True Treasure: Real - Life History Mystery

by Lisa Grace

  The storm came in waves, wind and rain, with some lightning turning the sky brilliant colors. Shades of bright lime green all the way to light purple hues infused the clouds in a way Graham had only seen during these storms. Everyone on the island hunkered down, playing cards, reading, whittling, drinking, and singing. Ironically passing the time occupied with the same activities sailors would do when hit by a day of calm out in the middle of the sea while waiting in good nature for the stillness to pass.

  On the Devonshire though, the sailors were in a constant state of movement or readiness. High winds and fluctuating seas were the most dangerous time to be aboard a ship. Within forty-eight hours the rain bands had passed, and life settled back to its normal routine.

  ***

  A Month Later in 1826

  The weather held as the HMS Lancashire rounded the farthest edge of the island. They’d mapped the larger pirate colony off the trade route, and soon, they would send for a detail of navy ships to dispatch them to their maker.

  “Head south down the coast,” Captain Stafford commanded. He saw no sign of the Devonshire yet. She was one of only forty of the Vengeur gunships built which had acquired the nickname of the “forty thieves.” They were fast and well-armed. They were the sleekest warships on the seas a thoroughbred among the workhorses of the sailing fleet. Whoever brought her back in one piece with the captain to be hanged would be given command of the ship. He wanted command of that ship.

  The smaller islands with their wealth of hidden coves would be a great hiding place for a ship of her nature. He put himself in Captain Graham’s shoes. Captain Graham had been hired to survey the coast. No one would know better the hiding places concealed among the small islands and the craggy coves on the shore. Captain Stafford was sure Graham would stick near the shore. His men must come inland to stock his ship. Feeding and taking care of two hundred and fifty men was not an undertaking that could be hidden for long. He wouldn’t hide among the Spanish or Portuguese pirates as they’d slit his throat and his men’s for the ship alone, never mind the treasure.

  “She is here. I can feel it,” the captain said. “Where are you hiding?” Every cove they discovered empty, was one less to search, he thought.

  The first officer nodded.

  “Let us have a quick look in that bay.”

  The first officer shouted the command to turn the ship into the bay.

  ***

  Randall and Bennett

  The call went out and quickly spread to where Bennett and Randall were working. “Ship! HMS Navy, sir,” the messenger said with a worried look in his eye.

  “Signal the Devonshire to hug in tight on the far side of the cove.”

  “Done sir, first thing when the ship was sighted.”

  Bennett nodded. “Good.”

  The men took to their posts, the coals were dispersed on the fires, but not wetted, so as not to create smoke. The residual smoke would be masked by the misty spray of the waterfall.

  The navy ship rounded the bend and approached the cove. The men of the crew were hidden among the trees every eye watchful, careful not to move the foliage, aware the ship would have spyglasses trained on the shore and the cliffs, looking for any sign of life.

  If the ship pulled into the main cove, there was a chance it would spy the jutting half-circle hidden cove that was just big enough to conceal the Devonshire from any passing ships.

  “Sir?” The messenger spoke to the captain quietly.

  The captain tilted his head slightly indicating the messenger could continue with his statement. “We have the supply skiff returning this evening. Do we warn them?”

  “No. Not until we are sure this ship will not see our signal. We will wait until dusk to assess the risk.”

  The ship slowly cruised into the mouth of the cove. The sailors held their breath. A flock of loud noisy parrots took off from the top of the tree line to the south of their position and Randall could spy the sailor on the deck of the ship swivel to catch sight of the birds.

  The ship lazily circled around and headed back out of the cove. Another ten fathoms forward and they would have spied the opening to the hidden cove. The optical illusion would have been ruined. Twenty fathoms forward and they would have spied the front bow of the Devonshire. The ruse would have been up.

  ***

  Onboard the HMS Lancashire, the captain looked back at the island.

  “What is it, sir?” his officer asked.

  “A feeling,” the captain answered. He scanned the coast and the side of the mountain looking for a clue, something to justify his instinct. Nothing. But the feeling would not go away.

  The first officer heard a splash and looked down into the deep clear water.

  “Look,” one of the crew said loudly while pointing toward the water. Several sharks lazily circled below the calm surface. Sharks circled the ship, searching for what, he did not know.

  The captain sniffed the air. “Did you smell that?”

  The first officer sniffed moving his head to and fro. “Smoke, captain?” It was so faint and brief. “It could be from our stoves below deck.”

  “Yes, perhaps. Just the same take the ship on to the next island, we will circle it like the sharks do around this ship. If we find nothing, we will return here under the cover of dark, then we will see what we shall see.”

  ****

  The ship headed off towards its next destination, and while the men relaxed back on the island, the mood remained somber around the camp. A naval ship was not a good sign, they were actively looking for something. The men knew it was the Devonshire and their hides. Captain Graham had made it clear they would surrender without a fight as they were honorable men in service to the King, even if the King required their heads. Such was the fortune of a navy crew and ship.

  Bennett spoke to Randall, “Perhaps I should have commanded to signal to the ship, surrendered.”

