A Ship's Tale Read Free Page A

the military targets. Nineteen-forty…October, it was. Direct hit on our house and me down river. I could hear the planes coming in from the deck of this very ship and the sirens wailing like lost souls…Aye well, at least after that we had no more need to worry over one another when I was at sea. ‘Missing,’ they said.” He cleared his throat. “She was a fine lass, my Meg.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Mr. Bowman,” I said quietly.
    â€œNo matter.” He turned and walked aft up the ladder to the bridge deck so I followed him up to the helm. He then sat with one hand on the large double wheel, which I saw had a foot brake to help control or slow the turning of the helm in rough seas. “Put in many an hour at this helm. It seemed only fitting that I should be caring for the auld Bonnie once she was retired.” He patted the wheel in a comforting manner.
    â€œWhat do you do now?” I asked.
    â€œAnswer stupid questions,” he said, turning away. After a moment he looked back at me almost apologetically. “I’m a pensioner of the company now. Enough to keep me in food and almost enough to keep the rain off me head.”
    â€œYou live aboard?” I asked.
    â€œAye, till they drag me off,” he said, looking grim.
    I wasn’t too sure who they were, the old shipping company or the government officials, but I said, “They wouldn’t do that, would they? Surely they wouldn’t bother you. After all, you’ve taken care of things around here.”
    â€œThey don’t want us around, Flynn. Taking care of things isn’t what they want either. And bother us? Why ye’d think they’d naught better to do.”
    â€œMr. Bowman,” I began, “at the risk of asking another stupid question, who exactly are us?”
    â€œMeself and some others who feel the same about this ship. Sailors, deep water men all.”
    â€œSo then, that was who helped you sink the old coal barque. That’s spot on, just grand,” I said, thinking I was being complimentary.
    â€œYou keep that under yer hat, young man,” he cautioned.
    â€œNot to worry sir. I work at an inn down the end of the lane from here, so if I can help you…”
    â€œAnd what makes ye think help is needed? Besides, have ye naught better to spend your time at?” he snapped.
    â€œWell, if you think being at the beck and call of a fussy bitty hen of a landlady is a better way to pass the time, then you must be mad.”
    â€œMad I’m not,” he snorted, “a bit daft I may be.” A thought lit his eye. “Would that inn be the old Beasley place?”
    I nodded. The path I’d followed down to the water led right back to the Beasley Inn. No one could miss it in passing, for it stood just off the roadway.
    â€œI know it well,” he laughed.
    I returned to our original subject, “At the risk of sounding daft myself, this ship doesn’t look as if she’s a total loss. The standing rigging looks to be taut and sound. Now, if enough good line could be found…the main running rigging could easily be replaced. Ah, and I couldn’t help noticing those winches, they could certainly handle the yards if properly rigged.”
    I kept on, pointing out this and that as I went, and spouting on about everything that I came across. “This deck,” I continued, “surely all it needs is a bit of caulk and holystone…” I stopped suddenly, realising that my mouth was running away at a clip. I turned to meet Bowman’s condescending stare. There was an uncomfortable silence.
    â€œWell, first we’d need some sweepers fore and aft,” he suggested.
    â€œRight,” I agreed.
    With one quick motion, he snatched a broom from its resting place and shoved its handle into my hand. I blinked. He almost grinned, but his beard made it hard to tell. “Wouldn’t ye agree that we’ve no need of