A Knack for Trouble

I awoke with a start. It took me a moment to remember I was still on the ship. I settled back in my bed and listened to the gentle lap of the waves against the boat. When even the rocking of the ship couldn’t put me back to sleep, I decided to get a breath of fresh air.

When I got on deck, it was pitch black. The fresh smell of saltwater filled my nose. I’d never been on deck alone during the night before. The midwatch crew should've been out, but I couldn’t see anyone. When my eyes finally adjusted, I decided to take a walk. I had only gone a yard or so when I glanced down and saw the most curious thing. I reached down and picked it up. It was a piece of paper with two circles. A large circle and a smaller circle inside it. Between the two circles were written names; hard to see, but I was able to make them out: Barnes… Whitter… Johnson…

Suddenly I heard heavy footsteps. I jerked my head up and looked around. I saw a dark form come slowly into view. What can I say? I’m a wimp. Still clutching the paper, I hid behind a barrel. When the figure came closer, I was able to make out his features. He was a tall, bulky man. His crow black hair was tarred back. He had a black moustache. In his right hand, he held a pistol.

He wore tattered seaman’s clothing and a scar on his right cheek. He had a cruel look on his face. I held my breath as he walked by. I didn’t want him to see me. When he was about fifteen yards away, I got up and followed him. I’m not sure why, I just did. I kept out of sight. He turned towards the steering wheel. To my surprise, no one was there! Why would someone abandon the wheel? He took the wheel and turned it sharply to the right. The ship dipped hard, nearly throwing me off my feet. I grasped a post for support.

Who was this man? Was he part of the crew? I had not seen him before. Suddenly, I heard gunfire and yells. Many feet pounded on deck. The man spun around and saw me. I froze. Within seconds we were surrounded by the crew and the captain, each with a sword or pistol in one hand and a lantern in the other. Many passengers followed. My sixteen-year-old cousin (who I had been traveling with) stared at me in shock.