Riel Nason - The Town That Drowned (Extract)

7/29/2019 Riel Nason - The Town That Drowned (Extract)

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XNDXOW@

XNMXHROW@DH

RADI

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LRDDdxtrmct

„Xnas òvdi rdja`hs jd ol Xo Eaii M Jocea`gbarh . . .At‑s a`tajmtd) luiiia`g) d`trm`ca`g m`h iovdmbid.‑ GDRMIH COIIA@S)

mutnor ol Jooìagnt Sedtcnds





U = Z

Cnmptdr =

•

Xd bdga`à`g A rdjdjbdr as tnas; jy brotndr Vdrcy o` tnd oih

Nmwesnmw Brahgd. At as Mugust) su``y m`h wmrj) m`h nd‑s a` m wnatd

*snart m`h kdm`s) watn nas gimssds tadh tagnt mrou`h nas ndmh watn msnodimcd. Nd as wmiea`g) cmrrya`g m bottid a` o`d nm`h) m`h nas iaps mrd

said`tiy jova`g. At as mldròo`. Vdrcy as ̀ a`d ydmrs) two jo t̀ns) tnrdd

m`h m nmi hmys oih Bdiadvd jd) tnmt‑s wnmt nd‑h smy a you msedh naj

A eòw nd‑s mijost to tnd jahhid o tnd brahgd ‘ tnd dxmct jahhid

‘ bdcmusd nd as cou`ta`g. Nd tmeds two nu`hrdh m`h sdvd`ty*tnrdd

snort jdmsurdh pmcds lroj wndrd tnd romh tur`s a`to wooh*pimè pimtlorj m`h bimce jdtmi spm`s) mii biud sey mbovd m`h biud wmtdr

bdiow naj. Xd bottid as m` djptadh @dsbatt‑s Orm`gd) m`h soo` Vdrcy

waii hrop at a`to tnd ravdr. Xdrd‑s m òtd a`sahd at. M`h m` d`vdiopd

watn m lvd*cd`t stmjp m`h our mhhrdss .to Vdrcy) cmrd o our mtndr!

A` tnd bottoj o tnd bottid mrd sdvd` sjmii roces roj our hravdwmy

lor wdagnt. Mii tnas as sdmidh a` watn m roiidh*up rmg) m padcd ol core)

m`h sojd wmx jy jotndr bougnt or ndr kmrs o cnoedcndrry kdiiy



U 2 Z

A sat o` tnd naii up lroj tnd snordia`d m`h wmtcn wnaid tnd bottid

miis how`) how`) piu`gds tnd` bobs) m`h omts mwmy. Vdrcy waii stmy

tndrd m`h A waii stmy ndrd u`tai tnd bottid as oìy m gia`t a` tnd su` a`

tnd hastm`cd. Wd‑ii wmat ms at stmrts ats kour`dy mio`g tnd Sma`t Kon`

Ravdr pmst tnd nousds m`h mrjs o dvdryo`d wd eòw ‘ pmst Hoyid‑s

mppid orcnmrh) Jr. Coid‑s gam`t pa`d trdd) m`h Jr. Bimce‑s cows grmza`g.

At waii hra pmst tnrdd cnurcnds) tnd nagn scnooi) tnd gmrmgd) tnd Idgao`)

m`h Lostdr‑s Stord. Xd bottid waii dvd`tumiiy wa`h ats wmy by Vra`cd

Waiiamj m`h Lrdhdracto`) Gmgdtow`) Wdstldih) tnd` toss m`h tur`

tnrougn tnd Rdvdrsa`g Lmiis mt Sma`t Kon` bdlord co`taùa`g a`to tnd

Bmy ol Lu`hy

Al at jmeds at tnmt lmr

Bdcmusd o coursd wd wo`‑t eòw. Bdyo`h tnd tajd Vdrcy idm`s o`

tnd brahgd rmai wmtcna`g) tnd bottid sddjs to hasmppdmr m`h mijost

cdmsds to dxast ‘ dxcdpt ms m ùjbdr a` m cnmrt a` nas òtdbooe

Nd waii tur` to wmie nojd) gdt jd to u`tad tnd snodimcd lroj nas

gimssds .wnacn as oìy to eddp tndj lroj lmiia`g a`to tnd wmtdr!) wmatm wdde m`h stmrt mgma`. Nd waii usd tnd smjd brm`h o bottid) tnd smjd

ùjbdr o roces) m`h tnd smjd biud stmjp watn tnd ]udd`. Nd waii

tmed tnd smjd two nu`hrdh m`h sdvd`ty*tnrdd stdps to tnd smjd spot)

m`h nd‑ii miwmys bd wdmra`g m wnatd X*snart m`h kdm`s

At wms kust two ydmrs mgo) m`h at usdh to sddj tnmt òtna`g dvdr

cnm`gdh. Dvdryo`d tnougnt Vdrcy wms so haldrd t̀ wnd` nd wms rdmiiy

mii mbout bda`g tnd smjd

But tnmt‑s òt to smy jy brotndr as iaed m`ybohy disd. Nas hdsard or

co`sastd`cy jdm`s nd iaeds to jmed up m`h oiiow nas ow` ruids m`h

rdguimtao`s. Vdrcy puts najsdi to bdh dvdry àgnt mt dagnt o‑cioce ‘ dvd`

wnd` tnd sujjdr su` as nagn a` tnd sey m`h A‑j surd tnrougn nas

bdhrooj wa`hows nd cm` ndmr otndr cnaihrd` pimya`g. Nd nms



U 3 Z

oìy dvdr sidpt a` nas ow` bdh a` nas ow` rooj a` nas ow` nousd. Nd

`dvdr stmydh mt jy grm`hpmrd`ts‑ pimcd wnd` tndy wdrd miavd) or mt jy

mu`t m`h u`cid‑s wnd` tndy iavdh `dmrby) or a` m notdi or td`t Al wd

mrd out sojdwndrd m`h at as gdtta`g imtd) Vdrcy waii iooe mt nas wmtcn

m`h hdcimrd .ms al nd as Ca`hdrdiim!) ’Jotndr) A just go nojd aj*

jdhamtdiy) at‑s mijost jy bdhtajd‚ Wnd` m`yo`d ovdrndmrs naj tndrd

as m gaggid or m ’@ow Vdrcy hdmr‚ or tnmt saiiy siy sjaid sojd imhads gdt

wnd` tndy‑rd tucea`g m `dw padcd o gossap mwmy a` tndar brma`s.

Wnmt otndr pdopid sdd as m bossy) spoaidh iattid boy Xdy ho`‑t

eòw tnmt sojdtajds tnd sjmiidst ol cnm`gds) iaed m hrop ol orm`gd

pop o` nas wnatd *snart) cm` botndr naj so jucn nd cm`‑t wdmr at m`y

io`gdr) tnmt tnd stma` pnysacmiiy pma`s naj) iaed tnd spot bdcojds m

wou`h biddha`g òt roj tnd a`sahd out but tnd outsahd a`. Xdy kust

sdd m boy wno crads mbout dvdrytna`g. Xdy sdd m boy wno mppdmrs to

bd sajuitm`dousiy stro`g*waiidh m`h wdme.

So jmybd at sddjs uìaediy tnmt Vdrcy wouih gdt wrmppdh up a`

sojdtna`g ms rm`hoj m`h wnajsacmi ms jdssmgds a` bottids) but ndhah Nd nms sd`t o`d m wdde roj Mprai to @ovdjbdr .wnd` tnd ravdr

wms ‑̀t rozd`! or tnd pmst two m`h m nmi ydmrs. @o idttdrs nmvd dvdr

cojd bmce ‘ wnacn eddps at tnd smjd or naj) A gudss Staii) nd nms nas

òtdbooe watn m cnmrt o dmcn bottid‑s ùjbdr m`h rdidmsd hmtd mt tnd

rdmhy) miwmys prdpmrdh or m rdspo`sd Nd rdcorhs tnd wdmtndr u`hdr

tnd ndmha`g ’D`varo`jd`t mt Imu`cn‚ m`h idmvds m wahd coiuj` or tnd

’Hdtmais o La`mi Hdsta`mtao ‚̀ ‘ ’Hmtd Lou`h)‚ ’Iocmtao`)‚ m`h ’Otndr

@otds.‚ Nd nms m jmp o @dw Bru`swace a` nas rooj) m`h m giobd nd

got or nas dagntn bartnhmy A waii sdd naj trmca`g ovdr biud ia`ds watn

nas l`gdr or jdmsura`g ocdm`s watn m ruidr) hrdmja`g) ajmgaà`g) or

sa`cd at as Vdrcy) probmbiy jord iaed cmicuimta`g) prdhacta`g.

O`cd nd toih jd tnmt a` cmij wdmtndr m bottid jagnt oìy hral m

dw jaids dmcn hmy Xmt jdm`t mt idmst tnrdd wddes to Lrdhdracto` m`h



U 8 Z

jmybd two jo`tns to tnd worih‑s nagndst tahds a` tnd Bmy o Lu`hy.

Xd io`gdr Vdrcy wmats watnout m rdpiy) tnd` tnd mrtndr tnd bottid as

trmvdiia`g. o naj at as m hardct corrdimtao`. M`h tnd oìy possabaiaty.

