Even the Hoboes Are Expensive

Randall Nathan and his grandson, Johnny Kendy, are building a model train village in Randall’s basement. They recycle pop cans to get money for new equipment. They put the money into an old Miracle Whip jar that Claire used her label-maker to designate as “The First National Bank of Train Stuff,” Johnny’s name for it.

They have trains and trestles and a tunnel and a yard for extra cars and equipment, and a Mail Pouch Tobacco barn, and Independence Hall, in eclectic gauge.

“We need some people,” said Johnny.

So they put on their striped engineers’ caps and red bandannas and went to the hobby store. They bought a set of five hoboes for $21.20, the cheapest people available.

“What did you get?” asked Claire when they got home.

“Some very expensive hoboes,” said Johnny.

“I guess the economy is as bad as they say,” said Claire, “if even the hoboes are expensive.”