Adventures in Space and Time – serie

Chapter 24. Singeing the Beard. The quartet trudged down the time tunnel in silence. Each was lost in his own thoughts. ÖffliBöffli was thinking about how close they had come to leaving their heads in a basket under the guillotine. Forward, or rather downward, they went at a leisurely pace. Out of nowhere, a massive iron ball came clattering through a shattered door. The door had been splintered into smithereens. Not a single piece was large enough to carry a date. Kalle Kanon studied the iron ball, and with his highly trained artillery eye, identified it as 36-pound cannonball. "Someone nearby is firing a very powerful Kanon for whatever purpose. Let's go through the door and find out what's going on,'' Kalle Kanon said, excited at the prospect of seeing the enormous Kanon and perhaps meeting some healthy action. That grade of Kanon was not something one encountered every day. After some consideration and discussion, they decided to venture through the time warp. They emerged onto a flowery meadow which sloped gently down toward the sea. A mighty full-rigged warship lay out off shore. All her Kanon ports were open. From them issued puffs of black smoke. "Throw yourselves to the ground! NOW!'' yelled Kalle Kanon. ''That ship is firing at us!" All four of them dropped to the ground and tried to make themselves as small as possible. A second later, cannonballs whizzed over their heads and landed further up the meadow. Large pillars of earth exploded high into the air where the cannonballs had struck the ground with heavy thuds. Then they noticed that large canvasses had been erected. On them had been painted an array of fighting sailing ships. "False alarm! Relax! They're just having target practice'', Pelle Pistol assured them and as he stood up. "Yes, they sure need the practice," growled Kalle Kanon. ''They're miserable artillery men. Poor shots." "Let's move along and try to find out where we've landed,'' said ÖffliBöffli, taking the lead. They came upon a country road winding between green knolls and fields of swaying crops. After a while, they met a farmer leisurely driving a hay wagon pulled by a team of oxen. The old man stopped and stared suspiciously at the four in front of him. "Who are you?'' the farmer asked sourly, displaying the remnants of a set of very bad teeth. ÖffliBöffli introduced himself and his friends, and asked, "What country is this?" "That's the dumbest question I've heard in years. You are in the realm of Her Majesty Elizabeth the First, our glorious Gloriana, Queen of England, the world's only real country. Which country, indeed! There is no other,'' the farmer snapped sourly. ''His bad teeth presumably cause him severe digestive problems, which would explain why he's so sour,'' muttered ÖffliBöffli. "One last silly question, if you please. What year is this?'' he added. "You really are a numskull! It's the year of our Lord 1588. And before you ask any more scatterbrained questions, this is the road to Plymouth, the world's biggest naval base,'' the farmer replied, as he spat onto the road and urged his oxen forward. ''Delightful fellow,'' said Pelle Pistol. They continued down the dry, dusty road. The day was sunny and bright. ''The exact opposite of the tunnel. How wonderful!'' said Unka Duncas. Soon, they were so parched in the heat, that their tongues felt like shoe leather. Luckily, after the next bend in the road, they saw in the distance a modest little building displaying a sign that swayed gently in the mild breeze. It was not easy to read the sign from so far away, but Pelle Pistol, with his sharp vision, croaked in a parched voice, "It's an inn. Thank goodness.'' As they drew nearer, the sign announced, “Halfway Inn”. They entered the premises. It was empty, but for elderly, one-legged man wearing a black eye patch over his left eye and a large brass ring in his left earlobe. On the armrest of the rocking chair in which he sat, perched two colourful birds. They screeched at the newcomers for disturbing the peace. "Welcome, gentlemen, to the Halfway Inn,'' greeted the man, struggling to rise from the rocking chair. He hobbled with some difficulty on his pegleg and positioned himself behind the bar. "My name is Henry Morgan, owner of this fine establishment. What can I do for you gentlemen?'' he asked cheerily. "Do you have cold ale?'' Kalle Kanon asked. "Oh yes, I most surely do'', replied the old man, and in a jiffy swung four foaming tankards onto the bar. They all downed their drinks thirstily and with a clunk, all four empty tankards were slammed back onto the bar. The glasses were refilled to the brim. No one protested. "I once was a pirate, a buccaneer, a corsair or whatever you fancy to call me. Terror of the Seven Seas, they called me. I've taken a lot of gold and treasure, but