Captured on the High Seas

by Marianne Hering

  Henry shook his head. “No,” he said.

  “What can we do?” Patrick asked.

  Henry was silent for a moment. Then he looked up at Patrick. “I will tell my father that we must protect James.”

  Patrick felt a twinge of hope. Did Henry have enough sway with his father? “Will he listen to you?”

  “I’ll make him listen,” Henry said.

  The boy leaped to his feet and bolted away.

  Patrick ran after him.

  An Offer of Safety

  Beth carried the bucket back to the kitchen. The warmth of the stove surrounded her as she approached Cookie. He was stirring a pot of rice with a large spoon.

  Onion Jim flew off her shoulder. He landed on the peg holding her jacket.

  “The captain wants more tea,” Cookie said. He put down the spoon.

  Beth carried the pot to the captain’s cabin. She stopped to pray outside the door. She asked God to help James and the other prisoners.

  Beth knocked on the door and entered the cabin. The captain was sitting at his desk. A leather book was open on his desk. He drummed his fingers on the desktop. Tap. Tap. Tap. He stared into space. He didn’t seem to notice Beth at all.

  Beth poured more tea into the pewter mug.

  Just then a sailor appeared at the door. “James Forten, Captain,” the sailor said. He motioned for James to enter the cabin. James stepped in. The sailor gave a slight salute and then left.

  Beth took her time gathering up the dishes. She lifted the dirty plate off the little table. Then she reached for the silverware. She wanted to hear why the captain wanted to see James.

  James took a few steps toward the captain. He stood with his hands folded in front of him. He glanced at Beth. He looked worried.

  “James,” Captain Bazely said. “You are aware that you are a prisoner.”

  “Yes, sir,” James said.

  “You are completely in my power,” the captain said. “I can sell you to the West Indies. You are aware of that?”

  “Yes, sir,” James said.

  Captain Bazely gazed at James for a moment. “Henry is a difficult boy,” he said. “He isn’t a bad child. He simply needs guidance. I believe you can give him that guidance, James.”

  “If you say so, sir,” James said.

  The captain’s tone made Beth feel hopeful.

  Captain Bazely said, “I want you to be Henry’s companion. You will live in England as a free citizen. You will become part of our family. You will enjoy all the rights my family members would have. You need never be afraid of becoming a slave again.”

  Beth held her breath. This seemed too good to be true.

  James took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. He stood straight and tall.

  “Thank you, sir,” James said, “but I must say no.”

  The captain looked up. He seemed startled.

  Beth flinched. No?

  James said, “Sir, I stand here a prisoner for my country. I will never, never, become a traitor.”

  Beth’s heart flooded with emotion at hearing these words. James was willing to die for America. He was giving up his own safety to fight for freedom.

  The door flew open. Beth was surprised to see Henry rush through. Henry cried, “You can’t sell James as a slave!”

  Patrick arrived at the door. He was red-faced and breathless.

  James stood still like a statue.

  Beth looked at the captain. He wore a solemn expression. His eyes showed little emotion. “The choice isn’t mine,” he said to his son. “James has decided for himself.”

  A sailor appeared at the door. “The prison ship is in sight,” he announced. “And a slave ship is also in the harbor. The first mate of the slave ship has boarded. He now requests permission to speak with you.”

  “Quite so,” Captain Bazely said through clenched teeth. “Permission granted.”

  The sailor left.

  The captain looked at James. “I have offered you a chance for freedom,” the captain said. “I hope the rebels appreciate your sacrifice.”

  A tall, gruff-looking man came to the captain’s cabin. His black beard and moustache were full and thick. His jacket was tan-and-white striped. Beth thought it looked made of cotton. His hat had a wide brim.

  The slave trader saluted the captain. Then he looked at James with a greedy smile. “I see you have at least one prisoner I can buy,” the slave trader said.

  All eyes were on the captain.

  Captain Bazely glared at the tall man. Then he looked at James.

  Beth was filled with worry. She bit her bottom lip and wondered, What’s going to happen now?

