Chapter Two: where to begin? an initial survey

The consortium being formed, Small is eager to start at once. He starts up from the table as if to go. Badger speaks calming words. ‘Let us not be hasty! as Ink Monkey has indicated, we have much to learn. The best course is to do what we can at the outset and not waste time attempting what is presently beyond us.’ ‘Wise words,’ rumbles Sheep. ‘Every quest starts with an idea, but it only proceeds with a plan’.

There was a short silence as they pondered this. ‘Then let us make a plan, by all means,’ said Bronze Toad. ‘That is something we can do here and now, at this table.’ The immediacy of this appealed to Small. He sat down again. ‘Where do we begin?’ he asked. ‘Two things occur to me,’ said Badger. ‘The first is to know the scale of the task ahead of us. So we must make an inspection of the boat and estimate from her present condition what works will need to be done.’ ‘Agreed!’ the company responded. ‘And the second thing?’ asked Bronze Toad. ‘We must visit your boatyard and see what needs to be done there,’ said Badger. ‘I understand it has long been out of use,’ said Bronze Toad, ‘but I believe eveything necessary is still there, though it may be somewhat dilapidated.’

‘Very well then,’ said Badger. ‘Tomorrow we will make an initial survey of the boat, and after that, we will take a trip to Much Caulking. I propose Ink Monkey as Company Secretary as she has the best handwriting.’ Though Ink Monkey was happy to accept this nomination, her gaze was fixed on Badger’s library. She knew where her real strength lay.

Next day, Badger, Ink Monkey, Small and Sheep went to inspect the boat while Bronze Toad took the train to Much Caulking to inspect his inheritance and arrange a visit for the consortium. Badger, Small and Sheep inspected the hull from stem to stern while Ink Monkey took notes.

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‘You don’t need me to tell you that there’s a lot needing done here,’ says Badger. ‘You’ll need masts, of course – two of those, by the look of things, and of course the associated rigging. Luckily, I have a book for that.’ Ink Monkey’s eyes light up. She makes a note of the title and resolves to consult it as soon as they get home.

‘However, our chief concern must be the hull. The planking is in poor condition in several places. It is little wonder that she sank the first time you set her on the water.’

“I have concerns about the deck, too. As you can see, it is badly split forrard, and the view from below confirms my suspicion that it is all of a piece and perhaps thicker than it need be, so replanking might be required. While the fashion piece at thge stern is missing entirely. we must brush up on our carpentry, I think.’

‘So all this will take a bit of doing,’ says Badger. ‘Read us your notes, Madam Secretary.’

‘A succinct summation,’ says Badger. ‘We should probably start with the deck, since that will give us better access to the inside of the hull. Now let us retire for some lunch.’ ‘and to do some research,’ adds Ink Monkey, sotto voce. The prospect excites her greatly.