The Bay Horse Leaves For A Different Story

Chapter 25
The Bay Horse Leaves For A Different Story
San Francisco, Neptune's Palace Restaurant:
Em and Al were early. They were to meet the Captain and Mr. Orez for a late luncheon, but they were too nervous to do ought until they could speak with those worthy gentlemen concerning the matter of a certain trunk...
They sat at 'their' table which had been reserved for four, nursing their coffees for some time. Somehow, despite her nerves, Emmeline felt exhaustion creeping up on her again, and it was to be a long evening.Wondering if she'd become immune to caffeine, she signaled the waiter for refills.
As fresh courage arrived via a hot carafe of Columbian, the much-anticipated gentlemen also came on the scene at last.
Emmeline was so relieved, she actually stood and grasped the Captain's big hand in both of hers, smiling up into his handsome and so-very-welcome features.
Captain Keithcliff was somewhat taken aback by her enthusiasm.
He smiled and squeezed her hands in return, pulling the chair out for her. 'My dear girl!' he began as he and Orez took their places, 'How good to see you - both!- as well!'
Orez and Alice meanwhile, were simply staring into each other's eyes, their hands entwined. Words weren't enough. For them, it was a mind-meld.
Em and the Captain were well used to that. The waiter took their orders, but the ladies surprised their escorts by sticking to water and coffee, refusing wine for a change.
'But, ma chere','the Captain objected,'Tis New Year's Eve! Time to celebrate, what!' He himself had ordered a local ale much favored by him and hard to find outside of the City, and red wine for Orez as per usual.
'We have something to discuss with you both,'began Emmeline,
her hand shaking a little as she took her cup, the men noted.
They were on the alert now, sensing an edge to this particular reunion.
'Of course, you have our undivided attention, my dears!' the Captain leaned forward as did Orez, as Em and Alice quietly outlined their plan.They had just gotten to the information about the cargo that was awaiting pickup, and hoping that said cargo could be transported aboard the Captain's boat, the Lady Liberty, when the waiter reappeared with their luncheon.
For a moment, nothing was said. The women hadn't touched their salads, hearts pounding with the stress of waiting so long to see what this moment would bring. The Captain was staring into his ale with serious introspection. He then leaned over to Alejandro and whispering in his ear, the two quietly conferred for a moment. Alice and Emmeline looked anxiously at one another, Em had wadded her napkin into a tight ball on her lap and had a death-grip on it.
At last the Captain downed his ale, and signaled for another round. '...As luck would have it, it does seem as though we could make a short voyage, ah, south...' The Captain nodded as the waiter left another frosty glass;Keithcliff, like most Englishmen, had a good head for ale and had probably been raised on the stuff. His acumen and dexterity wouldn't be compromised in the least. In fact, he was feeling a second wind coming on...'We shall wrap it up here, and then get your cargo aboard ship forthwith. Alright, then?'
Emmeline and Alice almost passed out with relief.'Thank you, Keithcliff!' Emmeline was near tears she was so grateful that this question had at last been resolved. The high-strung state of the ladies was not lost upon their companions, though, and as the girls relaxed abit finally, and began to tell of their plans for the evening, Alejandro leaned over and whispered in the Captain's ear.
'Excellent idea, mate!'the Captain agreed and presented this plan in turn:'How does this sound, then, eh? When we deliver the cargo on board, you two will come also, AND you will sleep awhile,in my cabin, alone and undisturbed for some hours. At 6 bells, we shall wake you for dinner, and then it's off to this play of yours! Agreed?'
'Oh, Captain...my Captain!' Em looked at Keithcliff, her eyes becoming misty. He knew it was nerves and exhaustion on her part, but still it made him feel warm inside.
'There now, kitten...'He patted her hand with his big one, long elegant fingers sporting a new obsidian ring she noticed.'You have both had quite the time, haven't you, then?'
'You don't know the half of it, yet...'Alice couldn't help adding.
'Hmmm...'Alejandro held her hand as well. 'I know you both need rest! We shall catch up on things, and you may tell all of your tale, and we shall share our own, but first, you must feed, and then get some sleep! A long night is ahead!'He took note, as did his captain, of the girls' pale, wan faces and the deep dark circles under  their eyes.
Em sighed then, her hand shaking as she tried to spear some salad. 'I hope I can sleep! We've been pumping coffee into ourselves since dawn...it certainly would be the best thing, though. We need to be alert before we...'she looked around,'before tonight...'
