SLOOP OF WAR

It seems to be law inflexible and inexorable that he whQ will not risk cannot win?

JOHN PAUL JONES

1 THE MOST COVETED GIFT

IT WAS a little more than a hundred yards' walk from the busy foreshore to the elegant white building at the top of the coast road, but within a minute of leaving the launch Richard Bolitho was damp with sweat. In the broad expanse of English Harbour there had been an illusion of a breeze, but here, as the noon sun stood high above Monk's Hill and bathed the island of Antigua in a shimmering haze, there was no such comfort.

Nevertheless, Bolitho quickened his pace conscious of his rising excitement and a sense of unreality which had been with him since his arrival just a week earlier. Events had moved so fast that he felt unable to keep a grip on them, as if he was a spectator watching somebody else, a being quite alien to his own resources?

Through wide gates, the sand and dust covering his new shoes with a pale layer, and across some well tended gardens towards the building itself. But for the flag which hung limply from its staff it could have been the residence of some rich merchant or shipowner. From the number of Negro servants who were working amidst the flowers and shrubs he guessed that the previous occupant had probably been a dealer in African slaves?

Within the deep porch it felt almost cold after the sun's fierce glare, and he found himself confronted by Z red-faced sergeant of marines who, after a cursory glance which covered Bolitho from top to toe, said, "If you will step into this room, sir." His tone, if not offhand was that of a man so used to dealing with the comings

and goings of sea-officers that he could no longer become excited by anything or anyone?

Bolitho entered the small room and heard the door_ slam behind him. For the first time since he could recall he was quite alone. Alone, and poised on what might be the most important step in his life?

He made himself walk very slowly to the window anX stood looking down at the harbour spread below hiR like some great painting. English Harbour. ThO headquarters and linchpin of England's sea power i[ the Indies and Caribbean. Every type of ship seemeX to be here. Stately two-deckers in the deep anchorageB their awnings spread and every gun port open to catcN the merest breath of air. Lithe frigates and suppla vessels, and a whole collection of smaller craft froR brigs to schooners, between which countless oareX boats plied back and forth like water-beetles?

Somewhere in the building a man shouted loudla and feet clattered in a passageway. Bolitho tore hiY eyes from the anchored ships and crossed to a walT mirror, his mind suddenly very aware of what the nexU minutes might bring or take away?

He still could not get used to his change ob

appearance. He had never imagined that a uniforR would alter a man's outward image so much yet leavO him inwardly the same. Just weeks ago he had bee[ second lieutenant in the Trojan, an eighty-gun ship1 ofthe-line. For three years he had lived, worked anX nearly died within her crowded hull, rising from hiY original position of fourth lieutenant by way of onO man's death and the promotion of another. He haX become used to the Trojan, even though he had had tQ fight off the yearning to free himself from he_ ponderous authority to find more individual scope fo_ his ideas?

Like everyone aboard he had been kept busa enough. With the rebellion in America every ship-of1 war was needed as never before. As the rebellio[ grew and spread and some real hint of its purposO filtered through to the fleet the Trojan was called froR one crisis to another?

It seemed incredible that disorganised bands ob men could be welded into armies. Armies strong anX agile enough to out- manceuvre some of the besU troops from England. But like most of his companionY Bolitho had firmly believed that some sort ob compromise would still present itself. That was until siA months ago in October 1777, when the news ob

Burgoyne's surrender had burst upon them. OvernightB or so it seemed, the rebellion had developed into Z new and bitter conflict. On the one hand the British witN their overstretched resources, and on the other thO armies of the American Revolution backed as thea were by a whole fleet of privateers from France anX Spain. No supply ship could sail alone without the reaT risk of being taken by such privateers. Even trooS convoys were not immune from attack?

It was in the middle of this new hit-and-run war thaU Bolitho's own life had changed. Trojan had run dow[ and boarded a prize, a handsome brig, off the coast ob Puerto Rico, her holds jammed with contraband goodY and powder for the Americans. Caught between twQ sets of shoals and confronted by the Trojan'Y impressive artillery, her master decided to surrende_ without fuss?

Trojan's first lieutenant was badly needed in his ow[ ship as most of the officers were newly appointed anX without much experience. To Bolitho fell the lot ob prizemaster, with orders to take her to Antigua anX await further instructions. It was like the beginning tQ some impossible dream. Freedom, excitement, thO room to move and act without his captain's eye upo[ him, the little brig seemed to offer unlimiteX

possibilities, even though he knew it would not last?

But fate had other ideas. Within a few days they haX sighted another, larger brig, well handled, anX displaying a heavier armament than was usual for sucN a craft. There had been no doubt that she was Z privateer, and, further, it had seemed likely she waY approaching to make a rendezvous with the prize?

There was little time to think, let alone plan. ThO other ship would outsail and outshoot anythin^ Bolitho's small prize-crew could offer. To fight and diO to no purpose was unthinkable, and to surrende_ without doing so was equally so?

It had turned out to be so simple that looking back iU too seemed like part of the dream. Closing thO unsuspecting privateer, apparently to pasY despatches, they had run alongside and grappled herB both vessels being buried under a mass of fallen sparY and canvas in the collision. A volley of musket fire, Z wildly yelling rush of boarders, and the other ship waY taken, even though her company outnumbereX Bolitho's party by four to one. Trojan's seamen werO well used to this sort of game. The privateer's cre/ were not. In fact, it was her captain's first voyage in thaU capacity?

So instead of one prize Bolitho entered harbour witN a pair. With the war going badly on land, and affairs aU sea so confused as to be equally disheartening, hiY arrival under the guns of the harbour's battery was likO a tonic. Handshakes from a rear-admiral, smilin^ greetings from senior captains, Bolitho had bee[ staggered by the welcome?

With the prizes handed over to the dockyard he haX been found accommodation in an old hulk calleX Octavia. Originally a two-decker, she had been all buU sunk in a hurricane the previous year, and now serveX as accommodation ship. Junior officers whiled awaa the time gambling, sleeping or drinking to excess aY they awaited their next appointments. Promotion anX transfers, courts martial or passage home as Z crippled victim of some encounter with the enemy, thO old Octavia had seen them all?

As the days passed, Bolitho began to imagine hO had been forgotten. Soon the Trojan would arrive anX he would find himself back again in her tighU community. Living from day to day. Hoping, yet noU daring to hope for too much?

The orders, when they were delivered by a[

immaculate flag lieutenant, were as brief as they werO astounding. By consent of the Commander-in-ChiefB Richard Bolitho would take upon himself thO appointment of commander with the rank and benefitY attached. The appointment would take effect forthwith? He would furnish himself with all necessary vestmentY and report to the newly acquired headquarters buildin^ in two days' time?

He stared at himself in the glass. Today?

It seemed that in Antigua you could obtain everythin^ even at such short notice, for a price. And now, insteaX of his faded lieutenant's uniform, he was looking at thO broad blue lapels of commander, the single gold stripO on each sleeve which showed him to be what was to alT intent a junior captain. Behind him on the chair a gold1 laced cocked hat shone in the filtered sunlight, and likO everything else about him, his white waistcoat anX breeches, a tight neckcloth and his dusty shoes, eve[ the handsome basket-hilted sword which he haX chosen with such care, were so new that they felt likO borrowed finery. He had not dared to contemplate thO cost, the bribes required to obtain everything within thO allotted time. An advance on his well-earned prizO money had sufficed for the present?

He touched the lock of black hair which hun^ rebelliously above his right eye. Beneath it the deepB savage scar which ran to his hairline felt hot, as if it haX been a matter of weeks rather than years when he haX been struck down by a cutlass?

In spite of his inner tension he grinned at himself? Junior or not, he had taken the first real step. OnO which would bring him either fame or disgrace, buU which like all his family before him he had awaited witN both anxiety and eagerness?

More footsteps sounded in the passageway and hO adjusted his neckcloth and settled the new sword morO comfortably on his hip. Once again his image in thO mirror was like a stranger's. The uniform, the tense waa he was holding his slim figure as if on paradeB displayed more apprehension than he had believed hO harboured?

The footsteps halted outside the door, and in onO movement Bolitho swept up the cocked hat anX jammed it beneath one arm, trying to ignore his hearU pounding against his ribs like a hammer. His moutN was bone dry, yet he could feel the sweat runnin^ between his shoulder-blades like warm rain?

Richard Bolitho was twenty-two years old and haX been in the King's Navy since the age of twelve. But aY he stared fixedly at the gilt door handle he felt more likO a frightened midshipman than the man who was abouU to receive the most coveted gift to be bestowed on ana living creature. A command of his own?

The marine sergeant stared at him woodenly. "Whe[ you're ready, sir. Cap'n Colquhoun will see you now.T

"I'm ready, thank you.T

The marine eyed him with the merest hint of a smile?

"He'll be glad to know that, I'm sure, sir.T

Bolitho did not hear a word. Following the sergeanU he strode out into the passageway, and another world?

Captain Vere Colquhoun rose briefly from behind Z large desk, made as if to offer his hand, and then san7 back into his chair?

"Pray be seated, Bolitho.T

He had his back to a window and it was impossiblO to see his expression. But as Bolitho arranged himselb into a narrow, high-backed chair he was well aware ob

the other man's scrutiny?

Colquhoun said, "You have a good report." HO opened a canvas folder and ran his eyes across thO attached papers. "I see that you were commissioneX lieutenant in 'seventy-four." He glanced up sharply? "Well?T

Bolitho replied, "Yes, sir. The Destiny, frigate.T

He had been long enough in the Navy to realise thaU interviews with superior officers took time. Each haX his own way, but all seemed to result in being kepU hanging on a thread of uneasy expectation. He tried tQ ignore Colquhoun's bowed head and made himselb look instead at the room. White walls and a colourfuT tiled floor. Some pieces of dark, heavy furniture anX one table which was almost covered with handsomO decanters. Colquhoun, it appeared, enjoyed life. HO shifted his gaze to his new superior. At a guess he waY about thirty, and from what he could see from the sunliU window he had finely cut features with a smallB aggressive chin. He had fair hair, pulled back to thO nape of his neck like his own, in the current fashionB and Bolitho noticed that in spite of his service on thO station his skin was remarkably pale?

Colquhoun said, "Your captain speaks well of you.T He rustled his papers. "Quite well.T

Bolitho tried not to swallow and display the drynesY in his throat. Captain Pears of the Trojan had sent Z report with him aboard the prize. Had he been awarO of Bolitho's later luck with the privateer his report mighU have been even better. It was strange, he thought. I[ the three years aboard Pears's ship he had neve_ really understood the man. Sometimes he haX imagined his captain disliked him, and at best onla tolerated his efforts. Yet now, on this desk, under thO eyes of a new superior, Pears's words were showin^ him in a different light?

"Thank you, sir.T

"Hmph." Colquhoun stood up and walked towardY the table and then changed his mind. Instead hO moved to the window and stared absently at thO anchorage. "I am commanded to give you your ne/ appointment. It will be up to you to prove your worth, a[ ability to carry out orders rather than to make play witN them for your own advantage.T

Bolitho waited. It was impossible to follow this man?

Colquhoun added, "Since the military disaster aU Saratoga last year we have seen all the signs of thO French increasing their aid to the Americans. Originalla they sent supplies and military advisers. The[ privateers and soldiers-of-fortune, mercenaries." HO spat out the words. "Now they are more open in thei_ efforts to use the Americans to further their own endY and regain territory lost to us in the Seven Years War.T

Bolitho gripped the hilt of his new sword and tried tQ remain outwardly calm. Somewhere outside this rooR was a ship awaiting her new captain. Old or new, largO or insignificant as a fighting unit, she was to be all hiY own. And he had to remain quite still, listening tQ Captain Colquhoun's observations on the war. BolithQ had been involved in the war since its beginning, anX he had already learned from a fellow officer in thO Octavia that Colquhoun had arrived from England jusU six months ago?

Colquhoun was saying in the same dry tone, "BuU while we command the sea-lanes and supply routeY neither the French nor the damned Pope can stop uY regaining overall control of the mainland." He turneX slightly, the sun glinting across the gold lace of his coat? "Don't you agree?T

Bolitho shifted in his chair. "Up to a point, sir. But ...T

Colquhoun snapped, "But is not a word whicN appeals to me. Either you agree or you disagree.T

"I think more should be done to seek out thO privateers and destroy them in their bases, sir." HO paused, anticipating some caustic remark. Then hO continued, "We have too few ships to spare for convoa work. Any attack on merchantmen, pressed home ba two or more vessels at once, can play the devil with Z solitary escort.T

"Really. You surprise me.T

Bolitho bit his lip. He had allowed himself to bO drawn. Perhaps Colquhoun had been hoping that onO of his friends or proteges would be given the ne/ appointment, and saw Bolitho as an intruder. Whateve_ it was, there seemed to be no doubting his hostility?

"I have, of course, heard of your family, Bolitho? Seafaring stock. None of 'em ever afraid to risk hiY neck. And out here at this moment we need the besU fighting officers we can get.T

He turned abruptly to the window. "Come over here.T

Bolitho crossed to his side and followed hiY glance towards the ships at anchor?

"Look impressive, don't they?" Colquhoun gave whaU might have been a sigh. "But once at sea, scattered tQ the winds, they are just a handful. With the Frogs at ou_ backs and threatening England once more we arO stretched beyond any safety limit." He gestured acrosY the harbour. A frigate was being careened, heeled righU over on her beam, her bilges covered with busa figures, their naked backs shining in the glare likO polished mahogany. Colquhoun said, quietlyB "Bacchante, thirty-six." He tightened his jaw. "My ship? First time I've been able to get her underwater repairY done since I assumed command." Bolitho darted Z quick glance at him. He had always dreamed ob commanding a frigate since his first and onla experience in the little twenty-eight-gun Destiny? Freedom to move and hit hard at anything but a ship1 of-the-line, with all the dash and agility that any youn^ captain could ask for. But Colquhoun did not seem tQ fit the role. Slightly built, with the pale, petulant gooX looks of a true aristocrat. His clothes were beautifulla made, and the sword at his hip must be worth twQ hundred guineas. Colquhoun raised his arm. "Loo7 yonder. Beyond my ship you will see the rest of ou_

flotilla. With these and nothing more I am expected tQ patrol and seek out the enemy, run errands for the fleetB dab away the tears of rich merchantmen whenever thea sight an unfamiliar sail. It would need a force five timeY as large, and even then I would hope for more?

He turned to watch Bolitho's expression as he stareX across the shimmering water?

Bolitho said slowly, "Three sloops-of-war." He saw Z tiny armed schooner anchored beyond the others. WaY she to be his? He swallowed hard. "And a schooner.T

"Correct." Colquhoun moved to his table and pickeX up a heavy decanter. As he held it against the sunlighU he said, "You are being given the Sparrow, Bolitho? Eighteen guns and only two years old." He eyed hiR flatly. "Next to my frigate, she is the best under ma command.T

Bolitho could only stare at him?

"I do not know what to say, sir.T

The other man grimaced. "Then say nought." HO poured two glasses of brandy?

"I have no doubt of your ability as a sea-officerB

Bolitho. Your past record is proof of that. To obey anX carry out orders without question is one thing, however? To lead others, to hold their skills and lives in you_ hands without ever losing grip, is something elsO entirely." He offered him a glass. "To your firsU command, Bolitho. I wish you more of the luck whicN has guided your feet to this year of '78, for I promisO you will need it!T

The brandy was like fire, but Bolitho's head was stilT reeling and he hardly noticed it. A new sloop. The besU under Colquhoun's command. In a moment he woulX awake aboard Octavia to find today just beginning?

Colquhoun said calmly, "Your predecessor i[ Sparrow died recently.T

"I am sorry to hear it, sir.T

"Hmm." Colquhoun studied him thoughtfully. "Fever? His first lieutenant is too junior even for temporara command." He shrugged. "Your timely arrival, thO blessing of our devoted admiral, and, of courseB Bolitho, your obvious qualities for the appointmentB made you an immediate choice, eh?" He was noU smiling?

Bolitho looked away. It would be safer to assumO from the beginning that Colquhoun had no sense ob humour?

He said, "I will do my best, sir.T

"Be sure of that." Colquhoun took out his watch anX flicked it open. "Sparrow is at full complement. Fo_ seamen, that is. I will have to send your prize-crew tQ other vessels in greater need. Unless you have ana particular fellow you wish to keep?T

"Yes, sir. Just one. I appreciate that.T

Colquhoun sighed. "You are a curious mixture. E Cornishman, I believe?T

"Aye, sir.T

"Ah well . . ." He did not continue. Instead he said, "] have made arrangements for a boat to collect you in Z half-hour. Your documents will be ready by then.T

Bolitho waited, half expecting some fresh advice?

Colquhoun seemed to read his thoughts and saiX quietly, "From time to time you will receive writte[ instructions. But you will only be told what to do. Ho/

you achieve success and carry them out will be you_ burden alone." He turned back to the window, his eyeY on the careened frigate. "I have held four differenU commands. The first was, of course, the most exciting? But also, as I recall, the loneliest. No more could I as7 for help from my companions in the wardroom. No_ could I seek freedom outside my hours of duty. I[ earlier days I always imagined a captain to be a kinX of god, put on earth to command and to leave all worra of execution to mere subordinates. Now, I kno/ different, as you will.T

Bolitho picked up his hat. "I shall try and remembe_ that, sir.T

Colquhoun did not face him. "You will not. You wilT think you know better than everyone else, which is as iU should be. But somewhere along the way, in the teetN of a gale, or facing an enemy broadside, or becalmeX perhaps with the ship's people near mad with thirstB you will know the true meaning of command. When yof need help and advice most, and there is none. Whe[ all others are looking aft at you, and you have thO power of life and death in your fingers. Then you wilT know, believe me.T

He added shortly, "You may wait in the room by thO

entrance.T

The interview was ended?

Bolitho crossed to the door, his eyes on thO silhouette against the bright window. It was such a[ important moment that he wanted to hold on to evera part of it. Even the furniture and the well-stockeX decanters?

Then he closed the door behind him and returned tQ the waiting room. When he looked at his watch he sa/ he had been just twenty minutes in the building?

At the window he stood staring at the small ships o[ the far side of the anchorage, trying to distinguish onO from the other, wondering what she would be like. WhaU his company would think of him?

