Page 9 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

Eli?” “Here. Read it,” Eli said holding out the letter. Jim coughed and rolled his eyes, and Eli remembered Jim couldn’t read. “Oh. Sorry. Let me read that part to you. ‘Dear Eli. Have booked passage on a ship called NACS. Watch for your bride on May 15. Molly.’” Whitman frowned. “Kind of a strange letter!” “I’m sure she was just in a hurry,” Eli said. A horn sounded in the distance, and all three men turned to see a ship coming into view from the south. They watched it for a while, as it steamed toward them, looming larger and larger. Although the port at North Shore wasn’t big, it was quite protected and deep, allowing ships to come right into the docks. The ships that came were usually medium-sized freighters, bringing items for the small towns along the coast that had shallower harbors. Many also brought items for the lumber camps and smaller towns inland. They usually left with loads of timber. Fishing ships often docked there overnight on their way to Grand Bank. Passenger ships only came a couple of times per month since very few people came or left from there. As the ship maneuvered into position along the freight dock, the words ‘North Atlantic Cattle Ship’ could be seen on the side. It was as big a freighter as ever came to North Shore. The rust along the bow indicated it was an older ship. The flag flying from the mast was not one that Eli recognized. Whitman turned back to the other men. “Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you about your fiancée, Eli, but with the cattle boat coming in, I’ll be needed to help it dock and 6