McTEAGUE

A Story of San Francisco

by Frank Norris
CHAPTER 1
It was Sunday, and, according to his custo on that day, !cT"agu" took his
dinn"r at two in th" aft"rnoon at th" car conductors# co$""%&oint on Po'k
Str""t( H" had a thick gray sou)* h"a+y, und"rdon" "at, +"ry hot, on a co'd
)'at"* two kinds of +"g"tab'"s* and a sort of su"t )udding, fu'' of strong
butt"r and sugar( ,n his way back to his o-c", on" b'ock abo+", h" sto))"d
at .o" Fr"nna#s sa'oon and bought a )itch"r of st"a b""r( It was his habit to
'"a+" th" )itch"r th"r" on his way to dinn"r(
,nc" in his o-c", or, as h" ca''"d it on his signboard, /0"nta' Par'ors,/ h"
took o$ his coat and sho"s, unbutton"d his +"st, and, ha+ing cra"d his
'itt'" sto+" fu'' of cok", 'ay back in his o)"rating chair at th" bay window,
r"ading th" )a)"r, drinking his b""r, and soking his hug" )orc"'ain )i)"
whi'" his food dig"st"d* cro)%fu'', stu)id, and war( 1y and by, gorg"d with
st"a b""r, and o+"rco" by th" h"at of th" roo, th" ch"a) tobacco, and
th" "$"cts of his h"a+y "a', h" dro))"d o$ to s'"")( 2at" in th" aft"rnoon
his canary bird, in its gi't cag" &ust o+"r his h"ad, b"gan to sing( H" wok"
s'ow'y, 3nish"d th" r"st of his b""r4+"ry 5at and sta'" by this ti"4and
taking down his conc"rtina fro th" bookcas", wh"r" in w""k days it k")t th"
co)any of s"+"n +o'u"s of /A''"n#s Practica' 0"ntist,/ )'ay"d u)on it so"
ha'f%do6"n +"ry ournfu' airs(
!cT"agu" 'ook"d forward to th"s" Sunday aft"rnoons as a )"riod of
r"'a7ation and "n&oy"nt( H" in+ariab'y s)"nt th" in th" sa" fashion(
Th"s" w"r" his on'y )'"asur"s4to "at, to sok", to s'""), and to )'ay u)on
his conc"rtina(
Th" si7 'ugubrious airs that h" kn"w, a'ways carri"d hi back to th" ti"
wh"n h" was a car%boy at th" 1ig 0i))"r !in" in P'ac"r County, t"n y"ars
b"for"( H" r""b"r"d th" y"ars h" had s)"nt th"r" trund'ing th" h"a+y
cars of or" in and out of th" tunn"' und"r th" dir"ction of his fath"r( For
thirt""n days of "ach fortnight his fath"r was a st"ady, hard%working shift%
boss of th" in"( E+"ry oth"r Sunday h" b"ca" an irr"s)onsib'" ania', a
b"ast, a brut", cra6y with a'coho'(
!cT"agu" r""b"r"d his oth"r, too, who, with th" h"') of th" Chinaan,
cook"d for forty in"rs( Sh" was an o+"rwork"d drudg", 3"ry and "n"rg"tic
for a'' that, 3''"d with th" on" id"a of ha+ing h"r son ris" in 'if" and "nt"r a
)rof"ssion( Th" chanc" had co" at 'ast wh"n th" fath"r di"d, corrod"d with
a'coho', co''a)sing in a f"w hours( Two or thr"" y"ars 'at"r a tra+"''ing d"ntist
+isit"d th" in" and )ut u) his t"nt n"ar th" bunk%hous"( H" was or" or
'"ss of a char'atan, but h" 3r"d !rs( !cT"agu"#s abition, and young
!cT"agu" w"nt away with hi to '"arn his )rof"ssion( H" had '"arnt it aft"r a
fashion, ost'y by watching th" char'atan o)"rat"( H" had r"ad any of th"
n"c"ssary books, but h" was too ho)"'"ss'y stu)id to g"t uch b"n"3t fro
th"(
Th"n on" day at San Francisco had co" th" n"ws of his oth"r#s d"ath* sh"
had '"ft hi so" on"y4not uch, but "nough to s"t hi u) in busin"ss*
so h" had cut 'oos" fro th" char'atan and had o)"n"d his /0"nta' Par'ors/
on Po'k Str""t, an /accoodation str""t/ of sa'' sho)s in th" r"sid"nc"
8uart"r of th" town( H"r" h" had s'ow'y co''"ct"d a c'i"nt"'" of butch"r boys,
sho) gir's, drug c'"rks, and car conductors( H" ad" but f"w ac8uaintanc"s(
Po'k Str""t ca''"d hi th" /0octor/ and s)ok" of his "norous str"ngth( For
!cT"agu" was a young giant, carrying his hug" shock of b'ond hair si7 f""t
thr"" inch"s fro th" ground* o+ing his i"ns" 'ibs, h"a+y with ro)"s of
usc'", s'ow'y, )ond"rous'y( His hands w"r" "norous, r"d, and co+"r"d with
a f"'' of sti$ y"''ow hair* th"y w"r" hard as wood"n a''"ts, strong as +is"s,
th" hands of th" o'd%ti" car%boy( ,ft"n h" dis)"ns"d with forc")s and
"7tract"d a r"fractory tooth with his thub and 3ng"r( His h"ad was s8uar"%
cut, angu'ar* th" &aw sa'i"nt, 'ik" that of th" carni+ora(
!cT"agu"#s ind was as his body, h"a+y, s'ow to act, s'uggish( 9"t th"r" was
nothing +icious about th" an( A'tog"th"r h" sugg"st"d th" draught hors",
i"ns"'y strong, stu)id, doci'", ob"di"nt(
:h"n h" o)"n"d his /0"nta' Par'ors,/ h" f"'t that his 'if" was a succ"ss, that
h" cou'd ho)" for nothing b"tt"r( In s)it" of th" na", th"r" was but on"
roo( It was a corn"r roo on th" s"cond 5oor o+"r th" branch )ost%o-c",
and fac"d th" str""t( !cT"agu" ad" it do for a b"droo as w"'', s'"")ing on
th" big b"d%'oung" against th" wa'' o))osit" th" window( Th"r" was a
washstand b"hind th" scr""n in th" corn"r wh"r" h" anufactur"d his
ou'ds( In th" round bay window w"r" his o)"rating chair, his d"nta' "ngin",
and th" o+ab'" rack on which h" 'aid out his instru"nts( Thr"" chairs, a
bargain at th" s"cond%hand stor", rang"d th"s"'+"s against th" wa'' with
i'itary )r"cision und"rn"ath a st""' "ngra+ing of th" court of 2or"n6o d"#
!"dici, which h" had bought b"caus" th"r" w"r" a gr"at any 3gur"s in it
for th" on"y( ,+"r th" b"d%'oung" hung a ri5" anufactur"r#s
ad+"rtis""nt ca'"ndar which h" n"+"r us"d( Th" oth"r orna"nts w"r" a
sa'' arb'"%to))"d c"ntr" tab'" co+"r"d with back nub"rs of /Th"
A"rican Syst" of 0"ntistry,/ a ston" )ug dog sitting b"for" th" 'itt'" sto+",
and a th"ro"t"r( A stand of sh"'+"s occu)i"d on" corn"r, 3''"d with th"
s"+"n +o'u"s of /A''"n#s Practica' 0"ntist(/ ,n th" to) sh"'f !cT"agu" k")t
his conc"rtina and a bag of bird s""d for th" canary( Th" who'" )'ac" "7ha'"d
a ing'"d odor of b"dding, cr"osot", and "th"r(
1ut for on" thing, !cT"agu" wou'd ha+" b""n )"rf"ct'y cont"nt"d( .ust
outsid" his window was his signboard4a od"st a$air4that r"ad; /0octor
!cT"agu"( 0"nta' Par'ors( <as <i+"n/* but that was a''( It was his abition,
his dr"a, to ha+" )ro&"cting fro that corn"r window a hug" gi'd"d tooth, a
o'ar with "norous )rongs, so"thing gorg"ous and attracti+"( H" wou'd
ha+" it so" day, on that h" was r"so'+"d* but as y"t such a thing was far
b"yond his "ans(
:h"n h" had 3nish"d th" 'ast of his b""r, !cT"agu" s'ow'y wi)"d his 'i)s and
hug" y"''ow ustach" with th" sid" of his hand( 1u''%'ik", h" h"a+"d his"'f
'aborious'y u), and, going to th" window, stood 'ooking down into th" str""t(
Th" str""t n"+"r fai'"d to int"r"st hi( It was on" of thos" cross str""ts
)"cu'iar to :"st"rn citi"s, situat"d in th" h"art of th" r"sid"nc" 8uart"r, but
occu)i"d by sa'' trad"s)"o)'" who 'i+"d in th" roos abo+" th"ir sho)s(
Th"r" w"r" corn"r drug stor"s with hug" &ars of r"d, y"''ow, and gr""n 'i8uids
in th"ir windows, +"ry bra+" and gay* station"rs# stor"s, wh"r" i''ustrat"d
w""k'i"s w"r" tack"d u)on bu''"tin boards* barb"r sho)s with cigar stands in
th"ir +"stibu'"s* sad%'ooking )'ub"rs# o-c"s* ch"a) r"staurants, in whos"
windows on" saw )i'"s of uno)"n"d oyst"rs w"ight"d down by cub"s of ic",
and china )igs and cows kn"" d"") in 'ay"rs of whit" b"ans( At on" "nd of
th" str""t !cT"agu" cou'd s"" th" hug" )ow"r%hous" of th" cab'" 'in"(
I"diat"'y o))osit" hi was a gr"at ark"t* whi'" farth"r on, o+"r th"
chin"y stacks of th" int"r+"ning hous"s, th" g'ass roof of so" hug" )ub'ic
baths g'itt"r"d 'ik" crysta' in th" aft"rnoon sun( =nd"rn"ath hi th" branch
)ost%o-c" was o)"ning its doors, as was its custo b"tw""n two and thr""
o#c'ock on Sunday aft"rnoons( An acrid odor of ink ros" u)ward to hi(
,ccasiona''y a cab'" car )ass"d, trund'ing h"a+i'y, with a strid"nt whirring of
&ost'"d g'ass windows(
,n w""k days th" str""t was +"ry 'i+"'y( It wok" to its work about s"+"n
o#c'ock, at th" ti" wh"n th" n"wsboys ad" th"ir a))"aranc" tog"th"r with
th" day 'abor"rs( Th" 'abor"rs w"nt trudging )ast in a stragg'ing 3'"4
)'ub"rs# a))r"ntic"s, th"ir )ock"ts stu$"d with s"ctions of '"ad )i)",
tw""6"rs, and )'i"rs* car)"nt"rs, carrying nothing but th"ir 'itt'" )ast"board
'unch bask"ts )aint"d to iitat" '"ath"r* gangs of str""t work"rs, th"ir
o+"ra''s soi'"d with y"''ow c'ay, th"ir )icks and 'ong%hand'"d sho+"'s o+"r
th"ir shou'd"rs* )'ast"r"rs, s)ott"d with 'i" fro h"ad to foot( This 'itt'"
ary of work"rs, tra)ing st"adi'y in on" dir"ction, "t and ing'"d with
oth"r toi'"rs of a di$"r"nt d"scri)tion4conductors and /swing "n/ of th"
cab'" co)any going on duty* h"a+y%"y"d night c'"rks fro th" drug stor"s
on th"ir way ho" to s'"")* rounds"n r"turning to th" )r"cinct )o'ic"
station to ak" th"ir night r")ort, and Chin"s" ark"t gard"n"rs t""t"ring
)ast und"r th"ir h"a+y bask"ts( Th" cab'" cars b"gan to 3'' u)* a'' a'ong th"
str""t cou'd b" s""n th" sho)k"")"rs taking down th"ir shutt"rs(
1"tw""n s"+"n and "ight th" str""t br"akfast"d( Now and th"n a wait"r fro
on" of th" ch"a) r"staurants cross"d fro on" sid"wa'k to th" oth"r,
ba'ancing on on" )a' a tray co+"r"d with a na)kin( E+"rywh"r" was th"
s"'' of co$"" and of frying st"aks( A 'itt'" 'at"r, fo''owing in th" )ath of th"
day 'abor"rs, ca" th" c'"rks and sho) gir's, dr"ss"d with a c"rtain ch"a)
sartn"ss, a'ways in a hurry, g'ancing a))r"h"nsi+"'y at th" )ow"r%hous"
c'ock( Th"ir ")'oy"rs fo''ow"d an hour or so 'at"r4on th" cab'" cars for th"
ost )art whisk"r"d g"nt'""n with hug" stoachs, r"ading th" orning
)a)"rs with gr"at gra+ity* bank cashi"rs and insuranc" c'"rks with 5ow"rs in
th"ir buttonho'"s(
At th" sa" ti" th" schoo' chi'dr"n in+ad"d th" str""t, 3''ing th" air with a
c'aor of shri'' +oic"s, sto))ing at th" station"rs# sho)s, or id'ing a o"nt
in th" doorways of th" candy stor"s( For o+"r ha'f an hour th"y h"'d
)oss"ssion of th" sid"wa'ks, th"n sudd"n'y disa))"ar"d, '"a+ing b"hind on"
or two stragg'"rs who hurri"d a'ong with gr"at strid"s of th"ir 'itt'" thin '"gs,
+"ry an7ious and )r"occu)i"d(
Towards "'"+"n o#c'ock th" 'adi"s fro th" gr"at a+"nu" a b'ock abo+" Po'k
Str""t ad" th"ir a))"aranc", )ro"nading th" sid"wa'ks '"isur"'y,
d"'ib"rat"'y( Th"y w"r" at th"ir orning#s ark"ting( Th"y w"r" handso"
wo"n, b"autifu''y dr"ss"d( Th"y kn"w by na" th"ir butch"rs and groc"rs
and +"g"tab'" "n( Fro his window !cT"agu" saw th" in front of th"
sta''s, g'o+"d and +"i'"d and dainti'y shod, th" subs"r+i"nt )ro+ision "n at
th"ir "'bows, scribb'ing hasti'y in th" ord"r books( Th"y a'' s"""d to know
on" anoth"r, th"s" grand 'adi"s fro th" fashionab'" a+"nu"( !""tings took
)'ac" h"r" and th"r"* a con+"rsation was b"gun* oth"rs arri+"d* grou)s w"r"
for"d* 'itt'" i)ro)tu r"c")tions w"r" h"'d b"for" th" cho))ing b'ocks of
butch"rs# sta''s, or on th" sid"wa'k, around bo7"s of b"rri"s and fruit(
Fro noon to "+"ning th" )o)u'ation of th" str""t was of a i7"d charact"r(
Th" str""t was busi"st at that ti"* a +ast and )ro'ong"d urur aros"4th"
ing'"d shu>ing of f""t, th" ratt'" of wh""'s, th" h"a+y trund'ing of cab'"
cars( At four o#c'ock th" schoo' chi'dr"n onc" or" swar"d th" sid"wa'ks,
again disa))"aring with sur)rising sudd"nn"ss( At si7 th" gr"at ho"ward
arch co"nc"d* th" cars w"r" crowd"d, th" 'abor"rs throng"d th"
sid"wa'ks, th" n"wsboys chant"d th" "+"ning )a)"rs( Th"n a'' at onc" th"
str""t f"'' 8ui"t* hard'y a sou' was in sight* th" sid"wa'ks w"r" d"s"rt"d( It
was su))"r hour( E+"ning b"gan* and on" by on" a u'titud" of 'ights, fro
th" d"oniac g'ar" of th" druggists# windows to th" da66'ing b'u" whit"n"ss
of th" "'"ctric g'ob"s, gr"w thick fro str""t corn"r to str""t corn"r( ,nc"
or" th" str""t was crowd"d( Now th"r" was no thought but for aus""nt(
Th" cab'" cars w"r" 'oad"d with th"atr"%go"rs4"n in high hats and young
gir's in furr"d o)"ra c'oaks( ,n th" sid"wa'ks w"r" grou)s and cou)'"s4th"
)'ub"rs# a))r"ntic"s, th" gir's of th" ribbon count"rs, th" 'itt'" fai'i"s that
'i+"d on th" s"cond stori"s o+"r th"ir sho)s, th" dr"ssak"rs, th" sa''
doctors, th" harn"ss%ak"rs4a'' th" +arious inhabitants of th" str""t w"r"
abroad, stro''ing id'y fro sho) window to sho) window, taking th" air aft"r
th" day#s work( <rou)s of gir's co''"ct"d on th" corn"rs, ta'king and 'aughing
+"ry 'oud, aking r"arks u)on th" young "n that )ass"d th"( Th"
taa'" "n a))"ar"d( A band of Sa'+ationists b"gan to sing b"for" a sa'oon(
Th"n, 'itt'" by 'itt'", Po'k Str""t dro))"d back to so'itud"( E'"+"n o#c'ock
struck fro th" )ow"r%hous" c'ock( 2ights w"r" "7tinguish"d( At on" o#c'ock
th" cab'" sto))"d, '"a+ing an abru)t si'"nc" in th" air( A'' at onc" it s"""d
+"ry sti''( Th" ug'y nois"s w"r" th" occasiona' footfa''s of a )o'ic"an and th"
)"rsist"nt ca''ing of ducks and g""s" in th" c'os"d ark"t( Th" str""t was
as'"")(
0ay aft"r day, !cT"agu" saw th" sa" )anoraa unro'' its"'f( Th" bay
window of his /0"nta' Par'ors/ was for hi a )oint of +antag" fro which h"
watch"d th" wor'd go )ast(
,n Sundays, how"+"r, a'' was chang"d( As h" stood in th" bay window, aft"r
3nishing his b""r, wi)ing his 'i)s, and 'ooking out into th" str""t, !cT"agu"
was conscious of th" di$"r"nc"( N"ar'y a'' th" stor"s w"r" c'os"d( No wagons
)ass"d( A f"w )"o)'" hurri"d u) and down th" sid"wa'ks, dr"ss"d in ch"a)
Sunday 3n"ry( A cab'" car w"nt by* on th" outsid" s"ats w"r" a )arty of
r"turning )icnick"rs( Th" oth"r, th" fath"r, a young an, and a young gir',
and thr"" chi'dr"n( Th" two o'd"r )"o)'" h"'d ")ty 'unch bask"ts in th"ir
'a)s, whi'" th" bands of th" chi'dr"n#s hats w"r" stuck fu'' of oak '"a+"s( Th"
gir' carri"d a hug" bunch of wi'ting )o))i"s and wi'd 5ow"rs(
As th" car a))roach"d !cT"agu"#s window th" young an got u) and swung
his"'f o$ th" )'atfor, wa+ing goodby to th" )arty( Sudd"n'y !cT"agu"
r"cogni6"d hi(
/Th"r"#s !arcus Schou'"r,/ h" utt"r"d b"hind his ustach"(
!arcus Schou'"r was th" d"ntist#s on" intiat" fri"nd( Th" ac8uaintanc" had
b"gun at th" car conductors# co$""%&oint, wh"r" th" two occu)i"d th" sa"
tab'" and "t at "+"ry "a'( Th"n th"y ad" th" disco+"ry that th"y both
'i+"d in th" sa" 5at, !arcus occu)ying a roo on th" 5oor abo+" !cT"agu"(
,n di$"r"nt occasions !cT"agu" had tr"at"d !arcus for an u'c"rat"d tooth
and had r"fus"d to acc")t )ay"nt( Soon it ca" to b" an und"rstood thing
b"tw""n th"( Th"y w"r" /)a's(/
!cT"agu", 'ist"ning, h"ard !arcus go u)%stairs to his roo abo+"( In a f"w
inut"s his door o)"n"d again( !cT"agu" kn"w that h" had co" out into
th" ha'' and was '"aning o+"r th" banist"rs(
/,h, !ac?/ h" ca''"d( !cT"agu" ca" to his door(
/Hu''o? #sthat you, !ark@/
/Sur",/ answ"r"d !arcus( /Co" on u)(/
/9ou co" on down(/
/No, co" on u)(/
/,h, you co" on down(/
/,h, you 'a6y duck?/ r"tort"d !arcus, coing down th" stairs(
/1""n out to th" C'i$ Hous" on a )icnic,/ h" "7)'ain"d as h" sat down on th"
b"d%'oung", /with y unc'" and his )"o)'"4th" Si"))"s, you know( 1y dan?
it was hot,/ h" sudd"n'y +ocif"rat"d( /.ust 'ook at that? .ust 'ook at that?/ h"
cri"d, dragging at his 'i) co''ar( /That#s th" third on" sinc" orning* it is4it
is, for a fact4and you got your sto+" going(/ H" b"gan to t"'' about th"
)icnic, ta'king +"ry 'oud and fast, g"sturing furious'y, +"ry "7cit"d o+"r tri+ia'
d"tai's( !arcus cou'd not ta'k without g"tting "7cit"d(
/9ou ought t#ha+" s""n, y#ought t#ha+" s""n( I t"'' you, it was outa sight( It
was* it was, for a fact(/
/9"s, y"s,/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", b"wi'd"r"d, trying to fo''ow( /9"s, that#s so(/
In r"counting a c"rtain dis)ut" with an awkward bicyc'ist, in which it
a))"ar"d h" had b"co" in+o'+"d, !arcus 8ui+"r"d with rag"( /#Say that
again,# says I to u( #.ust say that onc" or", and#/4h"r" a ro''ing "7)'osion
of oaths4/#you#'' go back to th" city in th" !orgu" wagon( Ain#t I got a right
to cross a str""t "+"n, I#d 'ik" to know, without b"ing run down4what@# I say
it#s outrag"ous( I#d a knif"d hi in anoth"r inut"( It was an outrag"( I say it
was an ,=TRA<E(/
/Sur" it was,/ !cT"agu" hast"n"d to r")'y( /Sur", sur"(/
/,h, and w" had an accid"nt,/ shout"d th" oth"r, sudd"n'y o$ on anoth"r
tack( /It was awfu'( Trina was in th" swing th"r"4that#s y cousin Trina, you
know who I "an4and sh" f"'' out( 1y dan? I thought sh"#d ki''"d h"rs"'f*
struck h"r fac" on a rock and knock"d out a front tooth( It#s a wond"r sh"
didn#t ki'' h"rs"'f( It IS a wond"r* it is, for a fact( Ain#t it, now@ Huh@ Ain#t it@
9#ought t#ha+" s""n(/
!cT"agu" had a +agu" id"a that !arcus Schou'"r was stuck on his cousin
Trina( Th"y /k")t co)any/ a good d"a'* !arcus took dinn"r with th" Si"))"s
"+"ry Saturday "+"ning at th"ir ho" at 1 Str""t station, across th" bay, and
Sunday aft"rnoons h" and th" fai'y usua''y ad" 'itt'" "7cursions into th"
suburbs( !cT"agu" b"gan to wond"r di'y how it was that on this occasion
!arcus had not gon" ho" with his cousin( As so"ti"s ha))"ns, !arcus
furnish"d th" "7)'anation u)on th" instant(
/I )rois"d a duck u) h"r" on th" a+"nu" I#d ca'' for his dog at four this
aft"rnoon(/
!arcus was ,'d <rannis#s assistant in a 'itt'" dog hos)ita' that th" 'att"r had
o)"n"d in a sort of a''"y &ust o$ Po'k Str""t, so" four b'ocks abo+" ,'d
<rannis 'i+"d in on" of th" back roos of !cT"agu"#s 5at( H" was an
Eng'ishan and an "7)"rt dog surg"on, but !arcus Schou'"r was a bung'"r in
th" )rof"ssion( His fath"r had b""n a +"t"rinary surg"on who had k")t a
'i+"ry stab'" n"ar by, on Ca'ifornia Str""t, and !arcus#s know'"dg" of th"
dis"as"s of do"stic ania's had b""n )ick"d u) in a ha)ha6ard way, uch
aft"r th" ann"r of !cT"agu"#s "ducation( So"how h" anag"d to i)r"ss
,'d <rannis, a g"nt'", si)'"%ind"d o'd an, with a s"ns" of his 3tn"ss,
b"wi'd"ring hi with a torr"nt of ")ty )hras"s that h" d"'i+"r"d with 3"rc"
g"stur"s and with a ann"r of th" gr"at"st con+iction(
/9ou#d b"tt"r co" a'ong with ", !ac,/ obs"r+"d !arcus( /:"#'' g"t th"
duck#s dog, and th"n w"#'' tak" a 'itt'" wa'k, huh@ 9ou got nothun to do( Co"
a'ong(/
!cT"agu" w"nt out with hi, and th" two fri"nds )roc""d"d u) to th" a+"nu"
to th" hous" wh"r" th" dog was to b" found( It was a hug" ansion%'ik"
)'ac", s"t in an "norous gard"n that occu)i"d a who'" third of th" b'ock*
and whi'" !arcus tra)"d u) th" front st")s and rang th" doorb"'' bo'd'y, to
show his ind")"nd"nc", !cT"agu" r"ain"d b"'ow on th" sid"wa'k, ga6ing
stu)id'y at th" curtain"d windows, th" arb'" st")s, and th" bron6" gri-ns,
troub'"d and a 'itt'" confus"d by a'' this assi+" 'u7ury(
Aft"r th"y had tak"n th" dog to th" hos)ita' and had '"ft hi to whi)"r
b"hind th" wir" n"tting, th"y r"turn"d to Po'k Str""t and had a g'ass of b""r
in th" back roo of .o" Fr"nna#s corn"r groc"ry(
E+"r sinc" th"y had '"ft th" hug" ansion on th" a+"nu", !arcus had b""n
attacking th" ca)ita'ists, a c'ass which h" )r"t"nd"d to "7"crat"( It was a
)os" which h" oft"n assu"d, c"rtain of i)r"ssing th" d"ntist( !arcus had
)ick"d u) a f"w ha'f%truths of )o'itica' "conoy4it was i)ossib'" to say
wh"r"4and as soon as th" two had s"tt'"d th"s"'+"s to th"ir b""r in
Fr"nna#s back roo h" took u) th" th"" of th" 'abor 8u"stion( H" discuss"d
it at th" to) of his +oic", +ocif"rating, shaking his 3sts, "7citing his"'f with
his own nois"( H" was continua''y aking us" of th" stock )hras"s of th"
)rof"ssiona' )o'itician4)hras"s h" had caught at so" of th" ward /ra''i"s/
and /rati3cation ""tings(/ Th"s" ro''"d o$ his tongu" with incr"dib'"
")hasis, a))"aring at "+"ry turn of his con+"rsation4/,utrag"d
constitu"nci"s,/ /caus" of 'abor,/ /wag" "arn"rs,/ /o)inions bias"d by
)"rsona' int"r"sts,/ /"y"s b'ind"d by )arty )r"&udic"(/ !cT"agu" 'ist"n"d to
hi, aw"struck(
/Th"r"#s wh"r" th" "+i' 'i"s,/ !arcus wou'd cry( /Th" ass"s ust '"arn s"'f%
contro'* it stands to r"ason( 2ook at th" 3gur"s, 'ook at th" 3gur"s( 0"cr"as"
th" nub"r of wag" "arn"rs and you incr"as" wag"s, don#t you@ don#t you@/
Abso'ut"'y stu)id, and und"rstanding n"+"r a word, !cT"agu" wou'd answ"r;
/9"s, y"s, that#s it4s"'f%contro'4that#s th" word(/
/It#s th" ca)ita'ists that#s ruining th" caus" of 'abor,/ shout"d !arcus,
banging th" tab'" with his 3st ti'' th" b""r g'ass"s danc"d* /whit"%'i+"r"d
dron"s, traitors, with th"ir 'i+"rs whit" as snow, "atun th" br"ad of widows
and or)huns* th"r"#s wh"r" th" "+i' 'i"s(/
Stu)"3"d with his c'aor, !cT"agu" answ"r"d, wagging his h"ad;
/9"s, that#s it* I think it#s th"ir 'i+"rs(/
Sudd"n'y !arcus f"'' ca' again, forg"tting his )os" a'' in an instant(
/Say, !ac, I to'd y cousin Trina to co" round and s"" you about that tooth
of h"r#s( Sh"#'' b" in to%orrow, I gu"ss(/
CHAPTER A
Aft"r his br"akfast th" fo''owing !onday orning, !cT"agu" 'ook"d o+"r th"
a))oint"nts h" had writt"n down in th" book%s'at" that hung against th"
scr""n( His writing was i"ns", +"ry c'usy, and +"ry round, with hug",
fu''%b"''i"d '#s and h#s( H" saw that h" had ad" an a))oint"nt at on"
o#c'ock for !iss 1ak"r, th" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r, a 'itt'" o'd aid who had a tiny
roo a f"w doors down th" ha''( It ad&oin"d that of ,'d <rannis(
Buit" an a$air had aris"n fro this circustanc"( !iss 1ak"r and ,'d <rannis
w"r" both o+"r si7ty, and y"t it was curr"nt ta'k aongst th" 'odg"rs of th"
5at that th" two w"r" in 'o+" with "ach oth"r( Singu'ar'y "nough, th"y w"r"
not "+"n ac8uaintanc"s* n"+"r a word had )ass"d b"tw""n th"( At int"r+a's
th"y "t on th" stairway* h" on his way to his 'itt'" dog hos)ita', sh"
r"turning fro a bit of ark"ting in th" str""t( At such ti"s th"y )ass"d
"ach oth"r with a+"rt"d "y"s, )r"t"nding a c"rtain )r"occu)ation, sudd"n'y
s"i6"d with a gr"at "barrass"nt, th" tiidity of a s"cond chi'dhood( H"
w"nt on about his busin"ss, disturb"d and thoughtfu'( Sh" hurri"d u) to h"r
tiny roo, h"r curious 'itt'" fa's" cur's shaking with h"r agitation, th" faint"st
sugg"stion of a 5ush coing and going in h"r with"r"d ch""ks( Th" "otion
of on" of th"s" chanc" ""tings r"ain"d with th" during a'' th" r"st of
th" day(
:as it th" 3rst roanc" in th" 'i+"s of "ach@ 0id ,'d <rannis "+"r r""b"r
a c"rtain fac" aongst thos" that h" had known wh"n h" was young <rannis
4th" fac" of so" )a'"%hair"d gir', such as on" s""s in th" o'd cath"dra'
towns of Eng'and@ 0id !iss 1ak"r sti'' tr"asur" u) in a s"'do o)"n"d draw"r
or bo7 so" fad"d dagu"rr"oty)", so" strang" o'd%fashion"d 'ik"n"ss, with
its cur'ing hair and high stock@ It was i)ossib'" to say(
!aria !aca)a, th" !"7ican woan who took car" of th" 'odg"rs# roos, had
b""n th" 3rst to ca'' th" 5at#s att"ntion to th" a$air, s)r"ading th" n"ws of it
fro roo to roo, fro 5oor to 5oor( ,f 'at" sh" had ad" a gr"at
disco+"ry* a'' th" wo"n fo'k of th" 5at w"r" y"t +ibrant with it( ,'d <rannis
ca" ho" fro his work at four o#c'ock, and b"tw""n that ti" and si7 !iss
1ak"r wou'd sit in h"r roo, h"r hands id'" in h"r 'a), doing nothing,
'ist"ning, waiting( ,'d <rannis did th" sa", drawing his ar%chair n"ar to
th" wa'', knowing that !iss 1ak"r was u)on th" oth"r sid", conscious,
)"rha)s, that sh" was thinking of hi* and th"r" th" two wou'd sit through
th" hours of th" aft"rnoon, 'ist"ning and waiting, th"y did not know "7act'y
for what, but n"ar to "ach oth"r, s")arat"d on'y by th" thin )artition of th"ir
roos( Th"y had co" to know "ach oth"r#s habits( ,'d <rannis kn"w that at
8uart"r of 3+" )r"cis"'y !iss 1ak"r ad" a cu) of t"a o+"r th" oi' sto+" on
th" stand b"tw""n th" bur"au and th" window( !iss 1ak"r f"'t instincti+"'y
th" "7act o"nt wh"n ,'d <rannis took down his 'itt'" binding a))aratus
fro th" s"cond sh"'f of his c'oth"s c'os"t and b"gan his fa+orit" occu)ation
of binding )a)h'"ts4)a)h'"ts that h" n"+"r r"ad, for a'' that(
In his /Par'ors/ !cT"agu" b"gan his w""k#s work( H" g'anc"d in th" g'ass
sauc"r in which h" k")t his s)ong"%go'd, and noticing that h" had us"d u) a''
his )"''"ts, s"t about aking so" or"( In "7aining !iss 1ak"r#s t""th at
th" )r"'iinary sitting h" had found a ca+ity in on" of th" incisors( !iss 1ak"r
had d"cid"d to ha+" it 3''"d with go'd( !cT"agu" r""b"r"d now that it
was what is ca''"d a /)ro7iat" cas",/ wh"r" th"r" is not su-ci"nt roo to
3'' with 'arg" )i"c"s of go'd( H" to'd his"'f that h" shou'd ha+" to us"
/ats/ in th" 3''ing( H" ad" so" do6"n of th"s" /ats/ fro his ta)" of
non%coh"si+" go'd, cutting it trans+"rs"'y into sa'' )i"c"s that cou'd b"
ins"rt"d "dg"wis" b"tw""n th" t""th and conso'idat"d by )acking( Aft"r h"
had ad" his /ats/ h" continu"d with th" oth"r kind of go'd 3''ings, such as
h" wou'd ha+" occasion to us" during th" w""k* /b'ocks/ to b" us"d in 'arg"
)ro7ia' ca+iti"s, ad" by fo'ding th" ta)" on its"'f a nub"r of ti"s and
th"n sha)ing it with th" so'd"ring )'i"rs* /cy'ind"rs/ for co"ncing 3''ings,
which h" for"d by ro''ing th" ta)" around a n""d'" ca''"d a /broach,/
cutting it aft"rwards into di$"r"nt '"ngths( H" work"d s'ow'y, "chanica''y,
turning th" foi' b"tw""n his 3ng"rs with th" anua' d"7t"rity that on"
so"ti"s s""s in stu)id )"rsons( His h"ad was 8uit" ")ty of a'' thought,
and h" did not whist'" o+"r his work as anoth"r an ight ha+" don"( Th"
canary ad" u) for his si'"nc", tri''ing and chitt"ring continua''y, s)'ashing
about in its orning bath, k"")ing u) an inc"ssant nois" and o+""nt that
wou'd ha+" b""n add"ning to any on" but !cT"agu", who s"""d to ha+"
no n"r+"s at a''(
Aft"r h" had 3nish"d his 3''ings, h" ad" a hook broach fro a bit of )iano
wir" to r")'ac" an o'd on" that h" had 'ost( It was ti" for his dinn"r th"n,
and wh"n h" r"turn"d fro th" car conductors# co$""%&oint, h" found !iss
1ak"r waiting for hi(
Th" anci"nt 'itt'" dr"ssak"r was at a'' ti"s wi''ing to ta'k of ,'d <rannis to
anybody that wou'd 'ist"n, 8uit" unconscious of th" gossi) of th" 5at(
!cT"agu" found h"r a'' a%5utt"r with "7cit""nt( So"thing "7traordinary
had ha))"n"d( Sh" had found out that th" wa''%)a)"r in ,'d <rannis#s roo
was th" sa" as that in h"rs(
/It has '"d " to thinking, 0octor !cT"agu",/ sh" "7c'ai"d, shaking h"r
'itt'" fa's" cur's at hi( /9ou know y roo is so sa'', anyhow, and th" wa''%
)a)"r b"ing th" sa"4th" )att"rn fro y roo continu"s right into his4I
d"c'ar", I b"'i"+" at on" ti" that was a'' on" roo( Think of it, do you
su))os" it was@ It a'ost aounts to our occu)ying th" sa" roo( I don#t
know4why, r"a''y4do you think I shou'd s)"ak to th" 'and'ady about it@ H"
bound )a)h'"ts 'ast night unti' ha'f%)ast nin"( Th"y say that h"#s th"
young"r son of a baron"t* that th"r" ar" r"asons for his not coing to th"
tit'"* his st")fath"r wrong"d hi cru"''y(/
No on" had "+"r said such a thing( It was )r")ost"rous to iagin" any
yst"ry conn"ct"d with ,'d <rannis( !iss 1ak"r had chos"n to in+"nt th"
'itt'" 3ction, had cr"at"d th" tit'" and th" un&ust st")fath"r fro so" di
"ori"s of th" no+"'s of h"r gir'hood(
Sh" took h"r )'ac" in th" o)"rating chair( !cT"agu" b"gan th" 3''ing( Th"r"
was a 'ong si'"nc"( It was i)ossib'" for !cT"agu" to work and ta'k at th"
sa" ti"(
H" was &ust burnishing th" 'ast /at/ in !iss 1ak"r#s tooth, wh"n th" door of
th" /Par'ors/ o)"n"d, &ang'ing th" b"'' which h" had hung o+"r it, and which
was abso'ut"'y unn"c"ssary( !cT"agu" turn"d, on" foot on th" )"da' of his
d"nta' "ngin", th" corundu disk whir'ing b"tw""n his 3ng"rs(
It was !arcus Schou'"r who ca" in, ush"ring a young gir' of about tw"nty(
/H"''o, !ac,/ "7c'ai"d !arcus* /busy@ 1rought y cousin round about that
brok"n tooth(/
!cT"agu" nodd"d his h"ad gra+"'y(
/In a inut",/ h" answ"r"d(
!arcus and his cousin Trina sat down in th" rigid chairs und"rn"ath th" st""'
"ngra+ing of th" Court of 2or"n6o d"# !"dici( Th"y b"gan ta'king in 'ow ton"s(
Th" gir' 'ook"d about th" roo, noticing th" ston" )ug dog, th" ri5"
anufactur"r#s ca'"ndar, th" canary in its 'itt'" gi't )rison, and th" tub'"d
b'ank"ts on th" unad" b"d%'oung" against th" wa''( !arcus b"gan t"''ing
h"r about !cT"agu"( /:"#r" )a's,/ h" "7)'ain"d, &ust abo+" a whis)"r( /Ah,
!ac#s a'' right, you b"t( Say, Trina, h"#s th" strong"st duck you "+"r saw(
:hat do you su))os"@ H" can )u'' out your t""th with his 3ng"rs* y"s, h"
can( :hat do you think of that@ :ith his 3ng"rs, ind you* h" can, for a fact(
<"t on to th" si6" of hi, anyhow( Ah, !ac#s a'' right?/
!aria !aca)a had co" into th" roo whi'" h" had b""n s)"aking( Sh" was
aking u) !cT"agu"#s b"d( Sudd"n'y !arcus "7c'ai"d und"r his br"ath;
/Now w"#'' ha+" so" fun( It#s th" gir' that tak"s car" of th" roos( Sh"#s a
gr"as"r, and sh"#s 8u""r in th" h"ad( Sh" ain#t r"gu'ar'y cra6y, but I don#t
know, sh"#s 8u""r( 9#ought to h"ar h"r go on about a go'd dinn"r s"r+ic" sh"
says h"r fo'ks us"d to own( Ask h"r what h"r na" is and s"" what sh"#''
say(/ Trina shrank back, a 'itt'" fright"n"d(
/No, you ask,/ sh" whis)"r"d(
/Ah, go on* what you #fraid of@/ urg"d !arcus( Trina shook h"r h"ad
"n"rg"tica''y, shutting h"r 'i)s tog"th"r(
/:"'', 'ist"n h"r",/ answ"r"d !arcus, nudging h"r* th"n raising his +oic", h"
said;
/How do, !aria@/ !aria nodd"d to hi o+"r h"r shou'd"r as sh" b"nt o+"r th"
'oung"(
/:orkun hard nowadays, !aria@/
/Pr"tty hard(/
/0idunt a'ways ha+" to work for your 'i+ing, though, did you, wh"n you at"
o$a go'd dish"s@/ !aria didn#t answ"r, "7c")t by )utting h"r chin in th" air
and shutting h"r "y"s, as though to say sh" kn"w a 'ong story about that if
sh" had a ind to ta'k( A'' !arcus#s "$orts to draw h"r out on th" sub&"ct
w"r" una+ai'ing( Sh" on'y r"s)ond"d by o+""nts of h"r h"ad(
/Can#t a'ways start h"r going,/ !arcus to'd his cousin(
/:hat do"s sh" do, though, wh"n you ask h"r about h"r na"@/
/,h, sur",/ said !arcus, who had forgott"n( /Say, !aria, what#s your na"@/
/Huh@/ ask"d !aria, straight"ning u), h"r hands on h" hi)s(
/T"'' us your na",/ r")"at"d !arcus(
/Na" is !aria4!iranda4!aca)a(/ Th"n, aft"r a )aus", sh" add"d, as
though sh" had but that o"nt thought of it, /Had a 5ying s8uirr"' an# '"t
hi go(/
In+ariab'y !aria !aca)a ad" this answ"r( It was not a'ways sh" wou'd ta'k
about th" faous s"r+ic" of go'd )'at", but a 8u"stion as to h"r na" n"+"r
fai'"d to "'icit th" sa" strang" answ"r, d"'i+"r"d in a ra)id und"rton";
/Na" is !aria4!iranda4!aca)a(/ Th"n, as if struck with an aft"r thought,
/Had a 5ying s8uirr"' an# '"t hi go(/
:hy !aria shou'd associat" th" r"'"as" of th" ythica' s8uirr"' with h"r
na" cou'd not b" said( About !aria th" 5at kn"w abso'ut"'y nothing furth"r
than that sh" was S)anish%A"rican( !iss 1ak"r was th" o'd"st 'odg"r in th"
5at, and !aria was a 37tur" th"r" as aid of a'' work wh"n sh" had co"(
Th"r" was a '"g"nd to th" "$"ct that !aria#s )"o)'" had b""n at on" ti"
i"ns"'y w"a'thy in C"ntra' A"rica(
!aria turn"d again to h"r work( Trina and !arcus watch"d h"r curious'y(
Th"r" was a si'"nc"( Th" corundu burr in !cT"agu"#s "ngin" hu"d in a
)ro'ong"d onoton"( Th" canary bird chitt"r"d occasiona''y( Th" roo was
war, and th" br"athing of th" 3+" )"o)'" in th" narrow s)ac" ad" th" air
c'os" and thick( At 'ong int"r+a's an acrid odor of ink 5oat"d u) fro th"
branch )ost%o-c" i"diat"'y b"'ow(
!aria !aca)a 3nish"d h"r work and start"d to '"a+"( As sh" )ass"d n"ar
!arcus and his cousin sh" sto))"d, and dr"w a bunch of b'u" tick"ts furti+"'y
fro h"r )ock"t( /1uy a tick"t in th" 'ott"ry@/ sh" in8uir"d, 'ooking at th" gir'(
/.ust a do''ar(/
/<o a'ong with you, !aria,/ said !arcus, who had but thirty c"nts in his
)ock"t( /<o a'ong* it#s against th" 'aw(/
/1uy a tick"t,/ urg"d !aria, thrusting th" bund'" toward Trina( /Try your 'uck(
Th" butch"r on th" n"7t b'ock won tw"nty do''ars th" 'ast drawing(/
C"ry un"asy, Trina bought a tick"t for th" sak" of b"ing rid of h"r( !aria
disa))"ar"d(
/Ain#t sh" a 8u""r bird@/ utt"r"d !arcus( H" was uch "barrass"d and
disturb"d b"caus" h" had not bought th" tick"t for Trina(
1ut th"r" was a sudd"n o+""nt( !cT"agu" had &ust 3nish"d with !iss
1ak"r(
/9ou shou'd notic",/ th" dr"ssak"r said to th" d"ntist, in a 'ow +oic", /h"
a'ways '"a+"s th" door a 'itt'" a&ar in th" aft"rnoon(/ :h"n sh" had gon" out,
!arcus Schou'"r brought Trina forward(
/Say, !ac, this is y cousin, Trina Si"))"(/ Th" two shook hands dub'y,
!cT"agu" s'ow'y nodding his hug" h"ad with its gr"at shock of y"''ow hair(
Trina was +"ry sa'' and )r"tti'y ad"( H"r fac" was round and rath"r )a'"*
h"r "y"s 'ong and narrow and b'u", 'ik" th" ha'f%o)"n "y"s of a 'itt'" baby*
h"r 'i)s and th" 'ob"s of h"r tiny "ars w"r" )a'", a 'itt'" sugg"sti+" of
ana"ia* whi'" across th" bridg" of h"r nos" ran an adorab'" 'itt'" 'in" of
fr"ck'"s( 1ut it was to h"r hair that on"#s att"ntion was ost attract"d( H"a)s
and h"a)s of b'u"%b'ack coi's and braids, a roya' crown of swarthy bands, a
+"ritab'" sab'" tiara, h"a+y, abundant, odorous( A'' th" +ita'ity that shou'd
ha+" gi+"n co'or to h"r fac" s"""d to ha+" b""n absorb"d by this
ar+"''ous hair( It was th" coi$ur" of a 8u""n that shadow"d th" )a'"
t")'"s of this 'itt'" bourg"ois"( So h"a+y was it that it ti))"d h"r h"ad
backward, and th" )osition thrust h"r chin out a 'itt'"( It was a charing
)ois", innoc"nt, con3ding, a'ost infanti'"(
Sh" was dr"ss"d a'' in b'ack, +"ry od"st and )'ain( Th" "$"ct of h"r )a'"
fac" in a'' this contrasting b'ack was a'ost onastic(
/:"'',/ "7c'ai"d !arcus sudd"n'y, /I got to go( !ust g"t back to work( 0on#t
hurt h"r too uch, !ac( S#'ong, Trina(/
!cT"agu" and Trina w"r" '"ft a'on"( H" was "barrass"d, troub'"d( Th"s"
young gir's disturb"d and )"r)'"7"d hi( H" did not 'ik" th", obstinat"'y
ch"rishing that intuiti+" sus)icion of a'' things f"inin"4th" )"r+"rs" dis'ik"
of an o+"rgrown boy( ,n th" oth"r hand, sh" was )"rf"ct'y at h"r "as"*
doubt'"ss th" woan in h"r was not y"t awak"n"d* sh" was y"t, as on"
ight say, without s"7( Sh" was a'ost 'ik" a boy, frank, candid, unr"s"r+"d(
Sh" took h"r )'ac" in th" o)"rating chair and to'd hi what was th" att"r,
'ooking s8uar"'y into his fac"( Sh" had fa''"n out of a swing th" aft"rnoon of
th" )r"c"ding day* on" of h"r t""th had b""n knock"d 'oos" and th" oth"r
a'tog"th"r brok"n out(
!cT"agu" 'ist"n"d to h"r with a))ar"nt sto'idity, nodding his h"ad fro ti"
to ti" as sh" s)ok"( Th" k""nn"ss of his dis'ik" of h"r as a woan b"gan to
b" b'unt"d( H" thought sh" was rath"r )r"tty, that h" "+"n 'ik"d h"r b"caus"
sh" was so sa'', so )r"tti'y ad", so good natur"d and straightforward(
/2"t#s ha+" a 'ook at your t""th,/ h" said, )icking u) his irror( /9ou b"tt"r
tak" your hat o$(/ Sh" '"an"d back in h"r chair and o)"n"d h"r outh,
showing th" rows of 'itt'" round t""th, as whit" and "+"n as th" k"rn"'s on an
"ar of gr""n corn, "7c")t wh"r" an ug'y ga) ca" at th" sid"(
!cT"agu" )ut th" irror into h"r outh, touching on" and anoth"r of h"r
t""th with th" hand'" of an "7ca+ator( 1y and by h" straight"n"d u), wi)ing
th" oistur" fro th" irror on his coat%s'""+"(
/:"'', 0octor,/ said th" gir', an7ious'y, /it#s a dr"adfu' dis3gur""nt, isn#t it@/
adding, /:hat can you do about it@/
/:"'',/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", s'ow'y, 'ooking +agu"'y about on th" 5oor of th"
roo, /th" roots of th" brok"n tooth ar" sti'' in th" gu* th"y#'' ha+" to co"
out, and I gu"ss I#'' ha+" to )u'' that oth"r bicus)id( 2"t " 'ook again( 9"s,/
h" w"nt on in a o"nt, )""ring into h"r outh with th" irror, /I gu"ss
that#'' ha+" to co" out, too(/ Th" tooth was 'oos", disco'or"d, and "+id"nt'y
d"ad( /It#s a curious cas",/ !cT"agu" w"nt on( /I don#t know as I "+"r had a
tooth 'ik" that b"for"( It#s what#s ca''"d n"crosis( It don#t oft"n ha))"n( It#''
ha+" to co" out sur"(/
Th"n a discussion was o)"n"d on th" sub&"ct, Trina sitting u) in th" chair,
ho'ding h"r hat in h"r 'a)* !cT"agu" '"aning against th" window fra" his
hands in his )ock"ts, his "y"s wand"ring about on th" 5oor( Trina did not
want th" oth"r tooth r"o+"d* on" ho'" 'ik" that was bad "nough* but two4
ah, no, it was not to b" thought of(
1ut !cT"agu" r"ason"d with h"r, tri"d in +ain to ak" h"r und"rstand that
th"r" was no +ascu'ar conn"ction b"tw""n th" root and th" gu( Trina was
b'ind'y )"rsist"nt, with th" )"rsist"ncy of a gir' who has ad" u) h"r ind(
!cT"agu" b"gan to 'ik" h"r b"tt"r and b"tt"r, and aft"r a whi'" co"nc"d
his"'f to f""' that it wou'd b" a )ity to dis3gur" such a )r"tty outh( H"
b"ca" int"r"st"d* )"rha)s h" cou'd do so"thing, so"thing in th" way of
a crown or bridg"( /2"t#s 'ook at that again,/ h" said, )icking u) his irror( H"
b"gan to study th" situation +"ry car"fu''y, r"a''y d"siring to r""dy th"
b'"ish(
It was th" 3rst bicus)id that was issing, and though )art of th" root of th"
s"cond Dth" 'oos" on"E wou'd r"ain aft"r its "7traction, h" was sur" it wou'd
not b" strong "nough to sustain a crown( A'' at onc" h" gr"w obstinat",
r"so'+ing, with a'' th" str"ngth of a crud" and )riiti+" an, to con8u"r th"
di-cu'ty in s)it" of "+"rything( H" turn"d o+"r in his ind th" t"chnica'iti"s
of th" cas"( No, "+id"nt'y th" root was not strong "nough to sustain a crown*
b"sid"s that, it was )'ac"d a 'itt'" irr"gu'ar'y in th" arch( 1ut, fortunat"'y,
th"r" w"r" ca+iti"s in th" two t""th on "ith"r sid" of th" ga)4on" in th" 3rst
o'ar and on" in th" )a'atin" surfac" of th" cus)id* ight h" not dri'' a
sock"t in th" r"aining root and sock"ts in th" o'ar and cus)id, and, )art'y
by bridging, )art'y by crowning, 3'' in th" ga)@ H" ad" u) his ind to do it(
:hy h" shou'd )'"dg" his"'f to this ha6ardous cas" !cT"agu" was )u66'"d
to know( :ith ost of his c'i"nts h" wou'd ha+" cont"nt"d his"'f with th"
"7traction of th" 'oos" tooth and th" roots of th" brok"n on"( :hy shou'd h"
risk his r")utation in this cas"@ H" cou'd not say why(
It was th" ost di-cu't o)"ration h" had "+"r )"rfor"d( H" bung'"d it
consid"rab'y, but in th" "nd h" succ""d"d )assab'y w"''( H" "7tract"d th"
'oos" tooth with his bayon"t forc")s and )r")ar"d th" roots of th" brok"n on"
as if for 3''ing, 3tting into th" a 5att"n"d )i"c" of )'atinu wir" to s"r+" as
a dow"'( 1ut this was on'y th" b"ginning* a'tog"th"r it was a fortnight#s work(
Trina ca" n"ar'y "+"ry oth"r day, and )ass"d two, and "+"n thr"", hours in
th" chair(
1y d"gr""s !cT"agu"#s 3rst awkwardn"ss and sus)icion +anish"d "ntir"'y(
Th" two b"ca" good fri"nds( !cT"agu" "+"n arri+"d at that )oint wh"r" h"
cou'd work and ta'k to h"r at th" sa" ti"4a thing that had n"+"r b"for"
b""n )ossib'" for hi(
N"+"r unti' th"n had !cT"agu" b"co" so w"'' ac8uaint"d with a gir' of
Trina#s ag"( Th" young"r wo"n of Po'k Str""t4th" sho) gir's, th" young
wo"n of th" soda fountains, th" waitr"ss"s in th" ch"a) r"staurants4
)r"f"rr"d anoth"r d"ntist, a young f"''ow &ust graduat"d fro th" co''"g", a
)os"r, a rid"r of bicyc'"s, a an about town, who wor" astonishing waistcoats
and b"t on"y on gr"yhound coursing( Trina was !cT"agu"#s 3rst
"7)"ri"nc"( :ith h"r th" f"inin" "'""nt sudd"n'y "nt"r"d his 'itt'" wor'd(
It was not on'y h"r that h" saw and f"'t, it was th" woan, th" who'" s"7, an
"ntir" n"w huanity, strang" and a''uring, that h" s"""d to ha+"
disco+"r"d( How had h" ignor"d it so 'ong@ It was da66'ing, d"'icious,
charing b"yond a'' words( His narrow )oint of +i"w was at onc" "n'arg"d
and confus"d, and a'' at onc" h" saw that th"r" was so"thing "'s" in 'if"
b"sid"s conc"rtinas and st"a b""r( E+"rything had to b" ad" o+"r again(
His who'" rud" id"a of 'if" had to b" chang"d( Th" a'" +iri'" d"sir" in hi
tardi'y awak"n"d, arous"d its"'f, strong and bruta'( It was r"sist'"ss,
untrain"d, a thing not to b" h"'d in '"ash an instant(
2itt'" by 'itt'", by gradua', a'ost i)"rc")tib'" d"gr""s, th" thought of Trina
Si"))" occu)i"d his ind fro day to day, fro hour to hour( H" found
his"'f thinking of h"r constant'y* at "+"ry instant h" saw h"r round, )a'"
fac"* h"r narrow, i'k%b'u" "y"s* h"r 'itt'" out%thrust chin* h"r h"a+y, hug"
tiara of b'ack hair( At night h" 'ay awak" for hours und"r th" thick b'ank"ts of
th" b"d%'oung", staring u)ward into th" darkn"ss, tor"nt"d with th" id"a of
h"r, "7as)"rat"d at th" d"'icat", subt'" "sh in which h" found his"'f
"ntang'"d( 0uring th" for"noons, whi'" h" w"nt about his work, h" thought of
h"r( As h" ad" his )'ast"r%of%)aris ou'ds at th" washstand in th" corn"r
b"hind th" scr""n h" turn"d o+"r in his ind a'' that had ha))"n"d, a'' that
had b""n said at th" )r"+ious sitting( H"r 'itt'" tooth that h" had "7tract"d h"
k")t wra))"d in a bit of n"ws)a)"r in his +"st )ock"t( ,ft"n h" took it out
and h"'d it in th" )a' of his i"ns", horny hand, s"i6"d with so" strang"
"'")hantin" s"nti"nt, wagging his h"ad at it, h"a+ing tr""ndous sighs(
:hat a fo''y?
At two o#c'ock on Tu"sdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays Trina arri+"d and took
h"r )'ac" in th" o)"rating chair( :hi'" at his work !cT"agu" was "+"ry
inut" ob'ig"d to b"nd c'os"'y o+"r h"r* his hands touch"d h"r fac", h"r
ch""ks, h"r adorab'" 'itt'" chin* h"r 'i)s )r"ss"d against his 3ng"rs( Sh"
br"ath"d war'y on his for"h"ad and on his "y"'ids, whi'" th" odor of h"r
hair, a charing f"inin" )"rfu", sw""t, h"a+y, "n"r+ating, ca" to his
nostri's, so )"n"trating, so d"'icious, that his 5"sh )rick"d and ting'"d with it*
a +"ritab'" s"nsation of faintn"ss )ass"d o+"r this hug", ca''ous f"''ow, with
his "norous bon"s and cord"d usc'"s( H" dr"w a short br"ath through his
nos"* his &aws sudd"n'y gri))"d tog"th"r +is"%'ik"(
1ut this was on'y at ti"s4a strang", +"7ing s)as, that subsid"d a'ost
i"diat"'y( For th" ost )art, !cT"agu" "n&oy"d th" )'"asur" of th"s"
sittings with Trina with a c"rtain strong ca'n"ss, b'ind'y ha))y that sh" was
th"r"( This )oor crud" d"ntist of Po'k Str""t, stu)id, ignorant, +u'gar, with his
sha "ducation and )'"b"ian tast"s, whos" on'y r"'a7ations w"r" to "at, to
drink st"a b""r, and to )'ay u)on his conc"rtina, was 'i+ing through his 3rst
roanc", his 3rst idy'( It was d"'ightfu'( Th" 'ong hours h" )ass"d a'on" with
Trina in th" /0"nta' Par'ors,/ si'"nt, on'y for th" scra)ing of th" instru"nts
and th" )ouring of bud%burrs in th" "ngin", in th" fou' atos)h"r",
o+"rh"at"d by th" 'itt'" sto+" and h"a+y with th" s"'' of "th"r, cr"osot",
and sta'" b"dding, had a'' th" char of s"cr"t a))oint"nts and sto'"n
""tings und"r th" oon(
1y d"gr""s th" o)"ration )rogr"ss"d( ,n" day, &ust aft"r !cT"agu" had )ut in
th" t")orary gutta%)"rcha 3''ings and nothing or" cou'd b" don" at that
sitting, Trina ask"d hi to "7ain" th" r"st of h"r t""th( Th"y w"r" )"rf"ct,
with on" "7c")tion4a s)ot of whit" cari"s on th" 'at"ra' surfac" of an incisor(
!cT"agu" 3''"d it with go'd, "n'arging th" ca+ity with hard%bits and ho"%
"7ca+ators, and burring in aft"rward with ha'f%con" burrs( Th" ca+ity was
d""), and Trina b"gan to winc" and oan( To hurt Trina was a )ositi+"
anguish for !cT"agu", y"t an anguish which h" was ob'ig"d to "ndur" at
"+"ry hour of th" sitting( It was harrowing4h" sw"at"d und"r it4to b" forc"d
to tortur" h"r, of a'' wo"n in th" wor'd* cou'd anything b" wors" than that@
/Hurt@/ h" in8uir"d, an7ious'y(
Sh" answ"r"d by frowning, with a shar) intak" of br"ath, )utting h"r 3ng"rs
o+"r h"r c'os"d 'i)s and nodding h"r h"ad( !cT"agu" s)ray"d th" tooth with
g'yc"rit" of tannin, but without "$"ct( Rath"r than hurt h"r h" found his"'f
forc"d to th" us" of ana"sth"sia, which h" hat"d( H" had a notion that th"
nitrous o7id" gas was dang"rous, so on this occasion, as on a'' oth"rs, us"d
"th"r(
H" )ut th" s)ong" a ha'f do6"n ti"s to Trina#s fac", or" n"r+ous than h"
had "+"r b""n b"for", watching th" sy)tos c'os"'y( H"r br"athing b"ca"
short and irr"gu'ar* th"r" was a s'ight twitching of th" usc'"s( :h"n h"r
thubs turn"d inward toward th" )a's, h" took th" s)ong" away( Sh"
)ass"d o$ +"ry 8uick'y, and, with a 'ong sigh, sank back into th" chair(
!cT"agu" straight"n"d u), )utting th" s)ong" u)on th" rack b"hind hi, his
"y"s 37"d u)on Trina#s fac"( For so" ti" h" stood watching h"r as sh" 'ay
th"r", unconscious and h"')'"ss, and +"ry )r"tty( H" was a'on" with h"r, and
sh" was abso'ut"'y without d"f"ns"(
Sudd"n'y th" ania' in th" an stirr"d and wok"* th" "+i' instincts that in
hi w"r" so c'os" to th" surfac" '"a)"d to 'if", shouting and c'aoring(
It was a crisis4a crisis that had aris"n a'' in an instant* a crisis for which h"
was tota''y un)r")ar"d( 1'ind'y, and without knowing why, !cT"agu" fought
against it, o+"d by an unr"ason"d instinct of r"sistanc"( :ithin hi, a
c"rtain s"cond s"'f, anoth"r b"tt"r !cT"agu" ros" with th" brut"* both w"r"
strong, with th" hug" crud" str"ngth of th" an his"'f( Th" two w"r" at
gra))'"s( Th"r" in that ch"a) and shabby /0"nta' Par'or/ a dr"ad"d strugg'"
b"gan( It was th" o'd batt'", o'd as th" wor'd, wid" as th" wor'd4th" sudd"n
)anth"r '"a) of th" ania', 'i)s drawn, fangs a5ash, hid"ous, onstrous, not
to b" r"sist"d, and th" siu'tan"ous arousing of th" oth"r an, th" b"tt"r
s"'f that cri"s, /0own, down,/ without knowing why* that gri)s th" onst"r*
that 3ghts to strang'" it, to thrust it down and back(
0i66i"d and b"wi'd"r"d with th" shock, th" 'ik" of which h" had n"+"r known
b"for", !cT"agu" turn"d fro Trina, ga6ing b"wi'd"r"d'y about th" roo( Th"
strugg'" was bitt"r* his t""th ground th"s"'+"s tog"th"r with a 'itt'" ras)ing
sound* th" b'ood sang in his "ars* his fac" 5ush"d scar'"t* his hands twist"d
th"s"'+"s tog"th"r 'ik" th" knotting of cab'"s( Th" fury in hi was as th"
fury of a young bu'' in th" h"at of high su"r( 1ut for a'' that h" shook his
hug" h"ad fro ti" to ti", utt"ring;
/No, by <od? No, by <od?/
0i'y h" s"""d to r"a'i6" that shou'd h" yi"'d now h" wou'd n"+"r b" ab'"
to car" for Trina again( Sh" wou'd n"+"r b" th" sa" to hi, n"+"r so radiant,
so sw""t, so adorab'"* h"r char for hi wou'd +anish in an instant( Across
h"r for"h"ad, h"r 'itt'" )a'" for"h"ad, und"r th" shadow of h"r roya' hair, h"
wou'd sur"'y s"" th" sudg" of a fou' ordur", th" foot)rint of th" onst"r( It
wou'd b" a sacri'"g", an aboination( H" r"coi'"d fro it, banding a'' his
str"ngth to th" issu"(
/No, by <od? No, by <od?/
H" turn"d to his work, as if s""king a r"fug" in it( 1ut as h" dr"w n"ar to h"r
again, th" char of h"r innoc"nc" and h"')'"ssn"ss ca" o+"r hi afr"sh( It
was a 3na' )rot"st against his r"so'ution( Sudd"n'y h" '"an"d o+"r and kiss"d
h"r, gross'y, fu'' on th" outh( Th" thing was don" b"for" h" kn"w it(
T"rri3"d at his w"akn"ss at th" +"ry o"nt h" b"'i"+"d his"'f strong, h"
thr"w his"'f onc" or" into his work with d"s)"rat" "n"rgy( 1y th" ti" h"
was fast"ning th" sh""t of rubb"r u)on th" tooth, h" had his"'f onc" or"
in hand( H" was disturb"d, sti'' tr"b'ing, sti'' +ibrating with th" thro"s of th"
crisis, but h" was th" ast"r* th" ania' was down"d, was cow"d for this
ti", at '"ast(
1ut for a'' that, th" brut" was th"r"( 2ong dorant, it was now at 'ast a'i+",
awak"( Fro now on h" wou'd f""' its )r"s"nc" continua''y* wou'd f""' it
tugging at its chain, watching its o))ortunity( Ah, th" )ity of it? :hy cou'd h"
not a'ways 'o+" h"r )ur"'y, c'"an'y@ :hat was this )"r+"rs", +icious thing
that 'i+"d within hi, knitt"d to his 5"sh@
1"'ow th" 3n" fabric of a'' that was good in hi ran th" fou' str"a of
h"r"ditary "+i', 'ik" a s"w"r( Th" +ic"s and sins of his fath"r and of his
fath"r#s fath"r, to th" third and fourth and 3+" hundr"dth g"n"ration, taint"d
hi( Th" "+i' of an "ntir" rac" 5ow"d in his +"ins( :hy shou'd it b"@ H" did
not d"sir" it( :as h" to b'a"@
1ut !cT"agu" cou'd not und"rstand this thing( It had fac"d hi, as soon"r or
'at"r it fac"s "+"ry chi'd of an* but its signi3canc" was not for hi( To
r"ason with it was b"yond hi( H" cou'd on'y o))os" to it an instincti+"
stubborn r"sistanc", b'ind, in"rt(
!cT"agu" w"nt on with his work( As h" was ra))ing in th" 'itt'" b'ocks and
cy'ind"rs with th" a''"t, Trina s'ow'y ca" back to h"rs"'f with a 'ong sigh(
Sh" sti'' f"'t a 'itt'" confus"d, and 'ay 8ui"t in th" chair( Th"r" was a 'ong
si'"nc", brok"n on'y by th" un"+"n ta))ing of th" hardwood a''"t( 1y and
by sh" said, /I n"+"r f"'t a thing,/ and th"n sh" si'"d at hi +"ry )r"tti'y
b"n"ath th" rubb"r da( !cT"agu" turn"d to h"r sudd"n'y, his a''"t in on"
hand, his )'i"rs ho'ding a )"''"t of s)ong"%go'd in th" oth"r( A'' at onc" h"
said, with th" unr"ason"d si)'icity and dir"ctn"ss of a chi'd; /2ist"n h"r",
!iss Trina, I 'ik" you b"tt"r than any on" "'s"* what#s th" att"r with us
g"tting arri"d@/
Trina sat u) in th" chair 8uick'y, and th"n dr"w back fro hi, fright"n"d and
b"wi'd"r"d(
/:i'' you@ :i'' you@/ said !cT"agu"( /Say, !iss Trina, wi'' you@/
/:hat is it@ :hat do you "an@/ sh" cri"d, confus"d'y, h"r words u>"d
b"n"ath th" rubb"r(
/:i'' you@/ r")"at"d !cT"agu"(
/No, no,/ sh" "7c'ai"d, r"fusing without knowing why, sudd"n'y s"i6"d with
a f"ar of hi, th" intuiti+" f"inin" f"ar of th" a'"( !cT"agu" cou'd on'y
r")"at th" sa" thing o+"r and o+"r again( Trina, or" and or" fright"n"d
at his hug" hands4th" hands of th" o'd%ti" car%boy4his i"ns" s8uar"%
cut h"ad and his "norous brut" str"ngth, cri"d out; /No, no,/ b"hind th"
rubb"r da, shaking h"r h"ad +io'"nt'y, ho'ding out h"r hands, and shrinking
down b"for" hi in th" o)"rating chair( !cT"agu" ca" n"ar"r to h"r,
r")"ating th" sa" 8u"stion( /No, no,/ sh" cri"d, t"rri3"d( Th"n, as sh"
"7c'ai"d, /,h, I a sick,/ was sudd"n'y tak"n with a 3t of +oiting( It was
th" not unusua' aft"r "$"ct of th" "th"r, aid"d now by h"r "7cit""nt and
n"r+ousn"ss( !cT"agu" was ch"ck"d( H" )our"d so" broid" of )otassiu
into a graduat"d g'ass and h"'d it to h"r 'i)s(
/H"r", swa''ow this,/ h" said(
CHAPTER F
,nc" "+"ry two onths !aria !aca)a s"t th" "ntir" 5at in cootion( Sh"
roa"d th" bui'ding fro garr"t to c"''ar, s"arching "ach corn"r, f"rr"ting
through "+"ry o'd bo7 and trunk and barr"', gro)ing about on th" to) sh"'+"s
of c'os"ts, )""ring into rag%bags, "7as)"rating th" 'odg"rs with h"r
)"rsist"nc" and i)ortunity( Sh" was co''"cting &unks, bits of iron, ston" &ugs,
g'ass bott'"s, o'd sacks, and cast%o$ gar"nts( It was on" of h"r )"r8uisit"s(
Sh" so'd th" &unk to G"rkow, th" rags%bott'"s%sacks an, who 'i+"d in a 3'thy
d"n in th" a''"y &ust back of th" 5at, and who so"ti"s )aid h"r as uch as
thr"" c"nts a )ound( Th" ston" &ugs, how"+"r, w"r" worth a nick"'( Th"
on"y that G"rkow )aid h"r, !aria s)"nt on shirt waists and dott"d b'u"
n"ckti"s, trying to dr"ss 'ik" th" gir's who t"nd"d th" soda%wat"r fountain in
th" candy stor" on th" corn"r( Sh" was sick with "n+y of th"s" young wo"n(
Th"y w"r" in th" wor'd, th"y w"r" "'"gant, th"y w"r" d"bonair, th"y had
th"ir /young "n(/
,n this occasion sh" )r"s"nt"d h"rs"'f at th" door of ,'d <rannis#s roo 'at"
in th" aft"rnoon( His door stood a 'itt'" o)"n( That of !iss 1ak"r was a&ar a
f"w inch"s( Th" two o'd )"o)'" w"r" /k"")ing co)any/ aft"r th"ir fashion(
/<ot any &unk, !ist"r <rannis@/ in8uir"d !aria, standing in th" door, a +"ry
dirty, ha'f%3''"d )i''owcas" o+"r on" ar(
/No, nothing4nothing that I can think of, !aria,/ r")'i"d ,'d <rannis, t"rrib'y
+"7"d at th" int"rru)tion, y"t not wishing to b" unkind( /Nothing I think of(
9"t, how"+"r4)"rha)s4if you wish to 'ook(/
H" sat in th" idd'" of th" roo b"for" a sa'' )in" tab'"( His 'itt'" binding
a))aratus was b"for" hi( In his 3ng"rs was a hug" u)ho'st"r"r#s n""d'"
thr"ad"d with twin", a brad%aw' 'ay at his "'bow, on th" 5oor b"sid" hi was
a gr"at )i'" of )a)h'"ts, th" )ag"s uncut( ,'d <rannis bought th" /Nation/
and th" /1r""d"r and S)ortsan(/ In th" 'att"r h" occasiona''y found artic'"s
on dogs which int"r"st"d hi( Th" for"r h" s"'do r"ad( H" cou'd not
a$ord to subscrib" r"gu'ar'y to "ith"r of th" )ub'ications, but )urchas"d th"ir
back nub"rs by th" scor", a'ost so'"'y for th" )'"asur" h" took in binding
th"(
/:hat you a'us s"wing u) th" books for, !ist"r <rannis@/ ask"d !aria, as
sh" b"gan ruaging about in ,'d <rannis#s c'os"t sh"'+"s( /Th"r"#s &ust
hundr"ds of #" in h"r" on y"r sh"'+"s* th"y ain#t no good to you(/
/:"'', w"'',/ answ"r"d ,'d <rannis, tiid'y, rubbing his chin, /I4I# sur" I
can#t 8uit" say* a 'itt'" habit, you know* a di+"rsion, a4a4it occu)i"s on",
you know( I don#t sok"* it tak"s th" )'ac" of a )i)", )"rha)s(/
/H"r"#s this o'd y"''ow )itch"r,/ said !aria, coing out of th" c'os"t with it in
h"r hand( /Th" hand'"#s crack"d* you don#t want it* b"tt"r gi+" " it(/
,'d <rannis did want th" )itch"r* tru", h" n"+"r us"d it now, but h" had k")t
it a 'ong ti", and so"how h" h"'d to it as o'd )"o)'" ho'd to tri+ia',
worth'"ss things that th"y ha+" had for any y"ars(
/,h, that )itch"r4w"'', !aria, I4I don#t know( I# afraid4you s"", that
)itch"r44/
/Ah, go #'ong,/ int"rru)t"d !aria !aca)a, /what#s th" good of it@/
/If you insist, !aria, but I wou'd uch rath"r4/ h" rubb"d his chin, )"r)'"7"d
and annoy"d, hating to r"fus", and wishing that !aria w"r" gon"(
/:hy, what#s th" good of it@/ )"rsist"d !aria( H" cou'd gi+" no su-ci"nt
answ"r( /That#s a'' right,/ sh" ass"rt"d, carrying th" )itch"r out(
/Ah4!aria4I say, you4you ight '"a+" th" door4ah, don#t 8uit" shut it4
it#s a bit c'os" in h"r" at ti"s(/ !aria grinn"d, and swung th" door wid"( ,'d
<rannis was horrib'y "barrass"d* )ositi+"'y, !aria was b"coing
unb"arab'"(
/<ot any &unk@/ cri"d !aria at !iss 1ak"r#s door( Th" 'itt'" o'd 'ady was sitting
c'os" to th" wa'' in h"r rocking%chair* h"r hands r"sting id'y in h"r 'a)(
/Now, !aria,/ sh" said )'ainti+"'y, /you ar" a'ways aft"r &unk* you know I
n"+"r ha+" anything 'aying #round 'ik" that(/
It was tru"( Th" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r#s tiny roo was a ar+"' of n"atn"ss,
fro th" 'itt'" r"d tab'", with its thr"" <orha s)oons 'aid in "7act )ara''"'s,
to th" d"corous g"ranius and ignon"tt"s growing in th" starch bo7 at th"
window, und"rn"ath th" 3sh g'ob" with its on" +"n"rab'" go'd 3sh( That day
!iss 1ak"r had b""n doing a bit of washing* two )ock"t handk"rchi"fs, sti''
oist, adh"r"d to th" window )an"s, drying in th" sun(
/,h, I gu"ss you got so"thing you don#t want,/ !aria w"nt on, )""ring into
th" corn"rs of th" roo( /2ook%a%h"r" what !ist"r <rannis gi# ",/ and sh"
h"'d out th" y"''ow )itch"r( Instant'y !iss 1ak"r was in a 8ui+"r of confusion(
E+"ry word s)ok"n a'oud cou'd b" )"rf"ct'y h"ard in th" n"7t roo( :hat a
stu)id drab was this !aria? Cou'd anything b" or" trying than this )osition@
/Ain#t that right, !ist"r <rannis@/ ca''"d !aria* /didn#t you gi# " this
)itch"r@/ ,'d <rannis a$"ct"d not to h"ar* )"rs)iration stood on his for"h"ad*
his tiidity o+"rca" hi as if h" w"r" a t"n%y"ar%o'd schoo'boy( H" ha'f ros"
fro his chair, his 3ng"rs dancing n"r+ous'y u)on his chin(
!aria o)"n"d !iss 1ak"r#s c'os"t unconc"rn"d'y( /:hat#s th" att"r with
th"s" o'd sho"s@/ sh" "7c'ai"d, turning about with a )air of ha'f%worn si'k
gait"rs in h"r hand( Th"y w"r" by no "ans o'd "nough to throw away, but
!iss 1ak"r was a'ost b"sid" h"rs"'f( Th"r" was no t"''ing what ight
ha))"n n"7t( H"r on'y thought was to b" rid of !aria(
/9"s, y"s, anything( 9ou can ha+" th"* but go, go( Th"r"#s nothing "'s", not
a thing(/
!aria w"nt out into th" ha'', '"a+ing !iss 1ak"r#s door wid" o)"n, as if
a'icious'y( Sh" had '"ft th" dirty )i''ow%cas" on th" 5oor in th" ha'', and sh"
stood outsid", b"tw""n th" two o)"n doors, stowing away th" o'd )itch"r and
th" ha'f%worn si'k sho"s( Sh" ad" r"arks at th" to) of h"r +oic", ca''ing
now to !iss 1ak"r, now to ,'d <rannis( In a way sh" brought th" two o'd
)"o)'" fac" to fac"( Each ti" th"y w"r" forc"d to answ"r h"r 8u"stions it
was as if th"y w"r" ta'king dir"ct'y to "ach oth"r(
/Th"s" h"r" ar" 3rst%rat" sho"s, !iss 1ak"r( 2ook h"r", !ist"r <rannis, g"t on
to th" sho"s !iss 1ak"r gi# "( 9ou ain#t got a )air you don#t want, ha+" you@
9ou two )"o)'" ha+" '"ss &unk than any on" "'s" in th" 5at( How do you
anag", !ist"r <rannis@ 9ou o'd bach"'ors ar" &ust 'ik" o'd aids, &ust as
n"at as )ins( 9ou two ar" &ust a'ik"4you and !ist"r <rannis4ain#t you, !iss
1ak"r@/
Nothing cou'd ha+" b""n or" horrib'y constrain"d, or" awkward( Th" two
o'd )"o)'" su$"r"d +"ritab'" tortur"( :h"n !aria had gon", "ach h"a+"d a
sigh of uns)"akab'" r"'i"f( Soft'y th"y )ush"d to th"ir doors, '"a+ing o)"n a
s)ac" of ha'f a do6"n inch"s( ,'d <rannis w"nt back to his binding( !iss
1ak"r br"w"d a cu) of t"a to 8ui"t h"r n"r+"s( Each tri"d to r"gain th"ir
co)osur", but in +ain( ,'d <rannis#s 3ng"rs tr"b'"d so that h" )rick"d
th" with his n""d'"( !iss 1ak"r dro))"d h"r s)oon twic"( Th"ir n"r+ousn"ss
wou'd not w"ar o$( Th"y w"r" )"rturb"d, u)s"t( In a word, th" aft"rnoon was
s)oi'"d(
!aria w"nt on about th" 5at fro roo to roo( Sh" had a'r"ady )aid !arcus
Schou'"r a +isit "ar'y that orning b"for" h" had gon" out( !arcus had sworn
at h"r, "7cit"d'y +ocif"rating* /No, by dan? No, h" hadn#t a thing for h"r* h"
hadn#t, for a fact( It was a )ositi+" )"rs"cution( E+"ry day his )ri+acy was
in+ad"d( H" wou'd co)'ain to th" 'and'ady, h" wou'd( H"#d o+" out of th"
)'ac"(/ In th" "nd h" had gi+"n !aria s"+"n ")ty whisk"y 5asks, an iron
grat", and t"n c"nts4th" 'att"r b"caus" h" said sh" wor" h"r hair 'ik" a gir'
h" us"d to know(
Aft"r coing fro !iss 1ak"r#s roo !aria knock"d at !cT"agu"#s door( Th"
d"ntist was 'ying on th" b"d%'oung" in his stocking f""t, doing nothing
a))ar"nt'y, ga6ing u) at th" c"i'ing, 'ost in thought(
Sinc" h" had s)ok"n to Trina Si"))", asking h"r so abru)t'y to arry hi,
!cT"agu" had )ass"d a w""k of tor"nt( For hi th"r" was no going back( It
was Trina now, and non" oth"r( It was a'' on" with hi that his b"st fri"nd,
!arcus, ight b" in 'o+" with th" sa" gir'( H" ust ha+" Trina in s)it" of
"+"rything* h" wou'd ha+" h"r "+"n in s)it" of h"rs"'f( H" did not sto) to
r"5"ct about th" att"r* h" fo''ow"d his d"sir" b'ind'y, r"ck'"ss'y, furious and
raging at "+"ry obstac'"( And sh" had cri"d /No, no?/ back at hi* h" cou'd
not forg"t that( Sh", so sa'' and )a'" and d"'icat", had h"'d hi at bay, who
was so hug", so i"ns"'y strong(
1"sid"s that, a'' th" char of th"ir intiacy was gon"( Aft"r that unha))y
sitting, Trina was no 'ong"r frank and straight%forward( Now sh" was
circus)"ct, r"s"r+"d, distant( H" cou'd no 'ong"r o)"n his outh* words
fai'"d hi( At on" sitting in )articu'ar th"y had said but good%day and good%
by to "ach oth"r( H" f"'t that h" was c'usy and ungain'y( H" to'd his"'f
that sh" d"s)is"d hi(
1ut th" "ory of h"r was with hi constant'y( Night aft"r night h" 'ay broad
awak" thinking of Trina, wond"ring about h"r, rack"d with th" in3nit" d"sir"
of h"r( His h"ad burnt and throbb"d( Th" )a's of his hands w"r" dry( H"
do6"d and wok", and wa'k"d ai'"ss'y about th" dark roo, bruising his"'f
against th" thr"" chairs drawn u) /at att"ntion/ und"r th" st""' "ngra+ing,
and stub'ing o+"r th" ston" )ug dog that sat in front of th" 'itt'" sto+"(
1"sid"s this, th" &"a'ousy of !arcus Schou'"r harass"d hi( !aria !aca)a,
coing into his /Par'or/ to ask for &unk, found hi 5ung at '"ngth u)on th"
b"d%'oung", gnawing at his 3ng"rs in an "7c"ss of si'"nt fury( At 'unch that
day !arcus had to'd hi of an "7cursion that was )'ann"d for th" n"7t
Sunday aft"rnoon( !r( Si"))", Trina#s fath"r, b"'ong"d to a ri5" c'ub that was
to ho'd a ""t at Schu"t6"n Park across th" bay( A'' th" Si"))"s w"r" going*
th"r" was to b" a bask"t )icnic( !arcus, as usua', was in+it"d to b" on" of th"
)arty( !cT"agu" was in agony( It was his 3rst "7)"ri"nc", and h" su$"r"d a''
th" wors" for it b"caus" h" was tota''y un)r")ar"d( :hat is"rab'"
co)'ication was this in which h" found his"'f in+o'+"d@ It s"""d so
si)'" to hi sinc" h" 'o+"d Trina to tak" h"r straight to his"'f, sto))ing at
nothing, asking no 8u"stions, to ha+" h"r, and by ain str"ngth to carry h"r
far away so"wh"r", h" did not know "7act'y wh"r", to so" +agu" country,
so" undisco+"r"d )'ac" wh"r" "+"ry day was Sunday(
/<ot any &unk@/
/Huh@ :hat@ :hat is it@/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu", sudd"n'y rousing u) fro th"
'oung"( ,ft"n !aria did +"ry w"'' in th" /0"nta' Par'ors(/ !cT"agu" was
continua''y br"aking things which h" was too stu)id to ha+" "nd"d* for hi
anything that was brok"n was 'ost( Now it was a cus)idor, now a 3r"%sho+"'
for th" 'itt'" sto+", now a China sha+ing ug(
/<ot any &unk@/
/I don#t know4I don#t r""b"r,/ utt"r"d !cT"agu"( !aria roa"d about
th" roo, !cT"agu" fo''owing h"r in his hug" stocking"d f""t( A'' at onc" sh"
)ounc"d u)on a sh"af of o'd hand instru"nts in a co+"r'"ss cigar%bo7,
)'ugg"rs, hard bits, and "7ca+ators( !aria had 'ong co+"t"d such a 3nd in
!cT"agu"#s /Par'or,/ knowing it shou'd b" so"wh"r" about( Th" instru"nts
w"r" of th" 3n"st t")"r"d st""' and r"a''y +a'uab'"(
/Say, 0octor, I can ha+" th"s", can#t I@/ "7c'ai"d !aria( /9ou got no or"
us" for th"(/ !cT"agu" was not at a'' sur" of this( Th"r" w"r" any in th"
sh"af that ight b" r")air"d, r"sha)"d(
/No, no,/ h" said, wagging his h"ad( 1ut !aria !aca)a, knowing with who
sh" had to d"a', at onc" '"t 'oos" a torr"nt of words( Sh" ad" th" d"ntist
b"'i"+" that h" had no right to withho'd th", that h" had )rois"d to sa+"
th" for h"r( Sh" a$"ct"d a gr"at indignation, )ursing h"r 'i)s and )utting
h"r chin in th" air as though wound"d in so" 3n"r s"ns", changing so
ra)id'y fro on" ood to anoth"r, 3''ing th" roo with such shri'' c'aor,
that !cT"agu" was da6"d and b"nub"d(
/9"s, a'' right, a'' right,/ h" said, trying to ak" his"'f h"ard( /It :,=20 b"
"an( I don#t want #"(/ As h" turn"d fro h"r to )ick u) th" bo7, !aria took
ad+antag" of th" o"nt to st"a' thr"" /ats/ of s)ong"%go'd out of th"
g'ass sauc"r( ,ft"n sh" sto'" !cT"agu"#s go'd, a'ost und"r his +"ry "y"s*
ind""d, it was so "asy to do so that th"r" was but 'itt'" )'"asur" in th" th"ft(
Th"n !aria took h"rs"'f o$( !cT"agu" r"turn"d to th" sofa and 5ung his"'f
u)on it fac" downward(
A 'itt'" b"for" su))"r ti" !aria co)'"t"d h"r s"arch( Th" 5at was c'"an"d
of its &unk fro to) to botto( Th" dirty )i''ow%cas" was fu'' to bursting( Sh"
took ad+antag" of th" su))"r hour to carry h"r bund'" around th" corn"r and
u) into th" a''"y wh"r" G"rkow 'i+"d(
:h"n !aria "nt"r"d his sho), G"rkow had &ust co" in fro his dai'y rounds(
His d"cr")it wagon stood in front of his door 'ik" a strand"d wr"ck* th"
is"rab'" hors", with its 'a"ntab'" swo''"n &oints, f"d gr""di'y u)on an
arfu' of s)oi'"d hay in a sh"d at th" back(
Th" int"rior of th" &unk sho) was dark and da), and fou' with a'' ann"r of
choking odors( ,n th" wa''s, on th" 5oor, and hanging fro th" raft"rs was a
wor'd of d"bris, dust%b'ack"n"d, rust%corrod"d( E+"rything was th"r", "+"ry
trad" was r")r"s"nt"d, "+"ry c'ass of soci"ty* things of iron and c'oth and
wood* a'' th" d"tritus that a gr"at city s'oughs o$ in its dai'y 'if"( G"rkow#s
&unk sho) was th" 'ast abiding%)'ac", th" a'shous", of such artic'"s as had
out'i+"d th"ir us"fu'n"ss(
!aria found G"rkow his"'f in th" back roo, cooking so" sort of a "a'
o+"r an a'coho' sto+"( G"rkow was a Po'ish ."w4curious'y "nough his hair
was 3"ry r"d( H" was a dry, shri+"''"d o'd an of si7ty odd( H" had th" thin,
"ag"r, cat%'ik" 'i)s of th" co+"tous* "y"s that had grown k""n as thos" of a
'yn7 fro 'ong s"arching aidst uck and d"bris* and c'aw%'ik", )r"h"nsi'"
3ng"rs4th" 3ng"rs of a an who accuu'at"s, but n"+"r disburs"s( It was
i)ossib'" to 'ook at G"rkow and not know instant'y that gr""d4inordinat",
insatiab'" gr""d4was th" doinant )assion of th" an( H" was th" !an with
th" Rak", gro)ing hour'y in th" uck%h"a) of th" city for go'd, for go'd, for
go'd( It was his dr"a, his )assion* at "+"ry instant h" s"""d to f""' th"
g"n"rous so'id w"ight of th" crud" fat "ta' in his )a's( Th" g'int of it was
constant'y in his "y"s* th" &ang'" of it sang for"+"r in his "ars as th" &ang'ing
of cyba's(
/:ho is it@ :ho is it@/ "7c'ai"d G"rkow, as h" h"ard !aria#s footst")s in th"
out"r roo( His +oic" was faint, husky, r"duc"d a'ost to a whis)"r by his
)ro'ong"d habit of str""t crying(
/,h, it#s you again, is it@/ h" add"d, )""ring through th" g'oo of th" sho)(
/2"t#s s""* you#+" b""n h"r" b"for", ain#t you@ 9ou#r" th" !"7ican woan
fro Po'k Str""t( !aca)a#s your na", h"y@/
!aria nodd"d( /Had a 5ying s8uirr"' an# '"t hi go,/ sh" utt"r"d, abs"nt'y(
G"rkow was )u66'"d* h" 'ook"d at h"r shar)'y for a o"nt, th"n disiss"d
th" att"r with a o+""nt of his h"ad(
/:"'', what you got for "@/ h" said( H" '"ft his su))"r to grow co'd,
absorb"d at onc" in th" a$air(
Th"n a 'ong wrang'" b"gan( E+"ry bit of &unk in !aria#s )i''ow%cas" was
discuss"d and w"igh"d and dis)ut"d( Th"y c'aor"d into "ach oth"r#s fac"s
o+"r ,'d <rannis#s crack"d )itch"r, o+"r !iss 1ak"r#s si'k gait"rs, o+"r !arcus
Schou'"r#s whisk"y 5asks, r"aching th" c'ia7 of disagr"""nt wh"n it ca"
to !cT"agu"#s instru"nts(
/Ah, no, no?/ shout"d !aria( /Fift""n c"nts for th" 'ot? I ight as w"'' ak"
you a Christas )r"s"nt? 1"sid"s, I got so" go'd 3''ings o$ hi* 'ook at
u(/
G"rkow dr"w a 8uick br"ath as th" thr"" )"''"ts sudd"n'y 5ash"d in !aria#s
)a'( Th"r" it was, th" +irgin "ta', th" )ur", una''oy"d or", his dr"a, his
consuing d"sir"( His 3ng"rs twitch"d and hook"d th"s"'+"s into his
)a's, his thin 'i)s dr"w tight across his t""th(
/Ah, you got so" go'd,/ h" utt"r"d, r"aching for it(
!aria shut h"r 3st o+"r th" )"''"ts( /Th" go'd go"s with th" oth"rs,/ sh"
d"c'ar"d( /9ou#'' gi# " a fair )ric" for th" 'ot, or I#'' tak" u back(/
In th" "nd a bargain was struck that satis3"d !aria( G"rkow was not on" who
wou'd '"t go'd go out of his hous"( H" count"d out to h"r th" )ric" of a'' h"r
&unk, grudging "ach )i"c" of on"y as if it had b""n th" b'ood of his +"ins(
Th" a$air was conc'ud"d(
1ut G"rkow sti'' had so"thing to say( As !aria fo'd"d u) th" )i''ow%cas" and
ros" to go, th" o'd ."w said;
/:"'', s"" h"r" a inut", w"#''4you#'' ha+" a drink b"for" you go, won#t you@
.ust to show that it#s a'' right b"tw""n us(/ !aria sat down again(
/9"s, I gu"ss I#'' ha+" a drink,/ sh" answ"r"d(
G"rkow took down a whisk"y bott'" and a r"d g'ass tub'"r with a brok"n
bas" fro a cu)board on th" wa''( Th" two drank tog"th"r, G"rkow fro th"
bott'", !aria fro th" brok"n tub'"r( Th"y wi)"d th"ir 'i)s s'ow'y, drawing
br"ath again( Th"r" was a o"nt#s si'"nc"(
/Say,/ said G"rkow at 'ast, /how about thos" go'd dish"s you to'd " about
th" 'ast ti" you w"r" h"r"@/
/:hat go'd dish"s@/ in8uir"d !aria, )u66'"d(
/Ah, you know,/ r"turn"d th" oth"r( /Th" )'at" your fath"r own"d in C"ntra'
A"rica a 'ong ti" ago( 0on#t you know, it rang 'ik" so any b"''s@ R"d
go'd, you know, 'ik" orang"s@/
/Ah,/ said !aria, )utting h"r chin in th" air as if sh" kn"w a 'ong story about
that if sh" had a ind to t"'' it( /Ah, y"s, that go'd s"r+ic"(/
/T"'' us about it again,/ said G"rkow, his b'ood'"ss 'ow"r 'i) o+ing against
th" u))"r, his c'aw%'ik" 3ng"rs f""'ing about his outh and chin( /T"'' us
about it* go on(/
H" was br"athing short, his 'ibs tr"b'"d a 'itt'"( It was as if so" hungry
b"ast of )r"y had sc"nt"d a 8uarry( !aria sti'' r"fus"d, )utting u) h"r h"ad,
insisting that sh" had to b" going(
/2"t#s ha+" it,/ insist"d th" ."w( /Tak" anoth"r drink(/ !aria took anoth"r
swa''ow of th" whisk"y( /Now, go on,/ r")"at"d G"rkow* /'"t#s ha+" th" story(/
!aria s8uar"d h"r "'bows on th" d"a' tab'", 'ooking straight in front of h"r
with "y"s that saw nothing(
/:"'', it was this way,/ sh" b"gan( /It was wh"n I was 'itt'"( !y fo'ks ust
ha+" b""n rich, oh, rich into th" i''ions4co$"", I gu"ss4and th"r" was a
'arg" hous", but I can on'y r""b"r th" )'at"( ,h, that s"r+ic" of )'at"? It
was wond"rfu'( Th"r" w"r" or" than a hundr"d )i"c"s, and "+"ry on" of
th" go'd( 9ou shou'd ha+" s""n th" sight wh"n th" '"ath"r trunk was
o)"n"d( It fair da66'"d your "y"s( It was a y"''ow b'a6" 'ik" a 3r", 'ik" a
suns"t* such a g'ory, a'' )i'"d u) tog"th"r, on" )i"c" o+"r th" oth"r( :hy, if
th" roo was dark you#d think you cou'd s"" &ust th" sa" with a'' that g'itt"r
th"r"( Th"r" wa#n#t a )i"c" that was so uch as scratch"d* "+"ry on" was 'ik"
a irror, sooth and bright, &ust 'ik" a 'itt'" )oo' wh"n th" sun shin"s into it(
Th"r" was dinn"r dish"s and sou) tur""ns and )itch"rs* and gr"at, big
)'att"rs as 'ong as that and wid" too* and cr"a%&ugs and bow's with car+"d
hand'"s, a'' +in"s and things* and drinking ugs, "+"ry on" a di$"r"nt sha)"*
and dish"s for gra+y and sauc"s* and th"n a gr"at, big )unch%bow' with a
'ad'", and th" bow' was a'' car+"d out with 3gur"s and bunch"s of gra)"s(
:hy, &ust on'y that )unch%bow' was worth a fortun", I gu"ss( :h"n a'' that
)'at" was s"t out on a tab'", it was a sight for a king to 'ook at( Such a
s"r+ic" as that was? Each )i"c" was h"a+y, oh, so h"a+y? and thick, you
know* thick, fat go'd, nothing but go'd4r"d, shining, )ur" go'd, orang" r"d4
and wh"n you struck it with your knuck'", ah, you shou'd ha+" h"ard? No
church b"'' "+"r rang sw""t"r or c'"ar"r( It was soft go'd, too* you cou'd bit"
into it, and '"a+" th" d"nt of your t""th( ,h, that go'd )'at"? I can s"" it &ust
as )'ain4so'id, so'id, h"a+y, rich, )ur" go'd* nothing but go'd, go'd, h"a)s
and h"a)s of it( :hat a s"r+ic" that was?/
!aria )aus"d, shaking h"r h"ad, thinking o+"r th" +anish"d s)'"ndor(
I''it"rat" "nough, uniaginati+" "nough on a'' oth"r sub&"cts, h"r distort"d
wits ca''"d u) this )ictur" with ar+"''ous distinctn"ss( It was )'ain sh" saw
th" )'at" c'"ar'y( H"r d"scri)tion was accurat", was a'ost "'o8u"nt(
0id that wond"rfu' s"r+ic" of go'd )'at" "+"r "7ist outsid" of h"r dis"as"d
iagination@ :as !aria actua''y r""b"ring so" r"a'ity of a chi'dhood of
barbaric 'u7ury@ :"r" h"r )ar"nts at on" ti" )oss"ss"d of an inca'cu'ab'"
fortun" d"ri+"d fro so" C"ntra' A"rican co$"" )'antation, a fortun" 'ong
sinc" con3scat"d by ari"s of insurr"ctionists, or s8uand"r"d in th" su))ort
of r"+o'utionary go+"rn"nts@
It was not i)ossib'"( ,f !aria !aca)a#s )ast )rior to th" ti" of h"r
a))"aranc" at th" /5at/ abso'ut"'y nothing cou'd b" '"arn"d( Sh" sudd"n'y
a))"ar"d fro th" unknown, a strang" woan of a i7"d rac", san" on a''
sub&"cts but that of th" faous s"r+ic" of go'd )'at"* but unusua', co)'"7,
yst"rious, "+"n at h"r b"st(
1ut what is"ry G"rkow "ndur"d as h" 'ist"n"d to h"r ta'"? For h" chos" to
b"'i"+" it, forc"d his"'f to b"'i"+" it, 'ash"d and harass"d by a )iti'"ss gr""d
that ch"ck"d at no ta'" of tr"asur", how"+"r )r")ost"rous( Th" story ra+ish"d
hi with d"'ight( H" was n"ar so"on" who had )oss"ss"d this w"a'th( H"
saw so"on" who had s""n this )i'" of go'd( H" s"""d n"ar it* it was th"r",
so"wh"r" c'os" by, und"r his "y"s, und"r his 3ng"rs* it was r"d, g'"aing,
)ond"rous( H" ga6"d about hi wi'd'y* nothing, nothing but th" sordid &unk
sho) and th" rust%corrod"d tins( :hat "7as)"ration, what )ositi+" is"ry, to
b" so n"ar to it and y"t to know that it was irr"+ocab'y, irr"tri"+ab'y 'ost? A
s)as of anguish )ass"d through hi( H" gnaw"d at his b'ood'"ss 'i)s, at th"
ho)"'"ssn"ss of it, th" rag", th" fury of it(
/<o on, go on,/ h" whis)"r"d* /'"t#s ha+" it a'' o+"r again( Po'ish"d 'ik" a
irror, h"y, and h"a+y@ 9"s, I know, I know( A )unch%bow' worth a fortun"(
Ah? and you saw it, you had it a''?/
!aria ros" to go( G"rkow acco)ani"d h"r to th" door, urging anoth"r drink
u)on h"r(
/Co" again, co" again,/ h" croak"d( /0on#t wait ti'' you#+" got &unk* co"
any ti" you f""' 'ik" it, and t"'' " or" about th" )'at"(/
H" fo''ow"d h"r a st") down th" a''"y(
/How uch do you think it was worth@/ h" in8uir"d, an7ious'y(
/,h, a i''ion do''ars,/ answ"r"d !aria, +agu"'y(
:h"n !aria had gon", G"rkow r"turn"d to th" back roo of th" sho), and
stood in front of th" a'coho' sto+", 'ooking down into his co'd dinn"r,
)r"occu)i"d, thoughtfu'(
/A i''ion do''ars,/ h" utt"r"d in his ras)ing, guttura' whis)"r, his 3ng"r%ti)s
wand"ring o+"r his thin, cat%'ik" 'i)s( /A go'd"n s"r+ic" worth a i''ion
do''ars* a )unchbow' worth a fortun"* r"d go'd )'at"s, h"a)s and )i'"s( <od?/
CHAPTER H
Th" days )ass"d( !cT"agu" had 3nish"d th" o)"ration on Trina#s t""th( Sh"
did not co" any or" to th" /Par'ors(/ !att"rs had r"ad&ust"d th"s"'+"s a
'itt'" b"tw""n th" two during th" 'ast sittings( Trina y"t stood u)on h"r
r"s"r+", and !cT"agu" sti'' f"'t his"'f shab'ing and ungain'y in h"r
)r"s"nc"* but that constraint and "barrass"nt that had fo''ow"d u)on
!cT"agu"#s b'und"ring d"c'aration brok" u) 'itt'" by 'itt'"( In s)it" of
th"s"'+"s th"y w"r" gradua''y r"suing th" sa" r"'ati+" )ositions th"y
had occu)i"d wh"n th"y had 3rst "t(
1ut !cT"agu" su$"r"d is"rab'y for a'' that( H" n"+"r wou'd ha+" Trina, h"
saw that c'"ar'y( Sh" was too good for hi* too d"'icat", too r"3n"d, too
)r"tti'y ad" for hi, who was so coars", so "norous, so stu)id( Sh" was
for so"on" "'s"4!arcus, no doubt4or at '"ast for so" 3n"r%grain"d an(
Sh" shou'd ha+" gon" to so" oth"r d"ntist* th" young f"''ow on th" corn"r,
for instanc", th" )os"r, th" rid"r of bicyc'"s, th" cours"r of gr"y%hounds(
!cT"agu" b"gan to 'oath" and to "n+y this f"''ow( H" s)i"d u)on hi going in
and out of his o-c", and not"d his sa'on%)ink n"ckti"s and his astonishing
waistcoats(
,n" Sunday, a f"w days aft"r Trina#s 'ast sitting, !cT"agu" "t !arcus
Schou'"r at his tab'" in th" car conductors# co$""%&oint, n"7t to th" harn"ss
sho)(
/:hat you got to do this aft"rnoon, !ac@/ in8uir"d th" oth"r, as th"y at"
th"ir su"t )udding(
/Nothing, nothing,/ r")'i"d !cT"agu", shaking his h"ad( His outh was fu'' of
)udding( It ad" hi war to "at, and 'itt'" b"ads of )"rs)iration stood
across th" bridg" of his nos"( H" 'ook"d forward to an aft"rnoon )ass"d in his
o)"rating chair as usua'( ,n '"a+ing his /Par'ors/ h" had )ut t"n c"nts into his
)itch"r and had '"ft it at Fr"nna#s to b" 3''"d(
/:hat do you say w" tak" a wa'k, huh@/ said !arcus( /Ah, that#s th" thing4a
wa'k, a 'ong wa'k, by dan? It#'' b" outa sight( I got to tak" thr"" or four of
th" dogs out for "7"rcis", anyhow( ,'d <rannis thinks th"y n""d ut( :"#'' wa'k
out to th" Pr"sidio(/
,f 'at" it had b"co" th" custo of th" two fri"nds to tak" 'ong wa'ks fro
ti" to ti"( ,n ho'idays and on thos" Sunday aft"rnoons wh"n !arcus was
not abs"nt with th" Si"))"s th"y w"nt out tog"th"r, so"ti"s to th" )ark,
so"ti"s to th" Pr"sidio, so"ti"s "+"n across th" bay( Th"y took a gr"at
)'"asur" in "ach oth"r#s co)any, but si'"nt'y and with r"s"r+ation, ha+ing
th" ascu'in" horror of any d"onstration of fri"ndshi)(
Th"y wa'k"d for u)wards of 3+" hours that aft"rnoon, out th" '"ngth of
Ca'ifornia Str""t, and across th" Pr"sidio R"s"r+ation to th" <o'd"n <at"(
Th"n th"y turn"d, and, fo''owing th" 'in" of th" shor", brought u) at th" C'i$
Hous"( H"r" th"y ha't"d for b""r, !arcus sw"aring that his outh was as dry
as a hay%bin( 1"for" starting on th"ir wa'k th"y had gon" around to th" 'itt'"
dog hos)ita', and !arcus had '"t out four of th" con+a'"sc"nts, cra6"d with
&oy at th" r"'"as"(
/2ook at that dog,/ h" cri"d to !cT"agu", showing hi a 3n"'y%br"d Irish
s"tt"r( /That#s th" dog that b"'ong"d to th" duck on th" a+"nu", th" dog w"
ca''"d for that day( I#+" bought #u( Th" duck thought h" had th" dist")"r,
and &ust thr"w #u away( Nothun wrong with #u but a 'itt'" catarrh( Ain#t h"
a bird@ Say, ain#t h" a bird@ 2ook at his 5ag* it#s )"rf"ct* and s"" how h"
carri"s his tai' on a 'in" with his back( S"" how sti$ and whit" his whisk"rs
ar"( ,h, by dan? you can#t foo' " on a dog( That dog#s a winn"r(/
At th" C'i$ Hous" th" two sat down to th"ir b""r in a 8ui"t corn"r of th"
bi''iard%roo( Th"r" w"r" but two )'ay"rs( So"wh"r" in anoth"r )art of th"
bui'ding a aoth usic%bo7 was &ang'ing out a 8uickst")( Fro outsid"
ca" th" 'ong, rhythica' rush of th" surf and th" sonorous barking of th"
s"a's u)on th" s"a' rocks( Th" four dogs cur'"d th"s"'+"s down u)on th"
sand"d 5oor(
/H"r"#s how,/ said !arcus, ha'f ")tying his g'ass( /Ah%h?/ h" add"d, with a
'ong br"ath, /that#s good* it is, for a fact(/
For th" 'ast hour of th"ir wa'k !arcus had don" n"ar'y a'' th" ta'king(
!cT"agu" "r"'y answ"ring hi by unc"rtain o+""nts of th" h"ad( For
that att"r, th" d"ntist had b""n si'"nt and )r"occu)i"d throughout th"
who'" aft"rnoon( At '"ngth !arcus notic"d it( As h" s"t down his g'ass with a
bang h" sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d;
/:hat#s th" att"r with you th"s" days, !ac@ 9ou got a b"an about
so"thun, h"y@ S)it ut out(/
/No, no,/ r")'i"d !cT"agu", 'ooking about on th" 5oor, ro''ing his "y"s*
/nothing, no, no(/
/Ah, rats?/ r"turn"d th" oth"r( !cT"agu" k")t si'"nc"( Th" two bi''iard )'ay"rs
d")art"d( Th" hug" usic%bo7 struck into a fr"sh tun"(
/Huh?/ "7c'ai"d !arcus, with a short 'augh, /gu"ss you#r" in 'o+"(/
!cT"agu" gas)"d, and shu>"d his "norous f""t und"r th" tab'"(
/:"'', so"thun#s bitun you, anyhow,/ )ursu"d !arcus( /!ayb" I can h"')
you( :"#r" )a's, you know( 1"tt"r t"'' " what#s u)* gu"ss w" can straight"n
ut out( Ah, go on* s)it ut out(/
Th" situation was aboinab'"( !cT"agu" cou'd not ris" to it( !arcus was his
b"st fri"nd, his on'y fri"nd( Th"y w"r" /)a's/ and !cT"agu" was +"ry fond of
hi( 9"t th"y w"r" both in 'o+", )r"suab'y, with th" sa" gir', and now
!arcus wou'd try and forc" th" s"cr"t out of hi* wou'd rush b'ind'y at th"
rock u)on which th" two ust s)'it, stirr"d by th" +"ry b"st of oti+"s,
wishing on'y to b" of s"r+ic"( 1"sid"s this, th"r" was nobody to who
!cT"agu" wou'd ha+" b"tt"r )r"f"rr"d to t"'' his troub'"s than to !arcus, and
y"t about this troub'", th" gr"at"st troub'" of his 'if", h" ust k"") si'"nt*
ust r"frain fro s)"aking of it to !arcus abo+" "+"rybody(
!cT"agu" b"gan di'y to f""' that 'if" was too uch for hi( How had it a''
co" about@ A onth ago h" was )"rf"ct'y cont"nt* h" was ca' and
)"ac"fu', taking his 'itt'" )'"asur"s as h" found th"( His 'if" had sha)"d
its"'f* was, no doubt, to continu" a'ways a'ong th"s" sa" 'in"s( A woan
had "nt"r"d his sa'' wor'd and instant'y th"r" was discord( Th" disturbing
"'""nt had a))"ar"d( :h"r"+"r th" woan had )ut h"r foot a scor" of
distr"ssing co)'ications had s)rung u), 'ik" th" sudd"n growth of strang"
and )u66'ing 5ow"rs(
/Say, !ac, go on* '"t#s ha+" ut straight,/ urg"d !arcus, '"aning toward hi(
/Has any duck b""n doing you dirt@/ h" cri"d, his fac" crison on th" instant(
/No,/ said !cT"agu", h"')'"ss'y(
/Co" a'ong, o'd an,/ )"rsist"d !arcus* /'"t#s ha+" ut( :hat is th" row@ I#''
do a'' I can to h"') you(/
It was or" than !cT"agu" cou'd b"ar( Th" situation had got b"yond hi(
Stu)id'y h" s)ok", his hands d"") in his )ock"ts, his h"ad ro''"d forward(
/It#s4it#s !iss Si"))",/ h" said(
/Trina, y cousin@ How do you "an@/ in8uir"d !arcus shar)'y(
/I4I4I don# know,/ sta"r"d !cT"agu", ho)"'"ss'y confound"d(
/9ou "an,/ cri"d !arcus, sudd"n'y "n'ight"n"d, /that you ar"4that you,
too(/
!cT"agu" stirr"d in his chair, 'ooking at th" wa''s of th" roo, a+oiding th"
oth"r#s g'anc"( H" nodd"d his h"ad, th"n sudd"n'y brok" out;
/I can#t h"') it( It ain#t y fau't, is it@/
!arcus was struck dub* h" dro))"d back in his chair br"ath'"ss( Sudd"n'y
!cT"agu" found his tongu"(
/I t"'' you, !ark, I can#t h"') it( I don#t know how it ha))"n"d( It ca" on so
s'ow that I was, that4that4that it was don" b"for" I kn"w it, b"for" I cou'd
h"') ys"'f( I know w"#r" )a's, us two, and I kn"w how4how you and !iss
Si"))" w"r"( I know now, I kn"w th"n* but that wou'dn#t ha+" ad" any
di$"r"nc"( 1"for" I kn"w it4it4it4th"r" I was( I can#t h"') it( I wou'dn#t #a#
had ut ha))"n for anything, if I cou'd #a# sto))"d it, but I don# know, it#s
so"thing that#s &ust strong"r than you ar", that#s a''( Sh" ca" th"r"4!iss
Si"))" ca" to th" )ar'ors th"r" thr"" or four ti"s a w""k, and sh" was th"
3rst gir' I had "+"r known,4and you don# know? :hy, I was so c'os" to h"r I
touch"d h"r fac" "+"ry inut", and h"r outh, and s"'t h"r hair and h"r
br"ath4oh, you don#t know anything about it( I can#t gi+" you any id"a( I don#
know "7act'y ys"'f* I on'y know how I# 37"d( I4I4it#s b""n don"* it#s too
'at", th"r"#s no going back( :hy, I can#t think of anything "'s" night and day(
It#s "+"rything( It#s4it#s4oh, it#s "+"rything? I4I4why, !ark, it#s "+"rything4
I can#t "7)'ain(/ H" ad" a h"')'"ss o+""nt with both hands(
N"+"r had !cT"agu" b""n so "7cit"d* n"+"r had h" ad" so 'ong a s)""ch(
His ars o+"d in 3"rc", unc"rtain g"stur"s, his fac" 5ush"d, his "norous
&aws shut tog"th"r with a shar) c'ick at "+"ry )aus"( It was 'ik" so" co'ossa'
brut" tra))"d in a d"'icat", in+isib'" "sh, raging, "7as)"rat"d, )ow"r'"ss to
"7tricat" his"'f(
!arcus Schou'"r said nothing( Th"r" was a 'ong si'"nc"( !arcus got u) and
wa'k"d to th" window and stood 'ooking out, but s""ing nothing( /:"'', who
wou'd ha+" thought of this@/ h" utt"r"d und"r his br"ath( H"r" was a 37(
!arcus car"d for Trina( Th"r" was no doubt in his ind about that( H" 'ook"d
forward "ag"r'y to th" Sunday aft"rnoon "7cursions( H" 'ik"d to b" with Trina(
H", too, f"'t th" char of th" 'itt'" gir'4th" char of th" sa'', )a'"
for"h"ad* th" 'itt'" chin thrust out as if in con3d"nc" and innoc"nc"* th"
h"a+y, odorous crown of b'ack hair( H" 'ik"d h"r i"ns"'y( So" day h"
wou'd s)"ak* h" wou'd ask h"r to arry hi( !arcus )ut o$ this att"r of
arriag" to so" futur" )"riod* it wou'd b" so" ti"4a y"ar, )"rha)s, or
two( Th" thing did not tak" d"3nit" sha)" in his ind( !arcus /k")t
co)any/ with his cousin Trina, but h" kn"w )'"nty of oth"r gir's( For th"
att"r of that, h" 'ik"d a'' gir's )r"tty w"''( .ust now th" sing'"n"ss and
str"ngth of !cT"agu"#s )assion start'"d hi( !cT"agu" wou'd arry Trina
that +"ry aft"rnoon if sh" wou'd ha+" hi* but wou'd h"4!arcus@ No, h"
wou'd not* if it ca" to that, no, h" wou'd not( 9"t h" kn"w h" 'ik"d Trina( H"
cou'd say4y"s, h" cou'd say4h" 'o+"d h"r( Sh" was his /gir'(/ Th" Si"))"s
acknow'"dg"d hi as Trina#s /young an(/ !arcus ca" back to th" tab'"
and sat down sid"ways u)on it(
/:"'', what ar" w" going to do about it, !ac@/ h" said(
/I don# know,/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", in gr"at distr"ss( /I don# want anything to
4to co" b"tw""n us, !ark(/
/:"'', nothun wi'', you b"t?/ +ocif"rat"d th" oth"r( /No, sir* you b"t not, !ac(/
!arcus was thinking hard( H" cou'd s"" +"ry c'"ar'y that !cT"agu" 'o+"d
Trina or" than h" did* that in so" strang" way this hug", bruta' f"''ow was
ca)ab'" of a gr"at"r )assion than his"'f, who was twic" as c'"+"r( Sudd"n'y
!arcus &u)"d i)"tuous'y to a r"so'ution(
/:"'', say, !ac,/ h" cri"d, striking th" tab'" with his 3st, /go ah"ad( I gu"ss
you4you want h"r )r"tty bad( I#'' )u'' out* y"s, I wi''( I#'' gi+" h"r u) to you,
o'd an(/
Th" s"ns" of his own agnaniity a'' at onc" o+"rca" !arcus( H" saw
his"'f as anoth"r an, +"ry nob'", s"'f%sacri3cing* h" stood a)art and
watch"d this s"cond s"'f with bound'"ss adiration and with in3nit" )ity( H"
was so good, so agni3c"nt, so h"roic, that h" a'ost sobb"d( !arcus ad"
a sw"")ing g"stur" of r"signation, throwing out both his ars, crying;
/!ac, I#'' gi+" h"r u) to you( I won#t stand b"tw""n you(/ Th"r" w"r" actua''y
t"ars in !arcus#s "y"s as h" s)ok"( Th"r" was no doubt h" thought his"'f
sinc"r"( At that o"nt h" a'ost b"'i"+"d h" 'o+"d Trina consci"ntious'y,
that h" was sacri3cing his"'f for th" sak" of his fri"nd( Th" two stood u)
and fac"d "ach oth"r, gri))ing hands( It was a gr"at o"nt* "+"n !cT"agu"
f"'t th" draa of it( :hat a 3n" thing was this fri"ndshi) b"tw""n "n? th"
d"ntist tr"ats his fri"nd for an u'c"rat"d tooth and r"fus"s )ay"nt* th"
fri"nd r"ci)rocat"s by gi+ing u) his gir'( This was nobi'ity( Th"ir utua'
a$"ction and "st"" sudd"n'y incr"as"d "norous'y( It was 0aon and
Pythias* it was 0a+id and .onathan* nothing cou'd "+"r "strang" th"( Now it
was for 'if" or d"ath(
/I# uch ob'ig"d,/ urur"d !cT"agu"( H" cou'd think of nothing b"tt"r to
say( /I# uch ob'ig"d,/ h" r")"at"d* /uch ob'ig"d, !ark(/
/That#s a'' right, that#s a'' right,/ r"turn"d !arcus Schou'"r, bra+"'y, and it
occurr"d to hi to add, /9ou#'' b" ha))y tog"th"r( T"'' h"r for "4t"'' h"r4%
t"'' h"r44/ !arcus cou'd not go on( H" wrung th" d"ntist#s hand si'"nt'y(
It had not a))"ar"d to "ith"r of th" that Trina ight r"fus" !cT"agu"(
!cT"agu"#s s)irits ros" at onc"( In !arcus#s withdrawa' h" fanci"d h" saw an
"nd to a'' his di-cu'ti"s( E+"rything wou'd co" right, aft"r a''( Th" strain"d,
"7a't"d stat" of !arcus#s n"r+"s "nd"d by )utting hi into 3n" huor as
w"''( His gri"f sudd"n'y chang"d to an "7c"ss of gai"ty( Th" aft"rnoon was a
succ"ss( Th"y s'a))"d "ach oth"r on th" back with gr"at b'ows of th" o)"n
)a's, and th"y drank "ach oth"r#s h"a'th in a third round of b""r(
T"n inut"s aft"r his r"nunciation of Trina Si"))", !arcus astound"d
!cT"agu" with a tr""ndous f"at(
/2ooka h"r", !ac( I know so"thun you can#t do( I#'' b"t you two bits I#''
stu) you(/ Th"y "ach )ut a 8uart"r on th" tab'"( /Now watch ",/ cri"d
!arcus( H" caught u) a bi''iard ba'' fro th" rack, )ois"d it a o"nt in front
of his fac", th"n with a sudd"n, horrifying dist"nsion of his &aws cra"d it
into his outh, and shut his 'i)s o+"r it(
For an instant !cT"agu" was stu)"3"d, his "y"s bu'ging( Th"n an "norous
'augh shook hi( H" roar"d and shout"d, swaying in his chair, s'a))ing his
kn""( :hat a &osh"r was this !arcus? Sur", you n"+"r cou'd t"'' what h"
wou'd do n"7t( !arcus s'i))"d th" ba'' out, wi)"d it on th" tab'"c'oth, and
)ass"d it to !cT"agu"(
/Now '"t#s s"" you do it(/
!cT"agu" f"'' sudd"n'y gra+"( Th" att"r was s"rious( H" )art"d his thick
ustach"s and o)"n"d his "norous &aws 'ik" an anaconda( Th" ba''
disa))"ar"d insid" his outh( !arcus a))'aud"d +ocif"rous'y, shouting,
/<ood work?/ !cT"agu" r"ach"d for th" on"y and )ut it in his +"st )ock"t,
nodding his h"ad with a knowing air(
Th"n sudd"n'y his fac" gr"w )ur)'", his &aws o+"d con+u'si+"'y, h" )aw"d
at his ch""ks with both hands( Th" bi''iard ba'' had s'i))"d into his outh
"asi'y "nough* now, how"+"r, h" cou'd not g"t it out again(
It was t"rrib'"( Th" d"ntist ros" to his f""t, stub'ing about aong th" dogs,
his fac" working, his "y"s starting( Try as h" wou'd, h" cou'd not str"tch his
&aws wid" "nough to s'i) th" ba'' out( !arcus 'ost his wits, sw"aring at th" to)
of his +oic"( !cT"agu" sw"at"d with t"rror* inarticu'at" sounds ca" fro his
cra"d outh* h" wa+"d his ars wi'd'y* a'' th" four dogs caught th"
"7cit""nt and b"gan to bark( A wait"r rush"d in, th" two bi''iard )'ay"rs
r"turn"d, a 'itt'" crowd for"d( Th"r" was a +"ritab'" sc"n"(
A'' at onc" th" ba'' s'i))"d out of !cT"agu"#s &aws as "asi'y as it had gon" in(
:hat a r"'i"f? H" dro))"d into a chair, wi)ing his for"h"ad, gas)ing for
br"ath(
,n th" str"ngth of th" occasion !arcus Schou'"r in+it"d th" "ntir" grou) to
drink with hi(
1y th" ti" th" a$air was o+"r and th" grou) dis)"rs"d it was aft"r 3+"(
!arcus and !cT"agu" d"cid"d th"y wou'd rid" ho" on th" cars( 1ut th"y
soon found this i)ossib'"( Th" dogs wou'd not fo''ow( ,n'y A'"7and"r,
!arcus#s n"w s"tt"r, k")t his )'ac" at th" r"ar of th" car( Th" oth"r thr"" 'ost
th"ir s"ns"s i"diat"'y, running wi'd'y about th" str""ts with th"ir h"ads in
th" air, or sudd"n'y starting o$ at a furious ga''o) dir"ct'y away fro th" car(
!arcus whist'"d and shout"d and 'ath"r"d with rag" in +ain( Th" two fri"nds
w"r" ob'ig"d to wa'k( :h"n th"y 3na''y r"ach"d Po'k Str""t, !arcus shut u)
th" thr"" dogs in th" hos)ita'( A'"7and"r h" brought back to th" 5at with hi(
Th"r" was a inut" back yard in th" r"ar, wh"r" !arcus had ad" a k"nn"'
for A'"7and"r out of an o'd wat"r barr"'( 1"for" h" thought of his own su))"r
!arcus )ut A'"7and"r to b"d and f"d hi a cou)'" of dog biscuits( !cT"agu"
had fo''ow"d hi to th" yard to k"") hi co)any( A'"7and"r s"tt'"d to his
su))"r at onc", ch"wing +igorous'y at th" biscuit, his h"ad on on" sid"(
/:hat you going to do about this4about that4about4about y cousin now,
!ac@/ in8uir"d !arcus(
!cT"agu" shook his h"ad h"')'"ss'y( It was dark by now and co'd( Th" 'itt'"
back yard was griy and fu'' of odors( !cT"agu" was tir"d with th"ir 'ong
wa'k( A'' his un"asin"ss about his a$air with Trina had r"turn"d( No, sur"'y
sh" was not for hi( !arcus or so" oth"r an wou'd win h"r in th" "nd(
:hat cou'd sh" "+"r s"" to d"sir" in hi4in hi, a c'usy giant, with hands
'ik" wood"n a''"ts@ Sh" had to'd hi onc" that sh" wou'd not arry hi(
:as that not 3na'@
/I don# know what to do, !ark,/ h" said(
/:"'', you ust ak" u) to h"r now,/ answ"r"d !arcus( /<o and ca'' on h"r(/
!cT"agu" start"d( H" had not thought of ca''ing on h"r( Th" id"a fright"n"d
hi a 'itt'"(
/,f cours",/ )"rsist"d !arcus, /that#s th" )ro)"r ca)"r( :hat did you "7)"ct@
