“Actually, you’re doing me a favor,” I replied. “It is really nice to have another adult along. Traveling with these guys is like herding cats.” I chuckled, thinking especially of the really large cat that couldn’t ride with us. I hoped Liberty was behaving himself. I took off my tricorner hat and placed it on my lap.
“Grandpa,” Freedom said, nudging his arm. He had a slight stoop to his strong shoulders, “Mr. Revere is an amazing substitute teacher. He took us to meet Americans in history like William Bradford and Squanto during the first Thanksgiving,” she said.
“That is superb,” Freedom’s grandfather replied smiling. “You mean you met them in a museum, right?”
“No, no, we met them in person back in 1621,” Freedom explained.
Freedom’s grandfather looked a little confused but raised his eyebrows and nodded. “Oh, okay,” he said.
Cam added, “Yeah, and we met the guy who invented swim fins and bifocal glasses!”
“Oh yeah, ol’ Benjamin Franklin was legit,” Tommy said.
“I think I like George Washington the most, though,” Cam said, “One day I want to talk to him more about other strategies to win at dodgeball. I mean, he led the American underdogs to win the war.”
“Yeah, and then Cam led the Eagle underdogs to a victory over Billy the Bully,” Tommy remembered, giving him a high five.
Freedom’s grandfather winked at me as if I were the best teacher in the world. Little did he know, we really did meet these amazing Americans in person during our time travels back in history. Sometimes even I could not believe the amazing places we had seen with our magical friend Liberty. It is incredible that we already visited the Pilgrims and Native Americans at the first Thanksgiving, Samuel Adams and the American Patriots at the Boston Tea Party, and Dr. Joseph Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill. We’ve nearly fallen overboard on the high seas, fought with swords, and made forts.
“Well, it’s obvious you’ve learned a lot,” Freedom’s grandpa remarked.
I said, “Hey, how about we head to the café car? We can plan out the details of our trip while we have a snack.”
“Now we’re talking,” said Cam. “I’m starving.”
“That sounds like something Liberty would say,” Tommy teased. He seemed to be cheering up a bit but still wasn’t his usual self.
We walked toward the next car, and the Crew jumped one by one over the space between the railcars.
“Cam, why don’t you lead the group and look for a sign that says CAFÉ?” I said. “And don’t get into any trouble.”
I stood back to wait for Freedom’s grandfather and saw Tommy playfully bump into Freedom as they both knocked into a seat cushion. Before Freedom could retaliate, a man in a neighboring seat abruptly woke up from his nap and glanced at them.
“Sorry,” Freedom said. “My friend is clumsy. He walks like a duck.”
Tommy replied, “Quack, quack,” and quickly pulled Freedom to her feet and they both hurried past.
As the Crew ran ahead I had a minute to speak with Freedom’s grandfather. I said, “Tommy is having some trouble right now, in case he looks a little down. His grandfather is ill and in the hospital. They are very close.”
“Oh, I am so sorry to hear that,” Freedom’s grandfather said, his eyes full of emotion. “Freedom and I have a special relationship, and I certainly understand how difficult that must be for Tommy. My wife was ill for a long time, and Freedom had a very tough time.”
“Yes, it is awful, but I hope this trip with his friends will cheer him up and be a wonderful learning experience,” I said.
“That sounds perfect. I will be here to help in any way I can. And I am really excited about the trip,” Freedom’s grandfather said with a kind smile.
By the time we reached the café car, the Crew had already grabbed two tables near large windows. We sat down and I admired the brown and yellow leaves passing in a blur. It was a joy to look out the window at several towns and states on the way to our nation’s capital.
“What’s for breakfast?” Cam asked, pulling out a yo-yo and placing it on the table.
“You gotta teach me some of your yo-yo tricks,” Tommy said. “I brought my football, too, in case we have time to play in Washington, D.C. Oh, and I brought some snacks. You know, in case we’re bored and hungry.”
