Chapter 65. No Cutting Corners

  That second day got off to a bit of a late start but made up for it with seven full boats of coal dumped into the barge. Instead of coal banging down on the the wood, now it was beginning to build up below. The next few days were spent gathering, the weather cooperated and the hold was nearly two thirds full. They had changed things a bit, Will and Minnie would take stacks of the full bags and take them to the dory, load it and one of the other boats. Then dump it in the hold. Naomi would help too, when she could. Her time on shore was busy, but she let the two helpers and Percy and Ron do as much as they could without her looking over their shoulders all the time. The weekends were reserved for relaxing, if playing soccer is relaxing at all. Will introduced the game to these teens and they took to it as quickly as the kids from Newton had. Teams organized, refs from the crew, prizes won, great fun. Six days after arriving at the coal seam it was time to re-water the boat. All the empty barrels were cleaned with boiling water and take to the river they had spotted that first day. Fast moving white water and rocks, the large canvas hose and bail filter were dumped into a deep clear pool and Will and Minnie pumped until every barrel was filled. Then rolled carefully along a cleared track back to the Rose to be filtered and boiled. Will knew the water here was the cleanest he had ever seen, no pollution, no heavy metals or plastics. But there could still be natural pollutants, “Bird poop.”, Minnie said, “or bear poop, or wolf poop, or squirrels poop, or…”. “Yeah, we get the idea.”, laughed Will, “That’s why we filter.”.

  The heavy barrels were a handful to maneuver, holding fifty gallons plus barrel weight, they weighed in at nearly five hundred pounds. The teens knew the crew was different but seeing tiny Minnie lifting a barrel up to Will, same with Naomi, they were more than a bit stunned. Rolling was one thing, lifting a whole other thing. Filling the Roses tanks was an easy process, hoses lowered into the hold, then barrels tilted and emptied into the water tanks. This was for flushing and washing, drinking water was separate. That was stored in large glass demijohns, easier to fill and to use. “We sure use a lot of fresh water.”, Percy said, looking over the filtering and boiling system. “Can’t use salt in the pipes, too corrosive on everything, but I sure like a saltwater shower, very bracing.”, Will replied.

  After the watering had gone well it was time to get back to the work of gathering. The barge was coming close to full and they would only be spending one more day here, then steam on for a good spot for logging.

  Now to Percy and Ron, Will wrote. He was doing his log in the wheelhouse, taking advantage of the mild evening. It had been a long day and many tons had been poured down, a couple of days ago Will and Minnie had climbed down in the hold and made sure the coal was even. An unbalanced ship was a bad idea, there wasn’t a lot of ballast shifting available. But, back to the boys. They had started changing a bit faster now they were on the Rose more, a bit taller, fur much shorter now except for their heads, whiskers were mostly gone, ears were still pointed and mobile. Their tails were still long and bushy, their hands and feet had become more person like, still slender though. They had also gained a couple of points in strength and vitality, which pleased them both immensely. Being able to pull their weight was very important to the lads. Also the roles they wanted to perform had on the boat had come together nicely. Ron was happy helping Naomi and taking on duties below deck. Percy on the other hand enjoyed being out and about with Minnie and Will and had also, somehow, become a budding quartermaster. Knowing where ships supplies were, how many and so forth. “Fits him, he’s kinda fussy.”, Minnie told Will.

  Sitting back in his chair, stretching out he noticed something on the bow. A small figure dressed in a black cloak and black top hat. There was something familiar about the person, the way they carried themselves. Sighing he closed his log he went out to see what was going on. As he came closer the person whipped open her cloak, brandishing a stick at him, “Arrr matey, it’s time you paid the sea tax. You owe us captain, you owe much and it gets paid now!”. Will shook his head, “Who are you?”. The figure struck a pose “I am captain Minnie of the pirate ship Arrr, this is my crew of desperados and cut throats.”. She pointed behind him, there were several menacing figures dressed in black as well, looming over him, or trying to, they were all a bit short. Her stick was aimed at his chest and the fear he felt was nearly overwhelming him, he took a step away, then another. Something caught his ankle and he fell backwards and the figures pounced on him, he knew no more.

  “Holy moly dad, did you fall asleep up here?”, the familiar squeaky voice was near and when he opened his eyes he saw Minnie’s concerned face. “Buh, bluh , whu?”, he asked intelligently. “Yup, you were sleeping, mumbling away.”, she laughed. Coming more awake he noticed a nice full tea tray beside him on the map table. “Nah, I was just resting my eyes, I knew you were here.”. She nodded, “Sure did.”. Pouring a mug and sugaring it, that first sip was always amazing. There was a couple of bacon sandwiches that Minnie was eyeing, Naomi’s special iced golden cake, four generous slices and of course biscuits. Shortbread this time. As he picked up a sandwich his hand was followed by two big brown eyes, as he opened his mouth to take a bite her eyes seemed to expand and…”Would you like a sandwich sweetie?”. “Only if you really want to share, I don’t mind just watching you enjoy that wonderful looking snackie.”. Her hand reached out at roughly the speed of light and soon she was enjoying the greasy goodness as well. “You know,”, she said, waving her treat around, “I think bacon is nearly the perfect food, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, even late night sneak snacks, it’s just amazing.”.

