Sloop Of War

11. Strategy And Spies

BOLITHe was hastily tying his neckcloth when Tyrrell thrust his head through the cabin skylight and called, «Bacchante's just signalled, sir! Capn's to repair aboard!"

"I will come up directly."

He threw on his coat and took a quick glance round the cabin. He did not see Colquhoun very often, but he had learned it best to forget nothing?

On deck he found the gig being swayed over the gangway, and when he glanced abeam he saw Fawn's boat already in the water and Maulby hurrying down into it with his usual agility?

It was early afternoon and the deck burning hot through his shoes. All night, with Fawn keeping as close as safety allowed, they had driven south, with the sprawling barrier of sandbars and shallows some ten miles off the larboard beam. But it had taken longer than he had hoped to find Colquhoun's Bacchante, and almost as soon as the masthead had sighted her topsails the wind had fallen away to a mere breaths allowing the sun to tighten its grip over them like a furnace?

As he waited for the gig's crew to man their boat he turned to stare across the opposite beam, towards the distorted hump of blue and purple which he knew to be the western tip of Grand Bahama. Colquhoun was taking no chances. He was standing well clear of the land, either to give himself sea-room, or to prevent the enemy from seeing his intentions?

"Ready, sir."

He ran down to the entry port and said to Tyrrell, «Keep a sharp lookout for inquisitive craft of any kind? Send a cutter after 'em if they draw near. Don't wait for my orders."

Then he was in the gig and settling himself on a hot thwart as Stockdale swung the tiller and sent the boat dipping and swaying towards the frigate. Bacchante was hove-to, her sails flapping loosely, showing her copper as she rolled unsteadily in the swell. She was a fine ship, he thought. Clean-cut and designed by a craftsman. Thirty-six guns and the ability to live off her own resources for many months, she was, or should be, every young captain's ambition. It did not seem to fit Colquhoun at all?

Stockdale was muttering under his breath, and

Bolitho knew he was cursing his opposite number in Fawn, who always seemed to manage to get his boat anywhere just that bit faster. The gig turned swiftly, oars backing in close unison, the bowman hooking on to the frigate's main chains as Bacchante's shadow gave them brief respite from the glare?

Bolitho clambered up the side, doffing his hat and regaining his composure while the calls shrilled in salute and a squad of redcoated marines slapped their muskets to the present?

The first lieutenant, a gaunt, harassed-looking mans bobbed his head in welcome?

"The captain is aft, sir. He is preparing his strategy, otherwise?

Maulby stepped from the shade of the gangway and took his arm." Otherwise, my friend, he would have had the good grace to meet us at the entry port, eh?" He laughed at the lieutenant's embarrassment." You, sirs deserve rich recognition for your penance aboard this ship."

Together they strode beneath the poops automatically ducking their heads despite the ample room above?

A marine stamped his boots together and threw open the cabin door, his eyes never blinking or shifting until both officers had stepped over the coaming?

Colquhoun was standing by the stern windows, studying his watch with obvious impatience?

"So you have arrived, gentlemen." He sat down at his table." Eventually."

Bolitho relaxed slightly. So it was to be this way?

He replied, "We had adverse winds overnight, sir."

Maulby added calmly, "And I thought you might be closer inshore, sir. We seem to be somewhat, er, out ob touch with affairs at present." He glanced towards his own ship as she rolled uneasily about a cable from Bacchante's quarter." But I expect you have a reason for that, sir."

Colquhoun stared at him fixedly, as if to seek out the truth of his words. Fortunately he seemed quite oblivious to Maulby's sarcasm?

He snapped, "Look at my chart." They gathered round and he tapped it with some brass dividers." The Frenchman is here. I sent a cutter under sail before dawn to investigate." He looked up, his eyes triumphant." So there's an end to speculation."

Bolitho leaned closer. What a formidable place? From the western tip of the main island the chain ob reefs and bars ran northward for about forty miles to link with the notorious Matanilla Shoal. The latter then turned eastward, enclosing the great span of open water known as the Little Bahama Bank like one monstrous snare. In places the water was only feet deep, and the fathoms were few and far between?

