### 53

You hear whispering among the crew and catch the words ‘ghost-ships’ and ‘cursed voyage’, but the whispering stops when the captain’s voice calls for all hands on deck. A silence descends on the Green Sceptre as Captain Kelman addresses the crew in a loud voice.

‘Men, we are three days’ sail from Port Bax, but with a strong wind and a stout heart we’ll drop anchor and feast there in two. The fire has claimed many of our provisions and rations are hereby cut to one meal a day. A guard shall be placed upon the freshwater cask. But we are strong. We shall endure. Any man found thieving will receive a hundred lashes. That is all.’ The crew seem unhappy at the captain’s decision, but none of them dares to challenge his authority.

Later that afternoon, you are invited by both the crew and by the captain to take your evening meal with them.

If you wish to eat with the captain, turn to 321.

If you wish to eat with the crew, turn to 154.