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Show Page 1 May 7, 1620 As I write, grey day is fading from around the ship and with each hour the storm weakens. But I fear Aunt Mary is fading with the day and weakening with the storm. She scarce moves now and speaks only to cry out in alarm, sometimes calling Edward's name. ******************** I woke with a start during the darkest hours of the night. Quietly, I rolled over to see a large rat nosing about Aunt Mary, who slept beside me. It was after the moldy ship's biscuit she had saved from supper, saying she was too tired to eat. (What folly that this did not warn me!) She had wrapped it in a handkerchief and tucked it under her head. I reached down and swiftly seized my shoe. Holding it so the buckle would not pierce my hand, I waved it in the darkness, hoping the rat would be frightened and scamper off. |