Part Two-12
LastnighttheseherefriendseroundtomyhouseandsaythatBusterwerehomeandhadsomethingtotellmeaboutWillie.Irunallthewayandthishereiswhathesaid.’
Yes.’
Therewerethreeofthem.WillieandBusterandthisotherboy.Theywerefriends.Thenthisheretroubleeup.Portiahalted.Shewetherfihhertohenmoistenedherdrylipswithherfiweresomethingtodowiththewaythisherewhiteguardpickedonthemallthetime.TheywereoutonroadworkonedayandBusterhesassedbadtheherboyhetrytorunoffinthewoods.Theytakenallthreeofthem.Theytakenallthreeofthemtothecampandputtheminthishereice-coldroom.’
Hesaidyesagain.Buthisheadquaveredandthewordsoundedlikearattleinhisthroat.
Itwereaboutsixweeksago,Portiasaid.YourememberthatcoldspelltheWillieandthemboysinthisroomlikeice.’
Portiaspokeinalowvoidsheherpausedbetweenwordsnordidthegriefinherfacesoften.Itwaslikealowsong.Shespokeandhecouldnotuand.Thesoundsweredistinhisearbuttheyhadnoshapeormeaning.Itwasasthoughhisheadweretheprowofaboatandthesoundswerewaterthatbrokeonhimandthenflowedpast.Hefelthehadtolookbehindtofindthewordsalreadysaid.
...andtheirfeetsswolledupandtheylaythereandstruggleonthefloorandhollerout.Andnobodye.Theyholleredthereforthreedaysandthreenightsandnobodye.’
Iamdeaf,saidDoctorCopeland.Iotuand.’
TheyputourWillieandthemboysinthishereice-coldroom.
Thereehangingdownfromtheceiling.Theytakentheirshoesoffaheirbarefeetstothisrope.Willieandthemboyslaytherewiththeirbathefloorandtheirfeetsintheair.Andtheir,feetsswolleduparuggleonthefloorandhollerout.Itwereice-coldintheroomandtheirfeetsfroze.Theirfeetsswolledupandtheyholleredforthreenightsandthreedays.Andnobodye.
DoctorCopelandpressedhisheadwithhishands,butstillthesteadytremblingwouldnotstop.Iothearwhatyousay.’
Thenatlasttheyetogetthem.TheyquicklytakenWillieandthemboystothesickwardandtheirlegswereallswolledandfroze.GaheysawedoffbothourWilliesfeet.
BusterJohnsonlostoaherboygotwell.ButourWillie—hecrippledforlifenow.Bothhisfeetsawedoff.’
ThewordswerefinishedandPortialeanedoverandstruckherheadupoable.Shedidnotoan,butshestruckherheadagainandagainonthehard-scrubbedtopofthetable.Thebooonrattledandheremovedthemtothesink.Thewordswerescatteredinhismind,buthedidnottrytoassemblethem.Hescaldedthebooonandwashedoutthedish-towel.Hepickedupsomethingfromthefloorandputitsomewhere.
Crippled?heasked.William?’
Portiaknockedherheadoableandtheblowshadarhythmliketheslowbeatofadrumandhishearttookupthisrhythmalso.Quietlythewordscamealiveandfittedtothemeaningandheuood.
Whenwilltheysendhimhome?’
Portialeanedherdroopingheadonherarm.Busterdontknowthat.Soonafterwardtheyseparateallthreeofthemindifferentplaces.TheysentBustertoanothercamp.SinceWillieonlyhavesafewmoremonthshethinkheliabletobehomesoonnow.’
Theydrankcoffeeandsatforalongtime,lookingintoeachotherseyes.Hiscuprattledagainsthisteeth.Shepouredhercoffeeintoasaudsomeofitdrippeddownonherlap.
William------DoctorCopelandsaid.Ashepronouheeethbitdeeplyintohistongueandhemovedhisjawwithpaiforalongwhile.Portiaheldhishand.
Thebleakmlightmadethewindowsgray.Outsideitwasstillraining.
IfImeanstogettoworkIbettergoonnow,Portiasaid.
Hefollowedherthroughthehallandstoppedatthehat-racktoputonhiscoatandshawl.Theopendoorletinagustofwet,coldair.Highboysatoutoreetcurbwithawetneeroverhisheadforprote.Alongthe
sidewalktherewasafence.Portialeanedagainstthisasshewalked.DoctorCopelandfolloacesafterherandhishands,also,touchedtheboardsofthefeeadyhimself.Highboytrailedbehindthem.
Hewaitedfortheblack,terribleahoughforsomebeastoutofthenight.Butitdidnotetohim.Hisbowelsseemedweightedwithlead,andhewalkedslowlyandlingeredagainstfendthecold,wetwallsofbuildingsbytheway.Destintothedepthsuntilatlasttherewasnofurtherchasmbelow.Hetouchedthesolidbottomofdespairaookease.
Inthisheknewacertainstrongandholygladhepersecutedlaugh,andtheblackslavesingstohisedsoulbehewhip.Asongwasinhimnow—althoughitwasnotmusicbutonlythefeelingofasong.Andthesoddenheavinessofpeaceweighteddownhislimbssothatitwasonlywiththestrong,truepurposethathemoved.Whydidhegoonward?Whydidhehereupoomofutmosthumiliationandforawhiletakehistent？
Buthewentonward.
?Uncle,saidMick.Youthinksomehotcoffeewouldmakeyoufeelbetter?’
DoctorCopelandlookedintoherfacebutgavenosignthatheheard.TheyhadcrossedthetownandeatlasttothealleybehindtheKellyshouse.Portiahadenteredfirstandthenhefollowed.Highboyremaihestepsoutside.Midhertwolittlebrotherswerealreadyi.PortiatoldofWilliam.DoctorCopelanddidnotlistentothewordsbuthervoicehadarhythm—astart,amiddle,ahenwhenshewasfinishedshebeganallover.Otherscameintotheroomtohear.
DoctorCopelandsatonastoolintheer.Hiscoatandshawlsteamedoverthebackofachairbythestove.Heheldhishatonhiskneesandhislong,darkhandsmovednervouslyaroundthewornbrim.Theyellowinsidesofhishandsweresomoistthatoccesionallyhewipedthemwithahandkerchief.
Hisheadtrembled,andallofhismuscleswerestiffwiththeefforttomakeitbestill.Mr.Singercameintotheroom.DoctorCopelandraiseduphis
fa.Haveyouheardofthis?heasked.Mr.Singernodded.Iherewasnohorrororpityorhate.Ofallthosewhoknew,hiseyesalonedidnotexpressthesereas.Forhealoneuoodthisthing.
MickwhisperedtoPortia,"Whatsyourfathersname?’
HenamedBeMadyCopeland.’
MickleanedoverclosetoDoctorCopelandandshoutedinhisfaceasthoughheweredeaf.Be,dontyouthinksomehotcoffeewouldmakeyoufeelalittlebetter?’
DoctorCopelandstarted.
Quitthath,Portiasaid.Hehearwellasyou.’
