Echoes From a Distant Land by Frank Coates Page A

gone further: they’ve started a positive discrimination policy. I have a friend at NYU who would be interested in taking on a student such as you. Someone who is keen to learn and will work hard. A role model. And someone who is, uh, black. It’s a great opportunity and … Did I say I will set up a trust to pay for your living expenses? Well, yes I will. New York is not like Nairobi, you know. It’s very expensive, but don’t let that worry you.’
    Sam looked puzzled.
    â€˜Sam, what is it?’
    â€˜Mr Ketterman, are you telling me you want me to go to New York to study?’
    â€˜Yes, I am. Oh, wait until you see New York, Sam. It’s so exciting. The buildings. Take the Woolworth building — fifty-seven storeys! And the parks … the shops. Sam? What is it?’
    â€˜New York, Mr Ketterman.’
    â€˜Yes?’ Ira said, his enthusiasm growing in the telling of it.
    â€˜New York is far.’
    â€˜Certainly, it’s far, but I will pay for your berth. Everything. Sam, I want to do this. I want to do this for you.’
    Sam was looking uncomfortable, and Ira’s smile faded.
    â€˜Mr Ketterman,’ he said. ‘I can’t go to New York.’

CHAPTER 8
    During Sam’s tramp home along the red-dust road to Igobu, he was plagued by the temptation to return to Nairobi and tell Ira he’d accept his generous offer. But he couldn’t. He was the oldest son: his father expected him to take his place when he became too old to protect the farm. He would be needed to guide its expansion as the family grew in number. It would be a terrible disgrace to his parents if he shirked that important responsibility.
    â€˜Sam, I respect your wishes,’ Ira had said. ‘But can’t you at least ask your father for permission?’
    â€˜I cannot. It would show that I have no regard for what I have been taught since I was a small boy. People would say that Kungu Wangira has raised a thankless child.’
    â€˜Well, would you at least think about it? I’ll be in Nairobi for a week or so. If you have a change of heart …’
    Sam had thought about it. A lot. He thought about what he’d learned from Sister Rosalba and how much more he could learn from teachers in Nairobi, where Ira said he would at first attend preparatory school. And then America. He thought about how he’d love to be an engineer, like Ira, and make things that could be used in motor cars. Or maybe he could be a doctor and treat the sick. His family would be so proud.
    When he arrived outside Igobu at the end of the day, the children spotted him and ran ahead to spread the news. A small crowd had gathered by the time he reached his father’s compound. He saw his brothers and sisters, his aunts and uncles. They’d heard of his escape from death when his fellow porters returned home at the end of the safari. His mother came to him and embraced him with tears in her eyes.
    And there was his father, standing tall and obviously proud. His son had faithfully carried out his duties as demanded by his chief.
    Kungu Wangira waited until the women and children of his family had stopped fussing and called his son to him. They met eye to eye: Sam had grown in the months he’d been away. His father spread his arms and swept Sam into his crushing embrace.
    Sam was glad he’d decided to return home. He now resolved to keep the whole matter of Ira Ketterman’s offer to himself.
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    Sam spent the following morning with the many members of his extended family, who all wanted to hear about his adventures with the white hunter and his fight with the lioness. At noon he went to the mission to see Sister Rosalba.
    â€˜I heard you were home,’ she said, throwing her arms around him for a brief hug. ‘Look at you! Have you grown even more?’
    He laughed and was soon answering all the questions she fired at him in quick succession.
    He told her about the