“Fight. Fella got a knife in Tom. Tom busted ’im with a shovel.”
“Did, huh? What’d the law do?”
“Let ’im off ’cause it was a fight,” said Al.
“He don’t look like a quarreler.”
“Oh, he ain’t. But Tom don’t take nothin’ from nobody.” Al’s voice was very proud. “Tom, he’s quiet. But—look out!”
“Well—I talked to ’im. He didn’ soun’ mean.”
“He ain’t. Jus’ as nice as pie till he’s roused, an’ then—look out.” The young man ground at the last valve. “Like me to he’p you get them valves set an’ the head on?”
“Sure, if you got nothin’ else to do.”
“Oughta get some sleep,” said Al. “But, hell, I can’t keep my han’s out of a tore-down car. Jus’ got to git in.”
“Well, I’d admire to git a hand,” said the young man. “My name’s