The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.

This here be the final installment, Scroll down for the beginning of the adventure

“You are crazy! I am NOT a sailor and I don’t want to be one. I just want to see what’s on the other side of the great waters.” “Oh, you will.” Cried Monkey, “You will see many things and have many great adventures.” Cabo was puzzled “I thought that was your job?” “It is-was,” said Monkey “my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be and this going to the watching for me.” before Cabo could utter another word Monkey continued, “You will be my eyes up here and that way the Capitan will never know that I don’t see so well any longer.”
Cabo didn’t have to think very hard about the predicament he was in. He knew he didn’t want to spend his days on a boat; he was made for rambling. With that he faced Monkey and started to speak. “I know that you believe that this is the only way to keep your job, but it isn’t. What if I could show you a way to keep your job without guile or deceit? What would you do then?” This startled Monkey. He didn’t think there was any other way to keep his position other than by keeping the frog as a bound servant. “If you can tell me how to keep my status as mate on this ship I will not only make sure you get off at a good port, but I will teach you everything I know about seamanship.” Monkey spit into his palm and offered it to the frog. Cabo reciprocated in like manner. “Done deal” said Cabo. He then shrugged off his knapsack and from the depths of the bag he pulled out the star scope. He passed it to Monkey and explained the workings. Needless to say Monkey was astounded. “With this here device I can see better than I ever could in me younger days.” “What kind of magic is this?”

Monkey whipped out a lanyard and secured the scope around his neck, under his tunic. “This be a thing most marvelous, frog” Cabo stiffened and snapped. “I have already introduced myself to you and seeing as how you have accepted my gift I would expect that you use it from now on!” Monkey grinned, “Aye, you have. and I also owe you an apology for stealing you away on this ship. So, Cabo I offer you both my thanks and a sincere apology as well as my friendship.”
From that point on Both Cabo and monkey spent their days in the rigging and in the crows nest. As promised, Monkey taught Cabo all he could about the sea and the ships that sailed her. He also taught the frog how to fight with a blade and carve scrimshaw. And when the day came, many months later, for the frog to take his leave it was one of very deep and mixed emotions. Cabo considered staying on a s one of the crew, but knew that if he did he would not be following his destiny, so Cabo packed his belongings in his pack and made his way towards the gangplank. “Not planning on leaving without saying farewell, were you?” Monkey was leaning against the main mast; his hand casually flipping the dagger that he always wore at his waist. He walked up to Cabo and continued, “That doesn’t seem proper.” Cabo shrugged his shoulders and said nothing. “Before you leave there be one last thing I’ve got to do to repay you for all you’ve done for me.” Monkey grasped Cabo on the shoulder. “I want you to have this. It belonged to my father and has served me well in all my years of sailing. It’s got an even longer history than I could tell you and it was, in fact, made in the very same country you are about to enter.” Monkey gave the dagger one last flip and handed it to Cabo hilt first. Cabo took the dagger and raised it in salute, “I am truly going to miss you Monkey. And I do hope that one day our paths will cross again.” Before Monkey could say anything else Cabo turned round and leapt up onto the gangplank and walked towards the pier. When his feet hit dry land he raised his hand in a final wave goodbye and walked off without looking back.


Thanks fer yer patience the silliness continues tomorrow, SM.

Me no feeling sea-sick now that the tale be finished.