According to Colquhoun's marks on the chart, the French ship had passed through or around one of the cays to rest up on the other side of the island. It was perfect for anyone trying to avoid a skirmish. For on this side and elsewhere in the channel the sea bottom was over two hundred fathoms, and any hope of a close attack was foiled by the steepness of the island's face. Whereas on the other side, within the Little Bahama Bank, the water was very shallow and sandy, ideal for a master who wished to careen his ship and carry out temporary repairs?

"Was your cutter seen, sir?" Maulby did not look up?

"Of course not!" Colquhoun seemed angry even at the simple suggestion." My first lieutenant was in charge. He knows what would happen to him if he allowed such carelessness." He calmed himself with an effort." He saw many lights on the water. The cutter pulled through the surf and between two sandbars and watched the enemy at work. She's big, probably a forty-gun frigate with some armament removed. Must have touched bottom and sustained damage sometime after entering the islands."

Bolitho glanced at his profile. Colquhoun was very excited, there was no doubt about it, despite his efforts to conceal his true emotions. There was a strong smell of brandy, and he guessed he had been celebrating privately the victory already in his pocket?

He asked quietly, "What do you intend, sir?"

Colquhoun looked at him searchingly." I am working on the assumption that the enemy is near finished repairs. Now, he will either continue on passage, or make for Martinique again if he is badly holed and needing greater help. Either way, we must act at once and avoid another chase."

"I would suggest a boat action, sir. We would cross the bar from two directions and cut her out before they know what is happening. With men and boats from all three ships we can swamp her defences with darkness on our side."

Colquhoun said mildly, "With you in overall command of the boats, no doubt?"

Bolitho flushed angrily." Your frigate is too large by half to be of use in those confined waters, sir! If the Frenchman makes a run for it, or decides to show fights you will be needed to present your ship to him and without delay."

"Easy, Bolitho." Colquhoun was smiling gently." You rise quickly to my words. Such haste to speak tends to show guilt more than conviction."

He turned swiftly before Bolitho could reply." You, Maulby, will take Fawn across the bar tonight, under sweeps if required, but I want you in position at dawn tomorrow." He leaned over the chart again." If the enemy is repaired enough to make sail he will no doubt hope for one of three possible channels. To the north his passage could be adversely affected by wind and tide. South is more likely, in which case Bacchante will be well placed to take him as he tacks around the

point. But if he is still laid up or careened, you will be able to rake him there and then. He will see no use in firing back at you. Just a few more holes will be sufficient to render him immovable, or long enough for us to present more drastic measures." He wagged one finger." But I know these Frogs. They'll not fight if the odds are so well laid."

Across his bowed shoulders Maulby looked at Bolitho and shrugged?

Bolitho said nothing, knowing Colquhoun was waiting for him to protest. Sparrow was better suited to the task as defined by Colquhoun. Her armament was heavier, and her thirty-two pounders were far more accurate and deadly than Fawn's lesser battery ob nine-pounders. He knew that any such suggestions however, would only bear out Colquhoun's earlier hint that he was greedy for more success and fame, or that he was a better man than Maulby for the mission?

Maulby asked slowly, "Will you send men overlands sir?"

Colquhoun still did not look at them." God in heaven0 Where is all this stuff of combat I have been reading in the Gazette? I am beginning to wonder at its substance!"

Bolitho said, "It is a sensible suggestion, sir. I would prefer a boat action by night, but in daylight a force ob men, including your marines, would be able to…" He got no further?

Colquhoun straightened like a steel spring." Enough of this! My plan leaves no room for nervous fumbling about the rocks like a lot of damn lizards! That Frenchman is as good as taken, and I intend to sail her into port intact and with her cargo or whatever ready for closer inspection!"

He walked from the table and stared at a half-filled decanter on his desk. As he reached out for it Bolitho saw his hand was shaking with anger or agitation. His voice was equally unsteady as he continued, "And you, Bolitho, will close from the north. Stay out of sight until the time of attack and then make contact with me for further orders." His fingers closed around the decanter like claws." That is all. My clerk will give you written details of attack as you leave."

