The tale of the diamond-stuffed duck
'Sarf & West mate, Sarf & West'
Pete Bernfeld
Sun 31 Aug 2008 08:51
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Thirteen years ago, a certain old sea-dog by the
name of 'Cap'n Emery' of the good ship Moonshiner washed up (in company
with Cap'n O'Slick of Ocean Freedom) in the island of Porto Santo, with
generator problems. Enquireys in the port captain's office led him to a certain
photographic shop in town, where the owner dabbled in part-time generator
repairs. This worthy citizen was unable to render immediate assistance due to
pressure of work but directed the aforementioned Emery to the power station,
where he knew a man who might help. The man (Paolo, who actually ran the power
station) appeared in the harbour complete with an electrikery expert who
diagnosed the problem and fitted the replacement part when it arrived. Payment
was offered and refused, so a meal aboard Moonshiner was proposed by way of
thanks. Paolo arrived with wife and small daughter (she of many names, the first
two of which are Maria Elena). They were also bearing many gifts and all
Moonshiner could offer in return (apart from the meal) was a fluffy duck which
was lurking onboard (don't ask, I did....once....but I think I got away with
it). This was duly presented to the small daughter.
The boats sailed away, as boats do, and time
passed, as it does. The legend of the duck began. The small ballast-stones in
the base of the duck (to keep it upright) were in fact diamonds and one
day 'Cap'n Duck' would return to claim them.
Thirteen years passed and two boats sailed into
Porto Santo harbour, Moonshiner and Troutbridge. Somethings had changed on the
island, somethings had not. The Port Captain was no longer there and the port
was run by a marina company (which fortunately had not gone to the same business
school as MDL, so the port was well run, friendly and reasonably priced.
Indeed it is suspected that they actually like boats!). Enquireys were made
at the marina office, but the fair Sonia (who herself had arrived in Porto Santo
some ten years previously for a two week holiday and never got around to
leaving) couldn't place Paolo, as at that stage his last name was unknown.
During the course of several conversations, it transpired that the photo-shop
owner was her neighbour, so Paolo was duly tracked down, still in charge of the
power station. A meeting was arranged in the port bar.............
Paolo and Maria turned up, with fluffy duck. Cap'n
Duck was amazed and charmed that the duck was now a family heirloom and the
subject of family legend, O'Slick was amazed that he had actually remembered the
small daughter's names ,she who now was not so small. The junior crew-members of
'Team Moonshiner' promptly fell in love with the fair 'keeper of the duck' and
are vying for her favours
The legend lives
on.....................................
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