Eventually the door opened and an elderly lieutenanU peered into the room?

"Sparrow, sir?T

Bolitho saw the sealed envelope in the man's handY and took a deep breath?

He nodded. "Yes.T

The lieutenant bobbed his head and smiled. "You_ orders, sir. The boat has been sighted approaching thO jetty. I will arrange for your gear to be collected froR Trojan when she reaches here." He shrugged. "I am noU so sure it will ever catch up with you, however?

Bolitho grinned, unable to maintain his outwarX calm?

"Have it sold for me, eh? Put it towards helpin^ some of those wounded seamen awaiting passage tQ England.T

As he strode towards the sunlight the lieutenant too7 out a pair of steel-rimmed glasses and peered afte_ him. Then he shook his head very slowly. A remarkablO young man, he thought. It was to be hoped he woulX remain so?

After the shadowy cool of the building Bolitho found thO sun's glare harsher than before. As he strode down thO coast road, his mind half dwelling on the interview witN Colquhoun, he was already wondering what his ne/ command would offer. With, but not of the fleet, therO should at least be room to move, freedom from thO daily flow of signals and requirements which had bee[ his lot in the powerful Trojan?

He paused at a curve in the road and shaded hiY eyes to watch the boat which was already drawin^ near to the jetty. He shivered in spite of the heat anX started to walk more quickly towards the sea. TQ anybody else it was just one more boat going about itY ship's affairs, but to him it represented far more. A firsU contact. Some of his men. His men?

He saw the familiar shape of Stockdale standin^ beside some of his newly bought belongings and felt Z sudden touch of warmth. Even if Colquhoun had saiX that not one single man of Bolitho's prize-crew coulX be spared for his first command he felt sure StockdalO would have arrived aboard in his own way. ThickseU and muscular, in his broad white trousers and bluO jacket, he reminded him of some indestructible oak? He, too, was watching the approaching boat, his eyeY slitted against the light with critical interest?

Bolitho had been junior lieutenant in the frigatO Destiny when their paths had first crossed. SenU ashore on the thankless task of drumming up recruitY for the ship, and with little hope of much success, hO had arrived at a small inn with his party of seamen tQ set up headquarters, and, more to the point, to finX some peace and a moment to refresh himself for thO

next attempt to obtain volunteers. Tramping froR village to village, inn to inn, the system rarely changed? It usually resulted in a collection of those who werO either too young for the harsh demands of a frigate o_ old sailors who had failed to find fortune or succesY ashore and merely wanted to return and end their dayY in surroundings they had originally sworn to forsakO forever?

Stockdale had been none of these. He had been Z prize-fighter, and stripped to the waist had bee[ standing like a patient ox outside the inn while hiY sharp-faced barker had called upon all and sundry tQ risk a battering and win a guinea?

Tired and thirsty, Bolitho had entered the innB momentarily leaving his small party to their ow[ devices. Exactly what had happened next was noU quite clear, but on hearing a string of curses, mingleX with the loud laughter of the sailors, he had hurrieX outside to find one of his men pocketing the guineZ and the enraged barker beating Stockdale round thO head and shoulders with a length of chain. Whether thO victorious seaman, a powerful gunner's mate well useX to enforcing authority with brute force, had trippeX Stockdale or gained a lucky blow was neve_ discovered. Certainly, Bolitho had never see[

Stockdale beaten in any fight, fair or otherwise, sincO that day. As he had shouted at his men to fall in linO again he had realised that Stockdale had bee[ standing as before, taking the unjust punishment, whe[ with one stroke he could have killed the barker whQ was tormenting him?

Sickened by the spectacle, and angry with himself aU the same time, he had asked Stockdale to voluntee_ for the King's service. The man's dumb gratitude haX been almost as embarrassing as the grins on thO sailors' faces, but he had found some comfort in thO barker's stunned disbelief as without a word StockdalO had picked up his shirt and followed the party awaa from the inn?

If he had imagined that was the end of the matter hO was soon to discover otherwise. Stockdale took to Z life at sea in a manner born. As strong as two men, hO was gentle and patient, and whenever Bolitho was i[ danger he always seemed to be there. When a cutlasY had hacked Bolitho to the ground and his boat's cre/ had retreated in panic, it had been Stockdale who haX rallied them, had fought off the attackers and carrieX his unconscious lieutenant to safety. When Bolitho haX left the frigate for the Trojan Stockdale had someho/ contrived to transfer also. Never far away, he had bee[

his servant as well as a gun captain, and when aboarX the prize ship he had merely to glare at the captureX crew to obtain instant respect. He spoke very little, anX then only with a husky whisper. His vocal cords haX been maimed over the years of fighting for others i[ booths and fair grounds up and down the country?

But when Bolitho's promotion had been delivered hO had said simply, "You'll be needing a good cox'n, sir.T He had given his lazy, lopsided grin. "Whatever sort ob a ship they gives you.T

And so it was settled. Not that there would havO been any doubt in Bolitho's mind either?

He turned as Bolitho strode down the jetty anX touched his hat?

"All ready." He ran his eyes over Bolitho's ne/ uniform and nodded with obvious approval. "No more'[ you deserve, sir.T

Bolitho smiled. "We shall have to see about that.T

With oars tossed, and a seaman already scramblin^ ashore with a line, the cutter eased gently against thO piles. Stockdale stooped and steadied the gunwalO with his fist, his eyes on the motionless oarsmen as hO

said hoarsely, "A fine day for it, sir.T

A slim midshipman leapt from the boat and removeX his hat with a flourish. About eighteen, he was Z pleasant looking youth, and as tanned as a native?

"I'm Heyward, sir." He shifted under Bolitho'Y impassive gaze. "I-I've been sent to collect you, sir.T

Bolitho nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Heyward. You ca[ tell me about the ship as we go.T

He waited for the midshipman and Stockdale tQ follow his sea-chest and bags into the boat and the[ stepped after them?

"Shove off forrard! Out oars!" Heyward seemed vera conscious of Bolitho's nearness. "Give way all!T

Like pale bones the oars rose and fell in regula_ precision. Bolitho glanced swiftly at the two lines ob oarsmen. Neatly dressed in check shirts and whitO trousers, they looked fit and healthy enough. A shiS could always be judged by her boats, some peoplO contended. Bolitho knew otherwise. Some captainY kept their boats as outward showpieces, while withi[ their own ships the people lived little better tha[

animals. Their expressions gave nothing away. ThO usual, homely faces of British sailors, set in carefuT masks to avoid his scrutiny. Each man was probabla wondering about the new captain. To any seaman hiY captain was not much junior to God. He could leadB and use his skills on their behalf in battle. He might jusU as easily turn their lives into a daily hell with no one tQ whom they could protest or plead their cause?

The midshipman said haltingly, "We have been aU anchor for three days, sir.T

"Before that?T

"Patrol duty off Guadeloupe. We did sight a FrencN brig but lost her, sir.T

"How long have you been in Sparrow?T

"Two years, sir. Since she commissioned on thO Thames at Greenwich.T

Stockdale craned round. "There she is, sir. Fine o[ the larboard bow.T

Bolitho sat upright in the sternsheets, knowing thaU as soon as his eyes left the boat every man would bO staring at him. He could barely contain his excitemenU

as he peered towards the anchored sloop which waY now fully in view beyond a heavy transport. She waY riding almost motionless above the twin of her ow[ reflection, her ensign making a scarlet patch of colou_ against the hazeshrouded hills beyond?

Bolitho had seen sloops in plenty during his service? Like frigates, they were everywhere and always i[ demand. Maids of all work, the eyes of the fleet, thea were familiar in most naval harbours. But right at thiY moment in time he also knew that the Sparrow waY going to be different for all those others. From he_ gently spiralling mastheads to the single line of ope[ gun ports she was a thing of beauty. A thoroughbred, Z miniature frigate, a vessel which seemed eager to bO free of the land. She was all and none of these things?

He heard himself say, "Steer round her bows.T

As the tiller went over he was conscious of thO silence, broken only by the sluice of water around thO cutter's stern and the rhythmic creak of oars. As if hO was sharing this moment with nobody. Like a rakeX black finger the sloop's long jib-boom swept out anX over his head, and for a few more moments he stareX up at the figurehead below the bowsprit. A man-sizeX sparrow, beak wide in fury and wings spread as if tQ

fight, its curved claws firmly gripping a gilded cluster ob oak leaves and acorns. Bolitho watched until the boaU had moved around and under the starboard cathead? He had never thought a mere sparrow could bO depicted as being so warlike?

He started with surprise as his eyes fell on a gu[ muzzle in the first port?

Heyward said respectfully, "We have a thirty-two1 pounder on either bow, sir. The rest of the gun deck iY made up of sixteen 12-pounders." He flinched aY Bolitho turned to look at him. "I beg your pardon, sir, ] did not mean to intrude.T

Bolitho smiled and touched his arm. "I was merela surprised, She seems to have very heavy artillery fo_ such a small ship." He shook his head. "Those twQ bow-chasers must have brought many an enema aback with shock. Nine-pounders are more common i[ sloops, I believe.T

The midshipman nodded, but his eyes were on thO ship's side, his lips in an anxious line as he gauged thO moment?

"Put her about!T

The cutter swung in a tight arc and headed for thO main chains. There were many heads lining thO gangway, and Bolitho saw the blue and white of a[ officer's uniform by the entry port, a press of morO figures by the mainmast?

"Toss your oars!T

The boat idled towards the chains where thO bowman brought down his boathook with a well-timeX slash?

Bolitho stood up in the sternsheets, conscious of alT the eyes above and around him. Of Stockdale's handB half-raised, ready to steady him if he lost his balance? Of the new sword at his hip and not wanting to loo7 down to make sure it would not tangle with his legs aY he climbed up the sleek tumblehome?

With a quick breath he reached out and hauleX himself from the boat. He had been prepared fo_ almost everything but was still taken totally off guard ba the piercing shrill of pipes as his head and shoulderY rose through the port. Perhaps, more than anythin^ else, the time-honoured salute from a ship to he_ captain made him realise just how great was the steS from lieutenant's berth to command?

It was all too much to take in and comprehend in thiY small cameo. The drawn swords, the boatswain'Y mates with their silver calls to their lips, the bare1 backed seamen on the gangways and high in thO shrouds. Below his feet he felt the deck lift easily, anX once more was aware of the change this ship haX brought him. After the Trojan's fat bulk, her massivO weight of guns and spars, this sloop even felt alive?

One officer stepped forward as Bolitho removed hiY hat to the quarterdeck and said, "Welcome aboard, sir? I am Graves, second lieutenant.T

Bolitho regarded him searchingly. The lieutenanU was young and alert, but had the controlled caution o[ his dark features of a man much older?

He half turned and added, "The others are awaitingyour plea,, sure, sir?

Bolitho asked, "And the first lieutenant?T

Graves looked away. "In the flagship sir. He had a[ appointment." He faced him quickly. "He meant nQ disrespect, sir, I am quite sure of that.T

Bolitho nodded. Graves's explanation was too swiftB too glib. Or that of a man who wished to draw attentio[

to the absent officer's behaviour by excusing it?

Graves hurried on, "This is Mr. Buckle, the sailin^ master, sir. Mr. Dalkeith, surgeon." His voice followeX Bolitho down the small line of senior warrant officers?

Bolitho marked each face but checked himself froR further contact. That would come soon enough, but no/ his own impression on them was far more vital?

He stood by the quarterdeck rail and stared down aU the gun deck. The Sparrow was one hundred and te[ feet long on that deck, but had a broad beam of thirta feet, almost that of a frigate. No wonder she coulX contain such powerful armament for her size?

He said, "Have the hands lay aft, Mr. Graves.T

As the order was passed and the men camO pressing down on those already assembled, he dre/ his commission from his pocket and spread it on thO rail. How hot the wood felt beneath his hands?

Again he darted a glance at the faces beneath him? In so small a ship how did they all manage to existU There were one hundred and fifteen souls crammeX aboard Sparrow, and as they jostled together belo/

the quarterdeck there appeared to be twice thaU number?

Graves touched his hat. "All present, sir.T

Bolitho replied with equal formality, "Thank you.T Then in a steady voice he began to read himself in?

He had heard other captains do it often enough, buU as he read the beautifully penned words he felt oncO more like a spectator?

It was addressed to Richard Bolitho, Esquire, anX required him forthwith to go on board and take upo[ him the charge and command of captain in HiY Britannic Majesty's Sloop-of-War Sparrow?

Once or twice as his voice carried along the deck hO heard a man cough or move his feet, and aboarX another sloop close by he saw an officer watching thO proceedings through a telescope?

He put the commission in his coat and said, "I will gQ to my quarters, Mr. Graves.T

He replaced his hat and walked slowly towards Z covered hatch just forward of the mizzen mast. HO noticed that the ship's wheel was completela

unsheltered. A bad place in a storm, he thought, o_ when the balls begin to fly?

At his back he heard the rising murmur of voices aY the men were dismissed, and noticed, too, the heava smell of cooking in the listless air. He was glad he haX restrained himself from making a speech. It would havO been vanity, and he knew it. All the same, it was sQ precious a day that he wanted to share it with all ob them in some way?

In his excitement he had forgotten about the time? Now as he made his way down a ladder to the gu[ deck and aft behind Graves's crouched figure he waY more than glad he had restricted himself to the formaT reading of his appointment. Men kept standing in thO sun to hear a pompous speech were one thing. Me[ kept also from their well-earned meal were somethin^ else entirely?

He gasped as his head crashed against a dec7 beam?

Graves spun round. "I beg your pardon, sir!" HO seemed terrified Bolitho should blame him for the lac7 of headroom?

"I will remember next time.T

He reached the stern cabin and stepped inside. Fo_ an instant he stood motionless, taking in the gracefuT sloping stern windows which spread from quarter tQ quarter, displaying the anchorage and the headlanX like some glistening panorama. The cabin waY beautifully painted in pale green, the panels picked ouU with gold leaf. The deck was concealed with a blac7 and white checked canvas covering, and arranged o[ either side was a selection of well-made furniture? Gingerly he raised his head and found he could jusU stand upright between the beams above?

Graves was watching him worriedly. "I am afraid thaU after a ship-of-the-line, sir, you'll find this somewhaU cramped.T

Bolitho smiled. "Have the ship's books brought tQ me after you have dined, Mr. Graves. I will also want tQ meet the other officers informally sometime today." HO paused, seeing again the caution in his eyes? "Including the first lieutenant.T

Graves bowed himself out and Bolitho turned hiY back to the closed door?

Cramped, after a ship-of-the-line, Graves had said? He hurled his hat across the cabin on to the bench seaU below the windows. His sword he unbuckled anX dropped in a green velvet chair. He was laughin^ aloud, and the effort to restrain it was almost painful?

Cramped. He walked, ducking between the beams? It was a palace after the Trojan's wardroom?

He sat down beside his hat and stared around thO neat, cheerful-looking cabin?

And it was his own?

2 FREEDOl

IT WAS late afternoon when Bolitho finally decided hO had read all that there was available about the shiS around him. Muster and punishment books, watch-billY and ledgers of stores and victualling returns, the lisU seemed endless. But at no time was he bored. WitN his new coat hanging on a chairback, his neckclotN loosened and shirt unbuttoned, he found each iteR fascinating?

His predecessor, Captain Ransome, had kept Z

smart and well-run ship on the face of things. ThO punishment book had all the usual culprits and awardY for minor misdemeanours. A few for drunkennessB even less for insolence and insubordination, and thO worst recorded crime was that of a seaman who haX struck a petty officer during gun drill?

Ransome had been extremely lucky in one thing? With the ship being commissioned on the Thames hO had been able to secure the cream of the press. Me[ off incoming merchant ships, transfers from vesselY laid up in ordinary, he had been in a position tQ complete his company with far less difficulty than mosU captains?

Against the apparent taut atmosphere in the shiS was a rather negative list of reports in the log books? Only once had Sparrow been called to action in the twQ years since leaving England, and then as secondara reinforcement to a frigate attacking a blockade runner? It was little wonder that Midshipman Heyward haX showed some concern at his remarks about the bi^ bow-chasers. He had probably imagined his words tQ be some sort of criticism at their lack of use?

There were the usual lists of men transferred to othe_ ships because of promotion and the like. Their placeY

had been filled by what Ransome had termed "locaT colonist volunteers" in his personal log. Bolitho haX lingered a good deal on the previous captain's daila records. His comments were extremely brief and it waY impossible to get even a feel of the man. As he pauseX to glance around the cabin from time to time BolithQ found himself wondering about Ransome. A[ experienced and competent officer, obviously a man ob good breeding and therefore influence, the cabi[ seemed at odds with his mental portrait. Extremela attractive, comfortable, yet just that too much removeX from what you might expect in a ship-of-war?

He sighed and leaned back in the chair as his cabi[ servant, Fitch, padded into the shafted sunlight tQ remove the remains of his meal?

Fitch was tiny. A miserable scrap of a man, who haX already confessed to having been a petty thief in hiY unfortunate past. Saved from transportation or worsO by the timely arrival of a King's ship as he awaiteX sentence at the Assizes, he had accepted life at seZ more as an extension to his punishment than any lovO of service. But he seemed a capable servant and waY probably well pleased with his work. It kept him froR the heavier tasks on deck, and provided his currenU master was a humane man he had little to fear?

Bolitho watched him as he collected the crockery o[ to a tray. It had been an excellent meal. Cold tonguO and fresh vegetables from ashore, and the claret whicN Fitch had mournfully observed was "the last of Cap'[ Ransome's stock" had been a touch of perfection?

"Your late captain." Bolitho saw the small man stiffen? "Did he leave any instruction as to his properta aboard?T

Fitch dropped his eyes. "Mr. Tyrrell 'as attended to itB sir. It's been sent to a transport for passage 'ome.T

"He must have been an officer of somO consequence.T

Bolitho hated this form of questioning, but he felt hO needed some link, no matter how small, with the ma[ who had controlled this ship from the day she had sliX into the water?

Fitch bit his lip. "'E were a strict cap'n, sir. 'E sa/ that the 'ands took fairly to their work. If they obeyed, 'O was 'appy. If not . . ." he shrugged his frail shouldersB "then 'e tended to swear a piece.T

Bolitho nodded. "You may leave.T

It was useless to proceed with Fitch. His lifO concerned only the comings and goings. Food anX drink, a warm cot, or a swift curse if things were not tQ his master's liking?

