Professional Documents
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In Watermelon Sugar
In Watermelon Sugar
RICHARD BRAUTIGAN
IN
WATERMELON SUGAR
In Watermelon Sugar
the ee ! "ere one an one again a! m# li$e i! one in "atermelon !ugar% I&ll tell #ou a'out it 'e(au!e I am here an #ou are i!tant% Where)er #ou are* "e mu!t o the 'e!t "e (an% It i! !o $ar to tra)el* an "e ha)e nothing here to tra)el* e+(e,t "atermelon !ugar% I ho,e thi! "ork! out% I li)e in a !ha(k near i-EAT.% I (an !ee i-EAT. out the "in o"% It i! 'eauti$ul% I (an al!o !ee it "ith m# e#e! (lo!e an tou(h it% Right no" it i! (ol an turn! like !omething in the han o$ a (hil % I o not kno" "hat that thing (oul 'e% There i! a eli(ate 'alan(e in i-EAT.% It !uit! u!% The !ha(k i! !mall 'ut ,lea!ing an (om$orta'le a! m# li$e an ma e $rom ,ine* "atermelon !ugar an !tone! a! /u!t a'out e)er#thing here i!% Our li)e! "e ha)e (are$ull# (on!tru(te $rom "atermelon !ugar an then tra)elle to the length o$ our ream!* along roa ! line "ith ,ine! an !tone!% I ha)e a 'e * a (hair* a ta'le an a large (he!t that I kee, m# thing! in% I ha)e a lantern that 'urn! "atermelontrout oil at night% That i! !omething el!e% I&ll tell #ou a'out it later% I ha)e a gentle li$e% I go to the "in o" an look out again% The !un i! !hining at the long e ge o$ a (lou % It i! Tue! a# an the !un i! gol en% I (an !ee ,ine# "oo ! an the ri)er! that $lo" $rom tho!e ,ine# "oo !% The ri)er! are (ol an (lear an there are trout in the ri)er!% Some o$ the ri)er! are onl# a $e" in(he! "i e% I kno" a ri)er that i! hal$0an0in(h "i e% I kno" 'e(au!e 11 mea!ure it an !at 'e!i e it $or a "hole a#% It !tarte raining in the mi le o$ the a$ternoon% We (all e)er#thing a ri)er here% We&re that kin o$ ,eo,le% I (an !ee $iel ! o$ "atermelon! an the ri)er! that $lo" through them% There are man# 'ri ge! in the ,ine# "oo ! an in the $iel ! o$ "atermelon!% There i! a 'ri ge in $ront o$ thi! !ha(k% Some o$ the 'ri ge! are ma e o$ "oo * ol an !taine !il)er like rain* an !ome o$ the 'ri ge! are ma e o$ !tone gathere $rom a great i!tan(e an 'uilt in the or er o$ that i!tan(e* an !ome o$ the 'ri ge! are ma e o$ "atermelon !ugar% I like tho!e 'ri ge! 'e!t% We make a great man# thing! out o$ "atermelon !ugar here 1I&ll tell #ou a'out it1 in(lu ing thi! 'ook 'eing "ritten near i-EAT.% All thi! "ill 'e gone into* tra)elle in "atermelon !ugar%
IN WATERMELON SUGAR
Margaret
there "a! a kno(k at the oor% I (oul tell "ho it "a! '# the "a# the# kno(ke * an I hear them (oming a(ro!! the 'ri ge% The# !te,,e on the onl# 'oar that make! an# noi!e% The# al"a#! !te, on it% I ha)e ne)er 'een a'le to $igure thi! out% I ha)e thought a great eal a'out "h# the# al"a#! !te, on that !ame 'oar * ho" the# (annot mi!! it* an no" the# !too out!i e m# oor* kno(king% I i not a(kno"le ge their kno(king 'e(au!e I /u!t "a!n&t intere!te % I i not "ant to !ee them% I kne" "hat the# "oul 'e a'out an i not (are $or it% 2inall# the# !to,,e kno(king an "ent 'a(k a(ro!! the 'ri ge an the#* o$ (our!e* !te,,e on the !ame 'oar : a long 'oar "ith the nail! not line u, right* 'uilt #ear! ago an no "a# to $i+ it* an then the# "ere gone* an the 'oar "a! !ilent% I (an "alk a(ro!! the 'ri ge hun re ! o$ time! "ithout !te,,ing on that 'oar * 'ut Margaret al"a#! !te,! on it%
T.IS MORNING
M# Name
I GUESS 3OU ARE 4IN- O2 5URIOUS a! to "ho I am* 'ut I am one o$ tho!e "ho o not ha)e a regular name% M# name e,en ! on #ou% 6u!t (all me "hate)er i! in #our min % I$ #ou are thinking a'out !omething that ha,,ene a long time ago: Some'o # a!ke #ou a 7ue!tion an #ou i not kno" the an!"er% That i! m# name% 8erha,! it "a! raining )er# har % That i! m# name% Or !ome'o # "ante #ou to o !omething% 3ou i it% Then the# tol #ou "hat #ou i "a! "rong 19Sorr# $or the mi!take*91an #ou ha to o !omething el!e% That i! m# name% 8erha,! it "a! a game that #ou ,la#e "hen #ou "ere a (hil or !omething that (ame i l# into #our min "hen #ou "ere ol an !itting in a (hair near the "in o"% That i! m# name% Or #ou "alke !ome,la(e% There "ere $lo"er! all aroun % That i! m# name% 8erha,! #ou !tare into a ri)er% There "a! !ome'o # near #ou "ho lo)e #ou% The# "ere a'out to tou(h #ou% 3ou (oul $eel thi! 'e$ore it ha,,ene % Then it ha,,ene % That i! m# name% Or #ou hear !omeone (alling $rom a great i!tan(e% Their )oi(e "a! almo!t an e(ho% That i! m# name% 8erha,! #ou "ere l#ing in 'e * almo!t rea # to go to !lee, an #ou laughe at !omething* a /oke unto #our!el$* a goo "a# to en the a#% That i! m# name% Or #ou "ere eating !omething goo an $or a !e(on $orgot "hat #ou "ere eating* 'ut !till "ent on* kno"ing it "a! goo % That i! m# name% 8erha,! it "a! aroun mi night an the $ire tolle like a 'ell in!i e the !to)e% That i! m# name% Or #ou $elt 'a "hen !he !ai that thing to #ou% She (oul ha)e tol it to !omeone el!e: Some'o # "ho "a! more $amiliar "ith her ,ro'lem!% That i! m# name% 8erha,! the trout !"am in the ,ool 'ut the ri)er "a! onl# eight in(he! "i e an the moon !hone on I-EAT. an the "atermelon $iel ! glo"e out o$ ,ro,ortion* ark an the moon !eeme to ri!e $rom e)er# ,lant% That i! m# name% An I "i!h Margaret "oul lea)e me alone%
2re
A LITTLE W.ILE a$ter Margaret le$t* 2re (ame '#% .e "a! not in)ol)e "ith the 'ri ge% .e onl# u!e it to get to m# !ha(k% .e ha nothing el!e to o "ith the 'ri ge% .e onl# "alke a(ro!! it to get to m# ,la(e% .e /u!t o,ene the oor an (ame in% 9.i*9 he !ai % 9What&! u,:9 9Nothing mu(h*9 I !ai % 96u!t "orking a"a# here%9 9I /u!t (ame $rom the Watermelon Work!*9 2re !ai % 9I "ant #ou to go o"n there tomorro" morning "ith me% I "ant to !ho" #ou !omething a'out the ,lank ,re!!%9 9All right*9 I !ai % 9Goo *9 he !ai % 9I&ll !ee #ou tonight at inner o"n at i-EAT.% I hear 8auline i! going to (ook inner tonight% That mean! "e&ll ha)e !omething goo % I&m a little tire o$ Al&! (ooking% The )egeta'le! are al"a#! o)er one* an I&m tire o$ (arrot!* too% I$ I eat another (arrot thi! "eek I&ll !(ream%9 93eah* 8auline&! a goo (ook*9 I !ai % I "a!n&t reall# too mu(h intere!te in $oo at the time% I "ante to get 'a(k to m# "ork* 'ut 2re i! m# 'u #% We&)e ha a lot o$ goo time! together% 2re ha !omething !trange0looking !ti(king out o$ the ,o(ket o$ hi! o)erall!% I "a! (uriou! a'out it% It looke like !omething I ha ne)er !een 'e$ore% 9What&! that in #our ,o(ket* 2re :9 9I $oun it to a# (oming through the "oo ! u, $rom the Watermelon Work!% I on&t kno" "hat it i! m#!el$% I&)e ne)er !een an#thing like it 'e$ore% What o #ou think it i!:9 .e took it out o$ hi! ,o(ket an han e it to me% I i n&t kno" ho" to hol it% I trie to hol it like #ou "oul hol a $lo"er an a ro(k at the !ame time% 9.o" o #ou hol it:9 I !ai % 9I on&t kno"% I on&t kno" an#thing a'out it%9 9It look! like one o$ tho!e thing! in BOIL an hi! gang u!e to ig u, o"n at the 2orgotten Work!% I&)e ne)er !een an#thing like it*9 I !ai * an ga)e it 'a(k to 2re % 9I&ll !ho" it to 5harle#*9 he !ai % 9Ma#'e 5harle# "ill kno"% .e kno"! a'out e)er#thing there i!%9 93eah* 5harle# kno"! a lot*9 I !ai % 9Well* I gue!! I ha 'etter 'e going*9 2re !ai % .e ,ut the thing 'a(k in hi! o)erall!% 9I&ll !ee #ou at inner*9 he !ai % 9O4%9 2re "ent out the oor% .e (ro!!e the 'ri ge "ithout !te,,ing on that 'oar Margaret al"a#! !te,! on an (oul n&t mi!! i$ the 'ri ge "ere !e)en mile! "i e%
5harle#&! I ea
it $elt goo to get 'a(k to "riting again* to i, m# ,en in "atermelon!ee ink an "rite u,on the!e !heet! o$ !"eet0!melling "oo ma e '# Bill o"n at the !hingle $a(tor#% .ere i! a li!t o$ the thing! that I "ill tell #ou a'out in thi! 'ook% There&! no u!e !a)ing it until later% I might a! "ell tell #ou no" "here #ou&re at1 1: i-EAT.% ;A goo ,la(e%< 2: 5harle# ;M# $rien %< =: The tiger! an ho" the# li)e an ho" 'eauti$ul the# "ere an ho" the# ie an ho" the# talke to me "hile the# ate m# ,arent!* an ho" I talke 'a(k to them an ho" the# !to,,e eating m# ,arent!* though it i not hel, m# ,arent! an#* nothing (oul hel, them '# then* an "e talke $or a long time an one o$ the tiger! hel,e me "ith m# arithmeti(* then the# tol me to go a"a# "hile the# $ini!he eating m# ,arent!* an I "ent a"a#% I returne later that night to 'urn the !ha(k o"n% That&! "hat "e i in tho!e a#!% >: The Statue o$ Mirror!% ?: Ol 5hu(k% @: The long "alk! I take at night% Sometime! I !tan $or hour! at a !ingle ,la(e* "ithout har l# mo)ing% ;I&)e ha the "in !to, in m# han %< A: The Watermelon Work!% B: 2re % ;M# 'u #%< C: The 'a!e'all ,ark% 1D: The a7ue u(t% 11: -o( E "ar ! an the !(hooltea(her% 12: The 'eauti$ul trout hat(her# at i-EAT. an ho" it "a! 'uilt an the thing! that ha,,en there% ;It&! a !"ell ,la(e $or an(ing%< 1=: The Tom' 5re"* the Sha$t an the Sha$t Gallo"!% 1>: A "aitre!!% 1?: Al* Bill* other!% 1@: The to"n% 1A: The !un an ho" it (hange!% ;Eer# intere!ting%< 1B: in BOIL an that gang o$ hi! an the ,la(e "here the# u!e to ig* the 2orgotten Work!* an all the terri'le thing! the# i * an "hat ha,,ene to them* an ho" 7uiet an ni(e thing! are aroun here no" that the# are ea % 1C: 5on)er!ation! an thing! that ha,,en here a# to a#% ;Work* 'ath!* 'reak$a!t an inner%< 2D: Margaret an that other girl "ho (arrie the lantern at night an ne)er (ame (lo!e% 21: All o$ our !tatue! an the ,la(e! "here "e 'ur# our ea * !o that the# are $ore)er "ith light (oming out o$ their tom'!% 22: M# li$e li)e in "atermelon !ugar% ;There mu!t 'e "or!e li)e!%< 2=: 8auline% ;She i! m# $a)orite% 3ou&ll !ee%< 2>: An thi! the t"ent#0$ourth 'ook "ritten in 1A1 #ear!% La!t month 5harle# !ai to me* 93ou on&t !eem to like making !tatue! or oing an#thing el!e% Wh# on&t #ou "rite a 'ook: 9The la!t one "a! "ritten thirt#0$i)e #ear! ago% It&! a'out time !ome'o # "rote another 'ook%9 Then he !(rat(he hi! hea an !ai * 9Gee* I remem'er it "a! "ritten thirt#0$i)e #ear! ago* 'ut I (an&t remem'er "hat it "a! a'out% There u!e to 'e a (o,# o$ it in the !a"mill%9 9-o #ou kno" "ho "rote it:9 I !ai % 9No*9 he !ai % 9But he "a! like #ou% .e i n&t ha)e a regular name%9 I a!ke him "hat the other 'ook! "ere a'out* the t"ent#0 three ,re)iou! one!* an he !ai that he thought one o$ them "a!
