Adventurer At Sea: On the Edge of Freedom

By Margreit Maitland

Thrilling twists and turns surround Robert and Michael as they continue their adventures around the world's oceans.

Aboard a whaling vessel with their family of shipmates, a perilous hu

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maitland Writing
• Release date: Jun 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798987701638

Margreit Maitland

Writing has always been a dream, floating in the back of Margreit's mind for as long as she can remember. A love for literature was instilled in her by her mother and her family in general from an early age. While growing up, she read a wide range of books from the classics to something quick and fun, and adored getting lost in a story. When her grandfather Frost gave her the journal about Robert's trek across the world, it captured her imagination, and bringing his story of joy, heartbreak, and courage to life became a passion. She is proud to present this series as her debut to the writing world.Since the publication of the first two novels in the series, Margreit has launched a Creative Writing Workshop for children aged 10 and up for schools and libraries and is enjoying an opportunity to help students discover their potential and original ideas. In addition, she created an online Creative Writing Bootcamp which is available for all writers and aspiring writers age 17 and up. Sharing what she has learned about writing and helping others tap into their imaginations in creating stories is a happy accident. Margreit is an enthusiastic supporter of literature, education, science, wildlife, and nature. The source of which lies in being encouraged (at a very young age) to muck around in the mud searching for hermit crabs and other tiny or large inhabitants of the natural world. She enjoys living on Long Island, where she is happily surrounded by beaches and with her two children and cat. In her spare time, she can be found staying active and outside whenever possible and with her treasured family and friends. In the future, she looks forward to sharing many more stories.

Book preview

PRAISE FOR MARGREIT MAITLAND

The reader is immediately immersed in the adventure of Robert and Michael; stowaways and best friends, in their quest to reach America.  A true adventure story that I could not put down. After reading the first book, Runaway at Sea , I was thrilled to read Adventurer at Sea and continue to follow Robert and Michael in their action packed and heartwarming escapade.

DENISE BENTO SCHOOL LIBRARIAN, NASSAU COUNTY, NY

Margreit Maitland’s Adventurer at Sea continues the story of our favorite two boys with lots of new discoveries! With thrilling twists and unexpected turns, Robert and Micheal travel with familiar faces along with unforgettable new ones! The story hooks you in as we follow the whereabouts of the boys, and embark on their journey alongside them! If you’re looking for an action-packed novel to keep you on your toes every step of the way, this won’t fail to satisfy you!

AMANDA BREMER LONG ISLAND, NY COLLEGE STUDENT

To my grandparents, Frost and Ruth,

you are forever in my heart

CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Acknowledgments

Adventurer At Sea Glossary

Back Cover

Teacher Guide

About the Author

Also by Margreit Maitland

INTRODUCTION

Imagine a young girl in the late 1800’s sitting on the wooden floor of her farmhouse listening to incredibles tales of adventure, with danger at every turn. Anna sits wide-eyed and at full attention as her father recounts his days at sea. Giant waves, whipping wind, whales, islands floating in a vast ocean, she can barely sit still as he describes his experiences. The scenes and the places he visited, either on land or from the vantage point of a ship’s railing, spill from him in vivid detail. She can hear the creek of the wooden hull and feel the cold bitter wind. It must have lit up her imagination and endeared her father even more in her eyes.

I can hear admiration in her voice throughout the journal as she recounts her father’s life. Robert’s recollections were a far better teacher of geography and history than any writing of that time as far as Anna was concerned. It must have been fantastic for her to realize, alongside her father, that he participated in and witnessed moments that were fast becoming grand history.

Robert’s accidental journey around the world was so adventurous it’s almost beyond belief. As a direct descendant of his, I am in awe of his perseverance and tenacity, his grit and his bravery. Many days I have found myself looking up at the tallest trees and imagining a wave that high about to crash down and threaten my existence. It was a harrowing and unpredictable life.