Oh,saidMick.Sheemptiedthegroundsfromthepotandputthecoffeeoovetoboilagain.
Themutestilllihedoorway.DoctorCopelandstilllookedintohisface.Youheard?’
Whatlltheydotothoseprisonguards?Mickasked.
Honey,Ijustdontknow,Portiasaid.Ijustdontknow.’
Iddosomething.Fdsuredosomethingaboutit.’
Nothinguscoulddowouldmakenodifference.Bestthingusdoiskeepourmouthshut’
"TheyoughttobetreatedjustliketheydidWillieandthem.
Worse.IwishIcouldroundupsomepeopleandkillthosemenmyself.’
"ThataintnoChristianwaytotalk,Portiasaid.JsjustrestbadknowtheygoingtobechoppedupwithpitchforksandfriedeverlastingbySatan.’
AnywayWilliestillplayhisharp.’
Withbothfeetssawedoffthataboutallhedo.’
Thehousewasfullofnoiseandu.Intheroomabovethekitsomeonewasmovingfurnitureabout.Thedining-roomwascrowdedwithboarders.Mrs.Kellyhurriedbadforthfromthebreakfasttabletothekit.Mr.Kellywanderedaboutinabaggypairoftrousersandabathrobe.
TheyoungKellychildrenategreedilyi.Doorsbangedandvoicescouldbeheardinallpartsofthehouse.
MidedDoctorCopelandacupofcoffeemixedwithwaterymilk.Themilkgavethedrinkagray-bluesheen.Someofthecoffeehadsloshedoverintothesaucer,
sofirsthedriedthesaudtherimofthecupwithhishandkerchief.Hehadnotwantedcoffeeatall.
IwishIcouldkillthem,Micksaid.
Thehousequieted.Thepeopleinthedining-roomwentouttowork.MidGeeleftforschoolandthebabywasshutintoohefrontrooms.Mrs.Kellyedatowelaroundherheadandtookabroomwithherupstairs.
Themutestillstoodinthedoorway.DoctorCopelandgazedupintohisface.Youknowofthis?heaskedagain.Thewordsdidnotsound—theychokedinhisthroat—buthiseyesaskedthequestionallthesame.Theewasgone.
DoctorCopelandandPortiawerealoforsometimeooolintheer.Atlastherosetogo.
*Yousitbackdown,Father.Usgoingtostaytogetherthism.Igoingtofrysomefishandhaveegg-breadandpotatoesforthedinner.Youstayonhere,andtheoserveyouagoodhotmeal.’
YouknowIhavecalls.’
Lessusjustthisoneday.Please,Father.IfeelslikeIgoingtoreallybustloose.Besides,Idontwantyoumessingaroundireetsbyyourself.’
Hehesitatedahecollarofhisovercoat.Itwasverydamp.Daughter,Iamsorry.YouknowIhavevisits.’
Portiaheldhisshawloverthestoveuntilthewoolwashot.
Shebuttonedhiscoatandturhecollarabouthisneck.
HeclearedhisthroatandspatintoohesquaresofpaperthathecarriedwithhiminhispocketThenheburhepaperiove.OnthewayouthestoppedandspoketoHighboyoeps.HesuggestedthatHighboystaywithPortiaifhecouldarraogetleavefromwork.
Theairiergandcold.Fromthelow,darkskiesthedrizzlingraieadily.Therainhadseepedintothegarbagesandinthealleytherewastherankodorofwetrefuse.Ashewalkedhebalancedhimselfwiththehelpofafendkepthisdarkeyesontheground.
Hemadeallthestriecessaryvisits.Theeoofficepatientsfromnoonuntiltwooclock.Afterwardhesatathisdeskwithhisfistschedtight.Butitwasuselesstotrytocogitateonthisthing.
Hewishedneveragaintoseeahumaatthesametimehecouldnotsitaloheemptyroom.Heputonhisovercoataoutagainintothewet,coldstreet.Inhispocketwereseveralprescriptionstobeleftatthepharmacy.
ButhedidnotwishtospeakwithMarshallNicolls.Hewentintothestoreandlaidtheprescriptionsupontheter.Thepharmacistturnedfromthepowdershewasmeasuringandheldoutbothhishands.Histhicklipsworkedsoundlesslyforamomentbefainedhispoise.
Doctor,hesaidformally."YoumustbeawarethatIandallourcolleaguesandthemembersofmylodgeandchurch—wehaveyoursorrowuppermostinourmindsandwishtoextendtoyouourdeepestsympathy.’
DoctorCopelandturnedshortlyawithoutaword.Thatwastoolittle.Somethingmorewashestrong,truepurpose,thewilltojustice.Hewalkedstiffly,hisarmsheldclosetohissides,towardthemai.Hecogitatedwithoutsuccess.Hecouldthinkofnowhitepersonofpowerinallthetoasbothbraveandjust.Hethoughtofeverylawyer,everyjudge,everypublicofficialwithwhosenamehewasfamiliar—butthethoughtofeaeofthesewhitemenwasbitterinhisheart.AtlasthedecidedonthejudgeoftheSuperiorCourt.Whenhereachedthecourthousehedidatebutenteredquickly,determioseethejudgethatafternoon.
Thewidefronthalltyexceptforafewidlerswholouhedoorwaysleadingtotheoffieitherside.
Hedidnotknowwherehecouldfindthejudgesoffice,sohewandereduainlythroughthebuilding,lookingattheplacardsonthedoors.Atlasthecametoanarrowpassage.
Halfwaythroughthiscorridorthreewhitemenstoodtalkingtogetherandblockedtheway.Hedrewclosetothewalltopass,butohemturostophim.
Whatyouwant?’
"Willyoupleasetellmewherethejudgesofficeislocated?’
Thewhitemanjerkedhisthumbtowardtheendofthepassage.DoctorCopelandreizedhimasadeputysheriff.
Theyhadseeneachotherdozensoftimesbutthedeputydidnotrememberhim.Allwhitepeoplelooked
similartoNegroesbutNegroestookcaretodifferentiatebetweenthem.Oherhand,allNegroeslookedsimilartowhitemenbutwhitemendidnotusuallybothertofixthefaceofaNegrointheirminds.Sothewhitemansaid,Whatyouwant,Reverend?’
Thefamiliarjokingtitleledhim.amnotaminister,hesaid,Iamaphysi,amedicaldoynameisBeMadyCopelandandIwishtoseethejudgeimmediatelyentbusiness.’
Thedeputywaslikeotherwhitemeninthataclearlyenunciatedspeechmaddenedhim.Isthatso?hemocked.Hewihisfriends.ThenIamthedeputysheriffandmynameisMisterWilsonandItellyouthejudgeisbusy.ebaeotherday.’
ItisimperativethatIseethejudge,DoctorCopelandsaid.Iwillwait.’
Therewasabenchattheentrahepassageadowhreewhitementialk,buthekhatthesheriffwatchedhim.Hewasdetermitoleave.
