“The Hink Field soldiers take it straight?”
Chuck nodded.
“Bunch of idiots! I tell you—even if this spreads all over the country—it’s fake. Some lousy Government idea of a test run. Making the civilian population knuckle to the military.
Damned fraud, I say. Watch my vote next time! Brother!”
“Just the same,” Chuck said, bringing his own and his mother’s coats, aware of his mother’s eyes, “if you hear the air-raid siren, get down in your cellar with all the kids—and stay there.”
Jim was grinning. “That’s a hot one! Notice what the man said, Ruth? ‘ If we hear the sirens!’ Son, there aren’t six sirens in all River City and the nearest one to Ferndale is audible in a strong wind only about to the reservoir.”
Chuck had forgotten the great difference between the defense preparations of the two cities. He said, “Promise this. Keep the radio on.”
“Believe me, I will. Should be a circus—everybody running like headless chickens!”
“Keep the radio on. If you hear a Condition Red, get in the cellar and get there fast and stay there!”
“Sure. If we hear a Condition Red. Fat chance!”