Thunder from the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow

Author:Joan Hiatt Harlow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published: 2004-09-27T04:00:00+00:00

15 Deserted Isle

at the Murrays’ dinner table the second night, the conversation was mostly about the visit from a mainland ship. Since there were no docks left, a dinghy from the steamer came in to shore to share all the news about the mainland and to see what help was needed.

“I heard tell that the earthquake was felt as far south as Delaware in the States,” Enoch said.

“According to the captain of the steamer, Chance-Along had substantial damage too,” Fiona added.

“But the good news is that my brother and his family made out all right in Chance-Along,” Amos said, gulping down the chicken stew Fiona had made.

“That is good news,” said Ruby, “because we’re takin’ the steamer tomorrow. Well stay with your brother and his family, at least for now. He has a nice apartment over his store.”

“What are you say in’ woman?” Amos asked with a frown.

“I’m sayin’ that we’re goin’ to Chance-Along. We can’t stay here.” She glared at her husband. “We have no house, or have you forgotten?”

“Well, maybe we can stay at my brother’s place … but just for the winter,” Amos mumbled.

“It’ll be fun to live in Chance-Along,” Nancy said. “I could even go to school there. I could learn to read real books and … Oh, it would be right wonderful! I could go places … anywhere.”

“What do ya mean ‘go places’?” Bert snickered. “Where ya gonna go?”

Nancy crossed her arms. “When you read you can go anywhere … in the stories, you chuckle-head!”

“We’ll be busy enough without you spendin’ all your time readin’ books,” Ruby scolded.

Bert snickered. “Besides, you’d be tired of school in a week!”

Nancy scowled at her brother. “Would not!”

“We don’t know if there’s a school left standin’ over there,” Amos interrupted. “So why argue about it?”

“Tomorrow we’ll move to Chance-Along for the winter, see,” Ruby declared. “We’re not imposin’ on the Murrays another day. We’re leavin’!” She shook a finger at Amos. “And not another word about it!”

Tom saw Fiona exchange glances with Enoch and the shadow of a smile pass between them. Tom wanted to cheer that Amos and his family would be leaving, although he was convinced that Amos was truly sorry he had hurt Thunder. In fact, Tom had seen Amos even take scraps of meat from his own plate—food that was now scarce—and feed it to Thunder when he thought no one was looking.

“We’ll come back in the spring and rebuild,” Amos insisted. “My father and grandfather homesteaded on our land, and you can bet your miserable life I’m not about to give it up.”

“And just where do we get the money to rebuild?” Ruby asked.

“The people on the rescue boat said the government’s sendin’ along aid for those who lost their homes,” Enoch told them.

“They’re takin’ collections in churches and schools all over Newfoundland,” Fiona said.

“I’ll believe it when I see the money in my hand, maid,” Amos grumbled. “But I’ll find a way to rebuild. You’ll see.”

“If we do, it won’t be that close to the water, let me tell,” Ruby sputtered.

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