One of the parkways aboard the ship even had a large pool of water, meant to resemble a lake. Free found it the afternoon of the second day. He sat alone on the bench beside it, watching the tiny fish in its depths and the pair of ducks that swam on it. No one else was in sight except one man who strolled slowly by and sat alongside Free. He wore a uniform, and it frightened Free at first sight.
But the man put out his hand and smiled gently.
“I’m Captain Maynard, young man. We’ll be spending the next several weeks together on this ship. How do you like our fish pond? It was installed just before the last trip.”
“It makes me feel like I’m right back at home,” said Free. He took the man’s hand now, his initial fear gone.
Captain Maynard was a big man. His pleasant face was ruddy, and hi
