Free The Beothuk Expedition by Derek Yetman Page B

enough to say that I was to be ready to sail at a moment’s notice. He also handed me a small packet of papers and instructed me to read them at my earliest convenience. I thrust these into my pocket and promptly forgot about them, being more concerned with matters related to the boat and crew.
    The evening crept upon us as the men loosened the sails to dry and the boatswain fired the stove for our supper. The little cove was quiet except for the last of the day’s splitting and salting, and here and there small groups of people walked the path around the harbour. Sheep and goats grazed on the steep hillsides, and high above them the gulls wheeled in the failing light. It seemed a pleasant enough place, and from across the water came the cheerful notes of a fiddle. While we waited for our meal, I measured out the evening grog, taking care to observe the behaviour of the Liverpool s. I noticed that Greening did not sit with them, but kept to himself while they gathered on the forecastle.
    I had by now confirmed my suspicion that Grimes held sway over the others. He finished his rum in a few quick gulps and held the empty mug to Jenkins and Rundle, who paid their fealty without complaint. Strictly speaking, no man was permitted more than his fair share, although the practice of trading spirits was a long-standing part of the shipboard economy. In this instance, however, I could not believe that it was done for any reason but fear. I had no doubt that Grimes kept his status as ringleader through the threat of violence, if not the act itself.
    After our meal of salted pork and cabbage, I retired to the stern cabin, which had reverted to Bolger, Frost and myself in the absence of the lieutenant. There I remembered the papers he’d given me and I began to read them by the light of a lantern. Truth to tell, I was not far advanced when I found myself succumbing to the drink and the meal, and before long I was entombed in a deep and dreamless slumber. I cannot say how long I slept but it was completely dark when an unearthly shriek impaled the night and brought me wide awake. My feet hit the boards in an instant and I groped for the door. I emerged onto the moonlit deck, grabbing a cutlass from the rack as I went.
    I could not say what I expected, whether a terrible accident or a desperate affray. And yet, nothing seemed to be amiss. Bolger and Greening were standing in the waist, looking at something that lay at their feet. At that moment the object of their puzzled attention screamed again. In three strides I was with them and saw poor Froggat thrashing about on his back, his eyes wide with terror. I knelt by his side, restraining him and calling for water. In soothing tones I calmed him enough for Greening and me to lift him into his hammock. For a moment he appeared on the verge of speaking, but then his eyes fell abruptly shut and he slipped again into a state of insensibility.
    This alarmed me very much and the more so because there was nothing I could do for him. I was now convinced that his strange illness was not related to scurvy, for his body had recovered entirely from that disease. What caused him such anguish might have been mental or nervous in nature, but all I could do was hope that this latest trial would pass. I turned to the others, who were watching with the air of a funeral party. “I will take the watch, Mister Bolger,” I said. “Hail the others and send them aft.”
    â€œAye, aye, sir. You there, Greening. Send the Liverpool s along and turn in yerself. Look lively now.”
    The young sailor went forward and I stood with the two warrant officers, looking down at Froggat.
    â€œCan ye say what it is, sir?” Bolger asked.
    I shook my head. “I cannot. Have either of you ever seen these symptoms?” Before they could answer, we were interrupted by the sudden return of Greening, who appeared anxious to tell us something.
    â€œWell?” Frost demanded. “What is it,