While Jed still struggled, Hannibal picked up Henry's signing quickly. The trio spent every possible moment together; Valparaiso was not an easy place to find yourself friendless. When the instructors were looking away, Henry would point to an object, then show his sign for it. Before a week had passed, Hannibal could almost hold a conversation. Jed had much less success than his cousin. During the daily, lunch-time signing lessons, he often sat in silence, playing the lookout. He could not figure out why, but the teachers were furious anytime they caught Henry signing. They would slap him, threatening to tie rags over his hands to keep them still. Jed thought it was strange. Henry knew only a few words in English, so why did they demand him to speak? Jed asked Hannibal, but he only shrugged. He had to steal an old envelope from the trash bin to write on so they could ask Henry.
Mom says people think deaf people are stupid for not speak
Hannibal and Jed looked at each other. "That doesn't make sense." Shaking his head, Jed grabbed the pencil.
But you are not stupid
Mom says people get scared because different
How did she die?
Henry looked at the paper, then back at the duo with a furrowed brow. When Hannibal read it, he nudged Jed with a huff, "You're not supposed to ask that!"
"Why not?" Jed whined. "It's a fair question."
"Cause, it ain't proper." Hannibal grumbled. "You want to explain where our folks are?"
Jed knew the question was rhetorical, but he still shook his head. He was about to apologize when he noticed Henry had scribbled on the envelope.
My mom not dead
It was Hannibal's turn to be confused. He snatched the paper.
Where is she? If you aren't an orphan, why are you here?
As he passed the message back across the table, Jeb elbowed him in the side. "Headmaster!" He hissed.
Henry must have noticed the change in their demeanor, quickly stuffing the note in his pocket. The boys kept their heads low, staring at the empty trays with shifting eyes. The stout headmaster had the stuck-up nose of a bulldog, with jowls to match. His cold gaze drifted to each table as he marched down the aisles. He threw a snarl at Henry, but kept walking with the stiffness of a toy soldier.
Whether because of bravery or stupidity, Jed turned in his seat and watched the schoolmaster leave. He wanted nothing more than a fist-sized rock to pitch at the angry man. Before he had the chance to think of an alternative to a rock, an old woman stomped from the kitchen holding a little metal rod. Striking a rusted rail with all of the might in her skeleton arms, she hollered. "Lunch time over! Go on, get to the schoolhouse!"
Henry glanced around until he saw the old woman, then he stood with the rest of the boys filing through the door. Once they left the cafeteria, they were sorted into single-file lines and marched to the school house. When Hannibal first arrived at Valparaiso, he was excited about the notion of a real school house. His parents had taught him well, but he always fancied the idea of a small shed with a tiny bell on top where all of the kids of the town would gather and learn. However, this schoolhouse tainted that daydream.
Instead of learning about science or math, the boys were taught a trade. This month, they slaved over saddles, pouches, and vests to learn leatherworking. Something about the repetitiveness of stamping the hide with fancy patterns or meticulously stitching on loops and latches made Hannibal itch. Moreover, the one-room schoolhouse became an oven once twenty or more boys crowed in. He wished to be anywhere else. Even back in the middle of the Indian wars was less stressful.
But, with a straight face, he did his job. He knew if he rebelled – even just a little – Jed would take it too far. Jed had always been quick to act, slow to think. Hannibal had promised to get them out, but not this soon. Not until he had a plan. And now, he realized as he punched grommets for a vest, Henry would need to come with them. As close as they had become, Hannibal still felt hesitant to bring Henry along. But he knew there was no chance either him, or his cousin, could leave could leave their new friend. Hannibal wiped some sweat from his face and sighed. This was not going to be easy.
oooooooooo
Quick author's note: Henry's written grammar is intentional. People in which English is not their first language sometimes use incorrect grammar, sign language is no different. Just wanted you to know that it was not an oversight. Thanks!
