CHAPTER 14Matt tossed the loose rifle parts, rags, and oil into the box. “We can’t waste time, Spot.” He ran in through the back door of the hardware store.
Ned was busy unpacking fresh rolls of Manila hemp. Most boats on the lake need new line every spring. Ned didn’t look up at Matt as he spoke. “Hope you don’t mind my overhearing some of your talk out back, Matt?”
“You couldn’t avoid it. Spotty hollers like a hog caller. Doesn’t matter now anyway.”
“I won’t say a thing, Matt, about the cave and you getting the bends.” Hemp rasped through his calloused hands. “Nothing to be ashamed of anyhow. Your friend’s right there. He’s smart.”
“Spot was in front when they passed out the brains,” Matt said. He put the box of gun parts on the oiled board floor. Ned was running a length of crisp ye
