Laurence: The Trapper

By Lois W. Marlatt

Happiness and sadness follow the 13 year-old Laurence through the second book in the series: ‘The Trapper'. His friends; a new pet named Henrietta; working on Uncle Andy’s farm; and a trip to the Toronto Exhibition, bring joy. A father who is out of work; a dog that is costing the family too much money; the death of a classmate; and the departure of his friend Running Bear, cause sorrow. Then danger appears in the form of two armed and vicious bank robbers: Gunter (Gun) Hamm and Fred (Ox) Oxford. Laurence becomes their captive. How will he escape? Follow Laurence’s adventures in the first and last books in the series: Laurence: The Champion, and Laurence: The Worker.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books for Pleasure
• Release date: Oct 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781553491064

Book preview

Laurence:

The Trapper

Written by Lois W. Marlatt

Illustrated by Joan Howatson

Copyright Lois W. Marlatt 2001

All rights reserved

ISBN# 978-1-55349-106-4

Published by Books for Pleasure at Smashwords

CHAPTER 1

A FAMILY CONFERENCE

The day had been like any other. Father had gone to work, and Peggy and Laurence to school. Mother had spent the day doing all the things she did to look after the well-being of her family.

It wasn't until Father came home from work there was a noticeable change in routine.

Father took Mother up to their bedroom for a private talk.

Peggy cooked supper while Laurence set the table.

Laurence noticed his mother looked like she had been crying when she came downstairs, but his mother never cried so he thought he must be mistaken.

There was silence at the supper table. The only talking occurred when someone asked for a plate or bowl full of food to be passed.

When supper was over, Father pushed his chair back from the table. After the dishes are done we will have a family conference, he said gruffly as he stood up.

Half an hour later the four were seated around the kitchen table.

Father cleared his throat. Today my boss told me he will be closing his shop on Saturday. He just can't make ends meet. I will be out of work. He rubbed one of his big hands across his furrowed brow. Father had been hired ten years ago as a mechanic for Mr. Abbott's repair shop. Back then it had been a booming business. Now, due to the Depression, the amount of work which came in had declined. The shop, which was on the edge of town, was too far away for many who no longer had the means to get there. The town's garage was closer. Some farmers had taken to repairing their own equipment. A year ago Father had taken a cut in pay. By doing so, he hoped the business would continue. It had only delayed what was bound to happen.

Everyone must help out until I can find another job, Father continued. This conference is to see what each of you can do to earn some money for the family. His hand came up and he drew it slowly across his brow.

Mother spoke up first. Peggy can take over some of the household chores to give me more free time. I heard the Osborne’s were short of people to tie grapes. I could probably start there tomorrow.

Do I have to quit school? Peggy asked.

In the flickering light from the coal oil lamp her eyes were shiny with tears. Slowly, two spilled over, and rolled down her cheeks.

Laurence was stunned. This can't be happening to us, he thought. Father always goes to work, and at the end of every week comes home with a week's pay. We've always had to watch our pennies to make the money last from one week to the next. How are we going to live without this money?

To look at Laurence, sitting quietly, no one at the table would have guessed the other thoughts which were racing around in his head. What can I do to make money? I'm not a child. There must be something. I need time to think. Maybe I can work with the constable and catch crooks. Did that before, but I didn't get paid so that won't do. I've got to come up with a real money-maker. That's the problem. I need one which pays well. Darn! If I were older I could quit school, and get a job. I'm just growing up too slowly.

No, you don't have to quit school, Peggy, Mother was saying, at least not right away, but you will have to help around here. I'll ask at the dry cleaners, and at the dry goods store if they need anyone to make repairs, or cuff trousers. I could do it at night. The milliner may need someone to make up veils, or trim hats.

Laurence was only half listening to the conversation. He was deciding what it was he could do.

I could knit baby outfits in my free time, if you think anyone would buy them as a gift for a new baby. Peggy joined in making plans, now she knew she would not have to quit school.

Well Laurence, what can you do to help? Father questioned, for Laurence was still sitting quietly.

Eat less, Peggy interrupted.

Laurence could never understand why, when it came to him, Peggy always had to have a clever answer.

Peggy! Mother glared, and Peggy was silent.

I've been thinking, Laurence said, and he smiled for he had the most marvelous idea. I could talk to my friend, Running Bear. He could teach me how to trap. There's good money in it. I would check my trap line every morning before school.

Isn't Running Bear the fellow living in Fraser's Gully? Mother asked. She seemed to have a difficult time remembering who this man was, and where he lived.

Yes, that's him. He lives in an old shack there. Peggy supplied the information in a scornful tone.

Nothing wrong with him, Laurence answered crossly. He's a good friend.

Children, that's enough. Mother spoke sternly.

As I was saying, Laurence continued, I'd learn how to trap and clean the pelts. I'm sure Running Bear would show me how to do it, and it pays well.

A trap line might be a good idea if you had any traps, Laurence, but you don't so we won't even consider it. Now, what else could you do? Father asked.

Laurence slouched down in his chair. He was very disappointed. His wonderful idea was being tossed out without even being considered.

Well, Laurence. What else could you do? His father was sounding impatient.

Laurence answered slowly. I know Jimmy Smith from town has an early morning paper route he wants to give up. I could ask if I can have it. He gets three cents for every paper he delivers.

Anything else? his father pressed.

Laurence shifted on his chair. Maybe Mr. Taylor will let me help George on Saturday mornings at the B.A. garage, and I won't spend the money at Lum's cafe. Could ask our landlord, Mr. Timothy, if he needs help with his cows. I could bring them back to the barn at night, and he might want some help with the milking.

I think we've had some good money-making ideas, Mother commented. Let's have a cup of tea and a cookie, and we'll make it an early night.

Father nodded his head. Tomorrow, each of you can do something about your ideas. I'll start job hunting the first thing Monday morning. I'm sure to find something, even though it may not pay as well. We have two very good children, Mother. His voice broke. He stood up, and patted Peggy and Laurence on their shoulders.

Laurence wasn't called a good child very often. It made him squirm for he was thinking about being sneaky.

I will go and see Running Bear the first chance I get, he thought. Parents aren't always right. They think they know everything. Most money I can make is by trapping, no matter what they think. I don't care if I've got things to learn, and traps to get. I'll do it.

Mother phoned the Osbornes and arranged to start working for them in the morning. She was giving Peggy her orders when Laurence went upstairs to bed.

As he lay there, more thoughts whirled around in his head. Trapping's the best paying job, but there's got to be other things I can do. So we're going to be poor. We're poor now. We'll do okay. Can't help but do okay. Must remember I am Laurence, the Champion, and champions never quit. Our ghost tells me not to worry, so I won't.

Comforted by his thoughts, Laurence rolled over and went to sleep.

The next day Mother came home from tying grapes with some news about their neighbours, the Robinsons. As usual, she saved it for supper time.

Laurence was immediately interested. He'd been shocked when Mrs. Robinson died so suddenly not long ago, and he felt badly for the seven children who had been left without a mother. Even though he was often annoyed with his