Таинственная история Билли Миллигана

           "

           Hesmiledashewatchedthechildrenrunoffwiththemoney.

           LaterArthursaidRagenhadbehavedbadlythatday."Youcan’tgoaroundthecityofColumbusplayingRobinHood,stealingfromtherichtogivetothepoorchildren."

           "Itgivespleasure."

           "Butyouknowverywellthatcarryingthatgunviolatestheconditionsofparole."

           Ragenshrugged."Isnotmuchbetteroutherethanprison."

           "That’sastupidthingtosay.Herewehavefreedom."

           "Butvatyoudovitfreedom?"

           ArthurbegantosuspectAllen’shunchwasright.Ragenhadcometopreferanyenvironment—evenprison—inwhichhecouldcontrolthespot.

           ThemoreRagensawoftheworking-classdistrictontheeastsideofColumbus,theangrierhebecameoverthestruggleofthepeopletosurviveintheshadowoftheglass-and-steelofficebuildingsofthewealthycorporations.

           Oneafternoonashepassedarundownhousewithasaggingporch,hesawabeautifulbond-hairedchildwithwideblueeyessittinginalaundrybasket,herwitheredlegsbentatawkwardangles.Anoldladystandinginthedoorwaycameontotheporch,andRagenaskedher,"Vydoeschildnothavelegbraces?Orveelchair?"

           Theoldladystared."Mister,youknowwhatthemthingscost?Ibeenbeggingthewelfarefortwoyears,andthereain’tnowayIcangetthemthingsforNancy.