spent most of it on women and gambling,'' the old man related. "Well, sir, you certainly look like a pirate even though you're retired. The only thing missing, is a colourful parrot on your shoulder squawking, 'Hey ho, scoundrels, empty the rum glass and let's be merry,' or something like that,'' said ÖffliBöffli with a pleasant smile. " You're right. I don't have a parrot. Instead, I have those two valuable birds over there,'' he said, pointing to the rocking chair. ''Hackis and Knackis, they're called and two very intelligent birds they are. They supplement both my hearing and my vision,'' Henry Morgan related. "It was them that told me that you were on your way here after meeting that grumpy old codger, Sam Sour on his ox wagon. I'll let you in on a little secret, as you look like game fellows. When times are tough, Hackis and Knackis contribute to our sparse coffers by nicking a silver spoon or a silver coin or twos from the wealthy. I prefer coins. Less easy to prove ownership than spoons. I won this tavern in a card game and it's now the only thing I own besides my birds." "Clever birds!'' grunted Kalle Kanon. ''By the way, we are colleagues. Him and me, we're in the same profession as you," he added, pointing at Pelle Pistol. "Well, shiver my timbers! Let's toast to that! I recognise fine fellows when I see them,'' said the old man, producing a rum bottle from under the counter. He set out five pewter tankards. ''Just three, will suffice'', said ÖffliBöffli. The publican poured three generous portions of rum. He raised his tankard toward Kalle Kanon and Pelle Pistol and said, ''Cheers, my hearties! To bountiful sailing!'' The rum loosened the old man's tongue. It seemed he hadn't had anyone to talk to for a long time, and was savouring the company of jolly colleagues before him. He rambled on. Conversation flowed back and forth. Stories, yarns, experiences, boasts and tall tales were exchanged in profusion. "You'd be interested to know that England is preparing its defence against a Spanish invasion fleet. Hostilities could start at any time. Admirals John Hawkins and Francis Drake have modernised the fleet and are outfitting the ships for war and bolstering them with bigger crews and extra Cannons. So, they are in desperate need of more sailors and soldiers. So be careful you're not press-ganged,'' warned Henry Morgan. "You must have seen many battles yourself,'' Kalle Kanon said. ''Tell us about your favourite one?" "Oh yes, how about this? At one point, we sailed into Caramaibo in a completely insane manoeuvre through a very narrow strait, called Tablasso. Spies spotted in advance that we were approaching in full sail with our Kanon ports open. All the residents fled inland, and of course, they took all their valuable belongings with them,'' Henry Morgon began his tale. "So, you didn't get a big haul?'' asked ÖffliBöffli. "No, we just turned around and aimed at getting back to the ocean,'' Henry Morgan replied. '' But it wasn't that simple. The Spaniards had laid an ambush. They blocked the strait with three warships. We were really in a tight spot, but when piracy is your profession, you're used to often fighting at a disadvantage, as you boys will know." "How did you get past three warships?'' Pelle Pistol wanted to know. "We split up. Some of us went ashore and attacked the ships from the land side, which they hadn't expected. One of their ships was disabled immediately, and the crew ran the ship aground to avoid sinking to the bottom of the sea. Then we sent in a fire ship filled with gunpowder and all Cannons loaded. The fire ship hit the second ship, which sank in a huge explosion.'' "Then the match was more even,'' said Kalle Kanon. "Yes, but then we had to contend with the fort which guarded the strait with its heavy cannons,'' said Henry Morgan. "So, we feigned an attack on the land side, which fooled the governor into moving his Cannons to the land bastions so they could defend themselves against our attack." "That was a clever move'', ÖffliBöffli said. "Then it was child's play to capture the third and last ship. We got all our men back on board, and we sailed back through the strait, out to sea, safe from the enemy but without having collected any bounty,'' Henry Morgan concluded. "How come your tavern is called 'Halfway Inn'?'' asked Pelle Pistol. " Well, when you look up, you have heaven, and when you look down, then you have hell. So, we are halfway to the one or the other. We'll see which way the journey goes for me when it's time for this old pirate to cash in his chips,'' chuckled Henry Morgan, taking another hearty swig of rum. Henry Morgan peered with interest and rather drunkenly at Unka Duncas, who'd remained silent during all the merry banter. "I could use someone to help me in the tavern. I wonder if I could buy this darky