“Nothing’s the matter with me. What’s on at the show tonight?”
iii
Bervick came into Evans’ cabin. It was seven o’clock and Evans was still asleep.
“Hey,” said Bervick, and he shook him.
“What’s the matter?” Evans sat up in bed.
“Nothing’s the matter. Just thought I’d see if you were up.”
“Well, I’m not up.” Evans stretched out again in his bunk. For a moment he lay there quietly, his eyes half shut. He enjoyed the gentle rocking of the ship.
“Get me a cigarette,” he said finally. Bervick felt in his pocket and brought out a crumpled pack. He took out a cigarette, lit it, and handed it to Evans.
“Thanks,” grunted Evans. He inhaled the smoke comfortably. Then he began to think. When he awakened in the morning he always knew if something pleasant or unpleasant was supposed to happen to him. Today he felt would be a pleasant day.
“What you got on your mind?” Evans asked.