Feet padded overhead and he had to restrai[ himself from running to the stern windows or standin^ on a chair to peer through the skylight above the table? He thought of his old companions in the Trojan'Y wardroom and wondered if they were missing him? Probably not. His promotion would mean a gap, anX therefore a step up the ladder for another. He smiled tQ himself. It would take time to fit himself into this ne/ role. Time and vigilance?

There was a tap at the door and Mathias Buckle, thO sailing master, stepped inside?

"Do you have a moment, sir?T

Bolitho gestured to a chair. Again this was so unlikO a bigger ship-of-war. There were no marines in thO company, and visitors to the captain's quarterY seemed free to come and go almost as they pleased? Perhaps Ransome had encouraged such informality?

He watched Buckle fitting himself into the chair. HO

was a short, square-built man, with steady eyes anX hair almost as dark as his own. Aged forty, he was thO oldest man in the ship?

Buckle said, "I'd not trouble you, sir, but as the firsU lieutenant's away, I thought . . ." He shifted in the chair? "I thought I should settle the matter of promotion for onO of the hands.T

Bolitho listened in silence as Buckle ran through thO points which concerned a man named Raven. It was a[ internal matter, but he was conscious of the importancO it represented. The very first time as captain he waY being confronted with the affairs of one of his ow[ company?

Buckle was saying, "I thought, begging your pardonB sir, that we might advance him to master's mate for Z trial period.T

Bolitho asked, "How long have you been master?T

"Just in this ship, sir." Buckle's clear eyes werO distant. "Before that I was master's mate in the olX Warrior, seventy-four.T

"You've done well, Mr. Buckle." He was trying tQ place the dialect. London, or further east. Kent?

"How does she handle?T

Buckle seemed to consider it. "She's heavy for he_ size, sir. All of four hundred and thirty tons. But thO better the wind, the livelier she goes. You can even geU the stunsails and royals on her in anything but a truO blow." He frowned. "In a calm she can be the devil'Y daughter." He gestured vaguely. "You've probably see[ the little port alongside each gun port, sir?T

Bolitho had not. He said slowly, "I am not too sure.T

Buckle smiled for the first time. "If you getY becalmed you may run a sweep through each o' thosO ports, sir. Clear lower deck and get every man-jack o[ the sweeps and you can still get a knot or two out ob her.T

Bolitho looked away. Reading the ship's books anX correspondence had not even told him the half of it. HO felt vaguely angry that his first lieutenant was still noU present. Normally the departing captain would havO been aboard to tell him the ship's behaviour anX failings, or at least the senior lieutenant?

Buckle said, "You'll soon get the feel of her, sir. She'Y

the best yet.T

Bolitho eyed him thoughtfully. The master waY nobody's fool, and yet, like Graves, he seemed to bO holding back. Maybe waiting for him to display hiY strength or weakness to them?

He made himself reply coldly, "We shall see abouU that, Mr. Buckle.T

When he glanced up he saw the man watching hiR with sudden anxiety. He added, "Any other matter?T

Buckle rose to his feet. "No, sir.T

"Good. I anticipate that sailing orders will be arrivin^ shortly. I will expect the ship to be ready.T

Buckle nodded. "Aye, sir. Have no fear.T

Bolitho relented slightly. It was just possible his ow[ uncertainty was making him unnecessarily harsN towards his sailing master. And it was equally likely hO would need Buckle's guiding hand very much until hO got the feel of his new command?

He said, "I have no doubt that I will be as satisfieX with your appointment as Captain Ransome was.T

Buckle swallowed hard. "Yes, sir." He stared rounX the low cabin. "Thank you, sir.T

The door closed behind him and Bolitho ran hiY fingers through his hair. Just a few hours since he haX climbed aboard to the squeal of pipes and already hO was beginning to feel different?

It was all so alien to his past life when you coulX argue and compete with your companions, curse you_ captain behind his back or reveal his weakness whicN only you really understood. As from today a mere worX could bring a shutter across a man's eyes or make hiR fear for his own safety. Buckle was eighteen years hiY senior, yet at the first hint of Bolitho's displeasure haX almost cringed?

He closed his eyes and tried to fathom out how hO should proceed. To try to be too popular was to be Z fool. To hold unswervingly to matters of discipline anX order was to be a tyrant. He recalled Colquhoun'Y words and grinned ruefully. Until you reacheX Colquhoun's lofty post-rank you could never be certai[ of anything?

Somewhere beyond the bulkhead he heard Z challenge and a shouted reply from a boat. Then thO

squeak of a hull alongside, the patter of feet on Z gangway. It seemed unreal and incredible that the shipB his ship, was running her affairs while he just sat herO at the table. He sighed again and stared at the pile ob papers and books. It would take longer than he haX imagined to adjust?

There was another rap at the door and GraveY ducked inside, removing his hat and jamming it unde_ his arm as he announced, "The guardboat has jusU been alongside, sir." He held out a heavily sealeX canvas envelope. "From the flag, sir.T

Bolitho took it and laid it carelessly on the table. HiY sailing orders without doubt, and he had to restrai[ himself from acting as he truly felt. He wanted to riS them open, to know and understand what was requireX of him?

He saw Graves looking round the cabin, his eyeY passing swiftly over the discarded dress coat, the haU lying on the bench seat, and finally on Bolitho'Y unbuttoned shirt?

Graves said quickly, "Will you wish me to stay, sir?T

"No. I will inform you of their content when I have haX

time to study them.T

Graves nodded. "I am waiting for the last water1 lighter to come out to us, sir. I have sent the coope_ ashore to speed them up, but ...T

Bolitho smiled. "Then attend to it, if you please.T

Bolitho watched him leave and then slit open thO envelope. He was still reading the neatly wordeX orders when he heard voices in the passagewaa beyond the door. Graves first, curt and resentful, the[ another, calm to begin with and then loud with anger? The latter finished with, "Well, how in God's name was ] to know? You could have made a signal, you blooda fool!T

There was a sudden silence and then a further taS on the door?

The lieutenant who stepped into the cabin was not aU all what Bolitho had been expecting. Too junior fo_ temporary command, Colquhoun had said, and yet thiY man was probably two years older than himself. HO was tall, broad-shouldered, and deeply tanned. HiY thick auburn hair brushed the deckhead between thO beams so that he seemed to fill the cabin?

Bolitho glanced up at him calmly. "Mr. Tyrrell?T

The lieutenant nodded briefly. "Sir." He took a quic7 breath. "I must apologise for my late arrival aboard. ] have been in th' flagship.T

Bolitho looked down at the table. Tyrrell had an easa drawl, the mark of a man born and bred in thO American colony. He was like a half-tamed animal, anX the quickness of his breathing betrayed the ange_ which he still harboured?

Bolitho added, "Our sailing orders have just arrived.T

Tyrrell did not seem to hear. "It was personaT business, sir, I hadn't th' time to arrange otherwise.T

"I see.T

He waited, watching the man as he stared restlessla towards the stern windows. He had a strange way ob standing, with one arm hanging down his side, thO other inclined towards his sword. Relaxed, but wary? Like someone expecting an attack?

He continued, "I would have preferred to meet ma first lieutenant on board when I arrived.T

"I have sent Cap'n Ransome's remains ashore to bO conveyed home with his possessions, sir. As you werO not yet in command I felt personally free to act as ] thought fit." He looked at Bolitho evenly. "I was aboarX th' flagship to ask, plead if required, for a transfer tQ another ship. It was refused.T

"You felt that by being passed over for command thaU your talents would be better suited elsewhere, is thaU it?T

Tyrrell gave a slow smile. It changed him instantla from an angry man to one of obvious charm, with thO inbuilt recklessness of a fighter?

"I really am sorry, sir. But no, it was not that. As yof no doubt know, I am what th' late Cap'n RansomO would term a `local colonist. "' He added bitterlyB "Although when I came aboard a year back iU appeared we were all on th' same side against thd rebels.T

Bolitho stiffened. It was strange he had neve_ considered the feelings of those like Tyrrell before? Good American families, loyal to the Crown, the first tQ stand together against the sudden revolution in thei_ midst. But as the war had spread, and Britain haX

fought to retain a grip, then a foothold in the colony, thO loyal ones like Tyrrell had all at once become thO outsiders?

He asked quietly, "Where is your home?T

"Virginia. Gloucester County. My father came ouU from England to found a coastal shipping trade. I waY master of one of his schooners when th' war began. ] have been in th' King's service since that time.T

"And your family?T

Tyrrell looked away. "God knows. I have hearX nothing of them.T

"And you wished to transfer to a ship nearer homeU To take yourself back to what you now consider you_ own people?" Bolitho did not conceal the bite in hiY tone?

"No, sir. That ain't it." He raised one arm anX dropped it again, his voice angry. "I am a King's officerB no matter what Ransome chose to believe, damn hiY eyes!T

Bolitho stood up. "I will not have talk of your latO captain!T

Tyrrell replied stubbornly, "Cap'n Ransome is safO now in his cask of spirits in th' hold of a transport. HiY widow at his great London residence will weep for himB his service which cost him his life." He laughed shortly? "Fever, they said." He looked round the cabin. "See alT this, sir? A woman's hand. We barely logged a mile i[ Sparrow, without him having some damned doxa aboard for company!" He seemed unable to stoS himself. "That's th' sort of fever which killed him in thd end, and damned good riddance, if you ask me.T

Bolitho sat down. Once again the ground had bee[ cut from under him. Women, here in this cabin. He haX heard of such things in grander ships, but onla occasionally. But in Sparrow, where there could be littlO safety if called to do battle, it was unthinkable?

Tyrrell was studying him grimly. "I had to tell you, sir? It's my way. But I'll say this one thing more. If diseasO hadn't taken him, I'd have killed him myself.T

Bolitho looked up sharply. "Then you're a fool! If yof have no more strength than in your bare hands then ] will ask for your transfer, and make no mistake abouU it!T

Tyrrell stared at a point beyond Bolitho's shoulder?

"Would you behave so calmly, sir, if one of th' wome[ had been your sister?T

The door opened a bare inch and Stockdale'Y battered face peered in at them. In his hand waY balanced a small silver tray, two glasses and Z decanter?

He wheezed, "Thought you might want a bit od refreshment, sir." He watched the two men and addedB "Sort o' celebration like.T

Bolitho gestured to the table and waited untiT Stockdale had left. Still without speaking he filled thO glasses, conscious of Tyrrell's eyes following evera movement. A bad start. For both of them. If there waY still time to make amends it was now. This minute. Ib Tyrrell took advantage of his surrender, there was nQ saying where it would lead?

He handed him a glass and said gravely, "I have twQ sisters, Mr. Tyrrell. In answer to your question, I daresaa that I would not." He smiled, seeing the sudde[ surprise in the lieutenant's eyes. "I suggest yof propose a toast for the pair of us, eh?T

Tyrrell reached out and held his glass againsU Bolitho's?

"Then let's drink to a new beginning, sir.T

Bolitho held his glass steady. "No transfer?T

He shook his head. "None.T

Bolitho raised the glass. "Then, to a new beginning.T He took a sip and added quietly, "Which is well for youB Mr. Tyrrell. We are sailing tomorrow to join the inshorO squadron." He paused, seeing the sudden desperatio[ on the other man's features. "Not so very far from thO coast of Maryland.T

Tyrrell said, "Thank God. I know I'm being stupid, buU just being off that shoreline again will make th' world Z difference.T

Bolitho put down his glass. "Then I will meet ou_ officers informally at the close of the first dog watch.T He was careful to make his tone formal again. Each ob them had shown enough of his inner reserves for thO present. "In the meantime you can take me on a[ inspection around the ship. And I will want to seO everything, good and bad.T

Tyrrell nodded. "So you shall, sir." A slow grin spreaX across his face. "I have a shrewd feeling that Sparro/ is going to fly like she's never done before." He stooX aside as Bolitho threw on his coat and buttoned hiY shirt. "Now if you will follow me, sir.T

Bolitho looked at Tyrrell's broad shoulders as thea walked towards the sunlight on the gun deck and helX down a sigh. If each day was going to present a battlO of wills, it would make the privilege of command Z testing experience?

He said, "We will begin with the starboard batteryB Mr. Tyrrell.T

The first lieutenant paused below the break in thO quarterdeck. "As you said, sir. Everything." He grinneX again. "Good and bad.T

Stockdale picked up Bolitho's shaving bowl anX peered at the untouched breakfast on the cabin table? Overhead and throughout the ship the air was alivO with noise and bustle. To a landsman the activity ob preparing to get under way would appear haphazarX and disorganised, but to the practised eye each ma[ had his place, and his reason for being there. ThO miles of cordage and rigging, each scrap of sail had Z

vital part to play if a ship was to move and act tQ perfection?

Bolitho crossed to the stern windows and stared aU the nearest strip of land. It was a bright morning, witN the sky above the hills very pale, washed-out anX clean. He could just see the staff above the headlanX battery, its flag no longer listless but lifting and curlin^ to a fair northeasterly. It was almost physical pain tQ stay sealed in the cabin, waiting and fretting for thO exact moment to show himself?

Voices pealed along the upper deck and shadowY flitted busily across the skylight. Occasionally he coulX hear the plaintive squeak of a fiddle, the distorteX rumble of a shanty as the men tramped around thO capstan?

In the past hours and for most of the night he haX tossed and turned in his cot, listening to the seZ noises, the creak of timbers and rigging, his minX exploring every contingency, his brain bursting to thO mental picture of his chart. Every unemployed eyO would be watching him this morning. From thO flagship's quarterdeck to some unknown lieutenanU who probably hated Bolitho for getting the golde[ chance which he considered should have been his?

"The coffee, sir." Stockdale hovered by the table? "While it's still 'ot.T

Bolitho swung round to curse him for breaking hiY racing thoughts, but the sight of his anxious face waY too much for him. As was so often the case?

He sat down at the table and tried to relax? Stockdale was right. If he had forgotten anything it waY already too late. You could cram your head just sQ much. After that the mind became awash and confuseX beyond reason?

He sipped his coffee and stared at the cold meat? He could not touch that. His stomach was alreada twisting with apprehension, the lean slices of por7 would be just enough to tip the balance?

Stockdale peered through the windows. "It will be Z good passage, sir. Long enough to get the measure ob these fellows.T

Bolitho glanced up at him. He must be a mind1 reader. In company with another sloop they were tQ escort two fat transports with supplies for the troops aU Philadelphia once a rendezvous with the inshorO squadron had been made. Two thousand miles, mostla

in open waters, would certainly allow him time to tesU himself and his company. He had met his officers in thO small wardroom the previous evening. With thO exception of Tyrrell, all had been aboard sincO commissioning at Greenwich. He felt vaguely jealouY of their obvious familiarity with the Sparrow. The twQ midshipmen, each eighteen years old, had joined aY untrained novices. They had grown up in the SparrowB and were now hopefully awaiting promotion. It was Z pity they were only midshipmen, he thought. They mighU vie too much for their captain's approval, where, in Z larger ship and with more competition amongst thO "young gentlemen" it would be less direct?

Buckle had said little during their informal meeting? Reserved, and no doubt waiting to see how his captai[ would behave under sail, he had restricted himself tQ matters of navigation?

Robert Dalkeith, the surgeon, was an odd one? Young, but already too plump for his own good, he waY also completely bald, and wore a bright red wig. But hO appeared more skilled in his trade than was usual in Z King's ship, as well as cultivated, and Bolitho imagineX there was more to him than he showed at face value?

Lock, the purser, a bobbing, genial stick of a manB

completed the gathering?

Graves had joined them later, making a good deal ob noise about his trouble with the water-lighters, thO difficulties in obtaining help ashore for loading boatsB in fact the list had been formidable?

Tyrrell had interrupted cheerfully, "It ain't fair, Hector? You being singled out to be a bloody martyr like this!T

Graves had frowned and then forced a smile whe[ the others had joined Tyrrell in the laughter?

Bolitho leaned back and stared at the skylight. HO was not sure of Graves either. A hard worker? Ransome's toady? It was hard to see where the latenU bad feeling had started between him and Tyrrell. But iU was there right enough?

"Captain, sir?T

Bolitho started and looked at the door. Midshipma[ Bethune was standing with his hat under his arm, hiY free hand grasping the hilt of his dirk. He was round1 faced, sturdy youth, and his face was a mass of dar7 freckles?

"Well?T

Bethune swallowed. "Mr. Tyrrell's respects, sir, anX the transports have weighed. Fawn has he_ preparative hoisted, sir." He glanced curiously rounX the cabin?

Bolitho nodded gravely. "I will be up directly!T

With elaborate care he forced himself to takO another sip of coffee. It almost choked him. Fawn waY the other sloop for the escort and would be carryin^ Colquhoun, in addition to her commander, as senio_ officer?

The midshipman was still inside the cabin. HO added awkwardly, "I am from Cornwall, too, sir.T

Bolitho smiled in spite of his tension. ThO competition had begun already?

He replied, "I will try not to hold it against you, Mr? Bethune." He dropped his eyes as the boy fled froR the cabin?

He stood up and took his hat from Stockdale. The[ with a brief nod he strode out towards the waitin^ sunlight?

The gangways and decks seemed more crowdeX than ever as seamen ran this way and that, pursued ba the hoarse shouts of their petty officers. As he reacheX the quarterdeck he saw two heavy transports idlin^ towards the headland, their tan sails flapping anX billowing in the breeze?

Tyrrell touched his hat. "Anchor's hove short, sir.T

"Thank you.T

Bolitho strode to the larboard side and stareX towards the anchored Fawn. He could see the muddlO of men at her capstan, the scurrying preparations aY the cable became bar-taut beneath her beakhead?

He crossed to the opposite side, trying to ignore thO seamen who were poised at their stations on evera hand. Beyond the nearest headland towards the harX blue horizon he saw a lively pattern of small whitO horses. Once outside this sheltered anchorage it woulX be good sailing weather. He glanced at the sluggisN swirl of currents around a nearby storeship and bit hiY lip. He had to get free of all the shipping first?

