CHAPTER 7
In which our heroines set sail on the Cerulea and encounter the Barbary pirates
A few days later our time at Oakleigh Hall was at an end and we returned home accompanied once again by Lady Oakleigh and Miss Burnley. The summer passed and still no word came from my father. We amused ourselves by trying to spy on our guardian and our governess but few opportunities presented themselves for our entertainment. Instead we fell back on our former amusements in the bedroom.
At last as summer turned to September a letter from my dear father arrived. In it he announced that his mission in Italy was over and that we were all invited to join him there for the winter. He told us that he had booked a passage for us on a ship leaving Southampton in three weeks time and we were to pack and prepare to depart. What excitement there was in the house. Maids and valets scurried around with trunks and boxes supervised by Lady Oakleigh and the housekeeper. Even Miss Burnley's normally dour spirits revived a little, though she refused to spare us from lessons right up until the day of departure.
At last the day of our leaving came. Lucy, Lady Oakleigh, Miss Burnley and I climbed aboard while the two maids were seated outside. The ever present Johnson was also to accompany us but was left to oversee the conveyance of the baggage on a wagon. By nightfall we had reached the fair city of Southampton where we were to be accommodated overnight in an hotel. The next day we were conveyed to the harbour and for the first time laid our eyes on the vessel which was to transport us to Italy.
The Cerulea was a fine looking vessel with clean trim lines. We were welcomed on board by the Captain and pleased to observe the scrupulously scrubbed decks and neatly coiled ropes which seemed to betoken a well run ship. The Cerulea was to take a cargo to the port of Naples but the Captain had graciously accepted my father's request that her also take on board our party as passengers. The Captain escorted us to our cabin which proved to be rather small and cramped with two bunks arranged on each side and a small porthole looking out on the harbour.
Lady Oakleigh immediately announced that she could not possible share such cramped accommodation with three others and demanded her own cabin. The Captain appeared somewhat perturbed and asked if we would wait for one moment. After disappearing briefly he returned and announced that his first officer had agreed to give up his cabin to Lady Oakleigh and that he would share his own cabin with that gentleman in order to facilitate this. Far from showing any gratitude Lady Oakleigh demanded to be shown the cabin in question and continued to grumble at its inadequacies.
At last we were settled into our new home on the waves. We were due to sail that afternoon at high tide. We paid a last visit ashore to eat some dinner in a nearby inn before returning to the ship for our departure. We were pleased to be informed that our baggage had arrived safely escorted by the reliable Johnson and had been safely stowed away. Soon after the ship was towed clear of the harbour by a team of small boats and the sails were hoisted. A stiff breeze from the Channel soon filled the sails and we were speeding towards our destination.
Our initial enthusiasm soon subsided. In the confines of the small cabin Miss Burnley, Lucy and I came to resent one another's presence. Miss Burnley was a poor sailor and by the second day was continually seasick. I spent as much time on deck as possible, away from the thick air of the cabin and Miss Burnley's piteous moans and retchings. By the third day we were crossing the Bay of Biscay and a terrible storm broke. I myself became terribly sick and I thought Miss Burnely would die. At last we came through the terrible tempest and some days later arrived at the great rock of Gibralter. We were permitted a day to see the rock by the Captain while he unloaded some cargo and took on stores. That night we set sail once more and were at last entered into the Mediterranean Sea.
Our first day in the Mediterranean proved a fine one; the wind blew strongly from the East and we were obliged to tack against it but the weather was clear and sunny. However, towards evening the sky darkened and the sea roughened, by the time darkness fell it was clear that we were in for a storm. We passed a most uncomfortable night in our cabin. The ship appeared to be tossed in every direction. We could hear sailors pounding on the deck above us and waves seemed to be crashing upon the ship. Miss Burnley was dreadfully sea sick and none of managed much sleep.
As the first light came through the porthole the sea seemed to calm. I decided to go on deck and ascertain how our vessel had weathered the storm. I climbed to the poop deck where the Captain was conversing with the steersman. The Captain told me that we had been blown far off course by the storm and were now close to the shores of North Africa. Indeed looking southward I could discern land in the distance. Also not far off to our stern I noticed a large ship with black sails built in the Arab style. I stood and conversed with the Captain for some minutes as he told me that in consequence of the storm our passage would take longer than anticipated and that we might arrive in Naples a day or so later than expected. While we were conversing the Captain appeared to be distracted. He constantly glanced towards the stern at the large black ship which was closing on us fast.
I became somewhat alarmed myself and said, 'Captain, what is that vessel to our stern. You appear somewhat concerned about it, Sir.'
'It maybe nothing,' the Captain replied, 'but these waters used to be infested with pirates. They are rarely seen these days but I think you had best get below, Miss, just to be on the safe side.'
'But Captain I would like to stay and see what is happening.' I said.
'Please Madam, you will get to your cabin now and lock yourself in with the other ladies,' ordered the Captain.
I had no option but to obey such an order and taking a last look at the mysterious dark ship I took myself to the cabin. As soon as I entered the door I excitedly told Lucy and Miss Burnley what I had seen and heard. Miss Burnley was prostrate upon her bunk and showed little interest but Lucy was thrilled.
'A pirate ship! Oh how romantic. I hope they will not make us walk the plank,' she said excitedly.
'Don't be so silly, Lucy,' I responded. It is probably just an Arab dhow. And just supposing it were a pirate vessel this is a British ship armed with cannon. It would be more than a match for some Barbary pirates.'
At that moment as we peered through the porthole the mysterious ship started to come alongside. It was clearly visible. A large black vessel with huge black triangular sails. To my horror the vessels gun ports were open and her cannon were pointing straight at us. On the decks were visible a large number of men in Arab costume. Suddenly there was a huge explosion and then a splash in the water just outside our porthole. I could not believe it, the black ship had fired upon us. Perhaps they were indeed the dreaded Barbary pirates of which I had read.
I could hear shouting and running feet on deck. The black ship came closer but thankfully did not fire at us again. Why was our crew not returning fire like true Englishmen? I decided to go on deck and find out what was happening and told the others of my intention. Miss Burnley suddenly roused herself.
'If this is indeed a pirate ship you will stay in the cabin until our crew has seen them off. I forbid you to put yourself in danger,' the governess said.
Lucy and I looked at one another and dashed from the cabin up to the deck. The deck and rigging of our vessel were full of sailors looking at the mysterious black ship. I found the Captain and demanded to know what was happening.
