The Butcher Boy Read Online Free PDF

and rolling more pastry just in case we run out she said. Then the car pulled up outside and in they came, Mary from the sweetshop and everybody popping corks and dusting snow off collars. I couldn't take my eyes off Alo. Sure enough he had the red hankie in his breast pocket and the trousers of his blue pinstripe suit had a crease would cut your hand. His steel-grey hair was neatly combed in two neat wings behind his ears. He stood proudly by the fireplace and I thought to myself Nugent? Hah! Nugent has nobody like him. I felt like cheering. Welcome to the cake house said ma, that's what you call this place, wiping her hands on her apron. Call it what you like, home I call it smiled Alo and gave her a big hug. Da was late but the party started anyway. Here's to Christmas and all in this room, he beamed and raised his whiskey glass.
    Now you said it Alo, they said, to the man himself, Alo Brady.
    Ah yes, says Alo, yes indeed and swirled the whiskey in his glass.
    Where does the time go, where does it go at all? Twenty years in Camden Town this Winter, would you believe it?
    You'll never come back now Alo.
    Come back? What'd take him back, am I right Alo? He has it far too good over there.
    Ten men under him, called ma from the scullery.
    God bless all here said Alo and long may they prosper.
     
    I still couldn't stop looking at him, the gold tiepin and his polished nails, the English voice. Nugent's was only half-English. The more you thought it the harder it was to believe that Nugent had ever been anything worth talking about. Ah yes, he went on, I'll never forget it. Euston Station, London town!
    A big spot Alo, you were a long way from the town then!
    Nothing only my coat and case, what have I let myself in for I said.
    The streets of Piccadilly, Alo!
    Now you said it. Spent the night in the YMCA. Don't talk to me!
    All corners of the earth, he says!
    Now you said it!
    Well would you credit that!
    Boys oh boys.
    Twenty years to the day, he says!
    Well you're here now so here's to your health and all in this room!
    Cheers they said and I heard the front door click closed and then da was there they hardly noticed him at all. His eyes were small like ball bearings he just moved along the edges getting drink and saying nothing. Then they said there you are Benny and started back into the old days.
    Oh if only Pete was here now.
    One of the best characters in the town poor Pete.
    Music? There wasn't a song he didn't know.
    Don't sit under the apple tree with anyone else but me!
    That was his!
    To go so early, who'd have thought it?
    The Good Lord, he does his harvesting and he forgets no one!
    Bing! Could he sing Bing! Dear Hearts and Gentle People!
    No better man to sing it!
    Please God he's happy where he is now!
    Alo's eyes were brightly lit what about a song he says and off we went to the sitting room. He angled his elbow on the piano and when they sang White Christmas you could hear him above everybody else as he put his whole heart into it. You could see the veins in his forehead as he strained for the high notes. When the song was over they lapsed into silence and their eyes glazed over.
    Mary, they said, you never played better.
    Oh now, says Mary, I haven't played in years.
    Since Alo went away, they laughed.
    Go easy on the girl or she'll play none!
    Also sang Tyrone Among the Bushes. Sweat spread a dark stain on his back. He raised his glass and took a bow.
    You never lost it Alo, they cried, Tyrone Among the Bushes you'll not top that!
    Who's next for shaving!
    Then there were recitations, Dangerous Dan McGrew and Sam McGee mush mush in the Arctic snow.
    By God it's better than a play!
    Now who, I ask you, needs the West End after that! Am I right Alo?
    Now you're talking! laughed Alo.
     
    Ma arrived with a silver teapot and on the plate a castle of butterfly buns with its turrets ready to topple.
    Who's for a few buns she said or maybe you'd like some cake? I'll go and get some. I have plenty of slices cut.
    No