The Secret School Read Online Free Page A

school.
    "Well?" Tom whispered to her when she slipped onto the bench, next to him.
    "I'm going to be scared," Ida answered softly. "Very scared."

Five
    W EDNESDAY AFTERNOON , shortly before three o'clock, Miss Fletcher said, "Children, please put away your work."
    There was a quick rustling of papers and closing of books. Expectant, the children sat back on their benches.
    Miss Fletcher walked solemnly to the front of her desk. Once there she clasped her hands. Briefly, she closed her eyes, then opened them.
    "Children," she began, "as you know, this has been my last day. I just want to say that I have so much enjoyed my five years with you. I ... do hope the school board will make arrangements so your studies can continue next fall.
    "Now, if you treat your next teacher with the same kindness and respect you've shown me, everything will—I'm quite sure—be fine."
    There was some anxious shifting among the children. The two younger ones stole looks at Ida.
    "And...," Miss Fletcher concluded in a slightly husky voice, "I guess you do know how much I love you."
    There was a nervous hush. Then Ida stood up. "Miss Fletcher, the class has asked me to say some words."
    "Well, yes, Ida. Thank you. You may."
    Ida walked up to the recitation spot in the front of the room. Addressing the teacher, hands clasped together, she began: "Miss Fletcher, we, the pupils of the Elk Valley School, wish to thank you for your excellent instruction and generous attention. No matter where we go upon the long road of life, we shall hold you dear in our hearts and memories. By so doing we shall strive to live by the poem you taught us,
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"Do what conscience says is right;
Do what reason says is best;
Do with all your mind and might;
Do your duty, and be blest."
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    Ida unclasped her hands. "Miss Fletcher, I ... we ... really liked you being our teacher."
    Ida now turned to Mary Kohl, who was seated on the first bench. "Mary..."
    Mary jumped up, ran to the girls' wardrobe, and returned with a small wicker basket covered with a blue cloth. Bobbing a curtsy, almost breathless with excitement, she presented the basket to the teacher. "We made this up for you," she said.
    Miss Fletcher, her hands fluttering, uncovered the basket. Inside was a mason jar of jam, a cake, two apples, a bag of cookies, plus two pencils.
    "We made everything," Mary explained. "Except the pencils. Charley boughten them."
    Miss Fletcher wiped her eyes with her handkerchief and said, "It's so lovely! I will surely keep the memory of this forever. And I—"
    From outside came the sharp beep of a car horn.
    "Oh my!" the teacher cried. "It's Mr. Plumstead. He's being kind enough to take me to the train station."
    The students rushed from their benches. Miss Fletcher, wiping away more tears, hugged the children one by one.
    When Herbert approached, he held up the switch.
    Miss Fletcher, taken aback, asked, "What's that for?"
    Herbert grinned. "Don't you want to give me one more lickin' for good luck?"
    Miss Fletcher laughed and hugged him hard. "Herbert Bixler, you are not a bad boy. You're not."
    "Well," he said, clearly enjoying the hug, "I sure tried."
    Outside the horn tooted impatiently.
    "Felix, go tell Mr. Plumstead I'm coming!" Miss Fletcher cried. "Tom, Herbert, be kind enough to carry my trunk to his car. Charley, my portmanteau is by my desk. Mary, you shall carry my precious basket. Children, have you got your things? You mustn't forget your books and coats. You won't be able to get into school till next fall."
    In a great flurry, Miss Fletcher locked the door.
    The children exchanged looks.
    "Miss Fletcher," Herbert asked, "want me to take care of the key?"
    "Oh! No, thank you. I'll give it to Mr. Plumstead."
    The teacher allowed herself to be escorted to the waiting car. Mr. Plumstead, president of the Elk Valley Bank, loaded the luggage into the open rumble seat of his Studebaker, making a great fuss that it was done just right. Then he climbed into the