A2TER 2RE- LE2T
a'out o"l!% 93eah* it "a! a'out o"l!* an then there "a! a 'ook a'out ,ine nee le!* )er# 'oring* an then there "a! one a'out the 2orgotten Work!* theorie! on ho" it got !tarte an "here it (ame $rom% 9The gu# "ho "rote the 'ook* hi! name "a! Mike* he took a long tri, into the 2orgotten Work!% .e "ent in ma#'e a hun re mile! an "a! gone $or "eek!% .e "ent 'e#on tho!e high 8ile! "e (an !ee on (lear a#!% .e !ai that there "ere 8ile! 'e#on tho!e that "ere e)en higher% 9.e "rote a 'ook a'out hi! /ourne# into the 2orgotten Work!% It "a!n&t a 'a 'ook* a lot 'etter than the 'ook! "e $in in the 2orgotten Work!% Tho!e are terri'le 'ook!% 9.e !ai he "a! lo!t $or a#! an (ame a(ro!! thing! that "ere t"o mile! long an green% .e re$u!e to $urni!h an# other etail! a'out them* e)en in hi! 'ook% 6u!t !ai the# "ere t"o mile! long an green% 9That&! hi! tom' o"n '# that !tatue o$ a $rog%9 9I kno" that tom' "ell*9 I !ai % 9.e ha! 'lon hair an he&! "earing a ,air o$ ru!t0(olore o)erall!%9 93eah* that&! him*9 5harle# !ai %
Sun o"n
A2TER I 2INIS.E- WRITING at i-EAT.%
I looke $or"ar to !eeing 8auline an eating "hat !he "oul (ook an !eeing her at inner an ma#'e I "oul !ee her a$ter inner% We might go $or a long "alk* ma#'e along the a7ue u(t% Then ma#'e "e "oul go to her !ha(k $or the night or !ta# at i-EAT. or (ome 'a(k u, here* i$ Margaret "oul n&t kno(k the oor o"n the ne+t time !he (ame '#% The !un "a! going o"n o)er the 8ile! in the 2orgotten Work!% The# turne 'a(k $ar 'e#on memor# an glo"e in the !un o"n%
I WENT OUT AN- STOO- on the 'ri ge $or a "hile an looke o"n at the ri)er 'elo"% It "a! three $eet "i e% There "ere a (ou,le o$ !tatue! !tan ing in the "ater% One o$ them "a! m# mother% She "a! a goo "oman% I ma e it $i)e #ear! ago% The other !tatue "a! a (ri(ket% I i not make that one% Some'o # el!e ma e it a long time ago in the time o$ the tiger!% It i! a )er# gentle !tatue% I like m# 'ri ge 'e(au!e it i! ma e o$ all thing!: "oo an the i!tant !tone! an gentle ,lank! o$ "atermelon !ugar% I "alke o"n to i-EAT. through a long (ool t"ilight that ,a!!e like a tunnel o)er me% I lo!t !ight o$ i-EAT. "hen I ,a!!e into the ,ine# "oo ! an the tree! !melle (ol an the# "ere gro"ing !tea il# arker%
i-EAT.
"hen I arri)e at i-EAT.% The t"o e)ening !tar! "ere no" !hining !i e '# !i e% The !maller one ha mo)e o)er to the 'ig one% The# "ere )er# (lo!e no"* almo!t tou(hing* an then the# "ent together an 'e(ame one )er# large !tar% I on&t kno" i$ thing! like that are $air or not% There "ere light! on o"n at i-EAT.% I "at(he them a! I (ame o"n the hill out o$ the "oo !% The# looke "arm* (alling an (heer#% 6u!t 'e$ore I arri)e at i-EAT.* it (hange % i-EAT.&S like that: al"a#! (hanging% It&! $or the 'e!t% I "alke u, the !tair! to the $ront ,or(h an o,ene the oor an "ent in% I "alke a(ro!! the li)ing room to"ar the kit(hen% There "a! no'o # in the room* no'o # !itting on the (ou(he! along the ri)er% That&! "here ,eo,le u!uall# gather in the room or the# !tan in the tree! '# the 'ig ro(k!* 'ut there "a! no'o # there either% There "ere man# lantern! !hining along the ri)er an in the tree!% It "a! )er# (lo!e to inner% When I got on the other !i e o$ the room* I (oul !mell !omething goo (oming out o$ the kit(hen% I le$t the room an "alke o"n the hall that $ollo"! 'eneath the ri)er% I (oul hear the ri)er a'o)e me* $lo"ing out o$ the li)ing room% The ri)er !oun e $ine% The hall "a! a! r# a! an#thing an I (oul !mell goo thing! (oming u, the hall $rom the kit(hen% Almo!t e)er#'o # "a! in the kit(hen: that i!* tho!e "ho take their meal! at i-EAT.% 5harle# an 2re "ere talking a'out !omething% 8auline "a! /u!t getting rea # to !er)e inner% E)er#'o # "a! !itting o"n% She "a! ha,,# to !ee me% 9.i* !tranger*9 !he !ai % 9What&! $or inner:9 I !ai % 9Ste"*9 !he !ai % 9The "a# #ou like it%9 9Great*9 I !ai % She ga)e me a ni(e !mile an I !at o"n% 8auline "a! "earing a ne" re!! an I (oul !ee the ,lea!ant outline! o$ her 'o #% The re!! ha a lo" $ront an I (oul !ee the eli(ate (ur)e o$ her 'rea!t!% I "a! 7uite ,lea!e '# e)er#thing% The re!! !melle !"eet 'e(au!e it "a! ma e $rom "atermelon !ugar% 9.o"&! the 'ook (oming:9 5harle# !ai % 92ine*9 I !ai % 96u!t $ine%9 9I ho,e it&! not a'out ,ine nee le!*9 he !ai % 8auline !er)e me $ir!t% She ga)e me a great 'ig hel,ing o$ !te"% E)er#'o # "a! a"are o$ me 'eing !er)e $ir!t an the !iFe o$ the hel,ing* an e)er#'o # !mile * $or the# kne" "hat it meant* an the# "ere ha,,# $or the thing that "a! going on% Mo!t o$ them i not like Margaret an# more% Almo!t e)er#'o # thought that !he ha (on!,ire "ith in BOIL an that gang o$ hi!* though there ha ne)er 'een an# real e)i en(e% 9Thi! !te" reall# ta!te! goo *9 2re !ai % .e ,ut a 'ig !,oon$ul o$ !te" in hi! mouth* almo!t !,illing !ome on hi! o)erall!% 9Ummmm1goo *9 he re,eate an then !ai un er hi! 'reath* 9A lot 'etter than (arrot!%9 Al almo!t hear him% .e looke har $or a !e(on o)er at 2re * 'ut he i n&t 7uite (at(h it 'e(au!e he rela+e then an !ai * 9It (ertainl# i!* 2re %9 8auline laughe !lightl#* $or !he ha hear 2re &! (omment an I ga)e her a look a! i$ to !a#: -on&t laugh too har * ear#% 3ou kno" ho" Al i! a'out hi! (ooking% 8auline no e un er!tan ingl#% 96u!t a! long a! it i!n&t a'out ,ine nee le!*9 5harle# re,eate * though a goo ten minute! ha ,a!!e !in(e he& !ai an#thing an that ha 'een a'out ,ine nee le!* too%
IT WAS ABOUT -AR4
The Tiger!
2re !ai that he "oul o the i!he!% 8auline !ai oh no* 'ut 2re in!i!te '# a(tuall# !tarting to (lear the ta'le% .e ,i(ke u, !ome !,oon! an ,late!* an that !ettle it% 5harle# !ai that he thought he "oul go in the li)ing room an !it '# the ri)er an !moke a ,i,e% Al #a"ne % The other gu#! !ai that the# "oul o other thing!* an "ent o$$ to o them% An then Ol 5hu(k (ame in% 9What took #ou !o long:9 8auline !ai % 9I e(i e to re!t '# the ri)er% I $ell a!lee, an ha a long ream a'out the tiger!% I reamt the# "ere 'a(k again%9 9Soun ! horri'le*9 8auline !ai % She !hi)ere an kin o$ re" her !houl er! in like a 'ir an ,ut her han ! on them% 9No* it "a! all right*9 Ol 5hu(k !ai % .e !at o"n in a (hair% It took him a long time to !it o"n an then it "a! a! i$ the (hair ha gro"n him* he "a! in !o (lo!e% 9Thi! time the# "ere i$$erent*9 he !ai % 9The# ,la#e mu!i(al in!trument! an "ent $or long "alk! in the moon% 9The# !to,,e an ,la#e '# the ri)er% Their in!trument! looke ni(e% The# !ang* too% 3ou remem'er ho" 'eauti$ul their )oi(e! "ere%9 8auline !hi)ere again% 93e!*9 I !ai % 9The# ha 'eauti$ul )oi(e! 'ut I ne)er hear them !inging%9 9The# "ere !inging in m# ream% I remem'er the mu!i( 'ut I (an&t remem'er the "or !% The# "ere goo !ong!* too* an there "a! nothing $rightening a'out them% 8erha,! I am an ol man*9 he !ai % 9No* the# ha 'eauti$ul )oi(e!*9 I !ai % 9I like their !ong!*9 he !ai % 9Then I "oke u, an it "a! (ol % I (oul !ee the lantern! on the 'ri ge!% Their !ong! "ere like the lantern!* 'urning oil%9 9I "a! a little "orrie a'out #ou*9 8auline !ai % 9No*9 he !ai % 9I !at o"n in the gra!! an leane u, again!t a tree an $ell a!lee, an ha a long ream a'out the tiger!* an the# !ang !ong! 'ut I (an&t remem'er the "or !% Their in!tru ment! "ere ni(e* too% The# looke like the lantern!%9 Ol 5hu(k&! )oi(e !lo"e o"n% .i! 'o # ke,t rela+ing until it !eeme a! i$ he ha al"a#! 'een in that (hair* hi! arm! gentl# re!ting on "atermelon !ugar%
A2TER -INNER
9Thank! again $or oing the i!he!*9 8auline !ai % 9Think nothing o$ it%9
Eegeta'le!
"a! a'out a mile $rom I-EAT.% She oe!n&t !,en mu(h time there% It&! 'e#on the to"n% There are a'out =A? o$ u! here in "atermelon !ugar% A lot o$ ,eo,le li)e in the to"n* 'ut !ome li)e in !ha(k! at other ,la(e!* an there are o$ (our!e "e "ho li)e at i-EAT.% There "ere /u!t a $e" light! on in the to"n* other than the !treet lam,!% -o( E "ar !& light "a! on% .e al"a#! ha! a lot o$ trou'le !lee,ing at night% The !(hooltea(her&! light "a! on* too% .e "a! ,ro'a'l# "orking on a le!!on $or the (hil ren% We !to,,e on the 'ri ge a(ro!! the ri)er% There "ere ,ale green lantern! on the 'ri ge% The# "ere in the !ha,e o$ human !ha o"!% 8auline an I ki!!e % .er mouth "a! moi!t an (ool% 8erha,! 'e(au!e o$ the night% I hear a trout /um, in the ri)er* a late /um,er% The trout ma e a narro" oorlike !,la!h% There "a! a !tatue near'#% The !tatue "a! o$ a giganti( 'ean% That&! right* a 'ean% Some'o # a long time ago like )egeta'le! an there are t"ent# or thirt# !tatue! o$ )egeta'le! !(attere here an there in "atermelon !ugar% There i! the !tatue o$ an arti(hoke near the !hingle $a(tor# an a ten0$oot (arrot near the trout hat(her# at i-EAT. an a hea o$ lettu(e near the !(hool an a 'un(h o$ onion! near the entran(e to the 2orgotten Work! an there are other )egeta'le !tatue! near ,eo,le&! !ha(k! an a ruta'aga '# the 'all ,ark% A little "a#! $rom m# !ha(k there i! the !tatue o$ a ,otato% I on&t ,arti(ularl# (are $or it* 'ut a long time ago !ome'o # lo)e )egeta'le!% I on(e a!ke 5harle# i$ he kne" "ho it "a!* 'ut he !ai he i n&t ha)e the !lighte!t i ea% 9Mu!t ha)e reall# like )egeta'le!* though*9 5harle#& !ai % 93eah*9 I& !ai % 9There&! the !tatue o$ a ,otato right near m# !ha(k%9 We (ontinue u, the roa to 8auline&! ,la(e% We ,a!!e '# the Watermelon Work!% It "a! !ilent an ark% Tomorro" morning it "oul 'e $ille "ith light an a(ti)it#% We (oul !e the a7ue u(t% It "a! a long long !ha o" no"% We (ame to another 'ri ge a(ro!! a ri)er% There "ere tri u!ual lantern! on the 'ri ge an !tatue! in the ri)er% Ther "ere a oFen or !o ,ale light! (oming u, $rom the 'ottom o$ tt ri)er% The# "ere tom'!% We !to,,e % 9The tom'! look ni(e tonight*9 8auline !ai % 95ertainl# o*9 I !ai % 9There are mo!tl# (hil ren here* aren&t there:9 93e!*9 I !ai % 9The#&re reall# 'eauti$ul tom'!*9 8auline !ai % Moth! $luttere a'o)e the light that (ame out o$ the ri)er $rom the tom'! 'elo"% There "ere $i)e or !i+ moth! $luttering o)er ea(h tom'% Su enl# a 'ig trout /um,e out o$ the "ater a'o)e a tom' an got one o$ the moth!% The other moth! !(attere an then (ame 'a(k again* an the !ame trout /um,e again an got another moth% .e "a! a !mart ol trout% The trout i not /um, an# more an the moth! $luttere ,ea(e$ull# a'o)e the light (oming $rom the tom'!%
8AULINE &S S.A54
Margaret Again
9.o"&! MARGARET taking all thi!:9 8auline !ai % 9I on&t kno"*9 I !ai % 9I! !he hurt or ma or "hat: -o #ou kno" ho" !he $eel!:9 8auline !ai % 9.a! !he talke to #ou a'out it !in(e #ou tol her: She ha!n&t talke to me at all% I !a" her #e!ter a# near the Watermelon Work!% I !ai hello 'ut !he "alke ,a!t me "ithout !a#ing an#thing% She !eeme terri'l# u,!et%9 9I on&t kno" ho" !he $eel!*9 I !ai % 9I thought !he& 'e at I-EAT. tonight* 'ut !he "a!n&t there*9 8auline !ai % 9I on&t kno" "h# I thought !he& 'e there% I /u!t ha a $eeling 'ut I "a! "rong% .a)e #ou !een her:9 9No*9 I !ai % 9I "on er "here !he&! !ta#ing*9 8auline !ai % 9I think !he&! !ta#ing "ith her 'rother%9 9I $eel 'a a'out thi!% Margaret an I "ere !u(h goo $rien !% All the #ear! "e&)e !,ent together at I-EAT.*9 8auline !ai % 9We "ere almo!t like !i!ter!% I&m !orr# that thing! ha to "ork out thi! "a#* 'ut there "a! nothing "e (oul o a'out it%9 9The heart i! !omething el!e% No'o # kno"! "hat&! going to ha,,en*9 I !ai % 93ou&re right*9 8auline !ai % She !to,,e an ki!!e me% Then "e (ro!!e o)er the 'ri ge to her !ha(k%
8auline&! Sha(k
i! ma e entirel# o$ "atermelon !ugar* e+(e,t the oor that i! a goo 0looking gra#i!h0!taine ,ine "ith a !tone oorkno'% E)en the "in o"! are ma e o$ "atermelon !ugar% A lot o$ "in o"! here are ma e o$ !ugar% It&! )er# har to tell the i$$eren(e 'et"een !ugar an gla!!* the "a# !ugar i! u!e '# 5arl the "in o"maker% It&! /u!t a thing that e,en ! on "ho i! oing it% It&! a eli(ate art an 5arl ha! it% 8auline lit a lantern% It !melle $ragrant 'urning "ith "ater0melontrout oil% We ha)e a "a# here al!o o$ mi+ing "atermelon an trout to make a lo)el# oil $or our lantern!% We u!e it $or all our lighting ,ur,o!e!% It ha! a gentle $ragran(e to it* an make! a goo light% 8auline&! !ha(k i! )er# !im,le a! all our !ha(k! are !im,le% E)er#thing "a! in it! ,ro,er ,la(e% 8auline u!e! the !ha(k /u!t to get a"a# $rom i-EAT. $or a $e" hour! or a night i$ !he $eel! like it% All o$ u! "ho !ta# at 6-EAT. ha)e !ha(k! to )i!it "hene)er "e $eel like it% I !,en more time at m# !ha(k than an#'o # el!e% I u!uall# /u!t !lee, one night a "eek at I-EAT.% I o$ (our!e take mo!t o$ m# meal! there% We "ho o not ha)e regular name! !,en a lot o$ time '# our!el)e!% It !uit! u!% 9Well* here "e are*9 8auline !ai % She looke 'eauti$ul in the light o$ the lantern% .er e#e! !,arkle % 98lea!e (ome here*9 I !ai % She (ame o)er to me an I ki!!e her mouth an then I tou(he her 'rea!t!% The# $elt !o !mooth an $irm% I ,ut m# han o"n the $ront o$ her re!!% 9That $eel! goo *9 !he !ai % 9Let&! tr# !ome more*9 I !ai % 9That "oul 'e goo *9 !he !ai % We "ent o)er an la# u,on her 'e % I took her re!! o$$% She ha nothing on un erneath% We i that $or a "hile% Then I got u, an took o$$ m# o)erall! an la# 'a(k o"n 'e!i e her%
