Ma praised them. “They look nice,” she said. “He’p yaself to pone an’ gravy. We got to get stuff outa the way an’ the tent in order.”
Pa served plates for the children and for himself. “Wonder where Tom got work?”
“I dunno.”
“Well, if he can, we can.”
Al came excitedly to the tent. “What a place!” he said. He helped himself and poured coffee. “Know what a fella’s doin’? He’s buildin’ a house trailer. Right over there, back a them tents. Got beds an’ a stove—ever’thing. Jus’ live in her. By God, that’s the way to live! Right where you stop—tha’s where you live.”
Ma said, “I ruther have a little house. Soon’s we can, I want a little house.”
Pa said, “Al—after we’ve et, you an’ me an’ Uncle John’ll take the truck an’ go out lookin’ for work.”
“Sure,” said Al. “I like to get a job in a garage if they’s any jobs. Tha’s what I really like. An’ get me a little ol’ cut-down Ford. Paint her yella an’ go a-kyoodlin’ aroun’. Seen a purty girl down the road. Give her a big wink, too. Purty as hell, too.”
Pa said sternly, “You better get you some work ’fore you go a-tom-cattin’.”
Uncle John came out of the toilet and moved slowly near. Ma frowned at him.