"Ma, you know that I can't read! And don't you go trying to teach me niether, 'cause I won't listen."
"James, please listen." The woman pleaded with him. "Now, I know y'all been throuh rough times lately, by now that we ain't slaves no more, you have the right to a good education. I don't care what your dad used to say 'bout no schooling. I'ma teach to read, and that is final."
The boy, who knew he was defeated, turned around, sighed, and said behind his shoulder, 'Alright Ma, but first I'ma get a breath of fresh air outside afore you make me stay in that cabin da rest a da day."
He walked outside and quickly ran to the river which flowed from behind the trees over yonder and kept on going go miles. The boy leaned over and let the cool water run over his hands, and splashed it on his face. A dog galloped over, full of joy to see the boy.
"Darn it all Buddy! I'ma learn to read, 'cause that's what Ma said I have to do. I guess it won't be that bad, but I know that soonsa all the other little children hear about this, Ma'll have a small school on her hands."
"James, come here. quick! You must go and gather the chickens."
The boys breathing quickened. He ran over to the house, now fully aware that something was wrong. Ma never used their secret code to come inside and get ready to leave the house. He scrambled to open the front door, and inside, the woman was weeping.
"James, please, get your things together. And since you can't read yet, I will read you this letter that I got afore you came in."
The boy started to get ready, knowing that this was serious. Only a few years before, they had been slaves, then it was declared that all the slaves were free. The boy and his mother had lived in the cabin where they had been for years, and there they stayed. The boy, James, worked and made sure his mother and him were well fed. There life was fairly good, but now, the boy realized that maybe it wasn't.
He was brought back to reality, when he heard his mother begin to read.
Dear Mrs. Jacobson,
It has come to my attention that during the years that you, your husband, and your boy worked for the plantation, you and your family repeatedly took, or stole items from our house. It is my duty as your former owner to take action. Because of the crime you and your family commited, I am forced to sentence you to 15 years of work, with being paid, of course. In one weeks time, please be ready to begin working at the house. You may still live in your hut, but be expected to attend the family at all times.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Ginginham
After the woman had finished reading, James began to weep.
"I can't work for Master any more! I won't! Those accusations have to be false! I never once in my life entered that house, let alone steal somethin' from it."
"James, please! I realize that someone has made false accusations against, most likely to get back for something we did to them, but this is no time to panic. Please, finish packing your bag, and when it gets dark, we will run away."
