Gratitude Letter, Part 3

In part 3 of Dad's letter to his folks, he describes some of his adventures, including a run-in with a drunk beggar.

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I will never be a city boy although I like it in the city.  I like the excitement and above all I get a bang out of watching people and trying to imagine what kind they are.  I don't like to have to constantly keep feeling of my pocket to see if my billfold is still there though.
A drunk fellow approached me on the street last Friday night and wanted some money to get coffee.  I said "I wouldn't give you any money as long as you can afford to get drunk".  He got angry and started threatening me.  He didn't know me from Adam and he said, "you better not report for work tomorrow morning" and then walked off.

Later I ran into him again and said "hello pal".  He stopped and looked at me and said, "where have I seen you before"?  I told him he never had.  He wanted a cigarette and I gave it to him.  He was so drunk he could hardly stand up.  He talked to me awhile and then asked me if I had any money and I said "sure, lots of it".  He said "give me some".  I wanted to know what for and he said "to buy a drink".  I started laughing and said that before I would give him any money for a drink I would buy myself one.  He got mad again and walked off.  Things like that make a city interesting.  Of course no matter what you do or say, you know it doesn't make any difference because you will never see the people around you again anyway.

Fred was just up and we decided to eat and then take a long walk into the old part of Brookline.  It will be about a four or five mile walk but I enjoy them.

In your letter Dad you asked if I was coming home if inducted into the army.  I cannot see any sense in doing so because of the cost.  $40 for a railroad ticket is a lot of money.  However if after taking my physical here and if I pass, I get two weeks furlough and might come home then.  No better way of spending my money that I know of.  No word from the draft board as yet.

Your loving son,

Clayton

P.S.  My diploma will arrive in a few days.  Guard it!  Represents 5 years of my life.