Young Nick

Tale Three -- Camberwell Beauty

by Lindabrit

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission.  No copyright infringement is intended by the author.  The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

Nick’s decision

 

There were two berths in the tiny airless cabin, one atop the other, Nick Barkley lay in the top one, shivering with the misery of his nausea and waited for the next mighty wave to pitch the struggling ship onto its starboard side. Only, sailors didn’t call it a wave it was referred to as a ‘sea’ and the heaving ship was said to be on its starboard ‘beam’ not its side, he had learned that much at least in the last five days. Five of the longest and most lonely days of his young life. He had also mastered the art of scrambling from his bunk, no that was berth of course, he had learned that too, in time with the roll of the sea.

 

On his first nightmare day aboard the Camberwell Beauty, he had been struck down with chronic sea-sickness and for the last five days it had continued unabated. He had vomited repeatedly until there was nothing left in him to bring up, even then paroxysms of retching afflicted him with monotonous regularity, leaving him exhausted, de-hydrated and wishing he had never ever gone to sea.

 

The ship shuddered violently and Nick could feel her start to roll to starboard as a huge sea caught her, now was the moment to scramble from his berth, the movement of the ship assisting him, he had this off to a fine art now. Unlike his first attempt to leave his berth, when he had moved against the rhythm of the ship and the inertia had sent him crashing face first into the cabin wall, which sailors called a bulkhead, darned near breaking his nose. 

 

He opened the cabin door and lurched out and to the ship’s rail, leaning gratefully over the polished wood, to retch distressingly once again. The bout of nausea temporarily over, he went back into the cabin and again moving in time with the roll of the vessel, he lay down again and wiped his sweating face. He felt cold and clammy, his stomach was empty but he had no appetite, the sea-sickness had robbed him of the urge to eat. Drearily, Nick wondered if he would ever eat again, he wasn’t inclined to think so, right now, the way he felt he wasn’t sure he was even going to survive.

 

Just five days ago he had boarded the Camberwell Beauty in San Francisco harbour with his father at his side. Tom had introduced him to Captain Simon Henchman and though the Englishman was a stern-faced and taciturn man, he had shaken Nick’s hand and welcomed him warmly enough. Nick had felt immediately drawn to him and didn’t doubt that he could get along with his new mentor.

 

He had looked around him in great excitement, the vessel was a three-masted sailing ship, three hundred feet long and with a handsome figurehead of a mermaid with long flowing hair at her bow. There was a bustle of activity aboard and to Nick, it was as though the crew were all speaking a foreign language, they used so many technical terms for the equipment that he couldn’t understand their talk at all.

 

His ignorance didn’t trouble him, his father had warned him it would be so.  Nick intended to learn all the sailors lingo just as fast as he could in order to fit in to his strange new environment. He had bidden farewell to Tom Barkley cheerfully, hugging his father and promising to behave and had waved until the shoreline and Tom’s waving figure completely disappeared from the horizon.

 

He had not originally been assigned to the little cabin he now occupied, he had been berthed in a larger cabin, below decks with the five officer cadets aboard the ship. His bed had been a canvas hammock and try as he might, Nick had found this method of sleeping impossible. He had fallen out at once, while trying to get into the darned thing and even after he had managed to get into it, he continually fell out again in his sleep, whenever he moved unwarily.

 

His mishaps with the hammock had greatly entertained the cadets who teased him unmercifully and as they spoke in the sailors lingo they habitually used, Nick’s sense of isolation was pretty complete. Hearing a report of his difficulties, Captain Henchman berthed Nick in the little two bunk cabin on his own, which had made sleep possible, between bouts of sickness, but had done nothing to lighten his loneliness.

 

The ship was en route to Hawaii and before parting from his son, Tom Barkley had spoken to Nick about the vessel’s voyage. From Hawaii, she was to return briefly to San Francisco before heading to Japan and ultimately to England. From England, she would return to San Francisco and Nick would be dis-embarked where Tom would be waiting for him.

 

Huddled in his berth, Nick recalled that bright afternoon on the deck of the Camberwell Beauty and his father’s next words.

 

“Now listen Nicholas, I have something to say to you, not everyone takes to the sea-faring life and much as you want to try it, the same may be true of you. When the ship puts back into San Francisco I want you to make a decision as to whether you stay aboard any longer or not. You need not consider anything other than your own wishes in the matter, I shall not think any less of you, if you decide you can’t stomach the sea. You need only tell Captain Henchman and you’ll be put ashore at once. If that happens, you go to the Barkley mining offices and the staff there will put you on the train for Stockton.

 

I mean it Nick, I want you to promise me that you’ll make that decision rationally when the time comes.”

 

Nick had promised to do so, never dreaming that he would even want to consider abandoning his adventure. Truth to tell though, he had found life at sea such a dreadful ordeal thus far that he was now thinking very seriously of taking this opportunity of a return to his home and family. He lay shivering with misery as the Camberwell Beauty battled her way back to San Francisco and pondered his decision.

 

Chapter Two

 

Shipmates

 

Nick Barkley woke from a long and deep sleep to find his world mercifully still, he lay in his berth for a while, slowly absorbing that fact. No, he concluded, it was all right, he wasn’t dreaming, the ship was rising and falling gently with the smallest of swells and they were most definitely at anchor in San Francisco bay. He felt better than he had for a week, no nausea or headache and...yes he even felt hungry.

 

The cabin door opened and Jem Moody the burly seaman who waited on Captain Henchman stood there. Nick sat up and gave him a wan smile.

 

“There Lad! Didn’t I say you’d be right as rain before too long, though you are a bit of a scarecrow to be sure.”

 

“I feel a lot better thanks Jem, and thanks for taking care of me all this time.”

 

“A pleasure Lad, now lets get you scrubbed clean and into fresh togs, the Captain wants you to have breakfast with him this morning.”

 

Nick scrambled weakly out of his berth and stripped bare while Moody helped him wash himself clean of the sweat, grime and sickness that had made the last week such a nightmare. He felt better yet when he dressed in clean clothes and Jem ran a comb ruthlessly through his thick dark hair.

 

“There Nick, altogether more shipshape now Lad!”

 

“Thanks Jem, I owe you.”

 

“Not at all Lad, come along, we mustn’t keep the Captain waiting for his breakfast!”

 

Nick followed Jem Moody somewhat shyly into Captain Henchman’s cabin and stood awkwardly as the master of the Camberwell Beauty surveyed him. Simon Henchman’s face was rather stern in repose but was transformed when he smiled as he did now. His voice was deep and not unlike Tom Barkley’s, except for the English accent, to which Nick was slowly becoming accustomed.

 

“Good work Jem my man, he looks almost human now don’t he?”

 

Moody ruffled Nick’s hair,

 

“he needs feeding up Sir, don’t you think?”

 

The captain nodded, “aye that he does, sit ye down Nicholas, have you an appetite this morning?”

 

Nick sat at the table, nodding, “yes Sir, I guess I do at that.”

 

Nick managed to eat a pretty fair breakfast and his mentor nodded approvingly, “jolly good, a few more of Moody’s fine meals and you’ll get a little colour back in your cheeks.”

 

The grave face split into another smile, “that is, you will if you have decided to stay with us aboard Camberwell Beauty.”

 

Nick met his eyes frankly, “my father told you what he said to me Sir?”

 

“Yes Boy, he did tell me and also he asked me to remind you of what he said. No-one will blame you if you decide not to sail any further, the decision rests entirely with you.”

 

Henchman scrutinized the boy closely,

 

“have you made your decision yet Nicholas?”

 

Nick shook his head, “not...not quite,” he admitted.

 

The captain sat back in his chair and drained the last of his coffee.

 

“I am forbidden by your father to influence your decision, but is there any question you would wish to ask me, any information I could give you to aid you in your thinking?”

 

Nick’s honest hazel eyes pleaded with the Englishman,

 

“Do...do people get over sea-sickness? I mean...does everyone get over it, or...or are some people permanently sea-sick?”

 

There was a lurking twinkle in Simon Henchman’s grey eyes,

 

“Well my Boy, most often, a person new to the sea will find what we call his sea-legs after a time and after he does, then he is little troubled by mal de mer any more. However, there a few unfortunates who never do find their sea-legs and they I fear, are not suited to the sea-faring life.”

 

Nick thought for a moment, “I guess there’s no way to tell, just...just try another voyage and see if I find my sea-legs or...or not.”

 

The Captain’s voice was gentle, “I fear that is so Nicholas.”

 

He said nothing more and after a minute or two Nick squared his shoulders and lifted his chin. He looked Captain Henchman in the eye and said more bravely than he actually felt, “I’ve made up my mind Captain, I’d like to stay...if you’ll have me.”

 

Simon Henchman clapped Nick heartily on the back,

 

“well said Nicholas, brave boy! We shall hope that you do find your sea-legs and that right soon.”

 

Captain Henchman had to go ashore to transact some business in the city of San Francisco and he advised Nick to spend the morning on deck in the fresh air, ordering Jem Moody to keep a watchful eye on the boy for Nick was still weak and groggy from his recent illness.

 

Nick watched the captain’s gig as eight sturdy crewmen rowed their master ashore and with a slightly sinking heart he realized that the rapidly receding craft represented his one chance to escape what lay ahead aboard this ship, a chance he had now lost.