8AULINE &S S.A54
A Lo)e* a Win
a long an !lo" lo)e% A "in (ame u, an the "in o"! trem'le !lightl#* the !ugar !et $ragilel# a/ar '# the "in % I like 8auline&! 'o # an !he !ai that !he like mine* too* an "e (oul n&t think o$ an#thing to !a#% The "in !u enl# !to,,e an 8auline !ai * 9What&! that:9 9It&! the "in %9
WE MA-E
Arithmeti(
an the !tar! "ere re % I "alke o"n '# the Watermelon Work!% That&! "here "e ,ro(e!! the "atermelon! into !ugar% We take the /ui(e $rom the "atermelon! an (ook it o"n until there&! nothing le$t 'ut !ugar* an then "e "ork it into the !ha,e o$ thi! thing that "e ha)e: our li)e!% I !at o"n on a (ou(h '# the ri)er% 8auline ha gotten me thinking a'out the tiger!% I !at there an thought a'out them* ho" the# kille an ate m# ,arent!% We li)e together in a !ha(k '# the ri)er% M# $ather rai!e "atermelon! an m# mother 'ake 'rea % I "a! going to !(hool% I "a! nine #ear! ol an ha)ing trou'le "ith arithmeti(% One morning the tiger! (ame in "hile "e "ere eating 'reak$a!t an 'e$ore m# $ather (oul gra' a "ea,on the# kille him an the# kille m# mother% M# ,arent! i n&t e)en ha)e time to !a# an#thing 'e$ore the# "ere ea % I "a! !till hol ing the !,oon $rom the mu!h I "a! eating% 9-on&t 'e a$rai *9 one o$ the tiger! !ai % 9We&re not going to hurt #ou% We on&t hurt (hil ren% 6u!t !it there "here #ou are an "e&ll tell #ou a !tor#%9 One o$ the tiger! !tarte eating m# mother% .e 'it her arm o$$ an !tarte (he"ing on it% 9What kin o$ !tor# "oul #ou like to hear: I kno" a goo !tor# a'out a ra''it%9 9I on&t "ant to hear a !tor#*9 I !ai % 9O4*9 the tiger !ai * an he took a 'ite out o$ m# $ather% I !at there $or a long time "ith the !,oon in m# han * an then I ,ut it o"n% 9Tho!e "ere m# $olk!*9 I !ai * $inall#% 9We&re !orr#*9 one o$ the tiger! !ai % 9We reall# are%9 93eah*9 the other tiger !ai % 9We "oul n&t o thi! i$ "e i n&t ha)e to* i$ "e "eren&t a'!olutel# $or(e to% But thi! i! the onl# "a# "e (an kee, ali)e%9 9We&re /u!t like #ou*9 the other tiger !ai % 9We !,eak the !ame language #ou o% We think the !ame thought!* 'ut "e&re
T.E NIG.T WAS 5OOL
tiger!*9 93ou (oul hel, me "ith m# arithmeti(*9 I !ai % 9What&! that:9 one o$ the tiger! !ai % 9M# arithmeti(%9 9Oh* #our arithmeti(%9 93eah%9 9What o #ou "ant to kno":9 one o$ the tiger! !ai % 9What&! nine time! nine:9 9Eight#0one*9 a tiger !ai % 9What&! eight time! eight:9 92i$t#0!i+*9 a tiger !ai % I a!ke them hal$ a oFen other 7ue!tion!: !i+ time! !i+* !e)en time! $our* et(% I "a! ha)ing a lot o$ trou'le "ith arithmeti(% 2inall# the tiger! got 'ore "ith m# 7ue!tion! an tol me to go a"a#% 9O4*9 I !ai % 9I&ll go out!i e%9 9-on&t go too $ar*9 one o$ the tiger! !ai % 9We on&t "ant an#one to (ome u, here an kill u!%9 9O4%9 The# 'oth "ent 'a(k to eating m# ,arent!% I "ent out!i e an !at o"n '# the ri)er% 9I&m an or,han*9 I !ai % I (oul !ee a trout in the ri)er% .e !"am ire(tl# at me an then he !to,,e right "here the ri)er en ! an the lan 'egin!% .e !tare at me% 9What o #ou kno" a'out an#thing:9 I !ai to the trout% That "a! 'e$ore I "ent to li)e at i-EAT.% A$ter a'out an hour or !o the tiger! (ame out!i e an !tret(he an #a"ne % 9It&! a ni(e a#*9 one o$ the tiger! !ai % 93eah*9 the other tiger !ai % 9Beauti$ul%9
9We&re a"$ull# !orr# "e ha to kill #our ,arent! an eat them% 8lea!e tr# to un er!tan % We tiger! are not e)il% Thi! i! /u!t a thing "e ha)e to o%9 9All right*9 I !ai % 9An thank! $or hel,ing me "ith m# arithmeti(%9 9Think nothing o$ it%9 The tiger! le$t% I "ent o)er to 6-EAT. an tol 5harle# that the tiger! ha eaten m# ,arent!% 9What a !hame*9 he !ai % 9The tiger! are !o ni(e% Wh# o the# ha)e to go an o thing! like that:9 I !ai % 9The# (an&t hel, them!el)e!*9 5harle# !ai % 9I like the tiger!* too% I&)e ha a lot o$ goo (on)er!ation! "ith them% The#&re )er# ni(e an ha)e a goo "a# o$ !tating thing!* 'ut "e&re going to ha)e to get ri o$ them% Soon%9 9One o$ them hel,e me "ith m# arithmeti(%9 9The#&re )er# hel,$ul*9 5harle# !ai % 9But the#&re angerou!% What are #ou going to o no":9 9I on&t kno"*9 I !ai % 9.o" "oul #ou like to !ta# here at I-EAT.:9 5harle# !ai % 9That !oun ! goo *9 I !ai % 92ine% Then it&! !ettle *9 5harle# !ai % That night I "ent 'a(k to the !ha(k an !et $ire to it% I i n&t take an#thing "ith me an "ent to li)e at i-EAT.% That "a! t"ent# #ear! ago* though it !eem! like it "a! onl# #e!ter a#: What&! eight time! eight:
She Wa!
I STO88E- T.IN4ING a'out the tiger! an !tarte 'a(k to 8auline&! !ha(k% I "oul think a'out the tiger! another a#% There "oul 'e man#% I "ante to !ta# the night "ith 8auline% I kne" that !he "oul 'e 'eauti$ul in her !lee,* "aiting $or me to return% She "a!%
2INALL3
in her !lee, at $al!e a"n $rom un er the "atermelon (o)er!% She tol a little !tor# a'out a lam' going $or a "alk% 9The lam' !at o"n in the $lo"er!*9 !he !ai % 9The lam' "a! all right*9 an that "a! the en o$ the !tor#% 8auline o$ten talk! in her !lee,% La!t "eek !he !ang a little !ong% I $orget ho" it "ent% I ,ut m# han on her 'rea!t% She !tirre in her !lee,% I took m# han o$$ her 'rea!t an !he "a! 7uiet again% She $elt )er# goo in 'e % There "a! a ni(e !lee,# !mell (oming $rom her 'o #% 8erha,! that i! "here the lam' !at o"n%
8AULINE BEGAN TAL4ING
.an !
to i-EAT.* hol ing han !% .an ! are )er# ni(e thing!* e!,e(iall# a$ter the# ha)e tra)elle 'a(k $rom making lo)e%
WE WAL4E- BA54
I SAT IN T.E 4IT5.EN at i-EAT.* "at(hing 8auline make the 'atter $or hot (ake!* m# $a)orite $oo % She ,ut a lot o$ $lour an egg! an goo thing! into a great 'lue 'o"l an !tirre the 'atter "ith a 'ig "oo en !,oon* almo!t too large $or her han % She "a! "earing a real ni(e re!! an her hair "a! (om'e on to, o$ her hea an I ha !to,,e an ,i(ke !ome $lo"er! $or her hair "hen "e "alke o"n the roa % The# "ere 'lue'ell!% 9I "on er i$ Margaret "ill 'e here to a#*9 !he !ai % 9I&ll 'e gla "hen "e&re talking again%9 9-on&t "orr# a'out it*9 I !ai % 9E)er#thing "ill 'e all right%9 9It&! /u!t1"ell* Margaret an I ha)e 'een !u(h goo $rien !% I& al"a#! like #ou 'e$ore* 'ut I ne)er thought "e& e)er 'e an#thing 'ut $rien !% 93ou an Margaret "ere !o (lo!e $or #ear!% I /u!t ho,e e)er#thing "ork! out* an Margaret $in ! !omeone ne" an "ill 'e m# $rien again%9 9-on&t "orr#%9 2re (ame into the kit(hen /u!t to !a#* 9Ummmm1hot (ake!*9 an then le$t%
Stra"'errie!
a oFen hot (ake! him!el$% I ha)e ne)er !een him eat !o man# hot (ake!* an 2re ate a $e" more than 5harle#% It "a! 7uite a !ight% There "a! al!o a 'ig ,latter o$ 'a(on an lot! o$ $re!h milk an a 'ig ,ot o$ !trong (o$$ee* an there "a! a 'o"l o$ $re!h !tra"'errie!* too% A girl (ame '# $rom the to"n an le$t them o$$ /u!t 'e$ore 'reak$a!t% She "a! a gentle girl% 8auline !ai * 9Thank #ou* an "hat a lo)el# re!! #ou ha)e on thi! morning% -i #ou make it #our!el$: 3ou mu!t ha)e 'e(au!e it&! !o ,rett#%9 9Oh* thank #ou*9 the girl !ai * 'lu!hing% 9I /u!t "ante to 'ring !ome !tra"'errie! to i-EAT. $or 'reak$a!t* !o I got u, )er# earl# an gathere them o"n '# the ri)er%9 8auline ate one o$ the 'errie! an ga)e one o$ them to me% 9The# are !u(h $ine 'errie!*9 8auline !ai % 93ou mu!t kno" a goo ,la(e to get them* an #ou mu!t !ho" me "here that ,la(e i!% 9It&! right near that !tatue o$ a ruta'aga '# the 'all ,ark* /u!t o"n $rom "here that $unn# green 'ri ge i!*9 the girl !ai % She "a! a'out $ourteen #ear! ol an )er# ,lea!e that her !tra"'errie! "ere a 'ig hit at I-EAT.% All o$ the !tra"'errie! "ere eaten at 'reak$a!t* an again a! $or the hot (ake!: 9The!e are reall# "on er$ul hot (ake!*9 5harle# !ai % 9Woul #ou like !ome more:9 8auline !ai % 9Ma#'e another one i$ there i! an# more 'atter%9 9There&! ,lent#*9 8auline !ai % 9.o" a'out #ou* 2re :9 9Well* ma#'e /u!t one more%9
5.ARLE3 MUST .AEE EATEN
The S(hooltea(her
I ki!!e 8auline "hile !he "a! "a!hing the i!he! an "ent "ith 2re o"n to the Watermelon Work! to !ee !omething he "ante to !ho" me a'out the ,lank ,re!!% We took a long lei!urel# !troll o"n there* through the morning o$ a gra# !un% It looke like it might rain 'ut o$ (our!e it "oul not% The $ir!t rain o$ the #ear "oul not !tart until the 12th a# o$ O(to'er% 9Margaret "a!n&t there thi! morning*9 2re !ai % 9No* !he "a!n&t*9 I !ai % We !to,,e an talke to the !(hooltea(her "ho "a! taking hi! !tu ent! $or a "alk in the "oo !% While "e talke to him all the (hil ren !at o"n in the gra!! near'#* an "ere kin o$ gathere together like a ring o$ mu!hroom! or ai!ie!% 9Well* ho"&! the 'ook (oming:9 the !(hooltea(her !ai % 9All right*9 I !ai % 9I&ll 'e )er# (uriou! to !ee it*9 the !(hooltea(her !ai % 93ou al"a#! ha a "a# "ith "or !% I !till remem'er that e!!a# #ou "rote on "eather "hen #ou "ere in the !i+th gra e% That "a! 7uite !omething% 93our e!(ri,tion o$ the "inter (lou ! "a! )er# a((urate an 7uite mo)ing at the !ame time an (ontaine a (ertain amount o$ ,oeti( (ontent% 3e!* I am 7uite intere!te in rea ing #our 'ook% Will #ou gi)e an# hint! on "hat it i! a'out:9 2re mean"hile looke )er# 'ore % .e "ent an !at o"n "ith the (hil ren% .e !tarte talking to a 'o# a'out !omething% 9.a)e #ou e+,an e #our e!!a# on "eather or i! the 'ook a'out !omething el!e:9 The 'o# "a! )er# intere!te in "hat 2re "a! !a#ing% A (ou,le o$ other ki ! mo)e (lo!er% 9Oh* it&! /u!t (oming along*9 I !ai % 9It&! ,rett# har to talk a'out% But #ou&ll 'e one o$ the $ir!t I&ll !ho" it to "hen it&! one%9 9I&)e al"a#! ha $aith in #ou a! a "riter*9 the !(hooltea(her !ai % 92or a long time I thought a'out "riting a 'ook m#!el$* 'ut tea(hing a'!or'! /u!t too mu(h o$ m# time%9 2re took !omething out o$ hi! ,o(ket% .e !ho"e it to the 'o#% .e looke at it an ,a!!e it on to the other (hil ren% 93e!* I thought that I "oul "rite a 'ook a'out tea(hing* 'ut !o $ar I&)e 'een too 'u!# tea(hing to "rite% But it i! )er# in!,iring to me to ha)e one o$ m# $ormer !tar ,u,il! (arr# the gloriou! 'anner $or "hat I m#!el$ ha)e 'een too 'u!# to o% Goo lu(k%9 9Thank #ou%9 2re ,ut the thing 'a(k in hi! ,o(ket an the !(hooltea(her got all o$ hi! !tu ent! 'a(k on their $eet* an o$$ the# "ent to the "oo !% .e "a! talking to them a'out !omething )er# im,ortant% I (oul tell 'e(au!e he ,ointe 'a(k at me* an then he ,ointe at a (lou that "a! ri$ting lo" o)erhea %
A2TER BREA42AST
9Goo morning*9 2re !ai % 9Let&! !to, thi! thing here $or a minute%9 One o$ the (re" turne o$$ the !"it(h an 2re ha me (ome o)er )er# (lo!e an get o"n on m# han ! an knee! an (ra"l un er the ,re!! until "e (ame to a )er# ark ,la(e an then he lit a mat(h an !ho"e me a 'at hanging u,!i e o"n $rom a hou!ing% 9What o #ou think o$ that:9 2re !ai % 93eah*9 I !ai * !taring at the 'at% 9I $oun him there a (ou,le o$ a#! ago% -oe!n&t that 'eat e)er#thing:9 he !ai % 9It&! got a hea !tart*9 I !ai %
Until Lun(h
2re &! 'at an (ra"le out $rom un erneath the ,lank ,re!!* I tol him that I ha to go u, to m# !ha(k an o !ome "ork: ,lant !ome $lo"er! an thing!% 9Are #ou going to ha)e lun(h at I-EAT.:9 he !ai % 9No* I think I&ll /u!t ha)e a !na(k o"nto"n at the (a$e later on% Wh# on&t #ou /oin me* 2re :9 9O4*9 he !ai % 9I think the#&re !er)ing $rank$urter! an !auerkraut to a#%9 9That "a! #e!ter a#*9 one o$ hi! (re" )olunteere % 93ou&re right*9 2re !ai % 9To a#&! meat loa$% .o" oe! that !oun :9 9All right*9 I !ai % 9I&ll !ee #ou $or lun(h* then% A'out t"el)e%9 I le$t 2re !u,er)i!ing the ,lank ,re!! "ith 'ig gol en ,lank! o$ "atermelon !ugar (oming o"n the (hain% The Watermelon Work! "a! 'u''ling an r#ing a"a#* !"eet an gentle in the "arm gra# !un% An E an Mike "ere (ha!ing a$ter 'ir !% Mike "a! running a ro'in o$$%
A2TER .AEING A-MIRE-
The Tom'!
