Chapters 27-28, Polka Time and Nevermore,' Quoth the Assessor, 'Nevermore... Summary

As Ralph tries to explain the meaning of the word "cuckold" to his friend Flick, three mill workers enter the bar and start playing a polka on the jukebox. Watching the men, Ralph shudders at the memory of his days working in the mill. Flick explains that the work is good, and the men are earning a good living. They are hard workers. Suddenly reflective, Ralph asks, "Flick, do you ever get nervous when you look at cash? Like you figure it's going to all of a sudden disappear?" Flick confirms that he has the same fear. The two men begin remembering the Kissel family and what happened to them all those years ago.

Ralph recalls a time when the mere mention of...