{"id":5718,"date":"2012-01-20T22:32:13","date_gmt":"2012-01-21T03:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5718"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:25:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:25:02","slug":"a-separate-dream-book-1-a-fresh-beginning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5718","title":{"rendered":"A Separate Dream, Book 1: A Fresh Beginning (by Puchi Ann)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0This novel begins a new series,\u00a0A Separate Dream<\/em>, which is a companion to my Heritage of Honor <\/a>books.\u00a0 In \u201cA Fresh Beginning\u201d Adam Cartwright travels east to attend college, meeting new friends and facing new challenges throughout his freshman year against the backdrop of a nation at war.<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ \u00a0(212,100 words)<\/p>\n

A Separate Dream Series<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Separate Dream<\/a>
\nSoldier Boy<\/a><\/p>\n

A Separate Dream, Book 1: A Fresh Beginning\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

CHAPTER ONE<\/p>\n

Starting Out<\/p>\n

With each turn of the yellow wheels, the people clustered in front of the stage office to see Adam Cartwright off on his great adventure shrank in size, but the young man continued to hang out the window, waving, until Carson City itself was only a cluster of tiny houses in the distance.\u00a0 Then he drew back into the egg-shaped body of the coach and settled into the rear-facing seat with a sheepish grin at his fellow passengers.\u00a0 The coach supposedly had room for nine inside, but since only four others rode with Adam today, no one had to use the jump seat in the middle.\u00a0 Adam hoped it would stay that way, since, as the youngest, he\u2019d probably be expected to take that uncomfortable place with nothing but a broad leather belt to brace his back and a strap dangling from the ceiling to hold onto for balance.\u00a0 Logic said they\u2019d probably pick up passengers along the way, at least in Salt Lake City, but maybe they\u2019d drop some here and there, too, and keep the number to six or less.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing far, young man?\u201d asked the plump woman in deep purple seated across from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d\u00a0 The dark-haired youth flashed a smile bright with the prospects before him.\u00a0 \u201cAll the way to the east coast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my,\u201d she said, short fingers flapping under her chin in a vain attempt to fan up a breeze, \u201cand I thought I had a long trip ahead!\u201d\u00a0 She ran an appraising eye over his lean frame, well-muscled, but still obviously that of a boy, not a fully developed man.\u00a0 \u201cKind of young to travel so far alone, aren\u2019t you?\u201d she inquired with a matronly air.\u00a0 \u201cGoing to visit family back East?\u201d<\/p>\n

The eighteen-year-old took a bit of umbrage at the reference to his youth, but since he had been taught to respect his elders, he merely ignored the first question and answered the second.\u00a0 \u201cNo, ma\u2019am; I\u2019m hoping to attend college\u2014at Yale.\u201d\u00a0 The woman looked impressed, but still concerned, so he added, \u201cI am meeting family friends in St. Joseph and hope to continue my journey with one of them.\u201d\u00a0 He didn\u2019t bother mentioning that the friend he\u2019d be traveling with was a scant four months older than he.<\/p>\n

She smiled then, seeming pleased to learn that the young man would only be roving halfway across the continent alone.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m bound for Denver with my nephew here,\u201d she offered, aiming her double chin toward the man at her side, who appeared to be about thirty or so.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s going to try his luck in the mines near there, and, of course, I couldn\u2019t let him go alone.\u00a0 Why, he\u2019d likely starve to death without his Aunt Tildy\u2019s cooking!\u201d<\/p>\n

Trying to keep from laughing, Adam greeted the man politely.\u00a0 Since he lived near the silver-mining community of Virginia City, he\u2019d seen his fair share of miners, and this pencil-thin man with an equally thin mustache looked more like a traveling drummer to Adam.\u00a0 The man wedged in between Adam and another, thankfully slim, fellow was a burly man who did look like a miner, one who hadn\u2019t bothered to brush the dust from his last prospect hole off his britches.\u00a0 Well, at least, sitting backward like this, the dust wasn\u2019t likely to get much thicker, the way it might if he were sitting with Aunt Tildy and her would-be-miner nephew.\u00a0 That pair had the most comfortable seats in the coach, but also the ones most exposed to wind and weather.<\/p>\n

After the brief exchange of personal information, the passengers all settled temporarily into their own thoughts.\u00a0 For Adam, it was practically the first chance in days for quiet reflection.\u00a0 Rush, rush, rush\u2014that described his life ever since, in a fit of temper, he had blurted out his secret dream, a dream set aside with the death of his stepmother Marie.\u00a0 Until that moment no one, least of all his grief-fogged father, had realized Adam\u2019s ambition to attend Yale College this year.\u00a0 Adam himself had tried not to think about it.\u00a0 What was the point, when Marie\u2019s death had stolen his right to that dream, saddling him with responsibilities that had to take precedence?\u00a0 But the minute Pa heard, he\u2019d insisted that Adam pick up that dream again, had even told him he was fired from all those responsibilities he\u2019d thought were barriers.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled pensively at that memory, but if truth were told, he still felt uneasy, still felt the weight of responsibility.\u00a0 No matter what Pa said, Adam knew that he was needed, maybe not as much as he\u2019d prided himself, but needed nonetheless.\u00a0 Pa did finally seem to be getting on with his life after the tragic loss of his third wife, but Adam, who had been through it all before, knew that dealing with grief took time.\u00a0 And in the meantime there was the ranch to run and his two little brothers to care for.\u00a0 Yes, despite what he\u2019d said, Pa needed his help.\u00a0 Pa had won the argument, though, so after a few frenzied days of arranging details, here Adam was, rolling east as fast as four wheels and six horses could carry him and trying to outrun the guilt of leaving.<\/p>\n

The guilt had surfaced afresh back in Carson City when he\u2019d said his final farewells.\u00a0 Adam had held himself together well until his baby brother, only four years old, had clung to him, sobbing as if his little heart were breaking.\u00a0 Poor Little Joe.\u00a0 Hoss would miss him, too, of course, as he would miss that chubby boy\u2019s sunny smile.\u00a0 And Pa\u2014oh how he\u2019d miss Pa!\u00a0 But it was Little Joe\u2019s open sorrow that tore at his heart.\u00a0 Such a short time since the baby had lost his mother.\u00a0 How could he bear to lose his brother, too?\u00a0 No different for Hoss, Adam supposed, but at least he was old enough to understand . . . well, some, anyway. \u00a0How could a four-year-old, though, possibly feel anything but abandoned by the big brother who had tried to be everything\u2014father, mother and brother\u2014to him after that fatal accident?\u00a0 His own heart torn by the baby\u2019s tears, a poignant representation of the grief Adam himself felt that he could not afford to express, he had wanted to pull his bag right off the stage.\u00a0 Again Pa had intervened, insisting that he get aboard.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s a dream waiting out there,\u201d Pa had said, \u201cand high time you headed toward it.\u201d\u00a0 Maybe so.\u00a0 Maybe it was time to look ahead, instead of behind, but it was hard, especially hard when he pictured that baby\u2019s tears.<\/p>\n

One final farewell awaited Adam at Dayton, where the stagecoach stopped to pick up passengers, but it wasn\u2019t destined to be a sad one.\u00a0 As he was swallowing a dipperful of brackish water from the station\u2019s well, Adam felt a tap on his shoulder and swung around to the sight of a grinning face beneath a dusty thatch of copper hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cFancy meeting you here,\u201d chuckled the man dressed in the traditional red shirt and blue trousers of a Pony rider.<\/p>\n

Adam clapped his longtime friend on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI was hoping I would, though I wasn\u2019t sure where; I wanted a chance to say goodbye.\u201d<\/p>\n

Billy Thomas threw a long arm around Adam.\u00a0 \u201cPa sent word by one of the other Pony riders that you\u2019d be comin\u2019, so bein\u2019s I had a couple days off, I figured to meet you and then head on home for some of Ma\u2019s good cookin\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 His characteristic grin faded.\u00a0 \u201cSure was sorry to hear \u2018bout you headin\u2019 back East, Adam.\u00a0 I thought once we got you back from that Sacramento academy, you\u2019d stick in the territory, and I was sure hopin\u2019 for some more good times together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike that afternoon we trailed Sam Brown?\u201d Adam tossed back with a wicked lift of one side of his mouth.\u00a0 When Billy scowled at the reminder of that hare-brained escapade, Adam snaked his arm about his friend\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll miss you, too, buddy.\u00a0 Look after the folks for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Billy laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYours or mine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne and the same, \u2018cousin,\u2019\u201d Adam snickered, using the family title in jest.\u00a0 While he had called Billy\u2019s parents aunt and uncle from his youth, Billy had always been simply his best friend and his oldest, except for Jamie Edwards.\u00a0 He was going toward Jamie, though, and away from Billy, as well as from Ross Marquette, a newer friend, but one to whom he felt almost as close as the two he\u2019d known for years.<\/p>\n

The boys had time for only a few more words.\u00a0 All too soon the driver yelled for Adam to get aboard.\u00a0 He did, promptly, for he could not afford to miss a single connection with the time constraints under which he was traveling.\u00a0 As he leaned out the window for a final glimpse of his friend, however, he saw a pretty girl, barefoot and dressed in faded calico, come out of the station building to circle Billy\u2019s waist.\u00a0 Adam grinned at the typical image, a good one to keep in his head as he left his friend behind.\u00a0 That Billy\u2014if there was one pretty gal in a hundred miles, he could be trusted to find her!\u00a0 Knowing the irrepressible redhead, he probably had one waiting in Carson City, too, like a sailor with a girl in every port.\u00a0 That image made Adam think of his father, though Pa\u2019s tales of life at sea had never included descriptions of any pretty girls he might have met while sailing around the world.<\/p>\n

Swallowing down the surge of homesickness, he gazed out the window until Reed\u2019s Station came into view.\u00a0 Everyone aboard felt frustrated when two soldiers from nearby Ft. Churchill met the stage and demanded that each person state his or her name and destination.\u00a0 Most escaped the interview quickly and gratefully hurried inside the station for their meal, but the soldiers detained Adam for further questioning when he said that he was riding to the end of the line.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd from there?\u201d one asked.<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t for the life of him fathom the fellow\u2019s interest, so he kept his answer as brief as possible.\u00a0 After all, what business was it of the United States Army?\u00a0 \u201cTaking the ferry over to St. Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSt. Joseph, eh?\u201d the soldier said, exchanging a significant look with his uniformed assistant.\u00a0 \u201cGot ties there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA friend,\u201d Adam replied cautiously, adding with a shrug, \u201cI used to live there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The soldier\u2019s gaze narrowed.\u00a0 \u201cBorder state, Missouri.\u00a0 A man might easily slip south from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam blinked.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Then what the man was suggesting hit him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, no.\u00a0 Good gracious, no!\u00a0 My final destination is New Haven, well north of the Mason-Dixon line.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot friends there, too?\u201d sneered the second soldier in clear skepticism.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said tersely.\u00a0 \u201cI plan to enroll at Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking Adam up and down, the man gave a snort of disbelief.\u00a0 Whatever his idea of what a college-bound student looked like, Adam obviously didn\u2019t fit the bill.\u00a0 \u201cGot any proof of that, sonny?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mind raced.\u00a0 Was there any way to prove his intent?\u00a0 He\u2019d told his fellow passengers, of course, but that wasn\u2019t real proof.\u00a0 He did have letters of recommendation in his luggage, though, and since one of them was from the well-known Bill Stewart, it might carry some weight.\u00a0 No, maybe not.\u00a0 Stewart had a southern wife and there was some talk in the territory that she might be unduly influencing him toward\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s all right, Cramer,\u201d a voice called out.<\/p>\n

Adam looked up and breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of a third man in blue uniform striding toward them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know this man?\u201d Cramer asked.<\/p>\n

Mark Wentworth smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYes, and you should, too.\u00a0 He fought beside us at Pinnacle Mount, though I guess you couldn\u2019t know every man who joined that expedition.\u00a0 This is Adam Cartwright, and he\u2019s as loyal as they come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSays he\u2019s goin\u2019 to college back East,\u201d grunted the other soldier.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you can stake your life on it,\u201d Mark said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cI knew about it; in fact, that\u2019s why I\u2019m here now, to bid farewell to a good friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if Private Wentworth vouches for you, that\u2019s good enough for me,\u201d Cramer said.\u00a0 \u201cSorry to have kept you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a problem,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 Nothing was a problem now that he\u2019d been cleared to continue on to New Haven.\u00a0 He felt Mark take his arm and let himself be led away from the others.\u00a0 \u201cWhat was that about?\u201d he asked when they were out of earshot.\u00a0 \u201cI was afraid they weren\u2019t going to let me go on if I couldn\u2019t prove where I was bound.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOrders,\u201d Mark said crisply.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re under orders to prevent anyone from heading south to join the Confederate Army.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cStrange times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDangerous times,\u201d Mark agreed soberly.\u00a0 \u201cWith the territory split nearly down the middle, a man\u2019s loyalty is easily questioned.\u00a0 Glad I was here to smooth your way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too,\u201d Adam said earnestly, \u201cand I\u2019m glad for the chance to see you one last time.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t sure I\u2019d have the pleasure.\u00a0 In fact, I figured I wouldn\u2019t, that you wouldn\u2019t have any way of knowing about my sudden plans and that I wouldn\u2019t have time to look you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cBilly Thomas sent word by the soldier on duty when he came through.\u00a0 I\u2019m proud for you, Adam, and wish you the best success.\u00a0 If anyone can do Nevada proud back East, it\u2019s you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glowed under the heartfelt praise.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Mark.\u00a0 A man can use all the encouragement he can get when he\u2019s heading into a big challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t I know it,\u201d Mark murmured.\u00a0 \u201cMay be heading into one of those myself soon.\u201d\u00a0 In response to the quizzical cock of Adam\u2019s head, he explained, \u201cWe haven\u2019t been called up yet, but word is we\u2019ll be heading back East, too, once volunteers have been recruited to replace us here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gasped.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Mark.\u00a0 Get word to me when . . . if . . . it happens.\u00a0 I\u2019ll want to keep track of . . . of . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe casualty lists?\u201d Mark suggested with a grim smile.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t expect I\u2019ll be fighting, Adam, since I\u2019m working under the surgeon here, but battlefield surgery isn\u2019t quite the type of medicine I\u2019d hoped to practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it\u2019s good experience,\u201d Adam said weakly.<\/p>\n

Mark uttered a hoarse laugh.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I guess the average Nevada bullet wound won\u2019t hold many terrors after a baptism of fire like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t makin\u2019 light,\u201d Adam said, \u201cjust tryin\u2019 to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe encouraging,\u201d Mark supplied.\u00a0 \u201cI know, and I appreciate it.\u00a0 Hey, looks like the stage is boarding again, so I\u2019d better let you get back.\u201d\u00a0 He shook Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cAgain, best wishes.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to look forward to seeing you back East, but I\u2019d rather you\u2019d stayed away from battlefields.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry; I will!\u201d\u00a0 Adam ran back to the stage and clambered aboard as the driver gathered up the reins.\u00a0 Within seconds the stagecoach was on its way again.\u00a0 It couldn\u2019t go fast enough for Adam.\u00a0 He had a deadline to meet, with no time to spare.\u00a0 He had to be in New Haven by September 10th<\/sup> to sit for the entrance exam to Yale, and here it was already August 21st <\/sup>in this year of 1861.\u00a0 Less than three weeks to cross the entire continent!\u00a0 Even with the speed of stagecoach travel, it was just barely possible.<\/p>\n

As the coach, now pulled by mules, rambled on, Adam took out the packages of sandwiches and cookies that had been piled on him back in Carson City and shared them around with his fellow passengers.\u00a0 The taciturn miner grew almost sociable after that, but Adam didn\u2019t really need company on this stretch of road, so packed with memories.\u00a0 They crossed the Carson River, its sandy, cottonwood-lined banks glittering with black mica, and suddenly Adam could picture himself and Pa arriving here at Ragtown, now a swing station, where the stage line changed mules.\u00a0 Here they had rested after a grisly night crossing of the desert, and here Pa seemed, finally, to rise from his deep grief over the death of his second wife and fix his sights once more on the dream ahead of them.<\/p>\n

Odd how history repeats itself<\/em>, Adam thought.\u00a0 Three wives . . . three sons . . . three deaths . . . and after each that terrible fog.\u00a0 The first, the one after the death of Adam\u2019s own mother, had probably lasted the longest, for he could remember times as a little boy when Pa\u2019s mind just seemed to drift off to some sad place known only to him.\u00a0 It had been the same after that Indian arrow took Inger\u2019s life, Pa just stumbling along beside the wagon, putting one foot in front of the other because it was either that or die.\u00a0 And most recently, with Marie\u2019s fatal fall from her horse, the fog had once again descended, seeming deeper this time, maybe because there was nothing Pa absolutely had to do to keep himself and his sons alive.\u00a0 It seemed to have lifted again, just as it had here on the banks of the Carson eleven years earlier, but Adam couldn\u2019t help wondering how much was a mere show of strength, how much a sign of heart-deep healing.\u00a0\u00a0 Once again the questions surfaced.\u00a0 Was Pa really through the darkest days?\u00a0 What if the grief-fog descended again?\u00a0 Would Hoss and Joe be all right?\u00a0 Should he have stayed to make sure?<\/p>\n

Silencing the tormenting questions, he poked his head out the window and forced himself to look ahead.\u00a0 He was heading the opposite direction from the one he and his father had aimed the first time they saw this river, heading toward a different dream, one that would separate him from the one he had shared with his father and from those dear little brothers for four years.\u00a0 But he\u2019d come back better for the separation, he promised himself, and he\u2019d make life better for all of them with what he learned.\u00a0 Anything less would make the leaving pointless.<\/p>\n

The river kept dwindling down until it spread into a shallow sheet of water, one hundred miles around.\u00a0 The stage skirted the south side of Carson Sink and headed into desert country, the roadside littered with the bleached bones of oxen, mules and horses, cracked axles and splintered wagon wheels\u2014the rotting wrecks of other people\u2019s dreams.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s memories of this stretch of road didn\u2019t invite contemplation, so he decided to make better use of the time by preparing for Yale\u2019s entrance exam.\u00a0 He found it hard to concentrate on the Latin text, though, when the stagecoach bounced him this way and then that, his right shoulder striking the side of the coach, his left almost as frequently bumping the miner beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll strain your eyes, young man,\u201d the woman he knew only as Aunt Tildy warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Adam agreed politely, but he continued to read.\u00a0 Latin was, without doubt, his weakest subject, and he was particularly nervous about that part of the exam.\u00a0 Well, if truth be told, the only part he wasn\u2019t nervous about was the mathematics section.\u00a0 His teachers at the academy had told him that he had an aptitude for mathematics, and he\u2019d easily understood its principles.\u00a0 Latin and Greek had always required more effort, but being a diligent student, he\u2019d received high marks, even in those.\u00a0 Sometimes he wondered, though, how the standards of a frontier academy compared with the preparatory schools most boys back East attended before seeking admission to college.\u00a0 Was it even possible for a fellow from a place as backward and isolated as Nevada Territory to qualify for a prestigious institution of learning like Yale?\u00a0 Was his dream, too, destined to become a rotting hulk by the roadside?\u00a0 No!\u00a0 Pa had pressed on, past wrecks like these, to make his dream a reality, and his son would do no less.<\/p>\n

Though reading in a moving coach was hard, at least it staved off the boredom of just jostling back and forth with a load full of people who really had little to say to each other.\u00a0 A broad-shouldered and full-bearded man got on at Mountain Well, and Adam\u2019s self-designated mother-in-transit snared his elbow just before reboarding the stage.\u00a0 \u201cYou move over with Mortimer and me, boy.\u00a0 Let those miners sit together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam doubted that the new passenger was a miner, and he certainly didn\u2019t figure the other passenger for one, judging by his dapper, though now dusty, apparel; however, he was only too happy to comply with the lady\u2019s request.\u00a0 The fact that she was a lady was reason enough.\u00a0 A lady had a right to choose which man shared a seat with her, and considering this particular lady\u2019s size, only Adam or the stick-thin dapper dresser would have been an appropriate choice.\u00a0 Certainly not the new passenger, who took up more space than the two men sharing his seat, put together.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, put that away,\u201d the lady scolded when Adam again opened his Latin text.\u00a0 \u201cThe light\u2019s fading, and you really will strain your eyes if you insist on reading in the dark!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled weakly.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose you\u2019re right,\u201d he conceded, adding in a rare moment of self-revelation, \u201cI\u2019m just concerned about the entrance exam.\u00a0 Don\u2019t want to go all this way, only to turn around and come straight back.\u201d\u00a0 Later, Adam wondered why he had unburdened himself to a virtual stranger, but decided her being a stranger was probably the reason.\u00a0 A stranger wasn\u2019t likely to send tales home.<\/p>\n

Aunt Tildy patted his knee.\u00a0 \u201cThere now, my boy; I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll do fine, but no more reading tonight.\u00a0 Tell me what you\u2019re planning to study.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mindful of the bored stares from across the coach, Adam didn\u2019t expand on that topic as he might otherwise have, but while dusk began to deepen, he described, to the best of his understanding, the course of study he would follow at Yale.<\/p>\n

Night cloaked the moving stagecoach, and one by one the passengers shut their eyes and sought the solitude of their dreams.\u00a0 Tired as he was, though, Adam found it hard to drift off.\u00a0 Despite having the better choice of seatmates, they were packed pretty tight, and each time the coach lurched his direction, Adam was crushed up against the side wall.\u00a0 Still, he figured he was better off here than beside that new passenger.\u00a0 Even from across the carriage the smell of that man\u2019s greasy buckskin was pungent with the odor of past campfires.\u00a0 Adam had no desire to get closer.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam had never felt happier to light down from a stagecoach than he did when it arrived at Cold Springs, also known as East Gate, the next morning.\u00a0 The last few miles had been even rougher than crossing the alkali plain that preceded it and had jostled him awake from the poorest night\u2019s sleep he could ever remember.\u00a0 He was glad of the chance to work out a few of the kinks in his back and glad that he\u2019d have a bit longer stop here than usual, this being a home station.\u00a0 Eating took longer than just changing mules, but even so, Adam knew he\u2019d have to climb right back into that jouncing egg crate far sooner than he liked.\u00a0 And all he had to look forward to for the next couple of weeks was more of the same.<\/p>\n

While he was stretching, he took a look at the station.\u00a0 About all that could be said for it was that it was an improvement over the smoky hovel of their last stop at Middlegate.\u00a0 It was a large building, at least, and those three-foot thick walls of native stone and adobe should be both cool in summer and warm in winter.\u00a0 Right now, however, he was more concerned about getting a meal.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have much hope that it would be a good one, and thanks to his generosity the day before, his food from home had dwindled down to a few cookies.<\/p>\n

As suspected, breakfast wasn\u2019t anything to brag about, and Adam wondered wryly if he wouldn\u2019t miss Hop Sing most of all his family.\u00a0 He had to eat standing up, as there weren\u2019t enough chairs for everyone, but that was no inconvenience to a young man.\u00a0 He\u2019d been sitting enough to last him a month and figured his feet were about the best-rested part of his entire aching body.\u00a0 The steak was not as good as Ponderosa beef, but tolerable, especially when hunger added spice to the meal.<\/p>\n

Adam finished quickly and took advantage of the extra time to trot over to the cold stream from which the station took its name and dash the dust from his face.\u00a0 He spent the remaining few minutes stretching his legs, dreading the moment he\u2019d have to mount that step into the coach again.\u00a0 He shook his head in dismay.\u00a0 If he was this stiff after one day\u2019s travel, one night\u2019s poor sleep, how would he feel by the time he reached St. Joseph?\u00a0 Like an old man, most likely, much too old to enroll with a bunch of college-bound whippersnappers.<\/p>\n

The picture of himself tottering to class with a cane made Adam grin, though somewhat ruefully.\u00a0 He had trusted in his invulnerable youth, but now he was starting to question his sanity.\u00a0 He\u2019d already been worried about passing that entrance exam, and now he realized he\u2019d be taking it completely exhausted.\u00a0 What chance did he have?\u00a0 None at all if he didn\u2019t get there, so he had no choice but to travel night and day and then pray he could still keep his eyes open when the testing time came.\u00a0 No, he could do more than pray; he could study.\u00a0 No matter what Aunt Tildy or anyone else said, Adam was determined to focus on his Latin text.\u00a0 If he pounded in facts thickly enough, surely they would come seeping out on their own, even if he were too tired to direct them clearly.<\/p>\n

When he saw the driver exit the station, Adam hustled toward the coach and quickly climbed aboard, settling in next to Aunt Tildy again.\u00a0 He defiantly pulled out his textbook, determined to concentrate no matter how much the print bounced before his eyes.\u00a0 It was rough, though, as the stage ascended one rugged canyon, topped the summit and began winding down another.<\/p>\n

At least, study should come easier after he reached St. Joseph and switched to a smoother conveyance.\u00a0 Jamie had written with excitement about the completion of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, which would take them across the state in twelve hours.\u00a0 Better than two hundred miles in half a day!\u00a0 That was a thrill to anticipate, since Adam\u2019s train travel to this point in his life had been restricted to the twenty-two-mile jaunt from Folsom to Sacramento a couple of times a year.\u00a0 And the train wouldn\u2019t jar him like this increasingly unattractive stagecoach.\u00a0 He could read; he would be ready.\u00a0 Maybe he and Jamie could even quiz each other as added preparation.<\/p>\n

By determined effort Adam focused on his Latin lessons throughout the morning, stopping only to get down and stretch his legs every time the mules were changed at a swing station.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re being very foolish, boy,\u201d Aunt Tildy insisted each time he again opened the book.\u00a0 Adam agreed graciously and kept on reading.<\/p>\n

Noon brought them to Smith\u2019s Creek, a pleasing change from the grubby way stations preceding it.\u00a0 Nestled in a deep valley, the house was not only clean, but offered a decent meal, both to the hungry travelers and to a couple of lean-ribbed Paiutes who wandered by to trade pine nuts for white man\u2019s grub.\u00a0 Adam could have cheerfully lingered over this well-set table, but as before, no one sat down before the driver and when he rose to leave, so did they, whether they\u2019d had enough to eat or not.\u00a0 Fearing he wouldn\u2019t find such fluffy ones again, Adam snared an extra biscuit to nibble on the road.<\/p>\n

His fears were unjustified this time, for both excellent light bread and cornbread shortened with butter were on the table at Simpson\u2019s Park, along with the ever-present salt sowbelly and eggs.\u00a0 Coyotes howled nearby, but that didn\u2019t deter most of the passengers from laying over for the night.\u00a0 Adam lost the companionship of everyone except, unfortunately, the man in greasy and odoriferous buckskin.\u00a0 Since there were only two of them now, each took a bench to himself, and Adam followed the other man\u2019s example by stretching out full length.\u00a0 He\u2019d put in enough study time that day to merit the rest, he assured himself, and the light was growing dim.\u00a0 Darkness fell as they forded the river, and again it was time to sleep\u2014or try to.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Friday morning Adam awoke to a bleak landscape, where even the sagebrush seemed stunted for lack of water.\u00a0 As the stage pulled into the home station at Robert\u2019s Creek for breakfast, he noticed a few Indians hanging about the door and assumed they were there for a handout.\u00a0 The bronze men wore cast-off white man\u2019s clothing, covered with a blanket of rabbit fur, and that might have led him to believe they were Paiute, but for their frontal pigtail of black hair and faces streaked with red paint.<\/p>\n

As Adam edged warily past them into the station, the stationmaster met him with a hearty laugh.\u00a0 \u201cThey ain\u2019t warlike, boy,\u201d he offered in assurance, as he no doubt had frequent occasion to do with other travelers.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019s White Knife Shoshone, and they ain\u2019t never stained them knives with the blood of white men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned his relief and, as soon as the driver sat down, took his seat in hopes of a filling meal.\u00a0 His traveling companion in buckskin spat on the dirt floor.\u00a0 \u201cOughtn\u2019t to let trash like that hang about the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

The stationmaster set platters of biscuits and bacon on the table with a clunk.\u00a0 \u201cThey ain\u2019t hangin\u2019 about,\u201d he grunted.\u00a0 \u201cThey drift by now and again, hopin\u2019 to trade a mite of chorin\u2019 for a bite of food.\u00a0 I don\u2019t cotton to beggars, but them what\u2019s willin\u2019 to work for a meal can find one here, be they white, black, red or polka-dotted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam liked the man\u2019s attitude, but if pressed, he would have been forced to confess that the food wasn\u2019t worth working for, and it sure wasn\u2019t worth the four bits he\u2019d laid out for the meal.\u00a0 The White Knife tribe must be mighty hungry, in Adam\u2019s opinion, to drift by here in hopes of filling their bellies.<\/p>\n

Shortly after leaving, Adam noticed the last telegraph pole.\u00a0 This was as far as the telegraph had come, then\u2014going east, that is.\u00a0 The line was being built from the opposite direction, too, and when it met, his friend Billy Thomas would be out of a job.\u00a0 Billy and the Pony Express had been an ideal match, and Adam wasn\u2019t sure what else would suit his footloose friend as well.\u00a0 Knowing Billy, though, he\u2019d land on his feet.\u00a0 He was that kind of man.<\/p>\n

Adam studied throughout the morning and into the afternoon, for the scenery was too monotonous to provide much distraction.\u00a0 He found it easier on his eyes to read a short passage, then close his eyes and think about the material, and in spite of the dry and dreary landscape, it also helped to take a peek out the window every now and then.\u00a0 The scenery perked up as the coach rolled across a long ridge dappled with the contrasting colors of light mountain mahogany and black cedar.<\/p>\n

A lake with water fowl fluttering above it came into view, and Adam\u2019s stomach rumbled in welcome.\u00a0 Dinner was late in coming today, but home stations occurred at the convenience of the stage line, not the need of its passengers.\u00a0 The previous station at Diamond Springs had been only a swing stop for change of mules, and seeing his young passenger\u2019s disappointment, the driver had told him not to look so down in the mouth.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll be glad we waited,\u201d he promised.\u00a0 \u201cKeep your eyes out for a little lake, boy, and then it\u2019s only two miles to a better meal than you\u2019d\u2019ve had here, I can tell you for sure.\u00a0 Best you\u2019ve had yet, in fact.\u201d\u00a0 Adam hoped that promise would prove true, for a lot of hours had passed since he\u2019d choked down what he could of that sorry breakfast.<\/p>\n

Adam jumped down from the stage as soon as it came to a halt at Ruby Valley and stepped briskly toward the stone hut.\u00a0 A man with a genial smile met him and the other passenger at the door.\u00a0 After greeting the driver by name, the stationmaster urged, \u201cCome on in, gents.\u00a0 Dinner\u2019s on the table, and I\u2019m guessin\u2019 you\u2019re ready for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than ready,\u201d the other passenger growled.<\/p>\n

Adam could feel saliva saturating his mouth as he gazed at the table spread with more food than he\u2019d seen at any station so far.\u00a0 The roast duck obviously came from the lake nearby, and it was complemented by the produce the man, who introduced himself as Uncle Billy Rogers, grew.\u00a0 Adam loaded his plate with boiled potatoes, well-seasoned green beans and pickled beets, and he hoped the driver would take his time at this stop, so he had a chance to delve into the dried apple pie, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Billy, huh?\u201d\u00a0 The buckskin-clad passenger ran his tongue over his front teeth to dislodge a chunk of potato.\u00a0 \u201cYou the one the injuns call Big-hearted Father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rogers smiled and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cSome do.\u00a0 Do my best by them.\u201d\u00a0 He turned toward Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m assistant Indian agent and run a model farm for the government, tryin\u2019 to teach our red brothers how to make a better livin\u2019 for themselves.\u00a0 Those vegetables you\u2019re eatin\u2019 show how they\u2019re doin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other man aimed tobacco spittle at an unoccupied corner.\u00a0 \u201cBe better if you\u2019d make good injuns out of \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t much liked this passenger when he first got on the stage, and this reference to the adage that \u201cthe only good Indian is a dead Indian\u201d only heightened his distaste for the man\u2019s company.<\/p>\n

Uncle Billy let the remark slide by without comment and, most likely to change the subject, asked, \u201cHow far you bound, gents?\u201d<\/p>\n

Buckskin forked up a pickled beet.\u00a0 \u201cSalt Lake, another nest of injun lovers,\u201d he muttered just before poking the beet into his mouth.<\/p>\n

Rogers refused to be baited.\u00a0 \u201cOnly about three hundred miles to go, then, this bein\u2019 the halfway house \u2018tween there and Carson Valley.\u00a0 And you, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam swallowed and replied, \u201cAll the way to St. Joe, sir, and then on to Connecticut.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uncle Billy whistled.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t say!\u00a0 A youngun like you, travelin\u2019 that far alone.\u00a0 Got kin there, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head at what seemed to be a common misconception and again explained his educational ambitions and even amplified enough to admit that he had to travel straight through in order to reach New Haven in time for the entrance exam.\u00a0 The stationmaster seemed impressed, but Buckskin clearly didn\u2019t share the opinion.\u00a0 \u201cKeeps his nose buried in a book, \u2018cept when he\u2019s moonin\u2019 out the winder.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t a lick sociable,\u201d he grumbled, giving Adam a hard look.<\/p>\n

Though he felt like asking who would want to be sociable with such a man, Adam kept his mouth shut.\u00a0 Pa would expect him to be respectful of his elders, no matter how little they seemed to merit his respect.\u00a0 As he served himself a slice of pie, he caught Uncle Billy winking at him and grinned back.\u00a0 Not a bit hard to be sociable with someone who invites sociability<\/em>, he thought.<\/p>\n

The driver took his time, evidently wanting to savor the meal as much as his passengers did, so Adam even had time for a second piece of apple pie.\u00a0 Just as he was boarding the stage again, however, Uncle Billy came hustling out with a wooly bundle in his arms.\u00a0 \u201cHere, take this, boy,\u201d he urged.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re travelin\u2019 by night, like you said, you can use this buffalo robe.\u00a0 Nights get cold in the mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam accepted the offer gladly.\u00a0 \u201cI can see why they call you Big-hearted Father,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPshaw, ain\u2019t nothin\u2019,\u201d Rogers insisted.\u00a0 \u201cJust leave it with the stage when you\u2019re done with it; it\u2019ll make its way back to me.\u00a0 And if it don\u2019t, that don\u2019t matter, neither.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Adam promised, \u201cbut I still owe you my thanks, Uncle Billy.\u00a0 I\u2019ll sleep warm tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck on them tests,\u201d the stationmaster called as the stage pulled out.<\/p>\n

Frankly, Adam was tired of studying and but for the remarks of the buckskin boor, he would probably have left his Latin book unopened that afternoon.\u00a0 Still disgruntled by being called unsociable, he did just as he\u2019d been accused, buried his nose in the book until late that afternoon, when Buckskin finally deigned to favor him with a word.\u00a0 \u201cBetter put it away, boy.\u00a0 Home station comin\u2019 up,\u201d he said curtly, \u201cor maybe you\u2019d rather read than eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, supper sounds good,\u201d Adam replied, closing the book.\u00a0 He looked out the window and saw nothing but a steep, rocky canyon, not a likely place for a station.\u00a0 Feeling tricked, he cast a hard glance at his companion.<\/p>\n

\u201cNipcut Canyon,\u201d Buckskin said.\u00a0 \u201cYou won\u2019t see the station \u2018til you\u2019re right up on it, boy.\u00a0 Just beyond that knoll up ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked out again, scanning the area around the hundred-foot-high knoll, but still saw nothing until the stage turned right, just past that landmark, and there it was, two hundred yards to the south.\u00a0 The station was nestled in a pretty little valley about a half-mile across.\u00a0 The supper table wasn\u2019t nearly as pretty a sight as the valley, but Adam didn\u2019t mind much, since he still felt full from the good dinner at Uncle Billy\u2019s place.<\/p>\n

Buckskin decided to lay over for the night, and though he still considered Adam an unsociable sort, he offered a word of advice as the young man again mounted the stage.\u00a0 \u201cKeep your gun close to hand through this next section, boy.\u00a0 Partial as you seem to be toward injuns, I reckon you\u2019re a mite more partial to your hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go scarin\u2019 the boy,\u201d the driver warned, climbing up to his high seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s need,\u201d Buckskin insisted.\u00a0 \u201cThem Goshutes has been stirred up lately, I heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard right,\u201d the stationmaster agreed.\u00a0 \u201cKeep a sharp eye out, boys, and your guns handy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways do,\u201d the driver snorted and took off at a run.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled his gun from his holster and checked his ammunition, just in case, but he saw no Indians before twilight faded to deeper dusk.\u00a0 He managed to stay awake until the stage reached the swing station at Mountain Springs.\u00a0 The clear water there was refreshing, but the wind off the mountains cold enough to make Adam grateful for the loan of the buffalo robe.\u00a0 He huddled up inside it as soon as he reentered the coach.<\/p>\n

A few miles to the east he spotted the City of Rocks, dim in the moonlight, and smiled as he recalled how Pa had taken him and Billy, with a few others in tow, over to frolic among the rocks.\u00a0 His smile widened at the memory of Billy shutting him up in the \u201cjail\u201d for the crime of reading too much.\u00a0 Good thing Buckskin isn\u2019t still around or he\u2019d likely be tempted to do the same<\/em>, Adam thought with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

Back-trailing along with the stagecoach, he\u2019d reached the part of his original journey west where the memories were all good ones.\u00a0 They\u2019d all still been together here at City of Rocks, with no thought except being together always, and as a gray eagle swooped over the \u201ccity,\u201d Adam felt warm with the memory of those happy-hearted days.\u00a0 With the warmth of memory, though, came a dreaminess that lulled the exhausted boy to sleep, oblivious to the cries of coyotes in the distance or the possible threat of Indian attack.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam was awakened by the sudden stop of the stagecoach.\u00a0 Rubbing his eyes, he stepped down to see the surrounding hills barely splashed with the first light of dawn.\u00a0 \u201cWhere we at?\u201d he asked the driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cEight-Mile Creek, last stop in Nevada,\u201d the driver replied, adding with a grin, \u201cand just that far to breakfast, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam yawned as he stretched his arms wide.\u00a0 \u201cAny chance it\u2019ll be a good one?\u201d<\/p>\n

The driver chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cFair to middlin\u2019.\u00a0 Mormon folks that run Deep Creek grow some decent potatoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 How good, he observed inwardly, depended on the skill of the cook.\u00a0 He was reminded of the time his new stepmother Marie had tried to fry potatoes.\u00a0 She hadn\u2019t been used to cooking over an open fire and had made one sorry mess of her first meal.\u00a0 The memory brought a pang of regret, for Adam had been less, far less, than generous that night toward the woman he later came to consider a friend and, belatedly, as much his mother as Inger and the woman who had given him birth.<\/p>\n

The change of mules was swiftly made at the swing station and the coach soon crossed a valley and entered a rugged ravine of serrated rocks.\u00a0 Despite rumors of Indian unrest, Adam felt no concern here, for the canyon was only five hundred yards long, scarcely large enough to hide many hostiles.\u00a0 On this morning there were none as the stage burst through a portal of tall rock into the dry valley beyond.<\/p>\n

Two miles past that portal the home station came into view, and at first glance Adam was impressed.\u00a0 Surrounded by fenced fields stood a large building of adobe, with more adobe stacked nearby to suggest that expansion was being planned.\u00a0 One step inside destroyed that favorable impression, however.\u00a0 Hungry as he was, Adam could barely force himself to sit at station keeper Harrison Sevier\u2019s table, for though the fried potatoes, bacon and biscuits were tolerable, the meal could scarcely be appetizing when thousands of flies covered the walls like a living, crawling blanket.\u00a0 He ate as quickly as he could and hurried from the filthy hovel to a more pleasing prospect.\u00a0 The deep creek for which the station was named sank here to form a marsh, as so many waterways in the Great Basin did.\u00a0 After the succession of barren mountains and alkali flats, this was an oasis of pastureland.<\/p>\n

So he was outside Nevada now, Adam mused as he stretched his legs, and it had taken almost no time at all to get here, at least by comparison with how long it had taken to cross the same ground in a covered wagon.\u00a0 They were coming into populated parts again, although only a handful of homes were visible in the distance.\u00a0 Seeing the driver exit the log cabin, Adam hustled to get back to the stage, thankful that he\u2019d had even this much time to refresh himself.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t remember being this sore, ever, when he\u2019d traveled west over this same dry ground.\u00a0 He\u2019d been a kid then, of course, but since he was still only eighteen, he could scarcely chalk the aches up to old age, and the fading of memory over time probably wasn\u2019t at fault, either.\u00a0 No, the difference was the pace, no two ways about it.\u00a0 Walking was easier on the bones than jostling around inside a stagecoach, but the length of the journey was immeasurably longer, and he had no time now for a leisurely walk.\u00a0 Speed and leisure each had its place, Adam supposed, but now was definitely the time for speed.<\/p>\n

For about seven miles the stage rolled through the valley bisected by Deep Creek.\u00a0 Cultivated fields extended a mile on either side, with grassy plains beyond.\u00a0 Then they entered a dangerous, nine-mile stretch through a gorge nature-built for ambush, but again no Indians were sighted.\u00a0 Between the ridges lay long miles of alkali desert, seemingly drier and more desolate as the afternoon wore on.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s nose began to bleed from the endless assault of the irritating dust stirred up by the wheels of the coach.\u00a0 The desert was hard on the wheels, too, and the pace slowed, almost down to the two miles per hour that the oxen pulling the Cartwrights\u2019 wagon had achieved back in 1850.<\/p>\n

Adam thought the day would never end; nor did dinner show any signs of appearing.\u00a0 Not until four that afternoon did the stage reach the next home station, set in another oasis of hay fields, green from abundant water.\u00a0 The air above them was thick with water fowl, crows and black swamp birds with yellow throats.\u00a0 The driver called the place Willow Springs, but as soon as Adam jumped down from the stage the local station keeper called brightly, \u201cWelcome to Callao!\u201d\u00a0 When asked, he explained that Willow Springs was the old name.\u00a0 \u201cNowadays, \u2018most ever\u2019body, \u2018cept stubborn cusses like Wilt there\u201d\u2014he threw his chin toward the driver\u2014\u201ccalls it Callao.\u00a0 Old Spanish prospector named it after a mining camp in Peru.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill say Willow Springs suits it better,\u201d Wilt said with a grin as he stabbed another piece of salt beef.\u00a0 \u201cThis ain\u2019t Peru, Hank.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam did his best to choke down the salt beef and biscuits, all which graced the table in another fly-ridden hovel.\u00a0 A meager meal to serve as both dinner and supper, but there\u2019d been no place fit to stop for food before\u2014if this could be called a place fit to stop.\u00a0 The six passengers who boarded the stage here seemed glad to leave, and Adam couldn\u2019t fault them.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t particularly happy to have that much traveling company, though.\u00a0 He was tired of studying and welcomed a little conversation, but with seven in the coach now, he inherited that jump seat he\u2019d avoided so long.\u00a0 Night was coming on, too, and Adam didn\u2019t look forward to sleeping in the cramped stagecoach.<\/p>\n

When the stage rattled into the next swing station, he concluded there just might have been worse places to take a meal than Willow Springs, where at least the water had been good.\u00a0 Boyd\u2019s Station, judging by external appearance, would have offered less, for it was no more than a partial dugout with bunks carved into the walls and no furniture at all, except boxes and benches.<\/p>\n

After passing Boyd\u2019s, the coach circled the north end of the Fish Springs range and came upon a succession of light green pools.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam heard the call of marsh birds, and peering into the fading twilight, he saw hawks and raptors circling above.\u00a0 Night came on, and all the passengers settled in to get what sleep they could.\u00a0 Not thinking the middle seat conducive to secure rest, Adam just wrapped up in his borrowed buffalo robe and sprawled out on the floor of the coach amid the shuffling feet of his drowsing companions.<\/p>\n

Drowsing was about as much as any of them did that night, each kept awake by the near-constant sting of mosquitoes.\u00a0 Lowering the leather curtains might have helped, but would also have sealed the odor of seven sweat-stinking bodies inside the coach.\u00a0 Every one of them opted for mosquitoes and fresh air, and Adam drifted off to the rhythm of hands slapping against flesh, waking frequently to join the percussion chorus.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 By the time the stagecoach made its last long hard climb up a sandy grade before reaching the next home station, Adam was starving.\u00a0 Mid-morning before the stage line saw fit to stop for breakfast!\u00a0 His first glimpse of the station explained the delay, for with its station house and outbuildings of solid stone, Simpson\u2019s Springs provided the most substantial-looking stopover he\u2019d seen thus far.\u00a0 It was one of the most dependable watering spots in the desert, the new driver said, and Adam eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to wash the alkali dust from his face, though he didn\u2019t really have time to do an adequate job, not unless he wanted to starve until reaching the next home station.<\/p>\n

At least, he wasn\u2019t immediately bombarded with another attack of the abrading dust that had even gotten under his eyelids, for the stage next moved into the mountains, climbing to almost a mile high.\u00a0 At that elevation, only stunted junipers, no more than ten feet high, provided sparse covering for the stony slopes, but even this was a refreshing contrast to the sagebrush flatlands between each range of mountains.\u00a0 The valleys were scored with waterways, but in August they were all dry.<\/p>\n

The road crossed Skull Valley and after another steep climb the stage rolled into the next swing station about one o\u2019clock that afternoon.\u00a0 Stepping down from the coach, Adam noticed a wooden marker, which stated that Carson City was 533 miles behind them.\u00a0 Grow up<\/em>, Adam admonished himself sternly as another wave of homesickness washed over him.\u00a0 \u201cNice view of the desert,\u201d he commented to the driver as the team was being changed.\u00a0 \u201cEasy to see why they call this Point Lookout.\u201d<\/p>\n

The driver cackled.\u00a0 \u201cWhat I hear the Pony riders say is that it stands for \u2018Look out for injuns!\u2019\u201d\u00a0 He laughed at the grimace on the station keeper\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cJackson here don\u2019t like to be reminded that he lives right on the edge of Paiute Hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter on the edge than in the middle of it,\u201d Adam suggested and was rewarded with a grin from the station keeper.\u00a0 \u201cDo they really call it that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey do, boy,\u201d Jackson said, \u201cwith good reason, but it gets better from here east.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sincerely hoped that would prove true and not only because of the ever-present threat of Indian attack.\u00a0 Behind him lay the harshest desert in North America, a country of bare, rocky mountains and endless miles of burning sand.\u00a0 As the stage descended into Rush Valley that didn\u2019t change much.\u00a0 The terrain became pancake-flat, but was still dry and barren, without a tree in sight.<\/p>\n

Dinner at Rush Valley Station didn\u2019t do much to take the edge off Adam\u2019s appetite, either, for the meal was not nearly as solid as the two-story stone structure that housed the next station.\u00a0 When told that the proprietors were German, Adam had anticipated the type of hearty fare he\u2019d eaten many times at Mama Zuebner\u2019s Caf\u00e9 in Placerville, but the meal was meager by that standard.<\/p>\n

The station keeper, Henry J. Faust, however, was an interesting character. \u00a0He had come to the United States about twenty years ago and had attended medical school.\u00a0 Though he had dropped out to join the California gold rush, he was still the closest thing to a medical man in the area and was affectionately known as Doc.\u00a0 He had a fine corral of horses, for he raised them for the Pony Express and the Army, but Adam didn\u2019t have time to give them more than a fleeting glance before the driver signaled that it was time to leave.<\/p>\n

The stage crossed the dusty, windswept flat of Rush Valley, stopping only long enough to change mules at another swing station.\u00a0 Adam never missed a chance to get out and stretch his legs, since it was the only rest he was destined to get on this frantic Sabbath.\u00a0 All too soon he was back aboard the stage, charging up another western slope of yet another range of mountains, studded here and there with stubby cedar, to Five-Mile Pass.\u00a0 The sameness was becoming as wearisome as the jolting of the stage itself.\u00a0 Over and over again a sagebrush valley, five to fifteen miles wide, sloped almost unnoticeably toward the center, where some watercourse, most often dry, ran through it.\u00a0 Then the trail would lead inexorably over the creek or river bed and up a rocky trail on the other side to another range of mountains, thinly scattered with timber, just like the last.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s stomach began to rumble long before the stage reached the final home station of the day about seven that night.\u00a0 Here at the former Camp Floyd, however, supper took a backseat to all there was to see.\u00a0 Four hundred abandoned buildings had once housed as many as 3,500 troops, sent here to quell the so-called Mormon rebellion.\u00a0 Adam could remember those times, when Carson Valley had lost most of its population to Brigham Young\u2019s call for reinforcements. \u00a0He\u2014and Pa, too, he was sure\u2014thought then that the loss could never be made up, but they hadn\u2019t counted on the discovery of silver at Sun Mountain.\u00a0 That had changed everything, and the new Territory of Nevada showed promise of real growth now.<\/p>\n

The troops once stationed here had been sent back East, to fight in the conflict between North and South.\u00a0 Adam had promised his father that he would stay out of that strife, a promise easily made, for the young man wanted to focus on his studies.\u00a0 He was certain the promise would be easily kept, as well, for the battle at Pinnacle Mount against the Paiutes had squelched whatever boyish notions of the glory of warfare he had once entertained.<\/p>\n

The stage station was located near the fort in a two-story adobe hotel.\u00a0 Stagecoach Inn looked inviting to all the passengers, and all but one elected to stay the night.\u00a0 The thought of a soft, unmoving bed pulled at Adam, too, exhausted as he was from traveling more than five hundred miles in the last five days.\u00a0 For him there was no choice, however, so after a satisfying supper he climbed dutifully aboard the stagecoach, grateful, at least, to have it to himself.\u00a0 Since it was already dark, Adam just stretched out on the back bench and covered himself with the warm buffalo robe loaned to him by Uncle Billy Rogers.<\/p>\n

The stage jolted to an abrupt halt, and Adam was awakened when he tumbled to the floor.\u00a0 Yawning, he clambered up and got out.\u00a0 The sky was still pitch black outside, though in the dim light of a moon slightly more than half-phase, he could make out a station near a small spring.\u00a0 \u201cWhere we at?\u201d he asked the driver groggily.<\/p>\n

\u201cPorter Rockwell\u2019s place,\u201d the driver supplied.\u00a0 \u201cRuns his own brewery, so you might want to snare yourself a bottle to knock off the chill.\u00a0 I aim to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and followed the man inside.\u00a0 At one dollar a bottle, the price was steep, especially for Valley Tan, which had no reputation as good liquor.\u00a0 Since the night wind was downright icy, Adam decided to splurge for a bottle, anyway.\u00a0 He took it on the stage with him, and after a few draws of the burning liquor, he grew drowsy and drifted off to sleep again, more soundly than before.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t even wake when the coach stopped to change mules at the next swing station.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Although Bonanza<\/em> only refers to Adam\u2019s college as being \u201cback East,\u201d most writers have elected to send him to Harvard and have written admirable stories in that setting.\u00a0 I originally chose Yale for purely pragmatic reasons: I had better sources for that college in the 19th<\/sup> century than for the other (chiefly Four Years at Yale<\/em> by Lyman Hotchkiss Bagg) and felt that I could, therefore, write a more detailed story.\u00a0 I later learned some facts that perhaps made Yale a likely choice for a boy like Adam.\u00a0 While Harvard drew most of its students from western Massachusetts, Yale\u2019s students came from everywhere, even as far away as Hawaii, according to catalogs of the years of Adam\u2019s tenure.\u00a0 Yale also was more active in founding new colleges, being, for instance, one of the earliest to offer courses in engineering and the first to award anyone a Ph.D, in 1861.\u00a0 That might appeal to a young man with an enterprising mind.\u00a0 Also, while William Stewart, featured in two episodes of Bonanza<\/em>, did not graduate, he was an alumnus of Yale and might have influenced a young man from Nevada Territory to make a similar choice.<\/p>\n

As indicated here, after the Civil War began all travelers headed east were questioned at Fort Churchill to see whether they were going south to join the Confederacy.<\/p>\n

To the best of my research abilities, all stage stations at which Adam stops were existent at the time of his journey, and descriptions of them are drawn from historic records.\u00a0 When specific station keepers are mentioned, they are the actual people who manned those stations, although it is not always possible to determine the precise dates of their residence.<\/p>\n

Camp Floyd had once been the largest military post in the United States.\u00a0 With the outbreak of the Civil War, the garrison was ordered east, and by September, 1861, shortly after Adam\u2019s trip through there, a mere eighteen families remained in the area.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWO<\/p>\n

Race Across the Continent<\/p>\n

A rough hand jostled Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWake up, boy,\u201d the driver urged.\u00a0 \u201cBreakfast stop\u2014and a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam threw back the buffalo robe.\u00a0 Yawning, he stepped down from the coach and blinked at the number of buildings visible, even in the pale light of early dawn.\u00a0 \u201cSalt Lake City?\u201d he queried, for he could imagine no other town of this size between him and the Mississippi River.<\/p>\n

\u201cYup,\u201d offered the driver.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019ve a mind to sample Mormon cooking, come along with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a grin, for he\u2019d been sampling Mormon cooking\u2014some good, some bad\u2014here and there all along the route, Adam followed the driver onto a verandah between two painted pillars.\u00a0 By the look of the two-story Salt Lake House, as a sign swinging on a tall flagstaff outside declared its name, this was going to be one of the good ones.\u00a0 Looks could be deceiving, as Adam had learned at Deep Creek Station, but he had a feeling that this time what he saw was what he\u2019d get.\u00a0 Besides, he had the driver\u2019s word that the food was good here, and so far none of the men holding the reins had steered him wrong.<\/p>\n

Looks were deceiving, but only in the sense that the meal was even better than the external neatness of the Salt Lake House had led him to hope.\u00a0 Adam feasted on a hearty breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, fried potatoes and flapjacks, topped with a compote of peaches and strawberries, both grown locally.<\/p>\n

When the driver, a speedy eater, polished off his plate and stood to leave, Adam automatically, though reluctantly, did, as well.\u00a0 \u201cNo, no, boy,\u201d the man laughed.\u00a0 \u201cStage don\u2019t leave for an hour, so take your time.\u00a0 I\u2019m off for home.\u00a0 Now, don\u2019t fret yourself none; I\u2019ll tell the next driver not to leave without you.\u00a0 Heard you say how important it was for you to ride straight through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam said and sat down again.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t dally over the meal, though, choosing, instead, to spend the extra time stretching his legs and getting a look at the city.\u00a0 He and Pa hadn\u2019t come this way on their journey west, and while he\u2019d heard a lot about the Mormon headquarters, he\u2019d never seen it.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t see much of it this morning, either, as he feared getting too far from the depot.\u00a0 Still, what he did see of the quiet, early morning streets left a favorable impression.\u00a0 Most of the houses were small, though some stretched two or even three stories into the sky, and most were constructed of white, sun-dried bricks, red sandstone or granite.\u00a0 The doorposts and sills were either of red sandstone or wood, painted a vivid green, and green creepers cascaded over the walls.\u00a0 The streets were uniform and laid out at right angles, with an irrigation stream running down each side.\u00a0 Every sidewalk was shaded with willow, cottonwood and locust, and here and there Adam saw the peach trees that had most likely provided part of his breakfast.<\/p>\n

Early as it was, one of the businesses across from the Salt Lake House was open.\u00a0 Probably just for travelers like me<\/em>, Adam decided.\u00a0 He entered in hopes of picking up something to nibble on the road, in the likely event that the next home station was one of the poorer quality.\u00a0 Inside, he found crackers and cheese and, to his delight, fresh peaches. He gulped at the high price, twenty-five cents a dozen, but gave in to his body\u2019s craving for something fresh.\u00a0 Then, well stocked against any eventuality, he hustled back across the street and still had a couple of minutes to spare before the new driver appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cWanna ride up top a spell, son?\u201d the driver suggested, giving Adam\u2019s back a kindly slap as he passed the boy while heading for the front of the stage.\u00a0 \u201cGive you a good view of Salt Lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam agreed readily, knowing that the offer was an honor, given at the driver\u2019s discretion to whomever he chose.\u00a0 Riding up top would provide a welcome break from the increasingly dreary routine, as well as affording a better view of the lake and the other majestic scenery of this part of the country.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t counted on getting a view of Brigham Young\u2019s home, too, but the driver pointed it out as they rumbled past.\u00a0 A good thing he was sitting high, Adam concluded as he peered over the eight-foot stone wall at the complex of buildings that covered an entire square.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t have seen any of it from street level.\u00a0 Of course, at the rate the stage whizzed past, he didn\u2019t see much anyway, he admitted with a grin.<\/p>\n

Leaving town, the road ran parallel to the Jordan River, although some distance from it.\u00a0 \u201cThat line of trees must mark the river,\u201d Adam commented to the driver.\u00a0 \u201cToo far away to see what kind, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMostly cottonwood, acacia and poplar,\u201d the driver reported, \u201cwith some fruit trees the Mormons have planted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bought some of their peaches at the store back there,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome to share them if you like.\u201d<\/p>\n

The driver laughed.\u00a0 \u201cDid a mite of my own stockin\u2019 up back there at Salt Lake City, son.\u00a0 Always do before I head out.\u00a0 They make mighty good eating.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure do,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 He pointed past the line of trees to a dark silhouette, still kissed by the fading lavender and magenta of the rising sun.\u00a0 \u201cSomething moving on that island over there.\u00a0 Cattle?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 Mormons use those islands for pasture.\u201d \u00a0After guiding the horses around a curve, the driver continued, \u201cRiver\u2019s only three, maybe four, feet deep between there and the main shore\u2014shallow enough to let \u2018em herd the cattle back and forth, deep enough to discourage the cattle from roamin\u2019 off on their own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a plan,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWish we had a setup like that back on our ranch near Virginia City; then I wouldn\u2019t have to spend so much time rounding up strays.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a job I\u2019d favor,\u201d the driver chuckled back.\u00a0 \u201cAny strays I get in this business, I leave to round themselves up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr just leave \u2018em behind, huh?\u201d Adam teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cMan ain\u2019t a dumb beast,\u201d the driver argued.\u00a0 \u201cOught to have sense enough to get hisself where he needs to be, when he needs to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough,\u201d Adam agreed. \u00a0He settled back, propping his elbows on the body of the carriage behind him, and enjoyed the magnificent panorama from his high perch.\u00a0 The stage ran through the deep, narrow and rugged valley and up into the Wasatch spur of the Rocky Mountains.\u00a0 Reaching the summit of Big Mountain Pass, he turned back for one last look at the shimmering turquoise of Great Salt Lake.<\/p>\n

Throughout the morning he calculated that they crossed some creek\u2014the driver called it Bauchmann\u2019s\u2014at least a dozen times as they zigzagged down from the summit.\u00a0 They finally burst through the mouth of the awe-inspiring Echo Canyon and came to the next home station, almost in the shadow of its red bluffs.\u00a0 Nearby, Adam saw fields planted with wheat, barley and corn, although the latter looked scraggly, barely able to hold itself upright.\u00a0 Lack of water, probably, he concluded and determined, as well, that fresh roasting ears weren\u2019t likely to appear on the dinner table.\u00a0 The food was good at Weber, though, even if it did feature the same bacon and fried eggs served at most home stations.\u00a0 Fried potatoes and onions, a product of careful cultivation in a harsh land, supplemented the meal.\u00a0 There was no denying that the settlers of this territory had made the desert blossom like the rose, as the Bible put it.<\/p>\n

At the driver\u2019s invitation Adam again mounted the seat beside him and watched the road gradually narrow until it snaked through a mere gorge with high bluffs rising on either side.\u00a0 Dwarf oak and wild roses covered the lower slopes, but the vegetation grew thinner toward the heights.\u00a0 Beside a recently felled tree he spotted a beaver, and a whole flock of black-and-white magpies flew overhead.<\/p>\n

Approaching the next station, the cliffs became almost vertical, and high on top was a set of stone embattlements.\u00a0 \u201cIndian trouble?\u201d Adam queried, pointing them out.<\/p>\n

The driver chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNope.\u00a0 Mormon trouble\u2014or trouble for the Mormons, depending on how you see it.\u00a0 Maybe you recollect Johnson\u2019s War against the Mormon folk?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mouth skewed to one side.\u00a0 \u201cWasn\u2019t much of a war.\u201d<\/p>\n

The driver laughed aloud this time.\u00a0 \u201cSure wasn\u2019t, son, but the Mormons thought it might be, and can\u2019t say as I blame \u2018em, with word of the United States Army comin\u2019 agin \u2018em.\u00a0 Built them fortresses to defend the canyon, but never had much need to use \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cWe lost a lot of folks from our valley about that time.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they left Hanging Rock Station, the scenery improved steadily.\u00a0 Willows and other trees lined the banks of the Weber River, winding through the canyon, and springs abounded all along the road, as well as bushes of gooseberries and currants that made Adam want to hop off and gather fresh fruit.\u00a0 The sight made him so hungry, in fact, that he dug a peach out of his bag and bit into it, using the back of his hand to wipe away the juice that dribbled down his chin.\u00a0 Prairie chickens and sage hens, scurrying through the brush, lifted his hopes for a succulent supper at the next home station, and his mouth began to water with the mere memory of Aunt Nelly\u2019s roast chicken and dressing.<\/p>\n

The swing station at Echo Canyon was no more than a rough structure of slabs, sturdy enough to keep the wolves out, but not much more.\u00a0 From there the trail ran northwest up a grassy draw.\u00a0 The driver pointed out a hollow in the gray sandstone rock to one side.\u00a0 \u201cCache Cave.\u00a0 Quite a history behind it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam knew an offer when he heard one.\u00a0 \u201cLike to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The driver grinned.\u00a0 \u201cFigured as much, you bein\u2019 interested in learning, like ole Sam told me back in Salt Lake.\u00a0 Well, to start with, it\u2019s got other names.\u00a0 Rock Cave ain\u2019t much of one, to my mind, but Swallow Cave suits it, \u2018cause lots of swallows nest inside.\u00a0 Seen martins around plenty of times, too.\u00a0 The cave\u2019s been used by injuns, mountain men, fur traders and explorers\u2014whole bunch of \u2018em.\u00a0 I hear there\u2019s upwards of a hundred and fifty names carved in there, some goin\u2019 back far as 1820.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike the names on Independence Rock,\u201d Adam commented.\u00a0 \u201cMine\u2019s there, along with my pa\u2019s and my uncle\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo say!\u201d\u00a0 The driver seemed impressed.\u00a0 \u201cI come around the Horn myself.\u00a0 Not much way to carve your name on a wave.\u201d\u00a0 He slapped his knee and laughed hard.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed, too.\u00a0 \u201cMy pa was a sailor in his younger days,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cBet he\u2019s got some tales to tell then.\u00a0 Anyway, that cave was another headquarters for the Mormon military during that sort-of war.\u201d\u00a0 He frowned slightly.\u00a0 \u201cI always keep a good lookout, goin\u2019 through here, \u2018cause I\u2019ve heard rumors that some genuine bad men hole up in it from time to time.\u00a0 Reckon you know about bad men, though, from what I\u2019ve heard of Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s got her share,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cSam Brown was about as bad as they come.\u00a0 I was there when he was gunned down.\u201d\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t a memory he cherished, but he felt that he owed the driver some return for the information being shared with him.<\/p>\n

The driver also recognized an offer when he heard it, and with a wide grin he answered just as Adam had earlier.\u00a0 \u201cLike to hear about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam shared the story, to the loud guffaws of the driver, the stage left the grassy draw and crossed another sagebrush flat.\u00a0 He broke off when he sighted a pair of massive, sharp-tipped rocks thrusting toward the clear blue sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeedle Rocks,\u201d the driver said.\u00a0 \u201cStation up ahead takes its name from them.\u00a0 You climb back up here, soon as we make the change of mules, boy; that Sam Brown story\u2019s gettin\u2019 right exciting, and I want to hear how it ends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam agreed readily.\u00a0 He hopped down as soon as the horses stopped and hustled to the front door of the swing station.\u00a0 Sitting beside it on a rough plank bench was a bucket of water.\u00a0 Adam quickly consumed a ladleful, although it was too lukewarm to be very refreshing.\u00a0 A couple of minutes to stretch his legs, and he was again perched beside the driver, telling of Sam Brown\u2019s final moments of life while the stagecoach swerved from side to side of a canyon, ascending and then descending the steep banks covered with yellow berry, chokecherry, service berry and a variety of other shrubs.<\/p>\n

They left the spectacular scenery of Echo Canyon behind and crossed the border of the Territory of Utah into Wyoming, rolling through a grassy valley partially enclosed by perpendicular stone buttes.\u00a0 A brook teeming with trout ran through its midst, and Adam felt a yearning to sit beneath the shade of the willows at the base of those buttes and dangle a pole, while the scent of wild geraniums perfumed the quiet afternoon.\u00a0 No quiet afternoons for him, though, not in the foreseeable future.\u00a0 Nothing but the rattle of wheels over rocky roads and the bite of the wind in his face.<\/p>\n

The stage plunged through the swift waters of rocky-bottomed Bear River and charged into the next home station, where the bounty Adam had seen along the road graced the table.\u00a0 The pretty wife of station keeper Myers served a heaping platter of fried trout with pan-fried potatoes and an overflowing bowl of stewed greens.\u00a0 While her only comment throughout the meal was the announcement of berry pie for dessert, her accent revealed that she, like her more loquacious husband, was a native of England.\u00a0 Learning that Adam was college-bound, Myers produced a copy of Volney\u2019s Ruins of Rome<\/em> and declared his interest in politics, both ancient and current.\u00a0 Adam would have enjoyed continuing the conversation, but the stage left within half an hour of its arrival.<\/p>\n

Adding miles to a journey already overlong to Adam\u2019s aching bones, the road northeast of Bear Creek Station zigzagged this way and then that, due to the irregular lay of the land.\u00a0 It was, at least, scenic country, especially compared to the deserts of Nevada and Utah.\u00a0 At the foot of a mountain, the stage forded a muddy stream and continued along a road whose sides teemed with vegetation: stunted oak, blackjack, and box elder, along with bushes of wild cherry and maroon service berry.\u00a0 The long climb of Quaking Asp Hill, to a height of almost eight thousand feet, followed, and here the surrounding land was a mix: some parts lush with life, others totally bare.\u00a0 The ridge bore a thick growth of fir and pine, contrasting with the lighter trunks of the quaking aspen in the ravines below.\u00a0 Even the bare places held a unique attraction, for eerily shaped hills and bluffs of red earth were topped with white clay that made them appear frosted with a fresh fall of snow.\u00a0 Much as he was enjoying the scenery, however, Adam was tired, so at the next swing station he climbed inside the coach, rolled up in his buffalo robe and slept the night through.<\/p>\n

He woke before dawn to even better scenery, the bare spots fewer and further apart the closer the stage drew to Fort Bridger.\u00a0 Adam was eager to see it, for it was a place the wagon train had missed on its way west.\u00a0 Being pressed for time if they were to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains before snow fell, the Larrimore train had elected to take the Sublette Cutoff, instead.\u00a0 The stage wouldn\u2019t be stopping long, though, just long enough to pick up the mail.\u00a0 Time<\/em>, Adam reflected, always seems to be in short supply<\/em>.\u00a0 Then it was a matter of life or death, while now<\/em>\u2014he grinned\u2014still a matter of life or death\u2014academically, that is!<\/em><\/p>\n

Fort Bridger was a pleasant place, almost as lovely as the Ponderosa.\u00a0 If that\u2019s possible<\/em>.\u00a0 Adam fought down another treacherous wave of homesickness.\u00a0 No, no place could rival that pristine beauty, but these green meadows nestled in forest-crested mountains were stiff competition.\u00a0 The waters of Black\u2019s Fork of the Green River flowed past the fort, dividing into a dozen or more branches, each bridged, and all of them recombining after passing through the settlement.\u00a0 A lot of the houses were empty, abandoned like Camp Floyd and for the same reason, the war back East.<\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast soon?\u201d Adam queried as he climbed up beside the driver after the brief stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext station\u2014Millersville,\u201d the driver reported, adding with a grin, \u201cand I\u2019m as ready for it as you, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daylight was full and Adam starving when they reached the home station.\u00a0 He smiled at the corral formed from broken yoke-bows, no doubt the remnant of numerous emigrant or freight wagons abandoned over the years.\u00a0 In fact, a long line of them stood nearby, hulking skeletons stripped of usable wood.\u00a0 Inside, the chair backs were constructed from the same material.\u00a0 The station keeper, a Mr. Holmes, barely spoke\u2014taciturn by nature, Adam supposed.\u00a0 His wife, another pretty young Englishwoman, made certain everyone\u2019s mouth was too full for conversation anyway.\u00a0 Adam feasted on another breakfast of fried fish, trout and suckerfish this time.\u00a0 The ubiquitous fried potatoes appeared again, too, but these were accompanied by fresh strawberries and cream.<\/p>\n

A number of passengers got on at Millersville, including one lady, who automatically inherited the seat beside the driver that Adam had enjoyed so long.\u00a0 It came as no surprise that the driver preferred the company of a lady to that of a lanky schoolboy\u2014or any other man.\u00a0 In this case, Adam couldn\u2019t blame the driver at all.\u00a0 The lady was definitely easy on the eyes.<\/p>\n

The road led through Black\u2019s Fork, so clear its rocky bottom could be seen as the stage forded it three times.\u00a0 At one of the swing stations, Adam walked along the water course, idly picking up a few smooth pebbles from those scattered along the shore.\u00a0 Soon he had a collection of granite, obsidian and flint, as well as quartz stones of white, yellow and smoky gray.\u00a0 Walking back to the stage, he rolled them around in his hand, enjoying the cool smoothness.\u00a0 He had intended to toss them aside when he boarded, but with a nostalgic smile he slipped them into his pocket, instead.\u00a0 Hoss and Little Joe would enjoy a memento like this of his journey.\u00a0 At the next stop he made a beeline for the water\u2019s edge, determined to find one of each kind for each brother.\u00a0 He was still looking when the driver hollered, and he ran to catch the stage.<\/p>\n

The next home station afforded the best chance to complete the collection, for it was located at the junction of Ham\u2019s Fork and Black\u2019s Fork, both streams large enough to power a mill.\u00a0 When the stage arrived, however, Adam was more interested in a meal than a search for pebbles.\u00a0 His hopes for a good one plummeted at first sight of the hovel of dry stone, fitted together without benefit of mortar.\u00a0 The stones were piled against a low cliff, which served as the hut\u2019s back wall, and the floor was dirt.\u00a0 That, in itself, didn\u2019t make Adam think less of the place.\u00a0 After all, most of the stations were floored with dirt, and he could remember living under similar circumstances himself that first year in Carson Valley.\u00a0 Nelly Thomas had always kept the cabin clean, though; even the dirt floor had been neatly swept, but this station was filthy.<\/p>\n

The station keeper, Scottish Mormon David Lewis, seemed intelligent and courteous, but not ambitious enough, in Adam\u2019s view, to provide a fit home for his family, which included two Irish wives and a handful of rowdy kids.\u00a0 They were all dressed in tatters\u2014filthy tatters, at that\u2014and looked as if they had never dipped in the nearby streams.\u00a0 With their pug noses splashed with freckles, the women could have passed for sisters\u2014and might well have been, since Mormon men sometimes married siblings.\u00a0 Beneath the frayed hems of their faded calico frocks peeked matching sets of bare and decidedly dirty feet.<\/p>\n

The sight of the table, again swarming with flies, effectively tempered Adam\u2019s appetite, but couldn\u2019t kill it completely.\u00a0 He was too hungry for that, and there was no guarantee that the next station wouldn\u2019t offer a table equally repugnant.\u00a0 He swept the flies aside, choked down what he could and hurried outside to check the streambed for more smooth pebbles his little brothers might like.\u00a0 Finally, he spotted a bright yellow glint, and shivering as the icy water rippled over his hands, he washed away the soft silt to reveal the final piece of quartz he needed to give each brother a set identical except for size.\u00a0 He\u2019d try to balance them out, even in that, but he could probably count on sharp-eyed Little Joe to notice if any of his stones were smaller than any of Hoss\u2019s.\u00a0 Better warn Pa that he may need to act as peacemaker<\/em>, Adam chuckled to himself as he pocketed the yellow quartz and ambled back toward the stagecoach.<\/p>\n

A good thing I completed that collection when I did<\/em>, he decided as the river was left behind.\u00a0 The chances of finding quartz on the dry divide the road next crossed shrank to nothing.\u00a0 The stop at Michael Martin\u2019s swing station was brief, of course, so all Adam had time to do was take a brief look around the owner\u2019s general store and grocery.\u00a0 He was amazed to see how well stocked it was in a part of the country he still considered the middle of nowhere.\u00a0 Champagne and other liquors lined the shelves, a little surprising since Mormons didn\u2019t drink much.\u00a0 Fancy dry goods like linen drapery and ribbons, as well as brandied fruits, jams and jellies were on offer, too, along with the more expected buckskin and moccasins and potted provisions.\u00a0 Since he still had fresh fruit from Salt Lake City, Adam purchased nothing and hurried back to catch the stage.<\/p>\n

The road rose up a mile-wide river valley, and although this wasn\u2019t exactly the trail the Cartwrights had followed west, the scenery recalled what Adam had seen in 1850.\u00a0 The dainty leaves of the pale-barked quaking asp danced in the slight breeze, alongside willows and wild cherry trees with their large, purple-red fruit.\u00a0 Scattered among the trees were buffalo berry bushes.\u00a0 Adam could remember rubbing their tongue-shaped, silvery green leaves between his fingers and taking delight in the feel of their fuzzy undersides.\u00a0 Inger had made jelly from the red berries, now ripe enough to stir his memory of the sweet fruit.\u00a0 Wonder if Michael Martin had some of that in stock,<\/em> he pondered.\u00a0 Would\u2019ve liked to taste it again\u2014and wild cherry jam.\u00a0 Inger made that, too<\/em>.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t admit, even to himself, that it was memories of his mother he yearned to rekindle.\u00a0 Before this trip it had been a long time since he\u2019d thought about her, but the sights along the trail reawakened the sound of her gentle laughter.\u00a0 It had been different from Marie\u2019s tinkling, bell-like laugh\u2014deeper, warmer\u2014but for a moment he could hear them both, laughing together, and somehow it comforted him to think that they were together now, sharing memories of him and Pa and his little brothers.<\/p>\n

Dinner came late, as the stagecoach had to make it all the way to Green River, a headquarters station for the Overland Stage and quite a little settlement, with a grocery and several other stores clustered close by.\u00a0 The meal served by the English wife of the man Adam learned would be his new driver more than made up for the delay, however.\u00a0 Salmon trout was fried crispy and flaked at the touch of his fork.\u00a0 He slathered the fluffy biscuits with buffalo berry jelly, pleased that his wish of that afternoon had been so quickly gratified.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t as good as he remembered Inger\u2019s being, but nothing had ever quite lived up to the memory of her cooking, not even Hop Sing\u2019s.\u00a0 Adam washed down the meal with a tall glass of fresh buttermilk, a welcome alternative to all the bad coffee he\u2019d drunk between here and Carson City.\u00a0 When he finished, he excused himself to catch a breath of fresh air.<\/p>\n

He strolled around the yard, noting the well-kept corrals, which held mules for the stage line and horses for the Pony Express, and the pasture beyond, where a few cattle and sheep grazed.\u00a0 A solid station, and the new eastbound driver, a Scot named McCarthy, seemed like a solid man, too.\u00a0 Seeing the man exchange a kiss with his wife at the door, Adam scurried back to the stage.\u00a0 \u201cI would nae leave without ye, lad,\u201d McCarthy said, flashing a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for that,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cCare to ride up top or be ye of a mood to sleep, like the lassies?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was tired and had intended to go straight to sleep, but he didn\u2019t wish to turn down a gracious offer.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll ride with you to the next station,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThen I\u2019d best get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp with ye, then,\u201d McCarthy urged, looking pleased to have company.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve road to cover.\u201d\u00a0 As soon as Adam was aboard, he snapped the lines, and the mules took off toward Green River.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ferried across this when my family and I emigrated west,\u201d Adam commented as the coach rolled down the bank to the river.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill do, some times of the year,\u201d McCarthy told him.\u00a0 \u201cNot in August, though.\u00a0 Shallow enough to ford now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 Fording was always preferable to ferrying, in terms of both time and expense, he recalled.\u00a0 Not that we could ever convince Mrs. Larrimore of that.\u00a0 How that woman hated rivers!\u00a0 <\/em>Though he enjoyed the Scottish driver\u2019s company, the country on the other side of the river wasn\u2019t much to see.\u00a0 The rolling terrain barely sustained any grass, though sagebrush abounded\u2014sagebrush and alkali dust that cracked his lips and prickled his nose.\u00a0 By the time they reached the next swing station, Adam decided he\u2019d had enough, and expressing a need for sleep, he climbed back inside the coach.\u00a0 Once there, however, he found that his weariness wasn\u2019t feigned, for he soon drifted off.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fording Big Sandy Creek early the next morning was a more daunting challenge, for the banks were high and stiff and the water in the clear stream swift.\u00a0 McCarthy\u2019s skill brought them safely through\u2014with apparent ease, even.\u00a0 He\u2019d be parting company with the passengers here, turning them over to a new driver, while he himself headed back the way they\u2019d come.\u00a0 \u201cDry drive ahead,\u201d he said as he helped the two female passengers down from the coach.\u00a0 \u201cBest fill your canteens before leaving Big Sandy, folks, or ye\u2019ll be sorry ye dinnae take me advice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took the counsel to heart.\u00a0 The very words \u201cdry drive\u201d sent shivers down his spine, as they brought memories of Sublette\u2019s Cutoff and the Forty-Mile Desert surging to his brain.\u00a0 After breakfast he squatted on a bank dotted with blue lupine, golden sunflowers, bell-shaped blossoms of white mountain heather and some pink flower he couldn\u2019t identify while he filled his canteen with cold water from the rushing stream.\u00a0 A green-headed horsefly landed on his neck.\u00a0 Adam swatted it and sent it to an early grave, but the damage was done.\u00a0 The sting, painful as that of any wasp, raised a welt that itched maddeningly throughout the day.<\/p>\n

Eight miles further the stage forded another stream, but as the Little Sandy was completely dry at this season, it presented no problem whatsoever\u2014except to the mind, perhaps.\u00a0 The sight of that dry creek bed made Adam so thirsty that he opened his canteen to take a drink.\u00a0 Before capping it again he dabbed a little cold water on his burning neck.\u00a0 It helped for a while, but as the sun rose higher and he began to sweat, the burning and itching intensified.<\/p>\n

After several more easy fords the stage began to climb up toward the Continental Divide.\u00a0 Two miles short of that landmark, the driver reined in the mules at Pacific Springs.\u00a0 The station itself was some distance away from where he stopped, however, and Adam soon saw why.\u00a0 The land around the log hut was an absolute bog; in fact, the only way to the building was a narrow board laid across the soggy turf.\u00a0 Not a challenge for Adam, with his fine sense of balance, but when he tried to help a full-skirted female passenger, her wobbly footsteps almost toppled both of them into the muck.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, he was able to catch the lady around the waist and rock back on his heels without plopping down into the quagmire.\u00a0 \u201cOh, dear,\u201d the lady tittered once she stood safely on semi-solid ground, \u201cI do hope the meal merits the effort we\u2019ve made to get here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so, too, ma\u2019am,\u201d Adam returned with a grin.\u00a0 The porcelain doorknob gave promise of refinement inside, but refinement was only door-deep, he soon concluded.\u00a0 The furnishings were far from ostentatious, for the only chairs were narrow planks, about as comfortable as perching on a corral rail back home.\u00a0 The food was a perfect match for the chairs in quality, consisting of potato cubes floating in beef broth.\u00a0 If there had ever been any actual beef in this stew, it never made it into Adam\u2019s bowl.\u00a0 The meal was hot and somewhat filling; nevertheless, as he left, Adam saw a chicken hawk circling overhead and silently willed it on to better pickings.\u00a0 Slapping away the cloud of mosquitoes that descended upon him, he made his way to the plank over the marsh and hurried to the stage after watching, with amusement, as another passenger helped the lady across this time.<\/p>\n

In no time at all the stage topped the hill to the east and rolled across the divide.\u00a0 Though Adam knew he still had a long journey ahead, he felt that he was really on his way now, as he, like the waters on this side of the pass, raced toward the Mississippi River.\u00a0 South Pass was another old friend from the trail, awakening more memories of his trip west with Pa and Inger and his baby brother.\u00a0 Hard to think of Hoss as a baby, but he had been then.\u00a0 Now he was a fine, strapping boy and another little fellow carried the title of baby brother, Adam mused wistfully.\u00a0 Then he set his mouth in a hard line.\u00a0 Will you stop it?<\/em> he scolded himself.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be blubbering like a baby yourself if you keep this up!<\/em><\/p>\n

Winding roads charged up and plunged down, and the stage forded another succession of creeks\u2014some dry, some not.\u00a0 Even those that weren\u2019t had, on average, only two feet of water, so they caused no delay and no concern for the skilled driver.\u00a0 Strawberry Creek was particularly attractive with its stream banks lined with red and white willows and poplars and bright red strawberries, peeking temptingly from beneath jagged-edged leaves.\u00a0 The stage continued on without stopping, except for periodic changes of team, until it finally rolled into Rock Creek for supper.\u00a0 Though Adam wouldn\u2019t have believed it possible, the food in this filthy place was worse than that at Pacific Springs.\u00a0 He choked down what he could and hoped for better things on the morrow.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Yawning widely, Adam stretched his arms back in a miserably futile attempt to work out the kinks from another night aboard the stagecoach.\u00a0 \u201cBreakfast here?\u201d he inquired, covering another yawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cNext station,\u201d the driver replied.\u00a0 \u201cGot a lady in the house there, and she\u2019s a right fine cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes finally opened wide enough to look around the swing station, and he grinned as he recognized the location.\u00a0 Ice Spring Slough, too, carried some fond memories.\u00a0 He could almost see Hoss, squalling up a storm after he\u2019d given the baby a piece of ice, dug from below ground, to suck on.\u00a0 Inger had scolded him soundly for that, and he\u2019d felt terrible when he heard that he might have caused his baby brother to choke.\u00a0 The ice had just tasted so good after all the hot days of trudging beside the wagon that he\u2019d been sure Hoss would enjoy it, too.\u00a0 No time to dig ice this morning, but it wasn\u2019t as tempting, anyway, in the chilly morning air.\u00a0 He was more hungry than thirsty now and was glad to climb aboard as soon as the team was changed.\u00a0 Drivers generally didn\u2019t lead him astray when it came to meals, so he was looking forward to this one.\u00a0 Even if it turned out to be greasy gravy and rock-hard biscuits, though, his gnawing belly was insisting that he stuff his face full.<\/p>\n

The stage descended into the valley of the Sweetwater River.\u00a0 On both sides walls of white granite, flecked with black mica, rose three to four hundred feet.\u00a0 The path of the river was so serpentine that the stage was forced to ford it twice before rolling in to the home station located at the first of three more fording places clustered close together.\u00a0 Three Crossings.\u00a0 Poor Mrs. Larrimore had practically been in hysterics at the thought of fording a river three times in succession.\u00a0 Adam had never understood how his mother could put up with the irritating woman, but that was just Inger.\u00a0 She\u2019d been patient with everyone, whether it was a foolishly fearful woman or a little boy who had harvested a crop of sharp burrs when he strayed too far from the wagon.<\/p>\n

There had been nothing here then, but Adam was glad to see the log station.\u00a0 He hustled beneath the skull of a full-grown bighorn sheep, which hung over the doorway.\u00a0\u00a0 Inside, he noted with approval that the floor was swept clean and the walls even papered.\u00a0 The table was spread with a clean cloth, and the food looked great.\u00a0 No greasy gravy here!\u00a0 Instead of the usual bacon, the meat was antelope steak, and Adam\u2019s mouth watered at the sight, for this was a dish he had not eaten in years, not since the early days in Carson Valley.\u00a0 Antelope still roamed the valleys near the Ponderosa, but Pa, refusing to take the Indians\u2019 meat supply, wouldn\u2019t let them shoot one anymore.\u00a0 Adam agreed with that policy, but tasting antelope again would be a treat\u2014especially when it came accompanied with fluffy biscuits like these.\u00a0 The coffee and cream were both of excellent quality, too, as was the cheese.\u00a0 After finishing off a slice of gooseberry pie, Adam bought a little extra cheese to take on the stage.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t hurt to be prepared, especially since the next stop was unlikely to provide as satisfying a meal as this had been.<\/p>\n

The road through the next section offered a visual feast to match the one his stomach had just enjoyed.\u00a0 The Sweetwater Valley was draped in a verdant fabric of grass, embroidered with flowers and bordered with willow thickets from which fat grouse skittered in and out.\u00a0 Fringing the fabric were two parallel ranges of mountains, running east and west.\u00a0\u00a0 The bare, sandy sides of the Sweetwater Range, to the south, contrasted with the exuberant life of the northern Rattlesnake Range. There, trees of all varieties abounded.\u00a0 Long rows of aspen, beech and cottonwood lined the river, while pine, cedar, cypress and other evergreens climbed the slopes, and bushes of ripe red strawberries, currants and gooseberries peeked out beneath the green canopy.\u00a0 Though Adam caught little sign of them from the stagecoach, he knew the Rattlesnake Range harbored large and sometimes dangerous animals, as well: bighorn sheep, cougars, grizzly bears and wolves.<\/p>\n

Despite having such resources close to hand, Monsieur Plant\u00e9 and his family of French-Canadians, managers of the next home station, set one of the poorest tables Adam had seen anywhere.\u00a0 The milk had obviously been watered down to make it stretch, so much, in fact, that there looked to be more water than milk in the pitcher he saw on the table as he entered.\u00a0 He could tell at a glance that the sliced bread was only half-baked, and the butter smelled rancid at a distance.\u00a0 For this questionable fare, the standard seventy-five cents was charged without the slightest qualm.\u00a0 Adam turned and walked out.\u00a0 No sense wasting Pa\u2019s money on grub like that!\u00a0 He\u2019d make out on the cheese he\u2019d bought at Three Crossings.<\/p>\n

Coming in to Devil\u2019s Gate, the next swing station, the stage again forded the Sweetwater, but the water came only to the axle.\u00a0 Even Mrs. Larrimore wouldn\u2019t have blinked an eye at this<\/em>, Adam mused with a grin.\u00a0 The stage splashed through easily and rattled down the road, another mile bringing them to that grand register of the plains, Independence Rock.\u00a0 Adam remembered reading about it in Pa\u2019s guide book of the trail and stretching his eyes to see the giant granite boulder and other landmarks for days before they came into sight.\u00a0 Now, the speedy stage rushed past them in mere hours.<\/p>\n

Saleratus Lake, where he and Billy Thomas had filled pails with the prairie\u2019s natural leavening agent, flashed past, and then about every three miles the stage rumbled through some creek whose name Adam was sure he once knew, but could no longer recall.\u00a0 Finally, they stopped at Willow Springs for another poor supper.\u00a0 The water from the springs was pure and ice-cold, sheltered from the sun as it was by eight-foot banks, covered with willows.\u00a0 At least, that\u2019s the way Adam remembered it.\u00a0 Now, after the passage of a decade\u2019s worth of emigrants west, the willows were nothing but stumps.\u00a0 The water was still as icy as he remembered, though, so Adam filled his canteen, hoping the mountain air would help the water retain its coolness for when he\u2019d actually need it the next day.<\/p>\n

Far in the distance he caught sight of a lone buffalo and recalled the excitement of that first one his father had killed and brought back to share with the rest of the wagon train.\u00a0 Descending darkness shut out the nostalgic scene, and if there were any others, they were passed unnoticed in the night.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s dreams that night, though, were sweet with remembrances of his gentle Swedish mother as they walked together beside their ox-drawn wagon.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam smiled at the bevy of bronze-skinned children playing about the door of Deer Creek Station.\u00a0 A number of other buildings surrounded the station, including a post office, but Adam didn\u2019t have time to post a letter.\u00a0 What news did he have to relate, anyway?\u00a0 Dear Pa, I\u2019m exhausted, battered and bruised from riding in this stagecoach night and day?\u00a0 <\/em>Or, Dear Hoss, don\u2019t travel this way; the food\u2019s terrible?<\/em>\u00a0 No, his family could do without news like that, at least until he had some good news to put with it, like his acceptance into Yale College.\u00a0 At breakfast he met Major Twiss, the Indian agent who lived here, and Monsieur Bissonette, whose accent strongly reminded him of Marie.\u00a0 The latter invited all the stage passengers to follow him to his combination store and saloon.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam tagged along and bought a bit of pemmican and some crackers against culinary emergencies.<\/p>\n

Though he still felt a need to study for his entrance exam, the scenery was so magnificent throughout the day that Adam found it hard to keep his eyes on his book.\u00a0 The Black Hills were dark with deep green pines, and the land rich in water and wildlife, but the stations put that wealth to the sorriest use conceivable.\u00a0 Of course, he realized that station keepers had little time to hunt, with stages and Pony riders coming through so regularly, but the meager meals gave him a renewed appreciation for Inger\u2019s talents over a cook fire and Pa\u2019s taking time to bring in fresh meat along the trail.\u00a0 They\u2019d paid for their slow pace by getting to the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains so late in the season that Pa had decided not to risk the crossing, but that had turned out for the best.\u00a0 Though their original destination had been California, now Adam couldn\u2019t think of any place but Nevada as home.<\/p>\n

If majestic scenery and nostalgic memories hadn\u2019t served to distract him from his studies, the conversation of his fellow passengers that Friday morning surely did.\u00a0 Not long after leaving Deer Creek, a man seated across from Adam casually remarked, \u201cNext home station is Horseshoe Creek.\u00a0 Anybody not know what that means?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man next to Adam grinned broadly beneath his black handlebar mustache.\u00a0 \u201cThat the biscuits is tougher than horseshoes?\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

The first man guffawed, slapping his knee.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a good one!\u201d\u00a0 He sobered quickly.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t a laughing matter, though.\u00a0 If any of these folks have never ridden this way before, they might need a word of warning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t,\u201d Adam admitted freely.\u00a0 \u201cNot by stage, that is.\u00a0 I passed through in \u201950 with my folks, but there wasn\u2019t anything here then.\u00a0 Well, except . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndians?\u201d a lady sharing Adam\u2019s seat asked in a shaky voice.\u00a0 \u201cIs it trouble with them you\u2019re warning us of, Mr. . .?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRenfro,\u201d the man supplied with a tip of his flat-crowned, brown felt hat.\u00a0 \u201cNo, ma\u2019am. \u00a0They can be a mite pesky hereabouts, but redskins ain\u2019t nothing to compare with\u201d\u2014he dropped his voice and whispered ominously\u2014\u201cJack Slade.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man beside Adam shook his head, a strand of his shoulder-length black hair hitting Adam in the mouth.\u00a0 \u201cJack Slade,\u201d he chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI know him well.\u00a0 Division head for this section of the Overland Stage, and a more gracious gentleman you couldn\u2019t hope to meet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless,\u201d Renfro said with a cock of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes . . . unless,\u201d the other man admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless . . . what?\u201d the lady asked, fingers fidgeting with the cameo at her neck.\u00a0 She leaned forward, face intent, as did the passengers sharing Renfro\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless he\u2019s been drinking, ma\u2019am.\u201d\u00a0 Renfro smiled at her.\u00a0 \u201cYou got nothing to worry about, of course.\u00a0 Slade\u2019s always genteel with the ladies, but the rest of us best watch our step . . . and even if the biscuits are hard as horseshoes, don\u2019t dare to complain, not if you value your life.\u00a0 Slade don\u2019t take kindly to anyone insulting his sweet Molly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Convinced the man was making sport of them, Adam smiled wryly.\u00a0 \u201cHas he ever actually killed anyone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet he has, son!\u201d Renfro sputtered, clearly put off by a mere boy daring to question his word.\u00a0 \u201cKilled his first man when he was just thirteen, and then there\u2019s what he did to Jules Reni some time back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHad cause for that,\u201d the man who claimed to know Slade alleged.\u00a0 \u201cReni near killed him when the Overland sent him to clean up Reni\u2019s gang of thugs at Julesburg.\u201d<\/p>\n

Renfro shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cTrue enough. \u00a0Can\u2019t fault him for going after a man that emptied a pistol in him and then fired two barrels of buckshot at him, for good measure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe lived through that?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s mouth gaped open.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did, son.\u00a0 Reni thought he\u2019d left Slade for dead, but Slade promised to live long enough to wear Reni\u2019s ears on his watch chain, and he made good on that promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced to his seat mate for confirmation, and the mustached man nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what I heard.\u00a0 Tied Reni to a corral and used him for target practice \u2018til Reni begged him to get it over with.\u00a0 Slade did, and then he cut off Reni\u2019s ears, just like he\u2019d said he would.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lady shivered.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a dreadful story, and I don\u2019t think I believe a word of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam wasn\u2019t sure he did, either.\u00a0 It was the kind of story men might tell to scare a youngster, as they surely considered him to be, but it was hard to believe they\u2019d want to frighten the lady.\u00a0 Most men had better manners.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen some men in Virginia City tough enough to do just what Slade was accused of, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t mean to worry you none, ma\u2019am,\u201d the man with the mustache said.\u00a0 \u201cAs I said, Slade\u2019s been a perfect gentleman every time I\u2019ve come this way.\u00a0 Don\u2019t fret yourself a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lady smiled stiffly, but the wrinkles in her forehead indicated that she was still worried about meeting the notorious Slade.\u00a0 As the stage pulled into Horseshoe Station and Adam helped her down from the coach, she pulled him aside and whispered in his ear, \u201cWatch yourself in there, boy.\u00a0 You seem a mannerly sort, but it doesn\u2019t pay to be careless with a man like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, I\u2019ll mind my manners,\u201d Adam promised, though not from fear of Jack Slade.\u00a0 He still only half believed the wild tale.\u00a0 When he walked into the dog trot cabin and saw Slade for himself, Adam was certain the other gents had been pulling his leg.\u00a0\u00a0 Not only did Slade seem mild-mannered and completely cordial, he was a skinny little fellow, not even as tall and heavy as his wife.\u00a0 In fact, Slade wasn\u2019t much taller than Hoss, Adam noted with a smile, and not nearly as stocky as his eleven-year-old brother.<\/p>\n

Virginia Slade, better known as Molly, set a decent table, at least by home station standards.\u00a0 Nothing to brag about, but not much to raise complaint over, either.\u00a0 Just a meal.\u00a0 Adam had kept his tongue under far worse provocation, so he found it easy to politely thank Miss Molly for the meal when the driver rose from his seat to signal that it was time to reboard the stage.<\/p>\n

As the passengers all stood, Renfro asked the station keeper if he had the time.\u00a0 Obligingly, Slade pulled out his pocket watch, and Adam could almost feel his eyes widening at the sight of the watch fob that ornamented the chain.\u00a0 Dried flesh, without a doubt, and unless his imagination was working overtime, exactly the shape of a withered ear.\u00a0 Adam gulped and blessed Pa for teaching him good manners.<\/p>\n

Renfro chuckled as everyone settled into their seats on the stage once more.\u00a0 \u201cWell, boy, still think I was gilding the lily?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess not,\u201d Adam conceded.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t bother thanking me,\u201d Renfro cackled.\u00a0 \u201cFor the warning, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took him at his word and didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

The road ran along the course of the North Platte, but since it was closer to the hills than the water, the path was rocky and uneven.\u00a0 Adam eagerly took advantage of the swing stations at Cottonwood Springs and Star Ranch to light down and rest, if only for the time it took to change teams.\u00a0 Ft. Laramie, coming up, was a place he would gladly have stayed longer, for he had enjoyed his first visit to the fort.\u00a0 Then it had been a leisurely stop for the wagon train, a time to make repairs and replenish supplies.\u00a0 Now there wasn\u2019t even enough time to run over to the post bakery for a loaf of good bread.\u00a0 Renfro did manage to pick up a copy of the New York Times<\/em> at the sutler\u2019s store and sociably read the latest news to his fellow passengers.<\/p>\n

The newspaper was a week old, but even so, it contained fresher news than Adam was used to getting in his part of the country.\u00a0 Everyone was most interested in the progress of the war, of course, and the front page was full of reports and rumors: General Banks had withdrawn from Sandy Hook; the rebels had reoccupied Harper\u2019s Ferry; a Confederate steamboat had been captured on the Mississippi.\u00a0 Adam was most concerned, however, about the report of a recent battle in Missouri, where 1,235 were said to be dead, wounded or missing at Wilson\u2019s Creek. That was more than two hundred miles south of St. Joseph, where his friends, the Edwards, were living, but still too close for comfort. \u00a0Adam listened with rapt attention, barely aware of the next bumpy stretch of nine miles.<\/p>\n

When the stage stopped at Bordeaux\u2019s Ranch, which one of the other passengers called Laramie City, Renfro automatically stopped reading\u2014in mid-sentence, no less.\u00a0 \u201cTime for dinner,\u201d he announced cheerily as he folded his paper and sprang up to open the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess he\u2019s hungry,\u201d chuckled the man with the mustache.<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t we all?\u201d Adam responded with a cheeky grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cManners, boy, manners,\u201d the other man laughed back.\u00a0 \u201cNot that Bordeaux is anything like Slade.\u201d<\/p>\n

To Adam, there wasn\u2019t much difference between Jack Slade and the French-Canadian James Bordeaux, the station keeper here, except for reputation.\u00a0 Both treated him well enough and served up a meal that was about equal in quality.\u00a0 Bordeaux ran a small store here, too, though, and while most of the goods were designed to catch the Indian eye, Adam saw one item he just had to have.\u00a0 The pipe was simple in construction, but its sandstone bowl was polished until it shone like marble.\u00a0 Perfect for Pa, a memento of the trip for him, just as the river pebbles would be for Hoss and Little Joe.\u00a0 Adam bargained a little, to get the price down, and carried it back onto the stagecoach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do hope a boy of your age hasn\u2019t taken up the vice of smoking,\u201d the lady who had been so solicitous of his manners back at Slade\u2019s place chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, ma\u2019am.\u00a0 It\u2019s not for me; it\u2019s a gift for my father.\u201d \u00a0Adam was more than a little tired of having every female who boarded the stage telling him how he ought to behave, but he kept his reply polite.\u00a0 \u2018Cause I do know how to behave<\/em>, he told her silently.<\/p>\n

Renfro remained behind at Bordeaux\u2019s.\u00a0 No loss, except he kept the newspaper with him.\u00a0 Oh, well<\/em>, Adam thought.\u00a0 Maybe I\u2019m just as well off not hearing more war news.\u00a0 As long as Jamie and his father are safe, it doesn\u2019t concern me, anyway<\/em>.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam took another swig of water from his canteen, but no matter how much he drank, he couldn\u2019t seem to wash the grease from his mouth.\u00a0 Breakfast at Spring Ranch that morning had been plentiful, but the bacon, antelope, biscuits and doughnuts had all been fried in the same pan.\u00a0 The flavors had mixed together, with grease saturating everything.\u00a0 Probably nothing short of washing his mouth out with lye soap would get the taste of that grease out.\u00a0 Between that and the swarms of mosquitoes that were still attacking after feasting on him and his fellow passengers all night, this had been one miserable morning.<\/p>\n

The stage ascended a long slope, the earth fissured randomly by wide cracks and canyons, and after a twelve-mile incline, headed down again.\u00a0 Recognizing the name of the next station, Adam all but hung out the window to catch a first glimpse of an old trail friend.\u00a0 Finally, a blue mound appeared on the horizon, growing in size and lightening in shade until the eight-hundred-foot mass of Scott\u2019s Bluff loomed before him, giving promise of more familiar landmarks soon to appear.<\/p>\n

The noon meal at the home station here offered the usual bacon and biscuits, but Adam couldn\u2019t tolerate the thought of more grease.\u00a0 Since there was also cheese available, he filled several biscuits with that and took them outside to eat.\u00a0 He looked ahead, craning his eyes for the next major landmark, much as he had when a small boy, traveling the opposite direction.\u00a0 How he\u2019d pestered Pa about seeing Chimney Rock!\u00a0 Looked forward to it for days\u2014maybe even weeks\u2014then feared he\u2019d never see it when cholera struck their wagon train and took so many lives. \u00a0Billy Thomas\u2019s baby brother Bobby, big Frederick Zuebner and Adam\u2019s gentle young friend, Johnny Payne, as well as others he\u2019d come to care about over the weeks they\u2019d traveled together, had been left behind along this stretch of road.\u00a0 Wish there was time to stop and visit their graves.\u00a0 Doubt if I could even find them, though<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Adam knew his wish would go ungranted.\u00a0 No time for searching, anywhere along the route.\u00a0 Even the home stations were but brief stopovers, while at the swing stations, like Fickin\u2019s Springs and Chimney Rock just ahead, they\u2019d stay long enough to change teams and not a minute longer.\u00a0 Not even time to walk over and touch that special place again, as he had when Pa\u2019s strong arms carried him to the pinnacle back then, after the sickness finally released its iron grip.\u00a0 Just being able to touch it, after fearing it was the clouds of heaven he\u2019d touch next, had breathed hope into Adam\u2019s young heart, and he\u2019d known in that very moment that they\u2019d make it all the way to California, all the way to Pa\u2019s dream.\u00a0 If I touched it now, would I feel that same faith, that same assurance that I\u2019ll make it all the way to Yale, all the way to my dream?<\/em>\u00a0 A childish notion, he supposed, but somehow he wished he could reach out to the magic of Chimney Rock once more.<\/p>\n

He did have time to fill his canteen at the nearby spring and to gaze up at the clay spire, rising five hundred feet into the air.\u00a0 He had expected it to seem smaller to his more adult eyes, the way other things had, but he still felt the same awe he had as a child.\u00a0 He suddenly wished Hoss could be here to view it with him, for his younger brother had been born in the shadow of Chimney Rock.\u00a0 That birth, after so much death, had brought renewed life to everyone on the Larrimore train and given them the courage to forge ahead\u2014through mountains and deserts; through rain, wind and snow; through everything a hard land could throw at them.\u00a0 They\u2019d persevered and they\u2019d conquered.\u00a0 No, Adam decided, it wasn\u2019t magic he needed, just a fresh reminder that courage could conquer whatever challenges lay ahead.<\/p>\n

The next swing station was Courthouse Rock, another old friend, and then the road passed over a couple of small streams.\u00a0 When one of the other passengers called one of them the Little Punkin, Adam had to laugh.\u00a0 He\u2019d miss that \u201clittle punkin\u201d back home and the older boy who had given the infant Joseph that nickname.\u00a0 His heart welled up with homesickness once more, but this time he didn\u2019t treat it as an enemy to his manhood; rather, he embraced the memories and drew strength from them.<\/p>\n

The sky had been overcast and gray all day, but now the clouds turned dark and foreboding, with pouches hanging down heavy with water.\u00a0 If those let loose<\/em>, Adam thought, Mud Springs will really live up to its name<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The man sitting next to him peered around him.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like we\u2019re in for a blow.\u00a0 Better roll down those curtains, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam obliged the man by releasing the leather curtains, and all around the coach other passengers did the same.\u00a0 One remarked, \u201cDon\u2019t much like the look of those clouds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we\u2019re like to get wet, hoofin\u2019 it to the home station,\u201d the man by Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHope that\u2019s all,\u201d the first man returned in ominous tones.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t like the look of those clouds,\u201d he said again<\/p>\n

Curiosity piqued, Adam peered out the edge of the curtain.\u00a0 The clouds did seem darker, almost black now, low-hanging and shaggy, but still just rain clouds, to his eye.\u00a0 He was about to ask the other man what was concerning him when he heard a yell from outside and his head thumped back against the seat.\u00a0 \u201cMoving faster,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTryin\u2019 to outrun the storm, I reckon,\u201d his seatmate theorized.<\/p>\n

Once more Adam lifted the edge of the curtain and watched, fascinated, as a brilliant dagger of light struck the earth, followed by a loud crack of thunder.\u00a0 Again he heard the driver yell, and again the stagecoach lurched forward as the mules were whipped to a faster pace.\u00a0 For a mile they ran as though hounds were nipping their heels and then the stage pulled to an abrupt stop.\u00a0 Almost immediately the driver jerked opened the door.\u00a0 \u201cTwister!\u201d he hollered above the roaring wind.\u00a0 \u201cEverybody inside\u2014fast!\u201d\u00a0 He ran back to the front of the coach to unhitch the mules.<\/p>\n

No one needed a second warning.\u00a0 Hearts leaping into their throats, the men jumped down without using the step.\u00a0 The one who had been sitting beside Adam shoved him on, while remaining behind long enough to help the only female passenger down.\u00a0 Along with the other men, Adam dashed toward the scant shelter of the sod station.\u00a0 When everyone was inside, they all huddled at the doorway, watching in horror as a funnel-shaped tail dipped down from the wall of glowering clouds and headed straight for them.\u00a0 The spinning tail whipped this way and that, flinging dust into the air.\u00a0 As the cyclone spun closer, Adam could feel the wind blast his face.<\/p>\n

The woman screamed and fell to her knees behind him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, dear God, save us!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back from that door!\u201d yelled the station keeper.<\/p>\n

Adam hauled the woman to her feet and pulled her over to the solid earthen wall at the side.\u00a0 \u201cSafest place,\u201d he explained hurriedly.\u00a0 \u201cJust like being inside a cave.\u201d\u00a0 The woman seemed reassured, and Adam could only hope he was right in his analogy.\u00a0 He\u2019d never seen a tornado before, but in the back of his mind he seemed to remember hearing that folks generally went underground, if they could, when one threatened.\u00a0 A sod house was close to being underground, wasn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

With the door shut, the place was plunged into darkness, except for the flickering light from the fireplace.\u00a0 Outside the roar grew louder and a single shingle of the roof blew off.\u00a0 Then, just as suddenly as it had risen, the wind dwindled.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s moving away from us,\u201d someone whispered, as if fearful a loud voice would call it back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank God,\u201d the woman sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust hope the coach is all right,\u201d the driver muttered, \u201cor we\u2019ll be stayin\u2019 with you a spell, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better hope,\u201d the station keeper grunted, \u201c\u2018cause I ain\u2019t got no extra beds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside, the wind died down still more, and they could hear the soft patter of rain on the cedar roof.\u00a0 \u201cI gotta check,\u201d the driver said, heading toward the door.<\/p>\n

Adam was right behind him.\u00a0 If anything had happened to that coach, if anything delayed them, even one day, he\u2019d miss the entrance exam.\u00a0 He had to know.\u00a0 Holding his breath, he burst through the door and exhaled in mighty relief.\u00a0 The stagecoach was still there, still standing.\u00a0 He cut a quick glance at the corral.\u00a0 The mules were there, looking skittish, but unharmed.\u00a0 The only damage he saw, in fact, was to the open shed just beyond the pole corral.\u00a0 Whatever roof it had one time had was gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back inside and get yourself some grub, boy,\u201d the driver scolded.\u00a0 \u201cWe got time to make up, and I won\u2019t wait for no dilly-daddlin\u2019 youngster who just has to stand around and gawk.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed help with the team?\u201d Adam offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cSend McArdle out for that; it\u2019s his job.\u00a0 Now, git!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam trotted back inside, delivered the message to the station keeper and sat down at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the stage all right?\u201d the woman asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust fine, ma\u2019am,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

She sighed with relief.\u00a0 \u201cOh, good.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want to miss my connection to Denver.\u201d<\/p>\n

Half a dozen brown-speckled blackbirds skittered in through the open door, and the passengers laughed out their relief as they fed biscuit crumbs to the birds hopping around their feet.\u00a0 No one had the heart to shoo the little creatures out into the rain.\u00a0 There were no complaints about the food here, either; though it was no better than that served at other home stations, everyone was just glad to be alive and in one piece and able to get on the road again.<\/p>\n

East of Mud Springs the road evened out.\u00a0 Instead of steep ascents and descents every few miles, the ups and downs were more moderate now, and the thoroughbrace turned the stagecoach into a giant swinging cradle. Soon the smooth rocking lulled Adam and his fellow passengers to sleep.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Mark Twain describes station keeper Jack Slade in Roughing It<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The news Renfro read to his fellow passengers is taken from the New York Times<\/em> of August 23, 1861.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THREE<\/p>\n

Rush to the Missouri<\/p>\n

There was supposed to be an hour\u2019s layover at Julesburg.\u00a0 The stage was so late coming in that morning after the twister, however, that the division headquarters would be treated like any other home station.\u00a0 Grab a bite of breakfast and make it quick, since the new driver was already fretting over being behind schedule.\u00a0 Adam considered himself lucky to get breakfast at all, though.\u00a0 The connecting stage to Denver had awaited their arrival, but its driver wanted to leave immediately.\u00a0 No breakfast at all for those heading there.<\/p>\n

Adam wished that he might be among them.\u00a0 To be so close to his Uncle John and Cousin Will without seeing them was frustrating.\u00a0 A side trip to Denver, however, would require an extra day, just in travel time, even if they didn\u2019t visit at all, and Adam didn\u2019t have a day to spare.\u00a0 It was already the first of September, and he had only nine days to reach New Haven.\u00a0 He could scarcely remember Will, anyway, but his memories of Will\u2019s pa were fresher, since Uncle John had visited them in St. Joseph and twice on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Wanting to catch more than a glimpse of Julesburg, Adam ate hurriedly and left the long, single-story station of rough-hewn cedar logs.\u00a0 On lighting down from the stage, he\u2019d been surprised by the size of the town, a dozen buildings or more.\u00a0 In addition to the station and a stable of similar construction, Julesburg boasted a telegraph office, blacksmith shop, store, warehouse and billiard saloon.\u00a0 Curiosity drew him toward the latter, where he treated himself to a drink to ward off the morning chill and watched a game with fascination, trying to predict where the balls would land from the angle of their bounce off the padded sides.\u00a0 He kept close to the door, looking out every minute or so, to make sure the stage wouldn\u2019t leave him.\u00a0 When he saw the driver exit the station, he pushed through the batwing doors of the saloon and made a dash for the stage.<\/p>\n

The road passed through heavy sand for the next several miles; in fact, for a brief stretch, the passengers had to get out and walk to spare the mules the extra weight.\u00a0 Then the path ran along the Platte River, its banks glistening white with alkali salt.\u00a0 Dinner was taken at Diamond Springs, but Adam was convinced the mosquitoes were eating better than any of the passengers.\u00a0 The sultry heat kept everyone from wanting to lower the curtains, even though there wasn\u2019t much to see.\u00a0 Adam took advantage of the afternoon to give more diligent attention to his textbook again.\u00a0 He\u2019d been neglecting that the last few days, for it had been harder to concentrate with the steep ups and downs of the mountainous country.\u00a0 The road was more level now and reading easier on his eyes.<\/p>\n

At the relay station near O\u2019Fallon\u2019s Bluffs, the passengers took a brief look around a store stocking everything from needles to champagne.\u00a0 Since Adam needed neither nor much in between, he was more interested in the signboard giving distances to points ahead.\u00a0 A hundred and twenty miles to Ft. Kearney, but more importantly, still four hundred before he reached St. Joseph.\u00a0 Would he make it on time or would Indians, weather or just plain bad luck delay him?\u00a0 This remote station, he was told, was the best place between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains for an Indian attack, but the area seemed peaceful today.\u00a0 The closer they got to \u201ccivilization,\u201d the less likely that threat would be, but weather and bad luck could strike anywhere.\u00a0 Though he couldn\u2019t entirely escape the niggling concern, Adam shrugged it off.\u00a0 So far, his luck had been good, and if it changed, he\u2019d deal with it as best he could.\u00a0 But, please, don\u2019t let it change<\/em>, his heart pleaded, for Pa\u2019s sake, if not for mine<\/em>.\u00a0 Don\u2019t let all he\u2019s sacrificed be a waste.<\/em><\/p>\n

As the stage left behind the alkali flats, the roadside started to green up and look more like the prairie Adam remembered when first starting west.\u00a0 The grass was ornamented by pink and blue lupine, milkweed with its small white blossoms and the pretty blue flowers of wild flax.\u00a0 He spotted useful greens, too, although from the stage he couldn\u2019t discern the distinctive shape of their leaves well enough to identify them.\u00a0 He remembered, though, especially the lamb\u2019s quarter and chamomile that had given such refreshment to their bleak diet of salt pork and cornbread.\u00a0 Dwarf cedars edged the banks of the Platte and long River Island in the distance.<\/p>\n

Riding in to the home station at Fremont Springs, Adam noticed a deer drinking from the spring at the end of slough, but it fled from the commotion of an incoming stage.\u00a0 He stepped down from the coach and smiled at a few chickens skittering around the yard.\u00a0 Could it be possible that there would be fried chicken on the supper table?\u00a0 Not surprisingly, there wasn\u2019t.\u00a0 Should have known better<\/em>, Adam chided himself.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t see enough to make a flock.\u00a0 Probably not enough to share with travelers, but looks like the lady of the house is working toward that, at least.\u00a0 Maybe by the time I come home again.\u00a0 Unless, of course, I fail that exam and end up back here within a month<\/em>.\u00a0 He gave himself an outright scolding, albeit a silent one, for that negative thought.\u00a0 Failure wasn\u2019t an option; therefore, he wouldn\u2019t fail.<\/p>\n

The man running the station must have trapped some pigeons, for that was what graced the supper table.\u00a0 Floured and fried in a pan with onions, they were quite tasty and a welcome change from bacon and biscuits.\u00a0 Lamb\u2019s quarter provided the greens he\u2019d been yearning for since seeing them crop up alongside the trail, and freshly baked wheat bread, crusty outside but light and fluffy within, rounded out the meal.\u00a0 Adam could have dallied in delight over such a meal.\u00a0 The driver was ready to leave before he was, though, and the driver\u2019s word was law.\u00a0 Adam dutifully climbed aboard and settled himself in for the night.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When Adam woke and looked out the window to his right the next morning, he saw a line of cone-shaped buttes of red, sandy clay.\u00a0 Partially detached from the rock wall behind them, their smooth faces sloped toward the Platte River opposite at a forty-five-degree angle.\u00a0 Soon he came to a decrepit excuse for a station, with worse to offer by way of breakfast.\u00a0 Squeezing into the single-room log hut, he managed to choke down a plate full of near-rancid bacon and greasy pancakes that tasted as if the flour had been mixed with dirt.\u00a0 The taste was improved slightly by the thick molasses in which he drowned his stack of three.<\/p>\n

The one thing Cottonwood Springs did have going for it was the water.\u00a0 Being advised that it was the only good source along the route ahead, he hurried over to the clear stream flowing through a grove of tall cottonwood trees and filled his canteen with cool, clean water.<\/p>\n

The countryside past the home station continued to be carpeted with a rainbow of flowers, purple aster mixing with flowers of red, blue, white and yellow.\u00a0 Some of the land was too swampy for flowers to grow and, unfortunately, the roadside was also strewn with the sun-bleached skulls and bones of wantonly killed buffalo.\u00a0 Sometime that morning he spotted a few of the great, shaggy beasts in the distance and smiled at the memories they evoked.<\/p>\n

Against all hope, buffalo appeared on the table at the noon stop at Plum Creek.\u00a0 The driver groused that this was the worst time of year for buffalo.\u00a0 \u201cTough enough to break a tooth and stringy enough to stick between what\u2019s left.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grateful as he was for the diversity, Adam had to admit that this steak didn\u2019t taste the way he remembered.\u00a0 Whether this was really inferior or whether memory had simply made the original impossible to live up to, he couldn\u2019t have said.\u00a0 As the passengers again boarded the stage, the driver leaned in to whisper, \u201cBetter food at the next stop, folks.\u201d\u00a0 Everyone looked grateful for that, although Adam thought that even tough, stringy buffalo was an improvement over breakfast.<\/p>\n

They passed through Ft. Kearney, but since it was only a swing stop, Adam saw little of it.\u00a0 Another hour and a half brought them to the home station run by a man named Hooks, which a couple of the passengers called Dogtown and another Valley City.\u00a0 Adam thought the latter the most appropriate, for it was as pleasing to the ear as the setting was to the eye.\u00a0 Situated on the river, its banks partially fringed with willows and young cottonwoods and in sight of the river islands, where elk and deer roamed, Valley City was a lovely spot.\u00a0 And the food was good, too, the main course being blue catfish from the river.\u00a0 Full to satisfaction, Adam found it easy to fall asleep as the stagecoach traveled between a narrow line of cottonwood, red willow and cedar on the north and rolling hills of red clay and sand to the south.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The driver opened the stage door and assisted the female passengers from the coach.\u00a0 \u201cCount your blessings, ladies, that Thirty-Two-Mile Creek is a breakfast stop for us.\u00a0 If we got here any later, we might have to fight off them pesky blue coats from Ft. Kearney.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head at what he figured to be a bad joke.\u00a0 No one would ride all the way from Ft. Kearney for a meal, especially not to a one-story log cabin with nothing to set it apart from all the others along the route.\u00a0 As soon as he tasted the breakfast, however, he was ready to take the driver\u2019s tale in complete faith.\u00a0 A thick slice of ham adorned each plate of fried eggs, as did a mound of potatoes fried with onion.\u00a0 Biscuits were served with bottom gravy, rich and brown from the drippings of the pan in which the ham had cooked.\u00a0 Pie baked from preserved peaches, juicy and sliced thick, provided a worthy finale to the fine meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaise some good cooks in Vermont, don\u2019t they, son?\u201d the driver commented when Adam paid his compliments to the lady serving the meal.\u00a0 \u201cAnd she sets an even better table at dinner.\u00a0 That\u2019s why them soldiers from Kearney flock around when they get a day off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, will we have another fine cook from Vermont at the next home station?\u201d Adam asked with a smile at his hostess.<\/p>\n

The driver laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNot quite as good, son, \u2018cause it don\u2019t get better than this, but it ain\u2019t bad.\u00a0 You won\u2019t starve in Little Blue country.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they left, the road began a gradual slope downward over the broken tableland between the Platte River and the Little Blue.\u00a0 The land here was barren, except for grass sprouting up after the recent rain, but the same moist ground that gave new life to the grass also attracted a host of mosquitoes to make the journey miserable.\u00a0 Finally, a beautiful little stream, fifty yards wide, came into sight.\u00a0 Oak, cottonwood and willows, their leaves already beginning to change from green to orange and yellow, lined the banks of the Little Blue, while plovers, jays, bluebirds and red-winged blackbirds flitted and twittered along the shore.<\/p>\n

The home station, Liberty Farm, sat on the north bank of the river, and dinner consisted of a feast of products from the Little Blue.\u00a0 The meal began with a soup of soft-shelled turtle, followed by a platter of crispy, fried catfish, along with fried potatoes and green beans, preserved from the summer harvest, but still tasting garden-fresh.\u00a0 The driver obviously hadn\u2019t exaggerated when he\u2019d said the eating was good in Little Blue country.<\/p>\n

Following the Little Blue, the road ran southeast from Liberty Farm.\u00a0 The valley was hemmed in on both sides by low, rolling bluffs, which broke off near the river.\u00a0 This late in the year the landscape was barren, except near the river, where wild sunflowers, some as high as six feet, dipped their thirsty heads.\u00a0 On the slight breeze a strong odor of wild onions wafted toward the coach, pungent, but not unpleasant.<\/p>\n

Supper at Big Sandy didn\u2019t compare with the previous two meals of the day, in either quantity or quality.\u00a0 Mutton, sliced off a carcass hanging from the ceiling and fried in bacon fat, and lamb\u2019s quarter, wilted in the same grease, was served with bread and coffee to make a moderately filling meal.\u00a0 As he climbed back aboard the stage, Adam had to laugh at his sudden realization that food had become as great a concern for him as it normally was for his younger brother Hoss.\u00a0 Well<\/em>, he excused, there\u2019s not much else to think about between one station and the next, and a fellow can\u2019t conjugate Latin verbs all day long!\u00a0 <\/em>Meals marked the passage of time; they were something to look forward to, whether they were good or bad, and each one brought him closer to his journey\u2019s end.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hollenberg\u2019s, where the stage stopped for breakfast Wednesday morning, had the look of a place that might provide another good meal.\u00a0 The home station was housed in a substantial two-story building, and nearby, stalks in a fenced cornfield were still bearing ears.\u00a0 Adam entered in expectation and took a seat at the table next to the off-going driver.\u00a0 The new man was just coming down from upstairs, where stage employees slept during layovers.\u00a0 The former driver introduced all the passengers to the new man, but then conversation ceased as everyone dug into their ham and eggs.<\/p>\n

A platter of hot roasting ears was brought out, and Adam quickly snared one.\u00a0 \u201cHow much further to St. Joseph?\u201d he inquired as he slathered it with creamy butter.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne hundred twenty-three miles, we have been told,\u201d Gerat Hollenberg replied in a thick German accent that reminded Adam of Frederick Zuebner.\u00a0 \u201cThat where you are headed or beyond?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeyond,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cAll the way to Connecticut\u2014the East Coast,\u201d he amended quickly, concerned that the immigrant might not know the names of all the states.\u00a0 Connecticut, after all, was one of the smaller ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrain connection in St. Joseph,\u201d the station keeper advised.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cNice place you have here, Mr. Hollenberg.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hollenberg smiled broadly, with evident pride.\u00a0 \u201cWe build to stay, not like stations you saw west of here, eh?\u00a0 Six solid rooms downstairs\u2014post office, tavern, home for my family.\u00a0 Only one room upstairs, but big to hold many men.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t get more than one driver at a time, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a roaring laugh Hollenberg slapped his leg.\u00a0 \u201cNo, sonny, but takes more than driver to run a stage.\u00a0 That room is only full when Pony riders stay here, too, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t wait for that telegraph to join up and put them out of business,\u201d the new stage driver quipped.\u00a0 \u201cSleep better without the smell of horse sweat in the next bed, and considerin\u2019 what we get elsewhere along the line, we ain\u2019t about to complain about spacious accommodations.\u201d\u00a0 He scrubbed at his chin.\u00a0 \u201cFact is, I\u2019m so reluctant to leave \u2018em that I might be persuaded to stay on and let Pete here take my run.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned at the driver going off duty.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, why might that be?\u201d Pete jibed back.\u00a0 \u201cCould it be \u2018cause you\u2019re just plain lazy or is Miss Sophie promisin\u2019 apple strudel for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sophie Hollenberg, as plump and rosy-cheeked as the Cartwright\u2019s old friend Ludmilla Zuebner, blushed.\u00a0 \u201cI promise it,\u201d she admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen there ain\u2019t no temptin\u2019 me to leave,\u201d Pete cackled.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll just have to do your own drivin\u2019, Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re certainly tempting me to stay over,\u201d voiced a male passenger rubbing his aching neck. \u00a0\u201cGettin\u2019 all-fired tired of that stage, anyway.\u201d\u00a0 He elbowed Adam.\u00a0 \u201cHow about you, son?\u00a0 You been ridin\u2019 it longer than me.\u00a0 Not sure what strudel is, but if these drivers are fightin\u2019 over it, must be worth a taste.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what it is.\u00a0 In fact, it\u2019s a favorite of mine, so I am tempted,\u201d Adam admitted. \u00a0\u201cMiss Sophie, if your strudel is as fine as what a German lady I know back home makes, it would be well worth a day\u2019s layover, but I can\u2019t spare the time this trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou come back soon, then,\u201d Miss Sophie urged with a matronly smile.\u00a0 \u201cStay with us and I make for you.\u00a0 Is promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled and nodded.\u00a0 Of course, he hoped it would be four years before he passed this way again.\u00a0 No telling if the Hollenbergs would still be running the station then, and Miss Sophie would be unlikely to remember a promise to a stranger that long.\u00a0 If he ended up back here sooner, though, at least he\u2019d have something sweet to ease his disappointment.\u00a0 As he boarded the stage again, Adam scoffed at the notion.\u00a0 No piece of pastry would comfort him if he failed.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t fail!<\/p>\n

The stage passed through Marysville, a town that hadn\u2019t even existed when he, Pa and Inger had started west.\u00a0 Odd that I never thought how different it would be back here<\/em>, Adam thought.\u00a0 Virginia City<\/em> had changed every time I came back from <\/em>Sacramento<\/em> and I took that in stride.\u00a0 Seemed right for a new town to grow, I guess.\u00a0 These places, especially the prairie, have been locked in my memory, forever changeless, but they\u2019re growing, too.\u00a0 Wonder if I\u2019ll even recognize St. Joe!<\/em><\/p>\n

A rope ferry was in place at Marysville, but since the Big Blue River was only about two feet deep this late in the year, the stage forded it, instead.\u00a0 The soil, though sandy, gave a solid track for the wheels, but the banks were steep.\u00a0 The two female passengers looked nervous, and Adam was sure his own face showed concern, too.\u00a0 He was getting close to his goal now and didn\u2019t want one of those luckless accidents that often happened at fording places to keep him from getting to St. Joe tomorrow on schedule.\u00a0 Holding his breath, Adam leaned out the window and watched the wheels roll down the precipitous bank, splash through the water and come out safely on the other side of the river.\u00a0 He exhaled in relief and pulled his head back in.<\/p>\n

Diligent perusal of his Latin text consumed the morning until Adam closed it with a look of satisfaction.\u00a0 He\u2019d been over the contents from cover to cover during the long, monotonous days aboard the stage.\u00a0 He\u2019d just rest his eyes tomorrow and start fresh with his Greek text when he took the train out of St. Joe.\u00a0 He gazed out the window, so no one aboard would see his sheepish smile as he admitted that he was more likely to spend that trip across the state chattering away with Jamie.\u00a0 To think that by tomorrow he\u2019d at long last be able to talk face-to-face with his old friend, instead of just by letter.<\/p>\n

About half an hour later the stage stopped at a cluster of frame houses on the near side of the well-wooded Vermillion River.\u00a0 The stationmaster here was a young Alsatian, George Guittard, who lived with his mother, sister and son in a large and clean two-story house surrounded by neat fences.\u00a0 Though the lady said she didn\u2019t often spare a chicken for travelers, a fine roasted one graced the table this noon.\u00a0 It came with savory stuffing and all the fixings, superb hot rolls and fresh, hot coffee to drink with the best apple pie Adam had tasted since the last one Hop Sing had baked.\u00a0 The only deterrent to this meal was having only thirty minutes to enjoy it.<\/p>\n

After the meal the stage forded the Vermillion, choosing a path between granite boulders.\u00a0 Adam really held his breath at this one, for the Vermillion was where he\u2019d first learned that rivers could be dangerous.\u00a0 One of the wagons in the Larrimore train had overturned in mid-stream and cost them most of a day\u2019s progress, but the stage had no problem crossing over the red sandstone bottom.<\/p>\n

Adam settled back and closed his eyes.\u00a0 He napped most of the afternoon, only waking when the stagecoach stopped at Ash Point for a change of team.\u00a0 Even the relay stations were looking more prosperous as he headed east.\u00a0 This one boasted several homes, a general store, a post office and a small hotel nearby, more than most home stations offered further west.\u00a0 He fell asleep again as soon as the coach started rocking on its thoroughbraces and didn\u2019t rouse until it arrived at Seneca, another small, but burgeoning town.\u00a0 Only a few buildings with false fronts, but a lawyer\u2019s shingle hung outside one of them.\u00a0 It took a town of some size, in Adam\u2019s experience, to require the services of a lawyer, but he had a feeling this one would go hungry if he depended on that practice to earn his living.<\/p>\n

The Smith Hotel, a white, two-story frame structure, looked prosperous, however, and served as home station for the stage line.\u00a0 The passengers piled inside, some to stay the night and others, like Adam, simply to share a meal in a kitchen so clean they could have eaten off the floor.\u00a0 Just the way Hop Sing and Marie kept our kitchen at home<\/em>, Adam recalled.\u00a0 Inger, too<\/em>.\u00a0 Mrs. Smith, the wife of the New Hampshire stationmaster, was a good cook, as well.\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t rival Hop Sing or Marie, of course, for when those two had joined forces, simple meals became gourmet feasts.\u00a0 Mrs. Smith cooked more as Inger had: bountiful helpings of basic foods, well prepared and served hot.<\/p>\n

Only two passengers went on that night, so Adam had a bench to himself and took advantage of it.\u00a0 He had a hard time falling asleep, though, partly because he\u2019d slept so much that afternoon and partly from sheer excitement.\u00a0 Tomorrow would bring him to St. Joseph, Missouri, and the beginning of another phase of his journey.\u00a0 Halfway there, with the hardest part over.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam woke with a feeling of exhilaration.\u00a0 Today.\u00a0 Today he would reach St. Joseph.\u00a0 Today he would be with his first teacher once again\u2014and Jamie.\u00a0 And tomorrow they would both start for New Haven.\u00a0 Today was a momentous day, and Adam was more than ready to meet it.<\/p>\n

He sat up and looked out the window, surprised to see how frequently a house came into view, where only empty prairie reigned less than a dozen years before.\u00a0 Now, a farmhouse appeared practically every mile along the well traveled road.<\/p>\n

About an hour after he awoke, the stage pulled up before the Kennekuk Hotel in the Kansas town of the same name.\u00a0 Only a dozen houses here, including a store and blacksmith shop and, in a particularly prominent building, the Kickapoo Indian Agency.\u00a0 \u201cKickapoos got a reservation near here; we passed it comin\u2019 in,\u201d the driver said when he saw Adam looking at the building, \u201cbut that\u2019s where the agent\u2014Major Royal Baldwin hisself\u2014lives.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned, showing a wide gap between his two front teeth.\u00a0 \u201cReckon he wants to stay close to the best coffee this side of the Missouri.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat good, huh?\u201d Adam chuckled as he fell into step beside the driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee for yourself,\u201d the man advised.<\/p>\n

More than willing, Adam followed him into the hotel.\u00a0 Last home station.\u00a0 Last time he\u2019d be at the mercy of the stage line for eateries.\u00a0 He hoped the meal would be a good one, but it didn\u2019t really matter.\u00a0 It was the last.<\/p>\n

The coffee smelled good, and his first sip from the steaming cup, creamy with fresh milk, verified that it was.\u00a0 Breakfast was just bacon, eggs and biscuits again, but they were well prepared and served hot.\u00a0 \u201cWhere you gents bound?\u201d asked the station keeper as he ladled gravy over the two split biscuits in his plate.\u00a0 \u201cNot far, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m stopping at Elwood,\u201d Adam\u2019s companion of the previous night announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good,\u201d the station keeper said.\u00a0 \u201cBest to stay this side of the river, the way the Rebs are runnin\u2019 riot over to St. Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

A shiver ran up Adam\u2019s spine.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going on to St. Joe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you mustn\u2019t,\u201d said Mrs. Perry, the station keeper\u2019s wife.\u00a0 \u201cToo big a risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other passenger eyed Adam suspiciously.\u00a0 \u201cUnless you\u2019re secesh.\u00a0 They\u2019re runnin\u2019 the place now, I hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said quickly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just\u2014well\u2014keeping out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

His companion snorted.\u00a0 \u201cEasier said than done, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHush now,\u201d Mrs. Perry chided, pouring a second cup of coffee for the man.\u00a0 \u201cHe is a boy, and he should stay out of it, for just that reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he can,\u201d Mr. Perry put in solemnly.\u00a0 \u201cSon, I\u2019d advise you to hold off that trip to St. Joe \u2018til things settle down a mite.\u00a0 Union forces pulled out week or so ago, thinking they\u2019d be more needed elsewhere, and with them gone the Rebs walked right in and took over.\u00a0 St. Joe\u2019s a hot spot now, and that\u2019s a pure fact.\u00a0 Stay over here with us if you got no kin or friend in Elwood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just passing through, anyway, on the way to New Haven, Connecticut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConnecticut!\u201d Mrs. Perry cried, hand reaching up to cover her gaping mouth.\u00a0 She looked at her husband.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Tom, you\u2019d best tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo find that copy of the Elwood Free Press<\/em>,\u201d Tom Perry ordered.\u00a0 \u201cBoy needs to see for himself what he\u2019s up against.\u201d\u00a0 As his wife bustled out of the room, he turned to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cSon, I\u2019m sorry, but if you\u2019re aimin\u2019 to take the train out of St. Joe, you\u2019re in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coffee sloshed from Adam\u2019s cup onto the tablecloth as he set it on the saucer, but he didn\u2019t even notice.\u00a0 \u201cI have to take the train,\u201d he said urgently.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got a deadline to meet, and that\u2019s the only way\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you ain\u2019t gonna make it,\u201d Perry said bluntly.\u00a0 \u201cThe rail line\u2019s out of service.\u00a0 Bushwhackers burned a bridge east of St. Joseph two days ago.\u00a0 More than a dozen people died when the train went into the river.\u201d\u00a0 His wife hurried in and handed him the newspaper.\u00a0 Perry passed it across to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cSee for yourself, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed the paper, his eyes flying down the columns reporting the disaster.\u00a0 The words described a scene of horror.\u00a0 At 11:15 on the moonless night of September 3rd<\/sup>, the westbound train from Hannibal, Missouri, had approached the bridge over the Little Platte River.\u00a0 Everything had looked normal in the light from the locomotive\u2019s white calcium headlamp, but looks had been deceiving.\u00a0 Unaware that the timbers supporting the bridge had been partially burned through to set a deadly trap, the conductor ran his train onto the bridge; halfway across the timbers crumpled beneath its weight.\u00a0\u00a0 The locomotive flipped upside down, plunging into the river thirty feet below, and the freight cars fell onto its upturned wheels; the baggage car followed, then the mail car and two passenger cars carrying a hundred men, women and children.\u00a0 Seats ripped out of the floor and hurtled to the front, along with the people who had moments before been sleeping in them; sparks ignited the wooden cars.\u00a0 Some were able to climb out and worked feverishly to put out the fire; others, trapped beneath a pile of debris, screamed inside a personal hell.\u00a0 Most, though injured, were rescued, but the article estimated that seventeen to twenty people had perished that night.\u00a0 Many who survived would be maimed for life.<\/p>\n

Aghast, Adam set the paper down.\u00a0 He was appalled at the loss of life, of course, but though he rebuked himself for the selfishness of the thought, only one question rose to his mind.\u00a0 \u201cThe line\u2019s out of service, you said?\u00a0 Not running at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tom Perry scratched his head.\u00a0 \u201cWell, might be, t\u2019other side of the bridge.\u00a0 Yeah, might be . . . if you could get there.\u00a0 Might be hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hard, I can handle<\/em>, Adam assured himself.\u00a0 Just so it\u2019s not impossible<\/em>.\u00a0 \u201cHow far from St. Joe is that bridge?\u201d<\/p>\n

Perry shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNot sure.\u00a0 East of there, that\u2019s all I know.\u00a0 They took the injured to hotels in St. Joe, so maybe not too far, but I don\u2019t know Missouri geography well enough to be of more help.\u00a0 Sorry, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Perry placed a matronly hand on Adam\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cPlease stay over with us.\u00a0 We\u2019ll give you a good rate.\u00a0 To go on without knowing you can get where you\u2019re headed is foolhardy, my boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, weakly, at her.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re very kind, ma\u2019am, and I appreciate your concern, but even if I can\u2019t get through, I\u2019d have to go.\u00a0 My best friend in all the world lives in St. Joseph.\u00a0 If things there are as difficult for Union sympathizers as you all say, I must see for myself that he\u2019s all right.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up his fork again, but suddenly the food on his plate looked as nauseating as cold mush.\u00a0 He stood abruptly.\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me; I think I need some air.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. and Mrs. Perry exchanged a glance.\u00a0 Shaking his head, Perry returned to his own breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cKids,\u201d the other passenger grunted.\u00a0 \u201cNever seen one yet what would listen to good sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lurched outside, frantically grabbing a porch post for support.\u00a0 This couldn\u2019t be happening, not after everything he\u2019d endured to get here. \u00a0It just couldn\u2019t be happening!\u00a0 There had to be a way across that river; there just had to be!\u00a0 He\u2019d walk every step, ford it on foot if he had to.\u00a0 Anything to get there.\u00a0 He leaned his head against the post in defeated realization.\u00a0 Yes, he could walk; he could walk every step to New Haven if he had to, but he\u2019d never make it in time for the entrance exam.\u00a0\u00a0 That train had to be running, and he had to catch it.\u00a0 Let either of those fail and he was doomed.\u00a0 Where was that blasted Little Platte River, anyway?\u00a0 We must have crossed it when we first came to St. Joe.\u00a0 Why can\u2019t I remember?<\/em>\u00a0 Adam laughed harshly.\u00a0 Because you were six, you idiot.\u00a0 How could you hope to store in your head every river you crossed by the time you were six?<\/em><\/p>\n

His stomach started to cramp, as if attacked by dysentery.\u00a0 He stumbled away from the station, another worry hounding his steps.\u00a0 Was Jamie trapped in St. Joe now, too, trapped there because he\u2019d waited for his friend?\u00a0 Bad enough to miss his own chance, but if he\u2019d ruined Jamie\u2019s, too, Adam didn\u2019t think he would ever forgive himself.<\/p>\n

The driver and other passenger finally emerged from the hotel.\u00a0 Heart racing, Adam ran for the stage and jumped aboard.\u00a0 Go fast<\/em>, he implored.\u00a0 Burn the road like a Pony Express rider.\u00a0 Get me to Elwood and over the river.\u00a0 Get me to the Edwards.\u00a0 Then I\u2019ll know<\/em>.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

The Platte River Bridge was burned by Confederates on September 3, 1861.\u00a0 Details were obtained from the New York Times<\/em> of September 7, 1861 and from The Half Not Told: The Civil War in a Frontier Town<\/em> by Preston Filbert, which describes the effect of the Civil War on St. Joseph, Missouri.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FOUR<\/p>\n

St. Joe<\/p>\n

Heart pounding harder than his feet, Adam ran down the wooden planking of the dock.\u00a0\u00a0 With a strangled cry he watched the ferry pull away.\u00a0 \u201cHow long \u2018til the next boat?\u201d he frantically asked a man stacking recently off-loaded crates.<\/p>\n

The man scratched his grizzled chin whiskers and spat tobacco juice contemptuously into the murky water of the Missouri River.\u00a0 \u201cRuns ever\u2019 fifteen minutes . . . if it keeps runnin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018if\u2019?\u201d Adam demanded.\u00a0 \u201cIt has to run!\u00a0 I have to get across!\u201d<\/p>\n

Another man snarled between his copper mustache and chest-length beard.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, boy?\u00a0 You aimin\u2019 to join up with them bloody bushwhackers?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam planted his palms on his hips and glared at the man.\u00a0 \u201cDo I sound like I\u2019m from the South?\u201d<\/p>\n

The first man again spit another dark stream toward the water.\u00a0 The spittle missed, staining the edge of the dock a hickory brown.\u00a0 \u201cNot \u2018specially, but I can\u2019t \u2018xactly place your accent, young fellow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNevada!\u201d Adam snapped hotly, eyes darting from one face to the other.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m from Nevada, way out west, all right?\u00a0 I have friends in St. Joe\u2014and, yes, they\u2019re of the Union persuasion, if you must know.\u00a0 You have a quarrel with that?\u201d\u00a0 It was not the safe, nonpartisan answer his father probably would have preferred, but anxiety rode roughshod over caution in Adam\u2019s young heart.\u00a0 As it turned out, his answer was the safest he could have given, at least on this side of the river.\u00a0 Kansas was firmly in the Union camp and determined to stay that way.<\/p>\n

The red-headed man laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIf your friends be Union, sonny, you\u2019d best look for \u2018em here in Elwood.\u00a0 Cowardly poltroons in St. Joe all took tail and run for cover.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t blame \u2018em for that,\u201d snorted the other man.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t nothin\u2019 cowardly \u2018bout jumpin\u2019 out of a nest of rattlers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam frowned in thought.\u00a0 Was that possible?\u00a0 Josiah Edwards was no coward, but might he and Jamie have come across the river, for safety\u2019s sake?\u00a0 Adam shook his head.\u00a0 No, if anything, they would have headed east, to get Jamie to New Haven.\u00a0 It was what his own father would have done, and he remembered Mr. Edwards being cut from the same cloth.\u00a0 \u201cNo, sir,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThey aren\u2019t the kind to turn tail; I\u2019d best cross and look over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConfounded ferry needs to be shut down,\u201d a third man hollered in a loud voice.\u00a0 \u201cRebs havin\u2019 their way in St. Joe, and we can\u2019t risk leavin\u2019 \u2018em a way to get here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right, boy,\u201d the redhead said with a kindly clap on Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cNo Federal protection there now, and if the ferry does shut down, like it ought, you\u2019ll have no way back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since Adam had no intention of coming back, that argument held no weight.\u00a0 He paced the dock frantically, trying to shut out the talk humming around him of forcing the ferry to tie up permanently on the west side of the river.\u00a0 \u201cJust once more,\u201d he pleaded of Heaven.\u00a0 \u201cLet it run once more; that\u2019s all I ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those fifteen minutes seemed to Adam the longest of his life, but at last his searching eyes were rewarded with the sight of the incoming boat.\u00a0 He helped a lady to debark and then leaped aboard.\u00a0 \u201cHeading straight back?\u201d he asked the ferryman.<\/p>\n

\u201cLong as there\u2019s payin\u2019 customers,\u201d the boatman said with a grin.<\/p>\n

Adam dug into his pocket and handed over the fee with alacrity.\u00a0 Within a few minutes, over the loud protests of many on the dock, the ferry pulled away from shore, carrying him and a couple of others east.\u00a0 As he clung to the rail with white knuckles, Adam sent unuttered questions flying across the water.\u00a0 Would he find the Edwards at home or had they fled?\u00a0 If they had, it would be a difficulty, a disappointment, but nothing to compare with the direr possibility that his friends had gotten caught up in the struggle between North and South and come to harm.\u00a0 Oh, God, let them be safe, whether I find them or not.\u00a0 Just let them be safe<\/em>.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 St. Joseph lay ravaged, in ruins.\u00a0 From the riverfront, empty but for the steamboat Omaha<\/em> tied up at the dock, Adam passed block after block of businesses with broken windows, boarded over.\u00a0 Not that that stopped determined looters.\u00a0 He saw three men pulling boards from a local mercantile, in hopes of finding something left by previous pilferers, something the original owner hadn\u2019t had time to ferry over to Elwood.\u00a0 It grated on Adam\u2019s honest soul to walk past such displays of lawlessness, but as he\u2019d been told on the west side of the Missouri, there was no law in St. Joseph.\u00a0 He could scarcely supply it single-handed.\u00a0 What was needed was the Federal Army, but it had deserted the place.<\/p>\n

The town had grown in the years he\u2019d been away, at least judging by the number of buildings.\u00a0 Jamie had written him last year that the population was 10,000, but Adam doubted that half that many were here now.\u00a0 Even that was a generous estimate, for the streets were virtually empty.\u00a0 Of course, with the sun nearly down, peace-loving citizens were probably huddled snug in their homes.\u00a0 The streets of St. Joe were no place to be after dark, and the waning light made Adam eager to reach his destination.\u00a0 Wisely, he kept to the side streets, to avoid trouble.<\/p>\n

Making his way east from the ferry, he finally reached Tenth Street and stopped, uncertain which way to turn.\u00a0 Jamie had written that the house he and his father had moved to after the Cartwrights left was on Edmond, just past Tenth Street, but was Edmond to the right or the left?\u00a0 Adam strained his brain to remember the layout of St. Joseph, but the effort was useless.\u00a0 Too many years had passed, too many houses been built, and he hadn\u2019t dared to ask directions of the type of people he\u2019d seen on the streets earlier.\u00a0 Had Edmond even existed in 1850?\u00a0 It didn\u2019t sound familiar, but street names had long since left his memory, except those he\u2019d frequented daily.\u00a0 With a shrug he turned to the right, hoping for the best, and grinned widely when after three blocks he struck Edmond and spotted the schoolhouse.\u00a0 It was the first positive thing that had happened all day, for according to the directions he\u2019d been given, the Edwards lived two houses past that.\u00a0 Now, if only Jamie and his father were still there.<\/p>\n

Adam set his carpetbag on the wooden porch of the small frame house and knocked with some trepidation.\u00a0 As far as he could tell, no lamps were lighted inside, but it would have been hard to tell with all the windows shuttered.\u00a0 Time seemed to stand still, but eventually the door creaked open a crack and the barrel of a revolver slipped through.\u00a0 Shocked to silence, Adam stepped back.\u00a0 Slowly, the door opened wider, and then he smiled in relief as he recognized the auburn goatee of his old teacher.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Edwards!\u201d he cried.\u00a0 \u201cYou are still here!\u201d<\/p>\n

The door flew open then.\u00a0 Josiah Edwards seized the dirty-faced stranger in an eager bear hug.\u00a0 \u201cAdam?\u00a0 You\u2019re Adam, aren\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 His hearty clap on the back raised alkali dust from the young man\u2019s blue shirt.\u00a0 \u201cI scarcely knew you, lad; you were only so high the last time I saw you.\u201d\u00a0 He held his hand at about the height of a seven-year-old boy and beamed proudly.\u00a0 I should have recognized him straight off<\/em>, the teacher chided himself.\u00a0 He\u2019s taller, but still has those same strong features.\u00a0 And that look of determination in those dark eyes . . . who else but Adam?<\/em>\u00a0 \u201cCome in, my boy, come in where it\u2019s safe,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n

Grateful that he had, at least, found shelter for the night, Adam picked up his bag and followed Mr. Edwards inside.<\/p>\n

Mr. Edwards apologized for the gun as he laid it on a table beside the door.\u00a0 \u201cI was expecting you, of course, though your telegram didn\u2019t specify when, and\u2014well, these days one never knows what a knock on the door might mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Normally, Adam\u2019s manners were impeccable, in tribute to his father\u2019s teaching, but now, he felt, was no time for small talk.\u00a0 There was an urgent question to be answered.\u00a0 \u201cSir, forgive me, but I\u2019ve heard reports . . . the bridge . . . is it really out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Edwards\u2019 expression grew grave.\u00a0 \u201cIt is, son\u2014a terrible tragedy . . . all those innocent lives lost.\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head sadly.<\/p>\n

Adam collapsed in the nearest chair.\u00a0 \u201cThen it\u2019s over,\u201d he groaned, burying his weary face in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no way I can make it to New Haven, and I\u2019ve ruined Jamie\u2019s chances, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, not at all,\u201d Edwards assured him.\u00a0 He gave the young man\u2019s shoulder a consoling pat.\u00a0 \u201cJamie is already gone; I sent him almost a week ago, before the bridge catastrophe, and we\u2019re going to get you there, too, Adam.\u00a0 Never fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up, scarcely daring to hope.\u00a0 \u201cBut how?\u201d<\/p>\n

