The Promise

By Manuel Rodriguez

When a promise with a strange and mysterious facet behind it is made in the life of gifted nine-year-old Douglas Southerland, he is propelled into making choices he must deal with, and an unusually odd quest begins that lasts the rest of his life. Spanning eight decades, The Promise is the story of Douglas's first-class life from the 1890s to 1970. While entwined with many historical facts, how does Douglas deal with several maritime tragedies, espionage, sabotage, attempted murders, and a kidnapping, while living at home, and, later, when raising his own family? What effects will his choices have on others? Who or what will mentor him, to guide his choices? What are the pros or cons of each choice? Douglas finds he asks and, in some cases, must wait for answers to his quest to solve his own personal mystery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643000855

Book preview

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The Promise

Manuel Rodriguez

ISBN 978-1-64300-083-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64300-084-8 (Hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64300-085-5 (Digital)

Copyright © 2019 Manuel Rodriguez

All rights reserved

First Edition

This is a work of fiction. All characters in this book are fictitious, and have no relation to anyone alive or dead who might bear the same name or names. All incidents are pure invention, except that certain historically real persons and events are mentioned for the purposes of enhancement and added realism to the story.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books, Inc.

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

To my family

Chapter One

The Beginning

Douglas Sutherland was in a hurry. He was always in a hurry at times like these. There were so many chores to do to get ready, so many items to take care of and decisions to be made before inspection. His clothes had already been laid out for him last night, which helped some. He would be properly dressed for his nine years of age in the latest 1899 first-class children’s outfit—a starched shirt with upturned collar, tie, dark-gray suit jacket, and matching shorts. He hurriedly made the necessary repairs to his bed and hid out of sight any extra items that might fail the inspection before he began to dress for the day. A knock on the bedroom door produced a familiar head as his oldest brother, Peter, opened it slightly and peered in.

Doogie, you’d better hurry or you’ll miss breakfast. Father is already checking our rooms. Yours is next, Peter told him.

Right, Petey, Douglas said. I’m as ready as I can be. Did your room pass this time?

Yeah, barely, Peter answered. Sammy is fixing his, and Sally passed hers today for a change.

What’s for breakfast? Douglas asked. Sure smells good.

Don’t know, Doogie. I haven’t been downstairs yet. Ready or not, here comes Father. Good luck. Peter looked around the room and smiled. You may need it. Moments later their father walked down the hall and stood in the doorway. He always wore an austere look on his salt-and-pepper, muttonchops-covered face at times like this, and Douglas knew better from experience that one never said much in order to keep the peace and be finished with the daily ordeal.

Well, good morning, son, Gordon Sutherland said. It’s a brand-new untouched day so far. How are you today? Did you sleep well?

Sort of, Father, Douglas replied, I guess I’ve been so excited about today I couldn’t sleep very well.

Well, there may be time to take a nap later. Let’s see how you did. You have been improving quite a bit lately. As stiff as his exterior was, Gordon was always generous with deserving praise and encouragement. The room inspection was completed with only one or two items not hidden well enough to escape detection from Gordon’s eagle-eye glance. Douglas needed only a few minutes to make the necessary repairs before he went down the grand staircase to the dining room.

The family lived in a three-story mansion designed in the best Victorian style. Douglas’s bedroom was on the second floor, nestled within one of four round, towerlike extensions from the main square structure of the white-accented, red-brick home, one at each corner of the house. Each of the siblings had rooms in different towers. There were bowed windows on each of the three floors of the towers, which gave an unobstructed view of the plush neighborhood and the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, which surrounded them. From his bedroom, Douglas could keep an eye on the well-manicured front grounds. Douglas’s year-younger sister, Sally, and her governess-maid, Mabel, had rooms in a second tower. From his third-floor office room in a different one, Gordon could keep tabs on the building that housed his prosperous Cincinnati business several blocks away. The tower roofs sported rounded, green shingles that appeared to drip from the conical peaks, while the main roof consisted of a layer of light-gray shingles. A covered porch coursed the length of the housefront and around one side, and a brick lane that led to a circular driveway at the entrance, also led to the carriage house in back. The house was ultramodern, complete with newfangled state-of-the-art electricity, hot and cold running water, and interior bathrooms that included a shower and tub, one each beside the ground, second-, and third-floor hallways, and several more for staff use below where most were stationed.

Douglas and his older brothers Samuel and Peter arrived together at the long, oak dining room table with its ornate hand-carved sides and six curved legs as everyone was about to sit down. Their uniformed butler, Clive, and maid, Mabel, began to serve a four-course breakfast, an array of selections everyone would enjoy. Reflected light from the bay window glinted from crystal chandeliers that hung from the twenty-foot-high ceiling.

Douglas’s mother, Margaret, was an Irish redhead whose grandparents had emigrated from Belfast to the United States in the time of the American Revolution. Although his mother was of short stature, Douglas was in need to be cautious when she was angered, yet he could sit on a chair beside her while his younger sister, Sally, sat on her lap as she read them books from their extensive library. She was soft under her ironclad exterior most of the time. She had had the dining room’s wood floor redone recently. That proved necessary from endless spills when the children were finally allowed to begin to dine with their parents, as each in turn became old enough to join them.

This would be their last meal at this table for some time to come, and the children hurriedly ate their fill, reminded often by Margaret to slow down. Douglas and his siblings had worked very hard in school in order to be able to join their parents on today’s start of a truly grandiose holiday adventure. The children had never been allowed on one, other than to visit a Cincinnati city park or on a short boat excursion on the Ohio River. This one would be a holiday that none of them would ever forget. Mabel and Clive would be with them to watch the children while Gordon and Margaret had trusted caretakers to oversee and supervise the staff and their duties at home during their absence.