'Eat up, my girl!' The Captain insisted.'And, I am ordering wine. A glass or two will help you relax, on top of a good meal, no? Then sleep. We have the entire evening, my dear...'
and taking charge of the situation, the gentlemen had a carafe of wine sent to the table, and buttered hot rosemary rolls for the ladies and plied them with food and drink and their own stories of their travels of late, 'But, it's good to be in port and to see you two again. Always some bit of intrigue going on with you girls!' The Captain shook his head as he twisted a rope of linguini around his fork and spearing some Portobello, fed it to Em.'I suppose, it's just possible that...it's part of your unique charm.' He smiled at her, and she was thankful for that. What a  relief to  feel as though she had come to safe harbor at last!
--If only for a short while...
                           . . . . . .                        
After luncheon, the party then strolled along the waterfront til they came upon the warehouse, which, as Jack had said, wasn't too far from dockside and the address was fairly easily accessed. Em went to the small side door and gave her secret knock, which was promptly answered by Yeats, who nodded and Jack and Aleister showed up then, ushering her inside where she quickly explained the plan.
They loaded the trunk onto the waiting cart, which Jack had hired for the day and fetched from the ferry terminal earlier. All boarded then with the Captain and Yeats on the driver's seat; Yeats drove the big Clydesdale whilst Keithcliff gave directions to his ship.
As the masts of the Lady Liberty came into view, Emmeline got the same thrill she always did to see the fine lines of her Capitan's other lady love...
',...Sail and steam, screw-prop sloop!'the Captain announced as they approached. 'Nothing too fancy, but she gets the job done!' he said, muting his obvious pride with practical observations. Jack and Al were completely enchanted, like most men they became boys again when out among ships with romantic tales of pirates and sea-battles dancing in their heads.
The cart lumbered up on wooden planks of the dock and
drew up close beside the sloop. The men disembarked and carefully unloaded the trunk, carrying it up the gangway, as Emmeline and Alice followed.
Em ran her hand along the polished, smooth wood of the ship's railing, always charmed by her sharp lines and her tight rigging;it bespoke a world made ship-shape of necessity. To Em it was a world free of the moorings of convention; once away from land, one could make a world of one's own,Nemo-esque, away from the squabblings and petty autocratic power games proliferating landside.Or so she imagined...
The ladies followed the cargo below to the hold. Yeats opened the trunk to find Lev slumbering oblivious, like Snow White in the glass coffin after swallowing the witches' bit of poisoned apple, still ensorcelled. So peaceful he seemed, the company just stared awhile, bemused.
'Well, well...' the Captain merely said. 'Let's heave him up  here, then.' The lads heaved-to,carrying both the injured man and his bedding beneath, and a muffled grumble escaped from Lev as they deposited him gently on a pallet. A sailor's hammock wouldn't do til his ribs healed; he needed a flat bed for now.
'He seems to be coming round abit,' the doctor observed,
as he checked Lev's pulse and vitals,and nodded then,satisfied.
'Good.'Keithcliff commented, hands in pockets. 'I've a couple of the crew here on watch, they'll be relieved soon...'he consulted an ornate silver pocket-watch,'and then take their shore-leave as the others return. He won't be left alone.'He then ushered the party up the stairs and on deck.
'Remarkable ship!'Aleister exclaimed, looking around and smiling like a contented cat.
'Indeed, Captain, she is a beauty...' Jack rejoined, placing a hand on the mast, displaying a face utterly lost in fancy.
Emmeline took her captain's arm and made belated introductions then,'Captain Keithcliff Omen, Mr. Alejandro Orez, please allow me to introduce my dear friends from Pankhurst--'she rather surprised them by introducing first: ' Mr. Yeats,' then, 'Jack Van Horn, and Doctor Aleister Parsons....and our sleeping cargo below is Lev Kopalski.'
Handshakes all around then. 'Pleasure, gentlemen!' the Captain
replied. 'Well, it's a fine day for such an enterprise!' He glanced about, sniffing the sea air, noting the wind's direction and eyeing the sky. 'For this time of year, a fine California day! And it should be well, heading on south now, too. I foresee fair sailing ahead.'
'Would you gentlemen be interested in a tour of the ship, perhaps?' Alejandro asked, noting the poking about of Aleister and Jack, who responded with an emphatic 'Certainly!' And as they scuttled off then, Em could hear the doctor and Jack peppering Orez with questions about the ship and her crew, her boiler, etc., while Yeats strolled amiably behind.
The Captain turned to Em and Alice. 'Now, my girls! Let us get you settled in then! This way!' and he led them below deck by a different hatch and to the Captain's quarters, which though necessarily smallish, still was neatly appointed with a wide feather bed, a large barren desk, a fine heavy wooden Spanish-style wardrobe in one corner, and a matching heavy table ringed with the same heavy Castilian chairs, and a large trunk made up the total furnishings, along with a heavy rug with Inca-style designs depicting the legend of Kukulkan.
