Chapter 36 The Ship is Searched

Lucas came to where Elizabeth was being attended to by Laura and friends. He tried to exude confidence that he was trying his best to feel. There was no way that he could help her if he faltered. "Laura, would you and your friends please stay here and await Jack? I need to speak with Elizabeth and would like to do so in our cabin."

"Yes, of course, Lucas. We will wait right here."

They made their way to the cabin, and he sat her down on the love seat next to him. "Elizabeth, I have received some news and as much as I don't want to tell you about it, I feel I must for your safety. Amos Dixon has escaped from prison. He apparently found that we were traveling and made his way as far as Montreal. There is a man on board that has been following us since we arrived in New York on the lookout for him."

"Oh, no, I have felt secure these past years knowing that he was in prison."

"Well, I am sure he will be apprehended and returned there with an increase in security. I need you to be cautious, you must have me or an assigned crewman with you at all times."

"Yes, of course." Suddenly he saw it dawn on her, and he took her hands in his. "Oh no, Lucas, do you think Amos has Jack."

"Mr. Aldrich doesn't think that Amos made it on board, but we can't be sure. So, the search is now doubled, one group is looking in this area in case he wandered and got lost. The second group is on a broader search with the assumption that Amos is involved." He wrapped his arms around her and rocked her gently. "It is going to be alright. You must believe that. We will find him either way."

"Dear Lord, help us find him soon." Elizabeth whispered.

"Lucas kissed her cheek. Would you like to lie on the bed. I can send one of the ladies to stay with you. There will be a crewman at the door."

"No, not yet. I will go back to the deck and wait there with Laura and the others."

"Here, take this with you," he handed her a heavy cable knit cardigan from his closet. "In case it gets cooler."

"Please find him before it gets dark. He will be so frightened."

"We will do everything we possibly can."

'-'

Lucas returned to where the captain was stationed to get a summary of the status of the search. Soon a rather imposing older woman came out on deck crying hysterically, a younger woman was trying to console her but to no avail. "Captain, he's missing, my baby is missing," the woman wailed.

"Madame, what is this about your baby?" said the captain.

The other woman spoke up. "It is her little dog that is missing. We must have left the door ajar when we went to luncheon."

Lucas jumped in, "how long ago?"

"We were gone for perhaps two hours so anytime since two hours ago."

Lucas turned to the captain, "Jack is with the dog. I know it."

The captain nodded, "that very well could be. Madame what is your dog's name and please describe him."

"My baaabbby…. " cried the woman. Her companion chimed in once again, "her name is Floppsie and she fits her name. She is a long haired terrier … so not too large but not too small either. She has a pink collar and a pink bow in her hair. She is quite unmistakable."

"Thank you," said Lucas. "It is comforting to know that my son is likely with your dog. That he is not all alone."

The captain added, "if you would show us to your room, please. Then Madame can lie down while we search for her dog and this gentleman's son."

They were led toward the direction that Elizabeth was seated. "Elizabeth, there is hopeful news. This lady's dog is missing. I think they are together."

Elizabeth burst into tears as he gathered her in his arms. "It is going to be okay. I am sure that he must have seen the dog when he escaped from the ladies' cabin which is quite close to this door. I am sure he is with the dog, and she will keep him from being so frightened."

Elizabeth nodded and accepted yet another handkerchief from Lucas who had grabbed extra while they were in their cabin.

"Captain, I would like to join the search. Would you assign me a crewman? We have the dog's name and I do a rather good dog whistle if I do say so myself. Let's find them before sunset." He kissed Elizabeth on the cheek and nodded at a distressed looking Laura. "It will be alright Laura. Keep up her spirits as best you can."

'========================================================='

Lucas and the second mate followed Madame and her companion to their cabin. The captain had sent one of the crew to start spreading the word that they were also looking for a dog. Lucas and his partner began slowly going down the aisleway calling "Jack, Floppsie…. " and Lucas whistled to the dog. In between calls, they listened carefully for any sign that they were heard. They had traveled some 40 feet when the crewman motioned for Lucas to stop.. "I think I hear something. Whistle again."

"Floppsie…" called Lucas with a whistle.

"I hear her.. they are in this baggage hold." The crewman reached up and turned the wheel on the door that locked it and they rushed in. It was dim in the room, but it took just a moment to adjust and see a form cuddled up over by the wall near a porthole that gave some light to the room. The dog was eagerly licking the little boy's face.

