What he would have said if he had learned that Loc7 had begged a trip ashore in a passing lighter, BolithQ could not imagine. Lock had returned just as secretla with several large casks of lemons, and a morO mournful face than usual as he had told of their cost?

He said, "We will proceed to the south'rd and ente_ Delaware Bay. There we will act in co-operation witN the army and take aboard ...T

Foley interrupted calmly, "I think that will suffice fo_ the present, Captain." Without looking at Bolitho hO added, "So, gentlemen, your duty is to ensure that thiY vessel is in the right place at the right time, and reada to fight if necessary to complete the mission.T

The others shifted in their seats, and Bolitho saw thO two midshipmen staring at him with surprise. To themB Foley's obvious control must seem strange?

Buckle muttered, "Bad bit o' coast down there, sir? Shoals and sandbars a'plenty." He sucked his teetN noisily. "Bad.T

Foley glanced at Bolitho, his deepset eyes showin^

annoyance. "We are not here to discuss thO competence or otherwise of your officers, surely?T

Bolitho met his gaze steadily, suddenly very calm? "Indeed not, sir. I will vouch for my people." He paused? "Just as I am sure you will vouch for yours when thO time comes.T

In the stiff silence Bolitho heard Tilby's boomin^ voice along the upper deck, driving some unfortunatO man about his work. Again, he had made a bad startB but he was unrepentant?

Foley nodded slowly. "We shall see.T

Graves asked, "May I speak, sir?T

Bolitho nodded?

"Why cannot one of the inshore squadron do thiY mission, sir?T

Foley stood up, his head lowered between thO beams. "Because your vessel is the more suitableB Lieutenant. Not, I assure you, because you are in ana way outstanding in such work.T

Bolitho looked at their faces. Resentment, surpriseB

even hurt. It was all there?

He said slowly, "Carry on, gentlemen. Call all handY in ten minutes.T

When they had filed out he said, "You have said thaU my duty is to act as your transport. How I do it is ma responsibility, and I am not required to remain quieU while you insult my officers.T

When the soldier stayed silent he continued, "ThesO same men helped to save two transports which arO needed so badly for the military. They fought and san7 a privateer and helped to drive away another, morO powerful ship.T

"For which you will receive the credit, no doubt?T

Bolitho faced him quickly, his voice low with anger? "Thank you, Colonel. I had no doubt you expected mO to say that in front of the others, just so you could makO such a suggestion." He picked up his hat. "Had ] known that the army was already quitting PhiladelphiaB I might have spent more time in harrying that privatee_ than dragging my heels with your transports!T

Foley smiled. "Well said, Captain. I like a man whQ can still show some feeling.T

Bolitho slammed out of the cabin and strodO unseeingly to the companion ladder. He could tell froR the way some seamen avoided his eye, the alerU manner with which young Bethune was studying thO flagship, that they could all recognise his fury?

Had he changed so much? Before he would havO laughed or cursed at Foley's rudeness once his bac7 was turned. Now, at the mention of some criticism, thO merest hint of an attack on his subordinates, anX therefore his ship, was enough to drive away controT and reason?

Tyrrell came aft and said quietly, "I know thosO waters well enough, sir. Mr. Buckle is a mite botheredB but I can stand by him.T

"I know. Thank you.T

He had seen Tyrrell's expression when Buckle haX voiced his concern at the meeting. He had been abouU to make the same suggestion. Perhaps that was wha he had rushed in to defend the master against Foley'Y sarcasm. Foley had already made it clear what hO thought of Americans. Rebels, colonists, or thosO unwillingly caught between the crossfire of differenU

factions and divided families, any of them?

Tyrrell turned to watch the gig being swayed up anX over the starboard gangway?

"Bit of a bastard, that one, sir." He shrugged. "I'vO met 'em before.T

Bolitho bit back the reproof he should have given? But what was the use? Even Bethune must have see[ the antagonism between himself and Foley?

"Let us hope he knows what he is doing, Mr. Tyrrell? For all our sakes.T

The boatswain's mates charged along the gun dec7 and hovered over hatchways as they bawled, "AlT hands! All hands! Clear lower deck!T

Bolitho said, "I did not get time to discover any newY of your family.T

"Ah well." Tyrrell tilted his hat to shade his eyes in Z shaft of dying sunlight. "Maybe later.T

The hatch casing slid open and Foley appeared aU the top of the companion?

Bolitho said evenly, "I must ask you to leave thO quarterdeck, sir." He saw him start angrily and addedB "Or cover your red coat. It will not help if we are seen tQ be carrying even one soldier with us.T

Foley withdrew and Tyrrell said cheerfully, "One tQ you, sir!T

"It was unintended." Bolitho took a telescope anX trained it beyond the anchored shipping. "Our sailin^ must be seen as normal. Spies will have reported ou_ arrival and no doubt will think only of our despatches. ] don't intend to have the news abroad that we are goin^ on some special mission. The world may soon know ob it, but the later the better.T

He walked to the quarterdeck rail, watching thO seamen being mustered at their stations by the petta officers, but wondering at the truth of his words. CoulX a man like Foley really make him so quick to hit bac7 as Tyrrell believedU

"Man the capstan!"Tilby was clinging to the foremasU shrouds, his mottled face shining with sweat as hO yelled at the scurrying seamen. "Jump to it, you idlO buggers, or I'll be amongst you with my starter!" CaughU off guard by the unexpected sailing orders, he waY

showing signs of a recent drinking bout?

Bolitho looked at Buckle. "Once we have workeX clear of the land we will get the t'gallants on her. ThO wind seems steady enough, but we'll have rain beforO nightfall, I'm thinking.T

Buckle tugged his hat. "Aye, sir." He hesitated. "I'R sorry I spoke out as I did. I should have know[ different.T

Bolitho smiled. "Better to speak your doubts beforO you meet trouble. It is too late when you are harX aground, eh?" He touched his arm lightly. "But beforO we draw that close to land we will see what Sparro/ can do under full canvas.T

He walked away, hoping Buckle felt less worried. IU could not be easy for him either. His first ship aY master, and about to plunge into dangerous waters hO had never seen before?

"Anchor's hove short, sir!" Graves's voice was louX on the blustery wind?

Bolitho looked at Tyrrell. "Get the ship under way, ib you please.T

He swung round as a chorus of derisive laughte_ burst from deck below. A seaman had caught his fooU on one of the army scout's muskets and gonO sprawling into the scuppers. It seemed to amuse thO soldiers greatly?

Bolitho added coldly, "With this fresh wind you'lT need plenty of weight on the capstan bars." He let hiY eyes rest on the Canadians?

Tyrrell grinned. "Right away, sir!" He cupped hiY hands. "Bosun! Put those men on th' capstan!" HO silenced the immediate protests by adding, "Don'U hesitate to start 'em if you find 'em slacking!T

Bolitho thrust his hands beneath his coat tails anX walked away from the rail so that he could watch thO topmen more easily. He had taken enough insults froR Foley. There was no good reason for his own seame[ to suffer also?

"Anchor's aweigh, sir!T

He stared up at the thundering pattern of canvas aY the ship heeled over, free to the wind?

Once clear of the land's sheltering arm the motio[ became more violent, the waves shorter and the colou_

of straw in the dull light. Spray lifted and dashed ove_ the busy seamen and pattered across the quarterdec7 like heavy rain. Bolitho felt it on his lips and wet againsU his shirt, sensing the released power as the courseY and then the topgallant sails filled and bellied to thO wind?

He watched the jib-boom rise towards the scuddin^ clouds, stagger and then plunge forward and dow[ over the next line of crests, the stays and shroudY gleaming like wet ebony. He pictured the angra Sparrow beneath the beakhead clutching its oa7 leaves and acorns, and wondered if the Bonaventure'Y captain had seen it when he had broken off the actionB and would remember it?

Tyrrell lurched aft, his body angled steeply to thO deck. He yelled to the mizzen topmen before pausin^ to check those working at the weather braces. FitcN scurried past carrying a bucket and Tyrrell called afte_ him?

Bolitho shouted above the thunder of canvas, "WhaU is it?T

Tyrrell laughed. "Th' colonel's being sick, sir! E shame, ain't y it.B

"Terrible." Bolitho turned away to hide a grin? "Especially as it seems to be blowing harder now!T

Buckle clung to the binnacle and yelled, "Steady shO goes, sir! Sou'-east by south!T

"Hold her so!" Bolitho removed his hat and let thO wind press the hair against his forehead. We will wea_ ship soon." He walked up the deck and rapped thO half-hour glass beside the compass. "I am going belo/ to inform the colonel.T

As he swung down the ladder he heard TyrrelT laughing and Buckle's equally cheerful chuckle. It was Z small thing. But it was a beginning?

6 SCARLET AND GOL_

BOLITHO entered his cabin and was surprised to seO Foley seated at the table studying a chart. He was fulla dressed, and his features had regained most of thei_ colour. After leaving Sandy Hook he had spent most ob the passage sprawled on the bench seat, unable o_ unwilling to climb into the cot, eyes half closed and hiY face like a wax mask?

He glanced up and grimaced. "The motion feelY easier.T

Bolitho nodded. "We are standing into the bay? Cape May lies about five miles off the starboarX beam.T

"I see." Foley peered at the chart for severaT seconds, his fingers drumming a little tattoo acrosY Bolitho's calculations and bearings. "What is you_ opinion, Captain?T

Bolitho looked at his lowered head. It was the firsU time he had asked him for his views on anything? Under full canvas the Sparrow had lived up to he_ name, so that on the passage southward Bolitho haX been able to put aside his apprehensions, if not forgeU them, while he had enjoyed the sloop's vitality anX freedom of movement. Then as they had closed thO land to fix their position a great squall had risenB bleating and moaning with such violence that it haX taken all hands to reef down and gain more sea room? After the untroubled sailing with even the royals set tQ catch the wind it was a severe disappointment. Thea had arrived off Cape May at the entrance to DelawarO Bay precisely as Bolitho had planned, one full day afte_ weighing anchor. Yet even as Buckle had been takin^

his bearings the squall had swept offshore, flattenin^ the wavecrests and cloaking the distant land morO effectively than night itself. It had taken another dayB beating and clawing round in a great circle, the lanX hidden to all but the masthead lookout by rainsquallY and low cloud?

He heard himself answer, "The wind has backeX again, sir. To the sou'-west, and it is dropping.T

He listened to the groan of yoke lines as the rudde_ went over beneath the transom, and thought of TyrrelT and Buckle beside the wheel. He could also imaginO the chart, the great bay opening up on either beam aY the Sparrow, under close-reefed topsails, headeX further and further away from the sea. Tyrrell was Z tower of strength, and seemed to remember thesO waters as if every sandbar and current was imprinteX on his brain?

Foley looked up, his face grim. "It has already take[ too long. I must know if you think we can proceed." HO laid one finger on the chart. "Here, directly north ob where you say we are now. I estimate it to be about siA leagues. There is a cove." He was speaking quickla and Bolitho could feel his agitation?

Bolitho leaned over the table. "To the west ob Maurice River?" He paused, visualising the set of thO yards, the weakening wind across the quarter. "It wilT take at least four hours. More if the wind goes.T

He stood back and tugged his neckcloth. With thO shutters tightly closed to mask the chance of showin^ even a glimmer of light, the cabin was like a smalT oven. On deck, as he had been for much of thO passage, he had not felt either fatigue or strain. NowB he was not so sure, and could even pity Foley's misera during the journey. Outside the hull it was pitch-blackB and once the ship had slipped past the protectivO headland he had felt the same sensation as a ma[ striding blindly into an unlit cave?

He asked, "How long will your scouts need?T

"Six hours maybe." Foley stretched his arms anX yawned. He was giving little away?

Bolitho made up his mind. "In that case we will havO to anchor and wait for tomorrow night before we ca[ leave the bay. There may be enemy ships nearby, and ] can't risk a conflict in these confined waters. Especialla if your scouts fail to find our missing soldiers and neeX one more day.T

"Handling the ship is your concern." Foley regardeX him evenly. "Well?T

"The tide is right and if we wait further we might losO the wind altogether." He nodded. "I am ready.T

Foley stood up and massaged his stomach. "Good? By God, I think I have recovered my appetite.T

"I am sorry, sir." Bolitho smiled. "For the galley firO has been doused." He added, "Unless you would carO for some salt beef from the cask?T

Foley eyed him ruefully. "You have a cruel streak? One sight of that muck would render me as weak as Z rat.T

Bolitho made for the door. "In a King's ship the ratY are rarely that!T

On deck he had to wait several seconds before hO could see further than the rail. Below on the gun dec7 he could just make out the waiting seamen, thei_ bodies etched against the darker shapes of thO nearest guns. He walked aft and held his hand abovO the shaded compass light?

Buckle said, "Due north, sir. Full an' bye.T

"Good." He beckoned to Tyrrell. "I want our two besU leadsmen in the chains.T

"Already done, sir." Tyrrell shrugged. "Seemed thd thing to do.T

"When we draw closer to the northern shore we wilT slip the gig." Bolitho sought out Stockdale's thic7 outline by the hammock nettings. "You will take the gi^ and a boat's lead and line. The waters hereabouts arO so shallow and treacherous that you must keep aheaX of the ship, sounding all the while. Understood?T

Stockdale said stubbornly, "I should be 'ere, sir. JusU in case.T

"Your place is where I say, Stockdale." He relenteX immediately. "Do as I ask, and keep a shaded lanter[ with you. You may need to signal us." He glanceX towards Tyrrell. "If that happens we will drop the kedgO anchor and pray.T

The sails flapped loosely above the deck, anX Bolitho knew the wind was still dropping, its toucN clammy across his face. He pushed the nightmare ob Sparrow grinding aground from his mind. He waY

committed. No, he had committed all of them?

"When we reach our destination, Mr. Tyrrell, you maa have the starboard cutter lowered. Mr. Heyward wilT convey our passengers ashore and return when all iY well.T

Tyrrell said, "They'll have to wade th' last few yardY I'm thinking. It's shallow up there.T

"You've guessed the place then?T

He grinned, his teeth white in the gloom. "There ain'U no other suitable for this sort of game, sir.T

From forward, hollow-toned like a lost spirit's, camO the leadsman's cry, "By th' mark five!T

Tyrrell muttered, "Bring her up a point, Mr. Buckle.T His palm rasped over his chin. "We must have drifted Z piece.T

Bolitho remained silent. They were doing all thea could. Thank God Sparrow had such shallow draught? Otherwise ..?

"Deep six!T

Tyrrell grunted. "Fair enough. In bad times I've see[ a tide race turn a schooner round like a bit o' flotsam.T

"Thank you." Bolitho watched the faint splasN beyond the bows as another lead went down. "That iY a comfort.T

"By th' mark five.T

"Trust a soldier to choose such a place." TyrrelT leaned over the compass. "To th' west still further anX in th' main Delaware channel there's depth to spare fo_ us, even if th' tide's wrong.T

"A quarter less five!T

Buckle whispered, "Hell's teeth!T

Boots scraped on the planking and Foley askeX crisply, "How are we getting along, Captain?T

"By th' mark three!T

" Is it necessary for that man to make so mucN noise?" Foley stared round at the figures grouped ba the wheel?

Tyrrell drawled calmly, "It's either that, Colonel, or wO

rip our keel out.T

Bolitho said, "A man as tall as yourself, sir, could jusU about walk twixt the keel and the ground below if hO had a mind to.T

Foley did not speak for a full minute. Then he saidB "I'm sorry. It was a foolish thing to say.T

"Deep four!T

Buckle breathed out slowly. "Better.T

Bolitho felt Tyrrell's fingers on his arm as he said, "Ib we can keep her steady we should rest easy, witN some room to swing at anchor. The bottom's safe anX we might touch without too much danger.T

"Captain!" Foley's tone was as before. Sharp anX impatient. He waited by the nettings and then saidB "Tyrrell. Is he an American?T

"A colonist, sir. Like a good many of the hands.T

"God damn!T

Bolitho added, "He is also a King's officer, sir. I hopO you will remember that.T

Foley's white breeches vanished into the hatchwayB and Tyrrell said bitterly, "Thinks I'm running th' shiS aground just to spite him, I suppose.T

"That will be enough." Bolitho stared past him at thO dancing phosphorescence below the closed gun ports? Like magic weed, changing shape and vanishing onla to reappear elsewhere along the slow-moving hull. "] do not envy him his work." Surprisingly, he found thaU he meant it?

Somewhere out there in the darkness was the greaU mass of land. Hills and rivers, forest and scrub whicN could tear out a man's eye if he was careless. TherO had been many stories of attacks and ambushes i[ this area, and even allowing for their being magnifieX in the telling, they were enough to chill even Z seasoned fighter. Indians who were used to scout fo_ Washington's army, who moved as silently as foxeY and struck with the savagery of tigers. A world ob shadows and strange noises, cries which would brin^ a drowsy sentry wide awake in a cold sweat, if he waY lucky. If not, he would be found dead, his weaponY gone?

"Deep eight!T

Tyrrell moved restlessly. "We can leave th' channeT now. I suggest we steer nor'-east.T

"Very well. Man the braces and bring her round.T

And so it went on, hour by hour, with the leads goin^ and the reefed topsails being trimmed and re-trimmeX to hold the fading wind like something precious? Occasionally Tyrrell would hurry forward to feel thO tallow in one of the leads, rubbing particles from iU between his fingers or sniffing it like a hunting-dog?

Without his uncanny knowledge of the sea bottomB his complete confidence despite the shallow wate_ beneath the keel, Bolitho knew he would havO anchored long ago and waited for the dawn?

Foley came and went several times but said nothin^ more about Tyrrell. He mustered the Canadian scoutY and spoke for several minutes with their sergeant? Later he remarked, "Good men. If I had a regiment ob them I could retake half of America.T

Bolitho let him talk without interruption. It broke thO tension of waiting. It also helped to discover the ma[ behind the disciplined arrogance which Foley wore likO a shield?

