The Mahogany Ship

Начало книги

Muttering a vicious oath, Jack Robertson threw up. Again.

It was the most violent storm he’d endured since leaving England almost eight months earlier. The experience confirmed his vow that once he arrived at the settlement in Sydney Cove he’d never take to the sea again.

The Emily Rose shuddered dramatically as her entire bow lifted, losing contact with the white frothy water. It dropped off the edge of an enormous wave, before the following one swamped the entire back deck.

From below, Jack fell to the wooden floor hard. Then he vomited twice more before continuing to man the pumps.

Jack worked on his assigned pump throughout the night and into the following morning. His eyes drifted downwards. He, among so many others, had spewed until all contents of his stomach had been removed. This had then mixed with the sea water, which now mingled where his unsteady legs stood.

Jack could have guessed at the filthy state of the pump room by smell alone. Even so, he smiled. The watermark had been reduced by an entire foot from their efforts. It was disgusting, dirty work, but they were going to survive.

Читать дальше →