CollectedStoriesof

WILLIAMFAULKNER

Contents

I.THECOUNTRY

BarnBurning
ShinglesfortheLord
TheTallMen
ABearHunt
TwoSoldiers
ShallNotPerish

II.THEVILLAGE

ARoseforEmily
Hair
CentaurinBrass
DrySeptember
DeathDrag
Elly
UncleWilly
MuleintheYard
ThatWillBeFine
ThatEveningSun

III.THEWILDERNESS

RedLeaves
AJustice
ACourtship
Lo!

IV.THEWASTELAND

AdAstra
Victory
Crevasse
Turnabout
AlltheDeadPilots

V.THEMIDDLEGROUND

Wash
Honor
Dr.Martin
FoxHunt
PennsylvaniaStation
ArtistatHome
TheBrooch
GrandmotherMillard
GoldenLand
ThereWasaQueen
MountainVictory

VI.BEYOND

Beyond
BlackMusic
TheLeg
Mistral
DivorceinNaples
Carcassonne

ITHECOUNTRY

BarnBurning
ShinglesfortheLord
TheTallMen
ABearHunt
TwoSoldiers
ShallNotPerish

BarnBurning

THESTOREinwhichtheJusticeofthePeace'scourtwassittingsmelledofcheese.Theboy,
crouchedonhisnailkegatthebackofthecrowdedroom,knewhesmelledcheese,andmore:
fromwherehesathecouldseetherankedshelvesclosepackedwiththesolid,squat,dynamic
shapesoftincanswhoselabelshisstomachread,notfromtheletteringwhichmeantnothingtohis
mindbutfromthescarletdevilsamidthesilvercurveoffishthis,thecheesewhichheknewhe
smelledandthehermeticmeatwhichhisintestinesbelievedhesmelledcominginintermittent
gustsmomentaryandbriefbetweentheotherconstantone,thesmellandsensejustalittleoffear
becausemostlyofdespairandgrief,theoldfiercepullofblood.Hecouldnotseethetablewhere
theJusticesatandbeforewhichhisfatherandhisfather'senemy(ourenemyhethoughtinthat
despair;ourn!mineandhisnboth!He'smyfather!)stood,buthecouldhearthem,thetwoofthem
thatis,becausehisfatherhadsaidnowordyet:"Butwhatproofhaveyou,Mr.Harris?"
"Itoldyou.Thehoggotintomycorn.Icaughtitupandsentitbacktohim.Hehadnofence
thatwouldholdit.Itoldhimso,warnedhim.ThenexttimeIputthehoginmypen.Whenhecame
togetitIgavehimenoughwiretopatchuphispen.ThenexttimeIputthehogupandkeptit.I
rodedowntohishouseandsawthewireIgavehimstillrolledontothespoolinhisyard.Itoldhim
hecouldhavethehogwhenhepaidmeadollarpoundfee.Thateveninganiggercamewiththe
dollarandgotthehog.Hewasastrangenigger.Hesaid,'Hesaytotellyouwoodandhaykin
burn.'Isaid,'What?''Thatwhuthesaytotellyou,'theniggersaid.'Woodandhaykinburn.'That
nightmybarnburned.IgotthestockoutbutIlostthebarn."
"Whereisthenigger?Haveyougothim?"
"Hewasastrangenigger,Itellyou.Idon'tknowwhatbecameofhim."
"Butthat'snotproof.Don'tyouseethat'snotproof?"
"Getthatboyuphere.Heknows."Foramomenttheboythoughttoothatthemanmeant
hisolderbrotheruntilHarrissaid,"Nothim.Thelittleone.Theboy,"and,crouching,smallforhis
age,smallandwirylikehisfather,inpatchedandfadedjeanseventoosmallforhim,withstraight,
uncombed,brownhairandeyesgrayandwildasstormscud,hesawthemenbetweenhimselfand
thetablepartandbecomealaneofgrimfaces,attheendofwhichhesawtheJustice,ashabby,
collarless,grayingmaninspectacles,beckoninghim.Hefeltnofloorunderhisbarefeet;he
seemedtowalkbeneaththepalpableweightofthegrimturningfaces.Hisfather,stiffinhisblack
Sundaycoatdonnednotforthetrialbutforthemoving,didnotevenlookathim.Heaimsformeto
lie,hethought,againwiththatfranticgriefanddespair.AndIwillhavetodohit.
"What'syourname,boy?"theJusticesaid.
"ColonelSartorisSnopes,"theboywhispered.
"Hey?"theJusticesaid."Talklouder.ColonelSartoris?Ireckonanybodynamedfor
ColonelSartorisinthiscountrycan'thelpbuttellthetruth,canthey?"Theboysaidnothing.
Enemy!Enemy!hethought;foramomenthecouldnotevensee,couldnotseethattheJustice's
facewaskindlynordiscernthathisvoicewastroubledwhenhespoketothemannamedHarris:
"Doyouwantmetoquestionthisboy?"Buthecouldhear,andduringthosesubsequentlong
secondswhiletherewasabsolutelynosoundinthecrowdedlittleroomsavethatofquietand
intentbreathingitwasasifhehadswungoutwardattheendofagrapevine,overaravine,andat
thetopoftheswinghadbeencaughtinaprolongedinstantofmesmerizedgravity,weightlessin
time.
"No!"Harrissaidviolently,explosively."Damnation!Sendhimoutofhere!"Nowtime,the
fluidworld,rushedbeneathhimagain,thevoicescomingtohimagainthroughthesmellofcheese
andsealedmeat,thefearanddespairandtheoldgriefofblood:"Thiscaseisclosed.Ican'tfind
againstyou,Snopes,butIcangiveyouadvice.Leavethiscountryanddon'tcomebacktoit."
Hisfatherspokeforthefirsttime,hisvoicecoldandharsh,level,withoutemphasis:"Iaim
to.Idon'tfiguretostayinacountryamongpeoplewho..."hesaidsomethingunprintableandvile,
addressedtonoone.
"That'lldo,"theJusticesaid."Takeyourwagonandgetoutofthiscountrybeforedark.
Casedismissed."
Hisfatherturned,andhefollowedthestiffblackcoat,thewiryfigurewalkingalittlestiffly
fromwhereaConfederateprovost'sman'smusketballhadtakenhimintheheelonastolenhorse
thirtyyearsago,followedthetwobacksnow,sincehisolderbrotherhadappearedfrom
somewhereinthecrowd,notallerthanthefatherbutthicker,chewingtobaccosteadily,between
thetwolinesofgrimfacedmenandoutofthestoreandacrosstheworngalleryanddownthe
saggingstepsandamongthedogsandhalfgrownboysinthemildMaydust,whereashepassed
avoicehissed:"Barnburner!"
Againhecouldnotsee,whirling;therewasafaceinaredhaze,moonlike,biggerthanthe
fullmoon,theownerofithalfagainhissize,heleapingintheredhazetowardtheface,feelingno
blow,feelingnoshockwhenhisheadstrucktheearth,scrabblingupandleapingagain,feelingno
blowthistimeeitherandtastingnoblood,scrabblinguptoseetheotherboyinfullflightand
himselfalreadyleapingintopursuitashisfather'shandjerkedhimback,theharsh,coldvoice
speakingabovehim:"Gogetinthewagon."
Itstoodinagroveoflocustsandmulberriesacrosstheroad.Histwohulkingsistersintheir
Sundaydressesandhismotherandhersisterincalicoandsunbonnetswerealreadyinit,sitting
onandamongthesorryresidueofthedozenandmoremovingswhicheventheboycould
remember:thebatteredstove,thebrokenbedsandchairs,theclockinlaidwithmotherofpearl,
whichwouldnotrun,stoppedatsomefourteenminutespasttwoo'clockofadeadandforgotten
dayandtime,whichhadbeenhismother'sdowry.
Shewascrying,thoughwhenshesawhimshedrewhersleeveacrossherfaceandbegan
todescendfromthewagon.
"Getback,"thefathersaid.
"He'shurt.Igottogetsomewaterandwashhis..."
"Getbackinthewagon,"hisfathersaid.Hegotintoo,overthetailgate.Hisfather
mountedtotheseatwheretheolderbrotheralreadysatandstruckthegauntmulestwosavage
blowswiththepeeledwillow,butwithoutheat.Itwasnotevensadistic;itwasexactlythatsame
qualitywhichinlateryearswouldcausehisdescendantstooverruntheenginebeforeputtinga
motorcarintomotion,strikingandreiningbackinthesamemovement.Thewagonwenton,the
storewithitsquietcrowdofgrimlywatchingmendroppedbehind;acurveintheroadhidit.Forever
hethought.Maybehe'sdonesatisfiednow,nowthathehas...stoppinghimself,nottosayitaloud
eventohimself.Hismother'shandtouchedhisshoulder.
"Doeshithurt?"shesaid.
"Naw,"hesaid."Hitdon'thurt.Lemmebe."
"Can'tyouwipesomeofthebloodoffbeforehitdries?"
"I'llwashtonight,"hesaid."Lemmebe,Itellyou."
TheWagonwenton.Hedidnotknowwheretheyweregoing.Noneofthemeverdidor
everasked,becauseitwasalwayssomewhere,alwaysahouseofsortswaitingforthemadayor
twodaysoreventhreedaysaway.Likelyhisfatherhadalreadyarrangedtomakeacropon
anotherfarmbeforehe...Againhehadtostophimself.He(thefather)alwaysdid.Therewas
somethingabouthiswolflikeindependenceandevencouragewhentheadvantagewasatleast
neutralwhichimpressedstrangers,asiftheygotfromhislatentraveningferocitynotsomucha
senseofdependabilityasafeelingthathisferociousconvictionintherightnessofhisownactions
wouldbeofadvantagetoallwhoseinterestlaywithhis.
Thatnighttheycamped,inagroveofoaksandbeecheswhereaspringran.Thenights
werestillcoolandtheyhadafireagainstit,ofarailliftedfromanearbyfenceandcutintolengths:
asmallfire,neat,niggardalmost,ashrewdfire;suchfireswerehisfather'shabitandcustom
always,eveninfreezingweather.Older,theboymighthaveremarkedthisandwonderedwhynot
abigone;whyshouldnotamanwhohadnotonlyseenthewasteandextravaganceofwar,but
whohadinhisbloodaninherentvoraciousprodigalitywithmaterialnothisown,haveburned
everythinginsight?Thenhemighthavegoneastepfartherandthoughtthatthatwasthereason:
thatniggardblazewasthelivingfruitofnightspassedduringthosefouryearsinthewoodshiding
fromallmen,blueorgray,withhisstringsofhorses(capturedhorses,hecalledthem).Andolder
still,hemighthavedivinedthetruereason:thattheelementoffirespoketosomedeepmainspring
ofhisfather'sbeing,astheelementofsteelorofpowderspoketoothermen,astheoneweapon
forthepreservationofintegrity,elsebreathwerenotworththebreathing,andhencetoberegarded
withrespectandusedwithdiscretion.
Buthedidnotthinkthisnowandhehadseenthosesameniggardblazesallhislife.He
merelyatehissupperbesideitandwasalreadyhalfasleepoverhisironplatewhenhisfather
calledhim,andoncemorehefollowedthestiffback,thestiffandruthlesslimp,uptheslopeandon
tothestarlitroadwhere,turning,hecouldseehisfatheragainstthestarsbutwithoutfaceordepth:
ashapeblack,flat,andbloodlessasthoughcutfromtinintheironfoldsofthefrockcoatwhichhad
notbeenmadeforhim,thevoiceharshliketinandwithoutheatliketin:"Youwerefixingtotell
them.Youwouldhavetoldhim."
Hedidn'tanswer.Hisfatherstruckhimwiththeflatofhishandonthesideofthehead,
hardbutwithoutheat,exactlyashehadstruckthetwomulesatthestore,exactlyashewould
strikeeitherofthemwithanystickinordertokillahorsefly,hisvoicestillwithoutheatoranger:
"You'regettingtobeaman.Yougottolearn.Yougottolearntosticktoyourownbloodoryou
ain'tgoingtohaveanybloodtosticktoyou.Doyouthinkeitherofthem,anymantherethis
morning,would?Don'tyouknowalltheywantedwasachancetogetatmebecausetheyknewI
hadthembeat?Eh?"Later,twentyyearslater,hewastotellhimself,"IfIhadsaidtheywanted
onlytruth,justice,hewouldhavehitmeagain."Butnowhesaidnothing.Hewasnotcrying.
Hejuststoodthere."Answerme,"hisfathersaid.
"Yes,"hewhispered.Hisfatherturned.
"Getontobed.We'llbetheretomorrow."
Tomorrowtheywerethere.Intheearlyafternoonthewagonstoppedbeforeapaintless
tworoomhouseidenticalalmostwiththedozenothersithadstoppedbeforeevenintheboy'sten
years,andagain,asontheotherdozenoccasions,hismotherandauntgotdownandbeganto
unloadthewagon,althoughhistwosistersandhisfatherandbrotherhadnotmoved.
"Likelyhitain'tfittenforhawgs,"oneofthesisterssaid.
"Nevertheless,fititwillandyou'llhogitandlikeit,"hisfathersaid."Getoutofthemchairs
andhelpyourMaunload."
Thetwosistersgotdown,big,bovine,inaflutterofcheapribbons;oneofthemdrewfrom
thejumbledwagonbedabatteredlantern,theotherawornbroom.Hisfatherhandedthereinsto
theoldersonandbegantoclimbstifflyoverthewheel."Whentheygetunloaded,taketheteamto
thebarnandfeedthem."Thenhesaid,andatfirsttheboythoughthewasstillspeakingtohis
brother:"Comewithme."
"Me?"hesaid.
"Yes,"hisfathersaid."You."
'"Abner,"hismothersaid.Hisfatherpausedandlookedbacktheharshlevelstarebeneath
theshaggy,graying,irasciblebrows.
"IreckonI'llhaveawordwiththemanthataimstobegintomorrowowningmebodyand
soulforthenexteightmonths."
Theywentbackuptheroad.Aweekagoorbeforelastnight,thatishewouldhaveasked
wheretheyweregoing,butnotnow.Hisfatherhadstruckhimbeforelastnightbutneverbefore
hadhepausedafterwardtoexplainwhy;itwasasiftheblowandthefollowingcalm,outrageous
voicestillrang,repercussed,divulgingnothingtohimsavetheterriblehandicapofbeingyoung,the
lightweightofhisfewyears,justheavyenoughtopreventhissoaringfreeoftheworldasit
seemedtobeorderedbutnotheavyenoughtokeephimfootedsolidinit,toresistitandtryto
changethecourseofitsevents.Presentlyhecouldseethegroveofoaksandcedarsandtheother
floweringtreesandshrubswherethehousewouldbe,thoughnotthehouseyet.Theywalked
besideafencemassedwithhoneysuckleandCherokeerosesandcametoagateswingingopen
betweentwobrickpillars,andnow,beyondasweepofdrive,hesawthehouseforthefirsttime
andatthatinstantheforgothisfatherandtheterroranddespairboth,andevenwhenhe
rememberedhisfatheragain(whohadnotstopped)theterroranddespairdidnotreturn.Because,
forallthetwelvemovings,theyhadsojourneduntilnowinapoorcountry,alandofsmallfarmsand
fieldsandhouses,andhehadneverseenahouselikethisbefore.
Hit'sbigasacourthousehethoughtquietly,withasurgeofpeaceandjoywhosereason
hecouldnothavethoughtintowords,beingtooyoungforthat:Theyaresafefromhim.People
whoselivesareapartofthispeaceanddignityarebeyondhistouch,henomoretothemthana
buzzingwasp:capableofstingingforalittlemomentbutthat'sall;thespellofthispeaceand
dignityrenderingeventhebarnsandstableandcribswhichbelongtoitimpervioustothepuny
flameshemightcontrive...this,thepeaceandjoy,ebbingforaninstantashelookedagainatthe
stiffblackback,thestiffandimplacablelimpofthefigurewhichwasnotdwarfedbythehouse,for
thereasonthatithadneverlookedbiganywhereandwhichnow,againsttheserenecolumned
backdrop,hadmorethaneverthatimperviousqualityofsomethingcutruthlesslyfromtin,
depthless,asthough,sidewisetothesun,itwouldcastnoshadow.Watchinghim,theboy
remarkedtheabsolutelyundeviatingcoursewhichhisfatherheldandsawthestifffootcome
squarelydowninapileoffreshdroppingswhereahorsehadstoodinthedriveandwhichhis
fathercouldhaveavoidedbyasimplechangeofstride.Butitebbedonlyforamoment,thoughhe
couldnothavethoughtthisintowordseither,walkingoninthespellofthehouse,whichhecould
evenwantbutwithoutenvy,withoutsorrow,certainlyneverwiththatraveningandjealousrage
whichunknowntohimwalkedintheironlikeblackcoatbeforehim:Maybebewillfeelittoo.Maybe
itwillevenchangehimnowfromwhatmaybehecouldn'thelpbutbe.
Theycrossedtheportico.Nowhecouldhearhisfather'sstifffootasitcamedownonthe
boardswithclocklikefinality,asoundoutofallproportiontothedisplacementofthebodyitbore
andwhichwasnotdwarfedeitherbythewhitedoorbeforeit,asthoughithadattainedtoasortof
viciousandraveningminimumnottobedwarfedbyanything:thefiat,wide,blackhat,theformal
coatofbroadclothwhichhadoncebeenblackbutwhichhadnowthatfrictionglazedgreenishcast
ofthebodiesofoldhouseflies,theliftedsleevewhichwastoolarge,theliftedhandlikeacurled
claw.ThedooropenedsopromptlythattheboyknewtheNegromusthavebeenwatchingthemall
thetime,anoldmanwithneatgrizzledhair,inalinenjacket,whostoodbarringthedoorwithhis
body,saying,"Wipeyofoots,whiteman,foyoucomeinhere.Majorain'thomenohow."
"Getoutofmyway,nigger,"hisfathersaid,withoutheattoo,flingingthedoorbackandthe
Negroalsoandentering,hishatstillonhishead.Andnowtheboysawtheprintsofthestifffooton
thedoorjambandsawthemappearonthepalerugbehindthemachinelikedeliberationofthefoot
whichseemedtobear(ortransmit)twicetheweightwhichthebodycompassed.TheNegrowas
shouting"MissLula!MissLula!"somewherebehindthem,thentheboy,delugedasthoughbya
warmwavebyasuaveturnofcarpetedstairandapendantglitterofchandeliersandamutegleam
ofgoldframes,heardtheswiftfeetandsawhertoo,aladyperhapshehadneverseenherlike
beforeeitherinagray,smoothgownwithlaceatthethroatandanaprontiedatthewaistandthe
sleevesturnedback,wipingcakeorbiscuitdoughfromherhandswithatowelasshecameupthe
hall,lookingnotathisfatheratallbutatthetracksontheblondrugwithanexpressionof
incredulousamazement.
"Itried,"theNegrocried."Itolehimto..."
"Willyoupleasegoaway?"shesaidinashakingvoice."MajordeSpainisnotathome.
Willyoupleasegoaway?"
Hisfatherhadnotspokenagain.Hedidnotspeakagain.
Hedidnotevenlookather.Hejuststoodstiffinthecenteroftherug,inhishat,theshaggy
irongraybrowstwitchingslightlyabovethepebblecoloredeyesasheappearedtoexaminethe
housewithbriefdeliberation.Thenwiththesamedeliberationheturned;theboywatchedhimpivot
onthegoodlegandsawthestifffootdragroundthearcoftheturning,leavingafinallongand
fadingsmear.Hisfatherneverlookedatit,heneveroncelookeddownattherug.
TheNegroheldthedoor.Itclosedbehindthem,uponthehystericandindistinguishable
womanwail.Hisfatherstoppedatthetopofthestepsandscrapedhisbootcleanontheedgeofit.
Atthegatehestoppedagain.Hestoodforamoment,plantedstifflyonthestifffoot,lookingbackat
thehouse."Prettyandwhite,ain'tit?"hesaid."That'ssweat.Niggersweat.Maybeitain'twhite
enoughyettosuithim.Maybehewantstomixsomewhitesweatwithit."
 Twohourslatertheboywaschoppingwoodbehindthehousewithinwhichhismotherand
auntandthetwosisters(themotherandaunt,notthetwogirls,heknewthat;evenatthisdistance
andmuffledbywallstheflatloudvoicesofthetwogirlsemanatedanincorrigibleidleinertia)were
settingupthestovetoprepareameal,whenheheardthehoovesandsawthelinencladmanona
finesorrelmare,whomherecognizedevenbeforehesawtherolledruginfrontoftheNegroyouth
followingonafatbaycarriagehorseasuffused,angryfacevanishing,stillatfullgallop,beyondthe
cornerofthehousewherehisfatherandbrotherweresittinginthetwotiltedchairs;andamoment
later,almostbeforehecouldhaveputtheaxedown,heheardthehoovesagainandwatchedthe
sorrelmaregobackoutoftheyard,alreadygallopingagain.Thenhisfatherbegantoshoutoneof
thesisters'names,whopresentlyemergedbackwardfromthekitchendoordraggingtherolledrug
alongthegroundbyoneendwhiletheothersisterwalkedbehindit.
"Ifyouain'tgoingtotote,goonandsetupthewashpot,"thefirstsaid.
"You,Sarty!"thesecondshouted."Setupthewashpot!"
Hisfatherappearedatthedoor,framedagainstthatshabbiness,ashehadbeenagainst
thatotherblandperfection,impervioustoeither,themother'sanxiousfaceathisshoulder.
"Goon,"thefathersaid."Pickitup."Thetwosistersstooped,broad,lethargic;stooping,
theypresentedanincredibleexpanseofpaleclothandaflutteroftawdryribbons.
"IfIthoughtenoughofarugtohavetogithitallthewayfromFranceIwouldn'tkeephit
wherefolkscominginwouldhavetotromponhit,"thefirstsaid.Theyraisedtherug.
"Abner,"themothersaid."Letmedoit."
"Yougobackandgitdinner,"hisfathersaid."I'lltendtothis."
Fromthewoodpilethroughtherestoftheafternoontheboywatchedthem,therugspread
flatinthedustbesidethebubblingwashpot,thetwosistersstoopingoveritwiththatprofoundand
lethargicreluctance,whilethefatherstoodovertheminturn,implacableandgrim,drivingthem
thoughneverraisinghisvoiceagain.Hecouldsmelltheharshhomemadelyetheywereusing;he
sawhismothercometothedooronceandlooktowardthemwithanexpressionnotanxiousnow
butverylikedespair;hesawhisfatherturn,andhefelltowiththeaxeandsawfromthecornerof
hiseyehisfatherraisefromthegroundaflattishfragmentoffieldstoneandexamineitandreturn
tothepot,andthistimehismotheractuallyspoke:"Abner.Abner.Pleasedon't.Please,Abner."
Thenhewasdonetoo.Itwasdusk;thewhippoorwillshadalreadybegun.Hecouldsmell
coffeefromtheroomwheretheywouldpresentlyeatthecoldfoodremainingfromthemid
afternoonmeal,thoughwhenheenteredthehouseherealizedtheywerehavingcoffeeagain
probablybecausetherewasafireonthehearth,beforewhichtherugnowlayspreadoverthe
backsofthetwochairs.Thetracksofhisfather'sfootweregone.Wheretheyhadbeenwerenow
long,watercloudyscoriationsresemblingthesporadiccourseofalilliputianmowingmachine.
Itstillhungtherewhiletheyatethecoldfoodandthenwenttobed,scatteredwithoutorder
orclaimupanddownthetworooms,hismotherinonebed,wherehisfatherwouldlaterlie,the
olderbrotherintheother,himself,theaunt,andthetwosistersonpalletsonthefloor.Buthis
fatherwasnotinbedyet.Thelastthingtheboyrememberedwasthedepthless,harshsilhouetteof
thehatandcoatbendingovertheruganditseemedtohimthathehadnotevenclosedhiseyes
whenthesilhouettewasstandingoverhim,thefirealmostdeadbehindit,thestifffootprodding
himawake."Catchupthemule,"hisfathersaid.
Whenhereturnedwiththemulehisfatherwasstandingintheblackdoor,therolledrug
overhisshoulder."Ain'tyougoingtoride?"hesaid.
"No.Givemeyourfoot."
Hebenthiskneeintohisfather'shand,thewiry,surprisingpowerflowedsmoothly,rising,
herisingwithit,ontothemule'sbareback(theyhadownedasaddleonce;theboycould
rememberitthoughnotwhenorwhere)andwiththesameeffortlessnesshisfatherswungtherug
upinfrontofhim.Nowinthestarlighttheyretracedtheafternoon'spath,upthedustyroadrifewith
honeysuckle,throughthegateanduptheblacktunnelofthedrivetothelightlesshouse,wherehe
satonthemuleandfelttheroughwarpoftherugdragacrosshisthighsandvanish.
"Don'tyouwantmetohelp?"hewhispered.Hisfatherdidnotanswerandnowheheard
againthatstifffootstrikingthehollowporticowiththatwoodenandclocklikedeliberation,that
outrageousoverstatementoftheweightitcarried.Therug,hunched,notflung(theboycouldtell
thateveninthedarkness)fromhisfather'sshoulderstrucktheangleofwallandfloorwithasound
unbelievablyloud,thunderous,thenthefootagain,unhurriedandenormous;alightcameoninthe
houseandtheboysat,tense,breathingsteadilyandquietlyandjustalittlefast,thoughthefoot
itselfdidnotincreaseitsbeatatall,descendingthestepsnow;nowtheboycouldseehim.
"Don'tyouwanttoridenow?"hewhispered."Wekinbothridenow,"thelightwithinthe
housealteringnow,flaringupandsinking.He'scomingdownthestairsnow,hethought.Hehad
alreadyriddenthemuleupbesidethehorseblock;presentlyhisfatherwasupbehindhimandhe
doubledthereinsoverandslashedthemuleacrosstheneck,butbeforetheanimalcouldbeginto
trotthehard,thinarmcameroundhim,thehard,knottedhandjerkingthemulebacktoawalk.
Inthefirstredraysofthesuntheywereinthelot,puttingplowgearonthemules.Thistime
thesorrelmarewasinthelotbeforehehearditatall,theridercollarlessandevenbareheaded,
trembling,speakinginashakingvoiceasthewomaninthehousehaddone,hisfathermerely
lookinguponcebeforestoopingagaintothehamehewasbuckling,sothatthemanonthemare
spoketohisstoopingback:"Youmustrealizeyouhaveruinedthatrug.Wasn'tthereanybodyhere,
anyofyourwomen..."heceased,shaking,theboywatchinghim,theolderbrotherleaningnowin
thestabledoor,chewing,blinkingslowlyandsteadilyatnothingapparently."Itcostahundred
dollars.Butyouneverhadahundreddollars.Youneverwill.SoI'mgoingtochargeyoutwenty
bushelsofcornagainstyourcrop.I'lladditinyourcontractandwhenyoucometothecommissary
youcansignit.Thatwon'tkeepMrs.deSpainquiet,butmaybeitwillteachyoutowipeyourfeet
offbeforeyouenterherhouseagain."
Thenhewasgone.Theboylookedathisfather,whostillhadnotspokenorevenlooked
upagain,whowasnowadjustingtheloggerheadinthehame.
"Pap,"hesaid.Hisfatherlookedathim:theinscrutableface,theshaggybrowsbeneath
whichthegrayeyesglintedcoldly.Suddenlytheboywenttowardhim,fast,stoppingassuddenly.
"Youdonethebestyoucould!"hecried."Ifhewantedhitdonedifferentwhydidn'thewaitandtell
youhow?Hewon'tgitnotwentybushels!Hewon'tgitnone!We'llgetherhitandhidehit!Ikin
watch..."
"DidyouputthecutterbackinthatstraightstocklikeItoldyou?"
"No,sir,"hesaid.
"Thengodoit."
ThatwasWednesday.Duringtherestofthatweekheworkedsteadily,atwhatwaswithin
hisscopeandsomewhichwasbeyondit,withanindustrythatdidnotneedtobedrivennoreven
commandedtwice;hehadthisfromhismother,withthedifferencethatsomeatleastofwhathe
didhelikedtodo,suchassplittingwoodwiththehalfsizeaxewhichhismotherandaunthad
earned,orsavedmoneysomehow,topresenthimwithatChristmas.Incompanywiththetwoolder
women(andononeafternoon,evenoneofthesisters),hebuiltpensfortheshoatandthecow
whichwereapartofhisfather'scontractwiththelandlord,andoneafternoon,hisfatherbeing
absent,gonesomewhereononeofthemules,hewenttothefield.
Theywererunningamiddlebusternow,hisbrotherholdingtheplowstraightwhilehe
handledthereins,andwalkingbesidethestrainingmule,therichblacksoilshearingcooland
dampagainsthisbareankles,hethoughtMaybethisistheendofit.Maybeeventhattwenty
bushelsthatseemshardtohavetopayforjustarugwillbeacheappriceforhimtostopforever
andalwaysfrombeingwhatheusedtobe;thinking,dreamingnow,sothathisbrotherhadto
speaksharplytohimtomindthemule:Maybeheevenwon'tcollectthetwentybushels.Maybeit
willalladdupandbalanceandvanish:corn,rug,fire;theterrorandgrief,thebeingpulledtwo
wayslikebetweentwoteamsofhorsesgone,donewithforeverandever.
ThenitwasSaturday;helookedupfrombeneaththemulehewasharnessingandsawhis
fatherintheblackcoatandhat."Notthat,"hisfathersaid."Thewagongear."
Andthen,twohourslater,sittinginthewagonbedbehindhisfatherandbrotheronthe
seat,thewagonaccomplishedafinalcurve,andhesawtheweatheredpaintlessstorewithits
tatteredtobaccoandpatentmedicinepostersandthetetheredwagonsandsaddleanimalsbelow
thegallery.Hemountedthegnawedstepsbehindhisfatherandbrother,andthereagainwasthe
laneofquiet,watchingfacesforthethreeofthemtowalkthrough.Hesawthemaninspectacles
sittingattheplanktableandhedidnotneedtobetoldthiswasaJusticeofthePeace;hesentone
glareoffierce,exultant,partisandefianceatthemanincollarandcravatnow,whomhehadseen
buttwicebeforeinhislife,andthatonagallopinghorse,whonowworeonhisfaceanexpression
notofragebutofamazedunbeliefwhichtheboycouldnothaveknownwasattheincredible
circumstanceofbeingsuedbyoneofhisowntenants,andcameandstoodagainsthisfatherand
criedattheJustice:"Heain'tdoneit!Heain'tburnt..."
"Gobacktothewagon,"hisfathersaid.
"Burnt?"theJusticesaid."DoIunderstandthisrugwasburnedtoo?"
"Doesanybodyhereclaimitwas?"hisfathersaid."Gobacktothewagon."Buthedidnot,
hemerelyretreatedtotherearoftheroom,crowdedasthatotherhadbeen,butnottositdownthis
time,instead,tostandpressingamongthemotionlessbodies,listeningtothevoices:"Andyou
claimtwentybushelsofcornistoohighforthedamageyoudidtotherug?"
"Hebroughttherugtomeandsaidhewantedthetrackswashedoutofit.Iwashedthe
tracksoutandtooktherugbacktohim."
"Butyoudidn'tcarrytherugbacktohiminthesameconditionitwasinbeforeyoumade
thetracksonit."
Hisfatherdidnotanswer,andnowforperhapshalfaminutetherewasnosoundatallsave
thatofbreathing,thefaint,steadysuspirationofcompleteandintentlistening.
"Youdeclinetoanswerthat,Mr.Snopes?"Againhisfatherdidnotanswer."I'mgoingto
findagainstyou,Mr.Snopes.I'mgoingtofindthatyouwereresponsiblefortheinjurytoMajorde
Spain'srugandholdyouliableforit.Buttwentybushelsofcornseemsalittlehighforamanin
yourcircumstancestohavetopay.MajordeSpainclaimsitcostahundreddollars.Octobercorn
willbeworthaboutfiftycents.IfigurethatifMajordeSpaincanstandaninetyfivedollarlosson
somethinghepaidcashfor,youcanstandafivedollarlossyouhaven'tearnedyet.Iholdyouin
damagestoMajordeSpaintotheamountoftenbushelsofcornoverandaboveyourcontractwith
him,tobepaidtohimoutofyourcropatgatheringtime.Courtadjourned."
Ithadtakennotimehardly,themorningwasbuthalfbegun.Hethoughttheywouldreturn
homeandperhapsbacktothefield,sincetheywerelate,farbehindallotherfarmers.Butinstead
hisfatherpassedonbehindthewagon,merelyindicatingwithhishandfortheolderbrotherto
followwithit,andcrossedtheroadtowardtheblacksmithshopopposite,pressingonafterhis
father,overtakinghim,speaking,whisperingupattheharsh,calmfacebeneaththeweatheredhat:
"Hewon'tgitnotenbushelsneither.Hewon'tgitone.We'll..."untilhisfatherglancedforaninstant
downathim,thefaceabsolutelycalm,thegrizzledeyebrowstangledabovethecoldeyes,the
voicealmostpleasant,almostgentle:"Youthinkso?Well,we'llwaittillOctoberanyway."
Thematterofthewagon:thesettingofaspokeortwoandthetighteningofthetiresdidnot
takelongeither,thebusinessofthetiresaccomplishedbydrivingthewagonintothespringbranch
behindtheshopandlettingitstandthere,themulesnuzzlingintothewaterfromtimetotime,and
theboyontheseatwiththeidlereins,lookinguptheslopeandthroughthesootytunnelofthe
shedwheretheslowhammerrangandwherehisfathersatonanupendedcypressbolt,easily,
eithertalkingorlistening,stillsittingtherewhentheboybroughtthedrippingwagonupoutofthe
branchandhalteditbeforethedoor.
"Takethemontotheshadeandhitch,"hisfathersaid.
Hedidsoandreturned.Hisfatherandthesmithandathirdmansquattingonhisheels
insidethedoorweretalking,aboutcropsandanimals;theboy,squattingtoointheammoniacdust
andhoofparingsandscalesofrust,heardhisfathertellalongandunhurriedstoryoutofthetime
beforethebirthoftheolderbrotherevenwhenhehadbeenaprofessionalhorsetrader.Andthen
hisfathercameupbesidehimwherehestoodbeforeatatteredlastyear'scircusposteronthe
othersideofthestore,gazingraptandquietatthescarlethorses,theincrediblepoisingsand
convolutionsoftulleandtightsandthepaintedleersofcomedians,andsaid,"It'stimetoeat."
Butnotathome.Squattingbesidehisbrotheragainstthefrontwall,hewatchedhisfather
emergefromthestoreandproducefromapapersackasegmentofcheeseanddivideitcarefully
anddeliberatelyintothreewithhispocketknifeandproducecrackersfromthesamesack.Theyall
threesquattedonthegalleryandate,slowly,withouttalking;theninthestoreagain,theydrank
fromatindippertepidwatersmellingofthecedarbucketandoflivingbeechtrees.
Andstilltheydidnotgohome.Itwasahorselotthistime,atallrailfenceuponandalong
whichmenstoodandsatandoutofwhichonebyonehorseswereled,tobewalkedandtrotted
andthencanteredbackandforthalongtheroadwhiletheslowswappingandbuyingwentonand
thesunbegantoslantwestward,theythethreeofthemwatchingandlistening,theolderbrother
withhismuddyeyesandhissteady,inevitabletobacco,thefathercommentingnowandthenon
certainoftheanimals,tonooneinparticular.
Itwasaftersundownwhentheyreachedhome.Theyatesupperbylamplight,then,sitting
onthedoorstep,theboywatchedthenightfullyaccomplish,listeningtothewhippoorwillsandthe
frogs,whenheheardhismother'svoice:"Abner!No!No!Oh,God.Oh,God.Abner!"andherose,
whirled,andsawthealteredlightthroughthedoorwhereacandlestubnowburnedinabottleneck
onthetableandhisfather,stillinthehatandcoat,atonceformalandburlesqueasthough
dressedcarefullyforsomeshabbyandceremonialviolence,emptyingthereservoirofthelamp
backintothefivegallonkerosenecanfromwhichithadbeenfilled,whilethemothertuggedathis
armuntilheshiftedthelamptotheotherhandandflungherback,notsavagelyorviciously,just
hard,intothewall,herhandsflungoutagainstthewallforbalance,hermouthopenandinherface
thesamequalityofhopelessdespairashadbeeninhervoice.Thenhisfathersawhimstandingin
thedoor.
"Gotothebarnandgetthatcanofoilwewereoilingthewagonwith,"hesaid.Theboydid
notmove.Thenhecouldspeak.
"What..."hecried."Whatareyou..."
"Gogetthatoil,"hisfathersaid."Go."
Thenhewasmoving,running,outsidethehouse,towardthestable:thistheoldhabit,the
oldbloodwhichhehadnotbeenpermittedtochooseforhimself,whichhadbeenbequeathedhim
willynillyandwhichhadrunforsolong(andwhoknewwhere,batteningonwhatofoutrageand
savageryandlust)beforeitcametohim.Icouldkeepon,hethought.Icouldrunonandonand
neverlookback,neverneedtoseehisfaceagain.OnlyIcan't.Ican't,therustedcaninhishand
now,theliquidsploshinginitasheranbacktothehouseandintoit,intothesoundofhismother's
weepinginthenextroom,andhandedthecantohisfather.
"Ain'tyougoingtoevensendanigger?"hecried."Atleastyousentaniggerbefore!"
Thistimehisfatherdidn'tstrikehim.Thehandcameevenfasterthantheblowhad,the
samehandwhichhadsetthecanonthetablewithalmostexcruciatingcareflashingfromthecan
towardhimtooquickforhimtofollowit,grippinghimbythebackofhisshirtandontotiptoebefore
hehadseenitquitthecan,thefacestoopingathiminbreathlessandfrozenferocity,thecold,
deadvoicespeakingoverhimtotheolderbrotherwholeanedagainstthetablechewingwiththat
steady,curious,sidewisemotionofcows:"Emptythecanintothebigoneandgoon.I'llcatchup
withyou."
"Bettertiehimuptothebedpost,"thebrothersaid.
"DolikeItoldyou,"thefathersaid.Thentheboywasmoving,hisbunchedshirtandthe
hard,bonyhandbetweenhisshoulderblades,histoesjusttouchingthefloor,acrosstheroomand
intotheotherone,pastthesisterssittingwithspreadheavythighsinthetwochairsoverthecold
hearth,andtowherehismotherandauntsatsidebysideonthebed,theaunt'sarmsabouthis
mother'sshoulders.
"Holdhim,"thefathersaid.Theauntmadeastartledmovement."Notyou,"thefathersaid.
"Lennie.Takeholdofhim.Iwanttoseeyoudoit."Hismothertookhimbythewrist."You'llhold
himbetterthanthat.Ifhegetsloosedon'tyouknowwhatheisgoingtodo?Hewillgoupyonder."
Hejerkedhisheadtowardtheroad."MaybeI'dbettertiehim."
"I'llholdhim,"hismotherwhispered.
"Seeyoudothen."Thenhisfatherwasgone,thestifffootheavyandmeasureduponthe
boards,ceasingatlast.
Thenhebegantostruggle.Hismothercaughthiminbotharms,hejerkingandwrenching
atthem.Hewouldbestrongerintheend,heknewthat.Buthehadnotimetowaitforit."Lemme
go!"hecried."Idon'twanttohavetohityou!"
"Lethimgo!"theauntsaid."Ifhedon'tgo,beforeGod,Iamgoinguptheremyself!"
"Don'tyouseeIcan't?"hismothercried."Sarty!Sarty!No!No!Helpme,Lizzie!"
Thenhewasfree.Hisauntgraspedathimbutitwastoolate.Hewhirled,running,his
motherstumbledforwardontoherkneesbehindhim,cryingtothenearersister:"Catchhim,Net!
Catchhim!"Butthatwastoolatetoo,thesister(thesistersweretwins,bornatthesametime,yet
eitherofthemnowgavetheimpressionofbeing,encompassingasmuchlivingmeatandvolume
andweightasanyothertwoofthefamily)notyethavingbeguntorisefromthechair,herhead,
face,alonemerelyturned,presentingtohimintheflyinginstantanastonishingexpanseofyoung
femalefeaturesuntroubledbyanysurpriseeven,wearingonlyanexpressionofbovineinterest.
Thenhewasoutoftheroom,outofthehouse,inthemilddustofthestarlitroadandtheheavy
rifenessofhoneysuckle,thepaleribbonunspoolingwithterrificslownessunderhisrunningfeet,
reachingthegateatlastandturningin,running,hisheartandlungsdrumming,onupthedrive
towardthelightedhouse,thelighteddoor.Hedidnotknock,heburstin,sobbingforbreath,
incapableforthemomentofspeech;hesawtheastonishedfaceoftheNegrointhelinenjacket
withoutknowingwhentheNegrohadappeared.
"DeSpain!"hecried,panted."Where's..."thenhesawthewhitemantooemergingfroma
whitedoordownthehall."Barn!"hecried."Barn!"
"What?"thewhitemansaid."Barn?"
"Yes!"theboycried."Barn!"
"Catchhim!"thewhitemanshouted.
Butitwastoolatethistimetoo.TheNegrograspedhisshirt,buttheentiresleeve,rotten
withwashing,carriedaway,andhewasoutthatdoortooandinthedriveagain,andhadactually
neverceasedtorunevenwhilehewasscreamingintothewhiteman'sface.
Behindhimthewhitemanwasshouting,"Myhorse!Fetchmyhorse!"andhethoughtforan
instantofcuttingacrosstheparkandclimbingthefenceintotheroad,buthedidnotknowthepark
norhowhighthevinemassedfencemightbeandhedarednotriskit.Soheranondownthedrive,
bloodandbreathroaring;presentlyhewasintheroadagainthoughhecouldnotseeit.Hecould
notheareither:thegallopingmarewasalmostuponhimbeforeheheardher,andeventhenhe
heldhiscourse,asiftheveryurgencyofhiswildgriefandneedmustinamomentmorefindhim
wings,waitinguntiltheultimateinstanttohurlhimselfasideandintotheweedchokedroadside
ditchasthehorsethunderedpastandon,foraninstantinfurioussilhouetteagainstthestars,the
tranquilearlysummernightskywhich,evenbeforetheshapeofthehorseandridervanished,
stainedabruptlyandviolentlyupward:along,swirlingroarincredibleandsoundless,blottingthe
stars,andhespringingupandintotheroadagain,runningagain,knowingitwastoolateyetstill
runningevenafterheheardtheshotand,aninstantlater,twoshots,pausingnowwithoutknowing
hehadceasedtorun,crying"Pap!Pap!",runningagainbeforeheknewhehadbeguntorun,
stumbling,trippingoversomethingandscrabblingupagainwithoutceasingtorun,looking
backwardoverhisshoulderattheglareashegotup,runningonamongtheinvisibletrees,panting,
sobbing,"Father!Father!"
Atmidnighthewassittingonthecrestofahill.Hedidnotknowitwasmidnightandhedid
notknowhowfarhehadcome.Buttherewasnoglarebehindhimnowandhesatnow,hisback
towardwhathehadcalledhomeforfourdaysanyhow,hisfacetowardthedarkwoodswhichhe
wouldenterwhenbreathwasstrongagain,small,shakingsteadilyinthechilldarkness,hugging
himselfintotheremainderofhisthin,rottenshirt,thegriefanddespairnownolongerterrorand
fearbutjustgriefanddespair.Father.
Myfather,hethought."Hewasbrave!"hecriedsuddenly,aloudbutnotloud,nomorethan
awhisper:"Hewas!Hewasinthewar!HewasinColonelSartoris'cav'ry!"notknowingthathis
fatherhadgonetothatwaraprivateinthefineoldEuropeansense,wearingnouniform,admitting
theauthorityofandgivingfidelitytonomanorarmyorflag,goingtowarasMalbrouckhimselfdid:
forbootyitmeantnothingandlessthannothingtohimifitwereenemybootyorhisown.
Theslowconstellationswheeledon.Itwouldbedawnandthensunupafterawhileandhe
wouldbehungry.Butthatwouldbetomorrowandnowhewasonlycold,andwalkingwouldcure
that.Hisbreathingwaseasiernowandhedecidedtogetupandgoon,andthenhefoundthathe
hadbeenasleepbecauseheknewitwasalmostdawn,thenightalmostover.Hecouldtellthat
fromthewhippoorwills.Theywereeverywherenowamongthedarktreesbelowhim,constantand
inflectionedandceaseless,sothat,astheinstantforgivingovertothedaybirdsdrewnearerand
nearer,therewasnointervalatallbetweenthem.Hegotup.Hewasalittlestiff,butwalkingwould
curethattooasitwouldthecold,andsoontherewouldbethesun.
Hewentondownthehill,towardthedarkwoodswithinwhichtheliquidsilvervoicesofthe
birdscalledunceasingtherapidandurgentbeatingoftheurgentandquiringheartofthelate
springnight.Hedidnotlookback.

ShinglesfortheLord

PAPGOTUPagoodhourbeforedaylightandcaughtthemuleandriddowntoKillegrews'to
borrowthefroeandmaul.Heoughttobeenbackwithitinfortyminutes.ButthesunhadroseandI
haddonemilkedandfedandwaseatingmybreakfastwhenhegotback,withthemulenotonlyin
alatherbutrightontheedgeofthethumpstoo.
"Foxhunting,"hesaid."Foxhunting.Aseventyyearoldman,withbothfeetandoneknee,
too,alreadyinthegrave,squattingallnightonahillandcallinghimselflisteningtoafoxracethat
hecouldn'tevenhearunlesstheyhadcomerightupontothesameloghewassettingonand
bayedintohiseartrumpet.Givememybreakfast,"hetoldmaw.
"Whitfieldisstandingthererightthisminute,straddleofthatboardtreewithhiswatchinhis
hand."
Andhewas.Weridonpastthechurch,andtherewasnotonlySolonQuick'sschoolbus
truckbutReverendWhitfield'soldmaretoo.Wetiedthemuletoasaplingandhungourdinner
bucketonalimb,andwithpaptotingKillegrew'sfroeandmaulandthewedgesandmetotingour
ax,wewentontotheboardtreewhereSolonandHomerBookwright,withtheirfroesandmauls
andaxesandwedges,wassettingontwoupendedcuts,andWhitfieldwasstandingjestlikepap
said,inhisboiledshirtandhisblackhatandpantsandnecktie,holdinghiswatchinhishand.It
wasgoldandinthemorningsunlightitlookedbigasafullgrowedsquash.
"You'relate!"hesaid.
SopaptoldagainabouthowOldManKillegrewhadbeenofffoxhuntingallnight,and
nobodyathometolendhimthefroebutMrs.Killegrewandthecook.Andnaturally,thecook
wasn'tgoingtolendnoneofKillegrew'stoolsout,andMrs.Killegrewwasworserdeafthaneven
Killegrew.Ifyouwastoruninandtellherthehousewasafire,shewouldjestkeeponrockingand
sayshethoughtso,too,unlessshebegantohollerbacktothecooktoturnthedogsloosebefore
youcouldevenopenyourmouth.
"Youcouldhavegoneyesterdayandborrowedthefroe,"Whitfieldsaid."Youhaveknown
foramonthnowthatyouhadpromisedthisonedayoutofawholesummertowardputtingaroof
onthehouseofGod."
"Weain'tbuttwohourslate,"papsaid."IreckontheLordwillforgiveit.Heain'tinterested
intime,nohow.He'sinterestedinsalvation."
Whitfieldneverevenwaitedforpaptofinish.Itlookedtomelikeheevengottaller,
thunderingdownatpaplikeacloudburst."Heain'tinterestedinneither!WhyshouldHebe,when
Heownsthemboth?AndwhyHeshouldturnaroundforthepoor,mizzlingsoulsofmenthatcan't
evenborrowtoolsintimetoreplacetheshinglesonHischurch,Idon'tknoweither.Maybeit'sjust
becauseHemadethem.MaybeHejustsaidtoHimself:'Imadethem;Idon'tknowwhy.ButsinceI
did,IGodfrey,I'llrollMysleevesupanddragthemintoglorywhethertheywillorno!'"
Butthatwasn'therenorthereeithernow,andIreckonheknowedit,jestlikeheknowed
therewasn'tgoingtobenothingatallhereaslongashestayed.Soheputthewatchbackintohis
pocketandmotionedSolonandHomerup,andwealltakenoffourhatsexcepthimwhilehestood
therewithhisfaceraisedintothesunandhiseyesshutandhiseyebrowslookinglikeabigiron
graycaterpillarlyingalongtheedgeofacliff."Lord,"hesaid,"makethemgoodstraightshinglesto
laysmooth,andletthemsplitouteasy;they'reforYou,"andopenedhiseyesandlookedatus
again,mostlyatpap,andwentanduntiedhismareanddumbupslowandstiff,likeoldmendo,
andridaway.
Papputdownthefroeandmaulandlaidthethreewedgesinaneatrowonthegroundand
takenuptheax.
"Well,men,"hesaid,"let'sgetstarted.We'realreadylate."
"MeandHomerain't,"Solonsaid."Wewashere."ThistimehimandHomerdidn'tseton
thecuts.Theysquattedontheirheels.ThenIseenthatHomerwaswhittlingonastick.Ihadn't
noticeditbefore."Imakeittwohoursandalittleover,"Solonsaid."Moreorless."
Papwasstillabouthalfstoopedover,holdingtheax."It'snigherone,"hesaid."Butcallit
twoforthesakeoftheargument.Whataboutit?"
"Whatargument?"Homersaid.
"Allright,"papsaid."Twohoursthen.Whataboutit?"
"Whichisthreemanhourunitsahour,multipliedbytwohours,"Solonsaid."Oratotalof
sixworkunits."WhentheWPAfirstcometoYoknapatawphaCountyandstartedtogivingoutjobs
andgrubandmattresses,SolonwentintoJeffersontogetonit.Hewoulddrivehisschoolbus
truckthetwentytwomilesintotowneverymorningandcomebackthatnight.Hedonethatfor
almostaweekbeforehefoundouthewouldnotonlyhavetosignhisfarmoffintosomebodyelse's
name,hecouldn'tevenownandruntheschoolbusthathehadbuilthimself.Sohecomebackthat
nightandneverwentbacknomore,andsincethenhadn'tnobodybettermentionWPAtohim
unlesstheyaimedtofight,too,thougheverynowandthenhewouldturnupwithsomethingall
figureddownintoworkunitslikehedonenow."Sixunitsshort."
 "FourofwhichyouandHomercouldhavealreadyworkedoutwhileyouwassettinghere
waitingonme,"papsaid.
"Exceptthatwedidn't!"Solonsaid."WepromisedWhitfieldtwounitsoftwelvethreeunit
hourstowardgettingsomenewshinglesonthechurchroof.Webeenhereeversincesunup,
waitingforthethirdunittoshowup,sowecouldstart.Youdon'tseemtokeptupwiththese
modernideasaboutworkthat'sbeenfloodingandupliftingthecountryinthelastfewyears."
"Whatmodrenideas?"papsaid."Ididn'tknowtherewasbutoneideaaboutworkuntilitis
done,itain'tdone,andwhenitisdone,itis."
Homermadeanotherlong,steadywhittleonthestick.Hisknifewassharpasarazor.
Solontakenouthissnuffboxandfilledthetopandtiltedthesnuffintohislipandofferedthe
boxtoHomer,andHomershakenhishead,andSolonputthetopbackontheboxandputthebox
backintohispocket.
"So,"papsaid,"jestbecauseIhadtowaittwohoursforaoldseventyyearmantogetback
fromfoxhuntingthatneverhadnomorebusinesssettingoutinthewoodsallnightthanhewoulda
hadsettingallnightinahighwayjukejoint,weallthreehavegottocomebackheretomorrowto
finishthemtwohoursthatyouandHomer..."
"Iain't,"Solonsaid."Idon'tknowaboutHomer.IpromisedWhitfieldoneday.Iwashereat
sunuptostartit.Whenthesungoesdown,IwillconsiderIhavedonefinishedit."
"Isee,"papsaid."Isee.It'smethat'sgottocomeback.Bymyself.Igottobreakintoafull
morningtomakeupthemtwohoursthatyouandHomerspentresting.Igottospendtwohoursof
thenextdaymakingupforthetwohoursofthedaybeforethatyouandHomernevereven
worked."
"It'sgoingtomorethanjestbreakintoamorning,"Solonsaid."It'sgoingtowreckit.There's
sixunitsleftover.Sixonemanhourunits.MaybeyoucanworktwiceasfastasmeandHomerput
togetherandfinishtheminfourhours,butIdon'tbelieveyoucanworkthreetimesasfastand
finishintwo."
Papwasstandingupnow.Hewasbreathinghard.Wecouldhearhim."So,"hesaid."So."
Heswungtheaxanddruvthebladeintooneofthecutsandsnatcheditupontoitsflatend,ready
tosplit."SoI'mtobepenalizedahalfadayofmyowntime,frommyownworkthat'swaitingforme
athomerightthisminute,todosixhoursmoreworkthantheworkyoufellerslackedtwohoursof
evendoingatall,purelyandsimplybecauseIamjestaaveragehardworkingfarmertryingtodo
thebesthecan,insteadofadurnfroeowningmillionairenamedQuickorBookwright."
Theywenttoworkthen,splittingthecutsintoboltsandrivingtheboltsintoshinglesforTull
andSnopesandtheothersthathadpromisedfortomorrowtostartnailingontothechurchroof
whentheyfinishedpullingtheoldshinglesoff.Theysetflatonthegroundinakindofcircle,with
theirlegsspraddledoutoneithersideoftheproppedupbolt,SolonandHomerworkinglightand
easyandsteadyastwoclocksticking,butpapmakingeverylickofhisnlikehewaskillinga
moccasin.Ifhehadjestswungthemaulhalfasfastasheswungithard,hewouldhaveroveas
manyshinglesasSolonandHomertogether,swingingthemaulupoverhisheadandholdingit
thereforwhatlookedlikeawholeminutesometimesandthenswingingitdownontothebladeof
thefroe,andnotonlyashingleflyingoffeverylickbutthefroegoingonintothegroundcleanupto
thehelveeye,andpapsettingtherewrenchingatitslowandsteadyandhard,likehejestwishedit
wouldtrytohangonarootorarockandstaythere.
"Here,here,"Solonsaid."Ifyoudon'twatchoutyouwon'thavenothingtodoneitherduring
themsixextraunitstomorrowmorningbutrest."
Papneverevenlookedup."Getoutoftheway,"hesaid.
AndSolondoneit.Ifhehadn'tmovedthewaterbucket,papwouldhavesplitit,too,righton
topofthebolt,andthistimethewholeshinglewentwhirlingpastSolon'sshinjestlikeascythe
blade.
 "Whatyououghttodoistohiresomebodytoworkoutthemextraovertimeunits,"Solon
said.
"Withwhat?"Papsaid."Iain'thadnoWPAexperienceindickeringoverlabor.Getoutof
theway."
ButSolonhadalreadymovedthistime.Papwouldhavehadtochangehiswholeposition
orelsemadethisonecurve.
SothisonemissedSolon,too,andpapsettherewrenchingthefroe,slowandhardand
steady,backoutoftheground.
"Maybethere'ssomethingelsebesidescashyoumightbeabletotradewith,"Solonsaid.
"Youmightusethatdog."
Thatwaswhenpapactuallystopped.Ididn'tknowitmyselftheneither,butIfounditouta
goodlongtimebeforeSolondid.Papsettherewiththemaulupoverhisheadandthebladeofthe
froesetagainsttheblockforthenextlick,lookingupatSolon."Thedog?"hesaid.
Itwasakindofmixedhound,withalittlebirddogandsomecollieandmaybea
considerableofalmostanythingelse,butitwouldeasethroughthewoodswithoutnomorenoise
thanahantandpickupasquirrel'strailonthegroundandbarkjestonce,unlessitknowedyou
waswhereyoucouldseeit,andthentiptoethattrailoutjestlikeamanandnevermakeanother
sounduntilittreed,andonlythenwhenitknowedyouhadn'tkeptinsightofit.Itbelongedtopap
andVernonTulltogether.WillVarnergiveittoTullasapuppy,andpapraiseditforahalfinterest;
meandhimtraineditanditsleptinmybedwithmeuntilitgotsobigmawfinallyrunitoutofthe
house,andforthelastsixmonthsSolonhadbeentryingtobuyit.HimandTullhadagreedontwo
dollarsforTull'shalfofit,butSolonandpapwasstillsixdollarsapartonourn,becausepapsaidit
wasworthtendollarsofanybody'smoneyandifTullwasn'tgoingtocollecthisfullhalfofthat,he
wasgoingtocollectitforhim.
"Sothat'sit,"papsaid."Themthingswasn'tworkunitsatall.Theywasdogunits."
"Jestasuggestion,"Solonsaid."Jestafriendlyoffertokeepthemrunawayshinglesfrom
breakingupyourprivatebusinessforsixhourstomorrowmorning.Yousellmeyourhalfofthat
trickovergrownfyceandI'llfinishtheseshinglesforyou."
"Naturallyincludingthemsixextraunitsofonedollars,"papsaid.
"No,no,"Solonsaid."I'llpayyouthesametwodollarsforyourhalfofthatdogthatmeand
Tullagreedonforhishalfofit.Youmeetmeheretomorrowmorningwiththedogandyoucango
onbackhomeorwhereverthemurgentprivateaffairsarelocated,andforgetaboutthatchurch
roof."
Forabouttensecondsmore,papsettherewiththemaulupoverhishead,lookingat
Solon.Thenforaboutthreesecondshewasn'tlookingatSolonoratnothingelse.Thenhewas
lookingatSolonagain.Itwasjestexactlylikeafterabouttwoandninetenthssecondshefoundout
hewasn'tlookingatSolon,sohelookedbackathimasquickashecould.
"Hah,"hesaid.Thenhebegantolaugh.Itwaslaughingallright,becausehismouthwas
openandthat'swhatitsoundedlike.Butitneverwentnofurtherbackthanhisteethanditnever
comenowherenearreachingashighupashiseyes.
Andheneversaid"Lookout"thistimeneither.Hejestshiftedfastonhishipsandswung
themauldown,thefroedonealreadydruvthroughtheboltandintothegroundwhiletheshingle
wasstillwhirlingofftoslapSolonacrosstheshin.
Thentheywentbackatitagain.UptothistimeIcouldtellpap'slicksfromSolon'sand
Homer's,evenwithmybackturned,notbecausetheywaslouderorsteadier,becauseSolonand
Homerworkedsteady,too,andthefroenevermadenoespecialnoisejestgoingintotheground,
butbecausetheywassoinfrequent;youwouldhearfiveorsixofSolon'sandHomer'slittlepolite
chippinglicksbeforeyouwouldhearpap'sfroego"chug!"andknowthatanothershinglehadwent
whirlingoffsomewhere.Butfromnowonpap'ssoundedjestaslightandquickandpoliteas
Solon'sorHomer'seither,and,ifanything,evenalittlefaster,withtheshinglespilingupsteadier
thanIcouldstackthem,almost;untilnowtherewasgoingtobemorethanaplentyofthemforTull
andtheotherstoshinglewithtomorrow,rightonuptonoon,whenweheardArmstid'sfarmbell,
andSolonlaidhisfroeandmauldownandlookedathiswatchtoo.AndIwasn'tsofaraway
neither,butbythetimeIcaughtupwithpaphehaduntiedthemulefromthesaplingandwas
alreadyonit.AndmaybeSolonandHomerthoughttheyhadpap,andmaybeforaminuteIdid,
too,butIjestwishtheycouldhaveseenhisfacethen.Hereachedourdinnerbucketdownfrom
thelimbandhandedittome.
"Goonandeat,"hesaid."Don'twaitforme.Himandhisworkunits.Ifhewantstoknow
whereIwent,tellhimIforgotsomethingandwenthometogetit.TellhimIhadtogobackhometo
gettwospoonsforustoeatourdinnerwith.No,don'ttellhimthat.IfhehearsIwentsomewhereto
getsomethingIneededtouse,evenifit'sjestatooltoeatwith,hewillrefusetobelieveIjestwent
home,forthereasonthatIdon'townanythingtherethatevenIwouldborrow."
Hehauledthemulearoundandheeledhimintheflank.
Thenhepulledupagain."AndwhenIcomeback,nomatterwhatIsay,don'tpayno
attentiontoit.Nomatterwhathappens,don'tyousaynothing.Don'topenyourmouthatall,you
hear?"
Thenhewenton,andIwentbacktowhereSolonandHomerwassettingontherunning
boardofSolon'sschoolbustruck,eating,andshoenoughSolonsaidjestexactlywhatpapsaidhe
wasgoingto.
"Iadmirehisoptimism,buthe'smistaken.Ifit'ssomethingheneedsthathecan'tusehis
naturalhandsandfeetfor,he'sgoingsomewhereelsethanjesthisownhouse."
Wehadjestwentbacktotheshingleswhenpapridupandgotdownandtiedthemule
backtothesaplingandcomeandtakenuptheaxandsnickedthebladeintothenextcut.
"Well,men,"hesaid,"Ibeenthinkingaboutit.Istilldon'tthinkit'sright,butIstillain't
thoughtofanythingtodoaboutit.Butsomebody'sgottomakeupforthemtwohoursnobody
workedthismorning,andsinceyoufellersaretwotooneagainstme,itlookslikeit'sgoingtobe
methatmakesthemup.ButIgotworkwaitingathomeformetomorrow.Igotcornthat'scryingout
loudformerightnow.Ormaybethat'sjestalietoo.Maybethewholethingis,Idon'tmind
admittinghereinprivatethatIbeenoutfigured,butIbedogifI'mgoingtosetherebymyself
tomorrowmorningadmittingitinpublic.Anyway,Iain't.SoI'mgoingtotradewithyou,Solon.You
canhavethedog."
Solonlookedatpap."Idon'tknowasIwanttotradenow,"hesaid.
"Isee,"papsaid.Theaxwasstillstuckinthecut.Hebegantopumpitupanddownto
backitout.
"Wait,"Solonsaid."Putthatdurnaxdown."Butpapheldtheaxraisedforthelick,looking
atSolonandwaiting.
"You'reswappingmehalfadogforahalfaday'swork,"Solonsaid."Yourhalfofthedog
forthathalfaday'sworkyoustilloweontheseshingles."
"Andthetwodollars!"papsaid."ThatyouandTullagreedon.Isellyouhalfthedogfortwo
dollars,andyoucomebackheretomorrowandfinishtheshingles.Yougivemethetwodollars
now,andI'llmeetyouhereinthemorningwiththedog,andyoucanshowmethereceiptfromTull
forhishalfthen."
"MeandTullhavealreadyagreed,"Solonsaid.
"Allright,"papsaid."ThenyoucanpayTullhistwodollarsandbringhisreceiptwithyou
withoutnotrouble."
"Tullwillbeatthechurchtomorrowmorning,pullingoffthemoldshingles,"Solonsaid.
 "Allright,"papsaid."Thenitwon'tbenotroubleatallforyoutogetareceiptfromhim.You
canstopatthechurchwhenyoupass.Tullain'tnamedGrier.Hewon'tneedtobeoffsomewhere
borrowingacrowbar."
SoSolontakenouthispurseandpaidpapthetwodollarsandtheywentbacktowork.And
nowitlookedliketheyreallywastryingtofinishthatafternoon,notjestSolon,butevenHomer,that
didn'tseemtobeconcernedinitnohow,andpap,thathadalreadyswappedahalfadogtogetrid
ofwhateverworkSolonclaimedwouldbeleftover.Iquittryingtostayupwiththem;Ijeststacked
shingles.
ThenSolonlaidhisfroeandmauldown."Well,men,"hesaid,"Idon'tknowwhatyoufellers
think,butIconsiderthisaday."
"Allright,"papsaid."Youaretheonetodecidewhentoquit,sincewhateverelbowunits
youconsideraregoingtobeshytomorrowwillbeyourn."
"That'safact,"Solonsaid."AndsinceIamgivingadayandahalftothechurchinsteadof
jestaday,likeIstartedoutdoing,IreckonIbettergetonhomeandtendtoalittleofmyown
work."Hepickeduphisfroeandmaulandax,andwenttohistruckandstoodwaitingforHomerto
comeandgetin.
"I'llbehereinthemorningwiththedog,"papsaid.
"Sholy,"Solonsaid.Itsoundedlikehehadforgotaboutthedog,orthatitwasn'tnolonger
anyimportance.Buthestoodthereagainandlookedhardandquietatpapforaboutasecond.
"AndabillofsalefromTullforhishalfofit.Asyousay,itwon'tbenotroubleatalltogetthatfrom
him."
HimandHomergotintothetruckandhestartedtheengine.
Youcouldn'tsayjestwhatitwas.ItwasalmostlikeSolonwashurryinghimself,sopap
wouldn'thavetomakeanyexcuseorpretensetowarddoingornotdoinganything."Ihavealways
understoodthefactthatlightningdon'thavetohittwiceisoneofthereasonswhytheynamedit
lightning.Sogettinglightningstruckisamistakethatmighthappentoanyman.ThemistakeI
seemtomadeis,IneverrealizedintimethatwhatIwaslookingatwasacloud.I'llseeyouinthe
morning."
"Withthedog,"papsaid.
"Certainly,"Solonsaid,againlikeithadslippedhismindcompletely."Withthedog."
ThenhimandHomerdroveoff.Thenpapgotup.
"What?"Isaid."What?YouswappedhimyourhalfofTull'sdogforthathalfaday'swork
tomorrow.Nowwhat?"
"Yes,"papsaid."OnlybeforethatIhadalreadyswappedTullahalfaday'sworkpullingoff
themoldshinglestomorrow,forTull'shalfofthatdog.Onlyweain'tgoingtowaituntiltomorrow.
We'regoingtopullthemshinglesofftonight,andwithoutnomoreracketaboutitthanisnecessary.
Idon'taimtohavenothingonmymindtomorrowbutwatchingMr.SolonWorkUnitQuicktryingto
getabillofsalefortwodollarsortendollarseitherontheotherhalfofthatdog.Andwe'lldoit
tonight.Idon'twanthimjesttofindoutatsunuptomorrowthatheistoolate.Iwanthimtofindout
thenthatevenwhenhelaiddowntosleephewasalreadytoolate."
SowewentbackhomeandIfedandmilkedwhilepapwentdowntoKillegrews'tocarry
thefroeandmaulbackandtoborrowacrowbar.Butofallplacesintheworldanddoingwhat
underthesunwithit,OldManKillegrewhadwentandlosthiscrowbaroutofaboatintofortyfeet
ofwater.AndpapsaidhowhecomewithinainchofgoingtoSolon'sandborrowinghiscrowbar
outofpurepoeticjustice,onlySolonmighthavesmelledtheratjestfromtheideaofthecrowbar.
SopapwenttoArmstid'sandborrowedhisnandcomebackandweetsupperandcleanedand
filledthelanternwhilemawstilltriedtofindoutwhatwewasuptothatcouldn'twaittillmorning.
Weleftherstilltalking,evenasfarasthefrontgate,andcomeonbacktothechurch,
walkingthistime,withtheropeandcrowbarandahammerforme,andthelanternstilldark.
 WhitfieldandSnopeswasunloadingaladderfromSnopes'wagonwhenwepassedthe
churchonthewayhomebeforedark,soallwehadtodowastosettheladderupagainstthe
church.Thenpapclumbupontotheroofwiththelanternandpulledoffshinglesuntilhecouldhang
thelanterninsidebehindthedecking,whereitcouldshineoutthroughthecracksintheplanks,but
youcouldn'tseeitunlessyouwaspassingintheroad,andbythattimeanybodywouldaalready
heardus.ThenIclumbupwiththerope,andpapreacheditthroughthedeckingandarounda
rafterandbackandtiedtheendsaroundourwaists,andwestarted.Andwewentatit.Wehad
themoldshinglesjestrainingdown,meusingtheclawhammerandpapusingthecrowbar,
workingthebarunderawholepatchofshinglesatonetimeandthenlayingbackonthebarlikein
onemorelickorifthecrowbareverhappenedforonesecondtogetasolidholt,hewouldtiltup
thatwholeroofatonetimelikeahingedboxlid.
That'sexactlywhathefinallydone.Helaidbackonthebarandthistimeitgotaholt.Itwasn'tjest
apatchofshingles,itwasawholesectionofdecking,sothatwhenhelungedbackhesnatched
thatwholesectionofrooffromaroundthelanternlikeyouwouldshuckacornnubbin.Thelantern
washangingonanail.Heneverevenmovedthenail,hejestpulledtheboardoffofit,sothatit
lookedlikeforawholeminuteIwatchedthelantern,andthecrowbar,too,settingthereinthe
emptyairinalittlemessoffloatingshingles,withtheemptynailstillstickingthroughthebailofthe
lantern,beforethewholethingstarteddownintothechurch.
Ithitthefloorandbouncedonce.Thenithittheflooragain,andthistimethewholechurch
jestblowedupintoapitofyellowjumpingfire,withmeandpaphangingovertheedgeofitontwo
ropes.
Idon'tknowwhatbecomeoftheropenorhowwegotoutofit.Idon'trememberclimbing
down.Jestpapyellingbehindmeandpushingmeabouthalfwaydowntheladderandthen
throwingmetherestofthewaybyahandfulofmyoverhalls,andthenwewasbothontheground,
runningforthewaterbarrel.Itsetunderthegutterspoutattheside,andArmstidwastherethen;
hehadhappenedtogoouttohislotaboutahourbackandseenthelanternonthechurchroof,
anditstayedonhisminduntilfinallyhecomeuptoseewhatwasgoingon,andgottherejestin
timetostandyellingbackandforthwithpapacrossthewaterbarrel.AndIbelievewestillwould
haveputitout.Papturnedandsquattedagainstthebarrelandgotaholtofitoverhisshoulderand
stoodupwiththatbarrelthatwasalmostfullandrunaroundthecornerandupthestepsofthe
churchandhookedhistoeonthetopstepandcomedownwiththebarrelbustingontopofhim
andknockinghimcoldoutasawedge.
Sowehadtodraghimbackfirst,andmawwastherethen,andMrs.Armstidaboutthe
sametime,andmeandArmstidrunwiththetwofirebucketstothespring,andwhenwegotback
therewasaplentythere,Whitfield,too,withmorebuckets,andwedonewhatwecould,butthe
springwastwohundredyardsawayandtenbucketsemptieditandittakenfiveminutestofill
again,andsofinallywealljeststoodaroundwherepaphadcometoagainwithabigcutonhis
headandwatcheditgo.Itwasaoldchurch,longdriedout,andfullofoldcoloredpicturecharts
thatWhitfieldhadaccumulatedformorethanfiftyyears,thatthelanternhadlitrightinthemiddleof
whenitfinallyexploded.Therewasaspecialnailwherehewouldkeepaoldlongnightshirthe
wouldweartobaptizein.IwouldusetowatchitallthetimeduringchurchandSundayschool,and
meandtheotherboyswouldgopastthechurchsometimesjesttopeepinatit,becausetoaboy
oftenitwasn'tjestaclothgarmentorevenaironarmor;itwastheoldstrongArchangelMichael
hisself,thathadfitandstroveandconqueredsinforsolongthatitfinallyhadthesamecontempt
forthehumanbeingsthatreturnedalwaystosinashogsanddogsdonethattheoldstrong
archangelhisselfmusthavehad.
Foralongtimeitneverburned,evenaftereverythingelseinsidehad.Wecouldwatchit,
hangingthereamongthefire,notlikeithadknowedinitstimetoomuchwatertoburneasy,but
likeithadstroveandfitwiththedevilandallthehostsofhelltoolongtoburninjestafirethatRes
Grierstarted,tryingtobeatSolonQuickoutofhalfadog.Butatlastitwent,too,notinahurrystill,
butjestallatonce,kindofroaringrightonupandoutagainstthestarsandthefardarkspaces.
Andthentherewasn'tnothingbutjestpap,drenchedandgroggylooking,ontheground,withthe
restofusaroundhim,andWhitfieldlikealwaysinhisboiledshirtandhisblackhatandpants,
standingtherewithhishaton,too,likehehadstrovetoolongtosavewhathadn'toughttobeen
createdinthefirstplace,fromthedamnationitdidn'tevenwanttoescape,tobothertoneedto
takehishatoffinanypresence.Helookedaroundatusfromunderit;wewasalltherenow,allthat
belongedtothatchurchandusedittobebornandmarryanddiefromusandtheArmstidsand
Tulls,andBookwrightandQuickandSnopes.
"Iwaswrong,"Whitfieldsaid."Itoldyouwewouldmeetheretomorrowtoroofachurch.
We'llmeethereinthemorningtoraiseone."
"Ofcoursewegottohaveachurch,"papsaid."We'regoingtohaveone.Andwe'regoing
tohaveitsoon.Butthere'ssomeofusdonealreadygiveadayorsothisweek,atthecostofour
ownwork.Whichisrightandjust,andwe'regoingtogivemore,andgladto.ButIdon'tbelievethat
theLord..."
Whitfieldlethimfinish.Henevermoved.Hejeststoodthereuntilpapfinallyrundownofhis
ownaccordandhushedandsetthereonthegroundmostlynotlookingatmaw,beforeWhitfield
openedhismouth.
"Notyou,"Whitfieldsaid."Arsonist."
"Arsonist?"papsaid.
"Yes,"Whitfieldsaid."Ifthereisanypursuitinwhichyoucanengagewithoutcarryingflood
andfireanddestructionanddeathbehindyou,doit.Butnotonehandshallyoulaytothisnew
houseuntilyouhaveprovedtousthatyouaretobetrustedagainwiththepowersandcapacities
ofaman."Helookedaboutatusagain."TullandSnopesandArmstidhavealreadypromisedfor
tomorrow.IunderstandthatQuickhadanotherhalfdayheintended"
"Icangiveanotherday,"Solonsaid.
"Icangivetherestoftheweek,"Homersaid.
"Iain'trushedneither,"Snopessaid.
"Thatwillbeenoughtostartwith,then,"Whitfieldsaid.
"It'slatenow.Letusallgohome."
Hewentfirst.Hedidn'tlookbackonce,atthechurchoratus.Hewenttotheoldmareand
clumbupslowandstiffandpowerful,andwasgone,andwewenttoo,scattering.
ButIlookedbackatit.Itwasjestashellnow,witharedandfadingcore,andIhadhatedit
attimesandfeareditatothers,andIshouldhavebeenglad.Buttherewassomethingthateven
thatfirehadn'teventouched.Maybethat'sallitwasjestindestructibility,endurabilitythatoldman
thatcouldplantobuilditbackwhileitswallswasstillfirefierceandthencalmlyturnhisbackand
goawaybecauseheknowedthatthementhatneverhadnothingtogivetowardthenewonebut
theirworkwouldbethereatsunuptomorrow,andthedayafterthat,andthedayafterthat,too,as
longasitwasneeded,togivethatworktobuilditbackagain.Soithadn'tgoneatall;itdidn'tno
morecareforthatlittlefireandfloodthanWhitfield'soldbaptizinggownhaddone.Thenwewas
home.Mawhadleftsofastthelampwasstilllit,andwecouldseepapnow,stillleavingapuddle
wherehestood,withacutacrossthebackofhisheadwherethebarrelhadbustedandtheblood
streakedwatersoakinghimtothewaist.
"Getthemwetclothesoff,"mawsaid.
"Idon'tknowasIwillornot,"papsaid."IbeenpubliclynotifiedthatIain'tfittentoassociate
withwhitefolks,soIpubliclynotifythemsamewhitefolksandMethodists,too,nottotryto
associatewithme,orthedevilcanhavethehindmost."
Butmawhadn'tevenlistened.Whenshecomebackwithapanofwaterandatoweland
thelinimentbottle,papwasalreadyinhisnightshirt.
 "Idon'twantnoneofthatneither,"hesaid."Ifmyheadwasn'tworthbusting,itain'tworth
patching."Butsheneverpaidnomindtothatneither.Shewashedhisheadoffanddrieditandput
thebandageonandwentoutagain,andpapwentandgotintobed.
"Handmemysnuff;thenyougetoutofhereandstayouttoo!"hesaid.
ButbeforeIcoulddothatmawcomeback.Shehadaglassofhottoddy,andshewentto
thebedandstoodtherewithit,andpapturnedhisheadandlookedatit.
"What'sthat?"hesaid.
Butmawneveranswered,andthenhesetupinbedanddrawedalong,shudderingbreath
wecouldhearitandafteraminuteheputouthishandforthetoddyandsetthereholdingitand
drawinghisbreath,andthenhetakenasipofit.
"IGodfrey,ifhimandallofthemputtogetherthinktheycankeepmefromworkingonmy
ownchurchlikearyotherman,hebetterbeagoodmantotryit."Hetakenanothersipofthe
toddy.Thenhetakenalongone."Arsonist,"hesaid."Workunits.Dogunits.Andnowarsonist.I
Godfrey,whataday!"

TheTallMen

THEYPASSEDTHEDARKbulkofthecottongin.Thentheysawthelamplithouseandtheother
car,thedoctor'scoupe,juststoppingatthegate,andtheycouldhearthehoundbaying.
"Hereweare!"theolddeputymarshalsaid.
"What'sthatothercar?"theyoungermansaid,thestranger,thestatedraftinvestigator.
"DoctorSchofield's,"themarshalsaid."LeeMcCallumaskedmetosendhimoutwhenI
telephonedwewerecoming."
"Youmeanyouwarnedthem?"theinvestigatorsaid."YoutelephonedaheadthatIwas
comingoutwithawarrantforthesetwoevaders?IsthishowyoucarryouttheordersoftheUnited
StatesGovernment?"
Themarshalwasalean,cleanoldmanwhochewedtobacco,whohadbeenbornandlived
inthecountyallhislife.
"IunderstoodallyouwantedwastoarrestthesetwoMcCallumboysandbringthemback
totown,"hesaid.
"Itwas!"theinvestigatorsaid."Andnowyouhavewarnedthem,giventhemachanceto
run.PossiblyputtheGovernmenttotheexpenseofhuntingthemdownwithtroops.Haveyou
forgottenthatyouareunderabondyourself?"
"Iain'tforgotit,"themarshalsaid."AndeversinceweleftJeffersonIbeentryingtotellyou
somethingforyounottoforget.ButIreckonitwilltaketheseMcCallumstoimpressthatonyou...
Pullinbehindtheothercar.We'lltrytofindoutfirstjusthowsickwhoeveritisthatissickis."
Theinvestigatordrewupbehindtheothercarandswitchedoffandblackedouthislights.
"Thesepeople,"hesaid.Thenhethought,Butthisdoddering,tobaccochewingoldmanisoneof
them,too,despitethehonorandprideofhisoffice,whichshouldhavemadehimdifferent.Sohe
didn'tspeakitaloud,removingthekeysandgettingoutofthecar,andthenlockingthecaritself,
rollingthewindowsupfirst,thinking,Thesepeoplewholieaboutandconcealtheownershipofland
andpropertyinordertoholdreliefjobswhichtheyhavenointentionofperforming,standingon
theirconstitutionalrightsagainsthavingtowork,whojeopardizetheveryjobitselfthroughpetty
andtransparentsubterfugetoacquireafreemattresswhichtheyintendtoattempttosell;who
wouldrelinquisheventhejob,ifbysodoingtheycouldreceivefreefoodandaplace,anyrathole,
intowntosleepin;who,asfarmers,makefalsestatementstogetseedloanswhichtheywilllater
misuse,andthenreactinloudvituperativeoutrageandastonishmentwhencaughtatit.Andthen,
whenatlonglastasufferingandthreatenedGovernmentasksonethingoftheminreturn,one
thingsimply,whichistoputtheirnamesdownonaselectiveservicelist,theyrefusetodoit.
Theoldmarshalhadgoneon.Theinvestigatorfollowed,throughastoutpaintlessgateina
picketfence,upabroadbrickwalkbetweentworowsofoldshabbycedars,towardtherambling
andlikewisepaintlesssprawlofthetwostoryhouseintheopenhallofwhichthesoftlamplight
glowedandthelowerstoryofwhich,astheinvestigatornowperceived,wasoflogs.Hesawahall
fullofsoftlamplightbeyondastoutpaintlessgalleryrunningacrossthelogfront,frombeneath
whichthesamedogwhichtheyhadheard,abighound,cameboomingagain,tostandfoursquare
facingtheminthewalk,bellowing,untilaman'svoicespoketoitfromthehouse.
Hefollowedthemarshalupthestepsontothegallery.Thenhesawthemanstandinginthe
door,waitingforthemtoapproach:amanofaboutfortyfive,nottall,butblocky,withabrown,still
faceandhorseman'shands,wholookedathimonce,briefandhard,andthennomore,speaking
tothemarshal,"Howdy,Mr.Gombault.Comein."
"Howdy,Rafe,"themarshalsaid."Who'ssick?"
"Buddy,"theothersaid."Slippedandcaughthisleginthehammermillthisafternoon."
"Isitbad?"themarshalsaid.
"Itlooksbadtome,"theothersaid."That'swhywesentforthedoctorinsteadofbringing
himintotown.Wecouldn'tgetthebleedingstopped."
"I'msorrytohearthat,"themarshalsaid."ThisisMr.Pearson."Oncemoretheinvestigator
foundtheotherlookingathim,thebrowneyesstill,courteousenoughinthebrownface,thehand
heofferedhardenough,buttheclaspquitelimp,quitecold.Themarshalwasstillspeaking."From
Jackson.Fromthedraftboard."Thenhesaid,andtheinvestigatorcoulddiscernnochange
whateverinhistone:"He'sgotawarrantfortheboys."
Theinvestigatorcoulddiscernnochangewhateveranywhere.Thelimphardhandmerely
withdrewfromhis,thestillfacenowlookingatthemarshal."Youmeanwehavedeclaredwar?"
"No,"themarshalsaid.
"That'snotthequestion,Mr.McCallum,"theinvestigatorsaid."Allrequiredofthemwasto
register.Theirnumbersmightnotevenbedrawnthistime;underthelawofaverages,they
probablywouldnotbe.Buttheyrefused;failed,anywaytoregister."
"Isee,"theothersaid.Hewasnotlookingattheinvestigator.Theinvestigatorcouldn'ttell
certainlyifhewasevenlookingatthemarshal,althoughhespoketohim,"YouwanttoseeBuddy?
Thedoctor'swithhimnow."
"Wait,"theinvestigatorsaid."I'msorryaboutyourbrother'saccident,butI..."Themarshal
glancedbackathimforamoment,hisshaggygraybrowsbeetling,withsomethingatonce
courteousyetalittleimpatientabouttheglance,sothatduringtheinstanttheinvestigatorsensed
fromtheoldmarshalthesamequalitywhichhadbeenintheother'sbrieflook.Theinvestigator
wasamanofbetterthanaverageintelligence;hewasalreadybecomingawareofsomethingalittle
differentherefromwhathehadexpected.Buthehadbeeninreliefworkinthestateseveralyears,
dealingalmostexclusivelywithcountrypeople,sohestillbelievedheknewthem.Sohelookedat
theoldmarshal,thinking,Yes.Thesamesortofpeople,despitetheoffice,theauthorityand
responsibilitywhichshouldhavechangedhim.Thinkingagain,Thesepeople.Thesepeople."I
intendtotakethenighttrainbacktoJackson,"hesaid."Myreservationisalreadymade.Servethe
warrantandwewill"
"Comealong,"theoldmarshalsaid."Wearegoingtohaveplentyoftime."
Sohefollowed:therewasnothingelsetodofumingandseething,attemptingintheshort
lengthofthehalltoregaincontrolofhimselfinordertocontrolthesituation,becauseherealized
nowthatifthesituationwerecontrolled,itwoulddevolveuponhimtocontrolit;thatiftheir
departurewiththeirprisonerswereexpedited,itmustbehimselfandnottheoldmarshalwho
wouldexpediteit.Hehadbeenright.Thedodderingoldofficerwasnotonlyatbottomoneofthese
people,hehadapparentlybeencorruptedanewtohisold,inherent,shiftlessslothandunreliability
merelybyenteringthehouse.Sohefollowedinturn,downthehallandintoabedroom;whereupon
helookedabouthimnotonlywithamazementbutwithsomethingveryliketerror.Theroomwasa
bigroom,withabareunpaintedfloor,andbesidesthebed,itcontainedonlyachairortwoandone
otherpieceofoldfashionedfurniture.Yettotheinvestigatoritseemedsofilledwithtremendous
mencastinthesamemoldasthemanwhohadmetthemthattheverywallsthemselvesmust
bulge.Yettheywerenotbig,nottall,anditwasnotvitality,exuberance,becausetheymadeno
sound,merelylookingquietlyathimwherehestoodinthedoor,withfacesbearinganalmost
identicalstampofkinship:athin,almostfrailoldmanofaboutseventy,slightlytallerthanthe
others;asecondone,whitehaired,too,butotherwiseidenticalwiththemanwhohadmetthemat
thedoor;athirdoneaboutthesameageasthemanwhohadmetthem,butwithsomething
delicateinhisfaceandsomethingtragicanddarkandwildinthesamedarkeyes;thetwo
absolutelyidenticalblueeyedyouths;andlastlytheblueeyedmanonthebedoverwhichthe
doctor,whomighthavebeenanycitydoctor,inhisneatcitysuit,leaned:allofthemturningtolook
quietlyathimandthemarshalastheyentered.Andhesaw,pastthedoctor,theslittrousersofthe
manonthebedandtheexposed,bloody,mangledleg,andheturnedsick,stoppingjustinsidethe
doorunderthatquiet,steadyregardwhilethemarshalwentuptothemanwholayonthebed,
smokingacobpipe,abig,oldfashioned,wickercovereddemijohn,suchastheinvestigator's
grandfatherhadkepthiswhiskyin,onthetablebesidehim.
"Well,Buddy,"themarshalsaid,"thisisbad."
"Ah,itwasmyowndamnfault,"themanonthebedsaid."Stuartkeptwarningmeabout
thatframeIwasusing."
"That'scorrect,"thesecondoldonesaid.
Stilltheotherssaidnothing.Theyjustlookedsteadilyandquietlyattheinvestigatoruntil
themarshalturnedslightlyandsaid,"ThisisMr.Pearson.FromJackson.He'sgotawarrantforthe
boys."
Thenthemanonthebedsaid,"Whatfor?"
"Thatdraftbusiness,Buddy,"themarshalsaid.
"We'renotatwarnow,"themanonthebedsaid.
"No,"themarshalsaid."It'sthatnewlaw.Theydidn'tregister."
"Whatareyougoingtodowiththem?"
"It'sawarrant,Buddy.Sworeout."
"Thatmeansjail."
"It'sawarrant,"theoldmarshalsaid.Thentheinvestigatorsawthatthemanonthebed
waswatchinghim,puffingsteadilyatthepipe.
"Pourmesomewhisky,Jackson,"hesaid.
"No,"thedoctorsaid."He'shadtoomuchalready."
"Pourmesomewhisky,Jackson,"themanonthebedsaid.Hepuffedsteadilyatthepipe,
lookingattheinvestigator."YoucomefromtheGovernment?"hesaid.
"Yes,"theinvestigatorsaid."Theyshouldhaveregistered.That'sallrequiredofthemyet.
Theydidnot..."Hisvoiceceased,whilethesevenpairsofeyescontemplatedhim,andthemanon
thebedpuffedsteadily.
"Wewouldhavestillbeenhere,"themanonthebedsaid."Wewasn'tgoingtorun."He
turnedhishead.Thetwoyouthswerestandingsidebysideatthefootofthebed.
"Anse,Lucius,"hesaid.
Totheinvestigatoritsoundedasiftheyansweredasone,"Yes,father."
"ThisgentlemanhascomeallthewayfromJacksontosaytheGovernmentisreadyfor
you.IreckonthequickestplacetoenlistwillbeMemphis.Goupstairsandpack."
 Theinvestigatorstarted,movedforward."Wait!"hecried.
ButJackson,theeldest,hadforestalledhim.Hesaid,"Wait,"also,andnowtheywerenot
lookingattheinvestigator.Theywerelookingatthedoctor.
"Whatabouthisleg?"Jacksonsaid.
"Lookatit,"thedoctorsaid."Healmostamputatedithimself.Itwon'twait.Andhecan'tbe
movednow.I'llneedmynursetohelpme,andsomeether,providedhehasn'thadtoomuch
whiskytostandtheanesthetictoo.Oneofyoucandrivetotowninmycar.I'lltelephone"
"Ether?"themanonthebedsaid."Whatfor?Youjustsaidyourselfit'sprettynearoffnow.
IcouldwhetuponeofJackson'sbutcherknivesandfinishitmyself,withanotherdrinkortwo.Go
on.Finishit."
"Youcouldn'tstandanymoreshock,"thedoctorsaid.
"Thisiswhiskytalkingnow."
"Shucks,"theothersaid."OnedayinFrancewewasrunningthroughawheatfieldandI
sawthemachinegun,comingacrossthewheat,andItriedtojumpitlikeyouwouldjumpafence
railsomebodywasswingingatyourmiddle,onlyInevermadeit.AndIwasonthegroundthen,
andalongtowarddarkthatbeguntohurt,onlyaboutthattimesomethingwentwhangontheback
ofmyhelmet,likewhenyouhitaanvil,soIneverknowednothingelseuntilIwokeup.Therewasa
heapofusrackedupalongabankoutsideafielddressingstation,onlyittookalongtimeforthe
doctortogetaroundtoallofus,andbythattimeitwashurtingbad.Thishereain'thurtnoneto
speakofsinceIgotaholtofthisjohnnyjug.Yougoonandfinishit.Ifit'shelpyouneed,Stuart
andRafewillhelpyou...Pourmeadrink,Jackson."
Thistimethedoctorraisedthedemijohnandexaminedtheleveloftheliquor."There'sa
goodquartgone,"hesaid."Ifyou'vedrunkaquartofwhiskysincefouro'clock,Idoubtifyoucould
standtheanesthetic.DoyouthinkyoucouldstanditifIfinisheditnow?"
"Yes,finishit.I'veruinedit;Iwanttogetshutofit."
Thedoctorlookedaboutattheothers,atthestill,identicalfaceswatchinghim."IfIhadhim
intown,inthehospital,withanursetowatchhim,I'dprobablywaituntilhegotoverthisfirstshock
andgotthewhiskyoutofhissystem.Buthecan'tbemovednow,andIcan'tstopthebleedinglike
this,andevenifIhadetheroralocalanesthetic..."
"Shucks,"themanonthebedsaid."Godnevermadenobetterlocalnorgeneralcomfortor
anestheticneitherthanwhat'sinthisjohnnyjug.Andthisain'tJackson'slegnorStuart'snorRafe's
norLee's.It'smine.Idonestartedit;IreckonIcanfinishcuttingitoffanywayIwantto."
ButthedoctorwasstilllookingatJackson."Well,Mr.McCallum?"hesaid."You'rethe
oldest."
ButitwasStuartwhoanswered."Yes,"hesaid."Finishit.Whatdoyouwant?Hotwater,I
reckon."
"Yes,"thedoctorsaid."Somecleansheets.Haveyougotabigtableyoucanmovein
here?"
"Thekitchentable,"themanwhohadmetthematthedoorsaid."Meandtheboys..."
"Wait,"themanonthebedsaid."Theboyswon'thavetimetohelpyou."Helookedatthem
again."Anse,Lucius,"hesaid.
Againitseemedtotheinvestigatorthattheyansweredasone,"Yes,father."
"Thisgentlemanyonderisbeginningtolookimpatient.Youbetterstart.Cometothinkofit,
youwon'tneedtopack.Youwillhaveuniformsinadayortwo.Takethetruck.Therewon'tbe
nobodytodriveyoutoMemphisandbringthetruckback,soyoucanleaveitattheGayosoFeed
Companyuntilwecansendforit.I'dlikeforyoutoenlistintotheoldSixthInfantry,whereIusedto
be.ButIreckonthat'stoomuchtohope,andyou'lljusthavetochancewheretheysendyou.Butit
likelywon'tmatter,onceyouarein.TheGovernmentdonerightbymeinmyday,anditwilldoright
byyou.Youjustenlistwherevertheywanttosendyou,needyou,andobeyyoursergeantsand
officersuntilyoufindouthowtobesoldiers.Obeythem,butrememberyournameanddon'ttake
nothingfromnoman.Youcangonow."
"Wait!"theinvestigatorcriedagain;againhestarted,movedforwardintothecenterofthe
room."Iprotestthis!I'msorryaboutMr.McCallum'saccident.I'msorryaboutthewholebusiness.
Butit'soutofmyhandsandoutofhishandsnow.Thischarge,failuretoregisteraccordingtolaw,
hasbeenmadeandthewarrantissued.Itcannotbeevadedthisway.Thecourseoftheaction
mustbecompletedbeforeanyotherstepcanbetaken.Theyshouldhavethoughtofthiswhen
theseboysfailedtoregister.IfMr.Gombaultrefusestoservethiswarrant,Iwillserveitmyselfand
takethesemenbacktoJeffersonwithmetoanswerthischargeasmade.AndImustwarnMr.
Gombaultthathewillbecitedforcontempt!"
Theoldmarshalturned,hisshaggyeyebrowsbeetlingagain,speakingdowntothe
investigatorasifhewereachild,"Ain'tyoufoundoutyetthatmeoryouneitherain'tgoingnowhere
forawhile?"
"What?"theinvestigatorcried.Helookedaboutatthegravefacesoncemore
contemplatinghimwiththatremoteandspeculativeregard."AmIbeingthreatened?"hecried.
"Ain'tanybodypayinganyattentiontoyouatall,"themarshalsaid."Nowyoujustbequiet
forawhile,andyouwillbeallright,andafterawhilewecangobacktotown."
Sohestoppedagainandstoodwhilethegrave,contemplativefacesfreedhimoncemore
ofthatimpersonalandunbearableregard,andsawthetwoyouthsapproachthebedandbend
downinturnandkisstheirfatheronthemouth,andthenturnasoneandleavetheroom,passing
himwithoutevenlookingathim.Andsittinginthelamplithallbesidetheoldmarshal,thebedroom
doorclosednow,heheardthetruckstartupandbackandturnandgodowntheroad,thesoundof
itdyingaway,ceasing,leavingthestill,hotnight,theMississippiIndiansummer,whichhadalready
outlastedhalfofNovemberfilledwiththeloudlastshrillingofthesummer'scicadas,asthough
they,too,wereawareoftheimminentseasonofcoldweatherandofdeath.
"IrememberoldAnse,"themarshalsaidpleasantly,chattily,inthattoneinwhichanadult
addressesastrangechild.
"He'sbeendeadfifteensixteenyearsnow.Hewasaboutsixteenwhentheoldwarbroke
out,andhewalkedallthewaytoVirginiatogetintoit.Hecouldhaveenlistedandfoughtrighthere
athome,buthismawasaCarter,sowouldn'tnothingdohimbuttogoallthewaybacktoVirginia
todohisfighting,eventhoughhehadn'tneverseenVirginiabeforehimself;walkedalltheway
backtoalandhehadn'tneverevenseenbeforeandenlistedinStonewallJackson'sarmyand
stayedinitallthroughtheValley,andrightuptoChancellorsville,wherethemCarolinaboysshot
Jacksonbymistake,andrightonuptothatmorningin'SixtyfivewhenSheridan'scavalryblocked
theroadfromAppomattoxtotheValley,wheretheymighthavegotawayagain.Andhewalked
backtoMississippiwithjustaboutwhathehadcarriedawaywithhimwhenheleft,andhegot
marriedandbuiltthefirststoryofthishousethisherelogstorywe'reinrightnowandstarted
gettingthemboysJacksonandStuartandRaphaelandLeeandBuddy.Buddycomealonglate,
lateenoughtobeintheotherwar,inFranceinit.Youheardhiminthere.Hebroughtbacktwo
medals,anAmericanmedalandaFrenchone,andnomanknowstillyethowhegotthem,just
whathedone.Idon'tbelieveheeventoldJacksonandStuartandthem.Hehadn'thardlygotback
home,withthemnumbersonhisuniformandthewoundstripesandthemtwomedals,beforehe
hadfoundhimagirl,foundherrightoff,andayearlaterthemtwinboyswasborn,thelivin',spittin'
imageofoldAnseMcCallum.IfoldAnsehadjustbeenaboutseventyfiveyearsyounger,thethree
ofthemmighthavebeenthriblets.Irememberthemtwolittlecrittersexactlyalike,andwildas
spikehornbucks,runningaroundheredayandnightbothwithapackofcoondogsuntiltheygot
bigenoughtohelpBuddyandStuartandLeewiththefarmandthegin,andRafewiththehorses
andmules,whenhewouldbreedandraiseandtrainthemandtakethemtoMemphistosell,right
onuptothree,fouryearsback,whentheywenttotheagriculturalcollegeforayeartolearnmore
aboutwhitefacecattle.
"ThatwasafterBuddyandthemhadquitraisingcotton.Irememberthattoo.Itwaswhen
theGovernmentfirstbeguntointerferewithhowamanfarmedhisownland,raisedhiscotton.
Stabilizingtheprice,usingupthesurplus,theycalledit,givingamanadviceandhelp,whetherhe
wanteditornot.Youmayhavenoticedthemboysinyondertonight;curiousfolksalmost,you
mightcallthem.Thatfirstyear,whencountyagentswastryingtoexplainthenewsystemto
farmers,theagentcomeouthereandtriedtoexplainittoBuddyandLeeandStuart,explaining
howtheywouldcutdownthecrop,butthattheGovernmentwouldpayfarmersthedifference,and
sotheywouldactuallybebetteroffthantryingtofarmbythemselves.
"'Why,we'remuchobliged,'Buddysays.'Butwedon'tneednohelp.We'lljustmakethe
cottonlikewealwaysdone;ifwecan'tmakeacropofit,thatwilljustbeourlookoutandourloss,
andwe'lltryagain.'
"Sotheywouldn'tsignnopapersnornocardsnornothing.Theyjustwentonandmadethe
cottonlikeoldAnsehadtaughtthemto;itwasliketheyjustcouldn'tbelievethattheGovernment
aimedtohelpamanwhetherhewantedhelpornot,aimedtointerferewithhowmuchofanything
hecouldmakebyhardworkonhisownland,makingthecropandginningitrighthereintheirown
gin,liketheyhadalwaysdone,andhaulingittotowntosell,haulingitallthewayintoJefferson
beforetheyfoundouttheycouldn'tsellitbecause,inthefirstplace,theyhadmadetoomuchofit
and,inthesecondplace,theyneverhadnocardtosellwhattheywouldhavebeenallowed.So
theyhauleditback.Theginwouldn'tholdallofit,sotheyputsomeofitunderRafe'smuleshed
andtheyputtherestofitrighthereinthehallwherewearesettingnow,wheretheywouldhaveto
walkarounditallwinterandkeepthemselvesremindedtobeshoandfilloutthatcardnexttime.
"Onlynextyeartheydidn'tfilloutnopapersneither.Itwasliketheystillcouldn'tbelieveit,
stillbelievedinthefreedomandlibertytomakeorbreakaccordingtoaman'sfitnessandwillto
work,guaranteedbytheGovernmentthatoldAnsehadtriedtotearintwoonceandfailed,and
admittedingoodfaithhehadfailedandtakentheconsequences,andthathadgiveBuddyamedal
andtakencareofhimwhenhewasfarawayfromhomeinastrangelandandhurt.
"Sotheymadethatsecondcrop.Andtheycouldn'tsellittonobodyneitherbecausethey
neverhadnocards.Thistimetheybuiltaspecialshedtoputitunder,andIrememberhowinthat
secondwinterBuddycometotownonedaytoseeLawyerGavinStevens.Notforlegaladvicehow
tosuetheGovernmentorsomebodyintobuyingthecotton,eveniftheyneverhadnocardforit,
butjusttofindoutwhy.'Iwasforgoingaheadandsigningupforit,'Buddysays.'Ifthat'sgoingto
bethenewrule.Butwetalkeditover,andJacksonain'tnofarmer,butheknowedfatherlonger
thantherestofus,andhesaidfatherwouldhavesaidno,andIreckonnowhewouldhavebeen
right.'
"Sotheydidn'traiseanymorecotton;theyhadaplentyofittolastawhile:twentytwo
bales,Ithinkitwas.Thatwaswhentheywentintowhitefacecattle,puttingoldAnse'scottonland
intopasture,becausethat'swhathewouldhavewantedthemtodoiftheonlywaytheycouldraise
cottonwasbytheGovernmenttellingthemhowmuchtheycouldraiseandhowmuchtheycould
sellitfor,andwhere,andwhen,andthenpaythemfornotdoingtheworktheydidn'tdo.Onlyeven
whentheydidn'traisecotton,everyyearthecountyagent'syoungfellowwouldcomeoutto
measurethepasturecropstheyplantedsohecouldpaythemforthat,eveniftheyneverhadno
notcottontobepaidfor.Exceptthathenevermeasurednocroponthisplace.'You'rewelcometo
lookatwhatwearedoing,'Buddysays.'Butdon'tdrawitdownonyourmap.'
"'Butyoucangetmoneyforthis,'theyoungfellowsays.'TheGovernmentwantstopayyou
forplantingallthis.'
"'Weareaimingtogetmoneyforit,'Buddysays.'Whenwecan't,wewilltrysomething
else.ButnotfromtheGovernment.Givethattothemthatwanttotakeit.Wecanmakeout.'
 "Andthat'saboutall.Themtwentytwobalesoforphancottonaredownyonderinthegin
rightnow,becausethere'sroomforitintheginnowbecausetheyain'tusingtheginnomore.And
themboysgrewupandwentoffayeartotheagriculturalcollegetolearnrightaboutwhiteface
cattle,andthencomebacktotherestofthem:theseherecuriousfolkslivingoffhereto
themselves,withtherestoftheworldallfullofprettyneonlightsburningnightanddayboth,and
easy,quickmoneyscatteringitselfaroundeverywhereforanymantograbalittle,andeveryman
withashinynewautomobilealreadyworeoutandthrowedawayandthenewonedeliveredbefore
thefirstonewasevenpaidfor,andeverywhereafineloudgrabbleandsnatchofAAAandWPA
andadozenotherthreeletterreasonsforamannottowork.Thenthisheredraftcomesalong,
andthesecuriousfolksain'tgotaroundtosigningthatneither,andyoucomeallthewayupfrom
Jacksonwithyourpaperallsignedandregular,andwecomeouthere,andafterawhilewecango
backtotown.Amangetsaround,don'the?"
"Yes,"theinvestigatorsaid."Doyousupposewecangobacktotownnow?"
"No,"themarshaltoldhiminthatsamekindlytone,"notjustyet.Butwecanleaveaftera
while.Ofcourseyouwillmissyourtrain.Buttherewillbeanotheronetomorrow."
Herose,thoughtheinvestigatorhadheardnothing.Theinvestigatorwatchedhimgodown
thehallandopenthebedroomdoorandenterandcloseitbehindhim.Theinvestigatorsatquietly,
listeningtothenightsoundsandlookingatthecloseddooruntilitopenedpresentlyandthe
marshalcameback,carryingsomethinginabloodysheet,carryingitgingerly.
"Here,"hesaid."Holditaminute."
"It'sbloody,"theinvestigatorsaid.
"That'sallright,"themarshalsaid."Wecanwashwhenwegetthrough."Sotheinvestigator
tookthebundleandstoodholdingitwhilehewatchedtheoldmarshalgobackdownthehalland
onthroughitandvanishandreturnpresentlywithalightedlanternandashovel."Comealong,"he
said."We'reprettynearthroughnow."
Theinvestigatorfollowedhimoutofthehouseandacrosstheyard,carryinggingerlythe
bloody,shattered,heavybundleinwhichitstillseemedtohimhecouldfeelsomewarmthoflife,
themarshalstridingonahead,thelanternswingingagainsthisleg,theshadowofhisstriding
scissoringandenormousalongtheearth,hisvoicestillcomingbackoverhisshoulder,chattyand
cheerful,"Yes,sir.Amangetsaroundandheseesaheap;aheapoffolksinaheapofsituations.
Thetroubleis,wedonegotintothehabitofconfusingthesituationswiththefolks.Takeyourself,
now,"hesaidinthatsamekindlytone,chattyandeasy;"youmeanallright.Youjustwentandgot
yourselfallfoggedupwithrulesandregulations.That'sourtrouble.Wedoneinventedourselvesso
manyalphabetsandrulesandrecipesthatwecan'tseeanythingelse;ifwhatweseecan'tbefitted
toanalphabetorarule,wearelost.Wehavecometobelikecrittersdoctorfolksmighthave
createdinlaboratories,thathavelearnedhowtoslipofftheirbonesandgutsandstilllive,stillbe
keptaliveindefiniteandforevermaybeevenwithoutevenknowingthebonesandthegutsare
gone.Wehaveslippedourbackbone;wehaveaboutdecidedamandon'tneedabackboneany
more;tohaveoneisoldfashioned.Butthegroovewherethebackboneusedtobeisstillthere,
andthebackbonehasbeenkeptalive,too,andsomedaywe'regoingtoslipbackontoit.Idon't
knowjustwhennorjusthowmuchofawrenchitwilltaketoteachus,butsomeday."
Theyhadlefttheyardnow.Theyweremountingaslope;aheadofthemtheinvestigator
couldseeanotherclumpofcedars,asmallclump,somehowshaggilyformalagainstthestarred
sky.Themarshalentereditandstoppedandsetthelanterndownand,followingwiththebundle,
theinvestigatorsawasmallrectangleofearthenclosedbyalowbrickcoping.Thenhesawthetwo
graves,ortheheadstones:twoplaingraniteslabssetuprightintheearth.
"OldAnseandMrs.Anse,"themarshalsaid."Buddy'swifewantedtobeburiedwithher
folks.IreckonshewouldhavebeenrightlonesomeupherewithjustMcCallums.Now,let'ssee."
Hestoodforamoment,hischininhishand;totheinvestigatorhelookedexactlylikeanoldlady
tryingtodecidewheretosetoutashrub."Theywastorunfromlefttoright,beginningwith
Jackson.Butaftertheboyswasborn,JacksonandStuartwastocomeupherebytheirpaandma,
soBuddycouldmoveupsomeandmakeroom.Sohewillbeabouthere."Hemovedthelantern
nearerandtookuptheshovel.Thenhesawtheinvestigatorstillholdingthebundle.
"Setitdown,"hesaid."Igottodigfirst."
"I'llholdit,"theinvestigatorsaid.
"Nonsense,putitdown."themarshalsaid."Buddywon'tmind."
Sotheinvestigatorputthebundledownonthebrickcopingandthemarshalbegantodig,
skillfullyandrapidly,stilltalkinginthatcheerful,interminablevoice,"Yes,sir.Wedoneforgotabout
folks.Lifehasdonegotcheap,andlifeain'tcheap.Life'saprettydurnvaluablething.Idon'tmean
justgettingalongfromoneWPAreliefchecktothenextone,buthonorandprideanddiscipline
thatmakeamanworthpreserving,makehimofanyvalue.That'swhatwegottolearnagain.
Maybeittakestrouble,badtrouble,toteachitbacktous;maybeitwasthewalkingtoVirginia
becausethat'swherehismacomefrom,andlosingawarandthenwalkingback,thattaughtitto
oldAnse.Anyway,heseemstolearnedit,andtolearneditgoodenoughtobequeathittohisboys.
DidyounoticehowallBuddyhadtodowastotellthemboysofhisitwastimetogo,becausethe
Governmenthadsentthemword?Andhowtheytoldhimgoodby?Grownedmenkissingone
anotherwithouthidingandwithoutshame.Maybethat'swhatIamtryingtosay...There."hesaid.
"That'sbigenough."
Hemovedquickly,easily;beforetheinvestigatorcouldstir,hehadliftedthebundleintothe
narrowtrenchandwascoveringit,coveringitasrapidlyashehaddug,smoothingtheearthoverit
withtheshovel.Thenhestoodupandraisedthelanternatall,leanoldman,breathingeasilyand
lightly.
"Ireckonwecangobacktotownnow,"hesaid.

ABearHunt

RATLIFFISTELLINGTHIS.Heisasewingmachineagent;timewaswhenhetraveledaboutour
countyinalight,strongbuckboarddrawnbyasturdy,wiry,mismatchedteamofhorses;nowhe
usesamodelTFord,whichalsocarrieshisdemonstratormachineinatinboxontherear,shaped
likeadogkennelandpaintedtoresembleahouse.
Ratliffmaybeseenanywherewithoutsurprise:theonlymanpresentatthebazaarsand
sewingbeesoffarmers'wives;movingamongbothmenandwomenatalldaysingingsatcountry
churches,andsinging,too,inapleasantbarytone.
Hewasevenatthisbearhuntofwhichhespeaks,attheannualhuntingcampofMajorde
Spainintheriverbottomtwentymilesfromtown,eventhoughtherewasnoonetheretowhomhe
mightpossiblyhavesoldamachine,sinceMrs.deSpaindoubtlessalreadyownedone,unlessshe
hadgivenittooneofhermarrieddaughters,andtheotherman,themancalledLuciusProvine
withwhomhebecameinvolved,totheviolentdetrimentofhisfaceandothermembers,couldnot
haveboughtoneforhiswifeevenifhewould,withoutRatliffsoldittohimonindefinitecredit.
Provineisalsoanativeofthecounty.Butheisfortynowandmostofhisteetharegone,
anditisyearsnowsinceheandhisdeadbrotherandanotherdeadandforgottencontemporary
namedJackBondswereknownastheProvinegangandterrorizedourquiettownafterthe
unimaginativefashionofwildyouthbylettingoffpistolsonthesquarelateSaturdaynightsor
gallopingtheirhorsesdownscurryingandscreaminglanesofchurchgoingladiesonSunday
morning.Youngercitizensofthetowndonotknowhimatallsaveasatall,apparentlystrongand
healthymanwholoafsinabrooding,saturninefashionwhereverhewillbeallowed,neverexactly
acceptedbyanygroup,andwhomakesnoeffortwhatevertosupporthiswifeandthreechildren.
Thereareothermenamongusnowwhosefamiliesareinwant;menwho,perhaps,would
notworkanyway,butwhonow,sincethelastfewyears,cannotfindwork.Theseallattainandhold
toacertainrespectabilitybyactingasagentsforthemanufacturersofminorarticleslikesoapand
men'stoiletaccessoriesandkitchenobjects,beingseenconstantlyaboutthesquareandthe
streetscarryingsmallblacksamplecases.Oneday,tooursurprise,Provinealsoappearedwith
suchacase,thoughwithinlessthanaweekthetownofficersdiscoveredthatitcontainedwhiskyin
pintbottles.MajordeSpainextricatedhimsomehow,asitwasMajordeSpainwhosupportedhis
familybyekingoutthemoneywhichMrs.ProvineearnedbysewingandsuchperhapsasaRoman
gestureofsaluteandfarewelltothebrightfigurewhichProvinehadbeenbeforetimewhippedhim.
ForthereareoldermenwhoremembertheButchhehasevenlostsomewhereinhis
shabbypast,thelustydaredeviltryofthenicknameProvineoftwentyyearsago;thatyouthwithout
humor,yetwithsomedriving,inarticulatezestforbreathingwhichhaslongsinceburnedoutofhim,
whoperformedinafinefrenzy,whichwas,perhaps,mostlyalcohol,certainoutrageousand
spontaneousdeeds,oneofwhichwastheNegropicnicbusiness.ThepicnicwasataNegro
churchafewmilesfromtown.Inthemidstofit,thetwoProvinesandJackBonds,returningfroma
danceinthecountry,rodeupwithdrawnpistolsandfreshlylitcigars;andtakingtheNegromen
onebyone,heldtheburningcigarendstothepopularcelluloidcollarsoftheday,leavingeach
victim'sneckringedwithanabruptandfaintandpainlessringofcarbon.ThisisheofwhomRatliff
istalking.
ButthereisonethingmorewhichmustbetoldhereinordertosetthestageforRatliff.Five
milesfartherdowntheriverfromMajordeSpain'scamp,andinanevenwilderpartoftheriver's
jungleofcaneandgumandpinoak,thereisanIndianmound.Aboriginal,itrisesprofoundlyand
darklyenigmatic,theonlyelevationofanykindinthewild,flatjungleofriverbottom.Eventosome
ofuschildrenthoughwewere,yetweweredescendedofliterate,townbredpeopleitpossessed
inferencesofsecretandviolentblood,ofsavageandsuddendestruction,asthoughtheyellsand
hatchetswhichweassociatedwithIndiansthroughthehiddenandsecretdimenovelswhichwe
passedamongourselveswerebuttrivialandmomentarymanifestationsofwhatdarkpowerstill
dwelledorlurkedthere,sinister,alittlesardonic,likeadarkandnamelessbeastlightlyandlazily
slumberingwithbloodyjawsthis,perhaps,duetothefactthataremnantofaoncepowerfulclanof
theChickasawtribestilllivedbesideitunderGovernmentprotection.TheynowhadAmerican
namesandtheylivedasthesparsewhitepeoplewhosurroundedtheminturnlived.
Yetweneversawthem,sincetheynevercametotown,havingtheirownsettlementand
store.Whenwegrewolderwerealizedthattheywerenowilderormoreilliteratethanthewhite
people,andthatprobablytheirgreatestdeviationfromthenormandthis,inourcountry,no
especialdeviationwasthefactthattheywerealittlebetterthansuspecttomanufacturemoonshine
whiskybackintheswamps.Yettous,aschildren,theywerealittlefabulous,theirswamphidden
livesinextricablefromthelifeofthedarkmound,whichsomeofushadneverseen,yetofwhich
wehadallheard,asthoughtheyhadbeensetbythedarkpowerstobe.guardiansofit.
AsIsaid,someofushadneverseenthemound,yetallofushadheardofit,talkedofitas
boyswill.Itwasasmuchapartofourlivesandbackgroundasthelanditself,asthelostCivilWar
andSherman'smarch,orthattherewereNegroesamonguslivingineconomiccompetitionwho
boreourfamilynames;onlymoreimmediate,morepotentialandalive.
WhenIwasfifteen,acompanionandI,onadare,wentintothemoundonedayjustat
sunset.WesawsomeofthoseIndiansforthefirsttime;wegotdirectionsfromthemandreached
thetopofthemoundjustasthesunset.Wehadcampingequipmentwithus,butwemadenofire.
Wedidn'tevenmakedownourbeds.Wejustsatsidebysideonthatmounduntilitbecamelight
enoughtofindourwaybacktotheroad.Wedidn'ttalk.Whenwelookedateachotherinthegray
dawn,ourfacesweregray,too,quiet,verygrave.
Whenwereachedtownagain,wedidn'ttalkeither.Wejustpartedandwenthomeand
wenttobed.That'swhatwethought,felt,aboutthemound.Wewerechildren,itistrue,yetwe
weredescendantsofpeoplewhoreadbooksandwhowereorshouldhavebeenbeyond
superstitionandimpervioustomindlessfear.
NowRatlifftellsaboutLuciusProvineandhishiccup.
WhenIgotbacktotown,thefirstfellowImetsays,"Whathappenedtoyourface,Ratliff?
WasDeSpainusingyouinplaceofhisbearhounds?"
"No,boys,"Isays."Hitwasacattymount."
"Whatwasyoutryingtodotohit,Ratliff?"afellowsays.
"Boys,"Isays,"bedogifIknow."
Andthatwasthetruth.HitwasagoodwhileaftertheyhaddonehauledLukeProvineoffen
methatIfoundthatout.BecauseIneverknowedwhoOldManAshwas,nomorethanLukedid.I
justknowedthathewasMajor'snigger,ahelpingaroundcamp.AllIknowed,whenthewholething
started,waswhatIthoughtIwasaimingtodotomaybehelpLukeshoenough,ormaybeatthe
outsidetojusthavealittlefunwithhimwithouthurtinghim,orevenmaybetodoMajoralittlefavor
bygettingLukeoutencampforawhile.Andthenhyerhitisaboutmidnightandthatdurnfellow
comesswurgingoutenthewoodswildasaskeereddeer,andrunsinwheretheyaresettingatthe
pokergame,andIsays,"Well,yououghttobesatisfied.Youdoneruncleanoutfromunderthem."
Andhestoppeddeadstillandgivemeakindofglareofwildastonishment;hedidn'tevenknow
thattheyhadquit;andthenheswurgedallovermelikeabarnfallingdown.
Hitshostoppedthatpokergame.Hittakenthreeorfourofthemtodraghimoffenme,with
Majorturnedinhischairwithasetofthreesinhishand,ahammeringonthetableandhollering
cusses.Onlyarightsmartofthehelpingtheydonewassteppingonmyfaceandhandsandfeet.
Hitwaslikeafahr:thefellowswiththewaterhosedonethemostpartofthedamage.
"Whatthetarnationhelldoesthismean?"Majorhollers,withthreeorfourfellowsholding
Luke,andhimcryinglikeababy.
"Hesetthemonme!"Lukesays."Hewastheonesentmeupthere,andI'magoingtokill
him!"
"Setwhoonyou?"Majorsays.
"ThemIndians!"Lukesays,crying.Thenhetriedtogetatmeagain,flingingthemfellows
holdinghisarmsaroundliketheywasragdolls,untilMajorpurecussedhimquiet.
He'samanyet.Don'tlethitfoolyounonebecauseheclaimsheain'tstrongenoughto
work.Maybehit'sbecauseheain'tneverworehisstrengthdowntotingaroundoneofthemlittle
blacksatchelsfullofpinkgallusesandshavingsoap.
ThenMajoraskedmewhathitwasallabout,andItoldhimhowIhadjustbeentryingto
helpLukegetshedofthemhiccups.
BedogifIdidn'tfeelrightsorryforhim.Ihappenedtobepassingoutthatway,andsoIjust
thoughtIwoulddropinonthemandseewhatlucktheywashaving,andIdruvupaboutsundown,
andthefirstfellowIseewasLuke.Iwasn'tsurprised,sincethisherewouldbethebiggestpresent
gatheringofmeninthecounty,letalonethefreeeatingandwhisky,soIsays,"Well,thisisa
surprise."Andhesays:"Hicuh!Hicow!Hicoh!Hicoh,God!"Hehaddonealreadyhadthemsince
nineo'clockthenightbefore;hehadbeentechingthejugever'timeMajorofferedhimoneand
ever'timehecouldgettohitwhenOldManAshwasn'tlooking;andtwodaysbeforeMajorhad
killedabear,andIreckonLukehadalreadyetmorepossumrichbearporkletalonethevenison
theyhad,withmaybeafewcoonsandsquirlsthrowedinforseasoningthanhecouldhavehauled
offinawaggin.Soherehewas,goingthreetimestotheminute,likeoneofthesehereclock
bombs;onlyhitwasbearmeatandwhiskyinsteadofdynamite,andsohecouldn'texplodeandput
himselfoutenhismisery.
Theytoldmehowhehaddonealreadykeptever'bodyawakemostofthenightbefore,and
howMajorgotupmadanyway,andwentoffwithhisgunandAshtohandlethemtwobearhounds,
andLukefollowingoutenpuremisery,Ireckon,sincehehadn'tsleptnomorethannobodyelse
walkingalongbehindMajor,saying,"Hicah!Hicow!Hicoh!Hicoh,Lord!"untilMajorturnsonhim
andsays:"Gettohelloveryonderwiththemshotgunfellowsonthedeerstands.Howdoyou
expectmetowalkuponabearorevenhearthedogswhentheystrike?Imightaswellberidinga
motorcycle."
SoLukewentonbacktowherethedeerstanderswasalongtheloglinelevee.Ireckonhe
neversomuchwentawayashekindofdiedawayinthedistancelikethateremotorcycleMajor
mentioned.Henevertriedtobequiet.Ireckonheknowedhitwouldn'tbenouse.Henevertriedto
keeptotheopen,neither.Ireckonhethoughtthatanyfoolwouldknowfromhissoundthathe
wasn'tnodeer.No.Ireckonhewassomizzablebythenthathehopedsomebodywouldshoot
him.Butnobodynever,andhecometothefirststand,whereUncleIkeMcCaslinwas,andset
downonalogbehindUncleIkewithhiselbowsonhiskneesandhisfaceinhishands,going,"Hic
uh!Hicuh!Hicuh!Hicuh!"untilUncleIketurnsandsays:"Confoundyou,boy;getawayfrom
here.Doyoureckonanyvarmintintheworldisgoingtowalkuptoahaybaler?Godrinksome
water."
"Idonealreadydonethat,"Lukesays,withoutmoving."Ibeendrinkingwatersincenine
o'clocklastnight.IdonealreadydrunksomuchwaterthatifIwastofalldownIwouldgushlikea
artesianwell."
"Well,goawayanyhow,"UncleIkesays."Getawayfromhere."
SoLukegetsupandkindofstaggersawayagain,kindofdyingawayagainlikehewasrun
byoneofthesehyeronecylindergasolineengines,onlyadurnsightmoreoftenandregular.He
wentondowntheleveetowherethenextstandwas,andtheydruvhimwayfromthere,andhe
wentontowardthenextone.Ireckonhewasstillhopingthatsomebodywouldtakepityonhim
andshoothim,becausenowhekindofseemedtogiveup.Now,whenhecometothe"oh,God"
partofhit,theysaidyoucouldhyearhimcleanbacktocamp.Theysaidhewouldechobackfrom
thecanebrakeacrosstheriverlikeoneofthesehyerloudspeakersdowninawell.Theysaidthat
eventhedogsonthetrailquitbaying,andsotheyallcomeupandmadehimcomebacktocamp.
That'swherehewaswhenIcomein.AndOldManAshwasthere,too,wherehimand
MajorhaddonecomeinsoMajorcouldtakeanap,andneithermenorLukenoticinghimexcept
asjustanotherniggeraround.
Thatwashit.Neitheroneofusknowedoreventhoughtabouthim.Ibedogifhitdon'tlook
likesometimesthatwhenafellowsetsouttoplayajoke,hitain'tanotherfellowhe'splayingthat
jokeon;hit'sakindofbigpowerlayingstillsomewhereinthedarkthathesetsouttoprankwith
withoutknowinghit,andhitalldependsonwhetherthaterepowerisinthenotiontotakeajokeor
not,whetherornothitblowsuprightinhisfacelikethisonedidinmine.BecauseIsays,"You
donehadthemsincenineo'clockyesterday?That'snightwentyfourhours.Seemsliketomeyou'd
'a'donesomethingtotrytostopthem."Andhimlookingatmelikehecouldn'tmakeuphismind
whethertojumpupandbitemyheadofforjusttotryandbitehisnoff,saying"Hicuh!Hicuh!"
slowandregular.Thenhesays,"Idon'twanttogetshedofthem.Ilikethem.Butifyouhadthem,I
wouldgetshedofthemforyou.Youwanttoknowhow?"
"How?"Isays.
"I'djusttearyourheadoff.Thenyouwouldn'thavenothingtohiccupwith.Theywouldn't
worryyouthen.I'dbegladtodohitforyou."
"Shonow,"Isays,lookingathimsettingthereonthekitchensteps.Hitwasaftersupper,
buthehadn'tetnone,beingashisthroathaddoneturnedintoaonewaystreetonhim,youmight
saygoing"Hicuh!Hicoh!Hicoh!Hicuh!"becauseIreckonMajorhaddonetoldhimwhatwould
happentohimifhetakentoholleringagain.Inevermeantnoharm.Besides,theyhaddone
alreadytoldmehowhehadkepteverybodyawakeallnightthenightbeforeandhaddoneskeered
allthegameoutenthatpartofthebottom,andbesides,thewalkmighthelphimtopasshisown
time.SoIsays,"IbelieveIknowhowyoumightgetshedofthem.But,ofcourse,ifyoudon'twant
togetshedofthem"
Andhesays,"Ijustwishsomebodywouldtellmehow.I'dpaytendollarsjusttosethere
foroneminutewithoutsaying'hic'."Well,thatsethimoffshoenough.Hitwaslikeuptothattime
hisinsideshadbeensatisfiedwithgoing"hicuh"steady,butquiet,butnow,whenhereminded
himself,hitwaslikehehaddoneopenedacutout,becauserightawayhebegunhollering,"Hicoh,
God!"likewhenthemfellowsonthedeerstandshadmadehimcomebacktocamp,andIheard
Major'sfeetcomingbupbupbupacrossthefloor.Evenhisfeetsoundedmad,andIsaysquick,
"Shhhh!Youdon'twanttogetMajormadagain,now."
Sohequietedsome,settingthereonthekitchensteps,withOldManAshandtheother
niggersmovingaroundinsidethekitchen,andhesays,"Iwilltryanythingyoucansujest.Idone
triedever'thingIknowedandever'thinganybodyelsetoldmeto.Idoneheldmybreathanddrunk
wateruntilIfeeljustlikeoneofthesehyerbigautomobiletahrstheyusetoadvertisewith,andI
hungbymykneesoffenthatlimbyonderforfifteenminutesanddrunkapintbottlefullofwater
upsidedown,andsomebodysaidtoswallowabuckshotandIdonethat.AndstillIgotthem.What
doyouknowthatIcando?"
"Well,"Isays,"Idon'tknowwhatyouwoulddo.Butifhitwasmethathadthem,I'dgoupto
themoundandgetoldJohnBaskettocureme."
Thenhesetrightstill,andthenheturnedslowandlookedatme;Ibedogifforaminutehe
didn'tevenhiccup."JohnBasket?"hesays.
"Sho,"Isays."ThemIndiansknowsallsortsofdodgesthatwhitedoctorsain'thyeardabout
yet.He'dbegladtodothatmuchforawhiteman,too,themporeaborigineeswould,becausethe
whitefolkshavebeensogoodtothemnotonlylettingthemkeepthaterehumpofdirtthatdon't
nobodywantnoways,butlettingthemusenameslikeournandsellingthemflourandsugarand
farmtoolsatnotnomorethanafairprofitabovewhattheywouldcostawhiteman.Ihyeartellhow
prettysoontheyareevengoingtostartlettingthemcometotownonceaweek.OldBasketwould
begladtocurethemhiccupsforyou."
"JohnBasket,"hesays;"themIndians,"hesays,hiccupingslowandquietandsteady.
Thenhesaysrightsudden,"IbedogifIwill!"ThenIbedogifhitdidn'tsoundlikehewascrying.
Hejumpedupandstoodtherecussing,soundinglikehewascrying."Hitain'tamanhyerhasgot
anymercyonme,whiteorblack.HyerIdonesufferedandsufferedmorethantwentyfourhours
withoutfoodorsleep,andnotasonabitchofthemhasanymercyorpityonme!"
"Well,Iwastryingto,"Isays."Hitain'tmethat'sgotthem.Ijustthought,seeingashowyou
haddoneseemedtogottotheplacewherecouldn'tnowhitemanhelpyou.Buthitain'tnolaw
makingyougoupthereandgetshedofthem."SoImadelikeIwasgoingaway.Iwentback
aroundthecornerofthekitchenandwatchedhimsetdownonthestepsagain,going"Hicuh!Hic
uh!"slowandquietagain;andthenIseen,throughthekitchenwindow,OldManAshstandingjust
insidethekitchendoor,rightstill,withhisheadbentlikehewaslistening.ButstillIneversuspected
nothing.
NotevendidIsuspectnothingwhen,afterawhile,IwatchedLukegetupagain,sudden
butquiet,andstandforaminutelookingatthewindowwherethepokergameandthefolkswas,
andthenlookoffintothedarktowardstheroadthatwentdownthebottom.Thenhewentintothe
house,quiet,andcomeoutaminutelaterwithalightedlantrunandashotgun.Idon'tknowwhose
gunhitwasandIdon'treckonhedid,norcaredneither.Hejustcomeoutkindofquietand
determined,andwentondowntheroad.Icouldseethelantrun,butIcouldhyearhimalongtime
afterthelantrunhaddonedisappeared.IhadcomebackaroundthekitchenthenandIwas
listeningtohimdyingawaydownthebottom,whenoldAshsaysbehindme:"Hegwineupdar?"
"Upwhere?"Isays.
"Uptodemound,"hesays.
"Why,IbedogifIknow,"Isays."ThelasttimeItalkedtohimheneversoundedlikehe
wasfixingtogonowhere.Maybehejustdecidedtotakeawalk.Hitmightdohimsomegood;make
himsleeptonightandhelphimgetupaappetiteforbreakfastmaybe.Whatdoyouthink?"
ButAshneversaidnothing.Hejustwentonbackintothekitchen.AndstillInever
suspectednothing.HowcouldI?
Ihadn'tneverevenseenJeffersoninthemdays.Ihadn'tneverevenseenapairofshoes,
letalonetwostoresinaroworaarclight.
SoIwentoninwherethepokergamewas,andIsays,"Well,gentlemen,Ireckonwemight
getsomesleeptonight."AndItoldthemwhathadhappened,becausemorethanlikehewould
stayupthereuntildaylightratherthanwalkthemfivemilesbackinthedark,becausemaybethem
Indianswouldn'tmindalittlethinglikeafellowwithhiccups,likewhitefolkswould.AndIbedogif
Majordidn'trearupabouthit.
"Dammit,Ratliff,"hesays,"yououghtnottodonethat."
"Why,Ijustsujestedhittohim,Major,forajoke,"Isays.
"IjusttoldhimabouthowoldBasketwasakindofdoctor.Ineverexpectedhimtotakehit
serious.Maybeheain'tevengoingupthere.Maybe'she'sjustwentoutafteracoon."
ButmostofthemfeltabouthitlikeIdid."Lethimgo,"
Mr.Frasersays."Ihopehewalksaroundallnight.DamnifIsleptawinkforhimallnight
long...Dealthecards.UncleIke."
"Can'tstophimnow,noways,"UncleIkesays,dealingthecards."AndmaybeJohnBasket
candosomethingforhishiccups.Durnyoungfool,eatinganddrinkinghimselftowherehecan't
talknorswallowneither.Hesetbehindmeonalogthismorning,soundingjustlikeahaybaler.I
thoughtonceI'dhavetoshoothimtogetridofhim...Queenbetsaquarter,gentlemen."
SoIsettherewatchingthem,thinkingnowandthenaboutthatdurnfellowwithhisshotgun
andhislantrunstumblingandblunderingalongthroughthewoods,walkingfivemilesinthedarkto
getshedofhishiccups,withthevarmintsallwatchinghimandwonderingjustwhatkindofahunt
thiswasandjustwhatkindofatwolegvarminthitwasthatmadeanoiselikethat,andaboutthem
Indiansupatthemoundwhenhewouldcomewalkingin,andIwouldhavetolaughuntilMajor
says,"Whatinhellareyoumumblingangigglingat?"
"Nothing,"Isays."IwasjustthinkingaboutafellowIknow."
"Anddamnifyouhadn'toughttobeouttherewithhim,"Majorsays.Thenhedecidedhit
wasaboutdrinktimeandhebegantohollerforAsh.FinallyIwenttothedoorandholleredforAsh
towardsthekitchen,buthitwasanotheroneoftheniggersthatanswered.Whenhecomeinwith
thedemijohnandfixings,Majorlooksupandsays"Where'sAsh?"
"Hedonegone,"theniggersays.
"Gone?"Majorsays."Gonewhere?"
"Hesayhegwineupto'dsdemound,"theniggersays.
AndstillIneverknowed,neversuspected.Ijustthoughttomyself,"Thatoldniggerhas
turnedpowerfultenderheartedallofasudden,beingskeeredforLukeProvinetowalkaroundby
himselfinthedark.OrmaybeAshlikestolistentothemhiccups,"Ithoughttomyself.
"Uptothemound?"Majorsays."Bydad,ifhecomesbackherefullofJohnBasket'sbust
skullwhiskyI'llskinhimalive."
"Heain'tsaywhathegwinefer,"theniggersays."Allhetellmewhenheleft,hegwineup
to'dsdemoundandhebebackbydaylight."
"Hebetterbe,"Majorsays."Hebetterbesobertoo."
 Sowesetthereandtheywentonplayingandmewatchingthemlikeadurnfool,not
suspectingnothing,justthinkinghowhitwasashamethatthatdurnedoldniggerwouldhaveto
comeinandspoilLuke'strip,andhitcomealongtowardseleveno'clockandtheybeguntotalk
aboutgoingtobed,beingastheywasallgoingoutonstandtomorrow,whenwehyeardthesound.
Hitsoundedlikeadroveofwildhorsescomingupthatroad,andwehadn'tnomorethanturned
towardsthedoor,aaskingoneanotherwhatintarnationhitcouldbe,withMajorjustsaying,"What
inthenameof..."whenhitcomeacrosstheporchlikeaharrycaneanddownthehall,andthedoor
bustedopenandthereLukewas.Heneverhadnogunandlantrunthen,andhisclotheswasnigh
torecleanoffenhim,andhisfacelookedwildasereamanintheJacksonasylum.Butthemain
thingInoticedwasthathewasn'thiccupingnow.Andthistime,too,hewasnighcrying.
"Theywasfixingtokillme!"hesays."Theywasgoingtoburnmetodeath!Theyhaddone
triedmeandtiedmeontothepileofwood,andoneofthemwascomingwiththefahrwhenI
managedtobustlooseandrun!"
"Whowas?"Majorsays."Whatinthetarnationhellareyoutalkingabout?"
"ThemIndians!"Lukesays."Theywasfixingto..."
"What?"Majorhollers."Damntoblueblazes,what?"AndthatwaswhereIhadtoputmy
footinhit.Hehadn'tneverseenmeuntilthen."Atleasttheycuredyourhiccups,"Isays.
Hitwasthenthathestoppedrightstill.Hehadn'tneverevenseenme,butheseenme
now.Hestoppedrightstillandlookedatmewiththaterewildfacethatlookedlikehithadjust
escapedfromJacksonandhadoughttobetookbacktherequick.
"What?"hesays.
"Anyway,youdonerunoutfromunderthemhiccups,"Isays.
Well,sir,hestoodthereforafullminute.Hiseyeshaddonegoneblank,andhestoodthere
withhisheadcockedalittle,listeningtohisowninsides.Ireckonhitwasthefirsttimehehadtook
timetofindoutthattheywasgone.Hestoodthererightstillforafullminutewhilethaterekindof
shockedastonishmentcomeontohisface.Thenhejumpedonme.Iwasstillsettinginmychair,
andIbedogifforaminuteIdidn'tthinktheroofhaddonefellin.
Well,theygothimoffenmeatlastandgothimquieteddown,andthentheywashedmeoff
andgivemeadrink,andIfeltbetter.ButevenwiththatdrinkIneverfeltsogoodbutwhatIfelthit
wasmydutytomyhonortocallhimoutenthebackyard,asthefellowsays.No,sir.IknowwhenI
donemadeamistakeandguessedwrong;MajordeSpainwasn'ttheonlymanthatcaughtabear
onthathunt;no,sir.
Ibedog,ifithadbeendaylight,I'dahitchedupmyFordandtakenoutofthere.Buthitwas
midnight,andbesides,thatnigger,Ash,wasonmymindthen.Ihadjustbeguntosuspectthathit
wasmoretothisbusinessthanmetthenekkideye.Andhitwasn'tnogoodtimethentogobackto
thekitchenthenandaskhimabouthit,becauseLukewasusingthekitchen.Majorhadgivehima
drink,too,andhewasbackthere,makingupforthemtwodayshehadn'tet,talkingarightsmart
aboutwhatheaimedtodotosuchandsuchasonabitchthatwouldtrytoplayhisdurnjokeson
him,notmentioningnonames;butmostlylayinghimselfinanewsetofhiccups,thoughIain't
goingbacktosee.
SoIwaiteduntildaylight,untilIhyeardtheniggersstirringaroundinthekitchen;thenI
wentbackthere.AndtherewasoldAsh,lookinglikehealwaysdid,oilingMajor'sbootsandsetting
thembehindthestoveandthentakingupMajor'srifleandbeginningtoloadthemagazine.Hejust
lookedonceatmyfacewhenIcomein,andwentonshovingca'tridgesintothegun.
"Soyouwentuptothemoundlastnight,"Isays.Helookedupatmeagain,quick,andthen
downagain.Butheneversaidnothing,lookinglikeadurnedoldfrizzleheadedape."Youmust
knowsomeofthemfolksupthere,"Isays.
"Iknowssomeofum,"hesays,shovingca'tridgesintothegun.
"YouknowoldJohnBasket?"Isays.
 "Iknowssomeofum,"hesays,notlookingatme.
"Didyouseehimlastnight?"Isays.Heneversaidnothingatall.SothenIchangedmy
tone,likeafellowhastodotogetanythingoutenanigger."Lookhere,"Isays."Lookatme."He
lookedatme."Justwhatdidyoudouptherelastnight?"
"Who,me?"hesays.
"Comeon,"Isays."Hit'sallovernow.Mr.Provinehasdonegotoverhishiccupsandwe
donebothforgotaboutanythingthatmighthavehappenedwhenhegotbacklastnight.Younever
wentuptherejustforfunlastnight.Ormaybehitwassomethingyoutoldthemupthere,toldold
manBasket.Wasthathit?"Hehaddonequitlookingatme,butheneverstoppedshoving
ca'tridgesintothatgun.Helookedquicktobothsides."Comeon,"Isays."Doyouwanttotellme
whathappenedupthere,ordoyouwantmetomentiontoMr.Provinethatyouwasmixedupinhit
someway?"Heneverstoppedloadingtherifleandheneverlookedatme,butIbedogifIcouldn't
almostseehismindworking."Comeon,"Isays."Justwhatwasyoudoinguptherelastnight?"
Thenhetoldme.Ireckonheknowedhitwasn'tnousetotrytohidehitthen;thatifInever
toldLuke,IcouldstilltellMajor."Ijestdodgedhimandgotdarfirstentoldumhewasanew
revenueagentcomingupdartonight,butdathewarn'tmuchendatalldeyhadtodowastogive
umagoodskeerenlikelyhewouldgoaway.Endeydidenhedid."
"Well!"Isays."Well!IalwaysthoughtIwasprettygoodatjokingfolks,"Isays,"butItakea
backseatforyou.Whathappened?"Isays."Didyouseehit?"
"Nevermuchhappened,"hesays."Deyjestwentdownderoadapieceenatterawhile
hyerhecomeahickin'enablumpin'upderoadwiddelant'unendegun.Theytookdelant'unen
degunawayfrumhimentookhimuppontopperdemoundentalkeddeInjunlanguageathimfer
awhile.Dendeypiledupsomewoodenfixedhimonhitsohecouldgitlooseinaminute,enden
oneofdemcomeupdehillwiddefire,enhedonederest."
"Well!"Isays."Well,I'llbeeternallydurned!"Andthenallonasuddenhitstruckme.Ihad
doneturnedandwasgoingoutwhenhitstruckme,andIstoppedandIsays,"There'sonemore
thingIwanttoknow.Whydidyoudohit?"
Nowhesetthereonthewoodbox,rubbingthegunwithhishand,notlookingatmeagain.
"Iwuzjesthelpingyoukyohimofdemhiccups."
"Comeon,"Isays."Thatwasn'tyourreason.Whatwashit?Remember,IgotarightsmartI
cantellMr.ProvineandMajorbothnow.Idon'tknowwhatMajorwilldo,butIknowwhatMr.
ProvinewilldoifIwastotellhim."
Andhesetthere,rubbingthatereriflewithhishand.Hewaskindoflookingdown,likehe
wasthinking.Notlikehewastryingtodecidewhethertotellmeornot,butlikehewas
rememberingsomethingfromalongtimeback.Andthat'sexactlywhathewasdoing,becausehe
says:"Iain'tskeeredforhimtoknow.Onetimedeywasapicnic.Hitwasalongtimeback,nigh
twentyyearsago.Hewasayoungmanden,enindemiddleofdepicnic,himenhebrotheren
nudderwhitemanIfergithenamedeyridupwiddeypistolsoutencotchusniggersoneatatime
enburnedourcollarsoff.Hitwashimdatburntmine."
"Andyouwaitedallthistimeandwenttoallthistrouble,justtogetevenwithhim?"Isays.
"Hitwarn'tdat,"hesays,rubbingtheriflewithhishand.
"Hitwuzdecollar.Backindemdaysatopniggerhandmadetwodollarsaweek.Ipaidfo'
bitsferdatcollar.Hitwuzblue,widaredpictureofderacebetwixtdeNatchezendeRobertE.Lee
runningaroundhit.Heburnthitup.
Imakestendollarsaweeknow.EnIjestwishIknowedwhereIcouldbuyanothercollar
likedatunferhalfofhit.
IwishIdid."
TwoSoldiers

MEANDPETEwouldgodowntoOldManKillegrew'sandlistentohisradio.Wewouldwaituntil
aftersupper,afterdark,andwewouldstandoutsideOldManKillegrew'sparlorwindow,andwe
couldhearitbecauseOldManKillegrew'swifewasdeaf,andsoheruntheradioasloudasit
wouldrun,andsomeandPetecouldhearitplainasOldManKillegrew'swifecould,Ireckon,even
standingoutsidewiththewindowclosed.
AndthatnightIsaid,"What?Japanese?What'sapearlharbor?"andPetesaid,"Hush."
Andsowestoodthere,itwascold,listeningtothefellowintheradiotalking,onlyIcouldn't
makenoheadsnortailsneitheroutofit.Thenthefellowsaidthatwouldbeallforawhile,andme
andPetewalkedbackuptheroadtohome,andPetetoldmewhatitwas.Becausehewasnigh
twentyandhehaddonefinishedtheConsolidatedlastJuneandheknowedaheap:aboutthem
JapanesedroppingbombsonPearlHarborandthatPearlHarborwasacrossthewater.
"Acrosswhatwater?"Isaid."AcrossthatGovernmentreservoyupatOxford?"
"Naw,"Petesaid."Acrossthebigwater.ThePacificOcean."
Wewenthome.Mawandpapwasalreadyasleep,andmeandPetelaidinthebed,andI
stillcouldn'tunderstandwhereitwas,andPetetoldmeagainthePacificOcean.
"What'sthematterwithyou?"Petesaid."You'regoingonnineyearsold.Youbeenin
schoolnoweversinceSeptember.Ain'tyoulearnednothingyet?"
"Ireckonweain'tgotasferasthePacificOceanyet,"Isaid.
Wewasstillsowingthevetchthenthatoughttobeenallfinishedbythefifteenthof
November,becausepapwasstillbehind,justlikehehadbeeneversincemeandPetehad
knowedhim.Andwehadfirewoodtogitin,too,buteverynightmeandPetewouldgodowntoOld
ManKillegrew'sandstandoutsidehisparlorwindowinthecoldandlistentohisradio;thenwe
wouldcomebackhomeandlayinthebedandPetewouldtellmewhatitwas.Thatis,hewouldtell
meforawhile.Thenhewouldn'ttellme.Itwaslikehedidn'twanttotalkaboutitnomore.He
wouldtellmetoshutupbecausehewantedtogotosleep,butheneverwantedtogotosleep.
Hewouldlaythere,aheapstillerthanifhewasasleep,anditwouldbesomething,Icould
feelitcomingoutofhim,likehewasmadatmeeven,onlyIknowedhewasn'tthinkingaboutme,
orlikehewasworriedaboutsomething,anditwasn'tthatneither,becauseheneverhadnothingto
worryabout.Henevergotbehindlikepap,letalonestayedbehind.
PapgivehimtenacreswhenhegraduatedfromtheConsolidated,andmeandPeteboth
reckonedpapwasdurngladtogetshutofatleasttenacres,lesstohavetoworrywithhimself;and
Petehadthemtenacresallsowedtovetchandbustedoutandbeddedforthewinter,andsoit
wasn'tthat.
Butitwassomething.AndstillwewouldgodowntoOldManKillegrew'severynightand
listentohisradio,andtheywasatitinthePhilippinesnow,butGeneralMacArthurwasholdingum.
Thenwewouldcomebackhomeandlayinthebed,andPetewouldn'ttellmenothingortalkatall.
HewouldjustlaytherestillasaambushandwhenIwouldtouchhim,hissideorhislegwouldfeel
hardandstillasiron,untilafterawhileIwouldgotosleep.
Thenonenightitwasthefirsttimehehadsaidnothingtomeexcepttojumponmeabout
notchoppingenoughwoodatthewoodtreewherewewascuttinghesaid,"Igottogo."
"Gowhere?"Isaid.
"Tothatwar,"Petesaid.
"Beforeweevenfinishgettin'inthefirewood?"
"Firewood,hell,"Petesaid.
"Allright,"Isaid."Whenwegoingtostart?"
 Buthewasn'tevenlistening.Helaidthere,hardandstillasironinthedark."Igottogo,"he
said."Ijestain'tgoingtoputupwithnofolkstreatingtheUnityStatesthatway."
"Yes,"Isaid."Firewoodornofirewood,Ireckonwegottogo."
Thistimeheheardme.Helaidstillagain,butitwasadifferentkindofstill.
"You?"hesaid."Toawar?"
"You'llwhupthebigunsandI'llwhupthelittleuns,"Isaid.
ThenhetoldmeIcouldn'tgo.AtfirstIthoughthejustneverwantedmetaggingafterhim,
likehewouldn'tleavemegowithhimwhenhewentsparkingthemgirlsofTull's.
ThenhetoldmetheArmywouldn'tleavemegobecauseIwastoolittle,andthenIknowed
hereallymeantitandthatIcouldn'tgonohownoways.AndsomehowIhadn'tbelieveduntilthen
thathewasgoinghimself,butnowIknowedhewasandthathewasn'tgoingtoleavemegowith
himatall.
"I'llchopthewoodandtotethewaterforyouallthen!"Isaid."Yougottohavewoodand
water!"
Anyway,hewaslisteningtomenow.Hewasn'tlikeironnow.
Heturnedontohissideandputhishandonmychestbecauseitwasmethatwaslaying
straightandhardonmybacknow.
"No,"hesaid."Yougottostayhereandhelppap."
"Helphimwhat?"Isaid."Heain'tnevercaughtupnohow.Hecan'tgetnofurtherbehind.
Hecansholytakecareofthislittleshirttailofafarmwhilemeandyouarewhuppingthem
Japanese.Igottogotoo.Ifyougottogo,thensohaveI."
"No,"Petesaid."Hushnow.Hush."Andhemeantit,andIknowedhedid.OnlyImadesho
fromhisownmouth.
Iquit.
"SoIjustcan'tgothen,"Isaid.
"No,"Petesaid."Youjustcan'tgo.You'retoolittle,inthefirstplace,andinthesecond
place"
"Allright,"Isaid."Thenshutupandleavemegotosleep."
Sohehushedthenandlaidback.AndIlaidtherelikeIwasalreadyasleep,andprettysoon
hewasasleepandIknoweditwasthewantingtogotothewarthathadworriedhimandkepthim
awake,andnowthathehaddecidedtogo,hewasn'tworriedanymore.
Thenextmorninghetoldmawandpap.Mawwasallright.Shecried.
"No,"shesaid,crying,"Idon'twanthimtogo.Iwouldrathergomyselfinhisplace,ifI
could.Idon'twanttosavethecountry.ThemJapanesecouldtakeitandkeepit,solongasthey
leftmeandmyfamilyandmychildrenalone.ButIremembermybrotherMarshinthatotherwar.
Hehadtogotothatonewhenhewasn'tbutnineteen,andourmothercouldn'tunderstanditthen
anymorethanIcannow.ButshetoldMarshifhehadtogo,hehadtogo.Andso,ifPete'sgotto
gotothisone,he'sgottogotoit.Jestdon'taskmetounderstandwhy."
Butpapwastheone.Hewasthefeller."Tothewar?"hesaid."Why,Ijustdon'tseeabitof
useinthat.Youain'toldenoughforthedraft,andthecountryain'tbeinginvaded.OurPresidentin
Washington,D.C,iswatchingtheconditionsandhewillnotifyus.Besides,inthatotherwaryour
majustmentioned,IwasdraftedandsentcleantoTexasandwasheldtherenigheightmonths
untiltheyfinallyquitfighting.Itseemstomethatthat,alongwithyourUncleMarshwhoreceiveda
actualwoundonthebattlefieldsofFrance,isenoughformeandminetohavetodotoprotectthe
country,atleastinmylifetime.Besides,what'llIdoforhelponthefarmwithyougone?Itseemsto
meI'llgetmightyfarbehind."
"YoubeenbehindaslongasIcanremember,"Petesaid."Anyway,I'mgoing.Igotto."
"Ofcoursehe'sgottogo,"Isaid."ThemJapanese"
 "Youhushyourmouth!"mawsaid,crying."Nobody'stalkingtoyou!Goandgetmeaarmful
ofwood!That'swhatyoucando!"
SoIgotthewood.Andallthenextday,whilemeandPeteandpapwasgettinginasmuch
woodaswecouldinthattimebecausePetesaidhowpap'sideaofplentyofwoodwasonemore
sticklayingagainstthewallthatmawain'tputonthefireyet,MawwasgettingPetereadytogo.
Shewashedandmendedhisclothesandcookedhimashoeboxofvittles.Andthatnightmeand
Petelaidinthebedandlistenedtoherpackinghisgripandcrying,untilafterawhilePetegotupin
hisnightshirtandwentbackthere,andIcouldhearthemtalking,untilatlastmawsaid,"Yougotto
go,andsoIwantyoutogo.ButIdon'tunderstandit,andIwon'tnever,andsodon'texpectmeto."
AndPetecomebackandgotintothebedagainandlaidagainstillandhardasirononhisback,
andthenhesaid,andhewasn'ttalkingtome,hewasn'ttalkingtonobody:"Igottogo.Ijustgot
to."
"Shoyougotto,"Isaid."ThemJapanese."Heturnedoverhard,hekindofsurgedover
ontohisside,lookingatmeinthedark.
"Anyway,you'reallright,"hesaid."Iexpectedtohavemoretroublewithyouthanwithall
therestofthemputtogether."
"IreckonIcan'thelpitneither,"Isaid."ButmaybeitwillrunafewyearslongerandIcan
getthere.MaybesomedayIwilljestwalkinonyou."
"Ihopenot,"Petesaid."Folksdon'tgotowarsforfun.Amandon'tleavehismawcrying
justforfun."
"Thenwhyareyougoing?"Isaid.
"Igotto,"hesaid."Ijustgotto.Nowyougoontosleep.Igottoketchthatearlybusinthe
morning."
"Allright,"Isaid."IheartellMemphisisabigplace.HowwillyoufindwheretheArmy'sat?"
"I'llasksomebodywheretogotojoinit,"Petesaid."Goontosleepnow."
"Isthatwhatyou'llaskfor?WheretojointheArmy?"Isaid.
"Yes,"Petesaid.Heturnedontohisbackagain."Shutupandgotosleep."
Wewenttosleep.Thenextmorningweetbreakfastbylamplightbecausethebuswould
passatsixo'clock.Mawwasn'tcryingnow.Shejestlookedgrimandbusy,puttingbreakfastonthe
tablewhileweetit.ThenshefinishedpackingPete'sgrip,exceptheneverwantedtotakenogrip
tothewar,butmawsaiddecentfolksneverwentnowhere,noteventoawar,withoutachangeof
clothesandsomethingtototethemin.Sheputintheshoeboxoffriedchickenandbiscuitsand
sheputtheBiblein,too,andthenitwastimetogo.Wedidn'tknowuntilthenthatmawwasn't
goingtothebus.ShejestbroughtPete'scapandovercoat,andstillshedidn'tcrynomore,shejest
stoodwithherhandsonPete'sshouldersandshedidn'tmove,butsomehow,andjustholding
Pete'sshoulders,shelookedashardandfierceaswhenPetehadturnedtowardmeinthebedlast
nightandtolemethatanywayIwasallright.
"Theycouldtakethecountryandkeepthecountry,solongastheyneverbotheredmeand
mine,"shesaid.Thenshesaid,"Don'tneverforgetwhoyouare.Youain'trichandtherestofthe
worldoutsideofFrenchman'sBendneverheardofyou.Butyourbloodisgoodasanyblood
anywhere,anddon'tyouneverforgetit."
Thenshekissedhim,andthenwewasoutofthehouse,withpaptotingPete'sgripwhether
Petewantedhimtoornot.Therewasn'tnodawnevenyet,notevenafterwehadstoodonthe
highwaybythemailbox,awhile.ThenweseenthelightsofthebuscomingandIwaswatchingthe
busuntilitcomeupandPeteflaggedit,andthen,shoenough,therewasdaylight:ithadstarted
whileIwasn'twatching.AndnowmeandPeteexpectedpaptosaysomethingelsefoolish,likehe
donebefore,abouthowUncleMarshgettingwoundedinFranceandthattriptoTexaspaptakenin
1918oughttobeenoughtosavetheUnityStatesin1942,buthenever.Hedoneallrighttoo.He
jestsaid,"Goodby,son.Alwaysrememberwhatyourmatoldyouandwriteherwheneveryoufind
thetime."ThenheshakenPete'shand,andPetelookedatmeaminuteandputhishandonmy
headandrubbedmyheaddurnnighhardenoughtowringmyneckoffandjumpedintothebus,
andthefellerwoundthedoorshutandthebusbegantohum;thenitwasmoving,hummingand
grindingandwhininglouderandlouder;itwasgoingfast,withtwolittleredlightsbehinditthat
neverseemedtogetnolittler,butjustseemedtoberunningtogetheruntilprettysoontheywould
touchandjestbeonelight.Buttheyneverdid,andthenthebuswasgone,andevenlikeitwas,I
couldhaveprettynighbustedoutcrying,nightonineyearsoldandall.
Meandpapwentbacktothehouse.Allthatdayweworkedatthewoodtree,andsoI
neverhadnogoodchanceuntilaboutmiddleoftheafternoon.ThenItakenmyslingshotandI
wouldhavelikedtotookallmybirdeggs,too,becausePetehadgivemehiscollectionandheholp
mewithmine,andhewouldliketogittheboxoutandlookatthemasgoodasIwould,evenifhe
wasnightwentyyearsold.
Buttheboxwastoobigtototealongwaysandhavetoworrywith,soIjusttakenthe
shikepokeegg,becauseitwasthebestun,andwroppeditupgoodintoamatchboxandhiditand
theslingshotunderthecornerofthebarn.Thenweetsupperandwenttobed,andIthoughtthen
howifIwould'a'hadtostayedinthatroomandthatbedlikethatevenforonemorenight,Ijest
couldn't'a'stoodit.ThenIcouldhearpapsnoring,butIneverheardnosoundfrommaw,whether
shewasasleepornot,andIdon'treckonshewas.SoItakenmyshoesanddrappedthemoutthe
window,andthenIclumboutlikeIusedtowatchPetedowhenhewasstilljestseventeenandpap
heldthathewastooyoungyettobetomcattingaroundatnight,andwouldn'tleavehimout,andI
putonmyshoesandwenttothebarnandgottheslingshotandtheshikepokeeggandwenttothe
highway.
Itwasn'tcold,itwasjestdurnconfoundeddark,andthathighwaystretchedoninfrontof
melike,withoutnobodyusingit,ithadstretchedouthalfagainasferjustlikeamandoeswhenhe
laysdown,sothatforatimeitlookedlikefullsunwasgoingtoketchmebeforeIhadfinishedthem
twentytwomilestoJefferson.Butitdidn't.DaybreakwasjeststartingwhenIwalkedupthehillinto
town.IcouldsmellbreakfastcookinginthecabinsandIwishedIhadthoughttobroughtmeacold
biscuit,butthatwastoolatenow.AndPetehadtoldmeMemphiswasapiecebeyondJefferson,
butIneverknoweditwasnoeightymiles.SoIstoodthereonthatemptysquare,withdaylight
comingandcomingandthestreetlightsstillburningandthatLawlookingdownatme,andmestill
eightymilesfromMemphis,andithadtookmeallnighttowalkjesttwentytwomiles,andso,by
thetimeIgottoMemphisatthatrate,Petewould'a'donealreadystartedforPearlHarbor.
"Wheredoyoucomefrom?"theLawsaid.
AndItoldhimagain."IgottogettoMemphis.Mybrother'sthere."
"Youmeanyouain'tgotanyfolksaroundhere?"theLawsaid."Nobodybutthatbrother?
WhatareyoudoingwayoffdownhereandyourbrotherinMemphis?"
AndItoldhimagain,"IgottogettoMemphis.Iain'tgotnotimetowastetalkingaboutit
andIain'tgottimetowalkit.Igottogittheretoday."
"Comeonhere,"theLawsaid.
Wewentdownanotherstreet.Andtherewasthebus,justlikewhenPetegotintoit
yestiddymorning,excepttherewasn'tnolightsonitnowanditwasempty.Therewasaregular
busdeepolikearailroaddeepo,withaticketcounterandafellerbehindit,andtheLawsaid,"Set
downoverthere,"andIsetdownonthebench,andtheLawsaid,"Iwanttouseyourtelephone,"
andhetalkedinthetelephoneaminuteandputitdownandsaidtothefellerbehindtheticket
counter,"Keepyoureyeonhim.I'llbebackassoonasMrs.Habershamcanarrangetogetherself
upanddressed."Hewentout.Igotupandwenttotheticketcounter.
"IwanttogotoMemphis,"Isaid.
"Youbet,"thefellersaid."Yousetdownonthebenchnow.Mr.Footewillbebackina
minute."
 "Idon'tknownoMr.Foote,"Isaid."IwanttoridethatbustoMemphis."
"Yougotsomemoney?"hesaid."It'llcostyouseventytwocents."
Itakenoutthematchboxandunwroppedtheshikepokeegg."I'llswapyouthisforaticket
toMemphis,"Isaid.
"What'sthat?"hesaid.
"It'sashikepokeegg,"Isaid."Youneverseenonebefore.It'sworthadollar.I'lltake
seventytwocentsferit."
"No,"hesaid,"thefellersthatownthatbusinsistonacashbasis.IfIstartedswapping
ticketsforbirdeggsandlivestockandsuch,theywouldfireme.Yougoandsetdownonthebench
now,likeMr.Foote..."
Istartedforthedoor,buthecaughtme,heputonehandontheticketcounterandjumped
overitandcaughtupwithmeandreachedhishandouttoketchmyshirt.Iwhuppedoutmy
pocketknifeandsnappeditopen.
"YouputahandonmeandI'llcutitoff,"Isaid.
Itriedtododgehimandrunatthedoor,buthecouldmovequickerthananygrownmanI
eversee,quickasPetealmost.Hecutmeoffandstoodwithhisbackagainstthedoorandone
footraisedalittle,andtherewasn'tnootherwaytogetout."Getbackonthatbenchandstay
there,"hesaid.
Andtherewasn'tnootherwayout.Andhestoodtherewithhisbackagainstthedoor.SoI
wentbacktothebench.
Andthenitseemedliketomethatdeepowasfulloffolks.
TherewasthatLawagain,andtherewastwoladiesinfurcoatsandtheirfacesalready
painted.Buttheystilllookedliketheyhadgotupinahurryandtheystillneverlikedit,aoldone
andayoungone,lookingdownatme.
"Hehasn'tgotaovercoat!"theoldonesaid."Howintheworlddidheevergetdownhere
byhimself?"
"Iaskyou,"theLawsaid."Icouldn'tgetnothingoutofhimexcepthisbrotherisinMemphis
andhewantstogetbackupthere."
"That'sright,"Isaid."IgottogittoMemphistoday."
"Ofcourseyoumust,"theoldonesaid."Areyousureyoucanfindyourbrotherwhenyou
gettoMemphis?"
"IreckonIcan,"Isaid."Iain'tgotbutoneandIhaveknowedhimallmylife.IreckonIwill
knowhimagainwhenIseehim."
Theoldonelookedatme."Somehowhedoesn'tlooklikehelivesinMemphis,"shesaid.
"Heprobablydon't,"theLawsaid."Youcan'ttellthough.Hemightliveanywhere,overhalls
ornot.Thisdayandtimetheygetscatteredovernightfromhehopetobreakfast;boysandgirls,
too,almostbeforetheycanwalkgood.HemighthavebeeninMissouriorTexaseitheryestiddy,
forallweknow.Buthedon'tseemtohaveanydoubthisbrotherisinMemphis.AllIknowtodois
sendhimupthereandleavehimlook."
"Yes,"theoldonesaid.
Theyoungonesetdownonthebenchbymeandopenedahandsatchelandtakenouta
artermaticwritingpenandsomepapers.
"Now,honey,"theoldonesaid,"we'regoingtoseethatyoufindyourbrother,butwemust
haveacasehistoryforourfilesfirst.Wewanttoknowyournameandyourbrother'snameand
whereyouwerebornandwhenyourparentsdied."
"Idon'tneednocasehistoryneither,"Isaid."AllIwantistogettoMemphis.Igottoget
theretoday."
"Yousee?"theLawsaid.Hesaiditalmostlikeheenjoyedit."That'swhatItoldyou."
 "You'relucky,atthat,Mrs.Habersham,"thebusfellersaid."Idon'tthinkhe'sgotagunon
him,buthecanopenthatknifeImean,fastenoughtosuitanyman."
Buttheoldonejuststoodtherelookingatme.
"Well,"shesaid."Well.Ireallydon'tknowwhattodo."
"Ido,"thebusfellersaid."I'mgoingtogivehimaticketoutofmyownpocket,asa
measureofprotectingthecompanyagainstriotandbloodshed.AndwhenMr.Footetellsthecity
boardaboutit,itwillbeacivicmatterandtheywillnotonlyreimburseme,theywillgivemea
medaltoo.Hey,Mr.Foote?"
Butnevernobodypaidhimnomind.Theoldonestillstoodlookingdownatme.Shesaid
"Well,"again.Thenshetakenadollarfromherpurseandgiveittothebusfeller.
"Isupposehewilltravelonachild'sticket,won'the?"
"Wellum,"thebusfellersaid,"Ijustdon'tknowwhattheregulationswouldbe.LikelyIwill
befiredfornotcratinghimandmarkingthecratePoison.ButI'llriskit."
Thentheyweregone.ThentheLawcomebackwithasandwichandgiveittome.
"You'resureyoucanfindthatbrother?"hesaid.
"Iain'tyetconvincedwhynot,"Isaid."IfIdon'tseePetefirst,he'llseeme.Heknowsme
too."
ThentheLawwentoutforgood,too,andIetthesandwich.Thenmorefolkscomeinand
boughttickets,andthenthebusfellersaiditwastimetogo,andIgotintothebusjustlikePete
done,andwewasgone.
Iseenallthetowns.Iseenallofthem.Whenthebusgottogoinggood,IfoundoutIwas
jestaboutworeoutforsleep.
ButtherewastoomuchIhadn'tneversawbefore.WerunoutofJeffersonandrunpast
fieldsandwoods,thenwewouldrunintoanothertownandoutofthatunandpastfieldsandwoods
again,andthenintoanothertownwithstoresandginsandwatertanks,andwerunalongbythe
railroadforaspellandIseenthesignalarmmove,andthenIseenthetrainandthensomemore
towns,andIwasjestaboutplumbworeoutforsleep,butIcouldn'treskit.ThenMemphisbegun.It
seemedlike,tome,itwentonformiles.
WewouldpassapatchofstoresandIwouldthinkthatwassholyitandthebuswouldeven
stop.Butitwouldn'tbeMemphisyetandwewouldgoonagainpastwatertanksandsmokestacks
ontopofthemills,andiftheywasginsandsawmills,IneverknowedtherewasthatmanyandI
neverseenanythatbig,andwheretheygotenoughcottonandlogstorunumIdon'tknow.
ThenIseeMemphis.IknowedIwasrightthistime.Itwasstandingupintotheair.Itlooked
likeaboutadozenwholetownsbiggerthanJeffersonwassetupononeedgeinafield,standing
upintotheairhigherthanarahillinallYoknapatawphaCounty.Thenwewasinit,withthebus
stoppingever'fewfeet,itseemedliketome,andcarsrushingpastonbothsidesofitandthe
streetcrowdedwithfolksfromever'whereintownthatday,untilIdidn'tseehowtherecould'a'
beennobodyleftinMis'sippiatalltoevensellmeabusticket,letalonewriteoutnocasehistories.
Thenthebusstopped.Itwasanotherbusdeepo,aheapbiggerthantheoneinJefferson.
AndIsaid,"Allright.WheredofolksjointheArmy?"
"What?"thebusfellersaid.
AndIsaiditagain,"WheredofolksjointheArmy?"
"Oh,"hesaid.Thenhetoldmehowtogetthere.IwasafraidatfirstIwouldn'tketchonhow
todoinatownbigasMemphis.ButIcaughtonallright.Ineverhadtoaskbuttwicemore.ThenI
wasthere,andIwasdurngladtogitoutofallthemrushingcarsandshovingfolksandallthat
racketforaspell,andIthought,Itwon'tbelongnow,andIthoughthowiftherewasanykindofa
crowdtherethathaddonealreadyjoinedtheArmy,too,PetewouldlikelyseemebeforeIseen
him.AndsoIwalkedintotheroom.AndPetewasn'tthere.
 Hewasn'teventhere.Therewasasoldierwithabigarrerheadonhissleeve,writing,and
twofellersstandinginfrontofhim,andtherewassomemorefolksthere,Ireckon.ItseemstomeI
remembersomemorefolksthere.
Iwenttothetablewherethesoldierwaswriting,andIsaid,"Where'sPete?"andhelooked
upandIsaid,"Mybrother.PeteGrier.Whereishe?"
"What?"thesoldiersaid."Who?"
AndItoldhimagain."HejoinedtheArmyyestiddy.He'sgoingtoPearlHarbor.SoamI.I
wanttoketchhim.Whereyouallgothim?"Nowtheywerealllookingatme,butIneverpaidthem
nomind."Comeon,"Isaid."Whereishe?"
Thesoldierhadquitwriting.Hehadbothhandsspraddledoutonthetable."Oh,"hesaid.
"You'regoing,too,hah?"
"Yes,"Isaid."Theygottohavewoodandwater.Icanchopitandtoteit.Comeon.Where's
Pete?"
Thesoldierstoodup."Wholetyouinhere?"hesaid."Goon.Beatit."
"Durnthat,"Isaid."YoutellmewherePete..."
Ibedogifhecouldn'tmovefasterthanthebusfellereven.Henevercomeoverthetable,
hecomearoundit,hewasonmealmostbeforeIknowedit,sothatIjesthadtimetojumpback
andwhupoutmypocketknifeandsnapitopenandhitonelick,andheholleredandjumpedback
andgrabbedonehandwiththeotherandstoodtherecussingandhollering.
Oneoftheotherfellersgrabbedmefrombehind,andIhitathimwiththeknife,butI
couldn'treachhim.
Thenbothofthefellershadmefrombehind,andthenanothersoldiercomeoutofadoorat
theback.Hehadonabeltwithabritchingstropoveroneshoulder.
"Whatthehellisthis?"hesaid.
"Thatlittlesoncutmewithaknife!"thefirstsoldierhollered.WhenhesaidthatItriedtoget
athimagain.butboththemfellerswasholdingme,twoagainstone,andthesoldierwiththe
backingstropsaid,"Here,here.Putyourknifeup,feller.Noneofusarearmed.Amandon't
knifefightfolksthatarebarehanded."Icouldbegintohearhimthen.HesoundedjestlikePete
talkedtome."Lethimgo,"hesaid.Theyletmego."Nowwhat'sallthetroubleabout?"
AndItoldhim."Isee,"hesaid."Andyoucomeuptoseeifhewasallrightbeforeheleft."
"No,"Isaid."Icameto..."
Buthehadalreadyturnedtowherethefirstsoldierwaswroppingahandkerchiefaround
hishand.
"Haveyougothim?"hesaid.Thefirstsoldierwentbacktothetableandlookedatsome
papers.
"Hereheis,"hesaid."Heenlistedyestiddy.He'sinadetachmentleavingthismorningfor
LittleRock."Hehadawatchstroppedonhisarm.Helookedatit."Thetrainleavesinaboutfifty
minutes.IfIknowcountryboys,they'reprobablyalldownthereatthestationrightnow."
"Gethimuphere,"theonewiththebackingstropsaid."Phonethestation.Telltheporterto
gethimacab.Andyoucomewithme,"hesaid.
Itwasanotherofficebehindthatun,withjestatableandsomechairs.Wesettherewhile
thesoldiersmoked,anditwasn'tlong;IknowedPete'sfeetsoonasIheardthem.Thenthefirst
soldieropenedthedoorandPetecomein.Heneverhadnosoldierclotheson.Helookedjestlike
hedidwhenhegotonthebusyestiddymorning,exceptitseemedtomelikeitwasatleastaweek,
somuchhadhappened,andIhaddonehadtodosomuchtraveling.Hecomeinandtherehe
was,lookingatmelikehehadn'tneverlefthome,exceptthatherewewasinMemphis,ontheway
toPearlHarbor.
"Whatindurnationareyoudoinghere?"hesaid.
 AndItoldhim,"Yougottohavewoodandwatertocookwith.Icanchopitandtoteitfor
youall."
"No,"Petesaid."You'regoingbackhome."
"No,Pete,"Isaid."Igottogotoo.Igotto.Ithurtsmyheart,Pete."
"No,"Petesaid.Helookedatthesoldier."Ijestdon'tknowwhatcouldhavehappenedto
him,lootenant,"hesaid."Heneverdrawedaknifeonanybodybeforeinhislife."
Helookedatme."Whatdidyoudoitfor?"
"Idon'tknow,"Isaid."Ijesthadto.Ijesthadtogithere.Ijesthadtofindyou."
"Well,don'tyouneverdoitagain,youhear?"Petesaid.
"Youputthatknifeinyourpocketandyoukeepitthere.IfIeveragainhearofyoudrawing
itonanybody,I'mcomingbackfromwhereverIamatandwhupthefireoutofyou.Youhearme?"
"Iwouldpurecutathroatifitwouldbringyoubacktostay,"Isaid."Pete,"Isaid."Pete."
"No,"Petesaid.Nowhisvoicewasn'thardandquicknomore,itwasalmostquiet,andI
knowednowIwouldn'tneverchangehim."Youmustgohome.Youmustlookaftermaw,andIam
dependingonyoutolookaftermytenacres.Iwantyoutogobackhome.Today.Doyouhear?"
"Ihear,"Isaid.
"Canhegetbackhomebyhimself?"thesoldiersaid.
"Hecomeupherebyhimself,"Petesaid.
"Icangetback,Ireckon,"Isaid."Idon'tliveinbutoneplace.Idon'treckonit'smoved."
Petetakenadollaroutofhispocketandgiveittome.
"That'llbuyyourbusticketrighttoourmailbox,"hesaid.
"Iwantyoutomindthelootenant.He'llsendyoutothebus.Andyougobackhomeand
youtakecareofmawandlookaftermytenacresandkeepthatdurnknifeinyourpocket.Youhear
me?"
"Yes,Pete,"Isaid.
"Allright,"Petesaid."NowIgottogo."Heputhishandonmyheadagain.Butthistimehe
neverwrungmyneck.
Hejustlaidhishandonmyheadaminute.AndthenIbedogifhedidn'tleandownand
kissme,andIheardhisfeetandthenthedoor,andIneverlookedupandthatwasall,mesetting
there,rubbingtheplacewherePetekissedmeandthesoldierthrowedbackinhischair,looking
outthewindowandcoughing.Hereachedintohispocketandhandedsomethingtomewithout
lookingaround.Itwasapieceofchewinggum.
"Muchobliged,"Isaid."Well,IreckonImightaswellstartback.Igotarightferpieceto
go."
"Wait,"thesoldiersaid.ThenhetelephonedagainandIsaidagainIbetterstartback,and
hesaidagain,"Wait.RememberwhatPetetoldyou."
Sowewaited,andthenanotherladycomein,old,too,inafurcoat,too,butshesmelledall
right,sheneverhadnoartermaticwritingpennornocasehistoryneither.Shecomeinandthe
soldiergotup,andshelookedaroundquickuntilshesawme,andcomeandputherhandonmy
shoulderlightandquickandeasyasmawherselfmight'a'doneit.
"Comeon,"shesaid."Let'sgohometodinner."
"Nome,"Isaid."IgottoketchthebustoJefferson."
"Iknow.There'splentyoftime.We'llgohomeandeatdinnerfirst."
Shehadacar.Andnowwewasrightdowninthemiddleofallthemothercars.Wewas
almostunderthebusses,andallthemcrowdsofpeopleonthestreetcloseenoughtowhereI
couldhavetalkedtothemifIhadknowedwhotheywas.Afterawhileshestoppedthecar."Here
weare,"shesaid,andIlookedatit,andifallthatwasherhouse,sheshohadabigfamily.Butall
ofitwasn't.Wecrossedahallwithtreesgrowinginitandwentintoalittleroomwithoutnothinginit
butaniggerdressedupinauniformaheapshinierthanthemsoldiershad,andtheniggershutthe
door,andthenIhollered,"Lookout!"andgrabbed,butitwasallright;thatwholelittleroomjest
wentrightonupandstoppedandthedooropenedandwewasinanotherhall,andthelady
unlockedadoorandwewentin,andtherewasanothersoldier,aoldfeller,withabritchingstrop,
too,andasilvercoloredbirdoneachshoulder.
"Hereweare,"theladysaid."ThisisColonelMcKellogg.Now,whatwouldyoulikefor
dinner?"
"IreckonI'lljesthavesomehamandeggsandcoffee,"Isaid.
Shehaddonestartedtopickupthetelephone.Shestopped,"Coffee?"shesaid."Whendid
youstartdrinkingcoffee?"
"Idon'tknow,"Isaid."IreckonitwasbeforeIcouldremember."
"You'reabouteight,aren'tyou?"shesaid.
"Nome,"Isaid."I'meightandtenmonths.Goingonelevenmonths."
Shetelephonedthen.ThenwesetthereandItoldthemhowPetehadjestleftthatmorning
forPearlHarborandIhadaimedtogowithhim,butIwouldhavetogobackhometotakecareof
mawandlookafterPete'stenacres,andshesaidhowtheyhadalittleboyaboutmysize,too,ina
schoolintheEast.Thenanigger,anotherone,inashortkindofshirttailcoat,rolledakindof
wheelbarrerin.Ithadmyhamandeggsandaglassofmilkandapieceofpie,too,andIthoughtI
washungry.ButwhenItakenthefirstbiteIfoundoutIcouldn'tswallowit,andIgotupquick.
"Igottogo,"Isaid.
"Wait,"shesaid.
"Igottogo,"Isaid.
"Justaminute,"shesaid."I'vealreadytelephonedforthecar.Itwon'tbebutaminutenow.
Can'tyoudrinkthemilkeven?Ormaybesomeofyourcoffee?"
"Nome,"Isaid."Iain'thungry.I'lleatwhenIgithome."
Thenthetelephonerung.Sheneverevenansweredit.
"There,"shesaid."There'sthecar."Andwewentbackdowninthat'erelittlemovingroom
withthedressedupnigger.Thistimeitwasabigcarwithasoldierdrivingit.
Igotintothefrontwithhim.Shegivethesoldieradollar.
"Hemightgethungry,"shesaid."Trytofindadecentplaceforhim."
"O.K.,Mrs.McKellogg,"thesoldiersaid.
Thenwewasgoneagain.AndnowIcouldseeMemphisgood,brightinthesunshine,while
wewasswingingaroundit.AndfirstthingIknowed,wewasbackonthesamehighwaythebusrun
onthismorningthepatchesofstoresandthembigginsandsawmills,andMemphisrunningonfor
miles,itseemedliketome,beforeitbeguntogiveout.Thenwewasrunningagainbetweenthe
fieldsandwoods,runningfastnow,andexceptforthatsoldier,itwaslikeIhadn'tneverbeento
Memphisatall.Wewasgoingfastnow.
Atthisrate,beforeIknoweditwewouldbehomeagain,andIthoughtaboutmeridingup
toFrenchman'sBendinthisbigcarwithasoldierrunningit,andallofasuddenIbeguntocry.I
neverknowedIwasfixingto,andIcouldn'tstopit.Isettherebythatsoldier,crying.Wewasgoing
fast.

ShallNotPerish

WHENTHEMESSAGEcameaboutPete,FatherandIhadalreadygonetothefield.Mothergotit
outofthemailboxafterweleftandbroughtitdowntothefence,andshealreadyknewbeforehand
whatitwasbecauseshedidn'tevenhaveonhersunbonnet,soshemusthavebeenwatchingfrom
thekitchenwindowwhenthecarrierdroveup.AndIalreadyknewwhatwasinittoo.Becauseshe
didn'tspeak.
Shejuststoodatthefencewiththelittlepaleenvelopethatdidn'tevenneedastamponit
inherhand,anditwasmethatholleredatFather,fromfurtherawayacrossthefieldthanhewas,
sothathereachedthefencefirstwhereMotherwaitedeventhoughIwasalreadyrunning."Iknow
whatitis,"Mothersaid."Butcan'topenit.Openit."
"Noitain't!"Ihollered,running."Noitain't!"ThenIwashollering,"No,Pete!No,Pete!"
ThenIwashollering,"GoddamnthemJaps!GoddamnthemJaps!"andthenIwastheoneFather
hadtograbandhold,tryingtoholdme,havingtowrastlewithmelikeIwasanothermaninsteadof
justnine.
Andthatwasall.OnedaytherewasPearlHarbor.AndthenextweekPetewentto
Memphis,tojointhearmyandgothereandhelpthem;andonemorningMotherstoodatthefield
fencewithalittlescrapofpapernotevenbigenoughtostartafirewith,thatdidn'tevenneeda
stampontheenvelope,saying,Ashipwas.NOWitisnot.Yoursonwasoneofthem.Andwe
allowedourselvesonedaytogrieve,andthatwasall.BecauseitwasApril,thehardestmiddle
pushofplantingtime,andtherewastheland,theseventyacreswhichwereourbreadandfireand
keep,whichhadoutlastedtheGriersbeforeusbecausetheyhaddonerightbyit,andhad
outlastedPetebecausewhilehewasherehehaddonehisparttohelpandwouldoutlastMother
andFatherandmeifwedidours.
Thenithappenedagain.Maybewehadforgottenthatitcouldandwasgoingto,againand
again,topeoplewholovedsonsandbrothersaswelovedPete,untilthedayfinallycamewhen
therewouldbeanendtoit.AfterthatdaywhenwesawPete'snameandpictureintheMemphis
paper,Fatherwouldbringonehomewithhimeachtimehewenttotown.
Andwewouldseethepicturesandnamesofsoldiersandsailorsfromothercountiesand
townsinMississippiandArkansasandTennessee,buttherewasn'tanotherfromours,andsoafter
awhileitdidlooklikePetewasgoingtobeall.
Thenithappenedagain.ItwaslateJuly,aFriday.FatherhadgonetotownearlyonHomer
Bookwright'scattletruckandnowitwassundown.Ihadjustcomeupfromthefieldwiththelight
sweepandIhadjustfinishedstallingthemuleandcomeoutofthebarnwhenHomer'struck
stoppedatthemailboxandFathergotdownandcameupthelane,withasackofflourbalancedon
hisshoulderandapackageunderhisarmandthefoldednewspaperinhishand.AndItookone
lookatthefoldedpaperandthennomore.BecauseIknewittoo,evenifhealwaysdidhaveone
whenhecamebackfromtown.Becauseitwasboundtohappensoonerorlater;itwouldnotbe
justusoutofallYoknapatawphaCountywhohadlovedenoughtohavesolerighttogrief.SoIjust
methimandtookpartoftheloadandturnedbesidehim,andweenteredthekitchentogether
whereourcoldsupperwaitedonthetableandMothersatinthelastofsunsetintheopendoor,her
handandarmstrongandsteadyonthedasherofthechurn.
WhenthemessagecameaboutPete,Fathernevertouchedher.Hedidn'ttouchhernow.
Hejustloweredtheflourontothetableandwenttothechairandheldoutthefoldedpaper.
"It'sMajordeSpain'sboy,"hesaid."Intown.Theavaytor.Thatwashomelastfallinhis
officeruniform.HerunhisairplaneintoaJapanesebattleshipandbloweditup.Sotheyknowed
wherehewasat."AndMotherdidn'tstopthechurnforaminuteeither,becauseevenIcouldtell
thatthebutterhadalmostcome.Thenshegotupandwenttothesinkandwashedherhandsand
camebackandsatdownagain.
"Readit,"shesaid.
SoFatherandIfoundoutthatMothernotonlyknewallthetimeitwasgoingtohappen
again,butthatshealreadyknewwhatshewasgoingtodowhenitdid,notonlythistimebutthe
nextonetoo,andtheoneafterthatandtheoneafterthat,untilthedayfinallycamewhenallthe
grievingabouttheearth,therichandthepoortoo,whethertheylivedwithtenniggerservantsin
thefinebigpaintedhousesintownorwhethertheylivedonandbyseventyacresofnotextragood
landlikeusorwhetheralltheyownedwastherighttosweattodayforwhattheywouldeattonight,
couldsay,Atleastthistherewassomepointtowhywegrieved.
Wefedandmilkedandcamebackandatethecoldsupper,andIbuiltafireinthestove
andMotherputonthekettleandwhateverelsewouldheatenoughwaterfortwo,andIfetchedin
thewashtubfromthebackporch,andwhileMotherwashedthedishesandcleanedupthekitchen,
FatherandIsatonthefrontsteps.ThiswasaboutthetimeofdaythatPeteandIwouldwalkthe
twomilesdowntoOldManKillegrew'shouselastDecember,tolistentotheradiotellaboutPearl
HarborandManila.ButmorethanPearlHarborandManilahashappenedsincethen,andPete
don'tmakeonetolistentoit.NordoI:it'slike,sincenobodycantellusexactlywherehewaswhen
hestoppedbeingis,insteadofjustbecomingwasatsomesinglespotontheearthwherethe
peoplewholovedhimcouldweighthimdownwithastone,Petestilliseverywhereabouttheearth,
oneamongallthefightersforever,wasoriseither.SoMotherandFatherandIdon'tneedalittle
woodenboxtocatchthevoicesofthemthatsawthecourageandthesacrifice.ThenMothercalled
mebacktothekitchen.Thewatersmokedalittleinthewashtub,besidethesoapdishandmy
cleannightshirtandthetowelMothermadeoutofourwornoutcottonsacks,andIbatheand
emptythetubandleaveitreadyforher,andweliedown.
Thenmorning,andwerose.Motherwasupfirst,asalways.MycleanwhiteSundayshirt
andpantswerewaiting,alongwiththeshoesandstockingsIhadn'tevenseensincefrostwasout
oftheground.Butinyesterday'soverallsstillIcarriedtheshoesbacktothekitchenwhereMother
stoodinyesterday'sdressatthestovewherenotonlyourbreakfastwascookingbutFather's
dinnertoo,andsettheshoesbesideherSundayonesagainstthewallandwenttothebarn,and
FatherandIfedandmilkedandcamebackandsatdownandatewhileMothermovedbackand
forthbetweenthetableandthestovetillweweredone,andsheherselfsatdown.
ThenIgotouttheblackingbox,untilFathercameandtookitawayfromme:thepolishand
ragandbrushandthefourshoesinsuccession."DeSpainisrich,"hesaid."Withamonkeynigger
inawhitecoattoholdthejarupeachtimehewantstospit.Youshineallshoeslikeyouaimed
yourselftowearthem:justthepartsthatyoucanseeyourselfbylookingdown."
Thenwedressed.IputonmySundayshirtandthepantssostiffwithstarchthatthey
wouldstandalone,andcarriedmystockingsbacktothekitchenjustasMotherentered,carrying
hers,anddressedtoo,evenherhat,andtookmystockingsfrommeandputthemwithhersonthe
tablebesidetheshinedshoes,andliftedthesatcheldownfromthecupboardshelf.Itwasstillin
thecardboardboxitcamein,withthecoloredlabeloftheSanFranciscodrugstorewherePete
boughtit:around,squareended,waterproofsatchelwithahandleforcarrying,sothatassoonas
Petesawitinthestorehemusthaveknowntoothatithadbeenalmostexactlymadeforexactly
whatwewoulduseitfor,withazipperopeningthatMotherhadneverseenbeforenorFather
either.
Thatis,wehadallthreebeeninthedrugstoreandthetencentstoreinJeffersonbutIwas
theonlyonewhohadbeencuriousenoughtofindouthowoneworked,eventhoughevenInever
dreamedwewouldeverownone.Soitwasmethatzippeditopen,withapipeandacanof
tobaccoinitforFatherandahuntingcapwithacarbideheadlightformeandforMotherthesatchel
itself,andshezippeditshutandthenopenandthenFathertriedit,runningtheslideupanddown
thelittleclickingtrackuntilMothermadehimstopbeforeheworeitout;andsheputthesatchel,
stillopen,backintotheboxandIfetchedinfromthebarntheemptyquartbottleofcattledipand
shescaldedthebottleandcorkandputthemandthecleanfoldedtowelintothesatchelandset
theboxontothecupboardshelf,thezipperstillopenbecausewhenwecametoneeditwewould
havetoopenitfirstandsowewouldsavethatmuchwearonthezippertoo.Shetookthesatchel
fromtheboxandthebottlefromthesatchelandfilledthebottlewithcleanwaterandcorkeditand
putitbackintothesatchelwiththecleantowelandputourshoesandstockingsinandzippedthe
satchelshut,andwewalkedtotheroadandstoodinthebrighthotmorningbesidethemailbox
untilthebuscameupandstopped.
Itwastheschoolbus,theoneIrodebackandforthtoFrenchman'sBendtoschoolinlast
winter,andthatPeterodeineverymorningandeveninguntilhegraduated,butgoinginthe
oppositedirectionnow,intoJefferson,andonlyonSaturday,seenforalongtimedownthelong
straightstretchofValleyroadwhileotherpeoplewaitingbesideothermailboxesgotintoit.Thenit
wasourturn.MotherhandedthetwoquarterstoSolonQuick,whobuiltitandowneditanddrove
it,andwegotintooanditwenton,andsoontherewasnomoreroomfortheonesthatstood
besidethemailboxesandsignalledandthenitwentfast,twentymilesthententhenfivethenone,
andupthelasthilltowheretheconcretestreetsbegan,andwegotoutandsatonthecurband
Motheropenedthesatchelandtookourshoesandthebottleofwaterandthetowelandwe
washedourfeetandputonourshoesandstockingsandMotherputthebottleandtowelbackand
shutthebag.
Andwewalkedbesidetheironpicketfencelongenoughtofrontacottonpatch;weturned
intotheyardwhichwasbiggerthanfarmsIhadseenandfollowedthegraveldrivewiderand
smootherthanroadsinFrenchman'sBend,ontothehousethattomeanywaylookedbiggerthan
thecourthouse,andmountedthestepsbetweenthestonecolumnsandcrossedtheporticothat
wouldhaveheldourwholehouse,galleriesandall,andknockedatthedoor.Andthenitnever
matteredwhetherourshoeswereshinedatallornot:thewhitesofthemonkeynigger'seyesfor
justasecondwhenheopenedthedoorforus,thewhiteofhiscoatforjustasecondattheendof
thehallbeforeitwasgonetoo,hisfeetnotmakinganymorenoisethanacat'sleavingustofind
therightdoorbyourselves,ifwecould.Andwedid:therichman'sparlorthatanywomanin
Frenchman'sBendandIreckonintherestofthecountytoocouldhavedescribedtotheinchbut
whichnoteventhemenwhowouldcometoMajordeSpainafterbankhoursoronSundaytoask
tohaveanoteextended,hadeverseen,withalighthanginginthemiddleoftheceilingthesizeof
ourwholewashtubfullofchoppedupiceandagoldcoloredharpthatwouldhaveblockedourbarn
doorandamirrorthatamanonamulecouldhaveseenhimselfandthemulebothin,andatable
shapedlikeacoffininthemiddleofthefloorwiththeConfederateflagspreadoveritandthe
photographofMajordeSpain'ssonandtheopenboxwiththemedalinitandabigblueautomatic
pistolweightingdowntheflag,andMajordeSpainstandingattheendofthetablewithhishaton
untilafterawhileheseemedtohearandrecognizethenamewhichMotherspoke;notarealmajor
butjustcalledthatbecausehisfatherhadbeenarealoneintheoldConfederatewar,butabanker
powerfulinmoneyandpoliticsboth,thatFathersaidhadmadegovernorsandsenatorstooin
Mississippi;anoldman,toooldyouwouldhavesaidtohavehadasonjusttwentythree;tooold
anywaytohavehadthatlookonhisface.
"Ha,"hesaid."Iremembernow.Youtoowereadvisedthatyoursonpouredouthisblood
onthealtarofunpreparednessandinefficiency.Whatdoyouwant?"
"Nothing,"Mothersaid.Shedidn'tevenpauseatthedoor.Shewentontowardthetable.
"Wehadnothingtobringyou.AndIdon'tthinkIseeanythingherewewouldwanttotakeaway."
"You'rewrong,"hesaid."Youhaveasonleft.Takewhattheyhavebeenadvisingtome:go
backhomeandpray.Notforthedeadone:fortheonetheyhavesofarleftyou,thatsomething
somewhere,somehowwillsavehim!"Shewasn'tevenlookingathim.Sheneverhadlookedathim
again.ShejustwentonacrossthatbarnsizedroomexactlyasIhavewatchedhersetmineand
Father'slunchpailintothefencecornerwhentherewasn'ttimetostoptheplowstoeat,andturn
backtowardthehouse."Icantellyousomethingsimplerthanthat,"shesaid.
"Weep."Thenshereachedthetable.Butitwasonlyherbodythatstopped,herhandgoing
outsosmoothandquickthathishandonlycaughtherwrist,thetwohandslockedtogetheronthe
bigbluepistol,betweenthephotographandthelittlehunkofironmedalonitscoloredribbon,
againstthatoldflagthataheapofpeopleIknewhadneverseenandaheapmoreofthem
wouldn'trecognizeiftheydid,andoverallofittheoldman'svoicethatoughtnottohavesounded
likethateither.
"Forhiscountry!Hehadnocountry:thisoneItoorepudiate.Hiscountryandmineboth
wasravagedandpollutedanddestroyedeightyyearsago,beforeevenIwasborn.Hisforefathers
foughtanddiedforitthen,eventhoughwhattheyfoughtandlostforwasadream.Hedidn'teven
haveadream.Hediedforanillusion.Intheinterestsofusury,bythefollyandrapacityof
politicians,forthegloryandaggrandisementoforganizedlabor!"
"Yes,"Mothersaid."Weep."
"Thefearofelectiveservantsfortheirincumbencies!Thesubservienceofmisled
workingmenforthedemagogueswhomisledthem!Shame?Grief?Howcanpoltrooneryand
rapacityandvoluntarythralldomknowshameorgrief?"
"Allmenarecapableofshame,"Mothersaid."Justasallmenarecapableofcourageand
honorandsacrifice.Andgrieftoo.Itwilltaketime,buttheywilllearnit.Itwilltakemoregriefthan
yoursandmine,andtherewillbemore.Butitwillbeenough."
"When?Whenalltheyoungmenaredead?Whatwilltherebeleftthenworththesaving?"
"Iknow,"Mothersaid."Iknow.OurPetewastooyoungtootohavetodie."ThenIrealized
thattheirhandswerenolongerlocked,thathewaserectagainandthatthepistolwashanging
slackinMother'shandagainstherside,andforaminuteIthoughtshewasgoingtounzipthe
satchelandtakethetoweloutofit.Butshejustlaidthepistolbackonthetableandsteppedupto
himandtookthehandkerchieffromhisbreastpocketandputitintohishandandsteppedback.
"That'sright,"shesaid."Weep.Notforhim:forus,theold,whodon'tknowwhy.Whatisyour
Negro'sname?"
Buthedidn'tanswer.Hedidn'tevenraisethehandkerchieftohisface.Hejuststoodthere
holdingit,likehehadn'tdiscoveredyetthatitwasinhishand,orperhapsevenwhatitwasMother
hadputthere."Forus,theold,"hesaid."Youbelieve.Youhavehadthreemonthstolearnagain,
tofindoutwhy;minehappenedyesterday.Tellme."
"Idon'tknow,"Mothersaid."Maybewomenarenotsupposedtoknowwhytheirsonsmust
dieinbattle;maybealltheyaresupposedtodoisjusttogrieveforthem.Butmysonknewwhy.
AndmybrotherwenttothewarwhenIwasagirl,andourmotherdidn'tknowwhyeither,buthe
did.Andmygrandfatherwasinthatoldonetheretoo,andIreckonhismotherdidn'tknowwhy
either,butIreckonhedid.Andmysonknewwhyhehadtogotothisone,andheknewIknewhe
dideventhoughIdidn't,justasheknewthatthischildhereandIbothknewhewouldnotcome
back.Butheknewwhy,evenifIdidn't,couldn't,nevercan.Soitmustbeallright,evenifIcouldn't
understandit.BecausethereisnothinginhimthatIorhisfatherdidn'tputthere.Whatisyour
Negro'sname?"
Hecalledthenamethen.Andtheniggerwasn'tsofarawayafterall,thoughwhenhe
enteredMajordeSpainhadalreadyturnedsothathisbackwastowardthedoor.
Hedidn'tlookaround.HejustpointedtowardthetablewiththehandMotherhadputthe
handkerchiefinto,andtheniggerwenttothetablewithoutlookingatanybodyandwithoutmaking
anymorenoiseonthefloorthanacatandhedidn'tstopatall;itlookedtomelikehehadalready
turnedandstartedbackbeforeheevenreachedthetable:oneflickoftheblackhandandthewhite
sleeveandthepistolvanishedwithoutmeevenseeinghimtouchitandwhenhepassedmeagain
goingout,Icouldn'tseewhathehaddonewithit.SoMotherhadtospeaktwicebeforeIknewshe
wastalkingtome.
"Come,"shesaid.
"Wait,"saidMajordeSpain.Hehadturnedagain,facingus."Whatyouandhisfathergave
him.Youmustknowwhatthatwas."
 "Iknowitcamealongway,"Mothersaid."Soitmusthavebeenstrongtohavelasted
throughallofus.Itmusthavebeenallrightforhimtobewillingtodieforitafterthatlongtimeand
comingthatfar.Come,"shesaidagain.
"Wait,"hesaid."Wait.Wheredidyoucomefrom?"
Motherstopped."Itoldyou:Frenchman'sBend."
"Iknow.How?Bywagon?Youhavenocar."
"Oh,"Mothersaid."WecameinMr.Quick'sbus.HecomesineverySaturday."
"Andwaitsuntilnighttogoback.I'llsendyoubackinmycar."Hecalledthenigger'sname
again.ButMotherstoppedhim."Thankyou,"shesaid."WehavealreadypaidMr.Quick.Heowes
ustheridebackhome."
TherewasanoldladybornandraisedinJeffersonwhodiedrichsomewhereintheNorth
andleftsomemoneytothetowntobuildamuseumwith.Itwasahouselikeachurch,builtfor
nothingelseexcepttoholdthepicturesshepickedouttoputinit:picturesfromallovertheUnited
States,paintedbypeoplewholovedwhattheyhadseenorwheretheyhadbeenbornorlived
enoughtowanttopaintpicturesofitsothatotherpeoplecouldseeittoo;picturesofmenand
womenandchildren,andthehousesandstreetsandcitiesandthewoodsandfieldsandstreams
wheretheyworkedorlivedorpleasured,sothatallthepeoplewhowantedto,peoplelikeusfrom
Frenchman'sBendorfromlittlerplaceseventhanFrenchman'sBendinourcountyorbeyondour
statetoo,couldcomewithoutchargeintothecoolandthequietandlookwithoutletatthepictures
ofmenandwomenandchildrenwhowerethesamepeoplethatwewereeveniftheirhousesand
barnsweredifferentandtheirfieldsworkeddifferent,withdifferentthingsgrowinginthem.Soit
wasalreadylatewhenweleftthemuseum,andlaterstillwhenwegotbacktowherethebus
waited,andlaterstillmorebeforewegotstarted,althoughatleastwecouldgetintothebusand
takeourshoesandstockingsbackoff.BecauseMrs.Quickhadn'tcomeyetandsoSolonhadto
waitforher,notbecauseshewashiswifebutbecausehemadeherpayaquarteroutofheregg
moneytoridetotownandbackonSaturday,andhewouldn'tgooffandleaveanybodywhohad
paidhim.Andso,eventhoughthebusranfastagain,whentheroadfinallystraightenedoutinto
thelongValleystretch,therewasonlythelastsunsetspokingoutacrossthesky,stretchingallthe
wayacrossAmericafromthePacificocean,touchingalltheplacesthatthemenandwomeninthe
museumwhosenameswedidn'tevenknowhadlovedenoughtopaintpicturesofthem,likeabig
softfadingwheel.
AndIrememberedhowFatherusedtoalwaysproveanypointhewantedtomaketoPete
andme,byGrandfather.
Itdidn'tmatterwhetheritwassomethinghethoughtweoughttohavedoneandhadn't,or
somethinghewouldhavestoppedusfromdoingifhehadjustknownaboutitintime."Now,take
yourGrandpap,"hewouldsay.Icouldrememberhimtoo:Father'sgrandfathereven,old,soold
youjustwouldn'tbelieveit,sooldthatitwouldseemtomehemusthavegonecleanbacktothe
oldfathersinGenesisandExodusthattalkedfacetofacewithGod,andGrandpapoutlivedthem
allexcepthim.Itseemedtomehemusthavebeentoooldeventohaveactuallyfoughtintheold
Confederatewar,althoughthatwasaboutallhetalkedabout,notonlywhenwethoughtthat
maybehewasawakebutevenwhenweknewhemustbeasleep,untilafterawhilewehadto
admitthatweneverknewwhichonehereallywas.Hewouldsitinhischairunderthemulberryin
theyardoronthesunnyendofthefrontgalleryorinhiscornerbythehearth;hewouldstartupout
ofthechairandwestillwouldn'tknowwhichonehewas,whetherheneverhadbeenasleepor
whetherhehadn'teverwakedevenwhenhejumpedup,hollering,"Lookout!Lookout!Herethey
come!"Hewouldn'tevenalwayshollerthesamename;theywouldn'tevenalwaysbeonthesame
sideorevensoldiers:Forrest,orMorgan,orAbeLincoln,orVanDorn,orGrantorColonelSartoris
himself,whosepeoplestilllivedinourcounty,orMrs.RosaMillard,ColonelSartoris'smotherin
lawwhostoodofftheYankeesandcarpetbaggerstooforthewholefouryearsofthewaruntil
ColonelSartoriscouldgetbackhome.Petethoughtitwasjustfunny.FatherandIwereashamed.
Wedidn'tknowwhatMotherthoughtnorevenwhatitwas,untiltheafternoonatthepictureshow.
Itwasacontinuedpicture,aWestern;itseemedtomethatithadbeenrunningevery
Saturdayafternoonforyears.
PeteandFatherandIwouldgointotowneverySaturdaytoseeit,andsometimesMother
wouldgotoo,tositthereinthedarkwhilethepistolspoppedandsnappedandthehorsesgalloped
andeachtimeitwouldlookliketheyweregoingtocatchhimbutyouknewtheywouldn'tquite,that
therewouldbesomemoreofitnextSaturdayandtheoneafterthatandtheoneafterthat,and
alwaystheweekinbetweenformeandPetetotalkaboutthevillain'spearlhandledpistolthatPete
wishedwashisandthehero'sspottedhorsethatIwishedwasmine.ThenoneSaturdayMother
decidedtotakeGrandpap.Hesatbetweenherandme,alreadyasleepagain,sooldnowthathe
didn'tevenhavetosnore,untilthetimecamethatyoucouldhavesetawatchbyeverySaturday
afternoon:whenthehorsesallcameplungingdownthecliffandwhirledaroundandcameboiling
upthegullyuntilinjustonemorejumptheywouldcomecleanoutofthescreenandgogalloping
amongthelittlefacesturneduptothemlikecornshucksscatteredacrossalot.ThenGrandpap
wakedup.Foraboutfivesecondshesatperfectlystill.Icouldevenfeelhimsittingstill,hesatso
stillsohard.Thenhesaid,"Cavalry!"Thenhewasonhisfeet."Forrest!"hesaid."BedfordForrest!
Getoutofhere!Getoutoftheway!"clawingandscrabblingfromoneseattothenextonewhether
therewasanybodyinthemornot,intotheaislewithustryingtofollowandcatchhim,andupthe
aisletowardthedoorstillhollering,"Forrest!Forrest!Herehecomes!Getoutoftheway!"and
outsideatlast,withhalftheshowbehindusandGrandpapblinkingandtremblingatthelightand
Peteproppedagainstthewallbyhisarmslikehewasbeingsick,laughing,andfathershaking
Grandpap'sarmandsaying,"Youoldfool!Youoldfool!"untilMothermadehimstop.Andwehalf
carriedhimaroundtothealleywherethewagonwashitchedandhelpedhiminandMothergotin
andsatbyhimholdinghishanduntilhecouldbegintostopshaking."Gogethimabottleofbeer,"
shesaid.
"Hedon'tdeserveanybeer,"Fathersaid."Theoldfool,havingthewholetownlaughing..."
"Gogethimsomebeer!"Mothersaid."He'sgoingtositrighthereinhisownwagonand
drinkit.Goon!"AndFatherdid,andMotherheldthebottleuntilGrandpapgotagoodholdonit,
andshesatholdinghishanduntilhegotagoodswallowdownhim.Thenhebeguntostop
shaking.
Hesaid,"Ahhh,"andtookanotherswallowandsaid,"Ahhh,"againandthenheeven
drewhisotherhandoutofMother'sandhewasn'ttremblingnowbutjustalittle,takinglittledarting
sipsatthebottleandsaying"Hah!"andtakinganothersipandsaying"Hah!"again,andnotjust
lookingatthebottlenowbutlookingallaround,andhiseyessnappingalittlewhenheblinked.
"Foolsyourselves!"
MothercriedatFatherandPeteandme."Hewasn'trunningfromanybody!Hewasrunning
infrontofthem,holleringatallclodstolookoutbecausebettermenthantheywerecoming,even
seventyfiveyearsafterwards,stillpowerful,stilldangerous,stillcoming!"
AndIknewthemtoo.Ihadseenthemtoo,whohadneverbeenfurtherfromFrenchman's
BendthanIcouldreturnbynighttosleep.Itwaslikethewheel,likethesunsetitself,hubbedatthat
littleplacethatdon'tevenshowonamap,thatnottwohundredpeopleoutofalltheearthknowis
namedFrenchman'sBendorhasanynameatall,andspokingoutinallthedirectionsand
touchingthemall,neveraonetoobigforittotouch,neveraonetoolittletoberemembered:the
placesthatmenandwomenhavelivedinandlovedwhethertheyhadanythingtopaintpicturesof
themwithornot,allthelittleplacesquietenoughtobelivedinandlovedandthenamesofthem
beforetheywerequietenough,andthenamesofthedeedsthatmadethemquietenoughandthe
namesofthemenandthewomenwhodidthedeeds,wholastedandenduredandfoughtthe
battlesandlostthemandfoughtagainbecausetheydidn'tevenknowtheyhadbeenwhipped,and
tamedthewildernessandoverpassedthemountainsanddesertsanddiedandstillwentonasthe
shapeoftheUnitedStatesgrewandwenton.Iknewthemtoo:themenandwomenstillpowerful
seventyfiveyearsandtwicethatandtwicethatagainafterward,stillpowerfulandstilldangerous
andstillcoming,NorthandSouthandEastandWest,untilthenameofwhattheydidandwhat
theydiedforbecamejustonesingleword,louderthananythunder.ItwasAmerica,anditcovered
allthewesternearth.