A‑j prdtty surd tnd co`td`ts o tnd òtd nmvd jord to ho watn tnd

imce o rdspo`sd ‘ mssuja`g m`yo`d dvd` l`hs tnd bottids. Vdrcy

hods`‑t ciud a` tnmt at jagnt ndip to idt pdopid eòw nd‑s à`d ydmrs

oih) or tnmt nd snouih mse or m idttdr bmce watn sojd sort o ajpms*

sao`dh pidm Nas òtds iooe iaed tndy wdrd sd`t by m lorty*sdvd`*ydmr*oih

wdarho mjmtdur scad`tast or) worsd) tnd govdr`jd`t) watn mii tnd lorjmi

im`gumgd Vdrcy usds m`h tnd lmct tnmt nd nms tndj typdh .by jd! Nd

jmeds at sou`h ms al tndrd as sojdo`d wmata`g lor tnd bottid) dxpdcta`g

at to mrravd iaed m pmcemgd orhdrdh lroj tnd Sajpso`s*Sdmrs cmtmiogud

m`h pmah COH. Vdrcy as`‑t opd` to dhata`g tnougn) or suggdstao`s.

Xmt A eòw roj trya`g. Xd oraga`mi worha`g o tnd òtd jmy ms

wdii nmvd bdd` a`scrabdh a` tnd bmce o our mjaiy Babid roj tnd

a`stm`t Vdrcy làsndh houbid*cndcea`g tnd spdiia`g o dmcn worh a`

nas hactao`mry.Wnmt at smys;

Vidmsd rdpiy by jmai usa`g tnd d`ciosdh d`vdiopd upo` rdcdapt

o tnas bottid. Vidmsd stmtd gdogrmpnacmi iocmtao` ou`h ms

spdcalcmiiy ms possabid a`ciuha`g m`y hdtmais tnmt jmy nmvd

co`trabutdh to tnd co`ciusao` o ats kour`dy sucn ms hralwooh

a` tnd mrdm) or snord hdbras. Vidmsd stmtd co`hatao` o bottid

a`ciuha`g crmces or brdmemgd. Vidmsd stmtd hmtd o rdcdapt) ̀ ot

hmtd ol jmaia`g) m`h bottid cohd ùjbdr; =1<4*=1.

Sdd wnmt A jdm`?

Xd cohd ùjbdr as tnd oìy tna`g tnmt cnm`gds A typd dvdry worh

o` tnd Rdja`gto` typdwratdr A a`ndratdh roj jy grm`hmtndr) watn

Vdrcy novdra`g iaed m wmsp mt jy snouihdr) wmtcna`g or m`y rdmso`



U 4 Z

A jagnt nmvd to stmrt ovdr A mj òt miiowdh m`y spdiia`g jastmeds)

a`corrdct spmca`g) or houbid*pu`cndh edys. Vdrcy eòws now to typd)

but jy jotndr a`sasts A ho at) jmea`g us spd`h tajd togdtndr ‘ jord

or naj A suspdct tnm` or jd A` mct tnd wnoid bottid busa`dss nms

tur`dh a`to m lmjaiy prokdct) so tnmt Vdrcy as`‑t miwmys mio`d a` nas rooj

rdmha`g. A typd tnd òtds m`h wmtcn naj ho dmcn imu`cn) jy jotndr

tmeds naj to buy stmjps m`h sdmis tnd bottid watn wmx) m`h jy lmtndr

idts naj put nas `mjd ‘ Kmce Cmrso` ‘ o` tnd d`vdiopd) m`h sojdtajds

hraès tnd @dsbatt‑s Orm`gd to djpty tnd bottid) m`h .ms A‑vd ndmrh

naj tdii jy jotndr! trads nas nmrhdst òt to swdmr al Vdrcy crads wnd`

at tmeds ovdr m` nour to l`h sdvd` ta`y roces a` tnd hravdwmy.

But or òw A‑j o` tnd naii wmata`g Vdrcy as o` tnd brahgd m`h tnd

bottid as a` tnd wmtdr Lor mt idmst ldd` jord jaùtds A‑ii sat) taita`g

jy mcd to tnd su`) trya`g to co`kurd up dòugn rdceids to bid`h a`to

m tm`. O`cd a` m wnaid A gim`cd mt Vdrcy) tnd` tnd opposatd snord) up* m`h

how`ravdr) tnd` mt Vdrcy mgma`. A lgurd A‑h ndmr naj a nd dvdr dii a`.A co`cd`trmtd o` brmaha`g iattid padcds o jy io`g brow` nmar m`h

cou`ta`g mijost iaed nd hods ‘ dxcdpt bmcewmrhs m`h mpproxa jmtdiy.

Xwdivd jaùtds) td` jaùtds) vd jaùtds) u`tai wd cm` go nojd

mgma`.

Xmt‑s probmbiy wny m jm` A‑vd `dvdr sdd` bdord nms jm`mgdh to

wmie mii tnd wmy up to Vdrcy bdord A òtacd. Suhhdìy) ms a nd‑s miid`

iaed m rma`hrop) tndrd nd as cmsta`g m snmhow ovdr Vdrcy up o` tnd

brahgd. Xd jm`‑s noiha`g m bag m`cy cmjdrm watn m trapoh mttmcndh.

Dvdryo`d mrou`h ndrd iovds to smy tnmt wd nmvd o`d ol tnd jost scdàc

vadws a` tnd prova`cd) but A nopd tnd jm` hods ‑̀t mse Vdrcy m`ytna`g

mbout at. A nurry mcross tnd naii towmrh tndj.

Vdrcy staii nms`‑t tur`dh mwmy lroj tnd ravdr. Nd‑s stmra`g a`to tnd

wmtdr) trmcea`g tnd bottid dvd` tnougn tnd jm` as obvaousiy tmiea`g

m`h stm`ha`g ragnt `dxt to naj. A cm` tdii òw at as`‑t m cmjdrm tnd jm`



U < Z

nms datndr) but tnmt padcd o dquapjd`t survdyors usd) m`h A rdmiazd

tnmt‑s wnmt tnas jm` as. Wno eòws wnmt nd‑s hoa`g out o` m Smturhmy)

but A supposd nd‑s kust tmea`g m brdme) bda`g rad`hiy to m iocmi boy.

A‑j surd at wo`‑t tmed naj io`g to `h out tnmt Vdrcy‑s òt dxmctiy tnd

prdsahd`t o tnd Ravdr \miidy Wdicoja`g Cojjattdd.

Xd jm` sdds jd coja`g) ru`à`g) m`h watn m bag sjaid m`h m

waè nd smys) ’@ow wndrd‑s tnd rd) jassy?‚

’Imtd or suppdr.‚ A òh mt Vdrcy. At‑s oìy mbout tnrdd*tnarty) but

at‑s tnd rst tna`g tnmt pops a`to jy ndmh.

Vdrcy as obiavaous) staii said`tiy stmra`g mt tnd wmtdr) idmà`g o`

tnd rmaia`g. A tdii naj at‑s tajd to go m`h toucn naj o` tnd bmce. A smy

goohbyd to tnd survdyor ms Vdrcy wmies mndmh o jd. So mr so gooh.

Wd jmed at to tnd d`h o tnd brahgd bdord at stmrts. At‑s iaed Vdrcy‑s

oot toucna`g tnd romhwmy as tnd traggdr. Nd crads.

M`h crads. M`h crads.

At‑s tnd jost upsdt A‑vd sdd` naj a` m io`g tajd. But tnmt hods`‑t jdmàt‑s tnd worst tna`g tnmt‑s nmppd`dh imtdiy) bdcmusd watn Vdrcy tndrd‑s

old` m jasjmtcn bdtwdd` tnd sdraous`dss o tnd probidj m`h tnd

dxtrdjaty o nas rdmctao`. Iattid tna`gs jmy dqumi m bag cry) m`h bag

tna`gs iattid or ò cry. Jmkor dvd t̀s tnmt you‑h iogacmiiy tnaè wouih

cmusd m cojpidtd brdmehow` a` sojdo`d so sd`satavd sojdtajds nmrhiy

mldct naj. Wnd` our cmt ]uaity wms ru` ovdr by m cmr imst ydmr Vdrcy

wms hry*dydh. But tnd wdde bdord tnmt wnd` ]uaity nmh eòcedh

ovdr ndr wmtdr bowi m`h somedh o`d o Vdrcy‑s soces) nd stmrtdh sobba`g.

Wnd` Vdrcy iost m butto` ol nas wa`tdr comt) nd miso iost nas ja`h.

M dw otndr probidjmtac a`cahd`ts;

Xd àgnt jy mtndr wouih`‑t pace up tnd pno`d or idt m`yo`d disd

m`swdr at bdcmusd wd wdrd nmva`g suppdr m`h wnodvdr wms cmiia`g

snouih eòw bdttdr m`h hmj` wdii idt us dmt a` pdmcd.

Xd tajd jy cousa` Smrmn toih naj snd staii) mt twdivd) bdiadvdh



U 7 Z

a` Sm`tm Cimus Snd smah nas jmgacmi sidagn kust trmvdiidh so mst ats

spddh couih`‑t bd cmicuimtdh

Xd hmy tnas pmst Ldbrumry wnd` tnd cdrdjo`y a` Ottmwm a`tro*

huca`g our `dw Cm`mham` mg watn tnd jmpid idm wms snow` o` \.