 

In the dockside Barkley shipping office, Tom Barkley waited for his appointed meeting with Simon Henchman. The rancher’s face was impassive but inwardly he was eaten up with impatience. Would he meet with his senior captain here today, or would he also meet with his son? He had promised Victoria that he would give the boy the chance not to commit himself to the coming voyage, but he fervently hoped that Nick would not avail himself of the escape route. Tom sincerely believed that the voyage to come, although potentially hazardous, would do his boy a power of good. He had assured Nick that he would think no less of him for deciding not to sail, but there was no denying that he would be proud if Nick stuck with his task instead.

 

The door of the inner office was opened by a clerk and Captain Henchman entered briskly, he was alone and Tom’s heart swelled with pride in his son. He smiled at his friend, “so he’s remaining aboard then?”

 

“That he is, you have a fine boy there Tom, a youngster to be proud of. His sufferings have been considerable, a whole week of sea-sickness, but he’s determined to stick it out.”

 

A tide of bleak realization swept through Tom Barkley, as it sank in that he would not now see the boy who was the apple of his eye for many a long month. “I’ll miss him,” he said simply.

 

Simon smiled, “I’ll take care of him Tom, you have my word on it.”

 

Tom Barkley nodded, “I know you will Simon and I have a surprise for you. One that will make Nick’s time at sea a lot more pleasurable I’m sure. He raised his voice, “out you come Boy, it’s time to face the music!”

 

The door leading to the next office opened and a tall dark-haired boy entered. He was a handsome lad, with pale blue eyes and the same patrician nose as Captain Henchman.

 

He looked apprehensively at the wrathful face of the Englishman but did not speak.

 

Tom grinned at Simon, “apparently his father is in New York giving a series of lectures and he brought the boy from England with him, I’ll let him tell you himself how he gave Papa the slip and made it all the way here on his own, it’s quite a tale! Anyway, the Professor requests that you take charge of the boy, so I guess Nicholas will have a shipmate on his voyage.”

 

Simon Henchman glared at his nephew Tom, “How dared you run away again, after I expressly forbade it?”

 

Tom met his uncle’s stern gaze fearlessly, “I don’t care! I couldn’t stand it any longer, Father knows I want to go to sea, I don’t want any other life, you know I don’t!”

 

Captain Henchman’s voice was still angry, “this is hardly the way to win my brother’s consent Tom, I told you I would intercede for you with him.”

 

There was the hint of a tear in the boy’s eyes, “yes Sir, but when? There was no bearing it any longer, I’m no scholar, I’m a sailor!”

 

Simon Henchman’s austere face softened, “you’re an impudent brat Thomas Henchman and shortly I’ll teach you not to disobey me again!”

 

Tom grinned at him unabashed, “yes Sir, as you wish.”

 

Chapter Three

 

Punishment

 

Nick was having fun aboard Camberwell Beauty, Jem Moody had given him Captain Henchman’s telescope to play with, instructing him in its use and Nick was standing on the quarterdeck of the ship scanning the bustling bay. He quickly got used to sighting with one eye and became absorbed in using the telescope to examine the other vessels riding at anchor as well as the teeming dockside. Training the telescope on a small boat leaving the inner harbour, Nick recognized  the Camberwell Beauty’s gig,  The crewmen were rowing for Camberwell Beauty and standing in the bow, training his own telescope on the ship was a boy of about Nick’s own age. The two youngsters kept their telescopes trained on one another for a moment, then the boy aboard the gig tentatively waved and after a moment’s hesitation, Nick waved back.

 

Nick yelled to Jem,

 

hey Jem? The Captain’s boat is coming back but the Captain isn’t on her, there’s a boy though, he waved to me.”

 

Jem came across the deck and took the telescope from his young friend,

 

“we call the Captain’s boat a gig Nick, let me look.”

 

He glanced through the telescope at the approaching gig and laughed, “well I never! It’s young Tom! Now what the deuce has that pesky boy done this time? Run away, I’ll be bound. He’ll catch it hot from the Captain if he has, for he gave him his word not to do so.”

 

Jem smiled at Nick, handing him the telescope again,

 

“still it’ll be grand for you Lad! You look set to have a playmate on your adventure, you’ll like that, won’t you?”

 

A spurt of jealousy rose in Nick,

 

“is Tom Captain Henchman’s son?”

 

“His nephew Lad, though I often think they should have been father and son for they’re as alike as bedamned, same temper, same strong will, and that close there’s no coming between them. Tom has sailed with us many times, the crew think the world of him.”

 

The tide of jealousy grew inside Nick, this adventure was a big enough challenge for him without the inclusion of Captain Henchman’s nephew. Nick already felt enough of an outsider in this unfamiliar environment and for a moment he heartily wished that he had decided to leave the ship and go home to the ranch. He squared his shoulders, too late for that, he must just make the best of it.

 

The gig came alongside the ship and the single passenger sprang expertly for the ratlines and swung himself aboard. At once Jem Moody clapped his shoulder, welcoming him aboard and other members of the crew pressed around him adding their own greetings. Nick could plainly see that what Moody had said was true, this British boy was a great favourite amongst the crew. He waited for the milling crowd around the newcomer to melt away and then approached him.

 

The stranger nodded amiably to Nick.

 

“Hello, I’m Tom Henchman, you must be Nick, I had the pleasure of meeting your father this morning, he’s a splendid chap isn’t he, I think you’re very lucky!”

 

Nick noted the boy had the exact same English accent as Captain Henchman and he looked like his uncle too. His words had startled Nick, “You...met my father?”

 

Tom grinned, “the dock police caught me trying to sneak through the gates and they took me to the Barkley shipping office. Your father smoothed them down and let me stay until Uncle Simon came. He told me you were aboard, isn’t it jolly, we’ll have such fun!”

 

Nick’s reply was less than gracious, “I guess so,” he said doubtfully.

 

His heart was heavy, his father was right here in San Francisco, why hadn’t the captain taken him ashore to meet him? Even as he asked himself the question he knew the answer, his father had wanted him to decide about taking the voyage and had not wanted homesickness to cloud the issue. Well Nick was sure feeling homesick right now! He thought he would give anything he had to see Tom Barkley’s smiling face and feel the warmth of his arms around him.

 

Tom Henchman was talking to Moody, “Uncle will be ashore some while yet, he and Mr. Barkley have business to discuss.”

 

He picked up his valise and headed for the hatchway leading below decks, throwing a question to Nick following in his wake. “Are you sharing my cabin?”

 

The spark of envy in Nick was turning into outright hostility now, what did he mean his cabin, the nerve of him. Nick followed Tom into the small cabin and seeing Tom toss his belongings onto the upper of the two berths he couldn’t stop himself from growling,

 

“That’s where I sleep.”

 

The other boy blinked at him, “but I always have the top berth,” he said simply. 

 

Nick faced him down, hands clenched at his sides, “not this trip!”

 

The British boy studied Nick’s hostile face for a moment, his own determined chin jutted aggressively, “look here, I was quite willing to be pals but you seem to be spoiling for a fight. If so, I’m quite willing to oblige you, but I have to say I think you’re too young to die!”

 

We’ll see about that,” growled Nick and sprang for his foe. The fight was a tough one, both boys were tall and strong and each packed a pretty powerful punch.

 

They knocked one another about the confined space of the cabin and then their struggle spilled out of the door and into the companionway. They grappled with one another and somehow found themselves back on deck, still pounding at each other. The crew were entranced and cheered the protagonists on, all except for Moody who lost no time in separating them. Not before both boys bore the marks of their clash. Nick’s nose was pouring blood, Tom’s lip was split and both were sporting black eyes.

 

Moody shook both boys like rats, “for shame, not two minutes acquainted and already at war with each other! The captain will know how to deal with such behaviour, ye can await his justice in your cabin, get below!”

 

The two boys took their bloodied faces below and after setting the disordered cabin to rights they washed off the worst of the damage. The fist fight had done much to dissipate Nick’s hostility and Tom appeared to bear him no ill will either. Indeed he grinned at Nick, wincing a little from the split in his lip, “you’re a bonny fighter Nick Barkley, you beat me fair and square, the top berth is yours.”

 

Nick found himself grinning back, “thanks Tom.”

 

When Captain Henchman returned to the ship later in the day, both boys came up on deck to meet him. He inspected their bruised and battered appearance in disgust and addressed his nephew coldly,

 

“Thomas you have been aboard less than half a day and already you  try my patience! Why have you been fighting?”

 

Tom made no answer and taking his cue from him, Nick also remained silent.

 

Simon Henchman smiled grimly, “well Thomas, I promised you retribution for running away from your father and it seems you are determined to add to your crimes.”

 

His stern gaze rested on Nick, “I’ll have no fighting aboard my ship Nicholas, clearly you also need a lesson, come with me both of you!”

 

The two boys followed their mentor below with fast beating hearts.

 

Chapter Four

 

Comrades

 

To Nick Barkley’s relief, the beating he suffered at the hands of Simon Henchman was no worse than one his father might have inflicted, but it was bad enough. He was glad to escape from Captain Henchman’s stern presence to his own cabin, next door. The wall was only thin, what did these crazy sailors call walls? Oh yes, he remembered, bulkheads, sometimes it seemed like they had different words for almost everything. Through the bulkhead, Nick could hear the sound of Tom’s punishment and it was clear that it was much worse than his own had been.

