"John D. Fitzgerald - The Great Brain ReformsUC - 5" - читать интересную книгу автора (Fitzgerald John D)

"You must be punished for saying such a terrible
thing about? your own brother," Tom said-

"Then you punish me," I cried. *
- "I might consider it," Tom said, "if I thought it would
stop you from ever saying I wasn't a Christian agaso."

"It will," I promised. "Just name the punishment."

"The punishment must be severe enough to teach
you a lesson," Tom said, "I've got it. Give me your basket-
ball and backstop." '

I was the most popular kid in town because I owned
the only basketball and backstop. I had received them for
Christmas, and Papa had nailed the backstop on the alley
side of our woodshed. Kids came from all over town to

take turns playing. I didn't really know why Tom wanted
the basketball and backstop. I could only guess that he
couldn't stand for any kid in town to own something he
didn't, including his own brother.

"You can have them," I said gratefully. "And thanks
for not telling."

Frankie had a puzzled look on his face. "Why are
you thanking Tom for taking your basketball and back-
stop away from you?" he asked.

"It's worth it," I said. "It would break Papa's and
Mamma's hearts if they knew I'd said my own brother
Хvvasn't a Christian."

' Tom pointed at Frankie. "You had better give him
something for not telling, too," he said.

. "I'm surrounded by connivers," I cried, feeling like
a tiny mouse cornered by two big tomcats. "All right,
Frankie, name your price for not telling."

Frankie looked at Tom. "What do you think I should
ask for?"

"At least a quarter," Tom said, grinning.

Frankie thought for a moment. "Nope," he said. "I
want his jackknife."

They had me over a barrel. What could I do? I gave