Several hours later, Tate recognized several landmarks along the river. She realized that they were approaching the village of Cloche-de-Fer, where her Great-Aunt Eloise lived. She made her home on a farm with an enormous apple orchard, and Tate hadn't seen her for many years. Luckily, the captain seemed to be planning a stop here.
"I hope Great-Aunt Eloise remembers me," Tate thought, after deciding to go ashore and look her up. As the Margot approached the river bank, Tate saw a young girl waving at them. The captain waved back.
"Father," she shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth, "You're just in time for dinner!" So this was where the captain lived, thought Tate. "I may need to find another ride in the morning."
Just then, Brigitte, the captain's daughter, saw Tate. "Oh look, a cat!" she exclaimed. "Can we bring it home?"