66
in a/minute.” When it did, he put down the bonnet lid of the bonnet.
"I hope no one siphons off me petrol,” said Uncle Albert.
"I don't think you need worry too much about that."
"Or takes off me tyres. They're up to all sorts of thingstricks these days."
The trys tyres were so smooth they were on the verge of being
dangerous, but Kevin did not point that out to his uncle. He wondered
that the police w did not pick him up more often for being in
possesssion of an unroadworthy m vehichle, but then the police had
plenty of other things to concern themselves withworry about.
"Looks like we'll have to walk," said Kevin.
Sadie walked between them, her arms linked through theirs. The
sky had cleared and the moon rode high above them lighting their
way. It was a fine night for a walk, Uncle Albert observed; he had
walked home often enough before. And no doubt it would not be the
last time, Kevin added. Uncle Albert broke into song, and Kevin and
Sadie joined in.
After they had gone a mile or two they saw the lights ahead of
a parked truck.
"Looks like an army check point," said Kevin.
When they drew near they saw two soldiers standing in front of the
truck, rifles held loosely in their hands. The walkers stopped in
front of them.
"Where are you going?" asked one of the soldiers.
"Belfast," said Uncle Albert. "Me car broke down a bit back there
