The Secret School

Ida works late on her studies. The next morning, she parses sentences while doing chores and studies math while eating breakfast. Driving to school, between pedal commands to Felix, she recites a Longfellow poem.

In class, Ida tells the students that Mr. Bixler may report them to Mr. Jordan. She suggests that they go ahead and inform their parents in case the story gets out shortly but ask them to keep it a secret. She hands out assignments, giving weight to studies they can do independently, then quietly studies for her exam.

At home, Ida quickly finishes her chores, then studies until late evening. Her mother, worrying that Ida will work herself sick, urges her to get some sleep. Ida says she must know everything, in case it’s on the test, and that she’ll be “a whole lot sicker if I don’t get to high school” (109).

At school, a hailstorm erupts. The ice stones are big, so Tom brings inside his mule, Ruckus, and locks him in the boy’s coat closet, where the animal brays now and then. The students continue to study. Midway through the afternoon, Mr.