Edwards patted his shoulder again.\u00a0 \u201cLater, my boy, later.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be easy, but I have it all worked out.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled at the dusty face below him.\u00a0 \u201cBut first a bath, I think, and then a bite of supper.\u00a0 I\u2019ll explain everything while we eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood, still feeling somewhat shaky, though some of that might be blamed on his state of near exhaustion.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s really all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDifficult, but doable,\u201d his former teacher reiterated.\u00a0 \u201cNow, come along and I\u2019ll draw you a nice hot bath.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam heaved a huge sigh of relief as he followed Mr. Edwards down the narrow hallway.\u00a0 Just knowing he still had a chance to reach New Haven in time went a long way toward relaxing his taut muscles, but he couldn\u2019t deny that the hot bath sounded like exactly what he needed.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam wrapped a towel around his lean and now thoroughly clean body and stepped into the hall.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Edwards?\u201d he called, not sure which way to turn.<\/p>\n

Josiah Edwards\u2019 head popped out a doorway.\u00a0 \u201cHere, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled and padded down the worn hall runner on bare feet.\u00a0 He entered, taking note of a shelf of volumes he well recognized.\u00a0 \u201cThis is Jamie\u2019s room?\u201d he inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 Mr. Edwards looked up and saw where Adam\u2019s eyes were directed.\u00a0 He smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s kept every journal you sent him, Adam; they\u2019re his treasures.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs are his to me,\u201d Adam returned.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Edwards . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJosiah,\u201d the older man said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not one of my grammar-school pupils any longer, Adam.\u00a0 We\u2019re simply friends now, and I\u2019d be pleased if you called me by my first name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam frowned slightly.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t seem respectful, sir, you being so much my elder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s respectful if I offer,\u201d Josiah insisted, adding with a chuckle, \u201cthough I don\u2019t mind your throwing in an occasional \u2018sir.\u2019\u00a0 Even Jamie does that, as the situation warrants.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed, too, then.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m truly glad he went on without me, but I do wish I could see him\u2014now, this very minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps I can oblige, after a fashion.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah left the room and returned shortly.\u00a0 He held out a framed portrait to Adam. \u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s your friend, as he looked at Christmas, when he had this made as a gift for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam eagerly reached for the frame and gazed at the daguerreotype of a slender young man with pale hair.\u00a0 The features he remembered had changed somewhat with maturity, but it was still obviously Jamie, the boy with whom he\u2019d first shared the adventure of learning.<\/p>\n

\u201cChanged much?\u201d Josiah asked softly.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cQuite a bit, but I recognize the eyes . . . those gentle, kind eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah\u2019s voice dropped even lower.\u00a0 \u201cGentle, kind . . . and still somewhat frail, I fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up sharply.\u00a0 \u201cHe hasn\u2019t been ill again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s fine.\u00a0 I\u2019m just being a fretful father,\u201d Josiah said, brightening again, \u201cbut he\u2019s not as sturdy a boy as you, Adam.\u00a0 That\u2019s the chief reason I sent him on, though he argued vigorously that he should wait for you.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t feel he could handle the strenuous trip that\u2019s been forced on you and still have sufficient energy to do well on his exams.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were very wise, sir,\u201d Adam said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t wish to jeopardize his chances for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you could have a few days\u2019 rest before your exams, too, but I think having Jamie go ahead will benefit you, as well.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah sat on the bed, and Adam followed his example.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll make arrangements for the two of you to lodge together, so you\u2019ll have a place to go immediately on arrival, and you can get as much rest as possible before facing the big challenge.\u00a0 And you see that you do, my boy.\u00a0 No sitting up all night talking with your old chum or packing in one last bit of knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir, we\u2019ll resist the temptation,\u201d Adam said with a grin.\u00a0 It faded perceptibly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2014I hope it\u2019s not all for nothing.\u00a0 I mean . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah put an arm around the young man\u2019s bare shoulder and drew him close.\u00a0 \u201cI know what you mean, and I\u2019m sure you have nothing to fear.\u00a0 You\u2019re well prepared.\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t be Adam if you weren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave his head a slight, dubious shake.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 My schooling\u2019s been the best the West could offer\u2014Pa saw to that\u2014but it\u2019s not like a preparatory school back East.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah squeezed him firmly.\u00a0 \u201cNor has Jamie been to one of those fancy eastern preparatory schools, but I have confidence in both my boys\u2014I think of you almost as a second son, Adam\u2014and I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll both succeed.\u201d\u00a0 He released Adam and stood up.\u00a0 \u201cNow, as your second father, I shall issue a firm order.\u201d\u00a0 He slapped Adam\u2019s still-damp back.\u00a0 \u201cGet some clothes on, young man, and get yourself down the hall to supper.\u201d\u00a0 With his chin he indicated the clothes draped over a chair, which he\u2019d taken from the washroom after Adam removed them.\u00a0 \u201cI brushed your traveling clothes while you were in the tub.\u00a0 Sorry there isn\u2019t time to clean them properly, but you can take care of that once you\u2019re in New Haven.\u00a0 Jamie can advise you where to take your laundry\u2014another advantage to having him there early.\u00a0 As for tonight, I\u2019ve laid out one of my nightshirts, so you can keep yours fresh, and I\u2019ve no objection to your wearing it to the supper table.\u00a0 I\u2019d best check on that soup now, before it boils over!\u201d<\/p>\n

He disappeared so quickly that Adam had no time to either argue or say thanks.\u00a0 He just grinned and did exactly as he was told.\u00a0 The nightshirt was a little large\u2014not long enough to trip over, but he did turn back the cuffs, so the long sleeves wouldn\u2019t interfere with eating.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a seat, my boy,\u201d Mr. Edwards urged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just dishing up the soup now.\u00a0 Sorry I haven\u2019t more to offer.\u00a0 I\u2019d have done better had I known exactly when you\u2019d arrive.\u00a0 Actually, I was beginning to fear you\u2019d run into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there enough . . . for both of us?\u201d Adam asked.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t wish to put you out, Mr. . . . Josiah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course there\u2019s enough, son, more than enough.\u00a0 Nothing but soup, but plenty of it.\u00a0 I had hoped to take you to the Patee House for a better meal than I can cook, but it\u2019s simply not safe to be out after dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe soup is quite sufficient, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, compared to most stage station fodder, it\u2019s a feast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah\u2019s blue eyes twinkled in appreciation of the humor.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019s been quite an experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged as he ladled up another spoonful of soup.\u00a0 \u201cIt got old fast, but today\u2019s been the real experience.\u00a0 Ever since I heard about the bridge disaster this morning . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah looked sympathetic.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve been worrying all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam admitted it with a nod.\u00a0 \u201cI tried not to, but I\u2019ve come so far and the thought of failing now . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t fail.\u00a0 Let me tell you what I\u2019ve worked out.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah pushed his own bowl aside, while motioning for Adam to continue eating.\u00a0 \u201cThe train is running, but not over the entire line, obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow far away is the Little Platte?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout ten miles,\u201d Josiah responded, \u201cbut we\u2019ll have to go well beyond that to reach a functioning depot.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing Adam\u2019s quizzical look, he explained, \u201cAnother bridge, about fifteen miles further east, was also burned the same night, after the train had passed.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have to get to Osborn before you can catch the train\u2014about twenty-eight miles from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we rent horses at the livery?\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cConfederates confiscated every horse in town before they pulled out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face scrunched with dismay.\u00a0 \u201cIf I\u2019m walking twenty-eight miles, I\u2019d better start right after supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re only walking a couple of miles,\u201d Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve made arrangements with a man to borrow two mounts.\u00a0 He lives outside town and managed to hide them when the Rebel troops started confiscating everything in sight.\u00a0 We will have to be careful we\u2019re not seen.\u00a0 With that and the distance we have to cover, we\u2019ll be getting up before the sun\u2014quite a bit before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for a country boy like you, I\u2019m sure!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled slightly, but he still looked far from reassured.\u00a0 \u201cThis man?\u00a0 Can he be trusted?\u00a0 I mean . . . over in Elwood, they were saying that the Union men had all left St. Joe.\u00a0 Well, you\u2019re still here, of course, but . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah reached across the table to stroke Adam\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, son.\u00a0 It\u2019s all taken care of.\u00a0 This man is the father of a former student, and I know him well, which is why I dared approach him.\u00a0 He was a little reluctant to trust his horses out of his sight, but after I explained the circumstances, he agreed to lend them.\u00a0 He is a Southern sympathizer, but he\u2019s totally opposed to what\u2019s been going on around here lately, especially the ruthless destruction of private property.\u00a0 He was appalled by the rail disaster, an attack upon helpless civilians, and he\u2019s willing to help a young man stranded by the rebels\u2019 actions, even though he hopes the South will eventually win.\u201d\u00a0 He noticed that Adam had finished his soup.\u00a0 \u201cLike some more?\u00a0 There\u2019s plenty . . . or I have some apples, if you prefer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn apple, please.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah brought a bowl of crisp red fruit from the sideboard and set it on the table.\u00a0 Adam reached for an apple, rolled it from hand to hand and then set it down.\u00a0 \u201cSir . . . Josiah . . . did you stay behind just to meet me?\u00a0 St. Joseph doesn\u2019t seem like a safe place for a Union man these days, and I\u2019d hate to think you risked yourself for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSt. Joe hasn\u2019t been a safe place for a Union man for years,\u201d Josiah said soberly as he, too, took an apple and began to peel it.\u00a0 \u201cAs for why I\u2019m still here, it\u2019s my home.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure how much longer I\u2019ll stay, though.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if Jamie wrote you this, but the schools have been closed since the end of May, so for now I\u2019m out of work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNo need, really.\u00a0 The rent\u2019s paid until the end of the month, so I\u2019ll stay that long, hope things settle down and the school reopens.\u00a0 If it doesn\u2019t, I\u2019ll seek a position elsewhere\u201d\u2014he smiled\u2014\u201cperhaps closer to my boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be wonderful,\u201d Adam said enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d feel better, knowing you were safe, and I\u2019m sure Jamie would.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he would; he\u2019s said so.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah cut off a thin slice of apple.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose it would be best, for the duration.\u00a0 It\u2019s just hard to leave a place when you\u2019ve invested so much of your life into it.\u201d\u00a0 He slid the slice into his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it Jamie you\u2019ve invested your life in?\u201d Adam suggested shyly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with advising an elder.<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat a wise young man you are!\u00a0 He is, indeed, my primary investment, although I like to think of students like you as an investment, too.\u201d\u00a0 His countenance changed abruptly.\u00a0 \u201cMany of them, I fear, will be lost in this conflict\u2014one gone already.\u201d\u00a0 He looked across the table with piercing eyes.\u00a0 \u201cDo you have a gun?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my bag.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled wryly.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I might need it further west, in case of Indian trouble, but never spotted a single hostile.\u00a0 Now I\u2019m beginning to wonder if the East isn\u2019t more dangerous territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe border states, mostly.\u00a0 You should be all right once you head north.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah leaned forward on his elbows.\u00a0 \u201cKeep it in your bag, but keep the bag close while you\u2019re on the train.\u00a0 Middle of last month a train was fired on near Palmyra, a few soldiers killed, and a week ago a fifteen-year-old passenger was killed by snipers near Caldwell Station.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I should just wear it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shook his head vigorously.\u00a0 \u201cNo, you mustn\u2019t, Adam.\u00a0 John Fr\u00e9mont declared martial law throughout the state last weekend, and if you wear a pistol openly, you can be stopped, subjected to court martial and executed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCourt martial!\u00a0 I\u2019m a civilian!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam, but so are many of the troublemakers hereabouts.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah stood and took their empty soup bowls to the sink.\u00a0 \u201cFr\u00e9mont means well, I\u2019m sure, but in my opinion he\u2019s gone too far.\u00a0 He\u2019s even emancipated the slaves of those accused, and much as I support that cause, doing it so abruptly, without the support of the Federal government, can only heighten tensions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gathered the rest of the utensils from the table.\u00a0 \u201cI do wish you\u2019d come east with me, sir.\u00a0 After all you\u2019ve told me, I\u2019m genuinely concerned for your safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot necessarily safer where you\u2019re headed, young man.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing Adam\u2019s shocked look, he winced.\u00a0 \u201cI shouldn\u2019t say that.\u00a0 I\u2019ve just been concerned about reports from Connecticut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t heard of any fighting in Connecticut,\u201d Adam said as he pumped water into the sink.\u00a0 \u201cJust in Virginia . . . and, well, around here, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah lathered up suds from a bar of soft soap.\u00a0 \u201cThe real fighting, yes, but not two weeks ago there was an incident north of Bridgeport, Connecticut\u2014at a peace rally, no less!\u201d\u00a0 He turned toward Adam.\u00a0 \u201cNortherners opposed to the war have been holding rallies\u2014quite a number of them in Connecticut, where you\u2019re headed.\u00a0 Naturally, those in favor of the war take issue, and at that one some fire was exchanged.\u00a0 No harm done, as far as I know, but don\u2019t let your guard down, just because you think you\u2019re in safe territory, son.\u00a0 In this war there really is no safe territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa would say Nevada was safe territory, that this war isn\u2019t our fight,\u201d Adam chuckled as he took a tea towel and began to dry the dishes after Josiah washed them, \u201cbut I\u2019ve seen scuffles even way out there, so I guess I agree with you.\u00a0 I will watch myself, sir, and I\u2019ll watch out for Jamie, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah smiled as he passed a cup over to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI knew I could count on you, Adam.\u00a0 Please do keep an eye on him for me.\u00a0 I\u2019m not worried about his involvement in the strife; if he can keep out of it here, he can manage that anywhere.\u00a0 I do worry, though, about his overtaxing his strength through too much study, not enough care for his health.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll watch over that, too,\u201d Adam promised.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With the need to rise early on the morrow, Josiah and Adam both turned in shortly after supper.\u00a0 Adam found it difficult to sleep, however.\u00a0 Too many thoughts, too many questions swirled through his mind.\u00a0 He took one of his old journals from the shelf and read for a while, trying to settle himself for sleep.\u00a0 For a few minutes worries over the war, exams and his family back home faded while he relived the journey west, as he had recorded it for his friend back in 1850.\u00a0 Finally, he gazed intently at Jamie\u2019s portrait, which Josiah had left in the room.\u00a0 Once he was sure he\u2019d memorized the features well enough to recognize his friend at the train depot in New Haven, he set it on the table and turned down out the light.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you soon, chum,\u201d he promised.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FIVE<\/p>\n

Into the Land of the Red, White and Blue<\/p>\n

The sky was still black when Josiah and Adam slipped from the Edwards home and made their way south through the silent streets of St. Joseph.\u00a0 As they approached the outskirts of town, Josiah pointed toward a four-story brick structure a couple of blocks east of them.\u00a0 \u201cPatee House,\u201d he whispered, \u201cheadquarters for the Pony Express.\u201d\u00a0 He gestured the opposite direction.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s where you would have caught the train.\u00a0 Well, you can\u2019t see the depot from here, but it\u2019s not far down that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t see much,\u201d Adam whispered back with a trace of humor.<\/p>\n

Josiah chuckled softly.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I guess not, but I know my way through St. Joe, son, even in the dark.\u00a0 Just sorry the walk has to take so much longer than it would have if the train still connected here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Houses became fewer and further apart, until finally they reached the open countryside, fragrant with the scent of dew-dappled meadows.\u00a0 \u201cHow is your father getting along?\u201d Josiah asked, speaking in a more normal volume now that they were out of town.\u00a0 \u201cYour letter to Jamie indicated that he was taking his wife\u2019s death very hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI think he\u2019s better now,\u201d he added hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re not sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam frowned in thought.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s better than he was, and he says he can handle things\u2014the ranch, the boys.\u00a0 I\u2019m just not sure . . . maybe I shouldn\u2019t be leaving . . . at least, not so soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam,\u201d Josiah chided.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re too young to carry all this weight on your shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere wasn\u2019t anyone else,\u201d Adam said gruffly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I suppose not,\u201d the older man admitted with a compassionate gaze, \u201cbut if your father says he\u2019s all right, then he probably is.\u00a0 And, frankly, having responsibilities is the best medicine for what ails him.\u00a0 I found that to be true when I lost Jamie\u2019s mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped abruptly.\u00a0 \u201cYou think I did him harm by carrying those responsibilities for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah placed his hand against the young man\u2019s back and gently pushed him forward.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he replied as they continued walking.\u00a0 \u201cHe probably needed your help in that first rush of grief, but if you\u2019d stayed, given up your dreams to continue carrying responsibilities rightfully his . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might have crippled him?\u201d\u00a0 At Josiah\u2019s nod Adam pursed his lips in consideration.\u00a0 If only it could be true that he wasn\u2019t just being selfish in leaving home to pursue his dream, that he might actually be helping Pa by . . . well, by not helping him, by letting him stand alone.\u00a0 It was a new idea and one that merited further thought.\u00a0 Now, however, was neither the time for contemplation or further conversation, for a farmhouse appeared atop a low rise to their left. \u00a0Josiah turned up the path leading to it.<\/p>\n

Adam remained in the yard while Josiah mounted the steps to the two-story frame farmhouse and rapped on the door.\u00a0 A portly man, hitching suspenders over his bare chest, answered the door.\u00a0 \u201cFigured it might be you, Edwards.\u00a0 So, today\u2019s the day, is it?\u201d\u00a0 The farmer stepped out onto the porch and stared down at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThat the college boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s him,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, may I present Ezra Whitcomb?\u00a0 Ezra, Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whitcomb came down the steps and took the young man\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cPleased to make your acquaintance, young fellow, brief as it\u2019s like to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pumped the farmer\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 I can\u2019t thank you enough for your help, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whitcomb shrugged off the thanks and moved toward the barn.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure he\u2019s a college boy?\u201d he asked over his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cGot the grip of a working man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed.\u00a0 \u201cHe knows the value of work\u2014and books, as well.\u00a0 That, my friend, makes for a well rounded man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon.\u201d\u00a0 Whitcomb opened the barn door and pointed to a black gelding in the first stall.\u00a0 \u201cThink you can slap a saddle on that one, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t blink,\u201d Adam teased.<\/p>\n

Whitcomb cackled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll saddle the teacher\u2019s, then.\u201d\u00a0 He winked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cNot that he can\u2019t; he\u2019s just none too quick about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s quick at other things,\u201d Adam returned, and Josiah smiled at his display of loyalty and smooth repartee.<\/p>\n

Soon both horses were saddled.\u00a0 \u201cTake good care of \u2018em,\u201d the farmer said, resting an affectionate hand on each muzzle.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have my word,\u201d Josiah promised.\u00a0 Whitcomb also had his solemn promise to make good the loss if anything did happen to either horse, but he kept that to himself.\u00a0 Adam was young, and he already had worries enough without applying his all-too-active conscience to that, as well.<\/p>\n

The two travelers mounted and with a farewell wave to Mr. Whitcomb headed east.\u00a0 Wanting to avoid the main road, they cut across wooded country.\u00a0 \u201cGood thing it\u2019s Friday,\u201d Josiah observed.\u00a0 \u201cTomorrow, even this early, we\u2019d likely run into farmers on their way to market.\u00a0 Probably wouldn\u2019t have met anyone on the main road today, but it\u2019s best to stick to the shelter of the trees.\u00a0 Anyone we did meet would be likely to take undue interest in these horses.\u00a0 Besides, we\u2019re saving a mile this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll to the good,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

Intent on their purpose, they spoke little after that, and fortune favored them with an uneventful ride to the Little Platte.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re crossing north of where the bridge did,\u201d Josiah explained.\u00a0 \u201cI think the banks aren\u2019t as steep here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould be easier fording, then,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

True to expectation, the river was easy to ford at the point Josiah had chosen, its banks sloping gently down to the water.\u00a0 Adam was glad he hadn\u2019t changed to better clothes for the train journey, for his pant legs were wet from the knee down by the time he reached the eastern side of the Little Platte.\u00a0 The two companions continued due east until they were just north of Stewartsville and then dipped slightly southeast.\u00a0 As they forded another stream, Josiah said, \u201cSmith\u2019s Branch, where the other bridge was burned.\u00a0 Not far now, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glad of that news, Adam nodded.\u00a0 Soon they rode into the small town of Osborn and stabled the horses in the first livery they came to.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill they be safe here?\u201d Adam whispered as he took his traveling bag from the saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSafe as anywhere,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 He motioned for the boy to be silent and follow him outside; he paused only long enough to pay the stable keeper.\u00a0 Once they were alone on the street, he added, \u201cI haven\u2019t heard of any raids on Osborn, and I\u2019ll trust that our luck will hold out long enough to get you on that train.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to wait with me, sir,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cIf it would be safer for you to return now . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably safer to wait, son.\u00a0 I may well wait for the cover of darkness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m taking your whole day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m out of work, remember?\u00a0 I can spare a day to see the sights of another town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned then, for there were obviously few sights to see in Osborn.\u00a0 The only one he cared to see, however, was the train depot, and it soon came into view.\u00a0 Agilely leaping onto the planked sidewalk outside the small red frame building, Adam at once headed inside.<\/p>\n

Before he could approach the ticket window, however, Josiah snared his elbow and pulled him to a bench in the waiting area.\u00a0 \u201cPlenty of time,\u201d the older man said.\u00a0 \u201cI want to go over the transfers with you.\u00a0 There will be several, and you don\u2019t want to miss a connection.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t,\u201d Adam agreed earnestly.\u00a0 Josiah drew a sheet of paper from his vest pocket, and leaning forward, Adam studied it and listened intently as his former teacher instructed him on which trains to take to reach his ultimate destination.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, be sure you get off this train at Palmyra,\u201d Josiah directed.\u00a0 \u201cIt goes all the way to Hannibal, but you\u2019ll miss your connection to Chicago if you ride to the end of the line.\u00a0 You should have about an hour between trains there, so get yourself some supper and stretch your limbs.\u201d\u00a0 He patted Adam\u2019s knee in sympathy for the stiffness it was set to endure.\u00a0 \u201cJust a short hop on the next line,\u201d he continued.\u00a0 \u201cThe Quincy and Palmyra will take you to the Mississippi River.\u00a0 You\u2019ll ferry over to Quincy, where you\u2019ll catch the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, and for the love of mercy and your hope of doing well on your exams, take a berth in the sleeping car for the night.\u00a0 It\u2019s worth every penny, and I\u2019m sure your father would consider that money well spent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir, he would, and I will definitely follow that advice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Chicago you\u2019ll transfer to the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and Chicago line, which will connect with the Pennsylvania Railroad and take you into Philadelphia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother overnight trip?\u201d Adam queried.<\/p>\n

Josiah nodded.\u00a0 \u201cGet a berth,\u201d he reiterated.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cOh, yeah.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to take advantage of every chance I get to sleep, believe me, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah rubbed the young man\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cYou should, and don\u2019t skimp on food, either.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard to grab a decent meal with trains taking only twenty minutes for meal stops, but snatch what you can.\u201d\u00a0 He put his hand in his pocket and drew out a half eagle.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, sir,\u201d Adam remonstrated, gesturing his rejection of the offer.\u00a0 \u201cI have enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah smiled.\u00a0 \u201cGive this to Jamie, please, my boy.\u00a0 Tell him I said to treat both of you to a good, nourishing supper the night before your exams, and he can keep what\u2019s left over for sundry expenses.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure there\u2019ll be plenty of those!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam accepted the five-dollar gold piece then.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, sir; I\u2019ll see he gets it.\u00a0 I suppose there\u2019s another change in Philadelphia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid so,\u201d Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI know it\u2019s a lot to remember, so I\u2019ll leave you this list as a reminder.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be getting into Philadelphia quite late, and the train on the New Jersey Railroad doesn\u2019t leave until the next morning, so take a hotel room for the night\u2014you do have enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlenty,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cPa was generous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u00a0 Then stay in West Philadelphia, if you can; that will put you close to the depot.\u00a0 Then it\u2019s about three and a half hours to Jersey City, where you can connect with the New York and New Haven Railroad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam almost beamed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the name I\u2019ve been waiting to hear!\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed outright.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you\u2019ll be even more thrilled when the conductor announces its arrival in New Haven a few hours later.\u00a0 You understand all the changes you need to make?\u201d\u00a0 At Adam\u2019s nod he folded the paper, handed it to the young man and stood up.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get your ticket then.\u201d<\/p>\n

When that transaction was complete, a little time still remained until the hour of departure.\u00a0 As they sat on the platform outside, Josiah shook his head with regret.\u00a0 \u201cI had hoped you could spend your vacations here with Jamie and me, since you won\u2019t have time to return home.\u00a0 Now, I don\u2019t know if I can make that offer.\u00a0 Not sure I want either of you coming back to this hotbed of contention, and with no means for my own support, I\u2019d have little to share.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t concern yourself, sir,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps it will be you coming to us, instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I do relocate, of course, I might still have a home to offer you and Jamie between terms.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded pensively.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s something to think about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, do think about it,\u201d Adam urged.\u00a0 \u201cIf I can\u2019t go home to Nevada\u2014and I can\u2019t\u2014I\u2019d cherish spending time with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ll see,\u201d Josiah replied ambivalently.\u00a0 \u201cNow, then, my boy, let\u2019s discuss the matter of time difference in the various stops you\u2019ll make.\u201d\u00a0 Teacher and student once more, two heads bent together for the transfer of vital information.<\/p>\n

About eight that morning a whistle sounded down the track, and soon the train pulled into the depot.\u00a0 After a final hearty embrace Josiah handed Adam a package wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine.\u00a0 \u201cJust some sandwiches to stave off starvation.\u201d\u00a0 He drew a shiny red orb from his pocket.\u00a0 \u201cAnd here\u2019s an apple.\u00a0 Sorry it isn\u2019t more, but food\u2019s been in somewhat short supply in St. Joe of late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pushed both offerings away.\u00a0 \u201cThen I shouldn\u2019t take it, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah again pressed the food on him.\u00a0 \u201cNonsense.\u00a0 I know the appetite of a growing boy.\u00a0 You need this more than I, and this situation is bound to ease up soon.\u00a0 If it doesn\u2019t, I\u2019ll either cross over into Kansas or head east, toward you and Jamie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake it east,\u201d Adam pleaded as he accepted the lunch.\u00a0 \u201cThey were talking of closing down the ferry when I crossed over, and if you go to Kansas we may not see you for the duration.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEast it is,\u201d Josiah promised.\u00a0 He looked down for a moment and then raised his head to gaze into Adam\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cLook after my boy,\u201d he requested again, as he had the previous night.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t let him overdo\u2014and both of you stay out of political discussions, as much as you\u2019re able.\u00a0 Hopefully, the strife won\u2019t reach the hallowed halls of Yale, but take care, nonetheless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will\u2014of myself and of Jamie,\u201d Adam vowed.<\/p>\n

Josiah clapped him on the back.\u00a0 \u201cBetter get aboard.\u00a0 Don\u2019t want them leaving without you!\u201d<\/p>\n

One final clasp of hands and Adam ran for the passenger car.\u00a0 He settled quickly into a window seat, though most of the few passengers boarding here avoided them.\u00a0 Fear of stray bullets from bushwhackers, Adam supposed, but he preferred to keep a close lookout for danger.\u00a0 A bullet didn\u2019t have much further to travel to an aisle seat, anyway, and this way he\u2019d have a better chance of seeing suspicious riders coming and time to get his own handgun out.<\/p>\n

He had intended to study on the train, and the monotony of the prairie terrain invited attention to his books, but he felt more secure watching out the window.\u00a0 Although he\u2019d traveled by train before, the jaunt from Folsom to Sacramento was too short to give a true feel for how the rails could eat up miles.\u00a0 He\u2019d had some of that sensation on the stagecoach, but it was intensified here, as town after town slipped past the window\u2014Cameron with its two linking railroads south; Kidder; Hamilton, where a stage line connected; Breckenridge\u2014all unknown to Adam when he lived in St. Joseph, all owing either their birth or their burgeoning population to the coming of the railroad.\u00a0 Wonder if the railroad will ever reach Nevada<\/em>, he mused as he recalled talk of linking the two coasts by rail.\u00a0 Sure would make it easier to get home, if they hurry it along, but would home look like home with all those folks pouring in?<\/em>\u00a0 He smiled at his foolishness.\u00a0 Even if the dream of a transcontinental railroad ever did come to pass, most folks except miners would probably bypass dry Nevada for the sunnier climes of California.\u00a0 Still, it was home to him, and it pleased him to think of it as changeless.<\/p>\n

Passing through Greggs, the train pulled into Utica, a town Adam did have vague memories of.\u00a0 Like most of the hamlets along the track, it wasn\u2019t large, but just outside town was an encampment of Union soldiers, assigned to protect the rail line.\u00a0 Their presence was comforting, as was the occasional glimpse of cavalry he spotted as the train rolled on.\u00a0 About three miles beyond that station, the train crossed the Grand River, and the next town, Chillicothe, was a larger one.\u00a0 Adam definitely remembered it.\u00a0 He, Pa and Inger had stopped here to repair a cracked axle, and he\u2019d had a grand time chasing the pigs and chickens that ran loose down the dirt streets until Pa made him stop.\u00a0 He stood up to stretch his legs and stepped out onto the platform to take a gander.\u00a0 More soldiers than pigs in the streets this time, though he did spot a few porkers and grinned in fond remembrance of his boyhood romp.\u00a0 From the platform he could see a couple of dry goods stores, a drug store, a hotel and a restaurant, the latter making him hungry enough on his return to nibble on the apple Josiah had given him.<\/p>\n

Rattling through Botts, the train crossed a creek a local resident called Locust over yet another trestle bridge.\u00a0 Plenty of targets for the rebels on this line<\/em>, Adam mused. No wonder the army patrols it so regularly.\u00a0 Can\u2019t be everywhere, though<\/em>.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t help wondering how many bridges lay between him and the end of the line and whether they\u2019d all be intact.\u00a0 One more lost might well put reaching his destination in time beyond hope.\u00a0 Don\u2019t imagine the worst<\/em>, he chided himself.\u00a0 He and Pa would never have started west, never have found the dream waiting there, if they\u2019d counted up all the things that could go wrong.\u00a0 Dreams were strong things; if need be, they could conquer challenges.\u00a0 All I need is determination<\/em>, he concluded, and determination I have<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Passing Laclede, where another stage line connected, the train arrived in Brookfield, division headquarters, with a round house and machine shops for maintenance of the engines.\u00a0 Now a little more than halfway to Palmyra, Adam took out his package of sandwiches and ate as the train rumbled through another series of small towns, crossing two branches of the Chariton River on the way\u2014trestles thankfully solid.\u00a0 He finally became relaxed enough by the presence of soldiers all along the line that he did pull out his Greek textbook to while away the remaining hours of the afternoon in study.\u00a0 Whether from residual nerves or a desire to see the passing scenery, however, he frequently looked up from the book to peer out the window.<\/p>\n

Though brilliant yellow flowers dotted the tall, waving grasses, the passing scenery was somewhat monotonous.\u00a0 \u00a0Prairie stretched flat on both sides of the cars, broken only by a line of timber less than a mile away in either direction.\u00a0 On one of his glances up from his book, Adam noticed a group of riders back near the trees.\u00a0 Though he couldn\u2019t see them clearly enough to spot their blue uniforms, he assumed they were more soldiers on patrol and lowered his eyes again.\u00a0 His head immediately jerked up as the speed and direction of those riders belatedly registered.\u00a0 They were coming straight at the train\u2014at a gallop.\u00a0 No soldier would do that unless there were trouble.<\/p>\n

At that same moment another male passenger, equally vigilant and more attuned to the dangers of this area, yelled sharply, \u201cRaiders comin\u2019!\u00a0 Everybody down!\u201d<\/p>\n

Amid the screams of women, Adam dropped to the floor between the rows of seats, grabbed his carpetbag and unlatched it quickly.\u00a0 Grasping the walnut grip of his Colt Army revolver, he rose cautiously.\u00a0 A quick glance to either side revealed a trio of other men positioned at windows all along that side of the car.\u00a0 Martial law or no martial law, the men of Missouri were evidently prepared to defend their persons and their property.<\/p>\n

At the window directly to Adam\u2019s left, a tow-headed lad of eight or nine bobbed up to peek out the window at the bad men.\u00a0 \u201cGet down,\u201d Adam hissed.\u00a0 The boy ignored him, continuing to stare, wide-eyed with excitement, at the oncoming raiders.\u00a0 When the first shot pinged against the outside of the car, Adam reached under the seat, grabbed the kid by the ankles and yanked him down.\u00a0 \u201cNow stay there!\u201d he hollered over the kid\u2019s wail of protest.<\/p>\n

Coming up again, Adam pointed his gun out the window and fired repeatedly, as did defenders all up and down the train.\u00a0 He saw one of the assailants grasp his shoulder and thought it was his shot that had winged the man, but couldn\u2019t be sure.\u00a0 The exchange of gunfire was brisk, but brief, as the raiders responded to the armed resistance by hightailing it back to the trees.\u00a0 As he watched them retreat, Adam saw a line of bluecoats cut across the prairie from the east to intercept them, and again the air was struck with the staccato of gunfire.\u00a0 Up and down the train shouts of triumph joined the martial percussion.<\/p>\n

Drained, Adam sank down in his seat and exhaled gustily.\u00a0 As he became aware of someone standing next to him, he looked up and saw a middle-aged woman tightly gripping that reckless little towhead by the elbow.\u00a0 \u201cTell the man thank you, Beau, for savin\u2019 your disobedient hide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to see,\u201d Beau whined.\u00a0 \u201cWeren\u2019t no real danger.\u201d\u00a0 A still tighter squeeze on his elbow made him wince.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, mister,\u201d he gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut the next time you\u2019re told to get down, you get down and stay down, hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rubbing his freed elbow, Beau mumbled a monotone \u201cYes, sir,\u201d but as he skittered down the aisle, he paused to turn back and stick his tongue out at Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned, for a moment seeing a certain little brother in that boy\u2019s behavior.\u00a0 \u201cThat one keeps you hopping, I bet,\u201d he said to the boy\u2019s mother.<\/p>\n

She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cNow, you\u2019re too young to have experience handlin\u2019 wild younguns, but you guessed right.\u00a0 He\u2019s a handful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo guesswork involved,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 In response to her quizzically cocked head, he explained, \u201cLittle brothers . . . one of whom is every bit as wild as your boy at half his age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see!\u00a0 Yes, that would explain your quick response to Beau\u2019s peril.\u201d\u00a0 She offered Adam her hand.\u00a0 \u201cAgain, sir, and with more sincerity than he showed, I offer you my thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook her hand.\u00a0 \u201cIt was nothing, ma\u2019am, but you\u2019re entirely welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

The stop at Shelbina, the next station, lasted longer than usual, as the conductor reported the incident between there and Clarence.\u00a0 The report, in fact, took longer than the incident itself, and Adam chafed at the delay.\u00a0 He had connections to make!\u00a0 Within minutes, however, the train was again rolling east, through Lakenan and a couple of miles further across the Salt River.\u00a0 Hunnewell and Monroe flew past, and then the train curved northeast, toward Ely and Caldwell and finally into Palmyra itself, shortly after four o\u2019clock that afternoon.<\/p>\n

Hungry as he was, Adam was tempted to forego supper, since he now had less than an hour until the departure of the Quincy and Palmyra short line.\u00a0 He spotted a lunch counter attached to the depot, however, and purchased a couple of ham sandwiches and a hard-boiled egg to take with him.\u00a0 He wolfed down one sandwich and the egg while waiting for the train and resolved to eat the other more leisurely once he was aboard, rolling toward the great Father of Waters.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam leaned heavily on the rail at the stern of the Emma<\/em>, watching the sinking sun tint the western horizon a brilliant burnt orange.\u00a0 The miles, the stress of making connections, the fear of missing or failing his exams in New Haven were catching up with him.\u00a0 So far, though, everything was going according to plan.\u00a0 The minor setbacks\u2014if disasters like the burning of bridges or armed marauders attacking the train could be called minor\u2014had not defeated his purpose, and the journey should be easier from this point on.\u00a0 Besides, he was young, young enough that the peaceful golden-amber reflection on the water was enough to refresh his flagging spirits.\u00a0 The Mississippi was wide, but he\u2019d soon be across it and then he could really rest.<\/p>\n

The steamboat docked on the eastern shore, and Adam huffed as he climbed a hundred and twenty-five feet up a limestone bluff to reach the town of Quincy.\u00a0 He dropped his carpetbag at the top and bent over, clasping his knees, as he gasped for breath.\u00a0 Then, still fearful of missing a connection, he snatched up the bag and bounded past sawmills, flour mills and pork-packing plants on the edge of town and hurried through the brick business district to the depot of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy.\u00a0\u00a0 Inside, he purchased his ticket, including the extra twenty-five cents for an upper berth, and boarded promptly when the conductor called, \u201cAll aboard.\u201d\u00a0 Thankfully, the berths had already been prepared, and without bothering to remove his clothing, Adam climbed into the top of three berths, putting his belongings into the green storage net and pulling the green curtains closed.<\/p>\n

The cane-bottomed planks were miserably hard, even with the bedding provided by the railroad.\u00a0 That and the snores of a score of men all through the car made it difficult for Adam to get to sleep.\u00a0 Once he did, however, the exhausted young man slept like a baby.\u00a0 He woke only once, when a loud thud, followed by louder curses, told him that some unfortunate fellow passenger had fallen out of bed.\u00a0 Sparing a hope that the man had not fallen from the top tier, a groggy Adam rolled over and went back to sleep.<\/p>\n

He woke around 5:30 the next morning, quite ready to vacate the plank bed and its thin mattress.\u00a0 After splashing his face with water from a large stone jar at the end of the sleeping car, he took a seat in the day car just as the train pulled into a large station.<\/p>\n

The conductor called out, \u201cAurora,\u201d as he made his way down the aisle, and when he passed by, Adam inquired, \u201cHow long to Chicago, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHour and a half, son,\u201d the conductor responded cordially.<\/p>\n

Adam thanked him and turned to look out the window.\u00a0 Aurora was a large town, with a buff limestone roundhouse and all the shops needed to keep a railroad moving.\u00a0 While it probably could also provide an eating station as good as any, he elected to delay his breakfast until he reached Chicago.\u00a0 According to the timetable he\u2019d picked up at the depot in Quincy, he would have an hour between trains, enough time for a more leisurely meal.<\/p>\n

No sooner had the train pulled out of Aurora, though, than Adam\u2019s stomach began protesting its emptiness.\u00a0 To silence it and to get his mind off the challenge of making the upcoming connection, he took out his Greek text and pored over it to the rattling accompaniment of wheels rotating on iron tracks.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might want to put that away,\u201d his seatmate, a well-groomed man in his mid-forties, suggested some time later.\u00a0 \u201cNot far to Chicago now, and since that\u2019s your destination, you\u2019ll want to get your things together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam closed the book and thanked the man.\u00a0 \u201cChicago isn\u2019t my final destination, though.\u00a0 I\u2019m going straight on to the east coast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, too bad,\u201d the man said pleasantly.\u00a0 \u201cChicago\u2019s quite a place to see, better\u2019n 112,000 folks here, according to the last census, where thirty years ago there weren\u2019t more than a hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Chicago your home, sir?\u201d Adam inquired politely.<\/p>\n

The man beamed with pride.\u00a0 \u201cShows, does it?\u00a0 Yes, son, it\u2019s my home, and you won\u2019t find a place more on the grow than Chicago.\u00a0 Got its problems, like any booming city, but the know-how to solve \u2018em, too.\u00a0 Like the street level, for instance.\u00a0 Town was first built on swampy ground just a few feet above lake level.\u00a0 That made for all kinds of problems, so a fellow named George Pullman and some others figured out a way to jack the buildings up some four to seven feet and build new foundations under \u2018em, without even asking the occupants to move out.\u00a0 Quite an engineering feat, that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like it.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s interest was evident, so while he put his book into his carpetbag and fastened the latch, the man amplified on the subject a little.\u00a0 There was no time for much discussion, however, for the train pulled into the grand terminal at Chicago, and all the passengers gathered their belongings and crowded into the aisles.<\/p>\n

Adam stepped off the train and abruptly stopped to gape, open-mouthed at the huge, multi-tracked station.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet out of the way, boy!\u201d a man behind him demanded.<\/p>\n

Adam apologized and moved aside a few steps.\u00a0 He continued to stare up and down the tracks, wondering which would hold the train for the next leg of his journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need somethin\u2019, suh?\u201d a thick voice drawled.<\/p>\n

Adam turned and saw a black porter.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know where to go,\u201d he admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI mean, the ticket office first, I guess, but . . . so many tracks . . . I . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

White teeth gleamed in the coal-black face as the porter pointed toward the head of the train.\u00a0 \u201cJust follow dem other passengers, suh.\u00a0 Dat be the way to de ticket office.\u00a0 Dey tell you der which track t\u2019 go to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cOf course.\u00a0 Thank you.\u201d\u00a0 He hesitated, unsure of whether a tip was appropriate, and then dug into his pocket.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, suh, no need,\u201d the porter, who recognized signs of financial need when he saw them, said. \u00a0\u201cNot for dat little mite of advice.\u00a0 Just follow \u2018long with dem others and you be fixed fine right soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

The noise was deafening as another train pulled in on the track next to the one housing the train from Quincy, so Adam merely nodded his thanks again and headed in the direction the porter had indicated.\u00a0 He took his place in line and fretted at how long it took him to reach its head and purchase his ticket.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have baggage to check?\u201d the clerk behind the wooden grill asked perfunctorily.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust this bag,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been keeping it with me.\u201d\u00a0 He did not, of course, tell the clerk that he\u2019d wanted to keep his gun handy, even when he boarded at Quincy.\u00a0 In that town, directly across the river from the seceded state of Mississippi, he\u2019d just felt more comfortable having it with him.\u00a0 Now that he was further north, he supposed, there was no real need for that type of precaution.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour choice, sir,\u201d the clerk said, somewhat impatiently.\u00a0 \u201cIf you wish to be spared the inconvenience, I can check it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll keep it,\u201d Adam decided.\u00a0 The inconvenience had been slight, and this way he had his books with him, whenever he wanted them.<\/p>\n

He verified the track number and exact time of departure with the clerk and, pulling out his pocket watch, noted that its time did not match that of any of the large clocks hanging over the arched entrance to the terminal.\u00a0 Not surprising, since each town or city determined its own time in accordance with the sun, as Josiah had taught him that morning.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to miss his train, so he set his watch to Pittsburgh time, the point of origin for the train he wanted to catch.\u00a0 According to the clocks, that was thirty-one minutes later than Chicago time, but his own watch was further off than that.\u00a0 He\u2019d last coordinated it in Quincy, so he had to move the hands forward better than forty minutes.<\/p>\n

Stepping outside the station, a sense of release surged through him.\u00a0 At first, he couldn\u2019t identify its origin; then he smiled as his eyes swept the street both ways.\u00a0 Building after building either displayed the Stars and Stripes or was draped in red, white and blue bunting.\u00a0 That was something he hadn\u2019t seen in Missouri, where even those loyal to the Federal Government had seemed afraid to declare their allegiance.\u00a0 Here there were no divided loyalties, and people walked the streets without fear.\u00a0 For the first time since crossing the Missouri River, Adam felt truly safe, and with a new spring in his step, he continued down the street in search of something to eat.<\/p>\n

He now had only half an hour until departure time, so he ate at the first eatery he came across, only a block from the station.\u00a0 He found the food acceptable, if not sumptuous, and forced himself to eat slowly.\u00a0 Of necessity, he\u2019d rushed through virtually every meal for two and a half weeks now, and the habit was hard to break.\u00a0 He arrived back at the terminal with a few minutes to spare, so he bought a copy of the Chicago Tribune<\/em> at the newsstand inside the depot and sat down in the waiting room.<\/p>\n

As he scanned the front page, the most important news appeared to be the reported death of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America.\u00a0 Evidently, he had been seriously ill, and flags in the Confederacy were now flying at half mast after his passing.\u00a0 Though he couldn\u2019t rejoice in any man\u2019s death, Adam exhaled with relief at the news.\u00a0 Perhaps it presaged a quicker end to the war.\u00a0 Having seen the ravages of the struggle in St. Joseph and the terror assaulting ordinary citizens on the train, he could only hope that without Davis to guide them, the Confederacy would quickly return to the Union.\u00a0 Maybe that was wishful thinking, but the editorial he read seemed to express similar hope.<\/p>\n

Before he could finish the front page, however, the call to board resounded through the waiting room, and Adam, along with scores of others, rose and hurried to the designated track for the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad.\u00a0 He found an open window seat and hurried to occupy it, news of the day temporarily forgotten.\u00a0 The scenery, as the train skirted the south shore of Lake Michigan, was beautiful, almost ocean-like in its aspect.\u00a0 Mounded sand hills lined the shore, and waves rolled repeatedly into them, not as wild and majestic as on the Pacific Coast, but striking nonetheless.\u00a0 As far as eye could see, steamboats and sailing ships skimmed the waters, bustling passengers and cargo across the Great Lake.\u00a0 Lake Michigan was grand, indeed, and Adam exulted in the opportunity to see it.\u00a0 To him, however, nothing could compare with the pristine and pine-bordered sapphire jewel that graced the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

The train crossed a bridge over the south branch of the Chicago River, and Adam noticed that the water ran away from the lake, not toward it.\u00a0 Like the Truckee River back home, flowing away from Lake Tahoe.\u00a0 Adam grinned.\u00a0 The scenery here was nothing like home, but he couldn\u2019t seem to get his mind away from there.\u00a0 Wonder what they\u2019re doing?\u00a0 Roundup time, so I guess that\u2019s what Pa\u2019s doing.\u00a0 Hoss has school, of course, and Little Joe . . . Pa must have left him with the Thomases.\u00a0 Boy, that\u2019ll be hard on the little fellow so soon after . . .<\/em><\/p>\n

Uncomfortable with the knot swelling up in his throat, Adam grabbed the newspaper and began reading again.\u00a0 The President had declared another day for fasting and prayer.\u00a0 Adam supposed he\u2019d be doing plenty of praying if he entered Yale\u2014chapel every morning, he\u2019d been told\u2014but he couldn\u2019t face the thought of fasting right now.\u00a0 After all the hurried meals he\u2019d endured, all he wanted was one to just sit and linger over.\u00a0 Time enough to consider a prayerful fast once that need had been met!<\/p>\n

He scanned the news from Missouri next and shook his head at what he considered the stupidity of the law of the land\u2014the Fugitive Slave Law, to be specific.\u00a0 A correspondent from St. Louis reported that three runaway slaves were being held there and would be turned over to their owners as soon as the latter had provided proof of their loyalty to the Union.\u00a0 Being a staunch Union supporter didn\u2019t turn a wrong into a right, did it?\u00a0 Bet it doesn\u2019t much matter to those slaves which side their so-called master comes down on<\/em>.\u00a0 The burning of the bridges on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad was still news, but the only information he hadn\u2019t read earlier was a list of names of the victims.\u00a0 Since he no longer knew anyone in Missouri except Josiah Edwards, he barely scanned that.<\/p>\n

Gazing out the window, Adam marveled again at the speed with which towns passed, though he had to admit that it would be greater still if the train didn\u2019t stop at so many of them.\u00a0 When he spotted the brickyards just west of Hobart, for instance, the train had traveled only a single mile since its last stop at Liverpool.\u00a0 Stations that close together were rare, thank goodness; most of them were four or five miles apart, a few even more.\u00a0 Adam welcomed the longer jaunts through fertile countryside, not only for the serenity of the scene, but also for the sense of moving faster toward his goal.<\/p>\n

It was well past noon, and the train still hadn\u2019t pulled into Fort Wayne, the refreshment stop, so Adam bought an apple and a small bag of walnuts from the boy working the aisles.\u00a0 \u201cWant somethin\u2019 to read, mister?\u201d the boy, who appeared to be about ten, suggested as he pocketed the coins Adam had handed him.\u00a0 \u201cI got the latest papers out of Philadelphia, Chicago and New York and the Police Gazette<\/em> and Harper\u2019s Weekly<\/em> and Frank Leslie\u2019s<\/em>, too.\u00a0 And the best dime novels, if you be a literary gent.\u00a0 Words to suit all tastes, just like me fruits and candies!\u201d\u00a0 He whipped out an orange paperback.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s the latest from Beadle\u2019s, sir: King Barnaby; or, The Maidens of the <\/em>Forest<\/em>. A Romance of the Mickmacks<\/em>,\u201d he read from the cover.\u00a0 With a scowl he added, \u201cNow, I know romance may not sound like a fittin\u2019 subject for a gent, but this un\u2019s about Indians and such, up in Canada, and bein\u2019 a Beadle\u2019s, it\u2019s chock full o\u2019 action.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled, amused by the youngster\u2019s earnest face.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a real connoisseur, I see.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing the boy\u2019s bewilderment, he amended his word choice.\u00a0 \u201cRead them all, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, sir!\u201d the boy replied enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cBeadle\u2019s is prime.\u00a0 Can\u2019t go wrong with this un, sir, at only ten cents.\u201d\u00a0 He held the latest issue temptingly beneath Adam\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n

Smiling, Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re quite the salesman, but I\u2019ll just have fruit and nuts this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy grinned.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be back down the aisle in about an hour, if you change your mind.\u00a0 Nothin\u2019 like a good book to pass away the miles, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but I have one,\u201d Adam said, lifting his Greek text.<\/p>\n

One look at the title was enough to make the little lad scrunch up his nose, shake his head at the peculiar taste of some folks and hustle down the aisle toward a likelier prospect for his wares.<\/p>\n

A couple of stations ahead of Fort Wayne, the conductor moved through the train, taking a count of those who wished to eat there.\u00a0 \u201cSpecialty of the house is beefsteak,\u201d the conductor announced.\u00a0 \u201cHow many in this car?\u201d<\/p>\n

Several hands were raised, Adam\u2019s among them.\u00a0 With the conductor telegraphing ahead to the depot restaurant the number to expect, the food would be ready when they arrived, so the mere twenty minutes afforded for a meal would be sufficient.\u00a0 At least, that\u2019s the way it was supposed to work.\u00a0 When Adam, along with other passengers, rushed into the restaurant, however, the plates weren\u2019t ready, and seven minutes were wasted, just sitting at the counter.\u00a0 When his dinner was plunked in front of him, he went to work at once, sawing through the steak, a challenge considering its toughness.\u00a0 Somehow, Adam choked down most of the steak, potatoes and a dish of custard in the thirteen minutes remaining before he had to board the train once more.<\/p>\n

When the conductor came down the aisle to take numbers for supper, Adam decided to pass.\u00a0 The hour was late, and he didn\u2019t want to try to sleep with something as heavy as that greasy beefsteak roiling in his stomach.\u00a0 Most refreshment stops also had a counter where he could buy a sandwich, and if Crestline did not, he\u2019d just make out on whatever the diligent train boy had to offer on his hourly rounds.<\/p>\n

At Crestline, the midway point between Chicago and Pittsburgh, he found the usual ham sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs and crisp sugar cookies\u2014plenty to make a meal on.\u00a0 After purchasing what he desired, Adam used the remaining time to look at the city, at least what he could see of it from the depot platform.\u00a0 Crestline, lying in a flat, almost swampy terrain with large woods close by, was a division terminal, so although the depot itself was only frame, there was a full-circle brick roundhouse to maintain the trains, along with car shops, a tin shop and boiler shop, as well as machine and blacksmith shops.<\/p>\n

Adam yawned.\u00a0 Crestline might be an interesting place to explore, if he had the time . . . or the energy.\u00a0 Right now, nothing sounded quite as interesting as getting back on the train, eating his light supper and heading for a berth as soon as it was ready.\u00a0 When he crawled into bed for the night, once again exhaustion made a feather mattress of the hard slab on which he slept.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Soldiers of the 2nd<\/sup> Kansas were attacked at Shelbina the night before Adam\u2019s passage through there on the train.<\/p>\n

The steamboat Emma<\/em> actually plied the waters of the Mississippi between Quincy and West Quincy around the time of Adam\u2019s trip.<\/p>\n

The reports of Jefferson Davis\u2019s death, though confirmed, were, of course, false.\u00a0 He lived to guide the Confederacy throughout the Civil War.<\/p>\n

An account of the Platte River Bridge disaster, as well as the other news items Adam read in Chicago can be found in online copies of the New York Times<\/em> for September 7, 1861.\u00a0 That the Chicago paper covered the same news is conjecture.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER SIX<\/p>\n

New Haven, at Last!<\/p>\n

Adam was up early Sunday morning, so his face was washed and he was ready to bolt from the train as soon as it pulled into the depot at Pittsburgh shortly before seven o\u2019clock.\u00a0 He had virtually no time to spare as he hurried to transfer to the Pennsylvania Railroad for the next leg of his journey.\u00a0 From what little he did see, the city seemed almost as large as Chicago, and its location, where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers joined to form the Ohio, appeared conducive to growth.\u00a0 That thought didn\u2019t occur to him until he was settled aboard the next train, however, and nibbling on the single boiled egg he\u2019d taken time to purchase.\u00a0 An apple, provided by the train boy, rounded out his breakfast.<\/p>\n

The train departed immediately.\u00a0 Leaving the station on Grant Street, the track curved to the right, passing through beautiful countryside, dotted here and there with elegant houses.\u00a0 Then, for the next forty miles, the train moved through a less picturesque setting, with a number of open bituminous coal mines visible through the window.\u00a0 The coal region gave way to a fertile valley, and the train crossed the Loyal Hanna on a substantial stone bridge.\u00a0 Passing through a gap in Chestnut Ridge, on a narrow ledge cut out of rock, the road ran above the Conemaugh River and canal, some one hundred sixty feet below, to Johnstown at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains.\u00a0 Greek text laid aside, Adam pressed his face to the cool window glass and drank in the hardwood-covered mountainsides.\u00a0 Some twenty-five miles later the train passed through a tunnel that was three-quarters of a mile long and emerged to even grander mountain scenery, distinct peaks blending with fruitful valleys.<\/p>\n

About four and a half hours after leaving Pittsburgh, Adam finally had a chance to grab a meal at Altoona.\u00a0 Eastbound and westbound trains met here, and long tables were set up to accommodate everyone in the dining hall.\u00a0 Adam was starving and gulped down as much as he could in the twenty minutes allowed.\u00a0 That relaxing meal with Jamie at the end of his journey, which Josiah had recommended and paid to provide, was beginning to look more and more attractive.\u00a0 And no matter what Jamie did, Adam intended to dawdle a full hour over his food\u2014maybe two.<\/p>\n

No time for dawdling now, though.\u00a0 Back on the train and keep those wheels rolling!\u00a0 They rolled through the center of the Tuckahoe Valley, lying between the main range of the Alleghenies and Brush Mountain.\u00a0 To the south rich limestone land stretched for a mile and a half, while an equal swath of clay soil lay to the north of the track.\u00a0 After fifteen miles the landscape changed, as the train entered the deep gorge of the Little Juniata and followed its course into Petersburg.\u00a0 The name of the town brought a nostalgic smile to Adam\u2019s lips, as he recalled his first memories of Inger in an Ohio town bearing the same name.<\/p>\n

Charming mountain scenes accompanied him throughout the afternoon.\u00a0 Anxious as he was about his entrance exam, he couldn\u2019t resist the pull of such beauty.\u00a0 He viewed it almost as a last glimpse of home, although the scene seemed tame, compared to the ponderosa forests populating the Cartwright\u2019s ranch.<\/p>\n

It was nearly 8:30 that night when the train pulled to a stop at the depot in West Philadelphia.\u00a0 Adam collected his baggage and asked the porter to recommend a clean, inexpensive hotel nearby.\u00a0 Taking the man\u2019s advice, he walked to the corner of 41st<\/sup> and Elm, entered the brick building and inquired if there were any vacancies at the Elm Hotel.\u00a0 There were, and though the room was small, the bed narrow and the mattress not as plump as the one back home, to Adam it looked like paradise.\u00a0 After eighteen straight days of travel, any bed that didn\u2019t move was heaven on earth to the weary young man, and he sank gratefully onto the mattress, pulled the covers up to his ears and was asleep within minutes after his head hit the pillow.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam woke early, but refreshed and ready, for once, to face yet another day\u2019s travel, for this one would bring him to the end of his journey\u2014and Jamie!\u00a0 He had risen early enough to give careful attention to his grooming; his only regret was that he didn\u2019t have time for a long, relaxing soak in a tub.\u00a0 He\u2019d stripped down and washed before going to bed, though, so he felt clean, and he indulged in a clean shirt from his baggage, as well.\u00a0 After a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs in the hotel dining room, he walked to the depot of the New Jersey Railroad and purchased his ticket.<\/p>\n

Having twenty minutes to spare before his train departed, he purchased a copy of the New York Times<\/em> and scanned the headlines, which began with THE GREAT REBELLION.\u00a0 Probably the same headline every day, Adam mused.\u00a0 War reports had been front-page news in the Territorial Enterprise<\/em>, too, but there the conflict had seemed distant; here, it crouched close, ready to spring and disrupt a young man\u2019s dreams.\u00a0 Well, he wouldn\u2019t let it.\u00a0 He\u2019d promised Pa, and what\u2019s more, he\u2019d promised himself.\u00a0 Still, he couldn\u2019t deny his interest in the war\u2019s progress, so like every Easterner, he started with the first column, relating the support of Alexander of Russia for the Union, and read every line.<\/p>\n

He hadn\u2019t finished the first page when the conductor called \u201cAll aboard.\u201d\u00a0 Hastily folding the newspaper, Adam sprinted for the train and took his seat for a short jaunt of three and a half hours.\u00a0 For the first twenty to twenty-five miles, adjoining tracks were busy with passing trains, probably locals; Adam didn\u2019t see a single car after that until he came equally close to the end of his journey.\u00a0 He passed through Trenton and ten miles beyond a fellow passenger pointed out Princeton College, on a ridge above them.\u00a0 The school was more than two miles away, though, so he couldn\u2019t see it well, and he fared no better when the train passed Rutgers an hour or so later.\u00a0 He rather wished for a closer view, just so he could get an idea of what a college campus was like, but he\u2019d get his chance later that evening, when he reached New Haven.\u00a0 At least, he hoped there\u2019d be time to get his first glimpse of Yale before darkness fell.<\/p>\n

Within an hour after passing New Brunswick, the stop for Rutgers, commuter trains again began to clog the rails, and Adam surmised that he must be getting near New York City.\u00a0 The train passed through Newark and not long after the conductor called out, \u201cNext stop Jersey City, end of the line.\u201d\u00a0 Adam closed his Greek text and gathered his belongings, in case he had to make a quick sprint to the ferry dock.\u00a0 As it turned out, the track went directly to the dock on the Hudson River, and since the ferry over it ran every ten minutes, he lost only four minutes making that connection.<\/p>\n

The ferry deposited him at the foot of Cortlandt Street on the isle of Manhattan, and at first all Adam could do was gape at the towering buildings.\u00a0 He thought he\u2019d seen big cities before\u2014San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia last night\u2014but the view from the dock was overwhelming.\u00a0 Buildings\u2014eight, nine stories tall\u2014surrounded him, one beyond another, as far as he could see.\u00a0 Shaking off his awe, he focused on the daunting challenge now facing him.\u00a0 He had to get to the nearest depot of that final train, but he didn\u2019t know where it was.\u00a0 Not far, he hoped.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, sir, where might I find the depot for the New York and New Haven Railroad?\u201d he asked the first passerby whose attention he could catch.<\/p>\n

\u201cCity Hall,\u201d the bespectacled man tossed aside as he breezed down the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut where?\u201d\u00a0 Adam might as well have asked the wind, which was blowing smartly off the river.\u00a0 Assuming his destination had to lie inland, he started walking east on Cortlandt and asked the next person he saw where City Hall was located.<\/p>\n

\u201cBroadway and Chambers,\u201d the man replied.\u00a0 Then he, too, was gone with the briskness of the wind.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope one of those intersects Cortlandt,\u201d Adam muttered grimly.\u00a0 He saw another man headed his direction and, determined not to let this one get away from him, moved to block his path.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere now, what\u2019s this?\u201d the burly man demanded.\u00a0 \u201cGet out the way, lad.\u201d\u00a0 He started to push the annoying youth aside, but Adam raised an imploring hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, sir.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry to disturb you, but I\u2019m unacquainted with your city and I need directions,\u201d he pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cThe depot for the New York and New Haven Railroad\u2014it\u2019s at City Hall, I was told, but how do I get there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the park,\u201d the man replied.\u00a0 Then, seeing Adam\u2019s bewilderment, he chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWhich means nothing to you, does it, lad?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grimaced.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid not, sir.\u00a0 Please.\u00a0 It\u2019s important that I get there in time to catch my train.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, aye, I understand,\u201d the man said.\u00a0 \u201cNow, the depot\u2019s not at City Hall, lad, but you can take a streetcar there to the terminal at 27th<\/sup> Street and 4th<\/sup> Avenue.\u00a0 Young lad like you might as well hoof it, first to Broadway; it\u2019s not far\u2014couple blocks that way.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed the direction Adam had been walking.\u00a0 \u201cHead north to Chambers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt intersects?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, aye, that\u2019s right.\u00a0 You\u2019ll see the post office at one end of the park, City Hall at the Chambers end.\u00a0 Streetcars in front of that.\u00a0 Simple enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled in earnest relief.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 I believe I can get there now.\u00a0 Thanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOff with you then.\u00a0 Don\u2019t know when that train leaves, but it\u2019s about a half hour on the horse cars to the depot, so no dawdling, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took time to extend a grateful hand.\u00a0 \u201cNo, sir, no dawdling.\u00a0 Thank you again.\u201d\u00a0 With a wave he took off, covering the two blocks to Broadway with long, now confident, strides.\u00a0 Though his heart was racing, youthful dignity wouldn\u2019t permit his legs to follow suit.\u00a0 Besides, since he didn\u2019t know what time the train left\u2014he hadn\u2019t had time for inquiries before transferring to the ferry\u2014he didn\u2019t know whether he needed to hurry or had time to kill.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t risk assuming the latter, however, so he quickened his pace.\u00a0 Dignity be hanged.<\/p>\n

The brisk walk felt good after all the days of sitting, first on the stage and then on one train after another, and his strong muscles didn\u2019t let him down.\u00a0 In fact, he had energy left for a final sprint across the triangular green swath of the park when he saw a streetcar approaching what had to be City Hall, a grand building with tall pillars of white marble.\u00a0 He swung aboard the car and paid his five-cent fare just before it pulled away.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know the schedule for the New York and New Haven Railroad, sir?\u201d he asked the conductor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty minutes from now,\u201d came the answer.\u00a0 Seeing the young man\u2019s anxious look, he added kindly, \u201cYou\u2019ll make it in time to buy your ticket, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled his thanks.\u00a0 \u201cWill you tell me where to get off, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c27th<\/sup> Street and 4th<\/sup> Avenue stop; I\u2019ll call it out,\u201d the conductor assured him.<\/p>\n

There were seats available toward the back, but Adam elected to stand, holding onto a hanging strap, so that he could remain close to the front.\u00a0 Probably the conductor would shout out the stops all along the line, but he had to be absolutely certain he heard the right one and that he got off quickly and made a beeline for the depot office.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t doubt the conductor\u2019s word that he\u2019d have time to purchase his ticket, but at this late stage in his journey, he was unwilling to take the slightest chance of a mishap.<\/p>\n

The conductor\u2019s estimate proved reliable, and half an hour after boarding Adam bounded off the streetcar and headed inside the depot.\u00a0 The line at the ticket office was relatively short, but he breathed a sigh of relief once he had the all-important ticket to New Haven in hand.<\/p>\n

Soon he boarded, with an intense sense of relief.\u00a0\u00a0 Nothing left to fear.\u00a0 Short of a train wreck, nothing now could prevent his arrival in time for the entrance exams, so Adam settled back to enjoy the scenery, sights that would no doubt be as familiar as the pines of home by the time he returned.\u00a0 As the train reached each stop along the line, his anticipation mounted: Forty-second Street, Harlem, Williams Bridge, the stately residences of Mount Vernon and the beautiful villas surrounding New Rochelle.\u00a0 Finally, he passed through Greenwich, whose fine view of Long Island Sound sent ripples of excitement surging up his spine.\u00a0 A globe in the dean\u2019s office of the Sacramento Academy had taught him that this body of water was within view of New Haven.\u00a0 Not long now!<\/p>\n

But still more stops before he reached his destination: Cos Cob, the quiet homes of Stamford and the rural peace of Norwalk.\u00a0 He caught his breath when the train passed through Bridgeport, for he recalled Josiah\u2019s telling him of the sectional strife in that town.\u00a0 He was soon past it, though, rolling through towns lined with stately elms at a speed that almost kept pace with his desire to reach the end of the line.\u00a0 At last he heard the conductor call out, \u201cWest Haven,\u201d and knew that only a few short miles along the seashore would conclude his journey.<\/p>\n

Only three miles, in fact, brought him into New Haven, just as twilight was falling.\u00a0 \u201cNo seeing Yale tonight, I suppose,\u201d Adam muttered, shaking his head at the fading light and his own failure to calculate the length of the journey.<\/p>\n

A hand tapped him lightly on the shoulder, and he spun around, expecting to see Jamie, but this dark-haired youth, sporting a top hat and cane, looked nothing like the picture he\u2019d seen in St. Joseph.<\/p>\n

\u201cI say, chap, did you say \u2018Yale\u2019?\u201d\u00a0 The young man inquired as his eyes traveled, with some disdain, up and down Adam\u2019s unfashionable and travel-wrinkled attire.\u00a0 \u201cPlanning to enroll there, by any chance?\u201d\u00a0 The slightly hesitant tone carried an air of barely disguised disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes, as a matter of fact,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Before he could say more, the other fellow brightened.\u00a0 \u201cAh, then!\u00a0 Let me be the first to welcome you to New Haven and our illustrious school.\u00a0 Pledged a freshman society yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFreshman society?\u201d\u00a0 Completely befuddled, Adam stared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u00a0 I thought not.\u201d\u00a0 The man clapped a hand to Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cTake the advice of a sophomore with only your best interest at heart, then, youngster.\u00a0 Delta Kap is the best society there is.\u201d\u00a0 He fingered the crescent-shaped, black enamel pin attached to his coat lapel.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you\u2019re in luck, as we just happen to have a single place left.\u00a0 Give the word, and I\u2019ll secure it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dazed by the spiel of, to him, unintelligible babbling, Adam could only gape at the stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d\u00a0 The voice was soft, slightly tentative.<\/p>\n

Adam looked to his right and saw a fair-haired young man, whose kindly expression exactly matched both his memory and the portrait he\u2019d studied in St. Joseph.\u00a0 \u201cJamie,\u201d he murmured and moved instinctively toward his old friend.<\/p>\n

Their reunion was shortchanged, however, by the earnest sophomore, who quickly placed himself at Jamie\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cEdwards, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 And this must be the friend you were expecting from the West?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 He flushed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I can\u2019t quite recall . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite all right,\u201d the sophomore assured him.\u00a0 \u201cSo many new names and faces, eh?\u00a0 And you freshmen have your heads too crammed with last-minute preparations for the exams to remember them all, I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 I\u2019m George Pomphrey.\u00a0 Have you decided on the Delta Kaps, then, Edwards?\u00a0 Must decide soon, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said there was only one place left,\u201d Adam said, though he still had no idea what that \u201cone place\u201d referred to.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we can stretch our number to include two such strong candidates, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Pomphrey returned glibly.\u00a0 \u201cNow\u2014Cartwright, is it?\u2014just take a look at this prize list, my boy, and you\u2019ll immediately see the benefits of pledging Delta Kap.\u201d\u00a0 Pomphrey flapped a piece of paper under Adam\u2019s nose.\u00a0 \u201cYou can readily see we\u2019ve had the most Spoon men, and\u2014well, the list says it all, doesn\u2019t it?\u00a0 Would President Woolsey authorize it if it weren\u2019t so?\u00a0 Most certainly not!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned a bewildered gaze upon Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie took Adam\u2019s elbow, saying quickly, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr. Pomphrey, but we really can\u2019t make a decision tonight.\u00a0 My friend has just arrived, so we haven\u2019t had an opportunity to discuss the benefits of joining any society.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you must.\u00a0 Everyone does,\u201d Pomphrey gushed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the Delta Kaps are the place for you, I assure\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, perhaps so\u201d\u2014Jamie drew Adam toward him\u2014\u201cbut we must discuss our options.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure we can give you an answer soon, but now we must get Adam settled before the exams tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, quite,\u201d Pomphrey said, though he sounded disappointed.\u00a0 \u201cDo, at least, promise me you won\u2019t go with the Gamma Nu grinds, now won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes,\u201d Jamie said, hastily backing away.\u00a0 \u201cI think we can promise that much, but we must go and get situated now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam followed Jamie\u2019s lead, backing step by step away from George Pomphrey and his mysterious list.\u00a0 When they were half a block down the street, both boys turned to walk forward.\u00a0 \u201cWhat was that all about?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cSociety man, looking for new pledges.\u00a0 The sophomores wage a vigorous competition for the honor of their former freshman societies.\u00a0 You were lucky to have come in so late, Adam; when I arrived, the station was packed with men from all three societies.\u00a0 In fact, several accosted me before I got off the train!\u00a0 One of the Sigma Eps bundled me into a hack before I knew what was happening and brought me to a good, cheap lodging house.\u00a0 I was grateful for that, but he chattered at me the whole way about the virtues of his society and the faults of the others until my head was spinning.\u00a0 He even bought my dinner, to influence me, although I told him, as I have everyone else, that I could not make a decision until I\u2019d spoken with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI still don\u2019t know what a society is, but maybe we should have listened to that fellow longer, if it meant free transportation and food.\u00a0 In my present financial condition, such benefits are not to be scoffed at.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled back.\u00a0 \u201cNor in mine.\u00a0 Oh, Adam, I\u2019m so thrilled you were able to come East after all.\u00a0 I\u2019ve a thousand things to tell you and ask you, but\u201d\u2014he clapped his palm to his head.\u00a0 \u201cYour luggage!\u00a0 I was in such haste to get away from Pomphrey that I completely forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hefted his bag.\u00a0 \u201cThis is all I have.\u00a0 I traveled light.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cSmart move, though going back would give us another chance to wangle that free meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d prefer a quiet meal alone with you,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand we\u2019re being treated to supper, anyway.\u00a0 Your father sent money with me for that precise purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s blue eyes misted.\u00a0 \u201cDear Father, he sacrifices so much for me.\u00a0 Did\u2014did he tell you that his school has closed, possibly for the duration of the war?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I know you\u2019re concerned, but as fine a teacher as your father will find a position somewhere.\u00a0 I urged him to come East, to be near us, and he said he\u2019d consider it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t that be perfect?\u201d\u00a0 Jamie\u2019s face reddened.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam; I\u2019m being thoughtless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou?\u00a0 Never,\u201d Adam disagreed firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, you\u2019re so much further from home than I and must miss your family terribly, and here I prate on about life being perfect if only my father were here,\u201d Jamie stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so it would be\u2014for me, as well, since he\u2019s very special to me,\u201d Adam responded.\u00a0 He shifted his bag to his other hand.\u00a0 \u201cIs it far to our lodging?\u00a0 That is where we\u2019re headed, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is, though I almost took the wrong turn, chattering away.\u201d They had come to a point where five streets met, and Jamie gestured toward the one ahead and to the left.\u00a0 \u201cI do hope I\u2019m not this scatter-brained during exams tomorrow!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed as he turned into George Street.\u00a0 \u201cI just hope I\u2019m awake!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be exhausted,\u201d Jamie sympathized.\u00a0 \u201cJust at the end of this block.\u00a0 We\u2019ll drop off your bag and then find a hot meal close by.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds great.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t eaten since breakfast.\u00a0 Too anxious to make connections, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded his understanding just before he stopped in front of a two-story house, whose narrow clapboards were covered with peeling green paint.\u00a0 A chimney stood at each end of the house.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s old,\u201d Jamie said apologetically, \u201cbut clean and well kept.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam touched his friend\u2019s shoulder in gentle reassurance.\u00a0 \u201cI trust your judgment implicitly.\u00a0 Neither of us can afford a palace, so clean and well kept is the best we could have hoped for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we could have tried for the Athenaeum,\u201d Jamie said, though his countenance reflected distaste.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s on campus, and some of the poorer freshmen do manage to get a room there. \u00a0I\u2019ve heard, though, that there aren\u2019t many available.\u00a0 Upper classes have first choice of rooms, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the Athenaeum is the dregs left at the bottom of the cup?\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled wryly.<\/p>\n

Jamie gave a low chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cSomething like that.\u00a0 Father refused to let me consider it, though I was willing, considering our circumstances. \u00a0It would have been cheaper.\u00a0 Anything on campus is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can trust your father\u2019s wisdom.\u201d\u00a0 For himself, Adam wouldn\u2019t have minded \u201cthe dregs,\u201d but he well remembered how susceptible to respiratory problems his friend was.\u00a0 No doubt that was the reason Josiah had insisted on better accommodations, and Adam was happy he could contribute to the warmth and comfort Jamie needed.\u00a0 He caught his friend by the scruff of the neck.\u00a0 \u201cNow, when are you going to show me what this place has to offer?\u201d<\/p>\n

Three steps led to a central door, bordered by two decorative columns.\u00a0 Jamie opened it and preceded Adam into a central hall.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re on the second floor,\u201d he explained as he led the way to the stairs.\u00a0 They climbed up and then walked down a hall to the last door on the left.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s our shebang,\u201d Jamie announced as he flung the door open wide.<\/p>\n

Adam arched an eyebrow as he followed Jamie inside.\u00a0 \u201cShebang?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cJust a bit of college slang I\u2019ve managed to pick up in the time I\u2019ve been here.\u00a0 The silk hat Pomphrey was wearing, for instance, is a plug, and the cane\u2019s called a banger.\u00a0 We can\u2019t sport those until we\u2019re sophomores.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know much more than that yet, but it seems we have more than just Latin and Greek to learn here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it would seem,\u201d Adam chuckled, \u201cbut we\u2019re good students; we can handle another language.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled broadly.\u00a0 \u201cThat we can!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam set his bag down and took a closer look at their shebang.\u00a0 Two oak tables with ladder-back chairs sat on either side of the six-over-six paned window that overlooked the side yard, while a large double bed with four short posters took up most of the space on the opposite wall.\u00a0 An identical window, with identical drapes of heavy burgundy graced the center of the back wall.\u00a0 Centered before it was a single washstand with pitcher and basin.\u00a0 To the right of the door stood a tall walnut wardrobe cabinet and to the left a pot-bellied stove faced the foot of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it suit you?\u201d Jamie asked with a hint of concern.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t know if you\u2019d want to sleep double, but it was cheaper and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSay no more.\u00a0 It suits me perfectly.\u201d\u00a0 Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cAs for the bed, I\u2019ve slept with my little brothers before, and it\u2019s not too bad, once they get past the wet-diaper stage.\u00a0 It\u2019s you who\u2019ll be experiencing a shared bed for the first time, oh pampered only child.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amusement flickered in Jamie\u2019s blue eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI assure you I\u2019m past the wet-diaper stage, and frankly, I\u2019m looking forward to learning what it feels like to have a brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s dark eyes twinkled.\u00a0 \u201cSo, what will this shebang set us back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA dollar fifty a week for the room, which doesn\u2019t include board,\u201d Jamie said, his brow wrinkling as he reported a sum he wished were smaller.\u00a0 \u201cThen we have to buy our own coal for the fire, but the college supplies that at cost to students.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u00a0 Anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOil for our lamps, and Mrs. Wiggins, who runs the house, will do our laundry, but that\u2019s an extra charge\u2014sixty cents a dozen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cProbably less than we\u2019d pay to have it done elsewhere.\u00a0 At least, that\u2019s how it was at my boardinghouse in Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019d say so, and I don\u2019t doubt she\u2019ll do a more careful job, judging by her impeccable housekeeping,\u201d Jamie advised.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re through looking around, we should probably get to a restaurant.\u00a0 I\u2019m fair starved, and I know you must be.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they left the room and headed for the stairs, a disturbing suspicion arose in Adam\u2019s mind.\u00a0 \u201cJamie, you haven\u2019t been stinting on meals to save money, have you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie didn\u2019t answer at first, but the flush on his face gave him away.\u00a0 Realizing that, he said, \u201cWell, I really do want to join a society, Adam, and that takes money. Skipping a meal here and there seemed the easiest way to save for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mustn\u2019t,\u201d Adam chided, descending the stairs slowly.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll cut corners where we can, but not on food and shelter.\u00a0 You can\u2019t house a sound mind in an unsound body.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled back over his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYour father or mine?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNeither, though I\u2019m sure they\u2019d both agree.\u00a0 I learned that for myself during my early days at the academy in Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n

They left the house and Jamie led the way down the darkened street.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll be better once we\u2019re actually enrolled.\u00a0 I hear they have eating clubs on campus.\u00a0 Costs six to seven dollars a week, but that\u2019s still cheaper than eating in restaurants, as you\u2019re about to discover.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAfter this trip I can quote you chapter and verse on the high cost of eateries.\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t believe what I\u2019ve paid for bacon and biscuits!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll do better than that tonight, I promise.\u00a0 Here\u2019s the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

The restaurant into which Jamie led Adam was small and cozy, its d\u00e9cor simple and its fare hearty.\u00a0 Both boys soon were dipping their spoons into bowls of steaming oyster stew.\u00a0 \u201cThey grow the oysters in the riverbeds near here,\u201d Jamie informed his friend.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s quite an industry in New Haven.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBest we support it, then,\u201d Adam said, patting his stomach, \u201cespecially since it\u2019s supporting us quite well.\u201d<\/p>\n

They followed the stew with plates of Welsh rarebit and ended with dishes of creamy custard.\u00a0 Between bites they talked of many things, from old memories to strategies for whittling expenses.\u00a0 \u201cJoining a freshman society will be expensive,\u201d Jamie shared, \u201cbut I do think we should consider it, Adam.\u00a0 They develop speaking abilities, and that can help us in our class recitations and, especially, in prize debates and competitions.\u00a0 Some of those even bring cash awards.\u00a0 If we could just win one . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam swirled a morsel of toast in the melted cheese on his plate.\u00a0 \u201cSo it might actually be an investment to join a society?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Father would say so.\u00a0 No guarantee it would pay off, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much would this investment cost us?\u201d\u00a0 Adam put the toast in his mouth, chewing and swallowing while Jamie answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaxes are ten to fifteen dollars, and with the additional expenses it can come to thirty-five or forty for the year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam whistled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the prize money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs much as a hundred dollars for some,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cas little as five for others, but there are scholarships, as well.\u00a0 Most of them go to society men, but I suppose that\u2019s because most students do join one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam mulled that over.\u00a0 \u201cWell worth the investment, I\u2019d say.\u00a0 I mean, even if we never won an award, the experience itself would be valuable, especially for you.\u00a0 As a preacher, you\u2019ll need to be comfortable with public speaking, so the more opportunities to try your wings, the better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie leaned forward earnestly.\u00a0 \u201cOh, but I wouldn\u2019t join without you, Adam.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we join together,\u201d Adam said with determination.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure I\u2019ll be doing much public speaking back in Nevada, but I\u2019d like to feel confident, if the need arose.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, I should be able to use whatever powers of persuasion I develop on a certain pair of little brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, tell me about them,\u201d Jamie urged, his eyes brightening.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m always amused by their latest antics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cAnother time.\u00a0 Let\u2019s decide about a freshman society first.\u00a0 You\u2019ve talked to all of them.\u00a0 Which do you recommend?<\/p>\n

\u201cNot the Delta Kaps, despite Mr. Pomphrey\u2019s eagerness to give us the \u2018last spots,\u2019\u201d Jamie said, a smile lifting one corner of his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re much more interested in partying than academic pursuits.\u00a0 The Gamma Nus are noted as the best scholars, and I won\u2019t object if you want to go with them.\u00a0 They do charge less.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they offer less?\u00a0 Let\u2019s try to forget how empty our pockets are for now,\u201d Adam recommended.\u00a0 \u201cChoosing the cheapest might be false economy.\u00a0 What we want is the one that\u2019s the best match for our goals.\u00a0 You said there were three societies, I believe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThe Sigma Eps impressed me most\u2014and not just because of the free meal and extra help they gave me.\u00a0 They have a reputation for literary excellence, but also for having fun without the endless partying of the Delta Kaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached for his custard and sat thoughtfully drawing figure eights through it with his spoon.\u00a0 \u201cA balance between study and fun might be more profitable in the long run,\u201d he mused.\u00a0 \u201cAll work and no play, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s just what I was thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gazed warmly at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cWe always did think alike.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad to see that hasn\u2019t changed.\u00a0 Sigma Ep it is, then.\u00a0 Now, let\u2019s tuck into this custard!\u201d<\/p>\n

And so they did, with the gusto that only decisions made and a settled mind can give a man.\u00a0 Before facing the chill of the New England night again, they elected to fortify themselves with a final cup of hot chocolate.\u00a0 Jamie had actually suggested coffee, but Adam pointed out that the chocolate would be more conducive to a good night\u2019s rest, which both of them needed, and Jamie readily concurred.<\/p>\n

As they sipped the hot drink, Jamie seemed to grow more somber.\u00a0 Finally, after drinking about half, he looked tentatively across at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI should have asked before: how are your father, your brothers . . . you . . . doing after . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarie\u2019s passing?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes veiled as somber scenes flashed past his eyes:\u00a0 Marie\u2019s fall, his little brothers\u2019 anguish, Pa\u2019s devastation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I . . . oh, I don\u2019t know how to put this, Adam, but you seemed so downhearted in that letter you sent, when you said you couldn\u2019t come to Yale with me, and I\u2019ve been concerned . . . for all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI was downhearted then, as low as I\u2019ve ever been in my life; I\u2019m sorry it showed, but I guess I could hardly have disguised it from you.\u00a0 Those were very rough days, mostly because Pa wasn\u2019t coping at all with the loss.\u00a0 I was trying to, for the boys\u2019 sake, but between guilt and plain ordinary exhaustion . . .\u201d\u2014he couldn\u2019t finish.<\/p>\n

Jamie cocked his head quizzically.\u00a0 \u201cGuilt?\u00a0 What had you to feel guilty over, Adam?\u00a0 It was an accident, you said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot over her death,\u201d Adam explained quietly, \u201cbut over the pain I\u2019d given her in life.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t accept her at first, as you know; I did my best to make her life a living hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie reached across the table to lay his slim hand atop Adam\u2019s sturdier one.\u00a0 \u201cI think you exaggerate.\u00a0 I remember your journal from that time, how you struggled with the surprise your father brought home, your confessions of your own bad behavior.\u00a0 I know you must have caused her grief, but \u2018hell\u2019 is excessive, I believe, and all that changed, in time.\u00a0 You loved her, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut never told her,\u201d Adam sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe knew.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie\u2019s voice was stronger than it had been all evening.\u00a0 \u201cI know she knew, Adam, and anything she didn\u2019t know then, she knows now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips curved slightly.\u00a0 \u201cPracticing your preaching skills already, I see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie blushed and ducked his head, but looked up again quickly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m only saying what I believe.\u00a0 If that\u2019s preaching, so be it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned his hand over to clasp the one that still rested on it.\u00a0 \u201cPreach away, my boy; I\u2019m sure I\u2019m in need of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot more guilt, surely?\u201d Jamie hinted with a smile.<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled as he slid his hand back and lifted his cup again.\u00a0 \u201cSometimes I think I\u2019m a bottomless well of that.\u00a0 I\u2019m so excited to be here at last; yet I can\u2019t help thinking that I\u2019m abandoning Pa when he needs me most.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Jamie said sympathetically.\u00a0 \u201cI feel the same at times, spending Father\u2019s good money when he has no promise of more, but I truly believe God has a plan for each of our lives, Adam, and His plan, for both you and me just now, is to be here together, working toward a common goal and finding His will for our lives.\u201d\u00a0 His face reddened as he mumbled into his cup, \u201cSorry.\u00a0 Preaching again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head slowly.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, Jamie.\u00a0 A plan . . . it\u2019s a comforting thought, but . . . well . . . three wives, three deaths . . . so much sorrow for one man . . . does that speak of a plan?\u00a0 Pure chance couldn\u2019t have dealt us a much harder hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie looked up again.\u00a0 \u201cThree fine sons, too.\u00a0 Don\u2019t forget that.\u00a0 I have questions, too, Adam, and I don\u2019t have all the answers.\u00a0 Why did my mother have to die?\u00a0 Why did God take Inger, who was like a second mother to me?\u00a0 Could Heaven possibly have needed another angel more than we needed her here?\u00a0 But if He hadn\u2019t taken her, there would never have been a Marie . . . or a Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam suppressed a snicker.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s your idea of a blessing?\u00a0 That little . . . well, yes,\u201d he conceded, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. \u00a0\u201cI can\u2019t imagine life without him.\u201d\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, Jamie.\u00a0 I guess it comes down to faith, and mine just isn\u2019t as strong as yours.\u00a0 I believe in God, but a plan?\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head again.\u00a0 \u201cLike you, I have questions; that\u2019s all I\u2019m saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s face beamed bright as an angel\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cAnd that\u2019s all right.\u00a0 God doesn\u2019t mind our having questions, I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 That\u2019s how we learn anything, isn\u2019t it, by asking questions and seeking answers?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that exactly what we\u2019ll do in our classes here at Yale?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if we don\u2019t pass the entrance exam!\u201d\u00a0 Adam drained his cup and stood up.\u00a0 \u201cWith that end in mind, we should get back to our room and turn in.\u00a0 And no chatting away under the covers\u2014your father\u2019s orders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich I shall obey\u2014almost gladly.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie quickly finished his chocolate and stood, as well.\u00a0 \u201cI could cheerfully talk all night, but Father\u2019s right.\u00a0 We should be rested for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam threw an arm around his friend\u2019s shoulders as they walked out into the nippy air.\u00a0 \u201cOnce we pass, we\u2019ll celebrate with the longest chat on record.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a bargain,\u201d Jamie agreed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd a prize like that is sure to inspire our success!\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER SEVEN<\/p>\n

Entrance Exams<\/p>\n

Adam splashed his face with cold water from the basin beneath the window.\u00a0 He\u2019d washed earlier, before dressing, but his face felt hot and he hoped the jolt of cold water would cool him down.\u00a0 Nerves, nothing but nerves<\/em>, he chided himself, the same reason he\u2019d had a hard time getting to sleep last night.\u00a0 All he\u2019d been able to think about as he lay beneath the covers listening to Jamie\u2019s soft snores, was the exam the next morning and the consequences if he failed.\u00a0 Disappointment in himself loomed large at the top of the list, followed by the waning of his father\u2019s pride, a short-changed reunion with Jamie and the death of his hopes for further education, for he\u2019d never find the courage\u2014or the funds\u2014to try again if he failed now.\u00a0 Finally, exhaustion had won out, and he had gotten some much needed rest.\u00a0 Now he was too keyed up and too downright queasy to even think about how tired he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look like I feel,\u201d Jamie said with a woeful shake of his head as he sat on the side of their bed.<\/p>\n

Adam dried his face and then tested the warmth of his cheeks with the back of his hand.\u00a0 The water hadn\u2019t helped much, if any.\u00a0 \u201cI feel like putting anything on my stomach is a major risk,\u201d he moaned.<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled wryly.\u00a0 \u201cSome wise man once told me that you couldn\u2019t house a sound mind in an unsound body.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam winced as he recognized his own words from the night before.\u00a0 \u201cMy mind\u2019s still sound enough to know that fellow was right, but my body\u2019s screaming that he was just an inexperienced dolt!\u00a0 We\u2019ll eat, but let\u2019s keep it light, for mercy\u2019s sake.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to begin my career at Yale by depositing my breakfast on the examiner\u2019s shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy unsettled stomach is in complete agreement.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie rose and put a narrow-brimmed bowler hat on his head.\u00a0 \u201cYou have your characters?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam drew a set of envelopes from his coat pocket.\u00a0 \u201cAll three of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s pocket crackled as he patted it.\u00a0 \u201cJust two for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m from further west,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 \u201cIt might take more to convince them that I\u2019m fit material for Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie clapped a hand to his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYour test scores will do that.\u00a0 Ready?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor breakfast?\u00a0 Just barely.\u00a0 For the exams?\u00a0 Questionable.\u201d\u00a0 Shaking his head, Adam put on his flat-crowned black hat with a determined hand.\u00a0 \u201cLead me to the lions\u2019 den, kindly pastor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie groaned.\u00a0 \u201cNo pastorate for me until I pass these exams, and suddenly I feel as likely to end up some lion\u2019s breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo pray God shuts the lions\u2019 mouths,\u201d Adam jibed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd opens ours when we\u2019re called on to recite,\u201d Jamie joked back.<\/p>\n

Laughing, both boys left the room, made their way down to the street and headed back to the restaurant they\u2019d patronized the night before for a light breakfast.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The sky was overcast with threatening clouds of gray as the two young men walked northeast on Temple St.\u00a0 I hope that\u2019s not an omen<\/em>, Adam thought morosely.\u00a0 To further dampen his melancholy state of mind, the oatmeal he\u2019d hoped would soothe his stomach was settling like a lead weight to its pit.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot far now,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 He pointed straight ahead. \u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s the Green.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up and saw, on the right side of the street ahead, an attractive swath of lawn enclosed by an iron fence.\u00a0 On its left side stood three churches and beyond them a stately building with impressive white columns.\u00a0 Beneath the maple and buttonwood trees, some of whose leaves were just beginning to turn, a number of young men were frolicking about.\u00a0 \u201cPart of the college?\u201d he inquired, for the players seemed about the same age as he and Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, that\u2019s town property, but those might be some of our future classmates, working off nervous energy until Alumni Hall opens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re still ahead of time, aren\u2019t we?\u201d\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t keep a note of anxiousness from his voice.\u00a0 How ironic if he\u2019d traveled day and night to reach New Haven, only to miss the exam because they\u2019d dawdled too long over breakfast!<\/p>\n

\u201cStill early.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie grinned.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re that nervous, maybe you should go for a romp with those other fellows.\u00a0 It might help, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

A touch of crimson crept over Adam\u2019s countenance.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d rather stay with you, my sedate and calming friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie released a sputtering laugh.\u00a0 \u201cSedate and calming!\u00a0 If only you could see the butterflies cavorting riotously through my stomach!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a playful poke at his friend\u2019s ribs.\u00a0 \u201cIf you can come up with a description like that at a time like this, sir, you have nothing to worry about regarding these exams.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the literary portions I\u2019m worried about,\u201d Jamie said with a shudder.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m good with words . . . but the math!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only part I\u2019m not worried about,\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Chapel Street,\u201d Jamie said as they turned left and walked past one of the churches on the Green.\u00a0 At the end of the block he paused and pointed across the street.\u00a0 \u201cThere!\u00a0 That\u2019s Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Weary as they were from lack of sleep, Adam\u2019s eyes drank in his first sight of the row of brick buildings facing New Haven Green.\u00a0 Stately, symmetrical, with a classic beauty he\u2019d only seen in wood engravings within the covers of a book.\u00a0 \u201cOh, it\u2019s grand,\u201d he murmured.\u00a0 \u201cAll I dreamed and more.\u201d\u00a0 For a moment he forgot the uneasiness of his stomach and the persistent ache in his sleep-deprived head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t it?\u201d Jamie agreed with starry eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it\u2019s ours, Adam.\u00a0 Four years from now every building will seem like home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The nausea came surging back with a vengeance.\u00a0 \u201cIf,\u201d Adam croaked.\u00a0 Having seen the goal made failure seem both more possible and more unthinkable.\u00a0 \u201cWhich one is Alumni Hall?\u201d he inquired as they turned onto a lane Jamie said was called College Street and began to walk northeast beneath the leafy canopy of elms that arched over the path from both sides.<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of these,\u201d Jamie replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s on the back side of the college yard.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed to the second building in the row.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the Athenaeum.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam whistled.\u00a0 \u201cPretty fancy \u2018dregs.\u2019\u00a0 Different from the other dorms.\u201d\u00a0 Impressive as those buildings were, architecturally they were rather plain, just long rectangles with four banks of windows, one above the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it wasn\u2019t one, to start with,\u201d Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIt was the old chapel.\u00a0 The steeple was where that tower is now.\u00a0 There\u2019s a telescope up there I hope to get a look at.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst things first,\u201d Adam advised.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s find Alumni Hall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNorthwest corner of the yard,\u201d Jamie said, pointing.\u00a0 \u201cWe can cut through this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

They moved between two of the brick buildings, one obviously another dormitory, and walked diagonally across the broad lawn behind the first row.\u00a0 A crowd was gathered before the red sandstone building in the northwest corner.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a castle,\u201d Adam gasped as he caught sight of the parapets at the top of the building and the twin, turreted towers flanking the arched entrance.<\/p>\n

A merry laugh greeted his description.\u00a0 Turning toward its source, Adam saw a set of twinkling blue eyes beneath an unruly crop of golden brown curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does rather look it, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d the other boy chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNow, if they\u2019d just lower the drawbridge and let us in!\u201d<\/p>\n

As if on command, the massive doors opened, and every young man in the yard instinctively moved toward them.\u00a0 Adam, Jamie and the boy who had had no opportunity to introduce himself were far back in the pack.\u00a0 As they drew near the door, the other boy bowed and gestured toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cAfter you, gentlemen,\u201d he quipped.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m in no particular hurry to be thrown in the dungeon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam suddenly felt a similar reluctance to walk through those imposing doors, and the sensation felt odd after rushing so frantically across the country for that very purpose.\u00a0 He saw Jamie take a deep breath before entering, and he did the same\u2014out of sympathy, he tried to convince himself.<\/p>\n

Just inside he found himself facing a long table, behind which sat three official-looking men in black frock coats.\u00a0 Their august presence made him painfully aware of just how provincial he appeared in his worn and, compared with theirs, shapeless suit.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour characters,\u201d Jamie whispered.<\/p>\n

Adam flushed and drew the envelopes from his jacket.\u00a0 As he waited in line behind his friend, he glanced at the interior of the building.\u00a0 The hall was a vast open rectangle with exposed beams above, and between tall windows its walls were adorned with portraits of men who must have had some connection with the college. The room itself was bare, but for row after row of small octagonal pedestal tables, each with its own straight-backed chair.\u00a0 Must be a hundred or more<\/em>, Adam mused, wondering if only a set number of candidates would be accepted and, if so, whether he had a chance of achieving the upper ranks.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour character, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

The voice startled Adam, and as he hastily handed his envelopes to the man behind the table, one fell to the floor.\u00a0 Adam dived for it and came up so quickly that he his hat hit the edge of the table and toppled off.\u00a0 He scrambled to pick it up, started to put it back on his head and then remembered that he was indoors now and held it awkwardly to one side.\u00a0 The college official smiled kindly, though he looked somewhat surprised when handed the final envelope.\u00a0 \u201cThree?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cY-yes, sir,\u201d Adam stammered.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure what was customary, so I brought one from my minister, one from the head of my academy in Sacramento and one from a former Yale student, now a lawyer in Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed!\u00a0 An alumnus?\u00a0 And his name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBill\u2014uh, that is, William Stewart, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes!\u00a0 I knew Stewart.\u00a0 An excellent student, one we were loath to lose.\u00a0 I would be interested, at another time, to learn how he is prospering,\u201d the official said, \u201cbut we must attend to more important matters now.\u201d\u00a0 He laid the three envelopes aside and motioned toward another figure in a long black frock coat.\u00a0 This one appeared younger, young enough, in fact, to be a student himself, though a few years older than those assembled for the entrance exams.\u00a0 \u201cEscort this young man to his table please, Mr. Perkins,\u201d the official requested.<\/p>\n

As Mr. Perkins nodded, he stared at Adam\u2019s western-style hat as if it were as exotic and out of place as a Turk\u2019s fez.\u00a0 Then, seeing Adam\u2019s attempt to hide it behind his back, Perkins remembered both his manners and his duty.\u00a0 \u201cFollow me, please.\u201d\u00a0 He turned and Adam fell into step behind him as they walked toward the rows of octagonal tables.\u00a0 At about half of them nervous young men already sat, writing on a piece of paper.\u00a0 Adam spotted Jamie nine rows back from the front of the room, but his escort didn\u2019t stop until he\u2019d reached the third row beyond that.\u00a0 The desks were lined up four across, and Adam found himself sitting in the second from the end.<\/p>\n

Perkins pointed to a blank form, which was lying on the desk.\u00a0 \u201cPlease fill this out completely and then wait for the examiner.\u00a0 Be sure to give the full name wherever asked.\u00a0 Is there anything you don\u2019t understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it seems clear,\u201d Adam murmured.\u00a0 He picked up the provided pen and dipped it into the inkwell.\u00a0 On each line he filled in the requested information: name and residence, date and place of birth, name and address of father or guardian, place of preparatory study, chief preparatory instructor and the class he wished to enter.\u00a0 Then, laying the pen down, he folded his hands and waited.\u00a0 Someone came by to pick up the completed form, but no examiner appeared to begin his exam.\u00a0 He saw men, probably professors, going to other desks, but he remained alone so long that he began to worry that he\u2019d already been rejected, just on the basis of his residence and preparatory school.\u00a0 How impressive could Nevada and Sacramento possibly sound, compared to Boston or Philadelphia?\u00a0 Still, he saw an examiner stop at Jamie\u2019s table, and St. Joseph and St. Louis, the location of Jamie\u2019s preparatory school, weren\u2019t much more illustrious, were they?\u00a0 Surely, they\u2019d at least give him a chance, even if he did hail from the wilds of the West.\u00a0 Just when he was about to despair of that chance, an examiner appeared before him and asked his name.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Morgan Cartwright,\u201d he responded somewhat shakily.<\/p>\n

The examiner nodded and copied the name into a pocket-sized book.\u00a0 Then he handed Adam a textbook and, after pointing to a passage, walked away.\u00a0 Not quite sure what was expected of him, Adam read the designated selection from the orations of Cicero in the original Latin.\u00a0 Then he read it again.\u00a0 And again.\u00a0 At the sound of a throat being cleared, he looked up and responded to the examiner\u2019s invitation to translate the passage.\u00a0 Twice he stumbled over a word, using the wrong tense in one instance and the definite, instead of the indefinite article in the other.\u00a0 Though he corrected himself before proceeding, he saw the examiner making marks in the score book\u2014not positive ones, he feared.\u00a0 When he\u2019d finished, the examiner thanked him and left, his face so studiously inexpressive that Adam couldn\u2019t tell what the man thought of his performance.<\/p>\n

Adam himself was thoroughly disgusted with it.\u00a0 He knew every word of that passage, knew it cold!\u00a0 He\u2019d studied it in Sacramento, reviewed it on the stagecoach and then he\u2019d made two utterly ridiculous errors, out of sheer nerves.\u00a0 He expected better of himself and vowed it wouldn\u2019t happen again.\u00a0 The trouble with that vow, even he realized, was that his poor opening recitation had only added to his nervousness\u2014and more nerves were likely to lead to more mistakes, not fewer.<\/p>\n

The seemingly interminable wait for his next opportunity increased his tension, too.\u00a0 Twenty minutes passed before a different examiner appeared at his table and handed him a paper with problems in mathematics for him to solve.\u00a0 Adam felt himself relax, for mathematics had always been one of his best subjects.\u00a0 He studied the problems carefully, however, determined not to let cockiness rob him of a single point.\u00a0 When the examiner returned, he took a deep breath, to make sure nerves wouldn\u2019t be a factor this time, and began to give each solution and explain his procedure.\u00a0 When he\u2019d finished, he exhaled with satisfaction; his recitation had been flawless and he knew it.<\/p>\n

By the time the third examiner appeared, Adam was comfortable with the process, and since the subject this time was geography, his confidence continued to build.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen first hand much of his own country\u2019s geography and had always felt a keen interest in foreign lands, so he found each question posed to him quite simple.\u00a0 Only one caused him any hesitation, and he thought, though he wasn\u2019t sure, that he\u2019d answered that one correctly, as well.<\/p>\n

And so it went throughout the morning.\u00a0 The hardest part was the tedious wait between the appearances of examiners.\u00a0 When Adam was working, he could stay alert, but sitting still and waiting sent waves of exhaustion surging through him.\u00a0 Once his head even fell forward as his eyes closed, but he woke with a jolt and grasped the octagonal table tightly with both hands as he fought off the grogginess.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t fare particularly well with the recitation that followed that episode, but thought he\u2019d performed acceptably with the next one.\u00a0 Homer\u2019s Iliad<\/em> was a particular favorite of his, so translating it was more like visiting an old friend than being put to the test.<\/p>\n

Not long after the Greek examiner left him, at about 1 p.m., an intermission of one hour was announced.\u00a0 Eager for a breath of fresh air, Adam hurried outside and searched the surrounding grounds for Jamie.\u00a0 Jamie was looking for him, as well, and waved when their eyes met.\u00a0 The two friends quickly compared notes, both agreeing that the interminable waiting was worse than the actual exams; then Jamie suggested that they should get something to eat in the brief hour allotted to them.<\/p>\n

Adam groaned.\u00a0 \u201cMy stomach feels like it\u2019s asleep.\u00a0 Don\u2019t see how it could properly digest a meal.\u00a0 Besides, we don\u2019t have time.\u00a0 I won\u2019t risk getting back late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA little food will settle your stomach,\u201d Jamie insisted.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right about the time, though.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just find an apple vender or something like that.\u00a0 Look!\u00a0 There\u2019s a fellow over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn apple?\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded soberly.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, maybe I could handle that much.\u00a0 Let\u2019s try him.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they approached the vender, who had set up a small table beneath a towering elm, Adam noticed the black man\u2019s clouded eyes and realized with a shock that he was blind.\u00a0 Yet the disability didn\u2019t seem to hinder the man\u2019s ability to pitch his wares or count out the proper change for each customer.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019d like two apples, please,\u201d he asked when the previous customer had been served.<\/p>\n

The black man flashed a bright smile as he picked up a deep red McIntosh and polished it against his tweed vest.\u00a0 \u201cOne for you, suh\u201d\u2014he gave the same attention to a second apple and held it out\u2014\u201cand one for yo\u2019 mate.\u00a0 Two bits, please, suh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fished a quarter from his pocket and placed it in the wrinkled palm stretched toward him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got de best confections on de campus, too,\u201d the vender suggested.\u00a0 \u201cDey don\u2019t call me Candy Sam fo\u2019 nuffin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think something sweet would set well just now,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cbut thank you for the offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe \u2018nother time,\u201d the effervescent black man said.\u00a0 \u201cI goes to all de dorms ev\u2019ry day, stops by each and ev\u2019ry room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not in a dorm, sir,\u201d Jamie told him.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re lodging in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

The salesman seemed completely unperturbed.\u00a0 \u201cWell, den, young massas, Candy Sam be on de lookout fo\u2019 you on campus.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t help wondering how a blind man could possibly spot them on such a large campus, but he had a feeling this enterprising fellow would find a way.\u00a0 \u201cIf we make it in, we\u2019ll look you up, Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you will, suh, you will,\u201d the vender assured him.\u00a0 \u201cCandy Sam got de nose fo\u2019 sniffin\u2019 out de good ones\u201d\u2014he tapped his nose\u2014\u201cand you got dat smell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cFaith like that must be rewarded, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take a small bag of your candies, Sam, for a celebration after we pass our exams.\u201d<\/p>\n

White teeth gleamed as Sam\u2019s smile broadened.\u00a0 \u201cDat de spirit, young massa, dat de spirit!\u201d\u00a0 He placed several pieces of fluffy divinity in a small paper bag, collected the coin Jamie offered him, felt its size and rendered the correct change.\u00a0 Both boys thanked Candy Sam and made their way to an accommodating shade tree, for the sun had finally come out and was shining brightly.\u00a0 They threw themselves down on the grass and savored the sweet-sour taste of their apples as they shared in more detail the questions put to them in each subject.\u00a0 They quickly discerned that the questions had been different, even when the subject was the same.<\/p>\n

The hour passed all too quickly, and promptly at two the boys returned to Alumni Hall, taking the same seats as before.\u00a0 As Adam settled into his, he decided that Jamie had been right.\u00a0 He did feel better with something on his stomach.\u00a0 Hope Candy Sam is right about how we\u2019ll fare here<\/em>, he thought when he saw his first examiner approaching.\u00a0 Though he knew the vender actually knew nothing about what type of student he was, somehow it helped to have someone, even a stranger, express such strong confidence.<\/p>\n

For Adam, the first subject of the afternoon was English grammar, followed by a quiz on the metric system of weights and measures and then a page of algebra equations to solve.\u00a0 Then more Latin, more Greek, more of everything until his head began to throb.\u00a0 He was mightily tempted to lay it on the desk between recitations, especially when one of his waits was almost an hour in length.\u00a0 For mercy\u2019s sake<\/em>, he thought, there has to be a better way of determining a young man\u2019s fitness for academic life.\u00a0 This is the most inefficient . . .<\/em> he had no time to complete the thought, for just then another examiner appeared.<\/p>\n

Around five o\u2019clock that afternoon, he saw a few fortunate scholars depart, with either a blue or white certificate in hand.\u00a0 From a conversation overheard during the break, he knew what they meant.\u00a0 The white was the most desirable, for it meant admission on probation to the freshman class; the blue meant the candidate had passed certain parts of the exams and would be admitted on condition of passing the others at a subsequent exam.\u00a0 Oh, God, at least let me get a blue<\/em>, Adam prayed.\u00a0 Surely, surely he had done that well.\u00a0 He had mistranslated a word here and there, missed some questions due to weariness, simply not known other answers, but he couldn\u2019t possibly have performed below average on enough subjects to be rejected, could he?<\/p>\n

At 6:30 he saw Jamie leave, empty-handed, and his heart sank.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t mean failure, of course.\u00a0 Very few young men had received one of the prized certificates today; most would simply continue the process on the second day of exams.\u00a0 Surely that was the case with Jamie.\u00a0 If not, if his friend, whom Adam considered the better scholar, had been rejected so readily, what chance did he himself have?<\/p>\n

Fifteen minutes later Mr. Perkins approached Adam\u2019s desk with no sign of a certificate in his hand.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Somehow Adam managed to say, though weakly, \u201cYes, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see you tomorrow at eight o\u2019clock,\u201d Perkins advised.<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled in relief.\u00a0 He\u2019d be back; hope wasn\u2019t lost; he had another chance.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 Thank you, sir.\u201d\u00a0 As Perkins walked away, to deliver a similar message to another candidate, Adam rose stiffly and moved toward the door.<\/p>\n

Jamie was waiting for him just below the short flight of steps descending from Alumni Hall.\u00a0 \u201cHow do you think you did?\u201d he asked earnestly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo certificate,\u201d Adam replied with a tinge of disappointment, \u201cbut at least they didn\u2019t send me home.\u00a0 I must have made at least a somewhat favorable impression.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie threw an arm around him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, you are such a worrywart; of course you did!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam eyed him with disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t you the least perturbed that you didn\u2019t make it through today?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dropping his arm, Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cHow could I be?\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t even tested on algebra today, so I knew I\u2019d have to come back for that, at the very least.\u00a0 I think I did rather well on everything except geometry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam massaged his temple as he walked across the yard beside his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t had any geometry yet, and I just this minute realized it.\u00a0 My head must be muddled to overlook that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s probably too consumed with thoughts of starvation,\u201d Jamie suggested lightheartedly.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s tuck something substantial into our tummies tonight and silence their screaming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed, his mood suddenly lightened.\u00a0 \u201cAh, that must be what was shouting so loud my brain couldn\u2019t concentrate on Latin tenses.\u00a0 By all means let\u2019s silence that bellowing belly.\u00a0 Maybe a piece of Sam\u2019s divinity would soothe it until we reach the restaurant,\u201d he hinted.<\/p>\n

With a grin Jamie obligingly offered Adam a piece of candy.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve already had one, while I was waiting for you,\u201d he confessed, \u201cand I can attest to its soothing powers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam let the meringue melt in his mouth for a minute.\u00a0 \u201cAs good as advertised,\u201d he attested.\u00a0 \u201cCandy Sam definitely gets as much of my business as my pocketbook can afford.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie threw an arm around his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cAnd now let\u2019s have the best supper our pocketbooks\u2014or, rather, Father\u2019s\u2014can afford.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Promptly at eight o\u2019clock the next morning Adam and Jamie were again escorted to desks in Alumni Hall, and the testing process began again, with different questions and sometimes different subjects.\u00a0 Adam was relieved that no more Latin texts were thrust under his nose, though during his waits between recitations he found time to worry whether that meant he\u2019d only receive a blue certificate and have to retest in that area.\u00a0 He was examined more fully on Greek, and even though he\u2019d never read Xenophon\u2019s Anabasis<\/em> before, he felt comfortable with his translation.\u00a0 Only one word had been completely unfamiliar.\u00a0 Euclid\u2019s geometry finally appeared, but Adam breezed through that and could only hope that Jamie would do as well with the dreaded algebra.\u00a0 He\u2019d spent some time the previous night helping his friend with that subject, and while he wasn\u2019t sure the extra tutoring had calmed Jamie\u2019s nerves, thinking about someone other than himself had definitely helped him forget his own.<\/p>\n

A final recitation in English grammar rounded out Adam\u2019s morning, and he was thrilled to be handed a white certificate at its close.\u00a0 Admitted!\u00a0 On probation, of course, but that was true for everyone.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to continue proving himself, but having passed the first hurdle, his confidence again became buoyant.\u00a0 He finished first this time and had to wait outside for Jamie.\u00a0 He had no doubt that his friend had fared as well as he, and his faith was confirmed when Jamie came flying down the steps, waving his white certificate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe made it!\u201d the fair-haired boy cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, we did, worrywart,\u201d Adam teased, welcoming the opportunity to toss back at Jamie the epithet his friend had thrown at him the previous evening.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s find Candy Sam and splurge on some celebration divinity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince we ate all we bought for that purpose yesterday!\u201d Jamie snickered.<\/p>\n

Over a meal of corned beef, potato croquettes and green peas the two boys discussed their agenda for the afternoon.\u00a0 \u201cI have to see a tailor,\u201d Adam declared, \u201cas well as find a hat that won\u2019t have everyone on campus gawking at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled at the flat-brimmed black felt Adam had placed in the empty chair at their table.\u00a0 \u201cIt does make you stand out, Adam.\u00a0 Are you sure that\u2019s a bad thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to stand out for my school work, not my chapeau, thank you kindly,\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cAnd my suit shouts my western origins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not ashamed of that, I trust?\u201d Jamie asked with a cock of his head.\u00a0 \u201cMy wardrobe probably speaks a bit loudly, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot as much as mine,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I\u2019m not ashamed of where I come from, but the suit\u2019s old, anyway.\u00a0 Pa expected me to have another made once I arrived and provided the funds for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s stop by our rooming house and ask Mrs. Wiggins if she can recommend a good, reasonably priced tailor,\u201d Jamie suggested.\u00a0 \u201cThen while you\u2019re being fitted for your suit, I\u2019ll drop by the Treasurer\u2019s office and order our coal.\u00a0 Quarter ton, you think?\u00a0 We\u2019re allotted limited space in the basement to store it, but that\u2019s the smallest amount they sell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely not more,\u201d Adam concurred.\u00a0 \u201cWe need oil for our lamps, too, don\u2019t we?\u00a0 I could pick that up while I\u2019m in town, and we\u2019ll settle up this evening.\u00a0 You\u2019ve already laid out some money for the room, and I want to be sure I\u2019ve paid my share.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cDown the middle on everything.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up the certificate of admission that lay to the side of his plate.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s the bill I dread paying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lifted his own certificate and sighed at the form attached to it.\u00a0 \u201cTwo hundred dollars bond.\u00a0 Steeper than I\u2019d expected, but I can just manage it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, we get it back at the end of our senior year, provided we\u2019ve paid all our bills,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cbut it\u2019s a lot to lay out at one time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have enough?\u201d Adam asked with a frown of worry.\u00a0 There was little he could do to help, since his own finances were tight, though not, he suspected, as tight as his friend\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather set that aside long ago,\u201d Jamie assured him.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s just say I hope we don\u2019t run into any sudden emergencies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave a short chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cSame hope here, pal.\u00a0 Anything else we need?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing that won\u2019t wait.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie looked fondly at his certificate of admission.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t spare the funds yet for a proper memorabilia book, but we\u2019ll each want one eventually, to save mementos like this.\u00a0 All the students have one, I\u2019m told.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s fingers brushed his own certificate.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a keepsake, all right, but we won\u2019t need a book until this one has others to keep it company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, it will have plenty of company before you know it!\u201d\u00a0 He rested his chin dreamily on the back of his gracefully curled fingers.\u00a0 \u201cI must write Father tonight to let him know I passed, even though he said he had no doubt I would.\u00a0 I wish I could wire him the good news, but that constitutes a luxury I can\u2019t afford, I fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTelegrams are costly,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m tempted to send one, though.\u00a0 Mail takes so long to reach Nevada, and I\u2019m not sure my father was as confident as yours that I\u2019d make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should, if you can spare the funds,\u201d Jamie urged.\u00a0 \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t have to wait a month to learn he\u2019s lost a son . . . for four years, that is.\u201d\u00a0 His blue eyes twinkled as he winked at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think I will, and then I\u2019ll write tonight\u2014to Hoss, maybe.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled in fond remembrance of his younger brother.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll like getting the first letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd tonight you are going to tell me what he and Little Joe have been up to lately, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Jamie asked pointedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t take long,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t seen them for almost a month, but I guarantee Little Joe\u2019s been up to mischief and probably managed to drag Hoss into it with him!\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER EIGHT<\/p>\n

First Day<\/p>\n

The breeze off Long Island Sound was balmy, the air pleasantly cool, but tingling with excitement, or so it seemed to Adam and Jamie as they passed the Green, headed for their first chapel service.\u00a0 Although Temple was slightly closer, they had traveled up Church Street this time, so that Adam could deposit his letter to Hoss at the Post Office.\u00a0 \u201cWe should mark this day with stars on our calendar,\u201d Jamie said, referring to the one hanging above their bed at the boardinghouse, which touted the reliability of one William Whitney, local apothecary.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and which one of us gets that page for his memorabilia book\u2014when we can afford one?\u201d\u00a0 Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a harder question than any on our entrance exams,\u201d Jamie teased back.\u00a0 \u201cWhen we can afford one, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam groaned appreciatively.\u00a0 \u201cWe have got to find a cheaper way to eat, chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might be able to help you with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned and smiled as he recognized the brown-haired wit from the first day of exams.\u00a0 \u201cWe never properly met,\u201d he said as he extended his hand.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLucas Cameron,\u201d the other boy said with a hearty pump of Adam\u2019s hand, \u201cand I really might be able to help with your mealtime expenses\u2014if you\u2019re interested in an eating club.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we are!\u201d Jamie exclaimed enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve heard\u201d\u2014he halted abruptly as the prayer bell began to ring from the chapel steeple.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve heard the chapel bell, you say?\u201d Lucas jibed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s just the five-minute bell, though . . . I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Jamie asked, for Lucas seemed hesitant.<\/p>\n

Lucas chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if another rings in two minutes, then that was the five-minute bell.\u00a0 If not . . . well, we\u2019re doomed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we should chance being late to the first chapel,\u201d Jamie insisted, his gaze on Adam, who nodded his agreement.\u00a0 First impressions were important, and he didn\u2019t intend Yale\u2019s first impression of him to be one of tardiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re probably right,\u201d Lucas conceded agreeably.\u00a0 \u201cMeet me here directly after, and I\u2019ll tell you about the Vultures.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be here,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 Then all three incoming freshmen dashed for the chapel door.<\/p>\n

A boy sporting plug and banger pushed Lucas, who was in the lead, aside.\u00a0 \u201cMind your place, Freshie,\u201d he taunted, \u201cand let your betters in before you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMind your mouth, Sophie,\u201d a red-faced Lucas demanded, drawing back his fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, please!\u201d Jamie cried, putting himself between the two.\u00a0 He turned to the sophomore.\u00a0 \u201cAfter you, sir, by all means,\u201d he said.\u00a0 When the other boy, with superior smirk, passed through the door, Jamie whispered to Lucas, \u201cI think it\u2019s tradition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d said another fresh-faced lad coming up to them, \u201cand we sit in the rear of the house or the galleries\u2014at least this time.\u00a0 That\u2019s tradition, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe galleries, I say,\u201d Adam suggested.\u00a0 \u201cA better view, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuits me,\u201d Jamie agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWill you join us, Lucas, and you, too, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t call me \u2018sir,\u2019\u201d the other boy chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m a lowly freshman, just like the rest of you.\u00a0 Introductions can wait.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get inside!\u201d \u00a0That need was emphasized by the ringing of the final chapel bell.\u00a0 The freshmen hurried through the door and up the stairs to the gallery, where they found an empty wooden pew on the left side, just the right size for four.<\/p>\n

The chapel, although austerely furnished, seemed elegant to Adam and Jamie, who were accustomed to the frugality of frontier meetinghouses.\u00a0 The pews were plain, wooden benches, but the smooth pillars supporting the gallery gave the room a classic sophistication.\u00a0 A pulpit, which contained a sofa, stood at center front, flanked by double boxes.\u00a0 Before it was a small parlor table with hair-covered chairs on each side that might just as readily have fit beneath a dining room table.\u00a0 Two older men, dressed in black greatcoats and black ties, entered the pulpit and sat on the sofa.<\/p>\n

Soon one of them, a man of medium height and slender, but wiry build rose and gazed upon the student body with steadfast, discerning eyes.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning, young gentlemen,\u201d he said warmly.\u00a0 \u201cIt is my privilege and pleasure, as President of Yale College, to welcome you to the beginning of a new term\u2014and for some of you, the beginning of your time at Yale.\u00a0\u00a0 Beginnings are always moments of great importance, and whether you are beginning your college education or simply beginning another year of its continuation, you will want to make that beginning an auspicious one.\u00a0 I can think of no better way to insure that than to heed the instruction of Holy Scripture, which tells us in Proverbs 1:7, \u2018The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced to his left and smiled as he saw Jamie, elbows propped on the balustrade, eyes fixed on the speaker, totally enrapt.\u00a0 A well-spoken sermon would appeal to the would-be preacher, of course, but the words held Adam\u2019s interest, as well.\u00a0 Having been brought up in traditional New England fear of the Lord, he figured he had already made the beginning of which President Woolsey spoke; now he was ready to build on the solid foundation that Ben Cartwright had laid.\u00a0 And knowing what a challenge lay before him, to succeed at such a prestigious school, Adam figured it wouldn\u2019t hurt to invoke a little divine aid each morning.<\/p>\n

With a twinkle in his eye, President Woolsey leaned forward, the stance emphasizing the slight stoop of his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cThere are some, I regret to tell you, even among the select scholars of Yale, who think that a few minutes extra sleep of a morning will profit them more than spending those brief moments inviting the presence of God into their daily studies.\u00a0 Those students might do well to remember the second half of our text, \u2018but fools despise wisdom and instruction.\u2019\u00a0 They might also do well to remember that each absence from chapel prayers will earn them two demerits and that tardiness results in the same penalty.\u00a0 Incurring too many too quickly would, indeed, be the mark of a fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

He straightened, and his eyes moved across the back of the auditorium and up into the galleries with a kindly affection.\u00a0 \u201cI am certain, however, that the fresh faces I see before me today are not those of fools, but of wise young men, who will remember where true knowledge begins and who will apply themselves to its cultivation throughout the day.\u00a0 And now let us hear an appropriate anthem from the choir, \u2018Nearer My God To Thee.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

The choir, seated in front of the tall pipe organ in the center back gallery, rose.\u00a0 As they began to sing, now it was Adam who leaned forward, engrossed in the most beautiful four-part harmony he had ever heard.\u00a0 Surely the angels in heaven would bend down to hear such music!\u00a0 Attendance at morning chapel would be no hardship with music like this to lift the soul.\u00a0 The song was new to Adam, and he felt a sudden yearning for his guitar, that he might pick out the simple tune and enjoy it in private.\u00a0 Pa had promised to send the instrument, and maybe in the meantime he could find sheet music for the song.\u00a0 He shook his head in sudden frustration.\u00a0 Unless Pa sent along some extra funds with the guitar\u2014and why should he, after all he\u2019d already donated to the cause?\u2014the luxury of sheet music must give way to the necessity of eating\u2014and books!<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Jamie whispered.<\/p>\n

Adam turned and, seeing the concern in his friend\u2019s eyes, smiled reassuringly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he whispered back, \u201cjust caught up in the music.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded and relaxed into his own enjoyment of the song.<\/p>\n

President Woolsey offered a short benediction at the end of the service, which had lasted about fifteen minutes.\u00a0 Then, beginning with the seniors, he announced when and where each class should meet.\u00a0 The freshmen were to return to the chapel at 11:30.\u00a0 That left them with several hours of free time, so the four who had banded together earlier moved out onto the lawn, where the last to join their ranks introduced himself as Marcus Whitmore.\u00a0 Slight of build, with hair even lighter than Jamie\u2019s, Marcus\u2014or Marc, as he insisted they call him\u2014was the son of an Ohio farmer and, like Jamie and Adam, the first in his family to attend college.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me tell you about the Vultures,\u201d Lucas offered after introductions had been made.\u00a0 \u201cThe food is good and the price reasonable, much cheaper than the Knights of the Knife and Fork.\u00a0 That\u2019s the only other club I\u2019ve heard about that\u2019s still looking for new members.\u00a0 They\u2019re a snooty bunch, too.\u00a0 What they want is gourmet cuisine.\u201d\u00a0 Lucas thumbed up his nose as he uttered the final two words with an affected hoity-toity accent.<\/p>\n

Adam, Jamie and Marcus all laughed.\u00a0 \u201cDefinitely not what we\u2019re looking for,\u201d Adam declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d\u00a0 Lucas\u2019s chin dipped decisively.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you want is good hearty food\u2014and plenty of it\u2014at a decent price, and that\u2019s what you\u2019ll get from the Vultures.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCount us in, then,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s not as easy as all that,\u201d Lucas admitted.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve got to be approved by the other members.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing expressions of dismay cross the faces of his new friends, he added quickly, \u201cI\u2019m sure that won\u2019t be a problem.\u00a0 They just want to make sure we\u2019ll all get along\u2014and that you\u2019re not the type to skip out on the bill.\u00a0 That\u2019s very important, since we don\u2019t collect \u2018til the end of term.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould\u2014would there be room for me, too, possibly?\u201d Marcus asked shyly.\u00a0 \u201cI tried to join the Fowl Fiends, but they said they were full up, and the others I\u2019ve looked at charge more than I can afford.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much will the Vultures charge?\u201d Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSix-fifty a week is what they charged last year,\u201d Lucas told them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were here last year?\u201d Adam queried, looking puzzled.<\/p>\n

Lucas hooted.\u00a0 \u201cNo, it\u2019s my first year, same as you, but I had a brother here\u2014graduated last year\u2014and he was a Vulture.\u00a0 That\u2019s how I got in with them straight off, and it\u2019s how I know there\u2019s room for all of you.\u00a0 Several of the Vultures graduated with my brother, so they\u2019re in need of fresh blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cHaving seen vultures in action back home, I\u2019m not sure I want to be fresh blood for a pack of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas laughed in appreciation of the jest.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll be safe enough, so long as the table stays well supplied\u2014and it will.\u00a0 Dinner\u2019s served at 1 p.m.\u00a0 You all come along with me then and try the food and the company.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure both will suit you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we, them, I hope,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we\u2019ve some time to kill before the meeting.\u00a0 Any thoughts?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pondered only a moment.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019ll go back to our room and at least start a letter to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe?\u201d Jamie suggested saucily.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa first, I think,\u201d Adam replied with a grin.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s so much I want to tell him, but if I have time, I\u2019ll put in a short note to Joe, as well.\u201d\u00a0 His lips puckered in thought.\u00a0 \u201cNo, on second thought, I\u2019d better wait and give him one all to himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t have the little fellow feeling slighted,\u201d Jamie said with a knowing smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Adam chuckled, \u201cbecause if he does, he\u2019ll let everyone know about it\u2014and just who\u2019s to blame!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At 11:30 the incoming freshmen met with three faculty members and were assigned their permanent seats in chapel, which were located across the back rows of all three sections of the room.\u00a0 Adam and Jamie were disappointed at being separated, but the seating was done alphabetically, and \u201cC\u201d and \u201cE\u201d were too far apart to hope for continued togetherness.\u00a0 Adam was seated next to Lucas, however, causing young Cameron to observe that their meeting the day of entrance exams was not only fortuitous, but a matter of destiny.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps so,\u201d Adam chuckled in response, \u201cespecially if we turn out to be tablemates, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDestiny, my boy,\u201d Lucas declared.\u00a0 \u201cOur meeting was divinely ordained\u2014an auspicious beginning, as President Woolsey might say.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy in the seat on the other side of Lucas jabbed an elbow in his ribs.\u00a0 \u201cIf so, it was ordained to keep you on the straight and narrow, Cameron.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned forward to look around Lucas at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAnd God has ordained you, sir, for the challenge of your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed softly, not wanting to attract the attention of the faculty, who were still seating freshmen with names appearing late in the alphabet.\u00a0 \u201cYou speak as one who knows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo my unending regret,\u201d the other said with exaggerated, and therefore comical gravity.<\/p>\n

\u201cButler and I went to the same prep school,\u201d Lucas explained, \u201cbut don\u2019t be telling old tales out of school, Henry.\u00a0 I\u2019m a changed man, I tell you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no doubt.\u201d\u00a0 Butler favored his old schoolmate with a dubious grin.\u00a0 \u201cRemember, sir, you\u2019ve been forewarned,\u201d he added to Adam before settling back into his place on the hard wooden bench.<\/p>\n

Cocking his head, Adam gave Lucas a quizzical look, but no confessions were forthcoming.\u00a0 From his expression Lucas might have been a cherub interrupted at his bedtime prayers, and Adam almost laughed out loud, for the expression reminded him so strongly of his baby brother.<\/p>\n

Following the placement of the final student, the freshmen were divided into four sections, again according to the alphabet.\u00a0 The first section extended through \u201cE,\u201d so Jamie was delighted to find that he and Adam would at least attend classes together. \u00a0Their new friend Lucas was in the same section, of course.<\/p>\n

A middle-aged man, using a cane to assist his halting walk, approached them and introduced himself as James Hadley, Professor of Greek.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll be studying Homer\u2019s Odyssey<\/em> with me,\u201d he said, \u201cand your first recitation will be at five this evening.\u00a0 The room is on the first floor of the Athenaeum, and I would advise you to know the material thoroughly, young gentlemen.\u00a0 I will require exactness in your translations and understanding of the grammatical relationship of each phrase.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that the students were dismissed.\u00a0 \u201cOld Had himself!\u201d Lucas said and issued a long, drawn-out whistle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho else would teach us Greek but the Professor of Greek?\u201d Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy boy, you show your ignorance,\u201d Lucas snorted.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re lowly freshmen; it takes a miracle of Biblical proportions for us to sit under anything but a tutor.\u00a0 But Hadley\u2014he\u2019s tiptop, best in his field\u2014or so I\u2019ve heard.\u201d\u00a0 Mere academics could obviously not hold his attention for long, however, for he rubbed his hands together jubilantly and announced, \u201cNow for lunch!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to find Whitmore first,\u201d Jamie reminded him as they filed down the aisle in no particular order.<\/p>\n

\u201cBound to be on the far side, with the last section,\u201d Lucas announced.\u00a0 \u201cWith a name like that, he could scarcely be anywhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s sad we\u2019ll never share a class with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019ll share many other things,\u201d Adam consoled his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike every meal!\u201d Lucas laughed, and the others joined in.<\/p>\n

Marc was looking for them, as well, so finding him was an easy task.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s your first recitation, Whitmore?\u201d Lucas asked.<\/p>\n

With a shudder Marc replied, \u201cGeometry\u2014and how I dread it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTutor or professor?\u201d Lucas inquired loftily.<\/p>\n

\u201cTutor\u2014George Nolen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI rest my case,\u201d Lucas said with a bow to Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam returned the gesture.\u00a0 \u201cI bow to your superior familiarity\u2014and, further, I bow to your familiarity with where dinner is to be found.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, you have, indeed, come to the right source for that.\u00a0 Follow me, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

The foursome headed for a house about a block north of the Green, where the Vultures had contracted with a woman for their board.\u00a0 With the others behind him, Lucas walked into a dining room, where several other young men were already seated around a large oval oak table, and boldly announced, \u201cHere I am, boys, with the answer to your prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re short two of the answer to all our prayers, Cameron, my lad,\u201d said a tall fellow with black hair, black eyes and a poised manner.\u00a0 \u201cStill, I\u2019m pleased to see that you\u2019ve taken to heart our need for more Vultures.\u201d\u00a0 From the head of the table, he nodded to the newcomers.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome, gentlemen.\u00a0 I\u2019m Alexander White, the steward of our eating club.\u00a0 Do take a seat, and we\u2019ll get to know you over the fine meal our cook, Mrs. Swanson, has prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for having us,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe are most appreciative of the opportunity of dining with you and hope that you will find us the sort of companions with whom you might wish to share future meals, to our mutual advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, here,\u201d said a lanky youth with a genial smile, who was sitting at the foot of the table.\u00a0 \u201cA fine speech, sir, and worthy of a tasty reward.\u201d\u00a0 He gestured toward the empty chair nearest him and Adam took it.\u00a0 Lucas, Marc and Jamie found empty seats elsewhere at the table and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cIntroductions are in order,\u201d Alexander said, \u201cbut since we also want to hear a bit about each of you, let\u2019s begin the meal and have them over dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHunky,\u201d declared the young man sitting beside Jamie, to the complete mystification of three of the four freshmen.\u00a0 Only Lucas sported a knowing grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Swanson,\u201d the steward called, \u201cwe\u2019re ready to begin.\u201d<\/p>\n

A middle-aged woman with a full, rosy face emerged from the neighboring kitchen with a large tureen.\u00a0 \u201cStart with this, then, Mr. White,\u201d she said cheerily, \u201cwhile I dish up the remainder of the meal.\u201d\u00a0 Pushing a stray brown curl back beneath her white, ruffled mobcap, she bustled back into the kitchen.\u00a0 Just that brief glimpse of the cook enhanced Adam\u2019s expectation of good things, for Mrs. Swanson was apparently an enthusiastic connoisseur of her own culinary art, being almost as wide as she was tall.<\/p>\n

Alexander White ladled creamy soup into bowls and passed them to the man on each side of him until all had been served.\u00a0 \u201cDig in, boys,\u201d he urged.\u00a0 \u201cYou won\u2019t regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cClam chowder!\u201d Adam cried.\u00a0 \u201cNow, there\u2019s a rare treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot rare in this part of the country,\u201d laughed the man at the foot of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can tell from his accent he\u2019s not from hereabouts,\u201d declared a younger man, sounding somewhat scornful.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough,\u201d Alexander said, \u201cand so long as you\u2019ve become the subject of conversation, lad, we might as well begin introductions with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to horn in,\u201d Adam apologized, \u201cbut as we must start with one of us, I don\u2019t mind going first.\u00a0 My name is Adam Cartwright, and if my accent seems unfamiliar to you, I suppose that\u2019s because I\u2019m from Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that explains why clam chowder is rare where you come from,\u201d the man beside him chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIs there a single shellfish in the whole territory?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d Adam returned with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cWe grow them in cans.\u201d\u00a0 As laughter circled the table, he added, \u201cI have occasionally eaten clam chowder in California, where I had my preparatory schooling, but other than that, I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve enjoyed a bowl since we found freshwater clams along the trail west and my stepmother prepared them to perfection, though she\u2019d never heard of clam chowder before that day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t coming from New England, I take it,\u201d observed the scornful one.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I was born in New England,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut my stepmother was not from here, so the dish was new to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was Swedish and the dearest lady I ever met,\u201d Jamie put in, a wistful look in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re from Nevada, too?\u201d asked a haughty voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Missouri,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s where Adam and I met.\u00a0 Then he went on west.\u00a0 We\u2019ve kept in touch for years and attending college together is a long-held dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your name, lad?\u201d asked Alexander.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sorry.\u00a0 I\u2019m Jamie Edwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJamie?\u00a0 That\u2019s a boy\u2019s name, not a man\u2019s,\u201d chuckled a young man sitting to Alexander\u2019s right.\u00a0 In coloring he reminded Adam of Billy Thomas with his red hair and blue eyes, but the resemblance ended there.\u00a0 Where Billy was thin and wiry, this fellow tended toward plumpness and didn\u2019t look as though he had a spark of mischief in his makeup.<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled good naturedly.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose it is, but I\u2019ve always been Jamie, and frankly, I wouldn\u2019t know how to answer to James.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA good thing,\u201d the other laughed, \u201csince that\u2019s my name, and two of us might be confusing.\u00a0 James Goodman at your service, my boy.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned forward in semblance of a bow.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might as well tell our prospective members a bit about yourself, James,\u201d Alexander suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 Well, like Mr. Cartwright here, I didn\u2019t mean to \u2018horn in,\u2019 but I\u2019m from Rhode Island, third generation at Yale.\u00a0 My father\u2019s a lawyer in Providence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what about the background of these newcomers?\u201d inquired the man beside Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father\u2019s a teacher,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt what level?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrammar school,\u201d Jamie admitted.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t blind to the look of disdain that crossed the other man\u2019s face.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen that look on the faces of boys in his St. Louis academy, some of whom had expressed the opinion that no man with any ambition would remain a teacher of grammar school children.\u00a0 \u201cHe considers it a calling,\u201d Jamie added.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the way he performs it, it is,\u201d Adam added loyally, for he, too, had sensed the negative reaction of Jamie\u2019s interrogator.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Josiah Edwards is due much credit for the fact that I\u2019m at Yale today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe gave you a good beginning, as our President so profoundly advised this morning,\u201d Alexander said so kindly that any disparagement others might have felt immediately vaporized.\u00a0 \u201cWhat does your family do in Nevada, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d he inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else is there to do?\u201d jibed the man beside Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cNothing but miners there\u2014or so I hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bristled.\u00a0 He\u2019d had about enough of this man\u2019s arrogant attitude.\u00a0 \u201cThen you haven\u2019t heard enough, sir,\u201d he suggested with forced constraint.\u00a0 He faced the steward.\u00a0 \u201cMy father owns a cattle ranch, the Ponderosa, and we have some timber interests, as well, which do keep us in association with the mines.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMost interesting,\u201d Alexander said with a stern look at the man who had so frequently challenged these newcomers.\u00a0 \u201cThough we have not yet finished our introductions, perhaps this would be a good time for me to explain a fundamental principle by which the Vultures have always functioned.\u00a0 You may have wondered why we have members from all four undergraduate classes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cActually, sir, this is all so new to us that we wouldn\u2019t have known what to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexander laughed aloud at Adam\u2019s forthrightness.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I assure you, Mr. Cartwright, it is not the norm.\u00a0 Most clubs are made up of members from a single class.\u00a0 The Vultures chose otherwise, from its beginning four years ago.\u00a0 That makes it one of the most long-lived clubs about campus, incidentally.\u00a0 Outside the academic life we will meet and mingle with people of different backgrounds and certainly of different ages.\u00a0 If our college years are to be a preparation for that future, would it be wise to isolate ourselves for four years and socialize only with those exactly like ourselves?\u00a0 Our founding feathers\u2014if you will permit me a slight witticism\u2014deliberately chose diversity when others elected uniformity.\u00a0 We believe they chose wisely, and I further believe that we would be continuing that tradition of wisdom by inviting you gentlemen to join our ranks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, here!\u201d declared James Goodman.\u00a0 Others around the table murmured their approval.<\/p>\n

Only one voice rose in opposition.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t even know this one\u2019s name!\u201d the man beside Jamie protested with a brush of his hand toward Marc.<\/p>\n

Alexander sighed.\u00a0 \u201cWarington, you seem determined to be disagreeable today, but you do have a point.\u00a0 Would you please tell us your name, lad, and where you\u2019re from, something about your family?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marc flushed and stammered out his name.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m from Ohio, and my family\u2014well, we\u2019re just farmers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing wrong with that.\u00a0 Farmers are the backbone of America,\u201d proclaimed the tall, lanky man seated at the foot of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo they are,\u201d Alexander declared in staunch support, \u201calong with those who pioneer new lands.\u201d\u00a0 His sweeping gaze took in both Adam and Jamie and defied anyone to contradict him.\u00a0 \u201cNow, all in favor of admitting these young gentlemen into our company, please raise your hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

All hands eventually went up, although that of Warington and one other man rose more slowly than the others.\u00a0 \u201cExcellent!\u201d exclaimed Alexander.\u00a0 \u201cNow, on that note let us have the main course served, and while we eat, the rest of us will make ourselves known to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over plates filled with pork and stewed apples, buttery squash and peas seasoned with mint, the newcomers gradually became acquainted with the other Vultures.\u00a0 There were two from each level of upperclassmen.\u00a0 The seniors, Alexander White and Robert Raines, were seated at the head and the foot of the table.\u00a0 White was the son of a hardware merchant in Hartford, while Raines came from a banking family in New York City.\u00a0 He could have afforded to dine in the best restaurants, but preferred the camaraderie of a club.\u00a0 James Goodman was a junior, as was Milton Bradford, who complained good-naturedly about being named for John Milton.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have something in common, then,\u201d Adam observed.\u00a0 \u201cI was named for the character in Milton\u2019s Paradise Lost<\/em>, of which my mother was especially fond.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut at least you got a good, solid first name out of it, my dear boy,\u201d Bradford said, \u201cnothing quite so thoroughly archaic as Milton.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you have a good, solid family name,\u201d Adam suggested.\u00a0 \u201cAny relation to William Bradford?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, although I\u2019m not a direct descendent of our venerated Pilgrim,\u201d Bradford replied.\u00a0 \u201cJust a side branch of the family.\u201d\u00a0 His pride in the family name was, nonetheless, apparent.<\/p>\n

The two sophomores were Edgar Warington, who had already made himself odious to the freshmen and George Miller, whose only comment thus far had been an expression of his hope that something other than freshmen would be sought to fill the final two places among the Vultures.\u00a0 \u201cIf we\u2019re to maintain our touted diversity,\u201d he added pointedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed,\u201d Alexander said.\u00a0 \u201cWe do have rules, which we\u2019ll go over with you at supper, gentlemen.\u00a0 Nothing overly stringent, never fear.\u00a0 Now, I know that you\u2019ll all want to prepare for the first recitation of the year, so we\u2019ll go our separate ways and meet again promptly at six.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to purchase our textbooks,\u201d Jamie reminded Adam as they met at the door.\u00a0 \u201cDo you suppose we could share them, to save money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s try it,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cIf we find later that we each need our own, maybe we\u2019ll have pinched enough pennies elsewhere to manage it.\u201d\u00a0 His face scrunched in thought.\u00a0 \u201cAny idea where we find them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can answer that,\u201d Lucas stated proudly.\u00a0 \u201cThirty-four South Middle.\u00a0 Know the building?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cbut don\u2019t you need to buy yours, as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI inherited my brother\u2019s texts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well, we\u2019ll see you at recitation then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas tipped his bowler and took off, whistling, in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, where do you suppose he\u2019s going?\u201d Jamie asked Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, though I have a feeling he won\u2019t be going near his brother\u2019s textbook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps he\u2019s already prepared the first lesson, since he had the book,\u201d Jamie suggested.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s my saintly pastor, never willing to think ill of any man.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid my suspicions about our new friend are less generous.\u201d\u00a0 He looked toward the shy freshman still with them.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about you, Marc?\u00a0 Will you be going with us to South Middle?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, if I may,\u201d Marcus said softly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m in need of a text\u2014well, several, in fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hooked an arm through each friend\u2019s elbow, and, a modern portrait of the Three Musketeers, they sallied off to the College Bookstore.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam, Jamie, Marc and Lucas met outside the Athenaeum and walked in together.\u00a0 \u201cMy recitation room is on the second floor,\u201d Marc told them, and the others wished him well as he headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

The remaining three loitered in the hall, along with about thirty other young scholars.\u00a0 Finally, Professor Hadley entered the building, and the ranks parted to let him limp past.\u00a0 \u201cCome in, gentlemen,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cTake any seat for now, but I will be seating you alphabetically, so if you\u2019ll approximate your chapel positions, with the first man taking the back corner, you will assist in accomplishing that without waste of time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, you take the book,\u201d Adam said, pressing their shared Greek text on Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if you\u2019re called on to recite?\u201d Jamie whispered back anxiously.\u00a0 \u201cHe may do that alphabetically, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright can share mine,\u201d Lucas offered.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, boy,\u201d he added with a slap of Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s up to the top riser for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he had indicated, three rows of benches rose, one above the other.\u00a0 Followed by Adam, Lucas made his way to the top and sat next to his old schoolmate, Henry Butler, while Jamie made his way to the front row.\u00a0 As Professor Hadley called the roll and verified that everyone was in the correct place, Adam looked around the room.\u00a0 Blackboards and maps covered the whitewashed walls, with rows of hat hooks lining the one nearest the door.\u00a0 The only heat came from a cylindrical coal stove behind the professor, and Adam wondered if the heat would reach the back row during the cold days of winter yet to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will retain these seats throughout the term,\u201d the professor advised them.\u00a0 \u201cAnd now, without further delay, let us begin our study of Homer\u2019s great epic.\u00a0 How many of you have read it in its entirety before?\u201d<\/p>\n

Only three or four students raised their hands.\u00a0 Adam had at first felt embarrassed that he could not raise his until he saw how few of those, even with the advantage of an eastern preparatory education, could either.\u00a0 Perhaps he and Jamie would be able to hold their own, after all.\u00a0 They\u2019d both studied the assignment diligently that afternoon, but each had felt a little nervous about his first recitation.\u00a0 This was, after all, Yale!<\/p>\n

Professor Hadley made a few opening remarks about the author and his work.\u00a0 \u201cYou will find that nothing conveys the power and beauty of a work like reading it in its original language,\u201d he stated.\u00a0 \u201cHidden shades of meaning will reveal themselves to those who studiously seek them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe should know,\u201d Lucas whispered to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cOld Had is fluent in about every language there is\u2014even Sanskrit, for the love of mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hadley let his learned hand rest upon a small box at his lectern.\u00a0 \u201cAll your names are contained herein.\u00a0 In order to be completely impartial in the order of recitation, I will draw a name, and that man will read the designated passage.\u00a0 Then the man whose name I draw next will translate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHeaven preserve me,\u201d Lucas murmured.\u00a0 \u201cNot the first day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes.\u00a0 What had his friend thought would happen the first day?\u00a0 Just an introduction?\u00a0 To be honest, Adam had also thought that might be the case.\u00a0 Some of his instructors in Sacramento hadn\u2019t done much the first session, but others had hit the ground running, so he hadn\u2019t been so foolish as to come unprepared.\u00a0 If he, like Lucas, had had the advantage of an older brother to query about how things were done, he certainly wouldn\u2019t have left anything to mere presumption.\u00a0 A smile played at his lips as he wondered whether either of his little brothers would ever come to him for advice about how to prepare for his first college recitation.\u00a0 He really couldn\u2019t picture Hoss sitting on one of these benches, but Joe\u2014well, he couldn\u2019t picture Little Joe sitting still anywhere, but time would tell.<\/p>\n

He jerked his attention back to the recitation of the first student.\u00a0 The fellow read reasonably well, though Adam thought he caught a misplaced accent on one word.\u00a0 Hadley didn\u2019t mention it, though; he merely said, \u201cSatisfactory,\u201d and drew the next name.\u00a0 After several rounds of reading and translation, Lucas groaned upon hearing his name called.\u00a0 He stood and stammered through a few lines, slaughtering more than one word along the way.<\/p>\n

Hadley frowned throughout the reading, and when Lucas had finished, he made several corrections.\u00a0 \u201cI would suggest you review that material before proceeding to the next passage, Mr. Cameron,\u201d the professor said soberly.\u00a0 He drew another name, and that man successfully translated the passage.<\/p>\n

Adam gulped as he stood after hearing his own name read from the slip of paper drawn from the box.\u00a0 Borrowing Lucas\u2019s text, he read the passage, as directed, and then looked hopefully at the professor.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour elocution reveals understanding of what you read, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Hadley said with evident approval.\u00a0 \u201cWell done.\u201d\u00a0 He paused.\u00a0 \u201cI noticed that you borrowed Mr. Cameron\u2019s book for the reading.\u00a0 Did you leave yours in your room, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flushed.\u00a0 \u201cN-no, sir, I didn\u2019t forget it.\u00a0 I had hoped to share a text with Mr. Edwards, with whom I room, but we hadn\u2019t realized we\u2019d be separated during recitations.\u201d\u00a0 A titter of laughter started, but was almost instantly quelled by the professor\u2019s dour look at the culprits.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cameron was good enough to loan me his book when you called on me,\u201d Adam finished quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Professor Hadley said, and while neither words nor expression conveyed his opinion, Adam thought he caught a sympathetic gleam in the man\u2019s eye.\u00a0 The professor drew the next name.\u00a0 \u201cJames Brand,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

Mr. Brand, who looked to be considerably older than the other students, stood and translated the passage Adam had read.\u00a0 He made a couple of mistakes, which the professor corrected before declaring, \u201cSatisfactory.\u201d\u00a0 Then, consulting his pocket watch, Hadley said, \u201cOur hour is almost concluded, young scholars.\u00a0 Those of you who did not recite today will do so tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 He gave the next assignment and dismissed the class.<\/p>\n

Bursting with energy after their hour-long confinement, the young scholars erupted from the classroom.\u00a0 On his way to the door, Adam heard his name called.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u00a0 A word with you, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

With some trepidation Adam approached the Professor of Greek.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour attempt to share texts with another student, is that a matter of pecuniary necessity?\u201d Professor Hadley inquired gently.<\/p>\n

Adam cast an embarrassed glance back at Jamie, who waited for him by the door.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we\u2014uh\u2014we thought we might conserve expenses, sir, by sharing, but if that isn\u2019t feasible . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should each have your own,\u201d the professor said with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cSome of your other instructors may insist upon it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam held himself straight.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll\u2014we\u2019ll manage then, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hadley smiled more broadly.\u00a0 \u201cTo that end, might I offer you the use of an old copy of my own\u2014on loan until you\u2019ve more fully analyzed your assets?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam made a concerted effort to keep his jaw from dropping.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014that\u2019s very kind of you, sir.\u00a0 I\u2014I don\u2019t know what to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

