Read Online The Beothuk Expedition by Derek Yetman - Free Book Online

deserves. Wilkes and liberty, that’s what I says. No justice, no king!

Jonah Squibb
    On the next day I observed a further improvement in Froggat’s condition. I arrived at the house to find him sitting up in bed and drinking a thin soup with the help of his caretaker. His mind was still clouded and he seemed not to know me at first until I called him by name and asked if he did not know his old friend. At that, his eyes gave the smallest flicker of recognition. It was all too brief and he fell once more into the dull exhaustion that would mark the rest of my visit. All the same, I was pleased to see the fever lessened and that he’d regained a state approaching consciousness.
    I returned to the shallop at noon and imparted the news to the men, which was received with more approval by the Guernsey s than by his own shipmates. These Liverpool s were a surly lot, though much less bold in attitude since the boatswain’s lesson in naval discipline. On this particular afternoon, I noted that Rundle and Jenkins were especially indolent and went about their duties as if they were half asleep. Fortunately for them, I was in a high good humour and ordered a ration of grog to celebrate the change in Froggat’s health.
    While our meal of salted pork lay in the steep tub, the men took their leisure with the half-pint of watered rum and a little tobacco for their pipes. I do not regret allowing them this indulgence but I do regret the sudden arrival of Lieutenant Cartwright. I was laughing with the warrant officers at some joke or other when I heard him address me by name. I turned to see him standing upon the stage, his face a portrait of stern disapproval. I jumped to my feet, calling the crew to order as I lifted my hat. He acknowledged me with a stiff little bow and cast a critical eye over the vessel.
    â€œI see you have things in hand, Mister Squibb,” he said, his sarcasm evident as he eyed my cup. “Yet, I cannot but wonder at your ease when so much needs doing.”
    I was too astonished for an immediate reply and from the corner of my eye I saw Bolger’s eyebrows arch in disbelief. Since coming into Bonavista, the men had repaired every sail, replaced and spliced every rope and even remounted the guns. This was to say nothing of the thorough cleansing with vinegar they’d given the vessel, or of the ordered state of her cargo and rigging.
    The lieutenant pursed his lips and scrutinized the shallop in an effort to find something at fault. Seeing nothing, he took a different tack by announcing that we would require additional foodstuffs and that I should collect them immediately from Mister Street’s store. I was again astounded at the man’s arrogance, for how could he know that we were in need of anything when he’d spent so little time aboard?
    â€œAnother thing, Mister Squibb. In preparation for our voyage, you will be kind enough to organize our company according to rank. The officers and gentlemen will be berthed in the stern cabin and the warrant officers and servants in the forecastle. The hands will mess on the deck, as I think you have made it sufficiently comfortable for that purpose.”
    I saw the seamen exchange dark looks of resentment. “As you wish, sir,” I replied.
    â€œYou may expect us aboard following dinner. We sail on the evening tide.”
    My mind was racing even as he made his way between the reeking barrels of cod liver oil and across the field to Mockbeggar House. How could we sail this evening when Froggat was barely able to sit upright? If I left him now that quacksalver surgeon would surely return and he would never recover. I grappled with the problem for a few minutes and merely succeeded in confounding myself. Alas, I am no mental wizard and have no genius for quick solutions. I would need time to think, though time was exactly what I lacked.
    Meanwhile, there were provisions to get on board and a dozen other matters to attend to