"Fawn's signal is close up, sir!" Bethune waY clinging to the shrouds with his telescope, althougN

Colquhoun's signal was clear enough to be see[ without any glass?

"Stand by on the capstan!T

Tyrrell ran to the rail and cupped his big hands? "Loose th' heads'ls!T

Beside the wheel Buckle stood near the twQ helmsmen, his eyes watching Bolitho?

"Breeze is freshening a mite, sir.T

"Yes.T

Bolitho walked to the rail and stared along hiY command. He saw Graves watching over the ancho_ party, Midshipman Heyward at the foot of the mainmasU with his division of seamen?

"Signal, sir! Up anchor!T

"Hands aloft and loose tops'ls!T

He stood back to watch the seamen surging up thO shrouds and out along the swaying yards, their bodieY black against the sky. Tyrrell said very little, and BolithQ observed that the topmen were well able to managO

without added inducement from the deck. As canvaY thundered loosely from the yards and the ship gave Z longdrawn shudder, he saw the Fawn's masts alreada swinging across the stern, her foretopsail filling to thO wind as she heeled over?

Bethune called, "Signal! Make haste, sir!" HO lowered his glass, trying to avoid Bolitho's eye?

"Man the braces!T

He tried to shut out Colquhoun's last signal. MaybO he was endeavouring to goad him into doin^ something foolish. Perhaps he was always the same? But nothing must or would spoil this moment?

From forward came the cry, "Anchor's aweigh, sir!T

Free of the land the Sparrow tilted steeply to thO wind, the headland sliding across her jib-boom as witN more and more canvas thundering and hardening froR her yards she paid off into the wind?

Blocks clattered and whined, and high above thO decks the seamen sprang about like monkeys?

Bolitho looked at Buckle. "Lay her on the larboarX tack. Then set a course to weather the headland." HO

held the master's gaze and added, "We will get thO courses on her directly and see if we can take thO edge off Fawn's lead.T

Moments later, with her courses and topsails filling tQ the morning breeze, the Sparrow glided swiftly past a[ anchored two-decker which wore a vice-admiral's fla^ at the fore?

Bolitho glanced at Tyrrell and saw him give a quic7 grimace. He might have cause to regret his applicatio[ for transfer, Bolitho thought. And so, if his trust in TyrrelT proved false, would he?

Between two anchored Indiamen and on down thO fairway towards that beckoning headland. Small crafU bobbed astern in the frothing wake, and when BolithQ moved from studying the compass he saw they haX already cut Fawn's lead by half a cable?

Buckle glanced at the surgeon who was clinging tQ the mizzen shrouds with one hand and holding on to hiY outrageous wig with the other?

He winked. "We have a rare one here, Mr. Dalkeith.T

Dalkeith kept his face immobile as Bolitho glanceX aft towards him before replying, "Poor Captai[

Ransome would never have left port with such dashB eh?" He gave a sly grin. "But then, at this time o' thO morning he would have been somewhat tired!T

They both laughed?

Bolitho's voice brought them up with a jerk?

"There is a yawl on the larboard bow, Mr. Buckle? Laugh later with my blessing, but run her down withi[ sight of the flagship and you will laugh to another tune!T

He turned back to the rail as Buckle hurled himselb towards his helmsman?

The tip of the headland was already droppin^ abeam, and he felt the Sparrow's stem bite into thO first gentle roller, her deck tilting still further under he_ press of canvas?

Tyrrell shouted, "Anchor's secured, sir!" Spray haX soaked his face and shirt but he was grinning broadly?

Bolitho nodded. "Good. Now get the forecoursO trimmed. It looks like a piece of untidy linen." But hO could not hold his severity. "By God, she flies, doeY she not?T

He looked aloft at the squared sails and braceX yards, the masthead pendant which flicked out like Z coachman's whip. He had seen it all before so mana times, but now it felt as if it was unique?

Bethune called, "From Fawn, sir. Take station tQ wind rd!T

Bolitho smiled at him. "Acknowledge.T

To the quarterdeck at large he added, "A finO morning!T

By the hatchway Stockdale watched Bolitho'Y pleasure and felt inwardly happy. He ran his eye ove_ the hurrying seamen as they slithered down once morO to the deck. Tanned and healthy, what did they kno/ about anything? He picked his uneven teeth with a[ ivory pin. The captain had seen more action in the pasU years than they knew about. He watched Bolitho'Y squared shoulders as he paced restlessly on thO weather side. Given time, they'd come to find out, hO decided?

3 THE PRIVATEE[

BOLITHO opened his eyes and stared for severaT seconds at the unlit lantern spiralling above his cot? Despite the weariness in his limbs and the fact he haX been on deck repeatedly during the night he found iU hard to sleep. Beyond the screen which partitioned hiY sleeping quarters from the cabin he could see the palO light of dawn, and knew from the lantern's sluggisN movement and the uneasy creak of timbers that thO wind was little more than a breeze. He tried to relaxB wondering how long it would take to break the habit ob awakening with each dawn, to enjoy his new-founX privacy?

Feet thudded on the quarterdeck above, and hO guessed that soon now the seamen would be turning tQ for another day. It had been two weeks since the littlO convoy had sailed from Antigua, and in that time thea had covered only half their set distance. One thousanX miles in open waters, and each mile marked ba perverse winds and no winds at all. Barely an hou_ passed without the need to call the hands to make o_ shorten sail, to trim yards in the hope of catching Z dying breeze, or to reef against one violent anX taunting squall?

Buckle's gloomy prediction about Sparrow's sailin^ qualities in a poor wind had proved only too true. TimO

and time again she had paid off, her canvas flapping i[ confusion as yet one more wind had died and left theR almost becalmed. Hard work and angry words haX eventually brought her back on station again, only tQ have the whole thing repeated before the end of Z watch?

Patrol and scouting duty had been the lot ob Sparrow's company for most of their commission anX they had yet to learn the true misery of convoy ove_ long passages. The two transports had not helped? They appeared totally unwilling to realise thO importance of staying in close company, so that if thea became scattered by a swift squall it took many hourY to urge, threaten and finally drive them back intQ formation. Colquhoun's curt signals had onla succeeded in antagonising the master of one of themB a big transport named Golden Fleece. On more tha[ one occasion he had ignored the signals altogether o_ had caused the Fawn to withdraw from her prope_ station at the head of the convoy in order to commencO a verbal exchange which could be heard by everyonO else nearby?

Bolitho climbed from the cot and walked slowly intQ the cabin, feeling the deck lifting gently beneath hiY bare feet before slipping away in a trough, the motio[

bringing the usual clatter of blocks, the drawn-ouU groan of the rudder as the helmsman brought the slooS back under command?

He leaned his hands on the sill of the stern windowY and stared out at the empty sea. The two transports, ib they were still together, would be somewhere o[ Sparrow's starboard bow. Bolitho's orders were to staa to windward of the well-laden ships so as to be reada to run down on any suspicious vessel and hold thO maximum advantage until she was proved friend o_ foe?

In fact they had sighted an unknown sail on threO separate occasions. Far astern, it had bee[ impossible to know if it was the same on each sightin^ or three individual vessels. Either way, Colquhoun haX refused to be drawn to investigate. Bolitho coulX sympathise with his unwillingness to leave the valuablO transports, especially as the wind might choose thO very moment when his sparse forces were scattered tQ play a new trick or bring some real enemy amongsU them. On the other hand, he was very conscious of Z sense of uneasiness after each call from thO masthead. The strange sail was like a will-o'-the-wispB and if it was hostile could be methodically following thO little convoy, awaiting exactly the right moment tQ

attack?

The door opened and Fitch padded into the cabi[ carrying two jugs. One was coffee, and the othe_ contained water from the galley for Bolitho's shave. I[ the pale light from the windows he looked smaller anX scrawnier than ever, and as usual kept his eyeY averted while he prepared the necessary cup fo_ Bolitho's first coffee of the day?

"How is it on deck?T

Fitch raised his eyes only slightly. "Mr. Tilby reckonY it'll be another roastin' day, sir.T

Tilby was the boatswain, a great untidy hulk of a ma[ who was given to some of the most profane languagO Bolitho had heard in ten years at sea. But hiY knowledge of weather, his forecast of what each daw[ might bring, had been only too accurate?

And under a blazing sun, with little space to finX shade or comfort, the Sparrow's seamen had morO torment to face before night found them again. It waY amazing how they all managed to survive in such Z small hull. What with extra stores and spare sparsB powder and shot, and countless other requirements fo_

keeping a ship at sea, some of the men were hard puU to find space for a hammock. In addition the Sparro/ had all the great lengths of anchor cable to be neatla stowed when she was under way. Several hundreX fathoms of thirteen-inch hemp for the main anchors anX another hundred of eight-inch for the kedge took uS more space than fifty human beings required for eve[ the most basic needs?

But if this or any other ship was to survive and livO from her own resources then such discomforts had tQ be endured?

He sipped the coffee. If only the wind would freshe[ and stay with them. It would help drive away thO weariness and drudgery of work aloft, and also givO him time to drill the guns' crews to better advantage? They had had few such drills during the first days out ob harbour, and once more he had been made aware ob the strange attitude of acceptance he had originalla noticed. Perhaps they had been so long withouU actually being called to do battle they had taken thO drills as merely something to be tolerated, eve[ expected from a new captain. Their timing had bee[ good enough, if somewhat rigid, they had gone througN all the motions of running out, traversing and pointingB but again and again he had felt something was badla

lacking. As the crews had faced outboard through thei_ open ports he had sensed their indifference. TherO was nothing to fight, so what was the point of it all, thei_ relaxed bodies seemed to indicate?

He had tackled Tyrrell about it but the first lieutenanU had said cheerfully, "Hell, sir, it don't signify they won'U be able to fight if th' time calls for it.T

Bolitho's sharp reply brought a new barrier betwee[ them, and for the moment he was prepared to let iU remain?

Captain Ransome must have used the sloop like Z personal possession, a yacht, he thought. SometimeY during the night when Bolitho had come down to thO cabin after a frustrating hour on deck watching thO hands shortening sail yet again he had pictureX Ransome with some woman or other. Or Tyrrell pacin^ the quarterdeck, tearing himself apart as he imagineX his sister just a few feet below him. He had noU mentioned the matter to Tyrrell since his first outburstB but had found himself wondering about the real storyB and what had happened to the girl after Ransome'Y sudden death?

Stockdale came into the cabin with the shavin^

bowl. He glared at Fitch and wheezed, "Get the cap'n'Y breakfast!T

To Bolitho he added, "'Nother clear mornin', sir." HO waited until Bolitho was in his chair and then held thO razor against the window. He seemed content with itY edge. "Wot we need is a real good blow." He showeX his uneven teeth. "Make some o' these young puppieY jump about!T

Bolitho relaxed as the razor moved precisely ove_ his chin. Stockdale said very little but he alwayY seemed to hit the exact point?

In between strokes he replied, "In another montN we'll be in the hurricane season again, Stockdale. ] hope that will satisfy you.T

The big coxswain grunted. "Seen 'em afore. Us'lT see 'em again an' live to tell of it.T

Bolitho gave up. Nothing, it seemed, could break thO man's supreme confidence in his ability to produce Z miracle, even in the face of a hurricane?

Voices rang out overhead, and then he heard feeU dashing down the companion ladder from thO quarterdeck?

It was Midshipman Heyward, impeccable as ever i[ spite of being on his feet for much of the night?

"Captain, sir." He watched Stockdale's razor poiseX in midair. "Mr. Graves's respects and Fawn has jusU signalled. Sail to the nor'-east.T

Bolitho snatched the towel. "Very well. I will comO up.T

Stockdale laid down the bowl. "That same one, sir?T

Bolitho shook his head. "Unlikely. She'd neve_ overreach us in one night, even if she was after ou_ blood." He rubbed his face vigorously. "But in thiY empty sea a sight of anything is welcome.T

When he reached the quarterdeck he found TyrelT and most of the others already there. Below thO mainmast the hands had just been mustered i[ readiness for the morning assault on the decks witN holystones and swabs, while others were waiting ba the pumps or just staring up at the barely filled sails? Graves touched his hat?

"Masthead lookout has not yet sighted anything, sir.T

Bolitho nodded and strode to the compass. North1 west by north. It seemed as if it had been riveted in thaU direction since time began. It was hardly surprisin^ Fawn had sighted the newcomer first. In her positio[ ahead and slightly to starboard of the transports shO was better placed. All the same, he would have wisheX otherwise. Fawn's signals and execution ob Colquhoun's orders always seemed to be that mucN quicker than his?

Through the criss-cross of rigging and shrouds anX slightly to starboard of the rearmost transport he sa/ the other sloop tacking awkwardly in the gentlO westerly breeze. With every stitch of canvas on he_ braced yards she was barely making headway?

From aloft came the sudden cry, "Deck there! SaiT on the starboard beam!T

Tyrrell crossed to Bolitho's side?

"What d'you think? One of our own?T

Graves said swiftly, "Or a damned Yankee, eh?T

Bolitho saw the exchange of glances, the sudde[ hostility between them like something physical?

He said calmly, "We will know directly, gentlemen.T

Midshipman Bethune called, "From Fawn, sir? Remain on station.T

Graves said complacently, "There goes Fawn. She'Y going about to take a soldier's wind under her tail.T

Bolitho said, "Get aloft, Mr. Graves. I want to kno/ everything you can discover about that sail.T

Graves stared at him. "I've a good hand aloft, sir.T

Bolitho met his resentment gravely. "And now ] require a good officer there, too, Mr. Graves. A[ experienced eye and not just a clear one.T

Graves moved stiffly to the weather shrouds anX after the merest hesitation began to climb?

Tyrrell said quietly, "Do him good, that one!T

Bolitho glanced around the crowded quarterdeck?

"Maybe, Mr. Tyrrell. But if you imagine I am using ma authority to foster some petty spite between you then ] must assure you otherwise." He lowered his voice. "IU is an enemy we are fighting, not each other!T

Then he took a telescope from the rack and walkeX to the foot of the mizzen mast. Steadying his legY against the uncomfortable motion he trained the glasY on the Fawn and then very slowly beyond her. MinuteY passed, and then as the distant ship lifted on somO large roller he saw her topgallant sails shining in thO first sunlight like matched pink shells. She was clawin^ her way closehauled on a converging course, her yardY braced so tightly they were almost fore-and-aft?

Graves yelled down, "Frigate, sir!" A pause as evera man looked up at his tiny silhouette against the sky? "English built!T

Bolitho stayed silent. English built perhaps. But whQ now stood behind her guns? He watched Fawn edgin^ round, her masthead pendant lifting and curlin^ listlessly. More flags shot up her yards and BethunO yelled, "From Fawn, sir. Recognition signal." A furthe_ pause as he groped through his grubby book. "She'Y the Miranda, thirty-two, Captain Selby, sir.T

Buckle said to the deck at large, "From EnglanX most likely.T

The light was already stronger, and as he stareX across the brightening water Bolitho could feel the firsU

warm rays against his face. From England. Every ma[ aboard was probably thinking of those words. ExcepU for Tyrrell and the colonists in the company. But all thO rest would be picturing his own past way of life. VillagO or farm, some ale house outside a harbour or fishin^ port. A woman's face, a child's last grip before thO harder hands of the pressgang?

He found himself thinking of his own home i[ Falmouth. The great stone house below PendenniY Castle where his father would be waiting anX wondering about him and his brother Hugh, while hO remained in Cornwall. Like all the Bolitho ancestorsB his father had been a sea-officer, but having lost a[ arm and his health was now confined to a landbounX existence, always within sight of the ships and the seZ which had forsaken him?

"From Fawn, sir. General. Heave to.T

Colquhoun, it seemed, was quite satisfied with thO other ship's identity. For once the two transportY needed no extra goading to obey the signal. PerhapY like the rest they, too, were eager for news from thaU other world?

Bolitho closed the glass and handed it to Z

boatswain's mate?

"Shorten sail, Mr. Tyrrell, and heave to as ordered.T He waited until the lieutenant had shouted for thO topmen to get aloft and then added, "That frigate haY been hard worked so her mission must be important.T

He had watched the newcomer while she had forgeX towards the uneven cluster of ships, had seen the greaU scars on her hull where the sea had pared away thO paintwork like a giant knife. Her sails, too, lookeX much repaired, evidence of a rapid voyage?

Bethune shouted, "Miranda's hoisted another signalB sir!" He swayed in the shrouds as he tried to level hiY big telescope. "To Fawn. Captain repair on board.T

Once again Fawn's response was swift, her big gi^ being swayed out within minutes of the signal. BolithQ could imagine Colquhoun hurrying to the other ship anX the Miranda's consternation when they discovered thaU he was senior to their own captain?

Whatever it entailed, the matter was obviousla urgent, and not merely an exchange of gossip at thiY chance encounter in open waters?

Bolitho rubbed his chin and said, "I'm going below?

Call me if anything happens.T

In the cabin he found Stockdale waiting with his coaU and sword, his lopsided grin very broad as hO muttered, "Thought you'd be wantin' these, sir.T

Fitch was gripping the table, his legs spread aparU as the sloop rolled and staggered in the uncomfortablO troughs, the power gone from her sails. He was starin^ at the breakfast he had just brought, his narro/ features resigned?

Bolitho smiled. "Never fear, I'll find time to eat iU later.T

It was strange that the mere sight of another ship, thO obscure hint of excitement, had given him an appetitO at last. He gulped down some coffee as StockdalO adjusted his swordbelt before handing him the coat?

Perhaps Miranda had discovered an enemy anX needed help to attack them. Maybe the war was overB or another had broken out elsewhere. The possibilitieY seemed endless?

He looked up and saw Tyrrell peering through thO open skylight?

"Cap'n, sir! The Fawn's gig is shoving off from thd frigate.T

Bolitho replied, "Thank you." He forcibly disguiseX his disappointment. "That was quick.T

Tyrrell vanished and he added quietly, "There'll bO time for breakfast after all.T

He was mistaken. Even as he began to unfasten hiY swordbelt Tyrrell's face reappeared at the skylight, hiY words filling the cabin as he shouted, "From Fawn, sir? Repair on board forthwith.T

Stockdale bounded from the cabin, his hoarse voicO bellowing for the gig's crew which the boatswain haX already thought prudent to muster?

