* * *
On the same night, a short way down the shore, standing near the tide, another father was talking to his seventeen-year-old. “It’s a man’s duty to take care of his family the best he can, Sam. You’re old enough now to start learning how to do it.”
Sam’s forehead wrinkled. He pushed his light brown hair away from his eyes. “What do you mean, Pa?”
“I’ll show you, come with me.” They walked straight up the beach, to some scraggly trees and bushes. Thomas Burns picked up some brush, backtracked, and wiped away their footprints in the sand. Inside the wall of foliage they came to a well hidden clearing. Once there, Sam saw several longboats with oars lying in them and a stack of over-sized lanterns. At the back side of the clearing, there was a path made from wagon wheels headed into a wooded area. He looked askance at his father.
In answer to his son’s unspoken question, Tom explained, “Right along this stretch of Cape Cod is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. But because of the sand bars and reefs it’s tricky business for sailors to navigate off our dangerous shore. They often get hung up or wrecked along the way and need our help. These are the tools of the trade. We use these boats to get out to the ships.”
“And you need so many of those huge lanterns for light to see what you’re doin’?”
“Yes, and on stormy nights we use them to signal ships that have gone aground or to light the way for them to come ashore. If they’re hung up we use the longboats to go out to help. For a price, we float their grounded vessel. Or, if she’s past saving, we salvage her cargo.”
Sam nodded his head. He could see the logic in that. He was feeling very proud that his father was sharing something of the adult world with him.
Tom stared into his son’s eyes. “Next time we have a stormy night you can go with me and learn the trade. But first, you must swear to secrecy. My fellow workers and I don’t want our identities known or anything about our operations.”
Feeling honored to be included in men’s work, Sam gave his vow willingly. “I’ll never say a word, I promise.” He followed his father across the clearing and down the path on the other side.
“Take a good look at that wind bent tree right there.” Tom pointed. “It’s one of a kind, and it’s the landmark to find this entrance. Get used to looking for it when we come in this way.”