IITHEVILLAGE

ARoseforEmily

WHENMissEmilyGriersondied,ourwholetownwenttoherfuneral:thementhroughasortof
respectfulaffectionforafallenmonument,thewomenmostlyoutofcuriositytoseetheinsideof
herhouse,whichnoonesaveanoldmanservant,acombinedgardenerandcook,hadseeninat
leasttenyears.
Itwasabig,squarishframehousethathadoncebeenwhite,decoratedwithcupolasand
spiresandscrolledbalconiesintheheavilylightsomestyleoftheseventies,setonwhathadonce
beenourmostselectstreet.Butgaragesandcottonginshadencroachedandobliteratedeventhe
augustnamesofthatneighborhood;onlyMissEmily'shousewasleft,liftingitsstubbornand
coquettishdecayabovethecottonwagonsandthegasolinepumps:aneyesoreamongeyesores.
AndnowMissEmilyhadgonetojointherepresentativesofthoseaugustnameswheretheylayin
thecedarbemusedcemeteryamongtherankedandanonymousgravesofUnionandConfederate
soldierswhofellatthebattleofJefferson.
Alive,MissEmilyhadbeenatradition,aduty,andacare;asortofhereditaryobligation
uponthetown,datingfromthatdayin1894whenColonelSartoris,themayor,hewhofatheredthe
edictthatnoNegrowomanshouldappearonthestreetswithoutanapron,remittedhertaxes,the
dispensationdatingfromthedeathofherfatheronintoperpetuity.NotthatMissEmilywouldhave
acceptedcharity.ColonelSartorisinventedaninvolvedtaletotheeffectthatMissEmily'sfather
hadloanedmoneytothetown,whichthetown,asamatterofbusiness,preferredthiswayof
repaying.OnlyamanofColonelSartoris'generationandthoughtcouldhaveinventedit,andonlya
womancouldhavebelievedit.
Whenthenextgeneration,withitsmoremodernideas,becamemayorsandaldermen,this
arrangementcreatedsomelittledissatisfaction.Onthefirstoftheyeartheymailedherataxnotice.
Februarycame,andtherewasnoreply.
Theywroteheraformalletter,askinghertocallatthesheriff'sofficeatherconvenience.A
weeklaterthemayorwroteherhimself,offeringtocallortosendhiscarforher,andreceivedin
replyanoteonpaperofanarchaicshape,inathin,flowingcalligraphyinfadedink,totheeffect
thatshenolongerwentoutatall.Thetaxnoticewasalsoenclosed,withoutcomment.
TheycalledaspecialmeetingoftheBoardofAldermen.
Adeputationwaiteduponher,knockedatthedoorthroughwhichnovisitorhadpassed
sincesheceasedgivingchinapaintinglessonseightortenyearsearlier.Theywereadmittedby
theoldNegrointoadimhallfromwhichastairwaymountedintostillmoreshadow.Itsmelledof
dustanddisuse:aclose,danksmell.TheNegroledthemintotheparlor.Itwasfurnishedinheavy,
leathercoveredfurniture.WhentheNegroopenedtheblindsofonewindow,theycouldseethat
theleatherwascracked;andwhentheysatdown,afaintdustrosesluggishlyabouttheirthighs,
spinningwithslowmotesinthesinglesunray.Onatarnishedgilteaselbeforethefireplacestood
acrayonportraitofMissEmily'sfather.
Theyrosewhensheentered;asmall,fatwomaninblack,withathingoldchaindescending
toherwaistandvanishingintoherbelt,leaningonanebonycanewithatarnishedgoldhead.Her
skeletonwassmallandspare;perhapsthatwaswhywhatwouldhavebeenmerelyplumpnessin
anotherwasobesityinher.Shelookedbloated,likeabodylongsubmergedinmotionlesswater,
andofthatpallidhue.
Hereyes,lostinthefattyridgesofherface,lookedliketwosmallpiecesofcoalpressed
intoalumpofdoughastheymovedfromonefacetoanotherwhilethevisitorsstatedtheirerrand.
Shedidnotaskthemtosit.Shejuststoodinthedoorandlistenedquietlyuntilthe
spokesmancametoastumblinghalt.Thentheycouldheartheinvisiblewatchtickingattheendof
thegoldchain.
Hervoicewasdryandcold."IhavenotaxesinJefferson.ColonelSartorisexplaineditto
me.Perhapsoneofyoucangainaccesstothecityrecordsandsatisfyyourselves."
"Butwehave.Wearethecityauthorities,MissEmily.Didn'tyougetanoticefromthe
sheriff,signedbyhim?"
"Ireceivedapaper,yes,"MissEmilysaid."Perhapsheconsidershimselfthesheriff...I
havenotaxesinJefferson."
"Butthereisnothingonthebookstoshowthat,yousee.Wemustgobythe..."
"SeeColonelSartoris.IhavenotaxesinJefferson."
"But,MissEmily"
"SeeColonelSartoris."(ColonelSartorishadbeendeadalmosttenyears.)"Ihavenotaxes
inJefferson.Tobe!"TheNegroappeared."Showthesegentlemenout."

II

SOSHEvanquishedthem,horseandfoot,justasshehadvanquishedtheirfathersthirtyyears
beforeaboutthesmell.Thatwastwoyearsafterherfather'sdeathandashorttimeafterher
sweetheart,theonewebelievedwouldmarryher,haddesertedher.Afterherfather'sdeathshe
wentoutverylittle;afterhersweetheartwentaway,peoplehardlysawheratall.Afewoftheladies
hadthetemeritytocall,butwerenotreceived,andtheonlysignoflifeabouttheplacewasthe
Negroman,ayoungmanthen,goinginandoutwithamarketbasket.
"Justasifaman,anyman,couldkeepakitchenproperly,"theladiessaid;sotheywerenot
surprisedwhenthesmelldeveloped.Itwasanotherlinkbetweenthegross,teemingworldandthe
highandmightyGriersons.
Aneighbor,awoman,complainedtothemayor,JudgeStevens,eightyyearsold.
"Butwhatwillyouhavemedoaboutit,madam?"hesaid.
"Why,sendherwordtostopit,"thewomansaid."Isn'ttherealaw?"
"I'msurethatwon'tbenecessary,"JudgeStevenssaid.
"It'sprobablyjustasnakeoraratthatniggerofherskilledintheyard.I'llspeaktohim
aboutit."
Thenextdayhereceivedtwomorecomplaints,onefromamanwhocameindiffident
deprecation."Wereallymustdosomethingaboutit,Judge.I'dbethelastoneintheworldtobother
MissEmily,butwe'vegottodosomething."ThatnighttheBoardofAldermenmet:three
graybeardsandoneyoungerman,amemberoftherisinggeneration.
"It'ssimpleenough,"hesaid."Sendherwordtohaveherplacecleanedup.Givehera
certaintimetodoitin,andifshedon't..."
"Dammit,sir,"JudgeStevenssaid,"willyouaccusealadytoherfaceofsmellingbad?"
 Sothenextnight,aftermidnight,fourmencrossedMissEmily'slawnandslunkaboutthe
houselikeburglars,sniffingalongthebaseofthebrickworkandatthecellaropeningswhileoneof
themperformedaregularsowingmotionwithhishandoutofasackslungfromhisshoulder.They
brokeopenthecellardoorandsprinkledlimethere,andinalltheoutbuildings.Astheyrecrossed
thelawn,awindowthathadbeendarkwaslightedandMissEmilysatinit,thelightbehindher,
andheruprighttorsomotionlessasthatofanidol.Theycreptquietlyacrossthelawnandintothe
shadowofthelocuststhatlinedthestreet.Afteraweekortwothesmellwentaway.
Thatwaswhenpeoplehadbeguntofeelreallysorryforher.Peopleinourtown,
rememberinghowoldladyWyatt,hergreataunt,hadgonecompletelycrazyatlast,believedthat
theGriersonsheldthemselvesalittletoohighforwhattheyreallywere.Noneoftheyoungmen
werequitegoodenoughforMissEmilyandsuch.Wehadlongthoughtofthemasatableau,Miss
Emilyaslenderfigureinwhiteinthebackground,herfatheraspraddledsilhouetteinthe
foreground,hisbacktoherandclutchingahorsewhip,thetwoofthemframedbythebackflung
frontdoor.Sowhenshegottobethirtyandwasstillsingle,wewerenotpleasedexactly,but
vindicated;evenwithinsanityinthefamilyshewouldn'thaveturneddownallofherchancesifthey
hadreallymaterialized.
Whenherfatherdied,itgotaboutthatthehousewasallthatwaslefttoher;andinaway,
peoplewereglad.AtlasttheycouldpityMissEmily.Beingleftalone,andapauper,shehad
becomehumanized.Nowshetoowouldknowtheoldthrillandtheolddespairofapennymoreor
less.
Thedayafterhisdeathalltheladiespreparedtocallatthehouseandoffercondolence
andaid,asisourcustom.
MissEmilymetthematthedoor,dressedasusualandwithnotraceofgriefonherface.
Shetoldthemthatherfatherwasnotdead.Shedidthatforthreedays,withtheministerscallingon
her,andthedoctors,tryingtopersuadehertoletthemdisposeofthebody.Justastheywere
abouttoresorttolawandforce,shebrokedown,andtheyburiedherfatherquickly.
Wedidnotsayshewascrazythen.Webelievedshehadtodothat.Werememberedall
theyoungmenherfatherhaddrivenaway,andweknewthatwithnothingleft,shewouldhaveto
clingtothatwhichhadrobbedher,aspeoplewill.

Ill

SHEWASSICKforalongtime.Whenwesawheragain,herhairwascutshort,makingherlook
likeagirl,withavagueresemblancetothoseangelsincoloredchurchwindows:sortoftragicand
serene.
Thetownhadjustletthecontractsforpavingthesidewalks,andinthesummerafterher
father'sdeaththeybeganthework.Theconstructioncompanycamewithniggersandmulesand
machinery,andaforemannamedHomerBarron,aYankee,abig,dark,readyman,withabig
voiceandeyeslighterthanhisface.Thelittleboyswouldfollowingroupstohearhimcussthe
niggers,andtheniggerssingingintimetotheriseandfallofpicks.Prettysoonhekneweverybody
intown.Wheneveryouheardalotoflaughinganywhereaboutthesquare,HomerBarronwouldbe
inthecenterofthegroup.PresentlywebegantoseehimandMissEmilyonSundayafternoons
drivingintheyellowwheeledbuggyandthematchedteamofbaysfromtheliverystable.
AtfirstweweregladthatMissEmilywouldhaveaninterest,becausetheladiesallsaid,"Of
courseaGriersonwouldnotthinkseriouslyofaNortherner,adaylaborer."
Buttherewerestillothers,olderpeople,whosaidthatevengriefcouldnotcauseareal
ladytoforgetnoblesseobligewithoutcallingitnoblesseoblige.Theyjustsaid,"PoorEmily.Her
kinsfolkshouldcometoher."ShehadsomekininAlabama;butyearsagoherfatherhadfallenout
withthemovertheestateofoldladyWyatt,thecrazywoman,andtherewasnocommunication
betweenthetwofamilies.
Theyhadnotevenbeenrepresentedatthefuneral.
Andassoonastheoldpeoplesaid,"PoorEmily,"thewhisperingbegan."Doyousuppose
it'sreallyso?"theysaidtooneanother."Ofcourseitis.Whatelsecould..."Thisbehindtheirhands;
rustlingofcranedsilkandsatinbehindjalousiescloseduponthesunofSundayafternoonasthe
thin,swiftclopclopclopofthematchedteampassed:"PoorEmily."
Shecarriedherheadhighenoughevenwhenwebelievedthatshewasfallen.Itwasasif
shedemandedmorethanevertherecognitionofherdignityasthelastGrierson;asifithad
wantedthattouchofearthinesstoreaffirmherimperviousness.Likewhensheboughttherat
poison,thearsenic.
Thatwasoverayearaftertheyhadbeguntosay"PoorEmily,"andwhilethetwofemale
cousinswerevisitingher.
"Iwantsomepoison,"shesaidtothedruggist.Shewasoverthirtythen,stillaslight
woman,thoughthinnerthanusual,withcold,haughtyblackeyesinafacethefleshofwhichwas
strainedacrossthetemplesandabouttheeyesocketsasyouimaginealighthousekeeper'sface
oughttolook."Iwantsomepoison,"shesaid.
"Yes,MissEmily.Whatkind?Forratsandsuch?I'drecom..."
"Iwantthebestyouhave.Idon'tcarewhatkind."
Thedruggistnamedseveral."They'llkillanythinguptoanelephant.Butwhatyouwant
is..."
"Arsenic,"MissEmilysaid."Isthatagoodone?"
"Is...arsenic?Yes,ma'am.Butwhatyouwant..."
"Iwantarsenic."
Thedruggistlookeddownather.Shelookedbackathim,erect,herfacelikeastrained
flag."Why,ofcourse,"thedruggistsaid."Ifthat'swhatyouwant.Butthelawrequiresyoutotell
whatyouaregoingtouseitfor."
MissEmilyjuststaredathim,herheadtiltedbackinordertolookhimeyeforeye,untilhe
lookedawayandwentandgotthearsenicandwrappeditup.TheNegrodeliveryboybroughther
thepackage;thedruggistdidn'tcomeback.Whensheopenedthepackageathometherewas
writtenonthebox,undertheskullandbones:"Forrats."

IV

SOTHENEXTdayweallsaid,"Shewillkillherself";andwesaiditwouldbethebestthing.When
shehadfirstbeguntobeseenwithHomerBarron,wehadsaid,"Shewillmarryhim."Thenwe
said,"Shewillpersuadehimyet,"becauseHomerhimselfhadremarkedhelikedmen,anditwas
knownthathedrankwiththeyoungermenintheElks'Clubthathewasnotamarryingman.Later
wesaid,"PoorEmily"behindthejalousiesastheypassedonSundayafternoonintheglittering
buggy,MissEmilywithherheadhighandHomerBarronwithhishatcockedandacigarinhis
teeth,reinsandwhipinayellowglove.
Thensomeoftheladiesbegantosaythatitwasadisgracetothetownandabadexample
totheyoungpeople.Themendidnotwanttointerfere,butatlasttheladiesforcedtheBaptist
minister,MissEmily'speoplewereEpiscopal,tocalluponher.Hewouldneverdivulgewhat
happenedduringthatinterview,butherefusedtogobackagain.ThenextSundaytheyagain
droveaboutthestreets,andthefollowingdaytheminister'swifewrotetoMissEmily'srelationsin
Alabama.
 Soshehadbloodkinunderherroofagainandwesatbacktowatchdevelopments.Atfirst
nothinghappened.
Thenweweresurethattheyweretobemarried.WelearnedthatMissEmilyhadbeento
thejeweler'sandorderedaman'stoiletsetinsilver,withthelettersH.B.oneachpiece.
Twodayslaterwelearnedthatshehadboughtacompleteoutfitofmen'sclothing,
includinganightshirt,andwesaid,"Theyaremarried."Wewerereallyglad.Weweregladbecause
thetwofemalecousinswereevenmoreGriersonthanMissEmilyhadeverbeen.
SowewerenotsurprisedwhenHomerBarron,thestreetshadbeenfinishedsometime
since,wasgone.Wewerealittledisappointedthattherewasnotapublicblowingoff,burwe
believedthathehadgoneontoprepareforMissEmily'scoming,ortogiveherachancetogetrid
ofthecousins.(Bythattimeitwasacabal,andwewereallMissEmily'salliestohelpcircumvent
thecousins.)Sureenough,afteranotherweektheydeparted.And,aswehadexpectedallalong,
withinthreedaysHomerBarronwasbackintown.AneighborsawtheNegromanadmithimatthe
kitchendooratduskoneevening.
AndthatwasthelastwesawofHomerBarron.AndofMissEmilyforsometime.The
Negromanwentinandoutwiththemarketbasket,butthefrontdoorremainedclosed.
Nowandthenwewouldseeheratawindowforamoment,asthemendidthatnightwhen
theysprinkledthelime,butforalmostsixmonthsshedidnotappearonthestreets.Thenweknew
thatthiswastobeexpectedtoo;asifthatqualityofherfatherwhichhadthwartedherwoman'slife
somanytimeshadbeentoovirulentandtoofurioustodie.
WhenwenextsawMissEmily,shehadgrownfatandherhairwasturninggray.Duringthe
nextfewyearsitgrewgrayerandgrayeruntilitattainedanevenpepperandsaltirongray,whenit
ceasedturning.Uptothedayofherdeathatseventyfouritwasstillthatvigorousirongray,like
thehairofanactiveman.
Fromthattimeonherfrontdoorremainedclosed,saveforaperiodofsixorsevenyears,
whenshewasaboutforty,duringwhichshegavelessonsinchinapainting.Shefittedupastudio
inoneofthedownstairsrooms,wherethedaughtersandgranddaughtersofColonelSartoris'
contemporariesweresenttoherwiththesameregularityandinthesamespiritthattheyweresent
tochurchonSundayswithatwentyfivecentpieceforthecollectionplate.Meanwhilehertaxes
hadbeenremitted.
Thenthenewergenerationbecamethebackboneandthespiritofthetown,andthe
paintingpupilsgrewupandfellawayanddidnotsendtheirchildrentoherwithboxesofcolorand
tediousbrushesandpicturescutfromtheladies'magazines.Thefrontdoorcloseduponthelast
oneandremainedclosedforgood.Whenthetowngotfreepostaldelivery,MissEmilyalone
refusedtoletthemfastenthemetalnumbersaboveherdoorandattachamailboxtoit.Shewould
notlistentothem.
Daily,monthly,yearlywewatchedtheNegrogrowgrayerandmorestooped,goinginand
outwiththemarketbasket.EachDecemberwesentherataxnotice,whichwouldbereturnedby
thepostofficeaweeklater,unclaimed.Nowandthenwewouldseeherinoneofthedownstairs
windows:shehadevidentlyshutupthetopfloorofthehouselikethecarventorsoofanidolina
niche,lookingornotlookingatus,wecouldnevertellwhich.Thusshepassedfromgenerationto
generation:dear,inescapable,impervious,tranquil,andperverse.
Andsoshedied.Fellillinthehousefilledwithdustandshadows,withonlyadoddering
Negromantowaitonher.
Wedidnotevenknowshewassick;wehadlongsincegivenuptryingtogetany
informationfromtheNegro.Hetalkedtonoone,probablynoteventoher,forhisvoicehadgrown
harshandrusty,asiffromdisuse.
Shediedinoneofthedownstairsrooms,inaheavywalnutbedwithacurtain,hergray
headproppedonapillowyellowandmoldywithageandlackofsunlight.
V

THENEGROmetthefirstoftheladiesatthefrontdoorandletthemin,withtheirhushed,sibilant
voicesandtheirquick,curiousglances,andthenhedisappeared.Hewalkedrightthroughthe
houseandoutthebackandwasnotseenagain.
Thetwofemalecousinscameatonce.Theyheldthefuneralonthesecondday,withthe
towncomingtolookatMissEmilybeneathamassofboughtflowers,withthecrayonfaceofher
fathermusingprofoundlyabovethebierandtheladiessibilantandmacabre;andtheveryoldmen
someintheirbrushedConfederateuniformsontheporchandthelawn,talkingofMissEmilyasif
shehadbeenacontemporaryoftheirs,believingthattheyhaddancedwithherandcourtedher
perhaps,confusingtimewithitsmathematicalprogression,astheolddo,towhomallthepastis
notadiminishingroadbut,instead,ahugemeadowwhichnowintereverquitetouches,divided
fromthemnowbythenarrowbottleneckofthemostrecentdecadeofyears.
Alreadyweknewthattherewasoneroominthatregionabovestairswhichnoonehad
seeninfortyyears,andwhichwouldhavetobeforced.TheywaiteduntilMissEmilywasdecently
inthegroundbeforetheyopenedit.
Theviolenceofbreakingdownthedoorseemedtofillthisroomwithpervadingdust.Athin,
acridpallasofthetombseemedtolieeverywhereuponthisroomdeckedandfurnishedasfora
bridal:uponthevalancecurtainsoffadedrosecolor,upontheroseshadedlights,uponthe
dressingtable,uponthedelicatearrayofcrystalandtheman'stoiletthingsbackedwithtarnished
silver,silversotarnishedthatthemonogramwasobscured.Amongthemlayacollarandtie,asif
theyhadjustbeenremoved,which,lifted,leftuponthesurfaceapalecrescentinthedust.Upona
chairhungthesuit,carefullyfolded;beneathitthetwomuteshoesandthediscardedsocks.
Themanhimselflayinthebed.
Foralongwhilewejuststoodthere,lookingdownattheprofoundandfleshlessgrin.The
bodyhadapparentlyoncelainintheattitudeofanembrace,butnowthelongsleepthatoutlasts
love,thatconquerseventhegrimaceoflove,hadcuckoldedhim.Whatwasleftofhim,rotted
beneathwhatwasleftofthenightshirt,hadbecomeinextricablefromthebedinwhichhelay;and
uponhimanduponthepillowbesidehimlaythatevencoatingofthepatientandbidingdust.
Thenwenoticedthatinthesecondpillowwastheindentationofahead.Oneofuslifted
somethingfromit,andleaningforward,thatfaintandinvisibledustdryandacridinthenostrils,we
sawalongstrandofirongrayhair.

Hair

THISGIRL,thisSusanReed,wasanorphan.ShelivedwithafamilynamedBurchett,thathad
somemorechildren,twoorthreemore.SomesaidthatSusanwasanieceoracousinor
something;otherscasttheusualaspersionsonthecharacterofBurchettandevenofMrs.
Burchett:youknow.
Womenmostly,thesewere.
ShewasaboutfivewhenHawkshawfirstcametotown.
ItwashisfirstsummerbehindthatchairinMaxey'sbarbershopthatMrsBurchettbrought
Susaninforthefirsttime.
MaxeytoldmeabouthowhimandtheotherbarberswatchedMrsBurchetttryingforthree
daystogetSusan(shewasathinlittlegirlthen,withbigscaredeyesandthisstraight,softhairnot
blondeandnotbrunette)intotheshop.AndMaxeytoldhowatlastitwasHawkshawthatwentout
intothestreetandworkedwiththegirlforaboutfifteenminutesuntilhegotherintotheshopand
intohischair:himthathadn'tneversaidmorethanYesorNotoanymanorwomaninthetown
thatanybodyeversaw."Bedurnifitdidn'tlooklikeHawkshawhadbeenwaitingforhertocome
along,"Maxeytoldme.
Thatwasherfirsthaircut.Hawkshawgaveittoher,andhersittingthereundertheclothlike
alittlescaredrabbit.
ButsixmonthsafterthatshewascomingtotheshopbyherselfandlettingHawkshawcut
herhair,stilllookinglikealittleoldrabbit,withherscaredfaceandthosebigeyesandthathair
withoutanyspecialnameshowingabovethecloth.IfHawkshawwasbusy,Maxeysaidshewould
comeinandsitonthewaitingbenchclosetohischairwithherlegsstickingstraightoutinfrontof
heruntilHawkshawgotdone.MaxeysaystheyconsideredherHawkshaw'sclientthesameasif
shehadbeenaSaturdaynightshavingcustomer.Hesaysthatonetimetheotherbarber,Matt
Fox,offeredtowaitonher,Hawkshawbeingbusy,andthatHawkshawlookeduplikeaflash."I'll
bedoneinaminute,"hesays."I'lltendtoher."MaxeytoldmethatHawkshawhadbeenworking
forhimforalmostayearthen,butthatwasthefirsttimeheeverheardhimspeakpositiveabout
anything.
Thatfallthegirlstartedtoschool.Shewouldpassthebarbershopeachmorningand
afternoon.Shewasstillshy,walkingfastlikelittlegirlsdo,withthatyellowbrownheadofhers
passingthewindowlevelandfastlikeshewasonskates.Shewasalwaysbyherselfatfirst,but
prettysoonherheadwouldbeoneofaclumpofotherheads,alltalking,notlookingtowardthe
windowatall,andHawkshawstandingthereinthewindow,lookingout.MaxeysaidhimandMatt
wouldnothavetolookattheclockatalltotellwhenfiveminutestoeightandtothreeo'clock
came,becausetheycouldtellbyHawkshaw.Itwaslikehewouldkindofdriftuptothewindow
withoutwatchinghimselfdoit,andbelookingoutaboutthetimefortheschoolchildrentobeginto
pass.Whenshewouldcometotheshopforahaircut,Hawkshawwouldgivehertwoorthreeof
thosepeppermintswherehewouldgivetheotherchildrenjustone,Maxeytoldme.
No;itwasMattFox,theotherbarber,toldmethat.Hewastheonewhotoldmeaboutthe
dollHawkshawgaveheronChristmas.Idon'tknowhowhefounditout.Hawkshawnevertoldhim.
Butheknewsomeway;heknewmoreaboutHawkshawthanMaxeydid.Hewasamarriedman
himself,Mattwas.Akindoffat,flabbyfellow,withapastyfaceandeyesthatlookedtiredorsad
something.Afunnyfellow,andalmostasgoodabarberasHawkshaw.Henevertalkedmuch
either,andIdon'tknowhowhecouldhaveknownsomuchaboutHawkshawwhenatalkingman
couldn'tgetmuchoutofhim.Iguessmaybeatalkingmanhasn'tgotthetimetoeverlearnmuch
aboutanythingexceptwords.
Anyway,MatttoldmeabouthowHawkshawgaveherapresenteveryChristmas,even
aftershegottobeabiggirl.
Shestillcametohim,tohischair,andhimwatchinghereverymorningandafternoonwhen
shepassedtoandfromschool.Abiggirl,andshewasn'tshyanymore.
Youwouldn'thavethoughtshewasthesamegirl.Shegotgrownfast.Toofast.Thatwas
thetrouble.Somesaiditwasbeinganorphanandall.Butitwasn'tthat.Girlsaredifferentfrom
boys.Girlsarebornweanedandboysdon'tevergetweaned.Youseeonesixtyyearsold,andbe
damnedifhewon'tgobacktotheperambulatoratthebatofaneye.
It'snotthatshewasbad.There'snotanysuchthingasawomanbornbad,becausethey
areallbornbad,bornwiththebadnessinthem.Thethingis,togetthemmarriedbeforethe
badnesscomestoanaturalhead.Butwetrytomakethemconformtoasystemthatsaysa
womancan'tbemarrieduntilshereachesacertainage.Andnaturedon'tpayanyattentionto
systems,letalonewomenpayinganyattentiontothem,ortoanything.Shejustgrewuptoofast.
Shereachedthepointwherethebadnesscametoaheadbeforethesystemsaiditwastimefor
herto.Ithinktheycan'thelpit.Ihaveadaughterofmyown,andIsaythat.
 Sothereshewas.Matttoldmetheyfiguredupandshecouldn'thavebeenmorethan
thirteenwhenMrsBurchettwhippedheronedayforusingrougeandpaint,andduringthatyear,he
said,theywouldseeherwithtwoorthreeothergirlsgigglingandlaughingonthestreetatallhours
whentheyshouldhavebeeninschool;stillthin,withthathairstillnotblondeandnotbrunette,with
herfacecakedwithpaintuntilyouwouldhavethoughtitwouldcracklikedriedmudwhenshe
laughed,withtheregularsimpleginghamandsuchdressesthatathirteenyearoldchildoughtto
wearpulledanddraggedtoshowoffwhatsheneverhadyettoshowoff,liketheoldergirlsdidwith
theirsilkandcrepeandsuch.
Mattsaidhewatchedherpassoneday,whenallofasuddenherealizedsheneverhad
anystockingson.Hesaidhethoughtaboutitandhesaidhecouldnotrememberthatsheeverdid
wearstockingsinthesummer,untilherealizedthatwhathehadnoticedwasnotthelackof
stockings,butthatherlegswerelikeawoman'slegs:female.Andheronlythirteen.
Isayshecouldn'thelpherself.Itwasn'therfault.Anditwasn'tBurchett'sfault,either.Why,
nobodycanbeasgentlewiththem,thebadones,theonesthatareunluckyenoughtocometoa
headtoosoon,asmen.LookatthewaytheyallthemenintowntreatedHawkshaw.Evenafter
folksknew,afterallthetalkbegan,therewasn'tamanofthemtalkedbeforeHawkshaw.Ireckon
theythoughtheknewtoo,hadheardsomeofthetalk,butwhenevertheytalkedaboutherinthe
shop,itwaswhileHawkshawwasnotthere.AndIreckontheothermenwerethesame,because
therewasnotaoneofthemthathadn'tseenHawkshawatthewindow,lookingatherwhenshe
passed,orlookingatheronthestreet;happeningtokindofbepassingthepictureshowwhenitlet
outandshewouldcomeoutwithsomefellow,havingbeguntogowiththembeforeshewas
fourteen.Folkssaidhowshewouldhavetoslipoutandmeetthemandslipbackintothehouse
againwithMrsBurchettthinkingshewasatthehomeofagirlfriend.
TheynevertalkedaboutherbeforeHawkshaw.Theywouldwaituntilhewasgone,to
dinner,orononeofthosetwoweeks'vacationsofhisinAprilthatneveranybodycouldfindout
about;wherehewentoranything.Buthewouldbegone,andtheywouldwatchthegirlslipping
around,skirtingtrouble,boundtogetintoitsoonerorlater,evenifBurchettdidn'thearsomething
first.Shehadquitschoolayearago.ForayearBurchettandMrsBurchettthoughtthatshewas
goingtoschooleveryday,whenshehadn'tbeeninsidethebuildingeven.Somebody,oneofthe
highschoolboysmaybe,butsheneverdrewanylines:schoolboys,marriedmen,anybodywould
getherareportcardeverymonthandshewouldfillitoutherselfandtakeithomeforMrsBurchett
tosign.Itbeatsthedevilhowthefolksthatloveawomanwillletherfoolthem.
Soshequitschoolandwenttoworkinthetencentstore.
Shewouldcometotheshopforahaircut,allpaintedup,insomekindoflittleflimsyoff
colorclothesthatshowedheroff,withherfacewatchfulandboldanddiscreetallatonce,andher
hairgummedandtwistedaboutherface.Buteventhestuffsheputonitcouldn'tchangethat
brownyellowcolor.Herhairhadn'tchangedatall.Shewouldn'talwaysgotoHawkshaw'schair.
Evenwhenhischairwasempty,shewouldsometimestakeoneoftheothers,talkingtothe
barbers,fillingthewholeshopwithnoiseandperfumeandherlegsstickingoutfromunderthe
cloth.Hawkshawwouldn'tlookatherthen.Evenwhenhewasn'tbusy,hehadawayoflookingthe
same:intentanddownlookinglikehewasmakingouttobebusy,hidingbehindthemakingout.
ThatwashowitwaswhenhelefttwoweeksagoonthatAprilvacationofhis,thatsecret
tripthatfolkshadgivenuptryingtofindwherehewenttenyearsago.ImadeJeffersonacoupleof
daysafterheleft,andIwasintheshop.Theyweretalkingabouthimandher.
"IshestillgivingherChristmaspresents?"Isaid.
"Heboughtherawristwatchtwoyearsago,"MattFoxsaid."Paidsixtydollarsforit."
Maxeywasshavingacustomer.Hestopped,therazorinhishand,thebladeloadedwith
lather."Well,I'llbedurned,"hesaid."Thenhemust...Youreckonhewasthefirstone,theone
that..."
 Matthadn'tlookedaround."Heain'tgiveittoheryet,"hesaid.
"Well,durnhistightfistedtime,"Maxeysaid."Anyoldmanthatwillfoolwithayounggirl,
he'sprettybad.Butafellowthatwilltrickoneandthennotevenpayhernothing..."
Mattlookedaroundnow;hewasshavingacustomertoo.
"Whatwouldyousayifyouheardthatthereasonheain'tgiveittoheristhathethinksshe
istooyoungtoreceivejewelryfromanybodythatain'tkintoher?"
"Youmean,hedon'tknow?Hedon'tknowwhateverybodyelseinthistownexceptmaybe
MrandMrsBurchetthasknowedforthreeyears?"
Mattwentbacktoworkagain,hiselbowmovingsteady,therazormovinginlittlejerks.
"Howwouldheknow?Ain'tanybodybutawomangoingtotellhim.Andhedon'tknowanywomen
exceptMrsCowan.AndIreckonshethinkshe'sdoneheard."
"That'safact,"Maxeysays.
Thatwashowthingswerewhenhewentoffonhisvacationtwoweeksago.Iworked
Jeffersoninadayandahalf,andwenton.InthemiddleofthenextweekIreachedDivision.I
didn'thurry.Iwantedtogivehimtime.ItwasonaWednesdaymorningIgotthere.

II

IFTHEREHADBEENloveonce,amanwouldhavesaidthatHawkshawhadforgottenher.
Meaninglove,ofcourse.
WhenIfirstsawhimthirteenyearsago(Ihadjustgoneontheroadthen,makingNorth
MississippiandAlabamawithalineofworkshirtsandoveralls)behindachairinthebarbershopin
Porterfield,Isaid,"Hereisabachelorborn.Hereisamanwhowasbornsingleandfortyyears
old."
Alittle,sandycomplectedmanwithafaceyouwouldnotrememberandwouldnot
recognizeagaintenminuteslater,inabluesergesuitandablackbowtie,thekindthatsnaps
togetherintheback,thatyoubuyalreadytiedinthestore.Maxeytoldmehewasstillwearingthat
sergesuitandtiewhenhegotoffthesouthboundtraininJeffersonayearlater,carryingoneof
theseimitationleathersuitcases.
AndwhenIsawhimagaininJeffersoninthenextyear,behindachairinMaxey'sshop,if
ithadnotbeenforthechairIwouldn'thaverecognizedhimatall.Sameface,sametie;bedamned
ifitwasn'tliketheyhadpickedhimup,chair,customerandall,andsethimdownsixtymilesaway
withouthimmissingalick.IhadtolookbackoutthewindowatthesquaretobesureIwasn'tin
Porterfieldmyselfanytimeayearago.AndthatwasthefirsttimeIrealizedthatwhenIhadmade
Porterfieldaboutsixweeksback,hehadnotbeenthere.
ItwasthreeyearsafterthatbeforeIfoundoutabouthim.
IwouldmakeDivisionaboutfivetimesayear:astoreandfourorfivehousesandasawmill
ontheStatelinebetweenMississippiandAlabama.Ihadnoticedahousethere.Itwasagood
house,oneofthebestthere,anditwasalwaysclosed.
WhenIwouldmakeDivisioninthelatespringortheearlysummertherewouldalwaysbe
signsofworkaroundthehouse.Theyardwouldbecleanedupofweeds,andtheflowerbeds
tendedtoandthefencesandrooffixed.ThenwhenIwouldgetbacktoDivisionalonginthefallor
thewinter,theyardwouldbegrownupinweedsagain,andmaybesomeofthepicketsgoneoff
thefencewherefolkshadpulledthemofftomendtheirownfencesormaybeforfirewood;Idon't
know.Andthehousewouldbealwaysclosed;neveranysmokeatthekitchenchimney.Soone
dayIaskedthestorekeeperaboutitandhetoldme.
IthadbelongedtoamannamedStarnes,butthefamilywasalldead.Theywere
consideredthebestfolks,becausetheyownedsomeland,mortgaged.Starneswasoneofthese
lazymenthatwassatisfiedtobealandowneraslongashehadenoughtoeatandalittletobacco.
Theyhadonedaughterthatwentandgotherselfengagedtoayoungfellow,sonofatenant
farmer.Themotherdidn'tliketheidea,butStarnesdidn'tseemtoobject.Maybebecausethe
youngfellow(hisnamewasStribling)wasahardworker;maybebecauseStarneswasjusttoolazy
toobject.Anyway,theywereengagedandStriblingsavedhismoneyandwenttoBirminghamto
learnbarbering.Rodepartofthewayinwagonsandwalkedtherest,comingbackeachsummerto
seethegirl.
ThenonedayStarnesdied,sittinginhischairontheporch;theysaidthathewastoolazy
tokeeponbreathing,andtheysentforStribling.Iheardhehadbuiltupagoodtradeofhisownin
theBirminghamshop,savinghismoney;theytoldmehehaddonepickedouttheapartmentand
paiddownonthefurnitureandall,andthattheyweretobemarriedthatsummer.Hecameback.
AllStarneshadeverraisedwasamortgage,soStriblingpaidfortheburial.Itcostarightsmart,
morethanStarneswasworth,butMrsStarneshadtobesuited.SoStriblinghadtostartsaving
again.
Buthehadalreadyleasedtheapartmentandpaiddownonthefurnitureandtheringand
hehadboughttheweddinglicensewhentheysentforhimagaininahurry.Itwasthegirlthistime.
Shehadsomekindoffever.Thesebackwoodsfolks:youknowhowitis.Nodoctors,or
veterinaries,iftheyare.Cutthemandshootthem:that'sallright.Butletthemgetabadcoldand
maybethey'llgetwellormaybethey'lldietwodayslaterofcholera.Shewasdeliriouswhen
Striblinggotthere.Theyhadtocutallherhairoff.Striblingdidthat,beinganexpertyoumightsay;
aprofessionalinthefamily.Theytoldmeshewasoneofthesethin,unhealthygirlsanyway,witha
lotofstraighthairnotbrownandnotyellow.
Sheneverknewhim,neverknewwhocutoffherhair.
Shediedso,withoutknowinganythingaboutit,withoutknowingeventhatshedied,maybe.
Shejustkeptonsaying,"Takecareofmaw.Themortgage.Pawwon'tlikeittobeleftso.Sendfor
Henry(Thatwashim:HenryStribling;Hawkshaw:IsawhimthenextyearinJefferson."Soyou're
HenryStribling,"Isaid).Themortgage.Takecareofmaw.SendforHenry.Themortgage.Sendfor
Henry."Thenshedied.Therewasapictureofher,theonlyonetheyhad.
Hawkshawsentit,withalockofthehairhehadcutoff,toanaddressinafarmmagazine,
tohavethehairmadeintoaframeforthepicture.Buttheybothgotlost,thehairandthepicture,in
themailsomehow.Anywayhenevergoteitherofthemback.
Heburiedthegirltoo,andthenextyear(hehadtogobacktoBirminghamandgetshutof
theapartmentwhichhehadengagedandletthefurnituregosohecouldsaveagain)heputa
headstoneoverhergrave.Thenhewentawayagainandtheyheardhowhehadquitthe
Birminghamshop.
Hejustquitanddisappeared,andtheyallsayinghowintimehewouldhaveownedthe
shop.Buthequit,andnextApril,justbeforetheanniversaryofthegirl'sdeath,heshowedup
again.HecametoseeMrsStarnesandwentawayagainintwoweeks.
Afterhewasgonetheyfoundouthowhehadstoppedatthebankatthecountyseatand
paidtheinterestonthemortgage.HedidthateveryyearuntilMrsStarnesdied.
Shehappenedtodiewhilehewasthere.Hewouldspendabouttwoweekscleaningupthe
placeandfixingitsoshewouldbecomfortableforanotheryear,andshelettinghim,beingasshe
wasbetterbornthanhim;beingashewasoneoftheseparveynoos.Thenshediedtoo."Youknow
whatSophiesaidtodo,"shesays."Thatmortgage.MrStarneswillbeworriedwhenIseehim."
Soheburiedhertoo.Heboughtanotherheadstone,tosuither.Thenhebeguntopaythe
principalonthemortgage.StarneshadsomekininAlabama.ThefolksinDivisionexpectedthekin
tocomeandclaimtheplace.ButmaybethekinwerewaitinguntilHawkshawhadgotthemortgage
cleared.Hemadethepaymenteachyear,comingbackandcleaninguptheplace.Theysaidhe
wouldcleanupthathouseinsidelikeawoman,washingandscrubbingit.Itwouldtakehimtwo
weekseachApril.Thenhewouldgoawayagain,nobodyknewwhere,returningeachApriltomake
thepaymentatthebankandcleanupthatemptyhousethatneverbelongedtohim.
HehadbeendoingthatforaboutfiveyearswhenIsawhiminMaxey'sshopinJefferson,
theyearafterIsawhiminashopinPorterfield,inthatsergesuitandthatblackbowtie.Maxey
saidhehadthemonwhenhegotoffthesouthboundtrainthatdayinJefferson,carryingthat
papersuitcase.Maxeysaidtheywatchedhimfortwodaysaboutthesquare,himnotseemingto
knowanybodyortohaveanybusinessortobeinanyhurry;justwalkingaboutthesquarelikehe
wasjustlookingaround.
Itwastheyoungfellows,theloafersthatpitchdollarsalldaylongintheclubhouseyard,
waitingfortheyounggirlstocomegigglingdowntothepostofficeandthesodafountaininthelate
afternoon,workingtheirhipsundertheirdresses,leavingthesmellofperfumewhentheypass,that
gavehimhisname.Theysaidhewasadetective,maybebecausethatwasthelastthinginthe
worldanybodywouldsuspecthimtobe.SotheynamedhimHawkshaw,andHawkshawhe
remainedforthetwelveyearshestayedinJefferson,behindthatchairinMaxey'sshop.Hetold
MaxeyhewasfromAlabama.
"Whatpart?"Maxeysaid."Alabama'sabigplace.Birmingham?"Maxeysaid,because
HawkshawlookedlikehemighthavecomefromalmostanywhereinAlabamaexceptBirmingham.
"Yes,"Hawkshawsaid."Birmingham."
AndthatwasalltheyevergotoutofhimuntilIhappenedtonoticehimbehindthechairand
torememberhimbackinPorterfield.
"Porterfield?"Maxeysaid."Mybrotherinlawownsthatshop.Youmeanyouworkedin
Porterfieldlastyear?"
"Yes,"Hawkshawsaid."Iwasthere."
Maxeytoldmeaboutthevacationbusiness.HowHawkshawwouldn'ttakehissummer
vacation;saidhewantedtwoweeksinAprilinstead.Hewouldn'ttellwhy.MaxeysaidAprilwastoo
busyforvacations,andHawkshawofferedtoworkuntilthen,andquit."Doyouwanttoquitthen?"
Maxeysaidthatwasinthesummer,afterMrsBurchetthadbroughtSusanReedtotheshopforthe
firsttime.
"No,"Hawkshawsaid."Ilikeithere.IjustwanttwoweeksoffinApril."
"Onbusiness?"Maxeysaid.
"Onbusiness,"Hawkshawsaid.
WhenMaxeytookhisvacation,hewenttoPorterfieldtovisithisbrotherinlaw;maybe
shavinghisbrotherinlaw'scustomers,likeasailorwillspendhisvacationinarowboatonan
artificiallake.ThebrotherinlawtoldhimHawkshawhadworkedinhisshop,wouldnottakea
vacationuntilApril,wentoffandnevercameback."He'llquityouthesameway,"thebrotherinlaw
said."HeworkedinashopinBolivar,Tennessee,andinoneinFlorence,Alabama,forayearand
quitthesameway.Hewon'tcomeback.Youwatchandsee."
MaxeysaidhecamebackhomeandhefinallygotitoutofHawkshawhowhehadworked
forayeareachinsixoreightdifferenttownsinAlabamaandTennesseeandMississippi."Whydid
youquitthem?"Maxeysaid."Youareagoodbarber;oneofthebestchildren'sbarbersIeversaw.
Whydidyouquit?"
"Iwasjustlookingaround,"Hawkshawsaid.
ThenAprilcame,andhetookhistwoweeks.Heshavedhimselfandpackedupthatpaper
suitcaseandtookthenorthboundtrain.
"Goingonavisit,Ireckon,"Maxeysaid.
"Uptheroadapiece,"Hawkshawsaid.
Sohewentaway,inthatsergesuitandblackbowtie.
Maxeytoldmehow,twodayslater,itgotouthowHawkshawhaddrawnfromthebankhis
year'ssavings.HeboardedatMrsCowan'sandhehadjoinedthechurchandhespentnomoney
atall.Hedidn'tevensmoke.SoMaxeyandMattandIreckoneverybodyelseinJeffersonthought
thathehadsavedupsteamforayearandwasnowboundononeoftheseprivatesabbaticals
amongthefleshpotsofMemphis.MitchEwing,thedepotfreightagent,livedatMrsCowan'stoo.
HetoldhowHawkshawhadboughthisticketonlytothejunctionpoint."Fromtherehecangoto
eitherMemphisorBirminghamorNewOrleans,"Mitchsaid.
"Well,he'sgone,anyway,"Maxeysaid."Andmarkmywords,that'sthelastyou'llseeof
thatfellowinthistown."
Andthat'swhateverybodythoughtuntiltwoweekslater.
OnthefifteenthdayHawkshawcamewalkingintotheshopathisregulartime,likehe
hadn'tevenbeenoutoftown,andtookoffhiscoatandbeguntohonehisrazors.Henevertold
anybodywherehehadbeen.Justuptheroadapiece.
SometimesIthoughtIwouldtellthem.IwouldmakeJeffersonandfindhimtherebehind
thatchair.Hedidn'tchange,growanyolderintheface,anymorethanthatReedgirl'shair
changed,forallthegumanddyesheputonit.
Buttherehewouldbe,backfromhisvacation"uptheroadapiece,"savinghismoneyfor
anotheryear,goingtochurchonSunday,keepingthatsackofpeppermintsforthechildrenthat
cametohimtobebarbered,untilitwastimetotakethatpapersuitcaseandhisyear'ssavingsand
gobacktoDivisiontopayonthemortgageandcleanupthehouse.
SometimeshewouldbegonewhenIgottoJefferson,andMaxeywouldtellmeabouthim
cuttingthatReedgirl'shair,snippingandsnippingitandholdingthemirrorupforhertoseelike
shewasanactress."Hedon'tchargeher,"MattFoxsaid."Hepaysthequarterintotheregisterout
ofhisownpocket."
"Well,that'shisbusiness,"Maxeysaid."AllIwantisthequarter.Idon'tcarewhereitcomes
from."
FiveyearslatermaybeIwouldhavesaid,"Maybethat'sherprice."Becauseshegotin
troubleatlast.Orsotheysaid.Idon'tknow,exceptthatmostofthetalkaboutgirls,women,is
envyorretaliationbytheonesthatdon'tdaretoandtheonesthatfailedto.Butwhilehewasgone
oneApriltheywerewhisperinghowshehadgotintroubleatlastandhadtriedtodoctorherself
withturpentineandwasbadsick.
Anyhow,shewasoffthestreetsforaboutthreemonths;somesaidinahospitalin
Memphis,andwhenshecameintotheshopagainshetookMatt'schair,thoughHawkshaw'swas
emptyatthetime,likeshehadalreadydonebeforetodevilhim,maybe.Maxeysaidshelooked
likeapaintedghost,gauntandhard,forallherbrightdressandsuch,sittingthereinMatt'schair,
fillingthewholeshopwithhertalkingandherlaughingandherperfumeandherlong,naked
lookinglegs,andHawkshawmakingouthewasbusyathisemptychair.
SometimesIthoughtIwouldtellthem.ButInevertoldanybodyexceptGavinStevens.He
isthedistrictattorney,asmartman:notliketheusualpedagoguelawyerandofficeholder.Hewent
toHarvard,andwhenmyhealthbrokedown(IusedtobeabookkeeperinaGordonvillebankand
myhealthbrokedownandImetStevensonaMemphistrainwhenIwascominghomefromthe
hospital)itwashimthatsuggestedItrytheroadandgotmemypositionwiththiscompany.Itold
himaboutittwoyearsago."Andnowthegirlhasgonebadonhim,andhe'stoooldtohuntup
anotheroneandraiseher,"Isaid."Andsomedayhe'llhavetheplacepaidoutandthoseAlabama
Starnescancomeandtakeit,andhe'llbethrough.Thenwhatdoyouthinkhewilldo?"
"Idon'tknow,"Stevenssaid.
"Maybehe'lljustgooffanddie,"Isaid.
"Maybehewill,"Stevenssaid.
"Well,"Isaid,"hewon'tbethefirstmantotiltatwindmills."
"Hewon'tbethefirstmantodie,either,"Stevenssaid.
III

SOLASTWEEKIwentontoDivision.IgotthereonaWednesday.WhenIsawthehouse,ithad
justbeenpainted.
ThestorekeepertoldmethatthepaymentHawkshawhadmadewasthelastone;that
Starnes'mortgagewasclear.
"ThemAlabamaStarnescancomeandtakeitnow,"hesaid.
"Anyway,Hawkshawdidwhathepromisedher,promisedMrsStarnes,"Isaid.
"Hawkshaw?"hesaid."Isthatwhattheycallhim?Well,I'llbedurned.Hawkshaw.Well,I'll
bedurned."
ItwasthreemonthsbeforeImadeJeffersonagain.WhenIpassedthebarbershopI
lookedinwithoutstopping.AndtherewasanotherfellowbehindHawkshaw'schair,ayoungfellow.
"IwonderifHawklefthissackofpeppermints,"Isaidtomyself.ButIdidn'tstop.Ijustthought,
'Well,he'sgoneatlast,'wonderingjustwherehewouldbewhenoldagegothimandhecouldn't
moveagain;ifhewouldprobablydiebehindachairsomewhereinalittlethreechaircountryshop,
inhisshirtsleevesandthatblacktieandthosesergepants.
Iwentonandsawmycustomersandhaddinner,andintheafternoonIwenttoStevens'
office."Iseeyou'vegotanewbarberintown,"Isaid.
"Yes,"Stevenssaid.Helookedatmeawhile,thenhesaid,"Youhaven'theard?"
"Heardwhat?"Isaid.Thenhequitlookingatme.
"Igotyourletter,"hesaid,"thatHawkshawhadpaidoffthemortgageandpaintedthe
house.Tellmeaboutit."
SoItoldhimhowIgottoDivisionthedayafterHawkshawhadleft.Theyweretalkingabout
himontheporchofthestore,wonderingjustwhenthoseAlabamaStarneswouldcomein.Hehad
paintedthehousehimself,andhehadcleanedupthetwograves;Idon'treckonhewantedto
disturbStarnesbycleaninghis.Iwentuptoseethem.Hehadevenscrubbedtheheadstones,and
hehadsetoutanappleshootoverthegirl'sgrave.Itwasinbloom,andwhatwiththefolksall
talkingabouthim,Igotcurioustoo,toseetheinsideofthathouse.Thestorekeeperhadthekey,
andhesaidhereckoneditwouldbeallrightwithHawkshaw.
Itwascleaninsideasahospital.Thestovewaspolishedandthewoodboxfilled.The
storekeepertoldmeHawkshawdidthateveryyear,filledthewoodboxbeforeheleft.
"ThoseAlabamakinsfolkwillappreciatethat,"Isaid.Wewentonbacktotheparlor.There
wasamelodeoninthecorner,andalampandaBibleonthetable.Thelampwasclean,thebowl
emptyandcleantoo;youcouldn'tevensmelloilonit.Thatweddinglicensewasframed,hanging
abovethemantellikeapicture.ItwasdatedApril4,1905.
"Here'swherehekeepsthatmortgagerecord,"thestorekeeper(hisnameisBidwell)said.
HewenttothetableandopenedtheBible.Thefrontpagewasthebirthsanddeaths,twocolumns.
Thegirl'snamewasSophie.Ifoundhernameinthebirthcolumn,andonthedeathsideitwas
nexttothelastone.MrsStarneshadwrittenit.Itlookedlikeitmighthavetakenhertenminutesto
writeitdown.Itlookedlikethis:SofystarnesDideapril16th1905.Hawkshawwrotethelastone
himself;itwasneatandwellwritten,likeabookkeeper'shand:MrsWillStarnes.April23,1916.
"Therecordwillbeintheback,"Bidwellsaid.
Weturnedtotheback.Itwasthere,inaneatcolumn,inHawkshaw'shand.Itbeganwith
April16,1917,$200.00.
Thenextonewaswhenhemadethenextpaymentatthebank:April16,1918,$200.00;
andApril16,1919,$200.00;andApril16,1920,$200.00;andontothelastone:April16,1930,
$200.00.Thenhehadtotaledthecolumnandwrittenunderit:"Paidinfull.April16,1930."
 Itlookedlikeasentencewritteninacopybookintheoldtimebusinesscolleges,likeithad
flourished,thepenhad,inspiteofhim.Itdidn'tlooklikeitwaswrittenboastful;itjustflourished
somehow,theendofit,likeithadrunoutofthepensomehowbeforehecouldstopit.
"Sohedidwhathepromisedherhewould,"Stevenssaid.
"That'swhatItoldBidwell,"Isaid.
Stevenswentonlikehewasn'tlisteningtomemuch.
"Sotheoldladycouldrestquiet.Iguessthat'swhatthepenwastryingtosaywhenitran
awayfromhim:thatnowshecouldliequiet.Andhe'snotmuchoverfortyfive.Notsomuch
anyway.Notsomuchbutwhat,whenhewrote'Paidinfull'underthatcolumn,timeanddespair
rushedasslowanddarkunderhimasunderanygarlandedboyorcrownlessandcrestlessgirl."
"Onlythegirlwentbadonhim,"Isaid."Fortyfive'sprettylatetosetouttofindanother.
He'llbefiftyfiveatleastbythen."
Stevenslookedatmethen."Ididn'tthinkyouhadheard,"hesaid.
"Yes,"Isaid."Thatis,IlookedinthebarbershopwhenIpassed.ButIknewhewouldbe
gone.Iknewallthetimehewouldmoveon,oncehehadthatmortgagecleared.Maybehenever
knewaboutthegirl,anyway.Orlikelyheknewanddidn'tcare."
"Youthinkhedidn'tknowabouther?"
"Idon'tseehowhecouldhavehelpedit.ButIdon'tknow.Whatdoyouthink?"
"Idon'tknow.Idon'tthinkIwanttoknow.Iknowsomethingsomuchbetterthanthat."
"What'sthat?"Isaid.Hewaslookingatme."YoukeepontellingmeIhaven'theardthe
news.WhatisitIhaven'theard?"
"Aboutthegirl,"Stevenssaid.Helookedatme.
"OnthenightHawkshawcamebackfromhislastvacation,theyweremarried.Hetookher
withhimthistime."

CentaurinBrass

INOURTOWNFlemSnopesnowhasamonumenttohimself:amonumentofbrass,nonetheless
enduringforthefactthat,thoughitisconstantlyinsightofthewholetownandvisiblefromthreeor
fourpointsmilesoutinthecountry,onlyfourpeople,twowhitemenandtwoNegroes,knowthatit
ishismonument,orthatitisamonumentatall.
HecametoJeffersonfromthecountry,accompaniedbyhiswifeandinfantdaughterand
precededbyareputationforshrewdandsecretdealing.Therelivesinourcountyasewing
machineagentnamedSuratt,whousedtoownahalfinterestinasmallbackstreetrestaurantin
town,himselfnomeanhandatthattechnicallyunassailableopportunismwhichpasseswith
countryfolksandtownfolks,tooforhonestshrewdness.
Hetravelsaboutthecountysteadilyandconstantly,anditwasthroughhimthatSnope's
doingsfirstcametoourears:howfirst,aclerkinacountrystore,Snopesonedayandto
everyone'sastonishmentwasmarriedtothestoreowner'sdaughter,ayounggirlwhowasthebelle
ofthecountryside.
Theyweremarriedsuddenly,onthesamedayuponwhichthreeofthegirl'serstwhile
suitorsleftthecountyandwereseennomore.
SoonaftertheweddingSnopesandhiswifemovedtoTexas,fromwherethewifereturned
ayearlaterwithawellgrownbaby.AmonthlaterSnopeshimselfreturned,accompaniedbya
broadhattedstrangerandaherdofhalfwildmustangponies,whichthestrangerauctionedoff,
collectedthemoney,anddeparted.Thenthepurchasersdiscoveredthatnoneoftheponieshad
everhadabridleon.ButtheyneverlearnedifSnopeshadhadanypartinthebusiness,orhad
receivedanypartofthemoney.
 Thenextweheardofhimwaswhenheappearedonedayinawagonladenwithhisfamily
andhouseholdgoods,andwithabillofsaleforSuratt'shalfoftherestaurant.Howhegotthebill
ofsale,Surattnevertold,andweneverlearnedmorethanthattherewassomehowinvolvedinthe
affairaworthlesspieceoflandwhichhadbeenaportionofMrs.Snopes'sdowry.Butwhatthe
businesswasevenSuratt,ahumorous,talkativemanwhowasasreadytolaughatajokeon
himselfasatoneonanyoneelse,nevertold.ButwhenhementionedSnopes'snameafterthat,it
wasinatoneofsavageandsardonicandungrudgingadmiration.
"Yes,sir,"hesaid,"FlemSnopesoutsmartedme.Andthemanthatcandothat,IjustwishI
wasJiim,withthiswholeStateofMississippitograzeon."
IntherestaurantbusinessSnopesappearedtoprosper.
Thatis,hesooneliminatedhispartner,andpresentlyhewasoutoftherestauranthimself,
withahiredmanagertorunit,andwebegantobelieveinthetownthatweknewwhatwasthe
mainspringofhisriseandluck.Webelievedthatitwashiswife;weacceptedwithoutdemurthe
evilwhichsuchlittlelosttownslikeoursseemtofoistevenuponmenwhoareofgoodthinking
despitethem.Shehelpedintherestaurantatfirst.Wecouldseehertherebehindthewooden
counterwornglasssmoothbyelbowsintheireatinggenerations:young,withtherichcoloringofa
calendar;afacesmooth,unblemishedbyanythoughtorbyanythingelse:anappealimmediate
andprofoundandwithoutcalculationorshame,with(becauseofitsunblemishmentandnotits
size)somethingofthatvast,serene,imperviousbeautyofasnowcladvirginmountainflank,
listeningandnotsmilingwhileMajorHoxey,thetown'slonerichmiddleagedbachelor,graduateof
Yaleandsoontobemayorofthetown,incongruousthereamongthecollarlessshirtsandthe
overallsandthegrave,countryeatingfaces,sippedhiscoffeeandtalkedtoher.
Notimpregnable:impervious.Thatwaswhyitdidnotneedgossipwhenwewatched
Snopes'scareermountbeyondtherestaurantandbecomecomplementwithMajorHoxey'sincity
affairs,untillessthansixmonthsafterHoxey'sinaugurationSnopes,whohadprobablyneverbeen
closetoanypieceofmachinerysaveagrindstoneuntilhemovedtotown,wasmade
superintendentofthemunicipalpowerplant.Mrs.Snopeswasbornoneofthosewomenthedeeds
andfortunesofwhosehusbandsalonearethebarometersoftheirgoodname;fortodoherjustice,
therewasnootherhandleforgossipsaveherhusband'sriseinHoxey'sadministration.
Buttherewasstillthatintangiblething:partlysomethinginherair,herface;partlywhatwe
hadalreadyheardaboutFlemSnopes'smethods.Orperhapswhatwekneworbelievedabout
Snopeswasall;perhapswhatwethoughttobehershadowwasmerelyhisshadowfallingupon
her.Butanyway,whenwesawSnopesandHoxeytogetherwewouldthinkofthemandofadultery
inthesameinstant,andwewouldthinkofthetwoofthemwalkingandtalkinginamicable
cuckoldry.Perhaps,asIsaid,thiswasthefaultofthetown.Certainlyitwasthefaultofthetown
thattheideaoftheirbeingonamicabletermsoutragedusmorethantheideaoftheadulteryitself.
Itseemedforeign,decadent,perverted:wecouldhaveaccepted,ifnotcondoned,theadulteryhad
theyonlybeennaturalandlogicalandenemies.
Buttheywerenot.Yetneithercouldtheyhavebeencalledfriends.Snopeshadnofriends;
therewasnomannorwomanamongus,notevenHoxeyorMrs.Snopes,whowebelievedcould
say,"Iknowhisthought"leastofall,thoseamongwhomwesawhimnowandthen,sittingabout
thestoveintherearofacertainsmelly,thirdrategrocery,listeningandnottalking,foranhouror
sotwoorthreenightsaweek.
Andsowebelievedthat,whateverhiswifewas,shewasnotfoolinghim.Itwasanother
womanwhodidthat:aNegrowoman,thenewyoungwifeofTomTom,thedayfiremaninthe
powerplant.
TomTomwasblack:abigbullofamanweighingtwohundredpoundsandsixtyyearsold
andlookingaboutforty.
 Hehadbeenmarriedaboutayeartohisthirdwife,ayoungwomanwhomhekeptwiththe
strictnessofaTurkinacabintwomilesfromtownandfromthepowerplantwherehespenttwelve
hoursadaywithshovelandbar.
Oneafternoonhehadjustfinishedcleaningthefiresandhewassittinginthecoalbunker,
restingandsmokinghispipe,whenSnopes,hissuperintendent,employerandboss,camein.The
fireswerecleanandthesteamwasupagain,andthesafetyvalveonthemiddleboilerwasblowing
off.
Snopesentered:apottymanofnoparticularage,broadandsquat,inacleanthough
collarlesswhiteshirtandaplaidcap.Hisfacewasroundandsmooth,eitherabsolutely
impenetrableorabsolutelyempty.Hiseyeswerethecolorofstagnantwater;hismouthwasatight,
liplessseam.Chewingsteadily,helookedupatthewhistlingsafetyvalve.
"Howmuchdoesthatwhistleweigh?"hesaidafteratime.
"Mustweighttenpound,anyway,"TomTomsaid.
"Isitsolidbrass?"
"Ifitain't,Iain'tneverseednobrasswhatissolid,"TomTomsaid.
SnopeshadnotoncelookedatTomTom.Hecontinuedtolookupwardtowardthethin,
shrill,excruciatingsoundofthevalve.Thenhespat,andturnedandlefttheboilerroom.

II

HEBUILTHISmonumentslowly.Butthen,itisalwaysstrangetowhatinvolvedandcomplex
methodsamanwillresortinordertostealsomething.It'sasthoughthereweresomeintangible
andinvisiblesocialforcethatmitigatesagainsthim,confoundinghisownshrewdnesswithhisown
cunning,distortinginhisjudgmenttheveryvalueoftheobjectofhisgreed,whichinallprobability,
hadhebutpickeditupandcarrieditopenlyaway,nobodywouldhaveremarkedorcared.But
then,thatwouldnothavesuitedSnopes,sinceheapparentlyhadneitherthehighvisionofa
confidencemannortheunreckingcourageofabrigand.
Hisvisionatfirst,hisaim,wasnoteventhathigh;itwasnohigherthanthatofacasual
trampwhopausesinpassingtostealthreeeggsfrombeneathasettinghen.Orperhapshewas
merelynotcertainyetthattherereallywasamarketforbrass.Becausehisnextmovewasfive
monthsafterHarker,thenightengineer,cameondutyoneeveningandfoundthethreesafety
whistlesgoneandtheventsstoppedwithoneinchsteelscrewplugscapableofapressureofa
thousandpounds.
"Andthemthreeboilerheadsyoucouldpokeaholethroughwithasodastraw!"Harker
said."Andthatdamnblacknightfireman,Turl,thatcouldn'tevenreadaclockface,stillthrowing
coalintothem!WhenIlookedatthegaugeonthefirstboiler,IneverbelievedIwouldgettothe
lastboilerintimetoevenreachtheinjector.
"SowhenIfinallygotitintoTurl'sheadthatthat100onthatdialmeantwhereTurlwould
notonlylosehisjob,hewouldloseitsogoodtheywouldn'tevenbeabletofindthejobtogiveitto
thenextmisbegottenthatbelievedthatlivesteamwassomethingyoublowedonawindowpanein
coldweather,Igotsettleddownenoughtoaskhimwherethemsafetyvalveshadgoneto.
"'Mr.Snopestookumoff,'Turlsays.
"'Whatinthehellfor?'
"'Idon'tknow.IjusttellingyouwhatTomTomtoldme.HesayMr.Snopessaytheshutoff
floatinthewatertankain'theavyenough.Saythattankstartleakingsomeday,andsohegoingto
fastenthemthreesafetyvalvesonthefloatandmakeitheavier.'
"'Youmean'Isays.That'sasfarasIcouldget:'Youmean'
"'ThatwhatTomTomsay.Idon'tknownothingaboutit.'
 "Buttheyweregone.Uptothatnight,meandTurlhadbeencatchingfortywinksorsonow
andthenwhenwegotcaughtupandthingswasquiet.Butyoucanbetweneversleptnonethat
night.Meandhimspentthatwholenight,timeabout,onthatcoalpile,wherewecouldwatchthem
threegauges.Andfrommidnighton,aftertheloadwentoff,weneverhadenoughsteaminall
threeofthemboilersputtogethertorunapeanutparcher.AndevenwhenIwasinbed,athome,I
couldn'tsleep.TimeIshutmyeyesIwouldbegintoseeasteamgaugeaboutthesizeofa
washtub,witharedneedlebigasashovelmovinguptowardahundredpounds,andIwouldwake
myselfupholleringandsweating."
Buteventhatworeawayafterawhile,andthenTurlandHarkerwerecatchingtheirforty
winksorsoagain.PerhapstheydecidedthatSnopeshadstolenhisthreeeggsandwasdone.
Perhapstheydecidedthathehadfrightenedhimselfwiththeeasewithwhichhehadgottheeggs.
Becauseitwasfivemonthsbeforethenextacttookplace.
Thenoneafternoon,withhisfirescleanedandsteamupagain,TomTom,smokinghispipe
onthecoalpile,sawSnopesenter,carryinginhishandanobjectwhichTomTomsaidlaterhe
thoughtwasamuleshoe.HewatchedSnopesretireintoadimcornerbehindtheboilers,where
therehadaccumulatedamiscellaneouspileofmetaljunk,allcoveredwithdirt:fittings,valves,rods
andboltsandsuch,and,kneelingthere,begintosortthepieces,touchingthemonebyonewith
themuleshoeandfromtimetotimeremovingonepieceandtossingitbehindhim,intotherunway.
TomTomwatchedhimtrywiththemagneteveryloosepieceofmetalintheboilerroom,
sortingouttheironfromthebrass:thenSnopesorderedTomTomtogatherupthesegregated
piecesofbrassandbringthemintohisoffice.
TomTomgatheredthepiecesintoabox.Snopeswaswaitingintheoffice.Heglanced
onceintothebox,thenhespat."HowdoyouandTurlgetalong?"hesaid.Turl,Ihadbetterrepeat,
wasthenightfireman;aNegrotoo,thoughhewassaddlecoloredwhereTomTomwasblack,and
inplaceofTomTom'stwohundredpoundsTurl,evenwithhisladenshovel,wouldhardlyhave
tippedahundredandfifty.
"Itendstomybusiness,"TomTomsaid."WhatTurldoeswidhisnain'tnotroubleofmine."
"Thatain'twhatTurlthinks,"Snopessaid,chewing,watchingTomTom,wholookedat
Snopesassteadilyinturn;lookeddownathim."Turlwantsmetogivehimyourdayshift.Hesays
he'stiredfiringatnight."
"LethimfireherelongasIis,andhecanhaveit,"TomTornsaid.
"Turldon'twanttowaitthatlong,"Snopessaid,chewing,watchingTomTom'sface.Then
hetoldTomTomhowTurlwasplanningtostealsomeironfromtheplantandlayitatTomTom's
doorandsogetTomTomfired.AndTomTomstoodthere,huge,hulking,withhishardroundlittle
head."That'swhathe'supto,"Snopessaid."SoIwantyoutotakethisstuffouttoyourhouseand
hideitwhereTurlcan'tfindit.AndassoonasIgetenoughevidenceonTurl,I'mgoingtofirehim."
TomTomwaiteduntilSnopeshadfinished,blinkinghiseyesslowly.Thenhesaid
immediately:"Iknowsabetterwaythanthat!"
"Whatway?"Snopessaid.TomTomdidn'tanswer.Hestood,big,humorless,alittlesurly;
quiet;morethanalittleimplacablethoughheatless."No,no,"Snopessaid."Thatwon'tdo.You
haveanytroublewithTurl,andI'llfireyouboth.YoudolikeIsay,unlessyouaretiredofyourjob
andwantTurltohaveit.Areyoutiredofit?"
"Ain'tnomancomplainedaboutmypressureyet,"TomTomsaidsullenly.
"ThenyoudolikeIsay.Youtakethatstuffouthomewithyoutonight.Don'tletnobodysee
you;notevenyourwife.Andifyoudon'twanttodoit,justsayso.IreckonIcangetsomebodythat
willdoit."
Andthat'swhatTomTomdid.Andhekepthisowncounseltoo,evenwhenafterward,as
discardedfittingsandsuchaccumulatedagain,hewouldwatchSnopestestthemonebyonewith
themagnetandsorthimoutanotherbatchtotakeouthomeandhide.Becausehehadbeenfiring
thoseboilersforfortyyears,eversincehewasaman.Atthattimetherewasbutoneboiler,andhe
hadgottwelvedollarsamonthforfiringit,butnowtherewerethree,andhegotsixtydollarsa
month;andnowhewassixty,andheownedhislittlecabinandalittlepieceofcorn,andamule
andawagoninwhichherodeintotowntochurchtwiceeachSunday,withhisnewyoungwife
besidehimandagoldwatchandchain.
AndHarkerdidn'tknowthen,either,eventhoughhewouldwatchthejunkedmetal
accumulateinthecornerandthendisappearovernightuntilitcametobehisnightlyjoketoenter
withhisbusy,bustlingairandsaytoTurl:"Well,Turl,Inoticethatlittleengineisstillrunning.
There'sarightsmartofbrassinthembushingsandwristpins,butIreckonit'smovingtoofastto
holdthatmagnetagainstit."Thenmoresoberly;quitesoberly,infact,withouthumororironyatall,
sincetherewassomeofSurattinHarkertoo:"Thatdurnfellow!Ireckonhe'dselltheboilerstoo,if
heknowedofanywayyouandTomTomcouldkeepsteamupwithoutthem."
AndTurldidn'tanswer.BecausebythattimeTurlhadhisownprivatetemptationsand
worries,thesameasTomTom,ofwhichHarkerwasalsounaware.
Inthemeantime,thefirstoftheyearcameandthecitywasaudited.
"Theycomedownhere,"Harkersaid,"twoofthem,inglasses.Theywentoverthebooks
andtheypokedaroundeverywhere,countingeverythinginsightandwritingitdown.Thenthey
wentbacktotheofficeandtheywasstillthereatsixo'clockwhenIcomeon.Itseemsthatthere
wassomethingwrong;itseemsliketherewassomeoldbrasspartswrotedowninthebooks,only
thebrassseemedtobemissingorsomething.Itwasonthebooksallright,andthenewvalvesand
thingsithadbeenreplacedwithwasthere.Butbedurniftheycouldfindaoneofthemoldpieces
exceptonebustedbibthathadgotmislaidundertheworkbenchsomewayorother.Itwasright
strange.SoIwentbackwiththemandheldthelightwhiletheylookedagaininallthecorners,
gettingarightsmartofsootandgreaseonthem,butthatbrassjustnaturallyseemedtobeplumb
missing.Sotheywentaway.
"Andthenextmorningearlytheycomeback.Theyhadthecityclerkwiththemthistime
andtheybeatMr.Snopesdownhereandsotheyhadtowaittillhecomeininhischeckcapand
hischew,chewingandlookingatthemwhiletheytoldhim.Theywasrightsorry;theyhemmedand
hawedarightsmart,beingsorry.Butitwasn'tnothingelsetheycoulddoexcepttocomebackon
him,longashewasthesuperintendent;anddidhewantmeandTurlandTomTomarrestedright
now,orwouldtomorrowdo?Andhimstandingthere,chewing,withthemeyesliketwogobsofcup
greaseonahunkofrawdough,andthemstilltellinghimhowsorrytheywas.
"'Howmuchdoesitcometo?'hesays.
"'Threehundredandfourdollarsandfiftytwocents,Mr.Snopes.'
"'Isthatthefullamount?'
"'Wecheckedourfigurestwice,Mr.Snopes.'
"'Allright,'hesays.Andhereachesdownandhaulsoutthemoneyandpaysthemthe
threehundredandfourdollarsandfiftytwocentsincash,andasksforareceipt."

Ill

THENTHENEXTSummercame,withHarkerstilllaughingatandenjoyingwhathesaw,and
seeingsolittle,thinkinghowtheywereallfoolingoneanotherwhilehelookedon,whenitwashim
whowasbeingfooled.ForinthatSummerthethingripened,cametoahead.OrmaybeSnopes
justdecidedtocuthisfirsthaycrop;cleanthemeadowforreseeding.Becausehecouldnever
havebelievedthatonthedaywhenhesentforTurl,hehadsetthecapitalonhismonumentand
hadstartedtotearthescaffoldingdown.
 Itwasintheevening;hereturnedtotheplantaftersupperandsentforTurl;againtwoof
them,whitemanandNegro,facedoneanotherintheoffice.
"What'sthisaboutyouandTomTom?"Snopessaid.
"'Boutmeandwhich?"Turlsaid."IfTomTomdependingonmeforhistrouble,hesho'
donequitbeingafiremanandturnedwaiter.Ittaketwofolkstohavetrouble,andTomTomain't
butone,Idon'tcarehowbigheis."
SnopeswatchedTurl."TomTomthinksyouwanttofirethedayshift."
Turllookeddown.HelookedbrieflyatSnopes'sface;atthestilleyes,theslowunceasing
jaw,anddownagain."IcanhandleasmuchcoalasTomTom,"hesaid.
Snopeswatchedhim:thesmooth,brown,asidelookingface."TomTomknowsthat,too.
Heknowshe'sgettingold.Butheknowsthereain'tnobodyelsecancrowdhimbutyou."Then,
watchingTurl'sface,SnopestoldhimhowfortwoyearsTomTomhadbeenstealingbrassfrom
theplant,inordertolayitonTurlandgethimfired;howonlythatdayTomTomhadtoldhimthat
Turlwasthethief.
Turllookedup."That'salie,"hesaid."Can'tnoniggeraccusemeofstealingwhenIain't,I
don'tcarehowbigheis."
"Sho',"Snopessaid."Sothethingtodoistogetthatbrassback."
"IfTomTomgotit,IreckonMr.BuckConnerthemantogetitback,"Turlsaid.Buck
Connerwasthecitymarshal.
"Thenyou'llgotojail,sureenough.TomTom'llsayhedidn'tknowitwasthere.You'llbe
theonlyonethatknewitwasthere.SowhatyoureckonBuckConner'llthink?You'llbetheone
thatknewwhereitwashidat,andBuckConner'llknowthatevenafoolhasgotmoresensethanto
stealsomethingandhideitinhiscorncrib.Theonlythingyoucandoistogetthatbrassback.Go
outthereinthedaytime,whileTomTomisatwork,andgetitandbringittomeandI'llputitaway
somewheretouseasevidenceonTomTom.Unlessmaybeyoudon'twantthatdayshift.Justsay
so,ifyoudon't.IreckonIcanfindsomebodyelsethatdoes."
AndTurlagreedtodothat.Hehadn'tfiredanyboilersforfortyyears.Hehadn'tdone
anythingatallforaslongasfortyyears,sincehewasjustpastthirty.Butevenifhewerea
hundred,nomancouldeveraccusehimofhavingdoneanythingthatwouldaggregatefortyyears
net."UnlessTurl'snightprowlingmightaddupthatmuch,"Harkersaid.
"IfTurlevergetsmarried,hewan'tneednofrontdooratall;hewouldn'tknowwhatitwas
for.Ifhecouldn'tcometomcattinginthroughthebackwindow,hewouldn'tknowwhathecome
after.Wouldyou,Turl?"
Sofromhereonitissimpleenough,sinceaman'smistakes,likehissuccesses,usuallyare
simple.Particularlythesuccess.
Perhapsthat'swhyitissooftenmissed:itwasjustoverlooked.
"HismistakewasinpickingoutTurltopullhischestnuts,"
Harkersaid."ButevenTurlwasn'tasbadasthesecondmistakehemadeatthesametime
withoutknowingit.Andthatwas,whenheforgotaboutthathighyellowwifeofTomTom's.WhenI
foundouthowhehadpickedoutTurl,outofalltheniggersinJefferson,that'sprowledatleast
once(ortriedto)everygalwithintenmilesoftown,togoouttoTomTom'shouseknowingallthe
timehowTomTomwouldbedownherewrastlingcoaluntilseveno'clockandthenhavetwomiles
towalkhome,andexpectTurltospendhistimeouttherehuntingforanythingthatain'thidinTom
Tom'sbed,andwhenIwouldthinkaboutTomTomdownhere,wrastlingthemboilerswiththis
sameamicalcuckoldrylikethefellowsaidaboutMr.SnopesandColonelHoxeystealingbrassso
hecankeepTurlfromgettinghisjobawayfromhim,andTurloutyondertendingtoTomTom's
homebusinessatthesametime,sometimesIthinkIwilldie.
"Itwasboundtonotlast.Thequestionwas,whichwouldhappenfirst:ifTomTomwould
catchTurl,orifMr.SnopeswouldcatchTurl,orifIwouldbustabloodvessellaughingsomenight.
Well,itwasTurl.Heseemedtobehavingtoomuchtroublelocatingthatbrass;hehadbeen
huntingitforthreeweeksalready,cominginalittlelatealmosteverynightnow,withTomTom
havingtowaituntilTurlcomebeforehecouldstarthome.Maybethatwasit.OrmaybeMr.Snopes
wasouttherehimselfoneday,hidinthebushestoo,waitingforittogetalongtowarddark(itwas
alreadyAprilthen);himononesideofTomTom'shouseandTurlcreepingupthroughthecorn
patchontheother.Anyway,hecomebackdownhereonenightandhewaswaitingwhenTurl
comeinaboutahalfhourlate,asusual,andTomTomallreadytogohomesoonasTurlgothere.
Mr.SnopessentforTurlandaskedhimifhehadfoundit.
"'Finditwhen?'Turlsays.
"'Whileyouwasouttherehuntingforitaboutdusktonight,'Mr.Snopessays.Andthere's
Turl,wonderingjusthowmuchMr.Snopesknows,andifhecanrisksayinghowhehasbeenat
homeinbedsincesixthirtythismorning,ormaybeuptoMottstownonbusiness.'Maybeyouare
stilllookingforitinthewrongplace,'Mr.Snopessays,watchingTurl,andTurlnotlookingatMr.
Snopesexceptmaybenowandthen.'IfTomTomhadhidthatironinhisbed,yououghttodone
founditthreeweeksago,'Mr.Snopessays.'SosupposeyoulookinthatcorncribwhereItoldyou
tolook.'
"SoTurlwentouttolookonemoretime.Buthecouldn'tseemtofinditinthecorncrib
neither.Leastways,that'swhathetoldMr.SnopeswhenMr.Snopesfinallyrunhimdownback
hereaboutnineo'clockonenight.Turlwasonakindofaspot,youmightsay.Hewouldhaveto
waituntilalongtowarddarktogouptothehouse,andalreadyTomTomhadbeengrumbling
someabouthowTurlwasgettinglaterandlateraboutcomingtoworkeverynight.Andoncehe
foundthatbrass,hewouldhavetobegingettingbacktotheplantatseveno'clock,andthedays
gettinglongerallthetime.
"SoTurlgoesbacktogiveonemoregoroundforthatbrassevidence.Butstillhecan'tfind
it.HemusthavelookedundereveryshuckandthreadinTomTom'sbedtick,butwithoutnomore
successthanthemtwoauditshad.Hejustcouldn'tseemtofindthatevidencenohow.SothenMr.
SnopessayshewillgiveTurlonemorechance,andifhedon'tfindthatevidencethistime,Mr.
SnopesisgoingtotellTomTomhowthereisastrangetomcatonhisbackfence.
AndwheneveraniggerhusbandinJeffersonhearsthat,hefindsoutwhereTurlisatbefore
heevensharpenshisrazor:ain'tthatso,Turl?
"SothenexteveningTurlgoesouttolookagain.Todoordiethistime.Hecomescreeping
upoutofthewoodsaboutsundown,thebesttimeofdayforbrasshunting,speciallyasthereisa
moonthatnight.Soherehecomes,creepingupthroughthecornpatchtothebackporch,where
thecotis,andprettysoonhecanmakeoutsomebodyinawhitenightgownlayingonthecot.But
Turldon'triseupandwalkeventhen;thatain'tTurl'sway.Turlplaysbytherules.Hecreepsup:it's
dustdarkbythen,andthemoonbeginningtoshinealittleallcarefulandquiet,andtomcatsupon
tothebackporchandstoopsoverthecotandputshishandonnekkidmeatandsays,
'Honeybunch,papa'sdonearrived.'"

IV

INTHEVERYQUIEThearingofitIseemedtopartakefortheinstantofTurl'shorridsurprise.
BecauseitwasTomTomonthecot;TomTom,whomTurlbelievedtobeatthemomenttwomiles
away,waitingforTurltocomeandtakeoverfromhimatthepowerplant.
Thenightbefore,onhisreturnhomeTomTomhadbroughtwithhimalastyear's
watermelonwhichthelocalbutcherhadkeptallWinterincoldstorageandwhichhehadgivento
TomTom,beinghimselfafraidtoeatit,andapintofwhiskey.TomTomandhiswifeconsumed
themandwenttobed,whereanhourlatershewakedTomTombyherscreaming.Shewas
violentlyill,andshewasafraidthatshewasdying.ShewastoofrightenedtoletTomTomgofor
help,andwhilehedosedherashecould,sheconfessedtohimaboutherselfandTurl.Assoonas
shetolditshebecameeasierandwentofftosleep,eitherbeforeshehadtimetorealizethe
enormityofwhatshehaddone,orwhileshewasstilltoooccupiedinbeingalivetocare.
ButTomTomwasn't.Thenextmorning,afterheconvincedhimselfthatshewasallright,
heremindedherofit.
Sheweptsome,andtriedtoretract;sheranthegamutoftearstoanger,throughdenial
andcajolerybacktotearsagain.ButshehadTomTom'sfacetolookatallthewhile,andsoafter
atimeshehushedandshejustlaythere,watchinghimashewentmethodicallyaboutcooking
breakfast,herownandhis,sayingnoword,apparentlyobliviousofevenherpresence.Thenhefed
her,madehereat,withthesamedetachment,implacableandwithoutheat.Shewaswaitingfor
himtoleaveforwork;shewasdoubtlessthenandhadbeenallthewhileinventinganddiscarding
practicalexpedients;sobusythatitwasmidmorningbeforesherealizedthathehadnointention
ofgoingtotown,thoughshedidnotknowthathehadarrangedtogetwordtotheplantbyseven
thatmorningthathewouldtakethedayoff.
Soshelaythereinthebed,quitequiet,hereyesalittlewide,stillasananimal,whilehe
cookedtheirdinnerandfedheragainwiththatclumsyandimplacablecare.Andjustbefore
sundownhelockedherinthebedroom,shestillsayingnoword,notaskinghimwhathewas
about,justwatchingwithherquiet,stilleyesthedooruntilitclosedandthekeyclicked.ThenTom
Tomputononeofhernightgownsandwithanakedbutcherknifebesidehim,helaydownonthe
cotonthebackporch.Andtherehewas,withouthavingmovedforalmostanhour,whenTurlcrept
ontotheporchandtouchedhim.
InthepurelyreflexactionofTurl'sturningtoflee,TomTomrose,clutchingtheknife,and
sprangatTurl.HeleapedastrideofTurl'sneckandshoulders;hisweightwastheimpetuswhich
sentTurlofftheporch,alreadyrunningwhenhisfeettouchedearth,carryingwithhimontheretina
ofhisfearasingledreadfulglintofmoonlightonthebladeoftheliftedknife,ashecrossedthe
backlotand,withTomTomonhisback,enteredthetreesthetwoofthemastrangeandfurious
beastwithtwoheadsandasinglepairoflegslikeaninvertedcentaurspeedingphantomlikejust
aheadoftheboardlikestreamingofTomTom'sshirttailandjustbeneaththesilverglintofthe
liftedknife,throughthemoonyAprilwoods.
"TomTombigbuckman,"Turlsaid."Makethreeofme.ButIsho'totedhim.Andwhenever
Iwouldseethemoonglintthatbutcherknife,Icouldapickeduptwomorelikehimwithouteven
stopping."Hesaidthatatfirsthejustran;itwasonlywhenhefoundhimselfamongthetreesthatit
occurredtohimthathisonlyhopewastorakeTomTomoffagainstatreetrunk."Butheheltonso
tightwiththatonearmthatwheneverIbustedhimintoatree,Ihadtobustintothetreetoo.And
thenwe'dbounceoffandI'dcatchthatmoonglintinthatnekkidknife,andIcouldapickeduptwo
moreTomToms.
"'BoutthattimewaswhenTomTomstartedsqualling.Hewasholdingonwithbothhands
then,soIknowedthatIhaddoneoutrunthatbutcherknifeanyhow.ButIwasgoodstartedthen;
myfeetsneverpaidTomTomnomoremindwhenhestartedsquallingtostopandlethimoffthan
theydidme.ThenTomTomgrabbedmyheadwithbothhandsandbeguntohaulitaroundlikeI
wasarunawaybarebackmule,andthenIseedtheditch.Itwasaboutfortyfootdeepanditlooked
asolidmileacross,butitwastoolatethen.Myfeetsneverevenslowedup.Theyrunfarasfrom
heretothatdooryonderoutintonekkidairbeforeusevenbeguntofall.Andtheywasstillclawing
thatmoonlightwhenmeandTomTomhitthebottom."
ThefirstthingIwantedtoknowwas,whatTomTomusedinlieuofthebutcherknifewhich
hehaddropped.Hedidn'tuseanything.HeandTurljustsatthereintheditchandtalked.Because
thereisasanctuarybeyonddespairforanybeastwhichhasdaredall,whichevenitsmortalenemy
respects.Ormaybeitwasjustniggernature.Anyway,itwasperfectlyplaintobothofthemasthey
satthere,perhapspantingalittlewhiletheytalked,thatTomTom'shomehadbeenoutraged,not
byTurl,butbyFlemSnopes;thatTurl'slifeandlimbshadbeenendangered,notbyTomTom,but
byFlemSnopes.
Thatwassoplaintothemthattheysattherequietlyintheditch,gettingtheirwindback,
talkingalittlewithoutheatliketwoacquaintancesmeetinginthestreet;soplainthattheymade
theirconcertedplanwithoutrecoursetodefinitewordsonthesubject.Theymerelycompared
notes;perhapstheylaughedalittleatthemselves.Thentheyclimbedoutoftheditchandreturned
toTomTom'scabin,whereTomTomunlockedhiswife,andheandTurlsatbeforethehearth
whilethewomanpreparedamealforthem,whichtheyateasquietlybutwithoutlossoftime:the
twograve,scratchedfacesleanedtothesamelamp,abovethesamedishes,whileinthe
backgroundthewomanwatchedthem,shadowyandcovertandunspeaking.
TomTomtookhertothebarnwiththemtohelploadthebrassintothewagon,whereTurl
spokeforthefirsttimesincetheyclimbedtogetheroutoftheditchinHarker's"amical"cuckoldry:
"GreatGod,man,howlongdidittakeyoutototeallthisstuffouthere?"
"Notlong,"TomTomsaid."Beenworkingatit'bouttwoyears."
Itrequiredfourtripsinthewagon;itwasdaybreakwhenthelastloadwasdisposedof,and
thesunwasrisingwhenTurlenteredthepowerplant,elevenhourslate.
"Whereinhellyoubeen?"Harkersaid.
Turlglancedupatthethreegauges,hisscratchedfacewearinganexpressionof
monkeylikegravity."Beenhelpingafriendofmine."
"Helpingwhatfriendofyours?"
"BoynamedTurl,"Turlsaid,squintingatthegauges.

"ANDTHATWASallhesaid,"Harkersaid."Andmelookingatthatscratchedfaceofhisn,andat
themateofitthatTomTombroughtinatsixo'clock.ButTurldidn'ttellmethen.AndIain'ttheonly
onehenevertoldnothingthatmorning.BecauseMr.Snopesgottherebeforesixo'clock,before
Turlhadgotaway.HesentforTurlandaskedhimifhehadfoundthatbrassandTurltoldhimno.
"'Whydidn'tyoufindit?'Mr.Snopessaid.
"Turldidn'tlookaway,thistime.'Becauseitain'tnobrassthere.That'sthemainreason.'
"'Howdoyouknowthereain't?'Mr.Snopessays.
"AndTurllookedhimstraightinthemeyes.'BecauseTomTomsayitain't,'Turlsays.
"Maybeheoughttoknewthen.Butamanwillgotoanylengthtofoolhimself;hewilltell
himselfstuffandbelieveitthathewouldbedownrightmadwithafellowhehaddonetrimmedfor
believingit.SonowhesendsforTomTom.
"'Iain'tgotnobrass,'TomTomsays.
"'Whereisit,then?'
"'It'swhereyousaidyouwantedit.'
"'WhereIsaidIwanteditwhen?'
"'Whenyoutookthemwhistlevalvesofftheboilers,'TomTomsays.
"That'swhatwhippedhim.Hedidn'tdaretofireneitheroneofthem,yousee.Andsohe'd
havetoseeoneofthemtherealldaylongeveryday,andknowthattheotheronewasthereall
nightlongeverynight;hewouldhavetoknowthatduringeverytwentyfourhoursthatpassed,one
ortheotherofthemwasthere,gettingpaidpaid,mindyou,bythehourforlivinghalftheirlives
rightthereunderthattankwiththemfourloadsofbrassinitthatnowbelongedtohimbyrightof
purchaseandwhichhecouldn'tclaimnowbecausenowhehaddonewaitedtoolate.
 "Itsurewastoolate.ButnextNewYearitgotlater.ComeNewYear'sandthetowngot
auditedagain;againthemtwospectacledfellowscomedownhereandcheckedthebooksand
wentawayandcomebackwithnotonlythecityclerk,butwithBuckConnertoo,withawarrantfor
TurlandTomTom.Andtheretheywere,hemmingandhawing,beingsorryagain,pushingone
anotherinfronttotalk.Itseemshowtheyhadmadeamistaketwoyearsago,andinsteadofthree
hundredandfourfiftytwoofthishereevaporatingbrass,therewasfivehundredandtwentyfive
dollarsworth,leavinganetofovertwohundredandtwentydollars.AndtherewasBuckConner
withthewarrant,allreadytoarrestTurlandTomTomwhenhegivetheword,anditsohappening
thatTurlandTomTomwasbothintheboilerroomatthatmoment,changingshifts.
"SoSnopespaidthem.Dugdownandhauledoutthemoneyandpaidthemthetwo
hundredandtwentyandgothisreceipt.AndabouttwohourslaterIhappenedtopassthroughthe
office.AtfirstIdidn'tseenobodybecausethelightwasoff.SoIthoughtmaybethebulbwas
burnedout,seeingasthatlightburnedallthetime.Butitwasn'tburnedout;itwasjustturnedout.
OnlybeforeIturneditonIsawhim,settingthere.SoIdidn'tturnthelighton.Ijustwentonoutand
lefthimsettingthere,settingrightstill."

VI

INTHOSEDAYSSnopeslivedinanewlittlebungalowontheedgeoftown,and,whenshortly
afterthatNewYearheresignedfromthepowerplant,astheweatherwarmedintoSpringthey
wouldseehimquiteofteninhistinygrasslessandtreelesssideyard.Itwasalocalityofsuchother
hopelesslittlehousesinhabitedhalfbyNegroes,andwashedclaygulliesandditchesfilledwith
scrappedautomobilesandtincans,andtheprospectwasnotpleasing.Yethespentquitealotof
histimethere,sittingonthesteps,notdoinganything.
Andsotheywonderedwhathecouldbelookingatthere,sincetherewasnothingtosee
abovethemassedtreeswhichshadedthetownitselfexceptthelowsmudgeofthepowerplant,
andthewatertank.Andittoowascondemnednow,forthewaterhadsuddenlygonebadtwo
yearsagoandthetownnowhadanewreservoirunderground.Butthetankwasastoutoneand
thewaterwasstillgoodtowashthestreetswith,andsothetownletitstand,refusingatonetimea
quiteliberalthoughanonymousoffertopurchaseandremoveit.
SotheywonderedwhatSnopeswaslookingat.Theydidn'tknowthathewas
contemplatinghismonument:thatshafttallerthananythinginsightandfilledwithtransientand
symbolicalliquidthatwasnotevenfittodrink,butwhich,fortheveryreasonofitsimpermanence,
wasmoreenduringthroughitsfluidityandblindrenewalthanthebrasswhichpoisonedit,than
columnsofbasaltoroflead.

DrySeptember

THROUGHTHEBLOODYSeptembertwilight,aftermathofsixtytworainlessdays,ithadgonelike
afireindrygrass:therumor,thestory,whateveritwas.SomethingaboutMissMinnieCooperand
aNegro.Attacked,insulted,frightened:noneofthem,gatheredinthebarbershoponthatSaturday
eveningwheretheceilingfanstirred,withoutfresheningit,thevitiatedair,sendingbackuponthem,
inrecurrentsurgesofstalepomadeandlotion,theirownstalebreathandodors,knewexactlywhat
hadhappened.
"Exceptitwasn'tWillMayes,"abarbersaid.Hewasamanofmiddleage;athin,sand
coloredmanwithamildface,whowasshavingaclient."IknowWillMayes.He'sagoodnigger.
AndIknowMissMinnieCooper,too."
 "Whatdoyouknowabouther?"asecondbarbersaid.
"Whoisshe?"theclientsaid."Ayounggirl?"
"No,"thebarbersaid."She'saboutforty,Ireckon.Sheain'tmarried.That'swhyIdon't
believe..."
"Believe,hell!"ahulkingyouthinasweatstainedsilkshirtsaid."Wontyoutakeawhite
woman'swordbeforeanigger's?"
"Idon'tbelieveWillMayesdidit,"thebarbersaid."IknowWillMayes."
"Maybeyouknowwhodidit,then.Maybeyoualreadygothimoutoftown,youdamn
niggerlover."
"Idon'tbelieveanybodydidanything.Idon'tbelieveanythinghappened.Ileaveittoyou
fellowsifthemladiesthatgetoldwithoutgettingmarrieddon'thavenotionsthatamancan't"
"Thenyouareahellofawhiteman,"theclientsaid.Hemovedunderthecloth.Theyouth
hadsprungtohisfeet.
"Youdon't?"hesaid."Doyouaccuseawhitewomanoflying?"
Thebarberheldtherazorpoisedabovethehalfrisenclient.Hedidnotlookaround.
"It'sthisdurnweather,"anothersaid."It'senoughtomakeamandoanything.Eventoher."
Nobodylaughed.Thebarbersaidinhismild,stubborntone:"Iain'taccusingnobodyof
nothing.Ijustknowandyoufellowsknowhowawomanthatnever..."
"Youdamnniggerlover!"theyouthsaid.
"Shutup,Butch,"anothersaid."We'llgetthefactsinplentyoftimetoact."
"Whois?Who'sgettingthem?"theyouthsaid."Facts,hell!"
"You'reafinewhiteman,"theclientsaid."Ain'tyou?"
Inhisfrothybeardhelookedlikeadesertratinthemovingpictures."Youtellthem,Jack,"
hesaidtotheyouth."Ifthereain'tanywhitemeninthistown,youcancountonme,evenifIain't
onlyadrummerandastranger."
"That'sright,boys,"thebarbersaid."Findoutthetruthfirst.IknowWillMayes."
"Well,byGod!"theyouthshouted."Tothinkthatawhitemaninthistown..."
"Shutup,Butch,"thesecondspeakersaid."Wegotplentyoftime."
Theclientsatup.Helookedatthespeaker."Doyouclaimthatanythingexcusesanigger
attackingawhitewoman?Doyoumeantotellmeyouareawhitemanandyou'llstandforit?You
bettergobackNorthwhereyoucamefrom.TheSouthdon'twantyourkindhere."
"Northwhat?"thesecondsaid."Iwasbornandraisedinthistown."
"Well,byGod!"theyouthsaid.Helookedaboutwithastrained,baffledgaze,asifhewas
tryingtorememberwhatitwashewantedtosayortodo.Hedrewhissleeveacrosshissweating
face."DamnifI'mgoingtoletawhitewoman..."
"Youtellthem,Jack,"thedrummersaid."ByGod,ifthey..."
Thescreendoorcrashedopen.Amanstoodinthefloor,hisfeetapartandhisheavyset
bodypoisedeasily.Hiswhiteshirtwasopenatthethroat;heworeafelthat.Hishot,boldglance
sweptthegroup.HisnamewasMcLendon.HehadcommandedtroopsatthefrontinFranceand
hadbeendecoratedforvalor.
"Well,"hesaid,"areyougoingtositthereandletablacksonrapeawhitewomanonthe
streetsofJefferson?"
Butchsprangupagain.Thesilkofhisshirtclungflattohisheavyshoulders.Ateacharmpit
wasadarkhalfmoon,"That'swhatIbeentellingthem!That'swhatI..."
"Diditreallyhappen?"athirdsaid."Thisain'tthefirstmanscaresheeverhad,like
Hawkshawsays.Wasn'ttheresomethingaboutamanonthekitchenroof,watchingherundress,
aboutayearago?"
"What?"theclientsaid."What'sthat?"Thebarberhadbeenslowlyforcinghimbackintothe
chair;hearrestedhimselfreclining,hisheadlifted,thebarberstillpressinghimdown.
 McLendonwhirledonthethirdspeaker."Happen?Whatthehelldifferencedoesitmake?
Areyougoingtolettheblacksonsgetawaywithituntilonereallydoesit?"
"That'swhatI'mtellingthem!"Butchshouted.Hecursed,longandsteady,pointless.
"Here,here,"afourthsaid."Notsoloud.don'ttalksoloud."
"Sure,"McLendonsaid;"notalkingnecessaryatall.I'vedonemytalking.Who'swithme?"
Hepoisedontheballsofhisfeet,rovinghisgaze.
Thebarberheldthedrummer'sfacedown,therazorpoised."Findoutthefactsfirst,boys.I
knowWillyMayes.Itwasn'thim.Let'sgetthesheriffanddothisthingright."
McLendonwhirleduponhimhisfurious,rigidface.Thebarberdidnotlookaway.They
lookedlikemenofdifferentraces.Theotherbarbershadceasedalsoabovetheirproneclients.
"Youmeantotellme,"McLendonsaid,"thatyou'dtakeanigger'swordbeforeawhitewoman's?
Why,youdamnniggerloving..."
ThethirdspeakerroseandgraspedMcLendon'sarm;hetoohadbeenasoldier."Now,
now.Let'sfigurethisthingout.Whoknowsanythingaboutwhatreallyhappened?"
"Figureouthell!"McLendonjerkedhisarmfree."Allthat'rewithmegetupfromthere.The
onesthatain't..."
Herovedhisgaze,dragginghissleeveacrosshisface.
Threemenrose.Thedrummerinthechairsatup."Here,"hesaid,jerkingattheclothabout
hisneck;"getthisragoffme.I'mwithhim.Idon'tlivehere,butbyGod,ifourmothersandwives
andsisters..."Hesmearedtheclothoverhisfaceandflungittothefloor.McLendonstoodinthe
doorandcursedtheothers.Anotherroseandmovedtowardhim.Theremaindersat
uncomfortable,notlookingatoneanother,thenonebyonetheyroseandjoinedhim.
Thebarberpickedtheclothfromthefloor.Hebegantofolditneatly."Boys,don'tdothat.
WillMayesneverdoneit.Iknow."
"Comeon,"McLendonsaid.Hewhirled.Fromhishippocketprotrudedthebuttofaheavy
automaticpistol.Theywentout.Thescreendoorcrashedbehindthem,reverberantinthedeadair.
Thebarberwipedtherazorcarefullyandswiftly,andputitaway,andrantotherear,and
tookhishatfromthewall."I'llbebackassoonasIcan,"hesaidtotheotherbarbers."Ican'tlet..."
Hewentout,running.Thetwootherbarbersfollowedhimtothedoorandcaughtitontherebound,
leaningoutandlookingupthestreetafterhim.Theairwasflatanddead.Ithadametallictasteat
thebaseofthetongue.
"Whatcanhedo?"thefirstsaid.Thesecondonewassaying"JeesChrist,JeesChrist"
underhisbreath."I'djustasliefbeWillMayesasHawk,ifhegetsMcLendonriled."
"JeesChrist,JeesChrist,"thesecondwhispered.
"Youreckonhereallydoneittoher?"thefirstsaid.

II

SHEWASthirtyeightorthirtynine.Shelivedinasmallframehousewithherinvalidmotheranda
thin,sallow,unflaggingaunt,whereeachmorningbetweentenandelevenshewouldappearon
theporchinalacetrimmedboudoircap,tositswingingintheporchswinguntilnoon.Afterdinner
shelaydownforawhile,untiltheafternoonbegantocool.Then,inoneofthethreeorfournew
voiledresseswhichshehadeachsummer,shewouldgodowntowntospendtheafternooninthe
storeswiththeotherladies,wheretheywouldhandlethegoodsandhaggleoverthepricesincold,
immediatevoices,withoutanyintentionofbuying.
ShewasofcomfortablepeoplenotthebestinJefferson,butgoodpeopleenoughandshe
wasstillontheslendersideofordinarylooking,withabright,faintlyhaggardmanneranddress.
Whenshewasyoungshehadhadaslender,nervousbodyandasortofhardvivacitywhichhad
enabledherforatimetorideuponthecrestofthetown'ssociallifeasexemplifiedbythehigh
schoolpartyandchurchsocialperiodofhercontemporarieswhilestillchildrenenoughtobe
unclassconscious.
Shewasthelasttorealizethatshewaslosingground;thatthoseamongwhomshehad
beenalittlebrighterandlouderflamethananyotherwerebeginningtolearnthepleasureof
snobberymaleandretaliationfemale.Thatwaswhenherfacebegantowearthatbright,haggard
look.Shestillcarriedittopartiesonshadowyporticoesandsummerlawns,likeamaskoraflag,
withthatbafflementoffuriousrepudiationoftruthinhereyes.Oneeveningatapartyshehearda
boyandtwogirls,allschoolmates,talking.Sheneveracceptedanotherinvitation.
Shewatchedthegirlswithwhomshehadgrownupastheymarriedandgothomesand
children,butnomanevercalledonhersteadilyuntilthechildrenoftheothergirlshadbeencalling
her"aunty"forseveralyears,thewhiletheirmotherstoldtheminbrightvoicesabouthowpopular
AuntMinniehadbeenasagirl.ThenthetownbegantoseeherdrivingonSundayafternoonswith
thecashierinthebank.Hewasawidowerofaboutforty,ahighcoloredman,smellingalways
faintlyofthebarbershoporofwhisky.
Heownedthefirstautomobileintown,aredrunabout;Minniehadthefirstmotoringbonnet
andveilthetowneversaw.Thenthetownbegantosay:"PoorMinnie."
"Butsheisoldenoughtotakecareofherself,"otherssaid.Thatwaswhenshebeganto
askheroldschoolmatesthattheirchildrencallher"cousin"insteadof"aunty."
Itwastwelveyearsnowsinceshehadbeenrelegatedintoadulterybypublicopinion,and
eightyearssincethecashierhadgonetoaMemphisbank,returningforonedayeachChristmas,
whichhespentatanannualbachelors'partyatahuntingclubontheriver.Frombehindtheir
curtainstheneighborswouldseethepartypass,andduringtheoverthewayChristmasday
visitingtheywouldtellherabouthim,abouthowwellhelooked,andhowtheyheardthathewas
prosperinginthecity,watchingwithbright,secreteyesherhaggard,brightface.Usuallybythat
hourtherewouldbethescentofwhiskyonherbreath.Itwassuppliedherbyayouth,aclerkatthe
sodafountain:"Sure;Ibuyitfortheoldgal.Ireckonshe'sentitledtoalittlefun."
Hermotherkepttoherroomaltogethernow;thegauntauntranthehouse.Againstthat
backgroundMinnie'sbrightdresses,heridleandemptydays,hadaqualityoffuriousunreality.She
wentoutintheeveningsonlywithwomennow,neighbors,tothemovingpictures.Eachafternoon
shedressedinoneofthenewdressesandwentdowntownalone,whereheryoung"cousins"were
alreadystrollinginthelateafternoonswiththeirdelicate,silkenheadsandthin,awkwardarmsand
consciouships,clingingtooneanotherorshriekingandgigglingwithpairedboysinthesoda
fountainwhenshepassedandwentonalongtheserriedstorefronts,inthedoorsofwhichthe
sittingandloungingmendidnotevenfollowherwiththeireyesanymore.

Ill

THEBARBERWENTSWIFTLYupthestreetwherethesparselights,insectswirled,glaredinrigid
andviolentsuspensioninthelifelessair.Thedayhaddiedinapallofdust;abovethedarkened
square,shroudedbythespentdust,theskywasasclearastheinsideofabrassbell.Belowthe
eastwasarumorofthetwicewaxedmoon.
WhenheovertookthemMcLendonandthreeothersweregettingintoacarparkedinan
alley.McLendonstoopedhisthickhead,peeringoutbeneaththetop,"Changedyourmind,did
you?"hesaid."Damngoodthing;byGod,tomorrowwhenthistownhearsabouthowyoutalked
tonight"
"Now,now,"theotherexsoldiersaid."Hawkshaw'sallright.Comeon,Hawk;jumpin."
 "WillMayesneverdoneit,boys,"thebarbersaid."Ifanybodydoneit.Why,youallknow
wellasIdothereain'tanytownwheretheygotbetterniggersthanus.Andyouknowhowalady
willkindofthinkthingsaboutmenwhenthereain'tanyreasonto,andMissMinnieanyway..."
"Sure,sure,"thesoldiersaid."We'rejustgoingtotalktohimalittle;that'sall."
"Talkhell!"Butchsaid."Whenwe'rethroughwiththe..."
"Shutup,forGod'ssake!"thesoldiersaid."Doyouwanteverybodyintown..."
"Tellthem,byGod!"McLendonsaid."Telleveryoneofthesonsthat'llletawhitewoman..."
"Let'sgo;let'sgo:here'stheothercar."Thesecondcarslidsquealingoutofacloudofdust
atthealleymouth.
McLendonstartedhiscarandtookthelead.Dustlaylikefoginthestreet.Thestreetlights
hungnimbusedasinwater.Theydroveonoutoftown.
Aruttedlaneturnedatrightangles.Dusthungaboveittoo,andabovealltheland.The
darkbulkoftheiceplant,wheretheNegroMayeswasnightwatchman,roseagainstthesky.
"Betterstophere,hadn'twe?"thesoldiersaid.
McLendondidnotreply.Hehurledthecarupandslammedtoastop,theheadlightsglaring
ontheblankwall.
"Listenhere,boys,"thebarbersaid;"ifhe'shere,don'tthatproveheneverdoneit?Don't
it?Ifitwashim,hewouldrun.Don'tyouseehewould?"Thesecondcarcameupandstopped.
McLendongotdown;Butchsprangdownbesidehim."Listen,boys,"thebarbersaid.
"Cutthelightsoff!"McLendonsaid.Thebreathlessdarkrusheddown.Therewasnosound
initsavetheirlungsastheysoughtairintheparcheddustinwhichfortwomonthstheyhadlived;
thenthediminishingcrunchofMcLendon'sandDutch'sfeet,andamomentlaterMcLendon's
voice:"Will!...Will!"
Belowtheeastthewanhemorrhageofthemoonincreased.
Itheavedabovetheridge,silveringtheair,thedust,sothattheyseemedtobreathe,live,in
abowlofmoltenlead.Therewasnosoundofnightbirdnorinsect,nosoundsavetheirbreathing
andafainttickingofcontractingmetalaboutthecars.Wheretheirbodiestouchedoneanotherthey
seemedtosweatdryly,fornomoremoisturecame."Christ!"avoicesaid;"let'sgetoutofhere."
Buttheydidn'tmoveuntilvaguenoisesbegantogrowoutofthedarknessahead;thenthey
gotoutandwaitedtenselyinthebreathlessdark.Therewasanothersound:ablow,ahissing
expulsionofbreathandMcLendoncursinginundertone.Theystoodamomentlonger,thenthey
ranforward.Theyraninastumblingclump,asthoughtheywerefleeingsomething."Killhim,kill
theson,"avoicewhispered.McLendonflungthemback.
"Nothere,"hesaid."Gethimintothecar."
"Killhim,killtheblackson!"thevoicemurmured.TheydraggedtheNegrotothecar.The
barberhadwaitedbesidethecar.Hecouldfeelhimselfsweatingandheknewhewasgoingtobe
sickatthestomach.
"Whatisit,captains?"theNegrosaid."Iain'tdonenothing.ToreGod,MrJohn."Someone
producedhandcuffs.
TheyworkedbusilyabouttheNegroasthoughhewereapost,quiet,intent,gettinginone
another'sway.Hesubmittedtothehandcuffs,lookingswiftlyandconstantlyfromdimfacetodim
face."Who'shere,captains?"hesaid,leaningtopeerintothefacesuntiltheycouldfeelhisbreath
andsmellhissweatyreek.Hespokeanameortwo."WhatyouallsayIdone,MrJohn?"
McLendonjerkedthecardooropen."Getin!"hesaid.
TheNegrodidnotmove."Whatyouallgoingtodowithme,MrJohn?Iain'tdonenothing.
Whitefolks,captains,Iain'tdonenothing:Iswear'foreGod."Hecalledanothername.
"Getin!"McLendonsaid.HestrucktheNegro.Theothersexpelledtheirbreathinadry
hissingandstruckhimwithrandomblowsandhewhirledandcursedthem,andswepthis
manacledhandsacrosstheirfacesandslashedthebarberuponthemouth,andthebarberstruck
himalso.
"Gethiminthere,"McLendonsaid.Theypushedathim.
Heceasedstrugglingandgotinandsatquietlyastheotherstooktheirplaces.Hesat
betweenthebarberandthesoldier,drawinghislimbsinsoasnottotouchthem,hiseyesgoing
swiftlyandconstantlyfromfacetoface.Butchclungtotherunningboard.Thecarmovedon.The
barbernursedhismouthwithhishandkerchief.
"What'sthematter,Hawk?"thesoldiersaid.
"Nothing,"thebarbersaid.Theyregainedthehighroadandturnedawayfromtown.The
secondcardroppedbackoutofthedust.Theywenton,gainingspeed;thefinalfringeofhouses
droppedbehind.
"Goddamn,hestinks!"thesoldiersaid.
"We'llfixthat,"thedrummerinfrontbesideMcLendonsaid.OntherunningboardButch
cursedintothehotrushofair.ThebarberleanedsuddenlyforwardandtouchedMcLendon'sarm.
"Letmeout,John,"hesaid.
"Jumpout,niggerlover,"McLendonsaidwithoutturninghishead.Hedroveswiftly.Behind
themthesourcelesslightsofthesecondcarglaredinthedust.PresentlyMcLendonturnedintoa
narrowroad.Itwasruttedwithdisuse.Itledbacktoanabandonedbrickkiln,aseriesofreddish
moundsandweedandvinechokedvatswithoutbottom.Ithadbeenusedforpastureonce,until
onedaytheownermissedoneofhismules.Althoughheproddedcarefullyinthevatswithalong
pole,hecouldnotevenfindthebottomofthem.
"John,"thebarbersaid.
"Jumpout,then,"McLendonsaid,hurlingthecaralongtheruts.Besidethebarberthe
Negrospoke:"MrHenry."
Thebarbersatforward.Thenarrowtunneloftheroadrushedupandpast.Theirmotion
waslikeanextinctfurnaceblast:cooler,bututterlydead.Thecarboundedfromruttorut.
"MrHenry,"theNegrosaid.
Thebarberbegantotugfuriouslyatthedoor."Lookout,there!"thesoldiersaid,butthe
barberhadalreadykickedthedooropenandswungontotherunningboard.Thesoldierleaned
acrosstheNegroandgraspedathim,buthehadalreadyjumped.Thecarwentonwithout
checkingspeed.
Theimpetushurledhimcrashingthroughdustsheathedweeds,intotheditch.Dustpuffed
abouthim,andinathin,viciouscracklingofsaplessstemshelaychokingandretchinguntilthe
secondcarpassedanddiedaway.Thenheroseandlimpedonuntilhereachedthehighroadand
turnedtowardtown,brushingathisclotheswithhishands.Themoonwashigher,ridinghighand
clearofthedustatlast,andafterawhilethetownbegantoglarebeneaththedust.
Hewenton,limping.Presentlyheheardcarsandtheglowofthemgrewinthedustbehind
himandhelefttheroadandcrouchedagainintheweedsuntiltheypassed.McLendon'scarcame
lastnow.TherewerefourpeopleinitandButchwasnotontherunningboard.
Theywenton;thedustswallowedthem;theglareandthesounddiedaway.Thedustof
themhungforawhile,butsoontheeternaldustabsorbeditagain.Thebarberclimbedbackonto
theroadandlimpedontowardtown.

IV

AsSHEDRESSEDforsupperonthatSaturdayevening,herownfleshfeltlikefever.Herhands
trembledamongthehooksandeyes,andhereyeshadafeverishlook,andherhairswirledcrisp
andcracklingunderthecomb.Whileshewasstilldressingthefriendscalledforherandsatwhile
shedonnedhersheerestunderthingsandstockingsandanewvoiledress."Doyoufeelstrong
enoughtogoout?"theysaid,theireyesbrighttoo,withadarkglitter."Whenyouhavehadtimeto
getovertheshock,youmusttelluswhathappened.Whathesaidanddid;everything."
Intheleafeddarkness,astheywalkedtowardthesquare,shebegantobreathedeeply,
somethinglikeaswimmerpreparingtodive,untilsheceasedtrembling,thefourofthemwalking
slowlybecauseoftheterribleheatandoutofsolicitudeforher.Butastheynearedthesquareshe
begantotrembleagain,walkingwithherheadup,herhandsclenchedathersides,theirvoices
abouthermurmurous,alsowiththatfeverish,glitteringqualityoftheireyes.
Theyenteredthesquare,sheinthecenterofthegroup,fragileinherfreshdress.Shewas
tremblingworse.Shewalkedslowerandslower,aschildreneaticecream,herheadupandher
eyesbrightinthehaggardbannerofherface,passingthehotelandthecoatlessdrummersin
chairsalongthecurblookingaroundather:"That'stheone:see?Theoneinpinkinthemiddle."
"Isthather?Whatdidtheydowiththenigger?Didthey?"
"Sure.He'sallright."
"Allright,ishe?"
"Sure.Hewentonalittletrip."Thenthedrugstore,whereeventheyoungmenloungingin
thedoorwaytippedtheirhatsandfollowedwiththeireyesthemotionofherhipsandlegswhenshe
passed.
Theywenton,passingtheliftedhatsofthegentlemen,thesuddenlyceasedvoices,
deferent,protective."Doyousee?"thefriendssaid.Theirvoicessoundedlikelong,hoveringsighs
ofhissingexultation."There'snotaNegroonthesquare.Notone."
Theyreachedthepictureshow.Itwaslikeaminiaturefairylandwithitslightedlobbyand
coloredlithographsoflifecaughtinitsterribleandbeautifulmutations.Herlipsbegantotingle.In
thedark,whenthepicturebegan,itwouldbeallright;shecouldholdbackthelaughingsoitwould
notwasteawaysofastandsosoon.Soshehurriedonbeforetheturningfaces,theundertonesof
lowastonishment,andtheytooktheiraccustomedplaceswhereshecouldseetheaisleagainstthe
silverglareandtheyoungmenandgirlscomingintwoandtwoagainstit.
Thelightsflickedaway;thescreenglowedsilver,andsoonlifebegantounfold,beautiful
andpassionateandsad,whilestilltheyoungmenandgirlsentered,scentedandsibilantinthehalf
dark,theirpairedbacksinsilhouettedelicateandsleek,theirslim,quickbodiesawkward,divinely
young,whilebeyondthemthesilverdreamaccumulated,inevitablyonandon.Shebegantolaugh.
Intryingtosuppressit,itmademorenoisethanever;headsbegantoturn.
Stilllaughing,herfriendsraisedherandledherout,andshestoodatthecurb,laughingon
ahigh,sustainednote,untilthetaxicameupandtheyhelpedherin.
Theyremovedthepinkvoileandthesheerunderthingsandthestockings,andputherto
bed,andcrackediceforhertemples,andsentforthedoctor.Hewashardtolocate,sothey
ministeredtoherwithhushedejaculations,renewingtheiceandfanningher.Whiletheicewas
freshandcoldshestoppedlaughingandlaystillforatime,moaningonlyalittle.Butsoonthe
laughingwelledagainandhervoicerosescreaming.
"Shhhhhhhhhhh!Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"theysaid,fresheningtheicepack,smoothingher
hair,examiningitforgray;"poorgirl!"Thentooneanother:"Doyousupposeanythingreally
happened?"theireyesdarklyaglitter,secretandpassionate."Shhhhhhhhhh!Poorgirl!Poor
Minnie!"

ITWASMIDNIGHTwhenMcLendondroveuptohisneatnewhouse.Itwastrimandfreshasa
birdcageandalmostassmall,withitsclean,greenandwhitepaint.Helockedthecarandmounted
theporchandentered.Hiswiferosefromachairbesidethereadinglamp.McLendonstoppedin
thefloorandstaredatheruntilshelookeddown.
"Lookatthatclock,"hesaid,liftinghisarm,pointing.
Shestoodbeforehim,herfacelowered,amagazineinherhands.Herfacewaspale,
strained,andwearylooking.
"Haven'tItoldyouaboutsittinguplikethis,waitingtoseewhenIcomein?"
"John,"shesaid.Shelaidthemagazinedown.Poisedontheballsofhisfeet,heglaredat
herwithhishoteyes,hissweatingface.
"Didn'tItellyou?"Hewenttowardher.Shelookedupthen.Hecaughthershoulder.She
stoodpassive,lookingathim.
"Don't,John.Icouldn'tsleep...Theheat;something.Please,John.You'rehurtingme."
"Didn'tItellyou?"Hereleasedherandhalfstruck,halfflungheracrossthechair,andshe
laythereandwatchedhimquietlyashelefttheroom.
Hewentonthroughthehouse,rippingoffhisshirt,andonthedark,screenedporchatthe
rearhestoodandmoppedhisheadandshoulderswiththeshirtandflungitaway.Hetookthe
pistolfromhishipandlaiditonthetablebesidethebed,andsatonthebedandremovedhis
shoes,androseandslippedhistrousersoff.Hewassweatingagainalready,andhestoopedand
huntedfuriouslyfortheshirt.Atlasthefounditandwipedhisbodyagain,and,withhisbody
pressedagainstthedustyscreen,hestoodpanting.Therewasnomovement,nosound,noteven
aninsect.Thedarkworldseemedtoliestrickenbeneaththecoldmoonandthelidlessstars.

DeathDrag

THEAIRPLANEappearedovertownwithalmosttheabruptnessofanapparition.Itwastravelling
fast;almostbeforeweknewitwasthereitwasalreadyatthetopofaloop;stilloverthesquare,in
violationofbothcityandgovernmentordinance.Itwasnotagoodloopeither,performedviciously
andslovenlyandattopspeed,asthoughthepilotwereeitheraverynervousmanorinahurry,or
(andthisqueerly:thereisinourtownanexarmyaviator.Hewascomingoutofthepostoffice
whentheairplaneappearedgoingsouth;hewatchedthehurriedandungracefulloopandhemade
thecomment)asthoughthepilotweretryingtomaketheminimumofsomespecifiedmanoeuvrein
ordertosavegasoline.
Theairplanecameovertheloopwithonewingdown,asthoughabouttomakean
Immelmannturn.Thenitdidahalfroll,theloopthreequarterscomplete,andwithoutanybreakin
thewhineofthefullthrottledengineandstillattopspeedandwiththatapparitionlikesuddenness,
itdisappearedeastwardtowardourairport.Whenthefirstsmallboysreachedthefield,theairplane
wasontheground,drawnupintoafencecornerattheendofthefield.Itwasmotionlessand
empty.Therewasnooneinsightatall.Restingthere,emptyanddead,patchedandshabbyand
paintedawkwardlywithasinglethincoatofdeadblack,itgaveagainthatillusionofghostliness,as
thoughitmighthaveflownthereandmadethatloopandlandedbyitself.
Ourfieldisstillinanembryonicstate.Ourtownisbuiltuponhills,andthefield,oncea
cottonfield,iscomposedoffortyacresofridgeandgully,uponwhich,bymeansofgradingand
filling,wemanagedtobuildanXshapedrunwayintotheprevailingwinds.Therunwaysarelong
enoughinthemselves,butthefield,likeourtown,iscontrolledbymenwhowereofmiddleage
whenyoungermenfirstbegantofly,andsotheclearanceisnotalwaysgood.Ononesideisa
groveoftreeswhichtheownerwillnotpermittobefelled;onanotheristhebarnyardofafarm:
shedsandhouses,alongbarnwitharoofofrottingshingles,abighaycock.Theairplanehad
cometorestinthefencecornernearthebarn.ThesmallboysandaNegroortwoandawhite
man,descendedfromahaltedwagonintheroad,werestandingquietlyaboutitwhentwomenin
helmetsandliftedgogglesemergedsuddenlyaroundthecornerofthebarn.
Onewastall,inadirtycoverall.Theotherwasquiteshort,inbreechesandputteesanda
soiled,brightlypatternedovercoatwhichlookedasifhehadgotwetinitandithadshrunkonhim.
Hewalkedwithadecidedlimp.
Theyhadstoppedatthecornerofthebarn.Withoutappearingtoactuallyturntheirheads,
theyseemedtotakeinatoneglancetheentirescene,quickly.Thetallmanspoke.
"Whattownisthis?"
Oneofthesmallboystoldhimthenameofthetown.
"Wholiveshere?"thetallmansaid.
"Wholiveshere?"theboyrepeated.
"Whorunsthisfield?Isitaprivatefield?"
"Oh.Itbelongstothetown.Theyrunit."
"Dotheyalllivehere?Theonesthatrunit?"
Thewhiteman,theNegroes,thesmallboys,allwatchedthetallman.
"WhatImean,isthereanybodyinthistownthatflies,thatownsaship?Anystrangershere
thatfly?"
"Yes,"theboysaid."There'samanlivesherethatflewinthewar,theEnglisharmy."
"CaptainWarrenwasintheRoyalFlyingCorps,"asecondboysaid.
"That'swhatIsaid,"thefirstboysaid.
"YousaidtheEnglisharmy,"thesecondboysaid.
Thesecondman,theshortonewiththelimp,spoke.Hespoketothetallman,quietly,ina
deadvoice,inthedictionofWeberandFieldsinvaudeville,makinghisw'sintov'sandhist'sinto
d's."Whatdoesthatmean?"hesaid.
"It'sallright,"thetallmansaid.Hemovedforward."IthinkIknowhim."Theshortman
followed,limping,terrific,crablike.Thetallmanhadagauntfacebeneathatwodays'stubble.His
eyeballslookeddirty,too,withastrained,glaringexpression.Heworeadirtyhelmetofcheap,thin
cloth,thoughitwasJanuary.Hisgoggleswereworn,butevenwecouldtellthattheyweregood
ones.Buttheneverybodyquitlookingathimtolookattheshortman;later,whenweolderpeople
sawhim,wesaidamongourselvesthathehadthemosttragicfacewehadeverseen;an
expressionofoutragedandconvincedandindomitabledespair,likethatofamancarryingthrough
choiceabombwhich,atacertainhoureachday,mayormaynotexplode.Hehadanosewhich
wouldhavebeenoutofproportiontoamansixfeettall.Asshapedbyhisclosehelmet,theentire
upperhalfofhisheaddowntotheendofhisnosewouldhavefittedasixfootbody.Butbelowthat,
belowalaterallinebisectinghisheadfromtheendofhisnosetothebackofhisskull,hisjaw,the
restofhisface,wasnottwoinchesdeep.Hisjawwasalong,flatlineclappingtobeneathhisnose
likethejawofashark,sothatthetipofhisnoseandthetipofhisjawalmosttouched.
Hisgogglesweremerelyflatpiecesofwindowglassheldinfeltframes.Hishelmetwas
leather.Downthebackofit,fromthetoptothehem,wasalongsavagetear,heldtogethertopand
bottombystripsofadhesivetapealmostblackwithdirtandgrease.
Fromaroundthecornerofthebarntherenowappearedathirdman,againwiththatabrupt
immobility,asthoughhehadmaterializedthereoutofthinair;thoughwhentheysawhimhewas
alreadymovingtowardthegroup.Heworeanovercoataboveaneatciviliansuit;heworeacap.
Hewasalittletallerthanthelimpingman,andbroad,heavilybuilt.
Hewashandsomeinadull,quietway;fromhisface,amanofinfrequentspeech.Whenhe
cameupthespectatorssawthathe,likethelimpingman,wasalsoaJew.Thatis,theyknewat
oncethattwoofthestrangerswereofadifferentracefromthemselves,withoutbeingabletosay
whatthedifferencewas.Theboywhohadfirstspokenprobablyrevealedbyhisnextspeechwhat
theythoughtthedifferencewas.He,aswellastheotherboys,waswatchingthemanwholimped.
 "Wereyouinthewar?"theboysaid."Intheairwar?"
Thelimpingmandidnotanswer.Bothheandthetallmanwerewatchingthegate.The
spectatorslookedalsoandsawacarenterthegateandcomedowntheedgeofthefieldtoward
them.Threemengotoutofthecarandapproached.
Againthelimpingmanspokequietlytothetallman:"Isthatone?"
"No,"thetallmansaid,withoutlookingattheother.Hewatchedthenewcomers,looking
fromfacetoface.Hespoketotheoldestofthethree."Morning,"hesaid."Yourunthisfield?"
"No,"thenewcomersaid."YouwantthesecretaryoftheFairAssociation.He'sintown."
"Anychargetouseit?"
"Idon'tknow.Ireckonthey'llbegladtohaveyouuseit."
"Goonandpaythem,"thelimpingmansaid.
Thethreenewcomerslookedattheairplanewiththatblank,knowing,respectfulairof
groundlings.Itrearedonitsmuddywheels,thepropellermotionless,rigid,withaqualityimmobile
andpoisedanddynamic.Thenosewasbigwithengine,thewingstaut,thefuselagestreakedwith
oilbehindtherustingexhaustpipes."Goingtodosomebusinesshere?"theoldestonesaid.
"Putyouonashow,"thetallmansaid.
"Whatkindofshow?"
"Anythingyouwant.Wingwalking;deathdrag."
"What'sthat?Deathdrag?"
"Dropamanontothetopofacaranddraghimoffagain.Biggerthecrowd,themoreyou'll
get."
"Youwillgetyourmoney'sworth,"thelimpingmansaid.
Theboysstillwatchedhim."Wereyouinthewar?"thefirstboysaid.
Thethirdstrangerhadnotspokenuptothistime.Henowsaid:"Let'sgetontotown."
"Right,"thetallmansaid.Hesaidgenerally,inhisflat,deadvoice,thesamevoicewhich
thethreestrangersallseemedtouse,asthoughitweretheircommonlanguage:"Wherecanwe
getataxi?Gotoneintown?"
"We'lltakeyoutotown,"themenwhohadcomeupinthecarsaid.
"We'llpay,"thelimpingmansaid.
"Gladtodoit,"thedriverofthecarsaid."Iwon'tchargeyouanything.Youwanttogo
now?"
"Sure,"thetallmansaid.Thethreestrangersgotintothebackseat,theotherthreeinfront.
Threeoftheboysfollowedthemtothecar.
"Lemmehangontotown,Mr.Black?"oneoftheboyssaid.
"Hangon,"thedriversaid.Theboysgotontotherunningboards.Thecarreturnedtotown.
Thethreeinfrontcouldhearthethreestrangerstalkingintheback.Theytalkedquietly,inlow,
deadvoices,somehowquietandurgent,discussingsomethingamongthemselves,thetallman
andthehandsomeonedoingmostofthetalking.Thethreeinfrontheardonlyonespeechfromthe
limpingman:"Iwon'ttakeless..."
"Sure,"thetallmansaid.Heleanedforwardandraisedhisvoicealittle:"WhereI'llfindthis
Jones,thissecretary?"
Thedrivertoldhim.
"Isthenewspaperortheprintingshopnearthere?Iwantsomehandbills."
"I'llshowyou,"thedriversaid."I'llhelpyougetfixedup."
"Fine,"thetallmansaid."ComeoutthisafternoonandI'llgiveyouaride,ifIhavetime."
Thecarstoppedatthenewspaperoffice."Youcangetyourhandbillshere,"thedriversaid.
"Good,"thetallmansaid."IsJones'sofficeonthisstreet?"
"I'lltakeyouthere,too,"thedriversaid.
 "Youseeabouttheeditor,"thetallmansaid."IcanfindJones,Iguess."Theygotoutofthe
car."I'llcomebackhere,"thetallmansaid.Hewentondownthestreet,swiftly,inhisdirtycoverall
andhelmet.Twoothermenhadjoinedthegroupbeforethenewspaperoffice.Theyallentered,the
limpingmanleading,followedbythethreeboys.
"Iwantsomehandbills,"thelimpingmansaid."Likethisone."Hetookfromhispocketa
foldedsheetofpinkpaper.
Heopenedit;theeditor,theboys,thefivemen,leanedtoseeit.Theletteringwasblack
andbold:DEMONDUNCANDAREDEVILOFTHEAIRDEATHDEFYINGSHOWWILLBEGIVEN
UNDERTHEAUSPICESOFTHISP.M.ATTWOP.M.

COMEONECOMEALLANDSEEDEMONDUNCAN

DEFYDEATHINDEATHDROP&DRAGOFDEATH
"Iwanttheminonehour,"thelimpingmansaid.
"Whatyouwantinthisblankspace?"theeditorsaid.
"Whatyougotinthistown?"
"Whatwegot?"
"Whatauspices?AmericanLegion?RotaryClub?ChamberofCommerce?"
"Wegotallofthem."
"I'lltellyouwhichoneinaminute,then,"thelimpingmansaid."Whenmypartnergets
back."
"Youhavetohaveaguaranteebeforeyouputontheshow,doyou?"theeditorsaid.
"Why,sure.DoyouthinkIshouldputonadaredevilwithoutauspices?DoyouthinkI
shouldforanickelmaybejumpofftheairplane?"
"Who'sgoingtojump?"oneofthelatercomerssaid;hewasataxidriver.
Thelimpingmanlookedathim."Don'tyouworryaboutthat,"hesaid."Yourbusinessisjust
topaythemoney.Wewilldoallthejumpingyouwant,ifyoupayenough."
"Ijustaskedwhichoneofyouallwasthejumper."
"DoIaskyouwhetheryoupaymeinsilveroringreenbacks?"thelimpingmansaid."DoI
askyou?"
"No,"thetaxidriversaid.
"Aboutthesebills,"theeditorsaid."Yousaidyouwantedtheminanhour."
"Can'tyoubeginonthem,andleavethatpartoutuntilmypartnercomesback?"
"Supposehedon'tcomebeforetheyarefinished?"
"Well,thatwon'tbemyfault,willit?"
"Allright,"theeditorsaid."Justsoyoupayforthem."
"Youmean,Ishouldpaywithoutaauspicesonthehandbill?"
"Iain'tinthisbusinessforfun,"theeditorsaid.
"We'llwait,"thelimpingmansaid
Theywaited.
"Wereyouaflyerinthewar,Mister?"theboysaid.
Thelimpingmanturnedupontheboyhislong,misshapen,tragicface."Thewar?Why
shouldIflyinawar?"
"Ithoughtmaybebecauseofyourleg.CaptainWarrenlimps,andheflewinthewar.I
reckonyoujustdoitforfun?"
"Forfun?Whatforfun?Fly?GrussGott.Ihateit,Iwishthemanwhatinventedthemwas
here;IwouldputhimintothatmachineyonderandIwouldprintonhisback,Donotdoit,one
thousandtimes."
"Whydoyoudoit,then?"themanwhohadenteredwiththetaxidriversaid.
 "BecauseofthatRepublicanCoolidge.Iwasinbusiness,andthatCoolidgeruined
business;ruinedit.That'swhy.Forfun?GrussGott."
Theylookedatthelimpingman."Isupposeyouhavealicense?"thesecondlatecomer
said.
Thelimpingmanlookedathim."Alicense?"
"Don'tyouhavetohavealicensetofly?"
"Oh;alicense.Fortheairplanetofly;sure,Iunderstand.Sure.Wegotone.Youwantto
seeit?"
"You'resupposedtoshowittoanybodythatwantstoseeit,aren'tyou?"
"Why,sure.Youwanttoseeit?"
"Whereisit?"
"Whereshoulditbe?It'snailedtotheairplane,wherethegovernmentputit.Didyou
thoughtmaybeitwasnailedtome?DidyouthoughtmaybeIhadaengineonmeandmaybe
wings?It'sontheairplane.Callataxiandgototheairplaneandlookatit."
"Irunataxi,"thedriversaid.
"Well,runit.Takethisgentlemanouttothefieldwherehecanlookatthelicenseonthe
airplane."
"It'llbeaquarter,"thedriversaid.Butthelimpingmanwasnotlookingatthedriver.Hewas
leaningagainstthecounter.Theywatchedhimtakeastickofgumfromhispocketandpeelit.
Theywatchedhimputthegumintohismouth."Isaidit'llbeaquarter,Mister,"thedriversaid.
"Wasyoutalkingtome?"thelimpingmansaid.
"Ithoughtyouwantedataxiouttotheairport."
"Me?Whatfor?WhatdoIwanttogoouttotheairportfor?Ijustcomefromthere.Iain'tthe
onethatwantstoseethatlicense.Ihavealreadyseenit.Iwastherewhenthegovernmentnailedit
ontotheairplane."

II

CAPTAINWARREN,theexarmyflyer,wascomingoutofthestore,wherehemetthetallmanin
thedirtycoverall.CaptainWarrentoldaboutitinthebarbershopthatnight,whentheairplanewas
gone.
"Ihadn'tseenhiminfourteenyears,notsinceIleftEnglandforthefrontin'17.'Soitwas
youthatrolledoutofthatloopwithtwopassengersandatwentymodelHissosmokepot?'Isaid.
"'Whoelsesawme?'hesaid.Sohetoldmeaboutit,standingthere,lookingoverhis
shouldereverynowandthen.Hewassick;amanstoppedbehindhimtoletacoupleofladies
pass,andJockwhirledlikehemighthaveshotthemanifhe'dhadagun,andwhilewewereinthe
cafesomeoneslammedadooratthebackandIthoughthewouldcomeoutofhismonkeysuit.
It'salittlenervoustroubleI'vegot,'hetoldme.I'mallright.'Ihadtriedtogethimtocomeouthome
withmefordinner,buthewouldn't.Hesaidthathehadtokindofjumphimselfandeatbeforehe
knewit,sortof.Wehadstarteddownthestreetandwewerepassingtherestaurantwhenhesaid:
'I'mgoingtoeat,'andheturnedandduckedinlikearabbitandsatdownwithhisbacktothewall
andtoldVernontobringhimthequickestthinghehad.Hedrankthreeglassesofwaterandthen
Vernonbroughthimamilkbottlefullandhedrankmostofthatbeforethedinnercameupfromthe
kitchen.Whenhetookoffhishelmet,Isawthathishairwasprettynearwhite,andheisyounger
thanIam.Orhewas,uptherewhenwewereinCanadatraining.Thenhetoldmewhatthename
ofhisnervoustroublewas.ItwasnamedGinsfarb.Thelittleone;theonethatjumpedoffthe
ladder."
"Whatwasthetrouble?"weasked."Whatweretheyafraidof?"
 "Theywereafraidofinspectors,"Warrensaid."Theyhadnolicensesatall."
"Therewasoneontheairplane."
"Yes.Butitdidnotbelongtothatairplane.Thatonehadbeengroundedbyaninspector
whenGinsfarbboughtit.Thelicensewasforanotherairplanethathadbeenwrecked,andsome
onehadhelpedGinsfarbcompoundanotherfelonybysellingthelicensetohim.Jockhadlosthis
licenseabouttwoyearsagowhenhecrashedabigplanefullofFourthofJulyholidayers.Twoof
theenginesquit,andhehadtoland.Theairplanesmashedupsomeandbrokeagasline,but
eventhentheywouldhavebeenallrightifapassengerhadn'tgotscared(itwasaboutdusk)and
struckamatch.
Jockwasnotsomuchtoblame,butthepassengersallburnedtodeath,andthe
governmentisstrict.Sohecouldn'tgetalicense,andhecouldn'tmakeGinsfarbevenpaytotake
outaparachuterigger'slicense.Sotheyhadnolicenseatall;iftheywereevercaught,they'dallgo
tothepenitentiary."
"Nowonderhishairwaswhite,"someonesaid.
"Thatwasn'twhatturneditwhite,"Warrensaid."I'lltellyouaboutthat.Sothey'dgotolittle
townslikethisone,fast,findoutiftherewasanybodythatmightcatchthem,andiftherewasn't,
they'dputontheshowandthenclearoutandgotoanothertown,stayingawayfromthecities.
They'dcomeinandgethandbillsprintedwhileJockandtheotheronewouldtrytoget
underwrittenbysomelocalorganization.Theywouldn'tletGinsfarbdothispart,becausehe'dstick
outforhispricetoolongandthey'dbeafraidtoriskit.Sotheothertwowoulddothis,getwhatthey
could,andiftheycouldnotgetwhatGinsfarbtoldthemto,they'dtakewhattheycouldandthentry
tokeepGinsfarbfooleduntilitwastoolate.Well,thistimeGinsfarbkickedup.Iguesstheyhad
doneittoomuchonhim.
"SoImetJockonthestreet.Helookedbad;Iofferedhimadrink,buthesaidhecouldn't
evensmokeanymore.Allhecoulddowasdrinkwater;hesaidheusuallydrankaboutagallon
duringthenight,gettingupforit.
"'Youlooklikeyoumighthavetojumpyourselftosleep,too,'Isaid.
"'No,Isleepfine.Thetroubleis,thenightsaren'tlongenough.I'dliketoliveattheNorth
PolefromSeptembertoApril,andattheSouthPolefromApriltoSeptember.Thatwouldjustsuit
me.'
"'Youaren'tgoingtolastlongenoughtogetthere,'Isaid.
"'Iguessso.It'sagoodengine.Iseetothat.'
"'Imean,you'llbeinjail.'
"Thenhesaid:'Doyouthinkso?DoyouguessIcould?'
"Wewentontothecafe.Hetoldmeabouttheracket,andshowedmeoneofthoseDemon
Duncanhandbills.
'DemonDuncan?'Isaid.
"'Whynot?WhowouldpaytoseeamannamedGinsfarbjumpfromaship?'
"'I'dpaytoseethatbeforeI'dpaytoseeamannamedDuncandoit,'Isaid.
"Hehadn'tthoughtofthat.Thenhebegantodrinkwater,andhetoldmethatGinsfarbhad
wantedahundreddollarsforthestunt,butthatheandtheotherfellowonlygotsixty.
"'Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?'Isaid.
"'Trytokeephimfooledandgetthisthingoverandgettohellawayfromhere,'hesaid.
"'WhichoneisGinsfarb?'Isaid.'Thelittleonethatlookslikeashark?'
"Thenhebegantodrinkwater.Heemptiedmyglasstooatoneshotandtappeditonthe
table.Vernonbroughthimanotherglass.'Youmustbethirsty,'Vernonsaid.
"'Haveyougotapitcherofit?'Jocksaid.
"'Icouldfillyouamilkbottle.'
 "'Let'shaveit,'Jocksaid.'AndgivemeanotherglasswhileI'mwaiting.'Thenhetoldme
aboutGinsfarb,whyhishairhadturnedgray.
"'Howlonghaveyoubeendoingthis?'Isaid.
"'Eversincethe26thofAugust.'
"'ThisisjustJanuary,'Isaid.
"'Whataboutit?'
"'The26thofAugustisnotsixmonthspast.'"
Helookedatme.Vernonbroughtthebottleofwater.
Jockpouredaglassanddrankit.Hebegantoshake,sittingthere,shakingandsweating,
tryingtofilltheglassagain.
Thenhetoldmeaboutit,talkingfast,fillingtheglassanddrinking.
"Jake(theotherone'snameisJakesomething;thegoodlookingone)drivesthecar,the
rentedcar.Ginsfarbswapsontothecarfromtheladder.Jocksaidhewouldhavetoflytheship
intopositionoveraFordoraChevroletrunningonthreecylinders,tryingtokeepGinsfarbfrom
jumpingfromtwentyorthirtyfeetawayinordertosavegasolineintheshipandintherentedcar.
Ginsfarbgoesoutonthebottomwingwithhisladder,fastenstheladderontoastrut,hookshimself
intotheotherendoftheladder,anddropsoff;everybodyonthegroundthinksthathehasdone
whattheyallcametosee:fallenoffandkilledhimself.That'swhathecallshisdeathdrop.Thenhe
swapsfromtheladderontothetopofthecar,andtheshipcomesbackandhecatchestheladder
andisdraggedoffagain.That'shisdeathdrag.
"Well,uptillthedaywhenJock'shairbegantoturnwhite,Ginsfarb,asamatterof
economy,woulddoitallatonce;hewouldgetintopositionabovethecaranddropoffonhis
ladderandthenmakecontactwiththecar,andsometimesJocksaidtheshipwouldnotbeinthe
airthreeminutes.Well,onthisdaytherentedcarwasabumorsomething;anyway,Jockhadto
circlethefieldfourorfivetimeswhilethecarwasgettingintoposition,andGinsfarb,seeinghis
moneybeingblownouttheexhaustpipes,finallyrefusedtowaitforJock'ssignalanddroppedoff
anyway.Itwasallright,onlythedistancebetweentheshipandthecarwasnotaslongastherope
ladder.SoGinsfarbhitonthecar,andJockhadjustenoughsouptozoomanddragGinsfarb,still
ontheladder,overahighpowerelectricline,andheheldtheshipinthatclimbfortwentyminutes
whileGinsfarbclimbedbackuptheladderwithhislegbroken.Heheldtheshipinaclimbwithhis
knees,withthethrottlewideopenandtheenginerevvingaboutelevenhundred,whilehereached
backandopenedthatcupboardbehindthecockpitanddraggedoutasuitcaseandproppedthe
sticksohecouldgetoutonthewinganddragGinsfarbbackintotheship.
HegotGinsfarbintheshipandonthegroundagainandGinsfarbsays:'Howfardidwe
go?'andJocktoldhimtheyhadflownwithfullthrottleforthirtyminutesandGinsfarbsays:'Willyou
ruinmeyet?'"

III

THERESTofthisiscomposite.Itiswhatwe(groundlings,dwellersinandbackboneofasmall
towninterchangeablewithandduplicateoftenthousandlittledeadclottingsofhumanlifeaboutthe
land)saw,refinedandclarifiedbytheexpert,themanwhohadhimselfseenhisownlonelyand
scuddingshadowuponthefaceofthepunyandremoteearth.
Thethreestrangersarrivedatthefield,intherentedcar.
Whentheygotoutofthecar,theywerearguingintense,deadvoices,thepilotandthe
handsomemanagainstthemanwholimped.CaptainWarrensaidtheywerearguingaboutthe
money.
 "Iwanttoseeit,"Ginsfarbsaid.Theystoodclose;thehandsomemantooksomethingfrom
hispocket.
"There.Thereitis.See?"hesaid.
"Letmecountitmyself,"Ginsfarbsaid.
"Comeon,comeon,"thepilothissed,inhisdead,tensevoice."Wetellyouwegotthe
money!Doyouwantaninspectortowalkinandtakethemoneyandtheshiptooandputusinjail?
Lookatallthesepeoplewaiting."
"Youfooledmebefore,"Ginsfarbsaid.
"Allright,"thepilotsaid."Giveittohim.Givehimhisshiptoo.Andhecanpayforthecar
whenhegetsbacktotown.Wecangetaridein;there'satrainoutofhereinfifteenminutes."
"Youfooledmeoncebefore,"Ginsfarbsaid.
"Butwe'renotfoolingyounow.Comeon.Lookatallthesepeople."
Theymovedtowardtheairplane,Ginsfarblimpingterrifically,hisbackstubborn,hisface
tragic,outraged,cold.
Therewasagoodcrowd:countrypeopleinoveralls;themenageneraldarkclumpagainst
whichthebrightdressesofthewomen,theyounggirls,showed.Thesmallboysandseveralmen
werealreadysurroundingtheairplane.Wewatchedthelimpingmanbegintotakeobjectsfromthe
bodyofit:aparachute,aropeladder.Thehandsomemanwenttothepropeller.Thepilotgotinto
thebackseat.
"Off!"hesaid,suddenandsharp."Standback,folks.We'regoingtowringtheoldbird's
neck."
Theytriedthreetimestocranktheengine.
"Igotamule,Mister,"acountrymansaid."Howmuch'llyoupayforatow?"
Thethreestrangersdidnotlaugh.Thelimpingmanwasbusyattachingtheropeladderto
onewing.
"Youcan'ttellme,"acountrywomansaid."Evenheain'tthatbigafool."
Theenginestartedthen.Itseemedtoliftbodilyfromthegroundasmallboywhostood
behinditandblowhimasidelikealeaf.Wewatcheditturnandtrundledownthefield.
"Youcan'ttellmethatthing'sflying,"thecountrywomansaid."IreckontheLordgiveme
eyes.Icanseeitain'tflying.Youfolkshavebeenfooled."
"Wait,"anothervoicesaid."He'sgottoturnintothewind."
"Ain'tthereasmuchwindrightthereorrighthereasthereisdownyonder?"thewoman
said.Butitdidfly.Itturnedbacktowardus;thenoisebecamedeafening.Whenitcamebroadside
ontous,itdidnotseemtobegoing,yetwecouldseedaylightbeneaththewheelsandtheearth.
Butitwasnotgoingfast;itappearedrathertohanggentlyjustabovetheearthuntilwesaw
that,beyondandbeneathit,treesandearthinpanoramawerefleeingbackwardatdizzyspeed,
andthenittiltedandshotskywardwithanoiselikeacircularsawgoingintoawhiteoaklog."There
ain'tnobodyinit!"thecountrywomansaid."Youcan'ttellme!"
Thethirdman,thehandsomeoneinthecap,hadgotintotherentedcar.Weallknewit:a
batteredthingwhichtheownerwouldrenttoanyonewhowouldmakeadepositoftendollars.He
drovetotheendofthefield,faceddowntherunway,andstopped.Welookedbackattheairplane.
Itwashigh,comingbacktowardus;someonecriedsuddenly,hisvoicepunyandthin:"There!Out
onthewing!See?'
"Itain't!"thecountrywomansaid."Idon'tbelieveit!"
"Yousawthemgetinit,"someonesaid.
"Idon'tbelieveit!"thewomansaid.
Thenwesighed;wesaid,"Aaahhhhhhh";beneaththewingoftheairplanetherewasa
fallingdot.Weknewitwasaman.Somewayweknewthatthatlonely,puny,fallingshapewasthat
ofalivingmanlikeourselves.Itfell.Itseemedtofallforyears,yetwhenitcheckedsuddenlyup
withoutvisibleropeorcord,itwaslessfarfromtheairplanethanwastheendofthedelicatepen
slashoftheprofiledwing.
"Itain'taman!"thewomanshrieked.
"Youknowbetter,"themansaid."Yousawhimgetinit."
"Idon'tcare!"thewomancried."Itain'taman!Youtakemerighthomethisminute!"
Therestishardtotell.Notbecausewesawsolittle;wesaweverythingthathappened,but
becausewehadsolittleinexperiencetopostulateitwith.Wesawthatbatteredrentedcarmoving
downthefield,goingfaster,jouncinginthebrokenJanuarymud,thenthesoundoftheairplane
blottedit,reducedittoimmobility;wesawthedanglingladderandthesharkfacedmanswinging
onitbeneaththedeathcoloredairplane.Theendoftheladderrakedrightacrossthetopofthe
car,fromendtoend,withthelimpingmanontheladderandthecappedheadofthehandsome
manleaningoutofthecar.Andtheendofthefieldwascomingnearer,andtheairplanewas
travellingfasterthanthecar,passingit.Andnothinghappened."Listen!"someonecried."Theyare
talkingtooneanother!"
CaptainWarrentolduswhattheyweretalkingabout,thetwoJewsyellingbackandforthat
oneanother:thesharkfacedmanonthedanglingladderthatlookedlikeacobweb,theotherone
inthecar;thefence,theendofthefield,comingcloser.
"Comeon!"themaninthecarshouted.
"Whatdidtheypay?"
"Jump!"
"Iftheydidn'tpaythathundred,Iwon'tdoit."
Thentheairplanezoomed,roaring,thedanglingfigureonthegossamerladderswinging
beneathit.Itcircledthefieldtwicewhilethemangotthecarintopositionagain.Againthecar
starteddownthefield;againtheairplanecamedownwithitswild;circularsawdronewhichdied
intoasplutterastheladderandtheclingingmanswunguptothecarfrombehind;againweheard
thetwopunyvoicesshriekingatoneanotherwithaqualityatonceludicrousandhorrible:theone
comingoutoftheveryairitself,shriekingaboutsomethingsweatedoutoftheearthandwithout
valueanywhereelse:"Howmuchdidyousay?"
"Jump!"
"What?Howmuchdidtheypay?"
"Nothing!Jump!"
"Nothing?"themanontheladderwailedinafading,outragedshriek."Nothing?"Againthe
airplanewasdraggingtheladderirrevocablypastthecar,approachingtheendofthefield,the
fences,thelongbarnwithitsrottingroof.SuddenlywesawCaptainWarrenbesideus;hewas
usingwordswehadneverheardhimuse.
"He'sgotthestickbetweenhisknees,"CaptainWarrensaid."Exaltedsuzerainofmankind;
saccharineandsacredsymbolofeternalrest."Wehadforgotaboutthepilot,themanstillinthe
airplane.Wesawtheairplane,tiltedupward,thepilotstandinguprightinthebackseat,leaning
overthesideandshakingbothhandsatthemanontheladder.Wecouldhearhimyellingnowas
againthemanontheladderwasdraggedoverthecarandpastit,shrieking:"Iwon'tdoit!Iwon't
doit!"Hewasstillshriekingwhentheairplanezoomed;wesawhim,adiminishingandshrieking
spotagainsttheskyabovethelongroofofthebarn:"Iwon'tdoit!Iwon'tdoit!"Before,whenthe
specklefttheairplane,falling,tobesnubbedupbytheladder,weknewthatitwasalivingman;
again,whenthespecklefttheladder,falling,weknewthatitwasalivingman,andweknewthat
therewasnoladdertosnubhimupnow.Wesawhimfallingagainstthecold,emptyJanuarysky
untilthesilhouetteofthebarnabsorbedhim;evenfromhere,hisattitudefroglike,outraged,
implacable.Fromsomewhereinthecrowdawomanscreamed,thoughthesoundwasblottedout
bythesoundoftheairplane.Itrearedskywardwithitswild,tearingnoise,theemptyladderswept
backwardbeneathit.
 Thesoundoftheenginewaslikeagroan,agroanofreliefanddespair.

IV

CAPTAINWARRENtoldusinthebarbershoponthatSaturdaynight.
"Didhereallyjumpoff,ontothatbarn?"weaskedhim.
"Yes.Hejumped.Hewasn'tthinkingaboutbeingkilled,orevenhurt.That'swhyhewasn't
hurt.Hewastoomad,tooinahurrytoreceivejustice.Hecouldn'twaittoflybackdown.
Providenceknewthathewastoobusyandthathedeservedjustice,soProvidenceputthatbarn
therewiththerottingroof.Hewasn'teventhinkingabouthittingthebarn;ifhe'dtriedto,letgoof
hisbeliefinacosmicbalancetobotheraboutlanding,hewouldhavemissedthebarnandkilled
himself."
Itdidn'thurthimatall,saveforalongscratchonhisfacethatbledalot,andhisovercoat
wastorncompletelydowntheback,asthoughtheteardownthebackofthehelmethadrunon
downtheovercoat.Hecameoutofthebarnrunningbeforewegottoit.Hehobbledrightamong
us,withhisbloodyface,hisarmswaving,hiscoatdanglingfromeithershoulder.
"Whereisthatsecretary?"hesaid.
"Whatsecretary?"
"ThatAmericanLegionsecretary."Hewenton,limpingfast,towardwhereacrowdstood
aboutthreewomenwhohadfainted."Yousaidyouwouldpayahundreddollarstoseemeswapto
thatcar.Wepayrentonthecarandall,andnowyouwould..."
"Yougotsixtydollars,"someonesaid.
Themanlookedathim."Sixty?Isaidonehundred.Thenyouwouldletmebelieveitwas
onehundredanditwasjustsixty;youwouldseemeriskmylifeforsixtydollars..."Theairplane
wasdown;noneofuswereawareofituntilthepilotsprangsuddenlyuponthemanwholimped.
Hejerkedthemanaroundandknockedhimdownbeforewecouldgraspthepilot.Weheld
thepilot,struggling,crying,thetearsstreakinghisdirty,unshavenface.CaptainWarrenwas
suddenlythere,holdingthepilot.
"Stopit!"hesaid."Stopit!"
Thepilotceased.HestaredatCaptainWarren,thenheslumpedandsatonthegroundin
histhin,dirtygarment,withhisunshavenface,dirty,gaunt,withhissickeyes,crying."Goaway,"
CaptainWarrensaid."Lethimaloneforaminute."
Wewentaway,backtotheotherman,theonewholimped.Theyhadliftedhimandhe
drewthetwohalvesofhisovercoatforwardandlookedatthem.Thenhesaid:"Iwantsome
chewinggum."
Someonegavehimastick.Anotherofferedhimacigarette."Thanks,"hesaid."Idon'tburn
upnomoney.Iain'tgotenoughofityet."Heputthegumintohismouth."Youwouldtake
advantageofme.IfyouthoughtIwouldriskmylifeforsixtydollars,youfoolyourself."
"Givehimtherestofit,"someonesaid."Here'smyshare."
Thelimpingmandidnotlookaround."Makeituptoahundred,andIwillswaptothecar
likeonthehandbill,"hesaid.
Somewhereawomanscreamedbehindhim.Shebegantolaughandtocryatthesame
time."Don't..."shesaid,laughingandcryingatthesametime."Don'tlet..."untiltheyledheraway.
Stillthelimpingmanhadnotmoved.
HewipedhisfaceonhiscuffandhewaslookingathisbloodysleevewhenCaptain
Warrencameup.
"Howmuchisheshort?"Warrensaid.TheytoldWarren.
Hetookoutsomemoneyandgaveittothelimpingman.
 "YouwantIshouldswaptothecar?"hesaid.
"No,"Warrensaid."Yougetthatcrateoutofherequickasyoucan."
"Well,that'syourbusiness,"thelimpingmansaid."IgotwitnessesIofferedtoswap."He
moved;wemadewayandwatchedhim,inhisseveredanddanglingovercoat,approachthe
airplane.Itwasontherunway,theenginerunning.Thethirdmanwasalreadyinthefrontseat.We
watchedthelimpingmancrawlterrificallyinbesidehim.Theysatthere,lookingforward.
Thepilotbegantogetup.Warrenwasstandingbesidehim."Groundit,"Warrensaid."You
arecominghomewithme."
"Iguesswe'dbettergeton,"thepilotsaid.HedidnotlookatWarren.Thenheputouthis
hand."Well..."hesaid.
Warrendidnottakehishand."Youcomeonhomewithme,"hesaid.
"Who'dtakecareofthatbastard?"
"Whowantsto?"
"I'llgethimright,someday.WhereIcanbeathelloutofhim."
"Jock,"Warrensaid.
"No,"theothersaid.
"Haveyougotanovercoat?"
"SureIhave."
"You'realiar."Warrenbegantopulloffhisovercoat.
"No,"theothersaid;"Idon'tneedit."Hewentontowardthemachine."Seeyousome
time,"hesaidoverhisshoulder.
Wewatchedhimgetin,heardanairplanecometolife,comealive.Itpassedus,alreadyoff
theground.Thepilotjerkedhishandonce,stiffly;thetwoheadsinthefrontseatdidnotturnnor
move.Thenitwasgone,thesoundwasgone.
Warrenturned."Whataboutthatcartheyrented?"hesaid.
"Hegivemeaquartertotakeitbacktotown,"aboysaid.
"Canyoudriveit?"
"Yes,sir.Idroveitouthere.Ishowedhimwheretorentit."
"Theonethatjumped?"
"Yes,sir."Theboylookedalittleaside."OnlyI'malittlescaredtotakeitback.Idon't
reckonyoucouldcomewithme."
"Why,scared?"Warrensaid.
"Thatfellowneverpaidnothingdownonit,likeMr.Harriswanted.HetoldMr.Harrishe
mightnotuseit,butifhediduseitinhisshow,hewouldpayMr.Harristwentydollarsforitinstead
oftenlikeMr.Harriswanted.HetoldmetotakeitbackandtellMr.Harrisheneverusedthecar,
AndIdon'tknowifMr.Harriswilllikeit.Hemightgetmad."

Elly

BORDERINGTHESHEERDROPoftheprecipice,thewoodenrailinglookedlikeachild'stoy.It
followedthecurvingroadinthreadlikeembrace,passingthecarinaflimsyblur.
Thenitflickedbehindandawaylikeatautribboncutwithscissors.
Thentheypassedthesign,thefirstsign,MillsCity6miandEllythought,withmusingand
irrevocableastonishment,'Nowwearealmostthere.Itistoolatenow';lookingatPaulbesideher,
hishandsonthewheel,hisfaceinprofileashewatchedthefleeingroad.Shesaid,"Well.What
canIdotomakeyoumarryme,Paul?"thinking'Therewasamanplowinginthatfield,watchingus
whenwecameoutofthosewoodswithPaulcarryingthemotorrobe,andgotbackintothecar,'
thinkingthisquietly,withacertaindetachmentandinattention,becausetherewassomethingelse
abouttoobliterateit.'SomethingdreadfulthatIhaveforgottenabout,'shethought,watchingthe
swiftandincreasingsignswhichbroughtMillsCitynearerandnearer.'SomethingterriblethatI
shallrememberinaminute,'sayingaloud,quietly:"There'snothingelseIcandonow,isthere?"
StillPauldidnotlookather."No,"hesaid."There'snothingelseyoucando."
Thensherememberedwhatitwasshehadforgotten.Sherememberedhergrandmother,
thinkingoftheoldwomanwithherdeadhearingandherinescapablecoldeyeswaitingatMills
City,withamazedandquietdespair:'HowcouldIhaveeverforgotabouther?HowcouldIhave?
HowcouldI?'
Shewaseighteen.ShelivedinJefferson,twohundredmilesaway,withherfatherand
motherandgrandmother,inabiggishhouse.Ithadadeepverandawithscreeningvinesandno
lights.Inthisshadowshehalflayalmostnightlywithadifferentman;youthsandyoungmenofthe
townatfirst,butlaterwithalmostanyone,anytransientinthesmalltownwhomshemetbyeither
conventionorbychance,providedhisappearancewasdecent.Shewouldneverrideintheircars
withthematnight,andpresentlytheyallbelievedthattheyknewwhy,thoughtheydidnotalways
giveuphopeatonceuntilthecourthouseclockstruckeleven.Thenforperhapsfiveminuteslonger
they(whohadbeenpracticallyspeechlessforanhourormore)wouldtalkinurgentwhispers:"You
mustgonow."
"No.Notnow."
"Yes.Now."
"Why?"
"Because.I'mtired.Iwanttogotobed."
"Isee.Sofar,andnomother.Isthatit?"
"Maybe."Intheshadownowshewouldbealert,cool,alreadyfled,withoutmoving,beyond
somesecretreserveoflaughter.Andhewouldleave,andshewouldenterthedarkhouseandlook
upatthesinglesquareoflightwhichfellupontheupperhallway,andchangecompletely.Wearily
now,withthetreadalmostofanoldwoman,shewouldmountthestairsandpasstheopendoorof
thelightedroomwherehergrandmothersat,erect,anopenbookinherhands,facingthehall.
Usuallyshedidnotlookintotheroomwhenshepassed.Butnowandthenshedid.Thenforan
instanttheywouldlookfullatoneanother:theoldwomancold,piercing;thegirlweary,spent,her
face,herdarkdilatedeyes,filledwithimpotenthatred.Thenshewouldgoonandenterherown
roomandleanforatimeagainstthedoor,hearingthegrandmother'slightclickoffpresently,
sometimescryingsilentlyandhopelessly,whispering,"Theoldbitch.Theoldbitch."Thenthis
wouldpass.Shewouldundressandlookatherfaceinthemirror,examininghermouthnowpale
ofpaintandheavy,flattened(soshewouldbelieve)andwearyanddulledwithkissing,thinking'My
God.WhydoIdoit?Whatisthematterwithme?'thinkingofhowtomorrowshemustfacetheold
womanagainwiththemarkoflastnightuponhermouthlikebruises,withafeelingofthe
pointlessnessandemptinessoflifemoreprofoundthantherageorthesenseofpersecution.
ThenoneafternoonatthehomeofagirlfriendshemetPauldeMontigny.Afterhe
departedthetwogirlswerealone.Nowtheylookedatoneanotherquietly,liketwoswordsmen,
withveiledeyes.
"Soyoulikehim,doyou?"thefriendsaid."You'vegotqueertaste,haven'tyou?"
"Likewho?"Ellysaid."Idon'tknowwhoyouaretalkingabout."
"Ohyeah?"thefriendsaid."Youdidn'tnoticehishairthen.Likeaknittedcap.Andhislips.
Blubber,almost."Ellylookedather.
"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"Ellysaid.
"Nothing,"theothersaid.Sheglancedtowardthehall,thenshetookacigarettefromthe
frontofherdressandlitit."Idon'tknowanythingaboutit.Ijustheardit,too.Howhisunclekilleda
manoncethataccusedhimofhavingniggerblood."
"You'relying,"Ellysaid.
 Theotherexpelledsmoke."Allright.Askyourgrandmotherabouthisfamily.Didn'tshe
usedtoliveinLouisianatoo?"
"Whataboutyou?"Ellysaid."Youinvitedhimintoyourhouse."
"Iwasn'thidinthecloakcloset,kissinghim,though."
"Oh,yeah?"Ellysaid."Maybeyoucouldn't."
"Nottillyougotyourfaceoutoftheway,anyhow,"theothersaid.
ThatnightsheandPaulsatonthescreenedandshadowedveranda.Butateleveno'clock
itwasshewhowasurgentandtense:"No!No!Please.Please."
"Oh,comeon.Whatareyouafraidof?"
"Yes.I'mafraid.Go,please.Please."
"Tomorrow,then?"
"No.Nottomorroworanytime."
"Yes.Tomorrow."
Thistimeshedidnotlookinwhenshepassedhergrandmother'sdoor.Neitherdidshe
leanagainstherowndoortocry.Butshewaspanting,sayingaloudagainstthedoorinthin
exultation:"Anigger.Anigger.Iwonderwhatshewouldsayifsheknewaboutthat."
ThenextafternoonPaulwalkedupontotheveranda.
Ellywassittingintheswing,hergrandmotherinachairnearby.SheroseandmetPaulat
thesteps."Whydidyoucomehere?"shesaid."Whydidyou?"Thensheturnedandseemedto
watchherselfwalkingbeforehimtowardthethinoldwomansittingboltupright,sittingboltand
implacablychasteinthatsecretplace,peopledwithghosts,verylikelytoEllyatanygivenmoment
uncountableandunnamable,whomightwellhaveownedonesinglemouth.
Sheleaneddown,screaming:"ThisisMr.deMontigny,Grandmother!"
"What?"
"Mr.deMontigny!FromLouisiana!"shescreamed,andsawthegrandmother,without
movingbelowthehips,startviolentlybackwardasasnakedoestostrike.Thatwasinthe
afternoon.ThatnightEllyquittedtheverandaforthefirsttime.SheandPaulwereinacloseclump
ofshrubberyonthelawn;inthewildclosedark,forthatinstantEllywaslost,herbloodaloudwith
desperationandexultationandvindicationtoo,talkinginsideherattheverybrinkofsurrenderloud
asavoice:"Iwishshewereheretosee!Iwishshewereheretosee!"whensomething,therehad
beennosound,shoutedatherandshemadeamadawkwardmovementofrecovery.The
grandmotherstoodjustbehindandabovethem.Whenshehadarrived,howlongshehadbeen
there,theydidnotknow.Butthereshestood,sayingnothing,inthelonganticlimaxwhilePaul
departedwithouthasteandEllystood,thinkingstupidly,'Iamcaughtinsinwithoutevenhaving
timetosin.'Thenshewasinherroom,leaningagainstthedoor,tryingtostillherbreathing,
listeningforthegrandmothertomountthestairsandgotoherfather'sroom.Buttheoldwoman's
footstepsceasedatherowndoor.Ellywenttoherbedandlayuponitwithoutundressing,still
panting,thebloodstillaloud.'So,shethought,'itwillbetomorrow.Shewilltellhiminthemorning.'
Thenshebegantowrithe,totosslightlyfromsidetoside.'Ididn'tevenhaveachancetosin,'she
thought,withpantingandamazedregret.'ShethinksIdidandshewilltellthatIdid,yetIamstill
virgin.Shedrovemetoit,thenpreventedmeatthelastmoment.'Thenshewaslyingwiththesun
inhereyesstillfullydressed.'Soitwillbethismorning,today,shethoughtdully.'MyGod.How
couldI.HowcouldI.Idon'twantanyman,anything.'
Shewaswaitinginthediningroomwhenherfathercamedowntobreakfast.Hesaid
nothing,apparentlyknewnothing.'Maybeit'smothershetold,Ellythought.Butafterawhileher
mother,too,appearedanddepartedfortownalso,sayingnothing.'Soithasnotbeenyet,'she
thought,mountingthestairs.Hergrandmother'sdoorwasclosed."Whensheopenedit,theold
womanwassittingupinbed,readinganewspaper;shelookedup,cold,still,implacable,whileElly
screamedatherintheemptyhouse:"WhatelsecanIdo,inthislittledead,hopelesstown?I'll
work.Idon'twanttobeidle.Justfindmeajobanything,anywhere,sothatit'ssofarawaythatI'll
neverhavetohearthewordJeffersonagain."ShewasnamedforthegrandmotherAilanthia,
thoughtheoldwomanhadnotheardherownnameorhergranddaughter'soranyoneelse'sin
almostfifteenyearssavewhenitwasscreamedatherasEllynowscreamed:"Ithadn'teven
happenedlastnight!Won'tyoubelieveme?That'sit.Ithadn'tevenhappened!Atleast,Iwould
havehadsomething,something..."withtheotherwatchingherwiththatcold,fixed,immobile,
inescapablegazeoftheverydeaf."Allright!"Ellycried."I'llgetmarriedthen!Willyoubesatisfied
then?"
ThatafternoonshemetPauldowntown."Waseverythingallrightlastnight?"hesaid.
"Why,whatisit?Didthey"
"No.Paul,marryme."Theywereintherearofthedrugstore,partiallyconcealedbythe
prescriptioncounter,thoughanyonemightappearbehinditatanymoment.Sheleanedagainst
him,herfacewan,tense,herpaintedmouthlikeasavagescaruponit."Marryme.Oritwillbetoo
late,Paul."
"Idon'tmarrythem,"Paulsaid."Here.Pullyourselftogether."
Sheleanedagainsthim,rifewithpromise.Hervoicewaswanandurgent."Wealmostdid
lastnight.Ifyou'llmarryme,Iwill"
"Youwill,eh?Beforeorafter?"
"Yes.Now.Anytime."
"I'msorry,"hesaid.
"NotevenifIwillnow?"
"Comeon,now.Pullyourselftogether."
"Oh,Icanhearyou.ButIdon'tbelieveyou.AndIamafraidtotryandfindout."Shebegan
tocry.Hespokeinthinandmountingannoyance:"Stopit,Itellyou!"
"Yes.Allright.I'vestopped.Youwon't,then?Itellyou,itwillbetoolate."
"Hell,no.Idon'tmarrythem,Itellyou."
"Allright.Thenit'sgoodbye.Forever."
"That'sO.K.byme,too.Ifthat'showyoufeel.IfIeverseeyouagain,youknowwhatitwill
mean.Butnomarrying.AndI'llseenexttimethatwedon'thaveanyaudience,"
"Therewon'tbeanynexttime,"Ellysaid.
Thenextdayhewasgone.Aweeklater,herengagementwasintheMemphispapers.It
wastoayoungmanwhomshehadknownfromchildhood.Hewasassistantcashierinthebank,
whotheysaidwouldbepresidentofitsomeday.
Hewasagrave,soberyoungmanofimpeccablecharacterandhabits,whohadbeen
callingonherforaboutayearwithakindofplacidformality.Hetooksupperwiththefamilyeach
Sundaynight,andwheninfrequentroadshowscametotownhealwaysboughtticketsforhimself
andEllyandhermother.Whenhecalledonher,evenaftertheengagementwasannounced,they
didnotsitinthedarkswing.Perhapshedidnotknowthatanyonehadeversatinitinthe
darkness.Noonesatinitatallnow,andEllypassedthemonotonousroundofherdaysinakind
ofdullpeace.Sometimesatnightshecriedalittle,thoughnotoften;nowandthensheexamined
hermouthintheglassandcriedquietly,withquietdespairandresignation.'AnywayIcanlive
quietlynow,'shethought.'AtleastIcanliveouttherestofmydeadlifeasquietlyasifIwere
alreadydead.'
Thenoneday,withoutwarning,asthoughshe,too,hadacceptedthearmisticeandthe
capitulation,thegrandmotherdepartedtovisithersoninMillsCity.Hergoingseemedtoleavethe
housebiggerandemptierthanithadeverbeen,asifthegrandmotherhadbeentheonlyother
actuallylivingpersoninit.Thereweresewingwomeninthehousedailynow,makingthe
trousseau,yetEllyseemedtoherselftomovequietlyandaimlessly,inahiatuswithoutthoughtor
sense,fromemptyroomtoemptyroomgivinguponanidenticalprospecttoofamiliarandtoo
peacefultobeevensaddeninganylonger.Forlonghoursnowshewouldstandathermother's
bedroomwindow,watchingtheslowandinfinitesimalclematistendrilsastheycreptandoverflowed
upthescreenandontotheverandaroofwiththeaugmentingsummer.Twomonthspassedso;she
wouldbemarriedinthreeweeks.Thenonedayhermothersaid,"Yourgrandmotherwantsto
comehomeSunday.Whydon'tyouandPhilipdrivedowntoMillsCityandspendSaturdaynight
withyouruncle,andbringherbackSunday?"Fiveminuteslater,atthemirror,Ellylookedather
reflectionasyoulookatsomeonewhohasjustescapedafearfuldanger.'God,'shethought,'what
wasIabouttodo?WhatwasIabouttodo?'
WithinthehourshehadgotPaulonthetelephone,leavinghometodoit,takingwhat
precautionsforsecrecyherhastewouldaffordher.
"Saturdaymorning?"hesaid.
"Yes.I'lltellmotherPhi...hewantstoleaveearly,atdaylight.Theywon'trecognizeyouor
thecar.I'llbereadyandwecangetawayquick."
"Yes."Shecouldhearthewire,distance;shehadafeelingofexultation,escape."Butyou
knowwhatitmeans.IfIcomeback.WhatItoldyou."
"I'mnotafraid.Istilldon'tbelieveyou,butIamnotafraidtotryitnow."
Againshecouldhearthewire."I'mnotgoingtomarryyou,Elly."
"Allright,darling.ItellyouI'mnotafraidtotryitanymore.Exactlyatdaylight.I'llbe
waiting."
Shewenttothebank.AfteratimePhilipwasfreeandcametoherwhereshewaited,her
facetenseandwanbeneaththepaint,hereyesbrightandhard."Thereissomethingyoumustdo
forme.It'shardtoask,andIguessitwillbehardtodo."
"OfcourseI'lldoit.Whatisit?"
"GrandmotheriscominghomeSunday.MotherwantsyouandmetodrivedownSaturday
andbringherback."
"Allright.IcangetawaySaturday."
"Yes.Yousee,Itoldyouitwouldbehard.Idon'twantyoutogo."
"Don'twantmeto..."Helookedatherbright,almosthaggardface."Youwanttogoalone?"
Shedidn'tanswer,watchinghim.Suddenlyshecameandleanedagainsthimwithamovement
practiced,automatic.Shetookoneofhisarmsanddrewitaroundher."Oh,"hesaid."Isee.You
wanttogowithsomeoneelse."
"Yes.Ican'texplainnow.ButIwilllater.Butmotherwillneverunderstand.Shewon'tletme
gounlessshethinksitisyou."
"Isee."Hisarmwaswithoutlife;shehelditabouther.
"It'sanothermanyouwanttogowith."
Shelaughed,notloud,notlong."Don'tbefoolish.Yes.There'sanothermanintheparty.
Peopleyoudon'tknowandthatIdon'texpecttoseeagainbeforeIammarried.Butmotherwon't
understand.That'swhyImustaskyou.Willyoudoit?"
"Yes.It'sallright.Ifwecan'ttrustoneanother,wehaven'tgotanybusinessmarrying."
"Yes.Wemusttrustoneanother."Shereleasedhisarm.
Shelookedathimintently,speculatively,withacoldandcuriouscontempt."Andyou'lllet
motherbelieve..."
"Youcantrustme.Youknowthat."
"Yes.I'msureIcan."Suddenlysheheldoutherhand.
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye?"
Sheleanedagainsthimagain.Shekissedhim."Careful,"hesaid."Somebodymight..."
 "Yes.Untillater,then.UntilIexplain."Shemovedback,lookedathimabsently,
speculatively."ThisisthelasttroubleI'llevergiveyou,Iexpect.Maybethiswillbeworththatto
you.Goodbye."
ThatwasThursdayafternoon.OnSaturdaymorning,atdawn,whenPaulstoppedhiscar
beforethedarkhouse,sheseemedtomaterializeatonce,alreadyrunningacrossthelawn.She
sprangintothecarbeforehecoulddescendandopenthedoor,swirlingdownintotheseat,leaning
forwardandtautwithurgencyandflightlikeananimal."Hurry!"shesaid."Hurry!Hurry!Hurry!"
Butheheldthecaramomentlonger."Remember.ItoldyouwhatitmeantifIcameback.
O.K.?"
"Iheardyou.ItellyouI'mnotafraidtoriskitnow.Hurry!Hurry!"
Andthen,tenhourslater,withtheMillsCitysignsincreasingwithirrevocablediminishment,
shesaid,"Soyouwon'tmarryme?Youwon't?"
"Itoldyouthatallthetime."
"Yes.ButIdidn'tbelieveyou.Ididn'tbelieveyou.IthoughtthatwhenI...after...Andnow
thereisnothingelseIcando,isthere?"
"No,"hesaid.
"No,"sherepeated.Thenshebegantolaugh,hervoicebeginningtorise.
"Elly!"hesaid."Stopit,now!"
"Allright,"shesaid."Ijusthappenedtothinkaboutmygrandmother.Ihadforgottenher."
Pausingattheturnofthestair,EllycouldhearPaulandheruncleandaunttalkinginthe
livingroombelow.Shestoodquitestill,inanattitudealmostpensive,nunlike,virginal,asthough
posing,asthoughshehadescapedforthemomentintoaplacewhereshehadforgottenwhere
shecamefromandwheresheintendedtogo.Thenaclockinthehallstruckeleven,andshe
moved.Shewentonupthestairsquietlyandwenttothedoorofhercousin'sroom,whichshewas
tooccupyforthenight,andentered.Thegrandmothersatinalowchairbesidethedressingtable
litteredwiththefrivolousimpedimentaofayounggirl...bottles,powderpuffs,photographs,arowof
danceprogramsstuckintothemirrorframe.Ellypaused.Theylookedatoneanotherforafull
momentbeforetheoldwomanspoke:"Notcontentedwithdeceivingyourparentsandyourfriends,
youmustbringaNegrointomyson'shouseasaguest."
"Grandmother!"Ellysaid.
"Havingmesitdowntotablewithanegroman."
"Grandmother!"Ellycriedinthatthinwhisper,herfacehaggardandgrimaced.She
listened.Feet,voiceswerecomingupthestairs,heraunt'svoiceandPaul's."Hush!"Ellycried.
"Hush!"
"What?Whatdidyousay?"
Ellyrantothechairandstoopedandlaidherfingersontheoldwoman'sthinandbloodless
lipsand,onefuriouslyimportunateandtheotherfuriouslyimplacable,theyglaredeyetoeye
acrossthehandwhilethefeetandthevoicespassedthedoorandceased.Ellyremovedherhand.
Fromtherowoftheminthemirrorframeshejerkedoneofthecardswithitssilkencordandtiny
futilepencil.Shewroteonthebackofthecard.HeisnotanegrohewenttoVa.andHarvardand
everywhere.
Thegrandmotherreadthecard.Shelookedup."IcanunderstandHarvard,butnotVirginia.
Lookathishair,hisfingernails,ifyouneedproof.Idon't.Iknowthenamewhichhispeoplehave
borneforfourgenerations."Shereturnedthecard."Thatmanmustnotsleepunderthisroof."
Ellytookanothercardandscrawledswiftly.Heshall.Heismyguest.Iaskedhimhere.You
aremygrandmotheryouwouldnothavemetreatanyguestthatwaynotevenadog.
Thegrandmotherreadit.Shesatwiththecardinherhand."Heshallnotdrivemeto
Jefferson.Iwillnotputafootinthatcar,andyoushallnot.Wewillgohomeonthetrain.Noblood
ofmineshallridewithhimagain."
 Ellysnatchedanothercard,scrawledfuriously.Iwill.Youcannotstopme.Tryandstopme.
Thegrandmotherreadit.ShelookedatElly.Theyglaredatoneanother."ThenIwillhave
totellyourfather."
AlreadyEllywaswritingagain.Shethrustthecardathergrandmotheralmostbeforethe
pencilhadceased;theninthesamemotionshetriedtosnatchitback.Butthegrandmotherhad
alreadygraspedthecornerofitandnowtheyglaredatoneanother,thecardjoiningthemlikea
queerumbilicalcord."Letgo!"Ellycried."Letitgo!"
"Turnloose,"thegrandmothersaid.
"Wait,"Ellycriedthinly,whispering,tuggingatthecard,twistingit."Imadeamistake.I..."
Withanastonishingmovement,thegrandmotherbentthecardupasEllytriedtosnatchitfree.
"Ah,"shesaid,thenshereadaloud:Tellhim.Whatdoyouknow."So.Youdidn'tfinishit,I
see.WhatdoIknow?"
"Yes,"Ellysaid.Thenshebegantospeakinafiercewhisper:"Tellhim!Tellhimwewent
intoaclumpoftreesthismorningandstayedtheretwohours.Tellhim!"Thegrandmotherfolded
thecardcarefullyandquietly.Sherose.
"Grandmother!"Ellycried.
"Mystick,"thegrandmothersaid."There;againstthewall."
WhenshewasgoneEllywenttothedoorandturnedthelatchandrecrossedtheroom.
Shemovedquietly,gettingarobeofhercousin'sfromthecloset,andundressed,slowly,pausing
toyawnterrifically."God,I'mtired,"shesaidaloud,yawning.Shesatdownatthedressingtable
andbegantomanicurehernailswiththecousin'sequipment.Therewasasmallivoryclockonthe
dressingtable.Sheglancedatitnowandthen.
Thentheclockbelowstairsstruckmidnight.Shesatforamomentlongerwithherhead
aboveherglitteringnails,listeningtothefinalstroke.Thenshelookedattheivoryonebesideher.
'I'dhatetocatchatrainbyyou,'shethought.
Asshelookedatitherfacebeganagaintofillwiththewearydespairoftheafternoon.She
wenttothedoorandpassedintothedarkhall.Shestoodinthedarkness,onhernakedfeet,her
headbent,whimperingquietlytoherselfwithbemusedandchildishselfpity.'Everything'sagainst
me,'shethought.'Everything.'Whenshemoved,herfeetmadenosound.Shewalkedwithher
armsextendedintothedarkness.Sheseemedtofeelhereyeballsturningcompletelyandblankly
backintoherskullwiththeefforttosee.Sheenteredthebathroomandlockedthedoor.Then
hasteandurgencytookheragain.Sherantotheangleofthewallbeyondwhichtheguestroom
wasandstooped,cuppinghervoiceintotheanglewithherhands."Paul!"shewhispered,"Paul!"
holdingherbreathwhilethedyingandurgentwhisperfailedagainstthecoldplaster.Shestooped,
awkwardintheborrowedrobe,herblindeyesunceasinginthedarknesswithdartingdespair.She
rantothelavatory,foundthetapinthedarknessandtemperedthedripofwatertoaminorbut
penetratingmonotony.Thensheopenedthedoorandstoodjustwithinit.Sheheardtheclock
belowstairsstrikethehalfhour.Shehadnotstirred,shakingslowlyaswithcold,whenitstruck
one.
SheheardPaulassoonashelefttheguestroom.Sheheardhimcomedownthehall;she
heardhishandseektheswitch.
Whenitclickedon,shefoundthathereyeswereclosed.
"What'sthis?"Paulsaid.Heworeasuitofheruncle'spajamas."Whatthedevil..."
"Lockthedoor,"shewhispered.
"Likehell.Youfool.Youdamnedfool."
"Paul!"Sheheldhimasthoughsheexpectedhimtoflee.
Sheshutthedoorbehindhimandfumbledforthelatchwhenhecaughtherwrist.
"Letmeoutofhere!"hewhispered.
 Sheleanedagainsthim,shakingslowly,holdinghim.Hereyesshowednoirisatall."She's
goingtotelldaddy.She'sgoingtotelldaddytomorrow,Paul!"Betweenthewhispersthewater
drippeditsunhurriedminornote.
"Tellwhat?Whatdoessheknow?"
"Putyourarmsaroundme,Paul."
"Hell,no.Letgo.Let'sgetoutofhere."
"Yes.Youcanhelpit.Youcankeepherfromtellingdaddy."
"Howhelpit?Damnit,letmego!"
"Shewilltell,butitwon'tmatterthen.Promise.Paul.Sayyouwill."
"Marryyou?Isthatwhatyouaretalkingabout?ItoldyouyesterdayIwouldn't.Letmego,I
tellyou."
"Allright.Allright."Shespokeinaneagerwhisper."Ibelieveyounow.Ididn'tatfirst,butI
donow.Youneedn'tmarryme,then.Youcanhelpitwithoutmarryingme."Sheclungtohim,her
hair,herbody,richwithvoluptuousandfaintingpromise."Youwon'thavetomarryme.Willyoudo
it?"
"Dowhat?"
"Listen.Yourememberthatcurvewiththelittlewhitefence,whereitissofardowntothe
bottom?Whereifacarwentthroughthatlittlefence..."
"Yes.Whataboutit?"
"Listen.Youandshewillbeinthecar.Shewon'tknow,won'thavetimetosuspect.And
thatlittleoldfencewouldn'tstopanythingandtheywillallsayitwasanaccident.Sheisold;it
wouldn'ttakemuch;maybeeventheshockandyouareyoungandmaybeitwon'teven...Paul!
Paul!"
Witheachwordhervoiceseemedtofaintanddie,speakingwithadyingcadenceoutof
urgencyanddespairwhilehelookeddownatherblanchedface,athereyesfilledwithdesperate
andvoluptuouspromise."Paul!"
"Andwherewillyoubeallthistime?"Shedidn'tstir,herfacelikeasleepwalker's."Oh.I
see.You'llgohomeonthetrain.Isthatit?"
"Paul!"shesaidinthatprolongedanddyingwhisper.
"Paul!"
Intheinstantofstrikingherhishand,asthoughrefusingofitsownvolitiontheoffice,
openedandtouchedherfaceinalong,shudderingmotionalmostacaress.Again,grippingherby
thebackoftheneck,heassayedtostrikeher;againhishand,something,refused.Whenheflung
herawayshestumbledbackwardintothewall.Thenhisfeetceasedandthenthewaterbeganto
fillthesilencewithitssteadyandunhurriedsound.Afterawhiletheclockbelowstrucktwo,and
shemovedwearilyandheavilyandclosedthetap.
Butthatdidnotseemtostopthesoundofthewater.Itseemedtodriponintothesilence
whereshelayrigidonherbackinbed,notsleeping,noteventhinking.Itdrippedonwhilebehind
thefrozengrimaceofherachingfaceshegotthroughtheritualofbreakfastandofdeparture,the
grandmotherbetweenPaulandherselfinthesingleseat.Eventhesoundofthecarcouldnot
drownitout,untilsuddenlysherealizedwhatitwas.'It'sthesignboards,'shethought,watching
themastheydiminishedinretrograde.'Ievenrememberthatone;nowit'sonlyabouttwomiles.I'll
waituntilthenextone;thenIwill...now.Now.'"Paul,"shesaid.Hedidn'tlookather."Willyou
marryme?"
"No."Neitherwasshelookingathisface.Shewaswatchinghishandsastheyjockeyed
thewheelslightlyandconstantly.Betweenthemthegrandmothersat,erect,rigidbeneaththe
archaicblackbonnet,staringstraightaheadlikeaprofilecutfromparchment.
"I'mgoingtoaskyoujustoncemore.Thenitwillbetoolate.Itellyouitwillbetoolatethen,
Paul...Paul?"
 "No,Itellyou.Youdon'tloveme.Idon'tloveyou.We'veneversaidwedid."
"Allright.Notlove,then.Willyoumarrymewithoutit?Remember,itwillbetoolate."
"No.Iwillnot."
"Butwhy?Why,Paul?"Hedidn'tanswer.Thecarfledon.Nowitwasthefirstsignwhich
shehadnoticed;shethoughtquietly,'Wemustbealmosttherenow.Itisthenextcurve.'Shesaid
aloud,speakingacrossthedeafnessoftheoldwomanbetweenthem:"Whynot,Paul?Ifit'sthat
storyaboutniggerblood,Idon'tbelieveit.Idon'tcare."
'Yes,'shethought,'thisisthecurve.'Theroadenteredthecurve,descending.Shesat
back,andthenshefoundhergrandmotherlookingfullather.Butshedidnottrynowtoveilher
face,hereyes,anymorethanshewouldhavetriedtoconcealhervoice:"SupposeIhaveachild?"
"Supposeyoudo?Ican'thelpitnow.Youshouldhavethoughtofthat.Remember,you
sentforme;Ididn'tasktocomeback."
"No.Youdidn'task.Isentforyou.Imadeyou.Andthisisthelasttime.Willyou?Quick!"
"No."
"Allright,"shesaid.Shesatback;atthatinstanttheroadseemedtopoiseandpause
beforeplungingsteeplydownwardbesidetheprecipice;thewhitefencebegantoflickerpast.As
Ellyflungtherobeasideshesawhergrandmotherstillwatchingher;asshelungedforwardacross
theoldwoman'skneestheyglaredeyetoeyethehaggardanddesperategirlandtheoldwoman
whosehearinghadlongsinceescapedeverythingandwhosesightnothingescapedforaprofound
instantofdespairingultimatumandimplacablerefusal."Thendie!"shecriedintotheoldwoman's
face;"die!"graspingatthewheelasPaultriedtoflingherback.Butshemanagedtogetherelbow
intothewheelspokeswithallherweightonit,sprawlingacrosshergrandmother'sbody,holding
thewheelhardoverasPaulstruckheronthemouthwithhisfist."Oh,"shescreamed,"youhitme.
Youhitme!"Whenthecarstrucktherailingitflungherfree,sothatforaninstantshelaylightlyas
analightingbirduponPaul'schest,hermouthopen,hereyesroundwithshockedsurprise."Youhit
me!"shewailed.Thenshewasfallingfree,aloneinacompleteandpeacefulsilencelikea
vacuum.Paul'sface,hergrandmother,thecar,haddisappeared,vanishedasthoughbymagic;
parallelwithhereyestheshatteredendsofwhiterailing,thecrumblingedgeoftheprecipicewhere
dustwhisperedandafaintgoutofithunglikeatoyballoon,rushedmutelyskyward.
Overheadsomewhereasoundpassed,dyingawaythesnoreofanengine,thelonghissing
oftiresingravel,thenthewindsighedinthetreesagain,shiveringthecrestsagainstthesky.
Againsttheboleofoneofthemthecarlayinaninextricableandindistinguishablemass,andElly
satinalitterofbrokenglass,staringdullyatit."Somethinghappened,"shewhimpered."Hehitme.
Andnowtheyaredead;it'smethat'shurt,andnobodywillcome."Shemoanedalittle,whimpering.
Thenwithanairofdazedastonishmentsheraisedherhand.Thepalmwasredandwet.Shesat
whimperingquietly,diggingstupidlyatherpalm.
"There'sglassallinitandIcan'tevenseeit,"shesaid,whimpered,gazingatherpalm
whilethewarmbloodstainedslowlydownuponherskirt.Againthesoundrushedsteadilypast
highoverhead,anddiedaway.Shelookedup,followingit."Theregoesanotherone,"she
whimpered."Theywon'tevenstoptoseeifIamhurt."

UncleWilly

IKNOWwhattheysaid.TheysaidIdidn'trunawayfromhomebutthatIwastolledawaybya
crazymanwho,ifIhadn'tkilledhimfirst,wouldhavekilledmeinsideanotherweek.Butiftheyhad
saidthatthewomen,thegoodwomeninJeffersonhaddrivenUncleWillyoutoftownandI
followedhimanddidwhatIdidbecauseIknewthatUncleWillywasonhislastgoroundandthis
timewhentheygothimagainitwouldbeforgoodandforever,theywouldhavebeenright.
BecauseIwasn'ttolledawayandUncleWillywasn'tcrazy,notevenafteralltheyhaddonetohim.
Ididn'thavetogo;Ididn'thavetogoanymorethanUncleWillyhadtoinvitemeinsteadofjust
takingitforgrantedthatIwantedtocome.IwentbecauseUncleWillywasthefinestmanIever
knew,becauseevenwomencouldn'tbeathim,becauseinspiteofthemhewounduphislife
gettingfunoutofbeingaliveandhedieddoingthethingthatwasthemostfunofallbecauseIwas
theretohelphim.Andthat'ssomethingthatmostmenandevenmostwomentoodon'tgettodo,
noteventhewomenthatcallmeddlingwithotherfolks'livesfun.
Hewasn'tanybody'suncle,butallofus,andgrownpeopletoo,calledhim(orthoughtof
him)asUncleWilly.Hedidn'thaveanykinatallexceptasisterinTexasmarriedtoanoil
millionaire.Helivedbyhimselfinalittleoldneatwhitehousewherehehadbeenbornontheedge
oftown,heandanoldniggernamedJobWyliethatwasolderthanhewaseven,thatcookedand
keptthehouseandwastheporteratthedrugstorewhichUncleWilly'sfatherhadestablishedand
whichUncleWillyranwithoutanyotherhelpthanoldJob;andduringthetwelveorfourteenyears
(thelifeofusaschildrenandthenboys),whilehejustuseddope,wesawalotofhim.Welikedto
gotohisstorebecauseitwasalwayscoolanddimandquietinsidebecauseheneverwashedthe
windows;hesaidthereasonwasthatheneverhadtobothertodressthembecausenobodycould
seeinanyway,andsotheheatcouldn'tgetineither.Andheneverhadanycustomersexcept
countrypeoplebuyingpatentmedicinesthatwerealreadyinbottles,andniggersbuyingcardsand
dice,becausenobodyhadlethimfillaprescriptioninfortyyearsIreckon,andheneverhadany
sodafountaintradebecauseitwasoldJobwhowashedtheglassesandmixedthesyrupsand
madetheicecreameversinceUncleWilly'sfatherstartedthebusinessineighteenfiftysomething
andsooldJobcouldn'tseeverywellnow,thoughpapasaidhedidn'tthinkthatoldJobtookdope
too,itwasfrombreathingdayandnighttheairwhichUncleWillyhadjustexhaled.
Buttheicecreamtastedallrighttous,especiallywhenwecameinhotfromtheball
games.WehadaleagueofthreeteamsintownandUncleWillywouldgivetheprize,aballora
batoramask,foreachgamethoughhewouldnevercometoseeusplay,soafterthegameboth
teamsandmaybeallthreewouldgotothestoretowatchthewinnergettheprize.Andwewould
eattheicecreamandthenwewouldallgobehindtheprescriptioncaseandwatchUncleWillylight
thelittlealcoholstoveandfilltheneedleandrollhissleeveupoverthelittlebluemyriadpunctures
startingathiselbowandgoingrightonupintohisshirt.AndthenextdaywouldbeSundayandwe
wouldwaitinouryardsandfallinwithhimashepassedfromhousetohouseandgoontoSunday
school,UncleWillywithus,inthesameclasswithus,sittingtherewhilewerecited.Mr.Barbour
fromtheSundayschoolnevercalledonhim.Thenwewouldfinishthelessonandwewouldtalk
aboutbaseballuntilthebellrangandUncleWillystillnotsayinganything,justsittingthereallneat
andclean,withhiscleancollarandnotieandweighingaboutahundredandtenpoundsandhis
eyesbehindhisglasseskindofallruntogetherlikebrokeneggs.
ThenwewouldallgotothestoreandeattheicecreamthatwasleftoverfromSaturday
andthengobehindtheprescriptioncaseandwatchhimagain:thelittlestoveandhisSundayshirt
rolledupandtheneedlegoingslowintohisbluearmandsomebodywouldsay,"Don'tithurt?"and
hewouldsay,"No.Ilikeit."

II

THENTHEYmadehimquitdope.Hehadbeenusingitforfortyyears,hetoldusonce,andnowhe
wassixtyandhehadabouttenyearsmoreattheoutside,onlyhedidn'ttellusthatbecausehe
didn'tneedtotellevenfourteenyearoldboysthat.Buttheymadehimquit.Itdidn'ttakethemlong.
ItbeganoneSundaymorninganditwasfinishedbythenextFriday;wehadjustsatdown
inourclassandMr.Barbourhadjustbegun,whenallofasuddenReverendSchultz,theminister,
wasthere,leaningoverUncleWillyandalreadyhaulinghimoutofhisseatwhenwelooked
around,haulinghimupandsayinginthattoneinwhichpreachersspeaktofourteenyearoldboys
thatIdon'tbelieveevenpansyboyslike:"Now,BrotherChristian,Iknowyouwillhatetoleave
BrotherBarbour'sclass,butlet'syouandIgoinandjoinBrotherMillerandthemenandhearwhat
hecantellusonthisbeautifulandheartwarmingtext,"andUncleWillystilltryingtoholdbackand
lookingaroundatuswithhisruntogethereyesblinkingandsayingplainerthanifhehadspokeit:
"What'sthis?What'sthis,fellows?Whataretheyfixingtodotome?"
Wedidn'tknowanymorethanhedid.Wejustfinishedthelesson;wedidn'ttalkany
baseballthatday;andwepassedthealcovewhereMr.Miller'smen'sBibleclassmet,with
ReverendSchultzsittinginthemiddleofthemlikehedideverySunday,likehewasjustaplain
manliketherestofthemyetkindofbulgingoutfromamongtheotherslikehedidn'thavetomove
orspeaktokeepthemremindedthathewasn'taplainman;andIwouldalwaysthinkaboutApril
Fool'soneyearwhenMissCallaghancalledtherollandthensteppeddownfromherdeskand
said,"NowI'mgoingtobeapupiltoday,"andtookavacantseatandcalledoutanameandmade
themgotoherdeskandholdthelessonanditwouldhavebeenfunifyoucouldhavejustquit
rememberingthattomorrowwouldn'tbeAprilFool'sandthedayafterthatwouldn'tbeeither.And
UncleWillywassittingbyReverendSchultzlookinglittlerthanever,andIthoughtaboutoneday
lastsummerwhentheytookacountrymannamedBundrentotheasylumatJacksonbuthewasn't
toocrazynottoknowwherehewasgoing,sittingthereinthecoachwindowhandcuffedtoafat
deputysheriffthatwassmokingacigar.
ThenSundayschoolwasoverandwewentouttowaitforhim,togotothestoreandeat
theicecream.Andhedidn'tcomeout.Hedidn'tcomeoutuntilchurchwasovertoo,thefirsttime
thathehadeverstayedforchurchthatanyofusknewof,thatanybodyknewof,papatoldme
later,comingoutwithMrs.MerridewononesideofhimandReverendSchultzontheotherstill
holdinghimbythearmandhelookingaroundatusagainwithhiseyessayingagainonly
desperatenow:"Fellows,what'sthis?What'sthis,fellows?"andReverendSchultzshovinghiminto
Mrs.Merridew'scarandMrs.Merridewsaying,loud,likeshewasinthepulpit:"Now,Mr.Christian,
I'mgoingtotakeyourightouttomyhouseandI'mgoingtofixyouaniceglassofcoollemonade
andthenwewillhaveanicechickendinnerandthenyouaregoingtotakeanicenapinmy
hammockandthenBrotherandSisterSchultzarecomingoutandwewillhavesomeniceice
cream,"andUncleWillysaying,"No.Wait,ma'am,wait!Wait!Igottogotothestoreandfilla
prescriptionIpromisedthismorning"
Sotheyshovedhimintothecarandhimlookingbackatuswherewestoodthere;hewent
outofsightlikethat,sittingbesideMrs.MerridewinthecarlikeDarlBundrenandthedeputyonthe
train,andIreckonshewasholdinghiswristandIreckonsheneverneededanyhandcuffsand
UncleWillygivingusthatsinglelookofamazedanddesperatedespair.
Becausenowhewasalreadyanhourpastthetimeforhisneedleandthatafternoonwhen
hefinallyslippedawayfromMrs.Merridewhewasfivehourspastitandsohecouldn'tevenget
thekeyintothelock,andsoMrs.MerridewandReverendSchultzcaughthimandthistimehe
wasn'ttalkingorlookingeither:hewastryingtogetawaylikeahalfwildcattriestogetaway.They
tookhimtohishomeandMrs.MerridewtelegraphedhissisterinTexasandUncleWillydidn't
cometotownforthreedaysbecauseMrs.MerridewandMrs.Hovistookturnaboutstayinginthe
housewithhimdayandnightuntilhissistercouldgetthere.Thatwasvacationthenandweplayed
thegameonMondayandthatafternoonthestorewasstilllockedandTuesdayitwasstilllocked,
andsoitwasnotuntilWednesdayafternoonandUncleWillywasrunningfast.
Hedidn'thaveanyshirtonandhehadn'tshavedandhecouldnotgetthekeyintothelock
atall,pantingandwhimperingandsaying,"Shewenttosleepatlast;shewenttosleepatlast,"
untiloneofustookthekeyandunlockedthedoor.Wehadtolightthelittlestovetooandfillthe
needleandthistimeitdidn'tgointohisarmslow,itlookedlikehewastryingtojabitcleanthrough
thebone.Hedidn'tgobackhome.Hesaidhewouldn'tneedanythingtosleeponandhegaveus
themoneyandletusoutthebackdoorandweboughtthesandwichesandthebottleofcoffee
fromthecafeandwelefthimthere.
Thenthenextday,itwasMrs.MerridewandReverendSchultzandthreemoreladies;they
hadthemarshalbreakinthedoorandMrs.MerridewholdingUncleWillybythebackoftheneck
andshakinghimandkindofwhispering,"Youlittlewretch!Youlittlewretch!Slipofffromme,will
you?"andReverendSchultzsaying,"Now,Sister;now,Sister;controlyourself,"andtheother
ladiesholleringMr.ChristianandUncleWillyandWilly,accordingtohowoldtheywereorhowlong
theyhadlivedinJefferson.Itdidn'ttakethemlong.
ThesistergottherefromTexasthatnightandwewouldwalkpastthehouseandseethe
ladiesonthefrontporchorgoinginandout,andnowandthenReverendSchultzkindofbulging
outfromamongthemlikehewouldoutofMr.Miller'sBibleclass,andwecouldcrawlupbehindthe
hedgeandhearthemthroughthewindow,hearUncleWillycryingandcussingandfightingtoget
outofthebedandtheladiessaying,"Now,Mr.Christian;now,UncleWilly,"and"Now,Bubber,"
too,sincehissisterwasthere;andUncleWillycryingandprayingandcussing.Andthenitwas
Friday,andhegaveup.Wecouldhearthemholdinghiminthebed;Ireckonthiswashislastgo
round,becausenoneofthemhadtimetotalknow;andthenweheardhim,hisvoiceweakbut
clearandhisbreathgoinginandout.
"Wait,"hesaid."Wait!Iwillaskitonemoretime.Won'tyoupleasequit?Won'tyouplease
goaway?Won'tyoupleasegotohellandjustletmecomeonatmyowngait?"
"No,Mr.Christian,"Mrs.Merridewsaid."Wearedoingthistosaveyou."
Foraminutewedidn'thearanything.ThenweheardUncleWillylaybackinthebed,kind
offlopback.
"Allright,"hesaid."Allright."
ItwaslikeoneofthosesheeptheywouldsacrificebackintheBible.Itwaslikeithad
climbedupontothealtaritselfandfloppedontoitsbackwithitsthroatheldupandsaid:"Allright.
Comeonandgetitoverwith.Cutmydamnthroatandgoawayandletmelayquietinthefire."

