Whispers in the Wind by Al Lacy Read Free Book Online Page A

he thumbed through its pages.
    Once again he vowed that somehow, some way, he would one day become a medical doctor and surgeon.

Chapter Four
    O n the following Saturday morning—April 29—the New York sun beamed down from a clear sky and the children who lived in the apartments in the 200 block on Thirty-third Street were playing games on the sidewalks. Happy chatter and joyful laughter were heard on both sides of the street.
    At 218 Thirty-third Street, Sylvia Bendrick held the door of the office-apartment open while her husband and Dane Weston reached the bottom of the stairs and carried in Dane’s belongings. Dane was carrying his several medical books, and Mitchell bore the boy’s winter clothing. Strapped on Dane’s back was a knapsack that held his summer clothing.
    When they stepped into the parlor, Mitchell laid the clothing on the couch. “Just put the books here on this end table, Dane. I’ll put them all away in a little while.”
    The boy placed the books on the table with
The History of Medicine
on top and patted it. “I’ll come for these books someday when I can concentrate on becoming a doctor.”
    Sylvia smiled. “We’ll take care of them for you, dear. And your winter clothes, too.”
    “I appreciate this,” said Dane, running his gaze to the faces of both people. “I’ll come for my winter clothes when cold weather is on its way.”
    Mitchell smiled and clipped his chin playfully. “You come and see us before fall, Dane. We want to know how you’re doing.”
    “I will, sir. And thank you both for being so kind to me.”
    The fifteen-year-old hugged both people and headed for the door. They followed, and when he reached it, he turned and said, “You wouldn’t mind, would you, if I went up and just spent a few minutes in the apartment? I … I mean, since it will be the last time I can ever go inside.”
    Mitchell smiled down at him. “Take your time. I’ll be going up tomorrow morning to make it ready to show to prospective renters. I’ll lock the door later.”
    Dane thanked them again and hurried up the stairs.
    His heart felt like it was made out of lead as he opened the door and stepped into the apartment. This was the only home he had ever known. And now he must leave it. Knowing he was taking his last look at the apartment, he moved slowly from room to room, mentally picturing each member of his family in happy times.
    When Dane had gone into each room, his parents’ bedroom being the last, he made his way back to the parlor, carrying so many memories deep in his heart. He opened the door, turned around for one last look, swallowed hard, and stepped into the hall, closing the door behind him. He thumbed tears from his eyes, but with determination to realize his goal in life spurring him on, he hurried down the stairs and stepped out into the beauty of the bright spring day.
    Adjusting the knapsack on his back, he headed for downtown with the laughter of the children at play in his ears.
    When Dane reached Manhattan’s gigantic business district, he entered the first store he came to, which was Milford’s Clothiers. The man behind the counter was waiting on a female customer, but smiled at him. “I’ll be with you in a moment, young man.”
    Dane smiled and nodded, then stood where he was and ranhis gaze around the store. There were racks of clothing along the walls and down the center of the store. Men’s clothing was in the section along the wall to his left, and women’s clothing was in the section along the other wall. Children’s clothing, from infants to teenagers, was on the rack down the center, as well as the long, narrow tables in between.
    The woman left, and the man came from behind the counter. “May I help, you young man?”
    Dane smiled again. “I—I’m not here to buy anything, sir, but I’m looking for a job. Are you the proprietor?”
    “Yes. I’m Thomas Milford. But I have no job openings.”
    “I’d do anything, Mr. Milford. Sweep the floor,