"I have fought the Americans in many placesB Captain. They learn quickly and know how to use thei_ knowledge." He added with sudden bitterness, "SQ they should, they have a hard core of English deserterY and soldiers-of-fortune. Whereas I have had tQ manage with dregs. In one battle most of my me[ spoke only a few words of English. Imagine it, CaptainB in the King's uniform, yet their tongues were more useX to German dialect than ours!T

"I did not know there were so many EnglisN deserters, sir?T

"Some were stationed here before the rebellion? Their families are with them. They have found roots i[ this country. Others pin their hopes on rich pickingY later, land, maybe, or some abandoned farmstead.T Again the harsh bitterness. "But they will fight dearly, nQ matter what their conviction. For if they are taken anX are found to be deserters, they will leave this world o[ a noose and with Jack Ketch to speed their passing!T

Tyrrell loomed out of the darkness, his voice hushed? "Ready to slip th' gig, sir. Th' cove will be fine on thd larboard bow, by my reckoning.T

The tension was momentarily removed as witN

whispered commands and groping fingers the waitin^ seamen hoisted the gig over the gangway to tow jerkila alongside?

Midshipman Heyward was standing nearby as thO gig idled clear, and Bolitho said quietly, "Take gooX care when you land with the cutter. Keep your witY about you, and no heroics." He gripped his armB feeling the tension like the spring of a cocked pistol. "] want to see you leave Sparrow as a lieutenant and i[ one piece.T

Heyward nodded. "Thank you, sir.T

Graves climbed lightly up the ladder. "Cutter'Y hoisted out and ready." He glanced at the midshipman? "Send me, sir. He's no match for this sort of thing.T

Bolitho tried to see Graves's expression but it waY impossible. Maybe he really cared about thO midshipman. Or perhaps he saw the prospect of actio[ as his first chance of quick promotion. Bolitho coulX sympathise with him on either count?

But he replied, "When I was his age I was alreada commissioned lieutenant. It was not easy then, and iU will not be so for him until he has learned to accept alT

that goes with his authority.T

Bethune said quickly, "Signal from gig, sir! ThreO flashes!T

Tyrrell snapped, "Th' bottom has changed, mosU likely." He became calm again. "I suggest you anchorB sir.T

"Very well." Bolitho saw the black outline of the gi^ bobbing slowly off the larboard how. "Back the mizze[ tops'l. Prepare to go about. We will let go the ancho_ and then take the kedge away in the other cutter. Livela there, or we'll be joining Stockdale in the gig!T

Feet thudded on the gangways, and somewherO above the deck a man yelped with pain as he almosU fell headlong. The mizzen topsail was flapping anX cracking in spite of the wind's weak pressure, and thO noise seemed loud enough to wake the dead. O[ darkened decks the men ran to braces and halliardsB each so familiar that there was hardly any more delaa than if they had been in bright sunlight?

Unsteadily, drunkenly, the sloop rode into her cableB the water beneath the stem alive with swirlin^ phosphorescence. Both cutters were already swayin^

up and over the gangways, their crews tumbling intQ them, groping for oars and each other in the rush to geU clear?

Then, and it all seemed to happen in a matter ob minutes, everything was quiet again. Sails furled, anX the hull rocking gently to a pair of anchors, while closO by the boats moved warily, like predators around Z tethered whale?

Foley stood beside the nettings and said, "Send ma scouts ashore, Captain. You have done your part.T

Then he strode to the larboard gangway to watcN Heyward's cutter hooking on to the chains where thO army scouts were already clinging like so many untida bundles?

Bolitho asked softly, "What is this cove like, Mr? Tyrrell? Describe it.T

The lieutenant ran his fingers through his thick hair? "It's well sheltered, 'less some other vessel comeY close by. Inland it's heavily wooded, and as I recallB there's two rivers running down towards us." HO peered over the side. "Th' cutter's nearly there. If wO hear shooting we'll know we're in for a spell of bother.T

He forced a grin. "One thing. We don't need no wind tQ work clear. We can run out th' sweeps and pull her tQ safety.T

Bolitho nodded. In almost any other vessel thiY mission would have been madness. Close inshore anX with little chance of beating clear into the centre of thO bay, they would have been as good as wrecked?

He said, "Get Tilby to grease the sweeps while wO are waiting. If go we must, then I think we had best do iU silently.T

Tyrrell strode away, his head jutting forward to see7 out the boatswain?

Foley reappeared and remarked, "I think I will geU some sleep. There is nothing more we can do buU wait.T

Bolitho watched him go. You will not sleep, Colonel? For now it is your turn to bear the load?

Bethune said excitedly, "Cutter's returning, sir. All'Y well.T

Bolitho smiled. "Pass the word that our people wilT remain at quarters during the night, but may sleeS

watch by watch. Then find the cook and see what hO can produce without relighting his fires.T

The midshipman hurried away and Graves saiX sourly, "He'd eat anything. Even if he cannot see thO damn maggots in the dark.T

Bolitho sat down on the hatch casing and looseneX his shirt. As his head lolled in a doze he heard a heava body lower itself to the deck nearby. Stockdale haX returned. Waiting. Just in case, as he always put it?

The very next instant Bolitho fell into a dreamlesY sleep?

"Where th' hell are they?" Tyrrell trained a glass ove_ the nettings and moved it slowly from side to side?

It was approaching noon, and lying at two anchorY the Sparrow held the heat like a kiln. The cloud, like thO wind, had gone overnight, and beneath an empty ska and dazzling sunlight it was impossible to move withouU sweating badly?

Bolitho plucked his shirt away from his waist. He haX been on deck since awakening at dawn, and likO Tyrrell was uneasy about the lack of results. Ho/ different it was in daylight. At the first glimmer ob

sunrise he had watched the nearby land growing froR the shadows, the rounded hills and thick green treeY beyond. Pleasant crescents of beach, shaded by thic7 foliage which ran almost to the water's edge. It had alT seemed quiet and harmless. Perhaps too quiet?

He made himself walk to the opposite side of thO quarterdeck, wincing as the sun burned his shoulderY like fire. The bay looked vast. The water was unbroke[ by crests, and but for a swirling uneasiness of currentY it could have been one large lake. It measured abouU twenty miles across and as much from the headland tQ the north, where the great Delaware River gave it itY substance. Beyond the jutting point which made thO cove and protected Sparrow from any passing vesselB the river curved and twisted in an ever-changin^ concourse, with a full seventy miles before you coulX sight the outskirts of Philadelphia?

He looked along the gun deck, seeing the men o[ watch, some protruding legs to mark where others laa resting beneath the gangways to escape the mercilesY glare. He let his gaze move upwards, where the yardY were now festooned with branches and leaves broughU aboard soon after first light. They might help disguisO her outline and deceive all but the professionaT observer?

Between the ship and the nearest beach a cutte_ pulled slowly and painfully back and forth, Midshipma[ Bethune squatting in the sternsheets watching thO shore. Foolishly he had stripped to the waist, anX despite his tan would suffer for it later?

Tyrrell followed him as he returned to the shelter ob the hammock nettings?

"I'd like to go ashore, sir." He waited until BolithQ faced him. "I could take a small party of men. Try anX find out what's happening." He opened the front of hiY soiled shirt and sucked in a lungful of air. "Better'[ waiting like bloody cattle for slaughter.T

"I'm not sure." Bolitho shaded his eyes as Z movement made the trees shimmer by the beach. BuU it was only a large bird?

Tyrrell persisted, "Look sir, I guess th' orders arO supposed to be secret, but th' whole ship knows wha we're here. Them scouts spoke freely enough with a toU of rum under their belts.T

Bolitho smiled wryly. "I thought as much.T

"Yes. An' it seems we're expected to rescue a wholO

crowd of soldiers who've got lost coming overland." HO grimaced. "I can well believe it, too. It ain't no barrac7 square.T

Bolitho studied his strong profile and pondered ove_ the suggestion. He had not mentioned the gold bullionB so that was obviously a secret which Foley had noU even shared with his own men. And it was just as well? Some might be tempted to try for it rather than any kinX of rescue?

"Very well. Pick your men quietly and take the gig? You will need arms and provisions, too, otherwise ...T

Tyrrell smiled. "Otherwise it might be too bad for us ib Sparrow sails without waiting, eh?T

"It is a risk. Do you want to reconsider?T

He shook his head. "I'll start now.T

Bolitho said, "I'll make a report of this in the log.T

"No need, sir. If I come to grief it'd be best lefU unwritten." He smiled sadly. "I'd not want for you to facO a court martial on my account.T

"I will make it, none the less." Bolitho forced a grin?

"So be off with you.T

The gig had covered less than a cable from the sidO when Foley burst on deck, his face screwed up in thO glare?

"Where is he going?" He clung to the nettingsB staring after the small boat which was almosU shapeless in a drifting haze. "Did you give hiR permission?T

"I did.T

"Then you are a bigger fool than I imagined!" Foley'Y anxiety was pushing aside his self-control. "How darO you take it on yourself?T

"Colonel Foley, I have no doubt you are an excellenU field officer. Experienced enough to realise that if you_ scouts have failed to make contact with those landeX here earlier they must either be dead or taken." HO kept his voice level. "You will also appreciate that I aR not going to risk my ship and company to comply witN a plan already misfired.T

Foley opened his mouth and then shut it again. HO said flatly, "I have my orders. The general must bO rescued.T

"And the gold." Bolitho could not hide the bitterness? "That, too, surely?T

Foley rubbed his eyes, his face suddenly showin^ the strain. "You'd need a regiment to search this area? Even then ..." His voice trailed away?

Bolitho took a glass and swung it over the rail. TherO was no sign of the gig now?

He said, "Mr. Tyrrell has my confidence. At least hO might discover something.T

Foley glanced around the sunlit deck. "I hope soB Captain. Otherwise you will lose this ship, and that wilT be the very least of your worries?

Graves appeared on the ladder, saw them togethe_ and walked away. Bolitho frowned. So he had been thO one to inform Foley of Tyrrell's expedition?

He asked, "This general. Who is he, sir?T

Foley dragged himself from his brooding thoughts? "Sir James Blundell. He came out here on a tour ob inspection!" He laughed shortly. "By the time hO reached New York there was less to inspect than hO

had anticipated. He owned a great deal of property i[ Pennsylvania, enough to buy a thousand ships like thiY one.T

Bolitho turned away. He had never heard of the manB but this was more than he wanted to know. Foley woulX never speak his mind more clearly than he had alreada done. But it was enough. Blundell had obviously bee[ caught in the middle of retrieving some of his personaT wealth by the sudden military evacuation. Worse, hO had been using his role of an inspector-general for hiY own ends and had involved a company of desperatela needed soldiers?

Foley looked at him for several seconds. "The me[ with him are mine. All that are left from the wholO battalion. So you see why I must do this thing.T

Bolitho replied quietly, "Had you told me that froR the beginning, Colonel, it might have been better fo_ both of us.T

Foley did not seem to hear. "They were the best me[ I have commanded here and we've seen a doze[ skirmishes together. By God, when it comes to the linO of battle there is nothing to beat the English fooU soldier. Even a small square of them will withstand thO

cream of French cavalry." He spread his hands. "BuU out here, they are like lost children. They cannoU compete with men who have lived all their lives in thO woods and plains, who have known times when onO musket ball was the margin between survival anX starvation!T

Bolitho did not know how to phrase the nexU question. He said slowly, "But you were not with you_ men when it all happened?T

"No." Foley stared at two gulls diving and screamin^ around the topgallant yards. "I had been sent to Ne/ York with a convoy. Mostly it consisted of unwanteX supplies and the soldiers' women." He looked hard aU him. "And the general's niece, I should not forget tQ mention her." He was speaking quickly. "Even on Z safe trail we were dogged by enemy skirmishers, anX there was never a day without some poor devil bein^ brought down by one of their long muskets. By God, ] think some of them can knock the eye out of a fly at fifta paces!T

The deck moved very slightly, and when he lookeX aloft Bolitho saw the masthead pendant flicking ouU feebly before falling lifeless once more. But it was thO first hint of a breeze so far?

He said, "I suggest you get some rest while you canB Colonel. I will inform you when I hear anything.T

Foley said heavily, "If your Mr. Tyrrell returns." In thO same breath he added, "That was unfair. I have bee[ so unbalanced by all this I am not myselfT

Bolitho watched him walk to the hatchway and the[ seated himself on a bollard. If nothing happened soo[ Foley would have to make a fresh decision. With TyrrelT out of the ship and the mission a failure, there would bO little hope for his own future once they returned tQ Sandy Hook?

All afternoon and into the evening the Sparrow laa pinned down by the unwavering glare. Deck seamY were so sticky that they gripped a man's foot, and thO gun barrels were as hot as if they had been in actio[ for many hours. The watches changed and sentrieY came and went, hearing and seeing nothing?

The first rosy glow of sunset had settled over thO cove, and the hillside beyond was deep in purple whe[ Foley came on deck again?

He said, "There is nothing more we can do.T

Bolitho bit his lip. Tyrrell had not returned. PerhapY he was already on his way south overland. Or eve[ now guiding American scouts towards the cove. HO shook himself like a dog. His tiredness anX disappointment were tearing down his reserves. HiY trust?

Midshipman Heyward was standing by the starboarX gangway, his body limp against the rail like a man halb asleep. Suddenly he jerked upright, his voice hoarsO as he called, "Gig, sir! Coming from the point!T

Bolitho ran to his side, caring nothing for what TyrrelT may or may not have discovered. He had come back? That was more than enough?

When the gig ground alongside he saw the oarsme[ lolling on the thwarts like puppets, faces and arms ra/ from the harsh sunlight of the day. Tyrrell climbed to thO quarterdeck, his legs and feet filthy, his clothing torn?

He said thickly, "Your scouts couldn't find th' oneY sent on ahead, Colonel. But we did." He took a mug ob water and gulped it down gratefully. "They're all dead? Up river in a burned-out fort.T

Foley stared at the dark trees beyond the cove. "SQ

my men are still out searching.T

Tyrrell ignored him. "We pulled th' gig into th' inleU and tumbled on this old fort by accident." He lookeX away. "An' that ain't all, by a potful.T

Bolitho waited, seeing the tension, the pain of whaU he had found?

Tyrrell said slowly, "Just up th' channel, sitting as bolX as you please, is a bloody frigate!T

Foley swung round. "American?T

"No, Colonel, not American." He looked at BolithQ gravely. "A Frenchie by th' cut of her. No colours, so ] guess she's a privateer.T

Bolitho steadied his racing thoughts. But for thei_ stealthy entry into the bay under Tyrrell's guidance, thea would have run under the frigate's guns, or at besU been attacked when they had anchored?

Tyrrell was saying, "So it looks as if your general haY been took, Colonel. Not much use in us staying here tQ follow his example, eh?T

"Did you see what they were doing?" Bolitho tried tQ

picture the great river sweeping around the point. ThO frigate anchored in the safe knowledge she could fighU off an attacker from either direction?

Tyrrell shrugged. "There were marks on th' beach. ] guess they'd had boats ashore getting fresh water. BuU no sign of prison,, ers?

"Then it would appear that the missing soldiers arO still missing." Bolitho glanced at the colonel. "If thO wind gets up it is my guess that the frigate will weigh? She'd not risk a night passage, so we're safe here 'tiT dawn at least. After that. . ." He did not have to explai[ further?

Heyward called, "Cutter's signalling, sir!T

They all turned and stared at the darkening beach aY the oars came to life and the cutter started towards thO shore. A solitary figure was just visible waving hiY musket back and forth towards Bethune. It was one ob Foley's scouts?

Foley snapped, "I must go ashore at once." He ra[ towards the entry port. "They have found the general!T

Bolitho hurried after him, and with Stockdale on hiY heels plunged into the waiting gig?

When the boat had grounded in the shallows BolithQ leapt over the gunwale and waded the last yardY through clear water, vaguely aware that it was the firsU time he had been on land, apart from a few occasionY in Antigua, for months. He stood beneath a tree aY Foley questioned the scout, knowing the man woulX probably become flustered with both of them present?

Foley walked towards him, his boots squeaking i[ the sand. "They found them." He gestured to the wall ob trees. "The first party will arrive in about an hour.T

"First party?" Bolitho saw the despair in Foley'Y eyes?

"The general is coming with my scouts and all the fiU men." He took a deep breath. "But there are somO sixty sick and wounded following behind at a slowe_ pace. They've been on the move for days. They ran intQ an ambush in a gully the night before last but foughU their attackers off. The general says they were French.T

"Off that frigate most likely." Bolitho tried to imaginO what it must be like for the sick and injured soldiers? Not knowing where they were. How they would survive?

He said, "The cat is out of the bag now. That ship wilT be expecting some rescue attempt. I would be in thei_ shoes.T

Foley sighed. "I agree. What will you do?T

Bolitho did not reply directly. He beckoned tQ Bethune who was giving the weary scout some wate_ from his flask?

"Return to the ship at once. My compliments to Mr? Tyrrell. Tell him to stand by to receive the first party i[ an hour. I want one watch of the hands ashore and alT the boats. It must be well handled and these men fitteX into the ship if we have to jettison the stores to do it.T

He watched the youth running to the cutter, hiY shoulder glowing like a ripe fruit?

Foley said quietly, "It'll be a miracle if we can geU them off in time.T

Bolitho smiled. "Miracles do happen, Colonel. JusU occasionally.T

He walked towards the gig, his tiredness forgotten? Then he realised that Foley had not followed but waY standing with his scout?

The colonel called after him, "I'm going inland." HO looked away. "To meet my men. Or what is left ob them.T

His scarlet coat faded between the trees and he waY gone?

General Sir James Blundell lay back in one of Bolitho'Y chairs and thrust a leg towards his orderly?