Even though Gordon intended this to be a time for his family to holiday together, this would also be a chance for him to mix a little business into the trip as well. His enterprise had begun after he had worked his way up various positions in a workshop, then as an apprentice to learn every aspect of the manufacturing business that produced iron and steel goods. As time passed, he earned enough savings to begin a slow, but sure, buyout of the company. He next expanded the lines to include the latest gadgets and their technologically advanced materials. Gordon finally set about to start an import/export business with a second branch in New York to handle his goods made in the United States and some foreign imports. He sought to reorganize the new business into a sleek and powerful company that he named the Sutherland Manufacturing and Mercantile Company. Now, if all went well, he would be able to set up, and also start, a third branch office and store in London, England.

The trunks and suitcases were packed and ready. A team of two horses pulled a big, red, royal-type carriage trimmed in brass around the curved entrance to the front of the house. A covered wagon trailed behind, and the staff loaded the trunks and luggage into it, while the family bid farewell to everyone out front. Douglas loved to ride in the big royal carriage. He hoped to drive a team of horses someday as well as their chauffer, Alexander, did.

All right, everyone, let us be on our way, Gordon commanded. Peter, you may ride up front with your mother and me. Samuel, you and Douglas will ride in back with Sally in the middle. Off we go now.

I can’t wait to be up front as well, Douglas thought. I can’t see ahead. The seat back is too high, and Mother’s hat is as tall as Father’s top hat.

Father, how long will it take us to get to New York? Douglas asked.

Not long, Douglas. About four, maybe five days, Gordon replied.

Can I have an apple? Sally asked between bounces as the carriage continued along the red brick street to the clop of the horses’ hoofs.

"What? Already? Margaret responded, Don’t tell me you’re still hungry. You ate more for breakfast than anyone else did. How can you hold any more?"

Well, can I?

Everybody knows it’s ‘may I,’ sis, Douglas observed, with a wink to Samuel.

Douglas Sutherland! Even if you are correct in your thought, your mother and I do the corrections. Sally, you may mind your manners, and you both may apologize now.

Sorry, Father, Douglas responded. Gordon’s eyes softened, and his voice became less stern.

Apology accepted.

Sorry, Mother, Sally said as the carriage halted at the Cincinnati train station. May I have an apple now?

You may wait until we are settled in on the train, Margaret finally decided.

Boys, Gordon said, help the ladies into the station while Clive and I tend to the luggage arrangements. Gordon left to supervise the transfer, and the family entered the station. An hour later, they were in their seats on the train and on their way to New York for an overnight stay before the American Line ship, New York, would sail with the entire entourage aboard.

"With good fortune, we should be in London in only eight days. My last trip was on White Star’s Gothic three years ago, and it took me the most of two weeks to get there. Family, this ship is so much faster than the other one, and so much bigger too. And there is no more need for sails or paddle wheels nowadays, either." They settled into two first-class cabins.

Father, do you think we can see the ship? Peter asked. I want to see the bridge.

Hey, that’s a good idea, Petey, Douglas added. I want to see the engine room too.

I challenge all three of you to a game of shuffleboard if they have one upstairs. Let’s see who the best player is, Sally said.

Well, you children just hold your horses, Gordon admonished. Sally, your idea sounds like a good one. I will have to get the captain’s permission to have a tour. An officer will most likely need to guide us around from place to place. Besides, on a ship this big, we wouldn’t want to get lost, would we? Mother, shall we take on the winner of the deck game? I think we can beat them, don’t you?

Yes, if you say so, Gordy, Margaret replied, "I hear people can get a bout of seasickness up there. I hope I don’t for sure. But we can try if you want. Sounds like fun anyway."

Up on deck next to the bridge, Gordon and Douglas found the captain.

Captain Maddox, may I have a word with you? Gordon asked.

Certainly, Maddox replied and eyed Douglas. What can I do for you?

Sir, my sons were wondering whether there might be a way they could see the ship—sort of like a tour. Is that according to etiquette? Gordon asked. I am quite sure they will be of no trouble to you. I told them I would check with you first.

Hmm, Captain Maddox replied, that’s not normally done, yet it sounds as if this might be possible. I will have to see when my second officer is off duty. He can escort you then if he’s not too busy.

I really want to see the engines, sir, Douglas said, I’ve been reading up on them. They’re the triple-expansion type, with eighteen thousand horses in them. Isn’t that right, Captain?

Why yes. As a matter of fact, they are. Sir, you have a mighty bright boy there. Tell you what—I will see what I can do for you, Mr. … uh, uh—

Sutherland. Gordon Sutherland. This is my youngest son, Douglas.

Pleased to meet you, Douglas said.

Very well, then, Captain Maddox said, stop by here tomorrow right after luncheon. One never knows. There might be some future sailors here. You both have me impressed. He smiled at them.

Later in their stateroom, everyone became excited as the pair reported the encounter and learned there would be shuffleboard games on the promenade deck that someone would win.

By the end of the next day, the tour had been completed. Douglas had surprised even his father with the knowledge he had of the engines and how they operated. The chief engineer was left with the responsibility to show them the varied machinery in the engine room and was fully impressed with Douglas’s knowledge. He recovered from his surprise as he reported the tour to the second officer when he came to escort them back up. Gordon began to realize that Douglas would well be able to handle his share of the family business when he would need to turn it over to his sons.

Margaret and Sally had declined to tour the machinery below and spent time in the ship’s library, the reading and writing room, the ship’s galley, and the promenade deck. Throughout the day, they met and made friends with a number of other first-class passengers. The shuffleboard games on the boat deck were won by each team, and all were tired and grateful when the supper meal was served.

The sixth day at sea drew to a close with the shore of the British Isles visible. A few hours later, the New York had them docked in Southampton.

