Because others seem to have had the same confusion as Jenny, I will clarify:
Tom has not been spending his own money all summer for the house repairs and painting. Hal had charge accounts at the stores in town (primarily the hardware store but the others too). Remember, this is 1976 and credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, were not as persvasive as they are today. It was common, especially in smaller, rural towns like Quanah, to have a credit account at the store where you just sign your name. Tom talked to all the managers (he said this in chapter 4) so Jack or Ennis could sign/charge and Tom got the bills...and paid with Hal's money (remember, Tom had the power of attorney). For the things that Jack and Ennis paid out of pocket (such as the curtains), Tom reimbursed them but again it was from Hal's money. Finally, the weekly salary they were being paid ($125/wk each) was also from Hal's account.
So...Jack and Ennis don't owe Tom any money, and Tom hasn't gone broke this summer fixing up his uncle's house.
Hope that helps,
Leslie
MaineWriter (lazylfarm on LJ)