  “Do not question yourself, you are the captain. We will hang soon enough,” Randall said flippantly.

  “I will hang; however, as your captain and your friend, I have a request of you. Can I impose upon your friendship? Not for me, but for the life of my son and wife?”

  Randall nodded. “I will do whatever you ask. I would follow you to the grave. I am bound by duty and honor, but above all, our friendship.”

  Captain Graham nodded, and let his breath out in a heavy sigh, “I have a feeling we have not long left. There must be a bounty for the return of the ship if not my head. When they come ashore, I will surrender on the beach. I wish you to take my son and Mary, to her parents. You know the terrain as well as any. As you know, there is a native canoe hidden on the leeward side, only visible at low tide. Get them back safely. I will try to make it to England alive, pleading for a trial. I will use the whereabouts of the treasure as a bargaining tool for the freedom of the men so they may have their good names cleared.”

  Randall nodded. “I will take them to safety as you ask. Once they are secure, I will return to help you and the men in any way I can.”

  Graham clasped Randall’s shoulder in a firm grip. His look grave but relieved.

  ***

  Graham called a meeting once the naval ship was out of sight of the island. He looked out over his men, well fed and cared for, happy in the life they had carved out for themselves under the tropical canopy of the rain forested volcanic cliffs of the island.

  “His Majesty’s ship has safely passed us by, giving us a welcome reprieve. However, it will be back. There is a bounty for the ship, my head, and possibly for the crew. I ask on your honor in front of God and man, that you will take to your grave the location of the treasure we have hid. If I make it to England with my head still upon my shoulders, I plan on using its whereabouts to obtain freedom for you, my crew, to clear your good names.” The men yelled out their assent.

  “If we should be wronged, and the truth does not prevail, let the treasure be given over to history as a testament to our honor. If our names must be sul
lied the hidden treasure is the payment we demand for our ruined reputations.”

  The men once again yelled out their agreement.

  “Who is with me for our honor before our King?”

  Cheers rang out throughout the crowd.

  “We are not pirates, we are not thieves. We are men who serve God, King, and country above all. Let the angels in heaven be our witness.”

  “Aye! Aye!” The calls echoed out. Graham had never been more proud of his men.

  ***

  “Do you think the ship will return?” Mary asked Bennett.

  “Yes, I’m sure it will, as that is what I would have done. I am afraid we have only hours to a day of freedom left.”

  “I am afraid.” Mary clutched at Bennett. “Tell me I should not be.”

  “Randall will take you and Ben away in the boat hidden by the caves. He will take you both back to your parents. Stay there until I come for you.”

  Mary pressed her head into his shoulder her tears wetting his shirt. She shook her buried head. “He can take Ben, but I will not leave your side. I will share your fate.”

  “No! You will go with Randall. I command it.”

  Mary laughed with no mirth, “You cannot command me. I will follow you. I cannot stay away wondering what has happened. I cannot bear it! Ben will be safe with my parents. My place is with you, for the best and the worst. Maybe you will fight harder to stay alive if I am near. I will fight to keep you alive with every breath I have in my body.”

  Bennett held onto Mary tighter. He kissed her until her tears stopped, then took her to their bed.

  ***

  In the dawn’s light the sailor on sixth watch could see the returned ship just outside the cove. He signaled to the command. “They are approaching the bay.”

  A boat was dropped over the side filled with a party of soldiers armed with long guns and pistols.

  The night watch officer ran to the first officer’s tent. “Sir, a party of sailors are on their way to the beach.”

  Randall ran his hands over the stubble on his cheeks. “Gather a party to greet them on the beach. Wait while I get the captain. Assemble the men, have them each pack a bag. We will be boarding the Devonshire for the trip home shortly. Get the cooks to ready their supplies to stock both ships.”

  “Jonah?”

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you for your service to his Majesty.”

  “We are not finished yet, sir.”

  “Yes, not yet, but under the circumstances...”

  The sailor nodded and left.

  ***

  Randall knocked on the wood support outside the captain’s quarters.

  “Come in,” Bennett called as he sat up in bed and reached for his coat. Mary got out of bed all ready, wearing her day robe.

  “A landing party is on its way to the shore.”

  Mary went to little Ben’s bed. She leaned over kissed his head inhaling his scent, then shook him gently. “Ben, it is time to go with Randall to visit your grandparents.”

  Ben sat up and rubbed at his eyes. “I do not want to leave you and father.”

  Mary added, “I know. Pray hard that it is not for long.”

  Bennett reached out to hold their son one last time. “I love you Ben. Be a good boy for Uncle Randall and your grandparents. Stay strong.”

  Mary smiled at Ben as she took him into her arms. “Mommy loves you so much. We will be back for our boy as soon as we can.”

  Randall spoke up trying to lighten the mood, “Ben, it will be an adventure! Save up all the tales you have to tell your parents once you meet up again.”

  Mary spoke to Randall, “Here is his bag. Inside is a letter to my parents. You will explain?”

  “Of course, I want you to know, I will be back. I will come and find you both. I will do everything in my power to set you free.”

