In this witty satire Cheever, acting as both narrator and observer, seeks to find the Crutchman's fatal flaw, the “worm in the apple” that will bring them down to the level of everyone else.

Scenting excessive high churchmanship, Hicks asked the vicar ‘not to put up an Ober-Ammergau crucifix’ (a cross with the dying Christ upon it) and notes approvingly that ‘he most readily assented’.

[…] Brooks listens persuadably to their suggestions, many of which he carries out.

A repairman and his truck. Guess I should say repairperson. Could have been a gal under that uniform and cap.