what book does this storyline come from?

[otherman]

I need a bit of detective work (or someone with a good memory perhaps).

A few years ago I read a novel that contained a sweet little vignette. I'd really like to know what book it comes from if anyone can help. Here's what I remember:

I think it was written in an american voice, set maybe in the 60s. A boy and an old man are hitchhiking because they lost their home when someone died, and are trying to find a relative to take them in. They get picked up. The boy has this thing where he collects bottles to return them for the deposits, and all the people in the car end up joining in.

The wasn't the main thrust of the novel, just an incidental, so I'm thinking it might have been a road story, William Burroughs or similar perhaps.

Anyone?

[otherman]

Brilliant, thanks Jim. Was that research or did you read it recently enough to remember?

[otherman]

You managed to google it? Well done, I tried. Burroughs was my favourite candidate. I even have a copy of 'in cold blood' on my shelf, but it was right on the end of the bottom row, hiding from me.