condensed master

The Reluctant agent
A Compelling Story of Espionage
to be taken ashore was the captain. He would stay in hospital and then recuperate
before rejoining the ship, prior to leaving for the Pacific.
It was a full day's sailing to Norfolk. Arriving once again during the following
night the "Wiltshire" dropped anchor and waited until morning for the pilot to take
her into Newport News.
Once ashore, Will did all things traditional to the American scene. Hot dogs,
hamburgers, and a visit to a drug store for a milkshake. After the food rationing
and austere atmosphere of England, the masses of food and drink was difficult to
comprehend, but firmly suppressing his conscience, Will tucked in, and ate and ate
and ate.
The ship had been in Newport News nearly two weeks and Will had managed
to visit Richmond to see a rodeo show, as well as Norfolk and Virginia Beach on
quite a few occasions, but just when he was getting used to travelling around the
area to see the sights, enjoying what a country, free of wartime restrictions could
offer, orders had been received to move up river to a remote pier, and await
further orders.
The "Wiltshire" soon moved away from the activity of Newport News into
Chesapeake Bay, finally tying up at a quiet landing, completely surrounded by the
most beautiful countryside Will had ever seen.
It was early evening and the sun was receding behind tall pines, weaving areas
of shadow. The cook appeared at the ship's rail alongside Will. "What a God
forsaken hole this is, I"ll be glad to see the back of this place!" He looked across
at Will expecting a response. A typical city man's shallow view of nature, Will
thought.
"This place is heaven on earth, enjoy it while you can."
"Enjoy what? There's bloody nothing out there!" Will felt sympathy for the
man as he departed for his cabin, grumbling as he went.
Arising very early next morning Will went immediately out on deck, and the
scenery was even more overpowering by daylight. The sun was up in a bright blue
sky and the waters around the ship resembled a sheet of glass, reflecting the
images of the shoreline. The abundance of pine trees appeared to practically
surround the ship, making it an insignificant item in the overall scene.
He was the only person on deck. There was no breeze and everything was
completely still, not even the usual sound of lapping water. Looking past the end
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