0id you think you was n"+"r going to s"" h"r again@/
/I don# know, I don# know,/ r"s)ond"d th" d"ntist, 'ooking stu)id'y at th" dog(
/9ou know wh"r" th"y 'i+",/ continu"d !arcus Schou'"r( /,+"r at 1 Str""t
station, across th" bay( I#'' tak" you o+"r th"r" wh"n"+"r you want to go( I t"''
you what, w"#'' go o+"r th"r" :ashington#s 1irthday( That#s this n"7t
:"dn"sday* sur", th"y#'' b" g'ad to s"" you(/ It was good of !arcus( A'' at
onc" !cT"agu" ros" to an a))r"ciation of what his fri"nd was doing for hi(
H" sta"r"d;
/Say, !ark4you#r"4you#r" a'' right, anyhow(/
/:hy, )shaw?/ said !arcus( /That#s a'' right, o'd an( I#d 'ik" to s"" you two
37"d, that#s a''( :"#'' go o+"r :"dn"sday, sur"(/
Th"y turn"d back to th" hous"( A'"7and"r '"ft o$ "ating and watch"d th"
go away, 3rst with on" "y", th"n with th" oth"r( 1ut h" was too s"'f%
r"s)"cting to whi)"r( How"+"r, by th" ti" th" two fri"nds had r"ach"d th"
s"cond 'anding on th" back stairs a t"rrib'" cootion was und"r way in th"
'itt'" yard( Th"y rush"d to an o)"n window at th" "nd of th" ha'' and 'ook"d
down(
A thin board f"nc" s")arat"d th" 5at#s back yard fro that us"d by th"
branch )ost%o-c"( In th" 'att"r )'ac" 'i+"d a co''i" dog( H" and A'"7and"r had
s"'t "ach oth"r out, b'owing through th" cracks of th" f"nc" at "ach oth"r(
Sudd"n'y th" 8uarr"' had "7)'od"d on "ith"r sid" of th" f"nc"( Th" dogs
rag"d at "ach oth"r, snar'ing and barking, frantic with hat"( Th"ir t""th
g'"a"d( Th"y tor" at th" f"nc" with th"ir front )aws( Th"y 3''"d th" who'"
night with th"ir c'aor(
/1y dan?/ cri"d !arcus, /th"y don#t 'o+" "ach oth"r( .ust 'ist"n* wou'dn#t
that ak" a 3ght if th" two got tog"th"r@ Ha+" to try it so" day(/
CHAPTER I
:"dn"sday orning, :ashington#s 1irthday, !cT"agu" ros" +"ry "ar'y and
sha+"d his"'f( 1"sid"s th" si7 ournfu' conc"rtina airs, th" d"ntist kn"w
on" song( :h"n"+"r h" sha+"d, h" sung this song* n"+"r at any oth"r ti"(
His +oic" was a b"''owing roar, "nough to ak" th" window sash"s ratt'"( .ust
now h" wok" u) a'' th" 'odg"rs in his ha'' with it( It was a 'a"ntab'" wai';
/No on" to 'o+", non" to car"ss,
2"ft a'' a'on" in this wor'd#s wi'd"rn"ss(/
As h" )aus"d to stro) his ra6or, !arcus ca" into his roo, ha'f%dr"ss"d, a
start'ing )hanto in r"d 5ann"'s(
!arcus oft"n ran back and forth b"tw""n his roo and th" d"ntist#s /Par'ors/
in a'' sorts of undr"ss( ,'d !iss 1ak"r had s""n hi thus s"+"ra' ti"s
through h"r ha'f%o)"n door, as sh" sat in h"r roo 'ist"ning and waiting( Th"
o'd dr"ssak"r was shock"d out of a'' "7)r"ssion( Sh" was outrag"d,
o$"nd"d, )ursing h"r 'i)s, )utting u) h"r h"ad( Sh" ta'k"d of co)'aining to
th" 'and'ady( /And !r( <rannis right n"7t door, too( 9ou can und"rstand how
trying it is for both of us(/ Sh" wou'd co" out in th" ha'' aft"r on" of th"s"
a))aritions, h"r 'itt'" fa's" cur's shaking, ta'king 'oud and shri'' to any on" in
r"ach of h"r +oic"(
/:"'',/ !arcus wou'd shout, /shut your door, th"n, if you don#t want to s""(
2ook out, now, h"r" I co" again( Not "+"n a )orous )'ast"r on " this ti"(/
,n this :"dn"sday orning !arcus ca''"d !cT"agu" out into th" ha'', to th"
h"ad of th" stairs that '"d down to th" str""t door(
/Co" and 'ist"n to !aria, !ac,/ said h"(
!aria sat on th" n"7t to th" 'ow"st st"), h"r chin )ro))"d by h"r two 3sts(
Th" r"d%h"ad"d Po'ish ."w, th" ragan G"rkow, stood in th" doorway( H" was
ta'king "ag"r'y(
/Now, &ust onc" or", !aria,/ h" was saying( /T"'' it to us &ust onc" or"(/
!aria#s +oic" ca" u) th" stairway in a onoton"( !arcus and !cT"agu"
caught a )hras" fro ti" to ti"(
/Th"r" w"r" or" than a hundr"d )i"c"s, and "+"ry on" of th" go'd4&ust
that )unch%bow' was worth a fortun"%thick, fat, r"d go'd(/
/<"t onto to that, wi'' you@/ obs"r+"d !arcus( /Th" o'd skin has got h"r
start"d on th" )'at"( Ain#t th"y a )air for you@/
/And it rang 'ik" b"''s, didn#t it@/ )ro)t"d G"rkow(
/Sw""t"r#n church b"''s, and c'"ar"r(/
/Ah, sw""t"r#n b"''s( :asn#t that )unch%bow' awfu' h"a+y@/
/A'' you cou'd do to 'ift it(/
/I know( ,h, I know,/ answ"r"d G"rkow, c'awing at his 'i)s( /:h"r" did it a''
go to@ :h"r" did it go@/
!aria shook h"r h"ad(
/It#s gon", anyhow(/
/Ah, gon", gon"? Think of it? Th" )unch%bow' gon", and th" "ngra+"d 'ad'",
and th" )'at"s and gob'"ts( :hat a sight it ust ha+" b""n a'' h"a)"d
tog"th"r?/
/It was a wond"rfu' sight(/
/9"s, wond"rfu'* it ust ha+" b""n(/
,n th" 'ow"r st")s of that ch"a) 5at, th" !"7ican woan and th" r"d%hair"d
Po'ish ."w us"d 'ong o+"r that +anish"d, ha'f%ythica' go'd )'at"(
!arcus and th" d"ntist s)"nt :ashington#s 1irthday across th" bay( Th"
&ourn"y o+"r was on" 'ong agony to !cT"agu"( H" shook with a for'"ss,
unc"rtain dr"ad* a do6"n ti"s h" wou'd ha+" turn"d back had not !arcus
b""n with hi( Th" sto'id giant was as n"r+ous as a schoo'boy( H" fanci"d
that his ca'' u)on !iss Si"))" was an outrag"ous a$ront( Sh" wou'd fr""6"
hi with a star"* h" wou'd b" shown th" door, wou'd b" "&"ct"d, disgrac"d(
As th"y got o$ th" 'oca' train at 1 Str""t station th"y sudd"n'y co''id"d with
th" who'" trib" of Si"))"s4th" oth"r, fath"r, thr"" chi'dr"n, and Trina4
"8ui))"d for on" of th"ir "t"rna' )icnics( Th"y w"r" to go to Schu"t6"n Park,
within wa'king distanc" of th" station( Th"y w"r" grou)"d about four 'unch
bask"ts( ,n" of th" chi'dr"n, a 'itt'" boy, h"'d a b'ack gr"yhound by a ro)"
around its n"ck( Trina wor" a b'u" c'oth skirt, a stri)"d shirt waist, and a whit"
sai'or* about h"r round waist was a b"'t of iitation a''igator skin(
At onc" !rs( Si"))" b"gan to ta'k to !arcus( H" had writt"n of th"ir coing,
but th" )icnic had b""n d"cid"d u)on aft"r th" arri+a' of his '"tt"r( !rs(
Si"))" "7)'ain"d this to hi( Sh" was an i"ns" o'd 'ady with a )ink fac"
and wond"rfu' hair, abso'ut"'y whit"( Th" Si"))"s w"r" a <"ran%Swiss
fai'y(
/:" go to d"r )ark, Schu"t6"n Park, it a''" d" chi'd"rn, a 'itt'" "ggs%
kursion, "h not soh@ :" br"ath" d"r fr"sh"s air, a c"'ubration, a )ignic b"i
d"r s"ashor" on( Ach, dot wu'' b" soh gay, ah@/
/9ou b"t it wi''( It#'' b" outa sight,/ cri"d !arcus, "nthusiastic in an instant(
/This is # fri"nd 0octor !cT"agu" I wrot" you about, !rs( Si"))"(/
/Ach, d"r doktor,/ cri"d !rs( Si"))"(
!cT"agu" was )r"s"nt"d, shaking hands gra+"'y as !arcus shou'd"r"d hi
fro on" to th" oth"r(
!r( Si"))" was a 'itt'" an of a i'itary as)"ct, fu'' of i)ortanc", taking
his"'f +"ry s"rious'y( H" was a "b"r of a ri5" t"a( ,+"r his shou'd"r
was s'ung a S)ring3"'d ri5", whi'" his br"ast was d"corat"d by 3+" bron6"
"da's(
Trina was d"'ight"d( !cT"agu" was dufound"d( Sh" a))"ar"d )ositi+"'y
g'ad to s"" hi(
/How do you do, 0octor !cT"agu",/ sh" said, si'ing at hi and shaking his
hand( /It#s nic" to s"" you again( 2ook, s"" how 3n" y 3''ing is(/ Sh" 'ift"d a
corn"r of h"r 'i) and show"d hi th" c'usy go'd bridg"(
!"anwhi'", !r( Si"))" toi'"d and )"rs)ir"d( =)on hi d"+o'+"d th"
r"s)onsibi'ity of th" "7cursion( H" s"""d to consid"r it a att"r of +ast
i)ortanc", a +"ritab'" "7)"dition(
/,wgoost"?/ h" shout"d to th" 'itt'" boy with th" b'ack gr"yhound, /you wi''
d"r hound und bask"t nub"r thr"" carry( 0"r t"r+ins,/ h" add"d, ca''ing to
th" two sa''"st boys, who w"r" dr"ss"d "7act'y a'ik", /wi'' r"'""f on"
unudd"r it d"r ca)%stuh' und bask"t nub"r four( 0at is co)r"h"nd,
hay@ :h"n w" ak" d"r start, you chi'd"rn wi'' in d"r ad+anc" arch( 0at is
your ord"rs( 1ut w" do not start,/ h" "7c'ai"d, "7cit"d'y* /w" r"ain( Ach
<ott, S"'ina, who do"s not arri+"(/
S"'ina, it a))"ar"d, was a ni"c" of !rs( Si"))"#s( Th"y w"r" on th" )oint of
starting without h"r, wh"n sh" sudd"n'y arri+"d, +"ry uch out of br"ath(
Sh" was a s'"nd"r, unh"a'thy 'ooking gir', who o+"rwork"d h"rs"'f gi+ing
'"ssons in hand%)ainting at tw"nty%3+" c"nts an hour( !cT"agu" was
)r"s"nt"d( Th"y a'' b"gan to ta'k at onc", 3''ing th" 'itt'" station%hous" with a
confusion of tongu"s(
/Att"ntion?/ cri"d !r( Si"))", his go'd%h"ad"d can" in on" hand, his
S)ring3"'d in th" oth"r( /Att"ntion? :" d")art(/ Th" four 'itt'" boys o+"d o$
ah"ad* th" gr"yhound sudd"n'y b"gan to bark, and tug at his '"ash( Th"
oth"rs )ick"d u) th"ir bund'"s(
/Corwarts?/ shout"d !r( Si"))", wa+ing his ri5" and assuing th" attitud" of
a 'i"ut"nant of infantry '"ading a charg"( Th" )arty s"t o$ down th" rai'road
track(
!rs( Si"))" wa'k"d with h"r husband, who constant'y '"ft h"r sid" to shout an
ord"r u) and down th" 'in"( !arcus fo''ow"d with S"'ina( !cT"agu" found
his"'f with Trina at th" "nd of th" )roc"ssion(
/:" go o$ on th"s" )icnics a'ost "+"ry w""k,/ said Trina, by way of a
b"ginning, /and a'ost "+"ry ho'iday, too( It is a custo(/
/9"s, y"s, a custo,/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", nodding* /a custo4that#s th"
word(/
/0on#t you think )icnics ar" 3n" fun, 0octor !cT"agu"@/ sh" continu"d( /9ou
tak" your 'unch* you '"a+" th" dirty city a'' day* you rac" about in th" o)"n
air, and wh"n 'unchti" co"s, oh, ar"n#t you hungry@ And th" woods and
th" grass s"'' so 3n"?/
/I don# know, !iss Si"))",/ h" answ"r"d, k"")ing his "y"s 37"d on th"
ground b"tw""n th" rai's( /I n"+"r w"nt on a )icnic(/
/N"+"r w"nt on a )icnic@/ sh" cri"d, astonish"d( /,h, you#'' s"" what fun w"#''
ha+"( In th" orning fath"r and th" chi'dr"n dig c'as in th" ud by th"
shor", an# w" bak" th", and4oh, th"r"#s thousands of things to do(/
/,nc" I w"nt sai'ing on th" bay,/ said !cT"agu"( /It was in a tugboat* w"
3sh"d o$ th" h"ads( I caught thr"" cod3sh"s(/
/I# afraid to go out on th" bay,/ answ"r"d Trina, shaking h"r h"ad,
/sai'boats ti) o+"r so "asy( A cousin of in", S"'ina#s broth"r, was drown"d
on" 0"coration 0ay( Th"y n"+"r found his body( Can you swi, 0octor
!cT"agu"@/
/I us"d to at th" in"(/
/At th" in"@ ,h, y"s, I r""b"r, !arcus to'd " you w"r" a in"r onc"(/
/I was a car%boy* a'' th" car%boys us"d to swi in th" r"s"r+oir by th" ditch
"+"ry Thursday "+"ning( ,n" of th" was bit by a ratt'"snak" onc" whi'" h"
was dr"ssing( H" was a Fr"nchan, na"d Andr"w( H" sw"''"d u) and b"gan
to twitch(/
/,h, how I hat" snak"s? Th"y#r" so craw'y and grac"fu'4but, &ust th" sa", I
'ik" to watch th"( 9ou know that drug stor" o+"r in town that has a
showcas" fu'' of 'i+" on"s@/
/:" ki''"d th" ratt'"r with a cart whi)(/
/How far do you think you cou'd swi@ 0id you "+"r try@ 0#you think you
cou'd swi a i'"@/
/A i'"@ I don#t know( I n"+"r tri"d( I gu"ss I cou'd(/
/I can swi a 'itt'"( So"ti"s w" a'' go out to th" Crysta' 1aths(/
/Th" Crysta' 1aths, huh@ Can you swi across th" tank@/
/,h, I can swi a'' right as 'ong as )a)a ho'ds y chin u)( Soon as h" tak"s
his hand away, down I go( 0on#t you hat" to g"t wat"r in your "ars@/
/1athing#s good for you(/
/If th" wat"r#s too war, it isn#t( It w"ak"ns you(/
!r( Si"))" ca" running down th" tracks, wa+ing his can"(
/To on" sid",/ h" shout"d, otioning th" o$ th" track* /d"r drain go"s(/ A
'oca' )ass"ng"r train was &ust )assing 1 Str""t station, so" 8uart"r of a i'"
b"hind th"( Th" )arty stood to on" sid" to '"t it )ass( !arcus )ut a nick"'
and two cross"d )ins u)on th" rai', and wa+"d his hat to th" )ass"ng"rs as
th" train roar"d )ast( Th" chi'dr"n shout"d shri''y( :h"n th" train was gon",
th"y a'' rush"d to s"" th" nick"' and th" cross"d )ins( Th" nick"' had b""n
&o't"d o$, but th" )ins had b""n 5att"n"d out so that th"y bor" a faint
r"s"b'anc" to o)"n"d scissors( A gr"at cont"ntion aros" aong th" chi'dr"n
for th" )oss"ssion of th"s" /scissors(/ !r( Si"))" was ob'ig"d to int"r+"n"( H"
r"5"ct"d gra+"'y( It was a att"r of tr""ndous o"nt( Th" who'" )arty
ha't"d, awaiting his d"cision(
/Att"nd now,/ h" sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d( /It wi'' not b" soh soon( At d"r "nd of
d"r day, +"n w" sha'' ha+" ho" g"co"n, d"n wu'' it )" ad&udg", "h@ A
REward of "rit to hi who d"r b"s# )"ha+"s( It is an ord"r( Corwarts?/
/That was a Sacra"nto train,/ said !arcus to S"'ina as th"y start"d o$* /it
was, for a fact(/
/I know a gir' in Sacra"nto,/ Trina to'd !cT"agu"( /Sh"#s for"woan in a
g'o+" stor", and sh"#s got consu)tion(/
/I was in Sacra"nto onc",/ obs"r+"d !cT"agu", /n"ar'y "ight y"ars ago(/
/Is it a nic" )'ac"4as nic" as San Francisco@/
/It#s hot( I )ractis"d th"r" for a whi'"(/
/I 'ik" San Francisco,/ said Trina, 'ooking across th" bay to wh"r" th" city
)i'"d its"'f u)on its hi''s(
/So do I,/ answ"r"d !cT"agu"( /0o you 'ik" it b"tt"r than 'i+ing o+"r h"r"@/
/,h, sur", I wish w" 'i+"d in th" city( If you want to go across for anything it
tak"s u) th" who'" day(/
/9"s, y"s, th" who'" day4a'ost(/
/0o you know any )"o)'" in th" city@ 0o you know anybody na"d
,"'b"rann@ That#s y unc'"( H" has a who'"sa'" toy stor" in th" !ission(
Th"y say h"#s awfu' rich(/
/No, I don# know hi(/
/His st")daught"r wants to b" a nun( .ust fancy? And !r( ,"'b"rann won#t
ha+" it( H" says it wou'd b" &ust 'ik" burying his chi'd( 9"s, sh" wants to "nt"r
th" con+"nt of th" Sacr"d H"art( Ar" you a Catho'ic, 0octor !cT"agu"@/
/No( No, I4/
/Pa)a is a Catho'ic( H" go"s to !ass on th" f"ast days onc" in a whi'"( 1ut
aa#s 2uth"ran(/
/Th" Catho'ics ar" trying to g"t contro' of th" schoo's,/ obs"r+"d !cT"agu",
sudd"n'y r""b"ring on" of !arcus#s )o'itica' tirad"s(
/That#s what cousin !ark says( :" ar" going to s"nd th" twins to th"
kind"rgart"n n"7t onth(/
/:hat#s th" kind"rgart"n@/
/,h, th"y t"ach th" to ak" things out of straw and tooth)icks4kind of a
)'ay )'ac" to k"") th" o$ th" str""t(/
/Th"r"#s on" u) on Sacra"nto Str""t, not far fro Po'k Str""t( I saw th"
sign(/
/I know wh"r"( :hy, S"'ina us"d to )'ay th" )iano th"r"(/
/0o"s sh" )'ay th" )iano@/
/,h, you ought to h"ar h"r( Sh" )'ays 3n"( S"'ina#s +"ry acco)'ish"d( Sh"
)aints, too(/
/I can )'ay on th" conc"rtina(/
/,h, can you@ I wish you#d brought it a'ong( N"7t ti" you wi''( I ho)" you#''
co" oft"n on our )icnics( 9ou#'' s"" what fun w"#'' ha+"(/
/Fin" day for a )icnic, ain#t it@ Th"r" ain#t a c'oud(/
/That#s so,/ "7c'ai"d Trina, 'ooking u), /not a sing'" c'oud( ,h, y"s* th"r" is
on", &ust o+"r T"'"gra)h Hi''(/
/That#s sok"(/
/No, it#s a c'oud( Sok" isn#t whit" that way(/
/#Tis a c'oud(/
/I kn"w I was right( I n"+"r say a thing un'"ss I# )r"tty sur"(/
/It 'ooks 'ik" a dog#s h"ad(/
/0on#t it@ Isn#t !arcus fond of dogs@/
/H" got a n"w dog 'ast w""k4a s"tt"r(/
/0id h"@/
/9"s( H" and I took a 'ot of dogs fro his hos)ita' out for a wa'k to th" C'i$
Hous" 'ast Sunday, but w" had to wa'k a'' th" way ho", b"caus" th"y
wou'dn#t fo''ow( 9ou#+" b""n out to th" C'i$ Hous"@/
/Not for a 'ong ti"( :" had a )icnic th"r" on" Fourth of .u'y, but it rain"d(
0on#t you 'o+" th" oc"an@/
/9"s4y"s, I 'ik" it )r"tty w"''(/
/,h, I#d 'ik" to go o$ in on" of thos" big sai'ing shi)s( .ust away, and away,
and away, anywh"r"( Th"y#r" di$"r"nt fro a 'itt'" yacht( I#d 'o+" to tra+"'(/
/Sur"* so wou'd I(/
/Pa)a and aa ca" o+"r in a sai'ing shi)( Th"y w"r" tw"nty%on" days(
!aa#s unc'" us"d to b" a sai'or( H" was ca)tain of a st"a"r on 2ak"
<"n"+a, in Swit6"r'and(/
/Ha't?/ shout"d !r( Si"))", brandishing his ri5"( Th"y had arri+"d at th"
gat"s of th" )ark( A'' at onc" !cT"agu" turn"d co'd( H" had on'y a 8uart"r in
his )ock"t( :hat was h" "7)"ct"d to do4)ay for th" who'" )arty, or for Trina
and his"'f, or "r"'y buy his own tick"t@ And "+"n in this 'att"r cas" wou'd
a 8uart"r b" "nough@ H" 'ost his wits, ro''ing his "y"s h"')'"ss'y( Th"n it
occurr"d to hi to f"ign a gr"at abstraction, )r"t"nding not to know that th"
ti" was co" to )ay( H" 'ook"d int"nt'y u) and down th" tracks* )"rha)s a
train was coing( /H"r" w" ar",/ cri"d Trina, as th"y ca" u) to th" r"st of
th" )arty, crowd"d about th" "ntranc"( /9"s, y"s,/ obs"r+"d !cT"agu", his
h"ad in th" air(
/<i# " four bits, !ac,/ said !arcus, coing u)( /H"r"#s wh"r" w" sh"'' out(/
/I4I4I on'y got a 8uart"r,/ ub'"d th" d"ntist, is"rab'y( H" f"'t that h"
had ruin"d his"'f for"+"r with Trina( :hat was th" us" of trying to win h"r@
0"stiny was against hi( /I on'y got a 8uart"r,/ h" sta"r"d( H" was on th"
)oint of adding that h" wou'd not go in th" )ark( That s"""d to b" th" on'y
a't"rnati+"(
/,h, a'' right?/ said !arcus, "asi'y( /I#'' )ay for you, and you can s8uar" with
" wh"n w" go ho"(/
Th"y 3'"d into th" )ark, !r( Si"))" counting th" o$ as th"y "nt"r"d(
/Ah,/ said Trina, with a 'ong br"ath, as sh" and !cT"agu" )ush"d through th"
wick"t, /h"r" w" ar" onc" or", 0octor(/ Sh" had not a))"ar"d to notic"
!cT"agu"#s "barrass"nt( Th" di-cu'ty had b""n tid"d o+"r so"how(
,nc" or" !cT"agu" f"'t his"'f sa+"d(
/To d"r b"ach?/ shout"d !r( Si"))"( Th"y had ch"ck"d th"ir bask"ts at th"
)"anut stand( Th" who'" )arty troo)"d down to th" s"ashor"( Th" gr"yhound
was turn"d 'oos"( Th" chi'dr"n rac"d on ah"ad(
Fro on" of th" 'arg"r )arc"'s !rs( Si"))" had drawn forth a sa'' tin
st"aboat4August#s birthday )r"s"nt4a gaudy 'itt'" toy which cou'd b"
st"a"d u) and na+igat"d by "ans of an a'coho' 'a)( H"r tria' tri) was to
b" ad" this orning(
/<i# " it, gi# " it,/ shout"d August, dancing around his fath"r(
/Not soh, not soh,/ cri"d !r( Si"))", b"aring it a'oft( /I ust 3rst d"r
"ggs)"riunt ak"(/
/No, no?/ wai'"d August( /I want to )'ay with ut(/
/,b"y?/ thund"r"d !r( Si"))"( August subsid"d( A 'itt'" &"tty ran )art of th"
way into th" wat"r( H"r", aft"r a car"fu' study of th" dir"ctions )rint"d on th"
co+"r of th" bo7, !r( Si"))" b"gan to 3r" th" 'itt'" boat(
/I want to )ut ut in th" wa%at"r,/ cri"d August(
/Stand back?/ shout"d his )ar"nt( /9ou do not know so w"'' as "* d"r" is
dandg"r( !itout att"ntion h" wi'' "ggs)'od"(/
/I want to )'ay with ut,/ )rot"st"d August, b"ginning to cry(
/Ach, soh* you cry, bub"?/ +ocif"rat"d !r( Si"))"( /!o"r,/ addr"ssing !rs(
Si"))", /h" wi'' soh soon b" g"%whi)t, "h@/
/I want y boa%wut,/ scr"a"d August, dancing(
/Si'"nc"?/ roar"d !r( Si"))"( Th" 'itt'" boat b"gan to hiss and sok"(
/Soh,/ obs"r+"d th" fath"r, /h" go"nc"( Att"ntion? I )ut hi in d"r wat"r(/
H" was +"ry "7cit"d( Th" )"rs)iration dri))"d fro th" back of his n"ck( Th"
'itt'" boat was 'aunch"d( It hiss"d or" furious'y than "+"r( C'ouds of st"a
ro''"d fro it, but it r"fus"d to o+"(
/9ou don#t know how sh" wo%rks,/ sobb"d August(
/I know or" soh udg" as d"r gross"st 'idd'" foo' as you,/ cri"d !r( Si"))",
3"rc"'y, his fac" )ur)'"(
/9ou ust gi+" it sh4sho+"?/ "7c'ai"d th" boy(
/0"n h" "ggs)'od", idiot?/ shout"d his fath"r( A'' at onc" th" boi'"r of th"
st"a"r b'"w u) with a shar) crack( Th" 'itt'" tin toy turn"d o+"r and sank
out of sight b"for" any on" cou'd int"rf"r"(
/Ah4h? 9ah? 9ah?/ y"''"d August( /It#s go%on"?/
Instant'y !r( Si"))" bo7"d his "ars( Th"r" was a 'a"ntab'" sc"n"( August
r"nt th" air with his outcri"s* his fath"r shook hi ti'' his boots danc"d on th"
&"tty, shouting into his fac";
/Ach, idiot? Ach, ib"ci'"? Ach, is"rab'"? I to'# you h" "ggs)'od"( Sto) your
cry( Sto)? It is an ord"r( 0o you wish I drow you in d"r wat"r, "h@ S)"ak(
Si'"nc", bub"? !o"r, wh"r" ist "in stick@ H" wi'' d"r gross"st whi))un
"+"r of his 'if" r"c"i+"(/
2itt'" by 'itt'" th" boy subsid"d, swa''owing his sobs, knuck'ing his "y"s,
ga6ing ru"fu''y at th" s)ot wh"r" th" boat had sunk( /0ot is b"tt"r soh,/
co"nt"d !r( Si"))", 3na''y r"'"asing hi( /N"7t di" b"rha)s you wi''
your fat#"r b"tt"r )"'i"f( Now, no or"( :" wi'' d"r g'as g"%dig, !o"r, a
3r"( Ach, hi"'? w" ha+" d"r )f"$"r forgott"n(/
Th" work of c'a digging b"gan at onc", th" 'itt'" boys taking o$ th"ir sho"s
and stockings( At 3rst August r"fus"d to b" cofort"d, and it was not unti' his
fath"r dro+" hi into th" wat"r with his go'd%h"ad"d can" that h" cons"nt"d
to &oin th" oth"rs(
:hat a day that was for !cT"agu"? :hat a n"+"r%to%b"%forgott"n day? H" was
with Trina constant'y( Th"y 'augh"d tog"th"r4sh" d"ur"'y, h"r 'i)s c'os"d
tight, h"r 'itt'" chin thrust out, h"r sa'' )a'" nos", with its adorab'" 'itt'"
fr"ck'"s, wrink'ing* h" roar"d with a'' th" forc" of his 'ungs, his "norous
outh dist"nd"d, striking s'"dg"%ha"r b'ows u)on his kn"" with his
c'"nch"d 3st(
Th" 'unch was d"'icious( Trina and h"r oth"r ad" a c'a chowd"r that
"'t"d in on"#s outh( Th" 'unch bask"ts w"r" ")ti"d( Th" )arty w"r" fu''y
two hours "ating( Th"r" w"r" hug" 'oa+"s of ry" br"ad fu'' of grains of
chickw""d( Th"r" w"r" w"in"r%wurst and frankfurt"r sausag"s( Th"r" was
unsa't"d butt"r( Th"r" w"r" )r"t6"'s( Th"r" was co'd und"rdon" chick"n,
which on" at" in s'ic"s, )'ast"r"d with a wond"rfu' kind of ustard that did
not sting( Th"r" w"r" dri"d a))'"s, that ga+" !r( Si"))" th" hiccoughs( Th"r"
w"r" a do6"n bott'"s of b""r, and, 'ast of a'', a crowning achi"+""nt, a
ar+"''ous <otha tru>"( Aft"r 'unch ca" tobacco( Stu$"d to th" "y"s,
!cT"agu" drows"d o+"r his )i)", )ron" on his back in th" sun, whi'" Trina,
!rs( Si"))", and S"'ina wash"d th" dish"s( In th" aft"rnoon !r( Si"))"
disa))"ar"d( Th"y h"ard th" r")orts of his ri5" on th" rang"( Th" oth"rs
swar"d o+"r th" )ark, now around th" swings, now in th" Casino, now in
th" us"u, now in+ading th" "rry%go%round(
At ha'f%)ast 3+" o#c'ock !r( Si"))" arsha''"d th" )arty tog"th"r( It was ti"
to r"turn ho"(
Th" fai'y insist"d that !arcus and !cT"agu" shou'd tak" su))"r with th"
at th"ir ho" and shou'd stay o+"r night( !rs( Si"))" argu"d th"y cou'd g"t
no d"c"nt su))"r if th"y w"nt back to th" city at that hour* that th"y cou'd
catch an "ar'y orning boat and r"ach th"ir busin"ss in good ti"( Th" two
fri"nds acc")t"d(
Th" Si"))"s 'i+"d in a 'itt'" bo7 of a hous" at th" foot of 1 Str""t, th" 3rst
hous" to th" right as on" w"nt u) fro th" station( It was two stori"s high,
with a funny r"d ansard roof of o+a' s'at"s( Th" int"rior was cut u) into
innu"rab'" tiny roos, so" of th" so sa'' as to b" hard'y b"tt"r than
s'"")ing c'os"ts( In th" back yard was a contri+anc" for )u)ing wat"r fro
th" cist"rn that int"r"st"d !cT"agu" at onc"( It was a dog%wh""', a hug"
r"+o'+ing bo7 in which th" unha))y b'ack gr"yhound s)"nt ost of his
waking hours( It was his k"nn"'* h" s'")t in it( Fro ti" to ti" during th"
day !rs( Si"))" a))"ar"d on th" back doorst"), crying shri''y, /Hoo), hoo)?/
Sh" thr"w 'u)s of coa' at hi, waking hi to his work(
Th"y w"r" a'' +"ry tir"d, and w"nt to b"d "ar'y( Aft"r gr"at discussion it was
d"cid"d that !arcus wou'd s'"") u)on th" 'oung" in th" front )ar'or( Trina
wou'd s'"") with August, gi+ing u) h"r roo to !cT"agu"( S"'ina w"nt to h"r
ho", a b'ock or so abo+" th" Si"))"s#s( At nin" o#c'ock !r( Si"))" show"d
!cT"agu" to his roo and '"ft hi to his"'f with a n"w'y 'ight"d cand'"(
For a 'ong ti" aft"r !r( Si"))" had gon" !cT"agu" stood otion'"ss in th"
idd'" of th" roo, his "'bows )r"ss"d c'os" to his sid"s, 'ooking ob'i8u"'y
fro th" corn"rs of his "y"s( H" hard'y dar"d to o+"( H" was in Trina#s
roo(
It was an ordinary 'itt'" roo( A c'"an whit" atting was on th" 5oor* gray
)a)"r, s)ott"d with )ink and gr""n 5ow"rs, co+"r"d th" wa''s( In on" corn"r,
und"r a whit" n"tting, was a 'itt'" b"d, th" woodwork gay'y )aint"d with
knots of bright 5ow"rs( N"ar it, against th" wa'', was a b'ack wa'nut bur"au( A
work%tab'" with s)ira' '"gs stood by th" window, which was hung with a gr""n
and go'd window curtain( ,))osit" th" window th" c'os"t door stood a&ar,
whi'" in th" corn"r across fro th" b"d was a tiny washstand with two c'"an
tow"'s(
And that was a''( 1ut it was Trina#s roo( !cT"agu" was in his 'ady#s bow"r* it
s"""d to hi a 'itt'" n"st, intiat", discr""t( H" f"'t hid"ous'y out of )'ac"(
H" was an intrud"r* h", with his "norous f""t, his co'ossa' bon"s, his crud",
bruta' g"stur"s( Th" "r" w"ight of his 'ibs, h" was sur", wou'd crush th"
'itt'" b"d%st"ad 'ik" an "ggsh"''(
Th"n, as this 3rst s"nsation wor" o$, h" b"gan to f""' th" char of th" 'itt'"
chab"r( It was as though Trina w"r" c'os" by, but in+isib'"( !cT"agu" f"'t a''
th" d"'ight of h"r )r"s"nc" without th" "barrass"nt that usua''y
acco)ani"d it( H" was n"ar to h"r4n"ar"r than h" had "+"r b""n b"for"(
H" saw into h"r dai'y 'if", h"r 'itt'" ways and ann"rs, h"r habits, h"r +"ry
thoughts( And was th"r" not in th" air of that roo a c"rtain faint )"rfu"
that h" kn"w, that r"ca''"d h"r to his ind with ar+"''ous +i+idn"ss@
As h" )ut th" cand'" down u)on th" bur"au h" saw h"r hairbrush 'ying th"r"(
Instant'y h" )ick"d it u), and, without knowing why, h"'d it to his fac"( :ith
what a d"'icious odor was it r"do'"nt? That h"a+y, "n"r+ating odor of h"r hair
4h"r wond"rfu', roya' hair? Th" s"'' of that 'itt'" hairbrush was ta'isanic(
H" had but to c'os" his "y"s to s"" h"r as distinct'y as in a irror( H" saw h"r
tiny, round 3gur", dr"ss"d a'' in b'ack4for, curious'y "nough, it was his +"ry
3rst i)r"ssion of Trina that ca" back to hi now4not th" Trina of th" 'at"r
occasions, not th" Trina of th" b'u" c'oth skirt and whit" sai'or( H" saw h"r as
h" had s""n h"r th" day that !arcus had introduc"d th"; saw h"r )a'",
round fac"* h"r narrow, ha'f%o)"n "y"s, b'u" 'ik" th" "y"s of a baby* h"r tiny,
)a'" "ars, sugg"sti+" of ana"ia* th" fr"ck'"s across th" bridg" of h"r nos"*
h"r )a'" 'i)s* th" tiara of roya' b'ack hair* and, abo+" a'', th" d"'icious )ois"
of th" h"ad, ti))"d back as though by th" w"ight of a'' that hair4th" )ois"
that thrust out h"r chin a 'itt'", with th" o+""nt that was so con3ding, so
innoc"nt, so n"ar'y infanti'"(
!cT"agu" w"nt soft'y about th" roo fro on" ob&"ct to anoth"r, b"ho'ding
Trina in "+"rything h" touch"d or 'ook"d at( H" ca" at 'ast to th" c'os"t
door( It was a&ar( H" o)"n"d it wid", and )aus"d u)on th" thr"sho'd(
Trina#s c'oth"s w"r" hanging th"r"4skirts and waists, &ack"ts, and sti$ whit"
)"tticoats( :hat a +ision? For an instant !cT"agu" caught his br"ath,
s)"''bound( If h" had sudd"n'y disco+"r"d Trina h"rs"'f th"r", si'ing at hi,
ho'ding out h"r hands, h" cou'd hard'y ha+" b""n or" o+"rco"( Instant'y
h" r"cogni6"d th" b'ack dr"ss sh" had worn on that faous 3rst day( Th"r" it
was, th" 'itt'" &ack"t sh" had carri"d o+"r h"r ar th" day h" had t"rri3"d h"r
with his b'und"ring d"c'aration, and sti'' oth"rs, and oth"rs4a who'" grou) of
Trinas fac"d hi th"r"( H" w"nt farth"r into th" c'os"t, touching th" c'oth"s
ging"r'y, stroking th" soft'y with his hug" '"ath"rn )a's( As h" stirr"d
th" a d"'icat" )"rfu" dis"ngag"d its"'f fro th" fo'ds( Ah, that "78uisit"
f"inin" odor? It was not on'y h"r hair now, it was Trina h"rs"'f4h"r outh,
h"r hands, h"r n"ck* th" ind"scribab'y sw""t, 5"sh'y aroa that was a )art of
h"r, )ur" and c'"an, and r"do'"nt of youth and fr"shn"ss( A'' at onc", s"i6"d
with an unr"ason"d i)u's", !cT"agu" o)"n"d his hug" ars and gath"r"d
th" 'itt'" gar"nts c'os" to hi, )'unging his fac" d"") aongst th",
sa+oring th"ir d"'icious odor with 'ong br"aths of 'u7ury and su)r""
cont"nt(
Th" )icnic at Schu"t6"n Park d"cid"d att"rs( !cT"agu" b"gan to ca'' on
Trina r"gu'ar'y Sunday and :"dn"sday aft"rnoons( H" took !arcus Schou'"r#s
)'ac"( So"ti"s !arcus acco)ani"d hi, but it was g"n"ra''y to ""t
S"'ina by a))oint"nt at th" Si"))"s#s hous"(
1ut !arcus ad" th" ost of his r"nunciation of his cousin( H" r""b"r"d
his )os" fro ti" to ti"( H" ad" !cT"agu" unha))y and b"wi'd"r"d by
wringing his hand, by +"nting sighs that s"""d to t"ar his h"art out, or by
gi+ing "+id"nc"s of an in3nit" "'ancho'y( /:hat is y 'if"?/ h" wou'd
"7c'ai( /:hat is '"ft for "@ Nothing, by dan?/ And wh"n !cT"agu" wou'd
att")t r"onstranc", h" wou'd cry; /N"+"r ind, o'd an( N"+"r ind "(
<o, b" ha))y( I forgi+" you(/
Forgi+" what@ !cT"agu" was a'' at s"a, was harass"d with th" thought of
so" shadowy, irr")arab'" in&ury h" had don" his fri"nd(
/,h, don#t think of "?/ !arcus wou'd "7c'ai at oth"r ti"s, "+"n wh"n
Trina was by( /0on#t think of "* I don#t count any or"( I ain#t in it(/ !arcus
s"""d to tak" gr"at )'"asur" in cont")'ating th" wr"ck of his 'if"( Th"r" is
no doubt h" "n&oy"d his"'f hug"'y during th"s" days(
Th" Si"))"s w"r" at 3rst )u66'"d as w"'' o+"r this chang" of front(
/Trina has d"n a n"w young" an,/ cri"d !r( Si"))"( /First Schou'"r, now d"r
doktor, "h@ :hat di" t"+i', I say?/
:""ks )ass"d, F"bruary w"nt, !arch ca" in +"ry rainy, )utting a sto) to a''
th"ir )icnics and Sunday "7cursions(
,n" :"dn"sday aft"rnoon in th" s"cond w""k in !arch !cT"agu" ca" o+"r
to ca'' on Trina, bringing his conc"rtina with hi, as was his custo
nowadays( As h" got o$ th" train at th" station h" was sur)ris"d to 3nd Trina
waiting for hi(
/This is th" 3rst day it hasn#t rain"d in w""ks,/ sh" "7)'ain"d, /an# I thought it
wou'd b" nic" to wa'k(/
/Sur", sur",/ ass"nt"d !cT"agu"(
1 Str""t station was nothing or" than a 'itt'" sh"d( Th"r" was no tick"t
o-c", nothing but a cou)'" of whitt'"d and car+"n b"nch"s( It was bui't c'os"
to th" rai'road tracks, &ust across which was th" dirty, uddy shor" of San
Francisco 1ay( About a 8uart"r of a i'" back fro th" station was th" "dg"
of th" town of ,ak'and( 1"tw""n th" station and th" 3rst hous"s of th" town
'ay i"ns" sa't 5ats, h"r" and th"r" brok"n by winding str"as of b'ack
wat"r( Th"y w"r" co+"r"d with a growth of wiry grass, strang"'y disco'or"d in
)'ac"s by "norous stains of orang" y"''ow(
N"ar th" station a bit of f"nc" )aint"d with a cigar ad+"rtis""nt r""'"d o+"r
into th" ud, whi'" und"r its '"" 'ay an abandon"d gra+"' wagon with dish"d
wh""'s( Th" station was conn"ct"d with th" town by th" "7t"nsion of 1
Str""t, which struck across th" 5ats g"o"trica''y straight, a 3'" of ta'' )o'"s
with int"r+"ning wir"s arching a'ong with it( At th" station th"s" w"r"
h"ad"d by an iron "'"ctric%'ight )o'" that, with its su))orts and outrigg"rs,
'ook"d for a'' th" wor'd 'ik" an i"ns" grassho))"r on its hind '"gs(
Across th" 5ats, at th" fring" of th" town, w"r" th" du) h"a)s, th" 3gur"s
of a f"w Chin"s" rag%)ick"rs o+ing o+"r th"( Far to th" '"ft th" +i"w was
shut o$ by th" i"ns" r"d%brown dru of th" gas%works* to th" right it was
bound"d by th" chin"ys and worksho)s of an iron foundry(
Across th" rai'road tracks, to s"award, on" saw th" 'ong str"tch of b'ack ud
bank '"ft bar" by th" tid", which was far out, n"ar'y ha'f a i'"( C'ouds of
s"a%gu''s w"r" for"+"r rising and s"tt'ing u)on this ud bank* a wr"ck"d and
abandon"d wharf craw'"d o+"r it on tott"ring '"gs* c'os" in an o'd sai'boat 'ay
cant"d on h"r bi'g"(
1ut farth"r on, across th" y"''ow wat"rs of th" bay, b"yond <oat Is'and, 'ay
San Francisco, a b'u" 'in" of hi''s, rugg"d with roofs and s)ir"s( Far to th"
w"stward o)"n"d th" <o'd"n <at", a b'"ak cutting in th" sand%hi''s, through
which on" caught a g'i)s" of th" o)"n Paci3c(
Th" station at 1 Str""t was so'itary* no trains )ass"d at this hour* "7c")t th"
distant rag%)ick"rs, not a sou' was in sight( Th" wind b'"w strong, carrying
with it th" ing'"d s"'' of sa't, of tar, of d"ad s"aw""d, and of bi'g"( Th"
sky hung 'ow and brown* at 'ong int"r+a's a f"w dro)s of rain f"''(
N"ar th" station Trina and !cT"agu" sat on th" roadb"d of th" tracks, at th"
"dg" of th" ud bank, aking th" ost out of th" 'andsca)", "n&oying th"
o)"n air, th" sa't arsh"s, and th" sight of th" distant wat"r( Fro ti" to
ti" !cT"agu" )'ay"d his si7 ournfu' airs u)on his conc"rtina(
Aft"r a whi'" th"y b"gan wa'king u) and down th" tracks, !cT"agu" ta'king
about his )rof"ssion, Trina 'ist"ning, +"ry int"r"st"d and absorb"d, trying to
und"rstand(
/For )u''ing th" roots of th" u))"r o'ars w" us" th" cowhorn forc")s,/
continu"d th" d"ntist, onotonous'y( /:" g"t th" insid" b"ak o+"r th" )a'ata'
roots and th" cow%horn b"ak o+"r th" bucca' roots4that#s th" roots on th"
outsid", you s""( Th"n w" c'os" th" forc")s, and that br"aks right through
th" a'+"o'us4that#s th" )art of th" sock"t in th" &aw, you und"rstand(/
At anoth"r o"nt h" to'd h"r of his on" unsatis3"d d"sir"( /So" day I#
going to ha+" a big gi'd"d tooth outsid" y window for a sign( Thos" big go'd
t""th ar" b"autifu', b"autifu'4on'y th"y cost so uch, I can#t a$ord on" &ust
now(/
/,h, it#s raining,/ sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d Trina, ho'ding out h"r )a'( Th"y
turn"d back and r"ach"d th" station in a dri66'"( Th" aft"rnoon was c'osing in
dark and rainy( Th" tid" was coing back, ta'king and 'a))ing for i'"s a'ong
th" ud bank( Far o$ across th" 5ats, at th" "dg" of th" town, an "'"ctric car
w"nt by, stringing out a 'ong row of diaond s)arks on th" o+"rh"ad wir"s(
/Say, !iss Trina,/ said !cT"agu", aft"r a whi'", /what#s th" good of waiting
any 'ong"r@ :hy can#t us two g"t arri"d@/
Trina sti'' shook h"r h"ad, saying /No/ instincti+"'y, in s)it" of h"rs"'f(
/:hy not@/ )"rsist"d !cT"agu"( /0on#t you 'ik" " w"'' "nough@/
/9"s(/
/Th"n why not@/
/1"caus"(/
/Ah, co" on,/ h" said, but Trina sti'' shook h"r h"ad(
/Ah, co" on,/ urg"d !cT"agu"( H" cou'd think of nothing "'s" to say,
r")"ating th" sa" )hras" o+"r and o+"r again to a'' h"r r"fusa's(
/Ah, co" on? Ah, co" on?/
Sudd"n'y h" took h"r in his "norous ars, crushing down h"r strugg'" with
his i"ns" str"ngth( Th"n Trina ga+" u), a'' in an instant, turning h"r h"ad
to his( Th"y kiss"d "ach oth"r, gross'y, fu'' in th" outh(
A roar and a &arring of th" "arth sudd"n'y gr"w n"ar and )ass"d th" in a
r""k of st"a and hot air( It was th" ,+"r'and, with its 5aing h"ad'ight, on
its way across th" contin"nt(
Th" )assag" of th" train start'"d th" both( Trina strugg'"d to fr"" h"rs"'f
fro !cT"agu"( /,h, )'"as"? )'"as"?/ sh" )'"ad"d, on th" )oint of t"ars(
!cT"agu" r"'"as"d h"r, but in that o"nt a s'ight, a bar"'y )"rc")tib'",
r"+u'sion of f""'ing had tak"n )'ac" in hi( Th" instant that Trina ga+" u),
th" instant sh" a''ow"d hi to kiss h"r, h" thought '"ss of h"r( Sh" was not so
d"sirab'", aft"r a''( 1ut this r"action was so faint, so subt'", so intangib'", that
in anoth"r o"nt h" had doubt"d its occurr"nc"( 9"t aft"rward it r"turn"d(
:as th"r" not so"thing gon" fro Trina now@ :as h" not disa))oint"d in
h"r for doing that +"ry thing for which h" had 'ong"d@ :as Trina th"
subissi+", th" co)'iant, th" attainab'" &ust th" sa", &ust as d"'icat" and
adorab'" as Trina th" inacc"ssib'"@ P"rha)s h" di'y saw that this ust b"
so, that it b"'ong"d to th" chang"'"ss ord"r of things4th" an d"siring th"
woan on'y for what sh" withho'ds* th" woan worshi))ing th" an for that
which sh" yi"'ds u) to hi( :ith "ach conc"ssion gain"d th" an#s d"sir"
coo's* with "+"ry surr"nd"r ad" th" woan#s adoration incr"as"s( 1ut why
shou'd it b" so@
Trina wr"nch"d h"rs"'f fr"" and dr"w back fro !cT"agu", h"r 'itt'" chin
8ui+"ring* h"r fac", "+"n to th" 'ob"s of h"r )a'" "ars, 5ush"d scar'"t* h"r
narrow b'u" "y"s briing( Sudd"n'y sh" )ut h"r h"ad b"tw""n h"r hands
and b"gan to sob(
/Say, say, !iss Trina, 'ist"n4'ist"n h"r", !iss Trina,/ cri"d !cT"agu", coing
forward a st")(
/,h, don#t?/ sh" gas)"d, shrinking( /I ust go ho",/ sh" cri"d, s)ringing to
h"r f""t( /It#s 'at"( I ust( I ust( 0on#t co" with ", )'"as"( ,h, I# so4
so,/4sh" cou'd not 3nd any words( /2"t " go a'on",/ sh" w"nt on( /9ou ay
4you co" Sunday( <ood%by(/
/<ood%by,/ said !cT"agu", his h"ad in a whir' at this sudd"n, unaccountab'"
chang"( /Can#t I kiss you again@/ 1ut Trina was 3r now( :h"n it ca" to his
)'"ading4a "r" att"r of words4sh" was strong "nough(
/No, no, you ust not?/ sh" "7c'ai"d, with "n"rgy( Sh" was gon" in anoth"r
instant( Th" d"ntist, stunn"d, b"wi'd"r"d, ga6"d stu)id'y aft"r h"r as sh" ran
u) th" "7t"nsion of 1 Str""t through th" rain(
1ut sudd"n'y a gr"at &oy took )oss"ssion of hi( H" had won h"r( Trina was to
b" for hi, aft"r a''( An "norous si'" dist"nd"d his thick 'i)s* his "y"s gr"w
wid", and 5ash"d* and h" dr"w his br"ath 8uick'y, striking his a''"t%'ik" 3st
u)on his kn"", and "7c'aiing und"r his br"ath;
/I got h"r, by <od? I got h"r, by <od?/ At th" sa" ti" h" thought b"tt"r of
his"'f* his s"'f%r"s)"ct incr"as"d "norous'y( Th" an that cou'd win Trina
Si"))" was a an of "7traordinary abi'ity(
Trina burst in u)on h"r oth"r whi'" th" 'att"r was s"tting a ous"tra) in th"
kitch"n(
/,h, aa?/
/Eh@ Trina@ Ach, what has ha))un@/
Trina to'd h"r in a br"ath(
/Soh soon@/ was !rs( Si"))"#s 3rst co"nt( /Eh, w"'', what you cry for,
th"n@/
/I don#t know,/ wai'"d Trina, )'ucking at th" "nd of h"r handk"rchi"f(
/9ou 'oaf d"r young" doktor@/
/I don#t know(/
/:"'', what for you kiss hi@/
/I don#t know(/
/9ou don# know, you don# know@ :h"r" haf your s"nsus gon", Trina@ 9ou kiss
d"r doktor( 9ou cry, and you don# know( Is ut !arcus d"n@/
/No, it#s not Cousin !ark(/
/0"n ut ust b" d"r doktor(/
Trina ad" no answ"r(
/Eh@/
/I4I gu"ss so(/
/9ou 'oaf hi@/
/I don#t know(/
!rs( Si"))" s"t down th" ous"tra) with such +io'"nc" that it s)rung with a
shar) sna)(
CHAPTER J
No, Trina did not know( /0o I 'o+" hi@ 0o I 'o+" hi@/ A thousand ti"s sh"
)ut th" 8u"stion to h"rs"'f during th" n"7t two or thr"" days( At night sh"
hard'y s'")t, but 'ay broad awak" for hours in h"r 'itt'", gay'y )aint"d b"d,
with its whit" n"tting, torturing h"rs"'f with doubts and 8u"stions( At ti"s
sh" r""b"r"d th" sc"n" in th" station with a +"ritab'" agony of sha",
and at oth"r ti"s sh" was asha"d to r"ca'' it with a thri'' of &oy( Nothing
cou'd ha+" b""n or" sudd"n, or" un"7)"ct"d, than that surr"nd"r of
h"rs"'f( For o+"r a y"ar sh" had thought that !arcus wou'd so" day b" h"r
husband( Th"y wou'd b" arri"d, sh" su))os"d, so" ti" in th" futur", sh"
did not know "7act'y wh"n* th" att"r did not tak" d"3nit" sha)" in h"r
ind( Sh" 'ik"d Cousin !ark +"ry w"''( And th"n sudd"n'y this cross%curr"nt
had s"t in* this b'ond giant had a))"ar"d, this hug", sto'id f"''ow, with his
i"ns", crud" str"ngth( Sh" had not 'o+"d hi at 3rst, that was c"rtain(
Th" day h" had s)ok"n to h"r in his /Par'ors/ sh" had on'y b""n t"rri3"d( If h"
had con3n"d his"'f to "r"'y s)"aking, as did !arcus, to )'"ading with h"r,
to wooing h"r at a distanc", for"sta''ing h"r wish"s, showing h"r 'itt'"
att"ntions, s"nding h"r bo7"s of candy, sh" cou'd ha+" "asi'y withstood hi(
1ut h" had on'y to tak" h"r in his ars, to crush down h"r strugg'" with his
"norous str"ngth, to subdu" h"r, con8u"r h"r by sh""r brut" forc", and sh"
ga+" u) in an instant(
1ut why4why had sh" don" so@ :hy did sh" f""' th" d"sir", th" n"c"ssity of
b"ing con8u"r"d by a su)"rior str"ngth@ :hy did it )'"as" h"r@ :hy had it
sudd"n'y thri''"d h"r fro h"ad to foot with a 8uick, t"rrifying gust of )assion,
th" 'ik" of which sh" had n"+"r known@ N"+"r at his b"st had !arcus ad"
h"r f""' 'ik" that, and y"t sh" had a'ways thought sh" car"d for Cousin !ark
or" than for any on" "'s"(
:h"n !cT"agu" had a'' at onc" caught h"r in his hug" ars, so"thing had
'"a)"d to 'if" in h"r4so"thing that had hith"rto 'ain dorant, so"thing
strong and o+"r)ow"ring( It fright"n"d h"r now as sh" thought of it, this
s"cond s"'f that had wak"n"d within h"r, and that shout"d and c'aor"d for
r"cognition( And y"t, was it to b" f"ar"d@ :as it so"thing to b" asha"d
of@ :as it not, aft"r a'', natura', c'"an, s)ontan"ous@ Trina kn"w that sh" was
a )ur" gir'* kn"w that this sudd"n cootion within h"r carri"d with it no
sugg"stion of +ic"(
0i'y, as 3gur"s s""n in a waking dr"a, th"s" id"as 5oat"d through Trina#s
ind( It was 8uit" b"yond h"r to r"a'i6" th" c'"ar'y* sh" cou'd not know
what th"y "ant( =nti' that rainy day by th" shor" of th" bay Trina had 'i+"d
h"r 'if" with as 'itt'" s"'f%consciousn"ss as a tr""( Sh" was frank,
straightforward, a h"a'thy, natura' huan b"ing, without s"7 as y"t( Sh" was
a'ost 'ik" a boy( At onc" th"r" had b""n a yst"rious disturbanc"( Th"
woan within h"r sudd"n'y awok"(
0id sh" 'o+" !cT"agu"@ 0i-cu't 8u"stion( 0id sh" choos" hi for b"tt"r or
for wors", d"'ib"rat"'y, of h"r own fr"" wi'', or was Trina h"rs"'f a''ow"d "+"n
a choic" in th" taking of that st") that was to ak" or ar h"r 'if"@ Th"
:oan is awak"n"d, and, starting fro h"r s'""), catch"s b'ind'y at what
3rst h"r n"w'y o)"n"d "y"s 'ight u)on( It is a s)"'', a witch"ry, ru'"d by
chanc" a'on", in"7)'icab'"4a fairy 8u""n "naor"d of a c'own with ass#s
"ars(
!cT"agu" had awak"n"d th" :oan, and, wh"th"r sh" wou'd or no, sh" was
his now irr"+ocab'y* strugg'" against it as sh" wou'd, sh" b"'ong"d to hi,
body and sou', for 'if" or for d"ath( Sh" had not sought it, sh" had not d"sir"d
it( Th" s)"'' was 'aid u)on h"r( :as it a b'"ssing@ :as it a curs"@ It was a''
on"* sh" was his, indisso'ub'y, for "+i' or for good(
And h"@ Th" +"ry act of subission that bound th" woan to hi for"+"r had
ad" h"r s"" '"ss d"sirab'" in his "y"s( Th"ir undoing had a'r"ady b"gun(
9"t n"ith"r of th" was to b'a"( Fro th" 3rst th"y had not sought "ach
oth"r( Chanc" had brought th" fac" to fac", and yst"rious instincts as
ungo+"rnab'" as th" winds of h"a+"n w"r" at work knitting th"ir 'i+"s
tog"th"r( N"ith"r of th" had ask"d that this thing shou'd b"4that th"ir
d"stini"s, th"ir +"ry sou's, shou'd b" th" s)ort of chanc"( If th"y cou'd ha+"
known, th"y wou'd ha+" shunn"d th" f"arfu' risk( 1ut th"y w"r" a''ow"d no
+oic" in th" att"r( :hy shou'd it a'' b"@
It had b""n on a :"dn"sday that th" sc"n" in th" 1 Str""t station had tak"n
)'ac"( Throughout th" r"st of th" w""k, at "+"ry hour of th" day, Trina ask"d
h"rs"'f th" sa" 8u"stion; /0o I 'o+" hi@ 0o I r"a''y 'o+" hi@ Is this what
'o+" is 'ik"@/ As sh" r"ca''"d !cT"agu"4r"ca''"d his hug", s8uar"%cut h"ad,
his sa'i"nt &aw, his shock of y"''ow hair, his h"a+y, 'ub"ring body, his s'ow
wits4sh" found 'itt'" to adir" in hi b"yond his )hysica' str"ngth, and at
such o"nts sh" shook h"r h"ad d"cisi+"'y( /No, sur"'y sh" did not 'o+"
hi(/ Sunday aft"rnoon, how"+"r, !cT"agu" ca''"d( Trina had )r")ar"d a 'itt'"
s)""ch for hi( Sh" was to t"'' hi that sh" did not know what had b""n th"
att"r with h"r that :"dn"sday aft"rnoon* that sh" had act"d 'ik" a bad gir'*
that sh" did not 'o+" hi w"'' "nough to arry hi* that sh" had to'd hi as
uch onc" b"for"(
!cT"agu" saw h"r a'on" in th" 'itt'" front )ar'or( Th" instant sh" a))"ar"d h"
ca" straight towards h"r( Sh" saw what h" was b"nt u)on doing( /:ait a
inut",/ sh" cri"d, )utting out h"r hands( /:ait( 9ou don#t und"rstand( I ha+"
got so"thing to say to you(/ Sh" ight as w"'' ha+" ta'k"d to th" wind(
!cT"agu" )ut asid" h"r hands with a sing'" g"stur", and gri))"d h"r to hi
in a b"ar'ik" "brac" that a'' but soth"r"d h"r( Trina was but a r""d b"for"
that giant str"ngth( !cT"agu" turn"d h"r fac" to his and kiss"d h"r again
u)on th" outh( :h"r" was a'' Trina#s r"so'+" th"n@ :h"r" was h"r car"fu''y
)r")ar"d 'itt'" s)""ch@ :h"r" was a'' h"r h"sitation and torturing doubts of
th" 'ast f"w days@ Sh" c'as)"d !cT"agu"#s hug" r"d n"ck with both h"r
s'"nd"r ars* sh" rais"d h"r adorab'" 'itt'" chin and kiss"d hi in r"turn,
"7c'aiing; /,h, I do 'o+" you? I do 'o+" you?/ N"+"r aft"rward w"r" th" two
so ha))y as at that o"nt(
A 'itt'" 'at"r in that sa" w""k, wh"n !arcus and !cT"agu" w"r" taking
'unch at th" car conductors# co$""%&oint, th" for"r sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d;
/Say, !ac, now that you#+" got Trina, you ought to do or" for h"r( 1y dan?
you ought to, for a fact( :hy don#t you tak" h"r out so"wh"r"4to th"
th"atr", or so"wh"r"@ 9ou ain#t on to your &ob(/
Natura''y, !cT"agu" had to'd !arcus of his succ"ss with Trina( !arcus had
tak"n on a grand air(
/9ou#+" got h"r, ha+" you@ :"'', I# g'ad of it, o'd an( I a, for a fact( I
know you#'' b" ha))y with h"r( I know how I wou'd ha+" b""n( I forgi+" you*
y"s, I forgi+" you, fr""'y(/
!cT"agu" had not thought of taking Trina to th" th"atr"(
/9ou think I ought to, !ark@/ h" in8uir"d, h"sitating( !arcus answ"r"d, with
his outh fu'' of su"t )udding;
/:hy, of cours"( That#s th" )ro)"r ca)"r(/
/:"''4w"'', that#s so( Th" th"atr"4that#s th" word(/
/Tak" h"r to th" +ari"ty show at th" ,r)h"u( Th"r"#s a good show th"r" this
w""k* you#'' ha+" to tak" !rs( Si"))", too, of cours",/ h" add"d( !arcus was
not sur" of his"'f as r"gard"d c"rtain )ro)ri"ti"s, nor, for that att"r, w"r"
any of th" )"o)'" of th" 'itt'" wor'd of Po'k Str""t( Th" sho) gir's, th"
)'ub"rs# a))r"ntic"s, th" sa'' trad"s)"o)'", and th"ir 'ik", whos" socia'
)osition was not c'"ar'y d"3n"d, cou'd n"+"r b" sur" how far th"y cou'd go
and y"t )r"s"r+" th"ir /r"s)"ctabi'ity(/ :h"n th"y wish"d to b" /)ro)"r,/ th"y
in+ariab'y o+"rdid th" thing( It was not as if th"y b"'ong"d to th" /tough/
"'""nt, who had no a))"aranc"s to k"") u)( Po'k Str""t rubb"d "'bows with
th" /a+"nu"/ on" b'ock abo+"( Th"r" w"r" c"rtain 'iits which its dw"''"rs
cou'd not o+"rst")* but unfortunat"'y for th", th"s" 'iits w"r" )oor'y
d"3n"d( Th"y cou'd n"+"r b" sur" of th"s"'+"s( At an unguard"d o"nt
th"y ight b" tak"n for /toughs,/ so th"y g"n"ra''y "rr"d in th" oth"r
dir"ction, and w"r" absurd'y fora'( No )"o)'" ha+" a k""n"r "y" for th"
a"niti"s than thos" whos" socia' )osition is not assur"d(
/,h, sur", you#'' ha+" to tak" h"r oth"r,/ insist"d !arcus( /It wou'dn#t b" th"
)ro)"r rack"t if you didn#t(/
!cT"agu" und"rtook th" a$air( It was an ord"a'( N"+"r in his 'if" had h" b""n
so )"rturb"d, so horrib'y an7ious( H" ca''"d u)on Trina th" fo''owing
:"dn"sday and ad" arrang""nts( !rs( Si"))" ask"d if 'itt'" August ight
b" inc'ud"d( It wou'd conso'" hi for th" 'oss of his st"aboat(
/Sur", sur",/ said !cT"agu"( /August too4"+"rybody,/ h" add"d, +agu"'y(
/:" a'ways ha+" to '"a+" so "ar'y,/ co)'ain"d Trina, /in ord"r to catch th"
'ast boat( .ust wh"n it#s b"coing int"r"sting(/
At this !cT"agu", acting u)on a sugg"stion of !arcus Schou'"r#s, insist"d
th"y shou'd stay at th" 5at o+"r night( !arcus and th" d"ntist wou'd gi+" u)
th"ir roos to th" and s'"") at th" dog hos)ita'( Th"r" was a b"d th"r" in
th" sick ward that o'd <rannis so"ti"s occu)i"d wh"n a bad cas" n""d"d
watching( A'' at onc" !cT"agu" had an id"a, a +"ritab'" ins)iration(
/And w"#''4w"#''4w"#'' ha+"4what#s th" att"r with ha+ing so"thing to "at
aft"rward in y #Par'ors#@/
/Cairy goot,/ co"nt"d !rs( Si"))"( /1i"r, "h@ And so" daa'"s(/
/,h, I 'o+" taa'"s?/ "7c'ai"d Trina, c'as)ing h"r hands(
!cT"agu" r"turn"d to th" city, r"h"arsing his instructions o+"r and o+"r( Th"
th"atr" )arty b"gan to assu" tr""ndous )ro)ortions( First of a'', h" was to
g"t th" s"ats, th" third or fourth row fro th" front, on th" '"ft%hand sid", so
as to b" out of th" h"aring of th" drus in th" orch"stra* h" ust ak"
arrang""nts about th" roos with !arcus, ust g"t in th" b""r, but not th"
taa'"s* ust buy for his"'f a whit" 'awn ti"4so !arcus dir"ct"d* ust
'ook to it that !aria !aca)a )ut his roo in )"rf"ct ord"r* and, 3na''y, ust
""t th" Si"))"s at th" f"rry s'i) at ha'f%)ast s"+"n th" fo''owing !onday
night(
Th" r"a' 'abor of th" a$air b"gan with th" buying of th" tick"ts( At th" th"atr"
!cT"agu" got into wrong "ntranc"s* was s"nt fro on" wick"t to anoth"r*
was b"wi'd"r"d, confus"d* isund"rstood dir"ctions* was at on" o"nt
sudd"n'y con+inc"d that h" had not "nough on"y with hi, and start"d to
r"turn ho"( Fina''y h" found his"'f at th" bo7%o-c" wick"t(
/Is it h"r" you buy your s"ats@/
/How any@/
/Is it h"r"4/
/:hat night do you want #"@ 9"s, sir, h"r"#s th" )'ac"(/
!cT"agu" gra+"'y d"'i+"r"d his"'f of th" foru'a h" had b""n r"citing for
th" 'ast do6"n hours(
/I want four s"ats for !onday night in th" fourth row fro th" front, and on
th" right%hand sid"(/
/Right hand as you fac" th" hous" or as you fac" th" stag"@/ !cT"agu" was
dufound"d(
/I want to b" on th" right%hand sid",/ h" insist"d, sto'id'y* adding, /in ord"r to
b" away fro th" drus(/
/:"'', th" drus ar" on th" right of th" orch"stra as you fac" th" stag",/
shout"d th" oth"r i)ati"nt'y* /you want to th" '"ft, th"n, as you fac" th"
hous"(/
/I want to b" on th" right%hand sid",/ )"rsist"d th" d"ntist(
:ithout a word th" s"''"r thr"w out four tick"ts with a agni3c"nt,
su)"rci'ious g"stur"(
/Th"r"#s four s"ats on th" right%hand sid", th"n, and you#r" right u) against
th" drus(/
/1ut I don#t want to b" n"ar th" drus,/ )rot"st"d !cT"agu", b"ginning to
)"rs)ir"(
/0o you know what you want at a''@/ said th" tick"t s"''"r with ca'n"ss,
thrusting his h"ad at !cT"agu"( Th" d"ntist kn"w that h" had hurt this young
an#s f""'ings(
/I want4I want,/ h" sta"r"d( Th" s"''"r s'a"d down a )'an of th"
hous" in front of hi and b"gan to "7)'ain "7cit"d'y( It was th" on" thing
'acking to co)'"t" !cT"agu"#s confusion(
/Th"r" ar" your s"ats,/ 3nish"d th" s"''"r, sho+ing th" tick"ts into
!cT"agu"#s hands( /Th"y ar" th" fourth row fro th" front, and away fro
th" drus( Now ar" you satis3"d@/
/Ar" th"y on th" right%hand sid"@ I want on th" right4no, I want on th" '"ft( I
want4I don# know, I don# know(/
Th" s"''"r roar"d( !cT"agu" o+"d s'ow'y away, ga6ing stu)id'y at th" b'u"
s'i)s of )ast"board( Two gir's took his )'ac" at th" wick"t( In anoth"r o"nt
!cT"agu" ca" back, )""ring o+"r th" gir's# shou'd"rs and ca''ing to th"
s"''"r;
/Ar" th"s" for !onday night@/
Th" oth"r disdain"d r")'y( !cT"agu" r"tr"at"d again tiid'y, thrusting th"
tick"ts into his i"ns" wa''"t( For a o"nt h" stood thoughtfu' on th"
st")s of th" "ntranc"( Th"n a'' at onc" h" b"ca" "nrag"d, h" did not know
"7act'y why* so"how h" f"'t his"'f s'ight"d( ,nc" or" h" ca" back to
th" wick"t(
/9ou can#t ak" sa'' of ",/ h" shout"d o+"r th" gir's# shou'd"rs* /you4you
can#t ak" sa'' of "( I#'' thu) you in th" h"ad, you 'itt'"4you 'itt'"4you
'itt'"4'itt'"4'itt'" )u)(/ Th" tick"t s"''"r shrugg"d his shou'd"rs w"ari'y( /A
do''ar and a ha'f,/ h" said to th" two gir's(
!cT"agu" g'ar"d at hi and br"ath"d 'oud'y( Fina''y h" d"cid"d to '"t th"
att"r dro)( H" o+"d away, but on th" st")s was onc" or" s"i6"d with a
s"ns" of in&ury and outrag"d dignity(
/9ou can#t ak" sa'' of ",/ h" ca''"d back a 'ast ti", wagging his h"ad
and shaking his 3st( /I wi''4I wi''4I wi''4y"s, I wi''(/ H" w"nt o$ utt"ring(
At 'ast !onday night ca"( !cT"agu" "t th" Si"))"s at th" f"rry, dr"ss"d
in a b'ack Princ" A'b"rt coat and his b"st s'at"%b'u" trous"rs, and w"aring th"
ad"%u) 'awn n"ckti" that !arcus had s"'"ct"d for hi( Trina was +"ry )r"tty
in th" b'ack dr"ss that !cT"agu" kn"w so w"''( Sh" wor" a )air of n"w g'o+"s(
!rs( Si"))" had on 'is'"%thr"ad its, and carri"d two bananas and an orang"
in a n"t r"ticu'"( /For ,wgoost",/ sh" con3d"d to hi( ,wgoost" was in a
Faunt'"roy /costu"/ +"ry uch too sa'' for hi( A'r"ady h" had b""n
crying(
/:ou't you )"'i"f, 0oktor, dot bub" has torn his stockun a'r"atty@ :a'k in d"r
front, you* sto) cryun( :h"r" is dot b"r'ic"an@/
At th" door of th" th"atr" !cT"agu" was sudd"n'y s"i6"d with a )anic t"rror(
H" had 'ost th" tick"ts( H" tor" through his )ock"ts, ransack"d his wa''"t(
Th"y w"r" nowh"r" to b" found( A'' at onc" h" r""b"r"d, and with a gas)
of r"'i"f r"o+"d his hat and took th" out fro b"n"ath th" sw"atband(
Th" )arty "nt"r"d and took th"ir )'ac"s( It was absurd'y "ar'y( Th" 'ights w"r"
a'' dark"n"d, th" ush"rs stood und"r th" ga''"ri"s in grou)s, th" ")ty
auditoriu "choing with th"ir noisy ta'k( ,ccasiona''y a wait"r with his tray
and c'"an whit" a)ron saunt"r"d u) and doun th" ais'"( 0ir"ct'y in front of
th" was th" gr"at iron curtain of th" stag", )aint"d with a'' ann"r of
ad+"rtis""nts( Fro b"hind this ca" a nois" of ha"ring and of
occasiona' 'oud +oic"s(
:hi'" waiting th"y studi"d th"ir )rogra"s( First was an o+"rtur" by th"
orch"stra, aft"r which ca" /Th" <'"asons, in th"ir irth%o+ing usica'
farc", "ntit'"d #!c!onniga'#s Court%shi)(#/ This was to b" fo''ow"d by /Th"
2aont Sist"rs, :inni" and Cio'"t, s"rio%coi8u"s and skirt danc"rs(/ And
aft"r this ca" a gr"at array of oth"r /artists/ and /s)"cia'ty )"rfor"rs,/
usica' wond"rs, acrobats, 'ightning artists, +"ntri'o8uists, and 'ast of a'',
/Th" f"atur" of th" "+"ning, th" crowning sci"nti3c achi"+""nt of th"
nin"t""nth c"ntury, th" kin"tosco)"(/ !cT"agu" was "7cit"d, da66'"d( In 3+"
y"ars h" had not b""n twic" to th" th"atr"( Now h" b"h"'d his"'f in+iting
his /gir'/ and h"r oth"r to acco)any hi( H" b"gan to f""' that h" was a
an of th" wor'd( H" ord"r"d a cigar(
!"anwhi'" th" hous" was 3''ing u)( A f"w sid" brack"ts w"r" turn"d on( Th"
ush"rs ran u) and down th" ais'"s, stubs of tick"ts b"tw""n th"ir thub and
3ng"r, and fro "+"ry )art of th" auditoriu cou'd b" h"ard th" shar) c'a)%
c'a))ing of th" s"ats as th" ush"rs 5i))"d th" down( A bu66 of ta'k aros"(
In th" ga''"ry a str""t gain whist'"d shri''y, and ca''"d to so" fri"nds on
th" oth"r sid" of th" hous"(
/Ar" th"y go%wun to b"gin )r"tty soon, a@/ whin"d ,wgoost" for th" 3fth or
si7th ti"* adding, /Say, a, can#t I ha+" so" candy@/ A cada+"rous 'itt'"
boy had a))"ar"d in th"ir ais'", chanting, /Candi"s, Fr"nch i7"d candi"s,
)o)corn, )"anuts and candy(/ Th" orch"stra "nt"r"d, "ach an craw'ing out
fro an o)"ning und"r th" stag", hard'y 'arg"r than th" gat" of a rabbit
hutch( At "+"ry instant now th" crowd incr"as"d* th"r" w"r" but f"w s"ats
that w"r" not tak"n( Th" wait"rs hurri"d u) and down th" ais'"s, th"ir trays
'ad"n with b""r g'ass"s( A s"'' of cigar%sok" 3''"d th" air, and soon a faint
b'u" ha6" ros" fro a'' corn"rs of th" hous"(
/!a, wh"n ar" th"y go%wun to b"gin@/ cri"d ,wgoost"( As h" s)ok" th" iron
ad+"rtis""nt curtain ros", disc'osing th" curtain )ro)"r und"rn"ath( This
'att"r curtain was 8uit" an a$air( =)on it was )aint"d a wond"rfu' )ictur"( A
5ight of arb'" st")s '"d down to a str"a of wat"r* two whit" swans, th"ir
n"cks arch"d 'ik" th" ca)ita' '"tt"r S, 5oat"d about( At th" h"ad of th" arb'"
st")s w"r" two +as"s 3''"d with r"d and y"''ow 5ow"rs, whi'" at th" foot was
oor"d a gondo'a( This gondo'a was fu'' of r"d +"'+"t rugs that hung o+"r th"
sid" and trai'"d in th" wat"r( In th" )row of th" gondo'a a young an in
+"ri'ion tights h"'d a ando'in in his '"ft hand, and ga+" his right to a gir' in
whit" satin( A King Char'"s s)ani"', dragging a '"ading%string in th" sha)" of
a hug" )ink sash, fo''ow"d th" gir'( S"+"n scar'"t ros"s w"r" scatt"r"d u)on
th" two 'ow"st st")s, and "ight 5oat"d in th" wat"r(
/Ain#t that )r"tty, !ac@/ "7c'ai"d Trina, turning to th" d"ntist(
/!a, ain#t th"y go%wun to b"gin now%wow@/ whin"d ,wgoost"( Sudd"n'y th"
'ights a'' o+"r th" hous" b'a6"d u)( /Ah?/ said "+"rybody a'' at onc"(
/Ain#t ut crowdut@/ urur"d !r( Si"))"( E+"ry s"at was tak"n* any w"r"
"+"n standing u)(
/I a'ways 'ik" it b"tt"r wh"n th"r" is a crowd,/ said Trina( Sh" was in gr"at
s)irits that "+"ning( H"r round, )a'" fac" was )ositi+"'y )ink(
Th" orch"stra bang"d away at th" o+"rtur", sudd"n'y 3nishing with a gr"at
5ourish of +io'ins( A short )aus" fo''ow"d( Th"n th" orch"stra )'ay"d a 8uick%
st") strain, and th" curtain ros" on an int"rior furnish"d with two r"d chairs
and a gr""n sofa( A gir' in a short b'u" dr"ss and b'ack stockings "nt"r"d in a
hurry and b"gan to dust th" two chairs( Sh" was in a gr"at t")"r, ta'king
+"ry fast, disc'aiing against th" /n"w 'odg"r(/ It a))"ar"d that this 'att"r
n"+"r )aid his r"nt* that h" was gi+"n to 'at" hours( Th"n sh" ca" down to
th" foot'ights and b"gan to sing in a tr""ndous +oic", hoars" and 5at,
a'ost 'ik" a an#s( Th" chorus, of a f""b'" origina'ity, ran;
/,h, how ha))y I wi'' b",
:h"n y dar'ing#s fac" I#'' s""*
,h, t"'' hi for to ""t " in th" oon'ight,
0own wh"r" th" go'd"n 'i'i"s b'oo(/
Th" orch"stra )'ay"d th" tun" of this chorus a s"cond ti", with c"rtain
+ariations, whi'" th" gir' danc"d to it( Sh" sid'"d to on" sid" of th" stag" and
kick"d, th"n sid'"d to th" oth"r and kick"d again( As sh" 3nish"d with th"
song, a an, "+id"nt'y th" 'odg"r in 8u"stion, ca" in( Instant'y !cT"agu"
"7)'od"d in a roar of 'aught"r( Th" an was into7icat"d, his hat was knock"d
in, on" "nd of his co''ar was unfast"n"d and stuck u) into his fac", his watch%
chain dang'"d fro his )ock"t, and a y"''ow satin s'i))"r was ti"d to a
button%ho'" of his +"st* his nos" was +"ri'ion, on" "y" was b'ack and b'u"(
Aft"r a short dia'ogu" with th" gir', a third actor a))"ar"d( H" was dr"ss"d
'ik" a 'itt'" boy, th" gir'#s young"r broth"r( H" wor" an i"ns" turn"d%down
co''ar, and was continua''y doing hand%s)rings and wond"rfu' back
so"rsau'ts( Th" /act/ d"+o'+"d u)on th"s" thr"" )"o)'"* th" 'odg"r aking
'o+" to th" gir' in th" short b'u" dr"ss, th" boy )'aying a'' ann"r of tricks
u)on hi, gi+ing hi tr""ndous digs in th" ribs or s'a)s u)on th" back that
ad" hi cough, )u''ing chairs fro und"r hi, running on a'' fours b"tw""n
his '"gs and u)s"tting hi, knocking hi o+"r at ino))ortun" o"nts(
E+"ry on" of his fa''s was acc"ntuat"d by a bang u)on th" bass dru( Th"
who'" huor of th" /act/ s"""d to consist in th" tri))ing u) of th"
into7icat"d 'odg"r(
This hors"%)'ay d"'ight"d !cT"agu" b"yond "asur"( H" roar"d and shout"d
"+"ry ti" th" 'odg"r w"nt down, s'a))ing his kn"", wagging his h"ad(
,wgoost" crow"d shri''y, c'a))ing his hands and continua''y asking, /:hat
did h" say, a@ :hat did h" say@/ !rs( Si"))" 'augh"d iod"rat"'y, h"r
hug" fat body shaking 'ik" a ountain of &"''y( Sh" "7c'ai"d fro ti" to
ti", /Ach, <ott, dot foo'?/ E+"n Trina was o+"d, 'aughing d"ur"'y, h"r 'i)s
c'os"d, )utting on" hand with its n"w g'o+" to h"r outh(
Th" )"rforanc" w"nt on( Now it was th" /usica' ar+"'s,/ two "n
"7tra+agant'y ad" u) as n"gro instr"'s, with i"ns" sho"s and )'aid
+"sts( Th"y s"""d to b" ab'" to wr"st'" a tun" out of a'ost anything4
g'ass bott'"s, cigar%bo7 3dd'"s, strings of s'"igh%b"''s, "+"n graduat"d brass
tub"s, which th"y rubb"d with r"sin"d 3ng"rs( !cT"agu" was stu)"3"d with
adiration(
/That#s what you ca'' usicians,/ h" announc"d gra+"'y( /#Ho", Sw""t
Ho",# )'ay"d u)on a trobon"( Think of that? Art cou'd go no farth"r(/
Th" acrobats '"ft hi br"ath'"ss( Th"y w"r" da66'ing young "n with
b"autifu''y )art"d hair, continua''y aking grac"fu' g"stur"s to th" audi"nc"(
In on" of th" th" d"ntist fanci"d h" saw a strong r"s"b'anc" to th" boy
who had tor"nt"d th" into7icat"d 'odg"r and who had turn"d such
ar+"''ous so"rsau'ts( Trina cou'd not b"ar to watch th"ir antics( Sh"
turn"d away h"r h"ad with a 'itt'" shudd"r( /It a'ways ak"s " sick,/ sh"
"7)'ain"d(
Th" b"autifu' young 'ady, /Th" Soci"ty Contra'to,/ in "+"ning dr"ss, who sang
th" s"nti"nta' songs, and carri"d th" sh""ts of usic at which sh" n"+"r
'ook"d, )'"as"d !cT"agu" '"ss( Trina, how"+"r, was ca)ti+at"d( Sh" gr"w
)"nsi+" o+"r
/9ou do not 'o+" "4no*
1id " good%by and go*/
and s)'it h"r n"w g'o+"s in h"r "nthusias wh"n it was 3nish"d(
/0on#t you 'o+" sad usic, !ac@/ sh" urur"d(
Th"n ca" th" two co"dians( Th"y ta'k"d with f"arfu' ra)idity* th"ir wit and
r")art"" s"""d in"7haustib'"(
/As I was going down th" str""t y"st"rday4/
/Ah? as 9,= w"r" going down th" str""t4a'' right(/
/I saw a gir' at a window44/
/9,= saw a gir' at a window(/
/And this gir' sh" was a cork"r44/
/Ah? as 9,= w"r" going down th" str""t y"st"rday 9,= saw a gir' at a
window, and this gir' sh" was a cork"r( A'' right, go on(/
Th" oth"r co"dian w"nt on( Th" &ok" was sudd"n'y "+o'+"d( A c"rtain
)hras" '"d to a song, which was sung with 'ightning ra)idity, "ach )"rfor"r
aking )r"cis"'y th" sa" g"stur"s at )r"cis"'y th" sa" instant( Th"y w"r"
irr"sistib'"( !cT"agu", though h" caught but a third of th" &ok"s, cou'd ha+"
'ist"n"d a'' night(
Aft"r th" co"dians had gon" out, th" iron ad+"rtis""nt curtain was '"t
down(
/:hat co"s now@/ said !cT"agu", b"wi'd"r"d(
/It#s th" int"rission of 3ft""n inut"s now(/
Th" usicians disa))"ar"d through th" rabbit hutch, and th" audi"nc" stirr"d
and str"tch"d its"'f( !ost of th" young "n '"ft th"ir s"ats(
0uring this int"rission !cT"agu" and his )arty had /r"fr"sh"nts(/ !rs(
Si"))" and Trina had Bu""n Char'ott"s, !cT"agu" drank a g'ass of b""r,
,wgoost" at" th" orang" and on" of th" bananas( H" b"gg"d for a g'ass of
'"onad", which was 3na''y gi+"n hi(
/.oost to g"") u 8ui"t,/ obs"r+"d !rs( Si"))"(
1ut a'ost i"diat"'y aft"r drinking his '"onad" ,wgoost" was s"i6"d
with a sudd"n r"st'"ssn"ss( H" twist"d and wrigg'"d in his s"at, swinging his
'"gs +io'"nt'y, 'ooking about hi with "y"s fu'' of a +agu" distr"ss( At '"ngth,
&ust as th" usicians w"r" r"turning, h" stood u) and whis)"r"d "n"rg"tica''y
in his oth"r#s "ar( !rs( Si"))" was "7as)"rat"d at onc"(
/No, no,/ sh" cri"d, r"s"ating hi brus8u"'y(
Th" )"rforanc" was r"su"d( A 'ightning artist a))"ar"d, drawing
caricatur"s and )ortraits with incr"dib'" swiftn"ss( H" "+"n w"nt so far as to
ask for sub&"cts fro th" audi"nc", and th" na"s of )roin"nt "n w"r"
shout"d to hi fro th" ga''"ry( H" dr"w )ortraits of th" Pr"sid"nt, of <rant,
of :ashington, of Na)o'"on 1ona)art", of 1isarck, of <ariba'di, of P( T(
1arnu(
And so th" "+"ning )ass"d( Th" ha'' gr"w +"ry hot, and th" sok" of
innu"rab'" cigars ad" th" "y"s sart( A thick b'u" ist hung 'ow o+"r th"
h"ads of th" audi"nc"( Th" air was fu'' of +ari"d s"''s4th" s"'' of sta'"
cigars, of 5at b""r, of orang" )""', of gas, of sach"t )owd"rs, and of ch"a)
)"rfu"ry(
,n" /artist/ aft"r anoth"r ca" u)on th" stag"( !cT"agu"#s att"ntion n"+"r
wand"r"d for a inut"( Trina and h"r oth"r "n&oy"d th"s"'+"s hug"'y( At
"+"ry o"nt th"y ad" co"nts to on" anoth"r, th"ir "y"s n"+"r '"a+ing
th" stag"(
/Ain#t dot foo' &oost too funny@/
/That#s a )r"tty song( 0on#t you 'ik" that kind of a song@/
/:ond"rfu'? It#s wond"rfu'? 9"s, y"s, wond"rfu'? That#s th" word(/
,wgoost", how"+"r, 'ost int"r"st( H" stood u) in his )'ac", his back to th"
stag", ch"wing a )i"c" of orang" )""' and watching a 'itt'" gir' in h"r fath"r#s
'a) across th" ais'", his "y"s 37"d in a g'assy, o7%'ik" star"( 1ut h" was
un"asy( H" danc"d fro on" foot to th" oth"r, and at int"r+a's a))"a'"d in
hoars" whis)"rs to his oth"r, who disdain"d an answ"r(
/!a, say, a%ah,/ h" whin"d, abstract"d'y ch"wing his orang" )""', staring at
th" 'itt'" gir'(
/!a%ah, say, a(/ At ti"s his onotonous )'aint r"ach"d his oth"r#s
consciousn"ss( Sh" sudd"n'y r"a'i6"d what this was that was annoying h"r(
/,wgoost", wi'' you sit down@/ Sh" caught hi u) a'' at onc", and &a"d
hi down into his )'ac"( /1" 8ui"t, d"n* 'oog* 'istun at d"r yung" gir's(/
Thr"" young wo"n and a young an who )'ay"d a 6ith"r occu)i"d th"
stag"( Th"y w"r" dr"ss"d in Tyro'"s" costu"* th"y w"r" yod'"rs, and sang in
<"ran about /ountain to)s/ and /bo'd hunt"rs/ and th" 'ik"( Th" yod'ing
chorus was a ar+"' of 5ut"%'ik" odu'ations( Th" gir's w"r" r"a''y )r"tty,
and w"r" not ad" u) in th" '"ast( Th"ir /turn/ had a gr"at succ"ss( !rs(
Si"))" was "ntranc"d( Instant'y sh" r""b"r"d h"r gir'hood and h"r nati+"
Swiss +i''ag"(
/Ach, dot is h"a+un'y* &oost 'ik" d"r o'd country( !"in gran#utt"r us"d to b"
on" of d"r os# faous yod'"rs( :h"n I was '""d'", I haf s""n d" &oost 'ik"
dat(/
/!a%ah,/ b"gan ,wgoost" fr"tfu''y, as soon as th" yod'"rs had d")art"d( H"
cou'd not k"") sti'' an instant* h" twist"d fro sid" to sid", swinging his '"gs
with incr"dib'" swiftn"ss(
/!a%ah, I want to go ho%o"(/
/P"ha+"?/ "7c'ai"d his oth"r, shaking hi by th" ar* /'oog, d"r '""d'"
gir' is watchun you( 0is is d"r 'ast di" I tak" you to d"r b'ay, you s""(/
/I don#t ca%ar"* I# s'"")y(/ At '"ngth, to th"ir gr"at r"'i"f, h" w"nt to s'""),
his h"ad against his oth"r#s ar(
Th" kin"tosco)" fair'y took th"ir br"aths away(
/:hat wi'' th"y do n"7t@/ obs"r+"d Trina, in aa6""nt( /Ain#t that
wond"rfu', !ac@/
!cT"agu" was aw"%struck(
/2ook at that hors" o+" his h"ad,/ h" cri"d "7cit"d'y, 8uit" carri"d away(
/2ook at that cab'" car coing4and th" an going across th" str""t( S"",
h"r" co"s a truck( :"'', I n"+"r in a'' y 'if"? :hat wou'd !arcus say to
this@/
/It#s a'' a drick?/ "7c'ai"d !rs( Si"))", with sudd"n con+iction( /I ain#t no
foo'* dot#s nothun but a drick(/
/:"'', of cours", aa,/ "7c'ai"d Trina, /it#s44/
1ut !rs( Si"))" )ut h"r h"ad in th" air(
/I# too o'd to b" foo'"d,/ sh" )"rsist"d( /It#s a drick(/ Nothing or" cou'd b"
got out of h"r than this(
Th" )arty stay"d to th" +"ry "nd of th" show, though th" kin"tosco)" was
th" 'ast nub"r but on" on th" )rogra", and fu''y ha'f th" audi"nc" '"ft
i"diat"'y aft"rward( How"+"r, whi'" th" unfortunat" Irish co"dian w"nt
through his /act/ to th" backs of th" d")arting )"o)'", !rs( Si"))" wok"
,wgoost", +"ry cross and s'"")y, and b"gan g"tting h"r /things tog"th"r(/ As
soon as h" was awak" ,wgoost" b"gan 3dg"ting again(
/Sa+" d"r brogra", Trina,/ whis)"r"d !rs( Si"))"( /Tak" ut ho" to
)o))"r( :h"r" is d"r hat of ,wgoost"@ Haf you got "in handk"rchi"f,
Trina@/
1ut at this o"nt a dr"adfu' accid"nt ha))"n"d to ,wgoost"* his distr"ss
r"ach"d its c'ia7* his fortitud" co''a)s"d( :hat a is"ry? It was a +"ritab'"
catastro)h", d")'orab'", 'a"ntab'", a thing b"yond words? For a o"nt h"
ga6"d wi'd'y about hi, h"')'"ss and )"tri3"d with astonish"nt and t"rror(
Th"n his gri"f found utt"ranc", and th" c'osing strains of th" orch"stra w"r"
ing'"d with a )ro'ong"d wai' of in3nit" sadn"ss(
/,wgoost", what is ut@/ cri"d his oth"r "y"ing hi with dawning sus)icion*
th"n sudd"n'y, /:hat haf you don"@ 9ou haf ruin your n"w Caunt'"roy
gostu"?/ H"r fac" b'a6"d* without or" ado sh" sack"d hi sound'y( Th"n
it was that ,wgoost" touch"d th" 'iit of his is"ry, his unha))in"ss, his
horrib'" discofort* his utt"r wr"tch"dn"ss was co)'"t"( H" 3''"d th" air
with his do'"fu' outcri"s( Th" or" h" was sack"d and shak"n, th" 'oud"r
h" w")t(
/:hat4what is th" att"r@/ in8uir"d !cT"agu"(
Trina#s fac" was scar'"t( /Nothing, nothing,/ sh" "7c'ai"d hasti'y, 'ooking
away( /Co", w" ust b" going( It#s about o+"r(/ Th" "nd of th" show and
th" br"aking u) of th" audi"nc" tid"d o+"r th" "barrass"nt of th"
o"nt(
Th" )arty 3'"d out at th" tai' "nd of th" audi"nc"( A'r"ady th" 'ights w"r"
b"ing "7tinguish"d and th" ush"rs s)r"ading drugg"ting o+"r th" u)ho'st"r"d
s"ats(
!cT"agu" and th" Si"))"s took an u)town car that wou'd bring th" n"ar
Po'k Str""t( Th" car was crowd"d* !cT"agu" and ,wgoost" w"r" ob'ig"d to
stand( Th" 'itt'" boy fr"tt"d to b" tak"n in his oth"r#s 'a), but !rs( Si"))"
")hatica''y r"fus"d(
,n th"ir way ho" th"y discuss"d th" )"rforanc"(
/I4I 'ik" b"st d"r yod'"rs(/
/Ah, th" so'oist was th" b"st4th" 'ady who sang thos" sad songs(/
/:asn#t4wasn#t that agic 'ant"rn wond"rfu', wh"r" th" 3gur"s o+"d@
:ond"rfu'4ah, wond"rfu'? And wasn#t that 3rst act funny, wh"r" th" f"''ow
f"'' down a'' th" ti"@ And that usica' act, and th" f"''ow with th" burnt%
cork fac" who )'ay"d #N"ar"r, !y <od, to Th""# on th" b""r bott'"s(/
Th"y got o$ at Po'k Str""t and wa'k"d u) a b'ock to th" 5at( Th" str""t was
dark and ")ty* o))osit" th" 5at, in th" back of th" d"s"rt"d ark"t, th"
ducks and g""s" w"r" ca''ing )"rsist"nt'y(
As th"y w"r" buying th"ir taa'"s fro th" ha'f%br""d !"7ican at th" str""t
corn"r, !cT"agu" obs"r+"d;
/!arcus ain#t gon" to b"d y"t( S"", th"r"#s a 'ight in his window( Th"r"?/ h"
"7c'ai"d at onc", /I forgot th" doork"y( :"'', !arcus can '"t us in(/
Hard'y had h" rung th" b"'' at th" str""t door of th" 5at wh"n th" bo't was
shot back( In th" ha'' at th" to) of th" 'ong, narrow staircas" th"r" was th"
sound of a gr"at scurrying( !aria !aca)a stood th"r", h"r hand u)on th"
ro)" that dr"w th" bo't* !arcus was at h"r sid"* ,'d <rannis was in th"
background, 'ooking o+"r th"ir shou'd"rs* whi'" 'itt'" !iss 1ak"r '"ant o+"r
th" banist"rs, a strang" an in a drab o+"rcoat at h"r sid"( As !cT"agu"#s
)arty st"))"d into th" doorway a ha'f%do6"n +oic"s cri"d;
/9"s, it#s th"(/
/Is that you, !ac@/
/Is that you, !iss Si"))"@/
/Is your na" Trina Si"))"@/
Th"n, shri''"r than a'' th" r"st, !aria !aca)a scr"a"d;
/,h, !iss Si"))", co" u) h"r" 8uick( 9our 'ott"ry tick"t has won 3+"
thousand do''ars?/
CHAPTER L
/:hat nons"ns"?/ answ"r"d Trina(
/Ach <ott? :hat is ut@/ cri"d !rs( Si"))", isund"rstanding, su))osing a
ca'aity(
/:hat4what4what,/ sta"r"d th" d"ntist, confus"d by th" 'ights, th"
crowd"d stairway, th" "d'"y of +oic"s( Th" )arty r"ach"d th" 'anding( Th"
oth"rs surround"d th"( !arcus a'on" s"""d to ris" to th" occasion(
/2"# " b" th" 3rst to congratu'at" you,/ h" cri"d, catching Trina#s hand(
E+"ry on" was ta'king at onc"(
/!iss Si"))", !iss Si"))", your tick"t has won 3+" thousand do''ars,/ cri"d
!aria( /0on#t you r""b"r th" 'ott"ry tick"t I so'd you in 0octor !cT"agu"#s
o-c"@/
/Trina?/ a'ost scr"a"d h"r oth"r( /Fi+" taus"nd tha'"rs? 3+" taus"nd
tha'"rs? If )o))"r w"r" on'y h"r"?/
/:hat is it4what is it@/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu", ro''ing his "y"s(
/:hat ar" you going to do with it, Trina@/ in8uir"d !arcus(
/9ou#r" a rich woan, y d"ar,/ said !iss 1ak"r, h"r 'itt'" fa's" cur's
8ui+"ring with "7cit""nt, /and I# g'ad for your sak"( 2"t " kiss you( To
think I was in th" roo wh"n you bought th" tick"t?/
/,h, oh?/ int"rru)t"d Trina, shaking h"r h"ad, /th"r" is a istak"( Th"r" ust
b"( :hy4why shou'd I win 3+" thousand do''ars@ It#s nons"ns"?/
/No istak", no istak",/ scr"a"d !aria( /9our nub"r was HMM,M1A( H"r"
it is in th" )a)"r this "+"ning( I r""b"r it w"'', b"caus" I k"") an account(/
/1ut I know you#r" wrong,/ answ"r"d Trina, b"ginning to tr"b'" in s)it" of
h"rs"'f( /:hy shou'd I win@/
/Eh@ :hy shou'dn#t you@/ cri"d h"r oth"r(
In fact, why shou'dn#t sh"@ Th" id"a sudd"n'y occurr"d to Trina( Aft"r a'', it
was not a 8u"stion of "$ort or "rit on h"r )art( :hy shou'd sh" su))os" a
istak"@ :hat if it w"r" tru", this wond"rfu' 3''i) of fortun" striking in th"r"
'ik" so" chanc"%dri+"n bo't@
/,h, do you think so@/ sh" gas)"d(
Th" strang"r in th" drab o+"rcoat ca" forward(
/It#s th" ag"nt,/ cri"d two or thr"" +oic"s, siu'tan"ous'y(
/I gu"ss you#r" on" of th" 'ucky on"s, !iss Si"))",/ h" said( /I su))os" you
ha+" k")t your tick"t(/
/9"s, y"s* four thr"" oughts tw"'+"4I r""b"r(/
/That#s right,/ aditt"d th" oth"r( /Pr"s"nt your tick"t at th" 'oca' branch
o-c" as soon as )ossib'"4th" addr"ss is )rint"d on th" back of th" tick"t4
and you#'' r"c"i+" a ch"ck on our bank for 3+" thousand do''ars( 9our nub"r
wi'' ha+" to b" +"ri3"d on our o-cia' 'ist, but th"r"#s hard'y a chanc" of a
istak"( I congratu'at" you(/
A'' at onc" a gr"at shri'' of g'adn"ss surg"d u) in Trina( Sh" was to )oss"ss
3+" thousand do''ars( Sh" was carri"d away with th" &oy of h"r good fortun",
a natura', s)ontan"ous &oy4th" gai"ty of a chi'd with a n"w and wond"rfu'
toy(
/,h, I#+" won, I#+" won, I#+" won?/ sh" cri"d, c'a))ing h"r hands( /!aa,
think of it( I#+" won 3+" thousand do''ars, &ust by buying a tick"t( !ac, what
do you say to that@ I#+" got 3+" thousand do''ars( August, do you h"ar what#s
ha))"n"d to sist"r@/
/Kiss your o"r, Trina,/ sudd"n'y coand"d !rs( Si"))"( /:hat "f"r
wi'' you do it a'' dos" on"y, "h, Trina@/
/Huh?/ "7c'ai"d !arcus( /<"t arri"d on it for on" thing(/ Th"r"at th"y a''
shout"d with 'aught"r( !cT"agu" grinn"d, and 'ook"d about sh"")ish'y( /Ta'k
about 'uck,/ utt"r"d !arcus, shaking his h"ad at th" d"ntist* th"n sudd"n'y
h" add"d;
/:"'', ar" w" going to stay ta'king out h"r" in th" ha'' a'' night@ Can#t w" a''
co" into your #Par'ors#, !ac@/
/Sur", sur",/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu", hasti'y un'ocking his door(
/Ef"ry botty go",/ cri"d !rs( Si"))", g"nia''y( /Ain#t ut so, 0oktor@/
/E+"rybody,/ r")"at"d th" d"ntist( /Th"r"#s4th"r"#s so" b""r(/
/:"#'' c"'"brat", by dan?/ "7c'ai"d !arcus( /It ain#t "+"ry day you win 3+"
thousand do''ars( It#s on'y Sundays and '"ga' ho'idays(/ Again h" s"t th"
co)any o$ into a ga'" of 'aught"r( Anything was funny at a ti" 'ik" this( In
so" way "+"ry on" of th" f"'t "'at"d( Th" wh""' of fortun" had co"
s)inning c'os" to th"( Th"y w"r" n"ar to this gr"at su of on"y( It was as
though th"y too had won(
/H"r"#s right wh"r" I sat wh"n I bought that tick"t,/ cri"d Trina, aft"r th"y had
co" into th" /Par'ors,/ and !arcus had 'it th" gas( /Right h"r" in this chair(/
Sh" sat down in on" of th" rigid chairs und"r th" st""' "ngra+ing( /And,
!arcus, you sat h"r"44/
/And I was &ust g"tting out of th" o)"rating chair,/ int"r)os"d !iss 1ak"r(
/9"s, y"s( That#s so* and you,/ continu"d Trina, )ointing to !aria, /ca" u)
and said, #1uy a tick"t in th" 'ott"ry* &ust a do''ar(# ,h, I r""b"r it &ust as
)'ain as though it was y"st"rday, and I wasn#t going to at 3rst44/
/And don#t you know I to'd !aria it was against th" 'aw@/
/9"s, I r""b"r, and th"n I ga+" h"r a do''ar and )ut th" tick"t in y
)ock"tbook( It#s in y )ock"tbook now at ho" in th" to) draw"r of y
bur"au4oh, su))os" it shou'd b" sto'"n now,/ sh" sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d(
/It#s worth big on"y now,/ ass"rt"d !arcus(
/Fi+" thousand do''ars( :ho wou'd ha+" thought it@ It#s wond"rfu'(/
E+"rybody start"d and turn"d( It was !cT"agu"( H" stood in th" idd'" of th"
5oor, wagging his hug" h"ad( H" s"""d to ha+" &ust r"a'i6"d what had
ha))"n"d(
/9"s, sir, 3+" thousand do''ars?/ "7c'ai"d !arcus, with a sudd"n
unaccountab'" irth'"ssn"ss( /Fi+" thousand do''ars? 0o you g"t on to that@
Cousin Trina and you wi'' b" rich )"o)'"(/
/At si7 )"r c"nt, that#s tw"nty%3+" do''ars a onth,/ ha6ard"d th" ag"nt(
/Think of it( Think of it,/ utt"r"d !cT"agu"( H" w"nt ai'"ss'y about th"
roo, his "y"s wid", his "norous hands dang'ing(
/A cousin of in" won forty do''ars onc",/ obs"r+"d !iss 1ak"r( /1ut h" s)"nt
"+"ry c"nt of it buying or" tick"ts, and n"+"r won anything(/
Th"n th" r"inisc"nc"s b"gan( !aria to'd about th" butch"r on th" n"7t
b'ock who had won tw"nty do''ars th" 'ast drawing( !rs( Si"))" kn"w a
gas3tt"r in ,ak'and who had won s"+"ra' ti"s* onc" a hundr"d do''ars( 2itt'"
!iss 1ak"r announc"d that sh" had a'ways b"'i"+"d that 'ott"ri"s w"r"
wrong* but, &ust th" sa", 3+" thousand was 3+" thousand(
/It#s a'' right wh"n you win, ain#t it, !iss 1ak"r@/ obs"r+"d !arcus, with a
c"rtain sarcas( :hat was th" att"r with !arcus@ At o"nts h" s"""d
singu'ar'y out of t")"r(
1ut th" ag"nt was fu'' of stori"s( H" to'd his "7)"ri"nc"s, th" '"g"nds and
yths that had grown u) around th" history of th" 'ott"ry* h" to'd of th" )oor
n"wsboy with a dying oth"r to su))ort who had drawn a )ri6" of 3ft""n
thousand* of th" an who was dri+"n to suicid" through want, but who h"'d
Dhad h" but known itE th" nub"r that two days aft"r his d"ath dr"w th"
ca)ita' )ri6" of thirty thousand do''ars* of th" 'itt'" i''in"r who for t"n y"ars
had )'ay"d th" 'ott"ry without succ"ss, and who had on" day d"c'ar"d that
sh" wou'd buy but on" or" tick"t and th"n gi+" u) trying, and of how this
'ast tick"t had brought h"r a fortun" u)on which sh" cou'd r"tir"* of tick"ts
that had b""n 'ost or d"stroy"d, and whos" nub"rs had won fabu'ous sus
at th" drawing* of criina's, dri+"n to +ic" by )o+"rty, and who had r"for"d
aft"r winning co)"t"nci"s* of gab'"rs who )'ay"d th" 'ott"ry as th"y
wou'd )'ay a faro bank, turning in th"ir winnings again as soon as ad",
buying thousands of tick"ts a'' o+"r th" country* of su)"rstitions as to
t"rina' and initia' nub"rs, and as to 'ucky days of )urchas"* of ar+"''ous
coincid"nc"s4thr"" ca)ita' )ri6"s drawn cons"cuti+"'y by th" sa" town* a
tick"t bought by a i''ionair" and gi+"n to his boot%b'ack, who won a
thousand do''ars u)on it* th" sa" nub"r winning th" sa" aount an
ind"3nit" nub"r of ti"s* and so on to in3nity( In+ariab'y it was th" n""dy
who won, th" d"stitut" and star+ing wok" to w"a'th and )'"nty, th" +irtuous
toi'"r sudd"n'y found his r"ward in a tick"t bought at a ha6ard* th" 'ott"ry
was a gr"at charity, th" fri"nd of th" )"o)'", a +ast b"n"3c"nt achin" that
r"cogni6"d n"ith"r rank nor w"a'th nor station(
Th" co)any b"gan to b" +"ry gay( Chairs and tab'"s w"r" brought in fro
th" ad&oining roos, and !aria was s"nt out for or" b""r and taa'"s, and
a'so coission"d to buy a bott'" of win" and so" cak" for !iss 1ak"r, who
abhorr"d b""r(
Th" /0"nta' Par'ors/ w"r" in gr"at confusion( E)ty b""r bott'"s stood on th"
o+ab'" rack wh"r" th" instru"nts w"r" k")t* )'at"s and na)kins w"r"
u)on th" s"at of th" o)"rating chair and u)on th" stand of sh"'+"s in th"
corn"r, sid" by sid" with th" conc"rtina and th" +o'u"s of /A''"n#s Practica'
0"ntist(/ Th" canary wok" and chitt"r"d cross'y, his f"ath"rs )u$"d out* th"
husks of taa'"s 'itt"r"d th" 5oor* th" ston" )ug dog sitting b"for" th" 'itt'"
sto+" star"d at th" unusua' sc"n", his g'ass "y"s starting fro th"ir sock"ts(
Th"y drank and f"ast"d in i)ro)tu fashion( !arcus Schou'"r assu"d th"
o-c" of ast"r of c"r"oni"s* h" was in a 'ath"r of "7cit""nt, rushing
about h"r" and th"r", o)"ning b""r bott'"s, s"r+ing th" taa'"s, s'a))ing
!cT"agu" u)on th" back, 'aughing and &oking continua''y( H" ad" !cT"agu"
sit at th" h"ad of th" tab'", with Trina at his right and th" ag"nt at his '"ft* h"
4wh"n h" sat down at a''4occu)i"d th" foot, !aria !aca)a at his '"ft, whi'"
n"7t to h"r was !rs( Si"))", o))osit" !iss 1ak"r( ,wgoost" had b""n )ut to
b"d u)on th" b"d%'oung"(
/:h"r"#s ,'d <rannis@/ sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d !arcus( Sur" "nough, wh"r" had
th" o'd Eng'ishan gon"@ H" had b""n th"r" at 3rst(
/I ca''"d hi down with "+"rybody "'s",/ cri"d !aria !aca)a, /as soon as I
saw in th" )a)"r that !iss Si"))" had won( :" a'' ca" down to !r(
Schou'"r#s roo and wait"d for you to co" ho"( I think h" ust ha+" gon"
back to his roo( I#'' b"t you#'' 3nd hi s"wing u) his books(/
/No, no,/ obs"r+"d !iss 1ak"r, /not at this hour(/
E+id"nt'y th" tiid o'd g"nt'"an had tak"n ad+antag" of th" confusion to
s'i) unobtrusi+"'y away(
/I#'' go bring hi down,/ shout"d !arcus* /h"#s got to &oin us(/
!iss 1ak"r was in gr"at agitation(
/I4I hard'y think you#d b"tt"r,/ sh" urur"d* /h"4h"4I don#t think h"
drinks b""r(/
/H" tak"s his aus""nt in s"win# u) books,/ cri"d !aria(
!arcus brought hi down, n"+"rth"'"ss, ha+ing found hi &ust )r")aring for
b"d(
/I4I ust a)o'ogi6",/ sta"r"d ,'d <rannis, as h" stood in th" doorway( /I
had not 8uit" "7)"ct"d4I43nd43nd ys"'f a 'itt'" un)r")ar"d(/ H" was
without co''ar and cra+at, owing to !arcus Schou'"r#s )r"ci)itat" hast"( H"
was annoy"d b"yond words that !iss 1ak"r saw hi thus( Cou'd anything b"
or" "barrassing@
,'d <rannis was introduc"d to !rs( Si"))" and to Trina as !arcus#s ")'oy"r(
Th"y shook hands so'"n'y(
/I don#t b"'i"+" that h" an# !iss 1ak"r ha+" "+"r b""n introduc"d,/ cri"d
!aria !aca)a, shri''y, /an# th"y#+" b""n 'i+in# sid" by sid" for y"ars(/
Th" two o'd )"o)'" w"r" s)""ch'"ss, a+oiding "ach oth"r#s ga6"( It had co"
at 'ast* th"y w"r" to know "ach oth"r, to ta'k tog"th"r, to touch "ach oth"r#s
hands(
!arcus brought ,'d <rannis around th" tab'" to 'itt'" !iss 1ak"r, dragging
hi by th" coat s'""+", "7c'aiing; /:"'', I thought you two )"o)'" kn"w
"ach oth"r 'ong ago( !iss 1ak"r, this is !r( <rannis* !r( <rannis, this is !iss
1ak"r(/ N"ith"r s)ok"( 2ik" two 'itt'" chi'dr"n th"y fac"d "ach oth"r, awkward,
constrain"d, tongu"%ti"d with "barrass"nt( Th"n !iss 1ak"r )ut out h"r
hand shy'y( ,'d <rannis touch"d it for an instant and '"t it fa''(
/Now you know "ach oth"r,/ cri"d !arcus, /and it#s about ti"(/ For th" 3rst
ti" th"ir "y"s "t* ,'d <rannis tr"b'"d a 'itt'", )utting his hand
unc"rtain'y to his chin( !iss 1ak"r 5ush"d "+"r so s'ight'y, but !aria !aca)a
)ass"d sudd"n'y b"tw""n th", carrying a ha'f ")ty b""r bott'"( Th" two
o'd )"o)'" f"'' back fro on" anoth"r, !iss 1ak"r r"suing h"r s"at(
/H"r"#s a )'ac" for you o+"r h"r", !r( <rannis,/ cri"d !arcus, aking roo
for hi at his sid"( ,'d <rannis s'i))"d into th" chair, withdrawing at onc"
fro th" co)any#s notic"( H" star"d 37"d'y at his )'at" and did not s)"ak
again( ,'d !iss 1ak"r b"gan to ta'k +o'ub'y across th" tab'" to !rs( Si"))"
about hot%hous" 5ow"rs and "dicat"d 5ann"'s(
It was in th" idst of this 'itt'" i)ro)tu su))"r that th" "ngag""nt of
Trina and th" d"ntist was announc"d( In a )aus" in th" chatt"r of
con+"rsation !rs( Si"))" '"an"d forward and, s)"aking to th" ag"nt, said;
/C"'', you know a'so y daught"r Trina g"t arri"d br"tty soon( Sh" and d"r
d"ntist, 0oktor !cT"agu", "h, y"s@/
Th"r" was a g"n"ra' "7c'aation(
/I thought so a'' a'ong,/ cri"d !iss 1ak"r, "7cit"d'y( /Th" 3rst ti" I saw th"
tog"th"r I said, #:hat a )air?#/
/0"'ightfu'?/ "7c'ai"d th" ag"nt, /to b" arri"d and win a snug 'itt'" fortun"
at th" sa" ti"(/
/So4So,/ urur"d ,'d <rannis, nodding at his )'at"(
/<ood 'uck to you,/ cri"d !aria(
/H"#s 'ucky "nough a'r"ady,/ grow'"d !arcus und"r his br"ath, r"'a)sing for a
o"nt into on" of thos" strang" oods of su''"nn"ss which had ark"d
hi throughout th" "+"ning(
Trina 5ush"d crison, drawing shy'y n"ar"r h"r oth"r( !cT"agu" grinn"d
fro "ar to "ar, 'ooking around fro on" to anoth"r, "7c'aiing /Huh? Huh?/
1ut th" ag"nt ros" to his f""t, a n"w'y 3''"d b""r g'ass in his hand( H" was a
an of th" wor'd, this ag"nt( H" kn"w 'if"( H" was sua+" and "asy( A
diaond was on his 'itt'" 3ng"r(
/2adi"s and g"nt'""n,/ h" b"gan( Th"r" was an instant si'"nc"( /This is
ind""d a ha))y occasion( I4I a g'ad to b" h"r" to%night* to b" a witn"ss to
such good fortun"* to )artak" in th"s"4in this c"'"bration( :hy, I f""' a'ost
as g'ad as if I had h"'d four thr"" oughts tw"'+" ys"'f* as if th" 3+"
thousand w"r" in" inst"ad of b"'onging to our charing host"ss( Th" good
wish"s of y hub'" s"'f go out to !iss Si"))" in this o"nt of h"r good
fortun", and I think4in fact, I a sur" I can s)"ak for th" gr"at institution,
th" gr"at co)any I r")r"s"nt( Th" co)any congratu'at"s !iss Si"))"( :"
4th"y4ah4Th"y wish h"r "+"ry ha))in"ss h"r n"w fortun" can )rocur" h"r(
It has b""n y duty, y4ah4ch""rfu' duty to ca'' u)on th" winn"rs of 'arg"
)ri6"s and to o$"r th" f"'icitation of th" co)any( I ha+", in y "7)"ri"nc",
ca''"d u)on any such* but n"+"r ha+" I s""n fortun" so ha))i'y b"stow"d as
in this cas"( Th" co)any ha+" dow"r"d th" )ros)"cti+" brid"( I a sur" I
but "cho th" s"nti"nts of this ass"b'y wh"n I wish a'' &oy and ha))in"ss to
this ha))y )air, ha))y in th" )oss"ssion of a snug 'itt'" fortun", and ha))y4
ha))y in4/ h" 3nish"d with a sudd"n ins)iration4/in th" )oss"ssion of "ach
oth"r* I drink to th" h"a'th, w"a'th, and ha))in"ss of th" futur" brid" and
groo( 2"t us drink standing u)(/ Th"y drank with "nthusias( !arcus was
carri"d away with th" "7cit""nt of th" o"nt(
/,uta sight, outa sight,/ h" +ocif"rat"d, c'a))ing his hands( /C"ry w"'' said(
To th" h"a'th of th" brid"( !cT"agu", !cT"agu", s)""ch, s)""ch?/
In an instant th" who'" tab'" was c'aoring for th" d"ntist to s)"ak(
!cT"agu" was t"rri3"d* h" gri))"d th" tab'" with both hands, 'ooking wi'd'y
about hi(
/S)""ch, s)""ch?/ shout"d !arcus, running around th" tab'" and
"nd"a+oring to drag !cT"agu" u)(
/No4no4no,/ utt"r"d th" oth"r( /No s)""ch(/ Th" co)any ratt'"d u)on
th" tab'" with th"ir b""r g'ass"s, insisting u)on a s)""ch( !cT"agu" s"tt'"d
obstinat"'y into his chair, +"ry r"d in th" fac", shaking his h"ad "n"rg"tica''y(
/Ah, go on?/ h" "7c'ai"d* /no s)""ch(/
/Ah, g"t u) and say so"thun, anyhow,/ )"rsist"d !arcus* /you ought to do
it( It#s th" )ro)"r ca)"r(/
!cT"agu" h"a+"d his"'f u)* th"r" was a burst of a))'aus"* h" 'ook"d s'ow'y
about hi, th"n sudd"n'y sat down again, shaking his h"ad ho)"'"ss'y(
/,h, go on, !ac,/ cri"d Trina(
/<"t u), say so"thun, anyhow,/ cri"d !arcus, tugging at his ar* /you <,T
to(/
,nc" or" !cT"agu" ros" to his f""t(
/Huh?/ h" "7c'ai"d, 'ooking st"adi'y at th" tab'"( Th"n h" b"gan;
/I don# know what to say4I4I4I ain#t n"+"r ad" a s)""ch b"for"* I4I ain#t
n"+"r ad" a s)""ch b"for"( 1ut I# g'ad Trina#s won th" )ri6"4/
/9"s, I#'' b"t you ar",/ utt"r"d !arcus(
/I4I4I# g'ad Trina#s won, and I4I want to4I want to4I want to4want to say
that4you#r"4a''4w"'co", an# drink h"arty, an# I# uch ob'ig"d to th"
ag"nt( Trina and I ar" goin# to b" arri"d, an# I# g'ad "+"rybody#s h"r" to%
night, an# you#r"4a''4w"'co", an# drink h"arty, an# I ho)" you#'' co"
again, an# you#r" a'ways w"'co"4an#4I4an#4an#4That#s4about4a''4I4
gotta say(/ H" sat down, wi)ing his for"h"ad, aidst tr""ndous a))'aus"(
Soon aft"r that th" co)any )ush"d back fro th" tab'" and r"'a7"d into
cou)'"s and grou)s( Th" "n, with th" "7c")tion of ,'d <rannis, b"gan to
sok", th" s"'' of th"ir tobacco ing'ing with th" odors of "th"r, cr"osot",
and sta'" b"dding, which )"r+ad"d th" /Par'ors(/ Soon th" windows had to b"
'ow"r"d fro th" to)( !rs( Si"))" and o'd !iss 1ak"r sat tog"th"r in th" bay
window "7changing con3d"nc"s( !iss 1ak"r had turn"d back th" o+"rskirt of
h"r dr"ss* a )'at" of cak" was in h"r 'a)* fro ti" to ti" sh" si))"d h"r
win" with th" d"'icacy of a whit" cat( Th" two wo"n w"r" uch int"r"st"d
in "ach oth"r( !iss 1ak"r to'd !rs( Si"))" a'' about ,'d <rannis, not
forg"tting th" 3ction of th" tit'" and th" un&ust st")fath"r(
/H"#s 8uit" a )"rsonag" r"a''y,/ said !iss 1ak"r(
!rs( Si"))" '"d th" con+"rsation around to h"r chi'dr"n( /Ach, Trina is sudg"
a goot" gir',/ sh" said* /a'ways gay, y"s, und sing fro org"n to night( =nd
,wgoost", h" is soh sart a'so, y"s, "h@ H" has d"r g"nius for achin"s,
a'ways aking so"thun it wh""'s und sbrings(/
/Ah, if4if4I had chi'dr"n,/ urur"d th" 'itt'" o'd aid a tri5" wistfu''y, /on"
wou'd ha+" b""n a sai'or* h" wou'd ha+" b"gun as a idshi)an on y
broth"r#s shi)* in ti" h" wou'd ha+" b""n an o-c"r( Th" oth"r wou'd ha+"
b""n a 'andsca)" gard"n"r(/
/,h, !ac?/ "7c'ai"d Trina, 'ooking u) into th" d"ntist#s fac", /think of a'' this
on"y coing to us &ust at this +"ry o"nt( Isn#t it wond"rfu'@ 0on#t it kind
of scar" you@/
/:ond"rfu', wond"rfu'?/ utt"r"d !cT"agu", shaking his h"ad( /2"t#s buy a
'ot of tick"ts,/ h" add"d, struck with an id"a(
/Now, that#s how you can a'ways t"'' a good cigar,/ obs"r+"d th" ag"nt to
!arcus as th" two sat soking at th" "nd of th" tab'"( /Th" 'ight "nd shou'd
b" ro''"d to a )oint(/
/Ah, th" Chin"s" cigar%ak"rs,/ cri"d !arcus, in a )assion, brandishing his
3st( /It#s th" as is ruining th" caus" of whit" 'abor( Th"y ar", th"y ar" for a
FACT( Ah, th" rat%"at"rs? Ah, th" whit"%'i+"r"d curs?/
,+"r in th" corn"r, by th" stand of sh"'+"s, ,'d <rannis was 'ist"ning to !aria
!aca)a( Th" !"7ican woan had b""n +io'"nt'y stirr"d o+"r Trina#s sudd"n
w"a'th* !aria#s ind had gon" back to h"r young"r days( Sh" '"an"d forward,
h"r "'bows on h"r kn""s, h"r chin in h"r hands, h"r "y"s wid" and 37"d( ,'d
<rannis 'ist"n"d to h"r att"nti+"'y(
/Th"r" wa#n#t a )i"c" that was so uch as scratch"d,/ !aria was saying(
/E+"ry )i"c" was &ust 'ik" a irror, sooth and bright* oh, bright as a 'itt'"
sun( Such a s"r+ic" as that was4)'att"rs and sou) tur""ns and an i"ns"
big )unchbow'( Fi+" thousand do''ars, what do"s that aount to@ :hy, that
)unch%bow' a'on" was worth a fortun"(/
/:hat a wond"rfu' story?/ "7c'ai"d ,'d <rannis, n"+"r for an instant
doubting its truth( /And it#s a'' 'ost now, you say@/
/2ost, 'ost,/ r")"at"d !aria(
/Tut, tut? :hat a )ity? :hat a )ity?/
Sudd"n'y th" ag"nt ros" and brok" out with;
/:"'', I ust b" going, if I# to g"t any car(/
H" shook hands with "+"rybody, o$"r"d a )arting cigar to !arcus,
congratu'at"d !cT"agu" and Trina a 'ast ti", and bow"d his"'f out(
/:hat an "'"gant g"nt'"an,/ co"nt"d !iss 1ak"r(
/Ah,/ said !arcus, nodding his h"ad, /th"r"#s a an of th" wor'd for you(
Right on to his"'f, by dan?/
Th" co)any brok" u)(
/Co" a'ong, !ac,/ cri"d !arcus* /w"#r" to s'"") with th" dogs to%night, you
know(/
Th" two fri"nds said /<ood%night/ a'' around and d")art"d for th" 'itt'" dog
hos)ita'(
,'d <rannis hurri"d to his roo furti+"'y, t"rri3"d '"st h" shou'd again b"
brought fac" to fac" with !iss 1ak"r( H" bo't"d his"'f in and 'ist"n"d unti'
h" h"ard h"r foot in th" ha'' and th" soft c'osing of h"r door( Sh" was th"r"
c'os" b"sid" hi* as on" ight say, in th" sa" roo* for h", too, had ad"
th" disco+"ry as to th" sii'arity of th" wa'')a)"r( At 'ong int"r+a's h" cou'd
h"ar a faint rust'ing as sh" o+"d about( :hat an "+"ning that had b""n for
hi? H" had "t h"r, had s)ok"n to h"r, had touch"d h"r hand* h" was in a
tr"or of "7cit""nt( In a 'ik" ann"r th" 'itt'" o'd dr"ssak"r 'ist"n"d and
8ui+"r"d( HE was th"r" in that sa" roo which th"y shar"d in coon,
s")arat"d on'y by th" thinn"st board )artition( H" was thinking of h"r, sh"
was a'ost sur" of it( Th"y w"r" strang"rs no 'ong"r* th"y w"r"
ac8uaintanc"s, fri"nds( :hat an "+"nt that "+"ning had b""n in th"ir 'i+"s?