from you? If so, name your price,'' said Henry Morgan. ÖffliBöffli bristled. "Unka Duncas is neither servant nor slave! He is our very good friend and colleague,'' ÖffliBöffli replied indignantly. ''Moreover, he is the high priest of a noble people. And with that, the conversation was over. Henry Morgan conveniently fell sound asleep after gulping another rum. His head hit the table with a loud bang. Snoring filled the room. ''Sounds like a lake full of bullfrogs,'' were Unka Duncas' first words of the evening. The friends looked questioningly at each other. "Let's find somewhere to sleep. We need a good rest after our strenuous and eventful few days,'' said ÖffliBöffli. Everyone found a more or less cosy niche and the fatigue and experiences of the day took their toll. The next morning, before Henry Morgan had risen, they gathered some provisions in the form of cheese, bread and thin beer. Hackis and Knackis started squawking but they stopped immediately, when the friends left a generous handful of coins on the bar in payment for the beer, the rum, the provisions and the accommodation. They set off towards Plymouth. Walking along the dusty road, they happily munched the food they had bought. Many heavily loaded wagons, pulled either by oxen or horses, passed them by. Most of the cargo was ship supplies, ranging from gunpowder, cannonballs and bullets to rope, sail-cloth, and provisions. It was evident that something momentous was underway. As the city walls of Plymouth came into sight, they passed a beggar sitting by the roadside. "Good people!'' called the beggar after them. They ignored him. "Good people!'' he repeated, ''I have an important message for you. Come back." "He probably just wants alms from us,'' Pelle Pistol said, ''Let's keep going." "No, let's hear what he has to say," ÖffliBöffli said, returning to the beggar. "What do you have to say to us?'' ÖffliBöffli asked. "I have been visited by Hackis and Knackis. They brought a message from Henry Morgan.'' ÖffliBöffli was both surprised and sceptical, but asked politely, "Well, please tell us then.'' "When coins jingle in the pot, words will jingle from my mouth.'' The beggar was a wretched fellow with skinny arms and bandy legs and not a tooth in his mouth. "Be careful! Don't get too close!'' he looks as if he might have leprosy, and that's contagious!'' warned Kalle Kanon. "Leprosy!'' sneered the beggar, ''No, my only illness is poverty, not leprosy! My muscles and bones have been weak since childhood because of lack of nourishment. I entered a vicious cycle - poverty, lack of food, weak body, unable to work, no earnings, more poverty - and the cycle starts again and again. And, big fellow, don't worry, poverty is not contagious.'' Kalle Kanon growled to hide his embarrassment. ÖffliBöffli threw a silver coin into the pot, but the beggar demanded more. After the fifth coin had clinked, he began to speak. "Go into the city and find a tavern called the ‘Cockhead & Fowl'. There, someone will contact you,'' concluded the beggar as he limped towards the nearest pub. "Well, let's go,'' said Pelle Pistol and they set off for the city gate. The guards questioned them meticulously and scrutinized them suspiciously from top to bottom. Finding nothing suspicious, they were granted entry into the city of Plymouth. They found themselves in narrow back alleys reeking of refuse and filth. The gutters overflowed with sewerage and waste. No one seemed to care that they had to step warily to avoid soiling their shoes and clothes. They searched long for the” Cockhead & Fowl," but did not find it. Finally, they decided to ask for directions. They stopped a moderately sober sailor but he just shook his head. They asked a snotty street urchin. " 'Cockhead & Fowl’? Never heard of it! But there is one called 'Cock's Head & Owl'. It's just around the corner there," he pointed. ÖffliBöffli gave him a coin. Wide-eyed, he said, ''Thanks, Mister!'' and scurried around the corner. And there it stood. The "Cock's Head & Owl" was a cheap, run-down establishment where even the poorest of the poor were welcome as long as they paid for their booze. Just as Kalle Kanon was entering the tavern, a drunken seaman was being thrown out. The drunk collided with Kalle Kanon who responded by giving the seaman a volley of hefty punches after which he promptly threw him back into the tavern. "I meant you to get out and stay out, Moby Dick!" shouted the angry innkeeper, as he gave Moby Dick a mighty kick in the rear which sent him flying like a projectile back through the door. He landed with a slap against the wall on the other side of the alley. "Welcome, good gentlemen!'' the innkeeper fawned. "What's your tipple?" "What do you have to offer? Pelle Pistol inquired. "We have fine hocks and clarets for elegant gentlemen like yourselves, and