True Treasure: Real - Life History Mystery (24 page)

He walked to Bennett’s tent. The wind had picked up considerably and soon all would be waiting in the caves.

Bennett was alone with one cabin boy in the cave being used for a command post. After greeting and dismissing the boy to wait out of hearing, Randall said, “He does not suspect we—you are bloody Graham. Rather they suspect we are of the Royal Navy, here to stamp out the pirate activity. One sailor escaped, and saved two others, and from there your legend has grown. You are ruthless, whip men to within an inch of their lives, and you were raised as a cabin boy to Captain Cook, having been abandoned on an island where you were left to your own wits. Your first ship was one that ran aground in unfortunate weather. Some of the crew turned to serve you...and that is where you are now.”

Bennett chuckled. “And here we are, legend and lies.”

Randall shrugged. “It’s rumored you take ships that wander too close to shore outside the shipping routes, which means other pirates are afraid to come here to confront you.”

“If only that holds true,” Bennett answered.

***

The Storm

Mary took Ben to the cave along with the things she held most precious, her picture of Bennett and a case containing some paints and canvas. The men were busy setting up her room in the cave. The cave felt chilly and damp so she stayed outside the entrance watching the wind pick up and waiting for the rain. When it came, then she would head in with Ben. He played on a blanket with his toys made of wood. Happy to play at war. The rain started to fall. Mary spoke, “Ben, grab your toys and head inside the cave, please.” Mary picked up his blanket and headed inside.

***

Bennett made his way around camp making sure all was secure for the big blow that was about to hit. On land this high up from the beach, wind, falling trees, rocks, and rushing waters down the sides and in the passages of the caves created by the long silent volcano were the real threat to their lives. He had to see the furniture had been moved, the livestock secured, and those aboard the Devonshire had set the anchors with plenty of slack in the chain for the waves. Eight months had passed on the island since the last big storm. Now they had more to lose. The largest cave system wound through the old volcano complete with upper rooms, lower rooms and many winding passages. It was where the men and the women moved in to shelter them from the worst of the wind. Unfortunately, the caves would not all remain dry. They knew from experience where the rain would flow in from the top of the mountain, and avoided those caves and passageways, but the benefit of the tunnels was the protection they provided from the wind for the next day or two.

They had so much more now than when they’d first arrived. More to secure, and keep safe from blowing away. Their world was growing, which was worrisome when thrown in with a sense of peace that that was the way things should be. If you weren’t living, you were dying. If you weren’t growing, you were dying. Therefore living and growth were preferable to the alternative. A ship ran on the premise that supplies were a resource that meant the difference between life and death. You survived on your ability to recognize and grow those resources when the opportunity presented itself. Seaweed could be a lifesaver, along with fish and the stray floating coconut. Rain was collected and kept in barrels. Salt, while too much could kill, would work as a preservative for meat, and a way to clean out wounds.

The storm came in waves, wind and rain, with some lightning turning the sky brilliant colors. Shades of bright lime green all the way to light purple hues infused the clouds in a way Graham had only seen during these storms. Everyone on the island hunkered down, playing cards, reading, whittling, drinking, and singing. Ironically passing the time occupied with the same activities sailors would do when hit by a day of calm out in the middle of the sea while waiting in good nature for the stillness to pass.

On the Devonshire though, the sailors were in a constant state of movement or readiness. High winds and fluctuating seas were the most dangerous time to be aboard a ship. Within forty-eight hours the rain bands had passed, and life settled back to its normal routine.

***

A
Month Later in 1826

The weather held as the HMS Lancashire rounded the farthest edge of the island. They’d mapped the larger pirate colony off the trade route, and soon, they would send for a detail of navy ships to dispatch them to their maker.

“Head south down the coast,” Captain Stafford commanded. He saw no sign of the Devonshire yet. She was one of only forty of the Vengeur gunships built which had acquired the nickname of the “forty thieves.” They were fast and well-armed. They were the sleekest warships on the seas a thoroughbred among the workhorses of the sailing fleet. Whoever brought her back in one piece with the captain to be hanged would be given command of the ship. He wanted command of that ship.

The smaller islands with their wealth of hidden coves would be a great hiding place for a ship of her nature. He put himself in Captain Graham’s shoes. Captain Graham had been hired to survey the coast. No one would know better the hiding places concealed among the small islands and the craggy coves on the shore. Captain Stafford was sure Graham would stick near the shore. His men must come inland to stock his ship. Feeding and taking care of two
hundred and fifty men was not an undertaking that could be hidden for long. He wouldn’t hide among the Spanish or Portuguese pirates as they’d slit his throat and his men’s for the ship alone, never mind the treasure.

“She is here. I can feel it,” the captain said. “Where are you hiding?” Every cove they discovered empty, was one less to search, he thought.

The first officer nodded.

“Let us have a quick look in that bay.”

The first officer shouted the command to turn the ship into the bay.

***

Randall and Bennett

The call went out and quickly spread to where Bennett and Randall were working. “Ship! HMS Navy, sir,” the messenger said with a worried look in his eye.

“Signal the Devonshire to hug in tight on the far side of the cove.”

“Done sir, first thing when the ship was sighted.”

Bennett nodded. “Good.”

The men took to their posts, the coals were dispersed on the fires, but not wetted, so as not to create smoke. The residual smoke would be masked by the misty spray of the waterfall.

The navy ship rounded the bend and approached the cove. The men of the crew were hidden among the trees every eye watchful, careful not to move the foliage, aware the ship would have spyglasses trained on the shore and the cliffs, looking for any sign of life.