to the !ha(k* I e(i e to go o"n to the ri)er "here the# "ere ,utting in a ne" tom' an look at the trout that al"a#! gather out o$ a great (urio!it# "hen the tom'! are ,ut in% I ,a!!e through the to"n% It "a! kin o$ 7uiet "ith /u!t a $e" ,eo,le on the !treet!% I !a" -o( E "ar ! going !ome"here (arr#ing hi! 'ag* an I "a)e at him% .e "a)e 'a(k an ma e a motion to !ho" that he "a! on a )er# im,ortant erran % Some'o # "a! ,ro'a'l# !i(k in the to"n% I "a)e him on% There "ere a (ou,le o$ ol ,eo,le !itting in ro(king (hair! on the $ront ,or(h o$ the hotel% One o$ them "a! ro(king an the other one "a! a!lee,% The one that "a! a!lee, ha a ne"!,a,er in hi! la,% I (oul !mell 'rea 'aking in the 'aker# an there "ere t"o hor!e! tie u, in $ront o$ the general !tore% I re(ogniFe one o$ the hor!e! a! 'eing $rom I-EATM% I "alke out o$ the to"n an ,a!!e '# !ome tree! that "ere at the e ge o$ a little "atermelon ,at(h% The tree! ha mo!! hanging $rom them% A !7uirrel ran u, into the 'ran(he! o$ a tree% .i! tail "a! mi!!ing% I "on ere "hat ha ha,,ene to hi! tail% I gue!! he lo!t it !ome,la(e% I !at o"n on a (ou(h '# the ri)er% There "a! a !tatue o$ gra!! 'e!i e the (ou(h% The 'la e! "ere ma e $rom (o,,er an ha 'een turne to their natural (olor '# the rain "eight o$ #ear!% There "ere $our or $i)e gu#! ,utting in the tom'% The# "ere the Tom' 5re"% The tom' "a! 'eing ,ut into the 'ottom o$ the ri)er% That&! ho" "e 'ur# our ea here% O$ (our!e "e u!e a lot le!! tom'! "hen the tiger! "ere in 'loom% But no" "e 'ur# them all in gla!! (o$$in! at the 'ottom! o$ ri)er! an ,ut $o+$ire in the tom'!* !o the# glo" at night an "e (an a,,re(iate "hat (ome! ne+t% I !a" a 'un(h o$ trout gathere together to "at(h the tom' 'eing ,ut in% The# "ere ni(e0looking rain'o" trout% There "ere ,erha,! a hun re o$ them in a )er# !mall !,a(e in the ri)er% The trout ha)e a great (urio!it# a'out thi! a(ti)it#* an man# o$ them gather to "at(h% The Tom' 5re" ha !unk the Sha$t into the ri)er an the ,um, "a! going a"a#% The# "ere oing the gla!! inla# "ork no"% Soon the tom' "oul 'e (om,lete an the oor "oul 'e o,ene "hen it "a! nee e an !omeone "oul go in!i e to !ta# there $or the age!%
ON M3 WA3
Nine Thing!
to 'e 'a(k at m# !ha(k* 'ut there "a! a note on the oor $rom Margaret% I rea the note an it i not ,lea!e me an I thre" it a"a#* !o not e)en time (oul $in it% I !at o"n at m# ta'le an looke out the "in o"* o"n to I-EAT.% I ha a $e" thing! to o "ith ,en an ink an i them ra,i l# an "ithout mi!take* an ,ut them a"a# "ritten in "atermelon!ee ink u,on the!e !heet! o$ !"eet !melling "oo ma e '# Bill o"n at the !hingle $a(tor#% Then I thought that I "oul ,lant !ome $lo"er! out '# the ,otato !tatue* a 'un(h o$ them in a (ir(le aroun that !e)en0$oot ,otato "oul look ni(e% I "ent an got !ome !ee ! $rom the (he!t that I kee, m# thing! in an noti(e that e)er#thing "a! a/ar* an !o 'e$ore ,lanting the !ee !* I ,ut e)er#thing 'a(k in or er% I ha)e nine thing!* more or le!!: a (hil &! 'all ;I (an&t remem'er "hi(h (hil <* a ,re!ent gi)en me nine #ear! ago '# 2re * m# e!!a# on "eather* !ome num'er! ;102><* an e+tra ,air o$ o)erall!* a ,ie(e o$ 'lue metal* !omething $rom the 2orgotten Work!* a lo(k o$ hair that nee ! "a!hing% I ke,t the !ee ! out 'e(au!e I "a! going to ,ut them in the groun aroun the ,otato% I ha)e a $e" other thing! that I kee, in m# room at 6-EAT.% I ha)e a ni(e room there o$$ to"ar the trout hat(her#% I "ent out!i e an ,lante the !ee ! aroun the ,otato an "on ere again "ho like )egeta'le! !o mu(h* an "here "ere the# 'urie * un er "hat ri)er or ha a tiger eaten them a long time ago "hen the tiger&! 'eauti$ul )oi(e ha !ai * 9I like #our !tatue! )er# mu(h* e!,e(iall# that ruta'aga '# the 'all ,ark* 'ut ala!% % %9
IT WAS GOO-
I S8ENT A .AL2 AN .OUR or so ,a(ing 'a(k an $orth on the 'ri ge* 'ut I i not on(e $in that 'oar that Margaret al"a#! !te,! on* that 'oar !he (oul not mi!! i$ all the 'ri ge! in the "orl "ere ,ut together* $orme into one !ingle 'ri ge* !he& !te, on that 'oar %
A Na,
I 2ELT )er# tire an e(i e to take a na, 'e$ore lun(h an "ent into the !ha(k an la# o"n in m# 'e % I looke u, at the (eiling* at the 'eam! o$ "atermelon !ugar% I !tare at the grain an "a! !oon $a!t a!lee,% I ha a (ou,le o$ !mall ream!% One o$ them "a! a'out a moth% The moth "a! 'alan(e on an a,,le% Then I ha a long ream* "hi(h "a! again the hi!tor# o$ inBOiL an that gang o$ hi! an the terri'le thing! that ha,,ene /u!t a $e" !hort month! ago%
SU--ENL3
Whi!ke#
InBOiL an that gang o$ hi! li)e in a little 'un(h o$ lou!# !ha(k! "ith leak# roo$! near the 2orgotten Work!% The# li)e there until the# "ere ea % I think there "ere a'out t"ent# o$ them% All men* like inBOiL* that "ere no goo % 2ir!t there "a! /u!t inBOiL "ho li)e there% .e got in a 'ig $ight one night "ith 5harle# an tol him to go to hell an !ai he "oul !ooner li)e '# the 2orgotten Work! than in i-EAT.% 9To hell "ith i-EAT.*9 he !ai * an "ent an 'uilt him!el$ a lou!# !ha(k '# the 2orgotten Work!% .e !,ent hi! time igging aroun in there an making "hi!ke# $rom thing!% Then a (ou,le o$ other men "ent an /oine u, "ith him an $rom time to time* e)er# on(e in a "hile* a ne" man "oul /oin them% 3ou (oul al"a#! tell "ho the# "oul 'e% Be$ore the# /oine in!oiL&! gang* the# "oul al"a#! 'e unha,,# an ner)ou! an !hi$t# or ha)e 9light $inger!9 an talk a lot a'out thing! that goo ,eo,le i not un er!tan nor "ante to% The# "oul gro" more an more ner)ou! an no a((ount an then $inall# #ou "oul hear a'out them ha)ing /oine inBoIL! gang an no" the# "ere "orking "ith him in the 2orgotten Work!* an 'eing ,ai in "hi!ke# that inBOiL ma e $rom $orgotten thing!%
Whi!ke# Again
"a! a'out $i$t# #ear! ol * I gue!!* an "a! 'orn an rai!e at I-EAT.% I remem'er !itting u,on hi! knee a! a (hil an ha)ing him tell me !torie!% .e kne" !ome ,rett# goo one!* too %%% an Margaret "a! there% Then he turne 'a % It ha,,ene o)er a (ou,le o$ #ear!% .e ke,t getting ma at thing! that "ere o$ no im,ortan(e an going o$$ '# him!el$ to the trout hat(her# at 6-EAT.% .e 'egan !,en ing a lot o$ time at the 2orgotten Work!* an 5harle# "oul a!k him "hat he "a! oing an inBOiL "oul !a#* 9Oh* nothing% 6u!t o$$ '# m#!el$%9 9What kin o$ thing! o #ou $in "hen #ou&re igging o"n there:9 9Oh* nothing*9 in!oiL lie % .e 'e(ame )er# remo)e $rom ,eo,le an then hi! !,ee(h "oul 'e !trange* !lurre an hi! mo)ement! 'e(ame /erk# an hi! tem,er 'a * an he !,ent a lot o$ time at night in the trout hat(her# an !ometime! he "oul laugh out lou an #ou (oul hear thi! enormou! laugh that ha no" 'e(ome hi!* e(hoing through the room! an hall!* an into the )er# (hanging o$ i-EAT.: the in e!(ri'a'le "a# it (hange! that "e like !o mu(h* that !uit! u!%
INBOIL
'et"een inaoiL an 5harle# o((urre at inner one night% 2re "a! ,a!!ing !ome ma!he ,otatoe! to me "hen it ha,,ene % The $ight ha 'een 'uil ing u, $or "eek!% inBOiiG! laughter ha gro"n lou er an lou er until it "a! almo!t im,o!!i'le to !lee, at night% inBoii% "a! runk all the time* an he "oul li!ten to no one a'out an#thing* not e)en 5harle#% .e "oul n&t e)en li!ten to 5harle#% .e tol 5harle# to min hi! o"n 'u!ine!!% 9Min #our o"n 'u!ine!!%9 One a$ternoon 8auline* "ho "a! /u!t a (hil * $oun him ,a!!e out in the 'athtu'* !inging irt# !ong!% She "a! $rightene an he ha a 'ottle o$ that !tu$$ he 're"e o"n at the 2orgotten Work!% .e !melle horri'le an it took three men to li$t him out o$ the 'athtu' an get him to 'e % 9.ere are the ma!he ,otatoe!*9 2re !ai % I "a! /u!t ,utting a 'ig !(oo, o$ them on m# ,late to !oak u, the re!t o$ the gra)# "hen inBOiL* "ho ha not tou(he a !ingle 'ite o$ hi! $rie (hi(ken an it "a! gro"ing (ol in $ront o$ him* turne to 5harle# an !ai * 9-o #ou kno" "hat&! "rong "ith thi! ,la(e:9 9No* "hat&! "rong* in!oiL: 3ou !eem to ha)e all the an!"er! the!e a#!% Tell me%9 9I will tell #ou% Thi! ,la(e !tink!% Thi! i!n&t I-EATR at all% Thi! i! /u!t a $igment o$ #our imagination% All o$ #ou gu#! here are /u!t a 'un(h o$ (lu(k!* oing (lu(k# thing! at #our (lu(k# I-EAT.% 9i-EAT.1ha* on&t make me laugh% Thi! ,la(e i! nothing 'ut a (la,tra,% 3ou "oul n&t kno" i-EAT. i$ it "alke u, an 'it #ou% 9I kno" more a'out I-EAT. than all o$ #ou gu#!* e!,e(iall# 5harle# here "ho think! he&! !omething e+tra% I kno" more a'out I-EAT. in m# little $inger than all #ou gu#! kno" ,ut together% 93ou ha)en&t the !lighte!t i ea "hat&! going on here% I kno"% I kno"% I kno"% To hell "ith #our i-EAT.% I&)e $orgotten more i-EAT. than #ou gu#! "ill e)er kno"% I&m going o"n to the 2orgotten Work! to li)e% 3ou gu#! (an ha)e thi! amn rat hole%9 inBoiL got u, an thre" hi! $rie (hi(ken on the $loor an !tom,e out o$ the ,la(e* tra)elling )er# une)enl#% There "a! !tunne !ilen(e at the ta'le an no one (oul !a# an#thing $or a long time% Then 2re !ai * 9-on&t $eel 'a a'out it* 5harle#% .e&ll 'e !o'er tomorro" an e)er#thing "ill 'e i$$erent% .e&! /u!t runk again an a! !oon a! he !o'er! u,* he&ll 'e 'etter%9 9No* I think he&! gone $or goo *9 5harle# !ai % 9I ho,e it all "ork! out $or the 'e!t%9 5harle# looke )er# !a an "e "ere all !a * too* 'e(au!e in!oiL "a! 5harle#&! 'rother% We all !at there looking at OUT $oo %
T.E BIG 2IG.T
Time
