HE WAS SOAKING WET when he got to the Wilkes’ house. That was because he took the short-cut, which meant plunging right into the river and swimming across, clothes and all. The inspectors and their snoopy companion would have to take the long route, around the ford.
Mr. Wilkes wasn’t in the house when he got there. But Mrs. Wilkes was, and Ginger, and both gasped as they saw him. Mrs. Wilkes bustled forward.
“Sweet stars above, child, what are you doing here? Get those clothes off; you’ll catch your death of cold. Ginger—go get one of Junior’s suits—”
Bobby said, “There’s no time for that, Mrs. Wilkes. Where’s Fat Sa—I mean, where’s your husband?”
Ginger said, “Don’t tell him, Ma. He’s just here to crow because he knows we can’t pass the inspection requirements—”
“You—you shut up!” be