Keithcliff went to the wardrobe and rummaged about, bringing forth at last, a couple of nightshifts in plain muslin for the girls. 'These should do you for now, I think! One size fits nearly all!' Smiling he lay them upon the bed and pointed to the lamp hanging over. 'If you waken at dark, here is the lamp. But we shall call for you, never fear! Emmeline has stayed here before, and she can show you any further details you may wish to know...So! Rest well, sleep deep! Your journey has been a successful one, my dears!' He turned then to Em and taking her into his arms, 'There, now, kitten!'said he,' You see? All is well.' He kissed her gently on the lips once. 'Rest up, Em. A New Year is come!' And with that, he nodded to the women and headed up on deck.
                            . . . .
The December sun had sunk into the western bay and bare traces of crimson still showed as Alice and Emmeline stirred below at last and began dressing for the evening.
'Feeling more the thing now, Em?' asked Alice as she buttoned up, gazing out the stern windows from the Captain's cabin, and trying to judge the time.
'Oh, yes, Alice! And you?' Al nodded. Em sighed and shook her head slowly, drawing on her shoes, 'This is the first time I have felt at all human in...oh, I can't recall -- days at least. There!' She stood. 'Shall we head up? Goodness, although I am rather anxious about what we may find up there...' She paused at the stairway, glancing at Alice.
'What do you expect to find?' Alice enquired.
'I don't know!' Em looked at her, blinking. 'I just hope, you know, that everyone is getting along alright...'
Alice smiled and patted her shoulder, then nodded to her to head on up.
To the ladies' surprise, the gents were all seated along the bow, staring at the last vestiges of sunset and smoking and chatting amiably, encluding -- 'Lev!' Em exclaimed, and went directly to his side. 'Lev...how are you, now?' she asked, solicitous.
Lev smiled, or tried to, wincing abit at the still rather fresh bruises and cuts. 'I think I'll live.' He took Em's hand in his. 'Thanks to you, and Alice, and the help of good friends.'
He looked at the surrounding company.
Em smiled back, her eyes watering anew. 'I'm so glad! You'll be fine, now Lev! It really wasn't safe for you, back in Pankhurst.'
'So I gather!' Lev turned seaward then, leaning on the railing.
'I'm ready for this journey, though, Em, and a new chapter in my life. This, this voyage ahead, is really the answer to a prayer!' He turned back to them all. 'I couldn't have hoped for a better end to the old year!' he heartily declaimed.
Emmeline smiled, and shivered abit as she took her shawl from her bag, which the Captain helped to drape about her shoulders. 'We're up before 6 bells, Captain!' she declared.
'What is the time, I wonder?'
'Nearly that,'answered Aleister. 'We must be getting on. It's past time we returned that cart...'
'But we will meet you by showtime at Mendation's,' Jack added and turned to Lev, extending his hand,'Good luck to you, Lev, and keep up the good fight,comrade.' Lev took his hand in both of his with a firm clasp. 'That I will, comrade!'
'And remember to take it easy for awhile!' Aleister admonished,'No climbing the rigging til you've healed-up now!'
Lev nodded, shaking his hand in turn.Yeats then sidled up to Lev, put a hand on his shoulder and murmured in his ear, then slipped something into his hand, which Lev pocketed with a nod and a small grin.
The Captain turned to Lev then. 'Mr. Ali here will be keeping watch as well as Mr. Salazar the cook below. They'll be excellent companions. The rest of the crew should trail in at odd hours thereafter... And although you do seem to be getting on well enough, I've had enough broken ribs of my own to know you must take care in order to heal proper!Captain's orders!' he finished with a small smile.
'Aye, aye!' Lev saluted, and sat back down with a grunt. 'I'm not all that inclined to do much else, I have to admit. And yes, Ali and I have plenty to talk about...'
'Don't let him or Salazar talk you into a poker game!They're both rapacious cheats!' Orez wagged a finger at Ali who leaned against the mast, calmly tying knots, looking the picture of innocence.Alejandro turned to the ladies then, 'Shall we?'he asked, offering Alice his arm, which she took and after giving Lev a small kiss on the cheek farewell, they and the Captain walked on down the gangway, as Emmeline stayed behind to have a moment with Lev.
