Jack: Book 3 in the Trilogy

Gun-running? Part 27

Under full sail we estimated we would reach Jamaica in four more days. Pendleton said he had decided on an important matter as he began his shift at the helm - he was now trusted enough to do daytime shifts and to sleep nights. It was 9 A.M. He was having a hearty breakfast with Jack and me as, for the first time in a month, we had invited him into the captain's cabin.

"How's it feel to be back in your cabin thar, Captain Pendelton, sir?" said Jack.

"Feels just like home, lad, just like home," the captain said.

"You forgettin' somethin' captain?"

"No Captain Jack, just testing you sir," said Pendleton.

"So what did you want to tell us 'bout some decision you made?' " said Jack.

"Well, I've given it much thought, captain, and I want to sail clear back to Charleston with you and I promise to try my best to successfully get this ship safe in Charleston Harbor. But I have one request - it's critical. I cannot do it otherwise."

"Yeah, what's that? Do you want us to go back to the African coast and get your slaves back?" I said sarcastically.

"No, no, nothing like that," he said. "I know that could never happen. That's over and, to be truthful, I'm glad that those darkies have their freedom back and have a fighting chance at surviving and getting back with their families. It went well and I applaud the two of you for having more integrity than I ever did. No, what I need from you is my ship back - if I cannot get it I'll be hunted down by company agents and my life will be ruined. I promise you I won't use it for slaving anymore, but there's a war coming as you no doubt have heard, and the south will need materiel including canons and other weapons and to ship its cotton to the English textile mills. I can still buy the ship, I just need a down-payment. I think I can make a deal with the company. Blockade running - that's where the money is going to be. And I've got a further proposal, I would like to have both of you along with me as my chief mates in this enterprise, and ye will be paid handsomely. I've never met anyone I could trust as much as you two lads - not that you haven't lied up and down to keep the wool pulled over my eyes, but that was when you and I were at war. We aren't at war now. And I will need men I can trust. I need my ship back and I need you both to sail with me. What do you say lads?"

"Mister, you sure are full of surprises," I said. "We'll have to consult privately, right Captain Jack? We cannot decide on the spur of the moment on a matter so weighty."

"Yeah Captain Pendleton, give us 'til tomorrow to think on it," said Jack.

"Of course. No problem. I'm not going anywhere," the captain said.

Meanwhile, Pendleton wondered about his commitment to Mauricia and America if Jack and Jeremy agreed with his requests. He knew he would have to break his promise to keep his conversation with them secret. There was only one way he could do this and have everyone be friends, he considered. First he would wait to see what Jack had to say. Then he'd plan his next move.