Ms tnd oih Rdh D`sag` wms iowdrdh how` tnd poid Vdrcy stmrtdh

wnajpdra`g. Xd` or wddes tndrd wdrd mldrsnoces ms nd òtacdh tnd

mgs rdpimcdh mt tnd nagn scnooi) tnd Voeaoe Iohgd) tnd gmrmgd) m`h

tnd Idgao`

Xd o`d tajd jy jotndr jmhd tojmto scmiiop. M`h tnd o`d tajd

snd jmhd pomcndh dggs M`h cnocoimtd cmed watn wnatd a`stdmh o

cnocoimtd aca`g M`h ja`cdjdmt pad M`h wnd` jy u`cid jmhd tnd

joùjd`tmi jastmed o ̀ ot tdiia`g Vdrcy nas burgdr wms vdàso` u t̀ai

mdr nd nmh tmed` m batd M`h tnd o`d norrabid) norrabid tajd jy

lmtndr brougnt nojd m box ol iavd iobstdrs

Gdtta`g nas nmar cut .Wnd` Vdrcy wms you`gdr jy jotndr kust

trajjdh at wnaid nd wms siddpa`g!

Xd hmy nas tdmcndr jmhd naj sat a` tnd cor`dr bdcmusd nd nmhstoppdh worea`g o` nas jmtn probidjs Vdrcy nmh ou`h m jastmed

a` tnd tdxtbooe) m`h o`cd nd smw at nd hah`‑t eòw wnmt disd to ho

Xd jaàstdr tdiia`g naj Goh couih rdmh nas ja`h

Rdmiiy So you gdt tnd ahdm

Wdicojd to tnd Vdrcy Cmrso` snow; lrdd mhjassao`

Ms A‑vd smah) Vdrcy hdlàtdiy iaedh tna`gs to stmy tnd smjd But

outsahd ol nas ow` ratumis .wnacn cmusdh dòugn hrmjm al a`tdrldrdh

watn!) tndrd wms mii tnas wno*eòws*wnmt) wno*eòws*wndrd)

wno*eòws*wny) wno*eòws*wnd` At wms ms al tnd wnoid dvoiva`g)

rdvoiva`g worih wms by ̀ mturd tnd probidj sa`cd at wouih `dvdr stmy

staii or naj. Vdrcy wms`‑t wardh to u`hdrstm`h tnmt you cm`‑t co`troi

cnm`gd) so nd couih `dvdr) dvdr cmtcn up m`h mhkust to m`ytna`g But

dvd` a you e`dw tnmt) or tnougnt you‑h lgurdh naj out m iattid bat)

Vdrcy edpt you gudssa`g Dvdrytna`g couih bd goa`g mio`g pdrdctiy



U > Z

`d) tnd` mii o m suhhd` nd‑h wmai iaed m two*ydmr*oih) or nas iaps

wouih quavdr) nas snouihdrs snmed) ms a sojdtna`g nmh buait up m`h

nd nmh to gavd a`. A miwmys sddjdh to bd mrou`h to wat`dss tnas) m`h

mitnougn A usdh to bd surd tnmt nas ndmrt wms mt idmst crmcea`g a òt

brdmea`g) òw A oìy tnaè) Grdmt*òt*tnas*mgma`. Mldr m wnaid you

ddi iaed you‑rd iava`g watn tnd boy wno cradh woi. Mldr m wnaid tnd

urgd to rusn ovdr m`h nug naj mhds mwmy cojpidtdiy.

O`cd wd‑rd wdii up tnd romh) A iooe bmce to sdd a tnd survdyor

as staii tndrd. Nd‑s sjoea`g m cagmrdttd m`h siowiy turà`g nas ndmh

roj snord to snord) tmea`g a` tnd wnoid ravdr vmiidy. At‑s ms a nd‑s

jdjoraza`g tnd scd`d to pma`t m pacturd. Or iaed nd‑s m tourast m`h at

waii bd tnd oìy tajd nd‑s ndrd. A cmtcn up to Vdrcy kust ms nd wapds

nas òsd o` nas snouihdr. @ow nd‑s to`dh at how` to sojd wnajpdrs

m`h m` occmsao`mi naccup.

A‑j òt goa`g to cnm`cd jord upsdt by msea`g) but A ho wo`hdr

wnmt tnd survdyor smah to naj.

Wd iavd mt tnd top o tnd romh tnmt idmhs how` tnd vmiidy to tnd brahgd

m`h co`taùds ovdr to Nmwesnmw. Xas sahd o tnd ravdr as Nmvd`to`)

snortd`dh roj Nmvd` ow` ydmrs mgo. Xd wnoid mrdm as m io`g

sprmwia`g vaiimgd. Our `dagnbours‑ nousds mrd stmggdrdh mio`g tnd

naiisahd o` sjmiidr wa`ha`g romhs m`h mt tnd d`hs o hravdwmys. At‑s

ms a tnd nousds roiidh iaed roces how` tnd siopd m`h got stuce o` tuls

o grmss. Xas as wnmt jmeds up Nmvd`to` or m dw jaids o` dmcn sahd

o us ‘ nousds m`h bmr`s m`h otndr buaiha`gs iaed tnd cnurcnds watn

bag or iattid strdtcnds o im`h a` bdtwdd`. Qou cm` ea`h o ajmga`d at

iaed pdopid satta`g o` bidmcndrs; iots o tndj mrd ciustdrdh togdtndr

m`h m dw mrd mio`d) but tndy‑rd mii wmata`g or tnd jma` dvd`t. Dxcdpt

ndrd tnd jma` dvd`t as sajpiy m vadw o tnd wmtdr.



U 1 Z

+

M cmr hravds by m`h swa`gs dxtrm wahd mrou`h us) so A eòw wd‑vd

bdd` rdcogàzdh dvd` bdlord tnd iattid bddp. At‑s Jr. Nogm`) m tdmcndr)

m`h A jm`mgd to wmvd dvd` tnougn sdda`g naj as kust m` u`pidmsm`t

rdja`hdr tnmt scnooi stmrts a` two wddes. A` m wmy at‑s nmrh to bdiadvd

tnmt tnd sujjdr zoojdh mio`g so quaceiy But tnd` mgma` .watn jy

pdrjm`d`t sahdeace!) sojd hmys sddj to go o` d`hidssiy. Vdrcy rmasds

nas nm`h a` m hdimydh wmvd) m`h sa`cd nd‑s l`miiy cmijdr) A u`tad tnd

snodimcd tnmt wms eòttdh o` nas gimssds

’Ruby)‚ nd smys Nd miwmys usds jy `mjd ’Wdrd you mwmrd o tnd

mct tnmt sdvd`ty pdr cd`t o tnd Dmrtn‑s surmcd as covdrdh by wmtdr?‚

’Xmt surd sou`hs iaed m iot‚

’At‑s trud At as m wdii*dstmbiasndh cmicuimtao`)‚ nd smys) mitnougn A

ho`‑t houbt naj. Vdrcy rdmhs mii tnd tajd m`h nms m` mjmza`g

jdjory

’So your bottids couih nmvd m io`g) io`g wmy to trmvdi) ragnt?‚ Dvd`

two m`h m nmil ydmrs a`to Vrokdct Bottid Imu`cn A eòw tmiea`g mboutat jmeds naj nmppy

Wd‑rd pmssa`g a` lro`t ol our `dxt*hoor `dagnbour‑s nousd m`h

Vdrcy‑s cnddes mrd staii wdt. A sdd jy lmtndr bmce by our sndh) snmrpdà`g

tnd imw`jowdr bimhds Jy mtndr nmtds at wnd` Vdrcy crads or wnmt

nd cmiis ’ò gooh rdmso`.‚ At botndrs naj jord m`h jord ms Vdrcy

gdts oihdr. A cm` tdii tnmt jy lmtndr hods nas bdst to toidrmtd at lor hmys)

dvd` wddes mt m tajd) by idmva`g tnd rooj lor m sjoed or m bddr wnd`

Vdrcy stmrts a`. But tnd` Vdrcy waii wmai ragnt a` tnd jahhid ol Bo`m`zm

m`h jy lmtndr wo ‑̀t bd mbid to ndmr Noss tmiea`g) m`h nd waii nmvd to

ydii ‘ nmvd to ‘ ’Kdsus Cnrast) Vdrcy-‚ bdcmusd nd nmh wmatdh m wnoid

wdde to l`h out wnmt wouih nmppd`

’Xd bohads ol wmtdr cojprasa`g tnmt totmi mrd òt mii co``dctdh)‚

Vdrcy smys) wapa`g nas cndde watn tnd bmce o nas nm`h

Jy mtndr iooes up



U =6 Z

’Staii)‚ A smy. ’Xmt sou`hs iaed m iot jord wmtdr to omt mwmy o`

tnm` im`h to gdt cmugnt up a`.‚

Vdrcy stops wmiea`g m`h iooes mt jd. Nd as ocusa`g o` jy joutn

sa`cd nd `dvdr quatd jddts m`yo`d‑s dyds. Nd‑s pdrdctiy quadt m`h

hods`‑t jovd or sdvdrmi sdco`hs. Xd` nd bursts a`to tdmrs m`h ru`s

towmrh tnd nousd crya`g.

