The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 56 -- To New York City

Sam packed his journal in his travel bag and was ready to go.  He and his mom sat down to a quick breakfast.

"Is Mrs. Steers back from her trip?"  Sam was still curious about where she had gone.

"She had just gotten back."

"Did she say anything about her trip?"

Emily shook her head.  "No. Why?"

"I was just wondered what her next book is about?"

Grandpa Henry stomped as he entered their apartment.  "Baby, it's cold outside.  You two ready to go?"

"Yep" said Sam, grabbing up his travel bag and suitcase. "Got lots of plans."

"What a great opportunity to see the Egyptian collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art," said Grandpa Henry.

Sam nodded. "I hope to get some information for my school report."

They arrived at the airport, and before they knew it, they had landed in New York City and were walking towards one of the airport exits.

"Sam Henry!"  Sam turned to see a small-built man coming towards them.  "Emily!  It’s good to see you both."

Uncle Matt met them with his usual big grin.   He wore the typical college professor sports coat with patches on the elbows.  His bald head shined under the lights.

"Hope you had a good flight.  Here, let me help you with your bags."

"The flight was great," said Emily. "Looks like we’ll have great weather this weekend."

"It’s going to be perfect," said Uncle Matt.  "Augie and Auger have plans for you already, Sam."   Matt’s New York accent fascinated Sam, who was hanging on each word in hopes of imitating him.

After several attempts, Uncle Matt finally hailed a yellow taxi and they were off.  Sam sat on the passenger side next to the window.  Several times, he thought for sure they would run down a few brave pedestrians or a couple of bicyclists.

The taxi got stuck in traffic as another taxi pulled up alongside of them, getting within inches of them.  The light turned red. Sam leaned forward and pressed his nose against the window.  Sam got a very close look at the occupant of the merging cab.  Sitting in the middle of the back seat, the odd-looking passenger wore dark clothes and a black top hat.  The man was animatedly talking on a cell phone. Sam couldn't help but stare.

Finally, the passenger turned to look right at Sam. The gentleman stopped talking on the phone and stared wide eyed.  His mouth hung open as if in mid-sentence. He nodded.  Sam waved.  The man turned to look out the other window.  The taxi sped away around the corner, followed by their own taxi.

"Sam, check that out," said Matt. "It's the New York Public Library on our right."

Sam looked up at the impressive building. "Wow! I bet they've got a lot of books. Mom, why don't you get a job there?"

"Too long of a commute," said Emily. "We should check out the children's room. They have the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals."

Sam liked that idea.

As the taxi crossed 42nd street, Sam looked down 5th Avenue and saw the two stone lions in front of the library.

Before long, the Henry's taxi wove its way up 3rd Avenue, turned off onto a narrow side street, and stopped in front of "Mary Jane's Fresh Flower Shop."  The Henrys lived on the upper three floors of the building.  Sam's Aunt Paula owned the building, inheriting it from her parents.  They rented out the first floor and had converted the upper floors into their apartment.

After an almost hour cab ride, Sam staggered up the stairs behind his Mom, followed by his Uncle Matt.  At the top, Aunt Paula welcomed them.

"Emily!  Sam!"  Paula Henry gave them big hugs. "Just in time for dinner.  I bet you're hungry after that long trip."  Somewhere in the apartment, three separate clocks chimed, then a ruckus broke out above.

"We did it!  Alright!"  Augie shouted from the fourth floor.

"I told you we would," replied Auger.  "Idiot."

"I heard that.  Punishment will be forthcoming!"  Augie ran down the stairs to the third floor, as Auger ran down to the second.  With a bound, Auger stopped right in front of Sam.

"Sam's here!"  She shouted up to Augie.

Augie bounded down and stood right next to Auger.  Simultaneously, they stood like soldiers and saluted Sam.

Augie spoke first.  "Captain Henry.  We've been awaiting your arrival."  

"First mates Tweedledum and Tweedledee at your service," added Aunt Paula.

"Your quarters are all ready, sir, for your inspection," said Auger.

"We'll be more than happy to take you there now," said Augie

"If you are ready, sir."

"If you aren't, then we will await your orders, sir.  We have your captain's cabin ready."

"Yes, we've study numerous ship captain's quarters and think we have perfected one just for you."

Sam grinned at his cousins still standing in the saluting position.

"Oh, good lord," said Aunt Paula, pushing by them.  "Come on, Emily, I'll show you your room."

Auger leaned forward and whispered to Sam.  "We think she might be a spy.  Keep an eye on her."

"I heard that."  Aunt Paula turned to Emily.  "See what I've got to put up with."

Emily giggled.

Sam knew it would be a great weekend.