“Not at all.” The man’s accent was German, though he spoke in English. He moved a few steps and then turned. “May I do something for you?”
What should he say? “We’re new to this area and are lost. Could you direct us?”
“But of course! You appear to need a meal too. Let me buy you one.”
Every fiber in Willie’s body wanted to refuse the charity. But without something to eat, they were in dire need. What they’d had on the ship had been barely enough to keep them alive. Without that, they would starve unless they accepted the charity. “Thank you. Perhaps we can be of service in return for your generosity.”
“Perhaps.” The man smiled. “My name is Johann, Johann Dober. With whom have I the pleasure?”
“I’m…” Willie had to stop a moment. In the past year he’d been Willie Stewart and Rusty Samson. Finally, he understood Maybe a little more. He just wanted to be himself. “I’m William Crockett. Willie.”
“I’m Andrew Ryan.” The boy stayed near Willie.
“Willie, Andrew, it is nice to meet with you. Let me see about some food. We could eat here in the sunshine. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
The man omitted that no respectable place would admit them dressed and smelling as they did.
“That is a good idea. We can find a spot, can’t we Andrew? And wait while you bring the food.”
Johann smiled and bowed before walking three doors down and going inside.
“Willie, what if he doesn’t return? Or he brings the constable?”
The idea had crossed Willie’s mind. “We’d be no worse off. Even in jail, we’re better off than aboard the Saucy Sally. At least there we’d get some food and a roof over our heads.”
Andrew shrugged his shoulders.
Willie headed to a small patch of grass with a few trees and colorful flowers in a garden. The fragrance of the foliage was such a sweet change from the stench of the ship. Willie sat on the ground and leaned his head back, breathing in the ambrosia.
“Are you worried?”
“Andrew, what good is worry? What do we worry about? Let’s wait a bit and see what happens.” He closed his eyes again, imagining Maybe in a garden of flowers. It made his heart ache, but it gave him stamina to keep going.
“Ho, what’s going on here? I was told there were vagrants. Is that you two men?”
Willie hopped to his feet, praying he had a word or two to keep from trouble, when he heard a voice behind the officer. “Pardon me, sir, but these men are my guests. I asked them to wait here for me.”
The officer tipped his hat. “So it is you, again, Brother Dober. Well, if you can vouch for them, then I will leave you to whatever it is you are doing.” He went on his way.
“Brother Dober? You are a monk?”
Johann shook his head. “No, not I. I belong to the Moravian brotherhood. We are missionaries to the slaves. I almost did not stop when we bumped. But the Holy Spirit urged me to speak. I believe someone is praying for you.”
Willie laughed. A weight dropped from him. He still didn’t know what to do or how to get home. But now he had hope. “You must know my mother.”
“No, but I bet we know the same Savior.”
“I believe you must, Johann. And thank you for being an answer to prayer.”
* * *
The new year had arrived with a chill, windy January, but February brought storms. Maybe and the rest of the family hunkered in the house, venturing out only per necessity. The baby blanket became three baby blankets, with plenty of time to knit. She now had one in yellow, one in green, and one in a creamy white. She’d also done some sewing, as had Mother and the girls. Each gave her a gift for the baby. In fact, she was as ready as she could be. The only thing missing was Willie.
The last night of February, with a full moon rising, Maybe noticed the first twinge. She shook her head, ignored it and climbed into bed. Twenty minutes later, it happened again. This time she rubbed her belly. “Sweet baby of mine, yer father isn’t home yet. Ye must wait a bit longer. He’ll be home as soon as he can. Just stay put a while longer, love.”
Another twenty minutes of twinges and a tight belly, though, it was obvious that this baby would be a willful child. Painfully obvious.
The contractions remained twenty minutes apart for several hours. Maybe hated to bother Mother too early, but then they moved to ten minutes apart. It was still dark out. Mother would be sleeping. A call to her would also rouse Father. She didn’t want to be a bother, but now fear grappled with her intentions. The next contraction came, harder and stronger than before, and it hadn’t taken but five minutes.
Now Maybe wasn’t sure she could make it to Mother’s door to knock, but she had to try. She tossed the covers back and slipped out of bed, waddling as far as her door when the next pain came. She grabbed the post with both hands and leaned in, waiting for it to pass. Instead, it grew in intensity until there was a little pop and something warm and wet rolled down her legs. She got the door open and called, “Mother!”
Doors flew open. Mother came running but so did Eliza and Beth. The fear melted into the pool of water at Maybe’s feet.
Mother sent them for hot water and the strips of linen that were all ready and waiting. Then she helped Maybe back into her bed. She crawled in as another contraction wrapped about her middle. This time the baby made known it was on its way.
“Hold on, lovey. Yer baby is in a hurry.” Mother got Maybe’s legs and knees into position and checked. “Aye, this one is in a big hurry, like his father.” She shook her head but smiled.
Since Mother was here, Maybe had less fear. Yet, what if something happened before Willie returned? No, she mustn’t think that way. She had to trust. She had to—“OH!”
“Push, darlin’, just push. It will be all right soon.”
Maybe grabbed the leather straps on her bed posts and pushed. The contraction let off.
