Chapter 3The days passed quickly and Helena didn’t have much more interaction with the young sea captain, whom she eventually learned was the adopted son of Charlie and Agnes McKenzie. The captain was usually at the wheel or chatting with the crew or even taking part in climbing the perilous ropes to observe their surroundings from the crow’s nest. While the crew wandered about in shortened pants, usually with bare feet and billowing shirts, the captain remained in full breeches and coat, hat clapped over his head and hair tied back.
As they cut through the water, Helena spent much of her time chatting with Mrs. McKenzie in the galley, or with Joe above deck when he was available. The captain readily offered his small library, so at times, Helena found herself on deck, comfortably sitting