 

All Nick’s earlier hostility to Tom had vanished, he had felt drawn to the British boy, whose fearless spirit was so like his own. He was grateful to him too, Tom had met his hostility with cheerful indifference and was obviously not one to hold a grudge. Nick was sure now that he liked his new companion and listening to his whimpers of pain from next door he felt sorry for Tom and wondered what he could

 

do to cheer him up. An idea occurred to him and he moved his bedding from the top to the bottom berth and remade the top one with Tom’s blankets.

 

When Tom entered the cabin, he held himself a little stiffly and his face was white and tear-stained.

 

Nick said softly, “are you all right Tom?”

 

The English boy nodded, “I will be, I just need a rest.”

 

Nick indicated the berths, “climb on up and lie down and I’ll get you some water.”

 

Tom looked at the switched berths, “you won the top berth fair and square Nick.”

 

“Well now I’m giving it back,” smiled Nick.

 

Tom’s answering smile wavered and broke, he clambered up onto the berth and lay face downward with a groan.

 

Nick gave him a drink and then sat at the tiny table opposite the berths.

 

“Is your Uncle always that hard on you?”

 

“No, he’s a strict man but always fair and often quite understanding when one gets into a scrape. This was a bit different though. You see I’ve run away to him from my father’s home before. I want to become a captain just like Uncle Simon, he knows it and he approves.”

 

Nick was sympathetic, “but your father doesn’t?”

 

“No, he wants me to be a scholar like him, he’s a professor of natural sciences. The last time I ran away, Uncle Simon made me go home, but he promised to tackle my father about my future. He was to persuade him to let me train as an officer aboard this ship.”

 

“Didn’t he keep his promise?”

 

Tom sighed, “he was going to, but I couldn’t bear it any longer, I really couldn’t. Even the trip to New York was ruined for me, I hardly saw a thing, just lessons, lessons and more lessons! So I decided to run for it. I knew Uncle Simon would be angry, because I gave him my word I would be patient and wait, but I just had to run.”

 

Nick was beginning to understand, “is that why you said I was lucky to have my father?”

 

Tom nodded, “your father understood why I ran away, he told me about you being aboard this ship, to have an adventure. I thought he must be a pretty wonderful man to have as a father.”

 

“He is,” answered Nick softly.

 

“Are you feeling homesick Nick?”

 

“A little, it’s just...well everything is kind of new and I guess I feel like a fish out of water here.”

 

Tom sat up and leaned forward earnestly, “don’t worry, you’ll soon feel as at home as I do on board ship, I’ll help and we’ll have fun I promise you.”

 

Nick was looking doubtful, “I just hope I’m not sea-sick again!”

 

“You won’t be,” said Tom confidently, “I can help you deal with it, honestly, it’s easy.”

 

“You can?” Nick’s question was hopeful.

 

“Certainly I can!” He grinned at Nick, “shall we be comrades then Nick and have our adventures together?”

 

“I’d like that Tom.”

 

The two boys settled down to talk in companionable ease and shared their secrets. Nick told Tom about Soreback meadow and the disastrous bridge game and Tom told Nick of his bleak and loveless home life with his disapproving father. A little later Captain Henchman entered and crossed to the berths. He flicked Tom’s cheek with one finger,

 

“well Ruffian, how are you now?”

 

“I’m well enough Sir and truly sorry I disobeyed you, I knew it would anger you but I would have done murder if I had stayed any longer.”

 

 His uncle nodded, “I know Brat, I should have known you wouldn’t sit quiet until I could talk to William. Well, now I have no need to talk to him it seems.”

 

Tom looked puzzled and his uncle smiled, “William has surrendered Lad. I have a letter from him, he sent it the day you ran away, knowing you would be coming to me. His letter tells me to flog you, feed you and take charge of you for good.”

 

Tom bent his head to hide his sudden tears, and Simon laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, “it’s true Tom, you have your wish, you can enjoy a last taste of freedom this voyage and be Nick’s companion, then you shall begin your training as we have always hoped you could.”

 

Tom smiled waveringly, “thank you Uncle, thank you so much.”

 

Simon turned to Nick, “you know I met with your father today Nicholas?”

 

Nick nodded, “yes Sir.”

 

“Well he gave me a letter for you, here it is.”

 

Nick took the letter eagerly and Captain Henchman smiled. “Well, I’ve fulfilled the first of my brother’s requests, you’ve both had your flogging. I think I’d better fulfill the second and feed the pair of you!

 

Moody will bring food for you, get a good night’s sleep and we’ll talk

 

 further tomorrow.” 

 

Chapter Five

 

A Father’s Letter

 

Nick’s hands were trembling slightly as he unfolded the letter from his father. The sight of Tom Barkley’s strong handwriting made tears prick his eyelids, a fresh wave of homesickness washing over him as he handled this tenuous link with his family. He settled himself comfortable on his berth and began to read.

 

My very dear Son,

 

If you are reading this letter, it can only mean that you have already decided to remain aboard the Camberwell Beauty and see the rest of your adventure through.

 

I meant what I said to you back in San Francisco, I wouldn’t have thought any less of you if you had abandoned your trip and opted to return home. Which doesn’t stop me from being mighty proud that you have chosen to stick it out.

 

You are a boy to be proud of Nicholas and I am writing to tell you so. I want you to put out of your mind any foolish or reckless thing you may have done in recent months, all of us lose our way in life occasionally and you are no different. I have already forgotten these incidents and I advise you to do the same.

 

Instead, I want you to remember back to our triumph in the battle of Soreback meadow and to your excellent conduct the night of the Cattlemens Association meeting. I was proud of you then, as I am proud of you now.

 

All I require of you now is that you enjoy the exciting new experiences that will surely come your way on your voyage of self discovery, that shouldn’t be too hard a task for you.

 

Please know that you are much loved and sorely missed at home by your mother, your brothers and sister and by your father who wonders how he will manage without his strong right arm, which is what you are my Nicholas.

 

Take care of yourself and God protect you till we meet again,

 

Your loving Father.

 

Nick read the whole letter through twice, wiping away the odd tear that rolled down his cheek as he did so, then he carefully folded up the letter and put it beneath his pillow. He lay down in the gathering darkness and pulled the blankets over himself. He knew an urge to sob his heart out, so badly did he long to see the beloved parent who had written this tender and loving letter. His distress was short-lived though, the warmth and love of Tom Barkley were safely held in his heart and the letter had given all the reassurance of his father’s continued regard that Nick could possibly want. There was much to look forward to as well. The rest of his adventure lay shining before him, glorious and excitingly unknown as yet. and now he had a companion to share the coming days with him. Tom was already asleep and before long Nick was fast asleep too.

 

Looking in on them before he too retired for the night, Simon Henchman smiled at their sound slumbers, a pair of reprobates, they would give him plenty of headaches with their antics no doubt. He settled himself for sleep in his own cabin and thought about the pair. He was glad Professor William Henchman had finally allowed young Thomas to have his way. Tom was not cut out for an academic life but he would make a fine mariner and he was the apple of Captain Henchman’s eye besides. Simon had never married and Tom was very much the son he had never had.

 

Young Nicholas was a fine lad too, very like his nephew, the two would be a handful to manage, but Simon didn’t doubt his ability to do so. His friend Tom Barkley had said the boy needed to get his restlessness under control and Simon had agreed that this voyage might well do that. Simon knew his friend saw Nick as his successor running the Barkley ranch, but there was something about Nick that made Simon wonder if the boy might not succumb to the lure of the sea and opt for a maritime life.. Well, time would tell, it was early days yet. 

 

Chapter Six

 

A Fresh Start

 

Tom Henchman awoke very early, even before the sun’s first rays pierced the horizon. He could hear the steady rhythm of Nick’s breathing, his new friend was still asleep, so Tom clambered gingerly out of the top berth, so as not disturb him. He pulled on his clothes and sat at the little table, head propped in his hands, thinking about the change in his fortunes.

 

He could hardly believe his father had consented at last. His future seemed to stretch before him, rosy with promise, a lifetime at sea, the constant companion of his beloved uncle. It was almost all he had ever wanted, almost, but not quite. Tom loved his austere, academic father, not with the same warmth as he loved his uncle, but nevertheless his attachment was sincere. He had never been able to please his exacting parent, indeed he could not recall one single word of praise from him, not in all his life, now it was doubtful he ever would have his father’s approval and it saddened him.

 

He was not the boy to be down-hearted for long though, his was an optimistic nature and he was too contented, knowing his dream of a sea-faring career was now a reality to fret over his father too deeply. Tom glanced at the sleeping Nick and his eye was drawn to the paper protruding slightly from Nick’s pillow, he hesitated for a moment then his curiosity got the better of him and he gently withdrew the letter from its hiding place. Opening the single sheet of paper, Tom began to read the letter Nick had received from his father Tom Barkley.

 

When Nick awoke in the early morning, the first thing that penetrated his awareness was the motion of the ship, Camberwell Beauty was once more at sea. Almost in the instant that Nick realized this, he felt the first stirrings of nausea in the pit of his stomach. He felt like weeping with frustration, was he never to be free of this cursed sea-sickness?

 

He glanced across to the table where Tom sat absorbed in something he was reading, then as Nick realized just what his new friend was  reading he sat up exclaiming indignantly, “hey! Who said you could read my father’s letter?”

 

Tom started guiltily and smiled ruefully, “forgive me Nick, I was curious to read what your father wrote to you, but I had no right to pry, I’m sorry.”

 

Nick shrugged, “it’s all right, I guess I don’t mind you reading it, go ahead.”

