Stage Fright / Goodbye, Sweet Prince / Brotherly Love

by Catherine Marshall

  “There are no circumstances that justify stealing!” Mr. Koller bellowed. “And while we’re on the subject, there are no circumstances that justify lying, either. Am I safe in assuming that you had knowledge of Mr. Benton’s actions?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “But only after I’d confessed to George about what I’d done,” Richard clarified. “He had nothing to do with this, Mr. Koller. You have to believe me!”

  “You’re asking me to believe a young man who broke into my office and stole money belonging to the academy?”

  “George was only trying to protect me,” Richard said weakly. “He was just trying to be a good friend.”

  “A good friend would have promptly turned you in to the authorities.”

  “George did try to talk me into returning the money. He did. But I was so sure I was right. . . .”

  For a long time, Mr. Koller said nothing. He fiddled with his inkwell. He stared at the ceiling. He toyed with his mustache.

  Quietly, he ordered, “Count the money.”

  George and Richard looked at each other. Gingerly, George reached for the small sack. He felt as if he was putting his hand in hot coals as he slowly pulled out the money. He did not look at Mr. Koller, but directly at the money as he counted every cent into Richard’s trembling hands, occasionally pausing for Richard to stack the money on the headmaster’s desk. When he was through he glanced up at Mr. Koller, who seemed to be deep in thought.

  The tension was unbearable. But if he was taking so long to make a decision, George reasoned, that had to be a good sign, didn’t it? Perhaps he was trying to decide what punishment would be appropriate. I’ll do anything, George thought, if he’ll just give me another chance.

  At last Mr. Koller stood. He looked at each boy with a mixture of regret and resignation.

  “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but you simply leave me no choice. The Bristol Academy is known for upholding not only the highest academic standards, but the highest moral standards. And I’m afraid you two do not meet our requirements. Effective immediately, you are both expelled.”

  Seventeen

  You’re pacing again.”

  Christy smiled at the headmaster’s secretary, Miss Murkoff. “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to stop myself.”

  It seemed as if she’d been waiting here for hours, but in truth, it had only been a short while. Behind the closed door that led to Mr. Koller’s office, Christy heard a deep, rumbling male voice.

  Once again she tried to imagine how things were going on the other side of that door. Were Richard and George going to be able to stay here at the academy? Christy had been so sure that urging George to tell the truth would solve matters. But now, as the minutes ticked by, she was almost beginning to have some doubts.

  “Would you like some more tea?” asked Miss Murkoff, a slender woman whose white hair was pulled back in a tidy bun.

  “Oh, no, I’m fine. You’ve been so kind already, keeping me company.” While Christy waited, Miss Murkoff had entertained her with stories about the academy, the staff, and the many students she’d seen come and go over the years.

  Miss Murkoff glanced at the headmaster’s door. “I do hope everything works out for George. He’s such a fine boy. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for him. On my birthday, he brought me a bouquet of paper flowers.”

  “He does love to do his magic tricks,” Christy said.

  Mr. Koller’s voice rose, muffled behind the heavy door. Christy bit her lip anxiously.

  “Don’t worry,” Miss Murkoff said. “Mr. Koller’s bark is worse than his bite.” She paused. “Usually, anyway. He can be stern when he has to be.”

  “I remember George telling me once that all the boys are afraid of him.”

  “Well, I suppose that’s true. He doesn’t tolerate misbehavior, and he expects our students to follow the rules. But he has to be that way, in order to keep things from getting out of control. You can imagine how rowdy boys this age can be.”

  Christy managed a smile, recalling some of George’s antics over the years. “Yes, I suppose it’s hard to keep order.”

  “Still, he’s a fine man, Mr. Koller. I’m sure he’ll be fair with your brother.”

  “I guess that’s all I can ask for.”

  “I’ve worked here for many, many years,” Miss Murkoff said. “And I’ve come to respect Mr. Koller tremendously.”

  Again Mr. Koller’s voice rose. It was hard for Christy to catch any words, but the tone was unmistakably angry.

