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“Yes, South Africa, actually,” said Gavin, warming to her charm. Her face was finely fea-
tured, her eyes humorous and intelligent, little did we know just how intelligent. I immedi-
ately found her cute, red mouth irresistible.
“That's not your boat Déjà vu anchored near mine, is it?”
“That's us,” I replied proudly.
“Oh, she's lovely; did you build her?”
“Yes I did actually,” I blushed again.
“Wow, I'm impressed. I'd love to check her out sometime.”
“By all means, come over and we'll give you the tour,” I said hopefully.
“Well, I mustn't keep you from your work; I just went to the store; come Zephyr, let's go!”
“Bye Liz, nice to have met you.” I waved at her. I was thrilled to see her sneak a little look
back at me, and with a quick wave of her hand she was gone.
We attacked the inside of the sampan with renewed vigor. It was murderously hot down be-
low, and the ancient dust was making us cough and choke. I felt uncomfortable tearing into
this old girl, ripping out the woodwork of her galley, saloon, bunks, and soles. Someone
had spent a lot of time and money putting her together, and this was sacrilege. I said as
much to Gavin, and his reply was, “Oh rubbish, it's a scruffy, old dust trap that's seen better
days. It's a job, and we need the money.” He was right.
John Anderton announced his arrived with a smart smack on the hull and a booming voice,
“Hey you South Africans, how's it going in there?”
“Hey John, we're inside now; perhaps you'd care to have a look and see if we are doing
this right?”
As muscular and solid as he was, he nimbly jumped aboard and stepped down below into
the battle zone, stepping over a pile of scrap wood. Laughing, he said, “You Africans are
doing a helluva job!” He beamed at us. “Just leave the engine and the bulkheads; we are
going to rebuild her ashore. Christ knows why, but that's what Hank wants, and he owns
the yard. Between you and me I'd as soon scuttle this pile of match wood. Don't forget to
take lunch at twelve, you guys.”
At twelve o'clock, we downed tools and went to the store after washing some of the dirt
off our face and hands at the tap on the dock. We were filthy, covered from head to toe in
black dust and sweat. We each bought a sandwich roll and a pint of milk and went outside
and sat wearily down in the shade near our demolition job.
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