With frantic haste the boat was swung outboard anX dropped alongside, where with little thought for dignita or safety, Bolitho hurled himself into the sternsheetsB his sword clattering against the gunwale and almosU tripping him on top of the oarsmen?

Stockdale bawled, "Give way all!" In a lower but nQ less menacing tone he added, "An' remember, ma beauties, if one o' you misses a stroke you'll 'ave me tQ answer!T

The gig seemed to fly across the water, and when aU last Bolitho regained his composure and looked aster[ he saw the Sparrow was already a cable clear. ShO was pitching steeply in the swell, her sails rippling anX flashing in disorder while she lay hove to in the palO sunlight. In spite of his own busy thoughts and anxieta he could still find time to admire her. In the past he haX often watched the stern cabin of a passing man-of-wa_ and pondered about her captain, what sort of personB his qualities or lack of them. It was very hard to accepU that the Sparrow's cabin was his own and that otherY might be wondering about him?

He turned and saw Fawn's outline overlapping thaU of the idling frigate, figures moving round her entry porU to receive him with all formality. He smiled to himself. I[ the face of hell it seemed likely that no captain, nQ matter how junior, was expected to go without hiY proper acknowledgment?

Bolitho was met at the entry port by Maulby, Fawn'Y commander. He was very thin, and but for Z pronounced stoop would have stood well over six feet? Life between a sloop's decks must be uncomfortablO for such a man, Bolitho thought?

He appeared a few years older than himself and haX a drawling, bored manner of speaking. But he seemeX pleasant enough and made him welcome?

As they ducked beneath the quarterdeck Maulba said, "The little admiral is excited, it would seem.T

Bolitho paused and stared at him. "Who?T

Maulby shrugged loosely. "In the flotilla we alwayY refer to Colquhoun as our little admiral. He has a waa of inserting himself in the role without actually holdin^ the necessary rank!" He laughed, his bent shoulderY touching a deckhead beam so that he appeared to bO supporting it with his own frame. "You look shockedB my friend?T

Bolitho grinned. Maulby, he decided, was a man yof could like and trust on sight. But he had never beforO heard such comments made about a superior by twQ subordinates meeting for the first time. In some ships iU would be inviting disaster and oblivion?

He replied, "No, but I am refreshed!T

The stern cabin was much the same size as his own? There was no other similarity. Plain, even spartan, hO was reminded of Tyrrell's anger, his bitter attack on thO

woman's touch. He saw Colquhoun sitting at a tableB his chin in his hands as he stared at some newla opened despatches?

Without pausing he said, "Sit down, both of you. ] must give this matter my attention.T

Maulby looked gravely at Bolitho and dropped onO eyelid in a quick wink?

Bolitho glanced away, Maulby's easy acceptance ob their superior was daunting. The little admiral. It suiteX Colquhoun very well?

Maulby seemed well able to remain relaxed, yet hO was nobody's fool. Bolitho had noted the smart way hiY men had moved about the gun deck, the crisp passin^ and execution of orders. Bolitho had not met the othe_ captains of Colquhoun's flotilla. If they were all sucN odd birds as Maulby it was hardly surprising thaU Colquhoun was showing signs of strain. Or maybe i[ such small ships individual characters were morO noticeable. He thought of Pears in the old Trojan, hiY rugged features which had never seemed to alte_ under any circumstances. In a gale, close to a leO shore, or under enemy fire, witnessing a flogging, o_ commending some sailor on promotion, he had alwayY

seemed remote and beyond personal contact. It waY hard to imagine Maulby, he paused, or himself eitherB with such aloof and godlike powers?

Colquhoun's voice broke across his thoughts, sharS and incisive. "Miranda's captain has brought seriouY news." He still did not lift his head. "France has signeX an alliance with the Americans. It means that GeneraT Washington will have the full support of French regula_ troops and a powerful fleet.T

Bolitho shifted in his chair, his mind grappling witN Colquhoun's announcement. The French had alreada done much to help their new ally, but this would mea[ that the war was now firmly in the open. It also implieX that the French were showing fresh confidence in thO Americans' chance of victory?

Colquhoun stood up quickly and stared through thO stern windows. "The Miranda is carrying despatcheY and intelligence for the Commander-in-Chief at Ne/ York. When he left Plymouth he had a brig in compana with duplicate information for Antigua. The ships werO caught in a storm shortly after clearing the Channel anX the brig was not seen again.T

Maulby asked quietly, "Taken by the French, sir?T

Colquhoun swung on him with unexpected anger? "What the hell does it matter? Taken or wreckedB dismasted or bloody well eaten by worms, it makes nQ difference to us, does it!T

Suddenly Bolitho realised the cause of his attack? Had Colquhoun remained at Antigua until his own shiS had refitted, Maulby would have been in charge of thO convoy's escort. Miranda's captain, desperate to carra his news to New York, and senior to Maulby, woulX have ordered him to make arrangements for thO information to be taken without delay to Antigua? Nobody could rely on the brig's survival as an excusO for doing nothing. By a mere twist of fate, o_ Colquhoun's determination to keep control of his shipY at sea, Miranda's captain had been able to pass o[ the decision to him?

In a calmer tone Colquhoun continued, "It has bee[ reported that the French have been preparing ships fo_ months. From Toulon a whole squadron set sail weekY ago and slipped through the Gibraltar patrols withouU so much as a squeak of news getting out." He lookeX at each of them in turn. "They could be on their waa here, to the American coast, anywhere, for all we knowB damn their eyes!T

The Fawn had swung slightly in the slow processio[ of troughs, and through the swaying windows BolithQ could see the two transports, huge and ungainly, thei_ yards askew as they awaited the next signal. EacN transport was filled to the deck seams with mucN needed supplies for the army in Philadelphia. In thO wrong hands they would represent a tremendous prizeB and the realisation must be foremost in Colquhoun'Y mind?

Colquhoun said, "Miranda has agreed to stand ba the convoy until we contact the inshore squadron. BuU in this damned weather it might take weeks.T

Bolitho imagined Colquhoun was picturing thO distance like a mental chart. All those miles, with thO knowledge that he must eventually make the lon^ passage back to Antigua to resume control of his smalT force?

Maulby drawled, "May I suggest that I continue witN the transports, sir? With Miranda in company we wilT be safe enough." He glanced at Bolitho. "You coulX then return in Sparrow to English Harbour, pass thO news to the admiral and prepare our own ships fo_ further work.T

Colquhoun stared at him, his eyes unseeing?

"God damn the complacency of our preciouY Government! For years this has been brewing, anX while the French have been building new ships, ourY have been allowed to go rotten for want of money. If thO Channel Fleet were to be ordered to sea tomorrow ] doubt that more than twenty sail of the line would bO capable!" He saw their surprise and noddeX vehemently. "Oh yes, gentlemen, while you have bee[ out here imagining that all would be ready if once thO call came, I have been made to stay silent and watch iU happening." He struck the table with his fist. "SomO flag officers are too concerned with political power anX gracious living to care for the wants of the fleet!T

He sat down heavily. "I must decide ...T

The door opened slightly and a frightened-lookin^ midshipman said, "From Miranda, sir. She requestY instructions ..." He got no further?

"Tell him to mind his manners!" Colquhoun glared aU him hotly. "It is my decision!T

Bolitho glanced at Maulby. For the first time in his lifO he was beginning to realise the meaning of command?

Whatever Colquhoun decided could be equally right o_ wrong. Bolitho had learned one thing well. If you madO a right decision, others often received the credit. BuU make a wrong one and you were in no doubt where thO blame would he?

Colquhoun said suddenly, "Send for your clerkB Maulby. I will dictate new orders for . . ." he looked aU Bolitho, "for Sparrow.T

He seemed to be speaking his thoughts aloud. "I dQ not doubt your ability, Bolitho, but you lack experience. ] will need Maulby's Fawn with me until I know what is tQ happen next." He gestured to the table as the ship'Y clerk entered the cabin. "You must remain with thO transports. Miranda's captain will give you guidanceB and you will obey him to the best of your skill. You_ orders will allow you to return to the flotilla when thO transports have been delivered." He paused anX added softly, "Delivered.T

Bolitho rose to his feet. "Aye, sir.T

"Now get out and leave me to draft these orders.T

Maulby took Bolitho's elbow and guided him towardY the gun deck?

"I think the little admiral is worried, my friend." HO sighed. "I was hoping to rid my ship of his presencO and pass him on to you." He turned and gave a quic7 grin. "There is no justice in this world!T

Bolitho, saw his gig falling and rising in the swellB Stockdale shading his eyes as he watched the slooS for a recall?

He said, "The news is bad, but not unexpected. AU least the pretence is done with.T

Maulby nodded gravely. "No comfort, I fear, to thO lamb about to be devoured.T

Bolitho stared at him. "Not that serious surely?T

"I am not certain. What the Frogs do today thO damned Spaniards will copy tomorrow. Soon we wilT have the whole world at our throats." He frowned. "ThO little admiral is right on one score. It seems that ou_ Government is run by demons, most of whom appea_ determined to drive the rest of us to madness.T

The first lieutenant hurried into view and proffered Z freshly sealed envelope?

Maulby clapped Bolitho on the shoulder and saiX

cheerfully, "Think of us sometimes. While you enjoa your leisurely voyage, I will be forced to share my tablO with him." He rubbed his hands. "But with any luck hO may get promotion and vanish forever.T

The lieutenant said urgently, "Captain Colquhoun'Y compliments, and will you join him immediately?T

Maulby nodded and held out his hand?

"Until we meet again, Bolitho." He seemed unwillin^ to let him leave. Then he said awkwardly, "Be warnedB my friend. You have a fine command, but you also havO a large number of colonists in your company." He trieX to smile. "If the war goes badly, there are some whQ might be tempted to change allegiance. In their shoes ] could perhaps feel the same.T

Bolitho met his gaze and nodded. "Thank you. I wilT remember it.T

Maulby did not hide his relief. "There, I knew yof were a good fellow! Not one to treat my clumsy advicO as patronage.T

Bolitho grinned. "You took a risk. I might have gonO to Colquhoun and told him of your name for him.T

"I would have denied it!T

"Naturally!T

They both laughed?

Then as the gig hooked on to the chains thea became formal again. Even before Bolitho haX reached the boat flags were soaring up the Fawn'Y yards, and an acknowledgment appeared above thO frigate with equal speed?

Bolitho settled himself in the sternsheets and stareX towards his ship. Colquhoun had taken thO responsibility and made a decision. His ow[ responsibility was just beginning?

Lieutenant Tyrrell turned as Bolitho's head anX shoulders rose through the quarterdeck hatch anX waited until he had made his usual inspection of thO sails and compass before remarking, "She's runnin^ well, sir.T

Bolitho walked across the tilting deck and rested hiY hands on the rail, feeling the hull quivering beneath hiR like a living creature. The noon sun stood high over thO ship, but he was able to ignore it, conscious only of thO well-filled sails, the leap of spray up and over thO

bowsprit. It had been five days since Fawn had turneX back for Antigua, and it seemed as if Colquhoun'Y disappearance from their midst had brought a changO of luck and weather. Perverse as ever, but for once o[ their side, the wind had backed suddenly to south1 south-west and had freshened into a lively blow whicN had hardly dropped during the whole time. Unde_ bulging canvas the ships had driven on towards thO American coast, which according to the most recenU calculations now lay some two hundred and fifty mileY away. The heavy merchantmen had maintained a gooX five knots, satisfied perhaps that Miranda's captai[ was content to leave them to their own devices. ThO frigate's signals had been confined for the most part tQ Sparrow. For within twenty-four hours of leaving Faw[ the masthead lookout had sighted a solitary sail oncO again, far astern of the convoy, a tiny white flaw on thO horizon?

Bolitho had sent Graves aloft with a telescope, buU even he had been unable to identify the mysteriouY follower. Next he signalled to the frigate, requestin^ permission to investigate. He had been refused? Miranda's captain was probably regretting his meetin^ with the convoy. But for their dragging weight he woulX have reached his objective by now and would havO

borne no blame for failing to pass his news to Antigua? But once in contact with the slower vessels he had nQ choice but to act as he had. Also, he would be fulla aware that once beyond his control Sparrow mighU become too involved with a separate situation tQ return, and thus leave him with total responsibility fo_ the transports?

The unknown sail had not been sighted again, anX Bolitho had accepted that Miranda's captain had bee[ right, if over cautious, to restrain his efforts?

He looked at Tyrrell's bronzed features and nodded? "I am well satisfied.T

He watched some foretopmen sliding down thO backstays, racing each other to the deck after thei_ work aloft. Buckle was right. She moved like a bird witN any sort of wind. He watched the Bear, the transporU closest to his own ship, and wished they were free ob the convoy. Then he could really put Sparrow to thO test. Royals, even studding sails could be rigged, ib only to find out what she could accomplish under evera stitch of canvas?

Most of the unemployed officers were on dec7 enjoying their usual gossip before the midday mealB

careful to stay on the lee side and as much out of hiY way as possible?

He saw Dalkeith, the surgeon, laughing with BuckleB his head very white in its baldness under the harsN light. The red wig was being vigorously shaken by thO wardroom servant, and Bolitho guessed it had bee[ given some sort of a wash. Lock, the purser, was in Z more serious conversation with young HeywardB opening and ruffling a big ledger in the wind as hO explained some point of victualling which might placO the midshipman's knowledge above that of his frienX Bethune. The latter, being on watch, stood untidily ba the quarterdeck rail, his shirt open to his waist anX massaging his stomach with one hand. Bolitho smiled? The boy was no doubt hungry. Midshipmen likO Bethune usually were?

Down on the gun deck many of the seamen werO lounging beneath the sails' great shadows or passin^ the time like their officers. The boatswain was with hiY own friend Yule, the gunner, and together they woulX have made a frightening pair of highwaymen, BolithQ thought. Whereas Tilby was vast and ungainly, hiY heavy features seamed with too much drink, Yule waY swarthy and lithe, like a stoat, with darting, flinty eyeY which were forever on the move?

As he glanced from group to group he was agai[ reminded of his new-found isolation. Privacy whicN could lead to loneliness. Privilege which might becomO a burden?

He thrust his hands behind him and began to pacO slowly along the weather side, letting the warm winX ruffle his hair and play with his open shirt. SomewherO out there beyond the hammock nettings was the coasU of America. It would be strange to drop anchor only tQ find the war had finished, that blood had proved toQ strong in the face of France's new challenge. If EnglanX were to admit to America's independence the[ perhaps both nations would unite against France anX settle her ambitions once and for all. He glanced aU Tyrrell's profile and wondered if he was thinking thO same?

He shut Tyrrell's personal problems from his minX and tried to concentrate on the string of affairs whicN daily needed his attention. The water supply should bO replenished as soon as possible. The casks werO poor, and water soon became rancid in this climate? And he would purchase fresh fruit whenever thea contacted the land or some supply vessel. It waY amazing that the ship's company had stayed so healtha

when Ransome had failed to take such simplO precautions. Aboard the old Trojan he had not see[ one case of scurvy in the three years he had been i[ her, evidence of Captain Pears's concern for his me[ and a valuable lesson to all his subordinates. He haX already spoken about it to Lock, and after somO hesitation the purser had muttered, "A costly affair, sir.T

"Costlier if our people go down with disease, Mr? Lock. I have known a whole squadron rendereX useless because of such skinflint methods.T

Then there was the matter of a flogging, his first aY captain. He had always disliked unnecessary use ob punishment even though he knew it to be necessary o[ occasions. In the Navy discipline was harsh anX instant, and when a ship was miles from home anX other authority, it was a captain's deterrent tQ insubordination and final confusion. Some captainY used it without thought. Brutal and inhuman floggingY were commonplace in many ships, and as a youn^ midshipman Bolitho had nearly fainted after one sucN spectacle. Other captains, weak and inefficient, lefU authority to subordinates and shut their ears to itY misuse?

But for the most part the English seaman knew thO

measure of his service, and if he took chances waY prepared to accept the consequences. And if one ma[ thieved or cheated another of his messmates he haX no mercy at all. The justice of the lower deck waY equally feared to that of a captain?

But this case was different, or could be from what hO knew of it. A seaman had defied Lieutenant GraveY during a night watch when the hands had been calleX to reef topsails in an unexpected squall. He haX shouted at the officer and called him a "heartlesY bugger" within earshot of some twenty other people?

In confidence Tyrrell had asked Bolitho to accept thO seaman's explanation. He was a good hand, anX Graves had provoked him in a fit of anger when he haX failed to reach his station on the mainyard with hiY companions?

A dirty Yankee bastard. They were the words GraveY had used. Too lazy to do his proper duty, and no doubU too gutless to fight when the time came?

All this and Tyrell's heated attack on Graves'Y handling of the matter were fresh proof of the latenU tension amongst the company under his command?

Graves had been adamant. The man had insulteX him in front of his watch and must be punished?

He was right in one respect. His authority had to bO upheld or he would never be able to retain controT again?

Bolitho blamed himself. If he had had more time tQ consider this unusual situation, or had taken lesY comfort from his own new position, he could havO prevented it. By example or by forcing his will on hiY officers he might have made them realise that sucN behaviour would not be tolerated. But that was all toQ late now. It had happened?

He had compromised by standing the man overB knowing then as at this moment that he was merela postponing the inevitable?

He glanced up towards the mainyard, braced harX round as the ship heeled close-hauled on a larboarX tack. He could see the man now, naked but for a scraS of canvas, working with some others on the endlesY business of re-splicing and repairs high above thO deck. Did Tyrrell really think the man was provoked? hO wondered. Or was he standing up for him because hO imagined Graves was getting at him by punishin^

another colonistU

"Deck there!" The masthead lookout's cry waY muffled by the wind and the lively crack of sails? "Miranda's signallin'!T

Bolitho swung round. "Jump to it, Mr. Bethune! Yof are half asleep today!T

Tyrrell stood aside as the midshipman ran to the leO shrouds with his telescope?

"Thinking of his next meal!" He was smiling at thO boy's confusion?

"It seems that the masthead lookout was the onla one in this watch thinking of his duty, Mr. Tyrrell!T

The edge of his voice brought a flush to thO lieutenant's face and he turned away withouU answering?

