HenryBlackwell & MartinHenrysclassmates at the Algonquin School:WalterAddison & HarveyJeremyBlankenship & RayJoshuaBrand & Miles*LouisBriggs & Peter*FreddieCaldwell & Tom*AlbertDeWitt & Stuart*RandallFox & HowardWendellFranklin & Ralph*MauriceGaines & OllieDanielHollingsworth & AllenGordonLovejoy & Julian*DavidMaxwell & Alex*AdamPettibone & SamCharlesRoss & Simon*VictorSpence & Will*RobertTownsend & Dick*Philipvan Houten & Davey**HenrysfriendsDECEMBER19, 1900Onthe Wednesday before the start of the winter holiday, Mr. Ross issuedthe invitation to his New Years Eve party to the entire group ofmasters as they stood shivering on the forecourt of the school. Hethen put his hand on Henrys elbow and gave it a squeeze, saying,Youll come, too, wont you Henry?Henry,who was plainly delighted to be singled out, said, Yes, of course.Thank you, Charles, and Mr. Ross clapped him on the shoulder,seeming pleased.There'llbe so much liquor around, Mr. Ross promised the group. Lastyear, even the chambermaids got drunk. All the slaves, really. It wasa madhouse. Believe me, we'll be able to get our hands on whatever wewant.Standingnearby with the rest of the slaves, Martin heard this exchange andwas full of questions. Did Henry understand that Mr. Ross partieswere invariably swapping parties? If he did understand, did that meanhe intended to participate? It was surprising, as Henry had given noindication that his feelings about swapping slaves had changed ofrecent. It wasnt Martins place to question him in any case, buthe was verycurious.Tomleaned close and in a pressured whisper asked Did you hear that?Youre coming to a party!Iheard. Martin laughed. Dont get so excited, Tommy. Mr.Blackwell isnt going to want to swap. He was almost confidentof this.Maybehes changed his mind, Tom suggested. Maybe hes wonderingwhat hes been missing.Maybe,Martin agreed, but I doubt it. He diddoubt it, but supposed it was possible.Tomturned to the larger group. Did you hear? Mr. Blackwell justagreed to go to Mr. Ross party.Allaround, boys turned to look at Martin, grinning, their expressionswelcoming and interested.Milessaid, Weve all been hoping youd join us one day, you know.Stuartelbowed him and said, Itll be like old times, and Martin wassuddenly breathless remembering certain pleasurable afternoons spentspread out and pinned beneath Stuarts weight in his bed atGanymede. Hed always had a nice time with Stuart.Tomlaughed and said, Youre blushing.Martinfelt his face grow warmer still, but shook his head. Mr. Blackwellisnt going to want to participate, he insisted. Hell justbe coming for the regular party, youll see.Henrycalled out, Come on, Martin.Martinbroke away from Tom and the rest of his friends and hurried toHenrys side. He made no mention of the New Years party. Todaywas Little Miss birthday and they had plans. Are you eager tosee your sister, Sir? I cant wait to see what she thinks of herpresent!Henrygrinned bashfully. Me, neither. Plus, therell be cake.Theomnibus was crowded so they both stood in the aisle, and Henry tookthe opportunity to lean on Martin as the car swayed. Martin murmuredan admonishment but couldnt help smiling at Henrys audacity. Asthe car rolled along, Martin considered his options. He could simplyask Henry if he realized it was a swap party, but that would implythat Martin thought Henry wasnt bright enough to figure it out onhis own. Also, Henry might well be aware. After all, Henry coulddecide to