The Battle for Newfoundland by Herb Sakalaucks

Author:Herb Sakalaucks [Sakalaucks, Herb]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781976994371
Google: ro34tgEACAAJ
Amazon: B0796DJ73V
Goodreads: 38115595
Publisher: Ring of Fire Press
Published: 2018-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

When Mette and Agnes arrived at the fort, they ran into John Barrow, carrying his sea chest toward the beach. When John set the chest down to chat and catch his breath, Mette sent Agnes on ahead to find Svend. “I hoped I’d have a chance to thank you, Mr. Barrow, for keeping Luke and Svend safe. I’m certain they were a handful.”

“No need for formalities, just call me John. And yes, they both needed tending to frequently. Svend has really blossomed into a fine young gentleman. I wish I could say it was my doing, but he already had good upbringing. He has a stubborn streak that stood him in good stead many times. He never gave up hope for Agnes when everyone else had written off the Hamburg. I think they will be a fine couple.” He looked wistfully across the field where Svend and Agnes were locked in a tight embrace. “You know, I never had a family. I shipped out when I was just fifteen, and I’ve been at sea since then. These last few months, teaching Svend the ropes and watching him grow up, have made me regret not having a family.”

Mette smiled at the indirect compliment. “When he announced that he wanted to sail with Captain Foxe, I was afraid it might rob him of his youth, but I see now he’s made some good friends on this voyage. Thank you.” Shouts from the dock area interrupted Mette. Luke’s voice carried and it was evident someone hadn’t done what they were supposed to do. “I see Luke still can’t stand sloppy work. How has he been?”

John suddenly got very somber. “He’s been under enormous pressure. He tries to hide it, but I think his stomach is starting to bother him again. I don’t know if he’s told you, but we were just about to send most of the settlers back to Christianburg because we hadn’t enough food here to last the winter. We spent so much time getting the settlement there on a firm footing that we arrived here too late to get much in the way of crops planted in time. He’s become just like a farmer, worrying about weeds and frost and varmints! I’m really glad you decided to come early. You’re just what he needs to bring some balance back to his life.”

Mette gave John a quick hug. “I was so worried that I would be a burden to him. He has enough problems brewing elsewhere that I didn’t want to add to them.”

“Problems elsewhere? What haven’t I heard about?”

“It seems our new found Dutch friends have some problems that may spill over onto us. I’m sure you’ve heard about the Dutch ships that were raiding the French and English. Even Captain James told us you knew something about them from the settlements you helped. What you might not have heard was that they were the ships that rescued the Hamburg. When they got her towed into New Amsterdam, they found themselves in trouble with the authorities.

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