Lum let out a scream that startled the ape causing it to let out a blood-curdling scream, which was made worse when Lum's chair fell back hitting the deck and jarring the two apart. The sentry hearing the screams rushed into the cabin only to be run over by the ape trying to escape.
As the two collided, the sentry's musket was knocked from his grip causing it to go off as it hit the deck. The loud shot rang out adding to the confusion. The officer on watch alerted the master-at-arms and sentries were put around the ship fearing attack. By the time Lum, who had been either knocked unconscious falling with the chair or fainted from his fright was able to speak, everything had quieted down.
When asked if the ape had scared him Lum replied,
"How'd you like to wake up wid sumthin' plucking at yo'
head? Then when you opens yo' eyes all you sees is dem big ole teevies shining at you in da moonlight, and feels dat hot breath blowing on yo's face. Yas suh! I was scared and I ain't shame to say it. No suh! I didn't know if it was a ghost or a sea devil or what, but I knowed it didn't belong in old Lum's lap. No suh, not in a hundred years it didn't."
It was a sleepy-eyed Gabe who made his way on deck. Dagan, as always was at his side. He watched every morning as Gabe dressed and wondered if he'd ever be a good riser. Dagan was not only Gabe's uncle but also his protector, a rite he had assumed upon the death of Gabe's gypsy grandfather.
"Mr. Jackson, Mr. Gunnells." The habitual greeting.
"Morning, captain." The habitual reply.
Damn I'm getting cantankerous, Dagan thought.
"The anchor's hove short, sir, and the men are at their stations prepared to get underway," Jackson volunteered.
"Very well," Gabe replied then turned his attention to the master.
"Winds from the north-nor-east. Not as fresh as she be yesterday but it'll be a brisk one by any man's thinking."
Nodding his understanding to Gunnells, Gabe directed his attention back to his first lieutenant. "Well, Mr. Jackson, you've worked wonders putting SeaWolf back to rights. Now sir, you may have the privilege of putting us to sea."
"Aye! Aye! Captain." A smile on Jackson 's face as he turned to go about his duties, pleased the captain had so quickly placed his confidence in him.
Pipes shrilled and the deck came alive. New replacement seamen were urged on by curses from the petty officers. Gabe could feel SeaWolf tugging on the cable as the wind freshened. The fiddler plucked out an Irish shanty'attempts to please its new master no doubt.
"Now me little sweethearts, let's give the ladies in Halifax a final wave to remember us by." This from the bosun, Graf.
"Hands aloft. Prepare to make sail," Jackson bellowed as seamen scrambled to do his bidding.
"Loosen mainsails! Lively now, lads. You heard the lieutenant," Graf shouted.
The sails suddenly filled with the wind giving a thunderous flap.
From forward, Nathan Lavery, the second lieutenant cried out, "Anchors aweigh."
Gabe could hear the clank, clank, clank as the capstan continued to reel in the anchor. Looking over at the compass, the helmsman volunteered, "South by sou'east, sir."
Glancing forward Gabe could see the men had the anchor hauled towards the cathead. Jackson was ordering Lavery to have the yards braced around to take full advantage of the wind. The headland and most of the shoreline seemed to be disappearing very quickly as the wind held steady. SeaWolf plunged through the cresting waves cascading spray over the bow.
Approaching Gabe, Jackson stated, "I'd like to see how she behaves under full canvas if you don't mind, sir."
"Very well, Mr. Jackson, put her through her courses, and then get some food in the men." Looking at Dagan and giving a slight motion with his head Gabe turned back to Jackson, "I'm going to my cabin. I'm sure you have control of the ship and can do without my presence for a time." Then, before Jackson could respond, Gabe headed down the ladder to his cabin.
"Seems to be ready to head south, don't he?" Dagan said as he closed the cabin door.
"Aye, and so am I," Gabe said. "I wish we had been able to sail with Gil and the squadron when they left.
I've had enough of this cold. I'm ready for some warm weather."
Dagan watched as Gabe unconsciously clutched the empty pouch around his neck. Aye, Dagan thought, warm weather and closer to the pretty little rebel girl who held his heart and his ruby. Feeling the stiffness between his shoulder, Dagan thought maybe a little warm weather would do some good. Either that or drink some of Caleb's willow bark tea he prescribes for the agues.
Chapter Three
It was to be a grand affair, the likes of which neither Bart, Silas or any other of Lord Anthony's staff could ever remember.
"It's time for a feast," Lord Anthony had shouted out to Silas as he entered his stateroom. Then while reading the letters that had been laid on his desk he gave a whoop and declared, "Well, damme." Bart had entered the cabin at that time and knew something was in the wind. He'd never seen his Lordship take on so.
Seeing his cox'n, Anthony ordered, "See the flag captain, Bart, and have him signal for all captains to repair on board with their first lieutenants to dine with the admiral this evening. Soon as that's done hurry on back and we'll share a wet."
Hum, thought Bart, something was definitely up. More 'n one something likely and he bet he knew what half of it had to be, seeing as he put the thick letter from Lady Deborah on the admiral's desk. A smile crept across Bart's face. With his lordship carrying on so he'd forgotten to mention SeaWolf was just entering the harbour. Now Gabe would be on hand to enjoy the celebration. Bart quickened his pace; maybe he could put a word in the flag captain's ear to keep quiet about SeaWolf for a spell.
With the help of Moffett's chef and servant, Silas had put on a feast to remember. It was a harassed flag lieutenant who had gotten back aboard just in time with a rump of beef that was to be the centerpiece of the table. Last minute shopping was not his idea of a flag lieutenant's duties but he was willing to do his best for his admiral on such a grand occasion. The rump had been boiled and the brisket had been roasted. The tongue and tripe was minced and baked into pies. A young kid goat was dressed in its own blood and thyme with a pudding in its belly. After that came a shoulder of mutton with a side of goat both covered with a rasher of bacon. As though that wasn't enough for all the captains and their first lieutenants to gorge themselves senseless, there was pickled oysters, bowls of potatoes and vegetables. Finally, Silas served a dish of his famous berry pastries and apple tarts.
With the desserts finished, glasses of sherry were poured as clay pipes and cigars were passed. Once the pipes were billowing and cigars were lighted, Lord Anthony stood and raised his glass for a toast. As he stood he glanced Gabe's way. Gabe, seeing Lord Anthony's gaze, smiled and nodded ever so slightly. He had been made privy to her ladyship's news and had already congratulated his brother.
"Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to inform each of you that my wife, Lady Deborah, has presented your admiral with a child, a baby girl. She has been named Macayla Rose.
A cry went up, "Here, here, to Lady Deborah and Lord Anthony." As the officers settled down Anthony had the glasses recharged and again stood.
"Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to present to you the Royal Navies newest admiral. Admiral Dutch Moffett."
Again the cheers from the officers. When it had quieted down Anthony stood again.
"A toast to the new flag captain. Captain Buck." Another round of cheers that took a time to settle down. When Anthony had everyone's attention, "A toast to Captain Stephen Earl, HMS Merlin." This time the cheers took longer as Earl was not only made captain but was given Merlin. After the group had finished congratulating Earl, Lord Anthony stood again.