The professor chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI believe \u2018thank you\u2019 is the standard response, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 Thank you, sir!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bring it to recitation tomorrow.\u00a0 Until then you\u2019ll have to manage sharing\u2014with this young man?\u201d\u00a0 Hadley nodded toward Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir\u2014and thank you again, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, my boy,\u201d the professor said with a kindly twinkle in his eye.\u00a0 \u201cA promising student\u2014and your reading today proclaimed you as such\u2014should not be deprived of so simple an asset as his own textbook.\u00a0 You might even find mine somewhat beneficial.\u00a0 I seem to recall scribbling some notes in the margins.\u00a0 Now, off with you.\u00a0 Surely, supper awaits you somewhere, and you can scarcely give due attention to your studies if your stomachs are rumbling.\u201d\u00a0 He looked across the room at Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be looking forward to your recitation tomorrow, young man, if your grasp of Greek is anything to match your friend\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis is better,\u201d Adam declared loyally.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh!\u00a0 Then I\u2019ve something to look forward to,\u201d Hadley chuckled.\u00a0 He clapped his hands smartly.\u00a0 \u201cSupper, boys, supper!\u00a0 Run along now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, how could you?\u201d Jamie chided as soon as they were outside the Athenaeum.\u00a0 \u201cHow could you give me such a reputation to live up to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI only spoke the truth,\u201d Adam insisted as he circled his friend\u2019s slim shoulders with his strong arm.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you\u2019ll prove the truth of my words tomorrow, you know you will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I don\u2019t faint dead away first!\u201d Jamie moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s hunger talking,\u201d Adam laughed, \u201cand my stomach is answering right back.\u00a0 To the Vultures, my boy, before Lucas\u2014or more likely, those voracious sophomores\u2014gobble it all up!\u201d<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Henry Butler and James Brand were actual students at Yale during the time of Adam\u2019s fictional sojourn. \u00a0All other students are the author\u2019s creation.<\/p>\n

Thomas Woolsey was President of Yale College from 1846 to 1871.<\/p>\n

The Vultures, Knights of the Knife and Fork and Fowl Fiends were all actual eating clubs at Yale, though not necessarily all in 1861.<\/p>\n

George Nolen was actually a tutor in mathematics at Yale during Adam\u2019s tenure there.<\/p>\n

James Hadley, affectionately called Old Had, taught Greek at Yale from 1845 to 1872, beginning as a Tutor and later becoming Professor.\u00a0 He was crippled in an accident at age nine and earlier in his life had walked with crutches.\u00a0 That he had advanced to the use of a cane by 1861 is the author\u2019s surmise.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER NINE<\/p>\n

An Unwelcome Visitation<\/p>\n

\u201cLucas!\u201d Adam called the following night as he exited the house where the Vultures had met for supper.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you going?\u00a0 Alumni Hall is this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Statement of Facts?\u201d Lucas asked with a deprecatory shake of his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot for me!\u201d\u00a0 With that he turned and walked briskly away.<\/p>\n

Marcus frowned in puzzlement as he came up to Adam and Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cI thought everyone had to join one of the open societies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll sign him up for one or the other, whether he\u2019s there or not,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, that\u2019s what I heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s already pledged one,\u201d Marcus suggested.\u00a0 \u201cI heard you can do that, but I didn\u2019t know which one to pick.\u201d<\/p>\n

A light breeze rustled the elm leaves overhead as Adam led the way back toward the college.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what the Statement of Facts is about, I suppose.\u00a0 I, for one, prefer to hear what each side has to say and then make my own choice, but I suppose Lucas is probably joining whichever one his brother was in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPity he didn\u2019t share that with us,\u201d Jamie offered, his shorter legs working hard to keep up with Adam.<\/p>\n

Marcus nodded his agreement.\u00a0 \u201cIf he had, I might have pledged early and skipped this.\u00a0 I could really use the study time!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t we all?\u201d Adam commiserated.\u00a0 The day had been packed full, and because the routine was new to the freshmen, they hadn\u2019t moved from one scheduled activity to the next with the same fluid ease as the upperclassmen.\u00a0 Adam and Jamie had risen and dressed in time to reach the Vultures club for breakfast at 6:30.\u00a0 Then it was straight to chapel and after that to the first recitation of the day, Latin with Tutor Smith.<\/p>\n

By nine o\u2019clock they were back in their rooms, working on their Latin assignment and trying to anticipate what might be required in their mathematics class.\u00a0 That recitation took place at 11:30 and fortunately turned out to be a review of material both Adam and Jamie had already covered in preparatory school.\u00a0 As soon as it was over, they went by the post office, so Adam could mail his letter to Pa, and then hustled to make it to lunch at 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

Then the friends had three hours to complete their assignment in Euclid\u2019s Geometry<\/em> and to brush up the next section of The Odyssey<\/em>, which they had studied the night before.\u00a0 Arriving early for class, Adam picked up the textbook the Greek professor had offered him, and while he was glad to have a book of his own, he was still more grateful that he had no Greek recitation the next day.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure when he would have crammed in time to prepare for it on this busy night.\u00a0 Supper had been directly afterwards and now, still toting the textbook, he and his two friends were heading back to Alumni Hall for a special meeting.\u00a0 Obviously, his planned letter to Little Joe wasn\u2019t going to get written tonight, but tomorrow was Saturday, and the schedule would be lighter.\u00a0 He\u2019d make a point of writing something to his youngest brother then.<\/p>\n

As they approached Alumni Hall, Adam noticed a group of young men ranging out from the turrets of the red sandstone building, but none of them looked familiar.\u00a0 \u201cAny of those fellows in your division, Marc?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Marcus said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2014uh\u2014don\u2019t think they\u2019re in our class, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlugs and bangers,\u201d Jamie hissed.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re sophomores!\u201d<\/p>\n

If the silk hats and canes didn\u2019t reveal the young men as sophomores, their behavior soon did.\u00a0 As the freshmen mounted the first step to the hall, hands reached out to shove them from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cWatch your step, Freshie,\u201d someone called loudly when Marcus fell to one knee.<\/p>\n

Adam reached down and pulled his friend to his feet, managing to elbow the offending sophomore as he did.\u00a0 \u201cWatch your own,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cOff with your chapeau, boy,\u201d taunted another sophomore, using his banger to knock off Adam\u2019s hat.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t they teach you farm boys any manners?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snatched his new bowler from the step.\u00a0 \u201cThey teach us the difference between a farm and a ranch,\u201d he snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, let\u2019s get inside,\u201d Jamie pleaded.\u00a0 He doffed his own hat and dipped his head in acknowledgement of the flourishing bow with which the sophomores ushered him up the three steps into Alumni Hall.<\/p>\n

With a gusty exhale Adam, still holding Marcus by the elbow, followed him in.\u00a0 \u201cJamie, I know the Good Book says \u2018Blessed are the peacemakers,\u2019 but I have just about had enough of those sophomores.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo quickly,\u201d Jamie chuckled as they filed into a row of seats.\u00a0 \u201cThey haven\u2019t done anything that bad, Adam.\u00a0 You\u2019re still put out because they wouldn\u2019t let you join in the songfest at the fence last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the two roommates had passed the campus after supper the night before, they\u2019d seen students perched on the fence surrounding the yard and heard them singing heartily.\u00a0 Pausing at the corner of College and Chapel streets, Adam had started to vocalize in harmony with the unfamiliar melody.\u00a0 The response from the sophomores extending down College Street had been immediate and vociferous.\u00a0 They\u2019d all shrieked and howled in protest and threatened to come down from the fence and teach \u201cFreshie\u201d his place if he didn\u2019t stop.\u00a0 \u201cNo freshmen allowed,\u201d explained a junior perched on Chapel, close to the corner, \u201cbut keep practicing that harmony, youngster.\u00a0 Your day will come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had been close to yanking the nearest sophomore off his exalted rail throne, but the junior\u2019s straightforward words had a calming effect.\u00a0 Rules were rules and tradition had its place, he supposed, although he personally thought that any rule that excluded any man from the liberating delight of song was ridiculous.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d he conceded, taking a seat.\u00a0 \u201cThey haven\u2019t done anything that bad, but it is beginning to add up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing Lucas isn\u2019t here,\u201d Marcus whispered. \u00a0\u201cHe\u2019d probably take a poke at those silly sophomores.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam arched an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cI just might join him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Jamie asked with a beguiling smile.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you wanted to be here for four years, not just four recitations.\u201d\u00a0 More seriously, he tapped his friend\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cThey aren\u2019t worth it, Adam.\u00a0 Let them have their silly fun.\u00a0 We\u2019ll outlast them, and next year we\u2019ll show them how mature sophomores behave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat we will,\u201d Adam agreed, and for him it was a vow.\u00a0 If he had anything to do with it, next year no newcomer to campus would suffer indignity or harassment just because he was a year younger.<\/p>\n

The juvenile harassment continued even after the meeting began.\u00a0 Six orators, three from each side, presented arguments in favor of either Linonia or Brothers in Unity, the two societies open to all students.\u00a0 A speaker from Brothers in Unity had just finished listing illustrious Brothers of earlier years\u2014people like Joel Barlow, called the father of American poetry; Noah Webster of dictionary fame; and President Woolsey himself\u2014when Adam felt something strike his neck.\u00a0 Then he saw Marcus rubbing his ear and, hearing something plunk at his feet, he bent over to pick it up.\u00a0 \u201cBeans,\u201d he hissed to Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d think they were grammar school students, not men with a year of college under their belts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSophomores,\u201d Jamie said with a shake of his head, as if that explained everything.\u00a0 For both Adam and Marcus, it did.<\/p>\n

Everyone in the audience put up with the pellets striking right and left, for only the speakers themselves seemed off limits to the sophomores\u2019 bombardment.\u00a0 Somehow, between the beans and the hoots of laughter accompanying them, the trio of freshmen managed to pick up a few remarks of the orators, each touting the virtues of his own society and decrying the failings of the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see much difference between the two,\u201d Adam admitted as they left the hall, \u201cespecially since anyone can attend the meetings of either one.\u00a0 As long as we join the same one, I\u2019ll be satisfied.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we toss a coin?\u201d Marcus suggested.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cBetter than tossing beans.\u00a0 Jamie?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled a bit wistfully.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose you\u2019ll think me foolish, but I rather like the idea of having brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t say foolish; you\u2019re just displaying the inexperience of an only child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you know you wouldn\u2019t take the whole Comstock Lode for those little brothers of yours,\u201d Jamie chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cand you and I have always been brothers at heart, Jamie, but if you want it made official, we can join Brothers in Unity.\u201d\u00a0 He added, as he turned toward Marcus, \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind,\u201d the other freshman said agreeably.\u00a0 \u201cTheir hall is on this side, I believe.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed toward a staircase.<\/p>\n

The trio mounted the steps, without any sophomore blocking their path this time.\u00a0 Even those certified nuisances, after all, were anxious to have as many freshmen as possible join their society, for the sheer honor of besting Linonia in the membership campaign.\u00a0 The room the new candidates entered was about fifty feet long and half that wide.\u00a0 It was elegantly accoutered with frescoed walls and blue hangings, to match the blue upholstery of the sofas and chairs.\u00a0 A large painting of some august personage hung behind the desk at one end of the room, and a bronze classical figure of a woman with her finger uplifted to heaven sat upon it.<\/p>\n

One by one, to the rousing cheers of the established members, those freshmen who had elected to join Brothers in Unity signed their name to the society\u2019s constitution and promised to be \u201ctrue to its interests and faithful to its secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever those may be,\u201d Adam said to Jamie as they walked home.\u00a0 \u201cIt all seemed like \u2018much ado about nothing\u2019 to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then to lose to Linonia.\u201d Jamie clucked his tongue, amused by the way even he and Adam had gotten caught up in the general moaning that had met that announcement.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s hope the regular meetings will be better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThey could scarcely be worse!\u00a0 It appears to me that Lucas was the only wise one among us tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he spent the evening in preparation for his recitations, I\u2019ll agree.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam clucked his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cSurely you jest, my new brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIndeed, brother, I do!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had the last word\u2014or so he intended.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re definitely adopting the role with ease; your teasing may be a bit more sophisticated, but this is exactly what I remember little brothers being like!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but you forget.\u00a0 I\u2019m the elder brother\u2014by a good four months,\u201d Jamie declared, \u201cand that\u2019s a relationship you\u2019ve never had to deal with before.\u00a0 Perhaps this will give you a chance to experience life from the other side, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows knit together, an expression which, coupled with his wry smile proved quite inscrutable.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rarely had Adam been so grateful to see a weekend arrive.\u00a0 Of course, he had to be up just as early on Saturday as any other day of the school week, but at least there were only two recitations.\u00a0 The third would also be omitted on Wednesdays, he learned, but what mattered today was that after lunch he was free to spend the afternoon and evening any way he chose. \u00a0He chose to spend the first couple of hours taking a much-needed nap.\u00a0 The weeks of non-stop travel, the strain of taking his entrance exams and then plunging immediately into classes had taken its toll, and Adam wasn\u2019t ashamed to admit that he was tired.\u00a0 While he rested, Jamie worked quietly at his desk, studying and writing to his father.<\/p>\n

Adam rose refreshed, and even before he started his own studies, he wrote a short letter to Little Joe.\u00a0 He tried to think of details of his trip and his first week at Yale that a four-year-old might find interesting, and he admitted that he\u2019d been tired enough that day to take a nap, just like the ones his baby brother so often protested.\u00a0 He thought Little Joe would laugh when that was read to him, and he wished he could be there to hear that welcome sound.<\/p>\n

Supper with the Vultures was somewhat later on Saturdays, to give its members a longer afternoon of free time, and it was nearly eight o\u2019clock when Adam and Jamie arrived back at their lodgings.\u00a0 They sat down at their adjoining desks, which they had moved to meet in front of the side window, so that they might more easily consult on their studies.\u00a0 Almost immediately, Jamie asked if Adam would help him with a geometry problem.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019ll never be as conversant with numbers as I am with words,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust think of it as another language,\u201d Adam suggested, \u201cand you\u2019ll soon be chattering away.\u201d<\/p>\n

They had worked together for about fifteen minutes when their study session was interrupted by a strong pounding on the door.\u00a0 \u201cOpen that door, Freshie!\u201d came a demanding shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cSophomores,\u201d Jamie groaned.\u00a0 \u201cHow did they track us down here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled at the closed door.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt it was that hard, especially since it was a sophomore who first led you to these lodgings.\u00a0 Ignore them.\u00a0 Now, as to Euclid\u2019s second proposition . . .\u201d\u00a0 The two freshmen tried to concentrate on lines and angles, but it became impossible when the hubbub in the hall intensified and the door shook on its hinges.<\/p>\n

Jamie cast an anxious glance over his shoulder at the door.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ll break it down, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we can\u2019t afford to replace it,\u201d Adam muttered through gritted teeth.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose we\u2019ll have to let them in, but be on your guard.\u201d\u00a0 Jerking his chair back, he strode to the door and opened it.\u00a0 \u201cGentlemen,\u201d he said loudly, \u201cwe weren\u2019t expecting callers at this hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Freshie?\u201d one asked snidely.\u00a0 \u201cPast your bedtime?\u201d\u00a0 He shouldered Adam aside and stepped boldly in.\u00a0 He was followed by seven others, whose heads were all haloed with rings of cigar smoke.\u00a0 They stood looking around, and the leader finally nodded in Adam\u2019s direction.\u00a0 \u201cDecent shebang, youngster.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam said tartly.<\/p>\n

Jamie, ever the peacekeeper, said, \u201cIt was one of your class, gentlemen, who directed us here, and we are well content with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The leader smiled, a bit too loftily for Adam\u2019s taste.\u00a0 \u201cAh, it\u2019s good to find a grateful freshie\u2014such a rare breed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other sophomores snickered their agreement of that appraisal.\u00a0 One of them spoke up, addressing Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you\u2019ll have still more reason for gratitude after our visit tonight, youngster. \u00a0We\u2019re only here to help you.\u201d\u00a0 Peals of laughter met this statement, but the sophomore insisted, \u201cNo, it\u2019s true.\u00a0 We remember what those first recitations were like, and we\u2019ve come to offer our assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can manage on our own,\u201d Adam muttered tersely.<\/p>\n

\u201cTsk, tsk,\u201d scolded one of the sophomores.\u00a0 \u201cThis one doesn\u2019t exhibit the proper gratitude at all, does he now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed not!\u201d said the one who had offered help with their studies.\u00a0 He took a step toward Adam.<\/p>\n

Seeing that and fearing the reaction of his more volatile friend, Jamie said quickly, \u201cOh, but I do!\u00a0 Please, sir, do give me the benefit of your experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sophomore eyed the stubborn set of Adam\u2019s jaw, hesitated a moment and then laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNow, how could I refuse a plea so prettily phrased?\u201d\u00a0 He moved over to the desk and picked up the open book.\u00a0 \u201cAh, Euclid,\u201d he said, examining its cover.\u00a0 \u201cOffer us your recitation, Freshie, and we\u2019ll see if you can pass the grade.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other sophomores, as a group, surged toward Jamie, who backed up a step.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Freshie, don\u2019t be shy,\u201d his instructor ordered, sweeping everything off the desk.\u00a0 \u201cMount up and recite for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to!\u201d Adam shouted.<\/p>\n

The eight sophomores turned on Adam, but Jamie quickly mounted the chair and then stepped onto the desk.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Adam.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mind reciting; it\u2019ll be good practice for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sophomores\u2019 attention swerved back to him.\u00a0 \u201cGood choice, Freshie!\u201d they cheered.\u00a0 \u201cGood choice!\u201d\u00a0 The self-appointed instructor began demanding definitions, propositions and postulates.\u00a0 Jamie fared well for the first few questions, but one followed another so quickly that he had no time to think, and he started to stammer hesitant responses.\u00a0 The hoots of derision that met each mistake only intensified his insecurity and led to more.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot good enough, by half,\u201d the instructor said with a sad shake of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmoke him out!\u201d demanded another.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019ll clear his foggy brains.\u201d<\/p>\n

One man grabbed the blanket off the bed and dragged it over to the desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Adam demanded, snagging the man by the shoulder.<\/p>\n

Another sophomore pulled him off.\u00a0 \u201cStay out of it, Freshie,\u201d he ordered, \u201cunless you wish to join your feeble-minded friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFeeble-minded!\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s twice the student any of you are likely to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

More howls of laughter met his defense of Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t even recite Euclid and he\u2019s twice our worth?\u00a0 Doubtful, Freshie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two men pulled Jamie down to sit on the desk and threw the blanket over his head.\u00a0 As the sophomores started puffing vigorously on their cigars, Adam suddenly saw what they intended.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t,\u201d he protested.\u00a0 \u201cHe has weak lungs.\u00a0 You\u2019ll make him ill!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWant to take his place, Freshie?\u201d the instructor challenged.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s obviously nothing wrong with your lungs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s assessment of the situation took only a moment.\u00a0 By himself, even at odds of eight to one, he\u2019d have fought.\u00a0 He\u2019d have taken a beating, of course, but he would have taken one or two of his tormentors down with him.\u00a0 If he\u2019d been in this situation with Lucas, fighting might have been an option, but frontier boy that he was, Jamie was no fighter, and he was the one most likely to get hurt if a brawl ensued.\u00a0 Adam wasn\u2019t willing to take the risk.\u00a0 After only a brief hesitation he declared boldly, \u201cYes, I\u2019ll take his place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surprise flickered across the faces of the sophomores and was quickly replaced with mild nods of admiration.\u00a0 \u201cDown you come, youngster,\u201d the instructor said, offering a hand to Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie seemed rooted in place, staring in shock at his friend.\u00a0 Then he said stalwartly, although with a quaver in his voice, \u201cI can\u2019t let you do that, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be all right; don\u2019t worry about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous,\u201d Adam said gruffly.\u00a0 \u201cGet down from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sophomores gave neither freshman a choice in the matter.\u00a0 Jamie was pulled down from his perch and Adam shoved toward the desk chair.\u00a0 As he stepped onto it, one of the tormentors declared, \u201cFor one so regal as this high-born freshman, we must have a throne!\u201d\u00a0 He hoisted the other desk chair to the top of the desk and patted its seat.\u00a0 \u201cAnd here it is, your majesty,\u201d he sneered.<\/p>\n

Head held as high as if he were truly a king, Adam took the seat, reached down and with an arrogant sneer placed the blanket over his own head.\u00a0 From beneath the wool he heard laughter from the sophomores and pleas from Jamie, but he ignored both and set his mind to endure without sound or movement what was about to transpire.\u00a0 He felt the blanket lifted on all sides, and soon the aroma of cigar smoke wafted toward his nostrils.<\/p>\n

At first it reminded him of the fragrance of Pa\u2019s pipe back home, but this odor was stronger and nostalgia was not sufficient to distract him from the lurching of his stomach as the fumes strengthened.\u00a0 His head reeled and bile rose into his throat, but he made no sound, not wanting to give the sophomores the satisfaction of breaking him.\u00a0 Eventually, however, he could not resist the urge to cough.<\/p>\n

\u201cHad enough, your majesty?\u201d someone taunted, from the sound of his voice the one who had offered Adam his \u201cthrone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stubbornly, Adam refused to respond.\u00a0 He wanted more than anything to ride out the abuse, to spoil those sour sophomores\u2019 fun.\u00a0 More smoke blew his way, and his resolve grew harder to carry out.\u00a0 He felt like vomiting and dreaded to think what sport the sophomores would make of that.<\/p>\n

Suddenly there was a hubbub in the room, and Adam felt the blanket go slack.\u00a0 No one was holding it any longer; no one was blowing smoke beneath it.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t assume that his punishment was over, but fearing that the commotion meant the sophomores had turned their attention back to Jamie, he raised the blanket and peered out.<\/p>\n

Indeed, the sophomores\u2019 attention was fixed on Jamie, but this time in a more benevolent fashion.\u00a0 The man posing as instructor had dragged the freshman over to the other window and opened it.\u00a0 When he noticed Adam, he called, \u201cOpen that window behind you, Freshie.\u00a0 Your chum here\u2019s in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing a blue-faced Jamie doubled over in a coughing fit, Adam reacted instantly, though clumsily since his own senses were still dazed.\u00a0 He turned and flung open the window; then he leaped from the desk top and rushed across the room.\u00a0 The sophomore was thumping Jamie on the back, encouraging him, \u201cCome on, Freshie.\u00a0 Deep breaths.\u00a0 You\u2019ll make it.\u201d\u00a0 The other sophomores were just standing around, looking awkward.\u00a0 \u201cTime to clear out,\u201d their leader suggested.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s other fresh fish to fry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room cleared quickly\u2014of sophomores, if not of smoke\u2014until only the one thumping Jamie on the back remained.\u00a0 \u201cYou were serious when you said he had lung problems, were you?\u201d he said, looking apologetic.\u00a0 \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t have carried it so far if we\u2019d known\u2014thought you were just trying to squirm out, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thrust himself between Jamie and the sophomore.\u00a0 \u201cAs you can see, I told the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes . . . as I said, sorry.\u201d\u00a0 The sophomore leaned around Adam.\u00a0 \u201cBetter now, Freshie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cY-yes,\u201d Jamie stammered.\u00a0 \u201cTh-thank y-\u201d\u2014another paroxysm of coughing cut off his final words.<\/p>\n

The sophomore stepped toward him, but Adam intervened.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take care of him,\u201d he growled.\u00a0 \u201cJust leave!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, okay,\u201d the sophomore said awkwardly.\u00a0 Then, as if to recover his eroded dignity, he added, \u201cJust remember to show proper respect for your elders, youngsters.\u00a0 See you around.\u201d\u00a0 With a weak wave of his hand, he backed toward the door and disappeared, closing it behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right?\u201d Adam asked Jamie anxiously.\u00a0 \u201cIs there anything more I can do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore?\u201d Jamie stared into his friend\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam! \u00a0How\u2014how could you do more?\u201d\u00a0 Another coughing spell silenced him, but then he sucked in a deep draught of the cool night air and said, \u201cHow can I possibly thank you for what you did tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was nothing,\u201d Adam said, thinking that the words were almost literally true, since his grand sacrifice hadn\u2019t spared Jamie, after all.<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head, the only way he could express his disagreement, for he was still too winded to argue with his friend.<\/p>\n

Again a loud knock sounded on the door.\u00a0 Adam and Jamie exchanged a concerned look.\u00a0 Sophomores again?\u00a0 They\u2019d seemed contrite enough that neither freshman had expected to see them again that night.\u00a0 Still, it could be another set, who weren\u2019t aware of the problems their classmates had caused.\u00a0 Motioning to Jamie to stay by the window, Adam approached the door.\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen this door at once!\u201d called an irate female voice.<\/p>\n

Recognizing the voice of their landlady, Adam exhaled with relief.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, Mrs. Wiggins.\u00a0 Come in,\u201d he said politely as he opened the door.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Wiggins tromped in.\u00a0 \u201cWhat sort of wild goings on have you two been up to in here?\u201d she demanded.\u00a0 \u201cIt sounded like a barn full of draft horses, breaking down their stalls.\u201d\u00a0 She waved her hand through the haze hanging in the air.\u00a0 \u201cI told you young gentlemen when you moved in that I keep a quiet house!\u00a0 And didn\u2019t I say that there was to be no smoking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t been smoking,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThat was some uninvited guests who just left.\u201d\u00a0 He explained what had happened.\u00a0 Jamie tried to confirm his account, but every time he said more than three words together, he started coughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cA hazing,\u201d Mrs. Wiggins snuffled with disgust.\u00a0 \u201cI should have recognized the signs, though it\u2019s been three years since any of my boarders were bothered with such nonsense.\u201d\u00a0 As Jamie coughed again, a look of motherly concern crossed her face.\u00a0 \u201cYou poor lad,\u201d she cooed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you need\u2019s a hot bowl of steam vapors to breathe in.\u00a0 I\u2019ll fetch one.\u201d\u00a0 She headed toward the door, but glanced back over her shoulder and spoke to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cStrip off those sheets and toss that smoky blanket into the hallway.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you have fresh bedding, and as it wasn\u2019t your fault these were sullied, there\u2019ll be no charge for the extra laundry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re most kind,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand we thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her normally cheerful attitude completely restored, Mrs. Wiggins beamed broadly.\u00a0 \u201cSuch polite young gentlemen.\u00a0 I knew it was no mistake to rent these rooms to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

As soon as she was gone, Adam went to work removing the bed linens.\u00a0 \u201cStill think sophomores haven\u2019t done anything that bad?\u201d he asked gruffly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was bad,\u201d Jamie admitted hoarsely, \u201ceven if it was just mischief.\u201d\u00a0 He cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cIt must have been much worse for you, under that blanket.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry if I encouraged them, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be foolish,\u201d Adam chided.\u00a0 \u201cThey did what they came here to do; it had nothing to do with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie leaned disconsolately against the window jamb.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t help thinking that I\u2019m a liability to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

There had been a moment when Adam had entertained that traitorous thought himself, but hearing it voiced, he knew that it didn\u2019t represent his true feelings.\u00a0 He came across the room to lay a companionable hand on Jamie\u2019s slim shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou are my oldest and dearest friend,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd don\u2019t think I didn\u2019t notice how you drew their attention off me and onto yourself.\u00a0 I could never call someone that brave a liability.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not brave, Adam, not as men generally define bravery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam disagreed sharply.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s more than one type of bravery, Jamie, and I won\u2019t hear you denigrate yours because it doesn\u2019t involve fisticuffs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have fought, though, if it weren\u2019t for me, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing that Jamie would see through a lie, Adam acknowledged the assessment with a nod.\u00a0 \u201cAnd probably have been the worse for it,\u201d he added wryly.<\/p>\n

Jamie had to smile.\u00a0 \u201cYou were outnumbered rather badly.\u201d\u00a0 He sighed then.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t feel much like it, but I suppose we should try to study.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPointless,\u201d Adam said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cNeither of us could concentrate.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just turn in and get a good night\u2019s rest.\u00a0 Chapel isn\u2019t until 10:30 tomorrow, so we can put in some study time in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the Sabbath?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam threw bedding and blanket into the hall and turned to face his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI always thought reading was an appropriate activity for the day of rest,\u201d he said. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cSometimes, back on the Ponderosa, that was the only time I could get!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded his agreement.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t suppose God would mind, especially since we\u2019ll be in chapel twice tomorrow.\u00a0 After all, He did say the Sabbath was meant for man, not man for the Sabbath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs always, pastor,\u201d Adam said with a chuckle, \u201cyou rightly divide the word of truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Wiggins returned with a bundle of sheets under one arm and a bowl of steaming water in both hands.\u00a0 She set the bowl on a desk and ordered Jamie to sit over it and breathe deeply.\u00a0 Then she and Adam worked together to make the bed afresh.\u00a0 The treatment did seem to help Jamie breathe more easily, but the night\u2019s experiences had drained both him and Adam, and both fell asleep shortly after crawling between the crisp, clean sheets.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

The painting of the \u201caugust figure\u201d in the Brothers of Unity Hall is that of David Humphreys, one of four founders of the society.\u00a0 He later served as a colonel in the Revolutionary Army and aide-de-camp and secretary to George Washington.\u00a0 The bronze figure on the desk is most likely a replica of the Forefather\u2019s Monument in Plymouth.\u00a0\u00a0 While not actually erected until 1889, plans were developed as early as 1850, and the Brothers in Unity had contributed largely to the project.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TEN<\/p>\n

Disturbing News from the Western Front<\/p>\n

As he descended the chapel steps, Jamie raised a beatific countenance to the face of the friend beside him.\u00a0 \u201cInspiring, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm,\u201d Adam murmured noncommittally.\u00a0 The sermon by the college pastor had been both longer and more traditional than the chapel services conducted daily by the president of Yale, and in Adam\u2019s opinion, its being the second one in the space of four hours added nothing to its capacity to inspire.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t have put a damper on Jamie\u2019s enthusiasm for anything, however, especially since his own lack of response might properly be credited, at least in part, to residual fatigue.\u00a0 Sometimes he thought he\u2019d never catch up on the rest he\u2019d lost.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019ve turned the wrong way,\u201d Jamie chided with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I haven\u2019t.\u00a0 My direction is completely intentional, I assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie caught up to his side.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t a clue,\u201d Adam said, thrusting his hands in his pockets and stepping out briskly.\u00a0 \u201cAnywhere but back to our room.\u00a0 I can\u2019t face an open book just now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have put in a goodly amount of study already,\u201d Jamie conceded.\u00a0 As agreed upon the night before, they had dutifully spent an hour with their books between breakfast and the morning service and had put in another session in the early afternoon.<\/p>\n

They walked north on College Street, past Wall and continued on another block.\u00a0 Adam stopped at the corner and looked to the west, where stretched a large swath of lawn covered with shady trees.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go there,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cemetery?\u201d Jamie queried.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not superstitious, are you?\u00a0 Not becoming in a future pastor, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie responded with good-natured laughter of his own.\u00a0 \u201cNo, not at all.\u00a0 It would be a pleasant and cool place for a stroll, and it would do us good to be out in nature, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI more than suppose it,\u201d Adam said firmly as he turned to walk toward the massive gate set in a brown, ivy-covered wall and swung it open.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t house a sound mind in an unsound body, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie bit his lip.\u00a0 \u201cI wish you wouldn\u2019t say that, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped abruptly.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u00a0 Do you disagree?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head as he walked through the gate.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam closed the gate behind him and hurried to Jamie\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d he asked again, with concern this time.<\/p>\n

Jamie sighed.\u00a0 \u201cBecause I don\u2019t have a very sound body, Adam.\u00a0 I rather obviously demonstrated that last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had problems with the smoke, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they walked beneath the sheltering elms and evergreens, Jamie gave his friend a look of rebuke.\u00a0 \u201cNot to the same degree and you know it, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put a supportive arm about Jamie\u2019s slim shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cI do know it,\u201d he admitted, \u201cbut I don\u2019t know that it has to remain that way.\u00a0 Look, why don\u2019t we make a point of taking some exercise out in God\u2019s good fresh air like this every week?\u00a0 We\u2019ll have you strong and sturdy in no time!\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam flexed his biceps to demonstrate the new strength his friend would soon possess, Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThe medicine\u2019s enjoyable enough,\u201d he said as they stopped to rest on a bench beneath the trees, \u201cbut I\u2019m not as confident as you that it will affect a cure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t promise a cure,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut I do know that I always felt healthier at home on the Ponderosa than at school in Sacramento, where I kept my nose too much in my books.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned back into the trunk of the tree behind them, his hand idly rubbing the moss that was obscuring the inscription on a nearby tombstone.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I could capture the fragrance of the pines and give you three doses a day, but I do think a weekly dose of sunshine, fresh air and exercise can\u2019t possibly hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll place myself in your hands, then, Dr. Cartwright,\u201d Jamie said as he, too, leaned back and gazed at the fluttering leaves above them.\u00a0 Inhaling, he tried to imagine himself taking deep draughts of the healing fragrance of Ponderosa pine.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Cartwright and his premier patient spent two hours walking about the shady paths, talking over old times and new experiences and, whenever Jamie seemed to weary, resting on some convenient bench or \u201cunoccupied\u201d plot of grass.\u00a0 \u201cI declare, I do feel as though I were breathing more freely,\u201d Jamie announced as they left the Grove Street Cemetery behind and headed toward Wall Street, where supper with the Vultures awaited.<\/p>\n

Adam adopted his best imitation of Dr. Martin back home.\u00a0 \u201cThat will not release you from your next dose of medicine, young man.\u00a0 In fact, I believe a longer walk would be in order, perhaps to some more scenic destination.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all for it,\u201d Jamie said enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps on Saturday?\u00a0 We\u2019d have a longer afternoon then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust what I was thinking,\u201d Adam replied as they turned into Wall Street.\u00a0 \u201cI wonder what\u2019s on the menu tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething thoroughly tasty, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Swanson is a genius in the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t go quite that far.\u00a0 She\u2019s good\u2014very good, in fact\u2014but I believe Hop Sing could outmatch her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie clapped a hand to Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cMy dear Dr. Cartwright,\u201d he intoned soberly, \u201cI do believe you\u2019ve taken too much of your own medicine, and this excess has brought on a case of intense homesickness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused just outside Mrs. Swanson\u2019s door.\u00a0 \u201cAnd do you have a cure for that, my friend?\u201d he inquired with a wry smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlas, no,\u201d Jamie declared with a dramatic sigh.\u00a0 \u201cI fear I suffer from the same complaint.\u201d<\/p>\n

But the drama soon became all too real, and the case of homesickness more definitely incurable.\u00a0 No sooner had the plates of fried oysters and Saratoga potatoes been passed than George Miller, seated across from Jamie, asked, \u201cAren\u2019t you from Missouri, Edwards?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Jamie answered cautiously.\u00a0 None of the Vultures had ever made any comments about his western origins since that first meal, and all had been courteous at table, as the rules demanded.\u00a0 But Miller was, after all, a sophomore, and, therefore, a creature that merited watching.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat part of the state?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSt. Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Such a thick pool of silence met the simple statement that Adam laid down his fork and asked sharply, \u201cAnd what\u2019s wrong with St. Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I say, I am sorry,\u201d Miller muttered, diving desperately into his oysters.<\/p>\n

Jamie and Adam exchanged a swift glance of concern.\u00a0 Something was wrong, and everyone seemed to know it but them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might, at least, have waited until the lad had his supper, Miller,\u201d the steward, Andrew White, chided.\u00a0 He turned kind eyes toward Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t seen a newspaper today?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Adam who answered.\u00a0 \u201cNo, we haven\u2019t.\u00a0 What is it?\u00a0 The war?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrace yourself, lad,\u201d White said to Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cThe news out of St. Joseph is quite bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie straightened in his chair, literally squaring his shoulders as if in obedience to the steward\u2019s direction.\u00a0 \u201cTell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rebels are in full possession of the town,\u201d White explained, \u201cand they have it completely blockaded.\u00a0 No mail or passengers allowed in or out, and they\u2019ve seized the steamer Omaha<\/em>to halt river traffic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s complexion, pale to begin with, blanched nearly white.\u00a0 Beneath the table Adam reached for his hand. \u00a0He\u2019d seen for himself the tension in St. Joseph, even under partial occupation, but this report sounded as if conditions had worsened.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you still have family there, my boy?\u201d asked Robert Raines, the other senior Vulture.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy father,\u201d Jamie whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnion or Secesh?\u201d asked Edgar Warington with barely contained aggression.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnion!\u201d Adam declared staunchly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo politics at table, Warington,\u201d White warned.\u00a0 \u201cWhat matters is that one of our Vultures has a parent at risk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps not,\u201d Raines inserted.\u00a0 \u201cThe paper did say that most Union men had crossed over into Kansas, taking the ferry with them.\u00a0 Unless you hear otherwise, young Edwards, I suggest you believe that your father is among them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he supposed to hear if the mails have been stopped?\u201d Warington snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe civil, sir, or I will ask you to leave the table,\u201d White said sternly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy apologies, sir,\u201d Warington said stiffly to Jamie, \u201cthough the question seems reasonable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid he\u2019s right,\u201d Jamie sighed.\u00a0 He pushed back from the table.\u00a0 \u201cWould you excuse me, gentlemen?\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid I\u2019ve lost my appetite.\u201d\u00a0 When Adam stood to leave with him, Jamie protested, \u201cPlease don\u2019t miss your supper on my account, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019m going straight home, and I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait long enough for Mrs. Swanson to package up your share of the food,\u201d White suggested.\u00a0 He gave Jamie an encouraging smile.\u00a0 \u201cYou may feel more like eating once the initial shock has worn off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie had considerable doubt about that, but mostly for Adam\u2019s sake he accepted the gracious offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell her,\u201d Miller said, hurrying out to the kitchen, as if intent on making amends for his premature mention of a painful topic.<\/p>\n

Adam moved from the table to offer his friend a supportive arm.\u00a0 White followed and drew them to one side.\u00a0 \u201cNow, you mustn\u2019t despair, lad,\u201d he said warmly.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s an old and perhaps trite saying, but sometimes no news really is good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cand I will hold to that until I know otherwise, as you and Mr. Raines so wisely advise.\u00a0 Thank you, sir.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded, as well, at Robert Raines, who had left his place at the table to join them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can be confident that Union forces will retake the town as soon as possible,\u201d Raines said with an encouraging smile.\u00a0 \u201cKeeping the mails running is vital to maintaining the loyalty of the western states and territories, and St. Joseph is a key link in that chain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right,\u201d Adam said, giving Jamie\u2019s arm a bolstering squeeze.<\/p>\n

Miller jogged over with a paper-wrapped package.\u00a0 \u201cHere you go, boys,\u201d he said, thrusting it out, \u201cand\u2014and I really am sorry, Edwards, to have caused you such concern.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie put out his hand, which Miller clasped.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve done me a service, Mr. Miller.\u00a0 I was bound to learn, sooner or later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller smiled with relief.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t let the oysters and chips get too cold before you indulge,\u201d he advised.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll enjoy them more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Adam said for both of them.<\/p>\n

Other members of the Vultures called out farewells as they left, which each boy acknowledged with a wave of the hand.\u00a0 As they walked quietly down Temple Street, Jamie paused in front of the North Church and gazed up at its steeple as a focus for his faith.\u00a0 \u201cI know Father\u2019s in God\u2019s hands,\u201d he said, \u201cbut it is hard not to worry, not to know whether he made it safely over the river to Elwood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not in Elwood,\u201d Adam said, quickly adding, \u201cWhen I came through St. Joe, I urged him to come this way . . . to us . . . if he decided to leave, and he promised he would.\u00a0 I believe that\u2019s what he\u2019s doing, Jamie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I remember now!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 \u201cYou told me the first night you arrived.\u00a0 Oh, Adam!\u00a0 Do pray with me that he will come through safely and that we\u2019ll soon see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith all my heart,\u201d Adam vowed fervently.\u00a0 He smiled ruefully.\u00a0 \u201cAnd, perhaps, you should pray for me, as well.\u00a0 Remember that letter I mailed yesterday to a certain demanding little someone?\u00a0 It\u2019s not going to get through, at least not anytime soon, and I will be in trouble with the little prince of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed, for a moment forgetting his own problems, as Adam had intended.\u00a0 \u201cIndeed!\u00a0 Your troubles may be graver than mine, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It was well that both Adam and Jamie had put in more than adequate study time before hearing the news from Missouri, for practical concerns were a distraction from classical ones in the Monday morning recitation.\u00a0 Jamie even earned a sharp rebuke from the Latin tutor for his lack of attention, an event unheard of in his entire previous academic career.\u00a0 That embarrassment, however, proved itself a blessing in disguise, for it shocked the young freshman back to reality and reminded him of his father\u2019s sacrifices to send him to Yale and that failure here would only add to his parent\u2019s sufferings.<\/p>\n

Just in time<\/em>, thought Adam, as Jamie flawlessly worked one of Euclid\u2019s propositions at the blackboard.\u00a0 Mathematics being his friend\u2019s weakest area, he couldn\u2019t have afforded an unfocused mind here.<\/p>\n

After that noon recitation, the two friends joined Marc and Lucas for the short walk to the Vultures\u2019 dining hall.\u00a0 As usual, their path seemed lined with sophomores, snickering out taunting catcalls.\u00a0 \u201cWhat a pretty freshman!\u201d called one, pointing to Marc.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, see his pretty necktie,\u201d rejoined another.<\/p>\n

Marc\u2019s fingers automatically reached for his cravat, but the freshmen otherwise ignored their tormentors until one shouted the typical, \u201cOh, Freshie!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas had taken all he intended.\u00a0 He turned on his heel and yelled back, \u201cOh, Sophie!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took him by the shoulders and spun him back around.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re asking for trouble, boy,\u201d he chided, \u201cand neither Jamie nor I feel up to a row with sophomores this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Lucas said contritely, for he did not wish to add to the burden his friends carried, \u201cbut sooner or later I think a row is owed those imps from\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLucas,\u201d Jamie cautioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, all right, preacher boy.\u201d\u00a0 Lucas stuffed his hands in his pockets and moved out ahead of the other three.\u00a0 When he swiveled back to face them, his face had resumed its normal lively countenance. \u00a0\u201cRace you to dinner!\u201d he challenged and took off, with the others in hot pursuit.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tuesday morning the trees on campus appeared to have sprouted new foliage, for each was bedecked with a poster of either blue or red.\u00a0 On closer inspection Adam and Jamie noticed the red ones all announced the first meeting of Linonia, while the blue ones listed the program to be presented the next evening by the Brothers in Unity.\u00a0 \u201cWell, shall we remain true blue to our colors,\u201d Adam quipped, \u201cor sample the scarlet letters of Linonia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAttendance isn\u2019t required,\u201d Jamie pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, it is,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cFor now, at least.\u00a0 You need all the distraction college life affords right now, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie offered a wan smile.\u00a0 \u201cIt is hard to think of anything but Father, but I know only time will settle that issue.\u00a0 You\u2019re right, Adam, as you so often are; it is better to spend that time in some useful pursuit, rather than just fretting away the hours.\u00a0 However, if the debate proves as boring as the Statement of Facts, I may revise my opinion of its usefulness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s stick with our own society this time,\u201d Adam suggested.\u00a0 \u201cThe topic for debate on those blue posters seems a bit more interesting than Linonia\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ringing of the chapel bell forestalled further discussion as it heralded the beginning of another full day of recitations and study.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On Wednesday Adam and Jamie woke to a beautiful, sunny day, with scarcely a whiff of wind, and the balmy weather was a portent of bright hope to come.\u00a0 As they took their places in Latin class that morning, Lucas slipped a folded copy of the New Haven Morning News<\/em> to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cShow this to Edwards whenever you think it prudent,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 \u201cI think it\u2019s good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

Behind his textbook Adam surreptitiously peeked at the headlines and smiled broadly when he read, \u201cARRIVAL OF THREE UNITED STATES REGIMENTS AT ST. JOSEPH.\u201d\u00a0 Latin was forgotten as he scanned the article and learned that the rebels had been expelled from Jamie\u2019s home town.\u00a0 He was just into the third paragraph when he felt a hard elbow ram his side.\u00a0 \u201cTranslate,\u201d Lucas hissed under his breath.\u00a0 \u201cLine 44.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam jumped to his feet, the Morning News<\/em> dropping to his feet as he held up his text and began translating the passage.\u00a0 Rattled, he made two mistakes, but corrected them before going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cLess exemplary than heretofore, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Tutor Wilder Smith pronounced.\u00a0 \u201cCan we have so quickly reached the limit of your western school\u2019s tutelage?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flushed, more with anger at the insult to his Sacramento academy than embarrassment.\u00a0 \u201cNo, sir,\u201d he declared firmly.\u00a0 \u201cMy attention wavered momentarily.\u00a0 I apologize, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

There had been nothing apologetic in his tone, and nothing but token acceptance in the tutor\u2019s reply.\u00a0 \u201cPlease review today\u2019s assignment conscientiously before beginning your preparation for the next.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Adam said tersely and took his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the matter with you?\u201d Jamie asked as they left the Athenaeum at the close of the session.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019re as concerned about Father as I am, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He\u2019d planned to save the news until they reached their room, but couldn\u2019t contain his give-away grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Jamie asked breathlessly.\u00a0 \u201cYou know something!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cSt. Joe\u2019s been relieved,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cRebels out, Union men back in, as of Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFather\u2019s safe!\u00a0 I know he is!\u201d cried Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe so, too,\u201d Adam said as they turned from College St. onto Chapel.\u00a0 \u201cWhere is now the question:\u00a0 Elwood, St. Joe or somewhere between here and there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said he promised to come east,\u201d Jamie said, almost dancing as they turned onto Temple St.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded, but looked far from convinced.\u00a0 \u201cBut he might have gone the other way temporarily, for safety\u2019s sake . . . or the other Union men may have demanded that he go with them or be termed a Rebel himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie sobered.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose anything\u2019s possible in such a volatile situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you\u2019re not going to start worrying again, are you?\u201d Adam chided.\u00a0 \u201cIt is<\/em> good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled again then.\u00a0 \u201cIt is, and I\u2019ve learned a lesson through this, Adam.\u00a0 We first heard about Father\u2019s danger on Sunday, and the situation had been resolved two days before that.\u00a0 How often we worry about problems when the answer has already come or is, at least, underway in God\u2019s perfect timing.\u00a0 I won\u2019t do it again . . . well, if I can help it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam threw an arm around his friend\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what I love about you, pastor: you see a lesson in everything, but are wise enough to realize they may take time to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

They had reached the boardinghouse and as they climbed the front steps Jamie said, \u201cI\u2019m wise enough to know I have to prepare for our next recitation\u2014Father would expect no less\u2014but I\u2019d much rather spend the time writing an urgent plea to him to come to us without delay.\u201d<\/p>\n

They entered and took the stairs to the second story.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll do our duty by our studies first,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cPa would expect no less, either, but we\u2019re free after the noon recitation today, so we\u2019ll have ample time to write this afternoon and still make our first Brothers in Unity meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut where do we send the letters?\u201d\u00a0 Jamie again asked the all-important question as he opened the door to their room.<\/p>\n

Adam dropped his Latin text onto his desk.\u00a0 \u201cSend yours to St. Joe.\u00a0 That\u2019s where I think he is, but to give us a double chance of reaching him, I\u2019ll write to Elwood, general delivery, and tell him that there\u2019s a letter from you waiting in St. Joe.\u00a0 And if he\u2019s already left there, it won\u2019t matter if the letters miss him, because he\u2019ll already be doing what we\u2019re urging him to!\u201d\u00a0 He pulled out his mate\u2019s desk chair and gestured toward it authoritatively.\u00a0 \u201cAnd now, sir, buckle down and do your duty by Euclid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie bowed gracefully and took the proffered seat.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Wilder Smith is listed as tutor of Latin in the Yale catalog for 1861-62, available online.<\/p>\n

The Confederate occupation of St. Joseph and the resulting blockage of the mails is detailed in the New York Times <\/em>of September 15, 1861.<\/em><\/p>\n

CHAPTER ELEVEN<\/p>\n

A Changing of the Guard<\/p>\n

The student seated to Adam\u2019s right in geometry recitation nudged his arm with a discreet elbow and, while the tutor was engaged in helping a student at the blackboard, slipped a folded piece of paper into his hand.\u00a0 Keeping one eye on Mr. Nolen, Adam glanced down and saw \u201cRead and pass on\u201d scrawled on the paper.\u00a0 He opened it cautiously and read the inside message: \u201cRush on Library St. tonight at 7 p.m.\u201d\u00a0 He looked quizzically at the man who had passed the note to him, but just then the tutor turned back to face the class and, like all the other students, Adam feigned instant attention.\u00a0 Lowering his hand, he tapped Lucas on the knee and passed the note on to him.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Rush on Library Street?\u2019\u201d he asked Lucas as soon as they were dismissed from class.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is that supposed to mean?\u201d\u00a0 Thanks to having had an older brother at Yale, Lucas was often a good source of information about college matters.<\/p>\n

Before Lucas could respond, however, another classmate laughed.\u00a0 \u201cA chance to show those vile sophomores who\u2019s the better class,\u201d he said, \u201cand every man must be there to defend the freshmen\u2019s honor!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be there, never fear,\u201d Lucas promised.\u00a0 The other freshman saluted him and walked over to another circle of students, no doubt discussing the same vital topic.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you will,\u201d Adam snorted, \u201cbut I want to know more about this rush business before I commit myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs do I,\u201d Jamie said, coming up to them.\u00a0 Since he sat on the front row in recitation, he had received the note early, but had been as mystified as Adam by its cryptic message.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will be there!\u201d Lucas declared stoutly.\u00a0 \u201cYou won\u2019t be able to show your faces on campus tomorrow if you don\u2019t\u2014and\u2014and I\u2019ll wash my hands of the both of you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds serious, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam said with a wink at Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is serious,\u201d Lucas insisted.\u00a0 \u201cAh, good.\u00a0 Here\u2019s Marc, so I\u2019ll only have to explain this once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it as we walk to dinner, please,\u201d Jamie suggested.\u00a0 \u201cA bout with Euclid tends to leave me famished.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Latin has the same effect on me,\u201d Marcus, who was in a different section from the other three, said with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bout I\u2019m trying to tell you about,\u201d a clearly perturbed Lucas sputtered, \u201ca bout with the sophomores.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mean a fight?\u201d Jamie asked.\u00a0 \u201cIf you do, count me out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing so gruesome as that,\u201d Lucas scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cMore like a simple shoving match.\u00a0 Both classes line up opposite each other\u2014on Library Street this time\u2014and we rush at the fool sophomores and sweep them from the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA shoving match!\u201d Adam exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cIn Virginia City we call that a free-for-all!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . yes,\u201d Lucas admitted, \u201cbut it\u2019s all in good, clean fun, Adam, I assure you.\u00a0 It\u2019s a substitute for the freshman-sophomore football game, which the faculty, in its infinite lack of wisdom, saw fit to abolish four years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey approve of this, instead?\u201d Adam asked incredulously.<\/p>\n

Lucas grinned a bit sheepishly.\u00a0 \u201cWell . . . not exactly.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIf you see a teacher, yell a warning\u2014then run for your life!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps we shouldn\u2019t participate, then, if the faculty disapproves,\u201d Jamie suggested tentatively, and Marcus, biting his lower lip, nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, sir, is not done,\u201d Lucas snapped.\u00a0 \u201cEvery man must support the honor of the class.\u201d\u00a0 He cast pleading eyes on each of his friends.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you see?\u00a0 It\u2019s the only way to get back at those blasted sophomores.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie and Marcus looked to Adam for advice.\u00a0 \u201cThey do need taking down a peg,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, they do.\u00a0 I knew I could count on you!\u201d\u00a0 Lucas beamed with triumph.\u00a0 \u201cNow, keep quiet at dinner.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure that Warington and Miller will try to bait us, but we ignore them.\u00a0 Let them show themselves for the empty bags of air they are.\u00a0 We\u2019ll show what we\u2019re made of tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The night air was chilly, and even in his wool jacket, Jamie shivered as he and Adam made their way toward Library Street.\u00a0 \u201cI know Lucas is right: the other freshmen will see it as a betrayal if we don\u2019t participate, but if this turns into an out-and-out brawl, I can\u2019t helping thinking I\u2019ll be more liability than asset.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re not comfortable with participating, don\u2019t,\u201d Adam said plainly.\u00a0 \u201cNo one whose opinion matters will think any the less of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed sharply.\u00a0 \u201cMeaning you, of course.\u00a0 Somehow, I think Lucas and even Marc might well think less of me.\u00a0 But I\u2019m not going against my will, Adam.\u00a0 I do think those sophomores deserve a dose of their own medicine.\u00a0 I just hope it is all in good, clean fun, as Lucas says.\u00a0 I\u2019d hate to see even a sophomore injured.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning almost as impishly as Lucas himself might have, Adam gave Jamie\u2019s back a light clap.\u00a0 \u201cAnd that, my charitable friend, is what makes you a better man than I.\u00a0 I could quite cheerfully knock a few sophomore heads together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you\u2019re not serious,\u201d Jamie chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, but I am!\u201d\u00a0 Adam declared, though he laughed as he said it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u00a0 Over here!\u201d a sturdy voice called, and Lucas waved his arm wildly to attract the attention of Adam and his companion.<\/p>\n

Adam and Jamie hurried over to join Lucas and Marcus.<\/p>\n

Lucas pumped both their hands.\u00a0 \u201cI knew I could count on you.\u201d\u00a0 He eyed both Jamie and Marcus soberly.\u00a0 \u201cLook, you two lightweights had better keep behind me and Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marc\u2019s nostrils flared with evident offense. \u201cLightweight or not, we\u2019re here to do our part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so you shall, my boy; so you shall,\u201d Lucas assured him.\u00a0 \u201cJust not in the front line.\u00a0 The sophs will put their biggest men up front, so we can\u2019t do less.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s not that big,\u201d Marc argued.<\/p>\n

Lucas grabbed Adam\u2019s arm and pounded his biceps.\u00a0 \u201cBut he\u2019s rock hard.\u00a0 No doubt due to punching cattle.\u00a0 Those sophomores won\u2019t know what hit them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The quartet of friends laughed, and Jamie and Marcus agreeably took their places behind the other two to await the signal for the rush to begin.<\/p>\n

Puffs of fog escaping his lips each time he exhaled, Adam took deep draughts of air in preparation for the rigorous work to come, and he could feel his heart rate rising in expectation.\u00a0 Then a loud voice shouted out, \u201cLook alive, Sixty-five!\u201d<\/p>\n

In response, another voice hollered to his freshman classmates, \u201cBreak \u2018em like sticks, Sixty-six!\u201d<\/p>\n

With a mighty roar the class of \u201966 rushed forward, and with a bellow of outraged superiority, the sophomores charged back at them.\u00a0 Adam felt his left shoulder crash into one equally solid.\u00a0 For a moment he and his opponent grappled; then the momentum of the men rushing behind pushed them past one another.\u00a0 No one made a fist or struck a blow at a fellow student, but many a cap was snatched from a freshman\u2019s head and many a sophomore lost his silk plug in the scuffle.\u00a0 Adam managed to keep his hat, but felt a sudden breeziness about the shoulder when a sophomore grabbed his coat sleeve as he pushed past.<\/p>\n

Eventually, everyone made their way through the opposing line and immediately turned to line up again and make another rush at the other class.\u00a0 The results were largely the same.\u00a0 Neither side had emerged the clear victor, so a third rush was called for, and yet another wild melee of flying arms and legs met in the middle of Library Street.\u00a0 Suddenly, someone on the outskirts of the tangle screamed, \u201cFaculty!\u00a0 Faculty!\u201d and everyone broke for the side streets and alleys.<\/p>\n

Adam searched frantically for Jamie; then, spotting him, he rushed over, snared his friend by the arm and dragged him into the nearest alley, where they crouched behind a pile of wooden crates.<\/p>\n

\u201cFancy meeting you here,\u201d a low voice chuckled, and the two roommates turned to see Lucas\u2019s smiling face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look the worse for wear,\u201d Adam said, cocking his head to examine Lucas\u2019s bruised cheekbone.<\/p>\n

Lucas reached out to finger the rip in Adam\u2019s coat sleeve.\u00a0 \u201cNot looking so nobby yourself, chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

Glancing down, Adam shook his head in disgust.\u00a0 \u201cPa would chew me up one side and down the other\u2014with good cause,\u201d he muttered.\u00a0 \u201cI just hope it can be mended.\u00a0 I can\u2019t spare the money for another coat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie assessed the damage carefully.\u00a0 \u201cI think it just pulled apart at the seam, Adam.\u00a0 A tailor would do a better job, but I can sew it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas meanwhile had peered over the crates.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like it\u2019s all quiet now,\u201d he said, still keeping his voice low.\u00a0 \u201cSafe to make a try for our rooms, I think.\u201d\u00a0 He stood up, and the others slowly joined him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was idiocy,\u201d Adam grunted, rubbing his sore left shoulder.<\/p>\n

Lucas doubled his fist and punched the other boy in the arm.\u00a0 \u201cYes, but it\u2019s jolly fun idiocy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re incorrigible\u2014and a decidedly poor influence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou loved every minute of it, admit it,\u201d Lucas challenged.<\/p>\n

Giving his shoulder another rub, Adam grinned, \u201cWell, not quite every<\/em> minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut most,\u201d Lucas pressed.<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cMost.\u00a0 Now, how do we get home without being spotted by the faculty?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFollow me,\u201d Lucas advised.\u00a0 \u201cI know all the back streets to your place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just bet you do!\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether due to Lucas\u2019s familiarity with back streets or just plain luck, Adam and Jamie made it to their lodgings without being spotted.\u00a0 A few freshmen and a couple of sophomores were not so fortunate.\u00a0 Nabbed by the faculty, each received heavy demerits for participating in the fracas, and when he heard that news whispered in chapel the next morning, Adam offered up sincere thanks that he had not been caught and would not have anything of that nature to report to Pa in his next letter.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam and Jamie were seated at their adjoining desks, comparing solutions to a proposition from Euclid, when a rap sounded on the door to their shared room.\u00a0 Instantly their eyes communicated the same concern.\u00a0 Sophomores again, up to their usual harassment, perhaps in payback for injuries inflicted in the recent rush?\u00a0 With set lips Adam crossed the room and opened the door, while Jamie turned in his seat to watch him.\u00a0 The silk hat and cane did immediately identify their visitor as a sophomore, but this time the man only inquired politely, \u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

When Adam nodded, the man bowed and extended a black-edged envelope.\u00a0 Adam took it, managing to get past his surprise in time to mumble \u201cThank you\u201d before the visitor turned and left.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

Adam gave him a crooked grin.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m about to find out,\u201d he said, carefully opening the envelope at its seal.\u00a0 From it he took a black-edged card with an emblem that resembled a Greek cross with five bars between each point of a star.\u00a0 In its center was a shield of black with the letters KSE and \u201cYale\u201d printed on it.\u00a0 He read out the text on the card:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr. Cartwright:<\/p>\n

You will be waited upon at your room this evening and be presented for initiation into the dark and awful mysteries of Kappa Sigma Epsilon.\u00a0 Surrender yourself only to the person bearing the matching half of this card. \u00a0Per order.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jamie jumped up from his chair.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam!\u00a0 You\u2019ve been accepted into Sigma Ep!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it seems,\u201d Adam said, quietly setting aside the notched card.<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you excited?\u201d his friend asked.<\/p>\n

Adam pulled out his desk chair and sat down.\u00a0 \u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie came to stand behind him.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean because I don\u2019t have one?\u201d\u00a0 He rested his hands on Adam\u2019s broad shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cThat doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does to me,\u201d Adam said gruffly.\u00a0 \u201cI will not join without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is ridiculous,\u201d Jamie sputtered.\u00a0 \u201cI will not hear of you giving up such an honor.\u00a0 Think what it can mean for your college career.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo join any society foolish enough to reject you would be genuinely ridiculous,\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cNow, can we please get back to Euclid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Jamie protested, but his friend silently buried his nose in the geometry text.<\/p>\n

About an hour later a second knock sounded at the door. \u00a0Adam looked up, his countenance clearing.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe we\u2019re arguing over nothing,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cYou open the door this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie did and soon turned around, smiling and waving an identical black-edged envelope. \u00a0\u201cApparently, Sigma Ep is not a ridiculous society, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt must be the wisest of all societies,\u201d Adam exulted, \u201ceven if it is initiating a couple of idiots tonight.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie threw his arm around his friend and joined in his self-deprecating laughter.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Having been advised to forego supper, the two roommates spent extra time grooming themselves scrupulously and, while waiting for their conductors to arrive, drilled each other on their latest Latin assignment.\u00a0 About 7:30 the blast of tin horns assaulted the occupants of Mrs. Wiggins\u2019 boardinghouse, the more elderly of which loudly expressed their low opinion of college shenanigans.\u00a0 Within minutes two young men appeared at Adam and Jamie\u2019s door and asked them to present the cards they had received that afternoon.\u00a0 Each was notched differently, so that it perfectly matched the cutout on the card of the designated conductor.\u00a0 \u00a0The mate to Adam\u2019s was held in the hand of the sophomore who had taken charge and stopped the smoking out when he saw that Jamie was in real physical distress.<\/p>\n

As the four young men exited the boardinghouse, they separated.\u00a0 Jamie and his conductor went one direction, while Adam and his went the other.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Percival Demmings,\u201d the man at Adam\u2019s side said as they walked toward the docks.<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you, Mr. Demmings,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cAm I allowed to ask about the activities of the evening or do I simply accept them as they unfold?\u201d<\/p>\n

Demmings laughed.\u00a0 \u201cMostly, the latter, Freshie, but it\u2019s only fair to tell you that you are expected to treat your conductor to a light repast first.\u00a0 Oysters sound good to me, if you\u2019re willing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing . . . indeed, happy to treat you,\u201d Adam returned pleasantly.\u00a0 He deliberately put off until a more appropriate time calculations of what he might have to give up later to provide his conductor with the expected meal.<\/p>\n

Near the harbor they turned into a small oyster house, where the prices were quite reasonable, Adam was glad to note.\u00a0 Over bowls of succulent stew and cups of hot coffee, they had an agreeable conversation about the benefits of the society to which Adam was now pledged.\u00a0 Pushing aside his empty bowl, Demmings asked soberly, \u201cDoes your little friend have a weak heart, as well as weak lungs?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brows knit together with concern.\u00a0 \u201cNot that I\u2019m aware,\u201d he said slowly and then asked, \u201cJust how bad is this likely to get?\u201d<\/p>\n

Demmings wagged his finger beneath Adam\u2019s nose.\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t tell you, Freshie.\u201d\u00a0 Then, seeing Adam\u2019s concern and guessing that it wasn\u2019t for himself, he relented.\u00a0 \u201cYou needn\u2019t worry about your chum, though; I warned everyone to take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful for that,\u201d Adam said earnestly.<\/p>\n

Demmings grinned impishly.\u00a0 \u201cAh, but I didn\u2019t say it would go easy for you, now, did I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned back, just as broadly.\u00a0 \u201cI can take it, as long as I know Jamie\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Demmings smiled with warm admiration.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a true friend, Freshie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s initiation began the instant they left the oyster house.\u00a0 A black scarf was tied around his eyes, and in the sudden blackness the toot of a tin horn sounded directly in his face.\u00a0 \u201cFollow the sound,\u201d Demming ordered.<\/p>\n

A horrible feeling of vulnerability washed over Adam, but he balked for only a moment.\u00a0 He could see nothing as he stepped forward.\u00a0 The horn sounded again, and again he walked forward, each step a small act of courage.\u00a0 He was trusting his life, or at least his limbs, to this barely known sophomore, and one never knew what sort of bedevilment a sophomore might be capable of.\u00a0 Walking him into a wall or off a pier might merely amuse a creature capricious as that!\u00a0 He had no idea where he was headed or even which direction they were going.\u00a0 His only clue during a journey that seemed everlasting was the whistle of a train, which told him they were close to the depot.\u00a0 Not long after that the horn stopped sounding and he was pushed through a doorway. \u00a0Though his blindfold was removed, he still couldn\u2019t see anything, for the room was pitch black.\u00a0 Hearing voices whispering all around him, he surmised that this was a holding area for the new society inductees.\u00a0 \u201cJamie!\u201d he called.\u00a0 \u201cAre you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d came a voice from across the room.\u00a0 \u201cIs that you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 Keep talking, and I\u2019ll come toward you.\u201d\u00a0 Calling back and forth to one another, the two friends finally bumped into each other and each clasped the other\u2019s arm in the darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think they\u2019ll do to us?\u201d Jamie asked, a hint of anxiety in his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing you need to worry about,\u201d Adam assured him, taking Demmings at his word.\u00a0 \u201cThey may try to scare us, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019ll get too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope it\u2019s not another smoking out,\u201d Jamie said with a shudder.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll fail for certain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Adam said firmly, patting his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t let your imagination get the best of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I won\u2019t,\u201d Jamie said with solid resolve.<\/p>\n

Adam felt his own resolve weaken when a door creaked open and a supernatural voice that seemed to echo from far away called out his name.\u00a0 When he hesitated, again its ghostly tones summoned, \u201cAdam Cartwright . . . present yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gulped.\u00a0 \u201cYes . . . I\u2019m . . . here.\u201d\u00a0 As he walked toward the light, two figures appeared in the doorway.\u00a0 Neither was likely to alleviate his apprehensions.\u00a0 One was dressed in a red devil suit, complete with horns and forked tail; the other was all in black, except for the skeletal bones painted on with eerily glowing phosphorus.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready to enter into the august and ancient mysteries of Kappa Sigma Epsilon?\u201d demanded the skeleton.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m ready,\u201d Adam declared staunchly.<\/p>\n

The devil uttered a fiendish cackle.\u00a0 \u201cHe thinks he\u2019s ready; the overconfident fool thinks he\u2019s ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the skeleton joined in the mocking laughter, he presented Adam with another blindfold.<\/p>\n

Adam accepted it and began to wrap it around his eyes.\u00a0 Someone\u2014he couldn\u2019t tell who at this point\u2014evidently didn\u2019t trust him and took the trailing ends from his hands and pulled them tight.\u00a0 \u201cNone but the brave can enter into the august and ancient mysteries of Kappa Sigma Epsilon,\u201d said a voice he recognized as that of the devil.<\/p>\n

Expecting the horn in his face again, Adam was surprised when, instead, his arms were grabbed on each side and the devil urged, \u201cHurry, Freshie, hurry.\u201d\u00a0 Then he was practically raced across the room and up a flight of stairs he could not see.\u00a0 After stumbling his way to the landing above, he felt himself propelled down what he presumed was a hall.\u00a0 \u201cRun, Freshie, run!\u201d his guides demanded.<\/p>\n

Without warning, they released him.\u00a0 Adam tried to stop himself, but he lurched forward and suddenly there was nothing beneath him but air.\u00a0 Arms flailing, he tumbled into blackness, too surprised to do anything but gasp as the air whistled past his ears.\u00a0 He landed on some yielding surface and was immediately thrust upward again.\u00a0 Not far, for he soon bounced back into something soft, but solid.\u00a0 His hand brushed against scratchy fabric, and he smiled in relief.\u00a0 A blanket\u2014he was being tossed in a wool blanket, that\u2019s all.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember Sweet Betsy from Pike?\u201d an unknown voice asked soberly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam asked, his head turning toward the sound.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean the song?\u201d\u00a0 Up he went again in the blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, foolish Freshie, the girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, the song,\u201d another voice rang out.\u00a0 \u201cSing us the song, Freshie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2014okay,\u201d Adam panted.\u00a0 He struggled to remember the words, but found it hard to think when every few seconds he again found himself airborne.\u00a0 \u201cDo you . . . remember . . . sweet Betsy . . . from Pike?\u201d he quavered in a voice far less steady than his usual strong baritone.\u00a0 \u201cWho crossed the\u201d\u2014for the life of him he couldn\u2019t remember the next phrase, although he\u2019d known the trail favorite from the time he and Pa had started west.<\/p>\n

Hoots of laughter met his frustrated ears.\u00a0 \u201cFor shame, Freshie . . . and you a westerner, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTry another test,\u201d called one of his tormentors.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, another!\u201d echoed around him as the blanket continued to bounce Adam up and down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is sillier, a freshman or a goose?\u201d demanded one inquisitor.<\/p>\n

\u201cA\u2014a goose!\u201d Adam shouted.<\/p>\n

Resounding laughter met this response.\u00a0 \u201cWrong again, Freshie!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShake him up; his wits are addled,\u201d someone demanded.<\/p>\n

The blanket tossed him higher this time.\u00a0 Adam spun in the air and landed on his stomach.\u00a0 It\u2019s only a blanket toss<\/em>, he reminded himself, but that didn\u2019t ease his mounting nausea.\u00a0 Just when he thought he could no longer keep down his oyster stew, the blanket grew taut and then was slowly lowered to the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, poor Freshie,\u201d someone said, and then two sets of arms lifted him by the elbows and set him on his feet.\u00a0 \u201cThere.\u00a0 Better now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2014yes, thank you,\u201d Adam said with shakiness he tried to conceal.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, Freshie, well done, but you must be tired.\u00a0 Here, have a seat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, still blindfolded, was guided to a chair, but as he gratefully sank into it, his bottom fell through the open frame into a bucket below and he winced as his buttocks hit something cold and wet.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t think he wants a rest, after all,\u201d someone taunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps he\u2019d rather lie down,\u201d another suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes!\u00a0 Lay him down!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was jerked up from his uncomfortable perch; then hands were all over him\u2014arms, legs, torso, head\u2014bearing him away, he knew not where, but he had a feeling he wouldn\u2019t find it any more restful than the chair had been.\u00a0 He was laid on some flat surface with his neck cradled in something hard and curved, but before he could guess what it was, his blindfold was whipped off and he screamed as he saw a sharp, silvery blade rushing down toward his bare throat.\u00a0 It jerked to a stop a foot above him.\u00a0 \u201cRest in peace, Freshie,\u201d the skeleton said in spectral tones.<\/p>\n

\u201cRest in peace,\u201d the others all repeated ghoulishly.\u00a0 Again and again they echoed the words as his body was lifted from the guillotine and placed solemnly in a nearby coffin.\u00a0 The lid was put on, and there was a sound of hammering on the lid.\u00a0 Inside, Adam chuckled, loud and long.\u00a0 Did they honestly think they could fool a country boy, well acquainted with the sound of nails going into wood?\u00a0 There were no nails here, just bare hands pounding on the coffin.\u00a0 Like the guillotine, it was a sham, and compared to that, this was nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s laughing!\u201d someone cried, and within moments Adam was resurrected from his mock burial and being patted on the back for his exemplary display of courage.<\/p>\n

Percival Demmings, his face painted like an Indian on the warpath, stepped up to shake his hand.\u00a0 \u201cWell done, Freshie.\u00a0 You were as good as your word; you pass the initiation.\u00a0 Now, wear your coat inside out the rest of the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this what happens to everyone?\u201d Adam asked him softly as he removed his coat and turned it inside out.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelax,\u201d Demmings whispered back.\u00a0 \u201cI promised, didn\u2019t I?\u00a0 Stand back and watch the fun now; you\u2019re entitled.\u201d<\/p>\n

One by one, the other initiates were dropped through the trapdoor in the ceiling into the blanket below, while sophomores in a variety of bizarre or grotesque disguises asked ridiculous questions or made impossible demands.\u00a0 Each inevitable failure earned the freshman another bounce toward the ceiling.\u00a0 What happened after the obligatory blanket tossing, however, varied from man to man.\u00a0 Only a few underwent as thorough an initiation as Adam, and he began to wonder if his rough treatment had been part of the bargain for letting Jamie off easily.\u00a0 Lucas Cameron, however, suffered even harsher treatment, for in addition to everything Adam had endured, he was also placed in a pillory and reviled with every insult an inventive sophomore could conceive.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t even scream when the guillotine blade descended, though, and that won the sophomore\u2019s respect.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t placed in the coffin, but simply congratulated and welcomed into the society.<\/p>\n

Instead of the guillotine, Marcus was presented with a noose around his neck, but though he paled as one end was tossed over a rafter, he didn\u2019t flinch, and the noose was never tightened.\u00a0 After the typical burial and resurrection, he turned his coat outside in and joined Adam and Lucas.<\/p>\n

The next freshman fared well enough until he was placed in the coffin, but then he completely lost control.\u00a0 Screaming maniacally, he pounded on the coffin and begged to be let out.\u00a0 Though the sophomores released him almost instantly, the boy was pale and shaken and could barely stand on his own two feet.\u00a0 He was weeping in shame as he was escorted outside, but after a couple more freshmen had been initiated, he was brought back in, smiling and wearing his coat inside out.\u00a0 His acceptance into the society significantly raised Adam\u2019s opinion of sophomores, who apparently were not creatures completely without mercy, after all.<\/p>\n

Adam immediately recognized the high-pitched yell when Jamie fell through the trapdoor into the blanket, and he leaned forward, intensely interested to see what his friend would experience and ready to intervene if it got out of hand.\u00a0 His friend\u2019s blanket-tossing was short-lived, and Jamie was next escorted to the pillory.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t suffer the scorn Lucas had endured, however, but only the sort of silly questioning that Adam had received while being tossed in the blanket.<\/p>\n

Demmings led the examination. \u00a0\u201cWe all remember, Freshie, how you failed at reciting Euclid for us, so we won\u2019t bother with that.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard, however, that you\u2019re quite the Latin scholar.\u00a0 True?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014I try to be,\u201d Jamie replied, a most modest answer, since he was acknowledged by everyone who\u2019d ever heard him recite to be the best in the class.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you won\u2019t mind translating a few phrases for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Jamie said, but he sounded cautious.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive us the Latin for \u2018I am ridiculous,\u2019\u201d Demmings demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cRidiculus sum<\/em>,\u201d Jamie replied with a slight smile, for at that moment, with his head and hands in a pillory, he thought the statement quite accurate.<\/p>\n

Demmings nodded acceptance of the phrasing.\u00a0 \u201cTranslate this: Mens mea Euclidis impar est<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mind isn\u2019t equal to Euclid,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe admits it!\u201d cried another sophomore.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else do you admit, Freshie?\u201d called yet another.<\/p>\n

Demmings waved his hand to silence the other inquisitor.\u00a0 \u201cAnother translation, please,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cImbecillitas mentis meae par pulmonum<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stiffened.\u00a0 How could they ask his friend to say that?\u00a0 They were only words, of course, but still . . .<\/p>\n

Jamie, on the other hand, hesitated but a moment before translating, \u201cMy mind is as weak as my lungs.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up earnestly.\u00a0 \u201cThough I hope it\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not, as well,\u201d Demmings said gravely, though there was a twinkle in his eye.\u00a0 \u201cNow, be a polite little Freshie and say, \u2018Please toss me in a blanket again.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUtinam ne pergatis<\/em>,\u201d Jamie said softly.<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t restrain his proud grin, for his friend had not complied this time.\u00a0 He had, instead, said, \u201cPlease don\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 Would the sophomores accept that response as an indication of courage and character, or would they treat it as defiance deserving of punishment?<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, all right, Freshie, we\u2019ll let that pass, since you ask so politely,\u201d Demmings chuckled, \u201cbut only if you can successfully translate one more phrase: \u2018I will follow the Sophomores\u2019s rule.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie favored his inquisitor with a beguiling smile.\u00a0 \u201cPraeceptis Sophormorum non per aeternitatem sed hic et nunc oboediam<\/em>,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Demmings laughed out loud.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u00a0 Not forever . . .\u00a0 only here and now?\u00a0 You\u2019ve got a lot of cheek, Freshie.\u00a0 And do you know what that means?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie tried to shake his head, but the pillory inhibited his movement.<\/p>\n

Demmings laughed again at the futile attempt.\u00a0 \u201cIt means, you self-proclaimed ridiculous Freshie, that you are now a member of Kappa Sigma Epsilon!\u201d\u00a0 He released Jamie from the pillory and helped him turn his coat inside out and put it back on again.\u00a0 \u201cJoin your friends and watch the fun,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t much fun left to watch, though, for only a couple of freshmen had not yet been initiated.\u00a0 Once they were, the evening became more ceremonial.\u00a0 The new members pledged to observe the secrets of the society and several, Jamie included, were ordered to make speeches, which were exuberantly, if somewhat mockingly, applauded.\u00a0 Then everyone was ordered to assemble at Brewster Hall the following evening for their first meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder why they didn\u2019t ask you for a speech,\u201d Jamie said as he and Adam walked home.<\/p>\n

Adam had a secret opinion about that, but he didn\u2019t share his suspicion that the speech was another part of the bargain for an easy initiation.\u00a0 \u201cThey were probably impressed with your quick thinking during that Latin quiz,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s face brightened.\u00a0 \u201cYou think so?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam threw an arm around his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI know I was impressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure you were equally impressive,\u201d Jamie said with a pat to his friend\u2019s back.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI wish I could have seen your initiation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt a shiver ripple up his spine as he recalled his first sight of that guillotine blade rushing toward him.\u00a0 If you only knew, my friend<\/em>, he thought.\u00a0 If you only knew<\/em>.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve certainly had a full week,\u201d Jamie observed as he walked beside Adam along the quiet paths of Grove Street Cemetery.\u00a0 Though they had intended their next outing to take them somewhere further and, perhaps, more scenic, the activities of the preceding night and those anticipated for this evening had made a shorter jaunt more appealing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat we have,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cUnfortunately, most of it isn\u2019t the sort of thing I can write home about!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy not?\u00a0 I intend to tell Father all about the initiation\u2014in person, I hope, but by letter, if not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled quizzically, thinking that if his initiation had been like Jamie\u2019s, he might be writing home the details, too.\u00a0 But he didn\u2019t dare share his experience.\u00a0 He could just imagine how quickly Pa would order him home if he heard about that business with the guillotine!\u00a0 Avoiding that subject, he arched an eyebrow and asked, \u201cAnd the rush?\u00a0 Do you intend to tell your father that you were involved in a faculty-frowned-upon brawl?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie winced.\u00a0 \u201cWell, perhaps not,\u201d he conceded.\u00a0 \u201cAll that and studies, too\u2014we have<\/em> been a busy pair, haven\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam dropped down to the browning turf beneath a towering elm.\u00a0 \u201cI do think we\u2019re developing a routine, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith rather a lot of deviations,\u201d Jamie chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike tonight\u2019s meeting, you mean?\u201d\u00a0 Keeping his legs straight, Adam stretched forward to touch his toes.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019ll soon be a part of the weekly routine, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt had better be!\u201d Jamie exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cYou and I, my friend, cannot afford the fine for missing a meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we can\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 Adam bounced to his feet and reached for Jamie\u2019s hand to pull him up.\u00a0 \u201cAnd as much as I\u2019m enjoying this, we can\u2019t afford to stay longer, either.\u00a0 We have assignments to complete before our first Sigma Ep meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam carefully pinned Jamie\u2019s society badge to the left side of his vest, near his shirt collar.\u00a0 Actually, the badge wasn\u2019t Jamie\u2019s, any more than the one affixed to Adam\u2019s vest belonged to him.\u00a0 Though they both had paid their society fees and purchased pins that afternoon, those were not engraved yet.\u00a0 Each of their conductors, however, had kindly loaned them his own pin until theirs were ready.\u00a0 In fact, all the freshmen would be wearing borrowed insignias tonight.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re beauties, aren\u2019t they?\u201d Jamie observed, eyes aglow.<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely a symbol to wear with pride,\u201d Adam returned.\u00a0 He stepped back to admire Jamie\u2019s pin.\u00a0 On a surface of gold, about one inch in diameter, was a black enamel shield like that which had adorned their invitations to the initiation.\u00a0 On the five bars, between the points of the star were a fasces, a caduceus, an anchor, a torch and an olive branch.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019d better get going, though,\u201d he suggested, \u201cor we\u2019ll be feeling something other than pride.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded, taking his coat from the bedpost.\u00a0 \u201cI agree.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sky was clear and the temperature cool, with only a slight breeze to add a bit of chill to the air as they walked the five blocks to the southeast corner of State and Chapel.\u00a0 Entering the Brewster Building, they found the sophomore members stretched out on the carpet in an aspect of complete relaxation.\u00a0 Curls of smoke enwrapped their heads as they laughed and chattered companionably in the center of a circle of freshmen, seated on the floor.\u00a0 Adam pointed out a spot on the far side that seemed to be furthest from the heavy smoke, and he and Jamie claimed a place there among their peers.\u00a0 Marcus and Lucas came in later and made their way to the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what happens tonight?\u201d Adam asked Lucas in an undertone.<\/p>\n

Lucas shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cMy brother never would tell me anything about the society.\u00a0 All those secrets we\u2019re never supposed to reveal, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cJust as long as it doesn\u2019t involve a second initiation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas grinned back.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 We\u2019re in now and, therefore, brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith sophomores?\u201d Marcus teased.\u00a0 \u201cNow, there\u2019s a thought!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas shuddered.\u00a0 \u201c Remarkable notion, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but you forget, Lucas, that we are all brothers under God,\u201d Jamie intoned solemnly with a sidewise wink at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo preaching tonight, parson,\u201d Lucas ordered, wagging his finger beneath Jamie\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n

While there was no preaching, the meeting did begin, like many church services, with singing.\u00a0 The sophomores were, of course, familiar with the songs of Sigma Ep, but they handed around songbooks for the freshmen, who sang out lustily as they caught on to the tunes.\u00a0 Adam picked the songs up more quickly than most, and those nearest him, freshmen and sophomores alike, leaned to their neighbors to whisper admiring comments about his rich, melodious tones.\u00a0 After several choruses a sophomore stood in the very center of the circle and introduced himself as the president of the society.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a few more minutes!\u201d called one of his laughing classmates.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d the young man said.\u00a0 \u201cTonight\u2014not without trepidation, I might add\u2014we deliver our eminent society into the inexperienced hands of mere striplings.\u201d\u00a0 He waved down the hoots of outrage from the outer circle.\u00a0 \u201cIt was gratifying to hear that some of you, at least, can carry a tune.\u00a0 It gives us hope.\u201d\u00a0 For a moment his eyes rested on Adam, and then he continued.\u00a0 \u201cOur first order of business tonight will be the reading of our constitution by the outgoing secretary.\u00a0 Mr. Osgood, if you please?\u201d<\/p>\n

A lanky youth stood and read a typical club constitution.\u00a0 Much applause greeted its completion and the president invited each new member to affix his name to the document.\u00a0 Once each freshman had signed the constitution, a short comedic play was presented by the sophomores, and then the president led the new members through an election for his successor.\u00a0 Adam was unacquainted with the man who won, but he seemed to be a popular fellow.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur work now is done,\u201d the retiring president announced, \u201cand so we bid you good evening, gentlemen.\u00a0 The other sophomores rose as one and formed a line.\u00a0 Then with many a friendly wave, they marched out singing, to the tune of Yankee Doodle, \u201cOh, Kappa Sigma Epsilon; oh, Kappa Sigma Ep.\u201d<\/p>\n

The freshmen stayed only long enough to elect their remaining officers before adjourning.\u00a0 They all seemed to have come from the same New England preparatory school and had, undoubtedly, been acquainted long before they reached Yale.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a shame we\u2019ve met so few of our classmates yet,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d make a wonderful president, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam said modestly, but as he lay in bed that night, he wondered if he might ever win such an honor from his classmates.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

While modern students retain membership in the same fraternity for life, the men of Yale in the nineteenth century joined different societies each year, and these were composed only of men of their own class.\u00a0 They did, however, preserve warm feelings and ties with those they left behind as they progressed through college, particularly their freshman societies.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWELVE<\/p>\n

Extracurricular Activities<\/p>\n

\u201cGet a move on, chum,\u201d Adam urged on Thursday morning, \u201cor we\u2019ll be late for breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie looked up from his morning Bible reading.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Adam asked.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t you feeling well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThe national day of fasting, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked nonplussed.\u00a0 He\u2019d read, of course, of the President\u2019s request that all Americans join him in fasting and prayer on this day, but he hadn\u2019t really planned to participate.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou needn\u2019t join me,\u201d his friend said, easily reading Adam\u2019s thoughts, \u201cbut especially since we still haven\u2019t heard from Father, I\u2019d like to spend extra time in prayer today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s barely had time to receive our letters,\u201d Adam said, sitting on the bed beside his friend, \u201cso it\u2019s too soon to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m not,\u201d Jamie assured him, \u201cbut I do want to pray that God keeps him safe on his journey to us\u2014and for our soldiers, too, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded soberly.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019ll stay with you, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t, if it isn\u2019t your own conviction,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s hard enough to go hungry when you do feel strongly about it, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave him a wry smile.\u00a0 \u201cI feel strongly enough to miss one meal, at least.\u00a0 After that, the strength of my convictions may depend on how belligerently my stomach makes its demands known.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to pray here or in chapel?\u201d Jamie asked.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s open early today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI prefer here, in private,\u201d Adam said, \u201cunless you\u2019d rather . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod\u2019s everywhere, Adam,\u201d Jamie said with a chuckle as he closed his Bible and slipped to his knees.<\/p>\n

Adam started to join him, but since he\u2019d never felt especially comfortable in that religious posture, he walked to the window and perched on the ledge, instead.\u00a0 Closing his eyes, he thought first of Josiah and made a simple request that he\u2019d be kept safe as he traveled through the contentious country between here and Missouri.\u00a0 Having come that way himself not long ago, Adam had a clear idea of the dangers the man might meet, and he had to admit that he felt better after committing his friend\u2019s father into the care of Almighty God.<\/p>\n

He had a harder time praying, though, once his thoughts turned to the Union soldiers in the field.\u00a0 They weren\u2019t people he knew personally, and his father had so strongly urged him to stay out of the sectional divisiveness that he found it hard to ask God to intervene on one side or the other.\u00a0 Then, as his mind drifted back to the battle he\u2019d fought against the Paiutes back home, he decided he didn\u2019t have to pick sides.\u00a0 There\u2019d been good men and bad on both sides of that conflict, and the same was probably true of this one here in the East.\u00a0 Keep the good men alive and only let the bad ones die<\/em>\u2014too simplistic a prayer, of course, but that was what was in Adam\u2019s heart as he gazed through the frosty windowpane.\u00a0 Good men sometimes went bad, and bad ones sometimes reformed, and only God knew how a man\u2019s life would end, for good or ill.\u00a0 Do what You think is right for each of them<\/em> seemed like a weak prayer, too, but it was the only way he could pray that morning.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Just as the Latin tutor approached the lectern, Lucas slid onto the bench beside Adam in the recitation room.\u00a0 \u201cWhy weren\u2019t you at breakfast?\u201d he hissed.<\/p>\n

Adam responded with a cautioning elbow to his friend\u2019s side.\u00a0 Tutor Smith had a reputation for passing out demerits with a free hand, and although it was only two weeks into the term, Lucas had already managed to pick up a couple.\u00a0 By missing chapel he had added two more to his tally, placing him a quarter of the way to the sixteen that would put him on report to the faculty, who would then send notice to his parents.\u00a0 So far, Adam, like Jamie, had a clean slate and planned to keep it that way.\u00a0 His father had sacrificed too much to give him this opportunity, and Adam never wanted Pa to feel that he\u2019d made a mistake.\u00a0 He\u2019d probably pick up a few demerits along the way\u2014everyone seemed to think that was inevitable\u2014but since a clean slate required only class attendance, punctuality and reasonable behavior during recitation, he fully expected to stay well below sixteen . . . and certainly below the fatal forty-eight that would lead to suspension for six weeks or an entire term.<\/p>\n

As soon as class ended, Lucas snared Adam by the elbow and propelled him down the steps.\u00a0 \u201cSo, why\u2019d you skip breakfast?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t give demerits for that,\u201d Adam countered.\u00a0 \u201cWhy\u2019d you skip chapel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour fault,\u201d Lucas alleged as he tossed his books to the ground and dropped beneath the elm where the four friends generally met after recitations.<\/p>\n

Adam joined him.\u00a0 \u201cMy fault?\u00a0 How on earth do you figure that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy,\u201d Lucas said.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t bear to see good food go to waste, so I was delayed, polishing off your share and Edwards\u2019, and that made me late for chapel.\u00a0 Now, you know as well as I, my good fellow, that tardiness racks up just as many demerits as absence, so I decided I might as well use the time to bone up for my Latin recitation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWell, it did seem to help.\u00a0 You were more coherent than usual.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s poppycock,\u201d Marcus snorted, he and Jamie having come up in time to hear Lucas\u2019s explanation.\u00a0 \u201cYou were late to breakfast; that\u2019s why you were late leaving the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, there\u2019s that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cMarc wants some help with his Latin, so we\u2019re going over to the library.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be late for geometry,\u201d Lucas cautioned with an impish grin.<\/p>\n

Adam gave him a playful shove.\u00a0 \u201cFollow your own advice, sir.\u00a0 Jamie has probably never been late to class once in his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot once,\u201d Jamie admitted with an almost embarrassed smile.\u00a0 \u201cMy father was a teacher, remember?\u00a0 He trained me in punctuality from my first day in grammar school.\u201d\u00a0 As he and Marcus headed toward the library, he called over his shoulder, \u201cSee you at eleven-thirty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam waved back in acknowledgement.\u00a0 \u201cI probably should put in some extra study time myself, but I\u2019m not in the mood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWeak from hunger, no doubt,\u201d Lucas teased.\u00a0 \u201cYou never did explain your absence from the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFasting,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThe President\u2019s request, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlory be!\u201d Lucas exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cI like the little preacher boy, honestly I do, but I think he\u2019s having a bad influence on you, mate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wanted to pray for his father\u2019s safety,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand I hated to see him carry that burden alone.\u00a0 You\u2019re right about hunger, though.\u00a0 The only Latin I wanted to concentrate on this morning was cibus<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAh, yes . . . food . . . my favorite Latin word.\u00a0 You\u2019ll present yourself for dinner then, I presume?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019d better,\u201d Adam agreed with a shrug.<\/p>\n

\u201cJamie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStill fasting, I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 More disciplined than the lot of us, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThe boy has no sense.\u201d\u00a0 He stood up, brushing the back of his pants.\u00a0 \u201cMuch as it pains me, I suppose I should pay some attention to our upcoming session with Euclid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed help?\u201d Adam asked.\u00a0 \u201cWe could join the others in the library.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019m beyond help in that department,\u201d Lucas confessed, \u201cbut as you\u2019re a bona fide<\/em> genius in math, maybe it\u2019s worth a try.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s do it, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

They started to walk toward the library, when suddenly Lucas snapped his fingers.\u00a0 \u201cI almost forgot the most important news of the day.\u00a0 We\u2019re forming a baseball club Saturday afternoon.\u00a0 With those finely muscled arms of yours, you\u2019d be a natural.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stopping, Adam gave his friend a blank look.\u00a0 \u201cBaseball?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas gawked back at him.\u00a0 Then he grinned.\u00a0 \u201cHasn\u2019t made its way west yet, I presume.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI guess not.\u00a0 Some sort of game?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe grandest game ever, Adam!\u201d Lucas declared enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019ve never seen it before, you might have to start in the muffin nine, but you\u2019d rise through the ranks rapidly.\u00a0 Do come watch the exhibition match.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re playing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cJamie and I were planning to walk up to West Rock after recitation on Saturday, but I\u2019ll see if he\u2019s willing to watch the game, instead.\u00a0 It sounds interesting.\u00a0 Now, interested or not, you are going to plug away at Euclid for the next hour.\u00a0 Come on!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On Saturday afternoon Adam led the way to the middle rank of benches at the side of the playing field.\u00a0 \u201cWe should have a good view from here,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019d say so,\u201d Jamie agreed.\u00a0 He looked up at the almost clear sky, the vast expanse of blue dotted here and there with puffy white clouds.\u00a0 \u201cA beautiful day for a game.\u00a0 It\u2019s a shame Marc already had other plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did, too.\u00a0 You\u2019re not too disappointed at putting off our trip to West Rock, are you?\u201d Adam queried.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful weather for that, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNow, why would I be disappointed at trading an afternoon of Dr. Cartwright\u2019s rigorous exercise regime for one of sitting quietly and watching others labor for my enjoyment?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam clucked his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cYou are a rebellious and lazy patient, but you will take some exercise after second service tomorrow, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grinned.\u00a0 \u201cYes, doctor, and gladly.\u00a0 I\u2019m looking forward to this, though, especially as it\u2019s so important to Lucas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, he\u2019s quite enthusiastic,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 He gazed out over the playing field.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d never heard of baseball, but this looks familiar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, a little.\u00a0 You remember town ball?\u00a0 We used to watch the bigger boys play that in St. Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d Adam said, snapping his fingers.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019s been niggling at my brain.\u00a0 The field\u2019s shaped differently, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

A team in white shirts ran onto the diamond-shaped field and began firing the soft round sphere from man to man.\u00a0 \u201cWhat strong arms they have!\u201d cried Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cBut where is Lucas?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe must be on the opposing team,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 The muscles in his arms tightened as he imagined himself out on the field, throwing fast balls to other teammates.\u00a0 Much as he loved books and study, he sometimes missed opportunities to be outdoors and use his muscles.\u00a0 This baseball club could provide him with that longed-for exercise . . . if only. . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s Lucas!\u201d Jamie shouted, pointing to their friend as boys in blue shirts took the field to warm up for the game.<\/p>\n

The blue team\u2019s ball flew around the field until their allotted time was up.\u00a0 Lucas caught sight of his friends and waved as he trotted to the side and took his place beside his teammates.\u00a0 The first striker for the blue team took his position, bat in hand.\u00a0 He swung wildly at the first ball, but connected with the second and ran successfully to first base.\u00a0 The second striker hit the ball on the first pitch, but a man in the far right field ably caught it.\u00a0 \u201cWait a minute,\u201d Adam said as he saw Lucas approach the striker\u2019s point.\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t that an out?\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t the teams switch places now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey did in town ball,\u201d Jamie recalled, \u201cbut perhaps the rules for this are different.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApparently so,\u201d Adam conceded, leaning forward to watch more intently.<\/p>\n

Lucas swung strongly, but missed the first ball and the second.\u00a0 When he swung the third time, however, the air cracked with the force of his strike.\u00a0 The ball flew like a bullet toward the far end of the diamond and beyond.\u00a0 Spectators leaped to their feet.\u00a0 \u201cAn ace!\u201d one yelled.\u00a0 \u201cGo it, Cameron!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Jamie were on their feet, too.\u00a0 \u201cRun, Luke, run!\u201d Adam screamed, and Jamie echoed the prevailing encouragement as Lucas rounded base after base and returned to the striking point.<\/p>\n

The next two men struck out under the concentrated pitching of the white team, and then the two teams switched sides.\u00a0 \u201cThree outs per side in baseball, I surmise,\u201d Adam said, turning to Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded. \u00a0\u201cI like that better.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the game proceeded, it became obvious that Lucas was one of the better players.\u00a0 \u201cNot that I\u2019m surprised,\u201d Adam told him when he and Jamie congratulated their friend after the match ended.\u00a0 \u201cYou have the look of a true sportsman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love the game,\u201d Lucas admitted and then laughed.\u00a0 \u201cFar more than Euclid, to be sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho doesn\u2019t?\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven I,\u201d Jamie said with a smile, \u201calthough I probably succeed better with Euclid than sports.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas\u2019s patronizing pat on the shoulder said that he agreed, but he politely didn\u2019t voice his doubts about the other boy\u2019s athletic abilities.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about you, Adam?\u201d he asked eagerly.\u00a0 \u201cIf you think you\u2019d be interested in joining, I\u2019ll be happy to put in a good word for you with the organizers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced down swiftly, to hide the wistful look in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps later, Luke.\u00a0 College life is still so new to me that I think I should concentrate on basic studies for the time being.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam!\u201d Lucas chided.\u00a0 \u201cAll work and no play is . . . well, practically un-American . . . not to mention un-Yalensian.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave him a shove.\u00a0 \u201cAnd all play and no work definitely is!\u201d\u00a0 He sobered.\u00a0 \u201cSeriously, Luke, let me get grounded with what I\u2019ve already taken on before I add more.\u00a0 If I feel I can manage it, I guarantee you I\u2019ll join up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, all right,\u201d Lucas said.\u00a0 His nose wrinkled.\u00a0 \u201cWhew!\u00a0 Get a whiff of me!\u00a0 I\u2019d better get back to my rooms and scrub off some of this sweat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mouth twitched.\u00a0 \u201cPlease do.\u00a0 I don\u2019t fancy sitting at table with you in this condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas returned the shove he\u2019d received moments before and after shaking both Adam\u2019s hand and Jamie\u2019s took off for his lodgings.<\/p>\n

As Adam and Jamie made their way back to their own room, Jamie asked soberly, \u201cIs it because of me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned toward him.\u00a0 \u201cIs what because of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie flicked a nervous glance in his friend\u2019s direction.\u00a0 \u201cThe reason you won\u2019t join the team.\u00a0 Is it what you said or are you holding yourself back because you know it\u2019s something I can\u2019t participate in with any degree of success?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither one, to be honest,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you needn\u2019t,\u201d Jamie continued as if he hadn\u2019t heard Adam\u2019s response.\u00a0 \u201cMuch as I enjoy your company and all the time we spend together, Adam, I know you have other interests that I don\u2019t share.\u00a0 So, if you want this, don\u2019t let me be a hindrance.\u00a0 I\u2019ll gladly cheer for you each Saturday, as well as for Lucas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took his friend by the shoulders and turned him until they were face to face.\u00a0 \u201cJamie, it isn\u2019t you,\u201d he said bluntly.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s money, pure and simple.\u00a0 There are dues for this club, like any other, and apparently a uniform to buy and probably other expenses.\u00a0 I hated to tell Luke that, but you know my situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed . . . and share it,\u201d Jamie sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cWell, maybe someday I\u2019ll be able to swing it.\u00a0 For now, it probably is best that I concentrate on my studies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019d better get to that right away,\u201d Jamie agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWith our first Sigma Ep meeting tonight, we haven\u2019t much time left to study.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat being the case . . . race you back to George Street,\u201d Adam challenged and started out at a slow trot to give Jamie a chance to get his shorter legs pumping.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It was ten of eight that evening when Adam and Jamie entered the society hall in the upper story of the Brewster Building.\u00a0 \u201cLook!\u00a0 There\u2019s Marc,\u201d Jamie said, pointing, \u201cbut I don\u2019t see Lucas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cOur friend Lucas is scarcely the punctual type.\u00a0 He\u2019ll probably come skidding in at the last minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d Jamie admitted.\u00a0 He waved at Marcus, who was signaling that there were seats available beside him.\u00a0 They crossed the room, and Jamie took the seat next to Marcus.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Marc,\u201d Adam said, leaning around Jamie to greet their friend. \u00a0\u201cLooking forward to the program?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t even imagine what it\u2019ll be like,\u201d Marcus admitted, \u201cbut I\u2019m eager to find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs are we,\u201d Jamie assured him.<\/p>\n

They hadn\u2019t long to wait.\u00a0 Promptly at eight o\u2019clock (with still no sign of Lucas) the program began with a debate between two other freshmen, comparing the literary genius of William Cowper with that of William Wordsworth.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 He enjoyed the works of both authors, but Cowper recalled pleasant memories of the days when he and Ross Marquette had first gotten acquainted while cutting timber for the new schoolhouse.\u00a0 He\u2019d quoted a bit of Cowper to the other boy that first day and later had loaned him a book of Cowper\u2019s poems.\u00a0 They\u2019d discussed them on other occasions and in letters to and from Sacramento.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t written Ross a word since I got here<\/em>, Adam chided himself, or Billy, either.\u00a0 I need to work that in sometime tomorrow, if I can, now that I know the mail will go through<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Polite applause interrupted Adam\u2019s train of thought, and he realized with a start that the debate had ended.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, well done,\u201d said the president of the society.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s never easy to go first in any new undertaking, and I commend both of you for taking on the challenge and fulfilling it commendably.\u00a0 Now, there will be critique from the members at our next meeting, but I\u2019m sure the response will be favorable.\u00a0 Next, our oration of the evening will be presented by Mr. Baker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baker made his way to the front, swallowed hard and announced his topic, The Importance of Geography to the Development of Nations.\u00a0 Adam listened intently this time and joined in the applause with sincerity.\u00a0 Baker had, in his opinion, done a fine job of proving his points.<\/p>\n

The president again faced the group.\u00a0 \u201cThis, as I understand procedure, is when we would normally critique the debate and oration of the previous week, but as this is our first meeting, I suppose we must logically forego that pleasure\u2014or pain\u2014tonight.\u201d\u00a0 After the laughter that met these words died down, he continued, \u201cWe will, instead, proceed to the announcement of next week\u2019s appointments.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam barely paid attention as the topic of debate and the two men taking opposing sides were announced, but he abruptly sat upright as he heard his own name mentioned next.\u00a0 \u201cWe appoint Mr. Adam Cartwright to give our next oration,\u201d the president announced.\u00a0 \u201cSince Mr. Cartwright comes from a new territory, unknown to the majority of us, we ask him to give us a thorough description of Nevada, tracing its development from early settlement to the present.\u201d<\/p>\n

As had the newly assigned debaters before him, Adam rose to his feet and said, \u201cI am pleased to accept, sir, and thank you for the honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt really is an honor, Adam,\u201d Jamie enthused as they walked back to their lodging house. \u00a0\u201cTo be selected so early in the year, when there are so many better known to the majority . . . why, I never expected it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNor did I,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cI suspect the novelty of someone from the far West influenced the decision, that and the allure of a mountain of silver.\u00a0 They\u2019re probably hoping to hear stories of wild shooting sprees and lavish riches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of which you can supply,\u201d Jamie pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Adam agreed with a shrug, \u201cbut I don\u2019t want to leave our new friends with the impression that that\u2019s all there is to Nevada.\u00a0 We have more solid citizens than ruffians and more men of moderate means than millionaires.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re just the man to show them the real Nevada,\u201d Jamie declared.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait to hear you next week!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Late that night, after Jamie was soundly asleep, Adam slipped out of bed and walked across the room to the open window.\u00a0 As he perched on the windowsill, the air was chilly on his bare legs, but the crispness kept him alert and helped him think.\u00a0 Though Jamie seemed to have complete confidence in him, Adam himself wondered how he\u2019d fare next Saturday night.\u00a0 He\u2019d given little talks in his Sacramento classes, of course, but his classmates there had been no better educated than he.\u00a0 Their acceptance had been easy to earn.\u00a0 Here he\u2019d be speaking before men who\u2019d been trained in classical rhetoric in the great preparatory schools of the East\u2014and they\u2019d be offering critiques on his work, too!\u00a0 He\u2019d never experienced that before, and he definitely wanted to make a good first impression.\u00a0 Survive the first assignment, and he would, of necessity, find the next less daunting.\u00a0 Fail it and\u2014no!\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t let himself think of failure.\u00a0 When a fellow did that, he charted a path all too easy to follow.<\/p>\n

What would he speak about?\u00a0 Should he give them the wild and woolly antics sure to hold their attention\u2014the time he and Billy Thomas had trailed Sam Brown on his last shooting spree, for instance\u2014or should he hold up to their eyes a truer picture of home?\u00a0 Was there a way to blend the two?\u00a0 To ease the tension in his neck, Adam rolled his head back on his shoulders.\u00a0 Why, oh why, had he ever thought that he\u2019d drawn a simple topic for his first oration?\u00a0 He had a feeling he\u2019d be spending every night this week on this windowsill, pondering what to say.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Baseball, in the form we know, developed around 1840 and became a national craze after the Civil War.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTEEN<\/p>\n

Anxiety and Relief<\/p>\n

Adam was leaning against what he and his college comrades had come to call the Elm of Assembly on Monday morning when Lucas, who had been talking to another of his many friends, ran over to him.\u00a0 As he dropped his books, a few leaves, just turning amber, fluttered to the ground.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s the preacher boy and Marc?\u201d he asked casually.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll never convince me one of them<\/em> is being kept after class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a chance,\u201d Adam chuckled, \u201cbut they won\u2019t be meeting us here, either.\u00a0 They\u2019re off to the library\u2014and I think it\u2019s going to be a daily arrangement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas gave a mock shiver.\u00a0 \u201cGhastly.\u00a0 They\u2019ll probably stand first and second in the class, those two.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam arched an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cReally?\u00a0 Thanks for your high opinion of me, Master Cameron!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAmbitious, are you?\u00a0 Well, you\u2019ve the wit for it, I grant you that\u2014more than Marcus, I\u2019ll wager\u2014so it\u2019ll be you and Jamie vying for top honors, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing would make me happier,\u201d Adam said, feeling he\u2019d even be content with second place, so long as it was Jamie ahead of him.\u00a0 \u201cAs for you, sir, a bit more time with the books would not be out of place.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Lucas\u2019s shoulder a rough shake, for his friend had given another deplorable recitation in the Latin class they\u2019d just completed.<\/p>\n

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get by; I always do.\u201d\u00a0 He bent to pick up his books.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m headed over to the gymnasium.\u00a0 Care to join me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes lighted with interest.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I had planned to write a friend back home . . . but I guess that could wait.\u00a0 I would like to see what the gymnasium is like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s grand, Adam!\u201d Lucas enthused.\u00a0 \u201cJust the thing to clear your head of all those vile Romans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather they stayed in there, thank you,\u201d Adam laughed, \u201cafter working so hard to stuff them in!\u00a0 I do, however, think a little physical activity can stimulate clear thinking, and that\u2019s all to the good when tackling Euclid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the spirit!\u201d Lucas cried.\u00a0 \u201cStill say you should go out for baseball, but if you just won\u2019t, you should, at least, dust off the cobwebs at the gym.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bent to pick up his own text.\u00a0 \u201cI agree.\u00a0 Show me around?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure!\u201d<\/p>\n

They had to leave the college yard proper to get to the gymnasium, but it was located just beyond those bounds, on Library Street, near the corner of High Street.\u00a0 The plain brick building was one hundred feet long and only half that wide, but by comparison with other college buildings, this one looked new.\u00a0 \u201cJust opened last year,\u201d Lucas replied when Adam stated that observation, \u201cand the equipment inside is up-to-date, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

They entered the large main room, already occupied by a good number of students, many of them recognizable to Adam as members of his own class.\u00a0 Some were swinging Indian clubs to strengthen their arms, while others jumped from springboards onto a wooden horse, where they performed intricate maneuvers.\u00a0 Still others climbed ropes or moved hand-over-hand across horizontal ladders, while a couple were vaulting over bars around the periphery of the room.\u00a0 One was walking on his hands down a set of parallel bars as agilely as if he\u2019d been strolling down the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmazing,\u201d Adam murmured enviously.<\/p>\n

Lucas pointed up to a gallery at the southern end.\u00a0 \u201cDressing rooms up there, if you wish to change,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t come prepared,\u201d Adam pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but just so you\u2019ll know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cSo, what sort of exercise do you fancy today?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas grinned.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve got to see downstairs first, and then we\u2019ll decide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam said agreeably.<\/p>\n

As they went down into the basement, Lucas said, \u201cThere\u2019s about a dozen bathing rooms down here, but you have to pay to use those.\u201d Reaching the foot of the stairs, he swept an arm across the room.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what I wanted you to see, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Only two of the six lanes set up for bowling were in use.\u00a0 Adam applauded as fellow freshman James Brand rolled a ball down one, knocking over seven pins.\u00a0 Brand turned and grinned in acknowledgement as Henry Butler took his turn with the ball.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy favorite activity,\u201d Lucas said.\u00a0 \u201cI always prefer an actual game to just plain exercising.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hooted.\u00a0 \u201cProving you\u2019re as lazy an athlete as you are a student!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas gave him a playful shove.\u00a0 \u201cAll work and no play make Adam a dull boy,\u201d he said, echoing a charge he had made more than once.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd all play and no work make Luke one with a very short career at Yale,\u201d Adam teased, returning the shove.<\/p>\n

\u201cTruce,\u201d Lucas declared, throwing up his hands.\u00a0 \u201cCare for a game?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never played,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d have to teach me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh!\u00a0 A chance to pay you back for your instruction in geometry last week!\u201d Lucas exulted.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I assure you, I shall be every bit as hard a taskmaster as you were.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cShow me how it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t believe how fast the week had gone.\u00a0 Here at Yale every day was packed with studies, society meetings and extracurricular activities.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t indulged in any of those this week, however, with the single exception of a trip to the gymnasium with Lucas between first and second recitation each day.\u00a0 He\u2019d come to relish that break from academic pursuits, when he could send a ball barreling down a bowling lane, swing an Indian club or climb a rope and feel his muscles work.\u00a0 He always felt invigorated and sharper in his wits afterwards.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d skipped Wednesday\u2019s meeting of the Brothers in Unity.\u00a0 Attendance there was voluntary, so it was an easy choice to omit when he needed extra time.\u00a0 He had definitely needed extra time this week, to prepare his oration on the development of Nevada.\u00a0 He\u2019d urged Jamie to attend, though, insisting that he needed to be alone in their room so that he could hammer out some idea of what he wanted to say.\u00a0 The solitude had helped, too.\u00a0 An approach had begun to solidify during those few hours to himself, and he now knew what he\u2019d be saying at tonight\u2019s Sigma Ep meeting . . . if only he could silence the cacophonous beating of butterfly wings in his stomach, to borrow a description from his best friend.<\/p>\n

Sprawled on their shared bed, Jamie glanced up from the latest copy of the New York Times<\/em>, slipped to him at dinner by one of the senior Vultures, and noticed Adam\u2019s distant stare out the window.\u00a0 \u201cDo you want me to clear out, so you can rehearse your oration again?\u201d he offered.\u00a0 \u201cOr would you like to speak it to me, for practice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo to both,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019ll lose all freshness in my presentation if I go over it another time!\u00a0 Just give me something else to think about.\u00a0 Anything of interest in the paper?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie winced ruefully.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t seem to tear my eyes off the map of Missouri on the front page.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sobered immediately.\u00a0 \u201cDoes it show what territory the rebels still hold?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe accompanying article gives the boundaries.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie rolled to a sitting position, making room for Adam beside him, and turned worried eyes to his friend as he sat down.\u00a0 \u201cHalf the state, Adam, and the unrest is hindering repairs on the burned bridges, too.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled bravely.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, the northern half is still Union-held, and this other article reports that a Mr. Olmstead made it through to Quincy from St. Joe and on to Chicago.\u00a0 That\u2019s the way Father would be coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut . . . ?\u201d\u00a0 Adam drew out the word.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem troubled,\u201d Adam said plainly.<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt also says that the rebels confiscated everything of value in St. Joe and that Mr. Olmstead was virtually destitute when he reached Chicago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed and placed an arm about his friend\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cWhat soldiers value and what your father values aren\u2019t necessarily the same things, of course, but even if he gets here with only the shirt on his back . . . well, his safety is what matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d Jamie quickly agreed.\u00a0 Then his stalwart fa\u00e7ade crumpled.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, we should have heard something by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would have thought so,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI can certainly understand your concern.\u00a0 I know I\u2019d be frantic if it were Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr Hoss or Little Joe,\u201d Jamie added.<\/p>\n

Adam stroked his smooth chin.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, yes, but if the rebels capture Little Joe . . . well, heaven help the rebels!\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite his concern Jamie couldn\u2019t help laughing.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re incorrigible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he is,\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

Jamie gave his friend a quick, one-armed embrace.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do without you, Adam, to bolster my spirits in anxious times like these.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood and motioned toward their desks.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t we have a pull at The Odyssey<\/em>?\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cA good subject to keep both our minds off our worries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled as he, too, moved to his desk.\u00a0 \u201cRedeem the time, as the Scripture advises?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I\u2019m sure Old Had would approve\u2014and Father, too.\u201d\u00a0 Before opening his book, though, he unwrapped the single piece of divinity that Adam had presented to him that morning.\u00a0 \u201cSure you won\u2019t share this?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too small a gift as it is,\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I could have given you a better birthday gift, Jamie, but you know how it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re likely to get even less on yours,\u201d Jamie predicted as he took a small bite, letting it slowly melt in his mouth.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s the thought that counts, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case you hold in your hand\u2014er, mouth\u2014a fortune beyond that of the greatest silver baron on the Comstock Lode,\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWould you help me with this cravat?\u201d Adam asked later that evening.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m all thumbs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie walked across the room and began to expertly loop the maroon silk around his friend\u2019s neck.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know why you\u2019re so nervous,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t the slightest doubt that you\u2019ll receive a standing ovation for your august oration.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam groaned.\u00a0 \u201cThis is scarcely the time for bad poetry, my dear chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grinned.\u00a0 \u201cIt got your mind off the nerves, didn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam uttered a short, sharp laugh.\u00a0 \u201cFor about three seconds, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I guess I\u2019ll have to come up with more bad poetry,\u201d Jamie announced.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see . . . thirty minutes until the meeting starts . . . at three seconds per poem . . . I\u2019ll need to compose about\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put up a restraining hand.\u00a0 \u201cSpare me any obtuse algebraic equations . . . please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three knocks sounded on the door.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get it,\u201d a laughing Jamie offered.\u00a0 He walked to the door and opened it.<\/p>\n

Adam was checking his cravat in the mirror when he heard his roommate cry out.\u00a0 Concerned lest they were being paid another call by the pesky sophomores\u2014tonight of all nights!\u2014he spun around quickly, and his face instantly brightened.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Edwards!\u00a0 You made it through!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been so concerned, Father,\u201d Jamie murmured as he fell into his father\u2019s embrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere, there, boy, I know,\u201d Josiah said, stroking his son\u2019s smooth, honey-hued hair.\u00a0 \u201cA risky business, traveling through Missouri these days, but I made it through at the best possible time.\u00a0 Happy birthday, son!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe happiest ever,\u201d Jamie murmured, face buried in his father\u2019s vest.\u00a0 Then he asked, \u00a0 \u201cDid you get our letters, Father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI received yours<\/em>,\u201d Josiah said, \u201cand found it most persuasive.\u201d\u00a0 He looked questioningly at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cMine went to Elwood, just in case you were forced that way,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cI always knew there was a chance\u2014quite a strong one, I thought\u2014that you\u2019d never see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh . . . no,\u201d Josiah admitted, \u201cbut I assume it was of much the same tenor as Jamie\u2019s.\u201d\u00a0 As Adam nodded, he took an appraising look at his former student.\u00a0 \u201cMy, aren\u2019t you spruced up for a Saturday evening!\u00a0 Some fair maiden expecting you, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t I wish!\u00a0 I haven\u2019t had opportunity to meet a single one since I\u2019ve been back East.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s giving an oration for our freshman society tonight, Father,\u201d Jamie explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I weren\u2019t obligated to that, sir,\u201d Adam said earnestly.\u00a0 \u201cI would rather stay here with you and Jamie and hear all your news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Josiah asked.\u00a0 \u201cStay here with Jamie?\u00a0 Son, surely you intended to be there to hear your friend speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did, of course,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cbut\u2014oh, Father, I have a hundred questions!\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I have a hundred more for you and Adam, but they\u2019ll keep.\u00a0 Your friend needs your support, son, and I wouldn\u2019t dream of changing your plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you could come, too,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

Jamie looked doubtful.\u00a0 \u201cI think it\u2019s members only, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch as I\u2019d like to hear Adam speak,\u201d Josiah said quickly, \u201cI\u2019m rather tired from the trip.\u00a0 I fear I might punctuate his fine oratory with yawns and snores!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know just what you mean,\u201d Adam said with a reminiscent grin.\u00a0 \u201cHave you arranged lodgings?\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot exactly. \u00a0I came straight here, but I did prevail upon your Mrs. Wiggins\u2014for a mere pittance\u2014to let me stay the night here with you . . . if you don\u2019t object.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d be delighted,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cYou take the bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah chuckled again.\u00a0 \u201cI may for a while, but Mrs. Wiggins is rounding me up a cot.\u00a0 How long do you boys think you\u2019ll be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo or three hours,\u201d Jamie moaned.\u00a0 \u201cWe won\u2019t get to talk at all tonight, Father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah again pulled the boy into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter, son.\u00a0 We have tomorrow\u2014a whole host of tomorrows.\u201d<\/p>\n

Too overcome with emotion to speak, Jamie pressed his cheek against his father\u2019s vest again, while Adam discreetly averted his eyes.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThanks for being here with me,\u201d Adam said to Jamie as the meeting of Sigma Ep began.\u00a0 \u201cI know what a sacrifice it is for you, but it does help to have one friendly face in the audience.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo,\u201d Marcus, who was seated next to Jamie, declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree, at least,\u201d Lucas added decidedly, \u201cand once you start speaking, it\u2019ll be a roomful, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled his appreciation for the encouragement of his friends.\u00a0 \u201cAll of you will have to take notes on the debate for me.\u00a0 I doubt a word of it will sink in, when I know I\u2019m next up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a job for this fellow,\u201d Lucas said, reaching around Adam to clap Jamie on the back.\u00a0 \u201cBest note taker in the class.\u00a0 Make a copy for me, too, preacher boy, \u2018cause you know how much of any speech-making sinks in with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake your own notes,\u201d Jamie chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cGoodness knows, you need the practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas clucked his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cI do believe our star speaker has been telling tales out of school.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh,\u201d Adam warned.\u00a0 \u201cThe debate\u2019s beginning now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sincerely tried to pay attention to the debate, but found it difficult when lines from his own oration kept winding through his head.\u00a0 To his chagrin, by the time the two opposing speakers sat down, he\u2019d completely lost track of what their topic had been.\u00a0 So long as I don\u2019t lose track of my own!<\/em> he thought as he made his way to the front when his name was announced.<\/p>\n

He planted his feet comfortably apart and took a deep breath before beginning, a device for calming nerves that he had developed at school in Sacramento.\u00a0 \u201cLast week Mr. Baker, in his excellent oration on the subject of the Importance of Geography to the Development of Nations, admirably laid the groundwork for what I will share with you this evening.\u00a0 If ever the development of a land was influenced by geography, that land would be Nevada.\u00a0 Geography\u2014and the human choices dictated by geography\u2014tell the story of its settlement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling his voice start to quaver, he paused and glanced toward the row where his friends were sitting.\u00a0 Jamie\u2019s bright smile of support encouraged him, and his voice grew stronger as he continued.\u00a0 \u201cGeography first led to the territory being bypassed as unworthy of settlement.\u00a0 As one enters Nevada, he encounters a succession of mountain ranges, running north and south.\u00a0 Between them lie valleys, but the majority of the terrain is so dry as to discourage agriculture.\u00a0 Indeed, it played no part in the culture of the Paiute and Washo Indians, who preceded the white man in settling there. \u00a0They became hunters and gatherers of Nature\u2019s resources: rabbit, antelope, fish from the lakes near which they lived, marsh bird eggs, pine nuts, grass seeds and berries, tule shoots for those with a sweet tooth, a condition not unique to freshmen at Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

The chuckles from the audience heartened him still more.\u00a0 Adam warmed to his subject as he began to add his personal experience to the lecture.\u00a0 \u201cMy family, like most others, saw Nevada, then known as western Utah, merely as barren land to be crossed in order to reach the golden promise of California.\u00a0 Circumstances having delayed our journey, however, we faced the geographical barrier of the Sierra Nevada Mountains late enough in the year for snow to present a danger.\u00a0 For that reason\u2014and since we had adequate supplies\u2014we, along with one other family, chose not to cross the mountains, but to winter on their eastern side.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pleasant memories of that winter spent with the Thomases spurred him on.\u00a0 \u201cWe constructed a shared cabin along the Carson River, geography again influencing our choice of location.\u00a0 Our intention was to remain until spring and then continue on to California, but those months in what would become Nevada made us realize that everything we needed for the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness could be found right where we were.\u00a0 The land was fertile, needing only the river\u2019s water to grow garden produce in abundance.\u00a0 This we would sell to the emigrant trains passing through to California and to the few miners who searched for gold in the nearby hills.\u00a0 In time, other emigrants made the same choice, and they, too, were influenced by geography as they built their homes along the few waterways that traverse the territory.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy own family eventually relocated, but again we were influenced by geography, as well as by human emotion.\u00a0 We fell in love with the immense lake the Indians call Tahoe and the white men Lake Bigler.\u201d His heart filled with warm memories of Inger, as if even now she were surrounding him with her love.\u00a0 \u201cIt reminded us of the way my Swedish stepmother, who had died along the journey, had described her homeland, so although others discouraged us from moving to so isolated an area, we kept faith with her and built a new home in the foothills near the lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now feeling bold enough to make eye contact with the unfamiliar faces in the audience, Adam continued.\u00a0 \u201cIn time, others settled nearer to us, along Franktown Creek and Washoe Lake. \u00a0However, permanent settlers remained few until another science\u2014geology\u2014became the next influence on the development of Nevada.\u00a0 All of you have heard of the discovery of the great Comstock Lode, I imagine, but I was there.\u00a0 I saw what a profound influence\u2014both for good and for ill\u2014the discovery of silver had.\u00a0 Overnight, a slow-moving, simple agrarian society exploded into a rough-and-tumble boomtown community.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new residents of the future Nevada did not share the understanding of the land that the earlier settlers, both white and Indian, had possessed,\u201d he declared earnestly.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps that was because geology, rather than geography, had influenced their decision; perhaps it was because they never intended to stay and build a society, but merely to reap a rich harvest from the bowels of the earth and then abandon it to the elements they never came to respect.\u201d\u00a0 His pace quickened and his voice grew stronger still as he used its intensity to convey the seriousness of what he was saying.\u00a0 \u201cStill, even temporary residents must eat, so they killed the antelope; even temporary residents must keep warm, so they cut down the pi\u00f1on trees, destroying with them a staple of the Indians\u2019 diet.\u00a0 The Indians, too, still needed to eat, to keep warm, and because many now competed for what nature and geography only meant to sustain a few, tragedy loomed on the horizon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused for dramatic emphasis and was pleased to see many of his fellow students leaning forward, hanging on his every word.\u00a0 \u201cThere had been isolated incidents of conflict before, but when two young Paiute girls were taken captive by a set of white men, the Indians not only rescued them and burned that station, but retaliated against settlers who had nothing to do with the misconduct.\u00a0 In retaliation for that retaliation, men from the new Virginia City led an assault against a well coordinated Paiute defense and were slaughtered.\u00a0 I was at school in California at that time, but concerned for my family, I returned and participated in the next battle.\u00a0 This time the United States Army led the assault, with predictable results.\u00a0 The Indians were defeated and a wary peace restored, though at tremendous cost.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adopting a more conversational tone, Adam smiled at his listeners.\u00a0 \u201cBy comparison with the states most of you come from, Nevada is an infant, just beginning to take her first tottering steps toward her place in this Union.\u00a0 She has her rowdy, juvenile element, men such as the Virginia City chiefs, who want their \u2018man for breakfast,\u2019 but she also boasts such stalwart men as William Stewart, once a student at this very institution, who work to bring civilization to a populace eager to embrace it.\u00a0 My father, among many others in Nevada, is such a man, and it is my earnest hope that what I gain here at Yale will enable me to further his dream, which is also my own: to help build a society in Nevada of which the United States may be justly proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thunderous applause broke out, so loud that Adam\u2019s attempt to again thank the society for the honor of addressing them was drowned out.\u00a0 With a bow to the president of Sigma Ep, he walked back to his seat and collapsed into it.\u00a0 \u201cWas it all right?\u201d he whispered to Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right?\u201d crowed Lucas, who had overheard the question.\u00a0 \u201cListen to that applause, you idiot!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was wonderful, Adam,\u201d Jamie whispered, for the president was trying to quiet the room, so the meeting could proceed.\u00a0 \u201cIf only Father could have heard it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 He, too, would have relished having his first teacher witness this night\u2019s triumph, but he couldn\u2019t help wishing even more that his own father could have been there.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam and Jamie entered their room at Mrs. Wiggins\u2019 as quietly as possible, intending to undress in the dark and slip into bed without disturbing Josiah.\u00a0 Despite their best efforts, however, he roused with their first step into the room and greeted them.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry we woke you, sir,\u201d Adam said, turning the low-burning lamp slightly higher.<\/p>\n

There was a definite tsk-tsk in Josiah\u2019s tone when he said, \u201cAdam, Adam.\u00a0 You should know that a father never fully rests until his son is safely home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie came to perch at his father\u2019s side on the bed he normally shared with Adam.\u00a0 \u201cIs your father as big a mother hen as mine, Adam?\u201d he asked with humorous acceptance and obvious appreciation of the \u201cmothering.\u201d<\/p>\n

Keeping his voice low in respect of other roomers at this late hour, Adam chuckled, settling himself on the cot that Mrs. Wiggins had provided.\u00a0 \u201cJamie, I do believe we\u2019ve got ourselves a matched pair.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah wagged a playful finger at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I\u2019m sure Ben and I are in harness together when it comes to keeping a couple of young colts like you two in line.\u00a0 Now, tell me all about the oration, and then this mother hen prescribes bedtime for all, with more conversation on the morrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam was wonderful, Father!\u201d Jamie declared.\u00a0 \u201cIf only you could have heard him\u2014and the applause!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may read my oration tomorrow, if you like, sir,\u201d Adam offered, flushing under the proud gaze of his former teacher.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no one whose opinion I would value more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be pleased to read it,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cNow . . . to bed, one and all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, but, Father, we haven\u2019t heard a word about your journey and how you managed to avoid the rebels and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah silenced his son\u2019s protest with a squeeze about the shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cTomorrow, my boy, tomorrow.\u00a0 It\u2019s a lengthy story.\u201d\u00a0 He started to rise from the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, sir,\u201d Adam protested at once.\u00a0 \u201cYou sleep with Jamie tonight; I\u2019ll take the cot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah scratched his head.\u00a0 \u201cYour Mrs. Wiggins must be a paragon of silence.\u00a0 I never heard her come in to set up that cot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cOr, more likely, you were so exhausted that nothing short of a black powder explosion would have stirred you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept a son\u2019s lightest step into the room,\u201d Jamie teased.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cOh, yes, a true mother hen never gets too tired to hear that<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shook his head and admitted himself bested.\u00a0 \u201cI see that college has at least sharpened your wit, if nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so much else, Father!\u201d Jamie protested intensely, looking as if he were about to launch into a full discourse on the topic.<\/p>\n

His father ruffled the young man\u2019s honey-wheat hair.\u00a0 \u201cTomorrow, Jamie, tomorrow!\u00a0 So help me, if you don\u2019t stop chattering and Adam doesn\u2019t relinquish that cot immediately, I\u2019m likely to fall over and sleep the clock around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake the bed,\u201d Adam insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat cot can\u2019t possibly be as comfortable as this,\u201d Josiah argued.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cbut I\u2019m more convinced than ever that you have greater need of a comfortable bed tonight than I, and I do speak from experience, as you well know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah\u2019s blue eyes twinkled in recognition of their mutual travel miseries and gratefully accepted the offer.\u00a0 After the lamp was lowered, only a few whispers fluttered through the darkness and soon no sound at all except an occasional soft snore.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam woke early the next morning, for even to his young bones the thin mattress of the cot afforded little better rest than a bedroll on the ground.\u00a0 All the more reason to have insisted that Josiah take the more comfortable bed, he concluded as he sat up, yawning and stretching.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Adam,\u201d Jamie whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d Adam whispered back.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like we\u2019re both up early.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHard to sleep when I\u2019m so excited,\u201d Jamie said, eyes bright with joy.\u00a0 \u201cThink there\u2019s any chance I can slide out of this bed without waking Father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d came the good-natured reply from beyond Jamie in the bed.\u00a0 Josiah raised himself up on one elbow and grinned at the apologetic faces that met his gaze.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m excited, too,\u201d he offered in conciliatory explanation.<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed as he sat up in bed, hugging his knees.\u00a0 \u201cJust as well.\u00a0 We have so much to talk about that an early start is just what\u2019s needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah tousled his son\u2019s hair.\u00a0 \u201cA one-track mind, that\u2019s what this one has.\u00a0 I\u2019m in favor of breakfast first.\u00a0 Do you take that here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam answered.\u00a0 \u201cNo, this is just a rooming house, no board included.\u00a0 We take our meals with the Vultures.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed at the quizzical cock of Josiah\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s our eating club.\u00a0 If we\u2019re going to eat together, we\u2019ll need to find some restaurant that\u2019s open on the Sabbath.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I think it would be best if you and Jamie maintained your usual routine.\u00a0 I\u2019ll find something . . . somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie reached out to stroke his father\u2019s auburn goatee.\u00a0 \u201cAre you terribly short of funds, Father?\u201d he asked, concern clouding his hazel eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cTerribly,\u201d Josiah chuckled, \u201cbut don\u2019t worry, my boy.\u00a0 God\u2019s kept His hand on me so far; I doubt He\u2019ll let me starve.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you boys have other obligations today, as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust chapel,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cTwice, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can attend with us,\u201d Jamie urged.<\/p>\n

Josiah rubbed his son\u2019s neck.\u00a0 \u201cI will, son; I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI feel terrible,\u201d Jamie sighed as they walked along George Street, \u201cgoing off cheerily to breakfast, while Father does without.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not that cheery,\u201d Adam scoffed, but then he sobered.\u00a0 \u201cI know.\u00a0 I feel the same, but what could we do?\u00a0 Insist on a restaurant, instead of eating food we\u2019re already obliged to pay for, whether we eat it or not?\u00a0 That isn\u2019t even good common sense, especially for people on a budget as tight as ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded glumly.\u00a0 \u201cI agree, but I fear Father\u2019s budget is tighter than ours, Adam.\u00a0 You saw that single carpetbag\u2014is that all he managed to get out of St. Joseph?\u00a0 And you know the Confederates robbed the bank at Lexington.\u00a0 Would they treat St. Joe more kindly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot from what I saw,\u201d Adam grunted, remembering the broken windows of store fronts when he\u2019d passed through.\u00a0 \u201cDid your father keep his money in the bank or would he have had sense to take it out as he saw danger approaching?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I hope so,\u201d Jamie murmured.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t see how I could remain here at Yale if Father were . . . destitute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, ye of little faith,\u201d Adam chided in an attempt to lighten his friend\u2019s mood.\u00a0 \u201cYour father has faith in God\u2019s provision; where\u2019s yours?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed suddenly.\u00a0 \u201cNow who\u2019s the pastor?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave a mock shudder.\u00a0 \u201cNot I\u2014never!\u00a0 But you must start to fulfill your own obligations or I fear the role shall be thrust upon me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well, if that\u2019s the way to recruit more ministers of the gospel . . .\u201d\u00a0 Ducking away from Adam\u2019s insinuated cuff of his head, Jamie took off at a run.\u00a0 With a grin, Adam gave chase.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFather!\u201d Jamie called when he spotted the man standing before the State House on the Green, where they had agreed to meet.\u00a0 With Adam at his heels, he loped across the lawn and beamed as he held out a napkin-wrapped offering.\u00a0 \u201cThere were biscuits left after we\u2019d eaten our fill,\u201d he declared.\u00a0 \u201cThe others said I was welcome to take them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed as he accepted them.\u00a0 \u201cThey might make us a snack later on, my boy, but I, too, have eaten my fill this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou found a restaurant open?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t look,\u201d Josiah responded with a chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cWhen I asked Mrs. Wiggins to recommend one, she offered me breakfast at her table, free of charge.\u00a0 She said that if ever there were a time to show Christian charity, it must surely be on the Sabbath.\u201d\u00a0 With a mischievous grin, he added, \u201cI think her charity was somewhat influenced by the opportunity to hear a first-hand report from the battle zone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Vultures were more open about their curiosity,\u201d Adam put in.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve invited you to dine with us in return for sharing your personal acquaintance with the situations filling the newspapers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful!\u201d Josiah declared.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll relish seeing the type of fare my boy is enjoying.\u201d\u00a0 He clapped his son on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t I tell you God would provide?\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling happily, Jamie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cA lesson I seem to be repeating often of late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you just wouldn\u2019t fizzle on your recitations . . .\u201d Adam teased, employing college idiom for a partial failure.\u00a0 They all laughed, knowing that Jamie had never \u201cfizzled\u201d a recitation in his entire life.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo we have time before chapel for you to show me around campus?\u201d Josiah requested.<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cChapel isn\u2019t until 10:30.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linking arms, with Josiah in the middle, the three marched across College St. toward the Yale campus.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNormally we abstain from politics at the table,\u201d Alexander White stated as soon as the tureen of split-pea soup had made its way around the Vultures\u2019 table, \u201cbut it is a rare occasion for us to welcome a guest who can give us first-hand information about the state of things in the West.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, we had Cartwright here all along,\u201d Lucas jibed.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t get a report from much further west than he hails!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly, Cameron,\u201d James Goodman scolded.\u00a0 \u201cHave you no manners whatsoever?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you expect?\u00a0 He is a freshman, after all,\u201d Edgar Warington observed loftily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s quite enough, Warington,\u201d White said sternly.\u00a0 \u201cDo you wish our guest to feel that his son\u2019s college companions are barbarians incapable of courteous conversation?\u201d\u00a0 He turned toward Josiah, who was seated between Jamie and Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI apologize, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo apology necessary,\u201d Josiah assured the young steward.\u00a0 \u201cI am, after all, a guest in your home, so to speak, so I certainly do not wish you to stand on form.\u00a0 Please, all of you, be yourselves, and simply treat me as you would your own fathers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Warington\u2019s cheeks flushed, as he apparently considered how his own father might respond to his deportment.\u00a0 \u201cWe look forward to your report on the situation in Missouri, sir,\u201d he said in an awkward attempt to adjust his attitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cRather than a report,\u201d Josiah offered, \u201cmay I suggest that you all simply ask me whatever questions you may have?\u00a0 Perhaps you would like to start, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crimson cast of Warington\u2019s countenance deepened, with pleasure this time, as he was once again the focus of all eyes in the room.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, sir.\u00a0 I\u2014uh\u2014well, not meaning to be impertinent, but why is Missouri still in the Union?\u00a0 It is a slave state, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo honest question is ever impertinent,\u201d Josiah, ever the teacher, assured him, \u201cand your question\u2014Mr. Warington, is it?\u2014is one that has been much debated in our state.\u00a0 In the end, Missouri chose to remain in the Union precisely because she wished to keep her slaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t follow that, sir,\u201d Goodman, seated across the table from the Missouri teacher, said.<\/p>\n

Josiah smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cConsider the geography of the region, young man.\u00a0 Missouri is surrounded on three sides by Union states.\u00a0 The members of the convention called to consider secession eventually decided that if they joined the Confederacy, their slaves would be more likely to escape to one of those states, and recovering them from a \u2018foreign\u2019 country would prove impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPurely economic motives, then,\u201d Robert Raines observed from the foot of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrankly, yes,\u201d Josiah agreed, \u201calthough there are many, even in Missouri, who decry the institution of slavery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your personal feelings, sir?\u201d Milton Bradford asked, adding hesitantly, \u201cif it isn\u2019t impertinent to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee here now, Vultures,\u201d White remonstrated.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re not allowing our guest to enjoy this fine soup.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m managing a spoonful now and then,\u201d Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 In demonstration, he dipped into the hearty green broth and smiled his appreciation to Mrs. Swanson, who was hovering in the doorway to the kitchen, both to listen and to determine when the main course should be served.\u00a0 \u201cMy own feelings about slavery, sir?\u00a0 I abhor it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA difficult position in a slave state, is it not, sir?\u201d White asked soberly.\u00a0 \u201cHave you suffered any reprisals?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, some,\u201d Josiah said with a casual shrug of his shoulder.\u00a0 After taking another mouthful of soup, he said, \u201cMy feelings were known by many, but I avoided public statements until after the schools were shut down in May.\u00a0 As teacher to all the town\u2019s students\u2014Northern and Southern sympathizers alike\u2014I considered their welfare my first duty, and contributing to the turmoil of divided loyalties was not, I felt, in their best interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCommendable, I suppose, given your position,\u201d sniffed George Miller, \u201cbut to stand by while others suffer the indignity of bondage\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFather didn\u2019t just \u2018stand by,\u2019\u201d Jamie declared with more vehemence than any of the Vultures had ever seen the mild-mannered freshman exhibit before.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s done more to combat slavery than anyone here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah patted his son\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cJamie, Jamie,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cNo need to speak of that, no need at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is!\u201d his son insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to know,\u201d Adam put in.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I,\u201d added Marcus shyly, and the words were echoed around the table.<\/p>\n

Josiah shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNot much to tell, really.\u00a0 On two occasions the opportunity to help slaves trying to escape into Kansas fell into my lap.\u00a0 I did no more than provide a place to hide until safe transport could be provided.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cScarcely a small thing, sir, considering the possible consequences had your assistance become known,\u201d Raines stated, admiration in his eyes.<\/p>\n

Uncomfortable with the hero worship so evident around the table, Josiah shrugged again.\u00a0 \u201cThere was little chance of its becoming known.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded at Miller.\u00a0 \u201cThat, young man, is the benefit of keeping one\u2019s private opinions private; it keeps one\u2019s options open.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes . . . I see,\u201d the subdued sophomore responded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s also a time and place for voicing them,\u201d Josiah added.\u00a0 \u201cWisdom lies in knowing which is which.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t claim to always exhibit that wisdom, but I try\u2014and I try to learn from my mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll any man can do,\u201d Adam put in.<\/p>\n

Josiah cupped the young man\u2019s neck affectionately.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have been wildly pleased when Fr\u00e9mont issued his emancipation proclamation,\u201d Lucas declared.<\/p>\n

Josiah shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot really.\u201d\u00a0 He took another quick dip into his soup bowl.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if you are so opposed to slavery . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFr\u00e9mont overstepped his authority, in my opinion,\u201d Josiah stated, \u201cand helped destabilize an already unstable situation.\u00a0 When, where and how to free the slaves are decisions best left to the President and Congress, not a single general.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m interested in the current situation,\u201d Milton Bradford declared.\u00a0 \u201cThe papers are full of stories of the rebel depredations\u2014burning bridges, looting, etc.\u00a0 Is it as severe as we\u2019ve heard?\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah glanced to his left.\u00a0 \u201cAdam hasn\u2019t told you?\u00a0 He was almost prevented from reaching Yale by those circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever said a word,\u201d Bradford replied with a chiding look at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never asked,\u201d Adam returned with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u00a0 I told you!\u201d Lucas declared.\u00a0 \u201cWe already had a resident expert on the western front.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cScarcely that.\u00a0 I can tell you that the town looked ravaged when I passed through.\u00a0 Did things get worse later, Mr. Edwards?\u00a0 When we heard that the Confederate Army had fully occupied St. Joe, Jamie and I were both deeply concerned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah nodded soberly as he pushed aside his empty soup bowl.\u00a0 \u201cThings got worse.\u00a0 But you mustn\u2019t lay all the blame at the Confederates\u2019 doorstep, gentlemen.\u00a0 Our own Union soldiers were no better when they retook St. Joseph.\u00a0 They called it foraging, but it was the same looting we\u2019d seen far too much of already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe that of Union men!\u201d remonstrated the fiercely patriotic Bradford.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a report in yesterday\u2019s paper,\u201d Raines confirmed, \u201caccusing Illinois troops of plundering St. Joseph and the surrounding area to a shameful extent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are generally both honorable and dishonorable men on either side of any question,\u201d Josiah observed.\u00a0 \u201cMost of my personal loss came at the hands of Union soldiers, I\u2019m sorry to say, while I owe my safety during the Confederate occupation to an honorable man of the Southern persuasion.\u00a0 He provided shelter for me and what few possessions I could safely transport to his place without attracting undue attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Whitcomb?\u201d Adam guessed.<\/p>\n

Josiah nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly found what you\u2019re saying to be true in the conflict with the Paiutes back in Nevada,\u201d Adam commented.\u00a0 \u201cBrave men and reckless ones on both sides.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA valid point,\u201d White stated, motioning for Mrs. Swanson to serve the main course.\u00a0 As she brought forward a platter of roast beef surrounded by quartered potatoes and carrots, he smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI had no idea our young Mr. Cartwright had been concealing so many interesting experiences.\u00a0 Another time perhaps he\u2019ll condescend to share them with us, but let\u2019s keep the focus on Missouri today\u2014after we\u2019ve given Mr. Edwards a chance to eat, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young men restrained themselves for a few minutes, but soon the questions began to fly again, many of them centering on whether General Fr\u00e9mont actually would attack the Confederate forces before President Lincoln stripped him of his command.<\/p>\n

Finally, nothing edible remained on the table, and Alexander White, on behalf of all the Vultures, thanked Mr. Edwards for his informative contributions to the conversation.\u00a0 \u201cPlease join us for supper this evening, as a true guest this time,\u201d he urged, adding with a smile, \u201cand we promise not to pepper you with questions, but simply to allow you to enjoy the meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInnumerable questions couldn\u2019t impede that!\u201d Josiah assured him.\u00a0 \u201cThe food has been excellent, and I would be pleased to enjoy your company again this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you care to join us for a short walk?\u201d Adam asked his friend\u2019s father as they left the building.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou needn\u2019t change your regular routine for me,\u201d Josiah said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is our regular routine,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou asked me to look after Jamie\u2019s health, remember?\u00a0 Regular exercise is what I have prescribed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Father, you didn\u2019t,\u201d Jamie protested.\u00a0 \u201cI am quite capable of looking after myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah wrapped an arm around his son\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cNow, now, my boy; we all need looking after from time to time.\u201d\u00a0 He turned toward Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI would certainly welcome the opportunity to stretch my legs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo many cramped train seats in your recent past?\u201d Adam teasingly inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely, my boy, precisely!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe stayed longer at table than usual,\u201d Adam observed, \u201cso I suppose we\u2019ll have to settle for the cemetery again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s best,\u201d Jamie agreed, \u201csince we have to be back for chapel at 2:30.\u201d<\/p>\n

They kept a fast pace along the streets, but slowed down once they reached the quiet, shaded pathways of the cemetery.\u00a0 \u201cA most pleasant place,\u201d Josiah commented.\u00a0 \u201cVery relaxing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps too relaxing,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWe keep planning an excursion to West Rock, but something always seems to interfere to keep us closer to home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry to be this week\u2019s interference,\u201d Josiah said with a smile that said he wasn\u2019t at all sorry to be exactly where he was.<\/p>\n

Grinning, Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, we wouldn\u2019t go further on a Sunday afternoon, anyway.\u00a0 Some Saturday, though, we do hope to see the sights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you\u2019ll accompany us this Saturday, Father,\u201d Jamie suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Josiah said, though his tone was noncommittal.\u00a0 \u201cBest see what the week holds first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are your plans, sir?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo move out of your room, first thing tomorrow,\u201d Josiah said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t mind,\u201d Jamie assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mind!\u201d Josiah declared.\u00a0 \u201cAnd as kind as your Mrs. Wiggins has been, I dare say she would, too.\u00a0 Besides, Jamie, I think it\u2019s important for you to enjoy your college experience free from the attentions of a hovering mother hen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you be leaving New Haven then?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Josiah explained.\u00a0 \u201cI need to find work\u2014any kind of work\u2014and build up my resources for locating elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s lips were trembling as he asked, \u201cAre you destitute, Father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah took his son in his arms.\u00a0 \u201cYou are not to worry,\u201d he said gently.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I suffered considerable loss from the looters, but I have some funds, and thanks to Mr. Whitcomb, I was able to save some valued articles, as well\u2014your mother\u2019s picture, for instance.\u00a0 I brought that with me, as well as Adam\u2019s journals for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Father!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 Adam, too, was overcome that those scribblings of his were among the few possessions Mr. Edwards had brought out of St. Joseph.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest will stay in Mr. Whitcomb\u2019s cellar until I tell him where to ship them,\u201d Josiah continued.\u00a0 \u201cAt the moment I can\u2019t say where I\u2019ll be locating.\u00a0 I have some old friends inquiring about teaching positions for me, but I expect that to take some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps if I\u2014\u201d Jamie started.<\/p>\n

His father squeezed his shoulders before he could finish the thought.\u00a0 \u201cNo, you will not consider leaving school, young man.\u00a0 I know you; that\u2019s exactly what you were about to suggest, and I won\u2019t have it.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t help in any case.\u00a0 Those expenses are already paid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could probably get the bond back,\u201d Jamie insisted.\u00a0 \u201cThink what two hundred dollars could mean, Father!\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah set the boy squarely before him.\u00a0 \u201cNow, you are not to concern yourself with my welfare\u2014either of you,\u201d he added with a glance toward Adam, who looked almost as anxious as Jamie himself.\u00a0 \u201cIn wartime there are jobs to be had, and I am well able to support myself by my hands, as well as my brains.\u00a0 My personal needs are few: a bed, bread and something to be read.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see that Jamie comes by his propensity for bad poetry honestly,\u201d Adam teased, and shared laughter lightened all their hearts as they continued their walk through the cemetery.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Between afternoon chapel and the evening meal Adam wrote to his father.\u00a0 He reported exultantly that Josiah Edwards had arrived safely and would be seeking employment in the East.\u00a0 He could not refrain from expressing his concern for his former teacher\u2019s financial condition, however:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He says he\u2019ll manage, Pa, but jobs may not be as easy to find as he hopes, and Jamie and I are both deeply concerned.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t even be here if it weren\u2019t for him, and though it would be like tearing my heart out, I would give up my place here to help him.\u00a0 I owe him that much.\u00a0 Jamie\u2019s already offered and been turned down, though, so I know I would be, too\u2014even quicker, since I\u2019m not kin.\u00a0 With luck\u2014or Providence, Jamie would say\u2014by the next time I write, I\u2019ll be able to report that he has found, at least, temporary work, and has prospects of a teaching position.\u00a0 I\u2019d thought about asking if you could make him a loan, but it would take so long for that help to get here that it would either come too late or be unneeded\u2014hopefully, the latter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For the boys\u2019 benefit, he added a few paragraphs, describing the gymnasium and how much he was enjoying the physical activity between classes.\u00a0 Then, signing and sealing the letter, he addressed it and placed it with his books so he would remember to post it on the way to class the next day.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FOURTEEN<\/p>\n

