The
day passes slowly, as if time itself is dragging its heels, reluctant
to face the sunset. But eventually, inevitably, the sun begins its
slow crawl toward the horizon and dusk settles in. As the golden
bauble finally boils into the sea, Captain Briggs hears the first
faint echoes of that haunting lament.
He
grabs his knife from the table and charges onto the ship's deck,
colliding with the mate as he does. “Keep alert,” he commands,
regaining his composure, “I'll not lose another man this night.”
He
turns before the mate can reply, racing below deck to the brig. When
he arrives he flings open the door. “You can stop that right now,”
he shouts as he enters, knife at the ready. What he finds is the
girl, Phoebe, secure in manacles and gag very firmly in place.
