This one would have been for my dad, Jack, and my grandfather, Norm, both keen dinghy sailors. They gave me the sea, the wind and, most importantly, the true directions on the compass to follow.
I am also deeply grateful to the following people who all made this book possible:
Firstly, my beloved, Jan Nicholls, for her constant love and support. Somehow, she seems to always be there for me in spite of my mind being persistently back in 1898.
Cate Sutherland, my publisher and keen-eyed editor whom I admire very much, and who brings structure, discipline and much more heart to my stories. As well as Claire Miller, marketer extraordinaire, and all the talented and fearless crew at Fremantle Press.
My great shipmates Jan Scott, for proofreading, and Richard Scott, for his enthusiasm for the story.
Dr Astrid Arellano, friend and infectious diseases specialist, for giving me typhoid, or at least the idea of using it in the plot.
Lee Hegarty, Cocos Islands English teacher, for her warmth and hospitality.
Sharon and Ian Francis from Christmas Island, for looking after Jan and me so well during our time on their island.
The teachers at Cocos Islands District High School and Christmas Island District High School, as well as the schools in Broome, whose classes I borrowed to test plot ideas.
Michael Gregg from the Western Australian Maritime Museum for keeping the nauticalia as accurate as possible. He graciously allowed me a few inaccuracies for drama’s sake.
Matt Outred for his very helpful final read through.
The West Australian Young Readers’ Book Award committee for years of work, and for promoting my books so enthusiastically.
And most importantly, to you, my fellow crewmember on this quest, for reading this far. I hope you enjoyed Red’s hair-raising adventures.
Norman Jorgensen