The Trap Door by Lisa McMann

Author:Lisa McMann [McMann, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical, General, Action & Adventure, Juvenile Fiction, Fantasy & Magic, United States, 19th Century
ISBN: 9780545386982
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2013-02-05T00:00:00+00:00

KESSIAH, CARRYING baby Araminta; John, walking with young James; and Riq picked their way in the dark along the small stream until it met the impressive Choptank River. John led them through the dark behind an oyster-shucking house, through a maze of giant piles of oyster shells, sneaking around them rather than taking the more populated walk along the wharf. Riq could smell the salty brine. There was a brisk breeze, but the stars were bright and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky that he could see.

“We can watch from here,” John said, crouching down. He glanced at Riq, sizing him up. “We’re waiting for an oyster boat. It’s small, but I pray we all fit.”

Riq knew who’d be left out if they didn’t.

“With this wind,” Kessiah said, “we’ll make good time, won’t we?”

“If it lasts.” John, who worked as a ship’s carpenter, held a finger to his lips as three hulking men came into view across the wharf. They wandered through the piles of shells as if they were looking for something.

A moment later, as a small oyster boat under sail glided toward the dock, the three men split up and began to circle the area twenty yards away.

John signaled to the crew in the boat, and one of them signaled back. Riq watched, waiting for his cue. He smiled at James, who somehow understood the seriousness of all of this and was quiet. But the baby . . .

Kessiah cradled the baby to her, but she began to fuss and cry. John’s eyes widened in alarm. He turned his head toward the three men getting closer, and then he looked at Riq and Kessiah. They had to go — it was now or never. They’d have to risk being seen. “Be quick,” he said. “You and the baby, then James and I will follow. Riq, you come after me.”

Riq and Kessiah nodded. She gripped a small bag and the baby, and ran to the boat. The men in the boat helped her in, and then John began to run with young James, and that’s when one of the three enormous men saw the movement.

“Stop!” the man hollered. “Who are you?” He came running, the other two on his heels.

“Go!” Riq yelled. He got up, ready to run but waiting, knowing he couldn’t go until James and John were settled to make sure the boat didn’t capsize.

The wind gusted, taking James’s blanket with it.

“Hey!” James yelled. He turned to get it, pulling from his father’s grasp just as they were about to step into the vessel. John, thrown off balance, nearly fell into the icy water, and instead twisted and fell hard on his back on the edge of the boat, managing to roll into it rather than into the water. He cried out, clutching his back, and writhed in pain. He was completely unable to go after James.

The slave hunters thundered toward the boat and the boy.

“James!” Riq cried, his stomach lurching. He tore after him, scooped

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