They left the cabin and walked in silence to the quarterdeck?

Maulby spoke first." It should be your doing, Dick.] agree with you about trying to cut the enemy out, but either way, it is your right to lead if Colquhoun intends to stand offshore."

Bolitho touched his shoulder." I wish you all success, but you know that. You are more than due for promotion, and I hope this will bring it for you."

Maulby grimaced." I'll not deny that I'd relish the chance. But I would wish it done with less bitterness." He glanced aft." That man will be the death of me with his bloody moods."

Bolitho bit his lip, trying to find the right words?

"Look, John, take good care. I know Colquhoun is desperate for this victory, but I do not share his scorn for Frenchmen. They fight well, they fight with courage? They are not given to empty gestures, even in the cannon's mouth."

Maulby nodded, his eyes grave." Have no fear. If that Frenchman decides to match gun for gun with me I will haul off and await support."

Bolitho forced a smile. Maulby was lying to ease his troubled mind. Lying as he would probably do under similar conditions. Before and after a fight at sea there was always room for recriminations and counter-proposals, but once joined in battle there was usually only one thought. To fight, to keep on firing until the enemy broke or the tide turned against you?

"Boats alongside!" The first lieutenant greeted them with a tired smile." Is it done, sir?"

Maulby held up his written orders." Aye. Done."

The lieutenant sighed." I have made a small sketch which may be of some help for you, sir. The tide race is bad there, and the surf no better. But if the French could enter, then you should have less hardship."

The two gigs were hooked on to the chains, and Bolitho said with sudden urgency, "I will be making sail directly if I am to take station by dawn." He held out his hand." I wish I was coming with you."

Maulby returned the clasp." I, too." He grinned." But at least you will be spared the sight of Fawn as she makes Colquhoun both rich and famous in one blow."

Stockdale stood up in the gig as Bolitho descended the frigate's side, his eyes puzzled?

As the boat shoved off and the oars picked up the stroke, he hissed, "Then we're not fightin', sir?"

Bolitho sighed. Secret orders, plans of battle, meant nothing to the lower deck. Stockdale had not left the gig, but he and probably every Jack in the flotilla knew what was happening?

"Not this time, Stockdale."

He had already forgotten Colquhoun's snub, the calculated attempt to drive a rift between him and Maulby. He was thinking of Fawn's task, the chances ob success without prolonging the attack so that Colquhoun could blame Maulby for the delay?

"It ain't right, sir." Stockdale was muttering from the tiller?

Bolitho glared at him." Just attend to your work!] have had a bellyful of strategy for one day!"

Stockdale studied the captain's squared shoulders, the way he was gripping his hanger so that the fingers showed white through his tan. It ain't no use you blowin' off at me, my lad, it still ain t right, an' wot's more, you knows it.

With his secret rebuff held firmly in his mind Stockdale eased the tiller bar and headed straight for the Sparrow?

As the bowman hooked on to the chains Bolitho turned abruptly and said, "But thank you for your concern."

Stockdale stood and removed his hat while Bolitho reached for the sloop's side?

He grinned broadly at his back." Thankee, sir!"

Tyrrell was no less ready to speak out." But that's a strange choice! Commander Maulby's a fine officers but…"

Bolitho swung round." Prepare to get the ship under way. Rig the royal yards as soon as we are under command, for I want to make all speed with what wind there is!" He relented again." Just do as I ask, Mr? Tyrrell, and let us have no more of it."

Buckle ambled across the deck as Bolitho hurried below to rid himself of his heavy dress coat?

"What d'you make of it, Mr. Tyrrell?"

Tyrrell frowned." That damn Colquhoun! I never took to th' man. Like bloody Ransome, his eyes are slits for the Devil to peer through!"

Buckle shook his head." Cap'n's worried, there's no doubt on that."

"Not for himself." Tyrrell watched the men hauling at the boat tackles as the gig bobbed above the gangway." That is equally certain."

