The touch of the cold metal was like the hand of
afaith-healer. The rest of the gang came up and with a parting glance atSteak, I
plunged into the riot. Theres always a car in front, I replied testily.
What would I do with seven shillings worth of
tobacco?
I decided to avoid Steak for the nonce,and took up
a position near the track to watch the race. I gulped my drink and hurried away with
my mind in a whirl. I wish to be strictly fairwith you, Stanley, and treat you in a
sportsmanlike way. I smiled derisively and walked into the bedroom. Although heis
your father I feel it is my duty to warn you to be wary of him.
Ive phoned for a taxi, it will be here anymoment.
Have they any bigger cups than those they gave us last time?
I studied the nail on my little finger for a
moment.
The tolerance of civilized communities is
overdonewhen such women are allowed to reach maturity.
Your mother has done well to leave him, if only
fora time.
Stand the confounded eggs on their edges for him, I
added.
The car pulled up and we decanted ourselves on to
the pavement. The penny lay on the floor, serene, fateful,decisive. Easypayment; the
savage irony of the term! Thassall right, dad, he replied, that wasnt my
foot.
If horses have halos when they die, King Rabbit
should look likea zebra. I could see by Stanleys face that there would be trouble
about thisaffair.
He was born in a horse-trough andcarried round in a
nose-bag when he was a child. As we shook hands I made a mental note of Stanleys
perfidy indivulging my name. The mere memory of that letter makes me grind my
teeth.
I felt anempty feeling in my stomach as I rose to
my feet.