1609, Winter of the Dead: A Novel of the Founding of Jamestown Read Free Page B

Downing Street near the Thames. The cloak was now part of his mattress, covering the straw-filled bag to keep it less scratchy.
    â€œHow are you faring, my men?” came a familiar voice. John Smith stood with his arms crossed by the mainmast. Even though he was dressed as dandy as any lord, with a velvet doublet and cloak, embroidered breeches, silk stockings, and pistol and dagger at his waist, it was clear he had felt the effects of the long journey; his face was drawn and more pale and his cheekbones were prominent. Yet his voice was strong and his head held high. Smith often had a kind word for those below his station, and it was a pleasant distraction for Nat and Richard.
    â€œFine, sir,” said Nat, bowing obediently. “It looks as though we’ll have good weather for a time. Praise God.”
    â€œPraise God indeed,” said Smith. He strode to the railing and with a smile said, “Watch.” He held out an open hand, showed it to Nat and Richard, then closed it and gave it a shake. When he opened it again, there was a shilling where none had been.
    Nat’s eyes widened. “How did you make that appear?”
    â€œOh,” said Smith. “I have learned a lot in my travels. I have learned how to make things appear and disappear. This can be very useful at times. Very useful indeed.”
    â€œI can imagine,” said Nat. So, not only was Smith dramatic and loud and confident, he was good at sleight of hand. What an amazing life this man must lead. I would like to be just like him someday, Nat thought.
    But as Smith moved the shilling from one hand to the other, his face grew somber. He glanced over his shoulder. Captain Newport and Captain Gabriel Archer had come out of the Great Cabin beneath the stern’s quarterdeck and stood talking quietly and looking at Smith. Newport was tall with broad shoulders and very little hair. Archer had a narrow face and fidgety eyes.
    â€œThe bad weather may have calmed,” Smith said softly, “but the environment on this ship is more unpredictable now than ever. It will not be long before we are embroiled in a great turmoil.”
    Richard frowned. Nat said, “What…?” But then he knew it was best to keep quiet. Best to act like he didn’t understand. But he did understand. Many of the gentlemen on the ship didn’t like Smith. They were jealous of him and thought he was too arrogant. Often they grumbled about his attitude. Now it seemed as if the other captains might also feel the same way. This couldn’t be good for the voyage. With some luck or perhaps some divine interference, the men would keep their distrust to themselves and not cause any trouble before they reached the shores of Virginia. Not only was there the peril of rough seas, unpredictable winds on a long trip such as this, there were also Spanish ships on this very same sea who would welcome the chance to attack and rob an English ship. If the men fought seriously among themselves, they would be less able to deal with other dangers they might meet.
    But then Smith smiled and clapped Nat and Richard on the shoulders. “And where is my page, that good-for-nothing? Go send him to me. I have errands which need to be done. If he’s sleeping, douse him with water!” With a chuckle, Smith walked away, past Archer and Newport, who paused to watch him and then began talking again.
    Down below, men were talking, coughing, and spitting. As always, Nat had to pause on the ladder to regain his vision in the dim light. Then he and Richard placed the buckets behind the base of the ladder and wormed through the men to their pallets. Nearby, on his own rumpled mattress, Samuel sat glaring at the two boys. He held his open wooden box in his lap.
    â€œSamuel,” Nat said. “Smith is calling for you.”
    â€œYes,” said Richard. “He is furious. I’ve never seen his face so red or his hands so palsied!”
    â€œYou,”