Bethune called, "From Miranda, sir! Sail to the nor'1 west!T

"Acknowledge.T

Bolitho was angry with Tyrrell's careless attitudeB

angrier still more with his own unfair outburst?

Some two miles ahead of the Golden Fleece, he_ patched sails hard-bellied and drawing well, thO Miranda was already setting her topgallants i[ readiness to investigate. The unknown ship, whateve_ she was, lay somewhere across the larboard bow, anX as she had not been seen before it seemed likely shO was on a converging course?

"Deck there! Sail in sight! Fine on th' weather bow!T

Bolitho looked round at the intent faces. For a[ instant he toyed with the idea of making his way to thO dizzy mainmast crosstrees himself, in spite of his fea_ of heights which he had never been able to overcome? The long climb up those shivering, vibrating shroudY might drive his anger away and leave his mind clea_ once again?

He saw Raven, the newly appointed master's mateB and said, "Go aloft. Take a glass and tell me what yof see.T

Buckle had told him that the man was a[ experienced sailor, one who had already served i[ several King's ships and would not be easily fooled ba

first appearances?

Before Raven had even reached the mainyard thO lookout called again, "Two ships! Close in company!T

Every eye was on Raven's body as he swarmed ouU and around the futtock shrouds and up towards thO topmast head?

Bethune, still smarting over his failure to seO Miranda's signal, suddenly stiffened and calledB "Gunfire, sir!" He had his hands cupped round hiY ears, giving his round face the appearance of Z freckled goblin?

Bolitho looked down at him. Then as his hearin^ adjusted itself beyond the crack of sails and thO plunging sweep of spray around the hull, he, too, hearX the deeper, discordant thud of cannon fire. He waY almost beside himself with impatience, but he knew ib he hurried Raven he might become too confused tQ make a proper assessment?

"Deck there!" It was Raven at last. "First ship's Z merchantman! She's under attack from a brig!T

Buckle exclaimed thickly, "Privateer, by God!T

Bolitho snatched a telescope and trained it througN the dark mass of rigging and beyond some men whQ were grouped on the forecastle. A trick of the light. HO blinked and tried again. No, there it was, a tiny whitO speck which seemed to mingle with the unendin^ pattern of crisp wavecrests. The lonely merchantma[ had been unlucky, but now with any sort of good fortunO they might turn the tables on her attacker?

The Miranda was already tacking violently, her sailY in confusion as she headed away from her originaT station. Even as her sails refilled and hardened on thO new tack Bolitho saw her signal flags breaking to thO wind?

Bethune said quickly, "General signal, sir. Remai[ on station.T

Buckle swore. "After the bloody prize money himselfB the greedy bugger!T

The gunfire was clearer now, and as he raised thO glass again Bolitho saw smoke drifting down-winX from the two ships, the lithe shape of the attacking bri^ as she endeavoured to close the range still further?

He shut the glass with a snap, aware of the mutterin^

behind him, disappointment which matched his own? Miranda's captain was probably making the attac7 more to break the frustration of a slow passage than tQ humiliate the Sparrow?

He looked at Tyrell's broad shoulders and saidB "Signal the Bear to make more sail. She's droppin^ astern badly.T

Then he turned back to watch the frigate. She waY moving fast in spite of the wind being almost abeam ob her sails, and he could see her port lids opening, thO single line of muzzles catching the sunlight as thea were run out in readiness to fight?

The brig's captain must have realised what waY happening. Even so, he was probably unwilling to losO his prize with victory almost in his grasp?

On the gangways and gun deck his own seame[ were chattering and waving their arms about, and hO guessed they were discussing how they would havO acted had they been given the chance to go for thO privateer?

Bolitho recalled Raven to the deck and said, "Yof did well.T

The man grinned uncomfortably. "Thank you, sir. ThO brig's a Yankee right enough. Seen many like her in mO time. T'other one's an Indiaman by her looks, 'thougN her gunnery ain't so good as some on 'em. There'Y never a mark on the Yankee's canvas.T

Tyrrell shouted, "Th' brig's broken off the action! He'Y going to make a run for it!T

Bolitho sighed. The merchantman was alreada turning steadily towards the little convoy while thO Miranda under full sail charged towards her attacker? The brig, if well handled, stood a fair chance against Z frigate in matters of speed and manoeuvrability. BuU this one had waited just that much too long? Converging like prongs of a trap the three vesselY would pass beam to beam, the frigate shielding thO merchantman and well able to rake the brig from steR to stern as they passed?

Provided the brig was not too badly damaged shO might be useful to the fleet. Either way, Miranda'Y captain would gain a nice purse of prize money?

He tore his eyes away as sounds of angry voiceY came up the quarterdeck ladder at his side?

It was Tilby, flushed from some secret hoard of rumB his face heavy with rage as he said, "Beg pardon, sirB but this 'ere man says 'e wants to speak to 'ee." HO glared severely at the seaman in question. "I told 'iR that no man under punishment can speak to an office_ without permission.T

Bolitho saw that the seaman behind Tilby was thO one waiting to be flogged. He was a young, well-madO man and was dragging at the boatswain's arm witN frantic determination?

"What is it, Yelverton?" Bolitho nodded to Tilby. "Is iU so important?T

The seaman reached the quarterdeck anX swallowed hard. "That ship, sir! She ain't no Indiaman0 She's a damned Frenchie! I seen her in Boston somO years back!T

Bolitho swung round. "God in heaven!T

It was at that moment the oncoming merchantma[ fired a full broadside into the Miranda's unmanned sidO as she passed, the sound going on and on until iU reached the heart of every man in the convoy?

4 A TOTAL RESPONSIBILITd

EVEN AT two miles' range Bolitho saw the MirandZ give a violent shiver as the broadside swept acrosY her. It must have been aimed high, for as the smokO fanned away he saw the havoc left by the sudde[ onslaught, maintopmast gone, and most of her sailY ripped and punctured like rags in a gale?

He thrust himself from the nettings and noticed thaU the men near him were still standing like groups ob statues, or people so stricken they were unable to thin7 or respond?

He shouted, "Mr. Tyrrell! Beat to quarters and clea_ for action!" He gripped Bethune's arm, seeing hiY dazed expression as he added, "Run up the colours!T

A ship's boy seized his drum and began to beat ouU the staccato tattoo. The men on deck, and poised i[ the bows where they had waited to watch Miranda'Y swift victory, came alive and began to run to thei_ stations. But gone was the automatic movement ob men at drill, or the grim silence of old hands facing onO more battle. They hurried like those already toQ confused to act for a set purpose. Some cannoned intQ

one another, others stood momentarily at the wron^ gun, or groping with unfamiliar equipment until a petta officer kicked them away?

Bolitho looked at Buckle, trying to keep his tone leveT amidst the din around him. "Get the courses off he_ and set the t'gallants. There'll be enough risk of firO without having the canvas burn around our ears.T

Below the quarterdeck he heard the thud and ban^ of screens being torn down, a patter of feet as the boyY dashed from the magazine with powder for eacN waiting gun?

He made himself face the approaching shipsB knowing it was taking far too long to prepare for action? How near they looked. There was more gunfire, and hO saw smoke lifting and writhing between the vesselY making it impossible to know what was happening?

He held his breath as he saw the Miranda's yardY swinging above the smoke, and knew her captain waY trying to go about and run parallel with his attacker? Guns roared through the drifting fog, their long orangO tongues flashing above the churned water, some of thO balls whipping away over open sea, leaving viciouY spurts of spray to mark their progress?

Miranda was still edging round, her pockmarkeX sails flapping weakly as she began to swing past thO wind's eye. Her captain was either going to fight thO bigger ship gun to gun, or intended to slip past he_ stern and rake her with a broadside as he did so?

Bolitho heard someone groan as the enemy fireX into the smoke. Gun by gun down her hidden side, thO balls could almost be felt across the tumbling white1 horses?

It was superbly timed, catching the frigate even aY she was beginning to pass across the wind. ThO enemy was using langridge or chain-shot, for as thO slow broadside smashed home Bolitho saw thO Miranda's fore and mainmasts stagger and then begi[ to topple sideways into the smoke, the sails jerking tQ the bombardment. From a lithe and beautiful ship to Z crippled wreck, the Miranda was still trying to turn, he_ bow-chaser firing blindly, the ensign showing scarleU from her mizzen?

Tyrrell shouted wildly, "Cleared for action!T

Bolitho looked at him. "Load and run out, if yof please.T

The lieutenant stayed facing him, his eyes very brighU in the sunlight. "You ain't going to fight both of 'emB surely?T

"If necessary.T

Bolitho turned as more shots echoed and murmureX across the shortening distance. He saw the bri^ clawing away from the two larger ships, he_ maintopgallant leaning at a dangerous angle wherO Miranda's first balls had found their mark?

The planks vibrated under his shoes, and as the porU lids opened the Sparrow's eighteen guns squeakeX and rumbled towards the sunlight, the bare-backeX seamen slipping on sanded decks as they tried tQ keep in time to the shouted commands from thei_ captains?

Bolitho stared along the length of his ship witN something like despair. In moments now, all would bO finished. His ship, his precious Sparrow, would bO sharing the frigate's fate?

And it had all been so easy. It had happened sQ often in the past that the sight of a helplesY merchantman being harried by a well-armed privatee_

had not even aroused the faintest suspicion. NQ wonder the privateer's sails had been unmarked i[ their carefully staged battle. How the two America[ captains must have laughed when Miranda had swepU in to defend her own murderer?

He felt Stockdale breathing noisily beside him, thO sudden grip of the swordbelt around his waist?

He said huskily, "By God, sir, them's bad odds!T

"Deck there!" The masthead lookout had bee[ forgotten in the sight of disaster. "Miranda's goin' tQ grapple!" The unseen lookout gave a cracked cheer? "She's goin' to close with the bugger!T

Bolitho ran to the rail. The frigate was almost hidde[ by the heavier shape of the enemy ship, but he coulX tell from the set of her mizzen that she was indeeX lurching towards her attacker. Another crash of gunfirO made the smoke spout upwards between them, anX the frigate's remaining mast vanished in a welter ob rigging and ripped canvas. But Bolitho could see thO sudden activity on the enemy's gangways, the surge ob figures by her foremast, and pictured the battereX frigate heading her bows straight for the forecastle? Muskets cracked feebly across the water, and he sa/

the telltale flash of steel as the two vessels grounX momentarily together and the fight became hand tQ hand?

He grasped Tyrrell's arm and shouted, "Miranda'Y given us time!" He saw no understanding in his eyesB only disbelief. "If she can hold on, we will close with thO brig!T

He shaded his face against the glare and watcheX the brig as she swept down towards the two transports?

"She'll cross Golden Fleece's bows, and rake her aY she passes." He was shouting his thoughts aloud. "WO will wear ship directly, pass between the transportsB and return the compliment!T

Tyrrell bit his lip. "But we might collide with thd privateer, sir!T

Bolitho swung him round, pointing him at thO embattled ships?

"Do you want those lads to die for nothing, man?T He pushed him to the rail. "Now get ready to wea_ when I give the order!T

The brig was already dead ahead of Sparrow'Y

raked jib-boom, no more than a mile away. Aboard thO leading transport Bolitho could see smoke from Z solitary gun, although he saw no sign of a ball?

"Signal the transports to keep station, Mr. Bethune!T He repeated the order to break the midshipman froR his unmoving stance. "Lively!T

If either of the transports' captains lost his head no/ all would fail. The enemy would destroy or capture aU leisure. Even now there was little room for hope of ana kind?

And all of it, from the first hint of surprise to thiY moment, had been merely minutes?

He made himself walk aft towards the taffrail, hiY eyes passing over the crouching swivel gunners, thO two helmsmen at their unprotected wheel, Buckle grim1 faced and staring at the sails above. All of them?

He saw Raven, the new master's mate, watching hiR wretchedly, and paused to say, "You weren't to know? She was an Indiaman after all, but not, I fear, as shO was intended.T

Raven shook his head, so concerned with his failurO to recognise the enemy that he seemed oblivious tQ

the sporadic crash of cannon fire?

"I should've seen 'er, sir. But I saw what I expected tQ see, an' I'm powerful sorry on it after you givin' me Z chance to better meself.T

Bolitho smiled, feeling his lips cracking with thO effort?

"And I will expect you to do even better this day, Mr? Raven!T

He strode aft, hands behind his back, the new sworX flapping against his thigh?

Buckle pursed his lips in a silent whistle. "He's Z calm one. Death coming up the hawse an' he jusU walks about like he was enjoying himself.T

Behind the fixed smile Bolitho continued to pace thO deck, his ears pitched above the gunfire to catch thO news that the brig had reached the first transport. If he_ captain saw through his frail plan it would be pointlesY to continue with it. He would either have to run awaa from the fight and carry Miranda's important news tQ the admiral, or stay and await the final meeting with thO converted Indiaman. A few of the Miranda's guns werO

still firing here and there, their muzzles almosU overlapping those of the other ship. Between decks iU must be a slaughterhouse, he thought despairingly?

Tyrrell shouted, "Brig's crossing her bows!T

Sharper explosions echoed over the water, anX Bolitho knew the brig was firing her starboard battera as she ran easily across the transport's bowsprit? Before she had vanished beyond Golden Fleece'Y great bulk he saw the American flag whipping jauntila from her gaff, the sudden stab of musket fire from he_ low deck as sharpshooters practised their aim?

Now." Bolitho sliced the air. "Wear ship!T

As the helm went over and along the Sparrow'Y crowded decks the men threw themselves on thO braces, the hull seemed to stagger violently under thO shock. Blocks screamed, and above the decks thO great yards creaked round with such speed thaU Bolitho could feel the whole fabric shaking in protest? But nothing carried away, and as she heeled steeply tQ take the wind under her stern the sails lifted then filleX to its thrust?

Bolitho cupped his hands. "Mr. Graves! Engage witN

the larboard guns first! You will point the thirty-two1 pounder yourself" He saw Graves nod beforO vanishing beneath the forecastle in the direction of thO bow-chaser?

How fast she was moving, despite both her courseY being brailed up to the yards for fear of fire when thO guns started to engage. The maintopgallant seemed tQ bend forward, the masthead pendant flicking straighU out towards the bows as if to point the way?

Already the jib-boom must be crossing the leadin^ transport's quarter, and to starboard Bolitho saw thO second one, Bear, altering course slightly as if fearfuT of a collision with the sloop which was dashing acrosY her path?

More shots came from beyond the first transportB and he saw smoke funnelling down her hull to mark thO brig's progress?

From forward came the cry, "Thar she be! On thd larboard bow!T

The Sparrow's unexpected appearance between thO two transports seemed to have caught the brig'Y captain totally by surprise. The privateer was passin^

down the transport's side, about a cable clear, he_ yards braced round to hold her on a starboard tack?

Bolitho yelled, "We'll cross the enemy's hawse anX rake him as we go!" He saw some of his men starin^ at him from their guns, faces strained and confused? He drew his sword and held it over his head. "As yof bear, lads! Make each ball strike home!T

The brig was barely half a cable away, her bowspriU pointing at right angles towards Sparrow's figurehead? The distance seemed to be failing away at Z tremendous speed, and Bolitho knew that if he haX misjudged it, or if the wind chose this instant to dropB the enemy would drive into the sloop's side like Z battering ram and split her seams wide open?

The big thirty-two-pounder in the bows broke thO spell, the crash of the explosion transmitting itselb through the deck until it reached Bolitho's feet. He sa/ the brig's shrouds slashed open, the whirl of brighU wood splinters as the ball ploughed into her tiereX boats. Then gun by gun down Sparrow's side thO broadside continued, with Graves bursting into thO smoky sunlight, waving his sword and yelling orders tQ each crew in succession?

Frantically the enemy captain tried to wear ship anX follow Sparrow's onrushing charge. Unable to get he_ own guns to bear, and with most of the forward shroudY and rigging hanging like black weed above her deckB the brig was staggering drunkenly under the well1 aimed barrage?

Then with the helm over and some wind still alive i[ the torn sails the brig finally came under command? Here and there a gun banged out, but in their haste thO privateers were firing haphazardly into the whirlin^ smoke?

"Load and run out!" Tyrrell was yelling above the din? "Roundly!T

Bolitho shouted, "Don't wait for a broadside! LeU each captain fire whenever he has loaded!" It waY useless to expect these men to keep on firing as Z team once they, too, were under the enemy's metal?

Graves rasped, "Sponge out, you stupid bugger!T He had to drag a dazed man to the rear of his gun? "Are you mad?" He pushed the luckless seama[ towards the gun captain. "I'll put you in ironY ifIseeyou...T

Bolitho did not hear the rest of it. The brig was slowla edging round until she was lying almost diagonalla across the larboard quarter. Smoke fanned dow[ around him and he felt musket balls thudding into thO deck planks, the maniac whine as one ricocheted froR a swivel gun just feet away?

Stockdale said desperately, "Keep on the move, sir0 Them buggers'll mark you down else!T

Bolitho stared at him, knowing his own face was seU in a wild grin. It never failed to amaze him that it was sQ easy to lose control and reason once a battle haX begun. Later perhaps ... He shook himself. TherO would be no later when they closed with the bigge_ ship?

He yelled, "They are shooting blind, Stockdale!" HO waved his sword around the quarterdeck. None of thO officers had found time to get their uniform coats o_ hats and like himself were dressed only in shirts anX breeches, and those were already grimy with driftin^ powder-smoke. "See? They can take their pick of uY today!T

A seaman at the mizzen braces gave a terriblO scream and was hurled on to his side by the force of Z

musket ball. Blood spurted from his chest, and as hO rolled about in agony Bolitho called, "See to that manB Mr. Bethune!" When the midshipman hesitated, hiY face like chalk under the freckles, he added harshlyB "Your mother is at home, boy, so you can weep alonO after you have done your . duty!T

Bethune dropped to his knees, his breecheY spattered with the blood, but his face suddenla determined as the dying sailor groped for his hand?

Buckle yelled, "The Yankee will try to work acrosY our stern, sir!T

Bolitho nodded. There was nothing else the enema could do. With most of his sails damaged by canno[ fire, and already overreached by Sparrow's maddeneX attack through the transports, the brig's captain musU either try to cross astern or tack and risk his own pooS coming under fire?

