wild. Could he afford to lose that amount from his
slender store of dollars? Intact it was absurdly inadequate.
He debated the choice -- on one hand
the peril of gambling unarmed, on the other his desperate
need for money. Once more he considered
Clare: in the end his arrogance of manhood brought
a decision -- he would preserve the money for play.
He was, he thought insolently of himself, quick as a
copperhead snake, and as dangerous. After supper
he sat on the porch, twisting and consuming cigarettes,
waiting for the night.

[[55]]

p054 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p055w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p056

v?