by Adele Dueck
“No,” said Erik. “I didn’t win. I just hung on. Tapper ran the race all by himself.”
Everyone laughed.
“So take the money,” said Erik. “It’s yours. If you have to give Tapper back, at least you’ll have some money to buy a new horse.”
“It’s yours,” said Olaf. “You won.” Then he grinned. “I mean, you rode in the race.”
“Yeah,” said Erik, “but I only did it for you.” He walked over to Olaf and shoved the envelope and ribbon into his hand, closing his fingers over them. “And every minute I wished you were there.”
“He might not have won if I’d ridden him,” said Olaf, opening the envelope. “I weigh more than you.”
Erik stood by Olaf, watching as he pulled a wad of bills out of the envelope. They counted them together. Ten five-dollar bills.
“It’s possible,” said Rolf slowly, “that the real owner of the horse should have the money.”
“But Olaf cured him,” protested Erik. “If he hadn’t, Tapper would be dead.”
Olaf put the money back in the envelope. “I guess we’ll wait and see,” he said, “but if we don’t have to give it away, it’s yours.”
“Papa, I almost forgot,” exclaimed Elsa. “Aunt Kirsten is making supper for all of us. I saw her when I was looking for the policeman.”
“Then we should head that way,” said Rolf.
“Right now!” Elsa started for the doorway. “I’m starving.”
“I’m ready, too.” Olaf looked at Rolf for a long moment, then added, “Father.”
Rolf dropped his arm around Olaf’s shoulder. They stepped out of the stall behind Elsa, then Rolf glanced back.
“Are you coming, Erik?”
Rolf gestured toward Elsa running out of the stable into the sunshine. “It’s a wide door,” he said. “Wide enough for me and my sons.”
“I’m coming, Pa,” said Erik. “Don’t you worry about me.”
Acknowledgements
Racing Home is fiction but, like all historical fiction, it grew out of reality. In this case, I was inspired by the development of the town of Outlook, Saskatchewan. Like Green Valley, Outlook is situated southwest of Hanley on the South Saskatchewan River near a valley of American Elms. The auction of the lots, the swift building of the businesses, the arrival of the train, and the July 1 celebration are all part of Outlook’s history. Most of this I learned from Milestones and Memories 1900 to 1980, the community history book of Outlook and surrounding area. I am grateful to the compilers for their diligence in keeping our past from being forgotten. The rest of the story is a product of my imagination, and in no way reflects the real people or events in the history of Outlook, or any other town.
Thank you to Barbara Sapergia for her help in the development of this book. Without her insight, guidance, and encouragement, Racing Home would never have made it around the final curve.
About the Author
Adele Dueck has published three other books for children. Nettie’s Journey, Anywhere but Here and The New Calf. Before turning to writing for children, she wrote for magazines and newspapers, mostly about the humorous side of rural living.
Born in Outlook, Saskatchewan, Adele lived in Drake, Lanigan and Saskatoon before moving to Lucky Lake, where she farms with her family.
