Al explained, “I don’ know what made her go out. I give her plenty of oil.’’ Al knew the blame was on him. He felt his failure. Ma said, “It ain’t your fault. You done ever’thing right.’’ And then she asked a little timidly, “Is it terrible bad?’’ “Well, it’s hard to get at, an’ we got to get a new con-rod or else some babbitt3 in this one.’’ He sighed deeply. “I sure am glad Tom’s here. I never fitted no bearing. Hope to Jesus Tom did.’’
