| Presents Caribbean Cruise Part 1 |
| The cry ran out through the clear air on a bright sunny morning. "The Wheaten Princess, embarking now for the Caribbean - LAST CALL! ALL VISITORS ASHORE"! There arose a crescendo of applause and wild cheering as the gangway was lifted and, after casting off, the ship began to drift out from the Wharf. Excited faces peered from portholes, and there was a burst of colour as streamers broke and were whipped in the wind. Waving arms on deck faded into the distance as the tugs guided the big cruise ship safely out of the harbour. IT HAD BEGUN! THE CRUISE OF A LIFETIME! |
| Among the excited passengers were some boy and girl scouts, going on their first cruise. There were also some very attractive young ladies who were apparently hoping to hook rich husbands. Already, they were 'checking out' the talent! Passengers were exploring the ships many attractions and services, which even included a Gypsy Fortune Teller. (Who would, no doubt, be doing great business with the young ladies who were in search of rich husbands!) What the passengers did NOT know was that there were some famous criminals aboard, travelling under false names and with forged passports. They were the famous jewel thieves, known commonly as "The Irish Terrors". They were 'eyeing' the rich passengers on board and following them to see where their cabins were situated. What the 'Irish Terrors' did not know, was that there were two clever sleuths also on the cruise - a famous Detective Inspector and a well know Private Investigator, who were taking their annual holidays. Another thing that the 'Irish Terrors' were not aware of was that one of their targets, (a very rich lady who openly wore her diamonds for everyone to see), was travelling with a bodyguard of fearsome proportions. He was her pet Alligator, 'Ali' - and he was a VERY fearsome character who had taken the seats out of many trousers! (and other things too!) Anyway, the WHEATEN PRINCESS sailed smoothly into the open sea and headed for romantic places. Piped Calypso music was playing to set the mood, and the members of the ship's band were warming up ready for their first session in the 'Island Bar' GETTING TO KNOW YOU! Life on a cruise always brings surprises, and that is part of the fun. Many of the passengers were on deck watching the American Coast slowly fade from view. Among them were our two sleuths, Detective Inspector Murphy V and his travelling companion, Private Investigator Kodi. After a little while, they were joined on deck by the two 'Irish Terrors', Guiness and Murphy F, (though the two naughty boys were unaware that the other two were detectives.) Detectives have good memories, and Kodi felt sure he'd seen those faces somewhere before. "Hey, Murphy," Kodi asked softly, "Do those two guys look familiar to you?" "You mean, as in 'mugshots'?" Murphy replied, thinking along the same lines. "EXACTLY!" was Kodi's hissed reply. |
| They both considered the two suspects for a few silent minutes, then Murphy got to his feet and nodded for Kodi to follow him inside. Out of the site of Guinness and Murphy F they discussed whether or not they should inform the Captain, and request an identity check on these two. It was decided that they should. So they went in search of Captain Dasher Dan. Meanwhile, other interesting things were happening. The young ladies who were on the lookout for rich husbands met up with two dizzy blondes who were looking confused and lost. They decided to go to one of the bars and order a few pre-dinner drinks, then they moved into the casual lounge to relax and chat. Jessie was a very sophisticated young lady who was travelling with her friends, Abby, Savannah and Punkie. The two dizzy blondes, Kansas and Lacey O'Quinn, were grateful for the company. They had been exploring the ship, and now could not find thier way back to their cabin. Worse still, they couldn't remember which deck it was on! "Do you have your key with you?" Abby asked. "The number of your cabin is on it, and you can ask a steward to show you which deck it is on, and give you directions on how to get there." "Oooooh!" replied Lacey, "I never thought of that! Aren't I the silly one?" Everyone ignored that comment with amused smiles, and they talked excitedly about their plans for the cruise. It wasn't long before they were joined by two 'hot to trot' playboys who were out for a good time. Bailey Beachboy nudged his friend Max and gave him a huge wink. "Get a load of that Max old boy, - over there, ..." Max followed the direction of Bailey Beachboy's pointing paw. There they were, SIX gorgeous girls - all on their own! The boys slicked back their falls and ambled over to where the girls were sitting and introduced themselves. Soon they were joined by another likely lad, Cody, who had been trying to pluck up the courage to go over and talk to Abby, who he thought was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. All the girls seemed impressed, except Lacey, who thought they were too forward, and Kansas and Punkie who thought they were too old! |
| After some interesting conversation, aimed at finding out how the boys were placed, financially, the other girls decided they they were not in the running. They needed to meet boys who had BIG bank accounts. Though these guys were definitely cute, they were the sorts who had holes in their pockets! Inspector Murphy V and Kodi, the P.I. arrived at the Captain's cabin and were ushered into his 'office', which looked more like a lounge room, with a sofa and silken cushions. Captain Dasher was indeed a dashing figure, and he was very interested in what the two sleuths had to tell him. A check was made on the two suspects, but according to their passports, they were not the same two robbers that Murphy V and Kodi had thought them to be. Could they have been mistaken? Murphy V. decided to send a wire to Police Headquarters to see if pictures of the 'Irish Terrors' could be sent to him. In the meantime, he and Kodi would keep a watchful eye on the two and follow their movements. Captain Dasher would notify them the moment any news came through. |