  Missing Coin

  The captain’s lips were pressed into a straight line.

  “He is a fine lad,” Captain Bazely said. “Strong. Smart. Educated. He’ll bring in a fine profit.”

  James didn’t move or flinch. Beth wondered what he was thinking.

  The slave trader gave a wide but mean smile. “I’ll be taking him now,” he said.

  Henry stared wide-eyed at his father. He blinked back tears. “Father?” he said in a small voice.

  The captain reached over and ruffled his son’s hair. Then he looked at the slave trader.

  “James is not meant for slavery,” Captain Bazely said. “I’ve grown fond of him. So has my son. You’ll have to take your pick from the other black prisoners. Not this one.”

  The slave trader looked surprised and then angry. “As you say,” he said curtly. He turned in a huff and stomped out the door.

  Beth breathed a sigh of relief. Patrick nodded at her.

  Henry flung himself into his father’s arms.

  Captain Bazely hugged Henry and then sat down at his desk. He picked up a sheet of paper and his quill.

  “James,” he said, “I will write a letter to the captain of the Old Jersey. This letter will note your fine character and courage. I’ll ask him to put you on the list of exchanges. That may improve your chance of survival. But I cannot promise anything beyond that.”

  The captain paused. He looked James straight in the eyes. Then he said, “You’re sure you—”

  “I am honored that you would ask,” James said, bowing. “But I cannot go to England.”

  “Gather your things, then,” the captain said.

  James turned to Patrick and Beth. The three of them walked out the door. Henry followed.

  “That was a brave thing you did,” Patrick said to Henry.

  Henry shook his head. “I’m not happy,” he said. “I want James to stay with me.”

  James patted him on the shoulder. “Thank you, Henry. But God is taking me elsewhere.”

  Beth left the boys to get her jacket from the kitchen. She also wanted to say good-bye to Onion Jim and Cookie.

  The husky cook was busy chopping onions. He scowled when he saw Beth. He reached a beefy hand into the pocket of his apron. He pulled out a gold coin.

  “My gold coin went missing,” Cookie said. “I looked everywhere for it.” His face turned red with anger. “And where did I find it?”

  Beth was puzzled.

  Cookie held the coin under Beth’s nose. “In your jacket pocket! My gold!” he shouted. “You stole my gold!”

  “I didn’t steal it!” Beth said.

  Onion Jim flew over to Beth with a loud squawk. His wings flapped as he landed on Beth’s shoulder. “What’s wrong, Beth?” he asked. The bird sounded like Patrick.

  “Beth?” Cookie said. “Hey, what’s going on?”

  Cookie swung his hand at the bird.

  “Go away, bird!” Cookie said. “I’m going to give this thief a good thrashing!”

  Onion Jim jumped around Beth’s shoulder. His wings flapped, and his feet clawed at her. One of his talons hooked on Beth’s cap and pulled it off. Beth’s hair fell around her shoulders.

  Onion Jim flew up and away.

  Beth gasped. She scrambled to grab the wool hat from the floor.

  “You’re a girl!” Cook
ie shouted. “So you’re a girl and a thief!”

  Cookie grabbed Beth’s arm.

  Beth tried to pull away. Cookie tightened his grip.

  “Guard!” Cookie shouted toward the ladder opening. “I need a guard!”

  “All the soldiers are on deck. They’re guarding the prisoners,” Beth said. She tried to wriggle free. But Cookie held on to her with a firm grip. She stomped on his foot.

  “Ouch!” Cookie cried.

  Cookie grabbed some rope from the deck. Then he pushed Beth down into a nearby chair. He pinned her to the chair with one arm. He wrapped the rope around her with his other hand.

  Beth kicked Cookie’s leg.

  “Hold still, you little rascal,” Cookie said with a grunt.

  Beth tried to push him away, but the cook was too strong. The rope pinched Beth’s arms and legs. Cookie tied her firmly to the chair.

  Beth was trapped.

  Henry followed Patrick and James. They joined the crowd of prisoners on the top deck. Hundreds of men waited to be taken to the prison ship.

