Angelique (48 page)

I enquire. “What’s going on then Gunter?” He replies unusual for him with definite excitement in his voice. “Adam I am living out a dream, a fantasy if you like. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would be at the helm personally steering a fully rigged sailing ship racing along at about twelve knots. Thanks to the Captain generosity I have been given this privilege to live out a childhood dream of mine. I have also climbed the mainmast to the top. I think in a previous life I was a seaman. “ He informs me proudly. “See how the Captain trusts me with his beloved ship.” I didn’t realise this until Gunter pointed it out the Captain has left his position on the bridge and is doing a round of the ship checking the set of the sails and whatever a Captain does. Gunter informs me. “I have some other good news for you Adam. Weather permitting, if it is possible to launch the long boat the Captain is going to land us on the beach at St Margaret’s Bay. With luck you could make it home for Christmas.”

This is great news indeed. Gunter continues. “He also requested we do him a service. They have been away from their home port for just over a year missing last Christmas. That is why they are doing their best to make it to Hull for this one. The Captain hasn’t personally been home for four Christmases. The boy Tony lives in Margate with his widowed Mum and three Sisters.

Even if the Albatross makes it to Hull Tony wouldn’t reach Margate in time to spend the special day with his family. To sum it up he wants to land Tony with us if we will make sure he gets to Margate. I have agreed on your behalf I hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course I would have agreed without hesitation.” He reveals something else he has agreed to. “It has to be kept secret from the Lad until the last minute.” I have to give Gunter credit. I have spent my time worrying and remembering this and that. He is treating the entire episode as a kind of an adventure holiday and has integrated into the working of the ship in the short time we have been aboard. Within minutes my inadequate clothing, the biting cold freezing spray, the dipping and diving of the ship is too much for me. I retreat below into the warm saloon to be greeted by enticing aromas wafting from the galley. Ensconced in a comfortable arm chair I wait impatiently for dinner. At the dinner table we are joined by two uniformed officers introduced by the Captain as his Second Mate Mr Stevens and the Cadet John Christiansen. We are halfway through an excellent roast pork dinner served by the immaculately attired chief steward when the Boy enters the saloon makes an excuse for his intrusion he whispers in the Captains ear. The Captain dabs his mouth with his napkin excuses himself and leaves with the Boy. There is a scramble of feet and the creak of tackle overhead. I feel slightly alarmed I glance at the seated officers. Thank goodness they don’t appear concerned I relax and continue eating. The list the ship acquired since we came aboard eases. Mr Stevens asks. “Well Gentlemen what do you think of the good ship Albatross?” I reply. “She seems a fine ship from what I’ve seen of her. Not that I know much about ships my only experience with them so far has been the cross channel ferries and the one we were held captives on.

There is something that puzzles me, I noticed she has a funnel does she have an engine to drive her when there is no wind?”

The mate laughs before enlightening us. “Goodness gracious me no Mr Bailey! An engine on Albatross? I don’t think so that is strictly to drive the capstan to weigh the anchor and power the derrick winches in the ports that have no cranes to work cargo.”

Gunter remarks admiringly. “For a ship of her age she is in remarkably good condition isn’t she?” The Mate replies. “Yes that’s down to the Captain and his family.

She has been owned since new by the Christiansen family.” I ask. “I thought the Captain referred to shareholders in a conversation we had?” He explains. “The family are the share holders. The present Captain Christiansen is the third generation to command the Albatross.

We had her sixtieth birthday party as we crossed the line outward bound.”

He further informs us. “That there young chap seated opposite you?” He glares at the Cadet in a friendly manner. “If he behaves himself, completes his studies, passes his exams and becomes half the seaman his Father is, will one day be seated at the end of this table as the next generation of Christiansen’s to command this here ship.” The Cadet blushes.

The Captain returns and explains “We are in the proximity of the Scilly Isles, a dangerous location for a sailing ship. I have shortened sail. In my estimation taking the usual factors into account I hope to be landing you Gentlemen at Saint Margaret’s Bay about nine or ten o’clock in the morning of Christmas Eve. After dinner cigars are distributed and smoked, shortly afterwards the Captain and the officers make their excuses and leave Gunter and I alone in the saloon the steward is clearing the table. Gunter opens the conversation by remarking, “When I was chatting to Captain Christiansen before you joined us he admitted because of the loss of the passengers, it has put the future of the Albatross in jeopardy they cannot compete with powered ships.

