The Emerald Key - By Christopher Dinsdale Page 0,48
They then fenced them all in like a herd of cattle! They’ve told the penned-in Irish that they’re no longer welcome in Canada and to go home. Can you believe that? It isn’t the immigrants’ fault that they’ve arrived in such a disastrous state of health. And what insanity could push them to gather as well the Irish who have lived here for years?”
Beth paled at the thought. “That’s a terrible thing to do to anyone!”
Mr. Kessler went over and opened his till and returned to the small group. He gave Jamie a large sum of money.
“It’s not fair that I’m the only one to profit from your beautiful book. This is my payment to you for giving me the honour to gaze upon its exquisite pages.”
“Thank you,” Jamie replied, glancing down at the generous amount of cash. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I insist, lad. It looks like you three could use a helping hand anyway. Perhaps you could put some of the money towards some new clothing. Is there anything else that I can do for you?”
“Actually, I could use some help with a map,” Jamie said. “With the parliament building shut down, I was wondering if you could show me the location of the library within the parliament building. I want to get inside as quickly as possible when the building does reopen.”
“Certainly. I can show you a map of the building. It’s in the back of this book.”
The bookkeeper pulled a book from the shelf and opened it up to a detailed diagram of a large building. He showed them the front entrance and the route through the corridors to get to the large rectangular-shaped library located just behind the House of Commons. After memorizing the map and thanking him once again for the money, Jamie led the children to the door.
“Good luck,” called the bookseller as the door swung shut.
“He’s a nice man,” said Colin, waving goodbye.
“You’re right,” replied Beth. “He was very kind and helpful.”
“Can you lead us to the parliament building?” Jamie asked her.
“Of course,” replied Beth. “It’s one of the biggest buildings in town. It’s between Commissioners and Foundling Street, just three streets down and to the right.”
Jamie looked down the street in the direction she was pointing. “Good. All right, here’s the plan. I need you to take Colin to your friend at the general store. Tell her we need her to look after Colin for a few hours. You can give them this money for their troubles. Then meet me in front of the parliament, but stay well behind the protesters. We don’t need to get mixed up in that mess. Understand?”
She nodded. Colin squeezed Jamie’s hand. “But I don’t want to go!” he protested.
Jamie got down on one knee. “I need you to be a big boy, Colin. Beth and I have to get my book back. You’ll have fun at the store. In fact.…” Jamie reached into his pocket, “here’s a coin for another peppermint stick. You can have it while you wait for us.”
Colin nodded. The thought of another peppermint stick in his hands had brightened his mood considerably.
Chapter 13
The imposing parliament of the province of Canada was two storeys high and constructed of well-cut stone. It sprawled out symmetrically in either direction from a central multi-stepped entranceway, with rows of windows giving government workers an impressive view of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. Stretching out over two city blocks, the massive building dominated the core of Montreal.
But dominating the attention of the entire city and a handful of overwhelmed soldiers was not the impressive building itself, but an angry, torch-wielding crowd that swarmed the building’s entrance like a colony of angry wasps protecting a hive. With a cheer, they stormed through the meagre line of soldiers and marched their way up the wide marble steps to the parliament building’s carved oak doors. A man with a tall black hat climbed up onto the wide stone railing, opening his arms to the crowd below.
“Are we just going to sit back and let our elected representatives give our hard-earned tax dollars to those who fought against King and Country?”
“No!” shouted the crowd.
“What I have behind me is a mockery to the concept of democracy!” he continued. “We will not allow our government to reimburse those who fought against the crown with our tax money! Instead of paying the traitors compensation, send those conniving, treacherous criminals to jail and throw away the key!”