"I am but a sponge diver. You have your 'little bite' from the profits of my labors. Take it and go away."
"What business did the buque de guerra inglés have with you there?"
"Why did you not go out and ask them? Are you afraid? You have twice as many guns as the Dolphin. The English and the Spanish are enemies, I think."
His face darkens. "Believe me, if I were captain of the San Cristobal, that British boat would lie right now at the bottom of the sea, and I would spit on the graves of all who went down with it."
"You are such a sweet man, Cisneros," I say. "However, you might find it not so easy to sink a British frigate. They do, after all, have British sailors, and very expert British gunners. During an engagement, a lucky shot might even find your own fine hidalgo hide and lay it out flat."
"You haven't answered my question, puta. Why was that ship lying next to you?"
I give my head a toss. "The Captain of that ship and I have a ... friendship."
He looks incredulous. He points his finger at my forehead.
"The captain of a British frigate makes his ship wait at anchor while he takes a whore-of-a-sponge-diver? I do not think so."
"Men take their pleasure where they find it. Surely you know that, being something of a man yourself. Not much of a man, but something. And I can do other things than merely diving for sponges. Many other things. And I am told I am very good at those things."
His face turns a pleasing shade of purple, and I fear for the glass that he clutches in his hand.
"So. If you did those things for him, you will now do those things for me. There are rooms here, and I will take you there."
"No, you will not."
"And why not?"
" 'Cause I said so is why. And because you hurt those poor sailor boys just for talking to me and made me watch."
"Poor boys, pah! They needed a lesson and I gave it to them." His gaze grows hotter. "And I gave a lesson for you, too, muchacha."
"I can only hope that you, also, receive such a lesson someday. Although I do not take pleasure in such things, I will rejoice in watching."
It is too much for him. He reaches out and grabs me by the neck.
"You will do what I say, you—"
Then he looks up into the hard eyes of Davy, Tink, and Señor Ric, all of whom have been watching the proceedings. It is Señor Ric who says, "You know the rules, Señor. Patrons must not mishandle the señoritas. You must now leave my place."
Cisneros, furious, flings me back in my chair, releasing my neck.
"Do not think that this is over, girl," he says as he collects his men and stalks off. "No, it is not."
Davy and I head back to the Nancy to check on the reprovi-sioning and to rest up for the night's revels. Tink, however, stays at Ric's.
Chapter 42
I pick up El Gringo Furioso and take off his vest and stroke and smooth down his feathers. I put my hand around his neck and look into his beady little eyes and ask, "Are you ready, Gringo? You don't have to go if you don't want to."
He struggles in my grip and his eyes seem to say, "Yes. I want to go. Put me down. There's no one to fight here. Here's a peck for you and I hope it hurts. Now let's get on with it."
All right, Gringo, we will do that. But soon ... Not right now.
Daniel and Joannie are bustling around, neatening up things, and I think they're doing it 'cause they think Jemimah might be finishing up her latest Rabbit Tale. I got to admire how she manages to stretch these things out and get the most work out of the kids because of it.
"Pleeeease, Jemimah, we got everything put away—all the wood, all the food, all the—"
"All right, chil'ren, you can sit and listen," she says, casting a warning eye on the pair. "But you be good now, y'hear?" She clears her throat. "Now, you'll recall, when we left the Big Woods, Fox and Bear was down in the hole, lookin' at certain destruction, and Brother Rabbit had sent for his church-lady wife to come up and say some words over the two doomed Brothers.
"By and by, Sister Rabbit, her Bible under her arm, come hoppin' up the road, her rabbit child by her side.
"'Husband,' she says, when she sees Brother Rabbit. 'Just what is goin' on here?'
"'Jes' look over the side dere, Sister Wife,' says Brother Rabbit, pointin' down. 'What you see?'
"She look down the hole at the fox and the bear, who look back up at her. 'Look like two unrepentant sinners to me,' says Sister Rabbit, wrinklin' up her bunny nose and re-memberin' when these two particular sinners had her by the ears and were danglin' her over their pot of boilin' oil.