 

Tom finished the letter and handed it back, saying simply, “you’re so lucky, what I wouldn’t give to hear such words from my own father!”

 

Nick was out of his berth and pulling on his clothes, he glanced at Tom,  “Haven’t you ever got along with him?”

 

Tom sighed, “no, he has always wanted me to be a certain person, a scholar, like him and I have never been able to be that person. I’m not stupid and I do well enough in my studies, but not well enough for him.”

 

Nick slid onto the bench seat beside Tom, “but that’s not fair, how can your Pa expect you to be someone you’re not? It would be like my Pa  wanting Jarrod to run the ranch with him instead of letting him be a lawyer.”

 

“Who is Jarrod?”

 

“He’s my big brother, he’s at college, gonna be a lawyer.”

 

Tom handed the letter back to Nick, “you are fortunate to have a brother Nick, I am an only child and that can be a lonely thing to be.”

 

“I’ve got a baby brother too and a little sister,” answered Nick, thinking with fondness of his dear family at home, he reflected that he was indeed lucky to have parents who were content to let him be himself. There were no unreasonable expectations of him, he was able to feel sympathy for the less fortunate Tom. He sought for words to comfort his new friend, “want to know what I think Tom?”

 

The English boy nodded.

 

“I think your father is wrong to expect you to bury your own nature and try to be someone you aren’t. It seems to me your uncle understands you better, so if I were you I’d think of him as your

 

father and do your best to make him proud of you.”

 

Tom was watching Nick, an arrested expression on his face and at length he smiled dazzlingly. “Nick dear Old Boy, I think you’re a genius!”

 

“Me?”

 

“Yes, you’re absolutely right, what’s the use in my making myself miserable, I’m never going to live up to my father’s expectations of me, so I may as well stop trying! Uncle Simon has always been like a father to me and I know I can make him proud of me.”

 

Tom smiled at Nick and slipped an arm around his shoulder, “much obliged my friend.”

 

Nick slipped his own arm around Tom’s shoulder, “what are friends for?”

 

He gasped as a fresh wave of nausea hit him and all the colour drained from his face. Tom examined him shrewdly, “feeling sickly?”

 

Nick nodded miserably. Tom led his friend back to their berths and made him lie down, squatting beside him to talk to him.

 

“Now listen Nick, there’s nothing to worry about, I can help you get over this in a jiffy.”

 

Nick looked sceptically at Tom and the English boy persevered, “truly Nick, it’s largely a question of mind over matter. Now lie flat and relax for a moment.”

 

Nick obediently lay down, body tensed against the pitch and roll of the ship and fought against the urge to vomit.

 

Tom shook his head, grasping Nick’s muscular upper arm, “no, I said relax Nick, feel your muscles, you’re rigid with tension, you have to relax.”

 

“How can I relax when the darned ship never stays still?” barked Nick.

 

Tom tried to explain, “my Dear Chap that’s the whole point, you are fighting the ship all the way, when what you have to do is let her take you. Go with her Nick, move as she moves and you’ll never feel sick again, I promise you.”

 

It took a while for Nick to grasp the concept but eventually he lay passively on his berth as Tom talked encouragingly, “that’s it old boy,  imagine you are back in your cradle and your Mama is rocking you to sleep. You don’t grab the side of the cradle and try to keep yourself still do you? No, you let her rock you, go with the rhythm, do you see?”

 

All of a sudden, Nick understood what Tom was trying to tell him, he let his body drift in tune with the motion of the vessel and at once he felt more stabilized that at any time since he had been aboard. The two boys left their tiny cabin and went up on deck into the crisp early morning air. Exercising his newly learned skills, Nick stopped thinking about the heaving deck beneath his feet, leaning into the movement of the ship he was delighted to find that he no longer felt sick.

 

Nick grinned at Tom, “know what? I’m hungry!”

 

Tom slapped him on the back, “what did I tell you? Come on, let’s find Moody, it’s breakfast time.”

 

At breakfast, Captain Henchman imparted some news to the two boys, “our orders have been changed, we are not now going to England, instead we are bound once more for Hawaii and thence to other islands for different reasons. After which we will sail for Japan.”

 

The Englishman smiled at Nick. “I think your mother has played some part in this Lad, she wants you home inside a year.”

 

Nick grinned at him, “I guess I can still have a mighty fine adventure in the time I have aboard Sir.”

 

Captain Henchman glanced from one boy to the other, “I don’t doubt that,” he murmured drily. “I am quite sure that the pair of you will get up to all manner of pranks, but you would both do well to remember the taste of my cane last night. You’ll find me indulgent of many boys tricks but endanger yourselves or my ship and you’ll feel my hand, understood?”

 

“Yessir,” chorused both boys.

 

Simon relented, “well off with the pair of you, I have work to do.” He looked at Nick, “stick with Tom my Lad and you’ll come to little harm, he knows what he’s about on ships. Also, you may address me as Uncle Simon, just as Tom does, we really cannot have you calling me Sir all the time.”

 

The two boys headed up on deck once more and for the first time in his days aboard the Camberwell Beauty Nick felt mercifully free of sea-sickness. He sniffed the freshening wind appreciatively and turned toward Tom, who was beginning to explain the various types of sail to him.

 

It was to be the first day of a whole fresh start for Nick. No longer was he a baffled stranger on this ship, he had now a guide, translator and friend. In Tom’s wake, he was introduced to various members of the crew, who treated him in friendly fashion, when they saw that he and Tom were pals. He was even treated with wary courtesy by the young officer cadets who had mocked him before Tom Henchman’s arrival.

 

Tom explained every mysterious maritime word or custom to him and taught him many sailor’s tricks and skills. His sea-sickness at an end, Nick thrived, eating well and sleeping soundly. Day succeeded day at sea, all happy and fulfilled. Nick thought little of the folks at home and if he did, it was a happy remembrance, with not a trace of homesickness. Before ever they reached the islands of Hawaii, Nick was racing up and down the rigging with the best of the crew and he and Tom frequently bested the jealous young cadets in their studies.

 

Watching from a distance, Simon was well satisfied, An intelligent and fearless young rascal Nicholas was, very like young Tom. Simon had only one anxiety, he had detected in Nick a liking for the sea and now that the boy had his sea-legs he seemed more and more to love the sea-faring life. Simon knew that Tom Barkley thought the world of his middle son and fully expected him to follow in his footsteps one day as the boss of the Barkley ranch. Simon was uneasy that perhaps young Nicholas might decide to embrace a sea captain’s career instead. Still, he reflected, there’s naught I can do, it will fall out as it may.

 

Chapter Seven

 

Catriona

 

Each morning when Nick awoke he liked to lie quiet for a few minutes savouring the prospect of a fresh new day. Since the advent of Tom Henchman, his days aboard the Camberwell Beauty were filled with fun, interest and enjoyment from dawn to dusk and he liked to lie in pleasurable anticipation for a while before he rolled out of bed and into breeches and cambric shirt. The two boys seldom wore shoes, the weather was warm enough to go barefoot and the soles of their feet were soon like leather and took no harm from the decks and ropes. Also, being barefooted made them sure of foot when climbing the rigging to the top of the three masts or when helping the crewmen haul in the sails.

 

Nick had developed a deep friendship with Tom, the two were much alike and found plenty of common ground to base their relationship on. The difference in nationality was of no importance and together they fished, dived, swam and played happily in and around the vessel. For the most part they managed not to incur the wrath of Simon Henchman, he was true to his word and turned a blind eye to many minor infractions of his discipline, only becoming angry with either boy when they took what he perceived to be an unacceptable risk of any sort. In all the time that they were cruising in and around the Hawaiian islands he only twice lectured them sternly and only once subjected them to a further taste of his cane.

 

Nick had learned to know Simon pretty well, he saw beneath the austere, contained Englishman’s outer shell, he was quick to perceive the lurking humour in Simon’s grey eyes and quickly lost any fear he had ever had of the captain. He observed Simon’s dealings with the crew and found him a firm but fair man and one who commanded respect. Nick wasn’t surprised that Simon Henchman and Tom Barkley were friends, they had many traits in common, just as Nick and Tom did.

 

Going on deck with Tom before breakfast one morning, Nick was surprised to see the ship’s bow pointing toward a small island, still some way off but clearly their destination. He turned to Tom,

 

“where are we headed?”

 

Tom’s pale blue eyes were aglow, “there is a Christian mission on this island, my uncle Jeremy runs it, I expect we have some cargo for him.”

 

Nick looked narrowly at Tom, “well it ain’t a set of hymn books that has you all fired up, what else is there?”

 

Tom grinned, “well, the island is a fine playground, there is a mountain with a volcano in it, we can look at that and there is a waterfall, so big you can walk a path behind it. I’ll show you all the good places and we’ll kick up some larks.”

 

Nick was beginning to know Tom well, “and...come on, I know there’s more!”

 

Tom’s face had become dreamy with pleasure, “and there’s Catriona,” he said simply.

 

“Who’s she?”

 

“She’s Catriona Henchman, my cousin, her father is the pastor here.”

 

“A girl!” Nick’s voice was loud with disgust and disappointment, “you’re all excited because of a girl?”

 

Tom laughed, “wait until you meet her Nick,” was all he would say.

 

Nick shook his head, “I’m not here to make polite conversation with no girl!”

 

Tom seemed to find this exquisitely funny and refused to explain why.  Nick tried to elicit more information from his friend but Tom wouldn’t tell him a thing, not even when Nick held his head down in a bucket of water.

