Ch.16b Exploring the Village (Lawrence & William)

[Philulhu]

Jacob paused for thought before speaking. ”He’s a considerate boss,” he said carefully. ”There’s always plenty of work to go around.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Well, that's something," says William, reading what is unsaid but not pressing the matter. "What can you tell me about Preacher Litton?"

[Bullfrog]

"And how about Father Ortega and Daigle, while we're talking religion?" Lawrence adds.

[Philulhu]

”Father Ortega? He the new guy? I’ve seen him around but not talked to him more than to say ‘hello’,” replied Jacob. ”Father Daigle’s OK , but we don’t get invited up to the church all that often. I guess sometimes Christianity is only skin deep.”

He stared at them frankly. ”We got Preacher Litton because he tells it how it is for our people. He’s a good man.”

[Mr. Handy]

"He sounds like a man I'd like to meet," says William. "When does he hold services?"

[Philulhu]

Jacob paused. ”You do realise that white folks coming to our services is going to be a bit of a talking point,” he said slowly.

”I think I better ask Preacher Litton first before I just invite you along. Probably better for all concerned.”

[Mr. Handy]

"That's only fair," says William. "You mentioned he tells it how it is for your people. How is it?"

[Philulhu]

Jacob looked at William and Lawrence then glanced over to his family and friends as they toiled in the field. He laughed softly. ”You come here in your fancy suits to write your book,” he said. ”Most of don’t even get to learn to read, never mind find the time to pick up a book. We’re both free men, but we’re living in very different worlds.”

He straightened up. ”I’ll talk to Preacher Litton. You let me know where you’re staying and I’ll send a message to let you know what he says. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me, I’ve got work to do.” He nodded to them and returned to his work with the others.

Where would you like to go next?

[Bullfrog]

"I wonder if he'll get to see things change. Then again, the more things change, the more they stay the same- especially here, it looks like." Lawrence vaguely remarks, speaking with the strange informality of a man who has read about the events of the next few decades in detail. He's had a lot to think about in the sleepless hours of the early morning, tracing the odd shape of the days to come in his fevered mind. At least the world won't end, yet.

How about the old burial ground?

[Mr. Handy]

"We're staying at Mrs. Hebert's," says William as Jacob leaves. He turns to Lawrence. "Speaking of which, maybe we should go back there for lunch. It's getting close to lunchtime, and by the time we finish, Nashoba should be around."

[Philulhu]

Mrs Hebert cooked a fine lunch of poached eggs on toast and William and Lawrence were back in the main square five minutes before one ‘o’ clock. As the looked about they saw an older Native American approaching, wearing traditional buckskin dress, and with feathers tucked into his grey-black hair.

He nodded amiably as he passed them on his way to the store.

[Mr. Handy]

William turns around and falls into step with him. "Good day, sir," he says. "You must be Chief Nashoba."

[Philulhu]

The old man glanced sideways at William, nodded, but carried on towards the store.

[Mr. Handy]

"I'd been hoping to meet you," says William, walking alongside him. "I've heard about how your people's burial ground was moved, and I think it's just terrible."

[Philulhu]

”Uh-huh,” replied Nashoba, carrying on, his eyes not leaving the store. ”And what’s that to you?”

[Mr. Handy]

"I feel a certain sympathy for you," says William. "I didn't know about this at all until I arrived here today, and I doubt other outsiders have heard either. That should change. Everyone should be aware of the wrong that was done."

[Philulhu]

”Uh-huh,” replied Nashoba again. He paused and looked William, then Lawrence, up and down. ”Buy me lunch and we can talk,” he said slyly.

[Mr. Handy]

"It would be my pleasure," says William. For a man Jacob had said would talk the ear off of anyone who gave him the chance, he didn't seem very talkative, but maybe that would change once he got some food in him.

[Philulhu]

Nashoba didn’t bother looking to see whether Lawrence and William followed him; he just set off for the general store. Pushing his way inside, he nodded to Bart, saying ”Bartholomew” and being greeted with “Chief!” in response.

He made his way to a small group of tables at the left rear of the store, where a young woman was sitting idly by, waiting for customers. Nashoba ordered omelette which arrived in a matter of minutes. As he started to eat, he pointed his fork at Lawrence and William and said , ”Go ahead. Ask your questions.”

[Mr. Handy]

"I've only heard secondhand," says William, "so I might not know which questions to ask. Why don't you start by telling us in your own words what happened?"