Reverend Henry Jackson, peeking out from the curtained off area that served as a vestry, in the simple chapel, took a deep breath as he reflected on having to face who was out there, waiting for him.

It would be a baptism of fire, because as a curate, he had never even given a sermon before, had merely helped his boss, the Reverend Jeremiah Fitch write his weekly messages, ensure that he kept on top of appointments, before carrying out what Fitch considered his most important duty, prettying up the church in town each Sunday, to tempt the faithful to attend, so they could be saved from whatever sins they'd committed that week.

But today,with his boss recovering from the grippe, and choosing to just preach to the townsfolk, he was faced with giving his first sermon to a resentful audience of likely heathen boys. And to do it in a place he'd never even visited before, which was making him very nervous, as the name hardly left him thinking they'd be open to the good word, though Fitch had never reported any attempt to attack him. Those boys are trouble, Henry, but if you just show them no fear, remind them of their failings, and don't linger past the end of your lesson, you'll be fine."

Repeating the words, show no fear to himself as a mantra, while praying to God for fortitude, Henry strode over to the lectern, and after spreading out the paper Fitch had given him, looked down at the boys, who were sitting tightly packed in the rough hewn pews below him.

Some of the boys stared back at him defiantly, and did look as wayward as he'd been told to expect, their expressions hard, wary and angry radiating hostility. But as his gaze swept over all of the gathered children, he also saw many who simply looked tired, sad and very lost. Their pinched faces, and worried expressions suggesting vulnerability, and invoking his sympathy, rather than making him believe that they were dangerous.

Jenkins letting his gaze rest levelly on the sea of pale faced, anxious looking boys, noticed how several of them carefully didn't meet his eyes, almost as if they were afraid or even ashamed. He realised as he took them in, that his boss was most likely mistaken in his assumptions about the nature of some of the children who lived here, because that was what they were, children, whatever fear the name home for waywards conjured up in people. It was then that he also recalled what he'd been told by some of the more sympathetic townsfolk in the congregation. Many of those that lived in the home, were simply casualties of war, ending up there, when their families had been killed, leaving them alone and unsupported in a harsh world.

His eyes quickly settled on a row of shivering boys in the middle pew. He noted with newly sympathetic eyes, how their clothes were threadbare and old, showing signs of being repeatedly darned, with worn looking patches. Henry knew such mean garments would offer little protection from the chill of the air they sat in, and thought it a shame that no one had felt they should be provided with more suitable clothing, which would help them stay warm. It seem an especially cruel oversight with them being situated as they were, high on a hill, with little protection from the elements, aside from the oppressive wall that circled the grim courtyard.

A small blonde boy, of perhaps no more than ten, who was sat close to the aisle, had his arm protectively round the shoulders of a slightly older dark haired lad next to him. The older boy looked unwell, and Henry wasn't even sure he was fit to be out of bed, let alone sitting in the cold chapel. As he watched them, the older boy shifted away from the hold of his friend, with a small huff of irritation, as he said. "Stop fussing Jed, I'm fine..."

"You're not fine, Heyes, you're still sick, you shouldn't have to be here...you need more sleep."

The dark haired boy huffed again in exasperation before he added with concern in his tone. "You're lucky, that it's just your knuckles that are sore with the way you kept telling old Nosey that." He stopped, then added more quietly. "We hafta stay outta trouble Jed, so they won't be paying us no extra attention. You just gotta remember why, and don't let them rile ya."

The boy named Jed, gave a small snort, but then nodded. "I'm trying Heyes, but this just ain't fair...its not like we'll hear anything new today, sleeping would be more useful for ya, and Parker knows it."

"Look Jed, I know the good reverend could do with a bit of variety in his lessons, and Parker is an ass...but we just gotta put up with it for today at least."

The boys quietened, becoming aware of being watched, and they exchanged a slightly worried look as they trailed off into silence and turned to look at Henry intently, not quite hiding their surprise when they realised it wasn't Fitch at the front.

Clearing his throat, Henry covering his nervousness, said as firmly as he could. "Now, boys, I'm afraid you got me today. My name is Henry Jackson, and I'm not real experienced, but Reverend Fitch has ensured that I am prepared with material you will be familiar with."

He heard a quickly muffled, but clearly audible collective sigh of dismay, ripple through the gathered children, and even a quiet sob from the end of the pew, where the boys he'd overheard talking sat. The poor child who'd made the sound, was looking determinedly down, but Jackson could see he was very young, barely five most likely, and that his face was already heavily streaked with dried tears as more dripped down.

Jed and Heyes exchanged a glance, then Jed reached over to slide the boy over his knee, to sit between them, murmuring what sounded like reassurance. Once he was sat between them, his friend quickly pulled the lad closer to him. "Ah, Billy, hush now, you gotta stop it bothering ya so much, its just what they're told to tell us, your Ma and Pa didn't die 'cos of anything you did or didn't do."