Ali wandered off amidships and the two were alone. Em sat beside Lev and took his hand in hers. 'Lev, I...'she began.Lev patted her hand and held it,'Emmeline, what I said is truth, verily,'he looked out over the placid bay, now an obsidian mirror of the night sky. 'This is the best course I could take now!' He sighed, 'I have been at loose ends for some years ...no, no--it isn't because of you, not entirely anyway...' he said when she made a small exclamation. 'I've wondered lately if all my efforts have done any good...'
'Lev! Don't even think that way! Of course they have!' She gently touched his still-swollen cheek and gazed into his eyes then,'You know you're the reason that I became involved in social and political struggles! You're my inspiration, Lev,'she finished, and kissed his cheek tenderly. He winced, but smiled.
'That's certainly not effort wasted then, if not altogether true...I know you were a crusader for human rights long before we met Em. Do you recall our first meeting? At the women's suffrage rally...' He turned to her and shyly kissed her on the lips, but it was rather a chaste kiss, 'Go on, now, Em. We'll see each other again, sometime, I'm sure of it, lass!' He stood, pulling her up toward him. Emmeline blinked away tears, as she held him close but ever so carefully. 'Take care, Lev,'she whispered in his ear,'You've no idea how I've missed you all this time!' she looked at him then, smiling. 'Promise, we'll see each other again!'
Lev raised a fist in salute. 'Comrade's Honor.Get going, now, Em, I have some money to win in a poker game...'
Em shook her head as she parted from Lev,choked up and unable to speak; both holding hands til their fingertips finally brushed apart, and sniffing back her tears, she hurried down the gangway to where the others stood waiting.
                         . . . .
As the California Street cable car reached the top of the hill,
the party disembarked and strolled down the avenues filling now with holiday revelers. The odd sounds of tin horns and whistles filled the air along with the occasional popping of firecrackers.'Happy New Year!' people called, waving from windows of painted ladies, as San Franciscans called their early Victorian row houses.
'Where to, ladies?' asked the Captain as they passed by several restaurants all filled to the brim with holiday partiers.
'Goodness, I don't know!' Em looked in at all the steamy windows and inhaled the scents of cooking. 'I must admit, I could certainly eat a bite or two though!'
They turned the corner down a quiet street where they could make out the haunting strains of a violin, following the sound to a cheerily lighted cafe where, although not lacking in customers, there seemed to be a few tables still unoccupied. They paused, gazing through the window bearing the name of Het Vezer -- Eastern European Cafe. At that moment, a zaftig woman appeared from the kitchen,bearing a large tray laden with a goose, it seemed, to the delight of those waiting at the table beneath the window.
'Het Vezer...the Seven Chieftans!' said the Captain. 'Good enough for them and us, I'll reckon!' The others heartily agreed, as they entered the warm and welcoming house.
They were shown to a nice corner booth and began to peruse the menu whilst a violinist wandered among tables playing tunes familiar to many there, who joined along in song.Although the menu read mostly in Czech it seemed, there were also English translations. The company finally decided upon borscht to begin, with Csirke Paprikas, (Chicken Paprika),Holishkes (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls), and Magyar Gulyas, of course, (Hungarian Goulash), finishing with Almasretes (Apple Strudel.)
'...and Pilsener!' the Captain exclaimed, delightedly, to which all agreed would go well with the meal.'At least, to begin...
there will be champagne later!'he winked.
                         . . . .
...And there was. Delightfully contented and nearly surfeited by their delectable feast, the party was 'filling up the corners' with champagne and nibbling on the toothsome strudel whilst their fellow diners did the same and had settled into singing soft melodies of Old World origin to the tune of the violin and
now, someone with a guitar had joined them from the kitchen, which lent a rather relaxed and homey ambiance to the evening.
'Pfennig for your thoughts?'asked Keithcliff as he took Emmeline's hand and sat back, satisfied.
Em sighed and leaned against her chair as well. 'I haven't any!' She smiled at him,'It's such a relief! I believe I am too full to cogitate.'
'Coffee, perhaps?' asked the Captain.
'NO!!!' Emphatically answered both Alice and Em, earning wide grins from the gentlemen.
'Ah, well then...'Keithcliff began, taking out his pocket watch,'...it seems we've still some time yet...!'
'How is the time keeping, then?' Em enquired, giving his hand a squeeze. The watch had been a Solstice gift from her, engraved
within was the sentiment: 'To Keithcliff from Emmeline, With Love Eternal As The Sea'and, naturally, a fine sailing ship gracefully detailed the watch cover.
'She runs like...clockwork, Em!' the Captain kissed her forehead as she playfully smite his shoulder. 'Ah! Alright, enough of that then!' And, reaching into his pocket, brought forth a small black velvet box and set it upon the table before Em.'Perhaps this will make up for my bad jests.'