  Miss Murkoff gave a small, wry smile, “Yes, I respect him tremendously. Even if he can be a bit gruff sometimes.”

  Just then, the door slowly opened. George and Richard emerged.

  “Well?” Christy asked, but she could tell from their expressions what the answer was.

  She threw her arms around George. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

  George shrugged. “Mr. Koller’s right. We deserve to be punished for what happened. I only wish Richard could have stayed. . . .”

  “It’s my fault this whole thing happened,” Richard said. “I don’t deserve to stay.”

  As they departed, Miss Murkoff gave a small wave. “Goodbye, boys. I’ll miss you.” She clucked her tongue softly. “I really did love those magic flowers.”

  They walked slowly to the dormitory and collected their belongings. As they headed down the long walk to the front gate of the academy, no one spoke.

  At last Richard said, “You were right about one thing, Miss Huddleston. I do feel better. I told the truth and returned the money, and that was the right thing to do. But now, I’ve ruined George’s life. And my sister’s right back where she started . . .”

  The guard opened the gate and they exited.

  “My life isn’t ruined, pal,” George said, slapping Richard on the back. “Why, who knows what adventures await me, now that I’m free from the confines of the Bristol Academy? It always was a stodgy old school. From here on out, I intend to learn my lessons in the school of life.”

  But despite his optimistic manner, George couldn’t disguise his fear. Christy patted her brother on the shoulder. “I really thought it would turn out differently. Did you explain the whole story to Mr. Koller?”

  “As much as we could,” George said, “but Mr. Koller did most of the talking.”

  Behind them, an automobile approached. Its horn gave a loud honk. Christy spun around to see a familiar sight. “It’s Father,” she cried, “and Mother, too!”

  The car came to a stop behind them and Mr. and Mrs. Huddleston leapt out. They each took turns warmly embracing Christy and George. Mrs. Huddleston even gave Richard an extra-long hug.

  “You shouldn’t have come,” George said uncomfortably.

  “We wanted to, son,” Mr. Huddleston replied.

  Mrs. Huddleston cleared her throat, and Mr. Huddleston added, “Well, if the truth be told, we were angry at first—and disappointed. But the more we thought about the way your sister was supporting you . . . we knew we had to follow her example.”

  “Have you spoken to Mr. Koller yet?” Mrs. Huddleston asked.

  “We were expelled,” George muttered, head hung low.

  “Oh my,” Mrs. Huddleston said.

  “Please don’t blame George for any of this,” Richard interjected. “It’s really all my fault.”

  “We know the whole story, Richard,” Mr. Huddleston assured him. “I’m just sorry it had to end this way.”

  “Maybe . . . ” Christy paused, glancing back at the sprawling academy buildings, “maybe it doesn’t have to end this way.”

  “What do you mean, Sis?” George asked.

  “I’m going back to the headmaster’s,” Christy said firmly.

  “Christy, dear,” said Mrs. Huddleston, “if your brother couldn’t convince Mr. Koller to give him a second chance, then I hardly think you’ll have better luck.”

  “George may be charming, Mother,” Christy said, winking at her brother, “but I’ve learned a
thing or two about people in the past year. Wait for me here. I won’t be long.”

  Eighteen

  Why, Miss Huddleston,” Miss Murkoff exclaimed when Christy returned, “did you forget something?”

  “Actually, I did,” Christy said breathlessly. “I forgot to request a brief meeting with Mr. Koller.”

  “It’s getting late, and he’s got another appointment in five minutes.” Miss Murkoff consulted her calendar and clucked her tongue. “Peter Smithers—a real discipline problem.”

  “I promise it will only take a minute or two.”

  “Let me see if Mr. Koller will meet with you. Generally, after expelling a student . . . well, you understand. He prefers not to meet with the family.” Miss Murkoff smiled at Christy. “But I’ll tell him what a nice chat you and I had, and maybe I can convince him to see you.”