Morethanhalfanhourpassed.Severalwhitemefreelybadforththroughthecorridor.Hekhatthedeputywaswatghimarigid,hishandspressedbetweenhisknees.Hissenseofprudeoldhimtogoawayaurheafternoohesheriffwasnotthere.
Allofhislifehehadbeencircumspehisdealingswithsuchpeople.Butnowsomethinginhimwouldhimwithdraw.
ehere,you!thedeputysaidfinally.
Hisheadtrembled,andwhenhearosehewasnotsteadyonhisfeet.Yes?’
Whatyousayyouwaoseethejudgeabout?’
Ididnotsay,saidDoctorCopeland.Imerelysaidthatmybusinesswithhimwasurgent.’
?Youtstandupstraight.Youbeendrinkingliquor,haventyou?Ismellitonyourbreath.’
"Thatisalie,saidDoctorCopelandslowly.havenot——’
Thesheriffstruckhimontheface.Hefellagainstthewall.
Twowhitemengraspedhimbythearmanddraggedhimdowepstothemainfloor.Hedid.
Thatsthetroublewiththistry,thesheriffsaid.These
damnbiggityniggerslikehim.Hespokenowordahemdowithhimastheywould.Hewaitedfortheterribleangeraariseinhim.Ragemadehimweak,sothathestumbled.Theyputhimintothewagonwithtwomenasguards.Theytookhimtothestationahejail.Itwasonlywheeredthejailthatthestrengthofhisragecametohim.Hebrokeloosesuddenlyfromtheirgrasp.Inaerhewassurrouheystruckhimontheheadandshoulderswiththeirclubs.AgloriousstrengthwasinhimandheheardhimselflaughingaloudashefoughtHesobbedandlaughedatthesametime.Hekickedwildlywithhisfeet.Hefoughtwithhisfistsaruckatthemwithhishead.Thenhewasclutchedfastsothathecouldnotmove.Theydraggedhimfootbyfohthehallofthejail.Thedoortoacellened.Someonebehindkickedhiminthegroinandhefelltohiskhefloor.
InthecrampedcubicletherewerefiveotherprisohreeNegroesandtwowhitemehewhitemenwasveryoldanddruonthefloorandscratchedhimself.Theotherwhiteprisonerwasaboynotmorethanfifteenyearsofage.ThethreeNegroeswereyoung.AsDoctorCopelandlayonthebunklookingupintotheirfaceshereizedohem.
Howeyouhere?theyoungmanasked.AintyouDoctorCopeland?’
Hesaidyes.
*MynameDaryWhite.Youtakenoutmysisterstonsilslastyear.’
Theicycellermeatedwitharottenodor.Apailbrimmingwithurinewasinaer.Cockroachescrawleduponthewalls.Heclosedhiseyesandimmediatelyhemusthaveslept,forwhenhelookedupagainthesmallbarredwindowwasbladabrightlightburhehall.Fouremptytinplateswereonthefloor.Hisdinnerofcabbageandbreadwasbesidehim.
Hesatonthebunkandsneezedviolentlyseveraltimes.When
hebreathedthephlegmrattledinhischest.Afterawhiletheyoungwhiteboybegantosneezealso.DoctorCopelandranoutofsquaresofpaperandhadtousesheetsfromanotebookinhispocket.Thewhiteboyleanedoverthepailintheerorsimplyletthewaterrunfromhisothefrontofhisshirt.Hiseyesweredilated,hisclearcheeksflushed.Hehuddledontheedgeofabunkandgroaned.
Soontheywereledouttothelavatory,andontheirreturntheypreparedforsleep.Thereweresixmentooccupyfourbunks.Theoldmanlaysnonthefloor.Daryandanotherboysqueezedintoabunktogether.
Thehourswerelong.Thelightinthehallburnedhiseyesandtheodorinthecellmadeeverybreathadisfort.Hecouldnotkeepwarm.Histeethchatteredandheshookwithahardchill.Hesatupwiththedirtyblaedaroundhimandswayedtoandfro.Twicehereachedovertocoverthewhiteboy,whomutteredandthrewouthisarmsinsleep.Heswayed,hisheadinhishands,andfromhisthroattherecameasingingmoan.HecouldnotthinkofWilliam.Norcouldheevencogitateuporong,truepurposeanddrawstrengthfromthat.Hecouldohemiseryinhim.
Theideofhisfeverturned.Awarmthspreadthroughhim.Helaybaditseemedhesankdownintoaplacewarmandredandfulloffort.
Themthesu.Thestrahernwinterwasatitsend.DoctorCopelandwasreleased.Alittlegroupwaitedoutsidethejailforhim.Mr.Singerwasthere.
PortiaandHighboyandMarshallNicollswerepresentalso.
Theirfaceswerefusedandhecouldhemclearly.
Thesunwasverybright.
Father,dontyouknowthataintnowaytohelpourWillie?Messingaroundatawhitefolkscourthouse?Bestthingusdoiskeepourmouthshutandwait.’
Herloudvoiceechoedwearilyinhisears.Thevclimbedintoateaxicab,andthenhewashomeandhisfacepressedintothefreshwhitepillow.
M
ICKcouldnotsleepallnight.Ettawassick,soshehadtosleepintheliving-room.Thesofawastoonarrowandshort.ShehadnightmaresaboutWillie.Nearlyamonthhadgonebysiiahadtoldaboutwhattheyhaddoohim—butstillshecouldntfetit.Twithenightshehadthesebaddreamsandwokeuponthefloor.Abumpcameoutonherforehead.ThenatsixoclocksheheardBillgotothekitandfixhisbreakfast.Itwasdaylight,buttheshadesweredownsothattheroomwashalf-dark.Shefeltqueerwakingupintheliving-room.Shedidntlikeit.Thesheetwastwistedaroundher,halfonthesofaandhah*onthefloor.Thepillowwasinthemiddleoftheroom.Shegotupahedoortothehall.Nobodywasoairs.Sheraninhernightgowntotheba.
Moveee.KThekidlayintheveryterofthebed.Thenighthadbeenwarmandhewasnakedasajaybird.Hisfistswereshuttight,andeveninsleephiseyesweresquintedlikehewasthinkingaboutsomethingveryhardtofigureout.Hismouthenandtherewasalittlewetspotonthepillow.Shepushedhim.
Wait------hesaidinhissleep.
Moveoveronyourside.?Wait------Lemmejustfinishthisheredream—thishere------’
Shehauledhimoverwherehebelongedandlaydownclosetohim.Whensheopenedhereyesagainitwaslate,becausethesunshohroughthebadow.Geewasgone.
FromtheyardsheheardkidsvoidthesoundofwaterrunniaandHazelweretalkinginthemiddleroom.Asshedressedasuddennotiooher.Shelistehedoorbutitwashardtohearwhattheysaid.Shejerkedthedooropenquicktosurprisethem.
Theywerereadingamoviemagaziawasstillinbed.
Shehadherhandhalfwayoverthepictureofanactor.Fromhereupdontyouthinkhefavorsthatboywhousedtodatewith------’
Howyoufeelthism,Etta?Mickasked.Shelookeddowhebedandherprivateboxwasstilliplacewhereshehadleftit
Alotyoucare,Ettasaid.