See, what did I tell you? Gordon remarked as they settled into the hotel for the night. One day less than a week this trip. Pretty quick, I say.

The next day they rode a train to London, where they would stay for another week. Margaret took Sally and Mabel on tours of the city, shopped the time away by day and enjoyed relaxation in the lobby of the hotel later, while Gordon and Clive set about with the boys in tow to find a new branch to open. After many interviews, Gordon had it manned. He would await confirmation by mail and telegraph in Cincinnati that the London branch of the business was finally open.

May 20, 1899

Departure day in Southampton dawned with a heavy fog and drizzle in progress as the Sutherlands made their way from the terminal to their ship. This one was like a near carbon copy of her American Line sister, New York, and was currently christened Paris. The three funnels belched forth black coal smoke as the tugs gently eased her away from the now invisible dock. Paris began to move forward very slowly as her foghorn sounded. Everyone stood with the other passengers at the boat deck rails to wave farewells.

Gordy, are you sure this is a good idea to leave in this nasty a fog? Margaret asked him. I have a bad feeling in my bones about this.

Margie, Gordon replied, I’m quite sure the captain and his crew know how to handle bad weather. When I was young, a little fog never stopped the ship from leaving. Don’t you fret any. We’ll be fine.

Father, where’s the terminal? Sally asked. I haven’t seen it since we walked out from it.

Well, Sally, Gordon answered, I think it is right over there. He picked her up and pointed. Yes. I can barely see it. Yes, it’s right there. See it now? Sally couldn’t. No one could.

Yes, I guess so. Douglas felt the same premonition his mother did, yet remained silent. He looked around the boat deck at the lifeboats. Hopefully there were enough for everyone if they were ever needed.

Father, is this fog going to last all the way home? Samuel asked.

Of course not, Samuel, Gordon replied. We’ll sail out of it straightaway. You’ll see right soon enough. The wind in the open water will blow it away.

Good. I want a rematch with you again. I might win the game this time too, Peter said.

Well, son, that would be fine, Gordon returned. Let us all go below now. There’s nothing to see with all of this fog. I had hoped to attend luncheon in some dry clothes, however, these are getting more than damp now. Peter, where’s Douglas?

He’s right here. Peter looked around. Douglas was not in sight.

Find him! Gordon ordered Clive. We don’t want any lost children on board!

Yes, Mr. Sutherland, right away, Clive replied. A few minutes later the butler found Douglas at the base of the center funnel in what appeared to be deep study. He eyed the boy for a brief moment before he reached out a hand and tapped him on a shoulder.

Master Douglas, your father is looking for you. What on earth are you up to?

I’m trying to figure out how this electric motor works and what it’s for, Douglas answered.

Master Douglas, Clive told him, your curiosity is going to be the death of you and get you into a lot of trouble someday if you’re not more careful. You’ll most likely have to apologize to your father for not having asked to roam first. Clive smiled at him. He held Douglas’s hand and led him back to the family where they stood inside the first-class deckhouse entrance and waited for them.

Gordon Sutherland wore the sternest face he could muster, yet held within an unspoken pride in his son’s quest for knowledge. The door steward had a look on his face that knew Douglas was in for a possible severe reprimand. His sister and brothers held their hands over their mouths to stifle smirks.

All right, Master Douglas, Gordon asked, where have you been, and why was it you didn’t ask to leave our presence? You must always ask first and explore only when given permission to do so.

I’m terribly sorry, Father, Douglas answered. I didn’t think I would be gone more than a few seconds or so.

I hope that this will be the only time this happens. You know what could be the case if it does again, don’t you?

Yes, Father. I won’t let it happen again.

All right, then. Be sure you don’t. Let us get to our staterooms and freshen up for luncheon. We don’t want to miss out.

In the men’s cabin, Sam whispered to Peter, Boy, did he get off easy this time! Only four swats. I thought he might be a goner for sure.

Yeah, Sammy, I did too. Remember when you went—

Please! Don’t remind me!

Okay, okay, we’ll never forget. So what shall we wear to luncheon today? Samuel asked.

I’ll check, yet I think I can pass with what I have on.

Thirty minutes later, everyone was ready. They were barely in time, when a bugle sounded the call to the midday meal in the best British tradition. This was usually done by the American Line only while still in British waters.

The Sutherlands sat at one of a number of very long tables with twenty places per side. Each place was set ornately with floral arrangements, plates, glasses, and silver cutlery fit enough for the most hard-to-please tastes. The menu displayed such a wide enough variety that everyone would go away satisfied. Even the dining saloon was like the one on the New York, with a huge skylight set into the vaulted and artistically painted, center-arched ceiling. The fog outside seemed far away and forgotten as the passengers got acquainted with each other.

Gordon Sutherland pulled a chained pocket watch from his vest and studied it. He noted the time at 1:15 p.m., plenty early enough to promenade postmeal. Several passengers were engaged in a lively conversation at the other end of the table. The children were in enjoyment of their desserts while Margaret conversed with her tablemate across the table. With the meal finally finished, Gordon again noted the time as 1:50 p.m.

Strange, he thought, one would think that to be on holiday this long would erase this time-clock habit, yet it’s still as if I was at the factory. Aloud he said, All right, everyone, shall we promenade around the deck and walk off our luncheon? If any of you cares to join me, I think it is time to relax with a turn around the deck.

They shook hands with their new tablemates before everyone rose from their places and began to walk to the door. Without any hint to warn them, everyone in the room was thrown to the floor. In fact, everyone on board was tossed about as if they were rag dolls. Every article on the tables was strewn across the floor, leaving the room in shambles. Many were injured from the severe jar. Utter outrage over ruined clothes and a nearly instant panic from some produced yells and screams throughout the ship.