  After their hunger was mostly appeased Will asked if everyone else was down for the night. “Yeah, Naomi looked tired so she went to sleep early. Ronnie got Rosie and Bree cleaning up the galley while he made this up for us…I mean you.”. Looking at his watch he realized he had been resting his eye for longer than he thought. It was nearly midnight. “Well, how about that?”. “Crews all down too then I guess, how about Perce?”. She laughed “Last time I saw him he was counting nuts and bolts in the workshop storerooms. I said he should go to bed, he said he had to finish up cause it was bugging him, then I said I would help he said okay, then when we finished he wanted to sort the lumber on the racks in the other storeroom. I told him I was coming up here, he said to say hi.”. Hmmm, Will thought, I better go check that he’s not overdoing it. “I’m heading down to bed, after I check on Percy, coming?”. She nodded, mouth full of cake. Will carried the empty tray, Minnie followed after turning off the lantern and closing up.

  Dropping the tray off in the darkened galley he went down to the lowest deck but all lights were out, no sign of Percy in any of the various rooms and holds. “Must have gone to bed.”. Heading up and to his cabin he heard voices from the boys room and knocked. Percy opened the door, the little fellow had tired eyes, “Hi father, Minnie found you I see.”. Will snorted “Yeah she did, we shared bacon sandwiches and cake, hey thanks Ron, well done buddy.”. The other brother was neatly curled on his bed but waved at Will sleepily. Seeing these two were ready to sleep Will hugged both goodnight and went to his own bed. “Lately I’ve been sleeping like a rock, I hit the bed and I’m out, wonder why?”, he asked as he lay on the bed, flicking the candle out. “We’ve been working hard, playing hard, it’s nice to keep busy dad, but maybe a bit too busy this week.”, Minnies voice drifted across. “Well, the coal will be done tomorrow, take the weekend and then we’ll move out.”, he plumped his pillow under his neck more, fidgeted for a minute. Minnie was a warm lump beside him, he threw his arm over her shoulder and was gone.

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  All the crew was eager to get going, it had only been a week but that was a few days longer than the Laketown crew was used to. The last couple of gatherings had been loading the Roses holds, and while they could hold a lot, they were dwarfed by the barges. While at breakfast the next morning Will made the announcement that today was the last coal day, and they were moving out tonight. The crew had decided this earlier. It might be easier to stay here for the weekend, but it was more efficient to finish up and travel overnight. The place Minnie had spotted on the trip here had ample trees and there was a small beach area to unload and load on. As this was the first time logging they would be learning as they went. Not just how to fell trees but the logistics of loading as well. “Let’s work hard today and get those last loads in, then a good dinner ashore and head out after, okay?”. The teens gave a cheer and as they were all finished everyone headed up to the main deck to start their day. Will stayed behind and helped the galley crew finish the dishes, they might not pick up coal but they sure worked hard. Under Naomi’s supervision and now with Ron’s willing help the task want quickly.

  Several crates of supplies were lugged up the stairs from various pantries to be loaded onto the boats for todays meals ashore. This done, Will made the rounds of the empty ship, no candles or lanterns on, boiler off, no one left behind. Everything loaded into the three boats and they sped off to the familiar shoreline. Today Naomi’s boat won the race and lorded it over Minnie’s all day, as they had yesterday. The first load went out about an hour and a half after starting, hefted in the dory then quickly dumped. Instead of the rattling and banging of the first few loads, there was just soft thuds as the coal lumps dropped. After two more loads, they broke for lunch. Minnie and Will were dumping in that last load and decided this was it. “Full enough I’d say.”, Will said, resting on the hatch cover. Minnie nodded, “yeah, let’s button things up and call it good.”. The good news was well received by the rest of the crew. After a few days of doing this the novelty of being away from home had worn thin a bit. Will had to remind them they were logging on the way back for at least couple of days, but the teens wouldn’t have much to do with that operation. Will had toyed with the idea of dropping the empty barge off at the new work site, returning the teens to Laketown and coming back out. At lunch he put it to the crew. Naomi was for the idea as was Ron and Percy. “No point in feeding them if their not doing anything.”, Naomi said, “Besides, they would get into mischief if they’re just sitting around on shore all day.”. Will had to admit she had a point, so it was decided, steaming back to Laketown. Dropping off the empty barge at the next work site first though. “Should we ask Willy and Grace to come back with us?”, Will mused, “There’s still lots for us to learn about cutting down trees.”. “Let’s do that, I’ve got some knock knock jokes to try out on him.”, Minnie added. Will just had to ask “Let’s hear one.”.

  “Knock knock.”.

  “Who’s there?”

  “Boo.”.

  “Boo who.”.

  “Well you don’t have to cry about it, it’s just me.”.

  There was a moment of silence and then Ron was laughing so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. “See, it’s funny.”, Minnie said.

