Of Mice and Men

Whitey was religious about bug control, even if there were no bugs present. He removed the spots (eyes) from his potatoes before eating, as well as any splotches in his eggs. Whitey always dressed up on Sunday, even if he didn't have any plans.

"This here blacksmith- name of Whitey- was the kind of guy that would put that stuff around even if there wasn't no bugs- just to make sure, see? Tell you what he used to do- At meals he'd peel his boil' potatoes, an' he'd take out ever' little spot, no matter what kind, before he'd eat it. And if there was a red splotch on an egg, he'd scrape it off. Finally quit about the food. That's the kinda guy he was- clean. Used ta dress up Sundays even when he wasn't going no place, put on a necktie even, and then set in the bunkhouse."