Bolitho's voice rose sharply through the skylight? "When you have finished, gentlemen, I would be obliged if you would attend to my orders!"

Buckle looked at Tyrrell and grinned sheepishly?

"That's more like it! Our Dick's not the one to brood too long!"

Within the hour Sparrow was ghosting slowly to the northwest, her yards alive with canvas, as with all sail set she left her consorts further and still further astern?

The wind rose very slightly, and by the time the first stars appeared above the raked masts they had logged nearly fifty miles back along the same course they had used to join Colquhoun with such haste the previous night?

But there was nothing anyone could do about it, and there were some who were inwardly pleased to be spared Fawn's uncomfortable passage through the shoals?

On the quarterdeck Lieutenant Graves leaned against the rail, half watching the loosely flapping sails, partly listening to the creak of the wheel, an occasional voice from his seamen on watch. He was thinking about his home in Chatham and the news he had received in a rare letter from England. His was not a seafaring family, and his father had owned a small but flourishing grocer's shop where Graves and his sister had been born and had grown up together. His mothers a sickly woman, had died a year before Sparrow had sailed from the Thames, and in the past years his father had apparently taken to drink. The business had fallen into debt, and his sister, probably out ob desperation, had married an impoverished lieutenant in the army garrison?

She had written asking for money, for herself and to try to keep their father from a debtors' prison. Graves had sent all he had, which had been little enough. His share of Sparrow's prize money would help considerably, but until he received more news from home he was unwilling to sign it over when it had been so hard to come by. If only he had been better moulded to dealing with the ways of the Navy. Like the captains whose seafaring background and famous ancestors put him apart from men like himself. Or even Tyrrell, who seemed indifferent to all authority, although God knew he could ill afford to be so. He remembered exactly when Tyrrell's sister had come aboard. They had been in Kingston, Jamaica, where she had been living with friends, waiting until the troubles, as she called them, in America were over. A vivacious, lively girl, with none of Tyrrell's casual attitudes. To Graves she had appeared like some sort of angel, an answer to everything he had ever dreamed. She came from a settled, prosperous family, and as a wife would have given him the chance to better himself, find his rightful place in the world instead of remaining unsure and cautious. Tyrrell had seen his intentions clearly enough, but had neither encouraged nor come out directly against him. Then, the fool had had an argument with Captain Ransome over a man being punished. Graves could no longer remember if the punishment was just or not, nor did he care. All that remained clear was that Ransome had acted swiftly and had used all his charms which was considerable, and his obvious skill on the

girl's defences to break his own chances as well as alienating her brother completely. But Graves still blamed Tyrrell, hated him whenever he thought of her and the way she had looked when Ransome had finally put her ashore in Antigua?

He gripped the rail until the pain steadied him? Where was she now? Someone said she had sailed for America again, others mentioned a passing Indiaman which had gone south to Trinidad. Would she ever think of him? He turned away, angry with himself for daring to hope after so long. Why could he never be confident when it was most needed? Perhaps he had been too long in that damned grocer's shop, hearing his father grovelling to the quality, bowing and scraping to customers who ran up bills far greater than his own debts?

The worry about his sister, the uncertainty about himself, had taken their toll in other ways, too. He had sensed it after the fight with the Bonaventure, even though he had been aboard Sparrow with the rescued passengers. Suppose the captain had failed to grapple her long enough to carry out his wild plant Would he have had the strength to turn Sparrow against orders and attempt to rescue Bolitho and his men? But for Buckle and some of the others he doubted if he would have done so even when both grappled ships had burst into flames. They had seen the great pall of smoke from the horizon itself?

And later, when they had closed with the other prizes and had exchanged shots with privateers, he had felt the fear spreading inside him like some loathsome disease. Nobody had noticed. Yet. He shook himself and crossed to the weather side, trying to clear his mind in the cool breeze?

The two midshipmen were standing by the lee nettings, and Bethune said quietly, "Mr. Graves seems worried."

The new midshipman, Fowler, ignored the comment? "Now look here." He had a lisp, which became more evident whenever he was trying to appear innocent before his superiors. Now it was barely noticeable."] have to supervise swabbing the cable tier tomorrow?