Douglas’s ears rang from the horrendous scraping noise that accompanied the jolt.

What happened? he thought, as he struggled to stand up.

Mother, Father, where are you? he called as he looked around the littered room. Where are you?

Two figures sat on a grassy hill that normally overlooked what seemed like a gnarly finger that jutted out from the coastline. Fog had had the rule of the day so far, and they were quite damp from the mist that surrounded them.

Hey, moiyte, wot’s that Oiye ’ear thither? Is that a fogern? one of them remarked.

Dunno. Me thinks it moight be. Listen. There it ayere agin, his companion replied.

It’s a fogern all roight. Shush now. He paused briefly. She’s a-blowin’ coal smoke too. Oiye kin smell it. It be a ship a-comin’ Oiye reckon. Hope she’ll miss us. S’ many ain’t. The foghorn grew louder, and then came the sound of metal as it scraped and crushed and broke up the rocks beneath it. Within a few seconds, all was quiet. A few minutes passed quietly before a new noise arose as the three funnels screamed with the agony of released excess steam pressure from within them.

Ohno! She’s a-hit us! Get to town, and let ’em know! Fog’s a-roiysin’ a little too. Oiye’ll go down t’ see whot Oiye c’n do. The pair split up, and one of them carefully made his way toward the grounded liner. Paris had run aground on the Manacles, an outcropping of rocks in Cornwall that had already claimed many ships. With her bow out of the water, it appeared that the ship was doomed to join the others broken up here before today.

On the bridge of the grounded liner, Captain Frederick Watkins ordered the lifeboats swung out and the Morse lamp readied for use should the fog lift sufficiently to signal anyone on the main shore for help. He knew the ship was steadfast in the grip of the dreaded Manacles, barely short of a mile from shore. He noted thirty minutes had elapsed since the accident. By now, he reasoned, if the watertight integrity of the ship had been compromised, whatever water that would have rushed into Paris would have done so by now.

Sound the ship, he ordered the ship’s carpenter who soon returned with his report. Paris was indeed aground with most of her bow out of the water, and the stern submerged to right below C deck. There were no leaks that the crew could find. This meant that the ironclad ship could possibly be salvaged with help since the hull had not been compromised.

Douglas Sutherland picked himself up from the floor where he had been tossed. He had his hands full to stay upright as he groggily staggered uphill to the table where they had been seated only minutes earlier. There he found Sam and Sally wrapped around several chairs that would have been tossed also except for the floor bolts that had held them in place.

Where’s everybody else? Douglas asked.

I don’t know, Doogie, Sam answered.

Sammy, stay here with Sally until I find them. I’ll bring them here. Are you both all right?

I have a cut on my knee. I can hardly bend it, Sally answered Douglas.

What has happened, Doogie? Why is it so hard to get up? Sam asked.

I have no idea, Sammy, Douglas answered. Maybe Father might know. You two stay put. I’ll find them and bring them here. Then we can find out. Douglas began a search for their parents and Peter. After a few frantic minutes, he spotted Peter at the bottom of the hill as he tried to stay balanced like everyone else on board. Douglas then spied his parents in the same condition. All three of them were up against the wood-paneled aft bulkhead. He made his way to them. Mother! Father! Hey, Peter! It’s me! Douglas called over the din that continued.

Douglas! Are you all right? Where are Sally and Samuel? Gordon wanted to know.

I left them at the table, Father, Douglas reported. I told them to wait there until we get back so we can all be together again. Sally hurt her knee. Sammy is all right. Are you all okay too?

Yes, I think so, Gordon answered. Let us gather everyone together and find out what this fuss is about. Be careful to watch your step. This mess has the floor very slippery. Each of them slipped and slid as they made their way back uphill to their table. They had finally gathered everyone together when an officer appeared in the dining saloon doorway. Pandemonium was still in progress, resultant from passengers who continued to slip and slide across what seemed an ice rink. The officer blew his whistle with little result. Several tries later, the passengers quieted down enough that he could finally speak.

There, that’s better. Everyone listen now. I need everyone to proceed to your cabins immediately for your lifejackets. When that’s done, proceed to the boat deck. I will be there with the crew to help you along as you get into the lifeboats. Do not be alarmed any further. What has happened is that we’ve run aground. Our experts have fully inspected the ship and report there are no signs of leakage. We may not be able to refloat for some time, however. Captain Watkins has therefore decided it may be best to evacuate the ship. Help is already on the way, and everyone on board will be ferried in the boats to the rescue ships as soon as they arrive. Go to now—and hurry!

The Sutherlands finally gained their way to the open deck outside.

Gordy, if there’s no cause for alarm, why do we need to hurry? Margaret asked. We should have time to change into some clean clothes, at least, don’t you think?

My dear Margie, Gordon replied, we don’t know how close the rescue boats may be to us. We wouldn’t want to miss our turn at the lifeboats, would we? Let me see whether there may be time. Boys, stay with your ladies while I inquire about this. He took a quick survey around them. The fog has begun to lift now, and the boats are being readied. Let me check.

Douglas had stayed with the family as ordered this time. The strange, uneasy feel of his premonition returned as they waited.

Mother, are you scared? Sally asked.

A little bit, Sally, Margaret replied.

I’m scared too. What will happen to us?

I don’t know, Sally. Their maid and butler found them as they still waited for Gordon.

Where’s the Mister? Mabel asked.

Well, Mabel, Margaret answered, he’s gone to check on how long we have before we have to get into a lifeboat.

Madame, Clive suggested, might I suggest we start for the cabins? I’m quite sure we can be cleaned and changed in plenty of time. We both have been told to don our lifejackets also as you can most readily see.

