And for
all they talk so everlastingly about saving, there's some kind of money
that no nice woman will touch with a ten-foot pole. And just put it up
to them as to which they want, Jim Tumley or fifteen hundred a year,
and see what they say."
Jake was the richest man of all the men packed in Billy Evans' office.
He could afford to talk bravely for he had no need to curry any man's
favor. And he could demand respectful attention for his opinions.
There were those present who resented this independence.
"These farmers nowadays are getting danged smart and officious,"
muttered Sears to Sam Bobbins.
But Sam wasn't listening. He too had an argument and he wanted to
voice it.
"Mightn't the closing of the bar lose us a lot of outside trade, ruin
our business life?"
At that Billy's eyes twinkled.
"By gosh--Sam--I hadn't thought of that. I sure would miss the poor
drunks that crawl in here to sleep it off. And like as not I'd not get
to drive old man Hathaway home every time he hits town and tries to
paint it red. Never have dared to leave that old fool in town when he
was drunk. Never can tell what that poor miserable mind of his
mightn't prompt him to do. Might set fire to something or hang himself
on somebody's front door.
Pages:
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290