"For God's sake get these damn boots off!" HO stared up at a deckhead lantern and added, "I coulX relish a glass of something. I am as dry as dust!" HO cursed the orderly and pushed him in the shoulder witN his boot. "Easy, you damn fool.T

Foley turned and looked at Bolitho by the door, hiY eyes showing anger and embarrassment?

"Could you arrange something for the general?T

Bolitho nodded, and saw Fitch scurrying away fo_ some wine. It was all like part of a dream. A nightmare?

As the last of the daylight had begun to fade thO soldiers who had accompanied the general haX appeared along the beach. Even Sparrow's seamenB

who moments before had been skylarking anX chattering while they enjoyed their unusual freedom ob dry land, had fallen still and silent?

Torn and bedraggled, red coats filthy from forceX marches and sleeping when they could in thO undergrowth, they had shuffled into lines like obedienU animals. Others had followed with pack mules, sQ loaded that it was a wonder they had survived?

Bolitho had been on the beach with DalkeithB explaining the needs and preparations for this mass ob passengers, and had watched in silence as Foley haX stood with his face like stone while a solitary lieutenanU had lurched towards him, the regimental colourY across one shoulder, his sword dangling from his wrisU on a lanyard. Foley had been unable to speak. He haX merely touched the lieutenant's shoulder and noddeX towards the dull-eyed soldiers along the edge of thO trees before saying to Bolitho, "For God's sake, dQ what you can for these fellows.T

As the seamen had hurried forward to help thO soldiers into the waiting boats the last reserve haX cracked. Along the swaying lines of red coats men haX dropped like corpses, while others had merely stareX speechlessly at the bronzed sailors, their filthy faceY

running with tears, hands outstretched like men seein^ messengers of salvation itself?

It had been pitiful and moving just to watch while thea had lurched into the shallows and the boats. ThO lieutenant carrying his regiment's colours, as he musU have done all the way south from Philadelphia, trying tQ show some last control but his face reversing the lieB the despair and the disbelief?

Now, as he stood watching the general it was hard tQ connect the two scenes together. Blundell was a rotunX but powerfully built man, and apart from dirt on hiY boots, his uniform looked as if it had been only recentla pressed. His iron-grey hair was neat, and his heavyB florid features must have been shaved within the day?

So far, he had given Bolitho little more than a cursora glance, and was content to make his needs know[ through Foley?

He touched the glass of wine with his tongue anX grimaced. "I suppose one cannot hope for too much i[ a craft of this size, what?T

Foley looked again at Bolitho, his expression one ob physical pain?

Overhead and deep in the hull the timbers were alivO with thudding boots, the occasional bellow of orderY and the squeak of tackles above the boats?

The general said, "You should have put those men tQ work, Foley. No sense in letting 'em lie about likO squires of the manor.T

Bolitho said, "My people can manage the loadingB sir.T

"Hmm."The general seemed to consider him for thO first time. "Well, make sure that every mule is properla checked. Some careless or greedy fool might bO thinking of stealing their loads. There's a king's ransoR in those packs. So think on these things when yof report you're ready for sea.T

Graves appeared in the door. "All the soldiers are o[ board, sir. Some of them are in a poor way.T

Bolitho tore his eyes from the general, the dropletY of wine on his lips?

"Have the cook light the galley fire, Mr. Graves. ThaU French frigate will not attempt to weigh in the darkB even if the wind gets up. I want those men to geU

something hot to eat. Rum, too, while they are waiting? Tell Mr. Lock to arrange it.T

He thought of the staggering men, the falle[ redcoats by the trees. And this was the party of fit men?

Foley asked quietly, "When will you be raisin^ anchor, Captain?T

Bolitho saw the anguish in his eyes, the way hO lingered on his question?

"An hour after dawn the tide will be right, as will thO current hereabouts, according to my information.T

The general's glass hovered in mid-air, so that hiY orderly allowed the wine to pour from the decanter anX across the deck?

"What the hell are you talking about?" He struggleX up in the chair. "You can sail now. I heard your me[ saying the time was as good as any for it.T

Bolitho faced him coldly. "That is true only up tQ point, sir. But if I am to wait for the sick and wounded tQ reach the cove, I must prepare for the next tide." HO hardened his tone. "I have sent my first lieutenant anX forty seamen to aid their passage here. I pray to GoX

we can save them from more suffering.T

The general lurched to his feet, his eyes flashin^ angrily. "Tell this young upstart, Foley! There is a[ enemy ship up-channel and no time to be wasted. ] have gone through enough in the last few days, and ] command you to ...T

Bolitho said, "My orders say that I am in command ob transportation for this mission, sir. They make nQ distinction between gold bullion or men." He pausedB the anger churning his stomach like brandy. "Eve[ those too weak and sick to fend for themselves. Is thaU not so, Colonel?T

Foley was staring at him, his eyes in dark shadow? When he spoke his voice was different, husky. "It iY true, Captain. You are in command." He swung rounX and faced his astonished superior. "We, Sir JamesB are just so much cargo.T

Bolitho turned and walked from the cabin. On dec7 the air seemed cleaner, and he made himself stanX quite still by the rail above the nearest twelve-pounderY for several minutes?

Below he could see figures moving in all directionsB

and from the galley funnel he caught the aroma of meaU stew. Even Lock must have been too overcome by thO tattered, starving soldiers to restrain the cook?

He heard Foley's boots beside him but did not turn?

"Thank you, Captain. From me and my men. AnX those who will owe their lives to your humanity. AnX courage." He held up his hand as Bolitho turned tQ reply. "You could risk your very future because of thiY action, as well you know.T

Bolitho shrugged. "Rather that than live with a fouT memory.T

Someone called in the darkness and a nearby cutte_ began to pull inshore?

"I'd not leave those men behind." He walked towardY the gangway. "If needs be, I'll drop the gold overboarX first!T

"Yes. I believe you would, Captain.T

But Foley was speaking to the darkness. And whe[ he reached the side he saw the gig already on its waa to the beach, Bolitho sitting beside Stockdale at thO tiller. He peered down at the gun deck. Where woulX

Bolitho put all these men? He heard the creak of oarY as the first boat thrust off from the beach. One thin^ was certain. He would find the space somehow, if iU cost him his commission?

7 TO DARE OR TO DIY

BOLITHO opened his eyes and stared at the mug ob steaming coffee which Stockdale was holding abovO the side of the cot. He struggled upright, his mind anX vision readjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings, thO awareness that it must already be dawn. He was i[ Tyrrell's small screened cabin adjoining the wardroomB and as he held the mug to his lips he realised he coulX not remember how he came to be there?

Stockdale wheezed, "You've 'ad a good hour'Y sleep, sir. I was fair loath to wake you." He shruggeX heavily. "But your last orders was to rouse all 'andY afore dawn.T

Bolitho's aching mind suddenly cleared. He coulX feel the uneven motion around him, the creak of stayY and shrouds?

"The wind? How is it?" He threw his legs over thO

wno/ wQ side of the cot, feeling crumpled and unclean?

"Risin', sir." Stockdale sounded unhappy. "From thO west'rd.T

Bolitho looked at him. "Damn!T

With the mug still in his hand he hurried from thO cabin and almost fell across a line of sleeping soldiers? Despite the need to know what was happening hO stood motionless looking at them. Remembering thO long night, the stream of sick and wounded men hO had watched brought aboard by his sailors. SomO would not see another day pass, others were likO skeletons, racked with fever or the agony of woundY gone rotten. He still felt that same cold anger anX shame which he had endured then. The realisation thaU most of the men could have been carried on the muleY instead of being left to stagger further and still further i[ the rear of their comrades. And the general?

He stepped over the inert shapes and continued tQ the quarterdeck?

Tyrrell saw him and said, "You know about th' wind?T

Bolitho nodded and walked to the nettings, seein^

the bay opening up in the pale early light like ruffleX steel, the dancing cat's-paws against the hull, pushin^ it gently but insistently on the taut anchor cables?

Buckle came to his side, his face grey with fatigue?

"We can't set even a scrap o' canvas, sir. We're on Z lee shore an' no mistake.T

Bolitho was staring along the larboard gangway anX away towards the dark slab of land emerging from thO shadows. The point, around which lay the river and thO deep channel?

Graves said, "We will have to stay where we are anX hope that Frog has a mind to do likewise." HO sounded doubtful?

Bolitho shook his head, thinking aloud. "No. ThO Frenchman will have guessed we are about, even if hO does not realise our exact strength. Either way he wilT up anchor soon and make for open water. If he sees uY in passing he will have little difficulty in aiming hiY broadsides.T

He peered up at the yards where some topme[ were casting away the last of their leafy camouflage? Above their heads the masthead pendant waY

whipping towards the cove, and he saw the beacN regaining shape in the light, the marks of many feetB the small humps to show where some of the soldierY had been buried within sight of rescue. Rescue. HO rubbed his chin and tried to think more logically?

Once out in the bay they could make sail and tac7 towards the entrance and open sea. The FrenchmanB on the other hand, already had the advantage of thO wind. Could even anchor if desired and pounX Sparrow to fragments while she lay helpless in thO cove. She would sink with her masts above water. IU was a cruel picture?

He said, "Break out the kedge anchor, Mr. TyrrellB and then hoist all boats." He looked at the long racks ob sweeps. "We will have to see what those will achievO this morning.T

Once free of the kedge the hull swung sternwardY towards the beach, the current swirling around he_ stem as if she was already under way?

The gun deck and gangways were crowded witN men, and he knew that below every space was filleX with exhausted soldiers. He watched the gig risin^ above the gangway before dropping neatly on itY

chocks between the cutters, the seamen working i[ unusual silence, glancing occasionally towards him ba the rail as if to see his intentions?

He was able to pick out individual faces in thO strengthening light, and realized he now knew most ob them by name. The reliable and the lazy, thO malcontents and those who were able to accept thei_ calling, enforced or otherwise, with varying degrees ob trust. He remembered that first day, the sea of unknow[ men, with Graves excusing Tyrrell's absence. IU seemed so long ago?

Tyrrell reported, "Boats secured, sir!T

Bolitho walked to the rail and leaned on it. The wooX was moist and clammy, but within a few hours would bO like a furnace bar. If it was still above water?

He said, "You all know of that frigate, lads. She's uS there now, taking her time, as Frogs do in sucN matters." He paused, seeing some of the older me[ nudging each other and grinning at his feeble wit. "Yof can also see that we are unable to loose tops'ls withouU driving ashore. But if soldiers can march all the waa across country to us, I reckon we should be able to geU 'em home again, what d'you say?T

For a long moment nobody moved or spoke, and hO felt despair rising as if to mock him. Why should thea care? After his displeasure following the fight with thO privateers they might simply see it as a just rebuff?

Surprisingly, it was the boatswain who was the firsU to break the silence. Bursting from the larboarX gangway, his face glowing like a grotesque heateX shot, he bellowed, "What are we waiting for, ma lovelies? A huzza for the cap'n! An' another fo_ Sparrow!T

The cheering spread along the decks and up to thO topmen on the yards. To the dazed soldiers below anX in the cramped holds, and wherever a foot or so haX been found for them?

Tilby yelled, "An' to 'ell with them bloody Frogs!" HO was already cutting the lashings on the nearesU sweeps, pushing men towards them while otherY scampered to open the small ports on either beam?

Bolitho turned away, seeing Tyrrell's great grin anX Buckle nodding his head and beaming as if they werO already at sea and away under full sail. Even GraveY was smiling, his tired face both dazed and pleased ba the din?

He said, "Man the capstan." He wished they woulX stop cheering. That Tyrrell would obey and leave him tQ his thoughts. "Run out the sweeps, if you please.T

Tyrrell shouted the order, and as the helmsme[ stood to the wheel and the capstan took the first slo/ strain, he turned and said, "They'll not let you down. NoU after what you've done for those poor redcoats. NoU now. Not ever, Cap'n.T

Bolitho could not face him. Instead he stared alon^ the larboard side at the wavering line of sweepY poised above the swirling water like the oars of somO ancient galley. It would take a great deal of effort tQ move her into the bay. With the wind against her anX the dead weight of all her guns and extra passengers iU might prove impossible?

"Stand by!T

The sweeps swung gingerly forward, the seame[ clinging to the long looms and gripping the deck witN their bare toes?

"Anchor's aweigh!" Graves came running aft abovO the seamen and yelled, "She's paying off, sir!T

"Give way all!" Tilby threw his own weight on thO aftermost sweep, his bulging muscles showin^ evidence of the strain. "'Save.! Come on, boyos, 'eave0 Agin now!T

Rising and failing, the lines of sweeps thrust anX slashed at the water to hold the Sparrow's drift towardY the beach, and then very slowly, painfully brought he_ under command and towards the bay?

Bolitho called, "Mr. Buckle, take the wheel!" To TyrrelT he added, "Every officer and man on the sweeps0 Everyone!T

As the anchor was catted home and Graves led hiY own party to the sweeps others slithered dow[ backstays or ran from their stations elsewhere to givO weight to the stroke?

Bolitho tried not to watch the point, green and brow[ now in the light. It was stationary and the sloop waY hardly making headway. Yet already the men werO gasping for breath, and only Buckle and himself werO not helping. The wind was too strong, the current toQ insistent?

Tyrrell's voice carried like a trumpet. "Heave! Heave0

An' one more, lads!" But it was no use?

Buckle called softly, "We'll have to anchor again, sir0 They'll be beat in a moment!T

Several seamen missed their grip and almost fell aY a voice shouted above the plunge and creak ob sweeps?

"Quickly there! Spread yourselves out with thO seamen!T

Bolitho stared with disbelief as Foley emergeX below the quarterdeck, and following him, two by twoB some limping, others blinded by bandages, came thO remnants of his company?

Foley looked up. "The 51st have never been know[ to fail in showing up the Navy, Captain!" He steadieX one of his men who was groping past him beforO adding, "You spoke earlier of miracles. But sometimeY they, too, need a little help." He turned away and puU himself beside a master's mate on the end of a sweep?

Bolitho gripped the rail, wanting to hide his face froR them, but unable to tear his eyes from their combineX efforts?

Buckle called huskily, "I've got steerage way, sir? She's answering now!T

Bolitho said softly, "The colonel told me he coulX take half the continent with the right men. With me[ such as these he could conquer the world.T

When he looked again he saw that the point waY slipping across the starboard quarter as with greaU care Buckle eased the helm over and watched the jib1 boom pointing towards deeper water?

Here and there a man fell exhausted from a sweepB but the stroke barely faltered?

When the full rim of sunlight eventually broke abovO the distant hills, Sparrow was well out into the bay?

Bolitho shouted, "Topmen aloft! Stand by to makO sail!T

The jib cracked and flapped angrily, then hardeneX into a firm crescent, and as the long sweeps werO withdrawn from their ports the deck tilted to a small buU satisfying angle?

"Lay her on the starboard tack, Mr. Buckle. As closO to the wind as you can. We will need all the rooR

possible to weather Cape May.T

Tyrrell came aft and stood beside the compass, hiY eyes fixed on the hazy shoreline. He looked strangela contented. Reassured?

He saw Bolitho watching him and remarked, "It waY a good feeling to get ashore again. But then I guesY you feel th' same about England.T

Bolitho nodded gravely. Maybe Tyrrell had bee[ tempted after all. But he had come back, and that waY what counted?

He said, "You did well, Mr. Tyrrell. You all did.T

Tyrrell gave his lazy grin. "If you'll pardon th' libertyB sir, you ain't no hoof-dragger yourself.T

"Deck there! Sail on th' starboard quarter!T

Bolitho looked at Buckle. "The Frenchman is after uY sooner than I thought. Get the t'gallants on her, if yof please." He walked up the slanting deck and shadeX his eyes. "We'll give him a run for his money.T

Tyrrell was still grinning. "For th' general's moneyB you mean!T

Bolitho glanced down at his stained breeches. "I'R going to shave." But the mood persisted for him also? "In case we have visitors this morning, eh?T

Buckle watched him go and then said, "Nothing eve_ seems to worry that one.T

Tyrrell was peering up at the topmen, his eyeY critical. He recalled Bolitho's face when the woundeX soldiers had staggered on deck to help man thO sweeps. For just those few moments he had see[ beyond the brittle composure, the mantle of commandB to the real man beneath?

Half to himself he murmured, "Don't be too sure ob that, Mr. Buckle. He feels it right enough. Just like thd rest of us.T

Bolitho closed the telescope with a snap and steadieX himself against a belaying-pin rack?

"Alter course two points, Mr. Buckle. Steer duO east.T

It had taken another two hours from sighting thO French frigate to tacking dangerously close arounX Cape May. With the nearest spur of that untida

headland barely two cables under the lee side they haX surged towards the open sea, close enough to seO smoke from some inland fire and the morning sunlighU flashing on a hidden window or an unseen watcher'Y telescope?

It had been harder than he could have imagined tQ remain in a wardroom chair while Stockdale shaveX him and laid out a clean shirt. Now, as he watched thO men running to the braces, the lifting, dipping bowspriU beyond the taut rigging, he wondered why he haX made himself waste time below. Pride or conceit, thO need to relax even for minutes, or a greater need thaU his seamen should think him so calm he coulX concentrate on his own comfortU

As the sloop plunged round still further until she haX the wind directly astern, he could feel every spar anX timber quaking to the motion. Above the quarterdec7 rail he saw the mainyard bending like one huge bowB the splayed legs of the topmen denoting the savagO vibration aloft, the need for care when one false steS could mean instant death. Or the longer agony ob watching the ship ploughing away to leave the falle[ men to drown alone?

"Steady she be, sir! Due east!T

He walked to the compass and then took a carefuT glance at the set of the sails. Every inch of canvas waY fully drawn, the bellies so rounded and hard thea looked about to burst?

