Double Trouble by Marlene Matthews

Author:Marlene Matthews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: matthews, road to avonlea, marlene matthews
Publisher: Davenport Press

Chapter Eleven

The rain struck with a fury, and water poured in torrents through the gutters. In the harbor, tall ships shuddered and swayed as the wind gusted. All night long the wind howled and the rain came down in grays dismal sheets.

On the slippery deck of a cargo ship, Abe Pike lifted a heavy trapdoor and shoved two passengers into the hold.

“That’s where ye’ll stay,” he growled “till we’re safe an’ snug in Kingston harbor.”

With that he locked the trapdoor with its key and turned his scarred face to the relentless storm it would be the wee hours of the morning before the torrential rains ran their course. No point setting sail till then. Through the mist, he could just make out the twinkling lights of the tavern. Abe was torn. With his captives locked tight below deck, surely there was time enough to warm his insides with a glass or two of grog? He shivered and kicked the trapdoor for good measure. No point getting soaked, not for the sake of his worthless son and that traitor, Jo Pitts. He turned up the collar of his jacket and disembarked, heading quickly for the lights of the tavern.

Below, in the dark hold packed with wooden crates, Sara and Gus heard the sound of Abe’s footsteps crossing the deck.

Gus turned sorrowfully to Sara. “I got us into a fine mess this time, Sara.”

“I still don’t understand!” whispered Sara, who was frightened and confused by this turn of events.

“I had to get you away from the lot of them, from Buck and his pack o’ thieves. I had to pretend I was on their side,” he explained. “The one thing I didn’t count on was Abe leavin’ so soon for Jamaica!”

“Jamaica!”

“I had to make up a tale about Captain Crane. Jamaica was the first place that popped into my skull!” He looked around in dismay. “An’ here we be, caught like rats in a trap, not a hope of escape, all on account they think you’re Jo Pitts.”

“I know.” Sara felt sick at the thought of telling Gus her own part in this disaster. “Please don’t be mad at me, Gus. I left Jo Pitts back in Avonlea. It was just a game. Jo Pitts took my place for a while so I could have a holiday from Aunt Hetty.”

Gus groaned and hit his head with his hand. “You never tol’ me that part of it! I never woulda let ya come with me if I knew! That was real stupid Sara, real stupid”

“I know,” said Sara remorsefully, wishing with all her heart that she could shrivel up and blow away in the storm. She had been selfish and foolish, and what had she gained? Nothing. Not only had she put herself in danger, but now Gus Pike was at risk too—Gus, who was her dearest friend in the world!

Gus glanced upward. “Sara, look.” He pointed to a small porthole above their heads. “It’s the only chance you’ve got. Climb on those crates and get out.

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