Coasts of Cape York Read Online Free PDF Page B

walls and a small fold-down table in the middle. The table was in the way and he banged himself a few times while he lifted the man onto the far bench.
    That done Willy turned to lift the table, which was hinged at the end away from the door. As he did the man began to slide off the narrow bench seat. Willy swore and grabbed at him while trying to hold the table up. It didn’t work. Willy had to let the table drop on his back while he knelt to push the man back onto the bench.
    The table was lifted and Willy was aware that someone was helping him. He glanced up and saw it was Mr Southall. “You get up in the corner and hold him,” Mr Southall said. He then clipped the table in the upright position against the bulkhead.
    Willy was now able to get behind the man and lift him up onto the bench seat properly. He intended to lie him down but the man opened his eyes and croaked so he held him up. “What did you say?” Willy asked.
    â€œWater,” the man croaked.
    Mr Southall gestured to Willy. “You hold him up. I’ll get the water.”
    Willy did as he was told and Mr Southall quickly went to the galley to get a cup of water. While he did this he spoke to the men in the doorway and then handed Willy the cup. “Give him this while I help the others,” he instructed.
    Willy found it awkward to keep the man upright and hold the cup to his lips. The man put up his own hands to help and gulped greedily at the water, spilling half of it in his haste.  Then he sighed and leaned back. “Thanks,” he croaked. After a minute or so he sat up. “Can I have some more please?”
    â€œWill you be alright?” Willy asked, worried the man might slump off the bench again.
    â€œYes,” the man replied. Willy released his hold and made his way across to the galley, found the tap and filled the cup. As he did Mr Southall came past with a blanket. When Willy recrossed the passageway he glanced to his right and saw that the dead body was being wrapped up in the blanket. The sight made him shudder and feel very depressed.
    He returned to the tiny cabin and handed the man the water, then sat opposite him. The man drank the water greedily then smacked his lips with satisfaction. “Sorry,” he said, “but I’ve been in the water since early last night and I’m a bit thirsty.”
    Willy did a quick calculation. It was only about 10am so he deduced the man had been in the water at least twelve hours. He wanted to ask what had happened but knew Mr Southall would ask that so he said, “You were very lucky I saw you. We only came down low to have a look at some whales.”
    â€œYou saw me? Thanks, I owe you,” the man said. Then he managed a weak grin and held out his hand. “I’m Jacob van der Heyden. What’s your name?”
    Willy took the offered hand, blushing as he did. “Willy. Willy Williams,” he replied.
    After shaking hands Jacob nodded and said, “When I saw the plane go over I was full of hope but then it just flew off and I thought I was done for.”
    â€œI wasn’t sure if it was a man I saw,” Willy explained. “It took me a few minutes to convince the officers and the pilot.”
    â€œOfficers?” Jacob queried, his eyes roving over Willy’s blue uniform with its rank badges on epaulets.
    â€œI’m an air cadet,” Willy explained.
    Jacob nodded. “So this is an air force plane?”
    â€œNo, it’s just painted this way for historical re-enactments,” Willy replied. He began to explain the history of the ‘Catalina’. As he did the men went past the door, carrying the blanket shrouded body. Willy had his back to them but he saw Jacob’s face go pale, his freckles standing out very clearly.
    Jacob then began to shiver and tremble. Willy realized he probably had hyperthermia from being in the cold water so long. “I’ll get you a blanket,” he said,