Measure of Grace by Al Lacy Read Free Book Online Page A

early?”
    Jordan widened his eyes. “A day early?”
    “Mm-hmm. You’ve been a model prisoner. I think you should be rewarded. As soon as you’ve eaten your breakfast, you’re free to go. I just need you to stop in the office and sign a paper, saying I let you out a day early. That way, if there’s ever any question about it, I can show that it was by mutual agreement.”
    A broad smile spread over Jordan’s face. “Sure! I’ll be in the office in a few minutes! Thanks, Marshal.”
    While Jordan ate his breakfast, he pondered the situation. He was more convinced than ever that his father did not want him to come home. He had not planned to go home, but would go into the Sawtooth Mountains and stay in an old abandoned cabin hehad come across a few months earlier while hunting big game alone. The cabin was situated in dense timber at about eight thousand feet above sea level. He had found packaged beef jerky and dried fruit in the cupboard and had eaten some. He hoped it was still there, because he was going to the cabin. This was already settled in his mind when his mother had offered to take his denim jacket home. Even in late spring, the morning air was cold in the mountains, and he would need it.
    When he had finished his breakfast, Jordan donned his denim jacket, and carried the tray to the office. Marshal Woodard was alone, sitting at his desk.
    Placing the tray on the desk, Jordan said, “Thanks, Marshal, for shortening my sentence by a day. I appreciate it.”
    “I appreciate the good behavior, son. Now no more rocks through anybody’s windows, all right?”
    “Yes, sir. I’ve learned my lesson.”
    “Good. See you around.”
    Jordan stepped out on the boardwalk and looked up and down the street. It was still early, and the shops and stores were not yet open. Only a few people were moving about. Taking advantage of it, Jordan made a dash to the corner of the building and hurried to the alley. Trying not to be seen, he made his way through alleys all the way to the edge of town, then headed toward the mountains using a little-known trail into the high country.
    During lunch hour, Knight hurried to the jail, wanting to be all the comfort he could to his friend, and was surprised when Marshal Woodard told him he had released Jordan a day early for good behavior.
    Excited for Jordan, Knight decided to be late getting back to school. He ran to the small barn behind the school where he and other ranch and farm students kept their horses, mounted quickly, and galloped full speed for the Bar-S.
    As he rode up to the big ranch house, Knight saw his mother walking from the kitchen of the bunkhouse toward their little log cabin, but she didn’t see him.
    Rushing up on the porch, he found the door open and knocked. “Hello! It’s Knight!”
    Lorene appeared from the parlor, and Sylvia was coming up the hall from the kitchen.
    “Hello, Knight,” said Lorene. “What are you doing home at this time of day?”
    “I found out about Jordan getting out a day early and just wanted to see him for a few minutes. Is it all right?”
    Looking perplexed, Lorene said, “I … I don’t understand. Are you saying my brother is out of jail?”
    “Yes, he—you mean he’s not here?”
    “No.”
    Sylvia drew up. “What’s this? Did I hear you say Jordan is out of jail?”
    “Yes, ma’am,” said Knight. “I went to see him at lunchtime, and Marshal Woodard said he had let him out just after he fed him breakfast this morning. He released him a day early for good behavior.”
    Sylvia’s brow puckered. “Then … then he’s gone somewhere else. He’s not coming home.”
    “I’d better tell Papa,” said Lorene, and hurried toward the den.
    Sylvia’s hands trembled. “Oh, my. Oh, my. Knight, if he was released early this morning, he could be a long way from Elkton by now.”
    “Yes, ma’am. He—”
    “What’s this?” came William’s voice as he ran up the hall with Lorene on his heels. “Knight!” he