Ill

HEWASSICKforalongtime.TheytookhimtoMemphisandtheysaidthathewasgoingtodie.
Thestorestayedlockedallthetimenow,andafterafewweekswedidn'tevenkeepuptheleague.
Itwasn'tjusttheballsandthebats.
Itwasn'tthat.Wewouldpassthestoreandlookatthebigoldlockonitandatthewindows
youcouldn'tevenseethrough,couldn'tevenseeinsidewhereweusedtoeattheicecreamand
tellhimwhobeatandwhomadethegoodplaysandhimsittingthereonhisstoolwiththelittle
stoveburningandthedopeboilingandbubblingandtheneedlewaitinginhishand,lookingatus
withhiseyesblinkingandallruntogetherbehindhisglassessoyoucouldn'teventellwherethe
pupilwaslikeyoucaninmosteyes.Andtheniggersandthecountryfolksthatusedtotradewith
himcomingupandlookingatthelocktoo,andaskingushowhewasandwhenhewouldcome
homeandopenupagain.
Becauseevenafterthestoreopenedagain,theywouldnottradewiththeclerkthatMrs.
MerridewandReverendSchultzputinthestore.UncleWilly'ssistersaidnottobotheraboutthe
store,toletitstayshutbecauseshewouldtakecareofUncleWillyifhegotwell.ButMrs.
Merridewsaidno,shenotonlyaimedtocureUncleWilly,shewasgoingtogivehimacomplete
rebirth,notonlyintorealChristianitybutintothepracticalworldtoo,withaplaceinitwaitingforhim
sohecouldholduphisheadnotonlywithhonorbutpridetooamonghisfellowmen;shesaidthat
atfirstheronlyhopehadbeentofixitsohewouldnothavetofacehisMakerslavebodyandsoul
tomorphine,butnowsincehisconstitutionwasstrongerthananybodycouldhavebelieved,she
wasgoingtoseethatheassumedthatpositionintheworldwhichhisfamily'snameentitledhimto
beforehedegradedit.
SheandReverendSchultzfoundtheclerk.HehadbeeninJeffersonaboutsixmonths.He
hadletterstothechurch,butnobodyexceptReverendSchultzandMrs.Merridewknewanything
abouthim.Thatis,theymadehimtheclerkinUncleWilly'sstore;nobodyelseknewanything
abouthimatall.ButUncleWilly'soldcustomerswouldn'ttradewithhim.Andwedidn'teither.
Notthatwehadmuchtradetogivehimandwecertainlydidn'texpecthimtogiveusany
icecreamandIdon'treckonwewouldhavetakenitifhehadofferedittous.
BecauseitwasnotUncleWilly,andprettysoonitwasn'teventhesameicecreambecause
thefirstthingtheclerkdidafterhewashedthewindowswastofireoldJob,onlyoldJobrefusedto
quit.Hestayedaroundthestoreanyhow,mumblingtohimselfandtheclerkwouldrunhimoutthe
frontdoorandoldJobwouldgoaroundtothebackandcomeinandtheclerkwouldfindhimagain
andcusshim,whispering,cussingoldJobgoodevenifhedidhaveletterstothechurch;hewent
andsworeoutawarrantandthemarshaltoldoldJobhewouldhavetostayoutofthestore.Then
oldJobmovedacrossthestreet.Hewouldsitonthecurballdaywherehecouldwatchthedoor
andeverytimetheclerkcameinsightoldJobwouldholler,"Igwytellum!Igwydohit!"Sowe
evenquitpassingthestore.Wewouldcutacrossthecornernottopassit,withthewindowsclean
nowandthenewtowntradetheclerkhadbuiltuphehadalotoftradenowgoinginandout,just
stoppinglongenoughtoaskoldJobaboutUncleWilly,eventhoughwehadalreadygotwhatnews
camefromMemphisabouthimeverydayandweknewthatoldJobwouldnotknow,wouldnotbe
abletogetitstraightevenifsomeonetoldhim,sinceheneverdidbelievethatUncleWillywas
sick,hejustbelievedthatMrs.Merridewhadtakenhimawaysomewherebymainforceandwas
holdinghiminanotherbedsomewheresohecouldn'tgetupandcomebackhome;andoldJob
sittingonthecurbandblinkingupatuswithhislittlewateryredeyeslikeUncleWillywouldand
saying,"Igwytellum!Holtinghimupdarwhilstwhippersnappin'trashmakin'freewidMarseHoke
Christian'ssto.Igwytellum!"

IV

UNCLEWILLYdidn'tdie.Onedayhecamehomewithhisskinthecoloroftallowandweighing
aboutninetypoundsnowandwithhiseyeslikebrokeneggsstillbutdeadeggs,eggsthathad
beenbrokensolongnowthattheydidn'tevensmelldeadanymoreuntilyoulookedatthemand
sawthattheywereanythingintheworldexceptdead.Thatwasafterhegottoknowusagain.I
don'tmeanthathehadforgottenaboutusexactly.Itwaslikehestilllikedusasboys,onlyhehad
neverseenusbeforeandsohewouldhavetolearnournamesandwhichfacesthenames
belongedto.
HissisterhadgonebacktoTexasnow,becauseMrs.Merridewwasgoingtolookafterhim
untilhewascompletelyrecovered,completelycured.Yes.Cured.
Irememberthatfirstafternoonwhenhecametotownandwewalkedintothestoreand
UncleWillylookedatthecleanwindowsthatyoucouldseethroughnowandatthetowncustomers
thatneverhadtradedwithhim,andattheclerkandsaid,"You'remyclerk,hey?"andtheclerk
beguntotalkaboutMrs.MerridewandReverendSchultzandUncleWillysaid,"Allright,allright,"
andnowheatesomeicecreamtoo,standingatthecounterwithuslikehewasacustomertoo
andstilllookingaroundthestorewhileheatetheicecream,withthoseeyesthatwerenotdeadat
allandhesaid,"LookslikeyoubeengettingmoreworkoutofmydamnedoldniggerthanIcould!"
andtheclerkbegantosaysomethingelseaboutMrs.MerridewandUncleWillysaid,"Allright,all
right.JustgetaholtofJobrightawayandtellhimIamgoingtoexpecthimtobehereeveryday
andthatIwanthimtokeepthisstorelookinglikethisfromnowon."Thenwewentonbehindthe
prescriptioncase,withUncleWillylookingaroundheretoo,athowtheclerkhaditneatedup,with
abignewlockonthecabinetwherethedrugsandsuchwerekept,withthoseeyesthatwouldn't
anybodycalldead,Idon'tcarewhohewas,andsaid,"StepupthereandtellthatfellowIwantmy
keys."Butitwasn'tthestoveandtheneedle.Mrs.Merridewhadbustedbothofthemthatday.But
itwasn'tthatanyway,becausetheclerkcamebackandbeguntotalkaboutMrs.Merridewand
ReverendSchultz,andUncleWillylisteningandsaying,"Allright,allright,"andweneverhadseen
himlaughbeforeandhisfacedidn'tchangenowbutweknewthathewaslaughingbehindit.Then
wewentout.Heturnedsharpoffthesquare,downNiggerRowtoSonnyBarger'sstoreandItook
themoneyandboughttheJamaicagingerfromSonnyandcaughtupwiththemandwewenthome
withUncleWillyandwesatinthepasturewhilehedranktheJamaicagingerandpracticedour
namessomemore.
Andthatnightwemethimwherehesaid.Hehadthewheelbarrowandthecrowbarandwe
brokeopenthebackdoorandthenthecabinetwiththenewlockonitandgotthecanofalcohol
andcarriedittoUncleWilly'sandburieditinthebarn.Ithadalmostthreegallonsinitandhedidn't
cometotownatallforfourweeksandhewassickagain,andMrs.Merridewstormingintothe
house,jerkingoutdrawersandflingingthingsoutofclosetsandUncleWillylyinginthebedand
watchingherwiththoseeyesthatwerealongwayfrombeingdead.Butshecouldn'tfindanything
becauseitwasallgonenow,andbesidesshedidn'tknowwhatitwasshewaslookingforbecause
shewaslookingforaneedle.AndthenightUncleWillywasupagainwetookthecrowbarand
wentbacktothestoreandwhenwewenttothecabinetwefoundthatitwasalreadyopenand
UncleWilly'sstoolsittinginthedoorandaquartbottleofalcoholonthestoolinplainsight,and
thatwasall.AndthenIknewthattheclerkknewwhogotthealcoholbeforebutIdidn'tknowwhy
hehadn'ttoldMrs.Merridewuntiltwoyearslater.
Ididn'tknowthatfortwoyears,andUncleWillyayearnowgoingtoMemphisevery
Saturdayinthecarhissisterhadgivenhim.IwrotetheletterwithUncleWillylookingovermy
shoulderanddictating,abouthowhishealthwasimprovingbutnotasfastasthedoctorseemedto
wantandthatthedoctorsaidheoughtnottowalkbackandforthtothestoreandsoacar,notan
expensivecar,justasmallcarthathecoulddrivehimselformaybefindanegroboytodrivefor
himifhissisterthoughtheoughtnotto:andshesentthemoneyandhegotaburrheadednigger
boyaboutmysizenamedSecretarytodriveitforhim.Thatis,Secretarysaidhecoulddriveacar;
certainlyheandUncleWillybothlearnedonthenighttripstheywouldmakebackintothehill
countrytobuycornwhiskyandSecretarylearnedtodriveinMemphisprettyquick,too,because
theywenteverySaturday,returningMondaymorningwithUncleWillyinsensibleonthebackseat,
withhisclothessmellingofthatsmellwhosesourceIwasnottodiscoveratfirsthandforsome
yearsyet,andtwoorthreehalfemptybottlesandalittlenotebookfulloftelephonenumbersand
nameslikeLorineandBillieandJack.Ididn'tknowitfortwoyears,notuntilthatMondaymorning
whenthesheriffcameandpadlockedandsealedwhatwasleftofUncleWilly'sstockandwhen
theytriedtofindtheclerktheycouldn'tevenfindoutwhattrainhehadlefttownon;ahotmorning
inJulyandUncleWillysprawledoutonthebackseat,andonthefrontseatwithSecretarya
womantwiceasbigasUncleWilly,inaredhatandapinkdressandadirtywhitefurcoatoverthe
backoftheseatandtwostrawsuitcasesonthefenders,withhairthecolorofabrandnewbrass
hydrantbibandhercheeksstreakedwithmascaraandcakedpowderwhereshehadsweated.
Itwasworsethanifhehadstarteddopeagain.Youwouldhavethoughthehadbrought
smallpoxtotown.IrememberhowwhenMrs.MerridewtelephonedMammathatafternoonyou
couldhearherfromawayoutatherhouse,overthewire,cleanouttothebackdoorandthe
kitchen:"Married!Married!Whore!Whore!Whore!"liketheclerkusedtocussoldJob,andso
maybethechurchcangojustsofarandmaybethefolksthatareinitaretheonesthatknowthe
bestorareentitledtosaywhentodisconnectreligionforaminuteortwo.AndPapawascussing
too,notcussinganybody;IknewhewasnotcussingUncleWillyorevenUncleWilly'snewwife,
justlikeIknewthatIwishedMrs.Merridewcouldhavebeentheretohearhim.OnlyIreckonifshe
hadbeenthereshecouldn'thaveheardanythingbecausetheysaidshestillhadonahousedress
whenshewentandsnatchedReverendSchultzintohercarandwentouttoUncleWilly's,where
hewasstillinbedlikealwaysonMondayandTuesday,andhisnewwiferunMrs.Merridewand
ReverendSchultzoutofthehousewiththeweddinglicenselikeitwasagunoraknife.AndI
rememberhowallthatafternoon:UncleWillylivedonalittlequietsidestreetwheretheother
houseswerealllittlenewonesthatcountrypeoplewhohadmovedtotownwithinthelastfifteen
years,likemailcarriersandlittlestorekeeperslived,howallthatafternoonmadlookingladieswith
sunbonnetsoncrookedcamebustingoutofthatlittlequietstreetdraggingthelittlechildrenand
thegrowngirlswiththem,headingforthemayor'sofficeandReverendSchultz'shouse,andhow
theyoungmenandtheboysthatdidn'tworkandsomeofthementhatdidwoulddrivebackand
forthpastUncleWilly'shousetolookathersittingontheporchsmokingcigarettesanddrinking
somethingoutofaglass;andhowshecamedowntownthenextdaytoshop,inablackhatnow
andaredandwhitestripeddresssothatshelookedlikeagreatbigstickofcandyandthreetimes
asbigasUncleWillynow,walkingalongthestreetwithmenpoppingoutofthestoreswhenshe
passedlikeshewassteppingonalineofspringtriggersandbothsidesofherbehindkindof
pumpingupanddowninsidethedressuntilsomebodyhollered,threwbackhisheadandsqualled:
"YIPPEEE!"likethatandshekindoftwitchedherbehindwithoutevenstoppingandthenthey
holleredsureenough.
Andthenextdaythewirecamefromhissister,andPapaforthelawyerandMrs.Merridew
forthewitnesswentoutthereandUncleWilly'swifeshowedthemthelicenseandtoldthemto
laughthatoff,thatManuelStreetornotshewasmarriedasgoodandtightasanyhighnosedbitch
inJeffersonoranywhereelseandPapasaying,"Now,Mrs.Merridew;now,Mrs.Christian,"andhe
toldUncleWilly'swifehowUncleWillywasbankruptnowandmightevenlosethehousetoo,and
hiswifesaidhowaboutthatsisterinTexas,wasPapagoingtotellherthattheoilbusinesswas
bankrupttooandnottomakeherlaugh.Sotheytelegraphedthesisteragainandthethousand
dollarscameandtheyhadtogiveUncleWilly'swifethecartoo.ShewentbacktoMemphisthat
sameafternoon,drivingacrossthesquarewiththestrawsuitcases,inablacklacedressnowand
alreadybeginningtosweatagainunderhernewmakeupbecauseitwasstillhot,andstopping
wherethemenwerewaitingatthepostofficefortheafternoonmailandshesaid,"Comeonupto
ManuelStreetandseemesometimeandIwillshowyouhickswhatyouandthistowncandoto
yourselvesandoneanother."
AndthatafternoonMrs.MerridewmovedbackintoUncleWilly'shouseandPapasaidthe
lettershewroteUncleWilly'ssisterhadelevenpagestoitbecausePapasaidshewouldnever
forgiveUncleWillyforgettingbankrupted.
Wecouldhearherfrombehindthehedge:"You'recrazy,Mr.Christian;crazy.Ihavetried
tosaveyouandmakesomethingoutofyoubesidesabeastbutnowmypatienceisexhausted.I
amgoingtogiveyouonemorechance.IamgoingtotakeyoutoKeeleyandifthatfails,Iam
goingtotakeyoumyselftoyoursisterandforcehertocommityoutoanasylum."Andthesister
sentpapersfromTexasdeclaringthatUncleWillywasincompetentandmakingMrs.Merridewhis
guardianandtrustee,andMrs.MerridewtookhimtotheKeeleyinMemphis.Andthatwasall.

THATIS,Ireckontheythoughtthatthatwasall,thatthislimeUncleWillywouldsurelydie.
BecauseevenPapathoughtthathewascrazynow,becauseevenPapasaidthatifithadn'tbeen
forUncleWillyIwouldnothaverunaway,andthereforeIdidn'trunaway,Iwastolledawaybya
lunatic;itwasn'tPapa,itwasUncleRobertthatsaidthathewasn'tcrazybecauseanymanwho
couldsellJeffersonrealestateforcashwhileshutupinKeeleyinstitutewasn'tcrazyoreven
drunk.Becausetheydidn'tevenknowthathewasoutofKeeley,evenMrs.Merridewdidn'tknowit
untilhewasgonetwodaysandtheycouldn'tfindhim.
TheyneverdidfindhimorfindouthowhegotoutandIdidn'teitheruntilIgottheletter
fromhimtotaketheMemphisbusonacertaindayandhewouldmeetmeatastopontheedgeof
Memphis.Ididn'tevenrealizethatIhadnotseenSecretaryoroldJobeitherintwoweeks.Buthe
didn'ttollmeaway.IwentbecauseIwantedto,becausehewasthefinestmanIeverknew,
becausehehadhadfunallhislifeinspiteofwhattheyhadtriedtodotohimorwithhim,andI
hopedthatmaybeifIcouldstaywithhimawhileIcouldlearnhowto,soIcouldstillhavefuntoo
whenIhadtogetold.OrmaybeIknewmorethanthat,withoutknowingit,likeIknewthatIwould
doanythingheaskedmetodo,nomatterwhatitwas,justlikeIhelpedhimbreakintothestorefor
thealcoholwhenhetookitforgrantedthatIwouldwithoutaskingmetoatallandthenhelpedhim
hideitfromMrs.Merridew.MaybeIevenknewwhatoldJobwasgoingtodo.Notwhathediddo,
butthathewoulddoitiftheoccasionarose,andthatthiswouldhavetobeUncleWilly'slastgo
roundandifIwasn'tthereitwouldbejusthimagainstalltheoldterrifiedandtimidclingingtodull
andruleriddenbreathingwhichJeffersonwastohimandwhich,eventhoughhehadescaped
Jefferson,oldJobstillrepresented.
SoIcutsomegrassthatweekandIhadalmosttwodollars.
Itookthebusonthedayhesaidandhewaswaitingformeattheedgeoftown,inaFord
nowwithoutanytoponitandyoucouldstillreadthechalkletters,$85cashonthewindshield,and
abrandnewtentfoldedupinthebackofitandUncleWillyandoldJobinthefrontseat,andUncle
Willylookedfinewithacheckedcapnewexceptforabigoilstain,withthebillturnedroundbehind
andapairofgogglescockeduponthefrontofitandhiscelluloidcollarfreshlywashedandnotie
initandhisnosepeelingwithsunburnandhiseyesbrightbehindhisglasses.Iwouldhavegone
withhimanywhere;Iwoulddoitoveragainrightnow,knowingwhatwasgoingtohappen.He
wouldnothavetoaskmenowanymorethanhedidthen.SoIgotontopofthetentandwedidn't
gotowardtown,wewenttheotherway.
Iaskedwhereweweregoingbuthejustsaidwait,rushingthelittlecaralonglikehe
couldn'tgettherequickenoughhimself,andIcouldtellfromhisvoicethatthiswasfine,thiswas
thebestyet,betterthananybodyelsecouldhavethoughtaboutdoing,andoldJobhuncheddown
inthefrontseat,holdingonwithbothhandsandyellingatUncleWillyaboutgoingsofast.Yes.
MaybeIknewfromoldJobeventhenthatUncleWillymayhaveescapedJeffersonbuthehadjust
dodgedit;hehadn'tgottenaway.
Thenwecametothesign,thearrowthatsaidAirport,andweturnedandIsaid:"What?
Whatisit?"butUncleWillyjustsaid:"Wait;justwait,"likehecouldn'thardlywaithimself,hunched
overthewheelwithhiswhitehairblowingunderhiscapandhiscollarridingupbehindsoyou
couldseehisneckbetweenthecollarandtheshirt;andoldJobsaying(Ohyes,Icouldtelleven
then):"Hegothit,allright.Hedonedonehit.ButIdonetolehim.Nemmine.Idonewarnedhim."
ThenwecametotheairportandUncleWillystoppedquickandpointedupwithoutevengettingout
andsaid,"Look."
ItwasanairplaneflyingaroundandUncleWillyrunningupanddowntheedgeofthefield
wavinghishandkerchiefuntilitsawhimandcamedownandlandedandrolleduptous,alittle
airplanewithatwocylinderengine.ItwasSecretary,inanothernewcheckedcapandgoggleslike
UncleWilly'sandtheytoldmehowUncleWillyhadboughtoneforoldJobtoobutoldJobwouldn't
wearit.Andthatnightwestayedinalittletouristcampabouttwomilesawayandhehadacapand
gogglesallreadyformetoo;andthenIknewwhytheyhadn'tbeenabletofindhim.UncleWilly
toldmehowhehadboughttheairplanewithsomeofthemoneyhehadsoldhishouseforafterhis
sistersaveditbecauseshehadbeenborninittoo,butthatCaptainBeanattheairportwouldn't
teachhimtorunithimselfbecausehewouldneedapermitfromadoctor("ByGod,"UncleWilly
said,"damniftheseRepublicansandDemocratsandXYZ'sain'tgoingtohaveitsoonwherea
mancan'tevenflushthetoiletinhisownbathroom.")andhecouldn'tgotothedoctorbecausethe
doctormightwanttosendhimbacktotheKeeleyortellMrs.Merridewwherehewas.Sohejustlet
SecretarylearntorunitfirstandnowSecretaryhadbeenrunningitfortwoweeks,whichwas
almostfourteendayslongerthanhehadpracticedonthecarbeforetheystartedoutwithit.So
UncleWillyboughtthecarandtentandcampingoutfityesterdayandtomorrowweweregoingto
start.WewouldgofirsttoaplacenamedRenfrowherenobodyknewusandwheretherewasabig
pasturethatUncleWillyhadfoundoutaboutandwewouldstaythereaweekwhileSecretary
taughtUncleWillytoruntheairplane.Thenwewouldheadwest.Whenweranoutofthehouse
moneywewouldstopatatownandtakeuppassengersandmakeenoughtobuygasolineand
foodtogettothenexttown,UncleWillyandSecretaryintheairplaneandmeandoldJobinthe
car;andoldJobsittinginachairagainstthewall,blinkingatUncleWillywithhislittleweakred
sulleneyes,andUncleWillyreareduponthecotwithhiscapandgogglesstillonandhiscollar
withoutanytie(itwasn'tfastenedtohisshirtatall:justbuttonedaroundhisneck)sometimes
sidewaysandsometimesevenbackwardlikeanEpiscopalminister's,andhiseyesbrightbehind
hisglassesandhisvoicebrightandfine."AndbyChristmaswewillbeinCalifornia!"hesaid.
"Thinkofthat.California!"

VI

SOHOWcouldtheysaythatIhadtobetolledaway?Howcouldthey?IsupposeIknewthenthat
itwouldn'twork,couldn'twork,thatitwastoofinetobetrue.IreckonIevenknewhowitwasgoing
toendjustfromtheglumwaySecretaryactedwheneverUncleWillytalkedaboutlearningtorun
theairplanehimself,justasIknewfromthewayoldJoblookedatUncleWilly,notwhathedidof
course,butwhathewoulddoiftheoccasionarose.BecauseIwastheotherwhiteone.Iwas
white,evenifoldJobandSecretarywerebotholderthanme,soitwouldbeallright;Icoulddoit
allright.ItwaslikeIkneweventhenthat,nomatterwhatmighthappentohim,hewouldn'teverdie
andIthoughtthatifIcouldjustlearntolivelikehelived,nomatterwhatmighthappentomeI
wouldn'teverdieeither.
Soweleftthenextmorning,justafterdaylightbecausetherewasanotherfoolrulethat
Secretarywouldhavetostayinsightofthefielduntiltheygavehimalicensetogoaway.Wefilled
theairplanewithgasandSecretarywentupinitjustlikehewasgoinguptopractice.ThenUncle
Willygotusintothecarquickbecausehesaidtheairplanecouldmakesixtymilesanhourandso
SecretarywouldbeatRenfroalongwhilebeforewegotthere.ButwhenwegottoRenfro
Secretarywasn'tthereandweputthetentupandatedinnerandhestilldidn'tcomeandUncle
WillybeginningtocussandweatesupperanddarkcamebutSecretarydidn'tandUncleWillywas
cussinggoodnow.Hedidn'tcomeuntilthenextday.Weheardhimandranoutandwatchedhim
flyrightoverus,comingfromtheoppositedirectionofMemphis,goingfastandusallholleringand
waving.Buthewenton,withUncleWillyjumpingupanddownandcussing,andwewereloading
thetentintothecartotrytocatchhimwhenhecameback.Wedidn'thearhimatallnowandwe
couldseethepropellerbecauseitwasn'trunninganditlookedlikeSecretarywasn'tevengoingto
lightinthepasturebuthewasgoingtolightinsometreesontheedgeofit.Butheskinnedbythem
andkindofbumpeddownandweranupandfoundhimstillsittingintheairplanewithhiseyes
closedandhisfacethecolorofwoodashesandhesaid,"Captin,willyoupleasetellmewhereto
findRen..."beforeheevenopenedhiseyestoseewhowewere.Hesaidhehadlandedseven
timesyesterdayanditwouldn'tbeRenfroandtheywouldtellhimhowtogettoRenfroandhe
wouldgothereandthatwouldn'tbeRenfroeitherandhehadsleptintheairplanelastnightandhe
hadn'teatensinceweleftMemphisbecausehehadspentthethreedollarsUncleWillygavehim
forgasolineandifhehadn'trunoutofgaswhenhedidhewouldn'tneverhavefoundus.
UncleWillywantedmetogototownandgetsomemoregassohecouldstartlearningto
runitrightawaybutSecretarywouldn't.Hejustrefused.HesaidtheairplanebelongedtoUncle
WillyandhereckonedhebelongedtoUncleWillytoo,leastwaysuntilhegotbackhome,butthat
hehadflownallhecouldstandforawhile.SoUncleWillystartedthenextmorning.
IthoughtforawhilethatIwouldhavetothrowoldJobdownandholdhimandhim
hollering,"Don'tyougitindatthing!"andstillhollering,"Igwytellum!Igwytellum!"whilewe
watchedtheairplanewithSecretaryandUncleWillyinitkindofjumpintotheairandthenduck
downlikeUncleWillywastryingtotaketheshortcuttoChinaandthenduckupagainandgetto
goingprettystraightatlastandflyaroundthepastureandthenturndowntoland,andeveryday
oldJobholleringatUncleWillyandfieldhandscomingupoutofthefieldsandfolksinwagonsand
walkingstoppingintheroadtowatchthemandtheairplanecomingdown,passinguswithUncle
WillyandSecretarysidebysideandlookingexactlyalike,Idon'tmeaninthefacebutexactlyalike
liketwotinesofagardenforklookexactlylikejustbeforetheychopintotheground;wecouldsee
Secretary'seyesandhismouthrunoutsoyoucouldalmosthearhimsaying,"Hooooooooo!"and
UncleWilly'sglassesshiningandhishairblowingfromunderhiscapandhiscelluloidcollarthathe
washedeverynightbeforehewenttobedandnotieinitandtheywouldgoby,fast,andoldJob
hollering,"Yougitouterdar!Yougitouterdatthing!"andwecouldhearSecretarytoo:"Turnhit
loose,UnkerWilly!Turnhitloosel"andtheairplanewouldgoon,duckinguponesecondanddown
thenextandwithonewinghigherthantheotheronesecondandlowerthenextandthenitwould
betravelingsidewaysandmaybeitwouldhitthegroundsidewaysthefirsttime,withakindof
crashingsoundandthedustspurtingupandthenbounceoffagainandSecretaryhollering,"Unker
Willy!Turnloose!"andatnightinthetentUncleWilly'seyeswouldstillbeshiningandhewouldbe
tooexcitedtostoptalkingandgotosleepandIdon'tbelieveheevenrememberedthathehadnot
takenadrinksincehefirstthoughtaboutbuyingtheairplane.
Ohyes,Iknowwhattheysaidaboutmeafteritwasallover,whatPapasaidwhenheand
Mrs.Merridewgottherethatmorning,aboutmebeingthewhiteone,almostaman,andSecretary
andoldJobjustirresponsibleniggers,yetitwasoldJobandSecretarywhotriedtopreventhim.
Becausethatwasit;thatwaswhattheycouldn'tunderstand.
IrememberthelastnightandSecretaryandoldJobbothworkingonhim,whenoldJob
finallymadeSecretarytellUncleWillythathewouldneverlearntofly,andUncleWillystopped
talkingandstoodupandlookedatSecretary.
"Didn'tyoulearntorunitintwoweeks?"hesaid.Secretarysaidyes."You,adamn,trifling,
worthless,ignorant,burrheadednigger?"andSecretarysaidyes."Andmethatgraduatedfroma
universityandranafifteenthousanddollarbusinessforfortyyears,yetyoutellmeIcan'tlearnto
runadamnlittlefifteenhundreddollarairplane?"Thenhelookedatme."Don'tyoubelieveIcan
runit?"hesaid.AndIlookedathimandIsaid,"Yes.Ibelieveyoucandoanything."

VII

ANDNOWIcan'ttellthem.Ican'tsayit.Papatoldmeoncethatsomebodysaidthatifyouknowit
youcansayit.Ormaybethemanthatsaidthatdidn'tcountfourteenyearoldboys.BecauseI
musthaveknownitwasgoingtohappen.
AndUncleWillymusthaveknownittoo,knownthatthemomentwouldcome.Itwaslike
webothhadknownitandwedidn'tevenhavetocomparenotes,telloneanotherthatwedid:he
notneedingtosaythatdayinMemphis,"ComewithmesoyouwillbetherewhenIwillneedyou,"
andmenotneedingtosay,"LetmecomesoIcanbetherewhenyouwill."
BecauseoldJobtelephonedMrs.Merridew.Hewaiteduntilwewereasleepandslipped
outandwalkedallthewaytotownandtelephonedher;hedidn'thaveanymoneyandheprobably
nevertelephonedinhislifebefore,yethetelephonedherandthenextmorninghecameup
runninginthedew(thetown,thetelephone,wasfivemilesaway)justasSecretarywasgettingthe
enginestartedandIknewwhathehaddoneevenbeforehegotcloseenoughtoholler,running
andstumblingalongslowacrossthepasture,hollering,"Holtum!Holtum!Dey'llbehereany
minute!Jestholtumtenminutesendey'llbehere,"andIknewandIranandmethimandnowIdid
holdhimandhimfightingandhittingatmeandstillholleringatUncleWillyintheairplane."You
telephoned?"Isaid."Her?Her?Toldherwhereheis?"
"Yes,"UncleJobhollered."Enshesayshegontergityopappyandstartrightawayandbe
herebysixo'clock,"andmeholdinghim;hefeltlikeahandfulofscrawnydriedsticksandIcould
hearhislungswheezingandIcouldfeelhisheart,andSecretarycameuprunningtooandoldJob
beguntoholleratSecretary,"Githimouterdar!Deycomin!Deybehereanyminuteifyoucanjest
holtum!"andSecretarysaying,"Which?Which?"andoldJobholleredathimtorunandholdthe
airplaneandSecretaryturnedandItriedtograbhislegbutIcouldn'tandIcouldseeUncleWilly
lookingtowardusandSecretaryrunningtowardtheairplaneandIgotontomykneesandwaved
andIwasholleringtoo.
Idon'treckonUncleWillycouldhearmefortheengine.
ButItellyouhedidn'tneedto,becauseweknew,webothknew;andsoIkneltthereand
heldoldJobonthegroundandwesawtheairplanestart,withSecretarystillrunningafterit,and
jumpintotheairandduckdownandthenjumpupagainandthenitlookedlikeithadstoppedhigh
intheairabovethetreeswherewethoughtSecretarywasfixingtolandthatfirstdaybeforeit
duckeddownbeyondthemandwentoutofsightandSecretarywasalreadyrunningandsoitwas
onlymeandUncleJobthathadtogetupandstart.
Oh,yes,Iknowwhattheysaidaboutme;Iknewitallthatafternoonwhileweweregoing
homewiththehearseinfrontandSecretaryandoldJobintheFordnextandPapaandmeinour
carcominglastandJeffersongettingnearerandnearer;andthenallofasuddenIbegantocry.
Becausethedyingwasn'tanything,itjusttouchedtheoutsideofyouthatyouworearoundwithyou
forcomfortandconveniencelikeyoudoyourclothes:itwasbecausetheoldgarments,theclothes
thatwerenotworthanythinghadbetrayedoneofthetwoofusandtheonebetrayedwasme,and
Papawithhisotherarmaroundmyshouldersnow,saying,"Now,now;Ididn'tmeanthat.You
didn'tdoit.Nobodyblamesyou."
Yousee?Thatwasit.IdidhelpUncleWilly.HeknowsIdid.Heknowshecouldn'thave
doneitwithoutme.HeknowsIdid;wedidn'tevenhavetolookatoneanotherwhenhewent.
That'sit.
Andnowtheywillneverunderstand,notevenPapa,andthereisonlymetotrytotellthem
andhowcanIevertellthem,andmakethemunderstand?HowcanI?

MuleintheYard

ITWASagraydayinlateJanuary,thoughnotcoldbecauseofthefog.OldHet,justwalkedinfrom
thepoorhouse,randownthehalltowardthekitchen,shoutinginastrong,bright,happyvoice.She
wasaboutseventyprobably,thoughbyherowncounting,calculatedfromtheagesofvarious
housewivesinthetownfrombridestograndmotherswhomsheclaimedtohavenursedininfancy,
shewouldhavetobearoundahundredandatleasttriplets.Tall,lean,fogbeaded,intennisshoes
andalongratcoloredcloaktrimmedwithwhatfortyorfiftyyearsagohadbeenfur,amodish
thoughnotnewpurpletoquesetuponherheadragandcarrying(timewaswhenshemadeher
weeklyroundsfromkitchentokitchencarryingabrocadedcarpetbagthoughsincetheadventof
thetencentstoresthecarpetbagbecameanendlesssuccessionoftheconvenientpaper
receptacleswithwhichtheysupplytheircustomersforafewcents)theshoppingbag,sheraninto
thekitchenandshoutedwithstrongandchildlikepleasure:"MissMannie!Muleindeyard!"
Mrs.Hait,stoopingtothestove,intheactofdrawingfromitascuttleofliveashes,jerked
upright;clutchingthescuttle,sheglaredatoldHet,thenshetoospokeatonce,strongtoo,
immediate."Themsonsofbitches,"shesaid.Sheleftthekitchen,notrunningexactly,yetwitha
kindofoutragedcelerity,carryingthescuttle:acompactwomanoffortyodd,withanairof
indomitableyetrelievedbereavement,asthoughthatwhichhadrelictedherhadbeenawoman
andanotparticularlyvaluableoneatthat.Sheworeacalicowrapperandasweatercoat,anda
man'sfelthatwhichtheyinthetownknewhadbelongedtohertenyears'deadhusband.Butthe
man'sshoeshadnotbelongedtohim.
Theywerehighshoeswhichbuttoned,withtoeslikesmalltulipbulbs,andinthetownthey
knewthatshehadboughtthemnewforherself.SheandoldHetrandownthekitchenstepsand
intothefog.That'swhyitwasnotcold:asthoughtherelaysupineandprisonedbetweenearthand
mistthelongwinternight'ssuspirationofthesleepingtownindark,closerooms,theslumberand
therousing;thestalewakingthermostatic,byreheatingheatengendered:itlaylikeascumofcold
greaseuponthestepsandthewoodenentrancetothebasementanduponthenarrowplankwalk
whichledtoashedbuildinginthecorneroftheyard:upontheseplanks,runningandstillcarrying
thescuttleofliveashes,Mrs.Haitskatedviciously.
"Watchout!"oldHet,footedsecurelybyherrubbersoles,criedhappily."Deyindefront!"
Mrs.Haitdidnotfall.Shedidnotevenpause.Shetookintheimmediatescenewithonecoldglare
andwasrunningagainwhenthereappearedatthecornerofthehouseandapparentlyhaving
beenbornbeforetheireyesofthefogitself,amule.Itlookedtallerthanagiraffe.Longheaded,with
aflyinghalteraboutitsscissorlikeears,itrusheddownuponthemwithviolentandapparitionlike
suddenness.
"Darhit!"oldHetcried,wavingtheshoppingbag.
"Hoo!"Mrs.Haitwhirled.Againsheskiddedsavagelyonthegreasyplanksassheandthe
mulerushedparallelwithoneanothertowardtheshedbuilding,fromwhoseopendoorwaythere
nowprojectedthestaticandastonishedfaceofacow.Tothecowthefogbornmuledoubtless
lookedtallerandmoreincrediblysuddenthanagiraffeeven,andapparentlybentuponcharging
rightthroughtheshedasthoughitweremadeofstraworwerepurelyandsimplymirage.The
cow'sheadlikewisehadaqualitytransientandabruptandunmundane.Itvanished,suckedinto
invisibilitylikeamatchflame,thoughthemindknewandthereasoninsistedthatshehad
withdrawnintotheshed,fromwhich,asproof'sburden,therecameanindescribablesoundof
shockandalarmbyshedandbeastengendered,analogoustoasinglenotefromaprofoundly
strucklyreorharp.TowardthissoundMrs.Haitsprang,immediately,asifbypurereflex,asthough
ininvulnerablecompactoffemalewithfemaleagainstaworldofmuleandman.Sheandthemule
convergedupontheshedattopspeed,theheavyscuttlepoisedlightlyinherhandtohurl.Of
courseitdidnottakethislong,andlikewiseitwasthemulewhichrefusedthegambit.
OldHetwasstillshouting"Darhit!Darhit!"whenitswervedandrushedatherwhereshe
stoodtallasastovepipe,holdingtheshoppingbagwhichsheswungatthebeastasitrushedpast
herandvanishedbeyondtheothercornerofthehouseasthoughsuckedbackintothefogwhich
hadproducedit,profoundandinstantaneousandwithoutanysound.
WiththatunhastefulcelerityMrs.Haitturnedandsetthescuttledownonthebrickcopingof
thecellarentranceandsheandoldHetturnedthecornerofthehouseintimetoseethenow
wraithlikemuleatthemomentwhenitscourseconvergedwiththatofacholericlookingroosterand
eightRhodeIslandRedhensemergingfrombeneaththehouse.
 Thenforaninstantitsprogressassumedtheappearanceandtrappingsofanapotheosis:
hellbornandhellreturning,intheactofdissolvingcompletelyintothefog,itseemedtorise
vanishingintoasunlessanddimensionlessmediumborneuponandenclosedbysmallwinged
goblins.
"Dey'smoindefront!"oldHetcried.
"Themsonsofbitches,"Mrs.Haitsaid,againinthatgrim,prescientvoicewithoutrancoror
heat.Itwasnotthemulestowhichshereferred;itwasnoteventheownerofthem.Itwasher
wholetowndwellinghistoryasdatedfromthatAprildawntenyearsagowhenwhatwasleftofHait
hadbeengatheredfromthemangledremainsoffivemulesandseveralfeetofnewManilaropeon
ablindcurveoftherailroadjustoutoftown;thegeographicalhapofherveryhome;thevery
componentsofherbereavement:themules,thedefuncthusband,andtheownerofthem.His
namewasSnopes;inthetowntheyknewabouthimtoo,howheboughthisstockattheMemphis
marketandbroughtittoJeffersonandsoldittofarmersandwidowsandorphansblackandwhite,
forwhateverhecouldcontrivedowntoacertainfigure;andabouthow(usuallyinthedeadseason
ofwinter)teamsandevensmalldrovesofhisstockwouldescapefromthefencedpasturewhere
hekeptthemand,tiedonetoanotherwithsometimesquitenewhemprope(andwhichitem
Snopesincludedinthesubsequentclaim),wouldbeannihilatedbyfreighttrainsonthesameblind
curvewhichwastobethesceneofHait'sexitfromthisworld;onceatownwagsenthimthrough
themailaprintedtrainscheduleforthedivision.Asquat,pastymanperenniallytielessandwitha
strained,harriedexpression,atstatedintervalshepassedathwartthepeacefulandsomnolentlife
ofthetownindustanduproar,hisadventheraldedbyshoutsandcries,hispassingmarkedbya
yellowcloudfilledwithtossingjugshapedheadsandclatteringhoovesandthesameforlornand
earnestcriesofthedrovers;andlastofallandwellbackoutofthedust,Snopeshimselfmovingat
aharriedandpantingtrot,sinceitwassaidinthetownthathewasdeathlyafraidoftheverybeasts
inwhichhecleverlydealt.
Thepathwhichhemustfollowfromtherailroadstationtohispasturecrossedtheedgeof
townnearHait'shome;HaitandMrs.Haithadnotbeeninthehouseaweekbefore;theywaked
onemorningtofinditsurroundedbygallopingmulesandtheairfilledwiththeshoutsandcriesof
thedrovers.ButitwasnotuntilthatAprildawnsomeyearslater,whenthosewhoreachedthe
scenefirstfoundwhatmightbetermedforeignmatteramongthemangledmulesandthesavage
fragmentsofnewrope,thatthetownsuspectedthatHaitstoodinanycloserrelationshiptoSnopes
andthemulesthanthatofhelpingatperiodicalintervalstodrivethemoutofhisfrontyard.After
thattheybelievedthattheyknew;inathreedays'recessofinterest,surprise,andcuriositythey
watchedtoseeifSnopeswouldtrytocollectonHaitalso.
ButtheylearnedonlythattheadjusterappearedandcalleduponMrs.Haitandthatafew
dayslatershecashedacheckforeightthousandfivehundreddollars,sincethiswasbackinthe
oldhalcyondayswheneventhecompaniesconsideredtheirsouthernbranchesanddivisionsthe
legitimatepreyofallwhodweltbesidethem.Shetookthecash:shestoodinhersweatercoatand
thehatwhichHaithadbeenwearingonthefatalmorningaweekagoandlistenedincold,grim
silencewhilethetellercountedthemoneyandthepresidentandthecashiertriedtoexplaintoher
thevirtuesofabond,thenofasavingsaccount,thenofacheckingaccount,anddepartedwiththe
moneyinasaltsackunderherapron;afteratimeshepaintedherhouse:thatserviceableand
timedefyingcolorwhichtherailroadstationwaspainted,asthoughoutofsentimentor(assome
said)gratitude.
TheadjusteralsosummonedSnopesintoconference,fromwhichheemergednotonly
moreharriedlookingthanever,butwithhisfacestampedwithabewildereddismaywhichitwasto
wearfromthenon,andthatwasthelasttimehispasturefencewasevertogiveinexplicablyaway
atdeadofnightuponmulescoupledinthreesandfoursbyadequateropeeventhoughnotalways
new.Andthenitseemedasthoughthemulesthemselvesknewthis,asif,evenwhilehalteredat
theMemphisblockathisbid,theysenseditsomehowastheysensedthathewasafraidofthem.
Now,threeorfourtimesayearandasthoughbyfiendishconcordandassoonastheywerefreed
oftheboxcar,theentireuproar:thedustcloudfilledwithshouts,earnest,harried,anddismayed,
withplungingdemoniacshapeswouldbecometranslatedinasingleburstofperverseand
uncontrollableviolence,withoutanyinterveningcontactwithtime,space,orearth,acrossthe
peacefulandastonishedtownandintoMrs.Hait'syard,where,inacertainhaplessdespairwhich
abrogatedforthemomentevenphysicalfear,Snopesduckedanddodgedamongthethundering
shapesaboutthehouse(forwhoseveryimperviouspaintthetownbelievedthathefelthehadpaid
andwhoseinmatelivedwithinitalifeofidleandqueenlikeeaseonmoneywhichheconsideredat
leastpartlyhisown)whilegraduallythatsectionandneighborhoodgatheredtolookonfrombehind
adjacentwindowcurtainsandporchesscreenedandnot,andfromthesidewalksandevenfrom
haltedwagonsandcarsinthestreet:housewivesinthewrappersandboudoircapsofmorning,
childrenonthewaytoschool,casualNegroesandcasualwhitesinstaticandentertainedrepose.
Theywerealltherewhen,followedbyoldHetandcarryingthestubofawornoutbroom,
Mrs.Haitranaroundthenextcornerandontothehandkerchiefsizedplotofearthwhichshecalled
herfrontyard.Itwassmall;anycreaturewitharunningstrideofthreefeetcouldhavespanneditin
twopaces,yetatthemoment,dueperhapstothemyopicanddistortivequalityofthefog,it
seemedtobeasincrediblyfullofmadlifeasadropofwaterbeneaththemicroscope.
Yetagainshedidnotfalter.Withthebroomclutchedinherhandandapparentlywithakind
ofsublimefaithinherowninvulnerability,sherushedonafterthehalteredmulewhichwasstillin
thatarrestedandwraithlikeprocessofvanishingfuriouslyintothefog,itswakeindicatedbythe
tossinganddispersingshapesoftheninechickenslikesomanyjaggedscrapsofpaperinthe
dyingairblastofanautomobile,andthemadlydodgingfigureofaman.ThemanwasSnopes;
beadedtoowithmoisture,hiswildfacegapedwithhoarseshoutingandthetwoheavylinesof
shavenbearddescendingfromthecornersofitasthoughinalluvialretrospectofyearsoftobacco,
hescreamedather:"ForeGod,MizHait!IdoneeverythingIcould!"Shedidn'tevenlookathim.
"Ketchthatbigunwiththebridleon,"shesaidinhercold,pantingvoice."Gitthatbigun
outenhere."
"Sho!"Snopesshrieked."Jestletumtaketheirtime.Jestdon'tgitumexcitednow."
"Watchout!"oldHetshouted."Heheadinferdebackagain!'
"Gittherope,"Mrs.Haitsaid,runningagain.SnopesglaredbackatoldHet.
"ForeGod,whereisererope?"heshouted.
"IndecellarfoGod!"oldHetshouted,alsowithoutpausing."Goroundeudderwayen
headum."AgainsheandMrs.Haitturnedthecornerintimetoseeagainthestillvanishingmule
withthehalteroncemoreintheactoffloatinglightlyonwardinitscloudofchickenswithwhich,
theybeingabletopassunderthehouseandsoonthechordofacirclewhileithadtogoaround
onthearc,ithadoncemorecoincided.Whentheyturnedthenextcornertheywereintheback
yardagain.
"FoGod!"oldHetcried."Hefixintomisusedecow!"
Fortheyhadgainedonthemulenow,sinceithadstopped.
Infact,theycamearoundthecorneronatableau.Thecownowstoodinthecentreofthe
yard.Sheandthemulefacedoneanotherafewfeetapart.Motionless,withloweredheadsand
bracedforelegs,theylookedliketwobookendsfromtwodistinctpairsofageneralpatternwhich
someoneofamateurlybucolicleaningsmighthavepurchased,andwhichsomechildhad
salvaged,broughtintoidlejuxtapositionandthenforgotten;and,hisheadandshouldersprojecting
abovethebackflungslantofthecellarentrancewherethescuttlestillsat,Snopesstandingas
thoughburiedtothearmpitsforaSpanishIndianAmericansuttee.Onlyagainitdidnottakethis
long.Itwaslessthantableau;itwasoneofthosethingswhichlaterevenmemorycannotquite
affirm.Nowandinturn,manandcowandmulevanishedbeyondthenextcorner,Snopesnowin
thelead,carryingtherope,thecownextwithhertailrigidandrakedslightlylikethesternstaffofa
boat.Mrs.HaitandoldHetranon,passingtheopencellargapinguponitsaccumulationofhuman
necessitiesandwidowedwomanyears:boxesforkindlingwood,oldpapersandmagazines,the
brokenandoutwornfurnitureandutensilswhichnowomaneverthrowsaway;apileofcoaland
anotherofpitchpineforprimingfiresandranonandturnedthenextcornertoseemanandcow
andmuleallvanishingnowinthewildcloudofubiquitouschickenswhichhadoncemorecrossed
beneaththehouseandemerged.Theyranon,Mrs.Haitingrimandunflaggingsilence,oldHet
withtheeagerandhappyamazementofachild.Butwhentheygainedthefrontagaintheysaw
onlySnopes.Helayflatonhisstomach,hisheadandshouldersuprearedbyhisoutstretched
arms,hiscoattailsweptforwardbyitsownarrestedmomentumabouthisheadsothatfrom
beneathithisslackjawedfacemusedinwildreposelikethatofaburlesquednun.
"Whar'ddeygo?"oldHetshoutedathim.Hedidn'tanswer."Deytightenin'ondecurves!"
shecried."Deyalreadyindebackagain!"That'swheretheywere.Thecowmadeafeintatrunning
intohershed,butdecidingperhapsthatherspeedwastoogreat,shewhirledinafinaldesperation
ofdespairlikevalor.Buttheydidnotseethis,norseethemule,swervingtopassher,crashand
blunderforaninstantattheopencellardoorbeforegoingon.Whentheyarrived,themulewas
gone.Thescuttlewasgonetoo,buttheydidnotnoticeit;theysawonlythecowstandinginthe
centreoftheyardasbefore,panting,rigid,withbracedforelegsandloweredheadfacingnothing,
asifthechildhadreturnedandremovedoneofthebookendsforsomenewerpurposeorgame.
Theyranon.Mrs.Haitranheavilynow,hermouthtooopen,herfaceputtycoloredandonehand
pressedtoherside.Soslowwastheirprogressthatthemuleinitsthirdcircuitofthehouse
overtookthemfrombehindandsoaredpastwithundiminishedspeed,withbriefdemonthunder
andakeenammoniasweetreekofsweatsuddenandsharpasajeeringcry,andwasgone.Yet
theyrandoggedlyonaroundthenextcornerintimetoseeitsucceedatlastinvanishingintothe
fog;theyhearditshoofs,brief,staccato,andderisive,onthepavedstreet,dyingaway.
"Well!"oldHetsaid,stopping.Shepanted,happily.
"Gentlemen,hush!Ain'twehad..."Thenshebecamestonestill;slowlyherheadturned,
highnosed,hernostrilspulsing;perhapsfortheinstantshesawtheopencellardoorastheyhad
lastpassedit,withnoscuttlebesideit."FoGodIsmellssmoke!"shesaid."Chile,run,gityo
money."
Thatwasstillearly,notyetteno'clock.Bynoonthehousehadburnedtotheground.There
wasafarmers'supplystorewhereSnopescouldbeusuallyfound;morethanonehadmadea
pointoffindinghimtherebythattime.Theytoldhimabouthowwhenthefireengineandthecrowd
reachedthescene,Mrs.Hait,followedbyoldHetcarryinghershoppingbaginonehandanda
framedportraitofMr.Haitintheother,emergedwithanumbrellaandwearinganew,duncolored,
mailordercoat,inonepocketofwhichlayafruitjarfilledwithsmoothlyrolledbanknotesandinthe
otheraheavy,nickelplatedpistol,andcrossedthestreettothehouseopposite,wherewitholdHet
besideherinanotherrocker,shehadbeensittingeversinceontheveranda,grim,inscrutable,the
twoofthemrockingsteadily,whilehoarseandtirelessmenhurledherdishesandfurnitureand
beddingupanddownthestreet.
"Whatareyoutellingmefor?"Snopessaid."Hitwarn'tmethatsetthaterescuttleoflive
firewherethefirstthingthatpassedwouldknockhitintothecellar."
"Itwasyouthatopenedthecellardoor,though."
"Sho.Andforwhat?Togitthatrope,herownrope,whereshetoldmetogitit."
"Tocatchyourmulewith,thatwastrespassingonherproperty.Youcan'tgetoutofitthis
time,Iowe.Thereain'tajuryinthecountythatwon'tfindforher."
"Yes.Ireckonnot.Andjustbecausesheisawoman.That'swhy.Becausesheisadurn
woman.Allright.Lethergotoherdurnjurywithhit.Icantalktoo;Ireckonhit'safewthingsIcould
tellajurymyselfabout..."Heceased.
 Theywerewatchinghim.
"What?Tellajuryaboutwhat?"
"Nothing.Becausehitain'tgoingtonojury.Ajurybetweenherandme?MeandMannie
Hait?Youboysdon'tknowherifyouthinkshe'sgoingtomaketroubleoverapureaccident
couldn'tnobodyhelp.Why,thereain'tafairer,finerwomaninthecountythanMizMannieHait.I
justwishtIhadaopportunitytotellherso."Theopportunitycameatonce.OldHetwasbehindher,
carryingtheshoppingbag.Mrs.Haitlookedonce,quietly,aboutatthefaces,makingnoresponse
tothemurmurofcurioussalutation,thennotagain.Shedidn'tlookatSnopeslongeither,nortalk
tohimlong.
"Icometobuythatmule,"shesaid.
"Whatmule?"Theylookedatoneanother."You'dliketoownthatmule?"Shelookedat
him."Hit'llcostyouahundredandfifty,MizMannie."
"Youmeandollars?"
"Idon'tmeandimesnornickelsneither,MizMannie."
"Dollars,"shesaid."That'smorethanmuleswasinHait'stime."
"LotsofthingsisdifferentsinceHait'stime.Includingyouandme."
"Ireckonso,"shesaid.Thenshewentaway.Sheturnedwithoutaword,oldHetfollowing.
"Maybeoneofthemothersyoulookedatthismorningwouldsuityou,"Snopessaid.She
didn'tanswer.Thentheyweregone.
"Idon'tknowasIwouldhavesaidthatlasttoher,"onesaid.
"Whatfor?"Snopessaid."Ifshewasaimingtolawsomethingoutenmeaboutthatfire,you
reckonshewouldhavecomeandofferedtopaymemoneyforhit?"Thatwasaboutoneo'clock.
Aboutfouro'clockhewasshoulderinghiswaythroughathrongofNegroesbeforeacheapgrocery
storewhenonecalledhisname.ItwasoldHet,thenowbulgingshoppingbagonherarm,eating
bananasfromapapersack.
"FoGodIwuzjestdisminutehuntinferyou,"shesaid.
Shehandedthebananatoawomanbesideheranddelvedandfumbledintheshopping
bagandextendedagreenback.
"MizManniegimmedistogiveyou;Iwuzjestondewaytodestowharyoustayat.Here."
Hetookthebill.
"What'sthis?FromMizHait?"
"Ferdemule."Thebillwasfortendollars."Youdon'tneedtogimmenoreceipt.Ikinbede
witnessIgivehittoyou."
"Tendollars?Forthatmule?Itoldherahundredandfiftydollars."
"You'llhavetofixdatupwidheryo'self.Shejestgimmedistogiveteryouwhenshesot
outtofetchdemule."
"Setouttofetch.Shewentoutthereherselfandtakenmymuleoutenmypasture?"
"Lawd,chile,"oldHetsaid,"MizMannieain'tskeeredofnomule.Ain'tyoudonefoundat
out?"
Andthenitbecamelate,whatwiththeyetshortwinterdays;whenshecameinsightofthe
twogauntchimneysagainstthesunset,eveningwasalreadyfindingitself.Butshecouldsmellthe
hamcookingbeforeshecameinsightofthecowshedeven,thoughshecouldnotseeituntilshe
camearoundinfrontwherethefireburnedbeneathanironskilletsetonbricksandwherenearby
Mrs.Haitwasmilkingthecow."Well,"oldHetsaid,"youissettleddown,ain'tyou?"
Shelookedintotheshed,neatedandrakedandswepteven,andfloorednowwithfresh
hay.Acleannewlanternburnedonabox,besideitapalletbedwasspreadneatlyonthestraw
andturnedneatlybackforthenight."Why,youisfixedup,"shesaidwithpleasedastonishment.
Withinthedoorwasakitchenchair.Shedrewitoutandsatdownbesidetheskilletandlaidthe
bulgingshoppingbagbesideher.
 "I'lltenddismeatwhilstyoumilks.I'doffertostripdatcowferyouefIwuzn'tsowooutwid
alldisexcitementwebeenhad."Shelookedaroundher."Idon'tbelieveIseesyonewmule,
dough."Mrs.Haitgrunted,herheadagainstthecow'sflank.Afteramomentshesaid,"Didyou
givehimthatmoney?"
"Igiveumterhim.Heacksurpriseatfirst,lakmaybehethinkyoudidn'taimtotradedat
quick.Itolehimtosettlededetailswidyoulater.Hetakendemoney,dough.SoIreckindat'soffen
hismineenyo'nbofe."AgainMrs.Haitgrunted.
OldHetturnedthehamintheskillet.Besideitthecoffeepotbubbledandsteamed.
"Cawfeesmellgoodtoo,"shesaid."Iain'thadnoappetiteinyearsnow.Abirdcouldn'tliveonde
vittlesIeats.Butjestlemmegitawhiffercawfeeenseemlakhitalwayswhetsmealittle.Now,ef
youjesthadnudderlittlepieceodisham,nowFoGod,yougotcompanyaready."ButMrs.Haitdid
notevenlookupuntilshehadfinished.Thensheturnedwithoutrisingfromtheboxonwhichshe
sat.
"Ireckonyouandmebetterhavealittletalk,"Snopessaid.
"IreckonIgotsomethingthatbelongstoyouandIhearyougotsomethingthatbelongsto
me."Helookedabout,quickly,ceaselessly,whileoldHetwatchedhim.Heturnedtoher.
"Yougoaway,aunty.Idon'treckonyouwanttosethereandlistentous."
"Lawd,honey,"oldHetsaid."Don'tyoumindme.Idonealreadyhadsomuchtroubles
myselfdatIkinsetenlistentoudderfolks'widouthitworryinmeatall.Yougawntalkwhutyou
cametertalk;Ijestsethereentenddeham."
SnopeslookedatMrs.Hait.
"Ain'tyougoingtomakehergoaway?"hesaid.
"Whatfor?"Mrs.Haitsaid."Ireckonsheain'tthefirstcritterthatevercomeonthisyard
whenhitwantedandwentorstayedwhenhitliked."Snopesmadeagesture,brief,fretted,
restrained.
"Well,"hesaid."Allright.Soyoutakenthemule."
"Ipaidyouforit.Shegiveyouthemoney."
"Tendollars.Forahundredandfiftydollarmule.Tendollars."
"Idon'tknowanythingabouthundredandfiftydollarmules.AllIknowiswhattherailroad
paid."NowSnopeslookedatherforafullmoment.
"Whatdoyoumean?"
"Themsixtydollarsaheadtherailroadusedtopayyouformulesbackwhenyouand
Hait..."
"Hush,"Snopessaid;helookedaboutagain,quick,ceaseless."Allright.Evencallitsixty
dollars.Butyoujustsentmeten."
"Yes.Isentyouthedifference."Helookedather,perfectlystill."Betweenthatmuleand
whatyouowedHait."
"WhatIowed"
"Forgettingthemfivemulesontothetr..."
"Hush!"hecried."Hush!"Hervoicewenton,cold,grim,level.
"Forhelpingyou.Youpaidhimfiftydollarseachtime,andtherailroadpaidyousixtydollars
aheadforthemules.Ain'tthatright?"Hewatchedher."Thelasttimeyouneverpaidhim.SoI
takenthatmuleinstead.AndIsentyouthetendollarsdifference."
"Yes,"hesaidinatoneofquiet,swift,profoundbemusement;thenhecried:"Butlook!
Here'swhereIgotyou.HitwasouragreementthatIwouldn'tneverowehimnothinguntilafterthe
muleswas..."
"Ireckonyoubetterhushyourself,"Mrs.Haitsaid.
"...untilhitwasover.Andthistime,whenoverhadcome,Ineverowednobodynomoney
becausethemanhitwouldhavebeenowedtowasn'tnobody,"hecriedtriumphantly."Yousee?"
Sittingonthebox,motionless,downlooking,Mrs,Haitseemedtomuse."Soyoujusttakeyourten
dollarsbackandtellmewheremymuleisandwe'lljustgobackgoodfriendstowherewestarted
at.ForeGod,I'massorryaserealivingmanaboutthatfire"
"FoGod!"oldHetsaid,"hitwasablaze,wuzn'tit?"
"...butlikelywithallthatererailroadmoneyyoustillgot,youjustbeenwantingachanceto
buildnew,allalong.Sohere.Takehit."Heputthemoneyintoherhand."Where'smymule?"But
Mrs.Haitdidn'tmoveatonce.
"Youwanttogiveitbacktome?"shesaid.
"Sho.Webeenfriendsallthetime;nowwe'lljustgobacktowhereweleftoffbeing.Idon't
holdnohardfeelingsanddon'tyouholdnone.Whereyougotthemulehid?"
"UpattheendofthatravineditchbehindSpilmer's,"shesaid.
"Sho.Iknow.Agood,shelteredplace,sinceyouain'tgotnerebarn.Onlyifyou'dajustleft
hitinthepasture,hitwouldasavedusbothtrouble.Buthitain'tnohardfeelingsthough.AndsoI'll
bidyougoodnight.You'reallfixedup,Isee.Ireckonyoucouldsavesomemoremoneybynot
buildingnohouseatall."
"IreckonIcould,"Mrs.Haitsaid.Buthewasgone.
"Whutdidyouleavedemuledarfer?"oldHetsaid.
"Ireckonthat'sfarenough,"Mrs.Haitsaid.
"Ferenough?"ButMrs.Haitcameandlookedintotheskillet,andoldHetsaid,"Wuzhitme
eryoudatmentionedsomethingerbouternudderpieceodisham?"Sotheywerebotheating
wheninthenotquiteyetaccomplishedtwilightSnopesreturned.Hecameupquietlyandstood,
holdinghishandstotheblazeasifhewerequitecold.Hedidnotlookatanyonenow.
"IreckonI'lltakethateretendollars,"hesaid.
"Whattendollars?"Mrs.Haitsaid.Heseemedtomuseuponthefire.Mrs.HaitandoldHet
chewedquietly,oldHetalonewatchinghim.
"Youain'tgoingtogivehitbacktome?"hesaid.
"Youwastheonethatsaidtolet'sgobacktowherewestarted,"Mrs.Haitsaid.
"FoGodyouwuz,endat'sdefack,"oldHetsaid.Snopesmuseduponthefire;hespokein
atoneofmusingandamazeddespair:"Igototheworryandtheriskandtheagomentforyears
andyearsandIgetsixtydollars.Andyou,onetime,withoutnotroubleandnorisk,withouteven
knowingyouaregoingtogitit,giteightyfivehundreddollars.Ineverbegrudgedhittoyou;can't
nereamansayIdid,evenifhitdidseemalittlestrangethatyoushouldgititallwhenhewasn't
workingforyouandyouneverevenknowedwherehewasatandwhatdoing;thatallyoudoneto
gititwastobemarriedtohim.Andnow,afterallthesetenyearsofnotbegrudgingyouhit,you
takenthebestmuleIhadandyouain'tevengoingtopaymetendollarsforhit.Hitain'tright.Hit
ain'tjustice."
"Yougotdemuleback,enyouain'tsatisfriedyit,"oldHetsaid."Whutdoesyouwant?"
NowSnopeslookedatMrs.Hait.
"ForthelasttimeIaskhit,"hesaid."Willyouorwon'tyougivehitback?"
"Givewhatback?"Mrs.Haitsaid.Snopesturned.Hestumbledoversomething:itwasold
Het'sshoppingbag,andrecoveredandwenton.Theycouldseehiminsilhouette,asthough
framedbythetwoblackenedchimneysagainstthedyingwest;theysawhimflingupbothclenched
handsinagesturealmostGallic,ofresignationandimpotentdespair.Thenhewasgone.OldHet
waswatchingMrs.Hait.
"Honey,"shesaid."Whutdidyoudowiddemule?"Mrs.Haitleanedforwardtothefire.On
herplatelayastalebiscuit.Sheliftedtheskilletandpouredoverthebiscuitthegreaseinwhichthe
hamhadcooked.
"Ishotit,"shesaid.
 "Youwhich?"oldHetsaid.Mrs.Haitbegantoeatthebiscuit."Well,"oldHetsaid,happily,
"demuleburntdehouseenyoushotdemule.Dat'swhutIcallsjustice."Itwasgettingdarkfast
now,andbeforeherwasstillthethreemilewalktothepoorhouse.Butthedarkwouldlastalong
timeinJanuary,andthepoorhousetoowouldnotmoveatonce.Shesighedwithwearyandhappy
relaxation."Gentlemen,hush!Ain'twehadaday!"

ThatWillBeFine

WECOULDHEARthewaterrunningintothetub.Welookedatthepresentsscatteredoverthe
bedwheremammahadwrappedtheminthecoloredpaper,withournamesonthemsoGrandpa
couldtellwhotheybelongedtoeasywhenhewouldtakethemoffthetree.Therewasapresentfor
everybodyexceptGrandpabecausemammasaidthatGrandpaistoooldtogetpresentsany
more.
"Thisoneisyours,"Isaid.
"Shonow!"Rosiesaid."Youcomeonandgetinthattublikeyourmammatellyou."
"Iknowwhat'sinit,"Isaid."IcouldtellyouifIwantedto."
Rosielookedatherpresent."IreckonIkinwaittwellhitbehandedtomeattherighttime,"
shesaid.
"I'lltellyouwhat'sinitforanickel,"Isaid.
Rosielookedatherpresent."Iain'tgotnonickel,"shesaid."ButIwillhaveChristmas
morningwhenMr.Rodneygivemethatdime."
"You'llknowwhat'sinitanywaythenandyouwon'tpayme,"Isaid."Goandaskmammato
lendyouanickel."
ThenRosiegrabbedmebythearm."Youcomeonandgetinthattub,"shesaid."Youand
money!Ifyouain'trichtimeyoutwentyone,hitwillbebecausethelawdoneabolishedmoneyor
doneabolishedyou."
SoIwentandbathedandcameback,withthepresentsallscatteredoutacrossmamma's
andpapa'sbedandyoucouldalmostsmellitandtomorrownighttheywouldbegintoshootthe
fireworksandthenyoucouldhearittoo.Itwouldbejusttonightandthentomorrowwewouldget
onthetrain,exceptpapa,becausehewouldhavetostayattheliverystableuntilafterChristmas
Eve,andgotoGrandpa's,andthentomorrownightandthenitwouldbeChristmasandGrandpa
wouldtakethepresentsoffthetreeandcalloutournames,andtheonefrommetoUncleRodney
thatIboughtwithmyowndimeandsoafterawhileUncleRodneywouldprizeopenGrandpa's
deskandtakeadoseofGrandpa'stonicandmaybehewouldgivemeanotherquarterforhelping
him,likehedidlastChristmas,insteadofjustanickel,likehewoulddolastsummerwhilehewas
visitingmammaandusandweweredoingbusinesswithMrs.TuckerbeforeUncleRodneywent
homeandbegantoworkfortheCompressAssociation,anditwouldbefine.Ormaybeevenahalf
adollaranditseemedtomelikeIjustcouldn'twait.
"Jesus,Ican'thardlywait,"Isaid.
"Youwhich?"Rosiehollered."Jesus?"shehollered."Jesus?Youletyourmammahearyou
cussingandIboundyou'llwait.Youtalktomeaboutanickel!ForanickelI'dtellherjustwhatyou
said."
"Ifyou'llpaymeanickelI'lltellhermyself,"Isaid.
"Getintothatbed!"Rosiehollered."Asevenyearoldboy,cussing!"
"Ifyouwillpromisenottotellher,I'lltellyouwhat'sinyourpresentandyoucanpaymethe
nickelChristmasmorning,"Isaid.
"Getinthatbed!"Rosiehollered."Youandyournickel!IboundifIthoughtanyofyouall
wasfixingtobuyevenadimepresentforyourgrandpa,I'dputinanickelofhitmyself."
 "Grandpadon'twantpresents,"Isaid."He'stooold."
"Hah,"Rosiesaid."Tooold,ishe?Supposeeverybodydecidedyouwastooyoungtohave
nickels:whatwouldyouthinkaboutthat?Hah?"
SoRosieturnedoutthelightandwentout.ButIcouldstillseethepresentsbythefirelight:
theonesforUncleRodneyandGrandmaandAuntLouisaandAuntLouisa'shusbandUncleFred,
andCousinLouisaandCousinFredandthebabyandGrandpa'scookandourcook,thatwas
Rosie,andmaybesomebodyoughttogiveGrandpaapresentonlymaybeitoughttobeAunt
LouisabecausesheandUncleFredlivedwithGrandpa,ormaybeUncleRodneyoughttobecause
helivedwithGrandpatoo.UncleRodneyalwaysgavemammaandpapaapresentbutmaybeit
wouldbejustawasteofhistimeandGrandpa'stimebothforUncleRodneytogiveGrandpaa
present,becauseonetimeIaskedmammawhyGrandpaalwayslookedatthepresentUncle
Rodneygaveherandpapaandgotsomad,andpapabegantolaughandmammasaidpapa
oughttobeashamed,thatitwasn'tUncleRodney'sfaultifhisgenerositywaslongerthanhis
pocketbook,andpapasaidYes,itcertainlywasn'tUncleRodney'sfault,heneverknewamanto
tryhardertogetmoneythanUncleRodneydid,thatUncleRodneyhadtriedeveryknownplanto
getitexceptwork,andthatifmammawouldjustthinkbackabouttwoyearsshewouldremember
onetimewhenUncleRodneycouldhavethankedhisstarsthattherewasonemaninthe
connectionwhosegenerosity,orwhatevermammawantedtocallit,wasatleastfivehundred
dollarsshorterthanhispocketbook,andmammasaidshedefiedpapatosaythatUncleRodney
stolethemoney,thatithadbeenmaliciouspersecutionandpapaknewit,andthatpapaandmost
othermenwereprejudicedagainstUncleRodney,whyshedidn'tknow,andthatifpapabegrudged
havinglentUncleRodneythefivehundreddollarswhenthefamily'sgoodnamewasatstaketo
saysoandGrandpawouldraiseitsomehowandpaypapaback,andthenshebegantocryand
papasaidAllright,allright,andmammacriedandsaidhowUncleRodneywasthebabyandthat
mustbewhypapahatedhimandpapasaidAllright,allright;forGod'ssake,allright.
Becausemammaandpapadidn'tknowthatUncleRodneyhadbeenhandlinghisbusiness
allthetimehewasvisitinguslastsummer,anymorethanthepeopleinMottstownknewthathe
wasdoingbusinesslastChristmaswhenIworkedforhimthefirsttimeandhepaidmethequarter.
Becausehesaidthatifhepreferredtodobusinesswithladiesinsteadofmenitwasn't
anybody'sbusinessexcepthis,notevenMr.Tucker's.HesaidhowIneverwentaroundtelling
peopleaboutpapa'sbusinessandIsaidhoweverybodyknewpapawasintheliverystable
businessandsoIdidn'thavetotellthem,andUncleRodneysaidWell,thatwaswhathalfofthe
nickelwasforanddidIwanttokeeponmakingthenickelsordidIwanthimtohiresomebody
else?SoIwouldgoonaheadandwatchthroughMr.Tucker'sfenceuntilhecameouttogoto
townandIwouldgoalongbehindthefencetothecornerandwatchuntilMr.Tuckerwasoutof
sightandthenIwouldputmyhatontopofthefencepostandleaveitthereuntilIsawMr.Tucker
comingback.OnlyhenevercamebackwhileIwastherebecauseUncleRodneywouldalwaysbe
throughbeforethen,andhewouldcomeupandwewouldwalkbackhomeandhewouldtell
mammahowfarwehadwalkedthatdayandmammawouldsayhowgoodthatwasforUncle
Rodney'shealth.Sohejustpaidmeanickelathome.Itwasn'tasmuchasthequarterwhenhe
wasinbusinesswiththeotherladyinMottstownChristmas,butthatwasjustonetimeandhe
visitedusallsummerandsobythattimeIhadalotmorethanaquarter.Andbesidestheother
timewasChristmasandhetookadoseofGrandpa'stonicbeforehepaidmethequarterandso
maybethistimeitmightbeevenahalfadollar.Icouldn'thardlywait.

II
BUTITGOTTOBEdaylightatlastandIputonmySundaysuit,andIwouldgotothefrontdoor
andwatchforthehackandthenIwouldgotothekitchenandaskRosieifitwasn'talmosttimeand
shewouldtellmethetrainwasn'tevenduefortwohoursyet.Onlywhileshewastellingmewe
heardthehack,andsoIthoughtitwastimeforustogoandgetonthetrainanditwouldbefine,
andthenwewouldgotoGrandpa'sandthenitwouldbetonightandthentomorrowandmaybeit
wouldbeahalfadollarthistimeandJesusitwouldbefine.Thenmammacamerunningout
withoutevenherhatonandshesaidhowitwastwohoursyetandshewasn'tevendressedand
JohnPaulsaidYessumbutpapasenthimandpapasaidforJohnPaultotellmammathatAunt
Louisawashereandformammatohurry.SoweputthebasketofpresentsintothehackandI
rodeontheboxwithJohnPaulandmammaholleringfrominsidethehackaboutAuntLouisa,and
JohnPaulsaidthatAuntLouisahadcomeinahiredbuggyandpapatookhertothehoteltoeat
breakfastbecausesheleftMottstownbeforedaylighteven.AndsomaybeAuntLouisahadcome
toJeffersontohelpmammaandpapagetapresentforGrandpa.
"Becausewehaveoneforeverybodyelse,"Isaid,"IboughtoneforUncleRodneywithmy
ownmoney."
ThenJohnPaulbegantolaughandIsaidWhy?andhesaiditwasatthenotionofme
givingUncleRodneyanythingthathewouldwanttouse,andIsaidWhy?andJohnPaulsaid
becauseIwasshapedlikeaman,andIsaidWhy?andJohnPaulsaidhebetpapawouldliketo
giveUncleRodneyapresentwithoutevenwaitingforChristmas,andIsaidWhat?andJohnPaul
saidAjobofwork.AndItoldJohnPaulhowUncleRodneyhadbeenworkingallthetimehewas
visitinguslastsummer,andJohnPaulquitlaughingandsaidSho,hereckonedanythingaman
keptatallthetime,nightanddayboth,hewouldcallitworknomatterhowmuchfunitstartedout
tobe,andIsaidAnywayUncleRodneyworksnow,heworksintheofficeoftheCompress
Association,andJohnPaullaughedgoodthenandsaiditwouldsholytakeawholeassociationto
compressUncleRodney.Andthenmammabegantohollertogostraighttothehotel,andJohn
PaulsaidNome,papasaidtocomestraighttotheliverystableandwaitforhim.
AndsowewenttothehotelandAuntLouisaandpapacameoutandpapahelpedAunt
LouisaintothehackandAuntLouisabegantocryandmammaholleringLouisa!Louisa!Whatis
it?Whathashappened?andpapasayingWaitnow.Wait.Rememberthenigger,andthatmeant
JohnPaul,andsoitmusthavebeenapresentforGrandpaanditdidn'tcome.
Andthenwedidn'tgoonthetrainafterall.Wewenttothestableandtheyalreadyhadthe
lightroadhackhitchedupandwaiting,andmammawascryingnowandsayinghowpapanever
evenhadhisSundayclothesandpapacussingnowandsayingDamntheclothes;ifwedidn'tget
toUncleRodneybeforetheotherscaughthim,papawouldjustweartheclothesUncleRodneyhad
onnow.SowegotintotheroadhackfastandpapaclosedthecurtainsandthenmammaandAunt
LouisacouldcryallrightandpapaholleredtoJohnPaultogohomeandtellRosietopackhis
Sundaysuitandtakehertothetrain;anywaythatwouldbefineforRosie.Sowedidn'tgoonthe
trainbutwewentfast,withpapadrivingandsayingDidn'tanybodyknowwherehewas?andAunt
LouisaquitcryingawhileandsaidhowUncleRodneydidn'tcometosupperlastnight,butright
aftersupperhecameinandhowAuntLouisahadaterriblefeelingassoonassheheardhisstep
inthehallandhowUncleRodneywouldn'ttellheruntiltheywereinhisroomandthedoorclosed
andthenhesaidhemusthavetwothousanddollarsandAuntLouisasaidwhereintheworldcould
shegettwothousanddollars?andUncleRodneysaidAskFred,thatwasAuntLouisa'shusband,
andGeorge,thatwaspapa;tellthemtheywouldhavetodigitup,andAuntLouisasaidshehad
thatterriblefeelingandshesaidRodney!Rodney!WhatandUncleRodneybeguntocussandsay
Dammit,don'tstartsnivelingandcryingnow,andAuntLouisasaidRodney,whathaveyoudone
now?andthentheybothheardtheknockingatthedoorandhowAuntLouisalookedatUncle
RodneyandsheknewthetruthbeforesheevenlaideyesonMr.Pruittandthesheriff,andhow
shesaidDon'ttellpa!Keepitfrompa!Itwillkillhim...
 "Who?"papasaid."Misterwho?"
"Mr.Pruitt,"AuntLouisasaid,cryingagain."ThepresidentoftheCompressAssociation.
TheymovedtoMottstownlastspring.Youdon'tknowhim."
SoshewentdowntothedooranditwasMr.Pruittandthesheriff.AndhowAuntLouisa
beggedMr.PruittforGrandpa'ssakeandhowshegaveMr.PruittheroaththatUncleRodney
wouldstayrightthereinthehouseuntilpapacouldgetthere,andMr.Pruittsaidhowhehateditto
happenatChristmastooandsoforGrandpa'sandAuntLouisa'ssakehewouldgivethemuntilthe
dayafterChristmasifAuntLouisawouldpromisehimthatUncleRodneywouldnottrytoleave
Mottstown.AndhowMr.PruittshowedherwithherowneyesthecheckwithGrandpa'sname
signedtoitandhowevenAuntLouisacouldseethatGrandpa'snamehadbeenandthenmamma
saidLouisa!Louisa!RememberGeorgie!andthatwasme,andpapacussedtoo,holleringHowin
damnationdoyouexpecttokeepitfromhim?Byhidingthenewspapers?andAuntLouisacried
againandsaidhoweverybodywasboundtoknowit,thatshedidn'texpectorhopethatanyofus
couldeverholdourheadsupagain,thatallshehopedforwastokeepitfromGrandpabecauseit
wouldkillhim.Shecriedhardthenandpapahadtostopatabranchandgetdownandsoakhis
handkerchiefformammatowipeAuntLouisa'sfacewithitandthenpapatookthebottleoftonic
outofthedashpocketandputafewdropsonthehandkerchief,andAuntLouisasmelleditand
thenpapatookadoseofthetonicoutofthebottleandmammasaidGeorge!andpapadrank
somemoreofthetonicandthenmadelikehewashandingthebottlebackformammaandAunt
Louisatotakeadosetooandsaid,"Idon'tblameyou.IfIwasawomaninthisfamilyI'dtaketo
drinktoo.Nowletmegetthisbondbusinessstraight."
"Itwasthoseroadbondsofma's,"AuntLouisasaid.
Weweregoingfastagainnowbecausethehorseshadrestedwhilepapawaswettingthe
handkerchiefandtakingthedoseoftonic,andpapawassayingAllright,whataboutthebonds?
whenallofasuddenhejerkedaroundintheseatandsaid,"Roadbonds?Doyoumeanhetook
thatdamnscrewdriverandprizedopenyourmother'sdesktoo?"
ThenmammasaidGeorge!howcanyou?onlyAuntLouisawastalkingnow,quicknow,
notcryingnow,notyet,andpapawithhisheadturnedoverhisshoulderandsayingDidAunt
Louisameanthatthatfivehundredpapahadtopayouttwoyearsagowasn'tallofit?AndAunt
Louisasaiditwastwentyfivehundred,onlytheydidn'twantGrandpatofinditout,andso
Grandmaputupherroadbondsforsecurityonthenote,andhowtheysaidnowthatUncleRodney
hadredeemedGrandma'snoteandtheroadbondsfromthebankwithsomeoftheCompress
Association'sbondsoutofthesafeintheCompressAssociationoffice,becausewhenMr.Pruitt
foundtheCompressAssociation'sbondsweremissinghelookedforthemandfoundtheminthe
bankandwhenhelookedintheCompressAssociation'ssafeallhefoundwasthecheckfortwo
thousanddollarswithGrandpa'snamesignedtoit,andhowMr.Pruitthadn'tlivedinMottstownbut
ayearbutevenheknewthatGrandpaneversignedthatcheckandbesideshelookedinthebank
againandGrandpaneverhadtwothousanddollarsinit,andhowMr.Pruittsaidhowhewouldwait
untilthedayafterChristmasifAuntLouisawouldgivehimherswornoaththatUncleRodneywould
notgoaway,andAuntLouisadiditandthenshewentbackupstairstopleadwithUncleRodneyto
giveMr.PruittthebondsandshewentintoUncleRodney'sroomwhereshehadlefthim,andthe
windowwasopenandUncleRodneywasgone.
"DamnRodney!"papasaid."Thebonds!Youmean,nobodyknowswherethebondsare?"
Nowweweregoingfastbecausewewerecomingdownthelasthillandintothevalley
whereMottstownwas.Soonwewouldbegintosmellitagain;itwouldbejusttodayandthen
tonightandthenitwouldbeChristmas,andAuntLouisasittingtherewithherfacewhitelikea
whitewashedfencethathasbeenrainedonandpapasaidWhoinhellevergavehimsuchajob
anyway,andAuntLouisasaidMr.Pruitt,andpapasaidhowevenifMr.Pruitthadonlylivedin
Mottstownafewmonths,andthenAuntLouisabegantocrywithoutevenputtingherhandkerchief
toherfacethistimeandmammalookedatAuntLouisaandshebegantocrytooandpapatook
outthewhipandhittheteamabeltwithiteveniftheyweregoingfastandhecussed.
"Damnationtohell,"papasaid."Isee.Pruitt'smarried."
Thenwecouldseeittoo.Therewerehollywreathsinthewindowslikeathomein
Jefferson,andIsaid,"TheyshootfireworksinMottstowntooliketheydoinJefferson."
AuntLouisaandmammawerecryinggoodnow,andnowitwaspapasayingHere,here;
rememberGeorgie,andthatwasme,andAuntLouisasaid,"Yes,yes!Painted,commonthing,
traipsingupanddownthestreetsallafternoonaloneinabuggy,andtheoneandonlytimeMrs.
Churchcalledonher,andthatwasbecauseofMr.Pruitt'spositionalone,Mrs.Churchfoundher
withoutcorsetsonandMrs.Churchtoldmeshesmelledliquoronherbreath."
AndpapasayingHere,here,andAuntLouisacryinggoodandsayinghowitwasMrs.
PruittthatdiditbecauseUncleRodneywasyoungandeasyledbecauseheneverhadhad
opportunitiestomeetanicegirlandmarryher,andpapawasdrivingfasttowardGrandpa'shouse
andhesaid,"Marry?Rodneymarry?Whatinhellpleasurewouldhegetoutofslippingoutofhis
ownhouseandwaitinguntilafterdarkandslippingaroundtothebackandclimbingupthegutter
andintoaroomwheretherewasn'tanybodyinitbuthisownwife."
AndsomammaandAuntLouisawerecryinggoodwhenwegottoGrandpa's.

Ill

ANDUNCLERODNEYwasn'tthere.Wecamein,andGrandmasaidhowMandy,thatwas
Grandpa'scook,hadn'tcometocookbreakfastandwhenGrandmasentEmmeline,thatwasAunt
Louisa'sbaby'snurse,downtoMandy'scabininthebackyard,thedoorwaslockedontheinside
butMandywouldn'tanswerandthenGrandmawentdownthereherselfandMandywouldn't
answerandsoCousinFredclimbedinthewindowandMandywasgoneandUncleFredhadjust
gotbackfromtownthenandheandpapabothhollered,"Locked?ontheinside?andnobodyinit?"
AndthenUncleFredtoldpapatogoinandkeepGrandpaentertainedandhewouldgoand
thenAuntLouisagrabbedpapaandUncleFredbothandsaidshewouldkeepGrandpaquietand
forbothofthemtogoandfindhim,findhim,andpapasaidifonlythefoolhasn'ttriedtosellthem
tosomebody,andUncleFredsaidGoodGod,man,don'tyouknowthatcheckwasdatedtendays
ago?AndsowewentinwhereGrandpawasrearedbackinhischairandsayinghowhehadn't
expectedpapauntiltomorrowbutbyGodhewasgladtoseesomebodyatlastbecausehewaked
upthismorningandhiscookhadquitandLouisahadchasedoffsomewherebeforedaylightand
nowhecouldn'tevenfindUncleRodneytogodownandbringhismailandacigarortwoback,and
sothankGodChristmasnevercamebutonceayearandsobedamnedifhewouldn'tbeglad
whenitwasover,onlyhewaslaughingnowbecausewhenhesaidthataboutChristmasbefore
Christmashealwayslaughed,itwasn'tuntilafterChristmasthathedidn'tlaughwhenhesaidthat
aboutChristmas.ThenAuntLouisagotGrandpa'skeysoutofhispocketherselfandopenedthe
deskwhereUncleRodneywouldprizeitopenwithascrewdriver,andtookoutGrandpa'stonic
andthenmammasaidformetogoandfindCousinFredandCousinLouisa.
SoUncleRodneywasn'tthere.OnlyatfirstIthoughtmaybeitwouldn'tbeaquartereven,it
wouldn'tbenothingthistime,soatfirstallIhadtothinkaboutwasthatanywayitwouldbe
Christmasandthatwouldbesomethinganyway.
BecauseIwentonaroundthehouse,andsoafterawhilepapaandUncleFredcameout,
andIcouldseethemthroughthebushesknockingatMandy'sdoorandcalling,"Rodney,Rodney,"
likethat.ThenIhadtogetbackinthebushesbecauseUncleFredhadtopassrightbymetogoto
thewoodshedtogettheaxetoopenMandy'sdoor.Buttheycouldn'tfoolUncleRodney.IfMr.
Tuckercouldn'tfoolUncleRodneyinMr.Tucker'sownhouse,UncleFredandpapaoughtto
knowntheycouldn'tfoolhimrightinhisownpapa'sbackyard.SoIdidn'tevenneedtohearthem.
IjustwaiteduntilafterawhileUncleFredcamebackoutthebrokendoorandcametothe
woodshedandtooktheaxeandpulledthelockandhaspandsteepleoffthewoodhousedoorand
wentbackandthenpapacameoutofMandy'shouseandtheynailedthewoodhouselockonto
Mandy'sdoorandlockeditandtheywentaroundbehindMandy'shouse,andIcouldhearUncle
Frednailingthewindowsup.
Thentheywentbacktothehouse.Butitdidn'tmatterifMandywasinthehousetooand
couldn'tgetout,becausethetraincamefromJeffersonwithRosieandpapa'sSundayclothesonit
andsoRosiewastheretocookforGrandpaandusandsothatwasallrighttoo.
Buttheycouldn'tfoolUncleRodney.Icouldhavetoldthemthat.Icouldhavetoldthemthat
sometimesUncleRodneyevenwantedtowaituntilafterdarktoevenbegintodobusiness.Andso
itwasallrightevenifitwaslateintheafternoonbeforeIcouldgetawayfromCousinFredand
CousinLouisa.Itwaslate;soontheywouldbegintoshootthefireworksdowntown,andthenwe
wouldbehearingittoo,soIcouldjustseehisfacealittlebetweentheslatswherepapaandUncle
Fredhadnailedupthebackwindow;Icouldseehisfacewherehehadn'tshaved,andhewas
askingmewhyinhellittookmesolongbecausehehadheardtheJeffersontraincomebefore
dinner,beforeeleveno'clock,andlaughingabouthowpapaandUncleFredhadnailedhimupin
thehousetokeephimwhenthatwasexactlywhathewanted,andthatIwouldhavetoslipout
rightaftersuppersomehowanddidIreckonIcouldmanageit?AndIsaidhowlastChristmasit
hadbeenaquarter,butIdidn'thavetoslipoutofthehousethattime,andhelaughed,saying
Quarter?Quarter?didIeverseetenquartersallatonce?andIneverdid,andhesaidformetobe
therewiththescrewdriverrightaftersupperandIwouldseetenquarters,andtorememberthat
evenGoddidn'tknowwhereheisandsoformetogetthehellawayandstayawayuntilIcame
backafterdarkwiththescrewdriver.
Andtheycouldn'tfoolmeeither.BecauseIhadbeenwatchingthemanallafternoon,even
whenhethoughtIwasjustplayingandmaybebecauseIwasfromJeffersoninsteadofMottstown
andsoIwouldn'tknowwhohewas.
ButIdid,becauseoncewhenhewaswalkingpastthebackfenceandhestoppedandlit
hiscigaragainandIsawthebadgeunderhiscoatwhenhestruckthematchandsoIknewhewas
likeMr.WattsatJeffersonthatcatchestheniggers.SoIwasplayingbythefenceandIcouldhear
himstoppingandlookingatmeandIplayedandhesaid,"Howdy,son.SantyClauscomingtosee
youtomorrow?"
"Yes,sir,"Isaid.
"You'reMissSarah'sboy,fromupatJefferson,ain'tyou?"hesaid.
"Yes,sir,"Isaid.
"CometospendChristmaswithyourgrandpa,eh?"hesaid."IwonderifyourUncle
Rodney'sathomethisafternoon."
"No,sir,"Isaid.
"Well,well,that'stoobad,"hesaid."Iwantedtoseehimaminute.He'sdowntown,I
reckon?"
"No,sir,"Isaid.
"Well,well,"hesaid."Youmeanhe'sgoneawayonavisit,maybe?"
"Yes,sir,"Isaid.
"Well,well,"hesaid."That'stoobad.Iwantedtoseehimonalittlebusiness.ButIreckonit
canwait."Thenhelookedatmeandthenhesaid,"You'resurehe'soutoftown,then?"
"Yes,sir,"Isaid.
"Well,thatwasallIwantedtoknow,"hesaid."IfyouhappentomentionthistoyourAunt
LouisaoryourUncleFredyoucantellthemthatwasallIwantedtoknow."
 "Yes,sir,"Isaid.Sohewentaway.Andhedidn'tpassthehouseanymore.Iwatchedfor
him,buthedidn'tcomeback.Sohecouldn'tfoolmeeither.

IV

THENITBEGANtogetdarkandtheystartedtoshootthefireworksdowntown.Icouldhearthem,
andsoonwewouldbeseeingtheRomancandlesandskyrocketsandIwouldhavetheten
quartersthenandIthoughtaboutthebasketfullofpresentsandIthoughthowmaybeIcouldgoon
downtownwhenIgotthroughworkingforUncleRodneyandbuyapresentforGrandpawitha
dimeoutofthetenquartersandgiveittohimtomorrowandmaybe,becausenobodyelsehad
givenhimapresent,Grandpamightgivemeaquartertooinsteadofthedimetomorrow,andthat
wouldbetwentyonequarters,exceptforthedime,andthatwouldbefinesureenough.ButIdidn't
havetimetodothat.
Weatesupper,andRosiehadtocookthattoo,andmammaandAuntLouisawithpowder
ontheirfaceswheretheyhadbeencrying,andGrandpa;itwaspapahelpinghimtakeadoseof
toniceverynowandthenallafternoonwhileUncleFredwasdowntown,andUncleFredcameback
andpapacameoutinthehallandUncleFredsaidhehadlookedeverywhere,inthebankandin
theCompress,andhowMr.Pruitthadhelpedhimbuttheycouldn'tfindasigneitherofthemorof
themoney,becauseUncleFredwarafraidbecauseonenightlastweekUncleRodneyhiredarig
andwentsomewhereandUncleFredfoundoutUncleRodneydroveovertothemainlineat
KingstonandcaughtthefasttraintoMemphis,andpapasaidDamnation,andUncleFredsaidBy
Godwewillgodownthereaftersupperandsweatitoutofhim,becauseatleastwehavegothim.I
toldPruittthatandhesaidthatifweholdtohim,hewillholdoffandgiveusachance.
SoUncleFredandpapaandGrandpacameintosuppertogether,withGrandpabetween
themsayingChristmasdon'tcomebutonceayear,thankGod,sohoorayforit,andpapaand
UncleFredsayingNowyouareallright,pa;straightaheadnow,pa,andGrandpawouldgo
straightaheadawhileandthenbegintohollerWhereinhellisthatdamnboy?andthatmeant
UncleRodney,andthatGrandpawasagoodmindtogodowntownhimselfandhaulUncleRodney
outofthatdamnpoolhallandmakehimcomehomeandseehiskinfolks.Andsoweatesupper
andmammasaidshewouldtakethechildrenupstairsandAuntLouisasaidNo,Emmelinecould
putustobed,andsowewentupthebackstairs,andEmmelinesaidhowshehaddonealready
hadtocookbreakfastextratodayandiffolksthoughtshewasgoingtowasteallherChristmas
doingextraworktheyneverhadthesenseshegivethemcreditforandthatthislookedliketoherit
wasagoodhousetobeawayfromnohow,andsowewentintotheroomandthenafterawhileI
wentbackdownthebackstairsandIrememberedwheretofindthescrewdrivertoo.ThenIcould
hearthefirecrackersplainfromdowntown,andthemoonwasshiningnowbutIcouldstillseethe
Romancandlesandtheskyrocketsrunningupthesky.ThenUncleRodney'shandcameoutofthe
crackintheshutterandtookthescrewdriver.Icouldn'tseehisfacenowanditwasn'tlaughing
exactly,itdidn'tsoundexactlylikelaughing,itwasjustthewayhebreathedbehindtheshutter.
Becausetheycouldn'tfoolhim."Allright,"hesaid."Nowthat'stenquarters.Butwait.Areyousure
nobodyknowswhereIam?"
"Yes,sir,"Isaid."Iwaitedbythefenceuntilhecomeandaskedme."
"Whichone?"UncleRodneysaid.
"Theonethatwearsthebadge,"Isaid.
ThenUncleRodneycussed.Butitwasn'tmadcussing.
Itsoundedjustlikeitsoundedwhenhewaslaughingexceptthewords.
"Hesaidifyouwereoutoftownonavisit,andIsaidYessir,"Isaid.
 "Good,"UncleRodneysaid."ByGod,somedayyouwillbeasgoodabusinessmanasI
am.AndIwon'tmakeyoualiarmuchlonger,either.Sonowyouhavegottenquarters,haven't
you?"
"No,"Isaid."Ihaven'tgotthemyet."
Thenhecussedagain,andIsaid,"Iwillholdmycapupandyoucandroptheminitand
theywon'tspillthen."
Thenhecussedhard,onlyitwasn'tloud."OnlyI'mnotgoingtogiveyoutenquarters,"he
said,andIbeguntosayYousaidandUncleRodneysaid,"BecauseIamgoingtogiveyou
twenty."
AndIsaidYes,sir,andhetoldmehowtofindtherighthouse,andwhattodowhenIfound
it.Onlytherewasn'tanypapertocarrythistimebecauseUncleRodneysaidhowthiswasa
twentyquarterjob,andsoitwastooimportanttoputonpaperandbesidesIwouldn'tneedapaper
becauseIwouldnotknowthemanyhow,andhisvoicecominghissingdownfrombehindthe
shutterwhereIcouldn'tseehimandstillsoundinglikewhenhecussedwhilehewassayinghow
papaandUncleFredhaddonehimafavorbynailingupthedoorandwindowandtheydidn'teven
havesenseenoughtoknowit.
"Startatthecornerofthehouseandcountthreewindows.Thenthrowthehandfulofgravel
againstthewindow.Thenwhenthewindowopensnevermindwhoitwillbe,youwon'tknow
anywayjustsaywhoyouareandthensay'Hewillbeatthecornerwiththebuggyintenminutes.
Bringthejewelry.'Nowyousayit,"UncleRodneysaid.
"Hewillbeatthecornerwiththebuggyintenminutes.Bringthejewelry,"Isaid.
"Say'Bringallthejewelry,'"UncleRodneysaid.
"Bringallthejewelry,"Isaid.
"Good,"UncleRodneysaid.Thenhesaid,"Well?Whatareyouwaitingon?"
"Forthetwentyquarters,"Isaid.
UncleRodneycussedagain."Doyouexpectmetopayyoubeforeyouhavedonethe
work?"hesaid.
"Yousaidaboutabuggy,"Isaid."Maybeyouwillforgettopaymebeforeyougoandyou
mightnotgetbackuntilafterwegobackhome.Andbesides,thatdaylastsummerwhenwe
couldn'tdoanybusinesswithMrs.Tuckerbecauseshewassickandyouwouldn'tpaymethe
nickelbecauseyousaiditwasn'tyourfaultMrs.Tuckerwassick."
ThenUncleRodneycussedhardandquietbehindthecrackandthenhesaid,"Listen.I
haven'tgotthetwentyquartersnow.Ihaven'tevengotonequarternow.AndtheonlywayIcanget
anyistogetoutofhereandfinishthisbusiness.AndIcan'tfinishthisbusinesstonightunlessyou
doyourwork.See?I'llberightbehindyou.I'llbewaitingrightthereatthecornerinthebuggywhen
youcomeback.Now,goon.Hurry."

SoIWENTONACROSSTHEYARD,onlythemoonwasbrightnowandIwalkedbehindthefence
untilIgottothestreet.
AndIcouldhearthefirecrackersandIcouldseetheRomancandlesandskyrocketssliding
upthesky,butthefireworkswerealldowntown,andsoallIcouldseealongthestreetwasthe
candlesandwreathsinthewindows.SoIcametothelane,wentupthelanetothestable,andI
couldhearthehorseinthestable,butIdidn'tknowwhetheritwastherightstableornot;butpretty
soonUncleRodneykindofjumpedaroundthecornerofthestableandsaidHereyouare,andhe
showedmewheretostandandlistentowardthehouseandhewentbackintothestable.ButI
couldn'thearanythingbutUncleRodneyharnessingthehorse,andthenhewhistledandIwent
backandhehadthehorsealreadyhitchedtothebuggyandIsaidWhosehorseandbuggyisthis;
it'salotskinnierthanGrandpa'shorse?AndUncleRodneysaidIt'smyhorsenow,onlydamnthis
moonlighttohell.ThenIwentbackdownthelanetothestreetandtherewasn'tanybodycoming
soIwavedmyarminthemoonlight,andthebuggycameupandIgotinandwewentfast.The
sidecurtainswereupandsoIcouldn'tseetheskyrocketsandRomancandlesfromtown,butI
couldhearthefirecrackersandIthoughtmaybeweweregoingthroughtownandmaybeUncle
RodneywouldstopandgivemesomeofthetwentyquartersandIcouldbuyGrandpaapresentfor
tomorrow,butwedidn't;UncleRodneyjustraisedthesidecurtainwithoutstoppingandthenIcould
seethehouse,thetwomagnoliatrees,butwedidn'tstopuntilwecametothecorner.
"Now,"UncleRodneysaid,"whenthewindowopens,say'Hewillbeatthecornerinten
minutes.Bringallthejewelry.'Nevermindwhoitwillbe.Youdon'twanttoknowwhoitis.You
wanttoevenforgetwhathouseitis.See?"
"Yes,sir,"Isaid."Andthenyouwillpaymethe"
"Yes!"hesaid,cussing."Yes!Getoutofherequick!"
SoIgotoutandthebuggywentonandIwentbackupthestreet.Andthehousewasdark
allrightexceptforonelight,soitwastherightone,besidesthetwotrees.SoIwentacrossthe
yardandcountedthethreewindowsandIwasjustabouttothrowthegravelwhenaladyranout
frombehindabushandgrabbedme.Shekeptontryingtosaysomething,onlyIcouldn'ttellwhatit
was,andbesidessheneverhadtimetosayverymuchanyhowbecauseamanranoutfrom
behindanotherbushandgrabbedusboth.Onlyhegrabbedherbythemouth,becauseIcouldtell
thatfromthekindofslobberingnoiseshemadewhileshewasfightingtogetloose.
"Well,boy?"hesaid."Whatisit?Areyoutheone?"
"IworkforUncleRodney,"Isaid.
"Thenyou'retheone,"hesaid.Nowtheladywasfightingandslobberingsureenough,but
heheldherbythemouth.
"Allright.Whatisit?"
OnlyIdidn'tknowUncleRodneyeverdidbusinesswithmen.Butmaybeafterhebeganto
workintheCompressAssociationhehadto.AndthenhehadtoldmeIwouldnotknowthem
anyway,somaybethatwaswhathemeant.
"Hesaystobeatthecornerintenminutes,"Isaid."Andtobringallthejewelry.Hesaidfor
metosaythattwice.Bringallthejewelry."
Theladywasslobberingandfightingworsethanevernow,somaybehehadtoturnme
loosesohecouldholdherwithbothhands.
"Bringallthejewelry,"hesaid,holdingtheladywithbothhandsnow."That'sagoodidea.
That'sfine.Idon'tblamehimfortellingyoutosaythattwice.Allright.Nowyougobacktothe
cornerandwaitandwhenhecomes,tellhimthis:"Shesaystocomeandhelpcarryit.'Saythatto
himtwice,too.Understand?"
"ThenI'llgetmytwentyquarters,"Isaid.
"Twentyquarters,hah?"themansaid,holdingthelady.
"That'swhatyouaretoget,isit?That'snotenough.Youtellhimthis,too:'Shesaystogive
youapieceofthejewelry.'Understand?"
"Ijustwantmytwentyquarters,"Isaid.
ThenheandtheladywentbackbehindthebushesagainandIwenton,too,backtoward
thecorner,andIcouldseetheRomancandlesandskyrocketsagainfromtowardtownandIcould
hearthefirecrackers,andthenthebuggycamebackandUncleRodneywashissingagainbehind
thecurtainlikewhenhewasbehindtheslatsonMandy'swindow.
"Well?"hesaid.
"Shesaidforyoutocomeandhelpcarryit,"Isaid.
"What?"UncleRodneysaid."Shesaidhe'snotthere?'"
 "No,sir.Shesaidforyoutocomeandhelpcarryit.Formetosaythattwice."ThenIsaid,
"Where'smytwentyquarters?"becausehehadalreadyjumpedoutofthebuggyandjumped
acrossthewalkintotheshadowofsomebushes.
SoIwentintothebushestooandsaid,"Yousaidyouwouldgive"
"Allright;allright!"UncleRodneysaid.Hewaskindofsquattingalongthebushes;Icould
hearhimbreathing."I'llgivethemtoyoutomorrow.I'llgiveyouthirtyquarterstomorrow.Nowyou
gettohellonhome.AndiftheyhavebeendowntoMandy'shouse,youdon'tknowanything.Run,
now.Hurry."
"I'dratherhavethetwentyquarterstonight,"Isaid.
Hewassquattingfastalongintheshadowofthebushes,andIwasrightbehindhim,
becausewhenhewhirledaroundhealmosttouchedme,butIjumpedbackoutofthebushesin
timeandhestoodtherecussingatmeandthenhestoopeddownandIsawitwasastickinhis
handandIturnedandran.Thenhewenton,squattingalongintheshadow,andthenIwentback
tothebuggy,becausethedayafterChristmaswewouldgobacktoJefferson,andsoifUncle
Rodneydidn'tgetbackbeforethenIwouldnotseehimagainuntilnextsummerandthenmaybe
hewouldbeinbusinesswithanotherladyandmytwentyquarterswouldbelikemynickelthattime
whenMrs.Tuckerwassick.SoIwaitedbythebuggyandIcouldwatchtheskyrocketsandthe
RomancandlesandIcouldhearthefirecrackersfromtown,onlyitwaslatenowandsomaybeall
thestoreswouldbeclosedandsoIcouldn'tbuyGrandpaapresent,evenwhenUncleRodney
camebackandgavememytwentyquarters.SoIwaslisteningtothefirecrackersandthinking
abouthowmaybeIcouldtellGrandpathatIhadwantedtobuyhimapresentandsomaybehe
mightgivemefifteencentsinsteadofadimeanyway,whenallofasuddentheystartedshooting
firecrackersbackatthehousewhereUncleRodneyhadgone.
Onlytheyjustshotfiveofthemfast,andwhentheydidn'tshootanymoreIthoughtthat
maybeinaminutetheywouldshoottheskyrocketsandRomancandlestoo.Buttheydidn't.
Theyjustshotthefivefirecrackersrightquickandthenstopped,andIstoodbythebuggy
andthenfolksbegantocomeoutofthehousesandholleratoneanotherandthenIbegantosee
menrunningtowardthehousewhereUncleRodneyhadgone,andthenamancameoutofthe
yardfastandwentupthestreettowardGrandpa'sandIthoughtatfirstitwasUncleRodneyand
thathehadforgottenthebuggy,untilIsawthatitwasn't.
ButUncleRodneynevercamebackandsoIwentontowardtheyardtowherethemen
were,becauseIcouldstillwatchthebuggytooandseeUncleRodneyifhecamebackoutofthe
bushes,andIcametotheyardandIsawsixmencarryingsomethinglongandthentwoothermen
ranupandstoppedmeandoneofthemsaidHellfire,it'soneofthosekids,theonefrom
Jefferson.AndIcouldseethenthatwhatthemenwerecarryingwasawindowblindwith
somethingwrappedinaquiltonitandsoIthoughtatfirstthattheyhadcometohelpUncleRodney
carrythejewelry,onlyIdidn'tseeUncleRodneyanywhere,andthenoneofthemensaid,"Who?
Oneofthekids?Hellfire,somebodytakehimonhome."
Sothemanpickedmeup,butIsaidIhadtowaitonUncleRodney,andthemansaidthat
UncleRodneywouldbeallright,andIsaidButIwantedtowaitforhimhere,andthenoneofthe
menbehindussaidDamnit,gethimonoutofhere,andwewenton.Iwasridingontheman's
backandthenIcouldlookbackandseethesixmeninthemoonlightcarryingtheblindwiththe
bundleonit,andIsaidDiditbelongtoUncleRodney?andthemansaidNo,ifitbelongedto
anybodynowitbelongedtoGrandpa.AndsothenIknewwhatitwas.
"It'sasideofbeef,"Isaid."YouaregoingtotakeittoGrandpa."Thentheothermanmade
afunnysoundandtheoneIwasridingonsaidYes,youmightcallitasideofbeef,andIsaid,"It's
aChristmaspresentforGrandpa.Whoisitgoingtobefrom?IsitfromUncleRodney?"
"No,"themansaid."Notfromhim.CallitfromthemenofMottstown.Fromallthehusbands
inMottstown."
VI

THENWECAMEinsightofGrandpa'shouse.Andnowthelightswereallon,evenontheporch,
andIcouldseefolksinthehall,Icouldseeladieswithshawlsovertheirheads,andsomemoreof
themgoingupthewalktowardtheporch,andthenIcouldhearsomebodyinthehousethat
soundedlikesingingandthenpapacameoutofthehouseandcamedownthewalktothegate
andwecameupandthemanputmedownandIsawRosiewaitingatthegatetoo.Onlyitdidn't
soundlikesingingnowbecausetherewasn'tanymusicwithit,andsomaybeitwasAuntLouisa
againandsomaybeshedidn'tlikeChristmasnowanybetterthanGrandpasaidhedidn'tlikeit.
"It'sapresentforGrandpa,"Isaid.
"Yes,"papasaid."YougoonwithRosieandgotobed.Mammawillbetheresoon.Butyou
beagoodboyuntilshecomes.YoumindRosie.Allright,Rosie.Takehimon.Hurry."
"Youdon'tneedtotellmethat,"Rosiesaid.Shetookmyhand."Comeon."
Onlywedidn'tgobackintotheyard,becauseRosiecameoutthegateandwewentupthe
street.AndthenIthoughtmaybeweweregoingaroundthebacktododgethepeopleandwedidn't
dothat,either.Wejustwentonupthestreet,andIsaid,"Wherearewegoing?"
AndRosiesaid,"Wegontersleepatalady'shousenameMrs.Jordon."
Sowewenton.Ididn'tsayanything.Becausepapahadforgottentosayanythingaboutmy
slippingoutofthehouseyetandsomaybeifIwentontobedandstayedquiethewouldforget
aboutituntiltomorrowtoo.Andbesides,themainthingwastogetaholtofUncleRodneyandget
mytwentyquartersbeforewewentbackhome,andsomaybethatwouldbeallrighttomorrowtoo.
SowewentonandRosiesaidYonder'sthehouse,andwewentintheyardandthenallofa
suddenRosiesawthepossum.ItwasinapersimmontreeinMrs.Jordon'syardandIcouldseeit
againstthemoonlighttoo,andIhollered,"Run!RunandgetMrs.Jordon'sladder!"
AndRosiesaid,"Laddermyfoot!Yougoingtobed!"
ButIdidn'twait.Ibegantoruntowardthehouse,withRosierunningbehindmeand
holleringYou,Georgie!Youcomebackhere!ButIdidn'tstop.Wecouldgettheladderandgetthe
possumandgiveittoGrandpaalongwiththesideofmeatanditwouldn'tcostevenadimeand
thenmaybeGrandpamightevengivemeaquartertoo,andthenwhenIgotthetwentyquarters
fromUncleRodneyIwouldhavetwentyonequartersandthatwillbefine.

ThatEveningSun

MONDAYISNODIFFERENTfromanyotherweekdayinJeffersonnow.Thestreetsarepaved
now,andthetelephoneandelectriccompaniesarecuttingdownmoreandmoreoftheshade
trees:thewateroaks,themaplesandlocustsandelmstomakeroomforironpolesbearing
clustersofbloatedandghostlyandbloodlessgrapes,andwehaveacitylaundrywhichmakesthe
roundsonMondaymorning,gatheringthebundlesofclothesintobrightcolored,speciallymade
motorcars:thesoiledwearingofawholeweeknowfleesapparitionlikebehindalertandirritable
electrichorns,withalongdiminishingnoiseofrubberandasphaltliketearingsilk,andeventhe
Negrowomenwhostilltakeinwhitepeople'swashingaftertheoldcustom,fetchanddeliveritin
automobiles.
Butfifteenyearsago,onMondaymorningthequiet,dusty,shadystreetswouldbefullof
Negrowomenwith,balancedontheirsteady,turbanedheads,bundlesofclothestiedupinsheets,
almostaslargeascottonbales,carriedsowithouttouchofhandbetweenthekitchendoorofthe
whitehouseandtheblackenedwashpotbesideacabindoorinNegroHollow.
 Nancywouldsetherbundleonthetopofherhead,thenuponthebundleinturnshewould
settheblackstrawsailorhatwhichsheworewinterandsummer.Shewastall,withahigh,sad
facesunkenalittlewhereherteethweremissing.
Sometimeswewouldgoapartofthewaydownthelaneandacrossthepasturewithher,
towatchthebalancedbundleandthehatthatneverbobbednorwavered,evenwhenshewalked
downintotheditchanduptheothersideandstoopedthroughthefence.Shewouldgodownon
herhandsandkneesandcrawlthroughthegap,herheadrigid,uptilted,thebundlesteadyasa
rockoraballoon,andrisetoherfeetagainandgoon.
Sometimesthehusbandsofthewashingwomenwouldfetchanddelivertheclothes,but
JesusneverdidthatforNancy,evenbeforefathertoldhimtostayawayfromourhouse,even
whenDilseywassickandNancywouldcometocookforus.
Andthenabouthalfthetimewe'dhavetogodownthelanetoNancy'scabinandtellherto
comeonandcookbreakfast.Wewouldstopattheditch,becausefathertoldustonothave
anythingtodowithJesus:hewasashortblackman,witharazorscardownhisfaceandwewould
throwrocksatNancy'shouseuntilshecametothedoor,leaningherheadarounditwithoutany
clotheson.
"Whatyawlmean,chunkingmyhouse?"Nancysaid."Whatyoulittledevilsmean?"
"Fathersaysforyoutocomeonandgetbreakfast,"Caddysaid."Fathersaysit'sovera
halfanhournow,andyou'vegottocomethisminute."
"Iain'tstudyingnobreakfast,"Nancysaid."Igoingtogetmysleepout."
"Ibetyou'redrunk,"Jasonsaid."Fathersaysyou'redrunk.Areyoudrunk,Nancy?"
"WhosaysIis?"Nancysaid."Igottogetmysleepout.Iaintstudyingnobreakfast."
Soafterawhilewequitchunkingthecabinandwentbackhome.Whenshefinallycame,it
wastoolateformetogotoschool.Sowethoughtitwaswhiskyuntilthatdaytheyarrestedher
againandtheyweretakinghertojailandtheypassedMrStovall.Hewasthecashierinthebank
andadeaconintheBaptistchurch,andNancybegantosay:"Whenyougoingtopayme,white
man?Whenyougoingtopayme,whiteman?It'sbeenthreetimesnowsinceyoupaidmea
cent..."MrStovallknockedherdown,butshekeptonsaying,"Whenyougoingtopayme,white
man?It'sbeenthreetimesnowsince..."untilMrStovallkickedherinthemouthwithhisheeland
themarshalcaughtMrStovallback,andNancylyinginthestreet,laughing.Sheturnedherhead
andspatoutsomebloodandteethandsaid,"It'sbeenthreetimesnowsincehepaidmeacent."
Thatwashowshelostherteeth,andallthatdaytheytoldaboutNancyandMrStovall,and
allthatnighttheonesthatpassedthejailcouldhearNancysingingandyelling.Theycouldseeher
handsholdingtothewindowbars,andalotofthemstoppedalongthefence,listeningtoherandto
thejailertryingtomakeherstop.Shedidn'tshutupuntilalmostdaylight,whenthejailerbeganto
hearabumpingandscrapingupstairsandhewentupthereandfoundNancyhangingfromthe
windowbar.Hesaidthatitwascocaineandnotwhisky,becausenoniggerwouldtrytocommit
suicideunlesshewasfullofcocaine,becauseaniggerfullofcocainewasn'taniggeranylonger.
Thejailercutherdownandrevivedher;thenhebeather,whippedher.Shehadhung
herselfwithherdress.Shehadfixeditallright,butwhentheyarrestedhershedidn'thaveon
anythingexceptadressandsoshedidn'thaveanythingtotieherhandswithandshecouldn't
makeherhandsletgoofthewindowledge.Sothejailerheardthenoiseandranupthereand
foundNancyhangingfromthewindow,starknaked,herbellyalreadyswellingoutalittle,likealittle
balloon.
WhenDilseywassickinhercabinandNancywascookingforus,wecouldseeherapron
swellingout;thatwasbeforefathertoldJesustostayawayfromthehouse.Jesuswasinthe
kitchen,sittingbehindthestove,withhisrazorscaronhisblackfacelikeapieceofdirtystring.He
saiditwasawatermelonthatNancyhadunderherdress.
"Itnevercomeoffofyourvine,though,"Nancysaid.
 "Offofwhatvine?"Caddysaid.
"Icancutdownthevineitdidcomeoffof,"Jesussaid.
"Whatmakesyouwanttotalklikethatbeforethesechillen?"Nancysaid."Whyn'tyougo
ontowork?Youdoneet.YouwantMrJasontocatchyouhangingaroundhiskitchen,talkingthat
waybeforethesechillen?"
"Talkingwhatway?"Caddysaid."Whatvine?"
"Ican'thangaroundwhiteman'skitchen,"Jesussaid."Butwhitemancanhangaround
mine.Whitemancancomeinmyhouse,butIcan'tstophim.Whenwhitemanwanttocomeinmy
house,Iain'tgotnohouse.Ican'tstophim,buthecan'tkickmeoutenit.Hecan'tdothat."
Dilseywasstillsickinhercabin.FathertoldJesustostayoffourplace.Dilseywasstillsick.
Itwasalongtime.Wewereinthelibraryaftersupper.
"Isn'tNancythroughinthekitchenyet?"mothersaid."Itseemstomethatshehashad
plentyoftimetohavefinishedthedishes."
"LetQuentingoandsee,"fathersaid."GoandseeifNancyisthrough,Quentin.Tellher
shecangoonhome."
Iwenttothekitchen.Nancywasthrough.Thedisheswereputawayandthefirewasout.
Nancywassittinginachair,closetothecoldstove.Shelookedatme.
"Motherwantstoknowifyouarethrough,"Isaid.
"Yes,"Nancysaid.Shelookedatme,"Idonefinished."
Shelookedatme.
"Whatisit?"Isaid."Whatisit?"
"Iain'tnothingbutanigger,"Nancysaid."Itain'tnoneofmyfault."
Shelookedatme,sittinginthechairbeforethecoldstove,thesailorhatonherhead.I
wentbacktothelibrary.Itwasthecoldstoveandall,whenyouthinkofakitchenbeingwarmand
busyandcheerful.Andwithacoldstoveandthedishesallputaway,andnobodywantingtoeatat
thathour.
"Isshethrough?"mothersaid.
"Yessum,"Isaid.
"Whatisshedoing?"mothersaid.
"She'snotdoinganything.She'sthrough."
"I'llgoandsee,"fathersaid.
"Maybeshe'swaitingforJesustocomeandtakeherhome,"Caddysaid.
"Jesusisgone,"Isaid.NancytoldushowonemorningshewokeupandJesuswasgone.
"Hequitme,"Nancysaid."DonegonetoMemphis,Ireckon.Dodgingthemcitypolicefora
while,Ireckon."
"Andagoodriddance,"fathersaid."Ihopehestaysthere."
"Nancy'sscairedofthedark,"Jasonsaid.
"Soareyou,"Caddysaid.
"I'mnot,"Jasonsaid.
"Scairycat,"Caddysaid.
"I'mnot,"Jasonsaid.
"You,Candace!"mothersaid.Fathercameback.
"IamgoingtowalkdownthelanewithNancy,"hesaid.
"ShesaysthatJesusisback."
"Hassheseenhim?"mothersaid.
"No.SomeNegrosentherwordthathewasbackintown.
Iwon'tbelong."
"You'llleavemealone,totakeNancyhome?"mothersaid.
"Ishersafetymoreprecioustoyouthanmine?"
 "Iwon'tbelong,"fathersaid.
"You'llleavethesechildrenunprotected,withthatNegroabout?"
"I'mgoingtoo,"Caddysaid."Letmego,Father."
"Whatwouldhedowiththem,ifhewereunfortunateenoughtohavethem?"fathersaid.
"Iwanttogo,too,"Jasonsaid.
"Jason!"mothersaid.Shewasspeakingtofather.Youcouldtellthatbythewayshesaid
thename.Likeshebelievedthatalldayfatherhadbeentryingtothinkofdoingthethingshe
wouldn'tlikethemost,andthatsheknewallthetimethatafterawhilehewouldthinkofit.Istayed
quiet,becausefatherandIbothknewthatmotherwouldwanthimtomakemestaywithherifshe
justthoughtofitintime.Sofatherdidn'tlookatme.Iwastheoldest.IwasnineandCaddywas
sevenandJasonwasfive.
"Nonsense,"fathersaid."Wewon'tbelong."
Nancyhadherhaton.Wecametothelane."Jesusalwaysbeengoodtome,"Nancysaid.
"Wheneverhehadtwodollars,oneofthemwasmine."Wewalkedinthelane."IfIcanjustget
throughthelane,"Nancysaid,"Ibeallrightthen."
Thelanewasalwaysdark."ThisiswhereJasongotscaredonHallowe'en,"Caddysaid.
"Ididn't,"Jasonsaid.
"Can'tAuntRacheldoanythingwithhim?"fathersaid.
AuntRachelwasold.ShelivedinacabinbeyondNancy's,byherself.Shehadwhitehair
andshesmokedapipeinthedoor,alldaylong;shedidn'tworkanymore.Theysaidshewas
Jesus'mother.Sometimesshesaidshewasandsometimesshesaidshewasn'tanykintoJesus.
"Yes,youdid,"Caddysaid."YouwerescairderthanFrony.YouwerescairderthanT.P.
even.Scairderthanniggers."
"Can'tnobodydonothingwithhim,"Nancysaid."HesayIdonewokeupthedevilinhim
andain'tbutonethinggoingtolayitdownagain."
"Well,he'sgonenow,"fathersaid."There'snothingforyoutobeafraidofnow.Andifyou'd
justletwhitemenalone."
"Letwhatwhitemenalone?"Caddysaid."Howletthemalone?"
"Heain'tgonenowhere,"Nancysaid."Icanfeelhim.Icanfeelhimnow,inthislane.He
hearingustalk,everyword,hidsomewhere,waiting.Iain'tseenhim,andIain'tgoingtoseehim
againbutoncemore,withthatrazorinhismouth.Thatrazoronthatstringdownhisback,inside
hisshirt.AndthenIain'tgoingtobeevensurprised."
"Iwasn'tscaired,"Jasonsaid.
"Ifyou'dbehaveyourself,you'dhavekeptoutofthis,"fathersaid."Butit'sallrightnow.
He'sprobablyinSt.Louisnow.Probablygotanotherwifebynowandforgotallaboutyou."
"Ifhehas,Ibetternotfindoutaboutit,"Nancysaid."I'dstandthererightoverthem,and
everytimehewroppedher,I'dcutthatarmoff.I'dcuthisheadoffandI'dslitherbellyandI'd
shove"
"Hush,"fathersaid.
"Slitwhosebelly,Nancy?"Caddysaid.
"Iwasn'tscaired,"Jasonsaid."I'dwalkrightdownthislanebymyself."
"Yah,"Caddysaid."Youwouldn'tdaretoputyourfootdowninitifwewerenotheretoo."

II

DILSEYWASSTILLSICK,sowetookNancyhomeeverynightuntilmothersaid,"Howmuch
longeristhisgoingon?Itobeleftaloneinthisbighousewhileyoutakehomeafrightened
Negro?"
 WefixedapalletinthekitchenforNancy.Onenightwewakedup,hearingthesound.It
wasnotsinginganditwasnotcrying,comingupthedarkstairs.Therewasalightinmother'sroom
andweheardfathergoingdownthehall,downthebackstairs,andCaddyandIwentintothehall.
Thefloorwascold.Ourtoescurledawayfromitwhilewelistenedtothesound.Itwaslike
singinganditwasn'tlikesinging,likethesoundsthatNegroesmake.
Thenitstoppedandweheardfathergoingdownthebackstairs,andwewenttothehead
ofthestairs.Thenthesoundbeganagain,inthestairway,notloud,andwecouldseeNancy's
eyeshalfwayupthestairs,againstthewallTheylookedlikecat'seyesdo,likeabigcatagainstthe
wall,watchingus.Whenwecamedownthestepstowhereshewas,shequitmakingthesound
again,andwestoodthereuntilfathercamebackupfromthekitchen,withhispistolinhishand.He
wentbackdownwithNancyandtheycamebackwithNancy'spallet.
Wespreadthepalletinourroom.Afterthelightinmother'sroomwentoff,wecouldsee
Nancy'seyesagain.
"Nancy,"Caddywhispered,"areyouasleep,Nancy?"
Nancywhisperedsomething.Itwasohorno,Idon'tknowwhich.Likenobodyhadmadeit,
likeitcamefromnowhereandwentnowhere,untilitwaslikeNancywasnotthereatall;thatIhad
lookedsohardathereyesonthestairsthattheyhadgotprintedonmyeyeballs,likethesundoes
whenyouhaveclosedyoureyesandthereisnosun."Jesus,"
Nancywhispered."Jesus."
"WasitJesus?"Caddysaid."Didhetrytocomeintothekitchen?"
"Jesus,"Nancysaid.Likethis:Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesus,untilthesoundwentout,likea
matchoracandledoes.
"It'stheotherJesusshemeans,"Isaid.
"Canyouseeus,Nancy?"Caddywhispered."Canyouseeoureyestoo?"
"Iain'tnothingbutanigger,"Nancysaid."Godknows.Godknows."
"Whatdidyouseedownthereinthekitchen?"Caddywhispered."Whattriedtogetin?"
"Godknows,"Nancysaid.Wecouldseehereyes."Godknows."
Dilseygotwell.Shecookeddinner."You'dbetterstayinbedadayortwolonger,"father
said.
"Whatfor?"Dilseysaid."IfIhadbeenadaylater,thisplacewouldbetorackandruin.Get
onoutofherenow.andletmegetmykitchenstraightagain."
Dilseycookedsuppertoo.Andthatnight,justbeforedark,Nancycameintothekitchen.
"Howdoyouknowhe'sback?"Dilseysaid."Youain'tseenhim."
"Jesusisanigger,"Jasonsaid.
"Icanfeelhim,"Nancysaid."Icanfeelhimlayingyonderintheditch."
"Tonight?"Dilseysaid."Ishetheretonight?"
"Dilsey'saniggertoo,"Jasonsaid.
"Youtrytoeatsomething,"Dilseysaid.
"Idon'twantnothing,"Nancysaid.
"Iain'tanigger,"Jasonsaid.
"Drinksomecoffee,"Dilseysaid.ShepouredacupofcoffeeforNancy."Doyouknowhe's
outtheretonight?Howcomeyouknowit'stonight?"
"Iknow,"Nancysaid."He'sthere,waiting.Iknow.Idonelivedwithhimtoolong.Iknow
whatheisfixingtodoforeheknowithimself."
"Drinksomecoffee,"Dilseysaid.Nancyheldthecuptohermouthandblewintothecup.
Hermouthpursedoutlikeaspreadingadder's,likearubbermouth,likeshehadblownallthecolor
outofherlipswithblowingthecoffee.
"Iain'tanigger,"Jasonsaid."Areyouanigger,Nancy?"
"Ihellborn,child,"Nancysaid."Iwon'tbenothingsoon.
 IgoingbackwhereIcomefromsoon."

Ill

SHEBEGANTODRINKthecoffee.Whileshewasdrinking,holdingthecupinbothhands,she
begantomakethesoundagain.
Shemadethesoundintothecupandthecoffeesploshedoutontoherhandsandher
dress.Hereyeslookedatusandshesatthere,herelbowsonherknees,holdingthecupinboth
hands,lookingatusacrossthewetcup,makingthesound.
"LookatNancy,"Jasonsaid."Nancycan'tcookforusnow.Dilsey'sgotwellnow."
"Youhushup,"Dilseysaid.Nancyheldthecupinbothhands,lookingatus,makingthe
sound,likethereweretwoofthem:onelookingatusandtheothermakingthesound.
"Whyn'tyouletMrJasontelefoamthemarshal?"Dilseysaid.Nancystoppedthen,holding
thecupinherlongbrownhands.Shetriedtodrinksomecoffeeagain,butitsploshedoutofthe
cup,ontoherhandsandherdress,andsheputthecupdown.Jasonwatchedher.
"Ican'tswallowit,"Nancysaid."Iswallowsbutitwon'tgodownme."
"Yougodowntothecabin,"Dilseysaid."FronywillfixyouapalletandI'llbetheresoon."
"Wontnoniggerstophim,"Nancysaid.
"Iain'tanigger,"Jasonsaid."AmI,Dilsey?"
"Ireckonnot,"Dilseysaid.ShelookedatNancy."Idon'treckonso.Whatyougoingtodo,
then?"
Nancylookedatus.Hereyeswentfast,likeshewasafraidtherewasn'ttimetolook,
withouthardlymovingatall.Shelookedatus,atallthreeofusatonetime."Youmemberthat
nightIstayedinyawls'room?"shesaid.Shetoldabouthowwewakedupearlythenextmorning,
andplayed.Wehadtoplayquiet,onherpallet,untilfatherwokeupanditwastimetoget
breakfast."Goandaskyourmawtoletmestayheretonight,"Nancysaid."Iwon'tneednopallet.
Wecanplaysomemore."
Caddyaskedmother.Jasonwenttoo."Ican'thaveNegroessleepinginthebedrooms,"
mothersaid.Jasoncried.
Hecrieduntilmothersaidhecouldn'thaveanydessertforthreedaysifhedidn'tstop.Then
JasonsaidhewouldstopifDilseywouldmakeachocolatecake.Fatherwasthere.
"Whydon'tyoudosomethingaboutit?"mothersaid.
"Whatdowehaveofficersfor?"
"WhyisNancyafraidofJesus?"Caddysaid."Areyouafraidoffather,mother?"
"Whatcouldtheofficersdo?"fathersaid."IfNancyhasn'tseenhim,howcouldtheofficers
findhim?"
"Thenwhyissheafraid?"mothersaid.
"Shesaysheisthere.Shesayssheknowsheistheretonight."
"Yetwepaytaxes,"mothersaid."Imustwaitherealoneinthisbighousewhileyoutakea
Negrowomanhome."
"YouknowthatIamnotlyingoutsidewitharazor,"fathersaid.
"I'llstopifDilseywillmakeachocolatecake,"Jasonsaid.Mothertoldustogooutand
fathersaidhedidn'tknowifJasonwouldgetachocolatecakeornot,butheknewwhatJasonwas
goingtogetinaboutaminute.WewentbacktothekitchenandtoldNancy.
"Fathersaidforyoutogohomeandlockthedoor,andyou'llbeallright,"Caddysaid."All
rightfromwhat,Nancy?IsJesusmadatyou?"Nancywasholdingthecoffeecupinherhands
again,herelbowsonherkneesandherhandsholdingthecupbetweenherknees.Shewas
lookingintothecup."WhathaveyoudonethatmadeJesusmad?"Caddysaid.Nancyletthecup
go.Itdidn'tbreakonthefloor,butthecoffeespilledout,andNancysattherewithherhandsstill
makingtheshapeofthecup.Shebegantomakethesoundagain,notloud.Notsingingandnot
unsinging.Wewatchedher.
"Here,"Dilseysaid."Youquitthat,now.Yougetaholtofyourself.Youwaithere.Igoingto
getVershtovvalkhomewithyou."Dilseywentout.
WelookedatNancy.Hershoulderskeptshaking,butshequitmakingthesound.We
watchedher."What'sJesusgoingtodotoyou?"Caddysaid."Hewentaway,"
Nancylookedatus."WehadfunthatnightIstayedinyawls'room,didn'twe?"
"Ididn't,"Jasonsaid."Ididn'thaveanyfun."
"Youwereasleepinmother'sroom,"Caddysaid."Youwerenotthere."
"Let'sgodowntomyhouseandhavesomemorefun,"Nancysaid.
"Motherwon'tletus,"Isaid."It'stoolatenow."
"Don'tbotherher,"Nancysaid."Wecantellherinthemorning.Shewon'tmind."
"Shewouldn'tletus,"Isaid.
"Don'taskhernow,"Nancysaid."Don'tbotherhernow."
"Shedidn'tsaywecouldn'tgo,"Caddysaid.
"Wedidn'task,"Isaid.
"Ifyougo,I'lltell,"Jasonsaid.
"We'llhavefun,"Nancysaid."Theywon'tmind,justtomyhouse.Ibeenworkingforyawla
longtime.Theywon'tmind."
"I'mnotafraidtogo,"Caddysaid."Jasonistheonethat'safraid.He'lltell."
"I'mnot,"Jasonsaid.
"Yes,youare,"Caddysaid."You'lltell."
"Iwon'ttell,"Jasonsaid."I'mnotafraid."
"Jasonain'tafraidtogowithme,"Nancysaid."Isyou,Jason?"
"Jasonisgoingtotell,"Caddysaid.Thelanewasdark.
Wepassedthepasturegate."Ibetifsomethingwastojumpoutfrombehindthatgate,
Jasonwouldholler."
"Iwouldn't,"Jasonsaid.Wewalkeddownthelane.
Nancywastalkingloud.
"Whatareyoutalkingsoloudfor,Nancy?"Caddysaid.
"Who;me?"Nancysaid."ListenatQuentinandCaddyandJasonsayingI'mtalkingloud."
"Youtalkliketherewasfiveofushere,"Caddysaid."Youtalklikefatherwasheretoo."
"Who;metalkingloud,MrJason?"Nancysaid.
"NancycalledJason'Mister,'"Caddysaid.
"ListenhowCaddyandQuentinandJasontalk,"Nancysaid.
"We'renottalkingloud,"Caddysaid."You'retheonethat'stalkinglikefather"
"Hush,"Nancysaid;"hush,MrJason."
"NancycalledJason'Mister'again."
"Hush,"Nancysaid.Shewastalkingloudwhenwecrossedtheditchandstoopedthrough
thefencewheresheusedtostoopthroughwiththeclothesonherhead.Thenwecametoher
house.Weweregoingfastthen.Sheopenedthedoor.Thesmellofthehousewaslikethelamp
andthesmellofNancywaslikethewick,liketheywerewaitingforoneanothertobegintosmell.
Shelitthelampandclosedthedoorandputthebarup.Thenshequittalkingloud,lookingatus.
"What'rewegoingtodo?"Caddysaid.
"Whatdoyawlwanttodo?"Nancysaid.
"Yousaidwewouldhavesomefun,"Caddysaid.
TherewassomethingaboutNancy'shouse;somethingyoucouldsmellbesidesNancyand
thehouse.Jasonsmelledit,even."Idon'twanttostayhere,"hesaid."Iwanttogohome."
 "Gohome,then,"Caddysaid.
"Idon'twanttogobymyself,"Jasonsaid.
"We'regoingtohavesomefun,"Nancysaid.
"How?"Caddysaid.
Nancystoodbythedoor.Shewaslookingatus,onlyitwaslikeshehademptiedhereyes,
likeshehadquitusingthem."Whatdoyouwanttodo?"shesaid.
"Tellusastory,"Caddysaid."Canyoutellastory?"
"Yes,"Nancysaid.
"Tellit,"Caddysaid.WelookedatNancy."Youdon'tknowanystories."
"Yes,"Nancysaid."Yes,Ido."
Shecameandsatinachairbeforethehearth.Therewasalittlefirethere.Nancybuiltit
up,whenitwasalreadyhotinside.Shebuiltagoodblaze.Shetoldastory.Shetalkedlikeher
eyeslooked,likehereyeswatchingusandhervoicetalkingtousdidnotbelongtoher.Likeshe
waslivingsomewhereelse,waitingsomewhereelse.Shewasoutsidethecabin.Hervoicewas
insideandtheshapeofher,theNancythatcouldstoopunderabarbedwirefencewithabundleof
clothesbalancedonherheadasthoughwithoutweight,likeaballoon,wasthere.Butthatwasall.
"Andsothisherequeencomewalkinguptotheditch,wherethatbadmanwashiding.Shewas
walkinguptotheditch,andshesay,'IfIcanjustgetpastthishereditch,'waswhatshesay..."
"Whatditch?"Caddysaid."Aditchlikethatoneoutthere?Whydidaqueenwanttogointo
aditch?"
"Togettoherhouse,"Nancysaid.Shelookedatus."Shehadtocrosstheditchtogetinto
herhousequickandbarthedoor."
"Whydidshewanttogohomeandbarthedoor?"Caddysaid.

IV

NANCYLOOKEDatus.Shequittalking.Shelookedatus.
Jason'slegsstuckstraightoutofhispantswherehesatonNancy'slap."Idon'tthinkthat's
agoodstory,"hesaid."Iwanttogohome."
"Maybewehadbetter,"Caddysaid.Shegotupfromthefloor."Ibettheyarelookingforus
rightnow."Shewenttowardthedoor.
"No,"Nancysaid."Don'topenit."ShegotupquickandpassedCaddy.Shedidn'ttouchthe
door,thewoodenbar.
"Whynot?"Caddysaid.
"Comebacktothelamp,"Nancysaid."We'llhavefun.Youdon'thavetogo."
"Weoughttogo,"Caddysaid."Unlesswehavealotoffun."SheandNancycamebackto
thefire,thelamp.
"Iwanttogohome,"Jasonsaid."I'mgoingtotell."
"Iknowanotherstory,"Nancysaid.Shestoodclosetothelamp.ShelookedatCaddy,like
whenyoureyeslookupatastickbalancedonyournose.ShehadtolookdowntoseeCaddy,but
hereyeslookedlikethat,likewhenyouarebalancingastick.
"Iwon'tlistentoit,"Jasonsaid."I'llbangonthefloor."
"It'sagoodone,"Nancysaid."It'sbetterthantheotherone."
"What'sitabout?"Caddysaid.Nancywasstandingbythelamp.Herhandwasonthe
lamp,againstthelight,longandbrown.
"Yourhandisonthathotglobe."Caddysaid."Don'titfeelhottoyourhand?"
Nancylookedatherhandonthelampchimney.Shetookherhandaway,slow.Shestood
there,lookingatCaddy,wringingherlonghandasthoughitweretiedtoherwristwithastring.
 "Let'sdosomethingelse,"Caddysaid.
"Iwanttogohome,"Jasonsaid.
"Igotsomepopcorn,"Nancysaid.ShelookedatCaddyandthenatJasonandthenatme
andthenatCaddyagain.
"Igotsomepopcorn."
"Idon'tlikepopcorn,"Jasonsaid."I'dratherhavecandy."
NancylookedatJason."Youcanholdthepopper."Shewasstillwringingherhand;itwas
longandlimpandbrown.
"Allright,"Jasonsaid."I'llstayawhileifIcandothat.Caddycan'tholdit.I'llwanttogo
homeagainifCaddyholdsthepopper."
Nancybuiltupthefire."LookatNancyputtingherhandsinthefire,"Caddysaid."What's
thematterwithyou,Nancy?"
"Igotpopcorn,"Nancysaid."Igotsome."Shetookthepopperfromunderthebed.Itwas
broken.Jasonbegantocry.
"Nowwecan'thaveanypopcorn,"hesaid.
"Weoughttogohome,anyway,"Caddysaid."Comeon,Quentin."
"Wait,"Nancysaid;"wait.Icanfixit.Don'tyouwanttohelpmefixit?"
"Idon'tthinkIwantany,"Caddysaid."It'stoolatenow."
"Youhelpme,Jason,"Nancysaid."Don'tyouwanttohelpme?"
"No,"Jasonsaid."Iwanttogohome."
"Hush,"Nancysaid;"hush.Watch.Watchme.IcanfixitsoJasoncanholditandpopthe
corn."Shegotapieceofwireandfixedthepopper.
"Itwon'tholdgood,"Caddysaid.
"Yes,itwill,"Nancysaid."Yawlwatch.Yawlhelpmeshellsomecorn."
Thepopcornwasunderthebedtoo.WeshelleditintothepopperandNancyhelpedJason
holdthepopperoverthefire.
"It'snotpopping,"Jasonsaid."Iwanttogohome."
"Youwait,"Nancysaid."It'llbegintopop.We'llhavefunthen."Shewassittingclosetothe
fire.Thelampwasturnedupsohighitwasbeginningtosmoke.
"Whydon'tyouturnitdownsome?"Isaid.
"It'sallright,"Nancysaid."I'llcleanit.Yawlwait.Thepopcornwillstartinaminute."
"Idon'tbelieveit'sgoingtostart,"Caddysaid."Weoughttostarthome,anyway.They'llbe
worried."
"No,"Nancysaid."It'sgoingtopop.Dilseywilltellumyawlwithme.Ibeenworkingforyawl
longtime.Theywon'tmindifyawlatmyhouse.Youwait,now.It'llstartpoppinganyminutenow."
ThenJasongotsomesmokeinhiseyesandhebegantocry.Hedroppedthepopperinto
thefire.NancygotawetragardwipedJason'sface,buthedidn'tstopcrying.
"Hush,"shesaid."Hush."Buthedidn'thush.Caddytookthepopperoutofthefire.
"It'sburnedup,"shesaid."You'llhavetogetsomemorepopcorn,Nancy."
"Didyouputallofitin?"Nancysaid.
"Yes,"Caddysaid.NancylookedatCaddy.Thenshetookthepopperandopeneditand
pouredthecindersintoherapronandbegantosortthegrains,herhandslongandbrown,andwe
watchingher.
"Haven'tyougotanymore?"Caddysaid.
"Yes,"Nancysaid;"yes.Look.Thishereain'tburnt.Allweneedtodois..."
"Iwanttogohome,"Jasonsaid."I'mgoingtotell"
"Hush,"Caddysaid.Wealllistened.Nancy'sheadwasalreadyturnedtowardthebarred
door,hereyesfilledwithredlamplight."Somebodyiscoming,"Caddysaid.
 ThenNancybegantomakethatsoundagain,notloud,sittingthereabovethefire,herlong
handsdanglingbetweenherknees;allofasuddenwaterbegantocomeoutonherfaceinbig
drops,runningdownherface,carryingineachonealittleturningballoffirelightlikeasparkuntilit
droppedoffherchin."She'snotcrying,"Isaid.
"Iain'tcrying,"Nancysaid.Hereyeswereclosed."Iain'tcrying.Whoisit?"
"Idon'tknow,"Caddysaid.Shewenttothedoorandlookedout."We'vegottogonow,"
shesaid."Herecomesfather."
"I'mgoingtotell,"Jasonsaid."Yawlmademecome."
ThewaterstillrandownNancy'sface.Sheturnedinherchair."Listen.Tellhim.Tellhimwe
goingtohavefun.TellhimItakegoodcareofyawluntilinthemorning.Tellhimtoletmecome
homewithyawlandsleeponthefloor.TellhimIwon'tneednopallet.We'llhavefun.Youmember
lasttimehowwehadsomuchfun?"
"Ididn'thavefun,"Jasonsaid."Youhurtme.Youputsmokeinmyeyes.I'mgoingtotell."

FATHERCAMEIN.Helookedatus.Nancydidnotgetup.
"Tellhim,"shesaid.
"Caddymadeuscomedownhere,"Jasonsaid."Ididn'twantto."
Fathercametothefire.Nancylookedupathim."Can'tyougotoAuntRachel'sandstay?"
hesaid.Nancylookedupatfather,herhandsbetweenherknees."He'snothere,"fathersaid."I
wouldhaveseenhim.There'snotasoulinsight."
"Heintheditch,"Nancysaid."Hewaitingintheditchyonder."
"Nonsense,"fathersaid.HelookedatNancy."Doyouknowhe'sthere?"
"Igotthesign,"Nancysaid.
"Whatsign?"
"Igotit.ItwasonthetablewhenIcomein.Itwasahogbone,withbloodmeatstillonit,
layingbythelamp.He'soutthere.Whenyawlwalkoutthatdoor,Igone."
"Gonewhere,Nancy?"Caddysaid.
"I'mnotatattletale,"Jasonsaid.
"Nonsense,"fathersaid.
"Heoutthere,"Nancysaid."Helookingthroughthatwindowthisminute,waitingforyawlto
go.ThenIgone."
"Nonsense,"fathersaid."Lockupyourhouseandwe'lltakeyouontoAuntRachel's."
"'Twontdonogood,"Nancysaid.Shedidn'tlookatfathernow,buthelookeddownather,
atherlong,limp,movinghands."Puttingitoffwon'tdonogood."
"Thenwhatdoyouwanttodo?"fathersaid.
"Idon'tknow,"Nancysaid."Ican'tdonothing.Justputitoff.Andthatdon'tdonogood.I
reckonitbelongtome.IreckonwhatIgoingtogetain'tnomorethanmine."
"Getwhat?"Caddysaid."What'syours?"
"Nothing,"fathersaid."Youallmustgettobed."
"Caddymademecome,"Jasonsaid.
"GoontoAuntRachel's,"fathersaid.
"Itwon'tdonogood,"Nancysaid.Shesatbeforethefire,herelbowsonherknees,her
longhandsbetweenherknees."Whenevenyourownkitchenwouldn'tdonogood.WhenevenifI
wassleepingonthefloorintheroomwithyourchillen,andthenextmorningthereIam,andblood
"
"Hush,"fathersaid."Lockthedoorandputoutthelampandgotobed."
 "Iscaredofthedark,"Nancysaid."Iscaredforittohappeninthedark."
"Youmeanyou'regoingtositrightherewiththelamplighted?"fathersaid.ThenNancy
begantomakethesoundagain,sittingbeforethefire,herlonghandsbetweenherknees."Ah,
damnation,"fathersaid."Comealong,chillen.It'spastbedtime."
"Whenyawlgohome,Igone,"Nancysaid.Shetalkedquieternow,andherfacelooked
quiet,likeherhands."Anyway,IgotmycoffinmoneysavedupwithMr.Lovelady."
Mr.Loveladywasashort,dirtymanwhocollectedtheNegroinsurance,comingaroundto
thecabinsorthekitchenseverySaturdaymorning,tocollectfifteencents.Heandhiswifelivedat
thehotel.Onemorninghiswifecommittedsuicide.Theyhadachild,alittlegirl.Heandthechild
wentaway.Afteraweekortwohecamebackalone.
WewouldseehimgoingalongthelanesandthebackstreetsonSaturdaymornings.
"Nonsense,"fathersaid."You'llbethefirstthingI'llseeinthekitchentomorrowmorning."
"You'llseewhatyou'llsee,Ireckon,"Nancysaid."ButitwilltaketheLordtosaywhatthat
willbe."

VI

WELEFTHERsittingbeforethefire.
"Comeandputthebarup,"fathersaid.Butshedidn'tmove.Shedidn'tlookatusagain,
sittingquietlytherebetweenthelampandthefire.Fromsomedistancedownthelanewecould
lookbackandseeherthroughtheopendoor.
"What,Father?"Caddysaid."What'sgoingtohappen?"
"Nothing,"fathersaid.Jasonwasonfather'sback,soJasonwasthetallestofallofus.We
wentdownintotheditch.Ilookedatit,quiet.Icouldn'tseemuchwherethemoonlightandthe
shadowstangled.
"IfJesusishidhere,hecanseeus,can'the?"Caddysaid.
"He'snotthere,"fathersaid."Hewentawayalongtimeago."
"Youmademecome,"Jasonsaid,high;againsttheskyitlookedlikefatherhadtwoheads,
alittleoneandabigone.
"Ididn'twantto."
Wewentupoutoftheditch.WecouldstillseeNancy'shouseandtheopendoor,butwe
couldn'tseeNancynow,sittingbeforethefirewiththedooropen,becauseshewastired."Ijust
donegottired,"shesaid."Ijustanigger.Itain'tnofaultofmine."
Butwecouldhearher,becauseshebeganjustafterwecameupoutoftheditch,the
soundthatwasnotsingingandnotunsinging."Whowilldoourwashingnow,Father?"Isaid.
"I'mnotanigger,"Jasonsaid,highandcloseabovefather'shead.
"You'reworse,"Caddysaid,"youareatattletale.Ifsomethingwastojumpout,you'dbe
scairderthananigger."
"Iwouldn't,"Jasonsaid.
"You'dcry,"Caddysaid.
"Caddy,"fathersaid.
"Iwouldn't!"Jasonsaid.
"Scairycat,"Caddysaid.
"Candace!"fathersaid.

IllTHEWILDERNESS
RedLeaves

THETWOINDIANScrossedtheplantationtowardtheslavequarters.Neatwithwhitewash,of
bakedsoftbrick,thetworowsofhousesinwhichlivedtheslavesbelongingtotheclan,facedone
anotheracrossthemildshadeofthelanemarkedandscoredwithnakedfeetandwithafew
homemadetoysmuteinthedust.Therewasnosignoflife.
"Iknowwhatwewillfind,"thefirstIndiansaid.
"Whatwewillnotfind,"thesecondsaid.Althoughitwasnoon,thelanewasvacant,the
doorsofthecabinsemptyandquiet;nocookingsmokerosefromanyofthechinkedandplastered
chimneys.
"Yes.IthappenedlikethiswhenthefatherofhimwhoisnowtheMan,died."
"Youmean,ofhimwhowastheMan."
"Yao."
ThefirstIndian'snamewasThreeBasket.Hewasperhapssixty.Theywerebothsquat
men,alittlesolid,burgherlike;paunchy,withbigheads,big,broad,dustcoloredfacesofacertain
blurredserenitylikecarvedheadsonaruinedwallinSiamorSumatra,loomingoutofamist.The
sunhaddoneit,theviolentsun,theviolentshade.Theirhairlookedlikesedgegrassonburntover
land.ClampedthroughoneearThreeBasketworeanenameledsnuffbox.
"Ihavesaidallthetimethatthisisnotthegoodway.Intheolddaystherewereno
quarters,noNegroes.Aman'stimewashisownthen.Hehadtime.Nowhemustspendmostofit
findingworkforthemwhoprefersweatingtodo!"
"Theyarelikehorsesanddogs."
"Theyarelikenothinginthissensibleworld.Nothingcontentsthemsavesweat.Theyare
worsethanthewhitepeople."
"ItisnotasthoughtheManhimselfhadtofindworkforthemtodo."
"Yousaidit.Idonotlikeslavery.Itisnotthegoodway.Intheolddays,therewasthegood
way.Butnotnow."
"Youdonotremembertheoldwayeither."
"Ihavelistenedtothemwhodo.AndIhavetriedthisway.Manwasnotmadetosweat."
"That'sso.Seewhatithasdonetotheirflesh."
"Yes.Black.Ithasabittertaste,too."
"Youhaveeatenofit?"
"Once.Iwasyoungthen,andmorehardyintheappetitethannow.Nowitisdifferentwith
me."
"Yes.Theyaretoovaluabletoeatnow."
"ThereisabittertastetothefleshwhichIdonotlike."
"Theyaretoovaluabletoeat,anyway,whenthewhitemenwillgivehorsesforthem."
Theyenteredthelane.Themute,meagertoys,thefetishshapedobjectsmadeofwood
andragsandfeatherslayinthedustaboutthepatinaeddoorsteps,amongbonesandbroken
gourddishes.Buttherewasnosoundfromanycabin,nofaceinanydoor;hadnotbeensince
yesterday,whenIssetibbehadied.Buttheyalreadyknewwhattheywouldfind.
Itwasinthecentralcabin,ahousealittlelargerthantheothers,whereatcertainphasesof
themoontheNegroeswouldgathertobegintheirceremoniesbeforeremovingafternightfalltothe
creekbottom,wheretheykeptthedrums.Inthisroomtheykepttheminoraccessories,thecryptic
ornaments,theceremonialrecordswhichconsistedofsticksdaubedwithredclayinsymbols.It
hadahearthinthecenterofthefloor,beneathaholeintheroof,withafewcoldwoodashesanda
suspendedironpot.Thewindowshutterswereclosed;whenthetwoIndiansentered,afterthe
abashlesssunlighttheycoulddistinguishnothingwiththeeyessaveamovement,shadow,outof
whicheyeballsrolled,sothattheplaceappearedtobefullofNegroes.ThetwoIndiansstoodinthe
doorway.
"Yao,"Basketsaid."Isaidthisisnotthegoodway."
"Idon'tthinkIwanttobehere,"thesecondsaid.
"Thatisblackman'sfearwhichyousmell.Itdoesnotsmellasoursdoes."
"Idon'tthinkIwanttobehere."
"Yourfearhasanodortoo."
"MaybeitisIssetibbehawhichwesmell."
"Yao.Heknows.Heknowswhatwewillfindhere.Heknewwhenhediedwhatweshould
findheretoday."Outoftheranktwilightoftheroomtheeyes,thesmell,ofNegroesrolledabout
them."IamThreeBasket,whomyouknow,"Basketsaidintotheroom."Wearecomefromthe
Man.Hewhomweseekisgone?"TheNegroessaidnothing.
Thesmellofthem,oftheirbodies,seemedtoebbandfluxinthestillhotair.Theyseemed
tobemusingasoneuponsomethingremote,inscrutable.Theywerelikeasingleoctopus.They
wereliketherootsofahugetreeuncovered,theearthbrokenmomentarilyuponthewrithen,thick,
fetidtangleofitslightlessandoutragedlife."Come,"Basketsaid.
"Youknowourerrand.Ishewhomweseekgone?"
"Theyarethinkingsomething,"thesecondsaid."Idonotwanttobehere."
"Theyareknowingsomething,"Basketsaid.
"Theyarehidinghim,youthink?"
"No.Heisgone.Hehasbeengonesincelastnight.Ithappenedlikethisbefore,whenthe
grandfatherofhimwhoisnowtheMandied.Ittookusthreedaystocatchhim.Forthreedays
Doomlayabovetheground,sayingIseemyhorseandmydog.ButIdonotseemyslave.What
haveyoudonewithhimthatyouwillnotpermitmetoliequiet?'"
"Theydonotliketodie."
"Yao.Theycling.Itmakestroubleforus,always.Apeoplewithouthonorandwithout
decorum.Alwaysatrouble."
"Idonotlikeithere."
"NordoI.Butthen,theyaresavages;theycannotbeexpectedtoregardusage.Thatis
whyIsaythatthiswayisabadway."
"Yao.Theycling.Theywouldevenratherworkinthesunthantoentertheearthwitha
chief.Butheisgone."
TheNegroeshadsaidnothing,madenosound.Thewhiteeyeballsrolled,wild,subdued;
thesmellwasrank,violent."Yes,theyfear,"thesecondsaid."Whatshallwedonow?"
"LetusgoandtalkwiththeMan."
"WillMoketubbelisten?"
"Whatcanhedo?Hewillnotliketo.ButheistheMannow."
"Yao.HeistheMan.Hecanweartheshoeswiththeredheelsallthetimenow."They
turnedandwentout.Therewasnodoorinthedoorframe.Therewerenodoorsinanyofthe
cabins.
"Hedidthatanyway,"Basketsaid.
"BehindIssetibbeha'sback.Butnowtheyarehisshoes,sinceheistheMan."
"Yao.Issetibbehadidnotlikeit.Ihaveheard.IknowthathesaidtoMoketubbe:'Whenyou
aretheMan,theshoeswillbeyours.Butuntilthen,theyaremyshoes.'ButnowMoketubbeisthe
Man;hecanwearthem."
"Yao,"thesecondsaid."HeistheMannow.Heusedtoweartheshoesbehind
Issetibbeha'sback,anditwasnotknownifIssetibbehaknewthisornot.AndthenIssetibbeha
becamedead,whowasnotold,andtheshoesareMoketubbe's,sinceheistheMannow.Whatdo
youthinkofthat?"
 "Idon'tthinkaboutit,"Basketsaid."Doyou?"
"No,"thesecondsaid.
"Good,"Basketsaid."Youarewise."

II

THEHOUSEsatonaknoll,surroundedbyoaktrees.Thefrontofitwasonestoryinheight,
composedofthedeckhouseofasteamboatwhichhadgoneashoreandwhichDoom,
Issetibbeha'sfather,haddismantledwithhisslavesandhauledoncypressrollerstwelvemiles
homeoverland.Ittookthemfivemonths.Hishouseconsistedatthetimeofonebrickwall.Heset
thesteamboatbroadsideontothewall,wherenowthechippedandflakedgildingoftherococo
cornicesarchedinfaintsplendorabovethegiltletteringofthestateroomnamesabovethe
jalousieddoors.
Doomhadbeenbornmerelyasubchief,aMingo,oneofthreechildrenonthemother's
sideofthefamily.Hemadeajourney:hewasayoungmanthenandNewOrleanswasa
Europeancity,fromnorthMississippitoNewOrleansbykeelboat,wherehemettheChevalier
SoeurBlondedeVitry,amanwhosesocialposition,onitsface,wasasequivocalasDoom'sown.
InNewOrleans,amongthegamblersandcutthroatsoftheriverfront,Doom,underthetutelageof
hispatron,passedasthechief,theMan,thehereditaryownerofthatlandwhichbelongedtothe
malesideofthefamily;itwastheChevalierdeVitrywhocalledhimduhomme,andhenceDoom.
TheywereseeneverywheretogethertheIndian,thesquatmanwithabold,inscrutable,
underbredface,andtheParisian,theexpatriate,thefriend,itwassaid,ofCarondeletandthe
intimateofGeneralWilkinson.Thentheydisappeared,thetwoofthem,vanishingfromtheirold
equivocalhauntsandleavingbehindthemthelegendofthesumswhichDoomwasbelievedto
havewon,andsometaleaboutayoungwoman,daughterofafairlywelltodoWestIndianfamily,
thesonandbrotherofwhomsoughtDoomwithapistolabouthisoldhauntsforsometimeafterhis
disappearance.
Sixmonthslatertheyoungwomanherselfdisappeared,boardingtheSt.Louispacket,
whichputinonenightatawoodlandingonthenorthMississippiside,wherethewoman,
accompaniedbyaNegromaid,gotoff.FourIndiansmetherwithahorseandwagon,andthey
traveledforthreedays,slowly,sinceshewasalreadybigwithchild,totheplantation,whereshe
foundthatDoomwasnowchief.Henevertoldherhowheaccomplishedit,savethathisuncleand
hiscousinhaddiedsuddenly.Atthattimethehouseconsistedofabrickwallbuiltbyshiftless
slaves,againstwhichwasproppedathatchedleantodividedintoroomsandlitteredwithbones
andrefuse,setinthecenteroftenthousandacresofmatchlessparklikeforestwheredeergrazed
likedomesticcattle.DoomandthewomanweremarriedthereashorttimebeforeIssetibbehawas
born,byacombinationitinerantministerandslavetraderwhoarrivedonamule,tothesaddleof
whichwaslashedacottonumbrellaandathreegallondemijohnofwhisky.Afterthat,Doombegan
toacquiremoreslavesandtocultivatesomeofhisland,asthewhitepeopledid.Butheneverhad
enoughforthemtodo.Inutteridlenessthemajorityofthemledlivestransplantedwholeoutof
Africanjungles,saveontheoccasionswhen,entertainingguests,Doomcoursedthemwithdogs.
WhenDoomdied,Issetibbeha,hisson,wasnineteen.Hebecameproprietoroftheland
andofthequintupledherdofblacksforwhichhehadnouseatall.ThoughthetitleofManrested
withhim,therewasahierarchyofcousinsanduncleswhoruledtheclanandwhofinallygathered
insquattingconclaveovertheNegroquestion,squattingprofoundlybeneaththegoldennames
abovethedoorsofthesteamboat.
"Wecannoteatthem,"onesaid.
"Whynot?"
 "Therearetoomanyofthem."
"That'strue,"athirdsaid."Oncewestarted,weshouldhavetoeatthemall.Andthatmuch
fleshdietisnotgoodforman."
"Perhapstheywillbelikedeerflesh.Thatcannothurtyou."
"Wemightkillafewofthemandnoteatthem,"Issetibbehasaid.
Theylookedathimforawhile."Whatfor?"onesaid.
"Thatistrue,"asecondsaid."Wecannotdothat.Theyaretoovaluable;rememberallthe
bothertheyhavecausedus,findingthingsforthemtodo.Wemustdoasthewhitemendo."
"Howisthat?"Issetibbehasaid.
"RaisemoreNegroesbyclearingmorelandtomakecorntofeedthem,thensellthem.We
willclearthelandandplantitwithfoodandraiseNegroesandsellthemtothewhitemenfor
money."
"Butwhatwillwedowiththismoney?"athirdsaid.
Theythoughtforawhile.
"Wewillsee,"thefirstsaid.Theysquatted,profound,grave.
"Itmeanswork,"thethirdsaid.
"LettheNegroesdoit,"thefirstsaid.
"Yao.Letthem.Tosweatisbad.Itisdamp.Itopensthepores."
"Andthenthenightairenters."
"Yao.LettheNegroesdoit.Theyappeartolikesweating."
SotheyclearedthelandwiththeNegroesandplanteditingrain.Uptothattimetheslaves
hadlivedinahugepenwithaleantoroofoveronecorner,likeapenforpigs.
Butnowtheybegantobuildquarters,cabins,puttingtheyoungNegroesinthecabinsin
pairstomate;fiveyearslaterIssetibbehasoldfortyheadtoaMemphistrader,andhetookthe
moneyandwentabroaduponit,hismaternalunclefromNewOrleansconductingthetrip.Atthat
timetheChevalierSoeurBlondedeVitrywasanoldmaninParis,inatoupeeandacorset,witha
carefultoothlessoldfacefixedinagrimacequizzicalandprofoundlytragic.Heborrowedthree
hundreddollarsfromIssetibbehaandinreturnheintroducedhimintocertaincircles;ayearlater
Issetibbehareturnedhomewithagiltbed,apairofgirandolesbywhoselightitwassaidthat
PompadourarrangedherhairwhileLouissmirkedathismirroredfaceacrossherpowdered
shoulder,andapairofslipperswithredheels.
Theyweretoosmallforhim,sincehehadnotwornshoesatalluntilhereachedNew
Orleansonhiswayabroad.
Hebroughttheslippershomeintissuepaperandkeptthemintheremainingpocketofa
pairofsaddlebagsfilledwithcedarshavings,savewhenhetookthemoutonoccasionforhisson,
Moketubbe,toplaywith.AtthreeyearsofageMoketubbehadabroad,flat,Mongolianfacethat
appearedtoexistinacompleteandunfathomablelethargy,untilconfrontedbytheslippers.
Moketubbe'smotherwasacomelygirlwhomIssetibbehahadseenonedayworkinginher
shiftinamelonpatch.Hestoppedandwatchedherforawhile:thebroad,solidthighs,thesound
back,thesereneface.Hewasonhiswaytothecreektofishthatday,buthedidn'tgoanyfarther;
perhapswhilehestoodtherewatchingtheunawaregirlhemayhaverememberedhisownmother,
thecitywoman,thefugitivewithherfansandlacesandherNegroblood,andallthetawdry
shabbinessofthatsorryaffair.WithintheyearMoketubbewasborn;evenatthreehecouldnotget
hisfeetintotheslippers.Watchinghiminthestill,hotafternoonsashestruggledwiththeslippers
withacertainmonstrousrepudiationoffact,Issetibbehalaughedquietlytohimself.
HelaughedatMoketubbeandtheshoesforseveralyears,becauseMoketubbedidnot
giveuptryingtoputthemonuntilhewassixteen.Thenhequit.OrIssetibbehathoughthehad.But
hehadmerelyquittryinginIssetibbeha'spresence.Issetibbeha'snewestwifetoldhimthat
Moketubbehadstolenandhiddentheshoes.Issetibbehaquitlaughingthen,andhesentthe
womanaway,sothathewasalone."Yao,"hesaid."Itoolikebeingalive,itseems."Hesentfor
Moketubbe."Igivethemtoyou,"hesaid.
Moketubbewastwentyfivethen,unmarried.Issetibbehawasnottall,buthewastallerby
sixinchesthanhissonandalmostahundredpoundslighter.Moketubbewasalreadydiseased
withflesh,withapale,broad,inertfaceanddropsicalhandsandfeet."Theyareyoursnow,"
Issetibbehasaid,watchinghim.Moketubbehadlookedathimoncewhenheentered,aglance
brief,discreet,veiled.
"Thanks,"hesaid.
Issetibbehalookedathim.HecouldnevertellifMoketubbesawanything,lookedat
anything."WhywillitnotbethesameifIgivetheslipperstoyou?"
"Thanks,"Moketubbesaid.Issetibbehawasusingsnuffatthetime;awhitemanhadshown
himhowtoputthepowderintohislipandscouritagainsthisteethwithatwigofgumorofalphea.
"Well,"hesaid,"amancannotliveforever."Helookedathisson,thenhisgazewentblank
inturn,unseeing,andhemusedforaninstant.Youcouldnottellwhathewasthinking,savethat
hesaidhalfaloud:"Yao.ButDoom'sunclehadnoshoeswithredheels."Helookedathisson
again,fat,inert."Beneathallthat,amanmightthinkofdoinganythinganditnotbeknownuntiltoo
late."Hesatinasplintchairhammockedwithdeerthongs.Hecannotevengetthemon;heandI
arebothfrustratedbythesamegrossmeatwhichhewears.Hecannotevengetthemon.
Butisthatmyfault?"
Helivedforfiveyearslonger,thenhedied.Hewassickonenight,andthoughthedoctor
cameinaskunkskinvestandburnedsticks,hediedbeforenoon.
Thatwasyesterday;thegravewasdug,andfortwelvehoursnowthePeoplehadbeen
cominginwagonsandcarriagesandonhorsebackandafoot,toeatthebakeddogandthe
succotashandtheyamscookedinashesandtoattendthefuneral.

Ill

"IWILLBETHREEDAYS,"Basketsaid,asheandtheotherIndianreturnedtothehouse."Itwill
bethreedaysandthefoodwillnotbeenough;Ihaveseenitbefore."
ThesecondIndian'snamewasLouisBerry."Hewillsmelltoo,inthisweather."
"Yao.Theyarenothingbutatroubleandacare."
"Maybeitwillnottakethreedays."
"Theyrunfar.Yao.WewillsmellthisManbeforeheenterstheearth.Youwatchandseeif
Iamnotright."
Theyapproachedthehouse.
"Hecanweartheshoesnow,"Berrysaid."HecanwearthemnowinMan'ssight."
"Hecannotwearthemforawhileyet,"Basketsaid.Berrylookedathim."Hewillleadthe
hunt."
"Moketubbe?"Berrysaid."Doyouthinkhewill?Amantowhomeventalkingistravail?"
"Whatelsecanhedo?Itishisownfatherwhowillsoonbegintosmell."
"Thatistrue,"Berrysaid."Thereisevenyetapricehemustpayfortheshoes.Yao.Hehas
trulyboughtthem.
Whatdoyouthink?"
"Whatdoyouthink?"
"Whatdoyouthink?"
"Ithinknothing."
"NordoI.Issetibbehawillnotneedtheshoesnow.LetMoketubbehavethem;Issetibbeha
willnotcare."
 "Yao.Manmustdie."
"Yao.Lethim;thereisstilltheMan."
Thebarkroofoftheporchwassupportedbypeeledcypresspoles,highabovethetexasof
thesteamboat,shadinganunflooredbanquettewhereonthetroddenearthmulesandhorseswere
tetheredinbadweather.Ontheforwardendofthesteamboat'sdecksatanoldmanandtwo
women.Oneofthewomenwasdressingafowl,theotherwasshellingcorn.Theoldmanwas
talking.Hewasbarefoot,inalonglinenfrockcoatandabeaverhat.
"Thisworldisgoingtothedogs,"hesaid."Itisbeingruinedbywhitemen.Wegotalong
fineforyearsandyears,beforethewhitemenfoistedtheirNegroesuponus.Intheolddaysthe
oldmensatintheshadeandatesteweddeer'sfleshandcornandsmokedtobaccoandtalkedof
honorandgraveaffairs;nowwhatdowedo?Eventheoldwearthemselvesintothegravetaking
careofthemthatlikesweating."WhenBasketandBerrycrossedthedeckheceasedandlooked
upatthem.Hiseyeswerequerulous,bleared;hisfacewasmyriadwithtinywrinkles."Heisfled
also,"hesaid.
"Yes,"Berrysaid,"heisgone."
"Iknewit.Itoldthemso.Itwilltakethreeweeks,likewhenDoomdied.Youwatchand
see."
"Itwasthreedays,notthreeweeks,"Berrysaid.
"Wereyouthere?"
"No,"Berrysaid."ButIhaveheard."
"Well,Iwasthere,"theoldmansaid."Forthreewholeweeks,throughtheswampsandthe
briers..."Theywentonandlefthimtalking.
Whathadbeenthesaloonofthesteamboatwasnowashell,rottingslowly;thepolished
mahogany,thecarvingglintingmomentarilyandfadingthroughthemoldinfigurescabalisticand
profound;theguttedwindowswerelikecataractedeyes.Itcontainedafewsacksofseedorgrain,
andtheforepartoftherunninggearofabarouche,totheaxleofwhichtwoCspringsrustedin
gracefulcurves,supportingnothing.Inonecornerafoxcubransteadilyandsoundlesslyupand
downawillowcage;threescrawnygamecocksmovedinthedust,andtheplacewaspockedand
markedwiththeirdrieddroppings.
Theypassedthroughthebrickwallandenteredabigroomofchinkedlogs.Itcontainedthe
hinderpartofthebarouche,andthedismantledbodylyingonitsside,thewindowslattedoverwith
willowwithes,throughwhichprotrudedtheheads,thestill,beady,outragedeyesandfrayedcombs
ofstillmoregamechickens.Itwasflooredwithpackedclay;inonecornerleanedacrudeplowand
twohandhewnboatpaddles.Fromtheceiling,suspendedbyfourdeerthongs,hungthegiltbed
whichIssetibbehahadfetchedfromParis.Ithadneithermattressnorsprings,theframe
crisscrossednowbyaneathammockingofthongs.
Issetibbehahadtriedtohavehisnewestwife,theyoungone,sleepinthebed.Hewas
congenitallyshortofbreathhimself,andhepassedthenightshalfreclininginhissplintchair.He
wouldseehertobedand,later,wakeful,sleepingashedidbutthreeorfourhoursanight,he
wouldsitinthedarknessandsimulateslumberandlistentohersneakinfinitesimallyfromthegilt
andribbonedbed,tolieonaquiltpalletontheflooruntiljustbeforedaylight.Thenshewouldenter
thebedquietlyagainandinturnsimulateslumber,whileinthedarknessbesideherIssetibbeha
quietlylaughedandlaughed.
Thegirandoleswerelashedbythongstotwosticksproppedinacornerwhereatengallon
whiskykeglayalso.
Therewasaclayhearth;facingit,inthesplintchair,Moketubbesat.Hewasmaybeaninch
betterthanfivefeettall,andheweighedtwohundredandfiftypounds.Heworeabroadclothcoat
andnoshirt,hisround,smoothcopperballoonofbellyswellingabovethebottompieceofasuitof
linenunderwear.Onhisfeetweretheslipperswiththeredheels.Behindhischairstoodastripling
withapunkahlikefanmadeoffringedpaper.Moketubbesatmotionless,withhisbroad,yellow
facewithitsclosedeyesandflatnostrils,hisflipperlikearmsextended.Onhisfacewasan
expressionprofound,tragic,andinert.HedidnotopenhiseyeswhenBasketandBerrycamein.
"Hehaswornthemsincedaylight?"Basketsaid.
"Sincedaylight,"thestriplingsaid.Thefandidnotcease.
"Youcansee."
"Yao,"Basketsaid."Wecansee."Moketubbedidnotmove.Helookedlikeaneffigy,likea
Malaygodinfrockcoat,drawers,nakedchest,thetrivialscarktheeledshoes.
"Iwouldn'tdisturbhim,ifIwereyou,"thestriplingsaid.
"NotifIwereyou,"Basketsaid.HeandBerrysquatted.
Thestriplingmovedthefansteadily."OMan,"Basketsaid,"listen."Moketubbedidnot
move."Heisgone,"Basketsaid.
"Itoldyouso,"thestriplingsaid."Iknewhewouldflee.Itoldyou."
"Yao,"Basketsaid."Youarenotthefirsttotellusafterwardwhatweshouldhaveknown
before.Whyisitthatsomeofyouwisementooknostepsyesterdaytopreventthis?"
"Hedoesnotwishtodie,"Berrysaid.
"Whyshouldhenotwishit?"Basketsaid.
"Becausehemustdiesomedayisnoreason,"thestriplingsaid."Thatwouldnotconvince
meeither,oldman."
"Holdyourtongue,"Berrysaid.
"Fortwentyyears,"Basketsaid,"whileothersofhisracesweatinthefields,heservedthe
Manintheshade.Whyshouldhenotwishtodie,sincehedidnotwishtosweat?"
"Anditwillbequick,"Berrysaid."Itwillnottakelong.
"Catchhimandtellhimthat,"thestriplingsaid.
"Hush,"Berrysaid.Theysquatted,watchingMoketubbe'sface.Hemighthavebeendead
himself.Itwasasthoughhewerecasedsoinfleshthatevenbreathingtookplacetoodeepwithin
himtoshow.
"Listen,OMan,"Basketsaid."Issetibbehaisdead.Hewaits.Hisdogandhishorsewe
have.Buthisslavehasfled.Theonewhoheldthepotforhim,whoateofhisfood,fromhisdish,is
fled.Issetibbehawaits."
"Yao,"Berrysaid.
"Thisisnotthefirsttime,"Basketsaid."ThishappenedwhenDoom,thygrandfather,lay
waitingatthedooroftheearth.Helaywaitingthreedays,saying,'WhereismyNegro?'And
Issetibbeha,thyfather,answered,'Iwillfindhim.Rest;Iwillbringhimtoyousothatyoumaybegin
thejourney'"
"Yao,"Berrysaid.
Moketubbehadnotmoved,hadnotopenedhiseyes.
"ForthreedaysIssetibbehahuntedinthebottom,"Basketsaid."Hedidnotevenreturn
homeforfood,untiltheNegrowaswithhim;thenhesaidtoDoom,hisfather,'Hereisthydog,thy
horse,thyNegro;rest.'Issetibbeha,whoisdeadsinceyesterday,saidit.AndnowIssetibbeha's
Negroisfled.Hishorseandhisdogwaitwithhim,buthisNegroisfled."
"Yao,"Berrysaid.
Moketubbehadnotmoved.Hiseyeswereclosed;uponhissupinemonstrousshapethere
wasacolossalinertia,somethingprofoundlyimmobile,beyondandimpervioustoflesh.They
watchedhisface,squatting.
"WhenthyfatherwasnewlytheMan,thishappened,"
Basketsaid."AnditwasIssetibbehawhobroughtbacktheslavetowherehisfatherwaited
toentertheearth."Moketubbe'sfacehadnotmoved,hiseyeshadnotmoved.AfterawhileBasket
said,"Removetheshoes."
 Thestriplingremovedtheshoes.Moketubbebegantopant,hisbarechestmovingdeep,as
thoughhewererisingfrombeyondhisunfathomedfleshbackintolife,likeupfromthewater,the
sea.Buthiseyeshadnotopenedyet.
Berrysaid,"Hewillleadthehunt."
"Yao,"Basketsaid."HeistheMan.Hewillleadthehunt."

IV

ALLTHATDAYtheNegro,Issetibbeha'sbodyservant,hiddeninthebarn,watchedIssetibbeha's
dying.Hewasforty,aGuineaman.Hehadaflatnose,aclose,smallhead;theinsidecornersof
hiseyesshowedredalittle,andhisprominentgumswereapalebluishredabovehissquare,
broadteeth.HehadbeentakenatfourteenbyatraderoffKamerun,beforehisteethhadbeen
filed.HehadbeenIssetibbeha'sbodyservantfortwentythreeyears.
Onthedaybefore,thedayonwhichIssetibbehalaysick,hereturnedtothequartersat
dusk.Inthatunhurriedhourthesmokeofthecookingfiresblewslowlyacrossthestreetfromdoor
todoor,carryingintotheoppositeonethesmelloftheidenticalmeatandbread.Thewomen
tendedthem;themenweregatheredattheheadofthelane,watchinghimashecamedownthe
slopefromthehouse,puttinghisnakedfeetdowncarefullyinastrangedusk.Tothewaitingmen
hiseyeballswerealittleluminous.
"Issetibbehaisnotdeadyet,"theheadmansaid.
"Notdead,"thebodyservantsaid."Whonotdead?"
Inthedusktheyhadfaceslikehis,thedifferentages,thethoughtssealedinscrutable
behindfaceslikethedeathmasksofapes.Thesmellofthefires,thecooking,blewsharpandslow
acrossthestrangedusk,asfromanotherworld,abovethelaneandthepickaninniesnakedinthe
dust.
"Ifhelivespastsundown,hewillliveuntildaybreak,"onesaid.
"Whosays?"
"Talksays."
"Yao.Talksays.Weknowbutonething."Theylookedatthebodyservantashestood
amongthem,hiseyeballsalittleluminous.Hewasbreathingslowanddeep.Hischestwasbare;
hewassweatingalittle."Heknows.Heknowsit."
"Letusletthedrumstalk."
"Yao.Letthedrumstellit."
Thedrumsbeganafterdark.Theykeptthemhiddeninthecreekbottom.Theyweremade
ofhollowedcypressknees,andtheNegroeskeptthemhidden;why,noneknew.
Theywereburiedinthemudonthebankofaslough;aladoffourteenguardedthem.He
wasundersized,andamute;hesquattedinthemudthereallday,cloudedoverwithmosquitoes,
nakedsaveforthemudwithwhichhecoatedhimselfagainstthemosquitoes,andabouthisnecka
fiberbagcontainingapig'sribtowhichblackshredsoffleshstilladhered,andtwoscalybarksona
wire.Heslobberedontohisclutchedknees,drooling;nowandthenIndianscamenoiselesslyoutof
thebushesbehindhimandstoodthereandcontemplatedhimforawhileandwentaway,andhe
neverknewit.
Fromtheloftofthestablewherehelayhiddenuntildarkandafter,theNegrocouldhear
thedrums.Theywerethreemilesaway,buthecouldhearthemasthoughtheywereinthebarn
itselfbelowhim,thuddingandthudding.
Itwasasthoughhecouldseethefiretoo,andtheblacklimbsturningintoandoutofthe
flamesincoppergleams.
 Onlytherewouldbenofire.Therewouldbenomorelighttherethanwherehelayinthe
dustyloft,withthewhisperingarpeggiosofratfeetalongthewarmandimmemorialaxsquared
rafters.Theonlyfiretherewouldbethesmudgeagainstmosquitoeswherethewomenwithnursing
childrencrouched,theirheavysluggishbreastsnippledfullandsmoothintothemouthsofmen
children;contemplative,obliviousofthedrumming,sinceafirewouldsignifylife.
Therewasafireinthesteamboat,whereIssetibbehalaydyingamonghiswives,beneath
thelashedgirandolesandthesuspendedbed.Hecouldseethesmoke,andjustbeforesunsethe
sawthedoctorcomeout,inawaistcoatmadeofskunkskins,andsetfiretotwoclaydaubedsticks
atthebowsoftheboatdeck."Soheisnotdeadyet,"theNegrosaidintothewhisperinggloomof
theloft,answeringhimself;hecouldhearthetwovoices,himselfandhimself:"Whonotdead?"
"Youaredead."
"Yao,Iamdead,"hesaidquietly.Hewishedtobewherethedrumswere.Heimagined
himselfspringingoutofthebushes,leapingamongthedrumsonhisbare,lean,greasy,invisible
limbs.Buthecouldnotdothat,becausemanleapedpastlife,intowheredeathwas;hedashed
intodeathanddidnotdie,becausewhendeathtookaman,ittookhimjustthissideoftheendof
living.Itwaswhendeathoverranhimfrombehind,stillinlife.Thethinwhisperofratfeetdiedin
faintinggustsalongtherafters.Oncehehadeatenrat.
Hewasaboythen,butjustcometoAmerica.Theyhadlivedninetydaysinathreefoot
high'tweendeckintropiclatitudes,hearingfromtopsidethedrunkenNewEnglandcaptain
intoningaloudfromabookwhichhedidnotrecognizefortenyearsafterwardtobetheBible.
Squattinginthestableso,hehadwatchedtherat,civilized,byassociationwithmanreftofits
inherentcunningoflimbandeye;hehadcaughtitwithoutdifficulty,withscarceamovementofhis
hand,andheateitslowly,wonderinghowanyoftheratshadescapedsolong.Atthattimehewas
stillwearingthesinglewhitegarmentwhichthetrader,adeaconintheUnitarianchurch,hadgiven
him,andhespokethenonlyhisnativetongue.
Hewasnakednow,saveforapairofdungareepantsboughtbyIndiansfromwhitemen,
andanamuletslungonathongabouthiships.Theamuletconsistedofonehalfofamotherof
pearllorgnonwhichIssetibbehahadbroughtbackfromParis,andtheskullofacottonmouth
moccasin.
Hehadkilledthesnakehimselfandeatenit,savethepoisonhead.Helayintheloft,
watchingthehouse,thesteamboat,listeningtothedrums,thinkingofhimselfamongthedrums.
Helaythereallnight.Thenextmorninghesawthedoctorcomeout,inhisskunkvest,and
getonhismuleandrideaway,andhebecamequitestillandwatchedthefinaldustfrombeneath
themule'sdelicatefeetdieaway,andthenhefoundthathewasstillbreathinganditseemed
strangetohimthathestillbreathedair,stillneededair.Thenhelayandwatchedquietly,waitingto
move,hiseyeballsalittleluminous,butwithaquietlight,andhisbreathinglightandregular,and
sawLouisBerrycomeoutandlookatthesky.
Itwasgoodlightthen,andalreadyfiveIndianssquattedintheirSundayclothesalongthe
steamboatdeck;bynoonthereweretwentyfivethere.Thatafternoontheydugthetrenchinwhich
themeatwouldbebaked,andtheyams;bythattimetherewerealmostahundredguests
decorous,quiet,patientintheirstiffEuropeanfineryandhewatchedBerryleadIssetibbeha'smare
fromthestableandtiehertoatree,andthenhewatchedBerryemergefromthehousewiththe
oldhoundwhichlaybesideIssetibbeha'schair.Hetiedthehoundtothetreetoo,anditsatthere,
lookinggravelyaboutatthefaces.Thenitbegantohowl.Itwasstillhowlingatsundown,whenthe
Negroclimbeddownthebackwallofthebarnandenteredthespringbranch,whereitwasalready
dusk.Hebegantorunthen.Hecouldhearthehoundhowlingbehindhim,andnearthespring,
alreadyrunning,hepassedanotherNegro.Thetwomen,theonemotionlessandtheother
running,lookedforaninstantateachotherasthoughacrossanactualboundarybetweentwo
differentworlds.Heranonintofulldarkness,mouthclosed,fistsdoubled,hisbroadnostrils
bellowingsteadily.
Heranoninthedarkness.Heknewthecountrywell,becausehehadhunteditoftenwith
Issetibbeha,followingonhismulethecourseofthefoxorthecatbesideIssetibbeha'smare;he
knewitaswellasdidthemenwhowouldpursuehim.Hesawthemforthefirsttimeshortlybefore
sunsetofthesecondday.Hehadrunthirtymilesthen,upthecreekbottom,beforedoublingback;
lyinginapawpawthickethesawthepursuitforthefirsttime.Thereweretwoofthem,inshirtsand
strawhats,carryingtheirneatlyrolledtrousersundertheirarms,andtheyhadnoweapons.They
weremiddleaged,paunchy,andtheycouldnothavemovedveryfastanyway;itwouldbetwelve
hoursbeforetheycouldreturntowherehelaywatchingthem."SoIwillhaveuntilmidnighttorest,"
hesaid.Hewasnearenoughtotheplantationtosmellthecookingfires,andhethoughthowhe
oughttobehungry,sincehehadnoteateninthirtyhours."Butitismoreimportanttorest,"hetold
himself.
Hecontinuedtotellhimselfthat,lyinginthepawpawthicket,becausetheeffortofresting,
theneedandthehastetorest,madehisheartthudthesameastherunninghaddone.Itwasas
thoughhehadforgothowtorest,asthoughthesixhourswerenotlongenoughtodoitin,to
rememberagainhowtodoit.
Assoonasdarkcamehemovedagain.Hehadthoughttokeepgoingsteadilyandquietly
throughthenight,sincetherewasnowhereforhimtogo,butassoonashemovedhebegantorun
attopspeed,breastinghispantingchest,hisbroadflaringnostrilsthroughthechokedand
whippingdarkness.Heranforanhour,lostbythen,withoutdirection,whensuddenlyhestopped,
andafteratimehisthuddingheartunraveledfromthesoundofthedrums.Bythesoundtheywere
nottwomilesaway;hefollowedthesounduntilhecouldsmellthesmudgefireandtastetheacrid
smoke.
Whenhestoodamongthemthedrumsdidnotcease;onlytheheadmancametohim
wherehestoodinthedriftingsmudge,panting,hisnostrilsflaringandpulsing,thehushedglareof
hisceaselesseyeballsinhismuddaubedfaceasthoughtheywereworkedfromlungs.
"Wehaveexpectedthee,"theheadmansaid."Go,now."
"Go?"
"Eat,andgo.Thedeadmaynotconsortwiththeliving;thouknowestthat."
"Yao.Iknowthat."Theydidnotlookatoneanother.
Thedrumshadnotceased.
"Wiltthoueat?"theheadmansaid.
"Iamnothungry.Icaughtarabbitthisafternoon,andatewhileIlayhidden!"
"Takesomecookedmeatwiththee,then."
Heacceptedthecookedmeat,wrappedinleaves,andenteredthecreekbottomagain;
afterawhilethesoundofthedrumsceased.Hewalkedsteadilyuntildaybreak."Ihavetwelve
hours,"hesaid."Maybemore,sincethetrailwasfollowedbynight."Hesquattedandatethemeat
andwipedhishandsonhisthighs.Thenheroseandremovedthedungareepantsandsquatted
againbesideasloughandcoatedhimselfwithmudface,arms,bodyandlegsandsquattedagain,
claspinghisknees,hisheadbowed.Whenitwaslightenoughtosee,hemovedbackintothe
swampandsquattedagainandwenttosleepso.Hedidnotdreamatall.
Itwaswellthathemoved,for,wakingsuddenlyinbroaddaylightandthehighsun,hesaw
thetwoIndians.Theystillcarriedtheirneatlyrolledtrousers;theystoodoppositetheplacewhere
helayhidden,paunchy,thick,softlooking,alittleludicrousintheirstrawhatsandshirttails.
"Thisiswearyingwork,"onesaid.
"I'dratherbeathomeintheshademyself,"theothersaid.
"ButthereistheManwaitingatthedoortotheearth."
 "Yao."Theylookedquietlyabout;stooping,oneofthemremovedfromhisshirttailaclotof
cockleburs."DamnthatNegro,"hesaid.
"Yao.Whenhavetheyeverbeenanythingbutatrialandacaretous?"
Intheearlyafternoon,fromthetopofatree,theNegrolookeddownintotheplantation.He
couldseeIssetibbeha'sbodyinahammockbetweenthetwotreeswherethehorseandthedog
weretethered,andtheconcourseaboutthesteamboatwasfilledwithwagonsandhorsesand
mules,withcartsandsaddlehorses,whileinbrightclumpsthewomenandthesmallerchildren
andtheoldmensquattedaboutthelongtrenchwherethesmokefromthebarbecuingmeatblew
slowandthick.Themenandthebigboyswouldallbedownthereinthecreekbottombehindhim,
onthetrail,theirSundayclothesrolledcarefullyupandwedgedintotreecrotches.Therewasa
clumpofmennearthedoortothehouse,tothesaloonofthesteamboat,though,andhewatched
them,andafterawhilehesawthembringMoketubbeoutinalittermadeofbuckskinand
persimmonpoles;highhiddeninhisleafednooktheNegro,thequarry,lookedquietlydownupon
hisirrevocabledoomwithanexpressionasprofoundasMoketubbe'sown."Yao,"hesaidquietly.
"Hewillgothen.Thatmanwhosebodyhasbeendeadforfifteenyears,hewillgoalso."
InthemiddleoftheafternoonhecamefacetofacewithanIndian.Theywerebothona
footlogacrossaslough:theNegrogaunt,lean,hard,tirelessanddesperate;theIndianthick,soft
looking,theapparentembodimentoftheultimateandthesupremereluctanceandinertia.The
Indianmadenomove,nosound;hestoodonthelogandwatchedtheNegroplungeintothe
sloughandswimashoreandcrashawayintotheundergrowth.
Justbeforesunsethelaybehindadownlog.Uptheloginslowprocessionmovedalineof
ants.Hecaughtthemandatethemslowly,withakindofdetachment,likethatofadinnerguest
eatingsaltednutsfromadish.Theytoohadasalttaste,engenderingasalivaryreactionoutofall
proportion.Heatethemslowly,watchingtheunbrokenlinemoveupthelogandintooblivious
doomwithasteadyandterrificundeviation.Hehadeatennothingelseallday;inhiscakedmud
maskhiseyesrolledinreddenedrims.Atsunset,creepingalongthecreekbanktowardwherehe
hadspottedafrog,acottonmouthmoccasinslashedhimsuddenlyacrosstheforearmwithathick,
sluggishblow.Itstruckclumsily,leavingtwolongslashesacrosshisarmliketworazorslashes,
andhalfsprawledwithitsownmomentumandrage,itappearedforthemomentutterlyhelpless
withitsownawkwardnessandcholericanger."Ole,grandfather,"theNegrosaid.Hetouchedits
headandwatcheditslashhimagainacrosshisarm,andagain,withthick,raking,awkwardblows.
"It'sthatIdonotwishtodie,"hesaid.Thenhesaiditagain."It'sthatIdonotwishtodie,"inaquiet
tone,ofslowandlowamaze,asthoughitweresomethingthat,untilthewordshadsaid
themselves,hefoundthathehadnotknown,orhadnotknownthedepthandextentofhisdesire.

MOKETUBBETOOKtheslipperswithhim.Hecouldnotwearthemverylongwhileinmotion,not
eveninthelitterwherehewasslungreclining,sotheyresteduponasquareoffawnskinuponhis
lapthecracked,frailslippersalittleshapelessnow,withtheirscaledpatentleathersurfacesand
bucklelesstonguesandscarletheels,lyinguponthesupineobeseshapejustbarelyalive,carried
throughswampandbrierbyswingingrelaysofmenwhoboresteadilyalldaylongthecrimeandits
object,onthebusinessoftheslain.
ToMoketubbeitmusthavebeenasthough,himselfimmortal,hewerebeingcarriedrapidly
throughhellbydoomedspiritswhich,alive,hadcontemplatedhisdisaster,and,dead,were
obliviouspartnerstohisdamnation.
Afterrestingforawhile,thelitterproppedinthecenterofthesquattingcircleand
Moketubbemotionlessinit,withclosedeyesandhisfaceatoncepeacefulfortheinstantandfilled
withinescapableforeknowledge,hecouldweartheslippersforawhile.Thestriplingputthemon
him,forcinghisbig,tender,dropsicalfeetintothem;whereuponintohisfacecameagainthat
expressiontragic,passiveandprofoundlyattentive,whichdyspepticswear.Thentheywenton.He
madenomove,nosound,inertintherhythmiclitteroutofsomereserveofinertia,ormaybeof
somekinglyvirtuesuchascourageorfortitude.Afteratimetheysetthelitterdownandlookedat
him,attheyellowfacelikethatofanidol,beadedoverwithsweat.ThenThreeBasketorHadTwo
Fatherswouldsay:"Takethemoff.Honorhasbeenserved!"Theywouldremovetheshoes.
Moketubbe'sfacewouldnotalter,butonlythenwouldhisbreathingbecomeperceptible,goingin
andoutofhispalelipswithafaintahahahsound,andtheywouldsquatagainwhilethecouriers
andtherunnerscameup.
"Notyet?"
"Notyet.Heisgoingeast.BysunsethewillreachMouthofTippah.Thenhewillturnback.
Wemaytakehimtomorrow."
"Letushopeso.Itwillnotbetoosoon."
"Yao.Ithasbeenthreedaysnow."
"WhenDoomdied,ittookonlythreedays."
"Butthatwasanoldman.Thisoneisyoung."
"Yao.Agoodrace.Ifheistakentomorrow,Iwillwinahorse."
"Mayyouwinit."
"Yao.Thisworkisnotpleasant."
Thatwasthedayonwhichthefoodgaveoutattheplantation.Theguestsreturnedhome
andcamebackthenextdaywithmorefood,enoughforaweeklonger.OnthatdayIssetibbeha
begantosmell;theycouldsmellhimforalongwayupanddownthebottomwhenitgothottoward
noonandthewindblew.Buttheydidn'tcapturetheNegroonthatday,noronthenext.Itwas
aboutduskonthesixthdaywhenthecourierscameuptothelitter;theyhadfoundblood."Hehas
injuredhimself."
"Notbad,Ihope,"Basketsaid."WecannotsendwithIssetibbehaonewhowillbeofno
servicetohim."
"NorwhomIssetibbehahimselfwillhavetonurseandcarefor!"Berrysaid.
"Wedonotknow,"thecouriersaid."Hehashiddenhimself.Hehascreptbackintothe
swamp.Wehaveleftpickets."
Theytrottedwiththelitternow.TheplacewheretheNegrohadcreptintotheswampwas
anhouraway.InthehurryandexcitementtheyhadforgottenthatMoketubbestillworethe
slippers;whentheyreachedtheplaceMoketubbehadfainted.Theyremovedtheslippersand
broughthimto.
Withdark,theyformedacircleabouttheswamp.Theysquatted,cloudedoverwithgnats
andmosquitoes;theeveningstarburnedlowandclosedownthewest,andtheconstellations
begantowheeloverhead."Wewillgivehimtime,"theysaid."Tomorrowisjustanothernamefor
today."
"Yao.Lethimhavetime."Thentheyceased,andgazedasoneintothedarknesswherethe
swamplay.Afterawhilethenoiseceased,andsoonthecouriercameoutofthedarkness.
"Hetriedtobreakout."
"Butyouturnedhimback?"
"Heturnedback.Wefearedforamoment,thethreeofus.Wecouldsmellhimcreepingin
thedarkness,andwecouldsmellsomethingelse,whichwedidnotknow.Thatwaswhywefeared,
untilhetoldus.Hesaidtoslayhimthere,sinceitwouldbedarkandhewouldnothavetoseethe
facewhenitcame.Butitwasnotthatwhichwesmelled;hetolduswhatitwas.Asnakehadstruck
him.Thatwastwodaysago.Thearmswelled,anditsmelledbad.Butitwasnotthatwhichwe
smelledthen,becausetheswellinghadgonedownandhisarmwasnolargerthanthatofachild.
Heshowedus.Wefeltthearm,allofusdid;itwasnolargerthanthatofachild.Hesaidtogive
himahatchetsohecouldchopthearmoff.Buttomorrowistodayalso."
"Yao.Tomorrowistoday."
"Wefearedforawhile.Thenhewentbackintotheswamp."
"Thatisgood."
"Yao.Wefeared.ShallItelltheMan?"
"Iwillsee,"Basketsaid.Hewentaway.Thecouriersquatted,tellingagainabouttheNegro.
Basketreturned.
"TheMansaysthatitisgood.Returntoyourpost."
Thecouriercreptaway.Theysquattedaboutthelitter;nowandthentheyslept.Sometime
aftermidnighttheNegrowakedthem.Hebegantoshoutandtalktohimself,hisvoicecoming
sharpandsuddenoutofthedarkness,thenhefellsilent.Dawncame;awhitecraneflappedslowly
acrossthejonquilsky.Basketwasawake."Letusgonow,"hesaid."Itistoday."
TwoIndiansenteredtheswamp,theirmovementsnoisy.
BeforetheyreachedtheNegrotheystopped,becausehebegantosing.Theycouldsee
him,nakedandmudcaked,sittingonalog,singing.Theysquattedsilentlyashortdistanceaway,
untilhefinished.Hewaschantingsomethinginhisownlanguage,hisfaceliftedtotherisingsun.
Hisvoicewasclear,full,withaqualitywildandsad."Lethimhavetime,"theIndianssaid,
squatting,patient,waiting.Heceasedandtheyapproached.Helookedbackandupatthem
throughthecrackedmudmask.Hiseyeswerebloodshot,hislipscrackeduponhissquareshort
teeth.Themaskofmudappearedtobelooseonhisface,asifhemighthavelostfleshsincehe
putitthere;heheldhisleftarmclosetohisbreast.Fromtheelbowdownitwascakedand
shapelesswithblackmud.Theycouldsmellhim,aranksmell.
Hewatchedthemquietlyuntilonetouchedhimonthearm."Come,"theIndiansaid."You
ranwell.Donotbeashamed."

VI

ASTHEYNEAREDtheplantationinthetaintedbrightmorning,theNegro'seyesbegantorolla
little,likethoseofahorse.Thesmokefromthecookingpitblewlowalongtheearthanduponthe
squattingandwaitingguestsabouttheyardanduponthesteamboatdeck,intheirbright,stiff,
harshfinery;thewomen,thechildren,theoldmen.Theyhadsentcouriersalongthebottom,and
anotheronahead,andIssetibbeha'sbodyhadalreadybeenremovedtowherethegravewaited,
alongwiththehorseandthedog,thoughtheycouldstillsmellhimindeathaboutthehousewhere
hehadlivedinlife.Theguestswerebeginningtomovetowardthegravewhenthebearersof
Moketubbe'slittermountedtheslope.
TheNegrowasthetallestthere,hishigh,close,mudcakedheadloomingabovethemall.
Hewasbreathinghard,asthoughthedesperateeffortofthesixsuspendedanddesperatedays
hadcatapulteduponhimatonce;althoughtheywalkedslowly,hisnakedscarredchestroseand
fellabovethecloseclutchedleftarm.Helookedthiswayandthatcontinuously,asifhewerenot
seeing,asthoughsightneverquitecaughtupwiththelooking.Hismouthwasopenalittleuponhis
bigwhiteteeth;hebegantopant.Thealreadymovingguestshalted,pausing,lookingback,some
withpiecesofmeatintheirhands,astheNegrolookedaboutattheirfaceswithhiswild,
restrained,unceasingeyes.
"Willyoueatfirst?"Basketsaid.Hehadtosayittwice.
"Yes,"theNegrosaid."That'sit.Iwanttoeat."
Thethronghadbeguntopressbacktowardthecenter;thewordpassedtotheoutermost:
"Hewilleatfirst."
 Theyreachedthesteamboat."Sitdown,"Basketsaid.
TheNegrosatontheedgeofthedeck.Hewasstillpanting,hischestrisingandfalling,his
headceaselesswithitswhiteeyeballs,turningfromsidetoside.Itwasasiftheinabilitytosee
camefromwithin,fromhopelessness,notfromabsenceofvision.Theybroughtfoodandwatched
quietlyashetriedtoeatit.Heputthefoodintohismouthandchewedit,butchewing,thehalf
masticatedmatterbegantoemergefromthecornersofhismouthandtodrooldownhischin,onto
hischest,andafterawhilehestoppedchewingandsatthere,naked,coveredwithdriedmud,the
plateonhisknees,andhismouthfilledwithamassofchewedfood,open,hiseyeswideand
unceasing,pantingandpanting.
Theywatchedhim,patient,implacable,waiting.
"Come,"Basketsaidatlast.
"It'swaterIwant,"theNegrosaid."Iwantwater."
Thewellwasalittlewaydowntheslopetowardthequarters.Theslopelaydappledwith
theshadowsofnoon,ofthatpeacefulhourwhen,Issetibbehanappinginhischairandwaitingfor
thenoonmealandthelongafternoontosleepin,theNegro,thebodyservant,wouldbefree.He
wouldsitinthekitchendoorthen,talkingwiththewomenwhopreparedthefood.Beyondthe
kitchenthelanebetweenthequarterswouldbequiet,peaceful,withthewomentalkingtoone
anotheracrossthelaneandthesmokeofthedinnerfiresblowinguponthepickaninnieslikeebony
toysinthedust.
"Come,"Basketsaid.
TheNegrowalkedamongthem,tallerthanany.Theguestsweremovingontowardwhere
Issetibbehaandthehorseandthedogwaited.TheNegrowalkedwithhishighceaselesshead,his
pantingchest."Come,"Basketsaid."Youwantedwater."
"Yes,"theNegrosaid."Yes."Helookedbackatthehouse,thendowntothequarters,
wheretodaynofireburned,nofaceshowedinanydoor,nopickaninnyinthedust,panting."It
struckmehere,rakingmeacrossthisarm;once,twice,threetimes.Isaid,'Ole,Grandfather.'"
"Comenow,"Basketsaid.TheNegrowasstillgoingthroughthemotionofwalking,his
kneeactionhigh,hisheadhigh,asthoughhewereonatreadmill.Hiseyeballshadawild,
restrainedglare,likethoseofahorse."Youwantedwater,"Basketsaid."Hereitis."
Therewasagourdinthewell.TheydippeditfullandgaveittotheNegro,andthey
watchedhimtrytodrink.
Hiseyeshadnotceasedashetiltedthegourdslowlyagainsthiscakedface.Theycould
watchhisthroatworkingandthebrightwatercascadingfromeithersideofthegourd,downhis
chinandbreast.Thenthewaterstopped."Come,"Basketsaid.
"Wait,"theNegrosaid.Hedippedthegourdagainandtilteditagainsthisface,beneathhis
ceaselesseyes.Againtheywatchedhisthroatworkingandtheunswallowedwatersheathing
brokenandmyriaddownhischin,channelinghiscakedchest.Theywaited,patient,grave,
decorous,implacable;clansmanandguestandkin.Thenthewaterceased,thoughstilltheempty
gourdtiltedhigherandhigher,andstillhisblackthroatapedthevainmotionofhisfrustrated
swallowing.Apieceofwaterloosenedmudcarriedawayfromhischestandbrokeathismuddy
feet,andintheemptygourdtheycouldhearhisbreath:ahahah.
"Come,"Basketsaid,takingthegourdfromtheNegroandhangingitbackinthewell.