  Bennett reached out and clasped his friend on his free shoulder. “I am proud to have served with you, and to call you friend. Thank you for taking care of our son. I owe you a debt I cannot repay.”

  Randall raised his eyebrow, “Do not count me out, I plan on collecting upon this debt.”

  They smiled at each other.

  “We must be off while they are occupied with you and the Devonshire,” Randall said as he took little Ben’s hand.

  Mary turned toward the bed as Randall walked out. She wiped the tears from her eyes. She would have time to cry on the long ocean trip to London. Instead she asked Bennett, “Which dress should I wear, the blue or the green?”

  ***

  Captain Bennett walked down to the beach with a group of the officers and men behind him.

  The landing party of sailors from the waiting ship standing at attention watched as they approached. “Captain Bennett Graham?”

  “Yes, and to whom am I speaking?”

  “I am Captain Daniel Stafford of the HMS Lancashire. I have a warrant for your arrest signed by King George on the charge of piracy, treason, and murder. How say you?”

  Captain Graham spoke, “We are innocent. We have not committed piracy, treason, or murder. We came upon a wrecked Spanish galleon. Its crew mutinied. Pirates captured the mutineers and the treasure while it wasted on the shoals of a reef. We dispatched the pirates and secured the treasure to a safe location that I will disclose to the King, once I am in his Majesty’s presence and can obtain the pardons for my men, who have been wrongfully accused by those who would hide their guilt.”

  Captain Daniel Stafford nodded. “That may well be. However, I will ask you to order all hands on deck. My first officer, George James, will take command of your vessel. I am sorry, but I must relieve you of your command and ask you to be a guest aboard our ship along with your officers until you are delivered to the court.”

  Captain Graham nodded his assent, “My men are under orders to follow your command.”

  Captain Stafford nodded once. “Good.”

  “One favor.”

  “Yes?”

  “My wife is on the island. I ask that we may share quarters as ‘guests’ aboard your ship. I fear when we get to London she may have to face life alone under less than ideal circumstances.”

  Captain Stafford paused then sighed. “You may share quarters on the voyage as you may be right.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Gentlemen?”

  “One other issue. A pirate ship carrying Portuguese and Spanish sailors entered the cove a month back. We sunk their ship and have them secured. A total of thirty-two men. You will need to make secure accommodations for them as they cannot be trusted.”

  Captain Stafford turned to one of his men. “Get the jail ready. We will take the pirate men aboard the Lancashire to face justice back in England.”

  “Would you like to see our camp? You are welcome to bring your cooks and stockmen to load up on necessary supplies.”

  Captain Stafford nodded his assent as Captain Graham turned and motioned for him to join him on the hike up the mountainside. “The island and the coast nearby keep us in fresh fruits and vegetables year round.”

  “Why sir, have you not returned to your post? Why hide out on the island?”

  Graham nodded, “We were completing the survey of the coast when we received word that there was a bounty on my and mine men’s heads. This was a surprise. One of the men massacred by the pirates on the Valasperio was a nephew to the King of Spain. Two of the mutinous crew escaped, reported us as the thieves, and being responsible for his nephew’s death. To keep the peace, our King has chosen to support the King of Spain’s decision,” Graham answered.

  Captain Stafford nodded. “Politics. Many a good man has lost his head over them.”

  “Yes. I intend to plead for the lives of my men when I get my day in court.”

  “But the King of Spain will demand blood for the loss of his kin.”

  Graham sighed, “Yes.”

  “I am sorry this is the hand God has chosen to deal you.”

  Graham laughed bitterl
y, “Yes, I will play it as best I can. Now let me show you the camp.”

  ***

  The camp was busy packing all day to re-board one of the two ships they would be assigned to. The sailors walked around with grim determination. Captain Stafford invited Captain Graham and Mary, and his officers to dinner that evening. Both captains tried to keep the mood light for the sake of their men.

  After drinks of brandy and sherry were served, Mary said, “Gentlemen, I will take my leave.” She excused herself to her and Bennett’s new quarters, sensing the men had serious issues to discuss.

  Captain Stafford said, “Men, I would like to speak to Captain Graham alone.” He stood, poured himself another drink, then offered the bottle to Captain Graham.

  “No, thank you,” Graham said as he looked at the remaining rusty colored liquor left in his glass.

  Captain Stafford sighed. “I feel I must be honest with you as to what my orders are and my assessment of the situation.” He sipped from his drink. “The officers who return with us to England will be condemned for piracy and hung by the neck. The rest of the crew will be sent to the penal colonies off Australia. The King is aware of the letters you have sent explaining the nature of what occurred. While he agrees you are in the right, he cannot afford another war. Between Napoleon and the French, and the trouble between the Greeks and Turkey, the on going issues with the American and Spanish colonies to the north of here, and the constant threat of pirates, he has stretched his military resources as far as they can go. We are building ships at Devonport as fast as possible. The King feels he has no choice at this time but to appease the bloodlust of the King of Spain. The sacrifice of a few officers versus the sacrifice of several ships and their crews in a war, is a much lower price to pay. You can see his logic.”