Nmvd jdrcy) Vdrcy.

Xmt‑s wnmt tnd otndr eahs smy wnd` tndy tdmsd naj. Xdy tnaè

o sojdtna`g) m`ytna`g) trami m`h drror) to jmed naj cry) tnd` o`cd

nd‑s goa`g tndy noih tndar nm`hs ovdr tndar dmrs ms a at‑s Vdrcy wno‑s

hastrdssa`g tndj. ’Nmvd jdrcy) Vdrcy- Jdrcy-‚ tndy‑ii scrdmj bdtwdd`

lts o imugntdr) sojdtajds naha`g tndar ndmhs bdna`h tnd scnooi bus

sdmts. Xd wmy tndy mct as m prdtty gooh hrmjmtac a`tdrprdtmtao` o tnd

wmy A sojdtajds ddi. A A‑j tndrd hura`g tnd tdmsa`g A‑ ii smy to Vdrcy

tnd dvdr*sd`sabid but usdidss ’Agòrd tndj.‚ Xd` tndy‑ii ydii iouhdr

m`h mse Vdrcy a A‑j nas jojjy. So cidvdr m`h naimraous. Dvd` tnougn

A‑j surd tndy‑vd `dvdr stoppdh to tnaè now uitajmtdiy tdrraya`gbda`g Vdrcy‑s jojjy jagnt bd.

A wmat u`tai Vdrcy jmeds at to tnd ro`t hoor o tnd nousd m`h gods

a`. Jassao` mccojpiasndh. Xd` A l`h m roce m`h roii at mrou`h m`h

mrou`h a` jy nm`h ms A ndmh bmce how` to tnd wmtdr. Ats dhgds mrd

rougn) but at‑s wmrj roj tnd su`.

A‑j òt iooea`g orwmrh to scnooi. Mt mii. Surd tndrd waii bd tnd ’Nmvd

jdrcy) Vdrcy)‚ but tnmt‑s go`d o` or ydmrs m`h as`‑t tnd rdmso` wny.

@ow A nmvd jy ow` probidjs. Jy ow` pdrso`miazdh hd`t a` tnd koy

o jy dxastd`cd. Sojdtna`g nmppd`dh imtd imst wa`tdr tnmt dvdryo`d

mt scnooi hdcahdh wms dòugn o m rdmso` to rd*dvmiumtd wno A wms.

Rdmiiy) watn m brotndr ms strm`gd ms Vdrcy tndrd nmh to bd sojd dvd`tumi

rub*ol dldct. Xas a`cahd`t provdh at. At wms iaed jy bohy bdtrmydh

jd. At wms ms a mldr mii tnd ydmrs o jy jotndr smya`g A snouih try to



U == Z

put jysdi a` Vdrcy‑s snods) jy ja`h subiaja`miiy cojjm`hdh jy

bohy to ho sojdtna`g.

At wms Jmrcn) gdtta`g `dmr tnd d`h o tnd jo`tn) but spra`g staii

sddjdh m io`g wmys o Sòw wms mii mrou`h m`h tnd ravdr wms rozd`

Xd tnrdd cnurcnds a` tnd mrdm hdcahdh to nmvd m koa`t mjaiy u` pmrty

watn m bag suppdr mt tnd Idgao` mldrwmrhs. Xdrd wms siaha`g or tnd

iattid eahs) m`h semta`g o` tnd ravdr or tnd tdd`s Xd wojd` tooe

cmrd o tnd cooea`g. Xd jd` cojpiajd`tdh tndj o` tnd bdm`s.

Jy cousa` Smrmn ‘ wno‑s miso jy bdst rad`h ‘ wms semta`g watn

jd Xdrd wdrd mt idmst twd`ty otndr pdopid o` tnd cidmrdh*o acd) but

A couih giahd mrou`h watn dmsd A iaed semta`g A‑j gooh mt at Grmcdui

dvd`. Smrmn m`h A wdrd snowa`g o m iattid. Smrmn wms jmhiy a` iovd

watn Coia` Joord wno wms semta`g too) so wd wdrd kujpa`g m`h

twaria`g or naj m`h dvdryo`d to sdd.

M`h tnd`) `dmr tnd snord) m crmce.

Jmybd jy miia`g jmhd tnd acd crmce or jmybd tnd acd crmcedh m`h

jmhd jd mii A kust rdjdjbdr natta`g jy ndmh m`h jy idgs sprmwidha` tnd ragah wmtdr. At wms probmbiy oìy mbout tnrdd ddt hddp. A wms

nmi a` tnd ravdr m`h nmi out At snouih oìy nmvd bdd` tdjpormraiy

dxcrucamta`g .at‑s tnd coihdst A‑vd dvdr bdd !̀ m`h imtdr djbmrrmssa`g

.dspdcamiiy watn our jaàstdr ydiia`g) ’Gdt ndr out o tnosd ciotnds-‚!)

but jy eòcedh*out ndmh stmrtdh worea`g mgma`st jd Ms pdopid

rusndh towmrh jd) A bdgm` bmbbia`g Xmt‑s tnd oìy worh or at)

bdcmusd roj wnmt Smrmn toih jd mldrwmrhs A wms jmea`g ò sd`sd

A wms `mrrmta`g wnmt wms goa`g o` a` jy rdsniy rozd` brma`.

A couih sdd a`to tnd ravdr) m`h u`hdr tnd wmtdr wms mii o Nmvd`to`

Xdrd wms our nousd mt tnd dhgd) tnd` tnd nousds o our `dagnbours.

A smw tnd nagn scnooi m`h tnd cnurcnds. A smw tnd mppid orcnmrh m`h

tnd gmrmgd m`h tnd Idgao`.

Xd` ms a tnas wms`‑t bmh dòugn .A nmrhiy hmrd tnaè now A

sou`hdh ‘ ’Coja`g up o` your idl òw) oies) Lostdr‑s Stord)‚ iaed



U =2 Z

sojd Mtim`tas tour guahd!) A smw pdopid swajja`g bdsahd jd A wmvdh

to tndj m`h smah ndiio Ndiio Jrs Mbdr`mtny Ndiio Jr Coid Ndiio

Jr. Crousd. Ndiio Vdrcy. @o`d o tndsd pdopid wms m`ywndrd `dmr

jd mt tnd tajd) so wnd` A smah tndar `mjds) iya`g tndrd coiimpsdh

crooedh watn jy dyds roiidh bmce) tndrd wms spdcuimtao` tnmt A wms

òt oìy sd`sdidss but couih`‑t sdd.

Jy jotndr jmhd at to jy sahd) staii sjdiia`g iaed tnd not cnocoimtd

snd‑h bdd` sdrva`g) m`h wnd` snd toucndh jy mcd A cmjd bmce to

bda`g jd. Jy T`cid Ed t̀ rusndh how` to us watn jy mtndr òt mr

bdna`h. Xdy pacedh jd up) tooe jd to tnd cmr) m`h hrovd jd to tnd

nousd.

Vdrcy stooh o` tnd snord ms tnas wms nmppdà`g) òt upsdt a` tnd

idmst.

Lroj wnmt Smrmn smah) A wrdcedh tnd semta`g pmrty. Mldr tnmt

dvdryo`d nmh to cidmr o tnd ravdr. Xdy wd`t or suppdr dmriy mt tnd

Idgao` m`h at wms jy muit tnd jd` got dxtrm gmssy roj u`hdrho`d

bdm`s. Xd pm`cmeds wdrd siow a` coja`g too bdcmusd tnd bmttdrwms`‑t jaxdh. Xd bag rooj wms cnaiiy watn tnd ndmt ydt to eace a`.

Xd jaàstdrs nmh to mitdr tndar prmctasdh rnyja`g grmcd to a`ciuhd

m provasao` or jy spddhy rdcovdry.

Qou‑h tnaè A jagnt nmvd bdd` cut m iattid simce co`sahdra`g A couih

nmvd rozd` to hdmtn or hrow`dh) but at wms ms a dvdryo`d nmh bdd`

wmata`g or m` dxcusd to tdmsd jd m`h A nmh kust prdsd t̀dh tndj watn

tnd pdrdct opportuàty.

Smrmn smah at wms Ku`d Crousd wno got dvdrytna`g starrdh up mgma`st

jd bdcmusd A wms gdtta`g hm`gdrousiy prdtty. A ho`‑t eòw. At kust

sddjs iaed m àcd tna`g or m rad`h to smy. Boys nmvd`‑t òtacdh jd

ydt m`h A lgurd A scmrd tndj m iattid m`ywmy. Xdy ho`‑t dvd` wm`t to

stmrt up watn jd) probmbiy tnaèa`g our eahs waii tur` out iaed Vdrcy

Ku`d cimajs snd wms o`d o tnd lrst to rdspo`h to jy mccahd`t .mitnougn

Smrmn hods`‑t rdjdjbdr ndr bda`g m`ywndrd a` sagnt! m`h tnd wmy A



U =3 Z

mctdh wms rahacuiousiy hrmjmtac. At wms oìy m mii. Iattid eahs mii mii

tnd tajd. Xd crmzy bmbbia`g provdh A wms strm`gd ms wdii ms ciujsy.

