s#e #ad done it s#e could not slee' at ni0#t6
/i0#t a)ter ni0#t s#e turned and tossed and -ery de)inite lines e0an to a''ear in #er )ace5 so
s#e #ad #i$ du0 u' and s#i''ed t#e ody to Corint#6 /o+ s#e rests +ell at ni0#t and #er 0ood
loo(s #a-e $ostly returned6