thief had stolen the Gibson guitar — absconded with it from a waterfront cafe» where he, Otto,
Dick, and the Cowboy had been bidding one another a highly alcoholic goodbye. And Perry was
bitter about it. He felt, he later said, «real mean and low,» explaining, «You have a guitar
long enough, like I had that one, wax and shine it, fit your voice to it, treat it like it was a girl you
really had some use for — well, it gets to be kind of holy.» But while the purloined guitar presented
no ownership problem, his remaining property did. As he and Dick would now be traveling by foot
or thumb, they clearly could not carry with them more than a few shirts and socks. The rest of
their clothing would have to be shipped — and, indeed, Perry had already filled a cardboard carton
(putting into it — along with some bits of unlaundered laundry — two pairs of boots, one pair with
soles that left a Cat’s Paw print, the other pair with diamond-pattern soles) and addressed it to
himself, care of General Delivery, Las Vegas, Nevada.
But the big question, and source of heartache, was what to do with his much-loved memorabilia the two huge boxes heavy with books and maps, yellowing letters, song lyrics, poems, and
unusual souvenirs (suspenders and a belt fabricated from the skins of Nevada rattlers he himself
had slain; an erotic netsuke bought in Kyoto; a petrified dwarf tree, also from Japan; the foot of an
Alaskan bear). Probably the best solution — at least, the best Perry could devise — was to leave the
stuff with «Jesus.» The «Jesus» he had in mind tended bar in a cafe across the street from the
hotel, and was, Perry thought, muy simpatico, definitely someone he could trust to return the
boxes on demand. (He intended to send for them as soon as he had a «fixed address.»)
Still, there were some things too precious to chance losing, and while the lovers drowsed and
time dawdled on toward 2:00 p.m., Perry looked through old letters, photographs, clippings, and
selected from them those mementos he meant to take with him. Among them was a badly typed
composition entitled «A History of My Boy’s Life.» The author of this manuscript was Perry’s
father, who in an effort to help his son obtain a parole from Kansas State Penitentiary, had written
it the previous December and mailed it to the Kansas State Parole Board. It was a document that
Perry had read at least a hundred times, never with indifference:
Childhood — Be glad to tell you, as I see it, both good and bad. Yes, Perry birth was
normal. Healthy — yes. Yea, I was able to care for him properly until my wife turned out to
be a disgraceful drunkard when my children were at school age. Happy disposition — yes
and no, very serious if mistreated he never forgets. I also keep my promises and make
him do so. My wife was different. We lived in the country. We are all truly outdoor people.
I taught my children the Golden Rule. Live & let live and in many cases my children would
tell on each other when doing wrong and the guilty one would always admit, and come
forward, willing for a spanking. And promise to be good, and always done their work
quickly and willing so they could be free to play. Always wash themselves first thing in the
morning, dress in clean clothes, I was very strict about that, and wrong doings to others,
and if wrong was done to them by other kids I made them quit playing with them. Our
children were no trouble to us as long as we were together. It all started when my wife
wanted to go to the City and live a wild life — and ran away to do so. I let her go and said
goodbye as she took the car and left me behind (this was during depression). My children
all cryed at the top of their voices. She only cussed them saying they would run away to
come to me later. She got mad and then said she would turn the children to hate me,
which she did, all but Perry. For the love of my children after several months I went to find
them, located them in San Francisco, my wife not knowing. I tryed to see them in school.
My wife had given orders to the teacher not to let me see them. However, I managed to
see them while playing in the school yard and was surprised when they told me, «Mama told us not to talk to you.» All but Perry. He was different. He put his arms around me and
wanted to run away with me rite then. I told him No. But rite after school was out, he ran
away to my lawyers office Mr. Rinso Turco. I took my boy back to his mother and left the
City. Perry later told me, his mother told him to find a new home. While my children were
with her they run around as they pleased, I understand Perry got into trouble. I wanted
her to ask for divorce, which she did after about a year or so. Her drinkin and stepin out,
living with a young man. I contested the divorce and was granted full custody of the
children. I took Perry to my home to live with me. The other children were put in homes
as I could not manage to take them all in my home and them being part indian blood and
welfare took care of them as I requested.
This was during depression time. I was working on W.P.A. very small wages. I owned
some property and small home at the time. Perry and I lived together peacefully. My
heart was hurt, as I still loved my other children also. So I took to roaming to forget it all. I
made a livin for us both. I sold my property and we lived in a «house car.» Perry went to
school often as possible. He didn’t like school very well. He learns quick and never got
into trouble with the other kids. Only when the Bully Kid picked on him. He was short and
stocky a new kid in school they tried to mistreat him. They found him willing to fight for his
rights. That was the way I raised my kids. I always told them dont start a fight, if you do,
I’ll give you a beaten when I find out. But if the other kids start a fight, do your best. One
time a kid twice his age at school, run up and hit him, to his surprise Perry got him down
and give him a good beating. I had given him some advice in wrestling. As I once used to
Box & Wrestle. The lady principal of the school and all the kids watched this fight. The
lady principal loved the big kid. To see him get whipped by my little boy Perry was more
than she could take. After that Perry was King of the Kids at school. If any big kid tried to
mistreat a small one, Perry would settle that rite now. Even the Big Bully was afraid of
Perry now, and had to be good. But that hurt the lady principal so she came to me
complaining about Perry fighting in school. I told her I knew all about it and that I didnt
intend to let my boy get beat up by kids twice his size. I also asked her why they let that
Bully Kid beat up on other kids. I told her that Perry had a rite to defend himself. Perry
never started the trouble and that I would take a hand in this affair myself. I told her my
son was well liked by all the neighbors, and their kids. I also told her I was going to take
Perry out of her school real soon, move away to another state. Which I did. Perry is no
angel he has done wrong many times same as so many other kids. Rite is Rite and
wrong is wrong. I dont stick up for his wrong doings. He must pay the Hardioay when he
does wrong, law is Boss he knows that by now.
Youth — Perry joined the merchant Marines in second war. I went to Alaska, he came later
and joined me there. I trapped furs and Perry worked with the Alaska Road Commission
the first winter then he got work on the railroad for a short while. He couldn’t get the work
he liked to do. Yes — he give me $ now and then when he had it. He also sent me $30.00
a month while in Korea war while he was there from beginning until the end and was
dischard in Seattle, Wash. Honorable as far as I know. He is mechanically inclined.
Bulldozers, draglines, shovels, heavy duty trucks of all type is his desire. For the
experience he has had he is real good. Somewhat reckless and speed crazy with
motorcycles and light cars. But since he has had a good taste of what speed will do, and
his both legs Broke & hip injury he now has slowed down on that I’m sure.
Recreation — interests. Yes he had several girl friends, soon as he found a girl to mistreat
him or trifle, he would quit her. He never was married as far as I know. My troubles with
his mother made him afraid of marriage somewhat. Im a Sober man and as far as I know
Perry is also a person that dont like drunks. Perry is like myself a great deal. He likes
company of decent type — outdoors people, he like myself, likes to be by himself also he
likes best to work for himself. As I do. I’m a jack of all trades, so to speak, master of few
and so is Perry. I showed