Tom sat comfortably at the boat's stern as it glided smoothly through the blue water. It had always baffled him how things as heavy as boats and even ships with so many people and equipment in them could be carried so easily and swiftly by such calm-looking water. But it was a good thing that it was possible because that was what the whole mission depended on.
The freckled girl had warned that engines should not be used until they had gotten what they had come for. That is, if they would get it. What were the chances? Zero to five perhaps?
He got to his feet as he heard the boatman shout orders to his men. They had reached the spot that the girl had told him about and the nets would now be released. Tom knew nothing about these things - he was just a treasure seeker - that was why he had paid the boatman a handsome sum to fix everything and get him what he wanted. He could have stayed below deck like the boatman had advised, but he couldn't trust anyone, not when so much was at stake. In his line of work, one blink and you would be sorry. It was important to always keep your eyes wide open at all times.
He watched as the nets were released into the water in the manner that the boatman had assured him was best. He ought to call him fisherman though, but he had hired him and his boat. The nets and expertise were all part of the boat and the man respectively. Due to the assurances of his sources concerning the man's fishing abilities, he had parted with quite a huge sum to hire him and by God, that girl better not be playing him! Although it didn't feel like that was her intention since she had actually sworn on her life and would only receive payment after the success of the mission. But who would re-imburse him if things were to turn out differently? Though in his line of work, some you win some you lose. And the wins usually more than made up for all the losses combined and made the whole thing very much worthwhile.
More orders were constantly being shouted by the boatman as the boat moved slowly in an arc. He was clearly intent on earning the rest of his money. Even though Tom had stonily refused to tell him exactly what he was searching for, a fixed amount had been agreed on by both parties as the sum that would be paid after the success of the mission. Another amount was also agreed on in the case of the mission turning out to be unsuccessful. Tom did not of course, overlook the possibility that the boatman might decide to renege on their agreement and demand for more money after recognizing the potential value of their catch, that was why he was well armed, with two small pistols concealed on his person.
So far, everything was going exactly as the girl had ordered and as he and the boatman had arranged, but the water looked as calm as ever, further increasing Tom's fear that he might end up emptyhanded. He took a few seconds to recall all the girl had told him, including her facial expressions, the tones of her voice, her gestures and warnings. As far as he knew, he had not missed anything. They had come out at the exact time of the morning that she had specified and an expert boatman was in control. Okay, here they go! It was time to haul in. Tom was now going to know his fate. He would either become very rich or many thousands poorer. He watched with keen interest as the hauling began. As the nets left the water, he tried to see if he could notice a strange object or any abnormal hole through which anything that had been caught could have escaped, but it was too early to tell.
Slowly, carefully, the catch was brought up to the surface and then offloaded, the contents of the net spread over the open deck. Tom didn't wait for the boatman to call him before rushing forward to see what had been caught. But even before he could break the circle of men who were gathered around the catch, he could hear their gasps of astonishment. He quickly pushed them aside with his elbows and came face to face with it. There it was - a male mermaid! And exactly as the girl had described.
Tom didn't waste any time staring for too long. He simply turned around and went in search of a stick or a club. When he found one, he came back to perform the final instruction the girl had given him: knocking out the merman!