CHAPTER 20CRAZY MAN IN THE BIG BELLY
Word got out that Deet, Tony, and I were looking for a good houseboy. Generally, this was done through references, so we were asking friends’ houseboys for brothers or friends who wanted to work. One day a local boy showed up at the door with a letter of reference and asked for a job. I did not invite him in but looked at him and said, “What does this letter say? Does it say you are a good worker?”
“Ya, boss! Ah a vey goo worker, oh! But ah na know wad a letta say. Ah na know how ta ree.”
“Give me the letter and I’ll read it,” I said.
The letter read:
This is to introduce Moses Kweat. Do not hire him under any circumstances! He’s a s**t and he stole from me!
Signed Gunter Schmidt
“You Moses Kweat?”
“Oh, ya suh, boss.”
“Well, Moses,” I said, “th
