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It had been just over three months since they had
left port. The ship had been becalmed for several days. Everyone was
hoping for at least a breeze because they were running low on
victuals. It was during in this situation of waiting around for a
favourable wind that a discussion was struck up between Ashley and his
friend Blue. They were both boasting about how fast they could run.
“I could run three miles in ten minutes,” said
Blue.
“You’re lying. I could beat you any day in a fair
race,” replied Ashley.
They heard a voice behind them say, “Well, maybe we
aught to put your theories to the test.”
The two midshipmen turned to see Lieutenant Bentley
standing behind them. Both Ashley and Blue stood up immediately. The
two of them looked rather startled and slightly guilty that the
lieutenant had overheard their discussion.
“We will arrange a little race. I will have to ask
the captain for his approval, but I'm sure he will not begrudge a
little entertainment,” suggested Bentley, with a smile.
“Aye, sir,” Ashley and Blue replied in unison.
***
It was all arranged. Captain Thompson had approved
to the race and had even agreed to adjudicate the contest. A chalk
line had been drawn across the deck to represent the start line and
Lieutenant Bentley had loaded a pistol with just powder to act as a
starter. Ashley and Blue had removed their hats and jackets and were
waiting expectantly behind the line for the signal to start. The race
was to run from one end of the ship to the other, from the poop deck
to the forecastle and back again.
The Captain spoke to them both, “Now I want a fair
race. There is to be no foul play. You know what is required.”
“Aye, sir.” They both replied.
“Then lets get on with it then,” said Captain
Thompson. The two midshipmen gave a salute and took their places. “Mr
Bentley if you please!”
“Aye, sir,” replied the lieutenant. He raised the
pistol, “On your marks. Get set. Go!”
The shot rang out, the noise half drowning out the
cry of ‘go!’ but Ashley and Blue heard the cry clear enough. They sped
off at a great pace. Ashley leapt down one of the small set of steps
that led to the quarterdeck sprinted to the next set of steps and
jumped those also. He ran as fast as he could, having to avoid
obstacles that lay about the deck. At one point he looked back for a
second to see where Blue was and nearly ran into one of the cannons.
Ashley finally reached the forecastle he skidded round, turning to run
back the way he came. When he ran back towards the poop deck Ashley
saw that his rival was only a second or so behind him. As they neared
the finish line, Ashley heard shouts of encouragement. He could see
Blue in the corner of his eye. The blond midshipman was gaining on
him. Ashley could see the finish. He leapt up the last set of steps
two at a time and lunged forward throwing himself over the finish line
with such force he nearly didn’t stop in time. Moments later Blue also
crossed the line. A huge cheer went up from the spectators.
Ashley sunk to the deck exhausted. He was sweating
and his lungs felt as though they would burst. He looked over at Blue
who looked in worse condition and was lying on the deck gasping, as if
he was trying to breath in every last trace of oxygen.
Ashley addressed Blue in between taking in deep
breaths, “Well done. You were only a couple of seconds behind.”
“I should be all sportsmanlike and say the best man
won and all that, but I'm really quite put out about losing. I might
go and sulk if you don’t mind.”
“I would be miffed if you beat me, so we are even.”
He sat up and offered his hand Blue took it and they shook hands.
Ashley stood up slowly and walked over to where
Captain Thompson and Lieutenant Bentley were standing. Blue heaved
himself up and joined Ashley.
“It seems that congratulations should go to Mr
McKay and commiserations to Mr Blue,” said the captain.
“Aye, sir.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Mr McKay I hope you will be a gracious winner and
Mr Blue, a gracious loser. The matter, which you disputed, has now
been settled and I do not wish to hear of it again. Understand?” asked
the owl like Captain Thompson.
“Aye, sir,” both Ashley and Blue replied.
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