Read Online The Captain by Lynn Collum - Free Book Online Page A

But Lili was masterful and it took only a short time for the man to finish the gin. Jacinda’s knees grew stiff and her patience short, but she stayed where she was until the ganger’s head slumped against Lili’s shoulder. The woman lifted his head and called to him. When she received no response, she slid to her feet. She signaled to Jacinda.
    After a quick glance about revealed no one nearby, Jacinda dashed across the road to the wharf while Lili pushed the unconscious man over onto the fishing net, making sure he wouldn’t fall off.
    The Tower Stairs led to the water and took Jacinda to the muddy river bank. She scrambled over the gangway onto the gently rocking barge. Moments later Lili stood behind her, lamenting the ruination of her best slippers by the mud.
    Mentally Jacinda promised to buy her friend ten pairs if they all got out of this unscathed. She scanned the wharf for movement but all was quiet. Uncertain what they would find inside, Jacinda slowly pulled open the door to the lower cabin. Darkness loomed, so she lifted the lantern from the peg and went down the steps.
    To her horror, she discovered ten males, mostly young men shackled to the walls. Some were asleep; others shielded their eyes from the glare of the lantern. Her instinct was to find Ben first, but how could she ignore these lads, each and every one of whom had family who likely didn’t know where they were at that moment.
    Lili stepped into the small space behind her. “The Gangers have been busy I see. You start on the left, Jack, I’ll work on the right. The large woman pulled a hammer from beneath her skirts and smashed the wall of the barge where the first chain connected to the wall. “We’re here to set you free, lads.”
    There was a stirring among the captives, but they fell silent as Lili give the bolt two more good whacks with her hammer and it broke free. Jacinda, released from her dilemma of where to start, pulled the small ax from her coat and began work on the opposite wall. When the first man was free, she said, “Go up and keep watch.”
    â€œAye, lad, and may God bless ye.” He rose and moved past her as she began on the next set of chains bolted to the wall. She’d released three lads when Ben tugged on her leg. “I knew you’d come, Jack.” She hugged him, then with two forceful strokes of the ax had him free. “Get up on deck, if you see someone coming, shout a warning, then run.”
    â€œI won’t leave without you and Lil.”
    â€œDon’t be a fool. You know we’re in no danger.” She gave him a knowing look and the boy’s eyes widened in understanding. He gave her a hug, then raced up the stairs. Jacinda moved further down to the last man and noted that of the captives, he alone was dressed as a gentleman. His head was leaned again the wall and blood oozed from a wound at his temple. A cockade hat lay beside him on the floor, yet he wore no uniform. A merchant sailor perhaps? If so he would be very valuable to the navy, who were always looking for experienced men. She looked around and realized that Lil had finished and gone topside; only she and the gentleman remained.
    She asked, “Are you able to run, sir?”
    He groaned, and lifted his head. “I’ll make it lad, if you’ll finish the job of freeing me.” He tugged on the chains that still held him to the wall.
    A strange sensation raced through her. It was almost as if she knew him ... but how could that be? Thinking it was just her heightened nerves betraying her, she gave the bolt two quick strikes and the man gave it a mighty tug. It pulled free, and he tried to struggle to his feet. Jacinda hesitated a moment as her old fear of strangers surfaced. It had haunted her since the night in the rocks. She pushed the anxiety aside, knowing this man needed her assistance. She took his arm and helped him rise. He swayed as he stood and put a hand to his