About this story
Fire breaks out in the cabin in the night; your father, panicking, goes over the side into the current, and your mother does not survive the smoke. Alone, you bring the loaded lighter safely into Mr Drummond's wharf by morning, where his daughter Sarah decides an orphan who can sail a barge unaided deserves to be asked what he wants next, and starts teaching you your letters.
How it opens
At eleven, you knew the Thames lighter better than any street or schoolroom.
Father FaithfulKeep awake tonight, Jacob; we must reach Mr Drummond's wharf early.
Your father left the helm after anchoring, trusting you to watch tide and traffic.
Mother FaithfulBring the stone bottle below and stop pretending the deck needs you every minute.
Choose
Bring water instead and remain where the anchor line can be seen.
Ask Father to confirm the next tide before he returns to the cabin.