“Take a breath, darlin’ girl. Yer just getting started.”
Just as she got her breath, the next one was on its way.
“Push. Ye can do this. Come on, little one, ye’ve a whole family excited to meet ye!”
Maybe gripped the leather straps, pulling them to her as she pushed, tucking her chin into her chest. If this little one didn’t arrive soon, she’d have nothing left.
“Stop, dunna push!” Mother was doing something.
Panic rose in her throat and her heart pounded in her ears. “What is it? What is the matter? Is the baby all right?”
Eliza wiped her forehead and made little shushing sounds.
Maybe wanted to slap her. “What is the matter with me baby?”
“Nothing, darlin’, nothing. I need to make sure the cord isn’t around its wee neck.”
She started to say something, but the next contraction took her breath. She bore down, pulling the straps and pushing with everything she had. Then all at once something swooshed between her legs.
“Aye! Welcome to the world, wee one.” Mother held the crying baby up for her to see. “Ye have a fine strapping laddie with his daddy’s long limbs and yer beautiful dark hair.”
Maybe dropped the straps and held out her arms. She had no voice, as her tears came too fast to let her speak. She had to wait while Mother cut the cord and tied it off before her baby lay in her arms, her arms that had ached with loneliness for so long.
“Oh, Willie. I miss Willie, Mother. He has a son.”
“That he does, lovey, that he does.” Mother sat on the bed. “Ye ken we need to clean him. But I’ll be swift, and he will be in yer arms in minutes.” She took the baby back and laid him at the foot of the bed. After unwrapping him, she bathed the newborn with soft cloths and warm water from the basin.
Maybe watched every move, wanting to wrestle him away.
Mother wrapped him up again and gave him back.
Sighing, Maybe relaxed. She traced her finger around his tiny, perfect ear and down his downy cheek. When she brushed her knuckle over his lips, he began to
suckle.
“Ye ken what he’s wanting. Time to feed the laddie.”
Mother helped her get into position on her side, with the tiny bundle in the crook of her arm. It was awkward and then painful at first but soon he was getting his first meal. The tears returned. “I canna understand why I keep crying. I want to stop, but then a fresh wave comes.”
“That’s normal, lovey girl. Dunna give it a thought. Just enjoy yer wee one.” Mother stared at the baby while she spoke. Maybe realized it must bring back thoughts of Willie for her too.
“Thank ye, Mother. Ye are a grandmother now.”
“Aye. Oh, if yer ready, I think there is more family wanting to see the wee one. One new grandfather I’m sure is eager to come in, if yer up to it.”
Maybe checked that she was covered and nodded.
Mother returned with Father. Others followed them into the room to catch a glimpse of the new arrival.
“I hear we have another Crockett lad.”
“Aye, Father. Would ye like to hold yer grandson?”
Father’s face beamed. “Are you sure?”
She handed the baby to him, watching the moisture form in his eyes. He didn’t have to say it aloud, Maybe understood. They all felt it. The bittersweetness of the miracle without Willie here. “He’ll be back, Father. I can feel it. He promised me that if we were ever separated, he would fight his way back to me. It is taking longer than I want, but he will be back. Then together we can name this baby. He will be back.”
Mother reached for her hand and squeezed.
Father stared into the baby’s eyes. “Aye, he will be back. I believe it too.”
* * *
Johann wiped his mouth. “What do you plan to do here in St. Thomas?”
Willie reached for another chunk of bread, then tore off only half. He didn’t want to appear greedy, but now that he’d gotten some decent food, he couldn’t get enough. “My plan is to go home. But that means I need to earn enough money to go home. So we need jobs, shelter.” He tugged at the knee of his breeches. “Different clothes would help too. We’re willing to work hard, but we haven’t figured out where or how to start.”
“Hmm.” Johann leaned back in the grass. “I might help. I am here with a friend. He must leave soon to return home. He is a carpenter and might use the help. Do you know anything about carpentry?”
Andrew shrugged.
“I’ve helped my father. He’s a carpenter and also works with metal. He’s taught me, but I’m nowhere as skilled as he is.” Just mentioning his father increased his yearning for home.
“Then let’s pack up our picnic. I will take you to where we are staying. I think you are to come help us and that we are to help you. Yes, I think that is right.” Johann let out a breath, stood and began picking up the remnants.
Willie did the same, as did Andrew. What did he mean that we’re to help them and they are to help us? It felt mystical, for lack of a better word. But if helping them would get him home, that was fine with him. He followed Johann out of the park, down the road, and out of the city.
It wasn’t long before fields of tobacco and sugar cane ushered the road. Slaves dotted the fields, and activity whirled around Willie and the others.
“Where are we going?” Andrew was nervous.
Perhaps he had a right, but Willie found no reason to distrust Johann. At least not yet.
“We are going to where I am staying with my friend. We want to be where our African brothers and sisters can quickly find us when they have those few minutes without work. It makes sharing our Lord with them that much easier for all.”
A few minutes later and they arrived at a lane. Johann turned there and pointed. “Our home here on St. Thomas.” He pointed to a structure, little more than a shack. But Willie recalled that he only requested shelter, not a mansion.
