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.