| Subject: The New World - Part #55 |
Author:
Wanda
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Date Posted: 18:13:13 07/06/03 Sun
PART #55
The children were all gathered in the large room on the top floor of the main house. When Catherine walked into the room, they said in unison, “Tell us a story Miss Catherine.” She laughed; and said, “First I need a chair.” One of the children ran to fetch a chair, and dragged it to the center of the room. Catherine sat down; and said, “I am going to tell you a story about a lady carrying a priceless silver bowl all the way from England to the Americas. While she was traveling across the ocean, the ship was attacked by pirates who were looking for the silver bowl,” One little boy was listening intently; and he asked, “What did the lady do?” Catherine smiled, “She sat on the bowl, and covered it with her long gown.” The boy’s eyes sparkled as he asked, “Did those pirates find the bowl?” Catherine laughed, “No, the lady was too smart for the pirates to find the bowl. She managed to keep it hidden, and was able to bring the bowl all the way to the Americas.”
A little girl asked, “Were the pirates mad because they could not find the bowl?” Catherine said, “I believe we could say that they were unhappy because they could not find the bowl.” The little girl, whose name was Marie, asked, “What did the pirates do?” Catherine said, “They looked and looked and finally had to leave the ship without finding the bowl.” The children all thought the story was exciting, especially when Catherine told them the story was a true story.
After Catherine told the story, the children had a snack. While they were eating, Marguerite walked over to Catherine; and said, “I have heard that story. Jean Pierre told me how Bow, the great pirate, had been outsmarted by an English lady.” Catherine said, “Yes, I imagined you had heard the story of the silver bowl. Did you know my family made that silver bowl? My family has a silver business in England where we make objects out of silver. Perhaps you will get to meet my cousin from England. His name is George Sheffield, and I am hoping he will be coming to the Americas for a visit soon.
The afternoon passed slowly, and the children were complaining about being hot. Catherine opened all the windows to let in as much air as possible. It was such a hot and humid day. Catherine found she was dizzy, and kept trying to ignore how she was feeling. She thought it was from the humidity and heat. She tried to think of different things to do to keep the children from becoming too restless. She tried not to think of what might happen when the pirates returned to the plantation. She knew Bow was concerned or he would never have made such elaborate preparations for their return. She wished they would come if they were coming. This was difficult for everyone.
Bow could hear the children laughing, and later singing. He knew Catherine was doing what she could to keep them happy. He was glad she did understand the seriousness of the situation. He was wearing down waiting for the pirates to return. It was nerve wracking, and no matter what he did to push it out of his mind, the thoughts returned. The later the day, the more convinced he was that the Doucettes had gone back to the ship after shooting Jean Pierre Boudreau. He wasn’t sure what they did know, but he was convinced they would be back in force.
Catherine sent Manobo downstairs to take sandwiches and a cold drink to the men. She knew it had to be difficult for them as well. They all knew there was the possibility of battle, and even death. Many of those men had families at home who were probably concerned about them.
When it was dark, and the children were beginning to settle down, Catherine looked out, and saw one of the barns was in flames. She ran to the top of the stairs; and yelled, “Bow, the barn to the south of the house is on fire.” Bow yelled back, “We have seen it Catherine, but I have given instructions that no one is to go outside. They are using the fire to draw people outside where they will be shot.”
They could hear gunshots coming from the outer buildings, and Bow knew the deputies were firing at the Doucettes. Catherine went to the closet where Bow had placed the gun, and took it down. Manobo drew his guns, and positioned himself at the window close to the head of the stairs. Catherine saw him there; and said, “When you see those pirates, you shoot to kill.” Manobo said, “Don’t you worry, Miss Catherine, Mr. Bow has already given me instructions. You do be careful with that gun, you hear?”
Catherine said, “Manobo, I have shot many guns in my time, but they were always pointed at wild game.” Manobo chuckled, and said, “When you see one of those pirates, pretend he is wild game, and pull the trigger.”
To be continued...
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