DESTINY 

By Tessa Harvey


    Turning reluctantly to leave, Edward heard sloshing noises in the companion way and a young boy's voice. The ship's boy, a helper for the cook, a youngster living in a cardboard box near a pub, waiting for a dad who never returned. 
    Tony had waited a year and cried when "cookie" rescued him.
    "Sir," he cried, now skidding around the door, "I've come to get Daisie. Oh look, wow, sir, you are the best. You are saving them." The captain turned back. The boy'd deep faith in him was overwhelming.
    Without hesitating, the boy rushed into the flooded area. He passe two tiny half-dead kittens, talking to them as he did so. "Here Penny, our captain's got you. Come on Roscoe, baby. Where's mum and baby Danny?" "Oh here, come on. Don't worry."
    Tony hesitated. "Look sir, I'm really wet. Could you push them in your pockets with mum, please sir? And the mean mate said to get a quick move on, like, the storms back!" Tony rushed off again.
    The corridor was streaming with water now and they struggled, both wordless with effort. The men were waiting and bundled them in the life boat.


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