He gestured with the telescope. "Another pull on thO larboard forebrace, Mr. Tyrrell, and then belay.T

As the men ran to obey he took one more glancO astern. The enemy had gained on them during thO dash from the bay, had cut away their early advantagO while Sparrow had lost valuable time clawing arounX the last headland. Now, as he steadied the glasY across the taffrail he could see their pursuer rising anX driving over the lively white-horses, her hull bathed i[ spray, the gun ports awash as she surged on Z starboard tack, showing her sleek hull and fulT pyramids of canvas. She had set her royals once awaa from the headland and was heading into deeper wate_ before continuing the chase?

Tyrrell came aft, wiping droplets of salt from his armY and face?

"We're standing well afore th' wind, sir. There'Y nought else we can do at present.T

Bolitho did not reply. At the quarterdeck rail hO leaned over and saw the uneven lines of woundeX soldiers, and others less handicapped, helping witN food and bandages. Two of Dalkeith's assistants camO on deck and hurled a bundle over the gangway anX vanished down a hatchway with hardly a glance? Bolitho watched the bundle bobbing away o[ Sparrow's creamy wake and felt his stomach contracU violently. Some bloodied bandages, but most likely thO amputated limb of one more luckless soldier. DalkeitN was in his makeshift sickbay, as he had been since thO sloop had weighed anchor, working in almost totaT darkness with saw and swabs while the ship yaweX and staggered around him?

Graves called above the boom of canvas, "ThO Frenchman's wore, sir!T

The frigate was now about eight cables off thO starboard quarter. Certainly no more, and steering Z parallel course, her royals fully squared and straining aU their bolts like pale breastplates?

Bolitho said, "She's pulling up, Mr. Tyrrell. Not Z great deal, but enough to worry about.T

Tyrrell rested at the rail and kept his eyes forwardB

away from the enemy frigate?

"Will I clear for action?T

He shook his head. "We cannot. Every bit of spacO is packed with soldiers. There is barely room on thO gun deck for a twelve-pounder to recoil.T

He thought of the big thirty-two-pounders pointin^ from either bow. With the enemy astern they werO impotent. Just so much extra weight. Had the enema been in their line of fire they might have been able tQ cripple her, if only temporarily, or until some ship of thO inshore squadron could give them support?

Tyrrell looked at him worriedly. "You have a choiceB sir. You close th' shore now and risk losing th' winX altogether. Or you alter course to seaward within thd hour." He angled his thigh against the rail as Sparro/ plunged heavily, the spray dashing aft over the decksB rattling against the courses like lead pellets. "There's Z long ridge of sandbars running north to south. You takO one side or t'other. But in an hour you'll have to decidO which.T

Bolitho nodded. Even with the barest information hO had discovered on his charts he knew Tyrrell'Y

estimate was only too true. The sandbars, like uneve[ humps, ran for over twenty miles across their line ob advance. To wear ship north or south to avoid theR would mean loss of time, and with the enemy so near, iU could represent the measure of disaster?

Tyrrell said, "We could wait and see what thd Frenchie intends." He rubbed his chin. "But it would bO too late for us by then." He shrugged helplessly. "I'R sorry, sir. I ain't much help.T

Bolitho stared past him towards the land. As thO coast turned north-east it was falling away. Ten, fiftee[ miles, it was hard to gauge in the bright sunlight anX low sea haze?

"You have been helpful.T

He walked aft to the compass and saw BucklO watching him grimly. The earlier laughter, the sudde[ relaxation of clearing the land, had all gone now. FroR a rumour to the sight of a sail. From a distant ship tQ real, deadly menace in the frigate's line of gun ports. IU had all changed against them so quickly?

"Deck there! Sail fine on th' starboard bow!T

Graves said excitedly, "The squadron! By God, that'Y

better!T

Moments later, "Deck! She's a lugger, sir! Headind away!T

Bolitho clasped his hands behind his back. SomO frightened trader, no doubt. If still within sight she mighU witness a swift one-sided fight within the hour?

"The Frenchman's altered course apiece!" BucklO was peering astern through a telescope. "His yardY are coming back!T

Bolitho waited, counting seconds. The frigate haX swung off her original course, her speed and drivO taking her away slightly further off Sparrow's quarter? He tensed, seeing the telltale puff of brown smokeB driven away instantly by the following wind?

The heavy ball plunged short by a cable, thO waterspout rising violently as if to mark a spoutin^ whale?

Bolitho shut the seamen's jeers from his thoughts? No matter what they believed, it was a fair shot. ShO had fired nearly two miles with what must be a powerfuT bow-chaser like his own?

Foley appeared at his side. "I heard the cannon." HO shaded his eyes to peer over the nettings. "He meanY to unnerve you.T

Bolitho smiled gravely. "He intends much more tha[ that, Colonel.T

He heard more footfalls on the quarterdeck and sa/ Dalkeith blinking in the sunlight, wiping his face on hiY big handkerchief. He had removed his heavy apronB but there were dark stains on his legs and shoes, noU yet dry?

He saw Bolitho and reported, "That is all for now, sir? Ten have died. More will follow, I fear.T

Foley said admiringly, "Thank you, Mr. Dalkeith. It iY better than I dared hope.T

They all looked round as another dull bang echoeX across the cruising white-caps. It was nearer, and leveT with the starboard quarter?

Dalkeith shrugged. "On dry land I might have saveX more, Colonel." He walked away towards the taffrailB his brilliant wig askew, his shoulders sagging as if froR a great weight?

Bolitho said, "A good surgeon. Usually the callin^ attracts the failure or the drunkard. He is neither.T

Foley was studying the frigate with a telescope. "E woman drove him to sea maybe." He duckeX involuntarily as the other ship fired and the balT whimpered high overhead before throwing up a shark'Y fin of spray on the opposite side?

Bolitho said, "Hoist the colours, Mr. Tyrrell. He haY the feel of us now." He watched the scarlet flag brea7 from the gaff. "Mr. Dalkeith! Have your helpers movO those wounded men to the larboard side." He silenceX his unspoken protest with, "Better now than when wO are in real trouble.T

Graves came running aft along a gangway. "Run outB sir?T

"No." He looked up as another ball fanned above thO deck. "Load the starboard battery. Double-shotted anX with grape for good measure." He ignored Graves'Y puzzled expression and added to Foley, "if we musU fire it will have to be the one broadside. You have bee[ below yourself. You know we cannot indulge in closO action with the hull filled to its brim with sick men.T

Foley looked away. "I am sorry, Captain.T

Bolitho studied him gravely. "Do not be. My orderY said little of fighting. Transportation was the ideaT arrangement." He forced a smile. "Unfortunately, thO Frenchman has not read them also!T

He turned to watch the wounded being carried to thO opposite side, while Graves and Yule, the gunnerB supervised the slow loading of every starboard gu[ which was not impeded by either passengers or cargo?

Graves came to the ladder eventually and called, "AlT but four guns loaded and ready, sir." He broke off witN a gasp as the air overhead came alive with a long1 drawn-out shriek, as if a thousand devils had bee[ freed from the sea itself?

Rigging and shrouds jerked savagely, and me[ ducked holding their hands above them as tor[ cordage and several severed blocks hurtled amongsU them?

Bolitho gripped his hands together behind him stilT tighter until the pain helped to steady him. LangridgO shot, as used by the big Bonaventure. It was viciouY and very dangerous. Consisting of fragments of iro[

bound together, it could cut away rigging and tea_ down spars with ease. But unlike chain-shot, whicN was more generally used, it could also do terriblO damage to men otherwise hidden by gangway o_ bulwark. The Frenchman obviously wanted to dismasU Sparrow and take her and cargo intact. The gold woulX pay for many requirements in the future, and Sparro/ would make a valuable addition to the enemy's fleet. IU had happened before. Within the hour he might see iU happen again. To him?

The bow-chaser threw out a spurt of smoke and thO Sparrow's main course burst open with a searin^ explosion, the great sail ripping itself to a hundreX fragments in the wind even before the enemy's iro[ had finished falling alongside?

Bolitho could feel the difference instantly, the heavie_ motion between each lift and plunge, the increase ob turns on the wheel as Buckle's helmsmen fought to holX her on course?

Yet again that demoniac scream of whirlin^ fragments, the thud and clatter of failing rope anX halliards. Men were working feverishly far above thO decks to make good the severed rigging, but thO frigate was much nearer, and as Bolitho swung rounX

he saw three of her foremost guns belching fire anX smoke, proof that she was overhauling rapidly to brin^ more of her armament to bear?

Balls shrieked and whimpered overhead and onO ripped through the mizzen topsail with the slap of Z whip against wood. Men yelled and cursed to control iU as once again the wind explored the damage, tearin^ the shot-hole in an uneven gash from head to foot?

Bolitho gripped the rail hard. If only there was sighU of a friendly sail, anything which might make the frigatO lose heart or change tack even for a few moments?

He saw a ball skipping across the wave-crests, itY progress clearly marked by the leaping feathers ob spray; winced as the deck jumped beneath him as thO shot slammed into the lower hull?

From below the gun deck he heard muffled criesB and pictured the sick and wounded, some with limbY only just cut away by Dalkeith, enduring the menacin^ roar of gunfire, the increasing accuracy of eacN successive shot?

Bethune came running from the ladder. "Captain, sir0 The general wishes to be kept informed . . ." HO

ducked as a ball burst through the taffrail and hurleX two seamen in a tangle of writhing limbs and horrifyin^ spurts of blood?

Bolitho turned from the sight. He had been speakin^ to one of them just minutes ago. Now he was less tha[ a man. Nothing?

"Tell the general to stay below and ...T

He broke off as with a splintering crash thO maintopgallant canted over, the sail whipping madly i[ a web of parted rigging, while the yard itself snappeX into equal halves before pitching towards the deck? Men ran in confusion until the avalanche of wood anX cordage had draped itself over the larboard gangwaa to trail alongside in a maelstrom of spray. A man, iU must have been the lookout, was hurled bodily to thO topsail yard, and even above the din Bolitho heard hiY shrill scream, saw him roll over and fall the rest of thO way to the gun deck?

Another ragged burst of cannon fire, and Tilba dashed amongst the struggling seamen, his armY flailing as he pushed and drove them with their axes tQ free the ship from its torn rigging?

Tyrrell shouted, "We will have to alter course, sir!" HO was yelling to make himself heard as men rushed pasU him, faces screwed into tight masks, their eyes blinX even to the butchered corpses beside the nettings?

Bolitho stared at him. "How much water is there ove_ those bars?T

Tyrrell seemed to think he had misheard. "At thiY time? Next to nothing!" He peered wildly at the sails aY more jagged iron screamed amongst them?

A topman had slipped and was being suspended ba his hands by two of his companions while his legY kicked helplessly in the air. Sweat, fear or a flyin^ splinter cut the contact, and with a brief cry the man felT head over heels, seemingly very slowly, until he hit thO sea by the hull. Bolitho saw him passing below thO quarterdeck, arms outspread, his eyes very white aY the water closed over them?

"I must risk it!" He was shouting aloud withouU realising it was more than a murmur. "Tack either waa and that frigate will rake us!T

Tyrrell nodded jerkily. "As you say! I'll get a leadsma[ in th' chains and ...T

Bolitho seized his arm. "No! Do that, or shorten sailB and that bastard will know what we're about!" HO shook him violently. "If I fall, you must try to take he_ through.T

A ball crashed into the nettings and sliced behinX him. Splinters and fragments filled the air, and he sa/ Foley throw one hand to his shoulder where thO epaulette had been torn cleanly away?

He faced Bolitho and said, "Warm work, Captain.T

Bolitho stared at him, feeling that same fixed grin o[ his mouth and jaw like a cruel vice. Like him, the shiS was acting like something beyond control, thO remaining sails driving her onwards towards thO hidden menace of those hard sandbars. He waY banking everything on Tyrrell's knowledge, and thO hope that the Frenchman was ignorant of his dangerB or so blinded by all else but Sparrow's closeness tQ defeat that he was totally absorbed?

Yet in spite of the intermittent gunfire, the respondin^ crashes and thuds of balls striking home, he was ablO to see small but important details on every side?

A badly wounded seaman, his shoulder mashed tQ

bloody pulp, was being held in the arms of a woundeX soldier. The latter was blinded from some previouY fight and his face covered by bandages. But his handY seemed to stand out even in all the confusion arounX him. Moving and calming, shielding the sailor anX groping for a flask of water to ease his suffering. AnX Dalkeith, his wig screwed into one pocket while hO knelt beside another injured man, his fingers likO scarlet claws as he felt the extent of the wound, whilO his eyes rested on the next victim, and the one afte_ that?

And through it all Graves walking behind the loadeX guns, chin on chest, pausing only to check a particula_ crew or to step astride a corpse or fallen rigging?

From forward came the frightened cry, "I kin see thd bottom!T

Bolitho ran to the nettings and pulled himself abovO the tightly stowed hammocks. In the bright sunlight hO saw the spray bursting from the rounded bilge, trailin^ ropes and a complete section of a broken cutte_ dragging alongside. Then he saw the darting, shadowa shapes gliding deeper still, weed and rock clustersB some of which seemed to be rising towards the keeT like disturbed monsters?

If she struck now the masts would be ripped out ob her, and she would plough forward, grinding anX breaking open to the waiting sea?

He turned to seek out the enemy. How near shO looked. Less than three cables off the quarter, he_ complete battery run out in readiness to finish thO contest?

Buckle muttered hoarsely, "By the living God, thO Frenchie's in a safe channel!" There was a break in hiY voice. The bastards have done for us!T

Bolitho looked at Tyrrell. "Get the t'gallants off her.T He could not hide the despair this time?

As the men swanned aloft to shorten sail, TyrrelT shouted, "There was nothing else you could do ...T

He broke off as Buckle and Midshipman HeywarX yelled together, "She's struck!T

Bolitho pushed between them and stared with sic7 disbelief at the other ship. She had been changin^ tack, either because her captain had at last seen hiY danger or was about to rake the sloop with his first fulT broadside, and had struck one of the bars at fulT

speed. Across the strip of water they could hear thO jarring crashes, the awful rumble of her hull poundin^ aground. And as she began to slew round he_ foremast, followed and entangled with her main anX mizzen topmasts, came down in one mighty curtain ob leaping spray?

Bolitho had to yell several times to stop his men froR shouting and cheering, to make them understand thaU their own danger was just as real?

"Alter course five points to starboard!" He dasheX the sweat from his eyes to peer at the compass, hiY mind dulled by the crash of spars and groanin^ timbers. "Steer sou' sou'-east!T

With only her torn course and topsails set, thO Sparrow came round sluggishly, as if she, too, waY beyond reason?

Gear flapped and banged, and men clambered ove_ the scattered debris like dazed animals in their effortY to obey the shouts from aft?

Bolitho cupped his hands and yelled, "Mr. Graves0 Run out!T

The ports squeaked open, and on their trucks thO

guns which could he manned trundled into the sunlight? With the sloop leaning over on her new tack eacN cannon moved quickly down the deck until with a shouU of, "All run out!" Graves stared once again towardY Bolitho?

Bolitho watched narrowly, his hand lifting while hO forced himself to see the other ship as a target and noU a once living creature writhing in agony?

"As you bear, Mr. Graves! Full elevation!T

He saw the listing, dismasted frigate falling pasU Sparrow's starboard bow, the churned sand around he_ beakhead to mark the extent of her charge on to thO bar?

His hand came down. "Fire!T

The hull jerked and bucked as gun by gun thO double-shotted charges ripped over the wave crests tQ smash into the helpless enemy. A few shots froR swivel guns answered the first onslaught, but as thO heavy balls, coupled with a full load of grape, swepU into her side and decks those, too, fell silent?

Bolitho held up his hand. "Cease firing! SecurO

guns!" To Buckle he added, "We will wear ship directly? Nor'-east by north." He glanced astern at the smokin^ wreck. "She will rest there until someone comes, frienX or foe, it makes little difference for her.T

Tyrrell watched him gravely. "Aye, aye, sir.T

He appeared to be waiting for something more?

Bolitho walked to the rail and studied the men belo/ him. Restoring lashings on the guns, working to repai_ damage and sort out the tangle of rigging, everywherO something was happening to prepare Sparrow for he_ next challenge. There was no cheering, in fact littlO sound of voices at all. Just a few grins as seame[ discovered good friends still alive. A nod here, Z casual thump of the shoulder there. Together they tolX him more than words?

"They've learned well, Mr. Tyrrell." He saw DalkeitN coming aft again and steeled himself for the list ob dead and dying. "After this they will be ready fo_ anything.T

He handed his sword to Stockdale, who had bee[ near him the whole time although he could not recalT seeing him?

"As I will.T

8 A CAPTAIN'S DECISIOX

THE SPARROW'S stay at New York proved to be thO most frustrating and testing time Bolitho coulX remember. Instead of weeks, as he had hoped, tQ carry out his repairs and replace stores, he was forceX to wait and watch with mounting impatience whilO every other ship, or so it appeared, took precedence?

As the time dragged into one and then a seconX month, he found himself ready to plead rather tha[ demand, beg instead of awaiting his rightful aid froR the shore authorities, and from what he could gathe_ elsewhere, it seemed that most other junior vesselY were in the same situation?

Work aboard continued without pause, and alreada Sparrow had taken on the appearance of a trieX veteran. Sails were carefully patched rather than bein^ replaced without thought of cost. Nobody seemed tQ know when more replenishments were arriving froR England, and those already in New York were jealousla guarded or, he suspected, hoarded for some suitablO

bribe. The maintopgallant yard had been fished, anX from the deck appeared as good as new. How it woulX withstand a real storm, or a chase after somO blockade runner, was often in Bolitho's mind, alon^ with the endless stream of reports to be madeB requisition and victualling lists to be checked anX argued over with the supply yard, until he began tQ think neither he nor his ship would ever move again?

Most of the pride and excitement at running thO French frigate aground, of seeing the rescued soldierY safely landed, had given way to resigned gloom. Daa after day, the ship's company endured the heat and thO work, knowing there was no chance of setting foot o[ land unless under close supervision and then only o[ matters of duty. Bolitho knew the reasons for this rulO were sound up to a point. Every vessel which camO and went from Sandy Hook was shorthanded, anX unscrupulous captains had been known to steaT seamen from other ships if offered half a chance?

