The Pole Read Online Free PDF Page A

lifted off my chest. He stopped at the stove and poured himself a coffee. He walked back over, pulled out a chair, and sat down on the far side of the table.
    â€œRight now the Commander is talkin’ with his daughter. Do ya think she’s goin’ to tell the same story as you?”
    â€œShe’ll say the same thing ’cause it ain’t no story, it’s the truth.”
    He took a long sip from his coffee but didn’t say anything.
    â€œYou ’ave to believe me, sir!” I protested.
    â€œI’m the Cap’n of this ship so I don’t have to do anythin’ … but I do believe you.”
    A wave of relief washed over my body.
    â€œWhat do ya think would have happened to young Marie if ya hadn’t come upon her?” he asked.
    â€œI don’t know, sir,” I said, shaking my head. “She might ’ave gotten back inside by ’erself.”
    â€œOr might not.” He took a big sip from his mug. “Ya shouldn’t have been up on the deck,” he said slowly, “and if ya ever go topside durin’ a storm like that again, I’ll personally throw ya over the side.”
    â€œYes, sir, ya ’ave my word that I won’t …” I heard the sound of the galley hatch opening and I turned around. It was Commander Peary. I struggled to get to my feet but before I could rise I felt his hand on my shoulder.
    â€œSit … please,” he said, and nervously I settled back down into the seat.
    He pulled out a chair and sat down beside me. “Cookie,” he said, “may I have a cup of your steaming java?”
    â€œSure can, sir.”
    Cookie poured the Commander a mug and placed it beside him.
    â€œHow are you feeling, son?”
    â€œI’m fine. How is Marie?”
    â€œShe’s a little distraught, but fine … thanks to you.”
    â€œI didn’t do anythin’,” I said.
    â€œIf not for you my daughter could have been lost.”
    â€œI just helped get ’er inside … done what anybody would have done.”
    â€œBut it wasn’t anybody, it was you. I am in your debt. And, as God is my witness, I will honour that debt, although there is nothing that could ever repay such a deed.”
    He reached out and took my hand in his. “At some time, perhaps it will be years from now, if you require my assistance in any matter, no matter how small and insignificant or impossibly large, you may contact me, and whatever is within my reach or resources will be done.You have my word.”
    â€œThank you, sir.”
    He released my hand. “Now, it is time to retire for the evening.” He got up. “Good night, and again, my thanks, and my word—at some time in the future, you may be in need of my assistance.”
    I quickly got to my feet. “Good night, sir.”
    He departed, leaving me and Cookie and the Captain alone in the room. I closed my eyes and thought about what Commander Peary had just said. It was all going to be all right.
    â€œMore coffee?” Cookie asked the Captain.
    The Captain held up his cup. Cookie walked over and refilled first the Captain’s mug and then mine.
    â€œIt’s a shame,” Captain Bartlett said.
    â€œWhat is?” Cookie asked.
    â€œIt’s a shame for the boy here,” he said, motioning to me, “that it’s me who’s in charge of him instead ofCommander Peary. Commander wants to give him a medal … Me? I’m not sure if he should be toasted or have his bottom tanned.”
    My feeling of relief was now gone.
    â€œHow is the boy doin’ down here?” Captain Bartlett asked Cookie. “Is he doing his job?”
    â€œI’ve ’ad worse and I’ve ’ad better.”
    Those weren’t the words I’d been hoping for to defend me.
    â€œCould ya get by without him?”
    â€œMight be easier without ’im under me feet some of the time,” Cookie said.
    This