The Emerald Key - By Christopher Dinsdale Page 0,16
Jamie an elbow in the ribs. “It appears that you have now reached hero status among the passengers, Mr. Galway.”
In the distance, Jamie could see the rest of the man’s family waving to him from their tiny, filthy berth near the curve of the wooden bow. As he waved back and climbed the final steps, Jamie couldn’t help but feel the children’s haunted stares follow him to the heaven-like cleanliness that waited for him above.
Chapter 4
The storm slowly slid to the east and the stricken ship entered calmer waters, allowing a celebration dinner in the captain’s quarters to take place later on that evening. Officer Keates enjoyed retelling the story of the way Jamie had used an ancient Greek formula to help save the ship from going down to Davy Jones’s locker. Captain O’Malley, in full formal attire, nodded appreciatively at the young man and then raised his glass of wine in Jamie’s honour.
“To Jamie Galway. Consider yourself an honourary member of my crew.”
The rest of the officers joined in and raised their glasses. “Here! Here!”
“This meal is more than thanks enough,” Jamie said, smiling, while shaking a drumstick in one hand. “I haven’t had a meal this good in months.”
Captain O’Malley smiled. “I’ll be sure to send your compliments to the cook. Now, tell us why you’re making the long crossing to Canada?”
The question made Jamie’s appetite waver. He put the drumstick back on the plate. “I’m heading to Canada to search for my brother. Two weeks ago, he was beaten and knocked unconscious in a skirmish outside of Cork. He was then thrown onto the Carpathia, which set sail for Canada before I could rescue him. I’m hoping to catch up with him in Quebec City and bring him home.”
The officers gave one another a knowing glance. Captain O’Malley cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry to hear that your brother is aboard the Carpathia. It’s one of the ships that have given the rest of our transatlantic vessels a very bad name. I can promise you that we will do everything in our power to travel at best speed to Quebec City.”
For the next four days, Jamie concentrated on his books in order to learn every little detail that might make the difference in finding his brother upon arrival in Canada. Jamie’s only break in his studies came when a purser, compliments of the captain, brought a hot meal to his cabin three times a day.
Jamie couldn’t help but think how Canada’s political situation was actually quite similar to the one he had just left in Ireland. Great Britain was the controlling power in a country in which only a small portion of the population was actually English. Were the people living in Canada being treated as poorly by the British government as were the people of Ireland? Did Canadians also dream of one day ruling their own land?
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his door.
“Come in.”
Officer Keates stepped through the doorway. His sombre expression immediately told Jamie something was wrong.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, Mr. Galway.”
Jamie pushed away the maps and books. “What’s wrong?”
“The Independence is once again in trouble.”
Jamie stood up, alarmed. “Why? What has happened?”
“A severe outbreak of typhoid fever has occurred among the fourth-class passengers. It has spread rapidly, and it’s affecting a significant number of our crew. Many are now too ill to work on deck.”
“I’m not a doctor,” replied Jamie. “I’m not sure how I can help.”
“Actually, the captain was wondering if you could lend us a healthy hand in running the ship. He is willing to pay you time and a half for your efforts.”
“You want me to be a sailor?” asked Jamie, incredulously. “But this is the first time I have ever set foot on a ship!”
Officer Keates smiled. “I understand, but you seem to be well-educated and a quick learner. Plus, the captain said that we will only be able to continue at half sails as there is no longer the required number of crew to properly man the rigging. It might add another three days to our crossing time. One more person on deck might be the difference in allowing us to continue at full sail.”
Jamie didn’t hesitate. He stood up and saluted Officer Keates.
“Seaman Galway reporting for duty, sir.”
When Officer Keates found out that Jamie had an intricate knowledge of knot-making from his days of working in the family mill, a mischievous grin crinkled his weathered cheeks. He asked Jamie if he had a fear of heights.