Rich Man's Coffin Read Online Free Page A

private experiences to be had during his brief but intense time on shore.   Arthur was overwhelmed by the possibilities that freedom might hold for him in this strange, new land.   He did not know where to begin planning his holiday activities.   For the time being, he needed to concentrate solely on steering the ship to the pier, he reminded himself.
              Rio in the morning was breathtaking.   As Arthur called out bearings to the Helmsman, he took in the spectacular scenery.   He had heard of the conquering Spaniards and their great land to the south.   Now, he could see it firsthand and how vastly it differed from the austere New England coastline.   Sharp peaks and craggy valleys, all covered in lush emerald and banana canopy, undulated wildly while lording over flat, white, sandy beaches.   The water in the bay was the color of turquoise stones that Arthur had seen Indians wear back home.   It was certainly prettier than the muddy lakes and ponds that served up those well-suited catfish, he thought.  
    The Spanish architecture was unique, and like the catfish, the buildings suited their surroundings.   They were as white as the sand, and their windows were paneless owing to the endless warmth of the westerly winds.   From a distance, he could see color everywhere:   Bright reds, yellows, greens, blues, and oranges in various hues. They sharply adorned the edges and corners of buildings and streets.
              In addition to the sights, Arthur heard a growing, rhythmic sound as the ship drew closer to the pier.   It sounded like music, yet it seemed so chaotic and flamboyant compared to the marching music of the militia band back home.   It was also a far cry from the orchestral music that was sometimes performed on the verandah of the plantation mansion.   The music that Arthur heard now was rousing, and he felt it stirring certain sentiments within him.   He liked it.   Yet, it was early in the morning, and the procession he saw now had been proceeding for some time.   Arthur wondered if it were some dawn ritual, or perhaps some welcoming party for the ship.   He could not work out how that could be, unless the city always had a large greeting party ready at a moment's notice.   Arthur had never heard such an early ruckus, so he reckoned that Rio was regularly a rather rowdy town.
              The ship reached the pier and the ropes were run.   The boat was secured, along with the maneuvering watch. The Captain called all hands to General Quarters at mid ship.   He addressed the crew.
              "Now gentlemen, I realize that we have had our share of run-ins on this first leg of the journey.   I am willing to let water pass under the bridge, and I urge you to do the same.   Remember, what happens underway, stays underway."   The crew stood at loose attention, maintaining ranks with only the odd snigger and occasional glance ashore.   The Captain continued, "Now, we have the business of stores loading and general repairs to attend to; however, I have postponed that until tomorrow morning at oh-eight-hundred hours."   Cheers began to break out as the men became visibly excited. The Captain calmly raised a hand to restore order.   He carried on.
    "Now, we have approximately twenty-four hours liberty here, starting shortly; and I am not requiring midnight muster.   So you are free to berth on the ship or sleep in town.   Please be on your best behavior, as you are an ambassador of the Queen during your stay, and a guest of the Brazilian government.   We do not want to do anything to affect our diplomatic status here, as it would be very difficult for Britain to shoot over the horn without this stop!   Do I make myself clear?   Good!   Muster for all hands tomorrow at oh-eight-hundred hours.   First Mate, make sure the ship is squared away, and then call liberty.   That is all."   The Captain walked away toward his cabin.   The men broke ranks with