All right, Clive. I suppose that would be fine. Do you have your keys with you?

Yes, Madame.

Good. You two take the children to our cabins and see to them, Margaret ordered. The Mister and I will be along as soon as he returns. I do not wish for him to wonder where we are.

Yes, Madame. He bowed, the maid curtsied, and they soon disappeared into the deckhouse with the children in single file between them. Douglas was second in line, right behind Clive. The trek down the corridor to their cabins was arduous, and all of them held onto the rail alongside to keep their balance. The one good piece of news was the fact the lights were still on and they could see where they were headed. Clive and Mabel hurried them along.

Do you think we are in any danger? Douglas asked.

No, Douglas, Clive answered, we’ll be fine as long as the lights stay on. They arrived at the cabin doors. Clive produced his set of keys and unlocked them. That’s why none of you has any time to dawdle. Everyone, hurry so you’ll be changed before they do go out. There. Everyone, hurry now. We want to be finished as much as we can before Mister and Madame arrive. Mabel nodded and ushered Sally into their cabin.

Douglas and his brothers began to rummage through the disarrayed stateroom to find their choices of clothes and began to change as quickly as possible, while Sally did the same in their cabin.

"Why do I have to wear this outfit? Sam asked. I don’t like it as much as the one I had on."

Aren’t we already clean enough? Douglas asked, Can’t we just brush off our clothes and be done? Clive’s face changed from one of frustration to one that showed anger. You heard Madame’s instructions. Now, you gentlemen, hurry quickly.

Up on the Paris’s bridge, Captain Watkins paced nervously and noted the fog had now lifted sufficiently to form a mostly cloudy sky. He could now see a hamlet roughly two miles distant and wondered whether the lifeboats could be rowed there and back several times before nightfall.

Have the message sent on the Morse lamp to that village over there that we have grounded and require assistance, Captain Watkins ordered. If any are there who can reply, we should see it soon. Keep sending until we do. Note the time and enter it into the ship’s log. The time had progressed to 3:30 p.m. At that point, there wouldn’t be enough time before sunset for more than one round trip, and the fog would return also.

Sound the ship again and report any injuries or life losses, he told the carpenter. We need to know this to plan an evacuation of the ship as quickly as possible when the time comes.

Aye, Captain. The ship’s carpenter left to carry out the order.

In their cabins, the children had become subdued enough to focus on the tasks at hand and were nearly finished when their parents arrived. They shared the latest news in their respective cabins.

All right, we have a few minutes, Gordon said in his. When the order is given to enter the lifeboats, the captain will sound a siren of sorts. When it sounds, we will hear it. Mind you now, only a few minutes. It took a bit longer to traverse the corridor than I anticipated, Gordon continued as he began to change clothes also. Nevertheless, we only have a little time left before we have to be on deck again. Help is already on the way. He struggled to be changed faster than the boys. Margaret also had to have Mabel help her with her clothes, yet all were ready in only ten minutes, amid sporadic flickers of the lights, which lent wings to their endeavors.

Back up on deck again, Douglas noted smoke in the distance. He watched the smoke split into four columns.

There must be four ships on the way, Douglas shouted. Several others nearby heard him and turned to see what he was talking about. The buzz of conversation among the passengers on deck turned into cheers of relief as the ships neared. Douglas saw that they were tugboats. Maybe they could pull the Paris free of the Manacles. At any rate, he figured they would soon be safe again. Even so, the uneasy feel from the premonition he’d had on this trip still remained with him and would not leave him alone. Douglas let go of the deck rail, walked toward the deckhouse, and leaned as he went. He looked back and noticed his family still intently watching the tugs approach. He became curious enough to poke his head into the first-class dining saloon where he had been only an hour or so before. Stewards still attempted to clean up the disastrous mess caused by the jar. His glance told him they had done well because much of the room had returned to its normal grandeur. As he turned to retrace his steps, his eyes fell upon an object on the deck a few steps away that seemed to glitter as it beckoned to his naturally curious nature. His family was still focused on the rescue flotilla. Douglas stepped over to inspect the object that he discovered was a gold pocket watch and leaned down to pick it up. Still bent over, his eyes fell onto a pair of shoes. He straightened up to have his vision behold a man.

Standing in front of Douglas was a tall stranger, a man whom he had, before this moment, never noticed on board. He seemed to be a gentleman of class, yet his attire was partially hidden by an open, black, full-length overcoat. There was a look of austerity upon his face, however, his eyes radiated a look of gentle kindness—a depth of kindness that Douglas had never seen.

I see you have found my watch, the stranger said, as Douglas slowly straightened up with the watch in his hand, I have been in search of it for some time now. Douglas extended his hand with the watch in it toward the stranger. Gently the stranger took the watch.

Thank you for finding it. This is a most treasured possession of mine.

Y-y-you’re w-w-welcome, sir. I-i-is that r-r-really y-y-your watch? Douglas was certain he was in trouble and would be branded a thief, yet the stranger showed him only a gentle kindness despite his stern face.

What’s your name, lad? the stranger asked.

Douglas. Douglas Sutherland, sir, Douglas answered.

Douglas Sutherland, is it, eh? That truly has a nice sound to it. Well, Master Douglas, fear not, for you have done very well to find this watch. You shall indeed continue to do well. Perhaps we shall meet for a chat again. I would like that very much. Douglas sneaked a check of his family and the other passengers nearby, and then looked at the stranger. He had already disappeared into the crowd yards away.

Where did he go? Douglas thought.

Douglas, stay with us now, no wandering away allowed, Gordon ordered.

