“You don’t know how good it is to see you! I thought you had died at sea!”
Ryan beamed an ecstatic smile and embraced his brother. “It’s so good to see you, Jamie!”
Jamie wiped back a tear. “I don’t know where to begin.… I can’t believe you’re alive! What happened? Why are you here? I thought you were dead!”
“Everything is all right, Jamie. I’m right here and I’m very much alive.”
“But how? I don’t understand.”
“Well, there’s no mistaking that you two are indeed brothers,” said the older man. “I take it that this a reunion of some sort?”
“Yes, sir,” agreed Ryan, grinning from ear to ear. “Mr. Montgomery, I’d like you to meet my little brother Jamie. Jamie, this is Mr. Thomas Montgomery. He’s the owner of the canal.”
“A pleasure,” he replied, shaking Jamie’s hand. “Well, this isn’t the first time I’ve had the privilege of witnessing a reunion on my worksite. You and Jamie take as much time as you need to get reacquainted. I’ll be in my office thinking about your conduit idea.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Ryan.
Jamie laughed, still in shock, as Mr. Montgomery walked away and the workers turned back to their tasks, looking pleased to have been part of such a happy moment.
“It’s so good to see you!” exclaimed Jamie.
“And you! The last thing I expected to see at the canal site was my little brother from Ireland. How did you find me?”
Jamie smiled. “It wasn’t easy.”
Jamie related the entire adventure to his brother while Ryan listened, awestruck. Ryan looked off past the blue horizon of Lake Ontario, trying to imagine the incredible scenes. Then, he sank to his knees when Jamie described the moment of finding the family text within the burning House of Parliament.
“The book was destroyed in the fire?” Ryan whispered, his face turning ashen.
Jamie grinned and lifted up the leather flap to his satchel.
“Wrong. I rescued it.”
“You have it now?”
Ryan wiped his sleeve across his face to remove the tears that streamed freely down his cheek. He took the book from Jamie, holding it against his chest. Jamie waited patiently while his brother recomposed himself.
“I thought our family’s book had been lost forever! I’m so sorry, Jamie. This was all my fault! If I hadn’t rushed into that skirmish with the British soldiers, none of this would have happened.”
Jamie helped him back to his feet. “We can’t change the past. But tell me, how did you end up losing the book in the first place?”
“I had been told that it had been washed overboard during a terrible storm. We were approaching the North American coastline. I was helping the crew battle through the gale, and when I returned to my berth, the door was wide open, everything was wet with sea water, the furniture had been thrown about, and my satchel with the book was gone!”
Jamie squeezed Ryan’s shoulder. “It’s all right. It was stolen from your room by one of the crewmen, and then likely sold to the captain. After that, it ended up in the parliament library. There was nothing you could have done about it.”
“But now you have the book. Fantastic!”
“We have the book. And now I have some questions for you. What brought you way out here, Ryan, to work on a canal? Why didn’t you come home?”
“It’s a long story.”
Jamie smiled. “Your boss told you to take as much time as you needed.”
Ryan guffawed and nodded. “I started off the crossing in the fourth-class hold, unconscious. When I woke up, I was stunned to find myself surrounded by destitute Irish immigrants on a packed ship. I was told I was on the Carpathia and we were just starting a crossing to Canada. Shocked at the situation, I argued with any and every crew member I could find to let me out and allow me to leave the ship. But the British soldiers must have informed them that I was troublemaker. I was beaten every time I complained until we were well out to sea and there was no going back. Then, the sickness started. Jamie, it was the worst living nightmare I could ever imagine! I saw so much suffering, disease, and death that I will be haunted for the rest of my life. I personally carried thirty-seven bodies to the deck railing for burial at sea and I will remember the faces of each and every one of those Irish men, women, and children for the rest of my life.
