True Treasure: Real - Life History Mystery Read Free Page A

into the buildings of the town. No wonder the pirates made the Cocos Island and those nearby their home. Everything a man could want was located in this port town. Captain Bennett looked down into the crystal clear water and saw a turtle as massive as a barrel drift by. The abundance of sea life was astounding. And yes, the sharks, as long as a Jon boat, glided by with regularity. The waters appeared almost as inviting as the shore town. While he'd heard rumors of sharks attacking, he'd never seen one go for a human. Part of him wondered if this was a rumor hyped to keep those who would search for the pirates or their ill-gotten goods—away.
    The scenes and wildlife were almost unbelievable in their symphony of colors. He really needed to arrange for paintings to be made. Full color, as black and white charcoal drawings could not begin to express the beauty surrounding his ship. It was almost like they had entered a dream world. Yes, as soon as he landed, he would arrange for an artist to accompany them on their survey of the coast and the islands. King George must have an understanding of what a jewel this foreign land was in his crown.
    ***
    Captain Graham walked into the town admiring the variety of the food stuffs and crafts for sale among the various street vendors. An older dark woman, tanned to a leathery complexion from years in the sun, flashed him a toothless smile and held out a sample of a gourdlike fruit with pale yellow flesh, “Pah-pie-ya,” she repeated slowly, “Pah pie ya.”
    He took a bite. Sweetness with the flavor of a mix of peach and orange filled his mouth, “Good, good,” he nodded back. He fished in his pocket for spare pence and gave her one. She lifted one of the fruit off her pile and gave it to him. He laughed and took the fruit, tucking it under his arm.
    He came upon a pub called The Drunken Goat and ducked inside. The barkeep nodded to him, “Sir, we have fine rums, shrub, wine, beer, ale, or Sangree. What would be your pleasure?”
    “I'll have a shrub.”
    “A fine choice.”
    The barkeeper poured some rum, sugar, squeezed a lemon, and another citrus he didn't recognize into his mug. He stirred it and slid it to Captain Graham as he laid his money on the bar. The drink was surprisingly refreshing. Just the thing to hit the spot after a long voyage. This land was beginning to grow on him. The warm weather, the friendly natives, and the streets teeming with royal subjects all lent a dream like quality to his experience so far.
    “Where can I find an artist to paint landscapes and the various creatures that populate this land?” he asked of the barkeep.
    “You want to inquire at the Clear Waters Inn. They have paintings hanging around the public rooms by the best young men in the area. You might find something to suit your needs there.”
    “Pirates. What can you tell me of the pirates?”
    The barkeep burped into the back of his hand, then scratched his neck. “They stick to the Isla del Cocos. Aye, there be pirates hanging around town. Not often. They have pigs, and goats, and whores on their island, so not much of a reason to come here. If they are caught, they hang. Reason enough to stick to their hidy holes out on the islands. But every now and again, they will check out the town to see what they might be missing and to pick up rumors of which ships might be carrying gold.”
    “How many? How well armed?”
    He shrugged, “Hundred? Maybe two. They kill each other. They will kill a man for his gold. There is a bounty on their heads.” He gestured towards the back wall, “There be the current posters of those scallywags and the rewards posted for their capture.”
    Captain Graham took his drink to the back wall to peruse the drawings of the pirates. He committed them to memory.
    “Have another?” The bartender asked.
    “No, not today. I have business to attend to. Good day and thank you for your hospitality.”
    The bartender nodded and went back to polishing his