AJustice

UNTILGRANDFATHERDIED,wewouldgoouttothefarmeverySaturdayafternoon.Wewould
leavehomerightafterdinnerinthesurrey,IinfrontwithRoskus,andGrandfatherandCaddyand
Jasonintheback.GrandfatherandRoskuswouldtalk,withthehorsesgoingfast,becauseitwas
thebestteaminthecounty.Theywouldcarrythesurreyfastalongthelevelsandupsomeofthe
hillseven.ButthiswasinnorthMississippi,andonsomeofthehillsRoskusandIcouldsmell
Grandfather'scigar.
Thefarmwasfourmilesaway.Therewasalong,lowhouseinthegrove,notpaintedbut
keptwholeandsoundbyaclevercarpenterfromthequartersnamedSamFathers,andbehindit
thebarnsandsmokehouses,andfurtherstill,thequartersthemselves,alsokeptwholeandsound
bySamFathers.Hedidnothingelse,andtheysaidhewasalmostahundredyearsold.Helived
withtheNegroes;theNegroescalledhimabluegum,thewhitepeoplecalledhimaNegro.Buthe
wasn'taNegro.That'swhatI'mgoingtotellabout.
Whenwegotthere,Mr.Stokes,themanager,wouldsendaNegroboywithCaddyand
Jasontothecreektofish,becauseCaddywasagirlandJasonwastoolittle,butIwouldn'tgowith
them.IwouldgotoSamFathers'shop,wherehewouldbemakingbreastyokesorwagonwheels,
andIwouldalwaysbringhimsometobacco.Thenhewouldstopworkingandhewouldfillhispipe:
hemadethemhimself,outofcreekclaywithareedstemandhewouldtellmeabouttheolddays.
Hetalkedlikeanigger;thatis,hesaidhiswordslikeniggersdo,buthedidn'tsaythesamewords
andhishairwasniggerhair.Buthisskinwasn'tquitethecolorofalightniggerandhisnoseand
hismouthandchinwerenotniggernoseandmouthandchin.Andhisshapewasnotlikethe
shapeofaniggerwhenhegetsold.
Hewasstraightintheback,nottall,alittlebroad,andhisfacewasstillallthetime,likehe
mightbesomewhereelseallthewhilehewasworkingorwhenpeople,evenwhitepeople,talked
tohim,orwhilehetalkedtome.Itwasjustthesameallthetime,likehemightbeawayupona
roofbyhimself,drivingnails.Sometimeshewouldquitworkwithsomethinghalffinishedonthe
bench,andsitdownandsmoke.Andhewouldn'tjumpupandgobacktoworkwhenMr.Stokesor
evenGrandfathercamealong.
SoIwouldgivehimthetobaccoandhewouldstopworkandsitdownandfillhispipeand
talktome.
"Theseniggers,"hesaid."TheycallmeUncleBlueGum.Andthewhitefolks,theycallme
SamFathers."
"Isn'tthatyourname?"Isaid.
"No.Notintheolddays.Iremember.IrememberhowIneversawbutonewhitemanuntilI
wasaboybigasyouare;awhiskytraderthatcameeverysummertothePlantation.Itwasthe
Manhimselfthatnamedme.Hedidn'tnamemeSamFathers,though."
"TheMan?"Isaid.
"HeownedthePlantation,theNegroes,mymammytoo,HeownedallthelandthatIknew
ofuntilIwasgrown.HewasaChoctawchief.Hesoldmymammytoyourgreatgrandpappy.He
saidIdidn'thavetogounlessIwantedto,becauseIwasawarriortoothen.Hewastheonewho
namedmeHadTwoFathers."
"HadTwoFathers?"Isaid."That'snotaname.That'snotanything."
"Itwasmynameonce.Listen."

II

THISISHOWHermanBaskettolditwhenIwasbigenoughtoheartalk.HesaidthatwhenDoom
camebackfromNewOrleans,hebroughtthiswomanwithhim.Hebroughtsixblackpeople,
thoughHermanBasketsaidtheyalreadyhadmoreblackpeopleinthePlantationthantheycould
findusefor.Sometimestheywouldruntheblackmenwithdogs,likeyouwouldafoxoracatora
coon.AndthenDoombroughtsixmorewhenhecamehomefromNewOrleans.
 Hesaidhewonthemonthesteamboat,andsohehadtotakethem.Hegotoffthe
steamboatwiththesixblackpeople,HermanBasketsaid,andabigboxinwhichsomethingwas
alive,andthegoldboxofNewOrleanssaltaboutthesizeofagoldwatch.AndHermanBaskettold
howDoomtookapuppyoutoftheboxinwhichsomethingwasalive,andhowhemadeabulletof
breadandapinchofthesaltinthegoldbox,andputthebulletintothepuppyandthepuppydied.
ThatwasthekindofamanthatDoomwas,HermanBasketsaid.Hetoldhow,whenDoom
gotoffthesteamboatthatnight,heworeacoatwithgoldalloverit,andhehadthreegoldwatches,
butHermanBasketsaidthatevenaftersevenyears,Doom'seyeshadnotchanged.Hesaidthat
Doom'seyeswerejustthesameasbeforehewentaway,beforehisnamewasDoom,andheand
HermanBasketandmypappyweresleepingonthesamepalletandtalkingatnight,asboyswill.
Doom'snamewasIkkemotubbethen,andhewasnotborntobetheMan,becauseDoom's
mother'sbrotherwastheMan,andtheManhadasonofhisown,aswellasabrother.
Buteventhen,andDoomnobiggerthanyouare,HermanBasketsaidthatsometimesthe
ManwouldlookatDoomandhewouldsay:"OSister'sSon,youreyeisabadeye,liketheeyeofa
badhorse."
SotheManwasnotsorrywhenDoomgottobeayoungmanandsaidthathewouldgoto
NewOrleans,HermanBasketsaid.TheManwasgettingoldthen.Heusedtoliketoplaymumble
pegandtopitchhorseshoesboth,butnowhejustlikedmumblepeg.Sohewasnotsorrywhen
Doomwentaway,thoughhedidn'tforgetaboutDoom.HermanBasketsaidthateachsummer
whenthewhiskytradercame,theManwouldaskhimaboutDoom."HecallshimselfDavid
Callicoatnow,"theManwouldsay."ButhisnameisIkkemotubbe.Youhaven'theardmaybeofa
DavidCallicoatgettingdrownedintheBigRiver,orkilledinthewhiteman'sfightatNewOrleans?"
ButHermanBasketsaidtheydidn'thearfromDoomatalluntilhehadbeengoneseven
years.ThenonedayHermanBasketandmypappygotawrittenstickfromDoomtomeethimat
theBigRiver.Becausethesteamboatdidn'tcomeupourriveranymorethen.Thesteamboatwas
stillinourriver,butitdidn'tgoanywhereanymore.HermanBaskettoldhowonedayduringthe
highwater,aboutthreeyearsafterDoomwentaway,thesteamboatcameandcrawledupona
sandbaranddied.
ThatwashowDoomgothissecondname,theonebeforeDoom.HermanBaskettoldhow
fourtimesayearthesteamboatwouldcomeupourriver,andhowthePeoplewouldgototheriver
andcampandwaittoseethesteamboatpass,andhesaidthatthewhitemanwhotoldthe
steamboatwheretoswimwasnamedDavidCallicoat.SowhenDoomtoldHermanBasketand
pappythathewasgoingtoNewOrleans,hesaid,"AndI'lltellyousomethingelse.Fromnowon,
mynameisnotIkkemotubbe.It'sDavidCallicoat.AndsomedayI'mgoingtoownasteamboat,
too."ThatwasthekindofmanthatDoomwas,HermanBasketsaid.
SoaftersevenyearshesentthemthewrittenstickandHermanBasketandpappytookthe
wagonandwenttomeetDoomattheBigRiver,andDoomgotoffthesteamboatwiththesixblack
people."Iwonthemonthesteamboat,"Doomsaid."YouandCrawford(mypappy'snamewas
Crawfishford,butusuallyitwasCrawford)candividethem."
"Idon'twantthem,"HermanBasketsaidthatpappysaid.
"ThenHermancanhavethemall,"Doomsaid.
"Idon'twantthemeither,"HermanBasketsaid.
"Allright,"Doomsaid.ThenHermanBasketsaidheaskedDoomifhisnamewasstillDavid
Callicoat,butinsteadofanswering,Doomtoldoneoftheblackpeoplesomethinginthewhite
man'stalk,andtheblackmanlitapineknot.ThenHermanBasketsaidtheywerewatchingDoom
takethepuppyfromtheboxandmakethebulletofbreadandtheNewOrleanssaltwhichDoom
hadinthelittlegoldbox,whenhesaidthatpappysaid:"IbelieveyousaidthatHermanandIwere
todividetheseblackpeople."
ThenHermanBasketsaidhesawthatoneoftheblackpeoplewasawoman.
 "YouandHermandon'twantthem,"Doomsaid.
"Iwasn'tthinkingwhenIsaidthat,"pappysaid."Iwilltakethelotwiththewomaninit.
Hermancanhavetheotherthree."
"Idon'twantthem,"HermanBasketsaid.
"Youcanhavefour,then,"pappysaid."Iwilltakethewomanandoneother."
"Idon'twantthem,"HermanBasketsaid.
"Iwilltakeonlythewoman,"pappysaid."Youcanhavetheotherfive."
"Idon'twantthem,"HermanBasketsaid.
"Youdon'twantthem,either!"Doomsaidtopappy."Yousaidsoyourself."
ThenHermanBasketsaidthatthepuppywasdead."Youdidn'ttellusyournewname,"he
saidtoDoom.
"MynameisDoomnow,"Doomsaid."ItwasgivenmebyaFrenchchiefinNewOrleans.In
Frenchtalking,Dooum;inourtalking,Doom."
"Whatdoesitmean?"HermanBasketsaid.
HesaidhowDoomlookedathimforawhile."ItmeanstheMan,"Doomsaid.
HermanBaskettoldhowtheythoughtaboutthat.Hesaidtheystoodthereinthedark,with
theotherpuppiesinthebox,theonesthatDoomhadn'tused,whimperingandscuffing,andthe
lightofthepineknotshiningontheeyeballsoftheblackpeopleandonDoom'sgoldcoatandon
thepuppythathaddied.
"YoucannotbetheMan,"HermanBasketsaid."Youareonlyonthesister'sside.Andthe
Manhasabrotherandason."
"That'sright,"Doomsaid."ButifIweretheMan,IwouldgiveCrawfordthoseblackpeople.
IwouldgiveHermansomething,too.ForeveryblackmanIgaveCrawford,IwouldgiveHermana
horse,ifIweretheMan."
"Crawfordonlywantsthiswoman,"HermanBasketsaid.
"IwouldgiveHermansixhorses,anyway,"Doomsaid.
"ButmaybetheManhasalreadygivenHermanahorse."
"No,"HermanBasketsaid."Myghostisstillwalking."
IttookthemthreedaystoreachthePlantation.Theycampedontheroadatnight.Herman
Basketsaidthattheydidnottalk.
TheyreachedthePlantationonthethirdday.HesaidthattheManwasnotverygladtosee
Doom,eventhoughDoombroughtapresentofcandyfortheMan'sson.Doomhadsomethingfor
allhiskinsfolk,evenfortheMan'sbrother.TheMan'sbrotherlivedbyhimselfinacabinbythe
creek.HisnamewasSometimesWakeup.SometimesthePeopletookhimfood.Therestofthe
timetheydidn'tseehim.HermanBaskettoldhowheandpappywentwithDoomtovisit
SometimesWakeupinhiscabin.Itwasatlight,andDoomtoldHermanBaskettoclosethedoor.
ThenDoomtookthepuppyfrompappyandsetitonthefloorandmadeabulletofbread
andtheNewOrleanssaltforSometimesWakeuptoseehowitworked.Whentheyleft,Herman
BasketsaidhowSometimesWakeupburnedastickandcoveredhisheadwiththeblanket.
ThatwasthefirstnightthatDoomwasathome.OnthenextdayHermanBaskettoldhow
theManbegantoactstrangeathisfood,anddiedbeforethedoctorcouldgetthereandburn
sticks.WhentheWillowBearerwenttofetchtheMan'ssontobetheMan,theyfoundthathehad
actedstrangeandthendiedtoo.
"NowSometimesWakeupwillhavetobetheMan,"pappysaid.
SotheWillowBearerwenttofetchSometimesWakeuptocomeandbetheMan.The
WillowBearercamebacksoon."SometimesWakeupdoesnotwanttobetheMan,"theWillow
Bearersaid."Heissittinginhiscabinwithhisheadinhisblanket."
"ThenIkkemotubbewillhavetobetheMan,"pappysaid.
 SoDoomwastheMan.ButHermanBasketsaidthatpappy'sghostwouldnotbeeasy.
HermanBasketsaidhetoldpappytogiveDoomalittletime."Iamstillwalking,"HermanBasket
said.
"Butthisisaseriousmatterwithme,"pappysaid.
HesaidthatatlastpappywenttoDoom,beforetheManandhissonhadenteredtheearth,
beforetheeatingandthehorseracingwereover."Whatwoman?"Doomsaid.
"YousaidthatwhenyouweretheMan,"pappysaid.
HermanBasketsaidthatDoomlookedatpappybutthatpappywasnotlookingatDoom.
"Ithinkyoudon'ttrustme,"Doomsaid.HermanBasketsaidhowpappydidnotlookat
Doom."Ithinkyoustillbelievethatthatpuppywassick,"Doomsaid."Thinkaboutit."
HermanBasketsaidthatpappythought.
"Whatdoyouthinknow?"Doomsaid.
ButHermanBasketsaidthatpappystilldidnotlookatDoom."Ithinkitwasawelldog,"
pappysaid.

Ill

ATLASTtheeatingandthehorseracingwereoverandtheManandhissonhadenteredthe
earth.ThenDoomsaid,"Tomorrowwewillgoandfetchthesteamboat."HermanBaskettoldhow
DoomhadbeentalkingaboutthesteamboateversincehebecametheMan,andabouthowthe
Housewasnotbigenough.SothateveningDoomsaid,"Tomorrowwewillgoandfetchthe
steamboatthatdiedintheriver."
HermanBasketsaidhowthesteamboatwastwelvemilesaway,andthatitcouldnoteven
swiminthewater.SothenextmorningtherewasnooneinthePlantationexceptDoomandthe
blackpeople.HetoldhowittookDoomallthatdaytofindthePeople.Doomusedthedogs,andhe
foundsomeofthePeopleinhollowlogsinthecreekbottom.
ThatnighthemadeallthemensleepintheHouse.HekeptthedogsintheHouse,too.
HermanBaskettoldhowheheardDoomandpappytalkinginthedark."Idon'tthinkyou
trustme,"Doomsaid.
"Itrustyou,"pappysaid.
"ThatiswhatIwouldadvise,"Doomsaid.
"Iwishyoucouldadvisethattomyghost,"pappysaid.
Thenextmorningtheywenttothesteamboat.Thewomenandtheblackpeoplewalked.
Themenrodeinthewagons,withDoomfollowingbehindwiththedogs.
Thesteamboatwaslyingonitssideonthesandbar.Whentheycametoit,therewere
threewhitemenonit."Nowwecangobackhome,"pappysaid.
ButDoomtalkedtothewhitemen."Doesthissteamboatbelongtoyou?"Doomsaid.
"Itdoesnotbelongtoyou,"thewhitemensaid.Andthoughtheyhadguns,HermanBasket
saidtheydidnotlooklikemenwhowouldownaboat.
"Shallwekillthem?"hesaidtoDoom.ButhesaidthatDoomwasstilltalkingtothemenon
thesteamboat.
"Whatwillyoutakeforit?"Doomsaid.
"Whatwillyougiveforit?"thewhitemensaid.
"Itisdead,"Doomsaid."It'snotworthmuch."
"Willyougivetenblackpeople?"thewhitemensaid.
"Allright,"Doomsaid."LettheblackpeoplewhocamewithmefromtheBigRivercome
forward."Theycameforward,thefivemenandthewoman."Letfourmoreblackpeoplecome
forward."Fourmorecameforward.
 "Youarenowtoeatofthecornofthosewhitemenyonder,"Doomsaid."Mayitnourish
you."Thewhitemenwentaway,thetenblackpeoplefollowingthem."Now,"Doomsaid,"letus
makethesteamboatgetupandwalk."
HermanBasketsaidthatheandpappydidnotgointotheriverwiththeothers,because
pappysaidtogoasideandtalk.Theywentaside.Pappytalked,butHermanBasketsaidthathe
saidhedidnotthinkitwasrighttokillwhitemen,butpappysaidhowtheycouldfillthewhitemen
withrocksandsinkthemintheriverandnobodywouldfindthem.SoHermanBasketsaidthey
overtookthethreewhitemenandthetenblackpeople,thentheyturnedbacktowardtheboat.Just
beforetheycametothesteamboat,pappysaidtotheblackmen:"GoontotheMan.Goandhelp
makethesteamboatgetupandwalk.Iwilltakethiswomanonhome."
"Thiswomanismywife,"oneoftheblackmensaid."Iwanthertostaywithme."
"Doyouwanttobearrangedintheriverwithrocksinyourinsidetoo?"pappysaidtothe
blackman.
"Doyouwanttobearrangedintheriveryourself?"theblackmansaidtopappy."Thereare
twoofyou,andnineofus."
HermanBasketsaidthatpappythought.Thenpappysaid,"Letusgotothesteamboatand
helptheMan."
Theywenttothesteamboat.ButHermanBasketsaidthatDoomdidnotnoticetheten
blackpeopleuntilitwastimetoreturntothePlantation.HermanBaskettoldhowDoomlookedat
theblackpeople,thenlookedatpappy.
"Itseemsthatthewhitemendidnotwanttheseblackpeople,"Doomsaid.
"Soitseems,"pappysaid.
"Thewhitemenwentaway,didthey?"Doomsaid.
"Soitseems,"pappysaid.
HermanBaskettoldhoweverynightDoomwouldmakeallthemensleepintheHouse,
withthedogsintheHousetoo,andhoweachmorningtheywouldreturntothesteamboatinthe
wagons.Thewagonswouldnotholdeverybody,soaftertheseconddaythewomenstayedat
home.ButitwasthreedaysbeforeDoomnoticedthatpappywasstayingathometoo.Herman
Basketsaidthatthewoman'shusbandmayhavetoldDoom."Crawfordhurthisbackliftingthe
steamboat!"HermanBasketsaidhetoldDoom."HesaidhewouldstayatthePlantationandsit
withhisfeetintheHotSpringsothatthesicknessinhisbackcouldreturntotheearth."
"Thatisagoodidea,"Doomsaid."Hehasbeendoingthisforthreedays,hashe?Thenthe
sicknessshouldbedowninhislegsbynow."
WhentheyreturnedtothePlantationthatnight,Doomsentforpappy.Heaskedpappyif
thesicknesshadmoved.
Pappysaidhowthesicknessmovedveryslow."YoumustsitintheSpringmore,"Doom
said.
"ThatiswhatIthink,"pappysaid.
"SupposeyousitintheSpringatnighttoo,"Doomsaid.
"Thenightairwillmakeitworse,"pappysaid.
"Notwithafirethere,"Doomsaid."Iwillsendoneoftheblackpeoplewithyoutokeepthe
fireburning."
"Whichoneoftheblackpeople?"pappysaid.
"ThehusbandofthewomanwhichIwononthesteamboat,"Doomsaid.
"Ithinkmybackisbetter,"pappysaid.
"Letustryit,"Doomsaid.
"Iknowmybackisbetter,"pappysaid.
 "Letustryit,anyway,"Doomsaid.JustbeforedarkDoomsentfourofthePeopletofix
pappyandtheblackmanattheSpring.HermanBasketsaidthePeoplereturnedquickly.Hesaid
thatastheyenteredtheHouse,pappyenteredalso.
"Thesicknessbegantomovesuddenly,"pappysaid."Ithasreachedmyfeetsincenoon
today."
"Doyouthinkitwillbegonebymorning?"Doomsaid.
"Ithinkso,"pappysaid.
"PerhapsyouhadbettersitintheSpringtonightandmakesure,"Doomsaid.
"Iknowitwillbegonebymorning,"pappysaid.

IV

WHENITGOTtobesummer,HermanBasketsaidthatthesteamboatwasoutoftheriverbottom.
Ithadtakenthemfivemonthstogetitoutofthebottom,becausetheyhadtocutdownthetreesto
makeapathforit.Butnowhesaidthesteamboatcouldwalkfasteronthelogs.Hetoldhowpappy
helped.Pappyhadacertainplaceononeoftheropesnearthesteamboatthatnobodywas
allowedtotake,HermanBasketsaid.Itwasjustunderthefrontporchofthesteamboatwhere
Doomsatinhischair,withaboywithabranchtoshadehimandanotherboywithabranchtodrive
awaytheflyingbeasts.Thedogsrodeontheboattoo.
Inthesummer,whilethesteamboatwasstillwalking,HermanBaskettoldhowthehusband
ofthewomancametoDoomagain."IhavedonewhatIcouldforyou,"Doomsaid."Whydon'tyou
gotoCrawfordandadjustthismatteryourself?"
Theblackmansaidthathehaddonethat.Hesaidthatpappysaidtoadjustitbyacock
fight,pappy'scockagainsttheblackman's,thewinnertohavethewoman,theonewhorefusedto
fighttolosebydefault.Theblackmansaidhetoldpappyhedidnothaveacock,andthatpappy
saidthatinthatcasetheblackmanlostbydefaultandthatthewomanbelongedtopappy."And
whatamItodo?"theblackmansaid.
Doomthought.ThenHermanBasketsaidthatDoomcalledtohimandaskedhimwhich
waspappy'sbestcockandHermanBaskettoldDoomthatpappyhadonlyone.
"Thatblackone?"Doomsaid.HermanBasketsaidhetoldDoomthatwastheone."Ah,"
Doomsaid.HermanBaskettoldhowDoomsatinhischairontheporchofthesteamboatwhileit
walked,lookingdownatthePeopleandtheblackmenpullingtheropes,makingthesteamboat
walk.
"GoandtellCrawfordyouhaveacock,"Doomsaidtotheblackman."Justtellhimyouwill
haveacockinthepit.Letitbetomorrowmorning.Wewillletthesteamboatsitdownandrest."
Theblackmanwentaway.ThenHermanBasketsaidthatDoomwaslookingathim,andthathe
didnotlookatDoom.BecausehesaidtherewasbutonebettercockinthePlantationthan
pappy's,andthatonebelongedtoDoom."Ithinkthatthatpuppywasnotsick,"Doomsaid."What
doyouthink?"
HermanBasketsaidthathedidnotlookatDoom."ThatiswhatIthink,"hesaid.
"ThatiswhatIwouldadvise,"Doomsaid.
HermanBaskettoldhowthenextdaythesteamboatsatandrested.Thepitwasinthe
stable.ThePeopleandtheblackpeoplewerethere.Pappyhadhiscockinthepit.Thentheblack
manputhiscockintothepit.HermanBasketsaidthatpappylookedattheblackman'scock.
"ThiscockbelongstoIkkemotubbe,"pappysaid.
"Itishis,"thePeopletoldpappy."Ikkemotubbegaveittohimwithalltowitness."
HermanBasketsaidthatpappyhadalreadypickeduphiscock."Thisisnotright,"pappy
said."Weoughtnottolethimriskhiswifeonacockfight."
 "Thenyouwithdraw?"theblackmansaid.
"Letmethink,"pappysaid.Hethought.ThePeoplewatched.Theblackmanreminded
pappyofwhathehadsaidaboutdefaulting.Pappysaidhedidnotmeantosaythatandthathe
withdrewit.ThePeopletoldhimthathecouldonlywithdrawbyforfeitingthematch.Herman
Basketsaidthatpappythoughtagain.ThePeoplewatched.
"Allright,"pappysaid."ButIambeingtakenadvantageof."
Thecocksfought.Pappy'scockfell.Pappytookitupquickly.HermanBasketsaiditwas
likepappyhadbeenwaitingforhiscocktofallsohecouldpickitquicklyup."Wait,"hesaid.He
lookedatthePeople."Nowtheyhavefought.Isn'tthattrue?"ThePeoplesaidthatitwastrue."So
thatsettleswhatIsaidaboutforfeiting."
HermanBasketsaidthatpappybegantogetoutofthepit.
"Aren'tyougoingtofight?"theblackmansaid.
"Idon'tthinkthiswillsettleanything,"pappysaid."Doyou?"
HermanBaskettoldhowtheblackmanlookedatpappy.
Thenhequitlookingatpappy.Hewassquatting.HermanBasketsaidthePeoplelookedat
theblackmanlookingattheearthbetweenhisfeet.Theywatchedhimtakeupaclodofdirt,and
thentheywatchedthedustcomeoutbetweentheblackman'sfingers."Doyouthinkthatthiswill
settleanything?"pappysaid.
"No,"theblackmansaid.HermanBasketsaidthatthePeoplecouldnothearhimvery
good.Buthesaidthatpappycouldhearhim.
"NeitherdoI,"pappysaid."Itwouldnotberighttoriskyourwifeonacockfight."
HermanBaskettoldhowtheblackmanlookedup,withthedrydustaboutthefingersofhis
hand.Hesaidtheblackman'seyeslookedredinthedarkpit,liketheeyesofafox.
"Willyouletthecocksfightagain?"theblackmansaid.
"Doyouagreethatitdoesn'tsettleanything?"pappysaid.
"Yes,"theblackmansaid.
Pappyputhiscockbackintothering.HermanBasketsaidthatpappy'scockwasdead
beforeithadtimetoactstrange,even.Theblackman'scockstooduponitandstartedtocrow,but
theblackmanstruckthelivecockawayandhejumpedupanddownonthedeadcockuntilitdid
notlooklikeacockatall,HermanBasketsaid.
Thenitwasfall,andHermanBaskettoldhowthesteamboatcametothePlantationand
stoppedbesidetheHouseanddiedagain.Hesaidthatfortwomonthstheyhadbeeninsightof
thePlantation,makingthesteamboatwalkonthelogs,butnowthesteamboatwasbesidethe
HouseandtheHousewasbigenoughtopleaseDoom.Hegaveaneating.
Itlastedaweek.Whenitwasover,HermanBaskettoldhowtheblackmancametoDoom
athirdtime.HermanBasketsaidthattheblackman'seyeswereredagain,likethoseofafox,and
thattheycouldhearhisbreathingintheroom.
"Cometomycabin,"hesaidtoDoom."Ihavesomethingtoshowyou."
"Ithoughtitwasaboutthattime,"Doomsaid.Helookedabouttheroom,butHerman
BaskettoldDoomthatpappyhadjuststeppedout."Tellhimtocomealso,"Doomsaid.
Whentheycametotheblackman'scabin,DoomsenttwoofthePeopletofetchpappy.
Thentheyenteredthecabin.
WhattheblackmanwantedtoshowDoomwasanewman.
"Look,"theblackmansaid."YouaretheMan.Youaretoseejusticedone."
"Whatiswrongwiththisman?"Doomsaid.
"Lookatthecolorofhim,"theblackmansaid.Hebegantolookaroundthecabin.Herman
Basketsaidthathiseyeswentredandthenbrownandthenred,likethoseofafox.
Hesaidtheycouldheartheblackman'sbreathing."DoIgetjustice?"theblackmansaid.
"YouaretheMan."
 "Youshouldbeproudofafineyellowmanlikethis,"Doomsaid.Helookedatthenewman.
"Idon'tseethatjusticecandarkenhimany,"Doomsaid.Helookedaboutthecabinalso."Come
forward,Crawford,"hesaid."Thisisaman,notacoppersnake;hewillnotharmyou."But
HermanBasketsaidthatpappywouldnotcomeforward.
Hesaidtheblackman'seyeswentredandthenbrownandthenredwhenhebreathed.
"Yao,"Doomsaid,"thisisnotright.Anymanisentitledtohavehismelonpatchprotectedfrom
thesewildbucksofthewoods.Butfirstletusnamethisman."Doomthought.HermanBasketsaid
theblackman'seyeswentquieternow,andhisbreathwentquietertoo."WewillcallhimHadTwo
Fathers,"Doomsaid.

SAMFATHERSlithispipeagain.Hediditdeliberately,risingandliftingbetweenthumband
forefingerfromhisforgeacoaloffire.Thenhecamebackandsatdown.Itwasgettinglate.Caddy
andJasonhadcomebackfromthecreek,andIcouldseeGrandfatherandMr.Stokestalking
besidethecarriage,andatthatmoment,asthoughhehadfeltmygaze,Grandfatherturnedand
calledmyname.
"Whatdidyourpappydothen?"Isaid.
"HeandHermanBasketbuiltthefence,"SamFatherssaid."HermanBaskettoldhow
Doommadethemsettwopostsintotheground,withasaplingacrossthetopofthem.
Theniggerandpappywerethere.Doomhadnottoldthemaboutthefencethen.Herman
BasketsaiditwasjustlikewhenheandpappyandDoomwereboys,sleepingonthesamepallet,
andDoomwouldwakethematnightandmakethemgetupandgohuntingwithhim,orwhenhe
wouldmakethemstandupwithhimandfightwiththeirfists,justforfun,untilHermanBasketand
pappywouldhidefromDoom.
"TheyfixedthesaplingacrossthetwopostsandDoomsaidtothenigger:'Thisisafence.
Canyouclimbit?'
"HermanBasketsaidtheniggerputhishandonthesaplingandsailedoveritlikeabird.
"ThenDoomsaidtopappy:'Climbthisfence.'
"'Thisfenceistoohightoclimb,'pappysaid.
"'Climbthisfence,andIwillgiveyouthewoman,'Doomsaid.
"HermanBasketsaidpappylookedatthefenceawhile.'Letmegounderthisfence.'he
said.
"'No,'Doomsaid.
"HermanBaskettoldmehowpappybegantositdownontheground.'It'snotthatIdon't
trustyou,'pappysaid.
"'Wewillbuildthefencethishigh,'Doomsaid.
"'Whatfence?'HermanBasketsaid.
"'Thefencearoundthecabinofthisblackman,'Doomsaid.
"'Ican'tbuildafenceIcouldn'tclimb,'pappysaid.
"'Hermanwillhelpyou,'Doomsaid.
"HermanBasketsaiditwasjustlikewhenDoomusedtowakethemandmakethemgo
hunting.Hesaidthedogsfoundhimandpappyaboutnoonthenextday,andthattheybeganthe
fencethatafternoon.Hetoldmehowtheyhadtocutthesaplingsinthecreekbottomanddrag
theminbyhand,becauseDoomwouldnotletthemusethewagon.Sosometimesonepostwould
takethemthreeorfourdays.'Nevermind,'Doomsaid.'Youhaveplentyoftime.Andtheexercise
willmakeCrawfordsleepatnight.'
 "Hetoldmehowtheyworkedonthefenceallthatwinterandallthenextsummer,untilafter
thewhiskytraderhadcomeandgone.Thenitwasfinished.Hesaidthatonthedaytheysetthe
lastpost,theniggercameoutofthecabinandputhishandonthetopofapost(itwasapalisade
fence,thepostssetuprightintheground)andflewoutlikeabird.
'Thisisagoodfence,'theniggersaid.'Wait,'hesaid.'Ihavesomethingtoshowyou.'
HermanBasketsaidheflewbackoverthefenceagainandwentintothecabinandcameback.
HermanBasketsaidthathewascarryinganewmanandthatheheldthenewmanupso
theycouldseeitabovethefence.'Whatdoyouthinkaboutthisforcolor?'hesaid."
Grandfathercalledmeagain.ThistimeIgotup.Thesunwasalreadydownbeyondthe
peachorchard.Iwasjusttwelvethen,andtomethestorydidnotseemtohavegotanywhere,to
havehadpointorend.YetIobeyedGrandfather'svoice,notthatIwastiredofSamFathers'
talking,butwiththatimmediacyofchildrenwithwhichtheyfleetemporarilysomethingwhichthey
donotquiteunderstand;that,andtheinstinctivepromptnesswithwhichweallobeyedGrandfather,
notfromconcernofimpatienceorreprimand,butbecauseweallbelievedthathedidfinethings,
thathiswakinglifepassedfromonefine(iffaintlygrandiose)picturetoanother.
Theywereinthesurrey,waitingforme.Igotin;thehorsesmovedatonce,impatienttoo
forthestable.Caddyhadonefish,aboutthesizeofachip,andshewaswettothewaist.Wedrove
on,theteamalreadytrotting.WhenwepassedMr.Stokes'kitchenwecouldsmellhamcooking.
Thesmellfollowedusontothegate.Whenweturnedontotheroadhomeitwasalmost
sundown.Thenwecouldn'tsmellthecookinghamanymore."WhatwereyouandSamtalking
about?"Grandfathersaid.
Wewenton,inthatstrange,faintlysinistersuspensionoftwilightinwhichIbelievedthatI
couldstillseeSamFathersbackthere,sittingonhiswoodenblock,definite,immobile,and
complete,likesomethinglookeduponafteralongtimeinapreservativebathinamuseum.That
wasit.Iwasjusttwelvethen,andIwouldhavetowaituntilIhadpassedonandthroughand
beyondthesuspensionoftwilight.ThenIknewthatIwouldknow.ButthenSamFatherswouldbe
dead.
"Nothing,sir,"Isaid."Wewerejusttalking."

ACourtship

THISISHOWitwasintheolddays,whenoldIssetibbehawasstilltheMan,andIkkemotubbe,
Issetibbeha'snephew,andDavidHogganbeck,thewhitemanwhotoldthesteamboatwhereto
walk,courtedHermanBasket'ssister.
ThePeoplealllivedinthePlantationnow.IssetibbehaandGeneralJacksonmetand
burnedsticksandsignedapaper,andnowalineranthroughthewoods,althoughyoucouldnot
seeit.Itranstraightasabee'sflightamongthewoods,withthePlantationononesideofit,where
IssetibbehawastheMan,andAmericaontheotherside,whereGeneralJacksonwastheMan.So
nowwhensomethinghappenedononesideoftheline,itwasabadfortuneforsomeandagood
fortuneforothers,dependingonwhatthewhitemanhappenedtopossess,asithadalwaysbeen.
Butmerelybyoccurringontheothersideofthatlinewhichyoucouldn'tevensee,itbecamewhat
thewhitemencalledacrimepunishablebydeathiftheycouldjusthavefoundwhodidit.Which
seemedfoolishtous.Therewasoneuproarwhichlastedoffandonforaweek,notthatthewhite
manhaddisappeared,becausehehadbeenthesortofwhitemanwhichevenotherwhitemendid
notregret,butbecauseofadelusionthathehadbeeneaten.Asifanyman,nomatterhowhungry,
wouldriskeatingthefleshofacowardorthiefinthiscountrywhereeveninwinterthereisalways
somethingtobefoundtoeat;thislandforwhich,asIssetibbehausedtosayafterhehadbecome
sooldthatnothingmorewasrequiredofhimexcepttositinthesunandcriticisethedegeneration
ofthePeopleandthefollyandrapacityofpoliticians,theGreatSpirithasdonemoreandmanless
thanforanylandheeverheardof.Butitwasafreecountry,andifthewhitemanwishedtomakea
ruleeventhatfoolishintheirhalfofit,itwasallrightwithus.
ThenIkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbecksawHermanBasket'ssister.Aswhodidnot,
soonerorlater,youngmenandoldmentoo,bachelorsandwidowerstoo,andsomewhowerenot
evenwidowersyet,whoformorethanonereasonwithinthehuthadnobusinesslookinganywhere
else,thoughwhoistosaywhatageamanmustreachorjusthowunfortunatehemusthavebeen
inhisyouthfulcompliance,whenheshallnolongerlookattheHermanBasket'ssistersofthis
worldandchewhisbitterthumbstoo,aihee.
Becauseshewalkedinbeauty.Orshesatinit,thatis,becauseshedidnotwalkatall
unlessshehadto.OneoftheearliestsoundsinthePlantationwouldbethevoiceofHerman
Basket'sauntcryingtoknowwhyshehadnotrisenandgonetothespringforwaterwiththeother
girls,whichshedidnotdosometimesuntilHermanBaskethimselfroseandmadeher,orinthe
afternooncryingtoknowwhyshedidnotgototheriverwiththeothergirlsandwomentowash,
whichshedidnotdoveryofteneither.Butshedidnotneedto.AnyonewholooksasHerman
Basket'ssisterdidatseventeenandeighteenandnineteendoesnotneedtowash.
ThenonedayIkkemotubbesawher,whohadknownherallhislifeexceptduringthefirst
twoyears.HewasIssetibbeha'ssister'sson.OnenighthegotintothesteamboatwithDavid
Hogganbeckandwentaway.Andsunspassedandthenmoonsandthenthreehighwaterscame
andwentandoldIssetibbehahadenteredtheearthayearandhissonMoketubbewastheMan
whenIkkemotubbereturned,namedDoomnow,withthewhitefriendcalledtheChevalierSceur
BlondedeVitryandtheeightnewslaveswhichwedidnotneedeither,andhisgoldlacedhatand
cloakandthelittlegoldboxofstrongsaltandthewickerwinehampercontainingthefourother
puppieswhichwerestillalive,andwithintwodaysMoketubbe'slittlesonwasdeadandwithinthree
IkkemotubbewhosenamewasDoomnowwashimselftheMan.ButhewasnotDoomyet.Hewas
stilljustIkkemotubbe,oneoftheyoungmen,thebestone,whorodethehardestandfastestand
dancedthelongestandgotthedrunkestandwaslovedthebest,bytheyoungmenandthegirls
andtheolderwomentoowhoshouldhavehadotherthingstothinkabout.Thenonedayhesaw
HermanBasket'ssister,whomhehadknownallhislifeexceptforthefirsttwoyears.
AfterIkkemotubbelookedather,myfatherandOwlatNightandSylvester'sJohnandthe
otheryoungmenlookedaway.Becausehewasthebestofthemandtheylovedhimthenwhilehe
wasstilljustIkkemotubbe.Theywouldholdtheotherhorseforhimas,strippedtothewaist,his
hairandbodyoiledwithbear'sgreaseaswhenracing(thoughwithhoneymixedintothebear's
greasenow)andwithonlyaropehackamoreandnosaddleaswhenracing,Ikkemotubbewould
rideonhisnewracingponypastthegallerywhereHermanBasket'ssistersatshellingcornorpeas
intothesilverwinepitcherwhichheraunthadinheritedfromhersecondcousinbymarriage's
greatauntwhowasoldDavidColbert'swife,whileLogintheCreek(oneoftheyoungmentoo,
thoughnobodypaidanyattentiontohim.Heracednohorsesandfoughtnococksandcastno
dice,andevenwhenforcedto,hewouldnotevendancefastenoughtokeepoutoftheother
dancers'way,anddisgracedbothhimselfandtheotherseachtimebybecomingsickafteronlyfive
orsixhornsofwhatwasneverevenhiswhisky)leanedagainstoneofthegallerypostsandblew
intohisharmonica.Thenoneoftheyoungmenheldtheracingpony,andonhisgaitedmarenow
andwearinghisflowerpaintedweskitandpigeontailedcoatandbeaverhatinwhichhelooked
handsomerthanasteamboatgamblerandrichereventhanthewhiskytrader,Ikkemotubbewould
ridepastthegallerywhereHermanBasket'ssistershelledanotherpodofpeasintothepitcherand
LogintheCreeksatwithhisbackagainstthepostandblewintotheharmonica.Thenanotherof
theyoungmenwouldtakethemaretooandIkkemotubbewouldwalktoHermanBasket'sandsit
onthegallerytooinhisfineclotheswhileHermanBasket'ssistershelledanotherpodofpeas
perhapsintothesilverpitcherandLogintheCreeklayonhisbackonthefloor,blowingintothe
harmonica.ThenthewhiskytradercameandIkkemotubbeandtheyoungmeninvitedLoginthe
Creekintothewoodsuntiltheybecametiredofcarryinghim.Andalthoughagooddealwasted
outside,asusualLogintheCreekbecamesickandthenasleepaftersevenoreighthorns,and
IkkemotubbereturnedtoHermanBasket'sgallery,whereforadayortwoatleasthedidn'thaveto
notlistentotheharmonica.
FinallyOwlatNightmadeasuggestion."SendHermanBasket'sauntagift."Buttheonly
thingIkkemotubbeownedwhichHermanBasket'sauntdidn't,wasthenewracingpony.Soaftera
whileIkkemotubbesaid,"SoitseemsIwantthisgirlevenworsethanIbelieved,"andsentOwlat
Nighttotietheracingpony'shackamoretoHermanBasket'skitchendoorhandle.Thenhethought
howHermanBasket'sauntcouldnotevenalwaysmakeHermanBasket'ssisterjustgetupandgo
tothespringforwater.Besides,shewasthesecondcousinbymarriagetothegrandnieceofthe
wifeofoldDavidColbert,thechiefManofalltheChickasawsinoursection,andshelookedupon
Issetibbeha'swholefamilyandlineasmushrooms.
"ButHermanBaskethasbeenknowntomakehergetupandgotothespring,"myfather
said."AndIneverheardhimclaimthatoldDaveColbert'swifeorhiswife'snieceoranybodyelse's
wifeornieceorauntwasanybetterthananybodyelse.GiveHermanthehorse."
"Icanbeatthat,"Ikkemotubbesaid.BecausetherewasnohorseinthePlantationor
AmericaeitherbetweenNatchezandNashvillewhosetailIkkemotubbe'snewponyeverlookedat.
"IwillrunHermanahorseraceforhisinfluence,"hesaid."Run,"hetoldmyfather."CatchOwlat
Nightbeforehereachesthehouse."Somyfatherbroughttheponybackintime.Butjustincase
HermanBasket'saunthadbeenwatchingfromthekitchenwindoworsomething,Ikkemotubbe
sentOwlatNightandSylvester'sJohnhomeforhiscrateofgamecocks,thoughheexpectedlittle
fromthissinceHermanBasket'sauntalreadyownedthebestcocksinthePlantationandwonall
themoneyeverySundaymorninganyway.AndthenHermanBasketdeclinedtocommithimself,
soahorseracewouldhavebeenmerelyforpleasureandmoney.AndIkkemotubbesaidhow
moneycouldnothelphim,andwiththatdamnedgirlonhisminddayandnighthistonguehad
forgottenthesavorofpleasure.
Butthewhiskytraderalwayscame,andsoforadayortwoatleasthewouldn'thavetonot
listentotheharmonica.
ThenDavidHogganbeckalsolookedatHermanBasket'ssister,whomhetoohadbeen
seeingonceeachyearsincethesteamboatfirstwalkedtothePlantation.Afterawhileevenwinter
wouldbeoverandwewouldbegintowatchthemarkwhichDavidHogganbeckhadputonthe
landingtoshowuswhenthewaterwouldbetallenoughforthesteamboattowalkin.Thenthe
riverwouldreachthemark,andsureenoughwithintwosunsthesteamboatwouldcryinthe
Plantation.ThenallthePeoplemenandwomenandchildrenanddogs,evenHermanBasket's
sisterbecauseIkkemotubbewouldfetchahorseforhertorideandsoonlyLogintheCreekwould
remain,notinsidethehouseeventhoughitwasstillcold,becauseHermanBasket'sauntwouldn't
lethimstayinsidethehousewhereshewouldhavetostepoverhimeachtimeshepassed,but
squattinginhisblanketonthegallerywithanoldcookingpotoffireinsidetheblanketwithhim
wouldstandonthelanding,towatchtheupstairsandthesmokestackmovingamongthetreesand
hearthepuffingofthesmokestackanditsfeetwalkingfastinthewatertoowhenitwasnotcrying.
ThenwewouldbegintohearDavidHogganbeck'sfiddle,andthenthesteamboatwouldcome
walkingupthelastoftheriverlikearacehorse,withthesmokerollingblackanditsfeetflingingthe
waterasideasarunninghorseflingsdirt,andCaptainStudenmarewhoownedthesteamboat
chewingtobaccoinonewindowandDavidHogganbeckplayinghisfiddleintheother,andbetween
themtheheadoftheboyslavewhoturnedthewheel,whowasnotmuchmorethanhalfasbigas
CaptainStudenmareandnotevenathirdasbigasDavidHogganbeck.Andalldaylongthetrading
wouldcontinue,thoughDavidHogganbecktooklittlepartinthis.Andallnightlongthedancing
wouldcontinue,andDavidHogganbecktookthebiggestpartinthis.Becausehewasbiggerthan
anytwooftheyoungmenputtogetheralmost,andalthoughyouwouldnothavecalledhimaman
builtfordancingorrunningeither,itwasasifthatverydoublesizewhichcouldholdtwiceasmuch
whiskyasanyother,couldalsodancetwiceaslong,untilonebyonetheyoungmenfellawayand
onlyhewasleft.Andtherewashorseracingandeating,andalthoughDavidHogganbeckhadno
horsesanddidnotrideonesincenohorsecouldhavecarriedhimandrunfasttoo,hewouldeata
matcheachyearformoneyagainstanytwooftheyoungmenwhomthePeoplepicked,andDavid
Hogganbeckalwayswon.Thenthewaterwouldreturntowardthemarkhehadmadeonthe
landing,anditwouldbetimeforthesteamboattoleavewhiletherewasstillenoughwaterinthe
riverforittowalkin.
Andthenitdidnotgoaway.Theriverbegantogrowlittle,yetstillDavidHogganbeck
playedhisfiddleonHermanBasket'sgallerywhileHermanBasket'ssisterstirredsomethingfor
cookingintothesilverwinepitcherandIkkemotubbesatagainstapostinhisfineclothesandhis
beaverhatandLogintheCreeklayonhisbackonthefloorwiththeharmonicacuppedinboth
handstohismouth,thoughyoucouldn'thearnowwhetherhewasblowingintoitornot.Thenyou
couldseethemarkwhichDavidHogganbeckhadmarkedonthelandingwhilehestillplayedhis
fiddleonHermanBasket'sgallerywhereIkkemotubbehadbroughtarockingchairfromhishouse
tositinuntilDavidHogganbeckwouldhavetoleaveinordertoshowthesteamboatthewayback
toNatchez.AndallthatafternoonthePeoplestoodalongthelandingandwatchedthesteamboat's
slaveshurlingwoodintoitsstomachforsteamtomakeitwalk;andduringmostofthatnight,while
DavidHogganbeckdranktwiceasmuchanddancedtwiceaslongasevenDavidHogganbeck,so
thathedrankfourtimesasmuchanddancedfourtimesaslongasevenIkkemotubbe,evenan
IkkemotubbewhoatlasthadlookedatHermanBasket'ssisteroratleasthadlookedatsomeone
elselookingather,theolderonesamongthePeoplestoodalongthelandingandwatchedthe
slaveshurlingwoodintothesteamboat'sstomach,nottomakeitwalkbuttomakeitsvoicecry
whileCaptainStudenmareleanedoutoftheupstairswiththeendofthecryingropetiedtothe
doorhandle.AndthenextdayCaptainStudenmarehimselfcameontothegalleryandgraspedthe
endofDavidHogganbeck'sfiddle.
"You'refired,"hesaid.
"Allright,"DavidHogganbecksaid.ThenCaptainStudenmaregraspedtheendofDavid
Hogganbeck'sfiddle.
"WewillhavetogobacktoNatchezwhereIcangetmoneytopayyouoff,"hesaid.
"Leavethemoneyatthesaloon,"DavidHogganbecksaid."I'llbringtheboatbackoutnext
spring."
Thenitwasnight.ThenHermanBasket'sauntcameoutandsaidthatiftheyweregoingto
staythereallnight,atleastDavidHogganbeckwouldhavetostopplayinghisfiddlesoother
peoplecouldsleep.ThenshecameoutandsaidforHermanBasket'ssistertocomeinandgoto
bed.
ThenHermanBasketcameoutandsaid,"Comeonnow,fellows.Bereasonable."Then
HermanBasket'sauntcameoutandsaidthatthenexttimeshewasgoingtobringHerman
Basket'sdeaduncle'sshotgun.SoIkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbeckleftLogintheCreeklying
onthefloorandsteppeddownfromthegallery."Goodnight,"DavidHogganbecksaid.
"I'llwalkhomewithyou,"Ikkemotubbesaid.SotheywalkedacrossthePlantationtothe
steamboat.ItwasdarkandtherewasnofireinitsstomachnowbecauseCaptainStudenmarewas
stillasleepunderIssetibbeha'sbackporch.
ThenIkkemotubbesaid,"Goodnight."
"I'llwalkhomewithyou,"DavidHogganbecksaid.Sotheywalkedbackacrossthe
PlantationtoIkkemotubbe'shouse.ButDavidHogganbeckdidnothavetimetosaygoodnightnow
becauseIkkemotubbeturnedassoonastheyreachedhishouseandstartedbacktowardthe
steamboat.
 Thenhebegantorun,becauseDavidHogganbeckstilldidnotlooklikeamanwhocould
runfast.Buthehadnotlookedlikeamanwhocoulddancealongtimeeither,sowhen
Ikkemotubbereachedthesteamboatandturnedandranagain,hewasonlyalittleaheadofDavid
Hogganbeck.
AndwhentheyreachedIkkemotubbe'shousehewasstillonlyalittleaheadofDavid
Hogganbeckwhenhestopped,breathingfastbutonlyalittlefast,andheldthedooropenforDavid
Hogganbecktoenter.
"Myhouseisnotverymuchhouse,"hesaid."Butitisyours."Sotheybothsleptin
Ikkemotubbe'sbedinhishousethatnight.Andthenextafternoon,althoughHermanBasketwould
stilldonomorethanwishhimsuccess,IkkemotubbesentmyfatherandSylvester'sJohnwithhis
saddlemareforHermanBasket'saunttorideon,andheandHermanBasketranthehorserace.
AndherodefasterthananyonehadeverriddeninthePlantation.Hewonbylengthsandlengths
and,withHermanBasket'sauntwatching,hemadeHermanBaskettakeallthemoney,asthough
HermanBaskethadwon,andthateveninghesentOwlatNighttotietheracingpony'shackamore
tothedoorhandleofHermanBasket'skitchen.ButthatnightHermanBasket'sauntdidnoteven
warnthem.ShecameoutthefirsttimewithHermanBasket'sdeaduncle'sgun,andhardlya
momenthadelapsedbeforeIkkemotubbefoundoutthatshemeanthimtoo.SoheandDavid
HogganbeckleftLogintheCreeklyingonthegalleryandtheystoppedforamomentatmy
father'shouseonthefirsttripbetweenIkkemotubbe'shouseandthesteamboat,thoughwhenmy
fatherandOwlatNightfinallyfoundIkkemotubbetotellhimthatHermanBasket'sauntmusthave
senttheracingponyfarintothewoodsandhiddenitbecausetheyhadnotfoundityet,
IkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbeckwerebothasleepinDavidHogganbeck'sbedinthe
steamboat.
Andthenextmorningthewhiskytradercame,andthatafternoonIkkemotubbeandthe
youngmeninvitedLogintheCreekintothewoodsandmyfatherandSylvester'sJohnreturnedfor
thewhiskytrader'sbuckboardand,withmyfatherandSylvester'sJohndrivingthebuckboardand
LogintheCreeklyingonhisfaceontopofthelittlehouseonthebackofthebuckboardwherethe
whiskykegsrodeandIkkemotubbestandingontopofthelittlehouse,wearingtheusedgeneral's
coatwhichGeneralJacksongaveIssetibbeha,withhisarmsfoldedandonefootadvancedonto
LogintheCreek'sback,theyrodeslowpastthegallerywhereDavidHogganbeckplayedhis
fiddlewhileHermanBasket'ssisterstirredsomethingforcookingintothesilverwinepitcher.And
whenmyfatherandOwlatNightfoundIkkemotubbethatnighttotellhimtheystillhadnotfound
whereHermanBasket'saunthadhiddenthepony,IkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbeckwereat
Ikkemotubbe'shouse.AndthenextafternoonIkkemotubbeandtheyoungmeninvitedDavid
Hogganbeckintothewoodsanditwasalongtimethistimeandwhentheycameout,David
HogganbeckwasdrivingthebuckboardwhilethelegsofIkkemotubbeandtheotheryoungmen
dangledfromtheopendoorofthelittlewhiskyhouselikesomanystrandsofvinehayand
Issetibbeha'sgeneral'scoatwastiedbyitssleevesabouttheneckofoneofthemules.And
nobodyhuntedfortheracingponythatnight,andwhenIkkemotubbewakedup,hedidn'tknowat
firstevenwherehewas.
AndhecouldalreadyhearDavidHogganbeck'sfiddlebeforehecouldmoveasideenough
oftheyoungmentogetoutofthelittlewhiskyhouse,becausethatnightneitherHermanBasket's
auntnorHermanBasketandthenfinallyHermanBasket'sdeaduncle'sguncouldpersuadeDavid
Hogganbecktoleavethegalleryandgoawayoreventostopplayingthefiddle.
SothenextmorningIkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbecksquattedinaquietplaceinthe
woodswhiletheyoungmen,exceptSylvester'sJohnandOwlatNightwhowerestillhuntingfor
thehorse,stoodonguard."Wecouldfightforherthen,"DavidHogganbecksaid.
"Wecouldfightforher,"Ikkemotubbesaid."ButwhitemenandthePeoplefightdifferently.
Wefightwithknives,tohurtgoodandtohurtquickly.Thatwouldbeallright,ifIweretolose.
BecauseIwouldwishtobehurtgood.ButifIamtowin,Idonotwishyoutobehurtgood.IfIam
totrulywin,itwillbenecessaryforyoutobetheretoseeit.Onthedayofthewedding,Iwishyou
tobepresent,oratleastpresentsomewhere,notlyingwrappedinablanketonaplatforminthe
woods,waitingtoentertheearth."ThenmyfathersaidhowIkkemotubbeputhishandonDavid
Hogganbeck'sshoulderandsmiledathim."Ifthatcouldsatisfyme,wewouldnotbesquattinghere
discussingwhattodo.Ithinkyouseethat."
"IthinkIdo,"DavidHogganbecksaid.
ThenmyfathersaidhowIkkemotubberemovedhishandfromDavidHogganbeck's
shoulder."Andwehavetriedwhisky,"hesaid.
"Wehavetriedthat,"DavidHogganbecksaid.
"Eventheracingponyandthegeneral'scoatfailedme,"
Ikkemotubbesaid."Ihadbeensavingthem,likeamanwithtwoholecards."
"Iwouldn'tsaythatthecoatcompletelyfailed,"DavidHogganbecksaid."Youlookedfinein
it."
"Aihee,"Ikkemotubbesaid."Sodidthemule."Thenmyfathersaidhowhewasnotsmiling
eitherashesquattedbesideDavidHogganbeck,makinglittlemarksintheearthwithatwig."So
thereisjustoneotherthing,"hesaid."AndIamalreadybeatenatthattoobeforewestart."
Soallthatdaytheyatenothing.AndthatnightwhentheyleftLogintheCreeklyingon
HermanBasket'sgallery,insteadofmerelywalkingforawhileandthenrunningforawhileback
andforthbetweenIkkemotubbe'shouseandthesteamboat,theybegantorunassoonastheyleft
HermanBasket's.Andwhentheylaydowninthewoodstosleep,itwaswheretheywouldnotonly
befreeoftemptationtoeatbutofopportunitytoo,andfromwhichitwouldtakeanotherhardrunas
anappetisertoreachthePlantationforthematch.Thenitwasmorningandtheyranbacktowhere
myfatherandtheyoungmenwaitedonhorsestomeetthemandtellIkkemotubbethattheystill
hadn'tfoundwhereunderthesunHermanBasket'sauntcouldhavehiddentheponyandtoescort
thembackacrossthePlantationtotheracecourse,wherethePeoplewaitedaroundthetable,with
Ikkemotubbe'srockingchairfromHermanBasket'sgalleryforIssetibbehaandabenchbehinditfor
thejudges.Firsttherewasarecesswhileatenyearoldboyranoncearoundtheracetrack,tolet
themrecoverbreath.ThenIkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbecktooktheirplacesoneithersideof
thetable,facingeachotheracrossit,andOwlatNightgavetheword.
First,eachhadthatquantityofstewedbirdchitterlingswhichtheothercouldscoopwithtwo
handsfromthepot.
Theneachhadasmanywildturkeyeggsashewasold,Ikkemotubbetwentytwoand
DavidHogganbecktwentythree,thoughIkkemotubberefusedtheadvantageandsaidhewould
eattwentythreetoo.ThenDavidHogganbecksaidhewasentitledtoonemorethanIkkemotubbe
sohewouldeattwentyfour,untilIssetibbehatoldthembothtohushandgeton,andOwlatNight
talliedtheshells.Thentherewasthetongue,pawsandmeltofabear,thoughforalittlewhile
IkkemotubbestoodandlookedathishalfofitwhileDavidHogganbeckwasalreadyeating.Andat
thehalfwayhestoppedandlookedatitagainwhileDavidHogganbeckwasfinishing.Butitwasall
right;therewasafaintsmileonhisfacesuchastheyoungmenhadseenonitattheendofahard
runningwhenhewasgoingfromnowonnotonthefactthathewasstillalivebutonthefactthathe
wasIkkemotubbe.Andhewenton,andOwlatNighttalliedthebones,andthewomensetthe
roastedshoteonthetableandIkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbeckmovedbacktothetailofthe
shoteandfacedoneanotheracrossitandOwlatNighthadevengiventhewordtostartuntilhe
gaveanotherwordtostop."Givemesomewater,"Ikkemotubbesaid.Somyfatherhandedhimthe
gourdandheeventookaswallow.Butthewaterreturnedasthoughithadmerelystrucktheback
ofhisthroatandbounced,andIkkemotubbeputthegourddownandraisedthetailofhisshirt
beforehisbowedfaceandturnedandwalkedawayasthePeopleopenedasidetolethimpass.
 Andthatafternoontheydidnotevengotothequietplaceinthewoods.Theystoodin
Ikkemotubbe'shousewhilemyfatherandtheothersstoodquietlytoointhebackground.
MyfathersaidthatIkkemotubbewasnotsmilingnow."Iwasrightyesterday,"hesaid."IfI
amtolosetothee,weshouldhaveusedtheknives.Yousee,"hesaid,andnowmyfathersaidhe
evensmiledagain,asattheendofthelonghardrunningwhentheyoungmenknewthathewould
goon,notbecausehewasstillalivebutbecausehewasIkkemotubbe;"yousee,althoughIhave
lost,Istillcannotreconcile."
"Ihadyoubeatbeforewestarted,"DavidHogganbecksaid."Webothknewthat."
"Yes,"Ikkemotubbesaid."ButIsuggestedit."
"Thenwhatdoyousuggestnow?"DavidHogganbecksaid.Andnowmyfathersaidhow
theylovedDavidHogganbeckatthatmomentastheylovedIkkemotubbe;thattheylovedthem
bothatthatmomentwhileIkkemotubbestoodbeforeDavidHogganbeckwiththesmileonhisface
andhisrighthandflatonDavidHogganbeck'schest,becausethereweremeninthosedays.
"Oncemorethen,andthennomore,"Ikkemotubbesaid.
"TheCave."ThenheandDavidHogganbeckstrippedandmyfatherandtheothersoiled
them,bodyandhairtoo,withbear'sgreasemixedwithmint,notjustforspeedthistimebutfor
lastingtoo,becausetheCavewasahundredandthirtymilesaway,overinthecountryofoldDavid
Colbertablackholeinthehillwhichthespoorofwildcreaturesmerelyapproachedandthen
turnedawayandwhichnodogcouldevenbebeatentoenterandwheretheboysfromamongall
thePeoplewouldgotolieontheirfirstNightawayfromFiretoproveiftheyhadthecourageto
becomemen,becauseithadbeenknownamongthePeoplefromalongtimeagothatthesound
ofawhisperoreventhedisturbedairofasuddenmovementwouldbringpartsoftheroofdown
andsoallbelievedthatnotevenaverybigmovementorsoundormaybenoneatallatsometime
wouldbringthewholemountainintothecave.ThenIkkemotubbetookthetwopistolsfromthe
trunkanddrewtheloadsandreloadedthem."WhoeverreachestheCavefirstcanenteritalone
andfirehispistol,"hesaid."Ifhecomesbackout,hehaswon."
"Andifhedoesnotcomebackout?"DavidHogganbecksaid.
"Thenyouhavewon,"Ikkemotubbesaid.
"Oryou,"DavidHogganbecksaid.
AndnowmyfathersaidhowIkkemotubbesmiledagainatDavidHogganbeck."Orme,"he
said."ThoughIthinkItoldyouyesterdaythatsuchasthatformewillnotbevictory."Then
Ikkemotubbeputanotherchargeofpowder,withawaddingandbullet,intoeachoftwosmall
medicinebags,oneforhimselfandoneforDavidHogganbeck,justincasetheonewhoentered
theCavefirstshouldnotlosequickenough,and,wearingonlytheirshirtsandshoesandeachwith
hispistolandmedicinebagloopedonacordaroundhisneck,thjeyemergedfromIkkemotubbe's
houseandbegantorun.
Itwaseveningthen.Thenitwasnight,andsinceDavidHogganbeckdidnotknowtheway,
Ikkemotubbecontinuedtosetthepace.ButafteratimeitwasdaylightagainandnowDavid
HogganbeckcouldrunbythesunandthelandmarkswhichIkkemotubbedescribedtohimwhile
theyrestedbesideacreek,ifhewishedtogofaster.SosometimesDavidHogganbeckwouldrun
infrontandsometimesIkkemotubbe,thenDavidHogganbeckwouldpassIkkemotubbeashesat
besideaspringorastreamwithhisfeetinthewaterandIkkemotubbewouldsmileatDavid
Hogganbeckandwavehishand.ThenhewouldovertakeDavidHogganbeckandthecountrywas
opennowandtheywouldrunsidebysideintheprairieswithhishandlyinglightlyonDavid
Hogganbeck'sshoulder,notonthetopoftheshoulderbutlightlyagainstthebackofituntilaftera
whilehewouldsmileatDavidHogganbeckanddrawahead.Butthenitwassundown,andthenit
wasdarkagainsoIkkemotubbeslowedandthenstoppeduntilheheardDavidHogganbeckand
knewthatDavidHogganbeckcouldhearhimandthenheranagainsothatDavidHogganbeck
couldfollowthesoundofhisrunning.SowhenDavidHogganbeckfell,Ikkemotubbehearditand
wentbackandfoundDavidHogganbeckinthedarkandturnedhimontohisbackandfoundwater
inthedarkandsoakedhisshirtinitandreturnedandwrungthewaterfromtheshirtintoDavid
Hogganbeck'smouth.AndthenitwasdaylightandIkkemotubbewakedalsoandfoundanest
containingfiveunfledgedbirdsandateandbroughttheotherthreetoDavidHogganbeckandthen
hewentonuntilhewasjustthissideofwhereDavidHogganbeckcouldnolongerseehimandsat
downagainuntilDavidHogganbeckgotupontohisfeet,AndhegaveDavidHogganbeckthe
landmarksforthatdaytoo,talkingbacktoDavidHogganbeckoverhisshoulderastheyran,though
DavidHogganbeckdidnotneedthembecauseheneverovertookIkkemotubbeagain.Henever
camecloserthanfifteenortwentypaces,althoughitlookedatonetimelikehewas.Becausethis
timeitwasIkkemotubbewhofell.AndthecountrywasopenagainsoIkkemotubbecouldliethere
foralongtimeandwatchDavidHogganbeckcoming.Thenitwassunsetagain,andthenitwas
darkagain,andhelaytherelisteningtoDavidHogganbeckcomingforalongtimeuntilitwastime
forIkkemotubbetogetupandhedidandtheywentonslowlyinthedarkwithDavidHogganbeck
atleastahundredpacesbehindhim,untilheheardDavidHogganbeckfallandthenhelaydown
too.ThenitwasdayagainandhewatchedDavidHogganbeckgetupontohisfeetandcome
slowlytowardhimandatlasthetriedtogetuptoobuthedidnotanditlookedlikeDavid
Hogganbeckwasgoingtocomeupwithhim.ButhegotupatlastwhileDavidHogganbeckwas
stillfourorfivepacesawayandtheywentonuntilDavidHogganbeckfell,andthenIkkemotubbe
thoughthewasjustwatchingDavidHogganbeckfalluntilhefoundthathehadfallentoobuthegot
upontohishandsandkneesandcrawledstillanothertenorfifteenpacesbeforehetoolaydown.
AndthereinthesunsetbeforehimwasthehillinwhichtheCavewas,andtherethroughthenight,
andtherestillinthesunrise.
SoIkkemotubberanintotheCavefirst,withhispistolalreadycockedinhishand.Hetold
howhestoppedperhapsforasecondattheentrance,perhapstolookatthesunagainorperhaps
justtoseewhereDavidHogganbeckhadstopped.ButDavidHogganbeckwasrunningtooandhe
wasstillonlythatfifteenortwentypacesbehind,andbesides,becauseofthatdamnedsisterof
HermanBasket's,therehadbeennolightnorheateitherinthatsunformoonsandmoons.Sohe
ranintotheCaveandturnedandsawDavidHogganbeckalsorunningintotheCaveandhecried,
"Back,fool!"ButDavidHogganbeckstillranintotheCaveevenasIkkemotubbepointedhispistol
attheroofandfired.
Andtherewasanoise,andarushing,andablacknessandadust,andIkkemotubbetold
howhethought,Aihee.Itcomes.Butitdidnot,andevenbeforetheblacknesshesawDavid
Hogganbeckcasthimselfforwardontohishandsandknees,andtherewasnotacomplete
blacknesseitherbecausehecouldseethesunlightandairanddaybeyondthetunnelofDavid
Hogganbeck'sarmsandlegsas,stillonhishandsandknees,DavidHogganbeckheldthefallen
roofuponhisback."Hurry,"DavidHogganbecksaid."Betweenmylegs.Ican't..."
"Nay,brother,"Ikkemotubbesaid."Quicklythyself,beforeitcrushesthee.Crawlback."
"Hurry,"DavidHogganbecksaidbehindhisteeth.
"Hurry,damnyou."AndIkkemotubbedid,andherememberedDavidHogganbeck's
buttocksandlegspinkinthesunriseandtheslabofrockwhichsupportedthefallenroofpinkinthe
sunrisetooacrossDavidHogganbeck'sback.
ButhedidnotrememberwherehefoundthepolenorhowhecarrieditaloneintotheCave
andthrustitintotheholebesideDavidHogganbeckandstoopedhisownbackunderitandlifted
untilheknewthatsomeatleastoftheweightofthefallenroofwasonthepole.
"Now,"hesaid."Quickly."
"No,"DavidHogganbecksaid.
"Quickly,brother,"Ikkemotubbesaid."Theweightisoffthee."
"ThenIcan'tmove,"DavidHogganbecksaid.ButIkkemotubbecouldn'tmoveeither,
becausenowhehadtoholdthefallenroofupwithhisbackandlegs.Sohereachedonehandand
graspedDavidHogganbeckbythemeatandjerkedhimbackwardoutoftheholeuntilhelayface
downupontheearth.Andmaybesomeoftheweightofthefallenroofwasonthepolebefore,but
nowalloftheweightwasonitandIkkemotubbesaidhowhethought,Thistimesurely,aihee.Butit
wasthepoleandnothisbackwhichsnappedandflunghimfacedowntooacrossDavid
Hogganbeckliketwoflungsticks,andabrightgoutofbloodjumpedoutofDavidHogganbeck's
mouth.
ButbytheseconddayDavidHogganbeckhadquitvomitingblood,thoughIkkemotubbe
hadrunhardlyfortymilesbacktowardthePlantationwhenmyfathermethimwiththehorsefor
DavidHogganbecktoride.Presentlymyfathersaid,"Ihaveanewsforthee."
"Soyoufoundthepony,"Ikkemotubbesaid."Allright.Comeon.Let'sgetthatdamned
stupidfoolofawhiteman"
"No,wait,mybrother,"myfathersaid."Ihaveanewsforthee."
AndpresentlyIkkemotubbesaid,"Allright."
ButwhenCaptainStudenmareborrowedIssetibbeha'swagontogobacktoNatchezin,he
tookthesteamboatslavestoo.Somyfatherandtheyoungmenbuiltafireinthesteamboat's
stomachtomakesteamforittowalk,whileDavidHogganbecksatintheupstairsanddrewthe
cryingropefromtimetotimetoseeifthesteamwasstrongenoughyet,andateachcrystillmore
ofthePeoplecametothelandinguntilatlastallthePeopleinthePlantationexceptoldIssetibbeha
perhapsstoodalongthebanktowatchtheyoungmenhurlwoodintothesteamboat'sstomach:a
thingneverbeforeseeninourPlantationatleast.Thenthesteamwasstrongandthesteamboat
begantowalkandthenthePeoplebegantowalktoobesidethesteamboat,watchingtheyoung
menforawhilethenIkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbeckforawhileasthesteamboatwalkedout
ofthePlantationwherehardlysevensunsagoIkkemotubbeandDavidHogganbeckwouldsitall
daylongandhalfthenighttoountilHermanBasket'sauntwouldcomeoutwithHermanBasket's
deaduncle'sgun,onthegalleryofHermanBasket'shousewhileLogintheCreeklayonthefloor
withhisharmonicacuppedtohismouthandLogintheCreek'swifeshelledcornorpeasintoold
DaveColbert'swife'sgrandniece'ssecondcousinbymarriage'swinepitcher.
PresentlyIkkemotubbewasgonecompletelyaway,tobegonealongtimebeforehecame
backnamedDoom,withhisnewwhitefriendwhomnomanwishedtoloveeitherandtheeight
moreslaveswhichwehadnouseforeitherbecauseattimessomeonewouldhavetogetupand
walksomewheretofindsomethingfortheoneswealreadyownedtodo,andthefinegoldtrimmed
clothesandthelittlegoldboxofsaltwhichcausedtheotherfourpuppiestobecomedeadtooone
afteranother,andthenanythingelsewhichhappenedtostandbetweenDoomandwhathe
wanted.Buthewasnotquitegoneyet.HewasjustIkkemotubbeyet,oneoftheyoungmen,
anotheroftheyoungmenwholovedandwasnotlovedinreturnandcouldhearthewordsandsee
thefact,yetwho,liketheyoungmenwhohadbeenbeforehimandtheoneswhowouldcomeafter
him,stillcouldnotunderstandit.
"Butnotforher!"Ikkemotubbesaid."AndnotevenbecauseitwasLogintheCreek.
Perhapstheyareformyself:thatsuchasonasLogintheCreekcouldcausethemtowishto
flow."
"Don'tthinkabouther,"DavidHogganbecksaid.
"Idon't.Ihavealreadystopped.See?"Ikkemotubbesaidwhilethesunsetrandownhis
faceasifithadalreadybeenraininsteadoflightwhenitenteredthewindow."Therewasawise
manofourswhosaidoncehowawoman'sfancyislikeabutterflywhich,hoveringfromflowerto
flower,pausesatthelastaslikeasnotwhereahorsehasstood."
"TherewasawisemanofoursnamedSolomonwhooftensaidsomethingofthatnature
too,"DavidHogganbecksaid.
"Perhapsthereisjustonewisdomforallmen,nomatterwhospeaksit."
 "Aihee.Atleast,forallmenonesameheartbreak,"Ikkemotubbesaid.Thenhedrewthe
cryingrope,becausetheboatwasnowpassingthehousewhereLogintheCreekandhiswife
lived,andnowthesteamboatsoundedlikeitdidthefirstnightwhileCaptainStudenmarestill
thoughtDavidHogganbeckwouldcomeandshowitthewaybacktoNatchez,untilDavid
HogganbeckmadeIkkemotubbestop.Becausetheywouldneedthesteambecausethesteamboat
didnotalwayswalk.Sometimesitcrawled,andeachtimeitsfeetcameuptherewasmudonthem,
andsometimesitdidnotevencrawluntilDavidHogganbeckdrewthecryingropeastherider
speakstotherecalcitranthorsetoreminditwithhisvoicejustwhoisup.Thenitcrawledagainand
thenitwalkedagain,untilatlastthePeoplecouldnolongerkeepup,anditcriedoncemore
beyondthelastbendandthentherewasnolongereithertheblackshapesoftheyoungmen
leapingtohurlwoodintoitsredstomachoreventhesoundofitsvoiceinthePlantationorthe
night.
That'showitwasintheolddays.

Lo!

THEPRESIDENTSTOODmotionlessatthedooroftheDressingRoom,fullydressedsaveforhis
boots.Itwashalfpastsixinthemorninganditwassnowing;alreadyhehadstoodforanhourat
thewindow,watchingthesnow.Nowhestoodjustinsidethedoortothecorridor,utterlymotionless
inhisstockings,stoopedalittlefromhisleanheightasthoughlistening,onhisfaceanexpression
ofhumorlessconcern,sincehumorhaddepartedfromhissituationandhisviewofitalmostthree
weeksbefore.Hangingfromhishand,lowagainsthisflank,wasahandmirrorofelegantFrench
design,suchasshouldhavebeenlyinguponalady'sdressingtable:certainlyatthishourofa
Februaryday.
Atlastheputhishandontheknobandopenedthedoorinfinitesimally;beneathhishand
thedoorcreptbyinchesandwithoutanysound;stillwiththatinfinitesimalsilenceheputhiseyeto
thecrackandsaw,lyinguponthedeep,richpileofthecorridorcarpet,abone.Itwasacooked
bone,arib;toitstilladheredcloseshredsoffleshholdinginmuteandoverlappinghalfmoonsthe
marksofhumanteeth.Nowthatthedoorwasopenhecouldhearthevoicestoo.Stillwithoutany
sound,withthatinfinitecare,heraisedandadvancedthemirror.Foraninstanthecaughthisown
reflectioninitandhepausedforatimeandwithakindofcoldunbeliefheexaminedhisownface
thefaceoftheshrewdandcourageousfighter,ofthatwellnighinfallibleexpertintheanticipation
ofandcontrollingofmanandhisdoings,overlaidnowwiththebaffledhelplessnessofachild.
Thenheslantedtheglassalittlefurtheruntilhecouldseethecorridorreflectedinit.Squattingand
facingoneanotheracrossthecarpetasacrossastreamofwaterweretwomen.Hedidnotknow
thefaces,thoughheknewtheFace,sincehehadlookeduponitbydayanddreameduponitby
nightforthreeweeksnow.Itwasasquatface,dark,alittleflat,alittleMongol;secret,decorous,
impenetrable,andgrave.Hehadseenitrepeateduntilhehadgivenuptryingtocountitoreven
estimateit;evennow,thoughhecouldseethetwomensquattingbeforehimandcouldhearthe
twoquietvoices,itseemedtohimthatinsomeidioticmomentoutofattenuatedsleeplessnessand
strainhelookeduponasinglemanfacinghimselfinamirror.
Theyworebeaverhatsandnewfrockcoats;savefortheminordetailofcollarsand
waistcoatstheywereimpeccablydressedthoughalittleearlyfortheforenoonofthetime,downto
thewaist.Butfromheredowncredulity,allsenseoffitnessanddecorum,wasoutraged.Ata
glanceonewouldhavesaidthattheyhadcomeintactoutofPickwickianEngland,savethatthe
tight,lightcoloredsmallclothesendednotinHessianbootsnorinanybootsatall,butindark,
nakedfeet.Onthefloorbesideeachonelayaneatlyrolledbundleofdarkcloth;besideeach
bundleinturn,mutetoeandtoeandheelandheel,asthoughoccupiedbyinvisiblesentriesfacing
oneanotheracrossthecorridor,sattwopairsofnewboots.Fromabasketwovenofwhiteoak
withesbesideoneofthesquattingmenthereshotsuddenlythesnakelikeheadandneckofa
gamecock,whichglaredatthefaintflashofthemirrorwitharound,yellow,outragedeye.Itwas
fromthesethatthevoicescame,pleasant,decorous,quiet:"Thatroosterhasn'tdoneyoumuch
gooduphere."
"That'strue.Still,whoknows?Besides,Icertainlycouldn'thavelefthimathome,withthose
damnedlazyIndians.Iwouldn'tfindafeatherleft.Youknowthat.Butitisanuisance,havingtolug
thiscagearoundwithmedayandnight."
"Thiswholebusinessisanuisance,ifyouaskme."
"Yousaidit.Squattinghereoutsidethisdoorallnightlong,withoutagunoranything.
Supposebadmentriedtogetinduringthenight:whatcouldwedo?Ifanyonewouldwanttogetin.
Idon't."
"Nobodydoes.It'sforhonor."
"Whosehonor?Yours?Mine?FrankWeddel's?"
"Whiteman'shonor.Youdon'tunderstandwhitepeople.Theyarelikechildren:youhaveto
handlethemcarefulbecauseyouneverknowwhattheyaregoingtodonext.Soifit'stherulefor
gueststosquatallnightlonginthecoldoutsidethisman'sdoor,we'lljusthavetodoit.Besides,
hadn'tyouratherbeinherethanoutyonderinthesnowinoneofthosedamntents?"
"Yousaidit.Whataclimate.Whatacountry.Iwouldn'thavethistowniftheygaveittome."
"Ofcourseyouwouldn't.Butthat'swhitemen:noaccountingfortaste.Soaslongaswe
arehere,we'llhavetotrytoactlikethesepeoplebelievethatIndiansoughttoact.Becauseyou
neverknowuntilafterwardjustwhatyouhavedonetoinsultorscarethem.Likethishavingtotalk
whitetalkallthetime..."
ThePresidentwithdrewthemirrorandclosedthedoorquietly.Oncemorehestoodsilent
andmotionlessinthemiddleoftheroom,hisheadbent,musing,baffledyetindomitable:
indomitablesincethiswasnotthefirsttimethathehadfacedodds;baffledsincehefacednotan
enemyintheopenfield,butwasbesiegedwithinhisveryhighandlonelyofficebythemtowhom
hewas,bylegalifnotdivineappointment,father.Intheironsilenceofthewinterdawnheseemed,
clairvoyantofwalls,tobeubiquitousandonewiththewakingofthestatelyHouse.Invisibleandin
akindofmusinghorrorheseemedtobeofeachgroupofhisSoutherngueststhatonesquatting
withoutthedoor,thatlargeronelikesomanyfigurescarvedofstoneintheveryrotundaitselfof
thisconcreteandvisibleapotheosisoftheyouthfulNation'sprideintheirnewbeaversandfrock
coatsandwoolendrawers.Withtheirneatlyrolledpantaloonsundertheirarmsandtheirvirgin
shoesintheotherhand;dark,timeless,decorousandserenebeneaththeastonishedfacesand
goldenbraid,theswordsandribbonsandstars,ofEuropeandiplomats.
ThePresidentsaidquietly,"Damn.Damn.Damn."Hemovedandcrossedtheroom,
pausingtotakeuphisbootsfromwheretheysatbesideachair,andapproachedtheopposite
door.Againhepausedandopenedthisdoortooquietlyandcarefully,outofthethreeweeks'habit
ofexpectantfatalism,thoughtherewasonlyhiswifebeyondit,sleepingpeacefullyinbed.He
crossedthisroominturn,carryinghisboots,pausingtoreplacethehandglassonthedressing
table,amongitscompanionpiecesofthesetwhichthenewFrenchRepublichadpresentedtoa
predecessor,andtiptoedonandintotheanteroom,whereamaninalongcloaklookedupand
thenrose,alsoinhisstockings.Theylookedatoneanothersoberly."Allclear?"thePresidentsaid
inalowtone.
"Yes,General."
"Good.Didyou..."Theotherproducedasecondlong,plaincloak."Good,good,"the
Presidentsaid.Heswungthecloakabouthimbeforetheothercouldmove."Nowthe..."
Thistimetheotheranticipatedhim;thePresidentdrewthehatwelldownoverhisface.
Theylefttheroomontiptoe,carryingtheirbootsintheirhands.
 Thebackstairwaywascold:theirstockingedtoescurledawayfromthetreads,their
vaporizedbreathwispedabouttheirheads.Theydescendedquietlyandsatonthebottomstep
andputontheirboots.
Outsideitstillsnowed;invisibleagainstsnowcoloredskyandsnowcoloredearth,the
flakesseemedtomaterializewithviolentandsilentabruptnessagainstthedarkorificeofthe
stables.Eachbushandshrubresembledawhiteballoonwhosedarkshroudlinesdescended,light
andimmobile,tothewhiteearth.Interspersedamongtheseinturnandwithacertainregularity
wereadozenvaguelytentshapedmounds,fromtheridgeofeachofwhichasmallcolumnof
smokeroseintothewindlesssnow,asifthesnowitselfwereinastateofpeacefulcombustion.
ThePresidentlookedatthese,once,grimly."Getalong,"hesaid.Theother,hisheadloweredand
hiscloakheldcloselyabouthisface,scuttledonandduckedintothestable.Perishthedaywhen
thesetwowordswereappliedtothesoldierchiefofapartyandanation,yetthePresidentwasso
closebehindhimthattheirbreathsmadeonecloud.Andperishthedaywhenthewordflightwere
soapplied,yettheyhadhardlyvanishedintothestablewhentheyemerged,mountednowand
alreadyatacanter,andsoacrossthelawnandpastthesnowhiddententsandtowardthegates
whichgaveuponthatAvenueinembryoyetbutwhichintimewouldbethestageuponwhicheach
fouryearswouldparadetheproudpanoplyoftheyoungNation'slustyman'sestateforthe
admirationandenvyandastonishmentofthewearyworld.Atthemoment,though,thegateswere
occupiedbythosemoreimmediatethansplendidaugursofthefuture.
"Lookout,"theothermansaid,reiningback.Theyreinedaside:thePresidentdrewthe
cloakabouthisfaceandallowedthepartytoenter:thesquat,broad,darkmendarkagainstthe
snow,thebeaverhats,theformalcoats,thesolidlegscladfromthightoankleinwoolendrawers.
Amongthemmovedthreehorsesonwhosebackswerelashedthecarcassesofsixdeer.They
passedon,passingthetwohorsemenwithoutaglance.
"Damn,damn,damn,"thePresidentsaid;thenaloud:"Youfoundgoodhunting."
Oneofthegroupglancedathim,briefly.Hesaidcourteously,pleasantly,withoutinflection,
goingon:"Soso."
Thehorsesmovedagain."Ididn'tseeanyguns,"theothermansaid.
"Yes,"thePresidentsaidgrimly."Imustlookintothis,too.Igavestrictorders..."Hesaid
fretfully,"Damn.
Damn.Dotheycarrytheirpantaloonswhentheygohuntingtoo,doyouknow?"
TheSecretarywasatbreakfast,thoughhewasnoteating.
Surroundedbyuntasteddisheshesat,inhisdressinggownandunshaven;hisexpression
toowasharriedasheperusedthepaperwhichlayuponhisemptyplate.Beforethefireweretwo
men:oneahorsemanwithunmeltedsnowstilluponhiscloak,seatedonawoodensettle,theother
standing,obviouslythesecretarytotheSecretary.ThehorsemanroseasthePresidentandhis
companionentered."Sitdown,sitdown,"thePresidentsaid.Heapproachedthetable,slippingoff
thecloak,whichthesecretarycameforwardandtook.
"Giveussomebreakfast,"thePresidentsaid."Wedon'tdaregohome."Hesatdown;the
Secretaryservedhiminperson.
"Whatisitnow?"thePresidentsaid.
"Doyouask?"theSecretarysaid.Hetookupthepaperagainandglaredatit."From
Pennsylvania,thistime."Hestruckthepaper."Maryland,NewYork,andnowPennsylvania;
apparentlytheonlythingthatcanstopthemisthetemperatureofthewaterinthePotomacRiver."
Hespokeinaharsh,irasciblevoice."Complaint,complaint,complaint:hereisafarmernear
Gettysburg.HisNegroslavewasinthebarn,milkingbylanternlightafterdark,whentheNegro
doubtlessthoughtabouttwohundred,sincethefarmerestimatedthemattenortwelvespringing
suddenlyoutofthedarknessinplughatsandcarryingknivesandnakedfromthewaistdown.
Result,item:Onebarnandloftofhayandcowdestroyedwhenthelanternwaskickedover;item:
oneablebodiedslavelastseendepartingfromthesceneatahighrateofspeed,headedforthe
forest,anddoubtlessnowdeadoffearorbytheagencyofwildbeasts.DebittheGovernmentof
theUnitedStates:forbarnandhay,onehundreddollars;forcow,fifteendollars;forNegroslave,
twohundreddollars.Hedemandsitingold."
"Isthatso?"thePresidentsaid,eatingswiftly."IsupposetheNegroandthecowtookthem
tobeghostsofHessiansoldiers."
"Iwonderiftheythoughtthecowwasadeer,"thehorsemansaid.
"Yes,"thePresidentsaid."That'ssomethingelseIwant..."
"Whowouldn'ttakethemforanythingonearthorunderit?"theSecretarysaid."Theentire
AtlanticseaboardnorthofthePotomacRiveroverrunbycreaturesinbeaverhatsandfrockcoats
andwoolendrawers,frighteningwomenandchildren,settingfiretobarnsandrunningoffslaves,
killingdeer..."
"Yes,"thePresidentsaid."Iwanttosayawordaboutthat,myself.Imetapartyofthem
returningasIcameout.Theyhadsixdeer.IthoughtIgavestrictordersthattheywerenottobe
permittedguns."
Againitwasthehorsemanwhospoke."Theydon'tuseguns."
"What?"thePresidentsaid."ButIsawmyself..."
"No,sir.Theyuseknives.Theytrackthedeerdownandslipuponthemandcuttheir
throats."
"What?"thePresidentsaid.
"Allright,sir.Iseenoneofthedeer.Itneverhadamarkonitexceptitsthroatcutuptothe
neckbonewithonelick."
AgainthePresidentsaid,"Damn.Damn.Damn."ThenthePresidentceasedandthe
Soldiercursedsteadilyforawhile.
Theotherslistened,gravely,theirfacescarefullyaverted,savetheSecretary,whohad
takenupanotherpaper."Ifyoucouldjustpersuadethemtokeeptheirpantaloonson,"the
Presidentsaid."AtleastabouttheHouse..."
TheSecretarystartedback,hishairupcrestedlikeanoutraged,irongraycockatoo."I,sir?I
persuadethem?"
"Whynot?Aren'ttheysubjecttoyourDepartment?I'mjustthePresident.Confoundit,it's
gottowheremywifenolongerdaresleaveherbedroom,letalonereceiveladyguests.HowamI
toexplaintotheFrenchAmbassador,forinstance,whyhiswifenolongerdarescalluponmywife
becausethecorridorsandtheveryentrancetotheHouseareblockedbyhalfnakedChickasaw
Indiansasleeponthefloororgnawingathalfrawribsofmeat?AndI,myself,havingtohideaway
frommyowntableandbegbreakfast,whiletheofficialrepresentativeoftheGovernmenthas
nothingtodobut..."
"...butexplainagaineachmorningtotheTreasury,"theSecretarysaidinshrillrage,"why
anotherDutchfarmerinPennsylvaniaorNewYorkmusthavethreehundreddollarsingoldin
paymentforthedestructionofhisfarmandlivestock,andexplaintotheStateDepartmentthatthe
capitalisnotbeingbesiegedbydemonsfromhellitself,andexplaintotheWarDepartmentwhy
twelvebrandnewarmytentsmustbeventilatedatthetopwithbutcherknives..."
"Inoticedthat,too,"thePresidentsaidmildly."Ihadforgotit."
"Ha.YourExcellencynotedit,"theSecretarysaidfiercely."YourExcellencysawitandthen
forgotit.Ihaveneitherseenitnorbeenpermittedtoforgetit.AndnowYourExcellencywonders
whyIdonotpersuadethemtoweartheirpantaloons."
"Itdoesseemliketheywould,"thePresidentsaidfretfully.
"Theothergarmentsseemtopleasethemwellenough.Butthere'snoaccountingfor
taste."Heateagain.TheSecretarylookedathim,abouttospeak.Thenhedidnot.Ashewatched
theobliviousPresidentacurious,secretexpressioncameintohisface;hisgrayandiratecrest
settledslowly,asifitweredeflatingitself.Whenhespokenowhistonewasbland,smooth;now
theotherthreemenwerewatchingthePresidentwithcurious,covertexpressions.
"Yes,"theSecretarysaid,"there'snoaccountingfortaste.
Thoughitdoesseemthatwhenonehasbeenpresentedwithacostumeasamarkofboth
honorandesteem,letalonedecorum,andbythechiefofawell,tribe..."
"That'swhatIthought,"thePresidentsaidinnocently.
Thenheceasedchewingandsaid"Eh?"sharply,lookingup.
Thethreelessermenlookedquicklyaway,buttheSecretarycontinuedtowatchthe
Presidentwiththatbland,secretexpression."Whatthedevildoyoumean?"thePresidentsaid.
HeknewwhattheSecretarymeant,justastheotherthreeknew.Adayortwoafterhis
guesthadarrivedwithoutwarning,andaftertheoriginalshockhadsomewhatabated,the
Presidenthaddecreedthenewclothingforthem.Hecommanded,outofhisownpocket,
merchantsandhattersashewouldhavecommandedgunsmithsandbulletmakersinwar
emergency;incidentallyhewasthusabletoestimatethenumberofthem,themenatleast,and
withinfortyeighthourshehadtransformedhisguest'sgraveandmotleytrainintotheoutward
aspectofdecorumatleast.Then,twomorningsafterthat,theguestthehalfChickasaw,half
Frenchman,thesquat,obesemanwiththefaceofaGasconbrigandandthemannerismsofa
spoiledeunuchanddingylaceatthroatandwrist,whoforthreeweeksnowhaddoggedhiswaking
hoursandhissleepingdreamswithblandinescapabilitycalledformallyuponhimwhileheandhis
wifewerestillinbedatfiveo'clockinthemorning,withtwoofhisretainerscarryingabundleand
whatseemedtothePresidentatleastahundredothers,men,womenandchildren,thronging
quietlyintothebedroom,apparentlytowatchhimarrayhimselfinit.Foritwasacostumeevenin
theshockedhorrorofthemoment,thePresidentfoundtimetowonderwildlywhereinthecapital
Weddel(orVidal)hadfounditamass,anetwork,ofgoldbraidfrogs,epaulets,sashandsword
heldlooselytogetherbybrightgreenclothandpresentedtohiminreturn.Thisiswhatthe
Secretarymeant,whilethePresidentglaredathimandwhilebehindthemboththethreeothermen
stoodlookingatthefirewithimmobilegravity."Haveyourjoke,"thePresidentsaid."Haveit
quickly.Areyoudonelaughingnow?"
"Ilaugh?"theSecretarysaid."Atwhat?"
"Good,"thePresidentsaid.Hethrustthedishesfromhim.
"Thenwecangetdowntobusiness.Haveyouanydocumentsyouwillneedtoreferto?"
TheSecretary'ssecretaryapproached."ShallIgettheotherpapers,sir?"
"Papers?"theSecretarysaid;oncemorehiscrestbegantorise."WhatthedevildoIneed
withpapers?WhatelsehaveIthoughtaboutnightanddayforthreeweeks?"
"Good;good,"thePresidentsaid."Supposeyoureviewthematterbriefly,incaseIhave
forgotanythingelse."
"YourExcellencyisindeedafortunateman,ifyouhavebeenabletoforget,"theSecretary
said.Fromthepocketofhisdressinggownhetookapairofsteelbowedspectacles.
ButheusedthemmerelytoglareagainatthePresidentincockatoocrestedoutrage."This
man,Weddel,Vidalwhateverhisnameisheandhisfamilyorclanorwhatevertheyareclaimto
owntheentirepartofMississippiwhichliesonthewestsideofthisriverinquestion.Oh,thegrant
isinorder:thatFrenchfatherofhisfromNewOrleanssawtothat.Well,itsohappensthatfacing
hishomeorplantationistheonlyfordinaboutthreehundredmiles."
"Iknowallthis,"thePresidentsaidimpatiently."NaturallyIregretnowthattherewasany
wayofcrossingtheriveratall.ButotherwiseIdon'tsee..."
"Neitherdidthey,"theSecretarysaid."Untilthewhitemancame."
"Ah,"thePresidentsaid."Themanwhowasmur..."
TheSecretaryraisedhishand."Wait.Hestayedaboutamonthwiththem,ostensibly
hunting,sincehewouldbeabsentalldaylong,thoughobviouslywhathewasdoingwasassuring
himselfthattherewasnootherfordcloseby.Heneverbroughtanygamein;Iimaginethey
laughedatthatagooddeal,intheirpleasantway."
"Yes,"thePresidentsaid."Weddelmusthavefoundthatveryamusing."
"...orVidalwhateverhisnameis,"theSecretarysaidfretfully."Hedon'tevenseemtoknow
oreventocarewhathisownnameis."
"Geton,"thePresidentsaid."Abouttheford."
"Yes.Thenoneday,afteramonth,thewhitemanofferedtobuysomeofWeddel'sland
Weddel,Vidal.Damn,da..."
"CallhimWeddel,"thePresidentsaid.
"...fromWeddel.Notmuch;apieceaboutthesizeofthisroom,forwhichWeddelorVidal
chargedhimabouttenprices.Notoutofanydesireforusury,youunderstand;doubtlessWeddel
wouldhavegiventhemanthelandoranywaywagereditonagameofmumblepeg,itnothaving
yetoccurredtoanyofthemapparentlythatthesmallplotwhichthemanwantedcontainedtheonly
availableentrancetoorexitfromtheford.Doubtlessthetradingprotracteditselfoverseveraldays
orperhapsweeks,asakindofgametowhileawayotherwiseidleafternoonsorevenings,withthe
bystanderslaughingheartilyandpleasantlyatthehappyscene.Theymusthavelaughedagreat
deal,especiallywhenthemanpaidWeddel'sprice;theymusthavelaughedhugelyindeedlater
whentheywatchedthewhitemanoutinthesun,buildingafencearoundhisproperty,itdoubtless
noteventhenoccurringtothemthatwhatthewhitemanhaddonewastofenceofftheonly
entrancetotheford."
"Yes,"thePresidentsaidimpatiently."ButIstilldon'tsee..."
AgaintheSecretaryliftedhishand,pontifical,admonitory.
"Neitherdidthey;notuntilthefirsttravelercamealongandcrossedattheford.Thewhite
manhadbuilthimselfatollgate."
"Oh,"thePresidentsaid.
"Yes.Andnowitmusthavebeen,indeed,amusingforthemtowatchthewhitemansitting
nowintheshadehehadadeerskinpouchfastenedtoapostforthetravelerstodroptheircoinsin,
andthegateitselfarrangedsohecouldoperateitbyaropefromtheverandaofhisoneroom
domicilewithouthavingtoevenleavehisseat;andtobegintoacquirepropertyamongwhichwas
thehorse."
"Ah,"thePresidentsaid."Nowwearegettingatit."
"Yes.Theygotatitswiftlyfromthenon.Itseemsthatthematchwasbetweenthewhite
man'shorseandthisnephew'shorse,thewagerthefordandtollgateagainstathousandorso
acresofland.Thenephew'shorselost.Andthatnight..."
"Ah,"thePresidentsaid."Isee.Andthatnightthewhitemanwasmur..."
"Letussay,died,"theSecretarysaidprimly,"sinceitissophrasedintheagent'sreport.
Thoughhedidaddinaprivatecommunicationthatthewhiteman'sdiseaseseemedtobeasplit
skull.Butthatisneitherherenorthere."
"No,"thePresidentsaid."It'supyonderattheHouse."
Wheretheyhadbeenforthreeweeksnow,men,women,childrenandNegroslaves,
comingforfifteenhundredmilesinslowwagonssincethatdayinlateautumnwhentheChickasaw
agenthadappearedtoinquireintothewhiteman'sdeath.Forfifteenhundredmiles,acrosswinter
swampsandrivers,acrossthetracklesseasternbackboneofthecontinent,ledbythebland,obese
mongreldespotandpatriarchinacarriage,dozing,hisnephewbesidehimandonefat,ringed
handbeneathitsfallofsoiledlacelyinguponthenephew'skneetoholdhimincharge."Whydidn't
theagentstophim?"thePresidentsaid.
"Stophim?"theSecretarycried."Hefinallycompromisedtotheextentofofferingtoallow
thenephewtobetriedonthespot,bytheIndiansthemselves,hereservingonlytheintentionof
abolishingthetollgate,sincenooneknewthewhitemananyway.Butno.Thenephewmustcome
toyou,tobeabsolvedorconvictedinperson."
"Butcouldn'ttheagentstoptherestofthem?Keeptherestofthemfrom..."
"Stopthem?"theSecretarycriedagain."Listen.HemovedinthereandlivedWeddel,Vi...
Damn!damn!!Wherewas..Yes.Weddeltoldhimthatthehousewashis;soonitwas.Because
howcouldhetelltherewerefewerfacespresenteachmorningthanthenightbefore?Couldyou
have?Couldyounow?"
"Iwouldn'ttry,"thePresidentsaid."Iwouldjustdeclareanationalthanksgiving.Sothey
slippedawayatnight."
"Yes.Weddelandthecarriageandafewforagewagonswentfirst;theyhadbeengone
aboutamonthbeforetheagentrealizedthateachmorningthenumberwhichremainedhad
diminishedsomewhat.Theywouldloadthewagonsandgoatnight,byfamiliesgrandparents,
parents,children;slaves,chattelsanddogseverything.Andwhynot?Whyshouldtheydeny
themselvesthisholidayattheexpenseoftheGovernment?Whyshouldtheymiss,atthemere
priceofafifteenhundredmilejourneythroughunknowncountryinthedeadofwinter,theprivilege
andpleasureofspendingafewweeksormonthsinnewbeaversandbroadclothcoatsand
underdrawers,inthehomeofthebeneficentWhiteFather?"
"Yes,"thePresidentsaid.Hesaid:"Andyouhavetoldhimthatthereisnochargehere
againstthisnephew?"
"Yes.Andthatiftheywillgobackhome,theagenthimselfwilldeclarethenephewinnocent
publicly,inwhateverceremonytheythinkfit.Andhesaid...howwasitheputit?"
TheSecretarynowspokeinapleasant,almostliltingtone,inalmostexactimitationofthe
manwhomherepeated:"Allwedesireisjustice.Ifthisfoolishboyhasmurderedawhiteman,I
thinkthatweshouldknowit."
"Damn,damn,damn,"thePresidentsaid."Allright.We'llholdtheinvestigation.Getthem
downhereandlet'shaveitoverwith."
"Here?"TheSecretarystartedback."Inmyhouse?"
"Whynot?I'vehadthemforthreeweeks;atleastyoucanhavethemforanhour."He
turnedtothecompanion.
"Hurry.Tellthemwearewaitingheretoholdhisnephew'strial."
AndnowthePresidentandtheSecretarysatbehindtheclearedtableandlookedatthe
manwhostoodasthoughframedbytheopeneddoorsthroughwhichhehadentered,holdinghis
nephewbythehandlikeanuncleconductingforthefirsttimeayouthfulprovincialkinsmanintoa
metropolitanmuseumofwaxfigures.Immobile,theycontemplatedthesoft,paunchymanfacing
themwithhissoft,bland,inscrutablefacethelong,monklikenose,theslumbrouslids,theflabby,
cafeaulaitcoloredjowlsaboveafrothofsoiledlaceofanelegancefiftyyearsoutmodedand
vanished;themouthwasfull,small,andveryred.Yetsomewherebehindtheface'sexpressionof
flaccidandwearydisillusion,asbehindtheblandvoiceandthealmostfemininemannerisms,there
lurkedsomethingelse:somethingwillful,shrewd,unpredictableanddespotic.Behindhimclotted,
quietandgravelydecorous,hisdarkretinueinbeaversandbroadclothandwoolendrawers,each
withhisneatlyrolledpantaloonsbeneathhisarm.
Foramomentlongerhestood,lookingfromfacetofaceuntilhefoundthePresident.He
said,inavoiceofsoftreproach:"Thisisnotyourhouse!"
"No,"thePresidentsaid."ThisisthehouseofthischiefwhomIhaveappointedmyselfto
betheholderofjusticebetweenmeandmyIndianpeople.Hewilldealjusticetoyou."
Theunclebowedslightly."Thatisallthatwedesire."
"Good,"thePresidentsaid.Onthetablebeforehimsatinkstand,quill,andsandbox,and
manypaperswithribbonsandgoldensealsmuchinevidence,thoughnonecouldhavesaidifthe
heavygazehadremarkedthemornot.ThePresidentlookedatthenephew.Young,lean,the
nephewstood,hisrightwristclaspedbyhisuncle'sfat,lacefoamedhand,andcontemplatedthe
Presidentquietly,withgraveandalertrepose.ThePresidentdippedthequillintotheink."Isthis
themanwho..."
"Whoperformedthismurder?"theunclesaidpleasantly."Thatiswhatwemadethislong
winter'sjourneytodiscover.Ifhedid,ifthiswhitemanreallydidnotfallfromthatswifthorseofhis
perhapsandstrikehisheaduponasharpstone,thenthisnephewofmineshouldbepunished.We
donotthinkthatitisrighttoslaywhitemenlikeaconfoundedCherokeeorCreek."Perfectly
inscrutable,perfectlydecorous,helookedatthetwoexaltedpersonagesplayingbehindthetable
theirclumsydeceptionwithdummypapers;foraninstantthePresidenthimselfmettheslumbrous
eyesandlookeddown.TheSecretarythough,upthrust,hiscrestroachedviolentlyupward,glared
attheuncle.
"Youshouldhaveheldthishorseraceacrosstheforditself,"hesaid."Waterwouldn'thave
leftthatgashinthewhiteman'sskull."
ThePresident,glancingquicklyup,sawtheheavy,secretfacemusingupontheSecretary
withdarkspeculation.Butalmostimmediatelytheunclespoke."Soitwould.Butthiswhiteman
wouldhavedoubtlessrequiredacoinofmoneyfrommynephewforpassingthroughhisgate."
Thenhelaughed,mirthful,pleasant,decorous."Perhapsitwouldhavebeenbetterforthatwhite
manifhehadallowedmynephewtopassthroughfree.Butthatisneitherherenortherenow."
"No,"thePresidentsaid,almostsharply,sothattheylookedathimagain.Heheldthequill
abovethepaper,"Whatisthecorrectname?WeddelorVidal?"
Againthepleasant,inflectionlessvoicecame:"WeddelorVidal.Whatdoesitmatterby
whatnametheWhiteChiefcallsus?WearebutIndians:rememberedyesterdayandforgotten
tomorrow."
ThePresidentwroteuponthepaper.Thequillscratchedsteadilyinthesilenceinwhich
therewasbutoneothersound:afaint,steady,minorsoundwhichseemedtoemergefromthedark
andmotionlessgroupbehindtheuncleandnephew.Hesandedwhathehadwrittenandfoldedit
androseandstoodforamomentsowhiletheywatchedhimquietly:thesoldierwhohad
commandedmenwellonmoreoccasionsthanthis."Yournephewisnotguiltyofthismurder.My
chiefwhomIhaveappointedtoholdjusticebetweenussaysforhimtoreturnhomeandneverdo
thisagain,becausenexttimehewillbedispleased."
Hisvoicediedintoashockedsilence;evenforthatinstanttheheavylidsfluttered,while
fromthedarkthrongbehindhimthatfaint,unceasingsoundofquietscratchingbyheatandwool
engendered,likeafaint,constantmotionofthesea,alsoceasedforaninstant.Theunclespokein
atoneofshockedunbelief:"Mynephewisfree?"
"Heisfree,"thePresidentsaid.Theuncle'sshockedgazetraveledabouttheroom.
"Thisquick?Andinhere?Inthishouse?Ihadthought...Butnomatter."Theywatchedhim;
againthefacewassmooth,enigmatic,blank."WeareonlyIndians;doubtlessthesebusywhite
menhavebutlittletimeforoursmallaffairs.Perhapswehavealreadyincommodedthemtoo
much."
"No,no,"thePresidentsaidquickly."Tome,myIndianandmywhitepeoplearethesame."
Butagaintheuncle'sgazewastravelingquietlyabouttheroom;standingsidebyside,the
PresidentandtheSecretarycouldfeelfromonetoanotherthesamedawningalarm.Afterawhile
thePresidentsaid:"Wherehadyouexpectedthiscounciltobeheld?"
Theunclelookedathim."Youwillbeamused.InmyignoranceIhadthoughtthatevenour
littleaffairwouldhavebeenconcludedin...Butnomatter."
"Inwhat?"thePresidentsaid.
Thebland,heavyfacemusedagainuponhimforamoment."Youwilllaugh;nevertheless,I
willobeyyou.Inthebigwhitecouncilhousebeneaththegoldeneagle."
"What?"theSecretarycried,startingagain."Inthe..."
 Theunclelookedaway."Isaidthatyouwouldbeamused.Butnomatter.Wewillhaveto
wait,anyway."
"Havetowait?"thePresidentsaid."Forwhat?"
"Thisisreallyamusing,"theunclesaid.Helaughedagain,inhistoneofmirthful
detachment."Moreofmypeopleareabouttoarrive.Wecanwaitforthem,sincetheywillwishto
seeandhearalso."Nooneexclaimedatallnow,noteventheSecretary.Theymerelystaredat
himwhiletheblandvoicewenton:"Itseemsthatsomeofthemmistookthetown.Theyhadheard
thenameoftheWhiteChief'scapitalspoken,butitsohappensthatthereisalsoatowninour
countrywiththesamename,sothatwhensomeofthePeopleinquiredontheroad,theybecame
misdirectedandwentthereinstead,poorignorantIndians."Helaughed,withfondandmirthful
tolerancebehindhisenigmaticandsleepyface.
"Butamessengerhasarrived;theywillarrivethemselveswithintheweek.Thenwewillsee
aboutpunishingthisheadstrongboy."Heshookthenephew'sarmlightly.Exceptforthisthe
nephewdidnotmove,watchingthePresidentwithhisgraveandunwinkingregard.
Foralongmomenttherewasnosoundsavethefaint,steadyscratchingoftheIndians.
ThentheSecretarybegantospeak,patiently,asthoughaddressingachild:"Look.Yournephewis
free.Thispapersaysthathedidnotslaythewhitemanandthatnomanshallsoaccusehim
again,elsebothIandthegreatchiefbesidemewillbeangered.Hecanreturnhomenow,atonce.
Letallofyoureturnhomeatonce.Forisitnotwellsaidthatthegravesofaman'sfathersare
neverquietinhisabsence?"
Againtherewassilence.ThenthePresidentsaid,"Besides,thewhitecouncilhouse
beneaththegoldeneagleisbeingusednowbyacouncilofchiefswhoaremorepowerfulthere
thanIam."
Theuncle'shandlifted;foamedwithsoiledlace,hisforefingerwaggledinreproachful
deprecation."DonotaskevenanignorantIndiantobelievethat,"hesaid.Thenhesaid,withno
changeofinflectionwhatever;theSecretarydidnotknowuntilthePresidenttoldhimlater,thatthe
unclewasnowaddressinghim:"Andthesechiefswilldoubtlessbeoccupyingthewhitecouncilhut
forsometimeyet,Isuppose."
"Yes,"theSecretarysaid."Untilthelastsnowofwinterhasmeltedamongtheflowersand
thegreengrass."
"Good,"theunclesaid."Wewillwait,then.ThentherestofthePeoplewillhavetimeto
arrive."
AndsoitwasthatupthatAvenuewithahighdestinythecavalcademovedinthestillfalling
snow,ledbythecarriagecontainingthePresidentandtheuncleandnephew,thefat,ringedhand
lyingagainuponthenephew'sknee,andfollowedbyasecondcarriagecontainingtheSecretary
andhissecretary,andthisfollowedinturnbytwofilesofsoldiersbetweenwhichwalkedthedark
anddecorouscloudofmen,womenandchildrenonfootandinarms;soitwasthatbehindthe
Speaker'sdeskofthatchamberwhichwastowombandcontemplatethehighdreamofadestiny
superiortotheinjusticeofeventsandthefollyofmankind,thePresidentandtheSecretarystood,
whilebelowthem,ringedaboutbythelivingmanipulatorsof,andinterspersedbytheaugustand
watchingghostsofthedreamersof,thedestiny,theuncleandnephewstood,withbehindthemthe
darkthrongofkinandfriendsandacquaintancesfromamongwhichcamesteadilyandunabated
thatfaintsoundofwoolandfleshinfriction.ThePresidentleanedtotheSecretary.
"Aretheyreadywiththecannon?"hewhispered."Areyousuretheycanseemyarmfrom
thedoor?Andsupposethosedamnedgunsexplode:theyhavenotbeenfiredsinceWashington
shotthemlastatCornwallis:willtheyimpeachme?"
"Yes,"theSecretaryhissed.
"ThenGodhelpus.Givemethebook."TheSecretarypassedittohim:itwasPetrarch's
Sonnets,whichtheSecretaryhadsnatchedfromhistableinpassing."LetushopethatIremember
enoughlawLatintokeepitfromsoundinglikeeitherEnglishorChickasaw,"thePresidentsaid.He
openedthebook,andthenagainthePresident,theconquerorofmen,thewinnerofbattles
diplomatic,legalandmartial,drewhimselferectandlookeddownuponthedark,still,intent,waiting
faces;whenhespokehisvoicewasthevoicewhichbeforethishadcausedmentopauseand
attendandthenobey:"FrancisWeddel,chiefintheChickasawNation,andyou,nephewofFrancis
Weddelandsomedaytobeachief,hearmywords."Thenhebegantoread.Hisvoicewasfull,
sonorous,abovethedarkfaces,echoingabouttheaugustdomeinprofoundandsolemnsyllables.
Hereadtensonnets.
Then,withhisarmlifted,heperorated;hisvoicediedprofoundlyawayandhedroppedhis
arm.Amomentlater,fromoutsidethebuilding,camearaggedcrashofartillery.Andnowforthe
firsttimethedarkthrongstirred;fromamongthemcameasound,amurmur,ofpleased
astonishment.ThePresidentspokeagain:"NephewofFrancisWeddel,youarefree.Returnto
yourhome."
Andnowtheunclespoke;againhisfingerwaggledfromoutitsfrothoflace."Heedless
boy,"hesaid."Considerthetroublewhichyouhavecausedthesebusymen."Heturnedtothe
Secretary,almostbriskly;againhisvoicewasbland,pleasant,almostmirthful:"Andnow,aboutthe
littlematterofthiscursedford..."
Withtheautumnsunfallingwarmlyandpleasantlyacrosshisshoulders,thePresidentsaid,
"Thatisall,"quietlyandturnedtohisdeskasthesecretarydeparted.Whilehetookuptheletter
andopeneditthesunfelluponhishandsanduponthepage,withitsinferenceofthesplendid
dyingoftheyear,ofapproachingharvestsandofcolumnsofquietwoodsmokeserenepennonsof
peaceabovepeacefulchimneysabouttheland.
SuddenlythePresidentstarted;hesprangup,theletterinhishand,glaringatitinshocked
andalarmedconsternationwhiletheblandwordsseemedtoexplodeonebyoneinhis
comprehensionlikemusketry:Dearsirandfriend:Thisisreallyamusing.Againthishotheaded
nephewhemusthavetakenhischaracterfromhisfather'speople,sinceitisnoneofminehas
cometotroubleyouandme.Itisthiscursedfordagain.Anotherwhitemancameamongus,to
huntinpeacewethought,sinceGod'sforestandthedeerwhichHeputinitbelongtoall.Buthe
toobecameobsessedwiththeideaofowningthisford,havingheardtalesofhisownkindwho,
afterthecuriousandrestlessfashionofwhitemen,findonesideofastreamofwatersuperior
enoughtotheothertopaycoinsofmoneyfortheprivilegeofreachingit.Sotheaffairwas
arrangedasthiswhitemandesiredit.
PerhapsIdidwrong,youwillsay.ButdoIneedtotellyou?Iamasimplemanandsome
dayIshallbeold,Itrust,andthecontinuousinterruptionofthesewhitemenwhowishtocrossand
thecollectingandcareofthecoinsofmoneyisonlyanuisance.Forwhatcanmoneybetome,
whosedestinyitapparentlyistospendmydecliningyearsbeneaththeshadeoffamiliartreesfrom
whosepeacefulshademygreatwhitefriendandchiefhasremovedthefaceofeveryenemysave
death?Thatwasmythought,butwhenyoureadfartheryouwillseethatitwasnottobe.
Oncemoreitisthisrashandheedlessboy.Itseemsthathechallengedthisnewwhiteman
ofours(orthewhitemanchallengedhim:thetruthIwillleavetoyourunerringwisdomtounravel)
toaswimmingraceintheriver,thestakestobethiscursedfordagainstafewmilesofland,which
(thiswillamuseyou)thiswildnephewofminedidnotevenown.Theracetookplace,but
unfortunatelyourwhitemanfailedtoemergefromtheriveruntilafterhewasdead.Andnowyour
agenthasarrivedandheseemstofeelthatperhapsthisswimmingraceshouldnothavetaken
placeatall.Andsonowthereisnothingformetodosavetobestiroldbonesandbringthisrash
boytoyouforyoutoreprimandhim.We'llarriveinabout...
ThePresidentsprangtothebellandpulleditviolently.
 Whenhissecretaryentered,hegraspedthemanbytheshouldersandwhirledhimtoward
thedooragain."GetmetheSecretaryofWar,andmapsofallthecountrybetweenhereandNew
Orleans!"hecried."Hurry."
Andsoagainweseehim;thePresidentisabsentnowanditistheSoldieralonewhosits
withtheSecretaryofWarbehindthemapstrewntable,whiletherefacethemtheofficersofa
regimentofcavalry.AtthetablehissecretaryiswritingfuriouslywhilethePresidentlooksoverhis
shoulder.
"Writeitbig,"hesays,"sothatevenanIndiancannotmistakeit.Knowallmenbythese
presents"hequotes."FrancisWeddelhisheirs,descendantsandassignsfromnowonin
perpetuity...providedHaveyougotprovided?Goodprovidedthatneitherhenorhisdoeveragain
crosstotheeasternsideoftheabovedescribedRiver...Andnowtothatdamnedagent,"hesaid.
"Thesignmustbeinduplicate,atbothendsoftheford:TheUnitedStatesacceptsnoresponsibility
foranyman,womanorchild,black,white,yelloworred,whocrossesthisford,andnowhiteman
shallbuy,leaseoracceptitasagiftsaveundertheseverestpenaltyofthelaw.CanIdothat?"
"I'mafraidnot,YourExcellency,"theSecretarysaid.
ThePresidentmusedswiftly."Damn,"hesaid."StrikeoutTheUnitedStates,then."The
Secretarydidso.ThePresidentfoldedthetwopapersandhandedthemtothecavalrycolonel.
"Ride,"hesaid."Yourordersare,Stopthem."
"Supposetheyrefusetostop,"thecolonelsaid."ShallIfirethen?"
"Yes,"thePresidentsaid."Shooteveryhorse,mule,andox.Iknowtheywon'twalk.Off
withyou,now."Theofficerswithdrew.ThePresidentturnedbacktothemapstheSoldierstill:
eager,happy,asthoughherodehimselfwiththeregiment,orasifinspiritalreadyhedeployedit
withthatshrewdcunningwhichcoulddiscernandchoosetheplacemostdisadvantageoustothe
enemy,andgettherefirst.
"Itwillbehere,"hesaid.Heputhisfingeronthemap."Ahorse,General,thatImaymeet
himhereandturnhisflankanddrivehim."
"Done,General,"theSecretarysaid.

IVTHEWASTELAND

AdAstra

IDON'TKNOWwhatwewere.WiththeexceptionofComyn,wehadstartedoutAmericans,but
afterthreeyears,inourBritishtunicsandBritishwingsandhereandtherearibbon,Idon't
supposewehadevenbotheredinthreeyearstowonderwhatwewere,tothinkortoremember.
Andonthatday,thatevening,wewereevenlessthanthat,ormorethanthat:either
beneathorbeyondtheknowledgethatwehadnotevenwonderedinthreeyears.Thesubadar,
afterawhilehewasthere,inhisturbanandhistrickmajor'spips,saidthatwewerelikementrying
tomoveinwater."Butsoonitwillclearaway,"hesaid."Theeffluviumofhatredandofwords.We
arelikementryingtomoveinwater,withheldbreathwatchingourterrificandinfinitesimallimbs,
watchingoneanother'sterrificstasiswithouttouch,withoutcontact,robbedofallsavethe
impotenceandtheneed."
Wewereinthecarthen,goingtoAmiens,SartorisdrivingandComynsittinghalfahead
abovehiminthefrontseatlikeatacklingdummy,thesubadar,BlandandIinback,eachwitha
bottleortwoinhispockets.Exceptthesubadar,thatis.Hewassquat,smallandthick,yethis
sobrietywascolossal.Inthatmaelstromofalcoholwheretherestofushadfledourinescapable
selveshewaslikearock,talkingquietlyinagravebassfoursizestoobigforhim:"InmycountryI
wasprince.Butallmenarebrothers."
ButaftertwelveyearsIthinkofusasbugsinthesurfaceofthewater,isolantandaimless
andunflagging.Notonthesurface;init,withinthatlineofdemarcationnotairandnotwater,
sometimessubmerged,sometimesnot.Youhavewatchedanunbreakinggroundswellinacove,
thewatershallow,thecovequiet,alittlesinisterwithsatiatefamiliarity,whilebeyondthedarkling
horizonthedyingstormhasragedon.Thatwasthewater,wetheflotsam.Evenaftertwelveyears
itisnoclearerthanthat.Ithadnobeginningandnoending.Outofnothingwehowled,unwitting
thestormwhichwehadescapedandtheforeignstrandwhichwecouldnotescape;thatinthe
intervalbetweentwosurgesoftheswellwediedwhohadbeentooyoungtohaveeverlived.
Westoppedinthemiddleoftheroadtodrinkagain.Thelandwasdarkandempty.And
quiet:thatwaswhatyounoticed,remarked.Youcouldheartheearthbreathe,likecomingoutof
ether,likeitdidnotyetknow,believe,thatitwasawake."Butnowitispeace,"thesubadarsaid.
"Allmenarebrothers."
"YouspokebeforetheUniononce,"Blandsaid.Hewasblondandtall.Whenhepassed
througharoomwherewomenwereheleftasighingwakelikeaferryboatenteringtheslip.Hewas
aSoutherner,too,likeSartoris;butunlikeSartoris,inthefivemonthshehadbeenout,noonehad
everfoundabulletholeinhismachine.ButhehadtransferredoutofanOxfordbattalion:hewasa
Rhodesscholarwithabarnacleandawoundstripe.Whenhewastighthewouldtalkabouthis
wife,thoughweallknewthathewasnotmarried.
HetookthebottlefromSartorisanddrank."I'vegotthesweetestlittlewife,"hesaid."Let
metellyouabouther."
"Don'ttellus,"Sartorissaid."GivehertoComyn.Hewantsagirl."
"Allright,"Blandsaid."Youcanhaveher,Comyn."
"Issheblonde?"Comynsaid.
"Idon'tknow,"Blandsaid.Heturnedbacktothesubadar,"YouspokebeforetheUnion
once.Irememberyou."
"Ah,"thesubadarsaid."Oxford.Yes."
"Hecanattendtheirschoolsamongthegentleborn,thebleachskinned,"Blandsaid."But
hecannotholdtheircommission,becausegentilityisamatterofcolorandnotlineageorbehavior."
"Fightingismoreimportantthantruth,"thesubadarsaid.
"Sowemustrestricttheprestigeandprivilegesofittothefewsothatitwillnotlose
popularitywiththemanywhohavetodie."
"Whymoreimportant?"Isaid."Ithoughtthisonewasbeingfoughttoendwar
forevermore."
Thesubadarmadeabriefgesture,dark,deprecatory,tranquil."Iwasawhitemanalsofor
thatmoment.ItismoreimportantfortheCaucasianbecauseheisonlywhathecando;itisthe
sumofhim."
"Soyouseefurtherthanwesee?"
"Amanseesfurtherlookingoutofthedarkuponthelightthanamandoesinthelightand
lookingoutuponthelight.Thatistheprincipleofthespyglass.Thelensisonlytoteasehimwith
thatwhichthesensethatsuffersanddesirescanneveraffirm."
"Whatdoyousee,then?"Blandsaid.
"Iseegirls,"Comynsaid."Iseeacresandacresoftheyellowhairofthemlikewheatand
meamongthewheat.Haveyeeverwatchedahiddendogquarteringawheatfield,anyofyez?"
"Nothuntingbitches,"Blandsaid.
Comynturnedintheseat,thickandhuge.Hewasbigasalloutdoors.Towatchtwo
mechanicsshoehorninghimintothecockpitofaDolphinliketwochambermaidsputtingan
emergencybolsterintoacasetoosmallforit,wasasighttosee."Iwillbeattheheadoffyefora
shilling,"hesaid.
"SoyoubelieveintheTightnessofman?"Isaid.
"Iwillbeattheheadsoffyezallforashilling,"Comynsaid.
"Ibelieveinthepitiablenessofman,"thesubadarsaid.
"Thatisbetter."
"Iwillgiveyezashilling,then,"Comynsaid.
"Allright,"Sartorissaid."Didyouevertryalittlewhiskyforthenightair,anyofyouall?"
Comyntookthebottleanddrank."Acresandacresofthem,"hesaid,"withtheirlittleround
whitewomanpartsgleamingamongthemoilingwheat."
Sowedrankagain,onthelonelyroadbetweentwobeetfields,inthedarkquiet,andthe
turnoftheinebriationbegantomake.Itcamebackfromwhereverithadgone,rollingdownupon
usanduponthegravesoberrockofthesubadaruntilhisvoicesoundedremoteandtranquiland
dreamlike,sayingthatwewerebrothers.Monaghanwastherethen,standingbesideourcarinthe
fullglareoftheheadlightsofhiscar,inanR.F.C.capandanAmericantunicwithbothshoulder
strapsflappingloose,drinkingfromComyn'sbottle.Besidehimstoodasecondman,alsoinatunic
shorterandtrimmerthanours,withabandageabouthishead.
"I'llfightyou,"ComyntoldMonaghan."I'llgiveyoutheshilling."
"Allright,"Monaghansaid.Hedrankagain.
"Weareallbrothers,"thesubadarsaid."Sometimeswepauseatthewronginn.Wethinkit
isnightandwestop,whenitisnotnight.Thatisall."
"I'llgiveyouasovereign,"ComyntoldMonaghan.
"Allright,"Monaghansaid.Heextendedthebottletotheotherman,theonewiththe
bandagedhead.
"Ithangkyou,"themansaid."Ihafplentyyet."
"I'llfighthim,"Comynsaid.
"Itisbecausewecandoonlywithintheheart,"thesubadarsaid."Whileweseebeyondthe
heart."
"I'llbedamnedifyouwill,"Monaghansaid."He'smine."
Heturnedtothemanwiththebandagedhead."Aren'tyoumine?Here;drink."
"Ihafplenty,Ithangkyou,gentlemen,"theothersaid.
ButIdon'tthinkanyofuspaidmuchattentiontohimuntilwewereinsidetheClocheClos.
Itwascrowded,fullofnoiseandsmoke.Whenweenteredallthenoiseceased,likeastringcutin
two,theendravelingbackintoasortofshockedconsternationofpivotingfaces,andthewaiter,an
oldmaninadirtyapronfallingbackbeforeus,slackjawed,withanexpressionofoutragedunbelief,
likeanatheistconfrontedwitheitherChristorthedevil.Wecrossedtheroom,thewaiterretreating
beforeus,pacedbytheturningoutragedfaces,toatableadjacenttoonewherethreeFrench
officerssatwatchinguswiththatsameexpressionofastonishmentandthenoutrageandthen
anger.Asonetheyrose;thewholeroom,thesilence,becamestaccatowithvoices,likemachine
guns.ThatwaswhenIturnedandlookedatMonaghan'scompanionforthefirsttime,inhisgreen
tunicandhisblacksnugbreeksandhisblackbootsandhisbandage.Hehadcuthimselfrecently
shaving,andwithhisbandagedheadandhisfacepoliteanddazedandbloodlessandsick,he
lookedlikeMonaghanhadbeenusinghimprettyhard.Roundfaced,notold,withhisimmaculately
turnedbandagewhichservedonlytoemphasizethegenerationsofdifferencebetweenhimandthe
turbanedsubadar,flankedbyMonaghanwithhiswildfaceandwildtunicandsurroundedbythe
Frenchpeople'sshockedandoutragedfaces,heappearedtocontemplatewithapoliteandalert
concernhisownstruggleagainsttheinebriationwhichMonaghanwasforcinguponhim.Therewas
somethingAnthonylikeabouthim:rigid,soldierly,witheverybuttoninplace,withhisunblemished
bandageandhisfreshrazorcuts,heappearedtomusefuriouslyuponaclearflameofacertain
convictionofindividualbehavioraboveaviolentandinexplicablechaos.ThenIremarked
Monaghan'ssecondcompanion:anAmericanmilitarypoliceman.Hewasnotdrinking.Hesat
besidetheGerman,rollingcigarettesfromaclothsack.
OntheGerman'sothersideMonaghanwasfillinghisglass."Ibroughthimdownthis
morning,"hesaid."I'mgoingtotakehimhomewithme."
"Why?"Blandsaid."Whatdoyouwantwithhim?"
"Becausehebelongstome,"Monaghansaid.HesetthefullglassbeforetheGerman.
"Here;drink."
"Ioncethoughtabouttakingonehometomywife,"Blandsaid."SoIcouldprovetoherthat
Ihaveonlybeentoawar.ButInevercouldfindagoodone.Awholeone,Imean."
"Comeon,"Monaghansaid."Drink."
"Ihafplenty,"theGermansaid."AlldayIhafplenty."
"DoyouwanttogotoAmericawithhim?"Blandsaid:"Yes.Iwouldligkit.Thanks."
"Sureyou'lllikeit,"Monaghansaid."I'llmakeamanofyou.Drink."
TheGermanraisedtheglass,buthemerelyhelditinhishand.Hisfacewasstrained,
deprecatory,yetwithakindofsereneness,likethatofamanwhohasconqueredhimself.
Iimaginesomeoftheoldmartyrsmusthavelookedatthelionswiththatexpression.He
wassick,too.Notfromtheliquor:fromhishead."IhafinBeyreuthawifeandalittlewohn.Mine
son.Ihafnothimyetseen."
"Ah,"thesubadarsaid."Beyreuth.Iwasthereonespring."
"Ah,"theGermansaid.Helookedquicklyatthesubadar.
"So?Themusic?"
"Yes,"thesubadarsaid."Inyourmusicafewofyouhavefelt,tasted,lived,thetrue
brotherhood.Therestofuscanonlylookbeyondtheheart.Butwecanfollowthemforalittlewhile
inthemusic."
"Andthenwemustreturn,"theGermansaid."Thatissnotgood.Whymustweyetreturn
always?"
"Itisnotthetimeforthatyet,"thesubadarsaid."Butsoon...Itisnotasfarasitoncewas.
Notnow."
"Yes,"theGermansaid."Defeatwillbegoodforus.Defeatissgoodforart;victory,itiss
notgood."
"Soyouadmityouwerewhipped,"Comynsaid.Hewassweatingagain,andSartoris'
nostrilswerequitewhite,Ithoughtofwhatthesubadarhadsaidaboutmeninwater.
Onlyourwaterwasdrunkenness:thatisolationofalcoholismwhichdrivesmentoshout
andlaughandfight,notwithoneanotherbutwiththeirunbearableselveswhich,drunk,theyare
evenmorefainandstilllessfelltoescape.Loudandoverloud,unwittingtheblackthunderheadof
outragedFrance(steadilytheothertableswerebeingemptied;theothercustomerswerenow
clottedaboutthehighdeskwherethepatronne,anoldwomaninsteelspectacles,sat,awadof
knittingontheledgebeforeher)weshoutedatoneanother,speakinginforeigntonguesoutofour
inescapableisolations,reiterant,unlistenedtobyoneanother;whilesubmergedbyusandmore
foreignstill,theGermanandthesubadartalkedquietlyofmusic,art,thevictorybornofdefeat.And
outsideinthechillNovemberdarknesswasthesuspension,thenotquitebelieving,notquite
awakenednightmare,thebreathingspelloftheoldverbiagedlustsandthebuntingedand
panopliedgreeds.
"ByGod,I'mshantyIrish,"Monaghansaid."That'swhatIam."
"Whataboutit?"Sartorissaid,hisnostrilslikechalkagainsthishighcoloredface.Histwin
brotherhadbeenkilledinJuly.HewasinaCamelsquadronbelowus,andSartoriswasdown
therewhenithappened.Foraweekafterthat,assoonashecameinfrompatrolhewouldfillhis
tanksanddrumsandgooutagain,alone.Onedaysomebodysawhim,roostingaboutfive
thousandfeetaboveanoldAk.W.Isupposetheotherguywhowaswithhisbrotherthatmorning
hadseenthemarkingsontheHunpatrolleader'scrate;anyway,that'swhatSartoriswasdoing,
usingtheAk.W.forbait.Wherehegotitandwhohegottoflyit,wedidn'tknow.Buthegotthree
Hunsthatweek,catchingthemdeadwhentheydivedontheAk.W.,andontheeighthdayhe
didn'tgooutagain."Hemusthavegothim,"Humesaid.Butwedidn'tknow.Henevertoldus.But
afterthat,hewasallrightagain.Heneverdidtalkmuch;justdidhispatrolsandmaybeoncea
weekhe'dsitanddrinkhisnostrilswhiteinaquietsortofway.
Blandwasfillinghisglass,adropatatimealmost,withacatlikeindolence.Icouldseewhy
mendidn'tlikehimandwhywomendid.Comyn,hisarmscrossedonthetable,hiscuffinapoolof
spiltliquor,wasstaringattheGerman.
Hiseyeswerebloodshot,alittleprotuberant.Beneathhisdowncrushedmonkeycapthe
AmericanM.P.smokedhismeagercigarettes,hisfacequiteblank.Thesteelchainofhiswhistle
loopedintohisbreastpocket,hispistolwashunchedforwardontohislap.Beyond,theFrench
people,thesoldiers,thewaiter,thepatronne,clottedatthedesk.Icouldheartheirvoiceslikefrom
adistance,likecricketsinSeptembergrass,theshadowsoftheirhandsjerkingupthewalland
flickingaway.
"I'mnotasoldier,"Monaghansaid."I'mnotagentleman.I'mnotanything."Atthebaseof
eachflappingshoulderstraptherewasasmallrip;thereweretwolongeronesparallelabovehis
leftpocketwhereHiswingsandribbonhadbeen."Idon'tknowwhatIam.Ihavebeeninthisdamn
warforthreeyearsandallIknowis,I'mnotdead.I..."
"Howdoyouknowyou'renotdead?"Blandsaid.
MonaghanlookedatBland,hismouthopenuponhisuncompletedword.
"I'llkillyouforashilling,"Comynsaid."Idon'tlikeyourbloodyface,Lootenant.Bloody
lootenant."
"I'mshantyIrish,"Monaghansaid."That'swhatIam.MyfatherwasshantyIrish,byGod.
AndIdon'tknowwhatmygrandfatherwas.Idon'tknowifIhadone.Myfatherdon'tremember
one.Likelyitcouldhavebeenoneofseveral.Sohedidn'tevenhavetobeagentleman.Henever
hadtobe.That'swhyhecouldmakeamilliondollarsdiggingsewersintheground.Sohecould
lookupatthetallglitteringwindowsandsayI'veheardhim,andhimsmokingthepipewouldgas
thepukinggutsoutofyoudamn,niggling,puny..."
"Areyoubraggingaboutyourfather'smoneyorabouthissewers?"Blandsaid.
"...wouldlookupatthemandhe'dsaytome,he'dsay,'Whenyou'rewithyourfinefriends,
thefathersandmothersandsistersofthemyoumetatYale,yemightjustremindthemthatevery
manistheslaveofhisownrefuseandsoyourolddadtheywouldbesendingaroundtotheforty
storybackdoorsoftheirkitchensisthekingofthemall.'Whatdidyousay?"HelookedatBland.
"Lookhere,buddy,"theM.P.said."Thisisaboutenoughofthis.I'vegottoreportthis
prisoner."
"Wait,"Monaghansaid.HedidnotceasetolookatBland."Whatdidyousay?"
"Areyoubraggingaboutyourfather'smoneyorabouthissewers?"Blandsaid.
"No,"Monaghansaid."WhyshouldI?AnymorethanIwouldbragaboutthethirteenHunsI
got,orthetworibbons,oneofwhichhisdamnedking..."hejerkedhisheadatComyn"gaveme."
"Don'tcallhimmydamnedking,"Comynsaid,hiscuffsoakingslowlyinthespiltliquor.
"Look,"Monaghansaid.Hejerkedhishandattheripsonhisflappingshoulderstraps,at
thetwoparallelripsonhisbreast."That'swhatIthinkofit.Ofallyourgoddamntwaddleaboutglory
andgentlemen.Iwasyoung;Ithoughtyouhadtobe.ThenIwasinitandtherewasn'ttimetostop
evenwhenIfounditdidn'tcount.Butnowit'sover;finishednow.NowIcanbewhatIam.Shanty
Irish;sonofanimmigrantthatknewnaughtbutshovelandpickuntilyouthandthetimefor
pleasuringwasworeoutofhimbeforehistime.Outofapeatboghecame,andhissonwentto
theirgentlemen'sschoolandreturnedacrossthewatertoswankitwithanyofthemthatownedthe
peatbogsandthebittersweatofthemthatmiredit,andthekingsaidhimwell."
"IwillgiveyeztheshillingandIwillbeattheheadoffyez,"Comynsaid.
"Butwhydoyouwanttotakehimbackwithyou?"Blandsaid.Monaghanjustlookedat
Bland.TherewassomethingofthecrucifiedaboutMonaghan,too:furious,inarticulatenotwith
stupiditybutatit,likeintohimmorethananyofushaddistilledtheceaseddrumsoftheoldlust
andgreedwakingatlastaghastattheirownimpotenceandaccrueddespair.Blandsatonhis
spine,legsextended,hishandsinhisslacks,hishandsomefacecalmlyinsufferable."What
stringedpickwouldhebow?maybeashovelstrungwiththegutofanalleycat?hewillcreate
perhapsinmusictheflushedtoiletsofManhattantoplayforyourfatheraftersupperofan
evening?"MonaghanjustlookedatBlandwiththatwild,raptexpression.Blandturnedhislazyface
alittletotheGerman.
"Lookhere,"theM.P.said.
"Youhaveawife,HerrLeutnant?"Blandsaid.
TheGermanlookedup.Heglancedswiftlyfromfacetoface."Yes,thankyou,"hesaid.He
stillhadnottouchedhisfullglasssavetoholditinhishand.Buthewassnonearersoberthan
before,theliquorbecomethehurtingofhishead,hisheadthepulseandbeatofalcoholinhim.
"MypeopleareofPrussialittlebarons.Therearefourbrothers:thesecondfortheArmy,thethird
whodidnothinginBerlin,thelittleoneacadetofdragoons;I,theeldest,intheUniversity.ThereI
learned.Therewassatimethen.Itwassasthoughwe,youngfromthequietland,werebrought
together,chosenandworthytowitnessaperiodquicklikeawomanwithahighdestinyoftheearth
andofman.Itissasthoughtheoldtrash,theoldlitterofman'sblundering,isstobesweptaway
foranewracethatwillintheheroicsimplicityofoldentimewalkthenewearth.Youknewthattime,
not?Whentheeyesparkled,theblutranquick?"Helookedaboutatourfaces."No?Well,in
Americaperhapsnot.Americaissnew;inanewhouseitisnotthelittersomuchasinold."He
lookedathisglassforamoment,hisfacetranquil."Ireturnhome;Isaytomyfather,inthe
UniversityIhaflearneditissnotgood;baronIwillnotbe.Hecannotbelieve.HetalksofGermany,
thefatherland;Isaytohim,Itissthere;so.Yousayfatherland;I,brotherland,Isay,thewordfather
issthatbarbarismwhichwillbefirstsweptaway;itissthesymbolofthathierarchywhichhass
stainedthehistoryofmanwithinjusticeofarbitraryinsteadofmoral;forceinsteadoflove.
"FromBerlintheysendforthatone;fromtheArmythatonecomes.IstillsaybaronIwillnot
be,foritissnotgood.Weareinthelittlehallwheremyancestorsonthewallshang;Istandbefore
themlikecourtmartial;IsaythatFranzmustbebaron,forIwillnotbe.Myfathersaysyoucan;you
will;itissforGermany.ThenIsay,ForGermanythenwillmywifebebaroness?Andlikeacourt
martialItellthemIhafmarriedthedaughterofamusicianwhowasspeasant.
"Soitissthat.ThatoneofBerlinisstobebaron.HeandFranzaretwin,butFranziss
captainalready,andthemosthumbleoftheArmymayeatmeatwithourkaiser;hedoesnotneed
tobebaron.SoIaminBeyreuthwithmywifeandmymusic.ItissasthoughIamdead.Idonot
getletteruntiltosaymyfatherissdeadandIhafkilledhim,andthatoneissnowhomefromBerlin
tobebaron.Buthedoesnotstayathome.In1912heissinBerlinnewspaperdeadofalady's
husbandandsoFranzissbaronafterall.
"Thenitisswar.ButIaminBeyreuthwithmywifeandmymusic,becausewethinkthatit
willnotbelong,sinceitwassnotlongbefore.Thefatherlandinitsprideneededusoftheschools,
butwhenitneededusitdidnotknowit.Andwhenitdidrealizethatitneededusitwasstoolate
andanypeasantwhowouldbehardtodiewoulddo.Andso..."
"Whydidyougo,then?"Blandsaid."Didthewomenmakeyou?throweggsatyou,
maybe?"
 TheGermanlookedatBland."IamGerman;thatissbeyondtheI,theIam.Notforbaron
andkaiser."ThenhequitlookingatBlandwithoutmovinghiseyes."TherewassaGermanybefore
therewassbarons,"hesaid."Andafter,therewillbe."
"Evenafterthis?"
"Moreso.Thenitwasspride,awordinthemouth.Nowitisahowyoucallit?..."
"Anationvanquishesitsbanners,"thesubadarsaid."Amanconquershimself."
"Orawomanachildbears,"theGermansaid.
"Outofthelust,thetravail,"thesubadarsaid;"outofthetravail,theaffirmation,the
godhead;truth."
TheM.P.wasrollinganothercigarette.Hewatchedthesubadar,uponhisfacean
expressionsavage,restrained,andcold.Helickedthecigaretteandlookedatme.
"WhenIcametothisgoddamncountry,"hesaid,"Ithoughtniggerswereniggers.Butnow
I'llbedamnedifIknowwhattheyare.What'she?snakecharmer?"
"Yes,"Isaid."Snakecharmer."
"Thenhebettergethissnakeoutandbeatit.I'vegottoreportthisprisoner.Lookatthose
frogsyonder."AsIturnedandlookedthreeoftheFrenchmenwereleavingtheroom,insultand
outrageintheshapesoftheirbacks.TheGermanwastalkingagain.
"IhearbythenewspapershowFranzisscolonelandthengeneral,andhowthecadet,who
wassstilltheroundheadedboypartofagunalwayswhenIlastsawhim,issnowacewithiron
crossbythekaiser'sownhand.Thenitiss1916.Iseebythepaperhowthecadetisskilledbyyour
Bishop..."hebowedslightlytoComyn"thatgoodman.SonowIamcadetmyself.ItissasthoughI
know.ItissasthoughIseewhatisstobe.SoItransfertobeaviator,andyetthoughIknownow
thatFranzissgeneralofstaffandthoughtomyselfeachnightIsay,'Youhaveagainreturned,'I
knowthatitissnogood.
"That,untilourkaiserfled.ThenIlearnthatFranzissnowinBerlin;Ibelievethatthereiss
atruth,thatwehafnotforfeitedallinpride,becauseweknowitwillnotbemuchlongernow,and
FranzinBerlinsafe,thefightingawayfrom.
"Thenitissthismorning.Thencomestheletterinmymother'shandthatIhafnotseenin
sevenyears,addressedtomeasbaron.FranzissshotfromhishorsebyGermansoldierinBerlin
street.Itissasthoughallhadbeenforgotten,becausewomencanforgetallthatquick,sinceto
themnothingissrealtruth,justice,allnothingthatcannotbeheldinthehandsorcannotdie.SoI
burnallmypapers,thepictureofmywifeandmysonthatIhafnotyetseen,destroymyidentity
diskandremoveallinsigniafrommytunic..."hegesturedtowardhiscollar.
"Youmean,"Blandsaid,"thatyouhadnointentionofcomingback?Whydidn'tyoutakea
pistoltoyourselfandsaveyourgovernmentanaeroplane?"
"Suicideissjustforthebody,"theGermansaid."Thebodysettlesnothing.Itissofno
importance.Itissjusttobekeptcleanwhenpossible."
"Itismerelyaroomintheinn,"thesubadarsaid."Itisjustwherewehideforalittlewhile."
"Thelavatory,"Blandsaid;"thetoilet."
TheM.P.rose.HetappedtheGermanontheshoulder.
ComynwasstaringattheGerman.
"Soyouadmityouwerewhipped,"hesaid.
"Yes,"theGermansaid."Itwassourtimefirst,becausewewerethesickest.Itwillbeyour
England'snext.Thenshetoowillbewell."
"Don'tsaymyEngland,"Comynsaid."IamoftheIrishnation."HeturnedtoMonaghan.
"Yousaid,mydamnedking.Don'tsaymydamnedking.IrelandhashadnokingsincetheUrNeill,
Godblesstheredhairedsternofhim."
Rigid,controlled,theGermanmadeafaintgesture."Yousee?"hesaidtonooneatall.
"Thevictoriouslosethatwhichthevanquishedgain,"thesubadarsaid.
 "Andwhatwillyoudonow?"Blandsaid.
TheGermandidnotanswer.Hesatboltuprightwithhissickfaceandhisimmaculate
bandage.
"Whatwillyoudo?"thesubadarsaidtoBland."Whatwillanyofusdo?Allthisgeneration
whichfoughtinthewararedeadtonight.Butwedonotyetknowit."
Welookedatthesubadar:Comynwithhisbloodshotpig'seyes,Sartoriswithhiswhite
nostrils,Blandslumpedinhischair,indolent,insufferable,withhisairofaspoiledwoman.Above
theGermantheM.P.stood.
"Itseemstoworryyouahellofalot,"Blandsaid.
"Youdonotbelieve?"thesubadarsaid."Wait.Youwillsee."
"Wait?"Blandsaid."Idon'tthinkI'vedoneanythinginthelastthreeyearstohaveacquired
thathabit.Inthelasttwentysixyears.BeforethatIdon'tremember.Imayhave."
"Thenyouwillseesoonerthanwaiting,"thesubadarsaid."Youwillsee."Helookedabout
atus,gravelyserene."Thosewhohavebeenfouryearsrottingoutyonder..."hewavedhisshort
thickarm"arenotmoredeadthanwe."
AgaintheM.P.touchedtheGerman'sshoulder."Hell,"hesaid."Comealong,buddy."
ThenheturnedhisheadandwealllookedupatthetwoFrenchmen,anofficerandasergeant,
standingbesidethetable.Forawhilewejustremainedso.Itwaslikeallthelittlebugshad
suddenlyfoundthattheirorbitshadcoincidedandtheywouldn'tevenhavetobeaimlessanymore
oreventokeeponmoving.BeneaththealcoholIcouldfeelthathard,hotballbeginninginmy
stomach,likeincombat,likewhenyouknowsomethingisabouttohappen;thatinstantwhenyou
thinkNow.NowIcandumpeverythingoverboardandjustbe.Now.Now.
Itisquitepleasant.
"Whyisthathere,monsieur?"theofficersaid.Monaghanlookedupathim,thrustbackward
andsidewaysinhischair,poisedontheballsofhisthighsasthoughtheywerefeet,hisarmlying
uponthetable."WhydoyoumakedesagreableforFrance,monsieur,eh?"theofficersaid.
SomeonegraspedMonaghanasherose;itwastheM.P.behindhim,holdinghimhalf
risen."Waaaidaminute,"theM.P.said;"waaaidaminute."Thecigarettebobbedonhislower
lipashetalked,hishandsonMonaghan'sshoulders,thebrassardonhisarmliftedintoboldrelief.
"What'sittoyou,Frog?"hesaid.BehindtheofficerandthesergeanttheotherFrenchpeople
stood,andtheoldwoman.Shewastryingtopushthroughthecircle."Thisismyprisoner,"theM.
P.said."I'lltakehimanywhereIpleaseandkeephimthereaslongasIlike.Whatdoyouthink
aboutthat?"
"Bywhichauthority,monsieur?"theofficersaid.Hewastall,withagaunt,tragicface.Isaw
thenthatoneofhiseyeswasglass.Itwasmotionless,rigidinafacethatlookedevendeaderthan
thespuriouseye.
TheM.P.glancedtowardhisbrassard,theninsteadhelookedattheofficeragainand
tappedthepistolswinginglownowagainsthisflank."I'lltakehimalloveryourgoddamnlousy
country.I'lltakehimintoyourgoddamnsenateandkickyourpresidentupforachairforhimand
youcansuckyourchinuntilIcomebacktowipethelatrineoffyourfeetagain."
"Ah,"theofficersaid,"adevildog,Isee."Hesaid"dehvildahg"betweenhisteeth,withno
motionofhisdeadface,initselfinsult.BehindhimthepatronnebegantoshriekinFrench:"Boche!
Boche!Broken!Broken!Everycup,everysaucer,glass,plateall,all!Iwillshowyou!Ihavekept
themforthisday.EightmonthssincetheobusIhavekepttheminaboxagainstthisday:plates,
cups,saucers,glasses,allthatIhavehadsincethirtyyears,allgone,brokenatonetime!Andit
costingmefiftycentimestheglassforsuchthatIshamemyselftohavemypatrons"
Thereisanunbearablepoint,aclimax,inweariness.Evenalcoholcannotapproachit.
Mobsaremotivatedbyit,byasheerattenuationofsamenessbecomeunbearable.AsMonaghan
rose,theM.P.flunghimback.Thenitwasasthoughweallflungeverythingoverboardatonce,
facingunbashedandwithoutshamethespecterwhichforfouryearswehadbeendeckingoutin
highwords,leapingforwardwithconcertedandorderlypromptitudeeachtimethebuntingslipped.I
sawtheM.P.springattheofficer,thenComynroseandmethim.IsawtheM.P.hitCormynthree
timesonthepointofthejawwithhisfistbeforeComynpickedhimupbodilyandthrewhimclean
overthecrowd,wherehevanished,horizontalinmidair,tuggingathispistol.
IsawthreepoilusonMonaghan'sbackandtheofficertryingtohithimwithabottle,and
Sartorisleapingupontheofficerfrombehind.Comynwasgone;throughthegapwhichhehad
madethepatronneemerged,shrieking.Twomencaughtatherandshestroveforward,tryingto
spitontheGerman."Boche!Boche!"sheshrieked,spittingandslobbering,hergrayhairbroken
looseaboutherface;sheturnedandspatfullatme."Thou,too!"sheshrieked,"itwasnotEngland
thatwasdevastated!Thou,too,cometopickthebonesofFrance.Jackal!Vulture!Animal!Broken,
broken!All!All!All!"Andbeneathitall,unmoved,unmoving,alert,watchfulandcontained,the
Germanandthesubadarsat,theGermanwithhishigh,sickface,thesubadartranquilasasquat
idol,thebothofthemturbanedlikeprophetsintheOldTestament.
Itdidn'ttakelong.Therewasnotimeinit.Orrather,wewereoutsideoftime;within,noton,
thatsurface,thatdemarcationbetweentheoldwhereweknewwehadnotdiedandthenewwhere
thesubadarsaidthatweweredead.
Beyondthebrandishedbottles,thebluesleevesandthegrimedhands,thefaceslike
masksgrimacedintorigidandsoundlessshoutstofrightenchildren,IsawComynagain.
Hecameplowinguplikealadenshipinachopsea;beneathhisarmwastheancient
waiter,tohislipsheheldtheM.P.'swhistle.ThenSartorisswungachairatthesinglelight.
Itwascoldinthestreet,acoldthatpenetratedtheclothing,thealcoholdistendedpores,
andmurmuredtotheskeletonitself.Theplazawasempty,thelightsinfrequentandremote.So
quietitwasthatIcouldhearthefaintwaterinthefountain.Fromsomedistanceawaycamesound,
remotetoounderthethicklowskyshouting,farheard,onathinfemalenotelikeallshouting,even
amobofmen,brokennowandthenbythesoundofaband.IntheshadowofthewallMonaghan
andComynheldtheGermanonhisfeet.Hewasunconscious;thethreeoftheminvisiblesavefor
thefaintblurofthebandage,inaudiblesaveforthesteadymonotoneofMonaghan'scursing.
"ThereshouldneverhavebeenanalliancebetweenFrenchmenandEnglishmen,"the
subadarsaid.Hespokewithouteffort;invisible,hiseffortlessvoicehadanorganquality,outofall
proportiontohissize."Differentnationsshouldneverjoinforcestofightforthesameobject.Let
eachfightforsomethingdifferent;endsthatdonotconflict,eachinhisownway."Sartorispassed
us,returningfromthefountain,carryinghisbulgingcapcarefullybeforehim,bottomup.Wecould
hearthewaterdrippingfromitbetweenhisfootsteps.Hebecameoneoftheblobofthickershadow
wherethebandagegleamedandwhereMonaghancursedsteadilyandquietly."Andeachafterhis
owntradition,"thesubadarsaid."Mypeople.TheEnglishgavethemrifles.Theylookedatthem
andcametome:'Thisspearistooshortandtooheavy:howcanamanslayaswiftenemywitha
spearofthissizeandweight?'Theygavethemtunicswithbuttonstobekeptbuttoned;Ihave
passedawholetrenchofthemsquatting,motionless,buriedtotheearsinblankets,straw,empty
sandbags,theirfacesgraywithcold;Ihaveliftedtheblanketsawayfrompatienttorsoscladonlyin
ashirt.
"TheEnglishofficerswouldsaytothem,'Gothereanddothus';theywouldnotstir.Then
onedayatfullnoonthewholebattalion,catchingmovementbeyondacrater,sprangfromthe
trench,carryingmeandanofficerwithit.Wecarriedthetrenchwithoutfiringashot;whatwasleft
ofustheofficer,I,andseventeenotherslivedthreedaysinatraverseoftheenemy'sfrontline;it
requiredawholebrigadetoextricateus.'Whydidn'tyoushoot?'theofficersaid.'Youletthempick
youofflikedrivenpheasant.'Theydidnotlookathim.Likechildrentheystood,murmurous,alert,
withoutshame.Isaidtotheheadman,'Weretheriflesloaded,ODas?'Likechildrentheystood,
diffident,withoutshame.'OSonofmanykings,'Dassaid.'Speakthetruthofthyknowingtothe
sahib,'Isaid.'Theywerenotloaded,sahib,'Dassaid."
Againthebandcame,remote,thuddinginthethickair.
TheyweregivingtheGermandrinkfromabottle.Monaghansaid:"Now.Feelbetternow?"
"Itissminehead,"theGermansaid.Theyspokequietly,liketheywerediscussingwall
paper.
Monaghancursedagain."I'mgoingback.ByGod,I..."
"No,no,"theGermansaid."Iwillnotpermit.Youhafalreadyobligated."
Westoodintheshadowbeneaththewallanddrank.Wehadonebottleleft.Comyn
crashedit,empty,againstthewall.
"Nowwhat?"Blandsaid.
"Girls,"Comynsaid."WouldyewatchComynoftheIrishnationamongtheyellowhairof
themlikeadogamongthewheat?"
Westoodthere,hearingthefarband,thefarshouting.
"Yousureyoufeelallright?"Monaghansaid.
"Thanks,"theGermansaid."Ifeelgoot."
"Comeon,then,"Comynsaid.
"Yougoingtotakehimwithyou?"Blandsaid.
"Yes,"Monaghansaid."Whatofit?"
"WhynottakehimontotheA.P.M.?He'ssick."
"Doyouwantmetobashyourbloodyfacein?"Monaghansaid.
"Allright,"Blandsaid.
"Comeon,"Comynsaid."Whatfoolwouldratherfightthanfush?Allmenarebrothers,and
alltheirwivesaresisters.Socomealong,yezmidnightfusileers."
"Lookhere,"BlandsaidtotheGerman,"doyouwanttogowiththem?"Withhisbandaged
head,heandthesubadaralonewerevisible,liketwoinjuredmenamongfivespirits.
"Holdhimupaminute,"MonaghantoldComyn.MonaghanapproachedBland.Hecursed
Bland."Ilikefighting,"hesaid,inthatsamemonotone."Ievenlikebeingwhipped."
"Wait,"theGermansaid."AgainIwillnotpermit."Monaghanhalted,heandBlandnota
footapart."IhafwifeandsoninBeyreuth,"theGermansaid.Hewasspeakingtome,Hegaveme
theaddress,twice,carefully.
"I'llwritetoher,"Isaid."WhatshallItellher?"
"Tellheritissnothing.Youwillknow."
"Yes.I'lltellheryouareallright."
"Tellherthislifeissnothing."
ComynandMonaghantookhisarmsagain,oneoneitherside.Theyturnedandwenton,
almostcarryinghim.Comynlookedbackonce."Peacebewithyou,"hesaid.
"Andwithyou,peace,"thesubadarsaid.Theywenton.
Wewatchedthemcomeintosilhouetteinthemouthofanalleywherealightwas.There
wasanarchthere,andthefaintcoldpalelightonthearchandonthewallssothatitwaslikea
gateandtheyenteringthegate,holdingtheGermanupbetweenthem.
"Whatwilltheydowithhim?"Blandsaid."Prophiminthecornerandturnthelightoff?Or
doFrenchbrothelshavehebedstoo?"
"Whothehell'sbusinessisthat?"Isaid.
Thesoundofthebandcame,thudding;itwascold.Eachtimemyfleshjerkedwithalcohol
andcoldIbelievedthatIcouldhearitrasponthebones.
"SincesevenyearsnowIhavebeeninthisclimate,"thesubadarsaid."ButstillIdonotlike
thecold."Hisvoicewasdeep,quiet,likehemightbesixfeettall.Itwaslikewhentheymadehim
theysaidamongthemselves,"We'llgivehimsomethingtocarryhismessagearoundwith."
 "Why?Who'lllistentohismessage?"
"Hewill.Sowe'llgivehimsomethingtohearitwith."
"Whydon'tyougobacktoIndiathen?"Blandsaid.
"Ah,"thesubadarsaid."Iamlikehim;Itoowillnotbebaron."
"Soyouclearoutandletforeignerswhowilltreatthepeoplelikeoxenorrabbitscomein
andtakeit."
"ByremovingmyselfIundidinonedaywhatittooktwothousandyearstodo.Isnotthat
something?"
Weshookwiththecold.Nowthecoldwastheband,theshouting,murmuringwithcold
handstotheskeleton,nottheears.
"Well,"Blandsaid,"IsupposetheEnglishgovernmentisdoingmoretofreeyourpeople
thanyoucould."
ThesubadartouchedBlandonthechest,lightly."Youarewise,myfriend.LetEnglandbe
gladthatallEnglishmenarenotsowise."
"Soyouwillbeanexilefortherestofyourdays,eh?"
Thesubadarjerkedhisshort,thickarmtowardtheemptyarchwhereComynandthe
GermanandMonaghanhaddisappeared."Didyounothearwhathesaid?Thislifeisnothing."
"Youcanthinkso,"Blandsaid."But,byGod,I'dhatetothinkthatwhatIsavedoutofthe
lastthreeyearsisnothing."
"Yousavedadeadman,"thesubadarsaidserenely."Youwillsee."
"Isavedmydestiny,"Blandsaid."Younornobodyelseknowswhatthatwillbe."
"Whatisyourdestinyexcepttobedead?Itisunfortunatethatyourgenerationhadtobe
theone.Itisunfortunatethatforthebetterpartofyourdaysyouwillwalktheearthaspirit.Butthat
wasyourdestiny."Fromfarawaycametheshouting,onthatsustainednote,feminineandchildlike
allatonce,andthenthebandagain,brassy,thudding,likethevoices,forlornlygay,hysteric,but
mostofallforlorn.Thearchinthecoldglowofthelightyawnedempty,profound,silent,likethe
gatetoanothercity,anotherworld.SuddenlySartorisleftus.Hewalkedsteadilytothewalland
leanedagainstitonhisproppedarms,vomiting.
"Hell,"Blandsaid."Iwantadrink."Heturnedtome.
"Where'syourbottle?"
"It'sgone."
"Gonewhere?Youhadtwo."
"Ihaven'tgotonenow,though.Drinkwater."
"Water?"hesaid."Whothehelldrinkswater?"
Thenthehothardballcameintomystomachagain,pleasant,unbearable,real;againthat
instantwhenyousayNow.NowIcandumpeverything."Youwill,yougoddamnson,"Isaid.
Blandwasnotlookingatme."Twice,"hesaidinaquiet,detachedtone."Twiceinanhour.
How'sthatforhigh?"
Heturnedandwenttowardthefountain.Sartoriscameback,walkingsteadilyerect.The
bandblentwiththecoldalongthebones.
"Whattimeisit?"Isaid.
Sartorispeeredathiswrist."Twelfth."
"It'slaterthanmidnight,"Isaid."Itmustbe."
"Isaiditwasthetwelfth,"Sartorissaid.
Blandwasstoopingatthefountain.Therewasalittlelightthere.Aswereachedhimhe
stoodup,moppingathisface.
ThelightwasonhisfaceandIthoughtforsometimethathemusthavehadhiswhole
headundertobemoppingthathighuphisfacebeforeIsawthathewascrying.Hestoodthere,
moppingathisface,cryinghardbutquiet.
 "Mypoorlittlewife,"hesaid."Mypoorlittlewife."

Victory

THOSEWHOSAWHIMdescendfromtheMarseillesexpressintheGaredeLyononthatdamp
morningsawatallman,alittlestiff,withabronzefaceandspikeendedmoustachesandalmost
whitehair."Amilord,"theysaid,remarkinghissober,correctsuit,hiscorrectstickcorrectlycarried,
hissparsebaggage;"amilordmilitary.Butthereissomethingthematterwithhiseyes."Butthere
wassomethingthematterwiththeeyesofsomanypeople,menandwomentoo,inEuropesince
fouryearsnow.Sotheywatchedhimgoon,ahalfheadabovetheFrenchpeople,withhisgaunt,
strainedeyes,hisairstrained,purposeful,andatthesametimeassured,andvanishintoacab,
thinking,iftheythoughtabouthimanymoreatall:"YouwillseehimintheLegationofficesorata
tableontheBoulevards,orinacarriagewiththefineEnglishladiesintheBois."Thatwasall.
AndthosewhosawhimdescendfromthesamecabattheGareduNord,theythought:
"Thismilordreturnshomebyhaste";theporterwhotookhisbagwishedhimgoodmorninginfair
EnglishandtoldhimthathewasgoingtoEngland,receivingforreplytheEnglishglarewhichthe
porterperhapsexpected,andputhimintoafirstclasscarriageoftheboattrain.Andthatwasall,
too.Thatwasallright,too,evenwhenhegotdownatAmiens.Englishmilordsevendidthat.Itwas
onlyatRozieresthattheybegantolookathimandafterhimwhenhehadpassed.
Inahiredcarhejouncedthroughaguttedstreetbetweenguttedwallsrisingundooredand
unwindowedinjaggedshardsinthedusk.Thestreetwaspartiallyblockednowandthenby
toppledwalls,withmassesofmasonryinthecracksofwhichathingrasssprouted,passingempty
andruinedcourtyards,inoneofwhichatank,muteandtilted,rustedamongrankweeds.Thiswas
Rozieres,buthedidn'tstoptherebecausenoonelivedthereandtherewasnoplacetostop.
Sothecarjouncedandcreptonoutoftheruin.Themuddyandunpavedstreetentereda
villageofharshnewbrickandsheetironandtarredpaperroofsmadeinAmerica,andhalted
beforethetallesthouse.Itwasflushwiththestreet:abrickwallwithadoorandonewindowof
AmericanglassbearingthewordRESTAURANT."Hereyouare,sir,"thedriversaid.
Thepassengerdescended,withhisbag,hisulster,hiscorrectstick.Heenteredabiggish,
bareroomchillwithnewplaster.Itcontainedabilliardtableatwhichthreemenplayed.Oneofthe
menlookedoverhisshoulderandsaid,"Bonjour,monsieur."
Thenewcomerdidnotreplyatall.Hecrossedtheroom,passingthenewzincbar,and
approachedanopendoorbeyondwhichawomanofanyagearoundfortylookedathimabovethe
sewingonherlap.
"Bongjour,madame,"hesaid."Dormie,madame?"
Thewomangavehimasingleglance,brief,still."C'estga,monsieur,"shesaid,rising.
"Dormie,madame?"hesaid,raisinghisvoicealittle,hisspikedmoustachebeadedalittle
withrain,dampnessbeneathhisstrainedyetassuredeyes."Dormie,madame?"
"Bon,monsieur,"thewomansaid."Bon.Bon."
"Dor..."thenewcomeressayedagain.Someonetouchedhisarm.Itwasthemanwhohad
spokenfromthebilliardtablewhenheentered.
"Regardez,Monsieurl'Anglais,"themansaid.Hetookthebagfromthenewcomerand
swepthisotherarmtowardtheceiling."Lachambre."Hetouchedthetraveleragain;helaidhis
faceuponhispalmandclosedhiseyes;hegesturedagaintowardtheceilingandwentonacross
theroomtowardawoodenstairwithoutbalustrade.Ashepassedthebarhetookacandlestub
fromitandlitthecandle(thebigroomandtheroombeyondthedoorwherethewomansatwere
lightedbysinglebulbshangingnakedoncordsfromtheceiling)atthefootofthestair.
 Theymounted,thrustingtheirfitfulshadowsbeforethem,intoacorridornarrow,chill,and
dampasatomb.Thewallswereofroughplasternotyetdried.Thefloorwasofpine,without
carpetorpaint.Cheapmetaldoorknobsglintedsymmetrically.Thesluggishairlaylikeahandupon
theverycandle.Theyenteredaroom,smellingtooofwetplaster,andevencolderthanthe
corridor;asluggishchillalmostsubstantial,asthoughtheatmospherebetweenthedeadand
recentwallswerecongealing,likeapatentthreeminutedessert.Theroomcontainedabed,a
dresser,achair,awashstand;thebowl,pitcher,andslopbasinwereofAmericanenamel.When
thetravelertouchedthebedthelinenwassoundlessunderhishand,coarseassacking,clinging
damplytothehandinthedeadairinwhichtheirtwobreathingsvaporizedinthefaintcandle.
Thehostsetthecandleonthedresser."Diner,monsieur?"hesaid.Thetravelerstared
downatthehost,incongruousinhiscorrectclothes,withthatstrainedair.Hiswaxedmoustaches
gleamedlikefaintbayonetsaboveacravatstripewithwhatthehostcouldnothaveknownwasthe
patternedcoloringofaScottishregiment."Manger?"thehostshouted.
Hechewedviolentlyinpantomime."Manger?"heroared,hisshadowapinghisgestureas
hepointedtowardthefloor.
"Yes,"thetravelershoutedinreply,theirfacesnotayardapart."Yes.Yes."
Thehostnoddedviolently,pointedtowardthefloorandthenatthedoor,noddedagain,
wentout.
Hereturnedbelowstairs.Hefoundthewomannowinthekitchen,atthestove."Hewill
eat,"thehostsaid.
"Iknewthat,"thewomansaid.
"Youwouldthinkthattheywouldstayathome,"thehostsaid."I'mgladIwasnotbornofa
racedoomedtoaplacetoosmalltoholdallofusatonetime."
"Perhapshehascometolookatthewar,"thewomansaid.
"Ofcoursehehas,"thehostsaid."Butheshouldhavecomefouryearsago.Thatwas
whenweneededEnglishmentolookatthewar."
"Hewastoooldtocomethen,"thewomansaid."Didn'tyouseehishair?"
"Thenlethimstayathomenow,"thehostsaid."Heisnoyounger."
"Hemayhavecometolookatthegraveofhisson,"thewomansaid.
"Him?"thehostsaid."Thatone?Heistoocoldtoeverhavehadason."
"Perhapsyouareright,"thewomansaid."Afterall,thatishisaffair.Itisouraffaironlythat
hehasmoney."
"That'sright,"thehostsaid."Amaninthisbusiness,hecannotpickandchoose."
"Hecanpick,though,"thewomansaid.
"Good!"thehostsaid."Verygood!Pick!ThatisworthtellingtotheEnglishhimself."
"Whynotlethimfinditoutwhenheleaves?"
"Good!"thehostsaid."Betterstill.Good!Oh,good!"
"Attention,"thewomansaid."Herehecomes."
Theylistenedtothetraveler'ssteadytramp,thenheappearedinthedoor.Againstthe
lesserlightofthebiggerroom,hisdarkfaceandhiswhitehairlookedlikeakodaknegative.
Thetablewassetfortwo,acarafeofredwineateachplace.Asthetravellerseated
himself,theotherguestenteredandtooktheotherplace:asmall,ratfacedmanwhoappearedat
firstglancetohavenoeyelashesatall.Hetuckedhisnapkinintothetopofhisvestandtookupthe
soupladle(thetureensatbetweentheminthecenterofthetable)andofferedittotheother.
"FaitesmoiThonneur,monsieur,"hesaid.Theotherbowedstiffly,acceptingtheladle.Thesmall
manliftedthecoverfromthetureen."Vousvenezexaminercescenedenosvictoires,monsieur?"
hesaid,helpinghimselfinturn.Theotherlookedathim."Monsieurl'Anglaisapeutetrebeaucoup
desamisquisonttombesenvoisinage."
"IspeaknoFrench,"theothersaid,eating.
 Thelittlemandidnoteat.Heheldhisyetunwettedspoonabovehisbowl."Whatagreeable
forme.IspeaktheEngleesh.IamSuisse,me.Ispeakalllangue."Theotherdidnotreply.Heate
steadily,notfast."Youavereturntoseethegraveofyourgalantcountreemans,eh?Youaveson
here,perhaps,eh?"
"No,"theothersaid.Hedidnotceasetoeat.
"No?"Theotherfinishedhissoupandsetthebowlaside.
Hedranksomewine."Whatdeplorable,thatmanwhoave,"theSwisssaid."Butitisfinish
now.Not?"Againtheothersaidnothing.HewasnotlookingattheSwiss.Hedidnotseemtobe
lookingatanything,withhisgaunteyes,hisrigidmoustachesuponhisrigidface."Me,Isuffertoo.
Allsuffer.ButItellmyself,Whatwouldyou?Itiswar."
Stilltheotherdidnotanswer.Heatesteadily,deliberately,andfinishedhismealandrose
andlefttheroom.Helithiscandleatthebar,wherethehost,leaningbesideasecondmanina
corduroycoat,liftedaglassslightlytohim."Aubondormir,monsieur,"thehostsaid.
Thetravelerlookedatthehost,hisfacegauntinthecandle,hiswaxedmoustachesrigid,
hiseyesinshadow.
"What?"hesaid."Yes.Yes."Heturnedandwenttowardthestairs.Thetwomenatthebar
watchedhim,hisstiff,deliberateback.
EversincethetrainleftArras,thetwowomenhadbeenwatchingtheotheroccupantofthe
carriage.Itwasathirdclasscarriagebecausenofirstclasstrainsranonthisline,andtheysatwith
theirshawledheadsandthethick,stillhandsofpeasantsfoldeduponclosedbasketsontheirlaps,
watchingthemansittingoppositethemthewhitedistinctionofthehairagainstthebronze,gaunt
face,theneedlesofthemoustaches,theforeignmadesuitandthestickonawornandgreasy
woodenseat,lookingoutthewindow.Atfirsttheyhadjustlooked,readytoaverttheirgaze,butas
themandidnotseemtobeawareofthem,theybegantowhisperquietlytooneanotherbehind
theirhands.Butthemandidnotseemtonoticethis,sotheysoonweretalkinginundertone,
watchingwithbright,alert,curiouseyesthestiff,incongruousfigureleaningalittleforwardonthe
stick,lookingoutafoulwindowbeyondwhichtherewasnothingtoseesaveanoccasional
shatteredroadandmanhighstumpofshatteredtreebreakingsmallpatchesoftilledlandwhorled
withapparentunreasonaboutislandsofearthindicatedbylowsignboardspaintedred,theislands
inscrutable,desolateabovethedestructionwhichtheywombed.Thenthetrain,slowing,ran
suddenlyamongtumbledbrick,outofwhichroseasmallhouseofcorrugatedironbearinganame
inbigletters;theywatchedthemanleanforward.
"See!"oneofthewomensaid."Hismouth.Heisreadingthename.WhatdidItellyou?Itis
asIsaid.Hissonfellhere."
"Thenhehadlotsofsons,"theotherwomansaid."Hehasreadthenameeachtimesince
weleftArras.Eh!Eh!Himason?Thatcold?"
"Theydogetchildren,though."
"Thatiswhytheydrinkwhisky.Otherwise..."
"That'sso.Theythinkofnothingsavemoneyandeating,theEnglish."
Presentlytheygotout;thetrainwenton.Thenothersenteredthecarriage,otherpeasants
withmuddyboots,carryingbasketsorliveordeadbeasts;theyinturnwatchedtherigid,
motionlessfigureleaningatthewindowwhilethetrainranacrosstheruinedlandandpastthebrick
orironstationsamongthetumbledruins,watchinghislipsmoveashereadthenames."Lethim
lookatthewar,aboutwhichhehasapparentlyheardatlast,"theytoldoneanother."Thenhecan
gohome.Itwasnotinhisbarnyardthatitwasfought."
"Norinhishouse,"awomansaid.

II
THEBATTALIONstandsateaseintherain.Ithasbeeninrestbilletstwodays,equipmenthas
beenreplacedandcleaned,vacancieshavebeenfilledandtheranksclosedup,anditnowstands
ateasewiththestupiddocilityofsheepintheceaselessrain,facingthestreamingshapeofthe
sergeantmajor.
Presentlythecolonelemergesfromadooracrossthesquare.Hestandsinthedoora
moment,fasteninghistrenchcoat,then,followedbytwoA.D.C's,hestepsgingerlyintothemud
inpolishedbootsandapproaches.
"Paraaade'Shun!"thesergeantmajorshouts.Thebattalionclashes,asinglemuffled,
sullensound.Thesergeantmajorturns,takesapacetowardtheofficers,andsalutes,hisstick
beneathhisarmpit.Thecoloneljerkshissticktowardhiscappeak.
"Standatease,men,"hesays.Againthebattalionclashes,asinglesluggish,trickling
sound.Theofficersapproachtheguidefileofthefirstplatoon,thesergeantmajorfallinginbehind
thelastofficer.Thesergeantofthefirstplatoontakesapaceforwardandsalutes.Thecolonel
doesnotrespondatall.Thesergeantfallsinbehindthesergeantmajor,andthefiveofthempass
downthecompanyfront,staringinturnateachrigid,forwardstaringfaceastheypassit.First
Company.
Thesergeantsalutesthecolonel'sbackandreturnstohisoriginalpositionandcomesto
attention.Thesergeantofthesecondcompanyhassteppedforward,saluted,isignored,andfalls
inbehindthesergeantmajor,andtheypassdownthesecondcompanyfront.Thecolonel'strench
coatsheatheswaterontohispolishedboots.Mudfromtheearthcreepsuphisbootsandmeets
thewaterandischannelledbythewaterasthemudcreepsupthepolishedbootsagain.
ThirdCompany.Thecolonelstopsbeforeasoldier,histrenchcoathunchedabouthis
shoulderswheretheraintricklesfromthebackofhiscap,sothathelookssomehowlikeacholeric
andoutragedbird.Theothertwoofficers,thesergeantmajorandthesergeanthaltinturn,andthe
fiveofthemglareatthefivesoldierswhomtheyarefacing.Thefivesoldiersstarerigidand
unwinkingstraightbeforethem,theirfaceslikewoodenfaces,theireyeslikewoodeneyes.
"Sergeant,"thecolonelsaysinhispettishvoice,"hasthismanshavedtoday?"
"Sir!"thesergeantsaysinaringingvoice;thesergeantmajorsays:"Didthismanshave
today,Sergeant?"andallfiveofthemglarenowatthesoldier,whoserigidgazeseemstopass
throughandbeyondthem,asiftheywerenotthere."Takeapaceforwardwhenyouspeakin
ranks!"thesergeantmajorsays.
Thesoldier,whohasnotspoken,stepsoutofranks,splashingajetofmudyethigherup
thecolonel'sboots.
"Whatisyourname?"thecolonelsays.
"024I86.Gray,"thesoldierrapsoutglibly.Thecompany,thebattalion,staresstraight
ahead.
"Sir!"thesergeantmajorthunders.
"Sirr,"thesoldiersays.
"Didyoushavethismorning?"thecolonelsays.
"Nae,sirr."
"Whynot?"
"Adinnashave,sirr."
"Youdon'tshave?"
"Aamnaeauldenoughtaeshave."
"Sir!"thesergeantmajorthunders.
"Sirr,"thesoldiersays.
"Youarenot..."Thecolonel'svoicediessomewherebehindhischolericglare,thetrickling
waterfromhiscappeak."Takehisname,Sergeantmajor,"hesays,passingon.
 Thebattalionstaresrigidlyahead.Presentlyitseesthecolonel,thetwoofficersandthe
sergeantmajorreappearinsinglefile.Attheproperplacethesergeantmajorhaltsandsalutesthe
colonel'sback.Thecoloneljerkshisstickhandagainandgoeson,followedbythetwoofficers,at
atrottowardthedoorfromwhichhehademerged.
Thesergeantmajorfacesthebattalionagain."Paraaade!"heshouts.Anindistinguishable
movementpassesfromranktorank,anindistinguishableprecursorofthatdampandsullenclash
whichdiesborning.Thesergeantmajor'sstickhascomedownfromhisarmpit;henowleansonit,
asofficersdo.Foratimehiseyerovesalongthebattalionfront.
"SergeantCunninghame!"hesaysatlast.
"Sir!"
"Didyoutakethatman'sname?"
Thereissilenceforamomentalittlemorethanashortmoment,alittlelessthanalong
one.Thenthesergeantsays:"Whatman,sir?"
"You,soldier!"thesergeantmajorsays.
Thebattalionstandsrigid.Therainlancesquietlyintothemudbetweenitandthesergeant
majorasthoughitweretoospenttoeitherhurryorcease.
"Yousoldierthatdon'tshave!"thesergeantmajorsays.
"Gray,sir!"thesergeantsays.
"Gray.Doubleout'ere."
ThemanGrayappearswithouthasteandtrampsstolidlybeforethebattalion,hiskiltsdark
anddampandheavyasawethorseblanket.Hehalts,facingthesergeantmajor.
"Whydidn'tyoushavethismorning?"thesergeantmajorsays.
"Aamnaeauldenoughtaeshave,"Graysays.
"Sir!"thesergeantmajorsays.
Graystaresrigidlybeyondthesergeantmajor'sshoulder.
"Saysirwhenaddressingafirstclasswarrantofficer!"thesergeantmajorsays.Gray
staresdoggedlypasthisshoulder,hisfacebeneathhisvizorlessbonnetasobliviousofthecold
lancesofrainasthoughitweregranite.Thesergeantmajorraiseshisvoice:"Sergeant
Cunninghame!"
"Sir!"
"Takethisman'snameforinsubordinationalso."
"Verygood,sir!"
ThesergeantmajorlooksatGrayagain."AndI'llseethatyougetthepenalbattalion,my
man.Fallin!"
Grayturnswithouthasteandreturnstohisplaceinranks,thesergeantmajorwatching
him.Thesergeantmajorraiseshisvoiceagain:"SergeantCunninghame!"
"Sir!"
"Youdidnottakethatman'snamewhenordered.Letthathappenagainandyou'llbeforit
yourself."
"Verygood,sir!"
"Carryon!"thesergeantmajorsays.
"Butwhydidyenoshave?"thecorporalaskedhim.Theywerebackinbillets:astonebarn
withleprouswalls,wherenolightentered,squattingintheammoniacaironwetstrawabouta
reekingbrazier."Yekennedwewereforinspectionthaemorrn."
"Aamnaeauldenoughtaeshave,"Graysaid.
"Butyekennedthaecolonelwouldmarrkyeonparade."
"Aamnaeauldenoughtaeshave,"Grayrepeateddoggedlyandwithoutheat.
Ill

"FORTWOHUNDREDYEARS,"MatthewGraysaid,"there'sneveraday,exceptSunday,has
passedbutthereisahullrisingonClydeorahullgoingoutofClydemouthwithaGraydrivennail
init."HelookedatyoungAlecacrosshissteelspectacles,hisneckbowed."Andnotexcepting
theirgodlessSabbathhammeringandsawingeither.Becauseifahullcouldbebuiltinaday,
Grayscouldbuildit,"headdedwithdourpride."Andnow,whenyouarebigenoughtogodownto
theyardswithyourgrandadderandmeandtakeaman'splaceamongmen,tobetrustedmanlike
withhammerandsawyersel."
"Whisht,Matthew,"oldAlecsaid."Theladcansawasstraightalineanddriveasmonya
nailadayasyerselorevenme."
Matthewpaidhisfathernoattention.Hecontinuedtospeakhisslow,consideredwords,
watchinghisoldestsonacrossthespectacles."AndwithJohnWesleynotoldenoughbytwo
years,andweeMatthewbyten,andyourgrandfatheranauldmanwillsoonbe"
"Whisht,"oldAlecsaid."I'mnobutsixtyeight.Willyoubetellingtheladhe'llmakehisbit
journeytoLondonandcomebacktofindmeintheparishhouse,mayhap?'Twillbeoverby
Christmastide."
"Christmastideorno,"Matthewsaid,"aGray,ashipwright,hasnobusinessatanEnglish
war."
"Whishtye,"oldAlecsaid.Heroseandwenttothechimneycupboardandreturned,
carryingabox.Itwasofwood,darkandpolishedwithage,thecornersboundwithiron,andfitted
withanenormousironlockwhichanychildwithahairpincouldhavesolved.Fromhispockethe
tookanironkeyalmostasbigasthelock.Heopenedtheboxandliftedcarefullyoutasmallvelvet
coveredjeweler'sboxandopeneditinturn.Onthesatinlininglayamedal,abitofbronzeona
crimsonribbon:aVictoriaCross."IkeptthehullsgoingoutofClydemouthwhileyouruncleSimon
wasgettingthisbitofbrassfromtheQueen,"oldAlecsaid."Iheardnaughtofcomplaint.Andif
needbe,I'llkeepthemgoingoutwhileAlecservestheQueenabithimsel.Lettheladgo,"hesaid.
Heputthemedalbackintothewoodenboxandlockedit.
"Abitfightingwinnahurtthelad.IfIwerehisage,oryourseither,forthatmatter,I'dgang
mysel.Alec,lad,harkye.Ye'llseeifthey'llnotakeahaleladofsixtyeightandI'llgangwiyeand
leavetheauldfolklikeMatthewtodothebesttheycan.Nay,Matthew;dinnayethwartthelad;
havenotheGrayseverservedtheQueeninherneed?"
SoyoungAlecwenttoenlist,descendingthehillonaweekdayinhisSundayclothes,with
aNewTestamentandaloafofhomebakedbreadtiedinahandkerchief.Andthiswasthelast
day'sworkwhicholdAleceverdid,forsoonafterthat,onemorningMatthewdescendedthehillto
theshipyardalone,leavingoldAlecathome.Andafterthat,onthesunnydays(andsometimeson
thebaddaystoo,untilhisdaughterinlawfoundhimanddrovehimbackintothehouse)hewould
sitshawledinachairontheporch,gazingsouthandeastward,callingnowandthentohisson's
wifewithinthehouse:"Harknow.Doyouhearthem?Theguns."
"Ihearnothing,"thedaughterinlawwouldsay."It'sonlytheseaatKinkeadbight.Come
intothehouse,now.Matthewwillbedispleased."
"Whisht,woman.DoyouthinkthereisaGrayintheworldcouldletoffagunandmenot
knowthesoundofit?"
Theyhadaletterfromhimshortlyafterheenlisted,fromEngland,inwhichhesaidthat
beingasoldier,England,wasdifferentfrombeingashipwright,Clydeside,andthathewouldwrite
againlater.Whichhedid,eachmonthorso,writingthatsoldieringwasdifferentfrombuildingships
andthatitwasstillraining.Thentheydidnothearfromhimforsevenmonths.Buthismotherand
fathercontinuedtowritehimajointletteronthefirstMondayofeachmonth,lettersalmostidentical
withthepreviousone,thepreviousdozen:Wearewell.ShipsaregoingoutofClydefasterthan
theycansinkthem.YoustillhavetheBook?
Thiswouldbeinhisfather'sslow,indomitablehand.Then,inhismother's:Areyouwell?
Doyouneedanything?JessieandIareknittingthestockingsandwillsendthem.Alec,Alec.
Hereceivedthisoneduringthesevenmonths,duringhisterminthepenalbattalion,
forwardedtohimbyhisoldcorporal,sincehehadnottoldhispeopleofhischangedlife.
Heansweredit,huddledamonghisfellowfelons,squattinginthemudwithnewspapers
buttonedinsidehistunicandhisheadandfeetwrappedinstripsoftornblanket:Iamwell.YesI
stillhavetheBook(nottellingthemthathisplatoonwasusingittolighttobaccowithandthatthey
werenowwellbeyondLamentations).Itstillrains.LovetoGrandadderandJessieandMatthew
andJohnWesley.
Thenhistimeinthepenalbattalionwasup.Hereturnedtohisoldcompany,hisold
platoon,findingsomenewfaces,andaletter:Wearewell.ShipsaregoingoutofClydeyet.You
haveanewsister.YourMotheriswell.
Hefoldedtheletterandputitaway."Aseemonynewfacesinthaebattalion,"hesaidto
thecorporal."Wehaanewsairrgeantmajortoo,Adootnot?"
"Naw,"thecorporalsaid."'Tisthesameone."HewaslookingatGray,hisgazeintent,
speculative;hisfacecleared.
"Yehashavedthaemorrn,"hesaid.
"Ay,"Graysaid."Amauldenoughtaeshavenoo."
ThatwasthenightonwhichthebattalionwastogouptoArras.Itwastomoveatmidnight,
soheansweredtheletteratonce:Iamwell.LovetoGrandadderandJessieandMatthewand
JohnWesleyandthebaby.
"Morning!Morning!"TheGeneral,laprobedandhooded,leansfromhismotorandwaves
hisglovedhandandshoutscheerilytothemastheyslogpastthecarontheBapaumeroad,taking
theditchtopass.
"A'sacheeryauldcard,"avoicesays.
"Awfficers,"aseconddrawls;hefallstocursingasheslipsinthegreaselikemud,tryingto
clingtothecrestofthekneedeepditch.
"Aweel,"athirdsays,"thaeawfficerswudgangtaethaewarrtoo,Adootnot."
"Whydinnatheygangthen?"afourthsays."Thaewarrisnobackthatway."
Platoonbyplatoontheyslipandplungeintotheditchanddragtheirheavyfeetoutofthe
clingingmudandpassthehaltedcarandcrawlterrificallyontothecrownoftheroadagain:"Asays
taeme,asays:'FritzhasanewgunthatwillcarrytoParris,'asays,andAsaystaehim:'Tis
nawthin:ahasonethatwillhitourCorrpsHeadquarrters.'"
"Morning!Morning!"TheGeneralcontinuestowavehisgloveandshoutcheerilyasthe
battaliondetoursintotheditchandheavesitselfbackontotheroadagain.
Theyareinthetrench.Untilthefirstrifleexplodesintheirfaces,notashothasbeenfired.
Grayisthethirdman.Duringallthewhilethattheycreptbetweenflaresfromshellholetoshellhole,
hehasbeenworkinghimselfnearertothesergeantmajorandtheOfficer;intheglareofthatfirst
riflehecanseethegapinthewiretowardwhichtheOfficerwasleadingthem,themoiledrigid
glintsofthewirewherebulletshavenickedthemudandrustfromit,andagainsttheglarethetall,
leapingshapeofthesergeantmajor.ThenGray,too,springsbayonetfirstintothetrenchfullof
gruntingshoutsandthuddingblows.
Flaresgoupbydozensnow,inthecorpseglareGrayseesthesergeantmajor
methodicallytossinggrenadesintothenexttraverse.Herunstowardhim,passingtheOfficer
leaning,bentdouble,againstthefirestep.Thesergeantmajorhasvanishedbeyondthetraverse.
Grayfollowsandcomesuponthesergeantmajor.Holdingtheburlapcurtainasidewithonehand,
thesergeantmajorisintheactoftossingagrenadeintoadugoutasifhemightbetossingan
orangehullintoacellar.
Thesergeantmajorturnsintherocketglare."'Tisyou,Gray,"hesays.Theearthmuffled
bombthuds;thesergeantmajorisintheactofcatchinganotherbombfromthesackabouthis
neckasGray'sbayonetgoesintohisthroat.Thesergeantmajorisabigman.Hefallsbackward,
holdingtheriflebarrelwithbothhandsagainsthisthroat,histeethglaring,pullingGraywithhim.
Grayclingstotherifle.Hetriestoshakethespearedbodyonthebayonetashewouldshakearat
onanumbrellarib.
Hefreesthebayonet.Thesergeantmajorfalls.Grayreversestherifleandhammersits
buttintothesergeantmajor'sface,butthetrenchflooristoosofttosupplyanyresistance.He
glaresabout.Hisgazefallsuponaduckboardupendedinthemud.Hedragsitfreeandslipsit
beneaththesergeantmajor'sheadandhammersthefacewithhisriflebutt.Behindhiminthefirst
traversetheOfficerisshouting:'Blowyourwhistle,Sergeantmajor!"

IV

INTHECITATIONittoldhowPrivateGray,onanightraid,oneoffoursurvivors,followingthe
disablementoftheOfficerandthedeathofalltheN.C.O.'s,tookcommandofthesituationand
(thepurposeoftheexpeditionwasaquickraidforprisoners);heldafootholdintheenemy'sfront
lineuntilasupportingattackarrivedandconsolidatedtheposition.TheOfficertoldhowheordered
themenbackout,orderingthemtoleavehimandsavethemselves,andhowGrayappearedwitha
Germanmachinegunfromsomewhereand,whilehisthreecompanionsbuiltabarricade,
overcametheOfficerandtookfromhimhisVerypistolandfiredthecoloredsignalwhichcalledfor
theattack;allsoquicklythatsupportarrivedbeforetheenemycouldcounterattackorputdowna
barrage.
Itisdoubtfulifhispeopleeversawthecitationatall.Anyway,theletterswhichhereceived
fromthemduringhissojourninhospital,thetenorofthem,wereunchanged:"Wearewell.Ships
arestillgoingout."
Hisnextletterhomewasoncemoremonthslate.Hewroteitwhenhewassittingupagain,
inLondon:IhavebeensickbutIambetternow.Ihavearibbonlikeintheboxbutnotallred.The
Queenwasthere.LovetoGrandadderandJessieandMatthewandJohnWesleyandthebaby.
ThereplywaswrittenonFriday:Yourmotherisgladthatyouarebetter.Yourgrandfather
isdead.Thebaby'snameisElizabeth.Wearewell.Yourmothersendsherlove.
Hisnextletterwasthreemonthslater,inwinteragain:Myhurtiswell.Iamgoingtoa
schoolforofficers.LovetoJessieandMatthewandJohnWesleyandElizabeth.
MatthewGrayponderedoverthisletterforalongwhile;solongthatthereplywasaweek
late,writtenonthesecondMondayinsteadofthefirst.Hewroteitcarefully,waitinguntilhisfamily
wasinbed.Itwassuchalongletter,orhehadbeenatitsolong,thatafteratimehiswifecame
intotheroominhernightdress.
"Gobacktobed,"hetoldher."I'llbecomingsoon.'Tissomethingtobesaidtothelad."
Whenatlasthelaidthependownandsatbacktorereadtheletter,itwasalongone,
writtenoutslowlyanddeliberatelyandwithoutretractionorblot:...yourbitribbon...forthatwaylies
vaingloryandpride.
Theprideandvaingloryofgoingforanofficer.Nevermiscallyourbirth,Alec.Youarenota
gentleman.YouareaScottishshipwright.Ifyourgrandfatherwereherehewouldnotbelasttotell
youso...Wearegladyourhurtiswell.
Yourmothersendsherlove.
 Hesenthomethemedal,andhisphotographinthenewtunicwiththepipsandribbonand
thebarredcuffs.Buthedidnotgohomehimself.HereturnedtoFlandersinthespring,with
poppiesblowinginthechurnedbeetandcabbagefields.Whenhisleavescame,hespentthemin
London,inthehauntsofofficers,nottellinghispeoplethathehadanyleave.
HestillhadtheBook.Occasionallyhecameuponitamonghiseffectsandopeneditatthe
jaggedpagewherehislifehadchanged:...andavoicesaid,Peter,raisethyself;kill.Oftenhis
batmanwouldwatchhimas,unawaresandoblivious,heturnedtheBookandmuseduponthe
jaggedpagetheranker,thegaunt,lonelymanwithafacethatbeliedhisyearsorlackofthem:a
sobriety,aprofoundandmaturecalm,agraveanddeliberateconvictionofexpressionandgesture
("likeamoutbeHaighissel,"thebatmansaid)watchinghimathiscleantable,writingsteadilyand
slowly,histongueinhischeekasachildwrites:Iamwell.Ithasnotrainedinafortnight.Loveto
JessieandMatthewandJohnWesleyandElizabeth.
Fourdaysagothebattalioncamedownfromthelines.Ithaslostitsmajorandtwocaptains
andmostofthesubalterns,sothatnowtheremainingcaptainismajor,andtwosubalternsanda
sergeanthavethecompanies.Meanwhile,replacementshavecomeup,theranksarefilled,and
thebattalionisgoinginagaintomorrow.SotodayKCompanystandswithranksopenfor
inspectionwhilethesubalterncaptain(hisnameisGray)movesslowlyalongeachplatoonfront.
Hepassesfrommantoman,slowly,thoroughly,thesergeantbehindhim.Hestops.
"Whereisyourtrenchingtool?"hesays.
"Blawn..."thesoldierbegins.Thenheceases,staringrigidlybeforehim.
"Blawnoutofyourpack,eh?"thecaptainfinishesforhim."Sincewhen?Whatbattleshave
yetakenparrtinsincefourdays?"
Thesoldierstaresrigidlyacrossthedrowsystreet.Thecaptainmoveson."Takehisname,
Sergeant."
Hemovesontothesecondplatoon,tothethird.Hehaltsagain.Helooksthesoldierup
anddown.
"Whatisyourname?"
"010801McLan,sirr."
"Replacement?"
"Replacement,sirr."
Thecaptainmoveson."Takehisname,Sergeant.Rifle'sfilthy."
Thesunissetting.Thevillagerisesinblacksilhouetteagainstthesunset;therivergleams
inmirroredfire.Thebridgeacrosstheriverisablackarchuponwhichslowlyandlikefigurescut
fromblackpaper,menaremoving.
Thepartycrouchesintheroadsideditchwhilethecaptainandthesergeantpeercautiously
acrosstheparapetoftheroad."Doyemakethemout?"thecaptainsaysinalowvoice.
"Huns,sirr,"thesergeantwhispers."Akentheirrhelmets."
Presentlythecolumnhascrossedthebridge.Thecaptainandthesergeantcrawlbackinto
theditch,wherethepartycrouches,amongthemawoundedmanwithabandagedhead.
"Keepyonmanquiet,now,"thecaptainsays.
Heleadsthewayalongtheditchuntiltheyreachtheoutskirtsofthevillage.Heretheyare
outofthesun,andheretheysitquietlybeneathawall,surroundingthewoundedman,whilethe
captainandthesergeantagaincrawlaway.
Theyreturninfiveminutes."Fixbayonets,"thesergeantsaysinalowvoice."Quiet,now."
"WullAstaywithaehurrtlad,Sairrgent?"onewhispers,"Nay,"thesergeantsays."A'll
tak'schancewius.Forrard."
Theystealquietlyalongthewall,behindthecaptain.Thewallapproachesatrightanglesto
thestreet,theroadwhichcrossesthebridge.Thecaptainraiseshishand.Theyhaltandwatchhim
ashepeersaroundthecorner.Theyareoppositethebridgehead.Itandtheroadaredeserted;the
villagedreamsquietlyinthesettingsun.Againsttheskybeyondthevillagethedustofthe
retreatingcolumnhangs,turningtoroseandgold.
Thentheyhearasound,ashort,gutturalword.Nottenyardsawayandbehindaruined
wallleveledbreasthighandfacingthebridge,fourmensquataboutamachinegun.Thecaptain
raiseshishandagain.Theygrasptheirrifles:arushofhobnailsoncobblestones,acryof
astonishmentcutsharplyoff;blows,short,hardbreaths,curses;notashot.
Themanwiththebandagedheadbeginstolaugh,shrilly,untilsomeonehusheshimwitha
handthattasteslikebrass.Underthecaptain'sdirectiontheybashinthedoorofthehouseand
dragthegunandthefourbodiesintoit.Theyhoistthegunupstairsandsetitupinawindow
lookingdownuponthebridgehead.Thesunsinksfurther,theshadowsfalllongandquietacross
villageandriver.Themanwiththebandagedheadbabblestohimself.
Anothercolumnswingsuptheroad,doggedandorderlybeneathcoalhodhelmets.It
crossesthebridgeandpassesonthroughthevillage.Apartydetachesitselffromtherearofthe
columnandsplitsintothreesquads.Twoofthemhavemachineguns,whichtheysetupon
oppositesidesofthestreet,thenearoneutilizingthebarricadebehindwhichtheothergunhad
beencaptured.Thethirdsquadreturnstothebridge,carryingsappers'toolsandexplosive.The
sergeanttellsoffsixofthenineteenmen,whodescendthestairssilently.Thecaptainremainswith
theguninthewindow.
Againthereisabriefrush,ascuffle,blows.Fromthewindowthecaptainseestheheadsof
themachineguncrewacrossthestreetturn,thenthemuzzleofthegunswings,firing.Thecaptain
rakesthemoncewithhisgun,thenhesweepswithitthepartyonthebridge,watchingitbreaklike
acoveyofquailforthenearestwall.Thecaptainholdsthegunonthem.Theywiltrunninganddot
thewhiteroadandbecomemotionless.Thenheswingsthegunbacktothegunacrossthestreet.
Itceases.
Hegivesanotherorder.Theremainingmen,exceptthemanwiththebandage,rundown
thestairs.Halfofthemstopatthegunbeneaththewindowanddragitaround.Theothersdashon
acrossthestreet,towardthesecondgun.
Theyarehalfwayacrosswhentheothergunrattles.Therunningmenplungeasonein
midstep.Theirkiltswhipforwardandbaretheirpalethighs.Thegunrakesacrossthedoorway
wheretheothersarefreeingthefirstgunofbodies.
Asthecaptainsweepshisgundownagain,dustpuffsfromtheleftsideofthewindow,his
gunringsmetallically,somethingsearsalonghisarmandacrosshisribs,dustpuffsfromtheright
sideofthewindow.Herakestheothergunagain.
Itceases.Hecontinuestofireintothehuddledclumpaboutitlongafterthegunhas
ceased.
Thedarkearthbitesintothesun'srim.Thestreetisnowallinshadow;afinallevelray
comesintotheroom,andfades.
Behindhiminthetwilightthewoundedmanlaughs,thenhislaughtersinksintoaquiet
contentedgibberish.
Justbeforedarkanothercolumncrossesthebridge.Thereisstillenoughlightforittobe
seenthatthesetroopswearkhakiandthattheirhelmetsareflat.Butlikelythereisnoonetosee,
becausewhenapartymountedtothesecondstoryandfoundthecaptainproppedinthewindow
besidethecoldgun,theythoughtthathewasdead.
ThistimeMatthewGraysawthecitation.SomeoneclippeditfromtheGazetteandsentitto
him,andhesentitinturntohissoninthehospital,withaletter:...Sinceyoumustgotoawarwe
aregladthatyouaredoingwellinit.Yourmotherthinksthatyouhavedoneyourpartandthatyou
shouldcomehome.Butwomendonotunderstandsuchthings.ButImyselfthinkthatitistimethey
stoppedfighting.Whatisthegoodinthehighwageswhenfoodissohighthatthereisprofitfor
nonesavetheprofiteers.Whenawargetstowherethebattlesdonotevenprosperthepeople
whowinthem,itistimetostop.

