Whistle-Stop West by Arleta Richardson Page A

for their families. Cora Tyler approached the end of the line with determination. She stopped before Shala and stared at the name tag fastened to the girl’s white pinafore.
    Pointing her finger in that direction, she demanded, “What kind of name is that?”
    Shala’s mouth dropped open in surprise. Then sparks of fire appeared in her eyes. “It’s Irish, ma’am. I’m Shala O’Brien.”
    â€œRidiculous name. But we can always change that. I suppose you know how to cook and clean, don’t you? Can you sew?”
    Shala smiled brightly, and Matron, watching her, knew that Mrs. Tyler had reason to beware.
    â€œOh yes, ma’am. I’m a wonderful worker. I’m very quick, and I never do a job halfway. You won’t have any reason to complain about me. I can do anything you ask.”
    Mrs. Tyler was looking more pleased by the moment. “Well. This sounds just fine, doesn’t it, Nita? We’ll take you. Come along, Sha—whatever your name is.”
    Shala bobbed a little curtsy. “Thank you, ma’am, but I would like to know if you pay by the day or by the job. Do most ladies of Liberty hire a girl, so I’ll have lots of work?”
    This time it was Cora Tyler’s mouth that dropped open. “Pay? Who said anything about pay? I’m going to adopt you!”
    Shala managed to look disappointed. “You are? I thought you wanted me to come and work for you. I’m old enough to hire out, and I’m saving to go to normal school and become a teacher. I probably won’t do, will I?”
    Nita laughed out loud at her mother’s obvious discomfort. “I guess you’ve met your match this time, Mama. I think you should take her. We’d get along fine.”
    Cora Tyler glared at her daughter and marched toward the door. “Cheeky girl,” she muttered. “Just what you’d expect of an orphan.”

    Ethan watched in puzzlement as Matron suddenly bent to retie Will’s shoes, and Mr. Pritchard was forced to leave for water to ease a coughing fit. Wasn’t anyone going to speak to Shala about being sassy? Sometimes it was hard to understand grown folks.
    He turned his attention to the boys and girls lined up in front of him. Little Ruby, who came from Chicago, had grown weary. Now she sat on the edge of the platform with one foot placed on top of the other and her chin resting on her knees. With her arms wrapped around her legs, she appeared to be almost asleep. Ethan noticed, however, that her eyes were wide open, and Ruby didn’t miss anything that was happening.
    The people who walked by glanced at the top of her head, then went on. Ethan was about to point this out to Matron when the Reverend Jared Burke and his wife, Jenna, sat on either side of the little girl.

    â€œHello. What’s your name?” Jenna Burke asked the little girl softly.
    Ruby sat up straight and revealed her name tag.
    â€œRuby. What a lovely name! Do you know that a ruby is something precious?”
    The child shook her head and watched Rev. Jared Burke carefully from under long eyelashes.
    â€œWe’re looking for someone precious to take home with us. Would you like to be the one?” Rev. Burke asked.
    For the first time the little girl spoke. “Really?”
    â€œReally.” He smiled. “Are you all by yourself?”
    â€œNo. There’s Pete.”
    â€œIs Pete your brother?” Jenna asked.
    The girl nodded and pointed to a ten-year-old who stood with the other boys. He was watching his little sister. When Jenna rose and walked toward him, Pete stiffened and stood as straight as he could. His face was pale, but he met Jenna’s gaze directly.
    â€œHello, Pete.”
    â€œHello, ma’am.” He studied her. “You goin’ to take my little sister?”
    â€œWe’d like to. Would that be all right with you?”
    Pete nodded. “Yes, ma’am. You look kind.