Chapter 10

PIRATE STORY AGAIN!


Chapter 10: Island Stop

Without the main mast, traveling was almost impossible. So the Captain declared the crew must row. Sarah included.

They of course, would not row all the way to the Bahamas. They would stop at the next island and a cut a tree for a new mast. But the closest island was still a good way's away.

Rowing was a terrible task. Sarah thought she might black out after she had done her first share of the daily row. Dizzy from thirst and tiredness, she staggered up to the deck. She soon collapsed, having no strength left.

"Come on!" called Jamison almost cheerfully "Get up!"

He too, had just finished his share, but looked no worse for his wear. Just really sweaty.

"I can't. I don't want to." said Sarah "I'm too tired."

Jamison sighed, and said something about "annoying lazy kids", under his breath. But kindly helped her up.

"Get below, deck. Clearly rowing is not good for you."

Sarah was surprised at his sudden, almost very nice, attitude, and gratefully made her way below deck.

She was not called upon for the rest of the day. And the next morning, Jamison declared Sarah would only have to do a quarter of the rowing.

She went on doing only a quarter of it for nearly a week. Till she found it easy to do. Jamison noticed, and soon told her to do half. Sarah realized what he was doing, he was building her up slowly, till at last she would be able to do a full day's row.

It was only two weeks' time till she was rowing a full day's work.

It felt like years, those weeks. The rowed on and on for weeks.

Then, one wonderful day, Daniel Plank gave a cry of land.

It lay ahead of them, just a little speck. But this excited everyone on board, and they rowed faster and better then they ever had before.

Setting anchor in a small bay, then planned to go ashore the next day. The idea of walking on land, and no longer rowing, but the whole crew in a delightful mood. Everyone was almost polite and rather cheerful during dinner. There were no fights and chores were done without Jamison yelling.

The next morning they raced ashore onto the beach. The Caption and Jamison soon found a good tree, and with swift blows they hacked it down. Then, with the help of pulleys, then set the new mast into place.

Once it was in, the crew gave a loud cheer, and the captain was so happy he declared everyone could have an extra glass of ale that night. Sarah kindly declined hers, and Arnold Beer took it gratefully.

They rose the black sail the next morning and a strong wind pulled them out of the bay, and sent them sailing along the beautiful coast.

"Beautiful ain't it?" asked Skinner

"Yes." agreed ed Sarah gazing at the beauty that laid around them.

"Well just you wait till you see them Bahamas! They're gorgeous!"

"You've been there before?"

"Twice. Captain tries to go every year."

"Why?"

"Rumor has it Captain Eddie buried his treasure on one of the islands."

"Captain Eddie?"

"One of the best pirates in history! If his treasure really is hidden there, well, it'll be more loot then this crew has ever pulled in. Captain Frite has been longing for it all his life. So that's one reason why we go every year."

"What's the other reason?"

"Well..." Skinner paused "Well, the slave trade is pretty darn good down there."

"Oh." sighed Sarah "Have you done a lot of slaving?"

"More then I like. Mostly Africans from Africa though."

"You've been to Africa?"

"More then once. You're one of the first European gals we've ever had on board before."

"I hate being a slave! Jamison is the worst man alive!"

"Whoa, lassie, don't say that!"

"And why not? I happen to think he is!"

"You don't really know Jamison Dread. Don't hate anyone till you know the whole story, lass."

"Well, what do you mean?"

"How much do you really know about our fine First Mate?"

"Well..." admitted Sarah "I guess not a lot."

"Well then, I'll tell you all I know..."