A similar box, slightly larger, had also appeared before Alice.
Alejandro was gazing softly her way, as her eyes locked with his.
'Oh, Keithcliff!...a New Year's gift? It's so unexpected!' Not entirely true, as the gents had intimated they might be bringing a wee sommat back from their travels, (as they usually did)...
Em kissed her captain on the cheek and slowly lifted the lid, to display a pair of beauteous emerald earrings worked in delicate silver filigree. 'Oh, my dear...!' Em was entranced. She was indeed, speechless. She touched Keithcliff's cheek and gave him such a heartfelt smile, then. 'Thank you, my darling-- stalwart Captain of my heart!' and kissed his neck then, just below the ear...
'Glad you find them agreeable, luv!' he was gruffly pleased. 'Well, Alice, what have you there?' he asked, pouring the last of the champagne all round.
Alice looked at them all, smiling, then took up her box and opened the cover. 'Oh! How lovely!' she said, as she then extracted a round ornate silver and glass box. 'Tis a music box!' she exclaimed, and as she lifted the lid, the tinkling sound of 'Claire de Lune' filled the air. Only then did they realize that the tables all about them had become curious and were watching the unfolding tableau when folk all round them uttered appreciative 'Ahhh's!' The guitarist wandered over and joined in with the music box's delicate tune, to the delight of all.
Alice was only slightly embarrassed but mostly thrilled by it all. 'My darling...' she breathed to Alejandro, kissing his cheek. That worthy gent was grinning ear to ear to have found such favorable, -and far-reaching!- approval of his efforts.
'Such gallantry deserves a reward, no?' asked the guitar player, motioning his partner, the violinist over their way. The cafe wholeheartedly agreed with applause. The guitarist spoke softly in his friend's ear a moment, and then striking a chord, they began to sing a new tune...'This, is the niiight...it's a beauuutiful niiight...and they callll it Belllla Notteee!'
Enchanted, the girls and their gentlemen joined in as well, til the entire cafe was united in this time-honored paean to love...
for 'tis true: the whole world loves a lover...
Outside, the ubiquitous fog began to roll in, wrapping the city in a sheltering cloak, the pops and whistles of the evening's celebrations somewhat muffled now. A New Year was edging closer
on time's infinite wings.  Whatever was to come, hung in the balance for now. For this was a lull, a winterlude, in time's inexorable march;and this was a night...'it's a beautiful night...'--a night just made for love...
                           . . . . .
...One may of course, read whilst listening to 'Claire de Lune' and partake of champagne and strudel! Perhaps a review of 'Lady and the Tramp' would make a nice fit as well, sharing, perhaps, a plate of pasta, with a willing partner...Salud!

Running Down A Dream

Ch. 24
Running Down A Dream
December 31st dawned bright, cold and clear.
Emmeline and Alice stood on the platform of Pankhurst station awaiting the 9 o'clock train. To say that they were abit keyed-up was putting it mildly...as if one could claim two cats being chased by a pack of rabid hounds were also 'abit keyed-up'... But at last they heard a familiar whistle blow and now as they made out a line of steam from the smokestack in the distance, their anxiety grew less to view their means of escape on the way.
Boarded finally and situated at a rear car next to the baggage car, they found two seats together, not an easy maneuver on a New Year's Eve run to the City, and sat and sighed with some small relief, as the train began to pull away from town and headed west at last.
'Goodness, but it's more crowded than I've seen it aboard here in awhile!' Alice remarked, 'But that's a good thing, probably.
More crowd to be lost in,'she finished sotto voce.
'I'm thinking they'll have to add another car somewhere along the line,'Em agreed.'Probably, at the next stop.'She looked at Al meaningfully. The next stop was where they were to pick up Aleister, Jack and the 'Cargo'.
The train sped along the flat landscape leaving the miasma that had been Pankhurst of late. It wasn't long before they both craned to look out the window for the next stop, hoping to see Jack and Al, et al. 'I think that's them!' Em pointed to a cart hitched to, she believed, Jack's bay, Trotsky, as the train slowed to a halt at the depot. As Em thought, they felt the car jerk from the uncoupling as they added cars. This may take awhile, she thought, frustrated with more waiting.And where were the men, then? She hadn't been able to see much beyond a brief glimpse of horse and cart...
Some minutes went by, and then she and Alice watched, wondering, as a young lad leapt upon Aleister's trap, and taking Troktsky's reins in hand, turned about and proceded away from the railyard. Em and Alice looked at one another.
'Ladies, I believe you have the wrong seats!' A familiar voice greeted them from behind.
