Fourth Grade
Worksheets
Simon Says, Part 2
Simon yelled for the man to grab his hand. A hand reached out of the water and clasped Simon's just before it would have gone out of reach. The man's skin was cold and clammy. Simon almost let go with shock. Then he grasped it firmly between both hands and pulled.
The muscles in his back and shoulders protested, but the man floated close to the dock. Simon inched him down one side, right next to the river bank. He lay on his belly holding the dock.
It was only then that Simon noticed the man's dark skin and the long, thin, criss-crossing scars on his back. This man must have been a slave at some time, he thought. It didn't matter now. Upper Canada was free land, and slavery was outlawed. He'd heard his father talking about it just the other day. Why had the man been in the river?
Simon pulled hard and dragged the man onto the dock. The stranger attempted to rise. He cleared his throat. "Where am I?" he asked.
"You are on the bank of the Don River," said Simon. "We're three or four miles from the bay near York. Does that help?"
The man nodded. "I need help."
Simon pursed his lips, and then he picked up his things.
"Come home with me. It's a bit of a climb, but I think my parents can help. What's your name?"
"Seth. Seth Cumberton."
"I'm pleased to meet you. My name is Simon Sawyer."
The man was not much taller than the boy. Even so, he leaned on Simon's shoulder as they walked. The steep hill was a struggle. Simon was grateful when they finally reached the top.
Suddenly a lantern appeared from around a bend in the trail. A voice called out, "Simon, is that you?"
