The girl then told them another secret. The key to the chest was hidden with her when the pirates attacked

Yonatan and Aharon crept quietly onto the deck of the ship, swords held tightly in their hands.

“Look!” Aharon whispered, pointing toward the captain’s room. There was a shadow moving along the wall, clearly indicating that there was someone inside.

“Don’t move!”

They burst into the captain’s room, waving their swords and yelling. But there was not a soul in sight.

Silence reigned.

Were their imaginations playing tricks on them?

Then Yonatan noticed a panel in the wall jutting out slightly. He looked at Aharon and raised a finger to his lips. He leaped forward and slashed at the wall panel, cutting open the outer layer.

A high-pitched shriek filled the air and out tumbled a girl in a tattered dress. She could not have been much younger than Yonatan.

“Don’t kill me! Please!”

“We’re not pirates.” Yonatan threw down his sword. “Who are you and why are you hiding on my ship?”

“My father put me on this ship and entrusted my care to the captain. When the pirates attacked, I was hidden inside this secret compartment.”

“Aha!” Aharon stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I read the captain’s diary and he mentioned that he was traveling with something the king had entrusted to him. Something very important…”

“The captain was probably referring mostly to my father’s treasures. Nothing is more valuable than money to my father, even his own children.”

“Sounds like a wicked king, no offense.” Aharon shrugged.

“He is,” the girl said simply.

“He is probably beside himself with grief, thinking that you are dead,” Yonatan ventured. “We should send you back to him immediately.”

“No!” The girl shook her head. “Let him think I perished at the hands of the pirates. I want to start my life over again, far away from his greedy ways and influence.”

“What did you have in mind?” Aharon looked confused.

“I have always heard about the Jewish People being the chosen nation. I would like to find a Jew and learn more about their religion. My father hated even the slightest mention of G-d, but I have always felt a great desire to come closer to the Creator.”

Yonatan and Aharon exchanged amused glances.

“Well, we are both Jews, so the Creator must have a great desire to come closer to you as well!”

******************

The girl then told them another secret. The key to the chest was hidden with her when the pirates attacked. She helped them open the chest. It contained an incredible amount of rubies and pearls.

“I told you that Hashem loves you!” Aharon slapped Yonatan on the back. “They will write stories about you yet! You are truly unique, my friend.”

The next day, men were hired to repair the ship. Then Yonatan set sail for home on his new ship.

During the short trip, the king’s daughter learned a tremendous amount about Judaism. She decided then and there that she would convert. When Yonatan arrived home, he quickly rushed to tell his father all that had occurred.

“I dreamed last night that you were returning with a very lofty soul,” Reb Shalom confided to his son. “Now I see that this girl, the king’s daughter, is the one I dreamed of. I will help her continue learning more about Judaism. When she undergoes a full conversion and is ready, you will marry her.”

And that was exactly what happened. Not long after that, Aharon became a chassan as well. Everyone celebrated, but danger was brewing across the sea.

(Excerpted from Mishpacha Jr., Issue 775)