"It'll only last a second- it's not a quarter of an inch long.
You'll have to bend down."

"Go on."

"Nerve yourself for the shock, Circe. Think you can stand it?"

"I'll try. Keep your back to the mare."

"Thank you."

I heard her lean over and struck the match on the tire, I raised
it cautiously, sheltering it with my hands. Just as I was about
to raise my eyes:

"Thank you," she said, very softly, and blew it out.

I laid my hands on her shoulders.

"I won't say 'damn,'" I said. "I'Il say 'good-bye' instead,
like- like a good boy-scout."

"Say it then."

I said it.

"Oh, but that isn't- "

"Yes," I said. "It's a new rule."