On Tuesday, the third day of the cruise, Jessie and Violet were awakened by Grandfather. “We’re sailing into St. Thomas,” he called. “Come and see. Benny and Henry are already on deck.”
It wasn’t long before the five Aldens, hands resting on the rail, viewed the harbor scene. Cliffs on both sides of the port dropped into the sea. Many cruise ships, yachts, and sailboats were afloat on the turquoise water.
“St. Thomas is one of the Virgin Islands,” Henry said. “I read about it in our guide book.”
“It will be fun to look in the shops,” Violet said. “We have six hours in Charlotte Amalie.”
Confused, Benny said, “I thought this was St. Thomas.”
“It is,” Henry said with a chuckle. “Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas.”
“Oh,” Benny replied. “I wish I could buy something in those shops.”
“You can,” Grandfather answered. “I want each of you to buy a good watch.” He glanced at his grandchildren, delighted at their surprised faces. “On St. Thomas you’ll find some of the best jewelry shops in the world.”
“Grandfather!” Violet exclaimed, her face lighting with pleasure. “You’re so good to us.”
“I’ve been wanting a better watch,” Henry said, with a broad smile. “My old one is always too fast or too slow.”
“I’d love a new watch,” Jessie said.
“I’ve never had a watch,” Benny said, “except, of course, for Watch, our dog.” The other Aldens chuckled. “But,” he hastened to assure Grandfather, “I can tell time.”
“I know you can, Benny,” Grandfather said, placing his hand over Benny’s.
All at once Benny shouted, “Look! A big fish jumped out of the water.”
“It’s a dolphin!” Violet said eagerly, watching it splash in the water.
A long black cruise ship sailed past, blocking their view.
Henry whistled. “That ship is twice as long as ours.”
“It’s called the Viking,” Jessie said, reading the red letters on the prow. “It’s a Norwegian ship. See the red flag with two blue stripes edged in white?”
Soon the West Wind was docked alongside the Viking.
After a hearty breakfast the children and Grandfather descended the ramp onto the streets of Charlotte Amalie.
The main street was lined with shops, but Grandfather led them to a store called The Watchman. There, the children tried on various watches until each one had chosen just the right one.
Proudly wearing their watches, the Aldens walked with Grandfather, peering in windows and exploring alleyways.
“All these shops were once pirate warehouses,” Henry explained. “Blackbeard the pirate and Sir Francis Drake once walked these streets.”
“Oh, Henry,” Jessie teased. “Just because you read the guidebook you think you’re an expert.”
“I am.” Henry laughed.
They stopped to rest at Emancipation Park, a small waterfront park. Next they went through Government House, where the governor lived, then they had lunch at an outdoor cafe.
“I’m ready to go back,” Benny said, drinking the last of his milk.
Violet agreed.
“Then let’s head for the ship,” Grandfather said. “Is everyone ready?”
“Yes,” Henry and Jessie echoed together.
Once on board the ship, Grandfather went directly to his cabin, but the children lingered to watch a few new passengers check in with the first officer.
The arrivals were a burly blond man in a bright flowered shirt, a young girl in the ship’s uniform, and a young couple with a crying baby.
“Hi, kids,” the man in the tropical shirt boomed. “Do you like this cruise?” He reached over and grabbed Violet’s hand, shaking it.
“It’s been fine,” she answered softly, astonished at how friendly this stranger was.
“My name’s Tom Bishop,” he stated, still pumping Violet’s hand. “What’s your name?”
“V-Violet Alden,” she stammered, her face turning as pink as her T-shirt.
“I’m her brother, Henry,” Henry said, stepping forward, “and this is Jessie, and—”
“And I’m Benny,” Benny declared. “You’ve got big arms, Tom.”
Tom threw back his head and laughed. He flexed his arm, causing his muscles to bulge. “Soon as I’m unpacked, I’m heading for the exercise room.” His small eyes squinted at Benny. “I could build you up to be a big boy, Benny.”
“I am a big boy,” Benny retorted, keeping his eyes fastened on Tom.
“Sure you are!” Tom paused. “I’ll bet you kids know every inch of this ship.”
“Of course we do,” Benny said. “The exercise room is on C Deck.”
“Thanks,” Tom said breezily. “See you.” He called over his shoulder, “I’ll depend on you to show me around.” He chuckled and climbed the stairs.
“He seems very friendly,” Jessie said to the young woman who had finished signing aboard.
“Yes, he is,” she answered. “He talks quite a bit.”
Jessie laughed. She studied the girl, who wore a neat white skirt and jacket. “We’re the Aldens.”
“I-I’m Heather Kowalski, a new crew member,” she said.
“Hi, Heather,” Benny said. “We’re pleased to meet you.”
“Th-thanks.” She looked embarrassed.
“Heather?” a steward asked, coming up to the young girl.
“Yes, she answered, turning.
He grinned, handing her a bunch of red roses. “These are for you.” Then he added, “I couldn’t help seeing the message. The flowers are from ‘C’ and he wishes you ‘Good Luck.’ ” The steward gazed at Heather, who was very pretty. “I’m jealous. Who’s C?”
“I must go.” Hurriedly Heather backed away, then wheeled about and fled up the stairs.
Henry rubbed his chin. “She certainly was in a hurry to get away.”
Jessie nodded. A baby’s cry had startled her.
The mother looked apologetic as she shifted her tote bag to her hip and jiggled the baby up and down. “Shhh,” she cooed softly. “It’s all right, Robin. Shhh.”
Violet removed her charm bracelet and dangled it before the baby. The baby’s eyes widened, and he stopped crying.
“Let me hold this for you,” Henry offered, taking the mother’s tote bag.
“Thanks,” the woman said, handing the bag to Henry. “We’re the Rands. I’m Melissa. This is Robin, who’s nine months old, and over there, signing in, is my husband, Ralph. We’ve spent a week on St. Thomas, but we’re ready to return to our home in Miami.
“I appreciate your help,” Melissa said gratefully as a steward took their bags and the Rands started up the stairs.
“Melissa, I’ll bet you this ship won’t be nearly as good as ours,” Ralph said.
Melissa laughed. “I wouldn’t take that bet! Our ship was so wonderful!” With these words they disappeared into their cabin.
Jessie wondered what ship they could have been talking about. Nothing could be finer than the West Wind.
That night at dinner Melissa, Ralph, and Tom Bishop were seated at a table near the Aldens.
Tom bounced out of his chair and dashed over to their table. “Hi, kids. I had a great workout. Come to the exercise room tomorrow and I’ll show you how I lift weights.”
“You can lift weights?” Benny said, with enthusiasm. “Like in the movies?”
“Like in the movies,” Tom repeated.
“Tom Bishop, this is our grandfather, James Alden,” Henry introduced, “and our friend, Max Greene.”
Tom reached over and heartily shook Grandfather’s hand, then Max’s. Max barely mumbled hello.
“See you tomorrow,” Tom said, swaggering back to his table.
Max looked uncomfortable. “Excuse me,” he said, rising. “I need to send a message. I’ll be right back.”
Violet spread her napkin across her lap, and glanced at Max’s retreating back. “Why is Max so nervous?”
“I wish we knew,” Henry answered.
Before they had finished their tomato soup, Max was back, his face pale. His hands were trembling as he picked up a spoon.
“What’s wrong?” Jessie asked with concern.
“It’s the radio room,” Max answered. “No messages can be sent and none received. They’re working on the problem, but in the meantime I need to send a message.”
Henry wondered what had gone wrong with the radio. Poor Max, he thought. He seemed desperate to get in touch with someone. |