Josiah held his ground against the insistent pleas of those sent to rescue them and claim whatever goods they might haul. “Not until all hands are accounted for.” While the Jude slammed against the unforgiving coral of the reef, the wreckers, as they were known, worked quickly to remove the ladies from their cabin below and spirit them away aboard the first of several skiffs. William came next, and to his credit, he showed no fear as he walked across the tilting deck, the wind and rain pelting him. Josiah knelt to embrace the boy, then pushed wet hair away from his forehead. “I’ll need you to be the man in my absence,” he said. William nodded. “You’ll be coming along soon, won’t you, Josiah?” “Aye, Sir William,” he said as he rose and gave an exaggerated bow. “I will be along shortly, but until I do, you’ll be king of the castle, eh?” The boy returned the bow, then launched himself into Josiah’s arms. “But where’s the castle?” “The castle’s over yonder a ways at Fairweather Key.”