They jumped.'Oh! Jack, Aleister! You gave us a start!' The girls' hearts were in their throats then. Mercy, didn't they know they were nearly ready to leap out of their skins with anxiety? Men...!
'Sorry, ladies!' Jack smiled, probably not sorry in the least and thinking it good fun. 'Let us make amends for startling you both...we have secured a private compartment, and would be 
pleased if you would join us for coffee!'
                          . . . . .
Seated then in a comfortably appointed space with cushioned seats on either side and a small table between them, the ladies did indeed feel kinder toward the gentlemen and with the door shut against the outlying crowd, they began to relax slightly for the first time that day. Jack poured hot coffee for all and passed a plate of scones.
Must be nice...being one of the 'haves', Em couldn't help but think. Being charitable goes both ways, though, so she put her good face on it and had to admit it wasn't all that hard to do, really.
'Mercy, but we've been in a state!' Alice allowed, shaking her head. 'So,'she continued quietly, 'Our cargo...?'
'Is safe and secure, and in the baggage compartment. Yeats has special permission to sit with the...trunk in back. He's made himself comfortable enough there and can keep an eye on things,' Aleister handed Alice a pot of jam.'We're well on our way, my dears. they'll be fine you'll see.'
As this was the first time that Alice and Aleister had seen one another since their...travels...they both sat back and each regarded the other appraisingly.
'Thank you, doctor, for your help in this matter,' Alice began.
Al looked at her, brows raised,'It's Aleister, please!--and we're happy to lend a hand, my dear Alice, and Emmeline!'he declaimed.'Good to see you both again, and fear not, this adventure should end better than the last .'
Jack spoke then, 'I hope we've earned your trust, somewhat at least! Let us try to ally any remaining fears that you may still have, please.' He looked so earnest, leaning toward them over the table that they smiled a little, relenting.
'Our...cargo, is comfortable?'Em asked.
'As comfortable as 'cargo' can be,'said Aleister. 'It is cold back there, but Yeats can pop them both out of this ah, era, shall we say? ...And then back again to this time and space, before we disembark. And, whilst here,  they're both well wrapped! Even found some old fur coats in the attic when we dug out the trunk!'
'Oh, Lev in a fur coat!' Em smiled wryly and put a hand to her forehead, 'He'd have to be well-sedated to get him into such a bourgeois rig!'
'He is that,'the doctor agreed. 'Had to be, for the trip. Even
a groan could give him away at a wrong moment. But never fear,
it's neither too much or too little. He'll be himself again, sooner than you think.'
'And breathing free air again will be the best restorative!' Jack declared, downing his coffee and pouring more. He and Al both seemed unconcerned and in fact, rather eager. An adventure, then, for them. Well, thought Em, they could always just...evaporate back to the future whenever they felt like it, couldn't they...? She did feel grateful for their indispensible
aid of late. Well, if they got a sense of fun out of their exertions, so be it.
'We're all here, safe, thus far, and on our way,'she decided,'That's the main thing.'
'Agreed.' Aleister joined Jack in pouring another round for all.
'Excellent coffee, by the way!' Alice had to exclaim.
'Yeats,'Jack and Al said together. 'He fixed us up a carafe to go...'
'...a thermos!' Emmeline remembered.
'That's right!'Aleister smiled at her memory.(Jack meanwhile had flashbacks of 'The Jerk' with Steve Martin.)'As well as a picnic basket to see us to the City.'
'I know we have a right job ahead of us,'Emmeline took a bite of currant laced scone,'But, it is rather an adventure, I suppose!' She sat back and gazed out the window at the approaching Coast Range, now quite near.
The company watched the scenery awhile in amiable companionship and soon Alice began to hum as was her wont on long trips.  To their surprise Aleister soon joined her in his low bass. They began then to sing the words together...'Corrina, Corrina...I bid you fare thee well, when I'll be back dear, nobody can tell...'
they smiled at one another.
'One of my favorites...'Al admitted,looking into his cup.Alice, too was lost in her thoughts.
'Mine also!'Em chimed in.'And you know, when I went to the music shop and asked for the sheet music, they'd never heard of it! In fact, only you, Alice, and now Aleister--are the only people I know of who have also heard that song!'
'Oh, dear...'Alice smiled sheepishly.'I didn't realize you were that fond of it, Em! Ah...it's an old favorite of Frank's you see--'she flicked a glance at Aleister then,'it's by Big Joe Turner, circa 1950-something.'Alice sighed. 'Frank's a big jazz and blues fan...it rubbed off on him during his, travels...and rubbed off on me, as well! Once it gets in your blood...'