Yourytopickafight’
Ettasfaceeaked.Therewasaterriblepaiomadherovarywasdiseased.Ithadsomethingtodowithbeinguhedoctorsaidtheywouldhavetocutoutherhtaway.ButtheirDadsaidtheywouldhavetowait.Therewasntanymoney.
?Howdoyouexpectmetoayway?Micksaid.*Iaskyouapolitequestionandthenyoustarttonagatme.IfeellikeIoughttobesorryforyoubecauseyouresick,butyouwomebedet.ThereforeInaturallygetmad.Shepushedbackthebangsofherhairandlookedcloseintothemirror.Boy!SeethisbumpIgot!Ibetmyheadsbroke.TwiceIfelloutlastnightanditseemedtomelikeIhitthattablebythesofa.Itsleepintheliving-room.ThatsofacrampsmesomuchItstayinit’
Hushthattalkingsoloud,Hazelsaid.
Mieltdownonthefloorandpulledoutthebigbox.Shelookedcarefullyatthestringthatwastiedaroundit.Say,haveeitherofyoufooledwiththis?’
Shoot!Ettasaid.Whatwouldwewanttomesswithyourjunkfor?’
Youjustbetternot.Idkillanybodythattriedtomesswithmyprivatethings.’
Listentothat,Hazelsaid."MickKelly,IthinkyourethemostselfishpersonIveeverknown.Youdontcareathingintheworldaboutanybodybut------’
Aw,poot!Sheslammedthedoor.Shehatedbothofthem.
Thatwasaterriblethingtothink,butitwastrue.
HerDadwasiwithPortia.Hehadonbisbathrobeandwasdrinkingacupofcoffee.Thewhitesofhiseyeswereredandhiscuprattledagainsthissaucer.Hewalkedroundandroutable.
Whattimeisit?HasMisterSingergo?’
?Hebeengone,Hon,Portiasaid.Itnearabouttenoclock.’
Tenoclock!Golly!Ineverhavesleptthatlatebefore.*
*Whatyoukeepinthatbighatboxyoutotearoundwithyou?’
Mickreachedintothestoveandbroughtouthalfadozenbiscuits.AskmeionsandTiltellyounolies.Abad
endestoapersonwhopries.*
IftheresalittleextramilkIthinkTiljusthaveitpouredoversomecrumbledbread,herDadsaid.Graveyardsoup.Maybethatwillhelpsettlemystomach.Micksplitopenthebiscuitsandputslicesoffriedwhitemeatihem.Shesatdownonthebackstepstoeatherbreakfast.Themwaswarmandbright.Spare-ribsandSuckerwereplayingwithGeeinthebackyard.Suckerworehissunsuitahertwokidshadtakenoffalltheirclothesexcepttheirshorts.Theywerescootingeachotherwiththehose.Thestreamofwatersparkledbrightinthesun.
Thewispraysofitlikemistandinthismisttherewerethecolorsoftherainbow.Alineofclothesflappedinthewind—whitesheets,Ralphsbluedress,aredblouseandnightgowandfreshandblowingoutindifferentshapes.Thedaywasalmostlikesummer-time.Fuzylittleyellowjacketsbuzzedaroundthehoneysuckleonthealleyfence.
"Watchmeholditupovermyhead!Geehollered.Watchhowthewaterrunsdown.’
Shewastoofullofeositstill.Geehadfilledamealsackwithdirtandhungittoalimbofthetreeforapungbag.Shebegantohitthis.Puck!Pock!Shehititihesongthathadbeeninhermindwhenshewokeup.Geehadmixedasharprothedirtanditbruisedherknuckles.
Aoow!Youskeetedthewaterrightinmyear.Itsbustedmyeardrum.Itevenhear.Gimmehere.Letmeskeetsome.Spraysofthewaterblewintoherfadohekidsturhehoses.Shewasafraidherboxwouldgetwet,soshecarrieditwithherthroughthealleytothefrontporch.Harrywassittingonhisstepsreadingtheneer.
Sheopenedherboxandgotoutthenotebook.Butitwashardtosettlehermindonthesoedtowritedown.
Harrywaslookingoverinherdireandshecouldnotthink.
SheandHarryhadtalkedaboutsomanythingslately.Nearlyeverydaytheywalkedhomefromschooltogether.TheytalkedaboutGod.Sometimesshewouldinthenightandshiveroverwhattheyhadsaid.Harrya.
Thatwasareligion,thesameasBaptistorCatholicorJew.
Harrybelievedthatafteryouweredeadandburiedyougedtoplantsandfireanddirtandcloudsandwater.Ittookthousandsofyearsandthenfinallyyouartofalltheworld.HesaidhethoughtIthatwasbetterthanbeingonesingleangel.Anyhowitwasbetterthannothing.
Harrythrewtheneerintohishallandthencameover.
Itshotlikesummer,hesaid.AndonlyMarch.’
Yeah.Iwishwecouldgoswimming.’
Wewouldiftherelace.’
Theresnotanyplace.Exceptthattryclubpool.’
Isurewouldliketodosomething—togetoutandgosomewhere.’
"Metoo,shesaid,Wait!Iknowoneplace.Itsoutinthetryaboutfifteesadeep,widecreekinthewoods.TheGirlScoutshaveacampthereinthesummer-time.Mrs.WellstookmeandGeeaeandSuckerswimmingthereoimelastyear.’
IfyouwanttoIgetbicyclesandweorrow.IhaveaholidayoneSundayamonth.’
Wellrideoutandtakeapiier,Micksaid.
O.K.ITlborrowthebikes.’
Itwastimeforhimtogotowork.Shewatchedhimwalkdowreet.Heswunghisarms.Halfwaydowntheblocktherewasabaytreewithlowbranches.Harrytookarunningjump,caughtalimb,andedhimself.Ahappyfeelingcameinherbecauseitwastruetheywererealgoodfriends.
Alsohewashandsome.TomorrowshewouldborrowHazelsblueneckladwearthesfflcdress.AndfordiheywouldtakejellysandwichesandNehi.MaybeHarrywouldbringsomethingqueer,becausetheyateorthodoxJew.Shewatchedhimuntilheturheer.Itwastruethathehadgrowntobeaverygood-lookingfellow.
HarryinthetrywasdifferentfromHarrysittingonthe
backstepsreadingtheneersandthinkingaboutHitler.
Theyleftearlyinthem.Thewheelsheborrowedwerethekindforboys—withabarbetweenthelegs.Theystrappedthelunchesandbathing-suitstothefendersandweregonebeforenineoclock.Themwashotandsunny.Withinanhourtheywerefaroutoftownonaredclayroad.Thefieldswerebrightandereenandthesharpsmellofpireeswasintheair.Harrytalkedinaveryexcitedway.Thewarmwiotheirfaces.Hermouthwasverydryandshewashungry.松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
Yes.’
