1 |
Hi, are you going to the Amazon? I need a passage to Brazil. I am going to finish the exploration of the river. Do you think 30 dollars will cover the voyage? |
2 |
I am going to keep looking for a ship that will take me there. With the money you gave me, I will surely reach my destination. Thanks a lot, captain. Farewell. |
3 |
Oh, you are here too. I just found out that the ship heading for Brazil left yesterday. There is none departing for another month. I can only drink to my sorrow now, the food here is terrible. |
4 |
There go my dreams of a grand career as an adventurer. Actually, I wanted to be a pilot of a steamboat first, but that did not work out either. I guess I will just load up crates on ships at the port. |
5 |
Do you own some steamships, captain? Maybe I can help out on one of your boats on the Mississippi. I know the river and I am a quick learner. Just ask your sailors if they would teach me. |
6 |
The pilot of the steamboat Paul Jones, Mr. Bixby, will take me as an apprentice. I can’t believe it. This is a dream come true! I will take my things and be at the pier right away. Which ship is it? |
7 |
I need to look presentable for my first day at work. Where did I put my razor blade? Do you have one I could borrow? Oh, I can choose one from the lost and found crate? |
8 |
I don’t have much money but I promised to pay your pilot for teaching me from my first wage. I will get one, right? |
9 |
When are we leaving the port? I am ready to start learning. Oh, I see. We still need to load up those materials. I will help if it will make us leave faster. |
10 |
I am so tired. I never thought piloting a steamboat would be so exhausting. Did I miss the dinner? I hope there is still some food left. |
11 |
What? Is it morning already? But outside is still dark. What do you mean the pilots have to get up early? I am just an apprentice. Fine, I can also help load more fuel to the furnace as I go up. |
12 |
I slept for maybe four hours. Will it be like this every night? Do you have some coffee at least? There is none in the official rations??? Maybe one of the sailors will have some. I will ask around. |
13 |
Mr. Bixby doubtlessly already told you that I make a pretty lousy pilot. I could not remember a single point on the river he told me about. I must write it all down from now on. |
14 |
Is it time for the first payout already? I heard the sailors planning an evening at the Tavern tomorrow. I am trying to do my best too. I remember a few points along the river already. |
15 |
I have lost my razor blade. Could I check the lost and found stash once more? Hopefully, someone found it and left it there. |
16 |
This razor is completely blunt. It cannot be mine. Or someone used it without my knowledge. I need a sharpening stone. Maybe some of the rocks we are transporting will serve. |
17 |
The night shifts are the worst. You can’t see a thing in the darkness and if you don’t know the river by heart you can easily hit rocks in the water. I would build fires on the shore if I had any say in it. |
18 |
How long are we staying in town? I could use a break from work. I sleep only four hours each night. What? Do you really need me to go for the supplies with you? |
19 |
There, the ship pantry is well stocked. I would like to get a bit of sleep now. I hope your sailors will unload the cargo. I really have no strength left. |
20 |
Have we left the port already? No? If we need to make some repairs, I will go ashore for a while. What? Why must I help? It was not my fault we scratched those rocks yesterday. |
21 |
I am starting to think this is not really a job for me. I can’t remember the river like Mr. Bixby. But my adventures would make up a good story. Maybe I will publish it once I save up some money. |
22 |
I just came from the boiler room. The guys said we don’t have enough wood to get to New Orleans. We should probably make a stop somewhere and load up more fuel. |
23 |
We need coal as a fuel for the steamboat. Have you been drinking with Mr. Bixby yesterday? He has a hangover too. You should get a proper meal to sober up. Spicy fish stew works best. |
24 |
You shouldn't steer the ship if you aren’t completely sober. These rocks could tear the life out of the strongest vessel that ever floated. Leave it to me, I know this section of the river pretty well. |
25 |
I think I am starting to get the hang of it. Let me stay at the wheel for a bit longer. I heard the sailor call “mark twain” so we can sail on. The depth of the river is safe for the boat. |
26 |
Finally, I received my pilot’s license! Mr. Bixby is happy to get rid of me. Now I can pilot a ship of my own. I would be happy if you recommended me to some of your friends who own ships. |
27 |
Captain! How long has it been? So many years since we last saw each other and you still look as great as ever. Have you come to pick up the ore from the mine? |
28 |
I have been working as a miner, but I quit. I need transport out of here. Do you have some space on your boat? |
29 |
My steamboat pilot’s career ended with the Civil War. Plying the rivers became dangerous and I couldn’t become a soldier. I have trouble taking the life of a fish. |
30 |
I have been offered a job as a journalist in a newspaper owned by my friend. So I am headed for Virginia City. I always liked writing, maybe that’s where I will find my calling. |
31 |
To write the first article is always daunting. I don’t want to rely on alcohol for inspiration. But sugar can help jumpstart my imagination too. Do you have something sweet on hand? |
32 |
I find that writing humorous short stories suits me best. It’s not easy to find humor in some parts of life, but it's important one tries to. Even digging rocks in a mine could be funny once in a while. |
33 |
Being a writer suits me but I long for a change of scenery. I am moving to San Francisco. Does your business take you there by any chance? I would love to board a steamboat again. |
34 |
My latest story about a jumping frog became surprisingly popular. Who would have expected that? I have a few copies left. Give them to the crew and tell them I say hi. |
35 |
A journalist can earn good money in San Francisco. Maybe I will finally settle down, find a woman, and build a house. Not necessarily in that order. |
36 |
The newspaper is sending me to Sandwich Island. It would be a pleasure to travel on one of your boats, captain. But if you are busy elsewhere, I will purchase a ticket for one of the liners. |
37 |
Sandwich Islands are heaven on Earth. If you haven’t been there yet, you must visit. And the food is simply fabulous too. I couldn't get enough of their fish. |
38 |
My letters from the Sandwich Islands were popular among the public. Another newspaper offered to fund a trip to Europe in hopes of similar reports. I think it’s time for another trip. |
39 |
I love traveling but I think it’s really time to settle down. I have found the woman I want to marry. We have been writing to each other for some time. I just have to win the approval of her father. |
40 |
I made it! Olivia’s father didn’t like me at first, but he finally approved of our marriage. But I had to promise him I will finish the house before we get married. |
Final |
It is a beautiful house captain, thank you for your help. Here, for your trouble. I hope we will meet again. |