Salvage, Anyone?

Gerald whistled in admiration. “Hey, with those swell slats in your wagon, we can carry more salvage in one load.” They’d agreed to meet at the bus stop near Gerald’s house to canvas the neighborhood for newspaper and aluminum to aid the war effort.

Henry’s momentary silence goaded Gerald on even more. “You seem a little distracted. What’cha thinking about? Anna, the new girl? She does have some excellent qualities.”

“I’m not thinking about her. Too many other things going on.”

“Really? There’s another girl?” Gerald couldn’t help teasing.

“No, I haven’t started to study for the history exam yet.” Henry sighed as he turned up a walkway to knock on a neighbor’s door, while Gerald went to the adjacent house.

“Thank you very much, ma’am.” Henry balanced the cans he’d just received in his arms and staggered to the wagon.

“So what are you going to do?” Gerald continued the conversation where they left off. “The exam is tomorrow, and it covers three or four chapters.”

“I know that, and you know that, but fortunately, Dad doesn’t realize that. He’d have a fit if he knew I was gathering salvage instead of studying.”

Gerald listened sympathetically, depositing the contents of a bulky sack into the wagon. “So why are you out here on a Sunday, taking time away from your studies to collect newspapers and tin cans?”

“I’m not sure. Hearing reports of all those guys enlisting to serve our country, and there isn’t anything I can do . . . ” His voice trailed off as they parted ways once again to solicit more donations.

“Hey, Henry, do you know anyone in the neighborhood who has a truck? This guy’s got some old tires in his garage that he says we can get tomorrow.” Gerald gestured over his shoulder.