ELMINA JUNE 1873
The news spread through Lady Luck in seconds. Most of the seamen looked over the side and towards the land, calculating how far they could swim.
“Are there sharks?” The carpenter asked.
“Not that I am aware of.” The mate raised his voice to a roar. “Come on, lads; get what you need from the foc"sle and off we go.”
“Wait here,” Jack said and splashed down the companionway to the tiny cubicle he had shared with Mary for the past three months. Seawater lapped nearly to the deck above, ruining the bedding and any loose clothing. Fortunately, both he and Mary were experienced travellers and had packed their essentials into two sea-chests, with the remainder of their possessions travelling separately. Both chests were floating, chest-height in the cabin, washing back and for
