Mockingbird's Call by Diane T. Ashley Read Free Book Online

eyes and sent a prayer of thankfulness to God that they had not been sent home in disgrace. “Yes, he was kind to let us go. But don’t forget his warning.” He turned over in the bed and punched his pillow. “I’m never going to give him or anyone else the chance to catch me again. From here on out, I’ll be doing everything strictly by the rules.”
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    Jared could tell how much delight Benjamin was drawing from the commotion they’d caused, even though the two of them were not awake when the professors discovered they were trapped. By the time they dressed and headed for chapel, the row had died down, but the prank was the only topic being discussed. Who might have pulled such a trick? And done it without being caught?
    â€œI hope they find out who did such an awful thing.” Benjamin’s blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
    Jared winced, wishing his roommate was not quite so bold. “I’m glad no one was hurt.”
    â€œDon’t be foolish. I heard they were set free within a matter of minutes. All it took was getting someone’s attention.”
    The two of them entered the chapel, which buzzed like a hornet’s nest. Everyone was whispering about the incident, shaking their heads and hiding smiles behind their hands.
    Jared felt a little sick. He wished he’d never taken part. Perhaps if he went to the president and confessed his part, he would feel better. But what if he was expelled? And Benjamin, too? His head began to ache. He didn’t know what to do.
    A hand clamped down on his right shoulder, and Jared nearly yelped his surprise. He twisted quickly and looked into the frowning face of Luke Talbot. “You look a bit green about the gills, Stuart. Are you feeling sick?”
    Jared shook his head but remained mute.
    Luke leaned close and whispered into his ear. “If you’re thinking about blabbing about what happened last night, you’d better think again. Any confession at this point would perforce include me, and I will not stand for that. I have a spotless record here, and no underclassman is going to ruin it. No harm was done. Go about your regular studies. By evening, this episode will be forgotten.”
    He nodded and slid into a pew. Mr. Wallace was leading the chapel service, and Jared was glad to see the man was his usual self, confident and a little pompous. His headache eased, his stomach settled down, and he concentrated on his prayer, thanking God for not getting caught and vowing to never again allow someone to drag him into another such incident.
    The rest of the day passed without incident, for which Jared was thankful.
    After dinner, he and Benjamin went to the Societas Philomathesian meeting, taking seats on the back row and listening as several members stood and read poetry, stories, or essays they’d written. His imagination was ignited. This is why he’d come to ETU—to be a part of such academic pursuits. He only wished he could think of a good subject to write about. His mind went to the Indians his parents worked so hard to protect, but that was their cause, not his. He listened to one fellow get up and read about the obligation of Southern men to join the Confederate Army, and Jared wondered why he was writing about his beliefs instead of fighting for them.
    So caught up was Jared in the evening that he didn’t realize how bored Benjamin was until he heard a soft buzzing sound. He looked over in horror to see his friend slumped down in the chair, his face dropped so far forward his chin rested on his chest. He elbowed Benjamin.
    â€œWha. . .what’s the matter?”
    â€œShhh!” Jared put a finger across his lips in warning. “You fell asleep.”
    Benjamin frowned. “And you woke me? Is it time to go?”
    Jared expelled a breath. “No.”
    â€œOkay then.” Benjamin slouched once more and closed his eyes.
    What had he expected? For Benjamin to suddenly gain