Prospects and Provision<\/p>\n

\u201cI see the trees are sprouting fresh foliage again,\u201d Adam observed as he and Jamie came onto campus on Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cBright new leaves every week,\u201d Jamie tittered back.\u00a0 His steps halted.\u00a0 \u201cI know what the red and blue sheets are, but there are white ones today, too.\u00a0 Surely, there isn\u2019t a third open society we haven\u2019t heard of yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne way to find out,\u201d chuckled Adam as he trotted over to a tree covered with posters.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a table of contents,\u201d he called back, \u201cfor something called Yale Literary Magazine<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, the Lit<\/em>.!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve heard it\u2019s wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe titles sound informative,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cOne\u2019s about the prize system here at Yale, and another is called \u2018College Favor\u2014Rules for Winning It.\u2019\u00a0 There\u2019s an article about Halleck\u2019s poems, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole magazine is student-written,\u201d Jamie told him enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cI had hoped\u201d\u2014he bit his lip to silence his desire.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo write for it?\u201d Adam guessed.<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled.\u00a0 \u201cSomeday, perhaps.\u00a0 For now, I\u2019d be satisfied just to read it.\u201d\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMoney worries?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cSounds ridiculous, I know, since it\u2019s only two bits per issue, from what I\u2019ve heard . . . but with Father\u2019s finances so unstable . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Adam said sympathetically.\u00a0 \u201cI really can\u2019t afford the price, either, after paying my bond.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNow, if we just hadn\u2019t indulged in Candy Sam\u2019s divinity that first day, we could, at least, have shared a copy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more of that indulgence, either, I fear,\u201d Jamie agreed with a playful pout, \u201cat least not until Father finds employment.\u00a0 In that event, I think we must squander our bankrolls in a wild celebration\u2014one piece each for the three of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, we face our pecuniary deficiencies with good humor.\u00a0 Uh-oh, there\u2019s the first chapel bell.\u00a0 Hoof it, chum!\u201d\u00a0 Both boys took off at a run.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Despite their mutual pecuniary deficiencies, the two Edwards and Adam indulged in a cup of coffee together late Thursday evening.\u00a0 The Brothers in Unity, in their meeting the previous night, had been urged to attend tonight\u2019s gathering in town to support the work of the Sanitary Commission. \u00a0Knowing of his interest in the war effort, Adam and Jamie had invited Josiah to accompany them; at the very least, it would be something for him to do besides spend the evening alone in his shabby room near the wharves.\u00a0 Now, over coffee, the young men bemoaned their inability to provide the comforts for the soldiers that had been requested.\u00a0 Jamie shook his head as he again perused the list of items needed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t see what I can possibly donate,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI only brought the things I\u2019d actually need when I came East.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSame here,\u201d Adam commiserated.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Wiggins owns every stitch of bedding I use; I certainly can\u2019t provide any delicacies for the sick and wounded, and the only books I have with me are my texts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, boys,\u201d Josiah chided.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s always something to be shared with those in need.\u00a0 We just need to put on our thinking caps and be inventive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot you, Father,\u201d Jamie protested.\u00a0 \u201cYou, especially, haven\u2019t anything to spare.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I have to admit all I can think of at the moment is my copy of Don Quixote<\/em>.\u00a0 Having just reread it on the train, I\u2019m willing to pass it on to one of our brave soldiers.\u00a0 It\u2019s old, but I\u2019ve kept it in good condition, and the story is timeless.\u201d<\/p>\n

Propping his elbows on the table, Jamie cupped his chin in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I could spare a pair of woolen stockings,\u201d he sighed, \u201cbut it doesn\u2019t seem like much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo a man whose have worn out with marching, it will,\u201d Josiah said, smiling proudly at his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ll donate a second pair,\u201d Adam said, grinning as he added, \u201cthough I may regret it, come winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully, by that time I\u2019ll have found work and be able to replenish your toe warmers,\u201d Josiah chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny prospects?\u201d Adam asked, although he, of course, had no intention of allowing Jamie\u2019s father to absorb the cost of his donation to the Sanitary Commission.<\/p>\n

Josiah shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNothing definite, but I heard today that the arms factory might be hiring, so I\u2019ll check that out tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a few minutes the trio concentrated on finishing their coffee, for the boys had to rise early for chapel the next morning and Josiah wanted to get to the New Haven Arms Company as early as possible, too.\u00a0 Just as he drained his last sip of brew, Adam brightened.\u00a0 \u201cI have it!\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe perfect donation for the Sanitary Commission,\u201d Adam announced.\u00a0 \u201cThe Lit<\/em>.!\u201d\u00a0 Seeing Josiah\u2019s look of confusion, he amplified, \u201cYale Literary Magazine<\/em>, a collection of essays by Yale students on various topics.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, make sense,\u201d Jamie scolded.\u00a0 \u201cWe can\u2019t afford a copy for ourselves, so how can we buy one for the soldiers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut I doubt that any magazine ever sells every copy of an issue it prints.\u00a0 Perhaps the editors would be willing to donate a few of their leftover copies, if we ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBrilliant!\u201d Josiah declared.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think scholarly essays are the sort of material a soldier would enjoy, though?\u00a0 Some of them may be barely literate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen they\u2019d have equal difficulty with Cervantes,\u201d Adam observed, and Josiah conceded the point with a nod.\u00a0 \u201cPeople would probably say the same about the miners in Virginia City,\u201d Adam continued, \u201cbut they read anything they can get their hands on.\u00a0 Those who can\u2019t read themselves can listen to those who can, and the Lit<\/em>. will certainly be better for them than some of the pap they\u2019ll likely be sent\u2014like those ghastly dime novels they sell on the trains.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re not training for a schoolmaster, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely not,\u201d Adam insisted with a wry grin.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, by the time I got home, Little Joe would be of school age, and that\u2019s all the incentive I need to choose another profession!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When Adam and Jamie came out of the Vultures\u2019 dining hall after lunch on Saturday, Josiah was waiting for them.\u00a0 They\u2019d made arrangements to meet here the night before when the two boys had returned from supper to find Jamie\u2019s father perched on their doorstep, beaming from ear to ear.\u00a0 They\u2019d scarcely needed his vibrant \u201cI start Monday\u201d to tell them that he had found work at the arms factory, as he\u2019d hoped.\u00a0 To celebrate, particularly since this might be Josiah\u2019s last opportunity, they\u2019d decided to spend the afternoon together and make the long-planned excursion to East Rock.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe come bearing gifts,\u201d Jamie announced, holding up a parcel wrapped in brown paper.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the Vultures,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cBread and cheese left from lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh!\u00a0 My heartiest thanks to the Vultures,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cI have a feeling we\u2019ll welcome some refreshment after this little hike you\u2019ve set for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou sound like a city man, and I know better.\u00a0 It\u2019s not as far as we walked to Mr. Whitcomb\u2019s that morning.\u00a0 A mile or so, Robert Raines said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but there\u2019s a hill to climb at the end of that mile,\u201d Josiah reminded him with an admonishing wag of his finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m concerned about that,\u201d Jamie admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s part of your health regime,\u201d Adam said firmly, \u201cand you will climb it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie popped a sassy salute at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir, Dr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see you\u2019re as good as your word,\u201d Josiah observed as they headed north toward the edge of town.\u00a0 When he saw Adam\u2019s eyebrow arch quizzically, he added, \u201cLooking after my boy for me, just as you promised.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie drew himself upright.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m quite capable of looking after myself, as I told you both before!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see if you say the same at the summit of East Rock,\u201d Adam offered with a provoking smile.<\/p>\n

They hadn\u2019t gone far beyond the college when they entered the woods and walked for a time beneath the shade of lofty chestnut oaks, flaming with autumn color and interspersed with hemlock and cedar.\u00a0 Adam breathed in deeply and murmured, \u201cNot quite like the pines of home, but a worthy substitute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam insists that the aroma of pine is a cure-all for every ailment known to man,\u201d Jamie told his father with a teasing smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m certainly feeling better today than I have in some time,\u201d Josiah chuckled, \u201cso perhaps there\u2019s something to his theory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEither that or the assurance that you will be able to pay your room and board next week,\u201d Adam returned with a grin.<\/p>\n

Josiah winked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose that might have some liberating effect, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coming out of the woods, they crossed a salt marsh, above which rose the red basalt cliffs of East Rock and began their circuitous climb up the steep trail to the summit.\u00a0 Jamie was huffing before they\u2019d made half the ascent.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think I can,\u201d he panted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can and you will,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cThe view is supposed to be spectacular, not to be missed.\u00a0 Now, come on!\u201d\u00a0 He grabbed his friend by the elbow and began hauling him up the trail.<\/p>\n

Jamie pulled back.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I\u2019ll go up under my own steam or not at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo it, then,\u201d Adam challenged.\u00a0 Turning his back, he led the way up.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, son,\u201d his father encouraged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m winded, too, but if we persevere, I\u2019m sure we can make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr never hear the last of it,\u201d Jamie moaned.\u00a0 He waved at Adam, who had stopped a few feet ahead to see if the others were following.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m coming, hard-hearted doctor,\u201d he called, waving.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned and started up again.\u00a0 He tried to hold his pace to that of his less stalwart companions, but still reached the summit well before either of them.\u00a0 Then, cupping his hands around his mouth, he shouted back down the hill, \u201cIt\u2019s grand; you\u2019ve got to see it!\u201d<\/p>\n

That encouragement seemed to give fresh vigor to the two Edwards, and each urging the other on, they finally joined Adam at the top and gazed down on the spires of Yale College and the surrounding town of New Haven.\u00a0 Beyond that, they saw the blue waters of the Sound bordered in the distance by the lavender hills of Long Island.\u00a0 \u201cSpectacular,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cWell worth the climb.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie dropped down to dangle his legs over the edge of the cliff.\u00a0 \u201cI agree.\u00a0 In fact, I find it so spectacular that I think I\u2019ll just sit and admire the view . . . for some time to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat beside his friend.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve earned it . . . as well as a cheese sandwich for your labors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t believe it: it isn\u2019t long since dinner, but I\u2019m famished.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take that sandwich right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, who had taken the package as soon as they\u2019d started to climb, opened it and passed sandwiches to Jamie and Josiah before taking one himself.<\/p>\n

Josiah took a bite, closed his eyes and sighed with contentment.\u00a0 \u201cAh, food for the gods.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head in amusement.\u00a0 \u201cWherever you\u2019ve been eating lately must be a poor excuse for an eatery if a simple cheese sandwich produces such lavish praise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be the fresh air,\u201d Josiah chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr the exercise,\u201d Adam suggested with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than I\u2019ve taken in a while,\u201d Josiah admitted.\u00a0 He glanced at his son\u2019s wind-reddened cheeks and, tilting his head in Jamie\u2019s direction, smiled meaningfully at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThank you,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

So as not to embarrass his friend, Adam merely responded with a discreet nod.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam looked up from his reading as Jamie entered their room at Mrs. Wiggins\u2019.\u00a0 \u201cDid you have to beg them at length to receive our much-too-humble offerings?\u201d he asked, with a teasing twitch of his mouth.\u00a0 After their jaunt to East Rock, Josiah and Jamie had offered to deliver their contributions to the Sanitary Commission, which was receiving items at a store on Church Street.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Jamie chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re referring to how long I\u2019ve been gone, Father and I went back to his room and talked for a bit.\u00a0 Between work and school, we won\u2019t much opportunity hereafter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand I\u2019ll miss seeing him . . . almost as much as you will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll meet us on the Green tomorrow morning and walk to chapel with us.\u00a0 I suppose Sundays will be our only chance to see much of him.\u201d\u00a0 He removed his outer coat and hung it in the wardrobe.\u00a0 \u201cDid you get your letter to your friend\u2014Ross, is it?\u2014written and posted?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flapped the sheets in his hand.\u00a0 \u201cI did, and though virtue is supposed to be its own reward, I found one more tangible waiting for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA letter from home?\u201d Jamie guessed, his face beaming with pleasure for his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cLetters,\u201d Adam said, his voice lilting with cheer.\u00a0 \u201cOne each from Pa, Hoss and Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe?\u201d Jamie asked, surprised.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve told me he was bright, but I didn\u2019t think he was capable of writing a letter yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee for yourself,\u201d Adam suggested, handing over a sheet of paper.<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed aloud when he saw what Little Joe\u2019s \u201cletter\u201d consisted of.\u00a0 Across the top of the page spread the alphabet in rather tipsy letters, while the remainder of the page was filled with a drawing.\u00a0 \u201cDo you have any idea what it\u2019s supposed to be?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNary a one,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt that even God could recognize that as one of His creations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie cocked his head and gazed appraisingly at the creature.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe it\u2019s not,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe it\u2019s something out of a fairy tale the child has heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe, though I\u2019m not sure who has time or inclination to read him fairy tales these days.\u201d\u00a0 With me gone<\/em>, he added silently to his own guilty heart.\u00a0 Then he continued, \u201cHoss\u2019s letter was interesting, and you\u2019re welcome to read it\u2014all about some loon named Sam Clemens trying to set fire to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam!\u201d Jamie cried in instant alarm.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, everything\u2019s all right,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cPa mentioned the incident, too, and the fire wasn\u2019t really on the Ponderosa itself, just near enough to be a threat if our men hadn\u2019t stopped it when they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relief evident in his face, Jamie perched on his bed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I\u2019m so glad.\u00a0 Any more news you care to share?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa wrote all the news from home,\u201d Adam said with satisfaction.\u00a0 \u201cMost of it\u2019s about people you wouldn\u2019t know, but you\u2019ve heard me mention Billy Thomas, I suppose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course.\u00a0 Your best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlong with you and Ross,\u201d Adam amended.\u00a0 \u201cAnyway, Billy won\u2019t be riding for the Pony Express much longer, because the telegraph is almost linked together, but Pa isn\u2019t sure what he\u2019ll be doing next.\u00a0 He said he hoped that Billy would come to work on the Ponderosa, but he hasn\u2019t had a chance to talk with him yet.\u00a0 I know Billy would prefer working outdoors to helping Uncle Clyde in the smithy, but ranch work may seem mighty tame after riding for the Pony.\u00a0 Maybe the next letter will tell me what he\u2019s decided.\u00a0 Knowing Billy, I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if he came up with something totally unexpected!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grinned.\u00a0 \u201cFrom what you\u2019ve told me about him, I\u2019m sure of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lifted a small sheet of paper and waved it back and forth.\u00a0 \u201cAnd this, my dear friend, is the most exciting item that arrived today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed?\u00a0 It looks like\u2014can it possibly be\u2014a letter of credit?\u201d Jamie asked with rising expectancy.<\/p>\n

\u201cA most astute deduction,\u201d Adam replied enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cPa sent a draft for $50, in case expenses here had been greater than we estimated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 \u201cAnd on what shall you spend these sudden riches?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stroked his chin in apparent thought, although he knew exactly what to do with the money.\u00a0 \u201cFirst, we\u2019ll have to leave early for tonight\u2019s Sigma Ep meeting, so that we have time to find Candy Sam and purchase that divinity we promised ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Jamie agreed readily. \u00a0\u201cOne piece each and one for Father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re rich now,\u201d Adam stated with the most profligate air he could adopt. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ll have two apiece, and on Monday I will buy my own copy of each textbook.\u00a0 Next, I think we must treat ourselves to a subscription to the Lit<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019ll let me read yours,\u201d Jamie hinted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOurs,\u201d Adam corrected.\u00a0 \u201cYou, being the more literary half of the partnership, will have the right and the responsibility to keep the collection.\u00a0 If I want a copy for myself of some particular issue\u2014anything with an article authored by you, for instance\u2014we\u2019ll pool our funds to buy an extra.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are more than generous,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cbut I insist that you let me repay you for half the subscription cost . . . when I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam extended his hand, which Jamie clasped.\u00a0 \u201cAgreed\u2014and the rest I\u2019ll bank against future need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHasn\u2019t God been good to us this week?\u201d Jamie stated with shining eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Pa and the New Haven Arms Company as His agents,\u201d Adam replied with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 * * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At the close of the midday recitation on Wednesday, a representative from the Yale Literary Magazine<\/em> appeared to outline for the new freshmen the benefits of a subscription.\u00a0 Adam and Jamie, having already made their decision, promptly entered their subscription in Jamie\u2019s name, and Adam took the opportunity to express his thanks for the copies of the magazine which had been promised to the Sanitary Commission.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, you\u2019re the young man who made that beneficent suggestion, then,\u201d the representative said, smiling pleasantly as he shook Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cExcellent idea, my boy, simply hunky.\u00a0 No better way for our soldiers to occupy their leisure than with a copy of the Lit<\/em>., eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought so,\u201d Adam returned.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like us to deliver your contribution to the Commission, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot necessary.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have to wait until sales close, of course, but I would expect we\u2019ll be able to donate about thirty copies to the cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful,\u201d Jamie chimed in.\u00a0 \u201cAmazing, isn\u2019t it, Adam?\u201d he asked as they were walking toward the Vultures\u2019 dining hall together with Lucas and Marc.\u00a0 \u201cWe thought we had nothing whatever to share, but we\u2019ve ended up inspiring quite a large contribution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was the job of preachers to inspire,\u201d Lucas teased, tweaking Jamie\u2019s hat over his nose, and then had the prudence to take off running.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou scoundrel!\u201d Adam yelled, giving chase to defend Jamie\u2019s honor and, by extension, his own.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll teach you to mock our powers of inspiration!\u201d<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

The articles mentioned by Adam were published in the October, 1861, issue of The Yale Literary Magazine<\/em>.\u00a0 It is available online through Google Books.<\/p>\n

A meeting of the Sanitary Commission took place in New Haven on October 10, 1861.\u00a0 The Commission, a civilian organization, actively contributed to the needs and comfort of the Union soldiers through donations of food, clothing, reading material and funds raised through fairs.<\/p>\n

The fire that Samuel Clemens foolishly set near the Ponderosa is described in his book, Roughing It<\/em>.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER FIFTEEN<\/p>\n

Beethoven and Boating<\/p>\n

The wind had been so brisk on Saturday that Adam and Jamie had elected to forego outdoor exercise and spend the afternoon digging into Euclid.\u00a0 When a rap came at the door, Jamie\u2019s head jerked up and his hazel eyes clouded with concern.<\/p>\n

Adam, who had been leaning over Jamie\u2019s chair to explain a difficult proposition, squeezed his friend\u2019s shoulder as he straightened up.\u00a0 \u201cRelax,\u201d he chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cToo light a tap for sophomores.\u201d\u00a0 He crossed the room and opened the door.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Mrs. Wiggins,\u201d he said with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cNot making too much noise with our studies, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you know you\u2019re not,\u201d the amiable woman chided. \u00a0\u201cYou two are both quiet and considerate tenants.\u00a0 I just came up to tell you, Mr. Cartwright, that there\u2019s two packages come for you, too much for me to fetch up for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t dream of your carrying anything for me,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll come down for it right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might take the two of you,\u201d she warned him.\u00a0 \u201cOne looked heavy, from the way the express men handled it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie stood at once and followed Adam down the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cMercy, what can it be?\u201d he asked, mouth gaping at the size of one of the crates.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy things from home, of course,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cPa wrote that he was sending them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie lifted the smaller crate.\u00a0 \u201cOof,\u201d he grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the heavy one,\u201d Mrs. Wiggins belatedly informed them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take that one,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can manage,\u201d Jamie insisted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not the weakling you so often make me out, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSet it down, Jamie,\u201d Adam ordered sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, all right,\u201d Jamie muttered, doing as he was told, \u201cif you\u2019re afraid I\u2019ll damage your precious goods.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid you\u2019ll damage my precious friend,\u201d Adam said bluntly.\u00a0 \u201cThe larger crate is actually much lighter.\u00a0 If it\u2019s not too bulky for you to manage alone, take that.\u00a0 If it is, we\u2019ll carry it up together after I tote this one up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie tested the long crate and declared it light as a feather.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cJust don\u2019t trip over your own two feet.\u00a0 That one, my boy, is rather fragile\u2014and personally valuable, I might add.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow he tells me,\u201d Jamie said with a shake of his head toward Mrs. Wiggins.<\/p>\n

The good woman clucked her tongue.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the closest thing to a quarrel I\u2019ve heard between the two of you, and I\u2019ll have no more of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am; we\u2019ll be peaceable at your command.\u201d\u00a0 Adam winked at his friend as he hefted the heavier crate and started for the stairs.<\/p>\n

Jamie took a good grip on the long, rectangular crate and mounted cautiously after Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see what\u2019s in them,\u201d Jamie said as soon as he gently set his load down in the middle of the floor of their room.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI know what\u2019s in them; I laid out everything that I wanted sent if I passed the entrance exam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie pounded a fist into his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I don\u2019t!\u00a0 And I\u2019ve earned the satisfaction of my curiosity, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat you have,\u201d Adam chuckled as he pried the lid off the long crate.<\/p>\n

Jamie leaned over eagerly, but at first all he could see was a mass of sawdust and wood shavings.\u00a0 \u201cTo remind you of home?\u201d he asked wryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not that homesick for the fragrance of pine,\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s just packing material.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guessed as much,\u201d Jamie snickered.\u00a0 \u201cYou did say it was fragile.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam brushed the material aside to reveal an oblong, muslin-encased article.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing must have fashioned this,\u201d he said, loosening the drawstring.\u00a0 \u201cGood thinking.\u00a0 I\u2019d hate to see what sawdust would do to the instrument.\u201d\u00a0 He drew out a guitar and showed it to Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cMusic to soothe the geometry-ravaged soul . . . if Mrs. Wiggins doesn\u2019t object.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, wonderful!\u201d Jamie said enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait to hear you play, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot tonight,\u201d Adam said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cSupper is upon us and then the Sigma Ep meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow then,\u201d Jamie insisted, \u201cafter chapel.\u00a0 That\u2019s as long as my geometry-ravaged soul can wait.\u00a0 What\u2019s in the other crate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBooks,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cSome of my favorites. \u00a0Those I really have been homesick for!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, true riches,\u201d his friend sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWealth I\u2019ll gladly share,\u201d Adam offered as he began to unpack the second crate.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The October air was cool, but still, as Jamie practically pulled a reluctant Adam down the street.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not so sure this is a good idea,\u201d Adam protested weakly, for he\u2019d tried that tack before with no success.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it is,\u201d Jamie insisted as they rounded the corner onto Chapel Street.\u00a0 \u201cHow else will Father hear you play without disturbing the Sabbath quiet at Mrs. Wiggins?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about the Sabbath quiet of those folks?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked, pointing to the three churches on the Green.<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAll gone by now.\u00a0 That was your weakest argument yet, Adam, and if that\u2019s the best you can do, I fear for your success in the Sigma Ep debate, when it comes your turn.\u00a0 There he is!\u201d\u00a0 He loosened his grip on Adam\u2019s arm to wave at his father, who was waiting for them beneath an elm in process of shedding its autumn splendor.<\/p>\n

Josiah waved back at them.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Adam,\u201d he said when the boys came up to greet him, \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Catching sight of men and women strolling across the Green, arm in arm, Adam flushed.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t intending to give a public concert, sir.\u00a0 Perhaps another time would be better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNow, Adam, there\u2019s nothing like a sweet song as backdrop for a lover\u2019s stroll.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed louder as the young man\u2019s face reddened still more.<\/p>\n

Resigning himself to the embarrassment, Adam sat beneath the elm and began to softly strum the guitar.\u00a0 \u201cWhat would you like to hear?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Josiah and Jamie settled on the ground before him.\u00a0 \u201cWhy not start with a hymn?\u201d Josiah suggested.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled and relaxed a bit.\u00a0 Surely no one passing by could object to that.\u00a0 His fingers sought the opening chord and he began to sing:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I sing the mighty power of God<\/p>\n

That made the mountains rise,<\/p>\n

That spread the flowing seas abroad<\/p>\n

And built the lofty skies.<\/p>\n

I sing the wisdom that ordained<\/p>\n

The sun to rule the day;<\/p>\n

The moon shines full at His command,<\/p>\n

And all the stars obey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Adam, what a fine voice you have,\u201d Josiah enthused when Adam had sung three verses.\u00a0 \u201cMarvelous tone and texture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut I\u2019d feel more comfortable if you\u2019d both sing along with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGladly,\u201d Jamie replied, \u201cthough I haven\u2019t your gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be a privilege,\u201d Josiah added.<\/p>\n

Time slipped by unnoticed, as the three men sang song after song, first hymns and then soft ballads.\u00a0 Unnoticed, too, was the gathering audience that gradually drifted over to encircle the singers.\u00a0 Only when the listeners broke into applause did Adam, intent on the music, look up to find himself the center of attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cBravo!\u201d called a familiar voice.<\/p>\n

Turning in direction of the sound, Adam recognized several of the Vultures in the crowd.\u00a0 \u201cYou told!\u201d he castigated Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only told Marc,\u201d Jamie protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I only told Lucas,\u201d Marcus insisted.<\/p>\n

Lucas stepped forward with an impish grin.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I only told everyone!\u201d\u00a0 He laughed at Adam\u2019s obvious embarrassment.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s have another song, young fellow,\u201d a total stranger suggested.<\/p>\n

Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI think we\u2019d best oblige them, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not seeing any polite alternative, Adam began to strum the guitar, and the impromptu concert continued.\u00a0 After a few more songs he pleaded the imminent start of the second service at the chapel.\u00a0 As he stood and prepared to leave the Green, Robert Raines came up to him, shook his hand and complimented his musical skill.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll hope to hear more from you soon,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be entertaining on the Green again anytime soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raines tipped his silk hat and with an enigmatic smile said, \u201cWe\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When the mathematics tutor dismissed the midday recitation on Wednesday, he requested, \u201cMr. Cartwright, please see me after class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh-oh,\u201d Lucas intoned, wagging his finger under the nose of the man seated next to him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat malfeasance have you committed, my boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMalfeasance is your department,\u201d Adam quipped, but he felt some apprehension as he approached the tutor\u2019s lectern.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t imagine why the instructor wanted to see him.\u00a0 His recitation in Euclid, as always, had been flawless, and since Lucas hadn\u2019t been passing notes today, his deportment had been exemplary, too.\u00a0 \u201cYou wanted to see me, Mr. Nolen?\u201d he inquired.<\/p>\n

Sensing the young man\u2019s nervousness, the tutor smiled.\u00a0 \u201cOnly to hand you this message from a fellow instructor, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Please read it at your earliest convenience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, of course.\u201d\u00a0 Adam waited until he was in the hall before breaking the wax seal on the envelope.\u00a0 His brow furrowed as he read the message, and the frown lines were still prominent as he came down the steps and met his friends at the Elm of Assembly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrouble, Adam?\u201d Jamie asked with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe looks it,\u201d Lucas opined, \u201cthough I don\u2019t see how it could be.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t approach your sainthood, of course, Preacher Boy, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hush,\u201d Jamie remonstrated.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI honestly don\u2019t know.\u00a0 It\u2019s a request to meet with a Mr. Stoeckel at his home this afternoon between the hours of two and four.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, bother!\u201d Lucas exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll miss the regatta.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 The last thing on his mind right now was some boat race, although he had been looking forward to it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all it says, just to come to his home?\u201d Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he handed over the note.\u00a0 \u201cExcept for the address.\u00a0 I don\u2019t even recognize the name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam,\u201d Marcus chided.\u00a0 \u201cHow can you not know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t met all the professors here,\u201d Adam reminded him.<\/p>\n

Marcus laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve seen this one every morning.\u00a0 He leads the music at chapel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that his name?\u201d Adam asked, shaking his head at his own dimwittedness.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve had so many to absorb that I\u2019d forgotten his.\u00a0 I can\u2019t imagine what he wants with me, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas sported a knowing grin.\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I can\u2019t,\u201d Adam spouted irritably, \u201cand if you know, I\u2019d advise you to cough up the information, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas waved his hands before his face in protest.\u00a0 \u201cNo, no, I don\u2019t know, but I can guess.\u201d\u00a0 He paused to give his words greater impact and announced, \u201cHe\u2019s obviously heard of your musical prowess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom whom?\u201d Adam demanded, coming nose-to-nose with his friend.<\/p>\n

Lucas took a step back.\u00a0 \u201cWell, not from me.\u00a0 I\u2019m only guessing again, mind you, but Robert Raines is in the chapel choir.\u00a0 He might be the culprit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Remembering the senior\u2019s cunning expression when he\u2019d said, \u201cWe\u2019ll see\u201d on the Green the previous Sunday, Adam knew instantly that Lucas had guessed correctly.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get over to the dining hall and ask that meddling Vulture what he\u2019s gotten me into,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy stomach heartily seconds that motion,\u201d Lucas declared and led the way down College Street.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Adam was not able to satisfy his curiosity at dinner, for Robert Raines was absent on some personal business.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps he\u2019s recommended you for the Beethoven Society,\u201d Milton Bradford suggested.\u00a0 It was the Beethoven Society that provided the music for chapel services.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m a freshman,\u201d Adam argued.\u00a0 \u201cThey won\u2019t even let me sing on the fence!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely,\u201d Edgar Warington said dryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, it isn\u2019t unheard of,\u201d Bradford chided, \u201cjust . . . rare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore likely, Stoeckel has heard you have a measure of talent and hopes to supplement his income with private lessons,\u201d Warington scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cHe does give them.\u201d<\/p>\n

It would have irreparably damaged Adam\u2019s reputation with his own class to agree with a scurrilous sophomore, but he secretly thought that Warington had probably hit the nail on the head.\u00a0 If that were Stoeckel\u2019s aim, he was destined for disappointment, for Adam had no extra funds for private music lessons, much as he would have enjoyed them.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After changing into a fresh shirt and crisp cravat, Adam made his way to York Street, one block north of the college yard, and rapped on the door of number 137 at about 2:30 that afternoon.\u00a0 A woman with flaxen braids encircling her head like a coronet answered the door and, smiling, invited Adam in when he stated that he was here at Professor Stoeckel\u2019s request.\u00a0 \u201cMy husband is in his study,\u201d she said.\u00a0 She led the way to a room at the back of the house.\u00a0 \u201cGustave, a student has come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gustave Stoeckel bounced up from his seat.\u00a0 \u201cAh!\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright, yes?\u201d he asked, his German accent even thicker than his wife\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cCome in; come in!\u201d\u00a0 He came around the desk to usher Adam in.<\/p>\n

Feeling awkward, Adam stood, turning his hat in his hand.\u00a0 \u201cYou asked to see me, Professor Stoeckel?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bright eyes twinkled at him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not a professor yet,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe someday, if God wills, someone will endow a chair for music here at Yale.\u00a0 Until that happy day, you call me just Herr Stoeckel or, in the American way, Mister.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Adam said, flushing at his mistake.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did you want to see me, Herr Stoeckel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou come straight to the point,\u201d Stoeckel said.\u00a0 \u201cI like that!\u00a0 I was told that you have a fine singing voice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cast his eyes downward.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not for me to judge, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stoeckel laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, you are right; that is for me to judge.\u00a0 Will you sing for me, Mr. Cartwright?\u00a0 Anything you like.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his head.\u00a0 He supposed he should tell the music instructor right away that he had no money for private lessons, but he wanted to hear the man\u2019s opinion of his singing.\u00a0 If the instructor thought his talent merited development, perhaps he could afford them down the road.\u00a0 He particularly liked the references to nature in the song he had sung on Sunday, so he again began \u201cI Sing the Mighty Power of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stoeckel stood before him, eyes closed, obviously attentive to the notes.\u00a0 \u201cGood,\u201d he said when Adam finished.\u00a0 \u201cGood.\u00a0 You have some gift for music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir,\u201d Adam said with relief and satisfaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you read music?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged one shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI know musical notation and can pick out notes on my guitar,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I haven\u2019t learned sight singing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can be learned,\u201d Stoeckel said warmly.\u00a0 \u201cYou do well with your other studies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 He took a breath and said with hurried regret, \u201cI don\u2019t want to waste your time, Herr Stoeckel.\u00a0 Much as I\u2019d enjoy taking lessons from you, I don\u2019t have sufficient funds for private lessons at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stoeckel threw back his large head, his goatee pointing toward the ceiling, and guffawed loudly.\u00a0 \u201cThat is why you think I asked you here, to offer you lessons for a fee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t imagine any other reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stoeckel clapped a supportive hand to the young man\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou have seen the choir in chapel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course, every morning,\u201d Adam said with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cThe music is inspiring . . . like nothing I\u2019ve heard before, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, good,\u201d Stoeckel said again, clearly pleased.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like to make such music, then\u2014to join the choir, I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head reeled at the thought.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019m a freshman, Herr Stoeckel,\u201d he said hesitantly.\u00a0 \u201cWere you not told?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, I know that,\u201d Stoeckel said.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no restriction against freshmen in the Beethoven Society.\u00a0 Would you like to join?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt his heart streak toward the ceiling.\u00a0 To make such music!\u00a0 Of course, he wanted that!\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir, I\u2019d like that very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Stoeckel said.\u00a0 \u201cYou will have to pass an examination, but if you do, we will happily welcome you to the Beethoven Society.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen can I take it?\u201d Adam asked, hoping he didn\u2019t sound too eager.<\/p>\n

Stoeckel laughed again.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve already started.\u00a0 Let us continue.\u201d\u00a0 He took a sheet of music from his desk and handed it to Adam.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0He asked a number of questions about note values, key signatures, meter and other technicalities of the score and then directed, \u201cNow, sing it, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared at the printed notes.\u00a0 He\u2019d already told the choir master that he didn\u2019t sight read, so how was he supposed to sing this correctly?<\/p>\n

Stoeckel smiled at the bewildered face before him.\u00a0 \u201cFollow the melodic line as best you can,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cYou won\u2019t recognize the tune, as it is of my own composing.\u201d\u00a0 He intoned the opening pitch and motioned for Adam to continue.<\/p>\n

Voice shaking, Adam followed the notes up and down the staff and hoped he hadn\u2019t strayed too far from the melody.<\/p>\n

Stoeckel nodded thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cSome errors, but you have potential, if you are willing to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing to work!\u201d Adam declared with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 Can you sing harmony?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never have,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cMostly, I sing by myself, sir, for my own pleasure\u2014occasionally with my father or with friends, but we all tend to sing the melody.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome with me,\u201d Stoeckel ordered and breezed past Adam.\u00a0 He led the way into the parlor, where a small organ sat centered on one wall.\u00a0 He played a line from \u201cI Sing the Mighty Power of God.\u201d\u00a0 Then with one finger he played a harmony part.\u00a0 \u201cSing that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Adam repeated the line, as the instructor sang with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now alone,\u201d Stoeckel said.\u00a0 When Adam did, the teacher said, \u201cOnce more.\u201d\u00a0 When Adam successfully completely the line by himself, Stoeckel said, \u201cNow, you sing that part as I sing the melody above it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and repeated the part he had just learned, smiling broadly when they finished.\u00a0 The notes had blended into as beautiful a duet as he could imagine.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a good ear,\u201d Stoeckel said.\u00a0 \u201cI think I will start you at first bass.\u00a0 That is a good range for you.\u00a0 Rehearsals are every Wednesday at five.\u00a0 You have no other commitments?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Since the third recitation was always suspended on Wednesdays, he had that hour free.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will see you in the chapel at five, then,\u201d Herr Stoeckel said.\u00a0 He stroked his short beard.\u00a0 \u201cAfter today, if you come half an hour earlier, I will give you some basic instruction\u2014no charge,\u201d he said with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cA few weeks of extra work will improve your sight-reading skill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHerr Stoeckel, I would be very grateful,\u201d Adam said eagerly.\u00a0 \u201cI will see you this afternoon at the chapel.\u201d\u00a0 He managed to hold his enthusiasm for about a block; then he began to run down York Street, too full of the wondrous news for the restrained response of walking home.\u00a0 He had to tell Jamie as soon as possible or he\u2019d burst!\u00a0 As he rounded the corner onto George Street, he laughed aloud.\u00a0 What was he thinking?\u00a0 Jamie wasn\u2019t in their shared room; he\u2019d gone down to the harbor with Lucas and Marcus to see the regatta.\u00a0 So much the better!<\/em> Adam thought as he raced down the street, wind rushing about his ears.\u00a0 He would tell them all.\u00a0 He\u2019d tell the world!\u00a0 Especially that snooty Warington, who thought no freshman could possibly meet the stringent standards for the choir.\u00a0 His schedule had seemed full already, but now he felt such a surge of energy that he was ready to take on extra studies, society meetings, baseball, boating, music\u2014just everything!\u00a0 Oh, life at Yale was all that he\u2019d dreamed\u2014and more!<\/p>\n

Adam came to an abrupt halt as he saw Jamie, holding tightly to his bowler in the brisk wind, making his way up the street.\u00a0 \u201cDid I miss it all,\u201d he asked, \u201cor did the cold air become too much for you?\u201d\u00a0 He turned to walk beside his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou missed all there was,\u201d Jamie chuckled, \u201cbut that wasn\u2019t much.\u00a0 Everything was cancelled, due to rough water, except the barge race.\u00a0 The Nixie<\/em> won; the other two fouled out within a hundred feet of finishing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a shame,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe shells will try again on Saturday,\u201d Jamie told him, \u201ca good thing, since you had to miss today.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up into his friend\u2019s wind-reddened face.\u00a0 \u201cWhat I really want to hear about, of course, is how your interview with Mr. Stoeckel went.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s grin spread ear to ear.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re looking at the latest addition to the Beethoven Society, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it!\u201d\u00a0 Jamie stopped to pump his friend\u2019s hand in the middle of the street.\u00a0 \u201cI knew that nonsense about his looking for a new pupil was . . . well, nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTypical sophomore sophistry,\u201d Adam alleged with an arch of his eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndubitably!\u201d Jamie declared.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see Warington\u2019s face when you tell the Vultures tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I can\u2019t wait to get my hands on Robert Raines . . . and thank him heartily.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The weather on Saturday was practically balmy, especially for a day in late October.\u00a0 The sky above was clear, but for a few fluffy cumulus clouds, and the wind moderate\u2014a perfect day for boating.\u00a0 The shore in front of the judges\u2019 pavilion was crowded with students and townspeople, among them the quartet of freshmen who so often spent time together.\u00a0 \u201cGood tide,\u201d Lucas commented, gazing out over the waters of New Haven Harbor.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdeal,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDone much boating out there in dry Nevada, have you?\u201d Lucas snickered.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled condescendingly.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re forgetting Lake Tahoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas laughed at himself this time.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I was!\u00a0 Ever sailed her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMostly rowed,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cOnly a two-man rig, home-built.\u00a0 Nothing like we\u2019ll see today.\u201d\u00a0 Maybe salt water flowed in his veins, passed down to him from his father and from Grandfather Stoddard, Adam mused, for he could feel excitement rising at the expectation of seeing some finely crafted vessels in the races this morning.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t disappointed as the sleek shells of Spanish cedar and larger barges passed in grand review before the shells took their positions for the race.\u00a0 Two of Yale\u2019s three boating clubs were racing this afternoon.\u00a0 The Glyuna<\/em> drew the inside position, with the Nixie<\/em> next to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cVaruna<\/em> won\u2019t be racing,\u201d Lucas commented sagely.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re down a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA decided disadvantage,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 He leaned forward when the starting gun was fired and watched with open-faced admiration the rhythmic coordination of the men pulling the oars.\u00a0 The Nixie<\/em> and Glyuna<\/em> were almost side by side for the first half mile, but then Nixie<\/em> began to pull away.\u00a0 It was at least a length ahead by the time it turned around the buoy and headed toward the finishing point, and it continued to put more distance between it and Glyuna\u2019s<\/em> shell until the crew gave a whoop of victory as they finished the 2.9-mile course in just over nineteen minutes.\u00a0 The Glyuna<\/em>, one of whose crew had sprained an arm during the race, came in more than a minute later.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that was beautiful,\u201d Adam said with a sigh of contentment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look as though you\u2019d like to be out there,\u201d Jamie teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cIt would be marvelous exercise and a pure pleasure to skim over the water like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d better not hear of your going out for the Navy when you wouldn\u2019t make time for baseball,\u201d Lucas grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t have time for either.\u201d\u00a0 Or money, he might have added.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially not now with your extra duties in the choir,\u201d Marcus said with pride, something they all felt in the accomplishment of their friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially not now,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 Until he settled in with the choir and caught up on all the new music being thrown at him, it was the unvarnished truth.<\/p>\n

Varuna<\/em> did participate in and, in fact, won the drill that followed the shell race.\u00a0 Orders were signaled by color from the Commodore\u2019s boat, which had to be interpreted by the coxswain of each boat and carried out by the crew.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s something you could do,\u201d Adam said to Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cThey seem to want lightweight fellows at that position, and learning the signals would come to you as easily as any other language.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps someday,\u201d Jamie said with a significant smile, knowing Adam would understand without further explanation.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded discreetly.\u00a0 Money.\u00a0 Would there ever be a time they didn\u2019t have to worry about that?\u00a0 It was a shame in this instance, too, for regular doses of fresh air and sunshine would undoubtedly benefit his slightly built friend.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

The lyrics to \u201cI Sing the Mighty Power of God\u201d were written in 1714 by Isaac Watts, the music by G. F. Root in 1856, so it would have been a relatively new song at the time Adam sang it.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER SIXTEEN<\/p>\n

Thanksgiving Jubilee<\/p>\n

Though it was early afternoon, barely past the dinner hour, both Adam and Jamie were bundled into their mutual bed for the sake of warmth.\u00a0 To conserve on coal, they didn\u2019t bother keeping a fire going during the day, even on Sunday, when they actually spent more time in their room than they did during the week.\u00a0 Neither of them had any desire for outdoor exercise on this raw, windy November day; they were content to keep their stocking-clad toes beneath the covers while perusing the day\u2019s edition of the New York Times<\/em>.<\/p>\n

They took turns, one reading an article of interest, while the other snuggled down under the thick quilt; then the reader would hand the paper over to the listener and pull the quilt up under his own chin for a while.\u00a0 When Jamie\u2019s turn came, he read about the closing of the Pony Express.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems a shame,\u201d Adam observed from his pillow.\u00a0 \u201cIt was a splendid sight, those boys galloping into Carson with the mail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys?\u201d Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYour friend\u2014Billy, isn\u2019t it?\u2014he\u2019s older than you, as I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne year, almost to the day,\u201d Adam admitted with a chuckle, \u201cbut he\u2019s always seemed like such a kid at heart that I tend to forget he\u2019s older.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the trouble with you younger brothers,\u201d Jamie teased.\u00a0 \u201cAlways forgetting your place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have lived to rue the day I let you take on the role of older brother.\u201d\u00a0 Adam rose up on his elbows and reached for the paper.\u00a0 Instead of reading a new article, however, he kept staring at the one about the end of the Pony Express.\u00a0 \u201cI knew it was coming, of course, the signs were obvious all the way here, and I know Billy will be fine, but I can\u2019t help wondering what he\u2019ll do now,\u201d he mused.\u00a0 \u201cI should write him and ask . . . though I\u2019m more likely to hear the answer from Pa than Billy.\u00a0 He\u2019s a terrible hand to write.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019d like to join us here,\u201d Jamie suggested, rolling to face Adam with one folded arm beneath his head.<\/p>\n

Adam collapsed with laughter.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019d be the last thing he\u2019d do.\u00a0 Billy Thomas is about the furthest thing from a scholar you\u2019ll ever meet!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cCollege isn\u2019t for everyone, but I would have enjoyed meeting your friend.\u00a0 He\u2019s always sounded like such an entertaining person, like those little brothers of yours.\u00a0 I truly wish I could meet them some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed so hard he had to hold his belly.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t expect them here!\u00a0 Little Joe hasn\u2019t even started grammar school, and Hoss\u2019s Latin is definitely below Yale standards!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie pulled the pillow from beneath his head and hammered Adam with it.<\/p>\n

A few feathers flew loose as Adam smacked his friend back.\u00a0 \u201cSeriously, if you want to meet my little brothers and Billy,\u201d he said as they both snuggled under the covers again, \u201cyou should come to the Ponderosa for a visit after we graduate.\u00a0 It would make a fine holiday for you, and I\u2019ll relish showing the place off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to see it,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cand Hoss and Little Joe and your father.\u00a0 Perhaps my father would be free to come then, too.\u201d\u00a0 He didn\u2019t express his doubts that either he or his father would manage to come out of the next four years with enough extra income for a trip across the country.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have to; Adam knew his circumstances better than anyone, but it didn\u2019t hurt to dream.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d both be welcome,\u201d Adam said, knowing as well as Jamie that they were dreaming of things that might never be.\u00a0 So much could happen in a span of four years, especially in a nation at war.\u00a0 He yawned.\u00a0 \u201cDo we have time for a brief nap before second chapel?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Jamie said with a sigh, \u201cthough I\u2019d relish one, too.\u00a0 This sort of weather always makes me drowsy.\u201d\u00a0 Hearing a branch scrape against the window, he looked out at the gray and gloomy sky.\u00a0 \u201cIt would almost be worth the demerits to skip chapel, just this once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am appalled,\u201d Adam declared, glowering with mock horror, for he knew that dutiful Jamie would somehow manage to drag himself out into the cold, even without the added incentive of meeting his father, and that he himself would feel obliged to follow his roommate\u2019s good example.<\/p>\n

After chapel and a cup of coffee in a nearby caf\u00e9 with Jamie\u2019s father, the two boys returned to their room.\u00a0 While Jamie indulged in the longed for nap, Adam wrapped himself in an extra quilt and sat at his desk, penning a letter to Billy.\u00a0 He shared Jamie\u2019s suggestion about coming to Yale, knowing that his friend back home could take a joke better than anyone he knew.\u00a0 \u201cSeriously, though,\u201d he wrote, \u201cdo write and tell me what your plans are.\u00a0 It would be so good to hear from you . . . and I promise not to grade your spelling like Miss Eliza used to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

He signed and sealed the letter and then crawled under the covers to snatch a few minutes cozy rest before time to head out into the cold again for supper.\u00a0 He owed a letter to Ross, too, but his hands were growing so stiff in the chilly room that it would have to wait.\u00a0 Adam dreamily recalled memories of snatched moments between chores, when he and Ross had shared a bit of poetry or some new lesson from one of his textbooks.\u00a0 Though Ross really would have relished the opportunity for a little extra learning, he was no more prepared for Yale than Billy.\u00a0 Too many deficiencies to ever catch up, which seemed a shame, given Ross\u2019s genuine thirst for learning and for bettering himself.\u00a0 In his letters Adam shared whatever he thought Ross would appreciate of his college experiences, and he promised himself that he\u2019d try to do so more often.\u00a0 Amid all his varied activities\u2014and they seemed to expand almost daily\u2014it was hard to find time to write to everyone he wanted to keep in touch with.\u00a0 Hoss was due another letter soon\u2014or was it Little Joe\u2019s turn?\u00a0 Woe betide him if he got them out of order!\u00a0 Still trying to figure that one out, he drifted to sleep.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The weather remained miserable throughout the next week.\u00a0 Adam and Jamie invested in a used umbrella, fortunately large enough to cover both of them as they hurried from chapel to recitation rooms to dining hall and back to their lodgings in George Street.\u00a0 Gone were pleasant afternoon walks through the cemetery or to scenic heights outside town.\u00a0 Adam did still make an occasional excursion to the gymnasium, but working up a sweat and coming out into the bracing wind was quickly losing its appeal.\u00a0 They studied in the library between classes because it was warmer than their room, but were nonetheless forced to use more of their precious supply of coal than frugality dictated.\u00a0 It would be false frugality, Adam pointed out, if they ended up spending their meager savings for doctor visits and medicine, instead of fuel to ward off colds in the first place.<\/p>\n

When Adam had studied his lessons to perfection, he would wander around the library, noting the numerous curiosities collected there; for the building was, in fact, a museum of ancient manuscripts, coins, art and archeological finds.\u00a0 Among the manuscripts was a petition to the Emperor of China, four feet long, covered in crimson silk and inscribed in gold characters.\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t Hop Sing be proud of his heritage, if he saw something like this!\u00a0 Not that he wasn\u2019t already proud, Adam admitted with a grin; but he made a note to describe this in his next letter to Hoss.\u00a0 Not only would his brother enjoy reading about something special to Hop Sing, but he could be trusted to pass it on to the cook.\u00a0 Hoss would like the coin collection, too, especially if he could have actually seen and handled them.\u00a0 It might even have heightened his interest in geography and history, for some were from colonial America, others from England, Napoleon\u2019s France, Germany, Japan and China.\u00a0 Some of those were over two thousands years old, another source of interest and pride to send on to Hop Sing.\u00a0 Adam himself found the coins from the Roman Empire and Greece fascinating because of his current studies in their classic languages.<\/p>\n

He wished that Hoss could be with him to see the archeological finds, as well, although the boy probably wouldn\u2019t have understood their significance any more than did Lucas, who accompanied him on the day he toured those.\u00a0 In the midst of fascinating objects like a facsimile of the Rosetta Stone, all that caught Luke\u2019s capricious eye were the anklets and bracelets of Egyptian dancing girls!<\/p>\n

Adam could have studied, hour upon hour, the architectural engravings of columns from Rome and of St. Giles church in Wales, of historical interest to the college because Elihu Yale was interred in its churchyard.\u00a0 There was a view of Yale College itself as it had been in the previous century, along with a manuscript of its history and course of study in 1786.\u00a0 It included a list of stringent rules for students that he was glad they didn\u2019t have to follow in these more modern times.\u00a0 \u201cImagine not being allowed to speak English at all, even in our own rooms,\u201d he later told Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but think how proficient we\u2019d become in Latin,\u201d his friend pointed out with a smile, to which Adam responded with an audible and visible shiver not at all influenced by the chill in the room.<\/p>\n

No one could work up any enthusiasm for sloshing through the mud to a Brothers in Unity meeting that week.\u00a0 Extra cups of steaming hot coffee became their new luxury expense, and diligent study of lessons their chief amusement, with an occasional flourish of reading the newspaper.\u00a0 They did, of course, make their way through the wet streets for the Sigma Ep meeting on Saturday.\u00a0 That was required, and they would have braved the weather even if it weren\u2019t, because listening to the orations and debates of their classmates was always either entertaining or enlightening\u2013when they were lucky, both.<\/p>\n

Monday was another miserable day, but Adam\u2019s face was as bright as sunshine when his stop by the post office was rewarded with a letter from home.\u00a0 He and Jamie raced back to their room, where they poked up the fire and wrapped up in quilts.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep any part to yourself that you please,\u201d Jamie reminded his friend, although he was almost as eager to hear the news from the Ponderosa as Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere might be something,\u201d Adam said, assuming his father would have responded to the sober reflections he had written in his last letter home, \u201cbut I\u2019ll share everything I can.\u201d\u00a0 He quickly scanned the contents of the letter and noted that there were some sober words toward the end.\u00a0 He\u2019d wait to read them privately.\u00a0 \u201cWell, here\u2019s some information we need to give your father,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cPa says they have a post office in Washoe City now, and that\u2019s closer for them, so he asks that all letters be sent there from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, Father will certainly want that change of address.\u201d\u00a0 As Adam read it to him, Jamie wrote it down and laid it aside to give to his father the next time he saw him, probably the following Sunday at chapel.\u00a0 \u201cAny news of those little brothers?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa says Hoss really enjoyed his letter from me and that Little Joe is looking forward to his and, especially, the rock collection I promised.\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cRot!\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s letter was delayed.\u00a0 I knew I was in trouble when the Rebs took over St. Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly briefly,\u201d Jamie reminded him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure Little Joe has his letter and those rocks by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be setting me out as bait for wolves if he hasn\u2019t,\u201d Adam moaned.\u00a0 He shook off the concern and read all the news, including the impending birth of Enos and Katerina\u2019s first child.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s the sort of story you like,\u201d he chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cPa says that when they got my letter, he told the boys that they\u2019d save it for dessert after supper.\u00a0 Seems Hoss got real concerned that Pa meant they\u2019d be having the letter, instead<\/em> of dessert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA tragedy for any boy,\u201d Jamie agreed with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then Little Joe chimes in to announce that he wants pie and the letter and Pa adds\u201d\u2014Adam laughed so hard he could barely get the words out\u2014\u201c\u2018Just thought you\u2019d want to know how you stack up against apple pie, son!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie fell back on the bed, laughing.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Adam,\u201d he gasped.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll always stack up against apple pie for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest is pretty personal,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like me to step out, give you some privacy?\u201d Jamie offered, sensing his friend\u2019s somber mood.<\/p>\n

If the weather had not been so inclement, Adam might have taken him up on the offer, but he could scarcely ask Jamie to leave when he had nowhere\u2014at least, nowhere dry\u2014to go.\u00a0 \u201cNo, that\u2019s all right,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cJust ignore me for a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConsider yourself ignored,\u201d Jamie said, scrambling up off the bed and shuffling over to his desk, where he opened his Greek text to prepare for the next recitation.<\/p>\n

Adam took off his shoes, crawled onto the bed and sat cross-legged, facing the wall.\u00a0 Closed in as effectively as he could be in a shared room, he unfolded the letter again and read its final paragraphs, his father\u2019s response to his ponderings about the appropriateness of remaining at Yale while the nation was at war.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My dearest boy, never fear that you should withhold from me any thought of your heart.\u00a0 Though parted by thousands of miles, I am still your father and, as such, am intended to help carry such loads.\u00a0 My shoulders are broad, Adam, and strong enough to share your concerns.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure that you were much affected by what you experienced on the trip, and I can understand that you might feel drawn to the service of your country when you see others answering that call.\u00a0 However, I believe you are wrong in referring to what you are doing as sitting in a classroom, enjoying yourself.\u00a0 That is not what you are doing, my boy, just seeking your own pleasure; you are preparing yourself for the future beyond this terrible conflict that separates our country.\u00a0 Remember, Adam, that your goal is to become a builder, and how greatly our country will need builders when this cruel war is over!\u00a0 You are doing the right thing, and I hope you will no longer waste precious time second-guessing your decision.\u00a0 Though it is hard to be parted from you, I know\u2014I absolutely know\u2014that you have made the right decision.<\/p>\n

Let us hear from you often.\u00a0 As Hoss said, a letter from you rates higher than even an entire apple pie\u2014with all of us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a heart filled with love and longing,<\/p>\n

Pa<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam wiped away the single tear that trickled from one eye.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s words of support could warm his heart and soothe his troubled thoughts with a power that no one else ever possessed.\u00a0 That rated above apple pie with him, too\u2014or even an entire plate of Candy Sam\u2019s divinity.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Lit<\/em>. came out on Wednesday, and since Adam and Jamie picked up their copy after the first recitation, they were able to review its contents during breaks from classes and meals.\u00a0 Adam found the article on the summer tour of the Yale Glee Club fascinating: they\u2019d visited so many scenic and historic places!\u00a0 \u201cI wish I could have been part of that,\u201d he confided to his best friend, \u201cbut evidently it only involved the Class of \u201963.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes the Beethoven Society tour?\u201d Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNot that I\u2019ve heard of.\u00a0 I think they mostly provide music for chapel, but I don\u2019t suppose I could afford the expense, if they did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod would provide,\u201d Jamie declared fervently.<\/p>\n

Adam, whose faith was never as undiluted by doubt as his friend\u2019s, merely quirked a half smile.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe provided free voice lessons with Professor Stoeckel, didn\u2019t He?\u201d Jamie pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat He did,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut I think a tour through New England is probably not on His agenda for me any time soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam,\u201d Jamie chided softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Jamie,\u201d his friend teased back.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t expect that for yourself, either, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t sing,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

Adam gave his friend\u2019s shoulder a playful shove.\u00a0 \u201cThat, sir, is the lamest argument I have ever heard from you.\u00a0 Pray use better logic in your upcoming society debate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie groaned at the reference to his scheduled appearance before Sigma Ep that Saturday night.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t remind me.\u00a0 I\u2019m terrified of speaking before the class.\u00a0 I wish I had your courage and podium presence, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGod will provide,\u201d Adam said with a wicked wink.<\/p>\n

Jamie exhaled with exasperation, mostly at himself for providing the ammunition for the jest.\u00a0 \u201cOoh, you . . . you . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bounced up and headed for the door.\u00a0 \u201cSorry.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have time to wait for the end of that sentence.\u00a0 I\u2019m due for those special voice lessons God has provided.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut, you heathen!\u201d Jamie demanded, though a grin cracked through his reddened countenance.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee you at supper,\u201d Adam called as he went through the door.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGood news,\u201d Adam called to Jamie, who was waiting for him just outside the entrance to the Vultures\u2019 dining hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Beethoven Society is<\/em> going to tour New England!\u201d Jamie guessed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, ye of great faith,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNothing quite that grand, but we are giving a special Christmas concert.\u00a0 Visitors can come, so let\u2019s ask your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019ll come,\u201d Jamie assured his friend.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019d skip meals to save enough for that ticket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this talk of skipping meals?\u201d Lucas demanded as he came up to them.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you intend to skip supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot us!\u201d Adam declared.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get in out of the cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

They pressed through the narrow doorway and removed their outer garments in the small hall just inside.\u00a0 \u201cSay, Luke, did you know about the competition for the Yale Literary Medal?\u00a0 The first I heard about it was when I read who had won in the Lit<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I knew,\u201d Lucas replied, hanging his woolen scarf on one of the wooden pegs provided.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, why did you not tell your fondest friends, my boy?\u201d Adam charged.<\/p>\n

Lucas just snorted.\u00a0 \u201cFreshmen never win.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe because they don\u2019t know about it,\u201d Adam pointed out.<\/p>\n

Lucas laughed then.\u00a0 \u201cWe prep boys know; it\u2019s just you country rubes who don\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 He laid a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder as if he were a gray-haired sage, imparting the wisdom of his years to a young whippersnapper.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just another way of keeping underclassmen in their place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot everyone at Yale is a sophomore,\u201d Jamie said in an undertone, in case any of the Vulture sophomores were already inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrouble with them again?\u201d Marcus asked, coming in on the tail end of the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we were talking about the Yale Literary Medal,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cDid you know about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Marcus admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I had.\u00a0 I shall try for it next year, though I doubt I have any chance of winning if Jamie competes, too.\u00a0 Still it will be good experience for other prizes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat other prizes?\u201d Adam demanded with a stern look at Lucas, their main fount of information regarding life at Yale.\u00a0 \u201cLend us your prep school experience, Lucas lad, so we don\u2019t miss another opportunity to let those upperclassmen know we\u2019ve arrived!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell you over supper,\u201d Lucas promised.\u00a0 \u201cThere is quite a list, though not so many open to freshmen.\u201d<\/p>\n

The topic interested everyone at the table, although the two sophomores professed to know everything already.\u00a0 The seniors undoubtedly did, too, but were happy to point out to the underclassmen just how many opportunities for awards and scholarships were available at Yale.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re all listed in the college catalog, of course,\u201d George Miller said airily.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you country boys have lost yours already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe country boys never had one to begin with,\u201d Adam retorted sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did,\u201d Jamie admitted reluctantly.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I didn\u2019t read it closely enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller clucked his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cDear, dear, is there no limit to the ignorance of freshmen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was probably more concerned about the section detailing what the entrance exam would cover,\u201d Alexander White suggested generously.\u00a0 \u201cDo check it when you return to your room, Edwards; dates are listed for all the major prize exams.\u201d<\/p>\n

After supper everyone adjourned to their respective open society meetings and made plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving festivities, so it wasn\u2019t until they were in bed that Adam and Jamie returned to the topic of prizes and scholarships.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll definitely try for the Brothers\u2019 prize debate,\u201d Adam dictated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will,\u201d Jamie demurred.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t see the point in my competing if you\u2019re making the attempt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to take a page from Marc\u2019s book,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cWhether you win or not doesn\u2019t matter so much.\u00a0 The prizes are quite small, after all, but the experience is everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d said Jamie, who was still so edgy about this Saturday\u2019s debate that even contemplating another almost made him nauseous.\u00a0 \u201cI do plan to sit for the Woolsey and hope for the Hurlbut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith your excellence in Latin, it\u2019ll be the Woolsey for you,\u201d Adam said confidently.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be the one settling for the Hurlbut,\u201d he added, mentioning the prize given to the student who placed second in the same exam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s algebra on it, too,\u201d Jamie pointed out, yawning.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re better at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMinimally,\u201d Adam said, stifling a yawn himself.\u00a0 \u201cAnd we\u2019ll both try for the Berkeley premium . . . even though you\u2019re bound to take it.\u00a0 You lead the class in Latin composition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo long as I don\u2019t have to deliver it orally,\u201d Jamie moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you quit worrying?\u201d Adam chided.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll do fine on Saturday . . . but not if we don\u2019t get some sleep between now and then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo true.\u00a0 Good night, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Jamie.\u201d\u00a0 Though the room was too dark for his friend to see it, Adam sent him a mischievous smile.\u00a0 \u201cSweet dreams . . . all about persuasive Latin phrases.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd may your dreams be filled with sweet propositions from Euclid,\u201d Jamie countered.<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh,\u201d Adam grunted.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did you have to remind me?\u00a0 I\u2019m due to recite tomorrow.\u00a0 And it\u2019s the Pons Asinorum<\/em>, no less.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter you than me,\u201d Jamie observed with a chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cYou, at least, have some hope of passing the Asses\u2019 Bridge,\u201d he translated, using the nickname the students had given to the fifth proposition in their geometry text because so many of them found it difficult to get across.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to get my hands on the ass who wrote that,\u201d Adam grumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be Euclid,\u201d Jamie pointed out, \u201cand he\u2019s safely out of your reach, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re not!\u201d Adam pounced upon his bedmate with a well-aimed pillow.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe was wonderful,\u201d Adam told Josiah Edwards as he and the Edwards shared an after-chapel cup of coffee on Sunday afternoon.\u00a0 \u201cHis arguments were so cogent that everyone agreed he\u2019d won the debate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone meaning the three most prejudiced listeners in the room,\u201d Jamie demurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just us,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cI overheard several people paying similar compliments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d\u00a0 Modest Jamie seemed incredulous.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould I lie on Sunday?\u201d Adam asked with an exaggerated air of innocence.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just every other day?\u201d Josiah chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not then, either.\u201d\u00a0 Adam spread his hands to emphasize the obviousness of his next statement.\u00a0 \u201cI was raised by Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho always had a healthy respect for the truth.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah nodded his agreement with the son\u2019s assessment of the father\u2019s character.\u00a0 \u201cWould you care for another cup of coffee, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to, but I can\u2019t,\u201d Adam said, standing.\u00a0 \u201cAt the last Brothers meeting Lucas and I got tapped to sell tickets to the Thanksgiving Jubilee next week: that is to say, Lucas volunteered, and he tapped me.\u00a0 He wants to meet this afternoon to talk sales strategy.\u00a0 In return, we\u2019ll get free tickets to the program.\u201d\u00a0 He gestured toward Jamie with his chin.\u00a0 \u201cThen we\u2019ll split the price for one for Jamie; it\u2019s just a dollar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery generous of you, Adam,\u201d said Josiah as he stood and extended his hand in farewell.<\/p>\n

Adam shook the man\u2019s hand, but shrugged off the compliment.\u00a0 \u201cShare and share alike.\u00a0 Jamie would do the same for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe would,\u201d Josiah agreed, \u201cbut the Edwards were definitely blessed the day the Cartwrights rolled into St. Joe, and as this is the season for counting our blessings, let me say that the friendship we\u2019ve shared over the years and that I still see so strong in you boys heads my list.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, here!\u201d Jamie cheered, though softly, as they were in a public restaurant.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve expressed my sentiments, too,\u201d Adam returned, and as he went out into the frosty air, fresh appreciation for the bonds of friendship warmed him from the inside, top to toe.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After the drizzling misery of recent days, the sunny warmth of Indian summer refreshed the students\u2019 spirits.\u00a0 There was a bounce in Adam\u2019s step as he trotted into the post office after the noon meal on Saturday, and his face beamed when he came out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s it from?\u201d Jamie asked, indicating the envelope in Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam responded.\u00a0 With the day so bright and clear, he broke open the seal on his father\u2019s letter and spread it open, starting to read as they headed toward George Street.\u00a0 But his steps soon slowed and then came to a complete halt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Jamie asked urgently, for the sudden darkening of his friend\u2019s countenance disturbed him.\u00a0 \u201cBad News?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad, really, just . . . disturbing.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked up from the letter, frowning.\u00a0 \u201cI mean, it didn\u2019t happen, but . . . but just the thought that it could have . . . that anyone for one moment thought . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019re babbling,\u201d Jamie said, gripping his friend\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cNow tell me directly: what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned his head back against the nearest building.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s this rich couple in Virginia City . . . millionaires, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the mines, I suppose,\u201d Jamie said to draw Adam on, for he seemed to be having trouble getting the story out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes . . . from the mines.\u201d\u00a0 Adam took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cThey came to see Pa about . . . about . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey want . . . they want . . . Little Joe!\u201d Adam cried with the anguish of a man who\u2019d just had a piece of his heart ripped away.\u00a0 \u201cTo adopt him,\u201d he amplified when he got control of his emotions.\u00a0 \u201cThey offered to give him the best of everything, things Pa can\u2019t hope to provide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie stared at him in shock.\u00a0 \u201cY-your father\u2014he wouldn\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he told them no,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cbut\u201d\u2014he swallowed hard\u2014\u201che sounds so . . . sad . . . well, maybe more worried . . . fearful . . . . about whether he really is a fit father; he brings up that rough time right after we lost Marie, not being there for us then.\u201d\u00a0 He broke off abruptly and grabbed Jamie by the arm.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got to write him,\u201d he insisted, \u201cwrite and post it tonight.\u201d\u00a0 Though he knew the letter would take close to a month to reach his father, he felt he couldn\u2019t delay sending it by so much as one hour.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, you do,\u201d Jamie agreed.\u00a0 \u201cFortunately, we\u2019ve got the afternoon free.\u00a0 Pour out your heart to him, Adam, and we\u2019ll post it on the way to supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam stared at the empty sheet before him.\u00a0 The room was silent, except for the light rustle of turning pages as Jamie studied at the adjoining desk.\u00a0 As quiet and considerate a roommate as Jamie was, Adam still couldn\u2019t release the pent-up emotions driving him with anyone as audience.<\/p>\n

Jamie must have sensed his conflict or, perhaps, just noticed the blank stationery, for he closed his Greek text and stretched his arms overhead.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s enough studying for now.\u00a0 I think I\u2019ll go out for some fresh air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to,\u201d Adam said as his friend stood.\u00a0 \u201cThis is your room, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was aware of that,\u201d Jamie chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNo, seriously, I need a break.\u00a0 The weather\u2019s so fine that I think I\u2019ll walk over to meet Father after he gets off work. \u00a0See you at the Vultures.\u201d\u00a0 He donned his coat and cap and moved for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right . . . thanks!\u201d\u00a0 Adam knew full well that his friend was doing this for his sake, especially since there\u2019d be so little time between when Josiah got off work and supper was served that Jamie might as well save himself the walk.<\/p>\n

After his friend left, Adam let the quiet settle down over him for a few minutes, and the words finally began to flow:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dear Pa,<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t tell you how shocked I was to hear of the Bowers\u2019 proposal to adopt Little Joe.\u00a0 Actually, furious is a more correct reflection of my response.\u00a0 He may be a little rascal, but he\u2019s our little rascal, and the Ponderosa just wouldn\u2019t be the same without him.\u00a0 So, I am profoundly pleased and, yes, even proud that you sent them packing.<\/p>\n

The doubts about yourself that this distressing incident seem to have aroused cause me deep concern.\u00a0 I know that you blame yourself for your inability to properly parent all of us during those first dark days after Marie\u2019s death, that you feel that you burdened me with responsibilities rightfully yours.\u00a0 I won\u2019t lie and tell you that those days were easy for me, because they weren\u2019t; I was the one filled with self-doubt then, wondering whether I could possibly be to Hoss and Little Joe what you had been to me.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t you see, Pa?\u00a0 It is precisely because of the wonderful job of fathering you did with me that I was able to step into your shoes, at least until you were ready to fill them again yourself.\u00a0 I cherish the memories of the days when it was just you and me.\u00a0 No man ever gave more of himself to a child than you did to me, and you haven\u2019t changed.\u00a0 Except for that one brief interlude, you have given of yourself day after day; and while we all miss Marie, I know that you are fully capable of bring up her son without the help of any interfering busybodies.\u00a0 I know because you did it with me.\u00a0 And I haven\u2019t turned out all that badly, have I?\u00a0 (I hope that makes you smile, Pa!)<\/p>\n

We\u2019re getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving here.\u00a0 There\u2019s a tradition among the students who remain in town over the holiday to hold a jubilee, a student-organized program of mostly nonsense, from what I hear.\u00a0 Jamie and I are both looking forward to that.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be having our turkey with the Vultures\u2014the ones that don\u2019t go home, that is\u2014but I\u2019ll be thinking of you and the boys and the Thomases, too, for I\u2019m certain you\u2019ll be sharing the Thanksgiving dinner with them.\u00a0 I have much to be thankful for this year, especially the opportunity to come to Yale, but the greatest blessing of this or any other year is the knowledge that Ben Cartwright is my father.<\/p>\n

Your grateful son,<\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spent, Adam set the pen down and read what he had written.\u00a0 He had never before expressed himself so openly to his father, and at first he wondered if he could post such personal thoughts.\u00a0 These words needed to be said, however, so before his courage failed, he sealed the letter, addressed the envelope and immediately took his coat from the wardrobe at the foot of the bed.\u00a0 Wanting that letter out of his hand and on its way, he hurried out the door.\u00a0 If he arrived too early for supper, well, it was a pleasant day for a walk.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Waving two tickets, Lucas came running down the steps of the building shared by the Brothers in Unity and Linonia.\u00a0 \u201cMission accomplished,\u201d he called, \u201cwith the wildly expressed appreciation of the committee.\u00a0 They declared themselves amazed at how many subscriptions we\u2019d managed to produce.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m happy to receive the reward of your hard labor,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou are a phenomenal salesman, Luke, like my friend Billy back home; you sold three times the number of tickets I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHigh time I bested you at something,\u201d Lucas declared, \u201cbut you did your fair share, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 He held out the two tickets.\u00a0 \u201cHere you go: one for you and one for the little preacher boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gaped at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou aren\u2019t going to the jubilee?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas waved off the idea as ridiculous.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, I am.\u00a0 I bought my ticket days ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut . . . why?\u201d\u00a0 Adam felt he was almost babbling.\u00a0 He\u2019d taken on the commission purely to earn the free ticket, but why would Lucas work as hard as he had if his way in was already secured?<\/p>\n

\u201cBoosted our total.\u00a0 Very impressive, you know.\u201d\u00a0 Then Lucas shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cLike you said, I\u2019m a born salesman; I enjoy it.\u00a0 Besides, it\u2019s the kind of thing that can pay dividends later on in a college man\u2019s career, his standing among the other men, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t your standing be more improved by showing up to class on time?\u201d Adam teased.\u00a0 \u201cAnd skipping Latin altogether yesterday\u2014tsk, tsk, my boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas gazed at him with longsuffering patience.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean academic standing, my boy.\u00a0 That\u2019s a hopeless quest in my case.\u00a0 I meant\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPopularity,\u201d Adam finished for him with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t naysay it,\u201d Lucas charged.\u00a0 \u201cNow, will you take this or do I have to present it to Edwards in person?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took both tickets.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s very generous of you, but what made you think . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat the price might be a problem?\u201d Lucas asked.\u00a0 He gave his friend a rare, sober smile.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not quite the flighty flibbertigibbet you take me for; I notice more than you think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam blanched.\u00a0 Was his and Jamie\u2019s poverty that obvious?\u00a0 To everyone?<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the way you watch your pennies,\u201d Lucas said as if he\u2019d heard the unspoken question.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s why you wouldn\u2019t go out for baseball, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI would enjoy it, Luke, but . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to explain,\u201d Lucas said promptly, \u201cand no need to feel embarrassed, either.\u00a0 To most men at Yale it won\u2019t matter; we believe a man\u2019s character dictates his worth, not the plumpness of his pocketbook . . . not that there\u2019s anything wrong with a plump pocketbook, you understand; I pad mine every chance I get.\u201d\u00a0 His usual impish grin flashed for a moment and then he sobered again.\u00a0 \u201cLook, I can\u2019t help with club expenses\u2014anything major like that\u2014but a little thing like this . . . it\u2019s nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to us,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He threw an arm around his friend\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cLoyalty . . . generosity . . . that\u2019s character . . . and friendship.\u00a0 I value yours and it\u2019s time I said so plainly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel the same,\u201d Lucas responded warmly, and they walked to their next recitation arm in arm.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCan you believe we\u2019re already reviewing for term exams?\u201d Adam asked as he and Jamie met Marcus outside chapel on Monday morning.\u00a0 Lucas, of course, never deigned to arrive until the final bell was ringing.<\/p>\n

Marcus moaned.\u00a0 \u201cThank God we don\u2019t actually take them for another two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Thanksgiving holiday significantly shortens our class review time,\u201d Jamie commiserated.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hush,\u201d Adam chided.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t need any<\/em> review time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, that isn\u2019t so,\u201d Jamie protested.<\/p>\n

Lucas came running up.<\/p>\n

Adam held the back of his palm to his forehead.\u00a0 \u201cI think I shall swoon,\u201d he declared.\u00a0 \u201cThe first bell hasn\u2019t even rung.\u00a0 To what do we owe this exemplary promptness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had business to tend to,\u201d Lucas said, \u201cand if you have spare pennies, my boys, please dig them out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpare pennies?\u201d Adam adopted a Shakespearean demeanor.\u00a0 \u201cPrithee, tell me what one looketh like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s for Candy Sam,\u201d Lucas explained, ignoring the jest.\u00a0 \u201cThe freshmen always take up a collection for him at Thanksgiving, to show our appreciation for faithful service all through the year.\u00a0 You can donate clothes, if you don\u2019t have cash available . . . but don\u2019t worry if . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll come up with something,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cProbably cash.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be much, but I think Sam might need it more than we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Jamie inserted, \u201cand giving to others is the best way to express thanks for our blessings, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d Marcus agreed, as he generally did with anything Jamie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the spirit!\u201d Lucas enthused, \u201cand there\u2019s the bell.\u00a0 Run for it, lads!\u201d\u00a0 He frowned as the others laughed at him.<\/p>\n

Then Adam reminded him that that was only the first bell.\u00a0 \u201cBeing in the choir, I have to run,\u201d he chuckled, \u201cbut the rest of you may remain at leisure for another five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t they open the doors?\u201d Jamie complained, blowing warm breath on his hands.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s almost time to start.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dear boy, if you don\u2019t know that by this time, you shouldn\u2019t be in college,\u201d Lucas philosophized.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s another way of keeping freshmen in their place, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Luke,\u201d Adam chided, rubbing his own chilled hands together.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t see any upperclassmen standing out here, shivering, do you?\u201d Lucas pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Marcus grumbled.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose your brother warned you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he did, you should have passed it on,\u201d Adam groused.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you kidding?\u201d Lucas hooted.\u00a0 \u201cOlder brothers and upperclassmen think alike on keeping the young ones in their place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t know,\u201d Adam demurred with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, keep it in mind for when you return home,\u201d Lucas advised.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll keep it in mind for right now!\u201d Jamie chuckled, giving his \u201cyounger brother\u201d Adam a patronizing pat.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s retort died on his lips as the doors opened, and all the freshmen hurried to enter the building that housed the meeting halls of both the Brothers in Unity and Linonia.\u00a0 Though most of the freshmen had their tickets in hand, there was no one there to take them; so they all charged up the stairs into the room normally used by Linonia, host for this year\u2019s Thanksgiving Jubilee.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s full!\u201d Marcus gasped.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are we supposed to sit?<\/p>\n

\u201cAnywhere we can!\u00a0 Follow me!\u201d Lucas yelled and raced toward the back of the hall.<\/p>\n

Being in the vanguard, he reached one of the few wooden benches remaining for the freshmen and stretched out full length, kicking anyone who tried to push him off.\u00a0 Adam, Jamie and Marcus weren\u2019t far behind, though, and Lucas\u2019s strategy had ensured that could sit together.\u00a0 Other freshmen weren\u2019t so lucky\u2014or so ruthless, Jamie said later.\u00a0 They ended up perching on windowsills or hanging to door casings throughout the proceedings.<\/p>\n

More than just freshmen joined in the scuffle, Adam noted, spotting a few sophomores with their distinctive plugs and bangers and some students from the professional schools, pushing and shoving their way through the crowd.\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t look like everyone got the message about how to get in early, he mused with a far-from-righteous grin.\u00a0 Looking at the front of the room, Adam spotted Alexander White and Robert Raines, seated with their classmates on comfortable settees near a stage with a drop curtain and footlights.\u00a0 He felt glad for his friends and glad that someday it would be his turn to sit in the place of honor and watch the freshmen battle to find a spot.\u00a0 Much as he hated being low man on the totem pole now, college life had a way of evening things out as a man progressed.<\/p>\n

While the latecomers scrambled for seats and the upperclassmen yelled at them to hold the noise down, Adam took a look around the room.\u00a0 While any student, regardless of society affiliation, was welcome to attend the meetings of Linonia, he\u2019d never been in their hall before.\u00a0 It was exactly the same size as that of the Brothers in Unity, but Adam thought the Brothers\u2019 furnishings were more elegant.\u00a0 The chief ornament here seemed to be two life-size marble statues.\u00a0 \u201cAny idea who those statues are supposed to be?\u201d he asked, leaning over to his friends and raising his voice to be heard above the hubbub.<\/p>\n

\u201cDemosthenes and Sophocles,\u201d Marcus told him.\u00a0 \u201cCopies of statues in Rome, I heard from a Linonian chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is which?\u201d Lucas demanded, but Marcus could only shrug.<\/p>\n

A handful of sophomores began walking the aisles, flinging programs into the air.\u00a0 Some freshmen who leaped up to run after one lost their seat in the process, but by working together, the four friends each managed to secure a program to save for their memorabilia books and opened it to see what sort of frolics the evening promised.<\/p>\n

Lucas leaned over and pointed to the line of that program listing him and Adam as committee members.\u00a0 \u201cFeeling famous?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, but I admit it\u2019s nice to see my name in print\u2014and I hear such things pay dividends later on in a college man\u2019s career.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat they do!\u201d Lucas returned with a grin.<\/p>\n

Finally, the curtain slowly rose to reveal several seniors standing on the stage.\u00a0 Adam recognized two of them as fellow committee members, and it was one of them who stepped forward and announced clearly, \u201cBefore we begin tonight\u2019s program, there is one essential piece of business to be transacted.\u00a0 As you all must be aware, our young freshmen have not yet had an opportunity to elect class officers, so that election will take place tonight\u2014immediately, in fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

The freshmen exchanged bewildered glances.\u00a0 Somehow, this didn\u2019t seem the right atmosphere for conducting serious business like the selection of class officers, but they quickly learned that this election would be anything but serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, the most appropriate choice for president of our little<\/em> freshmen,\u201d the senior committee man proclaimed, \u201cis the shortest member of the class.\u00a0 Who are your nominees?\u201d<\/p>\n

Several names were suggested before Adam shouted out, \u201cMarcus Whitmore!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d shy Marcus protested.\u00a0 \u201cI decline; I decline,\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d asked the man in charge, who hadn\u2019t heard Marcus\u2019 soft voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe declines!\u201d shouted Jamie, not normally one to raise his voice, but motivated by his friend\u2019s discomfort.<\/p>\n

The senior on stage laughed heartily.\u00a0 \u201cNo declining allowed,\u201d he declared.\u00a0 \u201cPass him up; pass all the nominees up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The student body raised the nominees into the air and began passing them overhead from one man to the next, the reluctant ones, like Marcus, receiving extra encouragement from the nearest sophomore.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t hurt him, will they?\u201d Jamie asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019d better not,\u201d Adam said tersely, irritated with himself for having thrust the reticent young man into the spotlight.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s all in fun,\u201d Lucas insisted.\u00a0 \u201cDo him good.\u00a0 He\u2019s getting much too like the preacher boy here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf only you would!\u201d Jamie barbed back.<\/p>\n

By this time all the presidential nominees had been handed up onto the stage.\u00a0 They were directed to lie down and stretch out to their full length.\u00a0 Then one of the seniors brought forth a huge measuring stick, some fifteen to twenty feet long, and laid it next to each man in turn.\u00a0 When he measured Marcus, he called out, \u201cOnly four barleycorns long, gentlemen.\u00a0 I think we\u2019ve found your president!\u201d\u00a0 Amidst shouts of congratulations from all four classes, Marcus was lifted up and escorted to a seat on stage.\u00a0 Adam, Jamie and Lucas clapped and hurrahed loudest of all.<\/p>\n

The senior committee man returned to center stage.\u00a0 \u201cNow, we must have a secretary to assist the new president, so I call upon you to pass up the tallest men in your class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAha!\u201d Lucas cried.\u00a0 \u201cNow\u2019s your chance, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Adam protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll in fun.\u00a0 Do you good,\u201d Jamie laughed, for once siding with Lucas against his best friend.<\/p>\n

Along with a few others, Adam was lifted overhead and rolled toward the stage.\u00a0 Once there, he and the other nominees were again asked to lie down for measurement.\u00a0 \u201cFive and a half square miles long,\u201d announced the man measuring Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got one six square miles, even,\u201d declared another man, raising his yardstick.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest of you runts are excused,\u201d announced the master of ceremonies.\u00a0 As the not-quite-tall-enough freshmen hustled back to their places, he brought Marcus and his newly elected secretary forward.\u00a0 \u201cMake a place for them on those settees, my friends,\u201d he ordered.\u00a0 \u201cThe class leaders must, of course, have the best seats in the house for tonight\u2019s performance, which will begin directly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood for Marcus!\u201d Jamie cheered.\u00a0 \u201cToo bad Adam wasn\u2019t quite long enough for the honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all for the best,\u201d Lucas declared dryly.\u00a0 \u201cI need him as a buffer between me and all your saintliness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hush,\u201d Jamie scolded.\u00a0 \u201cSometimes you overdo it, Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll in fun,\u201d the other boy assured him just as Adam arrived back at his seat to the strains of the overture from a group of college musicians called the Yale Tooters, according to the program.<\/p>\n

The next thing on the program was the Opening Load, but the senior in charge came forward and stated that, unfortunately, the load had already been shot off, like the tongues of too many freshmen and even more sophomores.\u00a0 A quick drum tattoo from the Yale Tooters punctuated the announcement, and the Censor\u2019s Report was next called for.\u00a0 With a flourish the censor unrolled his scroll, which cascaded to the floor and even over the edge of the stage.\u00a0 As he began to read, laughter reigned, for the report was, in essence, a send-up of several people in the audience, mostly seniors and juniors, so the freshmen rarely understood the jokes, but joined in the general merriment nonetheless.<\/p>\n

Some of the sophomores came in for the good-natured ribbing, and the freshmen howled their appreciation of any jest at their traditional foes\u2019 expense.\u00a0 Even a few freshmen were mentioned, among them Lucas, chastised for his perennial tardiness to chapel and charged to work off his demerits by proclaiming the merits of the class above him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t know any!\u201d Lucas shouted and was roundly booed by the sophomores.<\/p>\n

Adam was surprised to hear his name read from the report, being charged with excessive speech-making ability.\u00a0 \u201cUnfitting in a freshman,\u201d the censor declared and ordered him to come forward and present an impromptu oration on the virtues of poor grammar.<\/p>\n

With a grin Adam trotted forward.\u00a0 \u201cI are happy to comply with the askin\u2019s of your excellencies,\u201d he jibed, putting on an exaggerated rendition of uneducated speech patterns he\u2019d sometimes heard back home.\u00a0 He then presented a defense of poor grammar, emphasizing its accessibility to the smallest child or even to sophomores that left the audience rolling in their seats.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d declared the censor, clasping himself around the middle.\u00a0 \u201cI beg you, sir, no more, for the sake of my poor, aching ribs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bowed eloquently and, amid welcoming cheers, hurried back to his seat, eager to see the next event on the program.\u00a0 Musical numbers alternated with comedic plays and a Thanksgiving oration until Miss Cushman and Mr. Booth (actually students portraying the famous actors) gave a serious recitation from Shakespeare\u2019s Macbeth<\/em> that was a welcome relief from the riotous laughter.\u00a0 The young man playing Lady Macbeth gave the best portrayal of the evening, which lasted between two and three hours, ending with a play called Limerick Boy<\/em> that was, by any measure, the most ludicrous item on the entire program.\u00a0 As they exited the hall, the students were still laughing, and not even the frost in the air could stifle their bubbling spirits.<\/p>\n

Lucas spun around, walking backwards so he could face his friends as they departed from Alumni Hall.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that was grand!\u00a0 Sets just the right mood for some traditional Thanksgiving fun,\u201d he announced.\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019s going gate-lifting with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGate-lifting?\u00a0 What\u2019s that?\u201d Adam asked, for he had learned to be wary of Lucas\u2019s predictably hair-raising proposals.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Yale tradition,\u201d Lucas insisted.\u00a0 \u201cOn the night before Thanksgiving the freshmen go through the town and\u2014well, liberate some gates, you might say.\u00a0 Take them off their hinges and escort them to the college yard.\u00a0 Great fun when the townies come after them in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds more like stealing to me,\u201d Jamie said with a frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no such thing,\u201d Lucas scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cThey get their gates back, so it\u2019s just pure freshman frolic.\u00a0 Don\u2019t be such a spoilsport, Saint James.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m no saint,\u201d Jamie stated, \u201cexcept in the sense that all believers are, but there\u2019s nothing pure about taking private property and I won\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNor will I,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, not you, too,\u201d Lucas moaned.\u00a0 \u201cA bit of mischief never hurt anyone . . . and I\u2019ll treat to beer afterwards.\u201d\u00a0 He waggled his eyebrows as he dangled the enticement.<\/p>\n

For a moment Adam hesitated; then he shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I\u2019d join you for the beer, but not for what precedes it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarc?\u201d Lucas pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re my last hope.\u00a0 How about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Marcus glanced at Jamie, clearly torn between his desire to retain his best friend\u2019s esteem and the yearning to be accepted by someone as personable and popular as Lucas.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo whatever you like,\u201d Jamie said softly, \u201cbut be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat goes for both of you,\u201d Adam said, looking straight into Lucas\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t imagine the faculty would think highly of this escapade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKept you from being picked up after that freshman-sophomore rush, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Lucas boasted.\u00a0 \u201cI know all the back alleys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is worse idiocy than that!\u201d Jamie declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust watch yourself,\u201d Adam warned.\u00a0 \u201cYou, sir, cannot afford many more demerits.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right, worrywart,\u201d Lucas laughed.\u00a0 \u201cLook, just to show my goodwill, even for such stiff and straight articles as you two, I\u2019ll still treat to the beer.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned at Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cI presume you\u2019ve taken the pledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have,\u201d Jamie admitted with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee in your case, then.\u00a0 Rood\u2019s on Union Street\u2014say, around eleven?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie looked hesitantly toward Adam, who shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure, Luke,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t wait on us; but if we\u2019re coming, we\u2019ll be there by eleven.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Lucas and Marcus joined a group of raucous freshmen and headed off toward town, Adam and Jamie turned their steps the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to meet them?\u201d Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you?\u201d Adam countered.<\/p>\n

Jamie chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cFrankly, I don\u2019t relish getting out in the cold again, especially at that hour, but don\u2019t let me hold you back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo lessons \u2018til Monday, so the hour doesn\u2019t bother me,\u201d Adam mused, pulling his scarf tighter around his neck, \u201cand it isn\u2019t often a man gets an invitation to free beer.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t want to insult Luke by turning it down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, any excuse will do!\u201d Jamie laughed; then fearing his jest might be misunderstood, he added, \u201cI\u2019m not judging you, Adam.\u00a0 I assumed that you drank, although I haven\u2019t seen you do so since you\u2019ve been here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo funds for that sort of thing,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cand I haven\u2019t missed it that much.\u00a0 I don\u2019t indulge often, and I\u2019m not sure I will tonight.\u00a0 Hot coffee actually sounds better to me.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cOr maybe coffee with muscle, as Pa puts it.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ll go, though.\u00a0 As you say, I may not relish getting out in the cold again, once I\u2019m indoors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching their lodgings, they hurried in, stoked up the fire and huddled in blankets until the fire knocked the chill off the room.\u00a0 For once they laid aside their textbooks and indulged in some light literature borrowed from the Brothers-in-Unity\u2019s Library.\u00a0 Jamie finally set his book aside, yawning and stretching his arms.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to turn in,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a full night.\u00a0 The light won\u2019t bother me, if you want to stay up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam lifted his coat from the back of his chair and thrust his arms into the sleeves.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I\u2019ll go down to Rood\u2019s and see how Luke and Marc made out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Jamie said, reaching for his nightshirt.\u00a0 \u201cI must admit, I am rather worried about them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I am, too,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbecause, frankly, I\u2019m not sure the drink is worth the cold walk to get it!\u201d<\/p>\n

His worries were not alleviated by the cold walk, for neither Lucas nor Marcus were inside Rood\u2019s when he arrived.\u00a0 While he waited for them, he had a piping hot cup of coffee with muscle, but though he waited until nearly midnight, neither of his friends ever showed up.\u00a0 Flighty Lucas might have just decided to visit another tavern, but Marcus, Adam was sure, would have insisted on coming here, since they\u2019d said they would.<\/p>\n

Troubled, he walked back to his room, entering quietly to avoid waking Jamie.\u00a0 He changed into his nightshirt and crawled under the covers; and though concern for his friends kept him wakeful, eventually exhaustion won out and he slept soundly.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam suggested they walk to breakfast the next morning by way of the college yard.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s where Luke said they\u2019d bring the gates they lifted,\u201d he reminded Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I do hope he and Marc are there,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cWell, actually, I\u2019m hoping that they both decided against the whole business last night and were just too embarrassed to show up at Rood\u2019s after backing down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt that,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 \u201cLuke doesn\u2019t have the sense, and\u2014well, I don\u2019t mean this as criticism, but Marc does tend to be a follower.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0 It keeps me on my toes to be a good example.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie sighed.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s got me on a pedestal I may topple off some day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am shocked, Saint James,\u201d Adam chuckled, \u201cthat you would even consider toppling . . . or is it tippling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot you, too,\u201d Jamie groaned.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cSorry.\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t resist.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they reached the college yard, they heard a rumble of laughter and then a loud shout.\u00a0 \u201cLift up your gates!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing like mangled Scripture to start the day,\u201d Jamie said with a roll of his eyes.<\/p>\n

A couple of disgruntled citizens, each hefting an iron gate over his shoulder, stormed past Adam and Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cBlasted college kids,\u201d growled a man whose skin was fiery red, all the way up to his bald pate.\u00a0 \u201cWorse than a plague of rats.\u00a0 Town\u2019d be better off without the lot of \u2018em!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see Luke or Marc?\u201d Jamie asked anxiously, knowing that Adam, because of his greater height, could see further.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no sign of them.\u00a0 I hope that means they\u2019re all right,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could mean that the police caught them,\u201d Jamie fretted.\u00a0 \u201cI know Luke only intended to pull a prank, but it is illegal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hurry on to the Vultures\u2019 Nest,\u201d Adam said, using the nickname the group had developed for their dining hall.\u00a0 \u201cHopefully, they\u2019re there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Skirting around clusters of irate townspeople, either on their way to or from the college, the two friends walked briskly toward the Vultures\u2019 Nest and hurried inside.\u00a0 They didn\u2019t even take time to shed their coats before peering into the dining room and breathing with relief as they caught sight of Lucas and Marcus, sitting side by side.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were certain you\u2019d been hauled off by the peelers,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot quite that bad,\u201d Lucas muttered with a grimace, while Marcus just shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI went to Rood\u2019s,\u201d Adam told Lucas as he sat down next to him.\u00a0 \u201cI waited an hour, but you never showed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luke\u2019s nose wrinkled.\u00a0 \u201cSorry.\u00a0 We\u2014uh\u2014never quite made it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled and made what he thought was an educated guess.\u00a0 \u201cFaculty spotted you and you had to make a run for it?\u00a0 Too risky to show your faces on the street after that, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHalf right,\u201d Marcus groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Fess up, Marc,\u201d Jamie ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe made a run for it,\u201d Marc sighed, \u201cbut didn\u2019t run fast enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sobered.\u00a0 \u201cThe faculty caught you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoots of laughter went around the table when Lucas nodded miserably.\u00a0 \u201cA totally appropriate ending for such juvenile behavior,\u201d Edgar Warington snorted.\u00a0 \u201cWhat can one expect from freshmen, though?\u201d<\/p>\n

Darts flew from Luke\u2019s eyes straight into Warington\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cAnd, of course, you never touched a townie\u2019s gate last year!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t get caught,\u201d George Miller laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThat, my dear Cameron, is why you are destined to remain a freshman forever.\u00a0 Why, you\u2019ve already racked up enough demerits to keep you from matriculating, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas jumped up, looking ready to take Miller\u2019s head off, but Alexander White rapped his glass with his knife to call them back to order.\u00a0 \u201cIf you must scuffle, boys, take it outside,\u201d he directed.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, I can\u2019t guarantee there\u2019ll be any breakfast remaining when you return.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled Lucas down into his chair, leaned toward him and whispered, \u201cIs it true?\u00a0 Do you have that many demerits already?\u201d\u00a0 He knew that Lucas had been late to chapel a few times and had been caught whispering during recitation a time or two, but he hadn\u2019t tried to add up the total.<\/p>\n

\u201cCounting the three for disorderly conduct last night,\u201d Lucas whispered, \u201cI\u2019m up to twelve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam whistled softly as he snared a biscuit from the plate and passed it on.\u00a0 \u201cYou are going to have to be on your best behavior for the next term, at least, if you plan to matriculate.\u201d\u00a0 Only after completing six months at the college in good standing would any student be officially admitted, and sixteen demerits was enough to disqualify a man from matriculation.\u00a0 With twelve, Lucas was already dangerously close to the limit, with an entire term yet to go.<\/p>\n

Lucas shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cIf I don\u2019t then, I\u2019ll make it the next go-round.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though Adam suspected the nonchalance was just an act, he treated it seriously.\u00a0 \u201cYou will buckle down to work, my boy, and mind your manners, for we have no intention of letting you lag behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

On the way home Adam filled Jamie in on what had transpired between him and Lucas.\u00a0 \u201cCan I count on your help in keeping Luke on the straight and narrow?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019ll accept it,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cYou have more influence with him, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe thinks the world of you,\u201d Adam assured his friend.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t take his teasing to heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 He paused a moment and then added, \u201cI think Marc\u2019s learned his lesson.\u00a0 Fortunately, he only had one demerit before last night\u2019s escapade, so he\u2019s still in good shape.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that much will be wiped out at the end of the second term,\u201d Adam said, \u201cso he can start fresh after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey wipe out twelve, remember?\u00a0 Even Luke will be safe if . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a big \u2018if,\u2019 in his case,\u201d Adam declared.\u00a0 \u201cI scarcely think he\u2019s going to turn into St. Luke overnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr ever,\u201d Jamie laughed, \u201cbut I like him, just as he is . . . with a few less demerits.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmen to that, my pastoral friend.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stretched his arms wide and spun around like a top.\u00a0 \u201cA whole morning free!\u00a0 Whatever shall we do with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFinish the novel I started last night,\u201d Jamie declared.\u00a0 \u201cBefore we know it, it\u2019ll be time to meet Father for the Thanksgiving feast.\u201d<\/p>\n

The morning passed quickly, and soon they were back at the Vultures\u2019 Nest, where Josiah Edwards was a special guest for the holiday meal.\u00a0 More than half of the Vultures had already gone home to be with their families, so there was more than enough food to share, indeed, to gorge themselves on.\u00a0 And it was hard to resist the bevy of culinary delights, for Mrs. Swanson had outdone herself.\u00a0 Steaming bowls of split pea soup began the meal; then the steward, Alexander White, who was not returning to his home until that afternoon, carved the turkey and passed the plates until everyone had a healthy portion.\u00a0 Serving bowls and platters were passed, filled with mashed potatoes, buttery squash, steamed turnips, Harvard beets and creamed onions.\u00a0 Pumpkin pie and Marlborough pudding rounded out the meal and the stomachs of everyone who participated.<\/p>\n

They went around the table, each stating something for which he was thankful.\u00a0 Everyone laughed when Adam declared simply, \u201cJust being here!\u201d\u00a0 Without making a speech, he knew no better way to describe his continuing wonder at being a student at Yale College, a long-cherished dream he had never expected to see come true.\u00a0 Much had stood in his way: the death of a mother, the grief of a father and a hectic rush across the continent, but he had made it.\u00a0 To him, \u201cjust being here\u201d summed up a heart full of thankfulness and earnest expectation for what the coming months would bring.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

The program for the Thanksgiving Jubilee was taken from the Yale Literary Magazine<\/em> for November, 1861.\u00a0 Historic issues are available online at Google Books.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN<\/p>\n

Christmas Holiday<\/p>\n

On Monday classes resumed their review of material covered that term. \u00a0Since Adam and Jamie had prepared diligently for each recitation as it came, neither really needed much review, but they drilled one another nonetheless, each wanting to make the highest marks possible. \u00a0In the library, between classes, they pushed their comrades, Adam taking Lucas in tow and Jamie helping the more receptive Marcus. \u00a0\u201cI fear I shall shame the family by leading the class if you keep this up,\u201d Lucas moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cShame the family,\u201d Adam scoffed, thinking of the pride he hoped to give his father with what he achieved. \u00a0\u201cThey may die of shock, my spoopsey,\u201d he said, adopting the college term for a silly fellow, \u201cbut scarcely of shame.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s the reason I don\u2019t study,\u201d Lucas stated with a grin. \u00a0\u201cI don\u2019t want to strain the poor old folks\u2019 hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are consideration personified,\u201d Adam said dryly.\u00a0 \u201cNow, back to work!\u201d<\/p>\n

The week passed quickly, and by its end the boys felt well prepared for the exams that would begin on the following Tuesday. \u00a0\u201cI don\u2019t see how we can fail,\u201d Jamie moaned after their final recitation at noon on Saturday, \u201cbut I keep feeling as if I need to cram in just one more conjugation or proposition or algebraic equation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hooted.\u00a0 \u201cOne more and you\u2019ll burst!\u00a0 I intend to relax this weekend, enjoy the society meeting tonight and hit the books hard one last time on Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a good plan,\u201d Jamie admitted.\u00a0 \u201cWhat type of relaxing did you have in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the weather\u2019s fair, I say let\u2019s take a nice long hike, maybe to West Rock this time.\u00a0 We haven\u2019t been there yet.\u00a0 Do you suppose your father would like to join us after chapel tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I think so,\u201d Jamie agreed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve missed our walks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo easy to bundle up with a warm cup of coffee, instead,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cDr. Cartwright has been slack about filling his own prescription, hasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grinned back.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t heard the patient complain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLazy lad,\u201d Adam chided playfully, knowing that there was no term less applicable to his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at the table!\u201d Jamie laughed and started running toward the Vultures’ Nest.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t need to work up an appetite!\u201d Adam hollered, giving chase.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stopping by the post office after the noon meal was a ritual rarely neglected, and<\/p>\n

on this Saturday Adam was not disappointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was time for another letter from home,\u201d Jamie enthused.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m<\/p>\n

right, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight as rain,\u201d Adam concurred.\u00a0 \u201cWind\u2019s picking up, so let\u2019s wait until we get home to read it.\u201d<\/p>\n

They set a sprightly pace back to George Street. \u00a0Once inside, Adam tossed his jacket to Jamie to hang up, while he broke the seal on the envelope.\u00a0 Two rectangular slips of paper fell to the floor, and just by their shape, he knew what they had to be.\u00a0 The first made him smile, but when he saw the inscription on the second draft, tears came to his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Jamie asked urgently.\u00a0 \u201cYour father didn\u2019t decide to let those people take Little Joe, after all?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned then.\u00a0 ‘\u201dNo, it\u2019s not bad news at all . . . just touching.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s sent me another draft . . . as a Christmas gift, he says.\u00a0 He wanted to be sure it arrived in time, and weather back home is so unpredictable that he was afraid to chance waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, that\u2019s wonderful,\u201d Jamie said, still puzzled by the tears.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes. \u00a0Just hit me for a minute . . . all Pa\u2019s doing for me.\u201d\u00a0 He brightened.\u00a0 \u201cAnd this means that I will be able to buy some small gifts for the boys, even if they probably won\u2019t get them until after Christmas.\u201d\u00a0 He\u2019d already posted a package with the stone pipe for Pa and a small sampling of Candy Sam\u2019s divinity for his brothers, but now he could do a little better by them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 \u201cMay I help you shop for that?\u00a0 Let\u2019s do it this afternoon!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cbut first I have some good news that concerns you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused until he had Jamie\u2019s expectant attention.\u00a0 \u201cPa sent two drafts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for me,\u201d Jamie gasped.\u00a0 \u201cOh, he shouldn\u2019t have!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam chuckled with a wicked wag of his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s for your father.\u00a0 I wrote Pa about his circumstances back when he first arrived and Pa sent this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie gasped again when he saw the sum on the slip Adam handed to him.\u00a0 \u201cOne hundred dollars.\u00a0 Oh, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot needed as much as when I wrote, of course, with his job at the arms company,\u201d Adam said, \u201cso you may well benefit from it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Jamie said, looking much more sober now.\u00a0 \u201cOh, well, that is what Father will do, of course.\u00a0 What did we ever do to deserve such parents, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way to merit that,\u201d Adam returned.\u00a0 \u201cA pure example of that grace you preacher types like to speak of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is that,\u201d Jamie agreed with a good-natured grin.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait to tell Father tomorrow!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut now, my friend, get our coats back out of that wardrobe. We\u2019re going shopping!\u201d<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Both Adam and Jamie were fidgety throughout the second chapel service the next day, both excited about conveying the draft to Jamie’s father.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t think he\u2019ll be offended that I told Pa about his troubles, do you?\u201d Adam had asked anxiously the afternoon before.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Jamie had assured him.\u00a0 \u201cHe may not be willing to receive the money, but he\u2019d never rebuke you for your charitable concern.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the final benediction was said, Adam found himself praying that Josiah would receive the gift in the spirit in which it had been intended.\u00a0 Even with a steady job now, surely Josiah was finding it hard to make ends meet and still set aside something for his son\u2019s continued schooling.\u00a0 Many things here in the East were less expensive than back in Nevada, where shipping formed such a large part of the price, but people here seemed to require more of practically everything\u2014food, clothes, entertainment, etc.\u2014than had contented folks back home.<\/p>\n

As was their custom, they met Josiah outside the chapel; as students, they had assigned seating, while the gallery was reserved for guests.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know when I\u2019ve seen the two of you look brighter,\u201d Josiah said in greeting.\u00a0 \u201cDid you find the sermon particularly enlightening?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it was,\u201d the normally attentive Jamie said with an intriguing smile.<\/p>\n

Josiah stroked his chin whiskers.\u00a0 \u201cHmm, perhaps \u2018bright\u2019 is not the correct adjective.\u00a0 Yes, I believe, now that I examine you more closely, there is definitely a cunning look about you two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo cunning,\u201d Adam insisted, his lips twitching like Jamie’s.\u00a0 \u201cWe just have a surprise for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I have one for you, as well,\u201d Josiah laughed.\u00a0 \u201cShall we exchange over coffee?\u00a0 My treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely your treat,\u201d Adam said with an emphatic dip of his chin.<\/p>\n

Josiah looked puzzled and then concerned.\u00a0 Was his friend\u2019s son running short of funds?\u00a0 There was little he could do to help, of course, but the concern came almost as naturally as if Ben\u2019s boy had been his own.\u00a0 They walked to the eatery they generally frequented on Sunday afternoons and each ordered coffee.\u00a0 Idle conversation filled the time until they were served; then Josiah ordered, \u201cAll right, spill the news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps we should hear yours first,\u201d Adam suggested with a mischievous wink at his roommate.\u00a0 Having two little brothers, he was well acquainted with the look of curiosity about to burst.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll save mine,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 He sat back and folded his arms.\u00a0 \u201cTalk.\u201d\u00a0 The two boys exchanged a nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t be angry with me,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut when you first arrived, I wrote Pa about your\u2014your situation.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled his father’s bank draft from his pocket and handed it over.\u00a0 \u201cHe sent this, in hopes it would help until things were better for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut. . . they are. . . better already,\u201d Josiah stammered, seeing the amount.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, and Pa hoped that would be true,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThe accompanying letter asks that you consider this a Christmas gift . . . or, if you insist, a loan; but either way, he wanted you to have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah waved the draft under Adam’s nose.\u00a0 \u201cCan he afford this?\u00a0 He must be doing very well, indeed, if he can!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe latest cattle drive was successful,\u201d Adam replied with confidence and pride in his father’s accomplishment, \u201cand Californians pay very well for good beef.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019re certain he won\u2019t be depriving himself or you or your brothers . . .\u201d Josiah swallowed the knot in his throat.\u00a0 \u201cI can never be the friend to your father that he has been to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, he feels exactly the opposite,\u201d Adam assured his former teacher.\u00a0 \u201cAnd who knows what the future holds?\u00a0 He may one day be as much in need of your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope not, for his sake,\u201d Josiah said with a warm smile, \u201cbut if he ever is, promise me you\u2019ll be as faithful to write to me as you were to write to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might earn me a trip over his knee,\u201d Adam chuckled; then he sobered and made the promise.\u00a0 \u201cWill you accept the gift, sir?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Josiah nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAs a loan, I will, at least beyond what I deem a reasonable Christmas gift, provided I\u2019m allowed to spend it any way I choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Adam said slowly, surprised that the man would have thought any strings were attached.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure Pa intended nothing less.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Father, tell us your news,\u201d Jamie urged.<\/p>\n

Instead of complying, Josiah asked, \u201cWhen does your term end?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sent Jamie a questioning look, as if to ask what his father was up to.\u00a0 Then he answered, \u201cThe seventeenth.\u00a0 That\u2019s the last day of exams.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, that\u2019s the day we leave,\u201d Josiah stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave?\u201d Jamie asked.\u00a0 Almost immediately, his shoulders slumped; then he gathered courage to face reality.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I had hoped for more than one term at Yale, but if you think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah quickly reached for his son\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cNo, son, you\u2019re not leaving Yale\u2014except on vacation.\u00a0 That\u2019s what I meant.\u00a0 Your father\u2019s generous gift, Adam, will make it possible for us all to spend several days away for the holiday.\u00a0 I hope that suits you boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut . . . your job?\u201d Jamie asked.\u00a0 \u201cWill they let you have that much time off?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll resign, effective the seventeenth,\u201d his father said with a quizzical smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be serious!\u201d Jamie gasped.\u00a0 \u201cWhere will you find another?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Springfield,\u201d Josiah said, burying his smile in his coffee cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpringfield?\u201d\u00a0 The son looked baffled, and then his eyes brightened.\u00a0 \u201cYou have a teaching position!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, indeed.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah beamed.\u00a0 \u201cI begin January second, and like you boys, I\u2019d appreciate a few days between assignments.\u201d\u00a0 He waved the check.\u00a0 \u201cThis makes it possible.\u00a0 What would you say to Christmas in . . . oh, let\u2019s see, what would be interesting?\u00a0 New York City?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be wonderful!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 \u201cI barely saw it, coming here, and it looked like a fascinating place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Josiah asked, for the other boy had grown suddenly quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . can\u2019t go,\u201d Adam murmured, his disappointment obvious.\u00a0 \u201cI have an obligation here on the 22nd<\/sup>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Christmas chapel concert,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d forgotten.\u00a0 And I so wanted to hear it, too.\u00a0 Oh, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Adam assured his friend.\u00a0 \u201cJust\u2014just enjoy yourself doubly for my sake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching across the table, Josiah\u2019s fingers closed comfortingly around Adam\u2019s forearm.\u00a0 \u201cWe wouldn\u2019t think of going without you, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled back.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I wouldn\u2019t think of depriving you of that grand trip.\u00a0 Pa didn\u2019t raise me to be that selfish!\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cMy dear boy, you won\u2019t deprive us of a thing.\u00a0 We\u2019ll simply delay our departure until after the concert, which I also very much wish to attend.\u00a0 If we take the evening train that Sunday, we\u2019ll still arrive in the city in time for any special Christmas programs, and if there\u2019s more we care to do, we can stay after a few days.\u00a0 I dare say, New Haven Arms would be happier if I left at the end of the week, anyway, and it\u2019s better for me financially, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t inconvenience you in any way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone whatsoever,\u201d Josiah assured him, although it would somewhat shorten his time for the relocation to Springfield.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, your Christmas concert will provide the perfect opening to our holiday expedition.\u00a0 Now, how does New York City suit you, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerfectly!\u201d Adam exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cLike Jamie, I didn\u2019t see nearly enough of it my first time through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, New York City it is,\u201d Josiah declared.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll still have to watch our pennies of course, save back some funds for my move and for Jamie\u2019s extra expenses for the next two terms, but I\u2019m confident we can have a fine holiday with a splurge of extravagance here and there.\u00a0 Now, shall we indulge in a second cup of coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you treat,\u201d Adam teased.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all, you\u2019re the wealthy man among us; all splurges of extravagance are on you!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The last recitation of the term took place after chapel on Tuesday and exams began that afternoon.\u00a0 They followed a pattern unfamiliar to Adam, who was more accustomed to taking tests in his classroom during regular hours.\u00a0 Here, however, the exams were held at odd hours throughout the week and lasted longer than the usual recitation period, as much as two hours for some subjects.\u00a0 He and Jamie became ships passing in the night, for they were grouped in different sub-divisions of a dozen men each, he in the first and Jamie in the third, so while he was sweating over Latin conjugations, his friend was cramming in as many of Euclid\u2019s propositions as possible.<\/p>\n

Adam felt odd, entering his regular recitation room with no book in hand for his first exam, but he\u2019d been told that whatever was needed would be supplied by the instructor.\u00a0 He and the eleven students in his sub-division, which included Lucas, filed in and took their seats on the back bench.<\/p>\n

Wilder Smith, their Latin tutor, began by calling two students to the front of the room.\u00a0 They each drew a slip of paper from his hand and then sat on the front bench to consider their answers for about ten minutes.\u00a0 Then the first man was called to recite.\u00a0 Obviously nervous, he stammered through the translation he\u2019d been assigned, but finally reached the end and hurried back to his place on the back bench.\u00a0 A third student\u2019s name was called; he came forward to draw his assignment, and then the second student was asked to recite.<\/p>\n

Since Smith was taking the students in alphabetical order, Lucas was called before Adam.\u00a0 Noticeably nervous, he stared glumly at the paper before him as he sat on the first bench; when he was called forward, he stammered worse and made more mistakes than the first man examined.\u00a0 Adam winced, for his friend had all but butchered the closing line of the translation, with which he was familiar.\u00a0 His own turn arrived soon after, but though he was nervous, he smiled with relief when he saw the material he would be required to translate.\u00a0 He had studied diligently and had no qualms about giving his recitation when called.<\/p>\n

When all twelve men had been examined, the process began again with a second round of questions.\u00a0 After the first man finished this recitation, however, he was dismissed, so Adam knew that he had one more translation to complete, and then he\u2019d be free.\u00a0 As his name came late in the rotation, his exam endured almost the full two hours, but when he finished, he was certain that he had not only passed, but done exceedingly well.\u00a0 Lucas, he was afraid, had barely squeaked through.\u00a0 Back in his room, Adam shared all the information he had garnered about the examination procedure with Jamie, whose first session was not until the next day.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to disrupt your study time,\u201d he said as he drew an envelope from his pocket, \u201cbut I do have a certain enticement to dangle before your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie slammed Euclid\u2019s Geometry shut.\u00a0 \u201cConsider me enticed,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThose propositions are beginning to circle around in my head like a carousel, and I could use a chance to shake off the dizziness.\u00a0 What\u2019s the news from the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know yet,\u201d Adam chuckled,\u201d and I\u2019m just as eager as you to find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe you waited this long!\u201d Jamie exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cYou are all heart, chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

By now Adam had broken the seal and opened the letter.\u00a0 Quickly scanning it, he began to laugh out loud.\u00a0 \u201cOh, it\u2019s just the sort of thing you enjoy most,\u201d he told his friend.\u00a0 \u201cThat Little Joe and his shenanigans!\u201d\u00a0 He read aloud Ben\u2019s rueful account of a trip to town in which he\u2019d somehow lost track of his youngest son while being subjected to a lecture on the proper management of children by a total stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds as though Little Joe\u2019s disappearance was the stranger\u2019s fault, not your father\u2019s,\u201d Jamie, sitting cross-legged on his bed, decided.\u00a0 \u201cStill, he must have been frantic when he discovered the boy was gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa says he searched for hours and had just elicited the new sheriff\u2019s help\u2014hey, it\u2019s Roy Coffee, the man who helped search for Little Joe when he went missing after Marie\u2019s death.\u201d\u00a0 Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cPa says Sheriff Coffee gave him no end of ribbing about losing the boy again.\u00a0 They were just setting out to search for him when Little Joe showed up at the jail, brought in by none less than Julia Bulette.\u00a0 And didn\u2019t that give the sheriff something to tease Pa about!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

Adam stifled his laughter to a light titter.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Bulette is a\u2014well, she lives on D Street.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie spread bewildered hands.\u00a0 \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s\u2014uh\u2014the red light district of town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOoh,\u201d Jamie said as he slowly understood what Adam was saying.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s a\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA soiled dove, we call them,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve heard the term.\u00a0 Fancy Little Joe ending up down there.\u00a0 He must have made quite an exploration of town that afternoon!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvidently,\u201d Adam said dryly.\u00a0 \u201cPa says he was chasing a kitty cat and lost his way.\u00a0 Pa tried to stay angry, but by the time they got back to Will Cass\u2019s store, Little Joe\u2019d managed to charm himself out of a spanking and a penalty of only two cents\u2019 worth of candy, instead of the five Pa\u2019d originally planned to give him.\u00a0 And he considers that discipline.\u201d\u00a0 Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cUnbelievable.\u00a0 I seem to remember Pa\u2019s being much stricter with me when I was that age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t really want him deprived of his candy, would you?\u201d Jamie teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, for goodness\u2019 sake,\u201d Adam snorted, looking almost serious.\u00a0 \u201cA full continent away that scamp still works his charm!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe took my mind off Euclid for a few minutes,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s worth two cents\u2014or even five\u2014of candy in my book.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pointed to the geometry text.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s your book.\u00a0 Back to it, chum, or not even Candy Sam\u2019s divinity will raise your spirits after your exam tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie moaned, but dutifully went back to his desk, opened the troublesome text and went over the next proposition for at least the third time since Sunday.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the midst of term exams, of all ridiculous times, the Brothers in Unity held their election of officers for the next term.\u00a0 As thirty members were required for a quorum, the blue posters tacked to trees across campus urged the importance of everyone\u2019s being there Wednesday night.\u00a0 Though they knew no freshman was ever elected to society office, Adam, Jamie and Marcus dutifully attended. \u00a0Lucas did not, citing his need to study as reason for his absence.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not an excuse,\u201d Adam told Jamie later.\u00a0 \u201cHe didn\u2019t do well in Latin, and his performance in algebra today was abysmal.\u00a0 I\u2019m worried about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think he\u2019ll be put on condition?\u201d Jamie fretted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt best,\u201d Adam replied soberly.\u00a0 \u201cI should have taken him in hand sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s invite him to a study session in Greek,\u201d Jamie suggested.\u00a0 \u201cWe all have that next week, and he\u2019ll need to be sharp.\u00a0 Old Had\u2019s a brick, but he\u2019s strict.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea.\u00a0 I\u2019ll pass it on to Luke . . . and I won\u2019t make it an invitation,\u201d Adam said, his features severe.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll tell him his presence is required.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr what?\u201d Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr he\u2019ll lose the pleasure of our company for a good six months, at least,\u201d Adam grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019s rusticated, you mean.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie\u2019s nose crinkled in distaste.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose that is what would happen if he failed badly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that he\u2019d really stay in the country and cram, as the faculty intends by that,\u201d Adam said with a roll of his eyes, \u201cso if he fails, we may as well bid our friend farewell for . . . well, possibly forever.\u00a0 I won\u2019t have that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNor will I,\u201d Jamie said, laying his hand atop Adam\u2019s in pledge.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d think they\u2019d cancel these things during exams,\u201d Adam groused as he and Jamie walked to the meeting of Sigma Episilon Saturday night.\u00a0 \u201cFirst Brothers and now Sigma Ep.\u00a0 At least, they didn\u2019t assign anyone to orate or debate this week.\u00a0 That really would be an imposition on the students selected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie blew on his chilled fingers.\u00a0 \u201cI wonder what the program will be, instead.\u00a0 A guest speaker, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t imagine.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose I should be grateful for any excuse to take a break, but it\u2019s hard to convince myself that I can spare the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll we have left is Greek,\u201d Jamie pointed out, \u201cand you\u2019ve given a dead rush in every recitation all term long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost,\u201d Adam admitted with a pleased smile.\u00a0 His performance under Professor Hadley\u2019s instruction had been almost perfect, a dead rush, indeed, as the college boys called it.\u00a0 \u201cYours has been even more perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m better at languages, but can\u2019t compare with you in mathematics.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, here we are; now we\u2019ll see what sort of affair our leaders feel appropriate to examination week.\u201d\u00a0 Adam opened the door to the society hall, and they entered . . . to almost pure pandemonium, but it was pandemonium of the merriest kind.\u00a0 Spotting Lucas, Adam weaved his way over to him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeanut bum!\u201d Lucas proclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what my poor, aching head needs after all that Greek you and the preacher boy crammed in so ruthlessly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly aches because you used it so little during the term,\u201d Adam chided.\u00a0 \u201cSo, what\u2019s a peanut bum?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBest part of society life,\u201d Lucas enthused.\u00a0 \u201cMy ever-so-secretive brother did tell me about this.\u00a0 Oh, boy, here they come!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere who comes?\u201d Jamie demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot who . . . what!\u201d Lucas laughed.\u00a0 \u201cGet your pronouns straight, chum.\u00a0 Just watch: you\u2019ll catch on quick, smart as you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Jamie both turned their attention to the center of the room, which had been cleared of its usual seating.\u00a0 Into the large space remaining marched two of the officers, hefting between them a huge sack, which they upturned and dumped onto the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on!\u201d Lucas yelled and, following his own advice, dove into the pile of peanuts.\u00a0 It took Adam and Jamie only a second to join the scramble.\u00a0 The rest of the evening was devoted to munching peanuts, crunching crisp apples and swilling down cocoa and coffee, while the students commiserated over the tough exams and celebrated the ones they were certain they had killed: a night of unadulterated relaxation for all the \u201cpoor, aching\u201d heads crammed ruthlessly with Greek, Latin, geometry and algebra.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s a peanut bum,\u201d Adam said with satisfaction as they laughingly left at its close.\u00a0 \u201cMay all our exam weeks be graced with its like!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam addressed and sealed the envelope and carefully placed the letter to his father inside his coat pocket, along with one each to Billy and Ross, to be mailed on the way to supper later that afternoon.\u00a0 There hadn\u2019t been much news to tell, really, but since he had the room to himself and not much else to do, this had seemed like a good time to send a few words to his family.\u00a0 Before exams started, he\u2019d written to thank his father for the Christmas draft and to assure him that the additional funds would be well spent.\u00a0 He\u2019d also already shared the good news that Josiah had found a teaching position and promised to send his address as soon as Jamie got word of his new lodgings in Springfield.\u00a0 Enthusiastically, he\u2019d told Pa about Josiah\u2019s plan to treat them all to a holiday trip to New York City, but said that he would be mindful not to impose on that generosity.<\/p>\n

That left little for today\u2019s letter except to report that he\u2019d finished his exams.\u00a0 He described how different they\u2019d been from what he was accustomed to, but assured his father that he thought he\u2019d done well.\u00a0 In a separate note to Hoss and Little Joe, he\u2019d described Saturday night\u2019s peanut bum, knowing they\u2019d both think that sounded like fun.\u00a0 And he promised to write about all the fun in New York, too, to give them something to look forward to in his next letter.\u00a0 \u201cBe sure to tell me all about Christmas on the Ponderosa,\u201d he directed, trusting Hoss, at least, to remember and set everything down on paper.<\/p>\n

Checking his watch, he determined that Jamie would probably still be wrestling with Professor Hadley\u2019s Greek exam for another half hour or so.\u00a0 He was confident he\u2019d done well on his own test because the professor had given him a wink and a smile when he\u2019d finished his last translation.\u00a0 Throwing himself down on the bed, he opened the latest issue of the Yale Literary Magazine<\/em>.\u00a0 Neither he nor Jamie had done more than glance at the table of contents after picking it up almost a week ago.\u00a0 Studying for exams should come first, they both agreed, and even though Adam had finished his yesterday, he hadn\u2019t opened the magazine\u2019s covers until now.\u00a0 With his letters dutifully written and time to kill, he decided he might as well read an article or two.<\/p>\n

He read the prize essay, published in this month\u2019s issue and was about halfway through the article evaluating whether boating or baseball was a better pursuit for most students when Jamie came bursting through the door.\u00a0 \u201cDone!\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you look satisfied with your performance,\u201d Adam observed with a bright smile.\u00a0 \u201cDid Old Had wink at you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did!\u201d Jamie exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cAfter what you told me last night, I was looking for it, and while I was quite sure before that I\u2019d done well, that wink was most reassuring.\u201d\u00a0 He flopped down on the bed next to Adam, glancing at the Lit<\/em>. in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cAnything interesting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t gotten into it much,\u201d Adam said, laying aside the magazine.<\/p>\n

Jamie lay back, folding his arms beneath his head.\u00a0 \u201cOdd, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 We\u2019ve been so rushed all week, cramming every minute with studying, and now it\u2019s all over and nothing to do until Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor you, oh man of leisure,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI, on the other hand, have extra rehearsals between now and then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have a solo?\u201d Jamie inquired.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been so occupied with Homer and Livy and propositions and equations that I haven\u2019t thought to ask, but I assume they\u2019ve been assigned by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but those all went to the juniors and seniors,\u201d Adam snickered.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, I\u2019m not really good enough for solo work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie sat up.\u00a0 \u201cI disagree,\u201d he said decidedly.<\/p>\n

Adam shoved him back down on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cYou, sir, are enormously biased.\u201d\u00a0 He lay back beside his friend, adopting the same posture.\u00a0 \u201cHonestly, I probably have the least trained voice of anyone in the choir.\u00a0 I\u2019m lucky Herr Stoeckel accepted me at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re getting training now, and he sees your potential,\u201d Jamie insisted.\u00a0 \u201cAdd that to your natural talent\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, maybe by the time I\u2019m a senior, I might hope for a small solo part,\u201d Adam finished with a chuckle.\u00a0 He turned his head toward his companion.\u00a0 \u201cYou want to take a walk before supper or just relax?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want a good, old-fashioned nap,\u201d Jamie said with a yawn, \u201cand then I want to stack up my books and not open them once until we get back from New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSecond the motion,\u201d Adam said in fervent agreement.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Meeting the two boys outside the chapel on the following Sunday, Josiah pumped Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cBravo, my boy!\u201d he exclaimed enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cYou sang beautifully.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile had a slightly rueful cast.\u00a0 \u201cI hope that doesn\u2019t mean my voice stuck out too much.\u00a0 Herr Stoeckel keeps lecturing me\u2014all of us, really\u2014about blend.\u00a0 I can\u2019t seem to get it quite right, either too loud or too soft.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah patted his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI have scarcely heard tones so sweetly blended, so you must be doing something right.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, I did manage to pick out a certain fine baritone at rare intervals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, as long as they were rare,\u201d Adam returned with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen does our train leave?\u201d Jamie asked.\u00a0 \u201cDo we have time for a hot meal or will we need to purchase sandwiches and fruit from the train boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have about two hours,\u201d Josiah replied.\u00a0 \u201cJust about time enough to eat dinner, pick up our bags and get to the depot.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam fastened the clasp of his carpetbag and set it beside the door, where Jamie\u2019s already stood.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure you packed everything?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t want some light reading material\u2014dear old Euclid, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI shall cheerfully strangle you if you mention him once during this holiday,\u201d Jamie vowed, though the twinkle in his eye belied the threat.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s light reading material you want, the ever-accommodating train boy can supply something better that that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached for his coat.\u00a0 \u201cTime we headed for the train, then.\u201d\u00a0 He took a quick look around the room.\u00a0 Everything in order: textbooks neatly stacked on their desks, the clothes they wouldn\u2019t need hung neatly in the wardrobe, bed tidily made up.\u00a0 Not a single cause for Mrs. Wiggins to reproach them when she did her weekly cleaning.<\/p>\n

Jamie wrapped a worn woolen scarf tightly around his neck, for the air outside was frosty.\u00a0 Snatching up his bag and tucking their umbrella under his arm, he gave a hearty cheer.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNew York City or bust!\u201d Adam declared, adapting an old trail cry, as he hefted his carpetbag and followed Jamie out the door.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Red-cheeked, their breath puffing out white in front of them, Adam and Jamie trotted onto the depot platform, spotted Josiah inside and hurried over.\u00a0 \u201cWe made it in time, didn\u2019t we?\u201d Jamie asked, for when his father immediately stood to his feet, he feared that they might be running late.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith about ten minutes to spare,\u201d his father replied, affectionately cupping the young man\u2019s wool-wrapped neck.<\/p>\n

Adam dropped his carpetbag beside the older man.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d better get over to the window and purchase my ticket.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah grabbed his arm.\u00a0 \u201cAlready purchased, Adam.\u00a0 This trip\u2019s on me, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat isn\u2019t fair to you, sir,\u201d Adam insisted, \u201cand I can pay my own way.\u00a0 Pa sent me a draft, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my Christmas gift to you,\u201d Josiah insisted.\u00a0 He put an arm around his son\u2019s slim shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cJamie here may get a few more, but the train ticket, lodging and food will have to suffice for you, my boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will suffice for me, too, Father,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t expect more . . . or even this, to be honest, knowing how things were.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust needed things, Jamie,\u201d his father said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re in sad need of a warmer winter coat, for instance, and I thought we\u2019d pick one up while we\u2019re in the city, as part of your Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are generous beyond my hopes,\u201d Jamie said tenderly.\u00a0 \u201cUh-oh,\u201d he added as a whistle blew outside.\u00a0 \u201cIs that our train already?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRunning a bit early, evidently,\u201d his father replied.\u00a0 \u201cGet your bags, boys, and let\u2019s board!\u201d<\/p>\n

Three happy faces hurried aboard and settled into second-class seats, Josiah taking the one facing the two boys.\u00a0 Within a few minutes the train departed and soon passed over an extensive flat meadow as they rolled toward West Haven.\u00a0 The tracks lay near the shore, and all three travelers gazed out the window at the soothing sight of Long Island Sound on their left.\u00a0 \u201cIf the weather had been more pleasant, we could have gone by boat,\u201d Josiah said, \u201cbut I think this will be warmer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all for staying as warm as possible,\u201d Adam said with a shiver.\u00a0 \u201cWe picked a fine time for a pleasure trip, didn\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if that\u2019s a complaint,\u201d Josiah teased, \u201cwe can always turn back at the next station.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo complaints,\u201d Adam said with a grin, \u201cbut I might be joining you in that quest for a warmer coat.\u00a0 I\u2019ve spent my most recent winters in Sacramento, and it doesn\u2019t get much worse than rainy there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pity it\u2019s Sunday,\u201d Jamie observed.\u00a0 \u201cWe could have purchased those warm coats right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJamie, Jamie,\u201d his father laughed.\u00a0 \u201cEven if it weren\u2019t Sunday, we wouldn\u2019t be doing any shopping.\u00a0 By the time we find our hotel, settle in and have some supper, the stores will be closed, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose so,\u201d Jamie said with a chagrinned shrug.\u00a0 \u201cI tend not to think things through when I\u2019m excited.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA failing common to man,\u201d his father opined lightly.\u00a0 \u201cI thought we would just get acquainted with the city tomorrow and do some shopping, as well.\u201d\u00a0 He extended a copy of the New York Times<\/em>.\u00a0 \u201cThis is yesterday\u2019s paper, but it details what\u2019s available this next week.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll look on page four, you\u2019ll find a list of theaters and other amusements, and there are fuller descriptions on page seven.\u00a0 See what appeals to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheater of any kind appeals to me,\u201d Adam said with enthusiasm.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how long it\u2019s been since I\u2019ve seen a play.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Jamie eagerly perused the newspaper column of amusements on offer.\u00a0 \u201cSo many,\u201d Jamie gasped.\u00a0 \u201cI scarcely know what to choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything but \u2018The Wonders of the World,\u2019\u201d Adam said with a scowl at the newspaper.\u00a0 \u201c\u2018Monster child with two heads, four legs and three arms.\u2019\u00a0 It\u2019s nothing but a freak show!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad that doesn\u2019t appeal to you,\u201d Josiah admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, despite how educational the advertisement touts it to be.\u201d\u00a0 Adam handed the newspaper back to Josiah.\u00a0 \u201cHonestly, sir, I think we\u2019d both be pleased if you planned our itinerary.\u201d\u00a0 If from nothing but sheer courtesy, he felt he owed that much to his host, but in addition, he still held his old teacher in such esteem that he had confidence that any choice Josiah made would be both enjoyable and profitable.\u00a0 He had noticed an advertisement for a production of Hamlet<\/em> that was extremely enticing, but it was playing in Brooklyn.\u00a0 Since he wasn\u2019t familiar with New York City, he didn\u2019t know whether the hotel they booked into would be close enough to make that a practical destination.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll give it good consideration, then,\u201d Josiah replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll see something tomorrow evening and probably most evenings while we\u2019re in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, this will be the best holiday ever!\u201d Jamie enthused, and Adam nodded his vigorous agreement.<\/p>\n

*\u00a0 * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The train ride was uneventful, except for the steady deterioration of the weather as they moved southward, from cold to cloudy to rainy to a drenching downpour by the time they reached the end of the line.\u00a0 They immediately boarded the city cars down to Chatham Street, just past City Hall.\u00a0 \u201cI remember this,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI trotted from the ferry to here at a most prodigious pace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI stopped overnight here in New York, so I missed that opportunity to race through the streets,\u201d Jamie chuckled as he opened the umbrella and held it over both their heads.\u00a0 His father, fortunately, had one of his own.\u00a0 \u201cEvidently, we\u2019re not staying at the St. James, as I did then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot this time, son,\u201d Josiah replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be in a more\u2014well, economic\u2014hotel on this trip.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled apologetically at the two boys.\u00a0 \u201cThe quarters won\u2019t be luxurious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d have been disappointed if they were,\u201d Adam quickly said.\u00a0 \u201cNone of us wants to live above our means.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well, perhaps a bit above our means,\u201d Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWe are on holiday, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight!\u201d both boys cried in unison.\u00a0 They dodged puddles as best they could for the short walk that followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this is it,\u201d Josiah announced, stopping in front of French\u2019s Hotel.\u00a0 After checking them in, he led the way to the room they would all share.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said it wouldn\u2019t be luxurious,\u201d Adam teased as he set his carpetbag at the foot of one of the two beds.\u00a0 \u201cBy western standards this is a palace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed as he dropped onto the other bed.\u00a0 \u201cI forget you boys have not been spoiled by the likes of the Astor House.\u00a0 No, this is a sound businessman\u2019s hotel that was recommended to me by my supervisor at New Haven Arms.\u00a0 There are others closer to the attractions we wish to see, of course, but we\u2019d pay for that convenience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need when we come equipped with strong sets of these.\u201d\u00a0 Adam slapped his right thigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew York has a thorough network of city cars,\u201d Josiah told him, \u201cso if we need to go further than our legs will comfortably carry us, we can ride in style for only five cents.\u201d\u00a0 He nudged his carpetbag with his toe.\u00a0 \u201cWe can unpack these when we return after supper,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

Jamie immediately asked, \u201cWhat are we doing now?\u00a0 The stores are closed, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone hungry yet?\u201d Josiah asked.<\/p>\n

After a quick exchange of glances with Adam, Jamie replied, \u201cNot yet.\u00a0 We\u2019d rather explore.\u201d\u00a0 Adam nodded his agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the rain?\u201d Josiah said with an unbelieving shake of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe won\u2019t melt,\u201d Jamie insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s wait a bit and see if it clears off; then we can walk a few blocks up Broadway,\u201d Josiah suggested, \u201cand see what we find.\u00a0 We won\u2019t stay out long, however.\u00a0 The temperature is dropping steadily.\u00a0 Cold and<\/em> wet is not a sensation I\u2019d welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

Half an hour later the rain let up, and even though he personally would have preferred to stay in the warm hotel, Josiah gave in to the boys\u2019 desire to see the big city.\u00a0 Leaving the hotel with umbrellas firmly in hand, they crossed the park facing them and paused to examine more closely the marble edifice of City Hall.\u00a0 \u201cImposing, eh, Adam?\u201d Josiah said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam agreed readily.\u00a0 \u201cIt does stand out, as an official building should.\u00a0 I wonder why they\u2019re building a new one.\u201d\u00a0 He\u2019d noticed the excavation for the new foundation behind the current building.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a growing city, and with growth comes the greater possibility of crime and, thus, the need for more courtrooms,\u201d Josiah suggested.\u00a0 \u201cOne of the things I thought we\u2019d do this week is to visit some of the best examples of architectural design in the city,\u201d he added.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve said that you might be interested in a career in that field.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPossibly,\u201d Adam said, though he secretly wondered how he could manage an architectural career from the confines of the ranch.\u00a0 He looked up at his host.\u00a0 \u201cBut touring buildings surely can\u2019t hold much interest for you or Jamie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, it does,\u201d Jamie put in.\u00a0 \u201cI can appreciate beauty in a building, as well as in words.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s Broadway,\u201d Josiah said as they reached the end of the block.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich way?\u201d Adam asked.\u00a0 \u201cNorth or south?\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNorth, if you\u2019re interested in retail stores.\u201d<\/p>\n

They\u2019d traversed no more than two blocks before they stopped to gape at a large dry goods emporium, their eyes dazzled by the wide variety of goods available.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish it were open,\u201d Jamie sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so close to our hotel that we can take it in any time,\u201d Adam pointed out.\u00a0 \u201cI want to see what else Broadway has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Jamie, always eager to accommodate, murmured.\u00a0 He had, however, a secret mission to fulfill and chafed at the delay of getting it underway.<\/p>\n

Adam had a secret mission of his own, but wanted to see a wide spectrum of possibilities before making a final decision.\u00a0 It was, after all, still two days until Christmas.\u00a0 A bigger problem than what to buy, in his mind, was finding enough time alone to make certain purchases unseen.<\/p>\n

They ambled up Broadway, pausing here and there to gaze in windows as something caught their eyes, but when they reached the 400-block, Josiah suggested that they turn around.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m quite certain I felt some raindrops assault my poor beaver,\u201d he said, referring to his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay we start here tomorrow?\u201d Jamie begged, looking with longing into the window of D. Appleton and Company.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you boys and your books,\u201d Josiah snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t imagine where we got that from, can you, Jamie?\u201d Adam observed dryly with a wink at his friend.<\/p>\n

Pressing an index finger to his lower lip, Jamie cocked his head in a studious attitude.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t imagine, either,\u201d he said after a moment\u2019s reflection.\u00a0 \u201cIt certainly can\u2019t be hereditary.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr influenced by the present company, who appears to disdain entrance into a bookstore,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cOddly enough, I seem to recall a different attitude in my first teacher.\u00a0 So sad that it seems to have dissipated with age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHighly discouraging,\u201d Jamie concurred with a twinkle in his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right.\u201d\u00a0 Josiah lifted his palms in surrender.\u00a0 \u201cI confess: I\u2019m the one who started you both on this path, so I might as well resign myself to visiting every bookstore in New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, not the entire state,\u201d Adam assured him merrily.\u00a0 \u201cJust the ones here in town\u2014at least, the ones on Broadway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be quite as much as we can handle, most likely,\u201d Josiah said with a wry smile, \u201cbut to answer your question, Jamie . . . no, we will not be coming here first thing tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled his son into a one-armed embrace.\u00a0 \u201cFirst stop will be a gentleman\u2019s clothing store\u2014a coat, remember?\u201d\u00a0 He frowned at the large puddle on the walk.\u00a0 \u201cAnd some rubbers, too, I\u2019d say.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a shiver Jamie agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWhere shall we eat?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just patronize the hotel restaurant tonight,\u201d Josiah suggested.\u00a0 \u201cThen we\u2019ll go upstairs, unpack and decide on our itinerary for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIs Fulton Street nearby?\u201d Jamie asked as his finger rested on an advertisement in the newspaper.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see,\u201d Adam, sitting cross-legged on the opposite bed, replied.\u00a0 He peered intently at the street map loaned to them by the helpful clerk downstairs.\u00a0 \u201cYes!\u00a0 There it is, a few streets south and east of us.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 What\u2019s on Fulton Street?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeggat Brothers,\u201d Jamie reported, adding with a grin, \u201cdeclaring itself to be the \u2018cheapest bookstore in the world.\u2019\u00a0 Ten thousand books, many only twenty-five cents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely my preferred price,\u201d Adam said, his eyes still resting on the map.\u00a0 If he seemed less enthusiastic than Jamie had expected, it was only because he had also noticed that Fulton Street was marked as the departure point for the ferry to Brooklyn.\u00a0 Not far at all, he was glad to note, although he still didn\u2019t feel right voicing his desire to Mr. Edwards.<\/p>\n

Between Adam\u2019s lack of response and his father\u2019s statement about where they\u2019d be going first, Jamie set aside the paper with a sigh.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t suppose we can go there tomorrow, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah turned from the small table that served as a writing desk.\u00a0 \u201cActually, Fulton Street is our first stop, son, so whichever store we come across first gets our business first . . . even if it\u2019s books, instead of coats,\u201d he finished, laughing at the sudden brightening of his son\u2019s countenance.<\/p>\n

\u201cTruly?\u201d\u00a0 There\u2019s a coat store on Fulton?\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019d looked past the advertisements for books, my boy, you\u2019d already know that.\u00a0 Find the one for Evans\u2019 and you\u2019ll see why we\u2019re going there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see what you mean!\u201d Jamie exclaimed when he\u2019d found the column almost totally devoted to a list of offerings at Evans.\u00a0 \u201cThe prices are good.\u00a0 Only three dollars for an overcoat, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI shall definitely get one at that price,\u201d Adam declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s of good quality,\u201d Josiah reminded him.\u00a0 \u201cA bargain\u2019s only as good as the merchandise itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFather, you\u2019re neglecting your duty to plan our itinerary,\u201d Jamie chided playfully.\u00a0 \u201cPersonally, I could probably spend the day in that bookstore, but . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you most certainly will not,\u201d his father chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I need no admonition from you, boy, about my duty . . . since I\u2019ve completed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both boys turned eager eyes on him.\u00a0 When Josiah just continued to smile at them, Adam gave him a gentle prod.\u00a0 \u201cWell, then . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed out loud.\u00a0 \u201cLeggat Brothers and Evans should take most of the morning.\u00a0 Then lunch somewhere, and then we\u2019ll shop our way up Broadway through the afternoon, have supper and clean up for the evening\u2019s entertainment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what is that?\u201d Jamie demanded.\u00a0 \u201cYou know that\u2019s what we\u2019re most eager to know.\u00a0 Sometimes you can be most provoking, Father.\u201d<\/p>\n

The words sounded disrespectful, but the tone definitely was not, and they brought a smile to the father\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cThe Brooklyn Academy of Music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHamlet<\/em>,\u201d Adam gasped, in awe that his unvoiced hopes were to be fulfilled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Hamlet<\/em>,\u201d Josiah said with a mirthful shake of his head.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you think I know you boys that well?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie had bounced up from his bed at the announcement, and now his arms circled about his father.\u00a0 \u201cAnd we know you!\u00a0 You\u2019re as much a fan of Shakespeare as either of us.\u00a0 I hated to mention it, though, as I didn\u2019t know where Brooklyn was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNor did I,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNor I,\u201d Josiah chimed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s why I sent you boys up to the room, so I could speak with the clerk in private.\u00a0 He assured me that it\u2019s just across the East River and said we should take the Fulton Street ferry across.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s on the map,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI guess we\u2019ll be spending quite a bit of time on Fulton tomorrow!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cUmm . . . luxury,\u201d Adam murmured with satisfaction as he, Josiah and Jamie departed Evans\u2019 and Company the next morning, each sporting a new overcoat.\u00a0 Though only made from black cloth, not wool, they were warmly lined.\u00a0 All three had also purchased fleece-lined gloves and rubber overshoes.\u00a0 As tempting as the inventory of Leggat Brothers had been, however, they\u2019d purchased little there.\u00a0 Jamie and Adam had each indulged in a single novel for twenty-five cents, just in case the weather turned inclement and they were forced to spend the afternoon in the hotel.\u00a0 The clouds above were definitely gray and gloomy with the portent of rain.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to eat before we drop your books by the room?\u201d Josiah asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am getting hungry,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cbut I could wait if you have a place in mind on Broadway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing in mind,\u201d his father admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat oyster saloon we passed between here and Leggat\u2019s looked promising,\u201d Adam suggested, \u201cand it would be on our way back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOysters agreeable to you, son?\u201d Josiah asked.<\/p>\n

When Jamie said that they were, they walked the few blocks back to the establishment and ordered piping hot bowls of oyster stew with coffee.\u00a0 Then, fortressed against the cold both inside and out, they returned to the hotel long enough to leave their packages from the morning\u2019s shopping and then set out for the shops of Broadway.<\/p>\n

They stopped first at the dry goods store they\u2019d seen the night before and then went to a men\u2019s clothing store further up the street.\u00a0 It was hard to get excited about items as mundane as undershirts and drawers, but as the prices were low, everyone bought a set or two.\u00a0 Adam spotted a table of ties, ranging in price from five to fifty cents.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m feeling extravagant,\u201d he said with a grin as he selected a couple for fifteen cents each.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat dark crimson one will look elegant with your suit tonight,\u201d Jamie suggested.<\/p>\n

Adam held aloft a deep blue tie.\u00a0 \u201cIdeal for you, chum,\u201d he told his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have such good taste,\u201d Jamie said admiringly as he handed the blue tie to the clerk.<\/p>\n

\u201cUgh!\u00a0 Raining again,\u201d Adam groaned, opening their umbrella as they stalwartly set forth again.<\/p>\n

They didn\u2019t see much else of interest in that block, but when they reached the next, Jamie cried, \u201cNow, here\u2019s what I\u2019ve been waiting for\u2014Appleton\u2019s!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlanning another trip soon, son?\u201d Josiah asked playfully, referring to Appleton\u2019s reputation as a publisher of travel guides.\u00a0 \u201cI thought this one would satisfy you for a long while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does,\u201d Jamie replied, \u201cbut, Father . . . it\u2019s Appleton\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvidently, the epitome of publishers,\u201d his father said dryly with a wink at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the few I know by name,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI would like to shop here, sir, if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never intended otherwise,\u201d Josiah said with a companionable pat to the young man\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go in.\u00a0 At least, it\u2019s not raining inside!\u201d<\/p>\n

Inside, long rows of European authors met their wondering gaze, as well as American fiction by such authors as Washington Irving and James Fennimore Cooper.\u00a0 Both boys enthused over the beautifully bound works of Longfellow and Bryant, and Jamie picked up a volume of Emerson\u2019s essays with a look of desire that Adam filed away for future reference.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone buying this afternoon?\u201d Josiah asked as he reluctantly set down a book on natural history.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cPrices might be better elsewhere.\u201d\u00a0 In fact, he knew books were cheaper at Leggat\u2019s, though not so richly bound as those here.\u00a0 As a gift for Jamie, he would consider the costlier purchase; the cheaper works at Leggat\u2019s would have to do for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPossibly,\u201d Josiah conceded, \u201cand we do have plenty of time to look.\u00a0 We won\u2019t be spending a great deal of time in our room, but even if you don\u2019t finish those novels you bought this morning, I do think we should each treat ourselves to something new for the train trip home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes!\u201d Jamie agreed heartily.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I know just what I\u2019ll choose!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had a feeling he knew exactly what book his friend had in mind.\u00a0 Scratch that idea off the list<\/em>, he thought.<\/p>\n

They kept walking north on Broadway, but made slow progress because there seemed to be at least one bookstore in every block.\u00a0 If Adam had been willing to pass one up, Jamie certainly was not, but when five o\u2019 clock came, the stores made the decision for them by closing.\u00a0 \u201cTime for supper now?\u201d Josiah asked with a mischievous smirk.<\/p>\n

\u201cPast time,\u201d Adam stated, \u201cbut I do hope we can come back another day.\u00a0 I think I know what I want now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can come back tomorrow,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s one place in particular I want to take you then, but we should still have time for more shopping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s that, Father?\u201d Jamie inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll in good time, my boy; all in good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProvoking chap, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Jamie said with a side glance at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to me,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m quite used to that sort of behavior from a certain Benjamin Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey must be a matched pair,\u201d Jamie agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTakes one to know one,\u201d his father observed dryly.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With some reluctance Adam surrendered his overcoat to the cloakroom attendant.\u00a0 Not that he was either cold or concerned for its safety, only somewhat embarrassed by the plainness of his apparel.\u00a0 In his best suit and new tie, he had felt well dressed when he\u2019d looked at himself in the hotel mirror and had thought Jamie looked even more handsome in the tie matching his eyes.\u00a0 Here, among the rich gowns and furs of the ladies and the fashionably cut trousers of expensive fabric sported by the gentlemen, he felt . . . well, dowdy . . . as if his frugality shouted penury for all to see.\u00a0 However, once they\u2019d taken their seats in the family circle, where tickets went for only twenty-five cents, he relaxed.\u00a0 The people around him in those seats were more plainly attired, and frankly, he and the two Edwards looked quite dashing next to some of them.\u00a0 When the curtain rose, all such mundane worries fled, anyway.\u00a0 Nothing matter except the perceptive interpretation of the immortal lines.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s good, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Jamie leaned close to Adam\u2019s ear to whisper during a break between acts.<\/p>\n

\u201cDavenport?\u00a0 One of the best I\u2019ve seen,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 He added with a self-deprecating grin, \u201cNot that that\u2019s saying a lot.\u00a0 I like the way he plays Hamlet, so dreamy and wrapped in thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cjust what I was feeling.\u00a0 I saw Hamlet<\/em> once in St. Louis, and the lead actor there played him so robustly that I couldn\u2019t imagine he ever took pause for thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam replied only with a nod, for the next act was beginning.\u00a0 He watched, spellbound, until the final scene and reluctantly rose from his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cHate to see it end?\u201d Josiah asked with a discerning cock of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know I do,\u201d Jamie exclaimed. \u00a0\u201cHow shall we ever sleep tonight with such scenes running rampant through our heads?\u201d<\/p>\n

His father laughed.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s stop somewhere for cake and coffee and see if that helps you relax.\u201d<\/p>\n

Retrieving their overcoats, they left the theater.\u00a0 \u201cOh, dear,\u201d Jamie sighed when he saw the sleet streaking down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s the horse car now,\u201d Adam said, pointing ahead.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s hoof it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dodging icy pellets, they sprinted up the block and rushed onto the Fulton Street car.\u00a0 Jamie gasped for breath as he said, \u201cLucky for us the line comes direct to Montague Street from the ferry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd back again,\u201d Adam quipped, pointing out the more pertinent fact.<\/p>\n

\u201cLuck has nothing to do with it,\u201d Josiah scolded playfully.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t I tell you that New York had a well organized transportation system?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best I\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how many have you seen, world traveler?\u201d the older man chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot many,\u201d Adam admitted with a shrug, \u201cbut between the railroads and the horse cars and the ferries, a man can go almost anywhere safe from the sleet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the snow.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie pointed out the window of the car.\u00a0 Soft flakes were beginning to float down.<\/p>\n