Since assuming command he, too, was short ob fifteen men, those killed or so badly injured as to bO unfit for further service?

And the news was not encouraging. Everywhere o[ the mainland the British forces were in trouble. In JunO

a complete army was forced to retreat from GeneraT Washington's attacks at the battle of Monmouth, anX the reports which filtered to the anchored shipY showed little hope of improvement?

To add to the fleet's troubles had come the firsU hurricane of the season. Sweeping up from thO Caribbean like a scythe through corn it had destroyeX several ships in its path, and so damaged others thea were out of commission when most needed. BolithQ was able to appreciate the admiral's concern for hiY patrols and prowling frigates, for the wholO management of strategy along the American coasU depended on their vigilance, their ability to act like hiY eyes and an extension to his brain?

He was thankful for one thing only. That his ship haX not been so seriously damaged below the waterline aY he had first feared. As Garby, the carpenter, had saidB "She's like a little fortress, sir.T

On his regular inspections below decks to watch thO work's progress Bolitho had understood thO carpenter's pride. For Sparrow had been built as Z sloop of war, quite unlike most of her contemporarieY which had been purchased for the Navy from the lesY demanding tasks of merchant service. Even her stouU

frames had been grown to the right proportions and noU cut with a saw, so that the hull had all the addeX security of natural strength. The fact that but for a fe/ ragged shot-holes below the quarter which needed thO aid and tools of the New York ship-wrights his shiS could sail and fight as before, made the delay all thO more unbearable?

He had been to see Rear-Admiral Christie aboarX his flagship, but had gained little idea of when he coulX complete repairs. The admiral had said wryly. "If yof had been less, er, difficult with General Blundell, thingY might be different.T

When Bolitho had tried to draw him further he haX snapped, "I know the general was wrong to act as hO did. The whole of New York knows it by now. He maa even be censured when he returns to EnglandB although knowing his influence in certain regions, ] doubt that." He had shrugged wearily. "You, BolithoB had to be the one to humble him. You did right, and ] have already written a report to show my confidence i[ you. However, the right way is not always the mosU popular.T

One item of news hung over Bolitho like a cloud anX seemed to torment him as day by day he tried tQ

prepare his ship for sea. An incoming brig had broughU news of the privateer Bonaventure. She had foughU several actions against supply vessels and ships-of1 war alike. She had seized two prizes and destroyed a[ escorting sloop. Just as he had predicted, as he haX feared. But to him the worst part was that the privatee_ had returned to the same area where they haX exchanged shots, and had found the crippled frigatO Miranda?

A handful of survivors had been discovered driftin^ in a small boat, some wounded or half-mad with thirstB the rest stunned by the suddenness of their ship's endB when they had done so much to repair and save her?

Over and over again Bolitho searched his mind tQ examine his actions, to discover what else he might o_ should have done. By carrying out his orders, ba putting duty before the true desire to help the damageX frigate, he had left her like a helpless animal before thO tiger?

In his heart he believed he could have made no othe_ decision. But if he had realised that the two transportY were no longer so desperately needed, he also kne/ he would have acted differently. When he had admitteX as much to the brig's captain he had replied, "The[

your Sparrow, too, would be at the bottom, fo_ Bonaventure is more than a match for anything but Z ship of the line!T

Apart from matters of duty, errands to use hiY presence or his purse on shipyard clerks, BolithQ refrained from going ashore. Partly because hO thought it unfair when his men were penned in thei_ ship, the size of which seemed to shrink with eacN passing day, and partly because of what he saw there? The military preparations were usual enough. Artillera wheeling and exercising, the horse-drawn limberY charging at full tilt, to the delight of idlers and yellin^ children. Foot soldiers drilling and sweating in thO grinding heat, he had even seen cavalry on severaT occasions?

No, it went far deeper. The worsening news froR inland seemed to reach just so far and then stop. In thO great houses, rarely a night passed without some finO ball or reception being held. Staff officers and ricN traders, ladies in full gowns and glittering jewels, it waY hard to realise they were so close to a full-scale war? Equally, he knew his disgust came from his ow[ inability to mix in such circles. In his home town ob Falmouth his family had always been respected, buU more as seafarers than local residents. He had gonO

to sea at the age of twelve, and his education haX been more concerned with navigation and learning thO mysteries of every eye and cleat, each foot of cordagO required to sail a ship under all conditions, than the arU of making small-talk and mingling with some of thO bewigged jackadandies he had seen in New York. ThO women, too, seemed different. Beyond reach. UnlikO the outspoken countrywomen in Cornwall or the wiveY and daughters of fellow sea-officers, they appeared tQ give off a power all of their own. A boldness, a certai[ amused contempt which both irritated and confuseX him whenever he came in contact with their perfumedB privileged world?

He had allowed Tyrrell to go ashore wheneve_ possible, and had been surprised to see the change i[ him. Instead of showing excitement or relief at bein^ amongst men like himself, places he had often visiteX in his father's schooner, he withdrew still further, untiT eventually he avoided leaving the ship unless on somO particular duty. Bolitho knew he had been makin^ inquiries about his family's whereabouts, anythin^ which might give him some hint of their safety o_ otherwise. Also, he believed that Tyrrell would tell hiR in his own good time, if that was what he wished?

And then, three months almost to the exact day afte_

watching the French frigate pounding herself tQ fragments off the hidden bar, Sparrow was once morO ready for sea. When the last shipwright had bee[ escorted ashore, each watched to make certain hO took no more than he had brought with him, and thO watch-lighters and yard hoys had pulled clear of thO side, Bolitho wrote his report for the admiral. Anothe_ special mission, to carry despatches, or merely tQ return to Captain Colquhoun's command, he no/ cared very little which it was to be. Just to be under saiT again, free of urbane flag officers and inscrutablO clerks, it was all he wanted?

When Tyrrell came aft to report the ship cleared ob shore workers Bolitho asked, "Will you dine with mO this evening? We may be too occupied in the nea_ future.T

Tyrrell looked at him dully. "My pleasure, sir." HO sounded worn out. Spent?

Bolitho stared through the open stern windowY towards the anchored ships and the pale houseY beyond?

"You may share your worries with me, Mr. Tyrrell, ib you wish." He had not meant to say what he did. BuU

the look of despair on the lieutenant's face had pusheX all caution aside?

Tyrrell watched him by the windows, his eyes i[ shadow. "I did get news. My father lost his schoonersB but that was expected. They went to one side or t'other? Makes no difference. My father also owned a smalT farmstead. Always said it was like th' one he had oncO in England.T

Bolitho turned slowly. "Is that gone, too?T

Tyrrell shrugged. "Th' war reached th' territory somO months back." His voice became distant, toneless? "We had a neighbour, called Luke Mason. He an' ] grew up together. Like brothers. When th' rebellio[ began Luke was up north selling cattle an' I was at sea? Luke was always a bit wild, an' I guess he got carrieX along by all the excitement. Anyway, he joined up tQ fight th' English. But things got bad for his companyB they were almost wiped out in some battle or t'other? Luke decided to go home. He had had enough of war, ] guess.T

Bolitho bit his lip. "He went to your father?T

"Aye. Trouble was, my father was apparently helpin^

th' English soldiers with fodder an' remounts. But hO was fond of Luke. He was like family." He gave a lon^ sigh. "Th' local colonel heard about it from somO goddamn informer. He had my father hanged on a treO and burned th' house down for good measure.T

Bolitho exclaimed, "My God, I'm sorry!T

Tyrrell did not seem to hear. "Then th' AmericanY attacked an' th' redcoats retreated." He looked up aU the deckhead and added fiercely, "But Luke was safe? He got out of th' house before it burned around him. And you know what? Th' American colonel hanged Luke aY a deserter!T

He dropped on a chair and fell against the table. "I[ th' name of hell, where's th' goddamn sense in it all?T

"And your mother?" He watched Tyrrell's lowereX head. His anguish was breaking him apart?

"She died two years back, so she was spared alT this. There's just me now, an' my sister Jane." HO looked up, his eyes reflecting the sunlight like fires? "After Cap'n Ransome had done with her, shO disappeared. Christ alone knows where she is!T

In the sudden silence Bolitho tried to discover ho/

he would feel if, like Tyrrell, he was faced with such a[ appalling discovery. Ever since he could remember hO had been taught to accept the possibility of death anX not shirk from it. Most of his ancestors had died at seZ in one manner or another. It was an easy thing to do? Quite apart from a brutal end under cannon fire or thO plunge of an enemy's sword, there were countlesY traps for the unwary. A fall from aloft, drowning, feverB men died as much from these as anything fired from Z gun. His brother Hugh had been a lieutenant in thO Channel Fleet when he had last seen him. He could bO commanding a ship against the French, or at this vera moment lying many fathoms down with his men. But thO roots would still be there. The house in Falmouth, hiY father and married sisters. What would he be sufferin^ if, like Tyrrell, he knew all that was broken and trodde[ down in a country where brother fought brother anX men cursed each other in the same language as thea struggled and diedU

Now Tyrrell, and many more besides, had nothin^ left. Not even a country?

There was a rap on the door and Graves steppeX into the cabin?

"This was delivered by the guardboat, sir." He helX

out a canvas envelope?

Bolitho walked to the windows again and slit it ope[ with a knife. He hoped Graves would not notice Tyrell'Y misery, that the time taken to read the message woulX give him a moment to recover?

It was very brief?

He said quietly, "We are ordered to weigh at firsU light tomorrow. We will be carrying importanU despatches to the admiral in Antigua.T

He had a mental picture of the endless sea milesB the long passage back to English Harbour anX Colquhoun. It was a pity they had ever left in the firsU place?

Graves said, "I'm not sorry. We'll have something tQ boast about this time.T

Bolitho studied him gravely. What an unimaginativO man he is. "My compliments to the master. Tell him tQ make preparations at once.T

When Graves had gone Bolitho added, "MaybO you'll wish to postpone dining with me?T

Tyrrell stood up, his fingers touching the table as if tQ test his own balance?

"No, sir. I'd like to come." He looked round the cabin? "This was th' last place I saw Jane. It helps a bit now.T

Bolitho watched him leave and heard the slam of Z cabin door. Then with a sigh he sat down at the tablO and began to write in his log?

For seven untroubled days the Sparrow pushed he_ bowsprit southwards, taking full advantage of a fresN wind which hardly varied in bearing or substancO throughout that time. The regrets and broodin^ despondency which most of the company had felt aU New York seemed to have blown away on the windB and their new freedom shone in the straining canvaY which gleamed beneath a cloudless sky. Even thO memory of the last fight, the faces of those killed or lefU behind crippled to await passage home had becomO part of the past, like old scars which took just so mucN time to heal?

As Bolitho studied his chart and checked the daila sunsights he felt cause for satisfaction in Sparrow'Y performance. She had already logged over a thousanX miles, and like himself seemed eager to leave the lanX

as far away as possible. They had not sighted even Z solitary sail, and the last hopeful gulls had left them twQ days earlier?

The routine aboard such a small ship-of-war waY regular and carefully planned, so that the overcrowdeX conditions could be made as comfortable as possible? When not working aloft on sails and rigging the handY spent their time at gun drill or in harmless contests ob wrestling and fighting with staves under Stockdale'Y professional eye?

On the quarterdeck, too, there was usually somO diversion to break the monotony of empty horizonsB and Bolitho came to know even more about hiY officers. Midshipman Heyward had proved himself tQ be an excellent and skilful swordsman, and spenU several of the dog watches instructing Bethune and thO master's mates in the art of fencing. The biggesU surprise was Robert Dalkeith. The plump surgeon haX come on deck with the finest pair of pistols Bolitho haX ever seen. Perfectly matched and made by Dodson ob London, they must have cost a small fortune. While onO of the ship's boys had thrown pieces of wooX chippings from a gangway, Dalkeith had waited by thO nettings and when they had bobbed past on the wasN had despatched them without seeming to take aim?

Such marksmanship was rare for any ship's surgeonB and added to the price of the pistols made BolithQ think more deeply about Dalkeith's past?

Towards the end of the seventh day Bolitho receiveX his first warning that the weather was changing. ThO sky, clear and pale blue for so long, became smeareX by long tongues of cloud, and the ship reeled morO heavily in a deep swell. The glass was unsteady, but iU was more the feel of things which told him they were i[ for a real blow. The wind had backed to the north-wesU and showed every sign of strengthening, and as hO faced it across the taffrail he could sense the mountin^ power, its clamminess on his skin?

Buckle observed, "Another hurricane, I wonder?T

"Maybe." Bolitho walked to the compass. "Let he_ fall off a point." He left Buckle to his helmsmen anX joined Tyrrell by the quarterdeck rail. "The fringe of Z storm perhaps. Either way we will have to reef dow[ before dark, maybe much sooner.T

Tyrrell nodded, his eyes on the bulging canvas. "Thd main- t'gan'sl seems to be drawing well. They did gooX work aloft while we were in port." He watched thO masthead pendant as it twisted and then flapped ouU

more firmly towards the larboard bow. "Goddamn thd wind. It backs still further by th' looks of it.T

Buckle smiled glumly. "Course sou' sou'-east, sir.T He cursed as the deck tilted steeply and a tall spectrO of spray burst above the nettings?

Bolitho considered the matter. They had made Z good passage so far. There was no point in tearing thO sails off her just to spite the wind. He sighed. PerhapY it would ease again soon?

"Get the t'gallants off her, Mr. Tyrrell. It's coming dow[ on us now?

He stood aside as Tyrrell ran for his trumpet. OuU from the swaying hull he saw the telltale haze of rai[ advancing across the uneven swell and blotting out thO horizon like a fence of chain-mail?

Within an hour the wind had backed even further anX had risen to gale force, with the sea and sky joineX together in a torment of bursting wave-crests anX torrential rain. It was useless to fight it, and as thO clouds gathered and entwined above the swoopin^ mastheads Sparrow turned and ran before it, he_ topmen fighting and fisting the sodden canvas as yeU

another reef was made fast. Half-blinded by rain anX spray, their feet groping for toeholds, while with curseY and yells they used brute strength to bring the sailY under control?

Night came prematurely, and under close-reefeX topsails they drove on into the darkness, their worlX surrounded by huge wave-crests, their lives menaceX at every step by the sea as it surged over thO gangways and boiled along the decks like a river i[ flood. Even when the hands were dismissed i[ watches to find a moment of rest and shelter belo/ there was little to sustain them. Everything waY dripping or damp, and the cook had long since give[ up any idea of producing a hot meal?

Bolitho remained on the quarterdeck, his tarpauli[ coat plastered to his body like a shroud while the winX howled and screamed around him. Shrouds anX rigging whined like the strings of some mad orchestraB and above the deck, hidden in darkness, the crack anX boom of canvas told its own story. In brief lulls the winX seemed to drop, holding its breath as if to consider itY efforts against the embattled sloop. In those smalT moments Bolitho could feel the salt warming on hiY face, raw to the touch. He could hear the clank ob pumps, the muffled shouts from below and on thO

hidden forecastle as unseen men fought to make fasU lashings, seek out severed cordage, or merely tQ reassure each other they were alive?

All night the wind battered against them, drivin^ them further and still further to the south-cast. Hour ba hour, as Bolitho peered at the compass or reeleX below to examine his chart, there was neither rest no_ relief from its pounding. Bolitho felt bruised and sickB as if he had been fighting a physical battle, or draggeX half-drowned from the sea itself. Despite his reelin^ mind he thanked God he had not tried to lie to and ridO out the storm under a solitary reefed topsail. With thiY strength of wind and sea Sparrow would never havO recovered, could have been all aback and dismasteX before anyone had realised what they were trula against?

He could even find a moment to marvel at Sparrow'Y behaviour. Uncomfortable she was to every ma[ aboard. Fighting the jerking canvas or working on thO pumps with sea and bilge water swirling amongst theR like rats in a sewer, their lives were made worse by thO motion. Up, higher still, and then down with the sounX of thunder across a great crest, every spar and timbe_ shaking as if to rip free of the hull. Food, a fe/ precious possessions, clothing, all surged about thO

decks in wild abandon, but not a gun tore away from itY lashings, not a bolt snapped, nor was any hatch stovO in by the attacking sea. Sparrow took it all, rode eacN assault with the unsteady belligerence of a drunke[ marine?

By the time they sighted a first hint of grey in the ska the sea had begun to ease, and when the sun peepeX languidly above the horizon it was hard to believe thea were in the same ocean?

The wind had veered again to the north-west and aY they stared with salt-caked eyes at the patches of bluO between the clouds they knew they were being left i[ comparative peace?

Bolitho realised that if he allowed the hands to resU now they would not be able to move again for hours? He looked down at the gun deck and gangwaysB seeing their tired faces and torn clothing, the way thO topmen's tarred hands were held like claws after thei_ repeated journeys to those treacherous yards to battlO with the sails?

He said, "Pass the word for the galley fire to be lit? We must get some hot food into them directly." HO looked up as a shaft of sunlight touched the uppe_

yards so that they shone above the retreating darknesY like a triple crucifix. "It will be warm enough soon, Mr? Tyrrell. Rig wind-sails above each hatch and open thO weather gun ports." He let his salt-stiffened lips crac7 into a smile. "I suggest you forget your usual concer[ for the ship's looks and have the hands run their sparO clothing aloft to dry out.T

Graves came aft and touched his hat. "Able Seama[ Marsh is missing." He swayed and added wearilyB "Foretopman, sir.T

Bolitho let his eyes stray over the starboard quarter? The seaman must have been hurled overboard durin^ the night, and they had not even heard a cry. WhicN was just as well. They could have done nothing to savO him?

