Rhescue
Page 14
CHAPTER 14
GOING HOME.
The days drifted by. Rhes and Charlie became very good friends, and were accepted by everyone, just as Robin had planned. Mother was sure she could find homes for them both. They went sailing whenever the tides were right, and for long walks along the cliffs and shores when they were not. By the end of each day they were tired out, and almost fell into bed, asleep before their heads touched the pillows.
One morning Mother handed them a telegram. It said that Father had been made the Captain of a new ship, and had flown home for a holiday, before taking over command. The twins were happy that they would soon be seeing him, but sad that they had to leave the beautiful Island.
"Never mind." said Auntie Amy. "There’s always next year. So cheer up, and remember I'll be here to make you welcome. Both you and your friends."
Next day, they went down to the harbour and winched the SANNOX back onto the trailer. The Harbour Master came down as they were doing this, and said that he would look after the mooring for them, and it would be ready for the next time they wanted it. He shook hands with them, and limped back to his house as they drove off.
Back up the concrete ramp they went, along the front, up the hill, past the shops and the Railway Station, to the house. Bags were packed and stored in the car as they had to be away early in the morning.
Next morning, just after dawn had painted the curtains with light, they came reluctantly down to breakfast, and after stood around not really wanting to get into the car. They had to, however, as the Ferry would not wait. They hugged Auntie Amy, thanked her once again, and climbed into the car. It was a bit of a squash this time, with Charlie and Rhes, but they managed it.
Back down the lane they drove, past the terrace of houses, past the church, and away up the road to Douglas. They were silent, each thinking about the past weeks, and all that had happened. They hardly saw the beaches, hills and trees, and then they were into Douglas, and in the queue to board the Ferry.
Their turn came to board, and they parked where the sailor told them.
"This is the same Ferry we came over on " said Robin, "Let's see if the Captain is on the bridge?" He was
This time the sea was as smooth as glass. The Ferry backed out of the harbour and turned to leave the Island. The twins stayed on the bridge watching until the Island grew fainter as it fell away into the distance. Soon it was a shadow, low lying, and then it was gone.
"We'll be back". the twins promised each other.
The seagulls were still with them when they passed the lightship at the entrance to the channel that wound its way to the Landing Stage. All too soon the Ferry was tied up, and they drove off to head back to their own village.
When they arrived Uncle Josh was waiting, as were most of the villagers. They had heard about the twins' adventures on the radio and TV, and were happy to see them back in one piece.
The house came into view, and as they pulled up, the front door opened, and out came Father. What a happy meeting that was, and it was well into the night before they had told him everything about their adventurous holiday.
Charlie and Rhes took over two empty cottages, and soon had them spick and span. They soon lived in the village as if they had been born there.
Father had to go back to sea on his new ship, and the twins had soon to go back to school. On the last evening of the holidays, Robin and Robina met Charlie and Rhes, and talked over their adventures. Never again, they hoped, would they have to face Rex. But far away, now in a very secure prison he was plotting and planning his escape. It would take time, he thought, but he had plenty of that. Years and years, if necessary, but one day.
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