Curiosity Industry
Part Ten

"I'm sorry you had such a bad time," Jim said after considering Herman's story. "Not all the shows are like that. That one was meant to frighten young folks. I know the man who runs that one in Foston. He's an old nasty sort. Got a wooden leg hisself."

"I guess I remember him sort scuffling ahead of us," Herman reached out over the side of the car and felt the rush of cooling air. His eyes were dry from the whiskey.

"Yeah," Jim took another snort of Greasy Tit. "Mean old son of a bitch no doubt about that. It'll be a bit before we get to Cincinnati. If you're tired you can go stretch out in back."

Herman's mind swam in equal measures of alcohol and memory. Cincinnati lay further out in the night. A dull sensation settled like a stone inside him. He could feel the miles separating him from Henry.

He’d spread out his coat and tried to roll Henry off the dirt and hay. Herman held his brother close and whispered reminders that he was there with him. Henry's body shuttered and heaved, the vibrations shook through Herman, who convulsively held him tighter.

"Hen," he whispered, struggling to keep his mouth near his brother's ear, "you want to go and wait for ma and pa where we left them."

"I'm sorry I cried," Henry replied, the fit ending abruptly.

"That's okay Henry. You had good reason to," Herman said and helped his brother sit up.

"Sometimes the boy in my class. The one I tells you ‘bout."

"You mean Grady?" Herman squatted down next to this brother.

"He brings 'em other kids. And tries to upset me."

"I'd like to get that Grady," Herman pulled Henry to his feet.

"He's awfully big Herman."

"Bet you the two of us could cut him down."

"Ma don't want us getting into fights," Henry wiped the dirt off his socks and shoes.

"Ma don't know how mean some people are."

"You shouldn't let them get to you Herman. I don't. I know what they trying to do."