A New Day Read Online Free PDF Page A

dressed quickly. We’ll have breakfast and then I’ll take you to the officer on watch. He’ll tell you what your assignments are for the day.’
    ‘Right.’ Jack reached for his clothes, and then stopped suddenly, a wide grin spreading across his face. ‘Hey, I can stand up!’
    Bill laughed. ‘The storm has blown itself out. Move it, lad, or you won’t have time to eat. You must never be late for duty.’
    After a quick slosh with water, Jack was ready in ten minutes. Thank goodness he didn’t have to shave yet. If Bill noticed his lack of morning whiskers he didn’t say anything, but he was certain the sailor knew he was under age. That was probably why he had taken him under his wing straight away, and for that he was very grateful.
    No more than half an hour later he had received his duties for the day. The ship was huge, but everyone was very friendly and helpful as he tried to negotiate himself from one job to another. Every part of the ship he was sent to he bombarded the men with questions. The knowledge he gained was meticulously recorded in a notebook he had in his pocket. He was determined to be a good sailor.
    It was late afternoon before he had a moment to himself, and after grabbing a cup of tea he headed for the deck. The sea was calm now and he leant on the rail, gazing at the huge expanse of water.
    ‘Like what you see?’ Bill joined him.
    ‘Oh, yes,’ he sighed. ‘Look at the sun glistening on the water. I always thought the sea was either blue or grey, but it isn’t, is it? There are so many colours. It’s breathtaking.’
    ‘I never get tired of looking at it. Not only does it have many colours, but also many moods. Sometimes, like now, it’s gentle, other times it’s boisterous, and sometimes violent and cruel. The sea is ever changing, Jack. Love it, respect it, but never trust it. Have you finished your tasks?’
    ‘Yes, I’m free now until tomorrow morning. I haven’t actually done much today, I’ve just been told to watch and learn, but I hope they let me start working soon.’
    ‘You’ll be doing jobs on your own from tomorrow, I’ve no doubt. I’m free for the rest of the day, so let’s get some food.’ He glanced at Jack’s too-thin body. ‘We need to get you fattened up a bit. You look as if you haven’t had a decent meal for ages.’
    Jack grimaced. ‘That brute ran me ragged, and he wasn’t very generous when it came to feeding me.’
    Bill’s mouth set in a grim line. ‘We’ll soon put that right.’
    The scene in the galley was very different from the previous night. It was crowded. Men were eating, talking, and there was a serious game of cards going on. Bill and Jack squeezed in at the end of the long table.
    ‘Hey, lad, want to join us?’ one of the card players asked.
    ‘No, thanks. I don’t know how.’ He looked at the pile of coins on the table and shook his head. ‘I haven’t got enough money anyway.’
    ‘We’ll show you, and we’ll take markers until you get paid.’
    ‘No, I don’t gamble.’
    ‘That’s sensible.’ Bill gave the men a stern glance. ‘This boy’s got more sense than to let you take his money.’
    ‘He might win. Beginners are often lucky.’
    Bill gave a dry laugh. ‘Not against you lot they’re not. Biggest load of cheats I’ve come across in twenty years at sea.’
    Jack grinned at the roars of protest and good-humoured banter. Everyone was laughing by the time Jack and Bill had plates of sausage and mash in front of them.
    ‘Don’t let them entice you into playing cards with them,’ Bill warned.
    ‘No fear. I’m going to save my money for my sister. She’s going to make sure we have a place of our own.’ A wistful look crossed his face. ‘I was only a nipper when we were sent to the orphanage, and I don’t remember what it was like to have a proper home. Hanna told me to enjoy the voyage and spend my money, but I’m going to save some because I’m not going to let her do this on her own. I’m