Freedom added, “I brought my charcoal pencils and a few books to read if we have any time in the hotel.”
“Oh, do you think there is any room service?” Cam asked. “I want to have a hamburger brought up to the room and we can watch TV. There is this really cool show—”
“There will be so many cool things to learn about in Washington, D.C., you won’t have time for TV,” I interjected.
“There is always time for TV, Mr. Revere,” Cam said with a grin. He started to flick his yo-yo but I shook my head.
“What does everyone want to eat?” I asked and took all orders. After a few minutes I brought back a variety of snacks.
After everyone took their first bite I said, “Who wants to play trivia? You know I can’t go for long without a little history trivia.”
“Are there prizes?” Cam asked looking up from his sandwich.
“As a matter of fact there is for the winner,” I said in a joking tone, winking at Cam. “But I thought you just liked to play for history bragging rights. Just kidding. The person who gets the most questions correct gets a twenty-five-dollar gift card from a store of your choice.”
“I’m in!” Tommy shouted.
“Me, too,” Freedom said.
Cam followed with “All right, me three.”
“Can anyone tell me to what place in history we last time-traveled?” I asked.
Freedom’s grandfather looked at me with a slight grin. I’m sure he thought all of this time-travel talk was part of my teaching strategy.
“Totally easy,” Cam said raising his hand, “We went to see the Declaration of Independence. The date was July 4, 1776, to be exact.”
“Correct. Well done, Cam; point to you.”
“Since that was an easy one, can anyone tell me why the American colonists were declaring independence and from what country?” I asked.
“I got this!” Tommy shouted as if he were catching a baseball in the outfield. “The Americans wanted to be free from the King of England. They wanted to have their own country without all of the pointless rules.”
“Whoa, what geniuses you are. Point to you Tommy,” I said, entirely thrilled.
“Also, the Americans wanted to have their own land and believe in God without being stopped,” Freedom added.
“You are correct too, Freedom. Point to you,” I replied enthusiastically.
Freedom’s grandpa lovingly tapped her on the shoulder and said, “Great job, Freedom.”
“You each have a point. For a tiebreaker . . . let’s see . . . I wonder what a tricky one could be. Okay, got it. Does anyone know how long it took the Americans to actually become free and really independent? Meaning, how long did the war go on from the time the Americans first declared independence in 1776 to when they were actually independent?”
“I think it was like six more years,” Tommy said uncertainly.
“Wow! Very close, Tommy,” I said. “General Washington and the Continental Army actually had to fight for another seven years. But I am going to give you a point because you were very close, and it is difficult to remember exact years. The key is to know it was a long, drawn-out war and very difficult. But General Washington and the Patriots persevered and won. He was a true hero.”
Freedom’s grandfather was smiling.
I said, “So you all know that the Americans declared independence from Great Britain in 1776, and won actual independence in 1783. Now does anyone know who the capital city is named after?”
“George Washington!” they all shouted, including Freedom’s grandpa, caught up in the moment.
“That was too easy, Mr. Revere,” Cam said.
“Wel
l, I guess you guys are just too smart. Tommy wins this round of trivia. When we get to Washington you can pick out your gift card,” I said.
Tommy took a bow.
Seizing the moment, I added, “Here’s a few more factoids for you. Washington, D.C., was established in the U.S. Constitution as the nation’s capital. Washington’s current location was based on a deal struck by the northern and southern states. George Washington chose the site and the city was founded on July 16, 1790.”
All of a sudden Freedom started looking around. She shook her head, tapping me on the arm and pointing. Out of nowhere two one-dollar bills appeared on the café restaurant bar, and a piece of bread flew on its own through the air.
“Liberty,” I said with a serious whisper, “get over here, and stay camouflaged in case someone sees you.”
The piece of bread dropped to the floor as if someone had just turned off the antigravity switch.
