Fortuyn's Ghost
Old seafarers believe an ancient vessel, veiled in spray, still plies the storm-tossed waters. Once every year, on a three-quarter moon, a bell tolls, marking the minutes to midnight. And a rotted timber backbone slowly rises from a watery grave. Based on the true story of the Dutch East India Company ship, Fortuyn, that vanished in 1724 after leaving the Cape of Good Hope for Batavia, laden with a rich cargo sealed in ten oak money chests. A sophisticated picture book. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.