 

“Wait until you meet her Nick,” repeated over and over was all he would say.

 

The Camberwell Beauty had been anchored in the small bay before the Christian mission for the last two days. Simon Henchman sat on the verandah of the small house that was home to his younger brother Jeremy and his wayward daughter Catriona. His brother sat opposite him at a small table and poured generous measures of rum for them both. The Reverend Jeremy Henchman was a few inches shorter than his sea captain brother and his hair was a lighter brown. It had not begun to grey, unlike Simon’s hair which was now peppered with grey.

 

The cleric sipped some of his drink and continued to regale Simon with a catalogue of Catriona’s many faults. “I try to be firm with her, but she pays me little heed and her behaviour goes from bad to worse, what on earth am I to do with her?”

 

“Beat her!”

 

“My dear Simon, she is not a boy, how could I possibly raise a hand to her?”

 

Simon smiled grimly, “she may not be a boy Jeremy but she most assuredly does not behave like a girl! She wears breeches and shirt and runs barefoot like an urchin. To my knowledge I have never even seen her in a dress, ‘tis well she fills out her shirt where she should and has hair long enough to sit on or she would be taken for a lad anywhere.”

 

“Simon please!”

 

Captain Henchman frowned at the pastor, “mark me well little brother, if you don’t rein that child in she will come to grief one day soon.”

 

“I know it,” answered Jeremy worriedly.

 

He looked at Simon beseechingly, “you are so good with her, you manage her so very well, just as you do young Tom. Would you consider taking her with you for a while, until I can engage a new governess for her?”

 

“Jeremy have pity, I already have Tom and young Nick Barkley to contend with, must I have your firebrand as well?”

 

“Please Simon, I would be so grateful and she will make a good playfellow for the boys don’t you think?”

 

Captain Henchman smiled affectionately at his unworldly brother, the fellow was such an innocent at times. No parent in his right mind would allow so wayward a lass as Catriona to be cooped up aboard ship with two healthy fifteen year old boys! Still, reflected Simon, l will keep a close eye on young Miss and the lads and perhaps I can instill some notions of discipline into her as well.

 

“Very well Jeremy, I will take your young spitfire to Japan with my other charges, great heavens I believe I am running a floating orphanage these days! I wish someone could tell me why it is that I, a man who has never married or had a child of my own should be so much better a parent than either of my brothers.”

 

Pastor Jeremy was too pleased to be rid of his troublesome daughter to object to this statement and wisely held his peace.

 

The young lady in question was at that moment preparing to compete in a swimming contest with Nick Barkley and Tom Henchman across a quiet lagoon about a mile from the mission house. Nick was still a bit dazzled by Catriona, or Cat as Tom had told him to call her. She was a pretty girl, with raven dark hair that rippled down her back and over her trim waist, but there all semblance of femininity ended, for she dressed very much as the two boys did and was determined to outdo them in all their pastimes. She was clearly good friends with Tom and when they met, Nick feared he might again become the outsider, but his fears were groundless. Cat welcomed him into their camaraderie warmly and soon, it was as though all three had known one another all their lives.

 

Nick was making a valiant effort not to look at Cats long slim legs, but it was a losing battle. Tom he noticed was inspecting them with undisguised interest. The girl had stripped off breeches and shirt and was clad in her shift and drawers. She has knotted the shift up high on her hips, leaving her legs unencumbered for swimming. The boys wore only drawers too and any embarrassment Nick had initially felt had vanished in the face of Cat’s indifference to his state of undress.

 

They stood now, poised on the big flat rock above the water and as Tom counted to three, they all tensed, ready to dive into the crystal clear water. As Tom shouted “three!” They dived as one and began to swim strongly for the other side of the lagoon. Both the boys were powerful swimmers but Cat was a natural and soon surged past them both, easily beating them to the opposite bank. Indeed she was out of the water and laughing at them as they reached the bank.

 

It was the third race of the afternoon and Cat had won all three. Nick was entranced by her, she could run and swim as fast as any boy, climb trees with a boy’s skill and she demanded none of the special treatment and courteous conduct that most females wanted from males. Nick now completely understood Tom’s devotion to his cousin and on the first day of their all three being together they had used Tom’s knife to split their palms and mingle their blood. The three swore everlasting friendship to each other with utter solemnity.

 

When they had allowed the sun to dry their wet bodies, they all three dressed once more and returned to the mission house. Cat had told Tom and Nick that her father was going to ask Uncle Simon if she could sail with them and all three were hoping and praying that it was to be so. They came and stood in an anxious semicircle around the captain and his grey eyes gleamed with amusement. He addressed his niece, “yes baggage you are to come with us and be warned, I will flog you just as I flog the boys if your conduct merits such treatment.”

 

Cat didn’t care, launching herself at her uncle to kiss and hug him, then her father and then Tom and a furiously blushing Nick.

 

“I’m coming with you Nick,” Cat told him joyously, “I’m coming with you!”

 

Chapter Eight

 

Pirates

 

Life aboard ship had settled down into the familiar routine of the sea and to Nick each succeeding day brought its crop of new experiences and adventures. By and large Catriona was a welcome addition to the life that Tom and Nick led for she was so much the tomboy that they almost forgot she was a girl at times. Not all the time of course, she was too pretty and way too flirtatious for that. The wonder of it was to Simon that the boys didn’t fall out over her, but they didn’t. They all three went about their duties and their pastimes as a trio and appeared contented in one another’s company.

 

Each night, when Cat left the deck to go to her tiny single cabin, she would kiss her uncle good night first, then Tom and then Nick. To his own unease, Nick knew that he was beginning to anticipate this small nightly ritual. Those few moments when Cat’s warm softness was close to him as her lips whispered against his bashful cheek. Nick had never really sought the company of girls before, but to Simon Henchman’s experienced eye he was displaying the small but unmistakable signs of being a young man in love.

 

The ship was calling at a few isolated outposts among the outer islands, delivering small cargos and picking up others. Soon it would be time to head for Japan and the more lucrative part of the voyage, picking up silks and artifacts for sale in the burgeoning San Francisco shops and markets. On its final island call,  Captain Henchman went ashore with most of his officers to dine as guests of the local chieftain, leaving only a token crew aboard the ship.

 

The three young people had not been included in the invitation and were quite pleased to have it so.

 

Dining ashore would have meant stern orders from their mentor regarding the need for thorough washing, brushing of hair and changing into proper and uncomfortable clothes. They would also have been expected to be on their best behaviour, so they cheerfully waved Simon and his officers off to their dinner and instead spent a happy evening sailing their small boat around the bay.

 

Nick was becoming quite adept at sailing, under the tutelage of Tom and Cat and the trio had an easy companionship now, that made all their activities together fun. They sailed the little boat close inshore to explore a creek that ran into the bay from a waterfall high up the steep hillside of the island and were hidden from view of the Camberwell Beauty for several minutes whilst they tacked about in the little estuary.

 

Just as the sailboat cleared the headland again and the ship came back into their line of sight, Tom suddenly stiffened and exclaimed,

 

“What the devil...”

 

His eye was to his telescope and Cat and Nick followed his gaze, hearts lurching with fright as they saw a long rowing boat with a good two dozen men aboard her, bearing down upon Camberwell Beauty.

 

“Pirates!” Tom rapped out the word, pushing Cat from the tiller and steering their little boat hard for the shore. He looked at the girl he loved, “off with you Catriona, run like the devil and warn Uncle and the men, Nick and I will shadow these scum.”

 

The two boys ignored Cat’s vehement protests and set her ashore at the inlet, before heading their small boat out to sea, keeping the headland between themselves and the ship in the bay. Catriona stood irresolute for a moment, consumed with a burning desire to accompany the two boys, but her duty was clear and turning, she ran like a deer toward the settlement a few hundred yards inshore.

 

The raiders were aboard Camberwell Beauty for only a few minutes, just long enough to steal from his cabin, Captain Henchman’s heavy strongbox. It contained a small fortune in gold, for transacting Tom Barkley’s business in Japan and the invaders made straight for it, before clambering once more down the ship’s high side. Leaving plenty of bloody handiwork to witness their visit. Two of the skeleton crew left aboard had fatal stab wounds and a good few others were severely injured. The pirate long boat pulled rapidly away from the stricken ship, rowed by many strong pairs of hands and they headed for the darkening shoreline and one of the many small inlets the ran in to the interior of the island.

 

Tom was trimming the little sail now, expertly coaxing the maximum speed from the small craft, while Nick took the tiller and steered for the wake of the pirate long boat. Tom was grimly intent on the pursuit and seemed unafraid of the venture. Nick was just as determined and was pleased to note that he also was without fear at this moment. All that seemed to matter was maintaining the chase without detection and so far they were doing well.

 

Catriona reached her uncle as fast as she could and was sobbing for breath by the time she did so. She gasped out her tale swiftly and Simon Henchman swore aloud at the misfortune, before rallying at once and issuing crisp orders to his men. They raced for the shoreline, but by the time they reached it, there was no sign of The pirate boat or of the pursuing boys either.

 

Captain and crew rowed swiftly for their ship and once aboard, Simon gave orders for the treatment of the wounded men and the arming of the rest of the crew. This done, Simon stood on the quarterdeck of his ship, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for a sign from the boys, any clue at all to where they might have gone. He chafed for action, but knew he could do nothing now until he got that sign.

