14C Overcast. Got the berries cleaned and frozen, bowled in the pm had a reading break in the hot tub then out for pasta night special at the Odyssia. Movie and bed.

They were the Pearce family, they had lived in the tiny community of Garden Bay for the past four years, the parents were medical missionaries and just three weeks earlier had received word that they would once more be assigned to a post in China.

  The boat rail that John was looking over was on one of the Union Steam Ships that plied the coast of British Columbia. They were on their way to Vancouver and then would go by train to Montreal and then take passage on a ship to England. Beyond that they had no idea what the timing or final destination point in China would be.

  The whole family stayed out on deck until the ship had cleared the harbor entrance and turned south. Then in spite of late summer sun, the south east breeze coupled with the speed of the vessel forced them inside to the shelter of the interior deck. There they all found seats, the three girls played at word games, Mrs. Pearce read her bible, Doctor Pearce studied a map of Canada and John after receiving a stern glare from his mother, pretended to read a book.

  The trip was uneventful, there were two seatings for dinner and the Pearce’s waited for the second one. About an hour after their dinner the ship passed under the Lion’s Gate Bridge and into Vancouver’s inner harbour.

  Having only hand luggage, the family trudged along the sidewalk the few blocks to their hotel. They had reserved two rooms for three nights as they had some business to attend to before they would board a train for the East.

   The next morning everyone was awake early, John was almost back to his usual self; teasing his sisters, asking questions and checking out all four levels of the hotel.

After breakfast in the hotel dining room, Doctor Pearce announced that he needed to go to the Royal Bank of Canada to pick up a bank draft that should be waiting.

  Mrs. Pearce said “Please take John with you. He could use the exercise.”

  Doctor Pearce offered no argument as he was fully aware that the ‘please’ did not signify a request. The two male members of the family headed off together.

On their arrival at the bank, Doctor Pearce asked to speak to one of the bank officials, he identified himself and said “I believe you should have a bank draft waiting here for me, it will be from the Bank of England.”

  The official said, “One moment Sir, I will check for you.” He turned and hurried away. A few moments later he returned “I’m sorry Sir, there does not seem to be a bank draft here for you, are you sure it is this branch?”

  Doctor Pearce pulled a cable gram from his pocket and showed it o the man.

  “Yes that is us Sir, but it hasn’t arrived.”

  “Is there anywhere I can send a cablegram from? Doctor Pearce asked.

  “Yes Sir, there is one down at the railroad station that services the public.”

  “And where will I find the railroad station, please?”

  “Here I’ll draw you a map, Sir. It isn’t far.”