condensed master

Will Bonner
their scrutiny, but a roar of disapproval met the statement that everyone would
have to be subjected to a medical examination, before entry. All the crew had
been examined prior to leaving England, which their papers proved, so this
unprecedented action was being interpreted by the crew as a reprisal for their
previous show of disapproval.
"We'll begin the inspections in the wardroom," the immigration official said, and
pointing at Will, "starting with you."
"No I refuse. I have my medical clearance, and that's all I need."
One official pointed to the corner. "Stand over there, you will be arrested and
taken off the ship."
A loud voice somewhere from the front of the line shouted, "This is like Hitler's
bloody Germany!" It was the ship's butcher, who was simultaneously taken out of
the line and threatened with arrest. Two more men followed and the rumblings
from the crew intensified. Will, and the other three men were escorted out and
loaded into a launch.
"Where are they taking us?"
"Haven't you heard of Ellis Island? It's where all the immigrants with doubtful
origins go to be investigated before they are let into the USA.”
It was only a few minutes by launch across to the island, and after landing they
were herded into a containment room, which was a fancy name for a cell. Will
stood at the back of the room observing the others. The ship's butcher had taken
off his shoe and was banging it on the door shouting, "Let us out, we're British
citizens, we demand to see an Embassy official!" over and over again, occasionally
turning to the others saying, "I'll make their bloody lives a misery!"
Will looked around recalling his arrest in Aden. This was like taking a holiday
in comparison, he would just sit tight and wait for events to emerge. After the
threats and physical abuse he had received over recent times he was beginning to
get accustomed to taking a degree of punishment. Within the hour, they were being
escorted back to the ship, without any explanation. Once aboard, the noise of the
anchor chains indicated that they were about to get underway again, and Will was
to learn that the ship had been diverted on to Norfolk, Virginia. In the future
someone would ask. "Have you been to New York?" and Will could rightly
answer "Yes", but not committed to say that he had never got ashore!
Needless to say, no one had been medically examined, and the only person
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