"ith inBoiL li)ing o"n '# the 2orgotten Work! an gathering !lo"l# a gang o$ men "ho "ere /u!t like him* 'elie)e in the thing! he i * an a(te hi! "a# an "ent igging in the 2orgotten Work! an rank "hi!ke# 're"e $rom the thing! the# $oun % Sometime! the# "oul !o'er u, one o$ the gang an !en him into to"n to !ell $orgotten thing! that "ere ,arti(ularl# 'eauti$ul or (uriou! or 'ook! "hi(h "e u!e $or $uel then 'e(au!e there "ere million! o$ them l#ing aroun in the 2orgotten Work!% The# "oul get 'rea an $oo an "hatnot $or the $orgotten thing! an !o li)e "ithout ha)ing to o an#thing 'e!i e! ig an rink% Margaret gre" u, to 'e a )er# ,rett# #oung "oman an "e "ent !tea # together% Margaret (ame o)er to m# !ha(k one a#% I (oul tell it "a! her e)en 'e$ore !he "a! there 'e(au!e I hear her !te, on that 'oar !he al"a#! !te,! on* an it ,lea!e me an ma e m# !toma(h tingle like a 'ell set a/ar% She kno(ke on the oor% 95ome in* Margaret*9 I !ai % She (ame in an ki!!e me% 9What are #ou oing to a#:9 !he !ai % 9I ha)e to go o"n to I-EAT. an "ork on m# !tatue%9 9Are #ou !till "orking on that 'ell:9 !he !ai % 93e!*9 I !ai % 9It&! (oming along rather !lo"l#% It&! taking too long% I&ll 'e gla "hen it&! one% I&m tire o$ the thing%9 9What are #ou going to o a$ter"ar !:9 !he !ai % 9I on&t kno"% I! there an#thing #ou "ant to o* hone#:9 93e!*9 !he !ai % 9I "ant to go o"n to the 2orgotten Work! an ,oke aroun %9 9Again:9 I !ai % 93ou (ertainl# like to !,en a lot o$ time o"n there%9 9It&! a (uriou! ,la(e*9 !he !ai % 93ou&re a'out the onl# "oman "ho like! that ,la(e% in!oiL an that gang o$ hi! ,ut the other "omen o$$%9 9I like it o"n there% inBOit i! harmle!!% All he "ant! to o i! !ta# runk%9 9All right*9 I !ai % 9It&! nothing* hone#% Meet me o"n at i-EAT. later on% I&ll 'e "ith #ou a! !oon a! I ,ut in a $e" more hour! on that 'ell%9 9Are #ou going o"n no":9 !he !ai % 9No* I ha)e a $e" thing! I "ant to o here $ir!t%9 95an I hel,:9 !he !ai % 9No* the#&re /u!t a $e" thing! I ha)e to o alone%9 9O4* then% I&ll !ee #ou%9 9Gi)e me a ki!! $ir!t*9 I !ai % She (ame o)er an I hel her in m# arm! )er# (lo!e an ki!!e Margaret u,on the mouth* an then !he "ent o$$ laughing%
T.E 3EARS 8ASSE-
The Bell
I "ent o"n to i-EAT. an "orke on that 'ell% It "a! not (oming at all an $inall# I "a! /u!t !itting there on a (hair* !taring at it% M# (hi!el "a! hanging lim,l# in m# han * an then I ,ut it o"n on the ta'le an a'!entmin e l# (o)ere it u, "ith a rag% 2re (ame in an !a" me !itting there !taring at the 'ell% .e le$t "ithout !a#ing an#thing% It har l# e)en looke like a 'ell% 2inall# Margaret (ame an re!(ue me% She "a! "earing a 'lue re!! an ha a ri''on in her hair an (arrie a 'a!ket to ,ut thing! in that !he $oun at the 2orgotten Work!% 9.o"&! it (oming:9 !he !ai % 9It&! $ini!he *9 I !ai % 9It oe!n&t look $ini!he *9 !he !ai % 9It&! $ini!he *9 I !ai %
A2TER W.ILE
8auline
5harle# a! "e "ere lea)ing I-EATR% .e "a! !itting on hi! $a)orite (ou(h '# the ri)er* $ee ing little ,ie(e! o$ 'rea to !ome trout that ha gathere there% 9Where #ou ki ! going:9 he !ai % 9Oh* /u!t out $or a "alk*9 Margaret !ai * 'e$ore I (oul !a# an#thing% 9Well* ha)e a goo "alk*9 he !ai % 9Lo)el# a#* i!n&t it: Great 'ig 'eauti$ul 'lue !un !hining a"a#%9 9It !ure i!*9 I !ai % 8auline (ame into the room an "alke o)er an /oine u!% 9.ello* there*9 !he !ai % 9.i%9 9What o #ou "ant $or inner* 5harle#:9 !he !ai % 9Roa!t 'ee$*9 5harle# !ai * /oking% 9Well* that&! "hat #ou&ll ha)e then%9 9What a ni(e !ur,ri!e*9 5harle# !ai % 9I! it m# 'irth a#:9 9No% .o" are #ou ,eo,le:9 9We&re $ine*9 I !ai % 9We&re going $or a "alk*9 Margaret !ai % 9That !oun ! like $un% See #ou later%9
WE SAW
ho" ol the 2orgotten Work! are* rea(hing a! the# o into i!tan(e! that "e (annot tra)el nor "ant to% No'o # ha! 'een )er# $ar into the 2orgotten Work!* e+(e,t that gu# 5harle# !ai "ho "rote a 'ook a'out them* an I "on er "hat hi! trou'le "a!* to !,en "eek! in there% The 2orgotten Work! /u!t go on an on an on an on an on an on an on an on an on% 3ou get the ,i(ture% It&! a 'ig ,la(e* mu(h 'igger than "e are% Margaret an I "ent o"n there* hol ing han ! $or "e "ere going !tea #* through the !un o$ a 'lue a# an "hite luminou! (lou ! ri$ting o)erhea % We (ro!!e o)er man# ri)er! an "alke '# man# thing!* an then "e (oul !ee the !un re$le(ting o$$ the roo$! at inBOiiG! 'un(h o$ leak# !ha(k! "hi(h "ere at the entran(e to the 2orgotten Work!% There i! a gate right there% Be!i e the gate i! the !tatue o$ a $orgotten thing% There i! a !ign a'o)e the gate that !a#!:
NOBO-3 4NOWS
T.IS IS T.E ENTRAN5E TO T.E 2ORGOTTEN WOR4S BE 5ARE2UL 3OU MIG.T GET LOST
In There
3OU MIG.T GET LOST an "e "alke through the gate into the 2orgotten Work!% Margaret !tarte ,oking aroun $or thing! that !he might like% There "ere no ,lant! gro"ing an no animal! li)ing in the 2orgotten Work!% There "a! not e)en !o mu(h a! a 'la e o$ gra!! in there* an the 'ir ! re$u!e to $l# o)er the ,la(e% I !at o"n on !omething that looke like a "heel an "at(he Margaret take a $orgotten !ti(klike thing an ,oke aroun a !mall ,ile o$ !tu$$e thing!% I !a" !omething l#ing at m# $eet% It "a! a ,ie(e o$ i(e $roFen into the !ha,e o$ a thum'* 'ut the thum' ha a hum, on it% It "a! a hun(h'a(k thum' an )er# (ol 'ut !tarte to melt in m# han % The $ingernail melte a"a# an then I ro,,e the thing an it la# at m# $eet* not melting an# more* though the air "a! not (ol an the !un "a! hot an 'lue in the !k#% 9.a)e #ou $oun an#thing #ou like:9 I !ai %
I ha a )er# long an 7uiet "alk 'a(k to I-EAT.% I i not )olunteer to (arr# her
'a!ket $or her% It "a! hea)# an !he "a! hot an !"eat# an "e ha to !to, man# time! $or her to re!t% We "ere !itting on a 'ri ge% The 'ri ge "a! ma e $rom !tone! gathere at a i!tan(e an ,la(e in their ,ro,er or er% 9What&! "rong:9 !he !ai % 9What ha)e I one:9 9Nothing&! "rong% 3ou&)e one nothing%9 9Then "h# are #ou ma at me:9 9I&m not ma at #ou%9 93e!* #ou are%9 9No* I&m not%9
Rumor!
o$ the month !trange rumor! 'egan (oming u, $rom the 2orgotten Work!* rumor! o$ )iolent enoun(ement! o$ i-EAT. '# inBoiL% There "ere rumor! a'out him ranting an ra)ing that i-EAT. "a! all "rong the "a# "e i it* an he kne" ho" it !houl 'e one an then he !ai "e han le the trout hat(her# all "rong% It "a! a i!gra(e% Imagine in!oit !a#ing an#thing a'out u!* an there "a! a rumor a'out u! 'eing !i!!ie! an then !omething a'out the tiger! that no one (oul un er!tan % Something a'out the tiger! 'eing a goo eal% I "ent o"n to the 2orgotten Work! "ith Margaret one a$ternoon% I i n&t "ant to go o"n there* 'ut I i n&t "ant her to go o"n there alone either% She "ante to get more thing! $or her $orgotten (olle(tion% She alrea # ha more thing! than "ere ne(e!!ar#% She ha $ille her !ha(k u, an her room at i-EAT. "ith the!e thing!% She e)en "ante to !tore !ome o$ them in m# !ha(k% I !ai NO% I a!ke in!oiL "hat "a! u,% .e "a! runk a! u!ual* an hi! gang o$ 'um! "a! gathere aroun % 93ou gu#! on&t kno" an#thing a'out I-EAT.% I&m going to !ho" #ou !omething a'out it !oon% What real i-EAT. i! like*9 inBoa !ai % 93ou gu#! are a 'un(h o$ !i!!ie!% Onl# the tiger! ha an# gut!% I&m going to !ho" #ou% We&re going to !ho" #ou all%9 .e a re!!e thi! la!t thing to hi! gang% The# (heere an hel their 'ottle! o$ "hi!ke# u, high* rea(hing to"ar the re !un%
TOWAR- T.E EN-
8auline Again
I WAS EER3 ANGR3 "ith Margaret% She "ante to !lee, "ith me at i-EAT.* 'ut I !ai * 9NO* I "ant to go u, to m# !ha(k an 'e alone%9 She "a! )er# hurt '# thi! an "ent o$$ to the trout hat(her#% I i n&t (are% .er ,er$orman(e at inner ha reall# i!gu!te me% On m# "a# out o$ I-EAT.* I met 8auline in the li)ing room% She "a! (arr#ing a ,ainting that !he "a! going to ,ut u, on the "all% 9.ello*9 I !ai % 9That&! a lo)el# ,ainting #ou ha)e there% -i #ou ,aint that #our!el$:9 93e!* I i %9 9It look! )er# goo %9 The ,ainting "a! o$ I-EAT. a long time ago uring one o$ it! man# (hange!% The ,ainting looke like i-EAT. u!e to look% 9I i n&t kno" #ou ,ainte *9 I !ai % 96u!t in m# !,are time%9 9It&! reall# a ni(e ,ainting%9 9Thank #ou%9 8auline kin o$ 'lu!he % I ha ne)er !een her 'lu!h 'e$ore or ,erha,! I ha not remem'ere !o% It 'e(ame her% 93ou think e)er#thing i! going to 'e all right* on&t #ou:9 !he !ai * (hanging the !u'/e(t% 93e!*9 I !ai % 9-on&t "orr#%9
2a(e!
I LE2T I-EAT. an !tarte u, the roa to m# !ha(k% It "a! !u enl# a )er# (ol night an the !tar! !hone like i(e% I "i!he I ha 'rought m# Ma(kina"* I "alke u, the roa until I !a" the lantern! on the 'ri ge!% The# "ere the lantern! o$ a 'eauti$ul (hil an a trout on the real 'ri ge* an the tiger lantern! on the a'an one 'ri ge% I (oul 'arel# !ee the !tatue o$ !ome'o # "ho ha 'een kille '# the tiger!* 'ut no'o # kno"! "ho it "a!% So man# "ere kille '# the tiger! until "e kille the la!t tiger an 'urne it! 'o # at 6-EAT. an 'uilt the trout hat(her# right o)er the !,ot% The !tatue "a! !tan ing in the ri)er '# the 'ri ge!% It looke !a a! i$ it i not "ant to 'e a !tatue o$ !ome'o # kille '# the tiger! a long time ago% I !to,,e an !tare at a i!tan(e% A little "hile ,a!!e an then I "ent to the 'ri ge% I (ro!!e through the ark tunnel o$ the (o)ere real 'ri ge* ,a!t the glo"ing $a(e!* an u, into the ,ine# "oo ! to"ar m# !ha(k%
Sha(k
I STO88E- ON T.E BRI-GE to m# !ha(k% It $elt goo un er m# $eet* ma e $rom all the thing! that I like* the thing! that !uit me% I !tare at m# mother% She "a! onl# another !ha o" no" again!t the night* 'ut on(e !he ha 'een a goo "oman% I "ent in!i e the !ha(k an lit m# lantern "ith a !i+0in(h mat(h% The "atermelontrout oil 'urne "ith a 'eauti$ul light% It i! a $ine oil% We mi+ "atermelon !ugar an trout /ui(e an !,e(ial her'! all together an in their ,ro,er time to make thi! $ine oil that "e u!e to light our "orl % I "a! )er# !lee,# 'ut I i n&t $eel like !lee,ing% The !lee,ier I got* the le!! I $elt like !lee,ing% I la# on m# 'e $or a long time "ithout taking o$$ m# (lothe!* an I le$t the lantern on an !tare at the !ha o"! in the room% The# "ere rather ni(e !ha o"! $or a time that "a! !o ominou!* that re" !o near an all en(lo!ing% I "a! !o !lee,# no" that m# e#e! re$u!e to (lo!e% The li ! "oul not 'u ge o"n% The# "ere !tatue! o$ e#e!%
5hi(ken!