The family are having a big meeting when he reaches Hull to decide the future it’s looking very glum. The non seagoing members of the family are all for getting rid of her. They don’t want to risk their savings in a business so dependant of weather etc. I wouldn’t like to see this happen. I have an idea that could save her and keep the ship in the Christiansen family. I am seriously considering buying out the dissident shareholders.”

I ask him dubiously. “Will she fit in with the modern image of the OSCADA shipping venture?” “No Adam you have me wrong, this will be a personal investment of mine. I will not involve the OSCADA shipping line in any manner. I am not looking for a money making venture.”

He adds with a twinkle in his eye. “I am wealthy enough to indulge myself in something I love, and I find I have fallen in love with an Albatross. I have made arrangements for the Captain to contact me with the result of the meeting.”

We are too apprehensive to take to the bunks. After a few more drinks we fall asleep in the comfortable armchairs. I am awoken to the chink of china. Sometime during the night blankets have been placed over Gunter and I. Mr Earl is laying the table presumably for breakfast, Gunter yawn’s stretches and greets me. Mr Earl speaks. “Good morning Gentlemen it is seven o’clock. The Captain has asked me to warn you, we are about two hours from your destination. The conditions are favourable to launch the boat. What do you require for breakfast Gentlemen? We both opt for the same excellent sandwich we had yesterday and coffee. After performing our ablutions Gunter and I take our seats at the table. A different officer joins us at the table. He introduces himself as Mr Jefferies Chief Officer. He apologises for the absence of the Captain by explaining the Captain will not now be leaving the bridge until the ship is safely docked in Hull.

Eight o’clock sees Gunter and I after a hurried breakfast established on deck wearing borrowed coats where we find the ship is a hive of activity.

The decks are being washed and holystoned. The Captain informs us we are passing Eastbourne. I am able to just about make out the shape of the pier through a slight drizzle. A plume of smoke feathers out of the funnel I enquired about yesterday. A couple of sailors are taking the canvas cover of the ships long boat.

The boy arrives on deck smartly dressed minus his sailor’s hat struggling with a huge suitcase. I ask him. “Ready for the boat trip Tony, are you sure you can manage that case?”

He informs me. “I’ll manage it all right Sir it’s not that heavy. Mr Earl lent it to me. I have some Christmas presents for my family and don’t want to get them wet.” That reminds me I haven’t any presents for my family, I enquire. “What have you got for them then Tony?”

“Well.” He replies. “I have a lovely table cloth and head scarf for my Mum from Cuba. For my eldest Sister Ruth I have a bride doll from Argentina. For my middle Sister Rebecca I have a Golliwog from Jamaica. And for my baby Sister Mary I have a Teddy Bear from America.

The Captains announces “We are passing Hastings.” The two crewmen prepare the tackle for lifting the boat. A hiss of steam and hot water dribbles out of a winch close by. The Captain reveals. “That’s Folkestone off the port side.” One of the sailors operates the winch, a boom lifts, the long boat raises slightly off its chocks. He lowers it again. The Captain orders the boy. “Go forrard Boy. Give my compliments to Mr Stevens and tell him to prepare the anchor for dropping.” The Boy races away forward to carry out his order. The Captain gives a helm order to the steersman and informs the Second Mate. “Stand by to shorten sail on my order Mr Mate.” “Aye aye Sir.” The Second Mate scurries to the main deck where a number of sailors are gathered. The Boy returns.

The Captain informs us. “Gentlemen we are now passing Dover. Prepare yourselves to disembark.” Through the megaphone he orders. “Shorten sail Mr Mate.” Sailors scurry up the rigging, activity takes place everywhere. Shortly he informs us. “We are now approaching Saint Margaret’s Bay.” He takes up the megaphone and orders. “Take em all in Mr Mate. Boy! Go forward and tell Mr Stevens to put the pick on the bottom when the weigh is off her. Stand by to swing out the boat lads. Gentlemen it’s been a pleasure having you aboard. I suggest you get into the boat before we launch her stow yourself forward in the boat it will keep you clear of the rowers. It will be easier than trying to get aboard when she’s afloat. Look after the Boy for me. You may leave the coats in the boat. I reckon you will be warm enough without them climbing them there cliffs.”