  Patrick scanned the faces around him. Where is Beth? he wondered.

  Patrick heard a loud squawk and beating wings. Onion Jim landed on Patrick’s shoulder. “You’re a girl! Liar! Thief!” the parrot squawked.

  “What?” Patrick asked.

  The bird flew off and landed on a nearby rope.

  Beth is in trouble, Patrick thought. He turned to James. “I have to find my cousin,” he said and then rushed away.

  He headed down a ladder to the gun deck below. Henry followed close behind. Patrick found Beth tied to the chair by the cook’s stove. She looked at him wide-eyed and pressed her lips together.

  The cook’s back was toward Patrick. Cookie held an onion in one hand. A hot skillet was in the other hand. He looked ready to strike Beth with the skillet. He shouted at her, “There will be no prison ship for you, lassie. That’s too good a punishment for a thief and a liar.”

  Henry whispered in Patrick’s ear. “Watch this!” he said. “We’ll have a jolly good time.”

  Patrick didn’t have time to speak. Henry bolted over to one side of the deck. He ran to the row of cannons along the wall. Patrick didn’t know what Henry planned to do. He crouched behind a barrel near Beth’s chair.

  Patrick watched Henry pick up a rammer. The boy pushed it out the gun port.

  Splash! Patrick heard it hit the water below.

  Cookie spun around just as Henry pushed a second rammer overboard. “What’s going on?” the cook cried. “What are you doing, boy?”

  Cookie looked over at Beth and then back at Henry.

  Henry pushed another rammer overboard. Splash!

  “You rascal!” Cookie cried. “Belay there! Stop!”

  “You can’t tell me what to do,” Henry said. “I’m the captain’s son!”

  “I don’t care whose son you are! We need those rammers!” Cookie shouted. He took a few steps and then lunged toward Henry.

  But Henry was too quick. He ran away with another rammer. At the closest gun port, he threw it overboard. Then he grabbed another.

  Cookie was always too late to stop the boy. He shouted and waved the skillet in the air.

  Patrick reached into his pocket. He found the knife James had given him for the ditty bag. Patrick sawed through one rope.

  “Hurry!” Beth whispered.

  Henry danced and dodged out of Cookie’s way.

  Patrick cut through the second rope. The ropes soon fell free.

  Beth grabbed her cap from the deck.

  “Come on!” Patrick whispered.

  Patrick and Beth ran to the ladder. She stuffed her hair under the cap.

  “No, you don’t!” Cookie shouted. He turned from Henry and charged at her. The cook waved the skillet wildly in one hand. He was still holding the onion in his other hand.

  Patrick pushed Beth toward the ladder. He knew the cook would catch them before they got very far.

  Suddenly Onion Jim flew at Cookie. “Give us the onion,” he squawked. “Pretty please.”

  Henry threw a rammer in front of Cookie. The cook tripped, dropped the skillet, and crashed to the floor.

  The Prison Ship

  Beth and Patrick raced up to the top deck.

  “Patrick! Seth! Over here!” James called. “It’s time to go!” He was standing near the rail.

  Patrick and Beth pushed their way through the crowd of sailors. They finally arrived where James was.

  James climbed down the rope ladder first. The ladder was about fifteen rungs long. He dropped into the small boat waiting underneath the ladder. The boat already held at least twenty men.

  Patrick backed down the ladder next.

  When he was at the tenth rung, Beth started down.

  Patrick dropped into the boat. And then he looked up.

  Cookie’s red face appeared over the rail. The cook shook his fist and shouted at Beth, “You liar! You thief!” He reached over the side and grabbed the rope ladder. He gave it a mighty tug.

  The sudden jerk threw Beth off balance. One of her feet slipped off the rope rung. Her leg got tangled in the rope. Suddenly she was dangling upside down from the ladder. She held her cap on with one hand.

  Patrick gasped.

  “Watch out!” James shouted. He pushed past Patrick and grabbed Beth under the arms. “Untangle your legs.”

  Beth began to kick at the ladder. The motion pushed the boat away from the ship.

