All Men Fear Me by Donis Casey Read Free Book Online

don’t know, Daddy. It’s been going on in Europe for almost three years already. Gee Dub’ll probably get to go, lucky dog…”
    Gee Dub looked up from his plate when Charlie said his name, but didn’t comment. Shaw flicked another glance at Alafair. One of her hands was gripping the coffee pot handle with white knuckles. She put the other on his shoulder. He casually reached up and draped his hand over hers as he addressed Charlie. “There’s no use to borrow trouble, son. The country is not ready to send troops overseas yet.”
    â€œBut we will be, Daddy! Why, fellows are joining up by the thousands. And you know as well as I do that there’s going to be more than one draft.”
    Kurt offered an opinion at last. “I did not really think it would happen, us getting into the war. The reason Mr. Wilson got re-elected was because he kept us out of war.” He shook his head. “Still, it is done now, and I for one will do my duty as an American.”
    Mary had not said anything, but she looked so unhappy that Alafair caught Shaw’s eye and shook her head.
    â€œAnd if that happens, Charlie Boy,” Shaw interjected, “we’ll deal with it then. As for now, the direction this discussion has taken is not good for the digestion.”
    Charlie could tell by his father’s tone that the conversation was at an end. He sat back in his chair, sorry to have introduced such an incendiary topic. He tried to change the subject. “Tell you what, Ma. I’ll pay Uncle Robin a nickel my own self if he’ll patch the next hole in the roof if it starts to rain again, and save me from having to do it.”
    â€œYou finish up your supper and go to bed,” Alafair said. “It’s late and morning comes early, don’t you know. Gee Dub, Robin is going to bunk with you out in the shed. Grab a lantern off the back porch, and you can show your uncle Robin the way. Mary, I’ll wrap up some of this pie for y’all to take home with you.”
    The boys left for their respective tasks and Rob looked up at his sister. “I’m sorry, Alafair. I should have kept my notions to myself.”
    â€œIt’s all right,” Shaw answered for her. “He’s just young and looking for action.”
    â€œWell, I’ll be quiet from now on. I didn’t come to bring a sword, as Dad would say.” He sighed and changed the subject. “Gee Dub’s made a fine-looking man.”
    Shaw nodded, trying not to look too proud. “He’s just finished his second year at A&M. When he came home for the summer, I was hoping he’d share with his old dad all the up-to-date and modern agricultural and animal-husbandry techniques he had acquired. He ain’t disposed to volunteer the information, though.”
    Alafair had her own explanation of this behavior. “Oh, Shaw, no matter how old-fashioned he thinks your farming is, Gee Dub would never say anything to you, of all people, lest you think he’s judging you.”
    â€œI expect you’re right, darlin’. Which is something of a poser, since I’d be entirely interested to hear about scientific farming.” Shaw shook his head. “Sometimes I have to pry the words out of that boy’s mouth with a crowbar!”

Chapter Ten
    â€œCome On Boys, Do Your Duty: Enlist!”
    â€”U.S. Army propaganda poster, 1917
    Alafair had filled Rob’s arms with a pile of pillows and quilts so high that Gee Dub thought he’d have to lead his uncle to the toolshed like a blind man.
    The night was brisk and cool, with a fresh gusty breeze that drove tattered clouds across the face of the moon. “Look, there’s a ring around the moon, sport.” Rob’s voice was muffled by a pillow. “I reckon it’ll rain before long.”
    â€œWhy are you so dead set against the war, Uncle Robin?”
    They were halfway across the yard when Gee Dub asked his