Yes, Father. The sound of the siren meant it was time to start loading the boats for the evacuation. By now the din from unneeded steam had quieted down, and the officers’ whistles replaced the relative quiet that had ensued. The first officer lifted his megaphone to his lips.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the siren has sounded. I need the full cooperation of each and every one of you. At this time, as you can see, the rescuers have arrived. You will notice there are four crewmen stationed at each boat. They will assist you in boarding. The rules of the sea are as follows: The first rule is that there have been some on board who have sustained injuries. I am happy to announce that there have been no deaths so far. Let’s keep it that way. Those who have been injured will be first in the lifeboats. The rescuers have medical staff who will handle them as they are put onboard their ships.

The second rule states all women and children will follow the injured and be first before the men can go. Some of you in family groups may have to be separated for a while, yet I assure you that you will be reunited very quickly once we are on shore. Men and boys, age thirteen and over, will now step back and keep the way clear for the injured, the women, and children. This does not mean any of you need fear. There are plenty enough lifeboats and rescue ships to hold everyone. No one will be left behind. As the injured were loaded into the lifeboats, Gordon quickly gathered his family to him.

Margaret—Gordon firmly told her—I have always loved you and, as you know, never forced you to strictly obey my orders when I give them. However, this may be the one time in our lives when you must. As the officer said, we will need to be separated for a while, yet we will be together again soon. Now. You will take Sally, Samuel, Douglas, and Mabel with you in the boat. No matter what happens, you must make it to that hamlet yonder. There you must get the children to the best hotel they have and wait for us there. If you will do this for me now, I promise I will find you. There may be some who will try to convince you to get to London right away. Do not listen to them. We will get there as soon as we are united once again. Tell the hotel clerk you are waiting for me. They’ll understand. Is that clear? Will you be able to remember everything I’ve told you?

Yes, dear, I will remember, Margaret answered.

Good. Well then, you boys are in charge of the care of your ladies until I meet up with you. Keep them safe. Do I make myself clear?

Yes, Father, they answered together.

Sally, Gordon continued, You will mind your p’s and q’s and do exactly what you are told to by your mother and governess.

Yes Father, Sally replied.

All right, everybody. Promise you will do exactly as I’ve told you to do. Do it now.

We promise, they all said in unison. They kissed and hugged each other goodbye.

Good. Let’s get you on board. Peter, help your sister.

Yes, Father, Peter answered. The process required the help of the crewmen and Peter as she was lifted over the lifeboat’s gunwales and seated. As his turn to board came, Douglas looked at Peter.

I wish you could come too, Douglas said.

Well, Doogie, I can’t, Peter replied. You heard what the officer said. Rules are rules here just like they are at home. Father and I will see you later, whether on ship or on the shore. You guys will have to look after our ladies as Father said. Douglas noticed the stranger had reappeared and stood beside the third funnel on the deck above. He nodded his head and waved his encouragement for Douglas to board the lifeboat. Then he was gone again.

All right, but I still wish you would come too.

Gordon, Peter, and Clive stepped away from the lifeboat as it began its trip down to the surf. Everyone in it was splashed wet with foamy spray from waves that crashed onto the rocks that surrounded the Paris and the lifeboats. The crewmen in their lifeboat rowed away toward one of the rescue tugboats, and Douglas could finally see why they had had such a hard time walking on board.

The ship almost looks like the beached whale I saw drawn in a book in the ship’s library, Douglas thought. The occupants were soon lifted on board the tug, and the lifeboat departed for another load.

Gordon, Peter, and Clive waited inside the still-warm, first-class dining saloon for the lifeboats to return.

Did you see which tug they went to? Samuel asked Gordon.

No, Samuel, I surely did not, Gordon replied. Yet hopefully we will all be on the same one before long. It seems we will all have to be patient, won’t we?

I guess so. Peter studied the ocean between them and the rescue tugs.

Is that a lifeboat I see coming back for us? Peter asked.

I believe so, Peter, Gordon answered. You have a sharp pair of eyes there. It will be our turn to board soon enough, yet not for a while. There are still some women and children aboard here yet.

Father, if I had to stay with you, does that mean I’m old enough to have long trousers now? Peter asked.

Well, I reckon we can attend to that matter once we are on shore again, Peter, Gordon replied.

Yes, Father, I sure hope I can.

It seemed the wait for their turn to board was endless as more women and children were loaded onto the returned lifeboats. Several times the boats came back for more passengers, and the men had to wait. Yet eventually the time for them to board finally arrived. The three boarded the last of the men’s boats and began the same trip to the sea that they had witnessed so many others make. The last three boats would be available for any crew members still left on board. The captain and officers would lower themselves by the dangling falls into the last one, to leave the empty ship behind.

Later, the Sutherland men found themselves on a solid deck again and began to search for the family. They found that they had indeed been lifted aboard a different tug than the family had, and they would have to wait until all the family was on shore again before they could be reunited.

Night had fallen as the tug neared a wharf that extended from a fisherman’s seaside house. A small crowd of onlookers watched as Gordon escorted Peter down the gangway with Clive right behind. The added flotilla of sailboats, several motorboats, and the last two tugboats arrived behind theirs and unloaded additional survivors. The rest of the family was nowhere to be seen.

What town is this? Peter asked some of the onlookers. He was fully lost. Where are we?

Ye’re in Porthoustock in Cornwall, England, one of them replied. That outcrop of rocks ye run aground on be called the Manacles.

Oh, I see, Peter replied.

We should like to find the best hotel in town to stay at. We were supposed to find the rest of our family there if we were separated, and it appears we have been, Gordon told him.

Ayere be truly a grand won just up th’ street, moiyte. Bes’ ployce ’n town Oiye tells ye, a bystander replied and pointed.

Thank you very much, Gordon replied with a tip of an imaginary hat. His hat was still aboard Paris, and Peter had lost his during the lifeboat ride. The trio began the walk to the hotel.