"Papa, Papa, …. "

Lucas rushed to Jack "Papa is here, everything is going to be okay. Are you hurt?" he asked the little boy.

"I fell down and hurt my knee and my hands."

Lucas turned to the crewman, " is there a light?"

"Yes sir, I will find the switch." The room was then illuminated with soft light, but Lucas could see well enough to see that the little boy's hands were scrapped a bit where they had hit the floor. He gently probed the boy's knees and decided that he was probably bruised but otherwise intact.

"I am going to lift you now; it may hurt a little but we will get you back to the cabin and get you fixed up."

"Is there a doctor on board?" Lucas asked the crewman.

"Yes sir, I will have someone locate him immediately. Let's get your son and this little dog settled and I will head out to the deck and alert the captain that we have found them. And get a doctor on his way."

"Thank you so much, your name sir?"

"Thomas, Thomas Page".

"Thank you, Thomas, for helping me find our son."

"You are so very welcome; I am glad we were able to find him before dark."

The dog kept close to Lucas as they made their way back to their cabin. As they approached the cabin of the dog owner, she barked and the ladies came out to fawn over her."

"Thank you for finding my baby," she exclaimed.

"You are welcome, I am grateful that they were together. She wouldn't leave his side until I had him in my arms. I must go, his mother is waiting anxiously for word…."

"We will speak again," she said.

With that Lucas nodded his reply and headed off again. The dog yelped and followed. "We will bring her back later if that is okay. I think Jack will be happy to have her for a little while more."

"Of course, Floppsie is a good little dog."

Lucas swept into the cabin as Elizabeth jumped to her feet.

"Mama, I sorry." He reverted a bit with his grammar, but Lucas was not about to correct him. He just held on tight and brought him over to the bed.

"Elizabeth, perhaps you would lie next to him while I clean up a bit and we await the doctor. He is a bit scrapped and bruised."

Laura burst into the room as she had been told of Jack's return. "Thank goodness!" She saw the dog up on the bed next to Jack and instantly smiled. "I have the feeling you have a big adventure to tell us later."

"Uh, huh." Jack replied. It was obvious that he had been through a lot and would tell them all about it when he had rested. For now, it was just good to have him safely back with them.

'========================================================'

Lucas had washed up and was now changed into more casual attire. He carefully undressed Jack and covered him with a sheet while they awaited the doctor. He filled the pitcher with water and brough some clean cloths and towels to the bedside.

Jack was examined and his hands cleaned of debris. The doctor applied some ointment and lightly wrapped his hands to keep them clean. His knees were bruised a bit but no open skin.

"You will be fit as a fiddle in no time young man," the doctor told him.

"Thank you doctor," chimed in Elizabeth. "How long should we keep his hands covered?"

"Not long, they are barely scraped and, in a day, or so they will be scabbed over and you won't need the bandages any longer. Just make sure he understands that he must leave the scabs intact until they disappear on their own. It won't be more than a few days. His knees are likely to be a bit stiff and sore for a day or two but then he will be fine."

The doctor handed her a few bandages and then shook Lucas's hand and headed to the door. "Feel free to bring him by my quarters or call me down if you need anything."

"Thank you, again." Lucas closed the door behind him.

"I will go get his pajamas," Laura headed over to their room.

"Elizabeth, I am going to call a steward and have our dinner delivered to our room. You really haven't eaten since breakfast. "

"Well, something light maybe. My stomach is not quite settled yet. Perhaps soup? Maybe a small sandwich for Jack if he gets hungry."

"Well, I on the other hand, have worked up an appetite."

Laura returned with his pajamas and Lucas took them from her. "I'll do it. He is a bit banged up and I don't want you to worry that you will hurt him."

"Buddy, I am going to put some nice fresh pajamas on you. You might feel a little ouch when we touch your bruises."

Jack sat up and did his best to be a big boy.

After his pajamas were on he hugged Lucas. "I love you Papa, thank you for finding me."

"Well, I had to find my buddy, didn't I?" He held the boy close and Elizabeth looked on as she saw a tear run down his face. She realized he had been as frightened as she was, but true to his nature, he had donned the appearance of calm to help them all through a stormy sea.

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