To Kill Carcaridan Carcarias
The Quint family is seated around their unadorned but bountiful table, entertaining Jem and Scout's school friend, Young Walter Cunningham. Calpurnia the maid bustles about, bringing more syrup. Outside, we hear the lonely cry of whales.
Scout
Quint, are we poor?
Quint
You all know me, and how I earn a livin'.
Scout
Do you defend niggers?
Quint
Seen one eat a rocking chair once.
Jem
Quint, why won't you play football for the Methodists?
Quint
I'll never put on a lifejacket again.
Young Walter Cunningham
Sometimes we eat squirrels, but not lately.
Quint
A case of apricot brandy, and you'll pay for my lunch. Here you are, Walter - take this for ballast. When I was a boy every squirt wanted to be a harpooner or a sword fisherman. My pappy told me that I could reel in all the bluegills and tommycods I wanted, but that it was a sin to kill a Great White.
Jem
Why's that, Quint?
Quint
Because I suppose a Great White doesn't do anything but bite you, with his lifeless eyes, his doll's eyes. He doesn't even bust up a chiffarobe. He just sits there all day long, a perfect eating machine, biting ballplayers in half.
Scout
Quint?
Quint
Yes, Chiefy?
Scout
Why won't Boo Radley come out?
Quint
Because, Scout, I think he's gone under the boat.
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