The Crossed Sabres by Gilbert Morris

Author:Gilbert Morris [Gilbert Morris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780764229572
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2012-01-22T18:48:38+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

An Apology

The winter of 1875 would be remembered as one of the worst Dakota ever suffered. It began mildly enough. The sultry days of summer lingered through August and most of September. But when October arrived, it hit with a vengeance, and the winter that had crouched silently entered swiftly—in one night—to touch the land, turning it black and bitter, shriveling every living thing exposed to it.

Laurie Winslow awoke to find the glass on her windows etched with frost, and when her father called from the kitchen: “Laurie—pile out!” she threw back the covers and dressed. She still wore boy’s clothing—trousers and shirt and boots—though the schoolmaster, Mr. Dutton, had suggested she wear dresses. That was one thing she didn’t want to do, so she persuaded her father to buy her a pony, which could not be ridden in skirts, of course!

He had agreed easily, taking pleasure in giving her the horse—a well-shaped bay mare with a gentle temperament. He had long ago taught her to ride, but this was the first horse she could call her own. Winslow had been aware that he could not ignore Mr. Dutton’s rules, but in this case, the teacher made an exception. Apart from this one regulation, Laurie would observe all the other requirements.

Laurie had spoken of Laurence Dutton as being “crabby,” but Winslow had discovered differently. The schoolmaster was serious enough, but a spark of humor often glinted in his gray eyes, and the two men got on well. At the age of twenty-six, Dutton was the younger of the two. Of average height, slender build, with coppery red hair and a round boyish face, his youthful looks frequently deceived people, for beneath the innocent exterior lurked a sharp mind.

Winslow discovered on their second meeting that Dutton was a schoolmaster only by default. Laurie had brought word to Winslow that Dutton wanted to see him, and he had gone the next day just as school let out. He was somewhat apprehensive, thinking that Laurie was in some sort of difficulty; but as soon as Dutton had sent the children out for the day, he said, “Let’s have some coffee.”

They had gone to a small cafe and talked over peach pie and strong black coffee. Tom broached the subject first. “Is there some problem with Laurie?” he asked.

“No, none at all,” Dutton said. “She’s a very bright girl.” Seeing the look of relief on Winslow’s face, he laughed. “Always a shock to get called in to talk to the teacher, isn’t it?”

Winslow grinned. “I guess I remember my own days in school too well. The teacher never called on my folks with good news.”

“Well, there is a problem, but it’s mine more than Laurie’s.” Dutton frowned, seeming to have difficulty knowing how to say what was on his heart. Then he shrugged. “You see, Mr. Winslow—”

“Just call me Tom.”

“All right—Tom. What I want to say is that I try to make people believe I know how to teach school, but I’m really a fraud.

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