| They left the Captain, and headed back to the deck where they'd seen the two suspects, but unfortunately they were no longer there. The Captain HAD given them the number of the cabin which the two were sharing, so they could at least keep tabs on them, and even get hold of a key to do a search if the news from Headquarters confirmed their suspicions. The WHEATEN PRINCESS sailed on to the magical Caribbean and there was some magic happening on board too. Here is the announcement that was posted on the 'Social Activities' notice board: CALLING ALL YOUNG LADIES! I have pleasure in announcing a BEAUTY CONTEST to be held in the Calypso Room at a date to yet be decided. Any beauties interested in competing are advised to contact me, JIMMY, at the Purser's Office, no later than Friday morning at 10am. There is no charge to enter, but you will need to leave your names and cabin numbers with me before you can be entered in the competition. Prizes are: 1st - $100 spending money, free portrait and a voucher for a years supply of Busy Willie's Bully Sticks. 2nd - $75 spending money, free portrait and a voucher for 6 months supply of Busy Willie's Bully Sticks. 3rd - $50 spending money, free portrait and a voucher for a box of Mister Cuddles' Doggy Treats. Special prizes of $20 spending money wlll be awarded to the 'Kissiest' girl The girl with the longest legs The girl with the highest pitched bark. So start lining up girls! I am waiting to take down all your measuremnt..er.. details. ALSO ANNOUNCING - A MASKED BALL - at which you will be able to meet our Captain, DASHER DAN. This is to take place in the Grande Ballroom on Saturday night the 25th at 8pm. Dress is formal Masks may be obtained, at a modest price, at the Ship's 'Novelty Shoppe' on the Promenade Deck. So get cracking everyone! Join in the fun and enjoy your Cruise. Your Entertainment Director, JIMMY THE IRISH TERRORS, Guiness and Murphy F had been busy checking out the richest passengers, and they were particularly interested in a lady whose name was Bella Beach Bunny. She was a very attractive woman who made no secret of the fact that she was 'loaded' - especially with DIAMONDS! Murphy F said he would keep tails on her activities while Guiness followed a rich gentleman named Beasley. They had to wait for just the right time to strike, and decided the night of the Masked Ball would be the best time, when most passengers were taking part in that special activity and would not be around the cabins. They found these three rich people sitting together in the dining room at dinner, and chose a table close by so they could 'eavesdrop' on their conversation. To their dismay, they learned that Bella Beach Bunny had a bodyguard travelling with her. Now THAT could prove to be a problem! They would have to figure out a way to get rid of him! |
| The Irish Terrors wondered if the bodyguard was an ex-copper, or one of those bouncers that they have in pubs. But where was he? You'd think he would be sticking close to her if he was supposed to be protecting her. They had never seen him with her, in fact, they'd never seen him anywhere. He seemed to be invisible! Guiness leaned over to Murphy F and whispered: "Perhaps he doesn't exist. It might just be a story to scare off any prospective robbers!" Murphy grinned as he wiped his beard with a table napkin and whispered back, "It doesn't matter whether he exists or not, Guinny. He's only one, and there are TWO of us. We can take care of him, invisible or not!" Just then the rich trio got up from their table and left the dining room. Murphy and Guiness watched them go. "Did you see the jewels they were loaded with?" said Guiness with bulging eyes. "They must be worth a fortune, especially the ones the lady was wearing. Just think of how rich we could be if we could get our paws on that little lot!" "And we WILL!" exclaimed Murphy as he prepared to leave. "But we have to plan it carefully. With that haul in our pockets we could afford to retire." They returned to their cabin and slept soundly, dreaming of diamonds and dollars, and a villa in France. LATER ON THAT EVENING After dinner, while the Irish Terrors were dreaming of riches, many of the other passengers stayed up late listening to music provided by the Ship's Band. Jake, in his fine baritone voice, was singing hits of Cole Porter as he played on the grand piano, accompanied by Bailey on guitar and Oliver on drums. The audience went crazy, and the Band accepted their requests for such favorites as 'Night and Day' - 'Just One of those Things' - 'In the Still of the Night' - 'My heart Belongs to Daddy' and 'I've Got You Under My Skin'. |