2at" as it was, !iss 1ak"r br"w"d a cu) of t"a and sat down in h"r rocking
chair c'os" to th" )artition* sh" rock"d g"nt'y, si))ing h"r t"a, ca'ing
h"rs"'f aft"r th" "otions of that wond"rfu' "+"ning(
,'d <rannis h"ard th" c'inking of th" t"a things and s"'t th" faint odor of
th" t"a( It s"""d to hi a signa', an in+itation( H" dr"w his chair c'os" to his
sid" of th" )artition, b"for" his work%tab'"( A )i'" of ha'f%bound /Nations/ was
in th" 'itt'" binding a))aratus* h" thr"ad"d his hug" u)ho'st"r"r#s n""d'" with
stout twin" and s"t to work(
It was th"ir t"t"%a%t"t"( Instincti+"'y th"y f"'t "ach oth"r#s )r"s"nc", f"'t "ach
oth"r#s thought coing to th" through th" thin )artition( It was charing*
th"y w"r" )"rf"ct'y ha))y( Th"r" in th" sti''n"ss that s"tt'"d o+"r th" 5at in
th" ha'f hour aft"r idnight th" two o'd )"o)'" /k")t co)any,/ "n&oying
aft"r th"ir fashion th"ir 'itt'" roanc" that had co" so 'at" into th" 'i+"s of
"ach(
,n th" way to h"r roo in th" garr"t !aria !aca)a )aus"d und"r th" sing'"
gas%&"t that burn"d at th" to) of th" w"'' of th" staircas"* sh" assur"d h"rs"'f
that sh" was a'on", and th"n dr"w fro h"r )ock"t on" of !cT"agu"#s /ta)"s/
of non%coh"si+" go'd( It was th" ost +a'uab'" st"a' sh" had "+"r y"t ad" in
th" d"ntist#s /Par'ors(/ Sh" to'd h"rs"'f that it was worth at '"ast a cou)'" of
do''ars( Sudd"n'y an id"a occurr"d to h"r, and sh" w"nt hasti'y to a window
at th" "nd of th" ha'', and, shading h"r fac" with both hands, 'ook"d down
into th" 'itt'" a''"y &ust back of th" 5at( ,n so" nights G"rkow, th" r"d%
h"ad"d Po'ish ."w, sat u) 'at", taking account of th" w""k#s rag)icking( Th"r"
was a di 'ight in his window now(
!aria w"nt to h"r roo, thr"w a shaw' around h"r h"ad, and d"sc"nd"d into
th" 'itt'" back yard of th" 5at by th" back stairs( As sh" '"t h"rs"'f out of th"
back gat" into th" a''"y, A'"7and"r, !arcus#s Irish s"tt"r, wok" sudd"n'y with
a gru$ bark( Th" co''i" who 'i+"d on th" oth"r sid" of th" f"nc", in th" back
yard of th" branch )ost%o-c", answ"r"d with a snar'( Th"n in an instant th"
"nd'"ss f"ud b"tw""n th" two dogs was r"su"d( Th"y dragg"d th"ir
r"s)"cti+" k"nn"'s to th" f"nc", and through th" cracks rag"d at "ach oth"r
in a fr"n6y of hat"* th"ir t""th sna))"d and g'"a"d* th" hack'"s on th"ir
backs ros" and sti$"n"d( Th"ir hid"ous c'aor cou'd ha+" b""n h"ard for
b'ocks around( :hat a assacr" shou'd th" two "+"r ""t?
!"anwhi'", !aria was knocking at G"rkow#s is"rab'" ho+"'(
/:ho is it@ :ho is it@/ cri"d th" rag%)ick"r fro within, in his hoars" +oic",
that was ha'f whis)"r, starting n"r+ous'y, and sw"")ing a handfu' of si'+"r
into his draw"r(
/It#s ", !aria !aca)a*/ th"n in a 'ow"r +oic", and as if s)"aking to h"rs"'f,
/had a 5ying s8uirr"' an# '"t hi go(/
/Ah, !aria,/ cri"d G"rkow, obs"8uious'y o)"ning th" door( /Co" in, co" in,
y gir'* you#r" a'ways w"'co", "+"n as 'at" as this( No &unk, h"y@ 1ut you#r"
w"'co" for a'' that( 9ou#'' ha+" a drink, won#t you@/ H" '"d h"r into his back
roo and got down th" whisk"y bott'" and th" brok"n r"d tub'"r(
Aft"r th" two had drunk tog"th"r !aria )roduc"d th" go'd /ta)"(/ G"rkow#s
"y"s g'itt"r"d on th" instant( Th" sight of go'd in+ariab'y s"nt a 8ua' a''
through hi* try as h" wou'd, h" cou'd not r")r"ss it( His 3ng"rs tr"b'"d
and c'aw"d at his outh* his br"ath gr"w short(
/Ah, ah, ah?/ h" "7c'ai"d, /gi+" it h"r", gi+" it h"r"* gi+" it to ", !aria(
That#s a good gir', co" gi+" it to "(/
Th"y hagg'"d as usua' o+"r th" )ric", but to%night !aria was too "7cit"d o+"r
oth"r att"rs to s)"nd uch ti" in bick"ring o+"r a f"w c"nts(
/2ook h"r", G"rkow,/ sh" said as soon as th" transf"r was ad", /I got
so"thing to t"'' you( A 'itt'" whi'" ago I so'd a 'ott"ry tick"t to a gir' at th"
5at* th" drawing was in this "+"ning#s )a)"rs( How uch do you su))os"
that gir' has won@/
/I don#t know( How uch@ How uch@/
/Fi+" thousand do''ars(/
It was as though a knif" had b""n run through th" ."w* a s)as of an a'ost
)hysica' )ain twist"d his fac"4his "ntir" body( H" rais"d his c'"nch"d 3sts
into th" air, his "y"s shut, his t""th gnawing his 'i)(
/Fi+" thousand do''ars,/ h" whis)"r"d* /3+" thousand do''ars( For what@ For
nothing, for si)'y buying a tick"t* and I ha+" work"d so hard for it, so hard,
so hard( Fi+" thousand do''ars, 3+" thousand do''ars( ,h, why cou'dn#t it ha+"
co" to "@/ h" cri"d, his +oic" choking, th" t"ars starting to his "y"s* /why
cou'dn#t it ha+" co" to "@ To co" so c'os", so c'os", and y"t to iss "
4" who ha+" work"d for it, fought for it, star+"d for it, a dying for it "+"ry
day( Think of it, !aria, 3+" thousand do''ars, a'' bright, h"a+y )i"c"s44/
/1right as a suns"t,/ int"rru)t"d !aria, h"r chin )ro))"d on h"r hands( /Such
a g'ory, and h"a+y( 9"s, "+"ry )i"c" was h"a+y, and it was a'' you cou'd do to
'ift th" )unch%bow'( :hy, that )unch%bow' was worth a fortun" a'on"44/
/And it rang wh"n you hit it with your knuck'"s, didn#t it@/ )ro)t"d G"rkow,
"ag"r'y, his 'i)s tr"b'ing, his 3ng"rs hooking th"s"'+"s into c'aws(
/Sw""t"r#n any church b"'',/ continu"d !aria(
/<o on, go on, go on,/ cri"d G"rkow, drawing his chair c'os"r, and shutting his
"y"s in "cstasy(
/Th"r" w"r" or" than a hundr"d )i"c"s, and "+"ry on" of th" go'd44/
/Ah, "+"ry on" of th" go'd(/
/9ou shou'd ha+" s""n th" sight wh"n th" '"ath"r trunk was o)"n"d( Th"r"
wa#n#t a )i"c" that was so uch as scratch"d* "+"ry on" was 'ik" a irror,
sooth and bright, )o'ish"d so that it 'ook"d b'ack4you know how I "an(/
/,h, I know, I know,/ cri"d G"rkow, oist"ning his 'i)s(
Th"n h" )'i"d h"r with 8u"stions48u"stions that co+"r"d "+"ry d"tai' of that
s"r+ic" of )'at"( It was soft, wasn#t it@ 9ou cou'd bit" into a )'at" and '"a+" a
d"nt@ Th" hand'"s of th" kni+"s, now, w"r" th"y go'd, too@ A'' th" knif" was
ad" fro on" )i"c" of go'd, was it@ And th" forks th" sa"@ Th" int"rior of
th" trunk was 8ui't"d, of cours"@ 0id !aria "+"r )o'ish th" )'at"s h"rs"'f@
:h"n th" co)any at" o$ this s"r+ic", it ust ha+" ad" a 3n" nois"4
th"s" go'd kni+"s and forks c'inking tog"th"r u)on th"s" go'd )'at"s(
/Now, '"t#s ha+" it a'' o+"r again, !aria,/ )'"ad"d G"rkow( /1"gin now with
#Th"r" w"r" or" than a hundr"d )i"c"s, and "+"ry on" of th" go'd(# <o on,
b"gin, b"gin, b"gin?/
Th" r"d%h"ad"d Po'" was in a f"+"r of "7cit""nt( !aria#s r"cita' had b"co"
a +"ritab'" ania with hi( As h" 'ist"n"d, with c'os"d "y"s and tr"b'ing
'i)s, h" fanci"d h" cou'd s"" that wond"rfu' )'at" b"for" hi, th"r" on th"
tab'", und"r his "y"s, und"r his hand, )ond"rous, assi+", g'"aing( H"
tor"nt"d !aria into a s"cond r")"tition of th" story4into a third( Th" or"
his ind dw"'t u)on it, th" shar)"r gr"w his d"sir"( Th"n, with !aria#s r"fusa'
to continu" th" ta'", ca" th" r"action( G"rkow awok" as fro so"
ra+ishing dr"a( Th" )'at" was gon", was irr"tri"+ab'y 'ost( Th"r" was
nothing in that is"rab'" roo but griy rags and rust%corrod"d iron( :hat
tor"nt? what agony? to b" so n"ar4so n"ar, to s"" it in on"#s distort"d
fancy as )'ain as in a irror( To know "+"ry indi+idua' )i"c" as an o'd fri"nd*
to f""' its w"ight* to b" da66'"d by its g'itt"r* to ca'' it on"#s own, own* to
ha+" it to on"s"'f, hugg"d to th" br"ast* and th"n to start, to wak", to co"
down to th" horrib'" r"a'ity(
/And you, 9,= had it onc",/ gas)"d G"rkow, c'awing at h"r ar* /you had it
onc", a'' your own( Think of it, and now it#s gon"(/
/<on" for good and a''(/
/P"rha)s it#s buri"d n"ar your o'd )'ac" so"wh"r"(/
/It#s gon"4gon"4gon",/ chant"d !aria in a onoton"(
G"rkow dug his nai's into his sca'), t"aring at his r"d hair(
/9"s, y"s, it#s gon", it#s gon"4'ost for"+"r? 2ost for"+"r?/
!arcus and th" d"ntist wa'k"d u) th" si'"nt str""t and r"ach"d th" 'itt'" dog
hos)ita'( Th"y had hard'y s)ok"n on th" way( !cT"agu"#s brain was in a whir'*
s)""ch fai'"d hi( H" was busy thinking of th" gr"at thing that had ha))"n"d
that night, and was trying to r"a'i6" what its "$"ct wou'd b" u)on his 'if"4his
'if" and Trina#s( As soon as th"y had found th"s"'+"s in th" str""t, !arcus
had r"'a)s"d at onc" to a su''"n si'"nc", which !cT"agu" was too abstract"d
to notic"(
Th"y "nt"r"d th" tiny o-c" of th" hos)ita' with its r"d car)"t, its gas sto+",
and its co'or"d )rints of faous dogs hanging against th" wa''s( In on" corn"r
stood th" iron b"d which th"y w"r" to occu)y(
/9ou go on an# g"t to b"d, !ac,/ obs"r+"d !arcus( /I#'' tak" a 'ook at th" dogs
b"for" I turn in(/
H" w"nt outsid" and )ass"d a'ong into th" yard, that was bound"d on thr""
sid"s by )"ns wh"r" th" dogs w"r" k")t( A bu'' t"rri"r dying of gastritis
r"cogni6"d hi and b"gan to whi)"r f""b'y(
!arcus )aid no att"ntion to th" dogs( For th" 3rst ti" that "+"ning h" was
a'on" and cou'd gi+" +"nt to his thoughts( H" took a cou)'" of turns u) and
down th" yard, th"n sudd"n'y in a 'ow +oic" "7c'ai"d;
/9ou foo', you foo', !arcus Schou'"r? If you#d k")t Trina you#d ha+" had that
on"y( 9ou ight ha+" had it yours"'f( 9ou#+" thrown away your chanc" in 'if"
4to gi+" u) th" gir', y"s4but this,/ h" sta)"d his foot with rag"4/to throw
3+" thousand do''ars out of th" window4to stu$ it into th" )ock"ts of
so"on" "'s", wh"n it ight ha+" b""n yours, wh"n you ight ha+" had
Trina AN0 th" on"y4and a'' for what@ 1"caus" w" w"r" )a's( ,h, #)a's# is
a'' right4but 3+" thousand do''ars4to ha+" )'ay"d it right into his hands4
<od 0A!N th" 'uck?/
CHAPTER N
Th" n"7t two onths w"r" d"'ightfu'( Trina and !cT"agu" saw "ach oth"r
r"gu'ar'y, thr"" ti"s a w""k( Th" d"ntist w"nt o+"r to 1 Str""t Sunday and
:"dn"sday aft"rnoons as usua'* but on Fridays it was Trina who ca" to th"
city( Sh" s)"nt th" orning b"tw""n nin" and tw"'+" o#c'ock down town, for
th" ost )art in th" ch"a) d")art"nt stor"s, doing th" w""k'y sho))ing for
h"rs"'f and th" fai'y( At noon sh" took an u)town car and "t !cT"agu" at
th" corn"r of Po'k Str""t( Th" two 'unch"d tog"th"r at a sa'' u)town hot"'
&ust around th" corn"r on Sutt"r Str""t( Th"y w"r" gi+"n a 'itt'" roo to
th"s"'+"s( Nothing cou'd ha+" b""n or" d"'icious( Th"y had but to c'os"
th" s'iding door to shut th"s"'+"s o$ fro th" who'" wor'd(
Trina wou'd arri+" br"ath'"ss fro h"r raids u)on th" bargain count"rs, h"r
)a'" ch""ks 5ush"d, h"r hair b'own about h"r fac" and into th" corn"rs of h"r
'i)s, h"r oth"r#s n"t r"ticu'" stu$"d to bursting( ,nc" in th"ir tiny )ri+at"
roo, sh" wou'd dro) into h"r chair with a 'itt'" groan(
/,h, !AC, I a so tir"d* I#+" &ust b""n a'' ,CER town( ,h, it#s good to sit
down( .ust think, I had to stand u) in th" car a'' th" way, aft"r b"ing on y
f""t th" who'" b'"ss"d orning( 2ook h"r" what I#+" bought( .ust things and
things( 2ook, th"r"#s so" dott"d +"i'ing I got for ys"'f* s"" now, do you
think it 'ooks )r"tty@/4sh" s)r"ad it o+"r h"r fac"4/and I got a bo7 of writing
)a)"r, and a ro'' of cr")" )a)"r to ak" a 'a) shad" for th" front )ar'or*
and4what do you su))os"4I saw a )air of Nottingha 'ac" curtains for
F,RT9%NINE CENTS* isn#t that ch"a)@ and so" ch"ni''" )orti"r"s for two and
a ha'f( Now what ha+" 9,= b""n doing sinc" I 'ast saw you@ 0id !r( H"is"
3na''y g"t u) "nough courag" to ha+" his tooth )u''"d y"t@/ Trina took o$ h"r
hat and +"i' and r"arrang"d h"r hair b"for" th" 'ooking%g'ass(
/No, no4not y"t( I w"nt down to th" sign )aint"r#s y"st"rday aft"rnoon to s""
about that big go'd tooth for a sign( It costs too uch* I can#t g"t it y"t a
whi'"( Th"r"#s two kinds, on" <"ran gi't and th" oth"r Fr"nch gi't* but th"
<"ran gi't is no good(/
!cT"agu" sigh"d, and wagg"d his h"ad( E+"n Trina and th" 3+" thousand
do''ars cou'd not ak" hi forg"t this on" unsatis3"d 'onging(
At oth"r ti"s th"y wou'd ta'k at '"ngth o+"r th"ir )'ans, whi'" Trina si))"d
h"r choco'at" and !cT"agu" d"+our"d hug" chunks of butt"r'"ss br"ad( Th"y
w"r" to b" arri"d at th" "nd of !ay, and th" d"ntist a'r"ady had his "y" on
a cou)'" of roos, )art of th" suit" of a bankru)t )hotogra)h"r( Th"y w"r"
situat"d in th" 5at, &ust back of his /Par'ors,/ and h" b"'i"+"d th"
)hotogra)h"r wou'd sub'"t th" furnish"d(
!cT"agu" and Trina had no a))r"h"nsions as to th"ir 3nanc"s( Th"y cou'd b"
sur", in fact, of a tidy 'itt'" inco"( Th" d"ntist#s )ractic" was fair'y good, and
th"y cou'd count u)on th" int"r"st of Trina#s 3+" thousand do''ars( To
!cT"agu"#s ind this int"r"st s"""d wo"fu''y sa''( H" had had unc"rtain
id"as about that 3+" thousand do''ars* had iagin"d that th"y wou'd s)"nd it
in so" 'a+ish fashion* wou'd buy a hous", )"rha)s, or wou'd furnish th"ir
n"w roos with o+"rwh"'ing 'u7ury4'u7ury that i)'i"d r"d +"'+"t car)"ts
and continu"d f"asting( Th" o'dti" in"r#s id"a of w"a'th "asi'y gain"d and
8uick'y s)"nt )"rsist"d in his ind( 1ut wh"n Trina had b"gun to ta'k of
in+"st"nts and int"r"sts and )"r c"nts, h" was troub'"d and not a 'itt'"
disa))oint"d( Th" 'u) su of 3+" thousand do''ars was on" thing, a
is"rab'" 'itt'" tw"nty or tw"nty%3+" a onth was 8uit" anoth"r* and th"n
so"on" "'s" had th" on"y(
/1ut don#t you s"", !ac,/ "7)'ain"d Trina, /it#s ours &ust th" sa"( :" cou'd
g"t it back wh"n"+"r w" want"d it* and th"n it#s th" r"asonab'" way to do(
:" ustn#t '"t it turn our h"ads, !ac, d"ar, 'ik" that an that s)"nt a'' h"
won in buying or" tick"ts( How foo'ish w"#d f""' aft"r w"#d s)"nt it a''? :"
ought to go on &ust th" sa" as b"for"* as if w" hadn#t won( :" ust b"
s"nsib'" about it, ustn#t w"@/
/:"'', w"'', I gu"ss )"rha)s that#s right,/ th" d"ntist wou'd answ"r, 'ooking
s'ow'y about on th" 5oor(
.ust what shou'd u'tiat"'y b" don" with th" on"y was th" sub&"ct of
"nd'"ss discussion in th" Si"))" fai'y( Th" sa+ings bank wou'd a''ow on'y
thr"" )"r c"nt(, but Trina#s )ar"nts b"'i"+"d that so"thing b"tt"r cou'd b"
got(
/Th"r"#s =nc'" ,"'b"rann,/ Trina had sugg"st"d, r""b"ring th" rich
r"'ati+" who had th" who'"sa'" toy stor" in th" !ission(
!r( Si"))" struck his hand to his for"h"ad( /Ah, an id"a,/ h" cri"d( In th" "nd
an agr"""nt was ad"( Th" on"y was in+"st"d in !r( ,"'b"rann#s
busin"ss( H" ga+" Trina si7 )"r c"nt(
In+"st"d in this fashion, Trina#s winning wou'd bring in tw"nty%3+" do''ars a
onth( 1ut, b"sid"s this, Trina had h"r own 'itt'" trad"( Sh" ad" Noah#s ark
ania's for =nc'" ,"'b"rann#s stor"( Trina#s anc"stors on both sid"s w"r"
<"ran%Swiss, and so" 'ong%forgott"n for"fath"r of th" si7t""nth c"ntury,
so" worst"d%'"ggin"d wood%car+"r of th" Tyro', had hand"d down th" ta'"nt
of th" nationa' industry, to r"a))"ar in this strang"'y distort"d guis"(
Sh" ad" Noah#s ark ania's, whitt'ing th" out of a b'ock of soft wood with
a shar) &ack%knif", th" on'y instru"nt sh" us"d( Trina was +"ry )roud to
"7)'ain h"r work to !cT"agu" as h" had a'r"ady "7)'ain"d his own to h"r(
/9ou s"", I tak" a b'ock of straight%grain"d )in" and cut out th" sha)",
rough'y at 3rst, with th" big b'ad"* th"n I go o+"r it a s"cond ti" with th"
'itt'" b'ad", or" car"fu''y* th"n I )ut in th" "ars and tai' with a dro) of g'u",
and )aint it with a #non%)oisonous# )aint4Candyk" brown for th" hors"s,
fo7"s, and cows* s'at" gray for th" "'")hants and ca"'s* burnt ub"r for th"
chick"ns, 6"bras, and so on* th"n, 'ast, a dot of Chin"s" whit" for th" "y"s,
and th"r" you ar", a'' 3nish"d( Th"y s"'' for nin" c"nts a do6"n( ,n'y I can#t
ak" th" anikins(/
/Th" anikins@/
/Th" 'itt'" 3gur"s, you know4Noah and his wif", and Sh", and a'' th"
oth"rs(/
It was tru"( Trina cou'd not whitt'" th" fast "nough and ch"a) "nough to
co)"t" with th" turning 'ath", that cou'd throw o$ who'" trib"s and )"o)'"s
of anikins whi'" sh" was fashioning on" fai'y( E+"rything "'s", how"+"r,
sh" ad"4th" ark its"'f, a'' windows and no door* th" bo7 in which th" who'"
was )ack"d* "+"n down to )asting on th" 'ab"', which r"ad, /!ad" in Franc"(/
Sh" "arn"d fro thr"" to four do''ars a w""k(
Th" inco" fro th"s" thr"" sourc"s, !cT"agu"#s )rof"ssion, th" int"r"st of
th" 3+" thousand do''ars, and Trina#s whitt'ing, ad" a r"s)"ctab'" 'itt'" su
tak"n a'tog"th"r( Trina d"c'ar"d th"y cou'd "+"n 'ay by so"thing, adding to
th" 3+" thousand do''ars 'itt'" by 'itt'"(
It soon b"ca" a))ar"nt that Trina wou'd b" an "7traordinari'y good
hous"k"")"r( Econoy was h"r strong )oint( A good d"a' of )"asant b'ood
sti'' ran undi'ut"d in h"r +"ins, and sh" had a'' th" instinct of a hardy and
)"nurious ountain rac"4th" instinct which sa+"s without any thought,
without id"a of cons"8u"nc"4sa+ing for th" sak" of sa+ing, hoarding without
knowing why( E+"n !cT"agu" did not know how c'os"'y Trina h"'d to h"r n"w%
found w"a'th(
1ut th"y did not a'ways )ass th"ir 'unch"on hour in this discussion of
inco"s and "conoi"s( As th" d"ntist ca" to know his 'itt'" woan b"tt"r
sh" gr"w to b" or" and or" of a )u66'" and a &oy to hi( Sh" wou'd
sudd"n'y int"rru)t a gra+" discours" u)on th" r"nts of roos and th" cost of
'ight and fu"' with a brus8u" outburst of a$"ction that s"t hi a'' a%tr"b'"
with d"'ight( A'' at onc" sh" wou'd s"t down h"r choco'at", and, '"aning
across th" narrow tab'", wou'd "7c'ai;
/N"+"r ind a'' that? ,h, !ac, do you tru'y, r"a''y 'o+" "4'o+" " 1I<@/
!cT"agu" wou'd sta"r so"thing, gas)ing, and wagging his h"ad, b"sid"
his"'f for th" 'ack of words(
/,'d b"ar,/ Trina wou'd answ"r, gras)ing hi by both hug" "ars and swaying
his h"ad fro sid" to sid"( /Kiss ", th"n( T"'' ", !ac, did you think any '"ss
of " that 3rst ti" I '"t you kiss " th"r" in th" station@ ,h, !ac, d"ar,
what a funny nos" you#+" got, a'' fu'' of hairs insid"* and, !ac, do you know
you#+" got a ba'd s)ot4/ sh" dragg"d his h"ad down towards h"r4/right on
th" to) of your h"ad(/ Th"n sh" wou'd s"rious'y kiss th" ba'd s)ot in
8u"stion, d"c'aring;
/That#'' ak" th" hair grow(/
Trina took an in3nit" "n&oy"nt in )'aying with !cT"agu"#s gr"at s8uar"%cut
h"ad, ru)'ing his hair ti'' it stood on "nd, )utting h"r 3ng"rs in his "y"s, or
str"tching his "ars out straight, and watching th" "$"ct with h"r h"ad on on"
sid"( It was 'ik" a 'itt'" chi'd )'aying with so" gigantic, good%natur"d Saint
1"rnard(
,n" )articu'ar aus""nt th"y n"+"r w"ari"d of( Th" two wou'd '"an across
th" tab'" towards "ach oth"r, !cT"agu" fo'ding his ars und"r his br"ast(
Th"n Trina, r"sting on h"r "'bows, wou'd )art his ustach"%th" gr"at b'ond
ustach" of a +iking4with h"r two hands, )ushing it u) fro his 'i)s, causing
his fac" to assu" th" a))"aranc" of a <r""k ask( Sh" wou'd cur' it around
"ith"r for"3ng"r, drawing it to a 3n" "nd( Th"n a'' at onc" !cT"agu" wou'd
ak" a f"arfu' snorting nois" through his nos"( In+ariab'y4though sh" was
"7)"cting this, though it was )art of th" ga"4Trina wou'd &u) with a
sti5"d shri"k( !cT"agu" wou'd b"''ow with 'aught"r ti'' his "y"s wat"r"d(
Th"n th"y wou'd r"co"nc" u)on th" instant, Trina )rot"sting with a
n"r+ous tr"u'ousn"ss;
/Now4now4now, !ac, 0,N#T* you SCARE " so(/
1ut th"s" d"'icious t"t"%a%t"t"s with Trina w"r" o$s"t by a c"rtain coo'n"ss
that !arcus Schou'"r b"gan to a$"ct towards th" d"ntist( At 3rst !cT"agu"
was unawar" of it* but by this ti" "+"n his s'ow wits b"gan to )"rc"i+" that
his b"st fri"nd4his /)a'/4was not th" sa" to hi as for"r'y( Th"y
continu"d to ""t at 'unch n"ar'y "+"ry day but Friday at th" car conductors#
co$""%&oint( 1ut !arcus was su'ky* th"r" cou'd b" no doubt about that( H"
a+oid"d ta'king to !cT"agu", r"ad th" )a)"r continua''y, answ"ring th"
d"ntist#s tiid "$orts at con+"rsation in gru$ onosy''ab'"s( So"ti"s,
"+"n, h" turn"d sid"ways to th" tab'" and ta'k"d at gr"at '"ngth to H"is" th"
harn"ss%ak"r, whos" tab'" was n"7t to th"irs( Th"y took no or" 'ong wa'ks
tog"th"r wh"n !arcus w"nt out to "7"rcis" th" dogs( Nor did !arcus "+"r
again r"cur to his g"n"rosity in r"nouncing Trina(
,n" Tu"sday, as !cT"agu" took his )'ac" at th" tab'" in th" co$""%&oint, h"
found !arcus a'r"ady th"r"(
/H"''o, !ark,/ said th" d"ntist, /you h"r" a'r"ady@/
/H"''o,/ r"turn"d th" oth"r, indi$"r"nt'y, h"')ing his"'f to toato catsu)(
Th"r" was a si'"nc"( Aft"r a 'ong whi'" !arcus sudd"n'y 'ook"d u)(
/Say, !ac,/ h" "7c'ai"d, /wh"n you going to )ay " that on"y you ow"
"@/
!cT"agu" was astonish"d(
/Huh@ :hat@ I don#t4do I ow" you any on"y, !ark@/
/:"'', you ow" " four bits,/ r"turn"d !arcus, dogg"d'y( /I )aid for you and
Trina that day at th" )icnic, and you n"+"r ga+" it back(/
/,h4oh?/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", in distr"ss( /That#s so, that#s so( I4you ought
to ha+" to'd " b"for"( H"r"#s your on"y, and I# ob'ig"d to you(/
/It ain#t uch,/ obs"r+"d !arcus, su''"n'y( /1ut I n""d a'' I can g"t now%a%
days(/
/Ar" you4ar" you brok"@/ in8uir"d !cT"agu"(
/And I ain#t saying anything about your s'"")ing at th" hos)ita' that night,
"ith"r,/ utt"r"d !arcus, as h" )ock"t"d th" coin(
/:"''4w"''4do you "an4shou'd I ha+" )aid for that@/
/:"'', you#d #a# had to s'"") S,!E:HERES, wou'dn#t you@/ 5ash"d out
!arcus( /9ou #a# had to )ay ha'f a do''ar for a b"d at th" 5at(/
/A'' right, a'' right,/ cri"d th" d"ntist, hasti'y, f""'ing in his )ock"ts( /I don#t
want you shou'd b" out anything on y account, o'd an( H"r", wi'' four bits
do@/
/I don#t :ANT your dan on"y,/ shout"d !arcus in a sudd"n rag", throwing
back th" coin( /I ain#t no b"ggar(/
!cT"agu" was is"rab'"( How had h" o$"nd"d his )a'@
/:"'', I want you shou'd tak" it, !ark,/ h" said, )ushing it towards hi(
/I t"'' you I won#t touch your on"y,/ "7c'ai"d th" oth"r through his
c'"nch"d t""th, whit" with )assion( /I#+" b""n )'ay"d for a suck"r 'ong
"nough(/
/:hat#s th" att"r with you 'at"'y, !ark@/ r"onstrat"d !cT"agu"( /9ou#+"
got a grouch about so"thing( Is th"r" anything I#+" don"@/
/:"'', that#s a'' right, that#s a'' right,/ r"turn"d !arcus as h" ros" fro th"
tab'"( /That#s a'' right( I#+" b""n )'ay"d for a suck"r 'ong "nough, that#s a''(
I#+" b""n )'ay"d for a suck"r 'ong "nough(/ H" w"nt away with a )arting
a'"+o'"nt g'anc"(
At th" corn"r of Po'k Str""t, b"tw""n th" 5at and th" car conductors# co$""%
&oint, was Fr"nna#s( It was a corn"r groc"ry* ad+"rtis""nts for ch"a) butt"r
and "ggs, )aint"d in gr""n arking%ink u)on wra))ing )a)"r, stood about on
th" sid"wa'k outsid"( Th" doorway was d"corat"d with a hug" !i'wauk""
b""r sign( 1ack of th" stor" )ro)"r was a bar wh"r" whit" sand co+"r"d th"
5oor( A f"w tab'"s and chairs w"r" scatt"r"d h"r" and th"r"( Th" wa''s w"r"
hung with gorg"ous'y%co'or"d tobacco ad+"rtis""nts and co'or"d
'ithogra)hs of trotting hors"s( ,n th" wa'' b"hind th" bar was a od"' of a
fu''%rigg"d shi) "nc'os"d in a bott'"(
It was at this )'ac" that th" d"ntist us"d to '"a+" his )itch"r to b" 3''"d on
Sunday aft"rnoons( Sinc" his "ngag""nt to Trina h" had discontinu"d this
habit( How"+"r, h" sti'' dro))"d into Fr"nna#s on" or two nights in th" w""k(
H" s)"nt a )'"asant hour th"r", soking his hug" )orc"'ain )i)" and drinking
his b""r( H" n"+"r &oin"d any of th" grou)s of )i8u"t )'ay"rs around th"
tab'"s( In fact, h" hard'y s)ok" to anyon" but th" bart"nd"r and !arcus(
For Fr"nna#s was on" of !arcus Schou'"r#s haunts* a gr"at d"a' of his ti"
was s)"nt th"r"( H" in+o'+"d his"'f in f"arfu' )o'itica' and socia' discussions
with H"is" th" harn"ss%ak"r, and with on" or two o'd <"ran, habitu"s of
th" )'ac"( Th"s" discussions !arcus carri"d on, as was his custo, at th" to)
of his +oic", g"sticu'ating 3"rc"'y, banging th" tab'" with his 3sts,
brandishing th" )'at"s and g'ass"s, "7citing his"'f with his own c'aor(
,n a c"rtain Saturday "+"ning, a f"w days aft"r th" sc"n" at th" co$""%&oint,
th" d"ntist b"thought hi to s)"nd a 8ui"t "+"ning at Fr"nna#s( H" had not
b""n th"r" for so" ti", and, b"sid"s that, it occurr"d to hi that th" day
was his birthday( H" wou'd )"rit his"'f an "7tra )i)" and a f"w g'ass"s of
b""r( :h"n !cT"agu" "nt"r"d Fr"nna#s back roo by th" str""t door, h"
found !arcus and H"is" a'r"ady insta''"d at on" of th" tab'"s( Two or thr"" of
th" o'd <"rans sat o))osit" th", gu')ing th"ir b""r fro ti" to ti"(
H"is" was soking a cigar, but !arcus had b"for" hi his fourth whisk"y
cocktai'( At th" o"nt of !cT"agu"#s "ntranc" !arcus had th" 5oor(
/It can#t b" )ro+"n,/ h" was y"''ing( /I d"fy any san" )o'itician whos" "y"s ar"
not b'ind"d by )arty )r"&udic"s, whos" o)inions ar" not war)"d by a )"rsona'
bias, to substantiat" such a stat""nt( 2ook at your facts, 'ook at your
3gur"s( I a a fr"" A"rican citi6"n, ain#t I@ I )ay y ta7"s to su))ort a good
go+"rn"nt, don#t I@ It#s a contract b"tw""n " and th" go+"rn"nt, ain#t it@
:"'', th"n, by dan? if th" authoriti"s do not or wi'' not a$ord " )rot"ction
for 'if", 'ib"rty, and th" )ursuit of ha))in"ss, th"n y ob'igations ar" at an
"nd* I withho'd y ta7"s( I do4I do4I say I do( :hat@/ H" g'ar"d about hi,
s""king o))osition(
/That#s nons"ns",/ obs"r+"d H"is", 8ui"t'y( /Try it onc"* you#'' g"t &ugg"d(/
1ut this obs"r+ation of th" harn"ss%ak"r#s rous"d !arcus to th" 'ast )itch of
fr"n6y(
/9"s, ah, y"s?/ h" shout"d, rising to his f""t, shaking his 3ng"r in th" oth"r#s
fac"( /9"s, I#d go to &ai'* but b"caus" I4I a crush"d by a tyranny, do"s that
ak" th" tyranny right@ 0o"s ight ak" right@/
/9ou ust ak" '"ss nois" in h"r", !ist"r Schou'"r,/ said Fr"nna, fro b"hind
th" bar(
/:"'', it ak"s " ad,/ answ"r"d !arcus, subsiding into a grow' and
r"suing his chair( /Hu''o, !ac(/
/Hu''o, !ark(/
1ut !cT"agu"#s )r"s"nc" ad" !arcus un"asy, rousing in hi at onc" a
s"ns" of wrong( H" twist"d to and fro in his chair, shrugging 3rst on"
shou'd"r and th"n anoth"r( Buarr"'so" at a'' ti"s, th" h"at of th" )r"+ious
discussion had awak"n"d within hi a'' his natura' cobati+"n"ss( 1"sid"s
this, h" was drinking his fourth cocktai'(
!cT"agu" b"gan 3''ing his big )orc"'ain )i)"( H" 'it it, b'"w a gr"at c'oud of
sok" into th" roo, and s"tt'"d his"'f cofortab'y in his chair( Th" sok"
of his ch"a) tobacco drift"d into th" fac"s of th" grou) at th" ad&oining tab'",
and !arcus strang'"d and cough"d( Instant'y his "y"s 5a"d(
/Say, for <od#s sak",/ h" +ocif"rat"d, /chok" o$ on that )i)"? If you#+" got to
sok" ro)" 'ik" that, sok" it in a crowd of uck"rs* don#t co" h"r"
aongst g"nt'""n(/
/Shut u), Schou'"r?/ obs"r+"d H"is" in a 'ow +oic"(
!cT"agu" was stunn"d by th" sudd"nn"ss of th" attack( H" took his )i)"
fro his outh, and star"d b'ank'y at !arcus* his 'i)s o+"d, but h" said no
word( !arcus turn"d his back on hi, and th" d"ntist r"su"d his )i)"(
1ut !arcus was far fro b"ing a))"as"d( !cT"agu" cou'd not h"ar th" ta'k
that fo''ow"d b"tw""n hi and th" harn"ssak"r, but it s"""d to hi that
!arcus was t"''ing H"is" of so" in&ury, so" gri"+anc", and that th" 'att"r
was trying to )acify hi( A'' at onc" th"ir ta'k gr"w 'oud"r( H"is" 'aid a
r"taining hand u)on his co)anion#s coat s'""+", but !arcus swung his"'f
around in his chair, and, 37ing his "y"s on !cT"agu", cri"d as if in answ"r to
so" )rot"station on th" )art of H"is";
/A'' I know is that I#+" b""n so'di"r"d out of 3+" thousand do''ars(/
!cT"agu" ga)"d at hi, b"wi'd"r"d( H" r"o+"d his )i)" fro his outh a
s"cond ti", and star"d at !arcus with "y"s fu'' of troub'" and )"r)'"7ity(
/If I had y rights,/ cri"d !arcus, bitt"r'y, /I#d ha+" )art of that on"y( It#s
y du"4it#s on'y &ustic"(/ Th" d"ntist sti'' k")t si'"nc"(
/If it hadn#t b""n for ",/ !arcus continu"d, addr"ssing his"'f dir"ct'y to
!cT"agu", /you wou'dn#t ha+" had a c"nt of it4no, not a c"nt( :h"r"#s y
shar", I#d 'ik" to know@ :h"r" do I co" in@ No, I ain#t in it any or"( I#+"
b""n )'ay"d for a suck"r, an# now that you#+" got a'' you can out of ", now
that you#+" don" " out of y gir' and out of y on"y, you gi+" " th" go%
by( :hy, wh"r" wou'd you ha+" b""n T,%0A9 if it hadn#t b""n for "@/
!arcus shout"d in a sudd"n "7as)"ration, /9ou#d a b""n )'ugging t""th at
two bits an hour( Ain#t you got any gratitud"@ Ain#t you got any s"ns" of
d"c"ncy@/
/Ah, ho'd u), Schou'"r,/ grub'"d H"is"( /9ou don#t want to g"t into a row(/
/No, I don#t, H"is",/ r"turn"d !arcus, with a )'ainti+", aggri"+"d air( /1ut it#s
too uch so"ti"s wh"n you think of it( H" sto'" away y gir'#s a$"ctions,
and now that h"#s rich and )ros)"rous, and has got 3+" thousand do''ars that
I ight ha+" had, h" gi+"s " th" go%by* h"#s )'ay"d " for a suck"r( 2ook
h"r",/ h" cri"d, turning again to !cT"agu", /do I g"t any of that on"y@/
/It ain#t in" to gi+",/ answ"r"d !cT"agu"( /9ou#r" drunk, that#s what you
ar"(/
/0o I g"t any of that on"y@/ cri"d !arcus, )"rsist"nt'y(
Th" d"ntist shook his h"ad( /No, you don#t g"t any of it(/
/Now4N,:,/ c'aor"d th" oth"r, turning to th" harn"ssak"r, as though
this "7)'ain"d "+"rything( /2ook at that, 'ook at that( :"'', I#+" don" with you
fro now on(/ !arcus had ris"n to his f""t by this ti" and ad" as if to
'"a+", but at "+"ry instant h" ca" back, shouting his )hras"s into
!cT"agu"#s fac", o+ing o$ again as h" s)ok" th" 'ast words, in ord"r to gi+"
th" b"tt"r "$"ct(
/This s"tt'"s it right h"r"( I#+" don" with you( 0on#t you "+"r dar" s)"ak to
" again/4his +oic" was shaking with fury4/and don#t you sit at y tab'" in
th" r"staurant again( I# sorry I "+"r 'ow"r"d ys"'f to k"") co)any with
such dirt( Ah, on"%hors" d"ntist? Ah, t"n%c"nt 6inc%)'ugg"r4hood'u4
!=CKER? <"t your dan sok" outa y fac"(/
Th"n att"rs r"ach"d a sudd"n c'ia7( In his agitation th" d"ntist had b""n
)u''ing hard on his )i)", and as !arcus for th" 'ast ti" thrust his fac" c'os"
to his own, !cT"agu", in o)"ning his 'i)s to r")'y, b'"w a sti5ing, acrid c'oud
dir"ct'y in !arcus Schou'"r#s "y"s( !arcus knock"d th" )i)" fro his 3ng"rs
with a sudd"n 5ash of his hand* it s)un across th" roo and brok" into a
do6"n frag"nts in a far corn"r(
!cT"agu" ros" to his f""t, his "y"s wid"( 1ut as y"t h" was not angry, on'y
sur)ris"d, tak"n a'' aback by th" sudd"nn"ss of !arcus Schou'"r#s outbr"ak
as w"'' as by its unr"asonab'"n"ss( :hy had !arcus brok"n his )i)"@ :hat
did it a'' "an, anyway@ As h" ros" th" d"ntist ad" a +agu" otion with his
right hand( 0id !arcus isint"r)r"t it as a g"stur" of "nac"@ H" s)rang
back as though a+oiding a b'ow( A'' at onc" th"r" was a cry( !arcus had ad"
a 8uick, )"cu'iar otion, swinging his ar u)ward with a wid" and sw"")ing
g"stur"* his &ack%knif" 'ay o)"n in his )a'* it shot forward as h" 5ung it,
g'int"d shar)'y by !cT"agu"#s h"ad, and struck 8ui+"ring into th" wa''
b"hind(
A sudd"n chi'' ran through th" roo* th" oth"rs stood trans37"d, as at th"
swift )assag" of so" co'd and d"ad'y wind( 0"ath had stoo)"d th"r" for an
instant, had stoo)"d and )ast, '"a+ing a trai' of t"rror and confusion( Th"n
th" door '"ading to th" str""t s'a"d* !arcus had disa))"ar"d(
Th"r"on a gr"at bab"' of "7c'aation aros"( Th" t"nsion of that a'' but fata'
instant sna))"d, and s)""ch b"ca" onc" or" )ossib'"(
/H" wou'd ha+" knif"d you(/
/Narrow "sca)"(/
/:hat kind of a an do you ca'' THAT@/
/#Tain#t his fau't h" ain#t a urd"r"r(/
/I#d ha+" hi u) for it(/
/And th"y two ha+" b""n th" gr"at"st kind of fri"nds(/
/H" didn#t touch you, did h"@/
/No4no4no(/
/:hat a4what a d"+i'? :hat tr"ach"ry? A r"gu'ar gr"as"r trick?/
/2ook out h" don#t stab you in th" back( If that#s th" kind of an h" is, you
n"+"r can t"''(/
Fr"nna dr"w th" knif" fro th" wa''(
/<u"ss I#'' k"") this toad%stabb"r,/ h" obs"r+"d( /That f"''ow won#t co"
round for it in a hurry* goodsi6"d b'ad", too(/ Th" grou) "7ain"d it with
int"ns" int"r"st(
/1ig "nough to '"t th" 'if" out of any an,/ obs"r+"d H"is"(
/:hat4what4what did h" do it for@/ sta"r"d !cT"agu"( /I got no 8uarr"'
with hi(/
H" was )u66'"d and harass"d by th" strang"n"ss of it a''( !arcus wou'd ha+"
ki''"d hi* had thrown his knif" at hi in th" tru", uncanny /gr"as"r/ sty'"( It
was in"7)'icab'"( !cT"agu" sat down again, 'ooking stu)id'y about on th"
5oor( In a corn"r of th" roo his "y" "ncount"r"d his brok"n )i)", a do6"n
'itt'" frag"nts of )aint"d )orc"'ain and th" st" of ch"rry wood and ab"r(
At that sight his tardy wrath, "+"r 'agging b"hind th" origina' a$ront,
sudd"n'y b'a6"d u)( Instant'y his hug" &aws c'ick"d tog"th"r(
/H" can#t ak" sa'' of !E,/ h" "7c'ai"d, sudd"n'y( /I#'' show !arcus
Schou'"r4I#'' show hi4I#''44/
H" got u) and c'a))"d on his hat(
/Now, 0octor,/ r"onstrat"d H"is", standing b"tw""n hi and th" door,
/don#t go ak" a foo' of yours"'f(/
/2"t #u a'on",/ &oin"d in Fr"nna, catching th" d"ntist by th" ar* /h"#s fu'',
anyhow(/
/H" brok" y )i)",/ answ"r"d !cT"agu"(
It was this that had rous"d hi( Th" thrown knif", th" att")t on his 'if", was
b"yond his so'ution* but th" br"aking of his )i)" h" und"rstood c'"ar'y
"nough(
/I#'' show hi,/ h" "7c'ai"d(
As though th"y had b""n 'itt'" chi'dr"n, !cT"agu" s"t Fr"nna and th"
harn"ss%ak"r asid", and strod" out at th" door 'ik" a raging "'")hant( H"is"
stood rubbing his shou'd"r(
/!ight as w"'' try to sto) a 'ocooti+",/ h" utt"r"d( /Th" an#s ad" of
iron(/
!"anwhi'", !cT"agu" w"nt storing u) th" str""t toward th" 5at, wagging
his h"ad and grub'ing to his"'f( Ah, !arcus wou'd br"ak his )i)", wou'd
h"@ Ah, h" was a 6inc%)'ugg"r, was h"@ H"#d show !arcus Schou'"r( No on"
shou'd ak" sa'' of hi( H" tra)"d u) th" stairs to !arcus#s roo( Th"
door was 'ock"d( Th" d"ntist )ut on" "norous hand on th" knob and )ush"d
th" door in, sna))ing th" wood%work, t"aring o$ th" 'ock( Nobody4th" roo
was dark and ")ty( N"+"r ind, !arcus wou'd ha+" to co" ho" so"
ti" that night( !cT"agu" wou'd go down and wait for hi in his /Par'ors(/ H"
was bound to h"ar hi as h" ca" u) th" stairs(
As !cT"agu" r"ach"d his roo h" stub'"d o+"r, in th" darkn"ss, a big
)acking%bo7 that stood in th" ha''way &ust outsid" his door( Pu66'"d, h"
st"))"d o+"r it, and 'ighting th" gas in his roo, dragg"d it insid" and
"7ain"d it(
It was addr"ss"d to hi( :hat cou'd it "an@ H" was "7)"cting nothing(
N"+"r sinc" h" had 3rst furnish"d his roo had )acking%cas"s b""n '"ft for
hi in this fashion( No istak" was )ossib'"( Th"r" w"r" his na" and
addr"ss unistakab'y( /0r( !cT"agu", d"ntist4Po'k Str""t, San Francisco,
Ca'(,/ and th" r"d :"''s Fargo tag(
S"i6"d with th" &oyfu' curiosity of an o+"rgrown boy, h" )ri"d o$ th" boards
with th" corn"r of his 3r"sho+"'( Th" cas" was stu$"d fu'' of "7c"'sior( ,n th"
to) 'ay an "n+"'o)" addr"ss"d to hi in Trina#s handwriting( H" o)"n"d it and
r"ad, /For y d"ar !ac#s birthday, fro Trina*/ and b"'ow, in a kind of )ost%
scri)t, /Th" an wi'' b" round to%orrow to )ut it in )'ac"(/ !cT"agu" tor"
away th" "7c"'sior( Sudd"n'y h" utt"r"d an "7c'aation(
It was th" Tooth4th" faous go'd"n o'ar with its hug" )rongs4his sign, his
abition, th" on" unr"a'i6"d dr"a of his 'if"* and it was Fr"nch gi't, too, not
th" ch"a) <"ran gi't that was no good( Ah, what a d"ar 'itt'" woan was
this Trina, to k"") so 8ui"t, to r""b"r his birthday?
/Ain#t sh"4ain#t sh" &ust a4&ust a .E:E2,/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu" und"r his
br"ath, /a .E:E24y"s, &ust a .E:E2* that#s th" word(/
C"ry car"fu''y h" r"o+"d th" r"st of th" "7c"'sior, and 'ifting th" )ond"rous
Tooth fro its bo7, s"t it u)on th" arb'"%to) c"ntr" tab'"( How i"ns" it
'ook"d in that 'itt'" roo? Th" thing was tr""ndous, o+"r)ow"ring4th"
tooth of a gigantic fossi', go'd"n and da66'ing( 1"sid" it "+"rything s"""d
dwarf"d( E+"n !cT"agu" his"'f, big bon"d and "norous as h" was, shrank
and dwind'"d in th" )r"s"nc" of th" onst"r( As for an instant h" bor" it in
his hands, it was 'ik" a )uny <u''i+"r strugg'ing with th" o'ar of so" +ast
1robdingnag(
Th" d"ntist circ'"d about that go'd"n wond"r, gas)ing with d"'ight and
stu)"faction, touching it ging"r'y with his hands as if it w"r" so"thing
sacr"d( At "+"ry o"nt his thought r"turn"d to Trina( No, n"+"r was th"r"
such a 'itt'" woan as his4th" +"ry thing h" want"d4how had sh"
r""b"r"d@ And th" on"y, wh"r" had that co" fro@ No on" kn"w
b"tt"r than h" how "7)"nsi+" w"r" th"s" signs* not anoth"r d"ntist on Po'k
Str""t cou'd a$ord on"( :h"r", th"n, had Trina found th" on"y@ It ca" out
of h"r 3+" thousand do''ars, no doubt(
1ut what a wond"rfu', b"autifu' tooth it was, to b" sur", bright as a irror,
shining th"r" in its coat of Fr"nch gi't, as if with a 'ight of its own? No dang"r
of that tooth turning b'ack with th" w"ath"r, as did th" ch"a) <"ran gi't
i)ostur"s( :hat wou'd that oth"r d"ntist, that )os"r, that rid"r of bicyc'"s,
that cours"r of gr"yhounds, say wh"n h" shou'd s"" this ar+"''ous o'ar
run out fro !cT"agu"#s bay window 'ik" a 5ag of d"3anc"@ No doubt h"
wou'd su$"r +"ritab'" con+u'sions of "n+y* wou'd b" )ositi+"'y sick with
&"a'ousy( If !cT"agu" cou'd on'y s"" his fac" at th" o"nt?
For a who'" hour th" d"ntist sat th"r" in his 'itt'" /Par'or,/ ga6ing "cstatica''y
at his tr"asur", da66'"d, su)r""'y cont"nt( Th" who'" roo took on a
di$"r"nt as)"ct b"caus" of it( Th" ston" )ug dog b"for" th" 'itt'" sto+"
r"5"ct"d it in his )rotruding "y"s* th" canary wok" and chitt"r"d f""b'y at
this n"w gi't, so uch bright"r than th" bars of its 'itt'" )rison( 2or"n6o d"#
!"dici, in th" st""' "ngra+ing, sitting in th" h"art of his court, s"""d to og'"
th" thing out of th" corn"r of on" "y", whi'" th" bri''iant co'ors of th" unus"d
ri5" anufactur"r#s ca'"ndar s"""d to fad" and )a'" in th" bri''ianc" of this
gr"at"r g'ory(
At '"ngth, 'ong aft"r idnight, th" d"ntist start"d to go to b"d, undr"ssing
his"'f with his "y"s sti'' 37"d on th" gr"at tooth( A'' at onc" h" h"ard
!arcus Schou'"r#s foot on th" stairs* h" start"d u) with his 3sts c'"nch"d, but
i"diat"'y dro))"d back u)on th" b"d%'oung" with a g"stur" of
indi$"r"nc"(
H" was in no trucu'"nt stat" of ind now( H" cou'd not r"instat" his"'f in
that ood of wrath wh"r"in h" had '"ft th" corn"r groc"ry( Th" tooth had
chang"d a'' that( :hat was !arcus Schou'"r#s hatr"d to hi, who had Trina#s
a$"ction@ :hat did h" car" about a brok"n )i)" now that h" had th" tooth@
2"t hi go( As Fr"nna said, h" was not worth it( H" h"ard !arcus co" out
into th" ha'', shouting aggri"+"d'y to anyon" within sound of his +oic";
/An# now h" br"aks into y roo4into y roo, by dan? How do I know
how any things h"#s sto'"n@ It#s co" to st"a'ing fro ", now, has it@/ H"
w"nt into his roo, banging his s)'int"r"d door(
!cT"agu" 'ook"d u)ward at th" c"i'ing, in th" dir"ction of th" +oic",
utt"ring;
/Ah, go to b"d, you(/
H" w"nt to b"d his"'f, turning out th" gas, but '"a+ing th" window%curtains
u) so that h" cou'd s"" th" tooth th" 'ast thing b"for" h" w"nt to s'"") and
th" 3rst thing as h" aros" in th" orning(
1ut h" was r"st'"ss during th" night( E+"ry now and th"n h" was awak"n"d
by nois"s to which h" had 'ong sinc" b"co" accusto"d( Now it was th"
cack'ing of th" g""s" in th" d"s"rt"d ark"t across th" str""t* now it was th"
sto))ag" of th" cab'", th" sudd"n si'"nc" coing a'ost 'ik" a shock* and
now it was th" infuriat"d barking of th" dogs in th" back yard4A'"c, th" Irish
s"tt"r, and th" co''i" that b"'ong"d to th" branch )ost%o-c" raging at "ach
oth"r through th" f"nc", snar'ing th"ir "nd'"ss hatr"d into "ach oth"r#s fac"s(
As oft"n as h" wok", !cT"agu" turn"d and 'ook"d for th" tooth, with a
sudd"n sus)icion that h" had on'y that o"nt dr"a"d th" who'" busin"ss(
1ut h" a'ways found it4Trina#s gift, his birthday fro his 'itt'" woan4a
hug", +agu" bu'k, 'ooing th"r" through th" ha'f darkn"ss in th" c"ntr" of
th" roo, shining di'y out as if with so" yst"rious 'ight of its own(
CHAPTER O
Trina and !cT"agu" w"r" arri"d on th" 3rst day of .un", in th"
)hotogra)h"r#s roos that th" d"ntist had r"nt"d( A'' through !ay th" Si"))"
hous"ho'd had b""n turn"d u)sid" down( Th" 'itt'" bo7 of a hous" +ibrat"d
with "7cit""nt and confusion, for not on'y w"r" th" )r")arations for Trina#s
arriag" to b" ad", but a'so th" )r"'iinari"s w"r" to b" arrang"d for th"
h"gira of th" "ntir" Si"))" fai'y(
Th"y w"r" to o+" to th" south"rn )art of th" Stat" th" day aft"r Trina#s
arriag", !r( Si"))" ha+ing bought a third int"r"st in an u)ho'st"ring
busin"ss in th" suburbs of 2os Ang"'"s( It was )ossib'" that !arcus Schou'"r
wou'd go with th"(
Not Stan'"y )"n"trating for th" 3rst ti" into th" 0ark Contin"nt, not
Na)o'"on '"ading his ary across th" A')s, was or" w"ight"d with
r"s)onsibi'ity, or" burd"n"d with car", or" o+"rco" with th" s"ns" of
th" i)ortanc" of his und"rtaking, than was !r( Si"))" during this )"riod of
)r")aration( Fro dawn to dark, fro dark to "ar'y dawn, h" toi'"d and
)'ann"d and fr"tt"d, organi6ing and r"organi6ing, )ro&"cting and d"+ising(
Th" trunks w"r" '"tt"r"d, A, 1, and C, th" )ackag"s and sa''"r bund'"s
nub"r"d( Each "b"r of th" fai'y had his "s)"cia' duty to )"rfor, his
)articu'ar bund'"s to o+"rs""( Not a d"tai' was forgott"n4far"s, )ric"s, and
ti)s w"r" ca'cu'at"d to two )'ac"s of d"cia's( E+"n th" aount of food that
it wou'd b" n"c"ssary to carry for th" b'ack gr"yhound was d"t"rin"d( !rs(
Si"))" was to 'ook aft"r th" 'unch, /d"r goisariat(/ !r( Si"))" wou'd
assu" charg" of th" ch"cks, th" on"y, th" tick"ts, and, of cours", g"n"ra'
su)"r+ision( Th" twins wou'd b" und"r th" coand of ,wgoost", who, in
turn, wou'd r")ort for ord"rs to his fath"r(
0ay in and day out th"s" inutia" w"r" r"h"ars"d( Th" chi'dr"n w"r" dri''"d
in th"ir )arts with a i'itary "7actitud"* ob"di"nc" and )unctua'ity b"ca"
cardina' +irtu"s( Th" +ast i)ortanc" of th" und"rtaking was insist"d u)on
with scru)u'ous it"ration( It was a ano"u+r", an ary changing its bas" of
o)"rations, a +"ritab'" triba' igration(
,n th" oth"r hand, Trina#s 'itt'" roo was th" c"ntr" around which r"+o'+"d
anoth"r and di$"r"nt ord"r of things( Th" dr"ssak"r ca" and w"nt,
congratu'atory +isitors in+ad"d th" 'itt'" front )ar'or, th" chatt"r of unfai'iar
+oic"s r"sound"d fro th" front st")s* bonn"t%bo7"s and yards of dr"ss%
goods 'itt"r"d th" b"ds and chairs* wra))ing )a)"r, tissu" )a)"r, and bits of
string str"w"d th" 5oor* a )air of whit" satin s'i))"rs stood on a corn"r of th"
toi'"t tab'"* '"ngths of whit" +"i'ing, 'ik" a snow%5urry, buri"d th" 'itt'" work%
tab'"* and a is'aid bo7 of arti3cia' orang" b'ossos was 3na''y disco+"r"d
b"hind th" bur"au(
Th" two syst"s of o)"ration oft"n c'ash"d and tang'"d( !rs( Si"))" was
found by h"r harass"d husband h"')ing Trina with th" waist of h"r gown
wh"n sh" shou'd ha+" b""n s'icing co'd chick"n in th" kitch"n( !r( Si"))"
)ack"d his frock coat, which h" wou'd ha+" to w"ar at th" w"dding, at th"
+"ry botto of /Trunk C(/ Th" inist"r, who ca''"d to o$"r his congratu'ations
and to ak" arrang""nts, was istak"n for th" "7)r"ssan(
!cT"agu" ca" and w"nt furti+"'y, di66i"d and ad" un"asy by a'' this
bust'"( H" got in th" way* h" trod u)on and tor" br"adths of si'k* h" tri"d to
h"') carry th" )acking%bo7"s, and brok" th" ha'' gas 37tur"* h" ca" in u)on
Trina and th" dr"ss%ak"r at an i''%ti"d o"nt, and r"tiring )r"ci)itat"'y,
o+"rturn"d th" )i'"s of )ictur"s stack"d in th" ha''(
Th"r" was an inc"ssant going and coing at "+"ry o"nt of th" day, a
gr"at ca''ing u) and down stairs, a shouting fro roo to roo, an o)"ning
and shutting of doors, and an int"ritt"nt sound of ha"ring fro th"
'aundry, wh"r" !r( Si"))" in his shirt s'""+"s 'abor"d aong th" )acking%
bo7"s( Th" twins c'att"r"d about on th" car)"t'"ss 5oors of th" d"nud"d
roos( ,wgoost" was sack"d fro hour to hour, and w")t u)on th" front
stairs* th" dr"ssak"r ca''"d o+"r th" banist"rs for a hot 5atiron* "7)r"ss"n
tra)"d u) and down th" stairway( !rs( Si"))" sto))"d in th" )r")aration of
th" 'unch"s to ca'' /Hoo), Hoo)/ to th" gr"yhound, throwing 'u)s of coa'(
Th" dog%wh""' cr"ak"d, th" front door b"'' rang, d"'i+"ry wagons rub'"d
away, windows ratt'"d4th" 'itt'" hous" was in a )ositi+" u)roar(
A'ost "+"ry day of th" w""k now Trina was ob'ig"d to run o+"r to town and
""t !cT"agu"( No or" )hi'and"ring o+"r th"ir 'unch now%a%days( It was
busin"ss now( Th"y haunt"d th" hous"%furnishing 5oors of th" gr"at
d")art"nt hous"s, ins)"cting and )ricing rang"s, hardwar", china, and th"
'ik"( Th"y r"nt"d th" )hotogra)h"r#s roos furnish"d, and fortunat"'y on'y
th" kitch"n and dining%roo ut"nsi's had to b" bought(
Th" on"y for this as w"'' as for h"r trouss"au ca" out of Trina#s 3+"
thousand do''ars( For it had b""n 3na''y d"cid"d that two hundr"d do''ars of
this aount shou'd b" d"+ot"d to th" "stab'ish"nt of th" n"w hous"ho'd(
Now that Trina had ad" h"r gr"at winning, !r( Si"))" no 'ong"r saw th"
n"c"ssity of dow"ring h"r furth"r, "s)"cia''y wh"n h" consid"r"d th"
"norous "7)"ns" to which h" wou'd b" )ut by th" +oyag" of his own fai'y(
It had b""n a dr"adfu' wr"nch for Trina to br"ak in u)on h"r )r"cious 3+"
thousand( Sh" c'ung to this su with a t"nacity that was sur)rising* it had
b"co" for h"r a thing iracu'ous, a god%fro%th"%achin", sudd"n'y
d"sc"nding u)on th" stag" of h"r hub'" 'itt'" 'if"* sh" r"gard"d it as
so"thing a'ost sacr"d and in+io'ab'"( N"+"r, n"+"r shou'd a )"nny of it b"
s)"nt( 1"for" sh" cou'd b" induc"d to )art with two hundr"d do''ars of it,
or" than on" sc"n" had b""n "nact"d b"tw""n h"r and h"r )ar"nts(
0id Trina )ay for th" go'd"n tooth out of this two hundr"d@ 2at"r on, th"
d"ntist oft"n ask"d h"r about it, but Trina in+ariab'y 'augh"d in his fac",
d"c'aring that it was h"r s"cr"t( !cT"agu" n"+"r found out(
,n" day during this )"riod !cT"agu" to'd Trina about his a$air with !arcus(
Instant'y sh" was arous"d(
/H" thr"w his knif" at you? Th" coward? H" wou'dn#t of dar"d stand u) to you
'ik" a an( ,h, !ac, su))os" h" HA0 hit you@/
/Ca" within an inch of y h"ad,/ )ut in !cT"agu", )roud'y(
/Think of it?/ sh" gas)"d* /and h" want"d )art of y on"y( :"'', I do 'ik" his
ch""k* )art of y 3+" thousand? :hy, it#s in", "+"ry sing'" )"nny of it(
!arcus hasn#t th" '"ast bit of right to it( It#s in", in"(4I "an, it#s ours,
!ac, d"ar(/
Th" "'d"r Si"))"s, how"+"r, ad" "7cus"s for !arcus( H" had )robab'y b""n
drinking a good d"a' and didn#t know what h" was about( H" had a dr"adfu'
t")"r, anyhow( !ayb" h" on'y want"d to scar" !cT"agu"(
Th" w""k b"for" th" arriag" th" two "n w"r" r"conci'"d( !rs( Si"))"
brought th" tog"th"r in th" front )ar'or of th" 1 Str""t hous"(
/Now, you two f"''"rs, don#t b" dot foo'ish( Schak" hands und aig ut oo),
soh(/
!arcus utt"r"d an a)o'ogy( !cT"agu", is"rab'y "barrass"d, ro''"d his
"y"s about th" roo, ururing, /That#s a'' right4that#s a'' right4that#s a''
right(/
How"+"r, wh"n it was )ro)os"d that !arcus shou'd b" !cT"agu"#s b"st an,
h" 5ash"d out again with r"n"w"d +io'"nc"( Ah, no? ah, N,? H"#d ak" u)
with th" d"ntist now that h" was going away, but h"#d b" dan"d4y"s, h"
wou'd4b"for" h"#d b" his b"st an( That was rubbing it in( 2"t hi g"t ,'d
<rannis(
/I# fri"nds with u a'' right,/ +ocif"rat"d !arcus, /but I#'' not stand u) with
u( I#'' not b" AN91,09#S b"st an, I won#t(/
Th" w"dding was to b" +"ry 8ui"t* Trina )r"f"rr"d it that way( !cT"agu"
wou'd in+it" on'y !iss 1ak"r and H"is" th" harn"ss%ak"r( Th" Si"))"s s"nt
cards to S"'ina, who was count"d on to furnish th" usic* to !arcus, of
cours"* and to =nc'" ,"'b"rann(
At 'ast th" gr"at day, th" 3rst of .un", arri+"d( Th" Si"))"s had )ack"d th"ir
'ast bo7 and had stra))"d th" 'ast trunk( Trina#s two trunks had a'r"ady b""n
s"nt to h"r n"w ho"4th" r"od"''"d )hotogra)h"r#s roos( Th" 1 Str""t
hous" was d"s"rt"d* th" who'" fai'y ca" o+"r to th" city on th" 'ast day of
!ay and sto))"d o+"r night at on" of th" ch"a) downtown hot"'s( Trina
wou'd b" arri"d th" fo''owing "+"ning, and i"diat"'y aft"r th" w"dding
su))"r th" Si"))"s wou'd '"a+" for th" South(
!cT"agu" s)"nt th" day in a f"+"r of agitation, fright"n"d out of his wits "ach
ti" that ,'d <rannis '"ft his "'bow(
,'d <rannis was d"'ight"d b"yond "asur" at th" )ros)"ct of acting th" )art
of b"st an in th" c"r"ony( This w"dding in which h" was to 3gur" 3''"d his
ind with +agu" id"as and ha'f%for"d thoughts( H" found his"'f
continua''y wond"ring what !iss 1ak"r wou'd think of it( 0uring a'' that day
h" was in a r"5"cti+" ood(
/!arriag" is a4a nob'" institution, is it not, 0octor@/ h" obs"r+"d to
!cT"agu"( /Th"4th" foundation of soci"ty( It is not good that an shou'd b"
a'on"( No, no,/ h" add"d, )"nsi+"'y, /it is not good(/
/Huh@ 9"s, y"s,/ !cT"agu" answ"r"d, his "y"s in th" air, hard'y h"aring hi(
/0o you think th" roos ar" a'' right@ 2"t#s go in and 'ook at th" again(/
Th"y w"nt down th" ha'' to wh"r" th" n"w roos w"r" situat"d, and th"
d"ntist ins)"ct"d th" for th" tw"nti"th ti"(
Th" roos w"r" thr"" in nub"r43rst, th" sitting%roo, which was a'so th"
dining%roo* th"n th" b"droo, and back of this th" tiny kitch"n(
Th" sitting%roo was )articu'ar'y charing( C'"an atting co+"r"d th" 5oor,
and two or thr"" bright co'or"d rugs w"r" scatt"r"d h"r" and th"r"( Th"
backs of th" chairs w"r" hung with knitt"d worst"d tidi"s, +"ry gay( Th" bay
window shou'd ha+" b""n occu)i"d by Trina#s s"wing achin", but this had
b""n o+"d to th" oth"r sid" of th" roo to gi+" )'ac" to a 'itt'" b'ack wa'nut
tab'" with s)ira' '"gs, b"for" which th" )air w"r" to b" arri"d( In on" corn"r
stood th" )ar'or "'od"on, a fai'y )oss"ssion of th" Si"))"s, but gi+"n now
to Trina as on" of h"r )ar"nts# w"dding )r"s"nts( Thr"" )ictur"s hung u)on
th" wa''s( Two w"r" co)anion )i"c"s( ,n" of th"s" r")r"s"nt"d a 'itt'" boy
w"aring hug" s)"ctac'"s and trying to sok" an "norous )i)"( This was
ca''"d /I# <rand)a,/ th" tit'" b"ing )rint"d in 'arg" b'ack '"tt"rs* th"
co)anion )ictur" was "ntit'"d /I# <randa,/ a 'itt'" gir' in ca) and /s)"cs,/
w"aring itts, and knitting( Th"s" )ictur"s w"r" hung on "ith"r sid" of th"
ant"')i"c"( Th" oth"r )ictur" was 8uit" an a$air, +"ry 'arg" and striking( It
was a co'or"d 'ithogra)h of two 'itt'" go'd"n%hair"d gir's in th"ir nightgowns(
Th"y w"r" kn""'ing down and saying th"ir )ray"rs* th"ir "y"s4+"ry 'arg"
and +"ry b'u"4ro''"d u)ward( This )ictur" had for na", /Faith,/ and was
bord"r"d with a r"d )'ush at and a fra" of iitation b"at"n brass(
A door hung with ch"ni''" )orti"r"s4a bargain at two do''ars and a ha'f4
aditt"d on" to th" b"droo( Th" b"droo cou'd boast a car)"t, thr""%)'y
ingrain, th" d"sign b"ing bunch"s of r"d and gr""n 5ow"rs in y"''ow bask"ts
on a whit" ground( Th" wa''%)a)"r was adirab'"4hundr"ds and hundr"ds of
tiny .a)an"s" andarins, a'' id"ntica''y a'ik", h"')ing hundr"ds of a'ond%
"y"d 'adi"s into hundr"ds of i)ossib'" &unks, whi'" hundr"ds of baboo
)a's o+"rshadow"d th" )air, and hundr"ds of 'ong%'"gg"d storks trai'"d
cont")tuous'y away fro th" sc"n"( This roo was )ro'i3c in )ictur"s( !ost
of th" w"r" fra"d co'or"d )rints fro Christas "ditions of th" 2ondon
/<ra)hic/ and /I''ustrat"d N"ws,/ th" sub&"ct of "ach )ictur" in"+itab'y
in+o'+ing +"ry a'"rt fo7 t"rri"rs and +"ry )r"tty oon%fac"d 'itt'" gir's(
1ack of th" b"droo was th" kitch"n, a cr"ation of Trina#s, a dr"a of a
kitch"n, with its rang", its )orc"'ain%'in"d sink, its co))"r boi'"r, and its
o+"r)ow"ring array of 5ashing tinwar"( E+"rything was n"w* "+"rything was
co)'"t"(
!aria !aca)a and a wait"r fro on" of th" r"staurants in th" str""t w"r" to
)r")ar" th" w"dding su))"r h"r"( !aria had a'r"ady )ut in an a))"aranc"(
Th" 3r" was crack'ing in th" n"w sto+", that sok"d bad'y* a s"'' of cooking
was in th" air( Sh" dro+" !cT"agu" and ,'d <rannis fro th" roo with gr"at
g"stur"s of h"r bar" ars(
This kitch"n was th" on'y on" of th" thr"" roos th"y had b""n ob'ig"d to
furnish throughout( !ost of th" sitting%roo and b"droo furnitur" w"nt with
th" suit"* a f"w )i"c"s th"y had bought* th" r"aind"r Trina had brought
o+"r fro th" 1 Str""t hous"(
Th" )r"s"nts had b""n s"t out on th" "7t"nsion tab'" in th" sitting%roo(
1"sid"s th" )ar'or "'od"on, Trina#s )ar"nts had gi+"n h"r an ic"%wat"r s"t,
and a car+ing knif" and fork with "'k%horn hand'"s( S"'ina had )aint"d a +i"w
of th" <o'd"n <at" u)on a )o'ish"d s'ic" of r"dwood that answ"r"d th"
)ur)os"s of a )a)"r w"ight( !arcus Schou'"r4aft"r i)r"ssing u)on Trina
that his gift was to HER, and not to !cT"agu"4had s"nt a chat"'ain" watch of
<"ran si'+"r* =nc'" ,"'b"rann#s )r"s"nt, how"+"r, had b""n await"d with
a good d"a' of curiosity( :hat wou'd h" s"nd@ H" was +"ry rich* in a s"ns"
Trina was his )rot"g"( A cou)'" of days b"for" that u)on which th" w"dding
was to tak" )'ac", two bo7"s arri+"d with his card( Trina and !cT"agu",
assist"d by ,'d <rannis, had o)"n"d th"( Th" 3rst was a bo7 of a'' sorts of
toys(
/1ut what4what4I don#t ak" it out,/ !cT"agu" had "7c'ai"d( /:hy shou'd
h" s"nd us toys@ :" ha+" no n""d of toys(/ Scar'"t to h"r hair, Trina dro))"d
into a chair and 'augh"d ti'' sh" cri"d b"hind h"r handk"rchi"f(
/:"#+" no us" of toys,/ utt"r"d !cT"agu", 'ooking at h"r in )"r)'"7ity( ,'d
<rannis si'"d discr""t'y, raising a tr"u'ous hand to his chin(
Th" oth"r bo7 was h"a+y, bound with with"s at th" "dg"s, th" '"tt"rs and
sta)s burnt in(
/I think4I r"a''y think it#s cha)agn",/ said ,'d <rannis in a whis)"r( So it
was( A fu'' cas" of !ono)o'"( :hat a wond"r? Non" of th" had s""n th" 'ik"
b"for"( Ah, this =nc'" ,"'b"rann? That#s what it was to b" rich( Not on" of
th" oth"r )r"s"nts )roduc"d so d"") an i)r"ssion as this(
Aft"r ,'d <rannis and th" d"ntist had gon" through th" roos, gi+ing a 'ast
'ook around to s"" that "+"rything was r"ady, th"y r"turn"d to !cT"agu"#s
/Par'ors(/ At th" door ,'d <rannis "7cus"d his"'f(
At four o#c'ock !cT"agu" b"gan to dr"ss, sha+ing his"'f 3rst b"for" th"
hand%g'ass that was hung against th" woodwork of th" bay window( :hi'" h"
sha+"d h" sang with strang" ina))ro)riat"n"ss;
/No on" to 'o+", non" to Car"ss,
2"ft a'' a'on" in this wor'd#s wi'd"rn"ss(/
1ut as h" stood b"for" th" irror, int"nt u)on his sha+ing, th"r" ca" a ro''
of wh""'s o+"r th" cobb'"s in front of th" hous"( H" rush"d to th" window(
Trina had arri+"d with h"r fath"r and oth"r( H" saw h"r g"t out, and as sh"
g'anc"d u)ward at his window, th"ir "y"s "t(
Ah, th"r" sh" was( Th"r" sh" was, his 'itt'" woan, 'ooking u) at hi, h"r
adorab'" 'itt'" chin thrust u)ward with that fai'iar o+""nt of innoc"nc"
and con3d"nc"( Th" d"ntist saw again, as if for th" 3rst ti", h"r sa'', )a'"
fac" 'ooking out fro b"n"ath h"r roya' tiara of b'ack hair* h" saw again h"r
'ong, narrow b'u" "y"s* h"r 'i)s, nos", and tiny "ars, )a'" and b'ood'"ss, and
sugg"sti+" of ana"ia, as if a'' th" +ita'ity that shou'd ha+" '"nt th" co'or
had b""n suck"d u) into th" strands and coi's of that wond"rfu' hair(
As th"ir "y"s "t th"y wa+"d th"ir hands gay'y to "ach oth"r* th"n !cT"agu"
h"ard Trina and h"r oth"r co" u) th" stairs and go into th" b"droo of
th" )hotogra)h"r#s suit", wh"r" Trina was to dr"ss(
No, no* sur"'y th"r" cou'd b" no 'ong"r any h"sitation( H" kn"w that h" 'o+"d
h"r( :hat was th" att"r with hi, that h" shou'd ha+" doubt"d it for an
instant@ Th" gr"at di-cu'ty was that sh" was too good, too adorab'", too
sw""t, too d"'icat" for hi, who was so hug", so c'usy, so bruta'(
Th"r" was a knock at th" door( It was ,'d <rannis( H" was dr"ss"d in his on"
b'ack suit of broadc'oth, uch wrink'"d* his hair was car"fu''y brush"d o+"r
his ba'd for"h"ad(
/!iss Trina has co",/ h" announc"d, /and th" inist"r( 9ou ha+" an hour
y"t(/
Th" d"ntist 3nish"d dr"ssing( H" wor" a suit bought for th" occasion4a r"ady
ad" /Princ" A'b"rt/ coat too short in th" s'""+"s, stri)"d /b'u"/ trous"rs,
and n"w )at"nt '"ath"r sho"s4+"ritab'" instru"nts of tortur"( Around his
co''ar was a wond"rfu' n"ckti" that Trina had gi+"n hi* it was of sa'on%)ink
satin* in its c"ntr" S"'ina had )aint"d a knot of b'u" forg"t%"%nots(
At '"ngth, aft"r an int"rinab'" )"riod of waiting, !r( Si"))" a))"ar"d at th"
door(
/Ar" you r"atty@/ h" ask"d in a s")u'chra' whis)"r( /<o", d"n(/ It was 'ik"
King Char'"s suon"d to "7"cution( !r( Si"))" )r"c"d"d th" into th" ha'',
o+ing at a fun"r"a' )ac"( H" )aus"d( Sudd"n'y, in th" dir"ction of th"
sitting%roo, ca" th" strains of th" )ar'or "'od"on( !r( Si"))" 5ung his
ar in th" air(
/Cowaarts?/ h" cri"d(
H" '"ft th" at th" door of th" sitting%roo, h" his"'f going into th"
b"droo wh"r" Trina was waiting, "nt"ring by th" ha'' door( H" was in a
tr""ndous stat" of n"r+ous t"nsion, f"arfu' '"st so"thing shou'd go wrong(
H" had ")'oy"d th" )"riod of waiting in going through his )art for th"
3fti"th ti", r")"ating what h" had to say in a 'ow +oic"( H" had "+"n ad"
cha'k arks on th" atting in th" )'ac"s wh"r" h" was to tak" )ositions(
Th" d"ntist and ,'d <rannis "nt"r"d th" sitting%roo* th" inist"r stood
b"hind th" 'itt'" tab'" in th" bay window, ho'ding a book, on" 3ng"r arking
th" )'ac"* h" was rigid, "r"ct, i)assi+"( ,n "ith"r sid" of hi, in a s"i%
circ'", stood th" in+it"d gu"sts( A 'itt'" )ock%ark"d g"nt'"an in g'ass"s, no
doubt th" faous =nc'" ,"'b"rann* !iss 1ak"r, in h"r b'ack gr"nadin",
fa's" cur's, and cora' brooch* !arcus Schou'"r, his ars fo'd"d, his brows
b"nt, grand and g'ooy* H"is" th" harn"ss%ak"r, in y"''ow g'o+"s, int"nt'y
studying th" )att"rn of th" atting* and ,wgoost", in his Faunt'"roy
/costu",/ stu)"3"d and a 'itt'" fright"n"d, ro''ing his "y"s fro fac" to fac"(
S"'ina sat at th" )ar'or "'od"on, 3ng"ring th" k"ys, h"r g'anc" wand"ring to
th" ch"ni''" )orti"r"s( Sh" sto))"d )'aying as !cT"agu" and ,'d <rannis
"nt"r"d and took th"ir )'ac"s( A )rofound si'"nc" "nsu"d( =nc'"
,"'b"rann#s shirt front cou'd b" h"ard cr"aking as h" br"ath"d( Th" ost
so'"n "7)r"ssion )"r+ad"d "+"ry fac"(
A'' at onc" th" )orti"r"s w"r" shak"n +io'"nt'y( It was a signa'( S"'ina )u''"d
o)"n th" sto)s and swung into th" w"dding arch(
Trina "nt"r"d( Sh" was dr"ss"d in whit" si'k, a crown of orang" b'ossos was
around h"r swarthy hair4dr"ss"d high for th" 3rst ti"4h"r +"i' r"ach"d to
th" 5oor( H"r fac" was )ink, but oth"rwis" sh" was ca'( Sh" 'ook"d 8ui"t'y
around th" roo as sh" cross"d it, unti' h"r g'anc" r"st"d on !cT"agu",
si'ing at hi th"n +"ry )r"tti'y and with )"rf"ct s"'f%)oss"ssion(
Sh" was on h"r fath"r#s ar( Th" twins, dr"ss"d "7act'y a'ik", wa'k"d in front,
"ach carrying an "norous bou8u"t of cut 5ow"rs in a /'ac"%)a)"r/ ho'd"r(
!rs( Si"))" fo''ow"d in th" r"ar( Sh" was crying* h"r handk"rchi"f was ro''"d
into a wad( Fro ti" to ti" sh" 'ook"d at th" train of Trina#s dr"ss through
h"r t"ars( !r( Si"))" arch"d his daught"r to th" "7act idd'" of th" 5oor,
wh""'"d at right ang'"s, and brought h"r u) to th" inist"r( H" st"))"d back
thr"" )ac"s, and stood )'ant"d u)on on" of his cha'k arks, his fac"
g'ist"ning with )"rs)iration(
Th"n Trina and th" d"ntist w"r" arri"d( Th" gu"sts stood in constrain"d
attitud"s, 'ooking furti+"'y out of th" corn"rs of th"ir "y"s( !r( Si"))" n"+"r
o+"d a usc'"* !rs( Si"))" cri"d into h"r handk"rchi"f a'' th" ti"( At th"
"'od"on S"'ina )'ay"d /Ca'' !" Thin" ,wn,/ +"ry soft'y, th" tr"u'o sto)
)u''"d out( Sh" 'ook"d o+"r h"r shou'd"r fro ti" to ti"( 1"tw""n th"
)aus"s of th" usic on" cou'd h"ar th" 'ow ton"s of th" inist"r, th"
r"s)ons"s of th" )artici)ants, and th" su))r"ss"d sounds of !rs( Si"))"#s
w"")ing( ,utsid" th" nois"s of th" str""t ros" to th" windows in u>"d
und"rton"s, a cab'" car rub'"d )ast, a n"wsboy w"nt by chanting th"
"+"ning )a)"rs* fro so"wh"r" in th" bui'ding its"'f ca" a )"rsist"nt
nois" of sawing(
Trina and !cT"agu" kn"'t( Th" d"ntist#s kn""s thudd"d on th" 5oor and h"
)r"s"nt"d to +i"w th" so'"s of his sho"s, )ainfu''y n"w and unworn, th"
'"ath"r sti'' y"''ow, th" brass nai' h"ads sti'' g'itt"ring( Trina sank at his sid"
+"ry grac"fu''y, s"tting h"r dr"ss and train with a 'itt'" g"stur" of h"r fr""
hand( Th" co)any bow"d th"ir h"ads, !r( Si"))" shutting his "y"s tight(
1ut !rs( Si"))" took ad+antag" of th" o"nt to sto) crying and ak"
furti+" g"stur"s towards ,wgoost", signing hi to )u'' down his coat( 1ut
,wgoost" ga+" no h""d* his "y"s w"r" starting fro th"ir sock"ts, his chin
had dro))"d u)on his 'ac" co''ar, and his h"ad turn"d +agu"'y fro sid" to
sid" with a continu"d and aniaca' otion(
A'' at onc" th" c"r"ony was o+"r b"for" any on" "7)"ct"d it( Th" gu"sts
k")t th"ir )ositions for a o"nt, "y"ing on" anoth"r, "ach f"aring to ak"
th" 3rst o+", not 8uit" c"rtain as to wh"th"r or not "+"rything w"r"
3nish"d( 1ut th" cou)'" fac"d th" roo, Trina throwing back h"r +"i'( Sh"4
)"rha)s !cT"agu" as w"''4f"'t that th"r" was a c"rtain inad"8uat"n"ss
about th" c"r"ony( :as that a'' th"r" was to it@ 0id &ust thos" f"w utt"r"d
)hras"s ak" th" an and wif"@ It had b""n o+"r in a f"w o"nts, but it
had bound th" for 'if"( Had not so"thing b""n '"ft out@ :as not th" who'"
a$air cursory, su)"r3cia'@ It was disa))ointing(
1ut Trina had no ti" to dw"'' u)on this( !arcus Schou'"r, in th" ann"r of a
an of th" wor'd, who kn"w how to act in "+"ry situation, st"))"d forward
and, "+"n b"for" !r( or !rs( Si"))", took Trina#s hand(
/2"t " b" th" 3rst to congratu'at" !rs( !cT"agu",/ h" said, f""'ing +"ry
nob'" and h"roic( Th" strain of th" )r"+ious o"nts was r"'a7"d
i"diat"'y, th" gu"sts crowd"d around th" )air, shaking hands4a bab"' of
ta'k aros"(
/,wgoost", :I22 you )u'' down your goat, d"n@/
/:"'', y d"ar, now you#r" arri"d and ha))y( :h"n I 3rst saw you two
tog"th"r, I said, #:hat a )air?# :"#r" to b" n"ighbors now* you ust co" u)
and s"" " +"ry oft"n and w"#'' ha+" t"a tog"th"r(/
/0id you h"ar that sawing going on a'' th" ti"@ I d"c'ar" it r"gu'ar'y got on
y n"r+"s(/
Trina kiss"d h"r fath"r and oth"r, crying a 'itt'" h"rs"'f as sh" saw th" t"ars
in !rs( Si"))"#s "y"s(
!arcus ca" forward a s"cond ti", and, with an air of gr"at gra+ity, kiss"d
his cousin u)on th" for"h"ad( H"is" was introduc"d to Trina and =nc'"
,"'b"rann to th" d"ntist(
For u)wards of ha'f an hour th" gu"sts stood about in grou)s, 3''ing th" 'itt'"
sitting%roo with a gr"at chatt"r of ta'k( Th"n it was ti" to ak" r"ady for
su))"r(
This was a tr""ndous task, in which n"ar'y a'' th" gu"sts w"r" ob'ig"d to
assist( Th" sitting%roo was transfor"d into a dining%roo( Th" )r"s"nts
w"r" r"o+"d fro th" "7t"nsion tab'" and th" tab'" drawn out to its fu''
'"ngth( Th" c'oth was 'aid, th" chairs4r"nt"d fro th" dancing acad"y hard
by4drawn u), th" dish"s s"t out, and th" two bou8u"ts of cut 5ow"rs tak"n
fro th" twins und"r th"ir shri'' )rot"sts, and /arrang"d/ in +as"s at "ith"r
"nd of th" tab'"(
Th"r" was a gr"at coing and going b"tw""n th" kitch"n and th" sitting%
roo( Trina, who was a''ow"d to do nothing, sat in th" bay window and
fr"tt"d, ca''ing to h"r oth"r fro ti" to ti";
/Th" na)kins ar" in th" right%hand draw"r of th" )antry(/
/9"s, y"s, I got u( :h"r" do you g"") d"r 6ou) b'at"s@/
/Th" sou) )'at"s ar" h"r" a'r"ady(/
/Say, Cousin Trina, is th"r" a corkscr"w@ :hat is ho" without a corkscr"w@/
/In th" kitch"n%tab'" draw"r, in th" '"ft%hand corn"r(/
/Ar" th"s" th" forks you want to us", !rs( !cT"agu"@/
/No, no, th"r"#s so" si'+"r forks( !aa knows wh"r"(/
Th"y w"r" a'' +"ry gay, 'aughing o+"r th"ir istak"s, g"tting in on" anoth"r#s
way, rushing into th" sitting%roo, th"ir hands fu'' of )'at"s or kni+"s or
g'ass"s, and darting out again aft"r or"( !arcus and !r( Si"))" took th"ir
coats o$( ,'d <rannis and !iss 1ak"r )ass"d "ach oth"r in th" ha'' in a
constrain"d si'"nc", h"r gr"nadin" brushing against th" "'bow of his wrink'"d
frock coat( =nc'" ,"'b"rann su)"rint"nd"d H"is" o)"ning th" cas" of
cha)agn" with th" gra+ity of a agistrat"( ,wgoost" was assign"d th" task
of 3''ing th" n"w sa't and )"))"r canist"rs of r"d and b'u" g'ass(
In a wond"rfu''y short ti" "+"rything was r"ady( !arcus Schou'"r r"su"d
his coat, wi)ing his for"h"ad, and r"arking;
/I t"'' you, I#+" b""n doing CH,RES for !9 board(/
/To d"r tab'"?/ coand"d !r( Si"))"(
Th" co)any sat down with a gr"at c'att"r, Trina at th" foot, th" d"ntist at
th" h"ad, th" oth"rs arrang"d th"s"'+"s in ha)ha6ard fashion( 1ut it
ha))"n"d that !arcus Schou'"r crowd"d into th" s"at b"sid" S"'ina, towards
which ,'d <rannis was dir"cting his"'f( Th"r" was but on" oth"r chair
+acant, and that at th" sid" of !iss 1ak"r( ,'d <rannis h"sitat"d, )utting his
hand to his chin( How"+"r, th"r" was no "sca)"( In gr"at tr")idation h" sat
down b"sid" th" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r( N"ith"r of th" s)ok"( ,'d <rannis
dar"d not o+", but sat rigid, his "y"s ri+"t"d on his ")ty sou) )'at"(
A'' at onc" th"r" was a r")ort 'ik" a )isto'( Th" "n start"d in th"ir )'ac"s(
!rs( Si"))" utt"r"d a u>"d shri"k( Th" wait"r fro th" ch"a) r"staurant,
hir"d as !aria#s assistant, ros" fro a b"nding )ostur", a cha)agn" bott'"
frothing in his hand* h" was grinning fro "ar to "ar(
/0on#t g"t scairt,/ h" said, r"assuring'y, /it ain#t 'oad"d(/
:h"n a'' th"ir g'ass"s had b""n 3''"d, !arcus )ro)os"d th" h"a'th of th"
brid", /standing u)(/ Th" gu"sts ros" and drank( Hard'y on" of th" had "+"r
tast"d cha)agn" b"for"( Th" o"nt#s si'"nc" aft"r th" toast was brok"n
by !cT"agu" "7c'aiing with a 'ong br"ath of satisfaction; /That#s th" b"st
b""r I "+"r drank(/
Th"r" was a roar of 'aught"r( Es)"cia''y was !arcus tick'"d o+"r th" d"ntist#s
b'und"r* h" w"nt o$ in a +"ry s)as of irth, banging th" tab'" with his 3st,
'aughing unti' his "y"s wat"r"d( A'' through th" "a' h" k")t br"aking out
into cack'ing iitations of !cT"agu"#s words; /That#s th" b"st 1EER I "+"r
drank( ,h, 2ord, ain#t that a br"ak?/
:hat a wond"rfu' su))"r that was? Th"r" was oyst"r sou)* th"r" w"r" s"a
bass and barracuda* th"r" was a gigantic roast goos" stu$"d with ch"stnuts*
th"r" w"r" "gg%)'ant and sw""t )otato"s4!iss 1ak"r ca''"d th" /yas(/
Th"r" was ca'f#s h"ad in oi', o+"r which !r( Si"))" w"nt into "cstasi"s* th"r"
was 'obst"r sa'ad* th"r" w"r" ric" )udding, and strawb"rry ic" cr"a, and
win" &"''y, and st"w"d )run"s, and cocoanuts, and i7"d nuts, and raisins,
and fruit, and t"a, and co$"", and in"ra' wat"rs, and '"onad"(
For two hours th" gu"sts at"* th"ir fac"s r"d, th"ir "'bows wid", th"
)"rs)iration b"ading th"ir for"h"ads( A'' around th" tab'" on" saw th" sa"
inc"ssant o+""nt of &aws and h"ard th" sa" unint"rru)t"d sound of
ch"wing( Thr"" ti"s H"is" )ass"d his )'at" for or" roast goos"( !r( Si"))"
d"+our"d th" ca'f#s h"ad with 'ong br"aths of cont"nt"nt* !cT"agu" at" for
th" sak" of "ating, without choic"* "+"rything within r"ach of his hands found
its way into his "norous outh(
Th"r" was but 'itt'" con+"rsation, and that on'y of th" food* on" "7chang"d
o)inions with on"#s n"ighbor as to th" sou), th" "gg%)'ant, or th" st"w"d
)run"s( Soon th" roo b"ca" +"ry war, a faint oistur" a))"ar"d u)on
th" windows, th" air was h"a+y with th" s"'' of cook"d food( At "+"ry
o"nt Trina or !rs( Si"))" urg"d so" on" of th" co)any to ha+" his or
h"r )'at" r"3''"d( Th"y w"r" constant'y ")'oy"d in dishing )otato"s or
car+ing th" goos" or 'ad'ing gra+y( Th" hir"d wait"r circ'"d around th" roo,
his 'i) na)kin o+"r his ar, his hands fu'' of )'at"s and dish"s( H" was a
gr"at &ok"r* h" had na"s of his own for di$"r"nt artic'"s of food, that s"nt
ga'"s of 'aught"r around th" tab'"( :h"n h" s)ok" of a bunch of )ars'"y as
/sc"n"ry,/ H"is" a'' but strang'"d his"'f o+"r a outhfu' of )otato( ,ut in
th" kitch"n !aria !aca)a did th" work of thr"", h"r fac" scar'"t, h"r s'""+"s
ro''"d u)* "+"ry now and th"n sh" utt"r"d shri'' but unint"''igib'" outcri"s,
su))os"d'y addr"ss"d to th" wait"r(
/=nc'" ,"'b"rann,/ said Trina, /'"t " gi+" you anoth"r h"')ing of )run"s(/
Th" Si"))"s )aid gr"at d"f"r"nc" to =nc'" ,"'b"rann, as ind""d did th"
who'" co)any( E+"n !arcus Schou'"r 'ow"r"d his +oic" wh"n h" addr"ss"d
hi( At th" b"ginning of th" "a' h" had nudg"d th" harn"ss%ak"r and had
whis)"r"d b"hind his hand, nodding his h"ad toward th" who'"sa'" toy
d"a'"r, /<ot thirty thousand do''ars in th" bank* has, for a fact(/
/0on#t ha+" uch to say,/ obs"r+"d H"is"(
/No, no( That#s his way* n"+"r o)"ns his fac"(/
As th" "+"ning wor" on, th" gas and two 'a)s w"r" 'it( Th" co)any w"r"
sti'' "ating( Th" "n, gorg"d with food, had unbutton"d th"ir +"sts(
!cT"agu"#s ch""ks w"r" dist"nd"d, his "y"s wid", his hug", sa'i"nt &aw
o+"d with a achin"%'ik" r"gu'arity* at int"r+a's h" dr"w a s"ri"s of short
br"aths through his nos"( !rs( Si"))" wi)"d h"r for"h"ad with h"r na)kin(
/H"y, d"r", )oy, gif " so" or" oaf dat4what you ca''4#bubb'"%wat"r(#/
That was how th" wait"r had s)ok"n of th" cha)agn"4/bubb'"%wat"r(/ Th"
gu"sts had shout"d a))'aus", /,uta sight(/ H" was a h"a+y &osh"r was that
wait"r(
1ott'" aft"r bott'" was o)"n"d, th" wo"n sto))ing th"ir "ars as th" corks
w"r" drawn( A'' of a sudd"n th" d"ntist utt"r"d an "7c'aation, c'a))ing his
hand to his nos", his fac" twisting shar)'y(
/!ac, what is it@/ cri"d Trina in a'ar(
/That cha)agn" ca" to y nos",/ h" cri"d, his "y"s wat"ring( /It stings
'ik" "+"rything(/
/<r"at 1EER, ain#t ut@/ shout"d !arcus(
/Now, !ark,/ r"onstrat"d Trina in a 'ow +oic"( /Now, !ark, you &ust shut u)*
that isn#t funny any or"( I don#t want you shou'd ak" fun of !ac( H" ca''"d
it b""r on )ur)os"( I gu"ss HE knows(/
Throughout th" "a' o'd !iss 1ak"r had occu)i"d h"rs"'f 'arg"'y with
,wgoost" and th" twins, who had b""n gi+"n a tab'" by th"s"'+"s4th"
b'ack wa'nut tab'" b"for" which th" c"r"ony had tak"n )'ac"( Th" 'itt'"
dr"ssak"r was continua''y turning about in h"r )'ac", in8uiring of th"
chi'dr"n if th"y want"d for anything* in8uiri"s th"y rar"'y answ"r"d oth"r
than by star", 37"d, o7%'ik", "7)r"ssion'"ss(
Sudd"n'y th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r turn"d to ,'d <rannis and "7c'ai"d;
/I# so +"ry fond of 'itt'" chi'dr"n(/
/9"s, y"s, th"y#r" +"ry int"r"sting( I# +"ry fond of th", too(/
Th" n"7t instant both of th" o'd )"o)'" w"r" o+"rwh"'"d with confusion(
:hat? Th"y had s)ok"n to "ach oth"r aft"r a'' th"s" y"ars of si'"nc"* th"y
had for th" 3rst ti" addr"ss"d r"arks to "ach oth"r(
Th" o'd dr"ssak"r was in a tor"nt of "barrass"nt( How was it sh" had
co" to s)"ak@ Sh" had n"ith"r )'ann"d nor wish"d it( Sudd"n'y th" words
had "sca)"d h"r, h" had answ"r"d, and it was a'' o+"r4o+"r b"for" th"y
kn"w it(
,'d <rannis#s 3ng"rs tr"b'"d on th" tab'" '"dg", his h"art b"at h"a+i'y, his
br"ath f"'' short( H" had actua''y ta'k"d to th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r( That
)ossibi'ity to which h" had 'ook"d forward, it s"""d to hi for y"ars4that
co)anionshi), that intiacy with his f"''ow%'odg"r, that d"'ightfu'
ac8uaintanc" which was on'y to ri)"n at so" far distant ti", h" cou'd not
"7act'y say wh"n4b"ho'd, it had sudd"n'y co" to a h"ad, h"r" in this o+"r%
crowd"d, o+"r%h"at"d roo, in th" idst of a'' this f""ding, surround"d by
odors of hot dish"s, acco)ani"d by th" sounds of inc"ssant astication(
How di$"r"nt h" had iagin"d it wou'd b"? Th"y w"r" to b" a'on"4h" and
!iss 1ak"r4in th" "+"ning so"wh"r", withdrawn fro th" wor'd, +"ry 8ui"t,
+"ry ca' and )"ac"fu'( Th"ir ta'k was to b" of th"ir 'i+"s, th"ir 'ost i''usions,
not of oth"r )"o)'"#s chi'dr"n(
Th" two o'd )"o)'" did not s)"ak again( Th"y sat th"r" sid" by sid", n"ar"r
than th"y had "+"r b""n b"for", otion'"ss, abstract"d* th"ir thoughts far
away fro that sc"n" of f"asting( Th"y w"r" thinking of "ach oth"r and th"y
w"r" conscious of it( Tiid, with th" tiidity of th"ir s"cond chi'dhood,
constrain"d and "barrass"d by "ach oth"r#s )r"s"nc", th"y w"r",
n"+"rth"'"ss, in a 'itt'" E'ysiu of th"ir own cr"ating( Th"y wa'k"d hand in
hand in a d"'icious gard"n wh"r" it was a'ways autun* tog"th"r and a'on"
th"y "nt"r"d u)on th" 'ong r"tard"d roanc" of th"ir coon)'ac" and
un"+"ntfu' 'i+"s(
At 'ast that gr"at su))"r was o+"r, "+"rything had b""n "at"n* th" "norous
roast goos" had dwind'"d to a +"ry sk"'"ton( !r( Si"))" had r"duc"d th"
ca'f#s h"ad to a "r" sku''* a row of ")ty cha)agn" bott'"s4/d"ad
so'di"rs,/ as th" fac"tious wait"r had ca''"d th"4'in"d th" ant"')i"c"(
Nothing of th" st"w"d )run"s r"ain"d but th" &uic", which was gi+"n to
,wgoost" and th" twins( Th" )'att"rs w"r" as c'"an as if th"y had b""n
wash"d* crubs of br"ad, )otato )arings, nutsh"''s, and bits of cak" 'itt"r"d
th" tab'"* co$"" and ic"%cr"a stains and s)ots of cong"a'"d gra+y ark"d
th" )osition of "ach )'at"( It was a d"+astation, a )i''ag"* th" tab'" )r"s"nt"d
th" a))"aranc" of an abandon"d batt'"3"'d(
/,uf,/ cri"d !rs( Si"))", )ushing back, /I haf "atun und "atun, ach, <ott, how
I haf "atun?/
/Ah, dot kaf#s h"t,/ urur"d h"r husband, )assing his tongu" o+"r his 'i)s(
Th" fac"tious wait"r had disa))"ar"d( H" and !aria !aca)a for"gath"r"d in
th" kitch"n( Th"y dr"w u) to th" washboard of th" sink, f"asting o$ th"
r"nants of th" su))"r, s'ic"s of goos", th" r"ains of th" 'obst"r sa'ad, and
ha'f a bott'" of cha)agn"( Th"y w"r" ob'ig"d to drink th" 'att"r fro
t"acu)s(
/H"r"#s how,/ said th" wait"r ga''ant'y, as h" rais"d his t"a%cu), bowing to
!aria across th" sink( /Hark,/ h" add"d, /th"y#r" singing insid"(/
Th" co)any had '"ft th" tab'" and had ass"b'"d about th" "'od"on,
wh"r" S"'ina was s"at"d( At 3rst th"y att")t"d so" of th" )o)u'ar songs
of th" day, but w"r" ob'ig"d to gi+" o+"r as non" of th" kn"w any of th"
words b"yond th" 3rst 'in" of th" chorus( Fina''y th"y )itch"d u)on /N"ar"r,
!y <od, to Th"",/ as th" on'y song which th"y a'' kn"w( S"'ina sang th"
/a'to,/ +"ry uch o$ th" k"y* !arcus inton"d th" bass, scow'ing 3"rc"'y, his
chin drawn into his co''ar( Th"y sang in +"ry s'ow ti"( Th" song b"ca" a
dirg", a 'a"ntab'", )ro'ong"d wai' of distr"ss;
/N""%rah, y <ahd, to Th"",
N""%rah to Th""%ah(/
At th" "nd of th" song, =nc'" ,"'b"rann )ut on his hat without a word of
warning( Instant'y th"r" was a hush( Th" gu"sts ros"(
/Not going so soon, =nc'" ,"'b"rann@/ )rot"st"d Trina, )o'it"'y( H" on'y
nodd"d( !arcus s)rang forward to h"') hi with his o+"rcoat( !r( Si"))"
ca" u) and th" two "n shook hands(
Th"n =nc'" ,"'b"rann d"'i+"r"d his"'f of an oracu'ar )hras"( No doubt h"
had b""n "ditating it during th" su))"r( Addr"ssing !r( Si"))", h" said;
/9ou ha+" not 'ost a daught"r, but ha+" gain"d a son(/
Th"s" w"r" th" on'y words h" had s)ok"n th" "ntir" "+"ning( H" d")art"d*
th" co)any was )rofound'y i)r"ss"d(
About tw"nty inut"s 'at"r, wh"n !arcus Schou'"r was "nt"rtaining th"
gu"sts by "ating a'onds, sh"''s and a'', !r( Si"))" start"d to his f""t, watch
in hand(
/Haf%bast "'"+un,/ h" shout"d( /Att"ntion? 0"r di" haf arri+", shto)
"f"ryting( :" d")art(/
This was a signa' for tr""ndous confusion( !r( Si"))" i"diat"'y thr"w o$
his )r"+ious air of r"'a7ation, th" ca'f#s h"ad was forgott"n, h" was onc"
again th" '"ad"r of +ast "nt"r)ris"s(
/To ", to ",/ h" cri"d( /!o"r, d"r t"r+ins, ,wgoost"(/ H" arsha''"d
his trib" tog"th"r, with tr""ndous coanding g"stur"s( Th" s'"")ing
twins w"r" sudd"n'y shak"n into a da6"d consciousn"ss* ,wgoost", who
th" a'ond%"ating of !arcus Schou'"r had )"tri3"d with adiration, was
sack"d to a r"a'i6ation of his surroundings(
,'d <rannis, with a c"rtain d"'icacy that was on" of his charact"ristics, f"'t
instincti+"'y that th" gu"sts4th" "r" outsid"rs4shou'd d")art b"for" th"
fai'y b"gan its '"a+"%taking of Trina( H" withdr"w unobtrusi+"'y, aft"r a
hasty good%night to th" brid" and groo( Th" r"st fo''ow"d a'ost
i"diat"'y(
/:"'', !r( Si"))",/ "7c'ai"d !arcus, /w" won#t s"" "ach oth"r for so"
ti"(/ !arcus had gi+"n u) his 3rst int"ntion of &oining in th" Si"))"
igration( H" s)ok" in a 'arg" way of c"rtain a$airs that wou'd k"") hi in
San Francisco ti'' th" fa''( ,f 'at" h" had "nt"rtain"d abitions of a ranch 'if",
h" wou'd br""d catt'", h" had a 'itt'" on"y and was on'y 'ooking for so"
on" /to go in with(/ H" dr"a"d of a cowboy#s 'if" and saw his"'f in an
"ntrancing +ision in+o'+ing si'+"r s)urs and unta"d bronchos( H" to'd
his"'f that Trina had cast hi o$, that his b"st fri"nd had /)'ay"d hi for a
suck"r,/ that th" /)ro)"r ca)"r/ was to withdraw fro th" wor'd "ntir"'y(
/If you h"ar of anybody down th"r",/ h" w"nt on, s)"aking to !r( Si"))",
/that wants to go in for ranching, why &ust '"t " know(/
/Soh, soh,/ answ"r"d !r( Si"))" abstract"d'y, )""ring about for ,wgoost"#s
ca)(
!arcus bad" th" Si"))"s far"w"''( H" and H"is" w"nt out tog"th"r( ,n"
h"ard th", as th"y d"sc"nd"d th" stairs, discussing th" )ossibi'ity of
Fr"nna#s )'ac" b"ing sti'' o)"n(
Th"n !iss 1ak"r d")art"d aft"r kissing Trina on both ch""ks( S"'ina w"nt with
h"r( Th"r" was on'y th" fai'y '"ft(
Trina watch"d th" go, on" by on", with an incr"asing f""'ing of un"asin"ss
and +agu" a))r"h"nsion( Soon th"y wou'd a'' b" gon"(
/:"'', Trina,/ "7c'ai"d !r( Si"))", /goot%)y* )"rha)s you go" +isit us
so"di"(/
!rs( Si"))" b"gan crying again(
/Ach, Trina, +"n sha'' I "f"r s"" you again@/
T"ars ca" to Trina#s "y"s in s)it" of h"rs"'f( Sh" )ut h"r ars around h"r
oth"r(
/,h, so"ti", so"ti",/ sh" cri"d( Th" twins and ,wgoost" c'ung to
Trina#s skirts, fr"tting and whi)"ring(
!cT"agu" was is"rab'"( H" stood a)art fro th" grou), in a corn"r( Non" of
th" s"""d to think of hi* h" was not of th"(
/:rit" to " +"ry oft"n, aa, and t"'' " about "+"rything4about
August and th" twins(/
/It is di",/ cri"d !r( Si"))", n"r+ous'y( /<oot%)y, Trina( !o"r, ,wgoost",
say goot%)y, d"n w" ust go( <oot%)y, Trina(/ H" kiss"d h"r( ,wgoost" and
th" twins w"r" 'ift"d u)( /<o", go",/ insist"d !r( Si"))", o+ing toward
th" door(
/<oot%)y, Trina,/ "7c'ai"d !rs( Si"))", crying hard"r than "+"r( /0oktor4
wh"r" is d"r doktor40oktor, )" goot to h"r, "h@ )" +airy goot, "h, won#t you@
Gu day, 0okt"r, you +i'' haf a daught"r, d"n you know b"rha)s how I f""',
y"s(/
Th"y w"r" standing at th" door by this ti"( !r( Si"))", ha'f way down th"
stairs, k")t ca''ing /<o", go", w" iss d"r drain(/
!rs( Si"))" r"'"as"d Trina and start"d down th" ha'', th" twins and ,wgoost"
fo''owing( Trina stood in th" doorway, 'ooking aft"r th" through h"r t"ars(
Th"y w"r" going, going( :h"n wou'd sh" "+"r s"" th" again@ Sh" was to b"
'"ft a'on" with this an to who sh" had &ust b""n arri"d( A sudd"n +agu"
t"rror s"i6"d h"r* sh" '"ft !cT"agu" and ran down th" ha'' and caught h"r
oth"r around th" n"ck(
/I don#t :ANT you to go,/ sh" whis)"r"d in h"r oth"r#s "ar, sobbing( /,h,
aa, I4I# #fraid(/
/Ach, Trina, you )r"ak y h"art( 0on#t gry, )oor '""t'" gir'(/ Sh" rock"d Trina
in h"r ars as though sh" w"r" a chi'd again( /Poor '""t'" scairt gir', don# gry
4soh4soh4soh, d"r"#s nuttun to )" #fraid oaf( 0"r", go to your hoasban#(
2ist"n, )o))"r#s ga''ing again* go d"n* goot%by(/
Sh" 'oos"n"d Trina#s ars and start"d down th" stairs( Trina '"an"d o+"r th"
banist"rs, straining h"r "y"s aft"r h"r oth"r(
/:hat is ut, Trina@/
/,h, good%by, good%by(/
/<o", go", w" iss d"r drain(/
/!aa, oh, aa?/
/:hat is ut, Trina@/
/<ood%by(/
/<oot%)y, '""t'" daught"r(/
/<ood%by, good%by, good%by(/
Th" str""t door c'os"d( Th" si'"nc" was )rofound(
For anoth"r o"nt Trina stood '"aning o+"r th" banist"rs, 'ooking down into
th" ")ty stairway( It was dark( Th"r" was nobody( Th"y4h"r fath"r, h"r
oth"r, th" chi'dr"n4had '"ft h"r, '"ft h"r a'on"( Sh" fac"d about toward th"
roos4fac"d h"r husband, fac"d h"r n"w ho", th" n"w 'if" that was to
b"gin now(
Th" ha'' was ")ty and d"s"rt"d( Th" gr"at 5at around h"r s"""d n"w and
hug" and strang"* sh" f"'t horrib'y a'on"( E+"n !aria and th" hir"d wait"r
w"r" gon"( ,n on" of th" 5oors abo+" sh" h"ard a baby crying( Sh" stood
th"r" an instant in th" dark ha'', in h"r w"dding 3n"ry, 'ooking about h"r,