“I didn’t think it could get worse, but then a massive storm hit. Our ship rolled dangerously onto its side, and a sailor fell through a hatch and into our fourth-class hold, landing hard on one of the ship’s ribbing. I could tell he was badly hurt. The sailor had both a broken arm and leg. Trying to help, I had narrow strips of wood brought in from a nearby cargo hold. We tore up bits of cloth, and I made splints for both his broken arm and leg. Then, with the help of the crew, we carefully hoisted him back up to deck level.”
“Captain Chamberlain heard about my medical talents. He came down and said there were more wounded up on deck and asked, since there was no physician aboard, if I would be willing to tend to them as well. Of course, I volunteered my services, but when he asked me my name, I took the name of a passenger that I’d helped bury at sea, a young lad named Patrick Kell. Many men were lost at sea during the storm, and I decided Ryan Galway was going to be one of them. Once up on deck, it wasn’t hard for me to change the name in the deceased manifest when no one was looking. It was kept in the infirmary that I had set up near the officer’s quarters. I even attached one of my letters to the manifest as proof that I had died. I thought having a different identity would make it easier for me when I eventually returned to Ireland, in case the British were determined to try and keep me out of my home country.”
“So that explains your death certificate and why everyone around here calls you Patrick,” commented Jamie. “But how did you end up working at the Welland Canal?”
“One of the patients whom I tended, a gentleman by the name of Martin Bigglesworth, was a British mechanical engineer who had broken his arm at the height of the storm. He stayed in his own bed to recuperate, and it was while I was in his cabin that I spied some notes and diagrams on his desk. I started asking him questions about the drawings, and he explained that he had been hired to help solve a problem with one of the canals being built in Canada West. I made several comments on the written calculations and offered a new solution to the conduit problem he had been working on. Martin was intrigued by my engineering insight. He paid for me to move up to an empty room in first class so that we could continue our discussions.
“Before long, we were mentally tearing down models of the canal system and rebuilding it to see if we could solve the many dilemmas facing the project. You see, they wanted to use the water of the canal to help power the machinery in factories that were to be built along the base of the escarpment. Their original designs were all wrong for what they wanted to do, but after a week of problem solving, we had re-engineered the conduits properly so that they could carry enough water to power the machinery.”
Jamie held up his hands. “Okay. I understand you wanting to pass the time with mathematics and engineering, but once in Montreal, why didn’t you simply jump on the next ship back to Ireland? Why did you come all the way out here to St. Catharines?”
Ryan’s face flushed red with embarrassment. He patted the book in his hand. “This is the reason. I had lost the Book of Galway, our ancestors’ ancient text. I lost it, and by doing so, I lost the key to our people’s treasure. How could I face you or the Brotherhood again after such an act of selfishness and stupidity?
“As we approached the Port of Montreal, Martin informed me that he was too weak to make the next leg of the journey to St. Catharines, so he asked me to go to the construction site in his place. He sent me on with a note of explanation that was addressed to a Mr. Thomas Montgomery … so here I am. For three weeks, I’ve been helping Thomas re-engineer the conduits to his canal.”
Jamie suddenly stared at his brother with a tinge of anger. “Were you g
oing to let me go on thinking that you were dead? I was devastated when I saw your death certificate in Montreal.”
Ryan looked down. “I know. And I’m sorry. I would have contacted you, very soon, in fact. I swear. I didn’t think you would have found out so soon. I had no idea the Brotherhood would have sent you out after me. After I came to grips with the loss of the book, I was going to write the letter.”
Jamie grabbed him by the shoulders. “But now we have the book back! Don’t you see? You can return home with me, back to Ireland!”
“Yes, I know,” said Ryan defensively. “It’s truly a miracle that you were able to rescue the book. But now it’s my turn to ask you a question. After recovering the book, however did you track me down? You thought I was dead.”
Jamie reached into his pocket, unfolded a sheet of paper, and passed it to Ryan.
“I found this.”
“This is one of the sketches of the lock system I made for Martin! Wherever did you find it? I left all those drawings with him when I left the ship.”