Josiah looked at the gentle flakes with apprehension.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe we should skip that cake and coffee and go straight back to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though not afraid of cold weather on his own account, Adam immediately understood the father\u2019s concern for a son who had always been prone to winter illness and had already endured excessive exposure on this chilly day.\u00a0 \u201cI think we should,\u201d he agreed quickly.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps the hotel restaurant would still be open for coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Josiah said, sounding doubtful, but looking at Adam with eyes of gratitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe wind\u2019s picking up,\u201d Jamie sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose we should get under cover as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd under the covers, too,\u201d Adam snickered.<\/p>\n

The cars took them straight to the ferry.\u00a0 Fortunately, they only had to wait a few minutes for its arrival.\u00a0 Once across the East River, however, they were on their own, and the turbulent wind blew them through the slick streets back to French\u2019s Hotel.\u00a0 The restaurant was closed, but the desk clerk did offer them coffee from the pot kept brewing through the night for his personal use.\u00a0 They gladly accepted and repaid the kindness by describing the night at the theater to a man who rarely had opportunity to go.<\/p>\n

The howling of the wind accompanied them to bed and sang a boisterous lullaby through the late-night hours into early morning.\u00a0 Adam lay awake, listening, thinking of storms as fierce that he\u2019d known back home and wondering if the weather would keep them trapped indoors tomorrow.\u00a0 Even if all they gained from this trip, however, was this one wonderful night at the theater, he considered the holiday a success.\u00a0 He had much to dream about as he finally drifted to sleep.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The light was still soft when Adam slipped from his bed and slid silently to the window.\u00a0 After their late night, he and the Edwards had decided to sleep in, like gentlemen of leisure, but the habit of years was strong, and Adam had awakened at his usual early hour.\u00a0 A few snowflakes drifted through the morning air, but otherwise the skies were clear, giving promise of a fine day.\u00a0 He dressed quietly, and leaving a note that he\u2019d gone out for a paper, he left his friends still slumbering and stepped into the hall.\u00a0 Making his way down the stairs, he said good morning to the desk clerk and asked where he might find a newspaper.<\/p>\n

He was assured that the nearest corner would provide whichever he preferred, so he left, thankful for his warm new coat in the bracing cold that met him.\u00a0 He smiled in its face, however, for crisp, cold air always reminded him of home.\u00a0 He almost scolded himself for giving in to homesickness; then he realized that he always felt that way on Christmas Eve, having spent the past several separated from his family for the sake of his schooling.\u00a0 His fondest memories, however, revolved around the simple ceremonies of his youth: decorating the tree, nibbling popcorn with Hoss while his father read A Christmas Carol<\/em>, sharing a festive feast with friends.\u00a0 And this Christmas, while so different from those back home, had in a sense brought him back to where it had all begun; for he was spending it with the same friends who had shared that first wonderful Christmas in St. Joseph, his earliest memory of any Christmas traditions for the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Somehow, that seemed fitting.<\/p>\n

He walked briskly down to the corner, purchased a copy of the New York Times<\/em> and made his way back to the hotel.\u00a0 Entering the restaurant, he ordered a cup of coffee and unfolded the newspaper.\u00a0 He intended to turn immediately to the amusements column, but the bold-faced headline caught his eye.\u00a0 \u201cOh, no,\u201d he sighed and immediately searched for the accompanying article.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d read through several articles and carefully perused the advertisements by the time the Edwards joined him at the table.\u00a0 \u201cTaking over planning our activities, are you?\u201d Josiah teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cJust killing time until you sleepyheads chose to roll out of your warm beds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had no desire to,\u201d Jamie admitted with a grin, \u201cand even less desire to face the cold outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019ll be staying in the room while your father and I tour the city?\u201d Adam asked with a wicked waggle of one eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot on your life!\u201d Jamie declared.\u00a0 \u201cI just wish the weather would cooperate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it is,\u201d Adam told him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s still cold, but not windy like last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

A waitress took their orders for breakfast, and then, nodding toward the newspaper, Josiah asked, \u201cAny changes in the programs available, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think they\u2019re all the same.\u201d\u00a0 Adam handed the paper over.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you\u2019d like to see the news, sir.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid the lead story is a sad one.\u201d\u00a0 In response to Jamie\u2019s quizzical look, he added, \u201cPrince Albert has died.\u00a0 Gastric fever, the paper says.\u00a0 Nine children left behind.\u201d\u00a0 Though he didn\u2019t say anything, Adam couldn\u2019t help identifying with those children\u2019s loss of a parent.\u00a0 He, too, had lost one\u2014three times over, in fact, and one recently enough that the pain was still fresh.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cand at Christmastime, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA good man,\u201d his father said, \u201cand, like you, son, I always associate him with Christmas, ever since the papers printed that picture of the royal family around the Christmas tree he introduced to the palace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie exchanged a nostalgic smile with Adam.\u00a0 \u201cRemember our first Christmas together?\u00a0 We told you mother\u2014Inger, I mean\u2014that we wanted a tree to shut Sterling Larrimore\u2019s bragging mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t say it that way!\u201d Adam protested.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019d have gotten nothing in response to that, but I definitely did want to shut Stirpot\u2019s mouth; all that boasting that his tree would be bigger than Queen Victoria\u2019s made me sick . . . with pure envy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, boys,\u201d Josiah chided.\u00a0 \u201cOf all the unworthy motives for Christmas d\u00e9cor . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Adam said sheepishly, \u201cand Inger probably disapproved of our \u2018unworthy motives,\u2019 too, but she worked her magic on Pa, anyway, so we could have that tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember making all those ornaments from scrap shingles?\u201d Jamie recalled.\u00a0 \u201cWhat fun we had painting them!\u00a0 We still have them, you know.\u201d\u00a0 The light in his eyes faded.\u00a0 \u201cThat is, we did.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know where they are now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt Mr. Whitcomb\u2019s,\u201d his father said.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, I hope they\u2019re still there.\u00a0 Once I get settled in Springfield, I\u2019ll send for my belongings and see what the soldiers\u2014Union and Confederate alike\u2014saw fit to leave me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely, they\u2019d have no use for Christmas ornaments,\u201d Jamie protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cKindling?\u201d his father suggested.\u00a0 Seeing his son\u2019s glum response, he added, \u201cThey probably had better sources for that, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember the cookie ornaments Inger baked,\u201d Adam said fondly.\u00a0 \u201cWe ate as many as we hung on the tree!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should find some cookies somewhere today,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cand indulge for old times\u2019 sake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny excuse will do,\u201d his father said dryly, just as their breakfast plates arrived.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This is the place,\u201d Josiah said, holding open the door to 548 Broadway.\u00a0 \u201cIdeally, we should have taken this exhibit in yesterday, when the weather was so inclement, instead of being out in it so much, shopping, but youth must be served, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it was age that insisted on a clothing store being our first stop,\u201d Adam quipped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you are correct, my friend,\u201d Jamie added with a saucy wink at his father.<\/p>\n

Josiah gave an exaggerated sigh as he gave the attendant ten cents for each of them.\u00a0 \u201cI should know better than to trade wits with two college wiseacres.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a wonderful idea . . . for any day,\u201d Adam said enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a wonderful benefit to the poor, young man,\u201d the attendant said brightly.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for your contribution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConsidering what you offer\u2014an exhibit of over one hundred paintings\u2014well worth the price,\u201d Josiah assured the man.\u00a0 Leading the boys toward the first painting, he said, \u201cNow, I\u2019m no more an art expert than either of you, so let\u2019s just share whatever each of us notices about the paintings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd triple the benefit,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 He gazed intently at Niagara<\/em> by Frederick Erwin Church.\u00a0 \u201cWhat I like most is the artist\u2019s use of light.\u00a0 It draws you right to the majestic falls.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then leads you back to the foaming water in the foreground,\u201d Jamie commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd highlights the flat, brown rock there, too,\u201d Josiah added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish it weren\u2019t done in such dark colors, though,\u201d Adam mused, \u201cand the part of the falls done in green doesn\u2019t seem as natural as the rest of the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery observant, Adam,\u201d Josiah praised.\u00a0 \u201cShall we move on, then?\u00a0 Here\u2019s another view of Niagara.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNiagara in Winter<\/em> by Gignoux,\u201d Jamie read from the plate beside the artwork.\u00a0 \u201cThis says it\u2019s a companion piece to the work by Church.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like this one better,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThe way the rising sun plays on the evergreens around the falls.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah gently massaged the young man\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cA touch of home, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

A little embarrassed by open expression of the sentiment, Adam just nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to be ashamed of,\u201d Josiah said softly, \u201cespecially at this time of year.\u00a0 I even feel a bit nostalgic about dear old St. Joe, when all I love best about Christmas is standing right here with me.\u201d\u00a0 His other arm moved to encircle Jamie in a loose embrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about this one, Adam?\u201d Jamie asked when they moved on to the next painting.\u00a0 \u201cDoes it remind you of the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam made a careful appraisal of Bierstadt\u2019s Rocky Mountains<\/em>.\u00a0 \u201cNot really,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cWe have snow-covered mountains, too, of course, but the trees are different, and that Indian camp in the foreground definitely does not belong to the Paiutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you tell?\u201d Jamie scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cThe figures are too small to show tribal detail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cTrue, but the Paiutes don\u2019t live in tepees; their karnees are dome-shaped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDraw me one sometime,\u201d Jamie suggested.\u00a0 \u201cI remember how you used to send me sketches of animals you saw along the trail.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m no artist,\u201d Adam protested.<\/p>\n

Josiah smiled.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s an architectural structure, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 Should be right down your alley, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThe karnee I can draw, so long as you don\u2019t expect more than stick figures to represent the Paiutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, there\u2019s something more than a stick figure!\u201d Jamie exclaimed, moving rapidly toward a sculpture of a barely clad young man stretched on his back over a rock.\u00a0 \u201cI almost expect to see him take a breath,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Dead Pearl Diver<\/em> by Benjamin Paul Akers,\u201d his father read from the accompanying plate.\u00a0 \u201cA magnificent piece.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery lifelike,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t seen much sculpture before\u2014well, nothing at all like this.\u00a0 To be able to see with such a sensitive eye and to reproduce life so believably\u2014it\u2019s a true gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs is the eye to see its worth,\u201d Josiah, ever the teacher, observed.<\/p>\n

They moved from one piece to another, each as absorbing as its neighbor, throughout the morning.\u00a0 Since it was nearly noon when they finished, they selected a small eatery nearby and dug into steaming plates of roast beef, potatoes and carrots.\u00a0 \u201cDid you boys have any more shopping to do?\u201d Josiah asked.\u00a0 \u201cI intend to stop by Hegeman\u2019s drug store for some of that camphor ice with glycerin they\u2019ve been advertising for chapped lips and hands, but otherwise, I\u2019m done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust Appleton\u2019s for me,\u201d Jamie replied.\u00a0 \u201cI want that book of Emerson\u2019s essays.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam bit his lip.\u00a0 \u201cWell, perhaps a bit more, but I wouldn\u2019t want to keep you out in the cold.\u00a0 Don\u2019t think I haven\u2019t heard that cough you keep trying to hide, Jamie.\u00a0 You could go on back to the hotel, and I could meet you there, if that doesn\u2019t interfere with other plans you\u2019ve made.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing that Josiah looked torn between his concern for his son\u2019s health and uneasiness about leaving his other charge alone in such a large city, Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI can take care of myself, you know, and I don\u2019t expect to stray off Broadway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course, you can,\u201d Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI seem to forget that I\u2019m dealing with young men now, not little boys.\u00a0 As you say, if you stay on Broadway, you should have no problems.\u00a0 Just keep a sharp lookout for pickpockets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Adam promised.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t have enough to share with the likes of them!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t stay out too long,\u201d Jamie urged.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll want to rest before we go out tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot long,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

With further admonishments to keep safe and keep warm, the party separated, Jamie leaving the umbrella with Adam, since he could share his father\u2019s.\u00a0 Adam headed directly to the store whose advertisement he\u2019d seen in the morning paper.\u00a0 E. Anthony\u2019s ad had finally sparked just the right idea for a gift for Jamie, something even more certain to please, Adam was sure, than those Emerson essays he\u2019d first contemplated.\u00a0 With the assistance of a clerk, he found exactly what he wanted and was so pleased with its appearance that he purchased an identical one for himself.\u00a0 Then his eye spotted a display of cartes de visite<\/em>, small cards portraying everything from works of art to photos of celebrities.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery popular collector\u2019s item,\u201d the clerk urged persuasively.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps for a young lady friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI was thinking more of my little brother.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up the card depicting Whittier\u2019s \u201cBarefoot Boy.\u201d\u00a0 The picture of the happy-faced boy reminded him of Hoss, as did the portion of the poem printed on the back.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take this one,\u201d he told the clerk.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the one?\u201d the man pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, perhaps this one, as well,\u201d Adam replied, picking up a card of \u201cThe Little Match Girl.\u201d\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t do, after all, to send a token of his New York visit to Hoss without sending one to Little Joe, as well; prisoners had been tossed in the stocks for lesser offenses, he thought with a grin as he paid for his purchases.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d pondered long and hard about a gift for Josiah.\u00a0 The only other older man he\u2019d ever purchased for was his own father, whom he, of course, knew much better.\u00a0 Casting back over his memories of Jamie\u2019s father, however, he recalled one incident that gave him the perfect idea.\u00a0 Concerned that the book-loving Edwards might have dawdled at Appleton\u2019s, he chose Miller\u2019s Bookstore, instead, and found a nicely bound copy of the book he wanted.\u00a0 Then, satisfied with a mission accomplished, he turned his steps toward the hotel.\u00a0 Along the way, however, he passed Snow\u2019s Confectionery and, recalling their breakfast discussion about cookies, went in and purchased a tin.\u00a0 There\u2019d be no tree for them this year, other than the one in the hotel lobby, but they could, at least, enjoy this sweet reminder of more traditional Christmases.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Juggling packages as he came into the room, Adam laughed at the sight that met his eyes.\u00a0 Jamie and Josiah were both bundled up under the bed covers, each deep in a new book.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re quite the pair,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty as charged,\u201d Josiah chuckled, closing his book with his index finger in place as bookmark.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re quite the shopper,\u201d Jamie declared.\u00a0 \u201cWhat did you buy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019ll show you later,\u201d Adam said, placing the packages on the table.\u00a0 \u201cI know your book is Emerson, but what is yours, sir?\u201d\u00a0 He was relieved when Josiah lifted the cover so he could read its title.\u00a0 Not the one he\u2019d just purchased\u2014good!\u00a0 \u201cSo, is this what we\u2019re doing for Christmas Eve?\u201d he teased.\u00a0 \u201cAnd not a seasonal story in the lot!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get your seasonal story tonight at the theater,\u201d Josiah said, barely glancing up from the book to which he had returned.<\/p>\n

Jamie looked up brightly.\u00a0 \u201cDoes this mean that you are, at last, going to reveal our plans for the evening?\u201d<\/p>\n

His father\u2019s mouth twitched with mischief.\u00a0 \u201cGoodness, no!\u00a0 You should be able to figure them out from what I\u2019ve just said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can,\u201d Adam assured him and cocked his head inquiringly at Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie pursed his lips in thought and then shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cSurely you don\u2019t mean that Bower of Beauty<\/em> nonsense playing at Barnum\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Adam and Josiah hooted.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s your idea of seasonal?\u201d Adam scoffed.\u00a0 He turned to Josiah with a wink.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d better keep an eye on this one, sir,\u201d he said with a tilt of his head in Jamie\u2019s direction.\u00a0 \u201cI think he has his mind on those forty beautiful young ladies who are supposed to cavort around that stage in the garb of fairies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see . . . how did the paper this morning describe the piece?\u00a0 \u2018A great deal for the eye and little for the mind\u2019\u2014does that sound like the sort of entertainment I\u2019d encourage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . when you put it that way . . . no,\u201d a flushing Jamie replied.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t have time to read the review this morning,\u201d he added in his own defense.<\/p>\n

Adam concluded that it was time to put his friend out of his evident misery.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to Laura Keene\u2019s Theater, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie looked just as perplexed as before.\u00a0 \u201cRobinson Crusoe<\/em>?\u00a0 That\u2019s your<\/em> idea of seasonal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the afterpiece, Spoopsie.\u00a0 The seasonal part of the program is Little Tom or, A Christmas Carol<\/em>.\u00a0 I suppose it\u2019s an adaptation of Dickens\u2019 work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPresumably,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cMeet with your approval, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 \u201cWhy didn\u2019t I think of that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect for me,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cPa always reads that story to us on Christmas Eve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThen I\u2019m doubly glad I chose it.\u00a0 In the meantime, Adam, snuggle up with one of your new books.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have an early supper and then dress for the theater.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Adam lifted a book from the table, he also picked up one of the packages he\u2019d brought in.\u00a0 Tearing off the paper, he extended the tin to his friends.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose we shouldn\u2019t indulge much, in light of that early supper, but I picked these up at Snow\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCookies!\u201d Jamie cried, prying off the lid.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d forgotten about them, but this is perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCookies in bed and a new book.\u201d\u00a0 Adam shook his head in pretended patronization.\u00a0 \u201cEasy to please, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways was,\u201d Josiah said with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs if you were any different,\u201d Jamie scolded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever denied it,\u201d Adam chuckled, reaching for a cookie.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam was surprised to see several theatergoers leave before the afterpiece was finished.\u00a0 He had to admit the production hadn\u2019t met his expectations; in fact, even the limited resources of the far West had often given him more enjoyable evenings than this special holiday presentation.\u00a0 Still, to walk out seemed a breach of manners, so he sat quietly and watched Robinson Crusoe to its bitter end and, like the remaining audience, greeted it with polite, though halfhearted applause.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, boys,\u201d Josiah said as they waited for the crowd in the aisles to pass.\u00a0 \u201cThis was a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Oh, no,\u201d Adam said, trying to reassure his host.\u00a0 \u201cIt was . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDull,\u201d Jamie supplied when Adam appeared at a loss for words.\u00a0 Unlike his friend, he had no concern that his father would be hurt by complete honesty.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncoherent,\u201d Josiah amended.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose I should have realized something was amiss when the play was called \u2018Little Tom,\u2019 instead of Tiny Tim, but I assumed it was a typographical error.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled wryly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll admit I had a difficult time recognizing this version as Dickens\u2019 Christmas Carol<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRobinson Crusoe<\/em> was a little better,\u201d Jamie offered as they made their way up the aisle toward the exit.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept that it was supposed to be a comedy,\u201d Adam pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe laughs were few and far between,\u201d Josiah admitted.\u00a0 \u201cAgain, I apologize for not knowing\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you couldn\u2019t possibly have known,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cIt was still an enjoyable evening because of the company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re a good sport,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cLive and learn, eh, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight!\u201d Jamie affirmed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd now, I\u2019m for returning to the room . . . and that marvelous tin of cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam found it difficult to fall asleep that night, and he wasn\u2019t really sure why.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t shared a Christmas at home with his family in years because he\u2019d been at school in Sacramento.\u00a0 It was no different this year, but for some reason, perhaps the strangeness of his surroundings or the greater distance from home, he found himself missing them more than ever.\u00a0 Maybe seeing that butchered version of A Christmas Carol<\/em> was to blame.\u00a0 He kept wishing he could hear Pa\u2019s rich cello voice read the story, instead.\u00a0 It had always seemed so much more alive that way, as he and Hoss sat together, munching popcorn and listening, wide-eyed, to poor Scrooge\u2019s visits from the three ghosts.\u00a0 I\u2019m trapped in Christmas Past<\/em>, he realized but he didn\u2019t try to escape.\u00a0 The memories were like a warm blanket, wrapping him in the security of his family\u2019s love.<\/p>\n

As he was lying there quietly, trying not to disturb his friends in the next bed, he saw a stealthy figure slip from under the covers and tiptoe across the room to the window.\u00a0 Recognizing Josiah by its size, he started to ask if it was snowing again, but then he saw that the man was hanging something in the window.\u00a0 Obviously, it was intended to be a Christmas morning surprise, so Adam kept his mouth shut and feigned sleep until Josiah was back in bed.\u00a0 He stared a long time at the dark, dangling shape, but the light wasn\u2019t strong enough for him to identify it.\u00a0 Between puzzling about what it might be and wondering how Pa, Hoss and Little Joe were celebrating this Christmas, he finally fell asleep, and visions of sugarplums, stored in a tin from Snow\u2019s Confectionery, danced in his head.<\/p>\n

Adam still woke before anyone else.\u00a0 With a yawn and a stretch he met the morning and happened to glance toward the window.\u00a0 He smiled in fond remembrance at the star shape hanging in the window.\u00a0 The single ornament, one of those that he and Jamie had crafted together back in St. Joseph, brightened his Christmas morning as much as an entire tree of them.\u00a0 The tall pine on the Ponderosa beneath which his little brothers would soon be tearing into gifts, would dance with identical ones, and the little star somehow made him feel as though they were all together.\u00a0 \u201cMerry Christmas, Pa . . . Hoss . . . Little Joe,\u201d he whispered, trusting that somehow the spirit of Christmas would transmit the message on the wind blowing west.\u00a0 Closing his eyes, he imagined the same wind blowing their Christmas greeting back to him.<\/p>\n

Making a sudden decision, he slipped quietly out of bed and tiptoed across the room in his stocking feet.\u00a0 He took two packages from the table and brought them over to the window, carefully propping them on the windowsill below the simple yellow star, as if it truly did perch atop a Christmas tree.\u00a0 Then, for warmth\u2019s sake, he hurried back under the blankets to await the awakening of the Edwards, father and son.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout time,\u201d he chuckled when Jamie finally cracked open an eye.<\/p>\n

With a wide yawn Jamie scooted up in bed and, propped up on his elbows, looked across at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cMerry Christmas to you, too,\u201d he said chidingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cSanta came while you were snoozing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s eyes narrowed quizzically.\u00a0 \u201cSanta?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cocked his head toward the window.\u00a0 \u201cPickings are a bit slim, but the old boy didn\u2019t forget you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s mouth gaped open.\u00a0 \u201cBut . . . but how?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scratched his head.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 Not a chimney in sight, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019s much too plump to come down the stovepipe,\u201d he said with a nod at the pot-bellied heater in the corner.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you are infuriating,\u201d Jamie scolded as he hopped out of bed and hurried to the window.\u00a0 His eyes lighted as they fell on the star, and he turned to look at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cHow did you . . .?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot me,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s your father\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo think of his bringing that all the way from St. Joe!\u201d\u00a0 Jamie snatched up the packages and scurried back to his bed.\u00a0 Toes tucked beneath the covers, he turned the packages over and over in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cNo tags,\u201d he finally said.\u00a0 \u201cNo way to tell who Santa meant them for.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Adam a mildly reproachful look.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cThe larger one is yours, the smaller your father\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah rolled over.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u00a0 I thought there weren\u2019t to be any gifts this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone forgot to tell Santa,\u201d Adam snickered.<\/p>\n

Jamie, meantime, had torn the paper away from his gift to reveal an album of blue velvet, trimmed in silver.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful,\u201d he murmured in evident awe.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor your memorabilia,\u201d Adam explained, \u201cin the colors of the Brothers in Unity.\u00a0 I thought you\u2019d like that best, and I bought one just like it for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I have nothing nearly as grand for you,\u201d Jamie murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cNor have I,\u201d Josiah said, accepting his package from his son\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Adam waved off their protests.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve given me the riches of Hamlet and . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Tom?\u201d Josiah suggested with a wry grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not exactly riches there,\u201d Adam laughed, \u201cbut a good time nonetheless . . . and then there\u2019s that.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled, dreamy-eyed, at the little star in the window.\u00a0 \u201cThe gift of memories is the best of all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just brought the one with me,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cLike your journals to Jamie and the daguerreotype of my wife, a treasure too precious to leave behind.\u00a0 As you say, a memory of the pleasantest Christmas we ever spent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDear Inger made it so,\u201d Jamie put in wistfully.<\/p>\n

Misty-eyed, Adam nodded his agreement.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t opened your gift,\u201d he reminded his former teacher.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn omission I shall correct forthwith,\u201d Josiah replied as he exuberantly tore away the brown wrapping paper.\u00a0 \u201cDon Quixote<\/em>!\u201d he exclaimed, reading the gilt title on the book\u2019s maroon cover.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo replace the copy you donated to the Sanitary Commission,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

Lifting the book, Josiah waved it toward Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAh, but this is a much finer copy than the one I gave.\u201d<\/p>\n

With his palms out, Adam waved both hands in negation.\u00a0 \u201cIt cost little, I assure you.\u00a0 I wish it could have been of fine Morocco leather, but this was what I could afford.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe words will be the same,\u201d Josiah returned with a smile, \u201cand I will treasure every one as a reminder of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny resemblance between me and Sancho Panza is\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonexistent,\u201d Jamie interrupted to supply, and all three laughed.\u00a0 Jamie slipped out of bed, scooted over to a pile of packages sitting on the desk and pulled out a small rectangular one.\u00a0 \u201cIt isn\u2019t much, but I wanted to give you something on my own,\u201d he said, handing the package to Adam and then climbing onto the bed to tuck his toes beneath the covers.<\/p>\n

Adam eagerly tore the paper away to reveal a copy of Two Years Before the Mast<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only a cheap copy, but I hope you\u2019ll enjoy it,\u201d Jamie said. \u00a0\u201cI thought it might be similar to your father\u2019s adventures at sea and describe what California was like before you first saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks!\u201d Adam said, turning at once to the first page.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere now, don\u2019t start that,\u201d Josiah scolded.\u00a0 \u201cIf we hope to have breakfast before church, we\u2019d best get out of bed now,\u201d he added, immediately taking his own advice.<\/p>\n

Adam and Jamie followed suit, and they were soon enjoying hot biscuits, ham and eggs downstairs in the hotel dining room.\u00a0 After discussing their options for the day, they decided to attend services at Trinity on Broadway.\u00a0 Since it was considered the most beautiful and magnificent church building in America, Josiah suggested that Adam would find its architecture interesting.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve also heard that it\u2019s the only church in New York where no distinction is made between rich and poor,\u201d he added, \u201cwhich makes it ideally suitable for visitors like us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Breakfast finished, they walked down to Broadway and Rector, grateful for the clear sunshine that kept the frosty air bracing, rather than chilling, and when they arrived, spent some time simply looking at the cathedral-like brownstone.\u00a0 As they were early, they also toured the graveyard.\u00a0 While they didn\u2019t have time to cover the entire two acres, they did find the plain obelisk honoring Alexander Hamilton at its southern extreme.<\/p>\n

They were welcomed into the chapel, which was lavishly decorated with flowers and evergreens, and conducted to excellent seats by the usher.\u00a0 The room was well heated and so crowded by the time the choir of young boys began the opening carol that the cold outside became a mere memory.\u00a0 Adam listened with awe to the soaring music that seemed to lift his soul toward heaven.\u00a0 The solos to the carols were sung by a twelve-year-old with an enviable upper range, and he was supported by a number of other fine, young soprano voices.\u00a0 Dr. Vinton\u2019s sermon, whose text was Genesis 28:12, was blessedly brief, especially since Adam couldn\u2019t discern what Jacob\u2019s ladder had to do with Christmas.<\/p>\n

Church bells rang across the city as they exited and walked back to the hotel.\u00a0 The kitchen had outdone itself for Christmas dinner, and while it didn\u2019t match Adam\u2019s memories of feasts back home, he and the Edwards had all they could comfortably hold of turkey with dressing, ham and potatoes and a variety of pies, including apple, cranberry and mince.<\/p>\n

They took an hour\u2019s rest in their room afterwards; then, in accordance with their plan, they proceeded to Central Park.\u00a0 Cold as it was, the ice still wasn\u2019t firm enough for skating, as the cries of disappointed youngsters clearly announced while the visitors strolled through the snowy grounds.\u00a0 \u201cMuch pleasanter in summer, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Josiah observed, his breath condensing in white clouds before his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful that they have a place like this, though,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cUnexpected in so large a city\u2014and so well arranged.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot finished yet, of course,\u201d Josiah remarked.\u00a0 \u201cIt really will be a wonder when it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps we could come back at a more timely season,\u201d Jamie suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis summer?\u00a0 Perhaps,\u201d his father said, \u201calthough we will need to set aside funds for your second year at Yale, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know,\u201d Jamie sighed.\u00a0 \u201cDo you suppose we\u2019ll ever see the day that we don\u2019t worry about money?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed aloud.\u00a0 \u201cNot unless you change your intended profession, my chum.\u00a0 Most preachers I know have very ill-padded pockets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but my Jamie may aspire to the pinnacle of the profession, perhaps as successor to Dr. Vinton,\u201d Josiah boasted with a twinkle in his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep it up and I shall practice my sermonizing on the two of you!\u201d Jamie snorted.\u00a0 \u201cI have no such aspirations, as you well know, Father.\u00a0 I just want to serve wherever the Lord leads.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the wilds of Nevada, perhaps?\u201d Adam suggested with a teasing smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re any example, the need is great,\u201d Jamie teased right back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, my boy,\u201d Josiah laughed, wrapping an arm around his son\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cWe confess ourselves duly chastised for our mischief and beg your forgiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGranted,\u201d Jamie replied with a quick grin.\u00a0 \u201cPleasant as the park is, I\u2019ve seen enough of it until the sun shines more warmly.\u00a0 I vote to return to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d Adam said, adding, \u201cunless you had other plans, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d Josiah chuckled, \u201calthough I\u2019m willing to abandon them if you two conservatory flowers need to huddle by the stove.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat plans?\u201d Jamie asked.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t mention anything else at breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought we might give Adam a chance to see some of the prominent buildings and homes of New York,\u201d Josiah explained.\u00a0 \u201cWe needn\u2019t stay out any longer than either of you desires.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I would like that!\u201d Adam cried.\u00a0 He looked at Jamie with concern.\u00a0 \u201cUnless the cold is bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Jamie assured him.\u00a0 \u201cI just didn\u2019t want to stay out to no purpose, but advancing your intended profession is as good a purpose as we could desire.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t keep you out all afternoon,\u201d Adam promised.<\/p>\n

The temptation was great, however, as they made their way up Fifth Avenue toward the residential areas of the rich.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you thought the Ponderosa was a mansion!\u201d\u00a0 Jamie jabbed an elbow into Adam\u2019s ribs.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d Adam assured him with a forbearing smile.\u00a0 \u201cNone better, in my opinion.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen grander houses, like the Larrimores\u2019 in San Francisco, of course, but these homes would make even Camilla\u2019s eyes pop out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I recall,\u201d Josiah observed dryly, \u201cit didn\u2019t take much to cause that!\u201d<\/p>\n

After sharing a hearty laugh at Camilla Larrimore\u2019s expense, they headed back downtown, pausing to examine a number of prominent buildings whose structure Adam considered interesting.\u00a0 \u201cSo many styles,\u201d the budding architect sighed, \u201cand I know so little about them.\u00a0 I\u2019ve read books, of course, enough to know Corinthian from Doric, but I scarcely know how to proceed.\u00a0 I mean, I love Yale, of course, and wouldn\u2019t want to miss that training in the classics, but how to translate that to the real world of building is still a mystery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not make some inquiries at architectural offices while we\u2019re here in New York?\u201d Josiah suggested.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps they could, at least, suggest a line of individual study that would prepare you to take up the career after graduation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a wonderful idea,\u201d Adam said with enthusiasm.\u00a0 \u201cIf it wouldn\u2019t interfere with your plans, perhaps I could do that tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no plans beyond today,\u201d Josiah chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cOh, we\u2019ll probably indulge in some sort of entertainment tomorrow night, but you can do as you like all day tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to go down and see the Battery,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps we could do that while you\u2019re visiting architects\u2019 offices, and we could meet somewhere for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds fine,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat being settled, I suggest we return to the room and rest until supper,\u201d Josiah said.\u00a0 \u201cWe have another big night out and will want to be fresh for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, indeed!\u201d Adam cried, for he\u2019d earlier seen Josiah purchase tickets for tonight\u2019s performance of Handel\u2019s Messiah<\/em>.\u00a0 The Beethoven Society had included the \u201cHallelujah Chorus\u201d in its Christmas concert, and he couldn\u2019t wait to hear the entire, stirring work.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A wry smile lifted one side of Adam\u2019s mouth as he read the name etched into the glass panels in the door of the imposing brownstone trimmed in creamy marble.\u00a0 Bracebridge, Harwood and Associates certainly seemed like an appropriate name for an architectural firm, but he had small hope that he would be more successful here than he had at the three previous offices he\u2019d visited.\u00a0 The secretary in the first had bluntly stated that they had no time for schoolboys and sent him packing, and while the architects in the other two had received him cordially, their advice had been minimal.\u00a0 One suggested that he take some drawing courses, and the other stated unequivocally that he\u2019d be better off enrolling in Sheffield Scientific School than pothering around with Greek and Latin.\u00a0 Both had hinted that his best bet would be to seek an apprenticeship with some respected builder and forget college altogether.\u00a0 He figured he\u2019d get more of the same here, but he had time for one more attempt before meeting the Edwards.\u00a0 With a gusty exhale, he gathered his determination and opened the door.<\/p>\n

Stating his purpose to the secretary seated behind the plain maple desk, he took the seat shown to him and rhythmically tapped his heels on the floor as he waited.\u00a0 The secretary soon ushered him into an inner office, where a lean-limbed man of about forty rose to grasp his hand across a massive mahogany desk.\u00a0 \u201cAddison Bracebridge,\u201d he said in introduction, \u201cand you are . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gasped at the last name.\u00a0 Surely, this couldn\u2019t be the<\/em> Mr. Bracebridge, the senior partner of the firm who had agreed to see him.\u00a0 In all the other offices he\u2019d been dealt with either by a clerk or an apprentice or, at best, a junior partner.\u00a0 No, this must be a son or younger brother or\u2014Adam pulled himself together enough to stammer out his name.<\/p>\n

Mr. Bracebridge didn\u2019t seem disturbed by the sudden appearance of a blathering schoolboy in his office.\u00a0 \u201cWon\u2019t you sit down, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d he said, gesturing toward a captain\u2019s chair.<\/p>\n

Thanking him, Adam sat down, but the young man who had so eloquently stated his case in the other architects\u2019 offices couldn\u2019t seem to find his tongue in this one.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow may I help you, young man?\u201d Bracebridge asked as he again sat down in his padded leather chair.<\/p>\n

Adam swallowed with difficulty, due to his suddenly dry throat.\u00a0 \u201cSir, I\u2014I have hopes of one day becoming an architect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent!\u201d Bracebridge declared with completely believable enthusiasm.\u00a0 \u201cThe field can certainly use fine young minds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Encouraged, Adam moved to the edge of his seat.\u00a0 \u201cI know that practical training is desirable, of course, but I do wish to complete my college education, as well.\u00a0 I mean, I know that Latin and Greek seem to have little to do with . . . the field,\u201d he said, borrowing Bracebridge\u2019s term.\u00a0 His voice trailed off in uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Bracebridge shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNot directly, but I personally hold education in high esteem.\u201d\u00a0 His gaze took on a distant dreaminess.\u00a0 \u201cOnce I, too, dreamed of attending college, but my father felt it was wiser to see me apprenticed early.\u00a0 I can\u2019t argue with his wisdom, as it has brought me far, but I still think I might have made just as good an architect\u2014perhaps a better one\u2014if I had taken those college courses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen . . . you understand,\u201d Adam murmured.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t think it\u2019s foolish to try to do both?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bracebridge chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019ve you been talking to, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam winced.\u00a0 \u201cOther architects.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bracebridge laughed aloud.\u00a0 \u201cAh!\u00a0 So Bracebridge, Harwood and Associates was not your first choice.\u00a0 I had flattered myself that you\u2019d seen our work and been impressed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, though weakly.\u00a0 \u201cSir, I\u2019m so ignorant I don\u2019t even know how to find out who is the architect of a given site.\u00a0 The clerk at our hotel showed me a city registry, and I jotted down a few names with addresses I was sure I could find.\u00a0 Then I just started from there and made my way south, stopping at any promising places to seek advice on . . . well, how to even begin to prepare myself for the field of architecture.\u201d\u00a0 He added quickly, \u201cI know about Sheffield Scientific School, of course, but I\u2019m enrolled in the academic department.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSheffield\u2019s a fine school,\u201d Bracebridge acknowledged, \u201cbut I don\u2019t see it as the only path to a career in architecture.\u00a0 Tell me a little more about yourself, Mr. Cartwright, and I\u2019ll see what suggestions I might offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

With occasional questions from Mr. Bracebridge, Adam filled in his background, talking about how the building of the Ponderosa and his small part in drawing the plans for it had birthed his dream of becoming an architect.\u00a0 He spoke of his longing for an education and how, against seemingly insurmountable odds, the door for that had opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019ve come all the way from Nevada in pursuit of your dream?\u201d Mr. Bracebridge asked.\u00a0 \u201cThat shows determination.\u00a0 You say you\u2019ve only completed your first term, so you probably don\u2019t know exactly where you stand in your class, but you should have some idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNear the top, I think,\u201d Adam said, flushing modestly.<\/p>\n

Bracebridge smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI thought that might be the case.\u201d\u00a0 Hands loosely folded, he leaned across the desk.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s what I want you to do, young man.\u00a0 Ask my clerk for some drawing paper and to show you to a drawing table.\u00a0 Then I\u2019d like you to sketch, from memory, any building you\u2019ve seen here in New York that particularly attracted your attention.\u00a0 Just a quick sketch.\u00a0 When you\u2019ve finished, return here and let\u2019s talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean now?\u201d Adam asked, incredulous.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve taken so much of your time already, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bracebridge chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cThe day after Christmas is one of our slower days of the year, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 If you have the time, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir; thank you, sir,\u201d Adam said eagerly as he stood.<\/p>\n

Soon he was seated at a drawing table, sketching busily.\u00a0 He wished he could spend hours, perfecting his work, but in addition to his concern about overtaxing Mr. Bracebridge\u2019s generosity, he was due to meet the Edwards soon.\u00a0 Doing the best he could in the time available, he returned to the architect\u2019s office and showed him the completed drawing.\u00a0 He nibbled his lower lip while Bracebridge studied it.\u00a0 \u201cDoes it show any potential for success as an architect?\u201d he asked hesitantly after a few minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite a bit,\u201d Bracebridge acknowledged.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s certainly recognizable as Trinity Church, and I\u2019ve seen many first attempts that were barely recognizable as structures.\u00a0 You\u2019ve had no training whatsoever, not even a drawing course?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cIs that what I should do first, take a drawing course?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d recommend it,\u201d the architect said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m certain they have such courses at Sheffield, and although that\u2019s not the path you\u2019re pursuing, perhaps they might permit you to take a course as an elective.\u00a0 I suggest you look into that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Adam said, rising from his chair.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for your time, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so fast,\u201d Bracebridge scolded gently.\u00a0 \u201cI have one more question for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, of course, sir,\u201d Adam said, lowering himself again.\u00a0 \u201cI just didn\u2019t want to abuse your generosity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch appreciated,\u201d Bracebridge said.\u00a0 \u201cNow, my final question to you is this: would you like a job?\u201d<\/p>\n

Somehow, Adam managed to catch his jaw before it struck the floor.\u00a0 \u201cA job?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the summer,\u201d Bracebridge said quickly.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want you leaving school, is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Adam replied, his mind and heart still racing at the sudden development.\u00a0 \u201cBut . . . well, shouldn\u2019t you check with your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bracebridge looked totally puzzled.\u00a0 \u201cMy father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr older brother?\u201d Adam amended quickly.\u00a0 \u201cThe senior Mr. Bracebridge, I mean.\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t you consult him before offering a job to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

A loud laugh interrupted him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat a compliment to my youthful appearance!\u00a0 No, my boy, I\u2019m the senior Mr. Bracebridge of the firm\u2014well, the only one of that name, to be precise.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed again at the chagrinned look on Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Adam tried to stammer out an explanation for his misapprehension, but Bracebridge, still chuckling, waved it aside.\u00a0 \u201cI think you have great potential, Adam Cartwright, and I\u2019d like to play a part in nurturing it.\u00a0 So I want you to send me regular sketches of buildings in New Haven, whether on campus or the State House or those three marvelous churches on the Green.\u00a0 If at all possible, take a drawing course as an elective, although the college may not approve, since you\u2019re still a freshman.\u00a0 Then come to me during your summer break, and we\u2019ll see if we can\u2019t add some practical training.\u00a0 Does that sound acceptable?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAcceptable?\u201d Adam cried.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s so much more than I hoped for when I came, sir!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bracebridge stood and extended his hand.\u00a0 \u201cFine.\u00a0 Get my mailing address from the secretary and a full pad of drawing paper, and I\u2019ll look forward to hearing from you soon.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, there he is!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 He stood and waved toward Adam, who hurried to join them at the table.\u00a0 \u201cWe were afraid you\u2019d gotten lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the directions were clear,\u201d Adam assured the Edwards as he sank into the seat, catercorner to his friend.\u00a0 \u201cMy last stop took longer than expected . . . and ended more profitably, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah studied the beaming face opposite him.\u00a0 \u201cYou found a helpful architect, I presume.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHelpful, indeed!\u201d Adam exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cI found a job . . . for the summer,\u201d he quickly added.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, that\u2019s wonderful!\u201d Jamie cried.\u00a0 \u201cTell us all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs soon as we order,\u201d Adam promised.\u00a0 He ordered a large bowl of oyster stew, as did the others, and then told them everything, beginning with his disappointment at his first few attempts to discuss his future with professional architects.\u00a0 As the meal was served and eaten, he described in detail his visit with Mr. Bracebridge.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m to send him sketches of New Haven architecture,\u201d he concluded, showing them the pad of drawing paper he\u2019d been given for the purpose.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it sounds as though Providence has directed you to exactly the right man,\u201d Josiah observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cand I have you to thank for that, sir.\u00a0 Without your suggestion of visiting architects, I would never have met Mr. Bracebridge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis calls for a celebration,\u201d Jamie decreed.\u00a0 \u201cApple brown betty for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Josiah queried as he lifted a hand to signal the waitress.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have the same,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Knowing that trains left for New Haven at least every thirty minutes, the travelers slept in the following morning.\u00a0 They\u2019d kept their entertainment close at hand and inexpensive the previous night, attending a lecture at Hope Chapel by Captain Williams on his voyage to the South Seas.\u00a0 Still, they\u2019d been out somewhat late and granted themselves the luxury of a late start on their final day in New York City.<\/p>\n

After an uneventful trip they debarked at the depot in New Haven and went their separate ways.\u00a0 Jamie wanted to spend the night with his father, who would be leaving for Springfield, Massachusetts, the next day, so Adam returned to their George Street lodgings alone and spent the afternoon and evening writing long letters describing his trip to family and friends.\u00a0 He was especially excited to write to his father about the on-the-job training he would receive the next summer under Mr. Addison Bracebridge.<\/p>\n

On Saturday he and Jamie saw Mr. Edwards off at the depot, and that afternoon Adam took his sketch pad to the Green to begin his first drawing of local architecture, choosing the State House as his subject.\u00a0 He wanted to complete it and ship it off to New York before the second term, with all its busyness, began on Thursday.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Some of the art that Adam saw at the gallery may be viewed online:<\/p>\n

Niagara –http:\/\/www.nflibrary.ca\/LocationsHours\/VictoriaAvenueLibrary\/NiagarabyFrederickEdwinChurch1857\/tabid\/117\/Default.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n

Gignoux\u2019s Niagara Falls in Winter – https:\/\/www.art-prints-on-demand.com\/a\/gignoux-regis-francis\/niagara-falls-in-winter.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Bierstadt\u2019s Rocky Mountains – http:\/\/gardenofpraise.com\/art35.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

The Dead Pearl Diver by Akers – http:\/\/iamsarge.tumblr.com\/post\/3111031646\/the-dead-pearl-diver-benjamin-paul-akers-1858<\/a><\/p>\n

Prince Albert, much respected in the United States, died on December 14, 1861, as reported in the New York Times<\/em> of December 24, 1861.\u00a0 The entertainments our travelers attended, as well as a description of the Christmas service at Trinity Church, were also found in issues of the Times<\/em> from that week.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN<\/p>\n

A New Term<\/p>\n

On a stormy New Year\u2019s Eve Adam and Jamie ran into James Brand, who had remained in New Haven over the term break, and invited him to see in the new year with them.\u00a0 They did it in relatively quiet fashion, since both James and Jamie had taken the pledge against drinking.\u00a0 Still, a toast over coffee at midnight elicited just as much enthusiasm, and they pressed through the streets, shouting \u201cHappy New Year\u201d at every lighted window they passed.\u00a0 Despite near gale-force winds, some residents leaned out those windows and shouted the greeting back, for that brief interlude, at least, forsaking the traditional rivalry between town and gown.<\/p>\n

Though they had retired late, the two roommates were up early on January first.\u00a0 The first thing they did, even before breakfasting on apples and rolls purchased the day before, was to exchange their journals.\u00a0 \u201cNot by mail this year, which is quite an improvement,\u201d Adam commented.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t have to watch the post with such anticipation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept for letters from home,\u201d Jamie quipped.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh ho!\u201d Adam exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re worse than I am about that now, chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grinned sheepishly.\u00a0 \u201cI admit it.\u00a0 I\u2019m very anxious to hear from father and learn what sort of accommodations he\u2019s found.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I can tell you that now,\u201d Adam said flatly and added wryly, \u201cCheap!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI was able to figure that much on my own!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam inclined his chin toward the book now in Jamie\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s some railing against the heavens in that, I\u2019m afraid.\u00a0 I hope you won\u2019t find it offensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never find honesty offensive,\u201d Jamie declared stoutly.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen the proof of that many times.<\/p>\n

Jamie rubbed his index finger down the spine of the volume.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose this will be our last year to exchange journals like this.\u00a0 Not much point when we share practically every moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, but I bought a blank book, anyway.\u00a0 The habit of years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI did, too.\u00a0 It just wouldn\u2019t feel right not to record my thoughts at the end of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSame here,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWe can decide next New Year\u2019s Day whether we think they\u2019re worth exchanging.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u00a0 Well, I\u2019m going to delve into this right after breakfast.\u201d\u00a0 He tapped Adam\u2019s journal.<\/p>\n

\u2018Um, I\u2019d like to,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut I still need to put the finishing touches on my drawing of the State House, so I\u2019ll probably save yours for a bedtime story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie tossed an apple to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI trust the raucous laughter as I read your musings won\u2019t disturb your work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam deftly caught the fruit.\u00a0 \u201cNo, nor the loud and fervent prayers on behalf of my sinful soul when you reach certain parts,\u201d he snorted.\u00a0 \u201cI shall be oblivious to them.\u00a0 First things first, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast!\u201d Jamie agreed, taking a large, enthusiastic bite of his apple.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jamie leaned over Adam\u2019s back and scrutinized his drawing.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mouth remained puckered.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t quite get the perspective right, but that should be something I could learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, you can!\u201d Jamie gave an encouraging pat to his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cYou have the talent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam set his drawing pencil down and stretched his arms overhead.\u00a0 \u201cI still need to talk to Louis Bail, the drawing instructor, to see about joining his class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you do that tomorrow?\u201d Jamie inquired.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brow furrowed thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 I want to make a good start on my other work first, and probably Mr. Bail would be more amenable to a new student after he settles in for the new term.\u00a0 I think I\u2019ll wait until Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thinking,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a short day, so you\u2019ll both have more time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.\u201d\u00a0 Adam stood and worked his arms back and forth.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got to get the kinks out before I do any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie slid into Adam\u2019s vacated seat to examine the drawing more closely.\u00a0 \u201cIt looks perfect to me now.\u00a0 What more can you do to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s nose wrinkled.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe nothing, but it\u2019s far from perfect.\u00a0 That perspective just isn\u2019t right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie stood up and moved toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cA fresh perspective is just what you need.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go out for a while, get some air and exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, who\u2019s the doctor around here?\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cThat sounds like my prescription for you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPhysician, heal thyself,\u201d Jamie snickered as he reached for his wraps.<\/p>\n

Adam followed suit and soon they were moving briskly through the streets of New Haven, relishing the crisp air and the bright prospects ahead.\u00a0 When they returned, Adam again tackled his problem in perspective, while Jamie opened his textbooks and studied for the next day\u2019s recitations, even though they had no specific assignment.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be prepared and you won\u2019t,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll risk it,\u201d Adam scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll probably just review last term\u2019s material, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Jamie admitted, \u201calthough we did a rather thorough one before exams.\u00a0 Anyway, I can use a head start on the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d Adam grunted as he bent over his drawing.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re in such danger of falling behind.\u201d\u00a0 He worked on the drawing another hour and then set his work aside.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the best I can do.\u201d\u00a0 He went over to the bed and stretched out.\u00a0 \u201cIf I fall asleep, wake me in half an hour,\u201d he requested.\u00a0 \u201cThe Beethoven Society has rehearsal at five.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething simple, I hope,\u201d Jamie said with a sympathetic smile.<\/p>\n

Adam folded his arms beneath his head.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt we could learn anything new by chapel tomorrow.\u00a0 Herr Stoeckel said we\u2019d repeat a song from our Christmas concert.\u201d\u00a0 Half an hour later he rose and prepared to leave.\u00a0 \u201cShall I pick up something for dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever suits you,\u201d Jamie replied.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait until tomorrow, when we can start eating at the Vultures\u2019 Nest again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy stomach heartily concurs,\u201d Adam said with a wink.<\/p>\n

Even though the song for the next day was one the choir had sung so recently, the rehearsal ran full length, for Herr Stoeckel introduced new material for upcoming chapel services.\u00a0 And he took time, of course, to give his usual firm admonitions to \u201cwatch your blend, gentlemen.\u201d\u00a0 For once, Adam was not one of the culprits called out for singing louder than his companions.\u00a0 As he walked toward a local grocer\u2019s shop, he thought about how hard that first meeting with Gustave Stoeckel had been.\u00a0 He\u2019d proven himself to the music instructor, though, and given the chance, he was hopeful that he could do the same with Louis Bail.\u00a0 He was still nervous about Saturday\u2019s meeting, but success in one endeavor, he was finding, helped generate confidence in the next.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On Thursday morning a riot of ravenous boys swooped down upon the Vultures\u2019 Nest and greeted Mrs. Swanson with the affection that one might bestow upon a long lost mother.\u00a0 Most of them, of course, had just come from home, where their own mothers had pampered and petted them and stuffed them to the seams with their favorite foods, but they seemed quite ready for more of the same attention here at school.\u00a0 Fortunately, Mrs. Swanson felt well disposed to give it.\u00a0 While even Adam and Jamie had eaten quite well on their trip to New York City, they\u2019d returned to their penny-pinching ways once back in New Haven, often dining on sausage, cheese and apples from a nearby grocery, and were eager to rejoin the Vultures, where the same penny bought a more substantial meal.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, no mother supervised that reunion breakfast, for she would have been kept busy admonishing the young men not to talk with their mouths full.\u00a0 Everyone was bursting with news to tell and too eager to hear it to waste time commenting about oversights in table decorum.\u00a0 Even the sophomores temporarily\u2014Adam was quite sure it was only temporarily\u2014suspended their traditional taunting of the class below them, and they were all, for once, just a table of friends, sharing the highlights of their holidays.\u00a0 There wasn\u2019t time for everyone to do justice to that subject, so they shared by classes, beginning with the seniors.\u00a0 Adam and Jamie promised to give a full account of their adventures in New York when their turn came, most likely at the evening meal.<\/p>\n

As soon as breakfast ended, the boys raced for chapel, Adam fastest of all, for as a member of the choir, he needed to be in place at the very beginning.\u00a0 Jamie lagged behind in order to converse a little more with Marcus, but they were all, even Lucas, in their seats before the second bell rang.<\/p>\n

President Woolsey warmly welcomed everyone back.\u00a0 \u201cAnd since I know how eager you are to renew your recitations, I shall keep my remarks this morning brief,\u201d he said with a twinkle in his eye.\u00a0 True to his word, he released them in less than the customary fifteen minutes, and the four freshman friends hurried to the Athenaeum for their first class.<\/p>\n

An unfamiliar face greeted Adam, Lucas and Jamie as they took their places in the recitation room.\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d Adam whispered to his seatmate, Lucas.<\/p>\n

\u201cProfessor Thacher, I think,\u201d Lucas whispered back.\u00a0 \u201cI thought he taught juniors, though.\u201d\u00a0 He snickered softly.\u00a0 \u201cDo you suppose he\u2019s lost his way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt it.\u00a0 Maybe something\u2019s happened to Mr. Smith, and he\u2019s filling in for him,\u201d Adam suggested, citing the name of their Latin tutor from the previous term.<\/p>\n

Lucas shrugged.<\/p>\n

Deep-set eyes appraised them from behind a set of spectacles, and Adam caught the barest hint of an upward curve to the lips above the jutting chin.\u00a0 \u201cI can see from the surprised look on many of your faces,\u201d the teacher said, \u201cthat you have not read your catalogs to good purpose.\u00a0 Does anyone have the slightest idea what class you have just entered?\u201d<\/p>\n

Having assumed it would be Latin, as before, Adam and Lucas exchanged a bewildered look; so did most of the other young men in the room.\u00a0 Finally, James Brand raised a hesitant hand.\u00a0 \u201cCould it be Ancient Geography and History, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

The teacher\u2019s eyes sparkled with pleasure.\u00a0 \u201cIt could, indeed, Mr. . . . Brand?\u201d he finished, consulting a chart on the lectern before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Brand replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd by way of introduction to you and your less prepared fellow students, I am Thomas Thacher, Professor of Latin Language and Literature.\u201d<\/p>\n

A student in the front row raised his hand and, when recognized, asked, \u201cSir, might I ask what has happened to Mr. Smith?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing whatsoever, as far as I know,\u201d Thacher chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll see him tomorrow at this same hour.\u00a0 Mr. Wilder Smith will continue to tutor you in the Latin language on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while you will meet with me on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.\u201d\u00a0 He then suggested that the students take out notepaper and paused long enough for them to do so.\u00a0 \u201cBetween now and Saturday,\u201d he continued when everyone appeared prepared, \u201cplease purchase a copy of P\u00fctz and Arnold\u2019s Manual of Ancient Geography and History<\/em> and read through the section on the geography of Palestine.\u00a0 Be prepared to recite on the boundaries of Asia, its principal mountains and waterways and how it was divided in ancient times, as well as the same details for Palestine in particular.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up a volume, obviously the text in question and consulted the seating chart.\u00a0 \u201cWould you begin reading the introduction, please, Mr. Edwards?\u201d<\/p>\n

Trusting Adam to write down the assignment just given, Jamie stood, took the book from the professor\u2019s hand and began reading the passage to which Thacher pointed.\u00a0 The remainder of the hour was spent in having one student after another read a few paragraphs, and though the introduction was somewhat lengthy, the students were still released early.<\/p>\n

\u201cPhew!\u201d Adam declared as they gathered under the Elm of Assembly.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see the detail we\u2019re expected to memorize?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the calendars used by man . . . ever . . . is just the beginning,\u201d Lucas groaned.\u00a0 \u201cI see nothing ahead for me but scholastic disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be fine . . . if you study,\u201d Jamie assured him.\u00a0 Turning to Marcus, who was in a different division than the others, he quickly explained about the new class.\u00a0 \u201cI just can\u2019t believe I didn\u2019t consult the catalog again when I vowed I wouldn\u2019t let anything else slip past me after missing the competition for the Literary Medal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam avowed loftily, \u201cyour time would have been much better spent with that than reviewing for a class we didn\u2019t even have.\u00a0 I told you not to bother preparing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, of course, foresaw the new schedule,\u201d Jamie scoffed, \u201cand that\u2019s why you didn\u2019t bother to review anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Adam returned with as straight a face as he could manage.\u00a0 The others hooted their disdain.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must get copies of that text right away,\u201d Jamie declared.\u00a0 \u201cAnyone for heading to the bookstore now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight as well,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWe won\u2019t get far without that book!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter dinner is soon enough,\u201d Lucas insisted.\u00a0 \u201cThe book isn\u2019t going anywhere.\u00a0 Let\u2019s visit the gym, instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t speak of dinner,\u201d Adam groaned.\u00a0 \u201cAll that talk of mountains and rivers and calendars, especially the oh-so-detailed Republican calendar of the French, has done nothing but create a vast emptiness in me that only Mrs. Swanson\u2019s best can fill.\u00a0 Unfortunately, my chums, we have another recitation to endure before dinner, and since I have no intention of using the time between in either preparation for that or bodily exercise, which will only increase my hunger, we might as well just purchase the text that is soon to become our closest companion.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned toward the dormitory known as South Middle, where the college bookstore was located, but swung back to face his friends.\u00a0 Walking backward, he advised, \u201cI give you fair warning, however: as soon as Mr. Nolen releases us from this morning\u2019s torture by Euclid, I shall take immediate flight for the Vultures\u2019 Nest.\u00a0 Last bird there risks starvation!\u201d\u00a0 He turned his back and took off at a run toward South Middle with the others shouting, \u201cUnfair!\u201d and racing to catch up, as if even now the race were on against that threat.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The midday recitation revealed George Nolen still firmly ensconced as their mathematics tutor.\u00a0 When the instructor announced\u2014with malevolent glee, Lucas later asserted\u2014that this term they would concentrate full time on Euclid\u2019s geometry, predictable groans rippled along the students\u2019 benches.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice was not among them, for he actually enjoyed mathematics and excelled in geometry, only calling it torture to fit in with his friends, but he was almost certain he could hear Jamie\u2019s moans, even though they were two rows apart.<\/p>\n

Dinner with the Vultures provided a welcome interlude between classes, and Adam and Jamie easily fell into their former routine of stopping by the post office on their way back to their George Street lodgings to study the assignments that were already piling up.\u00a0 Study had to wait, though, as there were letters waiting for both boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather\u2019s found lodgings,\u201d Jamie announced after perusing his letter back in their room.\u00a0 \u201cJust a boarding house for now, but he says he\u2019ll keep looking for a small house or suite of rooms.\u00a0 I hope he finds one by term\u2019s end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, too,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cOtherwise, you and I will be spending our vacations right here, chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie looked duly glum at that prospect, but quickly brightened as the letter in Adam\u2019s hand caught his eye.\u00a0 \u201cWhat news from the Ponderosa?\u00a0 Has Little Joe gone off chasing any more kitties down D Street?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cApparently, he\u2019s been good as gold since that incident.\u00a0 Maybe he heard that Pa was tempted to give him away to the Bowers and is on his best behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I hope not,\u201d Jamie gasped.\u00a0 \u201cThink how it would upset the little fellow to hear that, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was teasing,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m certain Pa kept that nonsense from him.\u00a0 As to the letter, it\u2019s about the most boring one Pa\u2019s sent me.\u00a0 He describes Thanksgiving dinner with the Thomases\u2014no surprises there; then he makes a few comments about the weather and asks about our holidays.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I shouldn\u2019t complain.\u00a0 My next letter home will probably be equally dull, unless Pa is easily excited by my prospect of learning ancient geography this term.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if he isn\u2019t, no doubt Hoss and Little Joe will be!\u201d Jamie snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, go memorize the rivers of Palestine,\u201d Adam grumbled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure that will excite you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than the Republican calendar of France,\u201d Jamie sparred back.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll let you concentrate on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled.\u00a0 \u201cWhy is it I think Professor Thacher would be bound to ask me about the rivers and you about the calendar if we tried a strategy of divide and conquer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you, sir, have one term of college under your belt,\u201d his friend declared in his most worldly-wise voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely.\u201d\u00a0 Adam pulled out his desk chair and sat down.\u00a0 Opening the new geography text, he cupped his chin in his hands and began to read.\u00a0 Next to him, Jamie did the same, and the afternoon was silent, except for the rustle of turning pages and an occasional comment from one diligent student to the other.<\/p>\n

When Adam had absorbed all the geographic detail he felt his brain could tolerate at one sitting, he flopped onto the bed to relax with a copy of yesterday\u2019s New York Times<\/em>, which Robert Raines had passed on to him at dinner.\u00a0 He skimmed the war news, which always dominated the front page, even when no major battles were being fought; and then he read through a long poem called \u201cThe Muster of the North.\u201d\u00a0 Pure patriotic fodder by comparison with the classics he studied here at Yale, yet one set of verses brought a thoughtful frown to his face:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The students leave their college rooms<\/p>\n

Full deep in Greece and Rome,<\/p>\n

To make a rival glory<\/p>\n

For a better cause near home . . .<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Somehow, those few words made his classical studies seem foolishly out of touch with the very real conflict tearing the nation apart.\u00a0 All his questions about his chosen course surged back to the surface.\u00a0 To be a student or a soldier\u2014that was the question, to paraphrase Shakespeare.\u00a0 The issue was settled, though, wasn\u2019t it?\u00a0 Then why did these few mediocre lines of poetry make him wonder once again if he\u2019d made the right choice?\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t tempted by the glories of war; he\u2019d learned back in the Paiute war that there were none.\u00a0 Still\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d\u00a0 Still lost in thought, Adam was slow to look up.<\/p>\n

Jamie gazed at him quizzically.\u00a0 \u201cEverything all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d\u00a0 Adam sat up and stretched, pushing the issue to the back of his mind.\u00a0 \u201cWant me to quiz you on the those rivers?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNot right now.\u00a0 Time to leave for Greek class, though you don\u2019t seem to have noticed.\u00a0 The news must really be absorbing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tossed the pages aside.\u00a0 \u201cJust bad poetry.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

The third recitation hour was still conducted by Professor Hadley, who seemed genuinely glad to see the students again and spent the first few minutes of class asking about their holidays.\u00a0 Comfortable as an old shoe, that was Old Had in Adam\u2019s opinion.\u00a0 Always stimulating, but never one to trap a student by a cleverly worded question.\u00a0 It felt good to be back in his class, good to be back in all the classes.\u00a0 In fact, Adam realized with a jolt of surprise, it felt like being home.\u00a0 Oh, he still missed the Ponderosa, still cherished each bit of news from there, but New Haven, and Yale College in particular, was becoming home, too.\u00a0 And what were the glories of war, compared to the glories of home?<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Having checked the college catalog to learn the location of Louis Bail\u2019s office, Adam dressed neatly, carefully covered his sketchbook against the ever-present possibility of rain and made his way to the Lyon Building downtown on Saturday afternoon.\u00a0 He found No. 9 and rapped on the door.\u00a0 When a man\u2019s voice called, \u201cCome in,\u201d he entered, his attention immediately caught by the framed portraits and sketches of the human head adorning the walls of the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d the man behind the plain walnut desk asked with an inquiring cock of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Bail?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 How may I help you, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Summoning his courage, Adam introduced himself.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m a student at Yale,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

The quizzical expression on Louis Bail\u2019s face deepened.\u00a0 \u201cNot one of mine,\u201d he said after careful examination of Adam\u2019s features.<\/p>\n

Adam moistened his suddenly dry lips.\u00a0 \u201cNo, sir . . . but I\u2019d like to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail relaxed into his chair.\u00a0 \u201cAh.\u00a0 I see.\u00a0 You wish to be an artist?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Adam said quickly.\u00a0 \u201cMy abilities don\u2019t extend to that.\u201d\u00a0 If he hadn\u2019t already instinctively known that, a quick glance at the portraits on the wall would have instantly extinguished any hopes he had of artistic greatness.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m interested in pursuing architecture, though, and since you do teach drawing at the college, I thought that . . . perhaps . . . I might . . . well, join the class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t recall seeing you around the yard,\u201d Bail stated.\u00a0 \u201cAre you actually enrolled or\u201d\u2014he smiled crookedly\u2014\u201cis that, also, something you\u2019d \u2018like to be\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flushed uncomfortably.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m enrolled,\u201d he said, \u201cbut not at Sheffield, where you teach.\u00a0 I\u2019m in the academic department.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail laughed lightly.\u00a0 \u201cThat would explain why I haven\u2019t seen you.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mingle much with the academics.\u00a0 Now, tell me, young man, why you are taking this most unusual path to becoming an architect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oddly enough, being laughed at put Adam more at ease.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not the first to find that unusual,\u201d he admitted.\u00a0 Then he began to talk about his early interest in architecture and the series of events that had brought him to Yale, going on to describe his visits to architectural offices in New York City and the encouragement and promise of summer employment that he had received from Addison Bracebridge.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard of the firm,\u201d Bail inserted, \u201cand seen some of their designs.\u00a0 Good workmanship.\u00a0 Your summer apprenticeship with them should benefit you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was Mr. Bracebridge who recommended that I see about taking some drawing courses at Sheffield,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think you might see fit to permit me to join your class, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lacing his supple fingers above his abdomen, Bail leaned back in his chair and scrutinized Adam\u2019s youthful face more closely.\u00a0 \u201cWhat class are you in, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing it was likely to be a sticking point, Adam hated to answer that question, but he told the truth.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m a freshman, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail put his head back and laughed aloud, and this time the sound didn\u2019t put Adam at all at ease.\u00a0 \u201cMy dear young man,\u201d Bail finally said, \u201csince you\u2019ve only been a student at Yale for one term, don\u2019t you think your time might best be spent in concentrating on your regular studies and making certain that you matriculate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 Then, seeing the teacher\u2019s wide-eyed stare, he added, \u201cI mean, there\u2019s no risk that I won\u2019t matriculate.\u201d\u00a0 He lifted his head proudly.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, I stand near the top of my class in all subjects and have only earned a single demerit.\u201d\u00a0 Frankly, he didn\u2019t think he deserved even that one, but knew that arguing the unfairness of Wilder Smith\u2019s mark would gain him little ground with a fellow teacher.<\/p>\n

\u201cExemplary,\u201d Bail agreed.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, you are still new to college life, Mr. Cartwright, and may find it more rigorous as you move into more difficult material.\u00a0 I would advise you to wait until next year before adding an additional subject to your workload.\u00a0 After all, you already have one new subject to contend with, and Professor Thacher has a reputation for, shall we say, thoroughness in covering the material?\u201d\u00a0 His mouth curved upward in a confiding smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand what you\u2019re saying,\u201d Adam said slowly, \u201cbut I do want to be better prepared for my work this summer.\u00a0 I\u2019ve brought some of my sketches, and I think you could see right away that I need training.\u00a0 May I show you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy all means,\u201d the teacher said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d be most interested.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened his portfolio and spread his sketches of the State House, as well as the one he\u2019d drawn of the church in New York City, before the instructor.\u00a0 Bail studied them carefully, nodding at some moments, frowning at others.\u00a0 \u201cI know I don\u2019t have the perspective correct,\u201d Adam ventured hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t,\u201d Bail agreed readily.\u00a0 He pulled one sketch toward him.\u00a0 \u201cIt should be more like this,\u201d he said, quickly drawing lines to the side of Adam\u2019s original.\u00a0 \u201cShorten this line; lengthen that one, more at this angle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I see,\u201d Adam said eagerly.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s just what I was missing.\u201d\u00a0 Eyes gleaming with hope, he looked up.\u00a0 \u201cOh, sir, won\u2019t you reconsider?\u00a0 I promise you I would keep up with my regular studies and diligently complete any assignment you gave me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail held up a restraining hand.\u00a0 \u201cHave you read the college catalog?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

Adam slumped.\u00a0 Was that every professor\u2019s favorite question or did it just seem that way?\u00a0 \u201cI looked up your address in it,\u201d he said with a sheepish smile.\u00a0 \u201cWas there something else I should have read?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThe fact that I don\u2019t teach architectural drawing until the third term might have been pertinent,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Adam said, deflated, suddenly feeling that he\u2019d made a complete idiot of himself by coming here today.\u00a0 Not exactly the way to impress a new teacher!<\/p>\n

Bail reached out to pat the young man\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cI think it\u2019s for the best anyway, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 You need at least one more term without added responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

The spark of hope rekindling in his eye, Adam raised his head.\u00a0 \u201cThen you might agree to accept me next term?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might,\u201d Bail conceded.\u00a0 \u201cI would need to discuss this unusual request with the rest of the faculty, so I make no guarantees.\u00a0 However, if you continue to do as well in your academic work as you\u2019ve begun and in view of Bracebridge\u2019s interest in you, see me again when you\u2019ve finished your second term exams and we\u2019ll discuss this matter further.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir!\u201d Adam cried with enthusiasm.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how much this means!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI have a fair idea, by the look on your face.\u00a0 I\u2019ll look forward to seeing you in April, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be here . . . and thank you again,\u201d Adam said, gathering up his sketches.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve taken up enough of your time, so I\u2019ll just thank you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain?\u201d Bail teased.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re beginning to babble, young Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Work on that perspective and bring me your best sketch when you come in April.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir; I will, sir,\u201d Adam promised.\u00a0 Then, realizing that he was babbling yet again, he said good-bye quickly and left the office.<\/p>\n

Rain was pouring down steadily as he stepped onto the sidewalk.\u00a0 Putting up the umbrella, he shook his head in disgust.\u00a0 Rain.\u00a0 Again.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take any scientific know-how to predict the weather in New Haven: just predict rain and you\u2019d be right, nine times out of ten.\u00a0 And only one umbrella between him and his roommate.\u00a0 On days like today, when one of them had a separate errand, the other was either confined to the room or left to the whim of the elements.\u00a0 Since Adam intended to get back into the routine of visiting the gymnasium each morning, while Jamie still preferred to study at the library between first and second recitation, sharing one umbrella was becoming impractical.\u00a0 More than impractical\u2014penny wise and pound foolish, Adam decided.\u00a0 He made his way toward Chapel Street and, turning into J. H. Coley and Sons\u2019 dry goods store, chose a serviceable umbrella, dickered the price down a bit and made the purchase.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam was surprised to hear a deep sigh coming from his friend as they exited from morning chapel on Sunday.\u00a0 \u201cSermon strike a bit close to home?\u201d he asked roguishly.<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled weakly.\u00a0 \u201cThe trouble is, rather, being far from home, my dear chum.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing that Adam did not understand, he explained, \u201cI\u2019m feeling a trifle melancholy today.\u00a0 I was used to being apart from Father during the week, but we always met here after chapel on Sundays, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMelancholy is a serious ailment, young man,\u201d Adam intoned solemnly, stroking his imaginary chin whiskers.\u00a0 \u201cFortunately, my vast medical research has suggested the perfect cure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely you don\u2019t intend to prescribe a walk, Dr. Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 From beneath its shelter, Jamie pointed heavenward with his open umbrella.\u00a0 \u201cIn case you haven\u2019t noticed, it\u2019s raining.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain,\u201d Adam moaned.\u00a0 \u201cDoes it ever miss a day?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot lately,\u201d Jamie laughed, \u201cbut a hot and filling dinner in our nice dry nest is the best antidote.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed.\u201d\u00a0 As both boys headed toward the Vultures\u2019 Nest, Adam observed, \u201cI still think a walk would do you good, get your mind off that abominable homesickness . . . for a home you\u2019ve never even seen, I might point out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie gave his friend a shove as he skipped over a puddle.\u00a0 \u201cFather is home to me, wherever he is.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that how you feel about your family?\u00a0 Or is it only the pine trees you miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tipped Jamie\u2019s umbrella back just long enough to see his face splashed.\u00a0 \u201cThat is a decidedly wicked twinkle in your eye, sir, for someone who\u2019s just left church,\u201d he chided.<\/p>\n

Jamie mopped his damp cheeks.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re merely seeing a reflection of the mischief in your own, I assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Adam conceded the point in that duel of wits to Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe a walk back to George Street will be sufficient exercise, given the weather,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI still need to drill those rivers, mountains and islands of India into my head, but I\u2019ll definitely need fortification before facing that.\u201d<\/p>\n

They walked a block in silence, and then Jamie ventured, \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, I think I\u2019ll walk over to Dwight Street, instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d Adam assured him, \u201cthough that doesn\u2019t seem like much of a destination.\u00a0 What\u2019s on Dwight?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Sunday school mission,\u201d Jamie answered.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe volunteering\u2014keeping busy, I mean\u2014would keep me from missing those afternoons with Father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Adam conceded.\u00a0 Teaching a roomful of restless boys and girls didn\u2019t appeal to him as a way to spend a free afternoon, but a future clergyman no doubt saw the opportunity differently.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll really need fortification for that,\u201d he teased.\u00a0 \u201cOn to the Vultures\u2019 Nest!\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER NINETEEN<\/p>\n

Class Warfare<\/p>\n

On Tuesday morning tree trunks at Yale again budded with posters of red and blue, announcing the meetings of Linonia and the Brothers in Unity.\u00a0 To Adam, they were another welcome sign that he was returning to a routine he loved.\u00a0 As he hurried toward the chapel, he wondered if even the exhilaration of that new job this summer would compare to the emotion that welled within him just with a simple walk through the college campus.\u00a0 Oh, of course, it would, he decided as he found his place in the choir loft.\u00a0 No doubt New York City would soon become familiar to him and by summer\u2019s end would elicit the same feelings.<\/p>\n

His entrance into the gymnasium with Lucas after the morning recitation returned the same thoughts to his mind.\u00a0 He\u2019d only started back into that routine the previous morning, but it had felt so good to stretch his muscles and work out all the kinks from protracted study that he had vowed he wouldn\u2019t miss a day of exercise.<\/p>\n

A trio of sophomores roughly pushed them aside.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Freshie, don\u2019t block the doorway,\u201d one scolded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Sophie,\u201d Lucas snorted, \u201cdon\u2019t fret your feeble little brains to find a way around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your step, Freshie,\u201d the sophomore warned.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t trip over your own feeble wit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your own, Sophie,\u201d Lucas called after the upperclassmen.<\/p>\n

Adam snagged his arm.\u00a0 \u201cWill you stop?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Lucas demanded.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think those addle-pates merit respect?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but what use is there in antagonizing them?\u201d\u00a0 Adam pulled him toward the horizontal ladders, across the room from where the sophomores were gathered.<\/p>\n

Lucas jumped up and began to swing from one rung to the next.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not afraid of them,\u201d he snapped down at Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam swung up behind his friend.\u00a0 \u201cYou think I am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActions say so.\u201d\u00a0 Lucas missed a rung and dropped to the floor.<\/p>\n

Adam let go and dropped beside him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not fear; it\u2019s common sense.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t mind taking any one of them on in a fair fight, if we could keep the faculty from finding out, but I won\u2019t risk expulsion over a few meaningless taunts.\u00a0 It\u2019s only a couple dozen bullies\u2014the ones who do the really bad hazing, I mean\u2014not the entire sophomore class, but you invite trouble, even from the peaceable ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Arms akimbo, Lucas stared Adam down.\u00a0 \u201cThe \u2018peaceable ones,\u2019 as you call them, don\u2019t oppose the hazing; they just turn a blind eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut if you keep it up, they\u2019ll probably join together, out of class loyalty, and put you in your place, Freshie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas groaned.\u00a0 \u201cOh, don\u2019t you start it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Adam said with a jovial punch to his friend\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s start across that ladder again . . . and pay attention this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m worried about him,\u201d Adam confided to Jamie that afternoon during their study session.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s like he\u2019s itching for a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe may get one,\u201d Jamie agreed, looking up from Euclid, the bane of his collegiate existence, \u201cbut I don\u2019t think the sophomores would do him any serious harm.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t seen anything worse than what we went through during initiation into Sigma Ep, and isn\u2019t that what Freshman year is, a sort of initiation?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose.\u201d\u00a0 Chin cupped in his hand, Adam mulled the idea over for a minute.\u00a0 Except for that initial smoking out, Jamie was right: nothing worse than an initiation.\u00a0 \u201cIt isn\u2019t what the sophomores will do to him that matters,\u201d he concluded.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s what the faculty would do if they found out.\u00a0 You know how many demerits that boy already has racked up!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded grimly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd expulsion is not outside the limits of what they might dictate for a serious infraction, like a major brawl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould Lucas settle for any other kind?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie closed his geometry text.\u00a0 \u201cDo you want me to talk to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snuffled.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think it would do any good?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Jamie said with blunt honesty.\u00a0 \u201cNot if he doesn\u2019t listen to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed gruffly. \u00a0\u201cNo, he turns a deaf ear to me, too, so I guess all we can do is wait for disaster to happen and pick up the pieces as best we can . . . assuming the sophomores leave some.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTime we headed for the Vultures\u2019 Nest, isn\u2019t it?\u201d\u00a0 Jamie stood up and took his jacket from the back of the chair.\u00a0 Thrusting his arms into the sleeves, he said, \u201cI\u2019ll pray for him tonight.\u00a0 Sure you don\u2019t want to come with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the class prayer meeting?\u201d\u00a0 Grinning, Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, thanks.\u00a0 I find the ancient geography of India so fascinating that I just can\u2019t tear myself away.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The weather Wednesday seemed determined to prove its changeableness.\u00a0 While the sun shone brightly early that morning, by the time the students left chapel a slowly thickening fog blanketed the college yard.\u00a0 When they met at the Elm of Assembly after first recitation, coal-dark clouds hovered overhead, and soon soft, warm rain splattered the rooftops.\u00a0 Before the day ended, snow clouds formed, and a light powder dusted Adam\u2019s hat as he made his way to rehearsal with the Beethoven Society.\u00a0 During the hour he spent indoors, the snow turned to hail, and just when he\u2019d decided that he\u2019d have to either risk getting his head bashed or go without supper, the hail stopped and the snow returned.\u00a0 He made a dash across the yard, hearing the blinds on the windows of the college dorms clatter a rhythmic percussion to the storm\u2019s symphony and dodging a shower of loose window glass that rained to the pavement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you expect?\u201d Lucas grumbled when Adam complained over the evening meal.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s just typical New Haven weather.\u00a0 Or hadn\u2019t you noticed that it rains every day at 5 p.m.?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s nose wrinkled.\u00a0 \u201cJust when we\u2019re free for the day, you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaturday was pleasant, though,\u201d Jamie observed.\u00a0 \u201cMore free time then, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn excellent point,\u201d Lucas agreed, \u201cand I propose we take appropriate advantage of the cooperation of the weather this Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you define \u2018appropriate\u2019?\u201d Adam inquired, wary, as always, of any proposal by Lucas.<\/p>\n

\u201cA skating party!\u201d Lucas announced with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that sounds like fun,\u201d Marcus put in.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t know how to skate,\u201d Jamie moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut it\u2019s time we learned.\u201d\u00a0 He gave his friend a light poke in the ribs with his elbow.\u00a0 \u201cDr. Cartwright prescribes this for your health and wellbeing, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

A cunning look entered Jamie\u2019s usually guileless blue eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAll right,\u201d he said slowly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll follow your prescription on Saturday if you\u2019ll follow mine Sunday afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up from slicing his roast beef.\u00a0 \u201cThat, sir, has the suspicious clank of a trap about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo trap,\u201d Jamie insisted, spearing several green beans with his fork.\u00a0 \u201cA simple bargain.\u00a0 I go skating with you, and you\u2014all of you\u2014come to the mission with me the next day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be glad to do both,\u201d Marcus assured his best friend and earned an appreciative smile in response.<\/p>\n

Adam scowled, for while he considered himself a believer in God, daily chapel more than satisfied his desire for religious duties.\u00a0 Before he could say anything in protest, however, Lucas inserted earnestly, \u201cWhy, of course, we\u2019ll help at the mission!\u00a0 You should have asked us sooner, my little preacher friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrow arched as he stared in wide-eyed skepticism at Lucas.\u00a0 Luke volunteering for mission work?\u00a0 This definitely demanded investigation.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s in it for you?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

Lucas slammed his chest with his open palm.\u00a0 \u201cYou suspect my motives?\u00a0 You doubt the sincerity of my desire to teach little townie children to read?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam propped his chin in his cupped hand and continued to give the other boy an appraising scrutiny.\u00a0 \u201cIn a word . . . yes.\u00a0 I repeat: what\u2019s in it for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGirls,\u201d Edgar Warington muttered from across the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else?\u201d sneered George Miller, the other sophomore.\u00a0 \u201cThey are freshies, after all.\u201d\u00a0 The way he said it sounded like an accusation of something as heinous as rape, pillage and murder by invading barbarians.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you insinuate, Sophie?\u201d Lucas demanded, rising from his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMind your tongue, Freshie,\u201d Miller growled ominously.<\/p>\n

The sound of a knife tapping against a water glass interrupted them.\u00a0 \u201cTake your seats, please, gentlemen,\u201d Alexander White said with calm control.\u00a0 \u201cI would remind you that our rules allow no exhibitions of class rivalry at the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miller bowed stiffly to the steward.\u00a0 \u201cMy apologies, sir.\u201d\u00a0 He took his seat.<\/p>\n

Lucas balked for a moment and then sat down, muttering, \u201cSorry, White,\u201d while he still glared across the table at the irritating members of the class just above him.<\/p>\n

Every man turned his attention to his plate until another subject for conversation was offered by one of the juniors.\u00a0 As they left the Vultures\u2019 Nest, however, Adam snagged Lucas\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, \u2018fess up,\u201d he demanded.\u00a0 \u201cIs it girls that are inspiring your sudden philanthropic attitude?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Lucas readily admitted to his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve heard some rather lovely young ladies devote themselves to that particular ministry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you believe the virtues of righteousness should be instantly rewarded, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cBetter sooner than later, I always say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are irredeemable,\u201d Jamie offered with a shake of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I am, too,\u201d Adam declared with a teasing grin, \u201cand since you surely don\u2019t want such disreputable volunteers for your mission work . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled like a man in complete control of a rebellion.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t get off that easily.\u00a0 I will take anyone I can get, and I don\u2019t care in the slightest how self-centered your motives may be.\u201d\u00a0 He folded his arms and stared them down.\u00a0 \u201cThe bargain remains the same: my skating for your volunteering.\u00a0 Take it or leave it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGirls, Adam,\u201d Lucas reminded him.\u00a0 \u201cAs a fellow prisoner of all-male Yale, can you afford to let an opportunity like that pass?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely not,\u201d Adam decided.\u00a0 He wagged a finger under Jamie\u2019s nose.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, if they turn out to be anything less than lovely . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll find that righteousness is its own reward,\u201d Jamie finished with an irritating smile.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure the ice is thick enough?\u201d Jamie asked nervously as Marcus laced his skates for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw the red ball hanging at State and Chapel,\u201d said Lucas, who had generously rented skates for all of them.\u00a0 \u201cThat means the ponds are safe for skating.\u201d\u00a0 He wagged his head at the other boy.\u00a0 \u201cQuit looking for excuses, preacher boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not,\u201d Jamie began, but the protest died in a sheepish grimace.\u00a0 \u201cWell, all right, I am.\u00a0 I admit I\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWorst that can happen is you fall on your\u2014uh, dignity, shall we call it?\u201d Lucas laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t let you fall,\u201d Marcus promised as he pulled Jamie to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cIf I can help it,\u201d he added at Lucas\u2019s skeptical look.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I get the same promise out of you?\u201d Adam asked Lucas with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cFalls are inevitable,\u201d Lucas said, \u201cbut I\u2019ll stick with you until you\u2019re steady on your blades.\u201d<\/p>\n

Immediately after dinner that Saturday, they had walked from the Vultures\u2019 Nest to Hamilton Park, about a mile and a half from the Green.\u00a0 To Adam, the weather seemed perfect for skating: crisp and cold, with no ominous storm clouds hanging low on the horizon.\u00a0 Once again their free afternoon had been blessed with a clear day, favorable to an outing, and the four friends, along with a crowd of other young people, planned to pack the afternoon brim full of fun.<\/p>\n

Marcus led Jamie onto the ice, the student sliding after the teacher with slow, cautious strokes.\u00a0 On the other hand, Lucas seemed to prefer a teaching technique that Adam later told him was akin to being tossed into a creek and told to sink or swim.\u00a0 Fortunately, Adam\u2019s innate sense of balance and athletic agility kept him mostly on his feet, and while he did fall three times in the first half hour, he got up again each time and kept trying until Lucas declared him proficient enough to strike out on his own.<\/p>\n

With each turn around the pond, Adam gained confidence\u2014and speed.\u00a0 Soon he was whizzing around, exhilarated by the rush of cold air on his ruddy cheeks.\u00a0 Then, suddenly, he hit a slick spot.\u00a0 Though he windmilled his arms, struggling for balance, his feet flew out in front of him, and he went careening down the ice until he collided with another set of skates and knocked the person wearing them to the ice.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d a chagrinned Adam said as he untangled his feet from the other skater\u2019s sweeping skirt.\u00a0 \u201cHere, let me help you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

He scrambled to his feet, but as he took the young lady\u2019s hand and started to assist her, his feet slipped again and he crashed to his knees, his hands hitting the ice on both sides of the girl\u2019s prone figure.\u00a0 \u201cI am so sorry,\u201d he babbled again, but then fell silent, his gaze riveted on the darkest blue eyes he\u2019d ever seen.\u00a0 Inger\u2014and Hoss had inherited them\u2014had had eyes the color of an alpine lake; in fact, most blue-eyed people he\u2019d met, Jamie among them, tended toward that shade, but these eyes, now snapping with irritation, were as deep a blue as a lagoon\u2014well, what he imagined a lagoon would look like, anyway.\u00a0 He\u2019d never seen one of those, any more than he\u2019d seen an alpine lake, except with imagination\u2019s eye.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said once more.\u00a0 \u201cLet me help . . .\u201d\u2014the look in those deep blue eyes kept him from finishing the offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t!\u201d she declared.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d rather not have you land on top of me!\u201d<\/p>\n

By this time they were surrounded by helping hands, and soon both skaters were again on their feet.\u00a0 With a flounce of her auburn ringlets, the young lady skated off, leaving Adam staring after her, mouth agape.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it were summer, you\u2019d catch flies,\u201d Lucas snickered, knuckling Adam\u2019s chin\u00a0 up to close his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see her?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Lucas started to lift a nonchalant shoulder, but then favored his friend with a wicked wink, instead.\u00a0 \u201cNot as closely as you did, of course.\u00a0 I thought it was tomorrow we planned to find you a lovely lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flushed and, to cover his embarrassment, snorted, \u201cI don\u2019t need the likes of you to find me a lovely lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvidently not!\u201d Lucas laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re still honor bound to help at the mission tomorrow, though.\u201d\u00a0 At the sour twist of Adam\u2019s mouth, he added, \u201cPlenty of time left for fun before we face that.\u00a0 Race you to the far end of the lake!\u201d\u00a0 He took off, and Adam struck out after him, moving more slowly this time.\u00a0 He\u2019d lose the race, of course, but staying on his feet\u2014and keeping other people on theirs\u2014seemed more important on this first skating adventure.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHard to believe such a normally kind-hearted person could be so devoid of pity when it\u2019s most needed, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam observed as the four freshmen walked from afternoon chapel toward Dwight Street.\u00a0 \u201cTo force a man to work when every movement is unadulterated pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, quit complaining,\u201d Jamie chided.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re scarcely more bruised and achy than I am!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI beg to differ.\u00a0 You had Marcus\u2014kind, gentle Marcus\u2014as your instructor, while I was committed to Luke\u2019s tender mercies . . . if I may be forgiven such a bald-faced lie as to call them that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot too big for his britches and raced around the pond like a madman, he means,\u201d Lucas cackled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s that poor young lady who deserves our pity,\u201d Marcus put forth shyly.\u00a0 He rarely joked, but by common consent Adam was fair game today.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmen!\u201d Lucas agreed heartily.\u00a0 \u201cShe probably sports bruises that will dwarf yours into insignificance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t doubt it,\u201d Adam moaned.\u00a0 \u201cThe first pretty girl I meet in six months, and I have to ruin all hope of winning her favor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness\u2014at the mission, that is,\u201d Jamie intoned solemnly with a twinkle in his eye, \u201cand all these things shall be added unto you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf only they would!\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019m afraid it\u2019ll be as you said before: I\u2019ll have to settle for righteousness being its own reward.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSettle,\u201d Jamie, who truly believed that principle, scoffed.<\/p>\n

Teasing one another about the worth of their various motives, the group entered the small frame building on Dwight St. and joined the handful of other workers, who were trying to curb the lively spirits of the youngsters jostling their way into the mission.\u00a0 Lucas proved especially helpful in that department, for being prone to high jinks himself, he instinctively knew how to redirect that energy.<\/p>\n

Adam herded the group he\u2019d been assigned to corral into the designated corner.\u00a0 Once they were seated on the backless benches, he turned to greet his assistant for the day\u2019s lesson, and his eyes widened in shock\u2014as did the young lady\u2019s lagoon blue eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou!\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cY-you,\u201d he sputtered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs everything all right, Elizabeth?\u201d another young lady called, having heard the cry.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth turned away briefly and said, \u201cYes, Mary, I\u2019m fine.\u201d\u00a0 Then she spun back to face Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAre you following me, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Adam protested.\u00a0 \u201cCertainly not, Miss . . . Elizabeth.\u201d\u00a0 His expression softened.\u00a0 \u201cElizabeth . . . that was my mother\u2019s name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, really,\u201d Elizabeth scoffed with a roll of her beautiful eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I suppose her maiden name was Allen,\u201d she added scornfully.<\/p>\n

Adam looked puzzled.\u00a0 \u201cNo . . . Stoddard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her breath caught in a short gasp.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that\u2019s original, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the truth,\u201d Adam hissed through gritted teeth.<\/p>\n

The two stared each other down until a little girl with a front row seat for this confrontation snickered, \u201cTeachers fighting, they is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are,\u201d both Adam and Elizabeth corrected simultaneously, and when they realized what they\u2019d done, both burst out laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cLess levity and more lessons, please,\u201d suggested the minister in charge of the mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Reverend Walters,\u201d Elizabeth said.\u00a0 She smiled demurely at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cTruce for now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTruce for always,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The two young people worked well together, and the time seemed to fly.\u00a0 When the small scholars were released, Elizabeth smiled warmly at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re an excellent teacher, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d she said, having learned his name when he introduced himself to the children.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 He\u2019d been surprised to find that he enjoyed the role of teacher, and to be told that he\u2019d done well was meaningful in the light of that discovery.\u00a0 \u201cIf I have any ability, I suppose it comes from helping my younger brothers with their studies . . . well, mostly the older one.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s only four, so he can\u2019t do more than print his letters, rather tipsily at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elizabeth laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNow, confess: it\u2019s really your mother who teaches the little ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pressed his lips together and his gaze dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid I say something wrong?\u201d Elizabeth asked.<\/p>\n

Adam looked up.\u00a0 \u201cNo, of course not.\u00a0 You couldn\u2019t have known.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that . . . my mother is deceased.\u201d\u00a0 All of them, he might have said, but felt uncomfortable relating such personal information to a complete stranger.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d Elizabeth said with chagrin.\u00a0 \u201cRecently?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam said and then abruptly, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Elizabeth cocked her head.\u00a0 \u201cWell, which is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave her a wry smile.\u00a0 \u201cBoth.\u201d\u00a0 When her frown deepened, he said, \u201cIt\u2019s a complicated situation.\u00a0 My own mother died in childbirth, but my stepmother died a few months ago.\u201d\u00a0 He felt disloyal for omitting Inger, who was equally his mother, but he felt uneasy with sharing the full family history yet.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth gently touched his hand.\u00a0 \u201cHow very sad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Uncomfortable with displaying his emotions, Adam barely nodded.<\/p>\n

Sensing his discomfort, Elizabeth asked, \u201cDo you plan to teach here every Sunday, Mr. Cartwright?\u00a0 I do hope so.\u201d\u00a0 Then, fearing he might think her forward, she added quickly, \u201cThere\u2019s such a need for good teachers, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I think I might,\u201d Adam said, daring to look into her eyes, \u201cif I might hope to have your excellent help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elizabeth\u2019s dark lashes swept her cheeks.\u00a0 \u201cI think you might.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight I see you home today . . . if I promise to steer well away from ice ponds?\u201d Adam requested, lip quirking upward.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth tittered lightly as she again said, \u201cI think you might.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As the freshmen walked to chapel the next morning, Adam was, of course, thoroughly twitted for insuring his own reward for the righteousness of teaching.\u00a0 \u201cI do assume the charms of the lovely Miss Allen are sufficient reward,\u201d Lucas probed.<\/p>\n

Adam refused to be baited.\u00a0 \u201cSufficient to entice me back next Sunday.\u201d\u00a0 He winked at Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cProvided you still don\u2019t concern yourself with the motives of your helpers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laid his palm across his heart.\u00a0 \u201cI stand by my word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI must say, I find this western way of winning a lady\u2019s favor quite interesting,\u201d Lucas observed.\u00a0 \u201cTo literally knock a woman off her feet is simply not done here in the East, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marcus laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI still can\u2019t believe she let you walk her home after that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t either,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cespecially as prickly as she was when she first realized we\u2019d be working together yesterday afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaepe creat molles aspera spina rosas<\/em>,\u201d Jamie somehow managed to state with a straight face.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s nostrils flared.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll show you how often prickly thorns produce tender roses!\u201d\u00a0 He had no opportunity to carry out his threat, however, for the first chapel bell rang, and as a member of the choir, that was his signal to take his place in the loft.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Long arms stretched above his head, Adam swung easily from rung to rung in the gymnasium.\u00a0 A smattering of half-hearted applause greeted him as he dropped to the floor at the end of the horizontal ladder.\u00a0 He stiffened when he saw a quartet of sophomores.\u00a0 \u201cWell done, Freshie,\u201d said one.<\/p>\n

Adam bowed slightly in their direction in a gesture that avoided being deferential, while still maintaining the show of respect the upperclassmen craved.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, however,\u201d the sophomore then said to Lucas, still on the bars, \u201cin common with most freshies, lack a certain grace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the more reason to exercise,\u201d Adam inserted quickly before Lucas could shoot off his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cGranted,\u201d the sophomore conceded, \u201cbut not when your betters require the equipment.\u00a0 Run along now, both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFind a game of hopscotch or tiddlywinks,\u201d another suggested.\u00a0 \u201cMuch more in keeping with freshie abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching the end of the ladder, Lucas performed a twisting turnaround and started back the way he\u2019d come.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrop down, Freshie,\u201d came a stern order.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019m ready, Sophie,\u201d Lucas returned with a sneer of disdain.<\/p>\n

The two sophomore spokesmen took hold of his legs and hauled him down from the ladder.\u00a0 Seeing Lucas hit the floor hard, Adam sprang forward, but the other two sophomores just as quickly grabbed him and pulled his arms back.\u00a0 \u201cStay out of it, Freshie,\u201d they advised him.<\/p>\n

Adam struggled in their grasp.\u00a0 \u201cLeave him be, then!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake him off and we will,\u201d said one man, thrusting Lucas toward Adam.<\/p>\n

At the same moment Adam was released, just in time to grasp the arm Lucas was drawing back while closing his fist.\u00a0 \u201cCome on,\u201d he urged.\u00a0 \u201cI fancy a game of ten pins, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas let himself be dragged off.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do you give in to their bullying?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t fight here,\u201d Adam argued as they moved down the stairs to the basement.\u00a0 \u201cThe gymnastics instructor would see and report you.\u00a0 Besides, they have as much right to that equipment as we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind sharing the equipment,\u201d Lucas grunted, \u201cbut the way they demand it is insolent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cThe way you refuse is, too.\u00a0 Will you, at least, try to get along?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe, but I promise you that these particular prickly thorns will never produce tender roses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s nose wrinkled in distaste.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I promise you that if you use that analogy once more, I shall be forced to punch you in your prickly snoot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clucking his tongue, Lucas wagged his finger beneath Adam\u2019s nose.\u00a0 \u201cTsk, tsk, wouldn\u2019t want the gymnastics instructor to see that, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh . . . no,\u201d Adam agreed as he selected a bowling ball.\u00a0 \u201cBest two out of three?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we\u2019ve got time for two games,\u201d Lucas said with a cocky jut of his chin.<\/p>\n

Adam scowled at the suggestion that Luke could defeat him that easily.\u00a0 If only it were false boasting!\u00a0 All too often, however, their bowling matches played out exactly that way.\u00a0 Someday, my friend<\/em>, he promised himself, the shoe will be on the other foot<\/em>.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam had just exited the chapel after that week\u2019s rehearsal of the Beethoven Society when he spotted someone waving at him.\u00a0 He walked over to the upperclassman, curious as to what he could want, since freshmen rarely had contact with those above them in the college ranks.\u00a0 As he approached, he recognized the man who had served as his escort to the Sigma Epsilon initiation.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Demmings,\u201d he said in greeting.\u00a0 \u201cI saw your article in the Lit<\/em>.\u00a0 Admirably phrased, I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Demmings said, but his sober expression gave no hint of pleasure in the compliment.\u00a0 \u201cMight I have a word with you, Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just on my way to supper,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, I think this is important or I wouldn\u2019t be here, delaying my own,\u201d Demmings said sharply.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrows came together in a straight, brooding line.\u00a0 \u201cIs there a problem, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

Demmings seemed to relax.\u00a0 \u201cWith you, no . . . never.\u00a0 Your friend Cameron, on the other hand . . . well, I fear retribution awaits him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam drew himself up and demanded fiercely, \u201cIs that a threat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 Demmings spread his hands in an imprecating gesture.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a warning, Cartwright, a sincerely intended one.\u00a0 I don\u2019t approve of serious hazing myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t seem to bother you the night you came to smoke us out,\u201d Adam pointed out.<\/p>\n

Demmings frowned.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not above putting you freshmen in your place at the beginning of the year, but even you should admit that we weren\u2019t rough with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded in basic, though not enthusiastic, agreement.\u00a0 The experience had been unpleasant, of course, but not unbearable, and as a result of what he\u2019d learned that night, Demmings had insured that Jamie\u2019s initiation had gone smoothly.\u00a0 Worth the price, in Adam\u2019s view.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever,\u201d Demmings continued, \u201cthere is talk among certain of my classmates of Cameron\u2019s needing a lesson in humility.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat sort of lesson?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

Demmings shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I\u2019m not part of it; most of the class isn\u2019t, in fact, so I can\u2019t give you details.\u00a0 I just know that if Cameron doesn\u2019t change his attitude\u2014and soon\u2014there will be some sort of disciplinary action taken, probably of a rather rough nature.\u00a0 Can\u2019t you speak to him, suggest he keep his impertinent opinions to himself?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve tried,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI honestly don\u2019t know what more I could say.\u00a0 He doesn\u2019t see any need to kowtow to a man, just because he\u2019s a year older.\u201d<\/p>\n

Demmings looked puzzled.\u00a0 \u201cKowtow?\u201d\u00a0 The word even felt odd on his tongue.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled ruefully.\u00a0 \u201cSorry.\u00a0 A term borrowed from my Chinese cook back home, meaning to show deference.\u00a0 Frankly, I don\u2019t disagree with Luke\u2019s opinion, and I don\u2019t disagree with his right to express it.\u00a0 We are still guaranteed freedom of speech in America.\u00a0 You might remind your friends of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Demmings\u2019 nose crinkled in distaste.\u00a0 \u201cThey aren\u2019t my friends or I would.\u00a0 You make a good point, Cartwright, but I doubt it\u2019ll carry the day if Cameron persists in flouting tradition.\u00a0 Please speak to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try . . . again,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for the warning, Demmings.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure it was kindly intended.\u201d<\/p>\n

Demmings nodded and extended his hand.\u00a0 \u201cA few more months . . . when you\u2019re sophomores and we\u2019re juniors . . . and this nonsense will be behind us.\u00a0 I welcome the day when we can meet on equal footing without anyone\u2019s raising an eyebrow.\u00a0 I think you\u2019re a fine man, Cartwright, and a loyal friend.\u00a0 Hopefully, one day I can call you mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took the other man\u2019s hand and pressed it warmly.\u00a0 \u201cAs far as I\u2019m concerned, Mr. Demmings, you already can.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGood debate,\u201d Adam said, shaking hands with a man who had just participated in one of the Brothers in Unity\u2019s weekly encounters.\u00a0 \u201cI thought your points were well stated and convincing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Cartwright,\u201d the man responded.\u00a0 \u201cIf you want to hear really strong debating, though, I\u2019d recommend that you attend tomorrow night.\u00a0 Williams and Borden are superior debaters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing that the man was referring to the sophomore prize debate, which had been announced at every meeting since the beginning of the term, Adam said, \u201cYes, I\u2019ve heard that, and I\u2019m looking forward to hearing them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot me,\u201d Lucas announced loudly, coming down the steps in time to hear the exchange.\u00a0 \u201cI refuse to attend anything featuring the accursed sophomores.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLuke,\u201d Adam growled a warning under his breath.\u00a0 Not only was the man he\u2019d been speaking to a sophomore, but there was a whole gaggle of them hovering nearby.\u00a0 The debater shook his head in disgust and moved toward his own circle of friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t call any man accursed,\u201d Jamie scolded.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s against Scripture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas stared at the prospective preacher and exhaled gustily, \u201cOh, all right, but how you can compliment one of the creatures, Adam, is beyond me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he deserved it,\u201d Adam returned simply.\u00a0 \u201cGood work should be acknowledged, whoever does it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLofty ideals,\u201d Lucas scoffed.<\/p>\n

Adam punched him in the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cSomething you should aim for, spoopsey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas stroked his chin in apparent contemplation.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he decided conclusively.\u00a0 \u201cLofty ideals and sophomores simply don\u2019t go together.\u00a0 Never will.\u00a0 Basic Greek teaches you that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Comprehending at once what he meant, Adam and Jamie both groaned.\u00a0 Marcus, however, looked puzzled.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the Greek,\u201d Lucas explained, adjusting an imaginary pair of professorial spectacles.\u00a0 \u201cSophos<\/em> meaning wise and moros<\/em>, meaning foolish.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed suddenly.\u00a0 \u201cNot that I\u2019ve ever seen any indication of the wise half of the equation in the sophomores of Yale!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you stop?\u201d Adam demanded, hauling Luke further from a group of glowering sophomores.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re the one acting like a moron tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo faculty around.\u00a0 What are you worried\u2014or scared\u2014about?\u201d Lucas sneered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not scared,\u201d Adam retorted, \u201cexcept for you.\u00a0 I\u2019ve had a warning that you\u2019re asking for trouble and may soon get it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas pulled away angrily.\u00a0 \u201cIf I do, I\u2019ll handle it!\u00a0 Mind your own business, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 He turned on Jamie and Marcus, who had followed the other two away from the building.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the same goes for both of you!\u201d\u00a0 He shoved Adam away and stalked off.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Luke,\u201d Jamie cried after him.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t go off mad.\u00a0 We only . . .\u201d\u00a0 Realizing that he was speaking to the air, he broke off.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no talking to him when he\u2019s like this,\u201d Marcus said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot tonight,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll try again tomorrow, when he\u2019s cooled down some.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he ever, where sophomores are concerned?\u201d Jamie asked with a troubled frown.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and winced at the thought that he\u2019d probably get it bitten off again tomorrow.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The next night Adam, Jamie and Marcus again clattered down the steps of Alumni Hall.\u00a0 \u201cThat was so good, better than I have ever hope of being,\u201d Jamie sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not so,\u201d Marcus declared loyally, for in his eyes Jamie could do no wrong nor suffer by comparison with anyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, here,\u201d Adam chimed in, though not quite as enthusiastically.\u00a0 Jamie was a good debater, but would have stood little chance against the top men tonight.\u00a0 About as much as me<\/em>, Adam admitted ruefully.\u00a0 He certainly wasn\u2019t convinced that he could perform as well as had Williams and Borden, who had placed first and second, just as the sophomore yesterday had predicted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t judge yourself by men with a year\u2019s more experience,\u201d Marcus argued.<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cMarcus, you may make the best debater of the bunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shy Marcus flushed at the compliment.\u00a0 \u201cI learned a lot tonight\u2014about debating and the question itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the speakers brought out a number of points I hadn\u2019t considered,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 The question\u2014ought the liberty of the press to be restricted in time of war?\u2014was timely, in light of the current conflict, and thought-provoking.\u00a0 The speakers, too, had been so excellent that he hadn\u2019t envied the judges, Law Professor Henry Dutton, an outside lawyer and Professor William Norton of the Civil Engineering department.\u00a0 \u201cI just wish that Luke had come,\u201d Adam added.\u00a0 \u201cHe let his prejudice against sophomores deprive him of an exceptional evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least, he seemed on good terms with us again today,\u201d Jamie pointed out.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s Luke.\u00a0 Quick to flare up, quick to forgive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept sophomores,\u201d Marcus snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept sophomores,\u201d Adam and Jamie repeated simultaneously, making them all laugh.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam and Jamie had almost reached their lodgings when they heard footsteps running up behind them.\u00a0 Turning, Adam recognized Percival Demmings, but his smile of greeting faded when he saw the serious look on the other man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Demmings motioned them into the shadows of a nearby building.\u00a0 \u201cCartwright, might I recommend a little exercise before retiring, as an inducement to sound sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

Perceiving that the sophomore was speaking in some sort of code, Adam\u2019s brow furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat sort of exercise?\u201d he probed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps a long walk,\u201d Demmings suggested.\u00a0 \u201cHave you seen East Rock in the moonlight?\u201d<\/p>\n

The notion of a two-mile walk at this hour of the night was so ridiculous that Adam again realized that there was some purpose beyond the simple meaning of the words.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, no, I haven\u2019t,\u201d he said slowly.\u00a0 \u201cIs it a memorable sight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Demmings nodded gravely.\u00a0 \u201cNot to be missed\u2014especially tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face hardened.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are they planning?\u201d he demanded, only substituting the last word for \u2018plotting\u2019 out of respect for Demmings.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Demmings replied.\u00a0 \u201cI overheard Cameron\u2019s name and East Rock, but that\u2019s all.\u00a0 Hopefully, it\u2019s only mischief, but if he were my friend, I\u2019d hoof it there as fast as I could.\u201d\u00a0 His gaze dropped under Adam\u2019s steady scrutiny.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t interfere,\u201d he mumbled.\u00a0 \u201cRight or wrong, they are my classmates.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam said quietly.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for the warning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI only recommended exercise, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded his willingness to keep the other man\u2019s secret, and Demmings slipped quickly away.\u00a0 Adam at once turned to Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going with you,\u201d Jamie stated stoutly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam argued.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s late and cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I am not a conservatory plant!\u201d Jamie hissed.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s my friend, too.\u00a0 Now, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cbut I\u2019m going to run ahead.\u00a0 Catch up when you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Snow crunched underfoot as he rounded the corner and charged down State Street.\u00a0 Breathing hard, he ignored the icy air prickling his nasal passages and larynx.\u00a0 Unpleasant as a run on a frigid night was for him, he worried more about Jamie, being left further and further behind.\u00a0 He\u2019d promised Josiah to look after his boy, but that was the problem.\u00a0 Jamie wasn\u2019t a boy; he was a man, same as Adam, and had every right to make his own decisions and take his own risks in a worthy cause.\u00a0 For Adam, reaching Lucas before the sophomores did him any harm was as worthy a battle as he\u2019d faced in months.<\/p>\n

He had to slow down when the ground began to rise outside town.\u00a0 Even at the slower pace the path was treacherous., strewn with debris of rocks and dead foliage.\u00a0 Twice he slipped and fell to his knees, but he scrambled up again and plunged on.\u00a0 Nearing the summit, he heard loud, exultant shouts and screams of outrage and poured his remaining energy into the final ascent.<\/p>\n

What he saw at the top shocked him to a dead standstill.\u00a0 A circle of black-hooded sophomores surrounded Lucas, who had been stripped to his under drawers, his arms bound behind him.\u00a0 He was yelling and kicking at his tormentors as several pinioned his head while another snipped his hair with blunt scissors and tossed the locks into the small campfire they\u2019d built.\u00a0 \u201cStop it!\u201d Adam bellowed and, lowering his head, bulled his way into the circle.<\/p>\n

A wild melee ensued, the outcome of which was mathematically predictable from the start.\u00a0 The freshmen were badly outnumbered, even when Jamie finally arrived and threw himself into the futile fray.\u00a0 Soon Adam felt his arms pulled painfully behind him.\u00a0 Looking to his right, he saw Jamie being treated in the same manner, while Lucas lay at his feet, trussed up with ropes, knees drawn up to protect his belly.\u00a0 One of the sophomores plucked a branch from the fire and, bringing it over, held it beneath Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s Cartwright,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo business to interfere,\u201d another shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my friend!\u201d Adam declared.<\/p>\n

The sophomore with the torch chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYou should choose your friends more wisely, Cartwright, but I can\u2019t fault you for defending him, worthless wretch that he is.\u201d\u00a0 He moved toward Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cEdwards?\u201d\u00a0 He sounded surprised and then said with obvious approval.\u00a0 \u201cWell done, lad, but I\u2019m afraid you\u2019ll find there\u2019s a price to pay, even for valor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll pay it,\u201d Jamie said, though the tremble in his voice deflated the force of the stalwart words.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Lucas moaned from the ground.\u00a0 \u201cIf there\u2019s fault to be found, it\u2019s in me; let them go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least, he\u2019s brave,\u201d one of the sophomores grudgingly admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd bravery deserves its reward,\u201d the torchbearer decided.\u00a0 \u201cWe won\u2019t shear you like a lamb, then, Cameron, and we won\u2019t do all we planned.\u00a0 We will, however, leave you with one final gift to remember us by.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll three of them!\u201d one of the more belligerent sophomores yelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll three,\u201d the leader agreed.<\/p>\n

The three freshmen were pushed to the ground together and before any of them could move, a bucket of freezing water was poured over them.\u00a0 The sophomores shouted with glee.\u00a0 \u201cYou can go home now, Freshies,\u201d the leader said, \u201cand be sure to be at chapel bright and early tomorrow.\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t want you getting demerits, now would we?\u201d\u00a0 With shouts of laughter and a chorus of similar admonishments, the sophomores departed, leaving the drenched trio behind.<\/p>\n

With a shiver Adam sat up.\u00a0 He looked first at Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wet,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cSee to Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas was wriggling like an earthworm, trying to get up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Together, Adam and Jamie hauled him up, and Adam began to work on the damp rope binding Luke\u2019s wrists.\u00a0 \u201cThanks,\u201d Luke said.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019d you know about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t say,\u201d Adam responded quickly, lest his other friend inadvertently reveal Demming\u2019s name.\u00a0 \u201cSee if you can find his clothes,\u201d he suggested to Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie got to his feet and began searching the nearby bushes.\u00a0 \u201cHere they are!\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

Adam untied the final knot and tossed the rope aside.\u00a0 Standing, he pulled Lucas to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cCome over by the fire.\u00a0 You, too, Jamie.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the three huddled over the small campfire, Jamie reached for Luke\u2019s hands and examined his wrists.\u00a0 \u201cRope burns,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cYou should let us bathe and bandage them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had enough bathing for one night,\u201d Lucas snorted.<\/p>\n

Glad to hear that his friend hadn\u2019t lost his sense of humor, Adam uttered a short laugh.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it\u2019s not even Saturday night,\u201d he teased.\u00a0 \u201cSeriously, though, you should come back to our place.\u00a0 Mrs. Wiggins won\u2019t mind, and you\u2014uh\u2014sort of need a hair cut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlready had one,\u201d Lucas grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalf of one,\u201d Jamie pointed out, stating the literal truth, for only one side of Luke\u2019s head showed evidence of the sophomores\u2019 work.<\/p>\n

They dried out as best they could from the scant warmth of the small fire, Lucas quickest of all because his outer clothes hadn\u2019t been doused.\u00a0 Then they started back toward town after carefully putting out the fire and scattering the ashes.\u00a0 They all felt achy from the pummeling they\u2019d taken at the hands of the sophomores, Lucas worse than the others, of course.\u00a0 Adam worried more about Jamie, however.\u00a0 A two-mile hike in the bitter cold was bad enough, but to make the same journey in still-damp clothes was worse, especially for someone whose constitution had never been particularly sturdy.\u00a0 He\u2019s braver than I am, to knowingly risk pneumonia for a friend<\/em>, Adam thought as they made their way down from the summit of East Rock.<\/p>\n

No one felt like running, but they kept a steady pace, each feeling the urgency of getting to shelter and dry clothes.\u00a0 Only a light breeze blew that night, but it might as well have been an arctic blast for the effect it had on the three boys.\u00a0 Adam\u2014and he assumed, Jamie\u2014could feel his clothes freezing on his body, although constant movement slowed the process.\u00a0 Still, by the time they reached George Street and crept quietly into the house, to avoid disturbing Mrs. Wiggins, all their teeth were chattering.\u00a0 The room, when they reached it, was stone cold, for the roommates never wasted fuel when they were out for the evening.\u00a0 \u201cPrice of coal be hanged,\u201d Adam muttered as he dumped a fresh scoop into the stove.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sleeping warm tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even before the chill had been knocked off the room, they stripped out of their stiff garments and into nightshirts.\u00a0 Being the closest in size to Lucas, Adam loaned him the use of his spare and insisted that he and Jamie should share the bed.\u00a0 \u201cI know where Mrs. Wiggins stores the blankets,\u201d he said to close down their protests, \u201cso I\u2019ll just get several and make a thick pallet by the stove.\u00a0 I\u2019ll probably sleep warmer than either of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d said Jamie, who knew an overly generous offer when he heard one, but also knew how impossibly stubborn Adam could be.\u00a0 Tonight, he was too cold and too tired to indulge in futile argument.\u00a0 While Adam went to fetch extra blankets from the storage closet and make up his pallet, Jamie tried to repair the damage to Luke\u2019s hair.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t get it even without cutting the other side down to the nub, too,\u201d he moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhack away, then,\u201d Lucas grunted.<\/p>\n

When the amateur barber finished his work, Adam inspected the result, cocking his head first one way and then the other.\u00a0 \u201cNot bad,\u201d he said, adding with a wicked grin, \u201cthough perhaps a bit breezy for this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas demanded a mirror and when shown to the small one hanging on the wall, frowned at his reflection.\u00a0 \u201cThose rowdies will pay for this outrage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know who they were?\u201d Adam asked.\u00a0 \u201cThey were wearing hoods when we got there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were sophomores,\u201d Lucas replied bluntly.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s all I need to know.\u00a0 They hang together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Remembering Demmings, who had given them warning but hadn\u2019t actively opposed his classmates, Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

Jamie, on the other hand, urged Lucas to reconsider.\u00a0 \u201cLet it go,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201c\u2018Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t preach at me tonight,\u201d Lucas growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking of preaching,\u201d Adam broke in hastily, \u201cwe will find it hard to get up for chapel if we don\u2019t get to bed now.\u00a0 Those sophomores were right about one thing: we don\u2019t want to earn demerits as a result of this night\u2019s nonsense.\u201d\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think it was possible for either him or Jamie to earn enough demerits to miss matriculation, but Lucas was already perilously close to the fatal sixteen.<\/p>\n

They all saw the wisdom of that suggestion, so Jamie and Lucas crawled into the bed and Adam snuggled into his thick pallet.\u00a0 It had been a long and trying night; so, thoroughly exhausted, they all soon fell asleep.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The floor having made a hard bed, Adam was the first to wake.\u00a0 He sat up, working out the stiffness in his shoulders, and then rose and began to quietly fold his blankets.\u00a0 By the time he\u2019d finished, Lucas had cracked an eyelid.\u00a0 \u201cMorning already?\u201d he asked gruffly.<\/p>\n

Adam turned toward him.\u00a0 \u201cMorning,\u201d he said, \u201cand if you intend to go back to your place for fresh clothes, you\u2019d better rise and shine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising up on one elbow, Lucas scowled.\u00a0 \u201cWhat would be the point?\u00a0 Even if I were disposed to hide what the beasts did, this would tell all.\u201d\u00a0 He grabbed at his short, shaggy brown kinks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re welcome to anything of mine, if it\u2019ll help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, but I\u2019ll just wait until after first recitation and change then.\u00a0 If Smith wants to give me a demerit for a wrinkled, dirty coat, so be it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLuke,\u201d Adam chided, drawing out the name.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean it, Adam!\u201d Lucas cried.\u00a0 \u201cI just don\u2019t care.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will later,\u201d Jamie said quietly, rolling over to lie facing the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreaching again?\u201d Lucas asked with a sneer of disdain.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Jamie said calmly.\u00a0 \u201cJust being a friend who cares.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas swiveled to face the other boy and his face relaxed.\u00a0 \u201cYeah.\u00a0 You were certainly that to me last night.\u00a0 Sorry I\u2019m such a grump bear this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie reached out to rub the shorn head.\u00a0 \u201cYou had cause.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all have cause,\u201d Adam said, stretching his sore arms, which now sported discolored marks left by the sophomores\u2019 tight grip.\u00a0 \u201cWe also have more important concerns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike breakfast?\u201d Jamie suggested with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s splurge on a real restaurant breakfast this morning,\u201d Lucas said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll buy.\u00a0 Least I can do after what you chaps did for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie started to protest that he owed them nothing, but Adam, having perceived that Lucas was reluctant to display his new look to the Vultures, interrupted to accept the offer.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019ll be a real treat.\u00a0 Thanks, Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas looked relieved and immediately got out of bed.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get going, then!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 By the end of first recitation the next day, the entire student body knew what had happened.\u00a0 Luke\u2019s appearance invited questions, of course, and when asked, both he and Adam answered honestly\u2014Adam without embellishment and Lucas with dramatic flair worthy of the New York stage.\u00a0 Marcus had learned of the hazing during chapel and had promptly spread the news to the men in his division.\u00a0 How the third division found out, no one knew, but the gymnasium, where Adam went at the end of that first class, was buzzing with the latest gossip, and several men approached him to get the details directly.<\/p>\n

Rancor seemed to grow throughout the morning, and with it came calls for retaliation against the sophomores.\u00a0 \u201cLuke, please let it go,\u201d Jamie pleaded hoarsely when they met before second recitation.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll only make things worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas was freshly washed and neatly dressed now, but his attitude obviously hadn\u2019t changed.\u00a0 \u201cNo one\u2019s asking you to get involved!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInvolved in what?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

Lucas just shrugged, but the glint in his eye told Adam that something was brewing.<\/p>\n

At the Vultures\u2019 Nest that noon, the two sophomore members couldn\u2019t resist snickering at the freshman\u2019s closely cropped curls, but Alexander White quickly brought them to order and then expressed his opinion that those who resorted to this sort of hazing only exhibited their own intolerance and immaturity.\u00a0 Being a senior, he was respected, and no one offered any opposing view.\u00a0 Miller and Warington stumbled over themselves in their eagerness to assure their tablemates that they\u2019d had no part in \u201cthe sorry business.\u201d\u00a0 Adam smiled his appreciation at the steward, who had chosen precisely the right tone, making his feelings clear without expressing maudlin sympathy for the man abused.<\/p>\n

Adam and Jamie spent the afternoon studying in their room, but Adam found it hard to concentrate.\u00a0 Between wondering what Lucas had up his sleeve and worrying about Jamie\u2019s intermittent coughing, ancient geography and Greek didn\u2019t stand a chance of holding his attention.\u00a0 When it was time to leave for the last class of the day, Adam looked gravely at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cYou could cut class, you know.\u00a0 It won\u2019t hurt your standing, and you can certainly survive one demerit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head decisively.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I don\u2019t want to miss unless I have to.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up miserably.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I might have to miss some classes later if this cold gets any worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might ward it off if you stay in,\u201d Adam pointed out.<\/p>\n

Jamie rubbed his throat.\u00a0 \u201cToo late, I think.\u00a0 Come on; let\u2019s get to class.\u00a0 I promise I\u2019ll go to bed straight after supper, Dr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed, you will,\u201d Adam said as he reached for his coat.<\/p>\n

They walked to the college yard in silence, Jamie because he was fixed on just getting there and Adam because he was brooding with rising anger.\u00a0 How dare those sophomores have so little regard for another human being that they would jeopardize his health?\u00a0 Any fool should have had better sense than to dump cold water on a man on a snowy night, especially when they had no way of knowing the state of his physique.\u00a0 For that matter, the sophomores couldn\u2019t claim ignorance of Jamie\u2019s bodily limitations.\u00a0 That message had been communicated clearly enough to spare him a rough initiation into Sigma Ep, so at least half the class had to know.<\/p>\n

His mood didn\u2019t improve during Greek recitation, when Adam found himself contemplating the Greek derivation of the word \u2018sophomore,\u2019 instead of Homer\u2019s Odyssey<\/em>.\u00a0 A wise fool, as Lucas had earlier pointed out.\u00a0 Adam nodded grimly, totally agreeing with the assessment that all sophomores were fools, wise only in their own eyes.\u00a0 As the hour progressed, he increasingly forgot that the men he\u2019d dealt with the night before didn\u2019t represent the entire sophomore class.\u00a0 They were brutes, and if the others didn\u2019t have the gumption to oppose them, they deserved to share in the freshmen\u2019s revenge, being discussed in whispers as the lesson went on.<\/p>\n

When Adam was called on to recite, he stumbled through the passage, making several uncharacteristic mistakes.\u00a0 Professor Hadley frowned, but offered calm correction and went on to the next student.\u00a0 When the five o\u2019clock recitation ended, however, it was Lucas, who hadn\u2019t recited at all that day, whom the professor asked to remain after class.\u00a0 Concerned for their friend, Adam, Jamie and Marcus waited for him, huddled outside the doorway to the Athenaeum.\u00a0 \u201cWas it about . . . what happened?\u201d Adam asked anxiously when Lucas joined them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Lucas shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Had\u2019s the best,\u201d Lucas said with feeling.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t scold; didn\u2019t demand names or ask about any plans to retaliate, as I was afraid he would; just wanted to make sure I was all right.\u00a0 Said his door was always open, if I needed to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is the best,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlans to retaliate?\u201d Jamie asked with an anxious look.\u00a0 \u201cAre there any?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah,\u201d Marcus, having just come from his mathematics class, responded.\u00a0 Although no one appeared to be close enough to overhear them, he lowered his voice to a whisper.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s talk of a rush.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Lucas said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Jamie moaned.\u00a0 He turned his head and coughed, covering his mouth with his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one\u2019s asking you to join in,\u201d Lucas said irritably.\u00a0 Then, taking note of the other boy\u2019s bleary eyes and red nose, he relaxed.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, you\u2019ve no business joining in anything except a hot toddy and an early night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t drink,\u201d Jamie pointed out.<\/p>\n

Lucas rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, Saint James.\u00a0 A hot supper and bed, then.\u00a0 On to the Vultures\u2019 Nest, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Marcus agreed at once, but Jamie said that he was going back to the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to eat,\u201d Adam chided.<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled wanly at the motherly tone of his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll ask Mrs. Wiggins for a cup of broth or something.\u00a0 Sounds better than a solid meal tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably just what you need,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cand she\u2019ll be happy to do that, I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 See you back at the room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do anything foolish,\u201d Jamie urged as they parted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Adam promised, though in his mind there was nothing foolish about giving the sophomores a hearty thrashing.\u00a0 If anything, it seemed more like an act of self-preservation.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam opened the door of the pot-bellied stove and threw in another scoop of coal.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, don\u2019t,\u201d Jamie protested.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s so\u201d\u2014his voice cracked with a raspy trio of coughs\u2014\u201cexpensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd worth every penny,\u201d Adam said as he sat on the edge of the bed.\u00a0 He laid a hand across his friend\u2019s forehead, frowning at the warmth.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe\u2014just maybe\u2014if you take proper care of yourself, we can avoid the expense of a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying, aren\u2019t I?\u201d\u00a0 Jamie\u2019s head rolled irritably on his pillow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you?\u201d Adam asked with a shake of his head.\u00a0 \u201cYou went out in that cold wind this morning, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie rose up on his elbows.\u00a0 \u201cI told you before: I won\u2019t miss class unless I have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I told you before: you can spare a demerit or two.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie fell back on the pillow, clearly too exhausted to argue.\u00a0 \u201cI just hope they don\u2019t fine me for missing tonight\u2019s meeting,\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they won\u2019t,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 Attendance at the meetings of Sigma Epsilon was required, of course, but the society did recognize extenuating circumstances such as illness.\u00a0 In fact, as Adam well knew, the membership would be only too happy to excuse Jamie from tonight\u2019s proceedings.\u00a0 A sick man was no asset to the evening\u2019s amended agenda.<\/p>\n

Lucas had leaned close to whisper the news to him during Latin recitation that morning.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s on.\u00a0 Rush tonight\u2014after the meeting.\u201d\u00a0 Then he\u2019d added, \u201cDon\u2019t tell Saint James.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had concurred with that advice.\u00a0 Jamie probably would have refused to participate, anyway, but especially in light of his illness, it was wiser to leave him completely in the dark.\u00a0 If he knew, he\u2019d spend the night in worry, when what he needed most was untroubled rest.<\/p>\n

After the noon meal Adam had changed into his country clothes\u2014for comfort, he told Jamie.\u00a0 Fortunately, he\u2019d done that on occasion before, so Jamie didn\u2019t suspect the real reason this time: Adam didn\u2019t want to risk his good clothing in the rough and tumble of a rush on the sophomores.<\/p>\n

He made his way through the snowy streets to the Brewster Building at the southeast corner of State and Chapel.\u00a0 The meeting hall was buzzing with anticipation of the coming fray, and as he entered, he was greeted with a shout.\u00a0 As one of the men whose abuse had triggered the quest for revenge, he, along with Lucas, was something of a celebrity tonight.\u00a0 He spotted Luke\u2019s cropped head across the room and waved at him, but first he approached the president of the society and gave Jamie\u2019s regrets.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s really too ill to be out,\u201d Adam explained, \u201cand hopes you\u2019ll excuse his absence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cConsider it excused,\u201d the president said gravely.\u00a0 \u201cHe was obviously ill when I saw him this morning.\u00a0 No need for him to endanger his health with tonight\u2019s business.\u00a0 He\u2019s already proven his loyalty to the class.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam could have pointed out that Jamie\u2019s loyalty on the night in question had been to his friend Lucas, not the freshman class, but seeing no reason to share that, he merely nodded and made his way over to Lucas.<\/p>\n

Soon the president called the meeting to order and announced, \u201cOut of fairness to those originally scheduled to orate or debate tonight, we will postpone their participation until next week, so that we may give them our full attention as we would be unable to do now.\u00a0 You all know that tonight the foul and fetid sophomores will meet their comeuppance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shouts of \u201cThat\u2019s right!\u201d and \u201cWe\u2019ll show them!\u201d punctuated the hall until the president gestured for silence.\u00a0 \u201cShow them, we will,\u201d he reiterated, \u201cbut before our agreed-upon confrontation at ten this evening let us rehearse our reasons.\u00a0 We will have order, gentlemen, but each man in turn may state his grievances against our ancient foe, and to sustain us as we discuss the matter . . . bring on the peanuts!\u201d<\/p>\n

Cries of satisfaction met this announcement, and as at the earlier peanut bum, a bag of the nuts was dumped onto the floor and everyone dug in.\u00a0 While they cracked open the shells and munched the nutmeats, one after another of the freshmen rose to expound on the ill treatment he had personally received or witnessed from the sophomores.<\/p>\n

With his fine sense of the dramatic, Lucas held back, allowing the rancor against their adversaries to swell.\u00a0 When he finally rose to his feet, uncovering his shorn head, the audience was primed and ready to react to this most atrocious example of sophomore barbarity.\u00a0 Luke\u2019s description of that night on East Rock proved that he had fine skills as an orator, when the topic excited him.\u00a0 \u201cAnd all this in payment for refusal to bow to their supposed superiority,\u201d he scoffed in conclusion.\u00a0 He waited for the uproar at that statement to die down and then continued, his voice soft, but his face flinty.\u00a0 \u201cYet I don\u2019t demand retribution for my ill treatment.\u00a0 I\u2019m sturdy enough to withstand it, as is my friend Cartwright.\u00a0 One of us, however, lies tonight in a sickbed because of the brutish behavior of those \u2018superior\u2019 sophomores, and that I will not tolerate.\u00a0 In the name of Jamie Edwards, I call for revenge!\u201d<\/p>\n

The freshmen jumped to their feet and screeched their agreement, Adam loudest of all, for Lucas had hit on the one thing that made all this personal for him.\u00a0 Somewhere at the back of his mind was the niggling knowledge that Jamie would be appalled to be used as instigation for vengeance, but he pushed it down.\u00a0 It was the defenseless in any society who needed protection, and the strong who must provide it.<\/p>\n

Along with his classmates Adam charged out of the Brewster Building and down State Street.\u00a0 They merged with the Delta Kaps, the other major freshman society, and together they marched toward the arranged place of confrontation.\u00a0 The sophomores were already there, ranged along one side of the street, so the freshmen took the opposite side.\u00a0 Adam and Lucas again placed themselves in the front rank.\u00a0 For a few moments the two forces stared each other down, hurling the typical insults of one class toward another.\u00a0 Adam caught a glimpse of Percival Demmings on the other side and made a personal pledge to strike no blow against that man.\u00a0 On the other hand, Warington and Miller, whom he also spotted, were fair game and eminently deserving of whatever they got, even if they were fellow Vultures.<\/p>\n

With a mighty yell the freshmen rushed forward, and shouting back, the sophomores stormed across the street.\u00a0 They met in the middle: pushing, shoving, punching and pummeling.\u00a0 The first rush of the year had been a sporting match, but this was a blood feud. \u00a0Tonight the atmosphere was charged with animosity, and fists flew with fury.\u00a0 Blood spurted from noses, men were knocked to the ground and left to dodge the tangle of tramping legs as best they could.\u00a0 Accustomed to the rough-and-tumble of western scuffles, Adam held his own better than most, but someone\u2019s fist opened a cut above his right eye that left him literally seeing red.<\/p>\n

Then, as before, came the shout of \u201cFaculty!\u201d and the flight for safety.\u00a0 Adam swiped the blood from his face, but before he could determine which way to run, someone grabbed his collar and shouted his name.\u00a0 Through the red haze he looked up into the face of Wilder Smith.\u00a0 \u201cStop at once!\u201d commanded the Latin tutor.\u00a0 All along the street similar confrontations were taking place, for the faculty, forewarned of impending trouble, was out in force and determined to catch all they could into the dragnet for disciplinary action.<\/p>\n

The captured were herded into a ring, with faculty surrounding them.\u00a0 A stern-faced tutor acted as spokesman.\u00a0 \u201cLine up, gentlemen, and give your names to Mr. Gilman.\u00a0 Each of you will be assessed four demerits for your part in this night\u2019s disturbance of the peace.\u201d\u00a0 He narrowed his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI would strongly advise you to spend your free time this weekend in diligent study, as your names will be distributed to all of your instructors with the recommendation that you each be called upon to recite and held to the highest standards of performance with the maximum penalty levied for the slightest failure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam moved into line and waited his turn to give his name to the college librarian.\u00a0 He felt embarrassed, but not concerned, at least not for himself.\u00a0 He could afford the four demerits, so long as he didn\u2019t add to their total, and he always held himself to \u2018the highest standards of performance\u2019 in recitations, so he wasn\u2019t worried about that, either.\u00a0 He was, rather, concerned for his friends and leaned out of line to search both ahead and behind to see if either Lucas or Marcus had been caught in the roundup.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t see Marcus, but with a groan he spotted Lucas about a dozen men behind him.\u00a0 Four demerits put him at sixteen, which meant he wouldn\u2019t matriculate.<\/p>\n

Red-faced, Adam gave his name to Daniel Gilman and waited for Lucas just down the street.\u00a0 Luke saw him and trotted over after giving his name.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that does it,\u201d he said with a shrug.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Luke,\u201d Adam said with a shake of his head.\u00a0 \u201cYou can still matriculate later, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Lucas said lightly.\u00a0 \u201cNothing to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled in a sputtering gust.\u00a0 \u201cThere will be if you don\u2019t change your ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Lucas promised.\u00a0 He leaned closer, as if concerned about being overheard, even though the crowd was dispersing quietly.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see Marc?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI think he got away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank goodness for that!\u201d\u00a0 Lucas laid a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cSorry to lead you astray, chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

With his other hand Adam clasped the one on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 I have demerits to squander.\u201d\u00a0 He peered anxiously into his friend\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ll send a letter home about this, won\u2019t they, now that you\u2019ve reached sixteen demerits?\u00a0 Will that make more trouble for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith pater<\/em>?\u201d Lucas chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cOh, he\u2019ll growl like a bear, but he doesn\u2019t bite.\u201d<\/p>\n

One corner of Adam\u2019s mouth lifted wryly.\u00a0 \u201cBetter you than me, then.\u00a0 I can assure you that Ben Cartwright does bite.\u201d\u00a0 With a shiver he pictured his father\u2019s reaction had a letter from Yale arrived at the Ponderosa, detailing his son\u2019s misbehavior.\u00a0 He pushed the gruesome image from his mind.\u00a0 \u201cWant to come by our place to clean up?\u201d he offered gently, tapping his friend\u2019s battered face, his fingers coming away sticky.<\/p>\n

Pursing his lips, Lucas shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t want to disturb Saint James,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid, spoopsey, that we\u2019re both going to be a sad disappointment to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Adam had to smile, though, at the realization that being a disappointment to Jamie actually mattered to slaphappy Lucas.\u00a0 Two more different friends he couldn\u2019t have found; nor, he concluded, two more valued ones.\u00a0 \u201cSee you tomorrow,\u201d he said in farewell, adding a stern admonition, \u201cDon\u2019t be late to chapel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCount on it,\u201d Lucas said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to be so angelic the rest of the term that soon you\u2019ll be calling me Saint Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Adam shook his head.\u00a0 That would be the day!<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam winced with the effort to keep from groaning aloud as he rolled onto his left side and slowly sat up.\u00a0 He instinctively put his hands to his face, to scrub the sleep from his eyes and gasped as his fingers touched the tender flesh.\u00a0 He stumbled to the mirror, scowled at the livid bruises reflected there and shook his head in disgust.\u00a0 Even if he hadn\u2019t been caught, there\u2019d be no hiding his participation in last night\u2019s fray now, either from the faculty . . . or from Jamie, whom he could hear stirring behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Adam,\u201d Jamie called from his pillow.\u00a0 \u201cI hope I didn\u2019t keep you awake with my coughing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said, although that wasn\u2019t the truth.\u00a0 Between his own aching muscles and Jamie\u2019s intermittent coughing, he hadn\u2019t had much sleep that night.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d\u2014uh\u2014better get up, if we\u2019re going to make chapel on time,\u201d he suggested, still with his back turned.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d really rather not be late this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I may skip it,\u201d Jamie said reluctantly.\u00a0 \u201cI know it\u2019s a demerit, but I really don\u2019t feel very well, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam spun around.\u00a0 \u201cAre you worse?\u201d he asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

But catching sight of Adam\u2019s bruised face drove all thoughts of his own health from Jamie\u2019s mind.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he cried.\u00a0 He started to clamber out of bed, but Adam forestalled him by sitting on its edge.<\/p>\n

\u201cRush . . . last night,\u201d Adam answered laconically.<\/p>\n

Even with so few words, Jamie needed no further explanation.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam,\u201d he moaned.\u00a0 His eyes narrowed.\u00a0 \u201cDid you know before you left,\u201d he asked in sudden enlightenment.\u00a0 \u201cYou did, didn\u2019t you?\u00a0 That\u2019s why you changed into your oldest clothes.\u00a0 Oh, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m an idiot . . . with the demerits to prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Jamie\u2019s groan was one of commiseration, not condemnation.\u00a0 Then his brow furrowed with concern.\u00a0 \u201cLuke?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cMarc?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed.\u00a0 \u201cLuke was caught.\u00a0 I think Marc got away, but I\u2019m not sure it\u2019ll matter.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed to his face.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s evidence, you see, of who was there and who was not.\u201d\u00a0 He reached over to pat Jamie\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWhich is why, my friend, you had better get to chapel this morning and show your angelic, unbattered face, unless you\u2019re ill enough to need a doctor.\u00a0 We guilty souls have already been told that we\u2019ll be given extra scrutiny in recitations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie coughed, but shook his head sturdily.\u00a0 \u201cNo, not that ill,\u201d he said at once, \u201cand as you say, we need to be on time.\u00a0 Tardiness earns the same demerits as absence, and you can no longer afford them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still in good shape,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cI just don\u2019t want to incur any more this quickly with that extra scrutiny looming over my head.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Jamie groaned again.\u00a0 \u201cPoor Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor us, you mean,\u201d Adam said with a scowl.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll have to ride him harder than ever now.\u201d<\/p>\n

~ ~ ~ ~ Notes ~ ~ ~ ~<\/p>\n

Ah, the catalog!\u00a0 These are actually available online for the years of Adam\u2019s tenure at Yale in this story and have been an invaluable asset for term schedules, faculty members, student lists, courses studied each term and fees for various services.<\/p>\n

The poem, \u201cThe Muster of the North, A Ballad of \u201961,\u201d was printed in the New York Times<\/em> on January 1, 1862.<\/p>\n

Williams and Borden won the sophomore prize debate of the Brothers in Unity in January, 1862<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY<\/p>\n

Reaping Rebellion\u2019s Results<\/p>\n

Hands stuffed in his coat pockets, Adam trudged alone toward Dwight Street that afternoon with a sour expression.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t fair.\u00a0 All week he\u2019d looked forward to teaching at the mission, with the attentive assistance of the lovely Elizabeth Allen, and now he\u2019d rather be almost anywhere else.\u00a0 His face was in no condition to win any fair damsel, and his body protested every aching step through the slush of melting snow.\u00a0 He would have preferred to spend the afternoon luxuriously sprawled in bed, but since Jamie was too unwell to come himself, he\u2019d begged Adam to take his place.\u00a0 Lucas, of course, had excused himself on the grounds that his battered face and butchered head would frighten the youngsters, and even Marcus reneged, saying that someone should stay behind to nurse Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m better at that, and you\u2019re better at teaching,\u201d he\u2019d insisted when Adam had protested that he could take care of his roommate.\u00a0 That the argument was well founded in fact did nothing to improve Adam\u2019s disposition.<\/p>\n

Still, if Miss Allen were here today, as she\u2019d promised to be, a bad attitude was no way to win her affection, either.\u00a0 When he reached the mission, Adam took a deep breath, put on a brave smile and entered.<\/p>\n

Looking up at the sound of the creaking door, Elizabeth smiled in recognition, but then her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of his face.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d she greeted him\u2014a bit stiffly, Adam thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, Miss Allen,\u201d he responded, and that was all the conversation that passed between them before lessons began.\u00a0 Afterwards, Adam thanked her for her help and asked if he might again have the pleasure of seeing her home.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m . . . not sure,\u201d she said hesitantly.<\/p>\n

Adam decided he might as well face the problem head on.\u00a0 \u201cIs there something that concerns you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . yes,\u201d she murmured, eyes veiled.\u00a0 Then, as if she, too, had decided that directness was the only reasonable approach, she raised her head and, looking into his brooding eyes, said, \u201cI hadn\u2019t taken you for a brawler, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled weakly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not . . . normally . . . and I will admit that I was involved in an altercation last night, but not without cause, I assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lips pursed\u2014beautifully, Adam thought\u2014she pondered his answer.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose there are some causes worth fighting for,\u201d she murmured, still sounding somewhat unsure.\u00a0 Her countenance brightened suddenly.\u00a0 \u201cLike our brave soldiers resisting the rebellion!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t claim my cause to be as worthy as that.\u00a0 I was merely supporting a friend.\u201d\u00a0 Which might be shading the truth a bit, he admitted to himself, but loyalty had been his main motive.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth\u2019s lips softened into an alluring smile.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you could tell me about it on the way home,\u201d she suggested.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam took his seat in the gallery after the choir sang its anthem on Monday morning and watched as President Woolsey gravely ascended into the pulpit.\u00a0 Saturday\u2019s fracas had not been mentioned at either of yesterday\u2019s services, but perhaps that was because of the frequent presence of visitors on Sunday.\u00a0 If anything was going to be said publicly, it would be this morning, and the way the President had read the Scripture just before the choir sang seemed significant to Adam.\u00a0 He was almost certain that the President\u2019s emphasis on the word \u201ccharacter\u201d in Romans 5:4 was purposeful.\u00a0 He could not have been more right.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018We also glory in tribulations,\u2019\u201d Woolsey quoted again, his eyes scanning the back pews of all three sections of the chapel, where the freshmen sat, \u201c\u2018knowing that tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance, character, and character, hope.\u2019\u201d\u00a0 When he came to the second \u201ccharacter,\u201d the President shifted his solemn gaze to the first few pews on the north aisle, and from his perch in the gallery, Adam saw a number of the sophomores there flinch.<\/p>\n

\u201cCharacter,\u201d Woolsey continued, \u201cis expected of the men of Yale.\u00a0 Character is forged by tribulation; however, it is not the province of any man to fuel those flames.\u00a0 Certainly, no man of character brings tribulation into the life of another\u201d\u2014he looked with steadfast disapproval at the sophomores\u2014\u201cand no man of character responds to tribulation with vengeful retaliation\u201d\u2014and the freshmen were the objects of his disappointed gaze.\u00a0 \u201cAs you all know, however, events of the previous week have done little to evince the type of character we hope to instill in the young men of Yale.\u00a0 We will be speaking privately to a number of you and taking whatever steps we feel are required to preserve the character of this institution.\u00a0 Perhaps that knowledge will be ample incentive to enhance the sincerity of your prayers this morning.\u201d\u00a0 As usual, the college officers rose in their pews and the students bowed their heads on the seats in front of them while President Woolsey offered prayers for wisdom for the students and guidance for the faculty as they dealt with the weighty matters before them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did that mean?\u201d Marcus asked urgently as the four friends met outside after chapel.<\/p>\n

\u201cA raking over the coals, I\u2019d say,\u201d Adam said wryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut for whom?\u201d\u00a0 Fear that he would be among the raked was painted in broad strokes over the other boy\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t have your name,\u201d Lucas grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have eyes,\u201d Marcus insisted, pointing at his bruised face.<\/p>\n

Lucas nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t suppose any of us are safe . . . except St. James here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled weakly.\u00a0 \u201cSomehow, I feel equally responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour feelings are as flawed as our characters,\u201d Adam snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all then, you\u2019re saying?\u201d Jamie tossed back at him.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with your character!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have time to debate that now,\u201d Adam pointed out.\u00a0 \u201cI assume no one here wants to earn another demerit by being late to Latin recitation?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t afford one!\u201d Lucas announced and took off at a trot for the Athenaeum with the others close behind.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 By the end of the day, the answer to Marcus\u2019 question had become clear, and Adam\u2019s conjecture that what the President\u2019s words had meant was a raking over the coals seemed prophetic.\u00a0 A few freshmen, Adam and Lucas among them, had been handed a folded note at the close of their final recitation of the day.\u00a0 Each tearing his open as soon as he exited the building, they found themselves invited to a discussion with the faculty at a given time on Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo days to stew on it,\u201d Adam muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably their intent,\u201d Jamie commiserated.<\/p>\n

\u201cDifferent times,\u201d Lucas commented, comparing his note with Adam\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cThat means it\u2019s an inquisition, not a \u2018discussion.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Adam grunted in complete agreement.<\/p>\n

Coming out of his separate class to meet them and seeing the glum faces, Marcus asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam waved his \u201cinvitation\u201d toward the other boy.\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t get one?\u201d he queried after Marcus had read its contents.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Marcus replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNor I,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would you?\u201d Lucas grunted.\u00a0 \u201cYou weren\u2019t part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018I was in the beginning,\u201d Jamie insisted.<\/p>\n

Lucas shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cOnly as an innocent bystander\u2014or, more accurately, a defender of the helpless.\u00a0 They don\u2019t expel you for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marcus looked alarmed.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t think it\u2019ll come to that, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for you,\u201d Adam assured him quickly.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt that even I\u2019m in danger, unless they\u2019re going to turn out the entire membership of the lower two classes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re worried, aren\u2019t you, Luke?\u201d Jamie probed.\u00a0 \u201cBecause of the demerits?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas nodded grimly.\u00a0 \u201cPut in a word for me at your class prayer meeting, okay, St. James?\u00a0 I think I may need divine intervention.\u201d<\/p>\n

Or perhaps<\/em>, Adam thought with sudden resolve, it\u2019s practical intervention that\u2019s called for<\/em>.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam sat cooling his heels on a hard bench in the second floor hall of North College.\u00a0 Lucas, who had the appointment directly after his, sat beside him, but neither boy spoke to the other after a hushed exchange of greetings.\u00a0 Each was lost in contemplation of what awaited him beyond the door of #117, the President\u2019s office.\u00a0 The faculty met there each Wednesday afternoon, but neither boy had ever been inside this dormitory, which housed only seniors; neither, thankfully, had had reason before and both frankly wished they had no reason now.\u00a0 Adam, with his nearly pristine record, was fairly certain he would get off with a stern warning\u2014at least, that\u2019s what he kept telling himself\u2014but demerit-laden Lucas was visibly shaking.\u00a0 For him, expulsion was a very real threat.<\/p>\n

Hearing footsteps coming up the stairs, both looked up in expectation of seeing another freshman or sophomore as reluctant as they to be here.\u00a0 Instead, Robert Raines, their fellow Vulture, came by and gave them a kindly smile.\u00a0 \u201cBuck up, youngsters,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThey bark loudly, but rarely bite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think they might this time,\u201d Lucas moaned softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe contrite,\u201d the senior advised.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re preachers, remember?\u00a0 Strong advocates of repentance and forgiveness.\u201d\u00a0 With a bracing clap of the outer shoulder of each freshman, he proceeded up the stairs to his room, or so Adam assumed.\u00a0 He\u2019d never thought to ask where the other Vultures, except his own classmates, resided.\u00a0 Elbows on his knees, he cupped his chin in his hands.\u00a0 Be contrite?\u00a0 Sound advice, time-honored advice.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright, another strong advocate of repentance and forgiveness, had always responded favorably to honest contrition, but it had to be honest and therein lay the rub.\u00a0 Some of the actions Adam had taken the previous week he honestly regretted; of others, he was not so sure.<\/p>\n

The door to #117 opened and a student walked out.\u00a0 Had it been one of their own class, Adam might have hoped for a quick, whispered word of what to expect, but it was one of the sophomores, who merely cut the two on the bench a quick glance, neither malevolent nor beneficent, and hurried down the stairs.<\/p>\n

Wilder Smith, the freshmen\u2019s Latin tutor, appeared in the doorway and said, \u201cMr. Cartwright, please come in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Swallowing the boulder-sized lump in his throat, Adam stood and followed him in.\u00a0 The room was packed with faculty members, seated around a long, rectangular table.\u00a0 One empty chair stood at the end nearest Adam, and when cordially requested by the President to have a seat, he sat there, folded his hands on the table in front of him and waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou come to us from a great distance, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d President Woolsey began.\u00a0 \u201cHas Yale College thus far met your expectations?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam choked down his nervousness and answered with great feeling, \u201cSo much more than I can say, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