'ist"ning( Fro th" o)"n door of th" sitting%roo str"a"d a go'd bar of 'ight(
Sh" w"nt down th" ha'', by th" o)"n door of th" sitting%roo, going on
toward th" ha'' door of th" b"droo(
As sh" soft'y )ass"d th" sitting%roo sh" g'anc"d hasti'y in( Th" 'a)s and
th" gas w"r" burning bright'y, th" chairs w"r" )ush"d back fro th" tab'"
&ust as th" gu"sts had '"ft th", and th" tab'" its"'f, abandon"d, d"s"rt"d,
)r"s"nt"d to +i"w th" +agu" confusion of its dish"s, its kni+"s and forks, its
")ty )'att"rs and cru)'"d na)kins( Th" d"ntist sat th"r" '"aning on his
"'bows, his back toward h"r* against th" whit" b'ur of th" tab'" h" 'ook"d
co'ossa'( Abo+" his giant shou'd"rs ros" his thick, r"d n"ck and an" of
y"''ow hair( Th" 'ight shon" )ink through th" grist'" of his "norous "ars(
Trina "nt"r"d th" b"droo, c'osing th" door aft"r h"r( At th" sound, sh" h"ard
!cT"agu" start and ris"(
/Is that you, Trina@/
Sh" did not answ"r* but )aus"d in th" idd'" of th" roo, ho'ding h"r br"ath,
tr"b'ing(
Th" d"ntist cross"d th" outsid" roo, )art"d th" ch"ni''" )orti"r"s, and ca"
in( H" ca" toward h"r 8uick'y, aking as if to tak" h"r in his ars( His "y"s
w"r" a'ight(
/No, no,/ cri"d Trina, shrinking fro hi( Sudd"n'y s"i6"d with th" f"ar of hi
4th" intuiti+" f"inin" f"ar of th" a'"4h"r who'" b"ing 8uai'"d b"for" hi(
Sh" was t"rri3"d at his hug", s8uar"%cut h"ad* his )ow"rfu', sa'i"nt &aw* his
hug", r"d hands* his "norous, r"sist'"ss str"ngth(
/No, no4I# afraid,/ sh" cri"d, drawing back fro hi to th" oth"r sid" of th"
roo(
/Afraid@/ answ"r"d th" d"ntist in )"r)'"7ity( /:hat ar" you afraid of, Trina@
I# not going to hurt you( :hat ar" you afraid of@/
:hat, ind""d, was Trina afraid of@ Sh" cou'd not t"''( 1ut what did sh" know
of !cT"agu", aft"r a''@ :ho was this an that had co" into h"r 'if", who
had tak"n h"r fro h"r ho" and fro h"r )ar"nts, and with who sh" was
now '"ft a'on" h"r" in this strang", +ast 5at@
/,h, I# afraid( I# afraid,/ sh" cri"d(
!cT"agu" ca" n"ar"r, sat down b"sid" h"r and )ut on" ar around h"r(
/:hat ar" you afraid of, Trina@/ h" said, r"assuring'y( /I don#t want to fright"n
you(/
Sh" 'ook"d at hi wi'd'y, h"r adorab'" 'itt'" chin 8ui+"ring, th" t"ars
briing in h"r narrow b'u" "y"s( Th"n h"r g'anc" took on a c"rtain
int"ntn"ss, and sh" )""r"d curious'y into his fac", saying a'ost in a whis)"r;
/I# afraid of 9,=(/
1ut th" d"ntist did not h""d h"r( An i"ns" &oy s"i6"d u)on hi4th" &oy of
)oss"ssion( Trina was his +"ry own now( Sh" 'ay th"r" in th" ho''ow of his
ar, h"')'"ss and +"ry )r"tty(
Thos" instincts that in hi w"r" so c'os" to th" surfac" sudd"n'y '"a)"d to
'if", shouting and c'aoring, not to b" r"sist"d( H" 'o+"d h"r( Ah, did h" not
'o+" h"r@ Th" s"'' of h"r hair, of h"r n"ck, ros" to hi(
Sudd"n'y h" caught h"r in both his hug" ars, crushing down h"r strugg'"
with his i"ns" str"ngth, kissing h"r fu'' u)on th" outh( Th"n h"r gr"at
'o+" for !cT"agu" sudd"n'y 5ash"d u) in Trina#s br"ast* sh" ga+" u) to hi
as sh" had don" b"for", yi"'ding a'' at onc" to that strang" d"sir" of b"ing
con8u"r"d and subdu"d( Sh" c'ung to hi, h"r hands c'as)"d b"hind his
n"ck, whis)"ring in his "ar;
/,h, you ust b" good to "4+"ry, +"ry good to ", d"ar4for you#r" a''
that I ha+" in th" wor'd now(/
CHAPTER 1M
That su"r )ass"d, th"n th" wint"r( Th" w"t s"ason b"gan in th" 'ast days
of S")t"b"r and continu"d a'' through ,ctob"r, No+"b"r, and 0"c"b"r(
At 'ong int"r+a's wou'd co" a w""k of )"rf"ct days, th" sky without a c'oud,
th" air otion'"ss, but touch"d with a c"rtain nib'"n"ss, a faint
"$"r+"sc"nc" that was "7hi'arating( Th"n, without warning, during a night
wh"n a south wind b'"w, a gray scro'' of c'oud wou'd unro'' and hang high
o+"r th" city, and th" rain wou'd co" )att"ring down again, at 3rst in
scatt"r"d show"rs, th"n in an unint"rru)t"d dri66'"(
A'' day 'ong Trina sat in th" bay window of th" sitting%roo that coand"d
a +i"w of a sa'' s"ction of Po'k Str""t( As oft"n as sh" rais"d h"r h"ad sh"
cou'd s"" th" big ark"t, a conf"ction"ry stor", a b"''%hang"r#s sho), and,
farth"r on, abo+" th" roofs, th" g'ass sky'ights and wat"r tanks of th" big
)ub'ic baths( In th" n"ar"r for"ground ran th" str""t its"'f* th" cab'" cars
trund'"d u) and down, thu)ing h"a+i'y o+"r th" &oints of th" rai's* ark"t
carts by th" scor" ca" and w"nt, dri+"n at a gr"at rat" by )r"occu)i"d
young "n in th"ir shirt s'""+"s, with )"nci's b"hind th"ir "ars, or by r"ck'"ss
boys in b'ood%stain"d butch"r#s a)rons( =)on th" sid"wa'ks th" 'itt'" wor'd of
Po'k Str""t swar"d and &ost'"d through its dai'y round of 'if"( ,n 3n" days
th" gr"at 'adi"s fro th" a+"nu", on" b'ock abo+", in+ad"d th" str""t,
a))"aring b"for" th" butch"r sta''s, int"nt u)on th"ir day#s ark"ting( ,n
rainy days th"ir s"r+ants4th" Chin"s" cooks or th" s"cond gir's4took th"ir
)'ac"s( Th"s" s"r+ants ga+" th"s"'+"s gr"at airs, carrying th"ir big cotton
ubr"''as as th"y had s""n th"ir istr"ss"s carry th"ir )araso's, and
hagg'ing in su)"rci'ious fashion with th" ark"t "n, th"ir chins in th" air(
Th" rain )"rsist"d( E+"rything in th" rang" of Trina#s +ision, fro th"
tar)au'ins on th" ark"t%cart hors"s to th" )an"s of g'ass in th" roof of th"
)ub'ic baths, 'ook"d g'a6"d and +arnish"d( Th" as)ha't of th" sid"wa'ks
shon" 'ik" th" surfac" of a )at"nt '"ath"r boot* "+"ry ho''ow in th" str""t h"'d
its 'itt'" )udd'", that wink"d 'ik" an "y" "ach ti" a dro) of rain struck into it(
Trina sti'' continu"d to work for =nc'" ,"'b"rann( In th" ornings sh"
busi"d h"rs"'f about th" kitch"n, th" b"droo, and th" sitting%roo* but in
th" aft"rnoon, for two or thr"" hours aft"r 'unch, sh" was occu)i"d with th"
Noah#s ark ania's( Sh" took h"r work to th" bay window, s)r"ading out a
gr"at s8uar" of can+as und"rn"ath h"r chair, to catch th" chi)s and sha+ings,
which sh" us"d aft"rwards for 'ighting 3r"s( ,n" aft"r anoth"r sh" caught u)
th" 'itt'" b'ocks of straight%grain"d )in", th" knif" 5ash"d b"tw""n h"r
3ng"rs, th" 'itt'" 3gur" gr"w ra)id'y und"r h"r touch, was 3nish"d and r"ady
for )ainting in a wond"rfu''y short ti", and was toss"d into th" bask"t that
stood at h"r "'bow(
1ut +"ry oft"n during that rainy wint"r aft"r h"r arriag" Trina wou'd )aus"
in h"r work, h"r hands fa''ing id'y into h"r 'a), h"r "y"s4h"r narrow, )a'"
b'u" "y"s4growing wid" and thoughtfu' as sh" ga6"d, uns""ing, out into th"
rain%wash"d str""t(
Sh" 'o+"d !cT"agu" now with a b'ind, unr"asoning 'o+" that aditt"d of no
doubt or h"sitancy( Ind""d, it s"""d to h"r that it was on'y AFTER h"r
arriag" with th" d"ntist that sh" had r"a''y b"gun to 'o+" hi( :ith th"
abso'ut" 3na' surr"nd"r of h"rs"'f, th" irr"+ocab'", u'tiat" subission, had
co" an a$"ction th" 'ik" of which sh" had n"+"r dr"a"d in th" o'd 1 Str""t
days( 1ut Trina 'o+"d h"r husband, not b"caus" sh" fanci"d sh" saw in hi
any of thos" nob'" and g"n"rous 8ua'iti"s that ins)ir" a$"ction( Th" d"ntist
ight or ight not )oss"ss th", it was a'' on" with Trina( Sh" 'o+"d hi
b"caus" sh" had gi+"n h"rs"'f to hi fr""'y, unr"s"r+"d'y* had "rg"d h"r
indi+idua'ity into his* sh" was his, sh" b"'ong"d to hi for"+"r and for"+"r(
Nothing that h" cou'd do Dso sh" to'd h"rs"'fE, nothing that sh" h"rs"'f cou'd
do, cou'd chang" h"r in this r"s)"ct( !cT"agu" ight c"as" to 'o+" h"r,
ight '"a+" h"r, ight "+"n di"* it wou'd b" a'' th" sa", SHE :AS HIS(
1ut it had not b""n so at 3rst( 0uring thos" 'ong, rainy days of th" fa'', days
wh"n Trina was '"ft a'on" for hours, at that ti" wh"n th" "7cit""nt and
no+"'ty of th" hon"yoon w"r" dying down, wh"n th" n"w hous"ho'd was
s"tt'ing into its groo+"s, sh" )ass"d through any an hour of isgi+ing, of
doubt, and "+"n of actua' r"gr"t(
N"+"r wou'd sh" forg"t on" Sunday aft"rnoon in )articu'ar( Sh" had b""n
arri"d but thr"" w""ks( Aft"r dinn"r sh" and 'itt'" !iss 1ak"r had gon" for a
bit of a wa'k to tak" ad+antag" of an hour#s sunshin" and to 'ook at so"
wond"rfu' g"ranius in a 5orist#s window on Sutt"r Str""t( Th"y had b""n
caught in a show"r, and on r"turning to th" 5at th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r had
insist"d on f"tching Trina u) to h"r tiny roo and br"wing h"r a cu) of strong
t"a, /to tak" th" chi'' o$(/ Th" two wo"n had chatt"d o+"r th"ir t"acu)s th"
b"tt"r )art of th" aft"rnoon, th"n Trina had r"turn"d to h"r roos( For n"ar'y
thr"" hours !cT"agu" had b""n out of h"r thoughts, and as sh" ca"
through th"ir 'itt'" suit", singing soft'y to h"rs"'f, sh" sudd"n'y ca" u)on
hi 8uit" un"7)"ct"d'y( H"r husband was in th" /0"nta' Par'ors,/ 'ying back
in his o)"rating chair, fast as'"")( Th" 'itt'" sto+" was cra"d with cok",
th" roo was o+"rh"at"d, th" air thick and fou' with th" odors of "th"r, of
cok" gas, of sta'" b""r and ch"a) tobacco( Th" d"ntist s)raw'"d his gigantic
'ibs o+"r th" worn +"'+"t of th" o)"rating chair* his coat and +"st and sho"s
w"r" o$, and his hug" f""t, in th"ir thick gray socks, dang'"d o+"r th" "dg"
of th" foot%r"st* his )i)", fa''"n fro his ha'f%o)"n outh, had s)i''"d th"
ash"s into his 'a)* whi'" on th" 5oor, at his sid" stood th" ha'f%")ty )itch"r
of st"a b""r( His h"ad had ro''"d 'i)'y u)on on" shou'd"r, his fac" was r"d
with s'""), and fro his o)"n outh ca" a t"rri3c sound of snoring(
For a o"nt Trina stood 'ooking at hi as h" 'ay thus, )ron", in"rt, ha'f%
dr"ss"d, and stu)"3"d with th" h"at of th" roo, th" st"a b""r, and th"
fu"s of th" ch"a) tobacco( Th"n h"r 'itt'" chin 8ui+"r"d and a sob ros" to
h"r throat* sh" 5"d fro th" /Par'ors,/ and 'ocking h"rs"'f in h"r b"droo,
5ung h"rs"'f on th" b"d and burst into an agony of w"")ing( Ah, no, ah, no,
sh" cou'd not 'o+" hi( It had a'' b""n a dr"adfu' istak", and now it was
irr"+ocab'"* sh" was bound to this an for 'if"( If it was as bad as this now,
on'y thr"" w""ks aft"r h"r arriag", how wou'd it b" in th" y"ars to co"@
9"ar aft"r y"ar, onth aft"r onth, hour aft"r hour, sh" was to s"" this sa"
fac", with its sa'i"nt &aw, was to f""' th" touch of thos" "norous r"d hands,
was to h"ar th" h"a+y, "'")hantin" tr"ad of thos" hug" f""t4in thick gray
socks( 9"ar aft"r y"ar, day aft"r day, th"r" wou'd b" no chang", and it wou'd
'ast a'' h"r 'if"( Eith"r it wou'd b" on" 'ong continu"d r"+u'sion, or "'s"4
wors" than a''4sh" wou'd co" to b" cont"nt with hi, wou'd co" to b"
'ik" hi, wou'd sink to th" '"+"' of st"a b""r and ch"a) tobacco, and a'' h"r
)r"tty ways, h"r c'"an, tri 'itt'" habits, wou'd b" forgott"n, sinc" th"y wou'd
b" thrown away u)on h"r stu)id, brutish husband( /H"r husband?/ THAT, was
h"r husband in th"r"4sh" cou'd y"t h"ar his snor"s4for 'if", for 'if"( A gr"at
d"s)air s"i6"d u)on h"r( Sh" buri"d h"r fac" in th" )i''ow and thought of h"r
oth"r with an in3nit" 'onging(
Arous"d at '"ngth by th" chitt"ring of th" canary, !cT"agu" had awak"n"d
s'ow'y( Aft"r a whi'" h" had tak"n down his conc"rtina and )'ay"d u)on it th"
si7 +"ry ournfu' airs that h" kn"w(
Fac" downward u)on th" b"d, Trina sti'' w")t( Throughout that 'itt'" suit"
cou'd b" h"ard but two sounds, th" 'ugubrious strains of th" conc"rtina and
th" nois" of sti5"d w"")ing(
That h"r husband shou'd b" ignorant of h"r distr"ss s"""d to Trina an
additiona' gri"+anc"( :ith )"r+"rs" inconsist"ncy sh" b"gan to wish hi to
co" to h"r, to cofort h"r( H" ought to know that sh" was in troub'", that
sh" was 'on"'y and unha))y(
/,h, !ac,/ sh" ca''"d in a tr"b'ing +oic"( 1ut th" conc"rtina sti'' continu"d
to wai' and 'a"nt( Th"n Trina wish"d sh" w"r" d"ad, and on th" instant
&u)"d u) and ran into th" /0"nta' Par'ors,/ and thr"w h"rs"'f into h"r
husband#s ars, crying; /,h, !ac, d"ar, 'o+" ", 'o+" " big? I# so
unha))y(/
/:hat4what4what4/ th" d"ntist "7c'ai"d, starting u) b"wi'd"r"d, a 'itt'"
fright"n"d(
/Nothing, nothing, on'y 2,CE ", 'o+" " a'ways and a'ways(/
1ut this 3rst crisis, this o"ntary r"+o't, as uch a att"r of high%strung
f"inin" n"r+"s as of anything "'s", )ass"d, and in th" "nd Trina#s a$"ction
for h"r /o'd b"ar/ gr"w in s)it" of h"rs"'f( Sh" b"gan to 'o+" hi or" and
or", not for what h" was, but for what sh" had gi+"n u) to hi( ,n'y onc"
again did Trina und"rgo a r"action against h"r husband, and th"n it was but
th" att"r of an instant, brought on, curious'y "nough, by th" sight of a bit of
"gg on !cT"agu"#s h"a+y ustach" on" orning &ust aft"r br"akfast(
Th"n, too, th" )air had '"arn"d to ak" conc"ssions, 'itt'" by 'itt'", and a''
unconscious'y th"y ada)t"d th"ir od"s of 'if" to suit "ach oth"r( Inst"ad of
sinking to !cT"agu"#s '"+"' as sh" had f"ar"d, Trina found that sh" cou'd
ak" !cT"agu" ris" to h"rs, and in this saw a so'ution of any a di-cu't and
g'ooy co)'ication(
For on" thing, th" d"ntist b"gan to dr"ss a 'itt'" b"tt"r, Trina "+"n succ""ding
in inducing hi to w"ar a high si'k hat and a frock coat of a Sunday( N"7t h"
r"'in8uish"d his Sunday aft"rnoon#s na) and b""r in fa+or of thr"" or four
hours s)"nt in th" )ark with h"r4th" w"ath"r )"ritting( So that gradua''y
Trina#s isgi+ings c"as"d, or wh"n th"y did assai' h"r, sh" cou'd at 'ast ""t
th" with a shrug of th" shou'd"rs, saying to h"rs"'f "anwhi'", /:"'', it#s
don" now and it can#t b" h"')"d* on" ust ak" th" b"st of it(/
0uring th" 3rst onths of th"ir arri"d 'if" th"s" n"r+ous r"'a)s"s of h"rs
had a't"rnat"d with brus8u" outbursts of a$"ction wh"n h"r on'y f"ar was
that h"r husband#s 'o+" did not "8ua' h"r own( :ithout an instant#s warning,
sh" wou'd c'as) hi about th" n"ck, rubbing h"r ch""k against his,
ururing;
/0"ar o'd !ac, I 'o+" you so, I 'o+" you so( ,h, ar"n#t w" ha))y tog"th"r,
!ac, &ust us two and no on" "'s"@ 9ou 'o+" " as uch as I 'o+" you, don#t
you, !ac@ ,h, if you shou'dn#t4if you SH,=20N#T(/
1ut by th" idd'" of th" wint"r Trina#s "otions, osci''ating at 3rst fro on"
"7tr"" to anoth"r, co"nc"d to s"tt'" th"s"'+"s to an "8ui'ibriu of
ca'n"ss and )'acid 8ui"tud"( H"r hous"ho'd duti"s b"gan or" and or" to
absorb h"r att"ntion, for sh" was an adirab'" hous"k"")"r, k"")ing th"
'itt'" suit" in ar+"''ous good ord"r and r"gu'ating th" sch"du'" of
"7)"nditur" with an "conoy that oft"n bord"r"d on )ositi+" niggard'in"ss( It
was a )assion with h"r to sa+" on"y( In th" botto of h"r trunk, in th"
b"droo, sh" hid a brass atch%saf" that answ"r"d th" )ur)os"s of a
sa+ings bank( Each ti" sh" add"d a 8uart"r or a ha'f do''ar to th" 'itt'" stor"
sh" 'augh"d and sang with a +"ritab'" chi'dish d"'ight* wh"r"as, if th"
butch"r or i'kan co)"''"d h"r to )ay an o+"rcharg" sh" was unha))y for
th" r"st of th" day( Sh" did not sa+" this on"y for any u't"rior )ur)os", sh"
hoard"d instincti+"'y, without knowing why, r"s)onding to th" d"ntist#s
r"onstranc"s with;
/9"s, y"s, I know I# a 'itt'" is"r, I know it(/
Trina had a'ways b""n an "conoica' 'itt'" body, but it was on'y sinc" h"r
gr"at winning in th" 'ott"ry that sh" had b"co" "s)"cia''y )"nurious( No
doubt, in h"r f"ar '"st th"ir gr"at good 'uck shou'd d"ora'i6" th" and '"ad
to habits of "7tra+aganc", sh" had r"coi'"d too far in th" oth"r dir"ction(
N"+"r, n"+"r, n"+"r shou'd a )"nny of that iracu'ous fortun" b" s)"nt*
rath"r shou'd it b" add"d to( It was a n"st "gg, a onstrous, roc%'ik" n"st
"gg, not so 'arg", how"+"r, but that it cou'd b" ad" 'arg"r( A'r"ady by th"
"nd of that wint"r Trina had b"gun to ak" u) th" d"3cit of two hundr"d
do''ars that sh" had b""n forc"d to "7)"nd on th" )r")arations for h"r
arriag"(
!cT"agu", on his )art, n"+"r ask"d his"'f now%a%days wh"th"r h" 'o+"d
Trina th" wif" as uch as h" had 'o+"d Trina th" young gir'( Th"r" had b""n a
ti" wh"n to kiss Trina, to tak" h"r in his ars, had thri''"d hi fro h"ad to
h""' with a ha))in"ss that was b"yond words* "+"n th" s"'' of h"r
wond"rfu' odorous hair had s"nt a s"nsation of faintn"ss a'' through hi(
That ti" was 'ong )ast now( Thos" sudd"n outbursts of a$"ction on th" )art
of his 'itt'" woan, outbursts that on'y incr"as"d in +"h""nc" th" 'ong"r
th"y 'i+"d tog"th"r, )u66'"d rath"r than )'"as"d hi( H" had co" to subit
to th" good%natur"d'y, answ"ring h"r )assionat" in8uiri"s with a /Sur",
sur", Trina, sur" I 'o+" you( :hat4what#s th" att"r with you@/
Th"r" was no )assion in th" d"ntist#s r"gard for his wif"( H" d"ar'y 'ik"d to
ha+" h"r n"ar hi, h" took an "norous )'"asur" in watching h"r as sh"
o+"d about th"ir roos, +"ry uch at ho", gay and singing fro orning
ti'' night* and it was his gr"at d"'ight to ca'' h"r into th" /0"nta' Par'ors/ wh"n
a )ati"nt was in th" chair and, whi'" h" h"'d th" )'ugg"r, to ha+" h"r ra) in
th" go'd 3''ings with th" 'itt'" bo7%wood a''"t as h" had taught h"r( 1ut that
t")"st of )assion, that o+"r)ow"ring d"sir" that had sudd"n'y tak"n
)oss"ssion of hi that day wh"n h" had gi+"n h"r "th"r, again wh"n h" had
caught h"r in his ars in th" 1 Str""t station, and again and again during th"
"ar'y days of th"ir arri"d 'if", rar"'y stirr"d hi now( ,n th" oth"r hand, h"
was n"+"r assai'"d with doubts as to th" wisdo of his arriag"(
!cT"agu" had r"'a)s"d to his wont"d sto'idity( H" n"+"r 8u"stion"d his"'f,
n"+"r 'ook"d for oti+"s, n"+"r w"nt to th" botto of things( Th" y"ar
fo''owing u)on th" su"r of his arriag" was a ti" of gr"at cont"nt"nt
for hi* aft"r th" no+"'ty of th" hon"yoon had )ass"d h" s'i))"d "asi'y into
th" n"w ord"r of things without a 8u"stion( Thus his 'if" wou'd b" for y"ars to
co"( Trina was th"r"* h" was arri"d and s"tt'"d( H" acc")t"d th"
situation( Th" 'itt'" ania' coforts which for hi constitut"d th" "n&oy"nt
of 'if" w"r" inist"r"d to at "+"ry turn, or wh"n th"y w"r" int"rf"r"d with4as
in th" cas" of his Sunday aft"rnoon#s na) and b""r4so" agr""ab'"
substitut" was found( In h"r att")ts to i)ro+" !cT"agu"4to rais" hi
fro th" stu)id ania' 'if" to which h" had b""n accusto"d in his bach"'or
days4Trina was tactfu' "nough to o+" so cautious'y and with such s'own"ss
that th" d"ntist was unconscious of any )roc"ss of chang"( In th" att"r of
th" high si'k hat, it s"""d to hi that th" initiati+" had co" fro his"'f(
<radua''y th" d"ntist i)ro+"d und"r th" in5u"nc" of his 'itt'" wif"( H" no
'ong"r w"nt abroad with fray"d cu$s about his hug" r"d wrists4or wors",
without any cu$s at a''( Trina k")t his 'in"n c'"an and "nd"d, doing ost of
his washing h"rs"'f, and insisting that h" shou'd chang" his 5ann"'s4thick
r"d 5ann"'s th"y w"r", with "norous bon" buttons4onc" a w""k, his 'in"n
shirts twic" a w""k, and his co''ars and cu$s "+"ry s"cond day( Sh" brok" hi
of th" habit of "ating with his knif", sh" caus"d hi to substitut" bott'"d b""r
in th" )'ac" of st"a b""r, and sh" induc"d hi to tak" o$ his hat to !iss
1ak"r, to H"is"#s wif", and to th" oth"r wo"n of his ac8uaintanc"( !cT"agu"
no 'ong"r s)"nt an "+"ning at Fr"nna#s( Inst"ad of this h" brought a cou)'" of
bott'"s of b""r u) to th" roos and shar"d it with Trina( In his /Par'ors/ h"
was no 'ong"r gru$ and indi$"r"nt to his f"a'" )ati"nts* h" arri+"d at that
stag" wh"r" h" cou'd work and ta'k to th" at th" sa" ti"* h" "+"n
acco)ani"d th" to th" door, and h"'d it o)"n for th" wh"n th" o)"ration
was 3nish"d, bowing th" out with gr"at nods of his hug" s8uar"%cut h"ad(
1"sid"s a'' this, h" b"gan to obs"r+" th" broad"r, 'arg"r int"r"sts of 'if",
int"r"sts that a$"ct"d hi not as an indi+idua', but as a "b"r of a c'ass, a
)rof"ssion, or a )o'itica' )arty( H" r"ad th" )a)"rs, h" subscrib"d to a d"nta'
aga6in"* on East"r, Christas, and N"w 9"ar#s h" w"nt to church with Trina(
H" co"nc"d to ha+" o)inions, con+ictions4it was not fair to d")ri+" ta7%
)aying wo"n of th" )ri+i'"g" to +ot"* a uni+"rsity "ducation shou'd not b" a
)r"r"8uisit" for adission to a d"nta' co''"g"* th" Catho'ic )ri"sts w"r" to b"
r"strain"d in th"ir "$orts to gain contro' of th" )ub'ic schoo's(
1ut ost wond"rfu' of a'', !cT"agu" b"gan to ha+" abitions4+"ry +agu",
+"ry confus"d id"as of so"thing b"tt"r4id"as for th" ost )art borrow"d
fro Trina( So" day, )"rha)s, h" and his wif" wou'd ha+" a hous" of th"ir
own( :hat a dr"a? A 'itt'" ho" a'' to th"s"'+"s, with si7 roos and a
bath, with a grass )'at in front and ca''a%'i'i"s( Th"n th"r" wou'd b" chi'dr"n(
H" wou'd ha+" a son, whos" na" wou'd b" 0ani"', who wou'd go to High
Schoo', and )"rha)s turn out to b" a )ros)"rous )'ub"r or hous" )aint"r(
Th"n this son 0ani"' wou'd arry a wif", and th"y wou'd a'' 'i+" tog"th"r in
that si7%roo%and%bath hous"* 0ani"' wou'd ha+" 'itt'" chi'dr"n( !cT"agu"
wou'd grow o'd aong th" a''( Th" d"ntist saw his"'f as a +"n"rab'"
)atriarch surround"d by chi'dr"n and grandchi'dr"n(
So th" wint"r )ass"d( It was a s"ason of gr"at ha))in"ss for th" !cT"agu"s*
th" n"w 'if" &ost'"d its"'f into its groo+"s( A routin" b"gan(
,n w""kdays th"y ros" at ha'f%)ast si7, b"ing awak"n"d by th" boy who
brought th" bott'"d i'k, and who had instructions to )ound u)on th"
b"droo door in )assing( Trina ad" br"akfast4co$"", bacon and "ggs, and
a ro'' of Ci"nna br"ad fro th" bak"ry( Th" br"akfast was "at"n in th"
kitch"n, on th" round d"a' tab'" co+"r"d with th" shiny oi'c'oth tab'"%s)r"ad
tack"d on( Aft"r br"akfast th" d"ntist i"diat"'y b"took his"'f to his
/Par'ors/ to ""t his "ar'y orning a))oint"nts4thos" ad" with th"
c'"rks and sho) gir's who sto))"d in for ha'f an hour on th"ir way to th"ir
work(
Trina, "anwhi'", busi"d h"rs"'f about th" suit", c'"aring away th" br"akfast,
s)onging o$ th" oi'c'oth tab'"%s)r"ad, aking th" b"d, )ott"ring about with a
broo or dust"r or c'"aning rag( Towards t"n o#c'ock sh" o)"n"d th" windows
to air th" roos, th"n )ut on h"r drab &ack"t, h"r 'itt'" round turban with its
r"d wing, took th" butch"r#s and groc"r#s books fro th" knif" bask"t in th"
draw"r of th" kitch"n tab'", and d"sc"nd"d to th" str""t, wh"r" sh" s)"nt a
d"'icious hour4now in th" hug" ark"t across th" way, now in th" groc"r#s
stor" with its fragrant aroa of co$"" and s)ic"s, and now b"for" th"
count"rs of th" hab"rdash"r#s, int"nt on a bit of sho))ing, turning o+"r "nds
of +"i'ing, stri)s of "'astic, or s'i+"rs of wha'"bon"( ,n th" str""t sh" rubb"d
"'bows with th" gr"at 'adi"s of th" a+"nu" in th"ir b"autifu' dr"ss"s, or at
int"r+a's sh" "t an ac8uaintanc" or two4!iss 1ak"r, or H"is"#s 'a" wif",
or !rs( Ry"r( At ti"s sh" )ass"d th" 5at and 'ook"d u) at th" windows of h"r
ho", ark"d by th" hug" go'd"n o'ar that )ro&"ct"d, 5ashing, fro th"
bay window of th" /Par'ors(/ Sh" saw th" o)"n windows of th" sitting%roo,
th" Nottingha 'ac" curtains stirring and bi''owing in th" draft, and sh"
caught sight of !aria !aca)a#s tow"''"d h"ad as th" !"7ican aid%of%a''%work
w"nt to and fro in th" suit", sw"")ing or carrying away th" ash"s(
,ccasiona''y in th" windows of th" /Par'ors/ sh" b"h"'d !cT"agu"#s round"d
back as h" b"nt to his work( So"ti"s, "+"n, th"y saw "ach oth"r and
wa+"d th"ir hands gay'y in r"cognition(
1y "'"+"n o#c'ock Trina r"turn"d to th" 5at, h"r brown n"t r"ticu'"4onc" h"r
oth"r#s4fu'' of )arc"'s( At onc" sh" s"t about g"tting 'unch4sausag"s,
)"rha)s, with ash"d )otato"s* or 'ast "+"ning#s &oint war"d o+"r or ad"
into a st"w* choco'at", which Trina ador"d, and a sid" dish or two4a sa't"d
h"rring or a cou)'" of artichok"s or a sa'ad( At ha'f%)ast tw"'+" th" d"ntist
ca" in fro th" /Par'ors,/ bringing with hi th" s"'' of cr"osot" and of
"th"r( Th"y sat down to 'unch in th" sitting%roo( Th"y to'd "ach oth"r of
th"ir doings throughout th" for"noon* Trina show"d h"r )urchas"s, !cT"agu"
r"count"d th" )rogr"ss of an o)"ration( At on" o#c'ock th"y s")arat"d, th"
d"ntist r"turning to th" /Par'ors,/ Trina s"tt'ing to h"r work on th" Noah#s ark
ania's( At about thr"" o#c'ock sh" )ut this work away, and for th" r"st of th"
aft"rnoon was +arious'y occu)i"d4so"ti"s it was th" "nding,
so"ti"s th" wash, so"ti"s n"w curtains to b" )ut u), or a bit of car)"t
to b" tack"d down, or a '"tt"r to b" writt"n, or a +isit4g"n"ra''y to !iss 1ak"r
4to b" r"turn"d( Towards 3+" o#c'ock th" o'd woan who th"y had hir"d for
that )ur)os" ca" to cook su))"r, for "+"n Trina was not "8ua' to th" task of
)r")aring thr"" "a's a day(
This woan was Fr"nch, and was known to th" 5at as Augustin", no on"
taking "nough int"r"st in h"r to in8uir" for h"r 'ast na"* a'' that was known
of h"r was that sh" was a d"cay"d Fr"nch 'aundr"ss, is"rab'y )oor, h"r
trad" 'ong sinc" ruin"d by Chin"s" co)"tition( Augustin" cook"d w"'', but
sh" was oth"rwis" und"sirab'", and Trina 'ost )ati"nc" with h"r at "+"ry
o"nt( Th" o'd Fr"nch woan#s ost ark"d charact"ristic was h"r
tiidity( Trina cou'd scarc"'y addr"ss h"r a si)'" dir"ction without Augustin"
8uai'ing and shrinking* a r")roof, how"+"r g"nt'", thr"w h"r into an agony of
confusion* whi'" Trina#s ang"r )ro)t'y r"duc"d h"r to a stat" of n"r+ous
co''a)s", wh"r"in sh" 'ost a'' )ow"r of s)""ch, whi'" h"r h"ad b"gan to bob
and nod with an incontro''ab'" twitching of th" usc'"s, uch 'ik" th"
osci''ations of th" h"ad of a toy donk"y( H"r tiidity was "7as)"rating, h"r
+"ry )r"s"nc" in th" roo unstrung th" n"r+"s, whi'" h"r orbid "ag"rn"ss
to a+oid o$"nc" on'y s"r+"d to d"+"'o) in h"r a c'usin"ss that was at ti"s
b"yond b"'i"f( !or" than onc" Trina had d"cid"d that sh" cou'd no 'ong"r )ut
u) with Augustin" but "ach ti" sh" had r"tain"d h"r as sh" r"5"ct"d u)on
h"r adirab'y cook"d cabbag" sou)s and ta)ioca )uddings, and4which in
Trina#s "y"s was h"r chi"f"st r"co"ndation4th" )ittanc" for which sh"
was cont"nt"d to work(
Augustin" had a husband( H" was a s)irit%"diu4a /)rof"ssor(/ At ti"s h"
h"'d s"anc"s in th" 'arg"r roos of th" 5at, )'aying +igorous'y u)on a outh%
organ and in+oking a fai'iar who h" ca''"d /Edna,/ and who h" ass"rt"d
was an Indian aid"n(
Th" "+"ning was a )"riod of r"'a7ation for Trina and !cT"agu"( Th"y had
su))"r at si7, aft"r which !cT"agu" sok"d his )i)" and r"ad th" )a)"rs for
ha'f an hour, whi'" Trina and Augustin" c'"ar"d away th" tab'" and wash"d
th" dish"s( Th"n, as oft"n as not, th"y w"nt out tog"th"r( ,n" of th"ir
aus""nts was to go /down town/ aft"r dark and )ro"nad" !ark"t and
K"arn"y Str""ts( It was +"ry gay* a gr"at any oth"rs w"r" )ro"nading
th"r" a'so( A'' of th" stor"s w"r" bri''iant'y 'ight"d and any of th" sti''
o)"n( Th"y wa'k"d about ai'"ss'y, 'ooking into th" sho) windows( Trina
wou'd tak" !cT"agu"#s ar, and h", +"ry uch "barrass"d at that, wou'd
thrust both hands into his )ock"ts and )r"t"nd not to notic"( Th"y sto))"d
b"for" th" &"w"''"rs# and i''in"rs# windows, 3nding a gr"at d"'ight in )icking
out things for "ach oth"r, saying how th"y wou'd choos" this and that if th"y
w"r" rich( Trina did ost of th" ta'king( !cT"agu" "r"'y a))ro+ing by a
grow' or a o+""nt of th" h"ad or shou'd"rs* sh" was int"r"st"d in th"
dis)'ays of so" of th" ch"a)"r stor"s, but h" found an irr"sistib'" char in
an "norous go'd"n o'ar with four )rongs that hung at a corn"r of K"arn"y
Str""t( So"ti"s th"y wou'd 'ook at !ars or at th" oon through th" str""t
t"'"sco)"s or sit for a ti" in th" rotunda of a +ast d")art"nt stor" wh"r" a
band )'ay"d "+"ry "+"ning(
,ccasiona''y th"y "t H"is" th" harn"ss%ak"r and his wif", with who th"y
had b"co" ac8uaint"d( Th"n th" "+"ning was conc'ud"d by a four%corn"r"d
)arty in th" 2u7"bourg, a 8ui"t <"ran r"staurant und"r a th"atr"( Trina
had a taa'" and a g'ass of b""r, !rs( H"is" Dwho was a d"cay"d writing
t"ach"rE at" sa'ads, with g'ass"s of gr"nadin" and currant syru)s( H"is"
drank cocktai's and whisk"y straight, and urg"d th" d"ntist to &oin hi( 1ut
!cT"agu" was obstinat", shaking his h"ad( /I can#t drink that stu$,/ h" said(
/It don#t agr"" with ", so"how* I go kinda cra6y aft"r two g'ass"s(/ So h"
gorg"d his"'f with b""r and frankfurt"r sausag"s )'ast"r"d with <"ran
ustard(
:h"n th" annua' !"chanic#s Fair o)"n"d, !cT"agu" and Trina oft"n s)"nt
th"ir "+"nings th"r", studying th" "7hibits car"fu''y Dsinc" in Trina#s
"stiation "ducation "ant knowing things and b"ing ab'" to ta'k about
th"E( :"arying of this th"y wou'd go u) into th" ga''"ry, and, '"aning o+"r,
'ook down into th" hug" a)hith"atr" fu'' of 'ight and co'or and o+""nt(
Th"r" ros" to th" th" +ast shu>ing nois" of thousands of f""t and a
subdu"d roar of con+"rsation 'ik" th" sound of a gr"at i''( !ing'"d with this
was th" )urring of distant achin"ry, th" s)'ashing of a t")orary fountain,
and th" rhythic &ang'ing of a brass band, whi'" in th" )iano "7hibit a hir"d
)"rfor"r was )'aying u)on a conc"rt grand with a gr"at 5ourish( N"ar"r at
hand th"y cou'd catch "nds of con+"rsation and not"s of 'aught"r, th" nois"
of o+ing dr"ss"s, and th" rust'" of sti>y starch"d skirts( H"r" and th"r"
schoo' chi'dr"n "'bow"d th"ir way through th" crowd, crying shri''y, th"ir
hands fu'' of ad+"rtis""nt )a)h'"ts, fans, )ictur" cards, and toy whi)s,
whi'" th" air its"'f was fu'' of th" s"'' of fr"sh )o)corn(
Th"y "+"n s)"nt so" ti" in th" art ga''"ry( Trina#s cousin S"'ina, who ga+"
'"ssons in hand )ainting at two bits an hour, g"n"ra''y had an "7hibit on th"
wa''s, which th"y w"r" int"r"st"d to 3nd( It usua''y was a bunch of y"''ow
)o))i"s )aint"d on b'ack +"'+"t and fra"d in gi't( Th"y stood b"for" it so"
'itt'" ti", ha6arding th"ir o)inions, and th"n o+"d on s'ow'y fro on"
)ictur" to anoth"r( Trina had !cT"agu" buy a cata'ogu" and ad" a duty of
3nding th" tit'" of "+"ry )ictur"( This, too, sh" to'd !cT"agu", as a kind of
"ducation on" ought to cu'ti+at"( Trina )rof"ss"d to b" fond of art, ha+ing
)"rha)s ac8uir"d a tast" for )ainting and scu')tur" fro h"r "7)"ri"nc" with
th" Noah#s ark ania's(
/,f cours",/ sh" to'd th" d"ntist, /I# no critic, I on'y know what I 'ik"(/ Sh"
kn"w that sh" 'ik"d th" /Id"a' H"ads,/ 'o+"'y gir's with 5owing straw%co'or"d
hair and i"ns", u)turn"d "y"s( Th"s" a'ways had for tit'", /R"+"ri",/ or
/An Idy'',/ or /0r"as of 2o+"(/
/I think thos" ar" 'o+"'y, don#t you, !ac@/ sh" said(
/9"s, y"s,/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", nodding his h"ad, b"wi'd"r"d, trying to
und"rstand( /9"s, y"s, 'o+"'y, that#s th" word( Ar" you d"ad sur" now, Trina,
that a'' that#s hand%)aint"d &ust 'ik" th" )o))i"s@/
Thus th" wint"r )ass"d, a y"ar w"nt by, th"n two( Th" 'itt'" 'if" of Po'k Str""t,
th" 'if" of sa'' trad"rs, drug c'"rks, groc"rs, station"rs, )'ub"rs, d"ntists,
doctors, s)irit%"dius, and th" 'ik", ran on onotonous'y in its accusto"d
groo+"s( Th" 3rst thr"" y"ars of th"ir arri"d 'if" wrought 'itt'" chang" in th"
fortun"s of th" !cT"agu"s( In th" third su"r th" branch )ost%o-c" was
o+"d fro th" ground 5oor of th" 5at to a corn"r farth"r u) th" str""t in
ord"r to b" n"ar th" cab'" 'in" that ran ai' cars( Its )'ac" was tak"n by a
<"ran sa'oon, ca''"d a /:"in Stub",/ in th" fac" of th" )rot"sts of "+"ry
f"a'" 'odg"r( A f"w onths 'at"r 8uit" a 'itt'" 5urry of "7cit""nt ran
through th" str""t on th" occasion of /Th" Po'k Str""t ,)"n Air F"sti+a',/
organi6"d to c"'"brat" th" introduction th"r" of "'"ctric 'ights( Th" f"sti+a'
'ast"d thr"" days and was 8uit" an a$air( Th" str""t was gar'and"d with
y"''ow and whit" bunting* th"r" w"r" )roc"ssions and /5oats/ and brass
bands( !arcus Schou'"r was in his "'""nt during th" who'" ti" of th"
c"'"bration( H" was on" of th" arsha's of th" )arad", and was to b" s""n at
"+"ry hour of th" day, w"aring a borrow"d high hat and cotton g'o+"s, and
ga''o)ing a brok"n%down cab%hors" o+"r th" cobb'"s( H" carri"d a baton
co+"r"d with y"''ow and whit" ca'ico, with which h" ad" furious )ass"s and
g"stur"s( His +oic" was soon r"duc"d to a whis)"r by continu"d shouting,
and h" rag"d and fr"tt"d o+"r tri5"s ti'' h" wor" his"'f thin( !cT"agu" was
disgust"d with hi( As oft"n as !arcus )ass"d th" window of th" 5at th"
d"ntist wou'd utt"r;
/Ah, you think you#r" sart, don#t you@/
Th" r"su't of th" f"sti+a' was th" organi6ing of a body known as th" /Po'k
Str""t I)ro+""nt C'ub,/ of which !arcus was "'"ct"d s"cr"tary( !cT"agu"
and Trina oft"n h"ard of hi in this ca)acity through H"is" th" harn"ss%
ak"r( !arcus had "+id"nt'y co" to ha+" )o'itica' as)irations( It a))"ar"d
that h" was gaining a r")utation as a ak"r of s)""ch"s, d"'i+"r"d with 3"ry
")hasis, and occasiona''y r")rint"d in th" /Progr"ss,/ th" organ of th" c'ub
4/outrag"d constitu"nci"s,/ /o)inions war)"d by )"rsona' bias,/ /"y"s
b'ind"d by )arty )r"&udic",/ "tc(
,f h"r fai'y, Trina h"ard "+"ry fortnight in '"tt"rs fro h"r oth"r( Th"
u)ho'st"ry busin"ss which !r( Si"))" had bought was doing )oor'y, and !rs(
Si"))" b"wai'"d th" day sh" had "+"r '"ft 1 Str""t( !r( Si"))" was 'osing
on"y "+"ry onth( ,wgoost", who was to ha+" gon" to schoo', had b""n
forc"d to go to work in /th" stor",/ )icking wast"( !rs( Si"))" was ob'ig"d to
tak" a 'odg"r or two( A$airs w"r" in a +"ry bad way( ,ccasiona''y sh" s)ok"
of !arcus( !r( Si"))" had not forgott"n hi d"s)it" his own troub'"s, but sti''
had an "y" out for so" on" who !arcus cou'd /go in with/ on a ranch(
It was toward th" "nd of this )"riod of thr"" y"ars that Trina and !cT"agu"
had th"ir 3rst s"rious 8uarr"'( Trina had ta'k"d so uch about ha+ing a 'itt'"
hous" of th"ir own at so" futur" day, that !cT"agu" had at '"ngth co" to
r"gard th" a$air as th" "nd and ob&"ct of a'' th"ir 'abors( For a 'ong ti" th"y
had had th"ir "y"s u)on on" hous" in )articu'ar( It was situat"d on a cross
str""t c'os" by, b"tw""n Po'k Str""t and th" gr"at a+"nu" on" b'ock abo+",
and hard'y a Sunday aft"rnoon )ass"d that Trina and !cT"agu" did not go
and 'ook at it( Th"y stood for fu''y ha'f an hour u)on th" oth"r sid" of th"
str""t, "7aining "+"ry d"tai' of its "7t"rior, ha6arding gu"ss"s as to th"
arrang""nt of th" roos, co"nting u)on its i"diat" n"ighborhood4
which was rath"r sordid( Th" hous" was a wood"n two%story arrang""nt,
bui't by a isguid"d contractor in a sort of hid"ous Bu""n Ann" sty'", a''
scro''s and "aning'"ss i'' work, with a ch"a) iitation of stain"d g'ass in
th" 'ight o+"r th" door( Th"r" was a icrosco)ic front yard fu'' of dusty ca''a%
'i'i"s( Th" front door boast"d an "'"ctric b"''( 1ut for th" !cT"agu"s it was an
id"a' ho"( Th"ir id"a was to 'i+" in this 'itt'" hous", th" d"ntist r"taining
"r"'y his o-c" in th" 5at( Th" two )'ac"s w"r" but around th" corn"r fro
"ach oth"r, so that !cT"agu" cou'd 'unch with his wif", as usua', and cou'd
"+"n k"") his "ar'y orning a))oint"nts and r"turn to br"akfast if h" so
d"sir"d(
How"+"r, th" hous" was occu)i"d( A Hungarian fai'y 'i+"d in it( Th" fath"r
k")t a station"ry and notion /ba6aar/ n"7t to H"is"#s harn"ss%sho) on Po'k
Str""t, whi'" th" o'd"st son )'ay"d a third +io'in in th" orch"stra of a th"atr"(
Th" fai'y r"nt"d th" hous" unfurnish"d for thirty%3+" do''ars, )aying "7tra
for th" wat"r(
1ut on" Sunday as Trina and !cT"agu" on th"ir way ho" fro th"ir usua'
wa'k turn"d into th" cross str""t on which th" 'itt'" hous" was situat"d, th"y
b"ca" )ro)t'y awar" of an unwont"d bust'" going on u)on th" sid"wa'k in
front of it( A dray was back against th" curb, an "7)r"ss wagon dro+" away
'oad"d with furnitur"* b"dst"ads, 'ooking%g'ass"s, and washbow's 'itt"r"d th"
sid"wa'ks( Th" Hungarian fai'y w"r" o+ing out(
/,h, !ac, 'ook?/ gas)"d Trina(
/Sur", sur",/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist(
Aft"r that th"y s)ok" but 'itt'"( For u)wards of an hour th" two stood u)on
th" sid"wa'k o))osit", watching int"nt'y a'' that w"nt forward, absorb"d,
"7cit"d(
,n th" "+"ning of th" n"7t day th"y r"turn"d and +isit"d th" hous", 3nding a
gr"at d"'ight in going fro roo to roo and iagining th"s"'+"s insta''"d
th"r"in( H"r" wou'd b" th" b"droo, h"r" th" dining%roo, h"r" a charing
'itt'" )ar'or( As th"y ca" out u)on th" front st")s onc" or" th"y "t th"
own"r, an "norous, r"d%fac"d f"''ow, so fat that his wa'king s"""d "r"'y
a c"rtain o+""nt of his f""t by which h" )ush"d his stoach a'ong in front
of hi( Trina ta'k"d with hi a f"w o"nts, but arri+"d at no und"rstanding,
and th" two w"nt away aft"r gi+ing hi th"ir addr"ss( At su))"r that night
!cT"agu" said;
/Huh4what do you think, Trina@/
Trina )ut h"r chin in th" air, ti'ting back h"r h"a+y tiara of swarthy hair(
/I a not so sur" y"t( Thirty%3+" do''ars and th" wat"r "7tra( I don#t think w"
can a$ord it, !ac(/
/Ah, )shaw?/ grow'"d th" d"ntist, /sur" w" can(/
/It isn#t on'y that,/ said Trina, /but it#'' cost so uch to ak" th" chang"(/
/Ah, you ta'k#s though w" w"r" )au)"rs( Ain#t w" got 3+" thousand do''ars@/
Trina 5ush"d on th" instant, "+"n to th" 'ob"s of h"r tiny )a'" "ars, and )ut
h"r 'i)s tog"th"r(
/Now, !ac, you know I don#t want you shou'd ta'k 'ik" that( That on"y#s
n"+"r, n"+"r to b" touch"d(/
/And you#+" b""n sa+un u) a good d"a', b"sid"s,/ w"nt on !cT"agu",
"7as)"rat"d at Trina#s )"rsist"nt "conoi"s( /How uch on"y ha+" you got
in that 'itt'" brass atch%saf" in th" botto of your trunk@ Pr"tty n"ar a
hundr"d do''ars, I gu"ss4ah, sur"(/ H" shut his "y"s and nodd"d his gr"at
h"ad in a knowing way(
Trina had or" than that in th" brass atch%saf" in 8u"stion, but h"r instinct
of hoarding had '"d h"r to k"") it a s"cr"t fro h"r husband( Now sh" 'i"d to
hi with )ro)t 5u"ncy(
/A hundr"d do''ars? :hat ar" you ta'king of, !ac@ I#+" not got 3fty( I#+" not
got THIRT9(/
/,h, '"t#s tak" that 'itt'" hous",/ brok" in !cT"agu"( /:" got th" chanc" now,
and it ay n"+"r co" again( Co" on, Trina, sha'' w"@ Say, co" on, sha''
w", huh@/
/:"#d ha+" to b" awfu' sa+ing if w" did, !ac(/
/:"'', sur", I say '"t#s tak" it(/
/I don#t know,/ said Trina, h"sitating( /:ou'dn#t it b" 'o+"'y to ha+" a hous" a''
to ours"'+"s@ 1ut '"t#s not d"cid" unti' to%orrow(/
Th" n"7t day th" own"r of th" hous" ca''"d( Trina was out at h"r orning#s
ark"ting and th" d"ntist, who had no on" in th" chair at th" ti", r"c"i+"d
hi in th" /Par'ors(/ 1"for" h" was w"'' awar" of it, !cT"agu" had conc'ud"d
th" bargain( Th" own"r b"wi'd"r"d hi with a wor'd of )hras"s, ad" hi
b"'i"+" that it wou'd b" a gr"at sa+ing to o+" into th" 'itt'" hous", and
3na''y o$"r"d it to hi /wat"r fr""(/
/A'' right, a'' right,/ said !cT"agu", /I#'' tak" it(/
Th" oth"r i"diat"'y )roduc"d a )a)"r(
/:"'', th"n, su))os" you sign for th" 3rst onth#s r"nt, and w"#'' ca'' it a
bargain( That#s busin"ss, you know,/ and !cT"agu", h"sitating, sign"d(
/I#d 'ik" to ha+" ta'k"d or" with y wif" about it 3rst,/ h" said, dubious'y(
/,h, that#s a'' right,/ answ"r"d th" own"r, "asi'y( /I gu"ss if th" h"ad of th"
fai'y wants a thing, that#s "nough(/
!cT"agu" cou'd not wait unti' 'unch ti" to t"'' th" n"ws to Trina( As soon as
h" h"ard h"r co" in, h" 'aid down th" )'ast"r%of%)aris ou'd h" was aking
and w"nt out into th" kitch"n and found h"r cho))ing u) onions(
/:"'', Trina,/ h" said, /w" got that hous"( I#+" tak"n it(/
/:hat do you "an@/ sh" answ"r"d, 8uick'y( Th" d"ntist to'd h"r(
/And you sign"d a )a)"r for th" 3rst onth#s r"nt@/
/Sur", sur"( That#s busin"ss, you know(/
/:"'', why did you 0, it@/ cri"d Trina( /9ou ight ha+" ask"d !E so"thing
about it( Now, what ha+" you don"@ I was ta'king with !rs( Ry"r about that
hous" whi'" I was out this orning, and sh" said th" Hungarians o+"d out
b"caus" it was abso'ut"'y unh"a'thy* th"r"#s wat"r b""n standing in th"
bas""nt for onths( And sh" to'd ", too,/ Trina w"nt on indignant'y, /that
sh" kn"w th" own"r, and sh" was sur" w" cou'd g"t th" hous" for thirty if
w"#d bargain for it( Now what ha+" you gon" and don"@ I hadn#t ad" u) y
ind about taking th" hous" at a''( And now I :,N#T tak" it, with th" wat"r in
th" bas""nt and a''(/
/:"''4w"'',/ sta"r"d !cT"agu", h"')'"ss'y, /w" n""dn#t go in if it#s
unh"a'thy(/
/1ut you#+" sign"d a PAPER,/ cri"d Trina, "7as)"rat"d( /9ou#+" got to )ay that
3rst onth#s r"nt, anyhow4to forf"it it( ,h, you ar" so stu)id? Th"r"#s thirty%
3+" do''ars &ust thrown away( I SHAN#T go into that hous"* w" won#t o+" a
F,,T out of h"r"( I#+" chang"d y ind about it, and th"r"#s wat"r in th"
bas""nt b"sid"s(/
/:"'', I gu"ss w" can stand thirty%3+" do''ars,/ ub'"d th" d"ntist, /if w"#+"
got to(/
/Thirty%3+" do''ars &ust thrown out of th" window,/ cri"d Trina, h"r t""th
c'icking, "+"ry instinct of h"r )arsiony arous"d( /,h, you th" thick%witt"d"st
an that I "+"r kn"w( 0o you think w"#r" i''ionair"s@ ,h, to think of 'osing
thirty%3+" do''ars 'ik" that(/ T"ars w"r" in h"r "y"s, t"ars of gri"f as w"'' as of
ang"r( N"+"r had !cT"agu" s""n his 'itt'" woan so arous"d( Sudd"n'y sh"
ros" to h"r f""t and s'a"d th" cho))ing%bow' down u)on th" tab'"( /:"'', I
won#t )ay a nick"' of it,/ sh" "7c'ai"d(
/Huh@ :hat, what@/ sta"r"d th" d"ntist, tak"n a'' aback by h"r outburst(
/I say that you wi'' 3nd that on"y, that thirty%3+" do''ars, yours"'f(/
/:hy4why44/
/It#s your stu)idity got us into this 37, and you#'' b" th" on" that#'' su$"r by
it(/
/I can#t do it, I :,N#T do it( :"#''4w"#'' shar" and shar" a'ik"( :hy, you said
4you to'd " you#d tak" th" hous" if th" wat"r was fr""(/
/I NECER did( I NECER did( How can you stand th"r" and say such a thing@/
/9ou did t"'' " that,/ +ocif"rat"d !cT"agu", b"ginning to g"t angry in his
turn(
/!ac, I didn#t, and you know it( And what#s or", I won#t )ay a nick"'( !r(
H"is" )ays his bi'' n"7t w""k, it#s forty%thr"" do''ars, and you can &ust )ay th"
thirty%3+" out of that(/
/:hy, you got a who'" hundr"d do''ars sa+"d u) in your atch%saf",/ shout"d
th" d"ntist, throwing out an ar with an awkward g"stur"( /9ou )ay ha'f and
I#'' )ay ha'f, that#s on'y fair(/
/No, no, N,,/ "7c'ai"d Trina( /It#s not a hundr"d do''ars( 9ou won#t touch it*
you won#t touch y on"y, I t"'' you(/
/Ah, how do"s it ha))"n to b" yours, I#d 'ik" to know@/
/It#s in"? It#s in"? It#s in"?/ cri"d Trina, h"r fac" scar'"t, h"r t""th c'icking
'ik" th" sna) of a c'osing )urs"(
/It ain#t any or" yours than it is in"(/
/E+"ry )"nny of it is in"(/
/Ah, what a 3n" 37 you#d g"t " into,/ grow'"d th" d"ntist( /I#+" sign"d th"
)a)"r with th" own"r* that#s busin"ss, you know, that#s busin"ss, you know*
and now you go back on "( Su))os" w"#d tak"n th" hous", w"#d #a# shar"d
th" r"nt, wou'dn#t w", &ust as w" do h"r"@/
Trina shrugg"d h"r shou'd"rs with a gr"at a$"ctation of indi$"r"nc" and
b"gan cho))ing th" onions again(
/9ou s"tt'" it with th" own"r,/ sh" said( /It#s your a$air* you#+" got th"
on"y(/ Sh" )r"t"nd"d to assu" a c"rtain ca'n"ss as though th" att"r
was so"thing that no 'ong"r a$"ct"d h"r( H"r ann"r "7as)"rat"d
!cT"agu" a'' th" or"(
/No, I won#t* no, I won#t* I won#t "ith"r,/ h" shout"d( /I#'' )ay y ha'f and h"
can co" to you for th" oth"r ha'f(/ Trina )ut a hand o+"r h"r "ar to shut out
his c'aor(
/Ah, don#t try and b" sart,/ cri"d !cT"agu"( /Co", now, y"s or no, wi'' you
)ay your ha'f@/
/9ou h"ard what I said(/
/:i'' you )ay it@/
/No(/
/!is"r?/ shout"d !cT"agu"( /!is"r? you#r" wors" than o'd G"rkow( A'' right, a''
right, k"") your on"y( I#'' )ay th" who'" thirty%3+"( I#d rath"r 'os" it than b"
such a is"r as you(/
/Ha+"n#t you got anything to do,/ r"turn"d Trina, /inst"ad of staying h"r" and
abusing "@/
/:"'', th"n, for th" 'ast ti", wi'' you h"') " out@/ Trina cut th" h"ads of a
fr"sh bunch of onions and ga+" no answ"r(
/Huh@ wi'' you@/
/I#d 'ik" to ha+" y kitch"n to ys"'f, )'"as",/ sh" said in a incing way,
irritating to a 'ast d"gr""( Th" d"ntist sta)"d out of th" roo, banging th"
door b"hind hi(
For n"ar'y a w""k th" br"ach b"tw""n th" r"ain"d unh"a'"d( Trina on'y
s)ok" to th" d"ntist in onosy''ab'"s, whi'" h", "7as)"rat"d at h"r ca'n"ss
and frigid r"s"r+", su'k"d in his /0"nta' Par'ors,/ utt"ring t"rrib'" things
b"n"ath his ustach", or 3nding so'ac" in his conc"rtina, )'aying his si7
'ugubrious airs o+"r and o+"r again, or sw"aring frightfu' oaths at his canary(
:h"n H"is" )aid his bi'', !cT"agu", in a fury, s"nt th" aount to th" own"r
of th" 'itt'" hous"(
Th"r" was no fora' r"conci'iation b"tw""n th" d"ntist and his 'itt'" woan(
Th"ir r"'ations r"ad&ust"d th"s"'+"s in"+itab'y( 1y th" "nd of th" w""k th"y
w"r" as aicab'" as "+"r, but it was 'ong b"for" th"y s)ok" of th" 'itt'" hous"
again( Nor did th"y "+"r r"+isit it of a Sunday aft"rnoon( A onth or so 'at"r
th" Ry"rs to'd th" that th" own"r his"'f had o+"d in( Th" !cT"agu"s
n"+"r occu)i"d that 'itt'" hous"(
1ut Trina su$"r"d a r"action aft"r th" 8uarr"'( Sh" b"gan to b" sorry sh" had
r"fus"d to h"') h"r husband, sorry sh" had brought att"rs to such an issu"(
,n" aft"rnoon as sh" was at work on th" Noah#s ark ania's, sh" sur)ris"d
h"rs"'f crying o+"r th" a$air( Sh" 'o+"d h"r /o'd b"ar/ too uch to do hi an
in&ustic", and )"rha)s, aft"r a'', sh" had b""n in th" wrong( Th"n it occurr"d
to h"r how )r"tty it wou'd b" to co" u) b"hind hi un"7)"ct"d'y, and s'i)
th" on"y, thirty%3+" do''ars, into his hand, and )u'' his hug" h"ad down to
h"r and kiss his ba'd s)ot as sh" us"d to do in th" days b"for" th"y w"r"
arri"d(
Th"n sh" h"sitat"d, )ausing in h"r work, h"r knif" dro))ing into h"r 'a), a
ha'f%whitt'"d 3gur" b"tw""n h"r 3ng"rs( If not thirty%3+" do''ars, th"n at '"ast
3ft""n or si7t""n, h"r shar" of it( 1ut a f""'ing of r"'uctanc", a sudd"n r"+o't
against this int"nd"d g"n"rosity, aros" in h"r(
/No, no,/ sh" said to h"rs"'f( /I#'' gi+" hi t"n do''ars( I#'' t"'' hi it#s a'' I can
a$ord( It IS a'' I can a$ord(/
Sh" hast"n"d to 3nish th" 3gur" of th" ania' sh" was th"n at work u)on,
)utting in th" "ars and tai' with a dro) of g'u", and tossing it into th" bask"t
at h"r sid"( Th"n sh" ros" and w"nt into th" b"droo and o)"n"d h"r trunk,
taking th" k"y fro und"r a corn"r of th" car)"t wh"r" sh" k")t it hid(
At th" +"ry botto of h"r trunk, und"r h"r brida' dr"ss, sh" k")t h"r sa+ings(
It was a'' in chang"4ha'f do''ars and do''ars for th" ost )art, with h"r" and
th"r" a go'd )i"c"( 2ong sinc" th" 'itt'" brass atch%bo7 had o+"r5ow"d(
Trina k")t th" sur)'us in a chaois%skin sack sh" had ad" fro an o'd ch"st
)rot"ctor( .ust now, yi"'ding to an i)u's" which oft"n s"i6"d h"r, sh" dr"w
out th" atch%bo7 and th" chaois sack, and ")tying th" cont"nts on th"
b"d, count"d th" car"fu''y( It ca" to on" hundr"d and si7ty%3+" do''ars, a''
to'd( Sh" count"d it and r"count"d it and ad" 'itt'" )i'"s of it, and rubb"d
th" go'd )i"c"s b"tw""n th" fo'ds of h"r a)ron unti' th"y shon"(
/Ah, y"s, t"n do''ars is a'' I can a$ord to gi+" !ac,/ said Trina, /and "+"n
th"n, think of it, t"n do''ars4it wi'' b" four or 3+" onths b"for" I can sa+"
that again( 1ut, d"ar o'd !ac, I know it wou'd ak" hi f""' g'ad, and
)"rha)s,/ sh" add"d, sudd"n'y tak"n with an id"a, /)"rha)s !ac wi'' r"fus"
to tak" it(/
Sh" took a t"n%do''ar )i"c" fro th" h"a) and )ut th" r"st away( Th"n sh"
)aus"d;
/No, not th" go'd )i"c",/ sh" said to h"rs"'f( /It#s too )r"tty( H" can ha+" th"
si'+"r(/ Sh" ad" th" chang" and count"d out t"n si'+"r do''ars into h"r )a'(
1ut what a di$"r"nc" it ad" in th" a))"aranc" and w"ight of th" 'itt'"
chaois bag? Th" bag was shrunk"n and with"r"d, 'ong wrink'"s a))"ar"d
running downward fro th" draw%string( It was a 'a"ntab'" sight( Trina
'ook"d 'onging'y at th" t"n broad )i"c"s in h"r hand( Th"n sudd"n'y a'' h"r
intuiti+" d"sir" of sa+ing, h"r instinct of hoarding, h"r 'o+" of on"y for th"
on"y#s sak", ros" strong within h"r(
/No, no, no,/ sh" said( /I can#t do it( It ay b" "an, but I can#t h"') it( It#s
strong"r than I(/ Sh" r"turn"d th" on"y to th" bag and 'ock"d it and th"
brass atch%bo7 in h"r trunk, turning th" k"y with a 'ong br"ath of
satisfaction(
Sh" was a 'itt'" troub'"d, how"+"r, as sh" w"nt back into th" sitting%roo and
took u) h"r work(
/I didn#t us" to b" so stingy,/ sh" to'd h"rs"'f( /Sinc" I won in th" 'ott"ry I#+"
b"co" a r"gu'ar 'itt'" is"r( It#s growing on ", but n"+"r ind, it#s a good
fau't, and, anyhow, I can#t h"') it(/
CHAPTER 11
,n that )articu'ar orning th" !cT"agu"s had ris"n a ha'f hour "ar'i"r than
usua' and tak"n a hurri"d br"akfast in th" kitch"n on th" d"a' tab'" with its
oi'c'oth co+"r( Trina was hous"%c'"aning that w""k and had a )r"s"nti"nt of
a hard day#s work ah"ad of h"r, whi'" !cT"agu" r""b"r"d a s"+"n o#c'ock
a))oint"nt with a 'itt'" <"ran sho"ak"r(
At about "ight o#c'ock, wh"n th" d"ntist had b""n in his o-c" for o+"r an
hour, Trina d"sc"nd"d u)on th" b"droo, a tow"' about h"r h"ad and th"
ro''"r%sw"")"r in h"r hand( Sh" co+"r"d th" bur"au and s"wing achin" with
sh""ts, and unhook"d th" ch"ni''" )orti"r"s b"tw""n th" b"droo and th"
sitting%roo( As sh" was tying th" Nottingha 'ac" curtains at th" window
into gr"at knots, sh" saw o'd !iss 1ak"r on th" o))osit" sid"wa'k in th"
str""t b"'ow, and raising th" sash ca''"d down to h"r(
/,h, it#s you, !rs( !cT"agu",/ cri"d th" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r, facing about, h"r
h"ad in th" air( Th"n a 'ong con+"rsation was b"gun, Trina, h"r ars fo'd"d
und"r h"r br"ast, h"r "'bows r"sting on th" window '"dg", wi''ing to b" id'"
for a o"nt* o'd !iss 1ak"r, h"r ark"t%bask"t on h"r ar, h"r hands
wra))"d in th" "nds of h"r worst"d shaw' against th" co'd of th" "ar'y
orning( Th"y "7chang"d )hras"s, ca''ing to "ach oth"r fro window to curb,
th"ir br"ath coing fro th"ir 'i)s in faint )u$s of +a)or, th"ir +oic"s shri'',
and rais"d to doinat" th" c'aor of th" waking str""t( Th" n"wsboys had
ad" th"ir a))"aranc" on th" str""t, tog"th"r with th" day 'abor"rs( Th"
cab'" cars had b"gun to 3'' u)* a'' a'ong th" str""t cou'd b" s""n th"
sho)k"")"rs taking down th"ir shutt"rs* so" w"r" sti'' br"akfasting( Now
and th"n a wait"r fro on" of th" ch"a) r"staurants cross"d fro on"
sid"wa'k to anoth"r, ba'ancing on on" )a' a tray co+"r"d with a na)kin(
/Ar"n#t you out )r"tty "ar'y this orning, !iss 1ak"r@/ ca''"d Trina(
/No, no,/ answ"r"d th" oth"r( /I# a'ways u) at ha'f%)ast si7, but I don#t
a'ways g"t out so soon( I want"d to g"t a nic" h"ad of cabbag" and so"
'"nti's for a sou), and if you don#t go to ark"t "ar'y, th" r"staurants g"t a''
th" b"st(/
/And you#+" b""n to ark"t a'r"ady, !iss 1ak"r@/
/,h, y, y"s* and I got a 3sh4a so'"4s""(/ Sh" dr"w th" so'" in 8u"stion
fro h"r bask"t(
/,h, th" 'o+"'y so'"?/ "7c'ai"d Trina(
/I got this on" at S)ad"''a#s* h" a'ways has good 3sh on Friday( How is th"
doctor, !rs( !cT"agu"@/
/Ah, !ac is a'ways w"'', thank you, !iss 1ak"r(/
/9ou know, !rs( Ry"r to'd ",/ cri"d th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r, o+ing forward a
st") out of th" way of a /g'ass%)ut%in/ an, /that 0octor !cT"agu" )u''"d a
tooth of that Catho'ic )ri"st, Fath"r4oh, I forg"t his na"4anyhow, h" )u''"d
his tooth with his 3ng"rs( :as that tru", !rs( !cT"agu"@/
/,h, of cours"( !ac do"s that a'ost a'' th" ti" now, #s)"cia''y with front
t""th( H"#s got a r"gu'ar r")utation for it( H" says it#s brought hi or"
)ati"nts than "+"n th" sign I ga+" hi,/ sh" add"d, )ointing to th" big
go'd"n o'ar )ro&"cting fro th" o-c" window(
/:ith his 3ng"rs? Now, think of that,/ "7c'ai"d !iss 1ak"r, wagging h"r
h"ad( /Isn#t h" that strong? It#s &ust wond"rfu'( C'"aning hous" to%day@/ sh"
in8uir"d, g'ancing at Trina#s tow"''"d h"ad(
/= hu,/ answ"r"d Trina( /!aria !aca)a#s coing in to h"') )r"tty soon(/
At th" "ntion of !aria#s na" th" 'itt'" o'd dr"ssak"r sudd"n'y utt"r"d an
"7c'aation(
/:"'', if I# not h"r" ta'king to you and forg"tting so"thing I was &ust dying
to t"'' you( !rs( !cT"agu", what "+"r in th" wor'd do you su))os"@ !aria and
o'd G"rkow, that r"d%h"ad"d Po'ish ."w, th" rag%bott'"s%sacks an, you know,
th"y#r" going to b" arri"d(/
/No?/ cri"d Trina, in b'ank aa6""nt( /9ou don#t "an it(/
/,f cours" I do( Isn#t it th" funni"st thing you "+"r h"ard of@/
/,h, t"'' " a'' about it,/ said Trina, '"aning "ag"r'y fro th" window( !iss
1ak"r cross"d th" str""t and stood &ust b"n"ath h"r(
/:"'', !aria ca" to " 'ast night and want"d " to ak" h"r a n"w gown,
said sh" want"d so"thing gay, 'ik" what th" gir's at th" candy stor" w"ar
wh"n th"y go out with th"ir young "n( I cou'dn#t t"'' what had got into th"
gir', unti' 3na''y sh" to'd " sh" want"d so"thing to g"t arri"d in, and
that G"rkow had ask"d h"r to arry hi, and that sh" was going to do it(
Poor !aria? I gu"ss it#s th" 3rst and on'y o$"r sh" "+"r r"c"i+"d, and it#s &ust
turn"d h"r h"ad(/
/1ut what 0, thos" two s"" in "ach oth"r@/ cri"d Trina( /G"rkow is a horror,
h"#s an o'd an, and his hair is r"d and his +oic" is gon", and th"n h"#s a ."w,
isn#t h"@/
/I know, I know* but it#s !aria#s on'y chanc" for a husband, and sh" don#t
"an to '"t it )ass( 9ou know sh" isn#t 8uit" right in h"r h"ad, anyhow( I#
awfu''y sorry for )oor !aria( 1ut I can#t s"" what G"rkow wants to arry h"r
for( It#s not )ossib'" that h"#s in 'o+" with !aria, it#s out of th" 8u"stion( !aria
hasn#t a sou, "ith"r, and I# &ust )ositi+" that G"rkow has 'ots of on"y(/
/I#'' b"t I know why,/ "7c'ai"d Trina, with sudd"n con+iction* /y"s, I know
&ust why( S"" h"r", !iss 1ak"r, you know how cra6y o'd G"rkow is aft"r
on"y and go'd and thos" sort of things(/
/9"s, I know* but you know !aria hasn#t44/
/Now, &ust 'ist"n( 9ou#+" h"ard !aria t"'' about that wond"rfu' s"r+ic" of go'd
dish"s sh" says h"r fo'ks us"d to own in C"ntra' A"rica* sh"#s cra6y on that
sub&"ct, don#t you know( Sh"#s a'' right on "+"rything "'s", but &ust start h"r
on that s"r+ic" of go'd )'at" and sh"#'' ta'k you d"af( Sh" can d"scrib" it &ust
as though sh" saw it, and sh" can ak" you s"" it, too, a'ost( Now, you
s"", !aria and G"rkow ha+" known "ach oth"r )r"tty w"''( !aria go"s to hi
"+"ry two w""ks or so to s"'' hi &unk* th"y got ac8uaint"d that way, and I
know !aria#s b""n dro))ing in to s"" hi )r"tty oft"n this 'ast y"ar, and
so"ti"s h" co"s h"r" to s"" h"r( H"#s ad" !aria t"'' hi th" story of
that )'at" o+"r and o+"r and o+"r again, and !aria do"s it and is g'ad to,
b"caus" h"#s th" on'y on" that b"'i"+"s it( Now h"#s going to arry h"r &ust
so#s h" can h"ar that story "+"ry day, "+"ry hour( H"#s )r"tty n"ar as cra6y
on th" sub&"ct as !aria is( Th"y#r" a )air for you, ar"n#t th"y@ 1oth cra6y o+"r
a 'ot of go'd dish"s that n"+"r "7ist"d( P"rha)s !aria#'' arry hi b"caus"
it#s h"r on'y chanc" to g"t a husband, but I# sur" it#s or" for th" r"ason
that sh"#s got so" on" to ta'k to now who b"'i"+"s h"r story( 0on#t you think
I# right@/
/9"s, y"s, I gu"ss you#r" right,/ aditt"d !iss 1ak"r(
/1ut it#s a 8u""r atch anyway you )ut it,/ said Trina, using'y(
/Ah, you ay w"'' say that,/ r"turn"d th" oth"r, nodding h"r h"ad( Th"r" was
a si'"nc"( For a 'ong o"nt th" d"ntist#s wif" and th" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r,
th" on" at th" window, th" oth"r on th" sid"wa'k, r"ain"d 'ost in thought,
wond"ring o+"r th" strang"n"ss of th" a$air(
1ut sudd"n'y th"r" was a di+"rsion( A'"7and"r, !arcus Schou'"r#s Irish s"tt"r,
who his ast"r had 'ong sinc" a''ow"d th" 'ib"rty of running untra"''"d
about th" n"ighborhood, turn"d th" corn"r brisk'y and ca" trotting a'ong
th" sid"wa'k wh"r" !iss 1ak"r stood( At th" sa" o"nt th" Scotch co''i"
who had at on" ti" b"'ong"d to th" branch )ost%o-c" issu"d fro th" sid"
door of a hous" not 3fty f""t away( In an instant th" two "n"i"s had
r"cogni6"d "ach oth"r( Th"y ha't"d abru)t'y, th"ir for" f""t )'ant"d rigid'y(
Trina utt"r"d a 'itt'" cry(
/,h, 'ook out, !iss 1ak"r( Thos" two dogs hat" "ach oth"r &ust 'ik" huans(
9ou b"st 'ook out( Th"y#'' 3ght sur"(/ !iss 1ak"r sought saf"ty in a n"arby
+"stibu'", wh"nc" sh" )""r"d forth at th" sc"n", +"ry int"r"st"d and curious(
!aria !aca)a#s h"ad thrust its"'f fro on" of th" to)%story windows of th"
5at, with a shri'' cry( E+"n !cT"agu"#s hug" for a))"ar"d abo+" th" ha'f
curtains of th" /Par'or/ windows, whi'" o+"r his shou'd"r cou'd b" s""n th"
fac" of th" /)ati"nt,/ a na)kin tuck"d in his co''ar, th" rubb"r da d")"nding
fro his outh( A'' th" 5at kn"w of th" f"ud b"tw""n th" dogs, but n"+"r
b"for" had th" )air b""n brought fac" to fac"(
!"anwhi'", th" co''i" and th" s"tt"r had drawn n"ar to "ach oth"r* 3+" f""t
a)art th"y )aus"d as if by utua' cons"nt( Th" co''i" turn"d sid"wis" to th"
s"tt"r* th" s"tt"r instant'y wh""'"d his"'f 5ank on to th" co''i"( Th"ir tai's
ros" and sti$"n"d, th"y rais"d th"ir 'i)s o+"r th"ir 'ong whit" fangs, th"
na)"s of th"ir n"cks brist'"d, and th"y show"d "ach oth"r th" +icious whit"s
of th"ir "y"s, whi'" th"y dr"w in th"ir br"aths with )ro'ong"d and ras)ing
snar's( Each dog s"""d to b" th" )"rsoni3cation of fury and unsatis3"d
hat"( Th"y b"gan to circ'" about "ach oth"r with in3nit" s'own"ss, wa'king
sti$"d%'"gg"d and u)on th" +"ry )oints of th"ir f""t( Th"n th"y wh""'"d
about and b"gan to circ'" in th" o))osit" dir"ction( Twic" th"y r")"at"d this
otion, th"ir snar's growing 'oud"r( 1ut sti'' th"y did not co" tog"th"r, and
th" distanc" of 3+" f""t b"tw""n th" was aintain"d with an a'ost
ath"atica' )r"cision( It was agni3c"nt, but it was not war( Th"n th"
s"tt"r, )ausing in his wa'k, turn"d his h"ad s'ow'y fro his "n"y( Th" co''i"
sni$"d th" air and )r"t"nd"d an int"r"st in an o'd sho" 'ying in th" gutt"r(
<radua''y and with a'' th" dignity of onarchs th"y o+"d away fro "ach
oth"r( A'"7and"r sta'k"d back to th" corn"r of th" str""t( Th" co''i" )ac"d
toward th" sid" gat" wh"nc" h" had issu"d, a$"cting to r""b"r
so"thing of gr"at i)ortanc"( Th"y disa))"ar"d( ,nc" out of sight of on"
anoth"r th"y b"gan to bark furious'y(
/:"'', I NECER?/ "7c'ai"d Trina in gr"at disgust( /Th" way thos" two dogs
ha+" b""n carrying on you#d #a# thought th"y wou'd #a# &ust torn "ach oth"r to
)i"c"s wh"n th"y had th" chanc", and h"r" I# wasting th" who'" orning
44/ sh" c'os"d h"r window with a bang(
/Sick #i, sick #i,/ ca''"d !aria !aca)a, in a +ain att")t to )root" a 3ght(
,'d !iss 1ak"r ca" out of th" +"stibu'", )ursing h"r 'i)s, 8uit" )ut out at
th" 3asco( /And aft"r a'' that fuss,/ sh" said to h"rs"'f aggri"+"d'y(
Th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r bought an "n+"'o)" of nasturtiu s""ds at th" 5orist#s,
and r"turn"d to h"r tiny roo in th" 5at( 1ut as sh" s'ow'y ount"d th" 3rst
5ight of st")s sh" sudd"n'y ca" fac" to fac" with ,'d <rannis, who was
coing down( It was b"tw""n "ight and nin", and h" was on his way to his
'itt'" dog hos)ita', no doubt( Instant'y !iss 1ak"r was s"i6"d with tr")idation,
h"r curious 'itt'" fa's" cur's shook, a faint4a +"ry faint45ush ca" into h"r
with"r"d ch""ks, and h"r h"art b"at so +io'"nt'y und"r th" worst"d shaw'
that sh" f"'t ob'ig"d to shift th" ark"t%bask"t to h"r oth"r ar and )ut out
h"r fr"" hand to st"ady h"rs"'f against th" rai'(
,n his )art, ,'d <rannis was instant'y o+"rwh"'"d with confusion( His
awkwardn"ss s"""d to )ara'y6" his 'ibs, his 'i)s twitch"d and turn"d dry,
his hand w"nt tr"b'ing'y to his chin( 1ut what add"d to !iss 1ak"r#s
is"rab'" "barrass"nt on this occasion was th" fact that th" o'd
Eng'ishan shou'd ""t h"r thus, carrying a sordid ark"t%bask"t fu'' of
sordid 3sh and cabbag"( It s"""d as if a a'icious fat" )"rsist"d in bringing
th" two o'd )"o)'" fac" to fac" at th" ost ino))ortun" o"nts(
.ust now, how"+"r, a +"ritab'" catastro)h" occurr"d( Th" 'itt'" o'd dr"ssak"r
chang"d h"r bask"t to h"r oth"r ar at )r"cis"'y th" wrong o"nt, and ,'d
<rannis, hast"ning to )ass, r"o+ing his hat in a hurri"d sa'utation, struck it
with his for" ar, knocking it fro h"r gras), and s"nding it ro''ing and
bu)ing down th" stairs( Th" so'" f"'' 5at u)on th" 3rst 'anding* th" '"nti's
scatt"r"d th"s"'+"s o+"r th" "ntir" 5ight* whi'" th" cabbag", '"a)ing fro
st") to st"), thund"r"d down th" inc'in" and brought u) against th" str""t
door with a shock that r"+"rb"rat"d through th" "ntir" bui'ding(
Th" 'itt'" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r, horrib'y +"7"d, n"r+ous and "barrass"d, was
hard )ut to it to k"") back th" t"ars( ,'d <rannis stood for a o"nt with
a+"rt"d "y"s, ururing; /,h, I# so sorry, I# so sorry( I4I r"a''y4I b"g
your )ardon, r"a''y4r"a''y(/
!arcus Schou'"r, coing down stairs fro his roo, sa+"d th" situation(
/H"''o, )"o)'",/ h" cri"d( /1y dan? you#+" u)s"t your bask"t4you ha+", for
a fact( H"r", '"t#s )ick u u)(/ H" and ,'d <rannis w"nt u) and down th"
5ight, gath"ring u) th" 3sh, th" '"nti's, and th" sad'y batt"r"d cabbag"(
!arcus was raging o+"r th" )usi''aniity of A'"7and"r, of which !aria had
&ust to'd hi(
/I#'' cut hi in two4with th" whi),/ h" shout"d( /I wi'', I wi'', I say I wi'', for a
fact( H" wou'dn#t 3ght, h"y@ I#'' gi+" u a'' th" 3ght h" wants, nasty, angy
cur( If h" won#t 3ght h" won#t "at( I# going to g"t th" butch"r#s bu'' )u) and
I#'' )ut u both in a bag and shak" u u)( I wi'', for a fact, and I gu"ss A'"c
wi'' 3ght( Co" a'ong, !ist"r <rannis,/ and h" took th" o'd Eng'ishan away(
2itt'" !iss 1ak"r hast"n"d to h"r roo and 'ock"d h"rs"'f in( Sh" was "7cit"d
and u)s"t during a'' th" r"st of th" day, and 'ist"n"d "ag"r'y for ,'d <rannis#s
r"turn that "+"ning( H" w"nt instant'y to work binding u) /Th" 1r""d"r and
S)ortsan,/ and back nub"rs of th" /Nation(/ Sh" h"ard hi soft'y draw his
chair and th" tab'" on which h" had )'ac"d his 'itt'" binding a))aratus c'os"
to th" wa''( At onc" sh" did th" sa", br"wing h"rs"'f a cu) of t"a( A''
through that "+"ning th" two o'd )"o)'" /k")t co)any/ with "ach oth"r,
aft"r th"ir own )"cu'iar fashion( /S"tting out with "ach oth"r/ !iss 1ak"r had
b"gun to ca'' it( That th"y had b""n )r"s"nt"d, that th"y had "+"n b""n
forc"d to ta'k tog"th"r, had ad" no chang" in th"ir r"'ati+" )ositions(
A'ost i"diat"'y th"y had fa''"n back into th"ir o'd ways again, 8uit"
unab'" to ast"r th"ir tiidity, to o+"rco" th" sti5ing "barrass"nt that
s"i6"d u)on th" wh"n in "ach oth"r#s )r"s"nc"( It was a sort of hy)notis,
a thing strong"r than th"s"'+"s( 1ut th"y w"r" not a'tog"th"r dissatis3"d
with th" way things had co" to b"( It was th"ir 'itt'" roanc", th"ir 'ast, and
th"y w"r" 'i+ing through it with su)r"" "n&oy"nt and ca' cont"nt"nt(
!arcus Schou'"r sti'' occu)i"d his o'd roo on th" 5oor abo+" th" !cT"agu"s(
Th"y saw but 'itt'" of hi, how"+"r( At 'ong int"r+a's th" d"ntist or his wif"
"t hi on th" stairs of th" 5at( So"ti"s h" wou'd sto) and ta'k with
Trina, in8uiring aft"r th" Si"))"s, asking h"r if !r( Si"))" had y"t h"ard of
any on" with who h", !arcus, cou'd /go in with on a ranch(/ !cT"agu",
!arcus "r"'y nodd"d to( N"+"r had th" 8uarr"' b"tw""n th" two "n b""n
co)'"t"'y )atch"d u)( It did not s"" )ossib'" to th" d"ntist now that
!arcus had "+"r b""n his /)a',/ that th"y had "+"r tak"n 'ong wa'ks tog"th"r(
H" was sorry that h" had tr"at"d !arcus gratis for an u'c"rat"d tooth, whi'"
!arcus dai'y r"ca''"d th" fact that h" had gi+"n u) his /gir'/ to his fri"nd4th"
gir' who had won a fortun"4as th" gr"at istak" of his 'if"( ,n'y onc" sinc"
th" w"dding had h" ca''"d u)on Trina, at a ti" wh"n h" kn"w !cT"agu"
wou'd b" out( Trina had shown hi through th" roos and had to'd hi,
innoc"nt'y "nough, how gay was th"ir 'if" th"r"( !arcus had co" away fair'y
sick with "n+y* his rancor against th" d"ntist4and against his"'f, for that
att"r4kn"w no bounds( /And you ight #a# had it a'' yours"'f, !arcus
Schou'"r,/ h" utt"r"d to his"'f on th" stairs( /9ou ushh"ad, you dan
foo'?/
!"anwhi'", !arcus was b"coing in+o'+"d in th" )o'itics of his ward( As
s"cr"tary of th" Po'k Str""t I)ro+""nt C'ub4which soon d"+"'o)"d into
8uit" an a$air and b"gan to assu" th" )ro)ortions of a R")ub'ican )o'itica'
achin"4h" found h" cou'd ak" a 'itt'", a +"ry 'itt'" or" than "nough to
'i+" on( At onc" h" had gi+"n u) his )osition as ,'d <rannis#s assistant in th"
dog hos)ita'( !arcus f"'t that h" n""d"d a wid"r s)h"r"( H" had his "y" u)on
a )'ac" conn"ct"d with th" city )ound( :h"n th" gr"at rai'road strik"
occurr"d, h" )ro)t'y got his"'f "ngag"d as d")uty%sh"ri$, and s)"nt a
"orab'" w""k in Sacra"nto, wh"r" h" in+o'+"d his"'f in or" than on"
t"rrib'" "'"" with th" strik"rs( !arcus had that 8uickn"ss of t")"r and
)assionat" r"adin"ss to tak" o$"nc" which )ass"s aong his c'ass for
bra+"ry( 1ut what"+"r w"r" his oti+"s, his )ro)tn"ss to fac" dang"r cou'd
not for a o"nt b" doubt"d( Aft"r th" strik" h" r"turn"d to Po'k Str""t, and
throwing his"'f into th" I)ro+""nt C'ub, h"art, sou', and body, soon
b"ca" on" of its ru'ing s)irits( In a c"rtain 'oca' "'"ction, wh"r" a hug"
)a+ing contract was at stak", th" c'ub ad" its"'f f"'t in th" ward, and
!arcus so anag"d his cards and )u''"d his wir"s that, at th" "nd of th"
att"r, h" found his"'f so" four hundr"d do''ars to th" good(
:h"n !cT"agu" ca" out of his /Par'ors/ at noon of th" day u)on which Trina
had h"ard th" n"ws of !aria !aca)a#s int"nd"d arriag", h" found Trina
burning co$"" on a sho+"' in th" sitting%roo( Try as sh" wou'd, Trina cou'd
n"+"r 8uit" "radicat" fro th"ir roos a c"rtain faint and ind"3nab'" odor,
)articu'ar'y o$"nsi+" to h"r( Th" s"'' of th" )hotogra)h"r#s ch"ica's
)"rsist"d in s)it" of a'' Trina cou'd do to cobat it( Sh" burnt )asti''"s and
Chin"s" )unk, and "+"n, as now, co$"" on a sho+"', a'' to no )ur)os"(
Ind""d, th" on'y drawback to th"ir d"'ightfu' ho" was th" g"n"ra'
un)'"asant s"'' that )"r+ad"d it4a s"'' that aros" )art'y fro th"
)hotogra)h"r#s ch"ica's, )art'y fro th" cooking in th" 'itt'" kitch"n, and
)art'y fro th" "th"r and cr"osot" of th" d"ntist#s /Par'ors(/
As !cT"agu" ca" in to 'unch on this occasion, h" found th" tab'" a'r"ady
'aid, a r"d c'oth 3gur"d with whit" 5ow"rs was s)r"ad, and as h" took his
s"at his wif" )ut down th" sho+"' on a chair and brought in th" st"w"d
cod3sh and th" )ot of choco'at"( As h" tuck"d his na)kin into his "norous
co''ar, !cT"agu" 'ook"d +agu"'y about th" roo, ro''ing his "y"s(
0uring th" thr"" y"ars of th"ir arri"d 'if" th" !cT"agu"s had ad" but f"w
additions to th"ir furnitur", Trina d"c'aring that th"y cou'd not a$ord it( Th"
sitting%roo cou'd boast of but thr"" n"w orna"nts( ,+"r th" "'od"on
hung th"ir arriag" c"rti3cat" in a b'ack fra"( It was ba'anc"d u)on on"
sid" by Trina#s w"dding bou8u"t und"r a g'ass cas", )r"s"r+"d by so"
f"arfu' unknown )roc"ss, and u)on th" oth"r by th" )hotogra)h of Trina and
th" d"ntist in th"ir w"dding 3n"ry( This 'att"r )ictur" was 8uit" an a$air, and
had b""n tak"n i"diat"'y aft"r th" w"dding, whi'" !cT"agu"#s broadc'oth
was sti'' n"w, and b"for" Trina#s si'ks and +"i' had 'ost th"ir sti$n"ss( It
r")r"s"nt"d Trina, h"r +"i' thrown back, sitting +"ry straight in a r")
archair, h"r "'bows w"'' in at h"r sid"s, ho'ding h"r bou8u"t of cut 5ow"rs
dir"ct'y b"for" h"r( Th" d"ntist stood at h"r sid", on" hand on h"r shou'd"r,
th" oth"r thrust into th" br"ast of his /Princ" A'b"rt,/ his chin in th" air, his
"y"s to on" sid", his '"ft foot forward in th" attitud" of a statu" of a S"cr"tary
of Stat"(
/Say, Trina,/ said !cT"agu", his outh fu'' of cod3sh, /H"is" 'ook"d in on "
this orning( H" says #:hat#s th" att"r with a bask"t )icnic o+"r at
Schu"t6"n Park n"7t Tu"sday@# 9ou know th" )a)"r%hang"rs ar" going to b" in
th" #Par'ors# a'' that day, so I#'' ha+" a ho'iday( That#s what ad" H"is" think
of it( H"is" says h"#'' g"t th" Ry"rs to go too( It#s th" anni+"rsary of th"ir
w"dding day( :"#'' ask S"'ina to go* sh" can ""t us on th" oth"r sid"( Co"
on, '"t#s go, huh, wi'' you@/
Trina sti'' had h"r ania for fai'y )icnics, which had b""n on" of th" Si"))"s
ost ch"rish"d custos* but now th"r" w"r" oth"r consid"rations(
/I don#t know as w" can a$ord it this onth, !ac,/ sh" said, )ouring th"
choco'at"( /I got to )ay th" gas bi'' n"7t w""k, and th"r"#s th" )a)"ring of
your o-c" to b" )aid for so" ti"(/
/I know, I know,/ answ"r"d h"r husband( /1ut I got a n"w )ati"nt this w""k,
had two o'ars and an u))"r incisor 3''"d at th" +"ry 3rst sitting, and h"#s
going to bring his chi'dr"n round( H"#s a barb"r on th" n"7t b'ock(/
/:"'' you )ay ha'f, th"n,/ said Trina( /It#'' cost thr"" or four do''ars at th" +"ry
'"ast* and ind, th" H"is"s )ay th"ir own far" both ways, !ac, and
"+"rybody g"ts th"ir ,:N 'unch( 9"s,/ sh" add"d, aft"r a )aus", /I#'' writ"
and ha+" S"'ina &oin us( I ha+"n#t s""n S"'ina in onths( I gu"ss I#'' ha+" to
)ut u) a 'unch for h"r, though,/ aditt"d Trina, /th" way w" did 'ast ti",
b"caus" sh" 'i+"s in a boarding%hous" now, and th"y ak" a fuss about
)utting u) a 'unch(/
Th"y cou'd count on )'"asant w"ath"r at this ti" of th" y"ar4it was !ay4
and that )articu'ar Tu"sday was a'' that cou'd b" d"sir"d( Th" )arty
ass"b'"d at th" f"rry s'i) at nin" o#c'ock, 'ad"n with bask"ts( Th"
!cT"agu"s ca" 'ast of a''* Ry"r and his wif" had a'r"ady board"d th" boat(
Th"y "t th" H"is"s in th" waiting%roo(
/H"''o, 0octor,/ cri"d th" harn"ss%ak"r as th" !cT"agu"s ca" u)( /This is
what you#d ca'' an o'd fo'ks# )icnic, a'' arri"d )"o)'" this ti"(/
Th" )arty for"gath"r"d on th" u))"r d"ck as th" boat start"d, and sat down
to 'ist"n to th" band of Ita'ian usicians who w"r" )'aying outsid" this
orning b"caus" of th" 3n"n"ss of th" w"ath"r(
/,h, w"#r" going to ha+" 'ots of fun,/ cri"d Trina( /If it#s anything I do 'o+" it#s
a )icnic( 0o you r""b"r our 3rst )icnic, !ac@/
/Sur", sur",/ r")'i"d th" d"ntist* /w" had a <otha tru>"(/
/And August 'ost his st"aboat,/ )ut in Trina, /and )a)a sack"d hi( I
r""b"r it &ust as w"''(/
/:hy, 'ook th"r",/ said !rs( H"is", nodding at a 3gur" coing u) th"
co)anion%way( /Ain#t that !r( Schou'"r@/
It was !arcus, sur" "nough( As h" caught sight of th" )arty h" ga)"d at th"
a o"nt in b'ank astonish"nt, and th"n ran u), his "y"s wid"(
/:"'', by dan?/ h" "7c'ai"d, "7cit"d'y( /:hat#s u)@ :h"r" you a'' going,
anyhow@ Say, ain#t ut 8u""r w" shou'd a'' run u) against "ach oth"r 'ik"
this@/ H" ad" gr"at sw"")ing bows to th" thr"" wo"n, and shook hands
with /Cousin Trina,/ adding, as h" turn"d to th" "n of th" )arty, /<'ad to
s"" you, !ist"r H"is"( How do, !ist"r Ry"r@/ Th" d"ntist, who had foru'at"d
so" sort of r"s"r+"d gr""ting, h" ignor"d co)'"t"'y( !cT"agu" s"tt'"d
his"'f in his s"at, grow'ing inarticu'at"'y b"hind his ustach"(
/Say, say, what#s a'' u), anyhow@/ cri"d !arcus again(
/It#s a )icnic,/ "7c'ai"d th" thr"" wo"n, a'' s)"aking at onc"* and Trina
add"d, /:"#r" going o+"r to th" sa" o'd Schu"t6"n Park again( 1ut you#r"
a'' 37"d u) yours"'f, Cousin !ark* you 'ook as though you w"r" going
so"wh"r" yours"'f(/
In fact, !arcus was dr"ss"d with gr"at car"( H" wor" a n"w )air of s'at"%b'u"
trous"rs, a b'ack /cutaway,/ and a whit" 'awn /ti"/ Dfor hi th" sybo' of th"
h"ight of "'"ganc"E( H" carri"d a'so his can", a thin wand of "bony with a
go'd h"ad, )r"s"nt"d to hi by th" I)ro+""nt C'ub in /r"cognition of
s"r+ic"s(/
/That#s right, that#s right,/ said !arcus, with a grin( /I# takun a ho'iday
ys"'f to%day( I had a bit of busin"ss to do o+"r at ,ak'and, an# I thought I#d
go u) to 1 Str""t aft"rward and s"" S"'ina( I ha+"n#t ca''"d on44/
1ut th" )arty utt"r"d an "7c'aation(
/:hy, S"'ina is going with us(/
/Sh"#s going to ""t us at th" Schu"t6"n Park station/ "7)'ain"d Trina(
!arcus#s busin"ss in ,ak'and was a 3ction( H" was crossing th" bay that
orning so'"'y to s"" S"'ina( !arcus had /tak"n u) with/ S"'ina a 'itt'" aft"r
Trina had arri"d, and had b""n /rushing/ h"r "+"r sinc", da66'"d and
attract"d by h"r acco)'ish"nts, for which h" )r"t"nd"d a gr"at r"s)"ct( At
th" )ros)"ct of issing S"'ina on this occasion, h" was g"nuin"'y
disa))oint"d( His +"7ation at onc" assu"d th" for of "7as)"ration against
!cT"agu"( It was a'' th" d"ntist#s fau't( Ah, !cT"agu" was coing b"tw""n
hi and S"'ina now as h" had co" b"tw""n hi and Trina( 1"st 'ook out, by
dan? how h" onk"y"d with hi now( Instant'y his fac" 5a"d and h"
g'anc"d o+"r furious'y at th" d"ntist, who, catching his "y", b"gan again to
utt"r b"hind his ustach"(
/:"'', say,/ b"gan !rs( Ry"r, with so" h"sitation, 'ooking to Ry"r for
a))ro+a', /why can#t !arcus co" a'ong with us@/
/:hy, of cours",/ "7c'ai"d !rs( H"is", disr"garding h"r husband#s +igorous
nudg"s( /I gu"ss w" got 'unch "nough to go round, a'' right* don#t you say so,
!rs( !cT"agu"@/
Thus a))"a'"d to, Trina cou'd on'y concur(
/:hy, of cours", Cousin !ark,/ sh" said* /of cours", co" a'ong with us if you
want to(/
/:hy, you b"t I wi'',/ cri"d !arcus, "nthusiastic in an instant( /Say, this is
outa sight* it is, for a fact* a )icnic4ah, sur"4and w"#'' ""t S"'ina at th"
station(/
.ust as th" boat was )assing <oat Is'and, th" harn"ss%ak"r )ro)os"d that
th" "n of th" )arty shou'd go down to th" bar on th" 'ow"r d"ck and shak"
for th" drinks( Th" id"a had an i"diat" succ"ss(
/Ha+" to s"" you on that,/ said Ry"r(
/1y dan, w"#'' ha+" a drink? 9"s, sir, w" wi'', for a fact(/
/Sur", sur", drinks, that#s th" word(/
At th" bar H"is" and Ry"r ord"r"d cocktai's, !arcus ca''"d for a /cr""
9+"tt"/ in ord"r to astonish th" oth"rs( Th" d"ntist s)ok" for a g'ass of b""r(
/Say, 'ook h"r",/ sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d H"is" as th"y took th"ir g'ass"s( /2ook
h"r", you f"''ahs,/ h" had turn"d to !arcus and th" d"ntist( /9ou two f"''ahs
ha+" had a grouch at "ach oth"r for th" 'ast y"ar or so* now what#s th"
att"r with your shaking hands and ca''ing 8uits@/
!cT"agu" was at onc" o+"rco" with a gr"at f""'ing of agnaniity( H" )ut
out his gr"at hand(
/I got nothing against !arcus,/ h" grow'"d(
/:"'', I don#t car" if I shak",/ aditt"d !arcus, a 'itt'" sha"fac"d'y, as th"ir
)a's touch"d( /I gu"ss that#s a'' right(/
/That#s th" id"a,/ "7c'ai"d H"is", d"'ight"d at his succ"ss( /Co" on, boys,
now '"t#s drink(/ Th"ir "'bows crook"d and th"y drank si'"nt'y(
Th"ir )icnic that day was +"ry &o''y( Nothing had chang"d at Schu"t6"n Park
sinc" th" day of that oth"r "orab'" Si"))" )icnic four y"ars )r"+ious(
Aft"r 'unch th" "n took th"s"'+"s o$ to th" ri5" rang", whi'" S"'ina, Trina,
and th" oth"r two wo"n )ut away th" dish"s( An hour 'at"r th" "n &oin"d
th" in gr"at s)irits( Ry"r had won th" i)ro)tu atch which th"y had
arrang"d, aking 8uit" a wond"rfu' scor", which inc'ud"d thr"" c'"an bu''s#
"y"s, whi'" !cT"agu" had not b""n ab'" "+"n to hit th" targ"t its"'f(
Th"ir shooting atch had awak"n"d a s)irit of ri+a'ry in th" "n, and th" r"st
of th" aft"rnoon was )ass"d in ath'"tic "7"rcis"s b"tw""n th"( Th" wo"n
sat on th" s'o)" of th" grass, th"ir hats and g'o+"s 'aid asid", watching th"
"n as th"y stro+" tog"th"r( Arous"d by th" 'itt'" f"inin" cri"s of wond"r
and th" c'a))ing of th"ir ung'o+"d )a's, th"s" 'att"r b"gan to show o$ at
onc"( Th"y took o$ th"ir coats and +"sts, "+"n th"ir n"ckti"s and co''ars, and
work"d th"s"'+"s into a 'ath"r of )"rs)iration for th" sak" of aking an
i)r"ssion on th"ir wi+"s( Th"y ran hundr"d%yard s)rints on th" cind"r )ath
and "7"cut"d c'usy f"ats on th" rings and on th" )ara''"' bars( Th"y "+"n
found a hug" round ston" on th" b"ach and /)ut th" shot/ for a whi'"( As 'ong
as it was a 8u"stion of agi'ity, !arcus was "asi'y th" b"st of th" four* but th"
d"ntist#s "norous str"ngth, his crud", untutor"d brut" forc", was a att"r
of wond"r for th" "ntir" )arty( !cT"agu" crack"d Eng'ish wa'nuts4tak"n fro
th" 'unch bask"ts4in th" ho''ow of his ar, and toss"d th" round ston" a fu''
3+" f""t b"yond th"ir b"st ark( H"is" b"'i"+"d his"'f to b" )articu'ar'y
strong in th" wrists, but th" d"ntist, using but on" hand, twist"d a can" out of
H"is"#s two with a wr"nch that a'' but s)rain"d th" harn"ssak"r#s ar( Th"n
th" d"ntist rais"d w"ights and chinn"d his"'f on th" rings ti'' th"y thought
h" wou'd n"+"r tir"(
His gr"at succ"ss 8uit" turn"d his h"ad* h" strutt"d back and forth in front of
th" wo"n, his ch"st thrown out, and his gr"at outh )"r)"tua''y "7)and"d
in a triu)hant grin( As h" f"'t his str"ngth or" and or", h" b"gan to
abus" it* h" doin""r"d o+"r th" oth"rs, gri))ing sudd"n'y at th"ir ars ti''
th"y s8uir"d with )ain, and s'a))ing !arcus on th" back so that h" gas)"d
and gagg"d for br"ath( Th" chi'dish +anity of th" gr"at f"''ow was as
undisguis"d as that of a schoo'boy( H" b"gan to t"'' of wond"rfu' f"ats of
str"ngth h" had acco)'ish"d wh"n h" was a young an( :hy, at on" ti"
h" had knock"d down a ha'f%grown h"if"r with a b'ow of his 3st b"tw""n th"
"y"s, sur", and th" h"if"r had &ust sti$"n"d out and tr"b'"d a'' o+"r and
di"d without g"tting u)(
!cT"agu" to'd this story again, and y"t again( A'' through th" aft"rnoon h"
cou'd b" o+"rh"ard r"'ating th" wond"r to any on" who wou'd 'ist"n,
"7agg"rating th" "$"ct of his b'ow, in+"nting t"rri3c d"tai's( :hy, th" h"if"r
had &ust froth"d at th" outh, and his "y"s had ro''"d u)4ah, sur", his "y"s
ro''"d u) &ust 'ik" that4and th" butch"r had said his sku'' was a'' ash"d in4
&ust a'' ash"d in, sur", that#s th" word4&ust as if fro a s'"dg"%ha"r(
Notwithstanding his r"conci'iation with th" d"ntist on th" boat, !arcus#s
gorg" ros" within hi at !cT"agu"#s boasting swagg"r( :h"n !cT"agu" had
s'a))"d hi on th" back, !arcus had r"tir"d to so" 'itt'" distanc" whi'" h"
r"co+"r"d his br"ath, and g'ar"d at th" d"ntist 3"rc"'y as h" strod" u) and
down, g'orying in th" adiring g'anc"s of th" wo"n(
/Ah, on"%hors" d"ntist,/ h" utt"r"d b"tw""n his t""th( /Ah, 6inc%)'ugg"r,
cow%ki''"r, I#d 'ik" to show you onc", you o+"rgrown uck"r, you4you4C,:%
KI22ER?/
:h"n h" r"&oin"d th" grou), h" found th" )r")aring for a wr"st'ing bout(
/I t"'' you what,/ said H"is", /w"#'' ha+" a tourna"nt( !arcus and I wi''
rast'", and 0oc and Ry"r, and th"n th" winn"rs wi'' rast'" "ach oth"r(/
Th" wo"n c'a))"d th"ir hands "7cit"d'y( This wou'd b" "7citing( Trina cri"d;
/1"tt"r '"t " ho'd your on"y, !ac, and your k"ys, so as you won#t 'os"
th" out of your )ock"ts(/ Th" "n ga+" th"ir +a'uab'"s into th" k"")ing of
th"ir wi+"s and )ro)t'y s"t to work(
Th" d"ntist thrust Ry"r down without "+"n changing his gri)* !arcus and th"
harn"ss%ak"r strugg'"d tog"th"r for a f"w o"nts ti'' H"is" a'' at onc"
s'i))"d on a bit of turf and f"'' backwards( As th"y to))'"d o+"r tog"th"r,
!arcus writh"d his"'f fro und"r his o))on"nt, and, as th"y r"ach"d th"
ground, forc"d down 3rst on" shou'd"r and th"n th" oth"r(
/A'' right, a'' right,/ )ant"d th" harn"ss%ak"r, goodnatur"d'y, /I# down( It#s
u) to you and 0oc now,/ h" add"d, as h" got to his f""t(
Th" atch b"tw""n !cT"agu" and !arcus )rois"d to b" int"r"sting( Th"
d"ntist, of cours", had an "norous ad+antag" in )oint of str"ngth, but
!arcus )rid"d his"'f on his wr"st'ing, and kn"w so"thing about strang'"%
ho'ds and ha'f%N"'sons( Th" "n dr"w back to a''ow th" a fr"" s)ac" as
th"y fac"d "ach oth"r, whi'" Trina and th" oth"r wo"n ros" to th"ir f""t in
th"ir "7cit""nt(
/I b"t !ac wi'' throw hi, a'' th" sa",/ said Trina(
/A'' r"ady?/ cri"d Ry"r(
Th" d"ntist and !arcus st"))"d forward, "y"ing "ach oth"r cautious'y( Th"y
circ'"d around th" i)ro)tu ring( !arcus watching "ag"r'y for an o)"ning(
H" ground his t""th, t"''ing his"'f h" wou'd throw !cT"agu" if it ki''"d hi(
Ah, h"#d show hi now( Sudd"n'y th" two "n caught at "ach oth"r* !arcus
w"nt to his kn""s( Th" d"ntist thr"w his +ast bu'k on his ad+"rsary#s
shou'd"rs and, thrusting a hug" )a' against his fac", )ush"d hi backwards
and downwards( It was out of th" 8u"stion to r"sist that "norous str"ngth(
!arcus wr"nch"d his"'f o+"r and f"'' fac" downward on th" ground(
!cT"agu" ros" on th" instant with a gr"at 'augh of "7u'tation(
/9ou#r" down?/ h" "7c'ai"d(
!arcus '"a)"d to his f""t(
/0own nothing,/ h" +ocif"rat"d, with c'"nch"d 3sts( /0own nothing, by dan?