I have read the journal, on which this series is based, a thousand times and I will never stop being amazed at the sheer marvel that Robert survived it all. If any one of the many moments of peril he found himself in, poisonous creatures, ferocious storms, giant whales, war, had gone differently, his would have been another story untold and I would not be here.

It is a privilege to bring Robert’s story to you.

CHAPTER ONE

Robert had one arm wrapped around the center mast and the other holding a spyglass. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. From the height of the crow’s nest he could see all the way to what looked like the edge of the world, although it wasn’t. He knew the ship would continue its course and never reach the horizon. It was elusive, always in front of them, but beyond their reach.

Where are the damn beasts? Philip complained upward to the yardarms.

I smell them! Captain Richard slowly turned around in a circle, wagging his finger at the air. Look to the west men!

He smells ‘em. Samuel, Hugh and Cecil chorused their enthusiasm. To the west, dogs! West!

I don’t see a thing. It’s as flat as an ocean can be, Robert hollered from his perch.

Nothing here neither, Michael added from the mizzenmast yardarm.

Wait! There! There, she blows! Robert jumped up and down. There she blows!

I see them! I see them! Michael pointed toward the stern.

Robert watched his shipmates rush to the railing beneath him, fighting for a spot. He stayed where he was, knowing he had the best view. Spouts of water burst into the air; sleek, grey backs rolled along the surface. For a moment, the creatures seemed to disappear, but Robert kept his eyes on the water. Then an enormous tail slowly rose, paused, and slid back down without even a splash.

What beasts they are, Robert whispered to himself.

It’s a mob of them alright, Captain Richard confirmed. How far off, Robert?

Sir, I would say half a cable, sir.

Half a cable, you say?

Yes, sir, Robert yelled down through his cupped hands.

That’s close enough, Captain Richard replied.

What’re you a bunch of nannies waiting for tea and crumpets? Philip shouted from the center of the ship below the crow’s nest. What should you be doing, men?

Catching whales! A chorus responded.

Then shake a leg, dogs! Get those boats in the water, the chase is on. Quick before the beasts sound and we never see them again, Philip swung his arms toward the whale boats, as if sweeping the men to their stations.

This is what they had all been waiting for weeks.

Robert hurried down the ratlines and joined the men streaming up both sides of the ship to find their boats. Their tasks precise and pace quick. They all knew, if they didn’t have everything they needed, someone might die.

Edmund! Edmund! I’m here. Robert announced

What took you so damn long? Edmund gave him a light shove. Get in there and make sure we’re set.

Yes, sir! Robert saluted as he hopped into their whale boat.

The hatchet, Edmund began to call out his list.

Yes, I know.

The piggin’ too. If we can’t cool the lines down, we’ll go down with one of those beasts.

I know. I’ve done this before Edmund. Robert stood up to show his boat captain a wide smile.

Alright, you imp.

Robert scurried around the hull of the little boat, checking and then checking again that everything was in its proper place. He glanced toward the second whale boat to see Michael doing the same thing.

Don’t think you’ll get there before us, Robert yelled to his closest friend.

Oh, I’ll beat you, just as I did last time, Michael responded.

Last time? I can’t even remember it, was weeks and weeks ago.

You’ll be swallowing my wake.

I swallow no man’s wake! Robert declared.

Quit your yapping Robert and get on with it! Edmund shook his head.

Yes, sir, Robert shook his fist at his friend and Michael laughed.

Get in you dogs or they’ll beat us to the hunt! Edmund shouted to his crew.

Samuel, Lawrence, David and Hugh vaulted over the gunwale and into the boat. It tilted with their weight, knocking Robert off his feet.

Hey! Robert protested.

Hey, yourself. David laughed.

Grab the ropes, get her into the water, Hugh loosened the braces.

Hand over hand, Samuel and Hugh let out the lines, their muscular arms almost bursting through the seams of their shirts. The boat dropped with a splash.

