Voyage of the Dolphin by Gilbert L. Morris Read Free Book Online

celebration.”
    Jake, with some help from the others, had prepared a fine meal. None of them except Daybright had eaten marlin before, and it turned out to be a delicious fish.
    Dawn came in wearing a light green dress that perfectly matched her eyes.
    â€œThat dress must have cost enough to feed a starving village for a year,” Jake whispered. “Boy, she's a looker, ain't she now?”
    Dawn was seated as was customary at one end of the table while Captain Daybright took the other end. The Sleepers arranged themselves, and Sarah and Reb had volunteered to serve.
    â€œWell, now, this is fine, isn't it?” Daybright commented. “You wouldn't eat a better meal than this, Miss Catalina, in the finest castles in the land.”
    Dawn tasted the fish and nodded reluctantly. “It does very well. I've had better, though.”
    It appeared that Daybright had to grit his teeth, but he managed to smile. “And this fresh bread—I don't see how you do it, Jake. It's delicious!”
    â€œAn old family recipe,” Jake said. “I grew up on it.”
    He grinned, his homely face bright. “That's why I'm so pretty. I ate lots of it. It's guaranteed!”
    The meal was very pleasant. Dawn said nothing complimentary about the food, but everyone else did.
    Finally Dawn said, “I want some more of this juice.”
    She held out her goblet in a demanding fashion.
    Sarah arose at once and took it. She went over to where a pitcher was fastened down and filled the goblet, then started back to the table. Unfortunately, the ship shifted at that moment, causing Sarah to stumble. She caught her balance, but a few drops of the liquid fell on the bosom of Dawn's dress.
    At once Dawn rose up, crying, “You clumsy girl! Can't you do anything right?” Her hand flew through the air, and she slapped Sarah on the face.
    The sound of the slap was very loud and caught everybody off guard. A mutter went up from Josh, and he began rising to his feet, his face pale with anger.
    Captain Daybright caught his arm in a steely grasp and forced him back down. He looked down the table and said, “It's not my custom to give lessons in manners.”
    A silence fell over the room.
    Daybright's blue eyes were fixed on the face of the young woman, who glared back at him. “I'll have to ask you to apologize to Miss Sarah,” he said quietly.
    Dawn's eyes flashed with anger. Her lips curled up in a twist of arrogance. “Apologize to a servant? Never!”
    Again silence fell over the room. Every one of the Sleepers turned his eyes to Daybright.
    The captain leaned forward, put his hands flat on the table, and pressed them down. He'd kept his temper under firm control thus far, and he did so now. His voice was low. “I'll give you a simple choice, Miss Catalina. You'll either apologize right now—or you will have the rest of your meals in your cabin.”
    â€œYou wouldn't dare!”
    Daybright stared at the girl's face. It was flushed, and her lips were open in an “O” of surprise. He suspected she had never been crossed in her whole life, and he knew he was risking part of his fee to cross her now. He had been paid a portion in advance by the girl's father, the remainder to be collected from the king when she was safely delivered. But he was angry clear through, and he said firmly, “The choice is yours—apologize or go to your cabin.”
    â€œI won't be treated like this! You can't make me go to my cabin!”
    â€œDon't force me to do something we may both regret.”
    Dawn's face went pale. Her lips drew into a tight, stubborn line as she shook her head. “I won't apologize, and you can't make me.”
    Captain Ryland Daybright rose from the table.
    Dawn's eyes opened wider, and she stared at him as he moved around the table, walking with precise steps.
    When he stood over her, he said, “Your last chance, Miss Catalina.”
    â€œNo! You won't