Cabin Fever - Page 6/118

When he and Bill finally shed their borrowed overalls and caps, the

garage lights were on, and the lot behind the shop was dusky. Bud sat

down on the running board and began to figure what the actual cost

of the bargain would be when Bill had put it into good mechanical

condition. New bearings, new bevel gear, new brake, lining, rebored

cylinders--they totalled a sum that made Bill gasp.

By the time Bud had proved each item an absolute necessity, and had

reached the final ejaculation: "Aw, forget it, Bill, and buy yuh a

Ford!" it was so late that he knew Marie must have given up looking

for him home to supper. She would have taken it for granted that he had

eaten down town. So, not to disappoint her, Bud did eat down town. Then

Bill wanted him to go to a movie, and after a praiseworthy hesitation

Bud yielded to temptation and went. No use going home now, just when

Marie would be rocking the kid to sleep and wouldn't let him speak above

a whisper, he told his conscience. Might as well wait till they settled

down for the night.