《Juke-Box 》作者： - Henry Kuttner【EPUB】

zaq

Juke Box JERRY FOSTER told the bartender that nobody loved him. The bartender with the experience ofhis trade said that Jerry was mistaken and how about another drink. quotWhy notquot said theunhappy Mr. Foster examining the scanty contents of his wallet. quot Ill take the daughter ofthe vine to spouse. Nor heed the music of a distant drum. Thats Omar.quot quotSurequot the bartender said surprisingly. quotBut you want to look out you dont go out by the samedoor that in you went. No brawls allowed here. This isnt East Fifth chum.quot quotYou may call me chumquot Foster said reverting to the main topic quotbut you dont mean it. Imnobodys pal. Nobody loves me.quot quotWhat about that babe you brought in last nightquot Foster tested his drink. He was a good-looking youngish man with slick blond hair and a rather hazy expression in his blue eyes. quotBettyquot he murmured. quotWell the fact is a while ago I was down at the Tom-Tom with Betty andthis redhead came along. So I ditched Betty. Then the redhead iced me. Now Im lonely andeveryone hates me.quot quotYou shouldnt of ditched Betty maybequot the bartender suggested. quotIm ficklequot Foster said tears springing to his eyes. quotI cant help it. Women are mydownfall. Gimme another drink and tell me your name.quot quotAustin.quot quotAustin. Well Austin Im nearly in trouble. Did you notice who won the fifth at Santa Anitayesterdayquot quotPigs Trotters wasnt itquot quotYesquot Foster said quotbut I laid my dough right on the nose of White Flash. Thats why Im here.Sammy comes around to this joint now doesnt hequot quotThats right.quot quotIm luckyquot Foster said. quotI got the money to pay him. Sammy is a hard man when you dont payoff.quot quotI wouldnt knowquot the bartender said. quotExcuse me.quot He moved off to take care of a couple