The Secret of the Dark (19 page)

“You're pretty resourceful for a ‘furriner.' You might have found a way to save yourself. How about following me someplace else?”

“Tell me where first. No more caving for a while.”

“Finish school here and then come up to the University to college. That will give us time to get to know each other better.”

“I know you pretty well, Neal.”

“Is that a yes or a no?”

I laughed. “I remember your saying they have a good course of study there in folk art and music. I'm starting to think that interests me a lot. Getting to know the rest of the old-timers up here. Recording their music and tales like you've been doing, so it isn't lost or unappreciated.”

“We could work together someday.”

“Do you think I could learn to speak your language?” I stood close to Neal but I needed to touch him. I took his hand.

“I reckon. Effin you tried.”

“I misdoubt it'd be too hard with a good teacher.”

“Try this — I'm falling in love with you, Neal.”

“Oh, Neal, please don't remind me of falling. I never want to think of that again.”

“Okay, leave out that word.”

I tried the words to see how it felt. “I'm in love with you, Neal Gallagher.”

The words fit my mouth just fine. And so did his lips, the security of his arms. If this remained a foreign country, I decided right then that I'd become a citizen.

About the Author

Barbara Steiner (1934–2014) was an acclaimed author known for her books for children and young adults. Steiner authored over seventy titles, including picture books, early chapter books, mysteries, young adult thrillers, historical novels, and romances. In her lifetime, Steiner visited more than ninety-four countries and all seven continents, and many of her books were inspired by her travels. She lived in Boulder with her family until her death in January 2014.

All rights reserved, including without limitation the right to reproduce this ebook or any portion thereof in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 1984 by Barbara Steiner

Cover design by Mimi Bark

ISBN: 978-1-4804-3887-3

This edition published in 2014 by Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.

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EBOOKS BY BARBARA STEINER

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