"She'd say 'Johnny, if there is not one thing left for you and you have no trade and no health, and God Himself has turned away His face from you, then go to Merchant Lyte and show him your cup and tell him your mother told you before she died that you are kin to him." (Chapter 1, p.29)

'Johnny, I don't want you to be always riding them boys so hard. Dove tries, but he's stupid. Ain't his fault, is it? If God had wanted him bright He would have made him that way. We're all poor worms. You're getting above yourself - like I tried to point out to you. God is going to send you a dire punishment for your pride." (Chapter 2, p. 37)

Since his accident he had unconsciously taken to wearing his hat at a rakish angle. This, and the way he always kept his...