INTHEBEDNEXTHIS,andlaterinthechairnexthisonthelongglassedveranda,therewasa
subaltern.Theyusedtotalk.Orrather,thesubalterntalkedwhileGraylistened.Hetalkedof
peace,ofwhathewoulddowhenitwasover,talkingasifitwereaboutfinished,asifitwouldnot
lastpastChristmas.
"We'llbebackouttherebyChristmas,"Graysaid.
"Gascases?Theydon'tsendgascasesoutagain.Theyhavetobecured."
"Wewillbecured."
"Butnotintime.ItwillbeoverbyChristmas.Itcan'tlastanotheryear.Youdon'tbelieve
me,doyou?SometimesIbelieveyouwanttogoback.Butitwillbe.Itwillbefinishedby
Christmas,andthenI'moff,Canada.Nothingathomeforusnow."Helookedattheother,atthe
gaunt,wastedfigurewithalmostwhitehair,lyingwithclosedeyesinthefallsunlight."You'dbetter
comewithme."
"I'llmeetyouinGivenchyonChristmasDay,"Graysaid.
Buthedidn't.HewasinthehospitalontheeleventhofNovember,hearingthebells,andhe
wasstillthereonChristmasDay,wherehereceivedaletterfromhome:Youcancomeonhome
now.Itwillnotbetoosoonnow.
Theywillneedshipsworsethanevernow,nowthattheprideandthevaingloryhaveworn
themselvesout.
Themedicalofficergreetedhimcheerfully."Dammit,stuckhere,whenIknowaplacein
DevonwhereIcouldhearanightingale,byjove."HethumpedGray'schest."Notmuch:justabitof
amurmur.Giveyounotrouble,ifyou'llstopawayfromwarsfromnowon.Mightkeepyoufrom
gettinginagain,though."HewaitedforGraytolaugh,butGraydidn'tlaugh."Well,it'sallfinished
now,damnthem.Signhere,willyou."Graysigned."Forgetitasquicklyasitbegan,Ihope.Well..."
Heextendedhishand,smilinghisantisepticsmile."CheerO,Captain.Andgoodluck."
MatthewGray,descendingthehillatsevenoclockinthemorning,sawtheman,thetall,
hospitalcoloredmanincityclothingandcarryingastick,andstopped.
"Alec?"hesaid."Alec."Theyshookhands."IcouldnotIdidnot..."Helookedathisson,at
thewhitehair,thewaxedmoustaches."Youhavetworibbonsnowforthebox,youhavewritten."
ThenMatthewturnedbackupthehillatsevenoclockinthemorning."We'llgotoyourmother."
ThenAlecGrayrevertedforaninstant.Perhapshehadnotprogressedasfarashe
thought,orperhapshehadbeenclimbingahill,andthereturnwasnotareversionsomuchas
somethinglikeanavalanchewaitingthepebble,momentarythoughitwastobe."Theshipyard,
Father."
Hisfatherstrodefirmlyon,carryinghislunchpail."'Twillwait,"hesaid."We'llgotoyour
mother."
Hismothermethimatthedoor.BehindherhesawyoungMatthew,amannow,andJohn
Wesley,andElizabethwhomhehadneverseen."Youdidnotwearyouruniformhome,"young
Matthewsaid.
"No,'hesaid."No,I..."
"Yourmotherhadwantedtoseeyouinyourregimentalsandall,"hisfathersaid.
"No,"hismothersaid."No!Never!Never!"
 "Hush,Annie,"hisfathersaid."Beingacaptainnow,withtworibbonsnowforthebox.This
isfalsemodesty.Yehaeshowncourse;yeshouldhave.But'tisofnomoment:theproperuniforfor
aGrayisanoverallandahammer."
"Ay,sir,"Alecsaid,whohadlongsincefoundoutthatnomanhascouragebutthatany
manmayblunderblindlyintovalorasonestumblesintoanopenmanholeinthestreet.
Hedidnottellhisfatheruntilthatnight,afterhismotherandthechildrenhadgonetobed.
"IamgoingbacktoEngland.Ihaveworkpromisedthere."
"Ah,"hisfathersaid."AtBristol,perhaps?Theybuildshipsthere."
Thelampglowed,touchingwithfaintgleamstheblackandpolishedsurfaceoftheboxon
themantelshelf.Therewasawindgettingup,hollowingouttheskylikeadarkbowl,carvinghouse
andhillandheadlandoutofdarkspace.
"'Twillbeblowingoutyonthenight,"hisfathersaid.
"Thereareotherthings,"Alecsaid."Ihavemadefriends,yousee."
Hisfatherremovedtheironrimmedspectacles."Youhavemadefriends.Officersandsuch,
Idoubtnot?"
"Yes,sir."
"Andfriendsaregoodtohave,tositaboutthehearthofnightsandtalkwith.Butbeyond
that,onlythemthatloveyouwillbearyourfaults.Youmustloveamanwelltoputupwithallhis
tryingways,Alec."
"Buttheyarenotthatsortoffriends,sir.Theyare..."
Heceased.Hedidnotlookathisfather.Matthewsat,slowlypolishingthespectacleswith
histhumb.Theycouldhearthewind."Ifthisfails,I'llcomebacktotheshipyard."
Hisfatherwatchedhimgravely,polishingthespectaclesslowly."Shipwrightsarenotmade
likethat,Alec.TofearGod,todoyourworklikeitwasyourownhullyouwereputtingtheribsin..."
Hemoved."We'llseewhattheBookwillsay."Hereplacedtheglasses.Onthetablewasaheavy,
brassboundBible.Heopenedit;thewordsseemedtohimtorisetomeethimfromthepage.Yet
hereadthem,aloud:"...andthecaptainsofthousandsandthecaptainsoftenthousands..."A
paragraphofpride.Hefacedhisson,bowinghisnecktoseeacrosstheglasses."Youwillgoto
London,then?"
"Yes,sir,"Alecsaid.

VI

HIS POSITIONWASWAITING.Itwasinanoffice.Hehadalreadyhadcardsmade:CaptainA.
Gray,M.C.,D.S.M.,andonhisreturntoLondonhejoinedtheOfficers'Association,donatingto
thesupportofthewidowsandorphans.
Hehadroomsintheproperquarter,andhewouldwalktoandfromtheoffice,withhis
cardsandhiswaxedmoustaches,hissobercorrectclothesandhisstickcarriedinamanner
inimitable,atoncejauntyandunobtrusive,givinghiscopperstoblindandmaimedinPiccadilly,
askingofthemthenamesoftheirregiments.Onceamonthhewrotehome:Iamwell.Loveto
JessieandMatthewandJohnWesleyandElizabeth.
DuringthatfirstyearJessiewasmarried.Hesentheragiftofplate,stintinghimselfalittle
todoso,drawingsfromhissavings.Hewassaving,notagainstoldage;hebelievedtoofirmlyin
theEmpiretodothat,whohadsurrenderedcompletelytotheEmpirelikeawoman,abride.He
wassavingagainstthetimewhenhewouldrecrosstheChannelamongthedeadscenesofhislost
andfoundlife.
Thatwasthreeyearslater.Hewasalreadyplanningtoaskforleave,whenonedaythe
managerbroachedthesubjecthimself.WithonecorrectbaghewenttoFrance.Buthedidnot
beareastwardatonce.HewenttotheRiviera;foraweekhelivedlikeagentleman,spendinghis
moneylikeagentleman,lonely,aloneinthatbrightaviaryofthesveltekeptwomenofallEurope.
ThatwaswhythosewhosawhimdescendfromtheMediterraneanExpressthatmorningin
Parissaid,"Hereisarichmilord,"andwhytheycontinuedtosayitinthehardbenchedthirdclass
trains,ashesatleaningforwardonhisstick,lipmovingthenamesonsheetironstationsaboutthe
batteredandwakinglandlyingnowthreeyearsquietbeneaththesenselessandunbroken
battalionsofdays.
HereachedLondonandfoundwhatheshouldhaveknownbeforeheleft.Hispositionwas
gone.Conditions,themanagertoldhim,addressinghimpunctiliouslybyhisrank.
Whatsavingshehadleftmeltedslowly;hespentthelastofthemonablacksilkdressfor
hismother,withtheletter:Iamwell.LovetoMatthewandJohnWesleyandElizabeth.
Hecalleduponhisfriends,upontheofficerswhomhehadknown.One,themanheknew
best,gavehimwhiskyinacomfortableroomwithafire:"Youaren'tworkingnow?Rottenluck.By
theway,yourememberWhiteby?Hehadacompanyinthe6th.Nicechap:nopeople,though.He
killedhimselflastweek.Conditions."
"Oh.Didhe?Yes.Irememberhim.Rottenluck."
"Yes.Rottenluck.Nicechap."
HenolongergavehispenniestotheblindandthemaimedinPiccadilly.Heneededthem
forpapers:Artisansneeded.Becomestonemason.Mentodrivemotorcars.Warrecordnot
necessary.Shopassistants(mustbeundertwentyone).Shipwrightsneededandatlast:
Gentlemanwithsocialaddressandconnectionstomeetoutoftownclients.Temporary.Hegotthe
place,andwithhiswaxedmoustachesandhiscorrectclothesherevealedthefleshpotsofthe
WestEndtoBirminghamandLeeds.Itwastemporary.
Artisans.Carpenters.Housepainters

Winterwastemporary,too.Inthespringhetookhiswaxedmoustachesandhisironedclothesinto
Surrey,withasetofbooks,anencyclopedia,oncommission.Hesoldallhisthingssavewhathe
stoodin,andgaveuphisroomsintown.
Hestillhadhisstick,hiswaxedmoustaches,hiscards.
Surrey,gentle,green,mild.Atightlittlehouseinatightlittlegarden.Anoldishmanina
smokingjacketputteringinaflowerbed:"Goodday,sir.MightI..."
Themaninthesmokingjacketlooksup."Gototheside,can'tyou?Don'tcomethisway."
Hegoestothesideentrance.Aslattedgate,freshlywhite,bearinganenameledplate:NO
HAWKERSNOBEGGARS.Hepassesthroughandknocksatatidydoorsmugbeneathavine.
"Goodday,miss.MayIseethe..."
"Goaway.Didn'tyouseethesignonthegate?"
"ButI"
"Goaway,orI'llcallthemaster."
InthefallhereturnedtoLondon.Perhapshecouldnothavesaidwhyhimself.Perhapsit
wasbeyondanysaying,instinctperhapsbringinghimbacktobepresentattheinstantoutofall
timeofthemanifestation,apotheosis,ofhislifewhichhaddiedagain.Anyway,hewasthere,still
withhiswaxedmoustaches,erect,hisstickclaspedbeneathhisleftarmpit,amongtheHousehold
troopsinbrasscuirasses,ondappledgeldings,andGuardsinscarlettunics,andtheChurch
militantinstoleandsurpliceandPrincedefendersofGodinhumblemufti,allatattentionfortwo
minutes,listeningtodespair.Hestillhadthirtyshillings,andhereplenishedhiscards:CaptainA.
Gray,M.C.,D.S.M.
Itisoneofthosespurious,paledayslikeasicklyandprematurechildofspringwhilespring
itselfisstillweeksaway.Inthethinsunlightbuildingsfadeupwardintomistypinksandgolds.
Womenwearvioletspinnedtotheirfurs,appearingtobloomthemselveslikeflowersinthe
languorous,treacherousair.
Itisthewomenwholooktwiceatthemanstandingagainstthewallatacorner:agaunt
manwithwhitehair,andmoustachestwistedintofrayedpoints,withableachedandfrayed
regimentalscarfinacelluloidcollar,aoncegoodsuitnowthreadbareyetapparentlypressedwithin
twentyfourhours,standingagainstthewallwithclosedeyes,adilapidatedhatheldbottomup
beforehim.
Hestoodthereforalongtime,untilsomeonetouchedhisarm.Itwasaconstable."Move
along,sir.Againstorders."
Inhishatweresevenpenniesandthreehalfpence.Heboughtacakeofsoapandalittle
food.
Anotheranniversarycameandpassed;hestoodagain,hisstickathisarmpit,amongthe
bright,silentuniforms,thequietthrongineitherfrankorstubborncastoffs,withpatient,bewildered
faces.Inhiseyesnowisnotthathopefulresignationofabeggar,butratherthatbitterness,that
echoasofbitterandunheardlaugherofahunchback.
Ameagerfireburnsontheslopingcobbles.Inthefitfullightthedamp,fungusgrownwallof
theembankmentandthestonearchofthebridgeloom.Atthefootofthecobbledslopethe
invisibleriverclucksandgurgleswiththetide.
Fivefigureslieaboutthefire,somewithheadscoveredasthoughinslumber,others
smokingandtalking.Onemansitsupright,hisbacktothewall,hishandslyingbesidehim;heis
blind:hesleepsthatway.Hesaysthatheisafraidtoliedown.
"Can'tyoutellyouarelyingdown,withoutseeingyouare?"anothersays.
"Somethingmighthappen,"theblindmansays.
"What?Doyouthinktheywouldgiveyouashell,evenifitwouldbringbackyoursight?"
"They'dgivehimtheshell,allright,"athirdsaid.
"Ow.Whydon'ttheylineusallupandputdownabloodybarrageonus?"
"Wasthathowhelosthissight?"afourthsays."Ashell?"
"Ow.HewasatMons.Adispatchrider,onamotorbike.Tellthemaboutit,mate."
Theblindmanliftshisfacealittle.Otherwisehedoesnotmove.Hespeaksinaflatvoice.
"Shehadthebitofscaronherwrist.ThatwashowIcouldtell.Itwasmeputthescaronherwrist,
youmightsay.Wewasworkingintheshoponeday.Ihadpickedupanoldengineandwewas
fittingitontoabikesowecould..."
"What?"thefourthsays."What'shetalkingabout?"
"Shhhh,"thefirstsays."Notsoloud.He'stalkingabouthisgirl.Hehadabitofabikeshop
ontheBrightonRoadandtheyweregoingtomarry."Hespeaksinalowtone,hisvoicejustunder
theweary,monotonousvoiceoftheblindman."Hadtheirpicturetakenandallthedayheenlisted
andgothisuniform.Hehaditwithhimforawhile,untilonedayhelostit.Hewasfairwild.Soat
lastwegotabitofacardaboutthesamesizeofthepicture.'Here'syourpicture,mate,'wesays.
'Holdontoitthistime.'Sohe'sstillgotthecard.Likelyhe'llshowittoyoubeforehe'sdone.So
don'tyouleton."
"No,"theothersays."Ishantleton."
Theblindmantalks."...gotthematthehospitaltowriteheraletter,andsureenough,here
shecome.Icouldtellherbythebitofscaronherwrist.Hervoicesoundeddifferent,butthen
everythingsoundeddifferentsince.ButIcouldtellbythescar.Wewouldsitandholdhands,andI
couldtouchthebitofscarinsideherleftwrist.Inthecinematoo.Iwouldtouchthescarandit
wouldbelikeI..."
"Thecinema?"thefourthsays."Him?"
"Yes,"theothersays."Shewouldtakehimtothecinema,thecomedies,sohecouldhear
themlaughing."
 Theblindmantalks."...toldmehowthepictureshurthereyes,andthatshewouldleave
meatthecinemaandwhenitwasovershewouldcomeandfetchme.SoIsaiditwasallright.
Andthenextnightitwasagain.AndIsaiditwasallright.AndthenextnightItoldherIwouldn'tgo
either.Isaidwewouldstopathome,atthehospital.Andthenshedidn'tsayanythingforalong
while.Icouldhearherbreathing.Thenshesaiditwasallright.Soafterthatwedidn'tgotothe
cinema.Wewouldjustsit,holdinghands,andmefeelingthescarnowandthen.Wecouldn'ttalk
loudinthehospital,sowewouldwhisper.Butmostlywedidn'ttalk.Wejustheldhands.Andthat
wasforeightnights.Icounted.Thenitwastheeighthnight.Weweresittingthere,withtheother
handinmyhand,andmetouchingthescarnowandthen.Thenonasuddenthehandjerked
away.Icouldhearherstandingup.'Listen,'shesays.'Thiscan'tgoonanylonger.Youwillhaveto
knowsometime,'shesays.AndIsays,'Idon'twanttoknowbutonething.Whatisyourname?'I
says.Shetoldmehername;oneofthenurses.Andshesays..."
"What?"thefourthsays."Whatisthis?"
"Hetoldyou,"thefirstsaid."Itwasoneofthenursesinthehospital.Thegirlhadbeen
buggeringoffwithanotherfellowandleftthenurseforhimtoholdherhand,thinkinghewas
fooled."
"Buthowdidheknow?"thefourthsays.
"Listen,"thefirstsays.
"...'andyouknewallthetime,'shesays,'sincethefirsttime?''Itwasthescar,'Isays.
'You'vegotitonthewrongwrist.You'vegotitonyourrightwrist,'Isays.'Andtwonightsago,I
lifteduptheedgeofitabit.Whatisit,'Isays.'Courtplaster?'"Theblindmansitsagainstthewall,
hisfaceliftedalittle,hishandsmotionlessbesidehim."That'showIknew,bythescar.Thinking
theycouldfoolme,whenitwasmeputthescaronher,youmightsay"
Thepronefigurefarthestfromthefireliftsitshead.
"Hup,"hesays;"ereecomes."
Theothersturnasoneandlooktowardtheentrance.
"Herewhocomes?"theblindmansays."Isitthebobbies?"
Theydonotanswer.Theywatchthemanwhoenters:atallmanwithastick.Theyceaseto
talk,savetheblindman,watchingthetallmancomeamongthem."Herewhocomes,mates?"the
blindmansays."Mates!"
Thenewcomerpassesthem,andthefire;hedoesnotlookatthem.Hegoeson."Watch,
now,"thesecondsays.Theblindmanisnowleaningalittleforward;hishandsfumbleatthe
groundbesidehimasthoughhewerepreparingtorise.
"Watchwho?"hesays."Whatdoyousee?"
Theydonotanswer.Theyarewatchingthenewcomercovertly,attentively,ashedisrobes
andthen,awhiteshadow,aghostlygleaminthedarkness,goesdowntothewaterandwashes
himself,slappinghisbodyhardwithicyandfilthyhandfulsofriverwater.Hereturnstothefire;they
turntheirfacesquicklyaside,savetheblindman(hestillsitsforward,hisarmsproppedbesidehim
asthoughonthepointofrising,hiswanfaceturnedtowardthesound,themovement)andone
other."Yerstonesisot,sir,"thisonesays."I'veadthemrightintheblaze."
"Thanks,"thenewcomersays.Hestillappearstobeutterlyobliviousofthem,sothey
watchhimagain,quietly,ashespreadshissorrygarmentsononestoneandtakesasecondstone
fromthefireandironsthem.Whileheisdressing,themanwhospoketohimgoesdowntothe
waterandreturnswiththecakeofsoapwhichhehadused.Stillwatching,theyseethenewcomer
rubhisfingersonthecakeofsoapandtwisthismoustachesintopoints.
"Abitmoreontheleftone,sir,"themanholdingthesoapsays.Thenewcomersoapshis
fingersandtwistshisleftmoustacheagain,theothermanwatchinghim,hisheadbentandtilteda
littleback,inshapeandattitudeanddresslikeacaricaturedscarecrow.
"Right,now?"thenewcomersays.
 "Right,sir,"thescarecrowsays.Heretreatsintothedarknessandreturnswithoutthecake
ofsoap,andcarryinginsteadthehatandthestick.Thenewcomertakesthem.Fromhispockethe
takesacoinandputsitintothescarecrow'shand.Thescarecrowtoucheshiscap;thenewcomer
isgone.
Theywatchhim,thetallshape,theerectback,thestick,untilhedisappears.
"Whatdoyousee,mates?"theblindmansays."Tellamanwhatyousee."

VII

AMONGTHEDEMOBILIZEDofficerswhoemigratedfromEnglandaftertheArmisticewasa
subalternnamedWalkley.HewentouttoCanada,whereheraisedwheatandprospered,bothin
pocketandinhealth.Somuchsothat,hadhebeenwalkingoutoftheGaredeLyoninParis
insteadofinPiccadillyCircusonthisfirstevening(itisChristmaseve)ofhisfirstvisithome,they
wouldhavesaid,"Hereisnotonlyarichmilord;itisawellone."
HehadbeeninLondonjustlongenoughtooutfithimselfwiththebeginningofawardrobe,
andinhisnewclothes(boughtofatailorwhichintheolddayshecouldnothaveafforded)hewas
enjoyinghimselftoomuchtoevengoanywhere.Sohejustwalkedthestreets,amongthecheerful
throngs,untilsuddenlyhestoppeddeadstill,staringataface.
Themanhadalmostwhitehair,moustacheswaxedtoneedlepoints.Heworeafrayed
scarfinwhichcouldbebarelydistinguishedthecolorsandpatternofaregiment.Histhreadbare
clotheswerefreshlyironedandhecarriedastick.
Hewasstandingatthecurb,andheappearedtobesayingsomethingtothepeoplewho
passed,andWalkleymovedsuddenlyforward,hishandextended.Buttheothermanonlystaredat
himwitheyesthatwereperfectlydead.
"Gray,"Walkleysaid,"don'tyourememberme?"Theotherstaredathimwiththatdead
intensity."Wewereinhospitaltogether.IwentouttoCanada.Don'tyouremember?"
"Yes,"theothersaid."Irememberyou.YouareWalkley."ThenhequitlookingatWalkley.
Hemovedalittleaside,turningtothecrowdagain,hishandextended;itwasonlythenthat
Walkleysawthatthehandcontainedthreeorfourboxesofthematcheswhichmaybeboughtfrom
anytobacconistforapennyabox."Matches?Matches,sir?"hesaid."Matches?Matches?"
Walkleymovedalso,gettingagaininfrontoftheother.
"Gray,"hesaid.
TheotherlookedatWalkleyagain,thistimewithakindofrestrainedyetragingimpatience.
"Letmealone,yousonofabitch!"hesaid,turningimmediatelytowardthecrowdagain,hishand
extended."Matches!Matches,sir!"hechanted.
Walkleymovedon.Hepausedagain,halfturning,lookingbackatthegauntfaceabovethe
waxedmoustaches.Againtheotherlookedhimfullintheface,buttheglancepassedon,as
thoughwithoutrecognition.Walkleywenton.Hewalkedswiftly."MyGod,"hesaid."IthinkIam
goingtovomit."

Crevasse

THEPARTYGOESON,skirtingtheedgeofthebarrage,weavingdownintoshellcratersoldand
new,crawlingoutagain.
Twomenhalfdrag,halfcarrybetweenthemathird,whiletwootherscarrythethreerifles.
Thethirdman'sheadisboundinabloodyrag;hestumbleshisaimlesslegsalong,hisheadlolling,
sweatchannelingslowlydownhismudcrustedface.
 Thebarragestretchesonandonacrosstheplain,distant,impenetrable.Occasionallya
smallwindcomesupfromnowhereandthinsthedunsmokemomentarilyuponclumpsofbitten
poplars.Thepartyentersandcrossesafieldwhichamonthagowassowntowheatandwhereyet
wheatspearsthrustandclingstubbornlyinthechurnedsoil,amongscrapsofmetalandseething
hunksofcloth.
Itcrossesthefieldandcomestoacanalborderedwithtreestumpsshearedroughlyata
symmetricalfivefootlevel.Themenflopanddrinkofthecontaminatedwaterandfilltheirwater
bottles.Thetwobearersletthewoundedmansliptoearth;hehangslaxonthecanalbankwith
botharmsinthewaterandhisheadtoo,hadnottheothersheldhimup.
Oneofthemraiseswaterinhishelmet,butthewoundedmancannotswallow.Sotheyset
himuprightandtheotherholdsthehelmetbrimtohislipsandrefillsthehelmetandpoursthe
wateronthewoundedman'shead,soppingthebandage.Thenhetakesafilthyragfromhis
pocketanddriesthewoundedman'sfacewithclumsygentleness.
Thecaptain,thesubalternandthesergeant,stillstanding,areporingoverasoiledmap.
Beyondthecanalthegroundrisesgradually;thecanalcuttingrevealsthechalkformationofthe
landinpallidstrata.Thecaptainputsthemapawayandthesergeantspeaksthementotheirfeet,
notloud.Thetwobearersraisethewoundedmanandtheyfollowthecanalbank,comingaftera
whiletoabridgeformedbyawaterloggedbargehulllashedbowandsterntoeitherbank,andso
passover.Heretheyhaltagainwhileoncemorethecaptainandthesubalternconsultthemap.
Gunfirecomesacrossthepalespringnoonlikeaprolongedclashingofhailonanendless
metalroof.Astheygoonthechalkysoilrisesgraduallyunderfoot.Thegroundisdrylyrough,
shaling,andthegoingisharderstillforthetwowhocarrythewoundedman.Butwhentheywould
stopthewoundedmanstrugglesandwrenchesfreeandstaggersonalone,hishandsathishead,
andstumbles,falling.Thebearerscatchandraisehimandholdhimmutteringbetweenthemand
wrenchinghisarms.Heismuttering"...bonnet..."andhefreeshishandsandtugsagainathis
bandage.Thecommotionpassesforward.Thecaptainlooksbackandstops;thepartyhaltsalso,
unbidden,andlowersrifles.
"A'spickinat'sbandage,sirr,"oneofthebearerstellsthecaptain.Theyletthemansit
downbetweenthem;thecaptainkneelsbesidehim.
"...bonnet...bonnet,"themanmutters.Thecaptainloosensthebandage.Thesergeant
extendsawaterbottleandthecaptainwetsthebandageandlayshishandontheman'sbrow.The
othersstandabout,lookingonwithakindofsober,detachedinterest.Thecaptainrises.The
bearersraisethewoundedmanagain.Thesergeantspeaksthemintomotion.
Theygainthecrestoftheridge.Theridgeslopeswestwardintoaplateauslightlyrolling.
Southward,beneathitsdunpall,thebarragestillrages;westwardandnorthwardabouttheshining
emptyplainsmokeriseslazilyhereandthereaboveclumpsoftrees.Butthisisthesmokeof
burningthings,burningwoodandnotpowder,andthetwoofficersgazefrombeneaththeirhands,
themenhaltingagainwithoutorderandloweringarms.
"Gad,sir,"thesubalternsayssuddenlyinahigh,thinvoice;"it'shousesburning!They're
retreating!Beasts!Beasts!"
"'Tispossible,"thecaptainsays,gazingbeneathhishand."Wecangetaroundthatbarrage
now.Shouldbearoadjustyonder."Hestridesonagain.
"Forrard,"thesergeantsays,inthattonenotloud.Themenslopearmsoncemorewith
unquestioningdocility.
Theridgeiscoveredwithatough,gorselikegrass.Insectsbuzzinit,zipfrombeneaththeir
feetandfalltoslattingagainbeneaththeshimmeringnoon.Thewoundedmanisbabblingagain.
Atintervalstheypauseandgivehimwaterandwetthebandageagain,thentwoothersexchange
withthebearersandtheyhurrythemanonandcloseupagain.
 Theheadofthelinestops;themenjoltproddingintooneanotherlikeatrainoffreightcars
stopping.Atthecaptain'sfeetliesabroadshallowdepressioninwhichgrowsasparsedead
lookinggrasslikeclumpsofbayonetsthrustupoutoftheearth.Itistoobigtohavebeenmadeby
asmallshell,andtooshallowtohavebeenmadebyabigone.Itbearsnotracesofhavingbeen
madebyanythingatall,andtheylookquietlydownintoit."Queer,"thesubalternsays."Whatdo
youfancycouldhavemadeit?"
Thecaptaindoesnotanswer.Heturns.Theycirclethedepression,lookingdownintoit
quietlyastheypassit.Buttheyhavenomorethanpasseditwhentheycomeuponanotherone,
perhapsnotquitesolarge."Ididn'tknowtheyhadanythingthatcouldmakethat!"thesubaltern
says.
Againthecaptaindoesnotanswer.Theycirclethisonealsoandkeeponalongthecrestof
theridge.Ontheotherhandtheridgesheerssharplydownwardstratumbystratumofpallideroded
chalk.
Ashallowravinegashesitscrumblingyawnabruptlyacrosstheirpath.Thecaptain
changesdirectionagain,parallelingtheravine,untilshortlyafterwardtheravineturnsatright
anglesandgoesoninthedirectionoftheirmarch.
Theflooroftheravineisinshadow;thecaptainleadsthewaydowntheshelvingwall,into
theshade.Theylowerthewoundedmancarefullyandgoon.
Afteratimetheravineopens.Theyfindthattheyhavedebouchedintoanotherofthose
shallowdepressions.Thisoneisnotsoclearlydefined,though,andtheoppositewallofitisnicked
bywhatisapparentlyanotherdepression,liketwooverlappingdisks.Theycrossthefirst
depression,whilemoreofthedeadlookinggrassbayonetssabertheirlegsdryly,andpassthrough
thegapintothenextdepression.
Thisoneislikeaminiaturevalleybetweenminiaturecliffs.Overheadtheycanseeonlythe
drowsyandemptybowlofthesky,withafewfaintsmokesmudgestothenorthwest.Thesoundof
thebarrageisnowremoteandfaraway:avibrationinearthfeltratherthanheard.Thereareno
recentshellcratersormarkshereatall.Itisasthoughtheyhadstrayedsuddenlyintoaregion,a
worldwherethewarhadnotreached,wherenothinghadreached,wherenolifeis,andsilence
itselfisdead.Theygivethewoundedmanwaterandgoon.
Thevalley,thedepression,straysvaguelybeforethem.Theycanseethatitisaseriesof
overlapping,vaguelycircularbasinsformedbynoapparentordeducibleagency.
Pallidgrassbayonetssaberattheirlegs,andafteratimetheyareagainamongoldhealed
scarsoftreestowhichthereclingsparseleavesneithergreennordead,asiftheytoohadbeen
overtakenandcaughtbyahiatusintime,gossipingdrylyamongthemselvesthoughthereisno
wind.Thefloorofthevalleyisnotlevel.Itinitselfdescendsintovaguedepressions,risesagainas
vaguelybetweenitsshelvingwalls.
Inthecenterofthesesmallerdepressionswhitishknobsofchalkthrustupthroughthethin
topsoil.Thegroundhasaresilientquality,likewalkingoncork;feetmakenosound.
"Jollywalking,"thesubalternsays.Thoughhisvoiceisnotraised,itfillsthesmallvalley
withtheabruptnessofathunderclap,fillingthesilence,thewordsseemingtohangaboutthemas
thoughsilenceherehadbeensolongundisturbedthatithadforgotitspurpose;asonetheylook
quietlyandsoberlyabout,attheshelvingwalls,thestubbornghostsoftrees,thebland,hushed
sky."Toppingholeupforembusquebirdsandsuch,"thesubalternsays.
"Ay,"thecaptainsays.Hiswordinturnhangssluggishlyandfades.Themenattherear
closeup,themovementpassingforward,themenlookingquietlyandsoberlyabout.
"Butnobirdshere,"thesubalternsays."Noinsectseven."
"Ay,"thecaptainsays.Thewordfades,thesilencecomesdownagain,sunny,profoundly
still.Thesubalternpausesandstirssomethingwithhisfoot.Themenhaltalso,andthesubaltern
andthecaptain,withouttouchingit,examinethehalfburiedandmolderingrifle.Thewoundedman
isbabblingagain.
"Whatisit,sir?"thesubalternsays."LookslikeoneofthosethingstheCanadianshad.A
Ross.Right?"
"French,"thecaptainsays;"1914."
"Oh,"thesubalternsays.Heturnstherifleasidewithhistoe.Thebayonetisstillattached
tothebarrel,butthestockhaslongsincerottedaway.Theygoon,acrosstheunevenground,
amongthechalkyknobsthrustingupthroughthesoil.Light,thewananddrowsysunlight,islaked
inthevalley,stagnant,bodiless,withoutheat.Thesaberlikegrassthrustssparselyandrigidly
upward.Theylookaboutagainattheshalingwalls,thentheonesattheheadofthepartywatch
thesubalternpauseandprodwithhisstickatoneofthechalkyknobsandturnpresentlyupwardits
earthstainedeyesocketsanditsunbottomedgrin.
"Forward,"thecaptainsayssharply.Thepartymoves;themenlookquietlyandcuriouslyat
theskullastheypass.
Theygoon,amongtheotherwhitishknobslikemarblesstuddedatrandomintheshallow
soil.
"Allinthesameposition,doyounotice,sir?"thesubalternsays,hisvoicechattilycheerful;
"allupright.Queerwaytoburychaps:sittingdown.Shallow,too."
"Ay,"thecaptainsays.Thewoundedmanbabblessteadily.Thetwobearersstopwithhim,
buttheotherscrowdonaftertheofficers,passingthetwobearersandthewoundedman."Dinna
stoptogi'ssupwater,"oneofthebearerssays."A'lldrinkwalkin."Theytakeupthewoundedman
againandhurryhimonwhileoneofthemtriestoholdtheneckofawaterbottletothewounded
man'smouth,clatteringitagainsthisteethandspillingthewaterdownthefrontofhistunic.The
captainlooksback.
"What'sthis?"hesayssharply.Themencrowdup.Theireyesarewide,sober;helooks
aboutatthequiet,intentfaces.
"What'sthematterbackthere,Sergeant?"
"Windup,"thesubalternsays.Helooksaboutattheerodedwalls,thewhitishknobs
thrustingquietlyoutoftheearth."Feelitmyself,"hesays.Helaughs,hislaughteralittlethin,
ceasing."Let'sgetoutofhere,sir,"hesays."Let'sgetintothesunagain."
"Youareinthesunhere,"thecaptainsays."Easeoffthere,men.Stopcrowding.We'llbe
outsoon.We'llfindtheroadandgetpastthebarrageandmakecontactagain."Heturnsandgoes
on.Thepartygetsintomotionagain.
Thentheyallstopasone,intheattitudesofwalking,inanuttersuspension,andstareat
oneanother.Againtheearthmovesundertheirfeet.Amanscreams,high,likeawomanora
horse;asthefirmearthshiftsforathirdtimebeneaththemtheofficerswhirlandseebeyondthe
downplungingmanagapingholewithdryduststillcrumblingabouttheedgesbeforetheorifice
crumblesagainbeneathasecondman.Thenacrackspringslikeaswordslashbeneaththemall;
theearthbreaksundertheirfeetandtiltslikejaggedsquaresofpalefudge,framingablackyawn
outofwhich,likeasilentexplosion,burststheunmistakablesmellofrottedflesh.Whilethey
scrambleandleap(insilencenow;therehasbeennosoundsincethefirstmanscreamed)from
onecaketoanother,thecakestiltandslideuntilthewholefloorofthevalleyrushesslowlyunder
themandplungesthemdownwardintodarkness.Agraverumblingrisesintothesunlightonablast
ofdecayandoffaintdustwhichhangsanddriftsinthefaintairabouttheblackorifice.
Thecaptainfeelshimselfplungingdownasheerandshiftingwallofmovingearth,of
soundsofterrorandofstrugglingintheinkdark.Someoneelsescreams.Thescreamceases;he
hearsthevoiceofthewoundedmancomingthinandreiterantoutoftheplungingbowelsofdecay:
"A'mnodead!A'mnodead!"andceasingabruptly,asifahandhadbeenlaidonhismouth.
 Thenthemovingcliffdownwhichthecaptainplungesslopesgraduallyoffandshootshim,
uninjured,ontoahardfloor,whereheliesforatimeonhisbackwhileacrosshisfacethelightward
andairwardseekingblastofdeathanddissolutionrushes.Hehasfetchedupagainstsomething;it
tumblesdownuponhimlightly,withamuffledclatterasifithadcometopieces.
Thenhebeginstoseethelight,thejaggedshapeofthecavernmouthhighoverhead,and
thenthesergeantisbendingoverhimwithapockettorch."McKie?"thecaptainsays.Forreplythe
sergeantturnstheflashuponhisownface."Where'sMr.McKie?"thecaptainsays.
"A'sgone,sirr,"thesergeantsaysinahuskywhisper.
Thecaptainsitsup.
"Howmanyareleft?"
"Fourteen,sirr,"thesergeantwhispers.
"Fourteen.Twelvemissing.We'llhavetodigfast."Hegetstohisfeet.Thefaintlightfrom
abovefallscoldlyupontheheapedavalanche,uponthethirteenhelmetsandthewhitebandageof
thewoundedmanhuddledaboutthefootofthecliff."Wherearewe?"
Foranswerthesergeantmovesthetorch.Itstreakslaterallyintothedarkness,alonga
wall,atunnel,intoyawningblackness,thewallsfacetedwithpaleglintsofchalk.Aboutthetunnel,
sittingorleaninguprightagainstthewalls,areskeletonsindarktunicsandbaggingZouave
trousers,theirmolderingarmsbesidethem;thecaptainrecognizesthemasSenegalesetroopsof
theMayfightingof1915,surprisedandkilledbygasprobablyintheattitudesinwhichtheyhad
takenrefugeinthechalkcaverns.Hetakesthetorchfromthesergeant.
"We'llseeifthere'sanyoneelse,"hesays."Haveoutthetrenchingtools."Heflashesthe
lightupontheprecipice.Itrisesintogloom,darkness,thenintothefaintrumorofdaylightoverhead.
Withthesergeantbehindhimheclimbstheshiftingheap,theearthsighingbeneathhimand
shalingdownward.Theinjuredmanbeginstowailagain,"A'mnodead!A'mnodead!"untilhis
voicegoesintoahighsustainedscreaming.Someonelaysahandoverhismouth.Hisvoiceis
muffled,thenitbecomeslaughteronarisingnote,becomesscreamingagain,ischokedagain.
Thecaptainandthesergeantmountashighastheydare,proddingattheearthwhilethe
earthshiftsbeneaththeminlonghushedsighs.Atthefootoftheprecipicethemenhuddle,their
facesliftedfaint,white,andpatientintothelight.Thecaptainsweepsthetorchupanddownthe
cliff.
Thereisnothing,noarm,nohand,insight.Theairisclearingslowly."We'llgeton!"the
captainsays.
"Ay,sirr,"thesergeantsays.
Inbothdirectionsthecavernfadesintodarkness,plumblessandprofound,filledwiththe
quietskeletonssittingandleaningagainstthewalls,theirarmsbesidethem.
"Thecaveinthrewusforward,"thecaptainsays.
"Ay,sirr,"thesergeantwhispers.
"Speakout,"thecaptainsays."It'sbutabitofacave.Ifmengotintoit,wecangetout."
"Ay,sirr,"thesergeantwhispers.
"Ifitthrewusforward,theentrancewillbeyonder."
"Ay,sirr,"thesergeantwhispers.
Thecaptainflashesthetorchahead.Themenriseandhuddlequietlybehindhim,the
woundedmanamongthem.
Hewhimpers.Thecaverngoeson,unrollingitsglintedwallsoutofthedarkness;thesitting
shapesgrinquietlyintothelightastheypass.Theairgrowsheavier;soontheyaretrotting,
gasping,thentheairgrowslighterandthetorchsweepsupanotherslopeofearth,closingthe
tunnel.Themenhaltandhuddle.Thecaptainmountstheslope.Hesnapsoffthelightandcrawls
slowlyalongthecrestoftheslide,whereitjoinstheceilingofthecavern,sniffing.Thelightflashes
onagain."Twomenwithtrenchingtools,"hesays.
 Twomenmounttohim.Heshowsthemthefissurethroughwhichairseepsinsmall,steady
breaths.Theybegintodig,furiously,hurlingthedirtback.Presentlytheyarerelievedbytwo
others;presentlythefissurebecomesatunnelandfourmencanworkatonce.Theairbecomes
fresher.
Theyburrowfuriously,withwhimperingcrieslikedogs.
Thewoundedman,hearingthemperhaps,catchingtheexcitementperhaps,beginsto
laughagain,meaninglessandhigh.Thenthemanattheheadofthetunnelburststhrough.
Lightrushesinaroundhimlikewater;heburrowsmadly;insilhouettetheyseehis
wallowingbuttockslungefromsightandaburstofdaylightsurgesin.
Theothersleavethewoundedmanandsurgeuptheslope,fightingandsnarlingatthe
opening.Thesergeantspringsafterthemandbeatsthemawayfromtheopeningwithatrenching
spade,cursinginhishoarsewhisper.
"Letthemgo,Sergeant,"thecaptainsays.Thesergeantdesists.Hestandsasideand
watchesthemenscrambleintothetunnel.Thenhedescends,andheandthecaptainhelpthe
woundedmanuptheslope.Atthemouthofthetunnelthewoundedmanrebels.
"A'mnodead!A'mnodead!"hewails,struggling.Bycajoleryandforcetheythrusthim,still
wailingandstruggling,intothetunnel,wherehebecomesdocileagainandscuttlesthrough.
"Outwithyou,Sergeant,"thecaptainsays.
"Afteryou,sirr,"thesergeantwhispers.
"Outwiye,man!"thecaptainsays.Thesergeantentersthetunnel.Thecaptainfollows.He
emergesontotheouterslopeoftheavalanchewhichhadclosedthecave,atthefootofwhichthe
fourteenmenarekneelinginagroup.Onhishandsandkneeslikeabeast,thecaptainbreathes,
hisbreathmakingahoarsesound."Soonitwillbesummer,"hethinks,draggingtheairintohis
lungsfasterthanhecanemptythemtorespireagain."Soonitwillbesummer,andthelongdays."
Atthefootoftheslopethefourteenmenkneel.TheoneinthecenterhasaBibleinhishand,from
whichheisintoningmonotonously.Abovehisvoicethewoundedman'sgibberishrises,
meaninglessandunemphaticandsustained.

Turnabout

THEAMERICAN,theolderoneworenopinkBedfords.
Hisbreecheswereofplainwhipcord,likethetunic.AndthetunichadnolongLondoncut
skirts,sothatbelowtheSamBrownethetailofitstuckstraightoutlikethetunicofamilitary
policemanbeneathhisholsterbelt.Andheworesimpleputteesandtheeasyshoesofamanof
middleage,insteadofSavileRowboots,andtheshoesandtheputteesdidnotmatchinshade,
andtheordnancebeltdidnotmatcheitherofthem,andthepilot'swingsonhisbreastwerejust
wings.Buttheribbonbeneaththemwasagoodribbon,andtheinsigneonhisshoulderswerethe
twinbarsofacaptain.
Hewasnottall.Hisfacewasthin,alittleaquiline;theeyesintelligentandalittletired.He
waspasttwentyfive;lookingathim,onethought,notPhiBetaKappaexactly,butSkullandBones
perhaps,orpossiblyaRhodesscholarship.
Oneofthemenwhofacedhimprobablycouldnotseehimatall.Hewasbeingheldonhis
feetbyanAmericanmilitarypoliceman.Hewasquitedrunk,andincontrastwiththeheavyjawed
policemanwhoheldhimerectonhislong,slim,bonelesslegs,helookedlikeamasqueradinggirl.
Hewaspossiblyeighteen,tall,withapinkandwhitefaceandblueeyes,andamouthlikea
girl'smouth.Heworeapeacoat,buttonedawryandstainedwithrecentmud,anduponhisblond
head,atthatunmistakableandrakishswaggerwhichnootherpeoplecaneverapproachorimitate,
thecapofaRoyalNavalOfficer.
 "What'sthis,corporal?"theAmericancaptainsaid.
"What'sthetrouble?He'sanEnglishman.You'dbetterlettheirM.P.'stakecareofhim."
"Iknowheis,"thepolicemansaid.Hespokeheavily,breathingheavily,inthevoiceofa
manunderphysicalstrain;forallhisgirlishdelicacyoflimb,theEnglishboywasheavierormore
helplessthanhelooked."Standup!"thepolicemansaid."They'reofficers!"
TheEnglishboymadeaneffortthen.Hepulledhimselftogether,focusinghiseyes.He
swayed,throwinghisarmsaboutthepoliceman'sneck,andwiththeotherhandhesaluted,his
handflicking,fingerscurledalittle,tohisrightear,alreadyswayingagainandcatchinghimself
again.
"Cheero,sir,"hesaid."Name'snotBeatty,Ihope."
"No,"thecaptainsaid.
"Ah,"theEnglishboysaid."Hopednot.Mymistake.Nooffense,what?"
"Nooffense,"thecaptainsaidquietly.Buthewaslookingatthepoliceman.Thesecond
Americanspoke.Hewasalieutenant,alsoapilot.Buthewasnottwentyfiveandheworethepink
breeches,theLondonboots,andhistunicmighthavebeenaBritishtunicsaveforthecollar.
"It'soneofthosenavyeggs,"hesaid."Theypickthemoutoftheguttershereallnightlong.
Youdon'tcometotownoftenenough."
"Oh,"thecaptainsaid."I'veheardaboutthem.Iremembernow."Healsoremarkednow
that,thoughthestreetwasabusyoneitwasjustoutsideapopularcafeandthereweremany
passers,soldier,civilian,women,yetnoneofthemsomuchaspaused,asthoughitwereafamiliar
sight.
Hewaslookingatthepoliceman."Can'tyoutakehimtohisship?"
"Ithoughtofthatbeforethecaptaindid,"thepolicemansaid."Hesayshecan'tgoaboard
hisshipafterdarkbecauseheputstheshipawayatsundown."
"Putsitaway?"
"Standup,sailor!"thepolicemansaidsavagely,jerkingathislaxburden."Maybethe
captaincanmakesenseoutofit.DamnedifIcan.Hesaystheykeeptheboatunderthewharf.
Runitunderthewharfatnight,andthattheycan'tgetitoutagainuntilthetidegoesouttomorrow."
"Underthewharf?Aboat?Whatisthis?"Hewasnowspeakingtothelieutenant."Dothey
operatesomekindofaquaticmotorcycles?"
"Somethinglikethat,"thelieutenantsaid."You'veseenthemtheboats.Launches,
camouflagedandall.Dashingupanddowntheharbor.You'veseenthem.Theydothatalldayand
sleepintheguttershereallnight."
"Oh,"thecaptainsaid."Ithoughtthoseboatswereshipcommanders'launches.Youmean
totellmetheyuseofficersjustto..."
"Idon'tknow,"thelieutenantsaid."Maybetheyusethemtofetchhotwaterfromoneship
toanother.Orbuns.Ormaybetogobackandforthfastwhentheyforgetnapkinsorsomething."
"Nonsense,"thecaptainsaid.HelookedattheEnglishboyagain.
"That'swhattheydo,"thelieutenantsaid."Town'slousywiththemallnightlong.Gutters
full,andtheirM.P.'scartingthemawayinbatches,likenursemaidsinapark.MaybetheFrench
givethemthelaunchestogetthemoutoftheguttersduringtheday."
"Oh,"thecaptainsaid,"Isee."Butitwasclearthathedidn'tsee,wasn'tlistening,didn't
believewhathedidhear.
HelookedattheEnglishboy."Well,youcan'tleavehimhereinthatshape,"hesaid.
AgaintheEnglishboytriedtopullhimselftogether,"Quiteallright,'sureyou,"hesaid
glassily,hisvoicepleasant,cheerfulalmost,quitecourteous."Usedtoit.Confoundedroughpave,
though.ShouldforceFrenchdosomethingaboutit.Visitingladsjollywelldeservedecentfieldto
playon,what?"
 "Andhewasjollywellusingallofittoo,"thepolicemansaidsavagely."Hemustthinkhe'sa
onemanteam,maybe."
Atthatmomentafifthmancameup.HewasaBritishmilitarypoliceman."Nahthen,"he
said."What'sthis?What'sthis?"ThenhesawtheAmericans'shoulderbars.
Hesaluted.AtthesoundofhisvoicetheEnglishboyturned,swaying,peering.
"Oh,hullo,Albert,"hesaid.
"Nahthen,Mr.Hope,"theBritishpolicemansaid.HesaidtotheAmericanpoliceman,over
hisshoulder:"Whatisitthistime?"
"Likelynothing,"theAmericansaid."Thewayyouguysrunawar.ButI'mastrangerhere.
Here.Takehim."
"Whatisthis,corporal?"thecaptainsaid."Whatwashedoing?"
"Hewon'tcallitnothing,"theAmericanpolicemansaid,jerkinghisheadattheBritish
policeman."He'lljustcallitathrushorarobinorsomething.Iturnintothisstreetaboutthree
blocksbackawhileago,andIfinditblockedwithalineoftrucksgoingupfromthedocks,andthe
driversallholleringaheadwhatthehellthetroubleis.SoIcomeonandIfinditisaboutthree
blocksofthem,blockingthecrossstreetstoo;andIcomeontotheheadofitwherethetroubleis,
andIfindaboutadozenofthedriversoutinfront,holdingacaucusorsomethinginthemiddleof
thestreet,andIcomeupandIsay,What'sgoingonhere?andtheyleavemethroughandIfind
thiseggherelaying..."
"YertalkingaboutoneofHisMajesty'sofficers,myman,"theBritishpolicemansaid.
"Watchyourself,corporal,"thecaptainsaid."Andyoufoundthisofficer..."
"Hehaddonegonetobedinthemiddleofthestreet,withanemptybasketforapillow.
Layingtherewithhishandsunderhisheadandhiskneescrossed,arguingwiththemabout
whetherheoughttogetupandmoveornot.Hesaidthatthetruckscouldturnbackandgoaround
byanotherstreet,butthathecouldn'tuseanyotherstreet,becausethisstreetwashis."
"Hisstreet?"
TheEnglishboyhadlistened,interested,pleasant."Billet,yousee,"hesaid."Musthave
order,eveninwaremergency.Billetbylot.Thisstreetmine;nopoaching,eh?NextstreetJamie
Wutherspoon's.ButtruckscangobythatstreetbecauseJamienotusingityet.Notinbedyet.
Insomnia.Knewso.Toldthem.Trucksgothatway.Seenow?"
"Wasthatit,corporal?"thecaptainsaid.
"Hetoldyou.Hewouldn'tgetup.Hejustlaidthere,arguingwiththem.Hewastellingone
ofthemtogosomewhereandbringbackacopyoftheirarticlesofwar..."
"King'sRegulations;yes,"thecaptainsaid.
"...andseeifthebooksaidwhetherhehadtherightofway,orthetrucks.AndthenIgot
himup,andthenthecaptaincomealong.Andthat'sall.Andwiththecaptain'spermissionI'llnow
handhimovertoHisMajesty'swetnur..."
"That'lldo,corporal,"thecaptainsaid."Youcango.I'llseetothis."Thepolicemansaluted
andwenton.TheBritishpolicemanwasnowsupportingtheEnglishboy."Can'tyoutakehim?"the
captainsaid."Wherearetheirquarters?"
"Idon'trightlyknow,sir,iftheyhavequartersornot.Iusuallyseethemaboutthepubsuntil
daylight.Theydon'tseemtousequarters."
"Youmean,theyreallyaren'toffofships?"
"Well,sir,theymightbeships,inamannerofspeaking.Butamanwouldhavetobeabit
sleepierthanhimtosleepinoneofthem."
"Isee,"thecaptainsaid.Helookedatthepoliceman."Whatkindofboatsarethey?"
Thistimethepoliceman'svoicewasimmediate,finalandcompletelyinflectionless.Itwas
likeacloseddoor."Idon'trightlyknow,sir."
 "Oh,"thecaptainsaid."Quite.Well,he'sinnoshapetostayaboutpubsuntildaylightthis
time."
"PerhapsIcanfindhimabitofapubwithabacktable,wherehecansleep,"thepoliceman
said.Butthecaptainwasnotlistening.Hewaslookingacrossthestreet,wherethelightsof
anothercafefellacrossthepavement.TheEnglishboyyawnedterrifically,likeachilddoes,his
mouthpinkandfranklygapedasachild's.
Thecaptainturnedtothepoliceman:"Wouldyoumindsteppingacrossthereandaskingfor
CaptainBogard'sdriver?I'lltakecareofMr.Hope."
Thepolicemandeparted.ThecaptainnowsupportedtheEnglishboy,hishandbeneaththe
other'sarm.Againtheboyyawnedlikeawearychild."Steady,"thecaptainsaid.
"Thecarwillbehereinaminute."
"Right,"theEnglishboysaidthroughtheyawn.

II

ONCEINTHECAR,hewenttosleepimmediatelywiththepeacefulsuddennessofbabies,sitting
betweenthetwoAmericans.Butthoughtheaerodromewasonlythirtyminutesaway,hewas
awakewhentheyarrived,apparentlyquitefresh,andaskingforwhisky.Whentheyenteredthe
messheappearedquitesober,onlyblinkingalittleinthelightedroom,inhisrakedcapandhis
awrybuttonedpeajacketandasoiledsilkmuffler,embroideredwithaclubinsigniawhichBogard
recognizedtohavecomefromafamouspreparatoryschool,twistedabouthisthroat.
"Ah,"hesaid,hisvoicefresh,clearnow,notblurred,quitecheerful,quiteloud,sothatthe
othersintheroomturnedandlookedathim."Jolly.Whisky,what?"Hewentstraightasabirddog
tothebarinthecorner,thelieutenantfollowing.Bogardhadturnedandgoneontotheotherendof
theroom,wherefivemensataboutacardtable.
"What'sheadmiralof?"onesaid.
"OfthewholeScotchnavy,whenIfoundhim,"Bogardsaid.
Anotherlookedup."Oh,IthoughtI'dseenhimintown."
Helookedattheguest."Maybeit'sbecausehewasonhisfeetthatIdidn'trecognizehim
whenhecamein.Youusuallyseethemlyingdowninthegutter."
"Oh,"thefirstsaid.He,too,lookedaround."Isheoneofthoseguys?"
"Sure.You'veseenthem.Sittingonthecurb,youknow,withacoupleoflimeyM.P.'s
haulingattheirarms."
"Yes.I'veseenthem,"theothersaid.TheyalllookedattheEnglishboy.Hestoodatthe
bar,talking,hisvoiceloud,cheerful."Theyalllooklikehimtoo,"thespeakersaid.
"Aboutseventeenoreighteen.Theyrunthoselittleboatsthatarealwaysdashinginand
out."
"Isthatwhattheydo?"athirdsaid."Youmean,there'samalemarineauxiliarytothe
WAACs?GoodLord,IsuremadeamistakewhenIenlisted.Butthiswarneverwasadvertised
right."
"Idon'tknow,"Bogardsaid."Iguesstheydomorethanjustridearound."
Buttheywerenotlisteningtohim.Theywerelookingattheguest."Theyrunbyclock,"the
firstsaid."Youcanseetheconditionofoneofthemaftersunsetandalmosttellwhattimeitis.But
whatIdon'tseeis,howamanthat'sinthatshapeatoneo'clockeverymorningcanevenseea
battleshipthenextday."
"Maybewhentheyhaveamessagetosendouttoaship,"anothersaid,"theyjustmake
duplicatesandlinethelaunchesupandpointthemtowardtheshipandgiveeachoneaduplicate
ofthemessageandletthemgo.Andtheonesthatmisstheshipjustcruisearoundtheharboruntil
theyhitadocksomewhere."
"Itmustbemorethanthat,"Bogardsaid.
Hewasabouttosaysomethingelse,butatthatmomenttheguestturnedfromthebarand
approached,carryingaglass.Hewalkedsteadilyenough,buthiscolorwashighandhiseyeswere
bright,andhewastalking,loud,cheerful,ashecameup.
"Isay.Won'tyouchapsjoin..."Heceased.Heseemedtoremarksomething;hewas
lookingattheirbreasts."Oh,Isay.Youfly.Allofyou.Oh,goodgad!Finditjolly,eh?"
"Yes,"somebodysaid."Jolly."
"Butdangerous,what?"
"Alittlefasterthantennis,"anothersaid.Theguestlookedathim,bright,affable,intent.
Anothersaidquickly,"Bogardsaysyoucommandavessel."
"Hardlyavessel.Thanks,though.Andnotcommand.Ronniedoesthat.Ranksmeabit.
Age."
"Ronnie?"
"Yes.Nice.Goodegg.Old,though.Stickler."
"Stickler?"
"Frightful.You'dnotbelieveit.WheneverwesightsmokeandIhavetheglass,hesheers
away.Keepstheshiphulldownallthewhile.Nobeaverthen.Hadmetwodownafortnight
yesterday."
TheAmericansglancedatoneanother."Nobeaver?"
"Weplayit.Withbasketmasts,yousee.Seeabasketmast.Beaver!Oneup.The
Ergenstrassedoesn'tcountanymore,though."
Themenaboutthetablelookedatoneanother.Bogardspoke."Isee.WhenyouorRonnie
seeashipwithbasketmasts,yougetabeaverontheother.Isee.WhatistheErgenstrasse?"
"She'sGerman.Interned.Trampsteamer.Foremastriggedsoitlookssomethinglikea
basketmast.Booms,cables,Idaresay.Ididn'tthinkitlookedverymuchlikeabasketmast,
myself.ButRonniesaidyes.Calleditoneday.Thenonedaytheyshiftedheracrossthebasinand
IcalledheronRonnie.Sowedecidedtonotcountheranymore.Seenow,eh?"
"Oh,"theonewhohadmadethetennisremarksaid,"Isee.YouandRonnierunaboutin
thelaunch,playingbeaver.H'm'm.That'snice.Didyoueverpi..."
"Jerry,"Bogardsaid.Theguesthadnotmoved.Helookeddownatthespeaker,still
smiling,hiseyesquitewide.
Thespeakerstilllookedattheguest."HasyoursandRonnie'sboatgotayellowstern?"
"Ayellowstern?"theEnglishboysaid.Hehadquitsmiling,buthisfacewasstillpleasant.
"Ithoughtthatmaybewhentheboatshadtwocaptains,theymightpaintthesternsyellow
orsomething."
"Oh,"theguestsaid."BurtandReevesaren'tofficers."
"BurtandReeves,"theothersaid,inamusingtone."Sotheygo,too.Dotheyplaybeaver
too?"
"Jerry,"Bogardsaid.Theotherlookedathim.Bogardjerkedhisheadalittle."Comeover
here."Theotherrose.
Theywentaside."Layoffofhim,"Bogardsaid."Imeanit,now.He'sjustakid.Whenyou
werethatage,howmuchsensedidyouhave?Justaboutenoughtogettochapelontime."
"Mycountryhadn'tbeenatwargoingonfouryears,though,"Jerrysaid."Hereweare,
spendingourmoneyandgettingshotatbytheclock,andit'snotevenourfight,andtheselimeys
thatwouldhavebeengoosesteppingtwelvemonthsnowifithadn'tbeen..."
"Shutit,"Bogardsaid."YousoundlikeaLibertyLoan."
 "...takingitlikeitwasafairorsomething.'Jolly.'"Hisvoicewasnowfalsetto,lilting."'But
dangerous,what?'"
"Shhhh,"Bogardsaid.
"I'dliketocatchhimandhisRonnieoutintheharbor,justonce.Anyharbor.London's.I
wouldn'twantanythingbutaJenny,either.Jenny?Hell,I'dtakeabicycleandapairofwaterwings!
I'llshowhimsomewar."
"Well,youlayoffhimnow.He'llbegonesoon."
"Whatareyougoingtodowithhim?"
"I'mgoingtotakehimalongthismorning.LethimhaveHarper'splaceoutfront.Hesayshe
canhandleaLewis.Saystheyhaveoneontheboat.Somethinghewastellingmeabouthowhe
onceshotoutachannelmarkerlightatsevenhundredyards."
"Well,that'syourbusiness.Maybehecanbeatyou."
"Beatme?"
"Playingbeaver.AndthenyoucantakeonRonnie."
"I'llshowhimsomewar,anyway,"Bogardsaid.Helookedattheguest."Hispeoplehave
beeninitthreeyearsnow,andheseemstotakeitlikeasophomoreintownforthebiggame."He
lookedatJerryagain."Butyoulayoffhimnow."
Astheyapproachedthetable,theguest'svoicewasloudandcheerful:"...ifhegotthe
glassesfirst,hewouldgoincloseandlook,butwhenIgotthemfirst,he'dsheeroffwhereI
couldn'tseeanythingbutthesmoke.Frightfulstickler.Frightful.ButErgenstrassenotcountingany
more.Andifyoumakeamistakeandcallher,youlosetwobeaverfromyourscore.IfRonniewere
onlytoforgetandcallherwe'dbeeven."

Ill

ATTWOO'CLOCKtheEnglishboywasstilltalking,hisvoicebright,innocentandcheerful.Hewas
tellingthemhowSwitzerlandhadbeenspoiledby1914,andinsteadofthevacationwhichhis
fatherhadpromisedhimforhissixteenthbirthday,whenthatbirthdaycameheandhistutorhad
hadtodowithWales.Butthatheandthetutorhadgotprettyhighandthathedaredtosaywithall
duerespecttoanypresentwhomighthavehadtheadvantageofSwitzerland,ofcoursethatone
couldseeprobablyasfarfromWalesasfromSwitzerland."Perspireasmuchandbreatheashard,
anyway,"headded.AndabouthimtheAmericanssat,alittlehardbitten,alittlesober,somewhat
older,listeningtohimwithakindofcoldastonishment.Theyhadbeengettingupforsometime
nowandgoingoutandreturninginflyingclothes,carryinghelmetsandgoggles.Anorderlyentered
withatrayofcoffeecups,andtheguestrealizedthatforsometimenowhehadbeenhearing
enginesinthedarknessoutside.
AtlastBogardrose."Comealong,"hesaid."We'llgetyourtogs."Whentheyemergedfrom
themess,thesoundoftheengineswasquiteloud:anidlingthunder.Inalignmentalongthe
invisibletarmacwasavaguerankofshortbanksofflickeringbluegreenfiresuspendedapparently
inmidair.TheycrossedtheaerodrometoBogard'squarters,wherethelieutenant,McGinnis,sat
onacotfasteninghisflyingboots.BogardreacheddownaSidcottsuitandthrewitacrossthecot.
"Putthison,"hesaid.
"WillIneedallthis?"theguestsaid.
'Shallwebegonethatlong?"
"Probably,"Bogardsaid."Betteruseit.Coldupstairs."
Theguestpickedupthesuit."Isay,"hesaid."Isay,RonnieandIhaveadoourselves,
tomor...today.DoyouthinkRonniewon'tmindifIamabitlate?Mightnotwaitforme."
 "We'llbebackbeforeteatime,"McGinnissaid.Heseemedquitebusywithhisboot.
"Promiseyou."TheEnglishboylookedathim.
"Whattimeshouldyoubeback?"Bogardsaid.
"Oh,well,"theEnglishboysaid,"Idaresayitwillbeallright.TheyletRonniesaywhento
go,anyway.He'llwaitformeifIshouldbeabitlate."
"He'llwait,"Bogardsaid."Getyoursuiton."
"Right,"theothersaid.Theyhelpedhimintothesuit.
"Neverbeenupbefore,"hesaid,chattily,pleasantly."Daresayyoucanseefartherthan
frommountains,eh?"
"Seemore,anyway,"McGinnissaid."You'lllikeit."
"Oh,rather.IfRonnieonlywaitsforme.Lark.Butdangerous,isn'tit?"
"Goon,"McGinnissaid."You'rekiddingme."
"Shutyourtrap,Mac,"Bogardsaid."Comealong.Wantsomemorecoffee?"Helookedat
theguest,butMcGinnisanswered:"No.Gotsomethingbetterthancoffee.Coffeemakessucha
confoundedstainonthewings."
"Onthewings?"theEnglishboysaid."Whycoffeeonthewings."
"Stowit,Isaid,Mac,"Bogardsaid."Comealong."
Theyrecrossedtheaerodrome,approachingthemutteringbanksofflame.Whentheydrew
near,theguestbegantodiscerntheshape,theoutlines,oftheHandleyPage.Itlookedlikea
Pullmancoachrunupslantedagroundintotheskeletonofthefirstfloorofanincomplete
skyscraper.Theguestlookedatitquietly.
"It'slargerthanacruiser,"hesaidinhisbright,interestedvoice."Isay,youknow.This
doesn'tflyinonelump.Youcan'tpullmyleg.Seenthembefore.Itcomesintwoparts:Captain
Bogardandmeinone;Macand'notherchapinother.What?"
"No,"McGinnissaid.Bogardhadvanished."Itallgoesupinonelump.Biglark,eh?
Buzzard,what?"
"Buzzard?"theguestmurmured."Oh,Isay.Acruiser.Flying.Isay,now."
"Andlisten,"McGinnissaid.Hishandcameforth;somethingcoldfumbledagainstthehand
oftheEnglishboyabottle."Whenyoufeelyourselfgettingsick,see?Takeapullatit."
"Oh,shallIgetsick?"
"Sure.Wealldo.Partofflying.Thiswillstopit.Butifitdoesn't.See?"
"What?Quite.What?"
"Notoverside.Don'tspewitoverside."
"Notoverside?"
"It'llblowbackinBogy'sandmyface.Can'tsee.Bingo.Finished.See?"
"Oh,quite.WhatshallIdowithit?"Theirvoiceswerequiet,brief,graveasconspirators.
"Justduckyourheadandlethergo."
"Oh,quite."
Bogardreturned."Showhimhowtogetintothefrontpit,willyou?"hesaid.McGinnisled
thewaythroughthetrap.Forward,risingtotheslantofthefuselage,thepassagenarrowed;aman
wouldneedtocrawl.
"Crawlinthereandkeepgoing,"McGinnissaid.
"Itlookslikeadogkennel,"theguestsaid.
"Doesn'tit,though?"McGinnisagreedcheerfully."Getalongwithyou."Stooping,hecould
heartheotherscuttlingforward."You'llfindaLewisgunupthere,likeasnot,"hesaidintothe
tunnel.
Thevoiceoftheguestcameback:"Foundit."
"Thegunnerysergeantwillbealonginaminuteandshowyouifitisloaded."
 "It'sloaded,"theguestsaid;almostontheheelsofhiswordsthegunfired,abriefstaccato
burst.Therewereshouts,theloudestfromthegroundbeneaththenoseoftheaeroplane."It'squite
allright,"theEnglishboy'svoicesaid."IpointeditwestbeforeIletitoff.Nothingbacktherebut
Marineofficeandyourbrigadeheadquarters.RonnieandIalwaysdothisbeforewegoanywhere.
SorryifIwastoosoon.Oh,bytheway,"headded,"myname'sClaude.Don'tthinkImentionedit."
Ontheground,Bogardandtwootherofficersstood.Theyhadcomeuprunning."Firedit
west,"onesaid."Howinhelldoesheknowwhichwayiswest?"
"He'sasailor,"theothersaid."Youforgotthat."
"Heseemstobeamachinegunnertoo,"Bogardsaid.
"Let'shopehedoesn'tforgetthat,"thefirstsaid.

IV

NEVERTHELESS,Bogardkeptaneyeonthesilhouettedheadrisingfromtheroundgunpitinthe
nosetenfeetaheadofhim."Hedidworkthatgun,though,"hesaidtoMcGinnisbesidehim."He
evenputthedrumonhimself,didn'the?"
"Yes,"McGinnissaid."Ifhejustdoesn'tforgetandthinkthatthatgunishimandhistutor
lookingaroundfromaWelshalp."
"MaybeIshouldnothavebroughthim,"Bogardsaid.
McGinnisdidn'tanswer.Bogardjockeyedthewheelalittle.
Ahead,inthegunner'spit,theguest'sheadmovedthiswayandthatcontinuously,looking.
"We'llgetthereandunloadandhaulairforhome,"Bogardsaid."Maybeinthedark.Confoundit,it
wouldbeashameforhiscountrytobeinthismessforfouryearsandhimnoteventoseeagun
pointedinhisdirection."
"He'llseeonetonightifhedon'tkeephisheadin,"McGinnissaid.
Buttheboydidnotdothat.NotevenwhentheyhadreachedtheobjectiveandMcGinnis
hadcrawleddowntothebombtoggles.AndevenwhenthesearchlightsfoundthemandBogard
signaledtotheothermachinesanddived,thetwoenginessnarlingfullspeedintoandthroughthe
burstingshells,hecouldseetheboy'sfaceinthesearchlight'sglare,leanedfaroverside,coming
sharplyoutasaspotlightedfaceonastage,withanexpressionuponitofchildlikeinterestand
delight."Buthe'sfiringthatLewis,"Bogardthought."Straighttoo";nosingthemachinefarther
down,watchingthepinpointswingintothesights,hisrighthandlifted,waitingtodropinto
McGinnis'sight.Hedroppedhishand;abovethenoiseoftheenginesheseemedtoheartheclick
andwhistleofthereleasedbombsasthemachine,freedoftheweight,shotzoominginalong
upwardbouncethatcarrieditforaninstantoutofthelight.Thenhewasprettybusyforatime,
comingintoandthroughtheshellsagain,shootingathwartanotherbeamthatcaughtandheldlong
enoughforhimtoseetheEnglishboyleaningfarovertheside,lookingbackanddownpastthe
rightwing,theundercarriage."Maybehe'sreadaboutitsomewhere,"Bogardthought,turning,
lookingbacktopickuptherestoftheflight.
Thenitwasallover,thedarknesscoolandemptyandpeacefulandalmostquiet,withonly
thesteadysoundoftheengines.McGinnisclimbedbackintotheoffice,andstandingupinhisseat,
hefiredthecoloredpistolthistimeandstoodforamomentlonger,lookingbackwardtowardwhere
thesearchlightsstillprobedandsabered.Hesatdownagain.
"O.K.,"hesaid."Icountedallfourofthem.Let'shaulair."Thenhelookedforward."What's
becomeoftheKing'sOwn?Youdidn'thanghimontoabombrelease,didyou?"Bogardlooked.
Theforwardpitwasempty.Itwasindimsilhouetteagainnow,againstthestars,buttherewas
nothingtherenowsavethegun."No,"McGinnissaid:"thereheis.See?Leaningoverside.
Dammit,Itoldhimnottospewit!Therehecomesback."Theguest'sheadcameintoviewagain.
Butagainitsankoutofsight.
"He'scomingback,"Bogardsaid."Stophim.Tellhimwe'regoingtohaveeverysquadronin
theHunChannelgroupontopofusinthirtyminutes."
McGinnisswunghimselfdownandstoopedattheentrancetothepassage."Getback!"he
shouted.Theotherwasalmostout;theysquattedso,facetofaceliketwodogs,shoutingatone
anotherabovethenoiseofthestillunthrottiedenginesoneithersideofthefabricwalls.The
Englishboy'svoicewasthinandhigh.
"Bomb!"heshrieked.
"Yes,"McGinnisshouted,"theywerebombs!Wegavethemhell!Getback,Itellyou!Have
everyHuninFranceonusintenminutes!Getbacktoyourgun!"
Againtheboy'svoicecame,high,faintabovethenoise:"Bomb!Allright?"
"Yes!Yes!Allright.Backtoyourgun,damnyou!"
McGinnisclimbedbackintotheoffice."Hewentback.Wantmetotakeherawhile?"
"Allright,"Bogardsaid.HepassedMcGinnisthewheel.
"Easeherbacksome.I'djustassoonitwasdaylightwhentheycomedownonus."
"Right,"McGinnissaid.Hemovedthewheelsuddenly.
"What'sthematterwiththatrightwing?"hesaid."Watchit.See?I'mflyingontheright
aileronandalittlerudder.Feelit."
Bogardtookthewheelamoment."Ididn'tnoticethat.Wiresomewhere,Iguess.Ididn't
thinkanyofthoseshellswerethatclose.Watchher,though."
"Right,"McGinnissaid."Andsoyouaregoingwithhimonhisboattomorrowtoday."
"Yes.Ipromisedhim.Confoundit,youcan'thurtakid,youknow."
"Whydon'tyoutakeCollieralong,withhismandolin?Thenyoucouldsailaroundandsing."
"Ipromisedhim,"Bogardsaid."Getthatwingupalittle."
"Right,"McGinnissaid.
Thirtyminuteslateritwasbeginningtobedawn;theskywasgray.PresentlyMcGinnis
said:"Well,heretheycome.Lookatthem!TheylooklikemosquitoesinSeptember.Ihopehedon't
getworkedupnowandthinkhe'splayingbeaver.Ifhedoeshe'lljustbeonedowntoRonnie,
providedthedevilhasabeard...Wantthewheel?"

ATEIGHTO'CLOCKthebeach,theChannel,wasbeneaththem.
Throttledback,themachinedrifteddownasBogardruddereditgentlyintotheChannel
wind.Hisfacewasstrained,alittletired.
McGinnislookedtired,too,andheneededashave.
"Whatdoyouguessheislookingatnow?"hesaid.ForagaintheEnglishboywasleaning
overtherightsideofthecockpit,lookingbackwardanddownwardpasttherightwing.
"Idon'tknow,"Bogardsaid."Maybebulletholes."Heblastedtheportengine."Musthave
theriggers"
"Hecouldseesomecloserthanthat,"McGinnissaid."I'dswearIsawtracergoingintohis
backatonetime.Ormaybeit'stheoceanhe'slookingat.Buthemusthaveseenthatwhenhe
cameoverfromEngland."ThenBogardleveledoff;thenoserosesharply,thesand,thecurling
tideedgefledalongside.YetstilltheEnglishboyhungfaroverside,lookingbackwardand
downwardatsomethingbeneaththerightwing,hisfacerapt,withutterandchildlikeinterest.
Untilthemachinewascompletelystoppedhecontittuedtodoso.Thenheduckeddown,
andintheabruptsilenceoftheenginestheycouldhearhimcrawlinginthepassage.Heemerged
justasthetwopilotsclimbedstifflydownfromtheoffice,hisfacebright,eager;hisvoicehigh,
excited.
"Oh,Isay!Oh,goodgad!Whatachap.Whatajudgeofdistance!IfRonniecouldonlyhave
seen!Oh,goodgad!Ormaybetheyaren'tlikeours,don'tloadthemselvesassoonastheair
strikesthem."
TheAmericanslookedathim."Whatdon'twhat?"
McGinnissaid."Thebomb.Itwasmagnificent;Isay,Ishan'tforgetit.Oh,Isay,youknow!
Itwassplendid!"
AfterawhileMcGinnissaid,"Thebomb?"inafaintingvoice.Thenthetwopilotsglaredat
eachother;theysaidinunison:"Thatrightwing!"Thenasonetheyclaweddownthroughthetrap
and,withtheguestattheirheels,theyranaroundthemachineandlookedbeneaththerightwing.
Thebomb,suspendedbyitstail,hungstraightdownlikeaplumbbobbesidetherightwheel,itstip
justtouchingthesand.Andparallelwiththewheeltrackwasthelongdelicatelineinthesand
whereitsultimatetiphaddragged.
BehindthemtheEnglishboy'svoicewashigh,clear,childlike:"Frightened,myself.Triedto
tellyou.ButrealizedyouknewyourbusinessbetterthanI.Skill.Marvelous.Oh,I.say,Ishan't
forgetit."

VI

AMARINEwithabayonetedriflepassedBogardontothewharfanddirectedhimtotheboat.The
wharfwasempty,andhedidn'tevenseetheboatuntilheapproachedtheedgeofthewharfand
lookeddirectlydownintoitanduponthebacksoftwostoopingmeningreasydungarees,whorose
andglancedbrieflyathimandstoopedagain.
Itwasaboutthirtyfeetlongandaboutthreefeetwide.
Itwaspaintedwithgraygreencamouflage.Itwasquarterdeckedforward,withtwoblunt,
rakedexhauststacks."GoodLord,"Bogardthought,"ifallthatdeckisengine..."Justaftthedeck
wasthecontrolseat;hesawabigwheel,aninstrumentpanel.Risingtoaheightofaboutafoot
abovethefreeboard,andrunningfromthesternforwardtowherethedeckbegan,andcontinuing
onacrosstheafteredgeofthedeckandthencebackdowntheothergunwaletothestern,wasa
solidscreen,alsocamouflaged,whichinclosedtheboatsaveforthewidthofthestern,whichwas
open.
Facingthesteersman'sseatlikeaneyewasaholeinthescreenabouteightinchesin
diameter.Andlookingdownintothelong,narrow,still,viciousshape,hesawamachinegun
swiveledatthestern,andhelookedatthelowscreenincludingwhichthewholevesseldidnotsit
muchmorethanayardabovewaterlevelwithitssingleemptyforwardstaringeye,andhethought
quietly:"It'ssteel.It'smadeofsteel."Andhisfacewasquitesober,quitethoughtful,andhedrew
histrenchcoatabouthimandbuttonedit,asthoughheweregettingcold.
Heheardstepsbehindhimandturned.Butitwasonlyanorderlyfromtheaerodrome,
accompaniedbythemarinewiththerifle.Theorderlywascarryingalargishbundletrappedin
paper.
"FromLieutenantMcGinnistothecaptain,"theorderlysaid.
Bogardtookthebundle.Theorderlyandthemarineretreated.Heopenedthebundle.It
containedsomeobjectsandascrawlednote.Theobjectswereanewyellowsilksofacushionand
aJapaneseparasol,obviouslyborrowed,andacombandarolloftoiletpaper.Thenotesaid:
Couldn'tfindacameraanywhereandCollierwouldn'tletmehavehismandolin.ButmaybeRonnie
canplayonthecomb.
MAC.
 Bogardlookedattheobjects.Buthisfacewasstillquitethoughtful,quitegrave.He
rewrappedthethingsandcarriedthebundleonupthewharfanddroppeditquietlyintothewater.
Ashereturnedtowardtheinvisibleboathesawtwomenapproaching.Herecognizedthe
boyatoncetall,slender,alreadytalking,voluble,hisheadbentalittletowardhisshorter
companion,whoploddedalongbesidehim,handsinpockets,smokingapipe.Theboystillwore
thepeacoatbeneathaflappingoilskin,butinplaceoftherakishandcasualcaphenowworean
infantryman'ssoiledBalaclavahelmet,with,floatingbehindhimasthoughuponthesoundofhis
voice,acurtainlikepieceofclothalmostaslongasaburnous.
"Hullo,there!"hecried,stillahundredyardsaway.
ButitwasthesecondmanthatBogardwaswatching,thinkingtohimselfthathehadnever
inhislifeseenamorecuriousfigure.Therewassomethingstolidabouttheveryshapeofhis
hunchedshoulders,hisslightlydownlookingface.Hewasaheadshorterthantheother.Hisface
wasruddy,too,butitsmoldwasofaprofoundgravitythatwasalmostdour.Itwasthefaceofa
manoftwentywhohasbeenforayeartrying,evenwhileasleep,tolooktwentyone.Heworea
highneckedsweateranddungareeslacks;abovethisaleatherjacket;andabovethisasoiled
navalofficer'swarmerthatreachedalmosttohisheelsandwhichhadoneshoulderstrapmissing
andnotoneremainingbuttonatall.Onhisheadwasaplaidforeandaftdeerstalker'scap,tiedon
byanarrowscarfbroughtacrossanddown,hidinghisears,andthenwrappedonceabouthis
throatandknottedwithahangman'snoosebeneathhisleftear.Itwasunbelievablysoiled,and
withhishandselbowdeepinhispocketsandhishunchedshouldersandhisbenthead,helooked
likesomeone'sgrandmotherhung,say,forawitch.Clampedupsidedownbetweenhisteethwasa
shortbrierpipe.
"Hereheis!"theboycried."ThisisRonnie.CaptainBogard."
"Howareyou?"Bogardsaid.Heextendedhishand.Theothersaidnoword,buthishand
cameforth,limp.Itwasquitecold,butitwashard,calloused.Buthesaidnoword;hejustglanced
brieflyatBogardandthenaway.ButinthatinstantBogardcaughtsomethinginthelook,
somethingstrange:aflicker;akindofcovertandcuriousrespect,somethinglikeaboyoffifteen
lookingatacircustrapezist.
Buthesaidnoword.Heduckedon;Bogardwatchedhimdropfromsightoverthewharf
edgeasthoughhehadjumpedfeetfirstintothesea.Heremarkednowthattheenginesinthe
invisibleboatwererunning.
"Wemightgetaboardtoo,"theboysaid.Hestartedtowardtheboat,thenhestopped.He
touchedBogard'sarm.
"Yonder!"hehissed."See?"Hisvoicewasthinwithexcitement.
"What?"Bogardalsowhispered;automaticallyhelookedbackwardandupward,afterold
habit.Theotherwasgrippinghisarmandpointingacrosstheharbor.
"There!Overthere.TheErgenstrasse.Theyhaveshiftedheragain."Acrosstheharborlay
anancient,rusting,swaybackedhulk.Itwassmallandnondescript,and,remembering,Bogard
sawthattheforemastwasastrangemessofcablesandbooms,resembling,allowingforagreat
dealoflicenseorloosenessofimagery,abasketmast.Besidehimtheboywasalmostchortling.
"DoyouthinkthatRonnienoticed?"hehissed."Doyou?"
"Idon'tknow,"Bogardsaid.
"Oh,goodgad!Ifheshouldglanceupandcallherbeforehenotices,we'llbeeven.Oh,
goodgad!Butcomealong."
Hewenton;hewasstillchortling."Careful,"hesaid."Frightfulladder."
Hedescendedfirst,thetwomenintheboatrisingandsaluting.Ronniehaddisappeared,
saveforhisbackside,whichnowfilledasmallhatchleadingforwardbeneaththedeck.
Bogarddescendedgingerly.
 "GoodLord,"hesaid."Doyouhavetoclimbupanddownthiseveryday?"
"Frightful,isn'tit?"theothersaid,inhishappyvoice."Butyouknowyourself.Trytoruna
warwithmakeshifts,thenwonderwhyittakessolong."Thenarrowhullslidandsurged,evenwith
Bogard'saddedweight."Sitsrightontop,yousee,"theboysaid."Wouldfloatonalawn,inaheavy
dew.Goesrightoverthemlikeabitofpaper."
"Itdoes?"Bogardsaid.
"Oh,absolutely.That'swhy,yousee."Bogarddidn'tsee,buthewastoobusyletting
himselfgingerlydowntoasittingposture.Therewerenothwarts;noseatssavealong,thick,
cylindricalridgewhichranalongthebottomoftheboatfromthedriver'sseattothestern.Ronnie
hadbackedintosight.Henowsatbehindthewheel,bentovertheinstrumentpanel.Butwhenhe
glancedbackoverhisshoulderhedidnotspeak.Hisfacewasmerelyinterrogatory.Acrosshis
facetherewasnowalongsmudgeofgrease.Theboy'sfacewasempty,too,now.
"Right,"hesaid.Helookedforward,whereoneoftheseamenhadgone."Readyforward?"
hesaid.
"Aye,sir,"theseamansaid.
Theotherseamanwasatthesternline."Readyaft?"
"Aye,sir."
"Castoff."Theboatsheeredaway,purring,aboilingofwaterunderthestern.Theboy
lookeddownatBogard.
"Sillybusiness.Doitshipshape,though.Can'ttellwhensillyfourstriper..."Hisface
changedagain,immediate,solicitous.
"Isay.Willyoubewarm?Ineverthoughttofetch..."
"I'llbeallright,"Bogardsaid.Buttheotherwasalreadytakingoffhisoilskin."No,no,"
Bogardsaid."Iwon'ttakeit."
"You'lltellmeifyougetcold?"
"Yes.Sure."Hewaslookingdownatthecylinderonwhichhesat.Itwasahalfcylinderthat
is,likethehotwatertanktosomeGargantuanstove,sliceddownthemiddleandbolted,openside
down,tothefloorplates.Itwastwentyfeetlongandmorethantwofeetthick.Itstoproseashigh
asthegunwalesandbetweenitandthehulloneithersidewasjustroomenoughforamanto
placehisfeettowalk.
"That'sMuriel,"theboysaid.
"Muriel?"
"Yes.TheonebeforethatwasAgatha.Aftermyaunt.ThefirstoneRonnieandIhadwas
AliceinWonderland.RonnieandIweretheWhiteRabbit.Jolly,eh?"
"Oh,youandRonniehavehadthree,haveyou?"
"Oh,yes,"theboysaid.Heleaneddown."Hedidn'tnotice,"hewhispered.Hisfacewas
againbright,gleeful.
"Whenwecomeback,"hesaid."Youwatch."
"Oh,"Bogardsaid."TheErgenstrasse."Helookedastern,andthenhethought:"Good
Lord!Wemustbegoingtraveling."Helookedoutnow,broadside,andsawtheharborlinefleeing
past,andhethoughttohimselfthattheboatwaswellnighmovingatthespeedatwhichthe
HandleyPageflew,lefttheground.Theywerebeginningtoboundnow,eveninthesheltered
water,fromonewavecresttothenextwithadistinctshock.Hishandstillrestedonthecylinderon
whichhesat.Helookeddownatitagain,followingitfromwhereitseemedtoemergebeneath
Ronnie'sseat,towhereitbeveledintothestern."It'stheairinher,Isuppose,"hesaid.
"Thewhat?"theboysaid.
"Theair.Storedupinher.Thatmakestheboatridehigh."
"Oh,yes.Idaresay.Verylikely.Ihadn'tthoughtaboutit."Hecameforward,hisburnous
whippinginthewind,andsatdownbesideBogard.Theirheadswerebelowthetopofthescreen.
 Asterntheharborfled,diminishing,sinkingintothesea.
Theboathadbeguntoliftnow,swoopingforwardanddown,shockingalmoststationaryfor
amoment,thenliftingandswoopingagain;agoutofspraycameaboardoverthebowslikeaflung
shovelfulofshot."Iwishyou'dtakethiscoat,"theboysaid.
Bogarddidn'tanswer.Helookedaroundatthebrightface."We'reoutside,aren'twe?"he
saidquietly.
"Yes...Dotakeit,won'tyou?"
"Thanks,no.I'llbeallright.Wewon'tbelong,anyway,Iguess."
"No.We'llturnsoon.Itwon'tbesobadthen."
"Yes.I'llbeallrightwhenweturn."Thentheydidturn.
Themotionbecameeasier.Thatis,theboatdidn'tbangheadon,shuddering,intothe
swells.Theycameupbeneathnow,andtheboatfledwithincreasedspeed,withalong,sickening,
yawingmotion,firsttoonesideandthentheother.Butitfledon,andBogardlookedasternwith
thatsamesobernesswithwhichhehadfirstlookeddownintotheboat."We'regoingeastnow,"he
said.
"Withjustaspotofnorth,"theboysaid."Makesherrideabitbetter,what?"
"Yes,"Bogardsaid.Asterntherewasnothingnowsaveemptyseaandthedelicate
needlelikecantofthemachinegunagainsttheboilingandslewingwake,andthetwoseamen
crouchingquietlyinthestern."Yes.It'seasier."Thenhesaid:"Howfardowego?"
Theboyleanedcloser.Hemovedcloser.Hisvoicewashappy,confidential,proud,though
loweredalittle:"It'sRonnie'sshow.Hethoughtofit.NotthatIwouldn'thave,intime.Gratitudeand
allthat.Buthe'stheolder,yousee.Thinksfast.Courtesy,noblesseoblige,allthat.Thoughtofit
soonasItoldhimthismorning.Isaid,'Oh,Isay.I'vebeenthere.I'veseenit';andhesaid,'Not
flying';andIsaid,'Strewth';andhesaid'Howfar?Nolyingnow';andIsaid,'Oh,far.Tremendous.
Goneallnight';andhesaid,'Flyingallnight.ThatmusthavebeentoBerlin';andIsaid,'Idon't
know.Idaresay';andhethought.Icouldseehimthinking.Becauseheistheolder,yousee.More
experienceincourtesy,rightthing.Andhesaid,'Berlin.Nofuntothatchap,dashingoutandback
withus.'AndhethoughtandIwaited,andIsaid,'Butwecan'ttakehimtoBerlin.Toofar.Don't
knowtheway,either';andhesaidfast,likeashotsaid,'Butthere'sKiel';andIknew"
"What?"Bogardsaid.Withoutmoving,hiswholebodysprang."Kiel?Inthis?"
"Absolutely.Ronniethoughtofit.Smart,evenifheisastickler.Saidatonce,'Zeebrugge
noshowatallforthatchap.Mustdobestwecanforhim.Berlin,'Ronniesaid.
'MyGad!Berlin.'"
"Listen,"Bogardsaid.Hehadturnednow,facingtheother,hisfacequitegrave."Whatis
thisboatfor?"
"For?"
"Whatdoesitdo?"Then,knowingbeforehandtheanswertohisownquestion,hesaid,
puttinghishandonthecylinder:"Whatisthisinhere?Atorpedo,isn'tit?"
"Ithoughtyouknew,"theboysaid.
"No,"Bogardsaid."Ididn'tknow."Hisvoiceseemedtoreachhimfromadistance,dry,
cricketlike:"Howdoyoufireit?"
"Fireit?"
"Howdoyougetitoutoftheboat?WhenthathatchwasopenawhileagoIcouldseethe
engines.Theywererightinfrontoftheendofthistube."
"Oh,"theboysaid."Youpullagadgetthereandthetorpedodropsoutastern.Assoonas
thescrewtouchesthewateritbeginstoturn,andthenthetorpedoisready,loaded.Thenallyou
havetodoisturntheboatquicklyandthetorpedogoeson."
 "Youmean..."Bogardsaid.Afteramomenthisvoiceobeyedhimagain."Youmeanyou
aimthetorpedowiththeboatandreleaseitanditstartsmoving,andyouturntheboatoutofthe
wayandthetorpedopassesthroughthesamewaterthattheboatjustvacated?"
"Knewyou'dcatchon,"theboysaid."ToldRonnieso.Airman.Tamerthanyours,though.
Butcan'tbehelped.Bestwecando,justonwater.Butknewyou'dcatchon."
"Listen,"Bogardsaid.Hisvoicesoundedtohimquitecalm.Theboatfledon,yawingover
theswells.Hesatquitemotionless.Itseemedtohimthathecouldhearhimselftalkingtohimself:
"Goon.Askhim.Askhimwhat?Askhimhowclosetotheshipdoyouhavetobebeforeyoufire...
Listen,"hesaid,inthatcalmvoice."Now,youtellRonnie,yousee.Youjusttellhimjustsay..."He
couldfeelhisvoicerattingoffonhimagain,sohestoppedit.Hesatquitemotionless,waitingforit
tocomeback;theboyleaningnow,lookingathisface.Againtheboy'svoicewassolicitous:"Isay.
You'renotfeelingwell.Theseconfoundedshallowboats."
"It'snotthat,"Bogardsaid."Ijust...DoyourorderssayKiel?"
"Oh,no.TheyletRonniesay.Justsowebringtheboatback.Thisisforyou.Gratitude.
Ronnie'sidea.Tame,afterflying.Butifyou'drather,eh?"
"Yes,someplacecloser.Yousee,I..."
"Quite.Isee.Novacationsinwartime.I'lltellRonnie."
Hewentforward.Bogarddidnotmove.Theboatfledinlong,slewingswoops.Bogard
lookedquietlyastern,atthescuddingsea,thesky.
"MyGod!"hethought."Canyoubeatit?Canyoubeatit?"
Theboycameback;Bogardturnedtohimafacethecolorofdirtypaper."Allrightnow,"the
boysaid."NotKiel.Nearerplace,huntingprobablyjustasgood.Ronniesaysheknowsyouwill
understand."Hewastuggingathispocket.Hebroughtoutabottle."Here.Haven'tforgotlastnight.
Dothesameforyou.Goodforthestomach,eh?"
Bogarddrank,gulpingabigone.Heextendedthebottle,buttheboyrefused."Nevertouch
itonduty,"hesaid."Notlikeyouchaps.Tamehere."
Theboatfledon.Thesunwasalreadydownthewest.
ButBogardhadlostallcountoftime,ofdistance.Aheadhecouldseewhiteseasthrough
theroundeyeoppositeRonnie'sface,andRonnie'shandonthewheelandthegranitelikejutof
hisprofiledjawandthedeadupsidedownpipe.Theboatfledon.
Thentheboyleanedandtouchedhisshoulder.Hehalfrose.Theboywaspointing.The
sunwasreddish;againstit,outsidethemandabouttwomilesaway,avesselatrawler,itlooked
likeatanchorswungatallmast.
"Lightship!"theboyshouted."Theirs."AheadBogardcouldseealow,flatmole:the
entrancetoaharbor."Channel!"theboyshouted.Heswepthisarminbothdirections.
"Mines!"Hisvoicesweptbackonthewind."Placefilthywiththem.Allsides.Beneathus
too.Lark,eh?"

VII

AGAINSTTHEMOLEafairsurfwasbeating.Runningbeforetheseasnow,theboatseemedto
leapfromonerollertothenext;intheintervalswhilethescrewwasintheairtheengineseemedto
betryingtotearitselfoutbytheroots.
Butitdidnotslow;whenitpassedtheendofthemoletheboatseemedtobestanding
almosterectonitsrudder,likeasailfish.Themolewasamileaway.Fromtheendofitlittlefaint
lightsbegantoflickerlikefireflies.Theboyleaned.
"Down,"hesaid."Machineguns.Mightstopastray."
"WhatdoIdo?"Bogardshouted."WhatcanIdo?"
 "Stoutfellow!Givethemhell,what?Knewyou'dlikeit!"
Crouching,Bogardlookedupattheboy,hisfacewild.
"Icanhandlethemachinegun!"
"Noneed,"theboyshoutedback."Givethemfirstinnings.Sporting.Visitors,eh?"Hewas
lookingforward.
"Theresheis.See?"Theywereintheharbornow,thebasinopeningbeforethem.
Anchoredinthechannelwasabigfreighter.PaintedmidshipsofthehullwasahugeArgentine
flag."Mustgetbacktostations!"theboyshouteddowntohim.ThenatthatmomentRonniespoke
forthefirsttime.
Theboatwashurtlingalongnowinsmootherwater.ItsspeeddidnotslackenandRonnie
didnotturnhisheadwhenhespoke.Hejustswunghisjuttingjawandtheclampedcoldpipea
little,andsaidfromthesideofhismouthasingleword:"Beaver."
Theboy,stoopedoverwhathehadcalledhisgadget,jerkedup,hisexpressionastonished
andoutraged.BogardalsolookedforwardandsawRonnie'sarmpointingtostarboard.Itwasa
lightcruiseratanchoramileaway.Shehadbasketmasts,andashelookedagunflashedfrom
herafterturret."Oh,damn!"theboycried."Oh,youputt!Oh,confoundyou,Ronnie!NowI'mthree
down!"Buthehadalreadystoopedagainoverhisgadget,hisfacebrightandemptyandalert
again;notsober;justcalm,waiting.AgainBogardlookedforwardandfelttheboatpivotonits
rudderandheaddirectlyforthefreighteratterrificspeed,Ronnienowwithonehandonthewheel
andtheotherliftedandextendedattheheightofhishead.
ButitseemedtoBogardthatthehandwouldneverdrop.
Hecrouched,notsitting,watchingwithakindofquiethorrorthepaintedflagincreaselikea
movingpictureofalocomotivetakenfrombetweentherails.Againtheguncrashedfromthe
cruiserbehindthem,andthefreighterfiredpointblankatthemfromitspoop.Bogardheardneither
shot.
"Man,man!"heshouted."ForGod'ssake!"
Ronnie'shanddropped.Againtheboatspunonitsrudder.
Bogardsawthebowrise,pivoting;heexpectedthehulltoslambroadsideonintotheship.
Butitdidn't.Itshotoffonalongtangent.Hewaswaitingforittomakeawidesweep,heading
seaward,puttingthefreighterastern,andhethoughtofthecruiseragain."Getabroadside,this
time,onceweclearthefreighter,"hethought.Thenherememberedthefreighter,thetorpedo,and
helookedbacktowardthefreightertowatchthetorpedostrike,andsawtohishorrorthattheboat
wasnowbearingdownonthefreighteragain,inaskiddingturn.Likeamaninadream,he
watchedhimselfrushdownupontheshipandshootpastunderhercounter,stillskidding,close
enoughtoseethefacesonherdecks."Theymissedandtheyaregoingtorundownthetorpedo
andcatchitandshootitagain,"hethoughtidiotically.
Sotheboyhadtotouchhisshoulderbeforeheknewhewasbehindhim.Theboy'svoice
wasquitecalm:"UnderRonnie'sseatthere.Abitofacrankhandle.Ifyou'lljusthandittome"
Hefoundthecrank.Hepasseditback;hewasthinkingdreamily:"Macwouldsaytheyhad
atelephoneonboard."
Buthedidn'tlookatoncetoseewhattheboywasdoingwithit,forinthatstillandpeaceful
horrorhewaswatchingRonnie,thecoldpiperigidinhisjaw,hurlingtheboatattopspeedround
androundthefreighter,sonearthathecouldseetherivetsintheplates.Thenhelookedaft,his
facewild,importunate,andhesawwhattheboywasdoingwiththecrank.Hehadfitteditintowhat
wasobviouslyasmallwindlasslowononeflankofthetubenearthehead.Heglancedupandsaw
Bogard'sface."Didn'tgothattime!"heshoutedcheerfully.
"Go?"Bogardshouted."Itdidn't.Thetorpedo."
 Theboyandoneoftheseamenwerequitebusy,stoopingoverthewindlassandthetube.
"No.Clumsy.Alwayshappening.Shouldthinkcleverchapslikeengineers...Happens,though.
Drawherinandtryheragain."
"Butthenose,thecap!"Bogardshouted."It'sstillinthetube,isn'tit?It'sallright,isn'tit?"
"Absolutely.Butit'sworkingnow.Loaded.Screw'sstartedturning.Getitbackanddropit
clear.Ifweshouldstoporslowupitwouldovertakeus.Drivebackintothetube.Bingo!What?"
Bogardwasonhisfeetnow,turned,bracedtotheterrificmerrygoroundoftheboat.High
abovethemthefreighterseemedtobespinningonherheellikeatrickpictureinthemovies."Let
mehavethatwinch!"hecried.
"Steady!"theboysaid."Mustn'tdrawherbacktoofast.Jamherintotheheadofthetube
ourselves.Samebingo!Bestletus.Everycobblertohislast,what?"
"Oh,quite,"Bogardsaid."Oh,absolutely."Itwaslikesomeoneelsewasusinghismouth.
Heleaned,braced,hishandsonthecoldtube,besidetheothers.Hewashotinside,buthis
outsidewascold.Hecouldfeelallhisfleshjerkingwithcoldashewatchedtheblunt,grainedhand
oftheseamanturningthewindlassinshort,easy,inchlongarcs,whileattheheadofthetubethe
boybent,tappingthecylinderwithaspanner,lightly,hisheadturnedwithlisteningdelicateand
deliberateasawatchmaker.Theboatrushedoninthosefurious,slewingturns.Bogardsawa
long,droopingthreadloopdownfromsomebody'smouth,betweenhishands,andhefoundthat
thethreadcamefromhisownmouth.
Hedidn'theartheboyspeak,nornoticewhenhestoodup.Hejustfelttheboatstraighten
out,flinginghimtohiskneesbesidethetube.Theseamanhadgonebacktothesternandtheboy
stoopedagainoverhisgadget.Bogardkneltnow,quitesick.Hedidnotfeeltheboatwhenitswung
again,norhearthegunfromthecruiserwhichhadnotdaredtofireandthefreighterwhichhadnot
beenabletofire,firingagain.Hedidnotfeelanythingatallwhenhesawthehuge,paintedflag
directlyaheadandincreasingwithlocomotivespeed,andRonnie'sliftedhanddrop.Butthistime
heknewthatthetorpedowasgone;inpivotingandspinningthistimethewholeboatseemedto
leavethewater;hesawthebowoftheboatshootskywardlikethenoseofapursuitshipgoinginto
awingover.Thenhisoutragedstomachdeniedhim.Hesawneitherthegeysernorheardthe
detonationashesprawledoverthetube.Hefeltonlyahandgrasphimbytheslackofhiscoat,and
thevoiceofoneoftheseamen:"Steadyall,sir.I'vegotyou."

VIII

AVOICEROUSEDHIM,ahand.Hewashalfsittinginthenarrowstarboardrunway,halflying
acrossthetube.Hehadbeenthereforquiteawhile;quiteawhileagohehadfeltsomeonespread
agarmentoverhim.Buthehadnotraisedhishead."I'mallright,"hehadsaid."Youkeepit."
"Don'tneedit,"theboysaid."Goinghomenow."
"I'msorryI..."Bogardsaid.
"Quite.Confoundedshallowboats.Turnanystomachuntilyougetusedtothem.Ronnie
andIboth,atfirst.Eachtime.Youwouldn'tbelieveit.Believehumanstomachholdsomuch.
Here."Itwasthebottle."Gooddrink.Takeenormousone.Goodforstomach."
Bogarddrank.Soonhedidfeelbetter,warmer.Whenthehandtouchedhimlater,hefound
thathehadbeenasleep.
Itwastheboyagain.Thepeacoatwastoosmallforhim;shrunken,perhaps.Belowthe
cuffshislong,slender,girl'swristswerebluewithcold.ThenBogardrealizedwhatthegarment
wasthathadbeenlaidoverhim.ButbeforeBogardcouldspeak,theboyleaneddown,whispering;
hisfacewasgleeful:"Hedidn'tnotice!"
"What?"
 "Ergenstrasse!Hedidn'tnoticethattheyhadshiftedher.Gad,I'dbejustonedown,then."
HewatchedBogard'sfacewithbright,eagereyes."Beaver,youknow.Isay.Feelingbetter,eh?"
"Yes,"Bogardsaid,"Iam."
"Hedidn'tnoticeatall.Oh,gad!Oh,Jove!"
Bogardroseandsatonthetube.Theentrancetotheharborwasjustahead;theboathad
slowedalittle.Itwasjustdusk.Hesaidquietly:"Doesthisoftenhappen?"Theboylookedathim.
Bogardtouchedthetube."This.Failingtogoout."
"Oh,yes.Whytheyputthewindlassonthem.Thatwaslater.Madefirstboat;wholething
blewuponeday.Soputonwindlass."
"Butithappenssometimes,evennow?Imean,sometimestheyblowup,evenwiththe
windlass?"
"Well,can'tsay,ofcourse.Boatsgoout.Notcomeback.Possible.Noteverknow,of
course.Notheardofonecapturedyet,though.Possible.Nottous,though.Notyet."
"Yes,"Bogardsaid."Yes."Theyenteredtheharbor,theboatmovingstillfast,butthrottled
nowandsmooth,acrosstheduskfilledbasin.Againtheboyleaneddown,hisvoicegleeful.
"Notaword,now!"hehissed."Steadyall!"Hestoodup;heraisedhisvoice:"Isay,
Ronnie."Ronniedidnotturnhishead,butBogardcouldtellthathewaslistening."ThatArgentine
shipwasamusing,eh?Inthere.Howdoyousupposeitgotpastushere?Mighthavestoppedhere
aswell.Frenchwouldbuythewheat."Hepaused,diabolicalMachiavelliwiththefaceofastrayed
angel."Isay.Howlonghasitbeensincewehadastrangeshipinhere?Beenmonths,eh?"Again
heleaned,hissing."Watch,now!"ButBogardcouldnotseeRonnie'sheadmoveatall."He's
looking,though!"theboywhispered,breathed.AndRonniewaslooking,thoughhisheadhadnot
movedatall.Thentherecameintoview,insilhouetteagainsttheduskfilledsky,thevague,
basketlikeshapeoftheinternedvessel'sforemast.
AtonceRonnie'sarmrose,pointing;againhespokewithoutturninghishead,outofthe
sideofhismouth,pastthecold,clampedpipe,asingleword:"Beaver."
Theboymovedlikeareleasedspring,likeaheeleddogfreed."Oh,damnyou!"hecried.
"Oh,youputt!It'stheErgenstrasse!Oh,confoundyou!I'mjustonedownnow!"
HehadsteppedinonestridecompletelyoverBogard,andhenowleaneddownover
Ronnie."What?"Theboatwasslowingintowardthewharf,theengineidle."Aren'tI,Ronnie?Just
onedownnow?"
Theboatdriftedin;theseamanhadagaincrawledforwardontothedeck.Ronniespokefor
thethirdandlasttime."Right,"hesaid.

IX

"IWANT,"Bogardsaid,"acaseofScotch.Thebestwe'vegot.Andfixitupgood.It'stogototown.
AndIwantaresponsiblemantodeliverit."Theresponsiblemancame.
"Thisisforachild,"Bogardsaid,indicatingthepackage.
"You'llfindhimintheStreetoftheTwelveHours,somewhereneartheCafeTwelveHours.
He'llbeinthegutter.You'llknowhim.Achildaboutsixfeetlong.AnyEnglishM.P.willshowhim
toyou.Ifheisasleep,don'twakehim.
Justsitthereandwaituntilhewakesup.Thengivehimthis.TellhimitisfromCaptain
Bogard."

X
ABOUTAMONTHLATERacopyoftheEnglishGazettewhichhadstrayedontoanAmerican
aerodromecarriedthefollowingiteminthecasualtylists:MISSING:TorpedoBoatXOOI.
MidshipmenR.BoyceSmithandL.C.W.Hope,R.N.R.,Boatswain'sMateBurtandAbleSeaman
Reeves.ChannelFleet,LightTorpedoDivision.Failedtoreturnfromcoastpatrolduty.
ShortlyafterthattheAmericanAirServiceheadquartersalsoissuedabulletin:For
extraordinaryvaloroverandbeyondtheroutineofduty,CaptainH.S.Bogard,withhiscrew,
composedofSecondLieutenantDarrelMcGinnisandAviationGunnersWattsandHarper,ona
daylightraidandwithoutscoutprotection,destroyedwithbombsanammunitiondepotseveral
milesbehindtheenemy'slines.Fromhere,besetbyenemyaircraftinsuperiornumbers,these
menproceededwithwhatbombsremainedtotheenemy'scorpsheadquartersatBlankand
partiallydemolishedthischateau,andthenreturnedsafelywithoutlossofaman.
Andregardingwhichexploit,itmighthaveadded,haditfailedandhadCaptainBogard
comeoutofitalive,hewouldhavebeenimmediatelyandthoroughlycourtmartialed.
Carryinghisremainingtwobombs,hehaddivedtheHandleyPageatthechateauwhere
thegeneralssatatlunch,untilMcGinnis,atthetogglesbelowhim,begantoshoutathim,before
heeversignaled.Hedidn'tsignaluntilhecoulddiscernseparatelytheslatetilesoftheroof.Then
hishanddroppedandhezoomed,andheheldtheaeroplaneso,initswildsnarl,hislipsparted,
hisbreathhissing,thinking:"God!God!Iftheywereallthereallthegenerals,theadmirals,the
presidentsandthekingstheirs,oursallofthem.

AlltheDeadPilots

INTHEPICTURES,thesnapshotshurriedlymade,alittlefaded,alittledogearedwiththethirteen
years,theyswaggeralittle.Lean,hard,intheirbrassandleathermartialharness,posedstanding
besideorleaningupontheesotericshapesofwireandwoodandcanvasinwhichtheyflewwithout
parachutes,theytoohaveanesotericlook;alooknotexactlyhuman,likethatofsomedimand
threatfulapotheosisoftheraceseenforaninstantintheglareofathunderclapandthenforever
gone.
Becausetheyaredead,alltheoldpilots,deadontheeleventhofNovember,1918.When
youseemodernphotographsofthem,therecentpicturesmadebesidetherecentshapesofsteel
andcanvaswiththenewcowlingsandenginesandslottedwings,theylookalittleoutlandish:the
leanyoungmenwhoonceswaggered.Theylooklost,baffled.Inthissaxophoneageofflyingthey
lookasoutofplaceas,alittlethickaboutthewaist,inthesoberbusinesssuitsofthirtyandthirty
fiveandperhapsmorethanthat,theywouldlookamongthesaxophonesandminiaturebrass
bowlersofanightcluborchestra.Becausetheyaredeadtoo,whohadlearnedtorespectthat
whoserespectinturntheirhardnesshadcommandedbeforetherewereweldedcentersections
andparachutesandshipsthatwouldnotspin.That'swhytheywatchthesaxophonegirlsandboys
withslipstreamprooflipstickandaeronauticalflaskspilingupthesaxophonecratesinprivate
drivewaysandongolfgreens,withthequicksympathyandthebafflementtoo."Mygad,"oneof
them,warrantofficerpilot,captainandM.C.inturnsaidtomeonce;"ifyoucantreatacratethat
way,whydoyouwanttoflyatall?"
Buttheyarealldeadnow.Theyarethickmennow,alittlethickaboutthewaistfromsitting
behinddesks,andmaybenotsogoodatit,withwivesandchildreninsuburbanhomesalmostpaid
out,withgardensinwhichtheyputterinthelongeveningsafterthe5:15isin,andperhapsnotso
goodatthateither:thehard,leanmenwhoswaggeredhardanddrankhardbecausetheyhad
foundthatbeingdeadwasnotasquietastheyhadhearditwouldbe.That'swhythisstoryis
composite:aseriesofbriefglaresinwhich,instantaneousandwithoutdepthorperspective,there
stoodintosighttheportentandthethreatofwhattheracecouldbearandbecome,inaninstant
betweendarkanddark.

II

IN1918IwasatWingHeadquarters,tryingtogetusedtoamechanicalleg,where,amongother
things,IhadthecensoringofmailfromallsquadronsintheWing.Thejobitselfwasn'tbad,sinceit
gavemesparetimetoexperimentwithasynchronizedcameraonwhichIwasworking.Butthe
openingandreadingoftheletters,thescrawled,briefpagesoftransparentandhonorableliesto
mothersandsweethearts,inthescriptandspellingofschoolboys.Butawarissuchabigthing,
andittakessolong.Isupposetheywhorunthem(Idon'tmeanthestaffs,butwhoeverorwhatever
itisthatcontrolsevents)dogetborednowandthen.Andit'swhenyougetboredthatyouturn
petty,playhorse.
SonowandthenIwouldgouptoaCamelsquadronbehindAmiensandtalkwiththe
gunnerysergeantaboutthesynchronizationofthemachineguns.ThiswasSpoomer'ssquadron.
Hisunclewasthecorpscommander,theK.G.,andsoSpoomer,withhisGuards'Captaincy,had
alsogotinturnaMonsStar,aD.S.O.,andnowapursuitsquadronofsingleseaters,thoughthe
thirdbarnacleonhistunicwasstillthesinglewingofanobserver.
In1914hewasinSandhurst:abig,ruddycoloredchapwithchinaeyes,andIliketothink
ofhisunclesendingforhimwhenthenewsgotout,thegoodnews.Probablyattheuncle'sclub
(theunclewasabrigadierthen,justrecalledhurriedlyfromIndianservice)andthetwoofthem
oppositeoneanotheracrossthemahogany,withthenewsboyscryinginthestreet,andthegeneral
saying,"Bygad,itwillbethemakingoftheArmy.Passthewine,sir."
Idaresaythegeneralwasputout,nottosayoutraged,whenhefinallyrealizedthatneither
theHunnortheHomeOfficeintendedrunningthiswarliketheArmywanteditrun.Anyway,
SpoomerhadalreadygoneouttoMonsandcomebackwithhisStar(thoughFfollansbyesaidthat
thegeneralsentSpoomerouttogettheStar,sinceitwasgoingtobeonedecorationyouhadtobe
onhandtoget)beforetheunclegothimtransferredtohisstaff,whereSpoomercouldgethisD.S.
O.Thenperhapstheunclesenthimoutagaintotapthestreamwhereitcametosurface.Or
maybeSpoomerwentonhisownthistime.Iliketothinkso.Iliketothinkthathediditthroughpro
patria,eventhoughIknowthatnomandeservespraiseforcourageoropprobriumforcowardice,
sincetherearesituationsinwhichanymanwillshoweitherofthem.Buthewentout,andcame
backayearlaterwithhisobserver'swingandadogalmostaslargeasacalf.
Thatwas1917,whenheandSartorisfirstcametogether,collided.Sartoriswasan
American,fromaplantationatMississippi,wheretheygrewgrainandNegroes,ortheNegroes
grewthegrainorsomething.Sartorishadaworkingvocabularyofperhapstwohundredwords,and
Idaresaytotellwhereandhowandwhyhelivedwasbeyondhim,savethathelivedinthe
plantationwithhisgreatauntandhisgrandfather.HecamethroughCanadain1916,andhewas
atPool.Ffollansbyetoldmeaboutit.ItseemsthatSartorishadagirlinLondon,oneofthosethree
daywivesandthreeyearwidows.That'sthebadthingaboutwar.They,theSartorisesandsuch,
didn'tdieuntil1918,someofthem.Butthegirls,thewomen,theydiedonthefourthofAugust,
1914.
SoSartorishadagirl.FfollansbyesaidtheycalledherKitchener,"becauseshehadsucha
mobofsoldiers."Hesaidtheydidn'tknowifSartorisknewthisornot,butthatanywayforawhile
KitchenerKitappearedtohaveditchedthemallforSartoris.Theywouldbeseenanywhereand
anytimetogether,thenFfollansbyetoldmehowhefoundSartorisaloneandquitedrunkone
eveninginarestaurant.FfollansbyetoldhowhehadalreadyheardthatKitandSpoomerhadgone
offsomewheretogetherabouttwodaysago.HesaidthatSartoriswassittingthere,drinking
himselfblind,waitingforSpoomertocomein.HesaidhefinallygotSartorisintoacabandsent
himtotheaerodrome.Itwasaboutdawnthen,andSartorisgotacaptain'stunicfromsomeone's
kit,andawoman'sgarterfromsomeoneelse'skit,perhapshisown,andpinnedthegarteronthe
tuniclikeabarnacleribbon.Thenhewentandwakedacorporalwhowasanexprofessionalboxer
andwithwhomSartoriswouldputontheglovesnowandthen,andmadethecorporalputonthe
tunicoverhisunderclothes."NameshSpoomer,"Sartoristoldthecorporal."Cap'mSpoomer";
swayingandproddingatthegarterwithhisfinger."DishtinguishSheriesThighs,"Sartorissaid.
Thenheandthecorporalintheborrowedtunic,withhiswoolenunderwearshowingbeneath,stood
thereinthedawn,swingingatoneanotherwiththeirnakedfists.

Ill

YOU'DTHINKthatwhenawarhadgotyouintoit,itwouldletyoube.Thatitwouldn'tplayhorse
withyou.Butmaybeitwasn'tthat.Maybeitwasbecausethethreeofthem,SpoomerandSartoris
andthedog,weresohumorlessaboutit.Maybeahumorlesspersonisanunflaggingchallengeto
themabovethethunderandthealarms.Anyway,oneafternoonitwasinthespring,justbefore
CambraifellIwentuptotheCamelaerodrometoseethegunnerysergeant,andIsawSartorisfor
thefirsttime.TheyhadgiventhesquadrontoSpoomerandthedogtheyearbefore,andthefirst
thingtheydidwastosendSartorisouttoit.
Theafternoonpatrolwasout,andtherestofthepeopleweregonetoo,toAmiensI
suppose,andtheaerodromewasdeserted.ThesergeantandIweresittingontwoemptypetrol
tinsinthehangardoorwhenIsawamanthrusthisheadoutthedooroftheofficers'messandlook
bothwaysalongtheline,hisairalittlefurtiveandveryalert.ItwasSartoris,andhewaslookingfor
thedog.
"Thedog?"Isaid.Thenthesergeanttoldme,thistoocomposite,outofhisown
observationandtheobservationoftheentireenlistedpersonnelexchangedandcomparedoverthe
messtablesoroverpipesatnight:thatterribleandomniscientinquisitionofthoseinaninferior
station.
WhenSpoomerlefttheaerodrome,hewouldlockthedogupsomewhere.Hewouldhave
tolockitupinadifferentplaceeachtime,becauseSartoriswouldhuntuntilhefoundit,andletit
out.Itappearedtobeadogofintelligence,becauseifSpoomerhadonlygonedowntoWingor
somewhereonbusiness,thedogwouldstayathome,spendingtheintervalgrubbingintherefuse
binbehindthemen'smess,towhichitwasaddictedinpreferencetothatoftheofficers.
ButifSpoomerhadgonetoAmiens,thedogwoulddepartuptheAmiensroadimmediately
onbeingfreed,toreturnlaterwithSpoomerinthesquadroncar.
"WhydoesMr.Sartorisletitout?"Isaid."DoyoumeanthatCaptainSpoomerobjectsto
thedogeatingkitchenrefuse?"
Butthesergeantwasnotlistening.Hisheadwascranedaroundthedoor,andwewatched
Sartoris.Hehademergedfromthemessandhenowapproachedthehangarattheendoftheline,
hisairstillalert,stillpurposeful.Heenteredthehangar."Thatseemsaratherchildishbusinessfor
agrownman,"Isaid.
Thesergeantlookedatme.Thenhequitlookingatme.
"HewantstoknowifCaptainSpoomerwenttoAmiensornot."
AfterawhileIsaid,"Oh.Ayounglady.Isthatit?"
Hedidn'tlookatme."Youmightcallherayounglady.Isupposetheyhaveyoungladiesin
thiscountry."
Ithoughtaboutthatforawhile.Sartorisemergedfromthefirsthangarandenteredthe
secondone."Iwonderifthereareanyyoungladiesanymoreanywhere,"Isaid.
 "Perhapsyouareright,sir.Warishardonwomen."
"Whataboutthisone?"Isaid."Whoisshe?"
Hetoldme.Theyrananestaminet,a"bitofapub"hecalledit,anoldharridanofawoman,
andthegirl.Alittleplaceonabackstreet,whereofficersdidnotgo.PerhapsthatwaswhySartoris
andSpoomercreatedsuchafurorinthatcircle.Igatheredfromthesergeantthatthecontest
betweenthesquadroncommanderandoneofhisgreenestcubswastheobjectofgeneralinterest
andthesubjectofthewarmestconversationandevenbettingamongtheenlistedelementofthe
wholesectorofFrenchandBritishtroops."Beingofficersandall,"hesaid.
"Theyfrightenedthesoldiersoff,didthey?"Isaid."Isthatit?"Thesergeantdidnotlookat
me."Weretheremanysoldierstofrightenoff?"
"Isupposeyouknowtheseyoungwomen,"thesergeantsaid."Thiswarandall."
Andthat'swhothegirlwas.Whatthegirlwas.Thesergeantsaidthatthegirlandtheold
womanwerenotevenrelated.HetoldmehowSartorisboughtherthings:clothes,andjewelry;the
sortofjewelryyoumightbuyinAmiens,probably.Ormaybeinacanteen,becauseSartoriswas
notmuchmorethantwenty.Isawsomeoftheletterswhichhewrotetohisgreatauntbackhome,
lettersthatathirdformladinHarrowcouldhavewritten,perhapsbettered.ItseemedthatSpoomer
didnotmakethegirlanypresents.
"Maybebecauseheisacaptain,"thesergeantsaid."Ormaybebecauseofthemribbons
hedon'thaveto."
"Maybeso,"Isaid.
Andthatwasthegirl,thegirlwho,inthecentimejewelrywhichSartorisgaveher,
dispensedbeerandwinetoBritishandFrenchprivatesinanAmiensbackstreet,andbecauseof
whomSpoomerusedhisranktobetraySartoriswithherbykeepingSartorisattheaerodromeon
specialduties,lockingupthedogtohidefromSartoriswhathehaddone.AndSartoristakingwhat
revengehecouldbylettingoutthedoginorderthatitmightgrubintherefuseofplebeianfood.
HeenteredthehangarinwhichthesergeantandIwere:atallladwithpaleeyesinaface
thatcouldbeeithermerryorsurly,andquitehumorless.Helookedatme."Hello,"hesaid.
"Hello,"Isaid.Thesergeantmadetogetup.
"Carryon,"Sartorissaid."Idon'twantanything."Hewentontotherearofthehangar.It
wasclutteredwithpetroldrumsandemptypackingcasesandsuch.Hewasutterlywithoutself
consciousness,utterlywithoutshameofhischildishbusiness.
Thedogwasinoneofthepackingcases.Itemerged,huge,ofanapped,tawnycolor;
Ffollansbyehadtoldmethat,saveforSpoomer'swingandhisMonsStarandhisD.S.O.,heand
thedoglookedalike.Itquittedthehangarwithouthaste,givingmeabrief,sidelongglance.We
watcheditgoonanddisappeararoundthecornerofthemen'smess.ThenSartoristurnedand
wentbacktotheofficers'messandalsodisappeared.
Shortlyafterward,theafternoonpatrolcamein.Whilethemachineswerecominguptothe
line,thesquadroncarturnedontotheaerodromeandstoppedattheofficers'messandSpoomer
gotout."Watchhim,"thesergeantsaid."He'lltrytodoitlikehewasn'twatchinghimself,noticing
himself."
Hecamealongthehangars,big,hulking,ingreengolfstockings.Hedidnotseemeuntil
hewasturningintothehangar.Hepaused;itwasalmostimperceptible,thenheentered,givingme
abrief,sidelongglance."Howdo,"hesaidinahigh,fretful,levelvoice.Thesergeanthadrisen.I
hadneverseenSpoomerevenglancetowardtherear,towardtheoverturnedpackingcase,yethe
hadstopped."Sergeant,"hesaid.
"Sir,"thesergeantsaid.
"Sergeant,"Spoomersaid."Havethosetimerscomeupyet?"
"Yes,sir.Theycameuptwoweeksago.They'reallinusenow,sir."
 "Quiteso.Quiteso."Heturned;againhegavemeabrief,sidelongglance,andwenton
downthehangarline,notfast.
Hedisappeared."Watchhim,now,"thesergeantsaid."Hewon'tgooverthereuntilhe
thinkswehavequitwatchinghim."
Wewatched.Thenhecameintosightagain,crossingtowardthemen'smess,walking
brisklynow.Hedisappearedbeyondthecorner.Amomentlaterheemerged,draggingthehuge,
inertbeastbythescruffofitsneck."Youmustn'teatthatstuff,"hesaid."That'sforsoldiers."

IV

IDIDN'TKNOWatthetimewhathappenednext.Sartorisdidn'ttellmeuntillater,afterward.
Perhapsuptothattimehehadnotanythingmorethaninstinctandcircumstantialevidencetotell
himthathewasbeingbetrayed:evidencesuchasbeinggivenbySpoomersomedutynotinhis
provinceatallandwhichwouldkeephimontheaerodromefortheafternoon,thenfindingand
freeingthehiddendogandwatchingitvanishuptheAmiensroadatitsclumsyhardgallop.
Butsomethinghappened.AllIcouldlearnatthetimewas,thatoneafternoonSartoris
foundthedogandwatcheditdepartforAmiens.Thenheviolatedhisorders,borrowedamotor
bikeandwenttoAmienstoo.Twohourslaterthedogreturnedandrepairedtothekitchendoorof
themen'smess,andashorttimeafterthat,Sartorishimselfreturnedonalorry(theywerealready
evacuatingAmiens)ladenwithhouseholdeffectsanddrivenbyaFrenchsoldierinapeasant's
smock.Themotorbikewasonthelorrytoo,prettywellbeyondrepair.ThesoldiertoldhowSartoris
haddriventhebikefullspeedintoaditch,tryingtorundownthedog.
Butnobodyknewjustwhathadhappened,atthetime.
ButIhadimaginedthescene,beforehetoldme.Iimaginedhimthere,inthatbitofaroom
fullofFrenchsoldiers,andtheoldwoman(shecouldreadpips,nodoubt;ribbons,anyway)barring
himfromthedoortothelivingquarters.Icanimaginehim,furious,baffled,inarticulate(heknewno
French)standingheadandshouldersabovetheFrenchpeoplewhomhecouldnotunderstandand
thathebelievedwerelaughingathim."Thatwasit,"hetoldme."Laughingatmebehindtheir
faces,aboutawoman.Meknowingthathewasupthere,andthemknowingIknewthatifIbusted
inanddraggedhimoutandbashedhisheadoff,I'dnotonlybecashiered,I'dbeclinkedforlifefor
havinginfringedthearticlesofalliancebyinvadingforeignpropertywithoutwarrantorsomething."
Thenhereturnedtotheaerodromeandmetthedogontheroadandtriedtorunitdown.
Thedogcameonhome,andSpoomerreturned,andhewasjustdraggingitbythescruffofthe
neckfromtherefusebinbehindthemen'smess,whentheafternoonpatrolcamein.Theyhad
goneoutsixandcomebackfive,andtheleaderjumpeddownfromhismachinebeforeithad
stoppedrolling.HehadabloodyragabouthisrighthandandherantowardSpoomerstooped
abovethepassiveandstiffleggeddog."Bygad,"hesaid,"theyhavegotCambrai!"
Spoomerdidnotlookup."Whohave?"
"Jerryhas,bygad!"
"Well,bygad,"Spoomersaid."Comealong,now.Ihavetoldyouaboutthatmuck."
Amanlikethatisinvulnerable.WhenSartorisandItalkedforthefirsttime,Istartedtotell
himthat.ButthenIlearnedthatSartoriswasinvincibletoo.Wetalked,thatfirsttime."Itriedtoget
himtoletmeteachhimtoflyaCamel,"Sartorissaid."Iwillteachhimfornothing.Iwilltearoutthe
cockpitandrigthedualsmyself,fornothing."
"Why?"Isaid."Whatfor?"
"Oranything.Iwilllethimchooseit.HecantakeanS.E.ifhewantsto,andIwilltakean
Ak.W.orevenaFeeandIwillrunhimcleanoutoftheskyinfourminutes.Iwillrunhimsofarinto
thegroundhewillhavetostandonhisheadtoswallow."
 Wetalkedtwice:thatfirsttime,andthelasttime."Well,youdidbetterthanthat,"Isaidthe
lasttimewetalked.
Hehadhardlyanyteethleftthen,andhecouldn'ttalkverywell,whohadneverbeenable
totalkmuch,wholivedanddiedwithmaybetwohundredwords."Betterthanwhat?"hesaid.
"Yousaidbeforethatyouwouldrunhimcleanoutofthesky.Youdidn'tdothat;youdid
better:youhaverunhimcleanoffthecontinentofEurope."

ITHINKIsaidthathewasinvulnerabletoo.November,1918,couldn'tkillhim,couldn'tleavehim
growingalittlethickereachyearbehindanofficedesk,withwhathadoncebeenhardandleanand
immediategrownalittledim,alittlebaffled,andbetrayed,becausebythatdayhehadbeendead
almostsixmonths.
HewaskilledinJuly,butwetalkedthatsecondtime,thatothertimebeforethat.Thislast
timewasaweekafterthepatrolhadcomeinandtoldthatCambraihadfallen,aweekafterwe
heardtheshellsfallinginAmiens.Hetoldmeaboutithimself,throughhismissingteeth.Thewhole
squadronwentouttogether.Helefthisflightassoonastheyreachedthebrokenfront,andflew
backtoAmienswithabottleofbrandyinhisoverallleg.Amienswasbeingevacuated,theroads
fulloflorriesandcartsofhouseholdgoods,andambulancesfromtheBasehospital,andthecity
anditsimmediateterritorywasnowinterdict.
Helandedinashortmeadow.Hesaidtherewasanoldwomanworkinginafieldbeyond
thecanal(hesaidshewasstilltherewhenhereturnedanhourlater,stoopingstubbornlyamong
thegreenrows,beneaththemoistspringairshakenatslowandmonstrousintervalsbythesound
ofshellsfallinginthecity)andalightambulancestoppedhalfwayintheroadsideditch.
Hewenttotheambulance.Theenginewasstillrunning.
Thedriverwasayoungmaninspectacles.Helookedlikeastudent,andhewasdead
drunk,halfsprawledoutofthecab.
Sartorishadadrinkfromhisownbottleandtriedtorousethedriver,invain.Thenhehad
anotherdrink(Iimaginethathewasprettywellalonghimselfbythen;hetoldmehowonlythat
morning,whenSpoomerhadgoneoffinthecarandhehadfoundthedogandwatchedittakethe
Amiensroad,howhehadtriedtogettheoperationsofficertolethimoffpatrolandhowthe
operationsofficerhadtoldhimthatLaFayetteawaitedhimontheSanterreplateau)andtumbled
thedriverbackintotheambulanceanddroveontoAmienshimself.
HesaidtheFrenchcorporalwasdrinkingfromabottleinadoorwaywhenhepassedand
stoppedtheambulancebeforetheestaminet.Thedoorwaslocked.Hefinishedhisbrandybottle
andhebroketheestaminetdoorinbydivingatitastheydoinAmericanfootball.Thenhewas
inside.
Theplacewasempty,thebenchesandtablesoverturnedandtheshelvesemptyofbottles,
andhesaidthatatfirsthecouldnotrememberwhatitwashehadcomefor,sohethoughtitmust
beadrink.Hefoundabottleofwineunderthebarandbroketheneckoffagainsttheedgeofthe
bar,andhetoldhowhestoodthere,lookingathimselfinthemirrorbehindthebar,tryingtothink
whatitwashehadcometodo.
"Ilookedprettywild,"hesaid.
Thenthefirstshellfell.Icanimagineit:hestandingthereinthatquiet,peaceful,redolent,
devastatedroom,withthebashedindoorandthemusingandwaitingcitybeyondit,andthenthat
slow,unhurried,reverberantsoundcomingdownuponthethickairofspringlikeahandlaid
withouthasteonthedampsilence;hetoldhowdustorsandorplaster,something,sifted
somewhere,whisperingdowninafainthiss,andhowabig,leancatcameupoverthebarwithout
asoundandfloweddowntothefloorandvanishedlikedirtyquicksilver.
Thenhesawthecloseddoorbehindthebarandherememberedwhathehadcomefor.He
wentaroundthebar.Heexpectedthisdoortobelockedtoo,andhegraspedtheknobandheaved
backwithallhismight.Itwasn'tlocked.Hesaiditcamebackintotheshelveswithasoundlikea
pistol,jerkinghimoffhisfeet."Myheadhitthebar,"hesaid."MaybeIwasalittlegroggyafterthat."
Anyway,hewasholdinghimselfupinthedoor,lookingdownattheoldwoman.Shewas
sittingonthebottomstair,herapronoverherhead,rockingbackandforth.Hesaidthattheapron
wasquiteclean,movingbackandforthlikeapiston,andhestandinginthedoor,droolingalittleat
themouth,"Madame,"hesaid.Theoldwomanrockedbackandforth.
Heproppedhimselfcarefullyandleanedandtouchedhershoulder."'Toinette,"hesaid.
"Ouestelle,'Toinette?"ThatwasprobablyalltheFrenchheknew;that,withvinaddedtohis196
Englishwords,composedhisvocabulary.
Againtheoldwomandidnotanswer.Sherockedbackandforthlikeawounduptoy.He
steppedcarefullyoverherandmountedthestair.Therewasaseconddoorattheheadofthestair.
Hestoppedbeforeit,listening.Histhroatfilledwithahot,saltyliquid.Hespatit,drooling;histhroat
filledagain.Thisdoorwasunlockedalso.Heenteredtheroomquietly.Itcontainedatable,on
whichlayakhakicapwiththebronzecrestoftheFlyingCorps,andashestooddroolinginthe
door,thedogheavedupfromthecornerfurthestfromthewindow,andwhileheandthedog
lookedatoneanotherabovethecap,thesoundofthesecondshellcamedullandmonstrousinto
theroom,stirringthelimpcurtainsbeforethewindow.
Ashecircledthetablethedogmovedtoo,keepingthetablebetweenthem,watchinghim.
Hewastryingtomovequietly,yethestruckthetableinpassing(perhapswhilewatchingthedog)
andhetoldhow,whenhereachedtheoppositedoorandstoodbesideit,holdinghisbreath,
drooling,hecouldhearthesilenceinthenextroom.Thenavoicesaid:"Maman?"
Hekickedthelockeddoor,thenhedivedatit,againliketheAmericanfootball,andthrough
it,doorandall.Thegirlscreamed.Buthesaidheneversawher,neversawanyone.
Hejustheardherscreamashewentintotheroomonallfours.Itwasabedroom;one
cornerwasfilledbyahugewardrobewithdoubledoors.Thewardrobewasclosed,andtheroom
appearedtobeempty.Hedidn'tgotothewardrobe.Hesaidhejuststoodthereonhishandsand
knees,drooling,likeacow,listeningtothedyingreverberationofthethirdshell,watchingthe
curtainsonthewindowblowonceintotheroomasthoughtoabreath.
Hegotup."Iwasstillgroggy,"hesaid."AndIguessthatbrandyandthewinehadkindof
gotjoggledupinsideme."
Idaresaytheyhad.Therewasachair.Uponitlayapairofslacks,neatlyfolded,atunic
withanobserver'swingandtworibbons,anordnancebelt.Whilehestoodlookingdownatthe
chair,thefourthshellcame.
Hegatheredupthegarments.Thechairtoppledoverandhekickeditasideandlurched
alongthewalltothebrokendoorandenteredthefirstroom,takingthecapfromthetableashe
passed.Thedogwasgone.
Heenteredthepassage.Theoldwomanstillsatonthebottomstep,herapronoverher
head,rockingbackandforth.
Hestoodatthetopofthestair,holdinghimselfup,waitingtospit.Thenbeneathhima
voicesaid:"Quefaitesvousenhaut?"
HelookeddownupontheraisedmoustachedfaceoftheFrenchcorporalwhomhehad
passedinthestreetdrinkingfromthebottle.Foratimetheylookedatoneanother.Thenthe
corporalsaid,"Descendez,"makingaperemptorygesturewithhisarm.Claspingthegarmentsin
onehand,Sartorisputtheotherhandonthestairrailandvaultedoverit.
 Thecorporaljumpedaside.Sartorisplungedpasthimandintothewall,banginghishead
hollowlyagain.Ashegottohisfeetandturned,thecorporalkickedathim,strikingforhispelvis.
Thecorporalkickedhimagain.Sartorisknockedthecorporaldown,wherehelayonhisbackinhis
clumsyovercoat,tuggingathispocketandsnappinghisbootatSartoris'groin.Thenthecorporal
freedhishandandshotpointblankatSartoriswithashortbarreledpistol.
Sartorisspranguponhimbeforehecouldshootagain,tramplingthepistolhand.Hesaid
hecouldfeeltheman'sbonesthroughhisboot,andthatthecorporalbegantoscreamlikea
womanbehindhisbrigand'smoustaches.Thatwaswhatmadeitfunny,Sartorissaid:thatnoise
comingoutofapairofmoustacheslikeaGilbertandSullivanpirate.Sohesaidhestoppeditby
holdingthecorporalupwithonehandandhittinghimonthechinwiththeotheruntilthenoise
stopped.
Hesaidthattheoldwomanhadnotceasedtorockbackandforthunderherstarched
apron."Likeshemighthavedresseduptogetreadytobesackedandravaged,"hesaid.
Hegatheredupthegarments.Inthebarhehadanotherpullatthebottle,lookingathimself
inthemirror.Thenhesawthathewasbleedingatthemouth.Hesaidhedidn'tknowifhehad
bittenhistonguewhenhejumpedoverthestairrailorifhehadcuthismouthwiththebrokenbottle
neck.Heemptiedthebottleandflungittothefloor.
Hesaidhedidn'tknowthenwhatheintendedtodo.Hesaidhedidn'trealizeitevenwhen
hehaddraggedtheunconsciousdriveroutoftheambulanceandwasdressinghiminCaptain
Spoomer'sslacksandcapandribbonedtunic,andtumbledhimbackintotheambulance.
Herememberedseeingadustyinkstandbehindthebar.
Hesoughtandfoundinhisoverallsabitofpaper,abillrenderedhimeightmonthsagoby
aLondontailor,and,leaningonthebar,droolingandspitting,heprintedonthebackofthebill
CaptainSpoomer'snameandsquadronnumberandaerodrome,andputthepaperintothetunic
pocketbeneaththeribbonsandthewing,anddrovebacktowherehehadlefthisaeroplane.
TherewasanAnzacbattalionrestingintheditchbesidetheroad.Helefttheambulance
andthesleepingpassengerwiththem,andfourofthemhelpedhimtostarthisengine,andheld
thewingsforhistighttakeoff.
Thenhewasbackatthefront.Hesaidhedidnotremembergettingthereatall;hesaidthe
lastthingherememberedwastheoldwomaninthefieldbeneathhim,thensuddenlyhewasina
barrage,lowenoughtofeeltheconcussedairbetweenthegroundandhiswings,andto
distinguishthefacesoftroops.Hesaidhedidn'tknowwhattroopstheywere,theirsorours,but
thathestrafedthemanyway."BecauseIneverheardofamanonthegroundgettinghurtbyan
aeroplane,"hesaid."Yes,Idid;I'lltakethatback.TherewasafarmerbackinCanadaplowingin
themiddleofathousandacrefield,andacadetcrashedontopofhim."
Thenhereturnedhome.Theytoldattheaerodromethatheflewbetweentwohangarsina
slowroll,sothattheycouldseethevalvestemsinbothwheels,andthatheranhiswheelsacross
theaerodromeandtookoffagain.Thegunnerysergeanttoldmethatheclimbedverticallyuntilhe
stalled,andthatheheldtheCamelmushingonitsback."Hewaswatchingthedog,"thesergeant
said."Ithadbeenhomeaboutanhouranditwasbehindthemen'smess,grubbingintherefuse
bin."HesaidthatSartorisdivedatthedogandthenlooped,makingtwoturnsofanupwardspin,
comingoffononewingandstillupsidedown.Thenthesergeantsaidthatheprobablydidnotset
backtheairvalve,becauseatahundredfeettheengineconked,andupsidedownSartoriscutthe
topsoutoftheonlytwopoplartreestheyhadleft.
Thesergeantsaidtheyranthen,towardthegoutofdustandthemessofwireandwood.
Beforetheyreachedit,hesaidthedogcametrottingoutfrombehindthemen'smess.
HesaidthedoggottherefirstandthattheysawSartorisonhishandsandknees,vomiting,
whilethedogwatchedhim.
 ThenthedogapproachedandsniffedtentativelyatthevomitandSartorisgotupand
balancedhimselfandkickedit,weaklybutwithsavageandearnestpurpose.

VI

THEAMBULANCEDRIVER,inSpoomer'suniform,wassentbacktotheaerodromebytheAnzac
major.Theyputhimtobed,wherehewasstillsleepingwhenthebrigadierandtheWing
Commandercameupthatafternoon.Theywerestilltherewhenanoxcartturnedontothe
aerodromeandstopped,with,sittingonawirecagecontainingchickens,Spoomerinawoman's
skirtandaknittedshawl.ThenextdaySpoomerreturnedtoEngland.Welearnedthathewastobe
atemporarycolonelatgroundschool.
"Thedogwilllikethat,anyway,"Isaid.
"Thedog?"Sartorissaid.
"Thefoodwillbebetterthere,"Isaid.
"Oh,"Sartorissaid.Theyhadreducedhimtosecondlieutenant,forderelictionofdutyby
enteringaforbiddenzonewithgovernmentpropertyandleavingitunguarded,andhehadbeen
transferredtoanothersquadron,totheonewhicheventheB.E.peoplecalledtheLaundry.
Thiswasthedaybeforeheleft.Hehadnofrontteethatallnow,andheapologizedforthe
wayhetalked,whohadneverreallytalkedwithanintactmouth."Thejokeis,"hesaid,"it'sanother
Camelsquadron.Ihavetolaugh."
"Laugh?"Isaid.
"Oh,Icanridethem.Icansittherewiththegunoutandkeepthewingslevelnowandthen.
ButIcan'tflyCamels.YouhavetolandaCamelbysettingtheairvalveandflyingitintothe
ground.Thenyoucountten,andifyouhavenotcrashed,youleveloff.Andifyoucangetupand
walkaway,youhavemadeagoodlanding.Andiftheycanusethecrateagain,youareanace.
Butthat'snotthejoke."
"What'snot?"
"TheCamels.Thejokeis,thisisanightflyingsquadron.Isupposetheyareallintownand
theydon'tgetbackuntilafterdarktoflythem.They'resendingmetoanightflyingsquadron.That's
whyIhavetolaugh."
"Iwouldlaugh,"Isaid."Isn'ttheresomethingyoucandoaboutit?"
"Sure.Justkeepthatairvalvesetrightandnotcrash.Notwashoutandhavethosewing
flaresexplode.I'vegotthatbeat.I'lljuststayupallnight,poptheflaresandsitdownaftersunrise.
That'swhyIhavetolaugh,see.Ican'tflyCamelsinthedaytime,even.Andtheydon'tknowit."
"Well,anyway,youdidbetterthanyoupromised,"Isaid."Youhaverunhimoffthe
continentofEurope."
"Yes,"hesaid."Isurehavetolaugh.He'sgottogobacktoEngland,whereallthemenare
gone.Allthosewomen,andnotamanbetweenfourteenandeightytohelphim.Ihavetolaugh."

VII

WHENJULYCAME,IwasstillintheWingoffice,stilltryingtogetusedtomymechanicallegby
sittingatatableequippedwithapapercutter,apotofglueandoneofredink,andladenwiththe
meager,thin,heresoiledandherecleanenvelopesthatcamedowninperiodicalbatches:
envelopesaddressedtocitiesandhamletsandsometimeslessthanhamlets,aboutEnglandwhen
onedayIcameupontwoaddressedtothesamepersoninAmerica:aletterandaparcel.Itook
theletterfirst.Ithadneitherlocationnordate:
 DearAuntJenny,
YesIgotthesocksElnoraknitted.TheyfitallrightbecauseIgavethemtomybatmanhe
saidtheyfitallright.YesIlikeitherebetterthanwhereIwasthesearegoodguyshereexcept
thesedamnCamels.Iamallrightaboutgoingtochurchwedon'talwayshavechurch.Sometimes
theyhaveitfortheakemmasbecauseIreckonaakemmaneedsitbutusuallyIamprettybusy
SundaybutIgoenoughIreckon.
TellElnoramuchobligeforthesockstheyfitallrightbutmaybeyoubetternottellherI
gavethemaway.TellIsomandtheotherniggershelloandGrandfathertellhimIgotthemoneyall
rightbutwarisexpensiveashell.
Johnny.

Butthen,theMalbroucksdon'tmakethewars,anyway.Isupposeittakestoomanywords
tomakeawar.Maybethat'swhy.
Thepackagewasaddressedliketheletter,toMrsVirginiaSartoris,Jefferson,Mississippi,
U.S.A.,andIthought,Whatintheworldwoulditeveroccurtohimtosendtoher?Icouldnot
imaginehimchoosingagiftforawomaninaforeigncountry;choosingoneofthosetrifleswhich
somemencanchoosewithakindofinfallibletact.Hiswouldbe,ifhethoughttosendanythingat
all,asectionofcrankshaftormaybeahandfulofwristpinssalvagedfromaHuncrash.
SoIopenedthepackage.ThenIsatthere,lookingatthecontents.
Itcontainedanaddressedenvelope,afewdogearedpapers,awristwatchwhosestrap
wasstiffwithsomedarkdriedliquid,apairofgoggleswithoutanyglassinonelens,asilverbelt
bucklewithamonogram.Thatwasall.
SoIdidn'tneedtoreadtheletter.Ididn'thavetolookatthecontentsofthepackage,butI
wantedto.Ididn'twanttoreadtheletter,butIhadto.

Squadron,R.A.P.France.
4thJuly,1918.

DearMadam,

Ihavetotellyouthatyoursonwaskilledonyesterdaymorning.Hewasshotdownwhilein
pursuitofdutyovertheenemylines.Notduetocarelessnessorlackofskill.Hewasagoodman.
TheE.A.outnumberedyoursonandhadmoreheightandspeedwhichisourmisfortunebutno
faultoftheGovernmentwhichwouldgiveusbettermachinesiftheyhadthemwhichisno
satisfactiontoyou.Anotherofours,MrR.Kyerling1100feetbelowcouldnotgetuptheresince
yoursonspentmuchtimeinthehangarandhadanewengineinhismachinelastweek.Yourson
tookfireintensecondsMrKyerlingsaidandjumpedfromyourson'smachinesincehewasside
slippingsafelyuntiltheE.A.shotawayhisstabiliserandcontrolsandhebegantospin.Iamvery
sadtosendyouthesesadtidingsthoughitmaybeacomforttoyouthathewasburiedbya
minister.Hisothereffectssentyoulater.
Iam,madam,andetc.
C.Kaye,Major

HewasburiedinthecemetaryjustnorthofSaintVaastsincewehopeitwillnotbeshelled
againsincewehopeitwillbeoversoonbyourpadresincetherewerejusttwoCamelsandseven
E.A.andsoitwasonoursidebythattime.
C.K.Mjr.
 Theotherpaperswereletters,fromhisgreataunt,notmanyandnotlong.Idon'tknowwhy
hehadkeptthem.Buthehad.Maybehejustforgotthem,likehehadthebillfromtheLondontailor
hehadfoundinhisoverallsinAmiensthatdayinthespring.
...letthoseforeignwomenalone.IlivedthroughawarmysetfandIknowhowwomenact
inwar,evenwithYankees.Andagoodfornothinghellionlikeyou...
Andthis:...wethinkit'sabouttimeyoucamehome.Yourgrandfatherisgettingold,andit
don'tlookliketheywillevergetdonefightingoverthere.Soyoucomeonhome.TheYankeesare
initnow.Letthemfightiftheywantto.It'stheirwar.It'snotours.
Andthat'sall.That'sit.Thecourage,therecklessness,callitwhatyouwill,istheflash,the
instantofsublimation;thenflick!theolddarknessagain.That'swhy.It'stoostrongforsteadydiet.
Andifitwereasteadydiet,itwouldnotbeaflash,aglare.Andso,beingmomentary,itcanbe
preservedandprolongedonlyonpaper:apicture,afewwrittenwordsthatanymatch,aminute
andharmlessflamethatanychildcanengender,canobliterateinaninstant.Aoneinchsliverof
sulphurtippedwoodislongerthanmemoryorgrief;aflamenolargerthanasixpenceisfiercer
thancourageordespair.

VTHEMIDDLEGROUND

Wash

SUTPENSTOODABOVEthepalletbedonwhichthemotherandchildlay.Betweentheshrunken
plankingofthewalltheearlysunlightfellinlongpencilstrokes,breakinguponhisstraddledlegs
andupontheridingwhipinhishand,andlayacrossthestillshapeofthemother,wholaylooking
upathimfromstill,inscrutable,sulleneyes,thechildathersidewrappedinapieceofdingy
thoughcleancloth.BehindthemanoldNegrowomansquattedbesidetheroughhearthwherea
meagerfiresmoldered.
"Well,Milly,"Sutpensaid,"toobadyou'renotamare.ThenIcouldgiveyouadecentstall
inthestable."
Stillthegirlonthepalletdidnotmove.Shemerelycontinuedtolookupathimwithout
expression,withayoung,sullen,inscrutablefacestillpalefromrecenttravail.Sutpenmoved,
bringingintothesplinteredpencilsofsunlightthefaceofamanofsixty.Hesaidquietlytothe
squattingNegress,"Griseldafoaledthismorning."
"Horseormare?"theNegresssaid.
"Ahorse.Adamnedfinecolt...What'sthis?"Heindicatedthepalletwiththehandwhich
heldthewhip.
"Thatun'samare,Ireckon."
"Hah,"Sutpensaid."Adamnedfinecolt.GoingtobethespitandimageofoldRobRoy
whenIrodehimNorthin'61.Doyouremember?"
"Yes,Marster."
"Hah."Heglancedbacktowardsthepallet.Nonecouldhavesaidifthegirlstillwatchedhim
ornot.Againhiswhiphandindicatedthepallet."Dowhatevertheyneedwithwhateverwe'vegotto
doitwith."Hewentout,passingoutthecrazydoorwayandsteppingdownintotherankweeds
(thereyetleanedrustingagainstthecorneroftheporchthescythewhichWashhadborrowedfrom
himthreemonthsagotocutthemwith)wherehishorsewaited,whereWashstoodholdingthe
reins.
 WhenColonelSutpenrodeawaytofighttheYankees,Washdidnotgo."I'mlookingafter
theKernel'splaceandniggers,"hewouldtellallwhoaskedhimandsomewhohadnotasked;a
gaunt,malariariddenmanwithpale,questioningeyes,wholookedaboutthirtyfive,thoughitwas
knownthathehadnotonlyadaughterbutaneightyearoldgranddaughteraswell.Thiswasalie,
asmostofthemthefewremainingmenbetweeneighteenandfiftytowhomhetoldit,knew,
thoughthereweresomewhobelievedthathehimselfreallybelievedit,thougheventhesebelieved
thathehadbettersensethantoputittothetestwithMrs.SutpenortheSutpenslaves.Knew
betterorwasjusttoolazyandshiftlesstotryit,theysaid,knowingthathissoleconnectionwiththe
SutpenplantationlayinthefactthatforyearsnowColonelSutpenhadallowedhimtosquatina
crazyshackonasloughintheriverbottomontheSutpenplace,whichSutpenhadbuiltfora
fishinglodgeinhisbachelordaysandwhichhadsincefallenindilapidationfromdisuse,sothat
nowitlookedlikeanagedorsickwildbeastcrawledterrificallytheretodrinkintheactofdying.
TheSutpenslavesthemselvesheardofhisstatement.Theylaughed.Itwasnotthefirst
timetheyhadlaughedathim,callinghimwhitetrashbehindhisback.Theybegantoaskhim
themselves,ingroups,meetinghiminthefaintroadwhichledupfromthesloughandtheoldfish
camp,"Whyain'tyouatdewar,whiteman?"
Pausing,hewouldlookabouttheringofblackfacesandwhiteeyesandteethbehind
whichderisionlurked."BecauseIgotadaughterandfamilytokeep,"hesaid."Gitoutofmyroad,
niggers."
"Niggers?"theyrepeated;"niggers?"laughingnow.
"Whohim,callingusniggers?"
"Yes,"hesaid."Iain'tgotnoniggerstolookaftermyfolksifIwasgone."
"NornothingelsebutdatshackdownyondatGunnelwouldn'tletnoneofuslivein."
Nowhecursedthem;sometimesherushedatthem,snatchingupastickfromtheground
whiletheyscatteredbeforehim,yetseemingtosurroundhimstillwiththatblacklaughing,derisive,
evasive,inescapable,leavinghimpantingandimpotentandraging.Onceithappenedinthevery
backyardofthebighouseitself.ThiswasafterbitternewshadcomedownfromtheTennessee
mountainsandfromVicksburg,andShermanhadpassedthroughtheplantation,andmostofthe
Negroeshadfollowedhim.AlmosteverythingelsehadgonewiththeFederaltroops,andMrs.
SutpenhadsentwordtoWashthathecouldhavethescuppernongsripeninginthearborinthe
backyard.Thistimeitwasahouseservant,oneofthefewNegroeswhoremained;thistimethe
Negresshadtoretreatupthekitchensteps,wheresheturned."Stoprightdar,whiteman.Stop
rightwharyouis.Youain'tnevercrosseddesestepswhilstGunnelhere,andyouain'tgwy'dohit
now."
Thiswastrue.Buttherewasthisofakindofpride:hehadnevertriedtoenterthebig
house,eventhoughhebelievedthatifhehad,Sutpenwouldhavereceivedhim,permittedhim.
"ButIain'tgoingtogivenoblackniggerthechancetotellmeIcan'tgonowhere,"hesaidto
himself.
"Iain'tevengoingtogiveKernelthechancetohavetocussaniggeronmyaccount."This,
thoughheandSutpenhadspentmorethanoneafternoontogetheronthoserareSundayswhen
therewouldbenocompanyinthehouse.
PerhapshismindknewthatitwasbecauseSutpenhadnothingelsetodo,beingaman
whocouldnotbearhisowncompany.Yetthefactremainedthatthetwoofthemwouldspend
wholeafternoonsinthescuppernongarbor,SutpeninthehammockandWashsquattingagainsta
post,apailofcisternwaterbetweenthem,takingdrinkfordrinkfromthesamedemijohn.
Meanwhileonweekdayshewouldseethefinefigureoftheman:theywerethesameagealmostto
aday,thoughneitherofthem(perhapsbecauseWashhadagrandchildwhileSutpen'ssonwasa
youthinschool)everthoughtofhimselfasbeingsoonthefinefigureoftheblackstallion,galloping
abouttheplantation.Forthatmomenthisheartwouldbequietandproud.Itwouldseemtohimthat
thatworldinwhichNegroes,whomtheBibletoldhimhadbeencreatedandcursedbyGodtobe
bruteandvassaltoallmenofwhiteskin,werebetterfoundandhousedandevenclothedthanhe
andhis;thatworldinwhichhesensedalwaysabouthimmockingechoesofblacklaughterwasbut
adreamandanillusion,andthattheactualworldwasthisoneacrosswhichhisownlonely
apotheosisseemedtogallopontheblackthoroughbred,thinkinghowtheBooksaidalsothatall
menwerecreatedintheimageofGodandhenceallmenmadethesameimageinGod'seyesat
least;sothathecouldsay,asthoughspeakingofhimself,"Afineproudman.IfGodHimselfwasto
comedownandridethenaturalearth,that'swhatHewouldaimtolooklike."
Sutpenreturnedin1865,ontheblackstallion.Heseemedtohaveagedtenyears.Hisson
hadbeenkilledinactionthesamewinterinwhichhiswifehaddied.Hereturnedwithhiscitation
forgallantryfromthehandofGeneralLeetoaruinedplantation,whereforayearnowhisdaughter
hadsubsistedpartiallyonthemeagerbountyofthemantowhomfifteenyearsagohehadgranted
permissiontoliveinthattumbledownfishingcampwhoseveryexistencehehadatthetime
forgotten.Washwastheretomeethim,unchanged:stillgaunt,stillageless,withhispale,
questioninggaze,hisairdiffident,alittleservile,alittlefamiliar.
"Well,Kernel,"Washsaid,"theykiltusbuttheyain'twhuppedusyit,airthey?"
Thatwasthetenoroftheirconversationforthenextfiveyears.Itwasinferiorwhiskywhich
theydranknowtogetherfromastonewarejug,anditwasnotinthescuppernongarbor.Itwasin
therearofthelittlestorewhichSutpenmanagedtosetuponthehighroad:aframeshelvedroom
where,withWashforclerkandporter,hedispensedkeroseneandstaplefoodstuffsandstale
gaudycandyandcheapbeadsandribbonstoNegroesorpoorwhitesofWash'sownkind,who
cameafootorongauntmulestohaggletediouslyfordimesandquarterswithamanwhoatone
timecouldgallop(theblackstallionwasstillalive;thestableinwhichhisjealousgetlivedwasin
betterrepairthanthehousewherethemasterhimselflived)fortenmilesacrosshisownfertileland
andwhohadledtroopsgallantlyinbattle;untilSutpeninfurywouldemptythestore,closeandlock
thedoorsfromtheinside.ThenheandWashwouldrepairtotherearandthejug.Butthetalk
wouldnotbequietnow,aswhenSutpenlayinthehammock,deliveringanarrogantmonologue
whileWashsquattedguffawingagainsthispost.Theybothsatnow,thoughSutpenhadthesingle
chairwhileWashusedwhateverboxorkegwashandy,andeventhisforjustalittlewhile,because
soonSutpenwouldreachthatstageofimpotentandfuriousundefeatinwhichhewouldrise,
swayingandplunging,anddeclareagainthathewouldtakehispistolandtheblackstallionand
ridesinglehandedintoWashingtonandkillLincoln,deadnow,andSherman,nowaprivatecitizen.
"Killthem!"hewouldshout."Shootthemdownlikethedogstheyare"
"Sho,Kernel;sho,Kernel!"Washwouldsay,catchingSutpenashefell.Thenhewould
commandeerthefirstpassingwagonor,lackingthat,hewouldwalkthemiletothenearest
neighborandborrowoneandreturnandcarrySutpenhome.Heenteredthehousenow.Hehad
beendoingsoforalongtime,takingSutpenhomeinwhateverborrowedwagonmightbe,talking
himintolocomotionwithcajolingmurmursasthoughhewereahorse,astallionhimself.The
daughterwouldmeetthemandholdopenthedoorwithoutaword.Hewouldcarryhisburden
throughtheoncewhiteformalentrance,surmountedbyafanlightimportedpiecebypiecefrom
Europeandwithaboardnownailedoveramissingpane,acrossavelvetcarpetfromwhichallnap
wasnowgone,andupaformalstairs,nowbutafadingghostofbareboardsbetweentwostripsof
fadingpaint,andintothebedroom.Itwouldbeduskbynow,andhewouldlethisburdensprawl
ontothebedandundressitandthenhewouldsitquietlyinachairbeside.Afteratimethe
daughterwouldcometothedoor."We'reallrightnow,"hewouldtellher."Don'tyouworrynone,
MissJudith."
Thenitwouldbecomedark,andafterawhilehewouldliedownonthefloorbesidethebed,
thoughnottosleep,becauseafteratimesometimesbeforemidnightthemanonthebedwouldstir
andgroanandthenspeak."Wash?"
 "HyerIam,Kernel.Yougobacktosleep.Weain'twhuppedyit,airwe?Meandyoukindo
hit."
Eventhenhehadalreadyseentheribbonabouthisgranddaughter'swaist.Shewasnow
fifteen,alreadymature,aftertheearlywayofherkind.Heknewwheretheribboncamefrom;he
hadbeenseeingit.anditskinddailyforthreeyears,evenifshehadliedaboutwhereshegotit,
whichshedidnot,atoncebold,sullen,andfearful."Shonow,"hesaid.
"EfKernelwantstogivehittoyou,Ihopeyoumindedtothankhim."
Hisheartwasquiet,evenwhenhesawthedress,watchinghersecret,defiant,frightened
facewhenshetoldhimthatMissJudith,thedaughter,hadhelpedhertomakeit.Buthewasquite
gravewhenheapproachedSutpenaftertheyclosedthestorethatafternoon,followingtheotherto
therear.
"Getthejug,"Sutpendirected.
"Wait,"Washsaid."Notyitforaminute."
NeitherdidSutpendenythedress."Whataboutit?"hesaid.
ButWashmethisarrogantstare;hespokequietly."I'veknowedyouforgoingontwenty
years.Iain'tneveryitdeniedtodowhatyoutoldmetodo.AndI'mamannighsixty.Andsheain't
nothingbutafifteenyearoldgal."
"MeaningthatI'dharmagirl?I,amanasoldasyouare?"
"Ifyouwasaraotherman,I'dsayyouwasasoldasme.Andoldornoold,Iwouldn'tlet
herkeepthatdressnornothingelsethatcomefromyourhand.Butyouaredifferent."
"Howdifferent?"ButWashmerelylookedathimwithhispale,questioning,sobereyes."So
that'swhyyouareafraidofme?"
NowWash'sgazenolongerquestioned.Itwastranquil,serene."Iain'tafraid.Becauseyou
airbrave.Itain'tthatyouwereabravemanatoneminuteordayofyourlifeandgotapaperto
showhitfromGeneralLee.Butyouairbrave,thesameasyouairaliveandbreathing.That's
wherehit'sdifferent.Hitdon'tneednoticketfromnobodytotellmethat.AndIknowthatwhatever
youhandleortech,whetherhit'saregimentofmenoraignorantgalorjustahounddog,thatyou
willmakehitright."
NowitwasSutpenwholookedaway,turningsuddenly,brusquely."Getthejug,"hesaid
sharply.
"Sho,Kernel,"Washsaid.
SoonthatSundaydawntwoyearslater,havingwatchedtheNegromidwife,whichhehad
walkedthreemilestofetch,enterthecrazydoorbeyondwhichhisgranddaughterlaywailing,his
heartwasstillquietthoughconcerned.HeknewwhattheyhadbeensayingtheNegroesincabins
abouttheland,thewhitemenwholoafedalldaylongaboutthestore,watchingquietlythethreeof
them:Sutpen,himself,hisgranddaughterwithherairofbrazenandshrinkingdefianceasher
conditionbecamedailymoreandmoreobvious,likethreeactorsthatcameandwentuponastage.
"Iknowwhattheysaytooneanother,"hethought."Icanalmosthyearthem:WashJones
hasfixedoldSutpenatlast.Hittakenhimtwentyyears,buthehasdonehitatlast"
Itwouldbedawnafterawhile,thoughnotyet.Fromthehouse,wherethelampshonedim
beyondthewarpeddoorframe,hisgranddaughter'svoicecamesteadilyasthoughrunbyaclock,
whilethinkingwentslowlyandterrifically,fumbling,involvedsomehowwithasoundofgalloping
hooves,untiltherebrokesuddenlyfreeinmidgallopthefineproudfigureofthemanonthefine
proudstallion,galloping;andthenthatatwhichthinkingfumbled,brokefreetooandquiteclear,not
injustificationnorevenexplanation,butastheapotheosis,lonely,explicable,beyondallfoulingby
humantouch:"HeisbiggerthanallthemYankeesthatkilthissonandhiswifeandtakenhis
niggersandruinedhisland,biggerthanthishyerdurncountrythathefitforandthathasdenied
himintokeepingalittlecountrystore;biggerthanthedenialwhichhithelttohislipslikethebitter
cupintheBook.AndhowcouldIhavelivedthisnightohimfortwentyyearswithoutbeingteched
andchangedbyhim?MaybeIain'tasbigashimandmaybeIain'tdonenoneofthegalloping.But
atleastIdonebeendrugalong.Meandhimkindohit,ifsobehewillshowmewhatheaimsfor
metodo."
Thenitwasdawn.Suddenlyhecouldseethehouse,andtheoldNegressinthedoor
lookingathim.Thenherealizedthathisgranddaughter'svoicehadceased."It'sagirl,"the
Negresssaid."Youcangotellhimifyouwantto."Shereenteredthehouse.
"Agirl,"herepeated;"agirl";inastonishment,hearingthegallopinghooves,seeingthe
proudgallopingfigureemergeagain.Heseemedtowatchitpass,gallopingthroughavatarswhich
markedtheaccumulationofyears,time,totheclimaxwhereitgallopedbeneathabrandished
saberandashottornflagrushingdownaskyincolorlikethunderoussulphur,thinkingforthefirst
timeinhislifethatperhapsSutpenwasanoldmanlikehimself."Gittinagal,"hethoughtinthat
astonishment;thenhethoughtwiththepleasedsurpriseofachild:"Yes,sir.BedawgifIain'tlived
tobeagreatgrandpawafterall."
Heenteredthehouse.Hemovedclumsily,ontiptoe,asifhenolongerlivedthere,asifthe
infantwhichhadjustdrawnbreathandcriedinlighthaddispossessedhim,beitofhisownblood
toothoughitmight.Butevenabovethepallethecouldseelittlesavetheblurofhis
granddaughter'sexhaustedface.ThentheNegresssquattingatthehearthspoke,"Youbetter
gawntellhimifyougoingto.Hit'sdaylightnow."
Butthiswasnotnecessary.Hehadnomorethanturnedthecorneroftheporchwherethe
scytheleanedwhichhehadborrowedthreemonthsagotoclearawaytheweedsthroughwhichhe
walked,whenSutpenhimselfrodeupontheoldstallion.HedidnotwonderhowSutpenhadgot
theword.HetookitforgrantedthatthiswaswhathadbroughttheotheroutatthishouronSunday
morning,andhestoodwhiletheotherdismounted,andhetookthereinsfromSutpen'shand,an
expressiononhisgauntfacealmostimbecilewithakindofwearytriumph,saying,"Hit'sagal,
Kernel.Ibedawgifyouain'tasoldasIam..."untilSutpenpassedhimandenteredthehouse.He
stoodtherewiththereinsinhishandandheardSutpencrossthefloortothepallet.
HeheardwhatSutpensaid,andsomethingseemedtostopdeadinhimbeforegoingon.
Thesunwasnowup,theswiftsunofMississippilatitudes,anditseemedtohimthathe
stoodbeneathastrangesky,inastrangescene,familiaronlyasthingsarefamiliarindreams,like
thedreamsoffallingtoonewhohasneverclimbed."Ikain'thaveheardwhatIthoughtIheard,"he
thoughtquietly."IknowIkain't."Yetthevoice,thefamiliarvoicewhichhadsaidthewordswasstill
speaking,talkingnowtotheoldNegressaboutacoltfoaledthatmorning.
"That'swhyhewasupsoearly,"hethought."Thatwashit.Hitain'tmeandmine.Hitain't
evenhisnthatgothimoutenbed."
Sutpenemerged.Hedescendedintotheweeds,movingwiththatheavydeliberationwhich
wouldhavebeenhastewhenhewasyounger.HehadnotyetlookedfullatWash.
Hesaid,"Diceywillstayandtendtoher.Youbetter..."
ThenheseemedtoseeWashfacinghimandpaused.
"What?"hesaid.
"Yousaid"TohisownearsWash'svoicesoundedflatandducklike,likeadeafman's.
"Yousaidifshewasamare,youcouldgiveheragoodstallinthestable."
"Well?"Sutpensaid.Hiseyeswidenedandnarrowed...almostlikeaman'sfistsflexingand
shutting,asWashbegantoadvancetowardshim,stoopingalittle.VeryastonishmentkeptSutpen
stillforthemoment,watchingthatmanwhomintwentyyearshehadnomoreknowntomakeany
motionsaveatcommandthanhehadthehorsewhichherode.Againhiseyesnarrowedand
widened;withoutmovingheseemedtorearsuddenlyupright."Standback,"hesaidsuddenlyand
sharply."Don'tyoutouchme."
"I'mgoingtotechyou,Kernel,"Washsaidinthatflat,quiet,almostsoftvoice,advancing.
 Sutpenraisedthehandwhichheldtheridingwhip;theoldNegresspeeredaroundthe
crazydoorwithherblackgargoylefaceofaworngnome."Standback,Wash,"Sutpensaid.Then
hestruck.TheoldNegressleapeddownintotheweedswiththeagilityofagoatandfled.Sutpen
slashedWashagainacrossthefacewiththewhip,strikinghimtohisknees.WhenWashroseand
advancedoncemoreheheldinhishandsthescythewhichhehadborrowedfromSutpenthree
monthsagoandwhichSutpenwouldneverneedagain.
Whenhereenteredthehousehisgranddaughterstirredonthepalletbedandcalledhis
namefretfully."Whatwasthat?"shesaid.
"Whatwaswhat,honey?"
"Thatereracketoutthere."
"'Twarn'tnothing,"hesaidgently.Hekneltandtouchedherhotforeheadclumsily."Doyou
wantarathing?"
"Iwantasupofwater,"shesaidquerulously."Ibeenlayingherewantingasupofwatera
longtime,butdon'tnobodycareenoughtopaymenomind."
"Shonow,"hesaidsoothingly.Herosestifflyandfetchedthedipperofwaterandraisedher
headtodrinkandlaidherbackandwatchedherturntothechildwithanabsolutelystonelikeface.
Butamomentlaterhesawthatshewascryingquietly."Now,now,"hesaid,"Iwouldn'tdothat.Old
Diceysayshit'sarightfinegal.Hit'sallrightnow.Hit'sallovernow.Hitain'tnoneedtocrynow."
Butshecontinuedtocryquietly,almostsullenly,andheroseagainandstood
uncomfortablyabovethepalletforatime,thinkingashehadthoughtwhenhisownwifelaysoand
thenhisdaughterinturn:"Women.Hit'samystrytome.Theyseemtowantem,andyitwhenthey
gitemtheycryabouthit.Hit'samystrytome.Toaraman."Thenhemovedawayanddrewachair
uptothewindowandsatdown.
Throughallthatlong,bright,sunnyforenoonhesatatthewindow,waiting.Nowandthen
heroseandtiptoedtothepallet.Buthisgranddaughtersleptnow,herfacesullenandcalmand
weary,thechildinthecrookofherarm.Thenhereturnedtothechairandsatagain,waiting,
wonderingwhyittookthemsolong,untilherememberedthatitwasSunday.Hewassittingthere
atmidafternoonwhenahalfgrownwhiteboycamearoundthecornerofthehouseuponthebody
andgaveachokedcryandlookedupandglaredforamesmerizedinstantatWashinthewindow
beforeheturnedandfled.ThenWashroseandtiptoedagaintothepallet.
Thegranddaughterwasawakenow,wakenedperhapsbytheboy'scrywithouthearingit.
"Milly,"hesaid,"airyouhungry?"Shedidn'tanswer,turningherfaceaway.
Hebuiltupthefireonthehearthandcookedthefoodwhichhehadbroughthometheday
before:fatbackitwas,andcoldcornpone;hepouredwaterintothestalecoffeepotandheatedit.
Butshewouldnoteatwhenhecarriedtheplatetoher,soheatehimself,quietly,alone,andleft
thedishesastheywereandreturnedtothewindow.
Nowheseemedtosense,feel,themenwhowouldbegatheringwithhorsesandgunsand
dogs,thecurious,andthevengeful:menofSutpen'sownkind,whohadmadethecompanyabout
Sutpen'stableinthetimewhenWashhimselfhadyettoapproachnearertothehousethanthe
scuppernongarbor:menwhohadalsoshownthelesseroneshowtofightinbattle,whomaybe
alsohadsignedpapersfromthegeneralssayingthattheywereamongthefirstofthebrave;who
hadalsogallopedintheolddaysarrogantandproudonthefinehorsesacrossthefineplantations,
symbolsalsoofadmirationandhope;instrumentstooofdespairandgrief.
Thatwaswhomtheywouldexpecthimtorunfrom.Itseemedtohimthathehadnomore
torunfromthanhehadtorunto.Ifheran,hewouldmerelybefleeingonesetofbraggingandevil
shadowsforanotherjustlikethem,sincetheywereallofakindthroughoutalltheearthwhichhe
knew,andhewasold,toooldtofleefarevenifheweretoflee.Hecouldneverescapethem,no
matterhowmuchorhowfarheran:amangoingonsixtycouldnotrunthatfar.Notfarenoughto
escapebeyondtheboundariesofearthwheresuchmenlived,settheorderandtheruleofliving.It
seemedtohimthathenowsawforthefirsttime,afterfiveyears,howitwasthatYankeesorany
otherlivingarmieshadmanagedtowhipthem:thegallant,theproud,thebrave;theacknowledged
andchosenbestamongthemalltocarrycourageandhonorandpride.Maybeifhehadgoneto
thewarwiththemhewouldhavediscoveredthemsooner.Butifhehaddiscoveredthemsooner,
whatwouldhehavedonewithhislifesince?Howcouldhehavebornetorememberforfiveyears
whathislifehadbeenbefore?
Nowitwasgettingtowardsunset.Thechildhadbeencrying;whenhewenttothepallethe
sawhisgranddaughternursingit,herfacestillbemused,sullen,inscrutable."Airyouhungryyit?"
hesaid.
"Idon'twantnothing."
"Yououghttoeat."
Thistimeshedidnotansweratall,lookingdownatthechild.Hereturnedtohischairand
foundthatthesunhadset."Hitkain'tbemuchlonger,"hethought.Hecouldfeelthemquitenear
now,thecuriousandthevengeful.Hecouldevenseemtohearwhattheyweresayingabouthim,
theundercurrentofbelievingbeyondtheimmediatefury:OldWashJoneshecomeatumbleat
last.HethoughthehadSutpen,butSutpenfooledhim.HethoughthehadKernelwherehewould
havetomarrythegalorpayup.AndKernelrefused."ButIneverexpectedthat,Kernel!"hecried
aloud,catchinghimselfatthesoundofhisownvoice,glancingquicklybacktofindhis
granddaughterwatchinghim.
"Whoyoutalkingtonow?"shesaid.
"Hitain'tnothing.IwasjustthinkingandtalkedoutbeforeIknowedhit."
Herfacewasbecomingindistinctagain,againasullenblurinthetwilight."Ireckonso.I
reckonyou'llhavetohollerlouderthanthatbeforehe'llhearyou,upyonderatthathouse.AndI
reckonyou'llneedtodomorethanhollerbeforeyougethimdownheretoo."
"Shonow,"hesaid."Don'tyouworrynone."Butalreadythinkingwasgoingsmoothlyon:
"YouknowInever.YouknowhowIain'tneverexpectedoraskednothingfromaralivingmanbut
whatIexpectedfromyou.AndIneveraskedthat.Ididn'tthinkhitwouldneed.Isaid,Idon'tneed
to.WhatneedhasafellowlikeWashJonestoquestionordoubtthemanthatGeneralLeehimsetf
saysinahandwroteticketthathewasbrave?Brave,"hethought."Betterifnaraoneofthemhad
neverridbackhomein'65";thinkingBetterifhiskindandminetoohadneverdrawnthebreathof
lifeonthisearth.Betterthatallwhoremainofusbeblastedfromthefaceofearththanthatanother
WashJonesshouldseehiswholelifeshreddedfromhimandshrivelawaylikeadriedshuck
thrownontothefire.
Heceased,becamestill.Heheardthehorses,suddenlyandplainly;presentlyhesawthe
lanternandthemovementofmen,theglintofgunbarrels,initsmovinglight.Yethedidnotstir.It
wasquitedarknow,andhelistenedtothevoicesandthesoundsofunderbrushasthey
surroundedthehouse.Thelanternitselfcameon;itslightfelluponthequietbodyintheweedsand
stopped,thehorsestallandshadowy.Amandescendedandstoopedinthelanternlight,above
thebody.Heheldapistol;heroseandfacedthehouse."Jones,"hesaid.
"I'mhere,"Washsaidquietlyfromthewindow."Thatyou,Major?"
"Comeout."
"Sho,"hesaidquietly."Ijustwanttoseetomygranddaughter."
"We'llseetoher.Comeonout."
"Sho,Major.Justaminute."
"Showalight.Lightyourlamp."
"Sho.Injustaminute."Theycouldhearhisvoiceretreatintothehouse,thoughtheycould
notseehimashewentswiftlytothecrackinthechimneywherehekeptthebutcherknife:theone
thinginhisslovenlylifeandhouseinwhichhetookpride,sinceitwasrazorsharp.Heapproached
thepallet,hisgranddaughter'svoice:"Whoisit?Lightthelamp,grandpaw."
 "Hitwon'tneednolight,honey.Hitwon'ttakebutaminute,"hesaid,kneeling,fumbling
towardhervoice,whisperingnow."Whereairyou?"
"Righthere,"shesaidfretfully."WherewouldIbe?Whatis..."Hishandtouchedherface.
"Whatis...Grandpaw!Grand..."
"Jones!"thesheriffsaid."Comeoutofthere!"
"Injustaminute,Major,"hesaid.Nowheroseandmovedswiftly.Heknewwhereinthe
darkthecanofkerosenewas,justasheknewthatitwasfull,sinceitwasnottwodaysagothathe
hadfilleditatthestoreandhelditthereuntilhegotaridehomewithit,sincethefivegallonswere
heavy.Therewerestillcoalsonthehearth;besides,thecrazybuildingitselfwasliketinder:the
coals,thehearth,thewallsexplodinginasingleblueglare.Againstitthewaitingmensawhimina
wildinstantspringingtowardthemwiththeliftedscythebeforethehorsesrearedandwhirled.They
checkedthehorsesandturnedthembacktowardtheglare,yetstillinwildreliefagainstitthegaunt
figurerantowardthemwiththeliftedscythe.
"Jones!"thesheriffshouted;"Stop!Stop,orI'llshoot.Jones!Jones!"Yetstillthegaunt,
furiousfigurecameonagainsttheglareandroaroftheflames.Withthescythelifted,itboredown
uponthem,uponthewildglaringeyesofthehorsesandtheswingingglintsofgunbarrels,without
anycry,anysound.

Honor

IWALKEDrightthroughtheanteroomwithoutstopping.
MissWestsays,"He'sinconferencenow,"butIdidn'tstop.
Ididn'tknock,either.Theyweretalkingandhequitandlookedupacrossthedeskatme.
"Howmuchnoticedoyouwanttowritemeoff?"Isaid.
"Writeyouoff?"hesaid.
"I'mquitting,"Isaid."Willonedaybenoticeenough?"
Helookedatme,frogeyed."Isn'tourcargoodenoughforyoutodemonstrate?"hesaid.
Hishandlayonthedesk,holdingthecigar.He'sgotarubyringthesizeofataillight.
"You'vebeenwithusthreeweeks,"hesays."Notlongenoughtolearnwhatthatwordon
thedoormeans."
Hedon'tknowit,butthreeweeksisprettygood;it'swithintwodaysoftherecord.Andif
threeweeksisarecordwithhim,hecouldhaveshakenhandswiththenewchampionwithout
moving.
Thetroubleis,Ihadneverlearnedtodoanything.Youknowhowitwasinthosedays,with
eventhecollegecampusesfullofBritishandFrenchuniforms,andusallscaredtodeathitwould
beoverbeforewecouldgetinandswankapairofpilot'swingsourselves.Andthentogetinand
findsomethingthatsuitedyourightdowntotheground,yousee.
SoaftertheArmisticeIstayedinforacoupleofyearsasatestpilot.ThatwaswhenItook
upwingwalking,torelievethemonotony.AfellownamedWaldripandIusedtohideoutatabout
threethousandonaNinewhileImuscledaroundontopofit.BecauseArmylifeisprettydullin
peacetime:nothingtodobutlayaroundandlieyourheadoffalldayandplaypokerallnight.And
isolationisbadforpoker.
Youloseontick,andontickyoualwaysplunge.
TherewasafellownamedWhitelostathousandonenight.HekeptonlosingandIwanted
toquitbutIwaswinnerandhewantedtoplayon,plungingandlosingeverypot.Hegavemea
checkandItoldhimitwasn'tanyrush,toforgetit,becausehehadawifeoutinCalifornia.Then
thenextnighthewantedtoplayagain.Itriedtotalkhimoutofit,buthegotmad.Calledmeyellow.
Sohelostfifteenhundredmorethatnight.
 ThenIsaidI'dcuthim,doubleorquit,onetime.Hecutaqueen.SoIsaid,"Well,thatbeats
me.Iwon'tevencut."
AndIflippedhiscutoverandriffledthemandwesawagoboffacecardsandthreeofthe
aces.Butheinsisted,andIsaid,"What'stheuse?Thepercentagewouldbeagainstme,evenwith
afulldeck."Butheinsisted.Icutthecaseace.Iwouldhavepaidtolose.Iofferedagaintotearup
thechecks,buthesatthereandcursedme.Ilefthimsittingatthetable,inhisshirtsleevesandhis
collaropen,lookingattheace.
Thenextdaywehadthejob,thespeedship.IhaddoneeverythingIcould.Icouldn'toffer
himthechecksagain.Iwillletamanwhoisworkedupcursemeonce.ButIwon'tlethimtwice.So
wehadthejob,thespeedship.Iwouldn'ttouchit.Hetookitupfivethousandfeetanddivedthe
wingsoffattwothousandwithafullgun.
SoIwasoutagainafterfouryears,acivagain.AndwhileIwasstilldriftingaround,that
waswhenIfirsttriedsellingautomobiles.ImetJack,andhetoldmeaboutabirdthatwanteda
wingwalkerforhisbarnstormingcircus.AndthatwashowImether.

II

JACKhegavemeanotetoRogerstoldmeaboutwhatagoodpilotRogerswas,andabouther,
howtheysaidshewasunhappywithhim.
"Soisyouroldman,"Isaid.
"That'swhattheysay,"Jacksaid.SowhenIsawRogersandhandedhimthenote,hewas
oneoftheselean,quietlookingbirds.Isaidtomyselfhewasjustthekindthatwouldmarryoneof
theseflighty,passionate,goodlookingwomentheyusedtocatchduringthewarwithasetof
wings,andhaveherrunoutonhimthefirstchance.SoIfeltsafe.Iknewshe'dnothavehadto
waitanythreeyearsforonelikeme.
SoIexpectedtofindoneoftheselong,dark,snakelikewomensurroundedbyostrich
plumesandWoolworthincense,smokingcigarettesonthedivanwhileRogersranouttothecorner
delicatessenforslicedhamandpotatosaladonpaperplates.ButIwaswrong.Shecameinwith
anaprononoveroneoftheselittlepalesquashydresses,withflourorsomethingonherarms,
withoutapologizingorflurryingaroundoranything.ShesaidHoward,thatwasRogers,hadtoldher
aboutmeandIsaid,"Whatdidhetellyou?"
Butshejustsaid:"Iexpectyou'llfindthisprettydullforspendingtheevening,havingto
helpcookyourowndinner.Iimagineyou'drathergoouttodancewithacoupleofbottlesofgin."
"Whydoyouthinkthat?"Isaid."Don'tIlooklikeIcoulddoanythingelse?"
"Oh,don'tyou?"shesaid.
Wehadwashedthedishesthenandweweresittinginthefirelight,withthelightsoff,with
heronacushiononthefloor,herbackagainstRogers'knees,smokingandtalking,andshesaid,
"Iknowyouhadadulltime.Howardsuggestedthatwegooutfordinnerandtodancesomewhere.
ButItoldhimyou'djusthavetotakeusasweare,firstaswellaslater.Areyousorry?"
Shecouldlookaboutsixteen,especiallyintheapron.Bythattimeshehadboughtonefor
metowear,andthethreeofuswouldallgobacktothekitchenandcookdinner."Wedon'texpect
youtoenjoydoingthisanymorethanwedo,"shesaid."It'sbecausewearesopoor.We'rejustan
aviator."
"Well,Howardcanflywellenoughfortwopeople,"Isaid."Sothat'sallright,too."
"Whenhetoldmeyouwerejustaflyertoo,Isaid,'MyLord,awingwalker?Whenyouwere
choosingafamilyfriend,'Isaid,'whydidn'tyouchooseamanwecouldinvitetodinneraweek
aheadandnotonlycountonhisbeingthere,butonhistakingusoutandspendinghismoneyon
us?'Buthehadtochooseonethatisaspoorasweare."AndonceshesaidtoRogers:"We'llhave
tofindBuckagirl,too.He'sgoingtogettiredofjustussomeday."Youknowhowtheysaythings
likethat:thingsthatsoundliketheymeantsomethinguntilyoulookatthemandfindtheireyes
perfectlyblank,untilyouwonderiftheywereeventhinkingaboutyou,letalonetalkingaboutyou.
OrmaybeI'dhavethemouttodinnerandashow."OnlyIdidn'tmeanthatlikeitsounded,"
shesaid."Thatwasn'tahinttotakeusout."
"Didyoumeanthataboutgettingmeagirltoo?"Isaid.
Thenshelookedatmewiththatwide,blank,innocentlook.ThatwaswhenIwouldtake
thembymyplaceforacocktail.Rogersdidn'tdrink,himself,andwhenIwouldcomeinthatnight
I'dfindtracesofpowderonmydresserormaybeherhandkerchieforsomething,andI'dgotobed
withtheroomsmellinglikeshewasstillthere.Shesaid:"Doyouwantustofindyouone?"But
nothingmorewaseversaidaboutit,andafterawhile,whentherewasahighsteporanyofthose
littlethingswhichmendoforwomenthatmeanstouchingthem,she'dturntomelikeitwasmewas
herhusbandandnothim;andonenightastormcaughtusdowntownandwewenttomyplaceand
sheandRogerssleptinmybedandIsleptinachairinthesittingroom.
OneeveningIwasdressingtogoouttherewhenthe'phonerang.ItwasRogers."Iam..."
hesaid,thensomethingcuthimoff.Itwaslikesomebodyhadputahandonhismouth,andIcould
hearthemtalking,murmuring:her,rather."Well,what..."Rogerssays.ThenIcouldhearher
breathingintothemouthpiece,andshesaidmyname.
"Don'tforgetyou'retocomeouttonight,"shesaid.
"Ihadn't,"Isaid."OrdidIgetthedatewrong?Ifthisisnotthenight"
"Youcomeonout,"shesaid."Goodbye."
WhenIgottherehemetme.Hisfacelookedlikeitalwaysdid,butIdidn'tgoin."Comeon
in,"hesaid.
"MaybeIgotthedatewrong,"Isaid."Soifyou'lljust..."
Heswungthedoorback."Comeonin,"hesaid.
Shewaslyingonthedivan,crying.Idon'tknowwhat;somethingaboutmoney."Ijustcan't
stickit,"shesaid."I'vetriedandI'vetried,butIjustcan'tstandit."
"Youknowwhatmyinsuranceratesare,"hesaid."Ifsomethinghappened,wherewould
yoube?"
"WhereamI,anyway?Whattenementwomanhasn'tgotmorethanIhave?"Shehadn't
lookedup,lyingthereonherface,withtheaprontwistedunderher."Whydon'tyouquitanddo
somethingthatyoucangetadecentinsurancerate,likeothermen?"
"Imustbegettingalong,"Isaid.Ididn'tbelongthere.Ijustgotout.Hecamedowntothe
doorwithme,andthenwewerebothlookingbackupthestairstowardthedoorwhereshewas
lyingonherfaceonthecouch.
"I'vegotalittlestake,"Isaid."IguessbecauseI'veeatensomuchofyourgrubIhaven't
hadtimetospendit.Soifit'sanythingurgent..."Westoodthere,heholdingthedooropen."Of
course,Iwouldn'ttrytomuscleinwhereIdon't..."
"Iwouldn't,ifIwereyou,"hesaid.Heopenedthedoor."Seeyouatthefieldtomorrow."
"Sure,"Isaid."Seeyouatthefield."
Ididn'tseeherforalmostaweek,didn'thearfromher.
Isawhimeveryday,andatlastIsaid,"How'sMildredthesedays?"
"She'sonavisit,"hesaid."Athermother's."
ForthenexttwoweeksIwaswithhimeveryday.WhenIwasoutontopI'dlookbackathis
facebehindthegoggles.
Butwenevermentionedhername,untilonedayhetoldmeshewashomeagainandthatI
wasinvitedouttodinnerthatnight.
Itwasintheafternoon.Hewasbusyallthatdayhoppingpassengers,soIwasdoing
nothing,justkillingtimewaitingforeveningandthinkingabouther,wonderingsome,butmostlyjust
thinkingaboutherbeinghomeagain,breathingthesamesmokeandsootIwasbreathing,whenall
ofasuddenIdecidedtogooutthere.Itwasplainasavoicesaying,"Gooutthere.Now,atonce."
SoIwent.Ididn'tevenwaittochange.Shewasalone,readingbeforethefire.Itwaslikegasoline
fromabrokenlineblazinguparoundyou.

Ill

ITWASFUNNY.WhenI'dbeoutontopI'dlookbackathisfacebehindthewindscreen,wondering
whatheknew.Hemusthaveknownalmostatonce.Why,say,shedidn'thaveanydiscretionatall.
She'dsayanddothings,youknow:insistonsittingclosetome;touchingmeinthatdifferentway
fromwhenyouholdanumbrellaoraraincoatoverthem,andsuchthatanymancantellatone
look,whenshethoughthemightnotsee:notwhensheknewhecouldn't,butwhenshethought
maybehewouldn't.AndwhenI'dunfastenmybeltandcrawloutI'dlookbackathisfaceand
wonderwhathewasthinking,howmuchhekneworsuspected.
I'dgooutthereintheafternoonwhenhewasbusy.I'dstallarounduntilIsawthathewould
belinedupfortherestoftheday,thenI'dgivesomeexcuseandbeatit.OneafternoonIwasall
readytogo,waitingforhimtotakeoff,whenhecutthegunandleanedoutandbeckonedme.
"Don'tgooff,"hesaid."Iwanttoseeyou."
SoIknewheknewthen,andIwaiteduntilhemadethelasthopandwastakingoffhis
monkeysuitintheoffice.HelookedatmeandIlookedathim."Comeouttodinner,"hesaid.
WhenIcameintheywerewaiting.Shehadononeofthoselittlesquashydressesandshe
cameandputherarmsaroundmeandkissedmewithhimwatching.
"I'mgoingwithyou,"shesaid."We'vetalkeditoverandhavebothagreedthatwecouldn't
loveoneanotheranymoreafterthisandthatthisistheonlysensiblethingtodo.Thenhecanfind
awomanhecanlove,awomanthat'snotbadlikeIam."
Hewaslookingatme,andsherunningherhandsovermyfaceandmakingalittlemoaning
soundagainstmyneck,andmelikeastoneorsomething.DoyouknowwhatIwasthinking?I
wasn'tthinkingaboutheratall.IwasthinkingthatheandIwereupstairsandmeoutontopandI
hadjustfoundthathehadthrownthestickawayandwasflyingherontherudderaloneandthathe
knewthatIknewthestickwasgoneandsoitwasallrightnow,whateverhappened.
Soitwaslikeapieceofwoodwithanotherpieceofwoodleaningagainstit,andsheheld
backandlookedatmyface.
"Don'tyoulovemeanymore?"shesaid,watchingmyface."Ifyouloveme,sayso.Ihave
toldhimeverything."
Iwantedtobeoutofthere.Iwantedtorun.Iwasn'tscared.Itwasbecauseitwasallkindof
hotanddirty.Iwantedtobeawayfromheralittlewhile,forRogersandmetobeoutwhereitwas
coldandhardandquiet,tosettlethings.
"Whatdoyouwanttodo?"Isaid."Willyougiveheradivorce?"
Shewaswatchingmyfaceveryclosely.Thensheletmegoandsherantothemanteland
putherfaceintothebendofherarm,crying.
"Youwerelyingtome,"shesaid."Youdidn'tmeanwhatyousaid.OhGod,whathaveI
done?"
Youknowhowitis.Likethereisarighttimeforeverything.Likenobodyisanythingin
himself:likeawoman,evenwhenyouloveher,isawomantoyoujustapartofthetimeandthe
restofthetimesheisjustapersonthatdon'tlookatthingsthesamewayamanhaslearnedto.
Don'thavethesameideasaboutwhatisdecentandwhatisnot.
SoIwentoverandstoodwithmyarmsabouther,thinking,"Goddamnit,ifyou'lljustkeep
outofthisforalittlewhile!We'rebothtryingourbesttotakecareofyou,soitwon'thurtyou."
 BecauseIlovedher,yousee.Nothingcanmarrytwopeoplecloserthanamutualsininthe
world'seyes.Andhehadhadhischance.Ifithadbeenmethatknewherfirstandmarriedherand
hehadbeenme,Iwouldhavehadmychance.Butitwashimthathadhadit,sowhenshesaid,
"Thensaywhatyoutellmewhenwearealone.ItellyouIhavetoldhimeverything,"Isaid,
"Everything?Haveyoutoldhimeverything?"Hewaswatchingus."Hasshetoldyoueverything?"I
said.
"Itdoesn'tmatter,"hesaid."Doyouwanther?"ThenbeforeIcouldspeak,hesaid:"Doyou
loveher?Willyoubegoodtoher?"
Hisfacewasgraylooking,likewhenyouseeamanagainafteralongtimeandyousay,
"GoodGod,isthatRogers?"
WhenIfinallygotawaythedivorcewasallsettled.

IV

SOTHENEXTMORNINGwhenIreachedthefield,Harris,themanwhoownedtheflyingcircus,
toldmeaboutthespecialjob;Ihadforgottenit,Isuppose.Anyway,hesaidhehadtoldmeaboutit.
FinallyIsaidIwouldn'tflywithRogers.
"Whynot?"Harrissaid.
"Askhim,"Isaid.
"Ifheagreestoflyyou,willyougoup?"
SoIsaidyes.AndthenRogerscameout;hesaidthathewouldflyme.AndsoIbelieved
thathehadknownaboutthejoballthetimeandhadlaidforme,suckedmein.Wewaiteduntil
Harriswentout."Sothisiswhyyouweresomealymouthedlastnight,"Isaid.Icursedhim.
"You'vegotmenow,haven'tyou?"
"Takethestickyourself,"hesaid."I'lldoyourtrick."
"Haveyoueverdoneanyworklikethisbefore?"
"No.ButIcan,aslongasyouflyherproperly."
Icursedhim."Youfeelgood,"Isaid."You'vegotme.Comeon;grinontheoutsideofyour
face.Comeon!"
Heturnedandwenttothecrateandbegantogetintothefrontseat.Iwentandcaughthis
shoulderandjerkedhimback.Welookedatoneanother.
"Iwon'thityounow,"hesaid,"ifthat'swhatyouwant.Waittillwegetdownagain."
"No,"Isaid."BecauseIwanttohitbackonce!"
Welookedatoneanother;Harriswaswatchingusfromtheoffice.
"Allright,"Rogerssaid."Letmehaveyourshoes,willyou?Ihaven'tgotanyrubbersoles
outhere."
"Takeyourseat,"Isaid."Whatthehelldoesitmatter?IguessI'ddothesamethinginyour
place."
Thejobwasoveranamusementpark,acarnival.Theremusthavebeentwentyfive
thousandofthemdownthere,likecoloredants.ItookchancesthatdaythatIhadnevertaken,
chancesyoucan'tseefromtheground.Buteverytimetheshipwasrightunderme,balancingme
againstsidepressureandall,likeheandIwereusingthesamemind.Ithoughthewasplaying
withme,yousee.I'dlookbackathisface,yellingathim:"Comeon;nowyou'vegotme.Whereare
yourguts?"
Iwasalittlecrazy,Iguess.Anyway,whenIthinkofthetwoofusupthere,yellingbackand
forthatoneanother,andallthelittlebugswatchingandwaitingforthebigshow,theloop.Hecould
hearme,butIcouldn'thearhim;Icouldjustseehislipsmoving."Comeon,"I'dyell;"shakethe
wingalittle;I'llgooffeasy,see?"
 Iwasalittlecrazy.Youknowhowitis,howyouwanttorushintosomethingyouknowis
goingtohappen,nomatterwhatitis.Iguessloversandsuicidesbothknowthatfeeling.
I'dyellbackathim:"Youwantittolookallright,eh?Andtolosemeoffthelevelship
wouldn'tlooksogood,wouldit?Allright,"Iyelled,"let'sgo."Iwentbacktothecentersectionand
casttheropeloosewhereitloopsaroundtheforwardjurystrutsandIgotsetagainstitandlooked
backathimandgavehimthesignal.Iwasalittlecrazy.Iwasstillyellingathim;Idon'tknowwhatI
wasyelling.IthoughtmaybeIhadalreadyfallenoffandwasdeadanddidn'tknowit.Thewires
begantowhineandIwaslookingstraightdownatthegroundandthelittlecoloreddots.Thenthe
wireswerewhistlingproperandhegunnedherandthegroundbegantoslidebackunderthenose.
IwaiteduntilitwasgoneandthehorizonhadslidbackundertooandIcouldn'tseeanythingbut
sky.ThenIletgooneendoftheropeandjerkeditoutandthrewitbackathisheadandheldmy
armsoutasshezoomedintotheloop.
Iwasn'ttryingtokillmyself.Iwasn'tthinkingaboutmyself.Iwasthinkingabouthim.Trying
toshowhimuplikehehadshownmeup.Givehimsomethinghemustfailatlikehehadgivenme
somethingIfailedat.Iwastryingtobreakhim.
Wewereovertheloopbeforehelostme.Thegroundhadcomeback,withthelittlecolored
dots,andthenthepressurewentoffmysolesandIwasfalling.Imadeahalfsomersaultandwas
justgoingintothefirstturnofaflatspin,withmyfacetothesky,whensomethingbangedmeinthe
back.Itknockedthewindoutofme,andforasecondImusthavebeencompletelyout.ThenI
openedmyeyesandIwaslyingonmybackonthetopwing,withmyheadhangingovertheback
edge.
Iwastoofardowntheslopeofthecambertobendmykneesovertheleadingedge,andI
couldfeelthewingcreepingunderme.Ididn'tdaremove.IknewthatifItriedtositupagainstthe
slipstream,Iwouldgooffbackward.Icouldseebythetailandthehorizonthatwewereupside
now,inashallowdive,andIcouldseeRogersstandingupinhiscockpit,unfasteninghisbelt,andI
couldturnmyheadalittlemoreandseethatwhenIwentoffIwouldmissthefuselagealtogether,
ormaybehititwithmyshoulder.
SoIlaytherewiththewingcreepingunderme,feelingmyshouldersbeginningtohang
overspace,countingmybackbonesastheycreptovertheedge,watchingRogerscrawlforward
alongthefuselagetowardthefrontseat.Iwatchedhimforalongtime,inchinghimselfalong
againstthepressure,histrouserlegswhipping.AfterawhileIsawhislegsslideintothefront
cockpitandthenIfelthishandsonme.
Therewasafellowinmysquadron.Ididn'tlikehimandhehatedmyguts.Allright.One
dayhegotmeoutofatightjamwhenIwascaughttenmilesoverthelineswithablowingvalve.
Whenweweredownhesaid,"Don'tthinkIwasjustdiggingyouout.IwasgettingaHun,andIgot
him."Hecursedme,withhisgogglescockedupandhishandsonhiships,cursingmelikehewas
smiling.Butthat'sallright.You'reeachonaCamel;ifyougoout,that'stoobad;ifhegoesout,it's
justtoobad.Notlikewhenyou'reonthecentersectionandhe'satthestick,andjustbystallingher
forasecondorrudderingheralittleatthetopoftheloop.
ButIwasyoung,then.GoodLord,Iusedtobeyoung!
IrememberArmisticenightin'18,andmechasingalloverAmienswithalousyprisonerwe
hadbroughtdownthatmorningonanAlbatross,tryingtokeepthefrogM.P.'sfromgettinghim.He
wasagoodguy,andthosedamnedinfantrymenwantingtostickhiminapenfullofS.O.S.and
ginnedupcooksandsuch.Ifeltsorryforthebastard,beingsofarfromhomeandlickedandall.I
wassureyoung.
Wewereallyoung.IrememberanIndian,aprince,anOxfordman,withhisturbanandhis
trickmajor'spips,thatsaidwewerealldeadthatfoughtinthewar."Youwillnotknowit,"hesaid,
"butyouarealldead.Withthisdifference:thoseoutthere,"jerkinghisarmtowardwherethefront
was,"donotcare,andyoudonotknowit."Andsomethingelsehesaid,aboutbreathingforalong
timeyet,somekindofwalkingfunerals;catafalquesandtombsandepitaphsofmenthatdiedon
thefourthofAugust,1914,withoutknowingthattheyhaddied,hesaid.Hewasacard,queer.A
goodlittleguy,too.
ButIwasn'tquitedeadwhileIwaslyingonthetopwingofthatStandardandcountingmy
backbonesastheycrawledovertheedgelikeastringofants,untilRogersgrabbedme.
Andwhenhecametothestationthatnighttosaygoodbye,hebroughtmealetterfrom
her,thefirstIeverhad.Thehandwritinglookedexactlylikeher;Icouldalmostsmellthescentshe
usedandfeelherhandstouchingme.Itoreitintwowithoutopeningitandthrewthepiecesdown.
Buthepickedthemupandgavethembacktome."Don'tbeafool,"hesaid.
Andthat'sall.They'vegotakidnow,aboyofsix.Rogerswroteme;aboutsixmonths
afterwardthelettercaughtupwithme.I'mhisgodfather.Funnytohaveagodfatherthat'snever
seenyouandthatyou'llneversee,isn'tit?
SoIsaidtoReinhardt:"Willonedaybeenoughnotice?"
"Oneminutewillbeenough,"hesaid.Hepressedthebuzzer.MissWestcamein.Sheisa
goodkid.Nowandthen,whenI'djusthavetoblowoffsomesteam,sheandIwouldhavelunchat
thedairyplaceacrossthestreet,andIcouldtellheraboutthem,aboutthewomen.Theyarethe
worst.
Youknow;yougetacallforademonstration,andthere'llbeawholecarfullofthemwaiting
ontheporchandwe'dpileinandallgoshopping.Medodgingaroundinthetraffic,huntingaplace
topark,andhersaying,"JiminsistedthatItrythiscar.ButwhatItellhim,it'sfoolishtobuyacar
thatisasdifficulttofindparkingspaceforasthisoneappearstobe."
Andthemwatchingthebackofmyheadwiththatbright,hard,suspiciousway.Godknows
whattheythoughtwehad;maybeonethatwouldfolduplikeadeckchairandleanagainstafire
plug.Buthell,Icouldn'tsellhairstraightenertothewidowofaniggerrailroadaccident.
SoMissWestcomesin;sheisagoodkid,onlysomebodytoldherIhadhadthreeorfour
otherjobsinayearwithoutsticking,andthatIusedtobeawarpilot,andshe'dkeeponafterme
aboutwhyIquitflyingandwhyIdidn'tgobacktoit,nowthatcratesweremoregeneral,sinceI
wasn'tmuchgoodatsellingautomobilesoratanythingelse,likewomenwill.Youknow:urgentand
sympathetic,andyoucan'tshutthemuplikeyoucouldaman;shecameinandReinhardtsays,
"WearelettingMr.Monaghango.Sendhimtothecashier."
"Don'tbother,"Isaid."Keepittobuyyourselfahoopwith."