 

The pirates lair was not far inland, a small creek off the main inlet led to a concealed boat house and a straggle of huts. The triumphant men landed their craft and several of them carried the big strongbox into the biggest of the accommodation huts. Watching from a clump of tropical bushes, Tom and Nick looked at each other, what were they to do now?

 

Tom whispered, “take the boat back out to the bay, Uncle Simon will be watching for us, show them the way here.”

 

“Not a chance!” Nick’s voice was unequivocal, “you can handle the boat better than me, you go.”

 

Tom was irresolute, “What about you?”

 

“I’ll keep an eye here, go on Tom!”

 

Obedient to the urgency in Nick’s voice, Tom wriggled silently away from their hiding place and reached the dinghy without being spotted. He sailed the little boat as fast as possible and soon cleared the head of the little inlet. He stood in the well of the boat, waving frantically and  soon had the satisfaction of seeing a burst of activity on the deck of the Camberwell Beauty. Tom beached his dinghy and waited for the much bigger ship’s boats from the three master to reach him.

 

His uncle’s commanding figure was in the lead of the two boats and as they neared Tom’s position he beckoned imperiously to the boy. Tom sprang aboard and quickly apprised his uncle of the situation. Simon nodded curtly, “return to the ship at once,” he ordered.

 

“But Sir! Nick is my friend and I want to help,” protested poor Tom.

 

“No! You will return to the ship at once, do you understand me Boy?”

 

Tom knew that tone and wisely obeyed his uncle without further argument, regretfully watching the two attack boats out of sight as they headed purposefully up the inlet.

 

Nick was well hidden in the dense vegetation that fringed the little settlement and he didn’t fear detection, he had spent too many days hunting with his father to betray his position. He knew he needed only to wait, Captain Henchman would soon arrive to retrieve both his stolen gold and Nick.

 

Soon, Nick could hear the gentle splash of oars and knew that the Camberwell Beauty’s crew were approaching. He wriggled back from his vantage point watching the village and was on the bank to meet Simon when the boat glided almost soundlessly to a halt. Simon gripped Nick’s shoulder, and whispered thankfully, “I was afraid you might have been captured Lad!”

 

Nick grinned in the gloom, shaking his head. He whispered back,

 

“there are three huts, the gold and most of the men are in the biggest one, there are no guards posted, I figure they don’t know we shadowed them, so they won’t expect an attack.”

 

Simon was impressed, no unnecessary babble, no panic, just the facts, accurately and concisely delivered. This Barkley lad was an exceptional young man.

 

“Your part is done now Nick, stay with the boats.”

 

Nick opened his mouth to argue, read the implacability in Simon’s eyes and wisely did as he was bid.

 

Captain Henchman and his heavily armed men crept quietly forward into battle and Nick sat disconsolately on the bow of the lead boat, listening intently for the noise that would signal that the conflict had begun.

 

It was not slow in coming, there was a roar of command from the Captain and his men attacked, with many shouts of battle as they did so. There was answering noise from the pirates and soon there was the ring of steel on steel and the explosions of guns.

 

Nick had meant to be good, to stay obediently with the boats awaiting the return of the triumphant ships crew, but inwardly he burned to see what was happening up ahead. He fought his urge to take a peek but he could imagine the scornful faces of Tom and Catriona if he remained meekly in the rear throughout the conflict. At length, he could bear it no longer and edged cautiously forward to his old position where he could see the bloody fighting in the compound before him.

 

All was confusion, as the pirates struggled desperately against overwhelming odds, but it was plain to Nick that his friends were prevailing in their fight. He scanned the scene of battle, looking for Simon and saw him off to the right, engaged in a sword fight with the pirate chieftain. Nick’s blood froze as he clearly saw another pirate step behind the Camberwell Beauty’s captain, leveling a pistol at his unprotected back.

 

With a sharp cry of “No!” Nick launched himself forward and headed straight for the man with the gun. It was an insane action for he was totally unarmed, but it served its purpose in that it distracted the shooter and brought his head snapping around in Nick’s direction. The pirate trained his gun on Nick but Simon Henchman, making short and bloody work of his other assailant with his sword, snatched his own pistol from his belt and shot Nick’s attacker through the heart.

 

Nick came to halt and Simon’s hand steadied him, “brave Boy! Well done young Nicholas.”

 

The captain glanced around, the last of the pirates were laying down their weapons now, the brief battle was won.

 

Nick eyed Simon warily, “I...I’m sorry I disobeyed you Sir, are you angry with me?”

 

Captain Henchman grinned, “well Lad, seeing as you just saved my life, that would be a mite unfair of me wouldn’t it?”

 

He slipped an arm around Nick’s shoulders and said, “come Boy, let’s reclaim your father’s gold and get back to our ship.

 

They returned to Camberwell Beauty in triumph and Nick was smugly content to see the jealous chagrin in the faces of his two friends as he recounted his share of the expedition to them. As he snuggled into his berth that night, he smiled into the darkness, remembering Captain Henchman’s words to him as they said goodnight,

 

“your father will be very proud of you Nicholas, when I write and tell him how gallantly you behaved today.”

 

Memories of his various misdemeanours, including the bridge accident, had been lying like a bruise on Nick’s spirit for a long time now. Few things mattered more to Nick Barkley than pleasing his beloved father and he was aware that in recent times he had disappointed Tom Barkley a good deal. Now, he was beginning to do better and the sense of redemption and renewed purpose he felt was deeply satisfying. With a sigh of contentment, he slipped into a deep and dreamless sleep.

 

Chapter Nine

 

Shipwreck

 

Simon Henchman did not find it too taxing looking after his three young charges as well as running his ship. By and large the two boys and their tomboy companion amused themselves and if they didn’t put themselves at risk, he tolerated most of their activities. On one point though, the captain felt impelled to issue stern orders. All three youngsters had developed a passion for diving and whenever the ship was heaved to in relatively shallow water, Catriona and the boys dived repeatedly, scouring the sandy ocean floor for marine treasures, such as rare shells and bits of coral. Occasionally, they even picked up old coins and other relics of long-drowned ships.

 

Captain Henchman, concerned that the three would come to grief, issued orders that at all times, one of the them must be on watch from the surface and they should have the experienced Jem Moody close by as well. Tom, Nick and Cat were not best pleased, they liked to dive together and having Jem in tow spoiled their sense of freedom. However, all were familiar with Simon’s methods of commanding obedience and circumspectly they followed his orders. Until one fateful day, in the clear waters of the Sea of Japan.

 

The trio were in their rowboat a short distance from the anchored Camberwell Beauty and they were alone in their little boat, having given Jem the slip. A crewman had told them of a sunken fishing boat, lying in just thirty or forty feet of water and they badly wanted to see a real sunken ship! Even if it was only a fishing boat. So they had quietly left behind their watchdog and gleefully dived from their rowboat and swam down to the sandy bottom. The sunken boat was down there and its dark, fearful shape made the divers shiver with excitement.

 

Nick stayed down as long as he could, then swam strongly for the surface, athletically pulling himself aboard the little boat. He was followed seconds later by Tom and helped his friend aboard. The two boys stood in the well of the boat waiting for Catriona’s head to break the surface of the smooth sea, but long seconds passed and the girl did not appear.

 

The two boys became aware of scrutiny and glanced upwards to see Simon’s stern face staring anxiously at them from the quarterdeck of the ship. The captain was already stripping off his coat, “stay there,”

 

he rapped at them and striding to the edge of the gunwale, he dived into the crystal waters. It seemed an age before he surfaced again, but when he did so, he held Catriona firmly in one hand. She had snagged her shift on the wreck and was frantically trying to tear herself free when her uncle’s strong hands arrived to help her.

 

The shocked and chastened boys helped to get her aboard the rowboat and then assisted their mentor to pull himself aboard. They waited for an explosion of wrath from the captain, but none was forthcoming, he quietly told them to pull for the ship with all speed and turned from them to minister to the choking and coughing Catriona. Once aboard the ship, Simon carried his niece to her cabin and stripped off her wet clothes with little thought for her modesty. Once he had settled her into a warm berth, he left her to Jem Moody’s ministrations and went back on deck.

 

Tom and Nick awaited him, both humbly penitent and clearly expectant of severe retribution and Simon eyed them sternly. His nephew spoke first, “it was my fault Sir, I found out about the wreck and badgered Nick and Cat into coming with me. It was my idea to give Jem the slip.”

 

Nick rounded on his friend indignantly, “it was just as much my fault as it was yours!”

 

Simon had to hide a smile, there was something quite admirable about the loyalty between these youngsters.

 

Tom’s voice was diffident, “Sir? Will Cat be all right?”

 

Simon nodded, “she will, but now do you understand my insistence that you do not all three dive together or without Jem at hand?”

 

“Yessir,” chorused the two boys.

 

Simon appraised their white strained faces, they had sustained a severe shock, it was enough to drive the lesson home. “Very well, I’ll say no more about it, but let there be an end to such tricks, do you understand me?”

 

“Yessir,” the boys replied, hardly able to believe their good fortune.

 

In fact, Simon Henchman was well pleased with all three youngsters, they had enjoyed their time aboard ship and kicked up a few larks but all three were upright, honest young people and he considered their general conduct to be pretty good. He had written a sort of report to give to Tom Barkley when they reached home port once more and he had no doubt that his friend would be more than satisfied with Nick’s behaviour on the boy’s voyage of self discovery.

