Amazing but True - Africa Adventure Book 1

  Chapter 3

  Clara stepped out on the train’s platform and took in the bustling scene before her. The depot was crowed with people, animals and cargo. The noise of the commotion rose in a dull roar. The dust was thrown into the air and hung like a fog. The steam engine still whined and hissed from its journey.

  “This is amazing. Look at all the horses and carriages.”

  “Much different from your time I dare say.”

  Turning, Clara caught her reflection in the depot window. She was completely dressed in the clothes of the day. A wide-brimmed traveling hat with mist-thin netting sat on her head. A form-fitting blouse gave way to an ankle length skirt that dusted the top of her button up shoes.

  “Where are we?” Clara asked, entranced by her reflection.

  “Mumgodway Station, Africa.”

  “Ok, then when are we?” she said, looking back at the Captain.

  “It is 1853,” said the Captain, as he took Clara by the arm. “We are in the midst of Queen Victoria’s reign. This is the time of great exploration.”

  “So where do we start?”

  “First we must find Colonel Archibald. He is the head of the British Club and arranges all of the safaris. Speaking of the Colonel, here he comes.”

  Clara turned in the direction the Captain was looking.

  “Captain Flump, it is so good to see you again. It has been ages,” said the Colonel, taking the Captain’s hand.

  “It has, and I am glad to be back, but please I must insist you call me Captain. We’ve been friends far too long.”

  “You’re jolly right, old man.”

  “Colonel, allow me the pleasure of introducing Miss Clara Davis, the granddaughter of a dear friend.”

  “Miss Davis, it is an honor,” said the Colonel, bowing. He gave Clara’s hand a light kiss. “I hope you are going to enjoy your stay with us.”

  “I am very excited. I’ve never been on a safari before. I can’t wait to see all those animals.”

  “Then let us not waste any more time here in the depot. Let us depart. The carriage is this way.”

  The Captain offered his arm to Clara. The trio made their way through the swarm of people and cargo clogging the station.

  “Has my man arrived?” asked the Captain.

  “Yes, he arrived on the last train and has made your arrangements.”

  “Who is your man?” asked Clara, looking around the crowded depot, which clattered with activity. Men in bright uniforms were unloading freight and animals from the cars in the back.

  “He is my loyal assistant. You shall meet him when we get to the club.”

  “Here is our carriage. Let me see to your luggage and we shall be off,” the Colonel said, directing the coachman to the baggage car of the train.

  “Does the Colonel know about your ‘traveling’?”

  “No. This is 1853 for him. We are in his present. This is the past for us, but this is most definitely his reality,” explained the Captain, “That is why it is so important not to mention the future. You have to act as if this were your reality as well.”

  “That will be hard for me. Everything is so different.”

  “You will find you will blend quite nicely into your part,” said the Captain, turning to address the Colonel. “It looks as if we have it all.”

  “Yes, quite right. Let us be on our way then. You must be ready for some refreshment after your journey.”

  “Clara, my dear, let me help you into the carriage.” The Captain offered his hand “It has been so long since I’ve been on a proper adventure.”

  The three of them climbed into the carriage and off they went. The coach wound its way through the streets of Mumgodway, the wheels kicked up a fine dust that hovered like a cloud. If it weren’t for all the bumping along the road, Clara could have thought they were floating.

  “The roads are a bit rough in town, but wait until we get into the wild. You would think your teeth were going to fall out from all the jarring,” said the Colonel.

  The men continued their conversation while Clara watched the inhabitants of the town hurry along the roads. People rushed in and out of the small buildings that lined the main street. The dust was everywhere, floating around anything that moved. Eventually, the carriage approached an immense gate that opened into a compound with modest gardens surrounding a two-story building. Unlike the straw and mud shops she’d seen throughout the town, this building was made of stone with beautiful carvings on its walls.

  “Here we are. The British Club, the epitome of British style and quality in this untamed place,” said the Colonel, helping Clara out of the carriage.

  “How long have you been in Africa, Colonel?”

  “Oh, many years. I was in His Majesty’s service, King William IV, when I first arrived to make a go of this place. The sun never sets on the British Empire, and I do my part to keep my charge running.”

  “Well, from the looks of the club, you are doing a fine job,” said Clara, smiling.

  “Thank you, my dear. I am off. Much to finalize before we go out tomorrow. Tea will be served in the main lounge.” Bowing, the Colonel hurried off giving directions to his aide.

  Clara turned to the Captain in a panic, “We’re not leaving until tomorrow? Won’t I be missed at home? They’re going to notice I’m gone sooner or later.”

  “Don’t worry. A happy side effect of our travels is that your time stands still for the most part. Time continues but at a much slower rate. We won’t be long on this first trip, but we did get very adventurous on this outing.”

  “Captain, you’ve finally arrived,” said a male voice.

  Clara and the Captain turned in the direction of the sound.

  “Clive, so good to see you. Have you arranged everything?”

  A tall man, just as handsome and well-dressed as the captain, approached the pair.

  “Yes, sir, we are ready. I even arranged a hand maiden for your guest,” said Clive, giving a slight head nod in Clara’s direction.

  “You think of everything. What would I do without you?”

  “You wouldn’t be able to function, Sir,” he said, laughing.

  “Excuse me,” said Clara.

  “Do forgive me, my dear,” said the Captain, “Very rude of me not to introduce you. Miss Clara Davis, meet Mr. Clive Oasterhouse, my assistant.”

  “Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Davis,” said Clive, bowing slightly.

  “It’s nice to meet you too. How long have you known the Captain?”

  “We’ve been together for several hundred years. I have lost count.”

  “Oh,” said Clara, shocked.

  “Don’t worry, my dear. Clive knows all about my travels. We are linked together through time. Where I go, he goes.”

  “But how?” asked Clara.

  “Let us not worry about that now. I believe the Colonel said tea was being served in the lounge. Shall we?” said the Captain, directing Clara into the club.