of course, premium ales and ciders. Or if, my lords, you fancy something stronger, I have my grogs and my rums. I also have Bummburner, which I have especially imported from Bavaria, for special clients like your good selves. But I am obliged to warn, she's a sneaky damsel and one should be cautious. She's as lively as a firecracker and will set you off like a rocket!'' the host concluded. Pelle Pistol and ÖffliBöffli ordered claret. Kalle Kanon, determined to be true to his image, despite his previous lesson at the beavers' tavern, ordered a shot of Bummburner. Unka Duncas settled for raspberry juice. The quartet found a corner at the back of the tavern which gave a good view of the whole room. They sipped their drinks, while looking around cautiously to see if anyone signalled a desire to make contact. The atmosphere was lively and increased with each glass that was consumed. Nothing untoward happened besides a little scuffle in one corner where a pair of ladies were trying to sell their home brew without the approval of the publican. Through the open door, they could hear the marching of the marines’ seeking "volunteers" for enlistment and the shouts and curses of those being accosted. They remembered Henry Morgan's warning about soldiers press-ganging drunken wretches into the navy's iron grip. The waited long for the contact the beggar had told of. No one approached them. They began to suspect that they had been duped. Quite a few rounds of drinks were downed before a dwarf-like man with an untidy full beard approached the friends. "Have you gentlemen ever seen a dancing monkey that can speak with the wisdom of an owl?'' inquired the little man. "Why do you ask? ÖffliBöffli wanted to know. "I've been informed by some birds that you might be interested,'' claimed the man. ÖffliBöffli understood that it was a disguised invitation for a private meeting. He nodded to the little man. "Just follow me, then.'' said the dwarf. He led them to a loft above the tavern. There sat a man impatiently tapping his fingers on the tabletop. "About time you showed up,'' he hooted. "Well, no one contacted us until a few minutes ago'', ÖffliBöffli replied. "True enough, true enough. I apologise. I'm the impatient one. My name is Ozzy Owl. I'm the owner of this miserable establishment. That buffoon below only runs it for me. I sailed with Henry Morgan as first mate for many years. We were very successful and made a fortune trading back and forth in the New World'', Ozzy Owl recounted. "So then, why do you run such a tawdry tavern if business was so good?'' challenged Pelle Pistol. "Well, as you no doubt understand, everyone is out to pilfer a piece of one's pie, to stand ready to steal another's fortune, despite always being on one's guard, one cannot always prevent being outsmarted or outmaneuvered from all quarters. It could be one's good colleagues in the industry who attempt to appropriate one's fortune but the most dangerous thief of all, is the noble Royal English navy. With their bigger, faster, and better-armed warships, they are the ones who most often succeed in robbing us hard-working seafarers of our hard-earned profits.'' Ozzy Owl explained. "That's the way of the world. One is not always master of one's own fate nor in full control of one's own pocket.'' said Pelle Pistol understandingly. ''Sound like greedy lubbers, the English. How did they get you?'' growled Kalle Kanon. "We were overtaken by a frigate with seventy-seven Cannons. We didn't stand an earthly chance against such a formidable opponent. But we hid most of the loot, gold, coins, jewels and such in a secret compartment deep down in the ship. We left some of the loot in the hold to be easily found in order to fool the navy into thinking that they had been successful,'' said Ozzy Owl. " That was a smart plan. Hope you gave them a good fight as well,'' said Kalle Kanon. "Yes, we fought with everything we had, so it wasn't easy for them. But in the end, we had to surrender after more than half our crew was killed. They searched our ship from keel to mast. They found only what we'd planned for them to find,'' answered Ozzy Owl. "The redcoats interrogated us. They weren't gentle with their interrogation methods. They even hanged a few of us from the yardarm but no one revealed the presence of the rest of the bounty", Ozzy Owl continued. "How come you managed to escape as a free man?'' ÖffliBöffli asked. "I was shackled and imprisoned on board their vessel, awaiting trial, but I managed to bribe a guard when we were anchored near land. I simply jumped into the sea and swam ashore,'' said Ozzy Owl. "Our ship is called 'Aurora' and is now part of the navy after being refurbished as a warship. She happens to lie at anchor here in Plymouth harbour at this very moment. My plan is to board her as a crew member. The