Author’s Note:  The two stories in this volume are very different, but are linked together by a beautiful book, now more than half a century old, that captures the interest of the two young protagonists. I can remember reading Paul Gallico’s The Abandoned at the age of nine or ten, my first “adult” novel, and it had a compelling effect upon me. By introducing me to the power of the written word, it profoundly influenced the career choices I was to make. If you can locate a copy, I believe you too will find it rewarding. Pass it on for the young people in your life to read - they will be richer for the experience.