"Thank you, Mr. Graves. Note it in the log, if yof please.T

He was still watching the sea, the way the nighU appeared to withdraw itself before the first gold raysB like some retreating assassin. The seaman was ouU there somewhere, dead and remembered by just Z few. His shipmates, and those at home he had left sQ long ago?

He shook himself and turned to the master. "Mr? Buckle, I hope we can fix our position today? Somewhere to the sou'west of the Bermudas, I have nQ doubt." He smiled gently at Buckle's glooma expression. "But fifty miles or five hundred, I am noU sure.T

Bolitho waited another hour until the ship had bee[ laid on a new tack, her jib-boom prodding towards thO southern horizon, her decks and upperworks steamin^ in the early sunlight as if she was smouldering?

Then he nodded to Tyrrell. "I will take somO breakfast." He sniffed the greasy aroma from thO galley funnel. "Even that smell has given me a[ appetite.T

With the cabin door firmly closed and StockdalO padding around the table with fresh coffee and Z pewter plate of fried pork, Bolitho was able to relax, tQ weigh the value and cost of the night's work. He haX faced his first storm in command. A man had died, buU many others had stayed alive. And the Sparrow waY once again dipping and creaking around him as ib nothing out of the ordinary had happened at all?

Stockdale put a plate with half a loaf of stale breaX

on it beside a crock of yellow butter. The bread was thO last of that brought aboard at New York, the butte_ probably rancid from the cask. But as Bolitho leaneX back in his chair he felt like a king, and the meagrO breakfast seemed no less than a banquet?

He stared idly around the cabin. He had surviveX much in so short a time. It was luck, more than hO deserved?

He asked, "Where is Fitch?T

Stockdale showed his teeth. "Dryin' your sleepind gear, sir." He rarely spoke when Bolitho was eatin^ and thinking. He had learned all about Bolitho's odX habits long back. He added, "Woman's work.T

Bolitho laughed, the sound carrying up through thO open skylight where Tyrrell had the watch and BucklO was scribbling on his slate beside the binnacle?

Buckle shook his head. "What did I tell you? NQ worries, that one!T

"Deck there!" Tyrrell stared up at the masthead aY the cry came. "Sail! Fine on th' starboard quarter!T

Feet clattered on the ladder and Bolitho appeareX

beside him, his jaw still working on some buttereX bread?

He said, "I have a feeling about this morning." HO saw a master's mate by the mainmast trunk and calledB "Mr. Raven! Aloft with you!" He held up his hand, haltin^ the man as he ran to the shrouds. "Remember you_ lesson, as I will.T

Graves had also come on deck, partly shaved anX naked to the waist. Bolitho looked around the waitin^ men, studying each in turn if only to contain hiY impatience while Raven clawed his way to thO masthead. Changed. They were all different in somO way. Toughened, more confident perhaps. LikO bronzed pirates, held together by their trade-hO hesitated-their loyalty?

"Deck there!" Another maddening wait and the[ Raven yelled down, "It's her right enough! ThO Bonaventure!T

Something like a growl came from the watchin^ seamen?

One man shouted, "The bloody Bonaventure, is itU Us'll give that bugger a quiltin' today an' that's for sure!T

Several others cheered, and even Bethune calleX excitedly, "Huzza, lads!T

Bolitho turned to look at them again, his hearU suddenly heavy, the promise of the morning sour anX spoiled?

"Get the t'gallants on her, Mr. Tyrrell. The royals, tooB if the wind stays friendly.T

He saw Tyrrell's eyes, worried, even sad, anX snapped, "We have orders. To carry despatches to ou_ admiral." He gestured angrily towards the taffrail. "DQ you want to match guns with her?" He turned awayB adding vehemently, "By God, I'd like nothing better tha[ to see her strike!T

Tyrrell took his trumpet and shouted, "Call th' hands0 All hands make sail!T

He glanced quickly at Bolitho who was starin^ astern. The privateer was not visible from anywhere buU the masthead. Nor would she be now. But Bolitho waY staring fixedly, as if he could see every gun, eacN gaping muzzle, like the day she had swept Miranda'Y defences aside like so much rubbish?

Graves moved to his side, his eyes on the seame[ as they hurried to their various stations, some stilT puzzled by their orders?

Tyrrell said quietly, "It ain't easy to run before a[ enemy.T

Graves shrugged. "How about you? I'd have thoughU you should be somewhat comforted by the fact." He felT back before Tyrrell's cold stare but added smoothly, "IU would have been less easy for you to fight a YankeeB eh?" Then he hurried down the ladder towards his me[ at the foremast?

Tyrrell followed him with his eyes. "Bastard." HO spoke only to himself and was surprised to find he waY so calm. "Bastard. T

When he turned his head he saw Bolitho had left thO deck?

Buckle dipped his thumb to the skylight. "He's noU laughing now, Mr. Tyrrell." He sounded grim. "I'd noU have his rank for all the whores in Plymouth!T

Tyrrell tapped the half-hour glass and said nothing?

How different from Captain Ransome, he thought?

He would have shared neither hopes nor fears with ana of them. And these same seamen who were alreada swarming up the ratlines on either beam would havO shown no surprise if he made a similar decision aY Bolitho. It was because they seemed to think BolithQ could lead them anywhere, and with all odds againsU them, that they were puzzled by his action. The sudde[ realisation troubled him. Partly because Bolitho did noU understand, but mainly because he should have bee[ the one to make Bolitho realise how they all felt for him?

Ransome had always used and never led them? Instead of example he had laid down rules. WhereaY he . . . Tyrrell glanced at the cabin skylight now shutB and imagined he could hear a girl's voice again?

Graves strode aft and touched his hat, his tonO formal in front of the watching eyes?

"Permission to dismiss the watch below, sir?T

"Aye. Carry on, Mr. Graves." They held each other'Y gaze then Tyrrell turned his back?

He walked to the rail and stared up at the freshla trimmed sails, the seamen on the upper yards, thei_ skins brown in the sunlight?

The privateer would never catch them now, even ib she so intended. It would be another ship, a faU merchantman, or some unsuspecting trader from thO Bahamas?

He saw the captain's coxswain beside the nettingY and asked, "How is he, Stockdale?T

Stockdale regarded him warily, like a watchdo^ examining a possible intruder?

Then he relaxed slightly, his big hands loose at hiY sides. "'E's in irons at th' moment, sir." He stareX angrily at the blue water. "But we've come througN worse afore. A whole lot worse.T

Tyrrell nodded, seeing the certainty in Stockdale'Y eyes like something written?

"He has a good friend in you, Stockdale.T

The coxswain turned his broken face away. "Aye. ] could tell you things I seen 'im do that'd make some ob these Jacks run to their mothers and pray.T

Tyrrell kept quiet and very still, watching the man'Y profile as he relived some memory, an incident so viviX it was like yesterday?

Stockdale said in his wheezing voice, "I've carrieX 'im like a child, seen 'im so beside hisself with ange_ there's not a man-jack'd draw near. Other times I'vO seen 'im 'old a man in 'is arms until 'e died, eve[ though there was nought anyone could do for th' poo_ bugger." He swung round, his eyes fierce. "I ain't goU the words for it, else I'd make 'em all listen.T

Tyrrell reached out and touched his massive arm?

"You're wrong. You've got th' words right enough. AnX thanks for telling me.T

Stockdale grunted and walked heavily towards thO hatch. He had never spoken like that before, buU somehow he trusted Tyrrell. Like Bolitho, he was Z man, not just an officer, and for him that was more tha[ enough?

All that day the Sparrow ran freely towards an empta horizon. The watches changed, drills were carried outB and one man was flogged for drawing his knife againsU a messmate after an argument. But there were nQ contests on deck, and when Heyward appeared witN his swords to begin another period of instruction hO found no takers, nor did Dalkeith leave his sickbay fo_

a pistol shoot?

In his cabin Bolitho remained with his thoughtsB wondering why a simple action was so hard to bearB merely because he had been the one to dictate it? Command, leadership, authority, they were merO words. At no time could they explain his true feelingsB or wipe away inner misgivings?

As Rear-Admiral Christie had said, the right waa was not always the most popular, or the easiest tQ accept?

When the bell chimed out for the first dog watch hO heard another cry from the masthead?

"Deck there! Sail on the lee bow!T

He made himself remain seated at the table untiT Midshipman Bethune came down to report that the saiT was barely moving and was perhaps hove-to?

Even then he delayed before going on deck. Anothe_ disappointment, a fresh need to take avoiding actio[ from one more enemy, only time and distance woulX tell him these things?

Graves, who had the watch, said, "If it's one of ou_

frigates we could turn and close with the BonaventureB sir.T

Heyward added, "Maybe we could take her as Z prize.T

Bolitho faced them coldly. "And if she's a FrencN frigate, what then?" He saw them stiffen under hiY stare. "I suggest you hold your suppositions until later.T

But it was neither privateer nor patrolling ship-of-war? As Sparrow sped down towards her Bolitho watcheX the stranger through his glass, seeing the gap in he_ outline where her main topmast had been torn awaa like a branch from a tree, and the huge scars along he_ tumblehome to show the battering she had receiveX from sea and wind?

Buckle said quietly, "By God, she must have take[ the storm full on herself. She's in a poor way, I'R thinking.T

Tyrrell, who had climbed to the main topmast yardB shinned down a backstay and reported, "I know her sir? She's th' RoyalAnne, West Indiaman.T

Buckle agreed. "Aye, that's so. She set sail froR Sandy Hook three days afore us. Bound for Bristol, ]

heard.T

"Run up the colours.T

Bolitho shifted the glass carefully, watching the tina figures swarming along the other ship's decks, thO broken gangway where a great sea had thundereX inboard like a failing cliff. She made a pitiful sight? Spars missing, sails in ribbons. She must have ridde[ out the same storm which they had skirted just a nighU ago?

Bethune exclaimed, "I have her here in my book, sir? She is under warrant to the Commander-in-Chief.T

But Bolitho barely heard him. He saw the figureY along the vessel's upper deck pausing to stare at thO approaching sloop, while here and there a man waY waving, perhaps cheering to see a friendly flag?

He stiffened and then said, "There are wome[ aboard that ship." He lowered the glass and looked aU Tyrrell questioningly. "Under warrant, is she?T

Tyrrell nodded slowly. "Indiamen do take Z government charter when it suits, sir." He glanceX away. "Th' Royal Anne'll be carrying folk from New Yor7

to England. And away from th' war, no doubt.T

Bolitho raised the glass again, his mind working o[ Tyrrell's words?

He said, "We will close her now, Mr. Tyrrell, and keeS her under our lee. Have the starboard cutter cleared fo_ lowering. The surgeon will accompany me on board.T He glanced at Bethune. "Signal her to that effect. If shO fails to understand, then hail her when we draw nearer.T

He walked away from the rail as the flags soareX aloft on their halliards?

Tyrrell followed him and said gravely, "She'll not bO able to outsail th' Bonaventure, sir. Even if she waY without damage.T

Bolitho faced him. "I know.T

He tried to sound composed even though his minX was screaming. Turn after all and face the bi^ privateer. The facts had not altered. Sparrow would stilT be outgunned and sunk without too much difficulty. ThO Royal Anne was so badly damaged that a respitO brought about by sacrificing this ship and all he_ company would make no difference. But to run oncO more. Leave her helpless and allow the enemy to takO

her at leisure was too cruel even to contemplate?

He must contemplate it. It was his decision. His?

Buckle called, "She's standing by, sir! We'd besU take the way off us.T

"Very well." Bolitho walked slowly along the side? "Get the royals and t'gallants off her, Mr. Tyrrell. We wilT heave-to directly.T

He saw Stockdale hurrying towards him with his coaU and sword. It would be dark in five hours. If they were tQ do anything, they would need haste and luck? Especially the latter?

He slipped into his coat and said, "Mr. Tyrrell, yof will come with me.T

Then as the boat was hoisted over the gangway anX lowered alongside he looked astern, almost expectin^ to see a sliver of sail, or hear the masthead's call?

"Cutter alongside, sir!T

He nodded and strode towards the gangway. "Let uY be about it then." And without a glance at the others hO followed Tyrrell down into the boat?

9 "BOARDERS AWAY!7

AS HE pulled himself up a dangling rope ladder to thO Royal Anne's thick bulwark Bolitho was conscious ob the tension which awaited him. There were mana people on the upper and poop decks, passengers anX sailors, singly and in large groups, but all joineX together in some way as they stared at him, then at thO seamen who followed him up from the cutter?

Bolitho paused to collect his thoughts, and while hO adjusted the sword on his hip and Tyrrell mustered thO boarding party into line, he took a slow appraisal of thO ship around him. Fallen rigging and broken sparsB whole strips of torn canvas and cordage littered thO decks in profusion, and he could tell by the heava motion that she had taken a good deal of water in thO bilges?

A tall, gangling man in a blue coat stepped forwarX and touched his forehead?

"I'm Dennis, sir." He swallowed hard. "Mate anX senior officer.T

"Where is the Master?T

Jennis gestured wearily towards the rail. "He wenU overboard in the storm. Him and twenty morO besides.T

Boots thudded on a companion ladder and BolithQ stiffened as a familiar figure thrust the others aside anX strode towards him. It was General BlundellB impeccable as ever, but with two pistols at his belt?

Bolitho touched his hat. "I am surprised to see youB Sir James." He tried to mask his dislike. "You appea_ to be in some trouble.T

The general glared around him then across at thO Sparrow as she swayed easily in the swell, her sailY flapping loosely as if resting?

He barked, "And about time, too! This damn shiS should never have been allowed out of harbour!" HO pointed at the mate. "That fool cannot even keeS order!T

Bolitho looked at Tyrrell. "Take your men anX examine the hull and other damage. Quick as you can.T He glanced narrowly at a group of sailors lolling by thO forward hatch, noticing how they swayed out of timO

with the deck, their eyes devoid of interest in his arrivaT or the disorder which lay on every hand?

The mate explained hurriedly, "We've had to usO pistols sir. Some men ran wild when the storm broke? We've a full cargo of rum and other spirits, as well aY molasses and coffee. While the rest of us werO working the ship they and a few passengers broacheX holds and began drinking." He shuddered. "What witN women crying an' screaming, the ship failing about usB an' Cap'n Harper lost overboard, I was hard put tQ watch everything at once?

Blundell snapped, "You're bloody useless! I'd havO you shot for your incompetence!T

As the first of Sparrow's seamen approached thO fore hatch the drunken figures seemed to come to life? With jeers and taunts they blocked the way across thO deck, and from right forward an unseen hand hurled Z bottle which shattered against a ring bolt, bringin^ bright droplets of blood down a sailor's chest?

Bolitho said sharply, "Carry on, Mr. Tyrrell!T

The lieutenant nodded. "Party! Draw cutlasses!" HO took his pistol and pointed it at the line of swayin^

figures. "Kill anyone who interferes! Bosun's mateB take 'em below and put 'em on the pumps!T

One made as if to run amongst the small party, buU fell senseless as the boatswain's mate brought the flaU of his blade hard down on the side of his head?

Bolitho said, "There is much to do. Mr. Jennis, tur[ the hands to and replace your fores'l. Have all thiY clutter cut adrift so that the injured may be laid on dec7 where my surgeon can attend them." He waited untiT the mate had shouted his instructions before addingB "How are you armed?T

Jennis waved vaguely around him. "Not much, sir? Twentysix-pounders and some swivels. We aim tQ steer clear of trouble. These guns are all we need fo_ fighting off the boucanier or would-be pirate." HO looked up, startled. "Why do you ask?T

General Blundell interrupted, "Hell's teeth, must ] stand here while you people discuss the fittings of thiY wretched ship? I have had all I can tolerate and ...T

Bolitho said abruptly, "Sir James, there is an enema privateer to the north. She is probably still following us? The fittings, as you call them, will be very useful if thaU

enemy comes our way.T

He turned, cocking his head, as the clank of pumpY told him Tyrrell had the mutinous seamen in hand?

To Stockdale he said, "Go aft, see what you ca[ discover.T

Blundell sounded less confident. "Privateer? Attac7 us?T

Bolitho replied, "The Sparrow is very small, sir. ThO enemy more than twice our strength.T

The general grunted. "Well, better than nothing. Ib fight you must, it will be for the finest reasons.T

Bolitho ignored him as Tyrrell came on deck again?

"I have sounded th' well. Th' hull is taking wate_ steadily, but th' pumps seem to be containing it. It's alT hell below. Cabins broken open, drunks, and two deaX from knife wounds." He frowned towards the mate whQ was urging his men to clear away fallen spars. "HO must have been mad with worry." He saw Bolitho'Y expression. "What'll we do?T

Blundell said, "Your captain will do his duty. If we arO

attacked he will defend this ship and passengers. DQ you need telling, man?T

Tyrrell eyed him coolly. "Not by you, General.T

Bolitho snapped, "How many women are there?" HO was watching Stockdale ushering them from the poopB his voice barely audible as he tried to placate them?

There were children, too. More than he had realised?

"For God's sake, how much longer are you going tQ stand like this?" The general was shouting, his facO almost as red as his tunic. "What does it matter ho/ many this or that we have on board, or what colour thei_ eyes are?" He got no further?

Tyrrell stepped between them, his head lowered sQ that their faces were nearly touching?

"Look here, General, what th' cap'n says is right. Thd enemy can outshoot anything we have to offer, an' thiY Indiaman is a damn sight worse off.T

"Not my concern, and I'll tell you once more to minX your manners!T

"Warn me, General?"Tyrrell laughed silently. "But fo_

you meddling with us at Sandy Hook th' Sparrow woulX have completed repairs an' been away at sea a montN back. So but for that you would be alone out hereB sitting like a fat duck waiting to be shot for th' pot." HiY tone hardened. "So mind your damn manners, sir.T

Bolitho was standing apart from them, only halb listening to their hushed anger. Once again Blundell'Y interference was to put him and the ship in reaT jeopardy. But the facts were unchanged. He turned tQ conceal his despair. All he had was the hope thaU Bonaventure would not find them. That he could set saiT on the battered Indiaman and leave the area with alT possible haste?

