Article October 3, 1977 Issue

The Runaway

Rachel Helen Bones

One day when John was eight years old he got into some trouble at school with a boy named Louie. The principal sent notes to both their parents. John was pretty mad at Louie for getting him into trouble. When John thought about the trouble he would be in with his parents, he signed his mother's name to the note and brought it back to school. Then he was scared when he was called to the principal's office to explain the signature.

"I will call your mother before school closes," said Mrs. Jones, the principal. John worried about it all afternoon and then when school was almost over he said to himself, "I'll run away! That's what I'll do!" He wasn't thinking how his parents would worry. He just wasn't going home!

Right after school he talked it over with his best friend, Tom. Tom didn't think running away was such a good idea. "Why did you sign your mother's name just because Louie started trouble with you? Your folks might not have punished you much. But, wow! Signing your mother's name! It's against the law or something." Then he saw John's mind was made up. "Where are you going?"

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