Therewerethreeofthem.WillieandBusterandthisotherboy.Theywerefriends.Thenthisheretroubleeup.Portiahalted.Shewetherfihhertohenmoistenedherdrylipswithherfiweresomethingtodowiththewaythisherewhiteguardpickedonthemallthetime.TheywereoutonroadworkonedayandBusterhesassedbadtheherboyhetrytorunoffinthewoods.Theytakenallthreeofthem.Theytakenallthreeofthemtothecampandputtheminthishereice-coldroom.’
Hesaidyesagain.Buthisheadquaveredandthewordsoundedlikearattleinhisthroat.
Itwereaboutsixweeksago,Portiasaid.YourememberthatcoldspelltheWillieandthemboysinthisroomlikeice.’
Portiaspokeinalowvoidsheherpausedbetweenwordsnordidthegriefinherfacesoften.Itwaslikealowsong.Shespokeandhecouldnotuand.Thesoundsweredistinhisearbuttheyhadnoshapeormeaning.Itwasasthoughhisheadweretheprowofaboatandthesoundswerewaterthatbrokeonhimandthenflowedpast.Hefelthehadtolookbehindtofindthewordsalreadysaid.
...andtheirfeetsswolledupandtheylaythereandstruggleonthefloorandhollerout.Andnobodye.Theyholleredthereforthreedaysandthreenightsandnobodye.’
Iamdeaf,saidDoctorCopeland.Iotuand.’
TheyputourWillieandthemboysinthishereice-coldroom.
Thereehangingdownfromtheceiling.Theytakentheirshoesoffaheirbarefeetstothisrope.Willieandthemboyslaytherewiththeirbathefloorandtheirfeetsintheair.Andtheir,feetsswolleduparuggleonthefloorandhollerout.Itwereice-coldintheroomandtheirfeetsfroze.Theirfeetsswolledupandtheyholleredforthreenightsandthreedays.Andnobodye.
DoctorCopelandpressedhisheadwithhishands,butstillthesteadytremblingwouldnotstop.Iothearwhatyousay.’
Thenatlasttheyetogetthem.TheyquicklytakenWillieandthemboystothesickwardandtheirlegswereallswolledandfroze.GaheysawedoffbothourWilliesfeet.
BusterJohnsonlostoaherboygotwell.ButourWillie—hecrippledforlifenow.Bothhisfeetsawedoff.’
ThewordswerefinishedandPortialeanedoverandstruckherheadupoable.Shedidnotoan,butshestruckherheadagainandagainonthehard-scrubbedtopofthetable.Thebooonrattledandheremovedthemtothesink.Thewordswerescatteredinhismind,buthedidnottrytoassemblethem.Hescaldedthebooonandwashedoutthedish-towel.Hepickedupsomethingfromthefloorandputitsomewhere.
Crippled?heasked.William?’
Portiaknockedherheadoableandtheblowshadarhythmliketheslowbeatofadrumandhishearttookupthisrhythmalso.Quietlythewordscamealiveandfittedtothemeaningandheuood.
Whenwilltheysendhimhome?’
Portialeanedherdroopingheadonherarm.Busterdontknowthat.Soonafterwardtheyseparateallthreeofthemindifferentplaces.TheysentBustertoanothercamp.SinceWillieonlyhavesafewmoremonthshethinkheliabletobehomesoonnow.’
Theydrankcoffeeandsatforalongtime,lookingintoeachotherseyes.Hiscuprattledagainsthisteeth.Shepouredhercoffeeintoasaudsomeofitdrippeddownonherlap.
William------DoctorCopelandsaid.Ashepronouheeethbitdeeplyintohistongueandhemovedhisjawwithpaiforalongwhile.Portiaheldhishand.
Thebleakmlightmadethewindowsgray.Outsideitwasstillraining.
IfImeanstogettoworkIbettergoonnow,Portiasaid.
Hefollowedherthroughthehallandstoppedatthehat-racktoputonhiscoatandshawl.Theopendoorletinagustofwet,coldair.Highboysatoutoreetcurbwithawetneeroverhisheadforprote.Alongthe
sidewalktherewasafence.Portialeanedagainstthisasshewalked.DoctorCopelandfolloacesafterherandhishands,also,touchedtheboardsofthefeeadyhimself.Highboytrailedbehindthem.
Hewaitedfortheblack,terribleahoughforsomebeastoutofthenight.Butitdidnotetohim.Hisbowelsseemedweightedwithlead,andhewalkedslowlyandlingeredagainstfendthecold,wetwallsofbuildingsbytheway.Destintothedepthsuntilatlasttherewasnofurtherchasmbelow.Hetouchedthesolidbottomofdespairaookease.
Inthisheknewacertainstrongandholygladhepersecutedlaugh,andtheblackslavesingstohisedsoulbehewhip.Asongwasinhimnow—althoughitwasnotmusicbutonlythefeelingofasong.Andthesoddenheavinessofpeaceweighteddownhislimbssothatitwasonlywiththestrong,truepurposethathemoved.Whydidhegoonward?Whydidhehereupoomofutmosthumiliationandforawhiletakehistent？
Buthewentonward.
?Uncle,saidMick.Youthinksomehotcoffeewouldmakeyoufeelbetter?’
DoctorCopelandlookedintoherfacebutgavenosignthatheheard.TheyhadcrossedthetownandeatlasttothealleybehindtheKellyshouse.Portiahadenteredfirstandthenhefollowed.Highboyremaihestepsoutside.Midhertwolittlebrotherswerealreadyi.PortiatoldofWilliam.DoctorCopelanddidnotlistentothewordsbuthervoicehadarhythm—astart,amiddle,ahenwhenshewasfinishedshebeganallover.Otherscameintotheroomtohear.
DoctorCopelandsatonastoolintheer.Hiscoatandshawlsteamedoverthebackofachairbythestove.Heheldhishatonhiskneesandhislong,darkhandsmovednervouslyaroundthewornbrim.Theyellowinsidesofhishandsweresomoistthatoccesionallyhewipedthemwithahandkerchief.
Hisheadtrembled,andallofhismuscleswerestiffwiththeefforttomakeitbestill.Mr.Singercameintotheroom.DoctorCopelandraiseduphis
fa.Haveyouheardofthis?heasked.Mr.Singernodded.Iherewasnohorrororpityorhate.Ofallthosewhoknew,hiseyesalonedidnotexpressthesereas.Forhealoneuoodthisthing.
MickwhisperedtoPortia,"Whatsyourfathersname?’
HenamedBeMadyCopeland.’
MickleanedoverclosetoDoctorCopelandandshoutedinhisfaceasthoughheweredeaf.Be,dontyouthinksomehotcoffeewouldmakeyoufeelalittlebetter?’
DoctorCopelandstarted.
Quitthath,Portiasaid.Hehearwellasyou.’
Oh,saidMick.Sheemptiedthegroundsfromthepotandputthecoffeeoovetoboilagain.
Themutestilllihedoorway.DoctorCopelandstilllookedintohisface.Youheard?’
