Joe hesitated, but only for a moment. His children deserved a chance,
and Barbara was going to be married within the week. Barbara and Ellis
were young and the world was theirs. Ellis, Joe felt, would help take
care of Emma and the children if he didn't get back. Besides he was
older. He'd picked up a few tricks that Ellis didn't know. Joe said,
"It's no time for fussing. I'm going."