The President nodded briefly.\u00a0 \u201cYour record indicates that, as well.\u00a0 It is exemplary, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 He paused significantly.\u00a0 \u201cOr should I say \u2018was\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . perhaps,\u201d Adam murmured.\u00a0 He forced himself to meet the President\u2019s steadfast gaze.\u00a0 \u201cI know my participation in Saturday night\u2019s rush is against school policy and, therefore, is a mark against my record, but as it is my only such infraction, I hope it will be weighed against my better conduct on all other occasions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Professor Hadley\u2019s eyes seemed to twinkle as he asked, \u201cYou\u2019ve never participated in a rush before?\u201d<\/p>\n

Though he didn\u2019t see how it was possible, Adam felt almost certain that Old Had already knew the answer to that question.\u00a0 \u201cWell, yes,\u201d he admitted, flushing.\u00a0 \u201cOnce before, but that was . . . different.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d inquired William Larned, the rhetoric and English literature professor, whom Adam knew only from seeing him walk about the college yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a frolic,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cThis was . . . warfare.\u201d\u00a0 A murmur of disapproval circled the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t want warfare among our students,\u201d President Woolsey said gravely.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s sufficiently evil that we see it between the states of our great nation,\u201d Reverend Timothy Dwight, professor of sacred literature, observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Woolsey reiterated, cutting short the diversion of subject.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s my understanding, Mr. Cartwright, that you have personal knowledge of how the \u2018warfare\u2019 in question began.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Adam admitted reluctantly, wondering whether someone had told them that or if all teachers and parents came equipped with a certain degree of clairvoyance.\u00a0 \u201cIt began as a rather severe incident of hazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgainst Mr. Cameron?\u201d Woolsey probed, and Adam responded in the affirmative.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve all seen the results of that,\u201d Professor Hadley stated plainly, \u201cbut we haven\u2019t heard a narration of what actually happened.\u00a0 Can you provide that, Mr. Cartwright, as well as the names of the perpetrators?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled gustily.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think he could have brought himself to turn tattletale.\u00a0 Schoolboys from time immemorial had considered that a mark of dishonor.\u00a0 Fortunately, in this case ignorance provided his best defense.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t provide you their names,\u201d he said, \u201cbecause they wore black hoods, but I can tell you what was done.\u201d\u00a0 He did so as briefly as possible, making light of his own mistreatment, while vividly describing what was done to Lucas, who he figured could use all the sympathy expressive words could muster.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost unfortunate,\u201d Professor Thacher put in when Adam finished, \u201cbut I cannot help wondering what Mr. Cameron did to bring this on, as we\u2019ve heard of no such incidents in several years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath before saying, \u201cWith all due respect, Mr. Thacher, it isn\u2019t the sort of thing students share with faculty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thacher frowned, but it was Hadley who asked, \u201cAre you saying that there have been other such incidents?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cMinor incidents, compared to this, but, yes, sir.\u00a0 Nothing serious, you understand, just petty pilfering of our rooms, demands for deference to sophomore authority, that sort of thing.\u00a0 To answer Mr. Thacher\u2019s question, all Mr. Cameron did to bring on this more serious example of hazing was to repeatedly refuse to show that deference.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGiving honor to upperclassmen is a time-honored tradition,\u201d Larned argued.\u00a0 \u201cRespect for one\u2019s elders is a virtue we encourage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut there is nothing virtuous about demanding it, especially through physical force,\u201d Hadley countered, and Larned nodded his agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand the instigation, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the President said, \u201cbut nothing excuses the exercise of vengeance that took place Saturday night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir,\u201d Adam responded, \u201cand I make no excuse for my behavior during the rush.\u00a0 I was angry, and I let that anger rule me, which was a mistake.\u00a0 I have thought much about your remarks in chapel about character, and I regret that my character, especially in regard to self-control, did not live up to your expectations\u2014and I might add, those with which I have been reared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord; I will repay,\u2019\u201d the reverend Dwight intoned solemnly.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled ruefully.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 I was so advised before the incident, and I wish I had listened to better purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy Mr. Edwards?\u201d Professor Hadley guessed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d said Adam, surprised, as he often was, by Old Had\u2019s instinctive insight into his students\u2019 very thoughts.\u00a0 \u201cPlease understand that he had nothing to do with this business, other than to come to Mr. Cameron\u2019s aid during his mistreatment and to end up sharing it himself.\u00a0 As a result, he was too ill to have participated in the rush, although he would not have, even had he known.\u00a0 We deliberately kept it from him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe anger you spoke of,\u201d Woolsey asked, \u201cwas it in response to the endangerment of your friends\u2019 health and wellbeing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared at the table for several moments and then raised his head.\u00a0 \u201cPrimarily,\u201d he said, \u2018but I know that doesn\u2019t excuse my actions, which did nothing to insure their health and wellbeing and, rather, endangered that of others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou appear to have learned a lesson from this, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Thomas Thacher observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so, sir,\u201d Adam responded simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe the demerits you have been assessed for this affair will be sufficient penalty,\u201d the President concluded, \u201cand I trust that we will not again see you before us in such a matter.\u00a0 You are excused, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam felt enormous relief as he stood, but also some degree of trepidation as he asked, \u201cMay I say one more thing, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Woolsey said encouragingly<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will be visiting with Mr. Cameron next,\u201d Adam began.\u00a0 \u201cI know that he has a regrettable tally of demerits and that he was a focus of this affair; however, I wanted to say that he is as good-hearted a man as I have met at Yale, and if you will be patient with him, I\u2019m certain that he will exhibit the character you hope to instill in men of Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you considered a career in law, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d Henry Dutton, professor of that subject, asked, and his chuckle was echoed by a few of the other professors.<\/p>\n

Adam was shaking too much to catch the man\u2019s humor.\u00a0 He gave a simple, \u201cNo,\u201d in response and was relieved to escape that chamber of inquisition.\u00a0 Seeing Lucas rise as he exited, Adam said, \u201cI\u2019ll wait here for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas, wide-eyed with terror and clearly unable to speak, nodded grimly and followed the professor who called his name into the President\u2019s office.\u00a0 The minutes dragged past as Adam sat on the bench, fingers interlaced and thumbs twiddling around each other in an incessant circle.\u00a0 The next victim of the inquisition, a sophomore this time, arrived and after giving Adam a cursory look, began pacing the hall rather than condescend to sit next to someone of the lower class.<\/p>\n

Lucas finally emerged and collapsed onto the bench next to Adam.\u00a0 Seeing how wrung out he looked, the sophomore paled and appeared ready to bolt for the stairs.\u00a0 Almost immediately, he was called into the office, however, and the two freshmen were alone.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s fingers closed tightly around Lucas\u2019s biceps.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?\u00a0 Are you dismissed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Lucas said, wonderment in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re going to write my father, but they\u2019d have done that anyway, just because of the demerits.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what possessed them to let me off that lightly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps a display of contrition, as Raines advised?\u201d Adam suggested with a wry smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did that . . . and it was no act,\u201d Lucas said earnestly.\u00a0 \u201cBy the time President Woolsey finished apologizing for the very \u2018un-Yalensian\u2019 way in which I\u2019d been treated, I was close to blubbering out that it was all my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam groaned.<\/p>\n

Lucas grinned weakly.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I managed to hang on to that much of my good sense.\u00a0 I still can\u2019t believe they acted so . . . so . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman?\u201d \u00a0Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah . . . human.\u00a0 Makes a fellow want to mend his ways, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam jabbed his friend\u2019s ribs with his elbow.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if ever a man needed it . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shushed him.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get out of here, and if we can find Candy Sam anywhere about, it\u2019s my treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s mine,\u201d Lucas insisted.\u00a0 \u201cThacher said I should be grateful to have a friend like you, so I know you had something to do with their sudden charitableness.\u201d\u00a0 He put up a hand to silence Adam\u2019s protest.\u00a0 \u201cDeny it all you like; I\u2019ve taken your measure, Adam Cartwright, and I am thankful to have you as a friend.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled Adam to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cNow, no more dilly-dallying.\u00a0 Let\u2019s find Candy Sam!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam entered the room quietly, in case Jamie was napping, but the harsh cough that greeted him told him he shouldn\u2019t have bothered.\u00a0 Huddled in a blanket, Jamie turned in his desk chair and immediately croaked, \u201cHow did it go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt went fine . . . for all concerned,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven Luke?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven Luke.\u00a0 He\u2019ll have a letter sent home, but as he says, that would have happened anyway.\u201d\u00a0 Adam hung his outer wraps on the pegs beside the door.\u00a0 \u201cYou look ghastly\u2014and sound worse,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you in bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie only tapped the Latin text spread open before him and, cradling his aching head, returned to his study.<\/p>\n

\u201cStubborn, purely stubborn,\u201d Adam rumbled beneath his breath.<\/p>\n

Having heard, Jamie grunted, \u201cTakes one to know one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hush,\u201d Adam scolded.\u00a0 \u201cKeep your mouth closed, if not your eyes.\u201d\u00a0 Snapping his fingers, he went back to his coat and dug a paper-wrapped package from the pocket.\u00a0 \u201cAlmost forgot.\u201d\u00a0 He handed the package to Jamie and added with a wicked grin, \u201cMaybe this will help you keep your mouth closed.\u00a0 Present from Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other boy\u2019s eyes brightened, especially when he saw what was inside the small parcel.\u00a0 \u201cDivinity!\u201d\u00a0 He broke off a small piece and put it in his mouth, his eyes closing in dreamy satisfaction.<\/p>\n

Well, that worked better than hoped for<\/em>, Adam thought with an amused quirk of the corner of his lip.\u00a0 \u201cNot sure how good that is for what ails you,\u201d he felt obliged to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiracle . . . cure,\u201d Jamie alleged breathlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt,\u201d Adam returned wryly.<\/p>\n

For the remainder of the afternoon, the only sound in the room was the turning of pages and Jamie\u2019s increasingly persistent cough.\u00a0 Finally, Adam closed his book and stretched his arms wide.\u00a0 He took the blanket that had been wrapped around his own shoulders and laid it across Jamie\u2019s lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Jamie said breathlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to whisper,\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

Jamie grimaced and squeaked out his reply, \u201cYes, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, for goodness\u2019 sake, go to bed,\u201d Adam scolded.\u00a0 \u201cIf you can\u2019t talk, you can\u2019t possibly recite tomorrow, so you might as well skip class.\u201d\u00a0 As he stood, he laid a hand on his friend\u2019s shoulders and, recalling what Lucas had said earlier that afternoon, added, \u201cThe professors are human, you know; they\u2019ll understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Jamie conceded.\u00a0 With a sigh he closed his text.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose I might as well quit; nothing\u2019s sinking in.\u201d\u00a0 With a shiver he pulled the blankets tighter.\u00a0 Even though, at Adam\u2019s insistence, the fire was well stoked, Jamie just couldn\u2019t seem to shake his chill.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could it?\u201d Adam asked, slipping his arms into his coat.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t bother coming to supper.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring something back . . . soup, maybe?\u201d\u00a0 He held up a hand.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t say anything; just nod your well-advised consent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded, but then disobediently whispered, \u201cYou off to Beethoven Society?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Adam could answer, a rap on the door drew his attention.\u00a0 Opening it, he saw a well-dressed gentleman with a carefully groomed salt-and-pepper beard and a distinguished look.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir?\u201d he inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have the honor to address Mr. Edwards or Mr. Cartwright?\u201d the stranger asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Adam said hesitantly.\u00a0 For a moment he had a wild fear that this visit was somehow related to the faculty inquisition from which he\u2019d come earlier, but the visitor\u2019s next words quickly dispelled that irrational concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I am Dr. Abraham Havershaw of the medical department here at Yale,\u201d the gentleman stated.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m here because I understand Mr. Edwards is in need of a physician\u2019s attendance.\u00a0 May I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

Though puzzled, Adam politely stepped aside and gestured for the doctor to enter.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Edwards?\u201d Dr. Havershaw asked, approaching the boy still sitting at his desk, though he had turned to face the others.<\/p>\n

Jamie suddenly doubled over in a paroxysm of coughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, I see that you are,\u201d the doctor said with a kindly smile.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve come to help you with that nasty cough, my boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head, his eyes pleading with Adam to explain, as he struggled to get his cough under control.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s concerned about your fee,\u201d Adam said plainly, \u201cbut I think he\u2019d better stop worrying about that.\u201d\u00a0 It was a debate they\u2019d had earlier, and while Adam felt that he\u2019d had the stronger argument, Jamie\u2019s stubborn refusal to consider the expense had, thus far, carried the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy fee is taken care of,\u201d Dr. Havershaw assured them.\u00a0 \u201cYour benefactor prefers to remain anonymous, but if I tell you that he learned the value of a physician\u2019s care after a boyhood accident, perhaps that will be hint enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two boys exchanged a knowing glance.\u00a0 That could describe only one person they knew here in New Haven, a man whose limping gait still showed the effects of that boyhood accident.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear Old Had,\u201d Jamie croaked, finally finding his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cProfessor Hadley,\u201d Adam amplified, in case the nickname was meaningless to the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can neither confirm nor deny,\u201d the doctor said with a conspiratorial smile, \u201cand you certainly didn\u2019t hear it from me.\u00a0 Now, may I examine you, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded; then, looking at Adam, he added, \u201cYou\u2019ll be late to rehearsal if you don\u2019t leave now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m afraid I must.\u201d\u00a0 Reaching for the doorknob, Adam paused.\u00a0 \u201cIf there are any instructions, Doctor, perhaps you could leave me a note?\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening his black bag, Dr. Havershaw looked up.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u00a0 Oh, yes, certainly, if that\u2019s needed.\u00a0 Run along now, my boy.\u00a0 Mr. Stoeckel does not strike me as a man to countenance tardiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s definitely not,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 He was verging on late now; he\u2019d have to run if he hoped to avoid raising Herr Stoeckel\u2019s hackles.\u00a0 With one last solicitous look at his roommate, he left, took the stairs at a run and loped toward campus.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAny instructions from the doctor?\u201d Adam asked the moment he entered the room later that evening.<\/p>\n

Jamie, in bed, rose on his elbows.\u00a0 \u201cNone I can\u2019t deliver myself.\u00a0 He dropped off a prescription at the apothecary\u2019s, and they sent it around about forty-five minutes ago.\u201d\u00a0 He gestured toward the amber bottle on his desk.\u00a0 \u201cEvery four hours, unless I\u2019m asleep.\u00a0 I took the first dose, and it does seem to be quieting this infernal cough.\u00a0 Other than that, rest\u2014no classes for the rest of the week\u2014and plenty of fluids.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Adam said, taking the nearest chair and drawing it up to the bed.\u00a0 \u201cThe professors will understand,\u201d he insisted, \u201cand I\u2019ll bring you all your assignments.\u00a0 You won\u2019t fall behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Jamie said, though he still sounded morose.\u00a0 \u201cDid you forget my soup?\u201d he asked as Adam sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Mrs. Wiggins is reheating it,\u201d Adam explained, \u201cbut I would consider giving you dessert first.\u201d\u00a0 He reached into his coat pocket and, drawing out an envelope, waved it under his friend\u2019s nose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMail,\u201d Jamie croaked, his eyes lighting.\u00a0 \u201cFrom Father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Holding it out of reach, Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYes . . . if you mean mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie settled back on the pillow.\u00a0 \u201cOh . . . well, that\u2019s almost as good.\u00a0 What\u2019s the news at the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably snow,\u201d Adam snickered as he broke the seal.\u00a0 \u201cI just hope this letter is a little more interesting than the last one, which was nothing but a weather report!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it was a little more than that,\u201d Jamie chided.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t make me ask again; I\u2019m supposed to rest my poor, aching throat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo that, then, instead of challenging my descriptions,\u201d Adam scolded.\u00a0 He held the letter between his fingers.\u00a0 \u201cUmm, nice and thick . . . probably juicy.\u00a0 I\u2019d hate to deprive you of it because you couldn\u2019t overcome your temptation to abuse your poor, aching throat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie moaned softly and rolled his eyes toward the ceiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take that as a promise to behave yourself,\u201d Adam said with a mischievous grin.\u00a0 \u201cTherefore, I shall reward you posthaste . . . before you can break it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie groaned and croaked, \u201cRead . . . now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam clucked his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cI see I wasn\u2019t fast enough.\u00a0 Well, fortunately for you, I\u2019m feeling generous.\u201d\u00a0 He raised his hands, palms out, in defense against the glare with which his roommate favored him.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, all right . . . I\u2019m reading.\u201d\u00a0 He unfolded the letter and read, \u201cDear Adam, The weather here has been as dismal as you might expect for this time of year.\u201d\u00a0 He paused and smirked at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cWhat did I tell you?\u00a0 A weather report!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie said nothing, but his eyes spoke volumes.\u00a0 Adam quickly dropped his gaze to the letter and again began to read:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The conditions haven\u2019t been fit out for man or beast . . . but you\u2019ll notice I said nothing about little boys . . . a very little boy, in fact, who somehow thought that he could make it all the way to New Haven, regardless of the weather.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d\u00a0 Jamie bolted upright.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe still,\u201d Adam demanded, rapidly scanning the next few lines with a wildly beating heart.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d he finally gasped with relief, \u201cbut if Pa\u2019s hair isn\u2019t snow white by the time I return home, it won\u2019t be for lack of worrying over that boy!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a rap at the door, and Mrs. Wiggins bustled in with a steaming bowl of soup.\u00a0 \u201cYou poor dear,\u201d she cooed at Jamie as she handed the tray to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cNow, eat up every drop and be sure to take that medicine the doctor sent over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Jamie promised meekly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mrs. Wiggins,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re very kind to heat this for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe least I can do,\u201d Mrs. Wiggins said.\u00a0 \u201cNow, I know just the sort of fare an invalid needs, so if you\u2019ve no objection, I\u2019ll see to the boy\u2019s meals until he\u2019s up and about, just for the cost of supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very thoughtful,\u201d Adam said and thanked her again.\u00a0 After a few more solicitous admonitions, she left.\u00a0 Adam helped Jamie sit up and set the tray over his legs<\/p>\n

\u201cRead,\u201d the patient ordered urgently.<\/p>\n

\u201cEat,\u201d his nurse demanded, \u201cand I will.\u201d\u00a0 As Jamie spooned in his soup, Adam read his father\u2019s account of how Little Joe had so scrambled the meaning of the Sunday sermon that he\u2019d decided Adam, Jamie and Santa Claus were the three wise men from the east and that they\u2019d somehow gotten lost on their way to the Ponderosa for Christmas.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo he was coming here to fetch us?\u201d Jamie asked.\u00a0 \u201cMercy, what an imagination that child has!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIncredible,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t believe my being home for Christmas could mean so much to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re his big brother, Adam,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, he misses you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut to undertake such a ridiculous expedition,\u201d Adam said with a shake of his head.\u00a0 \u201cWell, he is only four.\u00a0 I suppose he doesn\u2019t know enough geography to realize how impossible it was.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie handed his tray back to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if you don\u2019t crack open P\u00fctz and Arnold, you won\u2019t know enough, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam groaned.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know if bad jokes are a sign that you\u2019re better or worse!\u201d<\/p>\n

Avoiding that question, Jamie slid down onto his pillow and pulled the covers up to his nose.<\/p>\n

~ ~ ~ ~ Notes ~ ~ ~ ~<\/p>\n

The faculty met every Wednesday afternoon in #117 of North College, but rarely was any student summoned for a disciplinary hearing.\u00a0 As long as a student attended scheduled exercises and maintained a certain average in class, it was assumed that his private behavior was satisfactory and no inquiries were made.\u00a0 A public disturbance, such as a brawl between classes, would have risen to the level that demanded disciplinary attention.<\/p>\n

With the exception of Dr. Abraham Havershaw, the faculty members mentioned in this chapter actually taught during Adam\u2019s tenure at Yale.\u00a0 He also appears in the author\u2019s book, Centennial: Journey of Discovery.<\/em><\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s attempt to bring Adam and the other \u201cwise men\u201d home for Christmas is related in \u201cFollow the Star,\u201d an excerpt from Heritage of Honor, Book Five\u2014A Dream Divided.<\/em><\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE<\/p>\n

In the Midst of Life (and Love) . . .<\/p>\n

Following doctor\u2019s orders, Jamie kept to his bed for the remainder of the week.\u00a0 Just as well<\/em>, Adam thought more than once as he hunched his shoulders into the wind that drove snow into his face and down his collar.\u00a0 As had so often proven true, however, the skies cleared on Saturday, and Adam was especially glad as he and Lucas hurried toward Hamilton Park after lunch, while Marcus obligingly kept Jamie company.\u00a0 Skating in itself was pleasurable on a day like this, but more so when he was to share it with the lovely Miss Allen.\u00a0 Their first arranged meeting . . . the first of many, Adam hoped.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like I\u2019d better make myself scarce,\u201d Lucas laughed when he caught sight of the girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Adam said emphatically, though a trace of humor remained in his tone.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s all mine . . . and best you remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas clasped his breast and sighed dramatically, \u201cAh, young love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s fist calmly smashed the other boy\u2019s bowler.<\/p>\n

As they had discussed on the previous Sunday, Elizabeth was waiting for him at the small shop at the edge of the park that rented skates.\u00a0 Lucas greeted her with exaggerated cordiality and then, with a mischievous wink at Adam, went off on his own.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, Elizabeth owned a pair of skates, so Adam was spared that expense.\u00a0 After he\u2019d rented his, they made their way to a bench near the ice and sat down to lace up for the afternoon\u2019s fun.\u00a0 When they were both ready, Adam helped the girl to her feet, and they edged onto the ice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try not to knock you off your feet this time,\u201d Adam said with a self-deprecating grin.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth responded with a coquettish smile.\u00a0 \u201cAh, but sometimes a girl likes to be swept off her feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bear that in mind,\u201d Adam said softly as he slipped an arm about her waist.\u00a0 Then, clasping hands, they began stroking forward, slowly gliding down the smooth surface as they alternately chatted and gazed deeply into one another\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

After about an hour Adam suggested that they stop for coffee.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t cost much, and he felt that offering her a warm drink after skating was the least he could do.<\/p>\n

\u201cI prefer cocoa,\u201d she replied demurely.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, I do, as well,\u201d he said.\u00a0 In the nearest restaurant he ordered two cups of cocoa.\u00a0 \u201cUmm, perfect,\u201d he murmured when it had arrived and he\u2019d taken his first sip.\u00a0 \u201cJust what we need after all those spins around the ice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you didn\u2019t knock me over once,\u201d she teased.\u00a0 Adam had explained to her that he had never been on skates before that first afternoon they\u2019d met so abruptly.<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI had a good teacher today, far superior to my first instructor.\u201d\u00a0 Her enjoyment in playing teacher to a college man had been more than a little obvious, and learning from her had certainly been more pleasurable than learning from Lucas.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Edwards?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHorrors, no!\u201d\u00a0 Adam erupted with laughter.\u00a0 Then, remembering that they were in public, he softened his voice.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I now have twice the experience of Mr. Edwards.\u00a0 I was referring to Mr. Cameron.\u00a0 Not only is my current instructor more gentle and good-natured, but more beautiful, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

She blushed and veiled her eyes with her long lashes.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I would hope so.\u201d\u00a0 She looked up hastily.\u00a0 \u201cNot that he isn\u2019t a perfectly fine looking young man, but . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut for a lady, his looks leave much to be desired?\u201d Adam suggested with a naughty grin.<\/p>\n

She laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose that is what I was thinking.\u00a0 You won\u2019t tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever,\u201d Adam promised, even though he knew that Lucas would actually relish a remark like that.\u00a0 \u201cHow is your cocoa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, perfect,\u201d she assured him.\u00a0 Again her eyelashes dipped.\u00a0 \u201cThe entire afternoon has been perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached for her hand and stroked her slender fingers, the very touch sending ripples up his spine.\u00a0 \u201cI hope we may spend many such afternoons together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes brightened as she looked up.\u00a0 \u201cI-I hope so, too, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

She nodded, smiling.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you may call me Elizabeth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Slowly, giving her opportunity to withdraw if she wished, he brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed her fingertips, the tingle in his spine spreading out to warm his entire body.<\/p>\n

Blushing, she gradually drew her hand back, brushing the back of her fingers against her lips as if to transfer the kiss there.\u00a0 \u201cI must be going.\u00a0 It\u2019s getting late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, too,\u201d Adam agreed as he signaled the waiter for the check.\u00a0 \u201cWill I see you tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the mission?\u00a0 Certainly.\u201d\u00a0 When he\u2019d helped her into her coat, she looked up into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more than I,\u201d Adam assured her, his dark eyes piercing the depths of the lagoon in hers.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Though the air was cold, the walk home Sunday could not have been more pleasant.\u00a0 Adam finally related his family\u2019s history, and while Elizabeth was surprised to hear that his father had been married three times, she seemed to credit the wildness of the West for the untimely demise of the mothers.\u00a0 Adam tried to point out that his birth mother had died here in the East, but she seemed to prefer her romantic fancy to mundane fact.<\/p>\n

When he ended by telling the story of Little Joe\u2019s quest for the wise men, she sympathetically squeezed his hand.\u00a0 \u201cHow fortunate that the little one was found safe,\u201d she murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He pursed his lips thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t help feeling responsible,\u201d he shared hesitantly, not certain it was proper to be so open on such short acquaintance.\u00a0 \u201cIf only I hadn\u2019t come here, he wouldn\u2019t have been tempted to such foolish behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pressed against him.\u00a0 \u201cBut if you hadn\u2019t come here, we would never have met,\u201d she said with a coy veiling of her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cTragedy, indeed,\u201d Adam whispered.\u00a0 He bent over her upturned face and gently touched his lips to hers.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thanks to Dr. Havershaw\u2019s care, Jamie was able to return to classes the following Monday.\u00a0 While he steadily improved, however, his roommate fell victim to a malady more difficult to treat, though the early symptoms were mild.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels so good to be back in class!\u201d Jamie enthused as he and Adam returned to their room after the noon meal on Monday.\u00a0 He laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd back with the Vultures, too, of course.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I could have taken another bowl of Mrs. Wiggins\u2019 gruel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm,\u201d was Adam\u2019s distracted response as they passed the Green.<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head.\u00a0 Adam had been like this all day: stumbling over a simple translation in Latin and barely acknowledging anything said to him.\u00a0 \u201cAre you coming down with something?\u201d Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned, puzzled, toward his friend . . . and promptly collided with an older gentleman walking toward them.\u00a0 Untangling himself, Adam recognized the man and squeaked, \u201cProfessor Larned!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d said the rhetoric professor curtly, \u201cand you, if I recall, are Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 This may be how students greet their instructors in Nevada, young man, but it\u2019s not how we do so at Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir; I\u2019m very sorry, sir; I didn\u2019t see you,\u201d Adam babbled.<\/p>\n

Larned gave him a skeptical look.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m large as life, I assure you, Mr. Cartwright, and quite visible to the naked eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, sir.\u00a0 It\u2019s entirely my fault.\u00a0 I was . . . thinking,\u201d Adam said, his voice fading, for even to him the excuse sounded feeble.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout your next recitation, no doubt,\u201d the professor said testily.<\/p>\n

Adam flushed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, sir, but I\u2019m sure I should be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless you wish to return to Nevada soon, I\u2019d advise it,\u201d Larned said gruffly, tipping his hat and passing by them.\u00a0 Unseen by them, a smile twitched at one corner of his mouth as he walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you\u2019ve done it,\u201d Jamie scolded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t give demerits for accidental bumps in the street,\u201d Adam protested.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, he\u2019s not even our teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll have him next term,\u201d Jamie reminded him, \u201cand he\u2019s bound to remember you.\u00a0 Not, I might add, for the eloquence of your rhetoric.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mouth twisted as if he\u2019d eaten a sour lemon.\u00a0 The catalog had listed lectures in rhetoric for the third term.\u00a0 That was only about three months away, so there was little hope that, by then, Professor Larned might have forgotten the lout who\u2019d almost knocked him down.<\/p>\n

They continued on toward George Street, but instead of turning in at the post office to check for mail from home, as he did each afternoon, Adam walked right past the building.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is wrong with you today?\u201d Jamie demanded after pointing out the mistake to his embarrassed friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, there probably isn\u2019t any mail this soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head at the sorry excuse.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve been completely distracted today\u2014in class and out.\u201d\u00a0 He lowered his voice and asked quietly, \u201cCould I help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 You have less experience with love than I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLove!\u201d Jamie squeaked, for his voice still broke when he pushed it.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Allen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm,\u201d Adam affirmed dreamily.\u00a0 \u201cA veritable Venus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, boy,\u201d Jamie moaned.\u00a0 \u201cYou are smitten.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHopelessly,\u201d Adam sighed, \u201cand I don\u2019t even care.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grasped him by the biceps and dragged him up the steps to the post office.\u00a0 \u201cCome on.\u00a0 I\u2019m just praying there is another letter from home.\u00a0 Maybe that will take your mind off the lady\u2019s considerable charms.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOnly if it says that Little Joe is on his way to New Haven again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie rolled his eyes heavenward, as if imploring assistance.\u00a0 Barring that not-to-be-thought-of eventuality, he felt that the responsibility of refocusing Adam\u2019s attention on his studies rested solely on his inadequate shoulders.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It was the incident that happened Wednesday morning that convinced Jamie to enlist help to bring Adam around.\u00a0 When called upon to recite in Wilder Smith\u2019s Latin class, Adam used the verb amare<\/em>, to love, when ardere<\/em>, to burn, was required.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile romantic poets may speak of the flames of love,\u201d the tutor suggested sarcastically, \u201cthat interpretation scarcely fits the context of this passage.\u201d\u00a0 The entire class snickered, for though they bore Adam no particular ill will, they relished seeing one of the giants of the class topple off his pedestal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is getting serious,\u201d Jamie whispered to Lucas and Marcus as they met at the Elm of Assembly, while Adam, at the tutor\u2019s request, remained behind\u2014for a good talking to, the others assumed.\u00a0 \u201cWe have to take him in hand or he\u2019ll soon face rustication.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a corresponding isolation from the fair Miss Allen, which might well prove fatal,\u201d Lucas added with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no laughing matter, Luke!\u201d Jamie said sharply and then twisted his neck to see if Adam had joined them yet.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t, so Jamie asked, \u201cWill you help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI do hate to nip young love in the bud, but in this case, I suppose we must.\u00a0 Yes, I\u2019ll help.\u201d\u00a0 Marcus promised the same.<\/p>\n

Oddly enough, it was Lucas who proved most useful in keeping Adam on the straight and narrow of academic excellence.\u00a0 After Adam had incurred a totally atypical demerit for his performance in mathematics, Lucas took him aside.\u00a0 \u201cHow am I expected to keep my demerit total in check, when you are setting such an abysmal example?\u00a0 You\u2019re supposed to be helping me, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam apologized and promised to do better, but a dig from a sharp elbow whenever he drifted off in dreamy contemplation of a certain fair face provided the strongest encouragement to pay more attention in class, out of sheer respect for his aching ribs.<\/p>\n

Jamie and Marcus took over sentry duty as they walked around campus or through the streets of town, and if Adam appeared to be woolgathering, one of them would call out loudly, \u201cWhy, hello, Mr. Larned!\u201d\u00a0 Fear of again literally running into the rhetoric professor always made Adam jump, so all three of his friends adopted the strategy at will.\u00a0 Adam generally bit their heads off for tricking him, but since they met Professor Larned on his walks about town frequently enough to make the threat real, it always worked.<\/p>\n

Their combined efforts saw Adam through the week, but after they\u2019d eaten the noon meal at the Vultures\u2019 Nest on Saturday, he pointed his long arm at his trio of guardians and barked, \u201cBe gone, the lot of you!\u00a0 I intend to spend the afternoon at the skating pond with Elizabeth, and if I so much as catch one glimpse of any of you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s laugh interrupted his tirade.\u00a0 \u201cWith her there, I think we\u2019re safe from any glimpses thrown our direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean it,\u201d Adam growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry,\u201d Lucas assured him.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t want within ten feet of that; it might be contagious!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cContagious,\u201d Marcus agreed.<\/p>\n

Though Jamie had never met the girl who could take his attention off his books, he nonetheless chimed in, \u201cContagious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes narrowed and his fists clenched.\u00a0 \u201cKeep it up and I might show you what else can become contagious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be besotted again by dinner,\u201d Lucas moaned as Adam stalked off.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s your fault,\u201d Marcus accused.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re the one who told him there were lovely ladies helping at the mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas, however, pointed a condemning finger at Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the one who demanded he go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I certainly don\u2019t have to demand now, do I?\u201d Jamie laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my word, St. James.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t think you capable of such unsanctified scheming,\u201d Lucas said with wide-eyed stare.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a man after my own heart after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHeaven preserve us,\u201d Marcus put in.<\/p>\n

With a smile Jamie corrected, \u201cHeaven preserve Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHeaven and us,\u201d Lucas grunted.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The new school week began with Adam making a more diligent effort to confine his lovesick dreams to non-academic hours.\u00a0 Though nowhere near Lucas\u2019s total, his demerits could not continue to rise at their current rate, without his also having a letter sent home.\u00a0 Contemplating Pa\u2019s reaction was gruesome and a strong incentive to do better, as was the thought of Elizabeth\u2019s disappointment in him if he turned out to be a less sterling specimen than she apparently believed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDreadful weather,\u201d Marcus complained with a shiver as they all headed toward the Vultures\u2019 Nest for supper that evening.<\/p>\n

Adam, however, only smiled at the snow swirling around them.\u00a0 \u201cAll the better for skating this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie groaned.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s lost again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the moment I don\u2019t care,\u201d Lucas declared.\u00a0 \u201cLet him lag behind and leave more victuals for us!\u201d<\/p>\n

Marcus laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI agree!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t let him faint dead away in a snowstorm,\u201d Jamie chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I suppose we wouldn\u2019t want that on our consciences,\u201d Lucas affirmed with a grin.\u00a0 \u00a0He took one of Adam\u2019s elbows, while Jamie hooked the other, and over his protests they hustled him away as Marcus took the lead toward Temple St.<\/p>\n

Depositing him at the door to the Vultures\u2019 dining hall, Lucas inquired with a forbearing tone, \u201cThink you can make it from here, spoopsey?\u201d<\/p>\n

Arms akimbo, Adam blocked their way in.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m warning you . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas just pushed him through the door.\u00a0 \u201cIf you must attack something, let it be your dinner.\u201d\u00a0 Laughing and jostling one another, the four freshmen went inside.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thanks to the timely prodding of Lucas\u2019s elbow, Adam made it through the final recitations of the week with his scholastic honor intact.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, my ribs may never be the same,\u201d he informed his friend after exiting George Nolen\u2019s mathematics class.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re worried about your ribs, you should certainly avoid the skating pond,\u201d Jamie snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll pine away, if he avoids the attractions of the skating pond,\u201d Marcus chimed in as he came up to them at the Elm of Assembly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo long as the three of you avoid them,\u201d Adam warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere now, my good fellow,\u201d Lucas protested.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a public park, and you\u2019ve no right to dictate who can or cannot skate there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d Jamie said quickly, and the others, even Adam, laughed at his eagerness to avoid skating.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would do you good,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand I admit that you all have as much right as I to be there.\u201d\u00a0 Though he still smiled, his face grew flintier.\u00a0 \u201cJust keep your distance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas never knew when to let a matter lie.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s privacy you\u2019re wanting,\u201d he suggested, \u201cthen you should find a shady bower, instead.\u201d\u00a0 He snapped his fingers and added saucily, \u201cOh, that\u2019s right: there isn\u2019t one to be found this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, come on,\u201d Adam chided, having had enough teasing for one day.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get to the Vultures\u2019 Nest so you can stuff your mouth, instead of our unfortunate ears.\u201d<\/p>\n

Enjoying the jest, Lucas threw an arm around Adam\u2019s shoulders, and the two of them led the way toward Temple Street.\u00a0 As they walked, however, Adam found his thoughts drifting dreamily toward a place to enjoy Elizabeth\u2019s sweet company by himself without a score of people skating past them.\u00a0 He shook his head.\u00a0 Lucas was right about one thing: there wasn\u2019t a shady summer bower to be found in New Haven in February.\u00a0 And he could scarcely invite her to sit down in a snow bank and hope to exchange tender words and\u2014dare he hope?\u2014another tender kiss.\u00a0 If he\u2019d had the funds, dinner in a quiet restaurant might have been an option, though still in the public eye.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t, though.\u00a0 He was lucky that Elizabeth owned a pair of skates, so his only expenses for his time with her were the rental of his own skates and the price of two cups of cocoa.<\/p>\n

He still had some of his Christmas money from Pa, so he could manage that, but he\u2019d already had to purchase one new textbook and, looking at the catalog, knew that there\u2019d be more of that sort of expense for the third term, especially if he were allowed to add the course in architectural drawing.\u00a0 Special pencils and drawing paper, skate rental, an occasional bite of divinity or a cup of coffee or cocoa on a cold day.\u00a0 Small expenses, but they all added up.\u00a0 He certainly couldn\u2019t ask Pa for more; he had to be careful.\u00a0 Still, a man could dream, and he spent far too much of his study time gazing out the window, imagining ways to get Elizabeth alone.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From his perch in the gallery with the choir, Adam gazed down with amusement as his classmates scurried into their seats to the music of the final chapel bell on Tuesday morning.\u00a0 The room quieted quickly as the President rose to read the day\u2019s Bible passage, John 3:15.\u00a0 Knowing that Woolsey would read the Scripture again before his brief message, the students barely paid attention.\u00a0 Adam concentrated during the singing of the anthem, always his favorite part of the daily chapel exercises.\u00a0 That duty completed, however, his mind drifted back to pleasant memories of his time with Elizabeth that weekend, only coming out of his reverie when he noticed the hush that had fallen over the room.<\/p>\n

Woolsey gripped the sides of the pulpit with taut fingers, his head down as he stood wordlessly before the student body.\u00a0 Students, their attention drawn by the silence, began to look at one another uncomfortably.\u00a0 Something was wrong, they sensed, and that sensation was confirmed when the President finally began to speak.\u00a0 \u201cToday is a sad day in the life of Yale College,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cOne of our own yesterday afternoon went to his eternal reward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shocked, Adam leaned over the parapet of the gallery, while below, low rumbles rippled down the rows of young men.\u00a0 Who could President Woolsey mean?\u00a0 A teacher?\u00a0 A student?\u00a0 He sent his eyes running down the rows of freshmen.\u00a0 Everyone seemed to be in place, but he couldn\u2019t be sure in the brief time before Woolsey again began to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur beloved Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature, Mr. William Augustus Larned, passed from this mortal coil as he was returning home from his customary walk yesterday,\u201d the President continued.\u00a0 An audible gasp rose from the front pews of the central aisle, where the seniors sat.\u00a0 They had known Mr. Larned longer than the other students, and they were obviously shaken.<\/p>\n

Many of the students\u2019 faces reflected genuine grief, while others still seemed in shock.\u00a0 Only the freshmen had never sat under Professor Larned\u2019s teaching, but even they were affected by the raw emotions palpable around them.\u00a0 Turning to practical concerns, Woolsey said, \u201cMr. Hutchison and Mr. Whitney will cover Mr. Larned\u2019s classes today and tomorrow.\u00a0 All classes will be dismissed on Thursday afternoon, in order that those of you who wish may attend the memorial service at the Center Church on the Green.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then, as was his custom, the President again read his text and made a few remarks about the blessing of eternal life, reminding the students that \u2018We sorrow not as others who have no hope\u2019 and that those who chose the path of salvation would see Mr. Larned again.\u00a0 He closed by asking the students to stand and pray with him for the comfort of the Larned family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe he\u2019s gone,\u201d Jamie said as the quartet of freshmen walked toward their first recitation.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 As freshmen, none of them had known Professor Larned well, but as President Woolsey had said, he was part of the Yale family, and it would seem strange not to see him walking about town or to hear his friends call out the man\u2019s name to jolt him back from his dreams of Elizabeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny of you plan to attend the services?\u201d Marcus asked just before he split away to go to his class.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cI always enjoyed his messages, the Sundays he spoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t make the same claim, as he had thought Larned\u2019s sermons rather dry, but he said that he\u2019d go, as well, out of respect for both the teacher and his old friend.\u00a0 Marcus, of course, agreed to accompany Jamie, as well, and rather than be left out, Lucas decided to join them.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As it turned out, Adam had no choice but to attend Professor Larned\u2019s memorial service, for the Beethoven Society had been requested to sing. \u00a0Wednesday evening\u2019s rehearsal was spent in preparation.\u00a0 One of the songs came from their established repertoire, but the second was a favorite of Professor Larned\u2019s.\u00a0 Most of the choir had sung the anthem before, but not since Adam had joined them, and he was completely unfamiliar with it.\u00a0 \u201cIt has to be sung from memory, and I only have one night to conquer it,\u201d he bemoaned to his friends when they met at dinner afterwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your memory is so poor,\u201d Lucas scoffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have complete confidence in you,\u201d Jamie assured him.<\/p>\n

Adam, however, did not share that confidence, so he insisted on singing the song to them all the way from the Vultures\u2019 Nest to Alumni Hall for the Brothers in Unity meeting.\u00a0 Jamie was treated to the same vocal recital all the way home, too, and everywhere he went with Adam the following morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cI keep falling into the melody, when I\u2019m supposed to be harmonizing,\u201d Adam lamented as he and Jamie were changing clothes after dinner on Thursday, in preparation for the service.\u00a0 His countenance brightened.\u00a0 \u201cYou should know the tune by now.\u00a0 You sing that, so I can concentrate on my part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have your voice,\u201d Jamie protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cYou can carry a perfectly acceptable tune, and you have a sweet tone.\u00a0 Besides, this is only for rehearsal purposes, and I really need the help.\u201d<\/p>\n

That, of course, was precisely the right tack to take with Jamie, who felt that he had often leaned on Adam\u2019s help and was glad to return the favor.\u00a0 He took the sheet of music that Adam had been permitted to borrow and sang as best he could, while Adam harmonized.\u00a0 \u201cThat was perfect,\u201d Jamie assured his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot quite.\u201d Adam shook his head in disgust at the time or two he\u2019d hit just under the right pitch.\u00a0 \u201cAnd Herr Stoeckel does demand perfection.\u00a0 Once more?\u201d he pleaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce,\u201d Jamie said firmly, \u201cand then we have to leave.\u00a0 I presume Herr Stoeckel frowns on walking into a funeral already in progress?\u201d<\/p>\n

Panicked, Adam checked his watch, breathed a sigh of relief and agreed that they only had time for one more try.\u00a0 \u201cBut we can sing all the way to the church,\u201d he suggested brightly to Jamie\u2019s audible groan.<\/p>\n

They sang the song through once, but citing Adam\u2019s need to conserve his voice, Jamie flatly refused to do it en route.\u00a0 He looked at the overcast sky as they walked toward the Green and said in a hushed tone, \u201cHeaven is weeping.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam frowned slightly at what he considered an overly romanticized view.\u00a0 Heaven hadn\u2019t wept for Marie, and she was surely as deserving as Professor Larned, good man though he undoubtedly was.\u00a0 Inger had gotten even shorter shrift with her hurried trailside burial, and he had no idea what his mother\u2019s funeral service had been like.\u00a0 It was not a question he\u2019d ever felt he could bring up with Pa, fearful, perhaps, that somehow his infant needs had deprived her of the honor she\u2019d merited, just as his birth had deprived her of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are you all right?\u201d Jamie asked, having noticed his friend\u2019s solemn countenance.<\/p>\n

Adam forced a smile to his lips.\u00a0 \u201cFine\u2014just a bit worried about remembering the words,\u201d he added as explanation for his introspection.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be perfect, as always,\u201d Jamie assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways?\u00a0 Tell Herr Stoeckel that, please,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI would like to get through one rehearsal without a correction of some word, note or tone I\u2019ve abused.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie gave his friend\u2019s shoulder a shove.\u00a0 \u201cI believe \u2018caressed\u2019 is the word you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the same way you just caressed my shoulder,\u201d Adam scoffed, \u201cbut I\u2019ll try to give the notes a little more tender touch today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both boys sobered as they walked up the steps of Center Church.\u00a0 Jamie spotted Lucas and Marcus and made his way toward them, while Adam joined the choir.\u00a0 He breathed a sigh of relief when they finished their anthem.\u00a0 He\u2019d remembered all the words to the new song, and had been able to rely on those in his section more familiar with the harmony part whenever he felt uncertain of a note.\u00a0 He thought they had done well, and the best confirmation of that was the simple nod of approval with which Stoeckel favored them as they sat down.<\/p>\n

President Woolsey rose to present the sermon on the life and service of William Augustus Larned.\u00a0 Adam found his attention wandering as the professor\u2019s illustrious rise from Yale student to tutor to minister to full professor was recounted.\u00a0 He grew more alert, however, when Woolsey talked about the day of Larned\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe died as he lived,\u201d Woolsey declared, \u201cin the service of others.\u201d\u00a0 Then he recounted how the professor had gone out on that snowy afternoon to visit a poor woman who had been hired to care for the home of an absent friend.\u00a0 Ever the teacher, Larned had listened to the Sunday school lessons of her children and was returning home when an attack on his brain caused him to lose consciousness and fall on the track of the railroad.\u00a0 \u201cA teacher and a man of God can ask nothing better than to be active in his calling until the final moments of his life and to depart in the sure and certain knowledge of a warm welcome in heaven,\u201d Woolsey concluded.\u00a0 \u201cCan there be a higher goal for any life?\u201d<\/p>\n

The choir sang once more, and then everyone present filed past the family to offer their condolences.\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t imagine what he could say that would be of any comfort to her, but he remembered after Marie\u2019s loss that it wasn\u2019t the words people said that brought comfort.\u00a0 He\u2019d long since forgotten their exact words, but the touch of caring hands and the love they conveyed lingered long past the moments of actual contact.<\/p>\n

He needn\u2019t have worried, for when he approached Mrs. Larned, she extended her hand and said, \u201cMr. Cartwright, how good of you to come today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared at her, dumbfounded at her use of his name, and instead of offering any appropriate response, simply blurted out the first thing that came to mind, \u201cI had to.\u201d\u00a0 Then he flushed furiously and apologized, explaining hastily, \u201cI mean, I would have come anyway, out of respect for Mr. Larned, even if the choir weren\u2019t singing, but I didn\u2019t know him well, and I\u2019m sure he was barely aware of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Larned laughed lightly.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I\u2019m well aware of you, Mr. Cartwright, as was my husband.\u00a0 Music is a particular interest of mine, and we often attended Sunday services at the chapel, specifically to hear the choir.\u00a0 I know a good voice when I hear one and, therefore, noticed yours and inquired your name from Mr. Stoeckel, whom I\u2019ve known since he first came to New Haven.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam blushed again, not only at the praise, but at the realization that his voice must have stuck out in the choir\u2019s songs.\u00a0 Blend again, his nemesis\u2014and she knew Herr Stoeckel personally!\u00a0 Adam suppressed a groan at the thought of his music teacher\u2019s reaction to her well-intended notice of his voice.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m truly sorry for your loss,\u201d he was finally able to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Mrs. Larned replied simply and with a smile turned toward the next person in line.<\/p>\n

He joined his three friends outside and grasped Jamie\u2019s arm in an iron grip.\u00a0 \u201cHeaven help me,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeaven always does,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

He quickly told them about Mrs. Larned\u2019s compliment to his singing and then moaned, \u201cI\u2019m doomed.\u00a0 Not only did I make a buffoon of myself in front of a grieving widow, but she\u2019s already told Herr Stoeckel that my voice sticks out like a sore thumb.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are being ridiculous,\u201d Jamie chided.\u00a0 \u201cIn the first place, she said no such thing, and even if she had, that was undoubtedly weeks, even months ago, when she first noticed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Marcus chimed in.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Adam conceded, and a small bubble of hope rose within him.\u00a0 \u201cI have been doing better, I think\u2014at least, no recent lectures . . . so\u201d\u2014he drew out the word, allowing that bubble of hope to expand\u2014\u201cyes, maybe you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we ever not?\u201d Lucas teased, ducking when Adam swung a half-hearted fist in the general direction of his chin.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The following Tuesday Adam was just finishing his hot breakfast when Robert Raines leaned across the corner of the table to hand him a folded copy of the New York Times<\/em>.\u00a0 \u201cThis should interest you western lads,\u201d the senior said as he pointed to a short article.<\/p>\n

Jamie pressed in close to read along with Adam.\u00a0 \u201cOh, that is good news,\u201d he said, but then he snickered.\u00a0 \u201cNot that you\u2019ll need it anytime soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo true,\u201d Adam said with a wry smile.\u00a0 Of course, he was glad that the bridges along the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad were now repaired and operational, but as Jamie had said, he wouldn\u2019t be traveling that way again for almost four years.\u00a0 \u201cDo you suppose you\u2019ll ever need that railroad again?\u201d he asked Jamie as they walked toward the college a little later, with Lucas and Marcus tagging after.\u00a0 \u201cI mean, do you think\u00a0 you and your father will go back to St. Joe once the war is over?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie pursed his lips studiously.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u00a0 St. Joe still feels like home, but four years is a long time.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Adam and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose I\u2019ll go wherever God calls me, and right now I have no idea where that might be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I suggested once before, we could always make you the resident parson of the Ponderosa,\u201d Adam teased.\u00a0 \u201cI can offer you a small, but certifiably heathen congregation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cSomehow I doubt that!\u00a0 I remember your father, and I doubt that any household he heads could be \u2018certifiably heathen\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but you haven\u2019t met my little brothers,\u201d Adam pointed out with twitching lips.<\/p>\n

Jamie stroked his chin with his index finger.\u00a0 \u201cTrue, and that youngest one did manage to thoroughly garble the Christmas sermon, according to your father\u2019s letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Behind them, Lucas and Marcus, who had been told the story of Little Joe\u2019s adventurous trek after the wise men, burst out laughing.<\/p>\n

Adam groaned.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t remind me!\u00a0 When I think what could have happened . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it didn\u2019t,\u201d Jamie put in quickly.\u00a0 \u201cBe thankful for that and trust God for the future, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd pray earnestly that a certain small heathen\u2019s guardian angels don\u2019t fall asleep on their never-ending job!\u201d Adam snorted as they arrived at the chapel steps.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sprawled on the bed, stocking feet aimed toward the ceiling, Jamie had his nose buried in a red-brown periodical with a full-length portrait of Governor Yale on its cover.\u00a0 Having stopped by the College Bookstore at 34 South Middle, to pick up his and Adam\u2019s subscription to the Yale Literary Magazine<\/em>, he had thereby earned the right to first peek at its contents.\u00a0 He had turned first to the end of the issue to read the account of Professor Larned\u2019s death and funeral and continued on to the Editor\u2019s Table, which always offered an amusing look at college life.\u00a0 He was smiling at the witty barbs, when one in particular made him ominously mutter, \u201cUh-oh.\u201d\u00a0 He immediately bit his lip, but Adam had heard.<\/p>\n

Busy putting the finishing touches on another architectural sketch for Mr. Bracebridge, Adam glanced up and caught the rueful pucker of his roommate\u2019s mouth.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d he demanded.\u00a0 \u201cWhat could there possibly be in the Lit<\/em>. capable of producing such a dour aspect on a lowly freshman\u2019s face?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, nothing,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 He paused dramatically and said in a portentous whisper, \u201cUnless he\u2019s a member of the choir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sprang from his chair and snatched the magazine from his friend\u2019s hands.\u00a0 \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie pointed to the troublesome paragraph, and Adam scanned the lines with mounting misery.\u00a0 He read the conclusion aloud: \u201cThe efforts of most of the choir to out-sing each other merits our candid approval.\u201d\u00a0 With a groan he flopped down on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s\u2014um\u2014an interesting article on John Keats,\u201d Jamie offered.\u00a0 He winced as Adam fixed him with a baleful glare.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, don\u2019t worry,\u201d he urged.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Stoeckel probably doesn\u2019t even read the Lit<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled.\u00a0 \u201cCare to bet?\u201d\u00a0 Herr Stoeckel struck him as the type of man who noticed everything.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t bet,\u201d Jamie reminded him, \u201cbut\u2014well\u2014didn\u2019t you say you\u2019d been doing better with your blend?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so,\u201d Adam sighed, raking his hand through his hair, \u201cbut having been told twice in a week that my voice is, to put it generously, noticeable\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lit<\/em>. doesn\u2019t mention you,\u201d Jamie interrupted sharply with a rare display of impatience.\u00a0 \u201cReally, Adam, it\u2019s the height of conceit to assume that you\u2019re the choir member meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cracked a short, gasping laugh, and then his face eased into a genuine grin.\u00a0 \u201cOuch,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, I didn\u2019t mean . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam silenced his apology with an upraised palm.\u00a0 \u201cNo, no . . . guilty as charged.\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThe trouble is, Herr Stoeckel will rant at the lot of us as if we were all responsible for that comment.\u00a0 For the first time since I joined the Beethoven Society, I am definitely dreading tonight\u2019s rehearsal.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell, was it as grisly as you feared?\u201d Jamie whispered as Adam slid into the seat next to him at the Vultures\u2019 supper table.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery nearly,\u201d Adam returned in an undertone.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t wrong about the rant, but at least he didn\u2019t single me out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone else?\u201d Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

Adam answered with a silent nod and turned his attention to his steaming bowl of clam chowder.\u00a0 He considered himself lucky not to have been the focus of that rant.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t quite as thunderous as one of Ben Cartwright\u2019s best, but it had definitely inspired him to try even harder to improve his singing.<\/p>\n

~ ~ ~ ~Notes~ ~ ~ ~<\/p>\n

Irene Battell Larned, wife of the professor who died in this chapter, established the first endowment for music at Yale.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO<\/p>\n

Gentlemen and Scholars<\/p>\n

Lucas whooped and threw his hat into the air as the freshmen poured down the steps.\u00a0 \u201cThree cheers for Adam Cartwright!\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don’t be ridiculous,\u201d Adam scolded.\u00a0 \u201cI’m pleased to serve, but it’s a small office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to us,\u201d Jamie insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, choosing the debate topics for the society is vitally important,\u201d Marcus declared.<\/p>\n

Lucas laughed. \u00a0\u201cEspecially since you haven’t taken your turn at debating yet.\u201d \u00a0He leaned close to Adam’s ear and said in a stage whisper, \u201cPick an easy topic for the lad, won’t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the hardest I can think of for you,\u201d Adam promised with a wicked grin.<\/p>\n

Lucas scowled, turning his gaze on Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose I must forgive him for such sauce?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must,\u201d Jamie intoned solemnly.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, as a penance, I think you should hoist him on your shoulders\u2014we’ll help\u2014and carry him in honor from the scene of his triumph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re Protestant, remember?\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cYou don’t practice the levying of penances.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grinned.\u00a0 \u201cBut I do practice giving honor where honor is due.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t you dare!\u201d Adam ordered, but the other three had already taken hold of his legs and were lifting him up. \u00a0\u201cPut me down!\u201d he demanded.\u00a0 \u201cIf you must honor someone, pick on Morse; he’s the new president of the Brothers in Unity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t give them ideas, Cartwright,\u201d called Richard Morse himself, who was passing by at that moment.\u00a0 Some of his friends, however, agreed that their highest officer should be shown, at least, as much honor as someone of lower position, and soon the protesting president was being born aloft across the campus.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee what you’ve started,\u201d Adam scolded.\u00a0 \u201cNow, put me down!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we should,\u201d Jamie chuckled, as the trio lowered him to the ground, \u201cand since we want you to live to celebrate your birthday tomorrow, we’ll even do it gently.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marcus and Jamie tried to set him down gently, as promised, but Lucas, struck by a vital piece of new information, just let go.\u00a0 The result was a virtual collapse, since the other two boys were both slighter and less well muscled than Adam.\u00a0 \u201cBirthday? Tomorrow?\u201d Lucas demanded.\u00a0 \u201cWhy have you kept this a secret, spoopsey?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn’t,\u201d Adam protested, standing and dusting off his trousers.\u00a0 \u201cJust didn’t have any reason to advertise it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo reason!\u201d Lucas barked.\u00a0 \u201cHow are we to mount a celebration if you keep it to yourself, sir?\u00a0 I ask you that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u201cThe only celebration I anticipate is a chapel service and three recitations.\u00a0 No time off for good behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPathetic,\u201d Lucas declared with a roll of his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cShall we let the occasion pass in such base depravity, gentlemen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever!\u201d Marcus proclaimed, while Jamie shrugged.\u00a0 He would have relished a true celebration of the occasion, of course, but his perennially empty pockets vetoed any idea he could come up with, other than the same small gift Adam had given him on his own birthday.<\/p>\n

Lucas saw the shrug and immediately guessed the problem.\u00a0 \u201cListen, there\u2019s a great place on Wooster Street that an upperclassman told me about.\u00a0 Let\u2019s meet there tomorrow evening and sample their fare\u2014my treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam protested. \u201cIt’s generous, Luke, but not fair to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot fair at all,\u201d Jamie agreed, and Marcus nodded mute concurrence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s not fair,\u201d Lucas insisted, staring at Jamie, \u201cis your depriving me of a good time, just because you’re squeamish about strong drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat isn’t it,\u201d Jamie protested. \u00a0\u201cI don’t drink, but I wouldn’t stop the rest of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProve it,\u201d Lucas challenged.<\/p>\n

\u201cLuke,\u201d Adam said, laying a hand on his shoulder, \u201cthat isn’t the reason, and you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Lucas admitted in fairness, \u201cbut the real reason isn’t valid, either.\u00a0 So what if I have more ready cash than you?\u00a0 Birthday gifts aren’t meant to be repaid, you know, just accepted with gladness of heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, Jamie and Marcus exchanged questioning glances, and finally Adam smiled at the fourth boy.\u00a0 \u201cYou’re right.\u00a0 Maybe someday I’ll have the funds to treat you on a special occasion, but for now I’ll accept your gift with the same gladness of heart with which it’s given.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s the spirit!\u201d Lucas cried.\u00a0 \u201cMeet me on the Green at eight tomorrow night, and I’ll lead the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As he and Jamie waited on the Green the following night, Adam huddled inside his wool coat.\u00a0 Though the sun had shone all day, the temperature had been barely above freezing, and now that night had fallen, it was even lower.\u00a0 \u201cWe’ll have snow by morning,\u201d he predicted.<\/p>\n

\u201cSooner than that,\u201d Jamie prophesied.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust our luck,\u201d Adam admitted with a wry grin.\u00a0 \u201cYou may wish you were a drinker by the time we get to this tavern Luke’s picked out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI may be frozen, but I’ll stick to my convictions, thank you.\u00a0 I hope they serve coffee, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’ll soon find out.\u201d\u00a0 Adam pointed down the street.\u00a0 \u201cHere they come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas and Marcus trotted up to meet them, both reiterating their congratulations to Adam on his nineteenth year.\u00a0 \u201cNow, for a fine feast and a tankard of warming ale,\u201d Lucas promised as he led them down Court Street toward the harbor.\u00a0 They didn’t go that far, but they were close enough to feel the wind off the water, and by the time they entered Moriarty’s Tavern, they all felt thoroughly chilled.<\/p>\n

It was an unpretentious place, but the atmosphere was welcoming.\u00a0 From behind the bar, the proprietor, Frank Moriarty, greeted them and suggested a pint of ale to warm their innards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’ll have three,\u201d Lucas said, adding as he turned to Jamie, \u201cunless you’ve<\/p>\n

changed your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head. \u00a0“Do you have coffee, sir\u2014or tea?” \u00a0He’d noticed the man’s English accent and thought that tea might be the likelier choice on this menu.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhichever you wish, lad,\u201d Moriarty said, \u201cthough we’ll have to brew the tea.\u00a0 Don’t get much call for it here.”<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee, please,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we’d like a table,\u201d Lucas added. \u00a0\u201cWe plan to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEat?\u201d Jamie squeaked as they moved toward the table the proprietor had pointed out. \u00a0\u201cHow can you eat again after the supper we had at the Vultures\u2019 Nest?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it’s easy,\u201d Lucas assured him with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy,\u201d Marcus agreed, nudging Jamie with his elbow.<\/p>\n

\u201cDecidedly easy,\u201d Adam put in. \u00a0\u201cI’m a growing boy\u2014and you should be.\u201d \u00a0They all chuckled, those close enough poking Jamie\u2019s rail-thin ribs with sharp elbows.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, stop it,\u201d he protested. \u00a0\u201cIt’s Adam\u2019s birthday; save your kind attention for him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot!\u201d Adam laughed.<\/p>\n

When Frank Moriarty served them their drinks, three pewter mugs of brown ale and one cup of steaming coffee, he asked if they’d decided what they wanted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s on the menu?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

The Englishman chuckled. \u00a0\u201cYour first visit, is it? \u00a0Aye, I didn’t remember seeing you before. \u00a0The food\u2019s simple, but hearty. \u00a0You can have grilled sardines or eggs on toast, but our specialty is Welsh rarebit; and if you’re hungrier than that, try our Golden Buck. That\u2019s the rarebit with a poached egg on top.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s for me,\u201d Lucas declared enthusiastically, \u201cand the coffee-drinking lad will have that, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Jamie protested. \u00a0\u201cReally, that\u2019s too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour bones need padding,\u201d Lucas insisted, \u201cand, Adam, as the birthday boy, you should definitely have the best the house can offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo argument here,\u201d Adam agreed. \u00a0\u201cGolden Buck for me, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ll have the rarebit plain,\u201d Marcus said. \u00a0\u201cEggs sound too much like breakfast.\u201d\u00a0 The others hooted at that idea, but let him have what he wanted.<\/p>\n

The food was delivered shortly by Moriarty’s wife and almost as quickly devoured by the three boys, in spite of the filling supper they\u2019d consumed only two hours before. \u00a0Lucas leaned back, patting his stomach. \u00a0\u201cThat was prime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed, it was!\u201d Jamie enthused. \u00a0\u201cI think that would have cured my cold quicker than either Dr. Haversham\u2019s tonic or Mrs. Wiggins\u2019 gruel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ought to, with all that ale in it!\u201d Lucas chortled. \u00a0\u201cNow, if you’d just learn to take it straight . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t tease him,\u201d Adam said. \u00a0To Jamie, he added, \u201cThe alcohol cooks out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Jamie laughed, \u201cbecause I could become a connoisseur of Golden Buck\u2014if only I had the cash to support the habit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could, too,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Luke, for a very special treat on my birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure,\u201d said their host, \u201cand I\u2019ll hear no more on the subject. \u00a0Another ale for the road?\u201d<\/p>\n

The offer was eagerly accepted, except by Jamie, who declined even another cup of coffee, lest it keep him awake. \u00a0When the others had finished their drinks, the quartet of friends left, with promises to Mr. Moriarty to return. \u00a0Arm locked in arm, they walked back to the Green through the falling snowflakes and parted with final calls of \u201cHappy birthday, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been . . . thanks to you,\u201d Adam called back. \u00a0He threw an arm around Jamie\u2019s slim shoulders as they hurried back toward George Street. \u00a0\u201cYou were right about the snow,\u201d he said. \u00a0\u201cBy morning we’ll be walking through a carpet of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but still warmed to the bones by the bonds of friendship,\u201d Jamie returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Golden Buck!\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

Laughing, they headed back to the boardinghouse, unaware, as was most of the country, that far to the south, in the highest home of the nation, the chill of something colder than snow was hovering near. \u00a0When dawn came and the rest of the country began its celebration of Washington\u2019s birthday, the first family was, instead, mourning the death of young Willie Lincoln. \u00a0Most sympathized with the President’s “affliction,” as the newspapers termed it, but in a few homes, mothers and fathers who had lost sons to the gaping maw of War, though shamed by the thought, felt it poetic justice for the Commander-in-Chief to share the same grief that wrenched their hearts.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In chapel on Monday, prayers were said for the Lincoln family, who would be burying their young son that afternoon, but after the moment of solemnity, it was business as usual at Yale. \u00a0The President\u2019s loss hit Adam, perhaps, harder than most, as he couldn\u2019t help realizing that young Willie was eleven, the same age as Hoss, and Adam had seen loss often enough and recently enough to know that tragedy could strike without warning and leave devastating grief in its wake. \u00a0To think, as he momentarily did, that it could strike Hoss\u2014or Joe or Pa, death being no respecter of youth or age\u2014while he was away, too far even to make it home for the funeral, was troubling. \u00a0Like the other students, however, he was soon caught up in the routine of recitations and college activities.<\/p>\n

Adam worked diligently during the week, having finally determined that weekends with Elizabeth could be savored more fully if nothing were left hanging over his head. \u00a0He longed to take her to dinner and the theater, as she had hinted a few times, but all he could afford was trips to the skating pond, followed by a cup of cocoa. \u00a0Even that stretched his resources further than was comfortable, but it seemed ungracious not to offer her at least that much. \u00a0Of course, Sundays were still spent at the mission, and they were a trial at times, when the youngsters demonstrated a distinct lack of appetite for instruction.\u00a0 However, Adam felt amply rewarded by the chance to walk Elizabeth home and hold her mittened hand. \u00a0So far, nothing more than a chaste kiss at her door had followed, but even that seemed like the nectar of the gods to Adam.<\/p>\n

What he\u2019d do once the weather improved, he wasn’t sure. \u00a0Picnics, perhaps, or long strolls through the woods. \u00a0As February gave way to March, however, sunny days seemed far away. \u00a0There were a few, but most days were cloudy and overcast, at best; and while the daytime temperatures were consistently above freezing, nighttime lows were as consistently below, and rain or snow still inundated them every few days.<\/p>\n

On Monday, March 10th, Adam and Jamie arrived for breakfast at the Vultures\u2019 Nest in expectation of the usual grousing about the weather, but the room rippled with excitement as heads bent in avid perusal of the morning newspaper. \u00a0\u201cWhat’s happened?\u201d Adam called.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaval battle at Hampton Roads,\u201d Milton Bradford called.<\/p>\n

\u201cClash of the ironclads,\u201d the more poetic junior, James Goodman announced. \u00a0\u201cThe Monitor defeated the Merrimac.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alexander White shook his head, though a smile touched his lips. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s against our rules, but I suppose nothing will suffice but hearing it read over breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHear, hear,\u201d his senior cohort Robert Raines chimed in his encouragement.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot by me,\u201d George MiIler declared. \u00a0\u201cI want to eat my breakfast!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet one of the freshmen read it,\u201d Edgar Warington suggested with a snide curl of his upper lip. \u00a0\u201cThey undoubtedly need the practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

White silenced the roar of outrage that met the sophomore\u2019s taunt and then turned to Adam with a smile. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m sure you don\u2019t need the practice, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he said, \u201cbut you have a pleasant speaking voice, so I wonder if you\u2019d mind doing the honors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave the senior a slight bow. \u00a0\u201cIt would be my pleasure.\u201d \u00a0Eagerly, he took the paper and began to read, \u201c\u2018Fortress Monroe, Saturday, March 8. \u00a0The dullness of Old Point was startled today by the announcement that a suspicious looking vessel; supposed to be the Merrimac<\/em>, looking like a submerged house, with the roof only above water, was moving down from Norfolk. . . .\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

With mounting excitement he read of the engagement of three Confederate vessels against the Union ships, the Cumberland<\/em> and the Congress<\/em>. \u00a0The wooden ships were no match for the ironclad Merrimac<\/em>; and after running the Cumberland<\/em> aground, the Merrimac<\/em> had captured the other Union ship. \u00a0Night fell, however, before the Confederate ironclad could return to finish off the Cumberland<\/em>. \u00a0The dim hopes for that sailing ship\u2019s survival changed entirely when the Union’s new ironclad, the Monitor<\/em>, arrived that night, and a five-hour battle the next day saw the Confederate’s Merrimac<\/em> limp away from harbor, defeated by the much smaller, but more maneuverable Monitor<\/em>.<\/p>\n

After reading the account of the naval engagement, Adam continued with a description of the Monitor\u2019s<\/em> construction, but when he came to the list of the vessel\u2019s specifications, Edgar Warington said, \u201cOh, bother that nonsense. \u00a0It\u2019s only the results that matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up, startled. \u00a0\u201cAren\u2019t you interested in how those results were achieved?\u201d he asked. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m just getting to the engineering of the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Warington snorted. \u00a0\u201cDo I look like a Scientif? \u00a0Of course, Cartwright, I\u2019ve always suspected you belonged in Sheffield, rather than with the scholars and gentlemen of Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

A hush fell over the table, for while it was not considered a disgrace to attend the Sheffield Scientific branch of the college, a certain stigma hung over the students who sought to put their education to practical use in the more mechanical fields.\u00a0 Everyone recognized that the sophomore had fully intended to insult the freshman by stating that he belonged there, as well as insinuating that Adam was no gentleman. \u00a0\u201cI believe that will be quite enough,\u201d White said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly as I said,\u201d Warington smirked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t referring to the article,\u201d the steward declared tersely. \u00a0\u201cHowever, I think we\u2019ve imposed on Mr. Cartwright\u2019s good nature long enough. \u00a0Please eat your breakfast before it grows stone cold, Mr. Cartwright, and I\u2019ll be glad to let you take the newspaper with you, so that you may further your interest in the engineering of the Monitor<\/em>. \u00a0Would anyone like to have it after Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

At first no one responded, perhaps wishing to maintain their own status as \u201cscholars and gentlemen of Yale.\u201d \u00a0Then Robert Raines, whose reputation as a senior was strong enough to withstand any such slur, said that he would appreciate reading the rest of the article after Adam. \u00a0\u201cIn my time at Yale,\u201d he said pointedly, \u201cI have observed that those who cultivate learning in many fields fare best in their chosen one.\u201d \u00a0The two juniors both made a point of commending Adam for his fine reading, while the sophomores found that emptying their plates required all their gentlemanly attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve had about all of that Warington I can take,\u201d Adam fumed as the freshmen hurried toward chapel after the meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud of you, Adam, for holding your temper,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled with exasperation. \u00a0\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be, if you could read my uncharitable and unrepentant mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed. \u00a0\u201cAll the more reason for pride, then, that you held it in.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a shrug and a grin Adam let his friend win the point.<\/p>\n

\u201cSt. James, you are beyond belief,\u201d Lucas declared with a jab in the ribs, but there was warm respect in his gaze, which also took in Adam. \u00a0There was a time when he would have volunteered to bash in the sophomore\u2019s thick skull himself if the others were too craven or too sanctified, but though he scarcely realized it himself, Adam\u2019s and Jamie\u2019s more reasoned responses were tempering his own hot head.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 March continued much as it had begun, although as the days flew past, they were more frequently rainy than snowy. \u00a0The students made their regular rounds of recitation, meals and society meetings, with the addition of rehearsals with the Beethoven Society and stolen afternoons with Elizabeth for Adam. \u00a0When the ice was no longer safe for skating, they resorted to walks through the elm-canopied streets or the cemetery, although a petulant pout often graced the girl\u2019s lips when muddy water splashed her hemline.\u00a0 Almost before they knew it, however, reviews for second term exams began, and even time with Elizabeth had to give way to that. \u00a0Adam was determined to stand near the top of his class . . . for her, for Pa and, perhaps the greatest motivation of all, for his own self-respect.<\/p>\n

On the final day of their Latin review, a messenger arrived, requesting that the gentlemen whose names he called follow him. \u00a0Tutor Smith nodded his permission and continued on with the review, while about a dozen students, Jamie among them, filed out of the room, looking totally bewildered. \u00a0Fifteen minutes later they returned and took their seats, the tutor making no more of their return than their departure, and a second dozen young men were asked to leave with their escort.\u00a0 \u201cWhat’s going on?\u201d Adam whispered out the side of his mouth to Lucas, often a good source of information on college activities.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo clue,\u201d Lucas muttered back, \u201cbut St. James doesn\u2019t look upset. \u00a0Can\u2019t be anything bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cameron,\u201d Wilder Smith said loudly, \u201cdid you have a question regarding this passage from Livy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no, sir, not about that,\u201d the hapless Lucas stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is the only topic presently under discussion, Mr. Cameron,\u201d the tutor said firmly without the slightest trace of the humor he felt, \u201cand considering your average in this class, I would recommend that you give it your undivided attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea, sir,\u201d Lucas said, sitting up straighter and giving his best imitation of a diligent scholar.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent,\u201d Tutor Smith said, and a smile finally touched his lips. \u00a0\u201cDo that with all areas of endeavor, and I can assure you that all will be revealed to you at the appropriate time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sorely tempted to roll his eyes, Lucas, instead, nodded in submission. \u00a0Adam flicked him an apologetic look, for he felt that it was his question that had led his friend astray. \u00a0At least, the tutor hadn\u2019t assessed another demerit.<\/p>\n

Finally, the second group of Latin students returned, and the third dozen called included Adam, but not Lucas. \u00a0\u201cAll will be revealed at the appropriate time,\u201d Lucas quipped under his breath as his seatmate stood, and Adam nodded his promise to reveal the mystery when he returned. \u00a0He followed the senior down the hall and up the stairs to the third floor.<\/p>\n

They entered a recitation room there, where one of the senior tutors was waiting for them. \u201cWelcome, young gentlemen,\u201d the tutor said, \u201cand congratulations.\u201d \u00a0Seeing their bewildered looks, he laughed. \u00a0\u201cHaven\u2019t you guessed? \u00a0Today you matriculate and become full-fledged students of Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looks and sighs of relief met this announcement that their probationary period had ended; then the tutor continued, \u201cIt\u2019s a simple ceremony. \u00a0I will read the oath, and if you agree to abide by it, you\u2019ll sign this book.\u201d \u00a0He pointed to a table at his right hand.\u00a0 \u201cReady, gentlemen?\u201d \u00a0Being assured that they were, he read, \u201c\u2018I promise on condition of being admitted as a member of Yale College, on my faith and honor, to obey all the laws and regulations of this college; particularly that I will faithfully avoid intemperance, profanity, gaming, and all indecent, disorderly behavior, and disrespectful conduct to the faculty and all combinations to resist their authority; as witness my hand.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

One by one, the students signed the book. \u00a0After Adam had written his name neatly, he hesitantly asked the senior tutor, \u201cPlease, sir, can you tell me what happens to the students who didn\u2019t matriculate this time?\u201d \u00a0Since that last freshman-sophomore rush, he\u2019d known that Lucas had too many demerits to matriculate, but didn\u2019t understand what could be done to change that.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, nothing,\u201d the tutor responded.\u00a0 \u201c\u2018They continue with their studies, as before, and when they\u2019ve earned the honor, they, too, will matriculate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen they\u2019ve lowered their demerit tally, for instance?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely,\u201d the older man said and then asked softly, \u201cA friend?\u201d\u00a0 At Adam\u2019s nod, he said, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry. \u00a0Only about two-thirds of the class will matriculate this first time. \u00a0Unless your friend is a persistent troublemaker or a true dunderhead, he\u2019s sure to follow . . . \u00a0eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thanked him and hurried back to class, although only minutes remained. \u00a0He didn\u2019t want to miss any of the review, for exams would begin within a week. \u00a0As he slid into his seat, he whispered, \u201cTell you later\u201d to Lucas, and as soon as class ended, he did.<\/p>\n

\u201cFigured it might be that,\u201d Lucas said with a shrug, \u201cwhen I saw whose names didn\u2019t get called, namely us ne\u2019er-do-wells.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing much better of late, though,\u201d Jamie encouraged. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll matriculate with the next group.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI plan to,\u201d Lucas said and then he groaned. \u00a0\u201cHate to hear what Pater<\/em> will say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell him you have a group of friends who\u2019ve taken you in hand,\u201d Adam suggested, \u201cand assure him that you\u2019re already improving and intend to continue to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might work,\u201d Lucas said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe truth always works best with my pa,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt that yours is much different.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas shrugged, belying the concern he felt. \u00a0\u201cOh, well. \u00a0If ever I needed a good workout at the gym, it\u2019s now. \u00a0With me, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 Back home, he\u2019d often seen the value of sweating out his troubles over a pile of kindling, and he figured swinging a set of Indian clubs would garner the same benefit for his friend.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Moriarty\u2019s Tavern, affectionately known as Mory\u2019s to Yale students, was discovered by the Class of 1863, and became a popular hangout for college men from that time on.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE<\/p>\n

A Month\u2019s Vacation<\/p>\n

Review finished, exams began.\u00a0 Adam faced them with greater confidence this term.\u00a0 He knew what to expect and had, with occasional lapses of moon-eyed lovesickness, applied himself to his studies.\u00a0 Some natural nervousness remained, but he was certain he\u2019d pass.\u00a0 That certainty relaxed him enough to do well on touchier subjects, like those endless rivers and mountains he regurgitated for the geography exam.<\/p>\n

College activities seemed designed to take the students\u2019 minds off the pressure of their exams.\u00a0 Wednesday of that week, the Brothers in Unity again called for elections of new officers, which changed five times each year.\u00a0 Adam would have dearly loved to be elected president, not for the prestige or the responsibility, but for the exemption from the next term\u2019s society tax.\u00a0 Though only two dollars, he and Jamie were on such a tight budget that any opportunity to cut expenses was welcomed.\u00a0 As always, however, that top office went to a senior, Charles Sumner this time, and since no man could hold the same office twice, Adam relinquished his brief jurisdiction as a selector of debate topics.<\/p>\n

The following day the entire college took a vacation from concern over their marks to attend the Junior Exhibition.\u00a0 The New York Seventh Regiment Band was in attendance in the afternoon session, and their performances between the orations, poems and dissertations presented by those juniors who had placed highest after their just completed exams were highlights for Adam with his love of music.\u00a0 From the opening rendition of the William Tell Overture<\/em> to the closing Potpourri<\/em> by Flotow, he soaked in melody and harmony like a thirsty man gulps water from an isolated pool in the desert.\u00a0 He reminded himself that it was only back home that such opportunities were isolated pools; here in the East a man could drink in culture . . . well, as often as his pocketbook allowed, Adam admitted ruefully.\u00a0 The same format was followed for the evening performance, although that one was better attended than the earlier one.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to place high in the class,\u201d Jamie admitted to Adam as they strolled home after the Finale<\/em> by Verdi, \u201cbut I don’t know if I could bear speaking to that many people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cSince fully two-thirds of the class was named as speakers tonight, I assure you that you\u2019ll be on that platform!\u201d\u00a0 He rested a reassuring hand on Jamie\u2019s slight shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cDon’t worry; by the time we\u2019re juniors, I\u2019m sure it will be second nature.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom speaking in the societies, you mean?\u201d Jamie shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t done an oration yet, you may have noticed, just that one debate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re too quiet, too self-effacing,\u201d Adam chided, \u201cso people overlook you.\u00a0 Your time\u2019s coming, and then there\u2019ll be no hiding your talents under the proverbial bushel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are prejudiced, sir,\u201d Jamie laughingly charged.<\/p>\n

Adam threw an arm around his friend.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, I am!\u00a0 But truth will out, as our dear friend Shakespeare said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case, what will \u2018out\u2019 is my abject fear of the whole process!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam twisted his chum\u2019s cap sideways and ordered Jamie to wear it like that until he starting spouting sense.\u00a0 The desired transformation took about thirty seconds.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As soon as exams ended, Adam gathered up his best architectural drawings and made his way again to the office of Louis Bail.\u00a0 Telling himself that the teacher could only say no did nothing to shrink the size of the lump in his throat as he lifted his hand to knock on the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in,\u201d called Bail.<\/p>\n

Squaring his shoulders, Adam entered.<\/p>\n

Bail\u2019s eyebrows lifted in surprise, but then he smiled.\u00a0 \u201cAh, yes, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 I should have known.\u201d\u00a0 He jutted his chin toward the portfolio in Adam’s hand.\u00a0 \u201cYou’ve brought me some drawings?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you said I should,\u201d Adam reminded him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d the teacher said, taking the portfolio and opening it. \u00a0He looked at each drawing in turn, a slight smile curving his lips when he saw how many there were. \u00a0\u201cYou\u2019ve been busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam interlaced his fingers to still their nervous movement. \u00a0\u201cI wanted to demonstrate that I could keep up with your assignments in addition to my regular studies.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail chuckled. \u00a0\u201cAnd how have you done with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite well, I believe,\u201d Adam said, \u201calthough I haven\u2019t seen my second term marks yet, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d the drawing instructor said as he continued to study Adam’s sketches of buildings around New Haven. \u00a0\u201cThese show a marked improvement,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been sending them to Mr. Bracebridge,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cHe sends them back with suggestions for improvement. \u00a0These are corrected copies, which I have yet to return to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you still feel you need my help, as well?\u201d Bail asked with a twinkle in his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, definitely, sir,\u201d Adam declared.<\/p>\n

The teacher closed the portfolio and sat back in his chair. \u00a0\u201cGood.\u00a0 I agree. \u00a0As a matter of fact, Mr. Cartwright, I have already discussed your request with the rest of the faculty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned forward excitedly. \u00a0\u201cWhat did they say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail laughed. \u00a0\u201cMy, you are the eager one, aren\u2019t you?\u201d \u00a0Seeing Adam flush, he quickly added, \u201cNothing to be ashamed of, my boy. \u00a0Quite the quality we look for in students.\u00a0 Now, I have seen your second term marks, and I can assure you that you stand near the top of your class, and you have, of course, matriculated now, so we can be a little lenient, I think.\u201d \u00a0He opened his desk drawer and drew out a sheet of paper. \u00a0\u201cThe course covers topographical and isometrical, as well as architectural drawing, and while those would be useful, you cannot take the full series of lectures without entirely missing one of your other classes. \u00a0Therefore, I recommend that you meet with me only once each week, for the architectural lecture.\u201d \u00a0He handed the paper to Adam. \u00a0\u201cThat is a list of the times I will be covering that subject. \u00a0Pick the one that coincides with the class you can best afford to miss, and if that professor approves, I will accept you as a special student.\u00a0 You\u2019ll get no credit for this course, you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the knowledge,\u201d Adam said with a smile. \u00a0\u201cThat’s what I want, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bail stood and shook the young man’s hand. \u00a0\u201cRun along, then, and see if you can obtain the necessary permission.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thanked him and left, pondering as he walked back to George Street exactly which class he could most easily skip once a week. \u00a0Mathematics was his best subject, but according to the catalog, they’d be studying spherics this term. \u00a0Since he had no clear idea what that was, skipping that class was probably not a good idea. \u00a0He smiled to himself.\u00a0 Really, there was only one choice. \u00a0Tutors, it seemed to him, always took themselves more seriously than the established professors, so either Wilder Smith or George Nolen was more likely to say no than Old Had. \u00a0He had proven himself to the Greek professor and, therefore, thought that the unusual request might be entertained. \u00a0No time like the present to find out, he concluded, so when he reached the Green, he turned toward the college yard.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jamie was stuffing in the last shirt his carpetbag could possibly hold when the door opened. \u00a0\u201cThere you are,\u201d he said with relief. \u00a0\u201cDid it take this long to convince Mr. Bail to let you sit in on his class?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said, pulling off his coat. \u00a0\u201cHe agreed quite quickly. \u00a0Old Had took a little longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie sent a puzzled look Adam’s way. \u00a0\u201cOld Had? \u00a0What does he have to do with architectural drawing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a thing,\u201d Adam laughed. \u00a0Then he explained the conditions Louis Bail had laid down for admittance to the class. \u00a0\u201cI’ll be depending on your thorough notes for each Friday\u2019s Greek recitation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cthough you\u2019d probably pass, even without them.\u201d\u00a0 With effort he closed his carpetbag. \u00a0\u201cThere!\u201d he declared.\u00a0 \u201cPacked, with time to spare.\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head at Adam. \u00a0\u201cWhile you, sir, are being uncharacteristically tardy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam perched on the bed. \u00a0\u201cI suppose that\u2019s because I still don\u2019t feel right about going with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie sighed. \u00a0\u201cAdam, we\u2019ve talked it all out . . .\u00a0 repeatedly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u00a0\u201cI know, but your father hasn\u2019t had that much time to build up his assets, so I\u2019m sure having me visit for four weeks will be a strain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie chuckled. \u00a0\u201cI hope you weren\u2019t expecting gourmet fare. \u00a0It\u2019s more likely bread and cheese we\u2019ll be having . . . \u00a0perhaps, sausage on Sundays.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned. \u00a0\u201cA veritable feast, then. \u00a0I trust your father will let me add something to the coffer, however. \u00a0After all, I\u2019d be responsible for my own meals if I stayed here over vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I, for one, will certainly allow you to provide our travel supplies, if you have need to express your extreme gratitude for the invitation,\u201d Jamie teased. \u00a0\u201cNow, get your bag packed,\u201d he ordered, \u201cand if you\u2019ll hurry, perhaps we can catch Candy Sam and take some of his fine divinity to Springfield.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s a great idea!\u201d Adam declared, suddenly inspired to finish his packing as quickly as possible. \u00a0A good supply of divinity would not only sweeten the train ride north, but would make an excellent gift of appreciation for Josiah Edwards.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAbout twenty minutes to departure,\u201d Adam observed as he and Jamie sat down in the depot\u2019s waiting room after purchasing their tickets. \u00a0\u201cDo you want to eat now or on the train?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the train,\u201d Jamie said. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ve been rushing around so to get these provisions that I\u2019d like to let my stomach just sit quietly for a while before I ask it to work!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWe weren\u2019t that rushed.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Not only had they found Candy Sam easily and purchased a shareable supply of divinity, but they\u2019d had time to stop by Bradley\u2019s on State St. to pick up some sausage, cheese and crackers for a cheap supper.<\/p>\n

Fifteen minutes had passed when Adam heard his name urgently called. \u00a0He bolted from his seat as a flurry of skirts rushed up to him. \u00a0\u201cOh, Adam, how could you think of leaving without saying goodbye?\u201d the girl chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cElizabeth!\u201d \u00a0Adam folded the girl into his arms. \u00a0“I\u2014I told you I\u2019d be pushed for time this morning. \u00a0That\u2019s why we said our goodbyes on Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I couldn\u2019t let you leave for a whole month without a proper farewell, could I?\u201d Elizabeth asked demurely.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled wistfully. \u00a0\u201cIt is a long time, isn\u2019t it? \u00a0I\u2019ll miss you.\u201d<\/p>\n

A pout curled her lips downward. \u00a0\u201cI don\u2019t believe a word of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never known Adam to lie,\u201d Jamie put in, amused by the way the couple seemed to have forgotten him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Elizabeth blinked at him. \u00a0\u201cOh . . . of course not. \u00a0I was only . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTeasing for a kiss?\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not,\u201d she declared airily.<\/p>\n

\u201cA pity,\u201d he whispered daringly, \u201cas I was disposed to give one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot in a public depot,\u201d she said decidedly. \u00a0Then she sighed. \u00a0\u201cBut I will miss you, Adam, so please hurry back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur third term begins May seventh,\u201d he said. \u00a0\u201cWe’ll be back the day before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside, a whistle blew, signaling the arrival of the train. \u00a0Jamie gathered as much of both his and Adam\u2019s belongings as he could and boarded the New Haven, Hartford and Springfield Railroad, while Adam grabbed his carpetbag in one hand and circled Elizabeth\u2019s waist with his other arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWrite me,\u201d she urged as they moved across the platform.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Adam promised. \u00a0He pecked her cheek and jumped aboard, remaining on the landing until her waving hand was out of sight. \u00a0Then he entered the car and found his seat next to his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019re through spooning,\u201d Jamie declared, \u201cI believe that my stomach has settled enough to entertain a bite of sausage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly one?\u201d Adam teased as he dug into the bag containing their trip provisions.\u00a0 He sliced off a sizable hunk and handed it over.<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely, if it\u2019s this size!\u201d Jamie joked back.<\/p>\n

They crossed the Quinnipiac River and began winding through the salt meadows that stretched on the right. Through pleasant villages and the larger manufacturing center of Meriden, the train rolled until it reached Hartford in about an hour and a half. \u00a0As they approached the depot, the Capitol stood out on a hill to their right. \u00a0The train stopped here briefly, and the two college students got out to stretch their legs. \u00a0\u201cWish we had time to explore,\u201d Adam commented.<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head. \u00a0\u201cWe won\u2019t reach Springfield until after dark as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam yawned. \u00a0\u201cWe definitely won\u2019t be exploring that tonight!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie chuckled. \u00a0\u201cAmazing how a few exams can exhaust a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u00a0\u201cI think it has more to do with the rhythmic rattling of the train along the track. \u00a0Definitely soporific.\u00a0\u00a0 Speaking of which, we\u2019d better get back on board . . . lest they rattle off without us!\u201d<\/p>\n

They fortified themselves for the final hour of their journey with cheese and crackers and indulged in a single piece of divinity each for dessert. \u00a0As predicted, night had fallen by the time they arrived at the depot in Springfield, where Jamie\u2019s father was waiting to greet them. \u00a0After giving each of them a warm, welcoming hug, Josiah said, \u201cI\u2019m afraid I won\u2019t have time to do more than show you to our lodgings tonight. \u00a0The foreman at the Armory said I might come in late tonight, but I don\u2019t want to impose on his kindness beyond what I must.\u201d \u00a0Gesturing toward the exit, he led them out onto the street.<\/p>\n

Walking at his father\u2019s side, Jamie sighed. \u00a0\u201cOh, Father, I wish you wouldn\u2019t work two jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah caught him by the scruff of the neck. \u00a0\u201cHow else am I supposed to support my collegiate son in the lavish style to which he has become accustomed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Father!\u201d Jamie cried in protest.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, my boy, I wouldn\u2019t have it any other way,\u201d his father said. \u00a0\u201cWhat else do I have to do here in a city where I know no one but my primary-age students? \u00a0The Armory needs experienced workers, with a war going on, so why not put in a few hours there each week? \u00a0I\u2019m only working there part time, after all, and I\u2019m sure Adam sees the sense of it if you do not.\u201d\u00a0 He looked to his son\u2019s friend for support.<\/p>\n

Adam waved one hand before his face.\u00a0 \u201cLeave me out of this,\u201d he ordered briskly. \u00a0\u201cI can see both sides of the argument, and I care too much about both of you to choose between you . . . except to protest that remark about our lavish lifestyle at Yale!\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed. \u00a0\u201cOnly teasing. \u00a0I\u2019ve had opportunity to see how the two of you scrimp and save, sometimes to your detriment.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be any different here, I’m afraid, but I hope that I\u2019ll be able to ease your way a bit next term.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see nothing of you,\u201d Jamie moped.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot as much as I’d like,\u201d his father admitted, \u201cbut we\u2019ll be together for breakfast and supper and all day on Sundays.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there anything to amuse ourselves with during these long days without you?\u201d Adam asked lightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Springfield has a few attractions,\u201d Josiah said, \u201cbut you may find that rest and quiet are more what you need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight!\u201d Adam declared. \u00a0\u201cI plan to sleep the day away tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stopping in front of a modest two-story house, Josiah laughed. \u00a0\u201cI doubt you\u2019ll find the accommodations comfortable enough to encourage that.\u201d \u00a0He led them up the steps to the front entrance and through the door to a central hallway. \u00a0Though the house had obviously been, at one time, a single-family home, a door on each side of the hall indicated that it was now divided into two lodgings on the first floor, and Adam presumed the same was true upstairs.<\/p>\n

Josiah unlocked the compartment on the right, and Adam and Jamie followed him in.\u00a0 \u201cJust a moment, and I’ll get the light,\u201d the older man said. \u00a0The soft glow of a kerosene lantern soon revealed a small room, furnished only with the table on which the lantern sat and a padded armchair with obviously worn upholstery. \u00a0\u201cAs I warned you,\u201d Josiah said with a rueful smile, \u201cquite Spartan accommodations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as there’s a bed,\u201d Adam chuckled.<\/p>\n

Josiah grimaced. \u00a0\u201cThere is\u2014one, precisely. \u00a0You boys will sleep there; I\u2019ll take the chair here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not!\u201d Adam protested. \u00a0\u201cA man holding down two jobs needs his sleep. \u00a0I\u2019ll take the chair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I will,\u201d Jamie insisted. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m shorter than either of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not that short,\u201d Adam snorted. \u00a0\u201cNone of us is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c’Now, now, no quarreling,\u201d Josiah scolded. \u00a0\u201cI don\u2019t have time to argue the point now, so the two of you take advantage of the bed while I\u2019m at work, and I\u2019ll roust one of you out when I get back. \u00a0Deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Jamie exchanged questioning glances and then Adam shrugged. \u00a0\u201cDeal . . . as long as it\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhichever one wakes more easily,\u201d Josiah said with a grin and then waved them toward the next room.\u00a0 \u201cCome on. \u00a0I have just enough time to show you \u2018the manor.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Adam, you didn\u2019t know that I was to the manor born, did you?\u201d Jamie teased with a haughty snoot of his nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout as much as I am!\u201d Adam chortled back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe manor,\u201d they soon learned, consisted of three rooms, one behind the other.\u00a0 From the front room, they passed through the kitchen, which held a small coal-burning stove on the outside wall. \u00a0A rickety wooden table held a stack of three plates, three bowls and three cups and saucers, with three sets of cutlery resting in a wicker basket.\u00a0 \u201cThree of everything, including chairs,\u201d Josiah pointed out with evident pride. \u00a0The chairs were mismatched, but looked sturdy enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve thought of everything,\u201d Adam said with awkward gratitude. \u00a0In every purchase he could see the evidence of personal privation and sacrifice and realized that one-third of those purchases would have been unnecessary but for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s not what you\u2019re used to,\u201d Josiah said, \u201cbut I\u2019ve managed the best I<\/p>\n

could in three months, and I hope to be better situated by the time your third term ends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t apologize,\u201d Adam urged painfully. \u00a0\u201cI slept on the ground all the way to Nevada. \u00a0This is heaven, compared to that.\u201d \u00a0To his relief, the others laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just part of the Spartan training,\u201d Jamie insisted. \u00a0\u201cFather means to inure us to hard times so we\u2019ll be prepared for any battle life sends us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways the teacher,\u201d Adam added to the jibe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, how I\u2019ve missed students like you boys!\u201d Josiah laughed as he directed them into the next room. \u00a0\u201cNow, by Eastern standards, of course, it\u2019s not desirable to have the sleeping quarters on the first floor\u2014which helps keep the rent on this apartment low\u2014but we uncouth westerners are quite inured, as my son phrases it, to such trifling discomfort as having neighbors able to peep into one\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but you\u2019ve solved that,\u201d Adam declared, pointing with flourish at the burlap bags that had been tacked over the windows in lieu of curtains. \u00a0The room held only an iron bedstead and two crates, one in which the teacher’s clothes lay folded and a longer one at the foot of the bed that appeared to hold sheets and blankets.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s the grand tour,\u201d Josiah said. \u201cI know it seems extravagant to take more than a single room for a bachelor like me, but I wanted more for the summer, when Jamie is with me, and I was lucky to find this for so reasonable a rent.\u00a0 With so many men brought in for the Armory now, there\u2019s a shortage of housing.\u201d\u00a0 He consulted his pocket watch.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I have to leave you now.\u201d\u00a0 They moved back through the apartment to see him off, and just before he left, Josiah pointed at the carpetbags Adam and Jamie had dropped just inside the door. \u00a0\u201cThose had better not contain textbooks,\u201d he announced.\u00a0 \u201cThis is to be a true vacation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo textbooks,\u201d Adam promised, \u201cbut I did bring my sketchbook, in case there’s some interesting architecture around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019ll find a number of places. \u00a0City Hall would make a good subject,\u201d Josiah suggested. \u00a0\u201cI’ll give you directions in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thanked him, and then goodbyes were said, all around.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam,\u201d Jamie sighed, slumping against the door as soon as his father was safely out of earshot. \u00a0\u201cI can\u2019t bear what he\u2019s enduring for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you think I feel?\u201d Adam asked. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m not even his son!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost,\u201d Jamie said. \u00a0He closed his eyes as if that would shut out the pain he felt. \u00a0\u201cI should leave school.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou certainly should not!\u201d Adam declared forcefully. \u00a0\u201cYou\u2019ll kill him if you do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie opened his eyes and stared at his friend. \u00a0\u201cYou don\u2019t understand. \u00a0You\u2019ve never\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I have,\u201d Adam interrupted harshly. \u00a0\u201cI was tiny the first time I saw my father go without food so I could eat, and I\u2019ve seen him sacrifice for me dozens of times since. Though he wouldn\u2019t admit it, I\u2019m sure he\u2019s sacrificing some things, even now, so I can be back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie nodded. \u00a0\u201c1 wasn\u2019t thinking. \u00a0I\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m sorry for snapping,\u201d Adam apologized. \u00a0\u201cLook, Jamie, it\u2019s what fathers do . . . sacrifice for their children. \u00a0I don\u2019t take it for granted, but I have come to understand it as what makes them happiest, and I\u2019ve come to feel that the best way I can repay Pa for all he\u2019s given up for me is to accept the gift gratefully and be willing to sacrifice for him\u2014or my brothers\u2014when it\u2019s my turn to give.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled. \u00a0\u201cAre you certain you plan to be an architect . . . and not a philosopher?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u00a0\u201cAbsolutely certain.\u201d \u00a0He yawned. \u00a0\u201cI know it\u2019s early, but I\u2019m exhausted, so I think I will forego the pleasure of exploring the vast reaches of the Manor and fall into the decadent luxury of that mattress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt there\u2019s much luxury to it,\u201d Jamie chuckled, \u201cbut I believe I\u2019ll join you.\u00a0 Oh, and I plan to be the easiest to wake when Father comes in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see about that,\u201d Adam returned with a cheeky grin as he picked up his carpetbag and carried it toward the bedroom.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam stirred slowly, yawning and stretching his arms to the ceiling. \u00a0The armchair was comfortable, but offered no support for his long legs. \u00a0Still, he\u2019d slept fairly well, and it wasn\u2019t discomfort that woke him, at least he didn\u2019t think so. \u00a0Then his nose picked up an aroma coming from the next room, and when he concentrated, he could hear someone moving around in the kitchen. \u00a0He got up and padded that way in his bare feet. \u00a0\u201cGood morning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Josiah turned from the stove.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning, Adam,\u201d he said, keeping his voice low. \u00a0Then with a shake of his head, he asked, \u201cWhere are your slippers, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn there.\u201d \u00a0Grinning, Adam pointed toward the bedroom. \u00a0\u201cIn my carpetbag.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, go in and get them,\u201d Josiah said. \u00a0\u201cJamie needs to get up, anyway, unless he prefers cold oatmeal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt that!\u201d Adam chuckled as he headed into the next room.\u00a0 After he roused his friend, they both dressed quickly against the chill of the rooms and returned to find their simple breakfast on the table. \u00a0\u201cNothing like a hearty dish of oatmeal on a cold morning,\u201d Josiah said cheerfully.<\/p>\n

Suspecting that the cereal formed the man\u2019s regular morning meal, Adam answered with equal\u2014and, he suspected, equally forced\u2014cheer, \u201cJust the thing. \u00a0I hope we\u2019ll have it every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn old favorite,\u201d Jamie declared. \u00a0\u201cLike mornings back in dear St. Joe.\u201d\u00a0 He didn’t mention that, \u201cback in dear St. Joe,\u201d the oatmeal was occasionally accompanied by sausage and eggs. \u00a0Here, it came only with toast and coffee, but both boys dug in with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

As they ate, Josiah gave them directions to City Hall. \u00a0\u201cThe library is there,\u201d he added, \u201cand if you\u2019d like to check out some books, you should do that today. \u00a0It\u2019s only open three days a week, and this is one of them.\u201d \u00a0With a saucy wink, he added, \u201cNothing serious, remember? \u00a0I hope you\u2019ll spend a good bit of time outdoors, weather permitting, but it\u2019s a good library\u2014over six thousand volumes. \u00a0If you find something you\u2019d like, let Jamie sign for them.\u201d \u00a0He grinned at his son. \u00a0\u201cJust write \u2018J. Edwards.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie returned the conspiratorial grin, knowing that the \u201cJ.\u201d could stand for either Josiah or James, and the son could access the father\u2019s lending privileges.<\/p>\n

Josiah quickly sliced bread and cheese and made a sandwich for himself. \u00a0\u201cLunch,\u201d he explained as he wrapped it. \u00a0\u201cI generally eat at my desk. \u00a0There is a bit of beef in the cupboard, as well, if you\u2019d prefer that for your meal, and I\u2019ll bring home a container of soup and some fresh bread for us all for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

He started to clear the table, but Jamie quickly forestalled that. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ll get the dishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d appreciate that,\u201d his father responded. \u00a0He tucked his sandwich into his coat pocket and gave his son a quick hug. \u00a0\u201cHave a good day, my boy. \u00a0You, too, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, sir,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWork I love and you two to come home to\u2014what more could I ask?\u201d the older man said, beaming. \u00a0With a wave of his hand, he headed out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to sketch City Hall this morning?\u201d Jamie asked. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m sure I won\u2019t be able to browse all six thousand volumes at the library in the time it takes you,\u201d he added with a chuckle, \u201cstickler for detail, though you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s do that this afternoon,\u201d Adam suggested. \u00a0\u201cI have another project in mind for this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely, it didn\u2019t escape your notice that your father is lunching on cheese, while leaving that \u2018bit of beef\u2019 for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie sighed. \u00a0\u201cOf course, I noticed, but I didn\u2019t think it would do any good to argue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a bit,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cbut we are going to make some changes around the Manor, starting this morning. \u00a0If I\u2019d stayed in New Haven, I\u2019d have had the expense of eating in restaurants for every meal, and I have no intention of being a sponge on your father\u2019s kindness here. \u00a0I told you I wanted to contribute to the coffer, and I think the best way to do that is simply to purchase some provisions this morning. \u00a0Your father may protest, but the deed will be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie grinned. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s easier to obtain forgiveness than permission, you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways,\u201d Adam laughed. \u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re in agreement, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Jamie replied, \u201cso while I do up these dishes, why don\u2019t you explore the supplies on hand? \u00a0Then we\u2019ll decide what we need and find a grocery somewhere. \u00a0I\u2019m sure the neighbors can direct us, if nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n

The cupboard wasn\u2019t quite bare, as Josiah had prepared for his guests to the best of his ability, but there was ample room for improvement, both boys felt. \u00a0While Adam finalized their list of desired supplies, Jamie walked across the hall, introduced himself to the lady of that household and asked her advice on the most economical place to purchase good quality foodstuffs. \u00a0Flattered to have her opinion sought, the good woman went on at length, quoting prices and comparing locations where each item could be purchased until Jamie felt as though he were again preparing for term exams. \u00a0In fact, memorizing all the rivers, mountains and capitals of the ancient world began to seem like an exercise for lisping toddlers, compared with knowing what each grocer charged for onions, sausage, suet and potatoes. \u00a0He finally managed to convince the woman that he\u2019d taken enough of her valuable time and escaped with all the information he could possibly need and a new respect for the occupation of housewife.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you propose?\u201d Adam snorted when his friend finally returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cPropose?\u201d a perplexed Jamie asked.<\/p>\n

Adam gave him a saucy grin. \u00a0\u201cWell, I suppose you haven\u2019t had time to form that close an attachment, but I must presume that the neighboring household contains at least one female of the appropriate age and beauty to distract you this long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s older than Father,\u201d Jamie protested, laughing as he added, \u201cand considerably more talkative.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThan a teacher?\u201d Adam shook his head. \u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s hard to believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready or not?\u201d Jamie scolded.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cand if we don\u2019t get going, we\u2019ll be hard put to finish in time to visit the library later.\u201d<\/p>\n

They made their way from store to store, and Adam\u2019s experience at the old Cartwright-Thomas trading post came in handy, as he instinctively sensed which shopkeepers had priced their goods too high, but would be open to persuasive dickering.\u00a0 Arms laden, they returned to the Manor at noon, put the things away and prepared some simple sandwiches for themselves.\u00a0 Adam insisted that they contain both meat and cheese, despite Jamie\u2019s inclination to eat exactly what Josiah had allowed himself. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ll insist that he take a better lunch tomorrow,\u201d Adam promised, \u201cand we\u2019ll volunteer to prepare supper, so he won\u2019t have to waste time or money buying something on the way home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t cook,\u201d Jamie protested.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed. \u00a0\u201cI can. \u00a0Only simple things, of course, but I used to cook for Hoss when Pa was away from the cabin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just for Hoss?\u201d\u00a0 Jamie clucked his tongue, shaking his head chidingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sometimes it seemed that way,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIt really is cheaper to cook at home, so that will help convince your father that these extra purchases are actually a sensible investment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if we can win that debate,\u201d Jamie declared, \u201cJunior Exhibition should hold no further terrors for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the attitude!\u201d Adam praised.<\/p>\n

As soon as they finished eating, Adam took his sketch pad, and he and Jamie headed toward City Hall. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m going on into the library,\u201d Jamie said. \u00a0\u201cWill you be in later or should I select something for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo that,\u201d Adam said. \u00a0\u201cI trust your taste, and if I don\u2019t finish in time to come in myself, I\u2019ll be provided for.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Jamie climbed the steps to the imposing three-arched entrance, Adam found a spot beneath a towering elm across from City Hall and began to sketch the building. \u00a0The windows, he noted, were also arch-shaped, and he wondered if that defined a particular type of architecture. \u00a0Mr. Bracebridge often included such information in the notes he sent back with comments on Adam\u2019s drawings. \u00a0Adam shaded the brick portion of the building, while leaving the trim white, to represent the sandstone of its construction, and took special pains at sketching the tall bell tower on one side of the building, to him its most interesting feature.<\/p>\n

When he\u2019d completed everything except the landscape surrounding City Hall, which he thought he could add from memory, Adam closed his sketch pad and went inside through the center arch. \u00a0He found Jamie in the rooms on the first floor that housed the library and approved of the book selected for him. \u00a0They looked around a little more and then returned to their lodgings, where Adam filled a pot with beans to soak overnight. \u00a0Then he drew a chair into the front room, insisting that Jamie take the more comfortable armchair, but promising to use the latter himself the next day. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ll use it turn-about,\u201d he said, and Jamie agreed that that seemed the fairest plan. \u00a0They spent the remainder of the afternoon engrossed in their new books, until Josiah returned, pail of soup in hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat’s this?\u201d he asked as soon as he spotted the bean pot.<\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow’s supper,\u201d Adam said and explained their plan to prepare the evening meals. \u201cWe\u2019ve little enough to do, so it\u2019s no burden,\u201d he assured his host, \u201cand it\u2019s good economic sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah nodded. \u00a0\u201cI can\u2019t argue with that . . . and I thank you for the offer.\u201d \u00a0As soon as he spotted more new supplies on the counter, however, he shook his head in dismay. \u00a0\u201cOh, Adam, you shouldn\u2019t have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was both of us,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Josiah snorted in disdain. \u00a0\u201cWith your money. \u00a0I know that because I didn\u2019t leave Jamie any, but he should have reined you in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave him a wry grin. \u00a0\u201cI’ve never been broken to harness, so if it\u2019s blame you\u2019re passing out, then it\u2019s all mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll bear my fair share,\u201d Jamie insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat you will!\u201d his father decreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t we eat this fine soup before it gets cold?\u201d Adam asked with diplomacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, by all means, sit and eat,\u201d Josiah said. \u00a0He fixed both boys with a stern eye. \u00a0\u201cBut don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be distracted from this discussion!\u201d \u00a0As the boys sat at the table, Adam having returned the chair from the front room, Josiah portioned the soup equally into the bowls and sat down to eat. \u00a0About half the soup, along with a slice of bread, had been consumed when he returned to the discussion. \u00a0\u201cI didn\u2019t ask you here to support me, Adam,\u201d he chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I didn\u2019t come for a free ride,\u201d Adam said just as firmly. \u00a0\u201cJosiah, Jamie and I have one rule at our lodgings in New Haven: share and share alike. \u00a0I see no reason whatsoever that the same rule shouldn\u2019t apply here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah stared at him a long time and then slowly said, \u201cAll right. \u00a0I can\u2019t argue with your logic, so I\u2019ll give in gracefully and only ask that you not squander your funds on needless luxury. \u00a0I\u2019m used to living simply.\u201d<\/p>\n

Too simply<\/em>, Adam thought, but he knew when to keep his mouth shut. \u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d he assured his former teacher. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m well acquainted with stretching dollars and pinching pennies, as you should remember from our days in St. Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah laughed then. \u00a0\u201cYou weren\u2019t the one pinching them then. \u00a0That was primarily Inger\u2019s talent at work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled wistfully at the memory of the first mother he\u2019d ever known. \u00a0\u201cYes, but I watched carefully . . . and learned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah nodded. \u00a0\u201cAlways the student. \u00a0All right, my boy, we\u2019ll put you in charge of household expenses while you\u2019re here. \u00a0Make them go as far as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they finished the soup, Adam brought out the divinity he and Jamie had purchased from Candy Sam for dessert.\u00a0 \u201cIf this is how you pinch pennies,\u201d Josiah chuckled, “we\u2019ll be bankrupt in a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an extravagance,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cone we don\u2019t indulge in often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery man should . . . occasionally,\u201d Josiah agreed, \u201cespecially when it tastes this good!\u201d<\/p>\n

As they drooled over the candy, Jamie mentioned that he’d seen Springfield Museum of Natural History<\/em> engraved on a door at City Hall, though he hadn\u2019t been able to investigate since the door had been locked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s open to the public Saturday afternoons and evenings,\u201d Josiah told him. \u00a0\u201cJust two rooms, but you might find it interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll plan on that, then,\u201d Adam said. \u00a0\u201cI wish you could go with us, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Josiah shook his head. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m working then, but if you\u2019d like, we could visit Armory Hill together on Sunday.\u201d \u00a0Both boys eagerly agreed.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They stayed close to home the next day, so Adam could keep an eye on the beans.\u00a0 \u00a0He kept them simmering all day long while they enjoyed their library books, primarily in the shade of a wide-spreading maple outside their door. \u00a0Since he and Jamie would be visiting the museum in the afternoon, he selected a simpler supper for Saturday, and Josiah declared, on both nights, that they were the finest meals he had consumed since he\u2019d been in Springfield. \u00a0\u201cThat doesn\u2019t say much for the skill of cooks in Springfield,\u201d Adam had joked in response.<\/p>\n

The trip to the museum had been interesting, although it hadn\u2019t taken long to peruse the two rooms at City Hall allotted for it. \u00a0The library at Yale probably housed more and rarer exhibits. \u00a0Still, with two hundred fifty species of birds and nine hundred of seashells featured, as well as lesser amounts of reptiles, quadrupeds, minerals and Indian antiquities, there was plenty to occupy a pleasant afternoon, and both Jamie and Adam agreed that they\u2019d like to visit it again before their vacation ended.<\/p>\n

The sky was overcast as Adam and his friends walked to church Sunday morning, but by the time they exited after the service, the sun was shining in its glory. \u00a0They\u2019d brought a picnic lunch with them, so they walked straight from church to Armory Hill, the highest point in the city and enjoyed the panorama while eating their meat-and-cheese sandwiches and munching cookies picked up at a local bakery the day before.<\/p>\n

Taking them, by special permission, into areas from which the public was generally excluded, Josiah led them on a tour of the Arsenal itself.\u00a0 Jamie commented that the stacks of standing rifles, one above another, almost gave the appearance of a pipe organ. Adam nodded, although the idea seemed overly poetic to him.\u00a0 There was a military rigidity about the place that seemed alien to music, but he admitted with an inner smile that music, at least some forms of it, resounded with militaristic flavor. \u00a0As they walked through the Arsenal, he couldn\u2019t help feeling as if his every move were being scrutinized.\u00a0 It probably was, he conceded. \u00a0You didn\u2019t just let people roam around unwatched with this many tempting firearms at arm\u2019s reach. \u00a0Adam himself could barely resist the urge to pick one up and test its balance, and he could only dream of one day owning a rifle as worthy as one of these. \u00a0If he hadn\u2019t been raised with Ben Cartwright\u2019s values, he might well have grabbed one and run, given the chance.\u00a0 They ended with a climb up to the tower for an even better view of the city of Springfield.<\/p>\n

The remainder of the boys\u2019 vacation fell into a quiet and restful routine. While Josiah prepared breakfast each morning, Jamie put together a sandwich for his father\u2019s lunch, as well as one each for himself and Adam; and Adam planned the evening meal, determining whether any extra items, such as fresh meat or produce, needed to be purchased that day.\u00a0 After Josiah left, the two boys quickly washed up the breakfast dishes and put the rooms to rights and then set out on whatever adventure they\u2019d chosen for the day. \u00a0It might be a visit to a local park, taking their sandwiches with them, or a trip to the library, if they needed new books, or just a brisk jaunt along the quiet streets of Springfield, where the trees and gardens budded with signs of spring.<\/p>\n

After lunch, Jamie often remained at the Manor, reading, or took on the responsibility of doing the shopping, while Adam spent almost every afternoon sketching some attractive public building or residence. \u00a0He returned early enough to cook whatever he\u2019d selected for supper, while Jamie assisted and tried to learn all he could.\u00a0 \u00a0He, regretfully, wouldn\u2019t have Adam\u2019s help that summer, and he wanted to be able to provide for his father with equal satisfaction, having been thoroughly convinced that Adam\u2019s management and cooking skills had, as promised, produced meals that were both better and more economical than those at any local boardinghouse or restaurant. \u00a0The final week of their stay in Springfield, Adam had Jamie take over the responsibilities of cooking, while he assisted and offered help whenever needed.\u00a0 By the end of the week, he told Jamie that he had now matriculated as a cook and was well prepared for his summer duties.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR<\/p>\n

For the Betterment of the House<\/p>\n

Adam all but jumped from the train before it rolled to a stop.\u00a0 Eagerly scanning the platform outside the depot, he actually did jump when he heard someone call, \u201cOver here, Adam!\u201d\u00a0 He spun around and his face fell.\u00a0 Only then did he realize that the voice had been male.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s a fine reward for coming out to meet you,\u201d Lucas scolded.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re that disappointed to see me, perhaps I should just show you my heels.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Adam said, hurrying forward to greet his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI was just . . . well . . . thinking you might have been someone . . . different.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas laughed.\u00a0 \u201cSomeone in lavender and lace, I presume?\u00a0 Where\u2019s St. James?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Jamie called, struggling toward them, lugging both his and Adam\u2019s carpetbag.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sorry,\u201d Adam said, taking his at once.\u00a0 \u201cI forgot it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBesotted,\u201d Lucas sighed with a roll of his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHas he been pining like this the whole month you\u2019ve been away?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTesty, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Lucas asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot until now,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cIt must be your agreeable countenance that brings it out.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou were expecting her to meet you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . I suppose,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t been as faithful to write Elizabeth as he had intended, but they\u2019d led such a quiet life in Springfield that he\u2019d been hard put to find things to say, other than how much he missed her.\u00a0 Still, he\u2019d written several times, the last letter telling her when he expected to arrive, and judging by her behavior when she saw him off, he had thought that she\u2019d be as eager to see him as he to see her.\u00a0 Evidently not, he ruefully concluded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind, old chum,\u201d Lucas said.\u00a0 \u201cHer loss, not seeing you in your finery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking quite spiffy yourself,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 All three freshmen now sported plugs and bangers.\u00a0 Lucas had told them that it was traditional to don that attire, normally worn by the sophomores, after completing second term exams, so Jamie and Adam had purchased both cane and top hat in Springfield a day or two before leaving.\u00a0 An extravagance, to be sure, but one necessary to uphold one\u2019s pride in the accomplishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Lucas said, spinning around to show off.\u00a0 \u201cCome and have a bite at Mory\u2019s and forget that foolish girl for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that sounds good,\u201d Jamie declared, \u201cand I think we can manage the price, right, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and then chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe if I have another taste of the real thing, I can do a better job of replicating it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam made Golden Buck for us in Springfield,\u201d Jamie told Lucas.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou cook, too, spoopsey?\u201d Lucas twitted.\u00a0 \u201cThere is absolutely no end to your talent, is there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t Marcus in yet?\u201d Jamie inquired when Adam had jerked Luke\u2019s new top hat down over his nose in retribution.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s here,\u201d Lucas reported, righting his hat, \u201cbut he\u2019s got a beastly head cold, so he decided to make an early night of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo bad,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He threw an arm around Luke\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cNow, come along and tell us all about your holiday.\u201d\u00a0 He hooked elbows with Jamie on the other side, and the three headed toward Wooster Street.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At Jamie\u2019s insistence they stopped by the post office before heading home to George Street.\u00a0 Having just come from Springfield, he knew there\u2019d be no mail for him, but he insisted that there were surely letters waiting from the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Feeling guilty after the way he\u2019d neglected his family and friends back in Nevada, Adam almost hoped he was wrong, but there were actually two letters, one from Pa and a second, surprisingly, from Billy Thomas.\u00a0 Curiosity aroused by that unheard of event, he opened Billy\u2019s letter as soon as they returned to their lodgings.\u00a0 Scanning the first few lines, he gasped as he sank down on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cBilly\u2019s married,\u201d he told his roommate.<\/p>\n

Jamie paused from his unpacking.\u00a0 \u201cOh?\u00a0 He must have found work, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked up, eyes still dazed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last I recall, you were concerned about what he\u2019d do when the Pony Express closed down,\u201d Jamie explained.\u00a0 \u201cSurely, he wouldn\u2019t take a wife unless he could support her, so he must have found work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess he must,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cHe doesn\u2019t say anything about that, though.\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t say much, really, except that he\u2019s married and hopes I\u2019ll wish them well.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI do, of course.\u00a0 I just never thought . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat he\u2019d settle down?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNot this soon . . . and not with her.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t know why it should surprise me, though.\u00a0 Now that I think of it, they\u2019re perfect for each other.\u201d\u00a0 Realizing that Jamie didn\u2019t know what he was talking about, he added, \u201cIt\u2019s Marta, a girl from the wagon train we came west on.\u00a0 We were all friends, of course, but I thought that was all.\u00a0 She\u2019s a sweet girl, with just the right amount of spunk to handle Billy.\u00a0 I\u2019m glad he had sense enough to pick someone like her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJealous?\u201d Jamie teased as he hung a shirt in their shared wardrobe.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf Marta?\u00a0 No,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cTo me, she was always just a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie turned and grinned at him.\u00a0 \u201cI meant of the notion of marriage. \u00a0Don\u2019t let them give you any ideas.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard enough to keep you fixed on your studies when darling Elizabeth is in the same town.\u00a0 The same house would be impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snatched the pillow from behind him and aimed it perfectly at Jamie\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Jamie ducked just in time.\u00a0 \u201cWhat does your father write?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably the same news,\u201d Adam said, breaking the seal of his second letter.\u00a0 He was right, but his father\u2019s letter went into more detail, describing the ceremony, which had taken place at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 \u201cOdd they\u2019d travel there from Placerville,\u201d he mused.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t weddings usually held in the bride\u2019s hometown . . . when they\u2019re not from the same locale, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie held up his hands, palms out.\u00a0 \u201cI have no experience with weddings. \u00a0Your father doesn\u2019t explain?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, just tells what it was like, who was there, that sort of thing . . . and . . . he says they\u2019re expecting a baby in September.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s brow wrinkled.\u00a0 \u201cWhen did you say they married?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApparently around the middle of March.\u201d\u00a0 Doing a quick calculation, Adam whistled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that might explain why it happened so suddenly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt happens,\u201d Jamie said sympathetically.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Adam folded the letter and set it aside.\u00a0 His father had been discreet, giving only the facts and passing no judgment, but with only six months between the marriage and the anticipated birth, it wasn\u2019t likely that Billy and Marta could pass the baby off as premature.\u00a0 Others would judge, perhaps harshly, and he wished he could be there to give his friends the support they were likely to need.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From his place in the choir loft, Adam had a perfect view of all the students rushing into chapel at the last minute.\u00a0 Apparently reluctant to return to duty after their vacation, the students lagged in more slowly than usual, and the hall was noisier, too, as greetings were exchanged by friends who hadn\u2019t seen one another for an entire month.\u00a0 The freshmen strutted down the aisles at a snail\u2019s pace, preening like peacocks in their new plugs and bangers, while the upperclassmen pointedly ignored them.\u00a0 Adam was happy to be back and looking forward to whatever challenges the new term held in both class work and extracurricular activities.<\/p>\n

President Woolsey welcomed them and expressed the hope that they felt refreshed and ready to renew their educational pursuits.\u00a0 Just before beginning his brief sermon, he advised the freshmen that, in lieu of their regular recitation, they should meet in Alumni Hall at noon.\u00a0 Adam was disappointed, for that meant he\u2019d miss his mathematics recitation today, and he\u2019d been looking forward to beginning his study of the mysterious spherics listed in the catalog.<\/p>\n

It was unusual for the entire freshman class to meet together for a recitation.\u00a0 They filed in and took their seats at the small octagonal desks where they\u2019d sweated through their entrance exams.\u00a0 Adam remembered how nervous he\u2019d been that day, how fearful that he\u2019d be taking the next train out of New Haven, a complete failure.\u00a0\u00a0 Now he sat here completely at ease, eager to experience the next step of his education.\u00a0 At first, he was surprised to see Professor Thacher enter, for he\u2019d already had his Latin recitation for the day.\u00a0 Then he remembered another pertinent line from the catalog, and it made sense.<\/p>\n

A few groans met Thomas Thacher\u2019s remark that they would be meeting with him every Wednesday at this time for Extempore Latin Composition.\u00a0 \u201cNow, young gentlemen, how will you ever compose your salutatory address if you do not hone your skills in writing Latin?\u201d\u00a0 He smiled wryly.\u00a0 \u201cOr did you all presume you would be the valedictorian and, thus, be able to share your fathomless wisdom in English?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither one, sir,\u201d Lucas called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re an honest man, at least, Mr. Cameron,\u201d the professor said.\u00a0 Clearing his throat, he added, \u201cAs well as a reliable prognosticator of your academic standing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other freshmen laughed.\u00a0 All of them liked Lucas, but by this time every man had a general idea of the others\u2019 stand in the class, and they all knew that he ranked closer to the bottom than the top.\u00a0 There were still three years to go until their commencement, but most of them would have laid odds that the valedictorian would be either James Brand, Jamie Edwards or Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Following dinner at the Vultures\u2019 Nest, Adam and Jamie stopped by 34 South Middle to purchase their new textbooks, which included a Greek New Testament, the odes of Horace and, of greatest interest to Adam, An Elementary Treatise of Spherical Geometry and Trigonometry<\/em> by Anthony Stanley, a former professor of mathematics at Yale.\u00a0 Back in their room, Jamie took one look at it and groaned audibly.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s worse than ancient geography,\u201d he complained.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, I knew what mountains and rivers were.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cYou know what spheres are, too, and I\u2019m sure by the end of term all these definitions will make sense, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so,\u201d Jamie said, sounding unconvinced.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll figure it out,\u201d Adam promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll figure it out,\u201d Jamie predicted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd drum it into you,\u201d Adam tossed back with a chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cFair exchange for your help with those Greek classes I\u2019ll miss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie smiled then.\u00a0 \u201cFair enough, although I expect you\u2019ll have the harder task, drumming the mysteries of mathematics into me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unveiling those mysteries had to await the morrow, however, for that night was the term\u2019s first meeting of the Brothers in Unity, which included an announcement of interest to the freshmen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll try, won\u2019t you, Adam?\u201d Lucas suggested as they left the hall after the meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be nice to win a prize,\u201d Adam acknowledged dreamily.\u00a0 \u201cEven third place would give me some badly needed pocket money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHear, hear,\u201d Jamie agreed heartily.<\/p>\n

Adam gave him a cunning smile.\u00a0 \u201cSo, you\u2019ll be debating, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgainst you?\u201d\u00a0 Jamie shivered.\u00a0 \u201cCertainly not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, you will!\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cThere are three prizes, remember?\u00a0 By entering, you double our chances of taking one home . . . for the betterment of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh!\u201d\u00a0 Jamie nodded soberly, recognizing the reference to their share-and-share alike policy.\u00a0 \u201cWell . . . for the betterment of the house, I suppose I must.\u201d\u00a0 He looked first at Lucas and then Marcus.\u00a0 \u201cI think we all should enter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, not me,\u201d Marcus protested.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m no speaker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas threw an arm around the slighter boy\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s just it, Marc, my boy.\u00a0 They want competitors they\u2019re certain to defeat!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that at all!\u201d Jamie declared huffily.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not,\u201d Adam echoed.\u00a0 \u201cWin or lose, it\u2019s good experience for all of us.\u00a0 So, what do you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas only laughed and said that he didn\u2019t need money that badly, and while Marcus wavered, he finally decided that he wanted his first public speech to be in front of a smaller group.\u00a0 So, at the next meeting of the Brothers in Unity, only Adam and Jamie would declare their intention to debate and have their names registered on the list of prize candidates.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The first week back gave evidence that the third term would be the busiest yet for the freshmen of Yale.\u00a0 Thursday brought their first introduction to spherical geometry, and while the text began simply enough, even Adam had to admit that this new subject, quite different from the plane geometry he\u2019d studied before, would require study.\u00a0 To him, however, it was fascinating, as all mathematics were.\u00a0 Friday, of course, brought his first session with Louis Bail in architectural drawing.\u00a0 Having consulted the instructor earlier, he had purchased and given a brief glance at the required textbook.\u00a0 Like the geometry text, it began with definitions that were mostly familiar to him.\u00a0 In fact, some of them went hand in glove with those he was memorizing for his class in spherical geometry.<\/p>\n

Confident he would have no problem keeping up, Adam entered the classroom for his third recitation Friday, only to discover that, if anything, the scientific students were even more proficient with mathematics than he.\u00a0 Not an easy ride, then.\u00a0 Good.\u00a0 He preferred a challenge, and it appeared that third term would present him with plenty.\u00a0 He\u2019d barely taken a breath before yet another new subject faced him at the noon recitation on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho do you suppose will teach it?\u201d Marcus asked as he, Lucas, Jamie and Adam hurried toward Alumni Hall again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a question,\u201d Jamie said.\u00a0 \u201cIt should have been Professor Larned, but with him gone . . . well, I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 Who else knows rhetoric?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of them,\u201d Adam snorted, \u201cespecially the preachers.\u00a0 It\u2019s probably a question of who had the lightest schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish it could be Old Had,\u201d Marcus put in dreamily.<\/p>\n

The others hooted, knowing their luck couldn\u2019t stretch that far.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be a tutor,\u201d Lucas moaned.\u00a0 \u201cThe professors are all loaded already.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd ready to fire?\u201d Adam snickered.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust hand me a blindfold,\u201d Lucas advised.<\/p>\n

They scurried up the steps and again found their places at the octagonal desks.\u00a0 A swarthy man with a full black beard entered at noon, straight up, and introduced himself as the Reverend William Hutchison.\u00a0 He spoke energetically as he described the material they would cover in their weekly meeting.\u00a0 \u201cI will give lectures on the structure of language, beginning today, and you will, of course, respond with recitation and occasionally through compositions.\u201d\u00a0 A low rumble of moans met the announcement of compositions.\u00a0 \u201cNone of that,\u201d the teacher said crisply.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you will learn in these lectures is how language performs its function of communication, and I assure you, young gentlemen, that that understanding will enhance all your future efforts at Yale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is a tutor,\u201d Lucas advised his friends as they headed for the Vultures\u2019 Nest after class, \u201cbut he seems to know his stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI liked him,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cespecially his vigor.\u00a0 I thought rhetoric might be a rather dry subject, but I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll be tempted to fall asleep during his lectures!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd he\u2019s right about it helping us with all our other work,\u201d Jamie inserted.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially yours, preacher boy,\u201d Lucas declared, knocking off Jamie\u2019s hat with a sweep of his banger.\u00a0 Jamie scooped it up, brushed it off and chased after Lucas, flourishing his own cane.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re supposed to turn the other. . . .\u201d\u00a0 Luke\u2019s voice faded as he rounded a corner with Jamie at his heels.<\/p>\n

Adam grinned at Marcus.\u00a0 \u201cApparently, the Scripture says nothing about giving a<\/p>\n

rowdy fellow another go at your chapeau.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt says nothing about giving them first go at the table, either,\u201d Marcus laughed back.\u00a0 \u201cCome on!\u201d\u00a0 He and Adam took off after the others and managed to catch up with them, just as they reached their eating hall.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam had intended to see Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon, but with all the new courses, each with its separate preparation, he felt he couldn\u2019t spare the time that first weekend.\u00a0 Since Saturday always meant a meeting of Sigma Epsilon in the evening, he had only the afternoon to read all his assignments, as well as beginning his first composition for Wednesday\u2019s special class.\u00a0 He reasoned that if he finished all his work, he\u2019d then be able to devote Sunday afternoon to her.<\/p>\n

By the time he left for the Sigma Ep meeting, he was fully prepared for Monday\u2019s recitations and had a good start on his Latin composition, but as he walked with his mates toward the mission the next afternoon, he found himself of two minds.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure whether to be irked with himself for not making time for Elizabeth the day before or put out with her for neglecting to meet his train on the one day this week that they might have shared a welcome-home kiss, something that certainly couldn\u2019t happen at the mission, under the gaze of their young pupils.\u00a0 Yes, she\u2019d certainly robbed him of his romantic rights, he concluded as he entered.<\/p>\n

When he approached the area where the two of them taught together, however, Elizabeth looked up at him with a bright smile, and his heart was lost once again.\u00a0 She was flawless, and he was definitely to blame for any deprivation of romantic rights, his or hers.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, how good to see you again,\u201d she said enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve missed him these last few weeks, haven\u2019t we, children?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Miss Allen,\u201d the students dutifully replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI looked for you at the station,\u201d Adam said, striving and not completely succeeding at keeping a chiding tone from his voice.<\/p>\n

She frowned for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cI was . . . occupied,\u201d she said curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d\u00a0 He hoped for a fuller explanation later, but understood her reluctance to say more in front of the eager-eared children.\u00a0 As he walked her home, however, he found that he was the one busily explaining his behavior, when she pouted about how infrequently she\u2019d heard from him during his vacation.\u00a0 \u201cI tried,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

She harrumphed.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t realize that writing to me required such effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t require undue effort,\u201d he protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u00a0 Just undue time,\u201d she scoffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not that, either,\u201d he sputtered.\u00a0 \u201cThere . . . there just wasn\u2019t much to say.\u00a0 I mean, we lived so simply, so quietly that I had little news to share.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, you silly boy,\u201d she tittered with a shake of her pretty head.\u00a0 \u201cIt wasn\u2019t news I craved . . . just hearing from you . . . whatever you said.\u201d\u00a0 She veiled her eyes as she added, \u201cI thought . . . you\u2019d lost interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he assured her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m so sorry if my negligence left you with that impression.\u00a0 I was looking forward to seeing you . . . and then, when you didn’t meet the train, I . . . well, I assumed the worst, too, I fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you really want to see me that much?\u201d she asked, stopping at the corner of the street where she lived.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo see you . . . and to taste the sweet honey of your lips,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very bold, sir,\u201d she said, tilting her head and gazing up at him from the corner of her eye.<\/p>\n

He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI learned that from a certain bold young lady, who saw me off at the depot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel quite helpless in the grip of such a bold young rogue,\u201d she said, lifting her chin and puckering her mouth in open invitation.\u00a0 He, of course, accepted immediately, holding her close and pressing his lips to hers.\u00a0 So satisfying was the honey of which he drank that he forgot until he had left her at her door that she never had told him what urgent occupation kept her from meeting his train.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The meeting hall was rowdy, as usual, when Adam, Jamie, Lucas and Marcus entered and found seats as near the front of the room as possible.\u00a0 Though their own prize debate would take place tomorrow, both Adam and Jamie felt that watching the men of Linonia in competition would enhance their chances of doing well.\u00a0 Though the questions under consideration were different, they\u2019d have the opportunity to evaluate what sort of approach was favored by the judges.\u00a0 \u201cAlthough it\u2019ll be a completely different set tomorrow,\u201d Jamie reminded his friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood rhetoric is good rhetoric, whoever judges,\u201d Adam asserted.\u00a0 Though he\u2019d had only two sessions with the Reverend Hutchison, that class at noon on Saturdays was the one he most looked forward to each week, for the man quickly becoming known as \u201cOld Hutch\u201d was a master teacher.\u00a0 Mathematics remained a favorite study, of course, but he had twice as many opportunities to enjoy it.<\/p>\n

A dozen candidates argued the question: would it be good policy for the United States to undertake to control the political movements of this continent?\u00a0 Two-thirds of them came from the same division as Adam, Jamie and Lucas, so they knew those men well and made wagers, to be paid in pieces of Candy Sam\u2019s divinity, on which would win.\u00a0 None correctly picked J. A. Bent as the winner, although Adam insisted that he should get at least one piece of divinity, since his choice, James Brand, had tied for second.\u00a0 Predictably, no one agreed with that piece of logic.<\/p>\n

The main thing both Adam and Jamie gleaned from watching the other open society\u2019s debate was the acknowledgement that the competition would be stiff.\u00a0 They, too, were arguing a political question: is the course which England had pursued toward the United States, during our present war, justifiable?\u00a0 They had to present both sides of the question, of course, and they did not have the usual advantage of being able to discuss their arguments with one another.\u00a0 Since they were competing against each other, as well as nine other freshmen from the Brothers in Unity, they needed to keep their thinking completely independent.\u00a0 Both had haunted the library between classes, consulting newspapers for accounts of the Mason and Slidell incident, as well as classic references for precedents to cite.<\/p>\n

Adam thought he had compiled compelling arguments, but as he sat on the platform, awaiting his turn to speak, every one of them began to seem specious.\u00a0 Wiping his sweating palms on his trouser legs, he wondered why he had ever presumed to set himself up against these other scholars, all of whom, with the exception of Jamie, had had the benefit of an eastern preparatory school.\u00a0 He was certain they had all participated in debates numerous times to his . . . well, none, unless you counted arguments with Little Joe or Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 Those weren\u2019t particularly good preparation, since Hoss was so congenial that he generally agreed with his older brother, anyway, while the stubborn little four-year-old apparently thought it his mission in life to challenge anything he was ever told.<\/p>\n

To date, the largest group Adam had ever spoken before was Sigma Epsilon, and that didn\u2019t even comprise the entire freshman class. The room here was packed, not only with most of his fellow freshmen, but upperclassmen and faculty, as well, and, most importantly, the three judges.\u00a0 It would be a slaughter.\u00a0 Why had he not realized that before putting himself to public shame?\u00a0 Why had\u2014suddenly he heard himself announced as the next speaker and lurched to his feet.<\/p>\n

The speaker\u2019s podium seemed to have developed a haze, and as he walked what felt like a mile to get to it, he was certain that he was about to faint dead away.\u00a0 Only the vision of what a ridiculous spectacle he\u2019d make, spread-eagled on the floor, kept him upright.\u00a0 Reaching the podium, he clutched its sides, like a drowning man a floating spar after a shipwreck.\u00a0 Ignoring the roaring in his ears, he cleared his throat and wondered why it suddenly felt so dry, as he stared at the sea of faces.\u00a0 Finally, his voice just above a whisper, he spoke the first words of his carefully prepared speech.\u00a0 Having something to hold onto seemed to steady him, and his confidence gradually grew until he finished the final few paragraphs with the vigor he\u2019d planned to exhibit throughout his debate.<\/p>\n

To the\u00a0 roar of thunderous applause, which he was certain was in celebration that he\u2019d finished tormenting them, Adam collapsed into his chair, but he could scarcely relax.\u00a0 Since the candidates were being taken in alphabetical order, that meant that Jamie was up next.\u00a0 Though Adam wouldn\u2019t have thought it possible, his friend\u2019s face looked pastier than his own had felt and his hands visibly shook.\u00a0 While Adam\u2019s voice had started soft, Jamie\u2019s was barely audible, and unlike Adam\u2019s, its volume didn\u2019t increase much as he plowed through what was probably a good speech, if anyone could have heard it.\u00a0 The two friends exchanged a look of commiseration as Jamie finished and sat down; the look clearly said that country boys didn\u2019t stand a chance against the honed skills of eastern men.<\/p>\n

Having given up on his own chances, Adam relaxed and enjoyed the final few speakers.\u00a0 One of them, a fellow he didn\u2019t know well because he was in a different division, seemed head and shoulders above the other speakers, in Adam\u2019s opinion. When Allen Mclean took first prize, Adam nodded with satisfaction in having that opinion confirmed, but he nearly fell out of his chair when the winner of the second prize was announced: \u201cAdam Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 Pure astonishment on his face, he stood and stumbled forward to accept the ten-dollar prize.<\/p>\n

He was still in a daze as he left Alumni Hall to the loud cheers of fellow freshmen that he passed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, no,\u201d he protested when, on the building\u2019s steps, he felt himself hoisted aloft and carried down and across the campus in triumph, but no one paid him the slightest attention, any more than the other winners, suffering similar exuberant congratulations.\u00a0 The three victors were finally deposited on the lawn before the chapel and with three hearty hip-hip-hurrahs the freshmen dispersed, for tomorrow was another full day of classes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least, you did your part for the betterment of the house,\u201d Jamie observed as they walked home.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry I failed to do mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did your part, just by trying,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cYour reasoning was sound, but . . . well, rather quietly stated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou couldn\u2019t hear it, you mean.\u00a0 My throat was so dry I\u2019m surprised anything came out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMine, too,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cand my biggest surprise was that anyone heard me over the knocking of my knees!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good beginning, though,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cand sure to be the forerunner of many future successes . . . at least for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor you, as well,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cIt only takes experience to get over those troublesome nerves, so\u201d\u2014he drew out the word\u2014\u201cwe\u2019ll have to see to it that you enter every competition and volunteer for every speaking opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ll pay the funeral expenses out of your prize money?\u201d Jamie suggested.<\/p>\n

Adam flourished his banger with the finesse of a swordfighter.\u00a0 \u201cAny more of that sort of talk, young fellow, and I shall knock that plug from your hapless head!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie held onto his top hat with both hands and took a step away from Adam, who merely laughed, reached out a long arm, drew his friend back and locked elbows with him the rest of the way home.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The next day Adam found that, overnight, he had become one of the best known freshmen on campus.\u00a0 The Vultures all applauded him at breakfast, and as he moved from class to class throughout the day, even upperclassmen\u2014Demmings for one\u2014stopped to congratulate him on his performance.\u00a0 His moment of highest satisfaction, however, came at the end of the noon recitation on Saturday, when the Reverend Hutchison requested that he remain after class.\u00a0 Wondering at first if he\u2019d made some egregious error in recitation, Adam found himself flushing at the tutor\u2019s praise of his rhetorical style in the open society debate.\u00a0 \u201cHad not your nerves overcome you early on,\u201d Hutchison said, \u201cI am confident that you would have taken first prize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Mclean was a formidable opponent,\u201d Adam replied with as much honesty as modesty.<\/p>\n

Hutchison smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHe did very well, but I found your arguments more convincing, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 You have the makings of a fine public speaker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hadn\u2019t known how to respond to that, except to say thank you.\u00a0 He wanted to do well in all he attempted, of course, but he doubted that he\u2019d have many speaking opportunities once he left college.\u00a0 Architecture was a field where what a man did with his hands counted more than whatever he might say, and that was even more true of ranching.\u00a0 As he walked out, he imagined himself talking a recalcitrant steer into a holding pen, and he was laughing aloud when he joined his friends, who had waited outside for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Hutch can scarcely have eaten him alive,\u201d Lucas opined, \u201cif this is his reaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking about rhetoric . . . and cattle,\u201d Adam stated, relishing the bewildered looks that greeted that remark.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s officially taken leave of his senses,\u201d Marcus suggested, \u201cand without the excuse of a girl this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably from breathing the rarified air at the top of the mountain of academic achievement,\u201d Jamie put in solemnly.<\/p>\n

Lucas groaned.\u00a0 \u201cAnyone that verbose has obviously been breathing the same air.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned toward Marcus.\u00a0 \u201cDo you suppose either of them would be interested in anything as humble as dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think otherwise, you\u2019re the one who\u2019s taken leave of his senses,\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, before those voracious sophomores take more than their share!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 One final surprise brought Adam\u2019s adventure in rhetoric to a fitting close, when he discovered that the planned program of Sigma Epsilon that night had been canceled in favor of a peanut bum in honor of the triumphant scholar of the house.\u00a0 After much munching and even more backslapping, he walked home, feeling unabashedly glad that he\u2019d taken the challenge of the freshman prize debate.\u00a0 Not only had he gained financially, but in his standing among his peers and the esteem of those who would judge his academic efforts for terms to come.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

The Mason and Slidell Affair, which Adam studied in preparation for his debate, was an international diplomatic incident that occurred late in 1861.\u00a0 When the North removed two Confederate envoys to Great Britain and France from a British ship, the threat of war with Britain loomed for seven weeks.\u00a0 Though Mason and Slidell were ultimately released and continued on their journey, they were unable to secure the diplomatic recognition and aid they had sought for the Confederacy.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE<\/p>\n

Young Love<\/p>\n

Adam could barely wait for the next afternoon, so that he could share his triumph with Elizabeth.\u00a0 As he walked her home after their work at the mission, however, her response to his achievement seemed tepid.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose it isn\u2019t any great accomplishment,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI only came in second.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ll do better next time, Adam.\u00a0 There\u2019s certainly no shame in coming in second.\u201d\u00a0 She twirled the drawstrings of her reticule around her fingers.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t help wishing you had been first, though . . . for the sake of the prize money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . yes,\u201d Adam said slowly, not certain why she was bringing up finances.\u00a0 \u201cTwenty-five dollars does stretch further than ten, but Jamie and I can certainly put ten to good use.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJamie,\u201d she hissed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat does it have to do with him?\u00a0 He didn\u2019t place at all, you said.\u201d<\/p>\n

His brow furrowed as he strained to determine what was disturbing her.\u00a0 \u201cWe share everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, forgive my selfishness,\u201d she sputtered, cheeks reddening, \u201cbut I had hoped you might share some things with me!\u201d<\/p>\n

He stopped abruptly, staring at her.\u00a0 \u201cDo you need money, Elizabeth?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 Having seen the quality of her home, he couldn\u2019t imagine that she had need of anything. It wasn\u2019t a mansion, of course, but neither did it display the austerity of genteel poverty.\u00a0 \u201cIf you do,\u201d he began slowly.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth laughed sharply and without mirth.\u00a0 \u201cDon’t be ridiculous, Adam,\u201d she scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cAs I said, it\u2019s probably selfish of me, but I had hoped that we might do something together.\u201d\u00a0 She stared steadfastly into his face.\u00a0 \u201cSomething a little more exciting than a walk home from the mission.\u00a0 Ever since the skating pond thawed, we haven\u2019t done anything else!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI-I\u2019m sorry,” Adam stammered.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t really known what else we could do.\u201d<\/p>\n

She faced him, arms akimbo. \u201cDinner, a night at the theater, a concert,\u201d she suggested.\u00a0 \u201cI understood that you didn\u2019t have money to spend on such things before, but I had hoped . . . with the prize money. . .\u201d\u00a0 She bit her lip.\u00a0 \u201cNever mind.\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, you should have,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cElizabeth, I want you to feel free to say anything to me.\u00a0 I am sorry that I haven\u2019t been able to escort you to that sort of event.\u201d\u00a0 He hesitated.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose I could use the prize money for that, but it really isn\u2019t fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo Jamie,\u201d she snorted, the expression no more attractive on her than on a bull back in Nevada.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, to Jamie,\u201d he said tersely.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s the reason we both competed, Elizabeth, to add to our joint till for college expenses.\u00a0 Frankly, I\u2019ve spent more than he already, because of the extra text and supplies I needed for my architectural drawing class.\u201d\u00a0 He had, of course, paid for those from his own funds, but the expenditures had left him less able to help with others that they shared.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t need to take that,\u201d she complained.\u00a0 \u201cIt takes up all your time.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took her hand and gently stroked it.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not just that,\u201d he explained.\u00a0 \u201cI have two other new classes, as well, this term, and keeping up has been a challenge.\u00a0 I\u2019m beginning to get a grip on things, though, so I hope that we can share some Saturday afternoons together.\u201d\u00a0 He lifted her hand and brushed his lips across her fingertips.\u00a0 \u201cIt will have to be simple things,\u201d he said, \u201cbut surely it\u2019s each other\u2019s company that we want, regardless of what we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf . . . course,\u201d she said.\u00a0 She drew her hand back and gazed demurely at the ground.\u00a0 \u201cWhat sort of \u2018simple things\u2019 did you have in mind, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had, of course, not had anything at all in mind, so he scrambled to come up with some idea that might please her.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we could walk up to East Rock,\u201d he said tentatively.\u00a0 Seeing her frown, he added hastily, \u201cOr West Rock.\u201d\u00a0 The frown deepened. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOr . . . or\u201d\u2014suddenly, he brightened\u2014\u201cthe championship flag race!\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up, eyes sparking with interest.\u00a0 \u201cFlag race?\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a breath and talked fast.\u00a0 \u201cYes, on Saturday.\u00a0 The college boat clubs will be racing down at the harbor.\u00a0 We could watch them together . . . perhaps share a picnic lunch . . . or have a light bite elsewhere later, if you prefer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds . . . charming,\u201d she said with a smile, \u201cand I\u2019d be happy to bring a picnic lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds . . . delightful,\u201d he said, his head bending over her.\u00a0 His lips hovered for a second-long eternity and then gently touched her own.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Saturday dawned bright and clear, a perfect day for sailing.\u00a0 As much as Adam normally looked forward to his rhetoric recitation, today he longed for its end, giving him more in common with the rest of the class.\u00a0 When the Reverend Hutchison dismissed them, all the freshmen raced down the steps, most off for a quick dinner at their various eating clubs.\u00a0 Since Elizabeth was bringing their lunch, Adam hurried to meet her.\u00a0 Citing the need to save time, she had suggested meeting him on the Green, so they were soon together.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to eat here,\u201d Adam asked, \u201cor go on down to the harbor and get a good place?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s do that,\u201d the girl said, adding with a twinkle in her eye, \u201cunless the aroma of my fried chicken is so tantalizing that you simply cannot wait that long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIt will be hard, as I can assure you that rhetoric recitation always gives me an appetite.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it always comes directly before dinner!\u201d she laughed.\u00a0 \u201cFor that foolishness, sir, and for refusing to say that it was my chicken that tempted you, you certainly shall wait!\u201d<\/p>\n

He took the hamper in one hand and her hand in his other.\u00a0 Swinging it forward and back between them, he guided her toward the harbor, as happy and carefree as if they were grammar-school sweethearts on their first date.\u00a0 But for his freshman dignity, he\u2019d probably have started skipping through the streets.\u00a0 Reaching the site of the flag race, they found a few other spectators had already arrived, and after a quick consultation on the best spot, they staked out their ground with a spread blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, isn\u2019t it a perfectly lovely day?\u201d Elizabeth enthused as she opened the hamper and began to lay out the riches of its depths.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost as lovely as you,\u201d Adam offered smoothly.<\/p>\n