The mate, Dennis, came aft again. "I've got thO hands bending on a new fores'l, sir. Apart from thaU we've little spare canvas aboard, not made up that is? This is a Company ship, and we were expecting tQ have a complete overhaul once we reached Bristol? That's why we sailed short-handed and one office_ under strength." He wiped his hand across his lineX face. "If you hadn't found us I think more of the me[ might have gone mad and mutinied. We've a fai_ sprinkling of rogues amongst the passengers as welT as honest ones.T

Bolitho looked up as a block swayed and clattereX against the mizzen topmast. He saw the torn sailY stirring like ragged banners, the sudden movement i[ the bright Company flag. He frowned. The wind waY freshening. Very slightly, but it made things harder if hO was to face the decision which had to be made?

And yet, there was still a chance he might be wrong? If so, all this would do nothing but harm and causO more suffering to the passengers?

He pulled out his watch and flipped open the cover? Less than four hours of visibility left?

"Mr. Tyrrell, have the RoyalAnne's boats lowered aU once. Send a message to Graves and tell him I wanU our boats and fifty seamen here without delay. WO must work like the devil if we are to get this ship fit tQ make sail again." He waited until Tyrrell and thO Indiaman's mate had hurried away before sayingB "Well, Sir James, I must see what needs to be done.T

The general called after him, "And if as you fear thO enemy appears, do you intend to steal away and leavO us?" He sounded hoarse with suppressed anger. "WilT written orders save your disgrace after taking such Z course?T

Bolitho stopped and faced him again. "No, Si_ James, to both questions. If we are allowed time I wilT transfer all Royal Anne's passengers and additionaT hands to my own ship.T

The general's eyes were bulging. "What? Leave thO cargo and sail away without it?" He seemed stunned i[ disbelief?

Bolitho shifted his gaze outboard, watching thO boats alongside, the slow return of order as his ow[ men took control?

Of course, he should have realised. The general'Y booty was on board, too. Surprisingly, the thoughU helped to steady him. He could even smile as he saidB "You can appreciate the need for haste, sir. For botN our reasons!T

Tyrrell fell in step beside him. "That took th' winX from his sails!T

Bolitho said, "It is no joke. If we can get under way i[ company at dawn we will have a fair chance. It may bO that the Bonaventure changed tack altogether when wO lost her. She could be many leagues away by now.T

Tyrrell glanced at him. "But you don't think so?T

"No." He stepped aside as broken rigging waY dragged like black snakes from an upended boat. "It iY the when rather than the if which troubles me.T

Tyrrell pointed across the bulwark. "Graves iY sending th' first of th' men over." He grimaced. "It'lT leave him shorthanded in Sparrow. Barely enough tQ work ship.T

Bolitho shrugged. "If the company was halved ba fever the rest would have to manage.T

He added, "Now let us meet the ladies. They will bO more worried than the general, I should imagine.T

There were about fifty of them. Crowded togethe_ below the high poop, but separated by their rank anX station in that other world outside the ship. Old anX young, plain and beautiful, they watched Bolitho i[ silence, as if he had risen from the sea like Z messenger from Neptune?

"Ladies." He licked his lips as a strikingly beautifuT girl in a gown of yellow silk smiled at him. He trieX again. "I must regret the inconvenience, but there iY much to do before we can see you safely on you_

voyage." She was still smiling. Direct. Amused. JusU the way which always reduced him to confusion. "Ib anyone is injured my surgeon will do his best for her. E meal is being prepared, and my own men will stanX guard over your quarters.T

The girl asked, "Do you think the enemy will comeB Captain?" She had a cool, confident voice whicN spoke of education and breeding?

He hesitated. "It is always possible.T

She showed her even teeth. "There now. WhaU profound words from so young a King's officer!T Several of the others smiled. Some even laugheX aloud?

Bolitho said stiffly, "If you will excuse me, ladies." HO shot the girl a fierce stare. "I have work to do.T

Tyrrell hid a smile as he strode past him, recallin^ Stockdale's words. So angry that not a man jack woulX draw near. He was angry now. Blazing. It was goodB Tyrrell concluded. It might take his mind off the reaT danger?

A servant girl touched his arm. "Beggin' yer pardonB

sir, but there's a lady below in a poor way. Vera feverish.T

Bolitho stopped and looked at them. "Fetch thO surgeon.T

He tensed as the other girl came towards him, he_ face suddenly grave?

"I am sorry I made you angry, Captain. It waY unforgivable.T

"Angry?" Bolitho plucked at his swordbelt. "I do noU recollect ...T

She touched his hand. "Now that is beneath youB Captain. Unsure maybe, but never pompous. I see yof quite differently.T

"When you have quite finished ...T

Again she stopped him without even raising he_ voice. "The other women were close on hysteriaB Captain. One minute the storm was throwing us abouU like rag dolls, the very next instant there is the cry ob mutiny and riot. Men fighting each other, for the drin7 and for what they might take from us when they werO too crazed to know otherwise." She dropped her eyes?

"It was horrible. Terrifying." The eyes came up agai[ and levelled on his face. They were the colour ob violets. "Then all at once there was a shout. SomeonO called, A ship! A King's ship!' and we ran on dec7 despite the dangers.T

She turned to look across the bulwark. "And therO you were. Little Sparrow. It was almost too much fo_ most of us. Had I not made that jest at your expense, ] think some might have broken down.T

Bolitho's defences wavered. "Er, yes. Quite so." HO toyed with his sword-hilt, seeing Dalkeith hurry pasU and giving him a curious glance as he went. "Yof thought quickly, ma'am.T

"I know about some things, Captain. I saw your eyeY when you spoke to your lieutenant and Sir James? There is worse to come, is there not?T

Bolitho shrugged. "In truth I do not know.T

He heard the general shouting angrily at a seama[ and said, "That man is bad enough for me!T

She gave a mock curtsy, smiling again. "Sir JamesU He can be difficult, I agree.T

"You know him?T

She moved back towards the other women. "Ma uncle, Captain." She laughed. "Really you must try tQ hide your emotions better! Or else you will never be a[ admiral!T

Tyrrell came on deck and said, "That woman in thd cabin is ill. But Dalkeith is managing well enough." HO frowned. "Are you all right, sir?T

Bolitho rasped, "In God's name stop asking stupiX questions!T

"Aye, sir." He grinned, seeing the girl by the rail anX far more beside. "I understand, sir.T

There was a dull bang, and as they all turned BolithQ saw a puff of smoke drifting from one of Sparrow'Y larboard batteries?

The general came panting up a ladder and shoutedB "What was that?T

Bolitho replied quietly, "The signal, sir. My lookouU has sighted the enemy.T

He ignored the general and those near him as hiY

mind accepted the one important fact. In a way it waY almost a relief to meet it. Recognise what must bO done?

"Mr. Tyrrell, Bonaventure will take several hours tQ show her intentions. By then it will be too dark for he_ captain to attack. Why should he? He merely has tQ await the dawn and then pounce?

Tyrrell watched him, fascinated by his even tone?

Bolitho continued, "If the wind does not act againsU us, we will be able to transfer the passengers tQ Sparrow. I want every boat working, and all who arO neither sick nor injured to take fairly to their tasks.T

"I understand." Tyrrell studied him impassively? "There's nothing else you could do. Many would leavO 'em to their own devices.T

Bolitho shook his head. "You have not understood. ] am not going to abandon the RoyalAnne or scuttle he_ to avoid capture as a prize." He sawTyrrell's ja/ tighten, the quick anxiety in his eyes. "I intend to stay i[ her with sixty volunteers. What happens later wilT depend very much on Bonaventure's captain.T

He had not noticed that the others had crowdeX

round him, but turned as the general exclaimed, "Yof cannot! You dare not risk this ship and cargo! I'll seO you damned first!T

Silk rustled against Bolitho's arm and he heard thO girl say calmly, "Be still, Uncle. The captain intends tQ do more than dare." She did not turn her face. "HO intends to die for us. Is that not enough, even for you?T

Bolitho nodded curtly and strode aft, hearin^ Stockdale's voice as he hurried to cover his retreat. HO had to think. Plan every last moment until the actuaT second of death. He paused and leaned against thO ornate taffrail. Death. Was it so soon upon himU

He turned angrily and said, "Pass the word for thosO boats to begin loading immediately! Women anX children, then the injured." He glanced past the ship'Y mate and saw the girl staring after him. "And nQ arguments from anyone!T

He walked to the opposite side and looked at hiY own command. How beautiful she was as she edgeX carefully across the Indiaman's quarter. Soon now hO would be able to see the enemy's sails on the horizon? Closing, like the hunter, for his kill. There was so mucN to do. Orders for Sparrow to carry to Antigua. PerhapY

even a quick letter to his father. But not just yet. HO must stand quite still a little longer to watch his ship? Hold her in his memory before she was taken froR him?

Bolitho was still staring across the water when TyrrelT came aft to report that all available boats werO working, carrying the passengers and Indiaman'Y company over to the waiting sloop?

He added, "She'll be a mite more crowded tha[ when we rescued th' redcoats." He hesitated and the[ said, "I'd like to stay with you, sir.T

Bolitho did not look at him. "You realise what you arO saying? There is more at stake than your life.T

Tyrrell tried to grin. "Hector Graves will make a bette_ commander, sir.T

Bolitho faced him. "You will be called on to fighU some of your own people.T

Tyrrell smiled. "I knew that was what you werO thinking." He gestured towards some of Sparrow'Y seamen as they carried an elderly woman towards thO boat tackles. "These are my people. Then can I stay?T

Bolitho nodded. "Gladly." He removed his hat anX ran his fingers through his hair. "Now I'll go and writO Graves's orders.T

"Deck there! Sail on th' larboard quarter!T

They looked at each other and then Bolitho saiX quickly, "Hurry our people along. I do not want thO enemy to see what we are about.T

As he strode away Tyrrell stared after him and the[ murmured, "So be it, Cap'n.T

He heard a sudden cry and saw the girl who haX made Bolitho angry struggling to push her way througN a cordon of seamen?

A boatswain's mate bellowed, "She don't want to goB sir!T

The girl punched the sailor's arm but he did noU seem to feel it?

Then she shouted at Tyrrell, "Let me stay! I want tQ be here!T

He grinned down at her and then pointed at the boaU alongside. Kicking and protesting she was picked uS

bodily and carried to the rail, where with little ceremona she was passed down the side like a bright silk parcel?

The sky was much darker when Bolitho came o[ deck with a sealed envelope for the boat still hookeX on to the chains. All other boats were hoisted, and thO ship around him seemed very quiet and empty?

He raised a telescope and trained it over thO quarter. The Bonaventure was visible now, some siA miles distant. But she had already shortened sailB waiting, as he had expected, for the new day?

Tyrrell touched his hat. "Our men are aboard, sir." HO gestured to the main deck where Midshipma[ Heyward was speaking to a petty officer. "I picked 'eR myself, but you could have had volunteers a'plenty.T

Bolitho handed the envelope to a seaman. "PasY this to the boat." To Tyrrell he added slowly, "Go anX take some rest. I shall think awhile.T

Later as Tyrrell lay in an abandoned cabin, the dec7 of which was littered with open chests and discardeX clothing, he heard Bolitho's shoes on the plankin^ overhead. Back and forth, up and down. Thinking? Eventually the sound of his pacing made his eyelidY

droop, and he fell into a dreamless sleep?

Bolitho stood straddle-legged on the RoyalAnne'Y poop, seeing his own shadow for the first time acrosY the traffrail. How long the night had been, but at the hinU of dawn everything seemed to begin at once, like thO start of some ill-rehearsed drama. Away on thO larboard quarter he saw the hardening pyramid of sailY where the big privateer moved purposefully before thO wind. Strangely, her hull was still lost in shadow, witN only a bone of white around her stem to reveal he_ growing speed. About three miles distant. He turneX his glass to the opposite quarter to the little sloop? Sparrow was much closer, yet in spite of this seemeX even smaller?

Tyrrell joined him and said, "Th' wind seems steada enough, sir. Nor'-west by north, by my reckoning." HO was speaking in a hushed voice, as if afraid to distur> the ships and their deliberate preparations to fight?

Bolitho nodded. "We will steer sou'-east. It is whaU the enemy will expect.T

He tore his eyes from the privateer and turned tQ look along the Indiaman's deck. The new foresail waY drawing well, as were spanker and jib. The rest werO

little better than shreds, and to try to tack more than Z point or so would be a waste of time?

Tyrrell sighed. "I've checked th' guns myself. LoadeX as ordered." He scratched his stomach. "Some of 'eR look so old they'd split if we double-shotted 'em.T

Bolitho faced aft again to watch the other ships? Raising his glass he moved it slowly over Sparrow'Y deck, seeing the figures on the gangways, a solitara seaman at her mainmast crosstrees. Then aft, as Z freak gust lifted the foot of the maincourse like Z miller's apron, he saw Graves. He was standin^ beside the wheel, arms folded, looking every inch Z captain. Bolitho breathed out very slowly. So mucN depended on Graves. If he lost his head, o_ misinterpreted his carefully worded instructions, thO enemy would still catch two for the price of one. BuU Graves had got the first part right. He was wearin^ Bolitho's new uniform, the gold lace showing clearly i[ spite of the feeble light. The enemy captain would bO wary, watchful. Nothing must go wrong at thO beginning. Heaven alone knew how all the extrZ passengers had been crammed below and out ob sight. It would be like a sealed tomb, a nightmare fo_ the women and children once the gunfire began?

Midshipman Heyward came to the poop and saidB "All our boarding party are ready, sir." Like Bolitho anX Tyrrell he had discarded his uniform and looked eve[ younger in his open shirt and breeches?

"Thank you." Bolitho noticed that instead of Z midshipman's dirk Heyward had thought fit to wear onO of his precious swords?

There was a bang, and he saw a ball ricochetin^ across the lively wave crests before throwing up a quilT of spray between him and the Sparrow's bows. E sighting shot, a declaration of intent, probably both, hO thought grimly?

Over the water, and audible above the rustle of tor[ canvas, he heard the staccato beat of drums, anX pictured the scene aboard Sparrow as her men ran tQ quarters. Phase two. He saw the patch of scarlet aY the ensign broke jauntily from her gaff, felt a catch i[ his throat as the ports opened to reveal her line ob guns. With less than half a company available, GraveY must have pressed some of the Indiaman's crew intQ service to get the guns out so smartly. But it had to loo7 exactly right. As if the sloop was preparing to sho/ defiance and trying to defend her heavy consort?

Another bang, and the ball ploughed into the seZ about a cable clear of Sparrow's stem?

Bolitho clenched his jaw. Graves was cutting it fine. Ib the wind chose this moment to veer he would bO unable to go about, would be in irons if he tried to falT back and try again?

Tyrrell said hoarsely, "There she goes!T

The sloop's yards were swinging and as her leO gangway dipped heavily into the swell she began tQ tack closehauled to larboard, crossing Royal Anne'Y stern like a small protective terrier. Flags broke froR her yards, and Bolitho imagined Bethune yelling at hiY party to make haste and hoist the meaningless signal? The enemy would think Sparrow was preparing to fighU to the death and was ordering the Indiaman to make Z run for it?

Cannon fire ripped along the Bonaventure'Y foremost battery and more splashes leapt closer to thO heeling sloop. Graves was shortening sail, clearin^ away the hampering canvas from his guns, eve[ though it was unlikely he had more than a quarter ob them manned?

Tyrrell spoke between his teeth. "That's closO enough, Hector! For God's sake don't make a meal ob it!T

One heavy bang rolled across the shark-blue waterB and even though the flash was hidden by Sparrow'Y hull, Bolitho knew it was one of her bow-chasers. HO saw the ball slap hard into the spray by the other ship'Y forecastle, the immediate spurt of orange tongues aY she fired back in earnest?

The Sparrow's foretopgallant mast quivered anX then seemed to curtsy downwards into the swirlin^ brown smoke, the furled sail marking its progress as iU caught and swung in the criss-cross of rigging beforO plunging into the sea alongside. Holes appeared i[ several of her sails, and Bolitho caught his breath aY the hammock nettings below the quarterdeck buckeX and burst apart from a direct hit?

The enemy was much nearer now, her foretopsaiT bulging as she stood before the wind, charging dow[ on the sloop which was now less than two cables froR her starboard bow?

Tyrrell exclaimed, "He's done it! Blast th' man, he'Y going about!T

The Sparrow was wearing, her masts swingin^ upright as she came round violently, the growing lighU making her sails shine as they flapped and puckereX to the strain?

The gunfire had stopped, for with her stern towardY the enemy Sparrow presented no target at all. He_ forecourse was already being unleashed, and as shO gathered way through the water Bolitho saw thO topmen running out along the yards like black insectY until more and still more canvas bellied to the wind. HO could see Buckle by the quarterdeck rail, too intent o[ his work even to watch the labouring Indiaman as shO surged past. Sparrow was abeam, and then in minuteY was well beyond the Indiaman's bows, headin^ towards the first rays of sunlight from the placiX horizon?

Bolitho felt suddenly dry, his limbs very loose, as ib belonging to someone else. He watched thO Bonaventure's forecourse being brailed up to reveaT her great span of poop, the men on her gangways whQ were waving and gesturing after the retreating sloop? Jeering no doubt. All the madness of intended battlO now lost in the confused actions of an unfought victory?

Bolitho walked to the rail and said quietlyB

"Remember, Mr. Tyrrell, and remember it well. We havO to cripple her if we can. Then if a patrolling frigate findY her she can finish what we started." He gripped hiY wrist. "But make sure our people play their parts. Ib Bonaventure hauls off now, she can pound us to pieceY without losing a breath!T

The privateer had edged closer, running dow[ towards the quarter so that she would eventualla overhaul RoyalAnne along her larboard side. He_ captain was a superb seaman. With all but his topsailY clewed up he was handling the heavy vessel with botN confidence and skill, and would certainly hold the wind1 gage no matter what Bolitho tried to do?

