Page 54 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

meetings all of the time.” They stood silently for a moment, and then they heard footsteps and turned to see someone approaching. From his silhouette in the moonlight, Eli knew it was Victor, the ship’s captain. As he came closer, the sweet smell of pipe smoke floated around them. The captain looked at them questioningly. “Hello, gentlemen.” “Hello, Captain,” Eli and Jim replied. “Oh, call me Victor,” the captain said. “So what bring you men down here this time of night?” Eli turned and looked out over the silvery bay. “Just thinking. Wondering what to do. Victor, do you believe that God directs our lives?” Victor took a deep puff on his pipe before answering, and then he looked up at the multitude of stars that sparkled in the sky. “Da.” Then he pointed toward the north sky. “Me think God put many thing in life like North Star. If we look at them, we be fine. Most men not look, though, and end up on reef.” Eli looked at the North Star. He thought about this briefly, and then turned back toward the Captain. “Victor, what do you feel is the right thing for me to do?” Victor shook his head. “Victor no able to answer. God hang different star for each man.” Eli felt so confused. He wished he could know more of Anya’s life. He just had to understand. “Victor, what would happen to Anya if we sent her back? Would her father really beat her and sell her again?” Victor took a puff on his pipe then pulled it from his mouth and blew thoughtfully into the air. “Would 51