The slave wench is right. Only a dozen or so men were visible on the decks and inthe rigging, which would be normal for a sluggish merchantman. Ned Tyler has found aspar of good Norwegian pine stowed away in her hold. He heard soft footfalls move away, and darkness and silence fell beyondthe panelling.
There,in a clearing beneath the spreading forestcanopy, the carpenters set it on trestles and began to trim and shapeit, so that it could be stepped into the hull to replace thegale-shattered mast. Then he scrubbed his body with handfuls of wet sand until hisskin tingled. Sir Francis's manservant, Oliver, came running with the red-quarteredcloak and plumed cavalier hat. Big Daniel had brought up a bundle of cutlasses,and both Wally Finch and Stan Sparrow carried others.
Join the newsletter to receive news, updates, new products and freebies in your inbox.