He snapped, "We will wear ship, Mr. Buckle. Lay he_ to the larboard tack and follow the brig round, nose tQ tail!T

He was still grinning, but could feel his mouth ra/ with tension as once again the men hurled themselveY

on the braces, their smoke-grimed bodies glistening i[ the glare as they angled back above the deck, thei_ eyes on the yards above them?

"Helm a'lee!" Buckle was adding his own weight tQ the wheel?

Bolitho watched the bowsprit swinging, heard thO immediate crash of guns as Graves directed his newla loaded battery towards the other ship?

Through the dense gunsmoke Bolitho saw the murka shape of the leading transport, now some two cableY away?

"Steady as you go, Mr. Buckle!" A ball whimpereX overhead, and when he glanced up he saw a neat holO in the centre of the big spanker. "Keep station o[ Golden Fleece, she is better than any compass today!T

He winced as the hull jumped once, twice and yeU again, as some enemy shots smashed into it. But thO brig was in a bad way, and she was drifting stern-firstB her complete foremast dragging over the side like Z fallen tree. Men were working in the wreckage, axeY flashing, while others continued to fire and reload thO guns as before?

"Steady, sir! Nor'-west by north!T

Bolitho raised his sword, his eyes narrowed againsU the reflected sunlight as he watched the brig swingin^ drunkenly on the tow of fallen spars?

"Easy!" The sword held the sunlight. "Easy, lads!T Not a gun fired, and along the deck only at thO weapons not yet reloaded was there any sort ob movement?

Another ball slammed into the lower hull, anX somewhere a man screamed in torment as he waY clawed down by flying splin- te rs?

The sun was shining into his eyes now, and througN the drifting smoke he saw the outline of the brig'Y tattered maintopsail, the glint of glass as she helplessla presented her stern?

"Fire as you bear!T

Driven by the wind, the smoke came funnellin^ inboard through port after port as Graves ran along thO gun deck, his voice cracking from the strain of shoutin^ directions?

A shadow passed briefly above the smoke, anX

through the din Bolitho heard the splintering crash of Z complete mast failing, and guessed it had bee[ sheared off between decks by the Sparrow's mercilesY bombardment?

Then as the Sparrow forged ahead once more hO heard cheering and knew it was from the Golde[ Fleece. As wind drove the smoke apart he saw thO brig very clearly and someone on her splintered dec7 waving the flag in surrender. Mastless, and with he_ stern gouged open by the slow broadside, she waY little better than a hulk. Within her small hull he_ company must have been savagely mauled?

Tyrrell was staring at it, his eyes bright witN concentration, and by his side Heyward was almosU jumping up and down, his voice half choked by smoke?

Then, almost before the Sparrow's dazed compana could feel the taste of their conquest, the air waY blasted apart with one deafening explosion. SparsB complete sections of timber and deck planking, alT whirled above an angry scarlet core, and across thO water a shock wave rolled towards the sloop like Z miniature typhoon. When the smoke and flyin^ fragments subsided there was nothing to show of thO privateer but for a few pieces of charred flotsam anX

an upended jolly boat which was miraculousla undamaged. A sudden spark, an upended lantern, o_ someone so crazed in the horror between thO shattered decks that he had ignited a fuse, the brig'Y end was terrible in its completeness?

Bolitho said, "Get the maincourse on her, Mr. Tyrrell0 We must make haste to assist Miranda." He waiteX until Tyrrell had brought the stunned seamen to thei_ senses, his voice hoarse through his speakin^ trumpet, and then added, "They will know that we ca[ still sell our lives dearly.T

It took little time to overhaul the Golden Fleece anX to see the two embattled ships about a mile distant? They had drifted in the fury of combat, their hullY masked in smoke, through which the flash of muskeU fire, the occasional glare of a swivel, were clear to see?

The frigate was listing against her heavier adversaryB like a hulk already dead, and without using a glasY Bolitho could see that the fighting had spread dow[ across the fore deck as more boarders hacked thei_ way between the grappled ships?

"We will go about, Mr. Tyrrell. Lay her on thO starboard tack once we have gained some room anX

prepare to engage with the other battery.T

He bit his lip to steady his racing thoughts. A quic7 glance aloft told him that the masthead pendant waY lifting as firmly as ever. The wind was steady froR south-southwest?

"Pass the word for Mr. Graves to lay aft.T

When the lieutenant arrived, his face gaunt witN fatigue, Bolitho said, "I want the starboard bow-chase_ to keep firing at the enemy. As soon as we have gonO about I'll expect it to concentrate on that ship, no matte_ what.T

Buckle called, "Ready on th' quarterdeck, sir.T

Bolitho nodded. "Put the helm down, if you please.T

"Helm a'lee, sir!T

Tyrrell was already bellowing through his trumpetB and forward the seamen were leaping like demons aU the headsail sheets, and with canvas flapping thO Sparrow started to swing into the wind?

"Man the braces!T

Bolitho gripped the rail, his eyes smarting as the su[ lanced between the shrouds?

"Heave there! With all your weight!T

Across the wind and still further round, the yardY groaning in unison. Then as the sails refilled and laiX the deck over in the opposite angle he watched thO distant ships edging very slowly between the foremasU shrouds as if caught in a giant web?

"Steady, Mr. Buckle! Hold her!T

He paced a few steps this way and that, aware thaU Tyrrell was urging the men at the braces to trim thO yards still further, that the dead seaman had gone froR the quarterdeck, and that Ben Garby, the carpenterB with his mates, was slithering through the after hatch tQ inspect the damage there. Aware of all this and moreB yet not a part of it as he had once been?

"Steady, sir! Full an' bye!T

He nodded, his mind busy with the two ships? Closehauled it would take thirty minutes to reach themB maybe more. Miranda was almost overrun by enema boarders. Outnumbered from the start, she would havO lost many good men in that first savage broadside?

"Fire!T

As the muffled cry came from forward he saw thO puff of smoke beneath the starboard cathead, felt thO sharp convulsion as the thirty-two-pounder crasheX inboard on its tackles. He snatched up a glass anX saw the ball plunge close to the enemy's hull, throwin^ up a tall waterspout?

Heyward muttered hoarsely, "Near!T

Bolitho looked away. The big ex-Indiaman mounteX anything up to forty guns, at a guess. She could finisN Sparrow, if ever she could bring her artillery to bearB with even a badly aimed broadside. Less?

Bang. Another ball crashed away from the bow1 chaser, and he watched the feathers of spray liftin^ from wave to wave until it plunged hard alongside thO other ship?

They should hear us and see we are coming. HO tried to clear his brain. What should he do? Signal thO transports to run? No. They were helplessly overlade[ and slow. It would merely prolong their agony?

Overhead, the spanker cracked noisily, and BucklO

cursed it before allowing the helm to be eased stilT further?

Bolitho knew without looking that sailing so close tQ the wind was cutting away his chances of reaching thO ships in time to help?

Someone walked past him. It was Bethune, his armY hanging at his sides, his breeches covered with dar7 blood blotches and a smear where the seaman'Y fingers had made their last agonised grip on this earth? Bolitho stared at him?

"Mr. Bethune!" He saw the youth jump. "Come here!T

He walked to the rail and back again. It was worth a[ attempt. Anything was now. If they arrived alongsidO after Miranda had struck to the enemy, Sparrow'Y decks would be as red as the flag above his head?

The midshipman waited. "Sir?T

"Make this signal at once." He rested his hand o[ Bethune's plump shoulder. He could feel the ski[ through his shirt. Like ice, in spite of the sun?

"Signal, sir?" He stared up at him as if he haX misheard. Or his captain had gone mad?

"Yes. To Miranda. Sail in sight to the nor'-east!" HO tightened his grip. "Then move yourself?T

Bethune fled, calling shrilly for his assistants, anX within a minute the bright signal flags broke to thO wind, while Tyrrell stared from them to Bolitho, first witN incredulity and then with slow understanding?

Buckle said, "There's few poor devils'll see thaU aboard Miranda.T

Tyrrell was studying Bolitho. "No. But th' privatee_ will. He might just think that a patrol from th' squadro[ has come to join th' fight!T

Bolitho waited until Graves's bow-chaser had fireX yet again and said, "It is all we can do at present.T

Minutes dragged by like hours, and then as a frea7 downdraught of wind swept across the two snareX ships Bolitho caught his breath. A thin shaft of lighU where there had been none. Then a glint of water? Wider still, as the ships drifted apart and the bi^ privateer set her foresail and jib to work clear. The[ Miranda was quite separate, the water between he_ and the other ship dotted with wreckage and tor[ canvas, where here and there a man thrashed to staa

afloat amidst a litter of bobbing corpses?

A ragged cheer came up from Sparrow's gun deckB and several ran to the gangways to watch while thO enemy spread more canvas and lengthened her outlinO against the wind?

Tyrrell's grin froze as Bolitho snapped, "Keep thosO men silent!" He realised he was still holding his swordB that his hand was aching with the force of his grip? "Look yonder, Mr. Tyrrell. There's no call for cheers thiY day.T

Tyrrell turned to stare at the Miranda's dark shape? The rising clouds of smoke as her remaining handY quenched fires and groped amidst the wreckage ob their ship. As Sparrow drew closer they could see thO thin tendrils of scarlet which ran from her scuppers, thO great pitted holes along every part of her hull?

"Pass the word for Mr. Tilby to prepare boats fo_ lowering. Call the surgeon and send him with them.T Bolitho hardly recognised his own voice. Clipped, dullB inhuman. "Then shorten sail and get the t'gallants ofb her. We will stand under Miranda's lee for the present.T

He ignored the rush of feet as Tilby's men dashed tQ

the boat shackles. He saw Graves walking aft towardY the quarterdeck, wiping his face and chest with a weU rag. Above the activity the sails were still drawing wellB but there were plenty of holes which would neeX attention before nightfall. A few stays and halyardY were broken, and he knew the hull had been hit severaT times on or near the waterline. But the pumps soundeX normal enough. She was taking it like a veteran?

Dalkeith came hurrying up the ladder, his heavy ba^ gripped against his chest, face streaming witN exertion?

"How many, Mr. Dalkeith?" Again he heard his ow[ voice as a stranger's?

The plump surgeon was staring at the frigate, hiY eyes dull. "Two killed, sir. Five wounded by splinters.T

Bolitho tried to recall the man who was killed by hiY side. Manners. That was his name?

He said, "Manners. Who was the other?T

"Yelverton, sir. He was killed by a ball at thO foremast." He looked down. "Took his head off.T

Graves was halfway up the ladder but recoiled aY

Bolitho said, "Yelverton. Did you hear that, Mr. GravesU The one man who kept his senses when all otherY were too blind to see the truth. The one you wanted tQ flog?" He turned away. "Well, he'll not trouble yof further, Mr. Graves. Nor we him.T

Blindly he saw Stockdale watching from the foot ob the mizzen mast. "Call away the gig. I will visit Captai[ Selby and see what must be done.T

"Aye, sir.T

Stockdale glanced back at him as he hurried to thO boat tier. He had never seen Bolitho so stricken or sQ moved before. And for once he did not know what tQ do to help?

Bolitho entered his cabin and unbuckled his sworX before throwing it on to the bench seat below thO windows. Fitch and a young seaman were busa replacing the furniture, and another was mopping awaa smoke stains from the low deckhead. For in actio[ even the captain's quarters were not spared. With thO hasty removal of screens the cabin became a[ extension of the gun deck, and on either side of it waY a squat twelve-pounder, now once again hidden ba discreet chintz covers?

He stared at the nearest gun, his eyes blurred witN strain. A woman's touch. Then he turned abruptly tQ face Tyrrell and Grave who had followed him into thO cabin upon his return from the crippled Miranda?

His mind was so filled with questions anX suppositions, his brain so wracked by the sights anX sounds aboard the frigate, that for a moment he waY unable to speak at all?

Beyond the bulkhead he could hear the steady thuX of hammers, the rasp of saws as the ship's compana continued work on repairs. After a full hour aboard thO Miranda he had returned to find his own commanX settling down to the task of making good the damagO from their encounter with the privateer with such orderla dedication that he had been unable to compare thO scene with what he had just left. The sailmaker and hiY mates had already replaced the punctured canvas, anX with their needles and palms flashing in the sunlighU covered every foot of deck space as they patched thO others sent down from the yards?

Garby, the carpenter, had greeted him at the entra port and had told him that the brig's gunnery had noU been too damaging. Two shot holes below thO waterline which his men were already plugging, anX

several others which he would repair before sunset? Garby had spoken quickly, professionally, as if like thO rest he was unwilling to think about the Miranda anX the fate which could have been theirs?

Graves was the first to break the silence?

"All guns secured, sir. No damage to tackles o_ ports." He dropped his eyes under Bolitho's unmovin^ stare. "Better'n we could have hoped.T

Tyrrell asked quietly, "How was it, sir?T

Bolitho let himself drop into a chair and thrust out hiY legs in front of him. The breeches were black witN powder stains and his climb up the frigate's side. Ho/ was it? Once again he saw the pictures of death anX horror, the few uninjured men who were trying even no/ to put the frigate to rights. Smoke stains and greaU patches of drying blood, gaping corpses littereX amongst the fallen spars and broken planking. It was Z miracle that Miranda was still able to keep afloat?

He said, "They hope to get a jury rig hoisted ba sometime tomorrow. Provided the wind doesn't get upB or the pumps foul, they will obtain steerage way." HO rubbed his eyes with his knuckles, feeling thO

weariness enclosing him like a vice. "Some of thO wounded will be transferred to the transports directly? There they will have more room to recover.T

He tried again to shut the agony from his mind. Me[ so badly mutilated by splinters that they should bO dead already. Midshipmen and even seamen i[ charge of repairs because of the carnage on thO quarterdeck. He had found the frigate's first lieutenanU supervising the recovery of the mizzen topmast whe[ he had climbed aboard. The man had had one arm i[ a sling and his forehead had looked as if it had bee[ laid open by a hot iron?

Graves breathed out very slowly. "They did welT against such odds.T

"Yes.T

Bolitho wanted to get them out of the cabin. Seal thO door and shut them away from his uncertainty?

Tyrell said, "I've passed th' word around th' ship, sir. ] think our people know how satisfied you ...T

Bolitho's tone made him fall back. "Satisfied?" HO lurched to his feet. "If you feel cause for complacencyB Mr. Tyrrell, then please contain it!" He moved to thO

windows and back again. "I have seen it for myself? Our people are not moved by a sense of victory. Thea are relieved, and nothing deeper than that! Thankful tQ be spared a similar mauling, and all too eager tQ overlook their own shortcomings!T

Tyrrell said quickly, "But that's a mite unfair, surely.T

"You think so?" He sank down at the table, his ange_ spent. "Raven had the measure of it. He saw what hO expected to see, as did Captain Selby in Miranda. AnX like you, Mr. Tyrrell, our people thought that fighting a[ enemy was just an extension of drill, a few cuts and Z few curses, and all would be well. Perhaps we havO been too victorious in the past and have bee[ overreached by this newer kind of warfare.T

There was another silence, so that the hammerin^ somewhere deep in the hull became insistent, and tQ Bolitho suddenly urgent?

Graves asked, "What will we do now, sir?" HO sounded wary?

Bolitho faced them gravely. "Captain Selby is dead? Killed in the first broadside.T

He walked to the quarter windows and stareX towards the drifting frigate. Without effort he coulX picture the wounded first lieutenant, the man who haX somehow fought his ship alongside the enemy? Knowing it was all he could do despite the cripplin^ losses and damage already suffered. Now, without Z single lieutenant, aided by a mere handful of junio_ warrant officers, he was doing his utmost to repair thO ship. To get her to safety before the sea or an enema found him again?

In the shattered chaos of Selby's cabin he haX unlocked the safe and handed Bolitho the despatcheY without hesitation. Even now that he was back in hiY own cabin he found it hard to believe. Junio_ command, and then, almost in the twinkling of an eyeB he was to shoulder the total responsibility for them all? Colquhoun and Maulby were beyond reach. And Selba was dead. He had seen his corpse on the splintereX quarterdeck, pinned beneath an upended nine1 pounder, one hand still clutching his sword like Z useless talisman?

Tyrrell's voice made him turn towards them again?

"Then you are in command, sir?T

The lieutenants were watching him intently, thei_ faces showing both doubt and apprehension?

Bolitho nodded slowly. "We will continue with thO transports before dusk. After we have ferried thO Miranda's wounded across to them and done what wO can for their own ship." He tried not to think of thO endless problems which lay ahead. "When we havO made contact with the squadron as ordered we wilT proceed with the despatches to the Commander-in1 Chief.T

He let his eyes stray around the cabin. All at once iU was smaller, the sloop more vulnerable?

"And Miranda, sir?" Tyrrell's tone was hushed?

Bolitho kept his voice level and without emotionB knowing that if he showed them even for an instant, hiY true feelings, they would lose what small faith they stilT retained?

"Her people will do what they must. We cannot staa with her, nor would they wish it.T

Spray pattered against the thick windows. The winX was already freshening slightly?

Tyrrell licked his lips, his eyes distant as he stareX towards the dismasted frigate?

Bolitho added, "That will be all. Keep the handY working until the last minute.T

The two lieutenants, in their filthy shirts anX breeches, turned and left the cabin without anothe_ word?

Bolitho looked at Fitch and said, "You may go, too. ] wish to think.T

When Fitch and his helpers had gone he rested hiY head in his hands and allowed his body to sway witN the ship's uncomfortable motion?

Tyrrell probably thought him heartless for leaving thO other ship without company or aid. Graves, too, woulX no doubt be finding plenty of fuel for his own personaT fires?

He stood up, fighting back the tiredness and strainB knowing he must not heed nor care about thei_ considerations. They were in a war which for too lon^ they had only skirted like spectators. If learn they mustB it were better to be done at once?

Then he recalled the Miranda's lieutenant, thO bitterness in his voice as he had described the action? He was able to add little to what Bolitho already kne/ and guessed. But for one thing, the name of the bi^ privateer. Bonaventure. It was a name he would noU forget?

There was a tap at the door. It was Lock, his facO dark with gloom as he began to recount a list of storeY damaged in the brief fight with the brig?

Bolitho faced him and said quietly, "Now let me havO a full list, Mr. Lock, and I will give you my opinion.T

It was useless to think of what had passed. He waY alone now, and only the future, like the next horizonB had any true meaning for him?