'...there's no escaping!'Aleister laughed. 'Quite right! Ah, my, my...so we've all abit more in common then! Jack here is quite the jazz junkie...'
'A, what?' enquired Em.
Jack cleared his throat, looking hard at Al, 'He means I can't get by without it. It's so, though,'Jack sighed, thinking back. 'Whenever we'd travel, I always had a hard time relaxing unless I could hear or play some jazz. It gets in your blood, truly. I eventually learned a little guitar, just so I wouldn't feel so bereft, when we were in jazz-deprived countries.'Jack harkened back to those traveling days of his youth and began to feel rather...excited, really. Well, it's a risky business ahead...and a risky one looking back as well.
'Well!That explains it!'Em knew now.'Oh,  Alice, I suppose Roll Out the Barrel, and The Song Has Ended But The Melody Lingers On...?'
''Fraid so, Em, guilty as charged...I've been playing music not yet composed...'
'Oh my. Mr. Zappa at the music shop always thought I was just making trouble for him when I asked for these non-existent songs!'
'Ah Emmeline...soon!'Jack warmed to the subject,'You are a mere breath away, from Ragtime!' He leaned forward and his boot slunk
suddenly up and down her leg, like a python! 
'What marvels you've yet to hear! Irving Berlin was a Tin Pan Alley genius, if you like his Melody Lingers On...wait til you hear Gershwin, Cole Porter...Louis Armstrong...'he got a faraway look in his eyes...'Ella Fitzgerald.'he said it as a final statement.
Em meanwhile was suddenly enthralled. What was that all about?She couldn't believe Jack just...played footsie with her? Or was it bootsie? Just what was this Ragtime?! Nooo, surly she was mistaken. A movement of the carriage caused it.
Right.
Aleister took up the tune again, and glancing at Alice with a grin began to sing:'Corrina Corrina, be a pal of mine...you got me walkin' just to keep from cryin'...'
The rest joined in, encluding Jack and Emmeline:'I love Corrina, tell the world I do...just a little more lovin', let your heart be true...'
And as the engine steamed west carrying it's varied passengers and cargo (and passengers AS cargo)along with all their divers hopes, dreams and wishes for the New Year, the company relaxed somewhat and sang on to the accompanying clickety-clack of the
train car on track: 'Corrina Corrina where you been so long? I ain't had no lovin', since you been gone...'
                            . . . . .
As the train passed over the bridge spanning the Straits, there was a lull in the songfest for a moment.
'So, what is jazz, really?' Em asked. 'Where did it originate?'
'Ah! Glad you asked, Em!' Jack was in his element now. 'Actually it is particular to the U.S.-- however, it's roots are in Afrika, and from there,to the Caribbean as well as South America.'
'Indeed, Jack...'the doctor added,'I noticed that you didn't appear to be 'deprived' of jazz when you were dancing with the
Condomble' practitioners in Brazil!'
'Aleister!'Jack warned. He couldn't believe that Al brought that up! What would the ladies now think? (On top of all his other...idiocyncrasies...what was going on with him?)
Al may as well have broadcast:
'Yes, Jack used to dance with the Voudouns in Haiti,' (he did, -- that came much later-- but still, one doesn't pop out with that upon a oh, 3rd date? was it?)...and to think they used to live together...the thought made Jack about mad with longing...it all seemed so right then.
Except for the abduction part. Of course.
He sighed, thinking: 'Merde...'
But although Alice and Em were on the alert, they didn't appear to be discomfited by this revelation.
'You...practice Condomble', Jack?' Em enquired, with a sideways glance.
'Emmeline...I...well, not exactly. I have studied, with fellow adherents there in Brazil, but, no, I'm not a practitioner, as such. I've made it a point to study the culture, the music, the spiritual beliefs of any country I've visited.'he looked at Em,
hoping she was 'still with him' on this. 'The Yoruba in Afrika,
the Berbers in the desert;I've sat zazen with Buddhist monks in Japan, although as my sensei unceasingly remindes me, I've not kept up my practice...and yes, with brujas and curanderas in the Americas...everyone everywhere has a puzzle piece of wisdom and knowledge. I try to be open, and to learn from all.'
Well, best to be honest,at least, he thought. She can't fault me for not being forthcoming.What have I to lose now? I can't have lost her already...it seems I've lost her so many times...Jack frowned then, what am I thinking? It's the lack of sleep and too much caffeine, he decided.
Em and Alice were looking at each other, and both thinking the same thing then. Alice sighed at last. 'We may as well tell them all of it. Possibly, these gentlemen could aid us in this.'
Jack and Aleister sat up, each wondering what Alice could  mean by this intriguing statement.