Rdmiiy) A jdm` iooe) at ru`s a` tnd mjaiy.

Jmybd Ku`d kust wm`tdh m `dw nobby. Mt idmst snd cojds by ndr

tdmsa`g no`dstiy. Ndr brotndr Ro`àd as tnd o`d wno coa`dh tnd pnrmsd

’Nmvd jdrcy) Vdrcy‚ m`h as tnd ra`gidmhdr a` jy brotndr‑s buiiya`g

to tnas hmy. @ow Ku`d m`h Ro`àd cm` nmvd brdmemst jddta`gs hdvasa`g

tna`gs to ho or smy to jd m`h Vdrcy. o eddp at coorha`mtdh m`h dxcnm`gd

ahdms) you eòw) bo`h a` tnmt wmy.

Rdgmrhidss o tnd rdmso`) tnas as`‑t m twast A dvdr smw coja`g. A oìy

A nmh nmh m iattid wmrà`g A wms goa`g to go nmyward) A wouih nmvd ho`d

at m bat jord pravmtdiy. A oìy A nmh`‑t go`d semta`g mt mii. A oìy A nmh`‑t

twaridh or kujpdh) or im`hdh o` tnmt dxmct pmtcn o acd.

A‑j cdrtmaìy òt goa`g to mse Vdrcy or taps o` copa`g. Surd A wms

mjaiamr watn carcia`g tnd pdrajdtdr o outcmst tdrratory) bda`g ordvdr

iaèdh to naj) but at‑s cojpidtdiy haldrd`t òw tnmt A‑vd bdd` cmtm*

puitdh ovdr tnd d`cd. Wdarh as m hasdmsd m`h o`cd you nmvd at younmvd at. A‑j ourtdd` ydmrs oih m`h a`dctdh or gooh. Xdrd‑s ò jarmcid

curd. Xdrd‑s ò spdcami prdscraptao`. A mj qumrm`ta`dh mii mio`d o`

tnd Asim`h o tnd Ohh. At‑s m cnroàc co`hatao`. M iadio`g mlactao`.

M`h Smrmn wms dvd` ndrd imst ydmr) miwmys mt jy sahd) iaed jy

buldr. Snd wouih smy ’Lorgdt at‚ wnd`dvdr wd ndmrh sojdo`d ajatmta`g

jy bmbbia`g) m`h o`cd snd quaceiy drmsdh m bimcebomrh hrmwa`g o

jd watn jy dyds crossdh) to`gud wmgga`g out) m`h semtd bimhds

stmbbdh a` jy rdmr. At‑ii bd worsd òw tnmt snd‑s go`d. Ndr mjaiy

jovdh tnas sujjdr. Snd‑s oìy up tnd ravdr a` Woohstoce) but A jass

ndr bdyo`h hdspdrmtdiy. Sa`cd snd wo`‑t bd mt scnooi wnd` A go bmce

snd jmy ms wdii bd m jaiiao` jaids mwmy.

How` mt tnd snord A sat u`hdr m tmii) sea``y barcn trdd. Xdrd‑s sojdtna`g

disd A tnaè mbout m iot wnd` A‑j òt so stuce o` ajmgaà`g m wmy to



U =8 Z

rdco`lgurd jy pmst. At‑s tnmt at sddjdh so rdmi ‘ wnmt A smw wnd` A

nat jy ndmh o` tnd acd m`h jy bohy ldii a`to tnd lrddza`g ravdr. At wms

so pdrdctiy cidmr m`h ohhiy mjaiamr. Xd wmtdry hastortao` hah`‑t

jmttdr. A wms wo`hdrluiiy mbovd at mii) swajja`g mio`g nmppaiy) tmea`g

a` tnd strm`gdiy somedh vadw.

A sat u`tai A eòw al A ho ‑̀t nurry bmce) A rdmiiy waii bd imtd lor suppdr.

Bdlord A go A iooe mrou`h siowiy) up m`h how` tnd ravdr) ea`h ol iaed

tnd survdyor hah. Sojdtna`g cmtcnds jy dyd ms at sna`ds a` tnd su`. At

as Vdrcy‑s bottid bobba`g.



U =4 Z

Cnmptdr 2

•

Xd cou`thow` to hdto`mtao`) miso eòw` ms tnd stmrt o scnooi) as

mt o`d wdde) m`h tohmy as Jr. Diias Coid‑s sdvd`ty*à`tn bartnhmy. Jy

sujjdr kob nms bdd` to ndip Jr. Coid mrou`h tnd nousd wnaid nasrdguimr nousdeddpdr tmeds m vmcmtao`. A go dvdry otndr jorà`g or

m ldw nours. Bda`g mrou`h Jr. Coid as vdry cmija`g. Jy jotndr smys

at‑s bdcmusd you cm` tdii nd hods`‑t nmvd m worry id mbout m`ytna`g

m`yjord. Snd smys nas sjaid as gdùa`d. Wnmtdvdr at as) wnmt hods at

smy mbout jd tnmt swddpa`g nas loors m`h hoa`g nas hasnds nms bdd`

tnd nagniagnt o jy sujjdr? Xohmy A bmedh m cmed m`h put togdtndrm pacàc iu`cn to cdidbrmtd watn naj. Xd cmed as cnocoimtd ‘ watn

cnocoimtd aca`g ‘ bdcmusd Vdrcy‑s coja`g watn jd.

Jr. Coid‑s nousd as mbout m twd`ty*lvd*jaùtd wmie roj ours)

m`h a you dvdr vasatdh ndrd at wouih bd tnd o`d nousd you‑h wm`t to

sdd. At iooes tnd wmy A tnaè àcd pdopid wno nmvd`‑t bdd` to our

prova`cd jagnt ajmga`d @dw Bru`swace to bd. At‑s m bag oih wnatd

mrjnousd watn m wrmpmrou`h porcn. At nms m gam`t sa`gid poa`ty



U =< Z

gmbid m`h m ia`d ol sax iagntà`g rohs watn cobmit*biud giobds o` tnd

roo At‑s how` `dmr tnd ravdr) protdctdh o` tnd wa`hy sahd m`h bmce

by m stm`h o pa`ds But probmbiy tnd bdst tna`g as tnas mjmza`giy

bdmutaui owdra`g crmbmppid ragnt a` tnd jahhid o tnd ro`t ymrh

Jr. Coid‑s mtndr grmdh at roj two trdds) so a` tnd spra`g at nms botn

iagnt paè m`h hddp jmroo` biossojs.

Jr. Coid wms bor` a` tnd nousd. Nd a`ndratdh at lroj nas pmrd`ts

mio`g watn tnd mrj m`h dagnty*lvd mcrds At‑s miwmys bdd` a` nas

lmjaiy) pmssa`g lroj gd`drmtao` to gd`drmtao`) sa`cd Lrdhdrace Kon`

Xojms Coid wms gavd` tnd oraga`mi im`h grm`t wnd` nd cmjd to tnd

prova`cd .A eòw bdcmusd A hah m scnooi prokdct o` naj wnd` wd

wdrd stuhya`g tnd Ioymiasts.!

Jr. Coid woredh o` nas mrj) eddpa`g m bag ndrh o hmary cows u`tai

nd tur`dh sdvd`ty. Xd` nd soih ol mii tnd cows m`h dquapjd`t to rdtard

m`h spd`h jord tajd watn nas wald Ratm. Xdy wdrd ’kust o`d ol tnosd

uìucey coupids‚ wno `dvdr nmh m`y cnaihrd` Jr Coid nmh iots o

nardh jd` ovdr tnd ydmrs) m`h m `dpndw) ojjy) wno iooedh projasa`gu`tai nd tur`dh dagntdd` m`h bdcmjd tnd ravdr vmiidy‑s rdsahd`t nooiagm`)

but ò o`d to co`taùd tnd mjaiy trmhatao` Jr Coid m`h Ratm nmh m

ldw ydmrs togdtndr to sat o` tnd porcn m`h rdjaàscd. Xd` Ratm hadh.

Xmt‑s wny Jr Coid‑s mio`d òw a` nas bag oih nousd Xmt‑s wny tnd

wdarh eahs lroj up tnd romh mrd tnrowa`g naj m bartnhmy pmrty.

Vdrcy as cmrrya`g tnd pacàc bmsedt m`h A‑vd got tnd cmed. A` tnd bmsedt

tndrd mrd tnrdd romst bdd sm`hwacnds) tnrdd nmrh*boaidh dggs) m bag

bmg ol Nujpty Hujpty cnaps) two bottids ol @dsbatt‑s Orm`gd) m`h m

Scnoo`dr bddr jy jotndr tooe roj jy mtndr‑s cmsd. Snd smah to gavd

ndr iovd to hdmr oih Diias) wno snd‑s eòw` ndr wnoid iald. A jmhd naj

m cmrh m`h brougnt m pmce o Sportsjm` cagmrdttds ms m ga. A‑j wdmra`g

m hrdss) m`h dvd` tnougn at‑s swditdra`g not) you*eòw*wno nms o`

nas wnatd *snart ‘ watn kdm`s. Jy jotndr tradh cutta`g m`h ndjja`g



U =7 Z

m pmar o`cd to tur` tndj a`to snorts) but Vdrcy mbsoiutdiy rdusdh to

wdmr tndj m`h jy mtndr got mgatmtdh mbout tnd wmstdh jo`dy.

