The Trunks

Beth’s heart was racing. What will Patrick do if Willie sees Sally? she wondered. Beth thought of a plan to help Patrick. She moved Tad away from the stove to sit nearer the Lincolns.

Tad gulped his lemonade.

Nottingham took Tad’s empty glass. Then he arranged the rest of the fruit in the basket. He left it on a seat that also held a stack of newspapers.

Nottingham bowed to the future First Lady. He said, “I’ll take your trunks to the baggage car now, ma’am.”

Beth asked Mrs. Lincoln, “Don’t you need to change your dress first?”

“No, no,” Mrs. Lincoln said. She quickly shook her head. “This is the gown I’ve chosen for the people in Buffalo. It will be the largest crowd yet.”

Mrs. Lincoln turned to her husband. “Don’t I look beautiful?” she asked.

Mr. Lincoln smiled and patted her hand. “The dress shows off your lovely complexion and clear blue eyes,” he said.

Beth pulled out the necklace from beneath her dress. She fingered it so Mrs. Lincoln could see it.

She said, “But wouldn’t a goose feather shawl look more fashionable?”

Mrs. Lincoln seemed to perk up. She looked at Beth. “Yes,” she said cheerfully. “I think you’re right. Goose feathers are all the rage. Let’s go find something for me to wear in the evening. It’ll take me just a minute.”

The conductor sat down. “I’ll get the sack truck, then,” he said.

The future First Lady stood. “Beth,” she said, “please bring Tad and the fruit. I’m still hungry.”

Beth grabbed the fruit basket off the seat. Then she followed Mrs. Lincoln and Tad into the family area.

Mary Todd Lincoln shut the door. She turned to Beth. “You have a runaway in the baggage compartment, don’t you?” Mrs. Lincoln whispered.

Beth nodded and whispered back, “She’ll be discovered soon!”

Patrick and Willie hurried through the smoking car. Patrick plugged his nose. He didn’t want to breathe the smoke.

Holman Jones was talking to several men near the front of the car. One of them was the reporter with the red hair and thick beard.

The slave catcher saw Patrick and waved the poster at him. Patrick looked at the ground as he walked past. He didn’t want to say anything to Jones.

Patrick and Willie arrived at the baggage car. Willie unlocked the door. The boys went in and closed the door behind them.

“So where’s the slave?” Willie asked suddenly.

Patrick felt as if he’d been kicked in the stomach. How did Willie know? he wondered.

Willie sat on a suitcase as if he were glued there. He folded his arms.

“Tad told me you and Beth are with the Underground Railroad,” Willie said. “He heard our mother say so. Beth has a special necklace.”

Patrick put the black bag down. He said, “We’re not with anything. I think it’s time to go.”

“Not before I see the slave,” Willie said. “One is in here, right?”

“Yes, one is.” It was Sally’s muffled voice.

Willie jumped up. “I knew it!” he cried. He climbed the stack of trunks. Then he moved the carpetbag covering her hiding place.

“I’m William Wallace Lincoln,” he said. “My father is going to be president. I’ve heard him say he hates slavery.”

“Good for him,” Sally said. “I hate slavery too.”

Mrs. Lincoln opened both of the cedar trunks. She repacked all the contents from one trunk into the other. “Is Sally tall?” the future First Lady asked.

“She’s a teenager and very thin,” Beth said. “It’s possible she can fit in here.”

“Good,” Mrs. Lincoln said. She tried to close the packed trunk, but it was too full. She took out a feather shawl and a blue cloak with a hood. Then she sat on the trunk lid. It closed. Mrs. Lincoln locked it.

“Mother, will Sally be able to breathe in there?” Tad asked.