All of a sudden I remembered that Freedom’s grandfather did not know about Liberty’s special abilities. My stomach sank, but I knew I had to come clean.
I turned to Freedom’s grandfather and said, “There is something that you should know. You are part of the Crew now, and because of that I am going to tell you a secret and hope you’ll keep it confidential. Since you’ll be spending quite a bit of time with us you should know Liberty can talk and he has the uncanny ability to perfectly camouflage into his surroundings.”
Liberty exhaled and suddenly appeared in the train carriage. All eyes turned to Liberty while I scanned to make sure no one else was in the café car.
Freedom’s grandfather stared at me and then at Liberty. It felt like everyone was holding their breath anticipating what I would say next.
“Yes, I know it sounds strange and, frankly, impossible,” I said. “But it’s true. Liberty, what would you like to say?”
Liberty replied, “Were you trying to do the game without me, Revere?” He was giving me the eye.
“Of course not, Liberty. I was just warming up the crowd with history trivia. I knew you would want to make a grand entrance. I just didn’t think it would be here and now.”
“Well, lucky for you, I have arrived,” Liberty said with a dramatic bow.
Freedom’s grandfather looked at Liberty, then at the kids, and then back at Liberty. He was shaking his head, eyes wide.
“So, Liberty, since you delightfully decided to join us, why don’t you help explain the game,” I said. “But do it quick. I’m still not sure how I’m going to explain a horse in the café car.”
“Why, I thought you would never ask!” Liberty exclaimed.
He cleared his throat and started in a low dramatic voice: “This is your mission, if you choose to accept it. I am your commander. I need to know everything there is to know about our nation’s capital. You are my special agents. Captain Revere, please show the orders for MISSION: WASHINGTON, D.C., and pass them to the agents.”
Following the commander’s lead I held up the printed five-by-seven cards for everyone to see.
Liberty continued, “Here are your orders, special agents. The code word is MILKSHAKE.”
Cam looked at Freedom and Tommy and said, “Milkshake?” They all giggled.
Liberty didn’t skip a beat and said, “The agent who gathers the most information on this card will gain the rank of Super Scout! And, for the record, you get double points for the last objective. So I would highly suggest paying attention to that section of your card.”
“Does the Super Scout get a prize?” Tommy asked, feeling confident from his trivia win.
“Why yes indeed, but the prize is top secret,” Liberty replied, nodding with a serious look as if he knew confidential information.
Everyone looked at him waiting for further information, but clearly for dramatic effect Liberty said nothing.
“Who can tell me the first task on this mission?” I asked, looking down at the objectives on the card.
Freedom carefully read the top lines following each word with her finger. “Got it, Captain! We need to take a picture in the middle of Union Station.”
“Correct,” Liberty replied, continuing his deep voice. “The first agent to text Captain Revere the photo gets the point!”
Freedom’s grandfather leaned in and said to Liberty, “This will be great fun. I can help with the clues if you need an extra hand or hoof.”
Over the loudspeaker a voice said, “Now arriving at Union Station, Washington, D.C. Please remain seated until the train comes to a complete stop.”
The train hummed into the station and Liberty took a deep breath and disappeared. Soon the car doors were open and we exited in single file, then walked across the platform and through a massive hall.
Cam pointed and shouted, “Look, that’s gotta be the center of the station! I’m gonna take a picture for Liberty!”
“Nice work, just be sure to stay where I can see you,” I warned, as Cam darted off.
Freedom and Tommy raced after him, phones in hand. I heard three beeps one after the other on my phone. Eventually, Freedom’s grandfather and I caught up and we all headed for the exit. As we made our way through the doors, we were welcomed by the crisp autumn air to Washington, D.C. Commuters rushed to and fro, along with cars, buses, and taxis.
“Mr. Revere, look at the American flags!” Tommy said, pointing up.
Sure enough, there were three large American flags flying on three different flagpoles. Each had a bronze golden eagle sitting on top, welcoming visitors to the nation’s capital.
