PART 1
Franz set his book on his desk and reached for the handbell. The jangling noise abruptly plucked Nan from her daydreaming as it heralded the end of the school day. The children's faces lit with excitement as they realized they were being dismissed fifteen minutes earlier than usual.
"I'm concluding our study early because I know you have a lot of chores today," Franz shouted above the clamor of clattering chairs and clunking shoes. "We will complete our reading of the King Arthur legends tomorrow and discuss the virtue of bravery. You will have time to ponder what you will discuss while doing your chores and..."
The last student had disappeared through the door.
Dan was ahead of everyone, followed by Emil, Jack and Nat; Nan and Bess were close behind.
"So our topic is bravery?" Dan turned and addressed the others in a loud voice. "Prepare to be amazed as I present to you this superb example!"
Immediately, Dan ran towards the log fence. As he came within arm's length he grabbed the top railing with both hands, and in one fluid motion performed a handstand, paused, then flipped into the air and over the fence. Landing upright, he swiftly turned around, then bowed to acknowledge the applause of his audience.
"That's splendid!" cheered Nan.
"An excellent acrobatic trick, Dan," said Nat, quite impressed.
"Let's see you do it, Nat," laughed Emil.
"Yeah," Jack cut in. "You think you're brave enough?"
Nat attempted to answer, but could only stammer.
"Naw, we all know that Nat is yellow," said Emil.
Dan's smiling circus performer's face turned to one of anger.
"Leave Nat alone!" he growled. "I don't see either one of you too eager to try it."
"We're not acrobats," was Jack's quickly-thought reply.
"Very well," said Dan. "If you think you're so brave, then go climb the old tree over by the brook and bring me back that bird's nest for my collection."
"You mean that big nest way at the top of that old dead tree?" asked Emil. "I'm not climbing that!"
"Nor I," said Jack, "unless you pay me two dollars."
"Make it four," Emil suggested to Jack.
"I'll give you five," said Dan, smiling as he held up his right hand with fingers spread. One finger at a time, he closed his hand, forming a fist. He locked his arm around Emil's head and playfully rapped the crown of his skull.
Jack, and then finally Nat, joined in a round of slapstick and horseplay, to the chagrin of Bess.
"Appalling," she said, stopping Nan, who was about to participate in the clowning, too. "This is a superb example of unrefined behavior."
In the midst of all this foolery, Nick had walked up unnoticed from behind.
"You kids better get your chores done," he commanded. "There's a lot to do today."
Bess turned to Nan again. "Yes, let us finish our chores and then I can teach you that new stitching technique."
Nan was able to refrain from rolling her eyes and sighing. She did not care for sewing one bit. "Sure, Bess," she replied politely. "Maybe you can show me after supper."
For the remainder of the afternoon, Plumfield was abuzz with the bustle of children doing chores. Nan worked most expeditously, finishing almost a good half-hour earlier than she did on most days.
"I'm done! Now it's time for a little adventure before supper," she said to herself. "This will be a lot more fun than sewing."
Had the denizens of Plumfield not been so preoccupied that late afternoon, perhaps one of them would have noticed Nan strolling at a brisk pace down the road leading towards the woods.
PART 2