T.E GIRL WIT. T.E LANTERN ha le$t hour! ago% I (lim'e o"n $rom the leg!% I "alke 'a(k to J-EAT. in the a"n o$ a gol en !un "hi(h "oul
in!oiL an that gang o$ hi!% We (oul onl# "ait an !ee% The (ountr#!i e "a! 'eginning to !tir% I !a" a $armer going out to milk hi! (o"!% .e "a)e "hen he !a" me% .e ha on a $unn# hat% The roo!ter! "ere 'eginning to (ro"% Their 'eak trum,et! tra)elle a lou an great i!tan(e% I arri)e at i-EAT. /u!t 'e$ore !unri!e% There "ere a (ou,le o$ "hite (hi(ken! that ha e!(a,e $rom a $armer !ome,la(e out in $ront o$ i-EAT. ,e(king at the groun % The# looke at me an then the# $le" a"a#% The# "ere $re!hl# e!(a,e % 3ou (oul tell 'e(au!e their "ing! i not "ork like real 'ir !%
Ba(on
(ake! an !(ram'le egg! an 'a(on* inBoa an that gang o$ hi! 'egan* then% 9Thi! i! reall# a goo 'reak$a!t*9 2re !ai to 8auline% 9Thank #ou%9 Margaret "a! not there% I on&t kno" "here !he "a! at% 8auline "a! there* though% She looke goo * "earing a ,rett# re!!% Then "e hear the $ront oor 'ell ring% Ol 5hu(k !ai he hear )oi(e! 'ut it "a! im,o!!i'le to hear )oi(e! $rom that i!tan(e% 9I&ll get the oor*9 Al !ai % .e got u, an le$t the kit(hen an "alke through the hall that le un er the ri)er to the li)ing room% 9I "on er "ho it i!*9 5harle# !ai % I think 5harle# alrea # kne" "ho it "a! 'e(au!e he ,ut o"n hi! $ork an ,u!he hi! ,late a"a#% Break$a!t "a! o)er% Al (ame 'a(k a $e" minute! later% .e looke !trange an "orrie % 9It&! inBOIL*9 he !ai % 9.e "ant! to !ee #ou* 5harle#% .e "ant! to !ee all o$ u!%9 No" "e all looke !trange an "orrie % We got u, an "ent through the hall un er the ri)er an (ame out in the li)ing room* right 'e!i e 8auline&! ,amtmg% We "ent out on the $ront ,or(h o$ I-EAT. an there "a! in'oil "aiting* runk%
8relu e
93ou 8EO8LE T.IN4 #ou kno" a'out i-EAT.% 3ou on&t kno" an#thing a'out i-EAT.% 3ou on&t kno" an#thing a'out i-EAT.*9 in!oiL !ai * an then there "a! "il laughter $rom that gang o$ hi!* "ho "ere /u!t a! runk a! he% 9Not a amn thing% 3ou&re all at a ma!7uera e ,art#*9 an then there "a! "il laughter $rom that gang o$ hi!% 9We&re going to !ho" #ou "hat i-EAT. i! reall# a'out*9 an then there "a! "il laughter% 9What o #ou kno" that "e on&t kno":9 5harle# !ai % 9Let u! !ho" #ou% Let u! into the trout hat(her# an "e&ll !ho" #ou a thing or t"o% Are #ou a$rai to $in out a'out i-EAT.: What it reall# mean!: What a mo(ker# #ou&)e ma e o$ it: All o$ #ou% An #ou* 5harle#* more than the re!t o$ the!e (lo"n!%9 95ome* then*9 5harle# !ai % 9Sho" u! I-EAT.%9
An E+(hange
InBoii* an that gang o$ hi! !taggere into I-EAT.% 9What a um,*9 one o$ them !ai % Their e#e! "ere all re $rom that !tu$$ the# ma e an rank in !u(h large 7uantitie!% We (ro!!e the metal 'ri ge o)er the little ri)er in the li)ir room an "ent o"n the hall that lea ! to the trout hat(her#% One o$ inBoiiG! gang "a! !o runk that he $ell o"n an the other! ,i(ke him u,% The# almo!t ha to (arr# him along 'e(au!e he "a! !o runk% .e ke,t !a#ing o)er an o)er again* 9When are "e going to get to I-EAT.:9 93ou are at i-EAT.%9 9What i! thi!:9
"iDEATH."
9Oh% When are "e going to get to i-EAT.:9 Margaret "a! no"here aroun % I "alke 'e!i e 8auline to kin o$ !hiel her $rom inBOii* an hi! tra!h% in!oiL !a" her an (ame o)er% .i! o)erall! looke a! i$ the# ha ne)er 'een "a!he % 9.i* 8auline*9 he !ai % 9.o" are tri(k!:9 93ou i!gu!ting man*9 !he re,lie % inBOiL laughe % 9I&ll mo, the $loor a$ter #ou lea)e here*9 !he !ai % 9Where)er #ou "alk i! $ilth%9 9-on&t 'e that "a#*9 inBOiL !ai % 9.o" !houl I 'e:9 8auline !ai % 9Look at #ou%9 I ha gone o)er to !hiel 8auline $rom in!oiL an no" I almo!t ha to !te, 'et"een them% 8auline "a! )er# ma % I ha ne)er !een 8auline ma 'e$ore% She ha 7uite a tem,er% in!oiL laughe again an then he 'roke a"a# $rom her an "ent u, an /oine 5harle#% 5harle# "a! not ha,,# to !ee him either% It "a! a !trange ,ro(e!!ion tra)elling o"n the hall% 9When are "e going to get to I-EAT.:9
inBOIL&! i-EAT.
9ALL RIG.T*9 5harle# !ai % 9Tell u! a'out i-EAT.% We&re (uriou! no" a'out "hat #ou&)e 'een !a#ing $or #ear! a'out u! not kno"ing a'out i-EAT.* a'out #ou kno"ing all the an!"er!% Let&! hear !ome o$ tho!e an!"er!%9 9O4*9 in!oiL !ai % 9Thi! i! "hat it&! all a'out% 3ou on&t kno" "hat&! reall# going on "ith i-EAT.% The tiger! kne" more a'out i-EAT. than #ou kno"% 3ou kille all the tiger! an 'urne the la!t one in here% 9That "a! all "rong% The tiger! !houl ne)er ha)e 'een kille % The tiger! "ere the true meaning o$ i-EAT.% Without the tiger! there (oul 'e no I-EAT.* an #ou kille the tiger! an !o i-EAT. "ent a"a#* an #ou&)e li)e here like a 'un(h o$ (lu(k! e)er !in(e% I&m going to 'ring 'a(k I-EAT.% We&re all going to 'ring 'a(k 6-EAT.% M# gang here an me% I&)e 'een thinking a'out it $or #ear! an no" "e&re going to o it% I-EAT. "ill 'e again%9 in!oiL rea(he into hi! ,o(ket an took out a /a(kkni$e% 9What are #ou going to o "ith that kni$e:9 5harle# !ai % 9I&ll !ho" #ou*9 innoiL !ai % .e ,ulle the 'la e out% It looke !har,% 9Thi! i! i-EAT.*9 he !ai * an took the kni$e an (ut o$$ hi! thum' an ro,,e it into a tra# $ille "ith trout /u!t 'arel# hat(he % The 'loo !tarte running o"n hi! han an ri,,ing on the $loor% Then all o$ inBOILL! gang took out /a(kkni)e! an (ut o$$ their thum'! an ro,,e their thum'! here an there* in thi! tra#* that ,on until there "ere thum'! an 'loo all o)er the ,la(e% The one "ho i n&t kno" "here he "a! !ai * 9When o I (ut o$$ m# thum':9 9Right no"*9 !ome'o # !ai % So he (ut o$$ hi! thum'* une)enl# 'e(au!e he "a! !o runk% .e i it in !u(h a "a# that there "a! !till ,art o$ the $ingernail $a!tene to hi! han % 9Wh# ha)e #ou one thi!:9 5harle# !ai % 9It&! onl# a 'eginning*9 inBOIL !ai % 9Thi! i! "hat I-EATI !houl reall# look like%9 93ou all look !ill#*9 5harle# !ai % 9Without #our thum'!%9 9It&! onl# a 'eginning*9 inBOIL !ai % 9All right* men% Let&! (ut o$$ our no!e!%9 9.ail* i-EAT.*9 the# all !houte an (ut o$$ their no!e!% The one "ho "a! !o runk al!o ,ut out hi! e#e% The# took their no!e! an ro,,e them all o)er the ,la(e% One o$ them ,ut hi! no!e in 2re &! han * 2re took the no!e an thre" it in the gu#&! $a(e%
8auline i not a(t like a "oman !houl un er the!e (ir(um!tan(e!% She "a! not a$rai or ma e ill '# thi! at all% She /u!t ke,t getting ma er an ma er an ma er% .er $a(e "a! re "ith anger% 9All right* men% O$$ "ith #our ear!%9 9.ail* i-EAT. *9 an then there "ere ear! all o)er the ,la(e an the trout hat(her# "a! ro"ning in 'loo % The one "ho "a! !o runk $orgot that he ha (ut hi! right ear o$$ alrea # an "a! tr#ing to (ut it o$$ again an "a! )er# (on$u!e 'e(au!e the ear "a!n&t there% 9Where&! m# ear:9 he !ai % 9I (an&t (ut it o$$%9 B# no" inBOIL an all hi! gang "ere 'lee ing to eath% Some o$ them "ere alrea # 'eginning to gro" "eak $rom the lo!! o$ 'loo an "ere !itting o"n on the $loor% inBOIL "a! STILL u, an (utting $inger! o$$ hi! han !% 9Thi! i! I-EAT.*9 he !ai % 9Oh* 'o#% Thi! i! reall# i-EAT.%9 2inall# he ha to !it o"n* too* !o he (oul 'lee to eath% The# "ere all on the $loor no"% 9I ho,e #ou think #ou&)e ,ro)e !omething*9 5harle# !ai % 9I on&t think #ou&)e ,ro)e an#thing%9 9We&)e ,ro)e i-EAT. *9 inBOIL !ai % 8auline !u enl# !tarte to lea)e the room% I "ent o)er to her* almo!t !li,,ing on the 'loo an $alling o"n% 9Are #ou all right:9 I !ai * not kno"ing 7uite "hat to !a#% 95an I hel, #ou:9 9No*9 !he !ai * on her "a# out% 9I&m going to go get a mo, an (lean thi! me!! u,%9 When !he !ai me!!* !he looke ire(tl# at inBOIL% She le$t the hat(her# an (ame 'a(k !hortl# "ith a mo,% The# "ere almo!t all ea no"* e+(e,t $or inBOIL% .e "a! !till talking a'out i-EAT. % 9See* "e&)e one it*9 he !ai % 8auline !tarte mo,,ing u, the 'loo an "ringing it out into a 'u(ket% When the 'u(ket "a! almo!t $ull o$ 'loo * inBOIL ie % 9I am I-EAT. *9 he !ai % 93ou&re an a!!hole*9 8auline !ai % An the la!t thing that inBOIL e)er !a" "a! 8auline !tan ing 'e!i e him* "ringing hi! 'loo out o$ the mo, into the 'u(ket%
Wheel'arro"
9WELL* that&! that*M 5harle# !ai % inBOiL&! !ightle!! e#e! !tare at the !tatue o$ the tiger% There "ere man# !ightle!! e#e! !taring in the hat(her#% 93eah*9 2re !ai % 9I "on er "hat it "a! all a'out%9 9I on&t kno"*9 5harle# !ai % 9I think the# !houl n&t ha)e runk that "hi!ke# ma e $rom $orgotten thing!% It "a! a mi!take%9 93eah%9 We all /oine 8auline in (leaning u, the ,la(e* mo,,ing u, the 'loo an (arting the 'o ie! a"a#% We u!e a "heel'arro"%
A 8ara e
9.ERE* hel, me get thi! "heel'arro" o"n the !tair!%9 9There%9 9Ah* thank #ou%9 We ,ile the 'o ie! out in $ront% No one kne" 7uite "hat to o "ith them* e+(e,t that "e i n&t "ant them in J-EAT. an# more% A lot o$ ,eo,le $rom the to"n ha (ome u, to !ee "hat "a! going on% There "ere ma#'e a hun re ,eo,le there '# the time "e got the la!t 'o # "heele out% 9What ha,,ene :9 the !(hooltea(her !ai % 9The# ma e a me!! out o$ them!el)e!*9 Ol 5hu(k !ai % 9Where are their thum'! an $eature!:9 -o( E "ar ! a!ke % 9Right o)er there in that 'u(ket*9 Ol 5hu(k !ai % 9The# (ut them o$$ "ith their /a(kkni)e!% We on&t kno" "h#%9 9What are "e going to o "ith the 'o ie!:9 2re !ai % 9We&re not going to ,ut them in tom'!* are "e:9 9No*9 5harle# !ai % 9We ha)e to o !omething el!e%9 9Take them to their !ha(k! at the 2orgotten Work!*9 8auline !ai % 9Burn them% Burn their !ha(k!% Burn them together an then $orget them%9 9That&! a goo i ea*9 5harle# !ai % 9Let&! get !ome "agon! an take them o"n there% What a terri'le thing%9 We ,ut the 'o ie! in the "agon!% B# then almo!t e)er#'o # in "atermelon !ugar ha gathere at I-EAT.% We all !tarte o"n to the 2orgotten Work! together% We !tarte o$$ )er# !lo"l#% We looke like a ,ara e 'arel# mo)ing to"ar 3OU MIG.T GET LOST% I "alke 'e!i e 8auline%
Blue'ell!
