He was resting a wet book on his knees near the fireplace to dry it. The book was soaking wet, but the wood's flames and heat burning below reached it.
The book had become like a pudding with the pages stuck together. It did not belong to him. It was someone else's, and he'd borrowed it. So, he had to dry it.
Abraham's elder sister, Sarah, who was just two years older, was confused. "Abe! What're you doing? Please, explain it to me!"
"Sister!" said Abe holding the book closer to the flames.
"I borrowed this book, The Biography of Washington, from Mr Crawford, the farmer, to read and read as much as I could on the way. At home, I kept reading until the candle burned out. Then I put it in my room between two window bars so I could read more in the morning."
Sarah completed the story, "And the terrible storm and rain last night resulted in this disaster!"
Abe stared at his sister for a while and then smiled at her with a great effort.
"It's futile!" Sarah said, holding her younger brother's chin. "The farmer won't take this back."
Abe nodded and started drying the next page. Its print was still intact and it had not spread in the moisture.
Sarah consoled him, saying, "You can relax for a week at least. He won't be back before then to ask for the book. But after that, you must think of something!"
Abe kept drying the book, lost in thought. "Keep the book on the cot. Have your breakfast. I've made an omelette, bread, and coffee for you," Sarah said, nudging her brother to get up.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February First 2023 من Champak.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February First 2023 من Champak.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
FINDERS, KEEPERS
Raji came out of her cool, thatched roof hut. The rough, sun-baked ground scorched her little feet. She looked up at the sun - it was still not very high in the sky. Judging by its position, Raji guessed it was around ten o'clock...
A Dog Named DOT
Dogs like Dot are found a dime a dozen on Chennai streets. Diya could never understand why that one particular dog who was just like any other brown and white dog, chose to pull at her heartstrings...
THE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION
10-year-old Mayank had just opened his tiffin box to eat when the aroma of his food spread through the class...
TARUN'S TALE
\"Stories should be like a breath of fresh air. They should give strength to our souls,\" Tarun's grandmother told him...
The Forest Lesson
Once upon a time, in a deep, green forest humming with life, there lived a fox named Foxy. Foxy was known for his sharp mind and charm, yet he often exaggerated his adventures. His best friends were Sandy sparrow, Rosy rabbit and Timmy turtle...
The Story of a Visionary
A few years after India's independence, the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly known as 'Chacha Nehru,' visited a small village...
Poppy and Karan's Masterchef Mummy
\"What have you made this time, Mummy?\"...
The Mighty Mouse
Ricky mouse emerged from his hole and set off for some work. Katie cat spotted him and dashed to catch him.
Halloween Costume Party
Nandu was the first one to reach Soham's house for the Halloween party.
A FAIR EX CHANGE
Mani heard Thatha arguing with his friend as he entered the hall.