“It was hidden in the back of the Book of Galway. And look at the date.”
Ryan smiled. “June 17th, 1847.”
“Days after the date written on your death certificate.”
“Brilliant! You knew then that I hadn’t died!”
“Wrong. I didn’t know you were alive for sure, but at least there was a chance you were still alive, and now I had a reason to keep on looking.”
“And the drawing led you here?”
Jamie nodded. “Mr. Kessler, a friend I met in Montreal, a bookseller, helped me figure out that it was likely a diagram of the Welland Canal, so I made my way down here as quickly as possible.”
Jamie then told him about the adventures on the Flying Dutchman, and Ryan hooted with laughter.
“Serves the Western Star Shipping Line right for what they did to us and the book. Well done! So I’ve lost count of how many people you have saved since leaving Ireland. Are you aiming to beat Moses’ record?”
Jamie shook his head. “Forget any record. Forget everything else. All I want, Ryan, is for you to come home with me.”
Ryan tried to speak, but turned away.
“What is it?” asked Jamie.
“Jamie, you have to understand, I was tormented by the fact that I had lost the book, lost you, and betrayed the Brotherhood. You have now released me from all of that guilt by finding me and showing me the book. I’ll never be able to thank you enough. And I’ll never forget this moment of seeing you again. But that doesn’t mean I’m about to leave this project or this new country. Jamie, there’s a lot more going on here than you realize, something even bigger than the Brotherhood. I’ve already decided that I want to be a part of it and that I’m going to stay.”
Jonathon Wilkes casually walked down the wharf and up the gangplank to the Maid of the Rideau. After stepping through a hatch, he made his way along the plush hallway and let himself into the captain’s quarters. Captain Chamberlain and Mr. Reeves were waiting on leather chairs on either side of a large oak coffee table, both nursing a strong drink.
“Ah, Mr. Wilkes,” said Reeves, “I’m so glad you’ve returned. Can I offer you a whiskey as well?”
“No thank you, but you might want to pour yourself a second glass after I share with you the information I’ve gathered from the St. Catharines locals.”
“Is it that bad?” asked Chamberlain, reaching over for the bottle. “Did those delinquents sink my baby?!”
“Say it isn’t true!” stammered Reeves, who downed the remaining alcohol from his glass. “I’d be finished!”
“No, I’m fairly confident that the Carpathia II is still afloat. It’s just docked in a location that you might not like.”
“Please,” begged Reeves, “no more games. Tell us what you know. Where is the Carpathia?”
“It seems that she did make a short stop here three days ago. According to the locals, the ship was crammed full of Irish immigrants.”
“What?” gasped Reeves. “How can that be? There were supposed to be only a dozen children on board my ship. Where in blazes did all the Irish come from?”
Wilkes chuckled. “It seems our child captain pulled a fast one on the town of Toronto by rescuing all of the Irish immigrants they had rounded up and penned on Queen’s Quay last week. After the rescue, the ship stopped here for a short time, where only a few of the passengers disembarked. The ship was still full with many Irish families when she left port and headed south.”
Reeves paled in shock. “South, as in towards the United States of America?”
Wilkes lowered his head in sympathy. “I believe so. I just talked to a seaman on shore leave from a schooner based in Rochester, New York. He claimed he saw a large ship that matches the description of the Carpathia II tied to a little-used wharf just on the other side of the Niagara River. If that is indeed her, then your ship is docked on American soil.”
Reeves jumped to his feet. “This is awful! If the U.S. government sinks their claws into her, they’ll hold her as evidence of human smuggling! This whole travesty could become an unending legal nightmare — which will cost the company a fortune!”
Chamberlain pounded his fist angrily on the table. “My ship is less than an hour’s sail away from here. Perhaps there is something we can do to help salvage the situation.”
“Yes!” agreed Reeves. “After sunset, we could sail the Maid of the Rideau up to the Carpathia II and tow her the short distance back into Canadian waters, but we’d have to get to her before the Americans claim her for their own.”
