Maiden Voyage Read Online

She recognized me and shouted, “Denton, what are you doing here?”

I lied very quickly, and she led me into the shiny chintz drawing-room.

I was staying with an aunt in Exeter and had come to Budleigh Salterton to revisit it. We talked of Switzerland and my brothers. I was gaining confidence; her children were away at school and I had been asked no difficult questions.

Two love-birds in the bay window were chattering and kissing and losing their feathers while we talked. I wondered what was going to happen next.

When her husband came in, I started. He said he was ready to go. She turned to me and said, “We’re just driving in to Exeter. Would you like to come back with us?”

I thought quickly and answered, “Yes”.

We all got into the old car. Mr. and Mrs. Brandon were large and noisy, and I prayed that they would not ask to see my aunt when we got to Exeter. As we climbed the hill I asked them to leave me at the top, then, waving good-bye, I disappeared down a side street.

I was in a fever. I had no money left. I thought of writing for some, but I could not wait three days until I had an answer.

I knew that I must go back to London, and I was almost glad.

I had come now to a poorer part of the town and, looking up, I saw three golden balls. I passed them and then went back, but still I could not go in.

At last I pushed the door open and quickly went up to the counter. I had taken my watch off, and held it out now to the man. It had cost five pounds. I wondered what he would give me. He took it under a little light at the back of the dark shop and then, looking up, offered me six shillings.

I did not know what to do; six shillings would only just pay my half-fare to Salisbury. I wanted to get to London. I looked up at the man’s steel glasses and knew that I would get no more, so I took the little ticket and left.

I wandered about Exeter all that afternoon. I stood in the Close and watched some soldiers march into the cathedral. The band was playing and I saw the sun flash on the brass and on the sweaty faces. Everything was brown, green-brown khaki and red-brown faces and hands.

I went to the hotel; I had decided to ask if there was any message for me. The reception clerk’s pale hair rippled as she looked up at me.

“They’ve been asking about you,” she said, “wanted to know if you were still here. I said you left yesterday morning.”

I did not wait to ask who “they” were. I said “Thank you, that’s all I wanted to know,” and left quickly.

Outside again I felt hot and cold with fear. It was not until late that night that I decided to go back to Salisbury. I did not know what I should do after that.

The station clerk was difficult; he wanted to know when I was born and if I was travelling with anyone. I thought for one moment that I would not get through, but the gloomy dark station spurred me on to he successfully; I could not stay there all night.

I looked at my change as I waited on the windy platform.

I had just tenpence left.

The streets of Salisbury were empty and still; I heard a clock striking and looked at my left wrist, then I remembered what had happened to my watch. I tried to count the strokes and decided that it must be midnight. Standing on the bridge I looked into the black river which was so clear in daytime, then I moved on towards the Market, and soon the curved shape of the Butter Cross loomed in front of me.

I went under its dark shadows and sat at its core, against the fat central pillar. I was very tired.