  Miss Murkoff knocked on the headmaster’s door and slipped inside. A few moments later, she emerged. “He’ll see you,” she said, “but just for a minute.”

  As Christy stepped into Mr. Koller’s office, she could imagine the fear her brother and Richard must have felt. Mr. Koller was an impressive figure—even more so when he greeted her in his booming voice.

  “To begin with, Miss Huddleston, I’m afraid I must tell you, that in my many years as headmaster, I have never changed my mind about an expulsion,” he began, gesturing her toward a leather chair. “I don’t make such decisions lightly, I can assure you. And the gravity of the offense committed by your brother and his roommate cannot be overlooked.”

  “I understand,” Christy said. Her voice sounded tinny and small after Mr. Koller’s words. “And I was as upset and disappointed by what they did as anyone. I firmly believe they should be punished, too.”

  “Then you came here to tell me we’re in agreement?” Mr. Koller pulled at his mustache. “I must say that’s unusual behavior for a family member.”

  “Well, we’re in agreement, but not entirely,” Christy said. “Mr. Koller, did Richard or George tell you why the money was stolen?”

  Mr. Koller shook his head. “No.”

  “Richard’s family has been having money problems,” Christy said. “His sister broke her leg a few months ago, and there was no money to have it properly cared for. The leg set badly, and the girl is in constant pain. Now the only hope is for her to have expensive surgery.”

  Mr. Koller swiveled his chair and looked out the window behind his desk. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “That’s the reason Richard took the money, Mr. Koller,” Christy continued. “I know it doesn’t in any way excuse his behavior, and Richard knows it, too. That’s why he came back here. To return the money and set things right—even though he believed that money may well have been his sister’s only hope.”

  Mr. Koller turned back to Christy. “As sympathetic as I am to Richard’s plight, I cannot excuse such behavior. He’s lucky I didn’t turn him in to the authorities.”

  “I’m not asking you to excuse his behavior.” Christy went to the edge of Mr. Koller’s desk, her voice pleading. “All I’m saying is the punishment should fit the crime. This is Richard’s one chance at obtaining an education—and quite possibly, George’s. Haven’t other boys at Bristol been punished in other ways?”

  “Most certainly. With detentions or with work assignments on the grounds. But those aren’t boys who stole money from under my very nose and then lied about it. I’m sorry, Miss Huddleston, but any leniency is strictly out of the question.”

  “Mr. Koller,” Christy said so quietly that the headmaster had to lean forward to hear her, “sometimes students do things that embarrass their teachers. I know it must be distressing to have a student do this, as you said, ‘right under your nose.’”

  “Yes,” he admitted. “And, I know where you are headed with this conversation, but I would not let embarrassment influence my decision,” he said indignantly.

  “I guess there’s nothing I can say to change your mind?”

  “If I listened to every pleading family member who came through this door, discipline at Bristol would be impossible. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to.” Mr. Koller gave a slight smile. “I must say, however, that I admire your sisterly loyalty.”

  Christy’s gaze fell on a family photograph on the corner of Mr. Koller’s desk. “Is that your sister, by any chance?”

  “Why . . . why, yes.” Mr. Koller gazed fondly at the sepia-toned photo. “But how did you guess—?”

  “Miss Murkoff told me a lot about you while I was waiting.”

  “Yes, she can be quite the talker.”

  “She mentioned that your sister was paralyzed in an accident when she was four.”

  Mr. Koller nodded. “It was a hard time,” he said softly.

  “What if, as a young man, you’d thought there was a way you could have helped her walk again?” Christy asked.

  Mr. Koller stared at the photograph as if he were traveling through time. “I suppose,” he said, “if I’d thought I could do something to help her, I would have done it, no matter what.”

  The admission seemed to surprise him. He sat very still, eyes closed. The only sound in the room was the ticking of his grandfather clock.

  At last he opened his eyes and turned to Christy. A smile slowly formed on his face. “My, my, but you are a persuasive young woman. May I ask what you do for a living?”

