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Chapter One
My name is Peter York. I place here before you the testimony of the great crisis in my life,how it came to pass and what was the result.
In the fall of 1767, when I was twelve years of age, my family perished by a fever. I alone, by God's grace, was spared.
The evening of the funeral I was at the minister's house, and while I sat alone by the kitchen table, a meeting was held in the next room to decide what was to be done with me.
The knowledge that they were debating my future made me frantic, — afraid as I was that none would have me. For though I was willing to work, I had nothing I could call my own save our mare, Jumper. Sitting there I longed to cry, but dared not, lest they discover me and think me an infant.
When at last the meeting grew still, I knew a decision had been reached. Sure enough, the door opened and the minister walked in.
"Peter," he announced, "here's Mister Shinn to take you.
I looked past the minister. There in the dim light of the candle I recognized the Quaker Everett Shinn, a man I knew only as the leader of the Quaker community and by the fact that he was the township's justice of the Peace.
"Mister Shinn has kindly consented to take you in, Peter," said the minister. "If you promise to work hard, he'll treat you well."
"Yes, sir, " I replied.
"Stand up and take his hand to mark the bargain," the minister prompted, a smile of charity glowing on his face.
I did as I was told. Mr. Shinntook my hand solemnly, peered at me, and nodded.
"Come, boy," urged the minister. "Have you nothing to say?
I hardly knew what to speak. "Thank you, sir," I managed.
"Good!" cried the minister. "Mister Shinn, as ever, you're a credit to our township!
In moments my horse was led out. Mr. Shinn mounted her and pulled me up behind him. Off we set in the dark for my new home and life. Mr. Shinn had not said one word.
Night Journeys. Copyright © by Richard Saul Avi. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold.