9ou got to throw " so#s y shou'd"rs touch(/
!cT"agu" was sta'king about, sw"''ing with )rid"(
/Hoh, you#r" down( I thr"w you( 0idn#t I throw hi, Trina@ Hoh, you can#t
rast'" !E(/
!arcus ca)"r"d with rag"(
/9ou didn#t? you didn#t? you didn#t? and you can#t? 9ou got to gi+" " anoth"r
try(/
Th" oth"r "n ca" crowding u)( E+"rybody was ta'king at onc"(
/H"#s right(/
/9ou didn#t throw hi(/
/1oth his shou'd"rs at th" sa" ti"(/
Trina c'a))"d and wa+"d h"r hand at !cT"agu" fro wh"r" sh" stood on th"
'itt'" s'o)" of 'awn abo+" th" wr"st'"rs( !arcus brok" through th" grou),
shaking a'' o+"r with "7cit""nt and rag"(
/I t"'' you that ain#t th" :A9 to rast'"( 9ou#+" got to throw a an so#s his
shou'd"rs touch( 9ou got to gi+" " anoth"r bout(/
/That#s straight,/ )ut in H"is", /both his shou'd"rs down at th" sa" ti"( Try
it again( 9ou and Schou'"r ha+" anoth"r try(/
!cT"agu" was b"wi'd"r"d by so uch siu'tan"ous ta'k( H" cou'd not ak"
out what it was a'' about( Cou'd h" ha+" o$"nd"d !arcus again@
/:hat@ :hat@ Huh@ :hat is it@/ h" "7c'ai"d in )"r)'"7ity, 'ooking fro on"
to th" oth"r(
/Co" on, you ust rast'" " again,/ shout"d !arcus(
/Sur", sur",/ cri"d th" d"ntist( /I#'' rast'" you again( I#'' rast'" "+"rybody,/ h"
cri"d, sudd"n'y struck with an id"a( Trina 'ook"d on in so" a))r"h"nsion(
/!ark g"ts so ad,/ sh" said, ha'f a'oud(
/9"s,/ aditt"d S"'ina( /!ist"r Schou'"r#s got an awfu' 8uick t")"r, but h"
ain#t afraid of anything(/
/A'' r"ady?/ shout"d Ry"r(
This ti" !arcus was or" car"fu'( Twic", as !cT"agu" rush"d at hi, h"
s'i))"d c'"+"r'y away( 1ut as th" d"ntist ca" in a third ti", with his h"ad
bow"d, !arcus, raising his"'f to his fu'' h"ight, caught hi with both ars
around th" n"ck( Th" d"ntist gri))"d at hi and r"nt away th" s'""+" of his
shirt( Th"r" was a gr"at 'augh(
/K"") your shirt on,/ cri"d !rs( Ry"r(
Th" two "n w"r" gra))'ing at "ach oth"r wi'd'y( Th" )arty cou'd h"ar th"
)anting and grunting as th"y 'abor"d and strugg'"d( Th"ir boots tor" u) gr"at
c'ods of turf( Sudd"n'y th"y ca" to th" ground with a tr""ndous shock( 1ut
"+"n as th"y w"r" in th" act of fa''ing, !arcus, 'ik" a +"ry ""', writh"d in th"
d"ntist#s c'as) and f"'' u)on his sid"( !cT"agu" crash"d down u)on hi 'ik"
th" co''a)s" of a f"''"d o7(
/Now, you gotta turn hi on his back,/ shout"d H"is" to th" d"ntist( /H" ain#t
down if you don#t(/
:ith his hug" sa'i"nt chin digging into !arcus#s shou'd"r, th" d"ntist h"a+"d
and tugg"d( His fac" was 5aing, his hug" shock of y"''ow hair f"'' o+"r his
for"h"ad, att"d with sw"at( !arcus b"gan to yi"'d d"s)it" his frantic
"$orts( ,n" shou'd"r was down, now th" oth"r b"gan to go* gradua''y,
gradua''y it was forc"d o+"r( Th" 'itt'" audi"nc" h"'d its br"ath in th"
sus)"ns" of th" o"nt( S"'ina brok" th" si'"nc", ca''ing out shri''y;
/Ain#t 0octor !cT"agu" &ust that strong?/
!arcus h"ard it, and his fury ca" instant'y to a h"ad( Rag" at his d"f"at at
th" hands of th" d"ntist and b"for" S"'ina#s "y"s, th" hat" h" sti'' bor" his
o'd%ti" /)a'/ and th" i)ot"nt wrath of his own )ow"r'"ssn"ss w"r"
sudd"n'y un'"ash"d(
/<od dan you? g"t o$ of ",/ h" cri"d und"r his br"ath, s)itting th" words
as a snak" s)its its +"no( Th" 'itt'" audi"nc" utt"r"d a cry( :ith th" oath
!arcus had twist"d his h"ad and had bitt"n through th" 'ob" of th" d"ntist#s
"ar( Th"r" was a sudd"n 5ash of bright%r"d b'ood(
Th"n fo''ow"d a t"rrib'" sc"n"( Th" brut" that in !cT"agu" 'ay so c'os" to th"
surfac" '"a)"d instant'y to 'if", onstrous, not to b" r"sist"d( H" s)rang to
his f""t with a shri'' and "aning'"ss c'aor, tota''y un'ik" th" ordinary bass
of his s)"aking ton"s( It was th" hid"ous y"''ing of a hurt b"ast, th" s8u"a'ing
of a wound"d "'")hant( H" fra"d no words* in th" rush of high%)itch"d
sound that issu"d fro his wid"%o)"n outh th"r" was nothing articu'at"( It
was so"thing no 'ong"r huan* it was rath"r an "cho fro th" &ung'"(
S'uggish "nough and s'ow to ang"r on ordinary occasions, !cT"agu" wh"n
3na''y arous"d b"ca" anoth"r an( His rag" was a kind of obs"ssion, an
"+i' ania, th" drunk"nn"ss of )assion, th" "7a't"d and )"r+"rt"d fury of th"
1"rs"rk"r, b'ind and d"af, a thing ins"nsat"(
As h" ros" h" caught !arcus#s wrist in both his hands( H" did not strik", h"
did not know what h" was doing( His on'y id"a was to batt"r th" 'if" out of th"
an b"for" hi, to crush and annihi'at" hi u)on th" instant( <ri))ing his
"n"y in his "norous hands, hard and knott"d, and co+"r"d with a sti$ f"''
of y"''ow hair4th" hands of th" o'd%ti" car%boy4h" swung hi wid", as a
ha"r%throw"r swings his ha"r( !arcus#s f""t 5i))"d fro th" ground,
h" s)un through th" air about !cT"agu" as h"')'"ss as a bund'" of c'oth"s(
A'' at onc" th"r" was a shar) sna), a'ost 'ik" th" r")ort of a sa'' )isto'(
Th"n !arcus ro''"d o+"r and o+"r u)on th" ground as !cT"agu" r"'"as"d his
gri)* his ar, th" on" th" d"ntist had s"i6"d, b"nding sudd"n'y, as though a
third &oint had for"d b"tw""n wrist and "'bow( Th" ar was brok"n(
1ut by this ti" "+"ry on" was crying out at onc"( H"is" and Ryan ran in
b"tw""n th" two "n( S"'ina turn"d h"r h"ad away( Trina was wringing h"r
hands and crying in an agony of dr"ad;
/,h, sto) th", sto) th"? 0on#t '"t th" 3ght( ,h, it#s too awfu'(/
/H"r", h"r", 0oc, 8uit( 0on#t ak" a foo' of yours"'f,/ cri"d H"is", c'inging to
th" d"ntist( /That#s "nough now( 2ISTEN to ", wi'' you@/
/,h, !ac, !ac,/ cri"d Trina, running to h"r husband( /!ac, d"ar, 'ist"n* it#s
", it#s Trina, 'ook at ", you44/
/<"t ho'd of his oth"r ar, wi'' you, Ry"r@/ )ant"d H"is"( /Buick?/
/!ac, !ac,/ cri"d Trina, h"r ars about his n"ck(
/For <od#s sak", ho'd u), 0oc, wi'' you@/ shout"d th" harn"ss%ak"r( /9ou
don#t want to ki'' hi, do you@/
!rs( Ry"r and H"is"#s 'a" wif" w"r" 3''ing th" air with th"ir outcri"s( S"'ina
was gigg'ing with hyst"ria( !arcus, t"rri3"d, but too bra+" to run, had )ick"d
u) a &agg"d ston" with his '"ft hand and stood on th" d"f"nsi+"( His swo''"n
right ar, fro which th" shirt s'""+" had b""n torn, dang'"d at his sid", th"
back of th" hand twist"d wh"r" th" )a' shou'd ha+" b""n( Th" shirt its"'f
was a ass of grass stains and was s)ott"d with th" d"ntist#s b'ood(
1ut !cT"agu", in th" c"ntr" of th" grou) that strugg'"d to ho'd hi, was nigh
to adn"ss( Th" sid" of his fac", his n"ck, and a'' th" shou'd"r and br"ast of
his shirt w"r" co+"r"d with b'ood( H" had c"as"d to cry out, but k")t
utt"ring b"tw""n his gri))"d &aws, as h" 'abor"d to t"ar his"'f fr"" of th"
r"taining hands;
/Ah, I#'' ki'' hi? Ah, I#'' ki'' hi? I#'' ki'' hi? 0an you, H"is",/ h" "7c'ai"d
sudd"n'y, trying to strik" th" harn"ss%ak"r, /'"t go of ", wi'' you?/
2itt'" by 'itt'" th"y )aci3"d hi, or rath"r Dfor h" )aid but 'itt'" att"ntion to
what was said to hiE his b"stia' fury 'a)s"d by d"gr""s( H" turn"d away and
'"t fa'' his ars, drawing 'ong br"aths, and 'ooking stu)id'y about hi, now
s"arching h"')'"ss'y u)on th" ground, now ga6ing +agu"'y into th" circ'" of
fac"s about hi( His "ar b'"d as though it wou'd n"+"r sto)(
/Say, 0octor,/ ask"d H"is", /what#s th" b"st thing to do@/
/Huh@/ answ"r"d !cT"agu"( /:hat4what do you "an@ :hat is it@/
/:hat#'' w" do to sto) this b'""ding h"r"@/
!cT"agu" did not answ"r, but 'ook"d int"nt'y at th" b'ood%stain"d boso of
his shirt(
/!ac,/ cri"d Trina, h"r fac" c'os" to his, /t"'' us so"thing4th" b"st thing w"
can do to sto) your "ar b'""ding(/
/Co''odiu,/ said th" d"ntist(
/1ut w" can#t g"t to that right away* w"4/
/Th"r"#s so" ic" in our 'unch bask"t,/ brok" in H"is"( /:" brought it for th"
b""r* and tak" th" na)kins and ak" a bandag"(/
/Ic",/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist, /sur", ic", that#s th" word(/
!rs( H"is" and th" Ry"rs w"r" 'ooking aft"r !arcus#s brok"n ar( S"'ina sat
on th" s'o)" of th" grass, gas)ing and sobbing( Trina tor" th" na)kins into
stri)s, and, crushing so" of th" ic", ad" a bandag" for h"r husband#s
h"ad(#
Th" )arty r"so'+"d its"'f into two grou)s* th" Ry"rs and !rs( H"is" b"nding
o+"r !arcus, whi'" th" harn"ss%ak"r and Trina ca" and w"nt about
!cT"agu", sitting on th" ground, his shirt, a "r" b'ur of r"d and whit",
d"taching its"'f +io'"nt'y fro th" background of )a'"%gr""n grass( 1"tw""n
th" two grou)s was th" torn and tra)'"d bit of turf, th" wr"st'ing ring* th"
)icnic bask"ts, tog"th"r with ")ty b""r bott'"s, brok"n "gg%sh"''s, and
discard"d sardin" tins, w"r" scatt"r"d h"r" and th"r"( In th" idd'" of th"
i)ro+is"d wr"st'ing ring th" s'""+" of !arcus#s shirt 5utt"r"d occasiona''y in
th" s"a br""6"(
Nobody was )aying any att"ntion to S"'ina( A'' at onc" sh" b"gan to gigg'"
hyst"rica''y again, th"n cri"d out with a )"a' of 'aught"r;
/,h, what a way for our )icnic to "nd?/
CHAPTER 1A
/Now, th"n, !aria,/ said G"rkow, his crack"d, strain"d +oic" &ust rising abo+"
a whis)"r, hitching his chair c'os"r to th" tab'", /now, th"n, y gir', '"t#s ha+"
it a'' o+"r again( T"'' us about th" go'd )'at"4th" s"r+ic"( 1"gin with, #Th"r"
w"r" o+"r a hundr"d )i"c"s and "+"ry on" of th" go'd(#/
/I don#t know what you#r" ta'king about, G"rkow,/ answ"r"d !aria( /Th"r"
n"+"r was no go'd )'at", no go'd s"r+ic"( I gu"ss you ust ha+" dr"a"d it(/
!aria and th" r"d%h"ad"d Po'ish ."w had b""n arri"d about a onth aft"r
th" !cT"agu"#s )icnic which had "nd"d in such 'a"ntab'" fashion( G"rkow
had tak"n !aria ho" to his wr"tch"d ho+"' in th" a''"y back of th" 5at, and
th" 5at had b""n ob'ig"d to g"t anoth"r aid of a'' work( Ti" )ass"d, a
onth, si7 onths, a who'" y"ar w"nt by( At '"ngth !aria ga+" birth to a
chi'd, a wr"tch"d, sick'y chi'd, with not "+"n str"ngth "nough nor wits "nough
to cry( At th" ti" of its birth !aria was out of h"r ind, and continu"d in a
stat" of d""ntia for n"ar'y t"n days( Sh" r"co+"r"d &ust in ti" to ak" th"
arrang""nts for th" baby#s buria'( N"ith"r G"rkow nor !aria was uch
a$"ct"d by "ith"r th" birth or th" d"ath of this 'itt'" chi'd( G"rkow had
w"'co"d it with )ronounc"d disfa+or, sinc" it had a outh to b" f"d and
wants to b" )ro+id"d for( !aria was out of h"r h"ad so uch of th" ti" that
sh" cou'd scarc"'y r""b"r how it 'ook"d wh"n a'i+"( Th" chi'd was a "r"
incid"nt in th"ir 'i+"s, a thing that had co" und"sir"d and had gon"
unr"gr"tt"d( It had not "+"n a na"* a strang", hybrid 'itt'" b"ing, co" and
gon" within a fortnight#s ti", y"t cobining in its )uny 'itt'" body th" b'ood
of th" H"br"w, th" Po'", and th" S)aniard(
1ut th" birth of this chi'd had )"cu'iar cons"8u"nc"s( !aria ca" out of h"r
d""ntia, and in a f"w days th" hous"ho'd s"tt'"d its"'f again to its sordid
r"gi" and !aria w"nt about h"r duti"s as usua'( Th"n on" "+"ning, about a
w""k aft"r th" chi'd#s buria', G"rkow had ask"d !aria to t"'' hi th" story of
th" faous s"r+ic" of go'd )'at" for th" hundr"dth ti"(
G"rkow had co" to b"'i"+" in this story infa''ib'y( H" was io+ab'y
)"rsuad"d that at on" ti" !aria or !aria#s )"o)'" had )oss"ss"d th"s"
hundr"d go'd"n dish"s( In his )"r+"rt"d ind th" ha''ucination had
d"+"'o)"d sti'' furth"r( Not on'y had that s"r+ic" of go'd )'at" onc" "7ist"d,
but it "7ist"d now, "ntir", intact* not a sing'" burnish"d go'd"n )i"c" of it was
issing( It was so"wh"r", so"body had it, 'ock"d away in that '"ath"r
trunk with its 8ui't"d 'ining and round brass 'ocks( It was to b" s"arch"d for
and s"cur"d, to b" fought for, to b" gain"d at a'' ha6ards( !aria ust know
wh"r" it was* by dint of 8u"stioning, G"rkow wou'd sur"'y g"t th" inforation
fro h"r( So" day, if on'y h" was )"rsist"nt, h" wou'd hit u)on th" right
cobination of 8u"stions, th" right sugg"stion that wou'd dis"ntang'" !aria#s
confus"d r"co''"ctions( !aria wou'd t"'' hi wh"r" th" thing was k")t, was
conc"a'"d, was buri"d, and h" wou'd go to that )'ac" and s"cur" it, and a''
that wond"rfu' go'd wou'd b" his for"+"r and for"+"r( This s"r+ic" of )'at" had
co" to b" G"rkow#s ania(
,n this )articu'ar "+"ning, about a w""k aft"r th" chi'd#s buria', in th"
wr"tch"d back roo of th" .unk sho), G"rkow had ad" !aria sit down to th"
tab'" o))osit" hi4th" whisk"y bott'" and th" r"d g'ass tub'"r with its
brok"n bas" b"tw""n th"4and had said;
/Now, th"n, !aria, t"'' us that story of th" go'd dish"s again(/
!aria star"d at hi, an "7)r"ssion of )"r)'"7ity coing into h"r fac"(
/:hat go'd dish"s@/ said sh"(
/Th" on"s your )"o)'" us"d to own in C"ntra' A"rica( Co" on, !aria,
b"gin, b"gin(/ Th" ."w cran"d his"'f forward, his '"an 3ng"rs c'awing
"ag"r'y at his 'i)s(
/:hat go'd )'at"@/ said !aria, frowning at hi as sh" drank h"r whisk"y(
/:hat go'd )'at"@ I don# know what you#r" ta'king about, G"rkow(/
G"rkow sat back in his chair, staring at h"r(
/:hy, your )"o)'"#s go'd dish"s, what th"y us"d to "at o$ of( 9ou#+" to'd "
about it a hundr"d ti"s(/
/9ou#r" cra6y, G"rkow,/ said !aria( /Push th" bott'" h"r", wi'' you@/
/Co", now,/ insist"d G"rkow, sw"ating with d"sir", /co", now, y gir',
don#t b" a foo'* '"t#s ha+" it, '"t#s ha+" it( 1"gin now, #Th"r" w"r" or"#n a
hundr"d )i"c"s, and "+"ry on" of #" go'd(# ,h, 9,= know* co" on, co"
on(/
/I don#t r""b"r nothing of th" kind,/ )rot"st"d !aria, r"aching for th"
bott'"( G"rkow snatch"d it fro h"r(
/9ou foo'?/ h" wh""6"d, trying to rais" his brok"n +oic" to a shout( /9ou foo'?
0on#t you dar" try an# ch"at !E, or I#'' 0, for you( 9ou know about th" go'd
)'at", and you know wh"r" it is(/ Sudd"n'y h" )itch"d his +oic" at th"
)ro'ong"d ras)ing shout with which h" ad" his str""t cry( H" ros" to his
f""t, his 'ong, )r"h"nsi'" 3ng"rs cur'"d into 3sts( H" was "nacing, t"rrib'" in
his rag"( H" '"an"d o+"r !aria, his 3sts in h"r fac"(
/I b"'i"+" you#+" got it?/ h" y"''"d( /I b"'i"+" you#+" got it, an# ar" hiding it
fro "( :h"r" is it, wh"r" is it@ Is it h"r"@/ h" ro''"d his "y"s wi'd'y about
th" roo( /H"y@ h"y@/ h" w"nt on, shaking !aria by th" shou'd"rs( /:h"r" is
it@ Is it h"r"@ T"'' " wh"r" it is( T"'' ", or I#'' do for you?/
/It ain#t h"r",/ cri"d !aria, wr"nching fro hi( /It ain#t anywh"r"( :hat go'd
)'at"@ :hat ar" you ta'king about@ I don#t r""b"r nothing about no go'd
)'at" at a''(/
No, !aria did not r""b"r( Th" troub'" and turoi' of h"r ind cons"8u"nt
u)on th" birth of h"r chi'd s"""d to ha+" r"ad&ust"d h"r disord"r"d id"as
u)on this )oint( H"r ania had co" to a crisis, which in subsiding had
c'"ar"d h"r brain of its on" i''usion( Sh" did not r""b"r( ,r it was )ossib'"
that th" go'd )'at" sh" had onc" r""b"r"d had had so" foundation in
fact, that h"r r"cita' of its s)'"ndors had b""n truth, sound and san"( It was
)ossib'" that now h"r F,R<ETF=2NESS of it was so" for of brain troub'", a
r"'ic of th" d""ntia of chi'dbirth( At a'' "+"nts !aria did not r""b"r* th"
id"a of th" go'd )'at" had )ass"d "ntir"'y out of h"r ind, and it was now
G"rkow who 'abor"d und"r its ha''ucination( It was now G"rkow, th" rak"r of
th" city#s uck h"a), th" s"arch"r aft"r go'd, that saw that wond"rfu' s"r+ic"
in th" "y" of his )"r+"rt"d ind( It was h" who cou'd now d"scrib" it in a
'anguag" a'ost "'o8u"nt( !aria had b""n cont"nt "r"'y to r""b"r it*
but G"rkow#s a+aric" goad"d hi to a b"'i"f that it was sti'' in "7ist"nc", hid
so"wh"r", )"rha)s in that +"ry hous", stow"d away th"r" by !aria( For it
stood to r"ason, didn#t it, that !aria cou'd not ha+" d"scrib"d it with such
wond"rfu' accuracy and such car"fu' d"tai' un'"ss sh" had s""n it r"c"nt'y4
th" day b"for", )"rha)s, or that +"ry day, or that +"ry hour, that +"ry H,=R@
/2ook out for yours"'f,/ h" whis)"r"d, hoars"'y, to his wif"( /2ook out for
yours"'f, y gir'( I#'' hunt for it, and hunt for it, and hunt for it, and so" day
I#'' 3nd it4I wi'', you#'' s""4I#'' 3nd it, I#'' 3nd it* and if I don#t, I#'' 3nd a way
that#'' ak" you t"'' " wh"r" it is( I#'' ak" you s)"ak4b"'i"+" ", I wi'', I
wi'', y gir'4trust " for that(/
And at night !aria wou'd so"ti"s wak" to 3nd G"rkow gon" fro th" b"d,
and wou'd s"" hi burrowing into so" corn"r by th" 'ight of his dark%'ant"rn
and wou'd h"ar hi ub'ing to his"'f; /Th"r" w"r" or"#n a hundr"d
)i"c"s, and "+"ry on" of #" go'd4wh"n th" '"ath"r trunk was o)"n"d it fair
da66'"d your "y"s4why, &ust that )unchbow' was worth a fortun", I gu"ss*
so'id, so'id, h"a+y, rich, )ur" go'd, nothun but go'd, go'd, h"a)s and h"a)s of
it4what a g'ory? I#'' 3nd it y"t, I#'' 3nd it( It#s h"r" so"wh"r"s, hid
so"wh"r"s in this hous"(/
At '"ngth his continu"d i'' succ"ss b"gan to "7as)"rat" hi( ,n" day h" took
his whi) fro his &unk wagon and thrash"d !aria with it, gas)ing th" whi'",
/:h"r" is it, you b"ast@ :h"r" is it@ T"'' " wh"r" it is* I#'' ak" you s)"ak(/
/I don# know, I don# know,/ cri"d !aria, dodging his b'ows( /I#d t"'' you,
G"rkow, if I kn"w* but I don# know nothing about it( How can I t"'' you if I don#
know@/
Th"n on" "+"ning att"rs r"ach"d a crisis( !arcus Schou'"r was in his roo,
th" roo in th" 5at &ust o+"r !cT"agu"#s /Par'ors/ which h" had a'ways
occu)i"d( It was b"tw""n "'"+"n and tw"'+" o#c'ock( Th" +ast hous" was
8ui"t* Po'k Str""t outsid" was +"ry sti'', "7c")t for th" occasiona' whirr and
trund'" of a )assing cab'" car and th" )"rsist"nt ca''ing of ducks and g""s" in
th" d"s"rt"d ark"t dir"ct'y o))osit"( !arcus was in his shirt s'""+"s,
)"rs)iring and sw"aring with "7"rtion as h" tri"d to g"t a'' his b"'ongings into
an absurd'y inad"8uat" trunk( Th" roo was in gr"at confusion( It 'ook"d as
though !arcus was about to o+"( H" stood in front of his trunk, his )r"cious
si'k hat in its hat%bo7 in his hand( H" was raging at th" )"r+"rs"n"ss of a )air
of boots that r"fus"d to 3t in his trunk, no att"r how h" arrang"d th"(
/I#+" tri"d you S,, and I#+" tri"d you S,,/ h" "7c'ai"d 3"rc"'y, b"tw""n his
t""th, /and you won#t go(/ H" b"gan to sw"ar horrib'y, grabbing at th" boots
with his fr"" hand( /Pr"tty soon I won#t tak" you at a''* I won#t, for a fact(/
H" was int"rru)t"d by a rush of f""t u)on th" back stairs and a c'aorous
)ounding u)on his door( H" o)"n"d it to '"t in !aria !aca)a, h"r hair
dish"+"''"d and h"r "y"s starting with t"rror(
/,h, !ISTER Schou'"r,/ sh" gas)"d, /'ock th" door 8uick( 0on#t '"t hi g"t
"( H"#s got a knif", and h" says sur" h"#s going to do for ", if I don#t t"''
hi wh"r" it is(/
/:ho has@ :hat has@ :h"r" is what@/ shout"d !arcus, 5aing with
"7cit""nt u)on th" instant( H" o)"n"d th" door and )""r"d down th" dark
ha'', both 3sts c'"nch"d, r"ady to 3ght4h" did not know who, and h" did
not know why(
/It#s G"rkow,/ wai'"d !aria, )u''ing hi back into th" roo and bo'ting th"
door, /and h"#s got a knif" as 'ong as THAT( ,h, y 2ord, h"r" h" co"s now?
Ain#t that hi@ 2ist"n(/
G"rkow was coing u) th" stairs, ca''ing for !aria(
/0on#t you '"t hi g"t ", wi'' you, !ist"r Schou'"r@/ gas)"d !aria(
/I#'' br"ak hi in two,/ shout"d !arcus, 'i+id with rag"( /Think I# afraid of his
knif"@/
/I know wh"r" you ar",/ cri"d G"rkow, on th" 'anding outsid"( /9ou#r" in
Schou'"r#s roo( :hat ar" you doing in Schou'"r#s roo at this ti" of night@
Co" outa th"r"* you oughta b" asha"d( I#'' do for you y"t, y gir'( Co"
outa th"r" onc", an# s"" if I don#t(/
/I#'' do for you ys"'f, you dirty ."w,/ shout"d !arcus, unbo'ting th" door and
running out into th" ha''(
/I want y wif",/ "7c'ai"d th" ."w, backing down th" stairs( /:hat#s sh"
"an by running away fro " and going into your roo@/
/2ook out, h"#s got a knif"?/ cri"d !aria through th" crack of th" door(
/Ah, th"r" you ar"( Co" outa that, and co" back ho",/ "7c'ai"d
G"rkow(
/<"t outa h"r" yours"'f,/ cri"d !arcus, ad+ancing on hi angri'y( /<"t outa
h"r"(/
/!aria#s gota co" too(/
/<"t outa h"r",/ +ocif"rat"d !arcus, /an# )ut u) that knif"( I s"" it* you
n""dn#t try an# hid" it b"hind your '"g( <i+" it to ", anyhow,/ h" shout"d
sudd"n'y, and b"for" G"rkow was awar", !arcus had wr"nch"d it away( /Now,
g"t outa h"r"(/
G"rkow back"d away, )""ring and )"")ing o+"r !arcus#s shou'd"r(
/I want !aria(/
/<"t outa h"r"( <"t a'ong out, or I#'' P=T you out(/ Th" str""t door c'os"d( Th"
."w was gon"(
/Huh?/ snort"d !arcus, sw"''ing with arroganc"( /Huh? Think I# afraid of his
knif"@ I ain#t afraid of AN91,09,/ h" shout"d )oint"d'y, for !cT"agu" and his
wif", rous"d by th" c'aor, w"r" )""ring o+"r th" banist"rs fro th" 'anding
abo+"( /Not of anybody,/ r")"at"d !arcus(
!aria ca" out into th" ha''(
/Is h" gon"@ Is h" sur" gon"@/
/:hat was th" troub'"@/ in8uir"d !arcus, sudd"n'y(
/I wok" u) about an hour ago,/ !aria "7)'ain"d, /and G"rkow wasn#t in b"d*
ayb" h" hadn#t co" to b"d at a''( H" was down on his kn""s by th" sink,
and h"#d )ri"d u) so" boards o$ th" 5oor and was digging th"r"( H" had his
dark%'ant"rn( H" was digging with that knif", I gu"ss, and a'' th" ti" h" k")t
ub'ing to his"'f, #!or"#n a hundr"d )i"c"s, an# "+"ry on" of #" go'd*
or"#n a hundr"d )i"c"s, an# "+"ry on" of #" go'd(# Th"n, a'' of a sudd"n, h"
caught sight of "( I was sitting u) in b"d, and h" &u)"d u) and ca" at
" with his knif", an# h" says, #:h"r" is it@ :h"r" is it@ I know you got it hid
so"wh"r"( :h"r" is it@ T"'' " or I#'' knif" you(# I kind of foo'"d hi and k")t
hi o$ ti'' I got y wra))"r on, an# th"n I run out( I didn#t dar" stay(/
/:"'', what did you t"'' hi about your go'd dish"s for in th" 3rst )'ac"@/
cri"d !arcus(
/I n"+"r to'd hi,/ )rot"st"d !aria, with th" gr"at"st "n"rgy( /I n"+"r to'd
hi* I n"+"r h"ard of any go'd dish"s( I don# know wh"r" h" got th" id"a* h"
ust b" cra6y(/
1y this ti" Trina and !cT"agu", ,'d <rannis, and 'itt'" !iss 1ak"r4a'' th"
'odg"rs on th" u))"r 5oors of th" 5at4had gath"r"d about !aria( Trina and
th" d"ntist, who had gon" to b"d, w"r" )artia''y dr"ss"d, and Trina#s
"norous an" of b'ack hair was hanging in two thick braids far down h"r
back( 1ut, 'at" as it was, ,'d <rannis and th" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r had sti''
b""n u) and about wh"n !aria had arous"d th"(
/:hy, !aria,/ said Trina, /you a'ways us"d to t"'' us about your go'd dish"s(
9ou said your fo'ks us"d to ha+" th"(/
/N"+"r, n"+"r, n"+"r?/ "7c'ai"d !aria, +"h""nt'y( /9ou fo'ks ust a'' b"
cra6y( I n"+"r HEAR0 of any go'd dish"s(/
/:"'',/ s)ok" u) !iss 1ak"r, /you#r" a 8u""r gir', !aria* that#s a'' I can say(/
Sh" '"ft th" grou) and r"turn"d to h"r roo( ,'d <rannis watch"d h"r go
fro th" corn"r of his "y", and in a f"w o"nts fo''ow"d h"r, '"a+ing th"
grou) as unnotic"d as h" had &oin"d it( 1y d"gr""s th" 5at 8ui"t"d down
again( Trina and !cT"agu" r"turn"d to th"ir roos(
/I gu"ss I#'' go back now,/ said !aria( /H"#s a'' right now( I ain#t afraid of hi
so 'ong as h" ain#t got his knif"(/
/:"'', say,/ !arcus ca''"d to h"r as sh" w"nt down stairs, /if h" g"ts funny
again, you &ust y"'' out* I#22 h"ar you( I won#t '"t hi hurt you(/
!arcus w"nt into his roo again and r"su"d his wrang'" with th" r"fractory
boots( His "y" f"'' on G"rkow#s knif", a 'ong, k""n%b'ad"d hunting%knif", with
a buckhorn hand'"( /I#'' tak" you a'ong with ",/ h" "7c'ai"d, sudd"n'y( /I#''
&ust n""d you wh"r" I# going(/
!"anwhi'", o'd !iss 1ak"r was aking t"a to ca' h"r n"r+"s aft"r th"
"7cit""nt of !aria#s incursion( This "+"ning sh" w"nt so far as to ak" t"a
for two, 'aying an "7tra )'ac" on th" oth"r sid" of h"r 'itt'" t"a%tab'", s"tting
out a cu) and sauc"r and on" of th" <orha si'+"r s)oons( C'os" u)on th"
oth"r sid" of th" )artition ,'d <rannis bound uncut nub"rs of th" /Nation(/
/0o you know what I think, !ac@/ said Trina, wh"n th" cou)'" had r"turn"d to
th"ir roos( /I think !arcus is going away(/
/:hat@ :hat@/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist, +"ry s'"")y and stu)id, /what you
saying@ :hat#s that about !arcus@/
/I b"'i"+" !arcus has b""n )acking u), th" 'ast two or thr"" days( I wond"r if
h"#s going away(/
/:ho#s going away@/ said !cT"agu", b'inking at h"r(
/,h, go to b"d,/ said Trina, )ushing hi goodnatur"d'y( /!ac, you#r" th"
stu)id"st an I "+"r kn"w(/
1ut it was tru"( !arcus was going away( Trina r"c"i+"d a '"tt"r th" n"7t
orning fro h"r oth"r( Th" car)"t%c'"aning and u)ho'st"ry busin"ss in
which !r( Si"))" had in+o'+"d his"'f was going fro bad to wors"( !r(
Si"))" had "+"n b""n ob'ig"d to )ut a ortgag" u)on th"ir hous"( !rs(
Si"))" didn#t know what was to b"co" of th" a''( H"r husband had "+"n
b"gun to ta'k of "igrating to N"w G"a'and( !"anwhi'", sh" infor"d Trina
that !r( Si"))" had 3na''y co" across a an with who !arcus cou'd /go in
with on a ranch,/ a catt'" ranch in th" south"ast"rn )ortion of th" Stat"( H"r
id"as w"r" +agu" u)on th" sub&"ct, but sh" kn"w that !arcus was wi'd'y
"nthusiastic at th" )ros)"ct, and was "7)"ct"d down b"for" th" "nd of th"
onth( In th" "anti", cou'd Trina s"nd th" 3fty do''ars@
/!arcus IS going away, aft"r a'', !ac,/ said Trina to h"r husband that day as
h" ca" out of his /Par'ors/ and sat down to th" 'unch of sausag"s, ash"d
)otato"s, and choco'at" in th" sitting%roo(
/Huh@/ said th" d"ntist, a 'itt'" confus"d( /:ho#s going away@ Schou'"r going
away@ :hy#s Schou'"r going away@/
Trina "7)'ain"d( /,h?/ grow'"d !cT"agu", b"hind his thick ustach", /h" can
go far b"for" I#22 sto) hi(/
/And, say, !ac,/ continu"d Trina, )ouring th" choco'at", /what do you think@
!aa wants "4wants us to s"nd h"r 3fty do''ars( Sh" says th"y#r" hard
u)(/
/:"'',/ said th" d"ntist, aft"r a o"nt, /w"'', I gu"ss w" can s"nd it, can#t
w"@/
/,h, that#s "asy to say,/ co)'ain"d Trina, h"r 'itt'" chin in th" air, h"r sa''
)a'" 'i)s )urs"d( /I wond"r if aa thinks w"#r" i''ionair"s@/
/Trina, you#r" g"tting to b" r"gu'ar stingy,/ utt"r"d !cT"agu"( /9ou#r"
g"tting wors" and wors" "+"ry day(/
/1ut 3fty do''ars is 3fty do''ars, !ac( .ust think how 'ong it tak"s you to "arn
3fty do''ars( Fifty do''ars? That#s two onths of our int"r"st(/
/:"'',/ said !cT"agu", "asi'y, his outh fu'' of ash"d )otato, /you got a 'ot
sa+"d u)(/
=)on "+"ry r"f"r"nc" to that 'itt'" hoard in th" brass atch%saf" and
chaois%skin bag at th" botto of h"r trunk, Trina brid'"d on th" instant(
/0on#t TA2K that way, !ac( #A 'ot of on"y(# :hat do you ca'' a 'ot of on"y@
I don#t b"'i"+" I#+" got 3fty do''ars sa+"d(/
/Hoh?/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu"( /Hoh? I gu"ss you got n"ar"r a hundr"d AN# 3fty(
That#s what I gu"ss 9,= got(/
/I#+" N,T, I#+" N,T,/ d"c'ar"d Trina, /and you know I#+" not( I wish aa
hadn#t ask"d " for any on"y( :hy can#t sh" b" a 'itt'" or" "conoica'@ I
anag" a'' right( No, no, I can#t )ossib'y a$ord to s"nd h"r 3fty(/
/,h, )shaw? :hat :I22 you do, th"n@/ grub'"d h"r husband(
/I#'' s"nd h"r tw"nty%3+" this onth, and t"'' h"r I#'' s"nd th" r"st as soon as I
can a$ord it(/
/Trina, you#r" a r"gu'ar 'itt'" is"r,/ said !cT"agu"(
/I don#t car",/ answ"r"d Trina, b"ginning to 'augh( /I gu"ss I a, but I can#t
h"') it, and it#s a good fau't(/
Trina )ut o$ s"nding this on"y for a cou)'" of w""ks, and h"r oth"r ad"
no "ntion of it in h"r n"7t '"tt"r( /,h, I gu"ss if sh" wants it so bad,/ said
Trina, /sh"#'' s)"ak about it again(/ So sh" again )ost)on"d th" s"nding of it(
0ay by day sh" )ut it o$( :h"n h"r oth"r ask"d h"r for it a s"cond ti", it
s"""d hard"r than "+"r for Trina to )art with "+"n ha'f th" su r"8u"st"d(
Sh" answ"r"d h"r oth"r, t"''ing h"r that th"y w"r" +"ry hard u) th"s"'+"s
for that onth, but that sh" wou'd s"nd down th" aount in a f"w w""ks(
/I#'' t"'' you what w"#'' do, !ac,/ sh" said to h"r husband, /you s"nd ha'f and
I#'' s"nd ha'f* w"#'' s"nd tw"nty%3+" do''ars a'tog"th"r( Tw"'+" and a ha'f
a)i"c"( That#s an id"a( How wi'' that do@/
/Sur", sur",/ !cT"agu" had answ"r"d, gi+ing h"r th" on"y( Trina s"nt
!cT"agu"#s tw"'+" do''ars, but n"+"r s"nt th" tw"'+" that was to b" h"r
shar"( ,n" day th" d"ntist ha))"n"d to ask h"r about it(
/9ou s"nt that tw"nty%3+" to your oth"r, didn#t you@/ said h"(
/,h, 'ong ago,/ answ"r"d Trina, without thinking(
In fact, Trina n"+"r a''ow"d h"rs"'f to think +"ry uch of this a$air( And, in
fact, anoth"r att"r soon ca" to "ngross h"r att"ntion(
,n" Sunday "+"ning Trina and h"r husband w"r" in th"ir sitting%roo
tog"th"r( It was dark, but th" 'a) had not b""n 'it( !cT"agu" had brought
u) so" bott'"s of b""r fro th" /:"in Stub"/ on th" ground 5oor, wh"r" th"
branch )ost%o-c" us"d to b"( 1ut th"y had not o)"n"d th" b""r( It was a
war "+"ning in su"r( Trina was sitting on !cT"agu"#s 'a) in th" bay
window, and had 'oo)"d back th" Nottingha curtains so th" two cou'd 'ook
out into th" dark"n"d str""t and watch th" oon coing u) o+"r th" g'ass
roof of th" hug" )ub'ic baths( ,n occasions th"y sat 'ik" this for an hour or
so, /)hi'and"ring,/ Trina cudd'ing h"rs"'f down u)on !cT"agu"#s "norous
body, rubbing h"r ch""k against th" grain of his unsha+"n chin, kissing th"
ba'd s)ot on th" to) of his h"ad, or )utting h"r 3ng"rs into his "ars and "y"s(
At ti"s, a brus8u" acc"ss of )assion wou'd s"i6" u)on h"r, and, with a
n"r+ous 'itt'" sigh, sh" wou'd c'as) his thick r"d n"ck in both h"r sa'' ars
and whis)"r in his "ar;
/0o you 'o+" ", !ac, d"ar@ 2o+" " 1I<, 1I<@ Sur", do you 'o+" " as
uch as you did wh"n w" w"r" arri"d@/
Pu66'"d, !cT"agu" wou'd answ"r; /:"'', you know it, don#t you, Trina@/
/1ut I want you to SA9 so* say so a'ways and a'ways(/
/:"'', I do, of cours" I do(/
/Say it, th"n(/
/:"'', th"n, I 'o+" you(/
/1ut you don#t say it of your own accord(/
/:"'', what4what4what4I don#t und"rstand,/ sta"r"d th" d"ntist,
b"wi'd"r"d(
Th"r" was a knock on th" door( Confus"d and "barrass"d, as if th"y w"r"
not arri"d, Trina scrab'"d o$ !cT"agu"#s 'a), hast"ning to 'ight th" 'a),
whis)"ring, /Put on your coat, !ac, and sooth your hair,/ and aking
g"stur"s for hi to )ut th" b""r bott'"s out of sight( Sh" o)"n"d th" door and
utt"r"d an "7c'aation(
/:hy, Cousin !ark?/ sh" said( !cT"agu" g'ar"d at hi, struck s)""ch'"ss,
confus"d b"yond "7)r"ssion( !arcus Schou'"r, )"rf"ct'y at his "as", stood in
th" doorway, si'ing with gr"at a$abi'ity(
/Say,/ h" r"ark"d, /can I co" in@/
Tak"n a'' aback, Trina cou'd on'y answ"r;
/:hy4I su))os" so( 9"s, of cours"4co" in(/
/9"s, y"s, co" in,/ "7c'ai"d th" d"ntist, sudd"n'y, s)"aking without
thought( /Ha+" so" b""r@/ h" add"d, struck with an id"a(
/No, thanks, 0octor,/ said !arcus, )'"asant'y(
!cT"agu" and Trina w"r" )u66'"d( :hat cou'd it a'' "an@ 0id !arcus want to
b"co" r"conci'"d to his "n"y@ /I know(/ Trina said to h"rs"'f( /H"#s going
away, and h" wants to borrow so" on"y( H" won#t g"t a )"nny, not a
)"nny(/ Sh" s"t h"r t""th tog"th"r hard(
/:"'',/ said !arcus, /how#s busin"ss, 0octor@/
/,h,/ said !cT"agu", un"asi'y, /oh, I don# know( I gu"ss4I gu"ss,/ h" brok"
o$ in h"')'"ss "barrass"nt( Th"y had a'' sat down by now( !arcus
continu"d, ho'ding his hat and his can"4th" b'ack wand of "bony with th"
go'd to) )r"s"nt"d to hi by th" /I)ro+""nt C'ub(/
/Ah?/ said h", wagging his h"ad and 'ooking about th" sitting%roo, /you
)"o)'" ha+" got th" b"st 37"d roos in th" who'" 5at( 9"s, sir* you ha+", for
a fact(/ H" g'anc"d fro th" 'ithogra)h fra"d in gi't and r"d )'ush4th" two
'itt'" gir's at th"ir )ray"rs4to th" /I# <rand)a/ and /I# <randa/ )ictur"s,
not"d th" c'"an whit" atting and th" gay worst"d tidi"s o+"r th" chair
backs, and a))"ar"d to cont")'at" in "cstasy th" fra"d )hotogra)h of
!cT"agu" and Trina in th"ir w"dding 3n"ry(
/:"'', you two ar" )r"tty ha))y tog"th"r, ain#t you@/ said h", si'ing good%
huor"d'y(
/,h, w" don#t co)'ain,/ answ"r"d Trina(
/P'"nty of on"y, 'ots to do, "+"rything 3n", h"y@/
/:"#+" got 'ots to do,/ r"turn"d Trina, thinking to h"ad hi o$, /but w"#+" not
got 'ots of on"y(/
1ut "+id"nt'y !arcus want"d no on"y(
/:"'', Cousin Trina,/ h" said, rubbing his kn"", /I# going away(/
/9"s, aa wrot" "* you#r" going on a ranch(/
/I# going in ranching with an Eng'ish duck,/ corr"ct"d !arcus( /!r( Si"))"
has 37"d things( :"#'' s"" if w" can#t rais" so" catt'"( I know a 'ot about
hors"s, and h"#s ranch"d so" b"for"4this Eng'ish duck( And th"n I# going
to k"") y "y" o)"n for a )o'itica' chanc" down th"r"( I got so"
introductions fro th" Pr"sid"nt of th" I)ro+""nt C'ub( I#'' work things
so"how, oh, sur"(/
/How 'ong you going to b" gon"@/ ask"d Trina(
!arcus star"d(
/:hy, I ain#t ECER coing back,/ h" +ocif"rat"d( /I# going to%orrow, and
I# going for good( I co" to say good%by(/
!arcus stay"d for u)wards of an hour that "+"ning( H" ta'k"d on "asi'y and
agr""ab'y, addr"ssing his"'f as uch to !cT"agu" as to Trina( At 'ast h"
ros"(
/:"'', good%by, 0oc(/
/<ood%by, !arcus,/ r"turn"d !cT"agu"( Th" two shook hands(
/<u"ss w" won#t "+"r s"" "ach oth"r again,/ continu"d !arcus( /1ut good
'uck to you, 0oc( Ho)" so" day you#'' ha+" th" )ati"nts standing in 'in" on
th" stairs(/
/Huh? I gu"ss so, I gu"ss so,/ said th" d"ntist(
/<ood%by, Cousin Trina(/
/<ood%by, !arcus,/ answ"r"d Trina( /9ou b" sur" to r""b"r " to
aa, and )a)a, and "+"rybody( I# going to ak" two gr"at big s"ts of
Noah#s ark ania's for th" twins on th"ir n"7t birthday* August is too o'd for
toys( 1ut you can t"'' th" twins that I#'' ak" th" so" gr"at big ania's(
<ood%by, succ"ss to you, !arcus(/
/<ood%by, good%by( <ood 'uck to you both(/
/<ood%by, Cousin !ark(/
/<ood%by, !arcus(/
H" was gon"(
CHAPTER 1F
,n" orning about a w""k aft"r !arcus had '"ft for th" south"rn )art of th"
Stat", !cT"agu" found an ob'ong '"tt"r thrust through th" '"tt"r%dro) of th"
door of his /Par'ors(/ Th" addr"ss was ty)"writt"n( H" o)"n"d it( Th" '"tt"r
had b""n s"nt fro th" City Ha'' and was sta)"d in on" corn"r with th" s"a'
of th" Stat" of Ca'ifornia, +"ry o-cia'* th" for and 3'" nub"rs
su)"rscrib"d(
!cT"agu" had b""n aking 3''ings wh"n this '"tt"r arri+"d( H" was in his
/Par'ors,/ )ott"ring o+"r his o+ab'" rack und"rn"ath th" bird cag" in th"
bay window( H" was aking /b'ocks/ to b" us"d in 'arg" )ro7ia' ca+iti"s
and /cy'ind"rs/ for co"ncing 3''ings( H" h"ard th" )ostan#s st") in th"
ha'' and saw th" "n+"'o)"s b"gin to shutt'" th"s"'+"s through th" s'it of his
'"tt"r%dro)( Th"n ca" th" fat ob'ong "n+"'o)", with its o-cia' s"a', that
dro))"d 5atwis" to th" 5oor with a sodd"n, du'' i)act(
Th" d"ntist )ut down th" broach and scissors and gath"r"d u) his ai'( Th"r"
w"r" four '"tt"rs a'tog"th"r( ,n" was for Trina, in S"'ina#s /"'"gant/
handwriting* anoth"r was an ad+"rtis""nt of a n"w kind of o)"rating chair
for d"ntists* th" third was a card fro a i''in"r on th" n"7t b'ock,
announcing an o)"ning* and th" fourth, contain"d in th" fat ob'ong "n+"'o)",
was a )rint"d for with b'anks '"ft for na"s and dat"s, and addr"ss"d to
!cT"agu", fro an o-c" in th" City Ha''( !cT"agu" r"ad it through
'aborious'y( /I don# know, I don# know,/ h" utt"r"d, 'ooking stu)id'y at th"
ri5" anufactur"r#s ca'"ndar( Th"n h" h"ard Trina, fro th" kitch"n, singing
as sh" ad" a c'att"ring nois" with th" br"akfast dish"s( /I gu"ss I#'' ask Trina
about it,/ h" utt"r"d(
H" w"nt through th" suit", by th" sitting%roo, wh"r" th" sun was )ouring in
through th" 'oo)"d back"d Nottingha curtains u)on th" c'"an whit" atting
and th" +arnish"d surfac" of th" "'od"on, )ass"d on through th" b"droo,
with its fra"d 'ithogra)hs of round%ch""k"d Eng'ish babi"s and a'"rt fo7
t"rri"rs, and ca" out into th" brick%)a+"d kitch"n( Th" kitch"n was c'"an as
a n"w whist'"* th" fr"sh'y b'ack"n"d cook sto+" g'ow"d 'ik" a n"gro#s hid"*
th" tins and )orc"'ain%'in"d st"w%)ans ight ha+" b""n of si'+"r and of i+ory(
Trina was in th" c"ntr" of th" roo, wi)ing o$, with a da) s)ong", th"
oi'c'oth tab'"%co+"r, on which th"y had br"akfast"d( N"+"r had sh" 'ook"d so
)r"tty( Ear'y though it was, h"r "norous tiara of swarthy hair was n"at'y
cob"d and coi'"d, not a )in was so uch as 'oos"( Sh" wor" a b'u" ca'ico
skirt with a whit" 3gur", and a b"'t of iitation a''igator skin c'as)"d around
h"r sa'', 3r'y%cors"t"d waist* h"r shirt waist was of )ink 'in"n, so n"w and
cris) that it crack'"d with "+"ry o+""nt, whi'" around th" co''ar, ti"d in a
n"at knot, was on" of !cT"agu"#s 'awn ti"s which sh" had a))ro)riat"d( H"r
s'""+"s w"r" car"fu''y ro''"d u) a'ost to h"r shou'd"rs, and nothing cou'd
ha+" b""n or" d"'icious than th" sight of h"r sa'' round ars, whit" as
i'k, o+ing back and forth as sh" s)ong"d th" tab'"%co+"r, a faint touch of
)ink coing and going at th" "'bows as th"y b"nt and straight"n"d( Sh"
'ook"d u) 8uick'y as h"r husband "nt"r"d, h"r narrow "y"s a'ight, h"r
adorab'" 'itt'" chin in th" air* h"r 'i)s round"d and o)"n"d with th" 'ast words
of h"r song, so that on" cou'd catch a g'int of go'd in th" 3''ings of h"r u))"r
t""th(
Th" who'" sc"n"4th" c'"an kitch"n and its c'"an brick 5oor* th" s"'' of
co$"" that 'ing"r"d in th" air* Trina h"rs"'f, fr"sh as if fro a bath, and
singing at h"r work* th" orning sun, striking ob'i8u"'y through th" whit"
us'in ha'f%curtain of th" window and s)anning th" 'itt'" kitch"n with a bridg"
of go'd"n ist4ga+" o$, as it w"r", a not" of gay"ty that was not to b"
r"sist"d( Through th" o)"n"d to) of th" window ca" th" nois"s of Po'k
Str""t, a'r"ady 'ong awak"( ,n" h"ard th" chanting of str""t cri"s, th" shri''
ca''ing of chi'dr"n on th"ir way to schoo', th" "rry ratt'" of a butch"r#s cart,
th" brisk nois" of ha"ring, or th" occasiona' )ro'ong"d ro'' of a cab'" car
trund'ing h"a+i'y )ast, with a +ibrant whirring of its &ost'"d g'ass and th"
&oyous c'anging of its b"''s(
/:hat is it, !ac, d"ar@/ said Trina(
!cT"agu" shut th" door b"hind hi with his h""' and hand"d h"r th" '"tt"r(
Trina r"ad it through( Th"n sudd"n'y h"r sa'' hand gri))"d tight'y u)on th"
s)ong", so that th" wat"r start"d fro it and dri))"d in a 'itt'" )att"ring
d"'ug" u)on th" bricks(
Th" '"tt"r4or rath"r )rint"d notic"4infor"d !cT"agu" that h" had n"+"r
r"c"i+"d a di)'oa fro a d"nta' co''"g", and that in cons"8u"nc" h" was
forbidd"n to )ractis" his )rof"ssion any 'ong"r( A '"ga' "7tract b"aring u)on
th" cas" was attach"d in sa'' ty)"(
/:hy, what#s a'' this@/ said Trina, ca''y, without thought as y"t(
/I don# know, I don# know,/ answ"r"d h"r husband(
/9ou can#t )ractis" any 'ong"r,/ continu"d Trina,4/#is h"r"with )rohibit"d and
"n&oin"d fro furth"r continuing44#/ Sh" r"%r"ad th" "7tract, h"r for"h"ad
'ifting and )uck"ring( Sh" )ut th" s)ong" car"fu''y away in its wir" rack o+"r
th" sink, and dr"w u) a chair to th" tab'", s)r"ading out th" notic" b"for"
h"r( /Sit down,/ sh" said to !cT"agu"( /0raw u) to th" tab'" h"r", !ac, and
'"t#s s"" what this is(/
/I got it this orning,/ urur"d th" d"ntist( /It &ust now ca"( I was aking
so" 3''ings4th"r", in th" #Par'ors,# in th" window4and th" )ostan sho+"d
it through th" door( I thought it was a nub"r of th" #A"rican Syst" of
0"ntistry# at 3rst, and wh"n I#d o)"n"d it and 'ook"d at it I thought I#d b"tt"r
44/
/Say, !ac,/ int"rru)t"d Trina, 'ooking u) fro th" notic", /0I0N#T you "+"r go
to a d"nta' co''"g"@/
/Huh@ :hat@ :hat@/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu"(
/How did you '"arn to b" a d"ntist@ 0id you go to a co''"g"@/
/I w"nt a'ong with a f"''ow who ca" to th" in" onc"( !y oth"r s"nt "(
:" us"d to go fro on" ca) to anoth"r( I shar)"n"d his "7ca+ators for hi,
and )ut u) his notic"s in th" towns4stuck th" u) in th" )ost%o-c"s and on
th" doors of th" ,dd F"''ows# ha''s( H" had a wagon(/
/1ut didn#t you n"+"r go to a co''"g"@/
/Huh@ :hat@ Co''"g"@ No, I n"+"r w"nt( I '"arn"d fro th" f"''ow(/
Trina ro''"d down h"r s'""+"s( Sh" was a 'itt'" )a'"r than usua'( Sh" fast"n"d
th" buttons into th" cu$s and said;
/1ut do you know you can#t )ractis" un'"ss you#r" graduat"d fro a co''"g"@
9ou ha+"n#t th" right to ca'' yours"'f, #doctor(#/
!cT"agu" star"d a o"nt* th"n;
/:hy, I#+" b""n )ractising t"n y"ars( !or"4n"ar'y tw"'+"(/
/1ut it#s th" 'aw(/
/:hat#s th" 'aw@/
/That you can#t )ractis", or ca'' yours"'f doctor, un'"ss you#+" got a di)'oa(/
/:hat#s that4a di)'oa@/
/I don#t know "7act'y( It#s a kind of )a)"r that4that4oh, !ac, w"#r" ruin"d(/
Trina#s +oic" ros" to a cry(
/:hat do you "an, Trina@ Ain#t I a d"ntist@ Ain#t I a doctor@ 2ook at y sign,
and th" go'd tooth you ga+" "( :hy, I#+" b""n )ractising n"ar'y tw"'+"
y"ars(/
Trina shut h"r 'i)s tight'y, c'"ar"d h"r throat, and )r"t"nd"d to r"s"tt'" a hair%
)in at th" back of h"r h"ad(
/I gu"ss it isn#t as bad as that,/ sh" said, +"ry 8ui"t'y( /2"t#s r"ad this again(
#H"r"with )rohibit"d and "n&oin"d fro furth"r continuing44#/ Sh" r"ad to
th" "nd(
/:hy, it isn#t )ossib'",/ sh" cri"d( /Th"y can#t "an4oh, !ac, I do b"'i"+"4
)shaw?/ sh" "7c'ai"d, h"r )a'" fac" 5ushing( /Th"y don#t know how good a
d"ntist you ar"( :hat di$"r"nc" do"s a di)'oa ak", if you#r" a 3rst%c'ass
d"ntist@ I gu"ss that#s a'' right( !ac, didn#t you "+"r go to a d"nta' co''"g"@/
/No,/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", dogg"d'y( /:hat was th" good@ I '"arn"d how to
o)"rat"* wa#n#t that "nough@/
/Hark,/ said Trina, sudd"n'y( /:asn#t that th" b"'' of your o-c"@/ Th"y had
both h"ard th" &ang'ing of th" b"'' that !cT"agu" had hung o+"r th" door of
his /Par'ors(/ Th" d"ntist 'ook"d at th" kitch"n c'ock(
/That#s Cano+itch,/ said h"( /H"#s a )'ub"r round on Sutt"r Str""t( H"#s got
an a))oint"nt with " to ha+" a bicus)id )u''"d( I got to go back to work(/
H" ros"(
/1ut you can#t,/ cri"d Trina, th" back of h"r hand u)on h"r 'i)s, h"r "y"s
briing( /!ac, don#t you s""@ Can#t you und"rstand@ 9ou#+" got to sto)( ,h,
it#s dr"adfu'? 2ist"n(/ Sh" hurri"d around th" tab'" to hi and caught his ar
in both h"r hands(
/Huh@/ grow'"d !cT"agu", 'ooking at h"r with a )u66'"d frown(
/Th"y#'' arr"st you( 9ou#'' go to )rison( 9ou can#t work4can#t work any or"(
:"#r" ruin"d(/
Cano+itch was )ounding on th" door of th" sitting%roo(
/H"#'' b" gon" in a inut",/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu"(
/:"'', '"t hi go( T"'' hi to go* t"'' hi to co" again(/
/:hy, h"#s got an APP,INT!ENT with ",/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu", his hand
u)on th" door(
Trina caught hi back( /1ut, !ac, you ain#t a d"ntist any 'ong"r* you ain#t a
doctor( 9ou ha+"n#t th" right to work( 9ou n"+"r w"nt to a d"nta' co''"g"(/
/:"'', su))os" I n"+"r w"nt to a co''"g", ain#t I a d"ntist &ust th" sa"@
2ist"n, h"#s )ounding th"r" again( No, I# going, sur"(/
/:"'', of cours", go,/ said Trina, with sudd"n r"action( /It ain#t )ossib'" th"y#''
ak" you sto)( If you#r" a good d"ntist, that#s a'' that#s want"d( <o on, !ac*
hurry, b"for" h" go"s(/
!cT"agu" w"nt out, c'osing th" door( Trina stood for a o"nt 'ooking
int"nt'y at th" bricks at h"r f""t( Th"n sh" r"turn"d to th" tab'", and sat
down again b"for" th" notic", and, r"sting h"r h"ad in both h"r 3sts, r"ad it
y"t anoth"r ti"( Sudd"n'y th" con+iction s"i6"d u)on h"r that it was a'' tru"(
!cT"agu" wou'd b" ob'ig"d to sto) work, no att"r how good a d"ntist h"
was( 1ut why had th" authoriti"s at th" City Ha'' wait"d this 'ong b"for"
s"r+ing th" notic"@ A'' at onc" Trina sna))"d h"r 3ng"rs, with a 8uick 5ash of
int"''ig"nc"(
/It#s !arcus that#s don" it,/ sh" cri"d(
It was 'ik" a c'a) of thund"r( !cT"agu" was stunn"d, stu)"3"d( H" said
nothing( N"+"r in his 'if" had h" b""n so taciturn( At ti"s h" did not s"" to
h"ar Trina wh"n sh" s)ok" to hi, and oft"n sh" had to shak" hi by th"
shou'd"r to arous" his att"ntion( H" wou'd sit a)art in his /Par'ors,/ turning
th" notic" about in his "norous c'usy 3ng"rs, r"ading it stu)id'y o+"r and
o+"r again( H" cou'dn#t und"rstand( :hat had a c'"rk at th" City Ha'' to do
with hi@ :hy cou'dn#t th"y '"t hi a'on"@
/,h, what#s to b"co" of us N,:@/ wai'"d Trina( /:hat#s to b"co" of us
now@ :"#r" )au)"rs, b"ggars4and a'' so sudd"n(/ And onc", in a 8uick,
in"7)'icab'" fury, tota''y un'ik" anything that !cT"agu" had notic"d in h"r
b"for", sh" had start"d u), with 3sts and t""th shut tight, and had cri"d, /,h,
if you#d on'y KI22E0 !arcus Schou'"r that ti" h" fought you?/
!cT"agu" had continu"d his work, acting fro sh""r forc" of habit* his
s'uggish, d"'ib"rat" natur", "thodica', obstinat", r"fusing to ada)t its"'f to
th" n"w conditions(
/!ayb" !arcus was on'y trying to scar" us,/ Trina had said( /How ar" th"y
going to know wh"th"r you#r" )ractising or not@/
/I got a ou'd to ak" to%orrow,/ !cT"agu" said, /and Cano+itch, that
)'ub"r round on Sutt"r Str""t, h"#s coing again at thr""(/
/:"'', you go right ah"ad,/ Trina to'd hi, d"cisi+"'y* /you go right ah"ad and
ak" th" ou'd, and )u'' "+"ry tooth in Cano+itch#s h"ad if you want to(
:ho#s going to know@ !ayb" th"y &ust s"nt that notic" as a att"r of for(
!ayb" !arcus got that )a)"r and 3''"d it in his"'f(/
Th" two wou'd 'i" awak" a'' night 'ong, staring u) into th" dark, ta'king,
ta'king, ta'king(
/Ha+"n#t you got any right to )ractis" if you#+" not b""n to a d"nta' co''"g",
!ac@ 0idn#t you "+"r go@/ Trina wou'd ask again and again(
/No, no,/ answ"r"d th" d"ntist, /I n"+"r w"nt( I '"arnt fro th" f"''ow I was
a))r"ntic"d to( I don# know anything about a d"nta' co''"g"( Ain#t I got a right
to do as I 'ik"@/ h" sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d(
/If you know your )rof"ssion, isn#t that "nough@/ cri"d Trina(
/Sur", sur",/ grow'"d !cT"agu"( /I ain#t going to sto) for th"(/
/9ou go right on,/ Trina said, /and I b"t you won#t h"ar anoth"r word about it(/
/Su))os" I go round to th" City Ha'' and s"" th",/ ha6ard"d !cT"agu"(
/No, no, don#t you do it, !ac,/ "7c'ai"d Trina( /1"caus", if !arcus has don"
this &ust to scar" you, th"y won#t know anything about it th"r" at th" City
Ha''* but th"y#'' b"gin to ask you 8u"stions, and 3nd out that you n"+"r HA0
graduat"d fro a d"nta' co''"g", and you#d b" &ust as bad o$ as "+"r(/
/:"'', I ain#t going to 8uit for &ust a )i"c" of )a)"r,/ d"c'ar"d th" d"ntist( Th"
)hras" stuck to hi( A'' day 'ong h" w"nt about th"ir roos or continu"d at
his work in th" /Par'ors,/ grow'ing b"hind his thick ustach"; /I ain#t going to
8uit for &ust a )i"c" of )a)"r( No, I ain#t going to 8uit for &ust a )i"c" of )a)"r(
Sur" not(/
Th" days )ass"d, a w""k w"nt by, !cT"agu" continu"d his work as usua'(
Th"y h"ard no or" fro th" City Ha'', but th" sus)"ns" of th" situation was
harrowing( Trina was actua''y sick with it( Th" t"rror of th" thing was "+"r at
th"ir "'bows, going to b"d with th", sitting down with th" at br"akfast in
th" kitch"n, k"")ing th" co)any a'' through th" day( Trina dar"d not think
of what wou'd b" th"ir fat" if th" inco" d"ri+"d fro !cT"agu"#s )ractic"
was sudd"n'y tak"n fro th"( Th"n th"y wou'd ha+" to fa'' back on th"
int"r"st of h"r 'ott"ry on"y and th" )ittanc" sh" d"ri+"d fro th"
anufactur" of th" Noah#s ark ania's, a 'itt'" o+"r thirty do''ars a onth(
No, no, it was not to b" thought of( It cou'd not b" that th"ir "ans of
'i+"'ihood was to b" thus strick"n fro th"(
A fortnight w"nt by( /I gu"ss w"#r" a'' right, !ac,/ Trina a''ow"d h"rs"'f to say(
/It 'ooks as though w" w"r" a'' right( How ar" th"y going to t"'' wh"th"r
you#r" )ractising or not@/
That day a s"cond and uch or" )"r")tory notic" was s"r+"d u)on
!cT"agu" by an o-cia' in )"rson( Th"n sudd"n'y Trina was s"i6"d with a
)anic t"rror, unr"ason"d, instincti+"( If !cT"agu" )"rsist"d th"y wou'd both
b" s"nt to a )rison, sh" was sur" of it* a )'ac" wh"r" )"o)'" w"r" chain"d to
th" wa'', in th" dark, and f"d on br"ad and wat"r(
/,h, !ac, you#+" got to 8uit,/ sh" wai'"d( /9ou can#t go on( Th"y can ak"
you sto)( ,h, why didn#t you go to a d"nta' co''"g"@ :hy didn#t you 3nd out
that you had to ha+" a co''"g" d"gr""@ And now w"#r" )au)"rs, b"ggars(
:"#+" got to '"a+" h"r"4'"a+" this 5at wh"r" I#+" b""n4wh"r" :E#CE b""n
so ha))y, and s"'' a'' th" )r"tty things* s"'' th" )ictur"s and th" "'od"on,
and4,h, it#s too dr"adfu'?/
/Huh@ Huh@ :hat@ :hat@/ "7c'ai"d th" d"ntist, b"wi'd"r"d( /I ain#t going to
8uit for &ust a )i"c" of )a)"r( 2"t th" )ut " out( I#'' show th"( Th"y4th"y
can#t ak" sa'' of "(/
/,h, that#s a'' +"ry 3n" to ta'k that way, but you#'' ha+" to 8uit(/
/:"'', w" ain#t )au)"rs,/ !cT"agu" sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d, an id"a "nt"ring his
ind( /:"#+" got our on"y y"t( 9ou#+" got your 3+" thousand do''ars and
th" on"y you#+" b""n sa+ing u)( P"o)'" ain#t )au)"rs wh"n th"y#+" got
o+"r 3+" thousand do''ars(/
/:hat do you "an, !ac@/ cri"d Trina, a))r"h"nsi+"'y(
/:"'', w" can 'i+" on THAT on"y unti'4unti'4unti'4/ h" brok" o$ with an
unc"rtain o+""nt of his shou'd"rs, 'ooking about hi stu)id'y(
/=nti' :HEN@/ cri"d Trina( /Th"r" ain#t "+"r going to b" any #unti'(# :"#+" got
th" INTEREST of that 3+" thousand and w"#+" got what =nc'" ,"'b"rann
gi+"s ", a 'itt'" o+"r thirty do''ars a onth, and that#s a'' w"#+" got( 9ou#''
ha+" to 3nd so"thing "'s" to do(/
/:hat wi'' I 3nd to do@/
:hat, ind""d@ !cT"agu" was o+"r thirty now, s'uggish and s'ow%witt"d at
b"st( :hat n"w trad" cou'd h" '"arn at this ag"@
2itt'" by 'itt'" Trina ad" th" d"ntist und"rstand th" ca'aity that had
b"fa''"n th", and !cT"agu" at 'ast b"gan canc"''ing his a))oint"nts( Trina
ga+" it out that h" was sick(
/Not a sou' n""d know what#s ha))"n"d to us,/ sh" said to h"r husband(
1ut it was on'y by s'ow d"gr""s that !cT"agu" abandon"d his )rof"ssion(
E+"ry orning aft"r br"akfast h" wou'd go into his /Par'ors/ as usua' and
)ott"r about his instru"nts, his d"nta' "ngin", and his washstand in th"
corn"r b"hind his scr""n wh"r" h" ad" his ou'ds( Now h" wou'd shar)"n a
/ho"/ "7ca+ator, now h" wou'd busy his"'f for a who'" hour aking /ats/
and /cy'ind"rs(/ Th"n h" wou'd 'ook o+"r his s'at" wh"r" h" k")t a r"cord of
his a))oint"nts(
,n" day Trina soft'y o)"n"d th" door of th" /Par'ors/ and ca" in fro th"
sitting%roo( Sh" had not h"ard !cT"agu" o+ing about for so" ti" and
had b"gun to wond"r what h" was doing( Sh" ca" in, 8ui"t'y shutting th"
door b"hind h"r(
!cT"agu" had tidi"d th" roo with th" gr"at"st car"( Th" +o'u"s of th"
/Practica' 0"ntist/ and th" /A"rican Syst" of 0"ntistry/ w"r" )i'"d u)on
th" arb'"%to) c"ntr"%tab'" in r"ctangu'ar b'ocks( Th" f"w chairs w"r" drawn
u) against th" wa'' und"r th" st""' "ngra+ing of /2or"n6o d"# !"dici/ with
or" than usua' )r"cision( Th" d"nta' "ngin" and th" nick"''"d triings of
th" o)"rating chair had b""n furbish"d ti'' th"y shon", whi'" on th" o+ab'"
rack in th" bay window !cT"agu" had arrang"d his instru"nts with th"
gr"at"st n"atn"ss and r"gu'arity( /Ho"/ "7ca+ators, )'ugg"rs, forc")s, )'i"rs,
corundu disks and burrs, "+"n th" bo7wood a''"t that Trina was n"+"r to
us" again, a'' w"r" 'aid out and r"ady for i"diat" us"(
!cT"agu" his"'f sat in his o)"rating chair, 'ooking stu)id'y out of th"
windows, across th" roofs o))osit", with an uns""ing ga6", his r"d hands
'ying id'y in his 'a)( Trina ca" u) to hi( Th"r" was so"thing in his "y"s
that ad" h"r )ut both ars around his n"ck and 'ay his hug" h"ad with its
coars" b'ond hair u)on h"r shou'd"r(
/I4I got "+"rything 37"d,/ h" said( /I got "+"rything 37"d an# r"ady( S"",
"+"rything r"ady an# waiting, an#4an#4an# nobody co"s, an# nobody#s "+"r
going to co" any or"( ,h, Trina?/ H" )ut his ars about h"r and dr"w h"r
down c'os"r to hi(
/N"+"r ind, d"ar* n"+"r ind,/ cri"d Trina, through h"r t"ars( /It#'' a'' co"
right in th" "nd, and w"#'' b" )oor tog"th"r if w" ha+" to( 9ou can sur" 3nd
so"thing "'s" to do( :"#'' start in again(/
/2ook at th" s'at" th"r",/ said !cT"agu", )u''ing away fro h"r and r"aching
down th" s'at" on which h" k")t a r"cord of his a))oint"nts( /2ook at th"(
Th"r"#s Cano+itch at two on :"dn"sday, and 2oughh"ad#s wif" Thursday
orning, and H"is"#s 'itt'" gir' Thursday aft"rnoon at on"%thirty* !rs( :atson
on Friday, and Cano+itch again Saturday orning "ar'y4at s"+"n( That#s
what I was to ha+" had, and th"y ain#t going to co"( Th"y ain#t "+"r going
to co" any or"(/
Trina took th" 'itt'" s'at" fro hi and 'ook"d at it ru"fu''y(
/Rub th" out,/ sh" said, h"r +oic" tr"b'ing* /rub it a'' out*/ and as sh"
s)ok" h"r "y"s bri"d again, and a gr"at t"ar dro))"d on th" s'at"( /That#s
it,/ sh" said* /that#s th" way to rub it out, by " crying on it(/ Th"n sh"
)ass"d h"r 3ng"rs o+"r th" t"ar%b'urr"d writing and wash"d th" s'at" c'"an(
/A'' gon", a'' gon",/ sh" said(
/A'' gon",/ "cho"d th" d"ntist( Th"r" was a si'"nc"( Th"n !cT"agu" h"a+"d
his"'f u) to his fu'' si7 f""t two, his fac" )ur)'ing, his "norous a''"t%'ik"
3sts rais"d o+"r his h"ad( His assi+" &aw )rotrud"d or" than "+"r, whi'"
his t""th c'ick"d and grat"d tog"th"r* th"n h" grow'"d;
/If "+"r I ""t !arcus Schou'"r4/ h" brok" o$ abru)t'y, th" whit" of his "y"s
growing sudd"n'y )ink(
/,h, if "+"r you 0,,/ "7c'ai"d Trina, catching h"r br"ath(
CHAPTER 1H
/:"'', what do you think@/ said Trina(
Sh" and !cT"agu" stood in a tiny roo at th" back of th" 5at and on its +"ry
to) 5oor( Th" roo was whit"wash"d( It contain"d a b"d, thr"" can"%s"at"d
chairs, and a wood"n washstand with its washbow' and )itch"r( Fro its
sing'" uncurtain"d window on" 'ook"d down into th" 5at#s dirty back yard and
u)on th" roofs of th" ho+"'s that bord"r"d th" a''"y in th" r"ar( Th"r" was a
rag car)"t on th" 5oor( In )'ac" of a c'os"t so" do6"n wood"n )"gs w"r"
a-7"d to th" wa'' o+"r th" washstand( Th"r" was a s"'' of ch"a) soa) and
of anci"nt hair%oi' in th" air(
/That#s a sing'" b"d,/ said Trina, /but th" 'and'ady says sh"#'' )ut in a doub'"
on" for us( 9ou s""44/
/I ain#t going to 'i+" h"r",/ grow'"d !cT"agu"(
/:"'', you#+" got to 'i+" so"wh"r",/ said Trina, i)ati"nt'y( /:"#+" 'ook"d
Po'k Str""t o+"r, and this is th" on'y thing w" can a$ord(/
/A$ord, a$ord,/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist( /9ou with your 3+" thousand do''ars,
and th" two or thr"" hundr"d you got sa+"d u), ta'king about #a$ord(# 9ou
ak" " sick(/
/Now, !ac,/ "7c'ai"d Trina, d"'ib"rat"'y, sitting down in on" of th" can"%
s"at"d chairs* /now, !ac, '"t#s ha+" this thing44/
/:"'', I don#t 3gur" on 'i+ing in on" roo,/ grow'"d th" d"ntist, su''"n'y( /2"t#s
'i+" d"c"nt'y unti' w" can g"t a fr"sh start( :"#+" got th" on"y(/
/:ho#s got th" on"y@/
/:E#CE got it(/
/:"?/
/:"'', it#s a'' in th" fai'y( :hat#s yours is in", and what#s in" is yours,
ain#t it@/
/No, it#s not* no, it#s not,/ cri"d Trina, +"h""nt'y( /It#s a'' in", in"( Th"r"#s
not a )"nny of it b"'ongs to anybody "'s"( I don#t 'ik" to ha+" to ta'k this way
to you, but you &ust ak" "( :"#r" not going to touch a )"nny of y 3+"
thousand nor a )"nny of that 'itt'" on"y I anag"d to sa+"4that s"+"nty%
3+"(/
/That T:, hundr"d, you "an(/
/That SECENT9%FICE( :"#r" &ust going to 'i+" on th" int"r"st of that and on
what I "arn fro =nc'" ,"'b"rann4on &ust that thirty%on" or two do''ars(/
/Huh? Think I# going to do that, an# 'i+" in such a roo as this@/
Trina fo'd"d h"r ars and 'ook"d hi s8uar"'y in th" fac"(
/:"'', what ARE you going to do, th"n@/
/Huh@/
/I say, what ARE you going to do@ 9ou can go on and 3nd so"thing to do
and "arn so" or" on"y, and THEN w"#'' ta'k(/
/:"'', I ain#t going to 'i+" h"r"(/
/,h, +"ry w"'', suit yours"'f( I#! going to 'i+" h"r"(/
/9ou#'' 'i+" wh"r" I TE22 you,/ th" d"ntist sudd"n'y cri"d, "7as)"rat"d at th"
incing ton" sh" a$"ct"d(
/Th"n 9,=#22 )ay th" r"nt,/ "7c'ai"d Trina, 8uit" as angry as h"(
/Ar" you y boss, I#d 'ik" to know@ :ho#s th" boss, you or I@/
/:ho#s got th" !,NE9, I#d 'ik" to know@/ cri"d Trina, 5ushing to h"r )a'" 'i)s(
/Answ"r " that, !cT"agu", who#s got th" on"y@/
/9ou ak" " sick, you and your on"y( :hy, you#r" a is"r( I n"+"r saw
anything 'ik" it( :h"n I was )ractising, I n"+"r thought of y f""s as y own*
w" 'u)"d "+"rything in tog"th"r(/
/E7act'y* and I#! doing th" working now( I# working for =nc'" ,"'b"rann,
and you#r" not 'u)ing in AN9THIN< now( I# doing it a''( 0o you know what
I# doing, !cT"agu"@ I# su))orting you(/
/Ah, shut u)* you ak" " sick(/
/9ou got no RI<HT to ta'k to " that way( I won#t '"t you( I4I won#t ha+" it(/
Sh" caught h"r br"ath( T"ars w"r" in h"r "y"s(
/,h, 'i+" wh"r" you 'ik", th"n,/ said !cT"agu", su''"n'y(
/:"'', sha'' w" tak" this roo th"n@/
/A'' right, w"#'' tak" it( 1ut why can#t you tak" a 'itt'" of your on"y an#4
an#4sort of 37 it u)@/
/Not a )"nny, not a sing'" )"nny(/
/,h, I don#t car" :HAT you do(/ And for th" r"st of th" day th" d"ntist and his
wif" did not s)"ak(
This was not th" on'y 8uarr"' th"y had during th"s" days wh"n th"y w"r"
occu)i"d in o+ing fro th"ir suit" and in 'ooking for n"w 8uart"rs( E+"ry
hour th" 8u"stion of on"y ca" u)( Trina had b"co" or" niggard'y than
"+"r sinc" th" 'oss of !cT"agu"#s )ractic"( It was not "r" "conoy with h"r
now( It was a )anic t"rror '"st a fraction of a c"nt of h"r 'itt'" sa+ings shou'd
b" touch"d* a )assionat" "ag"rn"ss to continu" to sa+" in s)it" of a'' that
had ha))"n"d( Trina cou'd ha+" "asi'y a$ord"d b"tt"r 8uart"rs than th"
sing'" whit"wash"d roo at th" to) of th" 5at, but sh" ad" !cT"agu"
b"'i"+" that it was i)ossib'"(
/I can sti'' sa+" a 'itt'",/ sh" said to h"rs"'f, aft"r th" roo had b""n
"ngag"d* /)"rha)s a'ost as uch as "+"r( I#'' ha+" thr"" hundr"d do''ars
)r"tty soon, and !ac thinks it#s on'y two hundr"d( It#s a'ost two hundr"d
and 3fty* and I#'' g"t a good d"a' out of th" sa'"(/
1ut this sa'" was a 'ong agony( It 'ast"d a w""k( E+"rything w"nt4"+"rything
but th" f"w big )i"c"s that w"nt with th" suit", and that b"'ong"d to th"
)hotogra)h"r( Th" "'od"on, th" chairs, th" b'ack wa'nut tab'" b"for" which
th"y w"r" arri"d, th" "7t"nsion tab'" in th" sitting%roo, th" kitch"n tab'"
with its oi'c'oth co+"r, th" fra"d 'ithogra)hs fro th" Eng'ish i''ustrat"d
)a)"rs, th" +"ry car)"ts on th" 5oors( 1ut Trina#s h"art n"ar'y brok" wh"n
th" kitch"n ut"nsi's and furnishings b"gan to go( E+"ry )ot, "+"ry st"w)an,
"+"ry knif" and fork, was an o'd fri"nd( How sh" had work"d o+"r th"? How
c'"an sh" had k")t th"? :hat a )'"asur" it had b""n to in+ad" that 'itt'"
brick%)a+"d kitch"n "+"ry orning, and to wash u) and )ut to rights aft"r
br"akfast, turning on th" hot wat"r at th" sink, raking down th" ash"s in th"
cook%sto+", going and coing o+"r th" war bricks, h"r h"ad in th" air,
singing at h"r work, )roud in th" s"ns" of h"r )ro)ri"torshi) and h"r
ind")"nd"nc"? How ha))y had sh" b""n th" day aft"r h"r arriag" wh"n sh"
had 3rst "nt"r"d that kitch"n and kn"w that it was a'' h"r own? And how w"''
sh" r""b"r"d h"r raids u)on th" bargain count"rs in th" hous"%furnishing
d")art"nts of th" gr"at down%town stor"s? And now it was a'' to go( So"
on" "'s" wou'd ha+" it a'', whi'" sh" was r"'"gat"d to ch"a) r"staurants and
"a's cook"d by hir"d s"r+ants( Night aft"r night sh" sobb"d h"rs"'f to s'"")
at th" thought of h"r )ast ha))in"ss and h"r )r"s"nt wr"tch"dn"ss(
How"+"r, sh" was not a'on" in h"r unha))in"ss(
/Anyhow, I# going to k"") th" st""' "ngra+ing an# th" ston" )ug dog,/
d"c'ar"d th" d"ntist, his 3st c'"nching( :h"n it had co" to th" sa'" of his
o-c" "$"cts !cT"agu" had r"b"''"d with th" instincti+" obstinacy of a boy,
shutting his "y"s and "ars( ,n'y 'itt'" by 'itt'" did Trina induc" hi to )art
with his o-c" furnitur"( H" fought o+"r "+"ry artic'", o+"r th" 'itt'" iron
sto+", th" b"d%'oung", th" arb'"%to))"d c"ntr" tab'", th" whatnot in th"
corn"r, th" bound +o'u"s of /A''"n#s Practica' 0"ntist,/ th" ri5"
anufactur"r#s ca'"ndar, and th" )ri, i'itary chairs( A +"ritab'" sc"n" took
)'ac" b"tw""n hi and his wif" b"for" h" cou'd bring his"'f to )art with th"
st""' "ngra+ing of /2or"n6o d"# !"dici and His Court/ and th" ston" )ug dog
with its gogg'" "y"s(
/:hy,/ h" wou'd cry, /I#+" had #" "+"r sinc"4"+"r sinc" I 1E<AN* 'ong
b"for" I kn"w you, Trina( That st""' "ngra+ing I bought in Sacra"nto on"
day wh"n it was raining( I saw it in th" window of a s"cond%hand stor", and a
f"''ow <ACE " that ston" )ug dog( H" was a druggist( It was in Sacra"nto
too( :" trad"d( I ga+" hi a sha+ing%ug and a ra6or, and h" ga+" " th"
)ug dog(/
Th"r" w"r", how"+"r, two of his b"'ongings that "+"n Trina cou'd not induc"
hi to )art with(
/And your conc"rtina, !ac,/ sh" )ro)t"d, as th"y w"r" aking out th" 'ist
for th" s"cond%hand d"a'"r( /Th" conc"rtina, and4oh, y"s, th" canary and
th" bird cag"(/
/No(/
/!ac, you !=ST b" r"asonab'"( Th" conc"rtina wou'd bring 8uit" a su, and
th" bird cag" is as good as n"w( I#'' s"'' th" canary to th" bird%stor" an on
K"arn"y Str""t(/
/No(/
/If you#r" going to ak" ob&"ctions to "+"ry sing'" thing, w" ight as w"''
8uit( Co", now, !ac, th" conc"rtina and th" bird cag"( :"#'' )ut th" in 2ot
0(/
/No(/
/9ou#'' ha+" to co" to it soon"r or 'at"r( I#! gi+ing u) "+"rything( I# going
to )ut th" down, s""(/
/No(/
And sh" cou'd g"t no furth"r than that( Th" d"ntist did not 'os" his t")"r, as
in th" cas" of th" st""' "ngra+ing or th" ston" )ug dog* h" si)'y o))os"d
h"r "ntr"ati"s and )"rsuasions with a )assi+", in"rt obstinacy that nothing
cou'd o+"( In th" "nd Trina was ob'ig"d to subit( !cT"agu" k")t his
conc"rtina and his canary, "+"n going so far as to )ut th" both away in th"
b"droo, attaching to th" tags on which h" had scraw'"d in i"ns"
round '"tt"rs, /Not for Sa'"(/
,n" "+"ning during that sa" w""k th" d"ntist and his wif" w"r" in th"
disant'"d sitting%roo( Th" roo )r"s"nt"d th" a))"aranc" of a wr"ck( Th"
Nottingha 'ac" curtains w"r" down( Th" "7t"nsion tab'" was h"a)"d high
with dish"s, with t"a and co$"" )ots, and with bask"ts of s)oons and kni+"s
and forks( Th" "'od"on was hau'"d out into th" idd'" of th" 5oor, and
co+"r"d with a sh""t ark"d /2ot A,/ th" )ictur"s w"r" in a )i'" in a corn"r,
th" ch"ni''" )orti"r"s w"r" fo'd"d on to) of th" b'ack wa'nut tab'"( Th" roo
was d"so'at", 'a"ntab'"( Trina was going o+"r th" in+"ntory* !cT"agu", in
his shirt s'""+"s, was soking his )i)", 'ooking stu)id'y out of th" window( A''
at onc" th"r" was a brisk ra))ing at th" door(
/Co" in,/ ca''"d Trina, a))r"h"nsi+"'y( Now%a%days at "+"ry un"7)"ct"d +isit
sh" antici)at"d a fr"sh ca'aity( Th" door o)"n"d to '"t in a young an
w"aring a ch"ck"d suit, a gay cra+at, and a ar+"''ous'y 3gur"d waistcoat(
Trina and !cT"agu" r"cogni6"d hi at onc"( It was th" ,th"r 0"ntist, th"
d"bonair f"''ow whos" c'i"nts w"r" th" barb"rs and th" young wo"n of th"
candy stor"s and soda%wat"r fountains, th" )os"r, th" w"ar"r of waistcoats,
who b"t on"y on gr"yhound rac"s(
/How#do@/ said this on", bowing grac"fu''y to th" !cT"agu"s as th"y star"d at
hi distrustfu''y(
/How#do@ Th"y t"'' ", 0octor, that you ar" going out of th" )rof"ssion(/
!cT"agu" utt"r"d indistinct'y b"hind his ustach" and g'ow"r"d at hi(
/:"'', say,/ continu"d th" oth"r, ch""ri'y, /I#d 'ik" to ta'k busin"ss with you(
That sign of yours, that big go'd"n tooth that you got outsid" of your window,
I don#t su))os" you#'' ha+" any furth"r us" for it( !ayb" I#d buy it if w" cou'd
agr"" on t"rs(/
Trina shot a g'anc" at h"r husband( !cT"agu" b"gan to g'ow"r again(
/:hat do you say@/ said th" ,th"r 0"ntist(
/I gu"ss not,/ grow'"d !cT"agu"
/:hat do you say to t"n do''ars@/
/T"n do''ars?/ cri"d Trina, h"r chin in th" air(
/:"'', what 3gur" 0, you )ut on it@/
Trina was about to answ"r wh"n sh" was int"rru)t"d by !cT"agu"(
/9ou go out of h"r"(/
/H"y@ :hat@/
/9ou go out of h"r"(/
Th" oth"r r"tr"at"d toward th" door(
/9ou can#t ak" sa'' of "( <o out of h"r"(/
!cT"agu" ca" forward a st"), his gr"at r"d 3st c'"nching( Th" young an
5"d( 1ut ha'f way down th" stairs h" )aus"d 'ong "nough to ca'' back;
/9ou don#t want to trad" anything for a di)'oa, do you@/
!cT"agu" and his wif" "7chang"d 'ooks(
/How did h" know@/ "7c'ai"d Trina, shar)'y( Th"y had in+"nt"d and s)r"ad
th" 3ction that !cT"agu" was "r"'y r"tiring fro busin"ss, without
assigning any r"ason( 1ut "+id"nt'y "+"ry on" kn"w th" r"a' caus"( Th"
hui'iation was co)'"t" now( ,'d !iss 1ak"r con3r"d th"ir sus)icions on
this )oint th" n"7t day( Th" 'itt'" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r ca" down and w")t
with Trina o+"r h"r isfortun", and did what sh" cou'd to "ncourag" h"r( 1ut
sh" too kn"w that !cT"agu" had b""n forbidd"n by th" authoriti"s fro
)ractising( !arcus had "+id"nt'y '"ft th" no 'oo)ho'" of "sca)"(
/It#s &ust 'ik" cutting o$ your husband#s hands, y d"ar,/ said !iss 1ak"r(
/And you two w"r" so ha))y( :h"n I 3rst saw you tog"th"r I said, #:hat a
)air?#/
,'d <rannis a'so ca''"d during this )"riod of th" br"aking u) of th" !cT"agu"
hous"ho'd(
/0r"adfu', dr"adfu',/ urur"d th" o'd Eng'ishan, his hand going
tr"u'ous'y to his chin( /It s""s un&ust* it do"s( 1ut !r( Schou'"r cou'd not
ha+" s"t th" on to do it( I can#t 8uit" b"'i"+" it of hi(/
/,f !arcus?/ cri"d Trina( /Hoh? :hy, h" thr"w his knif" at !ac on" ti", and
anoth"r ti" h" bit hi, actua''y bit hi with his t""th, whi'" th"y w"r"
wr"st'ing &ust for fun( !arcus wou'd do anything to in&ur" !ac(/
/0"ar, d"ar,/ r"turn"d ,'d <rannis, g"nuin"'y )ain"d( /I had a'ways b"'i"+"d
Schou'"r to b" such a good f"''ow(/
/That#s b"caus" you#r" so good yours"'f, !r( <rannis,/ r"s)ond"d Trina(
/I t"'' you what, 0oc,/ d"c'ar"d H"is" th" harn"ss%ak"r, shaking his 3ng"r
i)r"ssi+"'y at th" d"ntist, /you ust 3ght it* you ust a))"a' to th" courts*
you#+" b""n )ractising too 'ong to b" d"barr"d now( Th" statut" of
'iitations, you know(/
/No, no,/ Trina had "7c'ai"d, wh"n th" d"ntist had r")"at"d this ad+ic" to
h"r( /No, no, don#t go n"ar th" 'aw courts( I know th"( Th" 'awy"rs tak" a''
your on"y, and you 'os" your cas"( :"#r" bad o$ as it is, without 'awing
about it(/
Th"n at 'ast ca" th" sa'"( !cT"agu" and Trina, who !iss 1ak"r had in+it"d
to h"r roo for that day, sat th"r" sid" by sid", ho'ding "ach oth"r#s hands,
'ist"ning n"r+ous'y to th" turoi' that ros" to th" fro th" dir"ction of th"ir
suit"( Fro nin" o#c'ock ti'' dark th" crowds ca" and w"nt( A'' Po'k Str""t
s"""d to ha+" in+ad"d th" suit", 'ur"d on by th" r"d 5ag that wa+"d fro
th" front windows( It was a f"t", a +"ritab'" ho'iday, for th" who'"
n"ighborhood( P"o)'" with no thought of buying )r"s"nt"d th"s"'+"s( 9oung
wo"n4th" candy%stor" gir's and 5orist#s a))r"ntic"s4ca" to s"" th" fun,
wa'king ar in ar fro roo to roo, aking &ok"s about th" )r"tty
'ithogra)hs and iicking th" )ictur" of th" two 'itt'" gir's saying th"ir
)ray"rs(
/2ook h"r",/ th"y wou'd cry, /'ook h"r" what sh" us"d for curtains4
N,TTIN<HA! 'ac", actua''y? :ho"+"r thinks of buying Nottingha 'ac" now%
a%days@ Say, don#t that .AR you@/
/And a "'od"on,/ anoth"r on" wou'd "7c'ai, 'ifting th" sh""t( /A "'od"on,
wh"n you can r"nt a )iano for a do''ar a w""k* and say, I r"a''y b"'i"+" th"y
us"d to "at in th" kitch"n(/
/0o''arn%ha'f, do''arn%ha'f, do''arn%ha'f, gi+" " two,/ inton"d th" auction""r
fro th" s"cond%hand stor"( 1y noon th" crowd b"ca" a &a( :agons
back"d u) to th" curb outsid" and d")art"d h"a+i'y 'ad"n( In a'' dir"ctions
)"o)'" cou'd b" s""n going away fro th" hous", carrying sa'' artic'"s of
furnitur"4a c'ock, a wat"r )itch"r, a tow"' rack( E+"ry now and th"n o'd !iss
1ak"r, who had gon" b"'ow to s"" how things w"r" )rogr"ssing, r"turn"d
with r")orts of th" foray(
/!rs( H"is" bought th" ch"ni''" )orti"r"s( !ist"r Ry"r ad" a bid for your
b"d, but a an in a gray coat bid o+"r hi( It was knock"d down for thr""
do''ars and a ha'f( Th" <"ran sho"%ak"r on th" n"7t b'ock bought th"
ston" )ug dog( I saw our )ostan going away with a 'ot of th" )ictur"s(
G"rkow has co", on y word? th" rags%bott'"s%sacks an* h"#s buying 'ots*
h" bought a'' 0octor !cT"agu"#s go'd ta)" and so" of th" instru"nts(
!aria#s th"r" too( That d"ntist on th" corn"r took th" d"nta' "ngin", and
want"d to g"t th" sign, th" big go'd tooth,/ and so on and so on( Cru"'"st of
a'', how"+"r, at '"ast to Trina, was wh"n !iss 1ak"r h"rs"'f b"gan to buy,
unab'" to r"sist a bargain( Th" 'ast ti" sh" ca" u) sh" carri"d a bund'" of
th" gay tidi"s that us"d to hang o+"r th" chair backs(
/H" o$"r"d th", thr"" for a nick"',/ sh" "7)'ain"d to Trina, /and I thought I#d
s)"nd &ust a 8uart"r( 9ou don#t ind, now, do you, !rs( !cT"agu"@/
/:hy, no, of cours" not, !iss 1ak"r,/ answ"r"d Trina, bra+"'y(
/Th"y#'' 'ook +"ry )r"tty on so" of y chairs,/ w"nt on th" 'itt'" o'd
dr"ssak"r, innoc"nt'y( /S""(/ Sh" s)r"ad on" of th" on a chair back for
ins)"ction( Trina#s chin 8ui+"r"d(
/,h, CER9 )r"tty,/ sh" answ"r"d(
At '"ngth that dr"adfu' day was o+"r( Th" crowd dis)"rs"d( E+"n th"
auction""r w"nt at 'ast, and as h" c'os"d th" door with a bang, th"
r"+"rb"ration that w"nt through th" suit" ga+" "+id"nc" of its ")tin"ss(
/Co",/ said Trina to th" d"ntist, /'"t#s go down and 'ook4tak" a 'ast 'ook(/
Th"y w"nt out of !iss 1ak"r#s roo and d"sc"nd"d to th" 5oor b"'ow( ,n th"
stairs, how"+"r, th"y w"r" "t by ,'d <rannis( In his hands h" carri"d a 'itt'"
)ackag"( :as it )ossib'" that h" too had tak"n ad+antag" of th"ir
isfortun"s to &oin in th" raid u)on th" suit"@
/I w"nt in,/ h" b"gan, tiid'y, /for4for a f"w o"nts( This/4h" indicat"d
th" 'itt'" )ackag" h" carri"d4/this was )ut u)( It was of no +a'u" but to you( I
4I +"ntur"d to bid it in( I thought )"rha)s/4his hand w"nt to his chin, /that
you wou'dn#t ind* that4in fact, I bought it for you4as a )r"s"nt( :i'' you
tak" it@/ H" hand"d th" )ackag" to Trina and hurri"d on( Trina tor" o$ th"
wra))ings(
It was th" fra"d )hotogra)h of !cT"agu" and his wif" in th"ir w"dding
3n"ry, th" on" that had b""n tak"n i"diat"'y aft"r th" arriag"( It
r")r"s"nt"d Trina sitting +"ry "r"ct in a r") archair, ho'ding h"r w"dding
bou8u"t straight b"for" h"r, !cT"agu" standing at h"r sid", his '"ft foot
forward, on" hand u)on h"r shou'd"r, and th" oth"r thrust into th" br"ast of
his /Princ" A'b"rt/ coat, in th" attitud" of a statu" of a S"cr"tary of Stat"(
/,h, it :AS good of hi, it :AS good of hi,/ cri"d Trina, h"r "y"s 3''ing
again( /I had forgott"n to )ut it away( ,f cours" it was not for sa'"(/
Th"y w"nt on down th" stairs, and arri+ing at th" door of th" sitting%roo,
o)"n"d it and 'ook"d in( It was 'at" in th" aft"rnoon, and th"r" was &ust 'ight
"nough for th" d"ntist and his wif" to s"" th" r"su'ts of that day of sa'"(
Nothing was '"ft, not "+"n th" car)"t( It was a )i''ag", a d"+astation, th"
barr"nn"ss of a 3"'d aft"r th" )assag" of a swar of 'ocusts( Th" roo had
b""n )ick"d and stri))"d ti'' on'y th" bar" wa''s and 5oor r"ain"d( H"r"
wh"r" th"y had b""n arri"d, wh"r" th" w"dding su))"r had tak"n )'ac",
wh"r" Trina had bad" far"w"'' to h"r fath"r and oth"r, h"r" wh"r" sh" had
s)"nt thos" 3rst f"w hard onths of h"r arri"d 'if", wh"r" aft"rward sh"
had grown to b" ha))y and cont"nt"d, wh"r" sh" had )ass"d th" 'ong hours
of th" aft"rnoon at h"r work of whitt'ing, and wh"r" sh" and h"r husband had
s)"nt so any "+"nings 'ooking out of th" window b"for" th" 'a) was 'it4
h"r" in what had b""n h"r ho", nothing was '"ft but "cho"s and th"
")tin"ss of co)'"t" d"so'ation( ,n'y on" thing r"ain"d( ,n th" wa''
b"tw""n th" windows, in its o+a' g'ass fra", )r"s"r+"d by so" unknown
and f"arfu' )roc"ss, a "'ancho'y r"'ic of a +anish"d ha))in"ss, unso'd,
n"g'"ct"d, and forgott"n, a thing that nobody want"d, hung Trina#s w"dding
bou8u"t(
CHAPTER 1I
Th"n th" grind b"gan( It wou'd ha+" b""n "asi"r for th" !cT"agu"s to ha+"
fac"d th"ir isfortun"s had th"y b"fa''"n th" i"diat"'y aft"r th"ir
arriag", wh"n th"ir 'o+" for "ach oth"r was fr"sh and 3n", and wh"n th"y
cou'd ha+" found a c"rtain ha))in"ss in h"')ing "ach oth"r and sharing "ach
oth"r#s )ri+ations( Trina, no doubt, 'o+"d h"r husband or" than "+"r, in th"
s"ns" that sh" f"'t sh" b"'ong"d to hi( 1ut !cT"agu"#s a$"ction for his wif"
was dwind'ing a 'itt'" "+"ry day4HA0 b""n dwind'ing for a 'ong ti", in fact(
H" had b"co" us"d to h"r by now( Sh" was )art of th" ord"r of th" things
with which h" found his"'f surround"d( H" saw nothing "7traordinary about
h"r* it was no 'ong"r a )'"asur" for hi to kiss h"r and tak" h"r in his ars*
sh" was "r"'y his wif"( H" did not dis'ik" h"r* h" did not 'o+" h"r( Sh" was
his wif", that was a''( 1ut h" sad'y iss"d and r"gr"tt"d a'' thos" 'itt'" ania'
coforts which in th" o'd )ros)"rous 'if" Trina had anag"d to 3nd for hi(
H" iss"d th" cabbag" sou)s and st"aing choco'at" that Trina had taught
hi to 'ik"* h" iss"d his good tobacco that Trina had "ducat"d hi to
)r"f"r* h" iss"d th" Sunday aft"rnoon wa'ks that sh" had caus"d hi to
substitut" in )'ac" of his na) in th" o)"rating chair* and h" iss"d th"
bott'"d b""r that sh" had induc"d hi to drink in )'ac" of th" st"a b""r
fro Fr"nna#s( In th" "nd h" gr"w oros" and su'ky, and so"ti"s
n"g'"ct"d to answ"r his wif" wh"n sh" s)ok" to hi( 1"sid"s this, Trina#s
a+aric" was a )"r)"tua' annoyanc" to hi( ,ft"nti"s wh"n a consid"rab'"
a''"+iation of this unha))in"ss cou'd ha+" b""n obtain"d at th" "7)"ns" of a
nick"' or a di", Trina r"fus"d th" on"y with a )"ttishn"ss that was
"7as)"rating(
/No, no,/ sh" wou'd "7c'ai( /To rid" to th" )ark Sunday aft"rnoon, that
"ans t"n c"nts, and I can#t a$ord it(/
/2"t#s wa'k th"r", th"n(/
/I#+" got to work(/
/1ut you#+" work"d orning and aft"rnoon "+"ry day this w""k(/
/I don#t car", I#+" got to work(/
Th"r" had b""n a ti" wh"n Trina had hat"d th" id"a of !cT"agu" drinking
st"a b""r as coon and +u'gar(
/Say, '"t#s ha+" a bott'" of b""r to%night( :" ha+"n#t had a dro) of b""r in
thr"" w""ks(/
/:" can#t a$ord it( It#s 3ft""n c"nts a bott'"(/
/1ut I ha+"n#t had a swa''ow of b""r in thr"" w""ks(/
/0rink STEA! b""r, th"n( 9ou#+" got a nick"'( I ga+" you a 8uart"r day b"for"
y"st"rday(/
/1ut I don#t 'ik" st"a b""r now(/
It was so with "+"rything( =nfortunat"'y, Trina had cu'ti+at"d tast"s in
!cT"agu" which now cou'd not b" grati3"d( H" had co" to b" +"ry )roud of
his si'k hat and /Princ" A'b"rt/ coat, and 'ik"d to w"ar th" on Sundays( Trina
had ad" hi s"'' both( H" )r"f"rr"d /9a'" i7tur"/ in his )i)"* Trina had
ad" hi co" down to /!asti$,/ a 3+"%c"nt tobacco with which h" was
onc" cont"nt"d, but now abhorr"d( H" 'ik"d to w"ar c'"an cu$s* Trina a''ow"d
hi a fr"sh )air on Sundays on'y( At 3rst th"s" d")ri+ations ang"r"d
!cT"agu"( Th"n, a'' of a sudd"n, h" s'i))"d back into th" o'd habits Dthat had
b""n his b"for" h" kn"w TrinaE with an "as" that was sur)rising( Sundays h"
din"d at th" car conductors# co$""%&oint onc" or", and s)"nt th" aft"rnoon
'ying fu'' '"ngth u)on th" b"d, cro)%fu'', stu)id, war, soking his hug" )i)",
drinking his st"a b""r, and )'aying his si7 ournfu' tun"s u)on his
conc"rtina, do6ing o$ to s'"") towards four o#c'ock(
Th" sa'" of th"ir furnitur" had, aft"r )aying th" r"nt and outstanding bi''s,
n"tt"d about a hundr"d and thirty do''ars( Trina b"'i"+"d that th" auction""r
fro th" s"cond%hand stor" had swind'"d and ch"at"d th" and had ad" a
gr"at outcry to no "$"ct( 1ut sh" had arrang"d th" a$air with th" auction""r
h"rs"'f, and o$s"t h"r disa))oint"nt in th" att"r of th" sa'" by d"c"i+ing
h"r husband as to th" r"a' aount of th" r"turns( It was "asy to 'i" to
!cT"agu", who took "+"rything for grant"d* and sinc" th" occasion of h"r
trick"ry with th" on"y that was to ha+" b""n s"nt to h"r oth"r, Trina had
found fa's"hood "asi"r than "+"r(
/S"+"nty do''ars is a'' th" auction""r ga+" ",/ sh" to'd h"r husband* /and
aft"r )aying th" ba'anc" du" on th" r"nt, and th" groc"r#s bi'', th"r"#s on'y
3fty '"ft(/
/,n'y 3fty@/ urur"d !cT"agu", wagging his h"ad, /on'y 3fty@ Think of
that(/
/,n'y 3fty,/ d"c'ar"d Trina( Aft"rwards sh" said to h"rs"'f with a c"rtain
adiration for h"r c'"+"rn"ss;
/Cou'dn#t sa+" si7ty do''ars uch "asi"r than that,/ and sh" had add"d th"
hundr"d and thirty to th" 'itt'" hoard in th" chaois%skin bag and brass
atch%bo7 in th" botto of h"r trunk(
In th"s" 3rst onths of th"ir isfortun"s th" routin" of th" !cT"agu"s was as
fo''ows; Th"y ros" at s"+"n and br"akfast"d in th"ir roo, Trina cooking th"
+"ry "agr" "a' on an oi' sto+"( I"diat"'y aft"r br"akfast Trina sat down
to h"r work of whitt'ing th" Noah#s ark ania's, and !cT"agu" took his"'f
o$ to wa'k down town( H" had by th" gr"at"st good 'uck s"cur"d a )osition
with a anufactur"r of surgica' instru"nts, wh"r" his anua' d"7t"rity in
th" aking of "7ca+ators, )'ugg"rs, and oth"r d"nta' contri+anc"s stood hi
in fair'y good st"ad( H" 'unch"d at a sai'or#s boarding%hous" n"ar th" wat"r
front, and in th" aft"rnoon work"d ti'' si7( H" was ho" at si7%thirty, and h"
and Trina had su))"r tog"th"r in th" /'adi"s# dining )ar'or,/ an ad&unct of th"
car conductors# co$""%&oint( Trina, "anwhi'", had work"d at h"r whitt'ing a''
day 'ong, with but ha'f an hour#s int"r+a' for 'unch, which sh" h"rs"'f
)r")ar"d u)on th" oi' sto+"( In th" "+"ning th"y w"r" both so tir"d that th"y
w"r" in no ood for con+"rsation, and w"nt to b"d "ar'y, worn out, harri"d,
n"r+ous, and cross(
Trina was not 8uit" so scru)u'ous'y tidy now as in th" o'd days( At on" ti"
whi'" whitt'ing th" Noah#s ark ania's sh" had worn g'o+"s( Sh" n"+"r wor"
th" now( Sh" sti'' took )rid" in n"at'y cobing and coi'ing h"r wond"rfu'
b'ack hair, but as th" days )ass"d sh" found it or" and or" cofortab'" to
work in h"r b'u" 5ann"' wra))"r( :hitt'ings and chi)s accuu'at"d und"r th"
window wh"r" sh" did h"r work, and sh" was at no gr"at )ains to c'"ar th"
air of th" roo +itiat"d by th" fu"s of th" oi' sto+" and h"a+y with th" s"''
of cooking( It was not gay, that 'if"( Th" roo its"'f was not gay( Th" hug"
doub'" b"d s)raw'"d o+"r n"ar'y a fourth of th" a+ai'ab'" s)ac"* th" ang'"s
of Trina#s trunk and th" washstand )ro&"ct"d into th" roo fro th" wa''s,
and bark"d shins and scra)"d "'bows( Str"aks and s)ots of th" /non%
)oisonous/ )aint that Trina us"d w"r" u)on th" wa''s and wood%work(
How"+"r, in on" corn"r of th" roo, n"7t th" window, onstrous, distort"d,
bri''iant, shining with a 'ight of its own, stood th" d"ntist#s sign, th" "norous
go'd"n tooth, th" tooth of a 1robdingnag(
,n" aft"rnoon in S")t"b"r, about four onths aft"r th" !cT"agu"s had '"ft
th"ir suit", Trina was at h"r work by th" window( Sh" had whitt'"d so" ha'f%
do6"n s"ts of ania's, and was now busy )ainting th" and aking th" arks(
2itt'" )ots of /non%)oisonous/ )aint stood at h"r "'bow on th" tab'", tog"th"r
with a bo7 of 'ab"'s that r"ad, /!ad" in Franc"(/ H"r hug" c'as)%knif" was
stuck into th" und"r sid" of th" tab'"( Sh" was now occu)i"d so'"'y with th"
brush"s and th" g'u" )ot( Sh" turn"d th" 'itt'" 3gur"s in h"r 3ng"rs with a
wond"rfu' 'ightn"ss and d"ftn"ss, )ainting th" chick"ns Na)'"s y"''ow, th"
"'")hants b'u" gray, th" hors"s Candyk" brown, adding a dot of Chin"s"
whit" for th" "y"s and sticking in th" "ars and tai' with a dro) of g'u"( Th"
ania's onc" don", sh" )ut tog"th"r and )aint"d th" arks, so" do6"n of
th", a'' windows and no doors, "ach on" o)"ning on'y by a 'id which was
ha'f th" roof( Sh" had a'' th" work sh" cou'd hand'" th"s" days, for, fro this
ti" ti'' a w""k b"for" Christas, =nc'" ,"'b"rann cou'd tak" as any
/Noah#s ark s"ts/ as sh" cou'd ak"(
Sudd"n'y Trina )aus"d in h"r work, 'ooking "7)"ctant'y toward th" door(
!cT"agu" ca" in(
/:hy, !ac,/ "7c'ai"d Trina( /It#s on'y thr"" o#c'ock( :hat ar" you ho" so
"ar'y for@ Ha+" th"y discharg"d you@/
/Th"y#+" 3r"d ",/ said !cT"agu", sitting down on th" b"d(
/Fir"d you? :hat for@/
/I don# know( Said th" ti"s w"r" g"tting hard an# th"y had to '"t " go(/
Trina '"t h"r )aint%stain"d hands fa'' into h"r 'a)(
/,H?/ sh" cri"d( /If w" don#t ha+" th" HAR0EST 'uck of any two )"o)'" I "+"r
h"ard of( :hat can you do now@ Is th"r" anoth"r )'ac" 'ik" that wh"r" th"y
ak" surgica' instru"nts@/
/Huh@ No, I don# know( Th"r"#s thr"" or"(/
/:"'', you ust try th" right away( <o down th"r" right now(/
/Huh@ Right now@ No, I# tir"d( I#'' go down in th" orning(/
/!ac,/ cri"d Trina, in a'ar, /what ar" you thinking of@ 9ou ta'k as though w"
w"r" i''ionair"s( 9ou ust go down this inut"( 9ou#r" 'osing on"y "+"ry
s"cond you sit th"r"(/ Sh" goad"d th" hug" f"''ow to his f""t again, thrust his
hat into his hands, and )ush"d hi out of th" door, h" ob"ying th" whi'",
doci'" and ob"di"nt as a big cart hors"( H" was on th" stairs wh"n sh" ca"
running aft"r hi(
/!ac, th"y )aid you o$, didn#t th"y, wh"n th"y discharg"d you@/
/9"s(/
/Th"n you ust ha+" so" on"y( <i+" it to "(/
Th" d"ntist h"a+"d a shou'd"r un"asi'y(
/No, I don# want to(/
/I#+" got to ha+" that on"y( Th"r"#s no or" oi' for th" sto+", and I ust
buy so" or" "a' tick"ts to%night(/
/A'ways aft"r " about on"y,/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist* but h" ")ti"d his
)ock"ts for h"r, n"+"rth"'"ss(
/I4you#+" tak"n it a'',/ h" grub'"d( /1"tt"r '"a+" " so"thing for car far"(
It#s going to rain(/
/Pshaw? 9ou can wa'k &ust as w"'' as not( A big f"''ow 'ik" you #fraid of a 'itt'"
wa'k* and it ain#t going to rain(/
Trina had 'i"d again both as to th" want of oi' for th" sto+" and th"
coutation tick"t for th" r"staurant( 1ut sh" kn"w by instinct that
!cT"agu" had on"y about hi, and sh" did not int"nd to '"t it go out of th"
hous"( Sh" 'ist"n"d int"nt'y unti' sh" was sur" !cT"agu" was gon"( Th"n sh"
hurri"d'y o)"n"d h"r trunk and hid th" on"y in th" chaois bag at th"
botto(
Th" d"ntist )r"s"nt"d his"'f at "+"ry on" of th" ak"rs of surgica'
instru"nts that aft"rnoon and was )ro)t'y turn"d away in "ach cas"( Th"n
it ca" on to rain, a 3n", co'd dri66'", that chi''"d hi and w"t hi to th"
bon"( H" had no ubr"''a, and Trina had not '"ft hi "+"n 3+" c"nts for car
far"( H" start"d to wa'k ho" through th" rain( It was a 'ong way to Po'k
Str""t, as th" 'ast anufactory h" had +isit"d was b"yond "+"n Fo'so
Str""t, and not far fro th" city front(
1y th" ti" !cT"agu" r"ach"d Po'k Str""t his t""th w"r" chatt"ring with th"
co'd( H" was w"t fro h"ad to foot( As h" was )assing H"is"#s harn"ss sho) a
sudd"n d"'ug" of rain o+"rtook hi and h" was ob'ig"d to dodg" into th"
+"stibu'" for sh"'t"r( H", who 'o+"d to b" war, to s'"") and to b" w"'' f"d,
was icy co'd, was "7haust"d and footsor" fro tra)ing th" city( H" cou'd
'ook forward to nothing b"tt"r than a bad'y%cook"d su))"r at th" co$""%&oint
4hot "at on a co'd )'at", ha'f don" su"t )udding, uddy co$"", and bad
br"ad, and h" was co'd, is"rab'y co'd, and w"t to th" bon"( A'' at onc" a
sudd"n rag" against Trina took )oss"ssion of hi( It was h"r fau't( Sh" kn"w
it was going to rain, and sh" had not '"t hi ha+" a nick"' for car far"4sh"
who had 3+" thousand do''ars( Sh" '"t hi wa'k th" str""ts in th" co'd and in
th" rain( /!is"r,/ h" grow'"d b"hind his ustach"( /!is"r, nasty 'itt'" o'd
is"r( 9ou#r" wors" than o'd G"rkow, a'ways nagging about on"y, on"y,
and you got 3+" thousand do''ars( 9ou got or", an# you 'i+" in that stinking
ho'" of a roo, and you won#t drink any d"c"nt b""r( I ain#t going to stand it
uch 'ong"r( Sh" kn"w it was going to rain( Sh" KNE: it( 0idn#t I TE22 h"r@
And sh" dri+"s " out of y own ho" in th" rain, for " to g"t on"y for
h"r* or" on"y, and sh" tak"s it( Sh" took that on"y fro " that I
"arn"d( #Twasn#t h"rs* it was in", I "arn"d it4and not a nick"' for car far"(
Sh" don#t car" if I g"t w"t and g"t a co'd and 0IE( No, sh" don#t, as 'ong as
sh"#s war and#s got h"r on"y(/ H" b"ca" or" and or" indignant at
th" )ictur" h" ad" of his"'f( /I ain#t going to stand it uch 'ong"r,/ h"
r")"at"d(
/:hy, h"''o, 0oc( Is that you@/ "7c'ai"d H"is", o)"ning th" door of th"
harn"ss sho) b"hind hi( /Co" in out of th" w"t( :hy, you#r" soak"d
through,/ h" add"d as h" and !cT"agu" ca" back into th" sho), that
r""k"d of oi'"d '"ath"r( /0idn#t you ha+" any ubr"''a@ ,ught to ha+" tak"n a
car(/
/I gu"ss so4I gu"ss so,/ urur"d th" d"ntist, confus"d( His t""th w"r"
chatt"ring(
/9,=#RE going to catch your d"ath%a%co'd,/ "7c'ai"d H"is"( /T"'' you what,/
h" said, r"aching for his hat, /co" in n"7t door to Fr"nna#s and ha+"
so"thing to war you u)( I#'' g"t th" o'd 'ady to ind th" sho)(/ H" ca''"d
!rs( H"is" down fro th" 5oor abo+" and took !cT"agu" into .o" Fr"nna#s
sa'oon, which was two doors abo+" his harn"ss sho)(
/:hisk"y and gu twic", .o",/ said h" to th" bark"")"r as h" and th" d"ntist
a))roach"d th" bar(
/Huh@ :hat@/ said !cT"agu"( /:hisk"y@ No, I can#t drink whisk"y( It kind of
disagr""s with "(/
/,h, th" h"''?/ r"turn"d H"is", "asi'y( /Tak" it as "dicin"( 9ou#'' g"t your
d"ath%a%co'd if you stand round soak"d 'ik" that( Two whisk"y and gu, .o"(/
!cT"agu" ")ti"d th" )ony g'ass at a sing'" "norous gu')(
/That#s th" way,/ said H"is", a))ro+ing'y( /0o you good(/ H" drank his o$
s'ow'y(
/I#d4I#d ask you to ha+" a drink with ", H"is",/ said th" d"ntist, who had an
indistinct id"a of th" a"niti"s of th" barroo, /on'y,/ h" add"d
sha"fac"d'y, /on'y4you s"", I don#t b"'i"+" I got any chang"(/ His ang"r
against Trina, h"at"d by th" whisk"y h" had drank, 5a"d u) afr"sh( :hat a
hui'iating )osition for Trina to )'ac" hi in, not to '"a+" hi th" )ric" of a
drink with a fri"nd, sh" who had 3+" thousand do''ars?
