I thought about it. My Mama needed someone around to take care of her, and vice-versa. After all, it wasn't right for her to be all alone. With a start, I realised that in my mind, I'd left my Mama's house. I felt the Wells-Fargo notes in my pocket. "Congratulations, Mama. Congratulations, Mr Johnstone." Mama hugged me again and the Mr Johnstone drove us home in the trap. # All through the rest of the day, Mama kept looking worriedly at me, whenever she thought I wasn't watching. I pretended not to notice, and did my chores, then took my _Chronicle_ out to the apple orchard behind the Academy. I sat beneath a big, shady tree and re-read the paper, all the curious bits and pieces of a city frozen in time. I was hardly surprised to see Mr Adelson, nor did he seem surprised to see me. "Back from France, James?" "Yes, sir." "Looks like it did you some good, though I must say, we missed you around the Academy. It just wasn't the same. Have you been keeping up your writing?" "Sorry, sir, I haven't. There hasn't been time. I'm thinking about writing an adventure story, though -- about pirates and space-travellers and airships," I said. "That sound exciting." He sat down beside me, and we sat there in silence for a time, watching the flies buzz around. The air was sweet with apple blossoms, and the only sound was the wind in the trees. "I'm going to miss this place," I said, unthinking. "Me, too," Mr Adelson said. Our eyes locked, and a slow smile spread over his face. "Well, I know where _I'm_ going, but where are you off to, son?" "You're going away?" I said. "Yes, sir. Is that a copy of the _Chronicle_? Give it here, I'll show you something." He flipped through the pages, and pointed to an advertisement. "The _Slippery Trick_ is in port, and they're signing on crew for a run through the south seas, in September. I intend to go as Quartermaster." "You're leaving?" I said, shocked to my boots. To my surprise, he pulled out a pouch of tobacco and some rolling papers and rolled himself a cigarette. I'd never seen a schoolteacher smoking before. He took a thoughtful puff and blew the smoke out into the sky. "To tell you the truth, James, I just don't think I'm cut out for this line of work. Not enough excitement in a town like this. I've never been happier than I was when I was at sea, and that's as good a reason to go back as any. I'll miss you, though, son. You were a delight to teach." "But what will I do?" I said. "Why, I expect your mother will send you back East to go to school. I graduated you from the Academy _in absentia_ during the last week of classes. Your report card and diploma are waiting on my desk." "Graduated?" I said, shocked. I had another year to go at the Academy. "Don't look so surprised! There was no earthly reason for you to stay at the Academy. I'd say you were ready for college, myself. Maybe Harvard!" He tousled my hair.