 

Chapter Ten

 

Proposal.

 

Simon Henchman studied the ship’s compass and took careful note of the weather conditions, they were on the return leg of their voyage now and in another week would be restoring Catriona to her long-suffering father’s care. Simon was a little anxious about the girl’s future. His brother Jeremy was a gentle soul, quite incapable of reining in so self-willed a brat as Catriona and since her mother’s death when she was just four, she had been continually spoiled and indulged.

 

A scream from the mizzen top made Simon glance upward to where Cat was engaged in a race up the rigging with her two adoring playfellows. True to form, she was winning and crowing her success down to the boys as they raced each other for second place. Simon smiled, she was a minx but he loved her. He himself found it easy to control her and wished he could prevail on Jeremy to let him be her guardian on a more permanent basis.

 

The Reverend Jeremy was against the idea, he disapproved of his daughter spending too much time at sea and cherished the hope that having had her summer of freedom with Thomas and Nicholas, she would now don her petticoats and go meekly off to a demure school in San Francisco. Simon thought the chances of this were remote and resolved to tackle his youngest brother on the subject once more when he returned Cat to the Mission.

 

Catriona was occupying the thoughts of her cousin Thomas Henchman too. He and she had been playfellows for several years, despite lengthy separations when each was tied to the apron strings of their respective fathers. Tom had almost given up hope of being granted his dearest wish, to train for a life as a ship’s officer under his uncle’s aegis. Now at last, Professor William Henchman had consented and Tom’s ambition was within his grasp.

 

Tom was quietly, deeply and sincerely in love with Catriona and felt that life would be complete for him if, one day, she were to become his wife. Tom was a realist, he knew he and Cat were much too young to marry yet, but nevertheless he wanted to ask her, to know that she consented would be enough to content him. Even if their actual marriage was still a far distant prospect.

 

Tom had another reason for wishing to ask Cat to marry him, the reason being, he was now pretty certain he had a rival in Cat’s affections. Nick Barkley’s eyes dwelt on Catriona with the same ardent warmth as Tom’s and it was clear he too had lost his youthful heart. Tom had struck up an immediate friendship with Nick, well immediately after their first fight anyway! He didn’t want anything to spoil that friendship and so he resolved to propose marriage to Catriona at the first available opportunity.

 

Nick Barkley had grown up a lot on his adventurous and action packed voyage. He had learned self-reliance and fortitude in the difficult early days of his time aboard the ship and had experienced a truly meaningful friendship with Tom Henchman. He had learned many new skills and discovered a good deal about himself. He had heard his father say to his mother, when they argued about Nick’s proposed trip, that this was to be a voyage of self-discovery and Nick believed that this had come to pass. He felt he had indeed discovered much about his own needs and nature and he knew one thing with deep certainty, he had fallen in love.

 

Nick Barkley thought about the wayward and very pretty Catriona much of the time. He knew his parents would consider him too young to marry, perhaps for some years yet, but he was as sure as a boy could be that Catriona Henchman was the only girl he would ever wish to marry. So he came to a private decision, he would tell Cat of his feelings, ask her if she loved him in return and perhaps she might consent to a betrothal.

 

Nick got his opportunity to speak to Cat one evening as they sat side by side up in the mizzen top, watching the sun slowly set in an ocean rendered golden by its passing. Tom was with Simon having some tuition in navigation and Nick realized tremblingly, that this was the moment to speak to his Love. He asked her, humbly and quietly, to be his bride at some future point when they might be considered old enough to marry and waited tensely for her response.

 

Catriona did not hesitate, she drew his head toward her and softly kissed his blushing cheek.

 

“Darling Nick, how sweet you are, I love you so very much.”

 

He sighed with contentment, “then it’s a yes Catriona?”

 

“No Nick, I’m afraid it has to be no.”

 

His hazel eyes registered his deep hurt, “why does it have to be no? You just said you loved me!”

 

“And so I do, but I also love Tom and it is he I intend to marry.”

 

Nick’s voice was low and sad, “he...he already asked you?”

 

“Yes, just yesterday, but he and I have always known that we would be wed. Don’t be unhappy Nick, I was born for a sailor’s wife you know, I could never be happy on a ranch.”

 

Nick stared at the glorious flame-red tint of the waves and thought for a moment. At length he looked at Catriona, “what if I were to decide on a maritime career myself?”

 

Cat took his hand and squeezed it, “perhaps you will Darling Boy, and if that is how things turn out, then we shall all three be friends all our days.” Her voice became more gentle, “but I shall still be Mrs Tom Henchman, it’s meant to be.”

 

Nick looked into her troubled brown eyes, “I guess I understand, you and Tom were friends before ever I came along, I just thought we had something pretty special.”

 

Catriona smiled, “we do have a special bond, I love you truly and I wish we lived in a world where I could have two husbands! I would happily give myself to both of you.”

 

Nick squirmed uncomfortably, not knowing how to respond to her frankness.

 

Cat went on, “but the world demands that I choose one of you and...and I choose Tom. I’m sorry Nick, really and truly sorry.”

 

He heard the real distress in her tone and gallantly swallowed down his disappointment, “I understand Cat and whether I choose the sea-faring life or not, I hope you and Tom and I will always be friends.”

 

She hugged him hard, “certainly we will,” she said through her tears.

 

Nick grinned at her as she released him, “Cat?”

 

“Yes Nick.”

 

“Can I have another kiss?”

 

Chapter Eleven

 

The Triple Bond

 

Simon Henchman was denied an immediate opportunity to sound out his brother  about Catriona’s future. When he restored his reluctant niece to the Mission where her father did his work, the Reverend Jeremy was inland taking the word of the Lord to a settlement of what he referred to as ‘recalcitrant heathens’.

 

Simon was incensed, the pastor had scant regard for his personal safety and precious little for his daughter’s it seemed. Simon wouldn’t leave the girl to the care of servants and so he and the two boys stayed at the Mission for a day or two to keep Catriona company and await Jeremy’s return.

 

Tom and Cat spent this unexpected extra holiday in showing Nick all the special places on this tropical paradise of an island where they had played for so long. There was now no awkwardness between them, Nick had wisely accepted that his dear friends were destined to wed each other and instead of repining over his own loss, he joined them in their wanderings. Soon, the deep camaraderie was as easy and as unshakeable as ever and all three were blissfully happy.

 

One late afternoon as they walked slowly back toward the Mission after a day’s rambling, Cat turned suddenly to Tom, eyes shining with mischief and mystery, “I want to go to our secret world!”

 

Tom grinned at Nick, “this is something we haven’t yet shown you Nick, come with us.”

 

Nick followed them wondering and curious and soon, as they proceeded up a narrow dell, a glittering waterfall appeared.

 

A short climb, a moment of careful edging past an outcrop of rock and they all three stood in a wide flat chamber behind the cascading water. It was a magical and private hideaway and Nick sat beside Tom entranced by the falling curtain of foaming water that made a crystal barrier to the cave mouth. Catriona knelt in front of both boys and her eyes sparkled with excitement and desire. “I have been thinking,” she began quietly. “We are not children anymore and it seems to me it is time we  learned more of the mystery that is love between women and men.”

 

The two boys exchanged startled glances then looked at Catriona again as she came to her feet and stood before them, slender and lovely, as she drew the straps of her shift from her shoulders. The thin silk whispered to the floor around her feet, “I thought it was a journey we might make together,” she said simply, taking a hand of each boy and laying it gently against her bosom.

 

An age later, they strolled along the sandy shore back to the Mission. Cat with Tom on her left, Nick on her right, all three of them handlocked.  If innocence had perhaps been lost that magical afternoon then something had also been gained. A strengthening and deepening of the triple bond between these young people that would endure through separation and distance for the rest of their days.

 

Chapter Twelve

 

Sudden Death

 

When the contented trio neared the Mission, they could see Simon sitting on the verandah, a thing he often did, drinking rum and watching the spectacular sunsets that prevailed among the Hawaiian islands. It was plain to the approaching trio that he was not sitting at his ease this time. His head was in his hands at first and as he saw them, he rose to his feet, standing rather rigidly staring toward them. For a guilty moment, all three almost stopped in their tracks. Rallying, each reflected that it was impossible for their mentor to know exactly how they had spent their afternoon.  

 

Nevertheless, Simon looked extremely stern, indeed his expression was grimmer than they could recall ever to have seen him. The trio came to him on the verandah and as she searched the depth of Simon’s grey eyes, sudden unaccountable fear twisted Catriona’s guts. She laid a beseeching hand on her uncle’s arm, “has...has ought befallen my Papa?”

 

Simon’s normally strong, deep voice broke as he answered her, “my Child, my poor dear Girl, He has been attacked and killed as he returned to this place.”

 

Catriona’s eyes fluttered and she crumpled into a swoon. Simon caught her as she fell, lifting her tenderly in his arms and carrying her indoors. The two boys followed him as he laid Cat down upon her bed and began to chafe her icy hands.

 

When she came to her senses again Catriona sobbed uncontrollably, racked by guilt about her tempestuous relationship with her kindly and gentle parent. Simon and the devoted boys did all they could to soothe her distress but for a long time she refused to be comforted. Eventually her need for solace defeated her and she nestled in Simon’s embrace as he talked gently to her, assuring her that she had always had her father’s love, even when she was at her most difficult. With piteous entreaty Cat raised tear-drenched eyes to her uncle’s face and asked him what was to become of her now. Simon had already considered this problem and he answered her without hesitation. “You shall be my own dear daughter now my Love, I will take care of you.”

