the most sumptuous casket in the room. “They don’t come better than that, Luke. That’s the top. She’s worth every dollar I ask for her.”
“All right,” said Luke. “You’re the judge. If that’s the best you’ve g-g-g-got, we’ll take it.”
No, no! thought Eugene. You mustn’t interrupt. Let him go on.
“But,” said Horse Hines relentlessly, “there’s no need for you to take that one, either. What you’re after, Luke, is dignity and simplicity. Is that right?”
“Yes,” said the sailor meekly, “I guess you’re right at that, Mr. Hines.”
Now we’ll have it, thought Eugene. This man takes joy in his work.
“Well, then,” said Horse Hines decisively, “I was going to suggest to you boys that you take this one.” He put his hand affectionately upon a handsome casket at his side.
“This is neither too plain nor too fancy. It’s simple and in good taste. Silver handles, you see—silver plate here for the name. You can’t go wrong on this one. It’s a good buy. She’ll give you value for every dollar you put into it.”
They walked around the coffin, staring at it critically.
After a moment, Luke said nervously:
“How—wh—wh—wh-what’s the price of this one?”
“That sells for $450,” said Horse Hines. “But,” he added, after a moment’s dark reflection, “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. Your father and I are old friends. Out of respect for the family, I’ll let you have it at cost—$375.”
“What do you say,’Gene?” the sailor asked. “Does it look all right to you?”
Do your Christmas shopping early.
“Yes,” said Eugene, “let’s take it. I wish there were another color. I don’t like black,” he added. “Haven’t you got any other color?”
Horse Hines stared at him a moment.
“Black IS the color,” he said.
Then, after a moment’s silence, he went on:
“Would you boys care to see the body?”
