The house was still empty when they came to it.
Were only trying to help you, for your own good.
Go heat some water, said Gant professionally, hes
got to get itoff his stomach.
But, thought he, I am alone now in this house; ifI
can come to know him, I will. But its been different with you, he said, turning to
Ben.
Oh, said Luke ironically, you dont think we
understand you?
Hehad a few dollars in his pocket; before the shops
closed he mustget presents for the family. He ought not to let his shirtsand drawers
accumulate in a dirty pile.
Gant, said she, writhing her loose gray lips
horribly beforeshe could speak. He wore no hat or coat;he could not find
them.
Bob Sterling was nineteen years old, the son of
awidow. Youre lookinglike the flowers that bloom in the Spring.
I dont give a damn what hed do, Elk, nor you
either! You, he said to the excitedsailor, jumped on my back like a
coward.
He had, rather, confirmedGants death-warrant. The
shadow of his death lay over theirlives.
The boy felt very tired; his voice was flat and
low.
Presently, he went to thepantry where the liquor
was stored.
The small beginning trickle ofdistinctions widened
into a gushet.
You wouldnt ever admitanything like that, but its
the truth.
Gant, hisdaughter, and his two sons came into the
room and stared at him.
Eugene screamed with a crazy laugh, stamping up
anddown the kitchen in a frenzy.
Save the fireworks, said Helen to Luke, as she left
the room.
Sometimes she went to thehospital for several
days.
Every one had agreed on a studious
forgiveness.
In all that time have you ever talked to me like
abrother?