“As long as she’s still in one piece,” exclaimed Chamberlain, “my crew and I will get her back into Canadian waters, that I can guarantee.”
“Then we must leave immediately! There’s no time to lose! My job depends on it!”
“I believe retrieving your ship at this time is the right course of action,” concurred Wilkes, “but I’m afraid you’ll have to continue on without me.”
“What?” questioned Reeves. “I thought we had an agreement that you would help catch the wretched pirates who took my ship. You’re not keeping up your end of the bargain.”
Wilkes smiled. “Actually, I would like to keep my end of the bargain and that is why I will be leaving you at this time. I heard further reports that several children disembarked with the handful of Irish here in St. Catharines. I have a hunch that these children might be the ringleaders of your whole nasty situation. If I’m wrong, then I will catch up with you in a couple of days’ time. Don’t worry, Mr. Reeves. One way or another, I’ll bring those children to justice.”
“Fine,” huffed Reeves, dismissing Wilkes with a wave of his hand. “You go and do your investigating. As for you, Chamberlain, I want you to get this ship on its way immediately! Reclaiming the Carpathia II is our top priority!”
Chapter 20
The raucous mess hall brimmed with a festive spirit. The workers cheered and raised their drinks when the man they knew as Patrick Kell proudly announced that he had been reunited with a long-lost brother. Beth and Colin were also invited to the celebration. Everyone enjoyed the enormous portions of celebratory food that Mr. Montgomery provided for the event. After dinner, Ryan stood up and gave an emotional toast to family, lost and found. Soaking in the smiles and good tidings, Jamie felt, for the first time since leaving Ireland, truly happy. The cooks served up a special dessert of peach cobbler and by the time the dishes were cleared, everyone felt as if they had been part of something very special.
The sun was setting behind the escarpment as the two Galway boys and the children left the mess hall. Colin tugged on Jamie’s satchel. He was staring at their fishing rods leaning up against the frame of the mess hall.
“Jamie, can Beth and I go fishing?”
“How about saying thank you to Ryan for that delicious meal first?”
The little boy scrunched up his face in a big smile. “Thank you, Ryan!”
“You’re welcome, Colin. And Beth, it
was a pleasure having this chance to meet you.”
Beth ran and wrapped her arms around the brothers. “I’m so happy that you two are together again!”
“So are we,” agreed Jamie.
“Come on, Beth!” said Colin, grabbing her sleeve and yanking her away from the embrace.
“All right, Colin,” said Beth, looking back over her shoulder towards the boys. “Someone told us there is a great creek for brook trout just on the other side of the locks.”
“I know the creek,” said Ryan, pointing towards the woods. “After you go over that small hill, follow the creek back a little bit until you come to a big boulder. Just sit on that rock and lower the worms. You’ll get lots of bites!”
“Good luck!” said Jamie.
“Thank you!” they both shouted as they grabbed their poles and ran off.
“Your children are very sweet; Beth nearly talked my ear off at dinner,” said Ryan, cheekily. “You should be very proud of them.”
“You make me sound like I’m their dad,” said Jamie, giving his brother a shove. “I’m just helping them out. They’ve both been through a lot, just like us.”
“Aye, it does take me back, watching those two supporting each other, and all on their own.”
“I’m hoping that they won’t be on their own for much longer,” replied Jamie. “Colin’s aunt and uncle should be here in a few days’ time.”
“Good. It’s important for kids to have a place to call home.”
Jamie stopped and stared at his brother. “Just like you have back in Ireland. The Brotherhood is your home. It needs you.”
Ryan shook his head. “Let’s go for a walk.”
Ryan led Jamie across the top of the worksite. The cleared site portrayed a stunning vista of Lake Ontario and the distant shores of Canada West. To the right, a cloud of mist rising up in the cooling air marked the magnificent natural beauty of Niagara Falls. Ryan opened his arms to the surrounding land.
The Emerald Key Page 19