Chapter Four

Chapter Four.

 

 

The sunlight makes Cabin Boy’s eyes water as he slogs up the stairs leading onto the main deck. He crosses the deck quickly, making sure to avoid the grouchy first mate. Soon he stands at the foot of Mast Two.

Looking up, Cabin Boy is awed by the mighty mast. What a tree it must once have been! He swallows hard as he grasps the rigging and begins to climb.

Cabin Boy slowly climbs the rigging, each time making certain that he strongly grips the rope with one hand before moving the other.

It is not near as tricky as he thought it would be. In fact, he must be nearing halfway. The deck must look small from up -

Never, but never, look down! Cabin Boy remembers the warning one second too late. Instantly, his arms feel weak. He looks up. So far to go! Cabin Boy takes a huge gulp of air.

“I’m a pirate,” he tells himself. Then, hand over shaking hand, he continues to crawl up the rigging.

Cabin Boy is still on the ropes and unable to see Missy when she calls to him from above the platform.

“Who be this then?” she demands.

“Just Cabin Boy,” he says, but it comes out of his mouth as a hoarse whisper. A little louder, he repeats, “Just Cabin Boy.”

“Why are ye climbin’ up the riggin’, lad?”

“I need to talk to you,” Cabin Boy replies.

“I meant, why are ye climbin’ up the riggin’ instead of the ladder?”

There was a ladder? That would have made lighter work than the rigging! Cabin Boy pulls himself up onto the crow’s nest. He accepts Missy’s hand and she wrenches him to his feet. There is a twinkle in her eye.

“Lad, if ye must climb up the mainmast, ye might want to open yer deadlights. Ye see more with ‘em open than shut!”