Chapter III: Gudge’s Predicament
Gudge the First knew precisely two things when he woke up. One, he was not a smart man and that meant there was a good chance he may not get out of his current predicament. And the second thing he knew without a doubt was that he absolutely hated Martin Gregory. But all the hate he felt for the man was not going to change his current situation so he went back to the first thing he knew. How was he of all people going to get out of this predicament? He didn’t even know where he was or where he was going because there was a burlap sack over his head. He could hear horses and felt the familiar rocking motion of a wagon so he knew he was being taken somewhere.
Two men apparently were riding in the wagon also because he could hear them discussing his fate. So, he pretended to still be unconscious to decide his course of action. He had been prepared for this kind of outcome, he told himself. Though he had been assured multiple times it was “unlikely.” Think of the script, think of the script… he thought to himself.
“Do you really think he is the one?” One of the men asked. “I mean, look at him. He hardly seems a threat.”
Gudge knew the assessment was about him and was partly hurt that he didn’t appear threatening. At the same time, he felt relieved. This should help with his cover story. I’m on my way to visit my sister… he had practiced the script Martin had given him so many times. Now he just needed to relax enough to remember it and say it convincingly.
“The only thing in his travel bag are tapestry samples,” the man continued.
“All I know is he fits the description,” another man drawled. “Remember, we just follow the orders.”
Instinctively, Gudge took a deep breath. So, they hadn’t found the letter stitched up inside his coat. This was good news. He just had to play it cool and stick to the script Martin had forced him to memorize and he could return home. He’d return home and avoid going to town so that he wouldn’t bump into Martin again. From this moment, he never wanted to see Martin Gregory again.
How he missed being home!
“This just don’t feel right,” the first man said. “Look at him! I get feelins bout people and I’m tellin ya, this man is no spy.”
The other man didn’t respond for a moment. “I think it’s best you just shut up. You and your feelins. You’re gonna get us both in trouble if you keep on talkin.”
“But…”
“But nothin,” the second man’s voice was raising in volume level now. “You think you know just by lookin? This man fits the description. Don’t forget, the kid said he followed him since the ferry and that he acted all nervous like.”
“The kid could be wrong,” the first man said in a somewhat defeated tone. “He’s not our boss, ya know.”
Another moment of silence. “Look,” the second man continued. “This war has made some men desperate. It could very well be the case with this fella.”
No response.
If this wasn’t a matter of his own life or death, Gudge would have acknowledged the man was absolutely correct. Desperation is what led him to this moment.
The second man continued, “Our job ain’t to determine all that. Our job is simply to deliver him and let the others decide all that.”
More silence. Finally, the first man responded, “Fine.”
Okay, so these two men were merely delivering Gudge somewhere. Perhaps whoever they were taking him to will feel the same as the first man. He needed to lean into that non-threatening vibe. He continued rehearsing the script.
The wagon came to a stop and could hear movement.
“Gentlemen,” Gudge heard a woman say. “Is this the package my kid said you were delivering?”
Gudge assumed there was only a head nod for confirmation because he didn’t hear a verbal one. He could sense someone’s presence nearby.
“I hope,” the woman said after a moment, “you weren’t discussing anything too important on your ride because your passenger here is awake.”
“What?” the second man asked.
“Idiots,” the woman said.
After that, Gudge felt something knock on his head and he didn’t remember anything at all after that until he woke up on the submarine.
ck's days 