The boy named Billy sniffled, and wiped his nose as he said. "Still, I oughta be grateful for whatever I get, 'cos there ain't no duty to look after me, so Mr Parker done tell me, but I'm always so hungry, and I miss my folks so much, its real hard sometimes. Does that make me a bad person?"

Both Jed and Heyes snorted at that, and Heyes shook his head as he said. "No, Billy, it just means you don't get fed enough and that your folks loved you. Don't let Parker get to you, 'cos he doesn't know anything useful. He ain't even that good at numbers."

As Henry listened to their soft conversation, his mind drifted to his wonderful wife and their precious baby girl. He tried to imagine how the little one would feel if she lost them, and was taught to believe that it was somehow her fault, or if she was left believing that due to her being parent-less, she was less worthy and a burden. He shuddered a little at the idea, and began to consider that perhaps he should use a different text to the one that his boss had prepared for him to read.

Despite the pause in proceedings, few of the boys showed signs of getting restive, in fact to Henry, it seemed that many of them were almost scared by what might come next, though the blonde lad and his friend were simply continuing to console their younger companion, and seemed unaffected. Reflecting back on their conversation, he did not believe they were any worse then most of the children in town, in fact, judging by their attempt to comfort, they obviously had a lot of good in them.

With sudden certainty, and a small mental apology to his earthly boss, he scrumpled the sermon he'd written for him, and thought back to the other verses that he had started to prepare for today, but had abandoned, when Fitch had told him they were inappropriately positive, and began to speak. "I understand you are frequently told that you are a burden on this town, and that gratitude is due for the care given to you, but as is decreed in the book of James, and indeed in many other sections of the Good Book, it is our Godly duty to care for those who are fatherless, and it is written that by giving support to the needy, we get closer to Him."

Henry became aware of a small ripple of surprise run through the gathered boys, and pushed down a slight sliver of worry when he heard what he thought was probably Heyes say, "Well, he ain't gonna last very long..."

ASJ

Henry waited by the chapel door, and when he saw the two boys he'd heard talking exit, he smiled at them, waving them over to him. They looked at each other warily, but changed direction to walk towards him, radiating caution in every step they took, which made it easy to see how concerned they were, despite their attempts to hide it, as they stopped in front of him. So in an attempt to reassure them, he flashed them a broad smile as he said quickly. "I heard you talking, boys...and I was most impressed with your attempt to comfort the young 'un."

"Well, someone has to try, as he sure won't get no help from the staff here." This from the younger boy, though his companion despite giving him a warning glance, couldn't help but nod in agreement as he added. "Your words aren't exactly what we usually get round here, so we do what we can..." He shrugged then offered up an innocent gaze that Jackson could see was covering his true feelings of suspicion and grave distrust. In years to come, he was sure this boy would learn to hide all his tells, but just now he didn't quite have the experience to cover completely.

Jenkins understanding his unease, said evenly. "I'll bring some warm clothes, and extra food during the week." He paused then added meaningfully. "Not that you'll be around to appreciate them, so I'm figuring anyway. But Billy sure is gonna miss you boys, so you might consider staying to continue to provide him with comfort."

"Now, Reverend, I don't know what you think you heard, but you've got the wrong idea." The dark haired boy gave him a dimpled smile as he spoke, while his companion shifted his weight as if preparing for a fight.

Jenkins gave them a small smile. "Ahh boys, don't worry, I won't say anything to anyone, not my place...but think on it."

Heyes looked at him, his face shifting into a serious, much more genuine expression, "Oh believe me, we have, and if you knew what it was like here, you'd understand why we ain't staying."

Henry looked between them for a moment longer then nodded. "I can see you are resolved and I will not seek to prevent you." He paused then added carefully. "If it is not too much to ask, I would know your names boys, so I can pray for your safety, as you go out in the world."

They exchanged a look before the older boy spoke, "Guess there ain't no harm in that. He's Jed Curry, and I'm Hannibal Heyes."

ASJ

As they huddled up together that night in Jed's bunk for a change the younger boy asked softly. "You don't figure that preacher is gonna change his mind, and tell someone what he figures we're planning on do you?"

Heyes thought about it for a moment, then shook his head firmly. "Nah, I think he's gonna keep his word, but just in case I'm wrong, we'll leave tomorrow night...I'd say tonight, but I got one more thing I gotta do tomorrow."

"Maybe we oughta hang on a bit, till we're sure you're well enough to travel, without taking sick again."

Jed sounded reluctant, but resolved, that he would stay if he had to, which somehow made Heyes smile as he replied firmly. "No, Jed, we gotta go tomorrow, because the next few weeks, they're gonna be watching me real close, as you know I'm close to ageing out of here, and they won't wanna lose out on the nice little bonus that they'll get on selling me to the highest bidder."