T.ERE WAS a "arm gol en !un !hining o"n on u! an on the !lo"l# nearing 8ile! o$ the 2orgotten Work!% We (ro!!e ri)er! an 'ri ge! an "alke 'e!i e $arm!* mea o"! an through the ,ine# "oo ! an '# $iel ! o$ "atermelon!% The ,ile! o$ the 2orgotten "ork! "ere like (hunk! o$ hal$0mountain! an hal$0a,,aratu! that glo"e like gol % An almo!t $e!ti)e !,irit "a! (oming no" $rom the (ro" % The# "ere relie)e that inBoiL an that gang o$ hi! "ere ea % 5hil ren 'egan ,i(king $lo"er! along the "a# an ,rett# !oon there "ere man# $lo"er! in the ,ara e* !o that it 'e(ame a kin o$ )a!e $ille "ith ro!e! an a$$o il! an ,o,,ie! an 'lue'ell!% 9It&! o)er*9 8auline !ai * an then* turning* !he thre" her arm! aroun me an ga)e me a )er# $rien l# hug to ,ro)e that it "a! all o)er% I $elt her 'o # again!t me%
u!%9 9Oh no*9 Margaret !ai % 9.o" i the# o it:9 9With /a(kkni)e!%9 9Oh* no*9 Margaret !ai % She "a! )er# !ho(ke * aFe % She gra''e ahol o$ m# han % 9Thi! morning:9 !he !ai * almo!t to no one no"% 93e!%9 .er han $elt (ol an a"k"ar in m# han a! i$ the $inger! "ere too !mall to $it% I (oul onl# !tare at her "ho ha i!a,,eare into the 2orgotten Work! that morning%
Sha(k 2e)er
a !i+0in(h mat(h an !et $ire to the !ha(k that (ontaine inBOit an the 'o ie! o$ hi! gang% We all !too 'a(k an the $lame! "ent u, higher an higher an 'urne "ith that 'eauti$ul light that "atermelontrout oil make!% Then 5harle# !et $ire to the other !ha(k! an the# 'urne /u!t a! 'rightl#* an ,rett# !oon the heat "a! !o 'a that "e ha to !tan $arther an $arther 'a(k until "e "ere in the $iel !% We "at(he $or an hour or !o an the !ha(k! "ere $airl# gone '# then% 5harle# !too there "at(hing )er# 7uietl#% inBOit ha on(e 'een hi! 'rother% Some o$ the (hil ren "ere ,la#ing in the $iel !% The# got tire o$ "at(hing the $ire% It ha 'een )er# e+(iting at $ir!t* 'ut then the (hil ren gre" tire o$ it an e(i e to o !omething el!e% 8auline !at o"n on the gra!!% The $lame! 'rought total ,ea(e to her $a(e% She looke a! i$ !he ha /u!t 'een 'orn% I !to,,e hol ing Margaret&! han an !he "a! !till in a aFe o)er "hat "a! ha,,ening% She !at '# her!el$ in the gra!!* hol ing her han ! together a! i$ the# "ere ea % A! the $lame! imini!he to )er# little* a !trong "in (ame out o$ the 2orgotten Work! an !(attere a!he! ra,i l# through the air% A$ter "hile 2re #a"ne * I reamt%
5.ARLE3 TOO4
6o'
I WO4E U8 $eeling re$re!he an !tare at m# "atermelon (eiling* ho" ni(e it looke * 'e$ore getting out o$ 'e % I "on ere "hat time it "a!% I "a! !u,,o!e to meet 2re $or lun(h at the (a$e in to"n% I got u, an "ent out!i e an !tret(he again on the $ront ,or(h o$ m# !ha(k* $eeling the (ool !tone! un er m# 'are $eet* $eeling their i!tan(e% I looke at the gra# !un% The ri)er !hone not 7uite lun(h time #et* !o I "ent o)er to the ri)er an got !ome "ater an thre" it in m# $a(e to $ini!h the /o' o$ "aking u,%
Meat Loa$
I MET 2re at the (a$e% .e "a! alrea # there* "aiting $or me% -o( E "ar ! "a! "ith him% 2re "a! looking at the menu% 9.ello*9 I !ai % 9.i%9 9.ello*9 -o( E "ar ! !ai % 93ou "ere reall# in a hurr# thi! morning*9 I !ai % 93ou looke like #ou nee e a hor!e%9 9That&! right% I ha to go eli)er a 'a'#% A litle girl /oine u! thi! morning%9 9That&! $ine*9 I !ai % 9Who&! the lu(k# $ather:9 9-o #ou kno" Ron:9 93eah% .e li)e! in that !ha(k '# the !hoe!ho,% Right:9 93eah% That&! Ron% .e&! got a $ine little girl%9 93ou "ere reall# mo)ing along% I i n&t kno" #ou ha that mu(h !,ee le$t in #ou%9 93e!% 3e!%9 9.o" are #ou* 2re :9 I !ai % 92ine% I ,ut in a goo morning&! "ork% What i #ou o:9 98lante a $e" $lo"er!%9 9-i #ou "ork on #our 'ook:9 9No* I ,lante a $e" $lo"er! an took a long na,%9 9LaF#hea %9 9B# the "a#*9 -o( E "ar ! !ai % 9.o"&! that 'ook (oming along:9 9Oh* it&! (oming along%9 92ine% What&! it a'out:9 96u!t "hat I&m "riting o"n: one "or a$ter another%9 9Goo %9 The "aitre!! (ame o)er an a!ke u! "hat "e "ere ha)ing $or lun(h% 9What are #ou 'o#! ha)ing $or lun(h:9 !he !ai % She ha 'een the "aitre!! there $or #ear!% She ha 'een a #oung girl there an no" !he "a! not #oung an# more% 9To a#&! !,e(ial i! meat loa$* i!n&t it:9 -o( E "ar ! !ai % 93e!* &Meat loa$ $or a gra# a# i! the 'e!t "a#G that&! our motto*9 !he !ai %
E)er#'o # laughe % It "a! a goo /oke% 9I&ll ha)e !ome meat loa$*9 2re !ai % 9What a'out #ou:9 the "aitre!! !ai % 9Meat loa$:9 93eah* meat loa$*9 I !ai % 9Three meat loa)e!*9 the "aitre!! !ai %
A,,le 8ie
-o( E "ar ! ha to lea)e earl# to go an (he(k on Ron&! "oman an the ne" 'a'# to !ee that the# "ere oing all right% 9See #ou later*9 he !ai % 2re an I !ta#e there $or a "hile an rank another (u, o$ (o$$ee at our lei!ure% 2re ,ut t"o lum,! o$ "atermelon !ugar in hi! (o$$ee% 9.o"&! Margaret oing:9 he !ai % 9.a)e #ou !een her or hear $rom her:9 9No*9 I !ai % 9I tol #ou that thi! morning%9 9She&! in ,rett# 'a !ha,e o)er #ou an 8auline*9 2re !ai % 9She&! ha)ing a lot o$ trou'le a((e,ting it% I "a! talking to her 'rother #e!ter a#% .e !ai !he&! got a 'roken heart%9 9I (an&t hel, that*9 I !ai % 9Wh# are #ou ma at her:9 2re !ai % 93ou on&t think !he ha an#thing to o "ith inBoa /u!t 'e(au!e e)er#'o # el!e oe!* e+(e,t 8auline an me: 9There&! no ,roo$% It oe!n&t e)en make !en!e in the $ir!t ,la(e% It "a! /u!t a (oin(i en(e that linke them together% 3ou on&t 'elie)e !he ha an#thing to o "ith in'oil* o #ou:9 9I on&t kno"*9 I !ai % 2re !hrugge hi! !houl er! an took a !i, o$ hi! (o$$ee% The "aitre!! (ame o)er an a!ke u! i$ "e "ante a ,ie(e o$ ,ie $or e!!ert% 9We&)e got !ome a,,le ,ie that reall# ta!te! goo *9 !he !ai % 9I& like a ,ie(e o$ ,ie*9 2re !ai % 9What a'out #ou:9 9No*9 I !ai %
A2TER LUN5.
Literature
9 WELL * I&)e got to get 'a(k to "ork*9 2re !ai % 9The ,lank ,re!! (all!% What are #ou going to o:9 9I think I&ll go "rite*9 I !ai % 9Work on m# 'ook $or a "hile%9 9That !oun ! am'itiou!*9 2re !ai % 9I! the 'ook a'out "eather like the !(hooltea(her !ai :9 9No* it&! not a'out "eather%9 9Goo *9 2re !ai % 9I "oul n&t "ant to rea a 'ook a'out "eather%9 9.a)e #ou e)er rea a 'ook:9 I !ai % 9No*9 2re !ai % 9I ha)en&t 'ut I on&t think I& "ant to !tart '# rea ing one a'out (lou !%9
The Wa#
to the Watermelon Work! an I !tarte 'a(k to m# !ha(k to "rite* an then I e(i e not to% I i n&t kno" "hat to o% I (oul go 'a(k to i-EAT. an talk to 5harle# a'out an i ea I ha or I (oul go $in 8auline an make lo)e to her or I (oul go to the Statue o$ Mirror! an !it o"n there $or a "hile% That&! "hat I i %
2RE- WENT O22
Getting 2re
I WENT -OWN to the Watermelon Work! to !ee 2re % .e "a! rather !ur,ri!e to !ee me o"n there $or the !e(on time that a#% 9.i*9 he !ai * looking u, $rom a gol en ,lank that he ha 'een (he(king out $or !omething% 9What&! u,:9 9It&! Margaret*9 I !ai % 9.a)e #ou !een her:9 93e!%9 9What ha,,ene :9 9She&! ea % I !a" her in the Statue o$ Mirror!% She hange her!el$ $rom an a,,le tree "ith her 'lue !(ar$%9 2re ,ut the ,lank o"n% .e 'it hi! li, an ran hi! han through hi! hair% 9When i thi! ha,,en:9 96u!t a little "hile ago% No'o # kno"! !he&! ea #et%9 2re !hook hi! hea % 9I gue!! "e& 'etter go get her 'rother%9 9Where&! he at:9 9.e&! hel,ing a $armer ,ut a ne" roo$ on hi! 'arn% We&ll go there%9 2re tol the (re" to kno(k o$$ $or the a#% The# "ere 7uite ,lea!e "hen 2re tol them thi!% 9Thank!* 'o!!*9 the# !ai % We le$t the Watermelon Work! "ith 2re !u enl# looking )er# tire %
Margaret&! Brother
"a! u, on the 'arn roo$* nailing 'lue "atermelon !hingle! o"n an the $armer "a! (lim'ing u, the la er* 'ringing him another 'un le o$ !hingle!% .er 'rother !a" u! (oming u, the roa an !too u, on the 'arn roo$ an "a)e at 7uite a i!tan(e 'e$ore "e got there% 9I on&t like thi!*9 2re !ai % 9.ello* there*9 her 'rother #elle % 9What 'ring! #ou u, thi! "a#:9 the $armer #elle % We "a)e 'a(k 'ut i n&t !a# an#thing until "e got there% 9.o" #*9 the $armer !ai * !haking han ! "ith u!% 9What are #ou oing u, thi! "a#:9 Margaret&! 'rother (lim'e o"n the la er% 9.ello*9 he !ai an !hook our han ! an !too there "aiting $or u! to !a# !omething% We "ere !trangel# 7uiet an the# ,i(ke u, on it imme iatel#% 2re ,a"e at the groun "ith hi! 'oot% .e re" a kin o$ hal$0(ir(le "ith hi! right 'oot on the groun * an then he era!e it "ith hi! le$t 'oot% Thi! took onl# a $e" !e(on !% 9What&! "rong:9 the $armer !ai % 93eah* "hat&! "rong:9 her 'rother !ai % 9It&! Margaret*9 2re !ai % 9What&! "rong "ith Margaret:9 her 'rother !ai % 9Tell me%9
MARGARET&S BROT.ER
Ne(kla(e
MARGARET&S BO-3
"a! hanging $rom the a,,le tree in $ront o$ her !ha(k an 'lo"ing in the "in % .er ne(k "a! at a "rong angle an her $a(e "a! the (olor o$ "hat "e learn to kno" a! eath% 2re (lim'e u, the tree an (ut the !(ar$ "ith hi! /a(kkni$e "hile Margaret&! 'rother an I lo"ere her 'o # gentl# o"n% .e took her 'o # then* an (arrie it into the !ha(k an la# it o"n u,on the 'e % We !too there% 9Let&! take her to I-EAT. *9 2re !ai % 9That&! "here !he 'elong!%9 .er 'rother looke relie)e $or the $ir!t time !in(e "e ha tol him o$ her eath% .e "ent to a large (he!t '# the "in o" an took out a ne(kla(e that ha !mall metal trout en(ir(ling it% .e li$te u, her hea an $a!tene the (la!, o$ the ne(kla(e% .e 'ru!he Margaret&! hair out o$ her e#e!% Then he "ra,,e her 'o # in a 'e !,rea that ha J-EAT. (ro(hete u,on it in one o$ it! man# an la!ting $orm!% One o$ her $eet "a! !ti(king out% The toe! looke (ol an gentl# at re!t%
5ou(h
WE TOO4 Margaret 'a(k to I-EAT.% Someho" e)er#'o # there ha alrea # hear o$ her eath an the# "ere "aiting $or u!% The# "ere out on the $ront ,or(h% 8auline ran o"n the !tair! to me% She "a! )er# u,!et an her (heek! "ere "et "ith tear!% 9Wh#:9 !he !ai % 9Wh#:9 I ,ut m# arm aroun her the 'e!t I (oul % 9I on&t kno"*9 I !ai % Margaret&! 'rother (arrie her 'o # u, the !tair! into i-EAT.% 5harle# o,ene the oor $or him% 9.ere* let me o,en the oor $or #ou%9 9Thank #ou*9 her 'rother !ai % 9Where !hall I ,ut her:9 9On the (ou(h 'a(k in the trout hat(her#*9 5harle# !ai % 9That&! "here "e ,ut our ea %9 9I on&t remem'er the "a#*9 her 'rother !ai % 9I ha)en&t 'een here $or a long time%9 9I&ll !ho" #ou% 2ollo" me*9 5harle# !ai % 9Thank #ou%9 The# "ent o$$ to the trout hat(her#% 2re "ent "ith them an !o i Ol 5hu(k an Al an Bill% I !ta#e 'ehin "ith m# arm aroun 8auline% She "a! !till (r#ing% I gue!! !he reall# like Margaret%
Tomorro"
I "ent o"n $or a "alk '# the ri)er in the li)ing room% It "a! no" nearing !un o"n% Tomorro" the !un "oul 'e 'la(k* !oun le!!% The night "oul (ontinue 'ut the !tar! "oul not !hine an it "oul 'e "arm like a# an e)er#thing "oul 'e "ithout !oun % 9Thi! i! horri'le*9 8auline !ai % 9I $eel !o 'a % Wh# i !he kill her!el$: Wa! it m# $ault $or lo)ing #ou:9 9No*9 I !ai % 9It "a! no'o #&! $ault% 6u!t one o$ tho!e thing!%9 9We "ere !u(h goo $rien !% We "ere like !i!ter!% I& hate to think it "a! m# $ault%9 9-on&t*9 I !ai %
8AULINE AN-
5arrot!
