Earl and Lucy had decided not to tell anyone about the wedding gift until after Carl talked with Mr. Jones and asked fur Molly’s hand. Carl was plannin to talk to Mr. Jones the next Sunday.

  He and his pa set out the next mornin to go do some clearin of the land by the creek up near Romeo’s place where Rosie had got bred, so they had a reasonable place to make their moonshine. They also took the big ol barrel to put the grain on to soak and the grain, as well and got the whole process started. The followin day, they hauled their moonshine makin equipment through the tall grass and over the rocks and around the trees, through the weeds until they were plumb wore out with the effort. The excitement of runnin their shine when nobody else was, was enough excitement to give them the energy to keep goin!

  Carl and Earl spent the better part of the next day puttin the still together. Earl said to Carl, “you know the rye and barley are goin to give the likker a different flavor. I kin almost taste it.”

  Carl said, “I think it will be even better than our previous batches, pa!”

  “Well, we will know, soon. Have you got your speech ready fur Mr. Jones, Carl?” his father asked.

  “Pa, I’m about as nervous as a long tail cat in a room full of rockin chairs. I got it wrote but facin him is goin to be one of the hardest things I ever had to do!” Carl explained.

  “Well Carl, I understand that. I still to this day, remember facin yore Ma’s parents and feelin about as big as an ant and just knowin my face was as red as a tomato! Remember this tho, Mr. Jones has been a hankerin to get Molly married off fur a while so don’t let him intimidate you. I mean, have plenty of respect fur him, but know he’s a wanting the same thang as you so he should be purty agreeable!” Earl told him.

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  “While this mash is soakin, let’s ride by Clement’s place and see if he’s heard of anybody feelin thirsty- like. On the way over to Clement’s, the two reminisced about Carl’s childhood and his growin up.

  Clement came out to meet them as they pulled into his driveway. “Hey, guys, what’s goin on?” He asked.

  “We just come callin, Clement.” Carl said.

  Clement said, “I was just thinkin about you all and here you are! You know, a few years back we had warm weather come in and my pa said that even tho it was still technically winter, the mash would work fur some whiskey if it stayed warm fur a few days. He tried it and it was one of his best runs of likker he ever did. Have you thought about given it a try Mr. Higgins?”

  “We’re thinkin alike, Clement! It’s already started and we will be runnin it in the next few days, Lord willin and the creek don’t rise!” Earl said.

  “Well good, cuz I done had 3 different people askin where they could get somethin to drink. You know Alfred Missions? He’s one of them three.” Clement said.

  “Isn;t he the one I was supposed to meet and he showed up there with Steve?” Earl asked.

  “Oh, I forgot. Yeah, that sure could’ve been a mess if it weren’t fur yore quick thinkin, Earl and the fact that Steve had to go respond to that call fur Petey!”

  “Now the two others are to be trusted but they don’t want too much. So that will help some, but maybe you know of some other people yourself?” Clement said.

  “Yeah, we’ll be ok. We were thinkin of goin back over to Donna’s holler and I believe the man who traded us this rye and barley will be ready fur more.” Earl said.

  “Why don’t you all come in fur a spell?” Clement asked.

  “Thank you kindly, Clement, but we need to git on back home. It was sure good to see you and we will be back soon.” Earl said.