  After their last lunch break on shore it was time to pack up for the trip home. Tents broken down and put away neatly folded, table and chairs the same. Stoves and ovens, canopies and lamps all packed up, the outhouses were broken down and burnt in a bonfire on the beach. No one wanted to take that back on the boat, the only things saved were the seats and roll holders, after a good cleaning. The houses themselves were easy enough to construct anyway. They always carried the lumber for them and replenished on the return trip. It might seem wasteful but it was better to tear it down and fill the pit in and not risk any animals falling in. The whole area the camp had been in for the past ten days was left just as it had been when they first arrived, the ground was beaten down on the pathways but that would recover. “If we were sure the shoals would always be here I’d build a permanent camp, but records show they can come and go, overnight in some cases.”, Will said while loading the dory. “Maybe for the logging camp, we could do that. I don’t see all the trees disappearing overnight.”, Minnie huffed as she carried the stoves to the boats. Naomi laughed hearing that “Poof, they’re all gone, Minnie the wizard strikes again.”. Several trips and all the gear and all the crew were loaded. Will was last off the beach and shoved the smaller boats out, then his bigger one, hopped on and they all pulled for the Rose.

  It only took a few minutes and they were unloading. First stacking everything on deck and lifting the boats aboard, then getting underway. Picking up first the laden coal barge, then the empty one and setting course for Laketown. With Minnie at the helm Will, Naomi, Percy, Ron and the teens made quick work of the mound of supplies on deck. Hoisting, lifting, carrying and stowing was easy with so many willing hands and before he knew it Will was on the bow with a well deserved cuppa. Teens below relaxing on the voyage home. They were making half speed, around eight knots and by Will calculating would be dropping off the empty barge in around six hours. “We are going to, what did you call it again, push it on land?”, Percy said. “Beach it, then anchor the heck out of it while we’re gone.”, Will replied. “Don’t want to just anchor it off shore, they usually hold well and we won’t be that long.”, Naomi asked . “It only takes a few minutes for a storm to brew up, could easily tear the anchors out and it could be lost.”, Will replied.

  The shoreline slowly changed as they steamed along, the sparse and scrub trees slowly gave way to thicker foliage. The trees grew higher and higher until it was solid forest from the beach onwards. Going in closer to get a better look it looked to be a mix of mostly maple mixed with beech, birch and a few of the ironwood try were looking for. So just about six hours after leaving the coal site they were starting the operations of dropping off the empty barge. This meant anchoring both, carefully nudging the empty onto the beach, then picking up the full one again. A good two hours later they were on the way again. Minnie and Naomi had done their usual job of hitching and unhitching from the Rose, Will could tell Percy and Ron were dying to give it a shot. But they just weren’t there yet. When he had checked the Menu, there had been some small additions, not much yet though. It was like the system was taking its time integrating the two lads. And while he was thinking about it, how did some people on this world know about the system or menu, whatever you want to call it, but not everyone was able to access it. Weird.

  Evening was coming on fast now, this time of year, no matter how mild the weather, the days were still short. It was a straight run to Laketown now, arriving in the morning. So an easy meal tonight, grilled cheese and chicken soup with dumplings. Oddly enough they were suet dumplings, not the Asian influenced ones Will was used to. He had had these before though, his grandmother used to make them and add to soups and stews, but they had fallen out of favour. The suet was the hard fat from beefs and sheep, around certain organs. Finding this out made vegetable oils more popular for cooking, but the suet was still prized for certain things. Various British based puddings, savoury and sweet used suet, especially boiled puddings. Now he hadn’t had those yet here, and wouldn’t be broken hearted if he never did. Very heavy food indeed.

  Minnie was at the helm and had been for an hour or so, Will was carrying a tray of soup and sandwiches up to her. A light rain was falling, nothing much really, but between the drizzle and the bow spray there was a fair bit of wetness in the air. “Good things there’s a cover on that dad, I don’t like soggy sandwiches.”, Minnie had thrown open the bridge door and was gesturing hungrily at the tray. “Pretty quiet up here, not so much below, they’re playing charades.”, Will sighed. “Sounds fun, maybe I’ll go down after.”, she said stuffing in half a sandwich. He was all for that, bit too busy below. There seemed to be something in the air that was bothering him, nothing he could put a finger on, but just something. He mentioned it to Minnie and found she had felt that way for a couple of days now. “I just feel a bit unsettled at times, mostly when we’re on deep water.”. Hmmm, now he thought about it that was when he noticed it more too. “Think sharps are after us again, stalking and following us like they did before?”, she asked excitedly, “Show them who’s boss again huh.”. “Well I haven’t seen a single fin, no weird wakes following, so I don’t think it’s that, but let’s drop some chum off on the way back here. They can’t resist.”, he answered.

  Finishing up her dinner Minnie went below to join in the games and he was alone. He wrote their musings in the log, just so there was a record. Thinking of sitting out on the bow deck, but there was still a bit too much in the way of rain, coming down a bit harder now. No worries just a squall, before the sun had gone down the skies had been clear. Now that it was full dark he could still see stars through the skim of rain clouds above, this would pass quickly. Laketown by morning then back again, such fun.