Attack of the Amazons Read Free Page A

assignment.
    Josh walked along with Sarah. “I think you’re right,” he said. “There’s something so…well, so
good
about him, Sarah. Everyone else that I ever met has some flaw.” He grinned. “Why, even I myself am not perfect all the time!” But he grew serious at once, saying, “He’s all we have to hang on to. We lost everything when we lost our homes and families back in Oldworld,but somehow I know—and this sounds silly—that we’ll get them back again some day.”
    For two days the Sleepers waited for Goél to come to them. They were somewhat impatient—and a little apprehensive. When Goél came, he always sent them into some dangerous adventure. At first this had been exciting. Now they had been at it for two years and were like soldiers who had been on the battle line almost too long.
    Jake expressed everyone’s feeling when he said, “I don’t know how long we can hold together. A fellow can take only so many tough jobs.”
    The seven were outside, eating the meal that they had rounded up from a local woman. It was composed of some sort of meat that was not as appetizing as it should have been, and Jake stared down at it. “I wonder what this
is,”
he said thoughtfully.
    â€œBetter not ask,” Reb said. He tasted his portion and then shook his head. “One thing, it’s not possum. Boy,” he said, “I’d sure like to have a mess of possum and sweet taters like I had back home.”
    â€œUgh!” Abbey said. “I can’t
imagine
eating a possum. It’d be just like eating a big rat.”
    Reb was offended. “You just don’t know what you’re talking about. What we do is, we catch a year-ling possum, and then we keep him caged, and we feed him nothing but corn and good stuff for a month. Why, the time you get him all cooked, there ain’t nothing better than good possum with some sweet taters and cornbread.”
    Reb’s choice in Southern food turned off some of the Sleepers, but Josh, tasting the meat that was before him, said, “I think possum would be better than this—although I never tried it.” He looked up and set aside his plate. “Here comes Goél.”
    Instantly the Seven Sleepers got to their feet and stood until Goél came up to them.
    He smiled and said, “Sit down—finish your meal.”
    â€œWell, would you have some, Goél?” Josh asked timidly. “It’s not much.”
    â€œWhy, yes, I believe I will.” He took the plate that Sarah eagerly brought to him, and he ate, seeming to enjoy the food. “Hunger is the best sauce,” he said pleasantly.
    His eyes went from one to the other, and Abbey supposed that all the others felt as she did—that somehow he had entered into their innermost thoughts. She flushed when she remembered how proud she had been of her good looks, and how Goél had told her long ago, before their first adventure, that she would have to learn how foolish it was to trust in physical beauty. It was still disconcerting to look into his eyes, for he knew everything about her!
    Goél began talking about their past and commended them for their fine work. “You have been faithful to me,” he said.
    â€œWell,” Josh said haltingly, “we haven’t always scored a hundred.”
    â€œI do not judge my servants by what they accomplish but by what’s in their hearts, and your hearts have been through a furnace. I have tried you, my young friends, and found pure gold. I am pleased with my Seven Sleepers.”
    Abbey felt a sudden flush of pleasure at his words. More than anything else, the Sleepers wanted to please this one whom they did not understand but whom they loved.
    Wash said tentatively, “We’ve been wonderingwhat’s going to happen, Sire.” He gave Goél the title that many used. “It doesn’t sound too good. I mean,