When Father Fitzgerald discovered that Johnny Jr was responsible for the missing funds (it was not Brandon, having learned his lesson, who had informed on him) – he spoke with Johnny Jr’s mother, Mary Marguerite. She threatened to put Johnny Jr to work on the docks, which was something Johnny Jr was never going to let happen. Never. Two of his uncles and several neighbours had worked there and never fully recovered from the injuries they sustained. The only exception was his father who, while he worked there, never actually performed physical labour. something that Johnny Jr never quite understood. Johnny Jr knew that he would rather die than do one day of the 12-hour shifts in the mines. He would turn his back on them and earn a living by other means. By any other means.
One night, Johnny Jr packed a few clothes, several books, what few coins he had, snuck down to the docks and boarded the first ship he saw. It was not important where it was going, only that it be far from the Liverpool docks. It turned out to be a freighter bound for Montreal.
But he didn’t quite get away unnoticed.
Everyone on the docks knew his father, and no captain would ever allow Johnny Sr’s son aboard ship without his approval. Very little happened on the Liverpool docks that he was unaware of, and Johnny Sr was one of the most influential people on the docks. This was due not only to his reputation as a leader in the Irish community, but his concern and support for those who needed help, regardless of their background. Illness in your family? Johnny Sr would find you a doctor, usually at no cost. Short on next month’s rent? He’d make arrangements with the landlord. When he saw you on the street, and he seemed to know everyone, he’d call out to you with a friendly wave, often inquiring about your family’s well-being. As a result, running afoul of Johnny Maguire Sr resulted in repercussions that few were willing to risk.
When Johnny Sr initially heard about his son wanting to leave Liverpool, his first reaction was one of anger at not being consulted. It was only later, after supper, that he and Margaret agreed that perhaps it might be best for Johnny Jr to strike out on his own. As well, Johnny Sr had a very good friend in Montreal who he was certain would watch out for him. Based on this, the captain was told that he could provide passage to Johnny Jr on condition that he not inform him of their conversations. He than gave the family shillelagh to the captain with instructions that it only be given to Johnny Jr once they reached Montreal. The captain was only too happy to agree. A favour done for Johnny Maguire Sr was a valuable asset to have.
Johnny Jr’s quarters, which he shared with several members of the crew, were deep within the bowels of the ship. During the day, their mattresses were upright, leaning against the walls, and at night they were laid flat and reduced the available walking space to an obstacle course. There were small folded shelves located at intervals on the walls beneath several scratched mirrors. Space may have been limited, but it was accepted willingly.