/Sha? That#s a'' right, 0oc,/ r"turn"d H"is", nibb'ing on a grain of co$""(
/:ant anoth"r@ H"y@ This y tr"at( Two or" of th" sa", .o"(/
!cT"agu" h"sitat"d( It was 'a"ntab'y tru" that whisk"y did not agr"" with
hi* h" kn"w it w"'' "nough( How"+"r, by this ti" h" f"'t +"ry cofortab'y
war at th" )it of his stoach( Th" b'ood was b"ginning to circu'at" in his
chi''"d 3ng"r%ti)s and in his soggy, w"t f""t( H" had had a hard day of it* in
fact, th" 'ast w""k, th" 'ast onth, th" 'ast thr"" or four onths, had b""n
hard( H" d"s"r+"d a 'itt'" conso'ation( Nor cou'd Trina ob&"ct to this( It wasn#t
costing a c"nt( H" drank again with H"is"(
/<"t u) h"r" to th" sto+" and war yours"'f,/ urg"d H"is", drawing u) a
cou)'" of chairs and cocking his f""t u)on th" guard( Th" two f"'' to ta'king
whi'" !cT"agu"#s dragg'"d coat and trous"rs sok"d(
/:hat a dirty turn that was that !arcus Schou'"r did you?/ said H"is",
wagging his h"ad( /9ou ought to ha+" fought that, 0oc, sur"( 9ou#d b""n
)ractising too 'ong(/ Th"y discuss"d this 8u"stion so" t"n or 3ft""n inut"s
and th"n H"is" ros"(
/:"'', this ain#t "arning any on"y( I got to g"t back to th" sho)(/ !cT"agu"
got u) as w"'', and th" )air start"d for th" door( .ust as th"y w"r" going out
Ry"r "t th"(
/H"''o, h"''o,/ h" cri"d( /2ord, what a w"t day? 9ou two ar" going th" wrong
way( 9ou#r" going to ha+" a drink with "( Thr"" whisk"y )unch"s, .o"(/
/No, no,/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", shaking his h"ad( /I# going back ho"( I#+"
had two g'ass"s of whisk"y a'r"ady(/
/Sha?/ cri"d H"is", catching his ar( /A stra))ing big cha) 'ik" you ain#t
afraid of a 'itt'" whisk"y(/
/:"'', I4I4I got to go right aft"rwards,/ )rot"st"d !cT"agu"(
About ha'f an hour aft"r th" d"ntist had '"ft to go down town, !aria !aca)a
had co" in to s"" Trina( ,ccasiona''y !aria dro))"d in on Trina in this
fashion and s)"nt an hour or so chatting with h"r whi'" sh" work"d( At 3rst
Trina had b""n inc'in"d to r"s"nt th"s" intrusions of th" !"7ican woan, but
of 'at" sh" had b"gun to to'"rat" th"( H"r day was 'ong and ch""r'"ss at
th" b"st, and th"r" was no on" to ta'k to( Trina "+"n fanci"d that o'd !iss
1ak"r had co" to b" '"ss cordia' sinc" th"ir isfortun"( !aria r"tai'"d to h"r
a'' th" gossi) of th" 5at and th" n"ighborhood, and, which was uch or"
int"r"sting, to'd h"r of h"r troub'"s with G"rkow(
Trina said to h"rs"'f that !aria was coon and +u'gar, but on" had to ha+"
so" di+"rsion, and Trina cou'd ta'k and 'ist"n without int"rru)ting h"r work(
,n this )articu'ar occasion !aria was uch "7cit"d o+"r G"rkow#s d""anor
of 'at"(
/H"#s g"ttun wors" an# wors",/ sh" infor"d Trina as sh" sat on th" "dg" of
th" b"d, h"r chin in h"r hand( /H" says h" knows I got th" dish"s and a
hidun th" fro hi( Th" oth"r day I thought h"#d gon" o$ with his wagon,
and I was doin# a bit of ir#ning, an# by an# by a'' of a sudd"n I saw hi )"")ing
at " through th" crack of th" door( I n"+"r '"t on that I saw hi, and,
hon"st, h" stay"d th"r" o+"r two hours, watchun "+"rything I did( I cou'd &ust
f""' his "y"s on th" back of y n"ck a'' th" ti"( 2ast Sunday h" took down
)art of th" wa'', #caus" h" said h"#d s""n " aking 3gur"s on it( :"'', I was,
but it was &ust th" wash 'ist( A'' th" ti" h" says h"#'' ki'' " if I don#t t"''(/
/:hy, what do you stay with hi for@/ "7c'ai"d Trina( /I#d b" d"ath'y #fraid
of a an 'ik" that* and h" did tak" a knif" to you onc"(/
/Hoh? HE won#t ki'' ", n"+"r f"ar( If h"#d ki'' " h"#d n"+"r know wh"r" th"
dish"s w"r"* that#s what HE thinks(/
/1ut I can#t und"rstand, !aria* you to'd hi about thos" go'd dish"s
yours"'f(/
/N"+"r, n"+"r? I n"+"r saw such a 'ot of cra6y fo'ks as you ar"(/
/1ut you say h" hits you so"ti"s(/
/Ah?/ said !aria, tossing h"r h"ad scornfu''y, /I ain#t afraid of hi( H" tak"s
his hors"whi) to " now and th"n, but I can a'ways anag"( I say, #If you
touch " with that, th"n I#'' NECER t"'' you(# .ust )r"t"nding, you know, and
h" dro)s it as though it was r"d hot( Say, !rs( !cT"agu", ha+" you got any
t"a@ 2"t#s ak" a cu) of t"a o+"r th" sto+"(/
/No, no,/ cri"d Trina, with niggard'y a))r"h"nsion* /no, I ha+"n#t got a bit of
t"a(/ Trina#s stingin"ss had incr"as"d to such an "7t"nt that it had gon"
b"yond th" "r" hoarding of on"y( Sh" grudg"d "+"n th" food that sh" and
!cT"agu" at", and "+"n brought away ha'f 'oa+"s of br"ad, 'u)s of sugar,
and fruit fro th" car conductors# co$""%&oint( Sh" hid th"s" )i'f"rings away
on th" sh"'f by th" window, and oft"n anag"d to ak" a +"ry cr"ditab'"
'unch fro th", "n&oying th" "a' with th" gr"at"r r"'ish b"caus" it cost h"r
nothing(
/No, !aria, I ha+"n#t got a bit of t"a,/ sh" said, shaking h"r h"ad d"cisi+"'y(
/Hark, ain#t that !ac@/ sh" add"d, h"r chin in th" air( /That#s his st"), sur"(/
/:"'', I# going to ski),/ said !aria( Sh" '"ft hurri"d'y, )assing th" d"ntist in
th" ha'' &ust outsid" th" door( /:"''@/ said Trina int"rrogati+"'y as h"r
husband "nt"r"d( !cT"agu" did not answ"r( H" hung his hat on th" hook
b"hind th" door and dro))"d h"a+i'y into a chair(
/:"'',/ ask"d Trina, an7ious'y, /how did you ak" out, !ac@/
Sti'' th" d"ntist )r"t"nd"d not to h"ar, scow'ing 3"rc"'y at his uddy boots(
/T"'' ", !ac, I want to know( 0id you g"t a )'ac"@ 0id you g"t caught in th"
rain@/
/0id I@ 0id I@/ cri"d th" d"ntist, shar)'y, an a'acrity in his ann"r and +oic"
that Trina had n"+"r obs"r+"d b"for"(
/2ook at "( 2ook at ",/ h" w"nt on, s)"aking with an unwont"d ra)idity,
his wits shar), his id"as succ""ding "ach oth"r 8uick'y( /2ook at ",
dr"nch"d through, shi+"ring co'd( I#+" wa'k"d th" city o+"r( Caught in th"
rain? 9"s, I gu"ss I did g"t caught in th" rain, and it ain#t your fau't I didn#t
catch y d"ath%a%co'd* wou'dn#t "+"n '"t " ha+" a nick"' for car far"(/
/1ut, !ac,/ )rot"st"d Trina, /I didn#t know it was going to rain(/
Th" d"ntist )ut back his h"ad and 'augh"d scornfu''y( His fac" was +"ry r"d,
and his sa'' "y"s twink'"d( /Hoh? no, you didn#t know it was going to rain(
0idn#t I TE22 you it was@/ h" "7c'ai"d, sudd"n'y angry again( /,h, you#r" a
0AIS9, you ar"( Think I# going to )ut u) with your foo'ishn"ss A22 th" ti"@
:ho#s th" boss, you or I@/
/:hy, !ac, I n"+"r saw you this way b"for"( 9ou ta'k 'ik" a di$"r"nt an(/
/:"'', I A! a di$"r"nt an,/ r"tort"d th" d"ntist, sa+ag"'y( /9ou can#t ak"
sa'' of " A2:A9S(/
/:"'', n"+"r ind that( 9ou know I# not trying to ak" sa'' of you( 1ut
n"+"r ind that( 0id you g"t a )'ac"@/
/<i+" " y on"y,/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu", &u)ing u) brisk'y( Th"r" was an
acti+ity, a )ositi+" nib'"n"ss about th" hug" b'ond giant that had n"+"r
b""n his b"for"* a'so his stu)idity, th" s'uggishn"ss of his brain, s"""d to
b" unusua''y stiu'at"d(
/<i+" " y on"y, th" on"y I ga+" you as I was going away(/
/I can#t,/ "7c'ai"d Trina( /I )aid th" groc"r#s bi'' with it whi'" you w"r"
gon"(/
/0on#t b"'i"+" you(/
/Tru'y, tru'y, !ac( 0o you think I#d 'i" to you@ 0o you think I#d 'ow"r ys"'f to
do that@/
/:"'', th" n"7t ti" I "arn any on"y I#'' k"") it ys"'f(/
/1ut t"'' ", !ac, 0I0 you g"t a )'ac"@/
!cT"agu" turn"d his back on h"r(
/T"'' ", !ac, )'"as", did you@/
Th" d"ntist &u)"d u) and thrust his fac" c'os" to h"rs, his h"a+y &aw
)rotruding, his 'itt'" "y"s twink'ing "an'y(
/No,/ h" shout"d( /No, no, N,( 0o you h"ar@ N,(/
Trina cow"r"d b"for" hi( Th"n sudd"n'y sh" b"gan to sob a'oud, w"")ing
)art'y at his strang" bruta'ity, )art'y at th" disa))oint"nt of his fai'ur" to
3nd ")'oy"nt(
!cT"agu" cast a cont")tuous g'anc" about hi, a g'anc" that "brac"d
th" dingy, ch""r'"ss roo, th" rain str"aing down th" )an"s of th" on"
window, and th" 3gur" of his w"")ing wif"(
/,h, ain#t this a'' FINE@/ h" "7c'ai"d( /Ain#t it 'o+"'y@/
/It#s not y fau't,/ sobb"d Trina(
/It is too,/ +ocif"rat"d !cT"agu"( /It is too( :" cou'd 'i+" 'ik" Christians and
d"c"nt )"o)'" if you want"d to( 9ou got or"#n 3+" thousand do''ars, and
you#r" so dan"d stingy that you#d rath"r 'i+" in a rat ho'"4and ak" "
'i+" th"r" too4b"for" you#d )art with a nick"' of it( I t"'' you I# sick and tir"d
of th" who'" busin"ss(/
An a''usion to h"r 'ott"ry on"y n"+"r fai'"d to rous" Trina(
/And I#'' t"'' you this uch too,/ sh" cri"d, winking back th" t"ars( /Now that
you#r" out of a &ob, w" can#t a$ord "+"n to 'i+" in your rat ho'", as you ca'' it(
:"#+" got to 3nd a ch"a)"r )'ac" than THIS "+"n(/
/:hat?/ "7c'ai"d th" d"ntist, )ur)'" with rag"( /:hat, g"t into a wors" ho'"
in th" wa'' than this@ :"'', w"#'' SEE if w" wi''( :"#'' &ust s"" about that( 9ou#r"
going to do &ust as I t"'' you aft"r this, Trina !cT"agu",/ and onc" or" h"
thrust his fac" c'os" to h"rs(
/I know what#s th" att"r,/ cri"d Trina, with a ha'f sob* /I know, I can s"'' it
on your br"ath( 9ou#+" b""n drinking whisk"y(/
/9"s, I#+" b""n drinking whisk"y,/ r"tort"d h"r husband( /I#+" b""n drinking
whisk"y( Ha+" you got anything to say about it@ Ah, y"s, you#r" RI<HT, I#+"
b""n drinking whisk"y( :hat ha+" 9,= got to say about y drinking whisk"y@
2"t#s h"ar it(/
/,h? ,h? ,h?/ sobb"d Trina, co+"ring h"r fac" with h"r hands( !cT"agu"
caught h"r wrists in on" )a' and )u''"d th" down( Trina#s )a'" fac" was
str"aing with t"ars* h"r 'ong, narrow b'u" "y"s w"r" swiing* h"r
adorab'" 'itt'" chin u)rais"d and 8ui+"ring(
/2"t#s h"ar what you got to say,/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu"(
/Nothing, nothing,/ said Trina, b"tw""n h"r sobs(
/Th"n sto) that nois"( Sto) it, do you h"ar "@ Sto) it(/ H" thr"w u) his o)"n
hand thr"at"ning'y( /ST,P?/ h" "7c'ai"d(
Trina 'ook"d at hi f"arfu''y, ha'f b'ind"d with w"")ing( H"r husband#s thick
an" of y"''ow hair was disord"r"d and ru)'"d u)on his gr"at s8uar"%cut
h"ad* his big r"d "ars w"r" r"dd"r than "+"r* his fac" was )ur)'"* th" thick
"y"brows w"r" knott"d o+"r th" sa'', twink'ing "y"s* th" h"a+y y"''ow
ustach", that s"'t of a'coho', droo)"d o+"r th" assi+", )rotruding chin,
sa'i"nt, 'ik" that of th" carni+ora* th" +"ins w"r" swo''"n and throbbing on his
thick r"d n"ck* whi'" o+"r h"r h"ad Trina saw his u)rais"d )a', ca''us"d,
"norous(
/Sto)?/ h" "7c'ai"d( And Trina, watching f"arfu''y, saw th" )a' sudd"n'y
contract into a 3st, a 3st that was hard as a wood"n a''"t, th" 3st of th" o'd%
ti" car%boy( And th"n h"r anci"nt t"rror of hi, th" intuiti+" f"ar of th"
a'", '"a)"d to 'if" again( Sh" was afraid of hi( E+"ry n"r+" of h"r 8uai'"d
and shrank fro hi( Sh" chok"d back h"r sobs, catching h"r br"ath(
/Th"r",/ grow'"d th" d"ntist, r"'"asing h"r, /that#s or" 'ik"( Now,/ h" w"nt
on, 37ing h"r with his 'itt'" "y"s, /now 'ist"n to "( I# b"at out( I#+" wa'k"d
th" city o+"r4t"n i'"s, I gu"ss4an# I# going to b"d, an# I don#t want to b"
both"r"d( 9ou und"rstand@ I want to b" '"t a'on"(/ Trina was si'"nt(
/0o you HEAR@/ h" snar'"d(
/9"s, !ac(/
Th" d"ntist took o$ his coat, his co''ar and n"ckti", unbutton"d his +"st, and
s'i))"d his h"a+y%so'"d boots fro his big f""t( Th"n h" str"tch"d his"'f
u)on th" b"d and ro''"d o+"r towards th" wa''( In a f"w inut"s th" sound of
his snoring 3''"d th" roo(
Trina cran"d h"r n"ck and 'ook"d at h"r husband o+"r th" footboard of th"
b"d( Sh" saw his r"d, cong"st"d fac"* th" hug" outh wid" o)"n* his unc'"an
shirt, with its fray"d wristbands* and his hug" f""t "ncas"d in thick woo''"n
socks( Th"n h"r gri"f and th" s"ns" of h"r unha))in"ss r"turn"d or"
)oignant than "+"r( Sh" str"tch"d h"r ars out in front of h"r on h"r work%
tab'", and, burying h"r fac" in th", cri"d and sobb"d as though h"r h"art
wou'd br"ak(
Th" rain continu"d( Th" )an"s of th" sing'" window ran with sh""ts of wat"r*
th" "a+"s dri))"d inc"ssant'y( It gr"w dark"r( Th" tiny, griy roo, fu'' of th"
s"''s of cooking and of /non%)oisonous/ )aint, took on an as)"ct of
d"so'ation and ch""r'"ssn"ss 'a"ntab'" b"yond words( Th" canary in its
'itt'" gi't )rison chitt"r"d f""b'y fro ti" to ti"( S)raw'"d at fu'' '"ngth
u)on th" b"d, th" d"ntist snor"d and snor"d, stu)"3"d, in"rt, his '"gs wid"
a)art, his hands 'ying )a' u)ward at his sid"s(
At 'ast Trina rais"d h"r h"ad, with a 'ong, tr"b'ing br"ath( Sh" ros", and
going o+"r to th" washstand, )our"d so" wat"r fro th" )itch"r into th"
basin, and wash"d h"r fac" and swo''"n "y"'ids, and r"arrang"d h"r hair(
Sudd"n'y, as sh" was about to r"turn to h"r work, sh" was struck with an
id"a(
/I wond"r,/ sh" said to h"rs"'f, /I wond"r wh"r" h" got th" on"y to buy his
whisk"y(/ Sh" s"arch"d th" )ock"ts of his coat, which h" had 5ung into a
corn"r of th" roo, and "+"n ca" u) to hi as h" 'ay u)on th" b"d and
w"nt through th" )ock"ts of his +"st and trous"rs( Sh" found nothing(
/I wond"r,/ sh" urur"d, /I wond"r if h"#s got any on"y h" don#t t"'' "
about( I#'' ha+" to 'ook out for that(/
CHAPTER 1J
A w""k )ass"d, th"n a fortnight, th"n a onth( It was a onth of th" gr"at"st
an7i"ty and un8ui"tud" for Trina( !cT"agu" was out of a &ob, cou'd 3nd
nothing to do* and Trina, who saw th" i)ossibi'ity of sa+ing as uch on"y
as usua' out of h"r "arnings und"r th" )r"s"nt conditions, was on th" 'ookout
for ch"a)"r 8uart"rs( In s)it" of his outcri"s and su'ky r"sistanc" Trina had
induc"d h"r husband to cons"nt to such a o+", b"wi'd"ring hi with a
torr"nt of )hras"s and ar+"''ous co'uns of 3gur"s by which sh" )ro+"d
conc'usi+"'y that th"y w"r" in a condition but on" r"o+" fro downright
d"stitution(
Th" d"ntist continu"d id'"( Sinc" his i'' succ"ss with th" anufactur"rs of
surgica' instru"nts h" had ad" but two att")ts to s"cur" a &ob( Trina had
gon" to s"" =nc'" ,"'b"rann and had obtain"d for !cT"agu" a )osition in
th" shi))ing d")art"nt of th" who'"sa'" toy stor"( How"+"r, it was a
)osition that in+o'+"d a c"rtain aount of ci)h"ring, and !cT"agu" had b""n
ob'ig"d to throw it u) in two days(
Th"n for a ti" th"y had "nt"rtain"d a wi'd id"a that a )'ac" on th" )o'ic"
forc" cou'd b" s"cur"d for !cT"agu"( H" cou'd )ass th" )hysica' "7aination
with 5ying co'ors, and Ry"r, who had b"co" th" s"cr"tary of th" Po'k Str""t
I)ro+""nt C'ub, )rois"d th" r"8uisit" )o'itica' /)u''(/ If !cT"agu" had
shown a c"rtain "n"rgy in th" att"r th" att")t ight ha+" b""n
succ"ssfu'* but h" was too stu)id, or of 'at" had b"co" too 'ist'"ss to "7"rt
his"'f gr"at'y, and th" a$air r"su't"d on'y in a +io'"nt 8uarr"' with Ry"r(
!cT"agu" had 'ost his abition( H" did not car" to b"tt"r his situation( A'' h"
want"d was a war )'ac" to s'"") and thr"" good "a's a day( At th" 3rst4
at th" +"ry 3rst4h" had chaf"d at his id'"n"ss and had s)"nt th" days with
his wif" in th"ir on" narrow roo, wa'king back and forth with th"
r"st'"ssn"ss of a cag"d brut", or sitting otion'"ss for hours, watching Trina
at h"r work, f""'ing a du'' g'ow of sha" at th" id"a that sh" was su))orting
hi( This f""'ing had worn o$ 8uick'y, how"+"r( Trina#s work was on'y hard
wh"n sh" chos" to ak" it so, and as a ru'" sh" su))ort"d th"ir isfortun"s
with a si'"nt fortitud"(
Th"n, w"ari"d at his inaction and f""'ing th" n""d of o+""nt and "7"rcis",
!cT"agu" wou'd 'ight his )i)" and tak" a turn u)on th" gr"at a+"nu" on"
b'ock abo+" Po'k Str""t( A gang of 'abor"rs w"r" digging th" foundations for a
'arg" brownston" hous", and !cT"agu" found int"r"st and aus""nt in
'"aning o+"r th" barri"r that surround"d th" "7ca+ations and watching th"
)rogr"ss of th" work( H" ca" to s"" it "+"ry aft"rnoon* by and by h" "+"n
got to know th" for"an who su)"rint"nd"d th" &ob, and th" two had 'ong
ta'ks tog"th"r( Th"n !cT"agu" wou'd r"turn to Po'k Str""t and 3nd H"is" in
th" back roo of th" harn"ss sho), and occasiona''y th" day "nd"d with
so" ha'f do6"n drinks of whisk"y at .o" Fr"nna#s sa'oon(
It was curious to not" th" "$"ct of th" a'coho' u)on th" d"ntist( It did not
ak" hi drunk, it ad" hi +icious( So far fro b"ing stu)"3"d, h"
b"ca", aft"r th" fourth g'ass, acti+", a'"rt, 8uick%witt"d, "+"n ta'kati+"* a
c"rtain wick"dn"ss stirr"d in hi th"n* h" was intractab'", "an* and wh"n
h" had drunk a 'itt'" or" h"a+i'y than usua', h" found a c"rtain )'"asur" in
annoying and "7as)"rating Trina, "+"n in abusing and hurting h"r(
It had b"gun on th" "+"ning of Thanksgi+ing 0ay, wh"n H"is" had tak"n
!cT"agu" out to dinn"r with hi( Th" d"ntist on this occasion had drunk +"ry
fr""'y( H" and H"is" had r"turn"d to Po'k Str""t towards t"n o#c'ock, and
H"is" at onc" sugg"st"d a cou)'" of drinks at Fr"nna#s(
/A'' right, a'' right,/ said !cT"agu"( /0rinks, that#s th" word( I#'' go ho" and
g"t so" on"y and ""t you at .o"#s(/
Trina was awak"n"d by h"r husband )inching h"r ar(
/,h, !ac,/ sh" cri"d, &u)ing u) in b"d with a 'itt'" scr"a, /how you hurt?
,h, that hurt " dr"adfu''y(/
/<i+" " a 'itt'" on"y,/ answ"r"d th" d"ntist, grinning, and )inching h"r
again(
/I ha+"n#t a c"nt( Th"r"#s not a4oh, !AC, wi'' you sto)@ I won#t ha+" you
)inch " that way(/
/Hurry u),/ answ"r"d h"r husband, ca''y, ni))ing th" 5"sh of h"r shou'd"r
b"tw""n his thub and 3ng"r( /H"is"#s waiting for "(/ Trina wr"nch"d fro
hi with a shar) intak" of br"ath, frowning with )ain, and car"ssing h"r
shou'd"r(
/!ac, you#+" no id"a how that hurts( !ac, ST,P?/
/<i+" " so" on"y, th"n(/
In th" "nd Trina had to co)'y( Sh" ga+" hi ha'f a do''ar fro h"r dr"ss
)ock"t, )rot"sting that it was th" on'y )i"c" of on"y sh" had(
/,n" or", &ust for 'uck,/ said !cT"agu", )inching h"r again* /and anoth"r(/
/How can you4how CAN you hurt a woan so?/ "7c'ai"d Trina, b"ginning to
cry with th" )ain(
/Ah, now, CR9,/ r"tort"d th" d"ntist( /That#s right, CR9( I n"+"r saw such a
'itt'" foo'(/ H" w"nt out, s'aing th" door in disgust(
1ut !cT"agu" n"+"r b"ca" a drunkard in th" g"n"ra''y r"c"i+"d s"ns" of
th" t"r( H" did not drink to "7c"ss or" than two or thr"" ti"s in a onth,
and n"+"r u)on any occasion did h" b"co" aud'in or stagg"ring( P"rha)s
his n"r+"s w"r" natura''y too du'' to adit of any "7citation* )"rha)s h" did
not r"a''y car" for th" whisk"y, and on'y drank b"caus" H"is" and th" oth"r
"n at Fr"nna#s did( Trina cou'd oft"n r")roach hi with drinking too uch*
sh" n"+"r cou'd say that h" was drunk( Th" a'coho' had its "$"ct for a'' that(
It rous"d th" an, or rath"r th" brut" in th" an, and now not on'y rous"d it,
but goad"d it to "+i'( !cT"agu"#s natur" chang"d( It was not on'y th" a'coho',
it was id'"n"ss and a g"n"ra' throwing o$ of th" good in5u"nc" his wif" had
had o+"r hi in th" days of th"ir )ros)"rity( !cT"agu" dis'ik"d Trina( Sh" was
a )"r)"tua' irritation to hi( Sh" annoy"d hi b"caus" sh" was so sa'', so
)r"tti'y ad", so in+ariab'y corr"ct and )r"cis"( H"r a+aric" inc"ssant'y
harass"d hi( H"r industry was a constant r")roach to hi( Sh" s"""d to
5aunt h"r work d"3ant'y in his fac"( It was th" r"d 5ag in th" "y"s of th" bu''(
,n" ti" wh"n h" had &ust co" back fro Fr"nna#s and had b""n sitting in
th" chair n"ar h"r, si'"nt'y watching h"r at h"r work, h" "7c'ai"d a'' of a
sudd"n;
/Sto) working( Sto) it, I t"'' you( Put #" away( Put #" a'' away, or I#'' )inch
you(/
/1ut why4why@/ Trina )rot"st"d(
Th" d"ntist cu$"d h"r "ars( /I won#t ha+" you work(/ H" took h"r knif" and
h"r )aint%)ots away, and ad" h"r sit id'y in th" window th" r"st of th"
aft"rnoon(
It was, how"+"r, on'y wh"n his wits had b""n stirr"d with a'coho' that th"
d"ntist was bruta' to his wif"( At oth"r ti"s, say thr"" w""ks of "+"ry
onth, sh" was "r"'y an incubranc" to hi( Th"y oft"n 8uarr"''"d about
Trina#s on"y, h"r sa+ings( Th" d"ntist was b"nt u)on ha+ing at '"ast a )art
of th"( :hat h" wou'd do with th" on"y onc" h" had it, h" did not
)r"cis"'y know( H" wou'd s)"nd it in roya' fashion, no doubt, f"asting
continua''y, buying his"'f wond"rfu' c'oth"s( Th" in"r#s id"a of on"y
8uick'y gain"d and 'a+ish'y s8uand"r"d, )"rsist"d in his ind( As for Trina,
th" or" h"r husband stor"d, th" tight"r sh" dr"w th" strings of th" 'itt'"
chaois%skin bag that sh" hid at th" botto of h"r trunk und"rn"ath h"r
brida' dr"ss( H"r 3+" thousand do''ars in+"st"d in =nc'" ,"'b"rann#s
busin"ss was a g'itt"ring, s)'"ndid dr"a which ca" to h"r a'ost "+"ry
hour of th" day as a so'ac" and a co)"nsation for a'' h"r unha))in"ss(
At ti"s, wh"n sh" kn"w that !cT"agu" was far fro ho", sh" wou'd 'ock
h"r door, o)"n h"r trunk, and )i'" a'' h"r 'itt'" hoard on h"r tab'"( 1y now it
was four hundr"d and s"+"n do''ars and 3fty c"nts( Trina wou'd )'ay with this
on"y by th" hour, )i'ing it, and r")i'ing it, or gath"ring it a'' into on" h"a),
and drawing back to th" farth"st corn"r of th" roo to not" th" "$"ct, h"r
h"ad on on" sid"( Sh" )o'ish"d th" go'd )i"c"s with a i7tur" of soa) and
ash"s unti' th"y shon", wi)ing th" car"fu''y on h"r a)ron( ,r, again, sh"
wou'd draw th" h"a) 'o+ing'y toward h"r and bury h"r fac" in it, d"'ight"d at
th" s"'' of it and th" f""' of th" sooth, coo' "ta' on h"r ch""ks( Sh" "+"n
)ut th" sa''"r go'd )i"c"s in h"r outh, and &ing'"d th" th"r"( Sh" 'o+"d
h"r on"y with an int"nsity that sh" cou'd hard'y "7)r"ss( Sh" wou'd )'ung"
h"r sa'' 3ng"rs into th" )i'" with 'itt'" ururs of a$"ction, h"r 'ong,
narrow "y"s ha'f c'os"d and shining, h"r br"ath coing in 'ong sighs(
/Ah, th" d"ar on"y, th" d"ar on"y,/ sh" wou'd whis)"r( /I 'o+" you so? A''
in", "+"ry )"nny of it( No on" sha'' "+"r, "+"r g"t you( How I#+" work"d for
you? How I#+" s'a+"d and sa+"d for you? And I# going to g"t or"* I# going
to g"t or", or", or"* a 'itt'" "+"ry day(/
Sh" was sti'' 'ooking for ch"a)"r 8uart"rs( :h"n"+"r sh" cou'd s)ar" a
o"nt fro h"r work, sh" wou'd )ut on h"r hat and rang" u) and down th"
"ntir" n"ighborhood fro Sutt"r to Sacra"nto Str""ts, going into a'' th"
a''"ys and bystr""ts, h"r h"ad in th" air, 'ooking for th" /Roos%to%'"t/ sign(
1ut sh" was in d"s)air( A'' th" ch"a)"r t"n""nts w"r" occu)i"d( Sh" cou'd
3nd no roo or" r"asonab'" than th" on" sh" and th" d"ntist now
occu)i"d(
As ti" w"nt on, !cT"agu"#s id'"n"ss b"ca" habitua'( H" drank no or"
whisk"y than at 3rst, but his dis'ik" for Trina incr"as"d with "+"ry day of th"ir
)o+"rty, with "+"ry day of Trina#s )"rsist"nt stingin"ss( At ti"s4fortunat"'y
rar" h" was or" than "+"r bruta' to h"r( H" wou'd bo7 h"r "ars or hit h"r a
gr"at b'ow with th" back of a hair%brush, or "+"n with his c'os"d 3st( His o'd%
ti" a$"ction for his /'itt'" woan,/ unab'" to stand th" t"st of )ri+ation, had
'a)s"d by d"gr""s, and what 'itt'" of it was '"ft was chang"d, distort"d, and
ad" onstrous by th" a'coho'(
Th" )"o)'" about th" hous" and th" c'"rks at th" )ro+ision stor"s oft"n
r"ark"d that Trina#s 3ng"rti)s w"r" swo''"n and th" nai's )ur)'" as though
th"y had b""n shut in a door( Ind""d, this was th" "7)'anation sh" ga+"( Th"
fact of th" att"r was that !cT"agu", wh"n h" had b""n drinking, us"d to
bit" th", crunching and grinding th" with his i"ns" t""th, a'ways
ing"nious "nough to r""b"r which w"r" th" sor"st( So"ti"s h"
"7tort"d on"y fro h"r by this "ans, but as oft"n as not h" did it for his
own satisfaction(
And in so" strang", in"7)'icab'" way this bruta'ity ad" Trina a'' th" or"
a$"ctionat"* arous"d in h"r a orbid, unwho'"so" 'o+" of subission, a
strang", unnatura' )'"asur" in yi"'ding, in surr"nd"ring h"rs"'f to th" wi'' of
an irr"sistib'", +iri'" )ow"r(
Trina#s "otions had narrow"d with th" narrowing of h"r dai'y 'if"( Th"y
r"duc"d th"s"'+"s at 'ast to but two, h"r )assion for h"r on"y and h"r
)"r+"rt"d 'o+" for h"r husband wh"n h" was bruta'( Sh" was a strang"
woan during th"s" days(
Trina had co" to b" on +"ry intiat" t"rs with !aria !aca)a, and in th"
"nd th" d"ntist#s wif" and th" aid of a'' work b"ca" gr"at fri"nds( !aria
was constant'y in and out of Trina#s roo, and, wh"n"+"r sh" cou'd, Trina
thr"w a shaw' o+"r h"r h"ad and r"turn"d !aria#s ca''s( Trina cou'd r"ach
G"rkow#s dirty hous" without going into th" str""t( Th" back yard of th" 5at
had a gat" that o)"n"d into a 'itt'" inc'osur" wh"r" G"rkow k")t his d"cr")it
hors" and rashack'" wagon, and fro th"nc" Trina cou'd "nt"r dir"ct'y into
!aria#s kitch"n( Trina ad" 'ong +isits to !aria during th" orning in h"r
dr"ssing%gown and cur' )a)"rs, and th" two ta'k"d at gr"at '"ngth o+"r a cu)
of t"a s"r+"d on th" "dg" of th" sink or a corn"r of th" 'aundry tab'"( Th" ta'k
was a'' of th"ir husbands and of what to do wh"n th"y ca" ho" in
aggr"ssi+" oods(
/9ou n"+"r ought to 3ght u,/ ad+is"d !aria( /It on'y ak"s u wors"( .ust
hu) your back, and it#s soon"st o+"r(/
Th"y to'd "ach oth"r of th"ir husbands# bruta'iti"s, taking a strang" sort of
)rid" in r"counting so" )articu'ar'y sa+ag" b'ow, "ach trying to ak" out
that h"r own husband was th" ost cru"'( Th"y critica''y co)ar"d "ach
oth"r#s bruis"s, "ach on" g'ad wh"n sh" cou'd "7hibit th" worst( Th"y
"7agg"rat"d, th"y in+"nt"d d"tai's, and, as if )roud of th"ir b"atings, as if
g'orying in th"ir husbands# ishand'ing, 'i"d to "ach oth"r, agnifying th"ir
own a'tr"at"nt( Th"y had 'ong and "7cit"d argu"nts as to which w"r"
th" ost "$"cti+" "ans of )unish"nt, th" ro)"#s "nds and cart whi)s such
as G"rkow us"d, or th" 3sts and backs of hair%brush"s a$"ct"d by !cT"agu"(
!aria cont"nd"d that th" 'ash of th" whi) hurt th" ost* Trina, that th" butt
did th" ost in&ury(
!aria show"d Trina th" ho'"s in th" wa''s and th" 'oos"n"d boards in th"
5ooring wh"r" G"rkow had b""n s"arching for th" go'd )'at"( ,f 'at" h" had
b""n digging in th" back yard and had ransack"d th" hay in his hors"%sh"d
for th" conc"a'"d '"ath"r ch"st h" iagin"d h" wou'd 3nd( 1ut h" was
b"coing i)ati"nt, "+id"nt'y(
/Th" way h" go"s on,/ !aria to'd Trina, /is so"thun dr"adfu'( H"#s g"ttun
r"gu'ar'y sick with it4got a f"+"r "+"ry night4don#t s'""), and wh"n h"
do"s, ta'ks to his"'f( Says #!or"#n a hundr"d )i"c"s, an# "+"ry on" of #"
go'd( !or"#n a hundr"d )i"c"s, an# "+"ry on" of #" go'd(# Th"n h"#'' wha'"
" with his whi), and shout, #9ou know wh"r" it is( T"'' ", t"'' ", you
swin", or I#'' do for you(# An# th"n h"#'' g"t down on his kn""s and whi)"r,
and b"g " to t"'' u wh"r" I#+" hid it( H"#s &ust gon" )'u cra6y( So"ti"s
h" has r"gu'ar 3ts, h" g"ts so ad, and ro''s on th" 5oor and scratch"s
his"'f(/
,n" orning in No+"b"r, about t"n o#c'ock, Trina )ast"d a /!ad" in Franc"/
'ab"' on th" botto of a Noah#s ark, and '"an"d back in h"r chair with a 'ong
sigh of r"'i"f( Sh" had &ust 3nish"d a 'arg" Christas ord"r for =nc'"
,"'b"rann, and th"r" was nothing "'s" sh" cou'd do that orning( Th" b"d
had not y"t b""n ad", nor had th" br"akfast things b""n wash"d( Trina
h"sitat"d for a o"nt, th"n )ut h"r chin in th" air indi$"r"nt'y(
/1ah?/ sh" said, /'"t th" go ti'' this aft"rnoon( I don#t car" :HEN th" roo is
)ut to rights, and I know !ac don#t(/ Sh" d"t"rin"d that inst"ad of aking
th" b"d or washing th" dish"s sh" wou'd go and ca'' on !iss 1ak"r on th"
5oor b"'ow( Th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r ight ask h"r to stay to 'unch, and that
wou'd b" so"thing sa+"d, as th" d"ntist had announc"d his int"ntion that
orning of taking a 'ong wa'k out to th" Pr"sidio to b" gon" a'' day(
1ut Trina ra))"d on !iss 1ak"r#s door in +ain that orning( Sh" was out(
P"rha)s sh" was gon" to th" 5orist#s to buy so" g"raniu s""ds( How"+"r,
,'d <rannis#s door stood a 'itt'" a&ar, and on h"aring Trina at !iss 1ak"r#s
roo, th" o'd Eng'ishan ca" out into th" ha''(
/Sh"#s gon" out,/ h" said, unc"rtain'y, and in a ha'f whis)"r, /w"nt out about
ha'f an hour ago( I4I think sh" w"nt to th" drug stor" to g"t so" waf"rs for
th" go'd3sh(/
/0on#t you go to your dog hos)ita' any or", !ist"r <rannis@/ said Trina,
'"aning against th" ba'ustrad" in th" ha'', wi''ing to ta'k a o"nt(
,'d <rannis stood in th" doorway of his roo, in his car)"t s'i))"rs and fad"d
corduroy &ack"t that h" wor" wh"n at ho"(
/:hy4why,/ h" said, h"sitating, ta))ing his chin thoughtfu''y( /9ou s"" I#
thinking of gi+ing u) th" 'itt'" hos)ita'(/
/<i+ing it u)@/
/9ou s"", th" )"o)'" at th" book stor" wh"r" I buy y )a)h'"ts ha+" found
out4I to'd th" of y contri+anc" for binding books, and on" of th"
"b"rs of th" 3r ca" u) to 'ook at it( H" o$"r"d " 8uit" a su if I
wou'd s"'' hi th" right of it4th"4)at"nt of it48uit" a su( In fact4in fact4
y"s, 8uit" a su, 8uit"(/ H" rubb"d his chin tr"u'ous'y and 'ook"d about
hi on th" 5oor(
/:hy, isn#t that 3n"@/ said Trina, good%natur"d'y( /I# +"ry g'ad, !ist"r
<rannis( Is it a good )ric"@/
/Buit" a su48uit"( In fact, I n"+"r dr"a"d of ha+ing so uch on"y(/
/Now, s"" h"r", !ist"r <rannis,/ said Trina, d"cisi+"'y, /I want to gi+" you a
good )i"c" of ad+ic"( H"r" ar" you and !iss 1ak"r44/ Th" o'd Eng'ishan
start"d n"r+ous'y4/9ou and !iss 1ak"r, that ha+" b""n in 'o+" with "ach
oth"r for44/
/,h, !rs( !cT"agu", that sub&"ct4if you wou'd )'"as"4!iss 1ak"r is such an
"stiab'" 'ady(/
/Fidd'"sticks?/ said Trina( /9ou#r" in 'o+" with "ach oth"r, and th" who'" 5at
knows it* and you two ha+" b""n 'i+ing h"r" sid" by sid" y"ar in and y"ar out,
and you#+" n"+"r said a word to "ach oth"r( It#s a'' nons"ns"( Now, I want you
shou'd go right in and s)"ak to h"r &ust as soon as sh" co"s ho", and say
you#+" co" into on"y and you want h"r to arry you(/
/I)ossib'"4i)ossib'"?/ "7c'ai"d th" o'd Eng'ishan, a'ar"d and
)"rturb"d( /It#s 8uit" out of th" 8u"stion( I wou'dn#t )r"su"(/
/:"'', do you 'o+" h"r, or not@/
/R"a''y, !rs( !cT"agu", I4I4you ust "7cus" "( It#s a att"r so )"rsona'4
so4I4,h, y"s, I 'o+" h"r( ,h, y"s, ind""d,/ h" "7c'ai"d, sudd"n'y(
/:"'', th"n, sh" 'o+"s you( Sh" to'd " so(/
/,h?/
/Sh" did( Sh" said thos" +"ry words(/
!iss 1ak"r had said nothing of th" kind4wou'd ha+" di"d soon"r than ha+"
ad" such a conf"ssion* but Trina had drawn h"r own conc'usions, 'ik" "+"ry
oth"r 'odg"r of th" 5at, and thought th" ti" was co" for d"cid"d action(
/Now you do &ust as I t"'' you, and wh"n sh" co"s ho", go right in and s""
h"r, and ha+" it o+"r with( Now, don#t say anoth"r word( I# going* but you
do &ust as I t"'' you(/
Trina turn"d about and w"nt down%stairs( Sh" had d"cid"d, sinc" !iss 1ak"r
was not at ho", that sh" wou'd run o+"r and s"" !aria* )ossib'y sh" cou'd
ha+" 'unch th"r"( At any rat", !aria wou'd o$"r h"r a cu) of t"a(
,'d <rannis stood for a 'ong ti" &ust as Trina had '"ft hi, his hands
tr"b'ing, th" b'ood coing and going in his with"r"d ch""ks(
/Sh" said, sh"4sh"4sh" to'd h"r4sh" said that4that44/ h" cou'd g"t no
farth"r(
Th"n h" fac"d about and "nt"r"d his roo, c'osing th" door b"hind hi( For a
'ong ti" h" sat in his archair, drawn c'os" to th" wa'' in front of th" tab'"
on which stood his )i'"s of )a)h'"ts and his 'itt'" binding a))aratus(
/I wond"r,/ said Trina, as sh" cross"d th" yard back of G"rkow#s hous", /I
wond"r what r"nt G"rkow and !aria )ay for this )'ac"( I#'' b"t it#s ch"a)"r
than wh"r" !ac and I ar"(/
Trina found !aria sitting in front of th" kitch"n sto+", h"r chin u)on h"r
br"ast( Trina w"nt u) to h"r( Sh" was d"ad( And as Trina touch"d h"r
shou'd"r, h"r h"ad ro''"d sid"ways and show"d a f"arfu' gash in h"r throat
und"r h"r "ar( A'' th" front of h"r dr"ss was soak"d through and through(
Trina back"d shar)'y away fro th" body, drawing h"r hands u) to h"r +"ry
shou'd"rs, h"r "y"s staring and wid", an "7)r"ssion of unutt"rab'" horror
twisting h"r fac"(
/,h%h%h?/ sh" "7c'ai"d in a 'ong br"ath, h"r +oic" hard'y rising abo+" a
whis)"r( /,h%h, isn#t that horrib'"?/ Sudd"n'y sh" turn"d and 5"d through th"
front )art of th" hous" to th" str""t door, that o)"n"d u)on th" 'itt'" a''"y(
Sh" 'ook"d wi'd'y about h"r( 0ir"ct'y across th" way a butch"r#s boy was
g"tting into his two%wh""'"d cart drawn u) in front of th" o))osit" hous",
whi'" n"ar by a )"dd'"r of wi'd ga" was coing down th" str""t, a brac" of
ducks in his hand(
/,h, say4say,/ gas)"d Trina, trying to g"t h"r +oic", /say, co" o+"r h"r"
8uick(/
Th" butch"r#s boy )aus"d, on" foot on th" wh""', and star"d( Trina b"ckon"d
frantica''y(
/Co" o+"r h"r", co" o+"r h"r" 8uick(/
Th" young f"''ow swung his"'f into his s"at(
/:hat#s th" att"r with that woan@/ h" said, ha'f a'oud(
/Th"r"#s a urd"r b""n don",/ cri"d Trina, swaying in th" doorway(
Th" young f"''ow dro+" away, his h"ad o+"r his shou'd"r, staring at Trina with
"y"s that w"r" 37"d and abso'ut"'y d"+oid of "7)r"ssion(
/:hat#s th" att"r with that woan@/ h" said again to his"'f as h" turn"d
th" corn"r(
Trina wond"r"d why sh" didn#t scr"a, how sh" cou'd k"") fro it4how, at
such a o"nt as this, sh" cou'd r""b"r that it was i)ro)"r to ak" a
disturbanc" and cr"at" a sc"n" in th" str""t( Th" )"dd'"r of wi'd ga" was
'ooking at h"r sus)icious'y( It wou'd not do to t"'' hi( H" wou'd go away 'ik"
th" butch"r#s boy(
/Now, wait a inut",/ Trina said to h"rs"'f, s)"aking a'oud( Sh" )ut h"r hands
to h"r h"ad( /Now, wait a inut"( It won#t do for " to 'os" y wits now(
:hat ust I do@/ Sh" 'ook"d about h"r( Th"r" was th" sa" fai'iar as)"ct
of Po'k Str""t( Sh" cou'd s"" it at th" "nd of th" a''"y( Th" big ark"t
o))osit" th" 5at, th" d"'i+"ry carts ratt'ing u) and down, th" gr"at 'adi"s
fro th" a+"nu" at th"ir orning sho))ing, th" cab'" cars trund'ing )ast,
'oad"d with )ass"ng"rs( Sh" saw a 'itt'" boy in a 5at '"ath"r ca) whist'ing
and ca''ing for an uns""n dog, s'a))ing his sa'' kn"" fro ti" to ti"( Two
"n ca" out of Fr"nna#s sa'oon, 'aughing h"arti'y( H"is" th" harn"ss%ak"r
stood in th" +"stibu'" of his sho), a bund'" of whitt'ings in his a)ron of gr"asy
ticking( And a'' this was going on, )"o)'" w"r" 'aughing and 'i+ing, buying
and s"''ing, wa'king about out th"r" on th" sunny sid"wa'ks, whi'" b"hind h"r
in th"r"4in th"r"4in th"r"44
H"is" start"d back fro th" sudd"n a))arition of a whit"%'i))"d woan in a
b'u" dr"ssing%gown that s"""d to ris" u) b"for" hi fro his +"ry doorst")(
/:"'', !rs( !cT"agu", you did scar" ", for44/
/,h, co" o+"r h"r" 8uick(/ Trina )ut h"r hand to h"r n"ck* swa''owing
so"thing that s"""d to b" choking h"r( /!aria#s ki''"d4G"rkow#s wif"4I
found h"r(/
/<"t out?/ "7c'ai"d H"is", /you#r" &oking(/
/Co" o+"r h"r"4o+"r into th" hous"4I found h"r4sh"#s d"ad(/
H"is" dash"d across th" str""t on th" run, with Trina at his h""'s, a trai' of
s)i''"d whitt'ings arking his cours"( Th" two ran down th" a''"y( Th" wi'd%
ga" )"dd'"r, a woan who had b""n washing down th" st")s in a
n"ighboring hous", and a an in a broad%bri"d hat stood at G"rkow#s
doorway, 'ooking in fro ti" to ti", and ta'king tog"th"r( Th"y s"""d
)u66'"d(
/Anything wrong in h"r"@/ ask"d th" wi'd%ga" )"dd'"r as H"is" and Trina
ca" u)( Two or" "n sto))"d on th" corn"r of th" a''"y and Po'k Str""t
and 'ook"d at th" grou)( A woan with a tow"' round h"r h"ad rais"d a
window o))osit" G"rkow#s hous" and ca''"d to th" woan who had b""n
washing th" st")s, /:hat is it, !rs( F'int@/
H"is" was a'r"ady insid" th" hous"( H" turn"d to Trina, )anting fro his run(
/:h"r" did you say4wh"r" was it4wh"r"@/
/In th"r",/ said Trina, /farth"r in4th" n"7t roo(/ Th"y burst into th" kitch"n(
/2,R0?/ "&acu'at"d H"is", sto))ing a yard or so fro th" body, and b"nding
down to )""r into th" gray fac" with its brown 'i)s(
/1y <od? h"#s ki''"d h"r(/
/:ho@/
/G"rkow, by <od? h"#s ki''"d h"r( Cut h"r throat( H" a'ways said h" wou'd(/
/G"rkow@/
/H"#s ki''"d h"r( H"r throat#s cut( <ood 2ord, how sh" did b'""d? 1y <od? h"#s
don" for h"r in good sha)" this ti"(/
/,h, I to'd h"r4I T,20 h"r,/ cri"d Trina(
/H"#s don" for h"r S=RE this ti"(/
/Sh" said sh" cou'd a'ways anag"4,h%h? It#s horrib'"(/
/H"#s don" for h"r sur" this tri)( Cut h"r throat( 2,R0, how sh" has 12E0? 0id
you "+"r s"" so uch4that#s urd"r4that#s co'd%b'ood"d urd"r( H"#s ki''"d
h"r( Say, w" ust g"t a )o'ic"an( Co" on(/
Th"y turn"d back through th" hous"( Ha'f a do6"n )"o)'"4th" wi'd%ga"
)"dd'"r, th" an with th" broad%bri"d hat, th" washwoan, and thr""
oth"r "n4w"r" in th" front roo of th" &unk sho), a bank of "7cit"d fac"s
surg"d at th" door( 1"yond this, outsid", th" crowd was )ack"d so'id fro
on" "nd of th" a''"y to th" oth"r( ,ut in Po'k Str""t th" cab'" cars w"r" n"ar'y
b'ock"d and w"r" bunting a way s'ow'y through th" throng with c'anging
b"''s( E+"ry window had its grou)( And as Trina and th" harn"ss%ak"r tri"d
to forc" th" way fro th" door of th" &unk sho) th" throng sudd"n'y )art"d
right and '"ft b"for" th" )assag" of two b'u"%coat"d )o'ic""n who c'o+" a
)assag" through th" )r"ss, working th"ir "'bows "n"rg"tica''y( Th"y w"r"
acco)ani"d by a third an in citi6"n#s c'oth"s(
H"is" and Trina w"nt back into th" kitch"n with th" two )o'ic""n, th" third
an in citi6"n#s c'oth"s c'"ar"d th" intrud"rs fro th" front roo of th" &unk
sho) and k")t th" crowd back, his ar across th" o)"n door(
/:h"w?/ whist'"d on" of th" o-c"rs as th"y ca" out into th" kitch"n,
/cutting scra)"@ 1y <"org"? S,!E1,09#S b""n using his knif" a'' right(/ H"
turn"d to th" oth"r o-c"r( /1"tt"r g"t th" wagon( Th"r"#s a bo7 on th"
s"cond corn"r south( Now, th"n,/ h" continu"d, turning to Trina and th"
harn"ss%ak"r and taking out his not"%book and )"nci', /I want your na"s
and addr"ss"s(/
It was a day of tr""ndous "7cit""nt for th" "ntir" str""t( 2ong aft"r th"
)atro' wagon had dri+"n away, th" crowd r"ain"d( In fact, unti' s"+"n
o#c'ock that "+"ning grou)s co''"ct"d about th" door of th" &unk sho), wh"r"
a )o'ic"an stood guard, asking a'' ann"r of 8u"stions, ad+ancing a''
ann"r of o)inions(
/0o you think th"y#'' g"t hi@/ ask"d Ry"r of th" )o'ic"an( A do6"n n"cks
cran"d forward "ag"r'y(
/Hoh, w"#'' g"t hi a'' right, "asy "nough,/ answ"r"d th" oth"r, with a grand
air(
/:hat@ :hat#s that@ :hat did h" say@/ ask"d th" )"o)'" on th" outskirts of
th" grou)( Thos" in front )ass"d th" answ"r back(
/H" says th"y#'' g"t hi a'' right, "asy "nough(/
Th" grou) 'ook"d at th" )o'ic"an adiring'y(
/H"#s ski))"d to San .os"(/
:h"r" th" ruor start"d, and how, no on" kn"w( 1ut "+"ry on" s"""d
)"rsuad"d that G"rkow had gon" to San .os"(
/1ut what did h" ki'' h"r for@ :as h" drunk@/
/No, h" was cra6y, I t"'' you4cra6y in th" h"ad( Thought sh" was hiding so"
on"y fro hi(/
Fr"nna did a big busin"ss a'' day 'ong( Th" urd"r was th" on" sub&"ct of
con+"rsation( 2itt'" )arti"s w"r" ad" u) in his sa'oon4)arti"s of twos and
thr""s4to go o+"r and ha+" a 'ook at th" outsid" of th" &unk sho)( H"is" was
th" ost i)ortant an th" '"ngth and br"adth of Po'k Str""t* a'ost
in+ariab'y h" acco)ani"d th"s" )arti"s, t"''ing again and again of th" )art
h" had )'ay"d in th" a$air(
/It was about "'"+"n o#c'ock( I was standing in front of th" sho), wh"n !rs(
!cT"agu"4you know, th" d"ntist#s wif"4ca" running across th" str""t,/
and so on and so on(
Th" n"7t day ca" a fr"sh s"nsation( Po'k Str""t r"ad of it in th" orning
)a)"rs( Towards idnight on th" day of th" urd"r G"rkow#s body had b""n
found 5oating in th" bay n"ar 1'ack Point( No on" kn"w wh"th"r h" had
drown"d his"'f or fa''"n fro on" of th" whar+"s( C'utch"d in both his
hands was a sack fu'' of o'd and rusty )ans, tin dish"s4fu''y a hundr"d of
th"4tin cans, and iron kni+"s and forks, co''"ct"d fro so" du) h"a)(
/And a'' this,/ "7c'ai"d Trina, /on account of a s"t of go'd dish"s that n"+"r
"7ist"d(/
CHAPTER 1L
,n" day, about a fortnight aft"r th" coron"r#s in8u"st had b""n h"'d, and
wh"n th" "7cit""nt of th" t"rrib'" a$air was ca'ing down and Po'k Str""t
b"ginning to r"su" its onotonous routin", ,'d <rannis sat in his c'"an,
w"''%k")t 'itt'" roo, in his cushion"d archair, his hands 'ying id'y u)on his
kn""s( It was "+"ning* not 8uit" ti" to 'ight th" 'a)s( ,'d <rannis had
drawn his chair c'os" to th" wa''4so c'os", in fact, that h" cou'd h"ar !iss
1ak"r#s gr"nadin" brushing against th" oth"r sid" of th" thin )artition, at his
+"ry "'bow, whi'" sh" rock"d g"nt'y back and forth, a cu) of t"a in h"r hands(
,'d <rannis#s occu)ation was gon"( That orning th" books"''ing 3r wh"r"
h" had bought his )a)h'"ts had tak"n his 'itt'" binding a))aratus fro hi
to us" as a od"'( Th" transaction had b""n conc'ud"d( ,'d <rannis had
r"c"i+"d his ch"ck( It was 'arg" "nough, to b" sur", but wh"n a'' was o+"r, h"
r"turn"d to his roo and sat th"r" sad and unoccu)i"d, 'ooking at th" )att"rn
in th" car)"t and counting th" h"ads of th" tacks in th" 6inc guard that was
fast"n"d to th" wa'' b"hind his 'itt'" sto+"( 1y and by h" h"ard !iss 1ak"r
o+ing about( It was 3+" o#c'ock, th" ti" wh"n sh" was accusto"d to
ak" h"r cu) of t"a and /k"") co)any/ with hi on h"r sid" of th"
)artition( ,'d <rannis dr"w u) his chair to th" wa'' n"ar wh"r" h" kn"w sh"
was sitting( Th" inut"s )ass"d* sid" by sid", and s")arat"d by on'y a cou)'"
of inch"s of board, th" two o'd )"o)'" sat th"r" tog"th"r, whi'" th" aft"rnoon
gr"w dark"r(
1ut for ,'d <rannis a'' was di$"r"nt that "+"ning( Th"r" was nothing for hi
to do( His hands 'ay id'y in his 'a)( His tab'", with its )i'" of )a)h'"ts, was in
a far corn"r of th" roo, and, fro ti" to ti", stirr"d with an unc"rtain
troub'", h" turn"d his h"ad and 'ook"d at it sad'y, r"5"cting that h" wou'd
n"+"r us" it again( Th" abs"nc" of his accusto"d work s"""d to '"a+"
so"thing out of his 'if"( It did not a))"ar to hi that h" cou'd b" th" sa"
to !iss 1ak"r now* th"ir 'itt'" habits w"r" disarrang"d, th"ir custos brok"n
u)( H" cou'd no 'ong"r fancy his"'f so n"ar to h"r( Th"y wou'd drift a)art
now, and sh" wou'd no 'ong"r ak" h"rs"'f a cu) of t"a and /k"") co)any/
with hi wh"n sh" kn"w that h" wou'd n"+"r again sit b"for" his tab'"
binding uncut )a)h'"ts( H" had so'd his ha))in"ss for on"y* h" had
bart"r"d a'' his tardy roanc" for so" is"rab'" banknot"s( H" had not
for"s""n that it wou'd b" 'ik" this( A +ast r"gr"t w"''"d u) within hi( :hat
was that on th" back of his hand@ H" wi)"d it dry with his anci"nt si'k
handk"rchi"f(
,'d <rannis '"ant his fac" in his hands( Not on'y did an in"7)'icab'" r"gr"t stir
within hi, but a c"rtain gr"at t"nd"rn"ss ca" u)on hi( Th" t"ars that
swa in his fad"d b'u" "y"s w"r" not a'tog"th"r thos" of unha))in"ss( No,
this 'ong%d"'ay"d a$"ction that had co" u)on hi in his 'at"r y"ars 3''"d
hi with a &oy for which t"ars s"""d to b" th" natura' "7)r"ssion( For thirty
y"ars his "y"s had not b""n w"t, but tonight h" f"'t as if h" w"r" young
again( H" had n"+"r 'o+"d b"for", and th"r" was sti'' a )art of hi that was
on'y tw"nty y"ars of ag"( H" cou'd not t"'' wh"th"r h" was )rofound'y sad or
d"")'y ha))y* but h" was not asha"d of th" t"ars that brought th" sart to
his "y"s and th" ach" to his throat( H" did not h"ar th" tiid ra))ing on his
door, and it was not unti' th" door its"'f o)"n"d that h" 'ook"d u) 8uick'y and
saw th" 'itt'" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r standing on th" thr"sho'd, carrying a cu) of
t"a on a tiny .a)an"s" tray( Sh" h"'d it toward hi(
/I was aking so" t"a,/ sh" said, /and I thought you wou'd 'ik" to ha+" a
cu)(/
N"+"r aft"r cou'd th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r und"rstand how sh" had brought
h"rs"'f to do this thing( ,n" o"nt sh" had b""n sitting 8ui"t'y on h"r sid"
of th" )artition, stirring h"r cu) of t"a with on" of h"r <orha s)oons( Sh"
was 8ui"t, sh" was )"ac"fu'( Th" "+"ning was c'osing down tran8ui''y( H"r
roo was th" )ictur" of ca'n"ss and ord"r( Th" g"ranius b'ooing in th"
starch bo7"s in th" window, th" ag"d go'd3sh occasiona''y turning his
irid"sc"nt 5ank to catch a sudd"n g'ow of th" s"tting sun( Th" n"7t o"nt
sh" had b""n a'' tr")idation( It s"""d to h"r th" ost natura' thing in th"
wor'd to ak" a st"aing cu) of t"a and carry it in to ,'d <rannis n"7t door(
It s"""d to h"r that h" was wanting h"r, that sh" ought to go to hi( :ith
th" brus8u" r"so'+" and intr")idity that so"ti"s s"i6"s u)on +"ry tiid
)"o)'"4th" courag" of th" coward gr"at"r than a'' oth"rs4sh" had
)r"s"nt"d h"rs"'f at th" o'd Eng'ishan#s ha'f%o)"n door, and, wh"n h" had
not h""d"d h"r knock, had )ush"d it o)"n, and at 'ast, aft"r a'' th"s" y"ars,
stood u)on th" thr"sho'd of his roo( Sh" had found courag" "nough to
"7)'ain h"r intrusion(
/I was aking so" t"a, and I thought you wou'd 'ik" to ha+" a cu)(/
,'d <rannis dro))"d his hands u)on "ith"r ar of his chair, and, '"aning
forward a 'itt'", 'ook"d at h"r b'ank'y( H" did not s)"ak(
Th" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r#s courag" had carri"d h"r thus far* now it d"s"rt"d
h"r as abru)t'y as it had co"( H"r ch""ks b"ca" scar'"t* h"r funny 'itt'"
fa's" cur's tr"b'"d with h"r agitation( :hat sh" had don" s"""d to h"r
ind"corous b"yond "7)r"ssion( It was an "nority( Fancy, sh" had gon" into
his roo, INT, HIS R,,!4!ist"r <rannis#s roo( Sh" had don" this4sh"
who cou'd not )ass hi on th" stairs without a 8ua'( :hat to do sh" did not
know( Sh" stood, a 37tur", on th" thr"sho'd of his roo, without "+"n
r"so'ution "nough to b"at a r"tr"at( H"')'"ss'y, and with a 'itt'" 8ua+"r in h"r
+oic", sh" r")"at"d obstinat"'y;
/I was aking so" t"a, and I thought you wou'd 'ik" to ha+" a cu) of t"a(/
H"r agitation b"tray"d its"'f in th" r")"tition of th" word( Sh" f"'t that sh"
cou'd not ho'd th" tray out anoth"r instant( A'r"ady sh" was tr"b'ing so that
ha'f th" t"a was s)i''"d(
,'d <rannis sti'' k")t si'"nc", sti'' b"nding forward, with wid" "y"s, his hands
gri))ing th" ars of his chair(
Th"n with th" t"a%tray sti'' h"'d straight b"for" h"r, th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r
"7c'ai"d t"arfu''y;
/,h, I didn#t "an4I didn#t "an4I didn#t know it wou'd s"" 'ik" this( I on'y
"ant to b" kind and bring you so" t"a* and now it s""s S, i)ro)"r( I4I
4I# S, asha"d? I don#t know what you wi'' think of "( I4/ sh" caught h"r
br"ath4/i)ro)"r/4sh" anag"d to "7c'ai, /un'ady%'ik"4you can n"+"r
think w"'' of "4I#'' go( I#'' go(/ Sh" turn"d about(
/Sto),/ cri"d ,'d <rannis, 3nding his +oic" at 'ast( !iss 1ak"r )aus"d, 'ooking
at hi o+"r h"r shou'd"r, h"r "y"s +"ry wid" o)"n, b'inking through h"r
t"ars, for a'' th" wor'd 'ik" a fright"n"d chi'd(
/Sto),/ "7c'ai"d th" o'd Eng'ishan, rising to his f""t( /I didn#t know it was
you at 3rst( I hadn#t dr"a"d4I cou'dn#t b"'i"+" you wou'd b" so good, so
kind to "( ,h,/ h" cri"d, with a sudd"n shar) br"ath, /oh, you ARE kind( I4I
4you ha+"4ha+" ad" " +"ry ha))y(/
/No, no,/ "7c'ai"d !iss 1ak"r, r"ady to sob( /It was un'ady%'ik"( 9ou wi''4
you ust think i'' of "(/ Sh" stood in th" ha''( Th" t"ars w"r" running down
h"r ch""ks, and sh" had no fr"" hand to dry th"(
/2"t "4I#'' tak" th" tray fro you,/ cri"d ,'d <rannis, coing forward( A
tr"u'ous &oy ca" u)on hi( N"+"r in his 'if" had h" b""n so ha))y( At 'ast
it had co"4co" wh"n h" had '"ast "7)"ct"d it( That which h" had 'ong"d
for and ho)"d for through so any y"ars, b"ho'd, it was co" to%night( H"
f"'t his awkwardn"ss '"a+ing hi( H" was a'ost c"rtain that th" 'itt'"
dr"ssak"r 'o+"d hi, and th" thought ga+" hi bo'dn"ss( H" ca" toward
h"r and took th" tray fro h"r hands, and, turning back into th" roo with it,
ad" as if to s"t it u)on his tab'"( 1ut th" )i'"s of his )a)h'"ts w"r" in th"
way( 1oth of his hands w"r" occu)i"d with th" tray* h" cou'd not ak" a
)'ac" for it on th" tab'"( H" stood for a o"nt unc"rtain, his
"barrass"nt r"turning(
/,h, won#t you4won#t you )'"as"4/ H" turn"d his h"ad, 'ooking a))"a'ing'y
at th" 'itt'" o'd dr"ssak"r(
/:ait, I#'' h"') you,/ sh" said( Sh" ca" into th" roo, u) to th" tab'", and
o+"d th" )a)h'"ts to on" sid"(
/Thanks, thanks,/ urur"d ,'d <rannis, s"tting down th" tray(
/Now4now4now I wi'' go back,/ sh" "7c'ai"d, hurri"d'y(
/No4no,/ r"turn"d th" o'd Eng'ishan( /0on#t go, don#t go( I#+" b""n so
'on"'y to%night4and 'ast night too4a'' this y"ar4a'' y 'if",/ h" sudd"n'y
cri"d(
/I4I4I#+" forgott"n th" sugar(/
/1ut I n"+"r tak" sugar in y t"a(/
/1ut it#s rath"r co'd, and I#+" s)i''"d it4a'ost a'' of it(/
/I#'' drink it fro th" sauc"r(/ ,'d <rannis had drawn u) his archair for h"r(
/,h, I shou'dn#t( This is4this is S,49ou ust think i'' of "(/ Sudd"n'y sh"
sat down, and r"sting h"r "'bows on th" tab'", hid h"r fac" in h"r hands(
/Think I22 of you@/ cri"d ,'d <rannis, /think I22 of you@ :hy, you don#t know
4you ha+" no id"a4a'' th"s" y"ars4'i+ing so c'os" to you, I4I4/ h" )aus"d
sudd"n'y( It s"""d to hi as if th" b"ating of his h"art was choking hi(
/I thought you w"r" binding your books to%night,/ said !iss 1ak"r, sudd"n'y,
/and you 'ook"d tir"d( I thought you 'ook"d tir"d wh"n I 'ast saw you, and a
cu) of t"a, you know, it4that4that do"s you so uch good wh"n you#r"
tir"d( 1ut you w"r"n#t binding books(/
/No, no,/ r"turn"d ,'d <rannis, drawing u) a chair and sitting down( /No, I4
th" fact is, I#+" so'd y a))aratus* a 3r of books"''"rs has bought th" rights
of it(/
/And ar"n#t you going to bind books any or"@/ "7c'ai"d th" 'itt'"
dr"ssak"r, a shad" of disa))oint"nt in h"r ann"r( /I thought you a'ways
did about four o#c'ock( I us"d to h"ar you wh"n I was aking t"a(/
It hard'y s"""d )ossib'" to !iss 1ak"r that sh" was actua''y ta'king to ,'d
<rannis, that th" two w"r" r"a''y chatting tog"th"r, fac" to fac", and without
th" dr"adfu' "barrass"nt that us"d to o+"rwh"' th" both wh"n th"y
"t on th" stairs( Sh" had oft"n dr"a"d of this, but had a'ways )ut it o$ to
so" far%distant day( It was to co" gradua''y, 'itt'" by 'itt'", inst"ad of, as
now, abru)t'y and with no )r")aration( That sh" shou'd )"rit h"rs"'f th"
indiscr"tion of actua''y intruding h"rs"'f into his roo had n"+"r so uch as
occurr"d to h"r( 9"t h"r" sh" was, IN HIS R,,!, and th"y w"r" ta'king
tog"th"r, and 'itt'" by 'itt'" h"r "barrass"nt was w"aring away(
/9"s, y"s, I a'ways h"ard you wh"n you w"r" aking t"a,/ r"turn"d th" o'd
Eng'ishan* /I h"ard th" t"a things( Th"n I us"d to draw y chair and y
work%tab'" c'os" to th" wa'' on y sid", and sit th"r" and work whi'" you
drank your t"a &ust on th" oth"r sid"* and I us"d to f""' +"ry n"ar to you
th"n( I us"d to )ass th" who'" "+"ning that way(/
/And, y"s4y"s4I did too,/ sh" answ"r"d( /I us"d to ak" t"a &ust at that
ti" and sit th"r" for a who'" hour(/
/And didn#t you sit c'os" to th" )artition on your sid"@ So"ti"s I was sur"
of it( I cou'd "+"n fancy that I cou'd h"ar your dr"ss brushing against th" wa''%
)a)"r c'os" b"sid" "( 0idn#t you sit c'os" to th" )artition@/
/I4I don#t know wh"r" I sat(/
,'d <rannis shy'y )ut out his hand and took h"rs as it 'ay u)on h"r 'a)(
/0idn#t you sit c'os" to th" )artition on your sid"@/ h" insist"d(
/No4I don#t know4)"rha)s4so"ti"s( ,h, y"s,/ sh" "7c'ai"d, with a
'itt'" gas), /,h, y"s, I oft"n did(/
Th"n ,'d <rannis )ut his ar about h"r, and kiss"d h"r fad"d ch""k, that
5ush"d to )ink u)on th" instant(
Aft"r that th"y s)ok" but 'itt'"( Th" day 'a)s"d s'ow'y into twi'ight, and th"
two o'd )"o)'" sat th"r" in th" gray "+"ning, 8ui"t'y, 8ui"t'y, th"ir hands in
"ach oth"r#s hands, /k"")ing co)any,/ but now with nothing to s")arat"
th"( It had co" at 'ast( Aft"r a'' th"s" y"ars th"y w"r" tog"th"r* th"y
und"rstood "ach oth"r( Th"y stood at '"ngth in a 'itt'" E'ysiu of th"ir own
cr"ating( Th"y wa'k"d hand in hand in a d"'icious gard"n wh"r" it was a'ways
autun( Far fro th" wor'd and tog"th"r th"y "nt"r"d u)on th" 'ong r"tard"d
roanc" of th"ir coon)'ac" and un"+"ntfu' 'i+"s(
CHAPTER 1N
That sa" night !cT"agu" was awak"n"d by a shri'' scr"a, and wok" to
3nd Trina#s ars around his n"ck( Sh" was tr"b'ing so that th" b"d%s)rings
cr"ak"d(
/Huh@/ cri"d th" d"ntist, sitting u) in b"d, raising his c'inch"d 3sts( /Huh@
:hat@ :hat@ :hat is it@ :hat is it@/
/,h, !ac,/ gas)"d his wif", /I had such an awfu' dr"a( I dr"a"d about
!aria( I thought sh" was chasing ", and I cou'dn#t run, and h"r throat was4
,h, sh" was a'' co+"r"d with b'ood( ,h%h, I a so fright"n"d?/
Trina had born" u) +"ry w"'' for th" 3rst day or so aft"r th" a$air, and had
gi+"n h"r t"stiony to th" coron"r with far gr"at"r ca'n"ss than H"is"( It
was on'y a w""k 'at"r that th" horror of th" thing ca" u)on h"r again( Sh"
was so n"r+ous that sh" hard'y dar"d to b" a'on" in th" dayti", and a'ost
"+"ry night wok" with a cry of t"rror, tr"b'ing with th" r"co''"ction of so"
dr"adfu' nightar"( Th" d"ntist was irritat"d b"yond a'' "7)r"ssion by h"r
n"r+ousn"ss, and "s)"cia''y was h" "7as)"rat"d wh"n h"r cri"s wok" hi
sudd"n'y in th" idd'" of th" night( H" wou'd sit u) in b"d, ro''ing his "y"s
wi'd'y, throwing out his hug" 3sts4at what, h" did not know4"7c'aiing,
/:hat what4/ b"wi'd"r"d and ho)"'"ss'y confus"d( Th"n wh"n h" r"a'i6"d
that it was on'y Trina, his ang"r kind'"d abru)t'y(
/,h, you and your dr"as? 9ou go to s'""), or I#'' gi+" you a dr"ssing down(/
So"ti"s h" wou'd hit h"r a gr"at thwack with his o)"n )a', or catch h"r
hand and bit" th" ti)s of h"r 3ng"rs( Trina wou'd 'i" awak" for hours
aft"rward, crying soft'y to h"rs"'f( Th"n, by and by, /!ac,/ sh" wou'd say
tiid'y(
/Huh@/
/!ac, do you 'o+" "@/
/Huh@ :hat@ <o to s'"")(/
/0on#t you 'o+" " any or", !ac@/
/,h, go to s'"")( 0on#t both"r "(/
/:"'', do you 2,CE ", !ac@/
/I gu"ss so(/
/,h, !ac, I#+" on'y you now, and if you don#t 'o+" ", what is going to
b"co" of "@/
/Shut u), an# '"t " go to s'"")(/
/:"'', &ust t"'' " that you 'o+" "(/
Th" d"ntist wou'd turn abru)t'y away fro h"r, burying his big b'ond h"ad in
th" )i''ow, and co+"ring u) his "ars with th" b'ank"ts( Th"n Trina wou'd sob
h"rs"'f to s'"")(
Th" d"ntist had 'ong sinc" gi+"n u) 'ooking for a &ob( 1"tw""n br"akfast and
su))"r ti" Trina saw but 'itt'" of hi( ,nc" th" orning "a' o+"r,
!cT"agu" b"stirr"d his"'f, )ut on his ca)4h" had gi+"n u) w"aring "+"n a
hat sinc" his wif" had ad" hi s"'' his si'k hat4and w"nt out( H" had fa''"n
into th" habit of taking 'ong and so'itary wa'ks b"yond th" suburbs of th" city(
So"ti"s it was to th" C'i$ Hous", occasiona''y to th" Park Dwh"r" h" wou'd
sit on th" sun%war"d b"nch"s, soking his )i)" and r"ading ragg"d "nds of
o'd n"ws)a)"rsE, but or" oft"n it was to th" Pr"sidio R"s"r+ation( !cT"agu"
wou'd wa'k out to th" "nd of th" =nion Str""t car 'in", "nt"ring th"
R"s"r+ation at th" t"rinus, th"n h" wou'd work down to th" shor" of th"
bay, fo''ow th" shor" 'in" to th" ,'d Fort at th" <o'd"n <at", and, turning th"
Point h"r", co" out sudd"n'y u)on th" fu'' sw"") of th" Paci3c( Th"n h"
wou'd fo''ow th" b"ach down to a c"rtain )oint of rocks that h" kn"w( H"r" h"
wou'd turn in'and, c'ibing th" b'u$s to a ro''ing grassy down sown with b'u"
iris and a y"''ow 5ow"r that h" did not know th" na" of( ,n th" far sid" of
this down was a broad, w"''%k")t road( !cT"agu" wou'd k"") to this road unti'
h" r"ach"d th" city again by th" way of th" Sacra"nto Str""t car 'in"( Th"
d"ntist 'o+"d th"s" wa'ks( H" 'ik"d to b" a'on"( H" 'ik"d th" so'itud" of th"
tr""ndous, tub'ing oc"an* th" fr"sh, windy downs* h" 'ik"d to f""' th"
gusty Trad"s 5ogging his fac", and h" wou'd r"ain for hours watching th"
ro'' and )'ung" of th" br"ak"rs with th" si'"nt, unr"ason"d "n&oy"nt of a
chi'd( A'' at onc" h" d"+"'o)"d a )assion for 3shing( H" wou'd sit a'' day
n"ar'y otion'"ss u)on a )oint of rocks, his 3sh%'in" b"tw""n his 3ng"rs,
ha))y if h" caught thr"" )"rch in tw"'+" hours( At noon h" wou'd r"tir" to a
bit of '"+"' turf around an ang'" of th" shor" and cook his 3sh, "ating th"
without sa't or knif" or fork( H" thrust a )oint"d stick down th" outh of th"
)"rch, and turn"d it s'ow'y o+"r th" b'a6"( :h"n th" gr"as" sto))"d dri))ing,
h" kn"w that it was don", and wou'd d"+our it s'ow'y and with tr""ndous
r"'ish, )icking th" bon"s c'"an, "ating "+"n th" h"ad( H" r""b"r"d how
oft"n h" us"d to do this sort of thing wh"n h" was a boy in th" ountains of
P'ac"r County, b"for" h" b"ca" a car%boy at th" in"( Th" d"ntist "n&oy"d
his"'f hug"'y during th"s" days( Th" instincts of th" o'd%ti" in"r w"r"
r"turning( In th" str"ss of his isfortun" !cT"agu" was 'a)sing back to his
"ar'y "stat"(
,n" "+"ning as h" r"ach"d ho" aft"r such a tra), h" was sur)ris"d to 3nd
Trina standing in front of what had b""n G"rkow#s hous", 'ooking at it
thoughtfu''y, h"r 3ng"r on h"r 'i)s(
/:hat you doing h"r"#@/ grow'"d th" d"ntist as h" ca" u)( Th"r" was a
/Roos%to%'"t/ sign on th" str""t door of th" hous"(
/Now w"#+" found a )'ac" to o+" to,/ "7c'ai"d Trina(
/:hat@/ cri"d !cT"agu"( /Th"r", in that dirty hous", wh"r" you found !aria@/
/I can#t a$ord that roo in th" 5at any or", now that you can#t g"t any work
to do(/
/1ut th"r"#s wh"r" G"rkow ki''"d !aria4th" +"ry hous"4an# you wak" u) an#
s8u"a' in th" night &ust thinking of it(/
/I know( I know it wi'' b" bad at 3rst, but I#'' g"t us"d to it, an# it#s &ust ha'f
again as ch"a) as wh"r" w" ar" now( I was 'ooking at a roo* w" can ha+" it
dirt ch"a)( It#s a back roo o+"r th" kitch"n( A <"ran fai'y ar" going to
tak" th" front )art of th" hous" and sub'"t th" r"st( I# going to tak" it( It#''
b" on"y in y )ock"t(/
/1ut it won#t b" any in in",/ +ocif"rat"d th" d"ntist, angri'y( /I#'' ha+" to 'i+"
in that dirty rat ho'" &ust so#s you can sa+" on"y( I ain#t any th" b"tt"r o$ for
it(/
/Find work to do, and th"n w"#'' ta'k,/ d"c'ar"d Trina( /I#! going to sa+" u)
so" on"y against a rainy day* and if I can sa+" or" by 'i+ing h"r" I#
going to do it, "+"n if it is th" hous" !aria was ki''"d in( I don#t car"(/
/A'' right,/ said !cT"agu", and did not ak" any furth"r )rot"st( His wif"
'ook"d at hi sur)ris"d( Sh" cou'd not und"rstand this sudd"n ac8ui"sc"nc"(
P"rha)s !cT"agu" was so uch away fro ho" of 'at" that h" had c"as"d
to car" wh"r" or how h" 'i+"d( 1ut this sudd"n chang" troub'"d h"r a 'itt'" for
a'' that(
Th" n"7t day th" !cT"agu"s o+"d for a s"cond ti"( It did not tak" th"
'ong( Th"y w"r" ob'ig"d to buy th" b"d fro th" 'and'ady, a circustanc"
which n"ar'y brok" Trina#s h"art* and this b"d, a cou)'" of chairs, Trina#s
trunk, an orna"nt or two, th" oi' sto+", and so" )'at"s and kitch"n war"
w"r" a'' that th"y cou'd ca'' th"ir own now* and this back roo in that
wr"tch"d hous" with its gris'y "ori"s, th" on" window 'ooking out into a
griy a6" of back yards and brok"n sh"ds, was what th"y now kn"w as
th"ir ho"(
Th" !cT"agu"s now b"gan to sink ra)id'y 'ow"r and 'ow"r( Th"y b"ca"
accusto"d to th"ir surroundings( :orst of a'', Trina 'ost h"r )r"tty ways and
h"r good 'ooks( Th" cobin"d "$"cts of hard work, a+aric", )oor food, and
h"r husband#s bruta'iti"s to'd on h"r swift'y( H"r charing 'itt'" 3gur" gr"w
coars", stunt"d, and du)y( Sh" who had onc" b""n of a cat'ik" n"atn"ss,
now s'o+"n"d a'' day about th" roo in a dirty 5ann"' wra))"r, h"r s'i))"rs
c'a)%c'a))ing aft"r h"r as sh" wa'k"d( At 'ast sh" "+"n n"g'"ct"d h"r hair, th"
wond"rfu' swarthy tiara, th" coi$ur" of a 8u""n, that shad"d h"r 'itt'" )a'"
for"h"ad( In th" orning sh" braid"d it b"for" it was ha'f cob"d, and )i'"d
and coi'"d it about h"r h"ad in ha)ha6ard fashion( It ca" down ha'f a do6"n
ti"s a day* by "+"ning it was an unk")t, tang'"d ass, a +"ritab'" rat#s
n"st(
Ah, no, it was not +"ry gay, that 'if" of h"rs, wh"n on" had to rust'" for two,
cook and work and wash, to say nothing of )aying th" r"nt( :hat odds was it
if sh" was s'att"rn'y, dirty, coars"@ :as th"r" ti" to ak" h"rs"'f 'ook
oth"rwis", and who was th"r" to b" )'"as"d wh"n sh" was a'' )rink"d out@
Sur"'y not a gr"at brut" of a husband who bit you 'ik" a dog, and kick"d and
)ound"d you as though you w"r" ad" of iron( Ah, no, b"tt"r '"t things go,
and tak" it as "asy as you cou'd( Hu) your back, and it was soon"st o+"r(
Th" on" roo gr"w aboinab'y dirty, r""king with th" odors of cooking and
of /non%)oisonous/ )aint( Th" b"d was not ad" unti' 'at" in th" aft"rnoon,
so"ti"s not at a''( 0irty, unwash"d crock"ry, gr"asy kni+"s, sodd"n
frag"nts of y"st"rday#s "a's c'utt"r"d th" tab'", whi'" in on" corn"r was
th" h"a) of "+i'%s"''ing, dirty 'in"n( Cockroach"s a))"ar"d in th" cr"+ic"s of
th" woodwork, th" wa''%)a)"r bu'g"d fro th" da) wa''s and b"gan to )""'(
Trina had 'ong ago c"as"d to dust or to wi)" th" furnitur" with a bit of rag(
Th" gri" gr"w thick u)on th" window )an"s and in th" corn"rs of th" roo(
A'' th" 3'th of th" a''"y in+ad"d th"ir 8uart"rs 'ik" a rising uddy tid"(
1"tw""n th" windows, how"+"r, th" fad"d )hotogra)h of th" cou)'" in th"ir
w"dding 3n"ry 'ook"d down u)on th" wr"tch"dn"ss, Trina sti'' ho'ding h"r s"t
bou8u"t straight b"for" h"r, !cT"agu" standing at h"r sid", his '"ft foot
forward, in th" attitud" of a S"cr"tary of Stat"* whi'" n"ar by hung th"
canary, th" on" thing th" d"ntist c'ung to obstinat"'y, )i)ing and chitt"ring
a'' day in its 'itt'" gi't )rison(
And th" tooth, th" gigantic go'd"n o'ar of Fr"nch gi't, "norous and
ungain'y, s)raw'"d its branching )rongs in on" corn"r of th" roo, by th"
footboard of th" b"d( Th" !cT"agu"#s had co" to us" it as a sort of
substitut" for a tab'"( Aft"r br"akfast and su))"r Trina )i'"d th" )'at"s and
gr"asy dish"s u)on it to ha+" th" out of th" way(
,n" aft"rnoon th" ,th"r 0"ntist, !cT"agu"#s o'd%ti" ri+a', th" w"ar"r of
ar+"''ous waistcoats, was sur)ris"d out of a'' count"nanc" to r"c"i+" a +isit
fro !cT"agu"( Th" ,th"r 0"ntist was in his o)"rating roo at th" ti", at
work u)on a )'ast"r%of%)aris ou'd( To his ca'' of /#Co" right in( 0on#t you
s"" th" sign, #Ent"r without knocking#@/ !cT"agu" ca" in( H" not"d at onc"
how airy and ch""rfu' was th" roo( A 'itt'" 3r" cough"d and titt"r"d on th"
h"arth, a brind'"d gr"yhound sat on his haunch"s watching it int"nt'y, a gr"at
irror o+"r th" ant'" o$"r"d to +i"w an array of actr"ss"s# )ictur"s thrust
b"tw""n th" g'ass and th" fra", and a big bunch of fr"sh'y%cut +io'"ts stood
in a g'ass bow' on th" )o'ish"d ch"rrywood tab'"( Th" ,th"r 0"ntist ca"
forward brisk'y, "7c'aiing ch""rfu''y;
/,h, 0octor4!ist"r !cT"agu", how do@ how do@/
Th" f"''ow was actua''y w"aring a +"'+"t soking &ack"t( A cigar"tt" was
b"tw""n his 'i)s* his )at"nt '"ath"r boots r"5"ct"d th" 3r"'ight( !cT"agu"
wor" a b'ack surah n"g'ig" shirt without a cra+at* hug" buck'"d brogans, hob%
nai'"d, gross, "ncas"d his f""t* th" h"s of his trous"rs w"r" s)ott"d with
ud* his coat was fray"d at th" s'""+"s and a button was gon"( In thr"" days
h" had not sha+"d* his shock of h"a+y b'ond hair "sca)"d fro b"n"ath th"
+isor of his woo''"n ca) and hung 'ow o+"r his for"h"ad( H" stood with
awkward, shifting f""t and unc"rtain "y"s b"for" th" da))"r young f"''ow
who r""k"d of th" barb"r sho), and who h" had onc" ord"r"d fro his
roos(
/:hat can I do for you this orning, !ist"r !cT"agu"@ So"thing wrong with
th" t""th, "h@/
/No, no(/ !cT"agu", 5ound"ring in th" di-cu'ti"s of his s)""ch, forgot th"
car"fu''y r"h"ars"d words with which h" had int"nd"d to b"gin this int"r+i"w(
/I want to s"'' you y sign,/ h" said, stu)id'y( /That big tooth of Fr"nch gi't4
9,= know4that you ad" an o$"r for onc"(/
/,h, I don#t want that now,/ said th" oth"r 'ofti'y( /I )r"f"r a 'itt'" 8ui"t
signboard, nothing )r"t"ntious4&ust th" na", and #0"ntist# aft"r it( Th"s"
big signs ar" +u'gar( No, I don#t want it(/
!cT"agu" r"ain"d, 'ooking about on th" 5oor, horrib'y "barrass"d, not
knowing wh"th"r to go or to stay(
/1ut I don#t know,/ said th" ,th"r 0"ntist, r"5"cti+"'y( /If it wi'' h"') you out
any4I gu"ss you#r" )r"tty hard u)4I#''4w"'', I t"'' you what4I#'' gi+" you 3+"
do''ars for it(/
/A'' right, a'' right(/
,n th" fo''owing Thursday orning !cT"agu" wok" to h"ar th" "a+"s
dri))ing and th" )ro'ong"d ratt'" of th" rain u)on th" roof(
/Raining,/ h" grow'"d, in d"") disgust, sitting u) in b"d, and winking at th"
b'urr"d window(
/It#s b""n raining a'' night,/ said Trina( Sh" was a'r"ady u) and dr"ss"d, and
was cooking br"akfast on th" oi' sto+"(
!cT"agu" dr"ss"d his"'f, grub'ing, /:"'', I#'' go, anyhow( Th" 3sh wi'' bit"
a'' th" b"tt"r for th" rain(/
/2ook h"r", !ac,/ said Trina, s'icing a bit of bacon as thin'y as sh" cou'd(
/2ook h"r", why don#t you bring so" of your 3sh ho" so"ti"@/
/Huh?/ snort"d th" d"ntist, /so#s w" cou'd ha+" #" for br"akfast( !ight sa+"
you a nick"', ightn#t it@/
/:"'', and if it did? ,r you ight 3sh for th" ark"t( Th" 3sh"ran across th"
str""t wou'd buy #" of you(/
/Shut u)?/ "7c'ai"d th" d"ntist, and Trina ob"di"nt'y subsid"d(
/2ook h"r",/ continu"d h"r husband, fub'ing in his trous"rs )ock"t and
bringing out a do''ar, /I# sick and tir"d of co$"" and bacon and ash"d
)otato"s( <o o+"r to th" ark"t and g"t so" kind of "at for br"akfast( <"t
a st"ak, or cho)s, or so"thing(
/:hy, !ac, that#s a who'" do''ar, and h" on'y ga+" you 3+" for your sign( :"
can#t a$ord it( Sur", !ac( 2"t " )ut that on"y away against a rainy day(
9ou#r" &ust as w"'' o$ without "at for br"akfast(/
/9ou do as I t"'' you( <"t so" st"ak, or cho)s, or so"thing(/
/P'"as", !ac, d"ar(/
/<o on, now( I#'' bit" your 3ng"rs again )r"tty soon(/
/1ut44/
Th" d"ntist took a st") towards h"r, snatching at h"r hand(
/A'' right, I#'' go,/ cri"d Trina, wincing and shrinking( /I#'' go(/
Sh" did not g"t th" cho)s at th" big ark"t, how"+"r( Inst"ad, sh" hurri"d to
a ch"a)"r butch"r sho) on a sid" str""t two b'ocks away, and bought 3ft""n
c"nts# worth of cho)s fro a sid" of utton so" two or thr"" days o'd( Sh"
was gon" so" 'itt'" ti"(
/<i+" " th" chang",/ "7c'ai"d th" d"ntist as soon as sh" r"turn"d( Trina
hand"d hi a 8uart"r* and wh"n !cT"agu" was about to )rot"st, brok" in
u)on hi with a ra)id str"a of ta'k that confus"d hi u)on th" instant( 1ut
for that att"r, it was n"+"r di-cu't for Trina to d"c"i+" th" d"ntist( H" n"+"r
w"nt to th" botto of things( H" wou'd ha+" b"'i"+"d h"r if sh" had to'd hi
th" cho)s had cost a do''ar(
/Th"r"#s si7ty c"nts sa+"d, anyhow,/ thought Trina, as sh" c'utch"d th"
on"y in h"r )ock"t to k"") it fro ratt'ing(
Trina cook"d th" cho)s, and th"y br"akfast"d in si'"nc"( /Now,/ said
!cT"agu" as h" ros", wi)ing th" co$"" fro his thick ustach" with th"
ho''ow of his )a', /now I# going 3shing, rain or no rain( I# going to b"
gon" a'' day(/
H" stood for a o"nt at th" door, his 3sh%'in" in his hand, swinging th"
h"a+y sink"r back and forth( H" 'ook"d at Trina as sh" c'"ar"d away th"
br"akfast things(
/So 'ong,/ said h", nodding his hug" s8uar"%cut h"ad( This aiabi'ity in th"
att"r of '"a+" taking was unusua'( Trina )ut th" dish"s down and ca" u)
to hi, h"r 'itt'" chin, onc" so adorab'", in th" air;
/Kiss " good%by, !ac,/ sh" said, )utting h"r ars around his n"ck( /9ou 0,
'o+" " a 'itt'" y"t, don#t you, !ac@ :"#'' b" ha))y again so" day( This is
hard ti"s now, but w"#'' )u'' out( 9ou#'' 3nd so"thing to do )r"tty soon(/
/I gu"ss so,/ grow'"d !cT"agu", a''owing h"r to kiss hi(
Th" canary was stirring nib'y in its cag", and &ust now brok" out into a shri''
tri''ing, its 'itt'" throat bu'ging and 8ui+"ring( Th" d"ntist star"d at it( /Say,/
h" r"ark"d s'ow'y, /I think I#'' tak" that bird of in" a'ong(/
/S"'' it@/ in8uir"d Trina(
/9"s, y"s, s"'' it(/
/:"'', you ARE coing to your s"ns"s at 'ast,/ answ"r"d Trina, a))ro+ing'y(
/1ut don#t you '"t th" bird%stor" an ch"at you( That#s a good songst"r* and
with th" cag", you ought to ak" hi gi+" you 3+" do''ars( 9ou stick out for
that at 3rst, anyhow(/
!cT"agu" unhook"d th" cag" and car"fu''y wra))"d it in an o'd n"ws)a)"r,
r"arking, /H" ight g"t co'd( :"'', so 'ong,/ h" r")"at"d, /so 'ong(/
/<ood%by, !ac(/
:h"n h" was gon", Trina took th" si7ty c"nts sh" had sto'"n fro hi out of
h"r )ock"t and r"count"d it( /It#s si7ty c"nts, a'' right,/ sh" said )roud'y( /1ut
I 0, b"'i"+" that di" is too sooth(/ Sh" 'ook"d at it critica''y( Th" c'ock on
th" )ow"r%hous" of th" Sutt"r Str""t cab'" struck "ight( /Eight o#c'ock
a'r"ady,/ sh" "7c'ai"d( /I ust g"t to work(/ Sh" c'"ar"d th" br"akfast
things fro th" tab'", and drawing u) h"r chair and h"r workbo7 b"gan
)ainting th" s"ts of Noah#s ark ania's sh" had whitt'"d th" day b"for"( Sh"
work"d st"adi'y a'' th" orning( At noon sh" 'unch"d, waring o+"r th"
co$"" '"ft fro br"akfast, and frying a cou)'" of sausag"s( 1y on" sh" was
b"nding o+"r h"r tab'" again( H"r 3ng"rs4so" of th" 'ac"rat"d by
!cT"agu"#s t""th45"w, and th" 'itt'" )i'" of ch"a) toys in th" bask"t at h"r
"'bow gr"w st"adi'y(
/:h"r" 0, a'' th" toys go to@/ sh" urur"d( /Th" thousands and thousands
of th"s" Noah#s arks that I ha+" ad"4hors"s and chick"ns and "'")hants4
and a'ways th"r" n"+"r s""s to b" "nough( It#s a good thing for " that
chi'dr"n br"ak th"ir things, and that th"y a'' ha+" to ha+" birthdays and
Christas"s(/ Sh" di))"d h"r brush into a )ot of Candyk" brown and )aint"d
on" of th" whitt'"d toy hors"s in two strok"s( Th"n a touch of i+ory b'ack with
a sa'' 5at brush cr"at"d th" tai' and an", and dots of Chin"s" whit" ad"
th" "y"s( Th" tur)"ntin" in th" )aint dri"d it a'ost i"diat"'y, and sh"
toss"d th" co)'"t"d 'itt'" hors" into th" bask"t(
At si7 o#c'ock th" d"ntist had not r"turn"d( Trina wait"d unti' s"+"n, and th"n
)ut h"r work away, and at" h"r su))"r a'on"(
/I wond"r what#s k"")ing !ac,/ sh" "7c'ai"d as th" c'ock fro th" )ow"r%
hous" on Sutt"r Str""t struck ha'f%)ast s"+"n( /I KN,: h"#s drinking
so"wh"r",/ sh" cri"d, a))r"h"nsi+"'y( /H" had th" on"y fro his sign with
hi(/
At "ight o#c'ock sh" thr"w a shaw' o+"r h"r h"ad and w"nt o+"r to th"
harn"ss sho)( If anybody wou'd know wh"r" !cT"agu" was it wou'd b" H"is"(
1ut th" harn"ss%ak"r had s""n nothing of hi sinc" th" day b"for"(
/H" was in h"r" y"st"rday aft"rnoon, and w" had a drink or two at Fr"nna#s(
!ayb" h"#s b""n in th"r" to%day(/
/,h, won#t you go in and s""@/ said Trina( /!ac a'ways ca" ho" to his
su))"r4h" n"+"r 'ik"s to iss his "a's4and I# g"tting fright"n"d about
hi(/
H"is" w"nt into th" barroo n"7t door, and r"turn"d with no d"3nit" n"ws(
Fr"nna had not s""n th" d"ntist sinc" h" had co" in with th" harn"ss%ak"r
th" )r"+ious aft"rnoon( Trina "+"n hub'"d h"rs"'f to ask of th" Ry"rs4with
who th"y had 8uarr"''"d4if th"y kn"w anything of th" d"ntist#s
wh"r"abouts, but r"c"i+"d a cont")tuous n"gati+"(
/!ayb" h"#s co" in whi'" I#+" b""n out,/ said Trina to h"rs"'f( Sh" w"nt
down Po'k Str""t again, going towards th" 5at( Th" rain had sto))"d, but th"
sid"wa'ks w"r" sti'' g'ist"ning( Th" cab'" cars trund'"d by, 'oad"d with
th"atr"go"rs( Th" barb"rs w"r" &ust c'osing th"ir sho)s( Th" candy stor" on
th" corn"r was bri''iant'y 'ight"d and was 3''ing u), whi'" th" gr""n and
y"''ow 'a)s fro th" drug stor" dir"ct'y o))osit" thr"w ka'"idosco)ic
r"5"ctions d"") down into th" shining surfac" of th" as)ha't( A band of
Sa'+ationists b"gan to )'ay and )ray in front of Fr"nna#s sa'oon( Trina hurri"d
on down th" gay str""t, with its "+"ning#s bri''iancy and sa'' acti+iti"s, h"r
shaw' o+"r h"r h"ad, on" hand 'ifting h"r fad"d skirt fro o$ th" w"t
)a+""nts( Sh" turn"d into th" a''"y, "nt"r"d G"rkow#s o'd ho" by th"
"+"r%o)"n door, and ran u)%stairs to th" roo( Nobody(
/:hy, isn#t this F=NN9,/ sh" "7c'ai"d, ha'f a'oud, standing on th" thr"sho'd,
h"r 'itt'" i'k%whit" for"h"ad curd'ing to a frown, on" sor" 3ng"r on h"r 'i)s(
Th"n a gr"at f"ar s"i6"d u)on h"r( In"+itab'y sh" associat"d th" hous" with a
sc"n" of +io'"nt d"ath(
/No, no,/ sh" said to th" darkn"ss, /!ac is a'' right( HE can tak" car" of
his"'f(/ 1ut for a'' that sh" had a c'"ar%cut +ision of h"r husband#s body,
b'oat"d with s"awat"r, his b'ond hair str"aing 'ik" k"'), ro''ing in"rt'y in
shifting wat"rs(
/H" cou'dn#t ha+" fa''"n o$ th" rocks,/ sh" d"c'ar"d 3r'y( /Th"r"4THERE h"
is now(/ Sh" h"a+"d a gr"at sigh of r"'i"f as a h"a+y tr"ad sound"d in th"
ha''way b"'ow( Sh" ran to th" banist"rs, 'ooking o+"r, and ca''ing, /,h, !ac?