Whatlltheydotothoseprisonguards?Mickasked.
Honey,Ijustdontknow,Portiasaid.Ijustdontknow.’
Iddosomething.Fdsuredosomethingaboutit.’
Nothinguscoulddowouldmakenodifference.Bestthingusdoiskeepourmouthshut’
"TheyoughttobetreatedjustliketheydidWillieandthem.
Worse.IwishIcouldroundupsomepeopleandkillthosemenmyself.’
"ThataintnoChristianwaytotalk,Portiasaid.JsjustrestbadknowtheygoingtobechoppedupwithpitchforksandfriedeverlastingbySatan.’
AnywayWilliestillplayhisharp.’
Withbothfeetssawedoffthataboutallhedo.’
Thehousewasfullofnoiseandu.Intheroomabovethekitsomeonewasmovingfurnitureabout.Thedining-roomwascrowdedwithboarders.Mrs.Kellyhurriedbadforthfromthebreakfasttabletothekit.Mr.Kellywanderedaboutinabaggypairoftrousersandabathrobe.
TheyoungKellychildrenategreedilyi.Doorsbangedandvoicescouldbeheardinallpartsofthehouse.
MidedDoctorCopelandacupofcoffeemixedwithwaterymilk.Themilkgavethedrinkagray-bluesheen.Someofthecoffeehadsloshedoverintothesaucer,
sofirsthedriedthesaudtherimofthecupwithhishandkerchief.Hehadnotwantedcoffeeatall.
IwishIcouldkillthem,Micksaid.
Thehousequieted.Thepeopleinthedining-roomwentouttowork.MidGeeleftforschoolandthebabywasshutintoohefrontrooms.Mrs.Kellyedatowelaroundherheadandtookabroomwithherupstairs.
Themutestillstoodinthedoorway.DoctorCopelandgazedupintohisface.Youknowofthis?heaskedagain.Thewordsdidnotsound—theychokedinhisthroat—buthiseyesaskedthequestionallthesame.Theewasgone.
DoctorCopelandandPortiawerealoforsometimeooolintheer.Atlastherosetogo.
*Yousitbackdown,Father.Usgoingtostaytogetherthism.Igoingtofrysomefishandhaveegg-breadandpotatoesforthedinner.Youstayonhere,andtheoserveyouagoodhotmeal.’
YouknowIhavecalls.’
Lessusjustthisoneday.Please,Father.IfeelslikeIgoingtoreallybustloose.Besides,Idontwantyoumessingaroundireetsbyyourself.’
Hehesitatedahecollarofhisovercoat.Itwasverydamp.Daughter,Iamsorry.YouknowIhavevisits.’
Portiaheldhisshawloverthestoveuntilthewoolwashot.
Shebuttonedhiscoatandturhecollarabouthisneck.
HeclearedhisthroatandspatintoohesquaresofpaperthathecarriedwithhiminhispocketThenheburhepaperiove.OnthewayouthestoppedandspoketoHighboyoeps.HesuggestedthatHighboystaywithPortiaifhecouldarraogetleavefromwork.
Theairiergandcold.Fromthelow,darkskiesthedrizzlingraieadily.Therainhadseepedintothegarbagesandinthealleytherewastherankodorofwetrefuse.Ashewalkedhebalancedhimselfwiththehelpofafendkepthisdarkeyesontheground.
Hemadeallthestriecessaryvisits.Theeoofficepatientsfromnoonuntiltwooclock.Afterwardhesatathisdeskwithhisfistschedtight.Butitwasuselesstotrytocogitateonthisthing.
Hewishedneveragaintoseeahumaatthesametimehecouldnotsitaloheemptyroom.Heputonhisovercoataoutagainintothewet,coldstreet.Inhispocketwereseveralprescriptionstobeleftatthepharmacy.
ButhedidnotwishtospeakwithMarshallNicolls.Hewentintothestoreandlaidtheprescriptionsupontheter.Thepharmacistturnedfromthepowdershewasmeasuringandheldoutbothhishands.Histhicklipsworkedsoundlesslyforamomentbefainedhispoise.
Doctor,hesaidformally."YoumustbeawarethatIandallourcolleaguesandthemembersofmylodgeandchurch—wehaveyoursorrowuppermostinourmindsandwishtoextendtoyouourdeepestsympathy.’
DoctorCopelandturnedshortlyawithoutaword.Thatwastoolittle.Somethingmorewashestrong,truepurpose,thewilltojustice.Hewalkedstiffly,hisarmsheldclosetohissides,towardthemai.Hecogitatedwithoutsuccess.Hecouldthinkofnowhitepersonofpowerinallthetoasbothbraveandjust.Hethoughtofeverylawyer,everyjudge,everypublicofficialwithwhosenamehewasfamiliar—butthethoughtofeaeofthesewhitemenwasbitterinhisheart.AtlasthedecidedonthejudgeoftheSuperiorCourt.Whenhereachedthecourthousehedidatebutenteredquickly,determioseethejudgethatafternoon.
Thewidefronthalltyexceptforafewidlerswholouhedoorwaysleadingtotheoffieitherside.
Hedidnotknowwherehecouldfindthejudgesoffice,sohewandereduainlythroughthebuilding,lookingattheplacardsonthedoors.Atlasthecametoanarrowpassage.
Halfwaythroughthiscorridorthreewhitemenstoodtalkingtogetherandblockedtheway.Hedrewclosetothewalltopass,butohemturostophim.
Whatyouwant?’
"Willyoupleasetellmewherethejudgesofficeislocated?’
Thewhitemanjerkedhisthumbtowardtheendofthepassage.DoctorCopelandreizedhimasadeputysheriff.
Theyhadseeneachotherdozensoftimesbutthedeputydidnotrememberhim.Allwhitepeoplelooked
similartoNegroesbutNegroestookcaretodifferentiatebetweenthem.Oherhand,allNegroeslookedsimilartowhitemenbutwhitemendidnotusuallybothertofixthefaceofaNegrointheirminds.Sothewhitemansaid,Whatyouwant,Reverend?’
Thefamiliarjokingtitleledhim.amnotaminister,hesaid,Iamaphysi,amedicaldoynameisBeMadyCopelandandIwishtoseethejudgeimmediatelyentbusiness.’
Thedeputywaslikeotherwhitemeninthataclearlyenunciatedspeechmaddenedhim.Isthatso?hemocked.Hewihisfriends.ThenIamthedeputysheriffandmynameisMisterWilsonandItellyouthejudgeisbusy.ebaeotherday.’
ItisimperativethatIseethejudge,DoctorCopelandsaid.Iwillwait.’
Therewasabenchattheentrahepassageadowhreewhitementialk,buthekhatthesheriffwatchedhim.Hewasdetermitoleave.
Morethanhalfanhourpassed.Severalwhitemefreelybadforththroughthecorridor.Hekhatthedeputywaswatghimarigid,hishandspressedbetweenhisknees.Hissenseofprudeoldhimtogoawayaurheafternoohesheriffwasnotthere.