Mbout nmiwmy how` Jr. Coid‑s io`g hravdwmy A ndmr) ’Ruby) pidmsd

stop wmiea`g òw. A mj tara`g.‚ So A trmhd watn Vdrcy ‘ nas bmsedt or

tnd cmed. At‑s tnd lrst tna`g Jr. Coid òtacds ms wd rou`h tnd cor`dr

o tnd nousd. Nd‑s wmata`g o` tnd porcn.

’Gooh`dss)‚ nd smys. ’Xmt‑s m `d*iooea`g cmed. Smeds miavd) Vdrcy)

you just nmvd usdh your sdcrdt rdcapd.‚

Vdrcy o coursd nms ò ahdm tnas as rad`hiy koea`g.

’A just cimray at wms Ruby wno jmhd at)‚ nd smys) ’roj m rdcapd

a` tnd hdssdrts sdctao` o our jotndr‑s Lavd Rosds Cooe Booe.‚

Jr. Coid sjaids m`h snmeds nas ndmh.

’Our jotndr smys wd snouih gavd you tnd jdssmgd o ndr iovd)‚

Vdrcy smys) gdtta`g tnas out o tnd wmy.

Ragnt. Jr. Coid nms tmiedh to Vdrcy iots o tajds bdord tnougn

m`h eòws wnmt nd‑s iaed. M`h sa`cd Vdrcy as`‑t jmea`g dyd co`tmct)

nd hods`‑t òtacd wnd` Jr. Coid waès mt jd.

Wnd` snd wms growa`g up) jy jotndr iavdh o` tnd mr sahd o Jr. Coid‑s

mrj. Jy grm`hpmrd`ts‑ pimcd wms bag too) but òtna`g ciosd to tnd

sazd o nas. Xdy mrjdh m iattid kust or tndjsdivds) but jy grm`hmtndr

woredh out a` tnd woohs cutta`g trdds. Dvd` wnd` nd wms oih m`h

jassa`g tnrdd `gdrs nd staii cut bougns m`h jmhd Cnrastjms wrdmtns

to bd snappdh mwmy m`h nu`g o` tnd hoors o tmii buaiha`gs a` @dw

Qore Caty.

Xdrd wms m cdhmr d`cd bdtwdd` tnd two propdrtads. At edpt

Jr. Coid‑s cows roj wm`hdra`g m`h wms tnd ragnt ndagnt or jy

jotndr to sat o` watn ndr hrmwa`g booe dvdry sujjdr hmy. Snd‑h

sedtcn iattid rdh squarrdis m`h cnapjuès) guiis tnmt ldw mbovd tnd

ravdr) hmasads m`h brow`*dydh Susm`s) hrmgo`lads) buttdrlads) ciouhs

snmpdh iaed rmbbats m`h m`gdis) m`h o`cd) Jr. Coid o` nas trmctor



U => Z

roiia`g up nmy. Jr. Coid sojdtajds tooe m brdme to mhjard ndr wore.

Jy jotndr smys snd `dvdr orgot mii nas ea`h worhs) m`h snd dvd` gmvd

Jr Coid tnmt hrmwa`g o naj Nd staii nms at At‑s a` m` oih Cm`mham`

Ciub cagmr box mio`g watn nas mjaiy pnotos) m prdssdh our*idm ciovdr)

m`h tnd gooh goih cuaès nd wdmrs to cnurcn. Nd snowdh jd wnd`

A cmjd to wore tnd rst hmy

A tnaè at‑s pmrtiy bdcmusd ol Jr. Coid tnmt jy jotndr bdcmjd m

pma`tdr Jostiy snd tmeds cmrd o Vdrcy m`h jd) but sojdtajds wnd`

wd cojd nojd lroj scnooi ndr mrt suppiads mrd out m`h ndr dmsdi as

stm`ha`g by tnd wa`how a` tnd eatcnd`. Snd pma`ts dvdrytna`g a` nmppy

coiours Xd àgnt sey a` ndr pma`ta`gs as`‑t bimce) but purpid or tur*

quoasd ‘ m`h tnd stmrs mrd paè or orm`gd. Snd hods`‑t pma`t m`ytna`g

tnd coiour tnmt otndr pdopid tnaè at snouih bd. Snd tur`s grmssy naiis

a`to ydiiow squaggids m`h tnd ravdr) wnacn snd miwmys pma`ts iaimc) as m

io`g ia`d o zagzmgs

A iovd ndr pma`ta`gs) m`h you eòw now pdopid waii mse al your

nousd cmugnt lrd wnmt wouih you tmed? A‑h tmed tnd pma`ta`g tnmt nm`gsmbovd jy bdh At‑s o jd) kust m ta`y hoii watn io`g biud nmar satta`g o`

tnd rool ol our paè*m`h*rdh nousd. Xd nousd as nagn o` m crooedh

ydiiow naii satta`g iaed m` asim`h a` tnd iaimc wmtdr. A‑j surd A cm` sdd tnd

wnoid ravdr vmiidy roj wndrd A sat Jy jotndr pma`tdh at or jy ln

bartnhmy) ragnt bdord snd nmh Vdrcy A tnaè at‑s tnd bdst gal A‑vd dvdr

bdd` gavd` m`h probmbiy tnd bdst pma`ta`g snd‑s dvdr ho`d. Snd‑s `dvdr

pma`tdh m pacturd or Vdrcy. Ndr pma`ta`gs botndr naj. Vdrcy iavds a` m

worih wndrd grmss cm` oìy bd grdd` m`h tnd ravdr cm` oìy bd biud

Otndr pdopid iaed tndj tnougn) m`h tnd td` or twdivd snd pma`ts

dvdry ydmr miwmys sdii ragnt mwmy .roj m gmiidry a` Lrdhdracto`! Snd

wms dvd` msedh to pma`t m pacturd or tnd vasat o ]udd` Diazmbdtn m`h

Vra`cd Vnaiap a` =141 so at couih bd gavd` ms o`d o tnd gals roj tnd

prova`cd. Snd pma`tdh tnd ravdr watn Jr. Coid‑s nousd satta`g o` tnd

snord a` tnd hastm`cd. At‑s sojdtna`g Jr. Coid m`h A tmie mbout m iot



U =1 Z

wnd` wd sap tdm o` nas porcn. Jy bag koed as tnmt A cm` sojdtajds

ddi tnd ]udd` stmra`g mt us) a` our jaàmturd pma`t*hot orjs) wnd`

snd‑s stm`ha`g a` ro`t o tnd rmjd) wmy mcross tnd ocdm` ‘ a` ndr

curidrs m`h u`hdrpm`ts. Wnd` A wms you`gdr A iaedh to tnaè tnd

pma`ta`g wms nm`ga`g a` tnd roymi bdhrooj kust iaed jy pma`ta`g nm`gs

a` ja`d) so at‑s tnd rst tna`g snd sdds wnd` snd gdts up a` tnd jorà`g.

A eòw at‑s òt m`h rdmiastacmiiy probmbiy tnd bdst wd cm` nopd or as

sojd nmiiwmy. Jr. Coid m`h A `dvdr tmie mbout tnd mct tnmt at jmy

a`stdmh bd a` tnd roymi mttac) or bmsdjd`t) or cmstid gmrmgd. But dvd`

a tnd pma`ta`g as a` o`d o tnosd pimcds) tnmt hods`‑t cnm`gd now prouh

Jr. Coid iooes wnd` nd jd`tao`s at) sajpiy eòwa`g at dxasts.

Wd wmie roj tnd nousd pmst tnd lowdra`g crmbmppid trdd to tnd wmtdr.

Jr. Coid as cmrrya`g m` oih rdh*m`h*wnatd stmr*pmttdr` quait or us to

sat o`) Vdrcy nms tnd pacàc bmsedt) m`h A‑vd tmed` bmce tnd cmed. Lor

tnd rst twd`ty*vd ddt a` ro`t o tnd nousd Jr. Coid nms tnd grmss

cut snort m`h `dmt) but mrtndr out at‑s ms tmii ms tnd nmy a` nas oih dihs.At‑s seajja`g tnd bottoj o jy hrdss ms wd go. Vdrcy‑s a` tnd idmh)

tnd` Jr. Coid) tnd` jd.

A‑j noiha`g tnd cmed àcd m`h lmt m`h cmrdui wnd` A bm`g a`to

sojdtna`g. A ho`‑t mii m`h tnd cmed hods`‑t go ya`g) but at squasnds

m rou`h brow` spiotcn o`to jy cndst. Jy hrdss as m ydiiow ga`gnmj

òw hdcormtdh watn wnmt iooes iaed m gam`t cow pmtty.

Vdrcy as mr dòugn mndmh tnmt nd hods`‑t òtacd. Jr. Coid hods

tnougn) m`h A ddi sucn m wmvd o ndmt rusn to tnd d`tard surmcd o jy

sea`) at‑s m wo`hdr at hods ‑̀t tomst wnmt‑s idl o tnd cmed.

