Chapter 1

“I’m not against education, nor rules that keep boys in line, but the jackass that runs the school just kicked me out of his office with both hind legs, just because I wanted to take my grandson out a tad early.”  He paused as a tired look came into his eyes.  “I don’t know how many years these old  bones have left, but most of them will most likely be away from my grandson.  I’ve only a little time with him, if fate is kind to me.”

Sir Donald’s tone reflected his sympathy.”  So you want me to help you get your grandson out, do you?!”

“That spit-bucket told me his word was law!  Even the likes of you may be afraid to take him on.”

“I’ve had a scrape or two with that man myself,” Sir Donald admitted.  “And you’re right, he is a tough nut to crack, not because he has character mind you, but because he has immunity, and he has authority to call the law upon one’s head for infractions.”

“Who the devil ever gave that excuse of a man such power?”

“Very powerful men who are intent on having and getting their own way.”

“Too powerful for you?”  the captain asked.

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far! I have – let’s say, certain influential powers.”

“Can you get my grandson released?”

Sir Donald smiled.  “I welcome the challenge about now; as a matter of fact, so would a few colleagues of mine.  They’ve had a bit of a go-around with him also.”

“How long will it take you?”  Alexander desired to know.

“Oh, let’s say I can let you know in a couple of hours,”  and Sir Donald stood up.  Alexander followed suit.

The  captain shook his hand.  “As I am grateful that fortune has shone upon me with the welcomed rays of your assistance.  I am sorrowful that we could not have met again under better circumstances.  I’m sure we could have sat down and chatted about old times to our hearts’ content. “

“I  understand completely,” Sir Donald sympathized.  “And whether we see each other again or not, this brief meeting has made a great difference to me.”

Sir Donald looked at his pocket watch in an effort to change the mood.  “Let us say you march right up to that academy at one o’clock this afternoon and take your grandson with my blessings.”

“Can you arrange it so soon?”

“If I can’t, I don’t deserve to hold office.”

And with that, friendly good-byes were exchanged, leaving both with the hint that they would never see each other again.