They trooped up the gangplank and stood on the deck.
"Hey, Cal, let's go to the bow and watch from there."
"Sounds good." She took the inevitable sketchbook from her pocket and followed him forward.
A booming horn made them both jump and the deck began to vibrate.
A sailor pulled a rope up from the dock and coiled it on the deck.
"Hi Sam, it is OK if we watch from the bow?"
"Should be fine, Miss Cal."
When did she have the chance to learn this fellow's name? About Pentam's age, he stood taller and much more muscular. He had an open, friendly face framed by short dark hair.
"I'm Pentam." He stepped forward.
"Sorry, Sir, but I'm all over oil from the rope." Sam held up his hands, and indeed they were black.
"That's fine, no shame in well-earned grime." Pentam could have kicked hi
