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he watched Uncle Albert cranking up the car. He wished he was like
him.
The engine sprang to life. Uncle Albert cocked his head in
admiration. "Going as a sweet as a bird, eh, Kevin?"
"Sweeter."
Uncle Albert whistled as he put the starting handle back in the bo
boot amongst the collection of luggage. There was nothing dearer
to his heart than setting off on a journey. He was walwysalways ready/to
oblige friends or family with a lift.
"You've a full load on there Uncle Albert," said Kevin.
"Sure she'll take it in her stride. She never died a winter yet."
Kevin waved them off. They/would get to Tyrone eventually. Uncle
Albert had a way of getting to his destination somehow or other. By
the time they did get there his brother would be cursing the car and-
Albert and his wife and County Tyrone, and Mrs McCoy and Albert would
be paying no attention. Kevin chuckled to himself as he went inside.
It was quiet in the kitchen. The clock ticked on the dresser.
The other children were out playing, Brede was at her nursery. He
was to look afterin charge of the house.
His mother had made a stew and peeled potatoes. He had only to
boil the potatoes, she said, and drain them when they were cooked.
Tomorrow he would have to peel the potatoes himself and cook the
dinner and shop. He had never done any of these things before for
Brede had always been the one to help his mother. His father kept
himself well away from all women's work. He couldn't boil an eggx
