THE LIVING FLAME 

By Tessa Harvey


    The principal was tall and imposing. Dr. I. Cholmondeley (pronounced Chumley, hence his nickname 'Chum') waited until the teachers were aware of his presence. Silence fell.
    "Well gentlemen," he stated in a very upper-class British voice, emphasizing the word 'gentlemen,' "I presume you are discussing the new Youth Pioneer Corps leader. Am I correct?" The men nodded.
    "Well then, the majority of the staff and I have agreed to disband this particular Youth Group, owing to the attendant acrimony. Good afternoon to you both."
    The principal turned around smartly and strode away purposefully.
    After school, Ernst and Daria hurried home together. They were not sure why, but both children felt they needed to be home.
    They hurried inside. It seemed very quiet. Perhaps their father had been detained at work? They heard someone crying in the kitchen. Daniel had his head in his hands, but when he heard them, he looked up, smiling. "Remember mama," he asked. Of course they did! Lucy had disappeared three years ago. "She has been found in a convalescent home!"


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