Page 18 - Contrast1977Novemberv21n1

The bar was fairly empty and the barman
stood far enough away not to have to listen but
near enough to be aware of the constant flow.

"Pneumoniait was, they said. But he had
cancer anyway so it didn't really matter which
got t im in the end. One 0 t the other. Thirty
pound it cost return! For a funeral! You'd
think they I d give Cheaper tickets to go to
funerals, say half price or something. n

I bought another pint and the barman was
drawn near enough to have to make facial re-
actions to the mourner.

"Been away a week I have, George. A week
it took all told, up there and back. Funeral
to arrange, the will and a few clothes. Got
the suit though. Comein handy that. II

He finished his pint as my. glass of orange
jelly set level with a few bubbles on top.

nAb, well, see you George,n the mourner said
and shambled out in his suit.. The brother must
have been a good two inChes taller and maybe
half a stone heavier than the survivor. I paid
for my drink and bought a packet of crisps to
soak it up.

A young lad of about twenty came in and put-
ting his plastic darts case on the bar said,
"P~l.nt please, Bert. n

The publican looked up suddenly, "on, hello
young Roger. Darts match tonight?"

"Yeah, friendly downthe Unicorn. Thought
I'd have a quick one he.re first, beat the rush."

The barman drew the pint and seemed alm:>st
eager to talk but the darts player walked over
to the vacant board and threw three darts into
the twenty segment. The barman leaned back on
the optic's counter and looked at his watch.
He brea.thed out heavily be.tweenhis teeth and
picked at a scab on his wrist.

Cc: in David Webb