Life Goes On by Alan Sillitoe

Author:Alan Sillitoe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
Published: 2016-05-31T04:00:00+00:00

Nineteen

Going over Hammersmith Flyover, a maroon Rolls-Royce told me I was back in Mogland. Pindarry wore his funny little Austrian-type hat with a feather up the side, and I recognised Moggerhanger’s big head in the back. He leaned against the window and, having much to think about, didn’t see me. At the moment only he was in my mind and I thought it a bad omen that I should spot him so soon after my arrival.

The presence of Harrods reassured me and it felt good to be safe home again. Letting myself into Blaskin’s flat, there wasn’t even Dismal to greet me, nothing except a couple of letters on the lounge table.

Dear Michael, [the first said]

I’ve decided to cut and run. I couldn’t stand it any longer. Not that Gilbert isn’t a gentleman. He certainly is that, the way he treats Mrs Drudge. We had some good times together. I had all the food and booze I wanted, but as soon as I finished writing his Sidney Blood story I lost interest in living here, and wanted to get out. Another thing was that that Mrs Drudge was getting on my wick. Every time I laid my hand on her arse she jumped a mile, as if I was going to rape her, or as if I wasn’t fit to touch such a person as her. I ask you, what kind of life is that? She wasn’t to know, I suppose, that it was only a friendly gesture. She also complained that I didn’t make my bed. Me make my bed! Anyway, I knew it was either her or me, and as I didn’t want to inconvenience Major Blaskin, Sergeant Straw had to get back into the wilderness and live under fire. Well, it makes a change.

Another thing is, I got so stir-crazy yesterday I went out for a walk as far as Harrods. You know my weakness for the place, well I went in for a look around. I saw that pillock Cottapilly in the toy department buying a fire engine. He’s got the best collection of toy fire engines of anybody I know. He’s very queer for fire engines, I can’t think why. Anyway, I don’t think he saw me, but I can’t be sure. If he did it’s only a matter of time before they come and get me, or before they tip off the Green Toe Gang so that they can come and get me. Life’s not easy, Michael. It never was, not for yours truly. Oh, and another thing. I’ve taken Dismal. I’m sorry about that. I know you’re fond of him, but with me it’s a matter of life and death. I’ll buy a white stick from the Blind Shop, and with dark glasses and my coat collar turned up like on the pictures, I’ll be an object of pity and respect to all passers-by. I’ll have an impenetrable disguise, what’s more, and be able to pull in the odd penny or two if

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