LOG OF THE "DEMETER" Varna to Whitby
2 August, midnight.--Woke up from few minutes sleep by hearing a cry, seemingly outside my port. Could see nothing in fog. Rushed on deck, and ran against mate. Tells me he heard cry and ran, but no sign of man on watch. One more gone. Lord, help us! Mate says we must be past Straits of Dover, as in a moment of fog lifting he saw North Foreland, just as he heard the man cry out. If so we are now off in the North Sea, and only God can guide us in the fog, which seems to move with us, and God seems to have deserted us.
This time, a victim actually makes a sound.
When the captain rushed toward the cry, who did he find? The first mate.
Crew remaining: Captain, first mate, one deckhand. (3/9)
Posted by: Most Significant | August 02, 2021 at 03:46 AM
It's a fine touch of theater: sound but no visual of the attack.
Posted by: Bryan Alexander | August 02, 2021 at 12:42 PM
I was struck by the fog: from July 31 onwards, the Demeter is enveloped in it. Did the Count create it in order to keep the ship concealed from other vessels, or to keep the ship from heading into port before Whitby (if only to get replacement crew members)? The fog might also increase the risk of navigational error, which could lead to shipwreck and disaster for his plans.
So I'm inclined to believe the fog is entirely natural.
Posted by: Most Significant | August 02, 2021 at 03:04 PM
Could be. Also sets the stage in fine Gothic style.
Posted by: Bryan Alexander | August 02, 2021 at 03:18 PM
Yes, it really does!
Posted by: Most Significant | August 03, 2021 at 02:41 PM