“Look who’s here.”

“I come to see how you’re doing.”

“All right. It aches sometimes and itches like hell, but it aint too bad.”

“That’s good.” I was suddenly shy and looked down at my hands. “I had an idea. I wondered if you’d want to come up to the big house for supper. I’d like you to meet my brother.”

“What kind of game you playing?”

I looked up. “I aint playing no games. I thought you could tell him about how the miners see things, and about the typhoid. They aint too many of the miners he knows on a personal basis.”

“Sit down here.” He patted the side of the bed. “Does he know some of the miners?”

“Well, they’s two or three comes to see him from time to time. They sit and talk and smoke cigars.”

“What do they talk about?”

“Dont know. Miles allays sends me out. Business, I reckon. But I bet they dont say too much to him.”

“Same ones every time?”

“I only seen two or three.”

“Who?”

I hesitated.

“Look,” he said. “I got to watch out for my reputation. If the boys think you’re too cozy with the boss man, they may not trust you. Tell me who your brother talks with, and I’ll know if they’re respected by the others. I’ll know if I can come visit and not lose no faith.”

“Well, Tom Mace is one.”

“Do tell.”

“And Anse Crenshaw and that Negro with the beard, Albert something or other.”

“That all?”

“That’s all I ever seen come.”

He nodded his head contentedly. “Well, I never would of thought it of them boys. Aint that interesting to know.” He smiled at me. “Reckon if they can visit, so can I. When should I come?”

“I’ll have to let you know. I aint asked Miles yet.”

“You aint? What makes you so sure he’ll say yes? Most boss men wont fraternize.”

“I done told you, they’s some he sees. Besides, I’ll tell him you’re my friend.”

“Oh. That should do it then.”

His eyes seemed to mock me, but then he smiled again. “You are something. I reckon you could talk a bear down outen a honey tree.”

Maybe, but I had a time convincing Miles.

“You’ve got no business being friends with a single miner,” he said. “I had a look at that fellow at the tipple. He’s got a swagger even with that cast on. There’s just one thing he wants from you.”

“What?”

“You’re not baiting me this time, Sis. I’m warning you, that’s all.”

“What makes you think he wants something from me? Aint nobody ever wanted it before.”

“That’s because you’re so muleheaded. It’s not becoming.”

“Go to church ifn you want to preach.” I stomped out, slamming the door behind me. Then I stuck my head back inside. “I’ll just invite him to supper at my place.”

I knew that would do it. He let out a sigh and said Lloyd could come to supper on Saturday.