Bethune was watching the lieutenant." I know. It's your turn."

Fowler showed his small teeth." You do it for me? When we rejoin the fleet I will speak with the admiral."

Bethune gaped at him." For me?"

"Perhaps."

Bethune's gratitude was pathetic." Oh, if only…" He nodded firmly." Yes, I will take charge of the cable party? Anything else I can do…"

The youth regarded him coolly." I will let you know."

Throughout the ship the company lived out their hopes and dreams in their own way?

In his tiny cabin Tyrrell was sitting on his sea-chest massaging his wounded thigh, while on the other side of the bulkhead Bolitho finished his letter to his father?

In the dimly lit wardroom Dalkeith was drowsing over a glass of rum, hearing Buckle re-telling a yarn about some woman or other in Bristol, while young Heyward listened to him with his eyes closed?

Right forward above the plunging beakhead, his hair blown by wind and drifting spray, Yule, the gunners squatted with his back against a stanchion, a bottle between his knees, his blurred mind thinking of Tilby, the good times they had shared together?

Deep in the hold, a lantern above his narrow head.

Lock, the purser, inspected a cask of lemons, examining each one like some robber with his booty, while he made notes in a ledger?

And below her pale canvas Sparrow held them all? Oblivious to their various troubles and pleasures, indifferent even to the sea. For she needed none ob them, and seemed content?

As soon as Bolitho reached the quarterdeck, he knew the wind was changing against them, and rapidly. He had been in a deep sleep when a master's mate had groped into the cabin to tell him that Lieutenant Heyward was requesting advice?

It was only halfway through the middle watch, and the stars still very bright above the mastheads, but as he hurried across the deck, his bare feet soundless on the damp planking, he heard the topsails shaking violently, the responding chorus from stays and shrouds?

Buckle was beside the wheel, and like himself was wearing only his breeches, evidence, if it was still needed, of Heyward's unwillingness to call for help until it was almost too late?

"Well?" He peered at the slanting compass bowl, seeing the helmsmen's eyes glowing faintly in the binnacle light." I'm waiting, Mr. Heyward."

He did not wish to fluster the young lieutenant, and at another time could appreciate his wishing to control his own watch without showing uncertainty. But this was not the time, and in such dangerous waters they would have to act fast?

Heyward explained, "The wind backed a point or so, and I had my watch trim the yards." He gestured vaguely above his head." But now it has backed at a faster rate, I fear maybe from the north-east."

Buckle muttered, "We'll never be able to change tack in time to reach the head o' the shoals, sir." He glared at the compass." Never!"

Bolitho rubbed his chin, feeling the wind playing across his bare shoulders. Heyward had been foolish to let Sparrow have her head like this. Maybe he expected the wind to veer again, as it often did hereabouts, but whatever he thought or hoped, the ship's bow was now pointing almost northwest by north, and she was not holding that course very well either. Every minute was taking them further from the chain of shoals, and it would waste hours of wearing and tacking to fight round again towards their station as Colquhoun had directed?

Heyward said miserably, "I'm sorry about this, sir. I-] thought I could hold her."

Bolitho was thinking busily." You cannot help the wind. But in future you must learn to call me the moment you are unsure of anything. I'll not think worse of you." He looked at Buckle." What is your opinion? We have four hours before dawn."

Buckle was adamant." Impossible." He sighed." I'm afraid we must remain close hauled and try to wear ship in perhaps three hours or so."

Bolitho pictured the chart in his mind, recalling vividly the nearest sandbars, the set of the tide?

"Call all hands, Mr. Heyward. We will wear ship directly."

"But, sir!' Buckle sounded anxious." We'll never be able to take up our proper course! With the wind staying steady from the nor'-east it's not possible."

