Ink on His Fingers by Louise Vernon

Author:Louise Vernon [Vernon Louise A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-8361-1673-1
Publisher: MennoMedia
Published: 2009-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

8

Man in Debt

Johann Gutenberg held out a money pouch. Hans recalled with painful intensity his vow to make the man who had borrowed Father’s money return it all. Here it was — but now he did not want the money, and he knew Mother would not want it either. The printing of the Bible must come first.

Mother spoke Hans’ thoughts. “We know about your great work, Herr Gutenberg. We wouldn’t dream of taking back the money when you need it most.” She gently pushed the pouch back.

Hans sensed Gutenberg’s relief.

“It’s a big sacrifice to ask of you and your children,” Gutenberg said, “but I assure you when the Bible is printed and sold, you will not only receive your money back but will share in the profits.”

Hans and Ulrich exchanged glances. Now was the time to ask about the apprenticeships. Hans waited for Ulrich to speak first. After all, he was already registered as an apprentice, but he would have to explain his delay in arrival.

Margaritte broke the spell. “Herr Gutenberg, this is Ulrich Zell. He’s your apprentice, and my brother wants to be an apprentice, too.”

A burst of excited questions and answers followed. Within the next few days, through the pope’s approval of his plans, Gutenberg won the prior’s approval, too. Soon, arrangements had been made for the two boys to finish their schooling at the monastery’s Latin school while being part-time apprentices. Ulrich began his apprenticeship first. Hans had to wait until 1454.

When the day finally came for him to start work at Johann Gutenberg’s printing shop, Hans woke early. Had the night really passed this fast? He had slept only a little while, he was sure, yet he could see light. The sun was up. What was he doing in bed? He swung his legs to the floor, his heart pounding with excitement and anticipation.

This was the day he had been waiting for, his mother had waited for, and his two sisters had waited for. Everyone had talked of this day when Hans would start his apprenticeship.

Hans took a deep breath. The next he knew, sunlight flooded the room through the tiny dormer window. He bounded up, his heart in his throat. What had happened? Why hadn’t Mother called him? He listened. There was no sound upstairs or downstairs. He put on loose green trousers, a white shirt with full sleeves, and a brown, sleeveless jerkin. He looked into his sisters’ room. The bed, already made up, looked as if no one had slept there. Panicky, Hans tiptoed downstairs. Mother and his two sisters sat at the table with heads bowed. Hans waited until Mother said “amen” and slipped onto his bench without a sound.

Mother smiled. “We didn’t wake you, Hans — not this morning. There is plenty of time.”

“Are you going to be an appwentice?” Else whispered, wide-eyed, when Hans had finished breakfast. She tugged at his jerkin. “Are you going to be an appwentice?” she repeated.

“You mean apprentice.” Hans made Else pronounce ther.

“I can say it,” Margaritte announced with a toss of her head.

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