Good thing I've got my window,Lahoma would say as the snow lay thick on the plains and in broken lines all over the mountain,and the cutting blast made the fire jump with sudden fright.She would hold her book close to the dirt square in which the frame was planted,and spell out words she had never heard used,such as lad,lass,sport,and the like mysteries.This window is going to civilize me,Brick.
It did not lessen their relish in the subject that they had discussed it already a hundred times.It was the same way with the hand-made bench,with the trench that carried water from their door during sudden downpours,and with the self-congratulation over owning two ponies to keep each other company.
They's one thing about us,Lahoma,which it ain't according to the big outside world,and yet I hope it won't never be changed.We are mighty glad we've got what we've got.And to be glad of what you've got is a sure way to multiply your property.Every time you brag on that window,it shines like two windows to me.
Spring came late that year,and in the early days of March,Brick rode over to the cove behind the precipice after Bill Atkins.I want you to come over to my place,he begged,and answer some of Lahoma's questions.Being closeted with her in that there dugout all winter,she has pumped me as dry as a bone.
Perhaps Bill Atkins had had his fill of solitude during that cold winter--or perhaps he was hungry for another hour of the little girl's company.Nothing,however,showed his satisfaction as he entered her chamber.Here I am,he announced,seating himself on the bench.This was his only greeting.
Is it drug or dragged?demanded Lahoma.Dragged.
Why don't God send me a little girl to play with,after me asking for one every night,all winter?
Don't understand God's business,replied Atkins briefly.
I puts it this way,Brick spoke up;God's done sent one little girl,and it ain't right to crowd Him too far.
Will I be all they is of me,as long as I live?
Nobody won't never come to live in these plains,Brick declared,unless its trappers and characters like us.But we'll stay by you,won't we,Bill Atkins?
Atkins looked exceedingly gruff and shook his head as if he had his doubts about it.You'll have to be taken to the States,he declared.
But what would become of Brick?
Well,honey,said Brick,you want to take your place with people in the big world,don't you?
Oh,YES!,cried Lahoma,starting up and stretching her arm toward the window.In the big world--yes!That's the place for me--that's where I want to live.But what will become of you?
Well,Brick answered slowly,the rock pile,t'other side the mountain is good enough for me.Your mother sleeps under it.
Oh,Brick!She caught his arm.You wouldn't die if I went away,would you?
Why,you see,honey,they wouldn't be nothing left to go on.I'd just sort of stop,you know--but it wouldn't matter--out there in the big world,people don't remember very long,and when you're grown you wouldn't know there'd ever been a cove with a dugout in it,and a window in the wall,and a Brick Willock to carry in the wood for the fire.
I'll always remember--and I won't go without you.He COULD go with me,couldn't he,Bill?
I suspicion he has his reasons for not,Atkins observed gravely.I has,and I shall never go back to the States.
Then what's the use civilizing me?demanded Lahoma mournfully.
I want you to enjoy yourself.And when I'm old and no-'count,you'd need somebody to take care of you--and you'd go full-equipped and ready to stand up to any civilized person that tried to run a bluff on you.
But,oh,I want to GO--I want to go out THERE--where there ain't no plains and alkali and buffalo-grass--where they's pavements and policemen and people in beautiful clothes.I don't mean NOW,I mean when I have got civilized.She drew herself up proudly.I wouldn't go till I was civilized,till I was like them.She turned impulsively to Brick:But you've got to go with me when I go!I'm going to stay with you till I'm fit to go,and then you're going to stay with me the rest of my life.
Am I fit to go with her?Brick appealed to Bill Atkins.You ain't,Bill replied.
I ain't fit,Brick declared firmly.I'm a-going to fitten you;but it's too late to work on me;and besides,if they WAS time enough,it ain't to the grain of my nature.I knows all I wants to know,which if little or much is enough for me.And I wouldn't be fit to go with you out into the big world and cut a figger in it,which couldn't be no figger but a figger naught.And Atkins who knows more than me,he says the same.
The tears were in Lahoma's eyes.She looked from one to the other,her little face deeply troubled.Suddenly she grabbed up her books and started toward the stove.Then this here civilizing is going to stop,she declared.
Lahoma!Brick cried in dismay.
Yes,it is--unless you promise to stay with me when I go to live in the big world.
Honey,I'll promise you this:When you are ready to live out there,I'll sure go with you and stay with you--if you want me,when the time comes.
Lahoma seized his hand,and jumped up and down in delight.It's a safe promise,remarked Bill Atkins dryly.
