About this story
The ship proves rotten-timbered, undermanned, and short of food, with Captain Guy too sick to govern and the mate, John Jermin, holding the crew by will alone. When hunger tips into near-mutiny and sailors desert at Hytyhoo, the recaptured men are dragged back aboard, and the Julia sails on shorthanded.
How it opens
Your escape canoe found a small black whaler lying a league from the island.
John JerminThat native cloth and injured leg will bring questions before either brings work.
The Julia's sailors looked sick, depleted, and openly curious about the stranger alongside.
Captain GuySign for one cruise, and I discharge you at the next port if you still wish it.
On this vessel, written articles and lived arrangements rarely meet.
Choose
Write the discharge condition beside my name before I sign.
I accept only because my leg needs treatment and the ship is leaving.