"a! a 7uiet a$$air at i-EAT.% Margaret&! 'rother !ta#e an ha inner "ith u!% 5harle# in)ite him% Al (ooke u, a me!! o$ (arrot! again% .e 'roile them "ith mu!hroom! an a !au(e ma e $rom "atermelon !ugar an !,i(e!% There "a! hot 'rea $re!h $rom the o)en an !"eet 'utter an gla!!e! o$ i(e0(ol milk% A'out hal$"a# through inner* 2re !tarte to !a# !omething that looke a! i$ it "ere im,ortant* 'ut then he (hange hi! min an "ent 'a(k to eating hi! (arrot!%
-INNER T.AT NIG.T
Margaret&! Room
e)er#'o # "ent into the li)ing room an it "a! e(i e to hol the $uneral tomorro" morning* e)en though it "oul 'e ark an there "oul 'e no !oun an e)er#thing "oul ha)e to 'e one in !ilen(e% 9I$ it&! all right "ith #ou*9 5harle# !ai to Margaret&! 'rother% 9She&ll 'e 'urie in that tom' "e&)e 'een "orking on% The# $ini!he it thi! a$ternoon%9 9That "oul 'e ,er$e(t*9 her 'rother !ai % 9It "ill 'e ark an there "ill 'e no !oun * 'ut I think "e (an take (are o$ e)er#thing%9 93eah*9 her 'rother !ai % 92re * "ill #ou go an tell the ,eo,le in the to"n a'out the $uneral: Some o$ them might "ant to go% Al!o alert the Tom' 5re" a'out the $uneral% An !ee i$ #ou (an $in !ome $lo"er!%9 9Sure* 5harle#% I&ll take (are o$ it%9 9It&! our (u!tom to 'ri(k u, the room! o$ tho!e "ho li)e here "hen the# ie*9 5harle# !ai % 9What oe! that mean:9 Margaret&! 'rother !ai % 9We ,ut 'ri(k! a(ro!! the oor an (lo!e the room $ore)er%9 9That !oun ! all right%9
A2TER -INNER
Bri(k!
Margaret&! 'rother an 5harle# an Bill* he ha the 'ri(k!* an I "ent to Margaret&! room% 5harle# o,ene the oor% 8auline "a! (arr#ing a lantern% She ,ut it o"n on Margaret&! ta'le an lit the lantern that "a! there "ith a long "atermelon mat(h% There "ere no" t"o light!% The room "a! $ille "ith thing! $rom the 2orgotten Work!% E)er# ,la(e #ou looke there "a! !omething $orgotten that "a! ,ile on another $orgotten thing% 5harle# !hook hi! hea % 9A lot o$ $orgotten thing! in here% We on&t e)en kno" "hat mo!t o$ the thing! are*9 he !ai to no'o #% Margaret&! 'rother !ighe % 9I! there an#thing #ou "ant to take "ith #ou:9 5harle# !ai % .er 'rother looke all aroun the room )er# (are$ull# an )er# !a l# an then !hook hi! hea * too% 9No* 'ri(k it all u,%9 We !te,,e out!i e an Bill !tarte ,utting the 'ri(k! in ,la(e% We "at(he $or a little "hile% There "ere tear! in 8auline&! e#e!% 98lea!e !,en the night "ith u!*9 5harle# !ai % 9Thank #ou*9 Margaret&! 'rother !ai % 9I&ll !ho" #ou to #our room% Goo night*9 5harle# !ai to u!% .e "ent o$$ "ith her 'rother% .e "a! !a#ing !omething to
8AULINE AN-
him% 9Let&! go* 8auline*9 I !ai % 9All right* hone#%9 9I think #ou& 'etter !lee, "ith me tonight%9 93e!*9 !he !ai %
We le$t Bill ,utting the 'ri(k! in ,la(e% The# "ere "atermelon 'ri(k! ma e $rom 'la(k* !oun le!! !ugar% The# ma e no !oun a! he "orke "ith them% The# "oul !eal o$$ the $orgotten thing! $ore)er%
M# Room
8AULINE AN- I "ent to m# room% We took o$$ our (lothe! an got into 'e % She took o$$ her (lothe! $ir!t an I "at(he % 9Are #ou going to 'lo" the lantern out:9 !he !ai * leaning $or"ar a! I got into 'e la!t% She i not ha)e an# (o)er! u, o)er her 'rea!t!% The ni,,le! "ere har % The# "ere almo!t the !ame (olor a! her li,!% The# looke 'eauti$ul in the lantern light% .er e#e! "ere re $rom (r#ing% She looke )er# tire % 9No*9 I !ai % She ,ut her hea 'a(k on the ,illo" an !mile e)er !o $aintl#% .er !mile "a! like the (olor o$ her ni,,le!% 9No*9 I !ai %
I let 8auline go to !lee,* 'ut then I ha m# u!ual trou'le !lee,ing% She "a! "arm an !"eet0!melling 'e!i e me% .er 'o # (alle me to !lee, a! i$ it "ere a 'an o$ trum,et!% I la# there $or a long time 'e$ore I got u, an "ent $or one o$ the "alk! I take at night% I !too there "ith m# (lothe! on* "at(hing 8auline !lee,% Strange* ho" "ell 8auline ha! !le,t !in(e "e ha)e 'een going !tea # together* $or 8auline "a! the girl "ho "ent $or the long "alk! at night* (arr#ing the lantern% 8auline "a! the girl I "on ere !o mu(h a'out* "alking u, an o"n the roa !* !to,,ing at thi! ,la(e* thi! 'ri ge* thi! ri)er* the!e tree! in the ,ine# "oo !% .er hair i! 'lon e an no" !he i! a!lee,% A$ter "e !tarte going !tea # !he !to,,e her long "alk! at night* 'ut I !till (ontinue mine% It !uit! me to take the!e long "alk! at night%
A2TER W.ILE
Goo .am
u, an hour or !o 'e$ore !unri!e an ha an earl# 'reak$a!t% When the !un (ame u, o)er the e ge o$ our "orl * the arkne!! "oul (ontinue an there "oul 'e no !oun to a#% Our )oi(e! "oul 'e gone% I$ #ou ro,,e !omething* there "oul 'e no !oun % The ri)er! "oul 'e !ilent% 9It&! going to 'e a long a#*9 8auline !ai * a! !he ,ut on her re!!* ,ulling it o)er her long !mooth ne(k% We ha ham an egg!* ha!h'ro"n! an toa!t% 8auline (ooke 'reak$a!t an I o$$ere to hel, her% 9I! there an#thing I (an o:9
WE WO4E
I !ai % 9No*9 !he !ai % 9I&)e got e)er#thing un er (ontrol 'ut thank! $or the o$$er%9 93ou&re "el(ome%9 We all ha 'reak$a!t together* in(lu ing Margaret&! 'rother% .e !at ne+t to 5harle#% 9Thi! i! goo ham*9 2re !ai % 9We&ll hol the $uneral later on in the morning*9 5harle# !ai % 9E)er#'o # kno"! "hat the# ha)e to o an "e (an "rite note! i$ an#thing out o$ the or inar# (ome! u,% We /u!t ha)e a $e" moment! o$ !oun le$t%9 9Ummmm1goo ham*9 2re !ai %
Sunri!e
I "ere in the kit(hen talking "hen the !un (ame u,% She "a! "a!hing the i!he! an I "a! r#ing them% I "a! r#ing a $r#ing ,an an !he "a! "a!hing the (o$$ee (u,!% 9I $eel a little 'it 'etter to a#*9 !he !ai % 9Goo *9 I !ai % 9.o" i I !lee, la!t night:9 9Like a to,%9 9I ha a 'a ream% I ho,e I i n&t "ake #ou u,%9 9No%9 9The !ho(k #e!ter a# "a! !omething% I on&t kno"% I /u!t i n&t e+,e(t thing! to turn out thi! "a#* 'ut the# ha)e* an I gue!! there&! nothing "e (an o a'out it%9 9That&! right*9 I !ai % 96u!t take thing! the "a# the# ha,,en%9 8auline turne to"ar me an !ai * 9I gue!! the $uneral "ill19
8AULINE AN-
E!(ut(heon
in eath ro'e! ma e $rom "atermelon !ugar an a orne "ith 'ea ! o$ $o+$ire* !o that the light "oul !hine $ore)er $rom her tom' at night an on the 'la(k* !oun le!! a#!% Thi! one% She ha 'een ,re,are no" $or the tom'% We mo)e in lantern! an !ilen(e a'out 6-EAT.* "aiting $or the to"n!,eo,le to (ome% The# (ame% Thirt# or $ort# arri)e * in(lu ing the e itor o$ the ne"!,a,er% It i! ,u'li!he on(e a #ear% The !(hooltea(her an -o( E "ar ! "ere there an then "e !tarte the $uneral% Margaret "a! (arrie on the E!(ut(heon "e u!e $or the ea * ma e $rom ,ine ornamente "ith gla!! an little i!tant !tone!% E)er#'o # ha tor(he! an lantern! an "e (arrie her 'o # out o$ the trout hat(her# an through the li)ing room an out the oor an a(ro!! the ,or(h an o"n the !te,! o$ I-EAT.%
MARGARET WAS -RESSE-
Sunn# Morning
mo)e !lo"l# an in total !ilen(e o"n the roa to the ne" tom' that no" 'elonge to Margaret* the one I ha "at(he them 'uil ing #e!ter a#* ,utting the $ini!hing tou(he! on $or Margaret% It "a! getting "arm a! the !un (lim'e higher in the !k#% There "a! not e)en the !oun o$ our $oot!te,! or an#thing%
T.E 8RO5ESSION
"a! "aiting $or u!% The# !till ha the Sha$t in ,la(e an the# !tarte the ,um, going "hen the# !a" u! (oming% We turne the 'o # o)er to them an the# "ent a'out ,utting it in the tom'% The#&)e ha a lot o$ e+,erien(e oing that% The# (arrie her 'o # o"n the Sha$t an ,ut it in the tom'% The# (lo!e the gla!! oor an !tarte to !eal it u,% 8auline* 5harle#* 2re * Ol 5hu(k an I !too there together in a little grou, an "at(he them% 8auline took m# arm% Margaret&! 'rother (ame o)er an /oine u!% A$ter the Tom' 5re" ha !eale the oor* the# turne the ,um, o$$ an remo)e the ho!e $rom the Sha$t% Then the# harne!!e u, !ome hor!e! "ith ro,e! to the t"o ,ulle#! that "ere hanging $rom the Sha$t Gallo"!% Ro,e! "ent $rom the Sha$t Gallo"! to hook! in the Sha$t it!el$% That&! ho" the# get the Sha$t out% The hor!e! !traine $or"ar an the Sha$t "a! ,ulle $ree $rom the 'ottom o$ the ri)er an "a! li$te u, onto the !hore an "a! no" hal$0hanging $rom the Sha$t Gallo"!% The Tom' 5re" an their hor!e! looke tire % E)er#thing "a! one in total !ilen(e% Not a !oun (ame $rom the hor!e! or the men or the Sha$t or the ri)er or the ,eo,le "at(hing% We !a" the light !hining u, $rom Margaret* the light that (ame $rom the $o+$ire u,on her ro'e!% We took $lo"er! an thre" them u,!tream a'o)e her tom'% The $lo"er! ri$te o"n o)er the light (oming $rom her: ro!e! an a$$o il! an ,o,,ie! an 'lue'ell! $loate on '#%
T.E TOMB 5REW
The -an(e
i! A 5USTOM .ERE to hol a an(e in the trout hat(her# a$ter a $uneral% E)er#'o # (ome! an there&! a goo 'an an mu(h an(ing goe! on% We all like to "altF% A$ter the $uneral "e "ent 'a(k to I-EAT. an ,re,are $or the an(e% 8art# e(oration! "ere ,ut u, in the hat(her# an re$re!hment! "ere ,re,are $or the an(e% E)er#'o # got rea # in !ilen(e% 5harle# ,ut on !ome ne" o)erall!% 2re !,ent hal$ an hour (om'ing hi! hair an 8auline ,ut on high heel !hoe!% We (oul not !tart the ,art# until there "a! !oun * !o that the mu!i(al in!trument! "oul "ork an "e (oul "ork "ith them in our o"n !t#le* mo!tl# "altFing%
IT
5ook! Together
Al together (ooke an earl# inner that "e ha late in the a$ternoon% It "a! )er# hot out!i e* !o the# ,re,are !omething light% The# ma e a ,otato !ala that !omeho" en e u, ha)ing a lot o$ (arrot! in it%
8AULINE AN-
'egan arri)ing $or the an(e a'out hal$ an hour 'e$ore !un o"n% We took their Ma(kina"! an hat! an !ho"e them into the trout hat(her#% E)er#'o # !eeme to 'e in $airl# goo !,irit!% The mu!i(ian! took out their in!trument! an "aite $or the !un to go o"n% It "oul onl# 'e a $e" moment! no"% We all "aite ,atientl#% The room glo"e "ith lantern!% The trout !"am 'a(k an $orth in their tra#! an ,on !% We "oul an(e aroun them% 8auline looke )er# ,rett#% 5harle#&! ne" o)erall! looke goo % I on&t kno" "h# 2re &! hair looke a! i$ he ha n&t (om'e it at all% The mu!i(ian! "ere ,oi!e "ith their in!trument!% The# "ere rea # to go% It "oul onl# 'e a $e" !e(on ! no"* I "rote%
8EO8LE 2ROM T.E TOWN
This novel was started May 13, 1964 in a house at Bolinas, California, and was finished July 19, 1964 in the front room at 123 Beaver treet, an !ran"is"o, California. This novel is for #on $llen, Joanne %y&er and Mi"hael M"Clure.
'i"hard Brauti&an was (orn January 3), 193*, in the +a"ifi" ,orthwest. -e was the author of ten novels, nine volumes of .oetry, and a "olle"tion of short stories. -e lived for many years in an !ran"is"o, and toward the end of his life he divided his time (etween a ran"h in Montana and To/yo. Brauti&an was a literary idol of the 196)s and early 190)s whose "omi" &enius and i"ono"lasti" vision of $meri"an life "au&ht the ima&ination of youn& .eo.le everywhere. Brauti&an "ame of a&e durin& the -ai&ht1$sh(ury .eriod and has (een "alled 2the last of the Beats.2 -is early (oo/s (e"ame re3uired readin& for the hi. &eneration, and Trout !ishin& in $meri"a sold two million "o.ies throu&hout the world. Brauti&an was a &od of the "ounter"ulture, a .henomenon who saw his star rise to fame and fortune, only to .lummet durin& the ne4t de"ade. #riven to drin/ and des.air, he "ommitted sui"ide in Bolinas, California, at the a&e of forty1nine.