Jed shifted as he replied, his tone made sharp with worry. "What ya talking about? Slavery ain't legal no more."

The words hung between them for a minute, as both of them found their minds drifting back to just what that fight had cost them, and Jed shivered, before Heyes said with bitterness in his voice. "You know, they'll just tell them I agreed to it, and I ain't gonna be tied to no-one 'cept who I choose, so we gotta go tomorrow."

Jed nodded silently, then gave a small huff of breath as he started to relax, his breath levelling out as he began to fall asleep. Heyes shifted to take some weight off his still slightly aching back, and was soon asleep himself, his dreams full of wide open spaces and running free.

ASJ

"You, boy, stay in that corner, while I go get the Dean, so I can tell him what a problem you've been today."

Jed looked over at Heyes wondering, why, when he'd frequently reminded him in the last few weeks, to keep his head down, he'd been so difficult in the class today, especially now. when they were within touching distance of their escape.

Heyes simply winked at him, clearly deciding to ignore his frustration, and just waved at him to file out with the other children. Jed hesitated, then did as his friend suggested with reluctance, his back stiff, clearly indicating how much he disliked what was happening.

Knowing his cousin was annoyed with him, Heyes sighed, he'd understand once he knew everything, but he really hoped his stubbornness wouldn't kick in, before Heyes got the chance to explain, and so get himself in trouble. The note he'd stuffed into his pocket at breakfast would no doubt help with that, so he pushed the thought aside and concentrated on what he needed to do.

Remaining where he was for a couple of moments in the now empty classroom, Heyes rubbed his sore ass, with a resentful sigh. Once sure he was definitely alone, and had some time before Parker returned, he walked over to the heavy desk at the front of the room, where the math master sat and droned on at them. He studied it carefully, then began to run his hands over the surface and the underside too,and after a few moments gave a hah of triumph as a secret draw sprung free with a small click. The hidden compartment was packed full of papers and trinkets. He studied the trinkets and gave the documents a quick examine, before giving a soft exclamation of triumph and whispering 'got ya.'

When he heard footsteps coming towards the door, he quickly shoved everything back where he'd found it, and with a gentle push, returned the drawer to where it belonged,. He was standing innocently in the corner, looking like he'd never moved, when Parker opened the door scowling, with an irritated looking Dean behind him.

Parker sounding furious, exclaimed loudly. "This, this, boy, is quite unbearable John. I am at a loss to know what to do with him. If it isn't him, its his cousin."

Dean Simons sniffed in annoyance as he glared over at Heyes with a frown. "Well, at least in a matter of weeks, we will only have the younger boy to deal with...but in the meantime, I suggest another caning, then two nights in the punishment room. It likely will have little effect on such a wayward child, but it will serve as a warning to the other boys to behave, or bear the consequences."

ASJ

Jed puzzled at his cousin's behaviour was sat, shifting a little restlessly at the back of the English master's class, trying to look like he was paying attention, when feeling for his knife, he came across a folded piece of paper. Making sure he wasn't observed, he carefully pulled it out of his pocket to read it, squinting to read his cousin's untidy script his eye widened. "Its all in the plan, just keep your head down, and everything will be fine. We leave tonight."

Not really understanding what his cousin was planning, but trusting him enough to wait it out, he quickly shoved the note back in his pocket, and forced his attention back onto Simpson.

ASJ

Heyes shifted off his sore butt, and reached gingerly down for his boot, pulling out his carefully made lock picks with a satisfied grunt. He let himself out of the hole, then crept cautiously into the corridor, dipping into shadow as he heard footsteps. Fighting the urge to rush towards his target, he instead took steadying breaths, and only when he was absolutely sure he was alone again, did he continue towards Parker's classroom.

Once inside, he carefully blocked the bottom of the door with the jacket hung off the back of it, then checking the blinds were shut,crept over to the desk and quickly lit a match. He found the secret compartment with ease, and after he'd emptied its contents onto the desk, pushed the draw shut, then blew out the match, giving himself a mental pat on the back.

He let himself out, taking everything with him, then quietly shut and locked the door behind him. He walked to Mr Simpson's office, the one teacher here that he could trust to do the honest thing, where, after unlocking the door, he silently walked towards the desk in the centre of the room. Footsteps coming towards the office, left him breathless, with his heart pounding as he crouched low in the shadows. But when they simply continued on past and faded away, he stood letting out a relieved puff of breath as he did so.

Once his heart stopped pounding in his ears, and settled into a regular beat, he lit a match and quickly managed to release the lock on the top drawer. With a small grunt of satisfaction, he placed the papers and the other items he'd retrieved from Parker's secret compartment, into the open drawer, adding to the small collection, a hand written note from his pocket, before carefully shutting it again, as he muttered to himself. "Kind of a shame I won't be here to see how this ends..."

