Saturday 11th October 1808

Dear Diary,
I hurried from my lodgings to meet Miss Dixon at the allotted time but was a little late. She was nowhere to be seen and I feared I had missed her and yet a few moments later I saw her approaching in haste.
"Mr Austen," she puffed, "Let us not tarry, but board at once," and she hurried past me.
I followed her up the gangplank. She boarded with a friendly nod but I was halted at the top by a fine and stout fellow who, I percieved, was in need of a bath.
"I do not recognise you Sir," he said. "Do you have passage?"
"Not exactly," I conceded "but I was hoping that I might..."
I was interupted by heavy footsteps upon the gangplank behind me and was brushed aside by a gentleman in some hurry.
"Do you have a Mr Luckless upon your manifest?" He enquired.
The sailor peered at his papers and nodded.
"I am afraid he is not fit to travel," said the gentleman.
"Unwell is he?" Asked the Sailor.
"No," said the gentleman," just dead. Might I get his things from his cabin?" He was directed below decks and the sailor turned back to me.
"Do you have any berths available?" I asked.
"It seems anothers misfortune is your gain, Mr....?" he replied. I looked around for Miss Dixon but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Austen," I answered, "Wayne Austen."
"Well, Mr Austen," he smiled. "Welcome aboard 'The Titan Nick'. I hope you have a pleasant trip."