Douglas watched with the family as ex-passengers made their way past them to the lobby desk to check in, courtesy of the American Line. They, like everyone else, were still drenched from the lifeboat ride. Margaret had already checked them in and had laid claim to two adjoining rooms on the second floor of the three-story hotel. The structure was painted in gray, trimmed in white, and each floor had a balcony that coursed the entire length of the front and back sides. The hotel featured a well-manicured front lawn and an ocean view in back.

Douglas was first to spot his father and brother. He noted a lobby clock read eight thirty.

Mother, they’re here, he called as his father and brother walked through the lobby’s revolving door.

We’re over here! Douglas yelled with a wave. Clive saw them and ushered Gordon and Peter to them.

Well, Margie, Gordon told her, it’s good to see all of you again. I told you we would. You have done very well to do as I asked. Thank you very much for that. You boys did fine. Our ladies are still in one piece, I see. Good work. Sally, you have done very well to keep close to your mother and Mabel. I know not how everyone else feels, yet it’s been quite a day. I am sure we are all very tired. I believe a good night’s rest is in order for now. Let us get some sleep, and on the morrow, we shall eat a hearty breakfast. Tomorrow will be a busy day since we need to find out what happened to our trunks and luggage.

Douglas’s eyelids flicked open as the sky began to lighten with predawn, blue-violet hues. He decided to take in the air on one of the deck chairs he had seen on the back balcony last night. He hoped to see the ship from the hotel in much the same way as he had seen this hamlet from the ship. Douglas hurriedly dressed for the day and was mindful of the need for stealth in order not to awaken anyone in his room.

I hope it isn’t too foggy outside, Douglas thought. I really want to see the ship again if it’s still there. Silently he tiptoed to the door. I won’t be gone too long so I can be back before they wake up. He left the door unlocked and made his way down the hall to a set of French doors that led to the outside rear balcony. Once outside, he found the fog had indeed returned and a view of the ship was impossible for now. He then walked to a row of stacked deck chairs, opened one up and plopped himself down on it.

His eyes snapped awake. The sun was about to rise. How long he had dozed Douglas didn’t know. He looked around. A stranger stood before him with his stern expression and full-length, black overcoat. Douglas recognized him as the same tall stranger he had seen and talked to on the Paris. He figured this stranger must have walked up to him while he still dozed.

Well, hello. We meet again, the stranger said. And how is Master Douglas today?

Very well, sir, Douglas answered.

Excuse me. Is this seat taken? the stranger asked with a point to another unfolded and empty deck chair next to him.

That chair was folded and on the stack where mine was, Douglas thought. How could he have moved and opened it without waking me up? It takes too long to open it too.

No, sir. Please sit down if you like, Douglas answered aloud.

Thank you. That is very kind of you. I see you have fared well since we last talked. Is your family all right also?

Yes, sir, now that we’re all together again, Douglas answered.

I want to thank you again for finding my pocket watch. It is remarkable you could find it on such a tilted deck. The stranger turned to make eye contact. You must be a very good student in school. Is that true?

Well, I guess so. I made a lot of As this year, Douglas said.

I thought so. Do you like school? the stranger asked.

Yes, so far, at least. Why?

I think you have the ability to go far. I believe you will succeed in your endeavors. What is your favorite subject?

Arithmetic and science, sir. I want to be smart like my father. He has his own business. Maybe I can help in some way to keep it alive when he thinks I’m old enough. I tinker with things a lot to see what makes them work. I can put them back together too.

That’s fine, very fine, the stranger continued. Your father must have an assistant at work to help him. They must do very well together.

Yes, sir, they do. His name is Dwight Andersen.

I hope you will choose to continue to work hard in school and listen to everything your father and Mr. Andersen have to teach you. If you do this, you shall succeed in a grand way.

Yes, sir, I will do that.

I want you to learn everything you can in school and from your father and Mr. Andersen so you can be a success. There is only one more item you must learn. For not only is school very important for you, you must also learn how to work. That part of your education can begin right away.

I do a lot of work already, Doug said. I keep my room clean, I make my bed, and—

And I’m quite sure you do very well at those jobs, the stranger gently interrupted. However, what I refer to has to do with tasks you will need to do as long as you live. You must learn how to work with people—all kinds of people—both good and bad. You will need some experience in your father’s business too. You must build your life upon the solid foundation school will give you. Let Mr. Andersen and your father teach you what makes the machines work and how to fix them by yourself when they need to be fixed. I believe, from what you say, that Mr. Andersen is someone you can trust to teach you the right way to work. Your school education will give you a solid start. Your father will indeed give you the knowledge of how to run the business someday, and Mr. Andersen will guide you in your scientific quests.

I’m sure I can do all of those things, sir.

"Is that a promise? the stranger asked. Will you promise me you will do that and keep it?"

Yes, sir, Doug replied, I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die!

The stranger looked at Douglas and faintly smiled as he leaned over from his chair to lightly grip Douglas’s shoulders and hug him.

Well, then. I believe that as you have promised, so will you do. The stranger moved to squat in front of Douglas before he continued, "If you really mean this to be a real promise, one you will do all in your power to keep, I have something for you."

I do mean it, Douglas said. I promise I’ll do what we’ve talked about. It seems to make good sense.

Good. That’s very good. The stranger continued. "I promise to you that you won’t ever regret it. Now I want to give you a token of my gratitude. Gratitude for the promise you have just made and for finding my pocket watch. You may keep it as long as you work on this promise to remind you of our conversation. You must keep this in a special place that only you will know about to remind you about your promise to me today. The stranger reached into a pocket of his overcoat and fished out a miniature hourglass before he handed it to Douglas. He looked at it for a moment as the stranger continued, This hourglass is to serve as a reminder of how valuable time is. Never forget that whatever time we have must be used wisely."

