“It’s her first,” said Ma. “Her an’ Connie sets a lot a store by it. You done the same thing.”
“We’ll go now,” Tom said. “Pull off the road a little piece ahead. Watch out for us ef we don’t see you. Be off right-han’ side.”
“Al’s stayin’?”
“Yeah. Leave Uncle John come with us. ’Night, Ma.”
They walked away through the sleeping camp. In front of one tent a low fitful fire burned and a woman watched a kettle that cooked early breakfast. The smell of the cooking beans was strong and fine.
“Like to have a plate a them,” Tom said politely as they went by.
The woman smiled. “They ain’t done or you’d be welcome,” she said.
“Come aroun’ in the daybreak.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Tom said. He and Casy and Uncle John walked by the porch. The proprietor still sat in his chair, and the lantern hissed and flared. He turned his head as the three went by. “Ya runnin’ outa gas,” Tom said.
“Well, time to close up anyways.”