On his headis an old wide-brimmed hat of coarse
straw that would look morebecoming on a horse. I wish you all the luck in the world,
Mike.
Hogan and Josie stiffen, and their eyesbegin to
glitter. That would fool him,wouldnt it, and him hearing all about me from the men
at the Inn? Ivebeen holding my temper, because were saying good-bye.
Iwas going to say I wish you luck with your
scheming, for once. I like them tall andstrong and voluptuous, now, with beautiful
big breasts. They spent somuch time confessing their sins, they had no chance to do
anysinning. And I didnt hit you, oryoud be flat on the ground.
You like Jim and youd never play a dirty trick
onhim, not even if I was willing. I dont like ticks but Ill say thisfor them, I
never picked one off me yet was a hypocrite. And you keep yourmad scheming to
yourself.
Harder decided to notice poor, humble scum the like
ofus?
Im to get him alone when hes crazydrunk and lead
him on to marry me.
Well, thats fine, and I ask pardonfor misjudging
you.
The nextmoment I was on the floor thinking a mule
had kicked me.
Sure, all I wanted was to give himthe fun of seeing
through them so he couldnt be hard-hearted. If he catches you running away, hellbeat
you half to death. Sure, you could give Jack Dempsey himself a run for hismoney.
Without their noticing, Josieappears in the doorway behind Tyrone. Her feet arebare,
the soles earth-stained and tough as leather. And do you remember thetwo Crowleys
came back to give me a beating, and I licked themboth?
Sure, thats every womans scheme since theworld was
created.