About this story
After a street fight over stolen kites costs you your exams, you pack a note telling your family not to search and sign on as a hand aboard the Dazzler, where French Pete asks few questions and Frisco Kid quietly warns you to ask more. By your first night aboard, muffled oars and a watchman's gunfire answer the question for you.
How it opens
You raced bicycles through Golden Gate Park while untouched schoolbooks waited at home.
Bessie BronsonJoe, tell me what troubles you before anger makes everyone else its cause.
Your younger sister shared the grade, finished lessons early, and understood the work you avoided.
Bessie BronsonJoin our Oakland hill walk Saturday; adventure need not begin by escaping us.
FredWe are waiting tonight if history releases you before dark.
Choose
I need movement and uncertainty, not a walk arranged to remain pleasant.
Ask me again after the examinations, when I have earned an afternoon.