Sunday, May 15, 2005

Was the Trunk Locked, Bart?

Many years ago, during prohibition, Great-great-grandfather Relph, had a still that fit entirely into a trunk. Grandfather kept the key close to him, and the still in an out-building in Beverly Glen where they lived. Great-great-grandmother Relph did not approve of the illegal still.

One night someone backed a truck up to the shed and stole the trunk, still and all. Grandfather was left with nothing but his key.

Grandfather suspected that, Bart, his son-in-law, and my step-father, had taken the trunk at the behest of Grandmother Relph. Of course, Bart denied it.

But for years, whenever he noticed that Bart was dozing, or distracted, and off his guard, he would ask casually, “Was the trunk locked, Bart.” He hoped that Bart would answer automatically “yes” or “no”, and reveal that he knew.

He never caught Bart with that ploy, however. I’m sure that is because Bart did not take the trunk.

At least, he never told me if the trunk was locked or not.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now this is a cute story. Bet there is lots more where this one came from. Paula

Anonymous said...

hahahahaha   This is a fun story.  Pennie

Anonymous said...

If you have the key, I have a pair of divining rods - maybe between the pair of us we could find that still. Think of the fun we could have. We won't worry about getting arrested, we will enter a plea of incapacity for you and incapability for me lol.
Love from your mad and daring friend Sylvia x

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is funny! xox