Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/179

 those washing machines … cost too much … Still, he could afford to go out and pay several hundred dollars for a damned old bull. No, he could never ask his father for money to go to New Orleans and he didn't have any unless he did.

"Won't cost you a cent," said Gaylord. "I've got enough for both of us. The trip's on me."

"Damn swell of ya, Gay. You don't know how much I appreciate it … We can ask him … Maybe he'll be in a good mood … but I couldn't go unless I paid my way."

"Why not?"

"I just wouldn't."

"I don't know why not … I won't have any fun by myself and I've got plenty … I'd just love to have you come along … you can pay me back."

"I don't know how."

"I was just saying that … please come."

"Well … I'll," Rogers sputtered … New Orleans mingled with the words. Pictures he had seen of the city became a reality. Old buildings … Napoleon … pirates … iron verandas with beautiful girls looking down from them … the Mississippi River … he could see the mighty father of all waters … the old St. Louis Cathedral his mother had told him about … the Cabildo … with Jackson Square in front of it … Andrew Jackson on his horse all in bronze … that's what the post cards showed.

He thought of where he had actually been. Cotton and a few surrounding towns and that was it. He had been to San Antonio once. His uncle had died and they had gone to the funeral but they had not even gone to town. He had seen the high buildings and had longed to walk past them.

Gaylord wouldn't admit defeat. Said, "We'll ask him and he'll let you go. I just know he will. You don't even have to ask him for any money. And it won't cost any more than if I went by myself … We can share a room at the hotel. I always get one … That is if you don't mind sleeping with someone … me for instance."

"Mind? I'd love it."

Gaylord wondered just how he meant it. "There's some nice hotels in New Orleans." 169