Page 13 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

Eli turned to the girl. “Miss, what is your name?” “Her name is...” the captain started to say, but was interrupted by Eli. “I think she can speak for herself.” Then, turning back to the girl, he asked, “Miss?” The girl spoke quietly, her voice quivering. “Is permitted for woman to speak in presence of men?” Eli nodded. “Of course it is. So what’s your name?” “Anya,” the girl said quickly, then started to withdraw from the men again. Eli grabbed her arm. “Don’t be nervous. We won’t hurt you. Can you tell us why you were sent here?” Anya reached inside her coat and pulled out a piece of paper. “Have letter.” She handed the letter to Eli, and then quickly escaped to a safe distance away. As Eli unfolded the letter, the other men crowded around. As he read it, Eli let out a gasp. “This is impossible!” Jim shook his cane at Eli. “Are you going to let us in on all of this, or are we gonna sit around guessing all day?” Eli, looking like he might collapse, flopped onto a crate as his face went white. He handed the letter to Jim. “Here, read it yourself.” Jim shoved the letter at Whitman. “Would you read the durned thing?” Whitman started reading, chuckling to himself, “Well I’ll be. The nerve of...” “I meant out loud, you lowlife sea serpent!” Jim bellowed. Whitman glared at Jim, but started to read. “‘Dear Eli. I’m sorry I didn’t have the courage to tell you this before. I could not come to you since, you see, I am 10