A Son of Aran (44 page)

‘What a dedicated, couragous person,' the captain commented.

‘I say what a bloody fool,' replied the Greek. ‘This talk about his friend the sea horse is not credible. The man is out of his mind.'

‘It's difficult to say,' Mario, the American, suggested. ‘Which of you recalls the lines from Shakespeare: “There are more things in heaven and earth than this world dreams of'. It is but one of his many sayings. Shakespeare was a wise guy, a philosopher, and a believer.”'

‘Enough, enough,' the captain barked. You have tasks to perform—get on with them.'

As the crew bent to their respective chores, on the gentle sea breeze came the sound of Peadar's voice:

On the ocean that hollows the rocks where ye dwell

A shadowy land has appeared as they tell.

Men thought it a haven of sunshine and rest

And they called it Hy Brasil, the isle of the blest.

He's singing, he's happy,' the Basque declared—'I bet he's found what he's looking for.'

‘Some hope,' replied the Greek. ‘More likely he's entertaining his sea horse friend before it has him for supper.'

A cacophony of shrieks and cries emanating from marine creatures and wild birds rent the calm air. In or around the huge mass of gulf weed, no evidence of Peadar or the sea serpent was to be seen. Over the air came an ever-fading sound of cheering, arising, it appeared, from beneath the sea. A voice they all recognised could be heard above the din singing with glee:

Saureen, my Saureen,

Wait for me Saureen.

His comrades fell silent.

‘Has he found his island and his lost love, at one and the same time?' Mario asked,

The Voyager remained in location, while the surrounding area was minutely scanned for several hours without result. Slowly, the anchor was weighed. As the ship moved from the vicinity, the scientists resumed their programme of research and deck hands fell to their allotted tasks. Alpho manned the evening watch.

‘Come, take a look at this,' he called to the others:

Noiselessly, easily, the mass of gulf weed rose like a huge mushroom, sending spray into the air. Among its verdant vegetation, reptiles, marine creatures, and human forms, were silhouted against the setting sun, frolicking and gesturing, as if in communication with one another. In the midst of the throng, Peadar could be identified from the tricolour flag he held aloft. Having remained in suspension, for what appeared like an eternity to those watching, the entire island slowly descended, and was swallowed by the sea as if it had never existed. An eerie silence ensued.

‘Allah, be praised!' exclaimed Mohammed. Removing his headgear, the Basque crossed himself. Open mouthed, the others gazed at a spot where, until recently, an island had existed—a whirling eddy was all that remained.

THE END