| Our two sleuths were still awaiting news from the Captain regarding their wire to headquarters, and the girs who were hunting for rich husbands were beginning to wonder if there were any on the cruise who were not married! They didn't seem to be having much luck, but they heard that a Gypsy Fortune Teller was on board, and made up their minds to consult her the next day. Surely she would be able to point them in the right direction! The two 'dizzy blondes' got lost again on their way back to their cabin, but this time it was more on account of the fact that they had overindulged in liquid refreshments! One small group of happy travellers were eagerly looking forward to the morning, as they had signed up for the Scuba Diving Class, which was conducted by Ryle, who was an experienced diver, and a member of the Ship's crew. The first day of the Cruise had been exciting, but there was so much more to come. THE NEXT DAY Morning dawned with a blaze of sun and blue, calm seas. Breakfast was served either in their cabins or in the dining room, and then the activities of the day began. There were deck games, 'keep fit' classes, dancing classes AND - the Scuba Diving Class. Cody, Cassie and Clancy went along with great expectation. They hoped to be able to go diving when they reached the Caribbean. It was a great opportunity to learn for free! "I hope the water won't be cold!" exclaimed Cassie as they approached the pool where Ryle was waiting for them. "Not in this warm weather" replied Cody. "Anyway, with all that swimming, you'll soon warm up." "I can't wait to get into the gear and get started," said Clancy with a cheeky grin at Cassie, who seemed to be having doubts when she saw the depth of the pool. Ryle walked up to them and greeted his new students. "Good morning shipmates! Lovely day to learn how to dive. Can you all swim?" The two boys said that they could, but Cassie was looking very uncertain. "I can dog paddle," she said shyly. "Is that good enough?" "Well, it's a start. Now I have some masks and snorkels here for you, and you will need to put on these fins." Ryle reached down and handed out a variety of masks for them to try on for size. They put these on, and giggled at each other. Then came the fins, and all went well until they tried to stand up and walk in them. Clancy and Cody got up onto the side of the pool ready to jump in, and Clancy got his fins tangled and fell over, while Cody complained that he couldn't walk in them, let alone swim in them! Cassie was not sure she even wanted to try! |
| Finally they got themselves sorted out and were in the pool, under the watchful eyes of the Life Guard, Rufus, who was observing the fun from his post. Ryle kept watch on his pupils from a boogie board while Cassie, Cody and Clancy got used to swimming with fins and snorkels. Even Cassie was getting the hang of it now and really enjoying herself. |
| After a successful lesson, Ryle told the excited youngsters that the next day they would be doing some theory on the basics of scuba equipment and how to use it safely. Then, the day after that, they would have their first chance to try it out in the pool. Cassie wondered if she would be able to handle this "theory" business. She hoped it wouldn't be like school! However, the boys were elated. HERE was their big opportunity to show Cassie how smart they were! Off they went together to celebrate with some cocktails at the bar. Meanwhile, our 'husband hunting' ladies were consulting with the Gypsy Fortune Teller. They found Madame Killian in typical gypsy attire and looking very much the part. She welcomed them and asked them in and asked them if they had a particular question. All four replied as one: "We're looking for rich husbands!" Madame Killian raised her magnificent eyebrows and smiled knowingly as Jessie went on, "Yes! And all the rich boys we've found so far are MARRIED!" Punkie continued: "Or they're TOO OLD!" Abby and Savannah nodded their pretty heads in agreement and gazed at Madame Killian hopefully. "Well," said Madame Killian, "you'd better come and sit down, and I'll see what is in my crystal ball..." The girls sat, (some preferred to stand in a position where they could see what this 'crystal ball' was going to do!) and watched in rapt attention as Madame Killian waved her paws over the ball, closed her eyes and went into a trance. |
| After what seemed ages to the girls, she opened ther eyes and gazed into the crystal ball. "AH!" she said in a hypnotic voice. "I see four gentlemen here. All are single, and all have great wealth." (The girls eyes lit up with excitement.) "Where can we meet them?" prompted Abby. "What are their names?" Madame Killian lifted a paw to silence them, and continued - "One is a Rancher, another has oil wells in Texas and the other two are professional gentlemen, a man of Law, and a Politician - " "A POLITICIAN!" they all exclaimed in unison. Madame Killian ignored their outburst and went calmly on - "you will meet them at the Masked Ball. I see them coming to ask you to dance." (The girls all jerked their heads closer to try to see inside the crystal ball, but Madame Killian raised her paw again to restrain them. "what do they look like?" Savannah asked them with enthusiasm. "You will know them when you see them. They are very handsome, and will present you with a rose. This way you shall know them," was Killian's reply. "Oh, how romantic!" sighed Jessie. "You mean they will ALL be carrying a rose with them?" asked Abby, who was skeptical about this information. "Yes, they will each have roses and will give them to you. And that is all I can tell you." Madame Killian then looked up and smiled, indicating that the reading was at an end. The girls thanked the Gypsy and left with mixed feelings. This sounded too good to be true! Was this fortune teller for real? When they were out of hearing range Abby shook her head. "That's the most incredible fairytale I've ever heard!" she said. "Well, we'll soon know, won't we?" Savannah piped up hopefully. Jessie and Punkie hoped that they were really going to meet these mysterious men, and they weren't going to cast a blight on it by questioning the authenticity of Madame Killian's abilities to see into the future. They would wait patiently for the night of the Masked Ball, when all would be revealed. Abby kept her thoughts to herself. It seemed unlikely to her that four different men would just happen to be carrying roses! But deep in her heart she hoped that it might be true. END OF PART ONE. |