Daughter of Destiny by Louise M. Gouge Read Free Book Online

Chile, and Destiny’s
Hope had heaved to for a gam, the sailors’ term for a friendly visit. The
other captain had been delighted to meet Jonah and Reverend Hillerman and
insisted they hold a church service for his merchant crew. Swain had granted
permission, and the two missionaries marveled that God would bring souls to
hear His Word even on this vast ocean.
    Not long into his watch, Jonah began to think a second such
service would soon be in order. Billowing white sails peeked over the horizon
and grew larger. He tucked the telescope under his arm, cupped his hands, and
called, “Sail ho.”
    Swain gave the helm to First Mate Turner and lifted his own
telescope to see the newcomer. Even from high above, Jonah could see the
captain stiffen.
    “Pirates!” The call sounded throughout the ship, and the
entire crew scrambled on deck.
    “Adams, come down.” Swain beckoned furiously.
    By the time Jonah reached the deck, the captain and mates
had retrieved guns and ammunition from a locked cabinet below. The officers
passed the weapons around, but when Swain thrust a musket toward Jonah, he
stepped back.
    “No, sir, I will not shoot anyone.”
    Swain again thrust it at him, forcing him to take the
weapon. “You’ll protect the ladies, or I’ll throw you to Davy Jones’ locker
myself.”
    Jonah felt himself grow warm with shame. Of course, he
would protect his wife and Sister Hillerman and little Daniel. He hurried to
take his place at the ship’s railing beside Samuel, Pete, and Brother Hillerman
while other crew members scrambled up the ropes to make certain the sails
caught all the force of the brisk summer wind.
    “I’ve instructed our wives to pray,” Hillerman said.
“Perhaps God will turn aside these miscreants.”
    Jonah nodded his agreement, but fear gripped his heart. He
knew he would protect Leah with his life, but could he shoot to kill?
    ***
     
    Leah clung to Sister Gladys, with little Daniel squeezed
between them, and all three shook. Their prayers poured out in tremulous tones
as they pleaded for God’s mercy and protection for everyone on board. Gladys
wept out tearful words for her husband and son, adding a plea for her unborn
child. Wide-eyed Daniel watched his mother, and began to cry too. Leah almost
permitted herself to be swept into their despair, but something inside her
jolted. With a deep breath, she shook off her anxiety. Then she shook Gladys.
    “Sh! God will protect us. You must lock yourself and Daniel
into your cubicle. I’m going up to help the men.”
    “Oh, no, you mustn’t.” Gladys glanced at her son. Her eyes
widened, and she gave her head a little shake. “Forgive me. I’ll be all right.
Go. Do what you must.”
    Leah dashed to the deck and located Jonah at the rear of
the quarterdeck. A gun rested on the rail before him. In the distance she saw
the ominous specter of the pirate ship in pursuit. The mid-sized vessel
appeared to have no forward cannon, but its crew lined the bow, some waving
sabers and some aiming muskets.
    “Mrs. Adams!” Jonah stared at her, a flicker of fear in his
eyes, and then a frown. “Go below, madam. This is no place for a woman.”
    “If I load your guns, you can shoot more times.”
    “Will you disobey me?”
    “She’s right.” Captain Swain stepped over and thrust
pouches of powder and shot into her hands. “You know how to do this?”
    “I learned from my father.” She glanced at her husband. She
had never disobeyed him. What would he think? What would he do? His glower
softened, and he gave her a curt nod before turning back to the approaching
ship.
    The wind seemed to favor the pirates. Their ship quickly drew
closer. Leah could see Jonah’s jaw working. Was he angry with her?
    A round of gunshots rang out from the other vessel, but the
distance prevented the shot from reaching Destiny’s Hope .
    “Steady, men,” Swain called out. “They’re trying to
intimidate us into trimming sail or wasting our shot before they’re in