He was just ranting and fussing, like he always does.
And, I don't like to say it here in front of Miss Nannie, but he
was drinking-like he always does."
"Did he say anything outta the ordinary?"
"Well, he did talk a right smart. Seemed like Ward hated
ever' body and ever' thing yesterday, even himself. He blessed me
out twice for letting the young'uns go home with my uncle. Oh,
God 'a mercy! The young'uns! Their own pa, lying yonder in the
front room, cold dead, and they don't even know it! Ohhh-hh-h! I
forgot my poor young'uns. They're all I've got left in this
world."
Mama put me down so she could go over to Miss Ophelia. Miss
Ophelia's hollering and crying got louder. Mama told her over and
over not to worry about the children. Finally she got quiet; then
Mama took the sleeping baby from her arms and eased him down on
the bed nearest to the fireplace.
"Miss Ophelia, did Ward say anything a-tall about goin'
huntin'?"
"Yes, sir, Mister Wes. 'Bout middle of the evening, just
'fore Miss Nannie come in bringing us them vittles, I was in the
kitchen, and he come in.
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