Robert and Samuel plunged their oars into the water, propelling them forward. Edmund grabbed the rudder and turned them toward the whales. David positioned himself at the narrow bow, clutching his harpoon. Hugh and Lawrence stood tall on either side, each with one foot up on the wooden seat and the other anchored to the boards, their fists tight around their lances.

Robert looked to his left to see Michael’s boat just about even with them.

Samuel, faster! Look they’ll catch us, Robert braced his feet against the seat in front of him and dug his oar in deeper.

You’ll never beat us! Michael called out.

We’ll get there first you dog! Robert challenged.

Waves licked at the gunwales and spilled into the hull as the two whale boat crews raced to the hunt. Ocean spray doused Robert’s face. For a moment he was blinded, but still managed to keep pace, digging his oars into the water. His eyes burned from the salt. He tried to blink it away, but it was no use.

Pull! Pull! Pull! Edmund shouted, The beasts can sense us. Faster men! Faster!

Robert squinted through his clouded vision trying to get a fix on the group of whales.

Pull! Pull! Robert could hear Philip’s command from the other boat.

Robert knew the ship could not lose this opportunity; they had to catch the beasts and fill their hull with precious oil.

Their strokes intensified. They were gaining ground. Robert and Samuel had to get them as close as possible before Edmund could give the order to throw the harpoons.

Steady, steady, we are almost there! Edmund called out.

The boats slowed. David stood up and knotted a rope from the tub to the hook on his harpoon. Then he braced one foot on the gunwale and planted the other firmly on the bottom of the boat.

An enormous tail rose and crashed down, sending a swell of water toward them. The series of waves swamped over the gunwales and the whale boats pitched violently. Robert tumbled backward, landing on the pile of his crew mates. They all scrambled to get back to their positions.

Robert looked over at Michael’s boat and was relieved to see they were all still there. Michael waved and Robert did the same.

Hold steady men! Hold steady! Edmund called out, Ready harpoons! Throw! Throw!

Robert gripped the seat to brace himself as David put all his weight behind his harpoon and launched it into the air, jolting the boat with the force of it. The harpoon flew as if it had its own quest to pierce through the thick skin of the whale. The line unraveled from the tub, following the harpoon through the air, twisting and spiraling like a serpent.

From the corner of his eye, Robert saw Bernard’s harpoon soaring toward the whale from Michael’s boat. He waited for the sound of the weapons hitting their target, but instead he heard a splash, and the harpoons began sinking. A chorus of disappointment confirmed the failure. Robert grabbed the rope of the first harpoon and hauled theirs in, just as Michael did the same.

Get another, make haste! Edmund directed.

David was already tying up his second and hurled it toward the closest creature. Again, it missed its mark. The whales dove under the surface, disappearing. In an instant, the sea was calm, as if they were never there.

Dammit to hell! They’re gone. Edmund ran his hands through his hair.

Gone. Gone. Gone, David hung his head in his hands.

Empty handed won’t feed us, men!

Sir, I’m —

Not your fault David, the damn things keep moving about.

Yes, sir, David’s voice trailed off.

Robert felt the energy and hope drain from them, like a leaky bucket.

We’ll stay, we’ll stay, for a bit. They just might return, Edmund called over to Philip.

Yes, yes good idea, Philip confirmed.

The two small boats floated near each other with the current. The wind was light, and the waves were small and harmless, making it easy to hold their positions.

With six in each boat they kept a thorough watch from every point on the compass rose. Robert had the port side; his eyes swept over the water’s surface, back and forth like a broom, looking for any sign of the whales. There was nothing but the tiny whitecaps following each other in a never-ending race to the horizon.

We’re going to lose the sun, Philip yelled over to Edmund from the other boat.

It’s been hours. They’ve all sounded and won’t be back anytime soon. It’s time to go, Edmund cupped his hands to answer.

"Robert, Samuel, get us moving. Make haste. We must get back to the Flourish before nightfall," Philip pointed to the setting sun.

