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

tankards.
    The Captain headed in the direction of the Clear Waters Inn. He didn't plan on being on shore longer than it took to stock up with the necessary provisions the men would need for the first leg of their survey trip of the coast.
    The inn itself was built in the colonial tropical tradition. The building was surrounded by large verandahs with sitting chairs looking at the view of the bay. Large windows with bimini shutters to let in the breezes lined the walls. Tied up rolls of mosquito cloth that would be let down in the early evening framed the porches and the windows. The main room had wood floors covered by imported carpets. The door to the house proper from the porch was wide open, so he walked right in. He could see the artwork hung on the walls. Colorful and true to life. He saw a bird of paradise with white flowers contrasted against those of orange and purple. He moved closer to look at the brush strokes. Every nuance of the sunlight and shade stood out. A drop of moisture on a leaf looked so real he raised his hand to wipe it away, and realized just before he touched the painting, the water droplet wasn’t real. It was just an optical illusion created by the artist. Another was of a bright red bird. The bird was huge, the size of a large parrot. The bird was partially hidden in foliage and so skillfully painted, it had depth and appeared real. You felt as if you were looking at it through a window frame and not into the flat surface of a painting.
    A voice behind him spoke, “The painting has thirteen bugs hidden throughout the flowers. Can you find them?”
    Captain Graham turned to face the voice. A small man wearing spectacles smiled back at him.
    “I hadn’t noticed,” he answered.
    “Look again.” The man walked over and smiled.
    He took a moment to concentrate on the foliage surrounding the bird.
    “Ah, yes, here is a lady bug, and there is a butterfly, another, a cricket, a yellow grasshopper—do they really grow that big here?”
    The bespectacled man stood next to him holding his hands together clasped behind his back, “Yes, indeed they do. I have not found all thirteen myself, only twelve, but the artist is rather stubborn and will not disclose which one I am missing.”
    “Are you sure he is not playing a trick on you?”
    The man chuckled, “Oh yes, honesty is a trait this artist has in abundance.”
    “I am sorry, I have not introduced myself. I am Captain Bennett Graham, commander of the HMS Devonshire.”
    “And I am Charles Upham, proprietor of The Clear Waters Inn.”
    “A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
    “Likewise.”
    “I am here on official business for His Majesty King George. I have orders to survey the coast and the islands off Costa Rica. I would like to hire this artist to supply renderings of the shoreline’s more dramatic scenery and of the flora and fauna we encounter, which is unique to this territory. The King must have a full accounting of his resources in this colony.”
    “A worthy endeavor.”
    “Quite. Yes.” Captain Graham leaned in to note the signature on the painting M. Welch . “I think the King would be pleased with this particular artist’s work. I must insist on impressing Mr. Welch into service for his King. He will be handsomely rewarded for his work, of course.”
    “I’m afraid it won’t be possible.”
    Captain Graham turned to face Mr. Upham, “Does M. Welch reside nearby?”
    “Why yes, but—”
    “Then please see to it he receives this commission letter and let him decide for himself. You do realize it could be considered an act of treason to not serve the King when one is called...”
    “Yes, but—”
    “There is nothing further to discuss. Mr. Welch will report to the HMS Devonshire within the next two days or I will send my soldiers to arrest him.”
    “If you insist...”
    “On behalf of His Majesty, I insist.”
    “Very well, I will deliver your—order.” Mr. Upham smiled and tilted his head as Captain