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           Mycopfriendsayssometimeswhenthey’dplanthimintheline-up,hegotpickedoutoverandoveragain.Peoplesworetheireyesouthedidwhateveritwas.That’llbesixbits,please."

           Ethanputhishandinhispocket."I’llhavetooweyou."

           "I’lltakeitoutinsandwiches,"saidJoey.

           ThetwocrossedHighStreetandenteredthealleythatright-angledfromtheotherside.JoeywentinthebackdooroftheFirstNationalBankonhissideofthealley,andEthanunlockedthealleydoorofMarullo’sFruitandFancyGroceriesonhisside."Hamandcheese?"hecalled.

           "Onrye—lettuceandmayonnaise."

           Alittlelight,grayedbythedustyiron-barredwindow,cameintothestoreroomfromthenarrowalley.Ethanpausedinthetwilightplaceshelvedtotheceilingandstackedwiththecartonsandwoodencasesofcannedfruits,vegetables,fish,processedmeats,andcheese.Hesniffedformiceamongtheseminalsmellsofflouranddriedbeansandpeas,thepaper-and-inkodorofboxedcereals,thickrichsournessofcheeses,andsausage,reekofhamsandbacon,fermentofcabbagetrimmings,lettuce,andbeettopsfromthesilverygarbagecansbesidethebackdoor.Perceivingnorustymustofmouse,heopenedthealleydooragainandrolledthecoveredgarbagecansintothealley.Agraycatdartedtogetin,buthedroveitaway.

           "Noyoudon’t,"heremarkedtothecat."Miceandratsarefeedforcats,butyou’reasausagenibbler.Aroint!Youhearme—aroint!"Theseatedcatwaslickingacurledpinkpawbutatthesecond"aroint"hehightailedawayandscrambledovertheboardfencebehindthebank.