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Show page 88 so good." She placed a hand on his bare arm. "The progress that we all want comes slowly." Fad drank some of his coffee and studied her pendulous earrings. "Why you pray for me at all?" he asked. Ruby answered quickly; "Because I been far out, almost to the other shore myself." She raised her hands,palms against his chest, to prevent his interruption. "Almost to the other shore. I saw the greater gift for the living, the fine thin threads that hold His garment to me and make my face radiant. His raiment we both wear. I perceive -- I do perceive - that the magnificence of His life is hope." "Don't play with me," Fad said. "This thing come on me for a long time. This my chance to match you stick for stick, stone for stone, cloud for cloud. Moses come out of those bulrushes when a baby." He reached for a broxm paper sack, his midnight snack. "You don't have to match me, Charles," Ruby said, feeling herself slipping. "I walk my path," Fad said, preparing to leave, settling it. "These men, they white?" Ruby asked vacantly. "They white but I collect first." "These type men are fast, forgetful travelers, Charles. Walk your watch counterclockwise tonight. You sweating, Baby." But Fad was gone, brushing past incoming customers. Ruby followed his stride until he passed under a dim street light and disappeared into the darkness. Fad entered the mill warehouse from a loading ramp. He |