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Show RIVER I started to say something about how I didn't really have much nerve, I just knew how much I needed that oar, but then the shock of hitting that blue-cold water and being swallowed by the river and the sudden blow of the stomach-twisting panic came back to me and I deflated like a flaming zeppelin. "All right," I said. "I'm crazy." I climbed back down into the boat. We cast off and drifted down the Kentucky shore. The morning had warmed up considerably and the drifting was as good as drifting gets, but we were both shook up and didn't say much. Ralph was already many miles from Cairo, so when we came to a landing I pulled in. We got out and exchanged addresses. "Thanks for the shower," I told him. "Keep up the good work." "Thanks for the ride," said Ralph. I got back in the boat and pulled out into the Mississippi. "So long," I called back. "If s been good to know you." Ralph cupped his hands and yelled back, "Be careful." Then he started up the road. -38- |
