Chapter 14: Differing Weights and Measures introduces Fatty, the owner of “Fatty’s Jook,” located at the end of Pigs Alley in Chicken Hill. The establishment is bustling with customers at 2 a.m., yet Fatty’s demeanor is filled with concern as he watches Nate Timblin sitting alone at a table, heavily intoxicated. Fatty knows that Nate’s increasing drunkenness could quickly spiral out of control, potentially leading to trouble. As Rusty, a close friend, joins Fatty outside, the two engage in a conversation about Nate’s drinking problem, acknowledging the chaos that could arise from it. This exchange reveals the tension surrounding Nate’s self-destructive behavior and the impact it has on those around him, including Fatty, who feels responsible for trying to prevent further issues.

Fatty’s thoughts drift to a series of misfortunes caused by his reckless friends, resulting in his own injuries, including a damaged lip and a lost tooth. These events led Fatty to seek help and possible remedies in Philadelphia, but his visit there brings unexpected news. His cousin Gene, once a successful businessman, is now incapacitated after a disastrous accident with a horse-pulled water pumper. This accident leaves Gene unable to manage his business, forcing his wife to step in and run the dry-cleaning business. Fatty, feeling a sense of duty, reluctantly steps in to help. As he manages Gene’s laundry business, Fatty realizes he has a natural talent for overseeing multiple ventures. However, his success is overshadowed by the haunting memories of Nate’s dangerous past, which seems to resurface as Fatty interacts with Nate. The deepening tension between the two, especially with Nate’s increasing volatility, raises concerns that Fatty may be unable to contain the situation.

As Fatty works with Gene’s business, he continues to wrestle with his anxieties about Nate. His once-strong bond with Nate is now strained by the unpredictable nature of Nate’s behavior, which veers dangerously toward violence. Fatty recognizes that Nate’s seemingly calm demeanor hides an intense inner rage that can erupt at any moment. This realization heightens Fatty’s concern, and he begins to feel a sense of urgency to prevent further escalation. When Fatty and Rusty are called upon to help the inebriated Nate back to his home, the weight of their responsibility becomes even more apparent. Fatty reflects on Nate’s quietly menacing presence, recognizing that the man he once knew is now a force that could tear everything apart. The cryptic statement that Nate made about “differing weights and measures” lingers in Fatty’s mind, suggesting deeper themes of fairness, justice, and the discrepancies between people’s perceptions and reality. These ideas of balance and justice continue to resonate, especially as Fatty contemplates the consequences of their actions. His determination to protect Nate, and to keep him away from both personal destruction and the authorities, grows stronger with each passing moment.

The chapter’s conclusion highlights Fatty’s commitment to saving Nate from his own destructive tendencies and preventing potential legal ramifications. The looming sense of danger is ever-present, as the weight of responsibility bears heavily on Fatty’s shoulders. He must navigate the delicate balance between loyalty to his friend and the harsh realities of the outside world, where Nate’s violent past could lead to significant consequences. Fatty’s resolve to prevent further chaos reveals the complexity of their friendship and the deep-rooted need for intervention before it’s too late. This chapter explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the impact of personal choices on the lives of others. Through Fatty’s internal conflict and his desire to protect Nate, the story delves into the challenges of confronting one’s own shortcomings and the difficult path of trying to help someone trapped in a cycle of self-destruction. As the tension rises, Fatty’s understanding of fairness and justice becomes key in his decision-making, offering readers a glimpse into the moral dilemmas he must face moving forward.