Chapter 2

Reverend Perkins closed the massive doors. Placing his arm around Theodore’s shoulders, he led him to a small settee on the wall beside his desk where the two sat.

Reverend Perkins smiled, placed his hand affectionately on the lad’s knee and said, “Are you ready?”

“Yes, I think so,” Theodore replied, although in reality he was not sure he was.

“Good. I suppose you are wondering where it is you will be going to begin your life in the wide world, eh?”

“Yes, sir, I am.”

“Well, I will not keep you guessing then. Tomorrow you will begin your job as cabin boy to Captain Allison aboard the merchant ship The Alexandria.”

“Cabin boy? Aboard a ship?” He was surprised, even shocked. He had never in his wildest imagination even considered the sea would be his destiny.

“Yes. It is not easy to find positions for our boys these days. I was fortunate to secure this one for you. And it does seem appropriate as, if you will remember, I told you that as a baby you were found by a sailor abandoned on the London docks.”

Theodore did not know what to think or say. A life at sea?He could not imagine what that would be like. Yet, he trusted Reverend Perkins and would accept, without hesitation, the wise man’s decision.

He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and said, “Thank you. I am sure it will be a fine opportunity for me.”

“Good lad,” Reverend Perkins said reassuringly, clapping Theodore on the shoulder.

“Tomorrow, Miguel, the boatswain of The Alexandria, will come to fetch you. He is Spanish, I think. A very interesting man,” Reverend Perkins added, almost to himself. Then turning his attention back to Theodore, he said, “I think you will enjoy his company. I know this is short notice, but the ship sails in two days’ time, and you will need to accustom yourself to your duties before you leave port.”

Theodore nodded and waited for Reverend Perkins to continue.

“It will give you some time to pack your things and say goodbye to your friends.” The kindly old man smiled.

The boy returned the smile.

The next day, Theodore made his way from the dormitory back to the hallway that led to the headmaster’s study. He carried with him a small bundle. It contained all he had in the world: a clean shirt, stockings, underwear, a few trinkets, and coins. He had said goodbye to the boys in his wing of the orphanage, answered their questions as to where he had been found a situation, and assured them he would stay in touch with them. He knew then he would not, just as Seth had not.

He had also bid farewell to Cook, thanking her for the meals she had prepared. He did the same with Nurse, expressing gratitude for the care she had provided. He also said goodbye to Mr. Howard, the man who supervised the boys in their daily routine and watched over them at night. There were no thanks to that man. He had been severe and mean. Many’s the time Theodore had felt the sting of the man’s paddle or the denial of some privilege, even a meal, for a minor infraction of a rule that, Theodore was sure, Mr. Howard had just invented. Theodore would be glad to have that man in his past.

He felt no remorse at saying goodbye to any of them. The only persons he had cared about here were Seth and Reverend Perkins. Seth was already gone, and he had grieved for that loss earlier. His parting from Reverend Perkins was yet to come.

* * * *

Thor was pulled from his reverie by a screeching overhead. He looked up—gulls. He smiled for he knew that meant land was not far off. They could even be in port by the next day.

“The gulls have come to welcome us,” came a deep voice.

Thor turned as Miguel walked up and leaned on the rail, close enough so the black hair on the man’s muscular forearm brushed against Thor. He looked at Thor and smiled.

The physical contact and the smile brought an almost instant response in Thor’s groin. He returned both the smile and pressure, offering the handsome sailor an implied invitation.

Miguel smiled. “I would like that. Come to my cabin after you come off watch tonight.”

“Thor!” came a voice behind them.

The two men turned from the rail. Second Mate Brewster walked up to them. Brewster was not handsome, although Thor thought the man’s face pleasant. Thor liked him. He was fair with the men and, unlike First Mate Adams, who was often cruel, was well thought of by the crew. Adams’ liking for the lash was well-known among the men. Brewster was more moderate in his dealings with them.