"'Dat's right,' says Brother Rabbit. 'And they's about to go off to dere reward, so's I suspects they be repentin' real fast, and we'uns was thinkin' dat it'd be good iffen you could say some Scripture over dem 'fore the mens come up and shoots 'em.'
"'Hmmm...,' says Sister Rabbit, and she open her Bible. 'Daniel in the lions' den would be good. Or how 'bout Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace?'
"'They be good, but do the one about walkin' through de valley o' de shadow o' death,' says Brother Rabbit,' 'cause that be where dese ol' boys be strollin' real soon.'
"So, while the fox he growl and the bear he wail, Sister Rabbit reads out that Psalm.
"'Dere. I hope dat makes y'all feel better,' say the rabbit, grinnin' all over his face. He cock up one of his ears. 'Is dat the mens I hear comin'? Best get ready, Brothers. Best git right wit' God.'
"'Oh, please, Brother Rabbit, please get us outta here 'fore the mens come,' bawls the bear, tears rollin' out of his eyes, his front paws clasped together in supplication. 'I ain't yet ready to meet the Lord!'
"'Brother Bear,' growls the fox, glarin' hard at the rabbit, 'shut yo' mouth and save yo' breath. Dat damn rabbit couldn't get us out of here, anyhow.'
"'Oh, yes, I could get you out, Brothers,' say the rabbit. 'But I ain't gonna. I gots me a whole fam'ly o' little bunnies now, which you ain't never gonna get a chance to chomp on 'cause o' the fix you in. I gotta look out for dem. Got responsibilities. Myself, I'll prolly miss outrunnin' you two and alla time making you look like the fools you surely be.'
"'What if we promises to never lay tooth nor claw on no rabbit ever again?' asks the fox. 'Will you get us out den?'
"Rabbit think hard on this. 'Hmmm ... What you think, Sister Wife?'
"'If they swears on this here Bible, Brother Husband. And if they promises to come to church on Sunday mornin's and meetin' on Wednesday evenin's from now on. Reverend W. Crane was just sayin' yesterday that he was mighty concerned about these boys' spiritual growth.' Sister Rabbit sure enjoyin' the fun, too.
"'Oh, pleeeease!' wails Brother Bear.
"'All right,' agrees the rabbit. 'Pass 'em down the Good Book, Sister, but be careful.'
"Brother Fox gets on Brother Bear's shoulders and reaches up, and Sister Rabbit leans way over the edge with Brother Rabbit holdin' on tight to her little white cottontail so's she don't fall down in the pit, and so the Bible is passed.
"'All right, boys! Now testify!' crows the rabbit.
"And the fox and the bear put their paws on the Book and makes the promises.
"'Now, you brothers know if y'all break yore promises,' says Sister Rabbit, 'you'll roast in Hell fo'ever and ever? Good. Now throw me back my Bible, and my good man will get you out o' dere, won't you, honey?'
"'Right,' says Brother Rabbit, turnin' to Rabbit Child, who's been hangin' about watchin' all this. 'Run on down to the pond and ask Sister Beaver to come on up here and maybe bring a few o' her brethren along wit' her.'
"'What he doin'?' ask Brother Bear. 'How dat gonna help?'
"'Shut up, Bear,' says Brother Fox.
"I'm gonna shut up, too, right here," says Jemimah. "Time to get ready for dinner. These men be gettin' hungry."
Me, too.
Chapter 43
Lieutenant James Emerson Fletcher
Onboard HMS Dolphin
En route to rendezvous off Key West
&nbs
p; And not a moment too soon
Jacky Faber
At once my greatest joy and my greatest trial
Onboard her schooner the Nancy B. Alsop off Key West
Or, at least, I think she is—one never knows
Jacky,
I do not know what I have done in this life to deserve the things that happen to me in regard to you. What should have been the simplest of love stories—I take your hand and you take mine—turns out to be the most tangled of knots.
We arrived in Kingston in good order—the ship in full dress, gun salutes and all that. There was great joy upon the ship, for good Captain Hudson has granted daytime shore leave for all trustable sailors aboard, the liberty to be accomplished in three rotating watch sections. As you well know, it is rare for a commander to let his men off his ship in these times of war, fearing that they will desert, so they love the captain all the more for it. Some pay was issued and the joyful anticipation was palpable.