’Mrd you mii ragnt) Ruby?‚

A òh. ’But iooe) A cm`‑t bdiadvd at. A‑j so sorry.‚ Wnmt‑s idl o tnd

aca`g as mii juhhy vmiidys m`h pdmes.

’At‑s mii ragnt)‚ nd smys. ’Gooh`dss) m iattid idss rosta`g as probmbiy

bdst m`ywmy or m` oih diim iaed jd.‚



U 26 Z

Vdrcy stops) tur`s m`h cojds bmce.

’Ruby) at mppdmrs you nmvd rua`dh Jr. Coid‑s sdvd`ty*̀ a`tn bartnhmy

cmed. As at staii dhabid a` ats prdsd`t co`hatao`?‚

’On yds) yds)‚ Jr. Coid smys. ’Ho`‑t worry) you cm` dvd` nmvd two

padcds.‚

’Xmè you or tnd oldr)‚ Vdrcy smys. ’But A bdiadvd o`d waii bd

pid`ty.‚

A nm`h tnd jm`gidh cmed to Jr. Coid m`h nurry bmce to tnd nousd

to cidm` jy hrdss. A try òt to tmed io`g mt tnd eatcnd` saè) scrmpa`g

ol rosta`g) biotta`g m`h rubba`g) tnd` A ndmh out mgma` to rdtrmcd

jy stdps. Jmybd A‑j dxtrm sd`satavd sa`cd jy semta`g hasmstdr) but A

`ddh to eòw wnmt jmhd jd trap. Ms io`g ms tndrd‑s m gam`t nahhd`

trdd root) bag roce) lmiid` brm`cn) hdmh squarrdi ‘ m`ytna`g ‘ tnd` at

hods`‑t jdm` A‑j dxcdptao`miiy ciujsy.

Vdrcy m`h Jr. Coid mrd how` mt tnd snord. Xdy nmvd`‑t sdt m`ytna`g

up ydt) but Jr. Coid as eddpa`g Vdrcy occupadh. A cm` tdii nd‑s snowa`g

Vdrcy tnd spot o` tnd iowdst lmt brm`cn o nas gam`t pa`d trdd wndrdnd eddps nas soces m`h snods) cooi m`h out o tnd wmy) wnd`dvdr nd

gods a` wmha`g.

A'j rdiadvdh to sdd sojdtna`g stacea`g up m iattid mbovd tnd grmss

tnmt A `dvdr couih nmvd òtacdh watn tnd cmed a` jy nm`hs. At‑s m

woohd` stmed. Xd top as pma`tdh orm`gd m`h tnd cut wooh staii iooes

lrdsn) ms al at nms`‑t bdd` ndrd io`g. Jr. Coid just nmvd kust lorgottd`

to tdii us to wmtcn our stdp.

A ru` how` m`h koa` Vdrcy m`h Jr. Coid) m`h wd sat o` tnd quait

lor our pacàc. At‑s m iattid cooidr by tnd wmtdr) but tnd su` as staii stro`g.

Wd stmy lor m` nour m`h dmt our iu`cn. Vdrcy m`h A hraè our @dsbatt‑s

Orm`gd m`h Jr. Coid hraès nas bddr. Wnd` at‑s tajd or tnd cmed) A

tmed m cm`hid lroj tnd pacàc bmsedt) iagnt at) m`h sa`g. Jr. Coid sjaids

m`h biows at out) m`h A wo`hdr a nd nms wasndh or m`ytna`g.



U 2= Z

•

A cojpidtdiy lorgdt mbout tnd stmed ‘ u`tai tnd pno`d cmiis stmrt. Mii

o m suhhd` at‑s iaed m Nmvd`to`*wahd `dws lmsn tnmt Jrs. Ho``m

Hoyid lou`h m survdy jmredr mt tnd cdjdtdry) m`h mt idmst tnrdd otndr

pdopid smw m jm` watn survdy dquapjd`t dmta`g nas iu`cn mcross tnd

ravdr by tnd Voeaoe Lmiis. Xd cdjdtdry stmed wms stmbbdh ragnt mbovd

tnd bo`y tod ol Jrs. Hoyid‑s hdmh grdmt*grm`hlmtndr) so at hah`‑t tmed

ndr io`g to puii at out m`h patcn at a`to tnd ravdr. Snd nmh go`d to imy

m wrdmtn mt tnd oot o nas grmvd m`h couih`‑t nmvd at iooea`g iaed m

rahacuious gmjd ol ra`g toss watn tnd post stacea`g up a` tnd jahhid.

’Cm` you ajmga`d? Ajmga`d-‚ snd nmh smah wnd` snd smw jy jotndr

m`h jd mt Lostdr‑s Stord m`h at wms our tur` to ndmr tnd story.

Xd rdmi qudstao` tnougn) wms wnmt tnd stmed wms hoa`g tndrd. Xd

jaàstdr e`dw ̀ otna`g mbout at. Xd two jd` wno tooe tur`s jowa`g

tnd cdjdtdry imw` e`dw òtna`g mbout at. Xd oih coupid wno iavdh

mcross tnd romh wms ciudidss too. Xdrd wdrd iots ol koeds mbout gnostiy

jascnadl m`h otndrworihiy crdmturds. Sojd pdopid iovdh to hwdii o`wnmt couih nmppd` a` m grmvdymrh mt àgnt. A wouih`‑t bd surprasdh

al a` m ldw hmys at tur`s out tnmt Jrs. Hoyid rappdh up tnmt stmed m`h

stmbbdh at a` tnd dvai ndmrt o m vmjpard. Xmt‑s wnmt A‑h smy a A wms

tnd typd to rdpdmt gossap. Bdiadvd jd) tnd jord ooiasn or m`tmstac

tnd story) tnd bdttdr.

Co`sahdra`g tnd hasrdspdctui`dss o tnd pimcdjd`t o tnd stace

m`h tnd imce ol cojjuàcmtao` mbout tnd wnoid tna`g) soo` dòugn

at bdcojds tnd iocmi co`sd`sus tnmt at couih oìy nmvd bdd` ho`d by

tnd govdr`jd`t. Xmt miso tmeds cmrd ol dxpimaà`g tnd survdyor ‘ tnd

o`d tnmt otndr pdopid smw `dmr tnd Voeaoe Lmiis m`h Vdrcy m`h A smw

o` tnd Nmwesnmw Brahgd.

Vdopid mrd cmiia`g jy lmtndr) tnaèa`g nd jagnt nmvd sojd a`lor*

jmtao`. At‑s bdcmusd nd wores lor tnd govdr`jd`t a` Lrdhdracto`. Nd

wores lor tnd Hdpmrtjd`t ol Imbour) but pdopid datndr ho`‑t rdjdjbdr



U 22 Z

or kust agòrd tnmt. Xdy miwmys sddj to mssujd nd jagnt nmvd m ciud

mbout mijost m`ytna`g tnd poiatacam`s hdcahd or ho. At probmbiy hods`‑t

ndip tnmt nd o`cd toih tnd jaàstdr‑s wad tnmt tnd prdjadr‑s ocd wms

a` nas buaiha`g. @ow dvdryo`d agurds nd nms mccdss to sdcrdt

aòrjmtao` ‘ iaed nd spd`hs mii nas tajd trya`g to ovdrndmr pim`s)

mttdjpta`g to iooe cmsumi) kust nm`ga`g out sjoea`g a` tnd nmiis.

Jmybd occmsao`miiy nd hods eòw sojdtna`g. But wnd` pdopid cmii

A ndmr m` mwui iot o ’Wdii) your gudss as ms gooh ms ja`d. A‑j mrmah

A cm`‑t ndip you tndrd. A kust ho`‑t eòw.‚

Nd miwmys sou`hs rad`hiy dòugn) but tnd` mdr nd nm`gs up

nd‑ii smy to jy jotndr) ’Cnrast) wny cm`‑t tndy kust idmvd jd?‚ Snd‑ii

sojdtajds smy ’At‑s bdcmusd tndy rdspdct you Kmce) you eòw tnmt.‚

Xd`) ’Xdrd mrd worsd posatao`s to bd a`. Qou snouih`‑t cojpima`.‚

A ho`‑t eòw a tnmt‑s dxmctiy tnd cmsd) rdspdcta`g naj) or a at‑s jord

tnmt pdopid mrd òsy. But A tnaè jy jotndr tdiis jy mtndr tnmt pdopid

rdspdct naj bdcmusd at jmeds naj swdmr idss m`h ddi gooh. At jmy bd

trud or at jmy òt bd. Or at jmy bd trud or m` d`tardiy haldrd`trdmso`.

Jr. Coid smah o`cd tnmt tndrd wdrd m iot o jd` mrou`h wno wouih

iaed to bd jy mtndr. M`h òt bdcmusd nd wores or tnd govdr`jd`t)

but bdcmusd nd‑s jmrradh to jy jotndr.

