Gabriel's Journey by Alison Hart Read Free Book Online Page A

stripes on his sleeve. The trumpeter sounds several notes and the captain says, “Dismissed.”
    Most of the soldiers head off. A few stop to introduce themselves: Private Joseph Black, Private Crutcher, Private Morton, and Corporal Vaughn, who has taken over Pa’s position in the squad. I shake their hands numbly.
    â€œWelcome to Company B, Gabriel,” Private Black says. “You gave us a good laugh!” Contrary to his name, Private Black is light skinned. “I’m especially pleased to meet you. My own sons are ’bout your size, and I surely miss them,” he adds solemnly.
    Corporal Vaughn shakes my hand last. He’s fresh faced, not much older than me. His palm is uncalloused, and he wears glasses. Might be he’s a scholar. “Your pa has told us much about you.”
    When all the soldiers have left, I finally look at Pa. His expression is stony. “What are you doing—?”
    â€œI think I can explain,” Captain Waite breaks in. “Mister Giles telegraphed me about Gabriel’s decision to come to Camp Nelson. He knew the boy would need an entry into camp, and thought I could supply it. He also wrote glowingly of Gabriel’s skill with horses, something sorely needed in Company B.”
    â€œThank you, sir,” Pa says. I think I detect a hint of pride in his voice, but there’s a dark frown on his face. “Permission to be excused?” When the captain nods, Pa puts his hand on my shoulder and leads me a few paces away from Captain Waite. “You left Woodville Farm and jockeying?” His tone is harsh.
    â€œYes sir. It was time to move on.”
    His spine goes rigid. “Your mama and I specifically ordered you to stay at the farm.”
    â€œBut, Pa, I wanted to be here with you and Ma. I want to help the Yankees fight for freedom.”
    â€œAt Camp Nelson, we obey orders. We don’t run away without permission.”
    â€œI
can
obey soldiers’ orders. But, Pa,” I protest, “I ain’t a slave no more. I made up my own mind. And I didn’t run away. Mister Giles gave me permission.”
    â€œDoes your ma know you’re here?”
    â€œYes sir. Annabelle and me—”
    â€œAnnabelle! You brought her, too?” Pa jerks his forage cap off his head and slaps it against his leg. I’ve never seen him so riled up.
    â€œI thought you’d be pleased I was here, sir. Captain Waite believes I’ll be useful.”
    Pa doesn’t dare throw a murderous glance at Captain Waite, so he aims it at me. “Then I’ll leave it to Captain Waite to decide what to do with you,” he retorts, and he strides off in the direction of the mess tent.
    I watch him go, wondering if I made a powerful mistake by coming to Camp Nelson.
    â€œSergeant Alexander seems peeved with you,” Captain Waite says.
    â€œThat’s for certain.” I pick up my bundle and dust it off. “And I wouldn’t blame you, Captain Waite, if you sent me packin’ after slammin’ into you like that. I wouldn’t want a coward like me in Company B.”
    â€œGabriel, you’re too young to enlist in the company, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be useful. We have many civilians working and living at Camp Nelson.”
    I don’t know what a civilian is, but his words sound encouraging.
    â€œYour pa will settle down,” Captain Waite says with a smile. “Especially when I assure him that the most dangerous job I’ll assign you is picking out horses’ hooves.”
    I venture a smile back. “You mean I can stay?”
    â€œWell, Gabriel, Company B has a stable full of horses, all of them rejected by the white companies. Each soldier is assigned one horse to care for, and there are extra mounts in case of problems.” He shakes his head. “And Lord knows we have problems. The colored cavalry, which barely has a name that’s official, has been