We shake hands, Boy returns and joins us in the boat. One of the sailors passes the suit case aboard.

I detect the rumble of the anchor chain. With a hiss and clatter from the winch the long boat lifts clear of its resting place. It swings outboard and gently drops into the water. Five sailors swarm aboard the boat they unhook the tackle. One man sits aft manning the rudder. The other four Seamen take up positions and begin to row for the shore in well practised manner. Within twenty minutes we are standing on a sandy beach with wet feet and the boat is already returning to the Mother ship Albatross. By the time we have climbed the steep cliff path and look out to sea, the boat has already been lifted back on board, the anchor has been raised the sails are being set. Gunter whistles through teeth and remarks with admiration. “That is what I call Seamanship with a capital S.”

As we head inland Tony appears to be having a hard time lugging the suitcase. I offer to relieve him of his burden. He politely refuses replying. “Thank you Sir but I have to manage you won’t be with me all the way home.” I realise it is five days since we crashed into the channel.

As we walk side by side along the footpath I have a sudden thought leading me to ask Gunter. “Will you have another plane Gunter?” He gives me a strange look as if I were mad to ask the question. He replies. “Without a doubt I have already planned which one I will have it is the Bristol F two it has two seats, and it is made in Britain it was very successful plane during the war.” Puzzled I answer. “Despite having recently crashed and nearly losing your life you are willing to risk flying again?”

“Adam there are many people killed in automobiles or in your beloved trucks. Do you decline to drive them because of that factor? I think not my friend. Flying is the future transportation system of the world, believe me? The planes we have now were strictly for military purposes. Already designers are planning planes to carry civilian passengers, mail, goods. My forecast is that every major city worldwide will have its own airfield eventually. Take your own company for an example, you discarded horse drawn vehicles and steam wagons quite readily and replaced them with petrol driven trucks. These will very shortly be replaced by diesel engines.

You modified the original trucks for towing trailers to maximise profit per vehicle. That’s progress I applaud it. I am not saying flying will replace road transport, shipping, and rail but in ten years time you will say. You know! My friend Gunter was right about aeroplanes, and Adam, OSCADA will be at the leading edge, only if we keep faith.”

I detect the tolling of the church bell as we approach the village quelling any further discussion on the merits or not of flying. We arrive at the Saint Margaret of Antioch church.

Parked in the lane nearby is the Rolls from the estate. When I investigate there is no one inside. It makes me wonder is Toot attending a service. Protected from the drizzle under the shelter of the lynch gate is the Vicar greeting the members of parish as they arrive. I am not a church goer but have met him previously at a village function. He does a kind of double take as he recognises me. The Vicar whispers. “My God! It’s you my Lord! This is a miracle.” He lunges forward to shake my hand vigorously and greet my companions. He looks up and down the road to ascertain if there are anymore members of his congregation arriving. Satisfied there is no one else, despite my protests that I want to get home as soon as possible. The Vicar insists on leading us to a room at the back of the church where he explains. “My Lord your Family and most of the village are inside the church. I am about to conduct a special service offering prayers for your safe return.” He chuckles before requesting. “Will you do something for me my Lord?” Puzzled I reply. “I will if it is within my power and does not keep me away for my family for a minute longer than necessary.” The bell ceases tolling he looks at his watch. The Vicar explains his idea. “I am about to enter the church and conduct the service. Would you please remain in the vestry with that door ajar until you hear me utter these words?”

Today we will witness another miracle.
On hearing those words you enter the church yourselves via that door? I promise you My Lord you won’t regret it.” I am reluctant to go along with this charade and reply. “I just want to see my family Vicar as soon as possible.” He protests. “You will, you will, within minutes from now. Have faith my Son.” Gunter enlightens him. “I am not of your faith Vicar.” The Vicar replies. “Whatever your faith we are all God’s children my Son. If I do recall my Bible, wasn’t the Lord Jesus a Jew?” To get on with it we finally agree.