Susan Walker
From Arthur Ransome Wiki
- On questions of milk and drinking water and getting able seamen to bed in proper time, Susan was the one the natives trusted (observed by John Walker, PP4)
Susan Walker is the Mate of the Swallow, the second oldest of the Walker family children. Susan as the cook is responsible for stores, sleeping arrangements and safety. Along with John, Susan is the chief voice of reason in the two crews.
She ensures that standards of health and comfort are maintained even in camp, and bandages the injured Arctic explorers (herself, John, Titty, Roger and Peggy) after their sledge capsizes in Winter Holiday.
"I put all my trust in you, Susan", said Mrs. Blackett. "And you, too, John", she added. John grinned. It was kind of her to say it, but he knew she did not mean it. On questions of milk and drinking-water and getting able-seamen to bed in proper time, Susan was the one the natives trusted (PP4).
Though Susan is sometimes said to be in a native mood, when she insists on practicalities or rejects unreasonable suggestions, she is often more reasonable even than John. In We Didn't Mean To Go To Sea, Susan is challenged by the experience of the Goblin being swept out to sea. Although she is afraid, and suffers from seasickness at first, she is indispensable to John and the rest of the crew, and remains on deck to help manage the ship when she orders Titty and Roger below. She is also a valuable confidante for the Swallow's captain, understanding him more deeply than the younger two, and helping him to manage the sometimes unruly crew when it becomes necessary.
