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This was enough to fire the captain's powder -- I know not whether it was love for my mother or rage at having his authority challenged -- he drew his rapier on the quartermaster. The men came between them before blood was shed, for dueling is forbidden aboard ship. The entire company assembled in the longboats and left for a nearby spit of sand so that convention might be observed. We were left alone on the deck, mother, Mr. Birdsong, and myself. Presently the duel commenced. I could just see it from where we were, but the duellers were of such similar build that I could not tell them apart. |
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Mother made me this brave speech: "You and Mr. Birdsong had
best stay together, for he has insight without sight, and you save
sight with but little insight. If the captain fails, you must make your
way together." Mr. Birdsong started to weep, but I was beyond it.
She continued, "The only other thing I can give you is to beware
Words. The people of Europe would use them to make the entire
world like as to one great mound of termites. You must resist words
to retain your very being!" With that, my mother died, knowing not if I should ever find a protector. We sat on deck for a long time in utter dejection. Then we heard the splash of oars and the clamor of men climbing the ladders. Among the first onto the deck was the quartermaster. Had I gained a father and lost him in the same hour, along with my mother? My state of mind skirted madness, but I knew this was no time to succumb to it. The quartermaster strode forward and unsheathed his rapier. |
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Copyright © Michael B.Stevens, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005. All rights reserved. Format modified Aug. 2005