Upon mooring, we piped the Governor aboard, and I am reminded that the pirate Henry Morgan was once made governor of this island by our own government. After all the bowing and scraping was done, this present Governor, General Sir Eyre Coote, invited Captain Hudson and Lieutenant Bennett to dine at his residence. We junior officers were invited to the Officers' Club on the base, an invitation we gratefully accepted. Several of the lads and I made preparations and, seeing the ship well-secured, set off in a state of high spirits.
We went by coach and we passed by the very tavern you and I dined in all those years ago. I must pronounce myself moved to see the place. And when I saw the wall, the wall upon which you stood that day, your dress blowing about you, I closed my eyes and saw you standing there yet, so young and wild and free, and so very, very beautiful.
At the club—an elegant palace built in the Spanish style, all high ceilings and swooping arches—we were graciously received and introductions were made. I cast my eyes over the crowd and saw that, while there were a number of blue naval uniforms, there were many more of army scarlet. I was being introduced to several of them when I received a jolt.
"Gentlemen, may I present Captain Lord Richard Allen, Sixteenth Dragoons?"
I stiffened because I recognized the name—and the face—instantly, for I well remember when I came upon you and him together in the Mississippi River. That scene has been forever burned into my mind.
There were bows and murmurs of introduction all around.
"Mr. Fletcher. So good to see you again," said Allen, extending his hand and waving me to his table. "A glass of wine with you, Sir?" The wretched man was unable to keep a sheepish grin from his face. I gritted my teeth and sat down.
Wine was poured and dinner served, and a great spread it was—a fine treat after shipboard fare. I enjoyed it thoroughly, in spite of the awkward situation.
"May I hope that our mutual friend is safe and well?" Allen came right out and inquired.
"She is."
"It gladdens me to hear that. And do you know just where might she be?"
"She is on a scientific expedition."
He regarded me and my distinct lack of enthusiasm in answering his questions concerning you.
"If you require satisfaction, Fletcher," he said, "I am willing to give it."
I, of course, did wish to kill him for having laid his hands upon your person. But if I were to manage to slay all those who have similarly done so, I would have racked up quite a lengthy Butcher's Bill. So what I said was, "My Captain, whom I respect, has forbidden his junior officers to duel. Besides, I do not perceive that you forced your attentions on Miss Faber. She is her own person, and she has an open and affectionate nature as you might well have observed."
"Oh, yes," he said, a little too heartily for my taste. "And you must excuse me for being very fond of her. And furthermore we must be friends, you and I." He extended his hand to me.
I took his hand and said, "Very well, my Lord."
"Good, and you must drop that 'my Lord' stuff. I am not much of a Lord and we are similar in rank. I answer to both Richard and Dick," he said, grinning broadly.
I was finding it difficult to dislike this man.
The dinner dishes were cleared and more wine was poured.
"So, just where in the world is this 'scientific expedition'...Good Lord, is that Flashby over there? I never expected to see that particular blighter again. Last I heard of him was a splash as he went over the side of the Belle of the Golden West. Flashby! Come over here."
I looked over to see that Flashby had, indeed, entered the room and was startled to hear his name spoken. Upon recognizing Lord Allen, his face darkened, but he walked over to stand next to our table, his hands clasped behind him. Neither the Captain nor I stood up.
"Up to more nasty business, Flashby, eh, what?"
"I am here on His Majesty's business," replied Flashby, coldly.
"If you're involved, it's sure to be nasty, Flashbutt." It was plain that Allen was not at all worried about offending Flashby. It was equally plain that Flashby was furious ... and extremely uncomfortable. "I did not come here to be insulted, Mr. Allen," he said, his teeth clenched.
Captain Allen got to his feet and faced Flashby. "Then meet me at dawn. Name your second. Mr. Fletcher here will second me. And that's 'Lord Allen' to you, Flashby." There is silence from our table and from all near us, this being an outright challenge.
