" Before reaching Grassy Butte, though, Dad spied a farmhouse with two pumps in the drive and a red-and-white sign out front saying DALE'S OIL COMPANY. Another sign said CLOSED, but a light was on in the house and Dad pulled in, saying, " I believe we might prevail on Dale. What do you think?" " Prevail on Dale," I repeated to Swede." To make a sale," she added." And if we fail, we'll whale on Dale--" " Till he needs braille!" " Will you guys desist?" Dad asked. "