The pistol eases back, and Victor releases him but keeps it trained on him. “State your business before I change my mind,” Victor grumbles.
“The captain has arranged a race,” he gulps out. “I was the engineer until a few hours ago when I advised against it. The engines are new and not broken in, it isn't safe. If you want to stay on board, it's on you, but if they were mine, I would get off now!” Earl blurts.
“Why would he race a ship?” Summer argues.
“Money, Summer. Hold this,” Victor shoves the pistol at her and begins racing around the cabin collecting their things. “The railroad has taken a large portion of their income, and that forces them to find other ways to bring in revenue.”
“True, but these damn fools don't listen. I've been an engineer for ten years, and I keep telling them that the new engines cannot be run under full pressure of steam. The newness of the engines will force it to seize and overheat causing them to explode. You don’t want to be here for that!”
Summer gasps and lowers the pistol. “Thank you, Earl, for warning us. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I am sorry, for earlier, Mrs. Yates. You reminded me of my wife, and I was drunk,” he hangs his head in shame. “I already ordered your trunks off the ship, but you must hurry.”
“Take Jonah,” Victor reclaims the pistol and shoves his son into her arms, before tossing Earl two carpet bags. Jonah grumbles and puts his head back on Summer’s shoulder wrapping his tiny arms around her neck. She flinches at the extra weight but ignores the pain.
“Lead the way, Earl,” Victor barks.
“Good, good.” Earl hurries down the back hall towards the stern of the ship. The gangway is lowered and secured as more wood is loaded. They follow quickly and quietly, not stopping until they are on dry land.
“I took the liberty of securing passage for you on The Bessie. She is a side-wheel paddle boat. You will be in New York, in four hours give or take.” Earl says, handing Victor his bags. He shakes his head no when Victor tries to pay him.
“You are a treasure, Earl. Thank you.” Summer's eye glisten with unshed tears at the unexpected generosity.
“Yes, Thank you, Earl.” Victor shakes his hand, and Earl grins. “Are you coming with us?”
“No, but you can bet I won’t be moving on with that ship. Captain Dane will take good care of you.” Earl gives Victor directions to the ship and orders their trunks be moved to the other ship before walking away.
A steam whistle blowing off pressure from a nearby ship is ear-splitting. Victor looks back along the pier and points out a ship heating their boilers up as well.
“That must be the ship that our captain will be racing,” he yells over the din to Summer.
She turns with Jonah to watch as the two ships cast off their mooring lines and move out into the deep water. The smoke coming out of the crowned stacks of both ships is thick and heavy with ash as they start building steam pressure readying for the race. The ships move out and line up next to one another. They are of equal size, but one is a side-wheel versus a sternwheel. The sternwheel is more maneuverable, but the side wheel is faster.
People scream back and forth between the two ships, Jonah covers his ears and sits up to watch the show. All along the docks people are cheering or yelling, and money trades hands as bets are placed. Finally, with the screech of a steam whistle the ships take off! A loud whoosh of steam can be heard as the two ships over pressure their engines attempting to gain the lead. The paddle wheels of ships can be heard as they slap and claw at the water pushing the vessel forward.
Spectators watch, and some run alongside, even jumping into carriages to follow the ships as far as they can on shore.
Jonah covers his ears while Summer pats him.
Victor takes the bags and guides them down the dock to where the boat waits. “Here we go again. These ships normally have standing room only. Stay close and listen.” Summer sets Jonah down and holds on tightly to his hand. The crowds are thick, and she imagines it will be the same way on board. After speaking to the captain, they are allowed to board, and Victor moves them towards a corner, where he can tuck them behind him.
The morning fog dampens the air and keeps the dust to a minimum. When the sun breaks through it begins to burn the fog away and the crisp autumn air helps mute the stench of fish, coal, and wood.
“Is this a pirate ship?” Jonah asks tugging on his father’s hand.
“More like a ferryboat. These smaller boats are used to move freight and people short distances. Why don’t you sit on the carpet bag and rest, son.” Victor says with a smile of reassurance.
They stand together, and Victor watches the crowds around them. Summer smiles at the protective stance he has taken. His body is caging them in effectively cutting off any chance of someone speaking to them, and she is thankful for it. She leans against the railing, and her hand touches his back softly. He turns back and looks at her.
“How far from the dock is your home?”
“It is nearly twenty-five minutes by coach. We aren't going all