need for crew is now tremendous and there is so much confusion and activity related to that with forced enlistment, press-gangs, shanghaiing and so on, that no one really knows what going on. It should be easy,'' Ozzy Owl informed them. "So, I understand from all this that you are seeking our help with this mission?'' ÖffliBöffli inquired, looking meaningfully at Ozzy Owl. "I understood from Henry Morgan that you have been pirates yourselves. There is enough gold on 'Aurora' for all of us. So why not? Few would back away from a little adventure that will be rewarded with a tidy sum in gold and silver coins,'' added Ozzy Owl, with a smug smile. "Count me in! I'm game!'' exclaimed Kalle Kanon, as always eager for derring-do. ''Just a minute! Not so fast!'' cautioned ÖffliBöffli. '' Fist of all, nether this man here, Unka Duncas, nor I have even been pirates. Secondly, why us? Why do you trust us? We could just as well walk out of here, inform the navy of your scheme and reap a good reward without risking our lives at all,'' said ÖffliBöffli. Pelle Pistol and Unka Duncas, nodded their agreement, Kalle Kanon, snarled. ''The very fact that you are answering as you are, is proof of your worth even though you are not a pirate. As Henry informed me, he discerned in you deep wisdom, extraordinary knowledge and a talent for reasoning.'' ÖffliBöffli blushed a bright shade of red. ''Furthermore,'' continued Ozzy Owl, ''Henry's birds, which he relies upon religiously, have apparently informed him, that they had scanned Unka Duncas' brain and found that he has many supernatural powers, like an ability for time travel, and dream prediction, which would undoubtedly be of great value to our mission.'' Unka Duncas squirmed in embarrassment in his seat. ''Thank you for your compliments. But there are also moral issues here. My best friends in all the world, Pelle Pistol and Kalle Kanon, have long since chosen that way of life, but despite that, they have time and time again proved to be kind, considerate, generous and self-sacrificing beings, which amply offsets their misdemeanours. But what about Unka Duncas and I? We have deeply-seated scruples about stealing, violence and the risk of taking the lives of others,'' said ÖffliBöffli. ''Well said! I presumed you would come up with words to that effect. My response is simple. Neither the navy, nor the scoundrels from whom we acquired the loot came by the merchandise by honest means. So, the goods don't 'legally' belong to the either of them nor to me, so we are not really 'stealing', as you put it. We are merely requisitioning lost property. To salve your conscience, you can donate your portion of the pickings to charity, some worthy cause, perhaps set up a home for the poor, start a fund for education of needy youngsters or suchlike. Besides, Henry told me, that like your friends, you are game for adventure and challenge.'' ÖffliBöffli pondered deeply for some minutes. He then consulted with Unka Duncas, and they both agreed to join the adventure. Ozzy Owl proposed splitting the loot into five equal potions and the deal was done. Hands, were shook all around. "Good! Let's waste no more time'', said Ozzy Owl. ''This is my detailed plan. I have sailor's clothes for all of us. We dress in those. We find a row boat and row out to 'Aurora' in the dead of the night. I know exactly where she's lying at anchor. We board her. We blend in with the rest of the crew and the rest we play be ear as the circumstances and occasion presents itself.'' Ozzy Owl opened a large seaman's chest and produced suitable clothes for everyone. They proceeded with stealth and caution, on the lookout for soldiers and press-gangs. In a deserted part of the harbour, they found a row boat, set off from the quay and headed towards a forest of ship masts. Ozzy Owl knew exactly what the rigging and hull of the "Aurora" looked like. They found it easily. The reached the anchor cable. A solitary guard ambled lazily back and forth, waiting for the time to pass and his relief to come. He sat on a bollard with his back against the anchor light. Ozzy Owl climbed slowly but surely upwards towards the deck. Furtively, he approached the guard and disabled him with a pistol butt. He signalled to the others and they boarded without any trouble. "Now follow me down to the battery deck where the crew usually sleeps between the Cannons. No one will take notice of us looking for a place to spend the night,'' whispered Ozzy Owl Before proceeding, Ozzy Owl poured rum over the guard and placed the empty bottle next to him. As predicted, they all found places to lie down and slept deeply after their long and arduous day. Their snoring mixed in harmony with that of the rest of the crew. "Assembly on deck now," bellowed several boatswains early the next morning. They blew their