Read Online By Way of the Rose by Cynthia Ward Weil - Free Book Online Page B

would hold none of the blame for it. He could stand for the both of them. He wouldn't see her scramble in the mud like he was having to. He could take all they dished out, she couldn't and he would see to it that she wouldn't have to!
    A fast friendship was formed between Doug and John. They liked each other immediately. Doug was bright, entertaining and full of life. His antics kept John laughing. Soon he told his new friend all about his family and his favorite little sister, Sarah.
    Doug suggested that they should room together to save money. “No need in rentin’ two rooms when we could split the cost of it and save,” he offered in his funny accent. “I promise, I don't snore and for the savin’ of the money I don't care if you do.” He laughed.
    “Well, I've never stayed awake to find out if I snore or not. But like you say, I wouldn't really care if you did. I would welcome the company and the saving. Besides, I'm used to a big family and it gets lonesome.”
    “You wouldn't go a-snugglin’ me in your sleep, now would ya?”
    “I won't if you won't.”
    “'Tis a pledge then.” Doug spit into the palm of his hand and held it towards John who did the same; they clasped hands in agreement.
    John sent his extra money home while Doug saved every cent for his coffer. Months passed with both boys pinching every penny for their dreams. Once in a while they'd go out for a drink and mingle with other people, but mostly it was work and save, work and save. “I'll be glad when the day is over,” John moaned as he and Doug traipsed toward the ice house. His head was pounding from the night before and each step felt like his brain was bashing against his skull.
    “Why? So you can be goin’ on another rounder?” Doug cut his eyes at John. “Take me advice brother, John. Be doin’ a lot more of the minglin’ and a lot less of the drinkin'.”
    “Professor, professor. What did I do before you came along?”
    “Ye didn't do too well, else ye wouldn't have ended up with the likes of me!” They both laughed as they entered the ice house.
    John's eyes landed on a strange lump lying in the shadows near the far corner of the building. “What do you suppose that is?” John pointed.
    “Looks like a dead man!” Doug's voice was barely auditable, fear had almost griped his throat completely shut.
    They walked closer, neither really wanting to know what they would find. “Who are you?” John called out in an unsteady voice. There was no answer from the large mass that lay curled and still as death.
    John and Doug stared down at the negro man lying on the floor. “I— is he dead?” Doug whispered.
    John bent down and shook him. The man groaned. “He's alive!” John looked back at Doug.
    “Just barely I'd say.”
    “Are you sick? Can you stand up?” John shook him again.
    “I is cold.” The man whispered.
    “Here, let us help you up.” John and Doug lifted him onto his unsteady feet. “We'll take you to the doctor.”
    “No, no doctor! There's nowhere for me to go. Anybody sees me I'm dead.”
    “You're dead if you stay here too.”
    “You gotta hide me! I need help. Don't let nobody see me.”
    “What have you done?” John asked.
    “Lord, I ran. I'm a runaway slave.”
    “We'd better be gittin’ him to our place.” Doug began to hurry toward the door.
    “Wait just a minute! How are we going to do this with no one seeing him?”
    “I'll watch and when it's clear, bring him to the wagon, we'll cover ‘em with the straw and blankets.”
    “If we get caught we'll be in a heck of a mess!”
    “Then we best not be gittin’ caught.” Doug's eyes twinkled as he smiled his impish smile.
    The next few days they doctored and fed the runaway named Sam until he was strong enough to go on his way. He left quietly in the middle of the night.
    A few days later Doug came in all excited. “What has you so happy?” John asked. “You found a long cigarette butt on the sidewalk?” He laughed.
    “Much better