“You don’t happen to have one of those books they spoke about? The one that Joseph Smith person wrote?”
“He didn’t write it. He translated it, but it was written by prophets. And I do have one of them.”
“Could I ... borrow it?”
This time she couldn’t hold back her grin. “Of course. I’ll go get it and bring it over to you right away.”
As she shut the door behind her, Ann hadn’t felt this light in days, in weeks really. Maybe even since England. Her faith had been bolstered, the man she cared about was healing, and his belief was growing. It seemed that everything would turn out all right.
Chapter 31
April 5, 1854
43 days at sea
Will knew he should havebeen resting, but for the past three hours he’d been reading. And reading and reading and working through several candles, but it was worth it. The narrative was in itself compelling, but the feeling it created within him was what really kept him pouring over the pages. Over and over different people struggled and turned to God. Some of them turned away too. The stories were just so—relatable.
He turned his hands over. All the smallpox sores that had been on them were gone now, and he felt his strength returning with almost as much alacrity. His unclad feet, too, had begun to heal, the small marks on his skin still present but improving. He prayed he’d be well enough to be above deck again tomorrow, but for now, he told himself he’d read just a few more pages and then succumb to much-needed sleep.
The amazement Will felt at being part of the miracle didn’t lessen with sleep. By the time he arose in the morning, the scabs were gone entirely from his feet, and he felt well enough to walk about. He washed his face, changed his clothing, and decided to make his way to the deck. From what Ann had told him yesterday, he’d been sick for ten days. Ten days might as well be an eternity when one was directing a ship.
He sucked in a fortifying breath and opened the door of his cabin. After crossing the small common area, he took the stairs to the top deck where Crenshaw was supervising the watch.
Crenshaw’s countenance blanched when he saw Will, and Will didn’t miss the reflexive clench of the man’s hands. After a moment, Crenshaw schooled his features and let out a low whistle as Will approached him.
“I didn’t expect to see you so soon, Boyd.”
Will nodded his head. The curt tone was to be expected, but he’d hoped the man would be a bit grateful or maybe even relieved to see him.
“So, is it true those religionists took it upon themselves to heal you?”
Will turned over his palms. It still amazed him, despite living through it. “It was the power of God.”
“Ho now! This is how you speak of such things? I thought you took no stake in a higher power.”
Crenshaw was goading him, but Will knew the truth. “I can’t deny what I’ve lived.”
As he gripped the edge of a yard, Crenshaw shook his head. “Seems unnatural if you ask me. Spells and magic ...”
“There really wasn’t anything untoward about it,” Will answered. “But I didn’t come up here to report on their religion to you. I am well enough off that I can relieve you of the duties you took over for me.”
“You don’t know anything of what has happened in the last ten days, and you just expect to usurp me?” His voice was tight, a menacing look in his eye. It was disconcerting how quickly the man’s temper ignited.
“It isn’t threatening when the original person is simply back in charge. If you’ll kindly brief me on our position.”
Will hadn’t ever been completely sure why Crenshaw hated him, other than Will knew how long the man had been a second mate. Many years—without a promotion—whereas Will was younger and had progressed faster.
Crenshaw crossed his arms. “I would like to point out that during my time in charge, we made up several days. Improved our course by a thousand miles of sea.”
Jack had told him of how the coordinates improved, but Will didn’t show any of that on his face. “And you think you can reasonably take credit for making the wind blow?”
Crenshaw’s tight eyes flitted to the sea. “Well, not exactly. But it was good leadership and impressive sailing.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Will said, not wanting to pick a fight. “And now, the coordinates and the course please.”
“Are you sure your faculties are up to the task?”
“Quite,” said Will, pulling down his hat and waiting expectantly.
