ar。 〃The only thing most of these people will remember about you is how you go out； so give them something good。〃
The loudest crack of thunder yet broke overhead at that moment； loud enough to make the storage room's tin roof vibrate。 Percy jumped as if someone had goosed him； and Del gave a small； contemptuous snort of laughter。 〃It get much louder dan dat； he gonna piddle in his pants again；〃 he said； and then squared his shoulders … not that he had much to square。 〃e on。 Let's get it over。〃
We walked to the platform。 Delacroix ran a nervous eye over the witnesses … about twenty…five of them this time … as we went； but Brutal； Dean； and I kept our own eyes trained on the chair。 All looked in order to me。 I raised one thumb and a questioning eyebrow to Percy； who gave a little one…sided grimace； as if to say What do you mean； is everything all right？ Of course it is。
I hoped he was right。
Brutal and I reached automatically for Delacroix's elbows as he stepped up onto the platform。 It's only eight or so inches up from the floor； but you'd be surprised how many of them； even the toughest of tough babies； need help to make that last step up of their lives。
Del did okay； though。 He stood in front of the chair for a moment （resolutely not looking at Percy）； then actually spoke to it； as if introducing himself： 〃C'est moi；〃 he said。 Percy reached for him； but Delacroix turned around on his own and sat down。 I knelt on what was now his left si