  James’s arms were stretched to their full length.

  Patrick’s heart beat wildly. “Seth is stuck!” he shouted to James. “Hold tight.”

  A British soldier said, “Hurry up, or we’ll leave him hanging there. The birds will peck his eyes out.”

  Cookie bellowed with laughter. “Thief,” he cried. “I hope you drown!” He tugged on the rope again.

  The soldier looked at Cookie. “Why the shouting?” he called. “He’s going to rot in prison. Isn’t that enough?”

  “Ow!” Beth cried. “It’s my ankle!” Then she gave a sudden twist. Her foot came free. She and James fell to the bottom of the boat.

  “Your boot,” Patrick said. “It’s still in the rope!”

  The soldier leaned over with an oar. He knocked the boot out of the ropes.

  Splash! It landed in the water. Patrick fished it out. He turned the boot over. Water gushed out.

  Beth and James climbed onto the boat’s wide bench.

  Beth stared down at her sock. “At least I don’t have holes in my socks,” she said. She looked at James. “Thanks,” she said. “That was scary.”

  James smiled. “At your service,” he said.

  Patrick handed the boot to Beth.

  She slipped it back on. “Yuck. It’s cold and squishy,” she said.

  The soldier plunged the oar into the water. He rowed the little boat away from the ship.

  Patrick turned his back to the Amphion. He squeezed into the bench next to James and Beth. Beth was breathing hard.

  He heard Cookie shout, “Good riddance. You belong in prison, you little thief!”

  Henry’s face suddenly appeared in a gun port. He shouted and threw another rammer into the water. He waved wildly to them. The three friends waved back.

  Patrick turned to Beth. “What happened?” he asked in a low voice. “Why did Cookie call you a thief?”

  “I think Onion Jim stole Cookie’s gold coin,” Beth said. “Then the bird must have hidden it in my pocket. The cook thought I took it.”

  Patrick nodded. Then he looked ahead of them. A large ship floated in the harbor. It looked the same size as the Amphion, but it had no sails. The holes for the gun ports were covered with bars.

  The breeze shifted and blew into Patrick’s face. He reached up to pinch his nose shut.

  “What’s that horrible smell?” Beth asked, scrunching up her face.

  Patrick never smelled anything that bad in his life. It was even worse than the foul smell down in the hold of the Amphion. He won
dered if that was what death smelled like.

  Their small boat reached a tiny dock that floated next to the ship. A wood plank stretched from the dock to the top deck. Two redcoats stood on the dock. Their muskets glinted in the sun.

  One soldier aimed his musket at the prisoners. “Up the plank,” he said. “The captain will give you your orders.”

  Patrick helped Beth climb out of the boat and onto the dock. They followed James and the other prisoners up the plank. They boarded the ship and looked around.

  The deck was crowded with men and boys. Most of them wore torn and dirty clothes.

  A British officer stood on an upper deck. He called out for the new prisoners to go line up.

  Patrick and Beth and James were marched to the deck below. Rows of dirty hammocks swung back and forth.

  James was ordered to report to the cook for food. He left with another group of prisoners. Patrick and Beth were to stay where they were.

  Patrick turned to Beth. “We have to help James get away from this horrible place,” he said. “If we don’t, he’ll die.”

  Escape

  Below deck Patrick and Beth waited for James. They were with another group of prisoners. Barrels and wooden boxes were on the floor all around them. Hammocks were strung across the walls.

  “There you are,” James said. He carried a plate of food in his hands. “This is for the three of us.”

  Beth looked at the leathery slab of meat and frowned.

  “The ship’s out of fruits and vegetables,” James said softly. “All they’ve got is salt pork. And nobody gets full rations either. Some of the prisoners have been on board more than a year. They’re dying from scurvy.”

  Beth looked at the food on the plate. She wondered how she could eat anything so gray and greasy. The smell made her feel sick.

  Beth remembered the onion in her pocket. She took it out.

  James’s eyes went wide. “Put that away,” he whispered. “You’ll start a riot.”

  Beth obeyed. “It’s just an onion,” she said.