Dr.Martino

HUBERTJARRODmetLouiseKingataChristmashousepartyinSaintLouis.Hehadstopped
thereonhiswayhometoOklahomatooblige,withhisauraofoilwellsandYale,thesisterofa
classmate.Orsohetoldhimself,orsoheperhapsbelieved.HehadplannedtostopoffatSaint
Louistwodaysandhestayedoutthefullweek,goingontoTulsaovernighttospendChristmas
Daywithhismotherandthenreturning,"toplayaroundalittlemorewithmyswampangel,"hetold
himself.Hethoughtaboutherquitealotonthereturntrain:athin,tense,darkgirl."Thattocome
outofMississippi,"hethought."Becauseshe'sgotit:akidbornandbredinaMississippiswamp."
Hedidnotmeansexappeal.Hecouldnothavebeenfooledbythatalone,whohadbeenthree
yearsnowatNewHaven,belongingtotherightclubsandallandwithmoneytospend.And
besides,Louisewasalittleontheepicene.Whathemeantwasaqualityofwhichhewasnotyet
consciouslyaware:abeyondlooking,apassionatesenseforandbeliefinimmanentchangeto
whichtherhinoceroslikesufficiencyofhisYaleandoilwellveneerwasalittleimperviousatfirst.
Allheremarkedatfirstwastheexpectation,theseeking,whichheimmediatelytooktohimself.
 Apparentlyhewasnotwrong.Hesawherfirstacrossthedinnertable.Theyhadnotyet
beenintroduced,yettenminutesaftertheyleftthetableshehadspokentohim,andtenminutes
afterthattheyhadslippedoutofthehouseandwereinataxi,andshehadsuppliedtheaddress.
Hecouldnothavetoldhimselfhowithappened,forallhispractice,hisexperiencein
surreptitiousness.Perhapshewastoobusylookingather;perhapshewasjustbeginningtobe
awarethatthebeyondlooking,thetenseexpectation,wasalsobeyondhimhisyouth,hislooks,
theoilwellsandYale.Becausetheaddressshehadgivenwasnottowardanylightsormusic
apparently,andshesittingbesidehim,furredandshapeless,herbreathvaporizingfasterthanif
shehadbeentryingtobringtolifeadeadcigarette.Hewatchedthedarkhouses,thedark,mean
streets."Wherearewegoing?"hesaid.
Shedidn'tanswer,didn'tlookathim,sittingalittleforwardontheseat."Mammadidn'twant
tocome,"shesaid.
"Yourmother?"
"She'swithme.Backthereattheparty.Youhaven'tmetheryet."
"Oh.Sothat'swhatyouareslippingawayfrom.Iflatteredmyself.IthoughtIwasthe
reason."Shewassittingforward,small,tense,watchingthedarkhouses:adistricthalfdwellings
andhalfsmallshops."Yourmotherwon'tlethimcometocallonyou?"
Shedidn'tanswer,butleanedforward.Suddenlyshetappedontheglass."Here,driver!"
shesaid."Righthere."
Thecabstopped.SheturnedtofaceJarrod,whosatbackinhiscorner,muffled,hisface
cold."I'msorry.Iknowit'sarottentrick.ButIhadto."
"Notatall,"Jarrodsaid."Don'tmentionit."
"Iknowit'srotten.ButIjusthadto.Ifyoujustunderstood."
"Sure,"Jarrodsaid."Doyouwantmetocomebackandgetyou?I'dbetternotgobackto
thepartyalone."
"Youcomeinwithme."
"Comein?"
"Yes.It'llbeallright.Iknowyoucan'tunderstand.Butit'llbeallright.Youcomeintoo."
Helookedatherface."Ibelieveyoureallymeanit,"hesaid."Iguessnot.ButIwon'tlet
youdown.Yousetatime,andI'llcomeback."
"Don'tyoutrustme?"
"WhyshouldI?It'snobusinessofmine.Ineversawyoubeforetonight.I'mgladtooblige
you.ToobadIamleavingtomorrow.ButIguessyoucanfindsomebodyelsetouse.Yougoonin;
I'llcomebackforyou."
Heleftherthereandreturnedintwohours.Shemusthavebeenwaitingjustinsidethe
door,becausethecabhadhardlystoppedbeforethedooropenedandsherandownthestepsand
sprangintothecabbeforehecoulddismount.
"Thankyou,"shesaid."Thankyou.Youwerekind.Youweresokind."
Whenthecabstoppedbeneaththeportecochereofthehousefromwhichmusicnow
came,neitherofthemmovedatonce.Neitherofthemmadethefirstmoveatall,yetamoment
latertheykissed.Hermouthwasstill,cold."Ilikeyou,"shesaid."Idolikeyou."
BeforetheweekwasoutJarrodofferedtoserveheragainso,butsherefused,quietly.
"Why?"hesaid."Don'tyouwanttoseehimagain?"Butshewouldn'tsay,andhehadmetMrs.
Kingbythattimeandhesaidtohimself,"Theoldgirlisafterme,anyway."Hesawthatatonce;he
tookthatalsoasthemeedduehisoilwellsandhisYalenimbus,sincethreeyearsatNewHaven,
leadingnoclassesandwinningnofootballgames,haddonenothingtodispossesshimofthebelief
thathewasthenaturalpreyofallmothersofdaughters.Buthedidn'tflee,notevenafterhefound,
afeweveningslater,Louiseagainunaccountablyabsent,andknewthatshehadgone,using
someoneelseforthestalkinghorse,tothatquiethouseinthedingystreet."Well,I'mdone,"he
saidtohimself."I'mthroughnow."Butstillhedidn'tflee,perhapsbecauseshehadusedsomeone
elsethistime."Shecaresthatmuch,anyway,"hesaidtohimself.
WhenhereturnedtoNewHavenhehadLouise'spromisetocometothespringprom.He
knewnowthatMrs.Kingwouldcometoo.Hedidn'tmindthat;onedayhesuddenlyrealizedthathe
wasglad.Thenheknewthatitwasbecausehetooknew,believed,thatLouiseneededlooking
after;thathehadalreadysurrenderedunconditionallytoonewomanofthem,hewhohadnever
oncementionedlovetohimself,toanywoman.Herememberedthatqualityofbeyondlookingand
thatdark,dingyhouseinSaintLouis,andhethought,"Well,wehaveher.Wehavetheold
woman."Andonedayhebelievedthathehadfoundthereasonifnottheanswer.Itwasinclass,in
psychology,andhefoundhimselfsittingboltupright,lookingattheinstructor.Theinstructorwas
talkingaboutwomen,aboutyounggirlsinparticular,aboutthatstrange,mysteriousphaseinwhich
theyliveforawhile."Ablindspot,likethatwhichracingaviatorsenterwhenmakingafastturn.
Whenwhattheyseeisneithergoodnorevil,andsowhattheydoislikelytobeeitherone.
Probablymorelikelytobeevil,sincetheveryevilnessofevilstemsfromitsownfact,whilegoodis
anabsenceoffact.Atime,anhour,inwhichtheythemselvesarevictimsofthatbymeansofwhich
theyvictimize."
Thatnighthesatbeforehisfireforsometime,notstudying,notdoinganything."We'vegot
tobemarriedsoon,"hesaid."Soon."
Mrs.KingandLouisearrivedfortheprom.Mrs.Kingwasagraywoman,withacold,
severeface,notharsh,butwatchful,alert.ItwasasthoughJarrodsawLouise,too,forthefirst
time.Untilthenhehadnotbeenawarethathewasconsciousofthebeyondlookingquality.Itwas
onlynowthathesawitbyrealizinghowithadbecometenser,asthoughitwerenowbothdread
anddesire;asthoughwiththeapproachofsummershewereapproachingaclimax,acrisis.Sohe
thoughtthatshewasill.
"Maybeweoughttobemarriedrightaway,"hesaidtoMrs.King."Idon'twantadegree,
anyway."Theywerealliesnow,notyetantagonists,thoughhehadnottoldherofthetwoSaint
Louisexpeditions,theoneheknewofandtheonehesuspected.Itwasasthoughhedidnotneed
totellher.Itwasasthoughheknewthatsheknew;thatsheknewheknewsheknew.
"Yes,"shesaid."Atonce."
Butthatwasasfarasitgot,thoughwhenLouiseandMrs.KingleftNewHaven,Louisehad
hisring.Butitwasnotonherhand,andonherfacewasthatstrained,secret,beyondlooking
expressionwhichhenowknewwasbeyondhimtoo,andtheeffigyandshapewhichtheoilwells
andYalehadmade."TillJuly,then,"hesaid.
"Yes,"shesaid."I'llwrite.I'llwriteyouwhentocome."
Andthatwasall.Hewentbacktohisclubs,hisclasses;inpsychologyespeciallyhe
listened."ItseemsI'mgoingtoneedpsychology,"hethought,thinkingofthedark,smallhousein
SaintLouis,theblank,darkdoorthroughwhich,running,shehaddisappeared.Thatwasit:aman
hehadneverseen,neverheardof,shutupinalittledingyhouseonabackstreetonChristmas
eve.Hethought,fretfully,"Andmeyoung,withmoney,aYaleman.AndIdon'tevenknowhis
name."
OnceaweekhewrotetoLouise;perhapstwiceamonthhereceivedrepliesbrief,cold
notesmailedalwaysatadifferentplaceresortsandhotelsuntilmidJune,withinaweekof
Commencementandhisdegree.Thenhereceivedawire.ItwasfromMrs.King.ItsaidComeat
onceandthelocationwasCranston'sWells,Mississippi.Itwasatownhehadneverheardof.
ThatwasFriday;thirtyminuteslaterhisroommatecameinandfoundhimpacking."Going
totown?"theroommatesaid.
"Yes,"Jarrodsaid.
"I'llgowithyou.Ineedalittlerelaxationmyself,beforefacingthecheeringthrongsatthe
Dean'saltar."
 "No,"Jarrodsaid."Thisisbusiness."
"Sure,"theroommatesaid."IknowabusinesswomaninNewYork,myself.There'smore
thanoneinthattown."
"No,"Jarrodsaid."Notthistime."
"Beano,"theroommatesaid.
Theplacewasaresortownedbyaneat,small,grayspinsterwhohadinheritedit,and
someoftheguestsaswell,fromherfatherthirtyyearsagoaramblingframehotelandahoused
springwhereoldmenwithpouchedeyesandparchmentskinandoldwomendropsicalwithgood
livinggatheredfromtheneighboringAlabamaandMississippitownstodrinktheironimpregnated
waters.ThiswastheplacewhereLouisehadbeenspendinghersummerssinceshewasborn;and
fromtheverandaofthehotelwheretheidleoldwomenwiththeiridlemagazinesandembroidery
andtheirbrightshawlshadbeenwatchingeachsummerthecomedyofwhichhewasjustlearning,
hecouldseethetipsofthecrepemyrtlecopsehidingthebenchonwhichthemanwhomhehad
cometofear,andwhosefacehehadnotevenseen,hadbeensittingalldaylongforthreemonths
eachsummerformorethanfifteenyears.
Sohestoodbesidetheneat,grayproprietressonthetopstepintheearlysunlight,while
theoldwomenwenttoandfrobetweenhouseandspring,watchinghimwithcovert,secret,bright,
curiouslooks."WatchingLouise'syoungmancompetewithadeadmanandahorse,"Jarrod
thought.
Buthisfacedidnotshowthis.Itshowednothingatall,notevenagreatdealofintelligence
as,tall,erect,inflannelsandatweedjacketintheMississippiJune,wheretheothermenwore
linenwhentheyworecoatsatall,hetalkedwiththeproprietressaboutthemanwhosefacehehad
notseenandwhosenamehehadjustlearned.
"It'shisheart,"theproprietresssaidtoJarrod."Hehastobecareful.Hehadtogiveuphis
practiceandeverything.Hehasn'tanypeopleandhehasjustenoughmoneytocomedownhere
everysummerandspendthesummersittingonhisbench;wecallitDoctorMartino'sbench.Each
summerIthinkitwillbethelasttime;thatweshan'tseehimagain.ButeachMayIgetthe
messagefromhim,thereservation.AnddoyouknowwhatIthink?IthinkthatitisLouiseKingthat
keepshimalive.AndthatAlvinaKingisafool."
"Howafool?"Jarrodsaid.
Theproprietresswaswatchinghim,thiswasthemorningafterhisarrival;lookingdownat
herhethoughtatfirst,"SheiswonderinghowmuchIhaveheard,howmuchtheyhavetoldme."
Thenhethought,"No.It'sbecauseshestaysbusy.Notlikethem,thoseotherswiththeir
magazines.ShehastostaytoobusykeepingthemfedtohavelearnedwhoIam,ortohavebeen
thinkingallthistimewhattheothershavebeenthinking."
Shewaswatchinghim."HowlonghaveyouknownLouise?"
"Notlong.Imetheratadanceatschool."
"Oh.Well,IthinkthattheLordhastakenpityonDoctorMartinoandHeislettinghimuse
Louise'sheart,somehow.That'swhatIthink.Andyoucanlaughifyouwantto."
"I'mnotlaughing,"Jarrodsaid."Tellmeabouthim."
Shetoldhim,watchinghisface,herairbright,birdlike,tellinghimabouthowthemanhad
appearedoneJune,inhiscrumpledlinenandpanamahat,andabouthiseyes.
("Theylookedlikeshoebuttons.Andwhenhemoveditwasasslowasifhehadtokeepon
tellinghimself,evenafterhehadstartedmoving,'Goon,now;keeponmoving,now.'")Andabout
howhesignedthebookinscriptalmosttoosmalltoread:JulesMartino,SaintLouis,Missouri.And
howafterthatyearhecamebackeachJune,tositalldaylongonthebenchinthecrepemyrtle
copse,wheretheoldNegroporterwouldfetchhimhismail:thetwomedicaljournals,theSaint
Louispaper,andthetwolettersfromLouiseKing:theoneinJunesayingthatshewouldarrivenext
week,andtheoneinlateAugustsayingthatshehadreachedhome.Buttheproprietressdidn'ttell
howshewouldwalkalittlewaydownthepaththreeorfourtimesadaytoseeifhewereallright,
andhenotawareofit;andwatchingherwhileshetalked,Jarrodthought,"Whatrivershashe
madeyouswim,Iwonder?"
"Hehadbeencominghereforthreeyears,"theproprietresssaid,"withoutknowing
anybody,withoutseemingtowanttoknowanybody,beforeevenIfoundoutabouthisheart.But
hekeptoncoming(IforgottosaythatAlvinaKingwasalreadyspendingthesummerhere,right
afterLouisewasborn)andthenInoticedhowhewouldalwaysbesittingwherehecouldwatch
Louiseplaying,andsoIthoughtthatmaybehehadlosthischild.Thatwasbeforehetoldmethat
hehadnevermarriedandhedidn'thaveanyfamilyatall.Ithoughtthatwaswhatattractedhimto
Louise.AndsoIwouldwatchhimwhilehewatchedLouisegrowingup.Iwouldseethemtalking,
andhimwatchingheryearafteryear,andsoafterawhileIsaidtomyself.
'Hewantstobemarried.He'swaitingforLouisetogrowup.'That'swhatIthoughtthen."
TheproprietresswasnotlookingatJarrodnow.Shelaughedalittle."MyLord,I'vethoughtalotof
foolishnessinmytime."
"Idon'tknowthatthatwassofoolish,"Jarrodsaid.
"Maybenot.Louisewouldmakeanybodyawifetobeproudof.Andhimbeingallalone,
withoutanybodytolookafterhimwhenhegotold."Theproprietresswasbeyondfiftyherself."I
reckonI'vepassedthetimewhenIbelieveit'simportantwhetherwomengetmarriedornot.I
reckon,runningthisplacesinglehandedthisway,I'vecometobelieveitain'tveryimportantwhat
anybodydoes,aslongastheyarefedgoodandhaveacomfortablebed."Sheceased.Foratime
sheseemedtomuseupontheshadedappledpark,theoldwomenclottingwithinthemarquee
abovethespring.
"Didhemakeherdothings,then?"Jarrodsaid.
"You'vebeenlisteningtoAlvinaKing,"theproprietresssaid."Henevermadeherdo
anything.Howcouldhe?Heneverleftthatbench.Heneverleavesit.Hewouldjustsitthereand
watchherplaying,untilshebegantogettoooldtoplayinthedirt.Thentheywouldtalk,sittingon
thebenchthere.Howcouldhemakeherdothings,evenifhehadwantedto?'
"Ithinkyouareright,"Jarrodsaid."Tellmeaboutwhensheswamtheriver."
"Oh,yes.Shewasalwaysafraidofwater.Butonesummershelearnedtoswim,learnedby
herself,inthepool.Hewasn'teventhere.Norattherivereither.Hedidn'tknowaboutthatuntilwe
knewit.Hejusttoldhernottobeafraid,ever.Andwhat'stheharminthat,willyoutellme?"
"None,"Jarrodsaid.
"No,"theproprietresssaid,asthoughshewerenotlistening,hadnotheardhim."Soshe
cameinandtoldme,andIsaid,'Withthesnakesandall,weren'tyouafraid?'Andshesaid:"Tes.I
wasafraid.That'swhyIdidit.'
"'Whyyoudidit?'Isaid.Andshesaid:"'Whenyouareafraidtodosomethingyouknowthat
youarealive.Butwhenyouareafraidtodowhatyouareafraidofyouaredead.'
"'Iknowwhereyougotthat,'Isaid.I'llbeboundhedidn'tswimtherivertoo.'Andshesaid:
"'Hedidn'thaveto.EverytimehewakesupinthemorninghedoeswhatIhadtoswimtheriverto
do.ThisiswhatIgotfordoingit:see?'Andshetooksomethingonastringoutofthefrontofher
dressandshowedittome.Itwasarabbitmadeoutofmetalorsomething,aboutaninchtall,like
youbuyinthetencentstores.Hehadgivenittoher.
"'Whatdoesthatmean?'Isaid.
"'That'smybeingafraid,'shesaid.'Arabbit:don'tyousee?Butit'sbrassnow;theshapeof
beingafraid,inbrassthatnothingcanhurt.AslongasIkeepitIamnotevenafraidofbeingafraid.'
"'Andifyouareafraid,'Isaid,'thenwhat?'
"'ThenI'llgiveitbacktohim,'shesaid.Andwhat'stheharminthat,praytellme?even
thoughAlvinaKingalwayshasbeenafool.BecauseLouisecamebackinaboutanhour.Shehad
beencrying.Shehadtherabbitinherhand.'Willyoukeepthisforme?'shesaid.'Don'tlet
anybodyhaveitexceptme.Notanybody.Willyoupromise?'
"AndIpromised,andIputtherabbitawayforher.Sheaskedmeforitjustbeforetheyleft.
ThatwaswhenAlvinasaidtheywerenotcomingbackthenextsummer.'Thisfoolishnessisgoing
toend,'shesaid.'Hewillgetherkilled;heisamenace.'
"And,sureenough,nextsummertheydidn'tcome.IheardthatLouisewassick,andIknew
why.IknewthatAlvinahaddrivenherintosickness,intobed.ButDoctorJulescameinJune.
'Louisehasbeenrightsick,'Itoldhim.
"'Yes,'hesaid;'Iknow.'SoIthoughthehadheard,thatshehadwrittentohim.ButthenI
thoughthowshemusthavebeentoosicktowrite,andthatthatfoolmotherofhersanyway..."The
proprietresswaswatchingJarrod.
"Becauseshewouldn'thavetowritehim."
"Wouldn'thaveto?"
"Heknewshewassick.Heknewit.Shedidn'thavetowritehim.Nowyou'lllaugh."
"I'mnotlaughing.Howdidheknow?"
"Heknew.BecauseIknewheknew;andsowhenhedidn'tgoonbacktoSaintLouis,I
knewthatshewouldcome.AndsoinAugusttheydidcome.Louisehadgrownalottaller,thinner,
andthatafternoonIsawthemstandingtogetherforthefirsttime.Shewasalmostastallashewas.
ThatwaswhenIfirstsawthatLouisewasawoman.AndnowAlvinaworryingaboutthathorsethat
Louisesaysshe'sgoingtoride."
"It'salreadykilledoneman,"Jarrodsaid.
"Automobileshavekilledmorethanthat.Butyourideinanautomobile,yourself.Youcame
inone.Itneverhurtherwhensheswamthatriver,didit?"
"Butthisisdifferent.Howdoyouknowitwon'thurther?"
"Ijustknow."
"Howknow?"
"Yougoouttherewhereyoucanseethatbench.Don'tbotherhim;justgoandlookathim.
Thenyou'llknowtoo."
"Well,I'dwantalittlemoreassurancethanthat,"Jarrodsaid.
HehadreturnedtoMrs.King.WithLouisehehadhadoneinterview,brief,violent,bitter.
Thatwasthenightbefore;todayshehaddisappeared."Yetheisstillsittingthereonthatbench,"
Jarrodthought."She'snotevenwithhim.Theydon'tevenseemtohavetobetogether:hecantell
allthewayfromMississippitoSaintLouiswhensheissick.Well,Iknowwho'sintheblindspot
now!"
Mrs.Kingwasinherroom."Itseemsthatmyworstcompetitoristhathorse,"Jarrodsaid.
"Can'tyouseeheismakingherrideitforthesamereasonhemadeherswimthatsnake
filledriver?Toshowthathecan,tohumiliateme?"
"WhatcanIdo?"Jarrodsaid."Itriedtotalktoherlastnight.ButyousawwhereIgot."
"IfIwereaman,Ishouldn'thavetoaskwhattodo.IfIsawthegirlIwasengagedtobeing
ruined,ruinedbyaman,anyman,andamanIneversawbeforeanddon'tevenknowwhoheis
oldornotold;heartornoheart..."
"I'lltalktoheragain."
"Talk?"Mrs.Kingsaid."Talk?DoyouthinkIsentyouthatmessagetohurrydownherejust
totalktoher?"
"Youwait,now,"Jarrodsaid."It'llbeallright.I'llattendtothis."
Hehadtodoagoodbitofwaiting,himself.ItwasnearlynoonwhenLouiseenteredthe
emptylobbywherehesat.
Herose."Well?"
Theylookedateachother."Well?"
 "Areyoustillgoingtoridethathorsethisafternoon?"Jarrodasked.
"Ithoughtwesettledthislastnight.Butyou'restillmeddling.Ididn'tsendforyoutocome
downhere."
"ButI'mhere.Ineverthought,though,thatIwasbeingsentfortocompetewithahorse."
Shewatchedhim,hereyeshard."Withworsethanahorse.Withadamneddeadman.Aman
that'sbeendeadfortwentyyears;hesayssohimself,theytellme.Andheoughttoknow,beinga
doctor,aheartspecialist.Isupposeyoukeephimalivebyscaringhimlikestrychnine,Florence
Nightingale."Shewatchedhim,herfacequitestill,quitecold."I'mnotjealous,"hewenton."Notof
thatbird.ButwhenIseehimmakingyouridethathorsethathasalreadykilled..."Helookeddown
athercoldface."Don'tyouwanttomarryme,Louise?"
Sheceasedtolookathim."It'sbecauseweareyoungyet.Wehavesomuchtime,allthe
restoftime.Andmaybenextyear,even,thisverydaynextyear,witheverythingprettyandwarm
andgreen,andhewillbe...Youdon'tunderstand.Ididn'tatfirst,whenhefirsttoldmehowitwas
tolivedayafterdaywithamatchboxfullofdynamitecapsinyourbreastpocket.Thenhetoldme
oneday,whenIwasbigenoughtounderstand,howthereisnothingintheworldbutliving,being
alive,knowingyouarealive.Andtobeafraidistoknowyouarealive,buttodowhatyouareafraid
of,thenyoulive.Hesaysit'sbettereventobeafraidthantobedead.Hetoldmeallthatwhilehe
wasstillafraid,beforehegaveupthebeingafraidandheknewhewasalivewithoutliving.And
nowhehasevengiventhatup,andnowheisjustafraid.SowhatcanIdo?"
"Yes.AndIcanwait,becauseIhaven'tgotamatchboxofdynamitecapsinmyshirt.Ora
boxofconjuringpowder,either."
"Idon'texpectyoutosee.Ididn'tsendforyou.Ididn'twanttogetyoumixedupinit."
"Youneverthoughtofthatwhenyoutookmyring.Besides,youhadalreadygotmemixed
upinit,thefirstnightIeversawyou.Younevermindedthen.SonowIknowalotIdidn'tknow
before.Andwhatdoeshethinkaboutthatring,bytheway?"Shedidn'tanswer.Shewasnot
lookingathim;neitherwasherfaceaverted.Afteratimehesaid,"Isee.Hedoesn'tknowaboutthe
ring.Younevershowedittohim."Stillshedidn'tanswer,lookingneitherathimnoraway."All
right,"hesaid"I'llgiveyouonemorechance."
Shelookedathim."Onemorechanceforwhat?"Thenshesaid,"Oh.Thering.Youwantit
back."Hewatchedher,erect,expressionless,whileshedrewfrominsideherdressaslendercord
onwhichwassuspendedtheringandasecondobjectwhichherecognizedintheflicking
movementwhichbrokethecord,tobethetinymetalrabbitofwhichtheproprietresshadtoldhim.
Thenitwasgone,andherhandflickedagain,andsomethingstruckhimahard,stingingblowon
thecheek.Shewasalreadyrunningtowardthestairs.Afteratimehestoopedandpickedupthe
ringfromthefloor.Helookedaboutthelobby."They'realldownatthespring,"hethought,holding
theringonhispalm."That'swhatpeoplecomeherefor:todrinkwater."
Theywerethere,clottinginthemarqueeabovethewell,withtheirbrightshawlsand
magazines.Asheapproached,Mrs.Kingcamequicklyoutofthegroup,carryingoneofthestained
tumblersinherhand."Yes?"shesaid."Yes?"
Jarrodextendedhishandonwhichtheringlay.Mrs.Kinglookeddownatthering,herface
cold,quiet,outraged.
"SometimesIwonderifshecanbemydaughter.Whatwillyoudonow?"
Jarrod,too,lookeddownatthering,hisfacealsocold,still."AtfirstIthoughtIjusthadto
competewithahorse,"hesaid."ButitseemsthereismoregoingonherethanIknewof,thanI
wastoldof."
"Fiddlesticks,"Mrs.Kingsaid."HaveyoubeenlisteningtothatfoolLilyCranston,tothese
otheroldfoolshere?"
 "Nottolearnanymorethaneverybodyelseseemstohaveknownallthetime.Butthen,I'm
onlythemanshewasengagedtomarry."Helookeddownatthering."WhatdoyouthinkIhad
betterdonow?"
"Ifyou'reamanthathastostoptoaskadvicefromawomaninacaselikethis,thenyou'd
bettertaketheadviceandtakeyourringandgoonbacktoNebraskaorKansasorwhereveritis."
"Oklahoma,"Jarrodsaidsullenly.Heclosedhishandonthering."He'llbeonthatbench,"
hesaid.
"Whyshouldn'the?"Mrs.Kingsaid."Hehasnoonetofearhere."
ButJarrodwasalreadymovingaway."YougoontoLouise,"hesaid."I'llattendtothis."
Mrs.Kingwatchedhimgoondownthepath.Thensheturnedherselfandflungthestained
tumblerintoanoleanderbushandwenttothehotel,walkingfast,andmountedthestairs.Louise
wasinherroom,dressing."SoyougaveHubertbackhisring,"Mrs.Kingsaid."Thatmanwillbe
pleasednow.Youwillhavenosecretfromhimnow,iftheringeverwasasecret.Sinceyoudon't
seemtohaveanyprivateaffairswhereheisconcerned;don'tappeartodesireany"
"Stop,"Louisesaid."Youcan'ttalktomelikethat."
"Ah.Hewouldbeproudofthat,too,tohavehardthatfromhispupil."
"Hewouldn'tletmedown.Butyouletmedown.Hewouldn'tletmedown."Shestoodthin
andtaut,herhandsclenchedathersides.Suddenlyshebegantocry,herfacelifted,thetears
rollingdownhercheeks."IworryandIworryandIdon'tknowwhattodo.Andnowyouletme
down,myownmother."
Mrs.Kingsatonthebed.Louisestoodinherunderthings,thegarmentsshehadremoved
scatteredhereandthere,onthebedandonthechairs.Onthetablebesidethebedlaythelittle
metalrabbit;Mrs.Kinglookedatitforamoment.
"Don'tyouwanttomarryHubert?"shesaid.
"Didn'tIpromisehim,youandhimboth?Didn'tItakehisring?Butyouwon'tletmealone.
Hewon'tgivemetime,achance.Andnowyouletmedown,too.Everybodyletsmedownexcept
DoctorJules."
Mrs.Kingwatchedher,cold,immobile."IbelievethatfoolLilyCranstonisright.Ibelieve
thatmanhassomecriminalpoweroveryou.IjustthankGodhehasnotitforanythingexcepttotry
tomakeyoukillyourself,makeafoolofyourself.Notyet,thatis"
"Stop,"Louisesaid;"stop!"Shecontinuedtosay"Stop.Stop!"evenwhenMrs.Kingwalked
upandtouchedher.
"Butyouletmedown!AndnowHuberthasletmedown.Hetoldyouaboutthathorseafter
hehadpromisedmehewouldn't."
"Iknewthatalready.That'swhyIsentforhim.Icoulddonothingwithyou.Besides,it's
anybody'sbusinesstokeepyoufromridingit."
"Youcan'tkeepme.Youmaykeepmelockedupinthisroomtoday,butyoucan'talways.
BecauseyouareolderthanIam.You'llhavetodiefirst,evenifittakesahundredyears.AndI'll
comebackandridethathorseifittakesathousandyears."
"MaybeIwon'tbeherethen,"Mrs.Kingsaid."Butneitherwillhe.Icanoutlivehim.AndI
cankeepyoulockedupinthisroomforoneday,anyway."
Fifteenminuteslatertheancientporterknockedatthelockeddoor.Mrs.Kingwentand
openedit."Mr.Jarrodwantstoseeyoudownstairs,"theportersaid.
Shelockedthedoorbehindher.Jarrodwasinthelobby.
Itwasempty."Yes?"Mrs.Kingsaid."Yes?"
"HesaidthatifLouisewouldtellhimherselfshewantstomarryme.Sendhimasign."
"Asign?"Theybothspokequietly,alittletensely,thoughquitecalm,quitegrave.
"Yes.Ishowedhimthering,andhimsittingthereonthatbench,inthatsuitlookinglikehe
hadbeensleepinginitallsummer,andhiseyeswatchingmelikehedidn'tbelieveshehadever
seenthering.Thenhesaid,'Ah.Youhavethering.Yourproofseemstobeinthehandsofthe
wrongparty.IfyouandLouiseareengaged,sheshouldhavethering.OramIjustoldfashioned?'
Andmestandingtherelikeafoolandhimlookingattheringlikeitmighthavecomefrom
Woolworth's.Heneverevenofferedtotouchit."
"Youshowedhimthering?Thering?Youfool.What..."
"Yes.Idon'tknow.Itwasjustthewayhesatthere,thewayhemakesherdothings,I
guess.Itwaslikehewaslaughingatme,likeheknewallthetimetherewasnothingIcoulddo,
nothingIcouldthinkofdoingaboutithehadnotalreadythoughtabout;thatheknewhecould
alwaysgetbetweenusbeforeintime..."
"Thenwhat?Whatkindofasigndidhesay?"
"Hedidn'tsay.Hejustsaidasign,fromherhandtohis.Thathecouldbelieve,sincemy
havingtheringhadexplodedmyproof.AndthenIcaughtmyhandjustbeforeithithimandhim
sittingthere.Hedidn'tmove;hejustsattherewithhiseyesclosedandthesweatpoppingouton
hisface.Andthenheopenedhiseyesandsaid,'Now,strikeme.'"
"Wait,"Mrs.Kingsaid.Jarrodhadnotmoved.Mrs.Kinggazedacrosstheemptylobby,
tappingherteethwithherfingernail."Proof,"shesaid."Asign."Shemoved."Youwaithere."She
wentbackupthestairs;aheavywoman,movingwiththatindomitable,locomotivelikecelerity.She
wasnotgonelong."Louiseisasleep,"shesaid,fornoreasonthatJarrodcouldhavediscerned,
evenifhehadbeenlistening.Sheheldherclosedhandout."Canyouhaveyourcarreadyin
twentyminutes?"
"Yes.Butwhat?"
"Andyourbagspacked.I'llseetoeverythingelse."
"AndLouiseYoumean"
"YoucanbemarriedinMeridian;youwillbethereinanhour."
"Married?HasLouise?"
"Ihaveasignfromherthathewillbelieve.Yougetyourthingsallreadyanddon'tyoutell
anyonewhereyouaregoing,doyouhear?"
"Yes.Yes.AndLouisehas?"
"Notasoul.Here"sheputsomethingintohishand.
"Getyourthingsready,thentakethisandgiveittohim.Hemayinsistonseeingher.ButI'll
attendtothat.Youjustbeready.Maybehe'lljustwriteanote,anyway.YoudowhatItoldyou."
Sheturnedbacktowardthestairs,fast,withthatcontrolledswiftness,anddisappeared.Then
Jarrodopenedhishandandlookedattheobjectwhichshehadgivenhim.Itwasthemetalrabbit.
Ithadbeengildedonce,butthatwasyearsago,anditnowlayonhispalminmuteandtarnished
oxidation.Whenhelefttheroomhewasnotexactlyrunningeither.Buthewasgoingfast.
Butwhenhereenteredthelobbyfifteenminuteslater,hewasrunning.Mrs.Kingwas
waitingforhim.
"Hewrotethenote,"Jarrodsaid."OnetoLouise,andonetoleavehereforMissCranston.
HetoldmeIcouldreadtheonetoLouise."ButMrs.Kinghadalreadytakenitfromhishandand
openedit."HesaidIcouldreadit,"Jarrodsaid.Hewasbreathinghard,fast."Hewatchedmedoit,
sittingthereonthatbench;hehadn'tmovedevenhishandssinceIwastherebefore,andthenhe
said,'YoungMr.Jarrod,youhavebeenconqueredbyawoman,asIhavebeen.Butwiththis
difference:itwillbealongtimeyetbeforeyouwillrealizethatyouhavebeenslain.'AndIsaid,'If
Louiseistodotheslaying,Iintendtodieeverydayfortherestofmylifeorhers.'Andhesaid,'Ah;
Louise.WereyouspeakingofLouise?'AndIsaid,'Dead.'Isaid,'Dead.'Isaid,'Dead.'"
ButMrs.Kingwasnotthere.Shewasalreadyhalfwayupthestairs.Sheenteredtheroom.
Louiseturnedonthebed,herfaceswollen,withtearsorwithsleep.Mrs.Kinghandedherthenote.
"There,honey.WhatdidItellyou?Hewasjustmakingafoolofyou.Justusingyoutopassthe
timewith."
 Thecarwasgoingfastwhenitturnedintothehighroad.
"Hurry,"Louisesaid.Thecarincreasedspeed;shelookedbackoncetowardthehotel,the
parkmassedwitholeanderandcrepemyrtle,thenshecrouchedstilllowerintheseatbeside
Jarrod."Faster,"shesaid.
"Isayfaster,too,"Jarrodsaid.Heglanceddownather;thenhelookeddownatheragain.
Shewascrying."Areyouthatglad?"hesaid.
"I'velostsomething,"shesaid,cryingquietly."SomethingI'vehadalongtime,giventome
whenIwasachild.AndnowI'velostit.Ihaditjustthismorning,andnowIcan'tfindit."
"Lostit?"hesaid."Giventoyou..."Hisfootlifted;thecarbegantoslow."Why,yousent..."
"No,no!"Louisesaid."Don'tstop!Don'tturnback!Goon!"
Thecarwascoastingnow,slowing,thebrakesnotyeton.
"Why,you...Shesaidyouwereasleep."Heputhisfootonthebrakes.
"No,no!"Louisecried.Shehadbeensittingforward;shedidnotseemtohaveheardhimat
all."Don'tturnback!Goon!Goon!"
"Andheknew,"Jarrodthought."Sittingthereonthebench,heknew.Whenhesaidwhathe
said:thatIwouldnotknowthatIhadbeenslain."
Thecarwasalmoststopped."Goon!"Louisecried."Goon!"Hewaslookingdownather.
Hereyeslookedasiftheywereblind;herfacewaspale,white,hermouthopen,shapedtoan
agonyofdespairandasurrenderinparticularwhich,hadhebeenolder,hewouldhaverealized
thathewouldneverseeagainonanyface.Thenhewatchedhishandsettheleverbackintogear,
andhisfootcomedownagainonthethrottle."Hesaidithimself,"Jarrodthought:"tobeafraid,and
yettodo.Hesaidithimself:there'snothingintheworldbutbeingalive,knowingyouarealive."
"Faster!"Louisecried."Faster!"Thecarrushedon;thehouse,thebroadverandawhere
thebrightshawlswerenowsibilant,fellbehind.
Inthatgatheringofwidesummerdresses,ofsuckedoldbreathsandgabblingfemales
staccato,theproprietressstoodontheverandawiththesecondnoteinherhand."Married?"she
said."Married?"Asifsheweresomeoneelse,shewatchedherselfopenthenoteandreaditagain.
Itdidnottakelong:Lily:Don'tworryaboutmeforawhilelonger.I'llsithereuntilsuppertime.Don't
worryaboutme.J.M.
"Don'tworryaboutme,"shesaid."Aboutme."Shewentintothelobby,wheretheoldNegro
waspotteringwithabroom."AndMr.Jarrodgaveyouthis?"
"Yessum.Giveittomerunnin'andtolemetogithisbagsintodecyar,andnextIknow,
hereMissLouiseandhimwhoosh!outendedriveandupdebigroadlikeapatterroller."
"AndtheywenttowardMeridian?"
"Yessum.RightpastdebenchwharDoctorJulessettin'."
"Married,"theproprietresssaid."Married."Stillcarryingthenote,sheleftthehouseand
followedthepathuntilshecameinsightofthebenchonwhichsatamotionlessfigureinwhite.
Shestoppedagainandrereadthenote;againshelookedupthepathtowardthebenchwhich
facedtheroad.
Thenshereturnedtothehouse.Thewomenhadnowdispersedintochairs,thoughtheir
voicesstillfilledtheveranda,sibilant,inextricableonefromanother;theyceasedsuddenlyasthe
proprietressapproachedandenteredthehouseagain.
Sheenteredthehouse,walkingfast.Thatwasaboutanhourtosundown.
Duskwasbeginningtofallwhensheenteredthekitchen.
Theporterwasnowsittingonachairbesidethestove,talkingtothecook.Theproprietress
stoppedinthedoor.
"UncleCharley,"shesaid,"GoandtellDoctorJulessupperwillbereadysoon."
Theporterroseandleftthekitchenbythesidedoor.
 Whenhepassedtheveranda,theproprietressstoodonthetopstep.Shewatchedhimgo
onanddisappearupthepathtowardthebench.Awomanpassedandspoketoher,butshemade
noreply;itwasasthoughshehadnotheard,watchingtheshubberybeyondwhichtheNegrohad
disappeared.Andwhenhereappeared,theguestsontheverandasawheralreadyinmotion,
descendingthestepsbeforetheywereevenawarethattheNegrowasrunning,andtheysat
suddenlyhushedandforwardandwatchedherpasstheNegrowithoutstopping,herskirtslifted
fromhertrim,schoolmistressanklesandfeet,anddisappearupthepathherself,runningtoo.
Theywerestillsittingforward,hushed,whenshetooreappeared;theywatchedhercomethrough
theduskandmounttheporch,withonherfacealsoalookofhavingseensomethingwhichshe
knewtobetruebutwhichshewasnotquiteyetreadytobelieve.Perhapsthatwaswhyhervoice
wasquitequietwhensheaddressedoneoftheguestsbyname,callingher"honey":"Doctor
Martinohasjustdied.Willyoutelephonetotownforme?"

FoxHunt

ANHOURbeforedaylightthreeNegrostableboysapproachedthestable,carryingalantern.While
oneofthemunlockedandslidbackthedoor,thebearerofthelanternlifteditandturnedthebeam
intothedarknesswhereaclumpofpinesshoulderedintothepaddockfence.Outofthisdarkness
threesetsofbig,spacedeyesglaredmildlyforamoment,thenvanished."Heyo,"theNegrocalled.
"Yawlcole?"Noreply,nosoundcamefromthedarkness;themuleeyesdidnotshowagain.The
Negroesenteredthebarn,murmuringamongthemselves;aburstoflaughterfloatedbackoutof
thestable,mellowandmeaninglessandidiotic.
"Howmanyofumyousee?"thesecondNegrosaid.
"Justthreemules,"thelanternbearersaid."It'smorethanthat,though.UncMosehecome
inabouttwoo'clock,wherehebeenupwiththatJup'terhorse;hesayitwasalreadytwoofum
waitingtherethen.Clayeaters.Hoo."
Insidethestallshorsesbegantowhinnyandstamp;overthewhitewasheddoorsthehigh,
longmuzzlesmovedwithtossing,eagershadows;theatmospherewasrich,warm,ammoniac,and
clean.TheNegroesbegantoputfeedintothepatenttroughs,movingfromstalltostallwiththe
cleveragilityofmonkeys,withshort,mellow,meaninglesscries,"Hoo.Standoverdar.Ghyketch
datfoxtoday!"
Inthedarknesswheretheclumpofpinesshoulderedthepaddockfence,elevenmen
squatted,surroundedbyeleventetheredmules.ItwasNovember,andthemorningwaschill,and
themensquattedshapelessandmotionless,nottalking.
Fromthestablecamethesoundoftheeatinghorses;justbeforedaybrokeatwelfthman
cameuponamuleanddismountedandsquattedamongtheotherswithoutaword.
Whendaycameandthefirstsaddledhorsewasledoutofthestable,thegrasswasrimed
withfrost,andtheroofofthestablelookedlikesilverinthesilverlight.
Itcouldbeseenthenthatthesquattingmenwereallwhitemenandallinoveralls,andthat
allofthemulessavetwoweresaddleless.Theyhadgatheredfromoneroom,clayflooredcabins
aboutthepineland,andtheysquatted,decorous,grave,andpatientamongtheirgauntand
mudcakedandburrstarredmules,watchingthesaddledhorses,thefinehorseswithpedigrees
longerthanHarrisonBlair's,whoownedthem,beingledonebyonefromasteamheatedstable
andupthegravelpathtothehouse,beforewhichapackofhoundsalreadymoiledandyapped,
andontheverandaofwhichmenandwomeninbootsandredcoatswerebeginningtogather.
Sloven,unhurried,outwardlyscarcelyattentive,themeninoverallswatchedHarrisonBlair,
whoownedthehouseandthedogsandsomeofthegueststoo,perhaps,mountabig,vicious
lookingblackhorse,andtheywatchedanothermanliftHarrisonBlair'swifeontoachestnutmare
andthenmountabayhorseinhisturn.
Oneofthemeninoverallswaschewingtobaccoslowly.
Besidehimstoodayouth,inoverallstoo,gangling,withasoftstubbleofbeard.Theyspoke
withoutmovingtheirheads,hardlymovingtheirlips.
"Thattheone?"theyouthsaid.
Theoldermanspatdeliberately,withoutmoving."Theonewhat?"
"Hiswife'sone."
"Whosewife'sone?"
"Blair'swife'sone."
Theothercontemplatedthegroupbeforethehouse.Heappearedto,thatis.Hisgazewas
inscrutable,blank,withouthaste;nonecouldhavesaidifhewerewatchingthemanandwomanor
not."Don'tbelieveanythingyouhear,andnotmorethanhalfyousee,"hesaid.
"Whatdoyouthinkaboutit?"theyouthsaid.
Theotherspatdeliberatelyandcarefully."Nothing,"hesaid."Itain'tnoneofmywife."Then
hesaid,withoutraisinghisvoiceandwithoutanychangeininflection,thoughhewasnowspeaking
totheheadgroomwhohadcomeupbesidehim."Thatfellowdon'townnohorse."
"Whichfellowdon't?"thegroomsaid.Thewhitemanindicatedthemanwhowasholding
thebayhorseagainstthechestnutmare'sflank."Oh,"thegroomsaid."Mr.Gawtrey.Pitythe
horse,ifhedid."
"Pitythehorsethatheowns,too,"thewhitemansaid.
"Pityanythingheowns."
"YoumeanMr.Harrison?"thegroomsaid."Doestheseherehorseslookliketheyneeds
yourpity?"
"Sho,"thewhitemansaid."That'sright.Ireckonthatblackhorsedoesliketoberodelike
heridesit."
"Don'tyoubepityingnoBlairhorses,"thegroomsaid.
"Sho,"thewhitemansaid.Heappearedtocontemplatethebloodedhorsesthatlivedina
steamheatedhouse,thepeopleinbootsandpinkcoats,andBlairhimselfsittingtheplunging
black."He'sbeentryingtocatchthatvixenforthreeyearsnow,"hesaid."Whyn'theletoneofyou
boysshootitorpizenit?"
"Shootitorpizenit?"thegroomsaid."Don'tyouknowthatain'tnowaytocatchafox?"
"Whyain'tit?"
"Itain'tspo'tin,"thegroomsaid."Yououghttobeenhangingaroundumlongenoughby
nowtoknowhowgempmunshunts."
"Sho,"thewhitemansaid.Hewasnotlookingatthegroom."Wonderhowamanrichas
folkssaysheis,"againhespat,intheactionsomethingmeagerbutwithoutintendedinsult,asifhe
mighthavebeenindicatingBlairwithajerkedfinger"isgottimetohateonelittleoldfoxbitchlike
that.Don'tevenwantthedogstocatchit.Tryingtooutridethedogssohecankillitwithasticklike
itwasasnake.Comingallthewaydownhereeveryyear,bringingallthemfolksandboardingand
sleepingthem,torunonelittleoldmangyfoxthatIcouldcatchinonenightwithaaxeanda
possumdog."
"That'ssomethingelseaboutgempmunsyouwon'tneverknow,"thegroomsaid.
"Sho,"thewhitemansaid.
Theridgewasalongshoalofpineandsand,brokenalongoneflankintogapsthrough
whichcouldbeseenafallowricefieldalmostamilewidewhichendedagainstabrierchokeddyke.
Thetwomeninoveralls,theoldermanandtheyouth,sattheirmulesinoneofthesegaps,looking
downintothefield.Fartherondowntheridge,aboutahalfmileaway,thedogswereatfault;the
yappingcriescamebackuptheridge,baffled,ringing,profoundlyurgent.
 "You'dthinkhewouldlearninthreeyearsthatheain'tgoingtocatchereCallinafoxwith
themYankeecitydogs,"theyouthsaid.
"Heknowsit,"theothersaid."Hedon'twantthemdogstocatchit.Hecan'tevenbearfora
bloodeddogtogoinfrontofhim."
"They'reinfrontofhimnowthough."
"Youthinkso?"
"Whereishe,then?"
"Idon'tknow.ButIknowthatheain'tnoclosertothemfooldogsrightnowthanthatfoxis.
Whereverthatfoxissquattingrightnow,laughingatthemdogs,that'swhereheisheadingfor."
"Youmeantotellmethatereamanintheworldcansmelloutafoxwhereevenacitydog
can'tuntangleit?"
"Themdogsyondercan'tsmelloutastraighttrackbecausetheydon'thatethatfox.Agood
foxorcoonorpossumdogisagooddogbecausehehatesafoxoracoonorapossum,not
becausehe'sgotaextragoodnose.Itain'thisnosethatleadshim;it'shishating.Andthat'swhy
whenIseewhichawaythatfellow'sriding,I'lltellyouwhichawaythatfoxhasrun."
Theyouthmadeasoundinhisthroatandnostrils."Agrowedupman.Hatingadurnlittle
oldmangyfox.Ibedurnifitdon'ttakealotoftroubletoberich.Ibedurnifitdon't."
Theylookeddownintothefield.Fromfartherondowntheridgetheeager,baffledyapping
ofthedogscame.Thelastriderinbootsandpinkhadriddenupandpassedthemandgoneon,
andthetwomensattheirmulesintheprofoundandwinyandsunnysilence,listening,with
expressionsidenticalandbleakandsardonicontheirgaunt,yellowfaces.
Thentheyouthturnedonhismuleandlookedbackuptheridgeinthedirectionfromwhich
theracehadcome.Atthatmomenttheoldermanturnedalsoand,motionless,makingnosound,
theywatchedtwomoreriderscomeupandpass.
Theywerethewomanonthechestnutmareandthemanonthebayhorse.Theypassed
likeonebeast,likeadoubleorhermaphroditiccentaurwithtwoheadsandeightlegs.Thewoman
carriedherhatinherhand;intheslantingsunthefine,softcloudofherunbobbedhairgleamed
likethechestnut'sflank,likesoftfire,themassofitappearingtobetooheavyforherslenderneck.
Shewassittingthemarewithakindofdelicateawkwardness,leaningforwardasthoughshewere
tryingtooutpaceit,withaqualityaboutherofflightwithinflight,separateanddistinctfromthe
speedofthemare.
Themanwasholdingthebayhorseagainstthemare'sflankatfullgallop.Hishandlayon
thewoman'shandwhichheldthereins,andhewasslowlybutsteadilydrawingbothhorsesback,
slowingthem.Hewasleaningtowardthewoman;thetwomenonthemulescouldseehisprofile
stooppastwithacoldandruthlessqualitylikethatofastoopinghawk;theycouldseethathewas
talkingtothewoman.Theypassedso,withthatsemblanceofathrushandahawkinterrific
immobilityinmidair,withanapparitionlikesuddenness:asoftrushofhoovesinthesereneedles,
andweregone,themanstooping,thewomanleaningforwardlikeatableauofflightandpursuiton
alightningbolt.
Thentheyweregone.Afterawhiletheyouthsaid,"Thatonedon'tseemtoneednodogs
neither."Hisheadwasstillturnedafterthevanishedriders.Theothermansaidnothing.
"Yes,sir,"theyouthsaid."Justlikeafox.IbedurnifIseehowthatskinnyneckofhern...
Likeyoulookatafoxandyouwonderhowadurnlittlecritterlikeitcantoteallthatbrush.And
onceIheardhimsay,"heinturnindicated,withlessmeansthanevenspitting,thatitwastherider
oftheblackhorseandnotthebay,ofwhomhespoke"somethingtoherthatamandon'tsaytoa
womanincomp'ny,andhereyesturnedredlikeafox'sandthenbrownagainlikeafox."Theother
didnotanswer.Theyouthlookedathim.
Theoldermanwasleaningalittleforwardonhismule,lookingdownintothefield."What's
thatdownthere?"hesaid.Theyouthlookedalso.Fromtheedgeofthewoodsbeneaththemcame
amoldmuffledrushofhoovesandthenacrashofundergrowth;thentheysaw,emergingfromthe
woodsatfullgallop,Blairontheblackhorse.Heenteredthericefieldatadeadrunandbeganto
crossitwiththeunfalteringandundeviatingspeedofacrow'sflight,followingacourseasstraight
asasurveyor'slinetowardthedykewhichboundedthefieldatitsotherside."WhatdidItellyou?"
theoldermansaid."Thatfoxishidyonderonthatditchbank.Well,itain'tthefirsttimetheyever
seenoneanothereyetoeye.Hegotcloseenoughtoitoncetwoyearsagotothrowthatere
leatherridingswitchatit."
"Sho,"theyouthsaid."Thesefolksdon'tneednodogs."
Inthefaint,sandyroadwhichfollowedthecrestoftheridge,andoppositeanothergapin
thetreesthroughwhichcouldbeseenapieshapedsegmentofthericefield,andsomedistancein
therearofthehunt,stoodaFordcarwithalighttruckbody.Beneaththewheelsatauniformed
chauffeur;besidehim,hunchedintoablackovercoat,wasamaninaderbyhat.Hehadasmooth,
flaccid,indoorsfaceandhewassmokingacigarette:afacesardonicandcomposed,yetatthe
momentalittlewearilysavage,likethatofanindoorsbredandinclinedmansubjecttoand
helplessbeforesomenaturalinclemencylikecoldorwet.Hewastalking.
"Sure.Thisallbelongstoher,houseandall.Hisoldmanowneditbeforetheymovedto
NewYorkandgotrich,andBlairwasbornhere.Heboughtitbackandgaveittoherforawedding
present.Allhekeptwasthiswhateveritishe'stryingtocatch."
"Andhecan'tcatchthat,"thechauffeursaid.
"Sure.Comingdownhereeveryyearandstayingtwomonths,withoutnothingtoseeand
nowherestogoexcepttheseclayeatersandNigras.Ifhewantstoliveinaherdofnigrasfortwo
monthseveryyear,whydon'thegoandspendawhileonLenoxAvenue?Youdon'thavetodrink
thegin.Buthe'sgottobuythisplaceandgiveittoherforapresentbecausesheisoneofthese
Southernsandshemightgethomesickorsomething.Well,that'sallright,Iguess.ButFourteenth
Streetisfarenoughsouthforme.Butstill,ifitain'tthis,itmightbeEuropeorsomewheres.Idon't
knowwhichisworse."
"Whydidhemarryher,anyways?"thechauffeursaid.
"Youwanttoknowwhyhemarriedher?Itwasn'tthejack,eveniftheydidhaveapotfullof
it,ofthisOklahomaIndianoil..."
"Indianoil?"
"Sure.ThegovernmentgivethisOklahomatotheIndiansbecausenobodyelsewouldhave
it,andwhenthefirstIndiangotthereandseenitanddroppeddeadandtheytriedtoburyhim,
whentheystucktheshovelintothegroundtheoilblowedtheshoveloutofthefellow'shand,and
sothewhitefolkscome.TheywouldcomeupwithanewFordwithamanfromthegaragedrivingit
andtheywouldgotoanIndianandsay,'Well,John,howmuchrottenwateryoucatchumyour
frontyard?'andtheIndianwouldsaythreewellsorthirteenwellsorwhateveritisandthewhite
manwouldsay,'That'stoobad.ThewaytheWhiteFatherputthebeeonyouboys,it'stoobad.
Well,nevermind.Youseethisfinenewcarhere?Well,I'mgoingtogiveittoyousoyoucanload
upyourfolksandgoontowherethewaterdon'tcomeoutofthegroundrottenandwherethe
WhiteFathercan'tputthebeeonyounomore.'SotheIndianwouldloadhisfamilyintothecar,
andthegaragemanwouldheadthecarwest,Iguess,andshowtheIndianwherethegasoline
leverwasandhopoffandsnagthefirstcarbacktotown.See?"
"Oh,"thechauffeursaid.
"Sure.SoherewewasinEnglandonetime,mindingourownbusiness,whenherethisold
dameandherredheadedgalcomepilingoverfromEuropeorsomewhereswherethegalwas
goingtothehighschool,andhereitain'taweekbeforeBlairsays,'Well,Ernie,we'regoingtoget
married.Whatthehelldoyouthinkofthat?'Andhimafellowthathadn'tdonenothingallhislifebut
dodgeskirtssohecoulddrinkallnightandtrytorideahorsetodeathallday,gettingmarriedin
lessthanaweek.ButsoonasIseethisolddame,Iknowwhichoneofherandherhusbanditwas
thathadtookthemoilwellsofftheIndians."
"Shemusthavebeengood,toputitonBlairatall,letalonethatquick,"thechauffeursaid.
"Toughonher,though.I'dhateformydaughtertobelongtohim.Notsayingnothingagainsthim,
ofcourse."
"I'dhateformydogtobelongtohim.Iseehimkilladogoncebecauseitwouldn'tmind
him.Killeditwithawalkingstick,withonelick.Hesays,'Here.SendAndrewsheretohaulthis
away.'"
"Idon'tseehowyouputupwithhim,"thechauffeursaid.
"Drivinghiscars,that'sonething.Butyou,inthehousewithhimdayandnight..."
"Wesettledthat.Heusedtoridemewhenhewasdrinking.Onedayheputhishandonme
andItoldhimIwouldkillhim.'When?'hesays.Whenyougetbackfromthehospital?''Maybe
beforeIgothere,'Isays.Ihadmyhandinmypocket.'Ibelieveyouwould,'hesays.Soweget
alongnow.Iputtherodawayandhedon'tridemeanymoreandwegetalong."
"Whydidn'tyouquit?"
"Idon'tknow.It'sagoodjob,evenifwedostayallovertheplaceallthetime.Jees!Half
thetimeIdon'tknowifthenexttraingoestoTyJuanaorItaly;Idon'tknowhalfthetimewhereI'm
atorifIcanreadthenewspapernextmorningeven.AndIlikehimandhelikesme."
"Maybehequitridingyoubecausehehadsomethingelsetoride,"thechauffeursaid.
"Maybeso.Anyways,whentheymarried,shehadn'tneverbeenonahorsebeforeinall
herlifeuntilheboughtthischestnuthorseforhertomatchherhair.Wewentallthewayto
Kentuckyforit,andhecomebackinthesamecarwithit.Iwouldn'tdoit;IsaysIwoulddo
anythinginreasonforhimbutIwasn'tgoingtorideinnohorsePullmanwithitempty,letalonewith
ahorsealreadyinit.SoIcomebackinalower.
"Hedidn'ttellheraboutthehorseuntilitwasinthestable.'ButIdon'twanttoride,'she
says.
"'Mywifewillbeexpectedtoride,'hesays.'YouarenotinOklahomanow.'
"'ButIcan'tride,'shesays.
"'Youcanatleastsitontopofthehorsesotheywillthinkyoucanrideonit,'hesays.
"SoshegoestoCallaghan,ridingthempracticeplugsofhiswiththechildrenandthe
chorinesthathavetookuphorseridingtogetreadytogetdraftedfromthebushesoutinBrooklyn
orNewJerseytotheDriveorCentralPark.Andherhatingahorselikeitwasasnakeeversince
onedaywhenshewasakidandgetssickonamerrygoround."
"Howdidyouknowallthis?"thechauffeursaid.
"Iwasthere.Weusedtostoptherenowandthenintheafternoontoseehowshewas
comingonthehorse.Sometimesshewouldn'tevenknowwewasthere,ormaybeshedid.
Anyways,hereshewouldgo,roundandroundamongthechildrenandoneortwoheadof
Zigfield'sprizestock,passingusandnotlookingatus,andBlairstandingtherewiththatblackface
ofhislikeasubwaytunnel,likeheknewallthetimeshecouldn'tridenohorseevenonamerrygo
roundandlikehedidn'tcareifshelearnedornot,justsohecouldwatchhertryingandnotdoingit.
SoatlastevenCallaghancometohimandtoldhimitwasn'tnouse.'Verywell,'Blairsays.
'Callaghansaysyoumaybeabletositonthetopofapaintedhorse,soIwillbuyyouahorseout
ofadumpcartandnailhimtothefrontporch,andyoucanatleastbesittingontopofitwhenwe
comeup.'
"'I'llgobacktomomma's,'shesays.
"'Iwishyouwould,'Blairsays.'Myoldmantriedallhislifetomakeabankeroutofme,but
youroldwomandoneitintwomonths.'"
"Ithoughtyousaidtheyhadjackoftheirown,"thechauffeursaid."Whydidn'tshespend
someofthat?"
 "Idon'tknow.Maybetherewasn'tnoexchangeforIndianmoneyinNewYork.Anyways,
youwouldhavethoughtshewasaconductoronaBroadwaysurfacecar.Sometimesshewouldn't
evenwaituntilIcouldgetBlairunderashowerandajoltintohimbeforebreakfast,tomakethe
touch.Sothegalgoestotheolddame(shelivesonParkAvenue)andthegal..."
"Wasyoutheretoo?"thechauffeursaid.
"Cried...What?Oh.Thiswasamaid,alittleIrishkidnamedBurke;meandherusedtogo
outnowandthen.Shewastheonetoldmeaboutthisfellow,thisYalecollegeboy,thisIndian
sweetheart."
"Indiansweetheart?"
"TheywenttothesamewardschooloutatOklahomaorsomething.SwappedMasonic
ringsorsomethingbeforethegal'soldmanfoundthreeoilwellsinthehenhouseanddropped
deadandtheolddametookthegalofftoEuropetogototheschoolthere.Sothisboygoesto
YaleCollegeandlastyearwhatdoeshedobutmarryagaloutofatankshowthathappenedtobe
intown.Well,whenshefindsthatCallaghanhasgiveherup,shegoestoheroldwomaninPark
Avenue.Shecries.'IbegintothinkthatmaybeIwon'tlookfunnytohisfriends,andthenhecomes
thereandwatchesme.Hedon'tsaynothing,'shesays,'hejuststandsthereandwatchesme.'
"'AfterallI'vedoneforyou,'theolddamesays.'GotyouahusbandthatanygalinNew
Yorkwouldhavesnappedup.Whenallheasksisthatyoulearntositontopofahorseandnot
shamehimbeforehisswellfriends.AfterallIdoneforyou,'theolddamesays.
"'Ididn't,'shesays.'Ididn'twanttomarryhim.'
"'Whodidyouwanttomarry?'theolddamesays.
"Ididn'twanttomarrynobody,'thegalsays.
"Sonowtheolddamedigsupaboutthisboy,thisAllenboythatthegal..."
"IthoughtyousaidhisnamewasYale,"thechauffeursaid.
"No.Allen.Yaleiswherehewenttothiscollege."
"YoumeanColumbia."
"No.Yale.It'sanothercollege."
"IthoughttheotheronewasnamedCornellorsomething,"thechauffeursaid.
"No.It'sanotherone.Wherethesecollegeboysallcomefromwhenthesehotchachacha
deadfallsgetraidedandtheygivethemallaridedowntowninthewagon.Don'tyoureadno
papers?"
"Notoften,"thechauffeursaid."Idon'tcarenothingaboutpolitics."
"Allright.SothisYaleboy'spoppahadfoundaoilwelltooandhewaslousywithittoo,and
besidestheolddamewasmadbecauseBlairwouldn'tleaveherliveinthehousewiththemand
wouldn'ttakehernowhereswhenwewent.SotheolddamegivethemallthreeherandBlairand
thiscollegeboythedeviluntilthegaljumpsupandsaysshewillrideonahorseorbust,andBlair
toldhertogoonandbustifsheaimedtorideonthischestnuthorsewebroughtallthewayback
fromKentucky.'Idon'taimforyoutoruinthisgoodhorse,'Blairsays.'You'llrideonthehorseItell
youtorideon.'
"Sothenshewouldslipoutthebackwayandgooffandtrytoridethishorse,thisgood
one,thisKentuckyplug,tolearnhowfirstandthensurprisehim.Thefirsttimedidn'thurther,but
thesecondtimeitbrokehercollarbone,andshewasscaredhowBlairwouldfinditoutuntilshe
foundouthowhehadknewitallthetimethatshewasridingonit.Sowhenwecomedownhere
forthefirsttimethatyearandBlairstartedchasingthislyronorwhateverit"
"Fox,"thechauffeursaid.
"Allright.That'swhatIsaid.Sowhen..."
"Yousaidlyron,"thechauffeursaid.
 "Allright.Leaveitbealyron.Anyways,shewouldrideonthischestnuthorse,tryingto
keepup,andBlairalreadyoutrunthedogsandall,likethistimetwoyearsagowhenherunoff
fromthedogsandgotcloseenoughtothislyrontohititwithhisridingwhip..."
"Youmeanfox,"thechauffeursaid."Afox,notalyron.Say..."Theotherman,thevalet,
secretary,whateverhemighthavebeen,waslightinganothercigarette,crouchedintohisupturned
collar,thederbyslanteddownuponhisface.
"Saywhat?"hesaid.
"Iwaswondering,"thechauffeursaid.
"Wonderingwhat?"
"Ifit'sashardforhimtorideoffandleaveherashethinksitis.Tonotseeherruiningthis
goodKentuckyhorse.Ifhehastorideasfasttodoitashethinkshedoes."
"Whataboutthat?"
"Maybehedon'thavetorideasfastthisyearashedidlastyear,torunofffromher.What
doyouthinkaboutit?"
"Thinkaboutwhat?"
"Iwaswondering."
"Whatwondering?"
"Ifheknowedhedon'thavetorideasfastthisyearornot."
"Oh.YoumeanGawtrey."
"Thathisname?Gawtrey?"
"That'sit.SteveGawtrey."
"Whatabouthim?"
"He'sallright.He'lleatyourgrubanddrinkyourliquorandfoolyourwomenandletyousay
when."
"Well,whataboutthat?"
"Nothing.Isaidhewasallright.He'sfinebyme."
"Howbyyou?"
"Justfine,see?Idonehimalittlefavoronce,andhedonemealittlefavor,see?"
"Oh,"thechauffeursaid.Hedidnotlookattheother.
"Howlonghassheknownhim?"
"Sixmonthsandmaybeaweek.WewasupinConnecticutandhewasthere.Hehatesa
horseaboutasmuchasshedoes,butmeandCallaghanareallrighttoo;IdoneCallaghanalittle
favoroncetoo,soaboutaweekafterwecomebackfromConnecticut,IhaveCallaghancomein
andtellBlairaboutthisotherswelldog,withouttellingBlairwhoownedit.SothatnightIsaysto
Blair,'IhearMr.VanDymingwantstobuythishorsefromMr.Gawtreytoo.'
'Buywhathorse?'Blairsays.'Idon'tknow,'Isays.'Onehorselooksjustlikeanothertome
aslongasitstaysoutdoorswhereitbelongs,'Isays.'SodotheytoGawtrey,'Blairsays.'What
horseareyoutalkingabout?'
'ThishorseCallaghanwastellingyouabout,'Isays.ThenhebeguntocurseCallaghan.
'Hetoldmehewouldgetthathorseforme,'hesays.'Itdon'tbelongtoCallaghan,'Isays,
'it'sMr.Gawtrey'shorse.'Sohereit'stwonightslaterwhenhebringsGawtreyhometodinnerwith
him.ThatnightIsays,'Iguessyouboughtthathorse.'Hehadbeendrinkingandhecursed
GawtreyandCallaghantoo.'Hewon'tsellit,'hesays.'Youwanttokeepafterhim,'Isays.'Aman
willsellanything.'
'Howkeepafterhim,whenhewon'tlistentoaprice?'hesays.'Leaveyourwifedothe
talking,'Isays.'He'lllistentoher.'Thatwaswhenhehitme..."
"Ithoughtyousaidhejustputhishandonyou,"thechauffeursaid.
 "Imeanhejustkindofflungouthishandwhenhewastalking,andIhappenedtokindof
turnmyfacetowardhimatthesametime.HeneveraimedtohitmebecauseheknowedIwould
havetookhim.Itoldhimso.Ihadtherodinmyhand,insidemycoat,allthewhile.
"SoafterthatGawtreywouldcomebackmaybeonceaweekbecauseItoldhimIhada
goodjobandIdidn'taimtohavetoshootmyselfoutofitfornomanexceptmyselfmaybe.He
comeonceaweek.Thefirsttimeshewouldn'tleavehimin.ThenonedayIamreadingthepaper
(yououghttoreadapapernowandthen.Yououghttokeepupwiththedayoftheweek,atleast)
andIreadwherethisYaleAllenboyhasrunoffwithashowgalandtheyhadfiredhimoffthe
collegeforlosinghisamateur'sstanding,Iguess.Iguessthatmadehimmad,afterhehaddone
jumpedthecollegeanyways.SoIcutitout,andthisBurkekid(meandherwasallright,too)she
putsitonthebreakfasttraythatA.M.Andthatafternoon,whenGawtreyhappenstocomeback,
sheleaveshimin,andthisBurkekidhappenstowalkintotheroomsuddenwithsomethingIdon't
knowwhatitwasandhereisGawtreyandherlikeafadeoutinthepitchers."
"SoBlairgothishorse,"thechauffeursaid.
"Whathorse?"
"ThehorseGawtreywouldn'tsellhim."
"Howcouldhe,whenGawtreyneverownednohorsenomorethanIdo,unlessit'smaybe
somedogstillfinishinglastyear'sSellingPlateatPimlico?Besides,Gawtreydon'toweBlairno
horseyet."
"Notyet?"
"Shedon'tlikehim,see.Thefirsttimehecometothehousealoneshewouldn'tleavehim
intothefrontdoor.Andthenexttime,too,ifthisBurkekidhadn'thappenedtoleftthatpieceoutof
thepapersaboutthiscollegeboyonthebreakfasttray.Andthetimeafterthatwhenhecome,she
wouldn'tleavehiminagain;itwaslikehemighthavebeenahorsemaybe,orevenadog,because
shehatedadogworsethanshedidahorseeven,evenifshedidn'thavetotrytorideonnodog.If
ithadhavebeenadog,Blairwouldn'thavenevergothertoeventrytorideonit.SoI'dhavetogo
outandsteamCallaghanupagainuntilitgottowhereIwasn'tnomorethanoneoftheseRussian
droshkiesorsomething."
"ARussianwhat?"
"Oneofthesefellowsthatcan'tcalltheirownsoul.EverytimeIwouldleavethehouseI
wouldhavetomeetGawtreyinadumpsomewheresandthengotoseeCallaghanandsoaphim
down,becauseheisoneoftheseboyswithideas,see?"
"Whatkindofideas?"
"Justideas.OutoftheSundayschoolpaper.Abouthowthiswasn'trightbecauseheliked
herandfeltsorryforherandsohewantedtotellBlairhehadbeenlyingandthatGawtreyhadn't
neverownednohorse.Becauseafellowthatwon'ttakeanickelwhenit'sthrowedrightinhisface,
heain'tneverasbigafooltonobodyasheistothemanthatcanhavesomesenseaboutreligion
andkeepallthesegoldenrulesintheSundayschoolpaperwheretheycomefrom.IftheLord
didn'twantamantocuthisowngrass,whydidHeputSundayonSundaylikehedid?Tellme
that."
"Iguessyou'reright,"thechauffeursaid.
"SureI'mright.Jees!ItoldCallaghanBlairwouldcuthisthroatandminebothfora
Rockefellerquarter,sameasanysensibleman,andIasthimifhethoughtgalshaddoneallgive
outwithBlair'swife;ifshewasgoingtobethelastonetheymade."
"Sohedon't..."thechauffeursaid.Heceased;thenhesaid,"Lookthere."
Theothermanlooked.Throughthegapinthetrees,inthecenterofthesegmentofvisible
ricefield,theycouldseeatinypinkandblackdot.Itwasalmostamileaway;itdidnotappearto
bemovingfast.
"What'sthat?"theothersaid."Thefox?"
 "It'sBlair,"thechauffeursaid."He'sgoingfast.Iwonderwheretheothersare."They
watchedthepinkandblackdotgoonanddisappear.
"They'vewentbackhomeiftheyhadanysense,"theothersaid."Sowemightaswellgo
backtoo."
"Iguessso,"thechauffeursaid."SoGawtreydon'toweBlairnohorseyet."
"Notyet.Shedon'tlikehim.Shewouldn'tleavehiminthehouseagainafterthatday,and
thisBurkekidsaysshecomebackfromapartyonenightbecauseGawtreywasthere.Andifit
hadn'tbeenforme,Gawtreywouldn'tagotinviteddownhere,becauseshetoldBlairthatifhe
come,shewouldn'tcome.SoI'dhavetoworkonCallaghanagainsohewouldcomeinonceaday
andsteamBlairupagainaboutthehorsetogetGawtreyinvited,becauseBlairwasgoingtomake
hercome."Thechauffeurgotoutofthecarandwentaroundtothecrank.Theothermanlighteda
cigarette."ButBlairain'tgothishorseyet.Youtakeawomanwithlonghairlikeshe'sgot,longas
shekeepsherhairup,it'sallright.Butonceyoucatchherwithherhairdown,it'sjustbeentoo
bad."
Thechauffeurengagedthecrank.Thenhepaused,stooped,hisheadturned."Listen,"he
said.
"What?"
"Thathorn."Thesilversoundcameagain,faint,distant,prolonged.
"What'sthat?"theothersaid."Dotheyhavetokeepsoldiershere?"
"It'sthehorntheyblow,"thechauffeursaid."Itmeanstheyhavecaughtthatfox."
"Jees!"theothersaid."Maybewewillgobacktotowntomorrow."
Thetwomenonthemulesrecrossedthericefieldandmountedtheridgeintothepines.
"Well,"theyouthsaid,"Ireckonhe'ssatisfiednow."
"Youreckonheis?"theothersaid.Herodealittleinfrontoftheyouth.Hedidnotturnhis
headwhenhespoke.
"He'srunthatfoxthreeyears,"theyouthsaid."Andnowhe'skilledit.Howcomeheain't
satisfied?"
Theoldermandidnotlookback.Heslouchedonhisgaunt,shabbymule,hisoveralled
legsdangling.Hespokeinatoneoflazyandironicalcontempt."Ireckonthat'ssomethingabout
gentlemenyouwon'tneverknow."
"Foxisfox,tome,"theyouthsaid."Can'teatit.Mightaswellpizenitandsavethem
horses."
"Sho,"theothersaid."That'ssomethingelseaboutthemyouwon'tneverknow."
"Aboutwho?"
"Gentlemen."Theymountedtheridgeandturnedintothefaint,sandyroad."Well,"the
oldermansaid,"gentlemanornot,Ireckonthat'stheonlyfoxinCallinathatevergotitselfkilled
thataway.Maybethat'sthewaytheykillsafoxupnorth."
"ThenIbedurnifIain'tgladIdon'tliveupthere,"theyouthsaid.
"Ireckonso,"theothersaid."Idonegotalongprettywellhereforsometime,myself."
"I'dliketoseeitoncethough,"theyouthsaid.
"Idon'treckonIwould,"theothersaid,"iflivingtheremakesamangotoallthistroubleto
killafox."
Theywereridinguptheridge,amongthepines,thehollybushes,thehuckleberriesand
briers.Suddenlytheoldermancheckedhismule,extendinghishandbackward.
"What?"theyouthsaid."Whatisit?"
Thepausewashardlyapause;againtheoldermanrodeon,thoughhebegantowhistle,
thetonecarryingandclearthoughnotloud,thetunelugubriousandhymnlike;frombeyondthe
busheswhichborderedthepathjustaheadofthemtherecamethesnortofahorse."Whoisit?"
theyouthsaid.Theothersaidnothing.Thetwomuleswentoninsinglefile.Thentheyouthsaid
quietly,"She'sgotherhairdown.Itlookslikethesunonaspringbranch."Themulespacedonin
thelight,whisperingsoil,theirearsbobbing,thetwomensittingloose,withdangling,stirrupless
feet.
Thewomansatthemare,herhairabrightcloud,acoppercascadeinthesun,abouther
shoulders,herarmsliftedandherhandsbusyinit.Themansatthebayhorseashortdistance
away.Hewaslightingacigarette.Thetwomulescameup,tireless,shambling,withdrooping
headsandnoddingears.Theyouthlookedatthewomanwithastareatonceboldandcovert;the
oldermandidnotceasehismellow,slow,tunelesswhistling;hedidnotappeartolookatthemat
all.Heappearedtobeabouttoridepastwithoutasignwhenthemanonthebayspoketohim.
"Theycaughtit,didthey?"hesaid."Weheardthehorn."
"Yaas,"themaninoverallssaid,inadry,drawlingtone.
"Yaas.Itgotcaught.'Twarn'tnothingelseitcoulddobutgetcaught."
Theyouthwatchedthewomanlookingattheolderman,herhandsarrestedforaninstant
inherhair.
"Whatdoyoumean?"themanonthebaysaid.
"Herodeitdownonthatblackhorse,"themaninoverallssaid.
"Youmean,therewerenodogsthere?"
"Ireckonnot,"theothersaid."Themdogsneverhadnoblackhorsestoride."Thetwo
muleshadhalted;theoldermanfacedthemanonthebayalittle,hisfacehiddenbeneathhis
shapelesshat."Itcrossedtheoldfieldanddroppedoverthatditchbankandhid,allowingforhimto
jumptheditch,andthenitaimedtodoubleback,Ireckon.Ireckonitwasn'tscaredofthedogs.I
reckonithadfooledthemsomuchitwasn'tworriedaboutthem.Ireckonhewaswhatworriedit.I
reckonhimanditknowedoneanotherafterthesethreeyearssameasyoumaybeknowedyour
maworyourwifemaybe,onlyyouain'tneverbeenmarriednonetospeakof.Anywayitwasonthe
ditchbank,andheknoweditwasthereandhecutstraightacrossthefieldwithoutgivingitnospell
tobreathein.Ireckonmaybeyawlseenhim,ridingstraightacrossthatfieldlikehecouldseelikea
hawkandsmelllikeadog.Andthefoxwasthere,whereithaddonefooledthedogs.Butitnever
hadnospelltobreathein,andwhenithadtorunagainanddroppedovertheditchbank,it
droppedintothebriers,Ireckon,anditwastootiredtogetoutandrun.Andhecomeupand
jumpedthatditch,justlikethatfoxaimedforhimto.Onlythefoxwasstillinthebriers,andwhilehe
wasgoingthroughtheairhelookeddownandseenthefoxandhedumboffthehorsewhileitwas
jumpinganddroppedfeetfirstintothebrierslikethefoxdone.Maybeitdodgedsomethen;Idon't
know.Hesaysitjustswirledandjumpedathisfaceandheknockeditdownwithhisfistand
trompleditdeadwithhisbootheels.Thedogshadn'tgottherethen.Butitsohappenedhenever
neededthem."Heceasedtalkingandsatforamomentlonger,slovenandinertupontheshabby,
patientmule,hisfaceshadowedbeneathhishat."Well,"hesaid,"IreckonI'llgeton.Iain'thad
ne'erabiteofbreakfastyet.I'llbidyawlgoodmorning."Heputhismuleintomotion,thesecond
mulefollowing.Hedidnotlookback.
Buttheyouthdid.Helookedbackatthemanonthebayhorse,thecigaretteburninginhis
hand,theplumeofsmokefaintandwindlessinthesunnysilence,andatthewomanonthe
chestnut,herarmsliftedandherhandsbusyinherbright,cloudyhair;projecting,tryingtoproject,
himself,afterthewayoftheyoung,towardthatremoteandinaccessibleshe,tryingtoencompass
thevainandinarticulateinstantofdivisionanddespairwhich,beingyoung,wasverylikerage:rage
atthelostwoman,despairofthemaninwhoseshapetherewalkedthetragicandinescapable
earthherruin."Shewascrying,"hesaid,thenhebegantocurse,savagely,withoutpointor
subject.
"Comeon,"theoldermansaid.Hedidnotlookback."Ireckonthemhuntbreakfasthoe
cakeswillbeaboutreadytimewegethome."
PennsylvaniaStation

THEYSEEMEDtobringwiththemthesmellofthesnowfallinginSeventhAvenue.Orperhapsthe
otherpeoplewhohadenteredbeforethemhaddoneit,bringingitwiththemintheirlungsand
exhalingit,fillingthearcadewithastalechilllikethatwhichmightlieunwindedandspentuponthe
coldplainsofinfinityitself.Initthebrightandserriedshopwindowshadafixedandinsomniacglare
liketheeyesofpeopledruggedwithcoffee,sittingupwithastrangecorpse.
Intherotunda,wherethepeopleappearedassmallandintentasants,thesmellandsense
ofsnowstilllingered,thoughhighnowamongthesteelgirders,spentandvitiatedtooandfilled
herewithawearyandceaselessmurmuring,likethevoicesofpilgrimsupontheinfiniteplain,like
thevoicesofallthetravelerswhohadeverpassedthroughitquiringandceaselessaslost
children.
Theywentontowardthesmokingroom.Itwastheoldmanwholookedinthedoor."All
right,"hesaid.Helookedsixty,thoughhewasprobablysomeagelikefortyeightorfiftytwoor
fiftyeight.Heworealongovercoatwithacollarwhichhadoncebeenfur,andacapwithearflaps
likethecaricatureofanupStatefarmer.Hisshoeswerenotmates.
"Thereain'tmanyhereyet.Itwillbesometimenow."
Whiletheystoodtherethreeothermencameandlookedintothesmokingroomwiththat
sameairnotquitediffidentandnotquitefurtive,withfacesandgarmentsthatseemedtogiveoff
thatsameeffluviumofsoupkitchensandSalvationArmyhomes.Theyentered;theoldmanledthe
waytowardtherearoftheroom,amongtheheavy,solidbenchesonwhichstillmoremenofall
agessatinattitudesofthoughtorreposeandlookingastransientasscarecrowsblownbya
departedwinduponaseriesofrockledges.Theoldmanchoseabenchandsatdown,making
roomfortheyoungmanbesidehim."Iusedtothinkthatifyousatsomewhereaboutthemiddle,he
mightskipyou.ButIfoundoutthatitdon'tmakemuchdifferencewhereyousit."
"Norwhereyoulie,either,"theyoungmansaid.Heworeanarmyovercoat,new,andapair
ofyellowarmybrogansofthesortthatcanbeboughtfromsocalledarmystoresforadollarorso.
Hehadnotshavedinsometime."Anditdon'tmakeahellofalotofdifferencewhetheryouare
breathingornotwhileyouarelyingthere.IwishIhadacigarette.Ihavegotusedtonoteatingbut
bedamnedifIdon'thatetogetusedtonotsmoking."
"Surenow,"theoldmansaid."IwishIhadacigarettetogiveyou.Iain'tusedtobacco
myselfsinceIwenttoFlorida.Thatwasfunny:Ihadn'tsmokedintenyears,yetassoonasIgot
backtoNewYork,thatwasthefirstthingIthoughtabout.Isn'tthatfunny?"
"Yes,"theyoungmansaid."Especiallyifyouneverhadanytobaccowhenyouthought
aboutwantingitagain."
"Wantingitandnothavingitcouldn'thaveworriedmethen,"theoldmansaid."Iwasall
rightthen.UntilI..."Hesettledhimself.Intohisfacecamethatraptexpressionofthetalkativeold,
withoutheatorbewildermentorrancor.
"WhatconfusedmewasIthoughtallthetimethattheburyingmoneywasallright.Assoon
asIfoundoutaboutDanny'stroubleIcomerightbacktoNewYork"
"WhoisthisDanny,anyway?"theyoungmansaid.
"Didn'tItellyou?He'sSister'sboy.Therewasn'tanyofusleftbutSisterandDannyand
me.YetIwastheweaklyone.Theonetheyallthoughtwouldn'tlive.Iwasgiveuptodietwice
beforeIwasfifteen,yetIoutlivedthemall.OutlivedalleightofthemwhenSisterdiedthreeyears
ago.ThatwaswhyIwenttoFloridatolive.BecauseIthoughtIcouldn'tstandthewintershere.Yet
IhavestoodthreeofthemnowsinceSisterdied.Butsometimesitlookslikeamancanstandjust
aboutanythingifhedon'tbelievehecanstandit.Don'tyouthinkso?"
"Idon'tknow,"theyoungmansaid."Whichtroublewasthis?"
 "Which?"
"WhichtroublewasDannyinnow?"
"Don'tgetmewrongaboutDanny.Hewasn'tbad;justwild,likeanyyoungfellow.Butnot
bad."
"Allright,"theyoungmansaid."Itwasn'tanytroublethen."
"No.He'sagoodboy.He'sinChicagonow.Gotagoodjobnow.ThelawyerinJacksonville
gotitforhimrightafterIcomebacktoNewYork.Ididn'tknowhehadituntilItriedtowirehimthat
Sisterwasdead.ThenIfoundthathewasinChicago,withagoodjob.HesentSisterawreathof
flowersthatmusthavecosttwohundreddollars.
Sentitbyair;thatcostsomething,too.Hecouldn'tcomehimselfbecausehehadjustgot
thejobandhisbosswasoutoftownandhecouldn'tgetaway.Hewasagoodboy.Thatwaswhy
whenthattroublecomeupaboutthatwomanonthefloorbelowthataccusedhimofstealingthe
clothesoffherclothesline,thatItoldSisterIwouldsendhimtherailroadfaretoJacksonville,
whereIcouldlookafterhim.Gethimcleanawayfromthemlowlifeboysaroundthesaloonsand
such.IcomeallthewayfromFloridatoseeabouthim.
ThatwashowIhappenedtogowithSistertoseeMr.Pinckski,beforesheeverbegunto
payonthecoffin.Shewantedmetogowithher.Becauseyouknowhowanoldwomanis.Only
shewasn'told,evenifherandmehadoutlivedalltheotherseven.Butyouknowhowanold
womanseemstogetcomfortoutofknowingshewillbeburiedrightincasethereisn'tanyofher
kinthereto'tendtoit.Iguessmaybethatkeepsalotofthemgoing."
"AndespeciallywithDannyalreadytoobusytoseeifshewasburiedatall,himself."
Theoldman,hismouthalreadyshapedforfurtherspeech,pausedandlookedattheyoung
man."What?"
"Isay,ifgettingintothegroundatlastdon'tkeepsomeofthemgoing,Idon'tknowwhatit
isthatdoes."
"Oh.Maybeso.Thatain'tneverworriedme.IguessbecauseIwasalreadygiveuptodie
twicebeforeIwasfifteen.Likenoweverytimeawintergetsthrough,Ijustsaytomyself,'Well,I'll
declare.HereIamagain.'ThatwaswhyIwenttoFlorida:becauseofthewintershere.Ihadn't
beenbackuntilIgotSister'sletteraboutDanny,andIdidn'tstaylongthen.AndifIhadn'tgotthe
letteraboutDanny,maybeIwouldn'teverhavecomeback.ButIcomeback,andthatwaswhen
shetookmewithhertoseeMr.Pinckskibeforeshebeguntopayonthecoffin,formetoseeifit
wasallrightlikeMr.Pinckskisaid.Hetoldherhowtheinsurancecompanieswouldchargeher
interestallthetime.Heshoweduswiththepencilandpaperhowifshepaidhermoneytothe
insurancecompaniesitwouldbethesameasifsheworkedsixminuteslongereverynightandgive
themoneyfortheextrasixminutestotheinsurancecompany.
ButSistersaidshewouldn'tmindthat,justsixminutes,becauseatthreeorfouro'clockin
themorningsixminuteswouldn't..."
"Threeorfouro'clockinthemorning?"
"ShescrubbedinthemtallbuildingsdownaboutWallStreetsomewhere.Herandsome
otherladies.Theywouldhelponeanothernightabout,sotheycouldgetdoneatthesametime
andcomehomeonthesubwaytogether.SoMr.Pinckskishoweduswiththepencilandpaperhow
ifshelivedfifteenyearslongersayforinstanceMr.Pinckskisaid,itwouldbethesameasifshe
workedthreeyearsandeightyfivedayswithoutgettinganypayforit.Likeforthreeyearsand
eightyfivedaysshewouldbeworkingfortheinsurancecompaniesfornothing.Likeinsteadof
livingfifteenyears,shewouldactuallyliveonlyelevenyearsandtwohundredandeightdays.
Sisterstoodthereforawhile,holdingherpurseunderhershawl.Thenshesaid,'IfIwaspaying
theinsurancecompaniestoburymeinsteadofyou,Iwouldhavetolivethreeyearsandeightyfive
daysmorebeforeIcouldaffordtodie?'
 "'Well,'Mr.Pinckskisaid,likehedidn'tknowwhattosay.'Why,yes.Putitthatway,then.
Youwouldworkfortheinsurancecompaniesthreeyearsandeightyfivedaysandnotgetanypay
forit.'
"'Itain'ttheworkImind,'Sistersaid.'Itain'ttheworking.'Thenshetookthefirsthalfadollar
outofherpurseandputitdownonMr.Pinckski'sdesk."

Ill

NOWANDTHEN,withalongandfadingreverberation,asubwaytrainpassedundertheirfeet.
Perhapstheythoughtmomentarilyoftwogreeneyestunnelingviolentlythroughtheearthwithout
apparentpropulsionorguidance,asthoughoftheirownunparalleledviolencecreating,likespaced
beadsonastring,lightednichesinwhosewanandfleetingglarehumanfigureslikecorpsesset
momentarilyonendinaviolatedgraveyardleanedinonestreamingandrigiddirectionandflicked
away.
"BecauseIwasaweakchild.TheygivemeuptodietwicebeforeIwasfifteen.Therewas
aninsuranceagentsoldmeapolicyonce,worriedatmeuntilIsaidallright,Iwouldtakeit.Then
theyexaminedmeandtheonlypolicytheywouldgivemewasathousanddollarsattherateoffifty
yearsold.Andmejusttwentyseventhen.Iwasthethirdoneofeight,yetwhenSisterdiedthree
yearsagoIhadoutlivedthemall.SowhenwegotthattroubleofDanny'saboutthewomanthat
saidhestoletheclothesfixedup,Sistercould..."
"Howdidyougetitfixedup?"
"WepaidthemoneytothemanthathisjobwastolookaftertheboysthatDannyrunwith.
ThealdermanknewDannyandtheotherboys.Itwasallrightthen.SoSistercouldgoonpaying
thefiftycentstoMr.Pinckskieveryweek.Becausewefixeditupformetosendtherailroadfarefor
DannyassoonasIcould,sohecouldbeinFloridawhereIcouldlookoutforhim.AndIwentback
toJacksonvilleandSistercouldpayMr.Pinckskithefiftycentswithoutworrying.EachSunday
morningwhenherandtheotherladiesgotthrough,theywouldgohomebyMr,Pinckski'sand
wakehimupandSisterwouldgivehimthefiftycents.
"HenevermindedwhattimeitwasbecauseSisterwasagoodcustomer.Hetoldherit
wouldbeallright,whatevertimeshegotthere,towakehimupandpayhim.Sosometimesitwould
beaslateasfouro'clock,especiallyiftheyhadhadaparadeorsomethingandthebuildings
messedupwithconfettiandmaybeflags.Maybefourtimesayeartheladythatlivednextdoorto
SisterwouldwritemealettertellingmehowmuchSisterhadpaidtoMr.PinckskiandthatDanny
wasgettingalongfine,behavingandnotrunningaroundwiththemtoughboysanymore.Sowhen
IcouldIsentDannytherailroadfaretoFlorida.Ineverexpectedtohearaboutthemoney.
"Thatwaswhatconfusedme.Sistercouldreadsome.Shecouldreadthechurchweekly
finethatthepriestgaveher,butsheneverwasmuchforwriting.Shesaidifshecouldjusthappen
tofindapencilthesizeofabroomhandlethatshecouldusebothhandson,thatshecouldwrite
fine.Butregularpencilsweretoosmallforher.Shesaidshecouldn'tfeellikeshehadanythingin
herhand.SoIneverexpectedtohearaboutthemoney.IjustsentitandthenIfixedupwiththe
landladywhereIwaslivingforaplaceforDanny,justthinkingthatsomedaysoonDannywould
justcomewalkinginwithhissuitcase.Thelandladykepttheroomaweekforme,andthenaman
comeintorentit,sotherewasn'tanythingshecoulddobutgivemetherefusalofit.
"Thatwasn'tnomorethanfair,aftershehadalreadykeptitopenaweekforme.SoI
beguntopayfortheroomandwhenDannydidn'tcomeIthoughtmaybesomethinghadcomeup,
withthehardwinterandall,andSisterneededthemoneyworsethantosendDannytoFloridaon
it,ormaybeshethoughthewastooyoungyet.SoafterthreemonthsIlettheroomgo.Everythree
orfourmonthsIwouldgettheletterfromtheladynextdoortoSister,abouthoweverySunday
morningSisterandtheotherladieswouldgotoMr.Pinckskiandpayhimthefiftycents.Afterfifty
twoweeks,Mr.Pinckskisetthecoffinaside,withhernamecutonasteelplateandnailedontothe
coffin,herfullname:Mrs.MargaretNoonanGihon.
"Itwasacheapcoffinatfirst,justawoodenbox,butaftershehadpaidthesecondfiftytwo
halfadollarshetookthenameplateoffofitandnaileditontoabettercoffin,lettingherpickitout
herselfincaseshediedthatyear.Andafterthethirdfiftytwohalfadollarsheletherpickoutastill
finerone,andthenextyearonewithgoldhandlesonit.Hewouldlethercomeinandlookatit
whenevershewantedandbringwhoevershewantedwithher,toseethecoffinandhernamecut
inthesteelplateandnailedontoit.Evenatfouro'clockinthemorninghewouldcomedowninhis
nightshirtandunlockthedoorandturnthelightonforSisterandtheotherladiestogobackand
lookatthecoffin.
"Eachyearitgottobeabettercoffin,withMr.Pinckskishowingtheotherladieswiththe
pencilandpaperhowSisterwouldhavethecoffinpaidoutsoonandthenshewouldjustbepaying
onthegoldhandlesandthelining.Heletherpickouttheliningtoothatshewantedandwhenthe
ladynextdoorwrotemethenextletter,Sistersentmeasampleoftheliningandapictureofthe
handles.Sisterdrewthepicture,butshenevercoulduseapencilbecauseshealwayssaidthe
handlewastoosmallforhertohold,thoughshecouldreadthechurchweeklythepriestgaveher,
becauseshesaidtheLordilluminateditforher."
"Isthatso?"theyoungmansaid."Jesus,IwishIeitherhadasmokeorIwouldquitthinking
aboutit."
"Yes.Andasampleofthelining.ButIcouldn'ttellmuchaboutitexceptthatitsuitedSister
andthatshelikedithowMr.Pinckskiwouldletherbringintheotherladiestolookatthetrimmings
andhelphermakeuphermind.BecauseMr.Pinckskisaidhewouldtrustherbecausehedidn't
believeshewouldgoanddieonhimtohurthisbusinesslikesomedid,andhimnotcharginghera
centofinterestliketheinsurancecompanieswouldcharge.Allshehadtodowasjusttostopthere
everySundaymorningandpayhimthehalfadollar."
"Isthatso?"theyoungmansaid,"Hemustbeinthepoorhousenow."
"What?"Theoldmanlookedattheyoungman,hisexpressionfixed."Whointhepoor
housenow?"

IV

"WHEREWASDannyallthistime?Stilldoinghissettlementwork?"
"Yes.Heworkedwheneverhecouldgetajob.Butahighspiritedyoungfellow,without
nobodybutawidowwomanmother,withoutnofathertolearnhimhowyouhavetogiveandtake
inthisworld.ThatwaswhyIwantedhimdowninFloridawithme."
Nowhisarrestedexpressionfaded;hewenteasilyintonarrationagainwithakindof
physicalandunlisteningjoy,likeacheckedandlongbrokenhorseslackedoffagain.
"Thatwaswhatgotmeconfused.Ihadalreadysentthemoneyforhimtocometo
JacksonvilleonandwhenIneverheardaboutitIjustthoughtmaybeSisterneededitwiththehard
winterandallormaybeshethoughtDannywastooyoung,likewomenwill.Andthenabouteight
monthsafterIlettheroomgoIhadafunnyletterfromtheladythatlivednextdoortoSister.Itsaid
howMr.PinckskihadmovedtheplateontothenextcoffinanditsaidhowgladSisterwasthat
DannywasdoingsowellandsheknewIwouldtakegoodcareofhimbecausehewasagoodboy,
besidesbeingallSisterhad.LikeDannywasalreadyinFlorida,allthetime.
"ButIneverknewhewasthereuntilIgotthewirefromhim.ItcomefromAugustine,not
anypieceaway;IneverfoundoutuntilSisterdiedhowMrs.Zilich,that'stheladynextdoortoher,
thatwrotethelettersforSister,hadwrittenmethatDannywascomingtoFloridathedayheleft,
thedayafterthemoneycome.Mrs.ZilichtoldhowshehadwrittentheletterforSisterandgiveitto
Dannyhimselftomailthenightbeforeheleft.Inevergotit.IreckonDannynevermailedit.I
reckon,beingayoung,highspiritedboy,hedecidedhewantedtostrikeouthimselfandshowus
whathecoulddowithoutanyhelpfromus,likeIdidwhenIcometoFlorida.
"Mrs.ZilichsaidshethoughtofcourseDannywaswithmeandthatshethoughtatthetime
itwasfunnythatwhenIwouldwritetoSisterInevermentionedDanny.Sowhenshewouldread
theletterstoSistershewouldputinsomethingaboutDannywasallrightanddoingfine.SowhenI
gotthewirefromDannyinAugustineItelephonedMrs.ZilichinNewYork.Itcostelevendollars.I
toldherthatDannywasinalittletrouble,notserious,andforhertonottellSisteritwasserious
trouble,tojusttellherthatwewouldneedsomemoney.BecauseIhadsentmoneyforDannyto
cometoFloridaonandIhadpaidthethreemonthsfortheroomandIhadjustpaidthepremium
onmyinsurance,andsothelawyerlookedatDannyandDannysittingthereonthecotinthecell
withoutnocollaronandDannysaid,'WherewouldIgetanymoney,'onlyitwasjackhecalledit.
"Andthelawyersaid,'Wherewouldyougetit?'andDannysaid,'Justsetmedownback
homefortenminutes.I'llshowyou.'
'Seventyfivebucks,'hesays,tellingmethatwasallofit.Thenthelawyersaysthatwas
neitherherenorthereandsoItelephonedtoMrs.ZilichandtoldhertotellSistertogotoMr.
Pinckskiandaskhimtolethertakebacksomeofthecoffinmoney;hecouldputthenameplate
backonthecoffinshehadlastyearormaybetheyearbefore,andassoonasIcouldgetsome
moneyonmyinsurancepolicyIwouldpayMr.Pinckskibackandsomeinteresttoo.Itelephoned
fromthejail,butIdidn'tsaywhereIwastelephoningfrom;Ijustsaidwewouldneedsomemoney
quick."
"Whatwasheinforthistime?"theyoungmansaid.
"Hewasn'tinjailtheothertime,aboutthemclothesoffthatline.Thatwomanwaslying
abouthim.Afterwepaidthemoney,sheadmittedshewasprobablymistaken."
"Allright,"theyoungmansaid."Whatwasheinfor?"
"Theycalleditgrandlarcenyandkillingapoliceman.Theyframedhim,themothersdidthat
didn'tlikehim.Hewasjustwild.Thatwasall.Hewasagoodboy.WhenSisterdiedhecouldn't
cometothefuneral.Buthesentawreaththatmusthavecost$200ifitcostacent.Byairmail,with
thehighpostageinthe..."
Hisvoicediedaway;helookedattheyoungmanwithakindofpleasedastonishment."I'll
declareImadeajoke.ButIdidn'tmean"
"Sure.Iknowyoudidn'tmeantomakeajoke.Whataboutthejail?"
"ThelawyerwasalreadytherewhenIgotthere.Somefriendshadsentthelawyertohelp
him.Andhesworetomeonhismother'snamethathewasn'teventherewhenthecopgotshot.
HewasinOrlandoatthetime.HeshowedmeaticketfromOrlandotoWaycrossthathehad
boughtandmissedthetrain;thatwashowhehappenedtohaveitwithhim.Ithadthedate
punchedinit,thesamenightthepolicemangotkilled,showingthatDannywasn'teventhereand
thatthemotherboyshadframedhim.Hewasmad.Thelawyersaidhowhewouldseethefriends
thathadsenthimtohelpDannyandgetthemtohelp.'ByGod,theybetter,'Dannysaid.'Ifthey
thinkI'mgoingtotakethislayingdowntheybetter'
"Thenthelawyergothimquietagain,likehedidwhenDannywastalkingaboutthatmoney
themanheworkedfororsomethinghadheldoutonhimbackinNewYork.AndsoItelephoned
Mrs.Zilich,soasnottoworrySister,andtoldhertogotoMr.Pinckski.TwodayslaterIgotthe
telegramfromMrs.Zilich.IguessMrs.Zilichhadn'tneversentatelegrambeforeandsoshedidn't
knowshehadtenwordswithoutcountingtheaddressbecauseitjustsaidYouandDannycome
homequickMrs.SophieZilichNewYork.
 "Icouldn'tmakenothingoutofitandwetalkeditoverandthelawyersaidIbettergoand
see,thathewouldtakecareofDannytillIgotback.SowefixedupaletterfromDannytoSister,
forMrs.Zilichtoreadtoher,abouthowDannywasallrightandgettingalongfine."

ATTHATmomentthereenteredtheroomamanintheuniformoftherailwaycompany.Ashe
entered,fromabouthimsomewherebehind,aboveavoicecame.Thoughitspokehumanspeech
itdidnotsoundlikeahumanvoice,sinceitwastoobigtohaveemergedfromknownmanandit
hadaqualityatoncebooming,cold,andforlorn,asthoughitwerenotinterestedinnorlisteningto
whatitsaid.
"There,"theoldmansaid.
Heandtheyoungmanturnedandlookedbackacrossthebenches,asmostoftheother
headshaddone,asthoughtheywerealldummiesmovedbyasinglewire.Themaninuniform
advancedslowlyintotheroom,movingalongthefirstbench.Ashedidsothemenonthatbench
andontheothersbegantoriseanddepart,passingthemaninuniformasthoughhewerenot
there;hetoomovingonintotheroomasifitwereempty."Iguesswe'llhavetomove."
"Hell,"theyoungmansaid."Lethimcomeinandaskforthem.Theypayhimtodoit."
"Hecaughtmetheothernight.Thesecondtime,too."
"Whataboutthat?Thistimewon'tmakebutthree.Whatdidyoudothen?"
"Oh,yes,"theoldmansaid."Iknewthatwastheonlythingtodo,afterthattelegram.Mrs.
Zilichwouldn'thavespentthemoneytotelegraphwithoutgoodreason.Ididn'tknowwhatshehad
toldSister.IjustknewthatMrs.Zilichthoughttherewasn'ttimetowritealetterandthatshewas
tryingtosavemoneyonthetelegram,notknowingshehadtenwordsandthemanatthetelegraph
officenottellingherbetter.SoIdidn'tknowwhatwaswrong.Ineversuspicioneditatall.Thatwas
whatconfusedme,yousee."
Heturnedandlookedbackagaintowardthemaninuniformmovingfrombenchtobench
whilejustbeforehimthemeninmismatedgarments,withthatidenticalneatnessofindigence,with
thatidenticalairofpatientandindomitableforlornness,roseandmovedtowardtheexitina
monstrousandoutrageousanalogytoflyingfishbeforetheadvancingprowofaship.
"Whatconfusedyou?"theyoungmansaid.
"Mrs.Zilichtoldme.IleftDannyinthejail.(Themfriendsthatsenthimthelawyergothim
outthenextday.WhenIheardfromhimagain,hewasalreadyinChicago,withagoodjob;hesent
thatwreath.Ididn'tknowhewasevengonefromthejailuntilItriedtogetwordtohimabout
Sister),andIcomeontoNewYork.Ihadjustenoughmoneyforthat,andMrs.Zilichmetmeatthe
stationandtoldme.Atthisstationrighthere.Itwassnowingthatnight,too.Shewaswaitingatthe
topofthesteps.
"'Where'sSister?'Isaid.'Shedidn'tcomewithyou?'
"'Whatisitnow?'Mrs.Zilichsaid.'Youdon'tneedtotellmeheisjustsick.'
"'DidyoutellSisterheain'tjustsick?'Isaid.'Ididn'thaveto,'Mrs.Zilichsaid.'Ididn'thave
timeto,evenifIwouldhave.'Shetoldabouthowitwascoldthatnightandsoshewaitedupfor
Sister,keepingthefiregoingandapotofcoffeeready,andhowshewaitedtillSisterhadtookoff
hercoatandshawlandwasbeginningtogetwarm,settingtherewithacupofcoffee;thenMrs.
Zilichsaid,'YourbrothertelephonedfromFlorida.'That'sallshehadtimetosay.Shenevereven
hadtotellSisterhowIsaidforhertogotoMr.Pinckski,becauseSistersaidrightoff,'Hewillwant
thatmoney.'JustwhatIhadsaid,yousee.
"Mrs.Zilichnoticedittoo.'Maybeit'sbecauseyouarekin,bothkintothat...'Thenshe
stoppedandsaid,'Oh,Iain'tgoingtosayanythingabouthim.Don'tworry.Thetimetodothatis
pastnow.'ThenshetoldmehowshesaidtoSister,'Youcanstopthereonthewaydownthis
afternoonandseeMr.Pinckski.'ButSisterwasalreadyputtingonhercoatandshawlagainand
hernotanhourhomefromworkanditsnowing.Shewouldn'twait."
"Shehadtotakebackthecoffinmoney,didshe?"theyoungmansaid.
"Yes.Mrs.ZilichsaidthatherandSisterwenttoMr.Pinckskiandwokehimup.Andhetold
themthatSisterhadalreadytakenthemoneyback."
"What?"theyoungmansaid."Already?"
"Yes.HesaidhowDannyhadcometohimaboutayearback,withanotefromSister
sayingtogiveDannythemoneythatshehadpaidintoMr.PinckskiandthatMr.Pinckskididit.
AndSisterstandingtherewithherhandsinsidehershawl,notlookingatanythinguntilMrs.Zilich
said,'Anote?Mrs.Gihonneversentyouanotebecauseshecan'twrite,'andMr.Pinckskisaid,
'ShouldIknowifshecan'twriteornotwhenherownsonbringsmeanotesignedwithhername?'
andMrs.Zilichsays,'Let'sseeit.'
"Sisterhadn'tsaidanythingatall,likeshewasn'teventhere,andMr.Pinckskishowed
themthenote.Isawittoo.Itsaid,'ReceivedofMr.Pinckskiahundredandthirtydollarsbeingthe
fullamountdepositedwithhimlessinterest.Mrs.MargaretN.Gihon.'AndMrs.Zilichsaidhowshe
thoughtaboutthathundredandthirtydollarsandshethoughthowSisterhadpaidtwentysix
dollarsayearforfiveyearsandsevenmonths,andshesaid,'Interest?Whatinterest?'andMr.
Pinckskisaid,'Fortakingthenameoffthecoffin,'becausethatmadethecoffinsecondhanded.
AndMrs.ZilichsaidthatSisterturnedandwenttowardthedoor.'Wait,'Mrs.Zilichsaid.'We're
goingtostayrighthereuntilyougetthatmoney.There'ssomethingfunnyaboutthisbecauseyou
can'twritetosignanote.'ButSisterjustwentontowardthedooruntilMrs.Zilichsaid,'Wait,
Margaret.'AndthenSistersaid,'Isignedit.'"

VI

THEVOICEofthemaninuniformcouldbeheardnowasheworkedslowlytowardthem:"Tickets.
Tickets.Showyourtickets."
"Iguessit'shardenoughtoknowwhatasinglewomanwilldo,"theoldmansaid."Buta
widowwomanwithjustonechild.Ididn'tknowshecouldwrite,either.Iguessshepickeditup
cleaningupthemofficeseverynight.Anyway,Mr.Pinckskishowedmethenote,howsheadmitted
shesignedit,andheexplainedtomehowthedifferencewas;thathehadtochargetoprotect
himselfincasethecoffinseverwererefusedandbecomesecondhand;thatsomefolkswas
mightyparticularabouthavingabrandnewcoffin.
"HehadputtheplatewithSister'snameonitbackontothecheapcoffinthatshestartedoff
with,soshewasstillallrightforacoffin,evenifitneverhadanyhandlesandlining.
Ineversaidanythingaboutthat;thattwentysixdollarsshehadpaidinsinceshegivethe
moneytoDannywouldn'thavehelpedany;Ihadalreadyspentthatmuchgettingbacktosee
aboutthemoney,andanyway,Sisterstillhadacoffin"
Thevoiceofthemaninuniformwasquitenearnow,withaqualitymethodical,
monotonous,andimplacable:"Tickets.Tickets.Showyourtickets.Allwithoutrailroadtickets."
Theyoungmanrose."I'llbeseeingyou,"hesaid.Theoldmanrosetoo.Beyondthemanin
uniformtheroomwasalmostempty.
"Iguessit'sabouttime,"theoldmansaid.Hefollowedtheyoungmanintotherotunda.
Therewasanairplaneinit,motionless,squatting,withastill,beetlinglooklikeahugebug
preservedinalcohol.Therewasaplacardbesideit,abouthowithadflownovermountainsand
vastwastesofsnow.
"TheymighthavetrieditoverNewYork,"theyoungmansaid."Itwouldhavebeencloser."
 "Yes,"theoldmansaid."Itcostsmore,though.ButIguessthat'sfair,sinceitisfaster.
WhenSisterdied,Dannysentawreathofflowersbyair.Itmusthavecosttwohundreddollars.
Thewreathdid,Imean.Idon'tknowwhatitcosttosenditbyair."
Thentheybothlookeduptherampandthroughthearcade,towardthedoorsonSeventh
Avenue.Beyondthedoorslayathick,moribundlightthatseemedtofillthearcadewiththesmellof
snowandofcold,sothatforawhilelongertheyseemedtostandinthegripofadreadful
reluctanceandinertia.
"Sotheywentonbackhome,"theoldmansaid."Mrs.ZilichsaidhowSisterwasalready
shakingandshegotSistertobed.AndthatnightSisterhadafeverandMrs.Zilichsentforthe
doctorandthedoctorlookedatSisterandtoldMrs.Zilichshehadbettertelegraphiftherewas
anybodytotelegraphto.WhenIgothomeSisterdidn'tknowme.Thepriestwasalreadythere,and
wenevercouldtellifsheknewanythingornot,notevenwhenwereadtheletterfromDannythat
wehadfixedupinthejail,abouthowhewasallright.Thepriestreadittoher,butwecouldn'ttellif
sheheardhimornot.Thatnightshedied."
"Isthatso?"Theyoungmansaid,lookinguptheramp.
Hemoved."I'mgoingtotheGrandCentral."
Againtheoldmanmoved,withthatsameunwearyingalacrity."Iguessthat'sthebestthing
todo.Wemighthaveagoodwhilethere."Helookedupattheclock;hesaidwithpleasedsurprise:
"Halfpastonealready.Andahalfanhourtogetthere.Andifwe'relucky,we'llhavetwohours
beforehecomesalong.Maybethree.That'llbefiveo'clock.Thenitwillbeonlytwohoursmoretill
daylight."

ArtistatHome

ROGERHOWESWASafattish,mild,nondescriptmanofforty,whocametoNewYorkfromthe
MississippiValleysomewhereasanadvertisementwriterandmarriedandturnednovelistandsold
abookandboughtahouseintheValleyofVirginiaandneverwentbacktoNewYorkagain,even
onavisit.ForfiveyearshehadlivedintheoldbrickhousewithhiswifeAnneandtheirtwo
children,whereoldladiescametoteainhorsedrawncarriagesorsenttheemptycarriagesforhim
orsentbyNegroservantsintheotherwiseemptycarriagesshootsandcuttingsoffloweringshrubs
andjarsofpickleorpreservesandcopiesofhisbooksforautographs.
Hedidn'tgobacktoNewYorkanymore,butnowandthenNewYorkcametovisithim:the
onesheusedtoknow,theartistsandpoetsandsuchheknewbeforehebegantoearnenough
foodtoneedacupboardtoputitin.Thepainters,thewriters,thathadn'tsoldabookorapicture
menwithbeardssometimesinplaceofcollars,whocameandworehisshirtsandsocksandleft
themunderthebureauwhentheydeparted,andwomeninsmocksbutsometimesnot:thosegaunt
andeagerandcarnivoroustymbesteresofArt.
Atfirstithadbeenjusthardtorefusethem,butnowitwashardertotellhiswifethatthey
werecoming.Sometimeshedidnotknowhimselftheywerecoming.Theyusuallywiredhim,on
thedayonwhichtheywouldarrive,usuallycollect.Helivedfourmilesfromthevillageandthe
bookhadn'tsoldquiteenoughtoownacartoo,andhewasalittlefat,alittleoverweight,so
sometimesitwouldbetwoorthreedaysbeforehewouldgethismail.Maybehewouldjustwaitfor
thenextbatchofcompanytobringthemailupwiththem.Afterthefirstyearthemanatthestation
(hewasthetelegraphagentandthestationagentandRoger'skindoftownagentallinone)gotto
wherehecouldrecognizethemonsight.Theywouldbestandingonthelittleplatform,withthat
blankair,withnothingtolookatexceptalittleyellowstationandthebackendofamovingtrainand
somemountainsalreadybeginningtogetdark,andtheagentwouldcomeoutofhislittledenwith
ahandfulofmailandapackageorso,andthetelegram."HelivesaboutfourmilesuptheValley.
Youcan'tmissit."
"Wholivesaboutfourmilesupthevalley?"
"Howesdoes.Ifyouallaregoingupthere,Ithoughtmaybeyouwouldn'tmindtakingthese
letterstohim.Oneofthemisatelegram."
"Atelegram?"
"Itcomethisa.m.Butheain'tbeentotownintwothreedays.Ithoughtmaybeyou'dtakeit
tohim."
"Telegram?Hell.Giveithere."
"It'sfortyeightcentstopayonit."
"Keepit,then.Hell."
Sotheywouldtakeeverythingexceptthetelegramandtheywouldwalkthefourmilesto
Howes',gettingthereaftersupper.Whichwouldbeallright,becausethewomenwouldallbetoo
madtoeatanyway,includingMrs.Howes,Anne.
Soacoupleofdayslater,someonewouldsendacarriageforRogerandhewouldstopat
thevillageandpayoutthewiretellinghimhowhisguestswouldarrivetwodaysago.
Sowhenthispoetintheskybluecoatgetsoffthetrain,theagentcomesrightoutofhis
littleden,withthetelegram.
"It'saboutfourmilesuptheValley!"hesays."Youcan'tmissit.Ithoughtmaybeyou'dtake
thistelegramuptohim.Itcomethisa.m.,butheain'tbeentotownfortwothreedays.Youcan
takeit.It'spaid."
"Iknowitis,"thepoetsays."Hell.Yousayitisfourmilesupthere?"
"Rightstraightuptheroad.Youcan'tmissit."
SothepoettookthetelegramandtheagentwatchedhimgoonoutofsightuptheValley
Road,withacoupleorthreeotherfolkscomingtothedoorstolookatthebluecoatmaybe.The
agentgrunted."Fourmiles,"hesaid."Thatdon'tmeannomoretothatfellowthanifIhadsaidfour
switchfrogs.Butmaybewiththatdressingsacquehecanturnbirdandflyit."
Rogerhadn'ttoldhiswife,Anne,aboutthispoetatall,maybebecausehedidn'tknow
himself.Anyway,shedidn'tknowanythingaboutituntilthepoetcamelimpingintothegarden
whereshewascuttingflowersforthesuppertable,andtoldhersheowedhimfortyeightcents.
"Fortyeightcents?"Annesaid.
Hegaveherthetelegram."Youdon'thavetoopenitnow,yousee,"thepoetsaid."You
canjustpaymebackthefortyeightcentsandyouwon'thavetoevenopenit."Shestaredathim,
withahandfulofflowersandthescissorsintheotherhand,sofinallymaybeitoccurredtohimto
tellherwhohewas."I'mJohnBlair,"hesaid."IsentthistelegramthismorningtotellyouIwas
coming.Itcostmefortyeightcents.ButnowI'mhere,soyoudon'tneedthetelegram."
SoAnnestandsthere,holdingtheflowersandthescissors,saying"Damn,Damn,Damn,"
whilethepoettellsherhowsheoughttogethermailoftener."Youwanttokeepupwithwhat's
goingon,"hetellsher,andhersaying"Damn,Damn,Damn,"untilatlasthesayshe'lljuststayto
supperandthenwalkbacktothevillage,ifit'sgoingtoputheroutthatmuch.
"Walk?"shesaid,lookinghimupanddown."Youwalk?Upherefromthevillage?Idon't
believeit.Whereisyourbaggage?"
"I'vegotiton.Twoshirts,andIhaveanextrapairofsocksinmypocket.Yourcookcan
wash,can'tshe?"
Shelooksathim,holdingtheflowersandthescissors.Thenshetellshimtocomeoninto
thehouseandlivethereforever.
Exceptshedidn'tsayexactlythat.Shesaid:"Youwalk?Nonsense.Ithinkyou'resick.You
comeinandsitdownandrest."ThenshewenttofindRogerandtellhimtobringdownthepram
fromtheattic.Ofcourseshedidn'tsayexactlythat,either.
 Rogerhadn'ttoldheraboutthispoet;hehadn'tgotthetelegramhimselfyet.Maybethat
waswhyshehauledhimoverthecoalssothatnight:becausehehadn'tgotthetelegram.
Theywereintheirbedroom.Annewascombingoutherhair.Thechildrenwerespending
thesummerupinConnecticut,withAnne'sfolks.Hewasaminister,herfatherwas.
"Youtoldmethatthelasttimewouldbethelast.Notamonthago.Lessthanthat,because
whenthatlastbatchleftIhadtopaintthefurnitureintheguestroomagaintohidewheretheyput
theircigarettesonthedressingtableandthewindowledges.AndIfoundinadrawerabroken
combIwouldnothaveaskedPinkie(PinkiewastheNegrocook)topickup,andtwosocksthat
werenotevenmatesthatIboughtforyoumyselflastwinter,andasinglestockingthatIcouldn't
evenrecognizeanymoreasmine.YoutellmethatPovertylooksafteritsown:well,letit.Butwhy
mustwebeinstrumentsofPoverty?"
"Thisisapoet.Thatlastbatchwerenotpoets.Wehaven'thadapoetinthehouseinsome
time.Placelosingallitsmellifluousovertonesandsubtleties."
"Howaboutthatwomanthatwouldn'tbatheinthebathroom?whoinsistedongoingdown
tothecreekeverymorningwithoutevenabathingsuit,untilAmosGrain's(hewasafarmerthat
livedacrossthecreekfromthem)wifehadtosendmewordthatAmoswasafraidtotrytoplowhis
lowerfield?Whatdopeoplelikethatthinkthatoutdoors,thecountry,is?Icannotunderstandit,
anymorethanIcanunderstandwhyyoufeelthatyoushouldfeedandlodge..."
"Ah,thatwasjustatouchofpanicfearthatprobablydidAmosgood.Joltedhimoutof
himself,outofhisrut."
"Therutwherehemadehiswife'sandchildren'sdailybread,forsixdays.Andworsethan
that.Amosisyoung.Heprobablyhadillusionsaboutwomenuntilhesawthatcreaturedownthere
withoutastitchon."
"Well,youareinthemajority,youandMrs.Grain."Helookedatthebackofherhead,her
handscombingoutherhair,andherprobablywatchinghiminthemirrorandhimnotknowingit,
whatwithbeinganartistandall."Thisisamanpoet."
"ThenIsupposehewillrefusetoleavethebathroomatall.Isupposeyou'llhavetocarrya
traytohiminthetubthreetimesaday.Whydoyoufeelcompelledtolodgeandfeedthese
people?Can'tyouseetheyconsideryouaneasymark?thattheyeatyourfoodandwearyour
clothesandconsiderushopelesslybourgeoisforhavingenoughfoodforotherpeopletoeat,anda
littlesoftbrainedforgivingitaway?Andnowthisone,inaskybluedressingsacque."
"There'salotofwearandteartojustbeingapoet.Idon'tthinkyourealizethat."
"Oh,Idon'tmind.Lethimwearalampshadeorasaucepantoo.Whatdoeshewantof
you?advice,orjustfoodandlodging?"
"Notadvice.Youmusthavegatheredatsupperwhathisopinionofmymentalityis."
"Herevealedprettyclearlywhathisownmentalityis.Theonlythinginthehousethatreally
pleasedhimwasPinkie'scoloredheadrag."
"Notadvice,"Rogersaid."Idon'tknowwhyheshowsmehisstuff.Hedoesitlikeyou'd
givecaviartoanelephant."
"Andofcourseyouaccepthisdictumabouttheelephant.AndIsupposeyouaregoingto
getthemtopublishhisbook,too."
"Well,there'ssomegoodstuffinit.Andmaybeifheseesitinprint,he'llreallygetbusy.
Work.Ormaybesomeonewillmakehimmadenoughtoreallywritesomething.Somethingwithan
entrailinit.He'sgotitinhim.Itmaynotbebutonepoem.Butit'sthere.Maybeifhecanjuststop
talkinglongenoughtogetitout.AndIthoughtifhecamedownhere,wherehewillhavetowalk
fourmilestofindsomebodytotalkto,onceAmoscomestorecognizethatbluecoat."
"Ah,"Annesaid."Soyouwrotehimtocome.Iknewyouhad,butI'mgladtohearyouadmit
itofyourownfreewill.Goontobed,"shesaid."Youhaven'tdoneastrokeofworktoday,andLord
onlyknowsnowwhenyouwill."
 Thuslifewentalonginitsoldpleasantway.Becausepoetsarealldifferentfromone
another,itseemed;thisone,anyway.BecauseitsoondevelopedthatAnnedoesn'tseethispoetat
all,hardly.Itseemsthatshecan'tevenknowheisinthehouseunlessshehearshimsnoringat
night.Soittookhertwoweekstogetsteamedupagain.Andthistimesheisnotevencombingher
hair."Isittwoweekshe'sbeenhere,orjusttwoyears?"Sheissittingatthedressingtable,butshe
isnotdoinganything,whichanyhusband,evenanartist,shouldknowisabadsign.Whenyousee
awomansittinghalfdressedbeforeadressingtablewithamirrorandnotevenwatchingherself
talkinthemirror,it'stimetosmellsmokeinthewind.
"Hehasbeenheretwoweeks,butunlessIhappentogotothekitchen,Ineverseehim,
sinceheprefersPinkie'scompanytoours.AndwhenhewasmissingthatfirstWednesdaynight,
onPinkie'seveningoff,Isaidatfirst,'Whattact,'ThatwasbeforeIlearnedthathehadtaken
supperwithPinkie'sfamilyatherhouseandhadgonewiththemtoprayermeeting.Andhewent
againSundaynightandagainlastWednesdaynight,andnowtonight(andthoughhetellsmeI
haveneitherintelligencenorimagination)hewouldbesurprisedtoknowthatIamimaginingright
nowthatskybluedressingsacqueinawoodenchurchfullofsweatingniggerswithoutany
incongruityatall."
"Yes.It'squiteapicture,isn'tit?"
"Butapartfromsuchminorembarrassmentslikenotknowingwhereourguestis,and
bearinguponourpatientbrowsacertainamountofreflectedridiculousness,heisaverypleasant
companion.Instructing,edifying,andselfeffacing.IneverknowheiseveninthehouseunlessI
hearyourtypewriter,becauseIknowitisnotyoubecauseyouhavenotwrittenalineinisittwo
weeks,orjusttwoyears?Heenterstheroomwhichthechildrenareabsolutelyforbiddenandputs
hisonefingeronthattypewriterwhichPinkieisnotevenpermittedtotouchwithadustcloth,and
writesapoemaboutfreedomandflingsitatyoutocommendandapplaud.Whatisithesays?"
"Youtell.Thisisfine."
"Heflingsitatyoulikelike...Wait;I'vegotit:likeflingingcaviaratanelephant,andhesays,
'Willthissell?'Not,Isthisgood?orDoyoulikeit?Willthissell?andyou..."
"Goon.Icouldn'thopetoevencompete."
"Youreadit,carefully.Maybethesamepoem,Idon'tknow;I'velearnedrecentlyonthe
bestauthoritythatIamnotintelligentenoughtogetmypoetryatfirsthand.Youreadit,carefully,
andthenyousay,'Itoughtto.Stampsinthedrawerthere.'"Shewenttothewindow."No,Ihaven't
evolvedfarenoughyettotakemypoetrystraight;Iwon'tunderstandit.Ithastobefedtomeby
hand,whenhehastime,ontheterraceaftersupperonthenightswhenthereisnoprayermeeting
atPinkie'schurch.Freedom.Equality.Inwordsofonesyllable,becauseitseemsthat,beinga
woman,Idon'twantfreedomanddon'tknowwhatequalitymeans,untilyoutakehimupandshow
himinprofessionalwordshowheisnotsowise,exceptheiswiseenoughtoshutupthenandlet
youshowbothofushowyouarenotsowiseeither."Thewindowwasabovethegarden.There
werecurtainsinit.Shestoodbetweenthecurtains,lookingout."SoYoungShelleyhasnot
crashedthroughyet."
"Notyet.Butit'sthere.Givehimtime."
"I'mgladtohearthat.He'sbeenheretwoweeksnow.I'mgladhisracketispoetry,
somethingyoucanperpetrateintwolines.Otherwise,atthisrate..."Shestoodbetweenthe
curtains.Theywereblowing,slow,inandout."Damn.Damn.Damn.Hedoesn'teatenough."
SoRogerwentandputanothercushioninthepram.Onlyshedidn'tsayexactlythatand
hedidn'tdoexactlythat.
Nowgetthis.Thisiswhereitstarts.Onthedayswhentherewasn'tanyprayermeetingat
theniggerchurch,thepoethastakentodopingalongbehindherinthegardenwhileshecutthe
flowersforthesuppertable,talkingtoheraboutpoetryorfreedomormaybeabouttheflowers.
Talkingaboutsomething,anyway;maybewhenhequittalkingallofasuddenthatnightwhenhe
andshewerewalkinginthegardenaftersupper,itshouldhavetippedheroff.Butitdidn't.Orat
least,whentheycametotheendofthepathandturned,thenextthingsheseemedtoknowwas
hismugallsetforthehaymaker.Anyway,shedidn'tmoveuntiltheclinchwasover.Thensheflung
back,herhandlifted."Youdamnedidiot!"shesays.
Hedoesn'tmoveeither,likeheisgivingherafairshot.
"Whatsatisfactionwillitbetoslapthismug?"hesays.
"Iknowthat,"shesays.Shehitshimonthechestwithherfist,light,full,yetrestrainedallat
thesametime:madandcarefultoo."Whydidyoudosuchaclumsything?"
Butshedoesn'tgetanythingoutofhim.Hejuststandsthere,offeringheracleanshot;
maybeheisnotevenlookingather,withhishairallovertheplaceandthisskybluecoatthatfits
himlikeashorthorseblanket.Youtakearooster,anoldrooster.Anoldbullisdifferent.Seehim
wheretheherdhasrunhimout,blindandspavinedorwhatever,yethestilllooksmarried.Likehe
wassaying,"Well,boys,youcanlookatmenow.ButIwasahusbandandfatherinmyday."But
anoldrooster.Hejustlooksunmarried,abornbachelor.
Bornabachelorinaworldwithouthensandhefounditoutolongagohedon'teven
remembertherearenotanyhens.
"Comealong,"shesays,turningfast,stiffbacked,andthepoetdopingalongbehindher.
Maybethat'swhatgavehimaway.Anyway,shelooksback,slowing.Shestops."Soyouthinkyou
arethehotshot,doyou?"shesays."YouthinkI'mgoingtotellRoger,doyou?"
"Idon'tknow,"hesays."Ihadn'tthoughtaboutit."
"Youmean,youdon'tcarewhetherItellhimornot?"
"Yes,"hesays.
"Yeswhat?"
Itseemsshecan'ttellwhetherhe'slookingatherornot,whetherheeverlookedather.He
juststandsthere,doping,abouttwiceastallassheis."WhenIwasalittleboy,wewouldhave
sherbetonSunday,"hesays."Justabreathoflemoninit.Likenarcissussmells,Iremember.I
thinkIremember.Iwas...four...three.Motherdiedandwemovedtoacity.Boardinghouse.A
brickwall.Therewasonewindow,likeaoneeyedmanwithsoreeyes.Andadeadcat.Butbefore
thatwehadlotsoftrees,likeyouhave.Iwouldsitonthekitchenstepsinthelateafternoon,
watchingtheSundaylightinthetrees,eatingsherbet."
Sheiswatchinghim.Thensheturns,walkingfast.Hefollows,dopingalongalittlebehind
her,sothatwhenshestopsintheshadowofaclumpofbushes,withherfaceallfixed,hestands
therelikethisdopeuntilshetoucheshim.Andeventhenhedoesn'tgetit.Shehastotellhimto
hurry.Sohegetsit,then.Apoetishuman,itseems,justlikeaman.
Butthat'snotit.Thatcanbeseeninanymovie.Thisiswhatitis,whatisgood.
Aboutthistime,coincidentwiththissecondclinch,Rogerhappenstocomeoutfrombehind
thisbush.Hecomesoutkindofhappenso;pleasantandquietfromtakingalittlestrollinthe
moonlighttosettlehissupper.Theyallthreestrollbacktothehouse,Rogerinthemiddle.Theyget
theresoquickthatnobodythinkstosaygoodnightwhenAnnegoesoninthehouseandupthe
stairs.OrmaybeitisbecauseRogerisdoingallthetalkinghimselfatthatmoment,poetryhaving
goneintoaslump,youmightsay."Moonlight,"Rogerissaying,lookingatthemoonlikeheowned
ittoo;"Ican'tstanditanymore.Iruntowalls,anelectriclight.Thatis,moonlightusedtomakeme
feelsadandoldandIwoulddothat.ButnowI'mafraiditdon'tevenmakemefeellonelyanymore.
SoIguessIamold."
"That'safact,"thepoetsays."Wherecanwetalk?"
"Talk?"Rogersays.Helookedlikeaheadwaiter,anyway:alittlebald,flourishing,that
comestothetableandliftsoffacoverandlooksatitlikeheissaying,"Well,youcaneatthis
muck,ifyouwanttopaytodoit."
 "Rightthisway,"hesays.Theygototheoffice,theroomwherehewriteshisbooks,where
hedoesn'tevenletthechildrencomeatall.Hesitsbehindthetypewriterandfillshispipe.Thenhe
seesthatthepoethasn'tsatdown."Sitdown,"hesays.
"No,"thepoetsays."Listen,"hesays."TonightIkissedyourwife.I'mgoingtoagain,ifI
can."
"Ah,"Rogersays.Heistoobusyfillingthepiperighttolookatthepoet,itseems."Sit
down."
"No,"thepoetsays.
Rogerlightsthepipe."Well,"hesays,"I'mafraidIcan'tadviseyouaboutthat.Ihave
writtenalittlepoetry,butInevercouldseducewomen."Helooksatthepoetnow.
"Lookhere,"hesays,"youarenotwell.Yougoontobed.We'lltalkaboutthistomorrow."
"No,"thepoetsays,"Icannotsleepunderyourroof."
"Annekeepsonsayingyouarenotwell,"Rogersays."Doyouknowofanythingthat's
wrongwithyou?"
"Idon'tknow,"thepoetsays.
Rogersucksatthepipe.Heseemstobehavingalittletroublemakingitburnright.Maybe
thatiswhyheslamsthepipedownonthedesk,ormaybeheishumantoo,likeapoet.Anyway,he
slamsthepipedownonthedesksothatthetobaccopopsoutburningamongthepapers.And
theretheyare:thebaldhusbandwithnextweek'sflourandmeatactuallyinsight,andthehome
wreckerthatneedsahaircut,inoneoftheselightbluejacketsthatladiesusedtowearwithlace
boudoircapswhentheywouldbesickandeatinbed.
"Whatinhelldoyoumean,"Rogersays,"cominginmyhouseandeatingmyfoodand
botheringAnnewithyourdamned..."Butthatwasall.Buteventhatwasprettygoodforawriter,an
artist;maybethat'sallthatshouldbeexpectedfromthem.Ormaybeitwasbecausethepoet
wasn'tevenlisteningtohim."He'snotevenhere,"Rogersaystohimself;likehehadtoldthepoet,
heusedtowritepoetryhimself,andsoheknewthem."He'supthereatAnne'sdoornow,kneeling
outsideherdoor."AndoutsidethatdoorwasasclosetoAnneasRogergottoo,forsometime.But
thatwaslater,andheandthepoetarenowintheoffice,withhimtryingtomakethepoetshuthis
yapandgouptobed,andthepoetrefusing.
"Icannotlieunderyourroof,"thepoetsays."MayIseeAnne?"
"Youcanseeherinthemorning.Anytime.Allday,ifyouwantto.Don'ttalkdrivel."
"MayIspeaktoAnne?"thepoetsays,likehemighthavebeenspeakingtoaonesyllable
feeb.
SoRogergoesupandtellsAnneandcomesbackandsitsbehindthetypewriteragainand
thenAnnecomesdownandRogerhearsherandthepoetgoesoutthefrontdoor.Afterawhile
Annecomesbackalone."He'sgone,"shesays.
"Ishe?"Rogersays,likeheisnotlistening.Thenhejumpsup."Gone?Hecan'tthislate.
Callhimback."
"Hewon'tcomeback,"Annesays."Lethimalone."Shegoesonupstairs.WhenRoger
wentupalittlelater,thedoorwaslocked.
Nowgetthis.Thisisit.Hecamebackdowntotheofficeandputsomepaperintothe
typewriterandbegantowrite.
Hedidn'tgoveryfastatfirst,butbydaylighthewassoundinglikefortyhensinasheetiron
corncrib,andthewrittensheetsonthedeskwerepilingup...
Hedidn'tseeorhearofthepoetfortwodays.Butthepoetwasstillintown.AmosGrain
sawhimandcameandtoldRoger.ItseemsthatAmoshappenedtocometothehousefor
something,becausethatwastheonlywayanybodycouldhavegottoRogertotellhimanythingfor
twodaysandnights."IheardthattypewriterbeforeIcrossedthecreek,"Amossays."Iseethat
bluedressingsacqueatthehotelyesterday,"hesays.
 Thatnight,whileRogerwasatwork,Annecamedownthestairs.Shelookedintheoffice
door."I'mgoingtomeethim,"shesaid.
"Willyoutellhimtocomeback?"Rogersaid."WillyoutellhimIsentthemessage?"
"No,"Annesaid.
Andthelastthingsheheardwhenshewentoutandwhenshecamebackanhourlaterand
wentupstairsandlockedherdoor(Rogerwassleepingonthesleepingporchnow,onanarmycot)
wasthetypewriter.
Andsolifewentoninitsold,pleasant,happyway.Theysawoneanotheroften,sometimes
twiceadayafterAnnequitcomingdowntobreakfast.Only,adayorsoafterthat,shemissedthe
soundofthetypewriter;maybeshemissedbeingkeptawakebyit."Haveyoufinishedit?"she
said.
"Thestory?"
"Oh.No.No,it'snotfinishedyet.Justrestingforadayorso."Bullmarketintypewriting,
youmightsay.
Itstayedbullishforseveraldays.Hehadgotintothehabitofgoingtobedearly,ofbeingin
hiscotonthesleepingporchwhenAnnecamebackintothehouse.Onenightshecameoutonto
thesleepingporch,wherehewasreadinginbed."I'mnotgoingbackagain,"shesaid."I'mafraid
to."
"Afraidofwhat?Aren'ttwochildrenenoughforyou?Three,countingme."
"Idon'tknow."Itwasareadinglampandherfacewasintheshadow."Idon'tknow."He
turnedthelight,toshineitonherface,butbeforeitgottoherfacesheturned,running.
Hegottherejustintimetohavethedoorbangedinhisface.
"Blind!Blind!"shesaidbeyondthedoor."Goaway!Goaway!"
Hewentaway,buthecouldn'tgettosleep.Soafterawhilehetookthemetalshadeoffthe
readinglampandjimmiedthewindowintotheroomwherethechildrenslept.
ThedoorfromhereintoAnne'sroomwasn'tlocked.Annewasasleep.Themoonwas
gettingdownthen,andhecouldseeherface.Hehadn'tmadeanynoise,butshewakedanyway,
lookingupathim,notmoving."He'shadnothing,nothing.Theonlythingheremembersofhis
motheristhetasteofsherbetonSundayafternoon.Hesaysmymouthtasteslikethat.Hesaysmy
mouthishismother."Shebegantocry.Shedidn'tmove,faceuponthepillow,herarmsunderthe
sheet,crying.Rogersatontheedgeofthebedandtouchedherandshefloppedoverthen,with
herfacedownagainsthisknee,crying.
Theytalkeduntilaboutdaylight."Idon'tknowwhattodo.Adulterywouldn'tgetmeanybody
intothatplacewherehelives.Lives?He'sneverlived.He's..."Shewasbreathingquiet,herface
turneddown,butstillagainsthiskneehimstrokinghershoulder."Wouldyoutakemeback?"
"Idon'tknow."Hestrokedhershoulder."Yes.Yes.I'dtakeyouback."
Andsothetypewritingmarketpickedupagain.Ittookaspurtthatnight,assoonasAnne
gotherselfcriedofftosleep,andthemarketheldsteadyforthreeorfourdays,withoutclosingat
night,evenafterPinkietoldhimhowthetelephonewasoutoffixandhefoundwherethewires
werecutandknowswherehecanfindthescissorsthatdiditwhenhewantsto.Hedoesn'tgoto
thevillageatall,evenwhenhehadafreeride.Hewouldspendhalfamorningsittingbytheroad,
waitingforsomebodytopassthatwouldbringhimbackapackageoftobaccoorsugaror
something."IfIwenttothevillage,hemighthavelefttown,"hesaid.
Onthefifthday,AmosGrainbroughthimhismail.Thatwasthedaytheraincameup.
TherewasaletterforAnne.
"Heevidentlydoesn'twantmyadviceonthis,"hesaidtohimself."Maybehehasalready
soldit."HegavethelettertoAnne.Shereadit,once.
"Willyoureadit?"shesaid.
"Iwouldn'tcareto,"hesaid.
 Butthetypingmarketisstillsteady,sothatwhentheraincameupthisafternoon,hehadto
turnonthelight.Therainwassohardonthehousethathecouldwatchhisfingers(heusedtwoor
threeofthem)hittingthekeyswithouthearingasound.Pinkiedidn'tcome,soafterawhilehequit
andfixedatrayandtookitupandleftitonachairoutsideAnne'sdoor.Hedidn'tstoptoeat,
himself.
Itwasafterdarkwhenshecamedownthefirsttime.Itwasstillraining.Hesawhercross
thedoor,goingfast,inaraincoatandarubberhat.Hecaughtherassheopenedthefrontdoor,
withtherainblowingin."Whereareyougoing?"hesaid.
Shetriedtojerkherarmloose."Letmealone."
"Youcan'tgooutinthis.Whatisit?"
"Letmealone.Please."Shejerkedherarm,pullingatthedoorwhichhewasholding.
"Youcan't.Whatisit?I'lldoit.Whatisit?"
Butshejustlookedathim,jerkingatherarmandatthedoorknob."Imustgotothevillage.
Please,Roger."
"Youcan'tdothat.Atnight,andinallthisrain."
"Please.Please."Heheldher."Please.Please."Butheheldher,andsheletthedoorgo
andwentbackupstairs.Andhewentbacktothetypewriter,tothismarketstillgoinggreatguns.
Heisstillatitatmidnight.ThistimeAnnehasonabathrobe.Shestandsinthedoor,
holdingtothedoor.Herhairisdown."Roger,"shesays."Roger."
Hegoestoher,fastforafatman;maybehethinkssheissick."What?Whatisit?"
Shegoestothefrontdoorandopensit;theraincomesinagain."There,"shesays."Out
there."
"What?"
"Heis.Blair."
Hedrawsherback.Hemakeshergototheoffice,thenheputsonhisraincoatandtakes
theumbrellaandgoesout.
"Blair!"hecalls."John!"Thentheshadeontheofficewindowgoesup,whereAnnehas
raiseditandcarriedthedesklamptothewindowandturnedthelightoutdoors,andthenhesees
Blair,standingintherain,withoutanyhat,withhisbluecoatlikeitwasputonhimbyapaper
hanger,withhisfaceliftedtowardAnne'swindow.
Andhereweareagain:thebaldhusband,theruralplute,andthisdashingblade,this
homewreckingpoet.Bothgentlemen,beingartists:theonethatdoesn'twanttheothertogetwet;
theotherwhoseconsciencewon'tlethimwreckthehousefrominside.Hereweare,withRoger
tryingtoholdoneofthesegreensilk,femaleumbrellasoverhimselfandthepoettoo,jerkingatthe
poet'sarm.
"Youdamnedfool!Comeinthehouse!"
"No."HisarmgivesalittleasRogerjerksatit,butthepoethimselfdoesn'tmove.
"Doyouwanttodrown?Comeon,man!"
"No."
Rogerjerksatthepoet'sarm,likejerkingatthearmofawetsawdustdoll.Thenhebegins
toyellatthehouse:"Anne!Anne!"
"Didshesayformetocomein?"thepoetsays.
"Yes.Yes.Comeinthehouse.Areyoumad?"
"You'relying,"thepoetsays."Letmealone."
"Whatareyoutryingtodo?"Rogersays."Youcan'tstandherelikethis."
"Yes,Ican.Yougoonin.You'lltakecold."
Rogerrunsbacktothehouse;theyhaveanargumentfirst;becauseRogerwantsthepoet
tokeeptheumbrellaandthepoetwon'tdoit.SoRogerrunsbacktothehouse.Anneisatthe
door."Thefool,"Rogersays."Ican't..."
 "Comein!"Annecalls."John!Please!"Butthepoethassteppedoutofthelightand
vanished."John!"Annecalls.
Thenshebegantolaugh,staringatRogerfrombetweenherhairbrushingatherhairwith
herhands."Hehelookedsofunny.Helookedso..."ThenshewasnotlaughingandRogerhadto
holdherup.Hecarriedherupstairsandputhertobedandsatwithheruntilshecouldstopcrying.
Thenhewentbacktotheoffice.Thelampwasstillatthewindow,andwhenhemoveditthelight
wentacrossthelawnandhesawBlairagain.Hewassittingontheground,withhisbackagainsta
tree,hisfaceraisedintheraintowardAnne'swindow.Rogerrushedoutagain,butwhenhegot
there,Blairwasgone.Rogerstoodundertheumbrellaandcalledhimforawhile,buthenevergot
anyanswer.Maybehewasgoingtotryagaintomakethepoettaketheumbrella.Somaybehe
didn'tknowasmuchaboutpoetsashethoughthedid.OrmaybehewasthinkingaboutPope.
Popemighthavehadanumbrella.
Theyneversawthepoetagain.Thisone,thatis.Becausethishappenedalmostsix
monthsago,andtheystilllivethere.
Buttheyneversawthisone.Threedayslater,Annegetsthesecondletter,mailedfromthe
village.ItisamenucardfromtheEliteCafe,ormaybetheycallitthePalace.Itwasalready
autographedbythefliesthateatthere,andthepoethadwrittenonthebackofit.Anneleftiton
Roger'sdeskandwentout,andthenRogerreadit.
Itseemsthatthiswastheshot.TheonethatRogerhadalwaysclaimedtobewaitingfor.
Anyway,themagazinesthatdon'thaveanypicturestookthepoem,stealingitfromoneanother
whiletheinterestorwhateveritwasateupthemoneythatthepoetnevergotforit.Butthatwasall
right,too,becausebythattimeBlairwasdead.
AmosGrain'swifetoldthemhowthepoethadlefttown.
AndaweeklaterAnnelefttoo.ShewentuptoConnecticuttospendtherestofthesummer
withhermotherandfather,wherethechildrenwere.Thelastthingsheheardwhensheleftthe
housewasthetypewriter.
ButitwastwoweeksafterAnneleftbeforeRogerfinishedit,wrotethelastword.Atfirsthe
wantedtoputthepoemintoo,thispoemonthemenucardthatwasn'taboutfreedom,either,but
hedidn't.Conscience,maybehecalledit,putovertheoldhaymaker,andRogertookitstanding,
likealittleman,andsentoffthepoemforthemagazinestojawover,andtiedupthepapershe
hadwrittenandsentthemofftoo.Andwhatwasithehadbeenwriting?Him,andAnne,andthe
poet.Wordforword,betweenthewaitingspellstofindoutwhattowritedownnext,withafew
changeshereandthere,ofcourse,becauselivepeopledonotmakegoodcopy,themost
interestingcopybeinggossip,sinceitmostlyisnottrue.
Sohebundledthepagesupandsentthemoffandtheysenthimthemoney.Itcamejustin
time,becausethewinterwascomingandhestillowedabalanceonBlair'shospitalandfuneral.So
hepaidthat,andwiththerestofthemoneyheboughtAnneafurcoatandhimselfandthechildren
somewinterunderwear.
BlairdiedinSeptember.Anneandthechildrenwerestillawaywhenhegotthewire,three
orfourdayslate,sincethenextbatchofthemhadnotarrivedyet.Sohereheis,sittingathisdesk,
intheemptyhouse,withthetypewritingallfinished,holdingthewireinhishand."Shelley,"he
says."Hiswholelifewasanotverysuccessfulimitationofitself.Eventotheamountofwaterit
took."
Hedidn'ttellAnneaboutthepoetuntilafterthefurcoatcame."Didyouseethathe..."Anne
said.
"Yes.Hehadaniceroom,inthesun.Agoodnurse.Thedoctordidn'twanthimtohavea
specialnurseatfirst.Damnbutcher."
Sometimeswhenamanthinksaboutthemmakingpoetsandartistsandsuchpaythese
taxeswhichtheysayindicatesthatamanisfree,twentyone,andcapableoftakingcareofhimself
inthisclosecompetition,itseemsliketheyareobtainingmoneyunderfalsepretenses.Anyway,
here'stherestofit,whattheydidnext.
Hereadsthebook,thestory,toher,andhernotsayinganythinguntilhehadfinished."So
that'swhatyouweredoing,"shesaid.
Hedoesn'tlookather,either;heisbusyeveningthepages,gettingthemsmoothagain.
"It'syourfurcoat,"hesaid.
"Oh,"shesays."Yes.Myfurcoat."
Sothefurcoatcomes.Andwhatdoesshedothen?Shegaveitaway.Yes.GaveittoMrs.
Grain.Gaveittoher,andherinthekitchen,churning,withherhairinherface,brushingherhair
backwithawristthatlookedlikealeanham.
"Why,MizHowes,"shesays."Icaint.Ireelycaint."
"You'llhavetotakeit,"Annesays."We...Igotitunderfalsepretenses.Idon'tdeserveit.
Youputbreadintothegroundandreapit;Idon't.SoIcan'twearacoatlikethis."
AndtheyleaveittherewithMrs.Grainandtheygobackhome,walking.Onlytheystopin
broaddaylight,withMrs.Grainwatchingthemfromthewindow,andgointoaclinchontheirown
account."Ifeelbetter,"Annesays.
"SodoI,"Rogersays."BecauseBlairwasn'ttheretoseeMrs.Grain'sfacewhenyougave
herthatcoat.Nofreedomthere,orequalityeither."
ButAnneisnotlistening."Nottothink,"shesays,"thathe...todressmeintheskinsoflittle
slainbeasts...Youputhiminabook,butyoudidn'tfinishit.Youdidn'tknowaboutthatcoat,did
you?Godbeatyou,thattime,Roger."
"Ay,"Rogersays."Godbeatsmelotsoftimes.Butthere'sonethingaboutit.Theirchildren
arebiggerthanours,andevenMrs.Graincan'twearmyunderclothes.Sothat'sallright."
Sure.Thatwasallright.BecauseitwasChristmassoon,andthenspring;andthen
summer,thelongsummer,thelongdays.

TheBrooch

THETELEPHONEwakedhim.Hewakedalreadyhurrying,fumblinginthedarkforrobeand
slippers,becauseheknewbeforewakingthatthebedbesidehisownwasstillempty,andthe
instrumentwasdownstairsjustoppositethedoorbeyondwhichhismotherhadlainpropped
uprightinbedforfiveyears,andheknewonwakingthathewouldbetoolatebecauseshewould
alreadyhaveheardit,justassheheardeverythingthathappenedatanyhourinthehouse.
Shewasawidow,hetheonlychild.Whenhewentawaytocollegeshewentwithhim;she
keptahouseinCharlottesville,Virginia,forfouryearswhilehegraduated.Shewasthedaughterof
awelltodomerchant.Herhusbandhadbeenatravellingmanwhocameonesummertothetown
withlettersofintroduction:onetoaminister,theothertoherfather.Threemonthslaterthe
travellingmanandthedaughterweremarried.HisnamewasBoyd.Heresignedhispositionwithin
theyearandmovedintohiswife'shouseandspenthisdayssittinginfrontofthehotelwiththe
lawyersandthecottonplanters:adarkmanwithagallantswaggeringwayofremovinghishatto
ladies.Inthesecondyear,thesonwasborn.Sixmonthslater,Boyddeparted.
Hejustwentaway,leavinganotetohiswifeinwhichhetoldherthathecouldnolonger
beartolieinbedatnightandwatchherrollingontoemptyspoolsthestringsavedfromparcels
fromthestores.Hiswifeneverheardofhimagain,thoughsherefusedtoletherfatherhavethe
marriageannulledandchangetheson'sname.
Thenthemerchantdied,leavingallhispropertytothedaughterandthegrandsonwho,
thoughhe,hadbeenoutofFauntleroysuitssincehewassevenoreight,attwelveworeevenon
weekdaysclotheswhichmadehimlooknotlikeachildbutlikeamidget;heprobablycouldnot
havelongassociatedwithotherchildrenevenifhismotherhadlethim.Induetimethemother
foundaboys'schoolwheretheboycouldweararoundjacketandaman'shardhatwithimpunity,
thoughbythetimethetwoofthemremovedtoCharlottesvilleforthesenextfouryears,thesondid
notlooklikeamidget.HelookednowlikeacharacteroutofDante:amanalittleslighterthanhis
fatherbutwithsomethingofhisfather'sdarkhandsomeness,whohurriedwithavertedhead,even
whenhismotherwasnotwithhim,pasttheyounggirlsonthestreetsnotonlyofCharlottesvillebut
ofthelittlelostMississippihamlettowhichtheypresentlyreturned,withanexpressionoffacelike
theyoungmonksorangelsinfifteenthcenturyallegories.Thenhismotherhadherstroke,and
presentlythemother'sfriendsbroughttoherbedreportsofalmostexactlythesortofgirlwhich
perhapseventhemothermighthaveexpectedthesontobecomenotonlyinvolvedwithbutto
marry.
HernamewasAmy,daughterofarailroadconductorwhohadbeenkilledinawreck.She
livednowwithanauntwhokeptaboardinghouse:avivid,daringgirlwhoselaterreputationwas
duemoretofollyandthecastehandicapofthelittleSoutherntownthantobadnessandwhichat
thelastwasdoubtlessmoresmokethanfire;whosename,thoughshealwayshadinvitationsto
themorepublicdances,wasalightword,especiallyamongtheolderwomen,daughtersof
decayingoldhouseslikethisinwhichherfuturehusbandhadbeenborn.
Sopresentlythesonhadacquiredsomeskillinenteringthehouseandpassingthedoor
beyondwhichhismotherlayproppedinbed,andmountingthestairsinthedarktohisownroom.
Butonenighthefailedtodoso.Whenheenteredthehousethetransomabovehismother'sdoor
wasdark,asusual,andevenifithadnotbeenhecouldnothaveknownthatthiswastheafternoon
onwhichthemother'sfriendshadcalledandtoldheraboutAmy,andthathismotherhadlainfor
fivehours,proppedboltupright,inthedarkness,watchingtheinvisibledoor.Heenteredquietlyas
usual,hisshoesinhishand,yethehadnotevenclosedthefrontdoorwhenshecalledhisname.
Hervoicewasnotraised.Shecalledhisnameonce:"Howard."
Heopenedthedoor.Ashedidsothelampbesideherbedcameon.Itsatonatable
besidethebed;besideitsataclockwithadeadface;tostopithadbeenthefirstactofhismother
whenshecouldmoveherhandstwoyearsago.Heapproachedthebedfromwhichshewatched
him:athickwomanwithafacethecoloroftallowanddarkeyesapparentlybothpupillessandiris
lessbeneathperfectlywhitehair."What?"hesaid."Areyousick?"
"Comecloser,"shesaid.Hecamenearer.Theylookedatoneanother.Thenheseemedto
know;perhapshehadbeenexpectingit.
"Iknowwho'sbeentalkingtoyou,"hesaid."Thosedamnedoldbuzzards."
"I'mgladtohearit'scarrion,"shesaid."NowIcanresteasythatyouwon'tbringitintoour
house."
"Goon.Say,yourhouse."
"Notnecessary.Anyhousewherealadylives."Theylookedatoneanotherinthesteady
lampwhichpossessedthatstaleglowofsickroomlights."Youareaman.Idon'treproachyou.I
amnotevensurprised.Ijustwanttowarnyoubeforeyoumakeyourselfridiculous.Don'tconfuse
thehousewiththestable."
"WiththeHah!"hesaid.Hesteppedbackandjerkedthedooropenwithsomethingofhis
father'sswaggeringtheatricalism."Withyourpermission,"hesaid.Hedidnotclosethedoor.She
layboltuprightonthepillowsandlookedintothedarkhallandlistenedtohimgotothetelephone,
callthegirl,andaskhertomarryhimtomorrow.
Thenhereappearedatthedoor."Withyourpermission,"hesaidagain,withthat
swaggeringreminiscenceofhisfather,closingthedoor.Afterawhilethemotherturnedthelight
off.Itwasdaylightintheroomthen.
Theywerenotmarriedthenextday,however."I'mscaredto,"Amysaid."I'mscaredofyour
mother.Whatdoesshesayaboutme?"
 "Idon'tknow.Inevertalktoheraboutyou."
"Youdon'teventellheryouloveme?"
"Whatdoesitmatter?Let'sgetmarried."
"Andlivetherewithher?"Theylookedatoneanother.
"Willyougotowork,getusahouseofourown?"
"Whatfor?Ihaveenoughmoney.Andit'sabighouse."
"Herhouse.Hermoney."
"It'llbemineourssomeday.Please."
"Comeon.Let'strytodanceagain."Thiswasintheparloroftheboardinghouse,where
shewastryingtoteachhimtodance,butwithoutsuccess.Themusicmeantnothingtohim;the
noiseofitorperhapsthetouchofherbodydestroyedwhatlittlecoordinationhecouldhavehad.
ButhetookhertotheCountryClubdances;theywereknowntobeengaged.Yetshestillstaidout
danceswithothermen,intheparkedcarsaboutthedarklawn.Hetriedtoarguewithheraboutit,
andaboutdrinking.
"Sitoutanddrinkwithme,then,"hesaid.
"We'reengaged.It'snofunwithyou."
"Yes,"hesaid,withthedocilitywithwhichheacceptedeachrefusal;thenhestopped
suddenlyandfacedher.
"What'snofunwithme?"Shefellbackalittleashegrippedhershoulder."What'snofun
withme?"
"Oh,"shesaid."You'rehurtingme!"
"Iknowit.What'snofunwithme?"
Thenanothercouplecameupandhelethergo.Thenanhourlater,duringanintermission,
hedraggedher,screamingandstruggling,outofadarkcarandacrossthedancefloor,emptynow
andlinedwithchaperoneslikeatheateraudience,anddrewoutachairandtookheracrosshislap
andspankedher.Bydaylighttheyhaddriventwentymilestoanothertownandweremarried.
ThatmorningAmycalledMrs.Boyd"Mother"forthefirstand(exceptone,andthatperhaps
shockedoutofherbysurpriseorperhapsbyexultation)lasttime,thoughthesamedayMrs.Boyd
formallypresentedAmywiththebrooch:anancient,clumsything,yetvaluable.Amycarrieditback
totheirroom,andhewatchedherstandlookingatit,perfectlycold,perfectlyinscrutable.Thenshe
putitintoadrawer.Shehelditovertheopendrawerwithtwofingersandreleaseditandthendrew
thetwofingersacrossherthigh.
"Youwillhavetowearitsometimes,"Howardsaid.
"Oh,Iwill.I'llshowmygratitude.Don'tworry."Presentlyitseemedtohimthatshetook
pleasureinwearingit.
Thatis,shebegantowearitquiteoften.Thenherealizedthatitwasnotpleasurebut
vindictiveincongruity;sheworeitforanentireweekonceonthebosomofaginghamhousedress,
anapron.ButshealwaysworeitwhereMrs.Boydwouldseeit,alwayswhensheandHowardhad
dressedtogooutandwouldstopinthemother'sroomtosaygoodnight.
Theylivedupstairs,where,ayearlater,theirchildwasborn.Theytookthechilddownfor
Mrs.Boydtoseeit.
Sheturnedherheadonthepillowsandlookedatthechildonce."Ah,"shesaid."Inever
sawAmy'sfather,thatIknowof.Butthen,Inevertravelledonatrainagreatdeal."
"Theold,theold..."Amycried,shudderingandclingingtoHoward."Whydoesshehateme
so?WhathaveIeverdonetoher?Let'smove.Youcanwork."
"No.Shewon'tlivealways."
"Yes,shewill.She'llliveforever,justtohateme."
"No,"Howardsaid.Inthenextyearthechilddied.AgainAmytriedtogethimtomove.
"Anywhere.Iwon'tcarehowwehavetolive."
 "No.Ican'tleaveherhelplessonherback.Youwillhavetostartgoingoutagain.Dance.
Thenitwon'tbesobad."
"Yes,"shesaid,quieter."I'llhaveto.Ican'tstandthis."
Onesaid"you,"theother,"I."Neitherofthemsaid"we."So,onSaturdaynightsAmywould
dressandHowardwouldputonscarfandovercoat,sometimesoverhisshirtsleeves,andthey
woulddescendthestairsandstopatMrs.Boyd'sdoorandthenHowardwouldputAmyintothecar
andwatchherdriveaway.Thenhewouldreenterthehouseandwithhisshoesinhishandreturn
upthestairs,ashehadusedtodobeforetheymarried,slippingpastthelightedtransom.Just
beforemidnight,intheovercoatandscarfagain,hewouldslipbackdownthestairsandpastthe
stilllightedtransomandbewaitingontheporchwhenAmydroveup.Thentheywouldenterthe
houseandlookintoMrs.Boyd'sroomandsaygoodnight.
Onenightitwasoneo'clockbeforeshereturned.Hehadbeenwaitingforanhourin
slippersandpajamasontheporch;itwasNovember.ThetransomaboveMrs.Boyd'sdoorwas
darkandtheydidnotstop.
"Somejellybeanssettheclockback,"shesaid.Shedidnotlookathim,draggingher
clothesoff,flingingthebroochalongwithherotherjewelryontothedressingtable."Ihadhoped
youwouldn'tbefoolenoughtostandoutthereandwaitforme."
"MaybenexttimetheysettheclockbackIwon't."
Shestopped,suddenlyandperfectlystill,lookingathimoverhershoulder."Doyoumean
that?"shesaid.Hewasnotlookingather;heheard,felt,herapproachandstandbesidehim.Then
shetouchedhisshoulder."Howard?"shesaid.Hedidn'tmove.Thenshewasclingingtohim,flung
ontohislap,cryingwildly:"What'shappeningtous?"strikingherselfagainsthimwithawild
abandon:"Whatisit?Whatisit?"Heheldherquiet,thoughaftertheywereeachintheirbeds(they
alreadyhadtwoofthem)heheardandthenfelthercrosstheinterveninggapandflingherself
againsthimagainwiththatwildterrifiedabandonnotofawomanbutofachildinthedark,
envelopinghim,whispering:"Youdon'thavetotrustme,Howard!Youcan!Youcan!Youdon't
haveto!"
"Yes,"hesaid."Iknow.It'sallright.It'sallright."Soafterthat,justbeforetwelve,hewould
putontheovercoatandscarf,creepdownthestairsandpastthelightedtransom,openandclose
thefrontdoornoisily,andthenopenhismother'sdoorwherethemotherwouldbeproppedhighon
thepillows,thebookopenandfacedownonherknees.
"Backalready?"Mrs.Boydwouldsay.
"Yes.Amy'sgoneonup.Doyouwantanything?"
"No.Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Thenhewouldgoupandgotobed,andafteratime(sometimes)tosleep.Butbeforethis
sometimes,takingitsometimesintosleepwithhim,hewouldthink,tellhimselfwiththatquietand
fatalisticpessimismoftheimpotentintelligent:Butthiscannotgoonforever.Somenightsomething
isgoingtohappen;sheisgoingtocatchAmy.AndIknowwhatsheisgoingtodo.ButwhatamI
goingtodo?
Hebelievedthathedidknow.Thatis,thetopofhismindassuredhimthatitknew,buthe
discountedthis;theintelligenceagain:nottoburyit,fleefromit:justdiscountingit,theintelligence
speakingoutoftheimpotence:Becausenomaneverknowswhathewilldoinanygivensituation,
setofcircumstances:thewise,othersperhaps,drawingconclusions,butneverhimsetf.Thenext
morningAmywouldbeintheotherbed,andthen,inthelightofday,itwouldbegone.Butnowand
then,evenbydaylight,itreturnedandhefromthedetachmentofhiscerebrationcontemplatinghis
life,thatfaultywholewhosethirdthetwoofthemhadproducedyetwhoselackthetwoofthem
couldnotfill,tellinghimself,Yes.IknowwhatshewilldoandIknowwhatAmywillaskmetodo
andIknowthatIwillnotdothat.
 ButwhatwillIdo?butnotforlong,tellinghimselfnowthatithadnothappenedsofar,and
thatanywayitwassixlongdaysuntilSaturday:theimpotencenow,noteventheintellect.

II

SOITwasthatwhenhewakedtothebell'sshrillinghealreadyknewthatthebedbesidehisown
wasstillempty,justasheknewthat,nomatterhowquicklyhereachedthetelephone,itwould
alreadybetoolate.Hedidnotevenwaitforhisslippers;herandownthenowicystairs,seeingthe
transomabovehismother'sdoorcomealightashepasseditandwenttothephoneandtookthe
receiverdown:"Oh,Howard,I'msosorrythisisMarthaRosssosorrytodisturbyou,butIknew
thatAmywouldbeanxiousaboutit.Ifounditinthecar,tellher,whenwegotbackhome."
"Yes,"hesaid."Inthecar."
"Inourcar.Aftershelostherswitchkeyandwebroughtherhome,tothecorner.Wetried
togethertocomeonhomewithusandhavesomehamandeggs,butshe..."
Thenthevoicediedaway.Heheldthecoldreceivertohisearandheardtheotherendof
thewire,thesilence,fillwithasortofconsternationlikeanindrawnbreath:somethinginstinctive
andfeminineandselfprotective.Butthepauseitselfwashardlyapause;almostimmediatelythe
voicewenton,thoughcompletelychangednow,blank,smooth,reserved:"Amy'sinbed,I
suppose!"
"Yes.She'sinbed."
"Oh.SosorryIbotheredyou,gotyouup.ButIknewshewouldbeanxiousaboutit,sinceit
wasyourmother's,thefamilypiece.Butofcourse,ifshehasn'tmissedityet,youwon'tneedto
botherher."Thewirehummed,tense,"ThatIcalledoranything."Thewirehummed."Hello.
Howard?"
"No,"hesaid."Iwon'tbotherhertonight.Youcancallherinthemorning."
"Yes,Iwill.SosorryIbotheredyou.IhopeIdidn'twakeyourmother."
Heputthereceiverback.Hewascold.Hecouldfeelhisbaretoescurlingbackfromthe
icelikefloorashestoodlookingattheblankdoorbeyondwhichhismotherwouldbesitting,high
proppedonthepillows,withhertallowfaceanddarkinscrutableeyesandthehairwhichAmysaid
resembledweatheredcotton,besidetheclockwhosehandsshehadstoppedherselfatten
minutestofourontheafternoonfiveyearsagowhenshefirstmovedagain.Whenheopenedthe
doorhispicturehadbeenexact,almosttothepositionofthehandseven.
"Sheisnotinthishouse,"Mrs.Boydsaid.
"Yes.She'sinbed.Youknowwhenwecamein.ShejustleftoneofherringswithMartha
RosstonightandMarthatelephoned."
Butapparentlyshehadnotevenlistenedtohim."Soyouswearsheisinthishousethis
minute."
"Yes.Ofcoursesheis.She'sasleep,Itellyou."
"Thensendherdownheretosaygoodnighttome."
"Nonsense.OfcourseIwon't."
Theylookedatoneanotheracrossthebed'sfootboard.
"Yourefuse?"
"Yes."
Theylookedatoneanotheramomentlonger.Thenhebegantoturnaway;hecouldfeel
herwatchinghim."Thentellmesomethingelse.Itwasthebroochshelost."
Hedidnotanswerthiseither.Hejustlookedatheragainasheclosedthedoor:thetwoof
themcuriouslysimilar,mortalandimplacablefoesinthefiercecloseantipathyofblood.Hewent
out.
 Hereturnedtothebedroomandturnedonthelightandfoundhisslippersandwenttothe
fireandputsomecoalontheembersandpunchedandproddeditintoflame.Theclockonthe
mantelsaidtwentyminutestoone.Presentlyhehadafairblaze;hehadquitshivering.Hewent
backtobedandturnedoffthelight,leavingonlythefirelightpulsingandgleamingonthefurniture
andamongthephialsandmirrorsofthedressingtable,andinthesmallermirrorabovehisown
chestofdrawers,uponwhichsatthethreesilverphotographframes,thetwolargeronescontaining
himselfandAmy,thesmalleronebetweenthemempty.Hejustlay.Hewasnotthinkingatall.He
hadjustthoughtonce,quietly,Sothat'sthat.SonowIsupposeIwillknow,findoutwhatIamgoing
todoandthennomore,noteventhinkingthatagain.
Thehouseseemedstilltobefilledwiththeshrillsoundofthetelephonelikeastubborn
echo.Thenhebegantoheartheclockonthemantel,reiterant,cold,notloud.Heturnedonthe
lightandtookupthebookfacedownandopenfromthetablebesidehispillow,buthefoundthat
hecouldnotkeephismindonthewordsforthesoundwhichtheclockmade,soheroseandwent
tothemantel.Thehandswerenowathalfpasttwo.Hestoppedtheclockandturneditsfacetothe
wallandbroughthisbooktothefireandfoundthathecouldnowkeephismindonthewords,the
sense,readingonnowuntroubledbytime.Sohecouldnothavesaidjustwhenitwasthathe
foundhehadceasedtoread,hadjerkedhisheadup.Hehadheardnosound,yetheknewthat
Amywasinthehouse.Hedidnotknowhowheknew:hejustsatholdinghisbreath,immobile,the
peacefulbookraisedandmotionless,waiting.ThenheheardAmysay,"It'sme,Mother."
Shesaid"Mother"hethought,notmovingyet.Shecalledher"Mother"again.Hemoved
now,puttingthebookcarefullydown,hisplacemarked,butashecrossedtheroomhewalked
naturally,nottryingtodeadenhisfootsteps,tothedoorandopeneditandsawAmyjustemerging
fromMrs.Boyd'sroom.Shebegantomountthestairs,walkingnaturallytoo,herhardheelssharp
andunnaturallyloudinthenightboundhouse.ShemusthavestoopedwhenMothercalledherand
putherslippersonagain,hethought.Shehadnotseenhimyet,mountingsteadily,herfaceinthe
dimhalllightvagueandpetallikeagainstthecollarofherfurcoat,projectingalreadyaheadofher
towherehewaitedasortofrosyandcrystalfragranceofthefrozennightoutofwhichshehadjust
emerged.Thenshesawhimattheheadofthestairs.Forjustasecond,aninstant,shestopped
deadstill,thoughshewasmovingagainbeforeitcouldhavebeencalledpause,alreadyspeaking
asshepassedhimwherehestoodaside,andenteredthebedroom:"Isitverylate?Iwaswiththe
Rosses.Theyjustletmeoutatthecorner;Ilostmycarkeyoutattheclub.Maybeitwasthecar
thatwakedher."
"No.Shewasalreadyawake.Itwasthetelephone."
Shewentontothefireandspreadherhandstoit,stillinhercoat;shedidnotseemto
haveheardhim,herfacerosyinthefirelight,herpresenceemanatingthatsmellofcold,thatfrosty
fragrancewhichhadprecededherupthestairs:"Isupposeso.Herlightwasalreadyon.Iknewas
soonasIopenedthefrontdoorthatweweresunk.Ihadn'tevengotinthehousegoodwhenshe
said'Amy'andIsaid'It'sme,Mother'andshesaid,'Comeinhere,please,'andthereshewaswith
thoseeyesthathaven'tgotanyedgestothemandthathairthatlookslikesomebodypulleditout
ofthemiddleofalastyear'scottonbale,andshesaid,'Ofcourseyouunderstandthatyouwill
havetoleavethishouseatonce.Goodnight.'"
"Yes,"hesaid."Shehasbeenawakesinceabouthalfpasttwelve.Buttherewasn't
anythingtodobutinsistthatyouwerealreadyinbedasleepandtrusttoluck."
"Youmean,shehasn'tbeenasleepatall?"
"No.Itwasthetelephone,likeItoldyou.Abouthalfpasttwelve."
Withherhandsstillspreadtothefiresheglancedathimoverherfurredshoulder,herface
rosy,hereyesatoncebrightandheavy,likeawoman'seyesafterpleasure,withakindof
inattentiveconspiratorialcommiseration."Telephone?Here?Athalfpasttwelve?Whatabsolutely
putrid...Butnomatter."Sheturnednow,facinghim,asifshehadonlybeenwaitinguntilshe
becamewarm,therichcoatopenuponthefragileglitterofherdress;therewasaqualityactually
beautifulabouthernownotofthefacewhoseimpeccablereplicalooksoutfromthecoversofa
thousandmagazineseachmonth,norofthefigure,theshapeofdeliberatelyepiceneprovocation
intowhichthemilesofcelluloidfilmhaveconstrictedthefemalebodyofanentirerace;butaquality
completelyfemaleintheoldeternalfashion,primitive,assuredandruthlessassheapproached
him,alreadyraisingherarms."Yes!Isaylucktoo!"shesaid,puttingherarmsaroundhim,her
upperbodyleanedbacktolookintohisface,herownfacetriumphant,thesmellnowwarm
womanodorwherethefrostyfragrancehadthawed."Shesaidatonce,now.Sowecango.You
see?Doyouunderstand?Wecanleavenow.Giveherthemoney,letherhaveitall.Wewon't
care.Youcanfindwork;Iwon'tcarehowandwherewewillhavetolive.Youdon'thavetostay
herenow,withhernow.Shehaswhatdoyoucallit?absolvedyouherself.OnlyIhavelostthecar
key.Butnomatter:wecanwalk.Yes,walk;withnothing,takingnothingofhers,likewecame
here."
"Now?"hesaid."Tonight?"
"Yes!Shesaidatonce.Soitwillhavetobetonight."
"No,"hesaid.Thatwasall,noindicationofwhichquestionhehadanswered,whichdenied.
Butthen,hedidnotneedtobecauseshestillheldhim;itwasonlytheexpressionofherfacethat
changed.Itdidnotdieyetnorevenbecometerrifiedyet:itjustbecameunbelieving,likeachild's
incredulity."Youmean,youstillwon'tgo?Youstillwon'tleaveher?Thatyouwouldjusttakemeto
thehotelfortonightandthatyouwillcomebackheretomorrow?Ordoyoumeanyouwon'teven
stayatthehotelwithmetonight?Thatyouwilltakemethereandleavemeandthenyou..."She
heldhim,staringathim;shebegantosay,"Wait,wait.Theremustbesomereason,something.
Wait,"shecried;"wait!Yousaid,telephone.Athalfpasttwelve."Shestillstaredathim,herhands
hard,herpupilslikepinpoints,herfaceferocious."That'sit.That'sthereason.Whowasitthat
telephonedhereaboutme?Tellme!Idefyyouto!Iwillexplainit.Tellme!"
"ItwasMarthaRoss.Shesaidshehadjustletyououtatthecorner!"
"Shelied!"shecriedatonce,immediately,scarcewaitingtohearthename."Shelied!They
didbringmehomethenbutitwasstillearlyandsoIdecidedtogoonwiththemtotheirhouseand
havesomehamandeggs.SoIcalledtoFrankbeforehegotturnedaroundandIwentwiththem.
Frankwillproveit!Shelied!Theyjustthisminuteputmeoutatthecorner!"
Shelookedathim.Theystaredatoneanotherforafullimmobilemoment.Thenhesaid,
"Thenwhereisthebrooch?"
"Thebrooch?"shesaid."Whatbrooch?"Butalreadyhehadseenherhandmoveupward
beneaththecoat;besides,hecouldseeherfaceandwatchitgapelikethatofachildwhichhas
lostitsbreathbeforeshebegantocrywithawildyetimmobileabandon,sothatshespokethrough
theweepinginthechokedgaspingofachild,withcompleteanddespairingsurrender:"Oh,
Howard!Iwouldn'thavedonethattoyou!Iwouldn'thave!Iwouldn'thave!"
"Allright,"hesaid."Hush,now.Hush,Amy.Shewillhearyou."
"Allright.I'mtryingto."Butshestillfacedhimwiththatwrungandcuriouslyrigidface
beneathitsincredibleflowofmoisture,asthoughnottheeyesbutalltheporeshadsprungatonce;
nowshetoospokedirectlyoutofthinking,withoutmentionofsubjectorcircumstance,nothing
moreofdefianceordenial:"Wouldyouhavegonewithmeifyouhadn'tfoundout?"
"No.Noteventhen.Iwon'tleaveher.Iwillnot,untilsheisdead.Orthishouse.Iwon't.I
can't.I..."Theylookedatoneanother,shestaringathimasifshesawreflectedinhispupilsnot
herselfbuttheparchmentcoloredfacebelowstairs,thepileddirtywhitehair,thefierceimplacable
eyes,herownimageblankedoutbysomethingbeyondmereblindness:byaqualitydetermined,
invincible,andcrucified.
"Yes,"shesaid.Fromsomewheresheproducedascrapofchiffonandbegantodabather
eyes,delicately,evennowbyinstinctcarefulofthestreakedmascara."Shebeatus.Shelaythere
inthatbedandbeatus."Sheturnedandwenttotheclosetanddrewoutanovernightbagandput
thecrystalobjectsfromthedressingtableintoitandopenedadrawer."Ican'ttakeeverything
tonight.Iwillhaveto..."
Hemovedalso;fromthechestofdrawerswherethesmallemptyphotographframesathe
tookhiswalletandremovedthebillsfromitandreturnedandputthemoneyintoherhand."Idon't
thinkthereisverymuchhere.Butyouwon'tneedmoneyuntiltomorrow."
"Yes,"shesaid."Youcansendtherestofmythingsthen,too."
"Yes,"hesaid.Shefoldedandsmoothedthenotesinherfingers;shewasnotlookingat
him.Hedidnotknowwhatshewaslookingatexceptitwasnotatthemoney."Haven'tyougota
purseorsomethingtocarryitin?"
"Yes,"shesaid.Butshedidnotstopfoldingandsmoothingthebills,stillnotlookingat
them,apparentlynotawareofthem,asiftheyhadnovalueandshehadmerelypickedthemidly
upwithoutbeingawareofit."Yes,"shesaid.
"Shebeatus.Shelaythereinthatbedshewillnevermovefromuntiltheycomeinand
carryheroutsomeday,andtookthatbroochandbeatusboth."Thenshebegantocry.
Itwasasquietnowasthewayshehadspoken."Mylittlebaby,"shesaid."Mydearlittle
baby."
Hedidn'tevensayHushnow.Hejustwaiteduntilshedriedhereyesagain,almostbriskly,
rousing,lookingathimwithanexpressionalmostlikesmiling,herface,themakeup,thecareful
eveningfacehaggardandstreakedandfilledwiththewearyandpeacefulaftermathoftears.
"Well,"shesaid."It'slate."Shestooped,butheanticipatedherandtookthebag;theydescended
thestairstogether;theycouldseethelightedtransomaboveMrs.Boyd'sdoor.
"It'stoobadyouhaven'tgotthecar,"hesaid.
"Yes.Ilostthekeyattheclub.ButItelephonedthegarage.Theywillbringitininthe
morning."
Theystoppedinthehallwhilehetelephonedforacab.
Thentheywaited,talkingquietlynowandthen."Youhadbettergostraighttobed."
"Yes.I'mtired.Idancedagooddeal."
"Whatwasthemusic?Wasitgood?"
"Yes.Idon'tknow.Isupposeso.Whenyouaredancingyourself,youdon'tusuallynotice
whetherthemusicisorisn't."
"Yes,Iguessthat'sso."Thenthecarcame.Theywentouttoit,heinpajamasandrobe;
theearthwasfrozenandironhard,theskybitterandbrilliant.Hehelpedherin.
"Nowyourunbackintothehouse,"shesaid."Youdidn'tevenputonyourovercoat."
"Yes.I'llgetyourthingstothehotelearly."
"Nottooearly.Run,now."Shehadalreadysatback,thecoatcloseabouther.Hehad
alreadyremarkedhowsometime,atsomemomentbackinthebedroom,thewarmwomanodor
hadcongealedagainandthatshenowemanatedoncemorethatfaintfrostyfragrance,fragile,
impermanentandforlorn;thecarmovedaway,hedidnotlookback.Ashewasclosingthefront
doorhismothercalledhisname.Buthedidnotpauseorevenglancetowardthedoor.
Hejustmountedthestairs,outofthedead,level,unsleeping,peremptoryvoice.Thefire
hadburneddown:astrongrosyglow,peacefulandquietandwarmlyreflectedfrommirrorand
polishedwood.Thebookstilllay,facedownandopen,inthechair.Hetookitupandwenttothe
tablebetweenthetwobedsandsoughtandfoundthecellophaneenvelopewhichhadonce
containedpipecleaners,whichheusedforabookmark,andmarkedhisplaceandputthebook
down.
Itwasthecoatpocketsize,ModernLibraryGreenMansions.Hehaddiscoveredthebook
duringadolescence;hehadreaditeversince.Duringthatperiodhereadonlythepartaboutthe
journeyofthethreepeopleinsearchoftheRiolamawhichdidnotexist,seekingthispartoutand
readingitinsecretasthenormalboywouldhavenormalandconventionaleroticaorobscenity,
mountingthebarrenmountainwithRimatowardthecave,notknowingthenthatitwasthecave
symbolwhichhesought,escapingitatlastthroughthesamedesireandneedtofleeandescape
whichRimahad,followingheronpastthecavetowhereshepoised,notevenwaitingforhim,
impermanentasamatchflameandasweak,inthecoldandungrievingmoon.
Inhisinnocencethenhebelieved,withasortofurgentanddespairingjoy,thatthemystery
aboutherwasnotmysterysinceitwasphysical:thatshewascorporeallyimpenetrable,
incomplete;withpeacefuldespairjustifying,vindicating,whathewasthrough(sohebelieved)no
faultofhisown,withwhathereadinbooks,astheyoungdo.Butafterhismarriagehedidnotread
thebookagainuntilthechilddiedandtheSaturdaynightsbegan.Andthenheavoidedthejourney
toRiolamaashehadusedtoseekitout.NowhereadonlywhereAbel(theonemanonearthwho
knewthathewasalone)wanderedintheimperviousandinterdictforestfilledwiththesoundof
birds.Thenhewenttothechestandopenedagainthedrawerwherehekeptthewalletandstood
foramoment,hishandstilllyingontheedgeofthedrawer."Yes,"hesaidquietly,aloud:"itseems
tohavebeenrightallthetimeaboutwhatIwilldo."
Thebathroomwasattheendofthehall,builtontothehouselater,warmtoowherehehad
lefttheelectricheateronforAmyandtheyhadforgotit.Itwasherethathekepthiswhiskeyalso.
Hehadbeguntodrinkafterhismother'sstroke,inthebeginningofwhathehadbelievedtobehis
freedom,andsincethedeathofthechildhehadbeguntokeepatwogallonkegofcornwhiskeyin
thebathroom.
Althoughitwasdetachedfromthehouseproperandthewholedepthofitfromhismother's
room,heneverthelessstuffedtowelscarefullyaboutandbeneaththedoor,andthenremovedthem
andreturnedtothebedroomandtookthedowncoverletfromAmy'sbedandreturnedandstuffed
thedooragainandthenhungthecoverletbeforeit.Buteventhenhewasnotsatisfied.Hestood
there,thoughtful,musing,alittlepudgy(hehadnevertakenanyexercisesincehegaveuptryingto
learntodance,andnowwhatwiththesteadydrinking,therewaslittleoftheyoungItaliannovice
abouthisfigureanymore),thepistolhangingfromhishand.Hebegantolookabout.Hisglance
felluponthebathmatfoldedovertheedgeofthetub.Hewrappedhishand,pistolandall,inthe
matandpointedittowardtherearwallandfiredit,thereportmuffledandjarringthoughnotloud.
Yetevennowhestoodandlistenedasifheexpectedtohearfromthisdistance.Butheheard
nothing;evenwhen,thedoorfreedagain,hemovedquietlydownthehallandthendownthesteps
towherehecouldseeclearlythedarktransomabovehismother'sdoor.Butagainhedidnot
pause.Hereturnedupthestairs,quietly,hearingthecoldandimpotentratiocinationwithout
listeningtoit:Likeyourfather,youcannotseemtolivewitheitherofthem,butunlikeyourfather
youcannotseemtolivewithoutthem;tellinghimselfquietly,"Yes,itseemsthatitwasright.It
seemstohaveknownusbetterthanIdid,"andheshutthebathroomdooragainandstuffedthe
towelscarefullyaboutandbeneathit.Buthedidnothangthecoverletthistime.Hedrewitover
himself,squatting,huddlingintoit,themuzzleofthepistolbetweenhisteethlikeapipe,wadding
thethicksoftcoverletabouthishead,hurrying,movingswiftlynowbecausehewasalready
beginningtosuffocate.

MyGrandmotherMillardand
GeneralBedfordForrestand
TheBattleofHarrykinCreek

ITWOULDBErightaftersupper,beforewehadleftthetable.
Atfirst,beginningwiththedaythenewscamethattheYankeeshadtakenMemphis,we
diditthreenightsinsuccession.Butafterthat,aswegotbetterandbetterandfasterandfaster,
onceaweeksuitedGranny.ThenafterCousinMelisandrefinallygotoutofMemphisandcameto
livewithus,itwouldbejustonceamonth,andwhentheregimentinVirginiavotedFatheroutof
thecolonelcyandhecamehomeandstayedthreemonthswhilehemadeacropandgotoverhis
madandorganizedhiscavalrytroopforGeneralForrest'scommand,wequitdoingitatall.Thatis,
wediditonetimewithFathertheretoo,watching,andthatnightRingoandIheardhimlaughingin
thelibrary,thefirsttimehehadlaughedsincehecamehome,untilinaboutahalfaminuteGranny
cameoutalreadyholdingherskirtsupandwentsailingupthestairs.Sowedidn'tdoitanymore
untilFatherhadorganizedhistroopandwasgoneagain.
Grannywouldfoldhernapkinbesideherplate.ShewouldspeaktoRingostandingbehind
herchairwithouteventurningherhead:"GocallJobyandLucius."
AndRingowouldgobackthroughthekitchenwithoutstopping.Hewouldjustsay,"Allright.
Lookout,"atLouvinia'sbackandgotothecabinandcomebackwithnotonlyJobyandLuciusand
thelightedlanternbutPhiladelphiatoo,eventhoughPhiladelphiawasn'tgoingtodoanythingbut
standandwatchandthenfollowtotheorchardandbacktothehouseuntilGrannysaidwewere
doneforthattimeandsheandLuciuscouldgobackhometobed.Andwewouldbringdownfrom
theatticthebigtrunk(wehaddoneitsomanytimesbynowthatwedidn'tevenneedthelantern
anymoretogototheatticandgetthetrunk)whoselockitwasmyjobtooileveryMondaymorning
withafeatherdippedinchickenfat,andLouviniawouldcomeinfromthekitchenwiththe
unwashedsilverfromsupperinadishpanunderonearmandthekitchenclockundertheotherand
settheclockandthedishpanonthetableandtakefromherapronpocketapairofGranny'srolled
upstockingsandhandthemtoGrannyandGrannywouldunrollthestockingsandtakefromthe
toeofoneofthemawaddedragandopentheragandtakeoutthekeytothetrunkandunpinher
watchfromherbosomandfolditintotheragandputtheragbackintothestockingandrollthe
stockingsbackintoaballandputtheballintothetrunk.ThenwithCousinMelisandreand
Philadelphiawatching,andFathertooonthatonetimewhenhewasthere,Grannywouldstand
facingtheclock,herhandsraisedandabouteightinchesapartandherneckbowedsoshecould
watchtheclockfaceoverherspectacles,untilthebighandreachedthenearesthourmark.
Therestofuswatchedherhands.Shewouldn'tspeakagain.Shedidn'tneedto.There
wouldbejustthesinglelightloudpopofherpalmswhenthehandcametothenearesthourmark;
sometimeswewouldbealreadymoving,evenbeforeherhandscametogether,allofusthatis
exceptPhiladelphia.Grannywouldn'tletherhelpatall,becauseofLucius,eventhoughLuciushad
donenearlyallthediggingofthepitanddidmostofthecarryingofthetrunkeachtime.
ButPhiladelphiahadtobethere.Grannydidn'thavetotellherbutonce."Iwantthewives
ofallthefreemenheretoo,"Grannysaid."Iwantallofyoufreefolkstowatchwhattherestofus
thatain'tfreehavetodotokeepthatway."
Thatbeganabouteightmonthsago.OnedayevenIrealizedthatsomethinghadhappened
toLucius.ThenIknewthatRingohadalreadyseenitandthatheknewwhatitwas,sothatwhen
atlastLouviniacameandtoldGranny,itwasnotasifLuciushaddaredhismothertotellherbutas
ifhehadactuallyforcedsomebody,hedidn'tcarewho,totellher.Hehadsaiditmorethanonce,
inthecabinonenightprobablyforthefirsttime,thenafterthatinotherplacesandtootherpeople,
toNegroesfromotherplantationseven.Memphiswasalreadygonethen,andNewOrleans,and
allwehadleftoftheRiverwasVicksburgandalthoughwedidn'tbelieveitthen,wewouldn'thave
thatlong.ThenonemorningLouviniacameinwhereGrannywascuttingdownthewornout
uniformpantsFatherhadwornhomefromVirginiasotheywouldfitme,andtoldGrannyhow
LuciuswassayingthatsoontheYankeeswouldhaveallofMississippiandYoknapatawpha
Countytooandalltheniggerswouldbefreeandthatwhenthathappened,hewasgoingtobelong
gone.Luciuswasworkinginthegardenthatmorning.Grannywentouttothebackgallery,still
carryingthepantsandtheneedle.Shedidn'tevenpushherspectaclesup.Shesaid,"You,
Lucius,"justonce,andLuciuscameoutofthegardenwiththehoeandGrannystoodlookingdown
athimoverthespectaclesasshelookedoverthemateverythingshedid,fromreadingorsewing
towatchingtheclockfaceuntiltheinstantcametostartburyingthesilver.
"Youcangonow,"shesaid."Youneedn'twaitontheYankees."
"Go?"Luciussaid."Iain'tfree."
"You'vebeenfreeforalmostthreeminutes,"Grannysaid."Goon."
Luciusblinkedhiseyeswhileyoucouldhavecountedaboutten."Gowhere?"hesaid.
"Ican'ttellyou,"Grannysaid."Iain'tfree.IwouldimagineyouwillhaveallYankeedomto
movearoundin."
Luciusblinkedhiseyes.Hedidn'tlookatGrannynow.
"Wasthatallyouwanted?"hesaid.
"Yes,"Grannysaid.Sohewentbacktothegarden.Andthatwasthelastweheardabout
beingfreefromhim.Thatis,itquitshowinginthewayheacted,andifhetalkedanymoreofit,
evenLouvinianeverthoughtitwasworthbotheringGrannywith.ItwasGrannywhowoulddothe
remindingofit,especiallytoPhiladelphia,especiallyonthenightswhenwewouldstandlikerace
horsesatthebarrier,watchingGranny'shandsuntiltheyclappedtogether.
Eachoneofusknewexactlywhathewastodo.IwouldgoupstairsforGranny'sgold
hatpinandhersilverheadedumbrellaandherplumedSundayhatbecauseshehadalreadysent
herearringsandbroochtoRichmondalongtimeago,andtoFather'sroomforhissilverbacked
brushesandtoCousinMelisandre'sroomaftershecametolivewithusforherthingsbecausethe
onetimeGrannyletCousinMelisandretrytohelptoo,CousinMelisandrebroughtallherdresses
down.RingowouldgototheparlorforthecandlesticksandGranny'sdulcimerandthemedallionof
Father'smotherbackinCarolina.AndwewouldrunbacktothediningroomwhereLouviniaand
Luciuswouldhavethesideboardalmostcleared,andGrannystillstandingthereandwatchingthe
clockfaceandthetrunkbothnowwithherhandsreadytopopagainandtheywouldpopand
RingoandIwouldstopatthecellardoorjustlongenoughtosnatchuptheshovelsandrunonto
theorchardandsnatchthebrushandgrassandthecrisscrossedsticksawayandhavethepit
openandreadybythetimewesawthemcoming:firstLouviniawiththelantern,thenJobyand
LuciuswiththetrunkandGrannywalkingbesideitandCousinMelisandreandPhiladelphia(and
onthatonetimeFather,walkingalongandlaughing)followingbehind.Andonthatfirstnight,the
kitchenclockwasn'tinthetrunk.Grannywascarryingit,whileLouviniaheldthelanternsothat
Grannycouldwatchthehand,Grannymadeusputthetrunkintothepitandshovelthedirtback
andsmoothitoffandlaythebrushandgrassbackoveritagainandthendigupthetrunkandcarry
itbacktothehouse.Andonenight,itseemedlikewehadbeenbringingthetrunkdownfromthe
atticandputtingthesilverintoitandcarryingitouttothepitanduncoveringthepitandthen
coveringthepitagainandturningaroundandcarryingthetrunkbacktothehouseandtakingthe
silveroutandputtingitbackwherewegotitfromallwinterandallsummertoo;thatnight,andI
don'tknowwhothoughtofitfirst,maybeitwasallofusatonce.Butanywaytheclockhandhad
passedfourhourmarksbeforeGranny'shandsevenpoppedforRingoandmetorunandopenthe
pit.AndtheycamewiththetrunkandRingoandIhadn'tevenputdownthelastarmfulofbrush
andsticks,tosavehavingtostooptopickitupagain,andLuciushadn'tevenputdownhisendof
thetrunkforthesamereasonandIreckonLouviniawastheonlyonethatknewwhatwascoming
nextbecauseRingoandIdidn'tknowthatthekitchenclockwasstillsittingonthediningroom
table.ThenGrannyspoke.Itwasthefirsttimewehadeverheardherspeakbetweenwhenshe
wouldtellRingo,"GocallJobyandLucius,"andthentellusbothaboutthirtyminuteslater:"Wash
yourfeetandgotobed."Itwasnotloudandnotlong,justtwowords:"Buryit."Andweloweredthe
trunkintothepitandJobyandLuciusthrewthedirtbackinandeventhenRingoandIdidn'tmove
withthebrushuntilGrannyspokeagain,notloudthistimeeither:"Goon.Hidethepit."Andweput
thebrushbackandGrannysaid,"Digitup."Andwedugupthetrunkandcarrieditbackintothe
houseandputthethingsbackwherewegotthemfromandthatwaswhenIsawthekitchenclock
stillsittingonthediningroomtable.
AndweallstoodtherewatchingGranny'shandsuntiltheypoppedtogetherandthattime
wefilledthetrunkandcarrieditouttotheorchardandlowereditintothepitquickerthanwehad
everdonebefore.

II

ANDTHENwhenthetimecametoreallyburythesilver,itwastoolate.Afteritwasalloverand
CousinMelisandreandCousinPhilipwerefinallymarriedandFatherhadgotdonelaughing,
Fathersaidthatalwayshappenedwhenaheterogeneouscollectionofpeoplewhowerecohered
simplybyanuncomplexwillforfreedomengagedwithatyrannousmachine.Hesaidtheywould
alwayslosethefirstbattles,andiftheywereoutnumberedandoutweighedenough,itwouldseem
toanoutsiderthattheyweregoingtolosethemall.Buttheywouldnot.Theycouldnotbe
defeated;iftheyjustwilledthatfreedomstronglyandcompletelyenoughtosacrificeallelseforit:
easeandcomfortandfatnessofspiritandall,untilwhateveritwastheyhadleftwouldbeenough,
nomatterhowlittleitwasthatveryfreedomitselfwouldfinallyconquerthemachineasanegative
forcelikedrouthorfloodcouldstrangleit.Andlaterstill,aftertwomoreyearsandweknewwe
weregoingtolosethewar,hewasstillsayingthat.Hesaid,"Iwon'tseeit,butyouwill.Youwill
seeitinthenextwar,andinallthewarsAmericanswillhavetofightfromthenon.Therewillbe
menfromtheSouthintheforefrontofallthebattles,evenleadingsomeofthem,helpingthosewho
conqueredusdefendthatsamefreedomwhichtheybelievedtheyhadtakenfromus."Andthat
happened:thirtyyearslater,andGeneralWheeler,whomFatherwouldhavecalledapostate,
commandinginCuba,andwhomoldGeneralEarlydidcallapostateandmatricidetoointheoffice
oftheRichmondeditorwhenhesaid:"Iwouldliketohavelivedsothatwhenmytimecomes,Iwill
seeRobertLeeagain.ButsinceIhaven't,I'mcertainlygoingtoenjoywatchingthedevilburnthat
bluecoatoffJoeWheeler."
Wedidn'thavetime.Wedidn'tevenknowtherewereanyYankeesinJefferson,letalone
withinamileofSartoris.
Thereneverhadbeenmany.Therewasnorailroadthenandnoriverbigenoughforbig
boatsandnothinginJeffersontheywouldhavewantedeveniftheyhadcome,sincethiswas
beforeFatherhadhadtimetoworrythemenoughforGeneralGranttoissueageneralorderwitha
rewardforhiscapture.Sowehadgotusedtothewar.Wethoughtofitasbeingdefinitelyfixedand
establishedasarailroadorariveris,movingeastalongtherailroadfromMemphisandsouth
alongtheRivertowardVicksburg.WehadheardtalesofYankeepillageandmostofthepeople
aroundJeffersonstayedreadytoburytheirsilverfasttoo,thoughIdon'treckonanyofthem
practiceddoingitlikewedid.Butnobodyweknewwasevenkintoanyonewhohadbeenpillaged,
andsoIdon'tthinkthatevenLuciusreallyexpectedanyYankeesuntilthatmorning.
Itwasabouteleveno'clock.Thetablewasalreadysetfordinnerandeverybodywas
beginningtokindofeaseupsowewouldbesuretohearwhenLouviniawentouttotheback
galleryandrangthebell,whenAbSnopescameinatadeadrun,onastrangehorseasusual.He
wasamemberofFather'stroop.Notafightingmember;hecalledhimselffather'shorsecaptain,
whateverhemeantbyit,thoughwehadaprettygoodidea,andnoneofusatleastknewwhathe
wasdoinginJeffersonwhenthetroopwassupposedtobeupinTennesseewithGeneralBragg,
andprobablynobodyanywhereknewtheactualtruthabouthowhegotthehorse,gallopingacross
theyardandrightthroughoneofGranny'sflowerbedsbecauseIreckonhefiguredthatcarryinga
messagehecouldriskit,andonaroundtothebackbecauseheknewthat,messageorno
message,hebetternotcometoGranny'sfrontdoorholleringthatway,sittingthatstrangeblown
horsewithaU.S.armybrandonityoucouldreadthreehundredyardsandyellingupatGranny
thatGeneralForrestwasinJeffersonbuttherewasawholeregimentofYankeecavalrynotahalf
amiledowntheroad.
Soweneverhadtime.AfterwardFatheradmittedthatGranny'serrorwasnotinstrategy
nortacticseither,eventhoughshehadcopiedfromsomeoneelse.Becausehesaidithadbeena
longtimenowsinceoriginalityhadbeenacomponentofmilitarysuccess.Itjusthappenedtoofast.
IwentforJobyandLuciusandPhiladelphiabecauseGrannyhadalreadysentRingodowntothe
roadwithacuptoweltowavewhentheycameinsight.Thenshesentmetothefrontwindow
whereIcouldwatchRingo.WhenAbSnopescamebackfromhidinghisnewYankeehorse,he
offeredtogoupstairstogetthethingsthere.GrannyhadtoldusalongtimeagonevertoletAb
Snopesgoanywhereaboutthehouseunlesssomebodywaswithhim.Shesaidshewouldrather
haveYankeesinthehouseanydaybecauseatleastYankeeswouldhavemoredelicacy,evenifit
wasn'tanythingbutgoodsense,thantostealaspoonorcandlestickandthentrytosellittooneof
herownneighbors,asAbSnopeswouldprobablydo.Shedidn'tevenanswerhim.Shejustsaid,
"Standovertherebythatdoorandbequiet."SoCousinMelisandrewentupstairsafteralland
GrannyandPhiladelphiawenttotheparlorforthecandlesticksandthemedallionandthedulcimer,
Philadelphianotonlyhelpingthistime,freeornot,butGrannywasn'tevenusingtheclock.
Itjustallhappenedatonce.OnesecondRingowassittingonthegatepost,lookingupthe
road.ThenextsecondhewasstandingonitandwavingthecuptowelandthenIwasrunningand
hollering,backtothediningroom,andIrememberthewhitesofJoby'sandLucius'sand
Philadelphia'seyesandIrememberedCousinMelisandre'seyeswheresheleanedagainstthe
sideboardwiththebackofherhandagainsthermouth,andGrannyandLouviniaandAbSnopes
glaringatoneanotheracrossthetrunkandIcouldhearLouvinia'svoiceevenlouderthanmine:
"MizCawmpson!MizCawmpson!"
"What?"Grannycried."What?Mrs.Compson?"Thenweallremembered.Itwaswhenthe
firstYankeescoutingpatrolenteredJeffersonoverayearago.ThewarwasnewthenandI
supposeGeneralCompsonwastheonlyJeffersonsoldiertheyhadheardofyet.Anyway,the
officeraskedsomeoneintheSquarewhereGeneralCompsonlivedandoldDoctorHolstonsent
hisNegroboybybackalleysandacrosslotstowarnMrs.Compsonintime,andthestorywashow
theYankeeofficersentsomeofhismenthroughtheemptyhouseandhimselfrodearoundtothe
backwhereoldAuntRoxannewasstandinginfrontoftheouthousebehindthecloseddoorof
whichMrs.Compsonwassitting,fullydressedeventoherhatandparasol,onthewickerhamper
containingherplateandsilver."Missindar,"Roxannesaid."Stopwhereyouis."Andthestorytold
howtheYankeeofficersaid,"Excuseme,"andraisedhishatandevenbackedthehorseafew
stepsbeforeheturnedandcalledhismenandrodeaway.
"Theprivy!"Grannycried.
"Hellfire,MizMillard!"AbSnopessaid.AndGrannyneversaidanything.Itwasn'tlikeshe
didn'thear,becauseshewaslookingrightathim.Itwaslikeshedidn'tcare;thatshemighthave
evensaiditherself.Andthatshowshowthingswerethen:wejustneverhadtimeforanything.
"Hellfire,"AbSnopessaid,"allnorthMissippihasdoneheardaboutthat!Thereain'tawhitelady
betweenhereandMemphisthatain'tsettinginthebackhouseonagripfullofsilverrightthis
minute."
"Thenwe'realreadylate,"Grannysaid."Hurry."
"Wait!"AbSnopessaid."Wait!EventhemYankeeshavedonecaughtontothatbynow!"
"Thenlet'shopethesearedifferentYankees,"Grannysaid."Hurry."
"ButMizMillard!"AbSnopescried."Wait!Wait!"
ButthenwecouldhearRingoyellingdownatthegateandIrememberJobyandLucius
andPhiladelphiaandLouviniaandtheballoonlikeswayingofCousinMelisandre'sskirtsasthey
ranacrossthebackyard,thetrunksomewhereamongthem;IrememberhowJobyandLucius
tumbledthetrunkintothelittletallnarrowflimsysentryboxandLouviniathrustCousinMelisandre
inandslammedthedoorandwecouldhearRingoyellinggoodnow,almosttothehouse,andthen
IwasbackatthefrontwindowandIsawthemjustastheysweptaroundthehouseinakindof
stragglingclumpsixmeninblue,ridingfastyetwithsomethingcuriousintheactionofthehorses,
asiftheywerenotonlyyokedtogetherinspansbutwerehitchedtoasinglewagontongue,then
Ringoonfootrunningandnotyellingnow,andlastofalltheseventhrider,bareheadedand
standinginhisstirrupsandwithasabreoverhishead.ThenIwasonthebackgalleryagain,
standingbesideGrannyabovethatmoilofhorsesandmenintheyard,andshewaswrong.Itwas
asifthesewerenotonlythesameoneswhohadbeenatMrs.Compson'slastyear,butsomebody
hadeventoldthemexactlywhereourouthousewas.Thehorseswereyokedinpairs,butitwasnot
awagontongue,itwasapole,almostalog,twentyfeetlong,slungfromsaddletosaddlebetween
thethreespan;andIrememberthefaces,unshavenandwanandnotsomuchpeeringas
franticallygleeful,glaringupatusforaninstantbeforethemenleapeddownandunslungthepole
andjerkedthehorsesasideandpickedupthepole,threetoaside,andbegantorunacrossthe
yardwithitasthelastridercamearoundthehouse,ingray(anofficer:itwasCousinPhilip,though
ofcoursewedidn'tknowthatthen,andtherewasgoingtobeaconsiderablemoreuproarand
confusionbeforehefinallybecameCousinPhilipandofcoursewedidn'tknowthateither),the
sabrestillliftedandnotonlystandinginthestirrupsbutalmostlyingdownalongthehorse'sneck.
ThesixYankeesneversawhim.AndweusedtowatchFatherdrillinghistroopinthepasture,
changingthemfromcolumntotroopfrontatfullgallop,andyoucouldhearhisvoiceevenabove
thesoundofthegallopinghoovesbutitwasn'tabitlouderthanGranny's."There'saladyinthere!"
shesaid.ButtheYankeesneverheardheranymorethantheyhadseenCousinPhilipyet,the
wholemassofthem,thesixmenrunningwiththepoleandCousinPhiliponthehorse,leaningout
abovethemwithaliftedsabre,rushingonacrosstheyarduntiltheendofthepolestruckthe
outhousedoor.Itdidn'tjustoverturn,itexploded.Oneseconditstoodthere,tallandnarrowand
flimsy;thenextseconditwasgoneandtherewasaboilofyellingmeninbluecoatsdartingand
dodgingaroundunderCousinPhilip'shorseandtheflashingsabreuntiltheycouldfindachanceto
turnandrun.ThentherewasascatterofplanksandshinglesandCousinMelisandresittingbeside
thetrunkinthemiddleofit,inthespreadofherhoops,hereyesshutandhermouthopen,still
screaming,andafterawhileafeeblepoppingofpistolshotsfromdownalongthecreekthatdidn't
soundanymorelikewarthanaboywithfirecrackers.
"Itriedtotellyoutowait!"AbSnopessaidbehindus,"ItriedtotellyouthemYankeeshad
donecaughton!"
AfterJobyandLuciusandRingoandIfinishedburyingthetrunkinthepitandhidingthe
shovelmarks,IfoundCousinPhilipinthesummerhouse.Hissabreandbeltwereproppedagainst
thewallbutIdon'treckonevenheknewwhathadbecomeofhishat.Hehadhiscoatofftooand
waswipingitwithhishandkerchiefandwatchingthehousewithoneeyearoundtheedgeofthe
door.WhenIcameinhestraightenedupandIthoughtatfirsthewaslookingatme.
ThenIdon'tknowwhathewaslookingat."Thatbeautifulgirl,"hesaid."Fetchmeacomb."
"They'rewaitingforyouinthehouse,"Isaid."Grannywantstoknowwhat'sthematter."
CousinMelisandrewasallrightnow.IttookLouviniaandPhiladelphiabothandfinallyGrannyto
getherintothehousebutLouviniabroughttheelderflowerwinebeforeGrannyhadtimetosend
herafteritandnowCousinMelisandreandGrannywerewaitingintheparlor.
"Yoursister,"CousinPhilipsaid."Andahandmirror."
"No,Sir,"Isaid."She'sjustourcousin.FromMemphis."
Grannysays"Becausehedidn'tknowGranny.Itwasprettygoodforhertowaitanytime
foranybody.Buthedidn'tevenletmefinish."
 "Thatbeautiful,tendergirl,"hesaid."Andsendaniggerwithabasinofwaterandatowel."
Iwentbacktowardthehouse.ThistimewhenIlookedbackIcouldn'tseehiseyearoundthedoor
edge."Andaclothesbrush,"hesaid.
Grannywasn'twaitingverymuch.Shewasatthefrontdoor."Nowwhat?"shesaid.Itold
her."Doesthemanthinkwearegivingaballhereinthemiddleoftheday?TellhimIsaidtocome
oninandwashonthebackgallerylikewedo.Louvinia'sputtingdinneron,andwe'realreadylate."
ButGrannydidn'tknowCousinPhilipeither.Itoldheragain.
Shelookedatme."Whatdidhesay?"shesaid.
"Hedidn'tsayanything,"Isaid."Justthatbeautifulgirl."
"That'sallhesaidtometoo,"Ringosaid.Ihadn'theardhimcomein."'Sidesthesoapand
water.Justthatbeautifulgirl."
"Washelookingatyoueitherwhenhesaidit?"Isaid.
"No,"Ringosaid."Ijustthoughtforaminutehewas."
NowGrannylookedatRingoandmeboth."Hah,"shesaid,andafterwardwhenIwasolder
IfoundoutthatGrannyalreadyknewCousinPhiliptoo,thatshecouldlookatoneofthemand
knowalltheotherCousinMelisandresandCousinPhilipsbothwithouthavingtoseethem."I
sometimesthinkthatbulletsarejustabouttheleastfatalthingsthatfly,especiallyinwar.Allright,"
shesaid."Takehimhissoapandwater.Buthurry."
Wedid.Thistimehedidn'tsay"thatbeautifulgirl."Hesaidittwice.Hetookoffhiscoatand
handedittoRingo.
"Brushitgood,"hesaid."Yoursister,Iheardyousay."
"No,youdidn't,"Isaid.
"Nomatter,"hesaid."Iwantanosegay.Tocarryinmyhand."
"ThoseflowersareGranny's,"Isaid.
"Nomatter,"hesaid.Herolleduphissleevesandbegantowash."Asmallone.Abouta
dozenblooms.Getsomethingpink."
Iwentandgottheflowers.Idon'tknowwhetherGrannywasstillatthefrontdoorornot.
Maybeshewasn't.Atleastsheneversaidanything.SoIpickedtheonesAbSnope'snewYankee
horsehadalreadytrampleddownandwipedthedirtoffofthemandstraightenedthemoutand
wentbacktothesummerhousewhereRingowasholdingthehandglasswhileCousinPhilip
combedhishair.Thenheputonhiscoatandbuckledonhissabreagainandheldhisfeetoutone
atatimeforRingotowipehisbootsoffwiththetowel,andRingosawit.Iwouldn'thavespokenat
allbecausewewerealreadylaterfordinnerthanevernow,eveniftherehadn'tneverbeena
Yankeeontheplace."YoutoreyourbritchesonthemYankees,"Ringosaid.
SoIwentbacktothehouse.Grannywasstandinginthehall.Thistimeshejustsaid,
"Yes?"Itwasalmostquiet.
"Hetorehisbritches,"Isaid.AndsheknewmoreaboutCousinPhilipthanevenRingo
couldfindoutbylookingathim.Shehadtheneedlealreadythreadedinthebosomofherdress.
AndIwentbacktothesummerhouseandthenwecamebacktothehouseanduptothefront
doorandIwaitedforhimtogointothehallbuthedidn't,hejuststoodthereholdingthenosegayin
onehandandhishatintheother,notveryold,lookingatthatmomentanywaynotverymucholder
thanRingoandmeforallhisbraidandsashandsabreandbootsandspurs,andevenafterjust
twoyearslookinglikealloursoldiersandmostoftheotherpeopletoodid:asifithadbeensolong
nowsincehehadhadallhewantedtoeatatonetimethatevenhismemoryandpalatehad
forgottenitandonlyhisbodyremembered,standingtherewithhisnosegayandthatbeautifulgirl
lookinhisfacelikehecouldn'thaveseenanythingevenifhehadbeenlookingatit.
"No,"hesaid."Announceme.Itshouldbeyournigger.Butnomatter."Hesaidhisfull
name,allthreeofthem,twice,asifhethoughtImightforgetthembeforeIcouldreachtheparlor.
 "Goonin,"Isaid."They'rewaitingforyou.Theyhadalreadybeenwaitingforyoueven
beforeyoufoundyourpantsweretorn."
"Announceme,"hesaid.Hesaidhisnameagain."OfTennessee.Lieutenant,Savage's
Battalion,Forrest'sCommand,ProvisionalArmy,DepartmentoftheWest."
SoIdid.Wecrossedthehalltotheparlor,whereGrannystoodbetweenCousin
Melisandre'schairandthetablewherethedecanterofelderflowerwineandthreefreshglasses
andevenaplateoftheteacakesLouviniahadlearnedtomakefromcornmealandmolasseswere
sitting,andhestoppedagainatthatdoortooandIknowhecouldn'tevenseeCousinMelisandre
foraminute,eventhoughheneverhadlookedatanythingelsebuther."LieutenantPhilipStJust
Backhouse,"Isaid.Isaiditloud,becausehehadrepeatedittomethreetimessoIwouldbesure
togetitrightandIwantedtosayittosuithimtoosinceevenifhehadmadeusagoodhourlatefor
dinner,atleasthehadsavedthesilver."OfTennessee,"Isaid."Savage'sBattalion,Forrest's
Command,ProvisionalArmy,DepartmentoftheWest."
Whileyoucouldcountmaybefive,therewasn'tanythingatall.ThenCousinMelisandre
screamed.Shesatboltuprightonthechairlikeshehadsatbesidethetrunkinthelitterofplanks
andshinglesinthebackyardthismorning,withhereyesshutandhermouthopenagain,
screaming.

