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[Stone Barrington 03] • Dead in the Water
Chapter 3
by Stuart, Woods,The chapter opens with Stone arriving at the Markstown Meeting Hall for the coroner’s inquest into the death of Paul Phillips Manning. The setting is informal, with a jury of six men and the coroner seated at a card table. Allison Manning, the deceased’s wife, is present in a black dress, exuding a quiet dignity. Sir Winston Sutherland, dressed formally, oversees the proceedings. The coroner calls the inquest to order, and Allison is sworn in to testify. Stone observes her composed demeanor, wondering if she understands the gravity of the situation. The scene is set for a detailed recounting of the events leading to Paul’s death.
Allison Manning begins her testimony by providing background on her marriage and their life in Greenwich, Connecticut. She describes their extensive sailing journey, starting from Newport, Rhode Island, to various European and Mediterranean destinations, before heading toward Antigua. Her narrative is precise, detailing their route and the technical aspects of their yacht. The journey was marked by adventure until the fateful incident ten days out of Puerto Rico. Allison’s account sets the stage for the tragic event, emphasizing their shared passion for sailing and the routine nature of their voyage before things took a turn.
The crux of Allison’s testimony revolves around the incident at sea. She explains how a malfunction in the roller-reefing gear required someone to climb the mast. Despite Paul’s illness, she volunteered, as he was too unwell to go himself. While she was at the mast’s top, Paul collapsed, showing signs of a heart attack. Allison, stranded and terrified, watched helplessly as he lost consciousness. Her emotional recounting highlights her desperation and the brutal reality of being unable to assist her husband. The jury listens intently as she describes the harrowing hours she spent clinging to the mast before mustering the courage to descend.
Allison concludes her testimony by recounting her perilous descent from the mast and her subsequent collapse from exhaustion. She admits to fainting before finally checking on Paul, who was by then unresponsive. Her narrative paints a vivid picture of isolation and trauma, underscoring the helplessness she felt during the ordeal. The chapter ends with her poised yet emotionally raw delivery, leaving the inquest—and the reader—awaiting further details. The testimony sets the foundation for the legal and emotional complexities that will unfold in the subsequent proceedings.
FAQs
1. What were the key details of the incident at sea that led to Paul Manning’s death, as described by Allison Manning?
Answer:
Allison Manning recounted that during their voyage, the roller-reefing gear on their yacht malfunctioned, requiring someone to climb the mast to fix it. Despite Paul Manning feeling unwell, Allison volunteered to go up due to his insistence on maintaining their sailing schedule. While she was at the top of the mast, she noticed Paul clutching his left arm and collapsing, appearing to suffer a heart attack. With the boat rolling violently and no sails up, she was stranded for hours before managing to descend. By the time she reached the deck, Paul was unconscious and unresponsive, lying facedown in the cockpit. The incident highlights the dangers of sailing shorthanded and the tragic consequences of Paul’s refusal to delay repairs until he felt better.2. How does the setting and atmosphere of the coroner’s inquest contribute to the tone of the chapter?
Answer:
The inquest takes place in a modest Markstown Meeting Hall, with folding chairs and a card table, evoking a sense of informality that contrasts with the gravity of the proceedings. The jury composition (five Black men and one white) and the presence of Sir Winston Sutherland, dressed officiously, add layers of social and political context. The scene is described as resembling a “high school play set in a courtroom,” underscoring its makeshift nature. This setting creates a tone of solemnity mixed with unease, as Allison Manning’s emotional testimony unfolds in a space that feels both intimate and inadequate for the weight of her story. The juxtaposition of the humble surroundings and the high-stakes inquiry amplifies the tension.3. Analyze Allison Manning’s demeanor during her testimony. What might it suggest about her character or her relationship with her late husband?
Answer:
Allison Manning is portrayed as composed yet vulnerable—her “clear, well-modulated voice” and serene stare at the coroner suggest poise, but her voice quavers and she cries when describing Paul’s collapse. Her detailed recollection of their voyage and the incident demonstrates her involvement in their sailing life, while her insistence on climbing the mast despite the risks hints at loyalty or a desire to prove herself. However, her choice of a “not quite demure” black dress and her exhaustion-radiant appearance could symbolize conflicting emotions: grief mixed with relief or liberation. Her testimony paints a complex picture of a woman who was an active partner in their adventures but may have harbored unresolved feelings about their dynamic.4. What role does Sir Winston Sutherland play in the inquest, and how might his presence influence the proceedings?
Answer:
Sir Winston Sutherland serves as the questioner, introduced as an authoritative figure in a “double-breasted blue suit with chalk stripes.” His height (6’3”) and gentle yet methodical questioning style command respect. By expressing condolences and guiding Allison through her testimony, he appears impartial, but his official role suggests he may represent broader institutional interests. His presence likely formalizes the inquest, ensuring a structured inquiry, but his political stature (evidenced by his title) could also imply that the case has significance beyond a routine investigation. His interactions with the jury and careful phrasing (“Do you understand?”) reveal an effort to maintain clarity and control over the narrative.5. How does the author use nautical terminology and Allison’s technical description of the sailing incident to enhance the story’s realism?
Answer:
The detailed account of the roller-reefing gear malfunction—terms like “bosun’s chair,” “halyard,” and “crosstrees”—grounds the tragedy in authentic sailing expertise. Allison’s explanation of the gear separating and her precarious position at the masthead immerses readers in the chaos of the moment. This specificity not only verifies her credibility as a sailor but also heightens the horror of her helplessness during Paul’s medical crisis. The jargon contrasts with her emotional breakdown, emphasizing the stark shift from routine seamanship to life-or-death struggle. Such precision makes the incident more visceral and underscores the couple’s shared passion, which ultimately frames the irony of Paul’s death occurring during a mundane repair.
Quotes
1. “The dress was not quite demure enough for mourning, but it bespoke a certain dignity.”
This description of Allison Manning’s attire subtly introduces her complex character—showing both her nonconformity and her poise during the inquest, setting the tone for her testimony.
2. “I was very frightened. The wind began to get up again, and with no sail up, the boat was rolling very badly. I continued to call out to him in panic—panic that I was stuck at the top of the mast, and panic that he seemed to be having a heart attack, and I couldn’t help him.”
This visceral account captures the pivotal moment of crisis at sea, illustrating Allison’s helplessness during her husband’s medical emergency while trapped aloft—a key emotional turning point in her testimony.
3. “I just clung to the mast and cried… A long time. Two hours, maybe three. I wasn’t wearing a watch.”
This stark admission reveals the raw trauma of Allison’s experience, emphasizing both the duration of her ordeal and her disorientation—critical for understanding her subsequent actions and state of mind.
4. “I still don’t know why I didn’t fall and hurt myself.”
This reflective remark underscores the miraculous nature of Allison’s survival, adding an element of uncertainty that lingers over her entire account of the incident.