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Chapter 28
Rainpoundedonthecabofthetrucksoloudlythatitcouldbeheardoverthepoundingoftheoldwornmotor.OnthetruckbedtheWainwrightsandJoadsspreadtheircottonbagsovertheirheadsandshoulders.
RoseofSharonshiveredviolentlyagainstMa’sarm,andMacried,«Gofaster,Al.Rosasharngotachill.Gottagetherfeetinhotwater.»
Alspeededthepoundingmotor,andwhenhecametotheboxcarcamp,hedrovedownclosetotheredcars.Mawasspoutingordersbeforetheywerewellstopped.«Al,"shecommanded,«youan’Johnan’Pagointothewillowsan’c’lectallthedeadstuffyoucan.Wegottokeepwarm.»
«Wonderiftheroofleaks.»
«No,Idon’thinkso.Benicean’dry,butwegottohavewood.Gottokeepwarm.TakeRuthiean’Winfiel’too.Theycangettwigs.Thisheregirlain’twell.»Magotout,andRoseofSharontriedtofollow,butherkneesbuckledandshesatdownheavilyontherunningboard.
FatMrs.Wainwrightsawher.«What’samatter?Hertimecome?»
«No,Idon’thinkso,"saidMa.«Gotachill.Maybetookcol’.Gimmeahan’,willyou?»ThetwowomensupportedRoseofSharon.Afterafewstepsherstrengthcameback—herlegstookherweight.
«I’mawright,Ma,"shesaid.«Itwasjus’aminutethere.»Theolderwomenkepthandsonherelbows.«Feetinhotwater,"Masaidwisely.Theyhelpedherupthecat-walkandintotheboxcar.
«Yourubher,"Mrs.Wainwrightsaid.«I’llgetafar’goin’.»Sheusedthelastofthetwigsandbuiltupablazeinthestove.
