Jimmy's piping voice came from the doorway, and he pranced out into the kitchen in his shorts.
"Looks like I should have gotten some more melons," said Dad, beginning to move toward the door.
"Never mind," said Mother. "He can have my piece. I don't feel like eating anyway. Jimmy, go get some clothes on before you catch cold. This morning air is a bit chilly—Dad, close the door."
"Why, Grandma, what big horns you have," said Jimmy, staring at her.
Joe froze in his chair.
Dad chuckled as he made his way to the door to close it. "Like father, like son," he said. "Already he's kidding his Grandma! Hey, here comes that fellow already, walking back. He got stuck, all right!"
Pearl's chair fell over with a clatter as she rose abruptly to her feet. She faced the door, her face white.
Joe recognized him the minute he came to the door. It was the man who had been driving the Mercury the day before. But before he could utter a word, the man dashed into the kitchen, then ran for the living room without a backward glance.
"Hey, young feller!" exclaimed Dad. "Where you think you're going?" He began to follow, but almost immediately the young man reappeared, a crucifix clutched in his hand, and he faced Pearl's mother, brandishing it wildly.
Pearl leaped to the stove and picked up the poker. With a set expression on her face she ran toward the young man. Joe leaped forward and grabbed her.