whistles as they walked through the low battery deck. The sailors quickly got to their feet and stowed away their hammocks or whatever they had been sleeping on. On deck, they lined up in a starboard and a larboard watch. The marines stood separately at both ends of the lines. The captain stood on the half deck and addressed to the crew. "We have learned that the enemy is preparing to sail with one hundred and thirty-seven large galleons from Cadiz. All the ships are heavily equipped with both weapons and crew. It is our duty to prevent the enemy from landing on our shores. Therefore, we will hold live fire drills in the coming days so that we are fully prepared to meet the enemy,'' the captain concluded. A loud war cry rang out from the crew. They went to the deck and weighed anchor. They were soon underway at full sail. In a secluded bay, they placed barrels as targets and soon all the Cannons thundered from the starboard side. ''Aurora'' tacked and came up to the targets on the larboard side. Again, a barrage erupted and the Cannonballs whizzed away. Water spouts rose from the sea where badly aimed Cannonballs hit the surface. This evoked boos. When the barrels were accurately hit, there were triumphant shouts from the successful gun crews. The battery officers smiled broadly at each hit as they carefully measured the time it took to reload. The crew was rewarded with a double rum grog for a well-performed exercise. Admiral John Hawkins aboard "Victoria" had divided the fleet into a southern and a northern squadron. ''Aurora'' joined the northern squadron where thirteen warships were already at anchor. Days passed with further exercises and ship maintenance. After a small sloop arrived with intelligence and orders, there was much hustle and bustle on all the ships. The intelligence revealed that the mighty Spanish Armada was preparing for departure on its way to England. The northern squadron set sail south-west. They awaited the arrival of the southern squadron under the command of Admiral Francis Drake on "Revenge" so that the united fleet could confront the enemy. When the southern squadron with its flagship appeared, the wind died down. A group of somewhat battered smaller ships joined the united fleet. They reported that they had come close to the armada and had delivered a few broadsides directly into the powder magazine of a galleon named ''Santa Maria''. It promptly exploded. They managed to damage some of other galleons but also took damage themselves. They concluded was that the English ships were faster and more manoeuvrable than the enemy. The captains of all the ships gathered on "Victoria" for a council of war. Tactics were discussed. Some of the captains advised direct confrontation with direct broadsides into the Spanish fleet. Admiral Francis Drake argued that the wind was too weak and not blowing in exactly the optimal direction. He counselled against a direct attack. Hours passed, and evening approached without reaching a final decision. The company was supplied with food and drink while the discussions continued. 'Aurora's' young captain, Martin Frobisher, went up on deck to get some fresh air. He leaned against the rail and looked down at the sea. He noted that the wind had picked up and had shifted to the right direction. He conceived an idea in his head about what they could do under the cover of the darkness. He went back to the rest of the company and asked to be allowed to speak. "Very well, young man. What do you have to say," said Admiral John Hawkins. It was unusual for such a young captain to have the nerve to offer an opinion in such august company of renowned seafarers and seasoned campaigners. "I have understood that our latest information is that the enemy has anchored just off the coast of the mainland where the strait begins. I've just been on deck and noted that the wind is beginning to pick up and that it is now in our favour,'' explained Martin Frobisher. "So, what is your proposal? Do you have a plan?'' asked Francis Drake somewhat impatiently. "I suggest that we select the three oldest of our ships, load them to the brim with gunpowder. We get a few crewmen to sail each ship towards the enemy's anchored fleet. When the ships are about a half league away from the enemy, the crewmen fix the sails and secure the rudder, and put the three ships on course to sail straight into the enemy fleet. They set fire to our three ships. The crewmen leave their ships on longboats. The enemy sees the approach of the flaming ships and prepares to flee. The rest of our fleet is not far behind and we strike with full force against the fleeing ships, which are now in disarray trying to avoid the fire ships,'' proposed Martin Frobisher. A deep silence sunk over the cabin. Eyes were clamped shut; temples were rubbed. Some gazed at the