When they got closer, Willie heard hammering but didn’t see anyone. “They are working out in back.” Johann brought them through the front and out back where two men hammered in rhythm. One man hammered the way Da always did, but the other kept his left arm straight at his side, working only with his right. There was trust between them as the first man held the boards for them both.
“I’ve brought us help. Come meet our new friends.” At Johann’s voice, both men stopped and raised their heads. The first man smiled, shaking hands with Willie and Andrew.
“William, Andrew, this is my friend and brother, David Nitschmann. And our other friend is also a David.”
The second David didn’t offer a handshake. Instead he withdrew, peering at his feet and turning his body as if to hide his left side.
“It is nice to meet you both. Johann rescued us. What shall we call you so we don’t get you confused?”
David Nitschmann pointed to himself. “Call me Brother David and my friend is just David. I know, it can become complicated.” He laughed.
“Then, Brother David, how can we help here? We are eager to be of use.” The sooner they could get started, the sooner he could get home. He’d work without food or sleep if it would get him home any sooner.
“Let me show you what we’re building here, and then I’ll put you to work.”
Willie glanced back at Andrew. The boy still appeared scared, but at least he was trying. He smiled, wishing to give the lad more hope. They were a step closer. It would be many steps, but each taken brought them that much closer to home.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Willie, Andrew, I think I’ve found something for you.”
Willie laid aside his saw and followed the voice. Johann was inside the shack, holding up some breeches. More clothes lay on the bed.
He handed Willie the pants and waved his arm over the other items. “I cannot guarantee the fit, but you will be more properly dressed.”
“That is no worry. I’m grateful to have something decent to wear besides these rags. I miss my boots, though. Declan took those first thing, along with my waistcoat.”
Johann patted Willie’s arm. “Let him keep them. You are heading home. Now you are another step closer.” Then he held up a pair of worn boots. “Again, the size might not be perfect, but then you won’t want to wear footwear until you are headed home.”
Willie grasped them, a bit too fast, and sat on the bed. “Thank you! I want to try them on, though you are right about saving them for the trip.”
Andrew came through the door about then.
“See what Brother Johann found for us!” Willie held up the second boot.
“Why?”
Willie turned and stared at the boy. What had come over him? “What do you mean ‘why’?”
“Why is he being nice to us? What is he planning to do? What will this cost us? Why?”
Stunned, Willie dropped the boot. Had Declan messed the boy’s mind so much that he couldn’t tell the difference between kindness and manipulation?
“I’m sorry if you don’t understand. I can well imagine that it is hard to trust after what you experienced. I’ve no conditions on these gifts. I give as my Savior directs. You need clothing, do you not?”
Johann didn’t seem to take the wariness personally, for which Willie was grateful. He’d never met a more humble or generous man. It made sense that Johann was called to share the gospel in St. Thomas. No one else could do the job.
“Johann, perhaps I should talk with Andrew alone. We appreciate your kindness, more that I can say. Thank you.”
Johann nodded and left the room.
“Why don’t you ever question anything he does? He could be as evil as Declan.”
Willie started to stand but decided that might be too confrontational, so he remained on the edge of the bed. “You don’t trust yourself either, do you?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean you don’t trust your instincts to tell you who is genuine and who is false.”
Andrew stared at the floor. “No, I don’t. I let Declan’s kindness fool me. I’ll not be the fool again.”
“Wel
l, treating Johann that way pretty much makes you a fool.”
Andrew raised his head, his eyes sparking anger. Good. He got through to the boy.
“Listen, some people manipulate and have nothing but evil on their minds. They will pervert kindness to get their own way hoping you will do what they want out of loyalty, without question. But Johann and Brother David are genuine. When you spend time with them, you can see it. Can you imagine anyone would come here to live where they live and to work as hard as they work just to bring the gospel to the African slaves with an ulterior motive? What other reason could they have?” He ran his hand through his hair. “Listen, Andrew. You are insulting a good man. Instead, why not try to get better acquainted with him?” Willie took the one boot off and set it with the other. “I’m going to work. You can try some clothes or ponder what I said. But if you are smart, you’ll find Johann and apologize.” He left, closing the door behind him.
David, the other one, was back and working with Brother David. Willie noticed that he kept an eye on him, watching where he went. Perhaps Andrew wasn’t the only one with trust issues.
An hour or so later, Johann arrived with a tray of food—plenty of fresh tropical fruits, some bread and some black beans.
Willie and the Davids put down their tools and came to where Johann set the food between two sawhorses. They waited while Johann blessed the meal and then helped themselves.
A reddish orange fruit caught Willie’s eye.
When he picked it up, Johann pulled out a knife. “You will need this. Let me show you.” He sliced a second one into four long parts, leaving a core—a single large seed. “Now, score through each part like this.” He cut the flesh on each piece to resemble a checkerboard. Then he bent the rind back on itself and began eating the flesh while juice dripped down his chin. “Try it!”
Willie did as he was shown, even to letting the juice drip. It was sweet and light and cool and tasty. Like nothing he’d ever eaten. He wiped a hand across his mouth. “What is this called?”
The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Page 83
