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I nodded and approached the girl, atched me coh and I gave her credit for having so toJiirl stayed h the air at ht at tiirl and then jerking her to the opening in the railing I tipped her back over the side and held the rope with one hand as her haughty look disappeared to be replaced with naked fear Her arms were bound to her sides by the loop of rope and she was helpless to avoid falling if I should let go of the rope

"What is your name?" I repeated

"Christina!" She was quick to respond with looking very e of events

"Christina while on board my ship you will be a model citizen You will do as you're told, when you are told to, without any backtalk Do I make myself clear?"

The girl nodded her head vigorously as her feet were poised on the edge of the ship's platfor over into space above the waters of the harbor

"Yes Sir" I said

"Yes Sir!" She quickly stated and I pulled her back upright and let go of the rope, which she hurriedly stepped free of in herof the ship's railing

Giving her one last hard look I turned away and said, "Pull up the anchor Big Jia We're headed out"

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Christina stood rubbing at her arms where the rope had cut in as she watched the tall blackthe deck There wasn't one doubt in her o of the rope if she'd been smart with her response

Selena stepped up and patted her niece on the back, "Welcolare in return None of this had been her idea!

"Thanks a lot dear Auntie! You and Mom have really done it to e with Captain Ahab over there!" Christina said hotly

Selena looked after the Captain, "He can be hard, but he's still a good man at heart He won't let any harm come to you"