She tittered.\u00a0 \u201cFlatterer.\u00a0 It won\u2019t win you a single extra wing from this bird.\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned close. \u201cI’d rather have something sweeter . . . from another bird entirely.\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew back demurely.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t behave more circumspectly, sir, you\u2019ll get nothing from any passing birdie.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed and eased back on one elbow.\u00a0 \u201cIt wasn\u2019t passing birdies I was interested in, either, but I\u2019ll behave.\u201d\u00a0 He lowered his voice and added, \u201cFor now,\u201d in a sensuous whisper.<\/p>\n

She placed a chicken breast on a dish she\u2019d brought from home and dished out a mound of potato salad and another of pickled cucumbers and onions beside it.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s for now,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

He leaned dangerously close to her lips.\u00a0 \u201cAnd for later?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed.\u00a0 \u201cCherry pie . . . if you behave.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took the plate, but waited until she\u2019d served herself before beginning to eat \u201cIt\u2019s delicious,\u201d he said after the first bite.\u00a0 \u201cI see we must add cooking to your many fine attributes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd flattery is obviously the finest of yours,\u201d she replied with a slightly rebuking shake of her head.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll have to hold it in check if we hope to finish dinner by the time the race starts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat race?\u201d Adam asked with a deliberately dreamy grin.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth waved a threatening drumstick at his nose.\u00a0 \u201cThe one you\u2019ll be running if you keep this up,\u201d she declared with a flounce of her curls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019d rather watch the boats . . . and you . . . watching the boats,\u201d he said, dutifully biting into the chicken.\u00a0 Though he politely kept his mouth closed as he chewed, his eyes still twinkled with unexpressed mischief.<\/p>\n

When they finished, he helped her stow away the dishes and remaining food; then they settled back on the blanket, glasses of tea in hand.\u00a0 \u201cThe water\u2019s very smooth,\u201d Adam observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Elizabeth pulled her attention back to him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed.\u00a0 \u201cApparently, you were looking at something else.\u201d<\/p>\n

She blushed prettily.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I was looking at the boats.\u201d<\/p>\n

He wagged a chiding finger beneath her nose.\u00a0 \u201cNot to mention those muscular young men sitting at the oars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing that he was teasing, she giggled.\u00a0 \u201cThey do look attractive and\u2014well, yes\u2014muscular.\u201d\u00a0 It was an understatement.\u00a0 The men of the Yale navy were wearing tight pants, one team in blue and the other in white, that left little to the imagination, while their sleeveless undershirts left nothing at all.\u00a0 \u201cI imagine you\u2019d outshine them all,\u201d she added with a smile.<\/p>\n

It was Adam\u2019s turn to blush.\u00a0 \u201cI’m somewhat out of shape,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cNot enough exercise.\u201d\u00a0 With the extra workload this term, he was frequenting the gymnasium less often.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should go out for the navy, then,\u201d she suggested.\u00a0 Her cheeks reddened again.\u00a0 \u201cFor the exercise, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t what she meant at all and Adam knew it.\u00a0 She was clearly dreaming of seeing his muscles bulge in a sleeveless undershirt and tight pants.\u00a0 Much as he\u2019d like to oblige her, he didn\u2019t have the funds for that sort of extracurricular activity, nor the time for it, either.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps next year,\u201d he said, thinking of the funds he might set aside from his summer job, \u201calthough it would take time away from you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She frowned thoughtfully and deftly changed the subject.\u00a0 \u201cThe water\u2019s smoothness, that makes it good for racing, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor rowing, yes,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt should mean a good steady pull, with the stronger team winning.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed out over the water.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re getting into position now.\u00a0 It looks as though Varuna<\/em> has drawn the outside lane.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ones in blue?\u201d\u00a0 At his nod she asked, \u201cIs that your favored team?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter to me.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to smile at her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not nearly as interested in the race as in the company watching it with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sweet,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cThis is exciting, though\u2014a real college competition.\u201d<\/p>\n

The start was signaled, and Varuna<\/em> quickly leaped into the lead, pulling steadily toward the turning point.\u00a0 \u201cI guess it won\u2019t be much of a race,\u201d Elizabeth sighed.\u00a0 \u201cVaruna<\/em> is so far ahead of . . . what\u2019s the other team?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNixie<\/em>,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t give up on them yet, though.\u00a0 Their long, steady strokes may yet win the day.\u201d\u00a0 For a short while his words seemed prophetic, but for no apparent reason the Nixie<\/em> began to fall behind again.\u00a0 By the time she reached the turning buoy, she was obviously out of the race.\u00a0 The red caps of Varuna<\/em> charged on and soon shot past the wharf.<\/p>\n

\u201cVaruna<\/em> wins!\u201d Elizabeth cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve passed the wrong end of the judges\u2019 boat.\u00a0 They\u2019ll have to come around again.\u00a0 Come on, Nixie<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n

Elizabeth doubled her diminutive fist and pounded his arm.\u00a0 \u201cOoh! You bad boy!\u00a0 You told me you didn\u2019t care who won.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t . . . then,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I feel obliged to pull for the underdog.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I will, too, then,\u201d the girl declared.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Nixie<\/em>!\u201d\u00a0 The couple cheered loudly, but the Nixie<\/em> continued to limp toward the finish line.\u00a0 Though it took the Varuna<\/em> an extra minute and forty seconds to rectify her mistake, she still easily won and was soon proudly accepting the triangular blue silk, bordered with heavy gilt fringe and inscribed with the word, \u201cChampion.\u201d\u00a0 The Nixie<\/em>, it was soon revealed, had broken a tiller wire early in the race, but had pluckily plunged on, despite knowing she had no chance of victory.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was a gallant effort, nonetheless,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be sure to cheer for them next time,\u201d Elizabeth vowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam said, smiling at the thought that there would be a next time. \u00a0Not, however, until next year, so he\u2019d have to come up with some other excuse to spend a pleasant Saturday afternoon with Elizabeth.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like to stop for some lemonade before I walk you home?\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019t you consult Jamie?\u201d she asked with a trace of petulance.\u00a0 She scanned the crowd.\u00a0 \u201cSurely, he\u2019s around somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t count on it, dutiful scholar that he is, but it doesn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 We don\u2019t consult over every penny, and I think the common till can surely support a couple of glasses of lemonade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then,\u201d she said, \u201cI think that sounds . . . most refreshing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cRefreshment it is, then.\u00a0 Here, let me help you fold up that blanket.\u201d\u00a0 Their hands touched as they brought the two sides together, and they stood there for a moment, smiling into each other\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Though Adam had hoped to spend more time with Elizabeth, he once again had to ask her to understand that his Saturday afternoons had to be spent in study.\u00a0 \u201cThe freshman scholarship exams are looming on the horizon,\u201d he told her after their work at the mission the next day, \u201cand I really need to win one.\u00a0 More people are bound to enter than did for the prize debates, because the prize is so much greater.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much is it?\u201d Elizabeth asked, her lips turning down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Woolsey, which is the highest, earns sixty dollars per year for four years,\u201d Adam explained, \u201cso if I could win that, it would make it much easier for us to have special times together next year.\u00a0 The Hurlbut, which goes to the man in second place, earns the same prize, but only for one year.\u201d<\/p>\n

She frowned thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I can see that that would be a help to you.\u00a0 So, how long is it until the exam?\u201d<\/p>\n

One side of his mouth quirked ruefully.\u00a0 \u201cNot nearly long enough, considering how much review I need, but though we\u2019ll only miss one Saturday together, that seems entirely too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sunshine of her smile burst out from behind dark clouds.\u00a0 \u201cOnly one Saturday?\u00a0 I guess I can give you up for one Saturday, if it means I\u2019ll see more of you later.\u00a0 You do promise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d he said and sealed his vow with a kiss.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Though they were both competing for the same prize, Adam and Jamie studied together, and each assisted the other in the area where he was weaker.\u00a0 Jamie was stronger in Latin, while Adam surpassed him in algebraic solutions.\u00a0 They considered themselves virtual equals in Greek, but each of them was able to point out some intricacy the other had overlooked and both, therefore, felt better prepared.\u00a0 They would have to write a Latin composition during the exam, but since neither knew the topic in advance, they didn\u2019t have to keep their thoughts private, as they had for the freshman prize debates the previous month.\u00a0 They alternated drilling each other on vocabulary and algebraic equations, until both began to dream in the classic languages and to work the mathematical problems in their sleep.<\/p>\n

Since the scholarship exam had to be worked into the normal schedule of recitations, it took place over three days, beginning on the ninth of June, during the interval between second and third recitation.\u00a0 As he had before the entrance exams, Adam insisted that they eat dinner, as usual, although both of them tended to partake lightly of Mrs. Swanson\u2019s fine cooking.\u00a0 They made up for it at supper, however, for with the tension temporarily over, they were ravenous.<\/p>\n

Monday afternoon\u2019s exam was in Greek.\u00a0 Adam and Jamie entered Alumni Hall to find roughly two dozen competitors for the prize, all among the top students in the class.\u00a0 Comparing notes afterwards, Adam and Jamie concluded that they had probably given the exam a dead rush, since their answers, at least those they could remember, were identical.<\/p>\n

Tuesday, to Jamie\u2019s horror, was devoted to algebra.\u00a0 Thanks to Adam\u2019s tutoring, he thought he\u2019d correctly solved all but one or possibly two of the equations.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re bound to have hit every one dead on,\u201d he told Adam.\u00a0 Adam only shrugged, but he was pretty sure he had, too.<\/p>\n

Both agreed that the Latin composition they wrote on Wednesday afternoon would be the exercise that separated the winners from the also-rans.\u00a0 \u201cUnless algebra has cut me out of contention already,\u201d Jamie moaned as they came down the steps of Alumni Hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cJamie, if you would just stop telling yourself that mathematics are hard, you\u2019d find it perfectly simple,\u201d Adam chided sharply, a sure indication that the tension of three days of testing had unnerved him, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, excuse me!\u201d Jamie snapped back.<\/p>\n

Adam started to throw back a strident retort.\u00a0 Then he caught himself and grinned sheepishly.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I will, if you\u2019ll excuse me, too.\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have rebuked you for fretting when I\u2019m doing the same myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie laughed, too, then.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t we a pair?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEdgy as long-tailed cats in a roomful of rocking chairs,\u201d Adam admitted, pulling out a time-honored, if folksy, simile.\u00a0 \u201cToo bad the only cure is a two-week wait for the results.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie groaned.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t remind me.\u00a0 For now, though, I think the only palliative I can think of is a piece of divinity.\u00a0 Now, where\u2019s Candy Sam when I need him?\u201d\u00a0 As he looked around, hoping to catch sight of the blind black man, something on the trees caught his attention.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are those?\u201d he asked, cocking his head inquisitively.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cThose tests must have drained everything from your fact-befuddled brain if you don\u2019t recognize the posters of Linonia and the Brother in Unity.\u00a0 The trees sprout those every Wednesday, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie fixed him with a scornful eye.\u00a0 \u201cNot the red and blue ones.\u00a0 Someone\u2019s tacked up some white ones, and they\u2019re smaller than the usual posters listing the table of contents for the Lit<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cWell, one way to find out.\u201d\u00a0 He walked over to the nearest tree and called back, \u201cCome over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie hurried over.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdvertisements . . . for furnishings for dorm rooms,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cEvidently, the seniors are offering theirs for sale, collectible at the end of term.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we\u2019re going to need that,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled wryly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what are we supposed to pay for it with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got the ten dollars you won at the debate,\u201d Jamie said, \u201cand I have some that Father gave me for expenses this term.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t go far,\u201d Adam muttered, \u201cnot when you consider everything we\u2019ll need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf one of us wins a scholarship . . .\u201d Jamie suggested.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cBy the time we find out the results, the pickings may be slim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe both have a good reputation,\u201d Jamie insisted.\u00a0 \u201cIf we make a down payment, I think the seniors might trust us for the remainder . . . at least until Presentation Day.\u00a0 I can write Father and see if he can send us something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cTell him he\u2019ll be repaid for my share.\u00a0 There\u2019s no way I can get a message to Pa and receive a response within two weeks, but I know he\u2019ll help with any legitimate expense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get back to the room, and I\u2019ll get the letter written,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

Adam clamped a hand on his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cFirst things first.\u00a0 Let\u2019s read some of these posters and decide what we\u2019ll need and who to buy it from.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then supper,\u201d Jamie said with a grin.\u00a0 \u201cAnother thing that must come first.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmen to that!\u201d Adam heartily agreed.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow was your exam?\u201d Elizabeth asked as she handed Adam the picnic hamper and took his free arm.\u00a0 \u201cAs gruesome as you feared?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGruesome?\u201d\u00a0 Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think I ever used that word, but it was daunting and difficult.\u00a0 I think I did well, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d she said, giving him an approving smile.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, I\u2019ve so been looking forward to this afternoon, and I\u2019m sure you\u2019re beyond ready for some rest and relaxation yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cand I wish it could be longer, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She pulled away and stood facing him, arms akimbo.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright, you promised me this afternoon.\u00a0 Don\u2019t tell me you\u2019re trying to weasel out of it already!\u201d<\/p>\n

He circled her slender waist and drew her back to his side.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I\u2019m only saying that we will need to make it a short jaunt today, much as I wish it could be longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c’Not another exam,\u201d she pouted petulantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he chuckled, \u201cbut I\u2019m still dealing with the aftermath of this one.\u00a0 Testing three afternoons straight meant giving less attention to my daily work, and I do need to make that up before Monday.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have a pleasant time together this afternoon, and I promise you a longer excursion next Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou promise?\u201d\u00a0 Her voice was tinged with disappointment and, perhaps, a hint of doubt, having heard that pledge before and been less than satisfied with its fulfillment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise,\u201d he said.\u00a0 He placed a light kiss behind her ear.<\/p>\n

The blush of her cheeks only made her prettier.\u00a0 \u201cWell, then,\u201d she said with a trace of forced cheerfulness, \u201cif we\u2019ve only time for the picnic and little else, I know the perfect place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLead on, then, lady fair,\u201d he declaimed dramatically.<\/p>\n

Smiling more openly now, she led him through quiet streets to the edge of town and beyond.\u00a0 They followed a path through the woods and crossed a salt marsh, where sea gulls soared overhead; then they climbed a low mound and spread their picnic blanket at the edge of a small orchard.\u00a0 Pink-white blossoms covered the trees, although some had dropped away, leaving small green apples in their place.\u00a0 The hill was not high, but they could still see sunshine bathing the waves of the Sound and the billowing sails of vessels headed for New York.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right; it\u2019s perfect,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust ham sandwiches today,\u201d she said as she opened the hamper.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you\u2019re not too disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIncredibly,\u201d he said and then laughed at the look on her face.<\/p>\n

She blushed prettily again, exactly the effect he\u2019d hoped his teasing would produce.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I had that coming,\u201d she admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm hmm,\u201d Adam murmured, eyes still twinkling.\u00a0 He whispered, \u201cCome here,\u201d as he took her by both arms and drew her toward him.\u00a0 \u201cThe sandwiches can wait.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather feast on this.\u201d\u00a0 He put his arms around her and gave her a long, lingering kiss.\u00a0 He could cheerfully have foregone the sandwiches altogether and, perhaps, even the cookies which followed for more of that sort of feasting, but much as she seemed to enjoy it herself, she was the one who pulled back and insisted that they should eat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter all, you only have this tiny bit of time to give me,\u201d she chided softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019d rather spend it eating?\u201d he queried, an enigmatic smile raising one side of his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t expect to study well on an empty stomach,\u201d she insisted with a determined nod.\u00a0 She looked up at him as she handed him a sandwich.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I do insist that you study well . . . today and all this week, so that you can give yourself to me completely next Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stifling the inappropriate suggestions those words inspired, Adam raised a hand to his eyebrow and saluted her.\u00a0 \u201cYes, ma\u2019am!\u201d he declared sturdily and as if to demonstrate his commitment, he took a huge bite of the sandwich.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Elizabeth squealed with delight when Adam led her from her front door on Saturday afternoon.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, where did you get a carriage?\u201d she cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the livery,\u201d he said dryly.<\/p>\n

She gave him a push toward the vehicle.\u00a0 \u201cOoh, you impossible man!\u00a0 I know that.\u00a0 I mean, how . . .\u00a0 that is . . . oh, never mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam knew perfectly well what she wanted to ask and was glad that courtesy had prevented the question.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to explain how he\u2019d gotten the money for this afternoon excursion.\u00a0 Not that there was anything shameful about it, although his father would probably have thought otherwise, feeling the way he did about borrowing money.\u00a0 Adam himself had balked when Lucas first made the offer after listening to him bemoan his inability to do anything with Elizabeth except eat picnics that she had supplied.\u00a0 Lucas, however, had pointed out that Adam would soon be gainfully employed for the summer and could easily pay back the loan from his earnings, so Adam had gratefully accepted.<\/p>\n

\u201cA whole afternoon together . . . I can\u2019t believe it!\u201d Elizabeth bubbled as Adam assisted her into the carriage.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I want to pack it full,\u201d Adam declared, \u201cbecause with the third term review beginning on Monday, it will be our last opportunity until I\u2019ve finished exams.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pouted a moment to chide him for future neglect, but then her sunny smile flashed.\u00a0 \u201cAs you say, we must pack this afternoon full of memories . . . if they\u2019re all I\u2019m to have of you for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

He circled behind the rig and climbed up beside her.\u00a0 Taking the reins, he said, \u201cI hope you enjoy the excursion I have planned, but don’t ask: it\u2019s a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, I won\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 As he guided the horse to Whalley Street, at the northwest edge of town, she gazed up into a cloudless sky.\u00a0 \u201cThe weather is delightful for a drive.\u201d She dropped her gaze, long lashes veiling her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the company enchanting.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached over and lifted her chin with two fingers.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t agree more,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

She glanced away demurely.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a very skilled driver.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was his turn to laugh.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we westerners do quite a lot of it, you know.\u00a0 No hired hacks for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI keep forgetting your . . . unique talents.\u201d\u00a0 As he turned toward the small hamlet of Westville, she clapped her hands.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I know where we\u2019re going, and I\u2019m so glad!\u00a0 It\u2019s been a perfect age since I visited West Rock.\u00a0 Oh, please say we\u2019re going to see Wintergreen Falls.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded, his smile skewing sideways.\u00a0 \u201cFoolish of me to hope we were seeing it together for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She shook her head, smiling at his foolishness.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I\u2019ve lived here all my life.\u00a0 Is there much of your Ponderosa you\u2019ve never seen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much,\u201d he admitted with a sheepish grin.\u00a0 \u201cWell, since you\u2019re the expert, can you show me the best place to view them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u00a0 Keep going down this road, and I\u2019ll show you where to turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they approached West Rock on its eastern side, he turned the horse onto the path she pointed to and drove down a shady lane through the woods.\u00a0 \u201cStop anywhere along here,\u201d she instructed.\u00a0 \u201cWe have to walk down to the falls.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pulled the horses to a halt and helped her down.<\/p>\n

\u201cBring the picnic hamper,\u201d she instructed.\u00a0 \u201cWe can spread the blanket on one of the large, flat rocks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou seem to remember this spot very well,\u201d Adam said, \u201cor perhaps you\u2019ve been here recently with some other fellow.\u201d\u00a0 He raised an inquisitive eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa used to bring us here,\u201d Elizabeth explained, a small catch in her voice.\u00a0 \u201cI-I haven\u2019t been here with anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam squeezed her hand.\u00a0 He\u2019d learned early in their relationship that her father was an officer in the Union army, having enlisted soon after the President\u2019s first call for soldiers.\u00a0 While she was inordinately proud of him, she\u2019d confessed that her heart raced every time she read the lists of casualties after a battle in which his regiment had fought. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam said, regretfully, \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I chose a place whose associations\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t be silly,\u201d she scolded.\u00a0 \u201cThose associations were all pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean . . . if it makes you miss him more,\u201d Adam tried to explain, but she shushed him again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt loved here,\u201d she said, standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.\u00a0 \u201cI . . . still do,\u201d she whispered hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d he whispered back.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only a short way down to the falls,\u201d she said.\u00a0 Then she gave a startled cry as her foot slipped on the wet leaves covering the path.<\/p>\n

Adam dropped the hamper and deftly caught her.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that\u2019s one way to get you into my arms,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cConfess,\u201d she teased back.\u00a0 \u201cYou came early and planted those treacherous leaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure it wasn\u2019t you, hoping for just this result?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d she said with a coy smile.\u00a0 \u201cIf I could take your arm, kind sir, hopefully I can avoid another such tumble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you want to?\u201d Adam chuckled, though he dutifully offered her his arm and then bent to pick up the hamper.<\/p>\n

With a slight tip up of her nose, Elizabeth ignored his impudence.<\/p>\n

Adam could hear the rushing water as they entered the woods.\u00a0 \u201cYou weren\u2019t kidding when you said it was close.\u201d\u00a0 A few more steps brought them to the edge of a small pool, into which the water fell by a two-step cascade over black rock.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth clapped her hands.\u00a0 \u201cOh, isn\u2019t it lovely?\u00a0 Does it remind you of home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes . . . a bit,\u201d Adam said vaguely.\u00a0 The falls were lovely, although small in comparison with some he\u2019d seen in the West, and the trees were, of course, different from the pines of home.\u00a0 Somehow, though, the setting did awaken a sense of nostalgia inside him, as well as feelings of chagrin.\u00a0 With all the new activities this term and trying to carve out time for Elizabeth, he\u2019d neglected writing home, and he\u2019d need to rectify that before exams started or his family would think he\u2019d fallen into the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth’s voice drew him back from his reverie.\u00a0 \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked if you\u2019d like to have our lunch on that rock,\u201d she said, pointing to one at the edge of the pool that would give them an excellent view of the falls.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that\u2019s fine,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 He took the blanket from the hamper.\u00a0 \u201cLet me spread this over it, and then I\u2019ll come back for you.\u201d\u00a0 He looked at her and grinned. \u201cCan\u2019t have you slipping again, can we?\u201d<\/p>\n

Blushing at her boldness, she said, \u201cNot unless your arms are there to catch me.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave her an impish wink.\u00a0 \u201cIn that case, I\u2019ll strew a few wet leaves on the path on my way back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think there are quite enough already,\u201d she laughed as he walked away to prepare their picnic spot.<\/p>\n

Soon they were seated side by side, their legs dangling above the rippling pool, eating the cold sandwiches and apple turnovers that Elizabeth had brought and enjoying the sight and sound of the waters splashing over the rocks.\u00a0 When the food was gone, they remained on the rock, as if mesmerized by the scene.\u00a0 Finally, Adam asked, \u201cWould\u00a0 you like to drive around a bit?\u201d<\/p>\n

“Not yet,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cI want to show you something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam said, pleased.\u00a0 He helped her down and held her arm as she guided him toward a trail leading up the hill.\u00a0 \u201cWhoa, wait a minute,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure you can\u201d\u2014his gaze took in her ruffled skirt\u2014\u201cI mean . . . it looks a bit steep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u00a0 Since I expected to walk wherever we were going, I wore sensible shoes,\u201d she said, lifting her skirt up above her ankles.\u00a0 Adam had trouble accepting her high-buttoned footgear as \u201csensible\u201d for climbing, but he shrugged and went ahead of her to pick the best path for her pretty feet to tread and to help her over the rough spots.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere!\u201d she said, pointing to the left when they reached the top.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you think of that, my handsome young architect?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam followed her finger and saw the crumbling ruins of an old stone building.\u00a0 \u201cHard to tell much about it in this condition,\u201d he said, \u201cbut it must have been quite a place . . . with a stunning view.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mansion of the Hubbard family, one of the finest in the state,\u201d Elizabeth said, \u201cor so I\u2019m told.\u00a0 Father said they used to hold grand galas here in its day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMoonlight dances, perhaps?\u201d Adam suggested, holding out his arms in waltz position.\u00a0 She stepped into place and let him twirl her around and around.<\/p>\n

Finally, gasping for breath, Elizabeth rested against his strong chest.\u00a0 \u201cIf we stay much longer, we will be dancing in the moonlight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

She shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cAnd risk going down that path in the dark?\u00a0 I think not! Besides, mother would never agree to my seeing you again if we behaved in such an intemperate manner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t risk that,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut I do wish this evening didn\u2019t have to end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, so do I,\u201d she whispered as his arms closed around her and his lips sought hers for a final embrace.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX<\/p>\n

Presentation Day<\/p>\n

Adam, Jamie and Marcus all scowled at Lucas as he came running up to the chapel steps, where they were waiting.\u00a0 \u201cLate, as always,\u201d Adam grumbled.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be lucky if there are any seats left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not late,\u201d Lucas protested.\u00a0 He consulted his watch.\u00a0 \u201cFive minutes to spare,\u201d he insisted.<\/p>\n

The other three shook their heads and shoved him toward the chapel.\u00a0 As they had feared, the ground floor was already packed to the seams, and when they ran up to the gallery, they found almost the same situation.\u00a0 Only when a couple of other students obligingly moved were they able to finagle four seats in close proximity, Lucas and Marcus taking the ones in the row behind Adam and Jamie, who both breathed a sigh of temporary relief as they sank into their seats.\u00a0 Though they had a difficult wait ahead of them, at least they had a place to do their nervous fidgeting.<\/p>\n

At 10:30 the seniors marched in and took their usual seats at the front of the center aisle.\u00a0 In principle, this was their day, although it was a transition point for the other classes, as well.\u00a0 Attendance was not compulsory, and only the juniors were there in any large numbers.\u00a0 There weren\u2019t more than, perhaps, thirty freshman there that morning; to the others, Presentation Day was just a welcome break from classes, which were dismissed for the day.<\/p>\n

For the seniors, though, this marked the end of their daily connection with the college. \u00a0They had finished their final exams and after today would not return until Commencement.\u00a0 At chapel tomorrow morning each of the lower classes would fill the seats of the class above and from that time would be treated with the dignity due their new station.\u00a0 That, of course, had greater meaning for the freshmen than for the rest, since by tradition there would be no more twitting or teasing after today.\u00a0 They would be accepted as fully arrived men of Yale.<\/p>\n

President Woolsey stood at the pulpit as Lebeus Chapin, the senior tutor, presented the class to him and recommended them for graduation.\u00a0 The President said a few words in Latin that made Adam smile, for they were basically words of congratulation to the faculty for having brought another group of young men to this point.\u00a0 Next he announced the class poet, and Henry Holt favored them with three to four hundred simple lines arranged with refined taste.\u00a0 Another senior, D. Henry Chamberlain, then presented the class oration on \u201cThe Scholar in the Republic,\u201d dealing masterfully with the current political situation and the difficult problems of national existence.\u00a0 His closing, mentioning the death of several classmates, brought tears, even to the eyes of those who had not known the young men.\u00a0 The ceremonies concluded with the singing of the parting ode.\u00a0 The lyrics had been written by a senior, of course, and were printed in the program, so that all could join in.\u00a0 Everyone knew the melody, because by tradition the ode was always composed to the tune of Auld Lang Syne<\/em>, and all the students sang heartily.<\/p>\n

The President returned to the pulpit to announce the appointments for Commencement, from the highest honors of valedictory, salutatory and philosophical orations through high orations, dissertations and disputes to the lowest colloquies.\u00a0 Altogether, he read over sixty names, representing the upper two-thirds of the senior class, and had each man stand to bow his acceptance of the honor.\u00a0 To the underclassmen, it seemed to go on forever.<\/p>\n

Finally, President Woolsey lifted twinkling eyes and smiled toward the gallery.\u00a0 \u201cAnd now to the portion of the program for which some of you . . . with limited patience . . . have been waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Jamie both leaned forward.\u00a0 \u201cSettle back,\u201d Lucas whispered from behind them.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s always freshmen last; you should know that by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ruefully, the two in the row in front of him moved back.\u00a0 He was right, of course, Adam realized with an unvoiced sigh.\u00a0 The seniors had already had their honors recited, but the juniors and sophomores would certainly precede the lowly freshmen.\u00a0 Adam grinned to himself.\u00a0 After today no one would think of them that way again.<\/p>\n

He was surprised, however, when the President began talking about the sophomore awards in English composition.\u00a0 He leaned back and asked Lucas, \u201cNo Juniors?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHardly ever are,\u201d Lucas whispered back.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brow wrinkled in thought, wondering why.\u00a0 If there were awards available exclusively for juniors, he wanted to know about them, but he filed that away to ask about later and watched the presentations.\u00a0 First, second and third prizes were announced in each division, and due to some ties, there were fourteen awards in all, none of them to people he knew more than by name.\u00a0 He had, of course, never suspected that Warington or Miller represented the sophomores\u2019 scholastic best\u2014true dunderheads, if he\u2019d ever seen them\u2014but he had thought that, perhaps, Percival Demmings might have received one of the honors.\u00a0 He hoped he wasn\u2019t as far off in his perception of his own academic standing or that of his best friend.\u00a0 In regard to the freshman scholarships, he had no expectations, just hope\u2014and an overabundance of nerves, which only increased as Woolsey acknowledged the final sophomore.<\/p>\n

Adam inched to the edge of his seat as Woolsey said, \u201cOur freshmen have shown themselves especially strong in mathematics this year.\u201d\u00a0 The President explained that there would, therefore, be a tie for both first and second place for the mathematical premiums and then began to announce the winners.\u00a0 When his name was not called, Adam exchanged a quick, nervous smile with Jamie, who joined him on the edge of the seat, now that the awards he\u2019d had no expectation of winning had been announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations,\u201d Jamie whispered, but Adam shook his head.\u00a0 Since no one could win more than one award, not receiving one of the lesser prizes did mean that they were both still eligible for the two larger scholarships, but guaranteed nothing.\u00a0 Perhaps he simply hadn\u2019t done as well as he\u2019d thought on the mathematics portion of the exam, although it was hard to conceive that that many people had bested him.\u00a0 He held his breath while President Woolsey detailed what the next award, the Hurlbut, meant in terms of accomplishment and monetary reward.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year\u2019s winner of the Hurlbut award is\u201d\u2014the President gave a dramatic pause\u2014\u201cMr. James Percy Edwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam burst from his seat with a shout of sheer joy.\u00a0 Lucas quickly reached up and hauled him back down.\u00a0 \u201cNot you,\u201d he hissed.\u00a0 \u201cSt. James won.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s cheeks flamed.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t misunderstood.\u00a0 His explosion of enthusiasm had been for his friend, but he hadn\u2019t meant to draw attention to himself when it should rightfully focus on Jamie.\u00a0 He cast a regretful glance to the man on his left, who just smiled and patted Adam\u2019s arm as he stood to bow in acceptance of his award.\u00a0 Adam relaxed.\u00a0 So long as Jamie understood, nothing else mattered.<\/p>\n

When the applause died down, the President continued, \u201cAnd now for our final scholarship award, the one which I have, for some reason, always held in highest affection.\u201d<\/p>\n

The student body laughed in appreciation of his mild jest.\u00a0 While in today\u2019s program and every other official college publication this award was simply\u2014and modestly\u2014called the first freshman scholarship, everyone knew that it had been established by the President himself when he took office in 1846.\u00a0 That was why the students always called it \u201cthe Woolsey,\u201d in appreciation of its founder.\u00a0 Now it was the only scholarship left to be awarded.\u00a0 \u201cThe first freshman scholarship, with a prize of sixty dollars for each of the next four years,\u201d Woolsey said, \u201cgoes to one of our finest and, dare I say, most eager young scholars.\u201d\u00a0 Again he paused, letting the suspense build, and then called, \u201cAdam Morgan Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Applause erupted around him, but Adam sat, stunned, unable to believe he had heard correctly.<\/p>\n

Then President Woolsey chuckled and called, \u201cNow, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Now<\/em> you stand up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other students hooted and hollered toward the gallery, \u201cNow, Mr. Cartwright. \u00a0Now<\/em> you stand up.\u201d\u00a0 They were out of order, of course, but no one rebuked them, even the faculty having joined in the echo.<\/p>\n

With a little gratuitous help from his three friends, Adam rose to his feet and bowed to the grinning faces below.\u00a0 Dismissed, the students rushed out of chapel, some pausing long enough in their headlong rush toward dinner to clap Adam and Jamie and the other prizewinners on the back.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t believe I won,\u201d Adam said to his closest friends as they moved toward Temple Street for their own dinner.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had no doubt, did we, chums?\u201d Jamie asked the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cNone,\u201d Lucas returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it might have been you,\u201d Marcus suggested to Jamie.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs did I,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I admit I wasn\u2019t sure which of you would come in first,\u201d Lucas declared, \u201cbut I was certain you\u2019d rank first and second.\u201d\u00a0 He threw an arm around Marcus\u2019s slim shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cJust think, chum, we\u2019ve walked with greatness all these months and never knew it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout a trace of it rubbing off!\u201d Adam laughed, giving the other boy a friendly shove.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it might have on Marc,\u201d Jamie said with a grin, \u201cbut that other fellow . . . well . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas, who could take a joke better than any of them, crinkled his nose in mock distaste.\u00a0 \u201cHa, ha.\u00a0 As I was saying, all these months, I\u2019ve walked with court jesters and never knew it.\u201d<\/p>\n

It seemed strange to find Milton Bradford sitting in Alexander White\u2019s position, but both White and Raines had said their good-byes to the others at breakfast.\u00a0 The faculty was providing a collation for the seniors that afternoon, and both, of course, planned to remain with their class throughout the event-packed day.\u00a0 The remaining Vultures had voted the previous week to have Bradford serve as their new steward, and while they would all miss White\u2019s calm management of any problems that arose, they were confident that Bradford would admirably fill his shoes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to get home and write Father about our news,\u201d Jamie enthused as they left the dining hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell him my share of what he advanced us will be repaid soon,\u201d Adam instructed.\u00a0 They\u2019d picked up some of the furnishings for their dorm room next year from White and Raines, who had been more willing than most to extend credit, so the money Josiah sent had gone further than it otherwise might have.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he isn\u2019t concerned about that,\u201d Jamie chided softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I am,\u201d Adam insisted.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019ll see you back at the room in an hour or two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou aren\u2019t coming?\u201d Jamie asked.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you\u2019d want to write your father, too.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be so proud, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think our lovesick lad is more interested in telling someone else,\u201d Lucas suggested, laughing when the look on Adam\u2019s face confirmed his guess.\u00a0 \u201cJust don\u2019t get so lost in the lady\u2019s charms that you forget about tonight,\u201d he cautioned.\u00a0 \u201cIt is a momentous occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely!\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I do intend to write home, as well, so I won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then.\u00a0 See you there,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n

Adam said goodbye to him and then to Lucas and Marcus, who trotted off in search of the final items needed to complete their costumes for the evening\u2019s festivities, and walked directly to Elizabeth\u2019s house.\u00a0 Excitedly, he rapped on her front door and, tapping his foot against the cobbled walkway, waited for someone to respond.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth herself opened the door.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, Adam,\u201d she said in surprise, for he\u2019d never called on her in the middle of the week.\u00a0 \u201cI-I wasn\u2019t expecting you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I know,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I hope it isn\u2019t an inconvenient time.\u201d<\/p>\n

She frowned slightly.\u00a0 \u201cWell . . . a bit.\u00a0 The Sanitation Committee is meeting here this afternoon.\u00a0 Mother\u2019s the hostess, of course, but I\u2019m helping, and I can scarcely walk out in the middle of the meeting.\u201d\u00a0 She drew herself erect.\u00a0 \u201cHelping the soldiers is very important to me, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d Adam murmured.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t take much of your time, then.\u201d\u00a0 Secretly, he\u2019d hoped that they could take a brief walk together, but he didn\u2019t have much time to spare, either.\u00a0 \u201cI just wanted to tell you the good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked puzzled for a moment and then her face brightened with anticipation.\u00a0 \u201cOh!\u00a0 The scholarship results.\u00a0 They were today, weren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam whispered, eyes gleaming.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s good news, you say?\u00a0 Oh, I can see from your face that it is!\u201d\u00a0 She reached up to cup his face in her hands.\u00a0 \u201cWhat prize did you take?\u00a0 Not the Woolsey?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam offered a twisted smile.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t think I deserve it?\u201d<\/p>\n

She doubled her right fist and pounded his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, I do, but it\u2019s always hard to believe that your dreams can come true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Miss Elizabeth Allen, sometimes dreams do come true.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled her into his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d she hissed, pulling back.\u00a0 \u201cNot in front of the entire Sanitary Committee, not to mention my mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t approve of kissing?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cI assure you the Union soldiers think that is the greatest help you could offer them.\u201d\u00a0 He puckered his lips and playfully thrust them toward her.<\/p>\n

She pushed him back, laughing.\u00a0 \u201cYou aren\u2019t a Union soldier, so you haven\u2019t earned a Sanitary kiss.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pouted eloquently.\u00a0 \u201cNot even a sloppy one of congratulations?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m never sloppy,\u201d she insisted demurely, but she stood on tiptoe to press a kiss to his cheek.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m so proud, Adam,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cI need to go back in before the ladies begin to wonder what\u2019s become of me, but I\u2019m truly pleased with your news and that you cared enough to come tell me immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt makes a world of difference in what we can do together next year,\u201d he promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that is another dream come true,\u201d she whispered, blowing him another kiss as she opened the door and disappeared inside.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI feel ridiculous,\u201d Jamie moaned as he and Adam walked toward the Green close to nine o\u2019clock that evening.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s the general idea, chum,\u201d Adam broke off whistling long enough to say.\u00a0 This had been a wonderful day from beginning to end.\u00a0 He\u2019d won the Woolsey; he\u2019d spent sweet moments with Elizabeth, and he\u2019d still had ample time to share his news in letters home that afternoon.\u00a0 Now he was ending the day by gathering with the other freshmen to celebrate their impending rise in status.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re complaining about, anyway,\u201d he added.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t look half as preposterous as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having been told by Lucas that the very least he could get by with was to turn his coat inside out and cork his face, shy Jamie had done precisely that and no more.\u00a0 Adam had tried to get into the spirit of the occasion, but resources kept him from donning as elaborate costume as he knew some of his classmates planned.\u00a0 He\u2019d purchased a pair of striped trousers and a bashed-in top hat at a second-hand store, turned his coat inside out and carried an umbrella he\u2019d found in a rubbish bin, whose fabric hung in tatters from the bare spines.\u00a0 It was his best approximation of the garb of a slightly shabby sideshow tightrope walker, and when he and Jamie reached the Green, he held the umbrella frame aloft and teetered from side to side to support the image.<\/p>\n

Even so, one look at the costumes cavorting on the steps of the State House told him that he was dressed more conservatively than most of his comrades.\u00a0 Some of the freshmen danced about in hoop skirts and wigs, while others had attached hooves and tails to simulate some woodland beast of unknown genus.\u00a0 One man even wore the head of a grizzly bear, although where he\u2019d found that here in the East Adam couldn\u2019t have guessed.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t hard to spot Lucas among the revelers.\u00a0 He was prancing around the columns of the State House, forked tail attached to backside and threatening all within reach with his pitchfork.\u00a0 \u201cOh, that\u2019s perfect,\u201d Adam laughed, \u201cconsidering how often he\u2019s tempted us from the straight and narrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder where Marc is,\u201d Jamie said, craning his eyes.\u00a0 It took some searching to find him, for though he was dressed up as a member of a military band, there were so many others tooting on tin horns that he blended into the general cacophony.\u00a0 \u201cGo rein Luke in,\u201d Jamie told Adam.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll have the peelers after us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Adam grinned.\u00a0 He was pretty sure the police would turn a blind eye to whatever ruckus went on at the State House tonight, but since he did want all his closest friends with him for the festivities, he dutifully ran up the steps of the State House and dragged Lucas back to join the others.<\/p>\n

For the next few hours the night air was punctuated with silly speeches, songs and poems lauding their own class and lambasting the one above them.\u00a0 In one of them Lucas distinguished himself with clever repartee. \u00a0Adam offered a few lines he\u2019d made up on the spot that brought a chorus of laughs, while Jamie and Marcus were quite content to watch the fun and offer shouts of approval and wild applause for their bolder classmates.<\/p>\n

The sophomores formed a circle outside that of the revelers and, whenever lampooned, hooted and hollered in a vain attempt to drown out the speakers. \u00a0Every freshman with a horn would turn and blast them in the face until the mockery ceased, and the speakers would continue for another minute or two before the next interruption.\u00a0 Near midnight fireworks were set off to climax the ceremonies, and the sophomores began to shout, \u201cTime for you to be in bed, freshies!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTime for you<\/em>, old codgers!\u201d Adam shouted to the ones nearest him.\u00a0 Where once such an exchange of insults might have led to a shoving match and enduring enmity, now there was only laughter and playful pushing.\u00a0 With a few parting taunts and calls of \u201cDon\u2019t stay up too late, Freshie,\u201d the sophomores headed back to their dorms, leaving the streets of New Haven to the mercy of the freshmen, who formed a long, snaking line and set out on their traditional trip through the city to serenade at the dormitories of the young ladies\u2019 academies in town.\u00a0 Mostly, their musical offerings were met with silence, although some of the freshmen swore they heard tittering behind the fluttering curtains at open windows.\u00a0 At only one academy did the fair ones acknowledge the tribute by leaning out the windows and blowing kisses to the rowdy serenaders.\u00a0 It was enough.\u00a0 Well satisfied, the freshmen headed back toward the Green, where they dispersed and went to their separate lodgings about 2 a.m.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With a loud groan Adam rolled out of bed the next morning.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s abominable to expect us to return to classes as usual after an occasion like last night,\u201d he muttered, holding his aching head in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose the faculty\u2014any one of them\u2014would point out that they didn\u2019t force us to carouse the night away,\u201d Jamie said wryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Adam returned grumpily, \u201cand it would be just like them to make the recitations as difficult as possible this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie wriggled past Adam to stand and stagger to the washbasin.\u00a0 \u201cLet them.\u00a0 I prepared yesterday afternoon, same as always.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled at the veiled accusation that his visit with Elizabeth had cut into his study time.\u00a0 It was true, which only made it bite more, and he could only hope that he\u2019d make it through the morning without incurring any demerits.\u00a0 \u201cDo they give demerits for falling asleep in your seat?\u201d he yawned.<\/p>\n

Jamie grabbed for a towel.\u00a0 \u201cOnly if you hit the floor with a resounding thump.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI just might . . . all the way from the chapel gallery . . . much to Herr Stoeckel\u2019s chagrin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having dried his face, Jamie flicked the damp towel at Adam\u2019s bare neck.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe the scent of bacon and coffee will wake you up enough to prevent that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWorth a try,\u201d Adam conceded, finally pushing himself to his feet.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

For the first time since joining the Beethoven Society, Adam wished he were not part of the choir.\u00a0 This morning he was stuck up in the gallery, while his classmates moved into the seats vacated by the sophomores.\u00a0 No longer would they sit in the back of the chapel, but in the front seats on the north aisle.\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t help casting a wistful eye as his classmates swaggered in, but suddenly a shriek made him look with alarm for its source.\u00a0 That turned out to be none other than his friend Lucas, who had found a gift left for him by the sophomores, who roared with laughter from their new position on the far left aisle.<\/p>\n

\u201cA tack,\u201d Lucas snorted when Adam later inquired the reason for his outburst.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose we should have expected that sort of humor from the likes of those idiots.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the only one who got treated to that,\u201d Marcus said.\u00a0 \u201cThe worst any of the rest of us found was some chalk dust in our seats.\u00a0 Traces of that still showed on the seat of his trousers, although Jamie had tried to brush him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld grudges die hard,\u201d Lucas grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust don\u2019t follow their example yourself,\u201d Jamie urged.\u00a0 \u201cRemember: vengeance is mine . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah,\u201d Lucas muttered, \u201cbut I thought they were through with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slapped his friend on the back.\u00a0 \u201cI have a feeling they are now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas grinned.\u00a0 \u201cWell, so long as it\u2019s the last barb, I guess I can bear its sting.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others groaned at the terrible pun and pushed him toward the Athenaeum, where their first recitation of the day awaited them.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the third term review began that morning, so at least there was no new material to cram into their aching heads and revelry-ravaged minds.\u00a0 Even the teachers seemed merciful that day, leading Lucas to venture the opinion that the excitement of the seniors\u2019 collation had proved too much for the old fellows.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Old fellows,\u2019\u201d Adam hooted.\u00a0 \u201cWilder Smith isn\u2019t out of his twenties yet, I\u2019d remind you, and Mr. Nolen barely so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Old Had is the youngest of them all\u2014at heart,\u201d Jamie insisted, with Marcus concurring when he joined them at the Elm of Assembly after their final recitation.<\/p>\n

Lucas waved his hands in capitulation.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, all right.\u00a0 Whatever the reason, I\u2019m grateful that they went easy on us today.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

As Latin class drew to a close on Saturday morning, Wilder Smith made an announcement.\u00a0 \u201cI am asked to inform you that your class with Mr. Hutchison is cancelled today.\u00a0 You will, instead, meet with Mr. Packard at 2:30 this afternoon in #176 of the Lyceum.\u201d<\/p>\n

The whisper of puzzled voices rippled down the rows.\u00a0 Had something happened to Old Hutch?\u00a0 But why replace him with a Greek tutor?\u00a0 They weren\u2019t even supposed to have Greek class today.\u00a0 And if he was just a substitute for Hutchison, why the odd hour?<\/p>\n

Smith let them wonder for a moment and then clucked his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Packard will oversee the selection of dormitory rooms for next year,\u201d he told them with a wry smile.\u00a0 \u201cSurely, that momentous question occupies your young minds even more than the ones that will appear on your end-of-term exams\u2014or so I seem to remember from my student days.\u201d<\/p>\n

They all chuckled then in acknowledgement of his perception.\u00a0 Though few of them had any idea of how the allotment would be handled, every man who hoped to lodge in a college dorm next year did, indeed, consider that selection more important than whatever passage in Greek or Latin they might be asked to translate for their exams.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was supposed to spend the afternoon with Elizabeth,\u201d Adam moaned as the four friends met after class to discuss the announcement, which had also been made in Marcus\u2019 division.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve set this drawing for the middle of the afternoon, so I won\u2019t have time, either before or after, to be with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I could draw for us,\u201d Jamie offered hesitantly.\u00a0 If there were decisions to be made, as there were almost certain to be, he really preferred to have Adam\u2019s input.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam still has to sign for himself,\u201d Lucas informed them, \u201cso he can\u2019t just skip it.\u00a0 Best trot over, lover boy, and tell the lovely lady you\u2019re occupied for the afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I\u2019d better,\u201d Adam sighed, bracing himself for the petulant reaction sure to meet the change of plans.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you at the Vultures\u2019 Nest.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Room 176 at the Lyceum buzzed with excitement as the newly ordained sophomores discussed which lodgings would be available to them and which of those would make the best choices.\u00a0 South College wasn\u2019t an option; the incoming seniors would have filled that most popular dorm already, and the upper floors in most of the others would probably be taken by the new juniors, as the older Vultures had informed them at dinner.\u00a0 \u201cI hope we can avoid the first floor of whatever dorm we land in,\u201d Adam whispered to Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie winced.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re thinking of me, and I wish you wouldn\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no greater love of places damp and cold than you, my friend,\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cI suggest you pray for an early draw.\u201d\u00a0 Thanks again to their Vulture comrades, they now knew how the allotment would be managed.\u00a0 After each of them signed a printed blank, stating that he intended, on his honor, to occupy a room at the college next year and who he intended to room with, the names of each pair would be placed in a hat.\u00a0 The first drawn would receive first choice of all available rooms; then the others would follow in turn.<\/p>\n

Lewis Packard arrived, everyone signed up, and within minutes the drawing began.\u00a0 The pair whose names were drawn first, as well as those who were second, were immediately besieged by offers of up to fifty dollars in exchange for their right to choose the first rooms.<\/p>\n

\u201cPity,\u201d Jamie sighed to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWe could have used the money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have traded,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no guarantee that there\u2019ll be enough rooms for everyone.\u201d\u00a0 He\u2019d already seen several glum faces leaving the Lyceum from the class above, who had drawn their assignments immediately before this final group, and the older Vultures had explained that only a certain number of rooms were allotted to each class. \u00a0Those whose names were drawn late not only were left with the poorest choices, but sometimes none at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d his roommate admitted.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we\u2019ll just trust God to provide\u2014and you to select from what He provides.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps God will make it simple for me by giving us last choice,\u201d Adam joked.<\/p>\n

With each name drawn from the hat, it began to seem less like a joke.\u00a0 Lucas and Marcus had decided to room together, and they drew a choice about midway through the process.\u00a0 \u201cOh, good.\u00a0 They should be able to get a decent room,\u201d Jamie said enthusiastically and went immediately to congratulate them.<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t feel like congratulating anyone.\u00a0 What he felt was envy\u2014of anyone, friends included, who already had a place secured.\u00a0 As he waited anxiously to hear his own name called, he wondered what they would do if they didn\u2019t get a room.\u00a0 Stay on with Mrs. Wiggins, he supposed. \u00a0The scholarship money would make that possible, although that wasn\u2019t the way he had hoped to spend it.\u00a0 But what about all that furniture they\u2019d bought?\u00a0 Josiah could use some of it, of course.\u00a0 Another couple of beds wouldn\u2019t go amiss at the Manor, and the desks would be useful, too, for father and son.\u00a0 What they didn\u2019t need they might be able to sell to the more fortunate possessors of a place on Brick Row, but it would be a hassle.<\/p>\n

For himself, it didn\u2019t matter whether they had a good room or not; he was sturdy, and he\u2019d endured much rougher lodgings as a child, but he felt a responsibility toward his less sturdy companion. \u00a0For Jamie, the dampness of a first-floor apartment was a major detriment.\u00a0 With each name drawn the weight on Adam\u2019s shoulders seemed to increase, and there was nothing he could do to shift out from under it, no way to make it go faster or end in his favor\u2014nothing to do but wait.<\/p>\n

Finally, only a handful of pairs remained.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not praying hard enough,\u201d Adam muttered to Jamie, who had rejoined him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get a room,\u201d Jamie said with confident peace.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t be much of one,\u201d Adam grumbled.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t add, \u201cIf any,\u201d but he thought it.<\/p>\n

Jamie gave his friend\u2019s shoulder a comforting squeeze.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever God gives, we\u2019ll gratefully accept.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if you\u2019re concerned about the effectiveness of my prayers, say one of your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had to admit with some chagrin that he hadn\u2019t made any petitions of his own.\u00a0 More certain of Jamie\u2019s pull with the Almighty than his own?\u00a0 Perhaps, but even now the only prayer his mind would form was \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n

If what happened then was an answer to prayer, it was the fastest one Adam had ever received, for the next names drawn were his own and Jamie\u2019s, and there was only one pair after them.\u00a0 He breathed a sigh of relief as he took the slip of paper in hand.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll be South Middle,\u201d he sighed, sounding apologetic, as if he should somehow have made their names pop out of that hat sooner.\u00a0 South Middle was the oldest dorm on Brick Row and, therefore, the least popular; it was bound to be all that was left when their turn to select a room finally came.<\/p>\n

Jamie, however, looked radiant.\u00a0 \u201cSouth Middle will be fine.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be so much closer to everything than we were on George Street.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Adam agreed, and when the drawing ended and he saw the disappointed faces of men who would have to find their lodgings in town, his countenance lifted.\u00a0 At least, they had a place, and he\u2019d make the best choice he had of the two rooms available when his turn came.\u00a0 With an inner laugh he realized that God really had made the choice simple for him.\u00a0 That\u2019ll teach you to joke with the Almighty<\/em>, he told himself, although he wasn\u2019t really sure that the Almighty involved Himself in matters as mundane as the dorm assignment of struggling students.<\/p>\n

Mr. Packard pasted the official list of available rooms on the board and called the first name.\u00a0 As each pair ahead of him made their selection, Adam carefully examined the choices left to him.\u00a0 As he\u2019d predicted the first floors of the newer dorms, all that was left for his class in those buildings, were filling quickly.\u00a0 Soon, as predicted, nothing was left but the top floor of South Middle, since the first floor was reserved for next year\u2019s few freshmen that would room at the college.\u00a0 When Adam\u2019s name was called, only two rooms remained, and he selected the corner one, #64, for its better light and ventilation.\u00a0 \u201cSorry about the long climb, chum,\u201d he said to Jamie as they left the Lyceum.<\/p>\n

Jamie only laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, Dr. Cartwright, I thought exercise was part of your prescription.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled.\u00a0 \u201cI prefer my exercise in the open air, not up and down four flights of stairs several times a day.\u201d\u00a0 He threw an arm around Jamie\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t mind me.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure the room will be fine, once we get all our gear moved in, and now that we know its destination, we can let the staff know where to find it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

The faculty would supervise the transfer of every man\u2019s furnishings to his new apartment and add a small charge to their term bill for the service.\u00a0 It was highly convenient, but in Adam\u2019s and Jamie\u2019s case that would pose quite a challenge for the movers. \u00a0They\u2019d bargained for the best deals for everything, and that meant that their gear was now sheltered in multiple locations across Brick Row.\u00a0 They\u2019d already made a careful list, though, so it was simply a matter of passing it on to the right source and they\u2019d be set for another year of study when they returned next fall.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN<\/p>\n

Final Days at Yale<\/p>\n

The students gave their last recitation on the first of July, and term exams began that afternoon.\u00a0 Over the next few days one might have thought the entire student body and, indeed, the town itself were celebrating their final few days at Yale.\u00a0 They weren\u2019t, of course; the firecrackers popping everywhere were in expectation of the upcoming Glorious Fourth.\u00a0 Among the favorite targets of these minor explosions were the glass lamp posts.\u00a0 Hearing the telltale crack as he came out of his Latin exam, Adam groaned.\u00a0 \u201cI hope it\u2019s not the one on High Street, back of the Library, again.\u00a0\u00a0 Some of our gym mates use it for target practice so often that it hardly keeps its glass more than twenty-four hours at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas, who shared his subdivision for exams, grinned impishly, and Adam surmised that what he had long suspected was true: his friend was responsible for much of the missing glass from that particular lamppost.\u00a0 \u201cYou scalawag.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s chiding lost all its force when it ended in a throaty chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Adam, my dear chum, how can I possibly be the guilty party when I\u2019m walking right at your side?\u201d\u00a0 Adopting a sober countenance, Lucas suggested, \u201cPerhaps our young friend Edwards has taken a break from his studies to celebrate the Fourth in this unspeakable manner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed outright.\u00a0 \u201cHere now.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tolerate no such defamation of a good man\u2019s character.\u201d\u00a0 Since Jamie was in a separate subdivision, his exams were scheduled at different times than theirs, and neither of the boys really doubted that their earnest friend was anywhere but in his room or the library, diligently studying material he already knew stone cold.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is a good man,\u201d Lucas admitted, \u201cespecially to take time to coach me in languages, and I appreciate your help with mathematics, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHappy to help,\u201d Adam said simply.\u00a0 \u201cSo, do you wish to repair to the library, sir, and dig more deeply into that worthy subject?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lucas\u2019s lips pouted as if he were a boy of three.\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t we take the afternoon off?\u00a0 The shells are going to race, to make up for the rain canceling them before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I suppose we\u2019ve earned a rest from pounding axioms into our brains,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 A large drop of water plopped on his nose, and he immediately opened his umbrella, scowling at the heavens as he did.\u00a0 \u201cIf they don\u2019t cancel it again,\u201d he added gloomily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey wouldn\u2019t dare!\u201d Lucas declared.<\/p>\n

Apparently, the powers in charge didn\u2019t dare, for despite weather almost as inclement as that which had cancelled the original race, the Yale Navy sailed, and the crowd on shore gave vivid proof that Adam and Lucas were not the only students feeling the need for a break from their preparations for exams.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

The next morning the Vultures were abuzz with discussion of the President\u2019s latest call for 300,000 volunteers.\u00a0 At first the speculation concerned whether their senior members might join up after Commencement.\u00a0 Then the question was put to the juniors, both of whom said they were considering enlistment, but hated to interrupt their education so near its conclusion.\u00a0 None of the sophomores or freshmen expressed intentions of joining the army, but Jamie noticed that Adam had been particularly quiet during the entire mealtime conversation.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not thinking of joining, are you?\u201d he asked anxiously as they walked back toward their George Street lodgings.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what I\u2019m thinking,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 He smiled ruefully.\u00a0 \u201cOr, rather, I seem to vacillate between two points of the compass\u2014often with about a two-second space between opposing opinions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, you can\u2019t,\u201d Jamie pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve barely begun your education.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cAll the more reason, perhaps, for someone like me to fight, instead of Raines or Goodman, for instance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut if you give three years of your life to the army,\u201d Jamie argued, \u201chow do you know you\u2019d ever finish here at Yale?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned his head sharply to face his friend.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d finish,\u201d he said stiffly.\u00a0 \u201cI always finish what I start.\u201d\u00a0 Then he sighed.\u00a0 \u201cThree years is a long time, though.\u00a0 It would make continuing harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch harder,\u201d Jamie insisted.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, what was it your father wrote about the nation needing builders after the war?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that what you should be focusing on, especially with the opportunity to work in an architect\u2019s office this summer?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve committed to that, so I suppose it is ridiculous to even consider enlisting until I\u2019ve fulfilled my time with Mr. Bracebridge.\u00a0 It\u2019s just . . . well, I do believe in the cause, and when I see other men doing their duty, I wonder whether I\u2019m really doing mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

They walked in silence for a couple of minutes, and then Jamie said softly, \u201cYou\u2019ve seen the casualty lists.\u00a0 I-I can\u2019t bear the thought of reading your name on one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took his friend\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t say as I\u2019d like to see it appear there, either,\u201d he said with an attempt at a joke, \u201cbut, then, I don\u2019t suppose I\u2019d be able to see much of anything from beneath the sod.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie, of course, didn\u2019t see the humor.\u00a0 \u201cColumn after column of dead and wounded,\u201d he murmured.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t even know how to comprehend such numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam agreed, for those long lists in the newspaper had struck him the same way.\u00a0 There were more casualties listed each day that had fought in the entire Paiute War back home!\u00a0 Had anyone come out of those battles unscathed?\u00a0 It was hard to believe there were even that many men fighting, much less injured or killed.\u00a0 He clapped Jamie on the back.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry so, chum.\u00a0 Nothing\u2019s decided, and we have enough to worry about this week, just with exams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie forced a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cTrue enough.\u201d\u00a0 He sobered quickly.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, you will write your father again, won\u2019t you, before you decide anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cWhat would be the point?\u00a0 Surely, you saw that article about the mail problems in Utah.\u201d\u00a0 According to reports, bands of Cheyenne, Snake and Sioux Indians had raided several stage stations, running off the stock, and making the mail east of Salt Lake City highly unreliable.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an excuse,\u201d Jamie chided.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t know that it wouldn\u2019t get through.\u00a0 But if you\u2019re genuinely concerned about that, then write my father.\u00a0 He gives sound advice, and there are no Indians between here and Springfield.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNo point.\u00a0 I already know what he\u2019d say.\u00a0 Pa, too, for that matter.\u00a0 No, chum, there\u2019s absolutely nothing to be gained by contacting either of our fathers with this question.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides which,\u201d Jamie playfully pointed out, \u201cyou\u2019d rather spend your time sparking Elizabeth than writing to anyone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuilty as charged!\u201d\u00a0 Since he\u2019d soon be leaving for New York City and wouldn\u2019t see Elizabeth for endless weeks, he begrudged every minute he could not spend with her.\u00a0 He flung open the door to their lodging house.\u00a0 \u201cDrag me up to my duty, sir,\u201d he suggested, \u201cor I shall trot off to see her right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking the appointed task quite literally, Jamie grabbed his friend by the arm and pulled him inside and up the stairs.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Despite Adam\u2019s misgivings, one letter did make it through from home during those final days of the term, full of the sort of homey news that provided a welcome break from studying.\u00a0 He and Jamie laughed out loud at Ben\u2019s humorous description of a recent trip to Washoe City, where their team had been stampeded by the sight and smell of a corral full of camels.\u00a0 It had been a wild ride that Ben and Hoss had found terrifying and Little Joe, predictably, exhilarating.\u00a0 The youngster had included a drawing of a camel with a hump so huge it would have broken the back of any living creature.\u00a0 There was more serious news, too, about the murder of the renegade Paiute Wahe.\u00a0 \u201cPa went with Governor Nye to discuss the situation with Winnemucca,\u201d Adam told Jamie, explaining that the two chiefs were brothers.\u00a0 \u201cHe gives all the praise to the Governor for averting an uprising.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s probably being overly modest,\u201d Jamie suggested.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s obviously a reason the Governor invites your father to participate in such serious talks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cExactly.\u00a0 Evidently, they were able to negotiate a new peace treaty.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned.\u00a0 \u201cAnd now for Hoss\u2019s letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though not as hilarious as Ben\u2019s account of the confrontation with the camels, both exhausted students found themselves refreshed by Hoss\u2019s open and honest delight in working the roundup\u2014while leaving Little Joe at home to help Hop Sing with the garden.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Lucas collapsed under the Elm of Assembly, threw his arms wide and emitted an eloquent sigh.\u00a0 \u201cFinally,\u201d he declared as he fell against the sturdy trunk in expressive exhaustion.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed as he settled on the grass next to his friend.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you complaining about?\u00a0 I had one more term exam than you, remember?\u201d\u00a0 Though Louis Bail hadn\u2019t required him to take the official exam, which covered more than just architectural drawing, he had insisted that Adam meet with him for a final assessment of his progress in that subject.\u00a0 Even though the teacher had allowed him to work that question-and-answer session into his other testing schedule at his convenience, making time for it had proven a challenge.<\/p>\n

Lucas shrugged off that, in his opinion, inconsequential point.\u00a0 \u201cRegardless, I\u2019m glad it\u2019s finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI am, too.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced up and waved to their other two friends.\u00a0 \u201cHey, what are you two doing in the yard?\u201d\u00a0 He knew that both Jamie and Marcus had already finished their exams, since he and Lucas had been slated in the last available slot.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe came to meet you,\u201d Marcus said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd offer our congratulations on a job well done,\u201d Jamie added with a confident grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn that case,\u201d Adam chuckled, \u201csit down and join us in our celebration of a year well ended.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Jamie and Marcus dropped onto the grass, Lucas sat up.\u00a0 \u201cSpeaking of celebrations,\u201d he began, \u201cyou are joining the rest of the class for our excursion this afternoon, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Marcus said at once and then turned hopeful eyes toward Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWe didn\u2019t contribute to expenses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you did,\u201d Lucas said with a significant smirk.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam said reproachfully.\u00a0 \u201cTell me you didn\u2019t pay for us.\u201d\u00a0 It was traditional for the sophomore class to make a short excursion after their biennial exams, but Lucas had been among the freshmen who insisted that they should beat the upperclassmen to the punch and stage their own while the sophomores were still drudging away in preparation for that culmination of two years\u2019 study.\u00a0 Adam had no objection to thumbing his nose at the sophomores, but he and Jamie had both balked at the amount being collected for the festivities.<\/p>\n

Lucas dramatically pressed his chest with an open palm.\u00a0 \u201cWould you have me lie in front of St. James?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have,\u201d Jamie chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need a sympathetic audience for my presentation,\u201d Lucas insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes,\u201d Adam intoned solemnly.\u00a0 \u201cThe epic history of the first division of the Class of \u201966, a speech that will no doubt go down in the annals of Yale College as the most fallacious exaggeration ever compiled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think I\u2019ll be a sympathetic audience for that,\u201d Jamie teased, \u201cyou are sadly mistaken, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Adam concurred.\u00a0 \u201cYou did say you didn\u2019t want to lie in front of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the more reason for you both to come\u2014to keep my words straight and true.\u201d\u00a0 Lucas looked from one to the other.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, I\u2019m already out the money, so you might as well join in the fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie looked questioningly at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking about attending the meeting at Music Hall tonight,\u201d Adam said tentatively.<\/p>\n

Jamie inhaled sharply.\u00a0 The purpose of that meeting was to encourage young men to respond to the President\u2019s call for volunteers, and given Adam\u2019s wavering attitude on that subject, Jamie immediately said, \u201cYou know, I do think we owe it to Lucas to attend the celebration\u2014since he\u2019s already paid the fee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, here,\u201d Lucas cheered, with Marcus chiming in his agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, all right,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He knew exactly why Jamie had conceded so suddenly, but while he\u2019d been interested to hear what the statesmen had to say, he hadn\u2019t expected to enlist tonight anyway.\u00a0 After all, he was set to travel to New York City the next morning, and once away from dear New Haven, Luke\u2019s rib-tickling history of the division would probably hold a fonder place in his thoughts than anything a politician might say.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

At two o\u2019clock the former freshman class, almost in its entirety, met at their newly designated section of the fence, and marched down Chapel Street to the railroad station, singing their way through the streets of town.\u00a0 Tickets purchased, the students boarded the train for the short, four-mile ride to West Haven, where they loaded into horse-drawn omnibuses for the remaining mile to Savin Rock.\u00a0 The serenading, accompanied by the guitar that Lucas had insisted Adam bring, had continued throughout the journey, and it didn\u2019t end once they reached their destination.\u00a0 Lucas deposited his friend on the beach with instructions to keep everyone entertained while he and the other committee members made the final arrangements for the feast and festivities to come.\u00a0 When they\u2019d run through their repertoire for the second time, however, everyone seemed content to just lounge back in the sand and reminisce about the scholastic year just ended.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere now, that\u2019s my job,\u201d Lucas laughed when he walked up and caught the gist of the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen be quicker about it,\u201d Adam jibed.<\/p>\n

\u201cReady to start now,\u201d his friend retorted, \u201cif this rowdy crowd will give the respectful attention our noted historians deserve, we will commence.\u00a0 To the tables, gentlemen!\u201d<\/p>\n

Loud hoots met this remark, but the young men clambered up and moved toward the table set up for them by the staff of the Rock House hotel.\u00a0 As representative of the first division, Lucas mounted the makeshift rostrum and began to describe the in-school and out-of-school antics of his set of classmates to sustained rounds of laughter.<\/p>\n

Adam leaned over to Jamie.\u00a0 \u201cTrust Luke to remember every ridiculous blunder and bungled translation ever voiced in class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf only he remembered the right answers that well!\u201d Jamie snickered back.<\/p>\n

Seeing the whispered conversation and guessing himself to be the target of it, Lucas cried out, \u201cAnd now I call for a few edifying words from two men who never made such errors in their recitations.\u00a0 I give you, gentlemen, the Scholars of the House, the pride of the first division, Messers Cartwright and Edwards!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, oh no,\u201d Jamie protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you say?\u201d\u00a0 Lucas aped an appalled expression.\u00a0 \u201cYou would deprive us of your noted wisdom, Sir Hurlbut?\u00a0 Shall we permit that, my friends and fellow ne\u2019er-do-wells?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d came the roar from crowd.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed and pulled a still protesting Jamie to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cYou might as well give it up, Sir Hurlbut; they won\u2019t take no for an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should speak for both of us, Sir Woolsey,\u201d Jamie suggested timorously.<\/p>\n

Adam only laughed and shook his head as he pushed his friend forward.\u00a0 Poor Jamie, who had trouble enough speaking in public when prepared, floundered through a few words that evoked laughter only because they were so obviously out of character with his usual performance in class.<\/p>\n

\u201cMakes you wonder how he ever earned that prize, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d Lucas quipped as he gave Jamie\u2019s honey-haired head a patronizing pat and released him from his torment.\u00a0 \u201cCan you possibly offer us better instruction, Sir Woolsey?\u201d he asked, adopting the name he\u2019d overheard Jamie use.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo instruction of mine could ever eclipse that of the worthy Sir Hurlbut,\u201d Adam declared with a bow in Jamie\u2019s direction.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, I might make a few suggestions.\u00a0 First, when crossing the Pons Asinorum<\/em>, it is not necessary to bray like the said ass.\u201d<\/p>\n

The audience howled at the pun.\u00a0 Lucas somehow managed to keep a straight face and asked if the worthy knight had any further advice for them.\u00a0 Adam was no more prepared to speak than Jamie, of course, but he had had a few more moments to think of something.\u00a0 Though he wasn\u2019t the natural comedian that Lucas was, he managed to make a few humorous remarks before he was mercifully allowed to take his seat.<\/p>\n

Seeing that the hotel staff was bringing out the food, Lucas suggested that they hear the histories of the other divisions over dinner, and the idea was warmly received by the hungry crowd, most of whom had either skipped the noon meal altogether or eaten only lightly in their hurry to prepare for their homeward journeys the next day.\u00a0 For the next hour they dined and laughed and shared happy memories, for even moments that had been uncomfortable when happening were bathed with amusement in retrospect.<\/p>\n

Following the meal, formal ceremonies were dismissed in favor of frolicking in the sand.\u00a0 Those who had bathing garments changed into them and enjoyed the water.\u00a0 A few for whom money was never a question rented a boat and sailed the Sound, while others merely lounged on the beach, enjoying the fellowship they were soon to lose.\u00a0 Neither Adam nor Jamie owned bathing apparel, of course.\u00a0 Adam had come in his ranch clothes and Jamie in his oldest shirt and trousers, so all they did was remove their shoes, roll up their pants\u2019 legs and walk along the shore, Marcus and Lucas joining them as they each discussed their plans for the summer and how much they would miss the camaraderie they had shared for three terms.<\/p>\n

As twilight approached, the Yalensians all took pails and shovels and began to dig for clams, the New England boys tutoring the westerners for once.\u00a0 Then while the bivalves baked beneath the sand, Adam was once again called upon to play his guitar while his comrades filled the evening air with melody.\u00a0 When the clams were ready, they feasted on the succulent flesh, each declaring it the finest meal they had ever shared.\u00a0 Although Adam suspected that those feelings of fellowship were enhanced by the claret some had mixed with their lemonade, no one was really tipsy enough to become sloppily sentimental, and each man made it back to the omnibus under his own steam.\u00a0 Back in New Haven, they made their way to the fence and perched on it for a final song or two before separating with promises of \u201cSee you in September\u201d and seeking their beds about midnight.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam gazed dreamily across the restaurant table as Elizabeth dabbed daintily at her lips.\u00a0 \u201cWould you care for another roll?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 He was secretly glad when she said no, for his finances were still tight.\u00a0 That would soon be a thing of the past, he told himself.\u00a0 His summer job would give him pocket money, and the scholarship next year would cover most of his school expenses.\u00a0 Until he got that first paycheck from Bracebridge, Harwood and Associates, though, he needed to watch his pennies, so he\u2019d ordered only coffee when he and Jamie stopped here earlier for breakfast, just so he could afford to treat his girl one last time.\u00a0 \u201cMore coffee, then?\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 Refills were free, so this time he was hoping she\u2019d say yes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have time,\u201d Elizabeth replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlenty of time,\u201d Adam assured her.\u00a0 While his friends had taken early trains out of New Haven and he\u2019d gone to see them off, he had delayed his own departure precisely so he could spend time with Elizabeth.\u00a0 After all, the journey to New York City would take only a few hours by rail, and all he had to do today was get there and check into the hotel, have a good night\u2019s sleep and be ready to go to work in the morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam,\u201d the girl sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI wish you didn\u2019t have to go.\u00a0 I\u2019ll miss you so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more than I\u2019ll miss you,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTen whole weeks!\u201d Elizabeth mourned.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s an eternity, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached across the table to take her hand.\u00a0 \u201cTo me, too, Elizabeth, but I can\u2019t afford to pass up this opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment a pout puckered her lips; then she smiled wanly.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I know.\u00a0 I must be brave, like Mama sending Papa off to war.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam drew back, uncomfortable with the comparison.\u00a0 \u201cScarcely that serious, but if it helps you to draw inspiration from her bravery\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it does,\u201d Elizabeth assured him quickly.\u00a0 She brightened.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I shall just think of you as my brave soldier, off to do battle against bad architecture.\u201d\u00a0 She touched a finger to the corner of her mouth and said drolly, \u201cNow, if they only gave out uniforms for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAttracted to men in uniform, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Elizabeth tittered.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps.\u00a0 I certainly think you\u2019d look handsome in one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Adam responded vaguely.\u00a0 He\u2019d considered putting on a uniform, although certainly not because he thought he\u2019d look handsome in one.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to think about that now, though.\u00a0 He wanted only to think about the beautiful creature across the table from him . . . and then, once she was out of sight, about the future he would be building . . . a future that might well include her.<\/p>\n

They finished their final cups of coffee, and Adam reluctantly admitted that it was time for him to get to the depot.\u00a0 \u201cSee me off?\u201d he requested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d Elizabeth declared.\u00a0 \u201cI must fill my eyes with you if I\u2019m to be deprived of the sight for ten whole weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam circled her shoulders as he guided her toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cKeep busy, and the time will fly,\u201d he said, wondering if he could follow his own advice.\u00a0 Certainly, he\u2019d have plenty of new sights and activities to keep him busy, but probably lots of empty hours in a meagerly furnished room with nothing to do but long for the sight of a certain beautiful face.\u00a0 As they exited, he stole a quick kiss and was rewarded with a blushing smile that belied the rebuke in her eye.<\/p>\n

With time to spare, they strolled slowly to the railroad depot, where Adam retrieved the carpetbag and guitar he\u2019d left there when he purchased his ticket earlier that morning.\u00a0 Anything he would not need in New York had been sent to Springfield with Jamie, with instructions to use them as if they were his own, so Adam was traveling light.<\/p>\n

As Elizabeth sat next to him on a bench in the waiting room, she said, \u201cNow, you will write, won\u2019t you, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Adam promised.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll send you my new address as soon as I can, so I can receive your sweet epistles in return.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pursed her lips primly.\u00a0 \u201cI seem to remember similar promises before your last vacation, and you, sir\u201d\u2014she tapped his chest with a rebuking finger\u2014\u201cdid not fulfill your word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do better this summer,\u201d he promised, taking her finger and kissing its tip.\u00a0 \u201cI only hope I don\u2019t bore you with my talk of work, as I may not have much else to report.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no talk of lines and angles, if you please, but I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll be interested in your progress as an architect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt I\u2019ll make much progress as an architect this summer.\u00a0 I\u2019ll probably be more of a glorified errand boy, but I do hope to learn what the profession is like and to impress Mr. Bracebridge well enough that he\u2019ll want me back again next summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m certain of that,\u201d she declared loyally.<\/p>\n

A clerk walked through the room, calling, \u201cAll aboard for Stratford, Stamford and New York City, with all points in between.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that\u2019s me.\u201d\u00a0 Knowing her feelings about public displays, he didn\u2019t try to kiss her again, though he could feel his lips prickling with desire.\u00a0 Instead, he took her arm and walked with her out to the platform.\u00a0 \u201cThanks for staying to see me off,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be looking forward to welcoming you home in September,\u201d she said.\u00a0 As he climbed onto the end of his railcar, she called, \u201cRemember to write!\u201d<\/p>\n

He grinned and nodded and then hurried inside, so that he could secure a window seat on the correct side of the car.\u00a0 As the train pulled away, he leaned out, waving and watching as she did the same until they could no longer see each other.\u00a0 Then, with a sigh, he sat down and stared dreamily out the window, barely seeing the scenery as it rolled past.\u00a0 When he finally did stop thinking about the girl he\u2019d left behind, his mind pondered, instead, the new challenges that would await him, beginning the next morning.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT<\/p>\n

Situations Auspicious and Anxious<\/p>\n

Adam carefully adjusted his crimson silk cravat in the small mirror above the bureau in his room in French\u2019s Hotel.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t afford to wear his best suit to work, for then he\u2019d have nothing for more formal occasions, but he wanted to look sharp on his first day, so he had chosen his best tie.\u00a0 Satisfied that his grooming, at least, was impeccable, he went downstairs to breakfast, although he could stomach only a roll and coffee.\u00a0 Eager to make a good first impression, he left in time to arrive at the office early.\u00a0 He smiled as he approached the exit, however, in realization that, with Mr. Bracebridge at least, he\u2019d already made that first impression and it had been a good one.<\/p>\n

The smile faded as he moved onto the sidewalk, for facing him, in the open ground across the street, was the sobering sight of an Army encampment.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen it when he arrived the previous afternoon, of course, and it had sobered him then, too.\u00a0 Three years was too much disruption of his education to devote to serving in the Army; he\u2019d said it to himself over and over again.\u00a0 Yet those men across the street were no older than he and they were doing it.\u00a0 Surely, they had plans as important to them as his were to him, yet they were delaying them\u2014and in some cases sacrificing them\u2014to do their duty to their country.\u00a0 Could he do less and call himself a citizen?\u00a0 He had absolutely no doubt how his father would answer that question, and his own heart said the same, but his mind continued to accuse him.\u00a0 He hesitated for a moment; then, turning sharply to the left, he began walking downtown with brisk strides.\u00a0 His duty, at least for the next ten weeks, lay in the offices of Bracebridge, Harwood and Associates, and it wouldn\u2019t do to be late the first day.<\/p>\n

When he arrived, he did spare a moment to gaze admiringly at the tall brownstone trimmed with creamy marble.\u00a0 Ignoring the other business names etched into the glass panels of the doors, he let his index finger slide across the letters of the architectural firm.\u00a0 Somehow, the touch conveyed a sense of belonging to him, the way fingering the pine tree brand back home had always reminded him that he was part of the Ponderosa and the Ponderosa part of him.\u00a0 He was part of Bracebridge, Harwood and Associates now, the most miniscule part of it, to be sure, but part nonetheless.\u00a0 Then, reminding himself that he wouldn\u2019t be part of it for long if he didn\u2019t get through those doors and report for duty, he laughed and stepped into the main lobby.<\/p>\n

He took the stairs to the fourth floor and soon found himself outside the walnut door he remembered from his previous visit.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath, he went inside and, removing his hat, stopped at the maple desk closest to the entrance.<\/p>\n

The man seated behind it looked up, gray eyes peering at him through round spectacles.\u00a0 \u201cMay I be of assistance, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 My name is Adam Cartwright,\u201d Adam began.<\/p>\n

The little man, for he was barely taller than Hop Sing, rose at once and extended a hand.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 We\u2019ve been expecting you, and I must say it\u2019s a pleasure to finally put a face with the name that has so frequently crossed my desk.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing Adam\u2019s quizzical look, he chuckled softly.\u00a0 \u201cI handle Mr. Bracebridge\u2019s correspondence, you see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cAh, yes.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid I have added to your workload, Mr. . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerkins,\u201d the man responded.\u00a0 \u201cSamuel Perkins, and it was no trouble at all, young man.\u00a0 Just part of my job.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll just wait here, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019ll see whether Mr. Bracebridge is free to see you now.\u201d<\/p>\n

While he waited, Adam looked around the office.\u00a0 Two areas at the back of the room were partitioned off, and in one he saw a well-dressed man, apparently a client, sitting across the desk from a man he couldn\u2019t see.\u00a0 One of the associates in the company name, perhaps?\u00a0 In the large outer room a row of slanted drawing tables stood, although only one was occupied.\u00a0 Would one of those be his?\u00a0 Or would he be, as he had joked to Elizabeth, nothing but an errand boy for the firm?\u00a0 Given his present level of inexperience, he doubted that he was useful for much else, but he hoped for more.<\/p>\n

Mr. Perkins came out of the inner office and motioned to Adam, who joined him at once.\u00a0 Perkins stepped aside to allow the younger man to enter and then closed the door after Adam.<\/p>\n

Beaming, Mr. Bracebridge came around the desk.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, my boy!\u00a0 I\u2019ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival.\u201d\u00a0 He shook Adam\u2019s hand and gestured toward a nearby chair.<\/p>\n

As Adam sat down, Bracebridge half-sat and half-stood against the corner of his large desk.\u00a0 Smiling, he inclined his chin toward the portfolio resting in the younger man\u2019s lap.\u00a0 \u201cMore drawings for me to evaluate?\u201d he queried.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese have been evaluated . . . by Louis Bail,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI brought them in case you\u2019d like to see the improvement I\u2019ve made over this final term.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would, indeed,\u201d Bracebridge said, \u201cespecially since you haven\u2019t sent me many drawings in the last few months.\u00a0 Seeing Adam\u2019s apologetic expression, he quirked a quick smile.\u00a0 \u201cLack of time, I\u2019m sure, due to these extra assignments.\u201d\u00a0 He took the portfolio and opened it, nodding as he examined sheet after sheet.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the time was obviously put to good use.\u00a0 Definite improvement,\u201d he said as he closed the portfolio.\u00a0 \u201cI see that my instincts about your potential have been justified.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flushed with pleasure at the compliment.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you will find some use for it,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will, we will,\u201d Mr. Bracebridge assured him.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, first things first.\u201d\u00a0 He put his head out the door and called out, \u201cMr. Morganstern, could you come here, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man standing at a drawing table immediately set aside his pencil and came across the room.\u00a0 As he entered, Adam stood to meet him.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Adam Cartwright, I would like to introduce you to Mr. B. L. Morganstern, newly apprenticed to our firm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery pleased to meet you,\u201d Adam said, shaking hands with the other man, who he judged to be two or possibly three years older than he.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe pleasure is mine, sir,\u201d Morganstern responded politely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve asked Mr. Morganstern to help you settle in,\u201d Mr. Bracebridge explained.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll show you around the office and acquaint you with the local environment, as well as offer assistance with obtaining lodgings . . . unless you\u2019ve already made arrangements?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m at a hotel,\u201d Adam said tentatively.<\/p>\n

\u201cI presumed as much,\u201d Bracebridge said.\u00a0 He added with his easy smile.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll find a boardinghouse much more economical, and having recently sought such accommodations for himself, Mr. Morganstern can advise you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be very appreciative,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll leave you in his capable hands, then,\u201d Mr. Bracebridge said.\u00a0 With an encouraging tap on Adam\u2019s shoulder he returned to his office.<\/p>\n

Morganstern drew himself up to his full height, though he still fell half a head below Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWell, shall we begin the tour?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

Morganstern gestured toward a hallway that led deeper into the building.\u00a0 \u201cStorage.\u00a0 Associates\u2019 offices.\u00a0 Haven\u2019t had much call to go down there myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you been with the firm, Mr. Morganstern?\u201d Adam asked as they began to move around the perimeter of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 The other man looked flustered for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cOh, well . . . about a month now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pressed his lips together to keep from laughing.\u00a0 Despite the dignity with which his guide conducted him, Morganstern was apparently as green, almost, as he himself.\u00a0 Still, even a month\u2019s experience made him a superior, and Adam had a feeling his new companion took considerable stock in that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Mr. Harwood\u2019s office,\u201d Morganstern whispered as they approached the office Adam had noticed before.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s with a client now or I\u2019d introduce you.\u201d \u00a0His face reddened.\u00a0 \u201cAlthough, to be honest, I scarcely know him.\u00a0 He isn\u2019t in often.\u00a0 Only handles a few old clients.\u201d\u00a0 He lowered his voice and whispered confidentially, \u201cThank goodness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam arched an inquiring eyebrow, but his coworker shook his head and moved on to the next cubicle, which was filled with wide filing cabinets.\u00a0 Morganstern pulled open a drawer and showed Adam one of the large drawings stored inside.\u00a0 \u201cWe file our plans here.\u00a0 I\u2019ll show you our system later, as that\u2019s probably where you\u2019ll start, assisting Mr. Perkins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He expected to start at the bottom, but even handling those architects\u2019 plans, to him, was a step in the right direction, especially if he was given time to study them as he filed.<\/p>\n

Morganstern showed him to one of the drawing tables and proudly said, \u201cThis is mine.\u00a0 Would you care to see what I\u2019m working on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery much,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 For the next half hour Mr. Morganstern showed him a set of architectural renderings, some details of which he had been requested to copy.\u00a0 That was work that Adam thought he himself was capable of, thanks to Louis Bail\u2019s instruction in drawing, and he hoped that he\u2019d soon be elevated from file clerk to a position resembling that of the man exhibiting the work to him now.\u00a0 He watched Morganstern carefully as he began his copy work on a fresh sheet of drawing paper.<\/p>\n

When the drawing was completed, Morganstern showed it to an apprentice more senior than he, who approved it and took it to submit to Mr. Bracebridge.\u00a0 \u201cGlad it\u2019s for him,\u201d Morganstern whispered to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cHis partner\u201d\u2014his gaze fell on Harwood\u2019s office\u2014\u201ctends to be more critical.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour renderings looked excellent to me,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

Morganstern\u2019s chest expanded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, well, while we\u2019re waiting on that, why don\u2019t I show you that filing system?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease do,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

They were interrupted some twenty minutes later, when Morganstern was called into Mr. Bracebridge\u2019s office.\u00a0 He looked visibly relieved when he returned to the file room, located next to Mr. Harwood\u2019s office.\u00a0 \u201cOne small correction to be made,\u201d he said, \u201cand as soon as I\u2019ve completed that, we\u2019re free for the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw dropped.\u00a0 \u201cBut I haven\u2019t done anything,\u201d he protested.<\/p>\n

Morganstern laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNever look a free afternoon in the mouth, my friend.\u201d\u00a0 He laid a companionable hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s almost time for lunch, anyway.\u00a0 Mr. Bracebridge has asked me to give you the general layout of the city, the parts you\u2019re likely to be sent to, that is, and to help you find lodgings and get your belongings transferred.\u00a0 That\u2019s the reason for the afternoon off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, he mentioned that earlier,\u201d Adam remarked.\u00a0 \u201cI just hadn\u2019t realized he intended me to do that during working hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a generous man,\u201d Morganstern observed.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled in recollection of how kindly Mr. Bracebridge had treated him on his first visit and all the help he\u2019d given by mail over the last six months.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I\u2019ve more reason than most to know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed?\u00a0 Well, you must tell me about it sometime, but now I must complete that drawing.\u201d\u00a0 He waved at the file drawers.\u00a0 \u201cTake a look at some of the plans if you like.\u00a0 Just be sure to put everything back where you find it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to pore over the architectural plans, and he found them so interesting that it seemed no time at all before the young apprentice rejoined him and said that they could be on their way.\u00a0 \u201cYour correction was approved, then, Mr. Morganstern?\u201d Adam inquired as soon as they were in the hallway.<\/p>\n

\u201cApproved and complimented,\u201d Morganstern replied, as they started down the stairs, \u201cbut no need to be so formal.\u00a0 You may call me Bert.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019m Adam.\u00a0 I wondered what B. L. stood for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert\u2019s nose wrinkled.\u00a0 \u201cBertram,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cDreadful name, but it\u2019s come down in the family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the L.?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA dark secret, sir, never to be mentioned,\u201d Bert said with a shiver.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll only say that Bertram was sufficiently ridiculous already without pairing it with that<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou realize, of course,\u201d Adam teased, \u201cthat you\u2019ve aroused my curiosity to a pitch that will never be satisfied until I learn your secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert threw his head back and guffawed, grasping the handrail to hold himself steady.\u00a0 \u201cI did rather put my foot in that, didn\u2019t I?\u00a0 You mustn\u2019t hound me about it, though, or I shall deposit you in a boarding house with the vilest victuals in town.\u00a0 I know just the one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYours?\u201d Adam inquired, cocking his head.<\/p>\n

Bert nodded morosely.\u00a0 \u201cFor a full week when I first arrived, but I\u2019ve landed in a much better place now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI rejoice for you,\u201d Adam said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd possibly for yourself,\u201d Bert said.\u00a0 \u201cThere is another room available, and I spoke to the landlady on your behalf.\u00a0 She\u2019s agreed to interview you and see if you\u2019re acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope I can pass muster,\u201d Adam said as they reached the ground floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo worries there,\u201d Bert assured him.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s already taken with the notion that you\u2019re a college man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the cost?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Bert gave him an understanding look.\u00a0 \u201cReasonable.\u00a0 My salary is small, too, Adam, so I have to watch such things.\u00a0 The landlady does offer the option of taking only two meals a day with her. We normally wouldn\u2019t have time to return there for the noon meal anyway, so breakfast and supper at the house is sufficient.\u00a0 Plenty of places close to the office where a fellow can catch a quick bite for a pittance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like just what I need,\u201d Adam said, slowing his steps to match those of the other man.\u00a0 \u201cIs that where we\u2019re headed now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no,\u201d Bert admitted.\u00a0 \u201cWith the afternoon free, I thought we might range further abroad, over to Washington Street, across from the Market.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged, for the address was meaningless to him.<\/p>\n

Guessing that, Bert laughed.\u00a0 \u201cBest get started acquainting you with the city, hadn\u2019t I?\u00a0 We\u2019re headed toward the North River on the west side of the island.\u201d\u00a0 From that time on, he began to tell the name of each street they crossed and what businesses might be found on it, especially those to which a young apprentice architect might be sent from time to time.\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t help but notice that his new friend took special care to point out every eating establishment they passed with detailed commentary on the worth of its cuisine.\u00a0 He had a feeling that with Bert as his guide, he\u2019d never starve.<\/p>\n

That feeling landed on firm foundation when they arrived at Smith and McNell\u2019s and found seats in the downstairs dining room.\u00a0 \u201cFancier food upstairs,\u201d Bert confided, \u201cbut you get a great plate of food for a nickel or dime down here. \u00a0Order whatever you like, Adam: steak, chops, ham and eggs.\u00a0 My treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you kindly,\u201d Adam said, resolving to return the favor soon.\u00a0 He selected the chops and, at Bert\u2019s urging, added an order of mashed potatoes to them.\u00a0 \u201cThese are excellent,\u201d he said after his first bite of the hot meat.<\/p>\n

Bert waved a fork holding a bite of steak at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou can always trust me in areas of cuisine,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n

Amused to have his surmise so quickly confirmed, Adam grinned.\u00a0 \u201cAnd in areas of office relationships?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cI gather that Mr. Harwood, for instance, is rather harder to please than Mr. Bracebridge.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert leaned in closer, as if even here he were afraid of being overheard.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s my impression.\u00a0 Thankfully, I haven\u2019t worked under him directly, but I\u2019ve heard him rake some of the younger associates over the coals for what he termed \u2018shoddy workmanship.\u2019\u00a0 I\u2019d advise you to steer clear of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe might have much to teach me,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand I am here to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert\u2019s brow furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I suppose.\u00a0 I must admit I don\u2019t understand this notion of a summer apprenticeship.\u00a0 You\u2019ll barely begin to be useful here before you head back to the books, for whatever use they may be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI find them useful,\u201d Adam said quietly.<\/p>\n

Fearing that he\u2019d given offense, Bert backtracked quickly.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I don\u2019t underestimate the value of learning,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cNot at all.\u00a0 It\u2019s just . . . well . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnconventional?\u201d Adam suggested with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard it before . . . from all the architects I visited before Mr. Bracebridge.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t believe he even agreed to see me, much less offer me this summer position.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert\u2019s eyes shone with warmth.\u00a0 \u201cHe is splendid, isn\u2019t he?\u00a0 Perkins is a brick, too.\u00a0 Knows more about the company than most of the associates and willingly answers any question put to him, no matter how busy he is.\u201d\u00a0 Over the rest of the meal, Bert described the other associates with the company and even shared an anecdote about a particularly demanding client that soon had Adam almost rolling with laughter.<\/p>\n

When they\u2019d cleaned their plates, even sopping up the gravy with bread, Bert suggested, \u201cWe could have pie here, if you like, but I think a dish of ice cream sounds better on this hot day.\u00a0 And it would give you a chance to see the Washington Market.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIce cream does sound refreshing,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut do we have time?\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t want to make a poor impression on my future landlady by arriving late.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert laughed.\u00a0 \u201cShe won\u2019t be expecting us this early, and I can assure you you\u2019ll make a fine impression on her.\u00a0 On to the Market, then.\u201d\u00a0 He pushed back his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ll let me treat you this time,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Bert pursed his lips.\u00a0 \u201cDo you have the funds?\u00a0 I don\u2019t mean to pry into your personal circumstances, of course, but I thought . . . since you haven\u2019t had your first paycheck . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery thoughtful of you,\u201d Adam said quickly to assuage his friend\u2019s discomfort, \u201cbut I do have some funds available to me, certainly enough for two dishes of ice cream.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert grinned broadly.\u00a0 \u201cI accept with pleasure, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once they\u2019d finished their ice cream, they headed east until they reached City Hall Park and then turned north until they crossed Canal Street.\u00a0 \u201cNot far now,\u201d Bert said, wiping perspiration from his brow.\u00a0 \u201cThe house is on Orchard.\u201d\u00a0 They walked a few more blocks before Bert paused in front of a three-story home of plain brick, which had obviously seen better days.\u00a0 Its trim, in fact, was in decided need of a fresh coat of paint.\u00a0 \u201cThere it is,\u201d Bert said.\u00a0 \u201cNothing special architecturally, of course, but it\u2019s clean, and the landlady doesn\u2019t scrimp on the victuals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth important qualities,\u201d Adam said with a smile.\u00a0 He remembered some of the boardinghouses that he and Pa had stayed in before meeting Inger.\u00a0 There\u2019d been times, when Pa\u2019s pocketbook was nearly empty, that they\u2019d been forced to stay in places with dust thick enough to make him cough or in others where the pittance they could pay bought only a meager meal.\u00a0 Realizing that, without Bert\u2019s guidance, he might well have ended up in just such a place, he felt a sudden surge of gratitude.<\/p>\n

They entered and placed their hats on a rack standing beside the front door.\u00a0 Then Bert ushered him into the parlor.\u00a0 A slightly rotund lady, probably in her late forties, set aside her crochet work and rose to meet them.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Whitney,\u201d Bert said, \u201cmay I present to you Mr. Adam Cartwright, the gentleman of whom we spoke earlier?\u00a0 Adam, Mrs. Ophelia Whitney.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Whitney extended her hand in a manner that indicated her expectation of being greeted in the European style.\u00a0 Adam took the hand and, bowing, kissed it lightly.\u00a0 \u201cMy pleasure, Mrs. Whitney,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

She blushed prettily, clearly pleased by his suave manners.\u00a0 \u201cWon\u2019t you be seated, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d\u00a0 She motioned toward an armchair upholstered in flowered brocade.\u00a0 Like the house\u2019s exterior, its furnishings had seen better days, but the fabric, while faded, was not threadbare, and the room exuded an air of quiet gentility, as did its hostess.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Adam said, taking the chair.\u00a0 Bert moved to a side table near the room\u2019s entrance and began to riffle through a pile of letters there.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the landlady said, \u201cI understand that you are recently arrived in the city and in need of a place of lodging.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s correct,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Morganstern has spoken highly of your establishment, ma\u2019am, so I am in hopes that you will have room for me here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lady\u2019s lips tightened for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cIt is not entirely a matter of whether I have room, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled demurely.\u00a0 \u201cI am, after all, a woman bereft of male protection, and I have three young daughters, so I must be certain that the young gentlemen who board here are of unquestioned character.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Adam said at once.\u00a0 \u201cI could arrange for references, if you like, although the only local one, which I could obtain on short notice, would be my employer, Mr. Addison Bracebridge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA point in your favor,\u201d Mrs. Whitney said.\u00a0 She nodded toward Bert, who had taken a seat across the parlor to read his mail.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Morganstern, of that same firm, has certainly proven to be a congenial guest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert looked up to smile at her and returned to his letter.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, Mr. Bracebridge can scarcely have had time to know you well,\u201d the lady observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn person, no,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201calthough we have been corresponding for several months.\u00a0 I could, given time, have some of my professors at Yale assure you that my character is acceptable.\u201d\u00a0 He was confident that Professor Hadley, at the very least, would willingly offer such a reference.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Whitney nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt would have been helpful, of course, if you had thought to bring such a reference with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam resisted the urge to bite his lower lip.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose it would have.\u201d \u00a0His mind raced to calculate his chances of finding lodging anywhere in New York City, if all the landladies proved as demanding.\u00a0 \u201cI regret my lack of forethought, ma\u2019am,\u201d he said as he started to stand, \u201cbut I suppose it would be best for me to apply elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Whitney fluttered her hands with alarm.\u00a0 \u201cNow, don\u2019t be so hasty, young man.\u201d\u00a0 She tittered like a young girl.\u00a0 \u201cSit down, sit down.\u00a0 Dear me, you\u2019d think an old woman with three young ones of her own would understand a young person\u2019s lack of forethought.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam recognized a fishing expedition when he saw one.\u00a0 As he took his seat again, he said, \u201cI would scarcely describe you as an old woman, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tittering rose in pitch.\u00a0 \u201cThere now, you see what pretty manners you have.\u00a0 That speaks well of your upbringing, and that means more to me than references.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we begin again, Mr. Cartwright, and you tell me about your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam relaxed.\u00a0 Talking about his family was easy and always a pleasure.\u00a0 \u201cCertainly.\u00a0 I have a wonderful father, who is almost entirely responsible for my upbringing.\u201d<\/p>\n

A look of shock crossed the landlady\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYou give no credit to your mother, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes veiled, as his thoughts ran first to Marie, from whom he had gained whatever suavity and gentility his manners possessed, and then further back to Inger, who had laid the foundation of good manners in her loving concern for others.\u00a0 \u201cI do, of course,\u201d he said, \u201cbut since she passed away, my father has seen to my upbringing.\u00a0 That\u2019s what I meant.\u201d\u00a0 He declined further explanation of the family history, the complexity of which he was usually reluctant to explain to strangers.<\/p>\n

Her face softened with sympathy for a motherless boy.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019s done the best he could, and you do well to appreciate his efforts.\u201d\u00a0 Interest sparked in her gray eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWill he be visiting you here by chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fought hard to keep at bay the smirk twitching at his lips.\u00a0 He had seen that look in other ladies\u2019 eyes back home, when Marie\u2019s death turned Ben Cartwright, almost overnight, into the most eligible man around, and was certain he could read the mind of the widow facing him now.\u00a0 \u201cI think that unlikely,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIt is a long journey from Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNevada!\u201d the widow squealed and then quickly composed herself.\u00a0 \u201cPardon me, Mr. Cartwright, but you took me quite by surprise with that revelation.\u00a0 I had assumed you were a New England boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed softly.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I was born there.\u00a0 Then we emigrated west.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Whitney sank back in her chair.\u00a0 \u201cDear me, your father wasn\u2019t one of those fools who chased west after gold, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Adam assured her.\u00a0 \u201cHis dream was to build a home and help to build a community.\u00a0 He\u2019s been quite successful at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The widow\u2019s interest peaked again.\u00a0 \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

Though normally not given to braggadocio, Adam decided that he\u2019d better make his background sound as solid as possible, if he hoped to obtain a room here.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 Our ranch, the Ponderosa, is well established, and most men consider Ben Cartwright a leader in the community.\u00a0 In fact, Governor Nye has, on occasion, consulted him about\u2014um\u2014certain local problems.\u201d\u00a0 He left those \u201clocal problems\u201d undefined, judging that any mention of Indians would only paint a picture of his home territory as a wild and woolly place, from which young men of character were unlikely to emerge.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Whitney was obviously impressed.\u00a0 \u201cDo you refer to James Nye, formerly president of our metropolitan police commission?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, yes,\u201d Adam said, certain his stock was rising by the moment.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t wrong.\u00a0 Mrs. Whitney drew herself up in her chair.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m quite certain, then, that you would make a fine addition to our little home, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 No one from a family esteemed by Mr. Nye could fail to be of high character.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI greatly appreciate the opportunity to join your household,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cWould it be convenient for me to move my belongings in this afternoon or would you like a day to prepare the room?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow thoughtful you are,\u201d the landlady cooed.\u00a0 \u201cSince I strive always to maintain my rooms in readiness for the next guest, however, I hope you will join us this very evening.\u00a0 Will you return by suppertime?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Adam said, rising.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse me, I\u2019ll return to my hotel at once and make the necessary arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n

She rose, as well, extending her hand for a farewell kiss.\u00a0 \u201cWe shall await your arrival with anticipation, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed some help?\u201d Bert, who had remained on the periphery of the conversation, asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d appreciate it,\u201d Adam said, \u201calthough I can manage on my own, if it\u2019s any imposition.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Bert assured him, coming forward to take his leave of their landlady in the same manner that Adam had.\u00a0 As soon as they were outside, he chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYou handled her just right, my friend.\u00a0 Was that really true about the governor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould a young gentleman of character lie?\u201d Adam teased as they turned onto the street.\u00a0 \u201cYes, it\u2019s true, although the occasions when Governor Nye requests my father\u2019s help aren\u2019t frequent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery impressive,\u201d Bert observed.\u00a0 Then he chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNot that you were ever in danger of being refused.\u00a0 No handsome young man of reasonable means need ever fear rejection from a household with three marriageable daughters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMarriageable!\u201d Adam squawked.\u00a0 \u201cBut she said they were young; I assumed they were children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert guffawed.\u00a0 \u201cThe eldest is about five years your senior, the second approximately your age, and the third\u2014well, she is younger, but don\u2019t let your guard down with that one, Adam, if you value your bachelorhood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taken,\u201d Adam announced firmly, thinking of Elizabeth, \u201cor attached, at least unofficially.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor mercy\u2019s sake, don\u2019t mention that!\u201d Bert advised.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Whitney\u2019s esteem for your character would plummet drastically.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try to keep it under my hat,\u201d Adam said dryly.\u00a0 \u201cI see now why you were so anxious for me to lodge here\u2014to take the pressure off you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning, Bert shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI had no such ulterior motive, I assure you, but I do have the feeling that once our three budding belles get a look at you, their interest in me will evaporate.\u201d\u00a0 He stroked his chin thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cI may regret that.\u00a0 The attention can be quite stimulating\u2014in moderation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI came here for architectural stimulation,\u201d Adam grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but what more graceful architecture could one study than the female form?\u201d Bert suggested, his hands tracing feminine curves in the air.<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes, but he couldn\u2019t help grinning at the nonsense.\u00a0 \u201cI fear that you, sir, are going to be a bad influence on my studious character.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the best of my ability,\u201d Bert assured him with a naughty wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen it behooves me to learn more about your background, young man,\u201d Adam declared with his best imitation of Mrs. Whitney.\u00a0 \u201cDo you, perchance, have a widowed father nearby?\u201d\u00a0 He clasped his breast dramatically.\u00a0 \u201cOh, surely not as far as the wilds of New Jersey?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mother is hale and hearty and comfortably settled in Philadelphia, along with my father and my older brother and his family,\u201d Bert snorted.\u00a0 As they walked along, he described his home for Adam and how he had come to develop an interest in architecture.\u00a0\u00a0 Before long they reached Adam\u2019s hotel and went up to his room.\u00a0 \u201cFor someone so far from home,\u201d Bert observed as Adam gathered the few belongings he had taken from his carpetbag the night before, \u201cyour kit is remarkably sparse, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI sent most of my \u2018kit\u2019 to Springfield with my college roommate\u2014and aren\u2019t you glad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I am!\u201d Bert agreed, hefting the bag of books.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, let me take that,\u201d Adam urged.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s heavy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got it,\u201d Bert insisted.\u00a0 He eyed with interest the guitar that Adam was slipping across his back by its strap.\u00a0 \u201cI say, do you play that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, why would I tote something as bulky as this around if I didn\u2019t?\u201d Adam asked with a shake of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cFoolish question, I suppose,\u201d Bert admitted, looking chagrinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said quickly.\u00a0 \u201cJust the way one would ask it of a new acquaintance.\u00a0 I should have simply said, \u2018Yes, I do,\u2019 instead of making a smart remark.\u00a0 My apologies.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up his carpetbag.<\/p>\n

His expression relaxing, Bert shrugged it off.\u00a0 \u201cWhat I was really wondering\u2014and I\u2019m assuming the answer is yes\u2014was whether you were fond of music\u2014concerts, for instance,\u201d he said as they left the room and walked toward the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery much,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2014my friends and I\u2014enjoyed a number of theatrical and musical presentations when we visited here at Christmas, and I hope to have that opportunity this summer, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know just the thing,\u201d Bert said with enthusiasm, following Adam down the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cTell you about it as soon as you\u2019ve checked out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Bert said, once that minor detail had been taken care of, \u201cWould a band concert appeal to you?\u00a0 \u00a0There\u2019s one in Central Park on Saturday, every Saturday, in fact.\u00a0 Some popular works, some classical.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s lips pursed thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like that, except for the timing.\u00a0 I hadn\u2019t planned to spend money on entertainment until I\u2019d earned some . . . more than just the couple of days I\u2019ll work this week, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert laughed.\u00a0 \u201cBut the Central Park concerts are free!\u00a0 Our only cost will be the streetcar fare, and if you\u2019re worried about that, I can loan you that much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can manage five cents,\u201d Adam said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go straight there from work, then,\u201d Bert suggested.\u00a0 \u201cWe get off at two on Saturdays, and the concert begins at 4:30, so we\u2019ll have time to walk about the park a bit.\u00a0 Have you seen it before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBriefly,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cAs the weather was freezing in December, we really didn\u2019t care to stay out in the open long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh!\u00a0 Much better now in its full greenery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Much better<\/em>, Adam thought, and he wasn\u2019t only referring to Central Park.\u00a0 This entire day had gone much better than he\u2019d had reason to hope.\u00a0 He\u2019d made a new friend, found appropriate lodgings and even had prospects for an enjoyable weekend to look forward to after a very short first week at work.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

With a push of satisfaction, Adam closed the top drawer of the narrow chest in his room.\u00a0 The room was small; in fact, he was certain that the original bed chamber had been split in half when this house was fitted out for boarders.\u00a0 Still, he\u2019d found adequate storage for his few belongings, and since he didn\u2019t expect to spend much time here, the size didn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 Nor did the sparseness of its furnishings: a narrow bed, the chest of drawers, a small writing table and a straight-backed chair, all of the plainest pine.\u00a0 The lacy white curtains at the window were unconscionably frilly for a gentleman\u2019s room, but other than that, he had no cause for complaint.<\/p>\n

Consulting his watch, he noticed that he still had half an hour before the time which Bert had told him lodgers were expected to gather in the parlor before dinner.\u00a0 Time enough to begin, at least, a letter to Elizabeth.\u00a0 He felt a twinge of guilt as he sat down at the writing table with pen and stationery.\u00a0 He owed his family letters, too, of course.\u00a0 He owed everyone he knew letters, for that matter, but surely one more day wouldn\u2019t matter to those back home.\u00a0 It would matter to Elizabeth, and he should post his new address to the Edwards, too, since they\u2019d receive it quickly and he could soon hear from them.\u00a0 He winced, realizing that the greater distance to be covered was reason enough to put his family and friends in Nevada first.\u00a0 Given the slowness\u2014in fact, the frequent disruption\u2014of the mails, it would take at least six weeks for them to receive his first letter and send one back, so he wasn\u2019t likely to hear from home more than once or twice this summer.\u00a0 Well, he\u2019d write them tomorrow, for sure, but tonight he just had to write to Elizabeth.\u00a0 He\u2019d promised her to write faithfully, and it was important that he begin to fulfill that promise tonight.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t disappoint her as he had during his vacation in Springfield.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d filled two pages with details of his first day in New York City when he realized it was time to go downstairs.\u00a0 Mrs. Whitney had emphasized that she expected all her boarders to be punctual for meals.\u00a0 Punctuality was a trait Adam had been schooled in from childhood and one which Hop Sing was adamant about where meals were concerned.\u00a0 Besides, Adam thought with a nostalgic grin as he descended the stairs, punctuality at the table was practically a matter of survival when one shared that table with Hoss.<\/p>\n

He entered the parlor, where he found Bert and another male boarder already waiting.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, allow me to introduce our fellow resident, Mr. Gerald McCrory,\u201d Bert said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you, sir,\u201d Adam said, extending his hand.<\/p>\n

Gerald McCrory was a man who appeared to be in his early forties.\u00a0 His light brown hair was already sprinkled with gray, and his round spectacles persisted in sliding down his narrow nose, despite his frequent attempts to push them back into place.\u00a0 He described himself as \u201ca financial man,\u201d which Adam soon learned meant that he worked in one of the banking firms downtown.<\/p>\n

Adam had just mentioned that he was in need of a good bank when Mrs. Whitney appeared in the doorway and asked them all to come to dinner.\u00a0 \u201cI shall be pleased to advise you,\u201d Mr. McCrory said as he brushed past Adam to bow his appreciation to the lady before moving into the dining room.<\/p>\n

Adam followed, copying the gesture, and took a seat next to Bert after receiving a nod in answer to the inquiring arch of his eyebrow.\u00a0 His eyes scanned the table, already set with the main dishes for dinner.\u00a0 The fare was plain, but seemed sufficient for the number of people around the table, which included an elderly couple, in addition to the three single men.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre the young ladies not joining us this evening?\u201d the elderly man asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, certainly,\u201d Mrs. Whitney replied, tittering a bit as she added, \u201cJust spending a little extra time on their toilette tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

That remark bothered Adam on more than one count.\u00a0 His landlady had been quite adamant that her boarders be punctual, but apparently did not hold her own children to the same standard.\u00a0 That notion was all but anathema to a young man raised by Ben Cartwright, who tended to expect better behavior from his sons than from any guest or stranger.\u00a0 What concerned him more, however, was the coy smile the lady had directed specifically toward him when she made her remark.\u00a0 He had a feeling that he was the motivation for that extra time the young ladies were spending on their \u201ctoilette,\u201d and he had no desire to be.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, here is my jewel now,\u201d the landlady cooed as a tall woman with an angular face and a prominent hook nose, much like her mother\u2019s, entered.\u00a0 \u201cMy daughter Pearl, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 The rest already know her, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you, Miss Pearl,\u201d Adam said politely, rising to hold her chair when she moved toward the one next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Pearl said, settling her skirts daintily.\u00a0 \u201cI understand we have much in common.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Adam asked warily as he took his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cA love of fine literature,\u201d she said, gazing soulfully into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps I presume too much, but as you are a student at Yale . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are correct,\u201d Adam responded to the pregnant pause.\u00a0 \u201cI enjoy fine literature very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPearl reads constantly, don\u2019t you, my jewel?\u201d Mrs. Whitney inserted.<\/p>\n

\u201cConstantly,\u201d Pearl agreed with a bat of her eyelashes in Adam\u2019s direction.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps we could discuss what we are currently reading sometime, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam fought down his rising sense of panic and responded with cool courtesy, \u201cYes . . . perhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Pearl could begin to recite her current reading list, however, a young sprite bounced in, fixing the other young woman with a baleful eye.\u00a0 Painting a pretty pout on her face, she said, \u201cOh, fie, Pearl.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that just like you to snare the seat next to our handsome new boarder?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flushed crimson, a sight which only made the new competitor for his attentions giggle like the schoolgirl she obviously was.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, my blossom, you mustn\u2019t treat Mr. Cartwright as if he were a slice of fresh meat in the butcher\u2019s window, to be haggled over.\u201d \u00a0Mrs. Whitney demonstrated her hereditary link to the newcomer by echoing the same girlish giggle.\u00a0 \u201cCome and sit down, else he\u2019ll think we serve all our meals cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pout protruded still further.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t introduced me, Mother.\u00a0 Honestly, I don\u2019t see how you can reprimand me for my manners when your own are tr\u00e8s gauche<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, dear, I haven\u2019t, have I?\u201d the mother babbled.\u00a0 \u201cPlease pardon me, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 My youngest daughter, Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose spread her rustling skirts and dipped a quick, playful curtsey toward Adam.\u00a0 \u201cParlez-vous fran\u00e7ais, monsieur<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam almost instinctively winced at her butchery of Marie\u2019s beautiful language, and to cover that, he rose and bowed elegantly from the waist.\u00a0 \u201cOui, mademoiselle, je le parle un peu<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose clapped her hands in delight.\u00a0 \u201cOh, how wonderful!\u00a0 You can help me with my dreadful lessons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Mr. Cartwright has better things to do, Rose,\u201d a grave voice said from the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere, now, we\u2019re all here,\u201d Mrs. Whitney announced, with a flutter of her hands.\u00a0 \u201cThis is my dear Grace, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, bemused.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what is your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl\u2019s cool gray eyes blinked once.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, we\u2019ve just been introduced, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bemusement turned to befuddlement, as Adam quickly sorted through what he knew about this family.\u00a0 \u201cMy jewel\u201d had been Opal; \u201cmy blossom\u201d turned out to be Rose, so he had naturally assumed that \u201cmy grace\u201d was another pet name, not the middle daughter\u2019s actual name.\u00a0 Apparently, a misconception.\u00a0 \u201cMiss . . . Grace?\u201d he asked tentatively.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d she said, looking at him as if she wondered how someone so slow could possibly have passed the entrance exams to Yale.<\/p>\n

Someone down the table cleared his throat loudly.\u00a0 \u201cIf the introductions are complete, perhaps we might begin,\u201d Gerald McCrory suggested pointedly, \u201cor it will not only be Mr. Cartwright who thinks that meals are served cold in this establishment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, really,\u201d Mrs. Whitney said huffily.\u00a0 \u201cStill, by all means, let us begin.\u00a0 Mr. Randolph, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, dear lady,\u201d the older man said and bowed his head to say grace.<\/p>\n

As the dishes were passed, Adam took a discrete survey of the fare on offer.\u00a0 It was plain food and not quite as plentiful as he\u2019d first calculated, but the amount he was able to put on his plate was adequate, especially in light of the full meal he\u2019d consumed at noon.\u00a0 The first taste was a disappointment, but a small one.\u00a0 Nothing, after all, could be expected to compare with Hop Sing\u2019s delicious cooking, and the Vultures\u2019 cook, Mrs. Swanson, had set almost as high a standard.\u00a0 Still, he\u2019d only be here a few weeks, and if the food didn\u2019t remind him of home (or even his home away from home) it was edible.\u00a0 He\u2019d survive.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand you\u2019re from Nevada, young man,\u201d the elderly man ventured.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am, sir,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cYou are Mr. Randolph, I believe?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man smiled genially, his eyes lighting to have even so slight an interest shown in him.\u00a0 \u201cJedediah Randolph,\u201d he said, \u201cand this is my good wife, Jochebed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Randolph raised her white-capped head and nodded shyly at the newcomer.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood Bible names,\u201d Adam commented pleasantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u00a0 Are you interested in the Bible, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d Grace inquired, her interest in him evidently renewed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot particularly.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing the shocked look on her face and that of the couple with the \u201cgood Bible names,\u201d Adam blathered out a fast explanation.\u00a0 \u201cI mean, I\u2019m well acquainted with the Good Book, of course; Pa saw to that, and so does Yale.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t consider myself a Biblical scholar, as my roommate at school is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d\u00a0 The spark of interest in Grace\u2019s gray eyes burst into flame.\u00a0 \u201cWill he be visiting you here in New York?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chose to deliberately misunderstand.\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u00a0 Oh, no, it\u2019s much too far from Nevada for him to pay a visit, and he does have a ranch to run, as well as two younger sons to care for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I meant\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow old are they?\u201d Rose interrupted to ask, leaning forward eagerly.<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cEleven and five, perfect playmates for you, Miss Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose wagged a finger in his direction.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a dreadful tease, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 I\u2019m quite perturbed with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Randolph had raised her head again at the mention of children.\u00a0 \u201cCould you tell us about the little boys, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d she whispered wistfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch rather hear about that ranch,\u201d McCrory grumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be of more general interest, my dear,\u201d Mr. Randolph said with a consoling pat on his wife\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d she said quietly, dropping her face toward her plate again.<\/p>\n

Though the entire table turned toward Adam in expectation, he sat silent for a moment, gazing at the downcast face of the elderly woman.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Randolph?\u201d he said softly.\u00a0 When she looked up at him, he smiled and suggested gently, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you and I meet in the parlor before dinner tomorrow, and I\u2019ll tell you all about my little brothers?\u201d<\/p>\n

The sad eyes came to life, and the wrinkled hands clasped one another.\u00a0 \u201cOh, yes.\u00a0 Thank you, dear boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, what is it you\u2019d like to hear about the ranch, Mr. McCrory?\u201d Adam asked as he sliced off a bite of meat.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Nibbling the end of his pen, Adam sat at his desk upstairs.\u00a0 He had pleaded the need to finish a letter as his means of escape after the meal, but now he wasn\u2019t sure what to tell Elizabeth about those with whom he was sharing his new residence.\u00a0 She would scarcely be pleased to hear that there were three apparently man-hungry young women under the same roof!\u00a0 Finally, he decided that he could save any such revelations for the next letter, so he added a few endearments and signed his name.<\/p>\n

He sealed the envelope and addressed it and then pulled out a fresh sheet of stationery for a letter to Jamie.\u00a0 With him, Adam had nothing to hide, so he quickly described every member of his new household and recounted his struggles to fend off the darling daughters of his landlady.\u00a0 Both Jamie and Josiah would get a good laugh out of that dilemma, and Adam was happy to supply it to them. \u00a0In fact, he could feel his own discomfort with the situation dissipate as he wrote.\u00a0 Adding his address to the end of the page, he closed the letter and prepared it for mailing the next morning.<\/p>\n

As he lay in bed a short time afterwards, he tried to figure out which member of his family at home was due the next letter.\u00a0 It was either Hoss or Joe, he was pretty sure, but his father would certainly want to hear of his new situation.\u00a0 Yawning, he concluded to play it safe and include notes to everyone when he wrote tomorrow evening.\u00a0 He could hardly wait for the dawn to come, his first full day of work as a hopeful architect.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE<\/p>\n

Pleasures and Pursuit<\/p>\n

Bertram Morganstern plopped onto a wooden seat as soon as he\u2019d boarded the streetcar.\u00a0 \u201cWhew!\u201d he said, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.\u00a0 \u201cHot one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoping he wasn\u2019t crowding his rather wide-girthed friend, Adam settled into the narrow space remaining at the end of the seat and loosening his cravat, nodded his agreement.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t a long walk from the office to City Park, where they\u2019d caught this conveyance, but air didn\u2019t circulate among the tall buildings as well as it did further north.\u00a0 \u201cThe park should be cooler, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely.\u00a0 The perfect place to relax after a long, hard week of work.\u201d\u00a0 Apparently eager to begin that relaxation, Bert leaned back and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head with a wry grin.\u00a0 Maybe Bert had worked a \u201clong, hard week,\u201d but Adam knew that he himself had had a very short, light one.\u00a0 He\u2019d done nothing at all his first day except get somewhat acquainted with the office arrangement and the surrounding area.\u00a0 As for yesterday, he had put in a full day, but nothing he had done was either difficult or tasking.\u00a0 For the most part he\u2019d worked with Mr. Perkins in the file room, either finding papers some associate wanted or filing them away when they were returned. He\u2019d done the assigned tasks diligently, and Perkins had complimented his neatness and efficiency.\u00a0 \u201cUnlike some I might mention,\u201d the clerk had confided with a frown toward the outer room, where Bert\u2019s unsuspecting back bent over a drawing table.\u00a0 Adam feared his characteristic diligence might have earned him nothing but permanent confinement to the file room.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d been sent out once to deliver some papers to a neighboring office and had welcomed the opportunity for fresh air.\u00a0 He was luckier than Bert after all, he\u2019d decided, to be confined in that file room.\u00a0 At least, there was a window in it, although the air was so still that it didn\u2019t help much.\u00a0 Much as he coveted a place at a drawing table, he was probably more comfortable where he was.\u00a0 Glancing to his left in the horse car, he saw the sweat glistening again on his comrade\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 Yes, as the summer progressed, he might become happier by the day to be a file clerk for Bracebridge, Harwood and Associates.<\/p>\n

As they approached 59th<\/sup> Street, Adam nudged his shoulder into Bert\u2019s and when the other man\u2019s eyes slowly opened, said, \u201cOur stop is coming up soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, thanks,\u201d Bert said, yawning.\u00a0 \u201cI must have drifted off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you want to do this?\u201d Adam inquired hesitantly.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re that tired . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cHeat does that to me.\u00a0 No, I\u2019ll be fine once we\u2019re up and moving.\u00a0 This was my idea, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

The streetcar stopped and they debarked, walking the few blocks over to Fifth Avenue.\u00a0 On entering the park, Adam asked if Bert would mind stopping by the Pond near the entrance.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m eager to see it without the ice and snow of last December.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Bert agreed.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a pretty spot, and we have plenty of time before the concert starts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, let me carry that.\u201d\u00a0 Adam reached for the light blanket that Bert had brought for them to sit on during the concert, and Bert relinquished it gladly.\u00a0 They turned immediately to their left, and only a few steps brought them to the edge of a small lake, which Adam estimated to cover about five acres.\u00a0 He gazed out over the still surface and the gently undulating foliage reflected in the water.\u00a0 \u201cMuch more pleasant now than when I saw it in December.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would think so!\u201d Bert chortled.\u00a0 \u201cAlthough I hear it has its own attractions in winter.\u00a0 See any lovely skaters when you were here, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlas, no.\u00a0 No skating permitted the day I was here,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 His mind immediately filled with the image of a certain lovely skater he\u2019d literally bumped into on the skating pond in New Haven, but he couldn\u2019t retain it with this lake looming before him.\u00a0 It was nothing like Lake Tahoe, a mere puddle compared to that majestic expanse, and the delicate fronds of the willows bending over the shore were certainly different from the sharp needles of conifers back home.\u00a0 Still, he felt a sudden nostalgia sweep over him, for the quiet serenity of the scene made the same sense of peace well up within him.\u00a0 He\u2019d written a letter to Pa the night before, but hadn\u2019t mailed it, intending to include notes to each of his brothers with it.\u00a0 A description of this little crescent-shaped lake would interest them, and Hoss, in particular, would understand how it reminded him of home.\u00a0 He spotted some small children as they ran down the broad, grassy slope to the very edge of the water to watch the ducks and swans gliding over its surface and knew at once that this would be the most interesting part of the park to Little Joe.\u00a0 If he could just manage to do justice to a drawing of those graceful, white birds . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d\u00a0 Bert\u2019s voice startled Adam from his reverie.\u00a0 \u201cYou seem rather far away,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cEverything all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Adam said and explained what he\u2019d been thinking about writing to his little brothers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey sounded like fine little fellows,\u201d Bert offered.\u00a0 \u201cSo kind of you to make that special effort to tell Mrs. Randolph about them in the parlor yesterday evening.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid the rest of us behaved rather like boors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just didn\u2019t see her eyes,\u201d Adam excused.\u00a0 \u201cThey were so sad, and now we know why.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert nodded thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cHer grandchildren, living so far away, almost never seeing them.\u00a0 I wonder . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cJust wondering if my parents would feel the same . . . if my brother were ever to move away.\u00a0 They positively dote on little Penelope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour brother\u2019s child?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIndeed, and what a little minx she is!\u00a0 About the age of your Little Joe and every bit as feisty, comparing your description of his antics with what I know of hers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHeaven help us, then, if they ever get together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you care to walk around?\u201d Bert suggested, gesturing toward the Pond.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery much.\u201d\u00a0 Adam looked searchingly into his friend\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s not too much for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be sitting long enough once the concert starts.\u00a0 Might as well stretch our legs while we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

They turned to the right and followed a path that skirted the edge of the Pond.\u00a0 It was new territory for Adam, since he and the Edwards hadn\u2019t done much exploring on their earlier visit.\u00a0 Of course, this was pretty tame exploring, even compared with a five-minute walk from the Ponderosa ranch house, he mused wryly, but the city faded away and the sense of serenity deepened, especially since they had the path almost to themselves.\u00a0 When they came out close to the western carriage road, Bert suggested that they make their way toward the Mall, which would lead them to the concert area.<\/p>\n

Following the footpath, they came to the intersection of the road they were on with the one on which they\u2019d entered the park and turned north.\u00a0 Adam paused to admire the marble arch at the foot of the Mall, but Bert moved quickly inside its shade and made for the water hydrant.\u00a0 Adam followed, his ear cocking at the sound of carriages rumbling on the bridge above his head.\u00a0 It was an odd sensation, one that took some getting used to, although he had experienced it on his earlier trip.\u00a0 He chuckled softly as he recalled his younger brother\u2019s response when he\u2019d written a description of it before.\u00a0 Hoss had written back that he thought over a man\u2019s head was a \u201cright peculiar place to put a horse\u201d and warned Adam to stay away from \u201csuch as that.\u201d\u00a0 Adam had considered writing back to suggest that it was no different from riding into Virginia City, with its honey-comb of mine tunnels beneath the surface, but decided that might do more harm than good.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it remind you of New Haven?\u201d Bert asked, hand sweeping toward the elms lining both sides of the walk after they\u2019d climbed the stairs at the end of the tunnel beneath the bridge.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps in its infancy.\u00a0 The streets of the City of Elms are overarched by majestic grandfathers of the species, not these\u201d\u2014he had started to say runts, but courtesy made him temper the description\u2014\u201cstriplings.\u201d\u00a0 Although here and there he spotted a mature tree, most of the elms were obviously in the adolescent stage of their lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess they do have a lot of growing to do,\u201d Bert admitted ruefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd years in which to do it,\u201d Adam suggested.\u00a0 \u201cThe park has made a wonderful start and can only improve with time.\u00a0 One day this walk will look every bit as stately as any in New Haven.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOr Philadelphia.\u00a0 I challenge you to find older trees in New Haven than there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam returned a wicked grin.\u00a0 \u201cDifficult, perhaps, but you\u2019d be hard put to find trees in Philadelphia older than the ones I\u2019ve seen in California.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert\u2019s eyes looked dreamy for a minute.\u00a0 \u201cOh, the redwoods and sequoias, I suppose you mean.\u00a0 I\u2019ve read about those.\u00a0 Always thought they\u2019d be a sight to see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome see them, then,\u201d Adam offered.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d always be welcome at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert clapped him on the back.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe someday.\u00a0 I think it\u2019ll be easier to get you to Philadelphia, and it has some fine sights, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d enjoy that,\u201d Adam said politely, although he saw no way at present that he could afford pleasure excursions like that.<\/p>\n

Near the upper end of the Mall, they came to the Music Stand, decorated in gay colors and gold gilding.\u00a0 A good crowd had already gathered, and the benches provided were already filled.\u00a0 \u201cGood thing you brought this,\u201d Adam commented as he and Bert spread their blanket on the ground.<\/p>\n

Since a little time still remained before the concert was due to begin, he used it to look around at the crowd, which he estimated at more than ten thousand people.\u00a0 They were surprisingly well dressed for an afternoon in the park.\u00a0 In fact, Adam and Bert, having come straight from work, seemed, if anything, underdressed for the occasion.\u00a0 The rich, alighting from their carriages on the road above and descending a sweeping staircase, were as elegantly attired as if they were attending this concert in the grandest music salon, rather than under an open sky, but even the lower economic classes were obviously dressed in their best.<\/p>\n

Children were cavorting around on the lawn, but as the conductor moved into position, they all scurried back to their parents, and there was a moment of near silence before the soft strains of strings began.\u00a0 Adam quickly consulted the printed program they had picked up before sitting down.\u00a0 Meyerbeer.\u00a0 German, obviously, but not a composer he was familiar with, not that he recognized many of the composers listed.\u00a0 Nice music, pleasant, but he had expected something more rousing to start a program like this.\u00a0 A few bars in, though, more instruments joined to create the strident steps of a march, more what he had expected from Bert\u2019s description of popular music.<\/p>\n

For their fourth song the band struck up a polka by someone named Lackner, and around the edges of the crowd, youngsters jumped up to dance.\u00a0 Adam grinned.\u00a0 Now, that you wouldn\u2019t see in a grand music salon, and he relished the difference.\u00a0 A polka, after all, was a dance, though only the children had the abandon to fling dignity aside and enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed.<\/p>\n

The polka closed the first portion of the concert, and while the band took a brief break, Bert turned to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cEnjoying it?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery much,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cThanks for bringing me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite welcome.\u201d\u00a0 Bert\u2019s smile held the slightest smirk of superiority.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you\u2019ve had much opportunity to hear classical music, off in the wilds of Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam arched an eyebrow, wondering why so many people chose that phrase to describe his home.\u00a0 \u201cIn Nevada?\u00a0 No, not often, but I took my preparatory schooling in California, and the opportunities there are greater.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert looked surprised.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve heard opera before, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot as much as I\u2019d like,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t get to San Francisco often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, then we must attend one together!\u201d Bert cried enthusiastically.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s my greatest love\u2014musically, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to,\u201d Adam said, \u201calthough I do want to save as much money as possible, too\u2014for next term at Yale.\u201d\u00a0 Much as he\u2019d like to squander every cent he earned on operas and dramatic presentations, he also wanted to provide some extra comforts for Jamie next year.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t just offer to pay some of his friend\u2019s expenses\u2014that would be charity\u2014but anything he purchased for their common room would be overlooked and, more importantly, shared.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t go as often as I\u2019d like, either,\u201d Bert admitted, \u201cbut we really must, Adam.\u00a0 You\u2019re the first person I\u2019ve met here that could possibly share my cultural ardor, so you mustn\u2019t deny me the pleasure of your company on as many outings as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs many as possible,\u201d Adam promised. \u00a0The conductor again moved into position to begin the second portion of the concert, which began with another selection from Meyerbeer and ended with one by a Danish composer named Lumbye that startled everyone with its opening sound of a champagne cork being popped.\u00a0 Not until the third part of the concert did the band play any music with which Adam was already familiar, a work by Guiseppe Verdi, but to him, the joy of the afternoon was hearing so many pieces of music that were new to him.\u00a0 Free and available every Saturday afternoon\u2014oh, yes, summer in New York City was definitely going to be all he had hoped\u2014and more.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam and Bert had enjoyed their afternoon, but there was a price to be paid when they returned to the boardinghouse, where the entire household was seated in the parlor, occupying themselves in whatever fashion took each one\u2019s fancy.\u00a0 Joining the group to be cordial, they were immediately accosted by the youngest Whitney daughter, and when they explained where they had been, she cried, with an elaborate pout, \u201cOh, fie on the both of you!\u00a0 A grand excursion like that, and you didn\u2019t think to take us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you particularly interested in music, Miss Rose?\u201d Adam asked with studied innocence.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, enormously,\u201d she declared, elongating the word for emphasis.\u00a0 She wagged her index finger in his face.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a very bad boy, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 Bestowing the same mark of disapproval on Bert, she added, \u201cAnd you, as well, Mr. Morganstern.\u00a0 A fortunate thing that tomorrow is Sunday, as you\u2019ll both need to spend the entire forenoon in repentance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Rose, my blossom,\u201d Mrs. Whitney chided weakly, \u201cI\u2019m sure the young gentlemen have better things to do than escort you to Central Park.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having a feeling that the rebuke was more intended for the young gentlemen than for the young lady to whom it was addressed, Adam glanced at Bert, dark eyes pleading for help.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf only we\u2019d known of your musical interest,\u201d Bert said lamely.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps another time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam could have strangled him.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019d looked forward to the weekly concerts, but he had a feeling that attending them with this flighty female, whose musical interest, if it had ever existed, was just as likely to flit away as the butterfly she resembled while dancing about the room.\u00a0 Adam struggled to find an excuse\u2014any excuse\u2014to discourage her.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we\u2014uh\u2014went straight from work, you know.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure we\u2019d have time to come here to escort you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose stopped twirling about to stare at him with narrowed eyes, but before she could say anything, her oldest sister spoke up in clear tones.\u00a0 \u201cYou needn\u2019t be bothered with that.\u00a0 We can meet you at City Park next Saturday and take the streetcars with you from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe?\u201d Adam asked weakly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you wouldn\u2019t expect us to allow Rose to walk the streets on her own,\u201d Pearl declared haughtily.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not,\u201d the mother put in firmly.\u00a0 \u201cThat wouldn\u2019t be proper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, certainly not,\u201d Adam stammered.\u00a0 A sudden inspiration struck him.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps we should all go,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d enjoy a musical afternoon, wouldn\u2019t you, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Randolph looked hesitantly at her husband.\u00a0 \u201cIt would be pleasant,\u201d she said softly.<\/p>\n

He patted her hand.\u00a0 \u201cMy dear, I\u2019m sure these young people don\u2019t want to be bothered by a couple of tottering old folks like us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The female contingent of the young people all looked intensely bothered by the notion of adding anyone else to the party, but Adam and Bert both hurriedly assured the Randolphs that their company would be a positive delight and that the afternoon wouldn\u2019t be complete without them.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t take no for an answer,\u201d Adam insisted and was rewarded with their warm smiles of acceptance.\u00a0 He turned toward the other man in the parlor.\u00a0 \u201cAnd won\u2019t you join us, as well, Mr. McCrory?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, my working hours don\u2019t permit that,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I thank you for the invitation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, of course, you\u2019ll wish to come, too, Mrs. Whitney,\u201d Adam said suavely, \u201cto chaperone your daughters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Whitney looked surprised, but apparently realized that having just expressed concern for propriety, to insure that all her daughters would have an equal opportunity of catching the attention of the two eligible young bachelors, she could scarcely afford to appear unconcerned about it now.\u00a0 \u201cWell, yes, I suppose that would be best,\u201d she murmured, despite feeling that she had been cleverly manipulated, somehow.\u00a0 The daughters looked decidedly displeased and even more certain than their mother of that manipulation.<\/p>\n

Grace covered a dainty yawn with the back of her hand.\u00a0 \u201cWell, now that that\u2019s settled, I think it\u2019s time for bed.\u00a0 I like to be well rested for Sunday services.\u201d<\/p>\n

Resting up for the day of rest\u2014that\u2019s a novel concept<\/em>.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t speak the words aloud, but perhaps they affected the expression on his face, for Grace stared directly at him and asked, \u201cWill you be joining us at church in the morning, Mr. Cartwright?\u00a0 Mr. Morganstern generally does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s quick glance at Bert revealed only a sheepish smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, my dear,\u201d Mrs. Whitney protested feebly.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t know what Mr. Cartwright\u2019s religious preference is.\u201d\u00a0 She tittered lightly.\u00a0 \u201cFor all we know, he might be of the Popish persuasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd choose Yale as college?\u201d Grace scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cI scarcely think so, mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s cheeks flushed scarlet, as much from outrage as embarrassment.\u00a0 Marie\u2019s loss was still too fresh for him to stomach any derogatory reference to her chosen faith, even if it wasn\u2019t his own.\u00a0 He had no idea what sort of church the Whitneys attended, but he felt a sudden aversion to it that had nothing to do with religious dogma.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat they are trying to say, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Pearl announced with strained forbearance for what she clearly thought their inappropriate bickering over him, \u201cis that we would be pleased to have you attend services with us tomorrow at Grace Church.\u00a0 It\u2019s quite the most fashionable in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam would not have thought it possible, but his distaste for that particular church, of whatever \u201cpersuasion\u201d it might be, grew even greater at this announcement.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019m not a very fashionable young man,\u201d he said with a wry lift of one corner of his mouth.<\/p>\n

Pearl had the grace to blush.\u00a0 \u201cYou would certainly be welcome in our pew,\u201d she said simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d he said, but he made no commitment.<\/p>\n

Mr. McCrory gave a short laugh.\u00a0 \u201cNo one has asked you what denomination you prefer, have they, Mr. Cartwright?\u00a0 Or even whether they have churches in the wilds of Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

The \u201cwilds of Nevada\u201d again!\u00a0 Adam had to grin at his fellow boarder\u2019s insistence on seeing the western territory as the habitat of wild Indians and wilder white men.\u00a0 \u201cThey do,\u201d he chuckled, \u201calthough not of so many \u2018persuasions\u2019\u201d\u2014he nodded at Grace\u2014\u201cas here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd which do you attend, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d Grace asked.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cMethodist Episcopal, generally.\u00a0 It was the first in the territory, but I\u2019ve been exposed to a variety of faiths.\u201d\u00a0 Though he didn\u2019t list them, he thought of the Lutheran church he had attended with Inger and the Catholic chapel to which he had, on occasion, escorted Marie, as well as the chapel services at Congregationalist Yale.<\/p>\n

\u201cBaptist?\u201d\u00a0 There was a hopeful light in Mrs. Randolph\u2019s eyes as she shyly asked.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, our church isn\u2019t at all fashionable . . . .\u201d\u00a0 Her voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

Adam was quick to snatch what he considered a God-given way of escape.\u00a0 \u201cIf that\u2019s an invitation, I\u2019d be pleased to accompany you tomorrow, since the young ladies already have the inestimable company of Mr. Moganstern.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. McCrory snuffled, but Adam was quite certain that he caught the barest hint of a wink from Mr. Randolph\u2019s twinkling eye.\u00a0 Following Grace\u2019s example, he excused himself for the evening, but he didn\u2019t retire immediately.\u00a0 He wrote a letter to Hoss about his visit to the park and started a drawing of the Pond with its ducks and swans for Little Joe.\u00a0 Deciding that he could do a better job in natural light tomorrow afternoon, he set that aside after roughly sketching its outlines and began a letter to Billy Thomas.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t written to his old friend in months, and he knew that tonight\u2019s none-too-subtle machinations of the three fair damsels to acquire his company were just the sort of high jinks Billy would relish.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad you decided to attend services with us,\u201d Mrs. Randolph said, smiling over her shoulder at Adam as they walked away from the boardinghouse the next morning.\u00a0 \u201cIt was very kind of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Jochebed,\u201d her husband chuckled, \u201cI don\u2019t think kindness had much to do with it.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes twinkled and his chin twitched as he looked back at Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re quite right, Mr. Randolph.\u00a0 As we say in my part of the country, you pulled my fat out of the fire with your timely invitation, and I\u2019m very grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d said Mrs. Randolph.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saved me from a morning spent in that \u2018fashionable\u2019 church with its fashionably man-hungry adherents,\u201d Adam stated more plainly.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Randolph caught her breath; then she smiled demurely.\u00a0 \u201cIn my day young ladies were more discreet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut managed quite well to catch the eye of the lad you favored,\u201d her husband teased.<\/p>\n

She blushed, but looked pleased nonetheless.\u00a0 Evidently, feeling a change of subject was in order, she asked, \u201cWon\u2019t you tell me more about your delightful little brothers, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave her a grin almost too wicked for a man on his way to church.\u00a0 \u201cI could tell you stories that would make them seem much less delightful.\u201d<\/p>\n

She only laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI raised two boys; I know what children can be like.\u00a0 From a distance, even mischief can delight an old lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Nevada should be distant enough,\u201d Adam laughed, \u201cand Little Joe is certainly mischievous enough, but I doubt you\u2019d be in a frame of mind for worship if I recounted the tricks he\u2019s been known to get up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the way home, then?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cYou should be spiritually fortified by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, they crossed Bowery and a block beyond turned north on Elizabeth.\u00a0 Another block brought them to the intersection with Broome, and on its corner stood a castle-like structure of brownstone with a four-storied turret on each side.\u00a0 Adam halted across the street to admire the church and take in each detail of its Gothic architecture, particularly the arched windows and entrances.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it all right?\u201d Mrs. Randolph asked nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s lovely,\u201d Adam assured her.\u00a0 \u201cI was just wishing I could draw it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled in relief.\u00a0 \u201cGrace Church would be much grander, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I might enjoy sketching that, too, sometime, but as a place of worship, I\u2019m sure this will suit me better.\u00a0 Shall we go in?\u201d\u00a0 He offered her his arm, which she happily took.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam and the Randolphs arrived home from church, laughing.\u00a0 As they entered the parlor, Rose declared, \u201cMy, aren\u2019t you merry!\u00a0 Perhaps I should become a Baptist if their services are this jolly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam was just telling us about some of his youngest brother\u2019s antics,\u201d Mrs. Randolph explained, lest anyone think ill of her church.\u00a0 \u201cDo tell them, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, who had thoroughly enjoyed reliving memories of home with the motherly elder, looked reluctant to share them with the others in the room.\u00a0 Memories, to him, were precious treasures, only to be shared with those who would appreciate them.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t,\u201d Grace said quickly, whether from her own inclination or in response to his expression, Adam couldn\u2019t have said.\u00a0 Then, suddenly perceiving that her remark might be considered rude, she added hastily, \u201cRose doesn\u2019t need any encouragement toward \u2018antics.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose sniffed haughtily.\u00a0 \u201cIf I wanted to perform \u2018antics,\u2019 dear sister, I\u2019m sure I wouldn\u2019t need lessons from a\u2014what is it?\u2014four-year-old.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFive,\u201d Adam corrected, a wave of regret washing over him.\u00a0 That wasn\u2019t the first of Little Joe\u2019s birthdays he\u2019d missed, for the sake of his own schooling, but he had never missed one of Hoss\u2019s, since he was always home during July.\u00a0 This year he wouldn\u2019t be, he realized sadly.\u00a0 Again for the sake of his own schooling, he was set on a course that would force him to miss every Christmas and every birthday, every Fourth of July and every Thanksgiving with his family for three more years.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what would be better,\u201d Bert suggested.\u00a0 \u201cSince you young ladies are so interested in music, you\u2019d surely like to hear Adam play his guitar and sing, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes!\u201d\u00a0 Rose clapped her hands, while Adam stared in horror at the man he had begun to consider a friend, but in the last twenty-four hours had started to view more as a traitor.\u00a0 Was this payback, perhaps, for leaving Bert in the clutches of those three females all morning?<\/p>\n

Bert, however, looked completely guileless, although he quickly discerned Adam\u2019s lack of enthusiasm.\u00a0 \u201cI just thought,\u201d he babbled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you do like music, and\u2014and I\u2019ve been wishing I could hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d all enjoy that,\u201d Pearl chimed in.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Mr. Cartwright knows any tunes appropriate for the Sabbath,\u201d Grace amended.<\/p>\n

Adam stared at her.\u00a0 Something about the middle Whitney daughter always seemed to bring out a perverse edge in him.\u00a0 \u201cI might know a hymn or two,\u201d he said stiffly.<\/p>\n

Seeing her mother enter to call them to dinner, Grace rose.\u00a0 \u201cWell, after dinner, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam assented feebly, wondering how he\u2019d managed to get himself roped into a postprandial concert.\u00a0 Not that he minded playing and singing; he enjoyed that and he\u2019d seen Mrs. Randolph\u2019s face light up at the prospect.\u00a0 What he did mind was the sense of being manipulated by a crafty female.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure that honestly described Grace.\u00a0 Of all the sisters, she was the only one who didn\u2019t seem in constant pursuit of him, but perhaps she thought she\u2019d fare better by playing hard to get?\u00a0 Well, hard to get didn\u2019t begin to describe what he personally intended to be.\u00a0 Let the three of them fawn all over him, if they must.\u00a0 His heart was taken, and they\u2019d soon realize they had no chance of turning it toward anyone named Whitney.\u00a0 At least, he hoped so.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

The Saturday issue of the New York Times<\/em> always printed the program for the free concert in Central Park.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY<\/p>\n

Rally \u2018Round the Flag<\/p>\n

Adam rapped on the door jamb of the cubicle at the far end of the hall.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Porter?\u00a0 Mr. Bracebridge requests that all associates meet with him in the main room at 11:30.\u201d\u00a0 When Porter acknowledged the message with a nod, Adam headed back up the hallway and made his way over to Bert\u2019s drawing table.\u00a0 \u201cAny idea what the grand gathering is about?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Bert whispered back, \u201cbut I should have a ringside seat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deciding to create the same advantage for himself, Adam began to examine the drawing his friend was working on, and although Bert quickly realized what Adam was up to, he only grinned and let his friend pretend that the simple drawing really required such close scrutiny.<\/p>\n

Neither of them needed to resort to subterfuge.\u00a0 At promptly 11:30 Mr. Bracebridge exited his private office and told the other associates to gather around.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Morganstern, Mr. Cartwright, this concerns you, as well,\u201d he called when the two youngest members of the firm failed to respond.\u00a0 Both hurried over and bent eager ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that most, if not all of you, are aware of the grand rally at Union Square this afternoon,\u201d Mr. Bracebridge began.\u00a0 \u201cAs businesses have been requested to close, in order that their employees may attend, this office will close today at 2:30.\u00a0 Whether you attend the rally or not is, of course, your own choice, and that decision will, in no way, affect your position here.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled slightly.\u00a0 \u201cUnless, of course, you allow yourself to be recruited.\u201d\u00a0 Some light laughter meeting his mild jest, he sobered then.\u00a0 \u201cI do not make light of that most serious decision.\u00a0 Should you elect to serve your country, we will certainly regret your temporary loss to our firm, but will keep you in our prayers and assure you of a place here, once you have completed your enlistment.\u00a0 I would urge you only not to be swayed by rhetoric, but to make your decision, whatever it is, for sound and solid reasons.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled again.\u00a0 \u201cThat is the type of young men we hire, so I have every confidence that you will do what is right\u2014for yourself, your country and, least in importance, for this firm.\u00a0 Now, take an early lunch, get back as quickly as you can and accomplish what you can in the time remaining.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert and Adam let the associates leave first; then they took their hats and headed out.\u00a0 \u201cWhere to?\u201d Bert asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnywhere close,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Tom\u2019s, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0\u00a0 Having been in town for less than a week, he was scarcely an expert on the culinary opportunities of New York City.\u00a0 \u201cI just don\u2019t want to be gone long.\u00a0 I feel as if I\u2019ve hardly worked a full day since I started!\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert slapped him on the back.\u00a0 \u201cYou really must learn to stop looking gift horses in the mouth, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Adam conceded with a wry twist to his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Tom\u2019s is close,\u201d Bert assured him.\u00a0 \u201cJust over on Thames.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tried to place the street, failed and then just followed in Bert\u2019s wake.<\/p>\n

Within a few minutes they were walking across the sawdust-strewn floors and searching for a table in the cramped and crowded dining room.\u00a0 Bert found a spot and motioned toward it, while the more agile Adam hurried forward to claim the table.\u00a0 \u201cColorful,\u201d Adam, gazing at the cobwebs hanging from the low ceiling, observed dryly after they sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe food\u2019s good,\u201d Bert said.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen this sort of \u2018d\u00e9cor\u2019 before.\u00a0 There\u2019s a place in San Francisco called the Cobweb Palace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd is its food good?\u201d Bert asked.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s more concerned with liquid refreshment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Bert said.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019m going to have the mixed grill, and I\u2019d recommend it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced up at the chalkboard menu and discovered that the mixed grill consisted of a chop, kidney, sausage and strip of bacon.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not that hungry,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s a Welsh slip?\u00a0 Anything like rarebit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSame thing,\u201d Bert replied, \u201cexcept it\u2019s served over mince or apple pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam arched an eyebrow and then lowered it.\u00a0 Golden Buck had been good, so maybe this new combination would be, too.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have that,\u201d he decided.<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely not just that,\u201d Bert protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not very hungry,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He\u2019d lost whatever appetite he\u2019d had the minute he heard that the office would be closed for the Union rally, an event he would much have preferred to avoid.\u00a0 For that matter, he hadn\u2019t had much appetite since reading the notice in yesterday\u2019s newspaper that the government was considering a reduction of enlistment time from three years to only one.\u00a0 He still had no desire to be a soldier, but a single year\u2019s commitment certainly made it more feasible.\u00a0 Could he justify denying his country that much of his service?\u00a0 \u201cDid you want to attend the rally?\u201d he asked hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you?\u201d Bert replied, blinking with surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you do,\u201d Adam said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I thought I would,\u201d Bert said.\u00a0 \u201cNot that I intend to enlist,\u201d he hastened to add.\u00a0 \u201cI mean, I\u2019ve only just started here, and besides that, my mother would never hear of it.\u00a0 Not that she\u2019s unpatriotic, you understand, but, well, wouldn\u2019t yours be opposed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably\u2014if she were living,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sorry,\u201d Bert said, abashed.\u00a0 \u201cShould have remembered that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cAt any rate, for me, it would be Pa throwing the fit if I were to enlist\u2014probably one loud enough to be heard here in New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you have it, then,\u201d Bert concluded as their plates arrived.\u00a0 \u201cFor us, this will just be an afternoon of fine speeches and a chance to show our support for the troops.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam agreed, beginning to relax.\u00a0 Maybe he didn\u2019t have to serve on the battlefield himself.\u00a0 Maybe it was enough to support those who did.<\/p>\n

