The maiden voyage of the Mary Belle 12/13

The voyage home went smoothly after that. Barnacle Bill took Jennifer Jane and one of the sailors from the brig to help him sail his paddle steamer, following in the brig’s wake.

It took rather longer than would otherwise have been necessary, but it didn’t seem too long before they spotted the rainy weather that always seemed to be on the horizon, showing sailors coming home where England could be found.

In due course, both vessels arrived at the goblin boatyard. There was a loud cheer as they tied up to the quayside and the crews went ashore to explain why they had been away for so long.

Barnacle Bill went into the office with the Mary Belle’s captain, to meet Norman and another of the Davy Jones Company captains who happened to be there for some items of chandlery. Fern and the rest of the crew, split up into small groups and told the story of the storm and the paddle steamers rescue, to the boatyard workers.

Then to Jennifer Jane’s amazement Barnacle Bill came out of the office, sat down on the nearest bollard and burst into tears.

She stopped talking to her little group of workmen and rushed over to him. Something very serious must have happened to upset him like that. She’d supposed all his troubles would be over once he was back in his home waters.

“The Davy Jones Shipping Company is claiming salvage rights,” he sobbed, “I’m going to have to sell my beautiful steamer to be able to pay them!”

Fern had come over as well to see why he was upset. Jennifer Jane looked at her. “Can they do that?” she asked.

“I’m afraid they can,” replied Fern, “they certainly re-floated him and one of their sailors was aboard when we came home, so they are legally entitled, although it’s not a very nice thing to do.”

Jennifer Jane was horrified. Barnacle Bill was so proud of his paddle steamer; whatever would he do without it. Somehow she had to help her friend, but how? She’d never be able to find enough money; it must cost a fortune to buy a steamboat.

Fern went off to talk to the boatyard workers, then quickly came back again. “I’ve just had a word with the boys,” she said, “they think he’s been hard done by and are quite willing to help out by having a whip round, but we’ll never raise enough money to settle the claim. If your dad were here, it would be a good time for one of his elegant solutions!”