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Clop-clop-clop down Main Street Only two autoed to bankers Banksters, they were called these days, for the way they cheated hardworking folk out of their land and then went bust and closed their doors, keeping the ht was safe

Grandpa on up to the schoolhouse and parked

Loreda heardfeet She launched herself out of the wagon and hurried to the schoolhouse

Inside, the party was on A makeshift band played in the corner and a few couples were dancing

Off to the right were the food tables There wasn’t a lot of food out, but after the years of drought, Loreda kneas a feast the women had worried and slaved over

“Loreda!”

Loreda saw Stella er sister, Sophia, were the only girls in the room in pretty new party dresses

Loreda felt a pinch of jealousy and put it aside Stella was her best friend Who cared about dresses?

Loreda and Stella ca hands, heads tilted together

“Say, what’s the story,to sound in the know

“I’rind, don’tcha know?” Stella answered

Stella’s parents cairls, stopped to talk to the Martinellis

Loreda heard Mr Devereaux say, “I got another postcard froon You should think about it, Tony Rafe”

Like women had no opinions

And her grandfather’s reply: “I don’t bla, Ralph, but it ain’t for us This land…”