If the ship pulled into the main cove, there was a chance it would spy the jutting half-circle hidden cove that was just big enough to conceal the Devonshire from any passing ships.

“Sir?” The messenger spoke to the captain quietly.

The captain tilted his head slightly indicating the messenger could continue with his statement. “We have the supply skiff returning this evening. Do we warn them?”

“No. Not until we are sure this ship will not see our signal. We will wait until dusk to assess the risk.”

The ship slowly cruised into the mouth of the cove. The sailors held their breath. A flock of loud noisy parrots took off from the top of the tree
line to the south of their position and Randall could spy the sailor on the deck of the ship swivel to catch sight of the birds.

The ship lazily circled around and headed back out of the cove. Another ten fathoms forward and they would have spied the opening to the hidden cove. The optical illusion would have been ruined. Twenty fathoms forward and they would have spied the front bow of the Devonshire. The ruse would have been up.

***

Onboard the HMS Lancashire, the captain looked back at the island.

“What is it, sir?” his officer asked.

“A feeling
,” the captain answered. He scanned the coast and the side of the mountain looking for a clue, something to justify his instinct. Nothing. But the feeling would not go away.

The first officer heard a splash and looked down into the deep clear water.

“Look,” one of the crew said loudly while pointing toward the water. Several sharks lazily circled below the calm surface. Sharks circled the ship, searching for what, he did not know.

The captain sniffed the air. “Did you smell that?”

The first officer sniffed moving his head to and fro. “Smoke, captain?” It was so faint and brief. “It could be from our stoves below deck.”

“Yes, perhaps. Just the same take the ship on to the next island, we will circle it like the sharks do around this ship. If we find nothing, we will return here under the cover of dark, then we will see what we shall see.”

****

The ship headed off towards its next destination, and while the men relaxed back on the island, the mood remained somber around the camp. A naval ship was not a good sign, they were actively looking for something. The men knew it was the Devonshire and their hides. Captain Graham had made it clear they would surrender without a fight as they were honorable men in service to the King, even if the King required their heads. Such was the fortune of a navy crew and ship.

Bennett spoke to Randall, “Perhaps I should have commanded to signal to the ship, surrendered.”

“Do not question yourself, you
are
the captain. We will hang soon enough,” Randall said flippantly.

“
I
will hang; however, as your captain and your friend, I have a request of you. Can I impose upon your friendship? Not for me, but for the life of my son and wife?”

Randall nodded. “I will do whatever you ask. I would follow you to the grave. I am bound by duty and honor, but above all, our friendship.”

Captain Graham nodded, and let his breath out in a heavy sigh, “I have a feeling we have not long left. There must be a bounty for the return of the ship if not my head. When they come ashore, I will surrender on the beach. I wish you to take my son and Mary, to her parents. You know the terrain as well as any. As you know, there is a native canoe hidden on the leeward side, only visible at low tide. Get them back safely. I will try to make it to England alive, pleading for a trial. I will use the whereabouts of the treasure as a bargaining tool for the freedom of the men so they may have their good names cleared.”

Randall nodded. “I will take them to safety as you ask. Once they are secure, I will return to help you and the men in any way I can.”

Graham clasped Randall’s shoulder in a firm grip. His look grave but relieved.

***

Graham called a meeting once the naval ship was out of sight of the island. He looked out over his men, well fed and cared for, happy in the life they had carved out for themselves under the tropical canopy of the rain forested volcanic cliffs of the island.

“His Majesty’s ship has safely passed us by, giving us a welcome reprieve. However, it will be back. There is a bounty for the ship, my head, and possibly for the crew. I ask on your honor in front of God and man, that you will take to your grave the location of the treasure we have hid. If I make it to England with my head still upon my shoulders, I plan on using its whereabouts to obtain freedom for you, my crew, to clear your good names.” The men yelled out their assent.

“If we should be wronged, and the truth does not prevail, let the treasure be given over to history as a testament to our honor. If our names must be sullied the hidden treasure is the payment we demand for our ruined reputations.”

The men once again yelled out their agreement.

“Who is with me for our honor before our King?”

Cheers rang out throughout the crowd.

“We are not pirates, we are not thieves. We are men who serve God, King, and country above all. Let the angels in heaven be our witness.”

“Aye! Aye!” The calls echoed out. Graham had never been more proud of his men.

***

“Do you think the ship will return?” Mary asked Bennett.

“Yes, I’m sure it will, as that is what I would have done. I am afraid we have only hours to a day of freedom left.”

“I am afraid.” Mary clutched at Bennett. “Tell me I should not be.”

“Randall will take you and Ben away in the boat hidden by the caves. He will take you both back to your parents. Stay there until I come for you.”

Mary pressed her head into his shoulder her tears wetting his shirt. She shook her buried head. “He can take Ben, but I will not leave your side. I will share your fate.”

“No! You will go with Randall. I command it.”

Mary laughed with no mirth, “You cannot command me. I will follow you. I cannot stay away wondering what has happened. I cannot bear it! Ben will be safe with my parents. My place is with you, for the best and the worst. Maybe you will fight harder to stay alive if I am near. I will fight to keep you alive with every breath I have in my body.”

Bennett held onto Mary tighter. He kissed her until her tears stopped, then took her to their bed.

***

In the dawn’s light the sailor on sixth watch could see the returned ship just outside the cove. He signaled to the command. “They are approaching the bay.”