1762
M A R C H
C H A P T E R Four—
“Trying to run, are you?” The children’s heart nearly jumped.
Temperance couldn’t help but cry. “Father, no! Please! Don’t send us away!” She was on her knees begging.
Father kicked her. “Get up. You’re leaving seven o’clock. Be ready or you get the whipping of your life.”
Temperance gasped in fear. She grasped James’ arm quickly. As long as they were together, they were safe.
They followed Father from a distance, leaving their trustful horse Mission, all alone in the deep woods.
They followed Father to a beach where there was people scattering all over, loading boats and passengers.
Father shoved the children to a man who looked as if he were waiting for them.
“Here’s your fifteen shillings.” The man said, handing a palmful of coins to Father. “I’ll get them on the boat, but first I have to discuss the room arrangement.” His voice was serious and quiet. He didn’t quite seem like the kind of person you would find enjoyable.
“You’ll go with him now.” Father said. “Mind him, and listen to whatever orders he gives you.”
James was quiet, but Temperance couldn't help but speak. “But Father…we’re your children.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “What about Mother? Will you take care of her?”
Father glared. “Your Mother has died from Typhus. It was contagious, so I left.”
Temperance felt like screaming. “You left her? You left her to die! I—” She stopped the words from bursting out.
“Hate me all you want. You’re not my child anymore, nor my responsibility. You belong to Mr. Reeds. A man who is journeying to the New World. He currently has no need of a slave, but he says he’ll find a suitable home for the both of you. I’m sure there are people in America in need of a slave.”
James looked up. “Do you mean to separate us, Father?” James could see right through the anger filled eyes.
Father said nothing. He only walked away in silence.
The children sat down on the sand. Their faces were dim and lifeless.
“Don’t worry, Temperance, we’ll find a way. We won’t get separated, we can’t!” He stopped to think. “The man Father mentioned—he’s going to America. Once we arrive, we’ll run away and never have to face something like this, ever again.” He looked at Temperance. “Don’t cry. Don’t let them see how you’re really feeling. It’s almost a sign of victory for them. They want us to be upset. But we can’t let them win.” He tried to encourage her. “There’s still hope.” James tried to spot the man.
Temperance crossed her arms. “The man looks mean.” She mumbled miserably.
James said nothing. His sister was obviously very upset, but what could he do? What if when they tried to escape, the man found them and really did separate them?
“Get up.” The English voice said. “Get up now. The boat for slaves is leaving.” His eyes seemed to look right through their eyes into their soul. Like an animal, Temperance could sense when someone was threatening, or meant trouble.
The children stood up. The man introduced himself. “My name is Nicolaus Reeds. Only, since you are both slaves, you may call me Master Reeds and nothing else.” Nicolaus tied a thick, rough rope around both of their hands. It hurt deeply.
Nicolaus took them to a large, vast sailboat that almost looked frightening. It was called, The Rotterdam.
Almost in a second, the children were pushed into a man that inspected them and then led them to another man who found a place for them on the boat.
Temperance’s whole body filled with anger toward Father. She felt so furious. Why does everyone think us like slaves? I serve no one here!
“Go to the lower deck in the left room. That space is designated for the troublemakers.” He chuckled harshly. “It’s the worst spot.” He added.
James’s eyes grew as wide as saucers. “But sir! You can’t be serious! That’s the worst spot! Don’t fret, I promise I’ll keep a keen eye on my sister. She can be ferocious sometimes, when you test her temper.”
Temperance’s gaze met his. Half of her was humiliated, the other half was hoping this worked.
“Besides…if we’re sick and weak, we can’t be as much help to our Master, as we should.”
“Master?” Temperance was astonished.
The man raised his arm to hit her but stopped, when James went on.
“Mr. Nicolaus Reeds paid an awful amount of money, just to get two half—dead servants.”
The man scowled at him. “Slaves.” He corrected.
“Yes, yes, of course.” James grinned up at the man. “What might be your name, gentleman?”
“The name’s Rudder. But I ain’t no gentleman, mind you. Now get up the rail and pick a spot yourself. But if you get in trouble, you’ll get a proper beatin’.”
“Aye sir.” James replied happily.
Mr. Rudder looked toward Temperance.
Temperance mumbled a quiet, “Yes sir.”
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