Allofhislifehehadbeencircumspehisdealingswithsuchpeople.Butnowsomethinginhimwouldhimwithdraw.
ehere,you!thedeputysaidfinally.
Hisheadtrembled,andwhenhearosehewasnotsteadyonhisfeet.Yes?’
Whatyousayyouwaoseethejudgeabout?’
Ididnotsay,saidDoctorCopeland.Imerelysaidthatmybusinesswithhimwasurgent.’
?Youtstandupstraight.Youbeendrinkingliquor,haventyou?Ismellitonyourbreath.’
"Thatisalie,saidDoctorCopelandslowly.havenot——’
Thesheriffstruckhimontheface.Hefellagainstthewall.
Twowhitemengraspedhimbythearmanddraggedhimdowepstothemainfloor.Hedid.
Thatsthetroublewiththistry,thesheriffsaid.These
damnbiggityniggerslikehim.Hespokenowordahemdowithhimastheywould.Hewaitedfortheterribleangeraariseinhim.Ragemadehimweak,sothathestumbled.Theyputhimintothewagonwithtwomenasguards.Theytookhimtothestationahejail.Itwasonlywheeredthejailthatthestrengthofhisragecametohim.Hebrokeloosesuddenlyfromtheirgrasp.Inaerhewassurrouheystruckhimontheheadandshoulderswiththeirclubs.AgloriousstrengthwasinhimandheheardhimselflaughingaloudashefoughtHesobbedandlaughedatthesametime.Hekickedwildlywithhisfeet.Hefoughtwithhisfistsaruckatthemwithhishead.Thenhewasclutchedfastsothathecouldnotmove.Theydraggedhimfootbyfohthehallofthejail.Thedoortoacellened.Someonebehindkickedhiminthegroinandhefelltohiskhefloor.
InthecrampedcubicletherewerefiveotherprisohreeNegroesandtwowhitemehewhitemenwasveryoldanddruonthefloorandscratchedhimself.Theotherwhiteprisonerwasaboynotmorethanfifteenyearsofage.ThethreeNegroeswereyoung.AsDoctorCopelandlayonthebunklookingupintotheirfaceshereizedohem.
Howeyouhere?theyoungmanasked.AintyouDoctorCopeland?’
Hesaidyes.
*MynameDaryWhite.Youtakenoutmysisterstonsilslastyear.’
Theicycellermeatedwitharottenodor.Apailbrimmingwithurinewasinaer.Cockroachescrawleduponthewalls.Heclosedhiseyesandimmediatelyhemusthaveslept,forwhenhelookedupagainthesmallbarredwindowwasbladabrightlightburhehall.Fouremptytinplateswereonthefloor.Hisdinnerofcabbageandbreadwasbesidehim.
Hesatonthebunkandsneezedviolentlyseveraltimes.When
hebreathedthephlegmrattledinhischest.Afterawhiletheyoungwhiteboybegantosneezealso.DoctorCopelandranoutofsquaresofpaperandhadtousesheetsfromanotebookinhispocket.Thewhiteboyleanedoverthepailintheerorsimplyletthewaterrunfromhisothefrontofhisshirt.Hiseyesweredilated,hisclearcheeksflushed.Hehuddledontheedgeofabunkandgroaned.
Soontheywereledouttothelavatory,andontheirreturntheypreparedforsleep.Thereweresixmentooccupyfourbunks.Theoldmanlaysnonthefloor.Daryandanotherboysqueezedintoabunktogether.
Thehourswerelong.Thelightinthehallburnedhiseyesandtheodorinthecellmadeeverybreathadisfort.Hecouldnotkeepwarm.Histeethchatteredandheshookwithahardchill.Hesatupwiththedirtyblaedaroundhimandswayedtoandfro.Twicehereachedovertocoverthewhiteboy,whomutteredandthrewouthisarmsinsleep.Heswayed,hisheadinhishands,andfromhisthroattherecameasingingmoan.HecouldnotthinkofWilliam.Norcouldheevencogitateuporong,truepurposeanddrawstrengthfromthat.Hecouldohemiseryinhim.
Theideofhisfeverturned.Awarmthspreadthroughhim.Helaybaditseemedhesankdownintoaplacewarmandredandfulloffort.
Themthesu.Thestrahernwinterwasatitsend.DoctorCopelandwasreleased.Alittlegroupwaitedoutsidethejailforhim.Mr.Singerwasthere.
PortiaandHighboyandMarshallNicollswerepresentalso.
Theirfaceswerefusedandhecouldhemclearly.
Thesunwasverybright.
Father,dontyouknowthataintnowaytohelpourWillie?Messingaroundatawhitefolkscourthouse?Bestthingusdoiskeepourmouthshutandwait.’
Herloudvoiceechoedwearilyinhisears.Thevclimbedintoateaxicab,andthenhewashomeandhisfacepressedintothefreshwhitepillow.
M
ICKcouldnotsleepallnight.Ettawassick,soshehadtosleepintheliving-room.Thesofawastoonarrowandshort.ShehadnightmaresaboutWillie.Nearlyamonthhadgonebysiiahadtoldaboutwhattheyhaddoohim—butstillshecouldntfetit.Twithenightshehadthesebaddreamsandwokeuponthefloor.Abumpcameoutonherforehead.ThenatsixoclocksheheardBillgotothekitandfixhisbreakfast.Itwasdaylight,buttheshadesweredownsothattheroomwashalf-dark.Shefeltqueerwakingupintheliving-room.Shedidntlikeit.Thesheetwastwistedaroundher,halfonthesofaandhah*onthefloor.Thepillowwasinthemiddleoftheroom.Shegotupahedoortothehall.Nobodywasoairs.Sheraninhernightgowntotheba.
Moveee.KThekidlayintheveryterofthebed.Thenighthadbeenwarmandhewasnakedasajaybird.Hisfistswereshuttight,andeveninsleephiseyesweresquintedlikehewasthinkingaboutsomethingveryhardtofigureout.Hismouthenandtherewasalittlewetspotonthepillow.Shepushedhim.
Wait------hesaidinhissleep.
Moveoveronyourside.?Wait------Lemmejustfinishthisheredream—thishere------’
Shehauledhimoverwherehebelongedandlaydownclosetohim.Whensheopenedhereyesagainitwaslate,becausethesunshohroughthebadow.Geewasgone.
FromtheyardsheheardkidsvoidthesoundofwaterrunniaandHazelweretalkinginthemiddleroom.Asshedressedasuddennotiooher.Shelistehedoorbutitwashardtohearwhattheysaid.Shejerkedthedooropenquicktosurprisethem.
Theywerereadingamoviemagaziawasstillinbed.
Shehadherhandhalfwayoverthepictureofanactor.Fromhereupdontyouthinkhefavorsthatboywhousedtodatewith------’
Howyoufeelthism,Etta?Mickasked.Shelookeddowhebedandherprivateboxwasstilliplacewhereshehadleftit
Alotyoucare,Ettasaid.