  “I’m the teacher at a mission school in Tennessee.”

  Mr. Koller took a deep breath and stood. “I’m going to give your brother and his friend a second chance, Miss Huddleston. They will do so much work around here and suffer through so many detentions that they may wish I hadn’t let them come back. But if they persevere and don’t stray again, I may just see you again someday . . . at their graduation ceremony. Thanks, in large measure, to one very loyal and loving sister.”

  Christy smiled at the headmaster. “You are a fair man, Mr. Koller,” she said.

  “I try,” he replied. Then after a pause, he gently said, “Would you tell me more about Richard’s family?”

  Nineteen

  Well?” George asked.

  “How’d it go?” Richard questioned softly.

  The two boys and Christy’s parents were leaning against the parked automobile, waiting expectantly.

  Christy cleared her throat, her face grave. “I’m sure you realize what a stern man Mr. Koller is,” she began.

  “He’s tough,” Richard agreed.

  “The toughest,” said George.

  “And I’m sure you both realize the gravity of your crimes.”

  Both boys nodded.

  “So you didn’t have any luck?” George asked in a resigned voice.

  “Well, I didn’t say that.” Christy broke into a grin. “Let’s just say you’re going to be facing lots of punishment. But you’re staying in school. Both of you.”

  “Christy!” George lifted her into his arms and whirled her around till she was dizzy. “You’re amazing! You are the most amazing, incredible, wonderful sister—”

  “George, please put me down before I get sick,” Christy instructed.

  Richard gave her an awkward hug. “I don’t know how to thank you,” he said.

  “I’ll tell you how you can both thank me,” Christy said as she straightened her dress. “Do not get into any more trouble between now and graduation. Understand?”

  George saluted her. “You have my word.”

  “And mine,” Richard added softly.

  “Richard,” Mrs. Huddleston said. “You don’t seem all that happy, dear.”

  “Oh, I am. I’m really grateful to Christy for getting me a second chance. It’s just that I was thinking about Abigail, my little sister. I feel sort of guilty about the idea of continuing school. Maybe if I got a job instead . . .”

  “Give it some time, Richard,” Christy advised. “Doctor MacNeill said he was going to get in touch with some of his friends. Maybe something will work out.”

&nbs
p; “And we could talk to some people from our church about putting together a fund for Abigail,” Mr. Huddleston offered.

  “Don’t give up yet, Richard,” George advised. “By now, it should be pretty obvious that my sister is capable of magical feats.”

  “Turns out you’re not the only magician in the family,” Christy said with a wink.

  Five weeks later, Mr. Pentland brought Christy a letter one afternoon just as school was about to let out for the day. She read the return address and gasped.

  “It’s from George!” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe it. He hardly ever writes letters!”

  While the children gathered around, she tore open the envelope excitedly. This was one letter she definitely couldn’t wait to read.

  Christy was surprised to find two letters in the envelope—one from George and one from Richard. Slowly, she began to read George’s out loud:

  Dear Christy,

  Surprise! Bet you never thought you’d see a letter from yours truly. But I wanted to write and say thank you, once again, for everything you did for Richard and me.

  Mr. Koller’s assigned us to every work detail you can imagine—caring for the grounds, washing blackboards, even helping in the dining room. (Tell Doc MacNeill my cooking skills have definitely improved.)

  But we’re grateful for the punishment. We know it means a second chance at school, and we’re not going to make any mistakes this time.

  We’ve got a few days off next month, and Mr. Koller’s even letting Richard and me leave the school grounds. Richard’s going home to visit his family. But, I’ll let him tell you his news in his own letter.

  I thought I might head back to Cutter Gap for another visit—that is, if you’ll have me. I promise not to disrupt class or otherwise misbehave.

  Your loving brother,

  George

  P.S. I really will try to write more often.

  “George is a-comin!” Creed cried. “George is a-comin’ back!”

  The children laughed and applauded, and Christy was proud to realize she didn’t feel the least bit jealous. In fact, she felt like laughing and applauding herself.