Ill

SOWEwerestillanotherhalfanhourlatefordinner.Thoughthistimeitneverneededanybodybut
CousinPhiliptogetCousinMelisandreupstairs.Allheneededtodowastotrytospeaktoher
again.ThenGrannycamebackdownandsaid,"Well,ifwedon'twanttojustquitandstartcallingit
supper,we'dbetterwalkinandeatitwithinthenexthourandahalfatleast."Sowewalkedin.Ab
Snopeswasalreadywaitinginthediningroom.Ireckonhehadbeenwaitinglongerthananybody,
becauseafterallCousinMelisandrewasn'tanykintohim.RingodrewGranny'schairandwesat
down.Someofitwascold.Therestofithadbeenonthestovesolongnowthatwhenyouateitit
didn'tmatterwhetheritwascoldornot.ButCousinPhilipdidn'tseemtomind.Andmaybeitdidn't
takehismemoryverylongtorememberagainwhatitwasliketohaveallhewantedtoeat,butI
don'tthinkhispalateevertastedanyofit.Hewouldsitthereeatinglikehehadn'tseenanyfoodof
anykindinatleastaweek,andlikehewasexpectingwhatwasevenalreadyonhisforktovanish
beforehecouldgetitintohismouth.Thenhewouldstopwiththeforkhalfwaytohismouthandsit
therelookingatCousinMelisandre'semptyplace,laughing.Thatis,Idon'tknowwhatelsetocallit
butlaughing.UntilatlastIsaid,"Whydon'tyouchangeyourname?"
ThenGrannyquiteatingtoo.Shelookedatmeoverherspectacles.Thenshetookboth
handsandliftedthespectaclesuphernoseuntilshecouldlookatmethroughthem.Thenshe
evenpushedthespectaclesupintoherfronthairandlookedatme."That'sthefirstsensiblething
I'veheardsaidonthisplacesinceeleveno'clockthismorning,"shesaid.
"It'ssosensibleandsimplethatIreckononlyachildcouldhavethoughtofit."Shelooked
athim."Whydon'tyou?"Helaughedsomemore.Thatis,hisfacedidthesamewayandhemade
thesamesoundagain."MygrandfatherwasatKing'sMountain,withMarionallthroughCarolina.
MyunclewasdefeatedforGovernorofTennesseebyacorruptandtraitorouscabaloftavern
keepersandRepublicanAbolitionists,andmyfatherdiedatChapultepec.Afterthat,thenamethey
boreisnotminetochange.Evenmylifeisnotminesolongasmycountryliesbleedingand
ravishedbeneathaninvader'sironheel."Thenhestoppedlaughing,orwhateveritwas.Thenhis
facelookedsurprised.Thenitquitlookingsurprised,thesurprisefadingoutofitsteadyatfirstand
graduallyfasterbutnotverymuchfasterliketheheatfadesoutofapieceofirononablacksmith's
anviluntilhisfacejustlookedamazedandquietandalmostpeaceful."UnlessIloseitinbattle,"he
said.
"Youcan'tverywelldothatsittinghere,"Grannysaid.
"No,"hesaid.ButIdon'tthinkheevenheardherexceptwithhisears.Hestoodup.Even
AbSnopeswaswatchinghimnow,hisknifestoppedhalfwaytohismouthwithawadofgreenson
theendoftheblade."Yes,"CousinPhilipsaid.
Hisfaceevenhadthebeautifulgirllookonitagain."Yes,"hesaid.HethankedGrannyfor
hisdinner.Thatis,Ireckonthat'swhathehadtoldhismouthtosay.Itdidn'tmakemuchsenseto
us,butIdon'tthinkhewaspayinganyattentiontoitatall.Hebowed.Hewasn'tlookingatGranny
noratanythingelse.Hesaid"Yes,"again.Thenhewentout.RingoandIfollowedtothefrontdoor
andwatchedhimmounthishorseandsitthereforaminute,bareheaded,lookingupatthe
upstairswindows.ItwasGranny'sroomhewaslookingat,withmineandRingo'sroomnexttoit.
ButCousinMelisandrecouldn'thaveseenhimevenifshehadbeenineitheroneofthem,since
shewasinbedontheothersideofthehousewithPhiladelphiaprobablystillwringingthecloths
outincoldwatertolayonherhead.Hesatthehorsewell.Herodeitwelltoo:lightandeasyand
backinthesaddleandtoesinandperpendicularfromankletokneeasFatherhadtaughtme.It
wasagoodhorsetoo.
"It'sadamngoodhorse,"Isaid.
"Gitthesoap,"Ringosaid.
ButeventhenIlookedquickbackdownthehall,evenifIcouldhearGrannytalkingtoAb
Snopesinthediningroom."She'sstillinthere,"Isaid.
"Hah,"Ringosaid."IdonetastedsoapinmymouthforacussIthoughtwasaheapfurther
offthanthat."
ThenCousinPhilipspurredthehorseandwasgone.OrsoRingoandIthouglit.Twohours
agononeofushadeverevenheardofhim;CousinMelisandrehadseenhimtwiceandsatwith
hereyesshutscreamingbothtimes.Butafterwewereolder,RingoandIrealizedthatCousin
Philipwasprobablytheonlyoneinthewholelotofusthatreallybelievedevenforonemoment
thathehadsaidgoodbyeforever,thatnotonlyGrannyandLouviniaknewbetterbutCousin
Melisandredidtoo,nomatterwhathislastnamehadthebadlucktobe.
Wewentbacktothediningroom.ThenIrealizedthatAbSnopeshadbeenwaitingforus
tocomeback.ThenwebothknewhewasgoingtoaskGrannysomethingbecausenobodywanted
tobealonewhentheyhadtoaskGrannysomethingevenwhentheydidn'tknowtheyweregoing
tohavetroublewithit.WehadknownAbforoverayearnow.Ishouldhaveknownwhatitwaslike.
Grannyalreadydid.Hestoodup."Well,MizMillard,"hesaid."Ifiggeryou'llbesafeallrightfrom
nowon,withBedForrestandhisboysrightthereinJefferson.Butuntilthingsquietdownamite
more,I'lljustleavethehorsesinyourlotforadayortwo."
"Whathorses?"Grannysaid.SheandAbdidn'tjustlookatoneanother.Theywatchedone
another.
"Themfreshcapturedhorsesfromthismorning,"Absaid.
"Whathorses?"Grannysaid.ThenAbsaidit.
"Myhorses."Abwatchedher.
"Why?"Grannysaid.ButAbknewwhatshemeant.
"I'mtheonlygrownmanhere,"hesaid.Thenhesaid,"Iseenthemfirst.Theywerechasing
mebefore..."Thenhesaid,talkingfastnow;hiseyeshadgonekindofglazedforasecondbutnow
theywerebrightagain,lookinginthestubblydirtcoloredfuzzonhisfaceliketwochipsofbroken
plateinawornoutdoormat:"Spoilsofwar!Ibroughtthemhere!Itolledtheminhere:amilitary
andbush!AndastheonlyandrankingConfedritmilitarysoldierpresent..."
"Youain'tasoldier,"Grannysaid."YoustipulatedthattoColonelSartorisyourselfwhileI
waslistening.Youtoldhimyourselfyouwouldbehisindependenthorsecaptainbutnothingmore."
 "Ain'tthatjustexactlywhatIamtryingtobe?"hesaid.
"Didn'tIbringallsixofthemhorsesinhereinmyownpossession,thesameasifIwas
leadingthemonarope?"
"Hah,"Grannysaid."Aspoilofwaroranyotherkindofspoildon'tbelongtoamanora
womaneitheruntiltheycantakeithomeandputitdownandturntheirbackonit.Youneverhad
timetogethomewitheventheoneyouwereriding.Youraninthefirstopengateyoucameto,no
matterwhosegateitwas."
"Exceptitwasthewrongone,"hesaid.Hiseyesquitlookinglikechina.Theydidn'tlooklike
anything.ButIreckonhisfacewouldstilllooklikeanolddoormatevenafterhehadturnedallthe
waywhite."SoIreckonIgottoevenwalkbacktotown,"hesaid."Thewomanthatwould..."His
voicestopped.HeandGrannylookedatoneanother.
"Don'tyousayit,"Grannysaid.
"Nome,"hesaid.Hedidn'tsayit."...amanofsevenhorsesain'tlikelytolendhimamule."
"No,"Grannysaid."Butyouwon'thavetowalk."
Weallwentouttothelot.Idon'treckonthatevenAbknewuntilthenthatGrannyhad
alreadyfoundwherehethoughthehadhiddenthefirsthorseandhaditbroughtuptothelotwith
theothersix.Butatleasthealreadyhadhissaddleandbridlewithhim.Butitwastoolate.Sixof
thehorsesmovedaboutlooseinthelot.Theseventhonewastiedjustinsidethegatewithapiece
ofplowline.Itwasn'tthehorseAbhadcomeonbecausethathorsehadablaze.Abhadknown
Grannylongenoughtoo.Heshouldhaveknown.
Maybehedid.Butatleasthetried.Heopenedthegate.
"Well,"hesaid,"itain'tgettingnoearlier.IreckonIbetter..."
"Wait,"Grannysaid.Thenwelookedatthehorsewhichwastiedtothefence.Atfirst
glanceitlookedthebestoneoftheseven.Youhadtoseeitjustrighttotellitsnearlegwassprung
alittle,maybefrombeingworkedtoohardtooyoungundertoomuchweight."Takethatone,"
Grannysaid.
"Thatain'tmine,"Absaid."That'soneofyourn.I'lljust..."
"Takethatone,"Grannysaid.Ablookedather.Youcouldhavecountedatleastten.
"Hellfire,MizMillard,"hesaid.
"I'vetoldyoubeforeaboutcursingonthisplace,"Grannysaid.
"Yessum,"Absaid.Thenhesaiditagain:"Hellfire."Hewentintothelotandrammedthe
bitintothetiedhorse'smouthandclappedthesaddleonandsnatchedthepieceofplowlineoff
andthrewitoverthefenceandgotupandGrannystoodthereuntilhehadriddenoutofthelotand
RingoclosedthegateandthatwasthefirsttimeInoticedthechainandpadlockfromthe
smokehousedoorandRingolockeditandhandedGrannythekeyandAbsatforaminute,looking
downather."Well,goodday,"hesaid."IjusthopeforthesakeoftheConfedricythatBedForrest
don'tnevertanglewithyouwithallthehorseshe'sgot."Thenhesaiditagain,maybeworsethis
timebecausenowhewasalreadyonahorsepointedtowardthegate:"Oryou'lldamnshoreleave
himjustonemorepasselofinfantrybeforehecanspittwice."
Thenhewasgonetoo.ExceptforhearingCousinMelisandrenowandthen,andthosesix
horseswithU.S.brandedontheirhipsstandinginthelot,itmightneverhavehappened.Atleast
RingoandIthoughtthatwasallofit.EverynowandthenPhiladelphiawouldcomedownstairswith
thepitcheranddrawsomemorecoldwaterforCousinMelisandre'sclothsbutwethoughtthatafter
awhileeventhatwouldjustwearoutandquit.ThenPhiladelphiacamedownagainandcameinto
whereGrannywascuttingdownapairofYankeepantsthatFatherhadwornhomelasttimeso
theywouldfitRingo.Shedidn'tsayanything.ShejuststoodinthedooruntilGrannysaid."Allright.
Whatnow?"
"Shewantthebanjo,"Philadelphiasaid.
"What?"Grannysaid."Mydulcimer?Shecan'tplayit.Gobackupstairs."
 ButPhiladelphiadidn'tmove."CouldIaxMammytocomehelpme?"
"No,"Grannysaid."Louvinia'sresting.She'shadaboutasmuchofthisasIwantherto
stand.Gobackupstairs.Givehersomemorewineifyoucan'tthinkofanythingelse."Andshetold
Ringoandmetogosomewhereelse,anywhereelse,butevenintheyardyoucouldstillhear
CousinMelisandretalkingtoPhiladelphia.AndonceweevenheardGrannythoughitwasstill
mostlyCousinMelisandretellingGrannythatshehadalreadyforgivenher,thatnothingwhatever
hadhappenedandthatallshewantednowwaspeace.AndafterawhileLouviniacameupfrom
thecabinwithoutevenbeingsentforandwentupstairsandthenitbegantolooklikewewere
goingtobelateforsuppertoo.ButPhiladelphiafinallycamedownandcookeditandcarried
CousinMelisandre'strayupandthenwequiteating;wecouldhearLouviniaoverhead,inGranny's
roomnow,andshecamedownandsettheuntastedtrayonthetableandstoodbesideGranny's
chairwiththekeytothetrunkinherhand.
"Allright,"Grannysaid."GocallJobyandLucius."Wegotthelanternandtheshovels.We
wenttotheorchardandremovedthebrushanddugupthetrunkandgotthedulcimerandburied
thetrunkandputthebrushbackandbroughtthekeyintoGranny.AndRingoandIcouldhearher
fromourroomandGrannywasright.WeheardherforalongtimeandGrannywassurelyright;
shejustneversaidbuthalfofit.Themooncameupafterawhileandwecouldlookdownfromour
windowintothegarden,atCousinMelisandresittingonthebenchwiththemoonlightglintingon
thepearlinlayofthedulcimer,andPhiladelphiasquattingonthesillofthegatewithherapronover
herhead.Maybeshewasasleep.Itwasalreadylate.ButIdon'tseehow.
Sowedidn'thearGrannyuntilshewasalreadyintheroom,hershawloverhernightgown
andcarryingacandle.
"InaminuteI'mgoingtohaveaboutallofthisIaimtostandtoo,"shesaid."Gowake
Luciusandtellhimtosaddlethemule,"shetoldRingo."Bringmethepenandinkandasheetof
paper."Ifetchedthem.Shedidn'tsitdown.ShestoodatthebureauwhileIheldthecandle,writing
evenandsteadyandnotverymuch,andsignedhernameandletthepaperlieopentodryuntil
Luciuscamein."AbSnopessaidthatMr.ForrestisinJefferson,"shetoldLucius."Findhim.Tell
himIwillexpecthimhereforbreakfastinthemorningandtobringthatboy."Sheusedtoknow
GeneralForrestinMemphisbeforehegottobeageneral.HeusedtotradewithGrandfather
Millard'ssupplyhouseandsometimeshewouldcomeouttositwithGrandfatheronthefront
galleryandsometimeshewouldeatwiththem."YoucantellhimIhavesixcapturedhorsesfor
him,"shesaid."Andnevermindpatterrollersorsoldierseither.Haven'tyougotmysignatureon
thatpaper?"
"Iain'tworryingaboutthem,"Luciussaid."ButsupposethemYankees..."
"Isee,"Grannysaid."Hah.Iforgot.You'vebeenwaitingforYankees,haven'tyou?But
thosethismorningseemedtobetoobusytryingtostayfreetohavemuchtimetotalkaboutit,
didn'tthey?Getalong,"shesaid."DoyouthinkanyYankeeisgoingtodareignorewhata
Southernsoldierorevenapatterrollerwouldn't?Andyougotobed,"shesaid.
Welaydown,bothofusonRingo'spallet.WeheardthemulewhenLuciusleft.Thenwe
heardthemuleandatfirstwedidn'tknowwehadbeenasleep,themulecomingbacknowandthe
moonhadstarteddownthewestandCousinMelisandreandPhiladelphiaweregonefromthe
garden,towherePhiladelphiaatleastcouldsleepbetterthansittingonasquaresillwithanapron
overherhead,oratleastwhereitwasquieter.AndweheardLuciusfumblingupthestairsbutwe
neverheardGrannyatallbecauseshewasalreadyatthetopofthestairs,talkingdownatthe
noiseLuciuswastryingnottomake."Speakup,"shesaid."Iain'tasleepbutIain'talipreader
either.Notinthedark."
"GenlFawhrestsayherespectfulcompliments,"Luciussaid,"andhecan'tcometo
breakfastthismorningbecausehegontertobewhuppinGenlSmithatTallahatchieCrossingabout
thattime.Butprovidinheain'ttoofurawayinthewrongdirectionwhenhimandGenlSmithgit
done,hebeproudtoacceptyourinvitationnexttimeheintheneighborhood.Andhesay'whut
boy'."
Whileyoucouldcountaboutfive,Grannydidn'tsayanything.Thenshesaid,"What?"
"Hesay'whutboy',"Luciussaid.
Thenyoucouldhavecountedten.AllwecouldhearwasLuciusbreathing.ThenGranny
said:"Didyouwipethemuledown?"
"Yessum,"Luciussaid.
"Didyouturnherbackintothepasture?"
"Yessum,"Luciussaid.
"Thengotobed,"Grannysaid."Andyoutoo,"shesaid.
GeneralForrestfoundoutwhatboy.Thistimewedidn'tknowwehadbeenasleepeither,
anditwasnoonemulenow.
Thesunwasjustrising.WhenweheardGrannyandscrambledtothewindow,yesterday
wasn'tapatchonit.Therewereatleastfiftyofthemnow,ingray;thewholeoutdoorswasfullof
menonhorses,withCousinPhilipoutinfrontofthem,sittinghishorseinalmostexactlythesame
spotwherehehadbeenyesterday,lookingupatGranny'swindowandnotseeingitoranything
elsethistimeeither.Hehadahatnow.Hewasholdingitclampedoverhisheartandhehadn't
shavedandyesterdayhehadlookedyoungerthanRingobecauseRingoalwayshadlookedabout
tenyearsolderthanme.Butnow,withthefirstsunraymakingalittlesoftfuzzinthegoldcolored
stubbleonhisface,helookedevenyoungerthanIdid,andgauntandworninthefacelikehe
hadn'tsleptanylastnightandsomethingelseinhisfacetoo:likehenotonlyhadn'tsleptlastnight
butbygodfreyhewasn'tgoingtosleeptonighteitheraslongashehadanythingtodowithit.
"Goodbye,"hesaid."Goodbye,"andwhirledhishorse,spurring,andraisedthenewhatoverhis
headlikehehadcarriedthesabreyesterdayandthewholemassofthemwentpilingbackacross
flowerbedsandlawnsandallandbackdownthedrivetowardthegatewhileGrannystillstoodat
herwindowinhernightgown,hervoicelouderthananyman'sanywhere,Idon'tcarewhoheisor
whathewouldbedoing:"Backhouse!Backhouse!You,Backhouse!"
Soweatebreakfastearly.GrannysentRingoinhisnightshirttowakeLouviniaandLucius
both.SoLuciushadthemulesaddledbeforeLouviniaevengotthefirelit.ThistimeGrannydidn't
writeanote."GotoTallahatchieCrossing,"shetoldLucius."Sitthereandwaitforhimif
necessary."
"Supposetheydonealreadystartedthebattle?"Luciussaid.
"Supposetheyhave?"Grannysaid."Whatbusinessisthatofyoursormineeither?You
findBedfordForrest.Tellhimthisisimportant;itwon'ttakelong.Butdon'tyoushowyourfacehere
againwithouthim."
Luciusrodeaway.Hewasgonefourdays.Hedidn'tevengetbackintimeforthewedding,
comingbackupthedriveaboutsundownonthefourthdaywithtwosoldiersinoneofGeneral
Forrest'sforagewagonswiththemuletiedtothetailgate.Hedidn'tknowwherehehadbeenand
heneverdidcatchupwiththebattle."Ineverevenheardit,"hetoldJobyandLuciusandLouvinia
andPhiladelphiaandRingoandme."Ifwarsalwaysmovesthatfarandthatfast,Idon'tseehow
theyeverhavetimetofight."
Butitwasalloverthen.Itwasthesecondday,thedayafterLuciusleft.Itwasjustafter
dinnerthistimeandbynowwewereusedtosoldiers.Buttheseweredifferent,justfiveofthem,
andweneverhadseenjustthatfewofthembeforeandwehadcometothinkofsoldiersaseither
jumpingonandoffhorsesintheyardorgoingbackandforththroughGranny'sflowerbedsatfull
gallop.ThesewereallofficersandIreckonmaybeIhadn'tseensomanysoldiersafterallbecause
Ineversawthismuchbraidbefore.Theycameupthedriveatatrot,likepeoplejusttakingaride,
andstoppedwithouttromplingevenoneflowerbedandGeneralForrestgotdownandcameupthe
walktowardwhereGrannywaitedonthefrontgallery:abig,dustymanwithabigbeardsoblackit
lookedalmostblueandeyeslikeasleepyowl,alreadytakingoffhishat."Well,MissRosie,"he
said.
"Don'tcallmeRosie,"Grannysaid."Comein.Askyourgentlementoalightandcomein."
"They'llwaitthere,"GeneralForrestsaid."Wearealittlerushed.Myplanshave..."Thenwe
wereinthelibrary.Hewouldn'tsitdown.Helookedtiredallright,buttherewassomethingelsea
gooddeallivelierthanjusttired."Well,MissRosie,"hesaid."I..."
"Don'tcallmeRosie,"Grannysaid."Can'tyouevensayRosa?"
"Yessum,"hesaid.Buthecouldn't.Atleast,heneverdid,"Ireckonwebothhavehad
aboutenoughofthis.Thatboy..."
"Hah,"Grannysaid."Nightbeforelastyouweresayingwhatboy.Whereishe?Isentyou
wordtobringhimwithyou."
"Underarrest,"GeneralForrestsaid.Itwasaconsiderablemorethanjusttired."Ispent
fourdaysgettingSmithjustwhereIwantedhim.Afterthat,thisboyherecouldhavefoughtthe
battle."Hesaid'fit'forfoughtjustashesaid'druv'fordroveand'drug'fordragged.Butmaybe
whenyoufoughtbattleslikehedid,evenGrannydidn'tmindhowyoutalked."Iwon'tbotheryou
withdetails.Hedidn'tknowthemeither.AllhehadtodowasexactlywhatItoldhim.Idid
everythingbutdrawadiagramonhiscoattailofexactlywhathewastodo,nomoreandnoless,
fromthetimeheleftmeuntilhesawmeagain:whichwastomakecontactandthenfallback.I
gavehimjustexactlytherightnumberofmensothathecouldn'tdoanythingelsebutthat.Itold
himexactlyhowfasttofallbackandhowmuchrackettomakedoingitandevenhowtomakethe
racket.Butwhatdoyouthinkhedid?"
"Icantellyou,"Grannysaid."Hesatonhishorseatfiveo'clockyesterdaymorning,withmy
wholeyardfullofmenbehindhim,yellinggoodbyeatmywindow."
"Hedividedhismenandsenthalfofthemintothebushestomakeanoiseandtookthe
otherhalfwhowerethenearesttocompletefoolsandledasabrechargeonthatoutpost.Hedidn't
fireashot.HedroveitcleanbackwithsabresontoSmith'smainbodyandscaredSmithsothathe
threwoutallhiscavalryandpulledoutbehinditandnowIdon'tknowwhetherI'mabouttocatch
himorhe'sabouttocatchme.Myprovostfinallycaughttheboylastnight.Hehadcomebackand
gottheotherthirtymenofhiscompanyandwastwentymilesaheadagain,tryingtofindsomething
toleadanotherchargeagainst.'Doyouwanttobekilled?'Isaid.'Notespecially,'hesaid.'Thatis,I
don'tespeciallycareonewayortheother.''ThenneitherdoI,'Isaid.'Butyouriskedawhole
companyofmymen.''Ain'tthatwhattheyenlistedfor?'hesaid.'Theyenlistedintoamilitary
establishmentthepurposeofwhichistoexpendeachmanonlyataprofit.Ormaybeyoudon't
considermeashrewdenoughtraderinhumanmeat?''Ican'tsay,'hesaid.'Sincedaybefore
yesterdayIain'tthoughtverymuchabouthowyouoranybodyelserunsthiswar.''Andjustwhat
wereyoudoingdaybeforeyesterdaythatchangedyourideasandhabits?'Isaid.'Fightingsomeof
it,'hesaid.'Dispersingtheenemy.''Where?'Isaid.'Atalady'shouseafewmilesfromJefferson,'
hesaid.'OneoftheniggerscalledherGrannylikethewhiteboydid.TheotherscalledherMiss
Rosie.'"ThistimeGrannydidn'tsayanything.Shejustwaited.
"Goon,"shesaid.
"I'mstilltryingtowinbattles,evenifsincedaybeforeyesterdayyouain't,'Isaid.I'llsend
youdowntoJohnstonatJackson,'Isaid.'He'llputyouinsideVicksburg,whereyoucanlead
privatechargesdayandnighttooifyouwant.''Likehellyouwill,'hesaid.AndIsaidexcuseme
'LikehellIwon't.'"AndGrannydidn'tsayanything.ItwaslikedaybeforeyesterdaywithAb
Snopes:notlikeshehadn'theardbutasifrightnowitdidn'tmatter,thatthiswasnotimeeitherto
botherwithsuch.
"Anddidyou?"shesaid.
"Ican't.Heknowsit.Youcan'tpunishamanforroutinganenemyfourtimeshisweight.
WhatwouldIsaybackthereinTennessee,wherewebothlive,letalonethatuncleofhis,theone
theylickedforGovernorsixyearsago,onBragg'spersonalstaffnow,withhisfaceoverBragg's
shouldereverytimeBraggopensadispatchorpicksupapen.AndI'mstilltryingtowinbattles.But
Ican't.Becauseofagirl,onesingleloneyoungfemalegirlthatain'tgotanythingunderthesun
againsthimexceptthat,sinceitwashismisfortunetosaveherfromapasselofraidingenemyina
situationthateverybodybutheristryingtoforget,shecan'tseemtobeartohearhislastname.Yet
becauseofthat,everybattleIplanfromnowonwillbeatthemercyofatwentytwoyearold
shavetailexcusemeagainwhomightdecidetoleadaprivatechargeanytimehecanhollerat
leasttwomeningraycoatsintomovinginthesamedirection."Hestopped.
HelookedatGranny."Well?"hesaid.
"Sonowyou'vegottoit,"Grannysaid."Wellwhat,Mr.Forrest?"
"Why,justhavedonewiththisfoolishness.ItoldyouI'vegotthatboy,inclosearrest,witha
guardwithabayonet.Buttherewon'tbeanytroublethere.Ifiguredevenyesterdaymorningthat
hehadalreadylosthismind.ButIreckonhe'srecoveredenoughofitsincetheProvosttookhim
lastnighttocomprehendthatIstillconsidermyselfhiscommanderevenifhedon't.Soall
necessarynowisforyoutoputyourfootdown.Putitdownhard.Now.You'rehergrandma.She
livesinyourhome.Anditlookslikesheisgoingtoliveinitagoodwhileyetbeforeshegetsback
toMemphistothatuncleorwhoeveritisthatcallshimselfherguardian.Sojustputyourfootdown.
Makeher.Mr.Millardwouldhavealreadydonethatifhehadbeenhere.AndIknowwhen.Itwould
havebeentwodaysagobynow."
Grannywaiteduntilhegotdone.Shestoodwithherarmscrossed,holdingeachelbowin
theother."IsthatallI'mtodo?"shesaid.
"Yes,"GeneralForrestsaid."Ifshedon'twanttolistentoyourightatfirst,maybeashis
commander..."
Grannydidn'tevensay"Hah."Shedidn'tevensendme.
Shedidn'tevenstopinthehallandcall.ShewentupstairsherselfandwestoodthereandI
thoughtmaybeshewasgoingtobringthedulcimertooandIthoughthowifIwasGeneralForrestI
wouldgobackandgetCousinPhilipandmakehimsitinthelibraryuntilaboutsuppertimewhile
CousinMelisandreplayedthedulcimerandsang.ThenhecouldtakeCousinPhiliponbackand
thenhecouldfinishthewarwithoutworrying.
Shedidn'thavethedulcimer.ShejusthadCousinMelisandre.TheycameinandGranny
stoodtoonesideagainwithherarmscrossed,holdingherelbows."Heresheis,"shesaid."Sayit.
ThisisMr.BedfordForrest,"shetoldCousinMelisandre."Sayit,"shetoldGeneralForrest.
Hedidn'thavetime.WhenCousinMelisandrefirstcame,shetriedtoreadaloudtoRingo
andme.Itwasn'tmuch.Thatis,whatsheinsistedonreadingtouswasn'tsobad,evenifitwas
mostlyaboutladieslookingoutwindowsandplayingonsomething(maybetheyweredulcimers
too)whilesomebodyelsewasoffsomewherefighting.Itwasthewayshereadit.WhenGranny
saidthisisMisterForrest,CousinMelisandre'sfacelookedexactlylikehervoicewouldsound
whenshereadtous.Shetooktwostepsintothelibraryandcurtsied,spreadingherhoopsback,
andstoodup."GeneralForrest,"shesaid."Iamacquaintedwithanassociateofhis.Willthe
Generalpleasegivehimthesincerestwishesfortriumphinwarandsuccessinlove,fromonewho
willneverseehimagain?"Thenshecurtsiedagainandspreadherhoopsbackwardandstoodup
andtooktwostepsbackwardandturnedandwentout.
AfterawhileGrannysaid,"Well,Mr.Forrest?"
GeneralForrestbegantocough.Heliftedhiscoattailwithonehandandreachedtheother
intohishippocketlikehewasgoingtopullatleastamusketoutofitandgothishandkerchiefand
coughedintoitawhile.Itwasn'tveryclean.ItlookedaboutliketheoneCousinPhilipwastryingto
wipehiscoatoffwithinthesummerhousedaybeforeyesterday.
Thenheputthehandkerchiefback.Hedidn'tsay"Hah"either."CanIreachtheHolly
BranchroadwithouthavingtogothroughJefferson?"hesaid.
 ThenGrannymoved."Openthedesk,"shesaid."Layoutasheetofnotepaper."Idid.And
IrememberhowIstoodatonesideofthedeskandGeneralForrestattheother,andwatched
Granny'shandmovethepensteadyandnotveryslowandnotverylongacrossthepaperbecause
itneverdidtakeherverylongtosayanything,nomatterwhatitwas,whethershewastalkingitor
writingit.ThoughIdidn'tseeitthen,butonlylater,whenithungframedunderglassaboveCousin
Melisandre'sandCousinPhilip'smantel:thefinesteadyslantofGranny'shandandGeneral
Forrest'ssprawlingsignaturesbelowitthatlookeditselfagooddeallikeachargeofmassed
cavalry:LieutenantP.S.Backhouse,CompanyD,TennesseeCavalry,wasthisdayraisedtothe
honoraryrankofBrevetMajorGeneral&killedwhileengagingtheenemy.VicewhomPhilipSt
JustBackusisherebyappointedLieutenant,CompanyD,TennesseeCavalry.

N.B.ForrestGenl

Ididn'tseeitthen.GeneralForrestpickeditup."NowI'vegottohaveabattle,"hesaid."Another
sheet,son."Ilaidthatoneoutonthedesk.
"Abattle?"Grannysaid.
"TogiveJohnston,"hesaid."Confoundit,MissRosie,can'tyouunderstandeitherthatI'm
justafalliblemortalmantryingtorunamilitarycommandaccordingtocertainfixedandinviolable
rules,nomatterhowfoolishthebusinesslookstosuperioroutsidefolks?"
"Allright,"Grannysaid."Youhadone.Iwaslookingatit."
"SoIdid,"GeneralForrestsaid."Hah,"hesaid."ThebattleofSartoris."
"No,"Grannysaid."Notatmyhouse."
"Theydidalltheshootingdownatthecreek,"Isaid.
"Whatcreek?"hesaid.
SoItoldhim.Itranthroughthepasture.ItsnamewasHurricaneCreekbutnoteventhe
whitepeoplecalledithurricaneexceptGranny.GeneralForrestdidn'teitherwhenhesatdownat
thedeskandwrotethereporttoGeneralJohnstonatJackson:Aunitofmycommandondetached
dutyengagedabodyoftheenemy&drovehimfromthefield&dispersedhimthisday28thult.
April1862atHarrykinCreek.Withlossofoneman.

N.B.ForrestGenl

Isawthat.Iwatchedhimwriteit.Thenhegotupandfoldedthesheetsintohispocketandwas
alreadygoingtowardthetablewherehishatwas.
"Wait,"Grannysaid."Layoutanothersheet,"shesaid."Comebackhere."
GeneralForreststoppedandturned."Anotherone?"
"Yes!"Grannysaid."Afurlough,pass,whateveryoubusymilitaryestablishmentscallthem!
SoJohnSartoriscancomehomelongenoughto..."andshesaiditherself,shelookedstraightat
meandevenbackedupandsaidsomeofitoverasthoughtomakesuretherewouldn'tbeany
mistake:"cancomebackhomeandgiveawaythatdamnbride!"

IV

ANDTHATwasall.ThedaycameandGrannywakedRingoandmebeforesunupandweate
whatbreakfastwehadfromtwoplatesonthebacksteps.Andwedugupthetrunkandbroughtit
intothehouseandpolishedthesilverandRingoandIbroughtdogwoodandredbudbranchesfrom
thepastureandGrannycuttheflowers,allofthem,cuttingthemherselfwithCousinMelisandre
andPhiladelphiajustcarryingthebaskets;somanyofthemuntilthehousewassofullthatRingo
andIwouldbelievewesmelledthemevenacrossthepastureeachtimewecameup.Thoughof
coursewecould,itwasjustthefood:thelasthamfromthesmokehouseandthechickensandthe
flourwhichGrannyhadbeensavingandthelastofthesugarwhichshehadbeensavingalong
withthebottleofchampagneforthedaywhentheNorthsurrenderedwhichLouviniahadbeen
cookingfortwodaysnow,toreminduseachtimeweapproachedthehouseofwhatwasgoingon
andthattheflowerswerethere.Asifwecouldhaveforgottenaboutthefood.Andtheydressed
CousinMelisandreandRingoinhisnewbluepantsandIinmygrayoneswhichwerenotsonew,
westoodinthelateafternoononthegallery.GrannyandCousinMelisandreandLouviniaand
PhiladelphiaandRingoandIandwatchedthementerthegate.GeneralForrestwasnotone.
RingoandIhadthoughtmaybehemightbe,ifonlytobringCousinPhilip.Thenwethoughtthat
maybe,sinceFatherwascominganyway,GeneralForrestwouldletFatherbringhim,withCousin
PhilipmaybehandcuffedtoFatherandthesoldierwiththebayonetfollowing,ormaybestilljust
handcuffedtothesoldieruntilheandCousinMelisandreweremarriedandFatherunlockedhim.
ButGeneralForrestwasn'tone,andCousinPhilipwasn'thandcuffedtoanybodyandthere
wasnobayonetandnotevenasoldierbecausethesewereallofficerstoo.Andwestoodinthe
parlorwhilethehomemadecandlesburntinthelastofsunsetinthebrightcandlestickswhich
PhiladelphiaandRingoandIhadpolishedwiththerestofthesilverbecauseGrannyandLouvinia
werebothbusycookingandevenCousinMelisandrepolishedalittleofitalthoughLouviniacould
pickouttheonesshepolishedwithouthardlylookingandhandthemtoPhiladelphiatopolish
again:CousinMelisandreinthedresswhichhadn'tneededtobealteredforheratallbecause
Motherwasn'tmucholderthanCousinMelisandreevenwhenshedied,andwhichwouldstill
buttononGrannytoojustlikeitdidthedayshemarriedinit,andthechaplainandFatherand
CousinPhilipandthefourothersintheirgrayandbraidandsabresandCousinMelisandre'sface
wasallrightnowandCousinPhilip'swastoobecauseitjusthadthebeautifulgirllookonitand
noneofushadeverseenhimlookanyotherway.Thenweate,andRingoandIanywayhadbeen
waitingonthatforthreedaysandthenwediditandthenitwasovertoo,fadingjustalittleeach
dayuntilthepalatenolongerrememberedandonlyourmouthswouldrunalittlewateraswe
wouldnamethedishesaloudtooneanother,untileventhewaterwouldrunlessandlessandless
anditwouldtakesomethingwejusthopedtoeatsomedayiftheyevergotdonefighting,tomakeit
runatall.
Andthatwasall.Thelastsoundofwheelandhoofdiedaway,Philadelphiacameinfrom
theparlorcarryingthecandlesticksandblowingoutthecandlesasshecame,andLouviniasetthe
kitchenclockonthetableandgatheredthelastofsoiledsilverfromsupperintothedishpanandit
mightneverhaveevenbeen."Well,"Grannysaid.Shedidn'tmove,leaningherforearmsonthe
tablealittleandwehadneverseenthatbefore.ShespoketoRingowithoutturningherhead:"Go
callJobyandLucius."Andevenwhenwebroughtthetrunkinandsetitagainstthewalland
openedbackthelid,shedidn'tmove.Shedidn'tevenlookatLouviniaeither."Puttheclockintoo!"
shesaid."Idon'tthinkwe'llbothertotimeourselvestonight."

GoldenLand

IFHEhadbeenthirty,hewouldnothaveneededthetwoaspirintabletsandthehalfglassofraw
ginbeforehecouldbeartheshower'sneedlingonhisbodyandsteadyhishandstoshave.But
thenwhenhehadbeenthirtyneithercouldhehaveaffordedtodrinkasmucheacheveningashe
nowdrank;certainlyhewouldnothavedoneitinthecompanyofthemenandthewomeninwhich,
atfortyeight,hedideachevening,eventhoughknowingduringtheveryfinalhoursfilledwiththe
breakingofglassandtheshrillcriesofdrunkenwomenabovethedrumsandsaxophonesthe
hoursduringwhichhecarriedalittlebetterthanhisweightbothintheamountofliquorconsumed
andinthenumberandsumofcheckspaidthatsixoreighthourslaterhewouldrousefromwhat
hadnotbeensleepatallbutinsteadthatdreamlessstupefactionofalcoholoutofwhichlastnight's
turgidandlicenseduproarwoulddie,asthoughwithoutanyintervalforrestorrecuperation,into
thefamiliarshapeofhisbedroom,thebed'sfootsilhouettedbythemorninglightwhichenteredthe
bougainvillaeaboundwindowsbeyondwhichhispainfulandalmostunbearableeyescouldseethe
viewwhichmightbecalledthemonumenttoalmosttwentyfiveyearsofindustryanddesire,of
shrewdnessandluckandevenfortitude:theoppositecanyonflankdottedwiththewhitevillashalf
hiddeninimportedolivegrovesorfriezedbythesombrespacedcolumnsofcypresslikethe
facadesofeasterntemples,whoseowners'namesandfacesandevenvoicesweregliband
familiarinbackcornersoftheUnitedStatesandofAmericaandoftheworldwherethoseof
EinsteinandRousseauandEsculapiushadneversounded.
Hedidn'twakensick.Heneverwakenedillnorbecameillfromdrinking,notonlybecause
hehaddrunktoolongandtoosteadilyforthat,butbecausehewastootoughevenafterthethirty
softyears;hecamefromtootoughstock,onthatdaythirtyfouryearsagowhenatfourteenhehad
fled,onthebrakebeamofawestboundfreight,thelittlelostNebraskatownnamedfor,permeated
with,hisfather'shistoryandexistence,atowntobesure,butonlyinthesensethatanyshadowis
largerthantheobjectwhichcastsit.Itwasstillfrontierevenasheremembereditatfiveandsix:
theprojectedandincreasedshadowofasmalloutpostofsodroofeddugoutsontheimmense
desolationoftheplainswherehisfather,IraEwingtoo,hadbeenfirsttoessaytowringwheat
duringthesixdaysbetweenthosewhen,outdoorsinspringandsummerandinthefetidhalfdark
ofasnowbounddugoutinthewinterandfall,hepreached.ThesecondIraEwinghadcomealong
waysincethen,fromthatbarrenandtreelessvillagewhichhehadfledbyanightfreighttowhere
henowlayinahundredthousanddollarhouse,waitinguntilheknewthathecouldriseandgoto
thebathandputthetwoaspirintabletsintohismouth.
They,hismotherandfather,hadtriedtoexplainittohim,somethingaboutfortitude,thewill
toendure.Atfourteenhecouldneitheranswerthemwithlogicandreasonnorexplainwhathe
wanted:hecouldonlyflee.Norwashefleeinghisfather'sharshnessandwrath.Hewasfleeingthe
sceneitself,thetreelessimmensityinthelostcenterofwhichheseemedtoseethesumofhis
father'sandmother'sdeadyouthandbarteredlivesasatinyforlornspotwhichnaturepermittedto
greenintobriefandniggardwheatforaseason'smomentbeforeblottingitallwiththeprimaland
invinciblesnowasthough(notevenpromise,noteventhreat)ingrimandalmostplayfulauguryof
thefinaldoomofalllife.Anditwasnoteventhisthathewasfleeingbecausehewasnotfleeing:it
wasonlythatabsence,removal,wastheonlyargumentwhichfourteenknewhowtoemploy
againstadultswithanyhopeofsuccess.Hespentthenexttenyearshalftramphalfcasuallaborer
ashedrifteddownthePacificCoasttoLosAngeles;atthirtyhewasmarried,toaLosAngelesgirl,
daughterofacarpenter,andfatherofasonandadaughterandwithafootholdinrealestate;at
fortyeighthespentfiftythousanddollarsayear,owningabusinesswhichhehadbuiltupunaided
andpreservedintactthroughnineteentwentynine;hehadgiventohischildrenluxuriesand
advantageswhichhisownfathernotonlycouldnothaveconceivedinfact,butwouldhave
condemnedcompletelyintheoryasitproved,asthepaperwhichtheFilipinochauffeur,whoeach
morningcarriedhimintothehouseandundressedhimandputhimtobed,hadremovedfromthe
pocketofhistopcoatandlaidonthereadingtableproved,withreason.Onthedeathofhisfather
twentyyearsagohehadreturnedtoNebraska,forthefirsttime,andfetchedhismotherbackwith
him,andshewasnowestablishedinahomeofherownonlythelesssumptuousbecauseshe
refused(withakindofabashedandthoughtfulunshakabilitywhichhedidnotremark)anything
finerormoreelaborate.Itwasthehouseinwhichtheyhadalllivedatfirst,thoughheandhiswife
andchildrenhadmovedwithintheyear.Threeyearsagotheyhadmovedagain,intothehouse
wherehenowwakedinaselectresidentialsectionofBeverleyHills,butnotonceinthenineteen
yearshadhefailedtostop(notevenduringthelastfive,whentomoveatallinthemornings
requiredaterrificdrainonthatcharacterorstrengthwhichtheelderIrahadbequeathedhim,which
hadenabledtheotherIratopauseontheNebraskaplainanddigaholeforhiswifetobear
childreninwhileheplantedwheat)onhiswaytotheoffice(twentymilesoutofhiswaytothe
office)andspendtenminuteswithher.Shelivedinascompletephysicaleaseandpeaceashe
coulddevise.Hehadarrangedheraffairssothatshedidnotevenneedtobotherwithmoney,
cash,inordertolive;hehadarrangedcreditforherwithaneighboringmarketandbutchersothat
theJapanesegardenerwhocameeachdaytowaterandtendtheflowerscoulddohershopping
forher;sheneverevensawthebills.Andtheonlyreasonshehadnoservantwasthatevenat
seventysheapparentlyclungstubbornlytotheoldhabitofdoingherowncookingandhousework.
Soitwouldseemthathehadbeenright.Perhapsthereweretimeswhen,lyinginbedlikethisand
waitingforthewilltoriseandtaketheaspirinandthegin(morningsperhapsfollowingevenings
whenhehaddrunkmorethanordinarilyandwheneventhesixorsevenhoursofoblivionhadnot
beensufficienttoenablehimtodistinguishbetweenrealityandillusion)somethingoftheoldstrong
harshCampbellitebloodwhichtheelderIramusthavebequeathedhimmighthavecausedhimto
seeorfeelorimaginehisfatherlookingdownfromsomewhereuponhim,theprodigal,andwhat
hehadaccomplished.Ifthiswereso,thensurelytheelderIra,lookingdownforthelasttwo
morningsuponthetwotabloidpaperswhichtheFilipinoremovedfromhismaster'stopcoatand
laidonthereadingtable,mighthavetakenadvantageofthatoldbloodandtakenhisrevenge,not
justforthatafternoonthirtyfouryearsagobutfortheentirethirtyfouryears.
Whenhegatheredhimself,hiswill,hisbody,atlastandrosefromthebedhestruckthe
papersothatitfelltothefloorandlayopenathisfeet,buthedidnotlookatit.Hejuststoodso,
tall,insilkpajamas,thinwherehisfatherhadbeengauntwiththeyearsofhardworkand
unceasingstrugglewiththeunpredictableandimplacableearth(evennow,despitethelifewhich
hehadled,hehadverylittlepaunch)lookingatnothingwhileathisfeettheblackheadlineflared
abovetherowoffiveorsixtabloidphotographsfromwhichhisdaughteralternatelystaredbackor
flauntedlongpaleshins:APRILLALEARBARESORGYSECRETS.Whenhemovedatlasthe
steppedonthepaper,walkingonhisbarefeetintothebath;nowitwashistremblingandjerking
handsthathewatchedasheshookthetwotabletsontotheglassshelfandsetthetumblerintothe
rackandunstopperedtheginbottleandbracedhisknucklesagainstthewallinordertopourinto
thetumbler.Buthedidnotlookatthepaper,notevenwhen,shaved,hereenteredthebedroom
andwenttothebedbesidewhichhisslipperssatandshovedthepaperasidewithhisfootinorder
tostepintothem.Perhaps,doubtless,hedidnotneedto.Thetrialwasbutenteringitsthird
tabloidaldaynow,andsofortwodayshisdaughter'sfacehadsprungoutathim,hard,blondeand
inscrutable,fromeverypaperheopened;doubtlesshehadneverforgotherwhileheslepteven,
thathehadwakedintothinkingaboutrememberingherashehadwakedintothedyingdrunken
uproaroftheeveningeighthoursbehindhimwithoutanyintervalbetweenforrestorforgetting.
Neverthelessas,dressedinaburntorangeturtlenecksweaterbeneathhisgrayflannels,
hedescendedtheSpanishstaircase,hewasoutwardlycalmandpossessed.Thedelicateiron
balustradeandthemarblestepscoileddowntothetileflooredandbarnlikelivingroombeyond
whichhecouldhearhiswifeandsontalkingonthebreakfastterrace.Theson'snamewasVoyd.
Heandhiswifehadnamedthetwochildrenbywhatmighthavebeencalledmutualcontemptuous
armistice:hiswifecalledtheboyVoyd,forwhatreasonheneverknew;heinhisturnnamedthe
girl(thechildwhosewoman'sfacehadmethimfromeverypaperhetouchedfortwodaysnow
beneathorabovethename,AprilLalear)Samantha,afterhisownmother.Hecouldhearthem
talking:thewifebetweenwhomandhimselftherehadbeennothingsavecivility,andnotalwaysa
greatdealofthat,fortenyearsnow;andthesonwhooneafternoontwoyearsagohadbeen
deliveredatthedoordrunkandinsensiblebyacarwhoseoccupantshedidnotseeand,it
devolvinguponhimtoundressthesonandputhimtobed,whomhediscoveredtobewearing,in
placeofunderclothes,awoman'sbrassiereandstepins.Afewminuteslater,hearingtheblows
perhaps,Voyd'smotherraninandfoundherhusbandbeatingthestillunconscioussonwitha
seriesoftowelswhichaservantwassteepinginrotationinabasinoficewater.Hewasbeating
thesonhard,withgrimanddeliberatefury.Whetherhewastryingtosoberthesonuporwas
merelybeatinghim,possiblyhehimselfdidnotknow.
Hiswifethoughjumpedtothelatterconclusion.Inhisragingdisillusionmenthetriedtotell
heraboutthewoman'sgarmentsbutsherefusedtolisten;sheassailedhiminturnwithviragofury.
Sincethatdaythesonhadcontrivedtoseehisfatheronlyinhismother'spresence(whichneither
thesonnorthemotherfoundverydifficult,bytheway)andatwhichtimesthesontreatedhisfather
withablendofcringingspiteandvindictiveinsolencehalfacat'sandhalfawoman's.
Heemergedontotheterrace;thevoicesceased.Thesun,strainedbythevaguehighsoft
almostnebulousCaliforniahaze,fellupontheterracewithakindoftreacherousunbrightness.The
terrace,thesundrenchedterracottatiles,buttedintoaroughandsavageshearofcanyonwall
bareyetwithoutdust,onoragainstwhichasolidmatofflowersbloomedinfiercelushmyriad
coloredparadoxasthoughinplaceofbeingrootedintoanddrawingfromthesoiltheylivedupon
airaloneandhadbeenmerelyleanedintactagainstthesustenancelesslavawallbysomeonewho
wouldlaterreturnandtakethemaway.Theson,Voyd,apparentlynakedsaveforapairofstraw
coloredshorts,hisbodybrownwithsunandscentedfaintlybythedepilatorywhichheusedon
arms,chestandlegs,layinawickerchair,hisfeetinstrawbeachshoes,anopennewspaper
acrosshisbrownlegs.Thepaperwasthehighestclassoneofthecity,yettherewasablack
headlineacrosshalfofittoo,andevenwithoutpausing,withoutevenbeingawarethathehad
looked,Irasawtheretoothenamewhichherecognized.
Hewentontohisplace;theFilipinowhoputhimtobedeachnight,inawhiteservicejacket
now,drewhischair.
Besidetheglassoforangejuiceandthewaitingcuplayaneatpileofmailtoppedbya
telegram.Hesatdownandtookupthetelegram;hehadnotglancedathiswifeuntilshespoke:
"Mrs.Ewingtelephoned.Shesaysforyoutostopinthereonyourwaytotown."
Hestopped;hishandsopeningthetelegramstopped.Stillblinkingalittleagainstthesun
helookedatthefaceoppositehimacrossthetablethesmoothdeadmakeup,thethinlipsandthe
thinnostrilsandthepaleblueunforgivingeyes,themeticulousplatinumhairwhichlookedas
thoughithadbeentransferredtoherskullwithabrushfromabookofsilverleafsuchaswindow
paintersuse."What?"hesaid."Telephoned?Here?"
"Whynot?HaveIeverobjectedtoanyofyourwomentelephoningyouhere?"
Theunopenedtelegramcrumpledsuddenlyinhishand.
"YouknowwhatImean,"hesaidharshly."Shenevertelephonedmeinherlife.Shedon't
haveto.Notthatmessage.WhenhaveIeverfailedtogobythereonmywaytotown?"
"HowdoIknow?"shesaid."Orareyouthesamemodelsonyouhavebeenahusbandand
seemtobeafather?"Hervoicewasnotshrillyet,norevenveryloud,andnonecouldhavetold
howfastherbreathingwasbecauseshesatsostill,rigidbeneaththeimpeccableandunbelievable
hair,lookingathimwiththatpaleandoutragedunforgiveness.Theybothlookedateachother
acrosstheluxurioustable:thetwopeoplewhoatonetimetwentyyearsagowouldhaveturnedas
immediatelyandnaturallyandunthinkinglytooneanotherintrouble,whoeventenyearsagomight
havedoneso.
"YouknowwhatImean,"hesaid,harshlyagain,holdinghimselftooagainstthetrembling
whichhedoubtlessbelievedwasfromlastnight'sdrinking,fromthespentalcohol."Shedon'tread
papers.Sheneverevenseesone.Didyousendittoher?"
"I?"shesaid."Sendwhat?"
"Damnation!"hecried."Apaper!Didyousendittoher?Don'tlietome."
"WhatifIdid?"shecried."Whoisshe,thatshemustnotknowaboutit?Whoisshe,that
youshouldshieldherfromknowingit?Didyoumakeanyefforttokeepmefromknowingit?Did
youmakeanyefforttokeepitfromhappening?Whydidn'tyouthinkaboutthatallthoseyears
whileyouweretoodrunk,toobesottedwithdrink,toknowornoticeorcarewhatSamanthawas?"
"MissAprilLalearofthecinema,ifyouplease,"Voydsaid.Theypaidnoattentiontohim;
theyglaredatoneanotheracrossthetable.
"Ah,"hesaid,quietandrigid,hislipsscarcelymoving."SoIamtoblameforthistoo,amI?
Imademydaughterabitch,didI?MaybeyouwilltellmenextthatImademysonaf..."
"Stop!"shecried.Shewaspantingnow;theyglaredatoneanotheracrossthesuavetable,
acrossthefivefeetofirrevocabledivision.
"Now,now,"Voydsaid."Don'tinterferewiththegirl'scareer.Afteralltheseyears,whenat
lastsheseemstohavefoundapartthatshecan..."Heceased;hisfatherhadturnedandwas
lookingathim.Voydlayinhischair,lookingathisfatherwiththatveiledinsolencethatwasalmost
feminine.Suddenlyitbecamecompletelyfeminine;withamuffledhalfscreamheswunghislegs
outtospringupandfleebutitwastoolate;Irastoodabovehim,grippinghimnotbythethroatbut
bythefacewithonehand,sothatVoyd'smouthpuckeredandslobberedinhisfather'shard,
shakinghand.ThenthemothersprangforwardandtriedtobreakIra'sgripbutheflungheraway
andthencaughtandheldher,strugglingtoo,withtheotherhandwhenshespranginagain.
"Goon,"hesaid."Sayit."ButVoydcouldsaynothingbecauseofhisfather'shandgripping
hisjawsopen,ormorethanlikelybecauseofterror.Hisbodywasfreeofthechairnow,writhing
andthrashingwhilehemadehisslobbering,moaningsoundofterrorwhilehisfatherheldhimwith
onehandandheldhisscreamingmotherwiththeotherone.
ThenIraflungVoydfree,ontotheterrace;Voydrolledonceandcameontohisfeet,
crouching,retreatingtowardtheFrenchwindowswithonearmflungupbeforehisfacewhilehe
cursedhisfather.Thenhewasgone.Irafacedhiswife,holdingherquiettooatlast,pantingtoo,
theskillfulmapofmakeupstandingintoreliefnowlikeapapermasktrimmedsmoothlyandpasted
ontoherskull.Hereleasedher.
"Yousot,"shesaid."Youdrunkensot.Andyetyouwonderwhyyourchildren..."
"Yes,"hesaidquietly."Allright.That'snotthequestion.That'salldone.Thequestionis,
whattodoaboutit.Myfatherwouldhaveknown.Hediditonce."Hespokeinadrylightpleasant
voice:somuchsothatshestood,pantingstillbutquiet,watchinghim."Iremember.Iwasabout
ten.Wehadratsinthebarn.Wetriedeverything.Terriers.Poison.Thenonedayfathersaid,
'Come.'Wewenttothebarnandstoppedallthecracks,theholes.Thenwesetfiretoit.Whatdo
youthinkofthat?"Thenshewasgonetoo.
Hestoodforamoment,blinkingalittle,hiseyeballsbeatingfaintlyandsteadilyinhisskull
withtheimpactofthesoftunchangingsunlight,thefierceinnocentmassoftheflowers.
"Philip!"hecalled.TheFilipinoappeared,brownfaced,impassive,withapotofhotcoffee,
andsetitbesidetheemptycupandtheicebeddedglassoforangejuice."Getmeadrink,"Ira
said.TheFilipinoglancedathim,thenhebecamebusyatthetable,shiftingthecupandsettingthe
potdownandshiftingthecupagainwhileIrawatchedhim.
"Didyouhearme?"Irasaid.TheFilipinostooderectandlookedathim.
"Youtoldmenottogiveittoyouuntilyouhadyourorangejuiceandcoffee."
"Willyouorwon'tyougetmeadrink?"Irashouted.
"Verygood,sir,"theFilipinosaid.Hewentout.Iralookedafterhim;thishadhappened
before:heknewwellthatthebrandywouldnotappearuntilhehadfinishedtheorangejuiceand
thecoffee,thoughjustwheretheFilipinolurkedtowatchhimheneverknew.Hesatagainand
openedthecrumpledtelegramandreadit,theglassoforangejuiceintheotherhand.Itwasfrom
hissecretary:MADESETUPBEFOREIBROKESTORYLASTNIGHTSTOPTHIRTYPERCENT
FRONTPAGESTOPMADEAPPOINTMENTFORYOUCOURTHOUSETHISP.M.STOPWILL
YOUCOMETOOFFICEORCALLME.Hereadthetelegramagain,theglassoforangejuicestill
poised.ThenheputbothdownandroseandwentandliftedthepaperfromtheterracewhereVoyd
hadflungit,andreadthehalfheadline:LALEARWOMANDAUGHTEROFPROMINENTLOCAL
FAMILY.AdmitsRealNameIsSamanthaEwing,DaughterofIraEwing,LocalRealtor.Hereadit
quietly;hesaidquietly,aloud:"ItwasthatJapthatshowedherthepaper.Itwasthatdamned
gardener."Hereturnedtothetable.AfterawhiletheFilipinocame,withthebrandyandsoda,and
wearingnowajacketofbrightimitationtweed,tellinghimthatthecarwasready.

II

HISMOTHERlivedinGlendale;itwasthehousewhichhehadtakenwhenhemarriedandlater
bought,inwhichhissonanddaughterhadbeenbornabungalowinaculdesacofpeppertrees
andfloweringshrubsandvineswhichtheJapanesetended,backedintoabarrenfoothillcombed
andcurriedintoacypressandmarblecemeterydramaticasastagesetandtoppedbyanelectric
signinredbulbswhich,intheSanFernandovalleyfog,glaredinbroadsourcelessrubyasthough
justbeyondthecrestlaynotheavenbuthell.Thelengthofhissportsmodelcarinwhichthe
Filipinosatreadingapaperdwarfedit.Butshewouldhavenoother,justasshewouldhaveneither
servant,car,nortelephone:agauntspareslightlystoopedwomanuponwhomevenCaliforniaand
easehadputnoflesh,sittinginoneofthechairswhichshehadinsistedonbringingalltheway
fromNebraska.AtfirstshehadbeencontenttoallowtheNebraskafurnituretoremaininstorage,
sinceithadnotbeenneeded(whenIramovedhiswifeandfamilyoutofthehouseandintothe
secondone,theintermediateone,theyhadboughtnewfurnituretoo,leavingthefirsthouse
furnishedcompleteforhismother)butoneday,hecouldnotrecalljustwhen,hediscoveredthat
shehadtakentheonechairoutofstorageandwasusingitinthehouse.Later,afterhebeganto
sensethatqualityofunrestinher,hehadsuggestedthatshelethimclearthehouseofitspresent
furnitureandtakeallofhersoutofstoragebutshedeclined,apparentlypreferringordesiringto
leavetheNebraskafurniturewhereitwas.Sittingso,aknittedshawlabouthershoulders,she
lookedlesslikeshelivedinorbelongedtothehouse,theroom,thanthesonwithhisbeachburn
andhisfaintlytheatricalgraytemplesandhisbrightexpensivesuavelyantiphonalgarmentsdid.
Shehadchangedhardlyatallinthethirtyfouryears;sheandtheolderIraEwingtoo,astheson
rememberedhim,who,dead,hadsufferedaslittleofalterationaswhilehehadbeenalive.Asthe
sodNebraskaoutposthadgrownintoavillageandthenintoatown,hisfather'sauraalonehad
increased,growingintotheproportionsofagiantwhoatsomeirrevocableyetrecenttimehad
engagedbarehandedinsometitanicstrugglewiththepitilessearthandenduredandinasense
conqueredittoo,likethetown,ashadowoutofallproportiontothegauntgnarledfigureofthe
actualman.Andtheactualwomantooasthesonrememberedthembackinthattime.
Twopeoplewhodrankairandwhorequiredtoeatandsleepashedidandwhohad
broughthimintotheworld,yetwerestrangersasthoughofanotherrace,whostoodsidebysidein
anirrevocablelonelinessasthoughstrayedfromanotherplanet,notashusbandandwifebutas
bloodbrotherandsister,eventwins,ofthesametravailbecausetheyhadgainedastrangepeace
throughfortitudeandthewillandstrengthtoendure.
"Tellmeagainwhatitis,"shesaid."I'lltrytounderstand."
"SoitwasKazimurathatshowedyouthedamnedpaper,"hesaid.Shedidn'tanswerthis;
shewasnotlookingathim.
"Youtellmeshehasbeeninthepicturesbefore,fortwoyears.Thatthatwaswhyshehad
tochangehername,thattheyallhavetochangetheirnames."
"Yes.Theycallthemextraparts.Forabouttwoyears,Godknowswhy."
"Andthenyoutellmethatthisthatallthiswassoshecouldgetintothepictures"
Hestartedtospeak,thenhecaughthimselfbackoutofsomequickimpatience,some
impatienceperhapsofgriefordespairoratleastrage,holdinghisvoice,histone,quiet:"Isaidthat
thatwasonepossiblereason.AllIknowisthatthe,manhassomethingtodowithpictures,giving
outtheparts.AndthatthepolicecaughthimandSamanthaandtheothergirlinanapartmentwith
thedoorsalllockedandthatSamanthaandtheotherwomanwerenaked.Theysaythathewas
nakedtooandhesayshewasnot.Hesaysinthetrialthathewasframed,tricked;thattheywere
tryingtoblackmailhimintogivingthempartsinapicture;thattheyfooledhimintocomingthere
andarrangedforthepolicetobreakinjustaftertheyhadtakenofftheirclothes;thatoneofthem
madeasignalfromthewindow.Maybeso.Ormaybetheywerealljusthavingagoodtimeand
wereinnocentlycaught."Unmoving,rigid,hisfacebroke,wrungwithfaintbittersmilingasthough
withindomitableandimpassivesuffering,ormaybejustsmiling,justrage.Stillhismotherdidnot
lookathim.
"Butyoutoldmeshewasalreadyinthepictures.Thatthatwaswhyshehadtochange
her..."
"Isaid,extraparts,"hesaid.Hehadtocatchhimselfagain,outofhisjangledandoutraged
nerves,backfromthefiercefuryoftheimpatience."Can'tyouunderstandthatyoudon'tgetinto
thepicturesjustbychangingyourname?andthatyoudon'tevenstaytherewhenyougetin?that
youcan'tevenstaytherebybeingfemale?thattheycomehereindrovesoneverytrain,girls
youngerandprettierthanSamanthaandwhowilldoanythingtogetintothepictures?Sowillshe,
apparently;butwhoknoworarewillingtolearntodomorethingsthanevensheseemstohave
thoughtof?Butlet'sdon'ttalkaboutit.Shehasmadeherbed;allIcandoistohelpherup:Ican't
washthesheets.Nobodycan.Imustgo,anyway;I'mlate."Herose,lookingdownather."They
saidyoutelephonedmethismorning.Isthiswhatitwas?"
"No,"shesaid.Nowshelookedupathim;nowhergnarledhandsbegantopickfaintlyat
oneanother."Youofferedmeaservantonce."
"Yes.Ithoughtfifteenyearsagothatyououghttohaveone.Haveyouchangedyourmind?
Doyouwantmeto..."
Nowshestoppedlookingathimagain,thoughherhandsdidnotcease."Thatwasfifteen
yearsago.Itwouldhavecostatleastfivehundreddollarsayear.Thatwouldbe..."
Helaughed,shortandharsh."I'dliketoseetheLosAngelesservantyoucouldgetforfive
hundreddollarsayear.Butwhat..."Hestoppedlaughing,lookingdownather.
"Thatwouldbeatleastfivethousanddollars,"shesaid.
Helookeddownather.Afterawhilehesaid,"Areyouaskingmeagainformoney?"She
didn'tanswernormove,herhandspickingslowlyandquietlyatoneanother."Ah,"hesaid."You
wanttogoaway.Youwanttorunfromit.SodoI!"hecried,beforehecouldcatchhimselfthistime;
"sodoI!Butyoudidnotchoosemewhenyouelectedachild;neitherdidIchoosemytwo.ButI
shallhavetobearthemandyouwillhavetobearallofus.Thereisnohelpforit."Hecaught
himselfnow,panting,quietinghimselfbywillaswhenhewouldrisefrombed,thoughhisvoicewas
stillharsh:"Wherewouldyougo?Wherewouldyouhidefromit?"
"Home,"shesaid.
"Home?"herepeated;herepeatedinakindofamazement:"home?"beforeheunderstood.
"Youwouldgobackthere?withthosewinters,thatsnowandall?Why,youwouldn'tlivetoseethe
firstChristmas:don'tyouknowthat?"Shedidn'tmovenorlookupathim."Nonsense,"hesaid.
"Thiswillblowover.Inamonththerewillbetwoothersandnobodyexceptuswillevenremember
it.Andyoudon'tneedmoney.Youhavebeenaskingmeformoneyforyears,butyoudon'tneedit.
IhadtoworryaboutmoneysomuchatonetimemyselfthatIsworethattheleastIcoulddowasto
arrangeyouraffairssoyouwouldneverevenhavetolookatthestuff.Imustgo;thereis
somethingattheofficetoday.I'llseeyoutomorrow."
Itwasalreadyoneo'clock."Courthouse,"hetoldtheFilipino,settlingbackintothecar."My
God,Iwantadrink."Herodewithhiseyesclosedagainstthesun;thesecretaryhadalready
sprungontotherunningboardbeforeherealizedthattheyhadreachedthecourthouse.The
secretary,bareheadedtoo,woreajacketofauthentictweed;histurtlenecksweaterwasdead
black,hishairwasblacktoo,varnishedsmoothtohisskull;hespreadbeforeIraadummy
newspaperpagelaidouttoembracetheblankspaceforthephotographbeneaththecaption:
APRILLALEAR'SFATHER.Beneaththespacewasthelegend:IRAEWING,PRESIDENTOF
THEEWINGREALTYCO.,WILSHIREBOULEVARD,BEVERLYHILLS.
"Isthirtypercentallyoucouldget?"Irasaid.Thesecretarywasyoung;heglaredatIrafor
aninstantinvagueimpatientfury.
"Jesus,thirtypercentisthirtypercent.Theyaregoingtoprintathousandextracopiesand
useourmailinglist.ItwillbespreadallupanddowntheCoastandasfarEastasReno.Whatdo
youwant?Wecan'texpectthemtoputunderyourpicture,'Turntopagefourteenforhalfpagead,'
canwe?"Irasatagainwithhiseyesclosed,waitingforhisheadtostop.
"Allright,"hesaid."Aretheyreadynow?"
"Allset.Youwillhavetogoinside.Theyinsisteditbeinside,soeverybodythatseesitwill
knowitisthecourthouse."
"Allright,"Irasaid.Hegotout;withhiseyeshalfclosedandthesecretaryathiselbowhe
mountedthestepsandenteredthecourthouse.Thereporterandthephotographerwerewaiting
buthedidnotseethemyet;hewasawareonlyofbeingenclosedinagapingcrowdwhichheknew
wouldbemostlywomen,hearingthesecretaryandapolicemanclearingthewayinthecorridor
outsidethecourtroomdoor.
"ThisisO.K.,"thesecretarysaid.Irastopped;thedarknesswaseasieronhiseyesthough
hedidnotopenthemyet;hejuststood,hearingthesecretaryandthepolicemanherdingthe
women,thefaces,back;someonetookhimbythearmandturnedhim;hestoodobediently;the
magnesiumflashedandglared,strikingagainsthispainfuleyeballslikeblows;hehadavisionof
wanfacescranedtolookathimfromeithersideofanarrowhumanlane;withhiseyesshuttight
nowheturned,blunderinguntilthereporterinchargespoketohim:"Justaminute,chief.Webetter
getanotheronejustincase."Thistimehiseyesweretightlyclosed;themagnesiumflashed,
washedoverthem;inthethinacridsmellofitheturnedandwiththesecretaryagainathiselbow
hemovedblindlybackandintothesunlightandintohiscar.Hegavenoorderthistime,hejust
said,"Getmeadrink."Herodewithhiseyesclosedagainwhilethecarclearedthedowntown
trafficandthenbegantomovequiet,powerfulandfastunderhim;herodesoforalongwhile
beforehefeltthecarswingintothepalmbordereddrive,slowing.Itstopped;thedoormanopened
thedoorforhim,speakingtohimbyname.Theelevatorboycalledhimbynametoo,stoppingat
therightfloorwithoutdirection;hefollowedthecorridorandknockedatadoorandwasfumblingfor
thekeywhenthedooropeneduponawomaninabathingsuitbeneathaloosebeachcloak,a
womanwithtreatedhairalsoandbrowneyes,whoswungthedoorbackforhimtoenterandthen
tobehindhim,lookingathimwiththequickbrightfaintserenesmilingwhichonlyawomannearing
fortycangivetoamantowhomsheisnotmarriedandfromwhomshehashadnosecrets
physicalandfewmentaloveralongtimeofpleasantandabsoluteintimacy.Shehadbeenmarried
thoughanddivorced;shehadachild,adaughteroffourteen,whomhewasnowkeepingin
boardingschool.Helookedather,blinking,assheclosedthedoor.
"Yousawthepapers,"hesaid.Shekissedhim,notsuddenly,withoutheat,ina
continuationofthemovementwhichclosedthedoor,withasortofwarmenvelopment;suddenlyhe
cried,"Ican'tunderstandit!Afteralltheadvantagesthat...afterallItriedtodoforthem"
"Hush,"shesaid."Hush,now.Getintoyourtrunks;I'llhaveadrinkreadyforyouwhenyou
havechanged.WillyoueatsomelunchifIhaveitsentup?"
"No.Idon'twantanylunch.AfterallIhavetriedtogive"
"Hush,now.GetintoyourtrunkswhileIfixyouadrink.It'sgoingtobeswellatthebeach."
Inthebedroomhisbathingtrunksandrobewerelaidoutonthebed.Hechanged,hanginghissuit
intheclosetwhereherclotheshung,wheretherehungalreadyanothersuitofhisandclothesfor
theevening.Whenhereturnedtothesittingroomshehadfixedthedrinkforhim;sheheldthe
matchtohiscigaretteandwatchedhimsitdownandtakeuptheglass,watchinghimstillwiththat
sereneimpersonalsmiling.
Nowhewatchedherslipoffthecapeandkneelatthecellarette,fillingasilverflask,inthe
bathingcostumeofthemoment,suchastenthousandwaxfemaledummiesworeintenthousand
shopwindowsthatsummer,suchasahundredthousandyounggirlsworeonCaliforniabeaches;
helookedather,kneelingback,buttocksandflankstrimenough,evenfirmenough(sofirminfact
astobealittleonthemuscularside,whatwithunremittingandperhapsevenrigorouscare)but
stillthoseofforty.ButIdon'twantayounggirl,hethought.WouldtoGodthatallyounggirls,all
youngfemaleflesh,wereremoved,blastedeven,fromtheearth.Hefinishedthedrinkbeforeshe
hadfilledtheflask.
"Iwantanotherone,"hesaid.
"Allright,"shesaid."Assoonaswegettothebeach."
"No.Now."
"Let'sgoontothebeachfirst.It'salmostthreeo'clock.Won'tthatbebetter?"
"JustsoyouarenottryingtotellmeIcan'thaveanotherdrinknow."
"Ofcoursenot,"shesaid,slippingtheflaskintothecape'spocketandlookingathimagain
withthatwarm,faint,inscrutablesmiling."Ijustwanttohaveadipbeforethewatergetstoocold."
Theywentdowntothecar;theFilipinoknewthistoo:heheldthedoorforhertoslipunderthe
wheel,thenhegothimselfintotheback.Thecarmovedon;shedrovewell."Whynotleanback
andshutyoureyes,"shetoldIra,"andrestuntilwegettothebeach?Thenwewillhaveadipanda
drink."
"Idon'twanttorest,"hesaid."I'mallright."Buthedidclosehiseyesagainandagainthe
carranpowerful,smooth,andfastbeneathhim,performingitsafternoon'sjauntovertheincredible
distancesofwhichthecitywascomposed;fromtimetotime,hadhelooked,hecouldhaveseen
thecityinthebrightsoftvaguehazysunlight,random,scatteredaboutthearidearthlikesomany
gayscrapsofpaperblownwithoutorder,withitscuriousairofbeingrootless,ofhousesbright
beautifulandgay,withoutbasementsorfoundations,lightlyattachedtoafewinchesoflight
penetrableearth,lightereventhandustandlaidlightlyinturnupontheprofoundandprimevallava,
whichonegoodhardrainwouldwashforeverfromthesightandmemoryofmanasafirehose
flushesdownagutterthatcityofalmostincalculablewealthwhosequeerlyappropriatefateitisto
beerecteduponafewspoolsofasubstancewhosevalueiscomputedinbillionsandwhichmay
becompletelydestroyedinthatsecond'sinstantofacarelessmatchbetweenthemomentof
strikingandthemomentwhenthestrikermighthavesprungandstampeditout.
"Yousawyourmothertoday,"shesaid."Hasshe..."
"Yes."Hedidn'topenhiseyes."ThatdamnedJapgaveittoher.Sheaskedmeformoney
again.Ifoundoutwhatshewantswithit.Shewantstorun,togobacktoNebraska.Itoldher,so
didI...Ifshewentbackthere,shewouldnotliveuntilChristmas.Thefirstmonthofwinterwouldkill
her.Maybeitwouldn'teventakewintertodoit."
Shestilldrove,shestillwatchedtheroad,yetsomehowshehadcontrivedtobecome
completelyimmobile."Sothat'swhatitis,"shesaid.
Hedidnotopenhiseyes."Whatwhatis?"
"Thereasonshehasbeenafteryouallthistimetogivehermoney,cash.Why,evenwhen
youwon'tdoit,everynowandthensheasksyouagain."
"Whatwhat..."Heopenedhiseyes,lookingatherprofile;hesatupsuddenly."Youmean,
she'sbeenwantingtogobackthereallthetime?Thatalltheseyearsshehasbeenaskingmefor
money,thatthatwaswhatshewantedwithit?"
Sheglancedathimswiftly,thenbacktotheroad."Whatelsecanitbe?Whatelsecould
sheusemoneyfor?"
 "Backthere?"hesaid."Tothosewinters,thattown,thatwayofliving,whereshe'sboundto
knowthatthefirstwinterwould...You'dalmostthinkshewantedtodie,wouldn'tyou?"
"Hush,"shesaidquickly."Shhhhh.Don'tsaythat.Don'tsaythataboutanybody."Already
theycouldsmellthesea;nowtheyswungdowntowardit;thebrightsaltwindblewuponthem,with
thelongspacedsoundoftherollers;nowtheycouldseeit:thedarkblueofwatercreamingintothe
blanchedcurveofbeachdottedwithbathers."Wewon'tgothroughtheclub,"shesaid."I'llparkin
hereandwecangostraighttothewater."TheylefttheFilipinointhecaranddescendedtothe
beach.Itwasalreadycrowded,brightandgaywithmovement.Shechoseavacantspaceand
spreadhercape.
"Nowthatdrink,"hesaid.
"Haveyourdipfirst,"shesaid.Helookedather.Thenheslippedhisrobeoffslowly;she
tookitandspreaditbesideherown;helookeddownather.
"Whichisit?Willyoualwaysbetoocleverforme,orisitthateverytimeIwillalways
believeyouagain?"
Shelookedathim,bright,warm,fondandinscrutable.
"Maybeboth.Maybeneither.Haveyourdip;Iwillhavetheflaskandacigarettereadywhen
youcomeout."Whenhecamebackfromthewater,wet,panting,hisheartalittletoohardand
fast,shehadthetowelready,andshelitthecigaretteanduncappedtheflaskashelayonthe
spreadrobes.
Shelaytoo,liftedtooneelbow,smilingdownathim,smoothingthewaterfromhishairwith
thetowelwhilehepanted,waitingforhishearttoslowandquiet.Steadilybetweenthemandthe
water,andasfarupanddownthebeachastheycouldsee,thebatherspassed:youngpeople,
youngmenintrunks,andyounggirlsinlittlemore,withbronzed,unselfconsciousbodies.Lyingso,
theyseemedtohimtowalkalongtherimoftheworldasthoughtheyandtheirkindaloneinhabited
it,andhewithhisfortyeightyearsweretheforgottenlastsurvivorofanotherraceandkind,and
theyinturnprecursorsofanewracenotyetseenontheearth:ofmenandwomenwithoutage,
beautifulasgodsandgoddesses,andwiththemindsofinfants.Heturnedquicklyandlookedat
thewomanbesidehim,atthequietface,thewise,smilingeyes,thegrainedskinandtemples,the
hairrootsshowingwherethedyehadgrownout,thelegsveinedfaintandblueandmyriad
beneaththeskin."Youlookbetterthananyofthem!"hecried."Youlookbettertomethananyof
them!"

Ill

THEJAPANESEGARDENER,withhishaton,stoodtappingontheglassandbeckoningand
grimacinguntiloldMrs.Ewingwentouttohim.Hehadtheafternoon'spaperwithitsblack
headline:LALEARWOMANCREATESSCENEINCOURTROOM."Youtake,"theJapanesesaid.
"ReadwhileIcatchwater."Butshedeclined;shejuststoodinthesofthalcyonsunlight,surrounded
bythemyriadandalmostfiercebloomingofflowers,andlookedquietlyattheheadlinewithout
eventakingthepaper,andthatwasall.
"IguessIwon'tlookatthepapertoday,"shesaid."Thankyoujustthesame."Shereturned
tothelivingroom.Saveforthechair,itwasexactlyasithadbeenwhenshefirstsawitthatday
whenhersonbroughtherintoitandtoldherthatitwasnowherhomeandthatherdaughterinlaw
andhergrandchildrenwerenowherfamily.Ithadchangedverylittle,andthatwhichhadaltered
wasthepartwhichhersonknewnothingabout,andthattoohadchangednotatallinsolongthat
shecouldnotevenremembernowwhenshehadaddedthelastcointothehoard.Thiswasina
chinavaseonthemantel.Sheknewwhatwasinittothepenny;nevertheless,shetookitdown
andsatinthechairwhichshehadbroughtallthewayfromNebraskaandemptiedthecoinsand
theworntimetableintoherlap.Thetimetablewasfoldedbackatthepageonwhichshehadfolded
itthedayshewalkeddowntowntotheticketofficeandgotitfifteenyearsago,thoughthatwasso
longagonowthatthepencilcircleaboutthenameofthenearestjunctionpointtoEwing,
Nebraska,hadfadedaway.Butshedidnotneedthateither;sheknewthedistancetotheexact
halfmile,justassheknewthefaretothepenny,andbackintheearlytwentieswhentherailroads
begantobecomeworriedandpassengerfaresbegantodrop,nobrokereverwatchedthegrain
andutilitiesmarketanycloserthanshewatchedtherailroadadvertisementsandquotations.
ThenatlastthefaresbecamestabilizedwiththefarebacktoEwingthirteendollarsmore
thanshehadbeenabletosave,andatatimewhenhersourceofincomehadceased.
Thiswasthetwograndchildren.Whensheenteredthehousethatdaytwentyyearsago
andlookedatthetwobabiesforthefirsttime,itwaswithdiffidenceandeagernessboth.Shewould
bedependentfortherestofherlife,butshewouldgivesomethinginreturnforit.Itwasnotthat
shewouldattempttomakeanotherIraandSamanthaEwingofthem;shehadmadethatmistake
withherownsonandhaddrivenhimfromhome.Shewaswisernow;shesawnowthatitwasnot
therepetitionofhardship:shewouldmerelytakewhathadbeenofvalueinhersandherhusband's
hardlivesthatwhichtheyhadlearnedthroughhardshipandenduranceofhonorandcourageand
prideandtransmitittothechildrenwithouttheirhavingtosufferthehardshipatall,thetravailand
thedespairs.Shehadexpectedthattherewouldbesomefrictionbetweenherandtheyoung
daughterinlaw,butshehadbelievedthatherson,theactualEwing,wouldbeherally;shehad
evenreconciledherselfafterayeartowaiting,sincethechildrenwerestillbutbabies;shewasnot
alarmed,sincetheywereEwingstoo:aftershehadlookedthatfirstsearchingtimeatthetwo
puttysoftlittlefacesfeaturebyfeature,shehadsaiditwasbecausetheywerebabiesyetandso
lookedlikenoone.Soshewascontenttobideandwait;shedidnotevenknowthathersonwas
planningtomoveuntilhetoldherthattheotherhousewasboughtandthatthepresentonewasto
behersuntilshedied.Shewatchedthemgo;shesaidnothing;itwasnottobeginthen.Itdidnot
beginforfiveyears,duringwhichshewatchedhersonmakingmoneyfasterandfasterandeasier
andeasier,gainingwithapparentcontemptibleandcontemptuouseasethatsubstanceforwhichin
niggardamountsherhusbandhadstrivenwhilestillclingingwithundeviatingincorruptibilityto
honoranddignityandpride,andspendingit,squanderingit,inthesameway.Bythattimeshehad
givenupthesonandshehadlongsincelearnedthatsheandherdaughterinlawwereirrevocable
andimplacablemoralenemies.Itwasinthefifthyear.Onedayinherson'shomeshesawthetwo
childrentakemoneyfromtheirmother'spurselyingonatable.Themotherdidnotevenknowhow
muchshehadinthepurse;whenthegrandmothertoldheraboutitshebecameangryanddared
theolderwomantoputittothetest.
Thegrandmotheraccusedthechildren,whodeniedthewholeaffairwithperfectlystraight
faces.Thatwastheactualbreakbetweenherselfandherson'sfamily;afterthatshesawthetwo
childrenonlywhenthesonwouldbringthemwithhimoccasionallyonhisunfailingdailyvisits.She
hadafewbrokendollarswhichshehadbroughtfromNebraskaandhadkeptintactforfiveyears,
sinceshehadnoneedformoneyhere;onedaysheplantedoneofthecoinswhilethechildren
werethere,andwhenshewentbacktolook,itwasgonetoo.Thenextmorningshetriedtotalkto
hersonaboutthechildren,rememberingherexperiencewiththedaughterinlawandapproaching
thematterindirectly,speakinggenerallyofmoney."Yes,"thesonsaid."I'mmakingmoney.I'm
makingitfastwhileIcan.I'mgoingtomakealotofit.I'mgoingtogivemychildrenluxuriesand
advantagesthatmyfatherneverdreamedachildmighthave."
"That'sit,"shesaid."Youmakemoneytooeasy.Thiswholecountryistooeasyforus
Ewings.Itmaybeallrightforthemthathavebeenbornhereforgenerations;Idon'tknowabout
that.Butnotforus."
"Butthesechildrenwerebornhere."
 "Justonegeneration.Thegenerationbeforethattheywereborninasodroofeddugouton
theNebraskawheatfrontier.AndtheonebeforethatinaloghouseinMissouri.Andtheonebefore
thatinaKentuckyblockhousewithIndiansaroundit.ThisworldhasneverbeeneasyforEwings.
MaybetheLordneverintendedittobe."
"Butitisfromnowon,"hesaid;hespokewithakindoftriumph."Foryouandmetoo.But
mostlyforthem."
Andthatwasall.WhenhewasgoneshesatquietlyinthesingleNebraskachairwhichshe
hadtakenoutofstorage,thefirstchairwhichtheolderIraEwinghadboughtforherafterhebuilta
houseandinwhichshehadrockedtheyoungerIratosleepbeforehecouldwalk,whiletheolder
Irahimselfsatinthechairwhichhehadmadeoutofaflourbarrel,grim,quietandincorruptible,
takinghisearnedtwilighteasebetweenadayandadaytellingherselfquietlythatthatwasall.Her
nextmovewascuriouslydirect;therewassomethinginitoftheactualpioneer'sopportunism,of
takingimmediateandcoldadvantageofSpartancircumstance;itwasasthoughforthefirsttimein
herlifeshewasabletousesomething,anything,whichshehadgainedbybarteringheryouthand
strongmaturityagainsttheNebraskaimmensity,andthisnotinordertolivefurtherbutinorderto
die;apparentlyshesawneitherparadoxinitnordishonesty.Shebegantomakecandyandcakeof
thematerialswhichhersonboughtforheroncredit,andtosellthemtothetwograndchildrenfor
thecoinswhichtheirfathergavethemorwhichtheyperhapspurloinedalsofromtheirmother's
purse,hidingthecoinsinthevasewiththetimetable,watchingtheniggardhoardgrow.Butaftera
fewyearsthechildrenoutgrewcandyandcake,andthenshehadwatchedrailroadfaresgodown
anddownandthenstopthirteendollarsaway.Butshedidnotgiveup,eventhen.Hersonhad
triedtogiveheraservantyearsagoandshehadrefused;shebelievedthatwhenthetimecame,
therightmoment,hewouldnotrefusetogiveheratleastthirteendollarsofthemoneywhichshe
hadsavedhim.
Thenthishadfailed."Maybeitwasn'ttherighttime,"shethought."MaybeItriedittoo
quick.Iwassurprisedintoit,"shetoldherself,lookingdownattheheapofsmallcoinsinherlap.
"OrmaybehewassurprisedintosayingNo.Maybewhenhehashadtime..."Sheroused;sheput
thecoinsbackintothevaseandsetitonthemantelagain,lookingattheclockasshedidso.It
wasjustfour,twohoursyetuntiltimetostartsupper.Thesunwashigh;shecouldseethewater
fromthesprinklerflashingandglintinginitasshewenttothewindow.Itwasstillhigh,still
afternoon;themountainsstoodsereneanddrabagainstit;thecity,theland,laysprawledand
myriadbeneathittheland,theearthwhichspawnedathousandnewfaiths,nostrumsandcures
eachyearbutnodiseasetoevendisprovethemonbeneaththegoldendaysunmarredbyrainor
weather,thechangelessmonotonousbeautifuldayswithoutend,countlessoutofthehalcyonpast
andendlessintothehalcyonfuture.
"Iwillstayhereandliveforever,"shesaidtoherself.

ThereWasaQueen

ELNORAenteredthebackyard,comingupfromhercabin.
Inthelongafternoonthehuge,squarehouse,thepremises,laysomnolent,peaceful,as
theyhadlainforalmostahundredyears,sinceJohnSartorishadcomefromCarolinaandbuiltit.
AndhehaddiedinitandhissonBayardhaddiedinit,andBayard'ssonJohnandJohn'sson
BayardinturnhadbeenburiedfromiteventhoughthelastBayarddidn'tdiethere.
Sothequietwasnowthequietofwomenfolks.AsElnoracrossedthebackyardtowardthe
kitchendoorsherememberedhowtenyearsagoatthishouroldBayard,whowasherhalfbrother
(thoughpossiblybutnotprobablyneitherofthemknewit,includingBayard'sfather),wouldbe
trampingupanddownthebackporch,shoutingstablewardfortheNegromenandforhissaddle
mare.Buthewasdeadnow,andhisgrandsonBayardwasalsodeadattwentysixyearsold,and
theNegromenweregone:Simon,Elnora'smother'shusband,inthegraveyardtoo,andCaspey,
Elnora'shusband,inthepenitentiaryforstealing,andJoby,herson,gonetoMemphistowearfine
clothesonBealeStreet.SotherewereleftinthehouseonlythefirstJohnSartoris'sister,Virginia,
whowasninetyyearsoldandwholivedinawheelchairbesideawindowabovetheflowergarden,
andNarcissa,youngBayard'swidow,andherson.VirginiaDuPrehadcomeouttoMississippiin
'69,thelastoftheCarolinafamily,bringingwithhertheclothesinwhichshestoodandabasket
containingafewpanesofcoloredglassfromaCarolinawindowandafewflowercuttingsandtwo
bottlesofport.Shehadseenherbrotherdieandthenhernephewandthenhergreatnephewand
thenhertwogreatgreatnephews,andnowshelivedintheunmannedhousewithhergreat
greatnephew'swifeandhisson,Benbow,whomshepersistedincallingJohnnyafterhisuncle,
whowaskilledinFrance.AndforNegroestherewereElnorawhocooked,andhersonIsomwho
tendedthegrounds,andherdaughterSaddiewhosleptonacotbesideVirginiaDuPre'sbedand
tendedherasthoughshewereababy.
Butthatwasallright."Icantakecareofher,"Elnorathought,crossingthebackyard."I
don'tneednohelp,"shesaidaloud,tonoone,atall,coffeecoloredwomanwithasmall,high,fine
head."Becauseit'saSartorisjob.Gunnelknowedthatwhenhediedandtolemetotakecareof
her.Toleme.Notnooutsidersfromtown."Shewasthinkingofwhathadcausedhertocomeupto
thehouseanhourbeforeitwasnecessary.Thiswasthat,whilebusyinhercabin,shehadseen
Narcissa,youngBayard'swife,andthetenyearoldboygoingdownacrossthepastureinthe
middleoftheafternoon.Shehadcometoherdoorandwatchedthemtheboyandthebigyoung
womaninwhitegoingthroughthehotafternoon,downacrossthepasturetowardthecreek.She
hadnotwonderedwheretheyweregoing,norwhy,asawhitewomanwouldhavewondered.But
shewashalfblack,andshejustwatchedthewhitewomanwiththatexpressionofquietandgrave
contemptwithwhichshecontemplatedorlistenedtotheordersofthewifeofthehouse'sheireven
whilehewasalive.JustasshehadlistenedtwodaysagowhenNarcissahadinformedherthat
shewasgoingtoMemphisforadayorsoandthatElnorawouldhavetotakecareoftheoldaunt
alone."LikeIain'talwaysdoneit,"Elnorathought."It'slittleyoudoneforanybodysinceyoucome
outhere.Weneverneededyou.Don'tyouneverthinkit."
Butshedidn'tsaythis.Shejustthoughtit,andshehelpedNarcissaprepareforthetripand
watchedthecarriagerollawaytowardtownandthestationwithoutcomment."Andyouneedn'tto
comeback,"shethought,watchingthecarriagedisappear.ButthismorningNarcissahadreturned,
withoutofferingtoexplainthesuddenjourneyorthesuddenreturn,andintheearlyafternoon
Elnorafromhercabindoorhadwatchedthewomanandtheboygodownacrossthepastureinthe
hotJunesunlight.
"Well,it'sherbusinesswhereshegoing,"Elnorasaidaloud,mountingthekitchensteps.
"SameasitherbusinesshowcomeshewentofftoMemphis,leavingMissJennysettingyonderin
herchairwithoutnobodybutniggerstolookafterher,"sheadded,aloudstill,withbrooding
inconsistency."Iain'tsurprisedshewent.Ijustsurprisedshecomeback.No.Iain'teventhat.She
ain'tgoingtoleavethisplace,nowshedonegotinhere."Thenshesaidquietly,aloud,without
rancor,withoutheat:"Trash.Towntrash."
Sheenteredthekitchen.HerdaughterSaddiesatatthetable,eatingfromadishofcold
turnipgreensandlookingatathumbedandsoiledfashionmagazine."Whatyoudoingbackhere?"
shesaid."Whyain'tyouupyonderwhereyoucanhearMissJennyifshecallyou?"
"MissJennyain'tneednothing,"Saddiesaid."Shesettingtherebythewindow."
"WheredidMissNarcissago?"
"Idon'tknow'm,"Saddiesaid."HerandBorywentoffsomewhere.Ain'tcomebackyet."
Elnoragrunted.Hershoeswerenotlaced,andshesteppedoutofthemintwomotionsand
leftthekitchenandwentupthequiet,highceiledhallfilledwithscentfromthegardenandwiththe
drowsingandmyriadsoundsoftheJuneafternoon,totheopenlibrarydoor.Besidethewindow
(thesashwasraisednow,withitsnarrowborderofcoloredCarolinaglasswhichinthewinter
framedherheadandbustlikeahungportrait)anoldwomansatinawheelchair.Shesaterect;a
thin,uprightwomanwithadelicatenoseandhairthecolorofawhitewashedwall.Abouther
shoulderslayashawlofwhitewool,nowhiterthanherhairagainstherblackdress.Shewas
lookingoutthewindow;inprofileherfacewashigharched,motionless.WhenElnoraenteredshe
turnedherheadandlookedattheNegresswithanexpressionimmediateandinterrogative.
"Theyain'tcomeinthebackway,havethey?"shesaid.
"Nome,"Elnorasaid.Sheapproachedthechair.
Theoldwomanlookedoutthewindowagain."ImustsayIdon'tunderstandthisatall.Miss
Narcissa'sdoingamightylotoftraipsingaroundallofasudden.Pickingupand..."
Elnoracametothechair."Arightsmart,"shesaidinhercold,quietvoice,"forawoman
lazyasher."
"Pickingup..."theoldwomansaid.Sheceased."Youstoptalkingthatwayabouther."
"Iain'tsaidnothingbutthetruth,"Elnorasaid.
"Thenyoukeepittoyourself.She'sBayard'swife.ASartoriswoman,now."
"Shewon'tneverbeaSartoriswoman,"Elnorasaid.
Theotherwaslookingoutthewindow."Pickingupallofasuddentwodaysagoandgoing
toMemphistospendtwonights,thathadn'tspentanightawayfromthatboysincehewasborn.
Leavinghimfortwowholenights,mindyou,withoutgivinganyreason,andthencominghomeand
takinghimofftowalkinthewoodsinthemiddleoftheday.Notthathemissedher.Doyouthinkhe
missedheratallwhileshewasgone?"
"Nome,"Elnorasaid."Ain'tnoSartorismannevermissednobody."
"Ofcoursehedidn't."Theoldwomanlookedoutthewindow.Elnorastoodalittlebehind
thechair."Didtheygoonacrossthepasture?"
"Idon'tknow.Theywentoutofsight,stillgoing.Towardthecreek."
"Towardthecreek?Whatintheworldfor?"
Elnoradidn'tanswer.Shestoodalittlebehindthechair,erect,stillasanIndian.The
afternoonwasdrawingon.Thesunwasnowfallinglevelacrossthegardenbelowthewindow,and
soonthejasmineinthegardenbegantosmellwithevening,comingintotheroominslowwaves
almostpalpable;thick,sweet,oversweet.Thetwowomenweremotionlessinthewindow:theone
leaningalittleforwardinthewheelchair,theNegressalittlebehindthechair,motionlesstooand
erectasacaryatid.
Thelightinthegardenwasbeginningtoturncoppercoloredwhenthewomanandtheboy
enteredthegardenandapproachedthehouse.Theoldwomaninthechairleanedsuddenly
forward.ToElnoraitseemedasiftheoldwomaninthewheelchairhadinthatmotionescapedher
helplessbodylikeabirdandcrossedthegardentomeetthechild;movingforwardalittleherself
Elnoracouldseeontheother'sfaceanexpressionfond,immediate,andoblivious.Sothetwo
peoplehadcrossedthegardenandwerealmosttothehousewhentheoldwomansatsuddenly
andsharplyback."Why,they'rewet!"shesaid."Lookattheirclothes.
Theyhavebeeninthecreekwiththeirclotheson!"
"IreckonIbettergoandgetsupperstarted,"Elnorasaid.

II

INTHEkitchenElnorapreparedthelettuceandthetomatoes,andslicedthebread(nothonest
cornbread,notevenbiscuit)whichthewomanwhoseverynameshedidnotspeakunlessitwas
absolutelynecessary,hadtaughthertobake.IsomandSaddiesatintwochairsagainstthewall."I
gotnothingagainsther,"Elnorasaid."Iniggerandshewhite.Butmyblackchildrengotmoreblood
thanshegot.Morebehavior."
"YouandMissJennyboththinkain'tnobodybeenbornsinceMissJenny,"Isomsaid.
"Whoisbeen?"Elnorasaid.
"MissJennygetalongallrightwithMissNarcissa,"Isomsaid."Seemtomelikeshethe
onetosay.Iain'theardhersaynothingaboutit."
"BecauseMissJennyquality,"Elnorasaid."That'swhy.Andthat'ssomethingyoudon't
knownothingabout,becauseyouborntoolatetoseeanyofitexcepther."
"LooktomelikeMissNarcissagoodqualityasanybodyelse,"Isomsaid."Idon'tseeno
difference."
Elnoramovedsuddenlyfromthetable.Isomassuddenlysprangupandmovedhischair
outofhismother'spath.Butsheonlywenttothecupboardandtookaplatterfromitandreturned
tothetable,tothetomatoes."BornSartorisorbornqualityofanykindain'tis,it'sdoes."Shetalked
inalevel,inflectionlessvoiceaboveherlimber,brown,defthands.Whenshespokeofthetwo
womensheused"she"indiscriminately,puttingtheleastinflectionontheonewhichreferredto
MissJenny."ComeallthewayherebyHerself,andthecountrystillfullofYankees.Alltheway
fromCallina,withHerfolksallkilledanddeadexceptoldMarseJohn,andhimtwohundredmiles
awayinMissippi"
"It'smorentwohundredmilesfromheretoCallina,"Isomsaid."Learntthatinschool.It's
nighertwothousand."
Elnora'shandsdidnotcease.Shedidnotseemtohaveheardhim."WiththeYankees
donekilledHerpawandHerhusbandandburnedtheCallinahouseoverHerandHermammy's
head,andShecomeallthewaytoMissippibyHerself,totheonlykinShehadleft.Gettingherein
thedeadofwinterwithoutnothinginthisworldofGod'sbutabasketwithsomeflowerseedsand
twobottlesofwineandthemcoloredwindowpanesoldMarseJohnputinthelibrarywindowso
ShecouldlookthroughitlikeitwasCallina.ShegothereatduskdarkonChristmasDayandold
MarseJohnandthechillenandmymammywaitingontheporch,andHersettinghighheadedin
thewagonforoldMarseJohntoliftHerdown.Theyneverevenkissedthen,outwherefolkscould
seethem.OldMarseJohnjustsaid,'Well,Jenny,'andshejustsaid,'Well,Johnny,'andthey
walkedintothehouse,himleadingHerbythehand,untiltheywasinsidethehousewherethe
commonaltycouldn'tspyonthem.ThenShebeguntocry,andoldMarseJohnholdingHer,after
allthemfourthousandmiles"
"Itain'tfourthousandmilesfromheretoCallina,"Isomsaid."Ain'tbuttwothousand.What
thebooksayinschool."
Elnorapaidnoattentiontohimatall;herhandsdidnotcease."IttookHerhard,thecrying
did.'It'sbecauseIain'tusedtocrying,'shesaid.'Igotoutofthehabitofit.Ineverhadthetime.
ThemgoddamnYankees,'shesaid.'ThemgoddamnYankees.'"Elnoramovedagain,tothe
cupboard.Itwasasthoughshewalkedoutofthesoundofhervoiceonhersilent,nakedfeet,
leavingittofillthequietkitchenthoughthevoiceitselfhadceased.Shetookanotherplatterdown
andreturnedtothetable,herhandsbusyagainamongthetomatoesandlettuce,thefoodwhich
sheherselfcouldnoteat."Andthat'showitisthatshe"(shewasnowspeakingofNarcissa;the
twoNegroesknewit)"thinksshecanpickupandgotoMemphisandfrolic,andleaveHeralonein
thishousefortwonightswithoutnobodybutniggerstolookafterHer.Moveouthereundera
SartorisroofandeatSartorisfoodfortenyears,andthenpickupandgotoMemphissameasa
niggeronaexcursion,withouteventellingwhyshewasgoing."
"IthoughtyousaidMissJennyneverneedednobodybutyoutotakecareofher,"Isom
said."Ithoughtyousaidyesterdayyounevercaredifshecomebackornot."
Elnoramadeasound,harsh,disparaging,notloud."Hernotcomeback?Whensheworked
forfiveyearstogetherselfmarriedtoBayard?WorkingonMissJennyallthetimeBayardwasoff
tothatwar?Iwatchedher.Comingoutheretwoorthreetimesaweek,withMissJennythinking
shewasjustcomingouttovisitlikequality.ButIknowed.Iknowedwhatshewasuptoallthetime.
BecauseIknowstrash.Iknowsthewaytrashgoesaboutworkinginwithquality.Qualitycan'tsee
that,becauseitquality.ButIcan."
"ThenBorymustbetrash,too,"Isomsaid.
Elnoraturnednow.ButIsomwasalreadyoutofhischairbeforeshespoke."Youshutyour
mouthandgetyourselfreadytoservesupper."Shewatchedhimgotothesinkandprepareto
washhishands.Thensheturnedbacktothetable,herlonghandsbrownanddeftamongthered
tomatoesandthepaleabsinthgreenofthelettuce."Needings,"shesaid.
"Itain'tBory'sneedingsanditain'tHerneedings.It'sdeadfolks'needings.OldMarse
John'sandGunnel'sandMisterJohn'sandBayard'sthat'sdeadandcan'tdonothingaboutit.
That'swheretheneedingsis.That'swhatI'mtalkingabout.AndnotnobodytoseetoitexceptHer
yonderinthatchair,andme,anigger,backhereinthiskitchen.Iain'tgotnothingagainsther.Ijust
saytoletqualityconsortwithquality,andunqualitydothesamething.Yougetthatcoaton,now.
Thishereisallready."

Ill

ITWAStheboywhotoldher.Sheleanedforwardinthewheelchairandwatchedthroughthe
windowasthewomanandthechildcrossedthegardenandpassedoutofsightbeyondtheangle
ofthehouse.Stillleaningforwardandlookingdownintothegarden,sheheardthementerthe
houseandpassthelibrarydoorandmountthestairs.Shedidnotmove,norlooktowardthedoor.
Shecontinuedtolookdownintothegarden,atthenowstoutshrubswhichshehadfetchedfrom
Carolinaasshootsnotmuchbiggerthanmatches.Itwasinthegardenthatsheandtheyounger
womanwhowastomarryhernephewandbearason,hadbecomeacquainted.Thatwasbackin
1918,andyoungBayardandhisbrotherJohnwerestillinFrance.ItwasbeforeJohnwaskilled,
andtwoorthreetimesaweekNarcissawouldcomeoutfromtowntovisitherwhilesheworked
amongtheflowers."AndsheengagedtoBayardallthetimeandnottellingme,"theoldwoman
thought."Butitwaslittlesheevertoldmeaboutanything,"shethought,lookingdownintothe
gardenwhichwasbeginningtofillwithtwilightandwhichshehadnotenteredinfiveyears."Little
enoughaboutanything.SometimesIwonderhowsheevergotherselfengagedtoBayard,talking
solittle.Maybeshediditbyjustbeing,fillingsomespace,likeshegotthatletter."Thatwasone
dayshortlybeforeBayardreturnedhome.Narcissacameoutandstayedfortwohours,thenjust
beforesheleftsheshowedtheletter.Itwasanonymousandobscene;itsoundedmad,andatthe
timeshehadtriedtogetNarcissatolethershowthelettertoBayard'sgrandfatherandhavehim
makesomeefforttofindthemanandpunishhim,butNarcissarefused."I'lljustburnitandforget
aboutit,"Narcissasaid."Well,that'syourbusiness,"theolderwomansaid.
"Butthatshouldnotbepermitted.Aladyshouldnotbeatthemercyofamanlikethat,even
bymail.Anygentlemanwillbelievethat,actuponit.Besides,ifyoudon'tdosomethingaboutit,
he'llwriteyouagain."
"ThenI'llshowittoColonelSartoris,"Narcissasaid.Shewasanorphan,herbrotheralsoin
France."Butcan'tyouseeIjustcan'thaveanymanknowthatanybodythoughtsuchthingsabout
me."
"Well,I'dratherhavethewholeworldknowthatsomebodythoughtthatwayaboutmeonce
andgothorsewhippedforit,thantohavehimkeeponthinkingthatwayaboutme,unpunished.But
it'syouraffair."
"I'lljustburnitandforgetaboutit,"Narcissasaid.ThenBayardreturned,andshortly
afterwardheandNarcissaweremarriedandNarcissacameouttothehousetolive.Thenshewas
pregnant,andbeforethechildwasbornBayardwaskilledinanairplane,andhisgrandfather,old
Bayard,wasdeadandthechildcame,anditwastwoyearsbeforeshethoughttoaskhernieceif
anymorelettershadcome;andNarcissatoldherno.
Sotheyhadlivedquietlythen,theirwomen'slifeinthebighousewithoutmen.Nowand
thenshehadurgedNarcissatomarryagain.Buttheotherhadrefused,quietly,andtheyhadgone
onsoforyears,thetwoofthemandthechildwhomshepersistedincallingafterhisdeaduncle.
Thenoneeveningaweekago,Narcissahadaguestforsupper;whenshelearnedthattheguest
wastobeaman,shesatquitestillinherchairforatime."Ah,"shethought,quietly."It'scome.
Well.Butithadto;sheisyoung.Andtoliveoutherealonewithabedriddenoldwoman.Well.ButI
wouldn'thaveherdoasIdid.Wouldnotexpectitofher.Afterall,sheisnotaSartoris.Sheisno
kintothem,toalotoffoolproudghosts."
Theguestcame.Shedidnotseehimuntilshewaswheeledintothesuppertable.Then
shesawabald,youngishmanwithacleverfaceandaPhiBetaKappakeyonhiswatchchain.
Thekeyshedidnotrecognize,butsheknewatoncethathewasaJew,andwhenhespoketoher
heroutragebecamefuryandshejerkedbackinthechairlikeastrikingsnake,themotionstrong
enoughtothrustthechairbackfromthetable."Narcissa,"shesaid,"whatisthisYankeedoing
here?"
Theretheywere,aboutthecandlelittable,thethreerigidpeople.Thenthemanspoke:
"Madam,"hesaid,"there'dbenoYankeesleftifyoursexhadevertakenthefieldagainstus."
"Youdon'thavetotellmethat,youngman,"shesaid.
"Youcanthankyourstarsitwasjustmenyourgrandfatherfought."Thenshehadcalled
Isomandhadherselfwheeledfromthetable,takingnosupper.Andeveninherbedroomshe
wouldnotletthemturnonthelight,andsherefusedthetraywhichNarcissasentup.Shesat
besideherdarkwindowuntilthestrangerwasgone.
ThenthreedayslaterNarcissamadehersuddenandmysterioustriptoMemphisand
stayedtwonights,whohadneverbeforebeenseparatedovernightfromhersonsincehewas
born.Shehadgonewithoutexplanationandreturnedwithoutexplanation,andnowtheoldwoman
hadjustwatchedherandtheboycrossthegarden,theirgarmentsstilldampuponthem,asthough
theyhadbeeninthecreek.
Itwastheboywhotoldher.Hecameintotheroominfreshclothes,hishairstilldamp,
thoughneatlycombednow.
Shesaidnowordasheenteredandcametoherchair."Webeeninthecreek,"hesaid.
"Notswimming,though.Justsittinginthewater.Shewantedmetoshowhertheswimminghole.
Butwedidn'tswim.Idon'treckonshecan.Wejustsatinthewaterwithourclotheson.Allevening.
Shewantedtodoit."
"Ah,"theoldwomansaid."Oh.Well.Thatmusthavebeenfun.Isshecomingdownsoon?"
"Yessum.Whenshegetsdressed."
"Well...You'llhavetimetogooutdoorsawhilebeforesupper,ifyouwantto."
"Ijustassoonstayinherewithyou,ifyouwantmeto."
"No.Yougooutdoors.I'llbeallrightuntilSaddiecomes."
"Allright."Helefttheroom.
Thewindowfadedslowlyasthesunsetdied.Theoldwoman'ssilverheadfadedtoo,like
somethingmotionlessonasideboard.Thesparsecoloredpaneswhichframedthewindow
dreamed,richandhushed.Shesatthereandpresentlysheheardhernephew'swifedescending
thestairs.Shesatquietly,watchingthedoor,untiltheyoungwomanentered.
Sheworewhite:alargewomaninherthirties,withinthetwilightsomethingaboutherofthat
heroicqualityofstatuary."Doyouwantthelight?"shesaid.
 "No,"theoldwomansaid."No.Notyet."Shesaterectinthewheelchair,motionless,
watchingtheyoungwomancrosstheroom,herwhitedressflowingslowly,heroic,likeacaryatid
fromatemplefacadecometolife.Shesatdown,"Itwasthoselet..."shesaid.
'Wait,"theoldwomansaid."Beforeyoubegin.Thejasmine.Doyousmellit?"
"Yes.Itwasthose"
"Wait.Alwaysaboutthistimeofdayitbegins.IthasbegunaboutthistimeofdayinJune
forfiftysevenyearsthissummer.IbroughtthemfromCarolina,inabasket.Irememberhowthat
firstMarchIsatupallonenight,burningnewspapersabouttheroots.Doyousmellit?"
"Yes."
"Ifit'smarriage,Itoldyou.ItoldyoufiveyearsagothatIwouldn'tblameyou.Ayoung
woman,awidow.Eventhoughyouhaveachild,Itoldyouthatachildwouldnotbeenough.Itold
youIwouldnotblameyoufornotdoingasIhaddone.Didn'tI?"
"Yes.Butit'snotthatbad."
"Not?Nothowbad?"Theoldwomansaterect,herheadbackalittle,herthinfacefading
intothetwilightwithaprofoundquality."Iwon'tblameyou.Itoldyouthat.Youarenottoconsider
me.Mylifeisdone;Ineedlittle;nothingtheNegroescan'tdo.Don'tyoumindme,doyouhear?"
Theothersaidnothing,motionlesstoo,serene;theirvoicesseemedtomaterializeinthe
duskbetweenthem,unsourcedofeithermouth,eitherstillandfadingface."You'llhavetotellme,
then,"theoldwomansaid.
"Itwasthoseletters.Thirteenyearsago:don'tyouremember?BeforeBayardcameback
fromFrance,beforeyouevenknewthatwewereengaged.Ishowedyouoneofthemandyou
wantedtogiveittoColonelSartorisandlethimfindoutwhosentitandIwouldn'tdoitandyou
saidthatnoladywouldpermitherselftoreceiveanonymousloveletters,nomatterhowbadlyshe
wantedto."
"Yes.Isaiditwasbetterfortheworldtoknowthataladyhadreceivedaletterlikethat,
thantohaveonemaninsecretthinkingsuchthingsabouther,unpunished.Youtoldmeyou
burnedit."
"Ilied.Ikeptit.AndIgottenmoreofthem.Ididn'ttellyoubecauseofwhatyousaidabout
alady."
"Ah,"theoldwomansaid.
"Yes.Ikeptthemall.IthoughtIhadthemhiddenwherenobodycouldeverfindthem."
"Andyoureadthemagain.Youwouldtakethemoutnowandthenandreadthemagain."
"IthoughtIhadthemhidden.ThenyourememberthatnightafterBayardandIwere
marriedwhensomebodybrokeintoourhouseintown;thesamenightthatbookkeeperinColonel
Sartoris'bankstolethatmoneyandranaway?Thenextmorningthelettersweregone,andthenI
knewwhohadsentthem."
"Yes,"theoldwomansaid.Shehadnotmoved,herfadingheadlikesomethinginanimate
insilver.
"Sotheywereoutintheworld.Theyweresomewhere.Iwascrazyforawhile.Ithoughtof
people,men,readingthem,seeingnotonlymynameonthem,butthemarksofmyeyeswhereI
hadreadthemagainandagain.Iwaswild.WhenBayardandIwereonourhoneymoon,Iwas
wild.Icouldn'teventhinkabouthimalone.ItwaslikeIwashavingtosleepwithallthemeninthe
worldatthesametime.
"Thenitwasalmosttwelveyearsago,andIhadBory,andIsupposedIhadgotoverit.Got
usedtohavingthemoutintheworld.MaybeIhadbeguntothinkthattheyweregone,destroyed,
andIwassafe.NowandthenIwouldrememberthem,butitwaslikesomehowthatBorywas
protectingme,thattheycouldn'tpasshimtoreachme.AsthoughifIjuststayedouthereandwas
goodtoBoryandyouAndthen,oneafternoon,aftertwelveyears,thatmancameouttoseeme,
thatJew.Theonewhostayedtosupperthatnight."
 "Ah,"theoldwomansaid."Yes."
"HewasaFederalagent.Theywerestilltryingtocatchthemanwhohadrobbedthebank,
andtheagenthadgotholdofmyletters.Foundthemwherethebookkeeperhadlostthemor
thrownthemawaythatnightwhilehewasrunningaway,andtheagenthadhadthemtwelveyears,
workingonthecase.Atlasthecameouttoseeme,tryingtofindoutwherethemanhadgone,
thinkingImustknow,sincethemanhadwrittenmeletterslikethat.Yourememberhim:howyou
lookedathimandyousaid,'Narcissa,whoisthisYankee?'"
"Yes.Iremember."
"Thatmanhadmyletters.Hehadhadthemfortwelveyears.He..."
"Hadhad?"theoldwomansaid."Hadhad?"
"Yes.Ihavethemnow.Hehadn'tsentthemtoWashingtonyet,sonobodyhadreadthem
excepthim.Andnownobodywilleverreadthem."Sheceased;shebreathedquietly,tranquil."You
don'tunderstandyet,doyou?Hehadalltheinformationtheletterscouldgivehim,buthewould
havetoturnthemintotheDepartmentanywayandIaskedhimforthembuthesaidhewouldhave
toturntheminandIaskedhimifhewouldmakehisfinaldecisioninMemphisandhesaidwhy
MemphisandItoldhimwhy.IknewIcouldn'tbuythemfromhimwithmoney,yousee.That'swhyI
hadtogotoMemphis.IhadthatmuchregardforBoryandyou,togosomewhereelse.Andthat's
all.Menareallaboutthesame,withtheirideasofgoodandbad.Fools."Shebreathedquietly.
Thensheyawned,deep,withutterrelaxation.Thenshestoppedyawning.Shelookedagainatthe
rigid,fadingsilverheadoppositeher."Don'tyouunderstandyet?"shesaid."Ihadtodoit.They
weremine;Ihadtogetthemback.ThatwastheonlywayIcoulddoit.ButIwouldhavedonemore
thanthat.SoIgotthem.Andnowtheyareburnedup.Nobodywilleverseethem.Becausehe
can'ttell,yousee.Itwouldruinhimtoevertellthattheyevenexisted.Theymightevenputhimin
thepenitentiary.Andnowtheyareburnedup."
"Yes,"theoldwomansaid."AndsoyoucamebackhomeandyoutookJohnnysoyouand
hecouldsittogetherinthecreek,therunningwater.InJordan.Yes,Jordanatthebackofa
countrypastureinMissippi."
"Ihadtogetthemback.Don'tyouseethat?"
"Yes,"theoldwomansaid."Yes."Shesatboltuprightinthewheelchair."Well,myLord.
Uspoor,foolwomenJohnny!"Hervoicewassharp,peremptory.
"What?"theyoungwomansaid."Doyouwantsomething?"
"No,"theothersaid."CallJohnny.Iwantmyhat."Theyoungwomanrose."I'llgetit."
"No.IwantJohnnytodoit."
Theyoungwomanstoodlookingdownattheother,theoldwomanerectinthewheelchair
beneaththefadingsilvercrownofherhair.Thenshelefttheroom.Theoldwomandidnotmove.
Shesatthereintheduskuntiltheboyentered,carryingasmallblackbonnetofanancientshape.
Nowandthen,whentheoldwomanbecameupset,theywouldfetchherthehatandshe
wouldplaceitontheexacttopofherheadandsittherebythewindow.Hebroughtthebonnetto
her.Hismotherwaswithhim.Itwasfulldusknow;theoldwomanwasinvisiblesaveforherhair.
"Doyouwantthelightnow?"theyoungwomansaid.
"No,"theoldwomansaid.Shesetthebonnetonthetopofherhead."Youallgoonto
supperandletmerestawhile.Goon,allofyou."Theyobeyed,leavinghersittingthere:aslender,
erectfigureindicatedonlybythesinglegleamofherhair,inthewheelchairbesidethewindow
framedbythesparseanddefunctiveCarolinaglass.

IV
SINCETHEBOY'Seighthbirthday,hehadhadhisdeadgrandfather'splaceattheendofthe
table.Tonighthoweverhismotherrearrangedthings."Withjustthetwoofus,"shesaid."Youcome
andsitbyme."Theboyhesitated."Please.Won'tyou?Igotsolonesomeforyoulastnightin
Memphis.Weren'tyoulonesomeforme?"
"IsleptwithAuntJenny,"theboysaid."Wehadagoodtime."
"Please."
"Allright,"hesaid.Hetookthechairbesidehers.
"Closer,"shesaid.Shedrewthechaircloser."Butwewon'teveragain,ever.Willwe?"She
leanedtowardhim,takinghishand.
"What?Sitinthecreek?"
"Noteverleaveoneanotheragain."
"Ididn'tgetlonesome.Wehadagoodtime."
"Promise.Promise,Bory."HisnamewasBenhow,herfamilyname.
"Allright."
Isom,inaduckjacket,servedthemandreturnedtothekitchen.
"Sheain'tcomingtosupper?"Elnorasaid.
"Nome,"Isomsaid."Settingyonderbythewindow,inthedark.Shesayshedon'twantno
supper."
ElnoralookedatSaddie."Whatwastheydoinglasttimeyouwenttothelibrary?"
"HerandMissNarcissatalking."
"TheywasstilltalkingwhenIwentto'nouncesupper,"
Isomsaid."Itoleyouthat."
"Iknow,"Elnorasaid.Hervoicewasnotsharp.Neitherwasitgentle.Itwasjust
peremptory,soft,cold."Whatweretheytalkingabout?"
"Idon'tknow'm,"Isomsaid."Youtheonetaughtmenottolistentowhitefolks."
"Whatweretheytalkingabout,Isom?"Elnorasaid.Shewaslookingathim,grave,intent,
commanding.
"'Boutsomebodygettingmarried.MissJennysay'ItoleyoulongtimeagoIain'tblameyou.
Ayoungwomanlikeyou.Iwantyoutomarry.NotdolikeIdone,'whatshesay."
"Ibetshefixingtomarry,too,"Saddiesaid.
"Whomarry?"Elnorasaid."Hermarry?Whatfor?Giveupwhatshegothere?Thatain't
whatitis.IwishedIknowedwhatbeengoingonherethislastweek..."Hervoiceceased;she
turnedherheadtowardthedoorasthoughshewerelisteningforsomething.Fromthediningroom
camethesoundoftheyoungwoman'svoice.ButElnoraappearedtolistentosomethingbeyond
this.Thenshelefttheroom.Shedidnotgohurriedly,yetherlongsilentstridecarriedherfrom
sightwithanabruptnesslikethatofaninanimatefiguredrawnonwheels,offastage.
Shewentquietlyupthedarkhall,passingthediningroomdoorunremarkedbythetwo
peopleatthetable.Theysatclose.Thewomanwastalking,leaningtowardtheboy.
Elnorawentonwithoutasound:aconvergingofshadowsuponwhichherlighterface
seemedtofloatwithoutbody,hereyeballsfaintlywhite.Thenshestoppedsuddenly.Shehadnot
reachedthelibrarydoor,yetshestopped,invisible,soundless,hereyessuddenlyquiteluminousin
heralmostvanishedface,andshebegantochantinfaintsingsong:"Oh,Lawd;oh,Lawd,"not
loud.Thenshemoved,wentswiftlyontothelibrarydoorandlookedintotheroomwherebeside
thedeadwindowtheoldwomansatmotionless,indicatedonlybythatfaintsinglegleamofwhite
hair,asthoughforninetyyearslifehaddiedslowlyupherspare,erectframe,tolingerforatwilit
instantaboutherheadbeforegoingout,thoughlifeitselfhadceased.Elnoralookedforonlyan
instantintotheroom.Thensheturnedandretracedherswiftandsilentstepstothediningroom
door.
 Thewomanstillleanedtowardtheboy,talking.TheydidnotremarkElnoraatonce.She
stoodinthedoorway,tall,nottouchingthejamboneitherside.Herfacewasblank;shedidnot
appeartobelookingat,speakingto,anyone.
"Youbettercomequick,Ireckon!"shesaidinthatsoft,cold,peremptoryvoice.

MountainVictory

THROUGHTHECABINWINDOWthefivepeoplewatchedthecavalcadetoilupthemuddytrail
andhaltatthegate.Firstcameamanonfoot,leadingahorse.Heworeabroadhatlowonhis
face,hisbodyshapelessinaweatheredgraycloakfromwhichhislefthandemerged,holdingthe
reins.
Thebridlewassilvermounted,thehorseagaunt,mudsplashed,thoroughbredbay,
wearinginplaceofsaddleanavybluearmyblanketboundonitbyapieceofrope.Thesecond
horsewasashortbodied,bigheaded,scrubsorrel,alsomudsplashed.Itworeabridlecontrived
ofropeandwire,andanarmysaddleinwhich,perchedhighabovethedanglingstirrups,crouched
ashapelesssomethinglargerthanachild,whichatthatdistanceappearedtowearnogarmentor
garmentsknowntoman.
Oneofthethreemenatthecabinwindowleftitquickly.
Theothers,withoutturning,heardhimcrosstheroomswiftlyandthenreturn,carryinga
longrifle.
"No,youdon't,"theoldermansaid.
"Don'tyouseethatcloak?"theyoungersaid."Thatrebelcloak?"
"Iwon'thaveit,"theothersaid."Theyhavesurrendered.Theyhavesaidtheyarewhipped."
Throughthewindowtheywatchedthehorsesstopatthegate.Thegatewasofsagging
hickory,inarockfencewhichstraggleddownagauntslopesharpinreliefagainstthevalleyanda
stillfurtherrangeofmountainsdissolvingintothelow,dissolvingsky.
Theywatchedthecreatureonthesecondhorsedescendandhandhisreinsalsointothe
samelefthandofthemaningraythatheldthereinsofthethoroughbred.Theywatchedthe
creatureenterthegateandmountthepathanddisappearbeyondtheangleofthewindow.Then
theyhearditcrosstheporchandknockatthedoor.Theystoodthereandhearditknockagain.
Afterawhiletheoldermansaid,withoutturninghishead,"Goandsee."
Oneofthewomen,theolderone,turnedfromthewindow,herfeetmakingnosoundonthe
floor,sincetheywerebare.Shewenttothefrontdoorandopenedit.Thechill,wetlightofthe
dyingAprilafternoonfellinuponheruponasmallwomanwithagnarledexpressionlessface,ina
grayshapelessgarment.Facingheracrossthesillwasacreaturealittlelargerthanalarge
monkey,dressedinavoluminousblueovercoatofaprivateintheFederalarmy,with,tiedtentlike
overhisheadandfallingabouthisshoulders,apieceofoilclothwhichmighthavebeencutsquare
fromthehoodofasutler'swagon;withintheorificethewomancouldseenothingwhateversave
thewhitesoftwoeyes,momentaryandphantomlike,aswithasingleglancetheNegroexamined
thewomanstandingbarefootinherfadedcalicogarment,andtookinthebleakandbarreninterior
ofthecabinhall.
"MarsterMajorSoshayWeddelsendhecomplimentsensayhewishfulfosleepingroomfo
heselfenboyentwohawses,"hesaidinapompous,parrotlikevoice.Thewomanlookedathim.
Herfacewaslikeaspentmask."Webeenupyonderaways,fightingdemYankees,"theNegro
said."Donequitnow.Gwinebackhome."
Thewomanseemedtospeakfromsomewherebehindherface,asthoughbehindaneffigy
orapaintedscreen:"I'llaskhim."
"Wegwypayyou,"theNegrosaid.
 "Pay?"Pausing,sheseemedtomuseuponhim."Hitain'tnearahotelonthemoutin."
TheNegromadealargegesture."Don'tmakenodiffunce.Wedonestayeddenightin
worseplacesdenwhutdisis.YoujusttellumitMarseSoshayWeddel."Thenhesawthatthe
womanwaslookingpasthim.Heturnedandsawthemanintheworngraycloakalreadyhalfway
upthepathfromthegate.Hecameonandmountedtheporch,removingwithhislefthandthe
broadslouchedhatbearingthetarnishedwreathofaConfederatefieldofficer.Hehadadarkface,
withdarkeyesandblackhair,hisfaceatoncethickyetgaunt,andarrogant.Hewasnottall,yethe
toppedtheNegrobyfiveorsixinches.Thecloakwasweathered,fadedabouttheshoulderswhere
thelightfellstrongest.Theskirtswerebedraggled,frayed,mudsplashed:thegarmenthadbeen
patchedagainandagain,andbrushedagainandagain;thenapwascompletelygone.
"Goodday,madam,"hesaid."Haveyoustableroomformyhorsesandshelterformyself
andmyboyforthenight?"
Thewomanlookedathimwithastatic,musingquality,asthoughshehadseenwithout
alarmanapparition.
"I'llhavetosee,"shesaid.
"Ishallpay,"themansaid."Iknowthetimes."
"I'llhavetoaskhim,"thewomansaid.Sheturned,thenstopped.Theoldermanentered
thehallbehindher.Hewasbig,injeanclothes,withashockofirongrayhairandpaleeyes.
"IamSaucierWeddel,"themaningraysaid."IamonmywayhometoMississippifrom
Virginia.IaminTennesseenow?"
"YouareinTennessee,"theothersaid."Comein."
WeddelturnedtotheNegro."Takethehorsesontothestable,"hesaid.
TheNegroreturnedtothegate,shapelessintheoilclothcapeandthebigovercoat,with
thatswaggeringarrogancewhichhehadassumedassoonashesawthewoman'sbarefeetand
themeagre,barreninteriorofthecabin.Hetookupthetwobridlereinsandbegantoshoutatthe
horseswithneedlessandofficiousvociferation,towhichthetwohorsespaidnoheed,asthough
theywerelongaccustomedtohim.
ItwasasiftheNegrohimselfpaidnoattentiontohiscries,asthoughtheshoutingwere
merelyconcomitanttotheactionofleadingthehorsesoutofsightofthedoor,likeaneffluviumby
bothhorsesandNegroacceptedandrelegatedinthesameinstant.

II

THROUGHTHEKITCHENWALLthegirlcouldhearthevoicesofthemenintheroomfromwhich
herfatherhaddrivenherwhenthestrangerapproachedthehouse.Shewasabouttwenty:abig
girlwithsmooth,simplehairandbig,smoothhands,standingbarefootinasinglegarmentmade
outoffloursacks.Shestoodclosetothewall,motionless,herheadbentalittle,hereyeswideand
stillandemptylikeasleepwalker's,listeningtoherfatherandtheguestentertheroombeyondit.
Thekitchenwasaplankleantobuiltagainstthelogwallofthecabinproper.Frombetween
thelogsbesidehertheclaychinking,driedtochalkbytheheatofthestove,hadfallenawayin
places.Stooping,themovementslowandlushandsoundlessasthewhisperingofherbarefeeton
thefloor,sheleanedhereyetooneofthesecracks.Shecouldseeabaretableonwhichsatan
earthenwarejugandaboxofmusketcartridgesstenciledU.S.Army.Atthetablehertwobrothers
satinsplintchairs,thoughitwasonlytheyoungerone,theboy,wholookedtowardthedoor,
thoughsheknew,couldhearnow,thatthestrangerwasintheroom.Theolderbrotherwastaking
thecartridgesonebyonefromtheboxandcrimpingthemandsettingthemuprightathishandlike
amimicparadeoftroops,hisbacktothedoorwheresheknewthestrangerwasnowstanding.She
breathedquietly.
 "Vatchwouldhaveshothim,"shesaid,breathed,toherself,stooping."Ireckonhewillyet."
Thensheheardfeetagainandhermothercametowardthedoortothekitchen,crossing
andforamomentblottingtheorifice.Yetshedidnotmove,notevenwhenhermotherenteredthe
kitchen.Shestoopedtothecrack,herbreathingregularandplacid,hearinghermotherclattering
thestovelidsbehindher.Thenshesawthestrangerforthefirsttimeandthenshewasholdingher
breathquietly,notevenawarethatshehadceasedtobreathe.Shesawhimstandingbesidethe
tableinhisshabbycloak,withhishatinhislefthand.
Vatchdidnotlookup.
"MynameisSaucierWeddel,"thestrangersaid.
"SoshayWeddel,"thegirlbreathedintothedrychinking,thecrumbledandpowderywall.
Shecouldseehimatfulllength,inhisstainedandpatchedandbrushedcloak,withhisheadlifted
alittleandhisfaceworn,almostgaunt,stampedwithakindofindomitablewearinessandyet
arroganttoo,likeacreaturefromanotherworldwithotherairtobreatheandanotherkindofblood
towarmtheveins.
"SoshayWeddel,"shebreathed.
"Takesomewhiskey,"Vatchsaidwithoutmoving.
Thensuddenly,asithadbeenwiththesuspendedbreathing,shewasnotlisteningtothe
wordsatall,asthoughitwerenolongernecessaryforhertohear,asthoughcuriositytoohadno
placeintheatmosphereinwhichthestrangerdwelledandinwhichshetoodwelledforthemoment
asshewatchedthestrangerstandingbesidethetable,lookingatVatch,andVatchnowturnedin
hischair,acartridgeinhishand,lookingupatthestranger.Shebreathedquietlyintothecrack
throughwhichthevoicescamenowwithoutheatorsignificanceoutofthatdarkandsmoldering
andviolentandchildlikevanityofmen:"Ireckonyouknowthesewhenyouseethem,then?"
"Whynot?Weusedthemtoo.Weneveralwayshadthetimenorthepowdertostopand
makeourown.Sowehadtouseyoursnowandthen.Especiallyduringthelast."
"Maybeyouwouldknowthembetterifoneexplodedinyourface."
"Vatch."Shenowlookedatherfather,becausehehadspoken.Heryoungerbrotherwas
raisedalittleinhischair,leaningalittleforward,hismouthopenalittle.Hewasseventeen.Yetstill
thestrangerstoodlookingquietlydownatVatch,hishatclutchedagainsthisworncloak,withon
hisfacethatexpressionarrogantandwearyandalittlequizzical.
"Youcanshowyourotherhandtoo,"Vatchsaid."Don'tbeafraidtoleaveyourpistolgo."
"No,"thestrangersaid."Iamnotafraidtoshowit."
"Takesomewhiskey,then,"Vatchsaid,pushingthejugforwardwithamotionslightingand
contemptuous.
"Iamobligedinfinitely,"thestrangersaid."It'smystomach.ForthreeyearsofwarIhave
hadtoapologizetomystomach;now,withpeace,Imustapologizeforit.ButifImighthaveaglass
formyboy?Evenafterfouryears,hecannotstandcold."
"SoshayWeddel,"thegirlbreathedintothecrumbleddustbeyondwhichthevoicescame,
notyetraisedyetforeverirreconcilableandalreadydoomed,theoneblindvictim,theotherblind
executioner:"Ormaybebehindyourbackyouwouldknowitbetter."
"You,Vatch"
"Stop,sir.Ifhewasinthearmyforaslongasoneyear,hehasruntoo,once.Perhaps
oftener,ifhefacedtheArmyofNorthernVirginia."
"SoshayWeddel,"thegirlbreathed,stooping.NowshesawWeddel,walkingapparently
straighttowardher,athicktumblerinhislefthandandhishatcrumpledbeneaththesamearm.
"Notthatway,"Vatchsaid.ThestrangerpausedandlookedbackatVatch."Whereareyou
aimingtogo?"
"Totakethisouttomyboy,"thestrangersaid."Outtothestable.Ithoughtperhapsthis
door..."Hisfacewasinprofilenow,worn,haughty,wasted,theeyebrowsliftedwithquizzicaland
arrogantinterrogation.WithoutrisingVatchjerkedhisheadbackandaside."Comeawayfromthat
door."Butthestrangerdidnotstir.Onlyhisheadmovedalittle,asthoughhehadmerelychanged
thedirectionofhiseyes.
"He'slookingatpaw,"thegirlbreathed."He'swaitingforpawtotellhim.Heain'tskeeredof
Vatch.Iknowedit."
"Comeawayfromthatdoor,"Vatchsaid."Youdamnnigra."
"Soit'smyfaceandnotmyuniform,"thestrangersaid.
"Andyoufoughtfouryearstofreeus,Iunderstand."
Thensheheardherfatherspeakagain."Gooutthefrontwayandaroundthehouse,
stranger,"hesaid.
"SoshayWeddel,"thegirlsaid.Behindherhermotherclatteredatthestove."Soshay
Weddel,"shesaid.Shedidnotsayitaloud.Shebreathedagain,deepandquietandwithouthaste.
"It'slikeamusic.It'slikeasinging."

Ill

THENEGROwassquattinginthehallwayofthebarn,thesaggingandbrokenstallsofwhichwere
emptysaveforthetwohorses.Besidehimwasawornrucksack,open.Hewasengagedin
polishingapairofthindancingslipperswithaclothandatinofpaste,emptysaveforathinrimof
polishaboutthecircumferenceofthetin.Besidehimonapieceofplanksatonefinishedshoe.The
upperwascracked;ithadacrudesolenailedrecentlyandcrudelyonbyaclumsyhand.
"ThankdeLawdfolkscan'tseedebottomsofyofeets,"theNegrosaid."ThankdeLawdit's
justdesehyermountaintrash.I'devenhatefoYankeestoseeyofeetsindesethings."Herubbed
theshoe,squintedatit,breatheduponit,rubbeditagainuponhissquattingflank.
"Here,"Weddelsaid,extendingthetumbler.Itcontainedaliquidascolorlessaswater.
TheNegrostopped,theshoeandtheclothsuspended.
"Which?"hesaid.Helookedattheglass."Whut'sdat?"
"Drinkit,"Weddeisaid.
"Dat'swater.Whutyoubringingmewaterfer?"
"Takeit,"Weddelsaid."It'snotwater."
TheNegrotooktheglassgingerly.Hehelditasifitcontainednitroglycerin.Helookedatit,
blinking,bringingtheglassslowlyunderhisnose.Heblinked."Where'dyougitdishyer?"Weddel
didn'tanswer.Hehadtakenupthefinishedslipper,lookingatit.TheNegroheldtheglassunder
hisnose."Itsmellkindoflikeitoughtto,"hesaid."ButIbedawgefitlooklikeanything.Desefolks
fixingtopizenyou."
Hetippedtheglassandsippedgingerly,andloweredtheglass,blinking.
"Ididn'tdrinkanyofit,"Weddelsaid.Hesettheslipperdown.
"Youbetterhadn't,"theNegrosaid."WhenhereIdonebeenfoyearstryingtotakecareof
youengityoubackhomelikewhutMististolemetodo,andhereyousleepinginfolks'barnsat
nightlikeatramp,likeapaterrollernigger."
Heputtheglasstohislips,tiltingitandhisheadinasinglejerk.Heloweredtheglass,
empty;hiseyeswereclosed;hesaid,"Whuf!"shakinghisheadwithaviolent,shudderingmotion.
"Itsmellsright,anditactright.ButIbedawgefitlookright.Ireckonyoubetterletitalone,likeyou
startedout.Whendeytrytomakeyoudrinkityousendumtome.IdonealreadystoodsomuchI
reckonIcanstandalittlemoferMistis'sake."
Hetookuptheshoeandtheclothagain.Weddelstoopedabovetherucksack."Iwantmy
pistol,"hesaid.
AgaintheNegroceased,theshoeandtheclothpoised.
 "Whutfer?"Heleanedandlookedupthemuddyslopetowardthecabin."Isdesefolks
Yankees?"hesaidinawhisper.
"No,"Weddelsaid,diggingintherucksackwithhislefthand.TheNegrodidnotseemto
hearhim.
"InTennessee?YoutolemewewasinTennessee,whereMemphisis,evenifyounever
tolemeitwasalldisyerupanddownlandindeMemphiscountry.IknowIneverseednoneofum
whenIwenttoMemphiswidyopawdattime.Butyousaysso.Andnowyoutellingmedem
MemphisfolksisYankees?"
"Whereisthepistol?"Weddelsaid.
"Idonetoleyou,"theNegrosaid."Actinglikeyoudoes.Lettingdesefolksseeyoucome
walkingupderoad,leadingCaesarcazeyouthinkhetired;makingmeridewhilstyouwalkswhen
Icanoutwalkyouanydayyoueverlivedandyouknowsit,evenifIisfawtyenyoutwentyeight.I
gwytellyomaw.Igwytellum."
Weddelrose,inhishandaheavycapandballrevolver.
Hechuckleditinhissinglehand,drawingthehammerback,lettingitdownagain.The
Negrowatchedhim,crouchedlikeanapeintheblueUnionarmyovercoat."Youputdatthing
back,"hesaid."Dewardonewidnow.DeytoleusbackdaratFerginnyitwasdonewid.Youdon't
neednopistolnow.Youputitback,youhearme?"
"I'mgoingtobathe,"Weddelsaid."Ismyshirt..."
"Bathewhere?Inwhut?Desefolksain'tneverseedabathtub."
"Batheatthewell.Ismyshirtready?"
"Whutdeyisofit...Youputdatpistolback,MarseSoshay.Igwytellyomawonyou.Igwy
tellum.IjustwishMarsterwashere."
"Gotothekitchen,"Weddelsaid."TellthemIwishtobatheinthewellhouse.Askthemto
drawthecurtainonthatwindowthere."Thepistolhadvanishedbeneaththegreycloak.Hewentto
thestallwherethethoroughbredwas.
Thehorsenuzzledathim,itseyesrollingsoftandwild.Hepatteditsnosewithhisleft
hand.Itwhickered,notloud,itsbreathsweetandwarm.

IV

THENEGROenteredthekitchenfromtherear.Hehadremovedtheoilclothtentandhenowwore
ablueforagecapwhich,liketheovercoat,wasmuchtoolargeforhim,restinguponthetopofhis
headinsuchawaythattheunsupportedbrimoscillatedfaintlywhenhemovedasthoughwitha
lifeofitsown.Hewascompletelyinvisiblesaveforhisfacebetweencapandcollarlikeadried
Dyaktrophyandalmostassmallanddustedlightlyoveraswithathinpallorofwoodashesbythe
cold.Theolderwomanwasatthestoveonwhichfryingfoodnowhissedandsputtered;shedidnot
lookupwhentheNegroentered.Thegirlwasstandinginthemiddleoftheroom,doingnothingat
all.ShelookedattheNegro,watchinghimwithaslow,grave,secret,unwinkinggazeashe
crossedthekitchenwiththatairofswaggeringcaricaturedassurance,andupendedablockof
woodbesidethestoveandsatuponit.
"Ifdisyerisdekindofweatheryawlhasupherealldetime,"hesaid,"Idon'tcareefde
Yankeesdoeshasdiscountry."Heopenedtheovercoat,revealinghislegsandfeetasbeing
wrapped,shapelessandhuge,insomemuddyandanonymoussubstanceresemblingfur,giving
themtheappearanceoftwomuddybeaststhesizeofhalfgrowndogslyingonthefloor;movinga
littlenearerthegirl,thegirlthoughtquietlyHisfur.Hetakenandcutupafurcoattowraphisfeetin
"Yes,suh,"theNegrosaid."Justyawlletmegithomeagain,endeYankeeskinhaveallderestof
it."
 "Wheredoyouunslive?"thegirlsaid.
TheNegrolookedather."InMiss'ippi.OndeDomain.Ain'tyouneverhyeardtellof
Countymaison?"
"Countymaison?"
"Dat'sit.HisgrandpappynameditCountymaisoncazeit'sbiggerdenacountytorideover.
Youcan'trideacrossitonamulebetwixtsunupandsundown.Dat'showcome."Herubbedhis
handsslowlyonhisthighs.Hisfacewasnowturnedtowardthestove;hesnuffedloudly.Already
theashyoverlayonhisskinhaddisappeared,leavinghisfacedeadblack,wizened,hismoutha
littleloose,asthoughthemuscleshadbecomeslackwithusage,likerubberbands:nottheeating
muscles,thetalkingones."Ireckonweisgittinnighhome,afterall.Leastwaysdathawgmeat
smelllikeitdodownwharfolkslives."
"Countymaison,"thegirlsaidinarapt,bemusedtone,lookingattheNegrowithhergrave,
unwinkingregard.
Thensheturnedherheadandlookedatthewall,herfaceperfectlyserene,perfectly
inscrutable,withouthaste,withaprofoundandabsorbeddeliberation.
"Dat'sit,"theNegrosaid."EvenYankeesisheardtellofWeddel'sCountymaisonenerbout
MarsterFrancisWeddel.MaybeyawlseedumpassindecarriagedattimehewenttoWashn'ton
totellyawl'spresidenthowheain'tlikedewayyawl'spresidentwuztreatingdepeople.Heridall
dewaytoWashn'tonindecarriage,widtwoniggerstodriveentoheatdebrickstokepthefoots
warm,endemandonegoneonaheadwiddewagonendefreshhawses.Hecarriedyawl's
presidenttwowholedressedbearseneightsidesofsmokeddeervenison.Hemustapassedright
outdarinfrontyawl'shouse.Ireckonyopappyormaybehispappyseedumpass."
Hetalkedon,voluble,insoporificsingsong,hisfacebeginningtoglisten,toshinealittle
withtherichwarmth,whilethemotherbentoverthestoveandthegirl,motionless,static,herbare
feetcuppedsmoothandclosetotheroughpuncheons,herbig,smooth,youngbodycuppedsoft
andrichlymammaliantotheroughgarment,watchingtheNegrowithherineffableandunwinking
gaze,hermouthopenalittle.
TheNegrotalkedon,hiseyesclosed,hisvoiceinterminable,boastful,hisairlazily
intolerant,asifhewerestillathomeandtherehadbeennowarandnoharshrumorsoffreedom
andofchange,andhe(astableman,inthedomestichierarchyamanofhorses)werespendingthe
eveninginthequartersamongfieldhands,untiltheolderwomandishedthefoodandlefttheroom,
closingthedoorbehindher.Heopenedhiseyesatthesoundandlookedtowardthedoorandthen
backtothegirl.Shewaslookingatthewall,atthecloseddoorthroughwhichhermotherhad
vanished."Don'tdeyletsyoueatatdetablewidum?"hesaid.
ThegirllookedattheNegro,unwinking."Countymaison,"shesaid."Vatchsaysheisa
nigratoo."
"Who?Him?Anigger?MarseSoshayWeddel?WhichunisVatch?"Thegirllookedathim.
"It'scazeyawlain'tneverbeennowhere.Ain'tneverseednothing.Livinguphereonanekkidhill
wharyoucan'tevenseesmoke.Himanigger?Iwishhismawcouldhearyousaydat."Helooked
aboutthekitchen,wizened,hiseyeballsrollingwhite,ceaseless,thiswayandthat.Thegirl
watchedhim.
"Dothegirlstherewearshoesallthetime?"shesaid.
TheNegrolookedaboutthekitchen,"WheredoesyawlkeepdatereTennesseespring
water?Backheresomewhere?"
"Springwater?"
TheNegroblinkedslowly."Daterelightdrinkingkahysene."
"Kahysene?"
"Daterelightcoloredlampoilwhutyawldrinks.Ain'tyougotalittleofithidbackhere
somewhere?"
 "Oh,"thegirlsaid."Youmeancorn."Shewenttoacornerandliftedalooseplankinthe
floor,theNegrowatchingher,anddrewforthanotherearthenjug.Shefilledanotherthicktumbler
andgaveittotheNegroandwatchedhimjerkitdownhisthroat,hiseyesclosed.Againhesaid,
"Whuf!"anddrewhisbackhandacrosshismouth.
"Whutwuzdatyouaxedme?"hesaid.
"DothegirlsdownthereatCountymaisonwearshoes?"
"Deladiesdoes.Ifdeydidn'thavenone,MarseSoshaycouldsellahun'edniggersenbuy
umsome...WhichunisitsayMarseSoshayanigger?"
Thegirlwatchedhim."Ishemarried?"
"Whomarried?MarseSoshay?"Thegirlwatchedhim.
"Howhehavetimetogitmarried,widusfightingdeYankeesforfoyears?Ain'tbeenhome
infoyearsnowwherenoladiestomarryis."Helookedatthegirl,hiseyewhitesalittlebloodshot,
hisskinshininginfaintandsteadyhighlights.Thawing,heseemedtohaveincreasedinsizealittle
too."Whut'sitteryou,ifhemarriedorno?"
Theylookedateachother.TheNegrocouldhearherbreathing.Thenshewasnotlooking
athimatall,thoughshehadnotyetevenblinkednorturnedherhead."Idon'treckonhe'dhave
anytimeforagirlthatdidn'thaveanyshoes."shesaid.Shewenttothewallandstoopedagainto
thecrack.TheNegrowatchedher.Theolderwomanenteredandtookanotherdishfromthestove
anddepartedwithouthavinglookedateitherofthem.

THEFOURMEN,thethreemenandtheboy,sataboutthesuppertable.Thebrokenmeallayon
thickplates.Theknivesandforkswereiron.Onthetablethejugstillsat.Weddelwasnow
cloakless.Hewasshaven,hisstilldamphaircombedback.Uponhisbosomtherufflesoftheshirt
frothedinthelamplight,therightsleeve,empty,pinnedacrosshisbreastwithathingoldpin.Under
thetablethefrailandmendeddancingslippersrestedamongthebrogansofthetwomenandthe
baresplayedfeetoftheboy.
"Vatchsaysyouareanigra,"thefathersaid.
Weddelwasleaningalittlebackinhischair."Sothatexplainsit,"hesaid."Iwasthinking
thathewasjustcongenitallyilltempered.Andhavingtobeavictor,too."
"Areyouanigra?"thefathersaid.
"No,"Weddelsaid.Hewaslookingattheboy,hisweatheredandwastedfacealittle
quizzical.Acrossthebackofhisneckhishair,long,hadbeencutroughlyasthoughwithaknifeor
perhapsabayonet.Theboywatchedhimincompleteandraptimmobility.AsifImightbean
apparitionhethought.Ahant.MaybeIam."No,"hesaid."IamnotaNegro."
"Whoareyou?"thefathersaid.
Weddelsatalittlesidewaysinhischair,hishandlyingonthetable."Doyouaskguests
whotheyareinTennessee?"hesaid.Vatchwasfillingatumblerfromthejug.Hisfacewas
lowered,hishandsbigandhard.Hisfacewashard.
Weddellookedathim."IthinkIknowhowyoufeel,"hesaid."IexpectIfeltthatwayonce.
Butit'shardtokeeponfeelinganywayforfouryears.Evenfeelingatall."
Vatchsaidsomething,suddenandharsh.Heclappedthetumblerontothetable,splashing
someoftheliquorout.Itlookedlikewater,withaviolent,dynamicodor.Itseemedtopossessan
inherentvolatilitywhichcarriedasplashofitacrossthetableandontothefoamoffrayedyet
immaculatelinenonWeddel'sbreast,strikingsuddenandchillthroughtheclothagainsthisflesh.
"Vatch!"thefathersaid.
 Weddeldidnotmove;hisexpressionarrogant,quizzical,andweary,didnotchange."He
didnotmeantodothat,"hesaid.
"WhenIdo,"Vatchsaid,"itwillnotlooklikeanaccident."
WeddelwaslookingatVatch."IthinkItoldyouonce,"hesaid."MynameisSaucier
Weddel.IamaMississippian.IliveataplacenamedCountymaison.Myfatherbuiltitandnamed
it.HewasaChoctawchiefnamedFrancisWeddel,ofwhomyouhaveprobablynotheard.Hewas
thesonofaChoctawwomanandaFrenchemigreofNewOrleans,ageneralofNapoleon'sanda
knightoftheLegionofHonor.HisnamewasFrancoisVidal.MyfatherdrovetoWashingtononcein
hiscarriagetoremonstratewithPresidentJacksonabouttheGovernment'streatmentofhis
people,sendingonaheadawagonofprovenderandgiftsandalsofreshhorsesforthecarriage,in
chargeoftheman,thenativeoverseer,whowasafullbloodChoctawandmyfather'scousin.In
theolddaysTheManwasthehereditarytitleoftheheadofourclan;butafterwebecame
Europeanisedlikethewhitepeople,welostthetitletothebranchwhichrefusedtobecome
polluted,thoughwekepttheslavesandtheland.TheMannowlivesinahousealittlelargerthan
thecabinsoftheNegroes,anupperservant.ItwasinWashingtonthatmyfathermetandmarried
mymother.HewaskilledintheMexicanWar.Mymotherdiedtwoyearsago,in'63,ofa
complicationofpneumoniaacquiredwhilesuperintendingtheburyingofsomesilveronawetnight
whenFederaltroopsenteredthecounty,andofunsuitablefood;thoughmyboyrefusestobelieve
thatsheisdead.HerefusestobelievethatthecountrywouldhavepermittedtheNorthtodeprive
heroftheimportedMartiniquecoffeeandthebeatenbiscuitwhichshehadeachSundaynoonand
Wednesdaynight.Hebelievesthatthecountrywouldhaveriseninarmsfirst.Butthen,heisonlya
Negro,memberofanoppressedraceburdenedwithfreedom.Hehasadailylistofmymisdoings
whichheisgoingtotellheronmewhenwereachhome.IwenttoschoolinFrance,butnotvery
hard.UntiltwoweeksagoIwasamajorofMississippiinfantryinthecorpsofamannamed
Longstreet,ofwhomyoumayhaveheard."
"Soyouwereamajor,"Vatchsaid.
"Thatappearstobemyindictment;yes."
"Ihaveseenarebelmajorbefore,"Vatchsaid."DoyouwantmetotellyouwhereIsaw
him?"
"Tellme,"Weddelsaid.
"Hewaslyingbyatree.Wehadtostopthereandliedown,andhewaslyingbythetree,
askingforwater.'Haveyouanywater,friend?'hesaid.'Yes.Ihavewater,'Isaid.'Ihaveplentyof
water.'Ihadtocrawl;Icouldn'tstandup.IcrawledovertohimandIliftedhimsothathishead
wouldbeproppedagainstthetree.Ifixedhisfacetothefront."
"Didn'tyouhaveabayonet?"Weddelsaid."ButIforgot;youcouldn'tstandup."
"ThenIcrawledback.Ihadtocrawlbackahundredyards,where..."
"Back?"
"Itwastooclose.Whocandodecentshootingthatclose?Ihadtocrawlback,andthenthe
damnedmusket..."
"Damnmusket?"Weddelsatalittlesidewaysinhischair,hishandonthetable,hisface
quizzicalandsardonic,contained.
"Imissed,thefirstshot.Ihadhisfaceproppedupandturned,andhiseyesopenwatching
me,andthenImissed.IhithiminthethroatandIhadtoshootagainbecauseofthedamned
musket."
"Vatch,"thefathersaid.
Vatch'shandswereonthetable.Hishead,hisface,werelikehisfather's,thoughwithout
thefather'sdeliberation.Hisfacewasfurious,still,unpredictable."Itwasthatdamnmusket.Ihad
toshootthreetimes.Thenhehadthreeeyes,inarowacrosshisfaceproppedagainstthetree,all
threeofthemopen,likehewaswatchingmewiththreeeyes.Igavehimanothereye,toseebetter
with.ButIhadtoshoottwicebecauseofthedamnmusket."
"You,Vatch,"thefathersaid.Hestoodnow,hishandsonthetable,proppinghisgaunt
body."Don'tyoumindVatch,stranger.TheWarisovernow."
"Idon'tmindhim,"Weddelsaid.Hishandswenttohisbosom,disappearingintothefoam
oflinenwhilehewatchedVatchsteadilywithhisalert,quizzical,sardonicgaze."Ihaveseentoo
manyofhimfortoolongatimetomindoneofhimanymore."
"Takesomewhiskey,"Vatchsaid.
"Areyoujustmakingapoint?"
"Damnthepistol,"Vatchsaid."Takesomewhiskey."
Weddellaidhishandagainonthetable.Butinsteadofpouring,Vatchheldthejugpoised
overthetumbler.HewaslookingpastWeddel'sshoulder.Weddelturned.Thegirlwasintheroom,
standinginthedoorwaywithhermotherjustbehindher.Themothersaidasifshewerespeaking
tothefloorunderherfeet:"Itriedtokeepherback,likeyousaid.Itriedto.Butsheisstrongasa
man;hardheadedlikeaman."
"Yougoback,"thefathersaid.
"Metogoback?"themothersaidtothefloor.
Thefatherspokeaname;Weddeldidnotcatchit;hedidnotevenknowthathehadmissed
it."Yougoback."
Thegirlmoved.Shewasnotlookingatanyofthem.Shecametothechaironwhichlay
Weddel'swornandmendedcloakandopenedit,revealingthefourraggedslasheswherethe
sablelininghadbeencutoutasthoughwithaknife.ShewaslookingatthecloakwhenVatch
graspedherbytheshoulder,butitwasatWeddelthatshelooked."Youcuthitoutandgavehitto
thatnigratowraphisfeetin,"shesaid.
ThenthefathergraspedVatchinturn.Weddelhadnotstirred,hisfaceturnedoverhis
shoulder;besidehimtheboywasupraisedoutofhischairbyhisarms,hisyoung,slackedface
leanedforwardintothelamp.ButsaveforthebreathingofVatchandthefathertherewasno
soundintheroom.
"Iamstrongerthanyouare,still,"thefathersaid."Iamabettermanstill,orasgood."
"Youwon'tbealways,"Vatchsaid.
Thefatherlookedbackoverhisshoulderatthegirl."Goback,"hesaid.Sheturnedand
wentbacktowardthehall,herfeetsilentasrubberfeet.Againthefathercalledthatnamewhich
Weddelhadnotcaught;againhedidnotcatchitandwasnotawareagainthathehadnot.She
wentoutthedoor.ThefatherlookedatWeddel.Weddel'sattitudewasunchanged,savethatonce
morehishandwashiddeninsidehisbosom.Theylookedatoneanotherthecold,Nordicfaceand
thehalfGallichalfMongolface,thinandwornlikeabronzecasting,witheyeslikethoseofthe
dead,inwhichonlyvisionhasceasedandnotsight."Takeyourhorses,andgo,"thefathersaid.

VI

ITWASdarkinthehall,andcold,withtheblackchillofthemountainAprilcomingupthroughthe
flooraboutherbarelegsandherbodyinthesinglecoarsegarment."Hecuttheliningoutenhis
cloaktowrapthatnigra'sfeetin,"shesaid.
"Hedonehitforanigra."Thedoorbehindheropened.
Againstthelamplightamanloomed,thenthedoorshutbehindhim."IsitVatchorpaw?"
shesaid.Thensomethingstruckheracrosstheback:aleatherstrap."Iwasafeareditwouldbe
Vatch,"shesaid.Theblowfellagain.
"Gotobed,"thefathersaid.
 "Youcanwhipme,butyoucan'twhiphim,"shesaid.
Theblowfellagain:athick,flat,softsounduponherimmediatefleshbeneaththecoarse
sacking.

VII

INTHEdesertedkitchentheNegrosatforamomentlongerontheupturnedblockbesidethe
stove,lookingatthedoor.
Thenherosecarefully,onehandonthewall.
"Whuf!"hesaid."WishushadaspringondeDomainwhutrundat.Stockwouldgit
trompledtodeath,shomon."
Heblinkedatthedoor,listening,thenhemoved,lettinghimselfcarefullyalongthewall,
stoppingnowandthentolooktowardthedoorandlisten,hisaircunning,unsteady,andalert.He
reachedthecornerandliftedthelooseplank,stoopingcarefully,bracinghimselfagainstthewall.
Heliftedthejugout,whereuponhelosthisbalanceandsprawledonhisface,hisfaceludicrous
andearnestwithastonishment.Hegotupandsatflatonthefloor,carefully,thejugbetweenhis
knees,andliftedthejuganddrank.Hedrankalongtime.
"Whuf!"hesaid."OndeDomainwe'dgivedisyerstufftodehawgs.Butdeseyerign'unt
mountaintrash..."Hedrankagain;thenwiththejugpoisedtherecameintohisfaceanexpression
ofconcernandthenconsternation.Hesetthejugdownandtriedtogetup,sprawlingabovethe
jug,gaininghisfeetatlast,stooped,swaying,drooling,withthatexpressionofoutraged
consternationonhisface.Thenhefellheadlongtothefloor,overturningthejug.

VIII

THEYSTOOPEDabovetheNegro,talkingquietlytooneanotherWeddelinhisfrothedshirt,the
fatherandtheboy.
"We'llhavetototehim,"thefathersaid.
TheyliftedtheNegro.WithhissinglehandWeddeljerkedtheNegro'sheadup,shaking
him."Jubal,"hesaid.
TheNegrostruckout,clumsily,withonearm."Le'mbe,"hemuttered."Le'mgo."
"Jubal!"Weddelsaid.
TheNegrothrashed,suddenandviolent."Youle'mbe,"hesaid."IgwytelldeMan.Igwy
tellum."Heceased,muttering:"Fieldhands.Fieldniggers."
"We'llhavetototehim,"thefathersaid.
"Yes,"Weddelsaid."I'msorryforthis.Ishouldhavewarnedyou.ButIdidn'tthinkthere
wasanotherjughecouldhavegainedaccessto."Hestooped,gettinghissinglehandunderthe
Negro'sshoulders.
"Getaway,"thefathersaid."MeandHulecandoit."HeandtheboypickedtheNegroup.
Weddelopenedthedoor.
Theyemergedintothehighblackcold.Belowthemthebarnloomed.Theycarriedthe
Negrodowntheslope."Getthemhorsesout,Hule,"thefathersaid.
"Horses?"Weddelsaid."Hecan'tridenow.Hecan'tstayonahorse."
Theylookedatoneanother,eachtowardtheothervoice,inthecold,theicysilence.
"Youwon'tgonow?"thefathersaid.
"Iamsorry.YouseeIcannotdepartnow.Iwillhavetostayuntildaylight,untilheissober.
Wewillgothen."
 "Leavehimhere.Leavehimonehorse,andyourideon.Heisnothingbutanigra."
"Iamsorry.Notafterfouryears."Hisvoicewasquizzical,whimsicalalmost,yetwiththat
qualityofindomitableweariness."I'veworriedwithhimthisfar;IreckonIwillgethimonhome."
"Ihavewarnedyou,"thefathersaid.
"Iamobliged.Wewillmoveatdaylight.IfHulewillbekindenoughtohelpmegethiminto
theloft."
Thefatherhadsteppedback."Putthatnigradown,Hule,"hesaid.
"Hewillfreezehere,"Weddelsaid."Imustgethimintotheloft."HehauledtheNegroup
andproppedhimagainstthewallandstoopedtohunchtheNegro'slaxbodyontohisshoulder.
Theweightroseeasily,thoughhedidnotunderstandwhyuntilthefatherspokeagain:"Hule.
Comeawayfromthere."
"Yes;go,"Weddelsaidquietly."Icangethimuptheladder."Hecouldheartheboy's
breathing,fast,young,swiftwithexcitementperhaps.Weddeldidnotpausetospeculate,noratthe
faintlyhystericaltoneoftheboy'svoice:"I'llhelpyou."
Weddeldidn'tobjectagain.HeslappedtheNegroawakeandtheysethisfeetontheladder
rungs,pushinghimupward.Halfwayuphestopped;againhethrashedoutatthem.
"Igwytellum.IgwytelldeMan.IgwytellMistis.Fieldhands.Fieldniggers."

IX

THEYLAYsidebysideintheloft,beneaththecloakandthetwosaddleblankets.Therewasno
hay.TheNegrosnored,hisbreathreekingandharsh,thick.Below,initsstall,theThoroughbred
stampednowandthen.Weddellayonhisback,hisarmacrosshischest,thehandclutchingthe
stuboftheotherarm.Overhead,throughthecracksintherooftheskyshowedthethickchill,black
skywhichwouldrainagaintomorrowandoneverytomorrowuntiltheyleftthemountains."IfI
leavethemountains,"hesaidquietly,motionlessonhisbackbesidethesnoringNegro,staring
upward."Iwasconcerned.Ihadthoughtthatitwasexhausted;thatIhadlosttheprivilegeofbeing
afraid.ButIhavenot.AndsoIamhappy.Quitehappy."Helayrigidonhisbackinthecold
darkness,thinkingofhome."Countymaison.Ourlivesaresummedupinsoundsandmade
significant.Victory.Defeat.Peace.Home.That'swhywemustdosomuchtoinventmeaningsfor
thesounds,sodamnedmuch.Especiallyifyouareunfortunateenoughtobevictorious:so
damnedmuch.It'snicetobewhipped;quiettobewhipped.Tobewhippedandtolieundera
brokenroof,thinkingofhome."
TheNegrosnored."Sodamnedmuch";seemingtowatchthewordsshapequietlyinthe
darknessabovehismouth.
"Whatwouldhappen,say,amaninthelobbyoftheGayoso,inMemphis,laughing
suddenlyaloud.ButIamquitehappy..."Thenheheardthesound.Helayutterlystillthen,hishand
clutchingthebuttofthepistolwarmbeneaththestubofhisrightarm,hearingthequiet,almost
infinitesimalsoundasitmountedtheladder.Buthemadenomoveuntilhesawthedimorificeof
thetrapdoorblottedout."Stopwhereyouare,"hesaid.
"It'sme,"thevoicesaid;thevoiceoftheboy,againwiththatswift,breathlessqualitywhich
evennowWeddeldidnotpausetodesignateasexcitementoreventoremarkatall.
Theboycameonhishandsandkneesacrossthedry,sibilantchaffwhichdustedthefloor.
"Goaheadandshoot,"hesaid.
OnhishandsandkneesheloomedaboveWeddelwithhispantingbreath."IwishIwas
dead.Isowishhit.Iwishwewasbothdead.IcouldwishlikeVatchwishes.Whydidyouunshave
tostophere?"
Weddelhadnotmoved."WhydoesVatchwishIwasdead?"
 "Becausehecanstillhearyouunsyelling.Iusedtosleepwithhimandhewakesupat
nightandoncepawhadtokeephimfromchokingmetodeathbeforehewakedupandhim
sweating,hearingyouunsyellingstill.Withoutnothingbutunloadedguns,yelling,Vatchsaid,like
scarecrowsacrossacornpatch,running."Hewascryingnow,notaloud."Damnyou!Damnyouto
hell!"
"Yes,"Weddelsaid."Ihaveheardthem,myself.Butwhydoyouwishyouweredead?"
"Becauseshewastryingtocome,herself.Onlyshehadto"
"Who?She?Yoursister?"
"...hadtogothroughtheroomtogetout.Pawwasawake.Hesaid,'Ifyougooutthatdoor,
don'tyounevercomeback.'Andshesaid,'Idon'taimto,'AndVatchwasawaketooandhesaid,
'Makehimmarryyouquickbecauseyouaregoingtobeawidowatdaylight.'Andshecomeback
andtoldme.ButIwasawaketoo.Shetoldmetotellyou."
"Tellmewhat?"Weddelsaid.Theboycriedquietly,withakindofpatientandutterdespair.
"Itoldherifyouwasanigra,andifshedonethatItoldherthatI..."
"What?Ifshedidwhat?Whatdoesshewantyoutotellme?"
"Aboutthewindowintotheatticwhereherandmesleep.ThereisafootladderImadeto
comebackfromhuntingatnightforyoutogetin.ButItoldherifyouwasanigraandifshedone
thatIwould..."
"Nowthen,"Weddelsaidsharply;"pullyourselftogethernow.Don'tyouremember?Inever
evensawherbutthatonetimewhenshecameintheroomandyourfathersentherout."
"Butyousawherthen.Andshesawyou."
"No,"Weddelsaid.
Theboyceasedtocry.HewasquitestillaboveWeddel.
"Nowhat?"
"Iwon'tdoit.Climbupyourladder."
Forawhiletheboyseemedtomuseabovehim,motionless,breathingslowandquietnow;
hespokenowinamusing,almostdreamytone:"Icouldkillyoueasy.Youain'tgotbutonearm,
evenifyouareolder..."Suddenlyhemoved,withalmostunbelievablequickness;Weddel'sfirst
intimationwaswhentheboy'shard,overlargehandstookhimbythethroat.Weddeldidnotmove.
"Icouldkillyoueasy.Andwouldn'tnonemind."
"Shhhhhh,"Weddelsaid."Notsoloud."
"Wouldn'tnonecare."HeheldWeddel'sthroatwithhard,awkwardrestraint.Weddelcould
feelthechokingandtheshakingexpenditselfsomewhereabouttheboy'sforearmsbeforeit
reachedhishands,asthoughtheconnectionbetweenbrainandhandswasincomplete."Wouldn't
nonecare.ExceptVatchwouldbemad."
"Ihaveapistol,"Weddelsaid.
"Thenshootmewithit.Goon."
"No."
"Nowhat?"
"Itoldyoubefore."
"Youswearyouwon'tdoit?Doyouswear?"
"Listenamoment,"Weddelsaid;hespokenowwithasortofsoothingpatience,asthough
hespokeonesyllablewordstoachild:"Ijustwanttogohome.That'sall.Ihavebeenawayfrom
homeforfouryears.AllIwantistogohome.don'tyousee?IwanttoseewhatIhaveleftthere,
afterfouryears."
"Whatdoyoudothere?"Theboy'shandswerelooseandhardaboutWeddel'sthroat,his
armsstill,rigid."Doyouhuntallday,andallnighttooifyouwant,withahorsetorideandnigrasto
waitonyou,toshineyourbootsandsaddlethehorse,andyousettingonthegallery,eating,until
timetogohuntingagain?"
 "Ihopeso.Ihaven'tbeenhomeinfouryears,yousee.SoIdon'tknowanymore."
"Takemewithyou."
"Idon'tknowwhat'sthere,yousee.Theremaynotbeanythingthere:nohorsestorideand
nothingtohunt.TheYankeeswerethere,andmymotherdiedrightafterward,andIdon'tknow
whatwewouldfindthere,untilIcangoandsee."
"I'llwork.We'llbothwork.YoucangetmarriedinMayesfield.It'snotfar."
"Married?Oh.Your...Isee.HowdoyouknowIamnotalreadymarried?"Nowtheboy's
handsshutonhisthroat,shakinghim."Stopit!"hesaid.
"Ifyousayyouhavegotawife,Iwillkillyou,"theboysaid.
"No,"Weddelsaid."Iamnotmarried."
"Andyoudon'taimtoclimbupthatfootladder?"
"No.Ineversawherbutonce.ImightnotevenknowherifIsawheragain."
"Shesaysdifferent.Idon'tbelieveyou.Youarelying."
"No,"Weddelsaid.
"Isitbecauseyouareafraidto?"
"Yes.That'sit."
"OfVatch?"
"NotVatch.I'mjustafraid.Ithinkmyluckhasgivenout.Iknowthatithaslastedtoolong;I
amafraidthatIshallfindthatIhaveforgothowtobeafraid.SoIcan'triskit.Ican'triskfindingthat
Ihavelosttouchwithtruth.NotlikeJubalhere.HebelievesthatIstillbelongtohim;hewillnot
believethatIhavebeenfreed.Hewon'tevenletmetellhimso.Hedoesnotneedtobotherabout
truth,yousee."
"Wewouldwork.ShemightnotlookliketheMiss'ippiwomenthatwearshoesallthetime.
Butwewouldlearn.Wewouldnotshameyoubeforethem."
"No,"Weddelsaid."Icannot."
"Thenyougoaway.Now."
"HowcanI?Youseethathecannotride,cannotstayonahorse."Theboydidnotanswer
atonce;aninstantlaterWeddelcouldalmostfeelthetenseness,theutterimmobilitythoughhe
himselfhadheardnosound;heknewthattheboy,crouching,notbreathing,waslookingtoward
theladder.
"Whichoneisit?"Weddelwhispered.
"It'spaw."
"I'llgodown.Youstayhere.Youkeepmypistolforme."

THEDARKAIRwashigh,chill,cold.Inthevastinvisibledarknessthevalleylay,theoppositecold
andinvisiblerangeblackontheblacksky.Clutchingthestubofhismissingarmacrosshischest,
heshiveredslowlyandsteadily.
"Go,"thefathersaid.
"Thewarisover,"Weddelsaid."Vatch'svictoryisnotmytrouble."
"Takeyourhorsesandnigra,andrideon."
"Ifyoumeanyourdaughter,IneversawherbutonceandIneverexpecttoseeheragain."
"Rideon,"thefathersaid."Takewhatisyours,andrideon."
"Icannot."Theyfacedoneanotherinthedarkness."AfterfouryearsIhavebought
immunityfromrunning."
"Youhavetilldaylight."
 "IhavehadlessthanthatinVirginiaforfouryears.AndthisisjustTennessee."Butthe
otherhadturned;hedissolvedintotheblackslope.Weddelenteredthestableandmountedthe
ladder.MotionlessabovethesnoringNegrotheboysquatted.
"Leavehimhere,"theboysaid."Heain'tnothingbutanigra.Leavehim,andgo."
"No,"Weddelsaid.
TheboysquattedabovethesnoringNegro.HewasnotlookingatWeddel,yettherewas
betweenthem,quietandsoundless,thecopse,thesharpdryreport,theabruptwildthunderof
uprearedhorse,thewispingsmoke."Icanshowyouashortcutdowntothevalley.Youwillbeout
ofthemountainsintwohours.Bydaybreakyouwillbetenmilesaway."
"Ican't.Hewantstogohometoo.Imustgethimhometoo."Hestooped;withhissingle
handhespreadthecloakawkwardly,coveringtheNegrocloserwithit.Heheardtheboycreep
away,buthedidnotlook.AfterawhileheshooktheNegro."Jubal,"hesaid.TheNegrogroaned;
heturnedheavily,sleepingagain.Weddelsquattedabovehimastheboyhaddone."Ithoughtthat
Ihadlostitforgood,"hesaid.
"Thepeaceandthequiet;thepowertobeafraidagain."

XI

THECABINwasgauntandbleakinthethickcolddawnwhenthetwohorsespassedoutthe
sagginggateandintothechurnedroad,theNegroontheThoroughbred,Weddelonthesorrel.
TheNegrowasshivering.Hesathunchedandhigh,withupdrawnknees,hisfacealmostinvisible
intheoilclothhood.
"Itoleyoudeywuzfixingtopizenuswiddatstuff,"hesaid."Itoleyou.Hillbillyrednecks.
Enyounotonlyletumpizenme,youfotchmedepizenwidyoownhand.OLawd,OLawd!Ifwe
everdoesgithome."
Weddellookedbackatthecabin,attheweathered,blankhousewheretherewasnosign
ofanylife,notevensmoke.
"Shehasayoungman,Isupposeabeau."Hespokealoud,musing,quizzical."Andthat
boy.Hule.Hesaidtocomewithinsightofalaurelcopsewheretheroaddisappears,andtakea
pathtotheleft.Hesaidwemustnotpassthatcopse."
"Whosayswhich?"theNegrosaid."Iain'tgoingnowhere.Igoingbacktodatloftenlay
down."
"Allright,"Weddelsaid."Getdown."
"Gitdown?"
"I'llneedbothhorses.Youcanwalkonwhenyouarethroughsleeping."
"Igwytellyomaw,"theNegrosaid."Igwytellum.Gwytellhowafterfouryearsyouain't
gotnomoresensethantonotknowaYankeewhenyouseedum.TostaydenightwidYankees
enletumpizenoneofMistis'niggers.Igwytellum."
"Ithoughtyouweregoingtostayhere,"Weddelsaid.Hewasshiveringtoo."YetIamnot
cold,"hesaid."Iamnotcold."
"Stayhere?Me?Howindeworldyouevergithomewidoutme?WhutItellMistiswhenI
comeinwidoutyouensheaxmewharyouis?"
"Come,"Weddelsaid.Heliftedthesorrelintomotion.
Helookedquietlybackatthehouse,thenrodeon.BehindhimontheThoroughbredthe
Negromutteredandmumbledtohimselfinwoebegonesingsong.Theroad,thelonghillwhich
yesterdaytheyhadtoiledup,descendednow.Itwasmuddy,rockchurned,scarredacrossthe
barrenandrockylandbeneaththedissolvingsky,joltingdownwardtowherethepinesandlaurel
began.Afterawhilethecabinhaddisappeared.
 "AndsoIamrunningaway,"Weddelsaid."WhenIgethomeIshallnotbeveryproudof
this.Yes,Iwill.ItmeansthatIamstillalive.Stillalive,sinceIstillknowfearanddesire.Sincelifeis
anaffirmationofthepastandapromisetothefuture.SoIamstillalive.Ah."Itwasthelaurel
copse.
Aboutthreehundredyardsaheaditseemedtohavesprungmotionlessanddarklysecretin
theairwhichofitselfwasmostlywater.Hedrewreinsharply,theNegro,hunched,moaning,his
facecompletelyhidden,overridinghimunawaresuntiltheThoroughbredstoppedofitsownaccord.
"ButIdon'tseeanypath..."Weddelsaid;thenafigureemergedfromthecopse,running
towardthem.Weddelthrustthereinsbeneathhisgroinandwithdrewhishandinsidehiscloak.
Thenhesawthatitwastheboy.Hecameuptrotting.Hisfacewaswhite,strained,hiseyesquite
grave.
"It'srightyonder,"hesaid.
"Thankyou,"Weddelsaid."Itwaskindofyoutocomeandshowus,thoughwecouldhave
foundit,Iimagine."
"Yes,"theboysaidasthoughhehadnotheard.Hehadalreadytakenthesorrel'sbridle.
"Righttotherofthebrush.Youcan'tseehituntilyouareinhit."
"Inwhut?"theNegrosaid."Igwytellum.Afterfouryearsyouain'tgotnomoresense..."
"Hush,"Weddelsaid.Hesaidtotheboy,"Iamobligedtoyou.You'llhavetotakethatin
lieuofanythingbetter.Andnowyougetonbackhome.Wecanfindthepath.Wewillbeallright
now."
"Theyknowthepathtoo,"theboysaid.Hedrewthesorrelforward."Comeon."
"Wait,"Weddelsaid,drawingthesorrelup.Theboystilltuggedatthebridle,lookingon
aheadtowardthecopse."Sowehaveoneguessandtheyhaveoneguess.Isthatit?"
"Damnyoutohell,comeon!"theboysaid,inakindofthinfrenzy."Iamsickofhit.Sickof
hit."
"Well,"Weddelsaid.Helookedabout,quizzical,sardonic,withhisgaunt,weary,wasted
face."ButImustmove.Ican'tstayhere,notevenifIhadahouse,arooftoliveunder.SoIhaveto
choosebetweenthreethings.That'swhatthrowsamanoffthatextraalternative.Justwhenhehas
cometorealizethatlivingconsistsinchoosingwronglybetweentwoalternatives,tohavetochoose
amongthree.Yougobackhome."
Theboyturnedandlookedupathim."We'dwork.Wecouldgobacktothehousenow,
sincepawandVatchare...Wecouldridedownthemoutin,twoononehorseandtwoontother.
WecouldgobacktothevalleyandgetmarriedatMayesfield.Wewouldnotshameyou."
"Butshehasayoungman,hasn'tshe?SomebodythatwaitsforheratchurchonSunday
andwalkshomeandtakesSundaydinner,andmaybefightstheotheryoungmenbecauseof
her?"
"Youwon'ttakeus,then?"
"No.Yougobackhome."
Forawhiletheboystood,holdingthebridle,hisfacelowered.Thenheturned;hesaid
quietly:"Comeon,then.Wegottohurry."
"Wait,"Weddelsaid;"whatareyougoingtodo?"
"I'mgoingapiecewithyou.Comeon."Hedraggedthesorrelforward,towardtheroadside.
"Here,"Weddelsaid,"yougoonbackhome.Thewarisovernow.Vatchknowsthat."
Theboydidnotanswer.Heledthesorrelintotheunderbrush.TheThoroughbredhung
back."Whoa,youCaesar!"theNegrosaid."Wait,MarseSoshay.Iain'tgwineridedownno..."
Theboylookedoverhisshoulderwithoutstopping."Youkeepbackthere,"hesaid."You
keepwhereyouare."
Thepathwasafaintscar,doublingandtwistingamongthebrush."Iseeitnow,"Weddel
said."Yougoback."
 "I'llgoapiecewithyou,"theboysaid;soquietlythatWeddeldiscoveredthathehadbeen
holdinghisbreath,inataut,strainedalertness.Hebreathedagain,whilethesorreljoltedstiffly
downwardbeneathhim."Nonsense,"hethought."HewillhavemeplayingIndianalsoinfive
minutesmore.Ihadwantedtorecoverthepowertobeafraid,butIseemtohaveoutdonemyself."
Thepathwidened;theThoroughbredcamealongside,theboywalkingbetweenthem;againhe
lookedattheNegro.
"Youkeepback,Itellyou,"hesaid.
"Whyback?"Weddelsaid.Helookedattheboy'swan,strainedface;hethoughtswiftly,"I
don'tknowwhetherIamplayingIndianornot."Hesaidaloud:"Whymusthekeepback?"
TheboylookedatWeddel;hestopped,pullingthesorrelup."We'dwork,"hesaid."We
wouldn'tshameyou."
Weddel'sfacewasnowassoberastheboy's.Theylookedatoneanother."Doyouthink
wehaveguessedwrong?Wehadtoguess.Wehadtoguessoneoutofthree."
Againitwasasiftheboyhadnotheardhim."Youwon'tthinkhitisme?Youswearhit?"
"Yes.Iswearit."Hespokequietly,watchingtheboy;theyspokenowastwomenortwo
children."Whatdoyouthinkweoughttodo?"
"Turnback.Theywillbegonenow.Wecould..."Hedrewbackonthebridle;againthe
Thoroughbredcameabreastandforgedahead.
"Youmean,itcouldbealonghere?"Weddelsaid.Suddenlyhespurredthesorrel,jerking
theclingingboyforward."Letgo,"hesaid.Theboyheldontothebridle,sweptforwarduntilthetwo
horseswereagainabreast.OntheThoroughbredtheNegroperched,highkneed,hismouthstill
talking,flobbeddownwithreadyspeech,easyandwornwithtalklikeanoldshoewithwalking.
"Idonetolehimentolehim,"theNegrosaid.
"Letgo!"Weddelsaid,spurringthesorrel,forcingitsshoulderintotheboy."Letgo!"
"Youwon'tturnback?"theboysaid."Youwon't?"
"Letgo!"Weddelsaid.Histeethshowedalittlebeneathhismustache;heliftedthesorrel
bodilywiththespurs.TheboyletgoofthebridleandduckedbeneaththeThoroughbred'sneck;
Weddel,glancingbackasthesorrelleaped,sawtheboysurgeupwardandontothe
Thoroughbred'sback,shovingtheNegrobackalongitsspineuntilhevanished.
"Theythinkyouwillberidingthegoodhorse,"theboysaidinathin,pantingvoice;"Itold
themyouwouldberiding...Downthemoutin!"hecriedastheThoroughbredsweptpast;"the
horsecanmakehit!Gitoutenthepath!Gitoutenthe..."Weddelspurredthesorrel;almostabreast
thetwohorsesreachedthebendwherethepathdoubledbackuponitselfandintoamatted
shoulderoflaurelandrhododendron.Theboylookedbackoverhisshoulder.
"Keepback!"hecried."Gitoutenthepath!"Weddelrowelledthesorrel.Onhisfacewasa
thingrimaceofexasperationandangeralmostlikesmiling.
Itwasstillonhisdeadfacewhenhestrucktheearth,hisfootstillfastinthestirrup.The
sorrelleapedatthesoundanddraggedWeddeltothepathsideandhaltedandwhirledand
snortedonce,andbegantograze.TheThoroughbredhoweverrushedonpastthecurveand
whirledandrushedback,theblankettwistedunderitsbellyanditseyesrolling,springingoverthe
boy'sbodywhereitlayinthepath,thefacewrenchedsidewaysagainstastone,thearmsback
sprawled,openpalmed,likeawomanwithliftedskirtsspringingacrossapuddle.Thenitwhirled
andstoodaboveWeddel'sbody,whinnying,withtossinghead,watchingthelaurelcopseandthe
fadinggoutofblackpowdersmokeasitfadedaway.
TheNegrowasonhishandsandkneeswhenthetwomenemergedfromthecopse.One
ofthemwasrunning.TheNegrowatchedhimrunforward,cryingmonotonously,"Thedurnedfool!
Thedurnedfool!Thedurnedfool!"andthenstopsuddenlyanddropthegun;squatting,theNegro
sawhimbecomestonestillabovethefallengun,lookingdownattheboy'sbodywithan
expressionofshockandamazementlikehewaswakingfromadream.ThentheNegrosawthe
otherman.Intheactofstopping,thesecondmanswungtherifleupandbegantoreloadit.The
Negrodidnotmove.Onhishandsandkneeshewatchedthetwowhitemen,hisirisesrushingand
wildinthebloodshotwhites.Thenhetoomovedand,stillonhandsandknees,heturnedand
scuttledtowhereWeddellaybeneaththesorrelandcrouchedoverWeddelandlookedagainand
watchedthesecondmanbackingslowlyawayupthepath,loadingtherifle.Hewatchedtheman
stop;hedidnotclosehiseyesnorlookaway.Hewatchedtherifleelongateandthenriseand
diminishslowlyandbecomearoundspotagainstthewhiteshapeofVatch'sfacelikeaperiodona
page.Crouching,theNegro'seyesrushedwildandsteadyandred,likethoseofacornered
animal.