 

Catriona clung to him, fresh tears, this time tears of gratitude spilling from her eyes.

 

Over the next few days Simon mapped out the immediate future for his niece. After burying Jeremy, surrounded by his grieving parishioners, they remained only long enough to pack up all her belongings before setting sail for San Francisco. Cat agreed, more meekly than Simon had expected, to finish her education at a suitable school in San Francisco. She did so on the understanding that, education complete, she could once more join Tom and Simon aboard Camberwell Beauty.

 

To the surprise of the young couple, Simon agreed that they could consider themselves betrothed. He had half expected their wishes and considered that he was only bowing to the inevitable. He did however warn them that their marriage was many years away as yet.

 

Demurely, the couple assured their uncle of their willingness to wait, and if he saw a gleam of knowingness in their clear eyes, he wisely did not enquire further into the matter.

 

 

Chapter Thirteen

 

Jem’s Gift

 

Jem Moody was officially the steward of Captain Simon Henchman, unofficially, he was his master’s stalwart friend and confidant and he had played a significant part in helping Simon, a busy master mariner, to care for his three young charges and he was especially gentle with the rather forlorn Catriona as she mourned her father. Jem was a busy individual but he had found time to craft and perfect a gift for young Nicholas Barkley.

 

Jem liked Nick, a tough, confident youngster, he had faced the challenge of his voyage aboard Camberwell Beauty with courage and determination. From the miseries of sea-sickness and isolation in an alien environment, he had battled through to find acceptance and a grudging admiration from all who had tried to make his life hell.

 

The boy had mastered many of the intricacies of life at sea, developing skills sufficient to enable him to rival some of the young officer cadets aboard. Jem thought the world of this laughing, lively lad, who attacked life with such purposeful zest and enthusiasm. He resolved to create for Nick a gift that would serve to remind him of his time aboard the ship. A gift that would endure throughout the rest of Nick’s life.

 

Jem was a master carpenter and could whittle wondrous things with his knife. In his sparse free time he worked tirelessly on Nick’s gift and a few hours before the ship sailed into San Francisco bay, he bestowed his creation on Nick. Gingerly opening the wooden box pressed into his hands by a smiling Jem, Nick drew forth a beautifully made and perfectly faithful replica of the Camberwell Beauty. 

 

“There Lad,” smiled Jem, now you’ll never forget your year before the mast will you?”

 

Nick had been speechlessly inspecting his treasure, but he raised wet eyes to Jem’s at this, “I never would have forgotten it anyway Jem, but this is...is wonderful! Thank you so much, I’ll treasure this all my life, I swear I will.”

 

Bashfully, Nick displayed his precious model boat to his friends and Simon, and the captain raised an eyebrow. “You are a privileged person Nicholas, Jem rarely bestows his wonderful boats on anyone, you rank high in his estimation I would say.”

 

Before they had to pack up their traps and prepare to quit the ship, Nick requested a private word with Captain Henchman. The two sought the seclusion of Simon’s cabin and Nick shuffled his feet, suddenly shy of asking the question in his heart. Simon smiled at his dilemma, half sure already of what was troubling the boy.

 

“Out with it Nick, what troubles you Lad?”

 

“Well Sir, I wondered...I thought...maybe, I’d ask you whether you thought I had the makings of a mariner...if I wanted to do that with my life.”

 

Simon considered the matter, watched by a pair of anxious hazel eyes and at length smiled and said, “you and Tom have regularly put the cadets of this ship to the blush, both with your knowledge and your efforts. So I suspect that in truth, you know the answer to your own question. What I think you are unsure of, is whether this is the life you truly want. Isn’t that the way of it?”

 

Nick was forced to concede that this was indeed the case, “I’ve always  thought I would run the ranch, follow in my father’s footsteps and...and I love my father Uncle Simon.”

 

“I know you do Lad, don’t worry about it now, take this decision back home to Stockton and talk it over with your father there. If you ultimately decide on a life at sea, then you will have my full support, does that content you for now?”

 

“Yes it does, thank you Uncle Simon, thank you for everything.”

 

Chapter Fourteen

 

Landfall

 

Nick Barkley sat in the rigging of the ship that had been home to him for the last ten months, soon now, he would be put ashore in San Francisco where his beloved father would be waiting for him. Nick was eagerly anticipating his reunion with Tom Barkley, for they had now been apart longer than ever before in Nick’s sixteen years of life. He was also deeply content, happy in the knowledge that he had acquitted himself well aboard the Camberwell Beauty. Simon Henchman, not the easiest of taskmasters, had told him of the report he had written for Tom Barkley about his son’s progress this last year. He had laughed at Nick’s dismayed expression. “Have no fear Nicholas, your father will be well pleased with you!”

 

Nick flexed his cramped and sore muscles, not three hours ago, he and Tom had taken on the ship’s cadets in the ritual that seamen called ‘The Gauntlet’. The two boys had beaten all other contenders, a painful victory but one that left Nick glowing with pride and a sense of achievement. Now in his last hour aboard, he recalled the myriad of exciting experiences that had befallen him on his wondrous voyage.

 

He had battled and conquered both sea-sickness and hostility to him, the outsider. He had made two wonderful friends, sharing with them a wealth of experiences, including a rite of passage that had banished his boyhood for good. He had known storm and peril, had faced danger and bloody fighting. He had seen the wonders of the deep, whales, dolphins, coral reefs and shipwrecks. He had seen death and known the heartache of lost love. It had been a glorious, thrilling year and he would not have missed it for the world, now he was afire to reach the shore and be re-united with his father once more.

 

Only one thing troubled his mind, his uncertainty about his long term future. He had always believed that he would run the Barkley ranch alongside Tom, an ambition made more secure by Jarrod’s decision to be a lawyer. Now, he felt the strong tug of the seafaring life and he dreaded the prospect of letting his father down if he should choose the sea over the ranch. Resolutely he thrust the problem to the back of his mind, Uncle Simon was right, the decision would keep.

 

His farewells aboard ship were so brief as to be almost perfunctory. Nick was not one to wear his heart on his sleeve, his feelings were private and he liked to keep them so. He parted from Tom and Cat with the swiftest of hugs and promises to write to both and hurried away from the two young people with whom he had shared so much.

 

Neither were deceived, there had been a world of communication in the quick convulsive hugs, besides, these three would never need words to know what went on in their respective hearts.

 

Nick was profuse in his thanks to the grizzled seaman Jem Moody, grateful for a lot more than his precious model ship. Moody clapped him on the shoulder, “it has been a pleasure to sail with ye Lad!”

 

Nick shook hands with Captain Henchman, shyly trying to thank him for all that he had experienced and learned. Simon was quick to rescue the boy from his embarrassment and took him ashore to be re-united with his family.

 

Nick was feeling a mixture of emotions, regret at the end of his adventure, pain at parting with his friends, pride in all he had achieved and a sudden urgent longing to be with his father once more. As he and Simon walked along the busy wharf toward the Barkley shipping offices, Nick glimpsed the tall, fair-bearded figure of his father walking toward him and...yes! The young man beside him was Jarrod! Shouting their names and waving furiously Nick raced to them and was enfolded at once in Tom Barkley’s bear hug. Nick clung to his adored father, tears pricking his eyelids. At last, Tom held him away

 

“exclaiming, “Nick, Nick Boy! Good Lord Jarrod, will you look at him? I can’t believe it, Jarrod look!”

 

Jarrod grinned, “I see it Father but I can’t believe it either!” He reached for his younger brother and hugged him warmly.

 

Nick was puzzled, “I don’t understand, w...what don’t you believe? Jarrod? Father?”

 

Tom laughed out loud, “I don’t know where to begin Son, you’re about six inches taller than you were when you left home and at least twenty pounds heavier, you’re as brown as a nut and you seem to have muscles on your muscles, did I miss anything Jarrod?”

 

“Yes Sir, his voice is about two octaves deeper,” smiled Jarrod.

 

“So it is, so it is indeed.” Tom gripped Simon Henchman’s hand, “no need to ask if you took good care of my boy Old Friend! I can see that you did. I hope he’s given you no trouble?”

 

Nick waited with bated breath and exhaled with relief as he heard Simon say, “none whatever, quite the opposite, Nicholas has been an asset to the ship and when you hear the full tale of his doings, you will, I think, be very proud of your son.”

 

Tom grunted with satisfaction, “good, good, that’s just what I wanted to hear!” He sobered and laid a hand on Simon’s arm, “I’m forgetting your loss Simon, forgive me, truth is I’ve missed this young man rather badly.”

 

Captain Henchman shook his head, “no need to apologize, Tom, I must leave you while I make some arrangements concerning my poor niece, but I’ll join you for dinner as we arranged.”

 

Tom threw an arm across Nick’s shoulders and so did Jarrod, they all three walked towards the shipping office, “well Nicholas, your brother and I are agog to hear all your doings, if you get started now, we should fit it all in before we get to Stockton. Then we can decide which bits we can safely tell your mother!”

 

Laughing, Nick clung to his father and brother and began to talk of his big adventure, his quick mind already deciding which bits he could safely tell Tom Barkley!

 

The End

 

The story of Nick’s arrival at home and the tale of running the ‘Gauntlet’ aboard ship is covered in the first half of my library story Two Misunderstandings.