Journal Entry #2

My Uncle Jim came and found me, I have moved to his place in Holly Glen. I am training to be a Mule driver at the mine. My buddy Clyde is a Trapper in the same mine. Belton, Clyde's little brother is hmmm, how do I put it, nutty? He understands the English basics, partly. The reason I called Belton partly nutty is, because of the way he acts. He doesn't act like a normal child his age would. I am kind of excited and kind of afraid to work in the mines.

I'm afraid, because I don't want to die in the mines, like a whole bunch of other people have. For example, coal miners, mule drivers and trappers. I'm also afraid for Clyde, because is going to be working as a trapper, down in the old section of the mines. I'm excited to work in the mines, because I will become "A Man". It's sort of like a rite of manhood.

I don't like Mr. Newgate, because he's very demanding and doesn't have a care in the world for his employees. Also, he employeed a company of body guards to evict anybody that is an union man and their family, even in the middle of winter.

I was ordered to stop telling stories about Walter and his gang of goons. Walter was the biggest and strongest guy at Guardian Angels Home for Boys. Walter could even stand up to Mr. Beadle.