Cornelius (Driftwood) Jackson
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The debtors prison or maybe worse lay ahead, deportation to the Americas and a long sea voyage and Jackson did not like sea travel it made him feel strange, strangerrr and wobblier. Seeking comfort from rum, song and a wench on his knee, Jackson drifted from one tavern to another finally navigating his way to the Mermaid Inn. Drink in hand and wench on his knee could a man be happier? Yes with a purse full of money. "Tell me my pretty, have we partaken in a drink together before?"
"The wench replied in disbelief, "Yes we have and much more and you promised me a dress and new shoes". "Ha yes, But what spirit is so empty and blind that it cannot recognise the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe and the skin more beautiful that the garment with which it is clothed? " The wench smiled an uncertain smile, "Them's fancy words, now wheres my fancy dress and shoes?"
"Err Stolen!". "Stolen? what do you mean stolen, you promised me Jackson you dog."
"I mean stolen away in your chambers as a surprise, Now off you go and put them on." "Jackson if you be lying I'll have you feed to the fishes."
"Have I ever lied to you before? No don't answer that."
Jackson sat alone finished his drink and then attempted to stand up.
"Cornelius Jackson" yelled the tavern keeper, "You pay your slate before you drift off again." "Ha payment, no worries matey, Can we negotiate."
"NO we can't, Jackson your barred until this slate is cleared, now get out before I throws you out."
Cornelius Jackson profiteer had fallen on hard times, he then fell from the tavern into the road, then fell into the harbour, then into Piracy, found by a Pirate amongst the flotsam, jetsam and driftwood the scurvy dog had found nowt of value for him self on Driftwood's person but this sea dog sought favors, A seat at the Captains table, and a new crewman would put him on the right course.
The ship was short of hands and Driftwood had two of them.
"Welcome aboard Driftwood Good o' ye to volunteer for duty on this fine vessel."
"Who 's Driftwood?". "You are." "No my name's Jackson."
"Arr pleased to be meeting you Driftwood Jackson."