Just in time, Luke remembered he couldn’t mention cats. Cats were illegal, too, outlawed because they might take food that was supposed to go to starving humans. Back home, Luke had seen wild cats a few times, stalking the countryside. Dad had liked having them around because they ate rats and mice that might eat his grain. But if Luke were really Lee Grant, filthy-rich city boy, he wouldn’t know a thing about cats, jumpy or otherwise.

He clamped his mouth shut, closing off his ‘Sure— in a wimpy hiss. He kept his head down, too scared to look the other boy right in the eye.

The boy laughed, cruelly. He looked past Luke, to Ms. Hawkins.

‘What’s wrong with him?” the boy asked, as if Luke weren’t even there. “Can’t talk or something?”

Luke wanted Ms. Hawkins to stick up for him, to say, ‘He’s just new. Don’t you remember what that’s like?” But she wasn’t even paying attention. She frowned at the boy.

“Rolly, take him to room one fifty-six. There’s an empty bed in there. Just put his suitcase down. Don’t waste time unpacking. Then take him back to Mr. Dirk’s history class with you. He’s already behind. Lord knows what his parents were thinking.”

Rolly shrugged and turned around.

“I did not dismiss you!” Ms. Hawkins shrieked.

“May I be dismissed?” Rolly asked mockingly.

“That’s better,” Ms. Hawkins said. “Now, get. Go on with you.

Luke picked up his suitcase and followed, hoping Rolly’s request for dismissal would work for both of them. Either it did, or Ms. Hawkins didn’t care.

In the hallway, Rolly took big steps. He was a good head taller than Luke, and had longer legs. It was all Luke could do to keep up, what with the suitcase banging against his ankles.

Rolly looked back over his shoulder, and started walking faster. He raced up a long stairway By the time Luke reached the top, Rolly was nowhere in sight.