Post-confederation (1867-)
"Do you remember two years ago, the day you chose my pit pony in Christie's barn?" Dad asked.
Savino nodded. He'd liked the slender pony with the big shock of golden hair immediately.
"That one, Dad."
The pony whinnied, nodding his head, as if to say Good choice.
At first Dad was doubtful. "He's smaller than the others. And blind in one eye. A good pit pony can save a miner's life."
Michael drained his water glass and leaned forward. "What are you doing staying at a pimp hotel?"
"Pimp hotel? I guess that explains the secret staircase off the closet."
"No, it probably led down to a gambling room in the twenties. Most of the old hotels downtown still have them. Do your parents know you're here in the city?"
I shook my head.
"How did I know that? You always were a rebel. I remember the time you were about four and arrived on our doorstep with your suitcase. Said you were running away from home."
This was not how he'd imagined today would go, but he wouldn't let anyone, not even his mother, tell him what to do. Like his hero, Tom Sawyer, Henry would seek his fame and fortune in the wide world. Maybe he couldn't hitch a ride on a Mississippi riverboat, but he could take a page out of Tom's book and live by his wits and by his own rules.
The men took one step toward her.
As Elsie took another step back, her foot caught on a chunk of stone. She felt her ankle twist as she stumbled to catch her balance.
The men stepped forward again. Bigger steps this time.
Elsie could smell smoke and sweat and a stink like rotten potatoes. In a sliver of light between the hoboes, she saw Dog Bob being hauled away by the man. But she felt frozen in place, with a chill creeping down her legs and up into her collar. The Reverend had been right. She shouldn't have come.
Dear Martin:
I got in trouble yesterday. I thought about all the stories you made up, so I made up one of my own and told it to Herman-the-Pest, and now I have to stay beside my mother for a whole day. I thought it was a good story, but he thought it was scary. The funny part is that he cried again the next night because I wasn't allowed to tell him another one!
