The key would not turn, he was not strong enough. You are not knowing how hard it is out there boy. Why do you not go back to your bed, and I'll be telling nobody. William moved towards him, Johnny jumped away from him desperately looking around for some way to get out. The window next to the door was fixed; in his desperation, he considered putting his fist through it. William saw the desperation in his eyes, and the clenched fist signaling his intention. He turned the key, opened the door and hobbled a few paces away. Johnny was quick to slip out the door, he turned back and looked into Williams eyes and nodded his appreciation. Then he was gone. God help the poor little mite, if I had two good legs, I'd be going with him. Johnny Collins, 7 years old is desperate to leave his place of birth, the workhouse in Ireland. He plans to sign on to a ship as cabin boy and start a new life. If he thought his life was harsh he was in for a shock. Many more adversities were ahead of him but his determination will take him far. He makes his way to Canada. When he becomes a man he goes to the America Frontier and settles in Georgia. This is a thrilling adventure involving many Irish characters who do not hesitate to leave the land of their birth. They rise above their poverty in the New World but never forget their roots.
