Chapter 76

Christophe, patron saint of travelers.

He’d carry Chris on his back, like his scars, for always. 14

Joe swiped his cap off and took a moment to catch his breath.

Wearily, he watched the great St-Lawrence steamer docked a stone throw away. He stared at its bright red stacks, at the white Spainted below their black smoke band. Around him, the dock was still bustling with action, but his work was over for the day. And not too soon either. He was hungry, sore, and dying for a pint of beer.

Joe put his cap back on and looked up at the gigantic grain elevators. These towers, twelve stories high, were man made. Men had built this port with their hands. Some said Montreal was the biggest grain port in the world. He didn’t know if that was true, but last week, when he’d overheard two men discussing jobs at the docks, Joe had walked down to the port with high hopes. After sizing him up, the boss had decided to cut Joe a break and had hired him on the spot, as a docker.