Satisfied with his work, he exited and locked the door behind him. After taking another steadying breath, he walked quickly towards to the dorm, knowing Jed would be getting anxious, and eager for them to be on their way.

As he entered, he was easily spotted by his cousin, who was awake, and sitting up in bed, fully dressed and wide-eyed. Jed looked at him in slightly aggravated puzzlement, but didn't say anything, and together they crept out into the corridor.

Heyes, with Jed keeping watch at the door, crept into the barn, gently hushing the slightly startled horses, and retrieved the burlap sack stuffed with clothes, food and money that they'd added to over several weeks.

As they walked quickly towards their target side by side, Heyes could feel that his cousin was bursting with questions about what exactly he'd been playing at today, and though he was obviously holding his tongue, until he was sure he'd get a proper answer, Heyes knew once they were away from here and safe, he would quickly be demanding answers. Heyes would be more than happy to give them, proud of what he'd achieved, and eager to share his cleverness with his friend.

The night was clear, with a half moon illuminating their path out of the home, which was a relief to Heyes, but it also meant they could be easily seen if anyone was about.

They were about halfway to the high wall they'd need to scale to get away from this hellhole, when Heyes was startled by a noise, and just as he tensed, Jed grabbed hold of him, and pulled him sharply back into shadow.

They waited in anxious silence, and sighed in relief when they remained unseen as they were passed by two men deep in conversation. "I tell ya, she was interested in me, Joe."

"I don't think so, Hank, a high class girl like her, won't give folks like us a second glance. You just gotta let it go, or you'll find yourself tarred and feathered and chased outta town by her rich Pa and his friends."

Jed murmured after they'd passed. "With folk like them, I don't even think anyone they ain't paid for would be interested."

Heyes looked over at his cousin in surprise. "Wash ya mind out, Jed, where'd you learn stuff like that?"

"Aww, Heyes, c'mon, I ain't a baby no more, and I ain't deaf neither."

Heyes shook his head, and simply hissed. "You ain't even quite 12 yet!"

Jed snorted, before saying with a sharp edge to his tone. "Well, we weren't wayward comin' in Heyes, but..."

Heyes had to agree with his cousin, and wondered whether Doc Jenkins would consider them a credit to their families now. But he dismissed the thought quickly, refusing to let it take root, they'd done what they had to do, and he certainly didn't regret using what he'd taught himself, building on what his aunt had started , against a man like Parker.

They made it to the foot of the wall without further incident, and Heyes boosted Jed over, before tossing the sack to him, then clambered over himself, to land a little heavily on the other side.

They looked at each other in silence for a few moments, not quite believing that they'd made it even this far, until Jed looked away, and hefted the sack over his shoulder, as he said. "Stage for Kansas City leaves at five, Heyes."

Heyes drew out his pocket watch at the words, squinting at it, relieved to see that it was only just after half past three, and he knew the walk into town would take them less than half an hour. "We got plenty time, Jed."

"While we're waiting, you can lemme know exactly what you were doing today, you coulda blown everything."

Heyes laughed. "Ahh, you gotta have faith, Jed. I knew what I was doing."

"Giving me heart failure, is what you were doing."

Jed sounded more than a little frustrated, and Heyes snorted a little before saying evenly.

"Well, aside from that, I had a real good plan. I'll explain it all when we're properly away.

Jed humphed, but merely muttered. "You better." but said nothing more as they set off towards the path that led down into the town.

ASJ

As they sat waiting for the stage, tickets in hand, Heyes paced, his butt too sore to sit while Jed sat half reclined on one of the small log benches outside the ticket office. After watching his friend pace for a few minutes, Jed burst out with a frustrated. "Tell me, Heyes!"

Stilling, and leaning carefully against the wall, Heyes began to explain. "I figured a miserable old coot like Nosey probably wasn't exactly honest...turned out I was right." He paused then added with a grin. "Not smart neither, made it real easy to find out he's been stealing from the home for years, and not just penny ante amounts neither, he's pocketed about twenty thousand dollars just in the last year. But instead of destroying the evidence of what he'd done, he just hid it instead." Heyes shook his head at the stupidity of such behaviour.

Jed watching carefully, frowned at him in confusion, as he asked in some puzzlement, "What's any of that gotta do with you being an idiot today?"

Heyes huffed, offended, and proceeded to explain what he thought was obvious. "I needed some time alone to retrieve it ...and I figured they'd not reckon on me causing any trouble, locked away with a sore butt. So, on my way to fetch ya, I left Mr Simpson a little present. All nicely wrapped in a bow too. Lets just say Parker won't be employed for much longer."

Jed grinned, as he said happily. "You're a genius, Heyes!"

Heyes winked and said. "Now ya getting it."