When two figures emerged, Denny winced. What on earth was…

““When two figures emerged, Denny winced. What on earth was Mr. Jones doing with that loser? Marty was trotting happily alongside the pair. “Some judge of character he is,” Denny mumbled to herself. Mr. Jones waved. “Denny,” he said. “Come here. I want you to meet my new hired hand.” Denny’s mouth fell open and she stood motionless as the two approached. Spence grinned at her in his aggravating, superior way. “Well, if it isn’t Miss High and Mighty from New Yawk. ” “You know each other?” said Mr. Jones. “We’ve met,” said Denny shortly, then she turned and stomped off toward the boat. She watched from the cabin as the two circled the Misty Day , talking and gesturing; then Spence went back toward the engine shack and Mr. Jones made his way slowly up the ladder. “Are you crazy?” Denny asked him as soon as he stepped into the cabin. Mr. Jones smiled. “Some people seem to think so,” he said. “I mean it,” said Denny, in no mood for jokes. “That kid is the biggest jerk in the whole school. He’s probably into drugs and everything else.” Mr. Jones shrugged. “Seems like an okay kid to me,” he said. “Besides, he knows engines.” “So do you,” said Denny. “We could have fixed the railway ourselves.””

— Jackie French Koller