160

over them. Mario began to sweat with fear. He

wondered if what he feared was going to happen.
~ There was no way of telling time. They’d taken his
watch when he was issued his prison uniform. They’d
packed it with all his other personal possessions that
had been carried from the city jail, put them in a
sack and checked them. “You’ll get this back when
you check out,” he was told.

A half hour must have passed before he heard
Barney’s voice. “The guard’s eatin’ now, ain’t he,
Mike?” |

“Yeah. I think so.”

“How about you, Golley? What’s the word?””

“Schedule’s about the same. He’s eatin’, all right.”

“Hey there, punk,” Barney’s voice raised a trifle,
“What’s your name?” : ’

Mario made no reply.

“Better answer when you’re spoken to, kid. Ain’t
healthy up here to keep your mouth shut when
you're asked something.” It was Barney speaking
in a croaked half voice.

“My name’s Mario.”

“Sure it ain’t Mary?” asked Barney.

He could hear the other stifle laughter.

- “How’s that cute little bottom of yours.” That was
Gooley.