Powder Monkey by Paul Dowswell Read Free Book Online Page B

‘State your business,’ he barked.
    Ben gave him a quick smile. ‘It’s none of yours, my friend. I’m here to show our new powder monkey the guns.’
    I wondered how many of his previous powder monkeys had heard this speech, but thought it wise not to ask.
    â€˜There’s thirty-two big guns on this ship, which is why it’s called a “32”. There’s ten either side of the gun deck, and another six either side of the forecastle and quarterdeck. I’m captain of the crew of this gun here, next to the larboard hatchway.’
    Ben pointed to his gun.
    â€˜These big guns are called 18 pounders, because they fire 18lb shot.’ He nodded towards a line of black metal cannonballs placed underneath the gun ports. I went to pick one up. It was slightly above the width of a man’s hand, and almost more than I could lift.
    â€˜You try to move that gun,’ he instructed. I placed my back against the wooden carriage and shoved with all my might. It didn’t budge an inch. I may as well have been pushing at a huge tree trunk. ‘These guns and carriages are nearly two tons apiece. We keep the guns loaded once we go out to sea, so they’re ready to fire if we’re attacked. Once the first broadside is fired, we need to reload as soon as possible. That’s why your job is so important. Gunpowder’s too dangerous to be kept bythe guns, so you need to run to the magazine and fetch it. We’re close to the magazine here, so you won’t have far to run. I’ll show you.’
    We walked down the ladder nearest to Ben’s gun, to the mess deck and then down another stairway which led to the after magazine. Here in the dark belly of the ship was one of the two chambers where gunpowder was kept. Another marine was standing guard beside it. Ben gave him a curt nod.
    â€˜This is where you come to fetch the gunpowder cartridges. They’re made of linen bags and you carry them in a leather container, which we call a cartridge box. You make sure the lid’s on good and proper, Sam, and you’ll be all right.’
    Even now, in port and far from battle, the magazine was an unsettling place to be. The few dim lanterns in the hold cast a faint glow, creating an atmosphere of demonic menace. Here, I supposed, there was enough gunpowder to blow the entire ship, and everyone on it, into fragments of wood, flesh and bone.
    As the crew gathered in the mess for supper that evening I spotted Silas.
    â€˜What have they been making you do today, Mr Warandel?’ I asked.
    â€˜Call me Silas, Sam. We’re in this hornet’s nest together. I’ve just spent four hours in the forecastle repairingthe ship’s rigging. I had a chat with that Mandeville this morning too. Have you met him yet?’
    I nodded.
    â€˜Beady-eyed bastard. Tells me he’s got his eye on me.’
    I smiled, but could think of nothing useful to say. I was pleased to see Silas, but he made me feel uneasy and I wondered what he might do that would land me in trouble.
    â€˜I’m joining you in the larboard afterguard, Sam. I’ve been put in with Ben Lovett’s gun crew. Have you met him yet? Can’t say I care much for Brummies, especially that one. Being gun captain’s probably the first bit of power he’s had in his life, and he’s keen to let everyone know he’s the boss.’
    I thought Silas sounded a little jealous. ‘He’s all right, is Ben. He’s my Sea Daddy.’
    Before I could say more, Ben came over to join us. He smiled at me, but gave Silas more of a curt nod. I sensed the two of them had not hit it off.
    Ben took us over to a table where he usually sat. This time he introduced us to his mess mates.
    â€˜This is Silas Warandel. He’s from London. And the lad here is Samuel Witchall. You’re from Norfolk, aren’t you? They’ll be replacing Henry and Stephen.’ The men all nodded