5 ALL THE LUCK ..8

"GUARDBOAT approaching, sir!T

Bolitho nodded. "Very well.T

He had already seen it, but was concentratin^ instead on the overlapping lines of anchored ships, thO

nearest of which, a two-decker, wore a rear-admiral'Y flag at her mizzen?

Then he took a quick glance along the busy gu[ deck, the preparations to drop anchor for the first timO since leaving Antigua. It was ten days since they haX watched the Miranda's battered outline fall further anX further astern until they had lost it altogether. Days ob fretting impatience as they repeatedly shortened sail tQ keep station on the two transports. And when at lasU they had found a frigate of the inshore squadron thea had received not freedom but yet another unexplaineX leg to the journey. Sparrow would not hand over he_ charge of the transports, nor would she close with thO shore to supervise their unloading. Instead she was tQ proceed with all dispatch to New York. The frigate'Y captain had been impatient to be away and had merela sent a midshipman across to Sparrow with his orders? From what little he had discovered, Bolitho gathereX the frigate had been waiting and patrolling for threO weeks in order that his message could be passed o[ to the convoy and had no wish to be involved further?

He shifted his gaze to the guardboat, rocking gentla in the offshore swell, a large blue flag lifting and curlin^ from her bows to mark where the sloop should anchor?

The wheel creaked as Buckle passed his directionY to the helmsmen, and forward on the beakheadB framed against the glittering water, he saw GraveY waiting for the command to anchor. He heard someonO laugh and saw the two transports idling awkwardla towards another anchorage, their yards alive with me[ as they shortened sail?

Dalkeith saw him turn and remarked, "Glad to seO the back of 'em, eh, sir?" He mopped his face with Z handkerchief. "They've been with us so long I felt wO were towing the beasts.T

The gunner climbed halfway up the ladder anX called, "Permission to begin the salute, sir?T

Bolitho nodded. "If you please, Mr. Yule." He turneX away, knowing that but for the gunner's request hO would have forgotten all about it in his concern for whaU would happen next?

While the Sparrow continued easily towards thO guardboat, her canvas clewed up but for topsails anX jib, the air shook to the regular bang of cannon fire aY she paid her respects to the rear-admiral's flag?

Bolitho wanted to take Bethune's big telescope anX

study the other ships, but guessed too many glasseY would now be on him. His natural curiosity might bO seen as uncertainty, or the apprehension of a youn^ commander approaching an unfamiliar anchorage? Instead he made himself walk a few paces along thO weather side, noting with satisfaction that the nettingY were neatly filled with hammocks and every unuseX line and halliard was either belayed or flaked down o[ the decks. Of their clash with the brig there was little o_ no visible sign. The ten days had been well used tQ replace woodwork and apply fresh paint?

Tyrrell was standing at the rail, a speaking trumpeU under one arm. In his blue coat and cocked hat hO seemed unfamiliar again, a stranger, like the day hO had come into the cabin after his visit to the flagship?

The last wisp of gunsmoke drifted forward above thO anchor party, and he concentrated his attention on thO last half cable of distance. The other ships werO spread out on either bow and looked impressiveB indestructible?

He raised one hand slowly. "Lee braces, Mr. Tyrrell? Hands wear ship!T

Why then was he so apprehensive? Perhaps thO

frigate's curt orders had hidden something deeper? HO tried to disregard it. After all, he had been sick to deatN of the slow passage with the transports, so how mucN worse it must have been for the solitary frigate?

Tyrrell's voice brought a screaming chorus from thO circling gulls which had been with them for severaT days?

"Tops'l sheets!" He was squinting into the sunlightB watching the darting figures high above the deck? "Tops'l clew lines! Roundly does it, lads!T

Bethune's voice cut across the shouted orders anX the flapping crack of canvas?

"From Flag to Sparrow, sir. Repair on board.T

Bolitho nodded. "Acknowledge." The admiral did noU believe in wasting time?

"Helm a'lee!T

Gently, easily, the Sparrow turned her jib-boom intQ the wind, her sails vanishing as the topmen vied witN each other to fist the unruly canvas under control?

"Let go!T

From forward came a brief splash as the ancho_ plunged to the bottom, and before Graves had turneX to signal the quarterdeck Tilby, the boatswain, waY already urging the boatlowerers to sway out the gig?

Tyrrell came aft and touched his hat. "I hope you geU good news, sir?

"Thank you.T

Bolitho wondered what it must be like for Tyrrell. HO was back off his own coastline. Sandy Hook. He musU have sailed this way many times in his father'Y schooner. But there was nothing on his features tQ betray whatever he was thinking. The usual controlleX respect which he had shown since the battle?

Tyrrell had not spared himself in his efforts to get thO damage repaired. He had a manner which at firsU glance seemed easy going, even casual, but there waY no doubting his ability, or the edge of his tongue ib someone was foolish enough to mistake his attitudO for weakness?

"I doubt that I will be long in the flagship." BolithQ watched the gig's crew tumbling down the side?

"Th' admiral may ask you to take lunch, sir." Tyrrell'Y eyes crinkled in a rare smile. "I gather th' old Parthia[ is known for a good table.T

Stockdale called, "Gig's ready, sir.T

Bolitho looked at Tyrrell. "Make arrangements fo_ taking in fresh water and casks. I have told Mr. Lock tQ see what he can do about fruit.T

Tyrrell followed him to the entry port where the sidO party were assembled?

He hesitated and then asked quietly, "If you coulX find out anything about ..." He shrugged. "But then ] guess you'll be too busy, sir.T

Bolitho ran his eye over the nearby seamen. Had hO learned anything about them since he had take[ command? Did he even know what they thought ob himU

He replied, "I will do what I can. Perhaps your fathe_ has sent some message for you.T

Tyrrell was still staring after him as he clambereX into the boat, his ears ringing to the squeal of pipes?

When Bolitho climbed up through the Parthian'Y gilded entry port and doffed his hat to the quarterdec7 he was immediately reminded of the Trojan, the life hO had so recently left behind. All the old smells and sightY came crowding back, and he marvelled that he haX forgotten so much in so brief a time?

A lieutenant guided him to the flag captain's cabi[ and relieved him of the despatches and a bag ob letters which Miranda had brought from England?

He said, "The admiral will read these first, sir." HiY eyes moved swiftly over Bolitho's new uniform coat? Searching perhaps for the same old answer. Why hiR and not meU

The admiral did not send for him for a full hourB although it felt twice as long. To avoid repeatedla examining his watch he made himself listen to thO sounds around and above him. The old, familiar noiseY of a teeming community encased in one great hull. IU took little imagination to hear Captain Pears's harsN voice complaining, "Mr. Bolitho! Are you aware that thO weather forebrace is as slack as a sow's tail? 'Pon ma soul, you'll have to do better if you wish to makO something of yourselflT

He was smiling ruefully when the lieutenant returneX and without further ceremony led him aft to the greaU cabin?

Sir Evelyn Christie, Rear-Admiral of the Red, anX commanding the Inshore Squadron, was fanning hiY face with a napkin, and after a searching examinatio[ of Bolitho's general appearance said, "A glass ob claret, Commander." He did not wait for an answer buU gestured to his servant, a splendid-looking man i[ scarlet jacket and brilliant yellow breeches?

"I was somewhat surprised to see your name affixeX to the report." The admiral's eyes were fastened on thO claret, as if daring the servant to spill even a drip. "Yof say in it that Ransome died of fever." He took a glasY and examined it critically. "Damn good job, if you as7 me. Young popinjay. Too much money and no dam[ integrity." Ransome disposed of he continued calmly, "] expect you're concerned about the change of plansB eh?T

Bolitho felt a chair nudge the back of his legs anX realised the silent servant had somehow managed tQ arrange a glass of claret on a small table, fetch a chairB and all without apparently moving or uttering a sound?

The admiral scowled. "Take no notice. The man's Z fool." He added sharply, "Well?T

Bolitho replied, "I was expecting to ...T

Rear-Admiral Christie interrupted, "Yes. I imaginO you were." He paused, his head on one side like a[ irritable bird. "The claret. Well?T

"Very good, Sir Evelyn.T

"Hmm." The admiral seated himself carefully on Z gilt chair. "Took it off a blockade runner last month? Palatable.T

Something metallic crashed across a deck beyonX the bulkhead and he snapped savagely, "Go and telT the officer of the watch, with my compliments, that if ] hear one more unseemly sound during this interview ] will personally take him to task!T

The servant fled from the cabin and the admiral gavO a slow smile?

"Keep them jumping. That's the answer. Don't givO 'em too much time to think.T

In the very next breath he changed the tack yeU

again?

"Fact is, Bolitho, things are not going too well. Than7 God you at least are a man who knows how to abidO by the letter of his orders. In your place I might havO said to hell with waiting around for some damn patroT to find out what was happening. I might even havO gone so far as to take those transports direct to thO army?

Bolitho stiffened. It sounded genuine enough, buU perhaps the admiral was merely hinting at a criticism? Maybe he thought he should have made straight for thO exact rendezvous, used his initiative instead of actin^ as he had?

The admiral's next words changed that?

"You were not to know, of course, but the army is i[ the process of evacuating Philadelphia. Failing back.T He looked down at the empty glass. "Sounds bette_ than a retreat, but it amounts to the same?

Bolitho was stunned. Reverses he could accept? This war was so extended, the areas so vast and littlO known, that no plan of battle of the old style could bO expected. But to quit Philadelphia, the vital commanX

garrison of the Delaware, was unthinkable. In spite ob his caution he said, "Surely that was unnecessary, sirU I thought we had destroyed all the American forts anX outposts on the Delaware last year.T

The admiral eyed him shrewdly. "That was last yearB before Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga. The wholO of this area is overrun with bands of raiders and enema informers." He threw open the chart. "With ma squadron I must patrol and keep watch over the wholO three hundred miles of coastline, from New York dow[ to Cape Henry on Chesapeake Bay. It is a labyrinth? Inlets and rivers, coves and hiding places where yof could fail to sight a three-decker at a mile's range. AnX every day the sea teems with shipping. From the northB and as far south as the Spanish Main and Caribbean? Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, and most of'em intent o[ slipping past my patrols with stores and guns for thO enemy?

He poured two more glasses of claret?

"However, now that you have brought thesO despatches we are aware of the extent of our dangers? The French are out in the open at last. I have alreada sent word to the Commander-in-Chief and all senio_ officers here.T

He smiled. "You did well, Bolitho. No one could havO expected so newly appointed a commander to act aY you did.T

"Thank you, sir.T

Bolitho thrust away the opposite side of the picture. Ib he had sailed with the rich transports into an enema trap, the admiral would have spoken very differently?

"Pity about Miranda. We are cruelly short ob frigates.T

"About the Bonaventure, sir, I was wondering ...T

"You are a man who does a lot of wondering." ThO admiral continued to smile. "Not too bad a fault i[ some. I knew your father. I hope he is well?" He did noU wait for or expect an answer. He hurried on, "I aR drafting fresh orders for you. The military, in their hasteB unfortunately allowed an headquarters company tQ become lost." He added dryly, "Between ourselves, IB too, have done a certain amount of wondering. AbouU some of our military colleagues ashore. Some, or so iU would appear, did not obtain the necessary brains tQ match their appointments.T

He gave an elaborate sigh. "But then, who am I tQ judge? We are fortunate. We carry our homes, ou_ manner of existence, around with us like sea-turtles. IU is hard to compare that with some wretcheX infantryman, loaded down with pack and musketB footsore and half starved. He has to contend with livin^ off the land, fighting shadows, being shot at ba American woodsmen as well as coming to grips witN well-trained troops.T

Bolitho watched him curiously. On the face of it thO admiral was nothing out of the ordinary, no more tha[ you would expect of one backed up by his power anX authority. But his features certainly hid a razor-sharS mind, the way he could throw it around from one aspecU to the next without losing sight of anything?

"What about the Bonaventure, by the way?T

"She's big and fast, sir." Bolitho readjusted his minX again. "At least forty guns and well handled. I am surO she was the one which followed us, yet was well able tQ outsail us when the time came." He waited, but thO admiral's face was a mask. "A match for any frigate.T

"Point taken. I will make inquiries about he_ pedigree." He opened his watch. "I want you to saiT

today and find that missing company of foot-soldierY before they are captured.T

Bolitho stared at him. "But, sir, I have my orders.T

"Ah, yes." He bobbed his head. "Now you havO mine, eh?T

Bolitho sank back in the chair, "Yes, sir.T

"I neglected to mention that the soldiers arO transporting gold bullion. God knows the exact amountB I find it difficult on occasions to crack the military minX into precise details. But it is a great deal. Fortunes ob war, army pay, booty, whatever it is, you may be sure iU is valuable." He smiled. "It has a complete general witN it!T

Bolitho swallowed the claret in one gulp?

"A general, sir?T

"No less. Take care, he is well connected, and noU given to much tolerance." He continued evenly, "You_ arrival is a godsend. I have only one small bri^ available, and I was loath to send her.T

Bolitho stayed silent. Lose her, was probably whaU

he really meant?

"Arrangements have been made for some arma scouts to accompany you, and a small detachment iY already trying to make contact with the missin^ company." He paused before saying quietly, "You wilT be under the instruction of one Colonel Foley. HO knows the area well, so you must abide by hiY experience.T

"I understand, sir.T

"Good. I will have your written orders sent to yof without delay." Another glance at the watch. "I wilT expect you to be ready to weigh before dusk.T

"May I ask where I am to go, sir?T

"You may not. It will be clear in your orders. I do noU want the whole of New York to learn of it yet. GeneraT Washington has many friends here, just as we havO many who are waiting to change sides if things gQ badly for us.T

He held out his hand. It was over?

"Take care, Bolitho, England will need all her sons ib she is to survive, let alone win this damn war. But if yof

succeed in this venture you will be more than able tQ face whatever lies ahead. You can rejoin your ow[ squadron with much more than seniority to your credit.T

In something like a daze Bolitho found his way to thO entry port, his mind grappling with the admiral's words?

This time he was greeted by the flag captain i[ person who asked quickly, "Has he told you what hO wants of you?T

"Yes.T

The captain studied Bolitho thoughtfully. "ThO general's brother is a member of the Government. ] thought I should tell you.T

Bolitho tugged his hat down on his forehead. "Than7 you, sir. I will try to remember.T

The captain grinned at his grave expression. "Yof youngsters have all the luck!" His laughter waY drowned by the trilling pipes as Bolitho climbed oncO more into his gig?

It was towards the end of the last dog watch whe[ Bolitho's passenger, Colonel Hector Foley, climbeX aboard from the guardboat. In his early thirties, he haX

the dark, even swarthy good looks of a Spaniard, seU off with a hooked nose and deepset brown eyes. ThO appearance seemed totally at odds with thO impeccable scarlet coat and close-fitting whitO breeches of an infantry officer. He glanced around thO stern cabin, and accepted Bolitho's offer of thO sleeping compartment and cot with little more than Z nod, before seating himself in one of the chairs. HO was tall and straight-backed, and like Bolitho had to bO careful when moving between the deckhead beams?

He took out his watch and said calmly, "I suggest yof read your orders, Captain. Given luck, your part of thO game should be no more than transport.T

He did not smile or show any emotion which BolithQ could recognise. His contained, aloof manner waY vaguely disturbing. Irritating. It made Bolitho feel cut ofb from the more vital aspects of his strange mission?

The orders took little time to read. He was tQ proceed with as much despatch as possible, somO one hundred and fifty miles southward along thO coastline of New Jersey. Under cover of darkness, ib considered possible and prudent, he would then ente_ Delaware Bay to such distance and position as woulX be directed by Colonel Foley. He re-read the orderY

more slowly, conscious the whole time of Foley'Y polished boots tapping gently on the deck beside thO table?

If considered possible and prudent. That passagO seemed to stand out more than all the rest, and he waY again reminded of Colquhoun's prophecy. It meanU simply that it was his responsibility. Foley coulX suggest what he liked, pick any landing place o_ rendezvous with equal indifference to the problems ob sailing the ship close inshore through badly charteX channels where in places the sea-bed was visible eve[ to a man nearly blind?

He looked up. "Can you tell me nothing more, sir?T

Foley shrugged. "I have twenty scouts aboard. Thea will have to make the first contact.T

The scouts had arrived some time before thO colonel. They were Canadians, and in their buckski[ clothing and fur caps, their outward appearance ob slovenly ease, gave little hint of being soldiers. BolithQ had seen them sprawled around the gun deckB cleaning their assortment of weapons or idly watchin^ the busy seamen with amused contempt?

Foley seemed to read his mind. "They are gooX soldiers, Captain. Well used to this sort of warfare.T

"I should have thought you could have obtaineX similar assistance locally, sir?T

Foley regarded him coldly. "An American is a[ American. I do not choose to trust any of them if I ca[ obtain an alternative.T

"Then there seems little point in continuing the warB sir.T

For the first time Foley smiled. "I need to havO perfect trust in my men. Idealists I do not need aU present.T

Stockdale opened the door and asked huskily, "ArO you ready for the officers, sir?" He glanced at Foley? "Eight bells 'ave just struck.T

"Yes.T

Bolitho pulled at his neckcloth, angry that he coulX rise so easily to Foley's arrogance?

Fitch hurried into the cabin and fit two lanterns, fo_ although it was early evening the sky was unusualla

overcast and the wind veered to the west with a hint ob rain in it. It was also hot and stuffy, and when the othe_ officers had somehow crammed themselves into thO cabin it was almost unbearable?

He waited, watching Foley's gently tapping boots aY there were more delays while chairs were brought froR the wardroom and in awkward, shuffling silence thea got themselves sorted out?

Then he said, "We will weigh as soon as thiY meeting is over. Is everything prepared, Mr. Tyrrell?T

Tyrrell had his eyes fixed on the colonel. "Aye, sir.T

"Mr. Buckle?T

"Ready, sir.T

Bolitho looked at the carefully worded ordersB recalling Tyrrell's astonishment when he had returneX from the flagship?

He had blurted out, "But we ain't had time to take o[ water, sir.T

The admiral had kept to his word on the matter ob secrecy. He was not even going to allow the Sparrow'Y

boats in contact with the shore, no matter for whaU purpose?