Chapter 2
The Rhone was in flood – there had been heavy rain in North France – and the flood-markers on the bridge showed 2.3 metres above normal, so a vast volume of water was rushing south to the Mediterranean Sea. All the passengers had assembled in the panoramic lounge for complimentary drinks before dinner and to meet the captain. Tom could see how fast the river was flowing and, despite the sunshine, the brown water looked treacherous and turbulent, with surges that swirled into eddies; even the ducks and swans avoided these as the current was just too strong and one by one they sought the calmer waters over the flooded footpath.
The captain and another officer came in looking rather grand in their uniforms and carrying their caps and all the chatter stopped.
“Good evening, everyo
