Samuel returned to his room. As he threw his jacket on the bureau the brochure came flying off, and landed on his bed. Samuel picked it up as he sat down and sat staring at it. Suddenly he picked up the phone and quickly punched out the number that had been written on the back.
"Northshore visitor's residence!" came a pleasant woman's voice.
"May I speak with Speaker Polley?" Samuel asked.
"Captain Polley is unavailable," the woman answered. "When the call went out for reserve officers to report for service he went to the nearest military base. I understand, however, they are being released from service, and that he should be back in a day or so. May I give him some message for you?"
"This is Samuel at the Mission Hill residence. Would you tell him, matron, I called and said I'll go?"
"Oh, yes!" the woman answered, obvious pleasure in her voice. "We have heard of that situation! I will advise the Speaker of your decision just as soon as he arrives, and let others involved know beforehand, so things can be in the works with the local authorities."
"Thank you!" Samuel concluded, and hung up.
A few minutes later Alfie came by, walked in the door, and stood there rather nervous. "What?" Samuel asked.
"That place you're going," he asked, "think they'd have room for anybody else?"
"I don't know," Samuel answered, "but I'll ask."
Alfie smiled and nodded. "Sam," he continued, "I maean Samuel, you still got that book on the holocaust?"
"Sure!" Samuel answered.
"Can I borrow it?" Alfie asked.
Samuel got up and went over to his small collection of books, and took the one about the holocaust off the shelf. He opened it and looked at the inscription on the inside. "To the great grandson I prayed for," it read, "from a survivor."
Samuel walked over and held out the book. "Keep it!" he insisted.
"I couldn't!" Alfie stammered.
"You need it more than I do!" Samuel insisted. "Great Grandfather wold enjoy you having it. I know it by heart anyway."
"You know what we were taught about Jesus," Alfie managed. "I just want you to know Samuel, it's all lies. the people that taught it to me are sick. I just want you to know I understand that now."
Samuel smiled. "I ALWAYS knew that," he answered.
The next days seemed to crawl by. Then finally one afternoon Speaker Polley came to the facility. "We've managed to get a judge to squeeze you in tomorrow," he announced. The state has agreed to suspend all charges on the condition that you go to The Academy and complete your education. As long as there's no further trouble in five years they'll be dropped completely. Once the hearing is over with we can leave the day after."
"THAT soon?" Samuel objected. "I haven't even started to pack!"
"The matrons will help with that," The Speaker put in. "You'll be ready to go on time. Hope you like train rides! It's slower, but it's cheaper than flying, and more comfortable than a bus."
"I'd love it!" Samuel put in. "Oh! There's another boy here, Alfred. He was wondering if you could speak with him, if there might be another opening at the school."
The Speaker shook his head. "'Fraid not!" he answered. "But I may know of something else. I'll speak to an associate of mine. They'll get in touch with him."
"Thanks!" Samuel put in.
"Gotta go!" The Speaker announced.
The hearing was a breeze. The judge praised Samuel for taking advantage of such a slpendid opportunity. Before Samuel knew it the Speaker was putting him in the back of his car.
"We've got to make one stop before the train," The Speaker announced. "When we get there stay in the car, no matter what happens. Don't move!"
"Sure!" Samuel remarked.
"Oh," The Speaker continued, as he drove, "your school application has to have a surname. I've got to ship the papers on ahead. I've got to have the name right now!"
Samuel thought a moment, then said "How about Star?" He saw The Speaker's face take on a strange expression in the rear view mirror, then it returned to normal and he nodded.
"I'll make out the papers just as soon as we get to the station," he remarked. He remained silent until they pulled up to the curb, in front of a bar. Motorcycles were everywhere in front of it.
"Remember," The Speaker snapped, "don't get out of the car!"
He got out and walked into the bar. A few moments later Samuel heard three loud crashes and some loud hollering. A few moments later The Speaker emerged from the bar, a lovely young oriental girl in tow dressed in a skimpy pair of shorts and a lacy halter top that hid virtually nothing. The Speaker opened the door. The girl got inside and sat down with a huff.

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