A gun flashed out its long tongue, and Bolitho felt thO ball smack into the lower hull, jerking the planks at hiY feet with savage violence?

He saw bunched figures on the other ship's poopB the wink of sunlight on raised telescopes, and guesseX they were examining their victim. It looked much as iU had when he had come aboard. Damaged bulwarkY and broken rigging. One hatch had been purposefulla left open, and several of his men were running about i[ apparent confusion while Heyward directed thei_ performance from beneath the forecastle?

"Now!" Bolitho waved his hand, and from the mai[ deck one then another of the six-pounders hurled itY challenge across the narrowing strip of water?

From aft a swivel banged sharply, the caniste_ probably falling harmlessly long before it reached thO enemy's side?

The response was immediate. Gun by gun, thO Bonaventure's broadside sent ball after ball crashin^ into the hull. Bolitho was thankful he had sent most ob his men below, otherwise they would have been cuU down by the fierceness of the onslaught. Timber anX planks flew in all directions, and he saw a seama[ hurled like a bloody rag to the opposite side, his limbY kicking as he died?

Stockdale looked at Bolitho and saw him nod. WitN a grunt he dashed along the deck waving a cutlassB while Bolitho drew his pistol and yelled after him. Whe[ Stockdale ran on towards the halliards he firedB praying that his hand was steady as the shot whineX clear above the coxswain's head. Stockdale reacheX his goal, and with one slash severed the halliardsB bringing the big Company flag tumbling down likO some bright shroud across the weather rail?

In a lull of noise and gunfire Bolitho heard a voicO across the water, magnified and unreal in a speakin^ trumpet?

"Heave to or I'll sink you!T

From forward he heard Heyward urging his men tQ obey the call, the sudden groan of timber as the shiS lurched drunkenly into the wind, her remaining sailY flapping and banging in disorder?

Tyrrell said, "He's going to grapple!T

There were men on the Bonaventure's yards, and aY the big hull surged carefully and then more insistentla against the side Bolitho saw grapnels flying from Z dozen points at once. The men on the yards werO busily making fast their lines to Royal Anne's shroudY and spars, so that as both ships lifted and swayeX together Bolitho knew the moment to act had arrived?

"Now! Boarders away!T

With a wild chorus of yells the hidden seame[ surged up from both hatches and on to the bulwarksB their cutlasses and boarding pikes marking dow[ several enemy hands before they realised what waY happening. Moments, seconds earlier, they had see[

Royal Anne as one more helpless prize, a ship whicN had struck to them, her flag hacked down by one of he_ own crew. Then, as if from nowhere, the bulk ob Bolitho's seamen came surging up and over the sideB their steel bright in the sun, their voices hoarse anX wild with the madness of combat?

Bolitho ran to the rail and jerked the lanyard ob another swivel, seeing the packed canister scythin^ through a bunch of men on Bonaventure's gangwaa and blasting them aside in its murderous hail?

Then he was running with the second party anX pulling himself on to the shrouds, slashing with hiY sword at a man's arm on the chains below. ScreamY and curses, the bang of pistols and rasp of steel, hO was dazed by the noise. A man plummeted past him tQ be held like a tortured animal between the two grindin^ hulls, his blood running pink in the leaping feathers ob foam?

He was on the enemy's deck, his arm jarring as hO struck down a man's guard and drove the hilt againsU his jaw, throwing him back into the struggling figureY beyond. Another charged forward with a levelleX bayonet, slipped on a smear of blood and too7 Stockdale's blade across his neck. It sounded like a[

axe biting into a log?

He yelled wildly, "Cut the rigging, lads! Cripple thO bastard!T

He felt a ball fan hotly past his face, and ducked aY another smacked into a seaman's chest right besidO him, his cry lost in the other din of battle?

Now he was on a ladder, shoes sliding in blood, hiY fingers feeling up a rail, conscious of the torn wooX where one of the swivels had made its mark. TwQ officers were parrying aside pikes and swords as thea tried to rally their men from the opposite side. BolithQ saw one of them drive his sword into a boatswain'Y mate, saw the eyes roll with agony as he pitched to thO deck below, then he was up and facing the privateer'Y officer, their swords clashing as they struck anX explored their strength and weakness?

"Damn you!" The man ducked and thrust up aU Bolitho's throat. "Strike while you are still alive, yof mad bugger!T

Bolitho caught the blade across his basket hilt anX levered the man clear, feeling the warmth of his bodyB the fierceness of his breathing?

He yelled back, "Strike be damned!T

A pistol exploded and the officer dropped his armB staring blankly at the blood which pumped through hiY shirt in a bright red stain?

Tyrrell strode past and fired a second pistol into thO man's chest. When he turned Bolitho saw that Tyrrell'Y face was like stone?

He shouted, "I knew that bastard, Cap'n! A blooda slaver afore th' war!T

Then with a gasp he dropped on one knee, blooX running from his thigh. Bolitho dragged him asideB cutting down a screaming seaman and thrusting thO blade through his chest in two swift movements?

"Easy!T

He stared desperately above the nearest men. MucN of the enemy's rigging had been slashed, but thO attack had made little impression after all. And his me[ were failing back around him, the lust to fight and wi[ dwindling to match their numbers?

On every hand, or so it appeared, muskets anX pistols were firing down into the retreating EnglisN

seamen, and he saw Heyward standing astride Z wounded man and screaming like a madman as hO fought off two attackers at once?

As if from a great distance he saw the America[ captain watching from his poop, a tall, handsome ma[ who was standing quite motionless, either so confidenU in his men's efforts or so appalled by his attackersd sacrifice that he was unable to tear his eyes away?

Bolitho hacked a cutlass aside and sobbed aloud aY his blade broke within inches of the hilt. He hurled thO remains at the man's head and saw him fall kickingB impaled on a pike. In a half daze he recalled the gli> trader at English Harbour who had sold him the sword? He would not get his money now, damn his eyes?

To Stockdale he croaked, "You know what to do!" HO had to push him away, and even as he ran from thO fighting he was still peering back, his eyes filled witN anxiety?

Then there was the distorted voice again, and whe[ he looked up he saw the American captain using hiY trumpet?

"Strike now! You have done more than enough0

Strike or die!T

Bolitho swung round, his heart bursting, his minX sick as he saw a young seaman fall to the deck, hiY face opened by a cutlass from ear to chin?

Tyrrell was struggling on his injured knee anX pointing wildly, "Look! Stockdale's done it!T

From the main batch on the Indiaman's deck came Z growing plume of dark smoke, spreading anX thickening until it seemed to spurt up through thO seams like steam under pressure?

Bolitho yelled, "Fall back, lads! Back!T

Then they were limping and staggering across thO bulwarks, dragging their wounded, carrying others toQ crippled to move. There were not many of themB wounded or otherwise?

Bolitho wiped his streaming eyes, hearing TyrrelT gasp with agony as he half carried, half dragged him tQ the opposite bulwark. Behind him he could hea_ frenzied shouts, the sudden click of steel as thO Bonaventure's men tried to cut away the lashings whicN they themselves had so skillfully used to hold botN ships together. But it was too late. It had been from thO

instant Stockdale had begun the last and mosU dangerous act. A short fuse, and then the fire had bursU amongst the cargo of rum and the massive barrels ob spirits, spreading through the hull at a terrible rate?

Flames licked out of open ports and ran along thO Bonaventure's tarred rigging like angry tongues, sailY vanished into ashes, and then with a bellow one greaU sheet of flame leapt between the two hulls, joining theR finally in a single pyre?

Bolitho peered down at the one remaining boaU tethered to the ship's quarter, riding where it had bee[ since taking his orders across to Graves?

"Abandon ship, lads!T

Some clambered down, while others fell headlongB splashing and yelling until they were helped inboard ba their companions. Blazing canvas, ashes and gusts ob sparks rained across their heads, but as a seama[ severed the bow rope and they groped half blinded fo_ the oars Bolitho heard another great explosion, as ib from the sea itself?

The Indiaman began to settle down immediately, he_ masts and spars interlocking with her attacker's tQ

throw flames and sparks hundreds of feet into the air?

He watched his small handful of fit men pulling at thO oars, feeling the heat searing his back as he steereX the boat away from the blazing ships. Explodin^ powder and toppling masts, a ship's hold splitting widO open in an inferno of noise and shooting flames, anX later the engulfing sounds of inrushing water. He hearX it all, even pictured the general's gold bullion, whicN someone might discover one day on the sea bottom?

But it was all beyond him now. They had done thO impossible. Miranda was avenged?

He looked sadly at his men, at their faces which no/ meant so much to him. At young Heyward, filthy anX exhausted, a wounded seaman propped across hiY lap. Tyrrell, a bloody bandage around his thigh, eyeY closed with pain, but holding back his head as if tQ seek the first yellow bars of warmth from the sun. AnX Stockdale, who was everywhere. Bandaging anX baling, lending weight to an oar, or helping to heave Z dead man over the gunwale. He was tireless? Indestructible?

He held out his hand and studied it. It was quitO steady, even though every nerve and muscle seemeX

to be quivering. He glanced at his empty scabbard anX gave a rueful smile. No matter. Nothing mattered now?

How long they pulled at the oars, the time it took fo_ the two blazing hulks finally to sink, Bolitho did noU remember. The sun beat down on their achingB exhausted limbs, the stroke became slower and morO hesitant. Once, when Bolitho peered astern he saw thO sea's face covered by a great spread of driftin^ remains from the ships and the men who had foughU across them. But the privateer had managed to launcN at least one boat, and before it was blotted out in hazO he saw it was crammed with survivors. Perhaps theyB too, would know the same despair as Miranda's men?

Then a shadow flitted across his face and he stareX round, caught off guard as Sparrow's topsails flasheX gaily across the sun's path?

The men in the boat watched silently, unable tQ speak even to each other. Unable yet to realise thea had survived?

Bolitho stood by the tiller, his eyes stinging as hO watched her careful approach, the lines of heads alon^ her decks and gangways. She had come for him? Despite the danger, the unlikelihood of his pla[

succeeding, she had returned to make sure? Across the water a voice hailed, "Boat ahoy?T It sounded like Buckle, anxious maybe to know whQ

had survived? Stockdale looked at him, his battered facO

questioning. When Bolitho said nothing he stood uS

and cupped his big bands? "Sparrow! Stand by for th' captain!T Bolitho sank down, the last reserve draining froR

him. He was back?

PART TWU

178Z

10 SEA CHANGY

CAPTAIN Richard Bolitho stared at the partly writte[ letter he had been composing to his father, and the[ with a sigh carried his chair to the opposite end of thO table. It was stifling hot, and as the Sparrow idleX sluggishly on a flat calm she swung her stern vera slightly allowing the hard sunlight to reach him anX require him to move still further away from thO windows?

Becalmed. How used he had grown to this situation? He rubbed his eyes and held his pen above the pape_ again. It was difficult to know what to write, especialla as he never knew when this or any letter might find itY way aboard a home-bound vessel. It was harder still tQ feel involved with that other world in England which hO had left in Trojan nearly six years back. And yet ... thO pen hovered uncertainly, his own world, so close anX so vital in colour and smell in the bright sunlight, anX that word becalmed would still be too painful, too harsN a reminder for his father of the Navy which he had bee[ forced to leave?

But Bolitho wanted to tell him so desperately, put hiY thoughts and memories into perspective, to share hiY own life and thereby fill the one remaining gap in it?

Overhead, blocks clattered and feet thudded on thO quarterdeck. Someone laughed, and he heard a fainU splash as one of the hands cast a fishing line outboarX to try his luck?

His eyes moved from the letter to his open log whicN lay across the chart nearby. The log had changed aY much as himself. Worn around the edges, matureX perhaps. He stared at the date on the open page. ApriT Ioth,1781. Three years, almost to the day, since he haX first stepped aboard this ship in English Harbour tQ assume command. Without moving it was possible tQ glance back through the bulky log book, and eve[ though he did not even touch a page he could recall sQ many of the things which had happened, faces anX events, the demands made upon him and his varyin^ successes in dealing with them?

Often, during moments of quiet in the cabin, he haX tried to fathom out some set thread in his life beyonX the narrower explanations of luck or circumstance. SQ far it had defied him. And now as he sat in the familia_

cabin where so much had happened he could accepU that fate had had much to do with his being here. IfB when he had left the Trojan he had failed to take a prizO en route for Antigua, or upon arrival there had been nQ opportunity for immediate promotion, he might still bO a lieutenant in the old ship-of-the-line. And on that vera first convoy, if Colquhoun had sent him back to EnglisN Harbour instead of going himself, would he have eve_ succeeded in proving to be more than average i[ either skill or luckU

Perhaps Colquhoun's fateful decision on that far-ofb day had been the chance, the offering which had seU his feet on the final path?

Bolitho had returned to Antigua not merely as jusU one more officer rejoining his rightful squadron, but, tQ his astonishment, as some sort of hero. In his absencO the stories of his rescuing the soldiers from DelawarO Bay, his running a frigate aground, had been welT spread. Then, with the news of Bonaventure's end anX his arrival with the rescued passengers, it seemed thaU every man wanted to see him and shake his hand?

The Bonaventure had been even more deadly tha[ Bolitho had realised at the time, and her successeY formidable. Her loss to the enemy might mean little, buU

to the British it was a tremendous lift to their battereX pride and morale?

The admiral had received him in Antigua witN controlled pleasure, and had made no bones about hiY hopes for the future. Colquhoun, on the other hand, haX been the one man to offer Bolitho neithe_ encouragement nor praise for his achievements in sQ short a time?

Whenever Bolitho recalled their first meetingB Colquhoun's warnings about the lot of any sea captainB he was reminded of the thinness of margin betwee[ fame and oblivion. Had Colquhoun stayed with that firsU convoy it was unlikely he would have shared Miranda'Y fate, for he was too shrewd and cautious to takO anything for granted. Had he been lucky enough tQ meet and destroy Bonaventure he would have gaineX the one thing he cared about, just as Commande_ Maulby had suggested, the unshakable power of fla^ rank, or at very least the coveted broad-pendant ob commodore. Instead he had stayed where he wasB frigate captain, and, with the war changing so rapidlyB now likely to lose even his control of the small flotilla? Maulby no longer called him little admiral. Today iU seemed too cruel, too unjust even for him?

Eight bells chimed out from the forecastle, anX without effort he pictured the hands preparing for thO midday meal, the welcome ration of rum. Above hiY head Tyrrell and the master would be taking their noo[ sights, comparing their findings before bringing theR down to the chart?

The year after Bolitho's destruction of the bi^ privateer he had received his next surprise. ThO admiral had sent for him and had calmly announceX that their lordships of Admiralty, like himself, believeX in offering Sparrow's commander a chance ob exploiting his experience and skill. Promotion to fulT captain. Even now, after eighteen months of it, hO found it hard to accept and believe?

Within the flotilla the unexpected rise up the ladde_ had caused a great stir. Genuine pleasure from someB open resentment from others. Maulby had taken thO news better than Bolitho had dared to hope, for he haX come to like the Fawn's laconic commander too mucN to have their friendship broken. Maulby was senior tQ him, but had merely remarked, "I'd like to see the ran7 go to no other man, so let's drink to it!T

Aboard Sparrow the news had had no division at all? They all seemed to share the same pride, the samO

sense of achievement, which could not have come at Z better time for them. For the war had changed greatla even in the past year. No longer was it a matter ob patrol or convoy for the army. The great powers haX taken their stand, and Spain and Holland had joineX France against England in their support of thO American Revolution. The French had mustered a well1 matched and powerful fleet in the West Indies unde_ the Compte de Grasse, the most effective and talenteX admiral available. Admiral Rodney commanded thO British squadrons, but with the pressures mountin^ daily he was hard put to spread his resources wherO they were most needed?

And the Americans were not content to leave affairY to their seasoned allies. They continued to usO privateers whenever possible, and a year afte_ Bonaventure's destruction yet another challenge_ emerged to shake British morale to its foundation. ThO privateer and ex-slaver Paul Jones, in his BonhommO Richard, defeated the frigate Seraphis off the coast ob England itself. The fact that the privateer, like thO Seraphis, was reduced to a battered wreck in the hotla contested battle made no difference. British captainY were expected to take on odds and win, and the defeaU so close to home did more than many AmericanY believed possible to take the war and its reasons intQ

English homes as well as their own?

In the West Indies and along the American coast thO work of patrolling took on new importance. As BolithQ had always thought, it was far better for the eyes of thO fleet to be left unhampered by close authority. True tQ his word, the admiral had offered him almost totaT independence, and had given him scope to patrol anX seek out the enemy in his own way, provided, ob course, his efforts were rewarded with some success?

Bolitho leaned back in his chair and stared at thO deckhead. Again the word luck seemed to hover in hiY mind?

Maulby had scoffed at the explanation. He had oncO said, "You are successful because you have traineX yourself to think like the enemy! God damn it, Dick, ] caught a lugger loaded with contraband which haX come from as far south as Trinidad, and even thaU wretched fellow had heard of you and Sparrow!T

It was certainly true about one thing, Bolitho decidedB they had been successful. In the past eighteen monthY alone they had taken twelve prizes and despatcheX two small privateers with the loss of twenty killed anX wounded and very little damage to the ship?

He let his eyes wander round the cabin, lesY elegantly painted now, even shabby after ceaselesY service in all weathers. It was strange to realise thaU apart from the unexpected promotion, symbolised ba the dress coat with white lapels and bright gold facingY which swung gently inside the sleeping compartmentB there was outwardly little to show for it. And yet he waY a rich man, and, for the first time in his lifeB independent of the home and estate in Falmouth. HO smiled ruefully. It seemed almost shameful to becomO moderately wealthy merely because he was doing thO one thing he enjoyed?