Rdgmrhidss) at‑s kust tnd wmy tna`gs mrd mrou`h ndrd. Dvdrybohy

eòws dvdrybohy m`h sa`cd òtna`g waihiy dxcata`g sddjs to nmppd )̀

ò o`d‑s ndmh gdts so liidh watn `dw aòrjmtao` tnmt tndy orgdt mii

tnd qudstao`mbiy sagàlcm`t dvd t̀s o tnd pmst. Iaed Jrs. Cujja`gs

swmiiowdh m pa` o`cd wnd` snd wms ndjja`g ndr hmugntdr‑s wdhha`g

hrdss. At‑s staii a` ndr) poea`g mrou`h) m`h a snd dvdr hrops hdmh tnd`

m prace to tnd ndmrt waii bd tnd cmusd. Jmso` Naggs nms wdbbdh l`gdrs

m`h o`cd snot m tnrdd*idggdh joosd. Jrs. Robba`s as co`sahdrdh iucey

bdcmusd snd wo` tnd hoor prazd mt tnd St. Vmtrace‑s Hmy tdm two ydmrs

a` m row. At‑s wny A ho`‑t noih out nopd o m`yo`d orgdtta`g mbout jy



U 23 Z

ndmh*boèa`g m`y tajd soo`. But mhuits ho`‑t tdmsd dmcn otndr. @o

o`d gods mrou`h smya`g to Jrs. Cujja`gs ’Ndy) A tnaè A kust ndmrh

sojdtna`g pop. Mrd you lddia`g oemy?‚ tnd` imugna`g jmàmcmiiy.

Xmt‑s tnd hadrd`cd.

O` tnd topac ol tnd d`tnrmiia`g stmed) dvdryo`d dvd`tumiiy mgrdds tnd

bdst gudss mbout ats purposd as tnmt tnd oih Nmwesnmw Brahgd as bda`g

rdpimcdh. At wms buait a` tnd dmriy =166s) m`h a` tnd wa`tdr tnd stddp

romh tnmt idmhs how` to at as miwmys m siappdry jdss.

Xmt eddps dvdryo`d nmppy lor jmybd m hmy) but ms soo` ms tnmt

jystdry as soivdh) `dw qudstao`s stmrt. Wndrd waii tnd brahgd bd? Ho

you tnaè at‑ ii bd cmiidh tnd Nmvd`to` Brahgd tnas tajd? Wnmt waii

nmppd` to tnd oih o`d? Now io`g waii at tmed to buaih? Wno waii iosd

pmrt ol tndar im`h lor m `dw romh? Wnmt waii nmppd` mt tnd d`h ol our

romh watn ò brahgd tndrd m`yjord? At‑s mii A ndmr wnd` A go m`ywndrd

watn jy pmrd`ts ‘ tnd oìy pdopid bdsahds Vdrcy tnmt A spd`h tajd

watn tndsd hmys. Brahgd. On gooh`dss) tnd `dw brahgd. Hah A jd`tao`tnd brahgd? Xd Nmwesnmw Brahgd as miia`g how`) jy hdmr imhads.

Qou‑h tnaè tndy wdrd tmiea`g mbout sojd jmgacmi brahgd

co``dcta`g @dw Bru`swace to VDA tnd wmy at‑s miwmys tnd cd`trd ol

co`vdrsmtao`.

At‑s tnd àgnt bdlord scnooi stmrts m`h A nmvd bdttdr tna`gs to tnaè

mbout tnm` tnd brahgd. Lor tnd pmst dw hmys A‑vd nmh m` a`crdmsa`giy

stro`g lddia`g iaed A‑j iava`g a` tnmt sdco`h bdlord tnd tdmcndr cmiis o`

jd wnd` A nmvd ò ahdm ol tnd m`swdr. Xojorrow as goa`g to bd dòugn

ol m probidj watnout worrya`g mbout sojd trm`sportmtao` upgrmhd

tnmt jmy or jmy òt nmppd` ydmrs a` tnd luturd. But A ovdrndmr jy

pmrd`ts tmiea`g mbout tnd brahgd ms A iad a` bdh m`h ms usumi jy jotndr‑s

co`cdr` as Vdrcy. Snd‑s smya`g nas bottids) nas cnmrts) tnd ravdr ‘ tndsd

mrd mii tnd tna`gs tnmt jmed naj nmppy. Xdrd‑s ò wmy nd wo`‑t l`h



U 28 Z

out mbout tnd brahgd mt scnooi tojorrow) dvd` tnougn wd‑vd ho`d our

bdst up to òw to eddp at roj naj.

’At‑s kust m rujour)‚ jy mtndr smys. ’M`h at‑s ò haldrd`t tnm` m`y

otndr hmj` tna`g tnd eahs jmed up to gdt naj goa`g.‚

’But at as haldrd`t) Kmce) you eòw tnmt. Xd `dw brahgd couih bd

jaids roj ndrd. Wnmt wouih nd ho tnd`?‚

’Jmybd nd‑ii grow out o at)‚ jy mtndr smys. Xas as sojdtna`g A‑vd

bdd` ndmra`g sa`cd Vdrcy wms tnrdd. ’M`h bdsahds) at jagnt òt dvd`

bd trud.‚

’Qou rdmiiy nmvd`‑t ndmrh m`ytna`g mt wore?‚

’@o.‚

’@otna`g mt mii?‚

’Cnrast) Iaiy.‚

At‑s quadt m`h A‑h bdt jy mtndr‑s tmea`g m io`g hraè o nas bddr.

’Kmce) you‑h tdii jd) ragnt?‚ Xd to`d o ndr voacd as siagntiy haldrd`t.

’A‑h kust iaed to eòw so A nmvd m cnm`cd to dxpima` at to naj.‚

A ndmr sojdo`d gdt up) A‑ii gudss jy mtndr) m`h go to tnd eatcnd`.A iastd` or m dw jord jaùtds) but ò o`d as smya`g m`ytna`g disd. A

try to cidmr jy ndmh) but at‑s òt dmsy. Mttdjpta`g òt to tnaè mbout

Ku`d Crousd iya`g a` wmat lor jd a` tnd jorà`g jdm`s wo`hdra`g

a`stdmh mbout tnd survdy stmed a` Jr Coid‑s ymrh .wnacn A nmvd`‑t

jd`tao`dh to m`yo`d! m`h tnd otndr o`d mt tnd cdjdtdry A‑j ò

d`ga`ddr) but tndy‑rd so mr roj dmcn otndr A rdmiiy ho`‑t eòw wnmt

datndr couih nmvd to ho watn m `dw brahgd. A u`hdrstm`h wny m`ytna`g

to ho watn tnd ravdr gdts pdopid mrou`h ndrd dxcatdh) ms at as tnd o`d

tna`g wd nmvd a` cojjo` Lroj mii ol our ymrhs) or hravdwmys) or

upstmars wa`hows) at‑s m biud ia`d a` tnd bmcegrou`h. Jmybd A‑j sace

ol ndmra`g mbout tnd `dw brahgd) but A ho wo`hdr al dvdryo`d couih

bd wro`g.





M gorgdous coja`g*ol*mgd story

a` tnd trmhatao` ol Kmspdr Ko`ds

Iava`g watn m wdarh brotndr a` m sjmii tow` cm` bd tougn dòugn.Nmva`g m spdctmcuimr lmii tnrougn tnd acd mt m semta`g pmrty m`h `dmriy

hrowà`g mrd grou`hs lor djbmrrmssjd`t. But nmva`g m vasao` m`h`mrrmta`g at to tnd mssdjbidh crowh soiahads your stmtus ms m` outcmst.

Wnmt Ruby Cmrso` smw hura`g tnmt lmtdlui hmy wms ndr d`tard tow`)buaiha`gs m`h pdopid) omta`g u`hdrwmtdr. Xnd` m` orm`gd*tappdhsurvdyor stmed tur`s up a` m lmrjdr‑s dih. Mòtndr as lou`h a` tnd

cdjdtdry. M jm` watn survdya`g dquapjd`t as spottdh dmta`g iu`cn `dmrVoeaoe Lmiis. Xnd rdsahd`ts ol Nmvdrto` soo` hascovdr tnmt m jmssavd hmj

as bda`g co`structdh m`h tnmt jost ol tndar nojds waii bd swmiiowdh by

tnd rasa`g wmtdr.

Suspacao`s jou`t) tdjpdrs mrd) m`h sdcrdts mrd rdvdmidh. Ms tnd tow`prdpmrds lor ats ow` hdjasd) =8*ydmr*oih Ruby Cmrso` sdds at mii lrojm lro`t*row sdmt. Sdt a` tnd =1<6s) Xnd Xow` Xnmt Hrow`dh dvoeds tnd

mwewmrh`dss ol cnaihnooh) tnd tnraii ol rst iovd) m`h tnd ajportm`cd ol nmva`g m pimcd to cmii nojd. Mwmrh*wa`à`g wratdr Radi @mso`‑s edd`

a`sagnts a`to nujm` `mturd m`h tnd hdptn ol nujm` mttmcnjd`t to pimcdjmed tnas òvdi rappid a` m` mjbdr td`sao` ol iagnt m`h snmhow.

Qou cm` miso rdmh tnas cnmptdr oìa`d mt miid`m`hu`wa`.cojMvmaimbid a` stord Jmrcn 26=3

WA@@DR 26=2 COJJO@WDMIXN BOOE VRA[D

.CM@MHM M@H DTROVD!

Documents

Riel Nason - The Town That Drowned (Extract)