Yourytopickafight’
Ettasfaceeaked.Therewasaterriblepaiomadherovarywasdiseased.Ithadsomethingtodowithbeinguhedoctorsaidtheywouldhavetocutoutherhtaway.ButtheirDadsaidtheywouldhavetowait.Therewasntanymoney.
?Howdoyouexpectmetoayway?Micksaid.*Iaskyouapolitequestionandthenyoustarttonagatme.IfeellikeIoughttobesorryforyoubecauseyouresick,butyouwomebedet.ThereforeInaturallygetmad.Shepushedbackthebangsofherhairandlookedcloseintothemirror.Boy!SeethisbumpIgot!Ibetmyheadsbroke.TwiceIfelloutlastnightanditseemedtomelikeIhitthattablebythesofa.Itsleepintheliving-room.ThatsofacrampsmesomuchItstayinit’
Hushthattalkingsoloud,Hazelsaid.
Mieltdownonthefloorandpulledoutthebigbox.Shelookedcarefullyatthestringthatwastiedaroundit.Say,haveeitherofyoufooledwiththis?’
Shoot!Ettasaid.Whatwouldwewanttomesswithyourjunkfor?’
Youjustbetternot.Idkillanybodythattriedtomesswithmyprivatethings.’
Listentothat,Hazelsaid."MickKelly,IthinkyourethemostselfishpersonIveeverknown.Youdontcareathingintheworldaboutanybodybut------’
Aw,poot!Sheslammedthedoor.Shehatedbothofthem.
Thatwasaterriblethingtothink,butitwastrue.
HerDadwasiwithPortia.Hehadonbisbathrobeandwasdrinkingacupofcoffee.Thewhitesofhiseyeswereredandhiscuprattledagainsthissaucer.Hewalkedroundandroutable.
Whattimeisit?HasMisterSingergo?’
?Hebeengone,Hon,Portiasaid.Itnearabouttenoclock.’
Tenoclock!Golly!Ineverhavesleptthatlatebefore.*
*Whatyoukeepinthatbighatboxyoutotearoundwithyou?’
Mickreachedintothestoveandbroughtouthalfadozenbiscuits.AskmeionsandTiltellyounolies.Abad
endestoapersonwhopries.*
IftheresalittleextramilkIthinkTiljusthaveitpouredoversomecrumbledbread,herDadsaid.Graveyardsoup.Maybethatwillhelpsettlemystomach.Micksplitopenthebiscuitsandputslicesoffriedwhitemeatihem.Shesatdownonthebackstepstoeatherbreakfast.Themwaswarmandbright.Spare-ribsandSuckerwereplayingwithGeeinthebackyard.Suckerworehissunsuitahertwokidshadtakenoffalltheirclothesexcepttheirshorts.Theywerescootingeachotherwiththehose.Thestreamofwatersparkledbrightinthesun.
Thewispraysofitlikemistandinthismisttherewerethecolorsoftherainbow.Alineofclothesflappedinthewind—whitesheets,Ralphsbluedress,aredblouseandnightgowandfreshandblowingoutindifferentshapes.Thedaywasalmostlikesummer-time.Fuzylittleyellowjacketsbuzzedaroundthehoneysuckleonthealleyfence.
"Watchmeholditupovermyhead!Geehollered.Watchhowthewaterrunsdown.’
Shewastoofullofeositstill.Geehadfilledamealsackwithdirtandhungittoalimbofthetreeforapungbag.Shebegantohitthis.Puck!Pock!Shehititihesongthathadbeeninhermindwhenshewokeup.Geehadmixedasharprothedirtanditbruisedherknuckles.
Aoow!Youskeetedthewaterrightinmyear.Itsbustedmyeardrum.Itevenhear.Gimmehere.Letmeskeetsome.Spraysofthewaterblewintoherfadohekidsturhehoses.Shewasafraidherboxwouldgetwet,soshecarrieditwithherthroughthealleytothefrontporch.Harrywassittingonhisstepsreadingtheneer.
Sheopenedherboxandgotoutthenotebook.Butitwashardtosettlehermindonthesoedtowritedown.
Harrywaslookingoverinherdireandshecouldnotthink.
SheandHarryhadtalkedaboutsomanythingslately.Nearlyeverydaytheywalkedhomefromschooltogether.TheytalkedaboutGod.Sometimesshewouldinthenightandshiveroverwhattheyhadsaid.Harrya.
Thatwasareligion,thesameasBaptistorCatholicorJew.
Harrybelievedthatafteryouweredeadandburiedyougedtoplantsandfireanddirtandcloudsandwater.Ittookthousandsofyearsandthenfinallyyouartofalltheworld.HesaidhethoughtIthatwasbetterthanbeingonesingleangel.Anyhowitwasbetterthannothing.
Harrythrewtheneerintohishallandthencameover.
Itshotlikesummer,hesaid.AndonlyMarch.’
Yeah.Iwishwecouldgoswimming.’
Wewouldiftherelace.’
Theresnotanyplace.Exceptthattryclubpool.’
Isurewouldliketodosomething—togetoutandgosomewhere.’
"Metoo,shesaid,Wait!Iknowoneplace.Itsoutinthetryaboutfifteesadeep,widecreekinthewoods.TheGirlScoutshaveacampthereinthesummer-time.Mrs.WellstookmeandGeeaeandSuckerswimmingthereoimelastyear.’
IfyouwanttoIgetbicyclesandweorrow.IhaveaholidayoneSundayamonth.’
Wellrideoutandtakeapiier,Micksaid.
O.K.ITlborrowthebikes.’
Itwastimeforhimtogotowork.Shewatchedhimwalkdowreet.Heswunghisarms.Halfwaydowntheblocktherewasabaytreewithlowbranches.Harrytookarunningjump,caughtalimb,andedhimself.Ahappyfeelingcameinherbecauseitwastruetheywererealgoodfriends.
Alsohewashandsome.TomorrowshewouldborrowHazelsblueneckladwearthesfflcdress.AndfordiheywouldtakejellysandwichesandNehi.MaybeHarrywouldbringsomethingqueer,becausetheyateorthodoxJew.Shewatchedhimuntilheturheer.Itwastruethathehadgrowntobeaverygood-lookingfellow.
HarryinthetrywasdifferentfromHarrysittingonthe
backstepsreadingtheneersandthinkingaboutHitler.
Theyleftearlyinthem.Thewheelsheborrowedwerethekindforboys—withabarbetweenthelegs.Theystrappedthelunchesandbathing-suitstothefendersandweregonebeforenineoclock.Themwashotandsunny.Withinanhourtheywerefaroutoftownonaredclayroad.Thefieldswerebrightandereenandthesharpsmellofpireeswasintheair.Harrytalkedinaveryexcitedway.Thewarmwiotheirfaces.Hermouthwasverydryandshewashungry.松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
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并不代表本站立场!本站亦无法严格审:The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter最新章节其版权归属。如您对The Heart Is A Lonely HunterTXT下载持有版权方面的异议，请联系本站客服。我们将于72小时内处理。
Copyright (C) 2019 All Rights Reserved 版权所有：松语文学