“Quick—pop quiz,” I said. “Does anyone know how the bald eagle became a symbol of our country?”
“Because it is strong and serious?” Liberty answered.
“Oh, very good answer, Liberty,” I replied. “You are both smart and talented.”
Liberty puffed out his chest and stood tall.
“The eagle has long been a symbol of strength and freedom in the United States. As a matter of fact, the bald eagle was chosen way back on June 20, 1772, when the Continental Congress created the Great Seal of the United States. Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson made the eagle prominent and it remains so today,” I said.
“I love eagles, Mr. Revere,” Freedom said. “I mean, I haven’t actually seen one in person but I have lots of pictures of eagles flying. They are beautiful.”
“They sure are, and very rare. You would be lucky to see a bald eagle in the wild,” I replied.
“Speaking of flying, this may be kind of a dumb question, but those flags made me think of it,” Tommy said. “Why is our flag red, white, and blue?”
“That isn’t a dumb question at all, Tommy. In fact, it is a great question,” I replied.
“When the Great Seal was chosen, there was no specific meaning for the red, white, and blue. So Secretary Thomson said that white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue, vigilance, perseverance, and justice.”
“Oh that’s totally cool. Oh wait, this is a good one for Grandpa’s notebook,” Tommy said, pulling out his pencil.
“If you really want to impress him, you should also say the first American flag had only thirteen stars representing the thirteen states and now has fifty representing the fifty states,” I said.
“Nice. I’ll totally add that,” Tommy replied.
Suddenly, Liberty appeared behind us and nuzzled the back of my neck.
“I can see you have a special relationship with your horse,” said Freedom’s grandpa.
“Yes,” I replied. “He’s one of a kind.”
All right, everyone,” I announced. “I assume you all have your backpacks, phones, games, yo-yos, and whatever else you brought with you?”
Everyone nodded.
“Good, then follow me. Our hotel is not too far from here,” I said.
Cam, Freedom, and Tommy seemed giddy with excitement. Cam and Tommy were laughing and high-fiving every few feet. Freedom was quietly absorbing everything around her.
So far the
plan to distract Tommy from all he had been dealing with was working. He was starting to look like a playful kid again.
Freedom’s grandfather seemed to pay close attention to the buildings, signs, and commuters as we walked. He said, “There is a unique energy in this city. We are at the political heart of the country.”
After fifteen minutes we arrived at our hotel and checked in. I helped Liberty find a quiet sheltered park and gave him enough to eat for the night. He was not pleased but accepted the arrangements. Once everyone was settled, I found a seat in the lobby, took out my map, and finalized the plan for the next day.
The next morning we would take our first ride on the underground subway train, called the Metro. I couldn’t wait to take the Crew to the first stop on our tour of Washington, D.C.
Also, I had a time-travel adventure planned that they would not soon forget.
Chapter 3
Have you been on a subway before?” I asked the group, as we went down an escalator to the underground station in the early morning.
“I have once, in Boston,” Freedom said. She held on to the edge of the escalator as we went down. “But I don’t like the really tall escalators they have here.”
Freedom’s grandfather put his hand on her shoulder and said in a calm voice, “Here in Washington they call the subway the Metro. They are trains that go underground. It is a great way to avoid traffic in the city. All we have to do is get down this long escalator and we are off on our adventure.”
At the bottom, Freedom jumped off the escalator as quickly as she could. We made our way to the edge of the platform and through the sliding doors to the subway car. People entered and exited, some dressed in suits, others in baseball caps and jeans.
“People-watching is one of the best parts of visiting a new city,” I said, holding on to a rail above me as the Metro car moved through the dark tunnel.
“I am pretty sure there are a lot of people watching you, Mr. Revere,” Cam said smiling, trying to keep his feet steady on the floor. Of course, he was referring to my colonial-era clothing.
Rush Revere and the Star-Spangled Banner Page 3