The boats turned almost in unison to the east. Each stroke determined in its mission to beat the darkness. Robert kept one eye on Michael’s progress to make sure they were keeping an even pace. A picture suddenly came into his mind of the first time Michael and he learned to row. Mr. Smith had tasked them with getting the officers from The Expedient to shore but instead they steered that dory in circles. The patience of everyone in that little boat was tested and Robert smiled at the memory. His whole body had felt the sting and ache of that day, but now, he felt as if he could row across the entire ocean without even a yawn.

Robert could see Captain Richard pacing the deck as they approached the ship. His forehead wrinkled with disappointment because there was no whale carcass.

Sir, they got the best of us today, Philip admitted as they climbed out and the whale boats were hoisted back into position on the port and starboard sides.

The night is upon us, we won’t be able to find the damn things again until morning, Captain Richard put his hand on Philip’s shoulder and looked at the crew. Have your supper men. We’ll resume the hunt at dawn.

Yes sir, The exhausted group filtered down the main stairway to the galley.

The twelve of them lined up for Cecil the cook to serve them the usual meal of salted meat, limes, and wormy biscuits, along with a cup of water. They carried their plates back up to the open air of the main deck and sat scattered across the deck, shoveling the food into their mouths as if they hadn’t eaten in a month.

Did I ever tell you lot about the whaler I served on before this one? Lawrence put forth the question.

The group groaned in earnest.

I think we’ve heard all your stories Lawrence, Hugh commented. Haven’t we men?

Couldn’t have. I’ve too many to tell, Lawrence defended himself.

They all laughed.

Well then Lawrence, what happened? David egged him on.

Well, it was a stormy day. The seas were crashing every which way. The Captain, Lawrence tapped his finger to his head. He was a bit of a ninny; didn’t order the sails down. It was up to me to take over! Lawrence’s voice boomed. There we were, high up on the mast, hanging on for dear life, letting loose the ropes so the sails could fly... He stood on a barrel and waved his arms back and forth, imitating the waves and the wind.

Go on mate! Bernard feigned amazement. Don’t stop now, how did you save everyone?

He just loves being the hero, David whispered to Robert and Michael and flashed them a wide smile.

Never is shy about telling you neither, Hugh added.

The boys laughed and leaned forward to hear more.

What’s that you’re saying over there? Lawrence asked.

Just admiring you mate. You are the bravest man aboard this ship! Go on! Go on! David encouraged him.

It was the largest wave I’d ever seen. Headed right for us. We were clinging to the yardarms, but I kept my head about me. I knew it was going to hit and ordered everyone down. We had only a few seconds. The Captain and First Mate were useless. I waited at the base of the mast helping my crew get below, then it hit. That wave lifted me off my feet and, Lawrence thrust his arms outward, suddenly lost his footing and tumbled to the floor.

Hugh spit out his food and the messmates exploded with laughter. Lawrence slowly got on his feet, bowed theatrically and then plopped himself down to join in the fun.

"To be fair, shouldn’t everyone have a turn to tell a tale from life before coming aboard our beloved Flourish? Lawrence announced. Michael, Robert, how about you? The two of you never speak of where you came from, what ship you were on. Where was it we found you both? I can barely remember."

Now how could these young lads have any tales to tell? They’re babes, David winked at the boys.

Rio de Janeiro, we were in Rio. There’s not much to tell, Robert stumbled over his words and exchanged a nervous glance with Michael. We cleaned the ship mostly, they put us off. We weren’t needed anymore.

Ah yes, Rio! Unusual for a Captain to put off young, strong boys like the two of you, Lawrence leaned in close with his eyes squinted. Well, we made you stronger, didn’t we? How long have we had these boys?

I’d say they’ve been with us, maybe three years, David shared.

I think we’ve raised them right, haven’t we? Lawrence said proudly.

No one would have done it better! Philip exclaimed.

Three years? Michael asked.

Yep, I’d say about three, David answered.

I guess that’s right, Robert agreed. "Well, I’m sure Hugh has stories. Better than we would ever