"I am forbidden from dueling in my current command," said Flashby, his nose in the air. "Perhaps some other time, my Lord. May I be excused from Your Lordship's presence? Good day, then."
Flashby turned on his heel and left the place, to a hum of conversation. A Royal Navy officer had refused a challenge—a serious loss of face...and a discredit to the Service, which does not go down well with those naval officers present, myself included. While I thoroughly enjoyed Flashby's humiliation, I did not like seeing the Service disgraced.
Allen sat back down. "Do you think he speaks the truth on that?"
"Yes, my Lor ... yes, Captain Allen. He is Second Mate on HMS Dolphin and I am Third Mate on the same ship. Had Captain Hudson not imposed his rule, I should have called Flashby out long ago. I will do so when the restrictions are lifted."
"Hmmm ... Well, don't expect that cowardly rascal to be around when that happens. He's a slippery bastard," said Allen. "So you've heard what he did to her?"
"If you mean that he repeatedly struck her and confined her in durance most vile? That he burned her leg and promised even more torture? Yes, if that's what you mean. If there was more, perhaps I do not want to hear of it."
"No. That was about the extent of it."
"She tells me you were instrumental in stopping the abuse, and for that I thank you."
"Ummm ... Well, rest assured that she dealt out far more than she received," he said, chuckling at the remembrance. "But tell me the name of your ship again."
"HMS Dolphin. Why do you ask?"
A smile spread across his features.
"And where is our girl and her 'scientific expedition'?"
"Off Key West. We will rendezvous in four days."
"Um. So she must be gathering very valuable specimens," he said, and then laughed. "Oh, this grows so very, very interesting!"
"But why...?"
"Because I, along with a squad of my men, have been assigned to your ship to guard something of great value." He lifted his glass to me. "We shall sail together, James Fletcher, and we will see just what our little friend is really up to."
Good Lord.
Chapter 44
I'm tending to El Gringo over at the coop, handfeeding him shelled walnuts—figure he could use the oil the nuts got in them to glossy up his feathers some, and maybe put a little more weight on him, which can't hurt—and Jemimah's over at the breadboard, mixing up flour and water and forming up loaves for kneading, and the kids are pleading for the rest of the story.
"So you remember that Fox and Bear are still down in that trap?"
Both heads
bob up and down.
"All right, then you'll recall that Brother Rabbit done sent off his boy to fetch Sister Beaver and her crew, and by 'n' by Miz Beaver come waddlin' up the path, with Brother Beaver and other of the Beaver Clan by her side.
"'What chew want, Brother Rabbit?' she say. 'We gots work t' do. Dams don't build demselves, y'know.'
"'Want some chewin' done, Sister,' says the rabbit, gettin' up and goin' over and puttin' his paw on a sweet gum tree that he had picked out. 'Now iffen you and Brother Beaver was to chew on dis side o' dis tree, it'll fall over dere and dat big ol' branch'll poke down into dat hole and doze Brothers'll be able to climb out.'
"Sister Beaver look down into de pit and say, 'Don't see de wisdom o' settin' doze two rascals free, but all right.'
"So she and her man commence to chawin' away, and by 'n' by the tree come down and the branch fall where it was supposed to and the fox and the bear was able to climb out, blinkin' in the sunlight.
"Brother Rabbit, not quite trustin' the conversion of Brother Fox and Brother Bear, take his child and head off down the hill and back to the rabbit shack.
"But Sister Rabbit, no, she stand her ground, as the newly freed fox and the bear tower over her, to test the strength of their promises, and maybe her own faith, too.
"'Today's Wednesday, Brothers. See you at Meetin'.' Then she tuck her Bible under her arm and hop off down the hill after her man and her boy. End of story."
There is silence for a bit and then Joannie asks, "What happened to those brothers after that? Did they keep their promises?"
"Well, child, Brother Bear, he go back to live with his mama, who give him a good spankin' for hangin' around with bad company like that Brother Fox and he promise never to do it again and he live out his life all happy, gettin' fat on eatin' berries and roots and apples and suchlike—but no bunnies, 'cause Brother Bear don't want to go to Hell for the breakin' of a promise to the Lord, nossir.