VIBEYOND

Beyond

THEHARDROUNDearofthestethoscopewascoldandunpleasantuponhisnakedchest;the
room,bigandsquare,furnishedwithclumsywalnut,thebedwherehehadfirstsleptalone,which
hadbeenhismarriagebed,inwhichhissonhadbeenconceivedandbeenbornandlaindressed
forthecoffin,theroomfamiliarforsixtyfiveyears,byordinarypeacefulandlonelyandso
peculiarlyhisownastohavethesameodorwhichhehad,seemedtobeclutteredwithpeople,
thoughtherewerebutthreeofthemandallofthemheknew:LuciusPeabodywhoshouldhave
beendowntownattendingtohismedicalpractice,andthetwoNegroes,theonewhoshouldbein
thekitchenandtheotherwiththelawnmoweronthelawn,makingsomepretencetowardearning
themoneywhichonSaturdaynighttheywouldexpect.
Butworstofallwasthehardcoldlittleearofthestethoscope,worseeventhantheoutrage
ofhisbaredchestwithitsfinedelicatemattingofgrayhair.Infact,aboutthewholebusinessthere
wasjustonealleviatingcircumstance.
"Atleast,"hethoughtwithfrettedandsardonichumor,"Iamsparedthatuproaroffemale
connectionswhichmighthavebeenmylot,whichistheordinaryconcomitantofoccasionsof
marriageordivorcement.Andifhewilljustmovehisdamnedlittletoytelephoneandletmyniggers
gobacktowork"
Andthen,beforehehadfinishedthethought,Peabodydidremovethestethoscope.And
then,justashewassettlinghimselfbackintothepillowwithasighoffrettedrelief,oneofthe
Negroes,thewoman,setupsuchapandemoniumotwailingastofetchhimboltuprightinthebed,
hishandstohisears.TheNegressstoodatthefootofthebed,herlonglimberblackhands
motionlessonthefootboard,hereyeswhitelybackrolledintoherskullandhermouthwideopen,
whilefromitrolledslowbillowsofsopranosoundasmellowashighregisterorgantonesandwall
shatteringasasteamersiren.
"Chlory!"heshouted."Stopthat!"Shedidn'tstop.Apparentlyshecouldneitherseenor
hear."You,Jake!"heshoutedtotheNegromanwhostoodbesideher,hishandstooonthe
footboard,hisfacebroodinguponthebedwithanexpressiondarklyandprofoundlyenigmatic;"get
heroutofhere!Atonce!"ButJaketoodidnotmove,andhethenturnedtoPeabodyinangry
outrage."Here!Loosh!Getthesedamnniggersoutofhere!"ButPeabodyalsodidnotseemto
hearhim.TheJudgewatchedhimmethodicallyfoldingthestethoscopeintoitscase;glaredathim
foramomentlongerwhilethewoman'sshatteringnoisebillowedthroughtheroom.Thenheflung
thecoversbackandrosefromthebedandhurriedfuriouslyfromtheroomandfromthehouse.
 Atonceherealizedthathewasstillinhispajamas,sohebuttonedhisovercoat.Itwasof
broadcloth,black,brushed,ofanoutmodedelegance,withasablecollar."Atleasttheydidn'thave
timetohidethisfromme,"hethoughtinfrettedrage."Now,ifIjusthadmy..."Helookeddownat
hisfeet."Ah.Iseemtohave..."Helookedathisshoes.
"That'sfortunate,too."Thenthemomentarysurprisefadedtoo,nowthatoutragehadspace
inwhichtodisseminateitself.Hetouchedhishat,thenheputhishandtohislapel.
Thejasminewasthere.Saywhathewould,curseJakeasheoftenhadtodo,theNegro
neverforgotwhateverflowerinitsseason.Alwaysitwouldbethere,freshandrecentand
unblemished,onthemorningcoffeetray.Theflowerandthe...Heclaspedhisebonystickbeneath
hisarmandopenedthebriefcase.Thetwofreshhandkerchiefswerethere,besidethebook.He
thrustoneofthemintohisbreastpocketandwenton.AfterawhilethenoiseofChlory'swailing
diedaway.
Thenforalittlewhileitwasdefinitelyunpleasant.Hedetestedcrowds:themillingand
aimlessandpatientstupidity;theconcussionoflifequickfleshwithhisown.Butpresently,ifnot
soon,hewasfree,andstandingso,stillalittleruffled,alittleannoyed,helookedbackwithfading
outrageanddistasteatthethrongasitclottedquietlythroughtheentrance.Withfadingdistaste
untilthedistastewasgone,leavinghisfacequietandquiteintelligent,withafaintandlong
constantovertoneofquizzicalbemusementnotyettincturedwithsurprisedspeculation,notyet
puzzled,notyetwary.Thatwastocomelater.Henceitdidnotshowinhisvoice,whichwasnow
merelylight,quizzical,contained,"Thereseemstobequiteacrowdofthem."
"Yes,"theothersaid.TheJudgelookedathimandsawayoungmaninconventional
morningdresswithsomesubtleeffluviumofweddings,watchingtheentrancewithastrained,
patientair.
"Youareexpectingsomeone?"theJudgesaid.
Nowtheotherlookedathim."Yes.Youdidn'tsee.Butyoudon'tknowher."
"Knowwhom?"
"Mywife.Thatis,sheisnotmywifeyet.Buttheweddingwastobeatnoon."
"Somethinghappened,didit?"
"Ihadtodoit."Theyoungmanlookedathim,strained,anxious."Iwaslate.That'swhyI
wasdrivingfast.Achildranintotheroad.Iwasgoingtoofasttostop.SoIhadtoturn."
"Butyoumissedthechild?"
"Yes."Theotherlookedathim."Youdon'tknowher?"
"Andareyouwaitinghereto..."Thejudgestaredattheother.Hiseyeswerenarrowed,his
gazewaspiercing,hard.Hesaidsuddenly,sharply,"Nonsense."
"What?Whatdidyousay?"theotheraskedwithhisvague,strained,almostbeseeching
air.TheJudgelookedaway.Hisfrowningconcentration,hisreflexofangryastonishment,was
gone.Heseemedtohavewipeditfromhisfacebyasuddendeliberateaction.Hewaslikeaman
who,notaswordsman,haspracticedwithabladealittleagainstacertainimprobablecrisis,and
whosuddenlyfindshimself,bladeinhand,facetofacewiththeevent.Helookedattheentrance,
hisfacealert,musingswiftly:heseemedtomuseupontheenteringfaceswithastillandfurious
concentration,andquietly;quietlyhelookedabout,thenattheotheragain.Theyoungmanstill
watchedhim.
"You'relookingforyourwifetoo,Isuppose,"hesaid.
"Ihopeyoufindher.Ihopeyoudo."Hespokewithasortofquietdespair."Isupposesheis
old,asyouare.Itmustbehellontheonewhohastowatchandwaitfortheotheroneheorshe
hasgrownoldinmarriagewith,becauseitissoterribletowaitandwatchlikeme,foragirlwhoisa
maidentoyou.OfcourseIthinkmineisthemostunbearable.Youseeifithadonlybeenthenext
day,anything.Butthenifithad,IguessIcouldnothaveturnedoutforthatkid.IguessIjustthink
mineissoterrible.Itcan'tbeasbadasIthinkitis.Itjustcan'tbe.Ihopeyoufindher."
 TheJudge'sliplifted."Icameheretoescapesomeone;nottofindanyone."Helookedat
theother.Hisfacewasstillbrokenwiththatgrimacewhichmighthavebeensmiling.Buthiseyes
werenotsmiling."IfIwerelookingforanybody,itwouldprobablybemyson."
"Oh.Ason.Isee."
"Yes.Hewouldbeaboutyourage.Hewastenwhenhedied."
"Lookforhimhere."
NowtheJudgelaughedoutright,saveforhiseyes.Theotherwatchedhimwiththatgrave
anxietyleavenednowwithquietinterestedcuriosity."Youmeanyoudon'tbelieve?"TheJudge
laughedaloud.Stilllaughing,heproducedaclothsackoftobaccoandrolledaslendercigarette.
Whenhelookedup,theotherwaswatchingtheentranceagain.
TheJudgeceasedtolaugh.
"Haveyouamatch?"hesaid.Theotherlookedathim.
TheJudgeraisedthecigarette."Amatch."
Theothersoughtinhispockets."No."HelookedattheJudge."Lookforhimhere,"hesaid.
"Thankyou,"theJudgeanswered."Imayavailmyselfofyouradvicelater."Heturned
away.Thenhepausedandlookedback.Theyoungmanwaswatchingtheentrance.
TheJudgewatchedhim,bemused,hisliplifted.Heturnedon,thenhestoppedstill.His
facewasnowcompletelyshocked,intocompleteimmobilitylikeamask;thesensitive,wornmouth,
thedelicatenostrils,theeyesallpupilorpupilless.Hecouldnotseemtomoveatall.Then
Mothershedturnedandsawhim.ForaninstantMothershed'spaleeyesflickered,histruncated
jaw,collapsingsteadilywithasavage,toothlessmotion,ceased.
"Well?"Mothershedsaid.
"Yes,"theJudgesaid;"it'sme."Nowitwasthat,asthemesmerismlefthim,theshadow
bewilderedandwaryandcomplete,touchedhisface.Eventohimselfhiswordssoundedidiotic."I
thoughtthatyouweredea..."Thenhemadeasupremeandgallanteffort,hisvoicelight,quizzical,
containedagain,"Well?"
Mothershedlookedathim:asquatmaninasoiledandmismatchedsuitstainedwith
greaseanddirt,hissoiledcollarinnocentoftiewithapale,lightlyslumberingglarefilledwith
savageoutrage."Sotheygotyouhere,too,didthey?"
"Thatdependsonwhoyoumeanby'they'andwhatyoumeanby'here,'"
Mothershedmadeasavage,sweepinggesturewithonearm."Here,byGod!The
preachers.TheJesusshouters."
"Ah,"theJudgesaid."Well,ifIamwhereIambeginningtothinkIam,Idon'tknowwhether
Iamhereornot.Butyouarenothereatall,areyou?"Mothershedcursedviolently."Yes,"the
Judgesaid,"weneverthought,sittinginmyofficeonthoseafternoons,discussingVoltaireand
Ingersoll,thatweshouldeverbebroughttothis,didwe?You,theatheistwhomthemeresightofa
churchspireontheskycouldenrage;andIwhohaveneverbeenabletodivorcemyselffrom
reasonenoughtoacceptevenyourpleasantandlaborsavingtheoryofnihilism."
"Laborsaving!"Mothershedcried."ByGod,I..."Hecursedwithimpotentfury.TheJudge
mighthavebeensmilingsaveforhiseyes.Hesealedthecigaretteagain.
"Haveyouamatch?"
"What?"Mothershedsaid.HeglaredattheJudge,hismouthopen.Hesoughtthroughhis
clothes.Fromoutthesavagemovement,strappedbeneathhisarmpit,therepeepedfleetlythebutt
ofaheavypistol."No,"hesaid."Iain't."
"Yes,"theJudgesaid.Hetwistedthecigarette,hisgazelight,quizzical."Butyoustill
haven'ttoldmewhatyouaredoinghere.Iheardthatyouhad..."
AgainMothershedcursed,prompt,outraged."Iain't.Ijustcommittedsuicide."Heglaredat
theJudge."Goddamnit,Irememberraisingthepistol;Irememberthelittlecoldringitmade
againstmyear;IrememberwhenItoldmyfingeronthetrigger..."HeglaredattheJudge."I
thoughtthatthatwouldbeonewayIcouldescapethepreachers,sincebythechurch'sown
token..."HeglaredattheJudge,hispalegazeapoplecticandoutraged."Well,Iknowwhyyouare
here.Youcomeherelookingforthatboy."
TheJudgelookeddown,hisliplifted,themovementpouchedupwardabouthiseyes.He
saidquietly,"No."
Mothershedwatchedhim,glaredathim."Lookingforthatboy.Agnosticism."Hesnarledit.
"Won'tsay'Yes'andwon'tsay'No'untilyouseewhichwaythecatwilljump.Readytoselloutto
thehighestbidder.ByGod,I'dratherhavegiveupanddiedinsanctity,witheveryheavenyelping
foolintenmilesaround..."
"No,"theJudgesaidquietlybehindthestill,deadgleamofhisteeth.Thenhisteeth
vanishedquietly,thoughhedidnotlookup.Hesealedthecigarettecarefullyagain."Thereseemto
bealotofpeoplehere."Mothershednowbegantowatchhimwithspeculation,tastinghissavage
gums,hispalefuriousglarearrested."Youhaveseenotherfamiliarfacesbesidesmyownhere,I
suppose.Eventhoseofmenwhomyouknowonlybyname,perhaps?"
"Oh,"Mothershedsaid."Isee.Igetyounow."TheJudgeseemedtobeengrossedinthe
cigarette."Youwanttotakeawhirlatthemtoo,doyou?Goahead.Ihopeyouwillgetalittlemore
outofthemthatwillsticktoyourgutsthanIdid.Maybeyouwill,sinceyoudon'tseemtowantto
knowasmuchasyouwantsomethingnewtobeuncertainabout.Well,youcangetplentyofthat
fromanyofthem."
"Youmeanyouhave..."
AgainMothershedcursed,harsh,savage."Sure.IngersollPaine.Everybastardoneof
themthatIusedtowastemytimereadingwhenIhadbetterbeensittingonthesunnysideofa
log."
"Ah,"theJudgesaid."Ingersoll.Ishe..."
"Sure.Onabenchjustinsidetheparkyonder.Andmaybeonthesamebenchyou'llfind
theonethatwrotethelittlewomenbooks.Ifheain'tthere,heoughttobe."
SotheJudgesatforward,elbowsonknees,theunlightedcigaretteinhisfingers."Soyou
tooarereconciled,"hesaid.ThemanwhoMothershedsaidwasIngersolllookedathisprofile
quietly."Tothisplace."
"Ah,"theothersaid.Hemadeabrief,shortgesture.
"Reconciled."
TheJudgedidnotlookup."Youacceptit?Youacquiesce?"Heseemedtobeabsorbedin
thecigarette."IfIcouldjustseeHim,talktoHim."Thecigaretteturnedslowlyinhisfingers.
"PerhapsIwasseekingHim.PerhapsIwasseekingHimallthetimeIwasreadingyourbooks,and
VoltaireandMontesquieu.PerhapsIwas."Thecigaretteturnedslowly."Ihavebelievedinyou.In
yoursincerity.Isaid,ifTruthistobefoundbyman,thismanwillbeamongthosewhofindit.At
onetimeIwasinthethroesofthatsufferingfromastillgreenhurtwhichcausesevenanintelligent
mantocastaboutforanything,anystraw.Ihadafoolishconceit:youwillbethefirsttolaughatit
asImyselfdidlater.Ithought,perhapsthereisahereafter,awaystationintonothingness
perhaps,whereforaninstantlessermenmightspeakfacetofacewithmenlikeyouwhomthey
couldbelieve;couldhearfromsuchaman'sownlipsthewords:'Thereishope,'or:'Thereis
nothing.'Isaidtomyself,insuchcaseitwillnotbeHimwhomIshallseek;itwillbeIngersollor
PaineorVoltaire."Hewatchedthecigarette.
"Givemeyourwordnow.Sayeitherofthesetome.Iwillbelieve."
TheotherlookedattheJudgeforatime.Thenhesaid,"Why?Believewhy?"
Thepaperaboutthecigarettehadcomeloose.TheJudgetwisteditcarefullyback,
handlingthecigarettecarefully.
"Yousee,Ihadason.Hewasthelastofmynameandrace.Aftermywifediedwelived
alone,twomeninthehouse.Ithadbeenagoodname,yousee.Iwantedhimtobemanly,worthy
ofit.Hehadaponywhichherodeallthetime.IhaveaphotographofthemwhichIuseasa
bookmark.Often,lookingatthepictureorwatchingthemunbeknownstastheypassedthelibrary
window,IwouldthinkWhathopesrideyonder;oftheponyIwouldthinkWhatburdendoyou
blindlybear,dumbbrute.Onedaytheytelephonedmeatmyoffice.Hehadbeenfounddragging
fromthestirrup.Whethertheponyhadkickedhimorhehadstruckhisheadinfalling,Inever
knew."
Helaidthecigarettecarefullyonthebenchbesidehimandopenedthebriefcase.Hetook
outabook."Voltaire'sPhilosophicalDictionary"hesaid."Ialwayscarryabookwithme.Iama
greatreader.Ithappensthatmylifeisasolitaryone,owingtothefactthatIamthelastofmy
family,andperhapstothefactthatIamaRepublicanofficeholderinaDemocraticstronghold.Iam
aFederaljudge,fromaMississippidistrict.Mywife'sfatherwasaRepublican."Headdedquickly,
"IbelievethetenetsoftheRepublicanPartytobebestforthecountry.Youwillnotbelieveit,but
forthelastfifteenyearsmyoneintellectualcompanionhasbeenarabidatheist,almostanilliterate,
whonotonlyscornsalllogicandscience,butwhohasadistinctbodyodoraswell.SometimesI
havethought,sittingwithhiminmyofficeonasummerafternoon,adampone,thatifarestoration
offaithcouldremovehisprejudiceagainstbathing,Ishouldbejustifiedingoingtothatlength
myselfeven."Hetookaphotographfromthebookandextendedit."Thiswasmyson."
Theotherlookedatthepicturewithoutmoving,withoutofferingtotakeit.Fromthebrown
andfadingcardboardaboyoften,erectuponthepony,lookedbackatthemwithagraveand
tranquilhauteur."Herodepracticallyallthetime.Eventochurch(Iattendedchurchregularlythen.
Istilldo,attimes,evennow).Wehadtotakeanextragroomalonginthecarriageto..."Helooked
atthepicture,musing."AfterhismotherdiedInevermarriedagain.Myownmotherwassickly,an
invalid.Icouldcajoleher.IntheabsenceofmyauntsIcouldbrowbeatherintolettingmego
barefootinthegarden,withtwohouseservantsonwatchtosignaltheapproachofmyaunts.I
wouldreturntothehouse,mymanhoodtriumphant,vindicated,untilIenteredtheroomwhereshe
waitedforme.ThenIwouldknowthatforeverygrainofdustwhichpleasuredmyfeet,shewould
paywithasecondofherlife.Andwewouldsitintheduskliketwochildren,sheholdingmyhand
andcryingquietly,untilmyauntsenteredwiththelamp.'Now,Sophia.Cryingagain.Whathave
youlethimbulldozeyouintodoingthistime?'ShediedwhenIwasfourteen;Iwastwentyeight
beforeIassertedmyselfandtookthewifeofmychoice;Iwasthirtysevenwhenmysonwasborn."
Helookedatthephotograph,hiseyespouched,nettedbytwodelicatehammocksofmyriadlines
asfineasetching."Herodeallthetime.Hencethepictureofthetwoofthem,sincetheywere
inseparable.Ihaveusedthispictureasabookmarkintheprintedvolumeswherehisandmy
ancestrycanbefollowedfortengenerationsinourAmericanannals,sothatasthepages
progresseditwouldbeasthoughwithmyowneyesIwatchedhimrideinthefleshdownthelong
roadwhichhisbloodandbonehadtraveledbeforeitbecamehis."Heheldthepicture.Withhis
otherhandhetookuptherette.Thepaperhadcomeloose:hehelditraisedalittleandthen
arrestedso,asifhedidnotdareraiseitfarther."Andyoucangivemeyourword.Iwillbelieve."
"Goseekyourson,"theothersaid."Goseekhim."
NowtheJudgedidnotmoveatall.Holdingthepictureandthedissolvingcigarette,hesat
inacompleteimmobility.
Heseemedtositinakindofterribleandunbreathingsuspension."Andfindhim?Andfind
him?"Theotherdidnotanswer.ThentheJudgeturnedandlookedathim,andthenthecigarette
droppedquietlyintodissolutionasthetobaccoraineddownuponhisneat,gleamingshoe."Isthat
yourword?Iwillbelieve,Itellyou."Theothersat,shapeless,gray,sedentary,almostnondescript,
lookingdown."Come.Youcannotstopwiththat.Youcannot."
Alongthepathbeforethempeoplepassedconstantly.Awomanpassed,carryingachild
andabasket,ayoungwomaninaplain,worn,brushedcape.Sheturneduponthemanwho
MothershedhadsaidwasIngersoll:aplain,bright,pleasantfaceandspoketohiminapleasant,
tranquilvoice.ThenshelookedattheJudge,pleasantly,afulllookwithoutboldnessordiffidence,
andwenton."Come.Youcannot.Youcannot."Thenhisfacewentcompletelyblank.
Inthemidstofspeakinghisfaceemptied;herepeated"cannot.Cannot"inatoneofmusing
consternation."Cannot,"hesaid."Youmean,youcannotgivemeanyword?Thatyoudonot
know?Thatyou,yourself,donotknow?You,RobertIngersoll?RobertIngersoll?"Theotherdidnot
move."IsRobertIngersolltellingmethatfortwentyyearsIhaveleaneduponareednostronger
thanmyself?"
Stilltheotherdidnotlookup."Yousawthatyoungwomanwhojustpassed,carryinga
child.Followher.Lookintoherface."
"Ayoungwoman.Witha..."TheJudgelookedattheother."Ah.Isee.Yes.Iwilllookatthe
childandIshallseescars.ThenIamtolookintothewoman'sface.Isthatit?"Theotherdidn't
answer."Thatisyouranswer?Yourfinalword?"Theotherdidnotmove.TheJudge'sliplifted.
Themovementpouchedupwardabouthiseyesasthoughdespair,grief,hadflaredupfora
finalinstantlikeadyingflame,leavinguponhisfaceitsultimateandfadinggleaminafaintgrimace
ofdeadteeth.Heroseandputthephotographbackintothebriefcase."Andthisisthemanwho
saysthathewasonceRobertIngersoll."Abovehisteethhisfacemusedinthatexpressionwhich
couldhavebeensmilingsavefortheeyes."ItisnotproofthatIsought.I,ofallmen,knowthat
proofisbutafallacyinventedbymantojustifytohimselfandhisfellowshisowncrasslustand
folly.ItwasnotproofthatIsought."Withthestickandthebriefcaseclaspedbeneathhisarmhe
rolledanotherslendercigarette."Idon'tknowwhoyouare,butIdon'tbelieveyouareRobert
Ingersoll.PerhapsIcouldnotknowitevenifyouwere.Anyway,thereisacertainintegral
consistencywhich,whetheritberightorwrong,amanmustcherishbecauseitalonewillever
permithimtodie.SowhatIhavebeen,Iam;whatIam,IshallbeuntilthatinstantcomeswhenI
amnot.AndthenIshallhaveneverbeen.Howdoesitgo?Nonfui.Sum.Fui.Nonsum."
Withtheunlightedcigaretteinhisfingershethoughtatfirstthathewouldpasson.But
insteadhepausedandlookeddownatthechild.Itsatinthepathatthewoman'sfeet,surrounded
bytinyleadeneffigiesofmen,someerectandsomeprone.Theoverturnedandnowemptybasket
layatoneside.ThentheJudgesawthattheeffigieswereRomansoldiersinvariousstagesof
dismembermentsomeheadless,somearmlessandleglessscatteredabout,lyingprofoundlyon
theirfacesorstaringupwithmartialandbatteredinscrutabilityfromthemildandinscrutabledust.
Ontheexactcenterofeachofthechild'sinstepswasasmallscar.Therewasathirdscarinthe
palmofitsexposedhand,andastheJudgelookeddownwithquietandquizzicalbemusement,the
childsweptflatthefewremainingfiguresandhesawthefourthscar.Thechildbegantocry.
"Shhhhhhhhh,"thewomansaid.SheglancedupattheJudge,thenshekneltandsetthe
soldiersup.Thechildcriedsteadily,withastreakedanddirtyface,strong,unhurried,passionless,
withouttears."Look!"thewomansaid,"See?Here!Here'sPilatetoo!Look!"Thechildceased.
Tearless,itsatinthedust,lookingatthesoldierswithanexpressionasinscrutableas
theirs,suspended,aldermanic,andreserved.Shesweptthesoldiersflat."There!"shecriedina
fond,brightvoice,"see?"Foramomentlongerthechildsat.Thenitbegantocry.Shetookitup
andsatonthebench,rockingitbackandforth,glancingupattheJudge.
"Now,now,"shesaid."Now,now."
"Ishesick?"theJudgesaid.
"Oh,no.He'sjusttiredofhistoys,aschildrenwillget."
Sherockedthechildwithanairfondandunconcerned.
"Now,now.Thegentlemaniswatchingyou."
Thechildcriedsteadily."Hasn'theothertoys?"theJudgesaid.
"Oh,yes.SomanythatIdon'tdarewalkaboutthehouseinthedark.Buthelikeshis
soldiersthebest.Anoldgentlemanwhohaslivedherealongtime,theysay,andisquitewealthy,
gavethemtohim.Anoldgentlemanwithawhitemustacheandthatkindofpoppingeyesthatold
peoplehavewhoeattoomuch;Itellhimso.Hehasafootmantocarryhisumbrellaandovercoat
andsteamerrug,andhesitsherewithusformorethananhour,sometimes,talkingandbreathing
hard.Healwayshascandyorsomething."Shelookeddownatthechild,herfacebroodingand
serene.Itcriedsteadily.Quizzical,bemused,theJudgestood,lookingquietlydownatthechild's
scarred,dirtyfeet.Thewomanglancedupandfollowedhislook."Youarelookingathisscarsand
wonderinghowhegotthem,aren'tyou?Theotherchildrendiditonedaywhentheywereplaying.
Ofcoursetheydidn'tknowtheyweregoingtohurthim.Iimaginetheywereassurprisedashe
was.Youknowhowchildrenarewhentheygettooquiet."
"Yes,"theJudgesaid."Ihadasontoo."
"Youhave?Whydon'tyoubringhimhere?I'msurewewouldbegladtohavehimplaywith
oursoldierstoo."
TheJudge'steethglintedquietly."I'mafraidhe'salittletoobigfortoys."Hetookthe
photographfromthebriefcase."Thiswasmyson."
Thewomantookthepicture.Thechildcriedsteadyandstrong."Why,it'sHoward.Why,we
seehimeveryday.Heridespasthereeveryday.Sometimeshestopsandletsusridetoo.Iwalk
besidetoholdhimon,"sheadded,glancingup.Sheshowedthepicturetothechild."Look!See
Howardonhispony?See?"Withoutceasingtocry,thechildcontemplatedthepicture,itsface
streakedwithtearsanddirt,itsexpressiondetached,suspended,asthoughitwerelivingtwo
distinctandseparatelivesatonetime.Shereturnedthepicture."Isupposeyouarelookingfor
him."
"Ah,"theJudgesaidbehindhismomentaryteeth.Hereplacedthepicturecarefullyinthe
briefcase,theunlightedcigaretteinhisfingers.
Thewomanmovedonthebench,gatheringherskirtsinwithinvitation."Won'tyousit
down?Youwillbesuretoseehimpasshere."
"Ah,"theJudgesaidagain.Helookedather,quizzical,withtheblurredeyesoftheold."It's
likethis,yousee.Healwaysridesthesamepony,yousay?"
"Why,yes."Shelookedathimwithgraveandtranquilsurprise.
"Andhowoldwouldyousaytheponyis?"
"Why,I...Itlooksjusttherightsizeforhim."
"Ayoungpony,youwouldsaythen?"
"Why...yes.Yes."Shewatchedhim,hereyeswide.
"Ah,"theJudgesaidagainbehindhisfaintstillteeth.Heclosedthebriefcasecarefully.
Fromhispockethetookahalfdollar."Perhapsheistiredofthesoldierstoo.Perhapswiththis..."
"Thankyou,"shesaid.Shedidnotlookagainatthecoin.
"Yourfaceissosad.There:whenyouthinkyouaresmilingitissadderthanever.Aren't
youwell?"Sheglanceddownathisextendedhand.Shedidnotoffertotakethecoin.
"He'djustloseit,yousee.Andit'ssoprettyandbright.Whenheisolder,andcantakecare
ofsmallplaythings...He'ssolittlenow,yousee."
"Isee,"theJudgesaid.Heputthecoinbackintohispocket."Well,IthinkIshall..."
"Youwaitherewithus.Healwayspasseshere.You'llfindhimquickerthatway."
"Ah,"theJudgesaid."Onthepony,thesamepony.Yousee,bythattoken,theponywould
havetobethirtyyearsold.Thatponydiedateighteen,sixyearsunridden,inmylot.Thatwas
twelveyearsago.SoIhadbettergeton."
Andagainitwasquiteunpleasant.Itshouldhavebeendoublyso,whatwiththenarrow
entranceandthefactthat,whiletheothertimehewasmovingwiththecrowd,thistimehemust
fighthiswayinchbyinchagainstit."ButatleastIknowwhereIamgoing,"hethought,beneathhis
crushedhat,hisstickandbriefcasedraggingathisarms;"whichIdidnotseemtoknowbefore."
Buthewasfreeatlast,andlookingupattheclockonthecourthouse,asheneverfailedtodoon
descendinghisofficestairs,hesawthathehadafullhourbeforesupperwouldbeready,before
theneighborswouldbereadytomarkhisclocklikepassing.
"Ishallhavetimetogothecemetery,"hethought,andlookingdownattherawandrecent
excavation,hesworewithfretfulannoyance,forsomeofthesavageclodshadfallenorbeen
thrownuponthemarbleslabbesideit."DamnthatPettigrew,"hesaid."Heshouldhaveseento
this.ItoldhimIwantedthetwoofthemascloseaspossible,butatleastIthoughtthathe..."
Kneeling,hetriedtoremovetheearthwhichhadfallenupontheslab.Butitwasbeyondhis
strengthtodomorethanclearawaythatwhichpartiallyobscuredthelettering:HowardAllison1.
April17,1905.August22,1913,andthequietlycrypticGothicletteringatthefoot:Auf
Wiedersehen,LittleBoy.Hecontinuedtosmooth,tostrokethelettersaftertheearthwasgone,his
facebemused,quiet,ashespoketothemanwhoMothershedhadsaidwasIngersoll,"Yousee,if
IcouldbelievethatIshallseeandtouchhimagain,Ishallnothavelosthim.AndifIhavenotlost
him,Ishallneverhavehadason.BecauseIamIthroughbereavementandbecauseofit.Idonot
knowwhatIwasnorwhatIshallbe.Butbecauseofdeath,IknowthatIam.Andthatisallthe
immortalityofwhichintellectiscapableandfleshshoulddesire.Anythingelseisforpeasants,
clods,whocouldneverhavelovedasonwellenoughtohavelosthim."Hisfacebroke,myriad,
quizzical,whilehishandmovedlightlyuponthequietlettering."No.Idonotrequirethat.Tolie
besidehimwillbesufficientforme.Therewillbeawallofdustbetweenus:thatistrue,andheis
alreadydustthesetwentyyears.ButsomedayIshallbedusttoo.And..."hespokenowfirmly,
quietly,withakindoftriumph:"whoishewhowillaffirmthattheremustbeaweboffleshandbone
toholdtheshapeoflove?"
Nowitwaslate."Probablytheyaresettingtheirclocksbackatthisverymoment,"he
thought,pacingalongthestreettowardhishome.Alreadyheshouldhavebeenhearingthelawn
mower,andthenintheinstantofexasperationatJake,heremarkedthelineofmotorcarsbefore
hisgateandasuddenhastecameuponhim.Butnotsomuchbutwhat,lookingatthevehicleat
theheadoftheline,hecursedagain.
"DamnthatPettigrew!Itoldhim,inthepresenceofwitnesseswhenIsignedmywill,thatI
wouldnotbehauledfeetfirstthroughJeffersonatfortymilesanhour.Thatifhecouldn'tfindmea
decentpairofhorses...Iamagoodmindtocomebackandhaunthim,asJakewouldhaveme
do."
Butthehaste,theurgency,wasuponhim.Hehurriedroundtothebackdoor(heremarked
thatthelawnwasfreshlyandneatlytrimmed,asthoughdonethatday)andentered.Thenhecould
smelltheflowersfaintlyandhearthevoice;hehadjusttimetoslipoutofhisovercoatandpajamas
andleavethemhangingneatlyinthecloset,andcrossthehallintotheodorofcutflowersandthe
droneofthevoice,andslipintohisclothes.Theyhadbeenrecentlypressed,andhisfacehad
beenshavedtoo.Neverthelesstheywerehisown,andhefittedhimselftotheoldenandfamiliar
embracewhichnoironcouldchange,withthesamelasciviouseagernesswithwhichheshapedhis
limbstothebedclothesonawinternight.
"Ah!"hesaidtothemanwhoMothershedhadsaidwasIngersoll,"thisisbest,afterall.An
oldmanisneverathomesaveinhisowngarments:hisownoldthinkingandbeliefs;oldhands
andfeet,elbow,knee,shoulderwhichheknowswillfit."
Nowthelightvanishedwithamute,faint,decoroushollowsoundwhichdroveforafading
instantdownuponhimthedreadful,macabresmellofslainflowers;atthesametimehebecame
awarethatthedroningvoicehadceased."Inmyownhousetoo,"hethought,waitingforthesmell
oftheflowerstofade;"yetIdidnotoncethinktonoticewhowasspeaking,norwhenheceased."
Thenheheardorfeltthedecorousscuffingoffeetabouthim,andhelayintheclosedark,his
handsfoldeduponhisbreastasheslept,astheoldsleep,waitingforthemoment.Itcame.Hesaid
quietlyaloud,quizzical,humorous,peaceful,ashedideachnightinhisbedinhislonelyand
peacefulroomwhenalastfullexhalationhademptiedhisbodyofwakingandheseemecjforless
thananinstanttolookabouthimfromtheportalofsleep,"GentlemenoftheJury,youmay
proceed."

BlackMusic

THISisaboutWilfredMidgleston,fortune'sfavorite,chosenofthegods.Forfiftysixyears,a
clottingoftheoldgutfulcompulsionsandcircumscriptionsofclocksandbells,hemetwalkingthe
walkingimageofasmall,snuffy,nondescriptmanwhomneithermannorwomanhadeverturned
tolookattwice,inthemonotonousshopwindowsofmonotonoushardstreets.Thenhisapotheosis
soaredglaring,andtohimatleastnotbrief,acrosstheunfathomedskyabovehislostearthlike
thatofElijahofold.
IfoundhiminRincon,whichisnotlarge;lesslargeeventhanoneswaybackedtanker
loomingabovethesteeldocksoftheUniversalOilCompanyandlongerthanthepalmandabode
linedstreetpavedwithdustmarkedbysplayednakedfeetwheretheviolentshadeliesbydayand
theviolentbigstarsbynight.
"HecamefromtheStates,"theytoldme."Beenheretwentyfiveyears.Hehasn'tchanged
atallsincethedayhearrived,exceptthattheclotheshecameinhaveworeoutandhehasn't
learnedmorethantenwordsofSpanish."Thatwastheonlywayyoucouldtellthathewasanold
man,thathewasgettingalong:hehadn'tlearnedtospeakhardlyawordofthelanguageofthe
peoplewithwhomhehadlivedtwentyfiveyearsandamongwhomitappearedthatheintendedto
dieandbeburied.Appeared:hehadnojob:amild,hopelesslymildmanwholookedlikeabook
keeperinaGeorgeAdefabledressedasatrampforaPresbyteriansocialcharadein1890,and
quitehappy.
Quitehappyandquitepoor."He'seitherpoor,orhe'sputtingupanawfulfront.Butthey
can'ttouchhimnow.Wetoldhimthatalongtimeago,whenhefirstcomehere.Wesaid,'Why
don'tyougoonandspendit,enjoyit?They'veprobablyforgotallaboutitbynow.'BecauseifI
wenttothetroubleandriskofstealingandthenthehardshipofhavingtolivetherestofmylifeina
holelikethis,I'dsureenjoywhatIwenttothetroubletoget."
"Enjoywhat?"Isaid.
"Themoney.Themoneyhestoleandhadtocomedownhere.Whatelsedoyoureckonhe
wouldcomedownhereandstaytwentyfiveyearsfor?justtolookatthecountry?"
"Hedoesn'tactandlookveryrich,"Isaid.
"That'safact.Butafellowlikethat.Hisface.Idon'tguesshe'dhavejudgmentenoughto
stealgood.Andnotjudgmentenoughtokeepit,afterhegotitstole.Iguessyouareright.Iguess
allhegotoutofitwastherunningawayandtheblame.Whilesomebodybacktherewhereherun
fromisspendingthemoneyandsingingloudinthechoirtwiceaweek."
"Isthatwhathappens?"Isaid.
"You'redamnedrightitis.Somedamnfellowthat'stoorichtoaffordtobecaughtstealing
setsbackandleavesadurnfoolthatneversawtwentyfivehundreddollarsbeforeinhislifeatone
time,pullhischestnutsforhim.Twentyfivehundredseemsahellofalotwhensomebodyelse
ownsit.Butwhenyouhavegottopickupovernightandrunathousandmiles,payingallyour
expenses,howlongdoyouthinktwentyfivehundredwilllast?"
"Howlongdiditlast?"Isaid.
"JustabouttwoyearsbyGod.AndthenthereI..."Hestopped.Heglaredatme,whohad
paidforthecoffeeandthebreadwhichresteduponthetablebetweenus.Heglaredatme."Who
doyouthinkyouare,anyway?Wm.J.Burns?"
"Idon'tthinkso.Imeantnooffense.Ijustwascurioustoknowhowlonghistwentyfive
hundreddollarslastedhim."
 "Whosaidhehadtwentyfivehundreddollars?Iwasjustcitinganexample.Heneverhad
nothing,noteventwentyfivehundredcents.Orifhedid,hehiditandit'sstayedhideversince.He
comeherespongingonuswhitemen,andwhenwegottiredofithetooktospongingonthese
Spigs.Andawhitemanhasgotprettylowwhenhe'sgotsostingywithhisstealingsthathewilllive
withSpiggottiesbeforehe'lldiguphisownmoneyandlivelikeawhiteman."
"Maybeheneverstoleanymoney,"Isaid.
"What'shedoingdownhere,then?"
"I'mdownhere."
"Idon'tknowyouain'trun,either."
"That'sso,"Isaid."Youdon'tknow."
"SureIdon't.Becausethat'syourbusiness.Everymanhasgothisownprivateaffairs,and
nomanrespectsthemquickerthanIdo.ButIknowthataman,awhiteman,hasgottohavedurn
goodreason...Maybeheain'tgotitnow.Butyoucan'ttellmeawhitemanwouldcomedownhere
toliveanddiewithoutnoreason."
"Andyouconsiderthatstealingmoneyistheonlyreason?"
Helookedatme,withdisgustandalittlecontempt."Didyoubringanursewithyou?
Becauseyououghttohave,untilyoulearnenoughabouthumannaturetotravelalone.Because
humannature,Idon'tcarewhoheisnorhowloudhesingsinchurch,willstealwheneverhethinks
hecangetawaywithit.Ifyouain'tlearnedthatyet,youbettergobackhomeandstaytherewhere
yourfolkscantakecareofyou."
ButIwaswatchingMidglestonacrossthestreet.Hewasstandingbesideaclumpofnaked
childrenplayingintheshadydust:asmall,snuffymaninapairofdirtydrilltrouserswhichhadnot
beenmadeforhim."Whateveritis,"Isaid,"itdoesn'tseemtoworryhim."
"Oh.Him.Heain'tgotsenseenoughtoknowheneedstoworryaboutnothing."
Quitepoorandquitehappy.Histurntohavecoffeeandbreadwithmecameatlast.No:
that'swrong.Iatlastsucceededinevadinghisotherdownatheelcompatriotslikemyfirst
informant;menalittlesoiledandusuallyunshaven,whowereunavoidableinthecantinasand
coffeeshops,loud,violent,maintainingthesuperiorityofthewhiteraceandtheirownsenseof
injusticeandofoutrageamongthegravewhiteteeth,thedark,courteous,fatal,speculativealien
faces,andhadMidglestontobreakfastwithme.Ihadtoinvitehimandtheninsist.Hewasonhand
attheappointedhour,inthesamedirtytrousers,buthisshirtwasnowwhiteandwholeandironed,
andhehadshaved.Heacceptedthemealwithoutservility,withoutdiffidence,withouteagerness.
YetwhenheraisedthehandlelessbowlIwatchedhishandstremblesothatforatimehecouldnot
makejunctionwithhislips.Hesawmewatchinghishandsandhelookedatmyfaceforthefirst
timeandIsawthathiseyesweretheeyesofanoldman.Hesaid,withjustatraceofapologyfor
hisclumsiness:"Iain'tetnothingtospeakofinadayorso."
"Haven'teatenintwodays?"Isaid.
"Thishotclimate.Afellowdon'tneedsomuch.Feelsbetterfornoteatingsomuch.That
wasthehardesttroubleIhadwhenIfirstcomehere.Iwasalwaysarightheartyeaterbackhome."
"Oh,"Isaid.Ihadmeatbroughtthen,heprotesting.Butheatethemeat,ateallofit."Just
lookatme,"hesaid."Iain'tetthismuchbreakfastintwentyfiveyears.Butwhenafellowgets
along,oldhabitsarehardtobreak.No,sir.NotsinceIlefthomehaveIetthismuchforbreakfast."
"Doyouplantogobackhome?"Isaid.
"Iguessnot;no.Thissuitsmehere.Icanlivesimplehere.Notallclutteredupwiththings.
Myownboss(Iusedtobeanarchitect'sdraughtsman)alldaylong.No.Idon'tguessI'llgoback."
Helookedatme.Hisfacewasintent,watchful,likethatofachildabouttotellsomething,divulge
itself."Youwouldn'tguesswhereIsleepinahundredyears."
"No.Idon'texpectIcould.Wheredoyousleep?"
 "Isleepinthatatticoverthatcantinayonder.ThehousebelongstotheCompany,andMrs.
Widrington,Mr.Widrington'swife,themanager'swife,sheletsmesleepintheattic.It'shighand
quiet,exceptforafewrats.ButwheninRome,yougottoactlikeaRoman,Isay.OnlyIwouldn't
namethiscountryRome;I'dnameitRatville.Butthatain'tit."Hewatchedme."You'dneverguess
itintheworld."
"No,"Isaid."I'dneverguessit."
Hewatchedme."It'smybed."
"Yourbed?"
"Itoldyouyou'dneverguessit."
"No,"Isaid."Igiveupnow."
"Mybedisarolloftarredroofingpaper."
"Arollofwhat?"
"Tarredroofingpaper."Hisfacewasbright,peaceful;hisvoicequiet,fullofgleefulquiet."At
nightIjustunrollitandgotobedandthenexta.m.Ijustrollitbackupandleanitinthecorner.
Andthenmyroomisallcleanedupfortheday.Ain'tthatfine?Nosheets,nolaundry,nonothing.
JustrollupmywholebedlikeanumbrellaandcarryitundermyarmwhenIwanttomove."
"Oh,"Isaid."Youhavenofamily,then."
"Notwithme.No."
"Youhaveafamilybackhome,then?"
Hewasquitequiet.Hedidnotfeigntobeoccupiedwithsomethingonthetable.Neitherdid
hiseyesgoblank,thoughhemusedpeacefullyforamoment."Yes.Ihaveawifebackhome.
Likelythisclimatewouldn'tsuither.Shewouldn'tlikeithere.Butsheisallright.Ialwayskeptmy
insurancepaidup;Icarriedarightsmartmorethanyouwouldfigureaarchitect'sdraughtsmanon
aseventyfivedollarsalarywouldkeepup.IfItoldyoutheamount,youwouldbesurprised.She
helpedmetosave;sheisagoodwoman.Soshe'sgotthat.Sheearnedit.Andbesides,Idon't
needmoney."
"Soyoudon'tplantogobackhome."
"No,"hesaid.Hewatchedme;againhisexpressionwasthatofachildabouttotellon
itself."Yousee,Idonesomething."
"Oh.Isee."
Hetalkedquietly:"Itain'twhatyouthink.Notwhatthemothers..."hejerkedhishead,a
briefembracinggesture"think.Ineverstoleanymoney.LikeIalwaystoldMartha,sheismywife;
Mrs.Midglestonmoneyistooeasytoearntoriskthebotheroftryingtostealit.Allyougottodois
work.'Haveweeversufferedforit?'Isaidtoher.'Ofcourse,wedon'tlivelikesome.Butsomeis
bornforonethingandsomeisbornforanotherthing.Andthefellowthatisbornatadpole,when
hetriestobeasalmonallheisgoingtobeisasucker.'That'swhatIwouldtellher.Andshedone
herpartandwegotalongrightwell;ifItoldyouhowmuchlifeinsuranceIcarried,youwouldbe
surprised.No;sheain'tsufferedany.Don'tyouthinkthat."
"No,"Isaid.
"ButthenIdonesomething.Yes,sir."
"Didwhat?Canyoutell?"
"Something.Somethingthatain'tinthelotandplanformortalhumanmantodo."
"Whatwasityoudid?"
Helookedatme."Iain'tafraidtotell.Iain'tneverbeenafraidtotell.Itwasjustthatthese
folks..."againhejerkedhisheadslightly"wouldn'thaveunderstood.Wouldn'thaveknowedwhatI
wastalkingabout.Butyouwill.You'llknow."Hewatchedmyface."AtonetimeinmylifeIwasa
farn."
"Afarn?"
 "Farn.Don'tyourememberintheoldbookswheretheywoulddrinktheredgrapewine,
hownowandthenthemrichRomanandGreeksenatorswouldupanddecidetotearupaold
grapevineyardorawoodawayoffsomewheresthegodsused,andbuildasummerhousetohold
theirfrolicsinwherethepolicewouldn'thearthem,andhowthegodswouldn'thearthem,andhow
thegodswouldn'tlikeitaboutthemmarriedwomenrunningaroundnekkid,andsothewoodsgod
namednamed..."
"Pan,"Isaid.
"That'sit.Pan.Andhewouldsendthemlittlefellowsthatwashalfagoattoscarethemout
"
"Oh,"Isaid."Afaun."
"That'sit.Afarn.That'swhatIwasonce.Iwasraisedreligious;Ihaveneverusedtobacco
orliquor;andIdon'tthinknowthatIamgoingtohell.ButtheBiblesaysthatthemlittlemenwere
myths.ButIknowtheyain't,andsoIhavebeensomethingoutsidethelotandplanformortal
humanmantobe.BecauseforonedayinmylifeIwasafarn."

II

INTHEOFFICEwhereMidglestonwasadraughtsmantheywoulddiscusstheplaceandMrs.Van
Dyming'suniquedesignsuponitwhiletheyweremanufacturingtheplans,theblueprints.Thetract
consistedofameadow,asouthernhillsidewheregrapesgrew,andawoodland."Goodland,"they
said."Butwouldn'tanybodyliveonit."
"Whynot?"Isaid.
"Becausethingshappenedonit.TheytoldhowalongtimeagoaNewEnglandfellow
settledonitandcleanedupthegrapevinestomarketthegrapes.Goingtomakejellyor
something.Hemadeagoodcrop,butwhentimecametogatherthem,hecouldn'tgatherthem."
"Whycouldn'thegatherthem?"
"Becausehislegwasbroke.Hehadsomegoats,andaoldramthathecouldn'tkeepoutof
thegrapelot.Hetriedeverywayheknew,buthecouldn'tkeeptheramout.Andwhentheman
wentintogatherthegrapestomakejelly,theramranoverhimandknockedhimdownandbroke
hisleg.SothenextspringtheNewEnglandfellowmovedaway.
"Andtheytoldaboutanotherman,aItalianlivedtheothersideofthewoods.Hewould
gatherthegrapesandmakewineoutofthem,andhebuiltupagoodwinetrade.Afterawhilehis
tradegotsogoodthathehadmoretradethanhedidwine.Sohebegantodoctorthewineupwith
waterandalcohol,andhewasgettingrich.Atfirstheusedahorseandwagontobringthegrapes
homeonhisprivateroadthroughthewoods,buthegotrichandheboughtatruck,andhe
doctoredthewinealittlemoreandhegotricherandheboughtabiggertruck.Andonenighta
stormcomeupwhilehewasawayfromhome,gatheringthegrapes,andhedidn'tgethomethat
night.Thenexta.m.hiswifefoundhim.Thatbigtruckhadskiddedofftheroadandturnedover
andhewasdeadunderit."
"Idon'tseehowthatreflectedontheplace,"Isaid.
"Allright.I'mjusttellingit.Theneighborfolksthoughtdifferent,anyway.Butmaybethat
wasbecausetheywerenotanythingbutcountryfolks.Anyway,noneofthemwouldliveonit,and
soMr.VanDymingboughtitcheap.ForMrs.VanDyming.Toplaywith.Evenbeforewehadthe
plansfinished,shewouldtakeaspecialtrainloadofthemdowntheretolookatit,andnotevena
cabinontheplacethen,notnothingbutthewoodsandthatmeadowgrowedupingrasstallasa
man,andthathillsidewherethemgrapesgrewtangled.Butshewouldstandthere,withthemother
richParkAvenuefolks,showingthemhowherewouldbethecommunityhousebuilttolooklikethe
ColiseumandthecommunitygarageyondermadetolooklikeitwasaAcropolis,andhowthe
grapevinewouldbegrubbedupentireandthehillsideterracedtomakeaoutdoorstheatrewhere
theycouldactinoneanother'splays;andhowthemeadowwouldbealakewithoneofthem
Romanbargestowedbackandforthonitbyagasengine,withmattressesandthingsforthemto
laydownonwhiletheyet."
"WhatdidMr.VanDymingsayaboutallthis?"
"Idon'treckonhesaidanything.Hewasmarriedtoher,youknow.Hejustsays,onetime,
'Now,Mattie'andsheturnsonhim,rightthereintheoffice,beforeusall,andsays,'Don'tyoucall
meMattie.'"Hewasquietforatime.
Thenhesaid:"Shewasn'tbornonParkAvenue.NorWestchesterneither.Shewasbornin
Poughkeepsie.HernamewasLumpkin.
"Butyouwouldn'tknowit,now.WhenherpicturewouldbeinthepaperwithallthemVan
Dymingdiamonds,itwouldn'tsayhowMrs.CarletonVanDymingusedtobeMissMathilda
LumpkinofPoughkeepsie.No,sir.Evenanewspaperwouldn'tdaredsaythattoher.AndIreckon
Mr.VanDymingnevereither,unlessheforgotlikethedayintheoffice.Soshesays,'Don'tyoucall
meMattie'andhehushedandhejuststoodtherealittleman;helookedkindoflikeme,theysaid
tappingoneofthemlittlehighpricecigarsonhisglove,withhisfacelookinglikehehadthought
aboutsmilingalittleandthenhedecideditwasn'tevenanyuseinthat.
"Theybuiltthehousefirst.Itwasrightnice;Mr.VanDymingplannedit.Iguessmaybehe
saidmorethanjustMattiethattime.AndIguessthatmaybeMrs.VanDymingneversaid,'Don't
youcallmeMattie'thattime.Maybehepromisedherhewouldn'tinterferewiththerestofit.
Anyway,thehousewasrightnice.Itwasonthehill,kindofintheedgeofthewoods.Itwaslogs.
Butitwasn'ttoomuchlogs.Itbelongedthere,fitted.Logswherelogsoughttobe,andgoodcity
bricksandplankswherelogsoughtnottobe.Itwasthere.Belongedthere.Itwasallright.Notto
makeanybodymad.CanyouseewhatImean?"
"Yes.IthinkIcanseewhatyoumean."
"Buttherestofitheneverinterferedwith;herandherAcropolisesandall."Helookedat
mequiteintently."SometimesIthought..."
"What?Thoughtwhat?"
"Itoldyouhimandmewerethesamesize,lookedkindofalike."Hewatchedme."Likewe
couldhavetalked,forallofhimandhisParkAvenueclothesandhisbanksandhisrailroads,and
measeventyfiveaweekdraughtsmanlivinginBrooklyn,andnotyoungneither.LikeIcouldhave
saidtohimwhatwasinmymindatanytime,andhecouldhavesaidtomewhatwasinhismindat
anytime,andwewouldhaveunderstoodoneanother.That'swhysometimesIthought..."He
lookedatme,intently,notgropingexactly.
"Sometimesmenhavemoresensethanwomen.Theyknowwhattoleavebe,andwomen
don'talwaysknowthat.Hedon'tneedtobereligiousintherightsenseorreligiousinthewrong
sense.Norreligiousatall."Helookedatme,intently.Afterawhilehesaid,inadecisivetone,a
toneofdecisiveirrevocation:"Thiswillseemsillytoyou."
"No.Ofcoursenot.Ofcourseitwon't."
Helookedatme.Thenhelookedaway."No.Itwilljustsoundsilly.Justtakeupyourtime."
"No.Iswearitwon't.Iwanttohearit.Iamnotamanwhobelievesthatpeoplehave
learnedeverything."Hewatchedme."Ithastakenamillionyearstomakewhatis,theytellus,"I
said."Andamancanbemadeandwornoutandburiedinthreescoreandten.Sohowcanaman
beexpectedtoknowevenenoughtodoubt?"
"That'sright,"hesaid."That'ssureright."
"Whatwasityousometimesthought?"
"SometimesIthoughtthat,ifithadn'tbeenme,theywouldhaveusedhim.UsedMr.Van
Dymingliketheyusedme."
"They?"Welookedatoneanother,quitesober,quitequiet.
 "Yes.TheonesthatusedthatramonthatNewEnglandfellow,andthatstormonthatI
talian."
"Oh.WouldhaveusedMr.VanDyminginyourplace,ifyouhadnotbeenthereatthetime.
Howdidtheyuseyou?"
"That'swhatIamgoingtotell.HowIwaschosenandused.IdidnotknowthatIhadbeen
chosen.ButIwaschosentodosomethingbeyondthelotandplanformortalhumanman.Itwas
thedaythatMr.Carter(hewastheboss,thearchitect)gotthehurryupmessagefromMrs.Van
Dyming.IthinkItoldyouthehousewasalreadybuilt,andtherewasabigpartyofthemdownthere
wheretheycouldwatchtheworkmenbuildingtheColiseumsandtheAcropolises.Sothehurryup
callcame.Shewantedtheplansforthetheatre,theonethatwastobeonthehillsidewherethe
grapesgrew.Shewasgoingtobuilditfirst,sothecompanycouldsetandwatchthembuildingthe
AcropolisesandColiseums.Shehadalreadybeguntogrubupthegrapevines,andMr.Carterput
thetheatreprintsinaportfolioandgivemetheweekendofftotakethemdowntheretoher."
"Wherewastheplace?"
"Idon'tknow.Itwasinthemountains,thequietmountainswherenevermanylived.Itwas
akindofgreenair,chillytoo,andawind.Whenitblewthroughthempinesitsoundedkindoflikea
organ,onlyitdidn'tsoundtamelikeaorgan.Nottame;that'showitsounded.ButIdon'tknow
whereitwas.Mr.Carterhadtheticketallreadyandhesaiditwouldbesomebodytomeetme
whenthetrainstopped.
"SoItelephonedMarthaandIwenthometogetready.WhenIgothome,shehadmy
Sundaysuitallpressedandmyshoesshined.Ididn'tseeanyuseinthat,sinceIwasjustgoingto
taketheplansandcomeback.ButMarthasaidhowIhadtoldheritwascompanythere.'Andyou
aregoingtolookasniceasanyofthem,'shesays.Foralltheyarerichandgetintothepapers.
You'rejustasgoodastheyare.'ThatwasthelastthingshesaidwhenIgotonthetrain,inmy
Sundaysuit,withtheportfolio:'You'rejustasgoodastheyare,eveniftheydogetintothepapers.'
Andthenitstarted."
"Whatstarted?Thetrain?"
"No.It.Thetrainhadbeenrunningalreadyagoodwhile;wewereoutinthecountrynow.I
didn'tknowthenthatIhadbeenchosen.Iwasjustsettingthereinthetrain,withtheportfolioonmy
kneeswhereIcouldtakecareofit.EvenwhenIwentbacktotheicewaterIdidn'tknowthatIhad
beenchosen.IcarriedtheportfoliowithmeandIwasstandingthere,lookingoutthewindowand
drinkingoutofthelittlepapercup.Therewasabankrunningalongbythetrainthen,withawhite
fenceonit,andIcouldseeanimalsinsidethefence,butthetrainwasgoingtoofasttotellwhat
kindofanimalstheywere.
"SoIhadfilledthecupagainandIwasdrinking,lookingoutatthebankandthefenceand
theanimalsinsidethefence,whenallofasuddenitfeltlikeIhadbeenthrownofftheearth.Icould
seethebankandthefencegowhirlingaway.AndthenIsawit.AndjustasIsawit,itwaslikeit
hadkindofexplodedinsidemyhead.DoyouknowwhatitwasIsaw?"
"Whatwasityousaw?"
Hewatchedme."Isawaface.Intheair,lookingatmeacrossthatwhitefenceontopofthe
bank.Itwasnotaman'sface,becauseithadhorns,anditwasnotagoat'sfacebecauseithada
beardanditwaslookingatmewitheyeslikeamananditsmouthwasopenlikeitwassaying
somethingtomewhenitexplodedinsidemyhead."
"Yes.Andthenwhat?Whatdidyoudonext?"
"Youaresaying'Hesawagoatinsidethatfence.'Iknow.ButIdidn'taskyoutobelieve.
Rememberthat.BecauseIamtwentyfiveyearspastbotheringiffolksbelievemeornot.That's
enoughforme.AndIguessthat'sallanythingamountsto."
"Yes,"Isaid."Whatdidyoudothen?"
 "ThenIwaslayingdown,withmyfaceallwetandmymouthandthroatfeelinglikeitwas
onfire.Themanwasjusttakingthebottleawayfrommymouth(thereweretwomenthere,andthe
porterandtheconductor)andItriedtositup.'That'swhiskeyinthatbottle,'Isaid.
"'Why,surenot,doc,'themansaid.'YouknowIwouldn'tbegivingwhiskeytoamanlike
you.Anybodycouldtellbylookingatyouthatyounevertookadrinkinyourlife.Didyou?'Itold
himIhadn't.'Sureyouhaven't,'hesaid.'Amancouldtellbythewayittookthatcurvetothrowyou
downthatyoubelongedtotheladies'temperance.Yousuretookabustonthehead,though.How
doyoufeelnow?Here,takeanotherlittleshotofthistonic.'
"'Ithinkthat'swhiskey,'Isaid.
"Andwasitwhiskey?"
"Idon'tknow.Ihaveforgotten.MaybeIknewthen.MaybeIknewwhatitwaswhenItook
anotherdoseofit.Butthatdidn'tmatter,becauseithadalreadystartedthen."
"Thewhiskeyhadalreadystarted?"
"No.It.Itwasstrongerthanwhiskey.Likeitwasdrinkingoutofthebottleandnotme.
Becausethemenheldthebottleupandlookedatitandsaid,'Yousuredrinkitlikeitain'twhiskey,
anyway.You'llsureknowsoonifitisornot,won'tyou?'
"Whenthetrainstoppedwheretheticketsaid,itwasallgreen,thelightwas,andthe
mountains.Thewagonwasthere,andthetwomenwhentheyhelpedmedownfromthetrainand
handedmetheportfolio,andIstoodthereandIsaid,'Letherrip.'That'swhatIsaid:'Letherrip';
andthetwomenlookingatmelikeyouarelookingatme."
"Howlookingatyou?"
"Yes.Butyoudon'thavetobelieve.AndItoldthemtowaitwhileIgotthewhistle"
"Whistle?"
"Therewasastorethere,too.Thestoreandthedepot,andthenthemountainsandthe
greencoldwithoutanysun,andthedustkindofpalelookingwherethewagonwasstanding.Then
we..."
"Butthewhistle,"Isaid.
"Iboughtitinthestore.Itwasatinone,withholesinit.Icouldn'tseemtogetthehangofit.
SoIthrewtheportfoliointothewagonandIsaid,'Letherrip.'ThatwaswhatIsaid.Oneofthem
tooktheportfoliooutofthewagonandgaveitbacktomeandsaid,'Say,doc,ain'tthisvaluable?'
andItookitandthrewitbackintothewagonandIsaid,'Letherrip.'
"Weallrodeontheseattogether,meinthemiddle.Wesung.Itwascold,andwewent
alongtheriver,singing,andcametothemillandstopped.WhileoneofthemwentinsidethemillI
begantotakeoffmyclothes"
"Takeoffyourclothes?"
"Yes.MySundaysuit.Takingthemoffandthrowingthemrightdowninthedust,by
gummy."
"Wasn'titcold?"
"YesItwascold.Yes.WhenItookoffmyclothesIcouldfeelthecoldonme.Thentheone
camebackfromthemillwithajugandwedrankoutofthejug..."
"Whatwasinthejug?"
"Idon'tknow.Idon'tremember.Itwasn'twhiskey.Icouldtellbythewayitlooked.Itwas
clearlikewater."
"Couldn'tyoutellbythesmell?"
"Idon'tsmell,yousee.Idon'tknowwhattheycallit.ButeversinceIwasachild,Icouldn't
smellsomethings.Theysaythat'swhyIhavestayeddownherefortwentyfiveyears.
"SowedrankandIwenttothebridgerail.AndjustasIjumpedIcouldseemyselfinthe
water.AndIknewthatithadhappenedthen.Becausemybodywasahumanman'sbody.Butmy
facewasthesamefacethathadgoneoffinsidemyheadbackthereonthetrain,thefacethathad
hornsandabeard.
"WhenIgotbackintothewagonwedrankagainoutofthejugandwesung,onlyaftera
whileIputonmyunderclothesandmypantsliketheywantedmeto,andthenwewenton,singing.
"WhenwecameinsightofthehouseIgotoutofthewagon.'Youdon'twanttogetout
here,'theysaid.'Weareinthepasturewheretheykeepthatbullchainedup.'ButIgotoutofthe
wagon,withmySundaycoatandvestandtheportfolio,andthetinflute."

Ill

HECEASED.Helookedatme,quitegrave,quitequiet.
"Yes,"Isaid."Yes.Thenwhat?"
Hewatchedme."Ineveraskedyoutobelievenothing,didI?Iwillhavetosaythatforyou."
Hishandwasinsidehisbosom."Well,youhadsomeprettyhardgoing,sofar.ButnowIwilltake
thestrainoffofyou."
Fromhisbosomhedrewoutacanvaswallet.Itwasroughlysewnbyaclumsyhandand
soiledwithmuchusage.
Heopenedit.Butbeforehedrewoutthecontentshelookedatmeagain."Doyouever
makeallowances?"
"Allowances?"
"Forfolks.Forwhatfolksthinktheysee.Becausenothingeverlooksthesametotwo
differentpeople.Neverlooksthesametooneperson,dependingonwhichsideofithelooksatit
from."
"Oh,"Isaid."Allowances.Yes.Yes."
Fromthewallethedrewafoldedsheetofnewspaper.
Thepagewasyellowwithage,thebrokenseamsgluedcarefullywithstripsofsoiledcloth.
Heopeneditcarefully,gingerly,andturneditandlaiditonthetablebeforeme.
"Don'ttrytopickitup,"hesaid."It'skindofoldnow,andit'stheonlycopyIhave.Readit."
Ilookedatit:thefadingink,theblurredpagedatedtwentyfiveyearsago:MANIACAT
LARGEINVIRGINIAMOUNTAINSPROMINENTNEWYORKSOCIETYWOMANATTACKEDIN
OWNGARDENMrs.CarletonVanDymingOfNewYorkAndNewportAttackedByHalfNude
MadmanAndMaddenedBullInGardenOfHerSummerLodge.ManiacEscapes.Mrs.Van
DymingProstrate.Itwentonfromthere,withpicturesanddiagrams,totellhowMrs.VanDyming,
whowasexpectingamanfromtheofficeofherNewYorkarchitect,wascalledfromthedinner
tabletomeet,asshesupposed,thearchitect'sman.ThestorycontinuedinMrs.VanDyming'sown
words:Iwenttothelibrary,whereIhaddirectedthatthearchitect'smanbebrought,buttherewas
noonethere.
Iwasabouttoringforthefootmanwhenitoccurredtometogotothefrontdoor,sinceitis
alocalcustomamongthesecountrypeopletocometothefrontandrefusetoadvancefurtherorto
retreatuntilthemasterorthemistressofthehouseappears.Iwenttothedoor.
Therewasnoonethere.
Isteppedoutontotheporch.Thelightwason,butatfirstIcouldseenoone.Istartedtore
enterthehousebutthefootmanhadtoldmedistinctlythatthewagonhadreturnedfromthevillage,
andIthoughtthatthemanhadperhapsgoneontotheedgeofthelawnwherehecouldseethe
theatresite,wheretheworkmenhadthatdaybeguntopreparethegroundbydigginguptheold
grapevines.SoIwentinthatdirection.Ihadalmostreachedtheendofthelawnwhensomething
causedmetoturn.Isaw,inreliefbetweenmeandthelightedporch,amanbentoverandhopping
ononeleg,whotomyhorrorIrealisedtobeintheactofremovinghistrousers.
 Iscreamedformyhusband.WhenIdidso,themanfreedhisotherlegandturnedand
cametowardmerunning,clutchingaknife(Icouldseethelightfromtheporchgleamingonthe
longblade)inonehand,andaflat,squareobjectintheother.Iturnedthenandranscreaming
towardthewoods.
Ihadlostallsenseofdirection.Isimplyranformylife.IfoundthatIwasinsidetheold
vineyard,amongthegrapevines,runningdirectlyawayfromthehouse.
IcouldhearthemanrunningbehindmeandsuddenlyIheardhimbegintomakeastrange
noise.Itsoundedlikeachildtryingtoblowuponapennywhistle,thenIrealisedthatitwasthe
soundofhisbreathwhistlingpasttheknifebladeclinchedbetweenhisteeth.
Suddenlysomethingovertookandpassedme,makingatremendousuproarinthe
shrubbery.ItrushedsonearmethatIcouldseeitsglaringeyesandtheshapeofahugebeast
withhorns,whichIrecognisedamomentlaterasCarleton's,Mr.VanDyming'sprizeDurhambull;
ananimalsodangerousthatMr.Dymingisforcedtokeepitlockedup.Itwasnowfreeandit
rushedpastandonahead,cuttingoffmyadvance,whilethemadmanwiththeknifecutoffmy
retreat.Iwasatbay;Istoppedwithmybacktoatree,screamingforhelp.
"Howdidthebullgetout?"Isaid.
HewaswatchingmyfacewhileIread,likeImighthavebeenateachergradinghisschool
paper."WhenIwasaboy,IusedtotakesubscriptionstothePoliceGazette,forpremiums.Oneof
thepremiumswasalittlemachineguaranteedtoopenanylock.Idon'tuseitanymore,butIstill
carryitinmypocket,likeacharmorsomething,Iguess.Anyway,Ihaditthatnight."Helooked
downatthepaperonthetable.
"Iguessfolkstellwhattheybelievetheysaw.Soyouhavetobelievewhattheythinkthey
believe.Butthatpaperdon'ttellhowshekickedoffherslippers(Inighbrokemyneckoveroneof
them)soshecouldrunbetter,andhowIcouldhearhergoingwumpwumpwumpinsidelikeadray
horse,andhowwhenshewouldbegintoslowupalittleIwouldletoutanothertootonthewhistle
andoffshewouldgoagain.
"Icouldn'tevenkeepupwithher,carryingthatportfolioandtryingtoblowonthatwhistle
too;seemedlikeIneverwouldgetthehangofit,somehow.ButmaybethatwasbecauseIhadto
starttryingsoquick,beforeIhadtimetokindofpracticeup,andrunningallthetimetoo.SoIthrew
theportfolioawayandthenIcaughtupwithherwhereshewasstandingwithherbackagainstthe
tree,andthatbullrunningroundandroundthetree,notbotheringher,justrunningaroundthetree,
makingarightsmartoffuss,andherleaningtherewhispering'Carleton.Carleton'likeshewas
afraidshewouldwakehimup."
Theaccountcontinued:Istoodagainstthetree,believingthateachcirclewhichthebull
made,itwoulddiscovermypresence.ThatwaswhyIceasedtoscream.Thenthemancameup
whereIcouldseehimplainlyforthefirsttime.Hestoppedbeforeme;foronebothhorridandjoyful
momentIthoughthewasMr.VanDyming."Carleton!"Isaid.
Hedidn'tanswer.Hewasstoopedoveragain;thenIsawthathewasengagedwiththe
knifeinhishand.
"Carleton!"Icried.
"'DangifIcangetthehangofit,somehow,'hekindofmuttered,busywiththemurderous
knife.
"Carleton!"Icried."Areyoumad?"
Helookedupthen.Isawthatitwasnotmyhusband,thatIwasatthemercyofamadman,
amaniac,andamaddenedbull.Isawthemanraisetheknifetohislipsandblowagainuponitthat
fearfulshriek.ThenIfainted.

IV
ANDTHATWASALL.Theaccountmerelywentontosayhowthemadmanhadvanished,leaving
notrace,andthatMrs.VanDymingwasunderthecareofherphysician,withaspecialtrainwaiting
totransportherandherhousehold,lock,stock,andbarrel,backtoNewYork;andthatMr.Van
Dyminginabriefinterviewhadinformedthepressthathisplansabouttheimprovementofthe
placehadbeendefinitelyrescindedandthattheplacewasnowforsale.
Ifoldedthepaperascarefullyashewouldhave."Oh,"Isaid."Andsothat'sall."
"Yes.Iwakedupaboutdaylightthenextmorning,inthewoods.Ididn'tknowwhenIwent
tosleepnorwhereIwasatfirst.Icouldn'trememberatfirstwhatIhaddone.Butthatain'tstrange.
Iguessamancouldn'tloseadayoutofhislifeandnotknowit.Doyouthinkso?"
"Yes,"Isaid."That'swhatIthinktoo."
"BecauseIknowIain'taseviltoGodasIguessIlooktoalotoffolks.AndIguessthat
demonsandsuchandeventhedevilhimselfain'tquiteaseviltoGodaslotsoffolksthatclaimto
knowarightsmartaboutHisbusinesswouldmakeyoubelieve.don'tyouthinkthat'sright?"The
walletlayonthetable,open.Buthedidnotatoncereturnthenewspapertoit.
Thenhequitlookingatme;atoncehisfacebecamediffident,childlikeagain.Heputhis
handintothewallet;againhedidnotwithdrawitatonce.
"Thatain'texactlyall,"hesaid,hishandinsidethewallet,hiseyesdowncast,andhisface:
thatmild,peaceful,nondescriptfaceacrosswhichamildmoustachestraggled."Iwasapowerful
reader,whenIwasaboy.Doyoureadmuch?"
"Yes.Agooddeal."
Buthewasnotlistening."Iwouldreadaboutpiratesandcowboys,andIwouldbethehead
pirateorcowboyme,adurnlittletykethatneversawtheoceanexceptatConeyIslandoratree
exceptinWashingtonSquaredayinandout.ButIreadthem,believinglikeeveryboy,thatsome
day...thatlivingwouldn'tplayatrickonhimlikegettinghimaliveandthen...WhenIwenthome
thatmorningtogetreadytotakethetrain,Marthasays,"You'rejustasgoodasanyofthemVan
Dymings,foralltheygetintothepapers.Ifallthefolksthatdeserveditgotintothepapers,Park
Avenuewouldn'tholdthem,orevenBrooklyn,'shesays."
Hedrewhishandfromthewallet.Thistimeitwasonlyaclipping,onecolumnwide,which
hehandedme,yellowandfadedtoo,andnotlong:MYSTERIOUSDISAPPEARANCEFOULPLAY
SUSPECTEDWilfredMiddleton,NewYorkArchitect,DisappearsFromMillionaire'sCountryHouse
POSSESEEKSBODYOFARCHITECTBELIEVEDSLAINBYMADMANINVIRGINIA
MOUNTAINSMayBeCoupledWithMysteriousAttackOnMrs.VanDymingMountain
NeighborhoodInStateOfTerror,Va.April8,WilfredMiddleton,56,architect,ofNewYorkCity,
mysteriouslydisappearedsometimeonApril6th,whileenroutetothecountryhouseofMr.
CarletonVanDymingnearhere.Hehadinhispossessionsomevaluabledrawingswhichwere
foundthismorningneartheVanDymingestate,thusfurnishingthefirstclue.ChiefofPoliceElmer
Harrishastakenchargeofthecase,andisnowawaitingthearrivalofasquadofNewYork
detectives,whenhepromisesaspeedysolutionifitisinthepowerofskilledcriminologiststodo
so.

MOSTBAFFLINGINALLHISEXPERIENCE

"WhenIsolvethisdisappearance,"ChiefHarrisisquoted,"IwillalsosolvetheattackonMrs.Van
Dymingonthesamedate."
Middletonleavesawife,Mrs.MarthaMiddleton,St.,Brooklyn.
Hewaswatchingmyface."Onlyit'sonemistakeinit,"hesaid.
"Yes!"Isaid."Theygotyournamewrong."
 "Iwaswonderingifyou'dseethat.Butthat'snotthemistake..."Hehadinhishanda
secondclippingwhichhenowextended.Itwasliketheothertwo;yellow,faint.Ilookedatit,the
fading,peacefulprintthroughwhich,likeathin,rottingnet,theoldviolencehadsomehowescaped,
leavinglessthanthedeadgesturefallentoquietdust."Readthisone.Onlythat'snotthemistakeI
wasthinkingabout.Butthen,theycouldn'thaveknownatthattime..."
Iwasreading,notlisteningtohim.Thiswasareprintedletter,an'agonycolumn'letter:New
Orleans,La.April10,...

TotheEditor,NewYorkTimes
NewYork,N.Y.

DearSir

InyourissueofApril8,thisyearyougotthenameofthepartywrong.ThenameisMidglestonnot
Middleton.Wouldthankyoutocorrectthiserrorinlocalandmetropolitancolumnsasthepressa
weaponofgood&evilintoeveryAmericanhome.Andapowerofthatweightcannotafford
mistakesevenaboutpeopleasgoodasanymanorwomaneveniftheydon'tgetintothepapers
everyday.

Thankingyouagain;begtoremain

AFriend

"Oh,"Isaid."Isee.Youcorrectedit."
"Yes.Butthat'snotthemistake.Ijustdidthatforher.Youknowhowwomenare.Likeas
notshewouldrathernotseeitinthepapersatallthantoseeitspelledwrong."
"She?"
"Mywife.Martha.Themistakewas,ifshegotthemornot."
"Idon't.Maybeyou'dbettertellme."
"That'swhatIamdoing.Igottwoofthefirstone,theoneaboutthedisappearance,butI
waiteduntilthelettercomeout.ThenIputthembothintoapieceofpaperwithAFriendonit,and
putthemintoaenvelopeandmailedthemtoher.ButIdon'tknowifshegotthemornot.Thatwas
themistake."
"Themistake?"
"Yes.Shemoved.ShemovedtoParkAvenuewhentheinsurancewaspaid.Isawthatina
paperafterIcomedownhere.IttoldabouthowMrs.MarthaMidglestonofParkAvenuewas
marriedtoayoungfellow,heusedtobeassociatedwiththeMaisonPayotonFifthAvenue.Itdidn't
saywhenshemoved,soIdon'tknowifshegotthemornot."
"Oh,"Isaid.Hewasputtingtheclippingscarefullybackintothecanvaswallet.
"Yes,sir.Womenarelikethat.Itdon'tcostamanmuchtohumorthemnowandthen.
Becausetheydeserveit;theyhaveahardtime.Butitwasn'tme.Ididn'tmindhowtheyspelledit.
What'sanametoamanthat'sdoneandbeensomethingoutsidethelotandplanformortalhuman
mantodoandbe?"

TheLeg

THEBOAT,itwasayawlboatwithapatchedweatheredsailmadetworeachesbelowuswhileI
satwiththescullspoised,watchingherovermyshoulder,andGeorgeclungtothepile,spouting
MiltonatEverbeCorinthia.WhenitmadethefinaltackIlookedbackatGeorge.Buthewasnow
butwellintoComus'secondspeech,hiscrookedfaceraised,andtheafternoonbrightonhisclose
ruddyhead.
"Giveway,George,"Isaid.Butheheldusstationaryatthepile,hisglazedhatlifted,
spoutinghisfineandcadencedfollyasthoughthelock,theThames,timeandall,belongedtohim,
whileSabrina(orHebeorChloeorwhatevernamehehappenedtobecallingCorinthiaatthetime)
withherdairymaid'scomplexionandherhairlikemeadpouredinsunlightstoodaboveusinone
ofherendlesssuccessionofneatprintdresses,herhandontheleverandoneeyeonGeorgeand
theotherontheyawl,saying"Yes,milord"dutifullywheneverGeorgepausedforbreath.
Theyawlluffedandstoodaway;thehelmsmanshoutedforthelock.
"Letgo,George,"Isaid.Butheclungtothepileinhisfineandincongruousoblivion.
EverbeCorinthiastoodaboveus,herhandonthelever,bridlingalittleandbeginningtoreveala
certainconcern,andlookingfromhertotheyawlandbackagainIthoughthowmuchtimesheand
Ihadbothspentthussincethatdaythreeyearsagowhen,coweyedandbridling,shehadopened
thelockforusforthefirsttime,withGeorgeholdingusstationarywhileheapostrophisedherinthe
metaphorofKeatsandSpenser.
Againtheyawl'screwshoutedatus,theyawlabackandinstays."Letgo,youfool!"Isaid,
diggingthesculls."Lock,Corinthia!"
Georgelookedatme.Corinthiawasnowwatchingtheyawlwithbotheyes."What,Davy?"
Georgesaid."MusteventhouhelpCirce'sdrovesintothesea?Pull,then,OSuperGadarene!"
Andheshovedusoff.Ihadnotmeanttopullaway.AndevenifIhad,Icouldstillhave
counteractedthemovementifEverbeCorinthiahadn'topenedthelock.Butopenitshedid,and
lookedoncebacktousandsatflatontheearth,crispfreshdressandall.Theskiffshotaway
underme;IhadafleetingpictureofGeorgestillclingingwithonearmaroundthepile,hisknees
drawnuptohischinandthehatinhisliftedhandandofalongrunningshadowcarryingthe
shadowofaboathookfallingacrossthelock.ThenIwastoobusysteering.Ishotthroughthe
gates,carryingwithmethatpictureofGeorge,theglazedhatstillgallantlyaloftlikethe
mastheadedpennantofamanofwar,vanishingbeneaththesurface.ThenIwasfloatingquietlyin
slackwaterwhiletheroundeyesoftwomenstaredquietlydownatmefromtheyawl.
"Yer'velostyermate,sir,"oneofthemsaidinacivilvoice.Thentheyhaddrawnme
alongsidewithaboathookandstandingupintheskiff,IsawGeorge.Hewasstandinginthe
towpathnow,andSimon,EverbeCorinthia'sfather,andanotherman,hewastheonewiththe
boathook,whoseshadowIhadseenacrossthelock,weretheretoo.
ButIsawonlyGeorgewithhisuglycrookedfaceandhisroundheadnowdarkinthe
sunlight.Oneofthewatermenwasstilltalking."Steady,sir.Lend'ima'and,Sam'l.There.'E'lldo
now.Give'imaturn,seeing'ismate..."
"Youfool,youdamnedfool!"Isaid.Georgestoopedbesideme,wringinghissopping
flannels,whileSimonandthesecondmanSimonwithhisirongrayfaceandhisirongraywhisker
thatmadehimlooklikenothingsomuchasanagedbullpeeringsurlilyandstupidlyacrossawinter
hedgerow,andthesecondman,younger,witharuddycapableface,inahard,boardlike,town
madesuitwatchedus.Corinthiasatontheground,weepinghopelesslyandquietly."Youdamned
fool.Oh,youdamnedfool."
"Oxfordyounggentlemen,"Simonsaidinaharshdisgustedvoice."Oxfordyoung
gentlemen."
"Eh,well,"Georgesaid,"IdaresayIhaven'tdamagedyourlockoverafarthing'sworth."He
rose,andsawCorinthia."What,Circe!"hesaid,"tearsovertheaccomplishmentofyourappointed
destiny?"Hewenttoher,trailingathreadofwateracrossthepackedearth,andtookherarm.It
movedwillingenough,butsheherselfsatflatontheground,lookingupathimwithstreaming
hopelesseyes.Hermouthwasopenalittleandshesatinanattitudeofpatientdespair,weeping
tearsofcrystalpurity.Simonwatchedthem,theboathook,hehadtakenitfromthesecondman,
whowasnowbusyatthelockmechanism,andIknewthathewasthebrotherwhoworkedin
London,ofwhomCorinthiahadoncetoldusclutchedinhisbigknottyfist.Theyawlwasnowinthe
lock,thetwofaceswatchingusacrosstheparapetliketwoseveredheadsinaquietrowuponthe
footway."Come,now,"Georgesaid."You'llsoilyourdresssittingthere."
"Up,lass,"Simonsaid,inthatharshvoiceofhiswhichatthesametimewaswithoutill
nature,asthoughharshnessweremerelythemediumthroughwhichhespoke.Corinthiarose
obediently,stillweeping,andwentontowardtheneatlittledovecoteofahouseinwhichthey
lived.ThesunlightwasslantinglevelacrossitanduponGeorge'sridiculousfigure.Hewas
watchingme.
"Well,Davy,"hesaid,"ifIdidn'tknowbetter,I'dsayfromyourexpressionthatyouare
envyingme."
"AmI?"Isaid."Youfool.Youghastlylunatic."
Simonhadgonetothelock.Thetwoquietheadsroseslowly,asthoughtheywerebeing
thrustgraduallyupwardfromouttheearth,andSimonnowstoopedwiththeboathookoverthe
lock.Herose,withthelimpanonymityofGeorge'soncegallanthatontheendoftheboathook,
andextendedit.Georgetookitasgravely."Thanks,"hesaid.
HedugintohispocketandgaveSimonacoin."Forwearandtearontheboathook,"he
said."Andperhapsabitofbalmforyourjustifiabledisappointment,eh,Simon?"
Simongruntedandturnedbacktothelock.Thebrotherwasstillwatchingus."AndIam
obligedtoyou,"Georgesaid."HopeI'llneverhavetoreturnthefavorinkind."Thebrothersaid
something,shortandgrave,inaslowpleasantvoice.Georgelookedatmeagain."Well,Davy."
"Comeon.Let'sgo."
"Rightyouare.Where'stheskiff?"ThenIwasstaringathimagain,andforamomenthe
staredatme.Thenheshouted,alongringinglaugh,whilethetwoheadsintheyawlwatchedus
frombeyondSimon'sgranitelikeandcontemptuousback.IcouldalmosthearSimonthinking
Oxfordyounggentlemen."Davy,haveyoulosttheskiff?"
"She'stiedupbelowabit,sir,"thecivilvoiceintheyawlsaid."Thegentlemanwalkedoutof
'erlikeshewereakeb,withoutlookingback."
TheJuneafternoonslantedacrossmyshoulder,fulluponGeorge'sface.Hewouldnottake
myjacket."I'llpulldownandkeepwarm,"hesaid.Theonceglazedhatlaybetweenhisfeet.
"Whydon'tyouthrowthatthingout?"Isaid.Hepulledsteadily,lookingatme.Thesunwas
fullinhiseyes,strikingtheyellowflecksinthemintofleeting,micalikesparks.
"Thathat,"Isaid."Whatdoyouwantwithit?"
"Oh;that.Castawaythesymbolofmysoul?"Heunshippedonescullandpickedupthehat
andturnedandcockeditonthestem,whereithungwithakindofgallantanddissolutejauntiness.
"Thesymbolofmysoulrescuedfromthedeepby..."
"Hauledoutofaplaceithadnobusinessbeingwhatever,byapublicservantwhodidnot
wanthispublicchargeclutteredup."
"Atleastyouadmitthesymbology,"hesaid."Andthattheempirerescuedit.Soitisworth
somethingtotheempire.Toomuchformetothrowitaway.Thatwhichyouhavesavedfromdeath
ordisasterwillbeforeverdeartoyou,Davy;youcannotignoreit.Besides,itwillnotletyou.What
isityouAmericanssay?"
"Wesay,bunk.Whynotusetheriverforawhile?It'spaidfor."
Helookedatme."Ah.Thatis...Well,anyway,it'sAmerican,isn'tit.That'ssomething."
Buthegotoutintothecurrentagain.Abargewascomingup,intow.Wegotoutsideher
andwatchedherpass,emptyofanysignoflife,withasolemnimplacabilitylikeahugebarren
catafalque,thebroadrumpedhorses,followedbyaboyinapatchedcoatandcarryingapeeled
goad,ploddingstolidlyalongthepath.Wedroppedslowlyastern.Overherfreeboardamotionless
facewithadeadpipeinitsteethcontemplateduswitheyesemptyofanythought.
"IfIcouldhavechosen,"Georgesaid,"I'dliketohavebeenpulledoutbythatchapyonder.
Can'tyouseehimpickingupaboathookwithouthasteandfishingyououtwithoutevenshifting
thepipe?"
"Youshouldhavechosenyourplacebetter,then.Butitseemstomeyou'reinnoposition
tocomplain!"
"ButSimonshowedannoyance.Notsurprisenorconcern:justannoyance.Idon'tliketobe
hauledbackintolifebyanannoyedmanwithaboathook."
"Youcouldhavesaidsoatthetime.Simondidn'thavetosaveyou.Hecouldhaveshutthe
gatesuntilhegotanotherheadofwater,andflushedyourightoutofhisbailiwickwithouttouching
you,andsavedhimselftroubleandingratitude.BesidesCorinthia'stears."
"Ay;tears.Corinthiawillatleastcherishatendernessformefromnowon."
"Yes;butifyou'donlynotgotoutatall.Orhavingnotgotinatall.Fallingintothatfilthylock
justtocompleteagesture.Ithink..."
"Donotthink,mygoodDavid.WhenIhadthechoiceofholdingontotheskiffandbeing
haledsafelyandmeeklyaway,orofgivingthelietothestupidsmallgodsatthesmallpriceof
beingtemporarilysubmergedinthis..."heletgooneoaranddippedhishandinthewater,thenhe
flungitoutwardindripping,burlesquemagniloquence."OThames!"hesaid."Thoumightysewerof
anempire!"
"Steertheboat,"Isaid."IlivedinAmericalongenoughtohavelearnedsomethingof
England'spride."
"Andsoyouconsiderabathinthisfilthyoldsewerthathasflushedthislandsincelong
beforeHewhomadeithadanyneedtoinventGod...arockaboutwhichmanandallhisbawling
clamorseethesawaytosluttishness..."
Weweretwentyonethen;wetalkedlikethat,trampingaboutthatpeacefullandwherein
greenpetrificationtheoldsplendidbloodydeeds,thespiritsoftheblunderingcourageousmen,
slumberedineverystoneandtree.Forthatwas1914,andintheparksbandsplayedValse
Septembre,andgirlsandyoungmendriftedinpuntsonthemoonlitriverandsangMisterMoon
andThere'saBitofHeaven,andGeorgeandIsatinawindowinChristChurchwhilethecurtains
whisperedinthetwilight,andtalkedofcourageandhonorandNapierandloveandBenJonson
anddeath.
Thenextyearwas1915,andthebandsplayedGodSavetheKing,andtherestofthe
youngmenandsomenotsoyoungsangMademoiselleofArmentieresinthemud,andGeorge
wasdead.
HehadgoneoutinOctober,asubalternintheregimentofwhichhispeoplewere
hereditarycolonels.TenmonthslaterIsawhimsittingwithanorderlybehindaruinedchimneyon
theedgeofGivenchy.Hehadatelephonestrappedtohisearsandhewaseatingsomethingwhich
hewavedatmeasweranpastandduckedintothecellarwhichwesought.

II

ITOLDHIMtowaituntiltheygotdonegivingmetheether;thereweresomanyofthemmoving
backandforththatIwasafraidsomeonewouldbrushagainsthimandfindhimthere."Andthen
you'llhavetogoback,"Isaid.
"I'llbecareful,"Georgesaid.
"Becauseyou'llhavetodosomethingforme,"Isaid.
"You'llhaveto."
 "Allright.Iwill.Whatisit?"
"Waituntiltheygoaway,thenIcantellyou.You'llhavetodoit,becauseIcan't.Promise
youwill."
"Allright.Ipromise."Sowewaiteduntiltheygotdoneandhadmoveddowntomyleg.
ThenGeorgecamenearer.
"Whatisit?"hesaid.
"It'smyleg!"Isaid."Iwantyoutobesureit'sdead.Theymaycutitoffinahurryandforget
aboutit."
"Allright.I'llseeaboutit."
"Icouldn'thavethat,youknow.Thatwouldn'tdoatall.Theymightburyitanditcouldn'tlie
quiet.Andthenitwouldbelostandwecouldn'tfindittodoanything."
"Allright.I'llwatch."Helookedatme."OnlyIdon'thavetogoback."
"Youdon't?Youdon'thavetogobackatall?"
"I'moutofit.Youaren'toutofityet.You'llhavetogoback."
"I'mnot?"Isaid."Thenitwillbehardertofinditthanever.Soyouseeaboutit...Andyou
don'thavetogoback.You'relucky,aren'tyou?"
"Yes.I'mlucky.Ialwayswaslucky.Givethelietothestupidsmallgodsatthemerepriceof
beingtemporarilysubmergedin..."
"Thereweretears,"Isaid."Shesatflatontheearthtoweepthem."
"Ay;tears,"hesaid."Theflowingofallmen'stearsunderthesky.Horrorandscornand
hateandfearandindignation,andtheworldseethingawaytosluttishnesswhileyoulookon."
"No;shesatflatinagreenafternoonandweptforthesymbolofyoursoul."
"Notforthesymbol,butbecausetheempiresavedit,hoardedit.Sheweptforwisdom."
"Butthereweretears...Andyou'llseetoit?You'llnotgoaway?"
"Ay,"Georgesaid;"tears."
Inthehospitalitwasbetter.Itwasalongroomfullofconstantmovement,andIdidn'thave
tobeafraidallthetimethattheywouldfindhimandsendhimaway,thoughnowandthenitdid
happenasisteroranorderlycomingintothemiddleofourtalk,withubiquitoushandsandcheerful
asepticvoices:"Now,now.He'snotgoing.Yes,yes;he'llcomeback.Liestill,now."
SoIwouldhavetoliethere,surrounding,enclosingthatgapingsensationbelowmythigh
wherethenerveandmuscleendstwitchedandjerked,untilhereturned.
"Can'tyoufindit?"Isaid."Haveyoulookedgood?"
"Yes.I'velookedeverywhere.Iwentbackoutthereandlooked,andIlookedhere.Itmust
beallrightTheymusthavekilledit."
"Buttheydidn't.Itoldyoutheyweregoingtoforgetit."
"Howdoyouknowtheyforgotit?"
"Iknow.Icanfeelit.Itjeersatme.It'snotdead."
"Butifitjustjeersatyou."
"Iknow.Butthatwon'tdo.Don'tyouseethatwon'tdo?"
"Allright.I'lllookagain."
"Youmust.Youmustfindit.Idon'tlikethis."
Sohelookedagain.Hecamebackandsatdownandhelookedatme.Hiseyeswere
brightandintent.
"It'snothingtofeelbadabout,"Isaid."You'llfinditsomeday.It'sallright;justaleg.It
hasn'tevenanotherlegtowalkwith."Stillhedidn'tsayanything,justlookingatme."Whereare
youlivingnow?"
"Upthere,"hesaid.
Ilookedathimforawhile."Oh,"Isaid."AtOxford?"
"Yes."
 "Oh,"Isaid"Whydidn'tyougohome?"
"Idon'tknow."
Hestilllookedatme."Isitnicetherenow?Itmustbe.Aretherestillpuntsontheriver?Do
theystillsinginthepuntsliketheydidthatsummer,themenandgirls,Imean?"
Helookedatme,wide,intent,alittlesoberly.
"Youleftmelastnight,"hesaid.
"DidI?"
"Youjumpedintotheskiffandpulledaway.SoIcamebackhere."
"DidI?WherewasIgoing?"
"Idon'tknow.Youhurriedaway,upriver.Youcouldhavetoldme,ifyouwantedtobe
alone.Youdidn'tneedtorun."
"Ishan'tagain."Welookedatoneanother.Wespokequietlynow."Soyoumustfindit
now."
"Yes.Canyoutellwhatitisdoing?"
"Idon'tknow.That'sit."
"Doesitfeellikeit'sdoingsomethingyoudon'twantitto?"
"Idon'tknow.Soyoufindit.Youfinditquick.Finditandfixitsoitcangetdead."
Buthecouldn'tfindit.Wetalkedaboutitquietly,betweensilences,watchingoneanother.
"Can'tyoutellanythingaboutwhereitis?"hesaid.Iwassittingupnow,practicingaccustoming
myselftothewoodandleatherone.
Thegapwasstillthere,butwehadnowestablishedasortofsullenarmistice."Maybethat's
whatitwaswaitingfor,"hesaid."Maybenow..."
"Maybeso.Ihopeso.Buttheyshouldn'thaveforgottoHaveIrunawayanymoresince
thatnight?"
"Idon'tknow."
"Youdon'tknow?"Hewaswatchingmewithhisbright,intent,fadingeyes."George,"Isaid.
"Wait,George!"Buthewasgone.
Ididn'tseehimagainforalongtime.IwasattheObservers'School,itdoesn'trequiretwo
legstooperateamachinegunandawirelesskeyandtoorientmapsfromthegunner'spianostool
ofanR.E.oranF.E.then,andIhadalmostfinishedthecourse.Somydayswereprettywell
filled,whatwithworkandwiththatcertitudeoftheyoungwhichsoarbitrarilydistinguishesbetween
veritiesandillusions,establishingwithsuchassurancethatlinebetweentruthanddeliriumwhich
sagesknittheirbrowsover.Andmynightswerefilledtoo,withthenerveandmuscleendschafed
nowbyanimmediatecause:thewoodandleatherleg.Butthegapwasstillthere,andsometimes
atnight,isolatedbyinvisibility,itwouldbecomefilledwiththeimmensityofdarknessandsilence
despiteme.Then,onthepoisedbrinkofsleep,Iwouldbelievethathehadfounditatlastandseen
thatitwasdead,andthatsomedayhewouldreturnandtellmeaboutit.ThenIhadthedream.
SuddenlyIknewthatIwasabouttocomeuponit.Icouldfeelinthedarknessthedark
wallsofthecorridorandtheinvisiblecorner,andIknewthatitwasjustaroundthecorner.Icould
smellarank,animalodor.ItwasanodorwhichIhadneversmelledbefore,butIknewitatonce,
blownsuddenlydownthecorridorfromtheoldfetidcaveswhereexperiencebegan.Ifeltdreadand
disgustanddetermination,aswhenyousensesuddenlyasnakebesideagardenpath.AndthenI
wasawake,rigid,sweating;thedarknessflowedwithalongrushingsigh.Ilaywiththefadingodor
inmynostrilswhilemysweatcooled,staringupintothedarkness,notdaringtoclosemyeyes.I
layonmyback,curledaboutthegapingholelikeadoughnut,whiletheodorfaded.Atlastitwas
gone,andGeorgewaslookingatme.
"Whatisit,Davy?"hesaid."Can'tyousaywhatitis?"
"It'snothing."Icouldtastesweatonmylips."Itisn'tanything.Iwon'tagain.IswearIshan't
anymore."
 Hewaslookingatme."Yousaidyouhadtocomebacktotown.AndthenIsawyouonthe
river.Yousawmeandhid,Davy.Pulledupunderthebank,intheshadow.Therewasagirlwith
you."Hewatchedme,hiseyesbrightandgrave.
"Wasthereamoon?"Isaid.
"Yes.Therewasamoon."
"OhGod,ohGod,"Isaid."Iwon'tagain,George!Youmustfindit.Youmust!"
"Ah,Davy,"hesaid.Hisfacebegantofade.
"Iwon't!Iwon'tagain!"Isaid."George!George!"
Amatchflared;afacesprangoutofthedarknessaboveme."Wakeup,"itsaid.Ilay
staringatit,sweating.Thematchburneddown,thefacefellbackintodarkness,fromwhichthe
voicecamebodiless:"Allrightnow?"
"Yes,thanks.Dreaming.SorryIwakedyou."
ForthenextfewnightsIdidn'tdareletgointosleepagain.ButIwasyoung,mybodywas
gettingstrongagainandIwasoutofdoorsallday;onenightsleepovertookmeunawares,andI
wakednextmorningtofindthatIhadeludedit,whateveritwas.Ifoundasortofpeace.Thedays
passed;Ihadlearnedthegunsandthewirelessandthemaps,andmostofall,tonotobservewhat
shouldnotbeobserved.
Mythighwasalmostreconciledtothenewmember,and,freednowoftheoutcast'sdoings,
IcouldgiveallmytimetoseekingGeorge.ButIdidnotfindhim;somewhereinthemazycorridor
wherethemotherofdreamsdwellsIhadlostthemboth.
SoIdidnotremarkhimatfirstevenwhenhestoodbesidemeinthecorridorjustbeyond
thecornerofwhichItwaited.
Thesulphurreekwasallaboutme;Ifelthorroranddreadandsomethingunspeakable:
delight.IbelieveIfeltwhatwomeninlaborfeel.AndthenGeorgewasthere,lookingsteadilydown
atme.Hehadalwayssatbesidemyhead,sowecouldtalk,butnowhestoodbeyondthefootof
thebed,lookingdownatmeandIknewthatthiswasfarewell.
"Don'tgo,George!"Isaid."Ishan'tagain.Ishan'tanymore,George!"Buthissteady,grave
gazefadedslowly...implacable,sorrowful,butwithoutreproach."Go,then!"Isaid.Myteethfeltdry
againstmyliplikesandpaper."Go,then!"
Andthatwasthelastofit.Henevercameback,northedream.Iknewitwouldnot,asa
sickmanwhowakeswithhisbodyspentandpeacefulandweakknowsthattheillnesswillnot
return.Iknewitwasgone;IknewthatwhenIrealizedthatIthoughtofitonlywithpity.Poordevil,I
wouldthink.Poordevil.
ButittookGeorgewithit.Sometimes,whendarkandisolationhadrobbedmeofmyself,I
wouldthinkthatperhapsinkillingithehadlosthisownlife:thedeaddyinginordertoslaythe
dead.Isoughthimnowandtheninthecorridorsofsleep,butwithoutsuccess;Ispentaweekwith
hispeopleinDevon,inaramblinghousewherehiscrookeduglyfaceandhisroundruddyhead
andhisbeliefthatMarlowewasabetterlyricpoetthanShakespeareandThomasCampionthan
either,andthatbreathwasnotabaublegivenamanforhisownpleasuring,eludedmebehind
everystickandstone.ButIneversawhimagain.

Ill

THEPADREhaddrivenupfromPoperingheinthedark,inthesidecarofamotorcycle.Hesat
beyondthetable,talkingofJothamRust,EverbeCorinthia'sbrotherandSimon'sson,whomIhad
seenthreetimesinmylife.YesterdayIsawJothamforthethirdandlasttime,arraignedbeforea
courtmartialfordesertion:thescarecrowofthatoncesturdyfigurewithitsruddy,capableface,
whohadpulledGeorgeoutofthelockwithaboathookthatafternoonthreeyearsago,charged
nowforhislife,offeringnoextenuationnorexplanation,expectingandaskingnoclemency.
"Hedoesnotwantclemency,"thepadresaid.Thepadrewasafine,honestman,
incumbentofamodestlivingintheMidlandssomewhere,whohadbroughtthekindandhonest
stupidityofhisconvictionsintothelastplaceonearthwheretherewasroomforthem."Hedoes
notwanttolive."Hisfacewasmusinganddejected,shockedandbewildered.
"Therecomesatimeinthelifeofeverymanwhentheworldturnsitsdarksidetohimand
everyman'sshadowishismortalenemy.ThenhemustturntoGod,orperish.Yethe...Icannot
seem..."Hiseyesheldthatburlybewildermentofoxen;abovehisstockhisshavenchindejected,
butnotvanquishedyet."Andyousayyouknowofnoreasonwhyheshouldhaveattackedyou?"
"Ineversawthemanbuttwicebefore,"Isaid."Onetimewasnightbeforelast,theother
was...twothreeyearsago,whenIpassedthroughhisfather'slockinaskiffwhileIwasatOxford.
Hewastherewhenhissisterletusthrough.Andifyouhadn'ttoldmehissister'sname,Iwouldn't
haverememberedhimthen."
Hebrooded."Thefatherisdead,too."
"What?Dead?OldSimondead?"
"Yes.Hediedshortlyafterthetheother.Rustsayshelefthisfatherafterthesister's
funeral,talkingwiththesextoninAbingdonchurchyard,andaweeklaterhewasnotifiedinLondon
thathisfatherwasdead.Hesaysthesextontoldhimhisfatherhadbeengivingdirectionsabout
hisownfuneral.ThesextonsaidthateverydaySimonwouldcomeuptoseehimaboutit,madeall
thearrangements,andthatthesextonjokedhimalittleaboutit,becausehewassuchahaleold
chap,thinkingthathewasjustoffbalanceforthetimewiththefreshnessofhisgrief.Andthen,a
weeklater,hewasdead."
"OldSimondead,"Isaid."Corinthia,thenSimon,andnowJotham."Thecandleflame
stoodsteadyandunwaveringonthetable.
"Wasthathername?"hesaid."EverbeCorinthia?"Hesatinthelonechair,puzzlement,
bewildermentintheveryshapeofhisshadowonthewallbehindhim.Thelightfellononesideof
hisface,themajor'scrownonthatshoulderglintingdully.Irosefromthecot,theharnessoftheleg
creakingwithexplosiveloudness,andleanedoverhisshoulderandtookacigarettefrommy
magnetocasetobaccobox,andfumbledamatchinmysinglehand.Heglancedup.
"Permitme,"hesaid.Hetooktheboxandstruckamatch.
"You'refortunatetohaveescapedwithjustthat."Heindicatedmysling.
"Yes,sir.Ifithadn'tbeenformyleg,I'dhavegottheknifeinmyribsinsteadofmyarm."
"Yourleg?"
"Ikeepitproppedonachairbesidethebed,soIcanreachiteasily.Hestumbledoverit
andwakedme.Otherwisehe'dhavestuckmelikeapig."
"Oh,"hesaid.Hedroppedthematchandbroodedagainwithhisstubbornbewilderment.
"Andyet,hisisnotthefaceofanassassininthedark.Thereisaforthrightnessinit,aawhatshall
Isay?asenseofsocialresponsibility,integrity,that...Andyousaythatyou,Ibegyourpardon;Ido
notdoubtyourword;itisonlythat...Yetthegirlisindubitablydead;itwashewhodiscoveredher
andwaswithheruntilshediedandsawherburied.Heheardthemanlaughonce,inthedark."
"Butyoucannotslashastranger'sarmsimplybecauseyouheardalaughinthedark,sir.
Thepoordeviliscrazywithhisownmisfortunes."
"Perhapsso,"thepadresaid."Hetoldmethathehasotherproof,something
incontrovertible;what,hewouldnottellme."
"Thenlethimproduceit.IfIwereinhisplacenow..."
Hebrooded,hishandsclaspedonthetable."Thereisajusticeinthenaturalcourseof
events...Mydearsir,areyouaccusingProvidenceofahorribleandmeaninglesspracticaljoke?
No,no;tohimwhohassinned,thatsinwillcomehometohim.Otherwise...Godisatleasta
gentleman.Forgiveme:Iamnot...Youunderstandhowthiscomeshometome,inthisunfortunate
timewhenwealreadyhavesomuchtoreproachourselveswith.Weareresponsibleforthis."He
touchedthesmallmetalcrossonhistunic,thenheswepthisarminacirculargesturethatshaped
inthequietroombetweenusthestillandsinisterdarknessinwhichthefineandresoundingwords
menmouthedsogliblywerethevampire'steethwithwhichthevampirefed."ThevoiceofGod
wakingHisservantsfromtheslothintowhichtheyhavesunk..."
"What,padre?"Isaid."Isthedamnthingmakingadissenterofyoutoo?"
Hemusedagain,hisfaceheavyinthecandlelight."Thatthefaceofawillfulshedderof
blood,ofanassassininthedark?No,no;youcannottellmethat."
Ididn'ttry.Ididn'ttellhimeithermybeliefthatonlynecessity,theneedforexpeditionand
silence,hadreducedJothamtoemployingaknife,aninstrumentofanykind;thatwhathewanted
wasmythroatunderhishands.
Hehadgonehomeonhisleave,tothatneatlittledovecotebesidethelock,andatoncehe
foundsomethingstrainedinitsatmosphereandoutoftune.Thatwaslastsummer,aboutthetimeI
wascompletingmycourseattheObservers'School.
Simonappearedtobeobliviousoftheundercurrent,butJothamhadnotbeenhomelong
beforehediscoveredthateveryeveningaboutduskCorinthiaquittedthehouseforanhourorso,
andsomethinginhermanner,ormaybeinthetautatmosphereofthehouseitself,causedhimto
questionher.Shewasevasive,blazedsuddenlyoutathiminangerwhichwascompletelyunlike
heratall,thenbecamepassiveanddocile.Thenherealizedthatthepassivenesswassecretive,
thedocilitydissimulation;oneeveninghesurprisedherslippingaway.Hedroveherbacktothe
house,whereshetookrefugeinherroomandlockedthedoor,andfromawindowhethoughthe
caughtaglimpseofthemandisappearingbeyondafield.Hepursued,butfoundnoone.Foran
hourafterduskhelayinanearbycoppice,watchingthehouse,thenhereturned.Corinthia'sdoor
wasstilllockedandoldSimonfilledthehousewithhispeacefulsnoring.
Latersomethingwakedhim.Hesatupinbed,thensprangtothefloorandwenttothe
window.Therewasamoonandbyitslighthesawsomethingwhiteflittingalongthetowpath.He
pursuedandovertookCorinthia,whoturnedlikeavicioussmallanimalattheedgeofthecoppice
wherehehadlaininhiding.Beyondthetowpathapuntlayatthebank.Itwasempty.Hegrasped
Corinthia'sarm.Sheragedathim;itcouldnothavebeenverypretty.Thenshecollapsedas
suddenlyandfromthetangleddarknessofthecoppicebehindthemaman'slaughcame,ajeering
soundthatechoedonceacrossthemoonlitriverandceased.
Corinthianowcrouchedontheground,watchinghim,herfacelikeamaskinthemoonlight.
Herushedintothecoppiceandbeatitthoroughly,findingnothing.Whenheemergedthepuntwas
gone.Herandowntothewater,lookingthiswayandthat.Whilehestoodtherethelaughcame
again,fromtheshadowsbeneaththeothershore.
HereturnedtoCorinthia.Shesatashehadlefther,herloosenedhairaboutherface,
lookingoutacrosstheriver.
Hespoketoher,butshedidnotreply.Heliftedhertoherfeet.Shecamedocilelyandthey
returnedtothecottage.
Hetriedtotalktoheragain,butshemovedstonilybesidehim,herloosenedhairabouther
coldface.Hesawhertoherroomandlockedthedoorhimselfandtookthekeybacktobedwith
him.Simonhadnotawakened.Thenextmorningshewasgone,thedoorstilllocked.
HetoldSimonthenandallthatdaytheysoughther,assistedbytheneighbors.Neitherof
themwishedtonotifythepolice,butatduskthatdayaconstableappearedwithhisnotebook,and
theydraggedthelock,withoutfindinganything.Thenextmorning,justafterdawn,Jothamfound
herlyinginthetowpathbeforethedoor.Shewasunconscious,butshowednophysicalinjury.They
broughtherintothehouseandappliedtheirspartan,homelyremedies,andafteratimeshe
revived,screaming.Shescreamedallthatdayuntilsunset.Shelayonherbackscreaming,her
eyeswideopenandperfectlyempty,untilhervoiceleftherandherscreamingwasonlyaghostof
screaming,makingnosound.Atsunsetshedied.
Hehadnowbeenabsentfromhisbattalionforahundredandtwelvedays.Godknowshow
hedidit;hemusthavelivedlikeabeast,hidden,eatingwhenhecould,lurkingintheshadowwith
everyman'shandagainsthim,ashesoughtthroughtheentireB.E.F.foramanwhoselaughhe
hadheardonetime,knowingthattheonethinghecouldsurelycountonfindingwouldbehisown
death,andtobefoiledonthevergeofsuccessbyanartificiallegproppedonachairinthedark.
HowmuchlateritwasIdon'tknow.Thecandlewaslightedagain,butthemanwhohad
awakenedmewasbendingoverthecot,betweenmeandthelight.Butdespitethelight,itwasa
littletoomuchlikethatnightbeforelast;Icameoutofsleepupstandingthistime,withmy
automatic.
"Asyouwere,"Isaid."You'llnot..."ThenhemovedbackandIrecognizedthepadre.He
stoodbesidethetable,thelightfallingononesideofhisfaceandchest.Isatupandputthepistol
down."Whatisit,padre?Dotheywantmeagain?"
"Hewantsnothing,"thepadresaid."Mancannotinjurehimfurthernow."Hestoodthere,a
portlyfigurethatshouldhavebeenpacingbenignantlyinashovelhatingreenlanesbetween
summerfields.Thenhethrusthishandintohistunicandproducedaflatobjectandlaiditonthe
table.
"IfoundthisamongJothamRust'seffectswhichhegavemetodestroy,anhourago,"he
said.Helookedatme,thenheturnedandwenttothedoor,andturnedagainandlookedatme.
"Ishe...Ithoughtitwastobeatdawn."
"Yes,"hesaid."Imusthurryback."Hewaseitherlookingatmeornot.Theflamestood
steadyabovethecandle.
Thenheopenedthedoor."MayGodhavemercyonyoursoul,"hesaid,andwentout.
Isatinthecoversandheardhimblunderoninthedarkness,thenIheardthemotorcycle
splutterintolifeanddieaway.Iswungmyfoottothefloorandrose,holdingontothechairon
whichtheartificiallegrested.Itwaschilly;itwasasthoughIcouldfeelthetoesevenoftheabsent
legcurlingawayfromthefloor,soIbracedmyhiponthechairandreachedtheflatobjectfromthe
tableandreturnedtobedanddrewtheblanketaboutmyshoulders.Mywristwatchsaidthree
o'clock.
Itwasaphotograph,acheapthingsuchasitinerantphotographersturnoutatfairs.Itwas
datedatAbingdoninJuneofthesummerjustpast.AtthattimeIwaslyinginthehospitaltalkingto
George,andIsatquitestillintheblankets,lookingatthephotograph,becauseitwasmyownface
thatlookedbackatme.Ithadaqualitythatwasnotmine:aqualityviciousandoutrageousand
unappalled,andbeneathitwaswritteninaboldsprawlinghandlikethatofachild:"ToEverbe
Corinthia"followedbyanunprintablephrase,yetitwasmyownface,andIsatholdingthepicture
quietlyinmyhandwhilethecandleflamestoodhighandsteadyabovethewickandonthewallmy
huddledshadowheldthemotionlessphotograph.Inslowandgradualdiminishmentofcoldtears
thecandleappearedtosink,asthoughburyingitselfinitsowngrief.Butevenbeforethiscame
about,itbegantopaleandfadeuntilonlythetranquilhuskofthesmallflamestoodunwindedasa
featherabovethewax,leavinguponthewallthemotionlesshuskofmyshadow.ThenIsawthat
thewindowwasgray,andthatwasall.ItwouldbedawnatPoptoo,butitmusthavebeensome
time,andthepadremusthavegotbackintime.
Itoldhimtofinditandkillit.Thedawnwascold;onthesemorningsthebuttofthelegfelt
asthoughitweremadeofice.Itoldhimto.Itoldhim.

Mistral
ITWASTHELASToftheMilanesebrandy.Idrank,andpassedthebottletoDon,wholiftedthe
flaskuntiltheliquorslantedyellowlyinthenarrowslotintheleatherjacket,andwhilehehelditso
thesoldiercameupthepath,histunicopenatthethroat,pushingthebicycle.Hewasayoung
man,withaboldleanface.Hegaveusasurlygooddayandlookedattheflaskamomentashe
passed.Wewatchedhimdisappearbeyondthecrest,mountingthebicycleashewentoutofsight.
Dontookamouthful,thenhepouredtherestout.Itsplatteredontheparchedearth,
pockingitforafadingmoment.Heshooktheflasktotheultimatedrop."Salut,"hesaid,returning
theflask."Thanks,Ogods.MyLord,ifIthoughtI'dhavetogotobedwithanymoreofthatinmy
stomach."
"It'stoobad,thewayyouhavetodrinkit,"Isaid."Justhavetodrinkit."Istowedtheflask
awayandwewenton,crossingthecrest.Thepathbegantodescend,stillinshadow.Theairwas
vivid,filledwithsunwhichheldaqualitybeyondthatofmerelightandheat,andasourcelessgoat
bellsomewherebeyondthenextturnofthepath,distantandunimpeded.
"Ihatetoseeyouluggingthestuffalongdayafterday,"
Donsaid."That'sthereasonIdo.Youcouldn'tdrinkit,andyouwouldn'tthrowitaway."
"Throwitaway?Itcosttenlire.WhatdidIbuyitfor?"
"Godknows,"Donsaid.Againstthesunfilledvalleythetreeswerelikethebarsofagrate,
thepathagapinthebars,thevalleyblueandsunny.Thegoatbellwassomewhereahead.A
fainterpathturnedoffatrightangles,steeperthanthebroadonewhichwewerefollowing."He
wentthatway,"Donsaid.
"Whodid?"Isaid.Donwaspointingtothefaintmarkofbicycletireswheretheyhadturned
intothefainterpath.
"See."
"Thisonemustnothavebeensteepenoughforhim,"Isaid.
"Hemusthavebeeninahurry."
"Hesurewas,afterhemadethatturn."
"Maybethere'sahaystackatthebottom."
"Orhecouldrunonacrossthevalleyanduptheothermountainandthenrunbackdown
thatoneandupthisoneagainuntilhismomentumgaveout."
"Oruntilhestarvedtodeath,"Donsaid.
"That'sright,"Isaid."Didyoueverhearofamanstarvingtodeathonabicycle?"
"No,"Donsaid."Didyou?"
"No,"Isaid.Wedescended.Thepathturned,andthenwecameuponthegoatbell.Itwas
onaladenmulecroppingwithdelicatetinklingjerksatthepathsidenearastoneshrine.Besidethe
shrinesatamanincorduroyandawomaninabrightshawl,acoveredbasketbesideher.They
watchedusasweapproached.
"Goodday,signor,"Donsaid."Isitfar?"
"Goodday,signori,"thewomansaid.Themanlookedatus.Hehadblueeyeswith
dissolvingirises,asiftheyhadbeensoakedinwaterforalongtime.Thewomantouchedhisarm,
thenshemadeswiftplaywithherfingersbeforehisface.Hesaid,inadrymetallicvoicelikea
cicada's:"Goodday,signori."
"Hedoesn'thearanymore,"thewomansaid."No,itisnotfar.Fromyonderyouwillseethe
roofs."
"Good,"Donsaid."Wearefatigued.Mightoneresthere,signora?"
"Rest,signori,"thewomansaid.Weslippedourpacksandsatdown.Thesunslantedupon
theshrine,upontheserene,weatheredfigureinthenicheandupontwobunchesofdriedmountain
asterslyingthere.Thewomanwasmakingplaywithherfingersbeforetheman'sface.Herother
handinreposeuponthebasketbesideherwasgnarledandrough.Motionless,ithadthatrigid
qualityofunaccustomedidleness,notrestfulsomuchasquitespent,dead.Itlookedlikean
artificialhandattachedtotheedgeoftheshawl,asifshehaddonneditwiththeshawlfor
conventionalcomplement.Theotherhand,theonewithwhichshetalkedtotheman,wasswiftand
suppleasaprestidigitator's.
Themanlookedatus."Youwalk,signori,"hesaidinhislight,cadencelessvoice.
"Si,"wesaid.Dontookoutthecigarettes.Themanliftedhishandinaslight,deprecatory
gesture.Doninsisted.Themanbowedformally,sitting,andfumbledatthepack.Thewomantook
thecigarettefromthepackandputitintohishand.Hebowedagainasheacceptedalight."From
Milano,"Donsaid."Itisfar."
"Itisfar,"thewomansaid.Herfingersrippledbriefly.
"Hehasbeenthere,"shesaid.
"Iwasthere,signori,"themansaid.Heheldthecigarettecarefullybetweenthumband
forefinger."Onetakescaretoescapethecarriages."
"Yes."Donsaid."Thosewithouthorses."
"Withouthorses,"thewomansaid."Therearemany.Evenhereinthemountainswehear
ofit."
"Many,"Donsaid."Alwayswhoosh.Whoosh.Whoosh."
"Si,"thewomansaid."EvenhereIhaveseenit."Herhandrippledinthesunlight.Theman
lookedatusquietly,smoking."Itwasnotlikethatwhenhewasthere,yousee,"shesaid.
"Iamtherelongtimeago,signori,"hesaid."Itisfar."
Hespokeinthesametoneshehadused,thesametoneofgraveandcourteous
explanation.
"Itisfar,"Donsaid.Wesmoked.Themulecroppedwithdelicate,jerkingtinklesofthebell.
"Butwecanrestyonder,"Donsaid,extendinghishandtowardthevalleyswimmingblueandsunny
beyondtheprecipicewherethepathturned."Abowlofsoup,wine,abed?"
Thewomanwatchedusacrossthatsereneandtoplessrampartofthedeaf,thecigarette
smokingclosebetweenthumbandfinger.Thewoman'shandflickeredbeforehisface."Si,"he
said;"si.Withthepriest:whynot?Thepriestwilltakethemin."Hesaidsomethingelse,tooswift
forme.Thewomanremovedthecheckedclothwhichcoveredthebasket,andtookoutawineskin.
DonandIbowedanddrankinturn,themanreturningthebows.
"Isitfartothepriest's?"Donsaid.
Thewoman'shandflickeredwithunbelievablerapidity.
Herotherhand,lyinguponthebasket,mighthavebelongedtoanotherbody."Letthem
waitforhimthere,then,"themansaid.Helookedatus."Thereisafuneraltoday.Youwillfindhim
atthechurch.Drink,signori."
Wedrankindecorousturn,thethreeofus.Thewinewasharshandsharpandpotent.The
mulecropped,itssmallbelltinkling,itsshadowlongintheslantingsun,acrossthepath."Whoisit
that'sdead,signora?"Donsaid.
"Hewastohavemarriedthepriest'swardafterthisharvest,"thewomansaid;"thebanns
werereadandall.Arichman,andnotold.Buttwodaysago,hedied."
Themanwatchedherlips."Tchk.Heownedland,ahouse:sodoI.Itisnothing."
"Hewasrich,"thewomansaid."Becausehewasbothyoungandfortunate,mymanis
jealousofhim."
"Butnotnow,"themansaid."Eh,signori?"
"Toliveisgood,"Donsaid.Hesaid,ehello.
"Itisgood,"themansaid;healsosaid,bello.
"Hewastohavemarriedthepriest'sniece,yousay,"Donsaid.
"Sheisnokintohim,"thewomansaid."Thepriestjustraisedher.Shewassixwhenhe
tookher,withoutpeople,kin,ofanysort.Themotherwasworkhousebred.Shelivedinahuton
themountainyonder.Itwasnotknownwhothefatherwas,althoughthepriesttriedforalongwhile
topersuadeoneofthemtomarryherforthechild's..."
"Oneofwhich?"Donsaid.
"Oneofthosewhomighthavebeenthefather,signor.Butitwasneverknownwhichoneit
was,untilin1916.Hewasayoungman,alaborer;thenextdaywelearnedthatthemotherhad
gonetoo,tothewaralso,forshewasneverseenagainbythosewhoknewheruntiloneofour
boyscamehomeafterCaporetto,wherethefatherhadbeenkilled,andtoldhowthemotherhad
beenseeninahouseinMilanothatwasnotagoodhouse.Sothepriestwentandgotthechild.
Shewassixthen,brownandleanasalizard.Shewashiddenonthemountainwhenthepriestgot
there;thehousewasempty.Thepriestpursuedheramongtherocksandcapturedherlikea
beast:shewashalfnakedandwithoutshoesanditwintertime."
"Sothepriestkepther,"Donsaid."Stoutfellow."
"Shehadnopeople,noroof,nocrusttocallherssavewhatthepriestgaveher.Butyou
wouldnotknowit.AlwayswitharedoragreendressforSundaysandfeastdays,evenatfourteen
andfifteen,whenagirlshouldbelearningmodestyandindustry,tobeacrowntoherhusband.
Thepriesthadtoldthatshewouldbeforthechurch,andwewonderedwhenhewouldmakeher
putsuchawayforthegreatergloryofGod.Butatfourteenandfifteenshewasalreadythe
brightestandloudestandmosttirelessinthedances,andtheyoungmenalreadybeginningtolook
afterher,evenafterithadbeenarrangedbetweenherandhimwhoisdeadyonder."
"Thepriestchangedhismindaboutthechurchandgotherahusbandinstead,"Donsaid.
"Hefoundforherthebestcatchinthisparish,signor.Young,andrich,withanewsuiteach
yearfromtheMilanotailor.Thentheharvestcame,andwhatdoyouthink,signori?shewouldnot
marryhim."
"Ithoughtyousaidtheweddingwasnottobeuntilafterthisharvest,"Donsaid."Youmean,
theweddinghadalreadybeenputoffayearbeforethisharvest?"
"Ithadbeenputoffforthreeyears.Itwasmadethreeyearsago,tobeafterthatharvest.It
wasmadeinthesameweekthatGiulioFarinzalewascalledtothearmy.Irememberhowwewere
allsurprised,becausenonehadthoughthisnumberwouldcomeupsosoon,eventhoughhewas
abachelorandwithouttiessaveanuncleandaunt."
"Isthatso?"Donsaid."Governmentssurpriseeverybodynowandthen.Howdidhegetout
ofit?"
"Hedidnotgetoutofit."
"Oh.That'swhytheweddingwasputoff,wasit?"
ThewomanlookedatDonforaminute."Giuliowasnotthefiance'sname."
"Oh,Isee.WhowasGiulio?"
Thewomandidnotansweratonce.Shesatwithherheadbentalittle.Themanhadbeen
watchingtheirlipswhentheyspoke."Goon,"hesaid;"tellthem.Theyaremen:theycanlistento
women'stittletattlewiththeearsalone.Theycackle,signori;givethemabreathingspell,andthey
cacklelikegeese.Drink."
"Hewastheonesheusedtomeetbytheriverintheevenings;hewasyoungerstill:that
waswhyweweresurprisedthathisnumbershouldbecalledsosoon.Beforewehadthoughtshe
wasoldenoughforsuch,shewasmeetinghim.Andhidingitfromthepriestasskillfullyasany
grownwomancould..."Foraninstanttheman'swashedeyesglintedatus,quizzical.
"ShewasmeetingthisGiulioallthewhileshewasengagedtotheotherone?"Donsaid.
"No.Theengagementwaslater.Wehadnotthoughtheroldenoughforsuchyet.Whenwe
heardaboutit,wesaidhowananonymouschildislikealetterinthepostoffice:theenvelope
mightlooklikeanyotherenvelope,butwhenyouopenit..Andtheholycanbefooledbysinas
quicklyasyouorI,signori.Quicker,becausetheyareholy."
"Didheeverfinditout?"Donsaid.
 "Yes.Itwasnotlongafter.Shewouldslipoutofthehouseatdusk;shewasseen,andthe
priestwasseen,hiddeninthegardentowatchthehouse:aservantoftheholyGodforcedtoplay
watchdogfortheworldtosee.Itwasnotgood,signori."
"Andthentheyoungmangotcalledsuddenlytothearmy,"Donsaid."Isthatright?"
"Itwasquitesudden;wewereallsurprised.ThenwethoughtthatitwasthehandofGod,
andthatnowthepriestwouldsendhertotheconvent.Theninthatsameweekwelearnedthatit
wasarrangedbetweenherandhimwhoisdeadyonder,tobeaftertheharvest,andwesaiditwas
thehandofGodthatwouldconferuponherahusbandbeyondherdesertsinordertoprotectHis
servant.Fortheholyaresusceptibletoevil,evenasyouandI,signori;theytooarehelplessbefore
sinwithoutGod'said."
"Tchk,tchk,"themansaid."Itwasnothing.Thepriestlookedather,too,"hesaid."Fora
manisaman,evenunderacassock.Eh,signori?"
"Youwouldsayso,"thewomansaid."Youwithoutgrace."
"Andthepriestlookedather,too,"Donsaid.
"Itwashistrial,hispunishment,forhavingbeentoolenientwithher.Andthepunishment
wasnotover:theharvestcame,andweheardthattheweddingwasputoffforayear:whatdoyou
thinkofthat,signori?thatagirl,comefromwhatshehadcomefrom,tobegiventhechancewhich
thepriesthadgivenhertosaveherfromherself,fromherblood...Weheardhowtheyquarreled,
sheandthepriest,ofhowshedefiedhim,slippingoutofthehouseafterdarkandgoingtothe
danceswhereherfiancemightseeherorhearofitatanytime."
"Wastheprieststilllookingather?"Donsaid.
"Itwashispunishment,hisexpiation.Sothenextharvestcame,anditwasputoffagain,to
beafterthenextharvest;thebannswerenotevenbegun.Shedefiedhimtothatextent,signori,
she,apauper,andweallsaying,'Whenwillherfiancehearofit,learnthatsheisnogood,when
therearedaughtersofgoodhouseswhohadlearnedmodestyandseemliness?'"
"Youhaveunmarrieddaughters,signora?"Donsaid.
"Si.One.TwohaveImarried,onestillinmyhouse.Agoodgirl,signori,ifIdosayit."
"Tchk,woman,"themansaid.
"Thatisreadilybelieved,"Donsaid."Sotheyoungmanhadgonetothearmy,andthe
weddingwasputoffforanotheryear."
"Andanotheryear,signori.Andthenathirdyear.Thenitwastobeafterthisharvest;within
amonthitwastohavebeen.Thebannswereread;thepriestreadthemhimselfinthechurch,the
thirdtimelastSunday,withhimthereinhisnewMilanosuitandshebesidehimintheshawlhe
hadgivenher:itcostahundredlireandagoldenchain,forhegavehergiftssuitableforaqueen
ratherthanforonewhocouldnotnameherownfather,andwebelievedthatatlastthepriesthad
servedhisexpiationoutandthattheevilhadbeenliftedfromhishouseatlast,sincethesoldier's
timewouldalsobeupthisfall.Andnowthefianceisdead."
"Washeverysick?"Donsaid.
"Itwasverysudden.Ahaleman;oneyouwouldhavesaidwouldlivealongtime.Oneday
hewaswell,theseconddayhewasquitesick.Thethirddayhewasdead.Perhapsyoucanhear
thebell,withlistening,sinceyouhaveyoungears."
Theoppositemountainswereinshadow.Between,thevalleylayinvisiblestill.Inthesunny
silencethemule'sbelltinkledinrandomjerks."ForitisinGod'shands,"thewomansaid.
"Whowillsaythathislifeishisown?"
"Whowillsay?"Donsaid.Hedidnotlookatme.HesaidinEnglish:"Givemeacigarette."
"You'vegotthem."
"No,Ihaven't."
"Yes,youhave.Inyourpantspocket."
 Hetookoutthecigarettes.HecontinuedtospeakinEnglish."Andhediedsuddenly.And
hegotengagedsuddenly.Andatthesametime,Giuliogotdraftedsuddenly.Itwouldhave
surprisedyou.Everythingwassuddenexceptsomebody'seagernessfortheweddingtobe.There
didn'tseemtobeanyhurryaboutthat,didthere?"
"Idon'tknow.Inospika."
"Infact,theyseemedtostopbeingsuddenaltogetheruntilabouttimeforGiuliotocome
homeagain.Thenitbegantobesuddenagain.AndsoIthinkI'llaskifpriestsserveonthedraft
boardsinItaly."Theoldmanwatchedhislips,hiswashedgazegraveandintent."Andifthispath
isthemainpathdownthemountain,andthatbicycleturnedoffintothatnarrowonebackthere,
whatdoyouthinkofthat,signori?"
"Ithinkitwasfine.Onlyalittlesharptothethroat.Maybewecangetsomethingdownthere
totakeawaythetaste."
Themanwaswatchingourlips;thewoman'sheadwasbentagain;herstiffhandsmoothed
thecheckedcoveruponthebasket."Youwillfindhimatthechurch,signori,"themansaid.
"Yes,"Donsaid."Atthechurch."
Wedrankagain.Themanacceptedanothercigarettewiththatformalandunfailing
politeness,conferringupontheactionsomethingfinelyceremoniousyetnotincongruous.
Thewomanputthewineskinbackintothebasketandcovereditagain.Weroseandtook
upourpacks.
"Youtalkswiftlywiththehand,signora,"Donsaid.
"Hereadsthelipstoo.Theotherwemadelyinginthebedinthedark.Theolddonotsleep
somuch.Theoldlieinbedandtalk.Itisnotlikethatwithyouyet."
"Itisso.Youhavemadethepadronemanychildren,signora?"
"Si.Seven.Butweareoldnow.Welieinbedandtalk."

II

BEFOREWEREACHEDthevillagethebellhadbeguntotoll.
Fromthegauntsteepleofthechurchthemeasurednotesseemedtoblowfreeasfroma
winterbranch,alongthewind.
Thewindbeganassoonasthesunwentdown.Wewatchedthesuntouchthemountains,
whereupontheskylostitspale,vividbluenessandtookonafaintlygreenishcast,likeglass,
againstwhichtherecentcrest,wheretheshrinefadedwiththedriedhandfulofflowersbeneaththe
fadingcrucifix,stoodblackandsharp.Thenthewindbegan:asteadymovingwallofairfullof
invisibleparticlesofsomething.Beforeitthebranchesleanedwithoutaquiver,asbeforethe
pressureofaninvisiblehand,andinitourbloodbegantocoolatonce,evenbeforewehad
stoppedwalkingwherethepathbecameacobbledstreet.
Thebellstilltolled."Funnyhourforafuneral,"Isaid."You'dthinkhewouldhavekepta
longtimeatthisaltitude.Noneedtobehurriedintothegroundlikethis."
"Hegotinwithafastgang,"Donsaid.Thechurchwasinvisiblefromhere,shutoffbya
wall.Westoodbeforeagate,lookingintoacourtenclosedbythreewallsandroofedbyavineona
rafteredtrellis.Itcontainedawoodentableandtwobacklessbenches.Westoodatthegate,
lookingintothecourt,whenDonsaid."SothisisUncle'shouse."
"Uncle?"
"Hewaswithouttiessaveanuncleandaunt,"Donsaid.
"Yonder,bythedoor."Thedoorwasatthebottomofthecourt.Therewasafirebeyondit,
andbesidethedoorabicycleleanedagainstthewall."Thebicycle,unconscious,"Donsaid.
"Isthatabicycle?"
 "Sure.That'sabicycle."Itwasanoldstylemachine,withhighbackswepthandlebarslike
gazellehorns.Welookedatit.
"Theotherpathisthebackentrance,"Isaid."Thefamilyentrance."Weheardthebell,
lookingintothecourt.
"Maybethewinddoesn'tblowinthere,"Donsaid."Besides,there'snohurry.Wecouldn't
seehimanyway,untilit'sover."
"Theseplacesarehotelssometimes."Weentered.Thenwesawthesoldier.Whenwe
approachedthetablehecametothedoorandstoodagainstthefirelight,lookingatus.Heworea
whiteshirtnow.Butwecouldtellhimbyhislegs.
Thenhewentbackintothehouse.
"SoMalbrouckishome,"Donsaid.
"Maybehecamebackforthefuneral."Welistenedtothebell.Thetwilightwasthicker
inside.Overheadtheleavesstreamedrigidonthewind,stippledblackuponthelividtranslucent
sky.Thestrokesofthebellsoundedasthoughtheytoowereleavesflatteningawayuponan
inviolablevineinthewind.
"Howdidheknowtherewasgoingtobeone?"Donsaid.
"Maybethepriestwrotehimaletter."
"Maybeso,"Donsaid.Thefirelightlookedgoodbeyondthedoor.Thenawomanstoodin
it,lookingatus."Goodday,padrona,"Donsaid."Mightonehaveamouthfulofwinehere?"She
lookedatus,motionlessagainstthefirelight.
Shewastall.Shestoodtallandmotionlessagainstthefirelight,nottouchingthedoor.The
belltolled."Sheusedtobeasoldiertoo,"Donsaid."Shewasasergeant."
"MaybeshewasthecolonelwhoorderedMalbroucktogohome."
"No.Hewasn'tmovingfastenoughwhenhepassedusupyonder,forittohavebeenher."
Thenthewomanspoke:"Itisso,signori.Restyourselves."Shewentbackintothehouse.We
slippedourpacksandsatdown.Welookedatthebicycle.
"Cavalry,"Donsaid."Wonderwhyhecamethebackway."
"Allright,"Isaid.
"Allrightwhat?"
"Allright.Wonder."
"Isthatajoke?"
"Sure.That'sajoke.It'sbecauseweareold.Welieinthedraft.That'sajoketoo."
"Tellmesomethingthat'snotajoke."
"Allright."
"DidyouhearthesamethingIthinkIheardupthere?"
"Nospika.IloveItaly.IloveMussolini."Thewomanbroughtthewine.Shesetitonthe
tableandwasturningaway."Askher,"Isaid."Whydon'tyou?"
"Allright.Iwill.Youhavemilitaryinthehouse,signora?"
Thewomanlookedathim."Itisnothing,signor.Itismynephewreturned."
"Finished,signora?"
"Finished,signor."
"Acceptourfelicitations.Hehasdoubtlessmanyfriendswhowillrejoiceathisreturn."She
wasthin,notold,withcoldeyes,lookingdownatDonwithbrusqueattention,waiting."Youhavea
funeralinthevillagetoday."Shesaidnothingatall.Shejuststoodthere,waitingforDontoget
donetalking."Hewillbemourned,"Donsaid.
"Letushopeso,"shesaid.Shemadetogoon;Donaskedheraboutlodgings.Therewere
none,sheansweredwithimmediatefinality.Thenwerealizedthatthebellhadceased.
Wecouldhearthesteadywhisperofthewindintheleavesoverhead.
"Weweretoldthatthepriest..."Donsaid.
 "Yes?Youweretoldthatthepriest."
"Thatwemightperhapsfindlodgingsthere."
"Thenyouwoulddowelltoseethepriest,signor."Shereturnedtothehouse.Shestrode
withthelongstrideofamanintothefirelight,anddisappeared.WhenIlookedatDon,helooked
awayandreachedforthewine.
"Whydidn'tyouaskhersomemore?"Isaid."Whydidyouquitsosoon?"
"Shewasinahurry.Hernephewisjusthomefromthearmy,shesaid.Hecameinthis
afternoon.Shewantstobewithhim,sinceheiswithoutties."
"Maybeshe'safraidhe'llbedrafted."
"Isthatajoketoo?"
"Itwouldn'tbetome."Hefilledtheglasses."Callherback.Tellheryouheardthather
nephewistomarrythepriest'sward.Tellherwewanttogivethemapresent.Astomachpump.
That'snotajoke,either."
"Iknowit'snot."Hefilledhisglasscarefully."Whichhadyouratherdo,orstayatthe
priest'stonight?"
"Salut,"Isaid.
"Salut."Wedrank.Theleavesmadeadry,wild,continuoussound."Wishitwasstill
summer."
"Itwouldbeprettycoldtonight,eveninabarn."
"Yes.Gladwedon'thavetosleepinabarntonight."
"Itwouldn'tbesobad,afterwegotthehaywarmandgottosleep."
"Wedon'thaveto,though.Wecangetagoodsleepandgetanearlystartinthemorning."
Ifilledtheglasses."Iwonderhowfaritistothenextvillage."
"Toofar."Wedrank."Iwishitweresummer.Don'tyou?"
"Yes."Iemptiedthebottleintotheglasses."Havesomewine."Weraisedourglasses.We
lookedatoneanother.Theparticlesinthewindseemedtodrivethroughtheclothing,throughthe
flesh,againstthebones,penetratingthebrickandplasterofthewallstoreachus."Salut."
"Wesaidthatbefore,"Donsaid.
"Allright.Salut,then."
"Salut."
Wewereyoung:Don,twentythree;I,twentytwo.Andageissomuchapartof,so
inextricablefrom,theplacewhereyouwerebornorbred.Sothatawayfromhome,somedistance
awayspaceortimeorexperienceawayyouarealwaysbotholderandeternallyyoungerthan
yourself,atthesametime.
Westoodintheblackwindandwatchedthefuneral:priest,coffin,ameagerclumpof
mournerspass,theirgarments,andparticularlythepriest'srustyblack,ballooningaheadofthem,
givinganillusionofunseemlyhaste,asthoughtheywereoutstrippingthemselvesacrosstheharsh
greentwilight(theairwaslikehavingtodrinkicedlemonadeinthewintertime)andintothechurch.
"We'llbeoutofthewindtoo,"Donsaid.
"There'sanhouroflightyet."
"Sure;wemightevenreachthecrestbydark."Helookedatme.ThenIlookedaway.The
redtilesoftheroofswereblack,too,now."We'llbeoutofthewind."Thenthebellbegantotoll
again."Wedon'tknowanything.There'sprobablynotanything.Anyway,wedon'tknowit.Wedon't
havetoknowit.Let'sgetoutofthewind."Itwasoneofthosestark,square,stonechurches,built
bythoseharshironcountsandbishopsofLombardy.Itwasbuiltold;timehadnotevenmellowed
it,couldnotevermellowit,notalloftimecouldhave.Theymighthavebuiltthemountainstooand
inventedthetwilightinadungeonunderground,intheblackground.
Andbesidethedoorthebicycleleaned.Welookedatitquietlyasweenteredthechurch
andwesaidquietly,atthesametime:"Beaver."
 "He'soneofthepallbearers,"Donsaid."That'swhyhecamehome."Thebelltolled.We
passedthroughthechancelandstoppedatthebackofthechurch.Wewereoutofthewindnow,
saveforthechilleddiesofitthatlickedinatourbacks.Wecouldhearitoutside,rippingtheslow
strokesofthebellhalfbornoutofthebelfry,sothatbythetimeweheardthem,theyseemedto
havecomebackasechoesfromafardistance.Thenave,groinedupwardintothegloom,dwarfed
themeagerclotofbowedfigures.Beyondthem,abovethesteadycandles,theHostrose,soaring
intosootlikeshadowslikefestoonedcobwebs,withaqualitysorrowfulandtriumphant,likewings.
Therewasnoorgan,nomusic,nohumansoundatallatfirst.Theyjustkneltthereamongthe
dwarfinggloomandthecold,serene,faintlightofthecandles.Theymighthaveallbeendead."It'll
bedarklongbeforetheycangetdone,"Donwhispered.
"Maybeit'sbecauseoftheharvest,"Iwhispered."Theyprobablyhavetoworkallday.The
livingcan'twaitonthedead,youknow."
"But,ifhewasasrichastheytoldushewas,itseemslike..."
"Whoburiestherich?Dotherichdoit,ordothepoordoit?"
"Thepoordoit,"Donwhispered.Thenthepriestwasthere,abovethebowedheads.We
hadnotseenhimatfirst,butnowhewasthere,shapeless,blurringoutoftheshadowsbelowthe
candles,hisfacelikeasmudge,athumbprint,uponthegloomwheretheHostroseinaseriesof
dissolvinggleamslikeawaterfall;hisvoicefilledthechurch,slow,steady,likewingsbeating
againstthecoldstone,upontheresonanceofwindinwhichthewindlesscandlesstoodasthough
painted."Andsohelookedather,"Donwhispered.
"Hehadtositacrossthetablefromher,say,andwatchher.Watchhereatingthefoodthat
madeherchangefromnothingandbecomeeverything,knowingshehadnofoodofherownand
thatitwashisfoodthatwasdoingit,andnotforhimchanging.Youknow,girls:theyarenot
anything,thentheyareeverything.Youwatchthembecomeeverythingbeforeyoureyes.No,not
eyes:it'sthesameinthedark.Youknowitbeforetheydo;it'snottheirbecomingeverythingthat
youdread:it'stheirfindingitoutafteryouhavelongknownit:youdietoomanytimes.Andthat's
notright.Notfair.IhopeI'llneverhaveadaughter."
"That'sincest,"Iwhispered.
"Ineversaiditwasn't.Isaiditwaslikefire.Likewatchingthefireleanupandaway
rushing."
"Youmusteitherwatchafire,orburnupinit.Ornotbethereatall.Whichwouldyou
choose?"
"Idon'tknow.Ifitwasagirl,I'dratherburnupinit."
"Thantonotbethereatall,even?"
"Yes."Becausewewereyoung.Andtheyoungseemtobeimpervioustoanythingexcept
trifles.Wecaninvesttrifleswithatragicprofundity,whichistheworld.Because,afterall,there's
nothingparticularlyprofoundaboutreality.
Becausewhenyoureachreality,alongaboutfortyorfiftyorsixty,youfindittobeonlysix
feetdeepandeighteenfeetsquare.
Thenitwasover.Outsideagain,thewindblewsteadilydownfromtheblackhills,hollowing
outthegreenglassbowlofthesky.Wewatchedthemfileoutofthechurchandcarrythecoffininto
thechurchyard.Fourofthemcarriedironlanternsandinthedusktheyclottedquietlyanticabout
thegravewhilethewindleanedsteadilyuponthemanduponthelanternflames,andblewfinedust
intothegraveasthoughallnaturewerequicktohideit.Thentheyweredone.
Thelanternsbobbedintomotion,approaching,andwewatchedthepriest.Hecrossedthe
churchyardtowardthepresbyteryatascuttlinggait,blownalonginhisgustyblack.
Thesoldierwasinmuftinow.Hecameoutofthethrong,stridingalsowiththatlonglimbed
thrustlikehisaunt.Helookedbrieflyatuswithhisboldsurlyfaceandgotonthebikeandrode
away."Hewasoneofthepallbearers,"Donsaid."Andwhatdoyouthinkofthat,signori?"
 "Nospika,"Isaid."IloveItaly.IloveMussolini."
"Yousaidthatbefore."
"Allright.Salut,then."
Donlookedatme.Hisfacewasquitesober."Salut,"hesaid.Thenhelookedtowardthe
presbytery,hitchinghispackforward.Thedoorofthepresbyterywasclosed.
"Don,"Isaid.Hestopped,lookingatme.Themountainshadlostallperspective;they
appearedtoleanintowardus.
Itwaslikebeingatthebottomofadeadvolcanofilledwiththatlostsavagegreenwind,
deadinitsownmotionandfullofitsowndrivingandunsleepingdust.Welookedatoneanother.
"Allright,damnit,"Donsaid."Yousaywhattodonext,then."Welookedatoneanother.
Afterawhilethewindwouldsoundlikesleep,maybe.Ifyouwerewarmandclosebetweenwalls,
maybe.
"Allright,"Isaid.
"Whycan'tyoumean,allright?Damnit,we'vegottodosomething.ThisisOctober;it'snot
summer.Andwedon'tknowanything.Wehaven'theardanything.Wedon'tspeakItalian.Welove
Italy."
"Isaid,allright,"Isaid.Thepresbyterywasofstonetoo,bleakinarankgarden.Wewere
halfwayuptheflaggedpathwhenacasementbeneaththeeavesopenedandsomebodyinwhite
lookeddownatusandclosedtheshutteragain.
Itwasdoneallinonemovement.Againwesaidtogether,quietly:"Beaver."Butitwastoo
darktoseemuch,andthecasementwasclosedagain.Ithadnottakentenseconds.
"Onlyweshouldhavesaid,Beaverette,"Donsaid.
"That'sright.Isthatajoke?"
"Yes.That'sajoke."Awoodenfacedpeasantwomanopenedthedoor.Sheheldacandle,
theflameleaninginwardfromthewind.Thehallbehindherwasdark;astale,chillsmellcameout
ofit.Shestoodthere,theharshplanesofherfaceinsharprelief,hereyestwocavernsinwhich
twolittleflamesglittered,lookingatus.
"Goon,"Isaid."Tellhersomething."
"Weweretoldthathisreverence,signora,"Donsaid,"thatwemight..."Thecandleleaned
andrecovered.Sheraisedtheotherhandandshelteredit,blockingthedoorwithherbody."We
aretravelers,enpromenade;weweretoldsupperandabed..."
Whenwefollowedherdownthehallwecarriedwithusinourearsthelongrushofthe
recentwind,likeinaseashell.
Therewasnolightsavethecandlewhichshecarried.Sothat,behindher,wewalkedin
gloomoutofwhichtheserratedshadowofastairononewallreareddimlyintothepassingcandle
anddissolvedinmountingserrations,carryingtheeyewithitupthewallwheretherewasnotany
light.
"Prettysoonit'llbetoodarktoseeanythingfromthatwindow,"Donsaid.
"Maybeshewon'thaveto,bythen."
"Maybeso."Thewomanopenedadoor;weenteredalightedroom.Itcontainedatableon
whichsatacandleinanironcandlestick,acarafeofwine,alongloaf,ametalboxwithaslotted
cover.Thetablewassetfortwo.Weslungourpacksintothecornerandwatchedhersetanother
placeandfetchanotherchairfromthehall.Butthatmadeonlythreeplacesandwewatchedher
takeuphercandleandgooutbyaseconddoor.ThenDonlookedatme."Maybewe'llseeher,
afterall."
"Howdoyouknowhedoesn'teat?"
"When?Don'tyouknowwherehe'llbe?"Ilookedathim.
"He'llhavetostayoutthereinthegarden."
"Howdoyouknow?"
 "Thesoldierwasatthechurch.Hemusthaveseenhim.Musthaveheard..."Welookedat
thedoor,butitwasthewoman.Shehadthreebowls."Soup,signora?"Donsaid.
"Si.Soup."
"Good.Wehavecomefar."Shesetthebowlsonthetable."FromMilano."Shelooked
brieflyoverhershoulderatDon.
"You'dbetterhavestayedthere,"shesaid.Andshewentout.DonandIlookedatone
another.Myearswerestillfullofwind.
"Soheisinthegarden!"Donsaid.
"Howdoyouknowheis?"
AfterawhileDonquitlookingatme."Idon'tknow."
"No.Youdon'tknow.AndIdon'tknow.Wedon'twanttoknow.Dowe?"
"No.Nospika."
"Imean,sureenough."
"That'swhatImean,"Donsaid.Thewhisperinourearsseemedtofilltheroomwithwind.
Thenwerealizedthatitwasthewindthatweheard,thewinditselfweheard,eventhoughthe
singlewindowwasshutteredtight.Itwasasthoughthequietroomwereisolatedontheultimate
peakofspace,hollowedmurmurousoutofchaosandthelongdarkfuryoftime.Itseemedstrange
thatthecandleflameshouldstandsosteadyabovethewick.

Ill

SOWEDIDNOTseehimuntilwewereinthehouse.Untilthenhehadbeenonlyashabby
shapelessfigure,onthesmallsize,scuttlingthroughtheblowingduskattheheadofthefuneral,
andavoice.Itwasasthoughneitherofthemwasanypartoftheother:thefigureinblowingblack,
andthevoicebeatingupthestillairabovethecandles,detachedanddispassionate,tirelessand
spentandforlorn.
Therewassomethingprecipitateaboutthewayheentered,likeadivertakingafullbreath
intheactofdiving.Hedidnotlookatusandhewasalreadyspeaking,greetingusandexcusing
histardinessinonebreath,inalowrapidvoice.
Still,withouthavingceasedtospeakorhavinglookedatus,hemotionedtowardtheother
chairsandseatedhimselfandbowedhisheadoverhisplateandbeganaLatingracewithouta
breakinhisvoice;againhisvoiceseemedtorushslowandeffortlessjustabovethesoundofthe
wind,likeinthechurch.Itwentonforsometime;sothatafterawhileIraisedmyhead.Donwas
watchingme,hiseyebrowsarchedalittle;welookedtowardthepriestandsawhishandswrithing
slowlyoneithersideofhisplate.Thenthewomanspokeasharpwordbehindme;Ihadnotheard
herenter:agauntwoman,nottall,withapale,mahoganycoloredfacethatmighthavebeenany
agebetweentwentyfiveandsixty.Theprieststopped.Helookedatusforthefirsttime,outof
weak,rushingeyes.Theywerebrownandirisless,likethoseofanolddog.Lookingatus,itwasas
thoughhehaddriventhemupwithwhipsandheldthemso,incringingandrushingdesperation."I
forget,"hesaid."Therecometimes"
Againthewomansnappedawordathim,settingatureenonthetable,theshadowofher
armfallingacrosshisfaceandremainingthere:butwehadalreadylookedaway.Thelongwind
rushedpastthestoneeaves;thecandleflamestoodsteadyasasharpenedpencilinthestillsound
ofthewind.
Weheardherfillingthebowls,yetshestillstoodforatime,thepriest'sfaceintheshadow
ofherarm;sheseemedtobeholdingusallsountilthemomentwhateveritwashadpassed.She
wentout.DonandIbegantoeat.Wedidnotlooktowardhim.Whenhespokeatlast,itwasina
toneoflevel,politeuninterest."Youhavecomefar,signori?"
 "FromMilano,"webothsaid.
"Beforethat,Firenze,"Donsaid.Thepriest'sheadwasbentoverhisbowl.Heaterapidly.
Withoutlookinguphegesturedtowardtheloaf.Ipusheditalongtohim.Hebroketheendoffand
wentoneating.
"Ah,"hesaid."Firenze.Thatisacity.Morewhatdoyousay?spiritualthanourMilano."He
atehurriedly,withoutfinesse.Hisrobewasturnedbackoveraflannelundershirt,thesleeveswere.
Hisspoonclattered;atoncethewomanenteredwithaplatterofbroccoli.Sheremovedthebowls.
Hereachedhishand.Shehandedhimthecarafeandhefilledtheglasseswithoutlookingupand
liftedhiswithabriefphrase.Buthehadonlyfeintedtodrink;hewaswatchingmyfacewhenI
lookedathim.Ilookedaway;IheardhimclatteringatthedishandDonwaslookingatmetoo.
Thenthewoman'sshouldercamebetweenusandthepriest.
"Therecometimes..."hesaid.Heclatteredatthedish.
Whenthewomanspoketohiminthatshrill,rapidpatoishethrusthischairbackandforan
instantwesawhisdriveneyesacrossherarm."Therecometimes..."hesaid,raisinghisvoice.
Thenshedrownedtherestofit,gettingcompletelybetweenusandDonandIstoppedlookingand
heardthemleavetheroom.Thestepsceased.Thenwecouldhearonlythewind.
"Itwastheburialservice,"Donsaid.DonwasaCatholic."Thatgracewas."
"Yes,"Isaid."Ididn'tknowthat."
"Yes.Itwastheburialservice.Hegotmixedup."
"Sure,"Isaid."That'sit.Whatdowedonow?"Ourpackslayinthecorner.Twopackscan
lookashuman,asutterlyhumanandspent,astwoshoes.Wewerewatchingthedoorwhenthe
womanentered.Butshewasn'tgoingtostop.Shedidn'tlookatus.
"Whatshallwedonow,signora?"Donsaid.
"Eat."Shedidnotstop.Thenwecouldhearthewindagain.
"Havesomewine,"Donsaid.Heraisedthecarafe,thenhehelditpoisedabovemyglass,
andwelistened.Thevoicewasbeyondthewall,maybetwowalls,inasustainedrushof
indistinguishablewords.Hewasnottalkingtoanyonethere:youcouldtellthat.Inwhateverplace
hewas,hewasalone:youcouldtellthat.Ormaybeitwasthewind.Maybeinanynatural
exaggeratedsituation:wind,rain,drouth,manisalwaysalone.Itwentonforlongerthanaminute
whileDonheldthecarafeabovemyglass.Thenhepoured.Webegantoeat.Thevoicewas
muffledandsustained,likeamachinemighthavebeenmakingit.
"Ifitwerejustsummer,"Isaid.
"Havesomewine."Hepoured.Weheldourpoisedglasses.
Itsoundedjustlikeamachine.Youcouldtellthathewasalone.Anybodycouldhave.
"That'sthetrouble,"Donsaid.
"Becausethere'snotanybodythere.Notanybodyinthehouse."
"Thewoman."
"Soarewe."Helookedatme.
"Oh,"Isaid.
"Sure.Whatbetterchancecouldshehavewanted,haveaskedfor?Hewasinhereatleast
fiveminutes.Andhejustbackfromthearmyafterthreeyears.Thefirstdayheishome,andthen
afternoonandthentwilightandthendarkness.Yousawherthere.Didn'tyouseeherupthere?"
"Helockedthedoor.Youknowhelockedit."
"ThishousebelongstoGod:youcan'thavealockonit.Youdidn'tknowthat."
"That'sright.Iforgotyou'reaCatholic.Youknowthings.Youknowalot,don'tyou?"
"No.Idon'tknowanything.Inospikatoo.IloveItalytoo."Thewomanentered.Shedidn't
bringanythingthistime.Shecametothetableandstoodthere,hergauntfaceabovethecandle,
lookingdownatus.
"Look,then,"shesaid."Willyougoaway?"
 "Goaway?"Donsaid."Notstopheretonight?"Shelookeddownatus,herhandlyingon
thetable."Wherecouldwestop?Whowouldtakeusin?Onecannotsleeponthemountainin
October,signora."
"Yes,"shesaid.Shewasnotlookingatusnow.Throughthewallswelistenedtothevoice
andtothewind.
"Whatisthis,anyway?"Donsaid."Whatgoesonhere,signora?"
Shelookedathimgravely,speculatively,asifhewereachild."Youareseeingthehandof
God,signorino,"shesaid.
"PrayGodthatyouaretooyoungtorememberit."Thenshewasgone.Andafterawhile
thevoiceceased,cutshortofflikeathread.Andthentherewasjustthewind.
"Assoonaswegetoutofthewind,itwon'tbesobad,"Isaid.
"Havesomewine."Donraisedthecarafe.Itwaslessthanhalffull.
"We'dbetternotdrinkanymore."
"No."Hefilledtheglasses.Wedrank.Thenwestopped.
Itbeganagain,abruptly,infullstride,asthoughsilencewerethethreadthistime.We
drank."Wemightaswellfinishthebroccoli,too."
"Idon'twantanymore."
"Havesomewinethen."
"You'vealreadyhadmorethanIhave."
"Allright."Hefilledmyglass.Idrankit."Now,havesomewine."
"Weoughtnottodrinkitall."
Heraisedthecarafe."Twomoreglassesleft.Nouseinleavingthat."
"Therearen'ttwoglassesleft."
"Betyoualira."
"Allright.Butletmepour."
"Allright."Hegavemethecarafe.Ifilledmyglassandreachedtowardhis."Listen,"he
said.Foraboutaminutenowthevoicehadbeenrisingandfalling,likeawheelrunningdown.This
timeitdidn'triseagain;therewasonlythelongsoundofthewindleft."Pourit,"Donsaid.Ipoured.
Thewinemountedthreequarters.Itbegantodribbleaway.
"Tiltitup."Ididso.Asingledrophungforamoment,thenfellintotheglass."Oweyoua
lira,"Donsaid.
Thecoinsrangloudintheslottedbox.Whenhetookitupfromthetableandshookit,it
madenosound.Hetookthecoinsfromhispocketanddroppedthemthroughtheslot.
Heshookitagain."Doesn'tsoundlikequiteenough.Coughup."Idroppedsomecoins
throughtheslot;heshooktheboxagain."Soundsallrightnow."Helookedatmeacrossthetable,
hisemptyglassbottomupbeforehim."Howaboutalittlewine?"
WhenweroseItookmypackfromthecorner.Itwasonthebottom.IhadtotumbleDon's
aside.Hewatchedme.
"Whatareyougoingtodowiththat?"hesaid."Takeitoutforawalk?"
"Idon'tknow,"Isaid.Pastthecoldinvisibleeavesthelongwindsteadilysighed.Uponthe
candletheflamestoodlikethebalancedfeatheronthelongwhitenoseofaclown.
Thehallwasdark;therewasnosoundinit.Therewasnothinginitsavethecoldsmellof
sunlessplasterandsilenceandthesmellofliving,ofwherepeoplehave,andwillhave,lived.We
carriedourpackslowandcloseagainstourlegslikewehadstolenthem.Wewentontothedoor
andopenedit,enteringtheblackwindagain.Ithadscouredtheskyclearandclean,hollowingit
outofthelastoflight,thelastoftwilight.Wewerehalfwaytothegatewhenwesawhim.
Hewaswalkingswiftlybackandforthbesidethewall.Hisheadwasbare,hisrobes
ballooningabouthim.Whenhesawushedidnotstop.Hedidn'thurry,either.Hejustturnedand
wentbackbesidethewallandturnedagain,walkingfast.
 Wewaitedatthegate.Wethankedhimforthefood,hemotionlessinhiswhippingrobes,
hisheadbentandavertedalittle,asadeafmanlistens.WhenDonkneltathisfeethestartedback
asthoughDonhadofferedtostrikehim.ThenIfeltlikeaCatholictooandIknelttooandhemade
thesignhurriedlyaboveus,upontheblackandgreenwindanddusk,likehewouldhavemadeitin
water.Whenwepassedoutthegateandlookedbackwecouldstillsee,againsttheskyandthe
blankandlightlesshouse,hisheadrushingbackandforthlikeamidgetrunningalongthetopof
thewall.

IV

THECAFEwasontheleesideofthestreet;wesatoutofthewind.Butwecouldseegustsand
eddiesoftrashswirlalongthegutter,andanoccasionaltongueofitlickedchillacrossourlegs,
andwecouldhearthesteadyrushingofitinthehightwilightamongtheroofs.Onthecurbtwo
musiciansfromthehills,afiddlerandapipersat,playingawildandskirlingtune.Nowandthen
theystoppedtodrink,thentheyresumedthesametune.Itwaswithoutbeginningandseemingly
withoutend,thewildunmusicofitswirlingalongthewindwithaqualityatoncemartialandsad.
Thewaiterfetchedusbrandyandcoffee,hisdirtyapronstreamingsuddenlyandrevealingbeneath
itasecondoneofgreenbaizeandrigidasoxidizedcopper.Attheothertablefiveyoungmensat,
drinkingandringingseparatelysmallcoinsontothewaiter'stray,whichheappearedtocountby
thetimbreoftheconcussionbeforetiltingthemintohiswaistcoatinonemotion,andalongflanked
youngpeasantwomanstoppedtohearthemusic,achildridingherhip.Shesetthechilddownand
itscuttledunderthetablewheretheyoungmensat,theywithdrawingtheirlegstopermitit,while
thewomanwasnotlooking.Shewaslookingatthemusicians,herfaceroundandtranquil,her
mouthopenalittle.
"Let'shavesomewine,"Donsaid.
"Allright,"Isaid."IlikeItaly,"Isaid.Wehadanotherbrandy.Thewomanwastryingto
cajolethechildfromunderthetable.Oneoftheyoungmenextracteditandgaveitbacktoher.
Peoplestoppedinthestreettohearthemusic,andahightwowheeledcart,fulloffagotsand
drawnbyawomanandadiminutivemule,passedwithoutstopping,andthenthegirlcameupthe
streetinherwhitedress,andIdidn'tfeellikeaCatholicanymore.Shewasallinwhite,coatless,
walkingslenderandsupple.Ididn'tfeellikeanythinganymore,watchingherwhitedressswiftin
thetwilight,carryinghersomewhereorshecarryingitsomewhere:anyway,itwasgoingtoo,
movingwhenshemovedandbecauseshemoved,losingherwhenshewouldbelostbecauseit
movedwhenshemovedandwentwithhertotheinstantofloss.Irememberhow,whenIlearned
aboutThawandWhiteandEvelynNesbitt,howIcried.IcriedbecauseEvelyn,whowasaword,
wasbeautifulandlostorIwouldneverhaveheardofher.Becauseshehadtobelostformetofind
herandIhadtofindhertoloseher.AndwhenIlearnedthatshewasoldenoughtohaveagrown
daughterorsonorsomething,Icried,becauseIhadlostmyselfthenandIcouldneveragainbe
hurtbyloss.SoIwatchedthewhitedress,thinking,She'llbeasnearmeinasecondasshe'llever
beandthenshe'llgoonawayinherwhitedressforevermore,inthetwilightforevermore.ThenI
feltDonwatchinghertooandthenwewatchedthesoldierspringdownfromthebike.
Theycametogetherandstoppedandforawhiletheystoodthereinthestreet,amongthe
people,facingoneanotherbutnottouching.Maybetheywerenoteventalking,anditdidn'tmatter
howlong;itdidn'tmatterabouttime.ThenDonwasnudgingme.
"Theothertable,"hesaid.Thefiveyoungmenhadallturned;theirheadsweretogether,
nowandthenahand,anarm,secret,gesticulant,theirfacesalloneway.Theyleanedback,
withoutturningtheirfaces,andthewaiterstood,trayonhip,asquat,sardonicfigureolderthan
GrandfatherLusthimselflookingalso.Atlasttheyturnedandwentonupthestreettogetherinthe
directionfromwhichhehadcome,heleadingthebicycle.Justbeforetheypassedfromsightthey
stoppedandfacedoneanotheragainamongthepeople,theheads,withouttouchingatall.Then
theywenton."Let'shavesomewine,"Donsaid.
Thewaitersetthebrandiesonthetable,hisapronlikeamomentaryboardonthewind.
"Youhavemilitaryintown,"Donsaid.
"That'sright,"thewaitersaid."One."
"Well,oneisenough,"Donsaid.Thewaiterlookedupthestreet.Buttheyweregonenow,
withherwhitedressshapingherstride,hergirlwhite,notforus.
"Toomany,somesay."Helookedmuchmorelikeamonkthanthepriestdid,withhislong
thinnoseandhisbaldhead.
Helookedlikeadevastatedhawk."You'restoppingatthepriest's,eh?"
"Youhavenohotel,"Donsaid.
Thewaitermadechangefromhiswaistcoat,ringingthecoinsdeliberatelyuponthetable.
"Whatfor?Whowouldstophere,withouthewalked?NobodywalksexceptyouEnglish."
"We'reAmericans."
"Well."Heraisedhisshouldersfaintly."That'syouraffair."Hewasnotlookingatusexactly;
notatDon,thatis.
"DidyoutryCavalcanti's?"
"Awineshopattheedgeoftown?Thesoldier'saunt,isn'tit?Yes.Butshesaid..."
Thewaiterwaswatchinghimnow."Shedidn'tsendyoutothepriest?"
"No."
"Ah,"thewaitersaid.Hisapronstreamedsuddenly.Hefoughtitdownandscouredthetop
ofthetablewithit.
"Americans,eh?"
"Yes,"Donsaid."Whywouldn'tshetelluswheretogo?"
Thewaiterscouredthetable."ThatCavalcanti.She'snotofthisparish."
"Not?"
"Notsincethreeyears.Thepadronebelongstothatonebeyondthemountain."Henamed
avillagewhichwehadpassedintheforenoon.
"Isee,"Donsaid."Theyaren'tnatives."
"Oh,theywerebornhere.Untilthreeyearsagotheybelongedtothisparish."
"Butthreeyearsagotheychanged."
"Theychanged."Hefoundanotherspotonthetable.Heremoveditwiththeapron.Then
heexaminedtheapron.
"Therearechangesandchanges;somefurtherthanothers."
"Thepadronachangedfurtherthanacrossthemountain,didshe?"
"Thepadronabelongstonoparishatall."Helookedatus.
"Likeme."
"Likeyou?"
"Didyoutrytotalktoheraboutthechurch?"HewatchedDon."Stoptheretomorrowand
mentionthechurchtoher."
"Andthathappenedthreeyearsago,"Donsaid."Thatwasayearofchangesforthem."
"Yousaidit.Thenephewtothearmy,thepadroneacrossthemountain,thepadrona...All
inoneweek,too.Stoptheretomorrowandaskher."
"Whatdotheythinkhereaboutallthesechanges?"
"Whatchanges?"
"Theserecentchanges."
"Howrecent?"HelookedatDon."There'snolawagainstchanges."
 "No.Notwhenthey'redonelikethelawsays.Sometimesthelawhasalook,justtoseeif
theywerechangedright.Isn'tthatso?"
Thewaiterhadassumedanattitudeofslovennegligence,savehiseyes,hislongface.It
wastoobigforhim,hisfacewas."Howdidyouknowhewasapoliceman?"
"Policeman?"
"Yousaidsoldier;Iknewyoumeantpolicemanandjustdidn'tspeakthelanguagegood.
Butyou'llpickitupwithpractice."HelookedatDon."Soyoumadehimtoo,didyou?Cameinhere
thisafternoon;saidhewasashoedrummer.ButImadehim."
"Herealready,"Donsaid."Iwonderwhyhedidn'tstopthe...beforethey..."
"Howdoyouknowhe'sapoliceman?"Isaid.
Thewaiterlookedatme."Idon'tcarewhetherheisornot,buddy.Whichhadyourather
do?thinkamanisacopandfindhe'snot,orthinkhe'snotacop,andfindheis?"
"You'reright,"Donsaid."Sothat'swhattheysayhere."
"Theysayplenty.Alwayshaveandalwayswill.Likeanyothertown."
"Whatdoyousay?"Donsaid.
"Idon'tsay.Youdon'teither."
"No."
"It'snoskinoffofmyback.Iftheywanttodrink,Iservethem;iftheywanttotalk,Ilisten.
ThatkeepsmeasbusyasIwanttobeallday."
"You'reright,"Donsaid."Itdidn'thappentoyou."
Thewaiterlookedupthestreet;itwasalmostfulldark.
Heappearednottohaveheard."Whosentforthecop,Iwonder?"Donsaid.
"Whenaman'sgotjack,he'llfindplentyoffolkstohelphimmaketroubleforfolkseven
afterhe'sdead,"thewaitersaid.Thenhelookedatus."I?"hesaid.Heleaned;heslappedhis
chestlightly.Helookedquicklyattheothertable,thenheleaneddownandhissed:"Iamatheist,
likeinAmerica,"andstoodbackandlookedatus."InAmerica,allareatheists.Weknow."He
stoodthereinhisdirtyapron,withhislong,weary,dissolutefacewhileweroseinturnandshook
handswithhimgravely,thefiveyoungmenturningtolook.Heflippedhisotherhandatus,low
againsthisflank."Rest,rest,"hehissed.Helookedoverhisshoulderattheyoungmen.
"Sitdown,"hewhispered.Hejerkedhisheadtowardthedoorwaybehindus,wherethe
padronasatbehindthebar.
"I'vegottoeat,see?"Hescuttledawayandreturnedwithtwomorebrandies,carryingthem
withhisformersloven,precariousskill,asifhehadpassednowordwithussavetotaketheorder.
"It'sonme,"hesaid."Putitdown."
"Now,what?"Donsaid.Themusichadceased;fromacrossthestreetwewatchedthe
fiddler,fiddleunderarm,standingbeforethetablewheretheyoungmensat,hisotherhandand
theclutchedhatgesticulant.Theyoungwomanwasalreadygoingupthestreet,thechildridingher
hipagain,itsheadnoddingtoasomnolentrhythm,likeamanonanelephant."Now,what?"
"Idon'tcare."
"Oh,comeon."
"No."
"There'snodetectivehere.Heneversawone.Hewouldn'tknowadetective.Therearen't
anydetectivesinItaly:canyouimagineanofficialItalianinplainclothesforauniform?"
"No."
"She'llshowuswherethebedis,andinthemorningearly..."
"No.Youcan,ifyouwantto.ButI'mnot."
Helookedatme.Thenheswunghispackontohisshoulder."Goodnight.Seeyouinthe
morning.Atthecafeyonder."
 "Allright."Hedidnotlookback.Thenheturnedthecorner.Istoodinthewind.Anyway,I
hadthecoat.ItwasashootingcoatofHarristweed;wehadpaidelevenguineasforit,wearingit
dayaboutwhiletheotherworethesweater.
IntheTyrollastsummerDonheldusupthreedayswhilehewastryingtomakethegirl
whosoldbeerattheinn.Heworethecoatforthreesuccessivedays,swappingmeaweek,tobe
paidondemand.Onthethirddaythegirl'ssweetheartcameback.Hewasasbigasasilo,witha
greenfeatherinhishat.Wewatchedhimpickheroverthebarwithonehand.
IbelieveshecouldhavedoneDonthesameway:allyellowandpinkandwhiteshewas,
likeabigorchard.Orlikelookingoutacrossasnowfieldintheearlysunlight.Shecouldhavedone
itatalmostanyhourforthreedaystoo,byjustreachingoutherhand.Dongainedfourpounds
whilewewerethere.

THENICAMEintothefullsweepofthewind.Thehouseswerealldark,yettherewasstillalittle
lightlowontheground,asthoughthewindhelditthereflattenedtotheearthandithadbeen
unabletoriseandescape.Thewallsceasedatthebeginningofthebridge;theriverlookedlike
steel.IthoughtIhadalreadycomeintothefullsweepofthewind,butIhadn't.Thebridgewasof
stone,balustradesandroadwayandall,andIsquattedbeneaththeleeoftheweatherrail.Icould
hearthewindaboveandbeneath,comingdowntheriverinalongsweepinghum,likethrough
wires.Isquattedthere,waiting.Itwasn'tverylong.
Hedidn'tseemeatfirst,untilIrose."Didyouthinktohavetheflaskfilled?"hesaid.
"Iforgot.Iintendedto.Damntheluck.Let'sgoback"
"Igotabottle.Whichwaynow?"
"Idon'tcare.Outofthewind.Idon'tcare."Wecrossedthebridge.Ourfeetmadenosound
onthestones,becausethewindblewitaway.Itflattenedthewater,scouredit;itlookedjustlike
steel.Ithadasheen,holdinglightlikethelandbetweenitandthewind,reflectingenoughtosee
by.
Butitsweptallsoundawaybeforeitwasmadealmost,sothatwhenwereachedtheother
sideandenteredthecutwheretheroadbegantomount,itwasseveralmomentsbeforewecould
hearanythingexceptourears;thenweheard.
Itwasasmotheredwhimperingsoundthatseemedtocomeoutoftheairoverhead.We
stopped."It'sachild,"Donsaid."Ababy."
"No:ananimal.Ananimalofsomesort."Welookedatoneanotherinthepaledarkness,
listening.
"It'supthere,anyway,"Donsaid.Weclimbedupoutofthecut.Therewasalowstonewall
enclosingafield,thefieldalittleluminousyet,dissolvingintothedarkness.Justthissideofthe
darkness,aboutahundredyardsaway,acopsestoodblack,blobbedshapelessonthegloom.The
windrushedupacrossthefieldandweleanedonthewall,listeningintoit,lookingatthecopse.
Butthesoundwasnearerthanthat,andafteramomentwesawthepriest.Hewaslyingonhis
facejustinsidethewall,hisrobesoverhishead,theblackblurofhisgownmovingfaintlyand
steadily,eitherbecauseofthewindorbecausehewasmovingunderthem,Andwhateverthe
soundmeantthathewasmaking,itwasnotmeanttobelistenedto,forhisvoiceceasedwhenwe
madeanoise.Buthedidn'tlookup,andthefaintshudderingofhisgowndidn'tstop.Shuddering,
writhing,twistingfromsidetosidesomething.ThenDontouchedme.Wewentonbesidethewall.
"Getdowneasierhere,"hesaidquietly.
Thepaleroadrosegraduallybeneathusasthehillflattened.
Thecopsewasablackblob."OnlyIdidn'tseethebicycle."
 "ThengobacktoCavalcanti's,"Isaid."Whereinhelldoyouexpecttoseeit?"
"Theywouldhavehiddenit.Iforgot.Ofcoursetheywouldhavehiddenit."
"Goon,"Isaid."Don'ttalksogoddamnmuch."
"Unlesstheythoughthewouldbebusywithusandwouldn't..."heceasedandstopped.I
joltedintohimandthenIsawittoo,thehandlebarsrisingfrombeyondthewalllikethehornsofa
hiddenantelope.Againstthegloomtheblobofthecopseseemedtopulseandfade,asthoughit
breathed,lived.Forwewereyoung,andnight,darkness,isterribletoyoungpeople,evenicy
drivingblacknesslikethis.
Youngpeopleshouldbesoconstitutedthatwithsunsettheywouldenteracomastate,by
slumbershutsafefromthedarkness,thesecretnostalgicsenseoffrustrationandofobjectlessand
unappeasabledesire.
"Getdown,damnyou,"Isaid.Withhishighhunchedpack,histightsweater,hewas
ludicrous;helookedlikeaclown;hewasterribleanduglyandsadallatonce,sincehewas
ludicrousand,withoutthecoat,hewouldbesocold.
AndsowasI:uglyandterribleandsad."Thisdamnwind.Thisdamnwind."Weregained
theroad.Wewereshelteredforthemoment,andhetookoutthebottleandwedrank.Itwasfiery
stuff."TalkaboutmyMilanbrandy,"Isaid."Thatdamnwind.Thatdamnwind.Thatdamnwind."
"Givemeacigarette."
"You'vegotthem."
"Igavethemtoyou."
"You'reagoddamnliar.Youdidn't."Hefoundtheminhispocket.ButIdidn'twait,"Don't
youwantone?Betterlightithere,whileweare..."Ididn'twait.Theroadrose,becameflushwith
thefield.AfterawhileIheardhimjustbehindme,andweenteredthewind.Icouldseepastmy
shoulderhiscigaretteshreddingawayinfierystreamersupontheunimpededrushofthemistral,
thatblackchillwindfullofdustlikesparksofice.

DivorceinNaples

WEWERESITTINGatatableinside:MoncktonandthebosunandCarlandGeorgeandmeand
thewomen,thethreewomenofthatabjectglitteringkindthatseamenknoworthatknowseamen.
WeweretalkingEnglishandtheywerenottalkingatall.Bythatmeanstheycouldspeakconstantly
tousaboveandbelowthesoundofourvoicesinatongueolderthanrecordedspeechandtime
too.Olderthanthethirtyfourdaysofseatimewhichwehadbutcompleted,anyway.Nowandthen
theyspoketooneanotherinItalian.ThewomeninItalian,themeninEnglish,asiflanguagemight
bethesexdifference,thefunctioningofthevocalcordstheinnerbidinguntilthedarkpairingtime.
ThemeninEnglish,thewomeninItalian:adecorumasoftwoparallelstreamsseparated
byaleveeforalittlewhile.
WeweretalkingaboutCarl,toGeorge.
"Whydidyoubringhimhere,then?"thebosunsaid.
"Yes,"Moncktonsaid."Isurewouldn'tbringmywifetoaplacelikethis."
GeorgecursedMonckton:notwithawordorevenasentence;aparagraph.Hewasa
Greek,bigandblack,afullheadtallerthanCarl;hiseyebrowslookedliketwocrowsinoverlapping
flight.HecursedusallwithimmediatethoroughnessandinwellnighfaultlessclassicAngloSaxon,
whoatothertimesfunctionedinthevocabularyofaneightyearoldbyblowofavaudeville
comedianandahorse,say.
"Yes,sir,"thebosunsaid.HewassmokinganItaliancigaranddrinkinggingerbeer;the
sametumblerofwhich,incidentally,hehadbeenengagedwithforabouttwohoursandwhichnow
musthavebeenaboutthetemperatureofaship'sshowerbath."Isurewouldn'tbringmygirltoa
divelikethis,evenifhedidwearpants."
Carlmeanwhilehadnotstirred.Hesatsereneamongus,withhisroundyellowheadand
hisroundeyes,lookinglikeasophisticatedbabyagainstthenoiseandtheglitter,withhisglassof
thinItalianbeerandthewomenmurmuringtooneanotherandwatchingusandthenCarlwiththat
bidingandinscrutableforeknowledgewhichtheydonotappeartoknowthattheypossess."E
innocente"onesaid;againtheymurmured,contemplatingCarlwithmusing,secretlooks.
"Hemayhavefooledyoualready,"thebosunsaid."Hemayhaveslippedthrougha
portholeonyouanytimethesethreeyears."
Georgeglaredatthebosun,hismouthopenforcursing.
Buthedidn'tcurse.InsteadhelookedatCarl,hismouthstillopen.Hismouthclosedslowly.
WealllookedatCarl.
Beneathoureyesheraisedhisglassanddrankwithcontaineddeliberation.
"Areyoustillpure?"Georgesaid."Imean,shoenough."
BeneathourfourteeneyesCarlemptiedtheglassofthin,bitter,threepercentbeer."Ibeen
toseathreeyears,"hesaid."AlloverEurope."
Georgeglaredathim,hisfacebaffledandoutraged.Hehadjustshaved;hiscloseblue
jowlslayflatandhardasaprizefighter'sorapirate's,uptotheblackexplosionofhishair.Hewas
oursecondcook."Youdamnlyinglittlebastard,"hesaid.
ThebosunraisedhisglassofgingerbeerwithanexactreplicaofCarl'sdrinking.Steadily
anddeliberately,hisbodythrownalittlebackandhisheadtilted,hepouredthegingerbeerover
hisrightshoulderattheexactspeedofswallowing,stillwiththatairofCarl's,thatgraveand
cosmopolitanswagger.Hesettheglassdown,androse."Comeon,"hesaidtoMoncktonandme,
"let'sgo.Mightaswellbeboardshipifwe'regoingtospendtheeveninginoneplace.'
MoncktonandIrose.Hewassmokingashortpipe.Oneofthewomenwashis,anotherthe
bosun's.Thethirdonehadalotofgoldteeth.Shecouldhavebeenthirty,butmaybeshewasn't.
WeleftherwithGeorgeandCarl.WhenIlookedbackfromthedoor,thewaiterwasjustfetching
themsomemorebeer.

II

THEYCAMEintotheshiptogetheratGalveston,Georgecarryingaportablevictrolaandasmall
parcelwrappedinpaperbearingtheimprintofawellknowntencentstore,andCarlcarryingtwo
bulgingimitationleatherbagsthatlookedliketheymightweighfortypoundsapiece.George
appropriatedtwoberths,oneabovetheotherlikeaPullmansection,cursingCarlinaharsh,
concatenantvoicealittleoverburredwithv'sandr'sandorderinghimaboutlikeanigger,while
Carlstowedtheireffectsawaywiththemeticulousnessofanoldmaid,producingfromoneofthe
bagsastackoffreshlylaundereddrillservingjacketsthatmusthavenumberedadozen.Forthe
nextthirtyfourdays(hewasthemessboy)heworeafreshoneforeachmealinthesaloon,and
therewerealwaystwoorthreerecentlywashedonesdryingunderthepoopawning.Andforthirty
fourevenings,afterthegalleywasclosed,wewatchedthetwooftheminpantsandundershirts,
dancingtothevictrolaontheafterwelldeckaboveaholdfullofTexascottonandGeorgiaresin.
Theyhadonlyonerecordforthemachineandithadacrackinit,andeachtimetheneedleclucked
Georgewouldstamponthedeck.Idon'tthinkthateitheroneofthemwasawarethathedidit.
ItwasGeorgewhotoldusaboutCarl.Carlwaseighteen,fromPhiladelphia.Theyboth
calleditPhilly;Georgeinaproprietorialtone,asifhehadcreatedPhiladelphiainordertoproduce
Carl,thoughitlaterappearedthatGeorgehadnotdiscoveredCarluntilCarlhadbeentoseafora
yearalready.AndCarlhimselftoldsomeofit:afourthorfifthchildofafirstgenerationof
ScandinavianAmericanshipwrights,broughtupinoneofanidenticalseriesofsmallframehouses
agoodtrolleyridefromsaltwater,byamotheroranoldersister:thiswhom,attheageoffifteen
andweighingperhapsalittlelessthanahundredpounds,someancestorlongknockinghisquiet
bonestogetheratthebottomofthesea(orperhapshavenedbyaccidentindryearthandbecome
restivewitheaseandquiet)hadsentbacktotheolddreamandtheoldunrestthreeormaybefour
generationslate.
"Iwasakid,then,"Carltoldus,whohadyettoexperienceorneedashave."Ithought
abouteverythingbutgoingtosea.IthoughtonceI'dbeaballplayerormaybeaprizefighter.They
hadpicturesofthemonthewalls,see,whenSiswouldsendmedowntothecorneraftertheold
manonaSaturdaynight.Jeez,I'dstandoutsideonthestreetandwatchthemgoin,andIcould
seetheirlegsunderthedoorandhearthemandsmellthesawdustandseethepicturesofthemon
thewallsthroughthesmoke.Iwasakidthen,see.Ihadn'tbeennowheresthen."
WeaskedGeorgehowhehadevergotaberth,evenasamessman,standingevennow
aboutfourinchesoverfivefeetandwithyetafacethatshouldhavefollowedmonstrancesup
churchaisles,ifnotlookeddownfromoneofthecoloredwindowsthemselves.
"Whyshouldn'thehavecometosea?"Georgesaid."Ain'tthisafreecountry?Evenifhe
ain'tnothingbutadamnmess."Helookedatus,black,serious."He'savirgin,see?Doyouknow
whatthatmeans?"Hetolduswhatitmeant.Someonehadevidentlytoldhimwhatitmeantnotso
longago,toldhimwhatheusedtobehimself,ifhecouldrememberthatfarback,andhethought
thatperhapswedidn'tknowtheman,ormaybehethoughtitwasanewwordtheyhadjust
invented.Sohetolduswhatitmeant.
Itwasinthefirstnightwatchandwewereonthepoopaftersupper,twodaysoutof
Gibraltar,listeningtoMoncktontalkingaboutcauliflower.Carlwastakingashower(healwaystook
abathafterhehadclearedthesaloonaftersupper.George,whoonlycooked,neverbatheduntil
wewereinportandthepetitecleared)andGeorgetolduswhatitmeant.
Thenhebegantocurse.Hecursedforalongtime.
"Well,George,"thebosunsaid,"supposeyouwereone,then?Whatwouldyoudo?"
"WhatwouldIdo?"Georgesaid."Whatwouldn'tIdo?"
Hecursedforsometime,steadily."It'slikethefirstcigaretteinthemorning,"hesaid."By
noon,whenyourememberhowittasted,howyoufeltwhenyouwaswaitingforthematchtogetto
theendofit,andwhenthatfirstdrag..."
Hecursed,long,impersonal,likeachant.
Moncktonwatchedhim:notlistened:watched,nursinghispipe."Why,George,"hesaid,
"you'rebywayofbeingalmostapoet."
Therewasaswipe,someWestIndiaDockscrum;Iforgethisname."Callthatlobbingthe
tongue?"hesaid."YoushouldhearaLymusmatelayingintoafo'c'sleofbloodyPortygee
ginneys."
"Moncktonwasn'ttalkingaboutthelanguage,"thebosunsaid."Anymancanswear."He
lookedatGeorge."You'renotthefirstmanthateverwishedthat,George.That'ssomethingthat
hastobewasbecauseyoudon'tknowyouarewhenyouare."Thenheparaphrasedunwittingand
withunprintableaptnessByron'sepigramaboutwomen'smouths.
"Butwhatareyousavinghimfor?Whatgoodwillitdoyouwhenhestopsbeing?"
Georgecursed,lookingfromfacetoface,baffledandoutraged.
"MaybeCarlwillletGeorgeholdhishandatthetime,"
Moncktonsaid.Hereachedamatchfromhispocket."Now,youtakeBrusselssprouts"
"YoumightgettheOldMantoquarantinehimwhenwereachNaples,"thebosunsaid.
Georgecursed.
"Now,youtakeBrusselssprouts,"Moncktonsaid.
Ill

ITTOOKussometimethatnight,togeteitherstartedorsettleddown.We,Moncktonandthe
bosunandthetwowomenandIvisitedfourmorecafes,eachliketheotheroneandliketheone
wherewehadleftGeorgeandCarl,samepeople,samemusic,samethin,coloreddrinks.Thetwo
womenaccompaniedus,withusbutnotofus,bidingandacquiescent,sayingconstantlyand
patientlyandwithoutwordsthatitwastimetogotobed.SoafterawhileIleftthemandwentback
totheship.GeorgeandCarlwerenotaboard.
Thenextmorningtheywerenotthereeither,thoughMoncktonandthebosunwere,and
thecookandthestewardswearingupanddownthegalley;itseemedthatthecookwasplanning
tospendthedayashorehimself.Sotheyhadtostayaboardallday.Alongtowardmidafternoon
therecameaboardasmallishmaninasoiledsuitwholookedlikeoneofthoseColumbiaday
studentsthatgoupeachmorningontheEastSidesubwayfromaroundChathamSquare.Hewas
hatless,withanoiledpompadour.Hehadnotshavedrecently,andhespokenoEnglishina
pleasant,deprecatorywaythatwasallteeth.Buthehadfoundtherightshipandhehadanote
fromGeorge,writtenontheedgeofadirtyscrapofnewspaper,andwefoundwhereGeorgewas.
Hewasinjail.
Thestewardhadn'tstoppedcursingallday,anyhow.Hedidn'tstopnow,either.Heandthe
messengerwentofftotheconsul's.Thestewardreturnedalittleaftersixo'clock,withGeorge.
Georgedidn'tlooksomuchlikehehadbeendrunk;helookeddazed,quiet,withhiswildhairanda
bluestubbleonhisjaw.HewentstraighttoCarl'sbunkandhebegantoturnCarl'smeticulous
coversbackonebyonelikeatravelerexaminingthebedinathirdclassEuropeanhotel,asifhe
expectedtofindCarlhiddenamongthem."Youmean,"hesaid,"heain'tbeenback?Heain'tbeen
back?"
"Wehaven'tseenhim,"wetoldGeorge."Thestewardhasn'tseenhimeither.Wethought
hewasinjailwithyou."
Hebegantoreplacethecovers;thatis,hemadeanattempttodrawthemonebyoneup
thebedagaininakindofdetachedway,asifhewerenotconscious,sentient.
"Theyrun,"hesaidinadulltone."Theyduckedoutonme.Ineverthoughthe'dadoneit.I
neverthoughthe'dadonemethisway.Itwasher.Shewastheonemadehimdoneit.Sheknew
whathewas,andhowI..."Thenhebegantocry,quietly,inthatdull,detachedway."Hemusthave
beensittingtherewithhishandinherlapallthetime.AndIneversuspicioned.Shekeptonmoving
herchaircloserandclosertohis.ButItrustedhim.Ineversuspicionednothing.Ithoughthe
wouldn'tadonenothingseriouswithoutaskingmefirst,letalone...Itrustedhim."
ItappearedthatthebottomofGeorge'sglasshaddistortedtheirshapesenoughtocreate
inGeorgetheillusionthatCarlandthewomanweredrinkingashedrank,inaseriousbutcelibate
way.Heleftthematthetableandwentbacktothelavatory;orrather,hesaidthatherealized
suddenlythathewasinthelavatoryandthathehadbetterbegettingback,concernednotover
whatmighttranspirewhilehewasaway,butoverthelapse,overhisfailuretobepresentathis
owndoingswhichthegettingtothelavatoryinferred.Sohereturnedtothetable,notyetalarmed;
merelyconcernedandamused.Hesaidhewashavingafinetime.
Soatfirsthebelievedthathewasstillhavingsuchagoodtimethathecouldnotfindhis
owntable.Hefoundtheonewhichhebelievedshouldbehis,butitwasvacantsaveforthree
stacksofsaucers,sohemadeoneroundoftheroom,stillamused,stillenjoyinghimself;hewas
stillenjoyinghimselfwhenherepairedtothecenterofthedancefloorwhere,aheadabovethe
dancers,hebegantoshout"Porteusahoy!"inaloudvoice,andcontinuedtodosountilawaiter
whospokeEnglishcameandremovedhimandledhimbacktothatsamevacanttablebearingthe
threestacksofsaucersandthethreeglasses,oneofwhichhenowrecognizedashisown.
 Buthewasstillenjoyinghimself,thoughnotsomuchnow,believinghimselftobethevictim
ofapracticaljoke,firstonthepartofthemanagement,anditappearedthathemusthavecreated
somelittledisturbance,enjoyinghimselflessandlessallthewhile,thecenterofanaugmenting
clumpofwaitersandpatrons.
Whenatlasthedidrealize,acceptthefact,thattheyweregone,itmusthavebeenpretty
badforhim:theoutrage,thedespair,thesenseofelapsedtime,anunfamiliarcityatnightinwhich
Carlmustbefound,andthatquicklyifitwastodoanygood.Hetriedtoleave,tobreakthroughthe
crowd,withoutpayingthescore.Notthathewouldhavebeatenthebill;hejustdidn'thavetime.If
hecouldhavefoundCarlwithinthenexttenminutes,hewouldhavereturnedandpaidthescore
twiceover:Iamsureofthat.
Andsotheyheldhim,thewildAmerican,acordonofwaitersandclients,womenandmen
bothandhedraggingahandfulofcoinsfromhispocketsringingontothetilefloor.Thenhesaidit
waslikehavingyourlegsswarmedbyapackofdogs:waiters,clients,menandwomen,onhands
andkneesonthefloor,scrabblingaftertherollingcoins,andGeorgeslappingaboutwithhisbig
feet,tryingtostampthehandsaway.
Thenhewasstandinginthecenterofanabruptwidecircle,breathingalittlehard,withthe
twoNapoleonsintheirswordsandpallbearerglovesandKnightsofPythiasbonnetsoneitherside
ofhim.Hedidnotknowwhathehaddone;heonlyknewthathewasunderarrest.Itwasnotuntil
theyreachedthePrefecture,wheretherewasaninterpreter,thathelearnedthathewasapolitical
prisoner,havinginsultedtheking'smajestybyplacingfootontheking'seffigyonacoin.Theyput
himinafortyfootdungeon,withsevenotherpoliticalprisoners,oneofwhomwasthemessenger.
"Theytakenmybeltandmynecktieandthestringsoutofmyshoes,"hetoldusdully.
"Therewasn'tnothingintheroombutabarrelfastenedinthemiddleofthefloorandawooden
benchrunningallthewayroundthewalls.Iknewwhatthebarrelwasforrightoff,becausethey
hadalreadybeenusingitforthatforsometime.Youwasexpectedtosleeponthebenchwhen
youcouldn'tstayonyourfeetnolonger.WhenIstoopedoverandlookedatitclose,itwaslike
lookingdownatFortysecondStreetfromaairplane.TheylookedjustlikeYellowcabs.ThenIwent
andusedthebarrel.ButIuseditwiththeendofmeitwasn'tintendedtobeusedwith."
Thenhetoldaboutthemessenger.Truly,Despair,likePoverty,looksafteritsown.There
theywere:theItalianwhospokenoEnglish,andGeorgewhoscarcelyspokeanylanguageatall;
certainlynotItalian.Thatwasaboutfouro'clockinthemorning.YetbydaylightGeorgehadfound
theonemanoutofthesevenwhocouldhaveservedhimorprobablywouldhave.
"Hetoldmehewasgoingtogetoutatnoon,andItoldhimIwouldgivehimtenlireassoon
asIgotout,andhegotmethescrapofpaperandthepencil(this,inabaredungeon,fromamong
sevenmenstrippedtotheskinofeverythingsavethesimplestresidueofclothingnecessaryfor
warmth:ofmoney,knives,shoelaces,evenpinsandloosebuttons)andIwrotethenoteandhehid
itandtheylefthimoutandafteraboutfourhourstheycomeandgotmeandtherewasthe
steward."
"Howdidyoutalktohim,George?"thebosunsaid.
"Eventhestewardcouldn'tfindoutanythinguntiltheygottotheconsul's."
"Idon'tknow,"Georgesaid."Wejusttalked.ThatwastheonlywayIcouldtellanybody
whereIwasat."
Wetriedtogethimtogotobed,buthewouldn'tdoit.
Hedidn'tevenshave.Hegotsomethingtoeatinthegalleyandwentashore.Wewatched
himgodowntheside.
"Poorbastard,"Moncktonsaid.
"Why?"thebosunsaid."WhatdidhetakeCarltherefor?Theycouldhavegonetothe
movies."
"Iwasn'tthinkingaboutGeorge,"Moncktonsaid.
 "Oh,"thebosunsaid."Well,amancan'tkeepongoingashoreanywhere,letaloneEurope,
allhislifewithoutgettingravagednowandthen."
"GoodGod,"Moncktonsaid."Ishouldhopenot."
Georgereturnedatsixo'clockthenextmorning.Hestilllookeddazed,thoughstillquite
sober,quitecalm.Overnighthisbeardhadgrownanotherquarterinch."Icouldn'tfindthem,"he
saidquietly."Icouldn'tfindthemnowheres."
Hehadtoactasmessmannow,takingCarl'splaceattheofficers'table,butassoonas
breakfastwasdone,hedisappeared;weheardthestewardcursinghimupanddowntheshipuntil
noon,tryingtofindhim.Justbeforenoonhereturned,gotthroughdinner,departedagain.Hecame
backjustbeforedark.
"Foundhimyet?"Isaid.Hedidn'tanswer.Hestaredatmeforawhilewiththatblanklook.
Thenhewenttotheirbunksandhauledoneoftheimitationleatherbagsdownandtumbledallof
Carl'sthingsintoitandcrusheddowntheliduponthedanglingsleevesandsocksandhurledthe
bagoutontothewelldeck,whereittumbledonceandburstopen,vomitingthewhitejacketsand
themutesocksandtheunderclothes.Thenhewenttobed,fullydressed,andsleptfourteenhours.
Thecooktriedtogethimupforbreakfast,butitwasliketryingtorouseupadeadman.
Whenhewakedhelookedbetter.Heborrowedacigaretteofmeandwentandshavedand
camebackandborrowedanothercigarette."Hellwithhim,"hesaid."Leavethebastardgo.Idon't
giveadamn."
ThatafternoonheputCarl'sthingsbackintohisbunk.
Notcarefullyandnotuncarefully:hejustgatheredthemupanddumpedthemintotheberth
andpausedforamomenttoseeifanyofthemweregoingtofallout,beforeturningaway.

IV

ITWASJUSTbeforedaylight.WhenIreturnedtotheshipaboutmidnight,thequarterswere
empty.WhenIwakedjustbeforedaylight,allthebunkssavemyownwerestillvacant.Iwaslying
inahalfdoze,whenIheardCarlinthepassage.Hewascomingquietly;Ihadscarcelyheardhim
beforeheappearedinthedoor.Hestoodthereforawhile,lookingnolargerthananadolescent
boyinthehalflight,beforeheentered.Iclosedmyeyesquickly.Iheardhim,stillontiptoe,cometo
mybunkandstandabovemeforawhile.ThenIheardhimturnaway.Iopenedmyeyesjust
enoughtowatchhim.
Heundressedswiftly,rippinghisclothesoff,rippingoffabuttonthatstruckthebulkhead
withafaintclick.Naked,inthewanlight,helookedsmallerandfrailerthaneverashedugatowel
fromhisbunkwhereGeorgehadtumbledhisthings,flingingtheothergarmentsasidewithakind
ofdreadfulhaste.Thenhewentout,hisbarefeetwhisperinginthepassage.
Icouldheartheshowerbeyondthebulkheadrunningforalongtime;itwouldbecoldnow,
too.Butitranforalongtime,thenitceasedandIclosedmyeyesagainuntilhehadentered.Then
Iwatchedhimliftfromthefloortheundergarmentwhichhehadremovedandthrustitthrougha
portholequickly,withsomethingoftheairofarecovereddrunkardputtingoutofsightanempty
bottle.Hedressedandputonafreshwhitejacketandcombedhishair,leaningtothesmallmirror,
lookingathisfaceforalongtime.
Andthenhewenttowork.Heworkedaboutthebridgedeckalldaylong;whathecould
havefoundtodotherewecouldnotimagine.Butthecrew'squartersneversawhimuntilafter
dark.Alldaylongwewatchedthewhitejacketflittingbackandforthbeyondtheopendoorsor
kneelingashepolishedthebrightworkaboutthecompanions.Heseemedtoworkwithakindof
fury.Andwhenhewasforcedbyhisdutiestocometopsideduringtheday,wenoticedthatitwas
alwaysontheportside,andwelaywithourstarboardtothedock.Andaboutthegalleyortheafter
deckGeorgeworkedalittleandloafedagooddeal,notlookingtowardthebridgeatall.
"That'sthereasonhestaysupthere,polishingthatbrightworkalldaylong,"thebosunsaid.
"HeknowsGeorgecan'tcomeupthere."
"Itdon'tlooktomelikeGeorgewantsto,"Isaid.
"That'sright,"Moncktonsaid."ForadollarGeorgewouldgouptothebinnacleandaskthe
OldManforacigarette."
"Butnotforcuriosity,"thebosunsaid.
"Youthinkthat'sallitis?"Moncktonsaid."Justcuriosity?"
"Sure,"thebosunsaid."Whynot?"
"Monckton'sright,"Isaid."Thisisthemostdifficultmomentinmarriage:thedayafteryour
wifehasstayedoutallnight."
"Youmeantheeasiest,"thebosunsaid."Georgecanquithimnow."
"Doyouthinkso?"Moncktonsaid.
Welaytherefivedays.Carlwasstillpolishingthebrightworkinthebridgedeck
companions.Thestewardwouldsendhimoutondeck,andgoaway;hewouldreturnandfindCarl
stillworkingontheportsideandhewouldmakehimgotostarboard,abovethedockandthe
Italianboysinbright,soiledjerseysandthevendersofpornographicpostcards.Butitdidn'ttake
himlongthere,andthenwewouldseehimbelowagain,sittingquietlyinhiswhitejacketinthe
stalegloom,waitingforsuppertime.UsuallyhewouldbedarningsocksGeorgehadnotyetsaid
onewordtohim;Carlmightnothavebeenaboardatall,theverydisplacementofspacewhichwas
hisbody,impedelessandbreathableair.ItwasnowGeorge'sturntostayawayfromtheshipmost
ofthedayandallofthenight,returningalittledrunkatthreeandfouro'clock,towakeneveryone
byhand,saveCarl,andtalkingrossandloudrecapitulationofrecentandalwaysdifferentwomen
beforeclimbingintohisbunk.Asfarasweknew,theydidnotevenlookatoneanotheruntilwe
werewellonourwaytoGibraltar.
ThenCarl'sfuryofworkslackedsomewhat.Yetheworkedsteadilyallday,then,bathed,
hisblondhairwetandsmooth,hisslightbodyinacottonsinglet,wewouldseehimleaningalone
inthelongtwilightupontherailmidshipsorforward.Butneveraboutthepoopwherewesmoked
andtalkedandwhereGeorgehadbegunagaintoplaythesinglerecordonthevictrola,committing,
unrequestedandanathemaed,coldbloodedencoreafterencore.
Thenonenightwesawthemtogether.Theywereleaningsidebysideonthepooprail.
ThatwasthefirsttimeCarlhadlookedastern,lookedtowardNaplessincethatmorningwhenhe
returnedtotheship,andevennowitwastheeveningonwhichtheGatesofHerculeshadsunk
intothewaxingtwilightandtheRiverOceanbegantoflowdownintothedarklingseaandoverhead
thecrosstreesswayedinmeasuredandslowrecoveragainstthetallnightandthelownewmoon.
"He'sallrightnow,"Moncktonsaid."Thedog'sgonebacktohisvomit."
"Isaidhewasallrightallthetime,"thebosunsaid.
"Georgedidn'tgiveadamn."
"Iwasn'ttalkingaboutGeorge,"Moncktonsaid."Georgehasn'tmadethegradeyet."

GEORGETOLDus."He'dkeeponmopingandmooning,see,andI'dkeepontryingtotalktohim,
totellhimIwasn'tmadnomore.Jeez,ithadtocomesomeday;amancan'tbeaangelallyour
life.Buthewouldn'tevenlookbackthatway.Untilallofasuddenhesaysonenight:"'Whatdoyou
dotothem?'Ilookedathim.'Howdoesamantreatthem?''Youmeantotellme,'Isays,'thatyou
spentthreedayswithherandsheain'tshowedyouthat?'
 "'Imean,givethem,'hesays.'Don'tmengive...'
"'JeezChrist,'Isays,'youdonealreadygivehersomethingtheywouldhavepaidyou
moneyforitinSiam,Wouldhavemadeyoutheprinceortheprimeministerattheleast.Whatdo
youmean?'
"'Idon'tmeanmoney,'hesays.'Imean...'
"'Well,'Isays,'ifyouwasgoingtoseeheragain,ifshewasgoingtobeyourgirl,you'dgive
hersomething.Bringitbacktoher.Likesomethingtowearorsomething:theydon'tcaremuch
what,themforeignwomen,hustlingthemwopsalltheirlifethatwouldn'tgivethemafullbreathif
theywasatoyballoon;theydon'tcaremuchwhatitis.Butyouain'tgoingtoseeheragain,are
you?'
"'No,'hesays.'No,'hesays.'No.'Andhelookedlikehewasfixingtojumpofftheboatand
swimonaheadandwaitforusatHatteras.
"'Soyoudon'twanttoworryaboutthat,'Isays.ThenIwentandplayedthevieagain,
thinkingthatmightcheerhimup,becauseheain'tthefirst,forChrist'ssake;heneverinventedit.
Butitwasthenextnight;wewasatthepooprailthenthefirsttimehehadlookedbackwatching
thephosrusalongthelogline,whenhesays:'MaybeIgotherintotrouble.'
'"Doingwhat?'Isays.'Withwhat?Withthepolice?Didn'tyoumakehershowyouher
petite?'Likeshewouldhaveneededaticket,withthatfacefullofgold;Jeez,shecouldhaverode
thetrainonherfacealone;maybethatwashersavingsbankinsteadofusingherstocking.'
"'Whatticket?'hesays.SoItoldhim.ForaminuteIthoughthewascrying,thenIseenthat
hewasjusttryingtonotpuke.SoIknewwhatthetroublewas,whathadbeenworryinghim.I
rememberthefirsttimeitcomeasasurprisetome.'Oh,'Isays,'thesmell.Itdon'tmeannothing,'I
says;youdon'twanttoletthatworryyou.Itain'tthattheysmellbad,'Isays,'that'sjusttheItalian
nationalair,'"
Andthenwethoughtthatatlasthereallywassick.Heworkedalldaylong,comingtobed
onlyaftertherestofuswereasleepandsnoring,andIsawhiminthenightgetupandgotopside
again,andIfollowedandsawhimsittingonawindlass.Helookedlikealittleboy,still,small,
motionlessinhisunderclothes.Buthewasyoung,andevenanoldmancan'tbesickverylongwith
nothingbutworktodoandsaltairtobreathe;andsotwoweekslaterwewerewatchinghimand
Georgedancingagainintheirundershirtsaftersupperontheafterwelldeckwhilethevictrolalifted
itsfatuousandreiterantegoagainstthewaxingmoonandtheshipsnoredandhissedthroughthe
longseasoffHatteras.
Theydidn'ttalk;theyjustdanced,gravelyandtirelesslyasthenightlymoonstoodhigher
andhigherupthesky.Thenweturnedsouth,andtheGulfStreamranlikeblueinkalongside,
bubbledwithfirebynightinthesofteninglatitudes,andonenightoffTortugastheshipbeganto
treadthemoon'ssilvertrainlikeanawkwardandeagercourtier,andCarlspokeforthefirsttime
afteralmosttwentydays.
"George!"hesaid,"domeafavor,willyou?"
"Sure,bud!"Georgesaid,stampingonthedeckeachtimetheneedleclucked,hisblack
headshouldersaboveCarl'ssleekpaleone,thetwoofthemindecorousembrace,theircanvas
shoeshissinginunison:"Sure,"Georgesaid."Spititout."
"WhenwegettoGalveston,Iwantyoutobuymeasuitofthesepinksilkteddybearsthat
ladiesuse.AlittlebiggerthanI'dwear,see?"

Carcassonne
ANDMEONABUCKSKINPONYwitheyeslikeblueelectricityandamaneliketangledfire,
gallopingupthehillandrightoffintothehighheavenoftheworld.Hisskeletonlaystill.Perhapsit
wasthinkingaboutthis.
Anyway,afteratimeitgroaned.Butitsaidnothing,whichiscertainlynotlikeyouhe
thoughtyouarenotlikeyourself,butIcan'tsaythatalittlequietisnotpleasantHelaybeneathan
unrolledstripoftarredroofingmadeofpaper.Allofhimthatis,savethatpartwhichsuffered
neitherinsectsnortemperatureandwhichgallopedunflaggingonthedestinationlesspony,upa
piledsilverhillofcumulaewherenohoofechoednorleftprint,towardtheblueprecipicenever
gained.Thispartwasneitherfleshnorunfleshandhetingledalittlepleasantlywithitslackful
contemplationashelaybeneaththetarredpaperbedclothing.
Sowerethemechanicsofsleeping,ofdenningupforthenight,simplified.Eachmorning
theentirebedrolledbackintoaspoolandstooderectinthecorner.Itwaslikethoseglasses,
readingglasseswhicholdladiesusedtowear,attachedtoacordthatrollsontoaspindleinaneat
caseofunmarkedgold;aspindle,acase,attachedtothedeepbosomofthemotherofsleep.
Helaystill,savoringthis.BeneathhimRinconfollowed.
Beyonditsfatal,secret,nightlypursuits,whereupontherichandinertdarknessofthe
streetslightedwindowsanddoorslaylikeoilystrokesofbroadandoverladenbrushes.Fromthe
docksaship'ssirenunsourceditself.Foramomentitwassound,thenitcompassedsilence,
atmosphere,bringingupontheeardrumsavacuuminwhichnothing,notevensilence,was.Thenit
ceased,ebbed;thesilencebreathedagainwithaclashingofpalmfrondslikesandhissingacrossa
sheetofmetal.
Stillhisskeletonlaymotionless.Perhapsitwasthinkingaboutthisandhethoughtofhis
tarredpaperbedasapairofspectaclesthroughwhichhenightlyperusedthefabricofdreams:
Acrossthetwintransparenciesofthespectaclesthehorsestillgallopswithitstangledwelterof
tossingflames.Forwardandbackagainstthetautroundnessofitsbellyitslegsswing,rhythmically
reachingandoverreaching,eachspurningoverreachpunctuatedbyaflickinglimbernessofshod
hooves.Hecanseethesaddlegirthandthesolesoftherider'sfeetinthestirrups.Thegirthcuts
thehorseintwojustbackofthewithers,yetitstillgallopswithrhythmicandunflaggingfuryand
withoutprogression,andhethinksofthatriderlessNormansteedwhichgallopedagainstthe
SaracenEmir,who,sokeenofeye,sodelicateandstrongthewristwhichswungtheblade,
severedthegallopingbeastatasingleblow,theseveralhalvesthunderingoninthesacreddust
wherehimofBouillonandTancredtooclashedinsullenretreat;thunderingonthroughthe
assembledfoesofourmeekLord,wrappedstillinthefuryandtheprideofthecharge,notknowing
thatitwasdead.
Theceilingofthegarretslantedinaruinedpitchtotheloweaves.Itwasdark,andthe
bodyconsciousness,assumingtheofficeofvision,shapedinhismind'seyehismotionlessbody
grownphosphorescentwiththatsteadydecaywhichhadsetupwithinhisbodyonthedayofhis
birth.Thefleshisdeadlivingonitselfsubsistingconsumingitsetfthriftilyinitsownrenewalwill
neverdieforIamtheResurrectionandtheLifeofaman,thewormshouldbelusty,lean,haired
over.Ofwomen,ofdelicategirlsbrieflylikeheardmusicintune,itshouldbesuavelyshaped,
fallingfeedingintoprettinesses,feeding,whatthoughtoMebutasaseethingofnewmilkWhoam
theResurrectionandtheLife.Itwasdark.Theagonyofwoodwassoothedbytheselatitudes;
emptyroomsdidnotcreakandcrack.Perhapswoodwaslikeanyotherskeletonthough,aftera
time,oncereflexesofoldcompulsionshadspentthemselves.Bonesmightlieunderseas,inthe
cavernsofthesea,knockedtogetherbythedyingechoesofwaves.Likebonesofhorsescursing
theinferiorriderswhobestrodethem,braggingtooneanotheraboutwhattheywouldhavedone
withafirstrateriderup.Butsomebodyalwayscrucifiedthefirstrateriders.Andthenit'sbetterto
bebonesknockingtogethertothespentmotionoffallingtidesinthecavernsandthegrottoesof
thesea.wherehimofBouillonandTancredtoo.Hisskeletongroanedagain.Acrossthetwin
transparenciesoftheglassyfloorthehorsestillgalloped,unflaggingandwithoutprogress,its
destinationthebarnwheresleepwasstabled.Itwasdark.Luis,whoranthecantinadownstairs,
allowedhimtosleepinthegarret.ButtheStandardOilCompany,whoownedthegarretandthe
roofingpaper,ownedthedarknesstoo;itwasMrsWiddrington's,theStandardOilCompany's
wife's,darknesshewasusingtosleepin.She'dmakeapoetofyoutoo,ifyoudidnotwork
anywhere.Shebelievedthat,ifareasonforbreathingwerenotacceptabletoher,itwasnoreason.
Withher,ifyouwerewhiteanddidnotwork,youwereeitheratramporapoet.Maybeyouwere.
Womenaresowise.Theyhavelearnedhowtoliveunconfusedbyreality,impervioustoit.Itwas
dark.andknockmybonestogetherandtogetherItwasdark,adarknessfilledwithafairypattering
ofsmallfeet,stealthyandintent.Sometimesthecoldpatterofthemonhisfacewakedhiminthe
night,andathismovementtheyscurriedinvisiblylikeanabruptdisintegrationofdeadleavesina
wind,inwhisperingarpeggiosofminutesound,leavingathinbutdefiniteeffluviumoffurtiveness
andvoracity.Attimes,lyingsowhiledaylightslantedgraylyalongtheruinedpitchoftheeaves,he
watchedtheirshadowyflickingsfromobscuritytoobscurity,shadowyandhugeascats,leaving
alongthestagnantsilencesthosewhisperingsgustsoffairyfeet.
MrsWiddringtonownedtheratstoo.Butwealthypeoplehavetoownsomanythings.Only
shedidn'texpecttheratstopayforusingherdarknessandsilencebywritingpoetry.
Notthattheycouldnothave,andprettyfairverseprobably.
SomethingoftherataboutByron:allocutionsofstealthfulvoracity;afairypatteringoflittle
feetbehindabloodyarraswherefellwherejellwhereIwasKingofKingsbutthewomanwiththe
womanwiththedogseyestoknockmybonestogetherandtogether."Iwouldliketoperform
something,"hesaid,shapinghislipssoundlesslyinthedarkness,andthegallopinghorsefilledhis
mindagainwithsoundlessthunder.Hecouldseethesaddlegirthandthesolesoftherider's
stirrupedfeet,andhethoughtofthatNormansteed,bredofmanyfatherstobearironmailinthe
slow,damp,greenvalleysofEngland,maddenedwithheatandthirstandhopelesshorizonsfilled
withshimmeringnothingness,thunderingalongintwohalvesandnotknowingit,fusedstillinthe
rhythmofaccruedmomentum.Itsheadwasmailedsothatitcouldnotseeforwardatall,andfrom
thecenteroftheplatesprojectedaprojecteda"Chamfron,"hisskeletonsaid.
"Chamfron."Hemusedforatime,whilethebeastthatdidnotknowthatitwasdead
thunderedonastheranksoftheLamb'sfoesopenedinthesacreddustandletitthrough.
"Chamfron,"herepeated.Living,asitdid,aretiredlife,hisskeletoncouldknownextto
nothingoftheworld.Yetithadanastonishingandexasperatingwayofsupplyinghimwithbitsof
trivialinformationthathadtemporarilyescapedhismind."AllyouknowiswhatItellyou,"hesaid.
"Notalways,"theskeletonsaid."Iknowthattheendoflifeislyingstill.Youhaven'tlearned
thatyet.Oryouhaven'tmentionedittome,anyway."
"Oh,I'velearnedit,"hesaid."I'vehaditdinnedintomeenough.Itisn'tthat.It'sthatIdon't
believeit'strue."
Theskeletongroaned.
"Idon'tbelieveit,Isay,"herepeated.
"Allright,allright,"theskeletonsaidtestily."Ishan'tdisputeyou.Ineverdo.Ionlygiveyou
advice."
"Somebodyhasto,Iguess,"heagreedsourly."Atleast,itlookslikeit."Helaystillbeneath
thetarredpaper,inasilencefilledwithfairypatterings.Againhisbodyslantedandslanted
downwardthroughopalinecorridorsgroinedwithribsofdyingsunlightupwarddissolvingdimly,
andcametorestatlastinthewindlessgardensofthesea.Abouthimtheswayingcavernsandthe
grottoes,andhisbodylayontherippledfloor,tumblingpeacefullytothewaveringechoesofthe
tides.
Iwanttoperformsomethingboldandtragicalandaustereherepeated,shapingthe
soundlesswordsinthepatteringsilencemeonabuckskinponywitheyeslikeblueelectricityanda
maneliketangledfire,gallopingupthehillandrightoffintothehighheavenoftheworldStill
galloping,thehorsesoarsoutward;stillgalloping,itthundersupthelongbluehillofheaven,its
tossingmaneingoldenswirlslikefire.
Steedandriderthunderon,thunderpunilydiminishing:adyingstarupontheimmensityof
darknessandofsilencewithinwhich,steadfast,fading,deepbreastedandgraveofflank,muses
thedarkandtragicfigureoftheEarth,hismother.