Bert cut off a fourth of his sausage and passed it over to Adam\u2019s plate.\u00a0 \u201cHere.\u00a0 Get, at least, that much meat into you, my man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mouth full of silky Welsh slip, Adam merely nodded his acceptance of the offering.\u00a0 His appetite was coming back, and he was beginning to eye Bert\u2019s fuller plate with something akin to envy.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam tipped back his hat and swiped the sweat from his brow.\u00a0 It was another scorcher today, and the low-hanging clouds seemed to do nothing but push the heat earthward.\u00a0 He and Bert had been lucky to find a place on the streetcar, even though they had to stand for the entire journey.\u00a0 At least, they had shade for the duration of the brief trip; after that, Adam was pretty sure they\u2019d be cooking under that burning sun.\u00a0 Though he wasn\u2019t familiar with Union Square, he didn\u2019t think there could possibly be enough shade trees for everyone likely to attend this rally.<\/p>\n

They got off at 14th<\/sup> and Broadway, and Adam\u2019s mouth gaped at the swarm of people crowding into the square.\u00a0 Far more than had attended the band concert at Central Park.\u00a0 If he\u2019d had to guess, he would have estimated 20,000 already.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing we arrived early, eh?\u201d Bert suggested tentatively.<\/p>\n

Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cOh, yeah.\u00a0 If it\u2019s gonna get worse later on, definitely a good thing we arrived early.\u00a0 Well, which part of this oven do you want to bake in?\u201d\u00a0 The gray clouds overhead only wrapped the oppressive heat in a blanket of humidity.<\/p>\n

\u201cOven is right,\u201d Bert said, wiping his brow with his handkerchief.\u00a0 He pointed toward a platform to their left.\u00a0 \u201cThere, at the Young Man\u2019s stand.\u00a0 That\u2019s the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snickered.\u00a0 \u201cBecause, otherwise, people might mistake us for old codgers?\u201d<\/p>\n

A quick glance around the square showed five such stands, and he saw nothing in particular to recommend this one, but having no objection to it, either, he followed Bert\u2019s lead as he pressed his way through the throng to get as close to the platform as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should have a good view from here,\u201d Bert said when he could go no further.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf what?\u201d Adam teased.\u00a0 Personally, he would have preferred a spot on the perimeter of the crowd, so as to make a quick exit if the political speeches became burdensomely boring.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Pathfinder!\u201d Bert cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneral Fr\u00e9mont?\u201d Adam asked skeptically.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe very same,\u201d Bert declared.\u00a0 \u201cBetter than just listening to some old politician, wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Adam said, though there was no enthusiasm in his voice.\u00a0 His head was echoing with recollections of what Josiah Edwards had said about how Fr\u00e9mont had managed Missouri when he\u2019d been in charge.<\/p>\n

Bert picked up on it immediately.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not interested in him?\u201d he asked incredulously.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you would be, him coming from your part of the country.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes suddenly widened with a new idea.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe you already know him, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cScarcely.\u00a0 Kit Carson, yes, but I\u2019ve never met General Fr\u00e9mont.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though Adam wouldn\u2019t have thought it possible, Bert\u2019s eyes widened yet more.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve met Kit Carson?\u00a0 Now you\u2019re joking!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cHe was just passing through, but he took supper with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSupper . . . at your house . . . wow.\u201d\u00a0 Bert looked completely overwhelmed.\u00a0 \u201cWait \u2018til they hear about this at the Whitneys\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYou impress easily, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cFirst, Governor Nye and now, Kit Carson\u2014those, my friend, are connections.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam doubled a fist and gave Bert a short jab to the shoulder, all he had room for in the crush of the crowd.\u00a0 \u201cWell, just maybe, in years to come, my greatest claim to fame will be that I once worked alongside that nationally known architect, Bertram L. Morganstern.\u201d\u00a0 He stroked his chin.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, I\u2019d be better able to impress people if I could reveal that secret middle name.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNot on your life!\u201d\u00a0 They spent the next several minutes with Adam suggesting possible names beginning with \u201cL,\u201d everything from Logan to Lincoln, and Bert trying to distract him by pointing out the red, white and blue bunting and banners festooned from every building in sight.<\/p>\n

The rally was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., but it was fifteen minutes past when the representatives of the Young Men\u2019s Club could finally be seen coming along 14th<\/sup> Street, with a small police escort.\u00a0 As General John C. Fr\u00e9mont stepped onto the platform, the crowd erupted with cheers and shouts of admiration for the famous man, and even more people pushed into the area fronting Stand No. 5.\u00a0 Adam tightened his arms into his side to avoid having one of them knocked off.<\/p>\n

When he was introduced, Fr\u00e9mont, rosette blossoming on the breast of his uniform, moved to the front of the platform.\u00a0 He smiled and waved, but no one could hear his first attempts to greet the crowd over their shouts of welcome to him.\u00a0 Then he raised his voice and began to speak over them.\u00a0 \u201cIt is hardly necessary to say that this grand assemblage has been called to consider the situation of the country, with the object of adopting such measures as will enable you to respond most immediately and effectively to the President\u2019s call for troops.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam moaned, so softly that even Bert could not have heard him over the applause interrupting the speaker\u2019s opening remark.\u00a0 He\u2019d known, of course, the ultimate purpose of this gathering, but hearing it stated so plainly awakened within him every conflicting thought he\u2019d ever had on the subject of enlistment.\u00a0 Where did his duty lie, on the battlefield or here, on the home front?<\/p>\n

Fr\u00e9mont continued, \u201cBut at the same time it is expected that the occasion will be used for such an expression of your feelings and opinions\u201d\u2014more applause interrupted him again\u2014\u201cas will satisfy the country that the enthusiasm which characterized the meeting held here last year, has now become your settled resolve.\u201d\u00a0 The applause this time was tumultuous, but Fr\u00e9mont forged on, \u201cAnd that it is not in the ideas or possibilities of the day that you will consent to a dismemberment of your national territory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever, never,\u201d came a shout from the crowd, while others cried, \u201cHear, hear.\u201d\u00a0 Adam joined enthusiastically in the applause this time.\u00a0 To enlist or not remained a conflict, but there was no question of where his feelings lay\u2014with freedom for all men and with the continuation of the Union.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe people realize that a decisive struggle, which will tax their utmost energies, is to come,\u201d Fr\u00e9mont declared<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s so; hurrah for you,\u201d supporters hollered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that upon the issue of this struggle depends the life of a nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed, it does,\u201d came the answering cry.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe South has resolved itself into a great army, to the support of which all its industrial resources are directed,\u201d Fr\u00e9mont continued.<\/p>\n

Adam frowned.\u00a0 What industrial resources did the general mean?\u00a0 He\u2019d always thought that it was the North that had great industrial resources, while the South\u2019s lay, primarily, in agriculture.\u00a0 Pondering that, he missed the next few remarks, but focused again on a call to which he knew he should respond.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must show your soldiers that they have not only your admiration for their courage and gratitude for the services they have rendered you,\u201d Fr\u00e9mont admonished, \u201cbut that they can rely upon your cordial and prompt support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam recalled, with considerable chagrin, that there was one soldier in particular to whom he should have been extending such support.\u00a0 A good while back, Pa had written that Mark Wentworth had been transferred back East.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam had written his friend one letter, but wrapped up in school and his budding relationship with Elizabeth, he had neglected to maintain that correspondence, as he had that of his other friends.\u00a0 He\u2019d change that, starting this very night, although it might take some doing to discover where Mark\u2019s unit was currently stationed.<\/p>\n

By the time Adam\u2019s attention returned to the platform, Fr\u00e9mont was concluding his opening remarks to thunderous and prolonged applause.\u00a0 What followed was the most boring part of the afternoon\u2019s program, the recitation of a long list of vice-presidents and secretaries in charge of the meeting.\u00a0 Once it was over, Fr\u00e9mont, as president of the proceedings, introduced the Reverend Rufus Clark.<\/p>\n

The minister made a quip about taking his text from the book of Daniel, quickly explaining that he was referring to Daniel Webster.\u00a0 He quoted, \u201cLiberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever\u201d and, taking up Fr\u00e9mont\u2019s theme, pointed to the flag waving above them as the pledge that they would continue to be one and inseparable.\u00a0 \u201cI remember very early in this struggle,\u201d he continued when the applause died down, \u201cthat somewhere down South they had a funeral, they walked in procession and buried that flag, and they supposed that was the last of the American flag.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes twinkled as he added, \u201cBut, gentlemen, I believe in the doctrine of the resurrection.\u201d\u00a0 Voice rising over the laughter and applause, he said, \u201cAnd I believe this flag, even over that soil cursed with rebellion today, shall yet rise and float proudly over that State.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t know what church Reverend Clark presided over, but he thought he wouldn\u2019t have minded sitting through the sermons of a man so adept with a turn of phrase.\u00a0 The minister enthusiastically pledged to rally the troops until the Confederate capitol of Richmond was taken.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if . . . the city is not taken in the course of some weeks or months, I think I shall send my friend, General Fr\u00e9mont, there to help.\u201d\u00a0 That suggestion was, of course, met with loud cheers from the crowd surrounding the platform.<\/p>\n

After citing the Declaration of Independence as a document that advanced the doctrine that all men were free and had the right to follow happiness, he again drew on the general\u2019s popularity.\u00a0 \u201cI think it very appropriate that the noble man who is with us today, who first put the American flag upon the summit of the Rocky Mountains\u2014the man who gave freedom to California\u2014should be the first to order the bugle-note of emancipation when he was a General in the army.\u201d<\/p>\n

That, Adam recalled, was exactly the action that Josiah, though personally committed to abolition, had questioned.\u00a0 He had said\u2014and Adam agreed with him\u2014that freedom for the slaves was an action to be taken by the President and Congress, not by the authority of a single general, however good-intentioned.\u00a0 There were those who wanted Fr\u00e9mont to run for President, but Adam wondered whether the man had the judgment necessary to lead the country, especially in time of war.<\/p>\n

Reverend Clark was concluding his remarks when Adam pulled out of his reverie, and the crowd responded with three cheers, first for President Lincoln, then for the speaker and finally for General Fr\u00e9mont, who responded by introducing the next speaker, the United States District Attorney.\u00a0 He presented much the same sort of rhetoric, met with much the same response of cheers and waving hats and handkerchiefs, and then yet another speaker was introduced.<\/p>\n

To Adam\u2019s relief, this man merely introduced the Amateur Glee Club, whose rousing rendition of \u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner\u201d was joined by almost everyone within sound of its echoes.\u00a0 The effect of so many voices raised in the national anthem was electrifying, and the crowd seemed eager to comply with the speaker\u2019s urging to respond to the President\u2019s call for volunteers.\u00a0 \u201cEvery southern breeze brings to us the wails and the cries of the wounded, the pleadings of the sick and disabled, and they ask us for aid,\u201d the man declared, and when he ended by reading verses written by a Connecticut volunteer, Adam closed his eyes in misery.\u00a0 How could he shut out those cries?\u00a0 How could he not respond to his nation\u2019s need?\u00a0 Yet how much could one man do when the need was overwhelming?\u00a0 How much more might he accomplish by preparing himself, as Pa had said months ago, to rebuild their broken country once this dreadful war ended?<\/p>\n

The music of a passing band interrupted the tortured questions, and when they\u2019d given the traditional trio of cheers, the Glee Club began to sing \u201cGod Speed the Right.\u201d<\/p>\n

The next speaker was brief, but blunt, as well.\u00a0 \u201cNow, fellow citizens,\u201d said Charles Gould, \u201clet us have as the result of this stupendous proceeding, some single practical result.\u00a0 We want volunteers, we want to end the war, and end it at once.\u00a0 There is one way to do it.\u00a0 Take away their laborers from their fields, from their ditches and from their various labors.\u00a0 Take away that on which they live at home, and the soldiers of the South will be compelled to go home and go to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

As others applauded, Adam grimly pursed his lips.\u00a0 Freedom for the slaves, but only as a means to end the war?\u00a0 Like any loyal citizen, he wanted the war to end, but if that\u2019s all emancipation meant, it was scarcely worth the price paid in blood and disrupted lives.<\/p>\n

Two colonels followed Gould, but Adam scarcely heard what they said over his own roaring thoughts.\u00a0 The rhetoric was all running together, but when the second officer declared that \u201cit is worse than wrong to forego the advantage\u201d of using the South\u2019s slaves in the service of the Union Army, Adam shouted in outrage, although his voice went unheard among the loud cheers surrounding him and the rumble of thunder.\u00a0\u00a0 That was nothing more than exchanging one master for another, and bondage, even to a beneficent master, was nonetheless bondage.\u00a0 He\u2019d have no part of it!<\/p>\n

Mood as dark as the thunderclouds hovering over the park, Adam looked over his shoulder, but quickly saw that there was no escape.\u00a0 We might as well be sardines in a can<\/em>, he thought as he faced forward again with a sigh.\u00a0 Whether he wanted to or not, he was doomed to listen to every word any of these politicians or military men decided to spew.<\/p>\n

The next speaker fit into neither category, however, and he was, at least, someone whose name Adam knew.\u00a0 Who, indeed, had not heard of the editor of the New York Tribune<\/em>?\u00a0 True to his newspaper background, Horace Greeley proved that he had the ability to edit his remarks.\u00a0 \u201cI have been asked, fellow citizen, what is the use of this meeting,\u201d the editor said.\u00a0 \u201cI answer to tell the Government to go ahead and the people will follow them. . . .\u00a0 We have been only half at war.\u00a0 We are henceforth to be fully at war.\u00a0 And until the last rebel flag goes down in the country we know of but two parties, Unionist and traitors.\u201d\u00a0 His voice rose as he proclaimed, \u201cThat is the message which this meeting sends to our Government, and I rejoice to believe that the Government will hear and heed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd again erupted with cheers, but a sudden gust from the south began to sweep dense columns of dust across Union Square.\u00a0 The clouds that had been glowering all afternoon turned black as ink as fierce winds whipped them across the sky, along with the flags and bunting decorating the stands and buildings around the Square.\u00a0 Heavy raindrops began to pelt the crowd, and people scattered in every direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, this way!\u201d Adam yelled, grabbing Bert by the elbow and propelling him toward the platform.\u00a0 Since almost everyone else was going the opposite direction, for a few moments they made no progress at all.\u00a0 Then they burst through the edge of the crowd, and Adam flung himself underneath the scaffolding, with Bert scrambling after him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow, that came up fast,\u201d Bert panted as they sprawled in the scant shelter and watched the briskly circling dust spouts chase other men from the park.<\/p>\n

\u201cSigns earlier,\u201d Adam said, but like Bert, he\u2019d been so caught up in the rally itself that he had ignored what a country boy should have seen coming.\u00a0 Not that it would have mattered<\/em>, he reminded himself.\u00a0 Sardines in a can<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The shower only lasted five minutes or so, but it had effectively put an end to the rally. \u00a0It was after six when Adam and Bert headed back to the boardinghouse, hoping that someone had thought to keep a plate warm for them.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam posted his letter to Mark the next morning, but the action brought no sense of duty fulfilled.\u00a0 How had he managed to convince himself, for even one minute, that giving moral support to a single soldier in the field was the same as standing by that soldier\u2019s side?\u00a0 It didn\u2019t help, either, that Bert had teased him about an article in that morning\u2019s paper.\u00a0 \u201cJust think, Adam,\u201d his friend had jibed.\u00a0 \u201cJoin up with a Connecticut unit, and your fortune is made!\u201d\u00a0 He tapped Adam\u2019s arm with the paper.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, you\u2019ll need a wife, if you want the maximum bonus.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure one of the Whitney girls would be pleased to oblige.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had scowled sourly at him.\u00a0 While an extra six dollars a month wasn\u2019t worth marrying one of those three, the list of bonuses for enlistment might have been enticing if accepting them hadn\u2019t meant giving up the very thing on which he\u2019d have wanted to spend the money, a few more creature comforts at Yale.\u00a0 Two dollars just for enlisting and then thirty dollars a year from Connecticut, with an advance of fifty if he joined by August 20.\u00a0 Add to that the twenty-five dollars the national government would pay on enlistment and the seventy-five when honorably discharged, and it certainly enhanced the prospect, if what motivated a man most was money.<\/p>\n

Adam would never discount any man\u2019s need for cold, hard cash, but that wasn\u2019t the reason his mind continue to roil with arguments for and against enlistment.\u00a0 The issue, for him, was the freedom of men just like him, but for the color of their skin, and the preservation of the Union upon which all their freedom was founded.\u00a0 Some of the rhetoric he had heard the day before had inspired him; some had repulsed him, and late into the night and at every unoccupied moment the next day, the two sides of the debate hammered inside his head.\u00a0 As the week drew to a close, however, his thoughts turned away from the national conflict, for he had another battle to fight here at home.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE<\/p>\n

The Battle of Central Park<\/p>\n

As he and Bert walked toward City Park on Saturday afternoon, Adam tried to map out their strategy.\u00a0 \u201cOur main goal must be to avoid either of us being trapped alone with any of the Whitney girls,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how do you propose we manage that?\u201d Bert demanded.\u00a0 \u201cYou know perfectly well each one of them will be working toward the exact opposite goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat may work to our advantage,\u201d Adam suggested, \u201csince none of them will want the others to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey might work against each other, you mean?\u201d\u00a0 At Adam\u2019s crisp nod, Bert exhaled heavily.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019ll try, but to be honest, they were regularly successful at trapping me . . . until you came.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSafety in numbers,\u201d Adam said with a conniving grin.\u00a0 \u201cAs much as possible, we stay with the main party.\u201d<\/p>\n

The entire party was waiting for them at the small park dominated by City Hall and currently serving as a campground for new Union recruits.\u00a0 Tearing herself away from the exhilarating sight of all those men in blue, Rose Whitney jumped up and down excitedly when she spied Adam and Bert and was only restrained from racing toward them by her mother\u2019s decorum-conscious hand.\u00a0 Mrs. Randolph waved a discreet greeting, and Adam tipped his hat in response.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re late, gentlemen,\u201d Pearl chided sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung working men aren\u2019t always in control of their departure time from the office, Miss Pearl,\u201d Mr. Randolph observed with a kindly smile at the two younger men.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded his thanks for the defense. \u00a0In truth, the fault was his.\u00a0 That afternoon he had been given his first drawing assignment, the enlargement of some architectural details of a plan, and wanting to receive more of the same, he had taken extra time to make each line perfect.<\/p>\n

Pearl dabbed her damp neckline with a lacy handkerchief.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve been waiting under this hot sun for half an hour past the time you set.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy apologies,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut if the heat is bothering you, Miss Pearl, perhaps you might wish to forego the outing.\u00a0 It won\u2019t be any cooler at Central Park.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll manage,\u201d she said tartly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, look, there\u2019s the streetcar,\u201d Mrs. Whitney announced.\u00a0 \u201cI do hope there\u2019ll be room for all of us aboard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure there will be seats enough for you ladies,\u201d Adam said, extending his arm to her.\u00a0 He waited for the Randolphs to board first and then followed with Mrs. Whitney, leaving Bert to assist the young ladies, while he moved through the car, finding available seats for them.\u00a0 He managed to place Mrs. Whitney and Rose together, while another gentleman stood up, so that Pearl and Grace could sit together further back in the car.\u00a0 Adam and Bert, in common with several other men, stood holding a strap as the transport moved north.\u00a0 Courtesy required them to stand near the ladies they were escorting, of course, so for the next several minutes their strategy of staying together failed.\u00a0 Fortunately, none of the ladies used the opportunity for flagrant flirting, although Rose came close to chattering Adam\u2019s ear off.<\/p>\n

They debarked at the nearest stop to Central Park, and the two young men again helped everyone to alight.\u00a0 \u201cLet me take that for you, Miss Grace,\u201d Bert offered, reaching for the large hamper she had brought from home.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what might we find in here?\u201d he inquired, the tip of his tongue slipping out to lick his lips before he caught himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething quite tasty, I assure you,\u201d she promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd is this something quite tasty, as well?\u201d Adam asked as he took a battered carpetbag from Pearl\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cScarcely,\u201d she said, \u201cbut it may add to our comfort in the likely event that we cannot all find seats.\u00a0 I will gladly make room on my blanket, should you wish to preserve your trousers from grass stains, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery kind of you,\u201d Adam mumbled weakly.\u00a0 Apparently, the ladies had their strategy well planned, too.<\/p>\n

They entered the park and strolled down the broad promenade to the Mall, Mrs. Randolph pausing frequently to gaze fondly at some flowering or leafy plant.\u00a0 \u201cI used to be quite the gardener,\u201d she confided to Adam, \u201cwhen we had our own place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled at her, resolving to save a few pennies back from his next paycheck to bring her a small bouquet of the flowers that could be purchased from street venders.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t the best time of year for them, but he was certain she\u2019d be pleased with whatever he found.\u00a0 Pleasing her was becoming more and more important to him.\u00a0 He\u2019d never known either of his grandmothers, and he liked to think they might have been like this gentle lady.\u00a0 Then he chuckled to himself.\u00a0 No, considering what Pa had told him about both his Cartwright and Stoddard forebears, his grandmothers weren\u2019t likely to have been as self-effacing as Mrs. Randolph.<\/p>\n

On reaching the Music Stand, Adam made finding seats for the older members of the party his first priority.\u00a0 After a lengthy search he did find two together for the Randolphs, although they were further back than he would have liked.\u00a0 \u201cNonsense, my boy,\u201d Mr. Randolph said when he expressed his regret.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be much more comfortable here than closer to those booming horns.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continued to look for a place for Mrs. Whitney and whatever companion she chose.\u00a0 He hoped it wouldn\u2019t be him, but he certainly couldn\u2019t leave a lady alone in such a crowd.\u00a0 He had given up and had started to tell her that she\u2019d need to share a blanket with one of the younger people when he heard a woman\u2019s voice calling her name.\u00a0 Turning, he saw an elegantly dressed dowager hurrying forward, bustle bobbing behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dear Ophelia,\u201d the woman panted when she reached them.\u00a0 \u201cI was so surprised to look across the lawn and see you here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a pleasure to see you, Minerva,\u201d Mrs. Whitney responded cordially, \u201calthough I\u2019m beginning to wish I had stayed home.\u00a0 Such a crowd!\u00a0 And not a seat to be had.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you must sit with me,\u201d Minerva insisted.\u00a0 She looked at Adam with an appraising eye.\u00a0 \u201cAlthough I don\u2019t have room for your companion, I\u2019m afraid.\u00a0 In fact, I don\u2019t have even one spare seat, but Henry can give you his.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Whitney tittered.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Mr. Cartwright isn\u2019t my companion.\u00a0 He\u2019s one of my boarders.\u00a0 The whole household is here this afternoon, and I\u2019m sure Mr. Cartwright will be much happier sitting with the younger folk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then,\u201d Minerva said, taking Mrs. Whitney\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut if Henry would care to share one of our blankets, he would be more than welcome to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d\u00a0 For a moment the woman seemed to consider the idea.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I think it best my husband remain near us\u2014for protection, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tipped his hat.\u00a0 \u201cThen I will take my leave, ladies.\u00a0 I hope you enjoy the concert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone settled then?\u201d Bert asked as Adam dropped to a blanket between Rose and Pearl.<\/p>\n

Never had Adam seen a man look so relieved, just to see him.\u00a0 \u201cAll settled,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll three together?\u201d Pearl inquired with a dubious look.\u00a0 \u201cUnbelievable in this crowd!\u00a0 Surely, you didn\u2019t leave any one of them alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Randolphs together and your mother with a friend, someone named Minerva,\u201d Adam reported.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but I wasn\u2019t actually introduced, so I don\u2019t know her last name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that would be Mrs. Worthington,\u201d Pearl said casually.\u00a0 \u201cMother will be well provided for, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we should offer the Randolphs some of our refreshments,\u201d Grace suggested.\u00a0 \u201cWill you help me carry them, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Adam said, giving Bert a sour smile as he rose from the blanket.\u00a0 Divide and conquer appeared to be the ladies\u2019 strategy as much as staying together was the men\u2019s, and for the moment this lady was winning.\u00a0 Still, he did want the elderly couple to share the tasty treats in the hamper, and the Randolphs weren\u2019t likely to keep them long.\u00a0 Nor could Grace do much overt flirting in a crowd like this.<\/p>\n

Rose, less constrained by the crowd than either of her sisters, eagerly beckoned Adam toward her as soon as he and Grace returned.\u00a0 \u201cI picked you out some lovely things,\u201d she said, \u201cas I was afraid there wouldn\u2019t be anything left if I didn\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 She oinked several times in Bert\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

Flushing, Bert wiped the incriminating crumbs from his mouth, while Pearl snapped, \u201cIf you must behave like a rude child, Rose, perhaps you\u2019d better take your blanket and sit elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose pressed a demure hand to her slender throat.\u00a0 \u201cWithout an escort?\u00a0 Why, Pearl, I\u2019m surprised that you would even suggest such impropriety.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled up at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cUnless, of course, you\u2019d like to accompany me, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat down on the blanket beside her and took the plate of cookies and sandwiches she had prepared for him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s more fun if we all enjoy the music together, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose pouted petulantly as she cozied up to his side.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if you say so, Adam.\u00a0 I may call you Adam, may I not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRose!\u201d Grace sputtered.\u00a0 \u201cYou are much too forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re all friends here,\u201d Adam said suavely, \u201cand where I come from, friends are always on a first-name basis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t suppose there\u2019s any high society where you come from, is there, Mr.\u2014Adam?\u201d Pearl sighed.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrow twitched wickedly.\u00a0 \u201cWell, no, except for Princess Sara, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

All three ladies\u2019 mouths gaped indecorously for a moment before they snapped shut.\u00a0 \u201cA princess?\u201d Rose squealed.\u00a0 \u201cYou never said you knew a princess, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t,\u201d Grace scoffed from her spot beyond Bert.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s making sport of us.\u00a0 For shame, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cBut I do know Princess Sara, Miss Grace, although I generally call her Thocmetony, the name she gave me when we first met.\u00a0 It means Shell Flower.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn Indian?\u201d Pearl gasped.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cA Paiute princess, as I said, daughter of Chief Winnemucca.\u00a0 She took the name Sara when she lived among the white men.\u00a0 She\u2019s a lovely girl, as interested in learning as you, Miss Pearl.\u00a0 I know because I was her first teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow very commendable,\u201d Grace said.\u00a0 \u201cYou must have more of the missionary spirit than you have demonstrated to us thus far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI was just being a friend.\u00a0 She wanted to learn to read; I taught her\u2014simple as that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re supposed to be teaching me to read,\u201d Rose whined.\u00a0 When everyone stared at her as if she were addled, she explained hastily, \u201cFrench, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh . . . yes.\u201d\u00a0 Adam felt the less said on that topic the better.\u00a0 He consulted his watch and informed the group that the concert was slated to start in five minutes.\u00a0 Thank goodness<\/em>, he thought.<\/p>\n

The older girls at least tried to listen intently to the music, as the band played a quick march by Bartholomaus and the Aria Polanaise<\/em> by Fessy, but Rose kept plying Adam\u2014and when he proved unresponsive, Bert\u2014with cookies.\u00a0 By the third song, a polka, the girl clearly could sit still no longer.\u00a0 Jumping to her feet, she pulled Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cDance with me,\u201d she ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cRose!\u201d Pearl sputtered.\u00a0 \u201cOnly children dance about the lawn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s be children, then,\u201d Rose insisted, continuing to pull Adam until he gave in and jumped up beside her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see how well you can polka, little Miss Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a squeal of delight, she led him to the edge of the crowd and began to cavort in time to the music.\u00a0 \u201cOh, this is splendid!\u201d she cried.\u00a0 \u201cYou dance so well, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oblivious to their being the only older couple dancing, he laughed as he spun her around.\u00a0 \u201cAs do you, young lady.\u00a0 You would give Princess Sara a run for her money at Dutch Nick\u2019s dances.\u201d\u00a0 When the music stopped, he made her a deep bow and started to lead her back to the blankets.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, let\u2019s dance some more,\u201d she pleaded.<\/p>\n

Grinning, Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWe are not dancing to the Anvil Chorus, which is the next number.\u00a0 Sit down and savor a bit of opera music, Miss Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOpera is so boring,\u201d Rose sniffed, but since Adam was intractable, she had no choice but to follow him back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was disgraceful,\u201d Pearl chided.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cDances are meant to be danced, aren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean you,\u201d the oldest sister said sharply.\u00a0 \u201cMen are permitted all sorts of social vagaries.\u00a0 Ladies must be more circumspect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Rose isn\u2019t really a lady yet, is she?\u201d Adam argued.\u00a0 And as if to prove it, Rose thrust her tongue at her sister, who shuddered in disgust.<\/p>\n

Following the Anvil Chorus, there was a break in the program.\u00a0 Bert used the opportunity to again delve into the hamper, while Rose snuggled up to Adam\u2019s side and purred, \u201cWho\u2019s Miss Allen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s breath caught in his throat.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked ominously.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Allen,\u201d she repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been prying into my mail?\u201d Adam all but snarled.<\/p>\n

Rose drew back.\u00a0 \u201cOf course not!\u00a0 Only sorting . . . and sniffing.\u201d\u00a0 She tilted her head coyly.\u00a0 \u201cIt was most fragrant, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 When he flushed deep crimson, she tittered.\u00a0 \u201cSomeone special, is she?\u00a0 A maiden aunt, perhaps?\u00a0 Not a sweetheart, I hope.\u00a0 My heart would absolutely break!\u201d<\/p>\n

The other two girls were now leaning close, their faces crafty with the same hope.<\/p>\n

\u201cA friend,\u201d Adam babbled, preferring to say as little as possible about Elizabeth to these snoops.<\/p>\n

\u201cA fragrant friend,\u201d Rose reiterated, with a knowing nod at her sisters.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is it?\u201d Adam hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is what?\u201d she asked with a maddening smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy letter,\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt home, of course,\u201d she said, turning her back to him with an offended air.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t provide delivery service,\u201d Pearl inserted haughtily.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we had known you were so anxious to hear from Miss Allen, of course,\u201d Grace put in with a leading note to her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, of course not,\u201d Adam grunted.\u00a0 \u201cTonight will do just as well.\u201d\u00a0 As if he\u2019d have read Elizabeth\u2019s sweet thoughts in the presence of these simpering scavengers!<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then,\u201d Pearl said with a satisfied smile.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s enjoy the music.\u00a0 I believe it\u2019s starting again.\u201d<\/p>\n

The music swept over them, loud and energetic, but Adam scarcely seemed to hear it.\u00a0 All he could hear was the beat of his own heart as it echoed the news that a letter from Elizabeth was waiting at the boardinghouse.\u00a0 Although he had written to her several times, this was her first letter to him.\u00a0 He had a feeling that she\u2019d been giving him a taste of the medicine he\u2019d inflicted on her during his last vacation.\u00a0 Like most medicine, it had a bitter taste, but just when he\u2019d begun to despair of her ever relenting, a letter was finally here.\u00a0 To have to endure another hour or two in the park was an exercise in patience that also went down like bitter medicine.<\/p>\n

When the concert concluded with the playing of \u201cThe National Medley,\u201d Adam was all for packing up and heading home.\u00a0 The girls had other ideas.\u00a0 \u201cMay we not, at least, walk down to the lake and see the swans?\u201d Grace asked with cloying sweetness, and Adam felt unable to say no.\u00a0 He did insist on first ascertaining whether the older members of the party were too weary to remain, but they all urged him to go ahead.\u00a0 When Mrs. Randolph timidly asked if she could come with them, Adam\u2019s attitude changed entirely.\u00a0 \u201cIt would be my privilege to escort you,\u201d he said, offering his arm and helping her down the broad steps with special care.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, aren\u2019t they elegant?\u201d the elderly lady cried as she caught sight of the graceful white birds gliding over the water.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful,\u201d Adam agreed, taking more pleasure from the rapture in her eyes than from his own refreshing sight of the regal birds donated to the park by the people of Hamburg.\u00a0 For a long while they stood at the rail, watching, his arm about her waist, neither of them thinking the gesture overly familiar, although their acquaintance was such a short one.<\/p>\n

Finally, Mrs. Randolph sighed and said, \u201cI suppose we should be going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can stay as long as you like,\u201d he said gently.<\/p>\n

She reached up to stroke his cheek tenderly.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a dear, thoughtful boy,\u201d she said, \u201cbut it has been a long afternoon.\u00a0 I\u2019m ready to go.\u00a0 Thank you for including me in this wonderful adventure, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour company is what makes it wonderful,\u201d he insisted.<\/p>\n

She laughed, though obviously flattered.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t hold a candle to those fresh young faces.\u201d\u00a0 She nodded toward the three Whitney girls, each trying to attach herself to some part of Bert\u2019s anatomy.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s exactly the opposite: they can\u2019t hold a candle to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She giggled like a little girl and smiled all the way back to her husband, who had remained with Mrs. Whitney on a bench before the Music Stand.<\/p>\n

Bert and the Whitney girls finally rejoined them, and they all headed out of the park.\u00a0 Bert shot Adam a reproachful look, and Adam nodded with a chagrinned wince.\u00a0 He had left his friend to fend for himself at the lake and deserved the rebuke.\u00a0 So much for safety in numbers, he admitted.\u00a0\u00a0 The Battle of Central Park might well be deemed a victory for the women, but he and Bert had survived to fight another day.<\/p>\n

As soon as they returned home, Adam snared his letter from the pile on the entry table and excused himself to his room, a trio of teasing titters following him up the stairs.\u00a0 Once safely shut behind his own door, he dropped onto the bed and held the letter to his nose.\u00a0 It was fragrant, as Rose had said, and he lay back for a moment, savoring the scent and the delicious anticipation of the precious words within the envelope.\u00a0 Then, slowly, carefully, he broke the seal and drew out two lilac-scented and scallop-edged sheets.\u00a0 The letter was as long and loving as he could have hoped, and it spurred him to an immediate answer, telling Elizabeth how much it meant to hear from her and how much he hoped that he would enjoy that exquisite pleasure again soon.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO<\/p>\n

Days of Drama and Dilemma<\/p>\n

For Adam, the next week was one of highs and lows.\u00a0 He soared to the heights of satisfaction when Mr. Bracebridge approved his first drawings and promised that there\u2019d be more such assignments.\u00a0 And there had been, more simple copy work at first, but as the week progressed, work of increasing detail that told Adam he was growing and developing and becoming more useful to the firm.\u00a0 In short, all he could have hoped for at this stage of a budding career.<\/p>\n

The lows were mostly issues of painful personal introspection, centering on his continuing conflict about enlisting in the army.\u00a0 The news Sunday that 70,000 soldiers were missing or absent, many because they were \u201csick of the service,\u201d filled him with mixed emotions.\u00a0 Obviously, the need for new recruits was great, but Adam wondered how quickly he, too, would become sickened by the use to which he\u2019d be put if he joined up.\u00a0 And the seemingly endless columns of names of the genuinely sick and wounded that filled the pages of the New York Times<\/em> certainly served as a deterrent.<\/p>\n

He could skim over those portions of the newspaper, of course, but it was impossible to avoid the signs of recruitment in New York City.\u00a0 For one thing, his route to work passed City Hall Park, so twice a day he saw the white tents of the newly inducted, heard regularly the sounds of drill and marching.\u00a0 And his path crossed White Street, as well, where lines of men waited outside the mustering office to sign up and receive their ninety dollar bonus for enlisting in one of the New York regiments.<\/p>\n

At such points in their daily walk, Adam persistently plied his friend Bert with a list of suggested middle names beginning with \u201cL.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cLambert, Longbottom, Lanier, Lucifier,\u201d he suggested one morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cLucifer!\u201d Bert protested.\u00a0 \u201cWhat sort of heathens do you think my parents are?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stroked his chin thoughtfully as the white tents, for him, disappeared.\u00a0 \u201cNot wishing to insult your upbringing, I will assume that Lucifer is incorrect, so let\u2019s see: Lucinda, Louise, Laurabelle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert laughed.\u00a0 \u201cNow you\u2019re being ridiculous.\u00a0 Give it up, Adam; you\u2019ll never guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBefore the summer is out,\u201d Adam vowed, but he gave up guessing . . . until the next time they passed City Hall Park.<\/p>\n

Much as he tried to avoid articles in the paper about new units forming, one headline that week caught his eye and sent his heart leaping into his throat: \u201cCollege Professors Turning Soldiers.\u201d\u00a0 He quickly scanned the paragraph, relieved to see that none of his professors from Yale were listed, only a Professor Chamberlain from Bowdoin College in Maine and another called Chadbourne from Massachusetts.\u00a0 Just names on a page to him, nothing to influence him one way or the other, as he feared might have been the case had he read names like Nolen or Thacher or Wilder Smith.<\/p>\n

The death of Martin Van Buren that week might have been said to be a low for the nation, but Adam had no personal reaction.\u00a0 To him, Van Buren was a name from the history books, honored because of his service, of course, but a few doors draped in black crepe said that some in the city remembered the former President more fondly, the way Adam thought he might feel about Abraham Lincoln on that distant day the nation would lay him to rest.<\/p>\n

The week ended more happily, for the two young architectural apprentices.\u00a0 Having decided that either grand opera or Shakespeare was simply not going to be offered in the summer season, Adam had suggested to Bert that they attend a decent play, instead.\u00a0 Bulwer\u2019s \u201cRichelieu\u201d looked promising, even if its afterpiece, \u201cKing Cotton,\u201d did not, so they made plans to attend on Saturday night.\u00a0 Informing their landlady that they would not dine at home that evening brought a flurry of questions, of course, and a petulant accusation from Rose Whitney.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re going back to that tiresome band concert without us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert protested that they were not, but Adam was quick to squelch that apparent admission that they were obligated to include the girls whenever they went to Central Park.\u00a0 \u201cYou needn\u2019t worry, Miss Rose,\u201d he advised her.\u00a0 \u201cBeing gentlemen, we, of course, would never wish to subject you to anything \u2018tiresome.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t find it tiresome,\u201d Grace inserted hastily, while Pearl bobbed her quick assent and Rose blushed at her own stupidity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe aren\u2019t going to the park,\u201d Adam repeated, but offered no further information, much to the ladies\u2019 frustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are places gentlemen visit alone, young ladies,\u201d Mr. McCrory suggested.<\/p>\n

Adam started to deny that their destination was the rough sort of place that refused admission to ladies, but then he gave Mr. McCrory a cunning smile.\u00a0 Let the ladies think what they would, so long as it stopped the endless hints for inclusion in the evening\u2019s entertainment.<\/p>\n

The ladies evidently assumed the worst.\u00a0 \u201cWell, in that case, we\u2019ll leave you to it!\u201d Grace announced as she rose and flounced indignantly from the room, trailed by her sisters.<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t know whether to feel chagrinned or relieved that her visions of him as a potential missionary to the heathen had apparently evaporated.<\/p>\n

Mr. McCrory leaned toward Adam and asked in an undertone, \u201cSo where are you going, if you don\u2019t mind my asking?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam whispered back, \u201cNot at all.\u00a0 We\u2019re off to the Winter Garden, to see \u2018Richelieu.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. McCrory settled back in his chair with a conspiratorial smirk.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll guard your secret well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not come with us?\u201d Bert asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, ho, ho,\u201d McCrory chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd have them all think me the same sort of rakehell as you two?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think your reputation can survive one night on the town with the rakes,\u201d Adam said with a rascally smirk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why not?\u201d McCrory decided suddenly.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t indulged in dinner and drama in longer than I can remember.\u00a0 I\u2019d be pleased to accept your invitation, gentlemen!\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

A puckish grin lifted the left corner of Adam\u2019s mouth as they entered the seedy basement restaurant and found places at one of the small square tables inside.\u00a0\u00a0 During intermission Mr. McCrory had opined that they should dine afterwards in some place unlikely to cater to ladies.\u00a0 \u201cFor honesty\u2019s sake,\u201d he\u2019d said, \u201cin case we\u2019re questioned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had to admit that Pfaff\u2019s Tavern fit the bill nicely.\u00a0 Crudely furnished, it was dark and, being below ground, gave a feeling of dankness not altogether deserved.\u00a0 A couple of women were there, sitting at a long table at one end in a sort of cave that extended underneath the sidewalk, but from their mannish attire, they appeared to be free-spirited Bohemians, not genteel ladies of the Whitney\u2019s studied variety.\u00a0 He could only hope the food would be in keeping with the plain d\u00e9cor and not the exotic appearance of some of the tavern\u2019s more colorful guests.<\/p>\n

He soon discovered that the menu was eclectic: everything from German pancakes to American steak and champagne to cheap beer.\u00a0 When Adam, of economic necessity, tried to order the latter, however, Mr. McCrory immediately remonstrated.\u00a0 \u201cAfter an evening like this, it must be champagne, gentlemen,\u201d he insisted.\u00a0 \u201cMy treat, of course, as thanks for including me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need of that,\u201d Bert protested, with Adam quick to echo him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease,\u201d the older man pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cLet me have this pleasure.\u00a0 It\u2019s been so long since I went out like this, and having no family responsibilities, I have the funds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing how much it meant to him, Adam assented.\u00a0 \u201cThe pleasure of your company would have been thanks enough for including you, but we will gratefully accept your generous offer, sir.\u201d\u00a0 The waiter quickly hustled away before they could change their minds.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, what to eat,\u201d Bert pondered, his full lips pushing left and right in thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor you, a side of beef,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 Their daily lunches had given him ample opportunity to observe the scope of Bert\u2019s capacity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe beef does sound good,\u201d Bert mused, apparently oblivious to the jesting jab at his appetite, \u201cbut dreadfully pedestrian for a place like this.\u00a0 I believe I\u2019ll try the Dutch pannekuchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a side of beef?\u201d Adam teased.<\/p>\n

Bert frowned at him, then.\u00a0 \u201cWith a rasher of bacon.\u00a0 Your time would be better served making your own decision.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned toward Mr. McCrory.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s notoriously slow, especially considering the shortness of our lunch hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the lateness of the hour now,\u201d McCrory returned with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cFor my stomach\u2019s sake, I shall have the chicken soup, with pie later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m starving,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have the steak . . . with pie later.\u201d\u00a0 He wagged his eyebrows at Bert.\u00a0 \u201cAnd, perhaps, a taste of your pannekuchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he dares attack my appetite!\u201d\u00a0 Bert rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cDid I mention he\u2019s also notorious for nabbing bites off a man\u2019s plate?\u00a0 Watch your soup carefully, Mr. McCrory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have never nabbed,\u201d Adam protested. \u00a0\u201cAn occasional taste, and only then in the furtherance of my culinary education.\u201d\u00a0 He, too, leaned conspiratorially toward the older man.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s notorious\u2014or perhaps, \u2018famous\u2019 would be a better word\u2014for knowing all there is to know about New York cuisine.\u00a0 Amazing, when he\u2019s been here so short a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s famous\u2014no, \u2018infamous\u2019 is the correct word\u2014for exaggeration,\u201d Bert sputtered with an accusatory smirk in Adam\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

Mr. McCrory laughed aloud.\u00a0 \u201cIt must be the influence of the drama that has us making so many asides.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Bert and Adam joined in the laughter.\u00a0 \u201cThat must be it,\u201d Bert agreed.\u00a0 \u201cThere certainly were enough of them in Bulwer\u2019s play\u2014and no one else on stage supposed to overhear!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome very nice lines, though,\u201d Adam said and then quoted in his best imitation of Cardinal Richelieu, \u201c\u2018The pen is mightier than the sword.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

The food arrived, and Adam quickly discerned that Bert would probably be inheriting about a third of that huge steak, more than a fair trade for the few bites of pancake Adam planned to scrounge from his friend.\u00a0 It was, for them, a fairly typical division of their noontime plates.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not well versed in French history,\u201d Mr. McCrory said, dipping into a chicken soup with broth so thick and hearty that Adam began to wish he\u2019d ordered that, instead of the heavy steak he\u2019d probably regret around four o\u2019clock this morning.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re an educated man, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Perhaps you could explain the background of the drama.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I haven\u2019t studied French history, either, Mr. McCrory.\u00a0 My stepmother Marie was French, and I once heard her list Cardinal Richelieu among her girlhood heroes.\u00a0 I suppose that\u2019s why I was drawn to the play when I saw it listed in the newspaper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was certainly the hero tonight,\u201d McCrory observed.\u00a0 \u201cI wondered if he was as noble and selfless in real life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre any of us?\u201d Adam queried with a shrug.\u00a0 \u201cI disagree, though, that Bulwer portrayed him that way.\u00a0 Other characters referred to him as a crafty fox, and he definitely displayed a talent for manipulating people.\u00a0 I had the idea that only his love for Julie, the orphaned daughter of his dear friend, transformed his character on this occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour stepmother evidently saw good in him, however,\u201d Bert pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, she must have,\u201d Adam said quietly.\u00a0 Time had healed the loss to some degree, but there were moments, like this one, when he was reminded afresh of how much he missed Marie.\u00a0 He\u2019d never asked her why she admired Cardinal Richelieu, and now he\u2019d never get the chance.<\/p>\n

Perhaps sensing his soberness, Mr. McCrory exclaimed, \u201cWhy, look, there\u2019s Artemus Ward.\u00a0 Have you gentlemen ever heard him speak?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up to see a man with a high forehead and an admirable mustache over his upper lip joining the long table in what they\u2019d called the cave.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I can\u2019t say I have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite the humorist,\u201d McCrory advised.\u00a0 \u201cSaid to be President Lincoln\u2019s favorite comedian.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Father Abraham can use a good dose of humor now and again,\u201d Bert said with loyal sympathy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed, with the load he has to bear,\u201d McCrory commented.<\/p>\n

The subject was too uncomfortably close to talk of armies and enlistment for Adam, so he suggested brightly, \u201cLet\u2019s keep an eye out for an opportunity to hear Mr. Ward, then, shall we?\u00a0 Perhaps that can be our next outing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that would be delightful,\u201d Mr. McCrory declared with enthusiasm.\u00a0 In the company of these two rising stars of architecture, he felt younger than he had in years.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t help noticing that none of the Whitney women were so much as throwing a hint his direction about accompanying him on any excursions outside the house.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure whether the all-male jaunt to supposedly disreputable destinations had ruined his reputation with them or whether the frequency of letters now arriving from Elizabeth had declared him \u201ctaken,\u201d but he didn\u2019t care.\u00a0 It was enough that he and Bert could plan an outing to Central Park the following Saturday without having anyone whimper or whine to come along.<\/p>\n

And he had enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly.\u00a0 The music, although it included Mozart and Mendelssohn, continued to center around the boisterous band numbers that appealed to the public at large, rather than true music connoisseurs.\u00a0 Still, it was pleasant, and Adam had enjoyed even more the walk he and Bert later took through the Ramble, the most rustic part of Central Park.\u00a0 Oh, it was still cultivated, but it had been designed to look as though it were not, and a sense of seclusion shaded its quiet paths, faintly scented with swamp magnolia and honeysuckle.\u00a0 Ducks and pea fowl skittered around the bushes, and once Adam caught his breath when, in an affecting reminder of home, a deer peered out from the shade of a stand of trees no more than a hundred yards from him.<\/p>\n

At the western boundary of the Ramble he came upon a slope thickly strewn with shrubs whose flowers had withered in the summer heat.\u00a0 It led to the foot of a large rock.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like a cave down there,\u201d he observed to Bert.\u00a0 \u201cCare to explore it?\u201d\u00a0 The expression on his friend\u2019s face at once gave him the answer, for it was already flushed with the exertion of this simple walk on a very hot day, as they all had been this summer.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps another day would be better,\u201d Adam suggested.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all, we\u2019re scarcely dressed for a tramp through the mud, which we\u2019re likely to find inside a cave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, another day . . . perhaps,\u201d Bert mumbled, his expression revealing the hope that Adam would forget the idea altogether.<\/p>\n

Resolving that he would find a time when he could revisit the Ramble alone, Adam led them over a charming bridge that looked as though it were constructed of rough tree boughs until they came to a view of a lovely little cascade of water into the brook below that proved so refreshing both men stood gazing on it for several minutes before deciding that it was time to return to the boardinghouse for the evening meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see,\u201d Adam mused as they once again passed City Park, \u201ccould it be Lawrence or Leon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGive it up,\u201d Bert advised.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll never succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Many of the New York City churches took a summer holiday in August, and Grace Church, where the Whitneys usually attended was one of them.\u00a0 The Randolphs\u2019 Baptist church did not, and Adam elected to continue going with them to Sunday services.\u00a0 A quiet day at home might have been a pleasing prospect under other circumstances, but the thought of spending those same hours in the parlor with three gossiping girls and their doting mother was sufficient impetus to make Adam rise early on the one day of the week he could have slept in.<\/p>\n

After dinner he went to his room, opened the windows in hopes of feeling some breath of breeze and caught up on his correspondence.\u00a0 Then, all duties to God, family and friends fulfilled, he stretched on the bed in his stocking feet and read the latest installment of Victor Hugo\u2019s new book, Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0 He had purchased hardback copies of the first two parts, even though they were dear at a dollar each, but having previously read The Hunchback of Notre Dame<\/em>, he knew the quality of Hugo\u2019s work and knew these were volumes he\u2019d want to keep.\u00a0 Of course, he planned to loan them to Jamie, too, and any other friend who wished to read them, so it was best to invest in something sturdier than paper copies.\u00a0 He\u2019d purchased the second part, \u201cCosette,\u201d on his lunch hour the day before, but hadn\u2019t had time since for more than a peek at its contents.\u00a0 Since the bookseller had hinted that the third part would be coming out soon, Adam indulged himself in extra reading time that afternoon, but he still had about half the latest volume to go when he had to stop \u00a0to clean up for the evening meal.<\/p>\n

There was no time to read further until well after supper the next night.\u00a0 Feeling a little guilty about ignoring his fellow boarders Sunday afternoon, he\u2019d stayed in the parlor with them after supper until time to retire for bed.\u00a0 Then he\u2019d risen early, breakfasted and headed off to work with Bert.\u00a0 As he filed documents and drawings that morning, his mind drifted to the streets of Paris, as he wondered whether Jean Valjean and little Cosette would be able to elude their persistent pursuer, Inspector Javert.\u00a0 That afternoon, however, he received a drawing assignment so challenging that it absorbed his attention until time to leave for the day.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t wait to return tomorrow and finish it.<\/p>\n

After freshening up, he went down to the parlor and spent a suitable amount of time socializing before supper, but managed to slip away to his room directly after the meal and was soon lost to everything except the heart-stopping chase of the fugitives.\u00a0 Hugo described the Paris sky as being so bathed in moonlight that night that there was no need to light the street lamps, and as Adam saw Jean Valjean and Cosette to safety behind a convent wall, he almost felt that he was there, not only because of the power of the words, but because his own room seemed flooded with that same moonlight.<\/p>\n

His brow wrinkled as he closed the book about ten o\u2019clock and glanced over at the window.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t his imagination; it really was that bright outside . . . and it shouldn\u2019t be.\u00a0 It certainly hadn\u2019t been the night before, and there had been no clouds to obscure the moon\u2019s light then, either.\u00a0 He moved to the window, raised the sash higher, leaned out and gasped.<\/p>\n

A dazzling display of arcing light met his eyes, mostly waves of iridescent green, although here and there streaks of red shot through the light spread across the horizon.\u00a0 Mouth gaping open, Adam leaned further out, but he still couldn\u2019t see as well as he wanted, so he drew himself back in and, hurriedly lacing on his shoes, crept into the hall and down the stairs, almost on tiptoe to avoid rousing the rest of the house.\u00a0 He made his way into the backyard and settled down on a patch of grass so parched by the heat that it crackled every time he moved.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d read about this phenomenon, of course, but book knowledge, however descriptive, was no substitute for seeing an aurora borealis with his own eyes.\u00a0 His gaze swept the horizon, watching with fascination the interplay of the undulating streams of colored light that streamed toward the heavens with the majestic movement of an expertly conducted symphony.\u00a0 He watched for an hour and then another, unable to tear himself away, although he knew he\u2019d pay tomorrow for staying up so late.<\/p>\n

About midnight, when the lights seemed their brightest, bars of dense black vapor rose across the sky, and the contrasting darkness only emphasized the pearly opalescence of the northern lights in the unobscured portions of the sky.\u00a0 And still he could not tear himself away.\u00a0 He was young; he could catch up on sleep, but this might well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he didn\u2019t want to miss a moment.<\/p>\n

Despite his intention, the setting was so quiet and peaceful that as the light display died down, his eyes involuntarily closed, and his chin bent to his chest.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t have slept long, but when he jolted awake again, he decided that he might as well go back inside and get a couple of hours\u2019 sleep in his own bed . . . especially if he expected to bring a fresh eye to the architectural rendering he\u2019d been assigned.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

For the first time since coming to New York City, Adam was late to breakfast.\u00a0 Seeing the reproachful look Mrs. Whitney cast him as he slid into his seat at the table, he quickly apologized for his tardiness.\u00a0 \u201cI was mesmerized by the stunning display of the aurora borealis until the wee hours of the morning, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe northern lights?\u201d Grace asked with a touch of skepticism.\u00a0 \u201cYou must be imagining things, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Mr. McCrory said, adding acidly, \u201cas you\u2019d know if you read the newspaper of a morning, Miss Grace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her tongue was just as tart.\u00a0 \u201cHow could I, when the so-called gentlemen of the house always snatch it before a helpless girl has opportunity?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam exchanged a surreptitious roll of the eyes with Bert.\u00a0 Never had either of them so much as heard any of the girls, with the occasional exception of Pearl, express any interest in the news of the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that what it was, the northern lights?\u201d Mrs. Randolph murmured.\u00a0 \u201cI thought there was something different about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pearl laughed a bit brusquely.\u00a0 \u201cSurely, you weren\u2019t awake at that hour, Mrs. Randolph.\u201d<\/p>\n

The older woman only smiled back beneficently.\u00a0 \u201cI often wake at odd hours through the night, my dear.\u00a0 I was always a light sleeper, and more so, now that I\u2019m older.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA pity you didn\u2019t join me in the backyard,\u201d Adam said, sending her a kindly smile.\u00a0 \u201cThe view was much better from there.\u201d\u00a0 He went on to describe for the rest of the household the transformation of the midnight sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy, but you paint pictures with words just like an artist with oils!\u201d Pearl gushed.\u00a0 \u201cI almost feel I was sitting there beside you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I wish I had been,\u201d Rose announced, sending a simpering pout in Adam\u2019s direction.\u00a0 \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you wake me and take me with you, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

The collective gasp that circled the table was ear-shattering.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m a gentleman,\u201d Adam said crisply, \u201cand gentlemen do not enter the boudoir of a young girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not!\u201d declared this particular young girl\u2019s mother, while her sisters all glared at Rose with disapproval.<\/p>\n

\u201cNor that of a married woman, either, one would presume,\u201d Grace sniffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not.\u201d\u00a0 An impish twinkle lit Adam\u2019s eye for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cAlthough,\u201d he began, elongating the word.\u00a0 When all the ladies turned to stare at him, he grinned and said, \u201cHad I known you were awake, my dear Mrs. Randolph, I might have tapped on your door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now it was the girls\u2019 turn to roll their eyes, communicating their obvious belief that he could have actually entered Mrs. Randolph\u2019s room with impunity.\u00a0 She was, after all, old enough to be his grandmother.<\/p>\n

Bert and Adam left almost immediately after breakfast, and for the first time Adam envied Mr. McCrory, who kept bankers\u2019 hours and, therefore, could have slipped back to his room for another hour\u2019s rest, had he needed it.\u00a0 Still, he reminded himself, by Ponderosa standards\u2014or, for that matter, by those followed at Yale\u2014he hadn\u2019t risen early at all.\u00a0 As he considered that, a low chuckle issued from his throat.<\/p>\n

Hearing it, Bert asked playfully.\u00a0 \u201cAre you recalling your visit to Miss Rose\u2019s bed chamber?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cScarcely!\u201d Adam hooted.<\/p>\n

Bert snapped his fingers.\u00a0 \u201cOh, that\u2019s right: you\u2019re a gentleman.\u201d\u00a0 Dropping the elaborately aristocratic tone he\u2019d adopted for the last three words, he laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat does that do to your carefully cultivated image of a rakehell, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlows it to smithereens,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 He cocked a wry grin at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cOr maybe just keeps them guessing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne may hope,\u201d Bert chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI do think you might have risked entering my bed chamber, however.\u00a0 I\u2019d have relished seeing those northern lights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never have?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cA rare phenomenon, even here in the civilized East, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam punched a doubled fist into the other man\u2019s shoulder as retribution for that implied insult to his own part of the country.\u00a0 Bantering back and forth, they arrived at work, where it had to end.\u00a0 They each had drawings to complete, and since they worked at adjoining tables, neither could afford the distraction of too much conversation.\u00a0 Not until noon did they exchange anything other than architectural questions or comments on each other\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere would you like to eat?\u201d Bert asked as they walked out.<\/p>\n

Usually, Adam just said, \u201cWherever you like\u201d and trusted Bert\u2019s culinary instincts, but today he groaned and pleaded, \u201cAnywhere except a chophouse, please.\u00a0 And no heavy German fare, either.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think my stomach will tolerate it.\u201d\u00a0 Between his lack of sleep and his nervousness over the drawing he\u2019d just submitted to Mr. Bracebridge, he could feel his stomach roiling already.<\/p>\n

Bert frowned in thought.\u00a0 A light meal was never his first choice, so it took him some time to run mentally through the menus of restaurants he\u2019d visited or heard about in New York City, searching for something that might provide a meal light enough for Adam, yet filling enough for his own appetite.\u00a0 Finally, his eyes lighted with inspiration.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about Moquin\u2019s?\u201d\u00a0 he proposed.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s French, but if you go easy on the sauces, it might suit you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The suggestion triggered memories of Marie\u2019s cooking and brought a smile to Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 Light or not, he thought he\u2019d enjoy sampling French cuisine again.\u00a0 \u201cThat sounds good.\u00a0 Is it nearby?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn Fulton,\u201d Bert replied.<\/p>\n

Adam was by now well acquainted with the lower part of the city, so he turned in the right direction and headed for Fulton Street.\u00a0 In fact, when Bert pointed out the entrance to Moquin\u2019s, Adam realized that he\u2019d passed the restaurant several times before, on their way to Fulton Market, where they often grabbed a quick, inexpensive meal of oysters, either in chowder or opened in front of them and served on the shell.\u00a0 Inside, he noted the motto, \u201cIn Vino Veritas<\/em>,\u201d posted on the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cNoted for their wines, I hear,\u201d Bert observed, seeing Adam eyeing the phrase.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNot in the middle of a working day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Bert agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWe need our heads about us for the type of meticulous work we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded, although he expected that he\u2019d be back in the file room or possibly running errands the rest of the day, unless he\u2019d made such a mess of his drawing that he had to redo it.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t think that likely, however.\u00a0 He was beginning to be a good judge of his work and thought he\u2019d done well on this latest project.<\/p>\n

With menu in hand, Bert leaned toward Adam and whispered, \u201cDo you read French?\u00a0 I can . . . not well, but if you need help with the choices . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can manage,\u201d Adam said, humor tugging at his lips.\u00a0 \u201cI studied some French with my stepmother and a bit more at the academy in Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, then.\u201d\u00a0 Bert\u2019s relieved exhale betrayed his underlying lack of confidence.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m going to have the filet de boeuf<\/em> with potatoes and . . . um . . . haricots verts<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want something lighter than that.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s lips pursed in thought as he perused the menu.\u00a0 \u201cThe potage de<\/em> cr\u00e8me de volaille<\/em>, I think, with some vegetables on the side.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSoup?\u201d\u00a0 Bert scowled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d prefer not having to pick you up off the floor after you keel over from lack of nourishment, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m more worried about having to roll you back to the office after you eat so much you can\u2019t move.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa, ha,\u201d Bert snorted.\u00a0 As soon as he and Adam had turned in their orders, he observed, \u201cGood news about the Overland Mail, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat news?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

Bert chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s right; you didn\u2019t make it down in time to read the newspaper this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sniffed.\u00a0 \u201cI rarely get that opportunity until the evening, anyway.\u201d\u00a0 He, of course, always gave preference to the older men at the house, although Mr. Randolph generally deferred his reading until after the working men had left and Mr. McCrory would ordinarily hand over the inner pages to the younger men.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough,\u201d Bert commiserated.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you\u2019ll be glad to hear that the Overland is going to resume daily mail coaches again.\u00a0 That should make it easier to hear from your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 Indian attacks had interrupted the mail service so frequently that the company had obtained permission to change its route and had been given twenty days to make the transfer of stock and men to the new stations.\u00a0 As a result, Adam had almost given up hope of hearing from his family before he returned to New Haven.\u00a0 Now, at least, it was possible.<\/p>\n

Their meals were served, and Bert sliced into his filet with gusto.\u00a0 Adam had selected petit pois<\/em> and tomates farcies<\/em> to go with his velvety cream of chicken soup.\u00a0 Letting it cool, he cut through the tomato with his fork and then pierced the flesh with the tines, along with some of the bread stuffing baked into its hollowed center.\u00a0 \u201cDelicious,\u201d he told Bert.\u00a0 \u201cYou really should have tried it, instead of those green beans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like beans,\u201d Bert grunted, \u201cand I\u2019m not at all sure that love apples are actually good for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam only laughed as he scooped some peas onto his fork.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t be laughing at the main news item today,\u201d Bert warned.\u00a0 Then, apparently feeling he\u2019d said too much in his testiness at being teased, he riveted his eyes on his plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Bert mumbled, hastily stuffing a bite of beef into his mouth.<\/p>\n

Adam eyed him intently.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t I believe you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert shrugged, pointing to his full mouth as reason for not answering.<\/p>\n

Adam responded by pulling the plate away.\u00a0 \u201cSwallow and then talk,\u201d he ordered.<\/p>\n

Bert swallowed, wiped his lips with his napkin.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to break it to you like that.\u00a0 Well, I didn\u2019t mean to break it at all, for that matter.\u00a0 I mean, I\u2019ve seen how uncomfortable you get when we pass City Park . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBreak what?\u201d Adam probed tersely.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe President has called for 300,000 more troops,\u201d Bert replied reluctantly.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged, although as Bert had perceived, talk of enlistment always bothered him.\u00a0 \u201cIs that all?\u00a0 They always want more troops.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is different,\u201d Bert insisted.\u00a0 \u201cThis time they\u2019re only asking for nine months\u2019 service, but if any State doesn\u2019t meet its quota . . . well, they say they\u2019ll institute a draft.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Adam a sheepish look.\u00a0 \u201cNow, may I have my dinner back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pushed Bert\u2019s plate back across the table, but his own sat untouched, for his appetite had vanished.\u00a0 A draft.\u00a0 There\u2019d been suggestions of it before, of course.\u00a0 It was, in fact, so current a topic that even this week the Winter Garden was playing a comedy called, \u201cLook Out for the Draft.\u201d\u00a0 Now, apparently, it was more than just talk, more than something to joke about: it was an active threat, and Adam wasn\u2019t sure how he felt about it.<\/p>\n

In a way, being drafted would settle the debate that had raged inside him for so many weeks.\u00a0 If he were drafted, the decision was made for him, and no one, including Pa, could fault him for submitting to the law of the land.\u00a0 He would have no choice but to fight . . . and therein lay the rub, as Hamlet had said.\u00a0 He scorned the idea of being a man so weak-willed that he left major decisions of his life to others.\u00a0 Such a man was no man at all; he was nothing but a puerile, vacillating boy.<\/p>\n

Beneath the table Adam\u2019s fist clenched with determination.\u00a0 He could not allow himself to be drafted, like a man afraid to fight for his country, but neither could he allow fear of that dishonor to push him into a decision he would not otherwise make.\u00a0 He had to make his own, independent decision, and he needed to make it soon.\u00a0 Today\u2019s news had ensured that, but he felt no closer to knowing his own heart than he had before.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, for mercy\u2019s sake, eat your soup before it\u2019s stone cold,\u201d Bert pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry the news upsets you, but don\u2019t be a fool.\u00a0 You have an afternoon\u2019s work ahead of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up and his eyes cleared.\u00a0 Bert was right.\u00a0 His obligation this afternoon was to Bracebridge, Harwood and Associates, and the firm deserved his full attention, something he could scarcely give if his stomach was reminding him constantly that he hadn\u2019t filled it.\u00a0 Maybe he was making this whole thing harder than it was.\u00a0 Maybe all he had to do was what he\u2019d done along the trail west: take a step, take another\u2014walk, walk, walk\u2014and trust that each step, each daily decision would point the way to the larger one that loomed increasingly closer.\u00a0 Whether to eat his dinner or not was a small decision, but there was a right and wrong to it, as to larger ones.\u00a0 Better to practice making right choices, even in the small things, so although the cooling soup no longer enticed him, he dipped in his spoon and began to eat.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

That night, after everyone had retired, Adam slipped out to the backyard again and sat on the grass as he had the night before.\u00a0 There were no waves of light frolicking in the heavens tonight, nothing but quiet stars pinpricking the fabric of a charcoal sky.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t come here to see a spectacle, though; nor had he expected any voice from on high, telling him what to do.\u00a0 He\u2019d hoped only to find again the peace he\u2019d felt the night before, but it was gone, leaving behind only the ebb and flow of a questioning heart.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t stay long; there was no point.\u00a0 Not wanting to face the next day\u2019s work after a second sleepless night, he forced himself to go back upstairs, and though his thoughts continued to turn for a while, he was tired enough that he fell asleep fairly early.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

Martin Van Buren, eighth President of the United States (1837-1841), died on July 24, 1862<\/p>\n

\u201cRichelieu: or the Conspiracy,\u201d by Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton, is available online in its entirety through Google Books.\u00a0 In addition to \u201cthe pen is mightier than the sword,\u201d Bulwer-Lytton is also the author of that immortal (and infamous) opening sentence, \u201cIt was a dark and stormy night.\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE<\/p>\n

Keeping Options Open<\/p>\n

Adam made a point of arriving in the parlor early the next morning.\u00a0\u00a0 He hoped for a peek at the newspaper before breakfast, but even if he didn\u2019t get it, at least he\u2019d have equal access with Bert to any relevant news of the day.\u00a0 He wanted no more nasty surprises like the one at yesterday\u2019s noontime meal.\u00a0 With that purpose in view, he asked Mr. McCrory, who had his nose buried in the paper, if there was anything of interest in the Times<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill no notice of any performance by Artemus Ward,\u201d the older man advised.\u00a0 Then, seeing Adam\u2019s frown, he said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I thought that\u2019s what you\u2019d be interested in.\u201d\u00a0 He didn\u2019t mention that both Bert and Adam usually looked first at the list of attractions on page four, often before even scanning the headlines.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes, that would be of interest,\u201d Adam replied, adding with what he hoped was a nonchalant air, \u201cI was somewhat curious if there was any further news about . . . the draft.\u201d\u00a0 Despite his best efforts, he knew that his hesitance had been palpable.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, of course,\u201d McCrory said kindly.\u00a0 \u201cYes, there is a long article discussing the various reasons for exemption.\u201d\u00a0 He folded the paper and handed it to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cOh! and a short piece about the war meeting in New Haven last night . . . on the last page.\u00a0 Since that\u2019s your home, perhaps . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 New Haven wasn\u2019t exactly home, of course, but as close as he had here in the East, and he did have concern for what went on there. \u00a0It was as much because that article was easy to find as for any special interest in war meetings that he turned to it first.\u00a0 It took him only a couple of minutes to read the brief description.\u00a0 Like every war meeting he\u2019d heard of this summer, it had been well attended; in fact, the crowd had been so large that the meeting had adjourned to the Green at the north portico of the State House.\u00a0 A bounty of $100 was now being offered, in addition to any incentives from other sources, a powerful one for the married men the nine-month enlistment term was primarily aimed at.\u00a0 With encouragement like that, perhaps the quota would be filled by the time he returned to New Haven, Adam mused.<\/p>\n

A resolution had also been passed to publish the names and nature of disease of those applying for a Disability Certificate.\u00a0 That didn\u2019t affect Adam personally, because he was certainly fit enough to fight, but he thought immediately of Jamie, who had no business subjecting himself to a soldier\u2019s life of camping in the open, particularly in inclement weather.\u00a0 It might well mean his death.\u00a0 Was it fair that such men, with legitimate physical problems, have their intimate health details published for a curious world to see?\u00a0 Everyone would understand why a man who had lost a limb or even a finger or thumb might consider himself unable to serve, but the disabilities the newspaper listed included ailments that would normally be closely guarded secrets, such as large hemorrhoids or a fistula in the private parts.\u00a0 It seemed cruel to publicly announce anything that personally invasive, but the likely alternative was having the man\u2019s character or patriotism questioned . . . as Adam\u2019s own might be, should he, a sturdy specimen of masculine strength, refuse to enlist.<\/p>\n

Still, that was no reason to join a regiment.\u00a0 If he did join, Adam wanted it to be for high principles: for the preservation of the Union and for the freedom of enslaved men, women and children.\u00a0 He still hadn\u2019t decided, so he turned to the article that detailed the conditions under which a man might seek exemption from the draft.\u00a0 In addition to everyone under eighteen or over forty-five, he learned that the exempt classes included all government workers, police officers, coroners, firemen and members of the Quaker and Shaker faiths, as well as professors, teachers and students at all levels of education.<\/p>\n

Adam breathed a sigh of relief, not for himself, but for Jamie.\u00a0 His friend was exempt and would not have to submit himself to the humiliation of proclaiming his physical weakness publicly.\u00a0 For that matter, he wasn\u2019t even sure Jamie would have qualified on those grounds.\u00a0 A tendency toward respiratory ailments might not be considered a specific illness, after all, but winter in a tent would be an open invitation to pneumonia for his friend, so Adam was particularly glad that, for Jamie, there was an honorable way to avoid the army.\u00a0 For himself also . . . should he choose to exercise it.\u00a0 And if the country valued the education of its young men more than their service, then maybe he should, too.\u00a0 Maybe the same government that had provoked this difficult decision had itself provided the answer he\u2019d sought for so long.\u00a0 He still wasn\u2019t sure, but he now knew that he could, with honor, decide either way.\u00a0 He had only to determine what was right for him.\u00a0 One corner of his mouth lifted in a rueful smile as Hamlet\u2019s line again fluttered through his mind.\u00a0 Yeah, the decision was wholly his; therein lay the rub.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam felt a rub of an entirely different nature as he sliced into his pork chop that night at dinner.\u00a0 Before he could take his first bite Mrs. Whitney cleared her throat in such a significant manner that she drew everyone\u2019s attention.\u00a0 She smiled sweetly in the direction of the trio of men lining one side of the table.\u00a0 \u201cHave you all been able to read the newspaper as thoroughly as you wish, gentlemen?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I finished it before leaving for work,\u201d Mr. McCrory replied, his attention returning at once to his plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI, of course, had the entire day for reading,\u201d Mr. Randolph chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, of course,\u201d the landlady all but hissed.\u00a0 Pasting the sugary smile back on, she looked questioningly at Bert and Adam.\u00a0 Bert said that he\u2019d had ample time to read the paper before dinner, while Adam merely nodded his assent.\u00a0 Since his perusal that morning had given him more than enough to chew on, he hadn\u2019t felt inclined to open the Times<\/em> after work.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Whitney cleared her throat again.\u00a0 \u201cI was wondering if you\u2019d noticed the announcement of a grand picnic and festival to aid our poor sick and wounded soldiers . . . the one at Jones Wood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I did,\u201d Bert said hesitantly, with a wary glance at Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuch a worthy cause,\u201d the landlady gushed.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, I realize that fifty cents for a ticket might seem a bit dear to working men, but it does include any ladies you might wish to escort.\u201d<\/p>\n

The suggestion could not have been more blatant.\u00a0 She was plainly suggesting that one or all of them might consider attending that picnic in the company of one or more of her daughters.\u00a0 Not really knowing how to respond, Adam countered with a question, \u201cI\u2019m afraid I didn\u2019t see that notice.\u00a0 Where, exactly, is Jones Wood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp on the East River, no further than Central Park, I assure you,\u201d Mrs. Whitney replied, \u201cand much more to your liking in particular, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although he recognized the bait being dangled before him, curiosity compelled Adam to ask, \u201cOh?\u00a0 Why is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She tittered lightly.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, the forest, of course.\u00a0 It\u2019s positively dense there, and, well, you did say that your family was prominent in the timber industry out West, didn\u2019t you?\u00a0 You must miss your trees greatly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t recall ever having described the Cartwrights as \u201cprominent in the timber industry,\u201d but she had correctly perceived that he missed the majestic pine forests of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Still, since he realized a trap was being laid, he answered cautiously, \u201cI suppose I do, but I doubt that anything in New York City is likely to assuage that.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the mother frowned in frustration at the density of men, her middle daughter asked sharply, \u201cDo none of you gentlemen care about supporting men wounded in the service of our great Union?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. McCrory and Bert at once protested vociferously that they were, of course, concerned, as all good citizens should be.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t say anything, but nodded his concession.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps their concern is financial, my dear,\u201d Mrs. Whitney interrupted, extending a restraining hand toward Grace.\u00a0 She turned back to the men, the syrup returning to her voice.\u00a0 \u201cForgive me, gentlemen.\u00a0 I hadn\u2019t intended to embarrass you in any way.\u00a0 The girls, of course, wanted to support this wonderful cause, but they obviously cannot attend without male escort.\u00a0 I merely thought that if you were attending anyway, you might consent to allowing them to accompany you.\u201d\u00a0 Then she said, as if it had just occurred to her, \u201cOf course, if your only concern is financial, I would happily supply the funds for the outing, for surely our brave soldiers have earned far more than fifty cents of my support.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not,\u201d Mr. McCrory protested.\u00a0 \u201cI certainly can afford that sum.\u00a0 I won\u2019t hear of your paying, dear lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not,\u201d both Adam and Bert agreed, although more feebly, for both felt that to escort one of the Whitney girls was a much more dangerous proposition for them than for the older man.\u00a0 A sudden thought sparked hope in Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhen is this picnic?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 Unless it were soon, he might well be on his way back to New Haven by that date.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe twentieth,\u201d Mr. Randolph supplied.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a Wednesday, a working day, of course, but the notice didn\u2019t specify the hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Almost as good<\/em>, Adam thought.\u00a0 \u201cYes, a working day,\u201d he said quickly.\u00a0 \u201cWell, of course, it would be totally dependent on the hours.\u00a0 We\u2019ll need more information, won\u2019t we, before we make further plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, I suppose we will,\u201d Mrs. Whitney sighed.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t appear quite ready to concede the battle to the men, but her deflated air reflected a feeling of, at least, temporary defeat.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam paused at the foot of the stairs on Friday morning to indulge in one last yawn before entering the polite society of the boardinghouse parlor.\u00a0 He\u2019d had so much on his mind of late that he found getting to sleep difficult and, consequently, rose later than was his usual habit and with much less sense of feeling rested.\u00a0 Whatever weariness he felt, however, vanished when he heard the sound of soft weeping as he entered the room where the boarders were accustomed to await the announcement of all meals.\u00a0 He was particularly surprised to see the source from which it came.\u00a0 Crossing the room quickly, he squatted down in front of the elderly woman in the doily-draped chair and asked anxiously, \u201cMy dear Mrs. Randolph, whatever is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo tender a heart,\u201d Pearl, the only one of the Whitneys in the room, opined.\u00a0 Adam sent a glancing scowl her direction and turned back to his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cHarsh, but true, I fear,\u201d Mr. Randolph muttered, stroking his wife\u2019s thin-veined hand.\u00a0 \u201cYou mustn\u2019t carry the cares of the world, my dear, but place them in the hands of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know,\u201d she murmured, \u201cbut oh! so many lives lost.\u00a0 How can I not care?\u201d\u00a0 She reached suddenly for Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cI do so hope that no one you know is affected by this tragedy, dear boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s brows knit together as he looked inquiringly into the face of Mr. Randolph.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe steamer Golden Gate<\/em>,\u201d the older man said, half his attention still on his wife.\u00a0 \u201cBurned at sea.\u00a0 There\u2019s no need to assume our Adam knew any of the passengers, my dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s his part of the world,\u201d she whispered, handkerchief held to her sniffling nose.\u00a0 \u201cThey could be friends . . . family.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice choked, perhaps as she envisioned someone special to her going down on that ship.<\/p>\n

Mr. McCrory cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you\u2019d like to read the article, Adam?\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid it was my sharing it that started the\u201d\u2014he started to say \u201cwaterworks,\u201d but reworded it more delicately as \u201cthe lady\u2019s distress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I would.\u201d\u00a0 Adam rose and crossed the room.\u00a0 Quickly scanning the article McCrory pointed out to him, he learned that a steamer of the Pacific Mail line, which had left San Francisco on July 21st<\/sup>, had caught fire and sunk just under a week later off the shore of Mexico.\u00a0 Though the newspaper printed nothing but the bare facts, imagination could supply the cries of terror as men, women and children rushed for lifeboats or jumped into the sea to avoid the roasting flames.<\/p>\n

At least two hundred passengers and crew members had perished, but Adam was certain that no one he knew had been on board.\u00a0 Most of his friends and acquaintances were simple people and, with the possible exception of the mercantile-owning Larrimores, had no reason to travel anywhere by ocean steamer.\u00a0 They\u2019d chosen to make their homes in the far West, and most had made that choice in full knowledge that they would never again see their eastern homes.\u00a0 He was, in fact, the exception, rather than the rule, as he gently explained to Mrs. Randolph.\u00a0 \u201cI so appreciate your concern on my behalf,\u201d he told her, \u201cbut please don\u2019t distress yourself.\u00a0 As you say, the loss of life is tragic, and no one with a heart could fail to be moved by it, but it\u2019s a national loss, not a personal one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA national loss,\u201d her husband said soberly.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I suppose that\u2019s how we should think of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d \u00a0Mrs. Randolph shook her head in a rare dispute of another\u2019s opinion.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m grateful that your loved ones are safe, Adam, and I\u2019m grateful that none of mine were aboard that fated ship, but to the grieving families of those who were, it is as personal as I feared it might be for you.\u201d\u00a0 She wiped her eyes with the attitude of one who now knew her duty.\u00a0 \u201cI shall pray for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

The door to the inner office opened about midmorning on Saturday.\u00a0 Mr. Bainbridge leaned out the doorway and called, \u201cAdam, could you step in here, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Adam said at once.\u00a0 He laid aside his drawing pencil and walked across the room to enter his employer\u2019s private office.<\/p>\n

\u201cClose the door,\u201d Mr. Bainbridge said as he circled his mahogany desk and sat down behind it.<\/p>\n

Only his taut lips revealed his tension as Adam followed the instruction.\u00a0 For the life of him, he couldn\u2019t imagine what he\u2019d done to merit a dressing down, but both Mr. Bainbridge\u2019s expression and his tone were so serious that he expected nothing less as he turned nervously around.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a seat,\u201d Mr. Bainbridge said, gesturing toward a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d just as soon stand, sir,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 It was the stance he had always assumed when \u201con the carpet\u201d with Pa.<\/p>\n

Bainbridge\u2019s brow furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cIs something wrong, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I was going to ask,\u201d Adam murmured nervously.\u00a0 He had, of course, entertained no such idea as actually asking that question, but it was uppermost in his mind.\u00a0 \u201cIf my work has been unsatisfactory . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Bainbridge gasped.\u00a0 \u201cOh, goodness, no.\u00a0 No, my boy!\u00a0 Your work is exemplary.\u00a0 I hope you won\u2019t think I\u2019m meddling, but I wanted to ask some rather personal questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 All right.\u201d\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t imagine what personal matters would be of interest to his employer, but he owed this man so much that he felt willing to share almost anything.\u00a0 To signal his willingness to answer, he took the seat he\u2019d been offered before.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you in the habit of reading the newspaper, Adam?\u201d Bainbridge asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes,\u201d Adam replied, \u201calthough I\u2019m not able to do so thoroughly until the evening.\u201d\u00a0 After another restless night, he had again come to breakfast so late that he\u2019d been unable to give the newspaper so much as a glance, although Mr. McCrory, knowing his interest, had mentioned that the third part of Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/em> would be on sale today.\u00a0 That didn\u2019t seem likely to be what Mr. Bainbridge wanted to talk about, but suddenly Adam was sure he knew.\u00a0 Smiling, he said, \u201cI\u2019m confident that no one I knew was on the Golden Gate<\/em>, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bainbridge stared at him blankly.\u00a0 \u201cI hadn\u2019t assumed they were.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam flushed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, well, it\u2019s just that it did come from my part of the world,\u201d he stammered, echoing Mrs. Randolph\u2019s words.\u00a0 \u201cI thought . . . perhaps\u201d\u2014he trailed off, not knowing how to extricate himself from his misconception.<\/p>\n

Mr. Bainbridge looked slightly chagrined.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps I should have made that connection, but it never occurred to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo reason it should, sir,\u201d Adam babbled hastily.\u00a0 \u201cAn elderly friend at the boardinghouse did; that\u2019s why I thought . . . well . . . no matter.\u00a0 What did you wish to speak about, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe draft,\u201d Bainbridge said bluntly.<\/p>\n

Adam stared at him.\u00a0 Of all the subjects he did not wish to discuss!\u00a0 \u201cThe . . . draft?\u201d he asked hesitantly, mostly to stall for time.<\/p>\n

Bainbridge nervously shuffled some papers on his desk.\u00a0 \u201cI know it\u2019s none of my business, but I wondered if you were planning to enlist or seek an exemption.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam slumped forward.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I knew.\u201d\u00a0 He lifted his head and gazed frankly at the senior architect.\u00a0 \u201cFrankly, sir, I\u2019ve debated that issue all summer, and I\u2019m no closer to a decision than when I started.\u00a0 Either way, I won\u2019t be leaving the firm before the time we\u2019ve discussed, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam,\u201d Bainbridge chided gently.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not the firm I\u2019m concerned about: it\u2019s you.\u00a0 If you didn\u2019t see the newspaper this morning, you may not be aware of the new restrictions on travel, but I was concerned that they might affect you, if you planned to return to Yale.\u201d\u00a0 His color heightened as he impatiently slapped the newspaper against the desk.\u00a0 \u201cRidiculous ruling!\u00a0 Restricting foreign travel is one thing, but to suggest that anyone traveling outside the county might be trying to evade the draft.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t leave the county?\u201d Adam asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr the state, not if you\u2019re eligible for the draft,\u201d Mr. Bainbridge amplified.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid, Adam, that you\u2019ve resided in New York City long enough to make you subject to its jurisdiction.\u00a0 And if they decide that you are trying to flee the draft, they can forcibly take you to the nearest military post and place you on compulsory military duty for the duration of the draft period, anywhere from nine months to three years, depending on whether you were drafted to fill a veteran regiment or one of the new ones.\u00a0 To add insult to the injury, they would also require you to pay for your transportation there and an extra five dollars to the officer who arrested you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019d better enlist,\u201d Adam murmured, feeling a certain measure of relief.\u00a0 If he absolutely couldn\u2019t get back to Yale, the decision he had agonized over all summer had, in effect, been made for him.\u00a0 He still wasn\u2019t sure he wanted to be a soldier, but he knew this much about himself: he would rather go by his own choice than by compulsion.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be hasty, my boy,\u201d Bainbridge advised.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t believe they\u2019re serious about this travel restriction.\u00a0 For mercy\u2019s sake, they\u2019d shut down all commerce and communication if they followed it to the letter.\u00a0 People couldn\u2019t even commute between here and Brooklyn or Jersey City!\u00a0 But until saner minds prevail, I think you should protect yourself by filing for exemption.\u00a0 As a student, you would qualify.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pursed his lips.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said slowly.\u00a0 \u201cI hate to tie myself down, either way, when I haven\u2019t made a firm decision yet.\u00a0 I know it\u2019s a weakness to be so vacillating, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, not at all,\u201d Mr. Bainbridge interrupted to say.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s an important decision, one that should not be made in haste, and that is why I say you should file for exemption.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam cocked his head in puzzlement.\u00a0 \u201cBut wouldn\u2019t that be making the decision . . . right now?\u201d<\/p>\n

The senior architect came around the desk to lay his hands on the young man\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cNo, son.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you see?\u00a0 If you should later decide that you want to serve, you can still make that choice, but if you\u2019re drafted, then the choice is taken out of your hands.\u00a0 You would have to serve, unless you could pay for a substitute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said at once.\u00a0 Though his father would probably be willing to pay for a substitute, he just couldn\u2019t let another man take his place in battle.<\/p>\n

Mr. Bainbridge nodded as if he understood Adam\u2019s unspoken reasons.\u00a0 \u201cThen, file for exemption,\u201d he said, \u201cto preserve your right to choose.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing Adam slowly nod, he said, \u201cI want you to take the rest of the day off and get that taken care of now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, sir,\u201d Adam protested.\u00a0 \u201cWe leave early today as it is.\u00a0 Surely, there\u2019ll be time after work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lines may be long,\u201d Bainbridge argued, \u201cand you have little time to spare, Adam.\u00a0 The exemptions must be filed by the 15th<\/sup>, and that\u2019s only six days from now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I do need to get it done today\u2014or early next week, when my absence here might pose more inconvenience,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely,\u201d Bainbridge said with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your thoughtfulness in bringing this to my attention, sir,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand your generosity in giving me time off to take care of the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGenerosity?\u201d Bainbridge laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I was being selfish, ensuring that you return to us next summer.\u201d\u00a0 He sobered quickly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not trying to discourage you from enlisting, you understand?\u00a0 The War Department has also called for the arrest and imprisonment of anyone doing that, and I would not want my motives so misconstrued in any case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, sir,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve given me wise counsel, but left the decision entirely to me.\u00a0 I\u2019d testify to that, if need be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Bainbridge hauled him up by one arm.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt there\u2019ll be any need of that.\u00a0 Off with you now.\u00a0 You might as well take Bert with you for an early lunch, but I will expect him back afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thanked him again and hurried out to tell Bert that they were free to leave for lunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Bert demanded as they exited the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell you over lunch,\u201d Adam promised.\u00a0 \u201cWhere to?\u201d<\/p>\n

They decided on Windust\u2019s, because Adam mentioned that he had an errand at City Hall after lunch and that restaurant was on his way, while still being close to the office for Bert\u2019s return.\u00a0 As they came in sight of #5 Ann Street, Adam smiled at the motto over the door: Nunquam No Paratus<\/em>.\u00a0 Imperfect Latin, but he knew from previous visits how well it suited the restaurant, which was \u201cnever not prepared,\u201d whether for the newspapermen that thronged it during the day or the actors and patrons of the nearby Park Theatre in the evening.\u00a0 Wanting their conversation to be private, Adam gestured toward one of the stalls that lined one side of the basement room.\u00a0 With a fond glance at the playbill of Hamlet that hung on the wall above the table, he slid onto the bench on one side of the stall.<\/p>\n

Bert followed, taking the other side of the table. \u00a0\u201cSo, what\u2019s the errand?\u201d he asked as soon as he and Adam had turned in their orders.\u00a0 \u201cNot a delivery, I take it, since you didn\u2019t bring any papers with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not a delivery,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Bainbridge has given me the afternoon off, to file for exemption from army service.\u201d\u00a0 He gave his friend a mischievous grin.\u00a0 \u201cYou, on the other hand, will be slaving away until the usual hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoing double duty, your work and mine,\u201d Bert snorted.\u00a0 \u201cSo, you\u2019ve decided against enlisting, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u00a0\u201cNo, not definitely, but Mr. Bainbridge advised me to get the exemption, to avoid being forced into the military against my will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh . . . the draft.\u201d\u00a0 Bert shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re lucky, Adam, that you qualify for exemption.\u201d<\/p>\n

The waiter served their plates, and then Adam commented, \u201cIt\u2019s always best to have a choice.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing the sour skew of his friend\u2019s mouth, which had nothing to do with the bite of corned beef he\u2019d just placed in it, he said, \u201cMaybe voluntary enlistments will be sufficient, and they won\u2019t have to resort to the draft.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHope so,\u201d Bert said after swallowing his meat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve definitely made your decision, then?\u201d Adam inquired.\u00a0 He had avoided the topic for so long that he wasn\u2019t sure what his friend\u2019s current feelings were.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather not be a soldier,\u201d Bert admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019m cut out for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam frankly agreed, but didn\u2019t say so.\u00a0 Instead, he tentatively asked, \u201cIs a substitute a possibility?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of money, of course, but I think Mother would insist on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sliced into his beefsteak.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you\u2019d better not plan on visiting them for a while, my friend,\u201d he said lightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d Bert mumbled past a full mouth.<\/p>\n

Knowing that Bert had probably not seen the article, either, Adam explained the new edicts from the War Department.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s why Mr. Bainbridge urged me to establish my exemption; otherwise, I might never have made it to New Haven to start the new term!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood lands,\u201d Bert gasped.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I guess I\u2019m stuck here in New York until it\u2019s settled one way or the other, but I hadn\u2019t planned to go home before Thanksgiving, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBound to be settled by then,\u201d Adam assured him as they both dug into the fried potatoes that came with their meat.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

With promises to meet in City Hall Park after two o\u2019clock, Adam separated from Bert once they reached Broadway.\u00a0 He went north to the park, grimacing again at the white tents dotting the lawn.\u00a0 Nothing like the sight of soldiers drilling to make a man on his way to file an exemption cringe, he thought, as he strode purposefully past them and entered City Hall.<\/p>\n

It was a madhouse.\u00a0 Adam quickly realized that he was not the only young man who had delayed this decision to the last minute, for hundreds packed the halls and stairways, all buzzing with their business like a swarm of bees.\u00a0 In a way, that made him feel less an oddity, but it also sent a shiver racing up his spine.\u00a0 He had to get this done today, and the length of the line snaking its way upstairs made him wonder if he could.\u00a0 Not everyone was trying to avoid the draft, however; some were evidently there only to turn the mayhem to their advantage.\u00a0 Adam hadn\u2019t even reached the second floor before the first approached him and offered, for a fee, to fill out his exemption papers for him.\u00a0 \u201cI can handle that myself,\u201d he\u2019d grunted coldly, only to have to repeat himself every few minutes as he slowly made his way upward.<\/p>\n

On the first landing he frowned when he saw a gray-haired man surrounded by three of those here only for profit.\u00a0 Each was offering to file exemption papers for the man, touting his expertise and the fairness of his fee.\u00a0 Deciding that there was nothing honest about these men\u2019s offers of help, Adam stepped out of line and walked over to the older man.\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me, sir,\u201d he began.<\/p>\n

\u201cMove on, sonny,\u201d one of the three men surrounding the other snapped.\u00a0 \u201cA young whippersnapper like you can\u2019t have the know-how to help this gentleman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than you, unless my eyes deceive me,\u201d Adam said sharply.\u00a0 Ignoring them, he again addressed the gray-haired man.\u00a0 \u201cPlease pardon my forwardness, sir, but would you mind telling me your age?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of your business!\u201d shouted another fee-filer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, I don\u2019t mind,\u201d the older man said.\u00a0 \u201cThe Lord has blessed me with fifty years, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, sir, you don\u2019t need to file exemption papers,\u201d Adam informed him.\u00a0 \u201cNo one under eighteen or over forty-five does.\u00a0 You are automatically exempt.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man stared at him, wide-eyed with hope of escaping the madhouse.\u00a0 \u201cAre you certain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCompletely certain,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cPlease don\u2019t waste your time or money, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t know what he\u2019s talking about,\u201d the third man sputtered.\u00a0 \u201cYou can see he\u2019s barely out of diapers!\u201d<\/p>\n

The gray-haired man compared the three angry faces with the calm and kindly young one before him.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019ll trust the toddler,\u201d he said, extending his hand toward Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his hand, and as the older man started down the stairs, he turned back toward the line, wondering if anyone would let him in or if he\u2019d have to start back downstairs at its tail.\u00a0 A hefty hand clamped down on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so fast, sonny,\u201d an ominous voice snarled.\u00a0 \u201cYou cost me my fee, so either cough it up yourself or\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no fee coming,\u201d Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re nothing but a swindler, preying on those who don\u2019t know better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re nothing but an interfering brat, about to get his comeuppance,\u201d a second swindler announced, punctuating his remark with a punch to Adam\u2019s jaw.<\/p>\n

The blow, something he hadn\u2019t expected here in the civilized East, took Adam off guard, but he quickly recovered and drove a solid fist into the other man\u2019s stomach.\u00a0 When the man dropped to the floor, Adam kept one eye on him, while facing the other two, fists raised at the ready. \u00a0Neither seemed inclined to try him.\u00a0 One slapped the other\u2019s arm and said, \u201cCome on.\u00a0 There\u2019s other fish to fry.\u201d\u00a0 And the two of them tromped down the stairs.<\/p>\n

Behind Adam, a round of applause broke out and a voice up the line called out, \u201cUp here!\u201d\u00a0 Seeing the man who had previously been behind him in line, Adam trotted up the stairs and again took his place.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d he said, shaking the man\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cGood of you to let me back in.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I just want a ringside seat, in case you decide to go at another one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned as he rubbed his jaw.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019d rather not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other man, probably five years his senior, grinned back.\u00a0 \u201cToo bad.\u00a0 We could use the entertainment while we wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can take your turn at entertaining us next time,\u201d Adam suggested wryly.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s enough of those pests infesting the place to give us both plenty of exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perhaps his reputation preceded him, but Adam had no more trouble with the pests that afternoon.\u00a0 Instead, he almost enjoyed the long wait because he now had someone to share it with.\u00a0 Eventually, he reached the County Clerk\u2019s office, filed the proper papers and made his way past the throng still waiting in line.\u00a0 Consulting his watch, he determined that it would be at least another half hour before Bert could reach the park, so he walked up Broadway to D. Appleton and Company and purchased a copy of Part III of Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/em>.\u00a0 Bert still wasn\u2019t there when he returned to the park, so he dropped down on the grass next to the streetcar stop and began to read \u201cMarius.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was so absorbed in trying to discover what this completely new character had to do with his old friends, Jean Valjean and Cosette, that he didn\u2019t notice when Bert dropped down beside him on the lawn.\u00a0 \u201cHey,\u201d Bert said, bumping Adam\u2019s shoulder with his own.\u00a0 \u201cAre we still going to the park concert or would you rather go home and read that thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed and closed the book.\u00a0 \u201cLike any petulant child, I want both, of course\u2014music and the book\u2014but not at home.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go on to Central Park, as we\u2019d planned, and I\u2019ll try not to rudely bury my nose in the book between numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t bother me if you did,\u201d Bert said amiably.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps I\u2019ll find someone chattier than you at the park to keep me entertained.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam got to his feet, reached down a hand to pull his friend up and, with a positively impish twinkle in his eye, suggested, \u201cIf it\u2019s someone chattier you want, I suppose we should go home, so you can invite Miss Rose along.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that chatty,\u201d Bert moaned.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been too long a week for that.\u00a0 I prefer the relative quiet of the tubas and trumpets, in spite of the horrendous heat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing in agreement, Adam shoved him toward the horse car that had just pulled up to their stop.\u00a0 To pass the time, he began throwing out names beginning with \u201cL,\u201d attempting once again to guess Bert\u2019s middle name.\u00a0 \u201cLael, Laird, Landon, Lancelot,\u201d he tried.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, a thousand times no,\u201d Bert laughed.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes dropped to the book in his lap.\u00a0 Inspired by the setting of Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/em>, he tried another French name.\u00a0 \u201cHow about Lafayette?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert gasped.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2014I mean\u201d\u2014he tried to cover his gaffe by gazing out the window of the car.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed in triumph and announced smugly, \u201cI told you I\u2019d figure it out.\u201d\u00a0 Then he shook his head in commiseration.\u00a0 \u201cBertram Lafayette, huh?\u00a0 What were your parents thinking?\u00a0 We hang people in Nevada for lesser crimes!\u201d<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR<\/p>\n

Final Days and Plays<\/p>\n

Adam needed no more proof than the next day\u2019s newspaper to demonstrate that he had done the right thing in filing for exemption on Saturday.\u00a0 Government officials had assured the public that local travel would not be interfered with, but anyone going further than Brooklyn apparently had much to fear.\u00a0 Police were patrolling the docks and checking the passports of everyone attempting to board a ship bound for a foreign port.\u00a0 Woe betide the man who had gotten his travel documents within the last ten days! \u00a0It was assumed that he was fleeing the country to avoid the draft, and he would not be allowed to board, even if a weeping wife awaited him on the ship.<\/p>\n

In some cases the assumptions were obviously true.\u00a0 Two men had disguised themselves as sailors and tried to board as part of the crew.\u00a0 That failing, they had attempted to bribe the police officer with ten dollars.\u00a0 Either the officer was honest or could only be bought for a higher price, for that attempt, too, failed.\u00a0 Some with legitimate passports had boarded and then tried to pass their papers off to a friend on the dock.\u00a0 That hadn\u2019t worked, either.<\/p>\n

A ship was scheduled to leave for California the next day, and those passengers had been assured that they would not be detained.\u00a0 While no passports were required for state-to-state travel, thirteen men on their way to Detroit had been arrested on the belief that they intended to abscond to Canada.\u00a0 The article detailed no evidence of their intention, however, and Adam was left wondering whether he could have proven that he was headed for Yale, instead of making that a way stop to Canada or a less watchful port.\u00a0 Now he didn\u2019t have to.\u00a0 Thanks to Mr. Bracebridge\u2019s timely advice, he was free to make his own decision about enlisting.<\/p>\n

He was no closer to making that decision, however.\u00a0 According to the Sunday Times<\/em>, recruiting was going well in Connecticut.\u00a0 With four regiments already in the field and three more to leave this week, the state had met its quota for three-year men and thought it would be able to raise seven regiments of nine-month soldiers.\u00a0 Maybe he wouldn\u2019t even be needed by the time he reached New Haven and had to make that final decision.<\/p>\n

But did other men\u2019s service really lessen his duty to his country?\u00a0 One article in that Sunday paper thrust the question straight into his face with its headline: What Have You Personally Done?\u00a0 \u201cEveryone who has enjoyed the blessings of Republican Government and of the Union should do his part to sustain them,\u201d the editorial declared and suggested several ways to accomplish that: encouraging with words, donating money, volunteering, working for soldiers in the field and for the sick and wounded.<\/p>\n

Adam had tried to do those things.\u00a0 He\u2019d written Mark Wentworth a couple of times, although he hadn\u2019t heard back from his friend and could only hope the letters had reached him.\u00a0 Mail service to soldiers in the field seemed about as reliable as mail between here and Nevada, which had been especially bad this summer.\u00a0 Though he hadn\u2019t had much money to spare, he had donated some small items to the Sanitary Commission back in New Haven.\u00a0 But in answer to the question posed in the paper\u2014What have you personally done?\u2014he could only reply, \u201cNot much.\u201d<\/p>\n

At least, he\u2019d soon have the opportunity, albeit an unwilling one, to help the sick and wounded.\u00a0 Predictably, Mrs. Whitney had made a point of learning more about the grand festival and picnic to support that cause, and virtually every mealtime brought some hint on the subject.\u00a0 The men hadn\u2019t made any promises, but Adam supposed they would all surrender in the long run.\u00a0 After all, the cause was a worthy one, and to refuse the ladies an occasional such outing seemed nothing but churlish.\u00a0 He would, however, refuse to take time off work for the afternoon festivities, despite the temptation of the concert from Dodsworth\u2019s band.\u00a0 Mr. Bracebridge had already been far too generous for him to request any further concessions, so the ladies would simply have to content themselves with the bal camp\u00eatre<\/em> that evening.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Bert had wanted to eat lunch at the Washington Market on Monday, and Adam had agreed, although he didn\u2019t see much different on offer there than they could have found at the closer Fulton Street Market.\u00a0 On a sultry summer day there was only one choice, anyway, in Adam\u2019s opinion: chilled oysters, freshly shucked.\u00a0 That and a beer satisfied him until Bert mentioned ice cream.\u00a0 The cold dessert did refresh him, but Adam still insisted that they walk past the docks on their way back to the office, \u201cto catch what breeze we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t fool me,\u201d Bert teased.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you\u2019re hoping to catch is some action between draft dodgers and the police.\u00a0 I know how you westerners are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam scowled.\u00a0 \u201cThat, sir, is an insult to all peace-loving westerners.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t know there were any.\u201d\u00a0 He only laughed louder when Adam\u2019s scowl darkened.<\/p>\n

As they ambled southward, Adam admitted, although only to himself, that he wasn\u2019t really trying to catch a breeze.\u00a0 He\u2019d decided weeks ago that there wasn\u2019t one to be found in lower Manhattan.\u00a0 Bert was correct in guessing that he wanted a look at the outgoing ships docked along the North River, but wrong about his motive.\u00a0 He would have been embarrassed to confess that he was feeling so homesick that the mere sight of a steamer bound for California drew him like a magnet.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t had one letter from his family the entire summer, and while he knew it wasn\u2019t true, he still felt forgotten and forsaken and very, very alone.<\/p>\n

A guilty conscience screamed that the silence was only payback for the way he\u2019d neglected them since meeting Elizabeth, but he knew his father would never do that.\u00a0 It was the mails, the stupidly slow mails, disrupted by Indian attacks and route changes, causing the silence and the sense of abandonment.\u00a0 The eastern mails ran steadily, so he\u2019d had letters from Jamie and, even more importantly, Elizabeth every few days, but he still missed hearing from Pa, Hoss and Little Joe, enough that he wanted to see that steamer, just to remind himself that there was a way back to them, any time he chose.<\/p>\n

As they approached Pier 3, however, he quickly discerned that the scene was closer to Bert\u2019s joke than his tranquil vision of men, women and children on their way home or west to a new life.\u00a0 \u201cSomething\u2019s wrong,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

Bert\u2019s hand closed around Adam\u2019s biceps.\u00a0 \u201cStay out of it,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n

Irritated, Adam pulled out of Bert\u2019s grasp.\u00a0 What did the man take him for, a complete fool?\u00a0 \u201cI just want to see what the problem is,\u201d he said, inching forward cautiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Bert hissed, but he trailed reluctantly in his friend\u2019s wake.<\/p>\n

The clamor on the dock was all but unintelligible: men shouting, women sobbing, children wailing, policemen pulling people aside and leading them away.\u00a0 Adam eventually caught the words \u201cdraft\u201d and \u201cpassport.\u201d\u00a0 What on earth?\u00a0 He checked the signs again and confirmed that this was, indeed, the steamer for California.\u00a0 \u201cBut the paper yesterday said there\u2019d be no problem with passengers leaving for California,\u201d he protested to Bert.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s obviously a problem today,\u201d Bert said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get out of here, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

To his dismay, Adam began striding briskly toward the nearest uniformed officer.\u00a0 \u201cSince when is a passport required for travel to California?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

Stern-faced, the policeman swiveled toward him.\u00a0 \u201cTrying to board, are you, young fellow?\u00a0 Well, I\u2019d best see a passport from you, then!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not boarding,\u201d Adam growled.\u00a0 \u201cI work here in New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen go on about your business and stop interfering with the law,\u201d the policeman ordered sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat law prevents free travel, state to state?\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

The policeman turned back toward him and might well have taken him into custody, along with the other men being rounded up, had not Bert snagged his elbow and dragged him back from the docks into a side street.\u00a0 \u201cLet go of me,\u201d Adam protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you promise not to go back there,\u201d Bert snapped.\u00a0 \u201cGetting yourself arrested won\u2019t do anything to help them!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled forcefully and gave his friend a crisp nod, reluctantly admitting that there was nothing he could do to stop the enforcement of the law, no matter how ridiculous or unjust he thought it.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t until the next day that the newspaper provided some explanation for what he\u2019d seen.\u00a0 Apparently, Police Superintendent John Kennedy had sought the advice of the War Department and determined that since the California-bound ship\u2019s itinerary included passage through a foreign country, either Panama or Nicaragua, a passport was needed. \u00a0Predictably, no one had one, so every man of military age had been removed from the ship.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous!\u201d Adam exploded to the other residents of the boardinghouse over dinner that night.\u00a0 \u201cNo one has ever needed a passport to visit another state.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you certain?\u201d Pearl inquired.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve told us that your family traveled overland, and, of course, that was entirely within the United States. \u00a0Perhaps your family simply didn\u2019t acquaint themselves with the legalities of going by sea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you were quite small, weren\u2019t you, too young to understand all the details of the journey?\u201d her mother pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d Adam admitted readily, \u201cbut my father later traveled to New Orleans by steamer and railroad across Nicaragua.\u00a0 No one demanded a passport then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNor should it be demanded now,\u201d Mr. McCrory declared.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all, how likely is it that many young men would choose a destination like Panama or Nicaragua, even to escape the draft?\u00a0 It is, as Adam says, ridiculous to penalize the entire population on the basis of such a slim possibility.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHear, hear,\u201d Bert chimed in.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s as much an overreach as that restriction on travel between here and Brooklyn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s been cleared up,\u201d Grace protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m sure this nonsense will be in time,\u201d Bert said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot in time for the men booked on that ship,\u201d Adam grunted, \u201cand it\u2019s not as though they could take another the next day.\u00a0 Ships for California don\u2019t leave that often.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly, Adam, I don\u2019t see why you\u2019re so bothered,\u201d Pearl said, forking a few green beans.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you were returning to New Haven, not Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Adam is not a selfish lad, concerned only for his own welfare,\u201d Mr. Randolph said with a fond nod toward Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we all should be,\u201d Grace stated sanctimoniously, casting a chiding glance at her sister.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, botheration,\u201d Rose pouted.\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t we talk of something less tiresome than those silly old draft dodgers?\u00a0 We should be making our plans for the picnic!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought there could not possibly be a topic more tiresome than that one, but it suddenly became all the ladies wanted to discuss, and being gentlemen, the men had to oblige them.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam stopped at the table on the edge of the wood and paid the entry fee for himself and Pearl Whitney.\u00a0 Mr. McCrory had heroically volunteered to be feisty young Rose\u2019s escort, and Adam and Bert had flipped a coin to determine which young lady each of them would accompany to the picnic.\u00a0 The two older girls were, predictably, delighted when the pleasure of their company was requested, while Rose, even more predictably, had pouted at being stuck with an older, completely ineligible man for the afternoon.\u00a0 But she had evidently determined to make the best of it, for she was bubbling with excitement as she walked into the park.\u00a0 \u201cOoh, let\u2019s see if they have the donkey rides running this afternoon,\u201d she declared, pulling Mr. McCrory along behind her.<\/p>\n

Adam exchanged a glance and a nod with Bert to indicate that they would both owe Mr. McCrory another all-male night on the town for putting up with this, especially if the older man had to actually mount a donkey to keep Rose amused.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we visit the shooting gallery?\u201d Grace suggested.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure a westerner like Adam will amaze us with his prowess!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m seriously out of practice,\u201d Adam excused and pointedly turned to his own companion for the afternoon.\u00a0 \u201cWhat would you like to do first, Miss Pearl?\u00a0 Would you care for some refreshment, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps a cool drink,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cThe day is incredibly warm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs usual,\u201d Adam observed with a smile as he took her arm.\u00a0 \u201cIs it always this sultry in New York or have I simply come during an unusually warm summer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do believe it has been warmer than usual,\u201d she said as they strolled away from the other couple, \u201cbut summers are always quite warm in New York.\u00a0 That\u2019s what makes outings like this so appealing.\u201d\u00a0 After they had collected two glasses of lemonade, she suggested that they enjoy them as they walked under the shade trees along the East River.<\/p>\n

As eager as she to find a cooler spot, Adam happily complied.\u00a0 In addition to the shade, a cool breeze off the river refreshed them.\u00a0 \u201cThe trees here must be original growth,\u201d he observed.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re much taller and older than the ones in Central Park.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJones\u2019 Wood was once considered as a location for that project,\u201d she told him.\u00a0 \u201cIn some ways, it\u2019s a pity it wasn\u2019t chosen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I find this much more to my personal taste,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut in time the other will be even more imposing, and the area is larger, better if the city continues to grow, as I presume it will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes this remind you of home?\u201d she inquired.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed lightly.\u00a0 \u201cAs home might be a hundred years from now, when all the wildness is tamed out of it.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid I won\u2019t like it nearly as much then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pearl took another sip of her lemonade.\u00a0 \u201cA pity we had to miss all the political speeches and the concert.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stiffened.\u00a0 \u201cI explained that I couldn\u2019t leave work early.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I know,\u201d Pearl said hastily.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t concerned for myself, you understand, but I thought it a shame that you couldn\u2019t hear the noted speakers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stifled the urge to laugh, for if there was anything he had no desire to hear it was another political speech, urging all able-bodied men to offer themselves in the service of their country.\u00a0 \u201cYes, well, I do enjoy good rhetoric, of course, but I have had quite ample opportunity to hear it recently.\u00a0 I\u2019d much prefer to simply relax and enjoy the scenery and speak of other things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds delightful,\u201d Pearl said with a coy veiling of her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps we might discuss your impression of Victor Hugo as a writer, then?\u00a0 I noticed you had been reading his new novel and wondered if you thought I might find it of interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely!\u201d Adam said with enthusiasm and launched into a review of the novel that would have made anyone want to read it.\u00a0 As they walked and talked beneath the trees, he found himself unexpectedly enjoying the outing he had dreaded for days.\u00a0 When he\u2019d first met Pearl, he\u2019d assumed that her professed interest in books had been mere artifice to attract a college man, but her comments and questions today were so cogent that he realized he had underestimated her mind.\u00a0 Now he wondered if he hadn\u2019t deprived himself of some stimulating conversation this summer by avoiding a woman he had viewed as only interested in snaring a man.\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t compare with his sweet Elizabeth, of course, and he could scarcely have squired her about much without building false hopes.\u00a0 Still, he might have been more considerate, less eager to judge before he knew her well.\u00a0 Perhaps, in future, he should be less quick to write people off, but a man did have to be careful with women . . . or he might find himself tied permanently to one he\u2019d thought of as only a friend.<\/p>\n

Later, they ran into Rose and Mr. McCrory, and mostly to give the poor man a breather, Adam agreed to try his luck at the shooting gallery.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you said you were out of practice,\u201d Pearl chided when both she and Rose walked away with their arms full of prizes.<\/p>\n

\u201cLess than I thought,\u201d Adam admitted, pleased to see that his skill had survived almost a year\u2019s hiatus.<\/p>\n

The three couples gathered together later for a simple picnic meal before the dancing began beneath lights strung from tree to tree.\u00a0 Throughout the grand bal campetre<\/em> they stayed together, switching partners frequently, so that no man became exhausted from romping with Rose.\u00a0 Grace lived up to her name by being the smoothest dancer, but Pearl was accomplished as well, and Adam gladly glided around with her for most of the dances, including the final waltz.\u00a0 As pleasant a way as he\u2019d found yet to lend his aid to the war effort.\u00a0 But if that were so, why did he still feel as if he\u2019d done nothing?<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Recalling Pearl\u2019s disappointment at missing the afternoon band concert at the picnic and also realizing that there would be few such opportunities remaining before he returned to New Haven, Adam suggested that they all make another excursion to Central Park on Saturday, to enjoy the music.\u00a0 Everyone except Mr. McCrory, who was working, met at the horse cars again and traveled together.\u00a0 The afternoon passed much as had the earlier one, but more warmly, for they were all better acquainted now and the girls less competitive for the new man\u2019s attention.\u00a0 It reminded Adam of the picnics he and his family had shared with friends back in Nevada, and he wondered if Hoss had celebrated his birthday with one this year, as he often had before.\u00a0 Still no letters from home to answer such questions, but Adam hoped that would change soon.\u00a0 In the meantime, the residents of the Whitney boardinghouse had become a sort of family, and now that he would soon lose it, his appreciation for their company seemed to grow daily.<\/p>\n

Feeling more prosperous than on their earlier outing, Adam suggested that they take a boat around the lake at the foot of the Terrace.\u00a0 He and Bert divided the fee between them, each paying forty cents for the party to board.\u00a0 The boatman, uniformed in duck linen trimmed in sea green, slowly began his circuit of the lake.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going all the way around, aren\u2019t we?\u201d Rose asked eagerly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the way,\u201d Adam promised her with a chuckle and an indulgent smile directed at her two sisters.\u00a0 He looked toward the far end of the boat.\u00a0 \u201cComfortable, Mrs. Randolph?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d she called back.\u00a0 \u201cWhat a treat this is\u2014and so comfortable!\u201d\u00a0 She glanced up at the red, white and blue awning shading her from the sun\u2019s heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re sailing right past the swans,\u201d Adam said, pointing ahead, pleased to see her clasp her hands in delight.<\/p>\n

As they came to the narrow waist of the lake, they passed under the graceful wrought-iron span of Bow Bridge.\u00a0 \u201cI hear music,\u201d Pearl said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I hear it, too,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver there,\u201d the boatman said.\u00a0 \u201cAlways play during concerts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam saw a boat loaded with musicians just up the lake from them.\u00a0 In order to avoid keeping the older people out too late, they had skipped the latter part of the band concert, but he thought it even more enjoyable to hear the music wafting across the ripples toward them.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not as pretty on this side,\u201d Rose pouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think it is,\u201d Grace objected.\u00a0 \u201cI suspect Adam appreciates this side more,\u201d she commented with an ingratiating side glance at him.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 The Ramble edged this larger part of the lake, and its wildness appealed to him more than the cultivated look of the lower section of the park.\u00a0 \u201cYou wanted to see it all,\u201d he reminded Rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes,\u201d she admitted, though it was obvious she was becoming bored with the slow movement around the shores.\u00a0 She was still less interested in getting off and walking, though, so at each of the six opportunities to do that, she kept her seat.\u00a0 At the third landing Grace suggested that she and Adam might take a walk and catch up at the next landing, and though Adam knew she was only trying to get him alone, he welcomed the chance to stretch his legs and see the Ramble more closely.\u00a0 Citing the need to meet the others, he successfully countered her every attempt to dally with him in the secluded woods, and they rejoined their party at the next landing to continue their passage back to the Terrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lovely afternoon, gentlemen,\u201d Mrs. Whitney summed it up as they returned to her home.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for suggesting it, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my pleasure,\u201d Adam assured her, meaning it more than he had on either of their earlier outings.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Rising early on Sunday, Adam took the opportunity to read the newspaper before any of the others joined him in the parlor.\u00a0 Among the usual war news and lists of casualties he saw a notice that the supply of Springfield muskets for the soldiers had been exhausted, and they would now have to be armed with Belgian rifles.\u00a0 It was of no consequence to him personally\u2014at least, not yet\u2014but the mention of Springfield made him think of Josiah Edwards.\u00a0 Adam shook his head, recalling all the rifles he\u2019d seen on their tour of the Arsenal there.\u00a0 So many, but still not enough\u2014just like the almost daily reports of recruits being mustered in.\u00a0 So many answering the call, but still the cry for more, as if the gaping maw of War had an insatiable appetite.<\/p>\n

Also on the front page, though, he read a succinct and stirring reminder of what it was all about.\u00a0 Horace Greeley, editor of the Tribune<\/em>, had written a challenging letter to the President, demanding an explanation for the course he seemed to be pursuing, and the Times<\/em> this morning carried the President\u2019s answer:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI would save the Union. I would save it the shortest way under the Constitution.\u00a0 The sooner the national authority can be restored the nearer the Union will be \u2018the Union as it was.\u2019\u00a0 If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could at the same time save Slavery, I do not agree with them.\u00a0 If there be those who would not save the Union unless they could at the same time destroy<\/em> Slavery, I do not agree with them.\u00a0 My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or destroy Slavery.\u00a0 If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that. . . . I have here stated my purpose according to my view of official duty, and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men, everywhere, could be free.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam set the newspaper aside and pondered whether that represented his own feelings or not.\u00a0 He was pretty sure they did represent his father\u2019s.\u00a0 Pa had always said it was an Eastern conflict, one that was none of their business out West, but if it had come down to watching the country he loved disintegrate or trying to preserve it, Adam had a feeling Pa would side with the Union.\u00a0 Was preserving the Union enough for him, though?\u00a0 Was it worth expending so much blood?\u00a0 Though he\u2019d never viewed himself as an abolitionist, Adam abhorred slavery, so the thought of sacrificing so many lives, only to leave that abominable institution intact, curdled his stomach.\u00a0 \u201cThe Union as it was\u201d\u2014no, Adam found that an unsatisfactory goal.\u00a0 He also found it a highly untenable one, for how could any country be ripped apart as this one was now and expect to patch itself back together exactly as it had been before?\u00a0 Change would come, inevitably, but would the change be for better or for worse?\u00a0 If he could have answered that, he could have decided which path he needed to follow, but there were no guarantees when the winds of change began to blow, and that kept his mind shifting with every turn of the breeze.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Adam almost knew what he was about to hear when Mr. Bracebridge called him and Bert into his office on Wednesday.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose you\u2019ve both heard about the war meeting at City Hall Park this afternoon?\u201d their employer inquired, proving that Adam had guessed correctly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Bert answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you wish to attend?\u201d Bracebridge asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t,\u201d Adam replied quickly, \u201cespecially if I\u2019m needed here, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Morganstern?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter one way or the other to me, sir.\u00a0 I don\u2019t suppose it would be much different from the one we attended earlier this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Bracebridge responded with a slightly skewed smile.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I would think not.\u00a0 As usual, all businesses have been requested to close at 3 p.m., but we are up against a deadline at present, so unless you are particularly interested in more political speeches, I would appreciate your remaining here today.\u00a0 Don\u2019t hesitate to tell me if you wish to be excused, however; I won\u2019t stand in your way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d prefer to work,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, too,\u201d Bert agreed readily.<\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate it.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure there\u2019ll be other opportunities to hear some of the generals,\u201d Mr. Bracebridge said, \u201cat least for you, Mr. Morganstern.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned away to hide his smile.\u00a0 He probably would not have another opportunity himself, and that thought couldn\u2019t have pleased him more.\u00a0 The columns of the New York Times<\/em> soon proved him wrong, however.\u00a0 No sooner had this rally been held than the next one was announced, for the evening of September 1, still prior to his departure for New Haven.\u00a0 The maw of War, he mused\u2014insatiable.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

According to plan, Adam and Bert met Charles McCrory at the lower end of City Hall Park after work on Friday and walked together to its northwest corner.\u00a0 They crossed the street and made their way to Delmonico\u2019s.\u00a0 Though this was intended to be a special night, Adam had been concerned that the restaurant might be a little rich for their blood, but Mr. McCrory had assured him that, so long as they kept to the downstairs dining hall, they\u2019d find the food within their means.\u00a0 \u201cLawyers\u2019 assistants, journalists, even dry goods clerks eat here all the time,\u201d he\u2019d said.\u00a0 \u201cI have myself, on occasion.\u201d\u00a0 From the attire of those on that level, Adam knew he\u2019d been told the truth, for the three of them were probably better dressed than ninety percent of their fellow diners\u2014only, of course, because they\u2019d brought dress clothes to work with them and changed before leaving their respective offices.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite a menu,\u201d Adam observed as he read down the lengthy list of selections.\u00a0 \u201cI scarcely know what to choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOysters, judging by your most frequent lunchtime selection,\u201d Bert teased.<\/p>\n

Adam arched a reproving eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s because of the heat.\u00a0 No, I want something completely new tonight, in keeping with the occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you could always have the salsify au jus<\/em>,\u201d McCrory suggested lightly.\u00a0 \u201cOyster plant, by its common name, and said to taste like the real thing, though I can\u2019t vouch for it personally.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cJust for that, I will, with the squab, I think, and\u2014let\u2019s see\u201d\u2014his brow wrinkled as he studied the menu\u2014\u201coh, the spinach in cream sauce, perhaps.\u00a0 Exotic enough to seem special without overwhelming my palate with too many new tastes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPheasant for me,\u201d Bert declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy, aren\u2019t we grand?\u201d Adam joked.\u00a0 \u201cWith artichokes and eggplant, I presume?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bert snorted, for as Adam well knew, his taste ran more toward meat and potatoes of the heartiest varieties.\u00a0 For him, even the roast fowl was an exotic departure.\u00a0 Mr. McCrory\u2019s appetite was smaller than either of the younger men, so he settled for trout and asparagus.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, is it like oysters?\u201d Bert asked when Adam had tasted his root vegetable.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cA bit more insipid, with a touch of sweetness, but if I really stretch my imagination, I can get a sense of oysters\u2014with none of their coolness,\u201d he added with a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a fine dinner, however.\u00a0 Thank you for suggesting it, Mr. McCrory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be even better pleased with the theater, I believe,\u201d McCrory said.\u00a0 \u201cThe Winter Garden always presents fine productions with the best actors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen this play, \u2018The Hunchback,\u2019 before?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

McCrory nodded.\u00a0 \u201cVery romantic.\u00a0 Just the sort of thing young men enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIt sounds more like the sort of thing young ladies enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is exactly why we haven\u2019t told them what we\u2019re up to,\u201d Bert put in with a sly grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree young rakehells on the town again,\u201d Adam said with a saucy wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll raise my glass to that.\u201d\u00a0 Charles McCrory lifted his wine glass, and the others raised theirs in toast to another night of masculine solidarity.<\/p>\n

After the meal they made their way up Broadway and entered the newly reopened Winter Garden Theater.\u00a0 \u201cMuch improved,\u201d Mr. McCrory said with satisfaction as they walked down the freshly carpeted middle aisle of the main floor.\u00a0 \u201cThe walls used to be a dingy red,\u201d he added once they were seated.\u00a0 \u201cThis is much better for the actors\u2019 skin tone, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t something he\u2019d given any thought to before, but he supposed this delicate blue would reflect more naturally under the gas lights.\u00a0 The touches of gold ornamentation made the theater look rich, but he was most fascinated by the panels inscribed with names, many familiar, but more not.\u00a0 \u201cAre they all playwrights?\u201d he asked, having recognized Shakespeare, Bulwer-Lytton and Sheridan as authors of plays he\u2019d seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr famous actors,\u201d McCrory replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, there\u2019s Junius and Edwin Booth,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThey toured California, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cExcellent players.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, back then I was so excited about seeing any play that I thought they were all marvelous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Booths are, by any estimation,\u201d Bert observed.\u00a0 \u201cI noticed that Edwin is scheduled to appear here this season.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure you\u2019ll get the chance to see him before you leave us, though, Adam.\u00a0 A pity it\u2019s Edwin Adams and not Booth in tonight\u2019s offering.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdams is a fine actor, as well,\u201d McCrory promised.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s the love interest for Miss Bateman in this play, and I think you\u2019ll find them both most convincing.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the drama developed, Adam decided that not only were Miss Bateman and Mr. Adams convincing in their portrayals of the lovers, but that their acting skill was the only thing that saved the play from being as insipid as the salsify he\u2019d eaten at supper.\u00a0 Their conflict began reasonably enough: the unlikely union of a simple country girl with a baronet used to city life.\u00a0 Adam found himself in the same situation, only in reverse, with his town-bred Elizabeth, so he leaned forward in his chair throughout the first act, eager to hear arguments that might one day persuade her to give up New Haven for life on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

The second act, however, gave the country girl her first taste of life in the lap of luxury, when some unstated business brought her and her guardian, Master Walter, to the city.\u00a0 Here, Julia fell prey to the delights of new dresses and dances that lasted into the wee hours of the morning, and the love she had once felt for Sir Thomas seemed eclipsed by a newfound love for his money and the title she would soon assume as his wife.\u00a0 Overhearing her express ardor for his worldly goods and position, but not his person, Sir Thomas became incensed and declared that if all she wanted was his name, then his name was all she would get.\u00a0 He would fulfill his vow to marry her, but would leave her the same day, never to see her again.\u00a0 Equally irate over his insult, she declared that she\u2019d just marry someone richer, with a higher title, the Earl of Rocheford.\u00a0 So much for true love!<\/em> Adam thought as the curtain fell.<\/p>\n

The remainder of Knowles\u2019 play seemed determined to prove Shakespeare\u2019s adage, \u201cThe course of true love never did run smooth\u201d\u2014in spades!\u00a0 First, Sir Thomas lost his title and was forced to take a position as secretary to the earl his former fianc\u00e9 now planned to wed.\u00a0 Once he had nothing to offer her, Julia decided she really did love him after all, but she couldn\u2019t marry him because she was now pledged to another.\u00a0 To walk away from her vow would bring dishonor on the father she\u2019d never met, the one who for some unknown reason had asked Master Walter to raise her.\u00a0 Though the Earl was only marrying her to wear her as a pretty jewel on his arm, he refused to release her.\u00a0 There seemed no way out until Master Walter revealed that he was, in reality, Julia\u2019s true father, and as such, he refused her permission to marry the Earl, not only paving the way for her to unite with her true love, Thomas, but also revealing that he himself was the true Earl of Rocheford and had only hidden his identity from her because he feared she could not love a father who was a hunchback\u2014as convoluted a plot as Adam had ever witnessed on stage.\u00a0 Shakespeare, it wasn\u2019t, he concluded as the trio of men left the theater, but despite that, he\u2019d enjoyed the evening, and it had, at least, left him with the impression that if Julia and Thomas could work through their ridiculous troubles, then surely, when the time came, he and Elizabeth would be able to find a middle ground between their differing lifestyles.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

The table was piled with mail when Adam arrived home from work on the first day of September.\u00a0 As he riffled through it, he found the usual letters for him from Elizabeth and Jamie, but when his fingers closed around a fat envelope with \u201cFranktown\u201d as its postmark, he all but tore up the stairs to read in the privacy of his room.\u00a0 For once the letter from Elizabeth lay neglected while he broke the seal and read his first news of the summer from home.<\/p>\n

Pa hadn\u2019t been able to mail anything until he received Adam\u2019s first letter from New York City, for he\u2019d had no idea where to direct it until then.\u00a0 He had, however, written regularly and saved each sheet to send when he had an address.\u00a0 The news stretched back to the end of June, starting with details of ranch life, spring roundup and the planting of the garden (with the dubious help of Little Joe).\u00a0 The Thomases, Adam learned, had moved to Virginia City.\u00a0 Nelly was not happy about it\u2014no surprise there\u2014but Clyde expected to prosper in his new job as blacksmith for one of the mines.\u00a0 Pa described the town picnic and dance held for the Fourth of July, and Adam smiled when he read that Little Joe had been hoping that Adam would come to the nation\u2019s birthday party.\u00a0 So the little fellow hadn\u2019t forgotten him; that was good to hear.<\/p>\n

There was more serious news about the Chinese being blamed for a fire in Virginia City.\u00a0 Pa said that he\u2019d managed to persuade a few people to scratch their names off a petition to force the Chinese out of town, but wasn\u2019t sure whether he\u2019d accomplished much, other than demonstrating his skill with fisticuffs for the unintended entertainment of his younger sons.<\/p>\n

The description of Hoss\u2019s birthday celebration was unexpectedly serious, as well, for Hoss had at first vehemently rejected the idea of any kind of party.\u00a0 Adam sobered as he read how a volcano of hurt had come erupting out of his younger brother, who had been so upset at how Pa acted toward Little Joe on Hoss\u2019s previous birthday that he\u2019d vowed never to have a party for himself ever again.\u00a0 Adam lay back, musing for a few minutes.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t recall any specific incident regarding his youngest brother on that particular day, but all the days following Marie\u2019s death had been difficult.\u00a0 Pa just hadn\u2019t been himself, and he had seemed especially neglectful of Little Joe until that horrific night when they\u2019d almost lost him.\u00a0 That had snapped Pa back into himself, but apparently scars had been left on Hoss\u2019s tender heart.<\/p>\n

Turning back to the letter, Adam ached inside as he read his father\u2019s expression of regret for how he\u2019d acted back then, and he shook his head sadly at Pa\u2019s apology for burdening his oldest son with too much responsibility.\u00a0 It was the past, over and done with, apologized for already, and he wished with all his heart that he could be home to throw a consoling arm around his father and assure him that all was forgiven.\u00a0 He could write it in a letter, of course, but sometimes written words seemed so inadequate\u2014and, given the uncertainty of the mails, so agonizingly slow.<\/p>\n

At least today, though, he could finish the story, for Pa next wrote about the simple celebration Hoss had agreed to have and the more festive trip to the circus that Pa had tricked his boy into.\u00a0 Adam laughed as he read the description of the youngsters\u2019 reaction to the three-headed chicken, dramatically proven to be a hoax when one head suddenly fell off.\u00a0 And how he wished he could have been sitting right next to Little Joe when he saw the marvelous trick ponies, who could count out numbers with their dainty hooves!\u00a0 As he read page after page of Pa\u2019s letter and then Hoss\u2019s and, finally, Little Joe\u2019s, which was mainly pictures of the circus acts, it was as if the walls of his room fell away and he could almost smell the fragrance of pine and sage, instead of the smoke from a hundred chimneys.<\/p>\n

~ ~ Notes ~ ~<\/p>\n

As incredible as it seems now, the scenes depicting travel restrictions imposed during the summer of 1862, as the first draft was being threatened, are all factual, as reported in the columns of the New York Times<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hunchback,\u201d written by James Sheridan Knowles, can be read in its entirety at Google Books.<\/p>\n

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE<\/p>\n

Time for Decision<\/p>\n

Adam pressed hard on the sides of his carpetbag, trying in vain to bring them close enough for the latch to close.\u00a0 Finally, he stood back, exhaling in exhausted exasperation, and glared at the recalcitrant piece of luggage.\u00a0 He had more to pack in than he\u2019d brought from New Haven, of course, but surely not that much.\u00a0 He shook his head with chagrin as he admitted that he probably had overestimated the capacity of the carpetbag when he\u2019d decided to do some Christmas shopping here in the big city.\u00a0 Maybe I should have bought an extra bag, while I was at it<\/em>, he thought ruefully and then shook his head at his foolishness.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t need that much space, just a little bit more than he had.<\/p>\n

He opened the carpetbag again, pulled out a few small items he could carry in his pockets, rearranged the remainder as compactly as possible and made another assault on the bag.\u00a0 Still a tough tussle, but he finally managed to close the latch and sat down on the edge of his bed to relish the small victory.<\/p>\n

The little room looked bare now, with all his belongings packed, but it was decorated with memories.\u00a0 It had been a profitable summer, especially in his growth as a potential architect, but also in his enjoyment of cultural offerings and his appreciation for a wide variety of people.\u00a0 He\u2019d miss Bert, in particular, and Mr. Bracebridge, of course, but since he had the promise of another internship next summer, he\u2019d see them again.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t as certain about the people here at the boardinghouse.\u00a0 A lot could change over that many months.\u00a0 This room might be taken by then, and even if it were available next summer, nothing could guarantee that people as old and frail as the Randolphs would still be here.\u00a0 He\u2019d miss them all, even the man-chasing Whitney girls.\u00a0 There were worse fates, he admitted with a grin, than having three reasonably attractive young ladies vying for his attention.<\/p>\n

Pulling out his pocket watch, he checked the time.\u00a0 If he left now, he\u2019d be at least half an hour early for his train, but better that than being late, he decided as he pocketed the watch and stood up.\u00a0 You never knew: the horse car might be full, requiring him to wait for another; worse, the police might be checking exemption papers at the station, taking up more time.\u00a0 He patted his inner coat pocket to assure himself that he had his papers at the ready, if they were needed; then he picked up his carpetbag and the most recently published section of Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/em>, which he\u2019d purchased just yesterday, and headed downstairs.<\/p>\n

Bert and Mr. McCrory were at work, of course, but the others were all gathered in the parlor when Adam entered to say his final farewells.\u00a0 The Whitney girls declared themselves heartbroken at his departure, although their mother looked more stricken than they.\u00a0 Adam wasn\u2019t sure whether that was because she\u2019d now have to find a new boarder or because none of her girls had landed this particular man.\u00a0 Dear Mrs. Randolph had tears glistening in her eyes as she kissed his cheek, and her husband took Adam\u2019s hand with almost fatherly warmth and urged him to keep safe on his journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019d best be on my way, if I\u2019m to reach the station before the train departs,\u201d Adam jested.\u00a0 He was in no real danger of that yet, but his stop by the parlor had already eaten up about half of his spare time.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t afford much further delay.\u00a0 Everyone called \u201cGood-bye\u201d and \u201cSafe journey\u201d as he left the boardinghouse and headed up Grand for Bowery, where he caught the horse streetcar and rode to the 27th<\/sup> Street station and purchased his ticket on the New York and New Haven Railroad.\u00a0 The train pulled in, he boarded and promptly opened his latest volume by Victor Hugo, which absorbed him until he reached New Haven that afternoon.<\/p>\n

The first face he saw, when he left the train, was that of Jamie, but before he could even clasp hands with his friend, there was Elizabeth, arms about his neck, crying out how much she\u2019d missed him and how good it was to have him \u201chome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like me to take your bag to our room?\u201d Jamie suggested with a barely contained smile when Adam finally broke free of the embrace enough to notice him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, and then we can have a glass of tea together and catch up on all the news that wouldn\u2019t fit in our letters,\u201d Elizabeth urged, her hand still possessively on Adam\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

Adam frowned slightly.\u00a0 He\u2019d hoped to spend this evening with his friends, perhaps over Golden Buck at Mory\u2019s, and the next day with Elizabeth, but the frown faded as he gazed into her eyes.\u00a0 She\u2019d missed him, as much as he\u2019d missed her, and filled with the emotion of that, he knew that she deserved first place in his time, as well as his heart.\u00a0 Practically, however, he foresaw a problem.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t have you lugging my bag up four flights of stairs,\u201d he told Jamie.<\/p>\n

Jamie rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m stronger than you give me credit for, chum.\u00a0 I managed to tote all my belongings up those stairs without the aid of your muscular arm, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned and handed over the carpetbag.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s heavy,\u201d he warned.\u00a0 \u201cBooks.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing Jamie\u2019s eyes light with interest, he laughed and said, \u201cHelp yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I will,\u201d Jamie agreed happily.\u00a0 \u201cClimbing four flights merits its reward, after all.\u00a0 See you for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam replied, not daring to look at Elizabeth.<\/p>\n

When Jamie had left, Elizabeth threaded her arm through Adam\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cI should be quite peeved with you, for choosing his company over mine,\u201d she scolded gently.<\/p>\n

Adam touched her lips with a light kiss.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d planned to take you to dinner tomorrow,\u201d he said, \u201cwhen I wasn\u2019t so exhausted from the trip that I couldn\u2019t fully enjoy your company.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sighed contentedly.\u00a0 \u201cYour plan is much better.\u00a0 Tea?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt our place,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 He led Elizabeth out into the street, and though he had, at first, eyes only for her, he began to notice the people they were passing and his brow wrinkled.\u00a0 \u201cUnusual number of blue uniforms strolling about,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth gave them a casual glance.\u00a0 \u201cNot really,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cWe see quite a few soldiers about town nowadays, Adam, because of the new units forming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d he mumbled.\u00a0 Foolish<\/em> to have thought I left all that behind in <\/em>New York<\/em>, he told himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite exciting, don\u2019t you think?\u201d Elizabeth said with an admiring glance at the nearest man in blue.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think so?\u201d Adam asked flatly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes!\u201d the oblivious girl gushed on.\u00a0 \u201cSo many men signing up to do their patriotic duty can only mean the war will soon be over and Father can come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled then, certain he\u2019d feel the same way if it were his father at the battle front.\u00a0 They spent a cozy hour at the restaurant, sharing news of their summer over tall glasses of iced tea, and then he walked her home, with promises to spend the entire next day at her beck and call.\u00a0 His head was in the clouds as he walked toward the college yard, so full of dreams of tomorrow that he didn\u2019t hear the shout of greeting until his name had been called a second time.\u00a0 Spinning around, he was at first surprised to see a man in the blue uniform of a Union soldier and then shocked to realize that the soldier was someone he knew, someone who had sat but a few seats from him all of his first year at Yale.\u00a0 \u201cJim?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cIs that you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas it the haircut that confused you?\u201d James Brand asked with a grin, raising his visor cap to reveal newly shorn locks.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo . . . what sat atop it,\u201d Adam drawled.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve joined the army?\u201d<\/p>\n

James popped a sassy salute.\u00a0 \u201cPrivate Brand of the 27th<\/sup> Connecticut, reporting for duty, sir.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed.\u00a0 \u201cProving, of course, that they\u2019ll take anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam walked forward to shake the other man\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cThey could find no finer man,\u201d he said, meaning it, for James Brand had earned the respect of all his classmates for the solidity of his convictions and his commitment to excellence in his studies.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAre you free this evening?\u00a0 I\u2019m meeting Jamie for supper, and we\u2019d be pleased to have you join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

James grinned broadly. \u00a0\u201cWe\u2019re supposed to be in camp, down at Grapevine Point, but they\u2019ve been pretty lenient with us, so far.\u00a0 In fact, I came out this evening, hoping some of my fellow students had come in early, and I\u2019d have a chance for a little Yalensian fellowship before I march off to war.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will that be?\u201d Adam asked as they started toward the college yard.<\/p>\n

James shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cNo date set yet.\u00a0 We still need to fill up the regiment before we muster in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fill up the regiment<\/em>\u2014the words tossed Adam\u2019s soul into a vortex, the same one whose swirling ripples he had battled all summer long.\u00a0 Fill up the regiment<\/em>\u2014yes, he could help do that, but should he?\u00a0 He had his exemption papers; he wanted to continue his education.\u00a0 But if the issue were settled, why did those few words\u2014fill up the regiment<\/em>\u2014sound so much like a clarion call.\u00a0 Where did his duty lie?<\/p>\n

They climbed to the top floor of South Middle and found both Jamie and Marcus Whitmore.\u00a0 Both stood at once when the others came in, and hands were shaken all around.\u00a0 James was immediately besieged by questions provoked by the sight of his uniform, but he waved them off.\u00a0 \u201cLater,\u201d he insisted.\u00a0 \u201cAdam here has invited me to join you for supper, and I promise to become positively loquacious over a plate of good food.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other three laughed, confessed themselves starving, as well, and they all agreed to dinner at Mory\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cAre there many of our classmates in your regiment?\u201d Jamie asked as they waited for their food to arrive.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral,\u201d James replied and ticked off a number of names.\u00a0 \u201cAdd that to the men who left school to enlist last spring, and the Class of \u201866 is well represented in the field.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you decide to enlist, Jim, if you don\u2019t mind my asking?\u201d Marcus inquired shyly.<\/p>\n

James leaned forward, his eyes intent.\u00a0 \u201cNot for any momentary excitement or love of adventure, I assure you,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cNot for any hope of honor, either.\u00a0 This country has given so much to me, ever since I came here from Canada when I was the age of you lads, and I could not rest if I did not stand with her in this, her hour of need.\u00a0 I\u2019ve abhorred the thought of slavery from my childhood up, and I have no doubt that it will go down in the blood of this rebellion.\u201d\u00a0 Emotion thickened the residual Scottish brogue of those childhood years as he said, \u201cSimply put, I enlisted because I believe that God and humanity demand it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat says it all, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d Marcus said, eyes shining with inspiration.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, not you, too,\u201d Jamie protested.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t mean to enlist!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Marcus demanded.\u00a0 \u201cBecause you think I\u2019m not man enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam kept his mouth shut, but admitted inwardly that he had trouble imagining gentle, soft-spoken Marc with a rifle in his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Jamie sputtered, \u201cbut think!\u00a0 To give up your education . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Brand raised a hand.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t mean to sway any man\u2019s decision, but there\u2019s no reason it has to be one or the other, Jamie.\u00a0 The 27th<\/sup> is a nine-months\u2019 regiment, so, yes, I\u2019ll be delaying my education a year, but certainly not giving it up.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t guarantee that,\u201d Jamie countered hoarsely.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Brand admitted, \u201cbut if it comes to it, I believe I will have laid down my life in a just and holy cause.\u201d\u00a0 He reached over to clasp the younger man\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019m trusting in your prayers, the fervency of which I well know, to bring me safely through.\u201d<\/p>\n

The food arrived, and the subject was dropped as four hungry lads devoured heaping plates of Golden Buck and grilled sardines, but an air of soberness hung over their table and hovered above them as they left.\u00a0 When they came to the corner where they needed to go separate ways, Adam and Jamie each gave James a warm handclasp, coupled with best wishes from Adam and promises of daily prayer from Jamie.\u00a0 Marcus hung behind as the other two college students turned to leave.<\/p>\n

Looking over his shoulder, Jamie saw his friend in earnest conversation with the soldier.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s going to do it,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cA man has to do what he thinks is right,\u201d Adam said, his eyes lingering on the other pair.<\/p>\n

Jamie, who had always been so close to Adam that they almost shared each other\u2019s thoughts, whispered, \u201cAnd what do you think is right . . . for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bringing his gaze back to the face of his best friend, Adam smiled quizzically.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve debated that all summer, chum.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not enlisting,\u201d Jamie said bluntly.\u00a0 \u201cCall me coward, if you must.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever,\u201d Adam said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cFor you, it\u2019s definitely the right decision.\u00a0 You couldn\u2019t be a soldier, Jamie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s face twisted in a sour smile, and he made the same charge that Marcus had earlier.\u00a0 \u201cBecause you think I\u2019m not man enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Adam declared as fervently as Jamie had before.\u00a0 He might have cited health concerns, but there was a stronger reason.\u00a0 \u201cYou could never take another life,\u201d he said plainly, \u201cand a soldier has to be prepared to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you prepared to do that?\u201d Jamie asked soberly.<\/p>\n

It was a question Adam had settled long ago.\u00a0 He came from a rough territory, where that decision might have to be made on a second\u2019s warning, and he knew: if his family or his land were threatened, he\u2019d shoot, hoping not to kill, but willing to do what he must to protect what he cherished.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d he replied simply.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d be prepared to do that if I had to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jamie hadn\u2019t pressed the subject, perhaps fearing to push his friend in a direction he prayed he would not go, but as Adam lay alone in his bed that night, he pondered the question again.\u00a0 Was he prepared to kill another man, not to protect his own family or his private land, but to defend the nation?\u00a0 Was he prepared, as James Brand had phrased it, to lay down his life for the just and holy cause of liberty and justice for all, the promise of the Pledge of Allegiance?<\/p>\n

Restless, Adam threw back the covers and walked into the next room, the shared chamber that separated his bedroom from Jamie\u2019s.\u00a0 Sinking into the well padded armchair by the open grate, he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, hands raking through his tousled hair as he searched his soul one final time.\u00a0 Classes would begin the day after tomorrow, and his decision had to be made by then . . . tonight . . . now.<\/p>\n

Slavery was a vile curse on the land of the free and the home of the brave: it had to end.\u00a0 As Jim had put it, God and humanity demanded it, and that same cry reverberated in Adam\u2019s heart.\u00a0 Though Pa had done his best to spare his young son the grim realities, Adam had seen slaves in St. Joe and had wondered, even then, why boys exactly like him except for the color of their skin had had to spend their days sweating in the fields, instead of exploring the adventure of learning.\u00a0 Freedom for boys like that, to raise themselves from a humble beginning as he had, was a cause worth giving one\u2019s life for, but he\u2019d held back, hoping and praying that enough other men would hear the cry and preserve the Union without his help.\u00a0 He\u2019d thought he could let those men fight and die in his place, those nameless, faceless strangers, but here on the streets of New Haven, the battle had become personal.\u00a0 Not just strangers, but familiar faces and fast friends like Jim and Marc were offering their lives\u2014and he couldn\u2019t let them do it alone.\u00a0 He belonged at their side, sharing the cause in which they all believed, and suddenly the decision he\u2019d debated all summer became as automatic as deciding whether to defend Pa or Hoss or Little Joe.<\/p>\n

The thought of Pa brought a chagrinned twist to his mouth.\u00a0 Pa would kill him\u2014assuming some Johnny Reb didn\u2019t beat him to it.\u00a0 Throughout the summer Adam had chafed at the slowness of the mail.\u00a0 Now he welcomed it, dreading the explosion whose repercussions he was certain he\u2019d feel all the way from Nevada.\u00a0 Even with normal service restored, however, by the time Pa heard the news, the deed would be done, and sooner or later, surely, Pa would forgive him.<\/p>\n

Adam yawned and headed back to bed.\u00a0 Tomorrow would be a busy day.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to tell Jamie, hard since he\u2019d have to do it in person, and unlike Pa, Jamie could argue back.\u00a0 He\u2019d make his friend understand, though.\u00a0 Then there were financial arrangements to be made, for he wouldn\u2019t let Jamie suffer for his decision.\u00a0 He had a substantial sum from his summer\u2019s work to deposit in the bank.\u00a0 With the army providing for his personal needs, he wouldn\u2019t need it, and he wanted to make certain that Jamie had access to the account, so that he could afford to keep this chamber, even if he couldn\u2019t find another man to room with him.\u00a0 He\u2019d need to tell Elizabeth, too, but he anticipated nothing but patriotic pride from her. \u00a0She\u2019d be thrilled to stroll around town on the arm of a man in blue.<\/p>\n

He slipped under the covers, sitting there with his arms circling his knees and gazing out the window at the stars twinkling in the summer sky.\u00a0 Soon, perhaps even by tomorrow night, he\u2019d be camping beneath them.\u00a0 He\u2019d looked forward to the comfort and convenience of living on the college grounds, but he\u2019d spent his boyhood sleeping under an open sky and had no qualms about facing it again.\u00a0 That had been in pursuit of his father\u2019s dream, though it had become his, as well.\u00a0 Now he was gazing steadfastly ahead into a different dream, not for himself alone, not even for those he loved best, but for a whole race of people he\u2019d never met, and God willing, its pursuit would be as fruitful as the journey west had been.<\/p>\n

~ ~Notes~ ~<\/p>\n

James Brand\u2019s reasons for joining the Union army are paraphrased from his autobiography, written for his children and available online at http:\/\/www.worldcat.org\/title\/james-brand-twenty-six-years-pastor-of-the-first-congregational-church-oberlin-some-chapters-from-his-life\/oclc\/4596207\/viewport<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

\u00a9 January, 2012<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0In \u201cA Fresh Beginning\u201d Adam Cartwright travels east to attend college, meeting new friends and facing new challenges throughout his freshman year against the backdrop of a nation at war.<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ \u00a0(212,100 words)
\nLinks to stories included in A Separate Dream series are included within.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":5721,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5718","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Yalebuildings.jpg?fit=255%2C198&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5718","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5718"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5718\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5718"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}