Journey to Gonzales

By Melodie A. Cuate

Nick is on a mission. Deeply troubled by the loss of a young friend at the Battle of San Jacinto, he wants desperately to return to the scene of the battle—to alter history. But when he furtively opens the mysterious trunk, now in Mr. Barrington’s attic, he is transported instead to Gonzales, Texas, in 1835. There he meets many historical characters, including the young Alamo defenders William King, John Gaston, and Galba Fuqua. (Will, Johnny, and Galba are introduced in Book 1 of the series.) Once befriended by them, Nick finds himself caught up in the excitement leading up to the Battle of Gonzales.



Hannah and Jackie, knowing they must stop Nick and bring him back safely, follow by trunk in hot pursuit. After falling down a riverbank, Hannah is rescued by Lieutenant Ramirez, a member of the Alamo de Parras Company of dragoons sent to retrieve the Gonzales “Come and Take It” cannon. The girls are escorted to his camp, where they learn about life in the Mexican army and the tensions that are building in Texas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Texas Tech University Press
• Release date: Apr 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9780896728400

Melodie A. Cuate

Fourth-grade teacher Melodie A. Cuate draws from extensive research, travel, and classroom experience for each new episode in Mr. Barrington’s Mysterious Trunk. In addition to writing, she conducts teacher workshops with curriculum developed specifically for the series, as well as school visits. She lives with her husband, Tony, in McAllen, Texas.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The Disagreement

Nick! Hannah screamed as she pounded on the bedroom door. Turn it down!

Nick cracked his door open. He stared at his twelve-year-old sister through a pair of dark sunglasses. What? he shouted over the blaring rock music.

Giving the door a shove, Hannah pushed herself past him. She wore a gray sweat suit with white stripes running up the pant legs and sleeves. Her dark brown ponytail bounced as she marched toward the stereo on his bookshelves.

Hey, wait a minute, Nick demanded. He jumped in front of Hannah and stretched out his arms, blocking her path.

Hannah placed her hands on her hips. Can you turn down the music? We need to talk.

Nick smirked. He reached over and lowered the volume. For a dollar, I'll listen for five minutes. If you take too long, the price goes up. He turned the knob, raising the volume even higher.

Agh! Hannah cried as her thirteen-year-old brother spun around and pretended to play an invisible guitar. "This is so not over," Hannah huffed. She stomped through the doorway and down the hall to her bedroom.

As Hannah passed by her nightstand, she picked up the phone and dialed. Jackie, it's me, she said to her best friend. I don't know if I'll be able to go to the movies.

You have to, Jackie insisted. My mom already gave me enough money for both of us to get in.

Nick won't talk to me until I pay him a dollar! And we have to finish our chores before I can go anywhere. Hannah jerked open a dresser drawer.

He's such a pain, Jackie said.

He's been impossible lately. As Hannah moved a pair of folded socks aside, she spied several coins and a silver ring in the bottom of the drawer. Here it is, two quarters, three dimes, and three nickels.

That's not a dollar.

It's all I have. Hannah slid the ring on her index finger and gathered up the coins. I'll call you later.

Good luck.

Hannah hung up the phone and rushed back to her brother's room. The sounds of drums and guitars blasted from the speakers. Nick sat at his computer, staring at the screen. Here's your money!" Hannah shouted.

With a smug expression, Nick snapped his fingers. Hannah felt steam rising inside as she released the change into his open palm. He stood up, strolled over to the stereo, and turned the volume down. This better be good because you're a little short; I'd say about five cents. Make it quick, he remarked as he dropped the coins one at a time on a shelf.

First, take off those stupid sunglasses.

It'll cost you fifty cents more to gaze into my…ah, how does Mom put it—my sparkling blue eyes?

Get over yourself, Hannah moaned. It's Saturday, remember? We're supposed to do chores. Mom said we couldn't go anywhere until they're done.

I'm in the middle of something. You're on your own, little sister, Nick declared as he thumped Hannah on the forehead with his index finger.

She knocked his hand away. Can you at least help with the vacuuming?

Nick lowered his sunglasses. He looked at Hannah over the top of the frame. Sounds like woman's work to me.

You are soooo rude! Mom said you're supposed to help!

Mom said—Mom said—Mom's at work. Get lost. Nick sat down at the computer.

Hannah grabbed a pillow from the bed and snuck up behind him. She raised it over his head and then dropped it once she read the title on the screen. General Castrillon? Didn't he die during the Battle of San Jacinto?

Nick didn't answer.

