The caravan experience was good for Maria. Though never a pretty lass, she always had a fiery personality and a no-nonsense way about her, and when the ship’s captain learned of her medical training, he hired her as the ship’s doctor. The journey went well, and she earned enough to land on her feet when she arrived at the city. The captain was generous enough to put in a word for her with the constable in the Shantytown, and so she soon secured work serving the Watchmen in the city.[1a]