Is that you, !ac@/ It was th" <"ran whos" fai'y occu)i"d th" 'ow"r 5oor(
Th" )ow"r%hous" c'ock struck nin"(
/!y <od, wh"r" is !ac@/ cri"d Trina, sta)ing h"r foot(
Sh" )ut th" shaw' o+"r h"r h"ad again, and w"nt out and stood on th" corn"r
of th" a''"y and Po'k Str""t, watching and waiting, craning h"r n"ck to s""
down th" str""t( ,nc", "+"n, sh" w"nt out u)on th" sid"wa'k in front of th"
5at and sat down for a o"nt u)on th" hors"%b'ock th"r"( Sh" cou'd not
h"') r""b"ring th" day wh"n sh" had b""n dri+"n u) to that hors"%b'ock
in a hack( H"r oth"r and fath"r and ,wgoost" and th" twins w"r" with h"r(
It was h"r w"dding day( H"r w"dding dr"ss was in a hug" tin trunk on th"
dri+"r#s s"at( Sh" had n"+"r b""n ha))i"r b"for" in a'' h"r 'if"( Sh"
r""b"r"d how sh" got out of th" hack and stood for a o"nt u)on th"
hors"%b'ock, 'ooking u) at !cT"agu"#s windows( Sh" had caught a g'i)s" of
hi at his sha+ing, th" 'ath"r sti'' on his ch""k, and th"y had wa+"d th"ir
hands at "ach oth"r( Instincti+"'y Trina 'ook"d u) at th" 5at b"hind h"r*
'ook"d u) at th" bay window wh"r" h"r husband#s /0"nta' Par'ors/ had b""n(
It was a'' dark* th" windows had th" b'ind, sight'"ss a))"aranc" i)art"d by
+acant, unt"nant"d roos( A rusty iron rod )ro&"ct"d ournfu''y fro on" of
th" window '"dg"s(
/Th"r"#s wh"r" our sign hung onc",/ said Trina( Sh" turn"d h"r h"ad and
'ook"d down Po'k Str""t towards wh"r" th" ,th"r 0"ntist had his roos, and
th"r", o+"rhanging th" str""t fro his window, n"w'y furbish"d and
bright"n"d, hung th" hug" tooth, h"r birthday )r"s"nt to h"r husband,
5ashing and g'owing in th" whit" g'ar" of th" "'"ctric 'ights 'ik" a b"acon of
d"3anc" and triu)h(
/Ah, no* ah, no,/ whis)"r"d Trina, choking back a sob( /2if" isn#t so gay( 1ut I
wou'dn#t ind, no I wou'dn#t ind anything, if on'y !ac was ho" a'' right(/
Sh" got u) fro th" hors"%b'ock and stood again on th" corn"r of th" a''"y,
watching and 'ist"ning(
It gr"w 'at"r( Th" hours )ass"d( Trina k")t at h"r )ost( Th" nois" of
a))roaching footfa''s gr"w '"ss and '"ss fr"8u"nt( 2itt'" by 'itt'" Po'k Str""t
dro))"d back into so'itud"( E'"+"n o#c'ock struck fro th" )ow"r%hous" c'ock*
'ights w"r" "7tinguish"d* at on" o#c'ock th" cab'" sto))"d, '"a+ing an abru)t
and nubing si'"nc" in th" air( A'' at onc" it s"""d +"ry sti''( Th" on'y
nois"s w"r" th" occasiona' footfa''s of a )o'ic"an and th" )"rsist"nt ca''ing
of ducks and g""s" in th" c'os"d ark"t across th" way( Th" str""t was
as'"")(
:h"n it is night and dark, and on" is awak" and a'on", on"#s thoughts tak"
th" co'or of th" surroundings* b"co" g'ooy, sobr", and +"ry disa'( A''
at onc" an id"a ca" to Trina, a dark, t"rrib'" id"a* wors", "+"n, than th"
id"a of !cT"agu"#s d"ath(
/,h, no,/ sh" cri"d( /,h, no( It isn#t tru"( 1ut su))os"4su))os"(/
Sh" '"ft h"r )ost and hurri"d back to th" hous"(
/No, no,/ sh" was saying und"r h"r br"ath, /it isn#t )ossib'"( !ayb" h"#s "+"n
co" ho" a'r"ady by anoth"r way( 1ut su))os"4su))os"4su))os"(/
Sh" ran u) th" stairs, o)"n"d th" door of th" roo, and )aus"d, out of
br"ath( Th" roo was dark and ")ty( :ith co'd, tr"b'ing 3ng"rs sh"
'ight"d th" 'a), and, turning about, 'ook"d at h"r trunk( Th" 'ock was burst(
/No, no, no,/ cri"d Trina, /it#s not tru"* it#s not tru"(/ Sh" dro))"d on h"r
kn""s b"for" th" trunk, and toss"d back th" 'id, and )'ung"d h"r hands down
into th" corn"r und"rn"ath h"r w"dding dr"ss, wh"r" sh" a'ways k")t th"
sa+ings( Th" brass atch%saf" and th" chaois%skin bag w"r" th"r"( Th"y
w"r" ")ty(
Trina 5ung h"rs"'f fu'' '"ngth u)on th" 5oor, burying h"r fac" in h"r ars,
ro''ing h"r h"ad fro sid" to sid"( H"r +oic" ros" to a wai'(
/No, no, no, it#s not tru"* it#s not tru"* it#s not tru"( ,h, h" cou'dn#t ha+" don"
it( ,h, how cou'd h" ha+" don" it@ A'' y on"y, a'' y 'itt'" sa+ings4and
d"s"rt"d "( H"#s gon", y on"y#s gon", y d"ar on"y4y d"ar, d"ar
go'd )i"c"s that I#+" work"d so hard for( ,h, to ha+" d"s"rt"d "4gon" for
good4gon" and n"+"r coing back4gon" with y go'd )i"c"s( <on"%gon"4
gon"( I#'' n"+"r s"" th" again, and I#+" work"d so hard, so so hard for hi4
for th"( No, no, N,, it#s not tru"( It IS tru"( :hat wi'' b"co" of " now@
,h, if you#'' on'y co" back you can ha+" a'' th" on"y4ha'f of it( ,h, gi+"
" back y on"y( <i+" " back y on"y, and I#'' forgi+" you( 9ou can
'"a+" " th"n if you want to( ,h, y on"y( !ac, !ac, you#+" gon" for good(
9ou don#t 'o+" " any or", and now I# a b"ggar( !y on"y#s gon", y
husband#s gon", gon", gon", gon"?/
H"r gri"f was t"rrib'"( Sh" dug h"r nai's into h"r sca'), and c'utching th"
h"a+y coi's of h"r thick b'ack hair tor" it again and again( Sh" struck h"r
for"h"ad with h"r c'"nch"d 3sts( H"r 'itt'" body shook fro h"ad to foot with
th" +io'"nc" of h"r sobbing( Sh" ground h"r sa'' t""th tog"th"r and b"at
h"r h"ad u)on th" 5oor with a'' h"r str"ngth(
H"r hair was uncoi'"d and hanging a tang'"d, dish"+"''"d ass far b"'ow h"r
waist* h"r dr"ss was torn* a s)ot of b'ood was u)on h"r for"h"ad* h"r "y"s
w"r" swo''"n* h"r ch""ks 5a"d +"ri'ion fro th" f"+"r that rag"d in h"r
+"ins( ,'d !iss 1ak"r found h"r thus towards 3+" o#c'ock th" n"7t orning(
:hat had ha))"n"d b"tw""n on" o#c'ock and dawn of that f"arfu' night Trina
n"+"r r""b"r"d( Sh" cou'd on'y r"ca'' h"rs"'f, as in a )ictur", kn""'ing
b"for" h"r brok"n and ri5"d trunk, and th"n4w""ks 'at"r, so it s"""d to h"r
4sh" wok" to 3nd h"rs"'f in h"r own b"d with an ic"d bandag" about h"r
for"h"ad and th" 'itt'" o'd dr"ssak"r at h"r sid", stroking h"r hot, dry )a'(
Th" facts of th" att"r w"r" that th" <"ran woan who 'i+"d b"'ow had
b""n awak"n"d so" hours aft"r idnight by th" sounds of Trina#s w"")ing(
Sh" had co" u)stairs and into th" roo to 3nd Trina str"tch"d fac"
downward u)on th" 5oor, ha'f%conscious and sobbing, in th" thro"s of an
hyst"ria for which th"r" was no r"'i"f( Th" woan, t"rri3"d, had ca''"d h"r
husband, and b"tw""n th" th"y had got Trina u)on th" b"d( Th"n th"
<"ran woan ha))"n"d to r""b"r that Trina had fri"nds in th" big 5at
n"ar by, and had s"nt h"r husband to f"tch th" r"tir"d dr"ssak"r, whi'" sh"
h"rs"'f r"ain"d b"hind to undr"ss Trina and )ut h"r to b"d( !iss 1ak"r had
co" o+"r at onc", and b"gan to cry h"rs"'f at th" sight of th" d"ntist#s )oor
'itt'" wif"( Sh" did not sto) to ask what th" troub'" was, and ind""d it wou'd
ha+" b""n us"'"ss to att")t to g"t any coh"r"nt "7)'anation fro Trina at
that ti"( !iss 1ak"r had s"nt th" <"ran woan#s husband to g"t so" ic"
at on" of th" /a''%night/ r"staurants of th" str""t* had k")t co'd, w"t tow"'s
on Trina#s h"ad* had cob"d and r"cob"d h"r wond"rfu' thick hair* and had
sat down by th" sid" of th" b"d, ho'ding h"r hot hand, with its )oor ai"d
3ng"rs, waiting )ati"nt'y unti' Trina shou'd b" ab'" to s)"ak(
Towards orning Trina awok"4or )"rha)s it was a "r" r"gaining of
consciousn"ss4'ook"d a o"nt at !iss 1ak"r, th"n about th" roo unti'
h"r "y"s f"'' u)on h"r trunk with its brok"n 'ock( Th"n sh" turn"d o+"r u)on
th" )i''ow and b"gan to sob again( Sh" r"fus"d to answ"r any of th" 'itt'"
dr"ssak"r#s 8u"stions, shaking h"r h"ad +io'"nt'y, h"r fac" hidd"n in th"
)i''ow(
1y br"akfast ti" h"r f"+"r had incr"as"d to such a )oint that !iss 1ak"r
took att"rs into h"r own hands and had th" <"ran woan ca'' a doctor(
H" arri+"d so" tw"nty inut"s 'at"r( H" was a big, kind'y f"''ow who 'i+"d
o+"r th" drug stor" on th" corn"r( H" had a d"") +oic" and a tr""ndous
striding gait '"ss sugg"sti+" of a )hysician than of a s"rg"ant of a ca+a'ry
troo)(
1y th" ti" of his arri+a' 'itt'" !iss 1ak"r had di+in"d intuiti+"'y th" "ntir"
troub'"( Sh" h"ard th" doctor#s swinging tra) in th" "ntry b"'ow, and h"ard
th" <"ran woan saying;
/Righd oo) d"r stairs, at d"r back of d"r ha''"( 0"r roo it d"r door o))"n(/
!iss 1ak"r "t th" doctor at th" 'anding, sh" to'd hi in a whis)"r of th"
troub'"(
/H"r husband#s d"s"rt"d h"r, I# afraid, doctor, and took a'' of h"r on"y4a
good d"a' of it( It#s about ki''"d th" )oor chi'd( Sh" was out of h"r h"ad a
good d"a' of th" night, and now sh"#s got a raging f"+"r(/
Th" doctor and !iss 1ak"r r"turn"d to th" roo and "nt"r"d, c'osing th"
door( Th" big doctor stood for a o"nt 'ooking down at Trina ro''ing h"r
h"ad fro sid" to sid" u)on th" )i''ow, h"r fac" scar'"t, h"r "norous an"
of hair s)r"ad out on "ith"r sid" of h"r( Th" 'itt'" dr"ssak"r r"ain"d at his
"'bow, 'ooking fro hi to Trina(
/Poor 'itt'" woan?/ said th" doctor* /)oor 'itt'" woan?/
!iss 1ak"r )oint"d to th" trunk, whis)"ring;
/S"", th"r"#s wh"r" sh" k")t h"r sa+ings( S"", h" brok" th" 'ock(/
/:"'', !rs( !cT"agu",/ said th" doctor, sitting down by th" b"d, and taking
Trina#s wrist, /a 'itt'" f"+"r, "h@/
Trina o)"n"d h"r "y"s and 'ook"d at hi, and th"n at !iss 1ak"r( Sh" did not
s"" in th" '"ast sur)ris"d at th" unfai'iar fac"s( Sh" a))"ar"d to consid"r
it a'' as a att"r of cours"(
/9"s,/ sh" said, with a 'ong, tr"u'ous br"ath, /I ha+" a f"+"r, and y h"ad4
y h"ad ach"s and ach"s(/
Th" doctor )r"scrib"d r"st and i'd o)iat"s( Th"n his "y" f"'' u)on th"
3ng"rs of Trina#s right hand( H" 'ook"d at th" shar)'y( A d"") r"d g'ow,
unistakab'" to a )hysician#s "y"s, was u)on so" of th", "7t"nding fro
th" 3ng"r ti)s u) to th" s"cond knuck'"(
/H"''o,/ h" "7c'ai"d, /what#s th" att"r h"r"@/ In fact so"thing was +"ry
wrong ind""d( For days Trina had notic"d it( Th" 3ng"rs of h"r right hand had
swo''"n as n"+"r b"for", aching and disco'or"d( Cru"''y 'ac"rat"d by
!cT"agu"#s bruta'ity as th"y w"r", sh" had n"+"rth"'"ss gon" on about h"r
work on th" Noah#s ark ania's, constant'y in contact with th" /non%
)oisonous/ )aint( Sh" to'd as uch to th" doctor in answ"r to his 8u"stions(
H" shook his h"ad with an "7c'aation(
/:hy, this is b'ood%)oisoning, you know,/ h" to'd h"r* /th" worst kind( 9ou#''
ha+" to ha+" thos" 3ng"rs a)utat"d, b"yond a doubt, or 'os" th" "ntir"
hand4or "+"n wors"(/
/And y work?/ "7c'ai"d Trina(
CHAPTER 1O
,n" can ho'd a scrubbing%brush with two good 3ng"rs and th" stu)s of two
oth"rs "+"n if both &oints of th" thub ar" gon", but it tak"s consid"rab'"
)ractic" to g"t us"d to it(
Trina b"ca" a scrub%woan( Sh" had tak"n counci' of S"'ina, and through
h"r had obtain"d th" )osition of car"tak"r in a 'itt'" "oria' kind"rgart"n
o+"r on Paci3c Str""t( 2ik" Po'k Str""t, it was an accoodation str""t, but
running through a uch )oor"r and or" sordid 8uart"r( Trina had a 'itt'"
roo o+"r th" kind"rgart"n schoo'roo( It was not an un)'"asant roo( It
'ook"d out u)on a sunny 'itt'" court 5oor"d with boards and us"d as th"
chi'dr"n#s )'ayground( Two gr"at ch"rry tr""s gr"w h"r", th" '"a+"s a'ost
brushing against th" window of Trina#s roo and 3't"ring th" sun'ight so that
it f"'' in round go'd"n s)ots u)on th" 5oor of th" roo( /2ik" go'd )i"c"s,/
Trina said to h"rs"'f(
Trina#s work consist"d in taking car" of th" kind"rgart"n roos, scrubbing th"
5oors, washing th" windows, dusting and airing, and carrying out th" ash"s(
1"sid"s this sh" "arn"d so" 3+" do''ars a onth by washing down th" front
st")s of so" big 5ats on :ashington Str""t, and by c'"aning out +acant
hous"s aft"r th" t"nants had '"ft( Sh" saw no on"( Nobody kn"w h"r( Sh"
w"nt about h"r work fro dawn to dark, and oft"n "ntir" days )ass"d wh"n
sh" did not h"ar th" sound of h"r own +oic"( Sh" was a'on", a so'itary,
abandon"d woan, 'ost in th" 'ow"st "ddi"s of th" gr"at city#s tid"4th" tid"
that a'ways "bbs(
:h"n Trina had b""n discharg"d fro th" hos)ita' aft"r th" o)"ration on h"r
3ng"rs, sh" found h"rs"'f a'on" in th" wor'd, a'on" with h"r 3+" thousand
do''ars( Th" int"r"st of this wou'd su))ort h"r, and y"t a''ow h"r to sa+" a
'itt'"(
1ut for a ti" Trina had thought of gi+ing u) th" 3ght a'tog"th"r and of
&oining h"r fai'y in th" south"rn )art of th" Stat"( 1ut "+"n whi'" sh"
h"sitat"d about this sh" r"c"i+"d a 'ong '"tt"r fro h"r oth"r, an answ"r to
on" sh" h"rs"'f had writt"n &ust b"for" th" a)utation of h"r right%hand
3ng"rs4th" 'ast '"tt"r sh" wou'd "+"r b" ab'" to writ"( !rs( Si"))"#s '"tt"r
was on" 'ong 'a"ntation* sh" had h"r own isfortun"s to b"wai' as w"'' as
thos" of h"r daught"r( Th" car)"t%c'"aning and u)ho'st"ry busin"ss had
fai'"d( !r( Si"))" and ,wgoost" had '"ft for N"w G"a'and with a co'oni6ation
co)any, whith"r !rs( Si"))" and th" twins w"r" to fo''ow th" as soon as
th" co'ony "stab'ish"d its"'f( So far fro h"')ing Trina in h"r i'' fortun", it was
sh", h"r oth"r, who ight so" day in th" n"ar futur" b" ob'ig"d to turn to
Trina for aid( So Trina had gi+"n u) th" id"a of any h"') fro h"r fai'y( For
that att"r sh" n""d"d non"( Sh" sti'' had h"r 3+" thousand, and =nc'"
,"'b"rann )aid h"r th" int"r"st with a achin"%'ik" r"gu'arity( Now that
!cT"agu" had '"ft h"r, th"r" was on" '"ss outh to f""d* and with this
sa+ing, tog"th"r with th" 'itt'" sh" cou'd "arn as scrub%woan, Trina cou'd
a'ost anag" to ak" good th" aount sh" 'ost by b"ing ob'ig"d to c"as"
work u)on th" Noah#s ark ania's(
2itt'" by 'itt'" h"r sorrow o+"r th" 'oss of h"r )r"cious sa+ings o+"rca" th"
gri"f of !cT"agu"#s d"s"rtion of h"r( H"r a+aric" had grown to b" h"r on"
doinant )assion* h"r 'o+" of on"y for th" on"y#s sak" brood"d in h"r
h"art, dri+ing out by d"gr""s "+"ry oth"r natura' a$"ction( Sh" gr"w thin and
"agr"* h"r 5"sh c'o+" tight to h"r sa'' sk"'"ton* h"r sa'' )a'" outh and
'itt'" u)'ift"d chin gr"w to ha+" a c"rtain f"'in" "ag"rn"ss of "7)r"ssion* h"r
'ong, narrow "y"s g'ist"n"d continua''y, as if th"y caught and h"'d th" g'int of
"ta'( ,n" day as sh" sat in h"r roo, th" ")ty brass atch%bo7 and th"
'i) chaois bag in h"r hands, sh" sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d;
/I cou'd ha+" forgi+"n hi if h" had on'y gon" away and '"ft " y on"y( I
cou'd ha+"4y"s, I cou'd ha+" forgi+"n hi "+"n THIS/4sh" 'ook"d at th"
stu)s of h"r 3ng"rs( /1ut now,/ h"r t""th c'os"d tight and h"r "y"s 5ash"d,
/now4I#''4n"+"r4forgi+"4hi4as%'ong4as4I4'i+"(/
Th" ")ty bag and th" ho''ow, 'ight atch%bo7 troub'"d h"r( 0ay aft"r day
sh" took th" fro h"r trunk and w")t o+"r th" as oth"r wo"n w"") o+"r
a d"ad baby#s sho"( H"r four hundr"d do''ars w"r" gon", w"r" gon", w"r"
gon"( Sh" wou'd n"+"r s"" th" again( Sh" cou'd )'ain'y s"" h"r husband
s)"nding h"r sa+ings by handfu's* s8uand"ring h"r b"autifu' go'd )i"c"s that
sh" had b""n at such )ains to )o'ish with soa) and ash"s( Th" thought 3''"d
h"r with an uns)"akab'" anguish( Sh" wou'd wak" at night fro a dr"a of
!cT"agu" r"+"''ing down h"r on"y, and ask of th" darkn"ss, /How uch did
h" s)"nd to%day@ How any of th" go'd )i"c"s ar" '"ft@ Has h" brok"n "ith"r
of th" two tw"nty%do''ar )i"c"s y"t@ :hat did h" s)"nd it for@/
Th" instant sh" was out of th" hos)ita' Trina had b"gun to sa+" again, but
now it was with an "ag"rn"ss that aount"d at ti"s to a +"ritab'" fr"n6y(
Sh" "+"n d"ni"d h"rs"'f 'ights and fu"' in ord"r to )ut by a 8uart"r or so,
grudging "+"ry )"nny sh" was ob'ig"d to s)"nd( Sh" did h"r own washing
and cooking( Fina''y sh" so'd h"r w"dding dr"ss, that had hith"rto 'ain in th"
botto of h"r trunk(
Th" day sh" o+"d fro G"rkow#s o'd hous", sh" ca" sudd"n'y u)on th"
d"ntist#s conc"rtina und"r a h"a) of o'd c'oth"s in th" c'os"t( :ithin tw"nty
inut"s sh" had so'd it to th" d"a'"r in s"cond%hand furnitur", r"turning to
h"r roo with s"+"n do''ars in h"r )ock"t, ha))y for th" 3rst ti" sinc"
!cT"agu" had '"ft h"r(
1ut for a'' that th" atch%bo7 and th" bag r"fus"d to 3'' u)* aft"r thr"" w""ks
of th" ost rigid "conoy th"y contain"d but "ight""n do''ars and so"
sa'' chang"( :hat was that co)ar"d with four hundr"d@ Trina to'd h"rs"'f
that sh" ust ha+" h"r on"y in hand( Sh" 'ong"d to s"" again th" h"a) of
it u)on h"r work%tab'", wh"r" sh" cou'd )'ung" h"r hands into it, h"r fac" into
it, f""'ing th" coo', sooth "ta' u)on h"r ch""ks( At such o"nts sh"
wou'd s"" in h"r iagination h"r wond"rfu' 3+" thousand do''ars )i'"d in
co'uns, shining and g'"aing so"wh"r" at th" botto of =nc'"
,"'b"rann#s +au't( Sh" wou'd 'ook at th" )a)"r that =nc'" ,"'b"rann had
gi+"n h"r, and t"'' h"rs"'f that it r")r"s"nt"d 3+" thousand do''ars( 1ut in th"
"nd this c"as"d to satisfy h"r, sh" ust ha+" th" on"y its"'f( Sh" ust
ha+" h"r four hundr"d do''ars back again, th"r" in h"r trunk, in h"r bag and
h"r atch%bo7, wh"r" sh" cou'd touch it and s"" it wh"n"+"r sh" d"sir"d(
At '"ngth sh" cou'd stand it no 'ong"r, and on" day )r"s"nt"d h"rs"'f b"for"
=nc'" ,"'b"rann as h" sat in his o-c" in th" who'"sa'" toy stor", and to'd
hi sh" want"d to ha+" four hundr"d do''ars of h"r on"y(
/1ut this is +"ry irr"gu'ar, you know, !rs( !cT"agu",/ said th" gr"at an(
/Not busin"ss%'ik" at a''(/
1ut his ni"c"#s isfortun"s and th" sight of h"r )oor ai"d hand a))"a'"d
to hi( H" o)"n"d his ch"ck%book( /9ou und"rstand, of cours",/ h" said, /that
this wi'' r"duc" th" aount of your int"r"st by &ust so uch(/
/I know, I know( I#+" thought of that,/ said Trina(
/Four hundr"d, did you say@/ r"ark"d =nc'" ,"'b"rann, taking th" ca)
fro his fountain )"n(
/9"s, four hundr"d,/ "7c'ai"d Trina, 8uick'y, h"r "y"s g'ist"ning(
Trina cash"d th" ch"ck and r"turn"d ho" with th" on"y4a'' in tw"nty%
do''ar )i"c"s as sh" had d"sir"d4in an "cstasy of d"'ight( For ha'f of that
night sh" sat u) )'aying with h"r on"y, counting it and r"counting it,
)o'ishing th" du''"r )i"c"s unti' th"y shon"( A'tog"th"r th"r" w"r" tw"nty
tw"nty%do''ar go'd )i"c"s(
/,h%h, you b"auti"s?/ urur"d Trina, running h"r )a's o+"r th", fair'y
8ui+"ring with )'"asur"( /9ou b"auti"s? IS th"r" anything )r"tti"r than a
tw"nty%do''ar go'd )i"c"@ 9ou d"ar, d"ar on"y? ,h, don#t I 2,CE you? !in",
in", in"4a'' of you in"(/
Sh" 'aid th" out in a row on th" '"dg" of th" tab'", or arrang"d th" in
)att"rns4triang'"s, circ'"s, and s8uar"s4or bui't th" a'' u) into a )yraid
which sh" aft"rward o+"rthr"w for th" sak" of h"aring th" d"'icious c'ink of
th" )i"c"s tub'ing against "ach oth"r( Th"n at 'ast sh" )ut th" away in
th" brass atch%bo7 and chaois bag, d"'ight"d b"yond words that th"y
w"r" onc" or" fu'' and h"a+y(
Th"n, a f"w days aft"r, th" thought of th" on"y sti'' r"aining in =nc'"
,"'b"rann#s k"")ing r"turn"d to h"r( It was h"rs, a'' h"rs4a'' that four
thousand si7 hundr"d( Sh" cou'd ha+" as uch of it or as 'itt'" of it as sh"
chos"( Sh" on'y had to ask( For a w""k Trina r"sist"d, knowing +"ry w"'' that
taking fro h"r ca)ita' was )ro)ortionat"'y r"ducing h"r onth'y inco"(
Th"n at 'ast sh" yi"'d"d(
/.ust to ak" it an "+"n 3+" hundr"d, anyhow,/ sh" to'd h"rs"'f( That day sh"
dr"w a hundr"d do''ars or", in tw"nty%do''ar go'd )i"c"s as b"for"( Fro
that ti" Trina b"gan to draw st"adi'y u)on h"r ca)ita', a 'itt'" at a ti"( It
was a )assion with h"r, a ania, a +"ritab'" "nta' dis"as"* a t")tation
such as drunkards on'y know(
It wou'd co" u)on h"r a'' of a sudd"n( :hi'" sh" was about h"r work,
scrubbing th" 5oor of so" +acant hous"* or in h"r roo, in th" orning, as
sh" ad" h"r co$"" on th" oi' sto+", or wh"n sh" wok" in th" night, a
brus8u" acc"ss of cu)idity wou'd s"i6" u)on h"r( H"r ch""ks 5ush"d, h"r
"y"s g'ist"n"d, h"r br"ath ca" short( At ti"s sh" wou'd '"a+" h"r work &ust
as it was, )ut on h"r o'd bonn"t of b'ack straw, throw h"r shaw' about h"r,
and go straight to =nc'" ,"'b"rann#s stor" and draw against h"r on"y(
Now it wou'd b" a hundr"d do''ars, now si7ty* now sh" wou'd cont"nt h"rs"'f
with on'y tw"nty* and onc", aft"r a fortnight#s abstin"nc", sh" )"ritt"d
h"rs"'f a )ositi+" d"bauch of 3+" hundr"d( 2itt'" by 'itt'" sh" dr"w h"r ca)ita'
fro =nc'" ,"'b"rann, and 'itt'" by 'itt'" h"r origina' int"r"st of tw"nty%3+"
do''ars a onth dwind'"d(
,n" day sh" )r"s"nt"d h"rs"'f again in th" o-c" of th" who'"%sa'" toy stor"(
/:i'' you '"t " ha+" a ch"ck for two hundr"d do''ars, =nc'" ,"'b"rann@/
sh" said(
Th" gr"at an 'aid down his fountain )"n and '"an"d back in his swi+"' chair
with gr"at d"'ib"ration(
/I don#t und"rstand, !rs( !cT"agu",/ h" said( /E+"ry w""k you co" h"r"
and draw out a 'itt'" of your on"y( I#+" to'd you that it is not at a'' r"gu'ar or
busin"ss%'ik" for " to '"t you ha+" it this way( And or" than this, it#s a
gr"at incon+"ni"nc" to " to gi+" you th"s" ch"cks at unstat"d ti"s( If you
wish to draw out th" who'" aount '"t#s ha+" so" und"rstanding( 0raw it in
onth'y insta''"nts of, say, 3+" hundr"d do''ars, or "'s",/ h" add"d,
abru)t'y, /draw it a'' at onc", now, to%day( I wou'd "+"n )r"f"r it that way(
,th"rwis" it#s4it#s annoying( Co", sha'' I draw you a ch"ck for thirty%s"+"n
hundr"d, and ha+" it o+"r and don" with@/
/No, no,/ cri"d Trina, with instincti+" a))r"h"nsion, r"fusing, sh" did not know
why( /No, I#'' '"a+" it with you( I won#t draw out any or"(/
Sh" took h"r d")artur", but )aus"d on th" )a+""nt outsid" th" stor", and
stood for a o"nt 'ost in thought, h"r "y"s b"ginning to g'ist"n and h"r
br"ath coing short( S'ow'y sh" turn"d about and r""nt"r"d th" stor"* sh"
ca" back into th" o-c", and stood tr"b'ing at th" corn"r of =nc'"
,"'b"rann#s d"sk( H" 'ook"d u) shar)'y( Twic" Trina tri"d to g"t h"r +oic",
and wh"n it did co" to h"r, sh" cou'd hard'y r"cogni6" it( 1"tw""n br"aths
sh" said;
/9"s, a'' right4I#''4you can gi+" "4wi'' you gi+" " a ch"ck for thirty%
s"+"n hundr"d@ <i+" " A22 of y on"y(/
A f"w hours 'at"r sh" "nt"r"d h"r 'itt'" roo o+"r th" kind"rgart"n, bo't"d
th" door with shaking 3ng"rs, and ")ti"d a h"a+y can+as sack u)on th"
idd'" of h"r b"d( Th"n sh" o)"n"d h"r trunk, and taking th"nc" th" brass
atch%bo7 and chaois%skin bag add"d th"ir cont"nts to th" )i'"( N"7t sh"
'aid h"rs"'f u)on th" b"d and gath"r"d th" g'"aing h"a)s of go'd )i"c"s to
h"r with both ars, burying h"r fac" in th" with 'ong sighs of uns)"akab'"
d"'ight(
It was a 'itt'" )ast noon, and th" day was 3n" and war( Th" '"a+"s of th"
hug" ch"rry tr""s thr"w o$ a c"rtain )ung"nt aroa that "nt"r"d through th"
o)"n window, tog"th"r with 'ong thin shafts of go'd"n sun'ight( 1"'ow, in th"
kind"rgart"n, th" chi'dr"n w"r" singing gay'y and arching to th" &ang'ing of
th" )iano( Trina h"ard nothing, saw nothing( Sh" 'ay on h"r b"d, h"r "y"s
c'os"d, h"r fac" buri"d in a )i'" of go'd that sh" "ncirc'"d with both h"r ars(
Trina "+"n to'd h"rs"'f at 'ast that sh" was ha))y onc" or"( !cT"agu"
b"ca" a "ory4a "ory that fad"d a 'itt'" "+"ry day4di and
indistinct in th" go'd"n s)'"ndor of 3+" thousand do''ars(
/And y"t,/ Trina wou'd say, /I did 'o+" !ac, 'o+"d hi d"ar'y, on'y a 'itt'"
whi'" ago( E+"n wh"n h" hurt ", it on'y ad" " 'o+" hi or"( How is it
I#+" chang"d so sudd"n@ How C,=20 I forg"t hi so soon@ It ust b"
b"caus" h" sto'" y on"y( That is it( I cou'dn#t forgi+" anyon" that4no, not
"+"n y !,THER( And I n"+"r4n"+"r4wi'' forgi+" hi(/
:hat had b"co" of h"r husband Trina did not know( Sh" n"+"r saw any of
th" o'd Po'k Str""t )"o)'"( Th"r" was no way sh" cou'd ha+" n"ws of hi,
"+"n if sh" had car"d to ha+" it( Sh" had h"r on"y, that was th" ain thing(
H"r )assion for it "7c'ud"d "+"ry oth"r s"nti"nt( Th"r" it was in th" botto
of h"r trunk, in th" can+as sack, th" chaois%skin bag, and th" 'itt'" brass
atch%saf"( Not a day )ass"d that Trina did not ha+" it out wh"r" sh" cou'd
s"" and touch it( ,n" "+"ning sh" had "+"n s)r"ad a'' th" go'd )i"c"s
b"tw""n th" sh""ts, and had th"n gon" to b"d, stri))ing h"rs"'f, and had
s'")t a'' night u)on th" on"y, taking a strang" and "cstatic )'"asur" in th"
touch of th" sooth 5at )i"c"s th" '"ngth of h"r "ntir" body(
,n" night, so" thr"" onths aft"r sh" had co" to 'i+" at th" kind"rgart"n,
Trina was awak"n"d by a shar) ta) on th" )an" of th" window( Sh" sat u)
8uick'y in b"d, h"r h"art b"ating thick'y, h"r "y"s ro''ing wi'd'y in th"
dir"ction of h"r trunk( Th" ta) was r")"at"d( Trina ros" and w"nt f"arfu''y to
th" window( Th" 'itt'" court b"'ow was bright with oon'ight, and standing
&ust on th" "dg" of th" shadow thrown by on" of th" ch"rry tr""s was
!cT"agu"( A bunch of ha'f%ri)" ch"rri"s was in his hand( H" was "ating th"
and throwing th" )its at th" window( As h" caught sight of h"r, h" ad" an
"ag"r sign for h"r to rais" th" sash( R"'uctant and wond"ring, Trina ob"y"d,
and th" d"ntist ca" 8uick'y forward( H" was w"aring a )air of b'u" o+"ra''s*
a na+y%b'u" 5ann"' shirt without a cra+at* an o'd coat, fad"d, rain%wash"d,
and ri))"d at th" s"as* and his woo''"n ca)(
/Say, Trina,/ h" "7c'ai"d, his h"a+y bass +oic" )itch"d &ust abo+" a whis)"r,
/'"t " in, wi'' you, huh@ Say, wi'' you@ I# r"gu'ar'y star+ing, and I ha+"n#t
s'")t in a Christian b"d for two w""ks(/
At sight at hi standing th"r" in th" oon'ight, Trina cou'd on'y think of hi
as th" an who had b"at"n and bitt"n h"r, had d"s"rt"d h"r and sto'"n h"r
on"y, had ad" h"r su$"r as sh" had n"+"r su$"r"d b"for" in a'' h"r 'if"(
Now that h" had s)"nt th" on"y that h" had sto'"n fro h"r, h" was
whining to co" back4so that h" ight st"a' or", no doubt( ,nc" in h"r
roo h" cou'd not h"') but s"'' out h"r 3+" thousand do''ars( H"r
indignation ros"(
/No,/ sh" whis)"r"d back at hi( /No, I wi'' not '"t you in(/
/1ut 'ist"n h"r", Trina, I t"'' you I a star+ing, r"gu'ar'y44/
/Hoh?/ int"rru)t"d Trina scornfu''y( /A an can#t star+" with four hundr"d
do''ars, I gu"ss(/
/:"''4w"''4I4w"''4/ fa't"r"d th" d"ntist( /N"+"r ind now( <i+" "
so"thing to "at, an# '"t " in an# s'"")( I#+" b""n s'"")ing in th" P'a6a for
th" 'ast t"n nights, and say, I40an it, Trina, I ain#t had anything to "at sinc"
4/
/:h"r"#s th" four hundr"d do''ars you robb"d " of wh"n you d"s"rt"d "@/
r"turn"d Trina, co'd'y(
/:"'', I#+" s)"nt it,/ grow'"d th" d"ntist( /1ut you CAN#T s"" " star+", Trina,
no att"r what#s ha))"n"d( <i+" " a 'itt'" on"y, th"n(/
/I#'' s"" you star+" b"for" you g"t any or" of !9 on"y(/
Th" d"ntist st"))"d back a )ac" and star"d u) at h"r wond"r%strick"n( His
fac" was '"an and )inch"d( N"+"r had th" &aw bon" 'ook"d so "norous, nor
th" s8uar"%cut h"ad so hug"( Th" oon'ight ad" d"") b'ack shadows in th"
shrunk"n ch""ks(
/Huh@/ ask"d th" d"ntist, )u66'"d( /:hat did you say@/
/I won#t gi+" you any on"y4n"+"r again4not a c"nt(/
/1ut do you know that I# hungry@/
/:"'', I#+" b""n hungry ys"'f( 1"sid"s, I 0,N#T b"'i"+" you(/
/Trina, I ain#t had a thing to "at sinc" y"st"rday orning* that#s <od#s truth(
E+"n if I did g"t o$ with your on"y, you CAN#T s"" " star+", can you@ 9ou
can#t s"" " wa'k th" str""ts a'' night b"caus" I ain#t got a )'ac" to s'"")(
:i'' you '"t " in@ Say, wi'' you@ Huh@/
/No(/
/:"'', wi'' you gi+" " so" on"y th"n4&ust a 'itt'"@ <i+" " a do''ar( <i+"
" ha'f a do'4Say, gi+" " a 0I!E, an# I can g"t a cu) of co$""(/
/No(/
Th" d"ntist )aus"d and 'ook"d at h"r with curious int"ntn"ss, b"wi'd"r"d,
non)'uss"d(
/Say, you4you ust b" cra6y, Trina( I4I4wou'dn#t '"t a 0,< go hungry(/
/Not "+"n if h"#d bitt"n you, )"rha)s(/
Th" d"ntist star"d again(
Th"r" was anoth"r )aus"( !cT"agu" 'ook"d u) at h"r in si'"nc", a "an and
+icious twink'" coing into his sa'' "y"s( H" utt"r"d a 'ow "7c'aation, and
th"n ch"ck"d his"'f(
/:"'', 'ook h"r", for th" 'ast ti"( I# star+ing( I#+" got nowh"r" to s'"")( :i''
you gi+" " so" on"y, or so"thing to "at@ :i'' you '"t " in@/
/No4no4no(/
Trina cou'd fancy sh" a'ost saw th" brassy g'int in h"r husband#s "y"s( H"
rais"d on" "norous '"an 3st( Th"n h" grow'"d;
/If I had ho'd of you for a inut", by <od, I#d ak" you danc"( An# I wi'' y"t, I
wi'' y"t( 0on#t you b" afraid of that(/
H" turn"d about, th" oon'ight showing 'ik" a 'ay"r of snow u)on his
assi+" shou'd"rs( Trina watch"d hi as h" )ass"d und"r th" shadow of th"
ch"rry tr""s and cross"d th" 'itt'" court( Sh" h"ard his gr"at f""t grinding on
th" board 5ooring( H" disa))"ar"d(
!is"r though sh" was, Trina was on'y huan, and th" "cho of th" d"ntist#s
h"a+y f""t had not di"d away b"for" sh" b"gan to b" sorry for what sh" had
don"( Sh" stood by th" o)"n window in h"r nightgown, h"r 3ng"r u)on h"r
'i)s(
/H" did 'ook"d )inch"d,/ sh" said ha'f a'oud( /!ayb" h" :AS hungry( I ought
to ha+" gi+"n hi so"thing( I wish I had, I :ISH I had( ,h,/ sh" cri"d,
sudd"n'y, with a fright"n"d g"stur" of both hands, /what ha+" I co" to b"
that I wou'd s"" !ac4y husband4that I wou'd s"" hi star+" rath"r than
gi+" hi on"y@ No, no( It#s too dr"adfu'( I :I22 gi+" hi so"( I#'' s"nd it to
hi to%orrow( :h"r"@4w"'', h"#'' co" back(/ Sh" '"an"d fro th" window
and ca''"d as 'oud'y as sh" dar"d, /!ac, oh, !ac(/ Th"r" was no answ"r(
:h"n !cT"agu" had to'd Trina h" had b""n without food for n"ar'y two days
h" was s)"aking th" truth( Th" w""k b"for" h" had s)"nt th" 'ast of th" four
hundr"d do''ars in th" bar of a sai'or#s 'odging%hous" n"ar th" wat"r front,
and sinc" that ti" had 'i+"d a +"ritab'" hand%to%outh "7ist"nc"(
H" had s)"nt h"r on"y h"r" and th"r" about th" city in roya' fashion,
abso'ut"'y r"ck'"ss of th" orrow, f"asting and drinking for th" ost )art
with co)anions h" )ick"d u) h"a+"n knows wh"r", ac8uaintanc"s of
tw"nty%four hours, whos" na"s h" forgot in two days( Th"n sudd"n'y h"
found his"'f at th" "nd of his on"y( H" no 'ong"r had any fri"nds( Hung"r
rod" hi and row"''"d hi( H" was no 'ong"r w"'' f"d, cofortab'"( Th"r"
was no 'ong"r a war )'ac" for hi to s'"")( H" w"nt back to Po'k Str""t in
th" "+"ning, wa'king on th" dark sid" of th" str""t, 'urking in th" shadows,
asha"d to ha+" any of his o'd%ti" fri"nds s"" hi( H" "nt"r"d G"rkow#s o'd
hous" and knock"d at th" door of th" roo Trina and h" had occu)i"d( It was
")ty(
N"7t day h" w"nt to =nc'" ,"'b"rann#s stor" and ask"d n"ws of Trina( Trina
had not to'd =nc'" ,"'b"rann of !cT"agu"#s bruta'iti"s, gi+ing hi oth"r
r"asons to "7)'ain th" 'oss of h"r 3ng"rs* n"ith"r had sh" to'd hi of h"r
husband#s robb"ry( So wh"n th" d"ntist had ask"d wh"r" Trina cou'd b"
found, =nc'" ,"'b"rann, b"'i"+ing that !cT"agu" was s""king a
r"conci'iation, had to'd hi without h"sitation, and, h" add"d;
/Sh" was in h"r" on'y y"st"rday and dr"w out th" ba'anc" of h"r on"y(
Sh"#s b""n drawing against h"r on"y for th" 'ast onth or so( Sh"#s got it
a'' now, I gu"ss(/
/Ah, sh"#s got it a''(/
Th" d"ntist w"nt away fro his boot'"ss +isit to his wif" shaking with rag",
hating h"r with a'' th" str"ngth of a crud" and )riiti+" natur"( H" c'"nch"d
his 3sts ti'' his knuck'"s whit"n"d, his t""th ground furious'y u)on on"
anoth"r(
/Ah, if I had ho'd of you onc", I#d ak" you danc"( Sh" had 3+" thousand
do''ars in that roo, whi'" I stood th"r", not tw"nty f""t away, and to'd h"r I
was star+ing, and sh" wou'dn#t gi+" " a di" to g"t a cu) of co$"" with*
not a di" to g"t a cu) of co$""( ,h, if I onc" g"t y hands on you?/ His
wrath strang'"d hi( H" c'utch"d at th" darkn"ss in front of hi, his br"ath
fair'y whist'ing b"tw""n his t""th(
That night h" wa'k"d th" str""ts unti' th" orning, wond"ring what now h"
was to do to 3ght th" wo'f away( Th" orning of th" n"7t day towards t"n
o#c'ock h" was on K"arn"y Str""t, sti'' wa'king, sti'' tra)ing th" str""ts,
sinc" th"r" was nothing "'s" for hi to do( 1y and by h" )aus"d on a corn"r
n"ar a usic stor", 3nding a o"ntary aus""nt in watching two or
thr"" "n 'oading a )iano u)on a dray( A'r"ady ha'f its w"ight was su))ort"d
by th" dray#s backboard( ,n" of th" "n, a big u'atto, a'ost hidd"n und"r
th" ass of g'ist"ning ros"wood, was guiding its cours", whi'" th" oth"r two
h"a+"d and tugg"d in th" r"ar( So"thing in th" str""t fright"n"d th" hors"s
and th"y shi"d abru)t'y( Th" "nd of th" )iano was twitch"d shar)'y fro th"
backboard( Th"r" was a cry, th" u'atto stagg"r"d and f"'' with th" fa''ing
)iano, and its w"ight dro))"d s8uar"'y u)on his thigh, which brok" with a
r"sounding crack(
An hour 'at"r !cT"agu" had found his &ob( Th" usic stor" "ngag"d hi as
hand'"r at si7 do''ars a w""k( !cT"agu"#s "norous str"ngth, us"'"ss a'' his
'if", stood hi in good st"ad at 'ast(
H" s'")t in a tiny back roo o)"ning fro th" stor"roo of th" usic stor"(
H" was in so" s"ns" a watchan as w"'' as hand'"r, and w"nt th" rounds of
th" stor" twic" "+"ry night( His roo was a bo7 of a )'ac" that r""k"d with
odors of sta'" tobacco sok"( Th" for"r occu)ant had )a)"r"d th" wa''s
with n"ws)a)"rs and had )ast"d u) 3gur"s cut out fro th" )ost"rs of so"
Kira'fy ba''"t, +"ry gaudy( 1y th" on" window, chitt"ring a'' day in its 'itt'" gi't
)rison, hung th" canary bird, a tiny ato of 'if" that !cT"agu" sti'' c'ung to
with a strang" obstinacy(
!cT"agu" drank a good d"a' of whisk"y in th"s" days, but th" on'y "$"ct it
had u)on hi was to incr"as" th" +iciousn"ss and bad t")"r that had
d"+"'o)"d in hi sinc" th" b"ginning of his isfortun"s( H" t"rrori6"d his
f"''ow%hand'"rs, )ow"rfu' "n though th"y w"r"( For a gru$ word, for an
awkward o+""nt in 'ading th" )ianos, for a sur'y 'ook or a utt"r"d oath,
th" d"ntist#s "'bow wou'd crook and his hand contract to a a''"t%'ik" 3st( As
oft"n as not th" b'ow fo''ow"d, co'ossa' in its forc", swift as th" '"a) of th"
)iston fro its cy'ind"r(
His hatr"d of Trina incr"as"d fro day to day( H"#d ak" h"r danc" y"t( :ait
on'y ti'' h" got his hands u)on h"r( Sh"#d '"t hi star+", wou'd sh"@ Sh"#d
turn hi out of doors whi'" sh" hid h"r 3+" thousand do''ars in th" botto of
h"r trunk( Aha, h" wou'd s"" about that so" day( Sh" cou'dn#t ak" sa'' of
hi( Ah, no( Sh"#d danc" a'' right4a'' right( !cT"agu" was not an iaginati+"
an by natur", but h" wou'd 'i" awak" nights, his c'usy wits ga''o)ing and
frisking und"r th" 'ash of th" a'coho', and fancy his"'f thrashing his wif", ti''
a sudd"n fr"n6y of rag" wou'd o+"rco" hi, and h" wou'd shak" a'' o+"r,
ro''ing u)on th" b"d and biting th" attr"ss(
,n a c"rtain day, about a w""k aft"r Christas of that y"ar, !cT"agu" was
on on" of th" to) 5oors of th" usic stor", wh"r" th" s"cond%hand
instru"nts w"r" k")t, h"')ing to o+" about and r"arrang" so" o'd
)ianos( As h" )ass"d by on" of th" count"rs h" )aus"d abru)t'y, his "y"
caught by an ob&"ct that was strang"'y fai'iar(
/Say,/ h" in8uir"d, addr"ssing th" c'"rk in charg", /say, wh"r"#d this co"
fro@/
/:hy, '"t#s s""( :" got that fro a s"cond%hand stor" u) on Po'k Str""t, I
gu"ss( It#s a fair'y good achin"* a 'itt'" tink"ring with th" sto)s and a bit of
sh"''ac, and w"#'' ak" it about#s good as n"w( <ood ton"( S""(/ And th"
c'"rk dr"w a 'ong, sonorous wai' fro th" d")ths of !cT"agu"#s o'd
conc"rtina(
/:"'', it#s in",/ grow'"d th" d"ntist(
Th" oth"r 'augh"d( /It#s yours for "'"+"n do''ars(/
/It#s in",/ )"rsist"d !cT"agu"( /I want it(/
/<o #'ong with you, !ac( :hat do you "an@/
/I "an that it#s in", that#s what I "an( 9ou got no right to it( It was
ST,2EN fro ", that#s what I "an,/ h" add"d, a su''"n ang"r 5aing u) in
his 'itt'" "y"s(
Th" c'"rk rais"d a shou'd"r and )ut th" conc"rtina on an u))"r sh"'f(
/9ou ta'k to th" boss about that* t#ain#t non" of y a$air( If you want to buy it,
it#s "'"+"n do''ars(/
Th" d"ntist had b""n )aid o$ th" day b"for" and had four do''ars in his wa''"t
at th" o"nt( H" ga+" th" on"y to th" c'"rk(
/H"r", th"r"#s )art of th" on"y( 9ou4you )ut that conc"rtina asid" for ",
an# I#'' gi+" you th" r"st in a w""k or so4I#'' gi+" it to you toorrow,/ h"
"7c'ai"d, struck with a sudd"n id"a(
!cT"agu" had sad'y iss"d his conc"rtina( Sunday aft"rnoons wh"n th"r"
was no work to b" don", h" was accusto"d to 'i" 5at on his back on his
s)ring'"ss b"d in th" 'itt'" roo in th" r"ar of th" usic stor", his coat and
sho"s o$, r"ading th" )a)"r, drinking st"a b""r fro a )itch"r, and
soking his )i)"( 1ut h" cou'd no 'ong"r )'ay his si7 'ugubrious airs u)on his
conc"rtina, and it was a d")ri+ation( H" oft"n wond"r"d wh"r" it was gon"( It
had b""n 'ost, no doubt, in th" g"n"ra' wr"ck of his fortun"s( ,nc", "+"n, th"
d"ntist had tak"n a conc"rtina fro th" 'ot k")t by th" usic stor"( It was a
Sunday and no on" was about( 1ut h" found h" cou'd not )'ay u)on it( Th"
sto)s w"r" arrang"d u)on a syst" h" did not und"rstand(
Now his own conc"rtina was co" back to hi( H" wou'd buy it back( H" had
gi+"n th" c'"rk four do''ars( H" kn"w wh"r" h" wou'd g"t th" r"aining
s"+"n(
Th" c'"rk had to'd hi th" conc"rtina had b""n so'd on Po'k Str""t to th"
s"cond%hand stor" th"r"( Trina had so'd it( !cT"agu" kn"w it( Trina had so'd
his conc"rtina4had sto'"n it and so'd it4his conc"rtina, his b"'o+"d
conc"rtina, that h" had had a'' his 'if"( :hy, barring th" canary, th"r" was
not on" of a'' his b"'ongings that !cT"agu" had ch"rish"d or" d"ar'y( His
st""' "ngra+ing of /2or"n6o d"# !"dici and his Court/ ight b" 'ost, his ston"
)ug dog ight go, but his conc"rtina?
/And sh" so'd it4sto'" it fro " and so'd it( .ust b"caus" I ha))"n"d to
forg"t to tak" it a'ong with "( :"'', w"#'' &ust s"" about that( 9ou#'' gi+" "
th" on"y to buy it back, or44/
His rag" 'oo"d big within hi( His hatr"d of Trina ca" back u)on hi 'ik" a
r"turning surg"( H" saw h"r sa'', )ri outh, h"r narrow b'u" "y"s, h"r
b'ack an" of hair, and u)%ti't"d chin, and hat"d h"r th" or" b"caus" of
th"( Aha, h"#d show h"r* h"#d ak" h"r danc"( H"#d g"t that s"+"n do''ars
fro h"r, or h"#d know th" r"ason why( H" w"nt through his work that day,
h"a+ing and hau'ing at th" )ond"rous )ianos, hand'ing th" with th" "as" of
a 'ifting cran", i)ati"nt for th" coing of "+"ning, wh"n h" cou'd b" '"ft to
his own d"+ic"s( As oft"n as h" had a o"nt to s)ar" h" w"nt down th"
str""t to th" n"ar"st sa'oon and drank a )ony of whisk"y( Now and th"n as h"
fought and strugg'"d with th" +ast ass"s of "bony, ros"wood, and
ahogany on th" u))"r 5oor of th" usic stor", raging and cha3ng at th"ir
in"rtn"ss and unwi''ingn"ss, whi'" th" whisk"y )irou"tt"d in his brain, h"
wou'd utt"r to his"'f;
/An# I got to do this( I got to work 'ik" a dray hors" whi'" sh" sits at ho" by
h"r sto+" and counts h"r on"y4and s"''s y conc"rtina(/
Si7 o#c'ock ca"( Inst"ad of su))"r, !cT"agu" drank so" or" whisk"y,
3+" )oni"s in ra)id succ"ssion( Aft"r su))"r h" was ob'ig"d to go out with th"
dray to d"'i+"r a conc"rt grand at th" ,dd F"''ows# Ha'', wh"r" a )iano
/r"cita'/ was to tak" )'ac"(
/Ain#t you coing back with us@/ ask"d on" of th" hand'"rs as h" c'ib"d
u)on th" dri+"r#s s"at aft"r th" )iano had b""n )ut in )'ac"(
/No, no,/ r"turn"d th" d"ntist* /I got so"thing "'s" to do(/ Th" bri''iant 'ights
of a sa'oon n"ar th" City Ha'' caught his "y"( H" d"cid"d h" wou'd ha+"
anoth"r drink of whisk"y( It was about "ight o#c'ock(
Th" fo''owing day was to b" a f"t" day at th" kind"rgart"n, th" Christas and
N"w 9"ar f"sti+a's cobin"d( A'' that aft"rnoon th" 'itt'" two%story bui'ding on
Paci3c Str""t had b""n 3''"d with a nub"r of grand 'adi"s of th"
Kind"rgart"n 1oard, who w"r" hanging u) ro)"s of "+"rgr""n and s)rays of
ho''y, and arranging a gr"at Christas tr"" that stood in th" c"ntr" of th"
ring in th" schoo'roo( Th" who'" )'ac" was )"r+ad"d with a )ung"nt, )in"y
odor( Trina had b""n +"ry busy sinc" th" "ar'y orning, coing and going at
"+"rybody#s ca'', now running down th" str""t aft"r anoth"r tack%ha"r or
a fr"sh su))'y of cranb"rri"s, now tying tog"th"r th" ro)"s of "+"rgr""n and
)assing th" u) to on" of th" grand 'adi"s as sh" car"fu''y ba'anc"d h"rs"'f
on a st")%'add"r( 1y "+"ning "+"rything was in )'ac"( As th" 'ast grand 'ady
'"ft th" schoo', sh" ga+" Trina an "7tra do''ar for h"r work, and said;
/Now, if you#'' &ust tidy u) h"r", !rs( !cT"agu", I think that wi'' b" a''( Sw"")
u) th" )in" n""d'"s h"r"4you s"" th"y ar" a'' o+"r th" 5oor4and 'ook
through a'' th" roos, and tidy u) g"n"ra''y( <ood night4and a Ha))y N"w
9"ar,/ sh" cri"d )'"asant'y as sh" w"nt out(
Trina )ut th" do''ar away in h"r trunk b"for" sh" did anything "'s" and cook"d
h"rs"'f a bit of su))"r( Th"n sh" ca" downstairs again(
Th" kind"rgart"n was not 'arg"( ,n th" 'ow"r 5oor w"r" but two roos, th"
ain schoo'roo and anoth"r roo, a c'oakroo, +"ry sa'', wh"r" th"
chi'dr"n hung th"ir hats and coats( This c'oakroo o)"n"d o$ th" back of th"
ain schoo'roo( Trina cast a critica' g'anc" into both of th"s" roos( Th"r"
had b""n a gr"at d"a' of going and coing in th" during th" day, and sh"
d"cid"d that th" 3rst thing to do wou'd b" to scrub th" 5oors( Sh" w"nt u)
again to h"r roo o+"rh"ad and h"at"d so" wat"r o+"r h"r oi' sto+"* th"n,
r"%d"sc"nding, s"t to work +igorous'y(
1y nin" o#c'ock sh" had a'ost 3nish"d with th" schoo'roo( Sh" was down
on h"r hands and kn""s in th" idst of a st"aing uck of soa)y wat"r( ,n
h"r f""t w"r" a )air of an#s sho"s fast"n"d with buck'"s* a dirty cotton
gown, da) with th" wat"r, c'ung about h"r sha)"'"ss, stunt"d 3gur"( Fro
ti" to ti" sh" sat back on h"r h""'s to "as" th" strain of h"r )osition, and
with on" soking hand, whit" and )arboi'"d with th" hot wat"r, brush"d h"r
hair, a'r"ady str"ak"d with gray, out of h"r w"a6"n"d, )a'" fac" and th"
corn"rs of h"r outh(
It was +"ry 8ui"t( A gas%&"t without a g'ob" 'it u) th" )'ac" with a crud", raw
'ight( Th" cat who 'i+"d on th" )r"is"s, )r"f"rring to b" dirty rath"r than to
b" w"t, had got into th" coa' scutt'", and o+"r its ri watch"d h"r s'"")i'y
with a 'ong, co)'ac"nt )urr(
A'' at onc" h" sto))"d )urring, '"a+ing an abru)t si'"nc" in th" air 'ik" th"
sudd"n shutting o$ of a str"a of wat"r, whi'" his "y"s gr"w wid", two
'ab"nt disks of y"''ow in th" h"a) of b'ack fur(
/:ho is th"r"@/ cri"d Trina, sitting back on h"r h""'s( In th" sti''n"ss that
succ""d"d, th" wat"r dri))"d fro h"r hands with th" st"ady tick of a c'ock(
Th"n a bruta' 3st swung o)"n th" str""t door of th" schoo'roo and
!cT"agu" ca" in( H" was drunk* not with that drunk"nn"ss which is stu)id,
aud'in, wa+"ring on its f""t, but with that which is a'"rt, unnatura''y
int"''ig"nt, +icious, )"rf"ct'y st"ady, d"ad'y wick"d( Trina on'y had to 'ook
onc" at hi, and in an instant, with so" strang" si7th s"ns", born of th"
occasion, kn"w what sh" had to "7)"ct(
Sh" &u)"d u) and ran fro hi into th" 'itt'" c'oakroo( Sh" 'ock"d and
bo't"d th" door aft"r h"r, and '"an"d h"r w"ight against it, )anting and
tr"b'ing, "+"ry n"r+" shrinking and 8ui+"ring with th" f"ar of hi(
!cT"agu" )ut his hand on th" knob of th" door outsid" and o)"n"d it, t"aring
o$ th" 'ock and bo't guard, and s"nding h"r stagg"ring across th" roo(
/!ac,/ sh" cri"d to hi, as h" ca" in, s)"aking with horrid ra)idity, cringing
and ho'ding out h"r hands, /!ac, 'ist"n( :ait a inut"4'ook h"r"4'ist"n
h"r"( It wasn#t y fau't( I#'' gi+" you so" on"y( 9ou can co" back( I#'' do
AN9THIN< you want( :on#t you &ust 2ISTEN to "@ ,h, don#t? I#'' scr"a( I
can#t h"') it, you know( Th" )"o)'" wi'' h"ar(/
!cT"agu" ca" towards h"r s'ow'y, his i"ns" f""t dragging and grinding
on th" 5oor* his "norous 3sts, hard as wood"n a''"ts, swinging at his
sid"s( Trina back"d fro hi to th" corn"r of th" roo, cow"ring b"for" hi,
ho'ding h"r "'bow crook"d in front of h"r fac", watching hi with f"arfu'
int"ntn"ss, r"ady to dodg"(
/I want that on"y,/ h" said, )ausing in front of h"r(
/:hat on"y@/ cri"d Trina(
/I want that on"y( 9ou got it4that 3+" thousand do''ars( I want "+"ry nick"'
of it? 9ou und"rstand@/
/I ha+"n#t it( It isn#t h"r"( =nc'" ,"'b"rann#s got it(/
/That#s a 'i"( H" to'd " that you ca" and got it( 9ou#+" had it 'ong "nough*
now I want it( 0o you h"ar@/
/!ac, I can#t gi+" you that on"y( I4I :,N#T gi+" it to you,/ Trina cri"d, with
sudd"n r"so'ution(
/9"s, you wi''( 9ou#'' gi+" " "+"ry nick"' of it(/
/No, N,(/
/9ou ain#t going to ak" sa'' of " this ti"( <i+" " that on"y(/
/N,(/
/For th" 'ast ti", wi'' you gi+" " that on"y@/
/No(/
/9ou won#t, huh@ 9ou won#t gi+" " it@ For th" 'ast ti"(/
/No, N,(/
=sua''y th" d"ntist was s'ow in his o+""nts, but now th" a'coho' had
awak"n"d in hi an a)"%'ik" agi'ity( H" k")t his sa'' "y"s u)on h"r, and a''
at onc" s"nt his 3st into th" idd'" of h"r fac" with th" sudd"nn"ss of a
r"'a7"d s)ring(
1"sid" h"rs"'f with t"rror, Trina turn"d and fought hi back* fought for h"r
is"rab'" 'if" with th" "7as)"ration and str"ngth of a harass"d cat* and with
such "n"rgy and such wi'd, unnatura' forc", that "+"n !cT"agu" for th"
o"nt dr"w back fro h"r( 1ut h"r r"sistanc" was th" on" thing to dri+"
hi to th" to) of his fury( H" ca" back at h"r again, his "y"s drawn to two
3n" twink'ing )oints, and his "norous 3sts, c'"nch"d ti'' th" knuck'"s
whit"n"d, rais"d in th" air(
Th"n it b"ca" aboinab'"(
In th" schoo'roo outsid", b"hind th" coa' scutt'", th" cat 'ist"n"d to th"
sounds of sta)ing and strugg'ing and th" u>"d nois" of b'ows, wi'd'y
t"rri3"d, his "y"s bu'ging 'ik" brass knobs( At 'ast th" sounds sto))"d on a
sudd"n* h" h"ard nothing or"( Th"n !cT"agu" ca" out, c'osing th" door(
Th" cat fo''ow"d hi with dist"nd"d "y"s as h" cross"d th" roo and
disa))"ar"d through th" str""t door(
Th" d"ntist )aus"d for a o"nt on th" sid"wa'k, 'ooking car"fu''y u) and
down th" str""t( It was d"s"rt"d and 8ui"t( H" turn"d shar)'y to th" right and
w"nt down a narrow )assag" that '"d into th" 'itt'" court yard b"hind th"
schoo'( A cand'" was burning in Trina#s roo( H" w"nt u) by th" outsid"
stairway and "nt"r"d(
Th" trunk stood 'ock"d in on" corn"r of th" roo( Th" d"ntist took th" 'id%
'ift"r fro th" 'itt'" oi' sto+", )ut it und"rn"ath th" 'ock%c'as) and wr"nch"d it
o)"n( <ro)ing b"n"ath a )i'" of dr"ss"s h" found th" chaois%skin bag, th"
'itt'" brass atch%bo7, and, at th" +"ry botto, car"fu''y thrust into on"
corn"r, th" can+as sack cra"d to th" outh with tw"nty%do''ar go'd
)i"c"s( H" ")ti"d th" chaois%skin bag and th" atchbo7 into th" )ock"ts
of his trous"rs( 1ut th" can+as sack was too bu'ky to hid" about his c'oth"s( /I
gu"ss I#'' &ust natura''y ha+" to carry 9,=,/ h" utt"r"d( H" b'"w out th"
cand'", c'os"d th" door, and gain"d th" str""t again(
Th" d"ntist cross"d th" city, going back to th" usic stor"( It was a 'itt'" aft"r
"'"+"n o#c'ock( Th" night was oon'"ss, 3''"d with a gray b'ur of faint 'ight
that s"""d to co" fro a'' 8uart"rs of th" hori6on at onc"( Fro ti" to
ti" th"r" w"r" sudd"n "7)'osions of a south"ast wind at th" str""t corn"rs(
!cT"agu" w"nt on, s'anting his h"ad against th" gusts, to k"") his ca) fro
b'owing o$, carrying th" sack c'os" to his sid"( ,nc" h" 'ook"d critica''y at
th" sky(
/I b"t it#'' rain to%orrow,/ h" utt"r"d, /if this wind works round to th"
south(/
,nc" in his 'itt'" d"n b"hind th" usic stor", h" wash"d his hands and
for"ars, and )ut on his working c'oth"s, b'u" o+"ra''s and a &u)"r, o+"r
ch"a) trous"rs and +"st( Th"n h" got tog"th"r his sa'' b"'ongings4an o'd
ca)aign hat, a )air of boots, a tin of tobacco, and a )inchb"ck brac"'"t
which h" had found on" Sunday in th" Park, and which h" b"'i"+"d to b"
+a'uab'"( H" stri))"d his b'ank"t fro his b"d and ro''"d u) in it a'' th"s"
ob&"cts, tog"th"r with th" can+as sack, fast"ning th" ro'' with a ha'f hitch
such as in"rs us", th" instincts of th" o'd%ti" car%boy coing back to hi
in his )r"s"nt confusion of ind( H" chang"d his )i)" and his knif"4a hug"
&ackknif" with a y"''ow"d bon" hand'"4to th" )ock"ts of his o+"ra''s(
Th"n at 'ast h" stood with his hand on th" door, ho'ding u) th" 'a) b"for"
b'owing it out, 'ooking about to ak" sur" h" was r"ady to go( Th" wa+"ring
'ight wok" his canary( It stirr"d and b"gan to chitt"r f""b'y, +"ry s'"")y and
cross at b"ing awak"n"d( !cT"agu" start"d, staring at it, and r"5"cting( H"
b"'i"+"d that it wou'd b" a 'ong ti" b"for" anyon" ca" into that roo
again( Th" canary wou'd b" days without food* it was 'ik"'y it wou'd star+",
wou'd di" th"r", hour by hour, in its 'itt'" gi't )rison( !cT"agu" r"so'+"d to
tak" it with hi( H" took down th" cag", touching it g"nt'y with his "norous
hands, and ti"d a cou)'" of sacks about it to sh"'t"r th" 'itt'" bird fro th"
shar) night wind(
Th"n h" w"nt out, 'ocking a'' th" doors b"hind hi, and turn"d toward th"
f"rry s'i)s( Th" boats had c"as"d running hours ago, but h" to'd his"'f that
by waiting ti'' four o#c'ock h" cou'd g"t across th" bay on th" tug that took
o+"r th" orning )a)"rs(
P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Trina 'ay unconscious, &ust as sh" had fa''"n und"r th" 'ast of !cT"agu"#s
b'ows, h"r body twitching with an occasiona' hiccough that stirr"d th" )oo' of
b'ood in which sh" 'ay fac" downward( Towards orning sh" di"d with a ra)id
s"ri"s of hiccoughs that sound"d 'ik" a )i"c" of c'ockwork running down(
Th" thing had b""n don" in th" c'oakroo wh"r" th" kind"rgart"n chi'dr"n
hung th"ir hats and coats( Th"r" was no oth"r "ntranc" "7c")t by going
through th" ain schoo'roo( !cT"agu" going out had shut th" door of th"
c'oakroo, but had '"ft th" str""t door o)"n* so wh"n th" chi'dr"n arri+"d in
th" orning, th"y "nt"r"d as usua'(
About ha'f%)ast "ight, two or thr"" 3+"%y"ar%o'ds, on" a 'itt'" co'or"d gir',
ca" into th" schoo'roo of th" kind"rgart"n with a gr"at chatt"r of +oic"s,
going across to th" c'oakroo to hang u) th"ir hats and coats as th"y had
b""n taught(
Ha'f way across th" roo on" of th" sto))"d and )ut h"r sa'' nos" in th"
air, crying, /=%o%o, what a funn"" s"''?/ Th" oth"rs b"gan to sni$ th" air
as w"'', and on", th" daught"r of a butch"r, "7c'ai"d, /#Ts"''s 'ik" y )a#s
sho),/ adding in th" n"7t br"ath, /2ook, what#s th" att"r with th" kitt""@/
In fact, th" cat was acting strang"'y( H" 'ay 8uit" 5at on th" 5oor, his nos"
)r"ss"d c'os" to th" cr"+ic" und"r th" door of th" 'itt'" c'oakroo, winding
his tai' s'ow'y back and forth, "7cit"d, +"ry "ag"r( At ti"s h" wou'd draw
back and ak" a strang" 'itt'" c'acking nois" down in his throat(
/Ain#t h" funn""@/ said th" 'itt'" gir' again( Th" cat s'unk swift'y away as th"
chi'dr"n ca" u)( Th"n th" ta''"st of th" 'itt'" gir's swung th" door of th"
'itt'" c'oakroo wid" o)"n and th"y a'' ran in(
CHAPTER AM
Th" day was +"ry hot, and th" si'"nc" of high noon 'ay c'os" and thick
b"tw""n th" st"") s'o)"s of th" caQRns 'ik" an in+isib'", u>ing 5uid( At
int"r+a's th" dron" of an ins"ct bor"d th" air and trai'"d s'ow'y to si'"nc"
again( E+"rywh"r" w"r" )ung"nt, aroatic s"''s( Th" +ast, o+"'"ss h"at
s"""d to disti' count'"ss odors fro th" brush4odors of war sa), of )in"
n""d'"s, and of tar%w""d, and abo+" a'' th" "dicina' odor of witch ha6"'( As
far as on" cou'd 'ook, uncount"d u'titud"s of tr""s and an6anita bush"s
w"r" 8ui"t'y and otion'"ss'y growing, growing, growing( A tr""ndous,
i"asurab'" 2if" )ush"d st"adi'y h"a+"nward without a sound, without a
otion( At turns of th" road, on th" high"r )oints, caQRns disc'os"d
th"s"'+"s far away, gigantic groo+"s in th" 'andsca)", d"") b'u" in th"
distanc", o)"ning on" into anoth"r, oc"an%d""), si'"nt, hug", and sugg"sti+"
of co'ossa' )ri"+a' forc"s h"'d in r"s"r+"( At th"ir bottos th"y w"r" so'id,
assi+"* on th"ir cr"sts th"y brok" d"'icat"'y into 3n" s"rrat"d "dg"s wh"r"
th" )in"s and r"dwoods out'in"d th"ir i''ion of to)s against th" high whit"
hori6on( H"r" and th"r" th" ountains 'ift"d th"s"'+"s out of th" narrow
ri+"r b"ds in grou)s 'ik" giant 'ions r"aring th"ir h"ads aft"r drinking( Th"
"ntir" r"gion was unta"d( In so" )'ac"s "ast of th" !ississi))i natur" is
cos"y, intiat", sa'', and ho"'ik", 'ik" a good%natur"d hous"wif"( In P'ac"r
County, Ca'ifornia, sh" is a +ast, uncon8u"r"d brut" of th" P'ioc"n" ")och,
sa+ag", su''"n, and agni3c"nt'y indi$"r"nt to an(
1ut th"r" w"r" "n in th"s" ountains, 'ik" 'ic" on aoths# hid"s,
3ghting th" stubborn'y, now with hydrau'ic /onitors,/ now with dri'' and
dynait", boring into th" +ita's of th", or t"aring away gr"at y"''ow
gra+"''y scars in th" 5anks of th", sucking th"ir b'ood, "7tracting go'd(
H"r" and th"r" at 'ong distanc"s u)on th" caQRn sid"s ros" th" h"adg"ar of a
in", surround"d with its f"w un)aint"d hous"s, and to))"d by its n"+"r%
fai'ing f"ath"r of b'ack sok"( ,n n"ar a))roach on" h"ard th" )ro'ong"d
thund"r of th" sta)%i'', th" crush"r, th" insatiab'" onst"r, gnashing th"
rocks to )owd"r with its 'ong iron t""th, +oiting th" out again in a thin
str"a of w"t gray ud( Its "norous aw, f"d night and day with th" car%
boys# 'oads, gorg"d its"'f with gra+"', and s)at out th" go'd, grinding th"
rocks b"tw""n its &aws, g'utt"d, as it w"r", with th" +"ry "ntrai's of th" "arth,
and grow'ing o+"r its "nd'"ss "a', 'ik" so" sa+ag" ania', so" '"g"ndary
dragon, so" fabu'ous b"ast, sybo' of inordinat" and onstrous g'uttony(
!cT"agu" had '"ft th" ,+"r'and train at Co'fa7, and th" sa" aft"rnoon had
ridd"n so" "ight i'"s across th" ountains in th" stag" that conn"cts
Co'fa7 with Iowa Hi''( Iowa Hi'' was a sa'' on"%str""t town, th" h"ad8uart"rs
of th" in"s of th" district( ,rigina''y it had b""n bui't u)on th" suit of a
ountain, but th" sid"s of this ountain ha+" 'ong sinc" b""n /hydrau%
'ick"d/ away, so that th" town now c'ings to a "r" back bon", and th" r"ar
windows of th" hous"s on both sid"s of th" str""t 'ook down o+"r sh""r
)r"ci)ic"s, into +ast )its hundr"ds of f""t d"")(
Th" d"ntist stay"d o+"r night at th" Hi'', and th" n"7t orning start"d o$ on
foot farth"r into th" ountains( H" sti'' wor" his b'u" o+"ra''s and &u)"r* his
woo''"n ca) was )u''"d down o+"r his "y"* on his f""t w"r" hob%nai'"d boots
h" had bought at th" stor" in Co'fa7* his b'ank"t ro'' was o+"r his back* in his
'"ft hand swung th" bird cag" wra))"d in sacks(
.ust outsid" th" town h" )aus"d, as if sudd"n'y r""b"ring so"thing(
/Th"r" ought to b" a trai' &ust o$ th" road h"r",/ h" utt"r"d( /Th"r" us"d to
b" a trai'4a short cut(/
Th" n"7t instant, without o+ing fro his )osition, h" saw wh"r" it o)"n"d
&ust b"for" hi( His instinct had ha't"d hi at th" "7act s)ot( Th" trai'
6ig6agg"d down th" abru)t d"sc"nt of th" caQRn, d"bouching into a gra+"''y
ri+"r b"d(
/Indian Ri+"r,/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist( /I r""b"r4I r""b"r( I ought to
h"ar th" !orning Star#s sta)s fro h"r"(/ H" cock"d his h"ad( A 'ow,
sustain"d roar, 'ik" a distant cataract, ca" to his "ars fro across th" ri+"r(
/That#s right,/ h" said, cont"nt"d'y( H" cross"d th" ri+"r and r"gain"d th"
road b"yond( Th" s'o)" ros" und"r his f""t* a 'itt'" farth"r on h" )ass"d th"
!orning Star in", soking and thund"ring( !cT"agu" )ush"d st"adi'y on(
Th" road ros" with th" ris" of th" ountain, turn"d at a shar) ang'" wh"r" a
gr"at 'i+"%oak gr"w, and h"'d '"+"' for n"ar'y a 8uart"r of a i'"( Twic" again
th" d"ntist '"ft th" road and took to th" trai' that cut through d"s"rt"d
hydrau'ic )its( H" kn"w "7act'y wh"r" to 'ook for th"s" trai's* not onc" did his
instinct d"c"i+" hi( H" r"cogni6"d fai'iar )oints at onc"( H"r" was Co'd
caQRn, wh"r" in+ariab'y, wint"r and su"r, a chi''y wind was b'owing* h"r"
was wh"r" th" road to S)"nc"r#s branch"d o$* h"r" was 1ussy#s o'd )'ac",
wh"r" at on" ti" th"r" w"r" so any dogs* h"r" was 0"'u"#s cabin, wh"r"
un'ic"ns"d whisk"y us"d to b" so'd* h"r" was th" )'ank bridg" with its on"
rott"n board* and h"r" th" 5at o+"rgrown with an6anita, wh"r" h" onc" had
shot thr"" 8uai'(
At noon, aft"r h" had b""n tra)ing for so" two hours, h" ha't"d at a )oint
wh"r" th" road di))"d sudd"n'y( A 'itt'" to th" right of hi, and 5anking th"
road, an "norous y"''ow gra+"'%)it 'ik" an ")ti"d 'ak" ga)"d to h"a+"n(
Farth"r on, in th" distanc", a caQRn 6ig6agg"d toward th" hori6on, rugg"d
with )in"%c'ad ountain cr"sts( N"ar"r at hand, and dir"ct'y in th" 'in" of th"
road, was an irr"gu'ar c'ust"r of un)aint"d cabins( A du'', )ro'ong"d roar
+ibrat"d in th" air( !cT"agu" nodd"d his h"ad as if satis3"d(
/That#s th" )'ac",/ h" utt"r"d(
H" r"shou'd"r"d his b'ank"t ro'' and d"sc"nd"d th" road( At 'ast h" ha't"d
again( H" stood b"for" a 'ow on"%story bui'ding, di$"ring fro th" oth"rs in
that it was )aint"d( A +"randah, shut in with os8uito n"tting, surround"d it(
!cT"agu" dro))"d his b'ank"t ro'' on a 'ub"r )i'" outsid", and ca" u) and
knock"d at th" o)"n door( So" on" ca''"d to hi to co" in(
!cT"agu" "nt"r"d, ro''ing his "y"s about hi, noting th" chang"s that had
b""n ad" sinc" h" had 'ast s""n this )'ac"( A )artition had b""n knock"d
down, aking on" big roo out of th" two for"r sa'' on"s( A count"r and
rai'ing stood insid" th" door( Th"r" was a t"'")hon" on th" wa''( In on" corn"r
h" a'so obs"r+"d a stack of sur+"yor#s instru"nts* a big drawing%board
stradd'"d on s)ind'" '"gs across on" "nd of th" roo, a "chanica' drawing
of so" kind, no doubt th" )'an of th" in", unro''"d u)on it* a chroo
r")r"s"nting a cou)'" of )"asants in a )'ough"d 3"'d D!i''"t#s /Ang"'us/E was
nai'"d unfra"d u)on th" wa'', and hanging fro th" sa" wir" nai' that
s"cur"d on" of its corn"rs in )'ac" was a bu''ion bag and a cartridg" b"'t with
a 'oad"d r"+o'+"r in th" )ouch(
Th" d"ntist a))roach"d th" count"r and '"an"d his "'bows u)on it( Thr""
"n w"r" in th" roo4a ta'', '"an young an, with a thick h"ad of hair
sur)rising'y gray, who was )'aying with a ha'f%grown gr"at 0an" )u))y*
anoth"r f"''ow about as young, but with a &aw a'ost as sa'i"nt as
!cT"agu"#s, stood at th" '"tt"r%)r"ss taking a co)y of a '"tt"r* a third an, a
'itt'" o'd"r than th" oth"r two, was )ott"ring o+"r a transit( This 'att"r was
assi+"'y bui't, and wor" o+"ra''s and 'ow boots str"ak"d and stain"d and
s)ott"d in "+"ry dir"ction with gray ud( Th" d"ntist 'ook"d s'ow'y fro on"
to th" oth"r* th"n at '"ngth, /Is th" for"an about@/ h" ask"d(
Th" an in th" uddy o+"ra''s ca" forward(
/:hat you want@/
H" s)ok" with a strong <"ran acc"nt(
Th" o'd in+ariab'" foru'a ca" back to !cT"agu" on th" instant(
/:hat#s th" show for a &ob@/
At onc" th" <"ran for"an b"ca" )r"occu)i"d, 'ooking ai'"ss'y out of
th" window( Th"r" was a si'"nc"(
/9ou h"+ b""n in"r a'r"tty@/
/9"s, y"s(/
/Know how to h"nd'" )ick#n sho+#'"@/
/9"s, I know(/
Th" oth"r s"""d unsatis3"d( /Ar" you a #cousin .ack#@/
Th" d"ntist grinn"d( This )r"&udic" against Cornish"n h" r""b"r"d too(
/No( A"rican(/
/How 'ong s"nc" you in"@/
/,h, y"ar or two(/
/Show your h"nds(/ !cT"agu" "7hibit"d his hard, ca''us"d )a's(
/:h"n k"n you go to work@ I want a chuck%t"nd"r on d"r night%shift(/
/I can t"nd a chuck( I#'' go on to%night(/
/:hat#s your na"@/
Th" d"ntist start"d( H" had forgott"n to b" )r")ar"d for this(
/Huh@ :hat@/
/:hat#s th" na"@/
!cT"agu"#s "y" was caught by a rai'road ca'"ndar hanging o+"r th" d"sk(
Th"r" was no ti" to think(
/1ur'ington,/ h" said, 'oud'y(
Th" <"ran took a card fro a 3'" and wrot" it down(
/<i+" dis card to d"r boarding%boss, down at d"r boarding%haus, d"n go"
3nd " b"i d"r i'' at s"7 o#c'ock, und I s"t you to work(/
Straight as a hoing )ig"on, and fo''owing a b'ind and unr"ason"d instinct,
!cT"agu" had r"turn"d to th" 1ig 0i))"r in"( :ithin a w""k#s ti" it
s"""d to hi as though h" had n"+"r b""n away( H" )ick"d u) his 'if" again
"7act'y wh"r" h" had '"ft it th" day wh"n his oth"r had s"nt hi away with
th" tra+"''ing d"ntist, th" char'atan who had s"t u) his t"nt by th" bunk
hous"( Th" hous" !cT"agu" had onc" 'i+"d in was sti'' th"r", occu)i"d by on"
of th" shift boss"s and his fai'y( Th" d"ntist )ass"d it on his way to and
fro th" in"(
H" his"'f s'")t in th" bunk hous" with so" thirty oth"rs of his shift( At ha'f%
)ast 3+" in th" "+"ning th" cook at th" boarding%hous" sound"d a )ro'ong"d
a'ar u)on a crowbar b"nt in th" for of a triang'", that hung u)on th" )orch
of th" boarding%hous"( !cT"agu" ros" and dr"ss"d, and with his shift had
su))"r( Th"ir 'unch%)ai's w"r" distribut"d to th"( Th"n h" ad" his way to
th" tunn"' outh, c'ib"d into a car in th" waiting or" train, and was hau'"d
into th" in"(
,nc" insid", th" hot "+"ning air turn"d to a coo' da)n"ss, and th" for"st
odors ga+" )'ac" to th" s"'' of sta'" dynait" sok", sugg"sti+" of burning
rubb"r( A c'oud of st"a ca" fro !cT"agu"#s outh* und"rn"ath, th"
wat"r swash"d and ri))'"d around th" car%wh""'s, whi'" th" 'ight fro th"
in"r#s cand'"sticks thr"w wa+"ring b'urs of )a'" y"''ow o+"r th" gray rotting
8uart6 of th" roof and wa''s( ,ccasiona''y !cT"agu" b"nt down his h"ad to
a+oid th" 'agging of th" roof or th" )ro&"ctions of an o+"rhanging shut"( Fro
car to car a'' a'ong th" 'in" th" in"rs ca''"d to on" anoth"r as th" train
trund'"d a'ong, &oshing and 'aughing(
A i'" fro th" "ntranc" th" train r"ach"d th" br"ast wh"r" !cT"agu"#s gang
work"d( Th" "n c'ab"r"d fro th" cars and took u) th" 'abor wh"r" th"
day shift had '"ft it, burrowing th"ir way st"adi'y through a )ri"+a' ri+"r
b"d(
Th" cand'"sticks thrust into th" cr"+ic"s of th" gra+"' strata 'it u) faint'y th"
ha'f do6"n o+ing 3gur"s b"fou'"d with sw"at and with w"t gray ou'd( Th"
)icks struck into th" 'oos" gra+"' with a yi"'ding shock( Th" 'ong%hand'"d
sho+"'s c'ink"d aidst th" )i'"s of bow'd"rs and scra)"d du''y in th" h"a)s of
rott"n 8uart6( Th" 1ur'y dri'' boring for b'asts brok" out fro ti" to ti" in
an irr"gu'ar chug%chug, chug%chug, whi'" th" "ngin" that )u)"d th" wat"r
fro th" in" cough"d and strang'"d at short int"r+a's(
!cT"agu" t"nd"d th" chuck( In a way h" was th" assistant of th" an who
work"d th" 1ur'y( It was his duty to r")'ac" th" dri''s in th" 1ur'y, )utting in
'ong"r on"s as th" ho'" got d"")"r and d"")"r( Fro ti" to ti" h" ra))"d
th" dri'' with a )o'"%)ick wh"n it stuck fast or 3tch"r"d(
,nc" it "+"n occurr"d to hi that th"r" was a r"s"b'anc" b"tw""n his
)r"s"nt work and th" )rof"ssion h" had b""n forc"d to abandon( In th" 1ur'y
dri'' h" saw a 8u""r count"r)art of his o'd%ti" d"nta' "ngin"* and what w"r"
th" dri''s and chucks but "norous ho" "7ca+ators, hard bits, and burrs@ It
was th" sa" work h" had so oft"n )"rfor"d in his /Par'ors,/ on'y
agni3"d, ad" onstrous, distort"d, and grot"s8u"d, th" caricatur" of
d"ntistry(
H" )ass"d his nights thus in th" idst of th" )'ay of crud" and si)'" forc"s
4th" )ow"rfu' attacks of th" 1ur'y dri''s* th" gr"at "7"rtions of bar"d, b"nt
backs o+"r'aid with usc'"* th" brus8u", r"sist'"ss "7)ansion of dynait"*
and th" si'"nt, +ast, Titanic forc", yst"rious and s'ow, that crack"d th"
tib"rs su))orting th" roof of th" tunn"', and that gradua''y 5att"n"d th"
'agging ti'' it was thin as )a)"r(
Th" 'if" )'"as"d th" d"ntist b"yond words( Th" sti'', co'ossa' ountains took
hi back again 'ik" a r"turning )rodiga', and +agu"'y, without knowing why,
h" yi"'d"d to th"ir in5u"nc"4th"ir i"nsity, th"ir "norous )ow"r, crud"
and b'ind, r"5"cting th"s"'+"s in his own natur", hug", strong, bruta' in its
si)'icity( And this, though h" on'y saw th" ountains at night( Th"y
a))"ar"d far di$"r"nt th"n than in th" dayti"( At tw"'+" o#c'ock h" ca"
out of th" in" and 'unch"d on th" cont"nts of his dinn"r%)ai', sitting u)on
th" "bank"nt of th" track, "ating with both hands, and 'ooking around
hi with a st"ady o7%'ik" ga6"( Th" ountains ros" sh""r fro "+"ry sid",
h"a+ing th"ir gigantic cr"sts far u) into th" night, th" b'ack )"aks crowding
tog"th"r, and 'ooking now '"ss 'ik" b"asts than 'ik" a co)any of cow'"d
giants( In th" dayti" th"y w"r" si'"nt* but at night th"y s"""d to stir and
rous" th"s"'+"s( ,ccasiona''y th" sta)%i'' sto))"d, its thund"r c"asing
abru)t'y( Th"n on" cou'd h"ar th" nois"s that th" ountains ad" in th"ir
'i+ing( Fro th" caQRn, fro th" crowding cr"sts, fro th" who'" i"ns"
'andsca)", th"r" ros" a st"ady and )ro'ong"d sound, coing fro a'' sid"s at
onc"( It was that inc"ssant and u>"d roar which dis"ngag"s its"'f fro a''
+ast bodi"s, fro oc"ans, fro citi"s, fro for"sts, fro s'"")ing ari"s, and
which is 'ik" th" br"athing of an in3nit"'y gr"at onst"r, a'i+", )a')itating(
!cT"agu" r"turn"d to his work( At si7 in th" orning his shift was tak"n o$,
and h" w"nt out of th" in" and back to th" bunk hous"( A'' day 'ong h"
s'")t, 5ung at '"ngth u)on th" strong%s"''ing b'ank"ts4s'")t th" dr"a'"ss
s'"") of "7haustion, crush"d and o+"r)ow"r"d with th" work, 5at and )ron"
u)on his b"''y, ti'' again in th" "+"ning th" cook sound"d th" a'ar u)on th"
crowbar b"nt into a triang'"(
E+"ry a't"rnat" w""k th" shifts w"r" chang"d( Th" s"cond w""k !cT"agu"#s
shift work"d in th" dayti" and s'")t at night( :"dn"sday night of this
s"cond w""k th" d"ntist wok" sudd"n'y( H" sat u) in his b"d in th" bunk
hous", 'ooking about hi fro sid" to sid"* an a'ar c'ock hanging on th"
wa'', o+"r a 'ant"rn, ark"d ha'f%)ast thr""(
/:hat was it@/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist( /I wond"r what it was(/ Th" r"st of th"
shift w"r" s'"")ing sound'y, 3''ing th" roo with th" ras)ing sound of
snoring( E+"rything was in its accusto"d )'ac"* nothing stirr"d( 1ut for a''
that !cT"agu" got u) and 'it his in"r#s cand'"stick and w"nt car"fu''y about
th" roo, throwing th" 'ight into th" dark corn"rs, )""ring und"r a'' th" b"ds,
inc'uding his own( Th"n h" w"nt to th" door and st"))"d outsid"( Th" night
was war and sti''* th" oon, +"ry 'ow, and cant"d on h"r sid" 'ik" a ga''"on
found"ring( Th" ca) was +"ry 8ui"t* nobody was in sight( /I wond"r what it
was,/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist( /Th"r" was so"thing4why did I wak" u)@ Huh@/
H" ad" a circuit about th" bunk hous", unusua''y a'"rt, his sa'' "y"s
twink'ing ra)id'y, s""ing "+"rything( A'' was 8ui"t( An o'd dog who in+ariab'y
s'")t on th" st")s of th" bunk hous" had not "+"n wak"n"d( !cT"agu" w"nt
back to b"d, but did not s'"")(
/Th"r" was S,!ETHIN<,/ h" utt"r"d, 'ooking in a )u66'"d way at his canary
in th" cag" that hung fro th" wa'' at his b"dsid"* /so"thing( :hat was it@
Th"r" is so"thing N,:( Th"r" it is again4th" sa" thing(/ H" sat u) in b"d
with "y"s and "ars strain"d( /:hat is it@ I don# know what it is( I don# h"ar
anything, an# I don# s"" anything( I f""' so"thing4right now* f""' it now( I
wond"r4I don# know4I don# know(/
,nc" or" h" got u), and this ti" dr"ss"d his"'f( H" ad" a co)'"t"
tour of th" ca), 'ooking and 'ist"ning, for what h" did not know( H" "+"n
w"nt to th" outskirts of th" ca) and for n"ar'y ha'f an hour watch"d th"
road that '"d into th" ca) fro th" dir"ction of Iowa Hi''( H" saw nothing*
not "+"n a rabbit stirr"d( H" w"nt to b"d(
1ut fro this ti" on th"r" was a chang"( Th" d"ntist gr"w r"st'"ss, un"asy(
Sus)icion of so"thing, h" cou'd not say what, annoy"d hi inc"ssant'y( H"
w"nt wid" around shar) corn"rs( At "+"ry o"nt h" 'ook"d shar)'y o+"r his
shou'd"r( H" "+"n w"nt to b"d with his c'oth"s and ca) on, and at "+"ry hour
during th" night wou'd g"t u) and )row' about th" bunk hous", on" "ar
turn"d down th" wind, his "y"s gi'"ting th" darkn"ss( Fro ti" to ti" h"
wou'd urur;
/Th"r"#s so"thing( :hat is it@ I wond"r what it is(/
:hat strang" si7th s"ns" stirr"d in !cT"agu" at this ti"@ :hat ania'
cunning, what brut" instinct c'aor"d for r"cognition and ob"di"nc"@ :hat
'ow"r facu'ty was it that rous"d his sus)icion, that dro+" hi out into th"
night a scor" of ti"s b"tw""n dark and dawn, his h"ad in th" air, his "y"s
and "ars k""n'y a'"rt@
,n" night as h" stood on th" st")s of th" bunk hous", )""ring into th"
shadows of th" ca), h" utt"r"d an "7c'aation as of a an sudd"n'y
"n'ight"n"d( H" turn"d back into th" hous", dr"w fro und"r his b"d th"
b'ank"t ro'' in which h" k")t his on"y hid, and took th" canary down fro
th" wa''( H" strod" to th" door and disa))"ar"d into th" night( :h"n th"
sh"ri$ of P'ac"r County and th" two d")uti"s fro San Francisco r"ach"d th"
1ig 0i))"r in", !cT"agu" had b""n gon" two days(
CHAPTER A1
/:"'',/ said on" of th" d")uti"s, as h" back"d th" hors" into th" shafts of th"
buggy in which th" )ursu"rs had dri+"n o+"r fro th" Hi'', /w"#+" about as
good as got hi( It isn#t hard to fo''ow a an who carri"s a bird cag" with hi
wh"r"+"r h" go"s(/
!cT"agu" cross"d th" ountains on foot th" Friday and Saturday of that
w""k, going o+"r through Eigrant <a), fo''owing th" 'in" of th" ,+"r'and
rai'road( H" r"ach"d R"no !onday night( 1y d"gr""s a +agu" )'an of action
out'in"d its"'f in th" d"ntist#s ind(
/!"7ico,/ h" utt"r"d to his"'f( /!"7ico, that#s th" )'ac"( Th"y#'' watch th"
coast and th"y#'' watch th" East"rn trains, but th"y won#t think of !"7ico(/
Th" s"ns" of )ursuit which had harass"d hi during th" 'ast w""k of his stay
at th" 1ig 0i))"r in" had worn o$, and h" b"'i"+"d his"'f to b" +"ry
cunning(
/I# )r"tty far ah"ad now, I gu"ss,/ h" said( At R"no h" board"d a south%
bound fr"ight on th" 'in" of th" Carson and Co'orado rai'road, )aying for a
)assag" in th" caboos"( /Fr"ights don# run on sch"du'" ti",/ h" utt"r"d,
/and a conductor on a )ass"ng"r train ak"s it his busin"ss to study fac"s(
I#'' stay with this train as far as it go"s(/
Th" fr"ight work"d s'ow'y southward, through w"st"rn N"+ada, th" country
b"coing hour'y or" and or" d"so'at" and abandon"d( Aft"r '"a+ing
:a'k"r 2ak" th" sag"%brush country b"gan, and th" fr"ight ro''"d h"a+i'y o+"r
tracks that thr"w o$ +isib'" 'ay"rs of h"at( At ti"s it sto))"d who'" ha'f days
on sidings or by wat"r tanks, and th" "ngin""r and 3r"an ca" back to th"
caboos" and )'ay"d )ok"r with th" conductor and train cr"w( Th" d"ntist sat
a)art, b"hind th" sto+", soking )i)" aft"r )i)" of ch"a) tobacco(
So"ti"s h" &oin"d in th" )ok"r ga"s( H" had '"arn"d )ok"r wh"n a boy
at th" in", and aft"r a f"w d"a's his know'"dg" r"turn"d to hi* but for th"
ost )art h" was taciturn and unsociab'", and rar"'y s)ok" to th" oth"rs
un'"ss s)ok"n to 3rst( Th" cr"w r"cogni6"d th" ty)", and th" i)r"ssion
gain"d ground aong th" that h" had /don" for/ a 'i+"ry%stab'" k"")"r at
Truck"" and was trying to g"t down into Ari6ona(
!cT"agu" h"ard two brak""n discussing hi on" night as th"y stood
outsid" by th" ha't"d train( /Th" 'i+"ry%stab'" k"")"r ca''"d hi a bastard*
that#s what Picachos to'd ",/ on" of th" r"ark"d, /and start"d to draw
his gun* an# this f"''ar did for hi with a hayfork( H"#s a hors" doctor, this
cha) is, and th" 'i+"ry%stab'" k"")"r had got th" 'aw on hi so#s h" cou'dn#t
)ractis" any or", an# h" was sor" about it(/
N"ar a )'ac" ca''"d Bu""n#s th" train r""nt"r"d Ca'ifornia, and !cT"agu"
obs"r+"d with r"'i"f that th" 'in" of track which had hith"rto h"'d w"stward
cur+"d shar)'y to th" south again( Th" train was uno'"st"d* occasiona''y
th" cr"w fought with a gang of tra)s who att")t"d to rid" th" brak"
b"as, and onc" in th" north"rn )art of Inyo County, whi'" th"y w"r" ha't"d
at a wat"r tank, an i"ns" Indian buck, b'ank"t"d to th" ground,
a))roach"d !cT"agu" as h" stood on th" roadb"d str"tching his '"gs, and
without a word )r"s"nt"d to hi a 3'thy, cru)'"d '"tt"r( Th" '"tt"r was to
th" "$"ct that th" buck 1ig .i was a good Indian and d"s"r+ing of charity*
th" signatur" was i''"gib'"( Th" d"ntist star"d at th" '"tt"r, r"turn"d it to th"
buck, and r"gain"d th" train &ust as it start"d( N"ith"r had s)ok"n* th" buck
did not o+" fro his )osition, and fu''y 3+" inut"s aft"rward, wh"n th"
s'ow%o+ing fr"ight was i'"s away, th" d"ntist 'ook"d back and saw hi sti''
standing otion'"ss b"tw""n th" rai's, a for'orn and so'itary )oint of r"d, 'ost
in th" i"nsity of th" surrounding whit" b'ur of th" d"s"rt(
At '"ngth th" ountains b"gan again, rising u) on "ith"r sid" of th" track*
+ast, nak"d hi''s of whit" sand and r"d rock, s)ott"d with b'u" shadows( H"r"
and th"r" a )atch of gr""n was s)r"ad 'ik" a gay tab'"%c'oth o+"r th" sand(
A'' at onc" !ount :hitn"y '"a)"d o+"r th" hori6on( Ind")"nd"nc" was
r"ach"d and )ass"d* th" fr"ight, n"ar'y ")ti"d by now, and uch
short"n"d, ro''"d a'ong th" shor"s of ,w"n 2ak"( At a )'ac" ca''"d K""'"r it
sto))"d d"3nit"'y( It was th" t"rinus of th" road(
Th" town of K""'"r was a on"%str""t town, not un'ik" Iowa Hi''4th" )ost%
o-c", th" bar and hot"', th" ,dd F"''ows# Ha'', and th" 'i+"ry stab'" b"ing th"
)rinci)a' bui'dings(
/:h"r" to now@/ utt"r"d !cT"agu" to his"'f as h" sat on th" "dg" of th"
b"d in his roo in th" hot"'( H" hung th" canary in th" window, 3''"d its 'itt'"
bathtub, and watch"d it tak" its bath with "norous satisfaction( /:h"r" to
now@/ h" utt"r"d again( /This is as far as th" rai'road go"s, an# it won# do
for " to stay in a town y"t a whi'"* no, it won# do( I got to c'"ar out( :h"r"
to@ That#s th" word, wh"r" to@ I#'' go down to su))"r now/4H" w"nt on
whis)"ring his thoughts a'oud, so that th"y wou'd tak" or" concr"t" sha)"
in his ind4/I#'' go down to su))"r now, an# th"n I#'' hang aroun# th" bar this
"+"ning ti'' I g"t th" 'ay of this 'and( !ayb" this is fruit country, though it
'ooks or" 'ik" a catt'" country( !ayb" it#s a ining country( If it#s a ining
country,/ h" continu"d, )uck"ring his h"a+y "y"brows, /if it#s a ining
country, an# th" in"s ar" far "nough o$ th" roads, ayb" I#d b"tt"r g"t to
th" in"s an# 'ay 8ui"t for a onth b"for" I try to g"t any farth"r south(/
H" wash"d th" cind"rs and dust of a w""k#s rai'roading fro his fac" and
hair, )ut on a fr"sh )air of boots, and w"nt down to su))"r( Th" dining%roo
was of th" in+ariab'" ty)" of th" sa''"r int"rior towns of Ca'ifornia( Th"r"
was but on" tab'", co+"r"d with oi'c'oth* rows of b"nch"s answ"r"d for
chairs* a rai'road a), a chroo with a gi't fra" )rot"ct"d by os8uito
n"tting, hung on th" wa''s, tog"th"r with a y"''ow"d )hotogra)h of th"
)ro)ri"tor in !asonic r"ga'ia( Two waitr"ss"s who th" gu"sts4a'' "n4
