Chapter Forty-Five
The brig – the launch of the fomhuireán – can you swim? – the Thames – the sooty rescuers – St Edwins – the contents of a hat
On her passage from Sydney to Portsmouth, Gladys had travelled third class, but even she was surprised at just how cramped was the inside of the fomhuireán. She and Charlie were led down a metal ladder, past the controls within the little glass-sided tower that topped the vessel, and through a series of extremely tight metal passageways. It was all so very restricted that the only place that had been found in which to keep them imprisoned was an alcove inside the nose of the contraption.
“I’m afraid there isn’t much light,” the Captain said. “Air is at a premium. We must be sparing with the candles.”
“What did Lord Decharles say when you gave
