With the sun moving towards its zenith, the sounds of excitement and controversy grew outside. There were a great many people now, gathering by the harbour, looking across at the dying ship, its innards being remove with haste and diligence, and they ambled by the little house that George was in. They too talked of the unusual circumstances of the crash, and there was also talk of the cargo.
Inside, George and Mrs Proudhon continued to talk. The topic of The Forrester was never far away, but they also discussed one another’s lives, about how George had left his home in order to explore the world a little, in order to find a meaning in things that he felt were empty. She revealed things about her life too, how she had married early and for love, and how she and her husband had worked hard for everything they had. George thought her to be a charming woman, witty, caring, motherly, but also with depth and character. The topic of her husband finally came around again.
‘So you say that he jumped overboard. Do you know why?’
‘He told me briefly that many of the crew started to act strangely, that the officers were having a hard time keeping everyone in line. There were one too many incidents and soon there was open discussion of mutiny. The captain caught wind of this, and before anything could happen he decided to crash the ship so that the mission could be completed. My husband escaped, fearing that the crew might be arrested upon arrival. It seems he was correct.’
Indeed it proved to be true, as the local police station was filled with sailors who were locked in the inadequately sized cells.
‘So why then did you call me into your home? Do you want me to help you escape?’
‘No, we shall escape ourselves in a few days. For now though I need you to take a message to a relative of mine. She does not live too far.’
It occurred to George, while he considered the idea of becoming a messenger, that he had taken a step into the world, towards adventure, and that in turn adventure had come towards him with open arms. He wondered about fate, and if he were in some way destined to come here, to take part in the events surrounding The Forrester, but he was unsure if he believed in such things.
‘Alright, I’ll take a message.’
And so, during the rest of the day, while they prepared lunch together and ate at the small table, Mrs Proudhon gave George directions and advice for his journey.
‘The village is along the coast, perhaps three days journey away. My husband and I will give you some money to help you along, as well as a little parcel.’
It all seemed very simple and George asked her why they themselves could not do this.
‘My husband urged caution, and although we have involved you in this, someone we do not know, there was no other option. You look like a trustworthy man George,’ she said as she smiled at him with gratitude in her eyes.
For some reason George felt that all this was more adventure than he had thought he would find here in Gorlis, and that he may be endangering himself. But at the same time he was ambivalent, for he wanted to believe the unusual circumstances around The Forrester’s journey, about Mr Proudhon and what may have happened on that ship. And, moreover, he was happy that his decision to leave his little hometown was so quickly yielding excitement.