ca''"d by th"ir 3rst na"s, ca" and w"nt with 'arg" trays(
Through th" windows outsid" !cT"agu" obs"r+"d a gr"at nub"r of sadd'"
hors"s ti"d to tr""s and f"nc"s( Each on" of th"s" hors"s had a riata on th"
)o"' of th" sadd'"( H" sat down to th" tab'", "ating his thick hot sou),
watching his n"ighbors co+"rt'y, 'ist"ning to "+"rything that was said( It did
not tak" hi 'ong to gath"r that th" country to th" "ast and south of K""'"r
was a catt'" country(
Not far o$, across a rang" of hi''s, was th" Panaint Ca''"y, wh"r" th" big
catt'" rang"s w"r"( E+"ry now and th"n this na" was toss"d to and fro
across th" tab'" in th" 5ow of con+"rsation4/,+"r in th" Panaint(/ /.ust
going down for a rod"o in th" Panaint(/ /Panaint brands(/ /Has a rang"
down in th" Panaint(/ Th"n by and by th" r"ark, /Hoh, y"s, <o'd <u'ch,
th"y#r" down to good )ay th"r"( That#s on th" oth"r sid" of th" Panaint
Rang"( P"t"rs ca" in y"st"rday and to'd "(/
!cT"agu" turn"d to th" s)"ak"r(
/Is that a gra+"' in"@/ h" ask"d(
/No, no, 8uart6(/
/I# a in"r* that#s why I ask"d(/
/:"'' I#+" in"d so" too( I had a ho'" in th" ground "s"'f, but sh" was
si'+"r* and wh"n th" skunks at :ashington 'ow"r"d th" )ric" of si'+"r, wh"r"
was I@ Fitch"r"d, b#<od?/
/I was 'ooking for a &ob(/
/:"'', it#s ost'y catt'" down h"r" in th" Panaint, but sinc" th" strik" o+"r
at <o'd <u'ch so" of th" boys ha+" gon" )ros)"cting( Th"r"#s go'd in th"
dan Panaint !ountains( If you can 3nd a good 'ong #contact# of country
rocks you ain#t far fro it( Th"r"#s a cou)'" of f"''ars fro R"d'ands has
'ocat"d four c'ais around <o'd <u'ch( Th"y got a +"in "ight""n inch"s wid",
an# P"t"rs says you can trac" it for or"#n a thousand f""t( :"r" you thinking
of )ros)"cting o+"r th"r"@/
/:"'', w"'', I don# know, I don# know(/
/:"'', I# going o+"r to th" oth"r sid" of th" rang" day aft"r t#orrow aft"r
so" )oni"s of in", an# I# going to ha+" a 'ook around( 9ou say you#+"
b""n a in"r@/
/9"s, y"s(/
/If you#r" going o+"r that way, you ight co" a'ong and s"" if w" can#t 3nd
a contact, or co))"r su')hur"ts, or so"thing( E+"n if w" don#t 3nd co'or w"
ay 3nd si'+"r%b"aring ga'"na(/ Th"n, aft"r a )aus", /2"t#s s"", I didn#t catch
your na"(/
/Huh@ !y na"#s Cart"r,/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", )ro)t'y( :hy h" shou'd
chang" his na" again th" d"ntist cou'd not say( /Cart"r/ ca" to his ind
at onc", and h" answ"r"d without r"5"cting that h" had r"gist"r"d as
/1ur'ington/ wh"n h" had arri+"d at th" hot"'(
/:"'', y na"#s Cribb"ns,/ answ"r"d th" oth"r( Th" two shook hands
so'"n'y(
/9ou#r" about 3nish"d@/ continu"d Cribb"ns, )ushing back( /2"#s go out in th"
bar an# ha+" a drink on it(/
/Sur", sur",/ said th" d"ntist(
Th" two sat u) 'at" that night in a corn"r of th" barroo discussing th"
)robabi'ity of 3nding go'd in th" Panaint hi''s( It soon b"ca" "+id"nt that
th"y h"'d di$"ring th"ori"s( !cT"agu" c'ung to th" o'd )ros)"ctor#s id"a that
th"r" was no way of t"''ing wh"r" go'd was unti' you actua''y saw it( Cribb"ns
had "+id"nt'y r"ad a good any books u)on th" sub&"ct, and had a'r"ady
)ros)"ct"d in so"thing of a sci"nti3c ann"r(
/Shucks?/ h" "7c'ai"d( /<i# " a 'ong distinct contact b"tw""n s"di"ntary
and ign"ous rocks, an# I#'' sink a shaft without "+"r SEEIN< #co'or(#/
Th" d"ntist )ut his hug" chin in th" air( /<o'd is wh"r" you 3nd it,/ h"
r"turn"d, dogg"d'y(
/:"'', it#s y id"a as how )ardn"rs ought to work a'ong di$"r"nt 'in"s,/ said
Cribb"ns( H" tuck"d th" corn"rs of his ustach" into his outh and suck"d
th" tobacco &uic" fro th"( For a o"nt h" was thoughtfu', th"n h" b'"w
out his ustach" abru)t'y, and "7c'ai"d;
/Say, Cart"r, '"#s ak" a go of this( 9ou got a 'itt'" cash I su))os"43fty
do''ars or so@/
/Huh@ 9"s4I4I4/
/:"'', I got about 3fty( :"#'' go )ardn"rs on th" )ro)osition, an# w"#'' da''y
#round th" rang" yond"r an# s"" what w" can s""( :hat do you say@/
/Sur", sur",/ answ"r"d th" d"ntist(
/:"'', it#s a go th"n, h"y@/
/That#s th" word(/
/:"'', '"#s ha+" a drink on it(/
Th"y drank with )rofound gra+ity(
Th"y 3tt"d out th" n"7t day at th" g"n"ra' "rchandis" stor" of K""'"r4
)icks, sho+"'s, )ros)"ctors# ha"rs, a cou)'" of crad'"s, )ans, bacon, 5our,
co$"", and th" 'ik", and th"y bought a burro on which to )ack th"ir kit(
/Say, by &ingo, you ain#t got a hors",/ sudd"n'y "7c'ai"d Cribb"ns as th"y
ca" out of th" stor"( /9ou can#t g"t around this country without a )ony of
so" kind(/
Cribb"ns a'r"ady own"d and rod" a buckskin cayus" that had to b" knock"d
in th" h"ad and stunn"d b"for" it cou'd b" sadd'"d( /I got an "7try sadd'" an#
a h"adsta'' at th" hot"' that you can us",/ h" said, /but you#'' ha+" to g"t a
hors"(/
In th" "nd th" d"ntist bought a u'" at th" 'i+"ry stab'" for forty do''ars( It
turn"d out to b" a good bargain, how"+"r, for th" u'" was a good tra+"''"r
and s"""d actua''y to fatt"n on sag"%brush and )otato )arings( :h"n th"
actua' transaction took )'ac", !cT"agu" had b""n ob'ig"d to g"t th" on"y
to )ay for th" u'" out of th" can+as sack( Cribb"ns was with hi at th"
ti", and as th" d"ntist unro''"d his b'ank"ts and disc'os"d th" sack, whist'"d
in aa6""nt(
/An# " asking you if you had 3fty do''ars?/ h" "7c'ai"d( /9ou carry your
in" right around with you, don#t you@/
/Huh, I gu"ss so,/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist( /I4I &ust so'd a c'ai I had u) in E'
0orado County,/ h" add"d(
At 3+" o#c'ock on a agni3c"nt !ay orning th" /)ardn"rs/ &ogg"d out of
K""'"r, dri+ing th" burro b"for" th"( Cribb"ns rod" his cayus", !cT"agu"
fo''owing in his r"ar on th" u'"(
/Say,/ r"ark"d Cribb"ns, /why in thund"r don#t you '"a+" that foo' canary
b"hind at th" hot"'@ It#s going to b" in your way a'' th" ti", an# it wi'' sur"
di"( 1"tt"r br"ak its n"ck an# chuck it(/
/No, no,/ insist"d th" d"ntist( /I#+" had it too 'ong( I#'' tak" it with "(/
/:"'', that#s th" cra6i"st id"a I "+"r h"ard of,/ r"ark"d Cribb"ns, /to tak" a
canary a'ong )ros)"cting( :hy not kid g'o+"s, and b" don" with it@/
Th"y tra+"''"d '"isur"'y to th" south"ast during th" day, fo''owing a w"''%
b"at"n catt'" road, and that "+"ning ca)"d on a s)ur of so" hi''s at th"
h"ad of th" Panaint Ca''"y wh"r" th"r" was a s)ring( Th" n"7t day th"y
cross"d th" Panaint its"'f(
/That#s a sart 'ooking +a''"y,/ obs"r+"d th" d"ntist(
/N,: you#r" ta'king straight ta'k,/ r"turn"d Cribb"ns, sucking his ustach"(
Th" +a''"y was b"autifu', wid", '"+"', and +"ry gr""n( E+"rywh"r" w"r" h"rds
of catt'", scarc"'y '"ss wi'd than d""r( ,nc" or twic" cowboys )ass"d th" on
th" road, big%bon"d f"''ows, )ictur"s8u" in th"ir broad hats, hairy trous"rs,
&ing'ing s)urs, and r"+o'+"r b"'ts, sur)rising'y 'ik" th" )ictur"s !cT"agu"
r""b"r"d to ha+" s""n( E+"ryon" of th" kn"w Cribb"ns, and a'ost
in+ariab'y &osh"d hi on his +"ntur"(
/Say, Crib, y"#d b"st tak" a wagon train with y" to bring your dust back(/
Cribb"ns r"s"nt"d th"ir huor, and aft"r th"y had )ass"d, ch"w"d 3"rc"'y on
his ustach"(
/I#d 'ik" to ak" a strik", b#<od? if it was on'y to g"t th" 'augh on th"
&osh"rs(/
1y noon th"y w"r" c'ibing th" "ast"rn s'o)" of th" Panaint Rang"( 2ong
sinc" th"y had abandon"d th" road* +"g"tation c"as"d* not a tr"" was in
sight( Th"y fo''ow"d faint catt'" trai's that '"d fro on" wat"r ho'" to anoth"r(
1y d"gr""s th"s" wat"r ho'"s gr"w dry"r and dry"r, and at thr"" o#c'ock
Cribb"ns ha't"d and 3''"d th"ir cant""ns(
/Th"r" ain#t any T,, uch wat"r on th" oth"r sid",/ h" obs"r+"d gri'y(
/It#s )r"tty hot,/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist, wi)ing his str"aing for"h"ad with th"
back of his hand(
/Huh?/ snort"d th" oth"r or" gri'y than "+"r( Th" otion'"ss air was 'ik"
th" outh of a furnac"( Cribb"ns#s )ony 'ath"r"d and )ant"d( !cT"agu"#s
u'" b"gan to droo) his 'ong "ars( ,n'y th" 'itt'" burro )'odd"d r"so'ut"'y on,
)icking th" trai' wh"r" !cT"agu" cou'd s"" but track'"ss sand and stunt"d
sag"( Towards "+"ning Cribb"ns, who was in th" '"ad, dr"w r"in on th"
suit of th" hi''s(
1"hind th" was th" b"autifu' gr""n Panaint Ca''"y, but b"for" and b"'ow
th" for i'"s and i'"s, as far as th" "y" cou'd r"ach, a 5at, whit" d"s"rt,
")ty "+"n of sag"%brush, unro''"d toward th" hori6on( In th" i"diat"
for"ground a brok"n syst" of arroyos, and 'itt'" caQRns tub'"d down to
""t it( To th" north faint b'u" hi''s shou'd"r"d th"s"'+"s abo+" th" hori6on(
/:"'',/ obs"r+"d Cribb"ns, /w"#r" on th" to) of th" Panaint Rang" now( It#s
a'ong this "ast"rn s'o)", right b"'ow us h"r", that w"#r" going to )ros)"ct(
<o'd <u'ch/4h" )oint"d with th" butt of his 8uirt4/is about "ight""n or
nin"t""n i'"s a'ong h"r" to th" north of us( Thos" hi''s way o+"r yond"r to
th" north"ast ar" th" T"'"sco)" hi''s(/
/:hat do you ca'' th" d"s"rt out yond"r@/ !cT"agu"#s "y"s wand"r"d o+"r
th" i''iitab'" str"tch of a'ka'i that str"tch"d out for"+"r and for"+"r to th"
"ast, to th" north, and to th" south(
/That,/ said Cribb"ns, /that#s 0"ath Ca''"y(/
Th"r" was a 'ong )aus"( Th" hors"s )ant"d irr"gu'ar'y, th" sw"at dri))ing
fro th"ir h"a+ing b"''i"s( Cribb"ns and th" d"ntist sat otion'"ss in th"ir
sadd'"s, 'ooking out o+"r that aboinab'" d"so'ation, si'"nt, troub'"d(
/<od?/ "&acu'at"d Cribb"ns at '"ngth, und"r his br"ath, with a shak" of his
h"ad( Th"n h" s"""d to rous" his"'f( /:"'',/ h" r"ark"d, /3rst thing w"
got to do now is to 3nd wat"r(/
This was a 'ong and di-cu't task( Th"y d"sc"nd"d into on" 'itt'" caQRn aft"r
anoth"r, fo''ow"d th" cours" of nub"r'"ss arroyos, and "+"n dug wh"r"
th"r" s"""d indications of oistur", a'' to no )ur)os"( 1ut at '"ngth
!cT"agu"#s u'" )ut his nos" in th" air and b'"w onc" or twic" through his
nostri's(
/S"''s it, th" son of a gun?/ "7c'ai"d Cribb"ns( Th" d"ntist '"t th" ania'
ha+" his h"ad, and in a f"w inut"s h" had brought th" to th" b"d of a tiny
caQRn wh"r" a thin str"a of brackish wat"r 3't"r"d o+"r a '"dg" of rocks(
/:"#'' ca) h"r",/ obs"r+"d Cribb"ns, /but w" can#t turn th" hors"s 'oos"(
:"#'' ha+" to )ick"t #" with th" 'ariats( I saw so" 'oco%w""d back h"r" a
)i"c", and if th"y g"t to "ating that, th"y#'' sur" go )'u cra6y( Th" burro
won#t "at it, but I wou'dn#t trust th" oth"rs(/
A n"w 'if" b"gan for !cT"agu"( Aft"r br"akfast th" /)ardn"rs/ s")arat"d,
going in o))osit" dir"ctions a'ong th" s'o)" of th" rang", "7aining rocks,
)icking and chi))ing at '"dg"s and bow'd"rs, 'ooking for signs, )ros)"cting(
!cT"agu" w"nt u) into th" 'itt'" caQRns wh"r" th" str"as had cut through
th" b"d rock, s"arching for +"ins of 8uart6, br"aking out this 8uart6 wh"n h"
had found it, )u'+"ri6ing and )anning it( Cribb"ns hunt"d for /contacts,/
c'os"'y "7aining country rocks and out%cro)s, continua''y on th" 'ookout for
s)ots wh"r" s"di"ntary and ign"ous rock ca" tog"th"r(
,n" day, aft"r a w""k of )ros)"cting, th"y "t un"7)"ct"d'y on th" s'o)" of
an arroyo( It was 'at" in th" aft"rnoon( /H"''o, )ardn"r,/ "7c'ai"d Cribb"ns
as h" ca" down to wh"r" !cT"agu" was b"nding o+"r his )an( /:hat 'uck@/
Th" d"ntist ")ti"d his )an and straight"n"d u)( /Nothing, nothing( 9ou
struck anything@/
/Not a trac"( <u"ss w" ight as w"'' b" o+ing towards ca)(/ Th"y
r"turn"d tog"th"r, Cribb"ns t"''ing th" d"ntist of a grou) of ant"'o)" h" had
s""n(
/:" ight 'ay o$ to%orrow, an# s"" if w" can )'ug a cou)'" of th" f"''"rs(
Ant"'o)" st"ak wou'd go )r"tty w"'' aft"r b"ans an# bacon an# co$"" w""k in
an# w""k out(/
!cT"agu" was answ"ring, wh"n Cribb"ns int"rru)t"d hi with an
"7c'aation of )rofound disgust( /I thought w" w"r" th" 3rst to )ros)"ct
a'ong in h"r", an# now 'ook at that( 0on#t it ak" you sick@/
H" )oint"d out "+id"nc"s of an abandon"d )ros)"ctor#s ca) &ust b"for"
th"4charr"d ash"s, ")ty tin cans, on" or two go'd%in"r#s )ans, and a
brok"n )ick( /0on#t that ak" you sick@/ utt"r"d Cribb"ns, sucking his
ustach" furious'y( /To think of us ushh"ads going o+"r ground that#s b""n
co+"r"d a'r"ady? Say, )ardn"r, w"#'' dig out of h"r" to%orrow( I#+" b""n
thinking, anyhow, w"#d b"tt"r o+" to th" south* that wat"r of ours is )r"tty
'ow(/
/9"s, y"s, I gu"ss so,/ ass"nt"d th" d"ntist( /Th"r" ain#t any go'd h"r"(/
/9"s, th"r" is,/ )rot"st"d Cribb"ns dogg"d'y* /th"r"#s go'd a'' through th"s"
hi''s, if w" cou'd on'y strik" it( I t"'' you what, )ardn"r, I got a )'ac" in ind
wh"r" I#'' b"t no on" ain#t )ros)"ct"d4'"ast not +"ry any( Th"r" don#t +"ry
any car" to try an# g"t to it( It#s o+"r on th" oth"r sid" of 0"ath Ca''"y( It#s
ca''"d <o'd !ountain, an# th"r"#s on'y on" in" b""n 'ocat"d th"r", an# it#s
)aying 'ik" a nitrat" b"d( Th"r" ain#t any )"o)'" in that country, b"caus"
it#s a'' h"'' to g"t into( First )'ac", you got to cross 0"ath Ca''"y and strik" th"
Aragosa Rang" fur o$ to th" south( :"'', no on" ain#t stuck on crossing th"
Ca''"y, not if th"y can h"') it( 1ut w" cou'd work down th" Panaint so"
hundr"d or so i'"s, ayb" two hundr"d, an# f"tch around by th" Aragosa
Ri+"r, way to th" south#"rd( :" cou'd )ros)"ct on th" way( 1ut I gu"ss th"
Aragosa#d b" dri"d u) at this s"ason( Anyhow,/ h" conc'ud"d, /w"#'' o+"
ca) to th" south to%orrow( :" got to g"t n"w f""d an# wat"r for th"
hors"s( :"#'' s"" if w" can knock o+"r a cou)'" of ant"'o)" to%orrow, and
th"n w"#'' scoot(/
/I ain#t got a gun,/ said th" d"ntist* /not "+"n a r"+o'+"r( I4/
/:ait a s"cond,/ said Cribb"ns, )ausing in his scrab'" down th" sid" of on"
of th" sa''"r gu'ch"s( /H"r"#s so" s'at" h"r"* I ain#t s""n no s'at" around
h"r" y"t( 2"t#s s"" wh"r" it go"s to(/
!cT"agu" fo''ow"d hi a'ong th" sid" of th" gu'ch( Cribb"ns w"nt on ah"ad,
utt"ring to his"'f fro ti" to ti";
/Runs right a'ong h"r", "+"n "nough, and h"r"#s wat"r too( 0idn#t know this
str"a was h"r"* )r"tty n"ar dry, though( H"r"#s th" s'at" again( S"" wh"r" it
runs, )ardn"r@/
/2ook at it u) th"r" ah"ad,/ said !cT"agu"( /It runs right u) o+"r th" back of
this hi''(/
/That#s right,/ ass"nt"d Cribb"ns( /Hi?/ h" shout"d sudd"n'y, /HERE#S A
#C,NTACT,# and h"r" it is again, and th"r", and yond"r( ,h, 'ook at it, wi''
you@ That#s granodiorit" on s'at"( Cou'dn#t want it any or" distinct than
that( <,0? if w" cou'd on'y 3nd th" 8uart6 b"tw""n th" two now(/
/:"'', th"r" it is,/ "7c'ai"d !cT"agu"( /2ook on ah"ad th"r"* ain#t that
8uart6@/
/9ou#r" shouting right out 'oud,/ +ocif"rat"d Cribb"ns, 'ooking wh"r"
!cT"agu" was )ointing( His fac" w"nt sudd"n'y )a'"( H" turn"d to th"
d"ntist, his "y"s wid"(
/1y <od, )ardn"r,/ h" "7c'ai"d, br"ath'"ss'y( /1y <od4/ h" brok" o$
abru)t'y(
/That#s what you b""n 'ooking for, ain#t it@/ ask"d th" d"ntist(
/2,,KIN< for? 2,,KIN< for?/ Cribb"ns ch"ck"d his"'f( /That#s S2ATE a''
right, and that#s granodiorit", I know/4h" b"nt down and "7ain"d th" rock
4/and h"r"#s th" 8uart6 b"tw""n #"* th"r" can#t b" no istak" about that(
<i# " that ha"r,/ h" cri"d, "7cit"d'y( /Co" on, git to work( .ab into th"
8uart6 with your )ick* git out so" chunks of it(/ Cribb"ns w"nt down on his
hands and kn""s, attacking th" 8uart6 +"in furious'y( Th" d"ntist fo''ow"d his
"7a)'", swinging his )ick with "norous forc", s)'int"ring th" rocks at
"+"ry strok"( Cribb"ns was ta'king to his"'f in his "7cit""nt(
/<ot you THIS ti", you son of a gun? 1y <od? I gu"ss w" got you THIS ti",
at 'ast( 2ooks 'ik" it, anyhow( <ET a o+" on, )ardn"r( Th"r" ain#t anybody
#round, is th"r"@ H"y@/ :ithout 'ooking, h" dr"w his r"+o'+"r and thr"w it to
th" d"ntist( /Tak" th" gun an# 'ook around, )ardn"r( If you s"" any son of a
gun AN9:HERE, P2=< hi( This y"r"#s ,=R c'ai( I gu"ss w" got it THIS tid",
)ardn"r( Co" on(/ H" gath"r"d u) th" chunks of 8uart6 h" had brok"n out,
and )ut th" in his hat and start"d towards th"ir ca)( Th" two w"nt a'ong
with gr"at strid"s, hurrying as fast as th"y cou'd o+"r th" un"+"n ground(
/I don# know,/ "7c'ai"d Cribb"ns, br"ath'"ss'y, /I don# want to say too uch(
!ayb" w"#r" foo'"d( 2ord, that dan ca)#s a 'ong ways o$( ,h, I ain#t goin#
to foo' a'ong this way( Co" on, )ardn"r(/ H" brok" into a run( !cT"agu"
fo''ow"d at a 'ub"ring ga''o)( ,+"r th" scorch"d, )arch"d ground, stub'ing
and tri))ing o+"r sag"%brush and shar)%)oint"d rocks, und"r th" )a')itating
h"at of th" d"s"rt sun, th"y ran and scrab'"d, carrying th" 8uart6 'u)s in
th"ir hats(
/S"" any #C,2,R# in it, )ardn"r@/ gas)"d Cribb"ns( /I can#t, can you@
#Twou'dn#t b" +isib'" nohow, I gu"ss( Hurry u)( 2ord, w" ain#t "+"r going to g"t
to that ca)(/
Fina''y th"y arri+"d( Cribb"ns du)"d th" 8uart6 frag"nts into a )an(
/9ou )"st'" h"r, )ardn"r, an# I#'' 37 th" sca'"s(/ !cT"agu" ground th" 'u)s to
3n" dust in th" iron ortar whi'" Cribb"ns s"t u) th" tiny sca'"s and got out
th" /s)oons/ fro th"ir out3t(
/That#s 3n" "nough,/ Cribb"ns "7c'ai"d, i)ati"nt'y( /Now w"#'' s)oon h"r(
<i# " th" wat"r(/
Cribb"ns scoo)"d u) a s)oonfu' of th" 3n" whit" )owd"r and b"gan to s)oon
it car"fu''y( Th" two w"r" on th"ir hands and kn""s u)on th" ground, th"ir
h"ads c'os" tog"th"r, sti'' )anting with "7cit""nt and th" "7"rtion of th"ir
run(
/Can#t do it,/ "7c'ai"d Cribb"ns, sitting back on his h""'s, /hand shak"s so(
9,= tak" it, )ardn"r( Car"fu', now(/
!cT"agu" took th" horn s)oon and b"gan rocking it g"nt'y in his hug"
3ng"rs, s'uicing th" wat"r o+"r th" "dg" a 'itt'" at a ti", "ach o+""nt
washing away a 'itt'" or" of th" )owd"r"d 8uart6( Th" two watch"d it with
th" int"ns"st "ag"rn"ss(
/0on#t s"" it y"t* don#t s"" it y"t,/ whis)"r"d Cribb"ns, ch"wing his
ustach"( /2EET2E fast"r, )ardn"r( That#s th" tick"t( Car"fu', st"ady, now*
'""t'" or", '""t'" or"( 0on#t s"" co'or y"t, do you@/
Th" 8uart6 s"di"nt dwind'"d by d"gr""s as !cT"agu" s)oon"d it st"adi'y(
Th"n at 'ast a thin str"ak of a for"ign substanc" b"gan to show &ust a'ong th"
"dg"( It was y"''ow(
N"ith"r s)ok"( Cribb"ns dug his nai's into th" sand, and ground his ustach"
b"tw""n his t""th( Th" y"''ow str"ak broad"n"d as th" 8uart6 s"di"nt
wash"d away( Cribb"ns whis)"r"d;
/:" got it, )ardn"r( That#s go'd(/
!cT"agu" wash"d th" 'ast of th" whit" 8uart6 dust away, and '"t th" wat"r
trick'" aft"r it( A )inch of go'd, 3n" as 5our, was '"ft in th" botto of th"
s)oon(
/Th"r" you ar",/ h" said( Th" two 'ook"d at "ach oth"r( Th"n Cribb"ns ros"
into th" air with a gr"at '"a) and a y"'' that cou'd ha+" b""n h"ard for ha'f a
i'"(
/9""%"%ow? :" <,T it, w" struck it( Pardn"r, w" got it( ,ut of sight( :"#r"
i''ionair"s(/ H" snatch"d u) his r"+o'+"r and 3r"d it with inconc"i+ab'"
ra)idity( /P=T it th"r", o'd an,/ h" shout"d, gri))ing !cT"agu"#s )a'(
/That#s go'd, a'' right,/ utt"r"d !cT"agu", studying th" cont"nts of th"
s)oon(
/9ou b"t your gr"at%granda#s Cochin%China Ch"ssy cat it#s go'd,/ shout"d
Cribb"ns( /H"r", now, w" got a 'ot to do( :" got to stak" h"r out an# )ut u)
th" 'ocation notic"( :"#'' tak" our fu'' acr"ag", you b"t( 9ou4w" ha+"n#t
w"igh"d this y"t( :h"r"#s th" sca'"s@/ H" w"igh"d th" )inch of go'd with
shaking hands( /Two grains,/ h" cri"d( /That#'' run 3+" do''ars to th" ton( Rich,
it#s rich* it#s th" rich"st kind of )ay, )ardn"r( :"#r" i''ionair"s( :hy don#t you
say so"thing@ :hy don#t you g"t "7cit"d@ :hy don#t you run around an# do
so"thing@/
/Huh?/ said !cT"agu", ro''ing his "y"s( /Huh? I know, I know, w"#+" struck it
)r"tty rich(/
/Co" on,/ "7c'ai"d Cribb"ns, &u)ing u) again( /:"#'' stak" h"r out an#
)ut u) th" 'ocation notic"( 2ord, su))os" anyon" shou'd ha+" co" on h"r
whi'" w"#+" b""n away(/ H" r"'oad"d his r"+o'+"r d"'ib"rat"'y( /:"#'' dro) HI!
a'' right, if th"r"#s anyon" foo'ing round th"r"* I#'' t"'' you thos" right now(
1ring th" ri5", )ardn"r, an# if you s"" anyon", P2=< hi, an# ask hi what h"
wants aft"rward(/
Th"y hurri"d back to wh"r" th"y had ad" th"ir disco+"ry(
/To think,/ "7c'ai"d Cribb"ns, as h" dro+" th" 3rst stak", /to think thos"
oth"r ushh"ads had th"ir ca) within gunshot of h"r and n"+"r 'ocat"d
h"r( <u"ss th"y didn#t know th" "aning of a #contact(# ,h, I kn"w I was so'id
on #contacts(#/
Th"y stak"d out th"ir c'ai, and Cribb"ns )ut u) th" notic" of 'ocation( It was
dark b"for" th"y w"r" through( Cribb"ns brok" o$ so" or" chunks of
8uarts in th" +"in(
/I#'' s)oon this too, &ust for th" fun of it, wh"n I g"t ho",/ h" "7)'ain"d, as
th"y tra)"d back to th" ca)(
/:"'',/ said th" d"ntist, /w" got th" 'augh on thos" cowboys(/
/Ha+" w"@/ shout"d Cribb"ns( /HACE w"@ .ust wait and s"" th" rush for this
)'ac" wh"n w" t"'' #" about it down in K""'"r( Say, what#'' w" ca'' h"r@/
/I don# know, I don# know(/
/:" ight ca'' h"r th" #2ast Chanc"(# #Twas our 'ast chanc", wasn#t it@ :"#d #a#
gon" ant"'o)" shooting toorrow, and th" n"7t day w"#d #a#4say, what you
sto))ing for@/ h" add"d, int"rru)ting his"'f( /:hat#s u)@/
Th" d"ntist had )aus"d abru)t'y on th" cr"st of a caQRn( Cribb"ns, 'ooking
back, saw hi standing otion'"ss in his tracks(
/:hat#s u)@/ ask"d Cribb"ns a s"cond ti"(
!cT"agu" s'ow'y turn"d his h"ad and 'ook"d o+"r on" shou'd"r, th"n o+"r th"
oth"r( Sudd"n'y h" wh""'"d shar)'y about, cocking th" :inch"st"r and
tossing it to his shou'd"r( Cribb"ns ran back to his sid", whi))ing out his
r"+o'+"r(
/:hat is it@/ h" cri"d( /S"" anybody@/ H" )""r"d on ah"ad through th"
gath"ring twi'ight(
/No, no(/
/H"ar anything@/
/No, didn#t h"ar anything(/
/:hat is it th"n@ :hat#s u)@/
/I don# know, I don# know,/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist, 'ow"ring th" ri5"( /Th"r"
was so"thing(/
/:hat@/
/So"thing4didn#t you notic"@/
/Notic" what@/
/I don# know( So"thing4so"thing or oth"r(/
/:ho@ :hat@ Notic" what@ :hat did you s""@/
Th" d"ntist '"t down th" ha"r of th" ri5"(
/I gu"ss it wasn#t anything,/ h" said rath"r foo'ish'y(
/:hat d#you think you saw4anybody on th" c'ai@/
/I didn#t s"" anything( I didn#t h"ar anything "ith"r( I had an id"a, that#s a''*
ca" a'' of a sudd"n, 'ik" that( So"thing, I don# know what(/
/I gu"ss you &ust iagin"d so"thing( Th"r" ain#t anybody within tw"nty
i'"s of us, I gu"ss(/
/9"s, I gu"ss so, &ust iagin"d it, that#s th" word(/
Ha'f an hour 'at"r th"y had th" 3r" going( !cT"agu" was frying stri)s of
bacon o+"r th" coa's, and Cribb"ns was sti'' chatt"ring and "7c'aiing o+"r
th"ir gr"at strik"( A'' at onc" !cT"agu" )ut down th" frying%)an(
/:hat#s that@/ h" grow'"d(
/H"y@ :hat#s what@/ "7c'ai"d Cribb"ns, g"tting u)(
/0idn#t you notic" so"thing@/
/:h"r"@/
/,$ th"r"(/ Th" d"ntist ad" a +agu" g"stur" toward th" "ast"rn hori6on(
/0idn#t you h"ar so"thing4I "an s"" so"thing4I "an4/
/:hat#s th" att"r with you, )ardn"r@/
/Nothing( I gu"ss I &ust iagin"d it(/
1ut it was not iagination( =nti' idnight th" )artn"rs 'ay broad awak",
ro''"d in th"ir b'ank"ts und"r th" o)"n sky, ta'king and discussing and aking
)'ans( At 'ast Cribb"ns ro''"d o+"r on his sid" and s'")t( Th" d"ntist cou'd not
s'"")(
:hat? It was warning hi again, that strang" si7th s"ns", that obscur" brut"
instinct( It was arous"d again and c'aoring to b" ob"y"d( H"r", in th"s"
d"so'at" barr"n hi''s, tw"nty i'"s fro th" n"ar"st huan b"ing, it stirr"d
and wok" and row"''"d hi to b" o+ing on( It had goad"d hi to 5ight fro
th" 1ig 0i))"r in", and h" had ob"y"d( 1ut now it was di$"r"nt* now h"
had sudd"n'y b"co" rich* h" had 'ight"d on a tr"asur"4a tr"asur" far or"
+a'uab'" than th" 1ig 0i))"r in" its"'f( How was h" to '"a+" that@ H" cou'd
not o+" on now( H" turn"d about in his b'ank"ts( No, h" wou'd not o+" on(
P"rha)s it was his fancy, aft"r a''( H" saw nothing, h"ard nothing( Th"
")tin"ss of )ri"+a' d"so'ation str"tch"d fro hi '"agu"s and '"agu"s
u)on "ith"r hand( Th" gigantic si'"nc" of th" night 'ay c'os" o+"r "+"rything,
'ik" a u>ing Titanic )a'( ,f what was h" sus)icious@ In that tr""'"ss wast"
an ob&"ct cou'd b" s""n at ha'f a day#s &ourn"y distant( In that +ast si'"nc"
th" c'ick of a )"bb'" was as audib'" as a )isto'%shot( And y"t th"r" was
nothing, nothing(
Th" d"ntist s"tt'"d his"'f in his b'ank"ts and tri"d to s'"")( In 3+" inut"s
h" was sitting u), staring into th" b'u"%gray shi"r of th" oon'ight,
straining his "ars, watching and 'ist"ning int"nt'y( Nothing was in sight( Th"
brown"d and brok"n 5anks of th" Panaint hi''s 'ay 8ui"t and fai'iar und"r
th" oon( Th" burro o+"d its h"ad with a c'inking of its b"''* and !cT"agu"s
u'", do6ing on thr"" '"gs, chang"d its w"ight to anoth"r foot, with a 'ong
br"ath( E+"rything f"'' si'"nt again(
/:hat is it@/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist( /If I cou'd on'y s"" so"thing, h"ar
so"thing(/
H" thr"w o$ th" b'ank"ts, and, rising, c'ib"d to th" suit of th" n"ar"st
hi'' and 'ook"d back in th" dir"ction in which h" and Cribb"ns had tra+"''"d a
fortnight b"for"( For ha'f an hour h" wait"d, watching and 'ist"ning in +ain(
1ut as h" r"turn"d to ca), and )r")ar"d to ro'' his b'ank"ts about hi, th"
strang" i)u's" ros" in hi again abru)t'y, n"+"r so strong, n"+"r so
insist"nt( It s"""d as though h" w"r" bitt"d and ridd"n* as if so" uns""n
hand w"r" turning hi toward th" "ast* so" uns""n h""' s)urring hi to
)r"ci)itat" and instant 5ight(
F'ight fro what@ /No,/ h" utt"r"d und"r his br"ath( /<o now and '"a+" th"
c'ai, and '"a+" a fortun"? :hat a foo' I#d b", wh"n I can#t s"" anything or
h"ar anything( To '"a+" a fortun"? No, I won#t( No, by <od?/ H" dr"w
Cribb"ns#s :inch"st"r toward hi and s'i))"d a cartridg" into th" aga6in"(
/No,/ h" grow'"d( /:hat"+"r ha))"ns, I# going to stay( If anybody co"s4/
H" d")r"ss"d th" '"+"r of th" ri5", and s"nt th" cartridg" c'ashing into th"
br""ch(
/I ain#t going to s'""),/ h" utt"r"d und"r his ustach"( /I can#t s'"")* I#''
watch(/ H" ros" a s"cond ti", c'ab"r"d to th" n"ar"st hi''to) and sat
down, drawing th" b'ank"t around hi, and 'aying th" :inch"st"r across his
kn""s( Th" hours )ass"d( Th" d"ntist sat on th" hi''to) a otion'"ss,
crouching 3gur", inky b'ack against th" )a'" b'ur of th" sky( 1y and by th"
"dg" of th" "ast"rn hori6on b"gan to grow b'ack"r and or" distinct in out%
'in"( Th" dawn was coing( ,nc" or" !cT"agu" f"'t th" yst"rious intuition
of a))roaching dang"r* an uns""n hand s"""d r"ining his h"ad "astward* a
s)ur was in his 5anks that s"""d to urg" hi to hurry, hurry, hurry( Th"
in5u"nc" gr"w strong"r with "+"ry o"nt( Th" d"ntist s"t his gr"at &aws
tog"th"r and h"'d his ground(
/No,/ h" grow'"d b"tw""n his s"t t""th( /No, I#'' stay(/ H" ad" a 'ong circuit
around th" ca), "+"n going as far as th" 3rst stak" of th" n"w c'ai, his
:inch"st"r cock"d, his "ars )rick"d, his "y"s a'"rt( Th"r" was nothing* y"t as
)'ain'y as though it w"r" shout"d at th" +"ry na)" of his n"ck h" f"'t an
"n"y( It was not f"ar( !cT"agu" was not afraid(
/If I cou'd on'y SEE so"thing4so"body,/ h" utt"r"d, as h" h"'d th"
cock"d ri5" r"ady, /I4I#d show hi(/
H" r"turn"d to ca)( Cribb"ns was snoring( Th" burro had co" down to th"
str"a for its orning drink( Th" u'" was awak" and browsing( !cT"agu"
stood irr"so'ut"'y by th" co'd ash"s of th" ca)%3r", 'ooking fro sid" to sid"
with a'' th" sus)icion and warin"ss of a track"d stag( Strong"r and strong"r
gr"w th" strang" i)u's"( It s"""d to hi that on th" n"7t instant h" !=ST
)"rforc" wh""' shar)'y "astward and rush away h"ad'ong in a c'usy,
'ub"ring ga''o)( H" fought against it with a'' th" f"rocious obstinacy of his
si)'" brut" natur"(
/<o, and '"a+" th" in"@ <o and '"a+" a i''ion do''ars@ No, N,, I won#t go(
No, I#'' stay( Ah,/ h" "7c'ai"d, und"r his br"ath, with a shak" of his hug"
h"ad, 'ik" an "7as)"rat"d and harass"d brut", /ah, show yours"'f, wi'' you@/
H" brought th" ri5" to his shou'd"r and co+"r"d )oint aft"r )oint a'ong th"
rang" of hi''s to th" w"st( /Co" on, show yours"'f( Co" on a 'itt'", a'' of
you( I ain#t afraid of you* but don#t sku'k this way( 9ou ain#t going to dri+" "
away fro y in"( I# going to stay(/
An hour )ass"d( Th"n two( Th" stars wink"d out, and th" dawn whit"n"d( Th"
air b"ca" war"r( Th" who'" "ast, c'"an of c'ouds, 5a"d o)a'"sc"nt fro
hori6on to 6"nith, crison at th" bas", wh"r" th" "arth b'ack"n"d against it*
at th" to) fading fro )ink to )a'" y"''ow, to gr""n, to 'ight b'u", to th"
tur8uois" irid"sc"nc" of th" d"s"rt sky( Th" 'ong, thin shadows of th" "ar'y
hours dr"w backward 'ik" r"c"ding s"r)"nts, th"n sudd"n'y th" sun 'ook"d
o+"r th" shou'd"r of th" wor'd, and it was day(
At that o"nt !cT"agu" was a'r"ady "ight i'"s away fro th" ca),
going st"adi'y "astward( H" was d"sc"nding th" 'ow"st s)urs of th" Panaint
hi''s, fo''owing an o'd and faint catt'" trai'( 1"for" hi h" dro+" his u'",
'ad"n with b'ank"ts, )ro+isions for si7 days, Cribb"n#s ri5", and a cant""n fu''
of wat"r( S"cur"'y bound to th" )o"' of th" sadd'" was th" can+as sack
with its )r"cious 3+" thousand do''ars, a'' in tw"nty%do''ar go'd )i"c"s( 1ut
strang" "nough in that horrid wast" of sand and sag" was th" ob&"ct that
!cT"agu" his"'f )"rsist"nt'y carri"d4th" canary in its cag", about which h"
had car"fu''y wra))"d a cou)'" of o'd 5our%bags(
At about 3+" o#c'ock that orning !cT"agu" had cross"d s"+"ra' trai's which
s"""d to b" con+"rging, and, gu"ssing that th"y '"d to a wat"r ho'", had
fo''ow"d on" of th" and had brought u) at a sort of sa'' sundri"d sink
which n"+"rth"'"ss contain"d a 'itt'" wat"r at th" botto( H" had wat"r"d
th" u'" h"r", r"3''"d th" cant""n, and drank d"") his"'f( H" had a'so
da)"n"d th" o'd 5our%sacks around th" bird cag" to )rot"ct th" 'itt'" canary
as far as )ossib'" fro th" h"at that h" kn"w wou'd incr"as" now with "+"ry
hour( H" had ad" r"ady to go forward again, but had )aus"d irr"so'ut"
again, h"sitating for th" 'ast ti"(
/I# a foo',/ h" grow'"d, scow'ing back at th" rang" b"hind hi( /I# a foo'(
:hat#s th" att"r with "@ I# &ust wa'king right away fro a i''ion do''ars(
I know it#s th"r"( No, by <od?/ h" "7c'ai"d, sa+ag"'y, /I ain#t going to do it(
I# going back( I can#t '"a+" a in" 'ik" that(/ H" had wh""'"d th" u'"
about, and had start"d to r"turn on his tracks, grinding his t""th 3"rc"'y,
inc'ining his h"ad forward as though butting against a wind that wou'd b"at
hi back( /<o on, go on,/ h" cri"d, so"ti"s addr"ssing th" u'",
so"ti"s his"'f( /<o on, go back, go back( I :I22 go back(/ It was as
though h" w"r" c'ibing a hi'' that gr"w st"")"r with "+"ry strid"( Th"
strang" i)"''ing instinct fought his ad+anc" yard by yard( 1y d"gr""s th"
d"ntist#s st")s gr"w s'ow"r* h" sto))"d, w"nt forward again cautious'y,
a'ost f""'ing his way, 'ik" so"on" a))roaching a )it in th" darkn"ss( H"
sto))"d again, h"sitating, gnashing his t""th, c'inching his 3sts with b'ind
fury( Sudd"n'y h" turn"d th" u'" about, and onc" or" s"t his fac" to th"
"astward(
/I can#t,/ h" cri"d a'oud to th" d"s"rt* /I can#t, I can#t( It#s strong"r than I a( I
CAN#T go back( Hurry now, hurry, hurry, hurry(/
H" hast"n"d on furti+"'y, his h"ad and shou'd"rs b"nt( At ti"s on" cou'd
a'ost say h" crouch"d as h" )ush"d forward with 'ong strid"s* now and th"n
h" "+"n 'ook"d o+"r his shou'd"r( Sw"at ro''"d fro hi, h" 'ost his hat, and
th" att"d an" of thick y"''ow hair sw")t o+"r his for"h"ad and shad"d his
sa'', twink'ing "y"s( At ti"s, with a +agu", n"ar'y autoatic g"stur", h"
r"ach"d his hand forward, th" 3ng"rs )r"h"nsi'", and dir"ct"d towards th"
hori6on, as if h" wou'd c'utch it and draw it n"ar"r* and at int"r+a's h"
utt"r"d, /Hurry, hurry, hurry on, hurry on(/ For now at 'ast !cT"agu" was
afraid(
His )'ans w"r" unc"rtain( H" r""b"r"d what Cribb"ns had said about th"
Aragosa !ountains in th" country on th" oth"r sid" of 0"ath Ca''"y( It was
a'' h"'' to g"t into that country, Cribb"ns had said, and not any "n w"nt
th"r", b"caus" of th" t"rrib'" +a''"y of a'ka'i that barr"d th" way, a horrib'"
+ast sink of whit" sand and sa't b"'ow "+"n th" s"a '"+"', th" dry b"d, no
doubt, of so" )r"historic 'ak"( 1ut !cT"agu" r"so'+"d to ak" a circuit of
th" +a''"y, k"")ing to th" south, unti' h" shou'd strik" th" Aragosa Ri+"r( H"
wou'd ak" a circuit of th" +a''"y and co" u) on th" oth"r sid"( H" wou'd
g"t into that country around <o'd !ountain in th" Aragosa hi''s, barr"d o$
fro th" wor'd by th" '"agu"s of th" r"d%hot a'ka'i of 0"ath Ca''"y( /Th"y/
wou'd hard'y r"ach hi th"r"( H" wou'd stay at <o'd !ountain two or thr""
onths, and th"n work his way down into !"7ico(
!cT"agu" tra)"d st"adi'y forward, sti'' d"sc"nding th" 'ow"r irr"gu'ariti"s
of th" Panaint Rang"( 1y nin" o#c'ock th" s'o)" 5att"n"d out abru)t'y* th"
hi''s w"r" b"hind hi* b"for" hi, to th" "ast, a'' was '"+"'( H" had r"ach"d
th" r"gion wh"r" "+"n th" sand and sag"%brush b"gin to dwind'", gi+ing
)'ac" to whit", )owd"r"d a'ka'i( Th" trai's w"r" nu"rous, but o'd and faint*
and th"y had b""n ad" by catt'", not by "n( Th"y '"d in a'' dir"ctions but
on"4north, south, and w"st* but not on", how"+"r faint, struck out towards
th" +a''"y(
/If I k"") a'ong th" "dg" of th" hi''s wh"r" th"s" trai's ar",/ utt"r"d th"
d"ntist, /I ought to 3nd wat"r u) in th" arroyos fro ti" to ti"(/
At onc" h" utt"r"d an "7c'aation( Th" u'" had b"gun to s8u"a' and 'ash
out with a't"rnat" hoofs, his "y"s ro''ing, his "ars 5att"n"d( H" ran a f"w
st")s, ha't"d, and s8u"a'"d again( Th"n, sudd"n'y wh""'ing at right ang'"s,
s"t o$ on a &og trot to th" north, s8u"a'ing and kicking fro ti" to ti"(
!cT"agu" ran aft"r hi shouting and sw"aring, but for a 'ong ti" th" u'"
wou'd not a''ow his"'f to b" caught( H" s"""d or" b"wi'd"r"d than
fright"n"d(
/H"#s "atun so" of that 'oco%w""d that Cribb"ns s)ok" about,/ )ant"d
!cT"agu"( /:hoa, th"r"* st"ady, you(/ At '"ngth th" u'" sto))"d of his own
accord, and s"""d to co" to his s"ns"s again( !cT"agu" ca" u) and
took th" brid'" r"in, s)"aking to hi and rubbing his nos"(
/Th"r", th"r", what#s th" att"r with you@/ Th" u'" was doci'" again(
!cT"agu" wash"d his outh and s"t forward onc" or"(
Th" day was agni3c"nt( Fro hori6on to hori6on was on" +ast s)an of b'u",
whit"ning as it di))"d "arthward( !i'"s u)on i'"s to th" "ast and south"ast
th" d"s"rt unro''"d its"'f, whit", nak"d, inhos)itab'", )a')itating and
shi"ring und"r th" sun, unbrok"n by so uch as a rock or cactus stu)(
In th" distanc" it assu"d a'' ann"r of faint co'ors, )ink, )ur)'", and )a'"
orang"( To th" w"st ros" th" Panaint Rang", s)ars"'y s)rink'"d with gray
sag"brush* h"r" th" "arths and sands w"r" y"''ow, ochr", and rich, d"") r"d,
th" ho''ows and caQRns )ick"d out with int"ns" b'u" shadows( It s"""d
strang" that such barr"nn"ss cou'd "7hibit this radianc" of co'or, but nothing
cou'd ha+" b""n or" b"autifu' than th" d"") r"d of th" high"r b'u$s and
ridg"s, s"a"d with )ur)'" shadows, standing shar)'y out against th" )a'"%
b'u" whit"n"ss of th" hori6on(
1y nin" o#c'ock th" sun stood high in th" sky( Th" h"at was int"ns"* th"
atos)h"r" was thick and h"a+y with it( !cT"agu" gas)"d for br"ath and
wi)"d th" b"ads of )"rs)iration fro his for"h"ad, his ch""ks, and his n"ck(
E+"ry inch and )or" of his skin was ting'ing and )ricking und"r th" "rci'"ss
'ash of th" sun#s rays(
/If it g"ts uch hott"r,/ h" utt"r"d, with a 'ong br"ath, /if it g"ts uch
hott"r, I4I don# know4/ H" wagg"d his h"ad and wi)"d th" sw"at fro his
"y"'ids, wh"r" it was running 'ik" t"ars(
Th" sun ros" high"r* hour by hour, as th" d"ntist tra)"d st"adi'y on, th"
h"at incr"as"d( Th" bak"d dry sand crack'"d into innu"rab'" tiny 5ak"s
und"r his f""t( Th" twigs of th" sag"%brush sna))"d 'ik" britt'" )i)"st"s as
h" )ush"d through th"( It gr"w hott"r( At "'"+"n th" "arth was 'ik" th"
surfac" of a furnac"* th" air, as !cT"agu" br"ath"d it in, was hot to his 'i)s
and th" roof of his outh( Th" sun was a disk of o't"n brass swiing in
th" burnt%out b'u" of th" sky( !cT"agu" stri))"d o$ his woo''"n shirt, and
"+"n unbutton"d his 5ann"' und"rshirt, tying a handk"rchi"f 'oos"'y about his
n"ck(
/2ord?/ h" "7c'ai"d( /I n"+"r kn"w it C,=20 g"t as hot as this(/
Th" h"at gr"w st"adi'y 3"rc"r* a'' distant ob&"cts w"r" +isib'y shi"ring and
)a')itating und"r it( At noon a irag" a))"ar"d on th" hi''s to th" northw"st(
!cT"agu" ha't"d th" u'", and drank fro th" t")id wat"r in th" cant""n,
da)"ning th" sack around th" canary#s cag"( As soon as h" c"as"d his
tra) and th" nois" of his crunching, grinding footst")s di"d away, th"
si'"nc", +ast, i''iitab'", "nfo'd"d hi 'ik" an i"asurab'" tid"( Fro a'' that
gigantic 'andsca)", that co'ossa' r"ach of baking sand, th"r" aros" not a
sing'" sound( Not a twig ratt'"d, not an ins"ct hu"d, not a bird or b"ast
in+ad"d that hug" so'itud" with ca'' or cry( E+"rything as far as th" "y" cou'd
r"ach, to north, to south, to "ast, and w"st, 'ay in"rt, abso'ut"'y 8ui"t and
o+"'"ss und"r th" r"ors"'"ss scourg" of th" noon sun( Th" +"ry shadows
shrank away, hiding und"r sag"%bush"s, r"tr"ating to th" farth"st nooks and
cr"+ic"s in th" caQRns of th" hi''s( A'' th" wor'd was on" gigantic b'inding
g'ar", si'"nt, otion'"ss( /If it g"ts uch hott"r,/ urur"d th" d"ntist again,
o+ing his h"ad fro sid" to sid", /if it g"ts uch hott"r, I don# know what I#''
do(/
St"adi'y th" h"at incr"as"d( At thr"" o#c'ock it was "+"n or" t"rrib'" than it
had b""n at noon(
/Ain#t it ECER going to '"t u)@/ groan"d th" d"ntist, ro''ing his "y"s at th" sky
of hot b'u" brass( Th"n, as h" s)ok", th" sti''n"ss was abru)t'y stabb"d
through and through by a shri'' sound that s"""d to co" fro a'' sid"s at
onc"( It c"as"d* th"n, as !cT"agu" took anoth"r forward st"), b"gan again
with th" sudd"nn"ss of a b'ow, shri''"r, n"ar"r at hand, a hid"ous, )ro'ong"d
not" that brought both an and u'" to an instant ha't(
/I know what THAT is,/ "7c'ai"d th" d"ntist( His "y"s s"arch"d th" ground
swift'y unti' h" saw what h" "7)"ct"d h" shou'd s""4th" round thick coi', th"
s'ow'y wa+ing c'o+"r%sha)"d h"ad and "r"ct whirring tai' with its +ibrant
ratt'"s(
For fu''y thirty s"conds th" an and snak" r"ain"d 'ooking into "ach oth"r#s
"y"s( Th"n th" snak" uncoi'"d and swift'y wound fro sight aidst th"
sag"brush( !cT"agu" dr"w br"ath again, and his "y"s onc" or" b"h"'d th"
i''iitab'" '"agu"s of 8ui+"ring sand and a'ka'i(
/<ood 2ord? :hat a country?/ h" "7c'ai"d( 1ut his +oic" was tr"b'ing as
h" urg"d forward th" u'" onc" or"(
Fi"rc"r and 3"rc"r gr"w th" h"at as th" aft"rnoon ad+anc"d( At four
!cT"agu" sto))"d again( H" was dri))ing at "+"ry )or", but th"r" was no
r"'i"f in )"rs)iration( Th" +"ry touch of his c'oth"s u)on his body was
un"ndurab'"( Th" u'"#s "ars w"r" droo)ing and his tongu" 'o''"d fro his
outh( Th" catt'" trai's s"""d to b" drawing tog"th"r toward a coon
)oint* )"rha)s a wat"r ho'" was n"ar by(
/I#'' ha+" to 'ay u), sur",/ utt"r"d th" d"ntist( /I ain#t ad" to tra+"' in such
h"at as this(/
H" dro+" th" u'" u) into on" of th" 'arg"r caQRns and ha't"d in th" shadow
of a )i'" of r"d rock( Aft"r a 'ong s"arch h" found wat"r, a f"w 8uarts, war
and brackish, at th" botto of a ho''ow of sunwrack"d ud* it was 'itt'" or"
than "nough to wat"r th" u'" and r"3'' his cant""n( H"r" h" ca)"d,
"asing th" u'" of th" sadd'", and turning hi 'oos" to 3nd what
nourish"nt h" ight( A f"w hours 'at"r th" sun s"t in a c'oud'"ss g'ory of
r"d and go'd, and th" h"at b"ca" by d"gr""s '"ss into'"rab'"( !cT"agu"
cook"d his su))"r, chi"5y co$"" and bacon, and watch"d th" twi'ight co"
on, r"+"''ing in th" d"'icious coo'n"ss of th" "+"ning( As h" s)r"ad his
b'ank"ts on th" ground h" r"so'+"d that h"r"aft"r h" wou'd tra+"' on'y at
night, 'aying u) in th" dayti" in th" shad" of th" caQRns( H" was "7haust"d
with his t"rrib'" day#s arch( N"+"r in his 'if" had s'"") s"""d so sw""t to
hi(
1ut sudd"n'y h" was broad awak", his &ad"d s"ns"s a'' a'"rt(
/:hat was that@/ h" utt"r"d( /I thought I h"ard so"thing4saw
so"thing(/
H" ros" to his f""t, r"aching for th" :inch"st"r( 0"so'ation 'ay sti'' around
hi( Th"r" was not a sound but his own br"athing* on th" fac" of th" d"s"rt
not a grain of sand was in otion( !cT"agu" 'ook"d furti+"'y and 8uick'y fro
sid" to sid", his t""th s"t, his "y"s ro''ing( ,nc" or" th" row"' was in his
5anks, onc" or" an uns""n hand r"in"d hi toward th" "ast( Aft"r a'' th"
i'"s of that dr"adfu' day#s 5ight h" was no b"tt"r o$ than wh"n h" start"d(
If anything, h" was wors", for n"+"r had that yst"rious instinct in hi b""n
or" insist"nt than now* n"+"r had th" i)u's" toward )r"ci)itat" 5ight
b""n strong"r* n"+"r had th" s)ur bit d"")"r( E+"ry n"r+" of his body cri"d
a'oud for r"st* y"t "+"ry instinct s"""d arous"d and a'i+", goading hi to
hurry on, to hurry on(
/:hat IS it, th"n@ :hat is it@/ h" cri"d, b"tw""n his t""th( /Can#t I "+"r g"t
rid of you@ Ain#t I ECER going to shak" you o$@ 0on# k"") it u) this way( Show
yours"'+"s( 2"t#s ha+" it out right away( Co" on( I ain#t afraid if you#'' on'y
co" on* but don#t sku'k this way(/ Sudd"n'y h" cri"d a'oud in a fr"n6y of
"7as)"ration, /0an you, co" on, wi'' you@ Co" on and ha+" it out(/ His
ri5" was at his shou'd"r, h" was co+"ring bush aft"r bush, rock aft"r rock,
aiing at "+"ry d"ns"r shadow( A'' at onc", and 8uit" in+o'untari'y, his
for"3ng"r crook"d, and th" ri5" s)ok" and 5a"d( Th" caQRns roar"d back
th" "cho, tossing it out far o+"r th" d"s"rt in a ri))'ing, wid"ning wa+" of
sound(
!cT"agu" 'ow"r"d th" ri5" hasti'y, with an "7c'aation of disay(
/9ou foo',/ h" said to his"'f, /you foo'( 9ou#+" don" it now( Th"y cou'd h"ar
that i'"s away( 9ou#+" don" it now(/
H" stood 'ist"ning int"nt'y, th" ri5" soking in his hands( Th" 'ast "cho di"d
away( Th" sok" +anish"d, th" +ast si'"nc" c'os"d u)on th" )assing "cho"s
of th" ri5" as th" oc"an c'os"s u)on a shi)#s wak"( Nothing o+"d* y"t
!cT"agu" b"stirr"d his"'f shar)'y, ro''ing u) his b'ank"ts, r"sadd'ing th"
u'", g"tting his out3t tog"th"r again( Fro ti" to ti" h" utt"r"d;
/Hurry now* hurry on( 9ou foo', you#+" don" it now( Th"y cou'd h"ar that i'"s
away( Hurry now( Th"y ain#t far o$ now(/
As h" d")r"ss"d th" '"+"r of th" ri5" to r"'oad it, h" found that th" aga6in"
was ")ty( H" c'a))"d his hands to his sid"s, f""'ing ra)id'y 3rst in on"
)ock"t, th"n in anoth"r( H" had forgott"n to tak" "7tra cartridg"s with hi(
!cT"agu" swor" und"r his br"ath as h" 5ung th" ri5" away( H"nc"forth h"
ust tra+"' unar"d(
A 'itt'" or" wat"r had gath"r"d in th" ud ho'" n"ar which h" had ca)"d(
H" wat"r"d th" u'" for th" 'ast ti" and w"t th" sacks around th" canary#s
cag"( Th"n onc" or" h" s"t forward(
1ut th"r" was a chang" in th" dir"ction of !cT"agu"#s 5ight( Hith"rto h" had
h"'d to th" south, k"")ing u)on th" +"ry "dg" of th" hi''s* now h" turn"d
shar)'y at right ang'"s( Th" s'o)" f"'' away b"n"ath his hurrying f""t* th"
sag"%brush dwind'"d, and at '"ngth c"as"d* th" sand ga+" )'ac" to a 3n"
)owd"r, whit" as snow* and an hour aft"r h" had 3r"d th" ri5" his u'"#s
hoofs w"r" cris)ing and cracking th" sun%bak"d 5ak"s of a'ka'i on th" surfac"
of 0"ath Ca''"y(
Track"d and harri"d, as h" f"'t his"'f to b", fro on" ca)ing )'ac" to
anoth"r, !cT"agu" had sudd"n'y r"so'+"d to ak" on" 'ast "$ort to rid
his"'f of th" "n"y that s"""d to hang u)on his h""'s( H" wou'd strik"
straight out into that horrib'" wi'd"rn"ss wh"r" "+"n th" b"asts w"r" afraid(
H" wou'd cross 0"ath Ca''"y at onc" and )ut its arid wast"s b"tw""n hi and
his )ursu"r(
/9ou don#t dar" fo''ow " now,/ h" utt"r"d, as h" hurri"d on( /2"t#s s"" you
co" out HERE aft"r "(/
H" hurri"d on swift'y, urging th" u'" to a ra)id racking wa'k( Towards four
o#c'ock th" sky in front of hi b"gan to 5ush )ink and go'd"n( !cT"agu"
ha't"d and br"akfast"d, )ushing on again i"diat"'y aft"rward( Th" dawn
5a"d and g'ow"d 'ik" a bra6i"r, and th" sun ros" a +ast r"d%hot coa' 5oating
in 3r"( An hour )ass"d, th"n anoth"r, and anoth"r( It was about nin" o#c'ock(
,nc" or" th" d"ntist )aus"d, and stood )anting and b'owing, his ars
dang'ing, his "y"s scr"w"d u) and b'inking as h" 'ook"d about hi(
Far b"hind hi th" Panaint hi''s w"r" a'r"ady but b'u" huocks on th"
hori6on( 1"for" hi and u)on "ith"r sid", to th" north and to th" "ast and to
th" south, str"tch"d )riordia' d"so'ation( 2"agu" u)on '"agu" th" in3nit"
r"ach"s of da66'ing whit" a'ka'i 'aid th"s"'+"s out 'ik" an i"asurab'"
scro'' unro''"d fro hori6on to hori6on* not a bush, not a twig r"'i"+"d that
horrib'" onotony( E+"n th" sand of th" d"s"rt wou'd ha+" b""n a w"'co"
sight* a sing'" c'u) of sag"%brush wou'd ha+" fascinat"d th" "y"* but this
was wors" than th" d"s"rt( It was aboinab'", this hid"ous sink of a'ka'i, this
b"d of so" )ri"+a' 'ak" 'ying so far b"'ow th" '"+"' of th" oc"an( Th" gr"at
ountains of P'ac"r County had b""n "r"'y indi$"r"nt to an* but this
awfu' sink of a'ka'i was o)"n'y and unr"s"r+"d'y ini8uitous and a'ignant(
!cT"agu" had to'd his"'f that th" h"at u)on th" 'ow"r s'o)"s of th"
Panaint had b""n dr"adfu'* h"r" in 0"ath Ca''"y it b"ca" a thing of t"rror(
Th"r" was no 'ong"r any shadow but his own( H" was scorch"d and )arch"d
fro h"ad to h""'( It s"""d to hi that th" sart of his tortur"d body cou'd
not ha+" b""n k""n"r if h" had b""n 5ay"d(
/If it g"ts uch hott"r,/ h" utt"r"d, wringing th" sw"at fro his thick f"'' of
hair and ustach", /if it g"ts uch hott"r, I don# know what I#'' do(/ H" was
thirsty, and drank a 'itt'" fro his cant""n( /I ain#t got any too uch wat"r,/
h" urur"d, shaking th" cant""n( /I got to g"t out of this )'ac" in a hurry,
sur"(/
1y "'"+"n o#c'ock th" h"at had incr"as"d to such an "7t"nt that !cT"agu"
cou'd f""' th" burning of th" ground co" )ring'ing and stinging through th"
so'"s of his boots( E+"ry st") h" took thr"w u) c'ouds of i)a')ab'" a'ka'i
dust, sa'ty and choking, so that h" strang'"d and cough"d and sn""6"d with
it(
/2,R0? what a country?/ "7c'ai"d th" d"ntist(
An hour 'at"r, th" u'" sto))"d and 'ay down, his &aws wid" o)"n, his "ars
dang'ing( !cT"agu" wash"d his outh with a handfu' of wat"r and for a
s"cond ti" sinc" sunris" w"tt"d th" 5our%sacks around th" bird cag"( Th"
air was 8ui+"ring and )a')itating 'ik" that in th" stok"%ho'd of a st"ashi)(
Th" sun, sa'' and contract"d, swa o't"n o+"rh"ad(
/I can#t stand it,/ said !cT"agu" at '"ngth( /I#'' ha+" to sto) and ak" so"
kinda shad"(/
Th" u'" was crouch"d u)on th" ground, )anting ra)id'y, with ha'f%c'os"d
"y"s( Th" d"ntist r"o+"d th" sadd'", and unro''ing his b'ank"t, )ro))"d it
u) as b"st h" cou'd b"tw""n hi and th" sun( As h" stoo)"d down to craw'
b"n"ath it, his )a' touch"d th" ground( H" snatch"d it away with a cry of
)ain( Th" surfac" a'ka'i was o+"n%hot* h" was ob'ig"d to scoo) out a tr"nch in
it b"for" h" dar"d to 'i" down(
1y d"gr""s th" d"ntist b"gan to do6"( H" had had 'itt'" or no s'"") th" night
b"for", and th" hurry of his 5ight und"r th" b'a6ing sun had "7haust"d hi(
1ut his r"st was brok"n* b"tw""n waking and s'"")ing, a'' ann"r of
troub'ous iag"s ga''o)"d through his brain( H" thought h" was back in th"
Panaint hi''s again with Cribb"ns( Th"y had &ust disco+"r"d th" in" and
w"r" r"turning toward ca)( !cT"agu" saw his"'f as anoth"r an, striding
a'ong o+"r th" sand and sag"brush( At onc" h" saw his"'f sto) and wh""'
shar)'y about, )""ring back sus)icious'y( Th"r" was so"thing b"hind hi*
so"thing was fo''owing hi( H" 'ook"d, as it w"r", o+"r th" shou'd"r of this
oth"r !cT"agu", and saw down th"r", in th" ha'f 'ight of th" caQRn,
so"thing dark craw'ing u)on th" ground, an indistinct gray 3gur", an or
brut", h" did not know( Th"n h" saw anoth"r, and anoth"r* th"n anoth"r( A
scor" of b'ack, craw'ing ob&"cts w"r" fo''owing hi, craw'ing fro bush to
bush, con+"rging u)on hi( /THE9/ w"r" aft"r hi, w"r" c'osing in u)on hi,
w"r" within touch of his hand, w"r" at his f""t4:ERE AT HIS THR,AT(
!cT"agu" &u)"d u) with a shout, o+"rs"tting th" b'ank"t( Th"r" was
nothing in sight( For i'"s around, th" a'ka'i was ")ty, so'itary, 8ui+"ring
and shi"ring und"r th" )"'ting 3r" of th" aft"rnoon#s sun(
1ut onc" or" th" s)ur bit into his body, goading hi on( Th"r" was to b" no
r"st, no going back, no )aus", no sto)( Hurry, hurry, hurry on( Th" brut" that
in hi s'")t so c'os" to th" surfac" was a'i+" and a'"rt, and tugging to b"
gon"( Th"r" was no r"sisting that instinct( Th" brut" f"'t an "n"y, sc"nt"d
th" track"rs, c'aor"d and strugg'"d and fought, and wou'd not b" gainsaid(
/I CAN#T go on,/ groan"d !cT"agu", his "y"s sw"")ing th" hori6on b"hind
hi, /I# b"at out( I# dog tir"d( I ain#t s'")t any for two nights(/ 1ut for a''
that h" rous"d his"'f again, sadd'"d th" u'", scarc"'y '"ss "7haust"d than
his"'f, and )ush"d on onc" or" o+"r th" scorching a'ka'i and und"r th"
b'a6ing sun(
Fro that ti" on th" f"ar n"+"r '"ft hi, th" s)ur n"+"r c"as"d to bit", th"
instinct that goad"d hi to 3ght n"+"r was dub* hurry or ha't, it was a'' th"
sa"( ,n h" w"nt, straight on, chasing th" r"c"ding hori6on* 5ag"''at"d with
h"at* tortur"d with thirst* crouching o+"r* 'ooking furti+"'y b"hind, and at
ti"s r"aching his hand forward, th" 3ng"rs )r"h"nsi'", gras)ing, as it w"r",
toward th" hori6on, that a'ways 5"d b"for" hi(
Th" sun s"t u)on th" third day of !cT"agu"#s 5ight, night ca" on, th" stars
burn"d s'ow'y into th" coo' dark )ur)'" of th" sky( Th" gigantic sink of whit"
a'ka'i g'ow"d 'ik" snow( !cT"agu", now far into th" d"s"rt, h"'d st"adi'y on,
swinging forward with gr"at strid"s( His "norous str"ngth h"'d hi
dogg"d'y to his work( Su''"n'y, with his hug" &aws gri))ing sto'id'y tog"th"r,
h" )ush"d on( At idnight h" sto))"d(
/Now,/ h" grow'"d, with a c"rtain d"s)"rat" d"3anc", as though h" "7)"ct"d
to b" h"ard, /now, I# going to 'ay u) and g"t so" s'"")( 9ou can co" or
not(/
H" c'"ar"d away th" hot surfac" a'ka'i, s)r"ad out his b'ank"t, and s'")t unti'
th" n"7t day#s h"at arous"d hi( His wat"r was so 'ow that h" dar"d not
ak" co$"" now, and so br"akfast"d without it( =nti' t"n o#c'ock h" tra)"d
forward, th"n ca)"d again in th" shad" of on" of th" rar" rock '"dg"s, and
/'ay u)/ during th" h"at of th" day( 1y 3+" o#c'ock h" was onc" or" on th"
arch(
H" tra+"''"d on for th" gr"at"r )art of that night, sto))ing on'y onc" towards
thr"" in th" orning to wat"r th" u'" fro th" cant""n( Again th" r"d%hot
day burn"d u) o+"r th" hori6on( E+"n at si7 o#c'ock it was hot(
/It#s going to b" wors" than "+"r to%day,/ h" groan"d( /I wish I cou'd 3nd
anoth"r rock to ca) by( Ain#t I "+"r going to g"t out of this )'ac"@/
Th"r" was no chang" in th" charact"r of th" d"s"rt( A'ways th" sa"
"asur"'"ss '"agu"s of whit"%hot a'ka'i str"tch"d away toward th" hori6on on
"+"ry hand( H"r" and th"r" th" 5at, da66'ing surfac" of th" d"s"rt brok" and
rais"d into 'ong 'ow ounds, fro th" suit of which !cT"agu" cou'd 'ook
for i'"s and i'"s o+"r its horrib'" d"so'ation( No shad" was in sight( Not a
rock, not a ston" brok" th" onotony of th" ground( Again and again h"
asc"nd"d th" 'ow un"+"nn"ss"s, 'ooking and s"arching for a ca)ing )'ac",
shading his "y"s fro th" g'itt"r of sand and sky(
H" tra)"d forward a 'itt'" farth"r, th"n )aus"d at '"ngth in a ho''ow
b"tw""n two br"aks, r"so'+ing to ak" ca) th"r"(
Sudd"n'y th"r" was a shout(
/Hands u)( 1y dan, I got th" dro) on you?/
!cT"agu" 'ook"d u)(
It was !arcus(
CHAPTER AA
:ithin a onth aft"r his d")artur" fro San Francisco, !arcus had /gon" in
on a catt'" ranch/ in th" Panaint Ca''"y with an Eng'ishan, an
ac8uaintanc" of !r( Si"))"#s( His h"ad8uart"rs w"r" at a )'ac" ca''"d !odoc,
at th" 'ow"r "7tr"ity of th" +a''"y, about 3fty i'"s by trai' to th" south of
K""'"r(
His 'if" was th" 'if" of a cowboy( H" r"a'i6"d his for"r +ision of his"'f,
boot"d, sobr"ro"d, and r"+o'+"r"d, )assing his days in th" sadd'" and th"
b"tt"r )art of his nights around th" )ok"r tab'"s in !odoc#s on" sa'oon( To his
int"ns" satisfaction h" "+"n in+o'+"d his"'f in a gun 3ght that aros" o+"r a
dis)ut"d brand, with th" r"su't that two 3ng"rs of his '"ft hand w"r" shot
away(
N"ws fro th" outsid" wor'd 3't"r"d s'ow'y into th" Panaint Ca''"y, and th"
t"'"gra)h had n"+"r b""n bui't b"yond K""'"r( At int"r+a's on" of th" 'oca'
)a)"rs of Ind")"nd"nc", th" n"ar"st 'arg" town, found its way into th" catt'"
ca)s on th" rang"s, and occasiona''y on" of th" Sunday "ditions of a
Sacra"nto &ourna', w""ks o'd, was )ass"d fro hand to hand( !arcus
c"as"d to h"ar fro th" Si"))"s( As for San Francisco, it was as far fro hi
as was 2ondon or Ci"nna(
,n" day, a fortnight aft"r !cT"agu"#s 5ight fro San Francisco, !arcus rod"
into !odoc, to 3nd a grou) of "n gath"r"d about a notic" a-7"d to th"
outsid" of th" :"''s%Fargo o-c"( It was an o$"r of r"ward for th" arr"st and
a))r"h"nsion of a urd"r"r( Th" cri" had b""n coitt"d in San Francisco,
but th" an want"d had b""n trac"d as far as th" w"st"rn )ortion of Inyo
County, and was b"'i"+"d at that ti" to b" in hiding in "ith"r th" Pinto or
Panaint hi''s, in th" +icinity of K""'"r(
!arcus r"ach"d K""'"r on th" aft"rnoon of that sa" day( Ha'f a i'" fro
th" town his )ony f"'' and di"d fro "7haustion( !arcus did not sto) "+"n to
r"o+" th" sadd'"( H" arri+"d in th" barroo of th" hot"' in K""'"r &ust aft"r
th" )oss" had b""n ad" u)( Th" sh"ri$, who had co" down fro
Ind")"nd"nc" that orning, at 3rst r"fus"d his o$"r of assistanc"( H" had
"nough "n a'r"ady4too any, in fact( Th" country tra+"''"d through wou'd
b" hard, and it wou'd b" di-cu't to 3nd wat"r for so any "n and hors"s(
/1ut non" of you f"''"rs ha+" "+"r s""n u,/ +ocif"rat"d !arcus, 8ui+"ring
with "7cit""nt and wrath( /I know u w"''( I cou'd )ick u out in a i''ion( I
can id"ntify u, and you f"''"rs can#t( And I kn"w4I kn"w4good <,0? I kn"w
that gir'4his wif"4in Frisco( Sh"#s a cousin of in", sh" is4sh" was4I
thought onc" of4This thing#s a )"rsona' att"r of in"4an# that on"y h"
got away with, that 3+" thousand, b"'ongs to " by rights( ,h, n"+"r ind,
I# going a'ong( 0o you h"ar@/ h" shout"d, his 3sts rais"d, /I# going a'ong, I
t"'' you( Th"r" ain#t a an of you big "nough to sto) "( 2"t#s s"" you try
and sto) " going( 2"t#s s"" you onc", any two of you(/ H" 3''"d th" barroo
with his c'aor(
/2ord 'o+" you, co" a'ong, th"n,/ said th" sh"ri$(
Th" )oss" rod" out of K""'"r that sa" night( Th" k"")"r of th" g"n"ra'
"rchandis" stor", fro who !arcus had borrow"d a s"cond )ony, had
infor"d th" that Cribb"ns and his )artn"r, whos" d"scri)tion ta''i"d
"7act'y with that gi+"n in th" notic" of r"ward, had out3tt"d at his )'ac" with
a +i"w to )ros)"cting in th" Panaint hi''s( Th" )oss" trai'"d th" at onc" to
th"ir 3rst ca) at th" h"ad of th" +a''"y( It was an "asy att"r( It was on'y
n"c"ssary to in8uir" of th" cowboys and rang" rid"rs of th" +a''"y if th"y had
s""n and not"d th" )assag" of two "n, on" of who carri"d a bird cag"(
1"yond this 3rst ca) th" trai' was 'ost, and a w""k was wast"d in a boot'"ss
s"arch around th" in" at <o'd <u'ch, whith"r it s"""d )robab'" th"
)artn"rs had gon"( Th"n a tra+"''ing )"dd'"r, who inc'ud"d <o'd <u'ch in his
rout", brought in th" n"ws of a wond"rfu' strik" of go'd%b"aring 8uart6 so"
t"n i'"s to th" south on th" w"st"rn s'o)" of th" rang"( Two "n fro
K""'"r had ad" a strik", th" )"dd'"r had said, and add"d th" curious d"tai'
that on" of th" "n had a canary bird in a cag" with hi(
Th" )oss" ad" Cribb"ns#s ca) thr"" days aft"r th" unaccountab'"
disa))"aranc" of his )artn"r( Th"ir an was gon", but th" narrow hoof )rints
of a u'", i7"d with thos" of hug" hob%nai'"d boots, cou'd b" )'ain'y
fo''ow"d in th" sand( H"r" th"y )ick"d u) th" trai' and h"'d to it st"adi'y ti''
th" )oint was r"ach"d wh"r", inst"ad of t"nding southward it sw"r+"d
abru)t'y to th" "ast( Th" "n cou'd hard'y b"'i"+" th"ir "y"s(
/It ain#t r"ason,/ "7c'ai"d th" sh"ri$( /:hat in thund"r is h" u) to@ This
b"ats "( Cutting out into 0"ath Ca''"y at this ti" of y"ar(/
/H"#s h"ading for <o'd !ountain o+"r in th" Aragosa, sur"(/
Th" "n d"cid"d that this con&"ctur" was tru"( It was th" on'y inhabit"d
'oca'ity in that dir"ction( A discussion b"gan as to th" furth"r o+""nts of
th" )oss"(
/I don#t 3gur" on going into that a'ka'i sink with no "ight "n and hors"s,/
d"c'ar"d th" sh"ri$( /,n" an can#t carry "nough wat"r to tak" hi and his
ount across, '"t a'on" EI<HT( No, sir( Four cou'dn#t do it( No, THREE cou'dn#t(
:"#+" got to ak" a circuit round th" +a''"y and co" u) on th" oth"r sid"
and h"ad hi o$ at <o'd !ountain( That#s what w" got to do, and rid" 'ik"
h"'' to do it, too(/
1ut !arcus )rot"st"d with a'' th" str"ngth of his 'ungs against abandoning
th" trai' now that th"y had found it( H" argu"d that th"y w"r" but a day and
a ha'f b"hind th"ir an now( Th"r" was no )ossibi'ity of th"ir issing th" trai'
4as distinct in th" whit" a'ka'i as in snow( Th"y cou'd ak" a dash into th"
+a''"y, s"cur" th"ir an, and r"turn 'ong b"for" th"ir wat"r fai'"d th"( H",
for on", wou'd not gi+" u) th" )ursuit, now that th"y w"r" so c'os"( In th"
hast" of th" d")artur" fro K""'"r th" sh"ri$ had n"g'"ct"d to sw"ar hi in(
H" was und"r no ord"rs( H" wou'd do as h" )'"as"d(
/<o on, th"n, you darn foo',/ answ"r"d th" sh"ri$( /:"#'' cut on round th"
+a''"y, for a'' that( It#s a gab'" h"#'' b" at <o'd !ountain b"for" you#r" ha'f
way across( 1ut if you catch hi, h"r"/4h" toss"d !arcus a )air of handcu$s
4/)ut #" on hi and bring hi back to K""'"r(/
Two days aft"r h" had '"ft th" )oss", and wh"n h" was a'r"ady far out in th"
d"s"rt, !arcus#s hors" ga+" out( In th" fury of his i)ati"nc" h" had s)urr"d
"rci'"ss'y forward on th" trai', and on th" orning of th" third day found
that his hors" was unab'" to o+"( Th" &oints of his '"gs s"""d 'ock"d
rigid'y( H" wou'd go his own '"ngth, stub'ing and int"rf"ring, th"n co''a)s"
h"')'"ss'y u)on th" ground with a )itifu' groan( H" was us"d u)(
!arcus b"'i"+"d his"'f to b" c'os" u)on !cT"agu" now( Th" ash"s at his 'ast
ca) had sti'' b""n so'd"ring( !arcus took what su))'i"s of food and wat"r
h" cou'd carry, and hurri"d on( 1ut !cT"agu" was farth"r ah"ad than h" had
gu"ss"d, and by "+"ning of his third day u)on th" d"s"rt !arcus, raging with
thirst, had drunk his 'ast outhfu' of wat"r and had 5ung away th" ")ty
cant""n(
/If h" ain#t got wat"r with u,/ h" said to his"'f as h" )ush"d on, /If h" ain#t
got wat"r with u, by dan? I#'' b" in a bad way( I wi'', for a fact(/
P P P P P P P P P P P P P
At !arcus#s shout !cT"agu" 'ook"d u) and around hi( For th" instant h"
saw no on"( Th" whit" g'ar" of a'ka'i was sti'' unbrok"n( Th"n his swift'y
ro''ing "y"s 'ight"d u)on a h"ad and shou'd"r that )rotrud"d abo+" th" 'ow
cr"st of th" br"ak dir"ct'y in front of hi( A an was th"r", 'ying at fu'' '"ngth
u)on th" ground, co+"ring hi with a r"+o'+"r( For a f"w s"conds !cT"agu"
'ook"d at th" an stu)id'y, b"wi'd"r"d, confus"d, as y"t without d"3nit"
thought( Th"n h" notic"d that th" an was singu'ar'y 'ik" !arcus Schou'"r( It
:AS !arcus Schou'"r( How in th" wor'd did !arcus Schou'"r co" to b" in
that d"s"rt@ :hat did h" "an by )ointing a )isto' at hi that way@ H"#d
b"st 'ook out or th" )isto' wou'd go o$( Th"n his thoughts r"ad&ust"d
th"s"'+"s with a swiftn"ss born of a +i+id s"ns" of dang"r( H"r" was th"
"n"y at 'ast, th" track"r h" had f"'t u)on his footst")s( Now at '"ngth h"
had /co" on/ and shown his"'f, aft"r a'' thos" days of sku'king( !cT"agu"
was g'ad of it( H"#d show hi now( Th"y two wou'd ha+" it out right th"n and
th"r"( His ri5"? H" had thrown it away 'ong sinc"( H" was h"')'"ss( !arcus
had ord"r"d hi to )ut u) his hands( If h" did not, !arcus wou'd ki'' hi( H"
had th" dro) on hi( !cT"agu" star"d, scow'ing 3"rc"'y at th" '"+"''"d )isto'(
H" did not o+"(
/Hands u)?/ shout"d !arcus a s"cond ti"( /I#'' gi+" you thr"" to do it in(
,n", two44/
Instincti+"'y !cT"agu" )ut his hands abo+" his h"ad(
!arcus ros" and ca" towards hi o+"r th" br"ak(
/K"") #" u),/ h" cri"d( /If you o+" #" onc" I#'' ki'' you, sur"(/
H" ca" u) to !cT"agu" and s"arch"d hi, going through his )ock"ts* but
!cT"agu" had no r"+o'+"r* not "+"n a hunting knif"(
/:hat did you do with that on"y, with that 3+" thousand do''ars@/
/It#s on th" u'",/ answ"r"d !cT"agu", su''"n'y(
!arcus grunt"d, and cast a g'anc" at th" u'", who was standing so"
distanc" away, snorting n"r+ous'y, and fro ti" to ti" 5att"ning his 'ong
"ars(
/Is that it th"r" on th" horn of th" sadd'", th"r" in that can+as sack@/ !arcus
d"and"d(
/9"s, that#s it(/
A g'"a of satisfaction ca" into !arcus#s "y"s, and und"r his br"ath h"
utt"r"d;
/<ot it at 'ast(/
H" was singu'ar'y )u66'"d to know what n"7t to do( H" had got !cT"agu"(
Th"r" h" stood at '"ngth, with his big hands o+"r his h"ad, scow'ing at hi
su''"n'y( !arcus had caught his "n"y, had run down th" an for who
"+"ry o-c"r in th" Stat" had b""n 'ooking( :hat shou'd h" do with hi now@
H" cou'dn#t k"") hi standing th"r" for"+"r with his hands o+"r his h"ad(
/<ot any wat"r@/ h" d"and"d(
/Th"r"#s a cant""n of wat"r on th" u'"(/
!arcus o+"d toward th" u'" and ad" as if to r"ach th" brid'"%r"in( Th"
u'" s8u"a'"d, thr"w u) his h"ad, and ga''o)"d to a 'itt'" distanc", ro''ing his
"y"s and 5att"ning his "ars(
!arcus swor" wrathfu''y(
/H" act"d that way onc" b"for",/ "7)'ain"d !cT"agu", his hands sti'' in th"
air( /H" at" so" 'oco%w""d back in th" hi''s b"for" I start"d(/
For a o"nt !arcus h"sitat"d( :hi'" h" was catching th" u'" !cT"agu"
ight g"t away( 1ut wh"r" to, in h"a+"n#s na"@ A rat cou'd not hid" on th"
surfac" of that g'ist"ning a'ka'i, and b"sid"s, a'' !cT"agu"#s stor" of
)ro+isions and his )ric"'"ss su))'y of wat"r w"r" on th" u'"( !arcus ran
aft"r th" u'", r"+o'+"r in hand, shouting and cursing( 1ut th" u'" wou'd
not b" caught( H" act"d as if )oss"ss"d, s8u"a'ing, 'ashing out, and ga''o)ing
in wid" circ'"s, his h"ad high in th" air(
/Co" on,/ shout"d !arcus, furious, turning back to !cT"agu"( /Co" on,
h"') " catch hi( :" got to catch hi( A'' th" wat"r w" got is on th"
sadd'"(/
!cT"agu" ca" u)(
/H"#s "atun so" 'oco%w""d,/ h" r")"at"d( /H" w"nt kinda cra6y onc"
b"for"(/
/If h" shou'd tak" it into his h"ad to bo't and k"") on running44/
!arcus did not 3nish( A sudd"n gr"at f"ar s"""d to wid"n around and
inc'os" th" two "n( ,nc" th"ir wat"r gon", th" "nd wou'd not b" 'ong(
/:" can catch hi a'' right,/ said th" d"ntist( /I caught hi onc" b"for"(/
/,h, I gu"ss w" can catch hi,/ answ"r"d !arcus, r"assuring'y(
A'r"ady th" s"ns" of "nity b"tw""n th" two had w"ak"n"d in th" fac" of a
coon )"ri'( !arcus '"t down th" ha"r of his r"+o'+"r and s'id it back
into th" ho'st"r(
Th" u'" was trotting on ah"ad, snorting and throwing u) gr"at c'ouds of
a'ka'i dust( At "+"ry st") th" can+as sack &ing'"d, and !cT"agu"#s bird cag",
sti'' wra))"d in th" 5our%bags, bu)"d against th" sadd'")ads( 1y and by
th" u'" sto))"d, b'owing out his nostri's "7cit"d'y(
/H"#s c'"an cra6y,/ fu"d !arcus, )anting and sw"aring(
/:" ought to co" u) on hi 8ui"t,/ obs"r+"d !cT"agu"(
/I#'' try and sn"ak u),/ said !arcus* /two of us wou'd scar" hi again( 9ou
stay h"r"(/
!arcus w"nt forward a st") at a ti"( H" was a'ost within ar#s '"ngth of
th" brid'" wh"n th" u'" shi"d fro hi abru)t'y and ga''o)"d away(
!arcus danc"d with rag", shaking his 3sts, and sw"aring horrib'y( So"
hundr"d yards away th" u'" )aus"d and b"gan b'owing and snu-ng in th"
a'ka'i as though in s"arch of f""d( Th"n, for no r"ason, h" shi"d again, and
start"d o$ on a &og trot toward th" "ast(
/:"#+" <,T to fo''ow hi,/ "7c'ai"d !arcus as !cT"agu" ca" u)( /Th"r"#s
no wat"r within s"+"nty i'"s of h"r"(/
Th"n b"gan an int"rinab'" )ursuit( !i'" aft"r i'", und"r th" t"rrib'" h"at of
th" d"s"rt sun, th" two "n fo''ow"d th" u'", rack"d with a thirst that gr"w
3"rc"r "+"ry hour( A do6"n ti"s th"y cou'd a'ost touch th" cant""n of
wat"r, and as oft"n th" distraught ania' shi"d away and 5"d b"for" th"(
At '"ngth !arcus cri"d;
/It#s no us", w" can#t catch hi, and w"#r" ki''ing ours"'+"s with thirst( :" got
to tak" our chanc"s(/ H" dr"w his r"+o'+"r fro its ho'st"r, cock"d it, and
cr")t forward(
/St"ady, now,/ said !cT"agu"* /it won# do to shoot through th" cant""n(/
:ithin tw"nty yards !arcus )aus"d, ad" a r"st of his '"ft for"ar and 3r"d(
/9ou <,T hi,/ cri"d !cT"agu"( /No, h"#s u) again( Shoot hi again( H"#s
going to bo't(/
!arcus ran on, 3ring as h" ran( Th" u'", on" for"'"g trai'ing, scrab'"d
a'ong, s8u"a'ing and snorting( !arcus 3r"d his 'ast shot( Th" u'" )itch"d
forward u)on his h"ad, th"n, ro''ing sid"ways, f"'' u)on th" cant""n, bursting
it o)"n and s)i''ing its "ntir" cont"nts into th" sand(
!arcus and !cT"agu" ran u), and !arcus snatch"d th" batt"r"d cant""n
fro und"r th" r""king, b'oody hid"( Th"r" was no wat"r '"ft( !arcus 5ung
th" cant""n fro hi and stood u), facing !cT"agu"( Th"r" was a )aus"(
/:"#r" d"ad "n,/ said !arcus(
!cT"agu" 'ook"d fro hi out o+"r th" d"s"rt( Chaotic d"so'ation str"tch"d
fro th" on "ith"r hand, 5aing and g'aring with th" aft"rnoon h"at( Th"r"
was th" bra6"n sky and th" '"agu"s u)on '"agu"s of a'ka'i, '")"r whit"( Th"r"
was nothing or"( Th"y w"r" in th" h"art of 0"ath Ca''"y(
/Not a dro) of wat"r,/ utt"r"d !cT"agu"* /not a dro) of wat"r(/
/:" can drink th" u'"#s b'ood,/ said !arcus( /It#s b""n don" b"for"( 1ut4
but4/ h" 'ook"d down at th" 8ui+"ring, gory body4/but I ain#t thirsty "nough
for that y"t(/
/:h"r"#s th" n"ar"st wat"r@/
/:"'', it#s about a hundr"d i'"s or or" back of us in th" Panaint hi''s,/
r"turn"d !arcus, dogg"d'y( /:"#d b" cra6y 'ong b"for" w" r"ach"d it( I t"''
you, w"#r" don" for, by dan, w"#r" 0,NE for( :" ain#t "+"r going to g"t outa
h"r"(/
/0on" for@/ urur"d th" oth"r, 'ooking about stu)id'y( /0on" for, that#s th"
word( 0on" for@ 9"s, I gu"ss w"#r" don" for(/
/:hat ar" w" going to do N,:@/ "7c'ai"d !arcus, shar)'y, aft"r a whi'"(
/:"'', '"t#s4'"t#s b" o+ing a'ong4so"wh"r"(/
/:HERE, I#d 'ik" to know@ :hat#s th" good of o+ing on@/
/:hat#s th" good of sto))ing h"r"@/
Th"r" was a si'"nc"(
/2ord, it#s hot,/ said th" d"ntist, 3na''y, wi)ing his for"h"ad with th" back of
his hand( !arcus ground his t""th(
/0on" for,/ h" utt"r"d* /don" for(/
/I n"+"r :AS so thirsty,/ continu"d !cT"agu"( /I# that dry I can h"ar y
tongu" rubbing against th" roof of y outh(/
/:"'', w" can#t sto) h"r",/ said !arcus, 3na''y* /w" got to go so"wh"r"(
:"#'' try and g"t back, but it ain#t no ann"r of us"( Anything w" want to
tak" a'ong with us fro th" u'"@ :" can44/
Sudd"n'y h" )aus"d( In an instant th" "y"s of th" two doo"d "n had "t
as th" sa" thought siu'tan"ous'y ros" in th"ir inds( Th" can+as sack
with its 3+" thousand do''ars was sti'' ti"d to th" horn of th" sadd'"(
!arcus had ")ti"d his r"+o'+"r at th" u'", and though h" sti'' wor" his
cartridg" b"'t, h" was for th" o"nt as unar"d as !cT"agu"(
/I gu"ss,/ b"gan !cT"agu" coing forward a st"), /I gu"ss, "+"n if w" ar"
don" for, I#'' tak"4so" of y truck a'ong(/
/Ho'd on,/ "7c'ai"d !arcus, with rising aggr"ssi+"n"ss( /2"t#s ta'k about
that( I ain#t so sur" about who that4who that on"y b"'ongs to(/
/:"'', I A!, you s"",/ grow'"d th" d"ntist(
Th" o'd "nity b"tw""n th" two "n, th"ir anci"nt hat", was 5aing u)
again(
/0on#t try an# 'oad that gun "ith"r,/ cri"d !cT"agu", 37ing !arcus with his
'itt'" "y"s(
/Th"n don#t 'ay your 3ng"r on that sack,/ shout"d th" oth"r( /9ou#r" y
)rison"r, do you und"rstand@ 9ou#'' do as I say(/ !arcus had drawn th"
handcu$s fro his )ock"t, and stood r"ady with his r"+o'+"r h"'d as a c'ub(
/9ou so'di"r"d " out of that on"y onc", and )'ay"d " for a suck"r, an#
it#s y turn now( 0on#t you 'ay your 3ng"r on that sack(/
!arcus barr"d !cT"agu"#s way, whit" with )assion( !cT"agu" did not answ"r(
His "y"s dr"w to two 3n", twink'ing )oints, and his "norous hands knott"d
th"s"'+"s into 3sts, hard as wood"n a''"ts( H" o+"d a st") n"ar"r to
!arcus, th"n anoth"r(
Sudd"n'y th" "n gra))'"d, and in anoth"r instant w"r" ro''ing and
strugg'ing u)on th" hot whit" ground( !cT"agu" thrust !arcus backward unti'
h" tri))"d and f"'' o+"r th" body of th" d"ad u'"( Th" 'itt'" bird cag" brok"
fro th" sadd'" with th" +io'"nc" of th"ir fa'', and ro''"d out u)on th" ground,
th" 5our%bags s'i))ing fro it( !cT"agu" tor" th" r"+o'+"r fro !arcus#s gri)
and struck out with it b'ind'y( C'ouds of a'ka'i dust, 3n" and )ung"nt,
"n+"'o)"d th" two 3ghting "n, a'' but strang'ing th"(
!cT"agu" did not know how h" ki''"d his "n"y, but a'' at onc" !arcus gr"w
sti'' b"n"ath his b'ows( Th"n th"r" was a sudd"n 'ast r"turn of "n"rgy(
!cT"agu"#s right wrist was caught, so"thing 'ick"d u)on it, th"n th"
strugg'ing body f"'' 'i) and otion'"ss with a 'ong br"ath(
As !cT"agu" ros" to his f""t, h" f"'t a )u'' at his right wrist* so"thing h"'d it
fast( 2ooking down, h" saw that !arcus in that 'ast strugg'" had found
str"ngth to handcu$ th"ir wrists tog"th"r( !arcus was d"ad now* !cT"agu"
was 'ock"d to th" body( A'' about hi, +ast int"rinab'", str"tch"d th"
"asur"'"ss '"agu"s of 0"ath Ca''"y(
!cT"agu" r"ain"d stu)id'y 'ooking around hi, now at th" distant hori6on,
now at th" ground, now at th" ha'f%d"ad canary chitt"ring f""b'y in its 'itt'"
gi't )rison(
End of th" Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg E1ook of !cT"agu", by Frank Norris
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Foundation
Th" Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg 2it"rary Archi+" Foundation is a non )ro3t
IM1DcEDFE "ducationa' cor)oration organi6"d und"r th" 'aws of th"
stat" of !ississi))i and grant"d ta7 "7")t status by th" Int"rna'
R"+"nu" S"r+ic"( Th" Foundation#s EIN or f"d"ra' ta7 id"nti3cation
nub"r is JH%JAA1IH1( Its IM1DcEDFE '"tt"r is )ost"d at
htt);SS)g'af(orgSfundraising( Contributions to th" Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg
2it"rary Archi+" Foundation ar" ta7 d"ductib'" to th" fu'' "7t"nt
)"ritt"d by =(S( f"d"ra' 'aws and your stat"#s 'aws(
Th" Foundation#s )rinci)a' o-c" is 'ocat"d at HIIL !"'an 0r( S(
Fairbanks, AK, OOL1A(, but its +o'unt""rs and ")'oy""s ar" scatt"r"d
throughout nu"rous 'ocations( Its busin"ss o-c" is 'ocat"d at
NMO North 1IMM :"st, Sa't 2ak" City, =T NH11J, DNM1E IOJ%1NNL, "ai'
busin"ssV)g'af(org( Eai' contact 'inks and u) to dat" contact
inforation can b" found at th" Foundation#s w"b sit" and o-cia'
)ag" at htt);SS)g'af(org
For additiona' contact inforation;
0r( <r"gory 1( N"wby
Chi"f E7"cuti+" and 0ir"ctor
gbn"wbyV)g'af(org
S"ction H( Inforation about 0onations to th" Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg
2it"rary Archi+" Foundation
Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg%t d")"nds u)on and cannot sur+i+" without wid"
s)r"ad )ub'ic su))ort and donations to carry out its ission of
incr"asing th" nub"r of )ub'ic doain and 'ic"ns"d works that can b"
fr""'y distribut"d in achin" r"adab'" for acc"ssib'" by th" wid"st
array of "8ui)"nt inc'uding outdat"d "8ui)"nt( !any sa'' donations
DW1 to WI,MMME ar" )articu'ar'y i)ortant to aintaining ta7 "7")t
status with th" IRS(
Th" Foundation is coitt"d to co)'ying with th" 'aws r"gu'ating
chariti"s and charitab'" donations in a'' IM stat"s of th" =nit"d
Stat"s( Co)'ianc" r"8uir""nts ar" not unifor and it tak"s a
consid"rab'" "$ort, uch )a)"rwork and any f""s to ""t and k"") u)
with th"s" r"8uir""nts( :" do not so'icit donations in 'ocations
wh"r" w" ha+" not r"c"i+"d writt"n con3ration of co)'ianc"( To
SEN0 0,NATI,NS or d"t"rin" th" status of co)'ianc" for any
)articu'ar stat" +isit htt);SS)g'af(org
:hi'" w" cannot and do not so'icit contributions fro stat"s wh"r" w"
ha+" not "t th" so'icitation r"8uir""nts, w" know of no )rohibition
against acc")ting unso'icit"d donations fro donors in such stat"s who
a))roach us with o$"rs to donat"(
Int"rnationa' donations ar" grat"fu''y acc")t"d, but w" cannot ak"
any stat""nts conc"rning ta7 tr"at"nt of donations r"c"i+"d fro
outsid" th" =nit"d Stat"s( =(S( 'aws a'on" swa) our sa'' sta$(
P'"as" ch"ck th" Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg :"b )ag"s for curr"nt donation
"thods and addr"ss"s( 0onations ar" acc")t"d in a nub"r of oth"r
ways inc'uding ch"cks, on'in" )ay"nts and cr"dit card donations(
To donat", )'"as" +isit; htt);SS)g'af(orgSdonat"
S"ction I( <"n"ra' Inforation About Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg%t "'"ctronic
works(
Prof"ssor !icha"' S( Hart is th" originator of th" Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg%t
conc")t of a 'ibrary of "'"ctronic works that cou'd b" fr""'y shar"d
with anyon"( For thirty y"ars, h" )roduc"d and distribut"d Pro&"ct
<ut"nb"rg%t "1ooks with on'y a 'oos" n"twork of +o'unt""r su))ort(
Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg%t "1ooks ar" oft"n cr"at"d fro s"+"ra' )rint"d
"ditions, a'' of which ar" con3r"d as Pub'ic 0oain in th" =(S(
un'"ss a co)yright notic" is inc'ud"d( Thus, w" do not n"c"ssari'y
k"") "1ooks in co)'ianc" with any )articu'ar )a)"r "dition(
!ost )"o)'" start at our :"b sit" which has th" ain P< s"arch faci'ity;
htt);SSwww(gut"nb"rg(org
This :"b sit" inc'ud"s inforation about Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg%t,
inc'uding how to ak" donations to th" Pro&"ct <ut"nb"rg 2it"rary
Archi+" Foundation, how to h"') )roduc" our n"w "1ooks, and how to
subscrib" to our "ai' n"ws'"tt"r to h"ar about n"w "1ooks(