Bolitho heard the shrill of calls below decks, the sudden stampede of feet on gangways and ladders."]

agree, Mr. Buckle." He paused as Tyrrell came out ob the gloom, dragging his leg badly as he tried to buckle his belt." I intend to pass through the bars." He looked at Tyrrell." If we stay as we are we will be unable to offer assistance if it is needed when daylight comes? Once inside the bank we will at least be able to use the wind if an opportunity presents itself."

Graves ran to the quarterdeck, his feet very loud above the hushed voices. He had evidently found time to put on his shoes?

Bolitho said, "Very well. Leadsmen in the chains, and then get the royals and t'gallants off her." He was speaking fast in time with his thoughts." Tell the bosun to unleash the sweeps in case the wind drops altogether."

Tyrrell nodded." Aye, aye, sir. I reckon we stand a fair chance of getting through. Th' set of th' tide is in our favour." He hesitated." When it drops a piece we may find it bothersome."

Bolitho smiled in spite of his thoughts." Well spoken!"

Shouts came along the gun deck where petty officers completed their count of topmen and hands for the braces. So well did most of them know the ship that darkness made little or no difference to them?

Bolitho nodded." Shorten sail, Mr. Tyrrell." He lowered his voice." Quick as you can."

Within minutes all canvas had vanished from the upper yards, and with her topsails and courses thrusting noisily to the wind Sparrow lifted and staggered in an uncomfortable swell?

Bolitho gripped the weather nettings, watching the thin slivers of spray darting across the gangway, the extreme angle of the yards as with sail and helm Buckle tried to hold her as close to the wind as he dared?

And all the while he was thinking rapidly. Once the ship had gone about the nearest strip of sandbar and shoal would lie some ten miles across the bows. E false estimate of speed and distance, a wrong or careless description on the chart, and he might drive her hard aground. But in his heart he knew the risk was worthwhile. No one could blame him for keeping to his original orders and thereby allow the wind to carry him away from the area. Colquhoun would probably be pleased to have him as far off as possible if only to deny Sparrow even the role of spectator for the final act. By ignoring the rigid span of his orders he might lay himself open to reprimand, but with luck he would be better placed to give Fawn assistance if the Frenchman decided to fight. With the wind backed to the northeyst, Colquhoun would be hard put to remain in his own sector when the time came, and that in itselb would offer some excuse for Bolitho's action?

"Ready, sir!"

He tightened his jaw." Put the helm down!"

He tensed, feeling the sea dragging against the weeded keel in a strong undertow?

"Helm's a'lee, sir!"

Through the darkness he saw the headsails shaking wildly, heard the tramp of feet as the men hauled steadily at the braces to get the yards round?

"Off tacks and sheets!" Graves 's voice was hoarse above the din of canvas and blocks?

"Mainsail haul!"

A man fell in the darkness and a voice yelled harshly to restore calm on the gun deck?

Bolitho gripped the nettings, his body tilting with the hull as Sparrow lifted her jib-boom, hesitated and then sliced heavily across the wind?

"Braces there!" Tyrrell was leaning over the rail as if to seek out individual seamen in the gloom." Heaves lads! Harder!"

Sparrow resisted awhile longer, then with sails filling and booming again she heeled over on the opposite tack, the spray sluicing up over the gangways and drenching the men beneath?

Bolitho had to shout to make himself heard above the noise." Close as you can, Mr. Buckle!"

"Aye, sir." He sounded breathless." Full an' bye!"

More uncomfortable minutes while men scampered above and along the gangways. A pull here and belay? Men hauling busily at halliards, while in the bows the selected hands took their leads and lines to the forechain, in readiness to begin sounding?

Eventually even Buckle seemed satisfied." Sou' by east, sir!"

"Very good."

Bolitho peered tip at the hard-braced yards. Not even a frigate could sail this close to the wind. Nothing could?

Tyrrell staggered towards him, his shirt plastered to his body." You wanted this, didn't you, sir?" He was shouting, but his voice was matched by the surge ob water alongside." You were worried about Fawn?" He cursed as his foot slipped and then clapped his hands to his thigh?

Bolitho supported him and waited for the hull to sway upright again?

"Easy, Jethro! Is it painful?"

