Off To See The Wild West Show Part 1, Chapter 9 (1/5) By Frank Beill 1886: Hull, Yorkshire

(1/5), (2/5), (3/5), (4/5), (5/5). Part 1 Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. Part 2 Prologue, Chapter 1, 2, 3.

'Not seen nowt like it!' George was sitting on his favourite seat - the kitchen doorstep. 'Them horses was wonderful.' Dinner was over and most of my stew was inside him as well as his own double portion. 'But it was me father.' I was not listening and stamped my foot.

'When did you last see your father?' The ever-sensible Sal echoed the words inscribed beneath a painting on the wall in the main hall. It was of a young prince being interrogated by Roundhead captors. Once again I was feeling just as much a prisoner as the boy in the painting. I joined George on the step and paused trying to remember before answering. 'Not sure.' I scrunched up my lips and thought even harder. 'It was before I came here.' 'Course it was, daft 'apeth!' George playfully swatted my head. 'You wouldn't be in here otherwise!'

'You've bin here nearly two years.' Ever sensible Sal again. 'Suppose it could've been a year afore that.' 'So, it could be three years since you last saw him.' She was nodding firmly. 'It's that long since I last saw me Mam and there's times when I can't remember her face. It's only when I dream that I see it really clearly.' Did Sal have dreams? The thought never crossed my mind but surely even her dreams must be sensible. I still didn't want to agree.

'I reckon that he's the first brown man you've seen since yer father went away.' Even George was being logical for once. 'An' he won't really brown. He was red - a Red Indian!' I knew what they were saying made sense, but I didn't want it to make sense. I was still certain who was leading the Sioux in the parade.

There were lots of sleepy heads in the classroom during that afternoon. The long walk down to Alexandra Dock and back again and the fresh River Humber air were all taking their toll. We were waiting to be told who was selected to see the show the next day. I was on my best behaviour, even though I knew there was really no point and when the end of the school day came I got my expected reward. Nothing. At last, it was time for Jolly Rodgers to announce his selection to attend the show. He was gloating in my direction; I swear he was. The class had waited all afternoon to hear whom he had chosen but he left until the last possible moment in the day. It was deliberate. Just another way of tormenting us ... and me, in particular.

'First Mary Hardcastle ...' Slowly he chalked the names on the blackboard after announcing each one. It made the process take even longer. 'Selina Smith ...' I was pleased to hear Sal's name called out. If anyone deserved to go, she did. The names continued to be called and chalked but there were no surprises until the last one. '... and finally, Master Snelgrove will be the tenth pupil in the group.' Mr Rodgers' words cut right through me.

Continued... Next Page

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