'Puzzle pieces.' Em said. 'Yes.' She leaned forward and clasping her hands together upon the table, looked at the gentlemen across from them. 'Well...you're not going to believe this, but...'and she and Alice then launched into their tale of Frank's problems with the military, his disappearance, and subsequent reappearance in spirit only through the efforts and kind acquiescence of Mr. Orez, the Captain's First Mate, a Condomble' devotee.'So, you see, we're meeting up not only with the Captain, and Mr. Orez, but just possibly, with Frank as well,'ended Emmeline, her eyes searching theirs for some hope of understanding.
Al and Jack understood all too well. 'Alice...'began Aleister,'My dear Alice...how you have managed all this, is a miracle. You are an incredible woman.' he gave her an open look free of anything but utmost admiration. His features hardened then and he turned to Jack. 'Anything we can do to help you and Frank,' he paused and Jack nodded,'We will, and I know Yeats would be pleased to offer any assistance as well.'
Alice and Em sighed then, relieved to have that in the open at least, and amazed that they found such ready accomplices. As the train passed beyond the bridge and entered into the winding bayside terrain, all was quiet in the car then, as they grew closer to their destination. 'There is...something else.' Em ventured, looking to Alice.
'This one's all yours, Em. Up to you.' Alice conceded.
'More surprises, Em?' Jack was constantly amazed by Emmeline. Any previous notions he'd had of a 19th century womans' experience as constrained by society's conventions 'back then'were fast flying from his fancies.(Was that Em's foot he'd been tackling? What was he thinking? He'd just felt so...jazzy at that moment.)Jack felt increasingly...drawn somehow...as though something was calling to him...
Emmeline took a deep breath,and figured it was best to just come out with it. 'We...we believe we've found...Morgana Carlysle.' She paused. 'And, we plan to meet and talk with her, later tonight.'
No sound was heard then, but the train's motions and wheels on track. Aleister and Jack were both staring at her as though
she'd just announced that she actually hailed from Venus. At last Jack stirred.'Ah. And, just how...? What...? Where...did this notion come from?' He seemed rather befuddled.
Understandably.
Alice took up the narrative: 'Well, when we arrived back at the theatre, you know, when we...'
'...when you left Van Horn's?' Aleister supplied, helpfully.
'yes, exactly.'Alice continued,thinking it best not to just say 'escaped'; 'We arrived in Jacky's dressing room, on the other side of the mirror, and as we exited through the lobby...'
'--I saw her!' Em jumped in. 'Well, not her, in person, but we saw her picture on a poster announcing her upcoming play at Mendation's, 'direct from Paris'...she is now playing in 'Orpheus' on New Year's Eve. Tonight.' she finished.
                          .........
Em let that sink in for awhile.
Neither Jack or Al seemed to know quite what to think.
"Here's the plan then:' Em continued: 'We offload the cargo, at your warehouse. When we return with the Captain, we'll knock once. Then twice rapidly. So you recognize us.'
They nodded.
'So then, from the warehouse we head on to the ship. 'Em paused, 'Then, at last,when we reach the Lady Liberty,  Lev can embark. On his new life.' Emmeline leaned back against the seat and looked tired then.
 This had been a trial for her, and Alice...one thing atop the other,this horror with Lev coming on the heels of Alice's setup thought Jack, as he listened, amazed at thier perserverance.
'Who knows...'she said, as she gazed, abit wearily across the blue-grey bay, 'Perhaps Frank...'but she didn't finish her thought.
Despite the coffee, Em's head was sideways now and lay upon Alice's shoulder. 'She's just exhausted, poor lamb,' Al put an arm about her. 'Let her rest til we're at the ferry landing. Not far now...'
The train whistle blew as they barreled down the straightaway headed to the east bay.As the party neared their destination,
a pensive mood came upon them. They gazed out the windows as Em slept on, and to the rocking of the coach and the cadence of the wheels, Jack glanced at Emmeline occasionally, wishing that it was his shoulder bearing that scarlet burden.He felt an odd stirring...why did he feel this strange hunger within? He freed his gaze from Em and looking out over the bay, began to softly sing then,almost to himself:
'I'm old fashioned...
I love...the moonlight...
I love...the old, fashioned things...'
                               . . . .
Best read while listening to 'I'm Old Fashioned' by Chet Baker, whilst imbibing a hearty strong brew'd coffee, be it Arabica, Sumatra .Java, Columbian, Yerba Mate or Chicory, whatever floats your regional boat...
High Water risin' risin' night and day
All the gold and silver been stolen away
Big Joe Turner lookin east and west
From the dark room of his mind...

Dylan: High Water