Hannah picked up several papers stacked beside the keyboard. She paged through them, skimming over facts on the Battle of San Jacinto. Nick snatched the papers out of her hands. I thought you had housework to do, Hannah Banana.

Why are you reading this? Hannah asked.

Nick still didn't answer.

I'm not leaving until you tell me.

Nick glanced up at his sister. I tried to warn General Castrillón before the battle, but it didn't work. His voice grew serious. I should've saved Diego somehow.

It's not your fault, Hannah said. History can't be changed.

Nick reached for an old gray hat sitting on a shelf above his computer. The felt was stained and dusty. He ran his thumb against the wide brim. Do you see those two holes in the top? They were made by the same musket ball.

He handed the hat to Hannah. She wiggled her finger through a hole in the front. Could be, Hannah murmured.

Her thoughts drifted back to a month ago when her history teacher, Mr. Barrington, was mysteriously missing. His niece, Miss Barrington, was at school as her substitute teacher. Once Hannah had lifted the lid on Mr. Barrington's antique trunk in the classroom, the trouble began. The trunk was some kind of time portal! Miss Barrington, Jackie, and she were propelled back to 1836, during the Texas Revolution. They traveled with the Texas defenders to the battleground at San Jacinto. Nick was also transported to the past, but he was discovered by the Mexican army. Hannah didn't see Nick until after the Battle of San Jacinto, and he was wearing that same hat she held in her hands. The Mexican army had been overpowered by the Texians. Nick still refused to talk about his experience.

Hannah handed the hat back to Nick. Her eyes widened as he put it on. Are you thinking about trying to go back to San Jacinto? she asked.

Nick stared solemnly at his computer screen. He removed his sunglasses and set them next to the keyboard. Nah, crank up the volume on your way out, would ya?

Hannah sighed. If she wanted to go to a movie with Jackie, she would have to do her chores, plus Nick's. She hated the idea of doing his work, but it comforted her knowing that somehow, someday…she'd get even.

My sounds! Nick called out.

A mischievous look flashed in Hannah's eyes. Sure, she chirped as she turned up the volume. With a smile, she scooped up the money she had given him and scurried out of his room before he could catch her.

CHAPTER TWO

Her Brother's Keeper

I'M COMING! Hannah shouted as she turned off the vacuum cleaner. She bounded down the stairs two at a time and opened the front door. There stood Jackie wearing jeans and a new corduroy jacket over a T-shirt. Love your outfit, Hannah said.

Jackie smiled broadly. She brushed a few strands of long black hair away from her face. Thanks. My mom dropped me off on her way to the grocery store. She'll give us a ride to the movies when we're ready.

I can't go yet, and Nick's not lifting a finger to help.

Jackie walked in and scanned the living room. What's left?

The vacuuming, and the breakfast dishes are still in the sink.

I'll help with the dishes, Jackie suggested. She removed her jacket and laid it over the back of a chair. It'll only take a few minutes.

You're the best. Hannah hurried up the stairs and turned the vacuum cleaner on. The vacuum roared as she sped over the hallway carpet. Nick's door was ajar, so she peeked in.

Nick picked up a paper from the printer, folded it, and slid it into a pocket of his jeans. Hannah took a step back to avoid being seen as he walked toward the bookcase. Nick frowned as he seemed to search for the money Hannah had given him.

Hannah bit her lip. Busted, she giggled.

With a determined look, Nick lifted his backpack up and dropped it on the bed. After unlatching the top, he held it upside down and shook it. The contents tumbled out. Papers took flight, some drifting to the floor. Books fell on top of one another. Nick gave the bag another shake. Candy wrappers, empty potato chip bags, and even an old apple core landed on the pile.

What he's up to? Hannah thought. She moved the vacuum back and forth so it would sound like she was still cleaning.

Nick headed toward his closet. He picked up a skateboard, slung his backpack over a shoulder, and turned around.

Quickly Hannah pushed the vacuum cleaner into her parents' room. As she peered through the doorway, Nick walked by carrying his backpack and skateboard. He had on the old gray hat that he brought back from the Battle of San Jacinto. Exactly where does he think he's going? Hannah thought. She turned off the vacuum and listened. Sounds of voices drifted up from the kitchen.

As Hannah dashed back into Nick's room, she noticed the computer was still on. She rolled out the chair and sat down at his desk. The papers on General Castrillón were spread out next to the keyboard. There was also a list of Mexican soldiers who died during the Battle of San Jacinto. On the screen was a map