Tyrrell showed his teeth." Dalkeith said there might be some small splinters left in th' bone. Them pistol balls can split open when they cut into a man." He stood up gingerly and grimaced." Not too bad."

Bolitho watched the topmen slithering down stays and shrouds and then said, "Yes. I suppose I did want it. I cannot explain my fears." He shrugged and added. "So I will not try."

He pushed his uncertainties away." Now, Jethro, I want our people to have breakfast and a tot ob blackstrap. No sense in waiting for daylight, and] imagine they are too well drenched to sleep just now." He ticked off the points on his fingers." Then have the fires doused, and muster the hands at quarters. We will not clear for action, but I intend that every available man is on deck when we cross the bar."

Tyrrell was watching him intently." What about Heyward? Are you going to log him?"

Bolitho shook his head." He's learned his lesson, so there's no harm done. When I was a junior lieutenant] once fell asleep on watch." His teeth showed white in the darkness." I'm not proud of the fact, but by God] never did it again!"

He moved to the hatch cover and paused." I will go below and get into some clothes. It'll never do for our people to see their captain like this in daylight." He laughed, the sound carrying up to a solitary man working on the mainyard." I may live like a savage, but] see no cause to look like one!"

Tyrrell turned back to the rail, easing his leg as the pain lanced through it. He had just seen yet another Bolitho. Naked to the waist, his black hair plastered over his forehead, he had looked as young, if not younger than Heyward. In such a moment Tyrrell had been touched by his concern for the hands as he had been impressed by his cheerful recklessness over the approaching sandbars?

Heyward came from the gun deck and waited to resume his duty?

Tyrrell said, "Dismiss th' watch below. Then have the petty officers lay aft for instructions."

Heyward asked glumly, "Will this go badly for me?"

Tyrrell clapped him on the arm." God, boy, no!" He laughed at his astonishment." You did th' cap'n a favour! If you had called him earlier he'd have been forced to change tack. Your mistake allowed him to take another course of action." He strolled away whistling to himself, his bare feet slapping on the spray-drenched planking?

Heyward walked up the tilting deck and joined Buckle by the wheel?

"I don't think I understand."

Buckle studied him dubiously." Well, don't you try, that's my advice." He shuffled towards the hatch and added, "An' next time you feels like playing God with my ship, I'd be obliged if you'd pass the word first."

Heyward glanced at the compass and crossed to the weather side. There was more to being lieutenant of the watch than holding a commission, he decided wearily. He looked at the taut mainsail and grimaced. It had been a near thing, and at one time he had felt stricken by the swift change of events, so that he had imagined the ship was running wild, carrying him and all aboard like some uncontrollable juggernaut. Now, in these last moments, he had learned something. If it all happened again he would know what to do. Of that he was quite certain?

Stockdale was waiting in the cabin with Bolitho's shirt, and after handing him a towel asked, "Did you really fall asleep on watch, sir?"

Bolitho rubbed his chest and arms, feeling the salt drying on his lips like another skin?

"Almost." Was nothing secret from Stockdale? "Bu?

we have to embroider things a little sometimes."

He stepped out of his sodden breeches and threw them across the cabin. As he continued to towel his naked body he listened to Heyward's measured tread across the deck above?

Then he added quietly, "I once knew of a lieutenant who beat a man for giving a false report from the masthead. After that the seaman was too frightened to say anything, and when there was danger he held his tongue for fear he would get another beating. As a result, the ship was driven ashore and the lieutenant drowned."

Stockdale watched him warily." Serve 'im right."

Bolitho sighed. Moralising was wasted on Stockdale?

The big coxswain shook out a clean pair ob breeches and handed them across. For another minute or so he did not speak, but his forehead was wrinkled in thought?

Then he asked, "An' wot 'appened to the seaman, sir?"

Bolitho stared at him." I am afraid he was flogged for neglect of duty."

Stockdale's battered face lit up in a broad grin?

"Proves me point then, don't it, sir? There ain't no justice in th' world for any of us!"

Bolitho sat down, one leg still tangled in the breeches. As was often the case, Stockdale had had the last word?