I promise I’ll treasure this as long as I live, and I won’t let anybody take it from me, Douglas replied, and I’ll always remember you and this trip with all that’s happened! Douglas glanced at the hourglass again and looked up at the stranger, yet he had begun to walk away. He was already at the other end of the balcony. Douglas got up and started to follow him, however, the stranger had turned the corner and was out of sight. As he arrived at the end of the balcony, he realized, to his surprise and dismay, that there was no corner. The balcony ended right there where he stood. There were no doors here either.

Where is he? Where did he go? How did he get to here so fast? Douglas wondered. I only looked at this hourglass for less than a second! I just wanted to thank him for the gift. He turned and began to walk back to the chair where he had sat, only to find when he got there that his was the only unfolded chair, and the number of them in the stack was the same as before.

I think I’d better hurry and get back to the room before I get in trouble. I hope they’re not up yet! Douglas studied the hourglass before he hurried back to the room. Strangely, the sand in it ran out of the top regardless of how he held it. At the door he paused and listened for any sounds within. Hearing none, he crept in and made his way to the washbasin to freshen up. While there, he heard stirring sounds as his brothers and father were just rising for the day.

Whew! That was close! Douglas thought. He put the hourglass in his pants pocket to hide it until he could figure out a safe place to keep it. This couldn’t have been a dream, he guessed, as he fingered it in his pocket. I can still see and feel it.

An hour later, everyone had gathered together and was seated in the hotel dining room. The meal completed, Gordon and Clive left them to begin a check on the whereabouts of their lost luggage. By now, the fog had started to lift. Douglas talked the family into sitting on the back balcony deck chairs where they could relax. He got permission to wander to the far side of the balcony where he could barely see the Paris’s bowsprit pointed toward the sky. He slowly realized that the ship looked so much higher out of the water now than it had yesterday because of a low tide. Douglas now wondered if the ship could ever be saved. And try as he might, he still couldn’t figure out where the stranger had disappeared to as he stood at the end of the balcony. He eyed the deck chairs as he returned to sit with the family again. The difference he had felt in himself the last two days continued to grow within him. He remembered the premonition his mother and he had felt. He realized again how right it had been.

It was time for the supper meal when Gordon finally returned from his quest.

Well, we now know what the rest of our new itinerary will have to be this trip, he told them. Our trunks and suitcases will be returned to us while we are here. That may not be for a couple of days, however. Meanwhile, we all will have to buy extra clothes in order to be publicly presentable. I suggest we get started on this endeavor first off tomorrow. He next ordered Clive and Mabel to see that the children were provided with new clothes and taken care of while he and Margaret shopped for some clothes for themselves and uniforms for their help. Once this was satisfactorily accomplished, they would meet in their respective rooms to refresh and change clothes. Douglas would be able to keep his gift a secret even with several outfits to try on. Peter proudly sported his new long trousers.

Within three days, the luggage and most of the cargo of trunks had been salvaged and returned to the owners, and the Sutherland family was on the New York, as before, to return home safely this time. To work off the tension from the near disaster on the Paris, they played deck games, dined sumptuously at the shipping company’s expense, and took advantage of time between the games to relax in the ship’s library. There the Sutherlands wondered to themselves as they looked at each other with raised eyebrows and watched an unusually occupied Douglas when he became buried in several technical books he found there. Before anyone knew it, ten days had passed, the New York had berthed, and they had arrived in Cincinnati, where their chauffeurs waited at the station to greet them and take them home in the big, red, royal carriage. The same covered wagon followed with the trunks and suitcases as before.

Douglas knew that this had been a trip none of them would ever forget, yet only he would really know how much he had changed since his experiences with the tall stranger in the long, dark overcoat, the promise he had made, and the hourglass that only he would see from time to time in its special hideout to keep himself reminded of the unknown future and what would become the first part of a series within the promise.

Chapter Two

A Time to Learn

Douglas Sutherland watched his brothers Sam and Pete frolic while they raced into the school structure adjacent to the elementary school where Sally and he attended. On this, his first day back, he sported brand-new, long trousers that Gordon had given him for his thirteenth birthday in July. He felt grand in his new, grown-up-styled clothes, and he looked forward to his eighth-grade graduation in the spring of this third year of the new century. After that, he would join his brothers in the same high school. Throughout each summer vacation in this new twentieth century, Douglas had busied himself with division of his time to tutor his sister, Sally, with preparations for the next school year, his own studies in mathematical science, and time spent at his father’s business. Gordon and Mr. Andersen were impressed with Douglas’s present knowledge of business and went out of their way to teach him about the factory machines as well. In the summer of 1903, Dwight greeted them as Gordon and Douglas entered the business office.

Good day to you both, Dwight said with a smile below eyes that twinkled. Does all go well with you?

Yes, very well, thank you, Gordon replied.

I am pleased to hear that, Dwight said. Doug, I have an important job for you to do today when you are ready to start. These papers are for you to study first. Dwight handed a roll of blueprints to Douglas, who then walked to a nearby drafting desk. He unrolled the blueprints, set some weights on the corners, and began to study them. The men’s voices faded as they left Douglas to himself.

The blueprints had page after page of information about a special hydraulic die press that was used to bend and form sheet metal to a given shape, dependent on what was being made at the time. Douglas didn’t know it yet, but he would be very busy that afternoon. He was deep in thought and study as the men walked back into the room.

Doug, what can you tell me about the blueprints, and what do they mean? Dwight asked.

Well, Mr. Andersen, Doug answered, I think these are for the new punch and die press I saw in the other room yesterday.

He’s right, Mr. Sutherland, Dwight observed. "I think Doug is ready to help with the installation of our