An Unlikely Friendship
Amherstburg 1846
Chapter 4 Josh’s
Unpleasant Encounter
"This way," Seamus commanded, moving ahead on the narrow
streets. Long shadows from the many tall trees coming into bud,
cast their huge outlines across the deep ruts in the street. More
snow had melted during the day and a horse-drawn cart came by,
splashing the boys’ pants.
They had to go one behind the other as they crossed Murray Street.
Two prim white ladies stared at them and one commented pointedly,"
There’s that coloured boy consorting with our kind."
"They need to know their place, I say," said the other
in a louder voice.
Josh’s small body stiffened at the remarks but Seamus turned
round and glared at the women. They turned away and the boys went
on. Soon Josh was stopped by an older black lady, shaking out
a mat. "Hi there, Josh. School over yet?"
"No, Missus Hurst. In another two weeks."
"Well, you go on learnin’ Josh. Your mama’ll be
proud of you!"
" Thank you, Missus Hurst. I will."
Seamus stopped and looked sharply at Josh. "You go to school
still? I thought you just worked in the store."
"I help my uncle and aunt ‘cause they have me stay
when school’s on. I go to the Dougall School down by the
dock. Mr. Peden teaches us."
"Do you like all that learning?"
"Of course. My pa says it’s important. He had to learn
to read secretly but I can go to school!."
"Secretly? Why?"
" Well my Pa told us that slaves weren’t allowed to
learn. The white folk said they weren’t good enough but that’s
not true. They just kept us down that way."
"Really?" Seamus quizzed wrinkling up his nose."
So aren’t you the lucky one. I never had a chance at regular
school- too much to do," he whined, looking away from Josh
as they headed up Richmond. Josh was silent, wondering, “Did
Seamus want to learn to read?” Maybe he could help him. He’d
have to think about it.
Just at that instant something hard hit his back. He turned to
see Billy Warton ‘s ginger hair as he ran behind a tree.
Seamus stopped and saw Josh stoop down, balancing the tin and
sack against his knees. "You all right?" asked Seamus.
But just then he heard, "Get lost, slimy coloured!"
Meanwhile Josh rubbing the back of his neck without saying a
word.
"What’s that kid up to?" Seamus asked." He
hit you. I saw him running off."
"Just some bully from school who likes picking on me,"
Josh explained. "Forget it."
"We can fight back, Josh or he’ll do it again."
"He’s not worth it. Let’s get your mother’s
food to her."
"I have to or I’d stop and fight him now. Why do you
let him treat you that way?"
Josh said nothing but thought that Billy and his gang were becoming
more of a menace every time he walked down the street. He knew
he should be braver and Seamus could help but he hated a fight.
All Josh wanted was peace to do his work at school and to help
with the store.
Walking side by side, the two boys passed by three more log
cabins and two shacks. Soon Seamus saw his sister by an open door
and ran to her. She looked about seven to Josh and her grey dress
clung to her thin body. She eyed Josh for a moment as Seamus spoke.
"I’ve got the food Mammy wanted, Mary. This is my
friend, Josh from the store." Mary looked at him shyly but,
with another brief glance at Josh, she ran inside, calling, "Mammy,
food." Josh waited till Seamus took his bundle and the syrup
in..
After a moment he returned, saying, "Thanks Josh. We’ve
not much room inside or I’d have you come in. Mam thanks
your uncle for the pork."
"Glad to help, Seamus. I must get back to the store. Goodbye
for now."
"Bye Josh. And watch out for that pea-shooter."
"Peashooter? Yes. Perhaps that’s what Billy used. Bye."
Josh strode back down Richmond, looking to see if Billy was still
around. He just wanted to get back safely to the store. But it
wasn’t long before Billy, pushing his cap down on his thick
ginger hair, came up in front of him. This time, he was joined
by the Innes boys who stood head and shoulders taller than Josh.
Together, they barred his way. There was no escape.
Back to Novels
Contact Jane Buttery
about ordering the book
