Undeterred

Chapter Six

"Hope you dawn't mind havin' more potatas, Miss Cora," Levi said as he helped her to a chair at the wobbly table. "Also sorry 'bout our table an' chairs. Like us day've seen better."

"Potatoe sare fine; as far as your table and chairs go, it is fine, too. I amjust pleased to have a place to retire tonight."

"Salad's almost done!" a voice hollered from the kitchen.

"That' smy brother Cyrus. He cooks the most as he helped Ma'ma in the kitchen. Pardon me a moment." Levi left the table and made his wayto the back door. "Ellis, Issiah! Suppa's almost done! Best get in 'ere b'fore I eat it all!" Levi wearily made his way back to thetable and collapsed in a rickety chair. "Had do get the otha muggin's or day won't know it be suppa time."

"If you do not mind me asking−" But before Cora could finish what sounded like horses galloping was heard followed by the doors slamming. Levi slumped in his chair and scowled.

"You would ne'er know I taught'em better. I am terribly sorry; m'younger brothas don't know how t'act 'round guests. Pro'lly 'cause don't get'em much."

"Completely understand." Cora nodded. "So if you do not mind me asking−"But once again Cora was interrupted by the sound of galloping horses− or rather young lads − coming in the room and flopping into wooden chairs.

"Ellis! Issiah! We have company!" Levi said sternly. The two young lads looked down.

"Sorry,"both mumbled.

"Itis okay," Cora replied. Just then Cyrus entered carrying a largeplatter with freshly sliced peaches and apples surrounding a potatosalad, and sliced ham.

"Hope e'eryone is hungry!" Cyrus said smiling proudly. "I made e'eryone's favorite!"

"Looks great!" Levi praised. Cyrus gingerly placed the platter in the middle of the table and sat down. "Let us all bow our heads in prayer." There was a strange moment of silence as everyone closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"That was very good, Cyrus!" Cora exclaimed dabbing her lips on the cloth napkin as she, along with Cyrus's brothers, finished their meal.

"Yes,very well done!" Levi agreed.

"Thankyou both. I tried my best as always." Cyrus smiled. "I hoped it would turn out as I have never made that potato salad before." He then proceeded to clear the empty platter and some empty plates leftby his other two brothers.

"Ellis, Issiah, help your brother with the dishes. Please," requested Levi. Issiah slouched in his chair, but eventually rose and gathered some empty glasses. Ellis rushed into the kitchen.

"Cain I dry, Cyrus?" he hollered. Issiah at this point finally made his way into the kitchen.

Cora and Levi exchanged smiles. "So where are you from exactly?" Levi inquired.

"Atlanta, Georgia." Cora twirled her hair around her finger. "Have you always lived here?"

"I have to admit Abington, Virginia, is not where I hail from. I was bornin Independence. My brothers − those lil' muggin's − were all born here. Father fled Independence when the war broke out and thought he could escape. Sadly, he did not."

Cora lowered her eyes. "Then I almost hate to inquire about your mother..."

"She died giving birth to Ellis."

"I see." Cora looked away. Dare she ask the other question on her mind? "With this unrest in the States, how did you escape fighting?"

"Mostly we hid." Cora turned back to face Levi. "You see we did like most others and helped with the Underground Railroad. We are conductors and station managers. Then we found other odd jobs to keep us busy. Isell newspapers, Cyrus makes baked goods, Issiah and Ellis work as porters, and Loren tends to our farm."

"Y'all are certainly busy! I scarce ask if anyone can take me to the next station so I may make my way to Mister Lincoln in the morning."

"Actually Cyrus and I are headed there at daybreak. We were actually going to try and talk some sense in to Mister Lincoln's head."

"Really?" Cora was now even more eager. "What about?"

"This war has gone on much too long and we see how these color folks are being treated. It just is not right. They should have the same way of life as we do!"

"How's' bout that? I actually was thinking of the same thing!" Cora recalled their conversation at the station earlier that day.

"Then it is settled; we leave first thing in the mornin'."