Every Step of the Way, Part 4
The fat innkeeper
raced up the stairs. He reached their door and banged upon it with
all his might. He twisted the knob, and the door flew open. They were
gone. He gasped.
“Mathias! Mathias!” he went
running down the stairs. The younger man rushed up to him.
“What is it?” he asked.
“It is her! She has escaped!”
the innkeeper cried. They ran out the front door. But Catherine and
her loyal servants were nowhere in sight.
***
“Maybe we can board this one,”
Catherine puffed, pointing to the large, wooden ship.
“How will we? You gave the innkeeper
the last of the money,” I said. Catherine sighed.
“I know, but maybe they will take
something else. We must try,” she said. Something else? Like what?
The only valuable possession Catherine had brought with her was her
necklace, and it was probably around the neck of the barge owner’s
wife by now.
Catherine walked up to the ship’s
captain. I watched her argue with him. He looked down at her
clothing. He nodded his head and strolled away. Catherine eagerly
joined us.
“He says since I am a merchant’s
wife, he will take me,” she smiled. Her disguise was working!
We followed her up the plank and down
into the hold. It was very dark. It was cold. And it smelled awful.
The place was small, and I squeezed up against Edith. Cold air seeped
through the walls. The boat jerked, and we were on our way.
***
I barely heard the frightened cries of
little Susan. A strong, fierce wind pounded on the sides of the boat.
Rain came down in torrents, making water drip into the damp hold. I
could hear the cries and yells of the sailors overhead. My heart
pounded. What would happen to us? Would the boat sink? Would we
drown? I looked frantically at Catherine. She rocked Susan and
quietly sang a song. How could she be so calm? I sank back against
the wall. Catherine had faith; that’s why. She was trusting in God.
I took a deep breath.
A wave of assurance swept over me. God
is here, watching over us. I was able to lay down and close my weary
eyes.
***
I woke up the next
morning and looked around. Catherine, Edith and Agnes were gone. I
walked sleepily out on the deck. I gasped. We weren’t in the
Netherlands at all! We were back on the tiny Leigh dock where we
started. Catherine was talking to the captain. I pulled Edith aside.
“What has happened?” I asked.
“The winds drove us back,” she
sighed. “We’re going to try and sail again this afternoon.
Catherine is not very happy.” I didn’t blame her. Someone could
spot us. Catherine finished talking to the captain and joined our
group.
“Captain Miller says we will sail in
an hour. Helen, run to shore and get some provisions.”
“With what?” I asked. Catherine
handed me some money.
“This is from the captain,” she
said. “Buy food for us, the captain, and the crew. Understood?” I
nodded my head and raced down the gangplank. I had barely made it off
the harbor when someone grabbed my shoulder. I screamed.
“Who’s on that boat?” a rough
voice asked. I turned. Two men stood in front of me.
“Why?” I asked. “What is it to
you?” My heart pounded.
“We’re looking for a woman named
Catherine Bertie. Know her?” the other asked.
“No. That lady is a merchant’s
wife,” I said.
“Oh, really. A merchant’s wife
with three servants?” I gulped.
“Well-I-she-“ I stuttered.
“Yes?” the rough one asked.
“We’re just traveling with her,”
I said. “Besides, do you think this ‘Catherine’ would travel in
broad daylight? Men, I think you’re wasting your time,” I said,
walking away. I could feel them staring me down as I walked on. I
rounded the corner and let out a sigh. That was too close for
comfort.
To Be Continued!
P.S. You may be wondering, "Why hasn't Kathryn been commenting on my blog or entering any of my contests lately?!" I admit I haven't been commenting or entering on anyone's blogs lately!! I'm sorry! I just haven't been on the computer much :)
2 chatty people:
"Why hasn't Kathryn been commenting on my blog or entering any of my contests lately?!" Now that's funnier than mine! LOL
P.S. I'm having a contest......why don't you come on over and check it out! hehe
P.S.S are you going to post about the photos you took this week?
I awarded you on my blog!! Just letting you know. Btw, the story was great!!
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