ceiling, deep in thought. Then there were cries of, ''Brilliant!'' ''Ingenious!'' ''What a plan!'' ''Hurrah!'' ''Well done, young man!'' "That's exactly what we'll do!'' declared Francis Drake, shaking Frobisher's hand vigorously in appreciation. "I volunteer my ship 'Aurora' to be one of the fire ships,'' Martin Frobisher offered. ''She's rather old and is in need of significant repairs." "Good, choose two more ships amongst you. We must make haste. Make the preparations and let us get underway,'' John Hawkins ordered. The captains promptly rowed back to their ships to prepare them for battle. Aboard the 'Aurora', Captain Martin Frobisher informed the crew of the plan. "We need a few volunteers to stay until the last moment and set fire to the ship,'' said Martin Frobisher. Ozzy Owl immediately saw the opportunity he had been waiting for. He volunteered to stay on board and glanced at his four accomplices. ÖffliBöffli. Pelle Pistol, Kalle Kanon and Unka Duncas immediately understood, nodded and raised their hands. Martin Frobisher smiled at his five volunteers and spoke. ''Well done, brave sailors!'' Captain Martin Frobisher and the rest of the crew left in longboats and quickly disappeared into the darkness, leaving the five brave volunteers to complete their heroic task. The sails were swiftly hoisted, and the 'Aurora' set course toward the enemy ships, together with the two other ships that had been chosen. As they approached the planned distance from the Spanish fleet, Ozzy Owl rushed down to the bottom of the hold and began loosening planks. ÖffliBöffli ran to fix the rudder while Unka Duncas secured the sails. Kalle Kanon and Pelle Pistol prepared for the ignition of the tens of powder barrels that had been loaded on board. Ozzy Owl was still busy in the hold when Pelle Pistol shouted down to him that he had to come up on deck as they were close to their target and were about to light the fuse to set the powder barrels alight. "I'll be there shortly,'' roared Ozzy Owl back. "I just need to load the treasure into a sack. I'm coming." "You need to come now,'' shouted Pelle Pistol in return. ''Otherwise, you'll go up with the ship." The friends were already on their way down the ladder to the longboat when Ozzy Owl appeared, carrying a pitifully small sack that clinked with coins. "There's so much more down there but I didn't have time to gather more than this,'' groaned Ozzy Owl, scrambling aboard the longboat. They rowed frantically to put distance between themselves and the burning 'Aurora'. They managed in the nick of time. The 'Aurora' exploded in a tremendous fireworks display amidst the enemy ships. Among other debris, gold and silver coins rained down from the sky like a hail storm. Ozzy Owl groaned in despair and as he tried to catch some of the coins raining down from the smokey heavens. As he had predicted, Frobisher's plan caused panic among the enemy. They tried in vain to extinguish the fire that spread greedily among their ships. They hacked at their anchor cables in order to escape the inferno. For most, it was already too late, they shared the fate of the 'Aurora'. They were lost in a cataclysmic sea of fire. Of the 137 ships in the great Spanish Armada, only sixty returned to safety. Many of those that escaped the fire were lost in severe storms or ran aground because their anchor cables had been severed. The violent explosions The five sailors' small like a cork and nearly lay down in the bottom of sides and hoping for a Suddenly, the longboat around. It was caught in a multiple explosions. Before they could grasp themselves on a barren had generated gigantic waves. longboat bobbed up and down capsized several times. They the longboat, clinging to the miracle. began spinning around and vortex that had arisen from the what had happened, the found beach at the mouth of a large cave that would be underwater at high tide. ÖffliBöffli looked around in amazement. ''Let's head for the cave,'', he advised. They reached it and collapsed on its sandy floor gasping for breath after their miraculous escape from the vortex. "Where is Ozzy Owl?" Pelle Pistol asked, looking around. ''I saw him trying to grab a few more coins in the vortex. He got sucked overboard,'' said Unka Duncas. "Greedy varmint! He probably would have cheated us in the end,'' barked Kalle Kanon. ''The wages of avarice! A fool and his money are soon parted,'' said Pelle Pistol. ''Money is the root of all evil!'' said Unka Duncas ''Yes, I can't say I miss him. In any event, we had an exciting adventure and took part in a battle that changed the course of history'' said ÖffliBöffli. ''And, do you know what? I read of this battle in my history books. After the victory, Admiral Francis Drake, made this boast ' I singed the King of Spain's beard! He never made mention of Martin Frobisher.''