Chapter 5 - Page 58 - Building A Village

   “I sure do,” Shorty replied, “would you like to see it?” He led them a short distance to the company parking lot and pointed to a nice looking jeep parked off by itself. Shorty started the motor and let it run for awhile while he and Jim discussed the price.

   “OK,” Jim said, “so where do I pick up the title and the jeep?”

   “I have the title with me. You can take the jeep with you.” He fumbled through the glove compartment, looking for the title.

   “Shorty,” Jim asked, “if I take the jeep now, how will you get home tonight?”

   “My brother can give me a ride home,” Shorty replied. “He’s the man you talked to when you drove in.”

   “Are you ready to go, Jackie?” Jim asked when Shorty had pocketed the payment and returned to work.

   “I need to check on my mother,” Jackie told him, “and it would be closer for me to go home from here.”

   “OK, I’ll see you soon.”

   “I’ll be back in a few days,” Jackie told him as he got in his car.

   Jim watched him drive out of the parking lot, then climbed into his new jeep and carefully backed out of the parking place. He hadn’t driven for several months, and it had been years since he’d driven a vehicle with a standard transmission. As he let off the clutch, the jeep lunged forward. The motor died. Jim started the motor and let out the clutch slowly. The jeep crept forward, then Jim ground into second gear. As he turned onto the main road, he felt